[ElentariGreenleaf]

Elentari smiled as Finduilas began to converse with Nedieth, who she had seen once or twice in the Wood of Green Leaves, but had never spoken to. Finduilas was making new friends, leaving Elentari to talk to an old friend.

“So you are a regular at the Dragon then?” laughed Elentari. “It seems so long ago that you and Eruwen came across our company at the borders of Eryn Lasgalen and joined us on that ominous quest.”

“Yes,” replied Soronume. “But that quest could not have been anywhere near as ominous as other ones you have been on.”

“No. It does not come close to when I lead my own mission to the Blue Mountains. A great dragon lived in a cave there, kidnapping elves from Eryn Lasgalen and dwarves from the Iron Hills to use as slaves.”

“Why did he need slaves?”

“To stoke a fire, mine precious metals from deep in the caves, and then create armour to cover the only place in his scales where a brave warrior could penetrate them, stabbing his cold heart. If it were not for a brave dwarf, whom I admire for his selflessness, then the great Wyrm may not have been defeated. Many died, but they live forever in the words of a song I sang as I returned home.”

“A song?” asked Nedieth. “Will you please sing it for us?”

“Yes,” said Finduilas, “sing it Elentari. I’m sure you have a most beautiful singing voice! I have never heard an elf sing.”

“Well,” said Soronume. “It looks as if you must sing now, Elentari. All three of us want to hear you sing!”

Elentari sighed. It was a long time since she had sung the song, for it contained memories of terrible events. Yet the memory of her friends who had perished must be kept alive, so the elf stood an began to sing:

“ Once, I fought a great beast of old,
But I returned safely, though my friends did not.
And yet again, I find I've fought,
A great Wyrm from who knows where.
And yet again I've survived,
Though not all my friends have.

I mourn the loss,
Of my dear friends.
I can only blame myself,
But yet I did all I could,
Even Elbereth could not help them,
But their deaths were not in vain.

Nalin, Alcyávëiel, Selvren, Merenwen, Callo,
You gave your lives for your friends,
And you'll stay in our hearts,
Till the end of our days and forever more.

I know I will one day face another,
My destiny is to free these lands from pain,
But when will I stop wandering these lands,
And join my loved ones in the Havens to the west?
Maybe one day I'll find my place,
And go there to be at peace.

Hear my words, O you things of the night,
I'll find where you are and hunt you down.
I'm not afraid to face the call,
That draws me and leads me to you.

Hear my words, O free peoples,
Do not fear what lies ahead,
You must learn to face the truth,
And accept it with open arms.

Elbereth, O Star Queen,
I thank you now.
You've watched over me,
And have saved me once more”

There was hush in the inn, as all turned to listen to the song. As Elentari finished, loud clapping started and many people shouted compliments to the elf, who blushed slightly and sat down.

“That was beautiful,” said Finduilas. She paused for a moment. “Would you teach me it, someday?”

“Of course,” replied Elentari. “And many other songs too. I can tell from you speaking voice that you have an excellent singing voice.”

Finduilas smiled as she lost herself in memories of singing while working when she was younger. She soon continued her conversation with Nedieth.

Elentari sat for a while in silence, and Soronume was about to ask her why she ha suddenly gone quiet when she suddenly rose from the table and walked over to an elf who sat alone.

“Greetings, Smani.” Elentari surprised the elf by knowing her name.

“How do you know my name?” Smani asked.

“You introduced yourself to those elves over there a moment ago,” Elentari said as she pointed to a group of elves. “But I have seen you in Eryn Lasgalen before. Will you join my companions and I?”

“Certainly,” said Smani politely, following Elentari back to the table where the others sat.

Elentari introduced Smani to the others who sat at the table. They talked for some time, but after a while Smani became quiet.

“Something troubles you,” said Elentari to Smani, almost in a whisper so only Smani could hear. “Do not let the past haunt you. Share your troubles with me. It often eases the pain, sharing your past with another, so that they may help you and cry with you, for I saw the tear role down your cheek.”