Hearing the sounds of movement towards her, the maiden cringed and curled away from the oncomers. She looked up, dumbstruck. An elf maiden looked down on her. Her eyes sparkled brighter than the stars and were filled with compassion. She had never seen such elven beauty and did not know how to address it. She said her name was Anarya, and asked where she was from. She could not make out the words, but responded gratefully when asked if she was hungry. It had been so long since she had tasted proper food.
Taralphiel looked down to see a wolf pup come cheerfully up to her. Its snow white coat had a brilliance she had never before seen. She was seeing many wonderful things today, she thought. This puppy cane to her with such trust, and its eyes seemed to be crying something out, though she could not read them.
She was lead back to their camp and took their food and ate it with haste. It was then she first saw the strange elf appear, as if from nowhere. But she had a slight feeling this maiden had not come with only the pup, who was now enjoying her attention. She noticed he was not light haired like the girl, Anarya, but dark haired. “A dark elf” she thought, remembering her mothers’ tales. He warily offered her a waterskin, and she soothed her parched throat. She thanked all the gods for this clean, cool water and this merciful elves and friendly pup. Anarya walked away and talked in hushed tones to the elf before, and she new he was hesitant. She could not blame him, and continued to eat.
“He’s not as serious as he seems” said Anarya as she took a seat beside her. She then asked for her story. Taralphiel slowly began
“I come from the town of Calembel, in Gondor. I did not know I was in Greenwood, but was following a trail. You see, I married a Rohirrim in Gondor, but my family did not approve. He was ordered to leave. I gave him my ring to keep him safe and told him I would follow him. He said he would leave markings for me to follow….” Taralphiel then drew the elven rune for T in the dirt with her finger.
“I’ve been following his trail since…You will not arrest me will you...” She trailed off, realising she had told some of her most private thoughts to strangers. It had all come out so easily. She figured it must have been because she had been alone for so long, that she needed to tell someone. She looked up at their faces, to see of their reply
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