[Estelyn Telcontar]

Merisuwyniel lifted her beautiful, golden-tressed head and gazed at the approaching Pimpiowyn and Vogonwë with tear-drenched violet eyes. A human woman would have looked awful, with eyes reddened and puffy, but being a pure-blooded Elf, she of course looked stunningly gorgeous even after crying copiously. She listened silently to their stammered apologies, punctuated (or was it punctured?) with many pokes in Vogonwë’s ribs by Pimpi’s elbow.

“The cause of justice is not served by revenge,” she said. “Your poetic words expressed my feelings as well; I will not take action against you. You have learned your lesson, I hope, and are free to do whatever seems right to you. Indeed, it seems to me that Fate has played a fatal role in these events, for never before has the Entish Bow failed its mark.

“The Bow has had its revenge, and so have you, my dear Half-Hobbit. Yet I have lost not only my last great love because of it, but also my mother, and my first youthful love in the battle as well. Ill deeds have been done here; but let now all enmity that lies between us be put away, for it was contrived by the Enemy and works his will.

“With Chrysophylax’ permission and assistance, I shall bring Gravlox’ body to the River, that Ulmo may bear him to the destination that is determined for him. Then I shall turn my steps toward Minus Teeth, the Wight City. There shall I learn the art of healing, for I will be an archer no longer. Never again shall my hands fit an arrow to the Bow nor draw its string to harm any living creature. I shall learn to preserve life instead of destroying it.

“I will return to you shortly – if any of you wish to come with me, I should be glad of your companionship.” Then, with the help of Orogarn and Kuruharan, she lifted the mortal remains of the Orc onto the dragon’s back, mounted him herself, and he flew toward the River.

None of the Children of Ilovetar witnessed the parting of the Elf Merisuwyniel and the Orc Gravlox, yet the song that she sang was heard far away, in the Halls of Mantoes. It was the song most fair that ever in words was woven, and the song most sorrowful that ever the world shall hear. Unchanged, imperishable, it is sung still in Valium beyond the hearing of the world, and listening the Velour are grieved. Her tears fell upon the banks of the River like rain upon the stones, and Mantoes was moved to pity, who never before was so moved, nor has been since.

Therefore he admitted Gravlox to his Halls, to restore what had once been twisted, that thus whatever grief might lie in wait, the fates of Gravlox and Merisuwyniel might be joined, and their paths might one day lead them together.

° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° °

Pale, composed and determined, the Elven maiden approached Lord Etceteron after Chrysophylax brought her back to the tower. “You witnessed the death of my mother?” she asked. “Would you tell me of her, and do you know where she is now?”

Bewildered, he looked at her. “Your mother? Of whom do you speak?”

“I speak of the deceased mistress of this fortress,” she answered patiently. “She revealed herself to me in a message, yet you spoke of her death before I knew that it was She.”

“You are Vinaigrettiel’s daughter?” Had his flask not been empty for hours, he would have thought himself in a drunken delirium. “I didn’t even know…” His voice trailed off. “Well, I do know where she is now – I buried her out behind the tower. Would you like to see the spot?”

So she took leave of the mother she had never known, mourning their final parting and asking much of Etceteron. And both were comforted in speaking of her. Indeed, Earnur found a new resolve in himself, to aid Merisuwyniel as the last service he could render to his lost love.

When they returned to the others, they saw that all had gathered their bags and packs for the journey. “You know my goal,” the Elf stated simply. “Who goes with me?”