Fall of the North RPG

[Mithalwen]

Erenor smiled wryly "Well you made sure my injuries were tended back in the tunnel so it is only fair - though you should have put that mail-shirt on". She took a clean silk kerchief ("How could she have such a thing after weeks of travelling?" Faerim wondered) and satisfied that the bleeding had stopped bound the wound firmly. She did not release his hand and held it in her own.

"Only those who never love never mourn, Faerim" and there was a catch in her voice that he had never before heard, that few had ever heard. "Had things been slightly different you might have reached your brother in time, but maybe you would have both been slain and your parents mourning two sons, and if I may presume to say it, myself a true friend.

The Elves know not what fate awaits the souls of men after death but, we who are bound to Arda as long as it endures, believe they slip the bonds of Earth and pass beyond the circles of the world. So you may not be far wrong when you look to see him in the skies. Forgive me, mellon-nin, I should have left your thoughts alone but they are not hard to discern.

I know no gift, no word might heal the hurt you have suffered this day, but I name you Elf-Friend for the assistance you have shown me and my kindred through this journey, and you shall have whatever assistance and protection my people may give. I beg you to receive this as a token of our friendship. It may also serve as a remembrance of the stars of Elbereth that watch over us all - though the colours are reversed."

Faerim had hardly noticed the swift gesture required or felt the swift kiss on his brow, but hanging round his neck on a slender chain was the sapphire pendant in its white gold setting, the only adornment other than a cloak pin that Faerim had ever noticed Erenor wear. " It is an heirloom of my house, made in Gondolin in days of glory" she said quietly. The boy started to protest but she merely murmured as she rose to her feet, "Faerim, I have no heirs." With that the tall, slender figure wrapped her dark cloak about her and walked towards the camp, silently her feet leaving little imprint on the snow.