[ElentariGreenleaf]

"My Lady," said a messenger of Mirkwood Palace. "What is the message you would like to send?"

"Send word to those who have joined my quest. You know their faces, for I saw you watching."

The messenger lowered his head, avoiding the Elf's far-off look. "Forgive me, my Lady. I was merely interested."

Elentari smiled. "Do not worry, faithful messenger. Your curiosity is what led me to ask the King for you as my message bearer. Please tell them this:

"The Lady Elentari wishes you to meet her at her home, the tree where you met her before. She too will be there, at noon tomorrow. Bring your weapons and supplies, and say your farewells before hand."

"I will not fail you, My Lady," said the Elf, as he ran out of the palace chamber."

"I know you will not," whispered Elentari. She stood, and took her leave of the palace. She said her farewell to the king, who wished her best of luck, for the people of Middle Earth were relying on her. Elentari had gathered the supplies she would need, then gathered it again ten-fold. This was going to be a long journey.

~~~~

Elentari climbed her tree and, not expecting anyone to be there yet, started humming a tune.

"Elentari?" asked a voice.

Elentari spun round, hand on sword hilt. "Alcyávëiel! Please forgive me. What brings you here to Mirkwood?"

"Word travels far Elentari," Alcyávëiel said with a slight sigh. "We heard of your quest at Long Lake. I wish to join you, for the dragon has been attacking other apart from the Elves."

"I knew it to be so. You are not the only traveller who has joined my quest. Please stay until they arrive tomorrow noon."

~~~~

Elentari stood before a group of Elves, Dwarves and Men at midday the next day. She realised that the Free Peoples of middle earth must unite against the dragon, for its actions affected them all.

"Welcome, brave people," began Elentari. "I am honoured that you wish to accompany me. I know that some of you have joined to rescue loved ones. Please speak up now if your heart is not truly set on this quest."

None of those present spoke up.

"Then we must leave now, to defeat this evil. Come, O Protectors of the People, and Quest to the Blue Mountains!"

[ May 08, 2003: Message edited by: ElentariGreenleaf ]