[Child of the 7th Age]

After exchanging goodbyes with his companions, and offering special congratulations to Farin and Vràin, Lenwe walked quietly over to where Elentari was seated. He tried to look casual as he crouched down and softly whispered a question, "Are you catching a ship at the Havens or going overland to Mirkwood?"

She stared toward the distant horizon to the west and responded in a steady voice, "East. I choose to go east. My path leads to Mirkwood. And you?" she queried, looking deep into his eyes.

Lenwe hesitated a minute before answering. He gazed enviously over at Vràin and Farin who sat side-by-side with their fingers tightly intertwined. Their voices were silent. They had no need of words but were able to communicate everything that mattered just by the sparkling ilght which had been kindled in both their hearts. The Sea still did not tug at Lenwe in the same way that it did for others of his kind. Yet, he still could not forget that the West was a place where he could again be with his wife.

For a moment he hesitated. Then his decision was made. His uncertainty passed, and quiet resolve took its place. Valinor and Tol Eressea would be there in another year, or a decade, or even five thousand years from now. And his beloved wife would still be waiting, surrounded by her friends and cherished family members.

Lenwe had the funniest sensation that he was meant to stay in Middle-earth just a little longer. Perhaps to do something in Mirkwood, where King Thrainduil had asked him to come and teach his skills as a scout to Legolas and several of the younger Elves. For some strange reason, Lenwe sensed those skills might someday be needed; perhaps they would even be important in defeating another tiny sliver of evil just as the company had done this very day in the Blue Mountains.

What would his wife say if he could speak with her about his choice? Lenwe knew her well enough to have no doubts. She would tell him to wait, to do what he thought was right and only then to set sail to the West with a clear heart and a clean conscience. What was the sense of being in Valinor if all you could do was sit and wonder if there was something left undone behind you?

He looked over to Elentari and smiled, "Mirkwood, I also go to Mirkwood. I have an invitation from the King to teach some of the younger woodland Elves. Perhaps, we can ride there together once we drop the others off on their road home?"

The Elf stood up and grinned and then extended her hand outward, "It's a bargain, Lenwe. Turn about is fair play. You helped us through the Blue Mountains. Now I'll introduce you to the forest that I love." With that she turned and walked away to continue caring for the many who lay injured among her companions and the newly rescued captives.

[ July 15, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]