[Ithaeliel]

Feadhros turned around and smiled with relief at Jemel's announcement. "So we are finally to depart," he said with a sigh. "I am glad." He turned to Galadriel, kneeling in reverence. "I vow my loyalty to thee still, Lady. I believe I speak for us all when I say we will go to the ends of the earth, if need be, to bring Nuhrive safely home." Feadhros saluted Galadriel before turning to depart and gather his belongings. On the way out he saw Sultir, who was close to tears at not being able to come. He stopped. "Sultir, I promise I will bring her back. We will not allow anything more to happen to her. I give you my word. Tell that to Isolde and Milar for me," he said quietly. Sultir merely nodded, his eyes cast down. Feadhros left then, breaking into a run as he went to the stables. His white steed neighed softly as he saddled him and fed him. "Come, Ithilion... we must go quickly. Nuhrive needs us. I fear for her."

Riding back in the direction of the great halls, Feadhros jumped off at a house beneath a great mallorn, throwing wide the door and entering without a second thought. A woman sat at a loom, weaving silvery threads into a fine grey cloth. She stopped and looked up as Feadhros entered. "You seem at unease. Has something happened that I should know of, Feadhros?"

"Indeed, mother; a grave sequence of events has taken place here: Easterlings came to the Wood, and they have taken Nuhrive," he explained as he stepped over his mother's work into the kitchen. "I have volunteered myself to the search party. We leave as soon as possible. It is a small group, but I think that with the strength of those we have, it will suffice." As he stuffed a few squares of lembas into his bag, he looked up at his mother, whose face portrayed shock and horror, now softening to worry for her child. Turning back to her work, she sighed. "You will want your bow, Feadhros. You must pack quickly if they are expecting you back."

Feadhros sighed. "Mother, I will not let anything happen. I'll come back safe and sound, as I have before. I guarantee it."

"You cannot guarantee your safety, Feadhros, my son," she said as she turned back to him. Her face was stained with tears. "You can only hope. I know I shouldn't worry; you'll do well... yet it is hard for a mother to let her son go to pursue such a quest."

Feadhros smiled. "I will return alive and well, and Nuhrive will return with us. We will not fail." With that, he shouldered his quiver and pack, lifting the grey bow his father had made for him off of its place on the wall. He gripped the wood as he hugged his mother and said goodbye. "Tell father what I've told thee, my dear mother."

Stepping outside and shutting the door, Feadhros mounted Ithilion and sped off in the direction of the halls. Upon his arrival, Thoriel, Lilebrian, Garen, Jemel, and Harlon were already there, waiting. Now they rode away to the borders of Lorien, soon to be far away from any haven as safe and welcoming as Caras Galadhon.

[ January 15, 2003: Message edited by: Ithaeliel ]