[Isilya]

<<<<<<MIRKWOOD>>>>&g t;>


A murmur came running through the servants' hall:
"Orodan is traveling to Gondor for an audience with King Elessar. The king is going to
hand pick one of us to accompany him there and persuade the youngest son to return home."
Isilya stood in the corner, quietly reading. One of the more reclusive servants, she had no care for the gossip and tales that frequented the kitchens and the laundry rooms. She had heard many great things of the kingdom of Elessar, and deeply wished to see the Great City. She hoped that King Thranduil would pick her, but the chances were slim. Why would he pick an unimportant worker, even worse, a female, when he could have a lord of high standing? The rest of the day, she imagined herself off on the journey, but as the day drew to an end, her dreams slowly faded.
When she awoke the next morning, she was greeted by Nephros, her brother.
"Hurry, you mustn’t linger. The King is expecting you."
"What do you mean by this?" cried Isilya, shocked.
"I happened to see Prince Orodan yester-eve. I had a long talk with him about some current issues.”
Her brother had been very close to Orodan, even though his position was somewhat low, and Orodan confided in him on very deep matters. The King knew of this, and trusted Nephros almost as much as his son did.
“I have gotten you a promotion, Isilya. You are now the handmaid to Lady Nevethiriel, Lord Airechilion’s wife. You shall begin your new position as soon as we return.”
“Return from what?”
“The summons to Gondor, of course! The king insisted on bringing one more escort for Orodan, so as we were talking, I suggested you for the role. You have knowledge of the woods, and you’re not completely incapable of fighting. He seemed pleased with my proposal, and King Thranduil did not argue against it. Now, you’d best hurry. I have all that you will need in the next room. We leave at midday.”
Isilya, now prepared for the trip, headed towards King Thranduil's court. She entered the great hall with a slight terror in her heart, and curtsied toward the King and his son.