[Hookbill the Goomba]

Fáinu bore on his left shoulder a small knife wound that Cree had made. He had said nothing to her of it, knowing that he himself had done worse things in his life, and even to closer family. He shuddered and sighed heavily. "The journey to Rivendel was hard. Not that there was peril, but that we passed by Thranduil's halls, where Cree had spent a lot of her time, as well I knew. But the elves were reluctant to welcome me, some, perhaps, blaming me for the coming of the Dragon. I know not the councils of my kindred elves. I think I have been away from them for too long. Too long."

His eyes drifted to the window, and he looked out west towards the sea. "The sea," he whispered, "not even thou shalt receive me. Not even if I called upon Ulmo himself and called him Lord." Avalon leaped up onto the window ledge, as if to awaken Fáinu from this trance he had put himself into.

"Yea, as we went through that land, ever my heart was heavy, for Cree grew weaker and more faint as we walked. Elrond alone could have helped us, so I deemed, but he is gone. Ellodan and Elrohir were the only hope I held still. We passed swiftly over the Mountains, even though the cold seemed to make Cree all the worse and we nearly lost her on several occasions.

"But Eru was merciful and we came to that valley with great joy! There we laied Cree under the care of Ellodan and Elrohir and i took such a rest as I had not had in long years, even as the Eldar account it. For that valley was my home, as I deemed it. Yet, I was visited by an Elf whose name was Arantâl, and he spoke to me concerning Cree, saying, 'Why do you linger here, awaiting her?'

"To which I answered, 'what can one do when his friend is in peril?'

"'You would do her more good by departing,' said he, 'if what I have heard of your quest is true, then it is your fate that makes her weak. The curse that lies upon you is passed to those who are around you, and she herself has a Dragon curse, and you have two. What ship will bare such a cursed one away? I know not. But Cirdan may have one or two.'

"'I cannot leave so hastily,' said I, 'I must seek out my brothers and then visit the grave of my parents. Not until I have done this will I seek for Aman.' then Arantâl grew sorrowful,

"'I must tell you something most grave,' he sighed and looked me in the eyes, 'your brothers are dead and are buried here in imladris. They fell fighting Orcs in the mountains. Your father and mother have no grave, but they are remembered here. I will show you to them.' When we came to that place, I could do nought but weep. I know not how long I was there, but I remember the Elves had written a song on the grave of my Mother:

"Throughout all the long ages that there have been
Seldom have stars been veiled or the moon unseen
Over the wide fields of sparking, golden Grass
Like the falling of crystal rain on silver glass
No more your laughter be heard for thou art free
Ever remembered, ever loved, dearest Lanté

"The Lords of Noldor, never have fled in fight
The House of Hélath ever stood tall with might
Arda will weep and ring out its fair horns
The tree will lament, the wide grassland morns
By the rivers, by the grass and by the Tree
Ever remembered, ever loved, dearest Lanté

"For Lanté was the name the Elves of Rivendel had given to her. I know not why, but ever it brings my heart joy. Hélath was the greatest of my kindred of old; I believe he fought in the War of Wrath.

"So, after this, I took my leave of Rivendel. Wondering if I should ever see it again. Yet I know now that I must ever linger here in this world, until I tire of ten thousand centuries and fade as a forgotten one. Perhaps I shall come to Mandos and see again my kindred. Who can say?"