[Orofacion of the Vanyar]

The night air was cool and crisp, "Perfect weather for a mid-night's walk," Arcon thought to himself. The dusty path was lined with smooth, gray stones here and there, the lanes lined with a few houses and stores, which were closed for the evening. Faint glows of candle light leaked out through the shutters of the homes, and cast a ambient orange around the hedges and low shrubs that wrapped many of the houses.

Occasionally, Arcon would stop for a minute and gaze up at the stars, which were all out, twinkling in the cloudless night sky. There was one star in particular that Arcon had loved for many years, one that appeared long ago, during the travels of Gandalf, Bethberry, and himself. Arcon sighed heavily, "Ned annan, tad min uva athrado, Haidan, nae nedh i thamais o Mandos."

"Ai, Arcon," came a voice from behind the elf. Arcon turned and smiled, realizing who had called his name. "Ai, Agluchel, mae govannen," Arcon replied.

"It is good to see you north again. Your affairs south are all in order I trust."

"Indeed they are, I am actually on erranc from Mithlond, and needed to stop by here to hold council with you and the others."

"You shall indeed. In fact, Gandalf is here in Sarn Ford, and he will likely seek council with us in the morn. Perhaps you could join us."

"My friend, I am a leap ahead of you. Upon my arrival in Mithlond, Cirdan informed me of a matter of great importance and that a council at Tharbad was necessary. Upon travelling south once more, I met up with Mithrandir on the road just north of here, and have travelled with him the rest of the way. I was planning on attending his council with your folk tomorrow."

"I see, I thought I had seen you at Gandalf's table, with some... interesting folks."

"Interesting, and valiant as well. They all have shown great worth on the road during an attack by highwaymen. Though they are not Rangers, they have great heart, and that is often all that is needed."

"Ha, I have missed your optimism Arcon, it is good to have you here," Agluchel said laughing. "I'm sorry but I must be off, the night is young and there are things that must be taken care of. I will see you tomorrow at the council. Maer du," the Ranger said bowing.

"Maer du," Arcon replied. As Agluchel disappeared once again into the night, Arcon continued his stroll down the dusty path, gazing at the stars from time to time.

[ July 24, 2002: Message edited by: Orofacion of the Vanyar ]