[Imladris]

I listened to Elentari offering to mentor me: at first my spirit rebelled against such an offering, though I knew it was offered out of kindness: never before had I need or accepted help. Even my parents did not know that I was completely blind now. But as I listened to her, a strange sort of joy rippled through me: the thought of being able to see again, though only with my ears, nose, and touch, would be a joy. I honestly could not conceive how I had managed to get from Bree to here: it had been a rather painful journey.

"Yes, Elentari," I said, groping for her hand and finally finding it. "Mentor me, help me. You have no idea how horrible it is not to be able to see the sun setting in the western sky, the green fields stretch to the horizon, the galloping of the horses, the wildflowers that are scattered in the meadows, the flight of birds winging above the earth..."

I sighed, for even Elentari could not grant me that one wish. I wondered what it would be like to be deaf: I would be able to see the bard strumming upon his harp -- but not hear the sweet, aching sounds of melody; I would be able to see the birds -- yet not hear their trills; I would see a rushing river, yet I would not hear it chuckle and laugh. But I would be able to run free and wild, climb the trees of the woods, swing myself upon a stair's banister and slide to the floor. I turned to Elentari, and, pushing such useless thoughts away, said again, "Thank you."