[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Despite his excitement of the morning, Marsilion was exhausted when the company finally arrived at Rivendell. The group was eating lightly to spare their supplies, and the depleted rations were beginning to affect the ranger's strength. After their greeting by Elrond the travellers were led to a room with hot baths for all.

Marsilion smiled broadly as he slipped into the hot water. He filled the tub with thick bubbles and relaxed while the dirt of travel slowly vanished and the knots in his muscles dissolved. When the water cooled he briskly washed his hair and then left the room. Most of the company had already retired to their bedchambers; Luin, Anduneriel, and Gondolin heading to a different part of the house where they apparently had permanent rooms.

Marsilion followed one of the elves to his chamber, before speaking to him quietly, "Istach Calimir? Tego a nin." The elf nodded.

"I will bring him to you." he said, as he left the room. Marsilion cast himself down on the bed and fought sleep. He didn't have to wait long. The door was pushed open shortly and an elf slipped inside.

"Calimir!" Marsilion sat up. The elf was young in appearance and slight, with long dark hair loose around his shoulders. He was dressed in practical outdoor clothing. "What news of my brother, dear friend?" Marsilion asked him eagerly. Calimir was a long-time friend and companion of Argil.

"He is well and he sends his greetings." The thin elf smiled. "He will be pleased to know you are going on this journey, Marsilion. Your father also."

"And my father is well too?" Marsilion asked eagerly, "what of my mother? And Argil's family?"

"Yes, your father is well. We have had word however that Anorraen has been ill this last month. Your brother's wife says she's recovering, but will be weak for a while. Without food..." The elf's face was grim. "But the boys are doing well. Fine warriors they will become. The older one is becoming quite good with the bow."

Marsilion smiled at the image of his ten year old nephew practicing with a bow. The picture was funny, but the ranger's thoughts wandered to his mother. How ill was she? And how weak? He sighed, wishing he didn't have to lead this kind of life. He wanted to be with his family when hard times came. But he must do his duty.

"Thank you, Calimir, but I must sleep now. We depart first thing tomorrow." He smiled ruefully at his friend.

"What? So soon?" Calimir's face fell. "Well, there will be other meetings, my friend. May the Valar protect you. I will leave you now."

"Farewell..." the ranger called as the door closed behind Calimir. Now he must sleep. He threw himself onto the bed fully dressed and fell into a dreamless sleep.