The Family Line Part 142 – The Last Departing

Part 142 – The Last Departing

The day started out cool and fresh. The sun was bright as it rose over the eastern hills of Evendim in the sporadically cloud laden sky. In the nearby trees, the birds chirped their melodic songs, giving the morning a cheerful feeling. A slight breeze came over the land from the east, warm and inviting; not cold and fearful from the north like when the enemy held the city. It was a good day for Theomin and Eleswith to travel home.

At the bridge on the lower level, just before the overpassing bridge of the Ariant, Theomin and Eleswith secured their saddles on their horses. Bragga was filled with cloth and provisions for their journey south. Eleswith’s horse also had its provisions and water. She named her horse Dale, after the town she longed to journey back to.
Aches, who was just to the side of Theomin, was grooming himself and scratching behind his ear as he stood waiting for Theomin. He had not a clue what was going to soon happen. Every once in a while, Theomin would bend down and give Aches a scratch behind his lynx’s ear as would Eleswith. His lynx was quite fond of Eleswith as Aches would rub up against her leg every now and again.

“Are you ready for our long journey?” Eleswith asked.

“I am ready to return,” Thoemin replied. “I have been ready to travel home for a long while.”

“Sorry, I was talking to Aches,” she smiled at Theomin and gave him a slight playful hit on the shoulder. “I feel like I may miss this city, this place, these people. We spent so much time defending it and retaking it. It has taken so much effort to just be giving it up so lightly. I feel it is now part of me. Like my own child.” She rubbed her belly as she began to think, “I’ve thought of my child every day since I found out in Bree. I almost feel I want my child to be born here.”

“You do not need to leave, you know,” Theomin said.

“Oh, you have to be kidding,” Eleswith said. “I will miss this place, but leaving is the right thing to do. My time is ended here in Eriador. I’m happy to be leaving.”

“As am I. And if your baby is born at my house, I know we can help you with it,” Theomin agreed.

“Thank you, Theomin, for that offer,” Eleswith said. “But I want my child to be born in Dale. I want him to know the town as I knew it. My father did not grow up in Dale. He grew up in Esgoroth and did not know Dale until he was older. I want my child to not know that. I want my child to know Dale as the town he was born in and loves.” She rubbed her stomach as she continued, “I want to tell my child tales of all I have done. Befriended elves and dwarves. Confronted drakes, orcs, worms and strange women with wings. Went to amazing places like Annuminas and…” she trailed off in a sad remembrance, “and Aman Sul. Met great men like you and Sergee.”

“Your child will have a strong mother,” Theomin said. “I only hope he grows up to know that.”

They continued to make sure they had their belongings packed, ready and convenient to them on their long road. They planned on taking the same path Theomin took almost a year ago. They planned to travel south through Bree, then east toward the Misty Mountains and then turn south toward the Gap of Rohan. It was then they would continue east through Rohan and to the Wold. Eleswith agreed to stay with Theomin for a while in the Wold before she left for Dale.

“Have you room for one more to travel with you?” the elf Sylderan came to them. “Only part way at least. I plan on visiting my kin that are occupying the outpost of Echad Dunan, nearby the walls of Moria.”

“Moria?” Theomin asked astonished. “I thought you had a terrible journey through those mines.”

“Of course I did,” Sylderan said. “That is why I am not entering the mine. I wanted to only visit my kin, not enter the mine. The last time I came through there, I had not the time to sit and have a good visit with them. I at least want to do so this last time before I travel with the Lady of the Golden Wood to Mithlond. The Twilight Company did its duty. My brothers gave the message to the Lady Galadrial. Now, I plan to stay and wait for her arrival to Eregion.”

“Then travel with us you may,” Theomin said. “The more we have traveling with us, the safer.”

“Then why not stay here and safe. Why travel at all?” Sergee said as he came down with Estonethiel.

“Good, you received my message,” Theomin said. “Why travel at all, you say?”

“It was only a jest, with a little seriousness,” Sergee said. “You will be missed, Theomin. I mean it.”

“I will miss you too,” Theomin said. “I can say, you will always be close in my heart. As the only real brother I have, I will love you always. With all we went through together, I feel we have lived two lifetimes together.”

“And Eleswith,” Sergee said. “You have been close all this time. I feel you have been my sister this entire journey we’ve had together.”

Eleswith began to tear up, “I have nothing but love and respect for you. You and Estonethiel and Krovrin have much to do here.”
“Aye, we do,” Sergee said. “But I feel it is different now. We have not the distractions of Teryndir. Nor are we under the constant threat from Angmar. We are safe now and we owe much of that safety to you,” he said as he looked at Theomin and Eleswith. “I only wish Helesdir was here to celebrate with us.”

“Yes,” a tear fell from Eleswith’s eye, “as do I.”

Theomin looked at Eleswith. “It was a long road we forged together. From the hidden base in the Lone Lands to the fearful hills of the Valley of the Worms. We fought a long hard road. But here we are, in the city we have retaken twice. Our road together ends here. It is a sweet ending, all-be-it a bitter one. I love this city as if it was one that I was born in. But that is not the case. I was born here in Eriador, but I am, in my heart, from Rohan. I will leave this place for the only home I have ever known and loved. That is why it is such a sweet moment.”

“Always know,” Estonethiel said to Theomin and Eleswith, “you are in our hearts.”

It was then that Krovrin came from behind and called out, “Are you set to leave already?”

“Aye,” Theomin said, “we are. And we could not leave without saying bye to our favorite dwarf Marshall.”

Theomin came up to the dwarf and the dwarf quickly took his hand and shook it with both of his, “Thank you, Theomin, for taking a chance on a dwarf such as myself. You saved me from the prison in Bree. You kept me alive here in Annuminas and gave not only me but my kin a chance to help rebuild Eriador for all the free peoples.” It was then that a few dwarves came up to the parting company. They lifted their axes and yelled out, “Baruk Khazad, Khazad Ai-menu, Baruk Khazad, Khazad Ai-menu!” and it repeated as Sergee and Estonethiel came to Theomin.

“Good travels, Theomin,” Sergee said.

“May the light of the Valar shine upon you,” Estonethiel said to them.

Theomin knelt down and placed his hand on the dwarf’s shoulder. “Krovrin, leader of dwarves in Evendim, thank for aiding me and my kin. You will always be in my thoughts as the best dwarf I have ever known.”

The dwarf joined his other Marshalls as the wardens and rangers of Annuminas came down to see the three off on their journey home. Theomin mounted Bragga, Eleswith mounted Dale and Sylderan mounted his steed, Tyelka. Aches then jumped atop Bragga and snuggled on the saddle next to Theomin. Together, they turned as horns behind and all around them blew. They three began their long journey home with a small push for their horses to start trotting toward the eastern gate toward Men Erain. All around them, horns blew and from the bridge of the Ariant confetti flew down in honor of those three who were departing from Annuminas. Cheers also erupted from all around as they passed toward the ruined arch that marked the eastern boarder of Annuminas.

As they traveled through the road through Men Erain, the horns of the men of Annuminas could still be heard until, at the very last of the mausoleums of the kings, the horns stopped. But after the horns stopped, loud booms were heard from the city. Fireworks were blown into the sky. All manner of colors were seen, blues, greens, reds and golds there were with the very last of the fireworks being the largest. They then stopped as the three passed on the final pass toward the bridge of the Colossus and Annuminas was seen no more.

The Family Line Part 141 – Passing Authority

Part 141 – Passing Authority

A week passed since the group sent Lily on her journey west from Mithlond. Theomin, Eleswith, Estonethiel and Sergee all returned to Annuminas, taking the journey through the Shire and bringing Krovrin back with them as Toby remained in the Shire to aid the four hobbits who began the battle to take back their home from the strange man, Sharkey.

Magla already left for Bree. His duties were far from over in Bree as he and the rest of the men and women from Bree who aided in the retaking of Annuminas had already departed. Traveling with the army from Trestlebridge and the Eglain, he led his army back west through the Fields of Fornost and south departing from the town of Trestlebridge.

The Dunlandings had also departed from Annuminas. After Magla and the men and women from Trestlebridge, Lone-lands and Bree departed, the Dunlandings too departed from Annuminas. Luckily, Theomin had arrived from Ered Luin just in time to see the Dunlandings off.

It was a long goodbye but Eva knew Theomin would return as he traveled south toward Rohan. None of the other Dunlandings knew of his origin and Eva wanted to keep it that way. There was too much pain between the men of Rohan and the men of Dunland and she wanted to keep the secret safe to not tarnish his standings with the Dunlandings.

“This is our goodbye,” Eva said as she gave Theomin a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “We are departing this morning for Dunland.”

“I wish you could stay,” Theomin said regretfully. “The ceremony is in two days and I wish you not to miss it.”

“With all my heart, I wish we would not,” Eva said. “But the road is long and the men are eager to return. We have taken part in a great event. One that, I hope, would unite all the people of Eriador once again.”

“I wish so too,” Theomin said. “I hope we can once again unite under the banner of Arnor once again.”

“That may soon come,” Eva gladly said. “But for now, Dunland and all of Eriador will remain allies.”

“Are you ready, Eva?” one of the other older Dunlandings yelled out.

“I’m coming,” Eva yelled out to her companion. She looked back to Theomin. “Goodbye, Theomin of the Wold.” Once again, she hugged him tight.

“Goodbye, Eva of Avardin,” Theomin said back to her.

She left with the other contingent of Dunlandings. The army, consisting of thirty-five surviving Dunlandings, turned and marched out of the city. Slowly, they headed north into Men Erain with Eva taking one last look back at Theomin. She nodded to him and turned, not turning again.

 

Another two days passed and the ceremony was too soon begin. The afternoon came as the sun had already peaked in the sky and began to slowly fall to the west. Those rangers and wardens who remained, gathered on Tyl Annun along with the elves and dwarves who decided to stay for their mates. They gathered as an audience out looking toward the cliff overlooking the lake of Evendim. With Theomin, Estonethiel, Sergee, and Krovrin all standing to the side, the ceremony began with Sergee walking up to address the audience.

“Welcome friends and allies to the new days following the retaking the Annuminas. Many may not know the reason behind this ceremony but those who are apart of it know why we are here. We are gathered here to pass the duties and responsibilities of Marshall from Theomin and Teryndir to two volunteers who have shown remarkable honor, love, and fealty to our cause to retake this ancient city. To pass the duties and responsibilities, it has been a time-honored tradition and not passed lightly. In ancient times, the three jewels were kept in the care of the three races, Men, Elves and Dwarves. For many thousands of years, that has not been the case as they were hid in Rivendell and then used by Isildur to give to three of his bravest men as a token to honor their commitment to serve as Marshalls of Annuminas. But it was because it was Isildur who gave it to men as marshalls, the three jewels of the Amar Calad were kept from dwarves and elves. But now again, will men not be the only holders of the jewels. Now the dwarves and the elves will once again hold them and be caretakers of the city of Annuminas as her Marshalls.” He looked toward the three standing to the side. “Estonethiel and Krovrin, will you please come forward.”

Both Estonethiel and Krovrin came from the side and stood before Sergee, facing away from the audience. Estonethiel on the left and Krovrin on the right. “The volunteers who are taking the burden of Marshalls of Annuminas are Krovrin, son of Kuvron of the Blue Mountains. And Estonethiel, daughter of Haldur, of Rivendell.”

Sergee held up one of the three Amar Calads. The ruby red jewel shined with the light of red as it was close to the other two. “To Krovrin, I present the red Amar Calad. To King Durin this jewel was forged. From the forges of Mirobel by the elf Celebrambor, it was forged and given to not only King Durin in the dwarf realm of Kazad Dum. But it represented not just a gift for the king of dwarves, but to all Dwarves. And so, this jewel will once again return to the care of the dwarves. Step forth Krovrin, son of Kuvron and receive this honor.”

Krovrin stepped forth and bowed his head to receive the jewel. An eruption of applause came from the dwarves as they loudly cheered their kin-mate. Some even stood to applaud Krovrin. Krovrin, on the other hand, slightly shy and embarrassed, just smiled and threw his hand in the air to wave to his kin. His face, covered with his beard, began to change to a red color with a slight sense of awkwardness.

“And Estonethiel,” Sergee said as she came forward and Krovrin stepped back. “This Amar Calad has been through much in the past years. Many hands it has passed through until it finally settled in the care of Theomin. And so it remained the entire time he has been here in
Eriador.” Sergee looked to Theomin, “Theomin, if you please, present the Amar Calad to Estonethiel.” Theomin came forward. He took the Amar Calad from inside his shirt and then removed it from his neck. As Estonethiel bowed her head, he placed the chain around her neck and set it on her. Theomin then walked out of the way as the three stood before all to see. The elves gave a small light clap for their kin-mate, a far cry from the loud boisterous cries of excitement from the dwarves. The three stood before the audience, all wearing the Amar Calad. Sergee with is blue jewel, Krovrin with the red and Estonethiel with Theomin’s green Amar Calad. “Now comes the days of the new Marshalls of Annuminas, and may peace will be here with us all.”

It was when Theomin stepped back that he felt an incredible weight had lifted from him. He had not felt the freedom he felt just then since the night Langhold was attacked so many months back. His task in Eriador was done. All that he set out to do was accomplished and it was then that all he had in


his sight was to return home. The ceremony continued on for a little while longer and there were a few claps as Sergee talked about the roles of Elves and Dwarves in the repair and reestablishment of the city. From protection to commerce, Sergee continued talking about the role of the city. But Theomin heard none of what was said. His thoughts drifted to home and he felt it so close that he could almost touch the wooden beams of his home in the Wold. From the sea of brown dry Wold grass to the smell of the nearby pine tree to the warm humid wind blowing from the east. For only a moment, he felt like he could almost smell the damp odor that came just before a rainfall as he closed his eyes and imagined his homeland. But just as quick as the sensation came, it left him as he heard the crowd clap once more and then begin to disperse and talk amongst themselves.

“How was the ceremony?” Sergee asked Theomin as the crowd broke up.

Just barely back from his day dreaming, he just said, “It went well.”

“You did not hear much of it, did you?” Sergee had to ask.

“No, not much,” Theomin admitted. “Once I gave away the Amar Calad, my mind wandered elsewhere. I cannot explain it.”

“You need not explain it,” Sergee said, “I understand. “You miss your home and wish you were already back.”

“Yes, you are right,” Theomin said. “I miss it very much.”

“Hmm,” Sergee gave a sigh as if having slight gloom. “When will you be leaving us?”

“One day?” Theomin said not sure. “Two days maybe. Nothing more have I keeping me here.”

“You have us,” Sergee said. “We’re here with you.”

“I know,” Theomin said after a long sigh. “But home,” he looked out at the long expanse of the lake, “home is calling for me. Too long have I been gone. I have done all I needed to do here. It is my time to leave.”

“You do have to leave but I wish you didn’t,” Sergee acknowledged. “I feel we have come closer. You are my last remaining brother; the last of my family. Father died and so did our brother. I have no family left with me.”

Theomin smiled and placed a hand on Sergee’s shoulder, “You have Estonethiel. She is your wife and your true companion. We all have our places to go, our things to do. We will always be a part of the Warriors of Eriador. We that are still remaining; You, me, Magla, Estonethiel,” Theomin smiled, “Eleswith.”

“We are truly lucky to still be alive,” Sergee mused. “After all we went through. Taking Annuminas twice, taking Bree, making it through the tunnels under Aman Sul, fighting numerous orcs and Angmarim.” He gave Theomin a playful smack on the shoulder, “You killed two drakes. We stopped Morgoth from coming back. It is amazing that we did all of that and we are still here to tell the tail.”

“It is quite amazing,” Theomin agreed. “Though I choose not to fight any more drakes in my life,” he chuckled. “I choose to lead the quiet life now. Back in Rohan I was a farmer. I choose to go back to that life.”

“I know,” Sergee said. “But once you’ve had this life, it is hard to go back to the peace and calm of the simple life. You will always have this gnawing, bighting need to return to this life danger and adventure. It has happened to too many of my good kin-mates and even some of the simple folk. But who knows, maybe you’ll be able to go back to that life. The life of a farmer.”

“I plan on it,” Theomin said.

“I bet you will,” Sergee said. “He looked at the other Marshalls, Krovrin and Estonethiel, who looked like they were overwhelmed with their new duties. “If you excuse me, I’ll be needing to calm my new Marshalls. They look a little nervous at their new duties.”

“I will come to you when I plan to leave,” Theomin said. “I will not depart until I see you one last time.”

“Don’t you dare break that promise,” Sergee said. “When you leave, you know where to find me.”

With that, Sergee left and Theomin was left at the cliff as he looked out at the lake. It was getting to dusk soon and the setting sun painted the land in an orange tone. Theomin knew it was one of the last times he would see that sight as he moved on through the rest of the city. He wandered back through Tyl Annun and down to the bridge of the Ariant. He remembered the fight as he and the others took back the city of Annuminas. He wandered over the bridge as he recollected the army he had as he advanced over the bridge and the aid Sylderan and Lily gave as they fought though the seemingly unending sea of Angmarim.

At the other side of the bridge, he wandered up and over the hill into Clorhir. Clorhir was the last place he remembered seeing his brother. Dead he was in the arms of Sergee. A sad life he led but it was a life he chose to lead. No one chose for him to do the things he did nor did they choose to conspire with the people he chose to be with. Teryndir made too many choices that forced the hand of Sergee to kill him. As much of an advocate Sergee was for Teryndir, it was ultimately Sergee who had to kill his own brother. It must not have been easy for him as he was on Teryndir’s side until the end. But it was over. There would be no more lies or manipulations of Teryndir. His life and his legacy was over and Theomin had to move on.

He moved over down the path toward the small courtyard the Dunlandings stayed as they mourned their losses. For some reason, that was not the memory in the forefront of his mind. It was retaking it the first time with Eleswith. He remembered the many men he lost that day. He started with his platoon, twenty men, mostly lost that day. Even though it was a difficult day, and that day he also lost his father, it felt like a good day. He could not explain why it was a good day, but it was.

“Reminiscing the past?” a voice came from nearby Echad Garthadir. It was Eleswith back in her old raggedy clothes and Helesdir’s hat.

“Yes,” Theomin said while looking around. “We have spent many months here in Annuminas. It feels like years.”

“Aye, it does,” Eleswith agreed. “I think, though, that we have done all we can. We have done this city a great service, you and I. We are both people who don’t really belong here. But we found friendship with the people here, and in each other. We suffered and succeeded together. We experienced deaths of those that we were close to. We did some things we are not proud of either. But though all of the trials and all the pain, we remained friends. Have we not?”

Theomin smiled, “Aye, we have. And now, I suppose we will travel home together.”

“Home,” Eleswith gave a slight longing chuckle. “It has been so long since I’ve thought of home. But soon we will depart from here and head back to the place that has been foreign to me for many years. I feel, though, that my own personal exile has been long enough. I need not remain here anymore. My time here is ending and though I am anxious to return home, I know it is my time.”

“I feel the same,” Theomin said, “but I did not leave in the same manner you did. You left because of fear of what was to come to Dale. I left to seek my family.” He gave a long pause as he smiled, “I am glad,” he looked at Eleswith, “Very glad to have been your companion until the end.”

The Family Line Part 140 – To Ered Luin

Part 140 – To Ered Luin

Morning came, bright and early. It was four days since the revelry of the nighttime party. Business went back to normal in the cool dawn of Annuminas. The small number of wardens remained on Tinnudir to finish cleaning the party grounds, mugs, empty barrels of ale, food thrown on the ground were all removed from the island as a new dawn began for the men of Eriador.

Gandalf had left just as quickly as he appeared. Business he said he needed to attend to back in Bree. So, even before the dawning of the next day, he was off again. Magla said Gandalf just did not want to be bogged down with the clean up of the party. Theomin felt it was not the case but then he knew not as he knew not about the comings and goings of wizards. He was just glad to finally speak with the famed wizard.

At long last, the Warriors of Eriador departed south toward the lands of The Ered Luin. Estonethiel led the way as Sergee was right by her side. Theomin followed along with Eleswith and between the two was Lily. Magla stayed back in Tinnudir. He had urgent business to attend to in Breeland and needed to travel eastward later that morning.

The path was long, down south from the the Colossus up the hill just south of the bridge over the Brandywine and over toward the high hills in the southern part of Evendim. At the peak, they headed south along the winding road just west of the sandy land known as the Barandalf. On they road as the time approached noon as they finally reached Dwaling.

Damaged and abandoned the homes seemed to be. It was as if the small hobbit village was ravaged by some kind of fight. There, on the road facing the village of Dwaling, the dwarf Krovrin and his friend Toby stood.

“What happened here?” Sergee asked.

The hobbit looked at Krovrin as Krovrin began to speak for the hobbit. “It would appear brigands have ravaged the lands of the Shire. For a long time they have been in the Shire and for a long time they have imprisoned the small creatures. Toby and I spoke with one of the hobbits near the village of Oatbartin. He said there may be an uprising coming from Hobbiton.”

“Is there anything we can do to help?” Sergee asked as he pulled his sword from its sheath.

Toby shook his head. “Toby here cares not for any help from men or elves. He says this is hobbit business.”

“Are you sure you care not to receive any aid from us?” Theomin asked. “You know we are well prepared for any assult. We are battle hardened and ready to help.”

Krovrin looked at his hobbit friend and still he shook his head. “No thank you, kind sirs. But we hear the safest path through the Shire is to stay on the outskirts. That way you will run into no brigands.” The dwarf then rubbed his beard as if he had a new thought. “By the way, why are you traveling through these parts anyway?”

Sergee looked at Estonethiel before he spoke, “We are on our way to the Grey Havens.”

“Ahh,” said the dwarf with sadness. “Then you shall never return.”

“Yes, they will not return,” said Eleswith.

“Then take this token of my affection,” the dwarf said. He handed to Estonethiel a fine coat of mithril mail. “It was given to me from Dwalin in Thorin’s Hall. I need it not as I already have some fine armor. This is a token of my good will toward my good friends the elves. Though the relationship between the dwarves and elves have not been kind, I have never felt any animosity toward my elf friends. You have remained a true friend to me and my people.”

“Thank you, kind dwarf,” Estonethiel said. “Nor have I held any anger toward you, my dwarf friend. May the light of the Valar always look kindly upon you.” She held out her hand and grasped the dwarf’s. The shook and smiled one last long smile as they looked at each other with kindness.

“Shall we continue?” Sergee said. “We have quite a long road to go.”

“So we shall,” Theomin said.

“Good bye, fare elves,” Krovrin said as he also shook Lily’s hand as she passed him by. “I am sorry I have not to give to you, fare elf.”

“I have no need to receive a gift as I am not leaving,” Lily said.

“I will return and explain to you all the reasons I have lost my place on the last ships to the west,” she said as they continued on south toward Oatbarten.

Through the rest of the afternoon and on through the evening, the five continued south past Oatbarten and toward Brockenborings and turned west. They skirted the towns of Overhill and continued into the forest, hoping to avoid all signs of the hobbit towns. They continued until the hills began to rise and they stayed at the foothills and on south toward Rushock Bog. The horses found it a little more difficult to keep their pace with the bog being so thick and the muck of the bog being so sticky.

As evening approached, the five travelers had already dismounted from their horses and reached Needlehole, a very small hobbit hamlet just on the western side of the Shire. It boardered the lands of Ered Luin but they cared not. It was a glad tiding to find the small hamlet still intact, though abandoned.

“Should we find shelter in one of these hobbit houses?” Eleswith asked.

“Perhaps we should not,” Theomin said, “just to show respect for the hobbits. I think it would be wise to also set up a night watch, just incase any brigands decide to come around.”

“That would be wise,” Sergee said. “I’ll be first with Estonethiel. Then Eleswith and Lily can be next. We’ll let Eleswith sleep for the night.”

“No thank you,” Eleswith said. “I will contribute as much as you contribute. That way, you have smaller watching shifts. I’ll take the last watch.”

So they all had a quick meal with some leftover rations they had from Tinnudir. They then found some comfortable hay to sleep on nearby some abandoned stables. There, they stayed the night. A quiet peaceful night it was. Not one sound came from anyplace. They were so used to the sounds of bustling from all the places they went to, Bree, Esteldin, Annuminas, Combe, that they nearly forgot the sounds of peace and quiet.

It was midnight when Sergee and Estonethiel woke Theomin and Lily. They were finished with their night watch and went to sleep where Theomin and Lily sat. The two stood up and walked to the center of Needlehole and sat, each facing two separate ways.

It was a chilly night as a slight breeze came from the way of Ered Luin. The small pass pushed the wind through the village, which made the two even colder. They sat on the ground, both leaning their backs up against each other as Theomin wished he could feel warmth of an embrace.

“Would you mind if we hold each other?” Theomin finally asked. “I need to feel the warmth of another.”

“I don’t mind at all,” Lily said happily.

They two embraced as they continued their night time watch. He had not felt any feeling for Lily up until then. The warmth of her body filled his body with affection but he had not the thought of whether she felt the same.

“Have you ever seen the moon that clearly?” Lily whispered to Theomin.

He looked up and softly said, “I have seen the moon many times that large and that clear in Rohan. Sometimes it is as large as the nearby hills.”

“So lovely it is,” she said. “I have not looked up into the sky for a terrible long while. The night I was hurt terribly by that staff, I remember the celebration of light my family and my kin were at. I cared not that the stars that night were so wonderous. I only cared about what was at the shore infront of me.” She looked at Theomin as a sudden thought came to her mind, “Can I travel back with you to Rohan? It sounds like a wonderous place.”

“I…” he paused as he was unsure what to say to her. He nodded and said, “Yes, you can.”

She smiled a happy smile. Theomin could see she was no longer that tortured soul he remembered back in Bree. She seemed like a warmer elf as she said, “Perfect.”

They stayed there the rest of the night until the late watches when Theomin woke Eleswith from her sleep. Theomin and Lily then occupied the patch of hay Eleswith was lying on and very quickly fell into a deep sleep.

Morning came early and Eleswith had already packed the packs for the horses and had them ready for the travelers to mount. She gave each of the travelers rations and allowed everybody to mount their horses and be off.

Another beautiful day it was as they traveled through hill country off toward Ered Luin. As they approached the lands, they noticed the sky becoming pinker and the smell of the air was becoming sweeter as the beautiful pink leaves of cheery blossoms filled the hills surrounding them. Then, at the very beginning of the border of Ered Luin, a flowing structure of elves could be seen strattling the nearby hill. Before it, was a dark bridge of dwarf-make joining the far shore and the lands of Ered Luin.

“That is the elf city of Duilond,” Estonethiel said. “It is a favorate stop for many elves as they travel to Mithlond.”

Beautiful it was. Giant bowl-like platforms led up to high spires of the buildings of the elves. A tan and baige color they were, almost like the autom leaves of trees before they begin to fall. It gave it an almost sad mournful feeling as the buildings would soon be abandoned by the elves before they sail into the undying lands. Beautiful and grand they were, but also sad as they would soon lose their inhabitants. Once proud and joyful were the buildings. Sad it would soon be as the elves finally depart from Middle Earth.

So the five travelers passed Duilond and Lily looked back up at Duilond. She wanted to travel there when they returned and spend some time there. She had decided to do that as they finally continued to depart from Duilond and on west toward the path that would lead toward the last leg of the journey to the Grey Havens.

It took not too long for them to find the path to the Grey Havens. Through rocky, treacherous lands they had to travel. A stark difference to the lively and happy lands where the elves dwelled. It was as if it was occupied by orcs or goblins for a long while. Though there were none there, it was as if it was ravaged by the servents of the enemy.

The travelers continued through the strange place, not straying from the path. Each felt that if they strayed from the path, they would be attacked or lost to the history of the place. So each stayed quiet and stedfast to the path as it turned south. The last leg to the Grey Havens.

By afternoon, the cliffs fell and they gave way to a great harbor, flanked by two very large towers on either side of the harbor. Much like Duilond, the old buildings of the elves were tan and beige, also the sad feel of the sea filled the hearts of each of the travelers.

“Here lies the harbor of Mithlond,” Estonethiel said to the travelers, “The Grey Havens.”

“It’s so beautiful,” Lily said in awe. “I have not expected it to be such a beautiful place. I remember nothing like it since I was a child.”

Lily led the other four as they continued down the small pathways toward the ships docked. The sun reflected on the ocean as the sun began to set on the western horizon. The red glow of the sun reflected on the harbor and the hills about them in a redish shade as the last light of the day shown on the lands about.

“This is where we part,” Sergee said. Lily looked at Estonethiel but soon realized that they all looked at Lily.

“What is this?” Lily asked as she looked on with shock. “What is happening?”

“I want you to take this,” Estonethiel handed the dwarven mail shirt to Lily. “This was not ment for me. So long ago, I gave my life to Sergee and with that, the light of the Valar left me. Because I did that, I lost my place on the last ships to Valinor. But my seat will not go unfilled. You, Lily, will take my place to the Undying lands.”

“I…” she said as she gasped for air as her throat closed tight and she could not speak. She hugged Estonethiel tightly as she looked upon the harbor. She then grasped Sergee in a hug and then Eleswith. She finally came to Theomin. She then held on tight to him and held him for a long while. For so long she held him tightly and wept. “Thank you.” She released her grip and stepped back. “Thank you for giving an elvish girl another chance. Such terrible things I did. Why are they allowing me to go with them?”

“Because you were given another chance and you proved your worth,” Theomin said. “You will go and you will go in peace.” Theomin kissed her forehead, “Now go in peace and remember not the horrors of your past. Only the peace and love that are in your heart right now that will always remain with you.”

Lily smiled and then turned to look at the last ship she will ever take. She walked slowly in wonder and sadness as she reached the plank that led from the dock to the ship. She crossed it and looked back at her friends from afar. She smiled with tears pooling in her eyes as she finally stepped off the plank and into the boat. She looked around in wonder as she found her place to sit.

On the shore, Sergee, Estonethiel, Eleswith and Theomin watched as the ropes of the boats were removed from the dock and thrown onto the boat, the plank was pulled back from the boat, and the ship was free to move. It began sailing into the open waters of the ocean and continued off into western horizon as the light of the setting sun engulfed the ship and no more of the ship could be seen.

It was then, at last, the last four remaining friends departed from the shores of Mithlond and never again looked back.

The Family Line Part 139 – Revelry

Part 139 – Revelry

Sunset came on the land of Evendim. The lake reflected the burning fire of the sky as all the land was tinted in a red-orange color. The trees of the lands, though green, also gave off an orange color as did the grasses. The clouds reflected the bright color of the setting sun as they painted the sky with an orange topaz look.

Evening was coming soon as Theomin and Sergee stood at the memorial site of Athegdir, their father. To the left, supported by the memorial just beside it, sat a single stone; a remembrance of Teryndir. It leaned on his father’s memorial and remained just as Teryndir did, leaning on and being supported by the memory of his father.

Theomin, back in his brown outfit from Rohan looked upon the grave sight of his father and brother. He did not weap, as he had the good feeling that all was okay. He smiled knowing that his brother was finally at peace.

“I know not if father would have been proud of him,” Sergee said quietly to Theomin, back in his colorful outfit he had back in the Lone Lands. “Such a troubled life he had after father died.” Theomin remained quiet as Sergee continued. “But I want to say that he found just a moment of peace while he traveled with us. I really wish to say that he found his real self before he was taken from us in Bree.”

“I do wish you are right,” Theomin said, “But he seemed to succumb to hatred before you took his life.”

“I wish not to think of taking his life,” Sergee said. “I feel not proud of that fact. I only wished that he had not given me that task but I had not the choice.” Sergee stayed quiet for a while before he spoke again, “Did I tell you what Teryndir said before he died?” Theomin shook his head. “He said that I would have to live with his death.”

“Despite what he might have thought of himself,” Theomin said, “He deceived us all. I saw what he was planning. I saw that he conspired with that creature. He knew that moroval creature, the one I knew as Azagod. And they both used us to summon Morgoth. I wonder if Kronog, or Gerald, had any idea what was happening. Teryndir was behind all of it. We were right to not trust him.”

“I know what you are saying,” Sergee said, “and I understand. But I know there was still some part of him that was still good. That there was some part of him that was not angry and manipulative.”

“Though there might have been, we will never know,” Theomin said. Theomin looked out at the beautiful view of Evendim and gave a long sigh and with it wanted to change the subject. “I will miss this view. Of all the sites and smells and sounds I have taken in through my journey, this is the one that will always remain with me.”

“Does this mean you will regret leaving?” Sergee asked.

“Do not be silly,” Theomin quipped, “It is time for me to leave. I have done all I could have done.”

“Mostly,” Sergee said. He looked down at the small island of Tinnudir and gave a knowing smile. “There are but a few more that you must do.”

The two left the gravesite out at the cliff of Tyl Annun in Annuminas. They took a quiet and long journey through the empty way of Annuminas. The throughfare and all the sights had not one person, even though it was a bustling city only a few hours earlier. They walked through the main way down to the first level and toward the stables that housed their horses.

Theomin patted Bragga and gave her neck a tight hug. “Are you ready for our coming journey home?” he patted her head and rubbed it. “We have but a few more tasks we must do before we head home.” He mounted his horse and rode through Men Erain with Sergee riding alongside him. They still were quiet as they made their way though Men Erain and up past he Colossus and up the small hills towards the ruins of old estates that sat at the summits of the two sides of the hills. Then down toward the four watchmen of the Canadiach that marked the crossroads of Parth Aduial. They continued west around the hills and soon heard loud booms coming from the island of Tinnudir. If it was only a week earlier, they would have thought something terrible was happening. But they knew better. It was the sounds of celebrations.

They rounded the hill and among the starlit night sky, large explosions could be seen. Fireworks of all colors were exploding in the sky as the men, elves and dwarves of all lands of Eriador gathered together on the island for festivities. The celebration was marking the uniting of all the lands of Eriador together and stopping the evil being of Morgoth from coming again. It was indeed a time to celebrate with loud and boisterious festivities.

The two crossed the bridge and into the celebrating members of all the lands. The Dunlandings, the Eglain of the Lone-Lands, the Breelanders, the Dunedian Rangers all came together to celebrate together. The dwarves and elves there were also, celebrating alongside the men from all across Eriador. All were conversing with each other, telling of tales of their battles in Annuminas, reminiscing of the fight to free the city of the enemy. Some of the fight in courtyards, the first level, up in Tyl Annun or the Ariant. All had their own stories to tell. All were harrowing and yet powerful stories.

Theomin and Sergee left their horses at the stables as Eleswith walked up to them with a smile. She was clothed in a dress, beautiful and elegant it was as Theomin and Sergee were impressed. “I have not seen you clothed in,” he paused and looked her up and down, “in such a way,” Theomin said.

“Thank you,” Eleswith said in a shy way. “To tell you the truth, I’m not used to wearing such a garment. I would rather be in my own loose and comfortable clothes.”

“Well, tonight is a night to celebrate,” Sergee said. “You look stunning.”

“Thank you,” Eleswith said. “I’m sure glad you two dressed up,” she laughed.

“Had we known this was going to be a formal event we would have dressed more appropriately,” Theomin said.

“I’m teasing,” Eleswith said. “Come, the others are waiting.”

So the remainder of the evening was spent drinking in merriment and laughing with good friends. Sergee and Estonethiel together laughed the night away as they mingled with all men, elves, and dwarves. Magla remained with the men of Bree as they continued to talk first about the battle, and then about what needed to be done in Bree to plan for the future. Though they were talking business, there still was lightheartedness in their conversations.

Lily remained alone on the side as she watched the partying. She looked out of place as Theomin came to her side. “What is the matter?” he asked her. “Why are you not apart of the merriment?”

“I feel out of place,” she said. “I have not been included in such revelry since I was a child. Even then it was so long ago, I forget most of what it was like when I was but a child. I know not how to conduct myself here.”

“I have been apart of many parties,” Theomin said. “Though I have been apart of them, I still have yet to know how to conduct myself at parties. Many times, I stay on the side alone. Other times I find one person to talk with. Many of those times it was Eotheron I spoke with. I know much of what you are talking about. I have never been good at parties. Not large ones anyway.”

“Yet you seemed to do well here at this one,” Lily said.

“Yes, I have,” Theomin admitted. “but that was because people come up to me to talk and jest. I am more than happy to find one friend alone and have a chat. Much like what I am doing with you.”

“Is that what I am?” Lily had to ask. “Am I a friend?”

Theomin stayed quiet for a while. He knew not what to say to her but had to say something, “I feel you are more of a friend than any of these fine folk here. Yes, you are a friend to me and I hope you feel the same.”

“I have not had a friend,” Lily admitted.

“How do you feel,” Theomin asked, “now that you have a friend to talk with?”

“I feel…” she tried to assess the feeling as she paused, “I feel warm. It is a feeling I have not yet had.”

A sudden commotion came over the crowd nearby the bridge to Tinnudir. It was the sounds of awe and loud cheering. Theomin and Lily, curious of what it was, came to the small bridge. There, among the croud of men and women was a man dressed all in white. He bore a long white beard and carried with him a long staff.

“Could it be?” Theomin asked with surprise. “Could that be Gandalf the Grey?”

“I believe it could be,” Lily said. “Though I thought him to be a little more grey.”

Magla came to him and walked him through the crowd. Gandalf looked at Theomin and then looked back down at those nearby him and the crowd parted to let Magla and Gandalf though as they continued to gawk at him. “Enedion, Son of Athegdir,” he greeted Theomin in a grand fashion. “It has been too long since I have lied eyes on you.”

Theomin was speechless as Lily spoke, “You are Gandalf the Grey,” she said in awe.

“I am Gandalf the White,” Gandalf said smiling.

“White?” Theomin finally said. “You were promoted?”

“No I…” Gandalf stopped himself, “well I suppose you could be right. Some could say I worked to death to get it.” He waited for a laugh from Theomin and Lily, but the laugh never came. “Well I suppose you had to be there to get it.” He looked at Theomin and then at Lily. “I have come in the presence of four young hobbits on their journey home. I stopped in Bree and heard of the events that happened here in the ancient city of Annuminas. So, with that news, I decided to make my journey here to meet up with the sons of Athegdir.”

Theomin, out of his stupor of awe, had to speak up, “I am sorry to say there are only two of us,” Theomin said. “Teryndir lost his life.”

“I am sorry to hear that,” Gandalf said. “He was always such a troubled individual. That was why I wanted him to stay with his father. I had always wondered what came of Enedion, though. After not hearing of you in Gondor, I wondered where you and your mother had gone.”

Theomin smiled. He knew his story. He knew his past, his history, where he came from and where he had been. So Theomin told Gandalf the tale of how he came to be in Rohan. He told him how he found out he was adopted and how he came to find out he was from Eriador. He told the tale of his journey and what happened in Dunland. He told of his path to Bree, what happened with Gerald and what happened when he came to Esteldin. He told of his adventures in Evendim and the Lone Lands and all the good people he met and forged friendships with. And he told of the many strange creatures he encountered on his adventures north of the North Downs and under the lonely hill of Aman Sul.

“Your days have not been restless ones, Enedion,” Gandalf said. “Though I know that you had not always kept the same name as you had when you were in Rohan. What manner of name did you have while living amongst the horse lords?”

“I was called, Theomin,” he said.

“Theomin,” Gandalf said with gladness and surprise, “That name is close to that of the former King of Rohan, Theodin.”

“Former king?” Theomin said in surprise. “What happened to the Theodin King?”

The wizard gave a slight chuckle as he knew it was a long story to tell. But he tried to give only a small summary of it, “While you were away, there have been many battles. Many events that would change the shape of Middle Earth itself. In one of those battles, outside the fields of Pelennor in Gondor, Theodin King lost his life to a creature called a Nazgul.”

“The Nazgul,” Lily said as she shivered.

“Yes, I know you have heard of such a creatures, Glanfinel of Edhellond,” Gandalf said as Lily raised in eyebrow in shock. “Yes, even you I know, yet your story I am not sure of. After you left Rivendell in secrecy, I have not heard your tale either.”

“I suppose both Theomin and I are cut from almost the same cloth,” Lily said. “Both he and I have been lost only to show up years later with our own stories to tell.” She went on to tell Gandalf of her story after she left Imladres and her years with Amarthiel. She told of the years she spent working for her and then what she did after her sudden death. She told of Kronog and Teryndir and all the horrible things she did on behalf of Amarthiel, Kronog and Teryndir. Gandalf seemed sad for Lily and for Theomin knowing that his brother had been taken into such a dark place. But he seemed to be optimistic for the future of Middle Earth.

“I am glad you trust in our future,” Theomin said.

“How can I not, Ened…Theomin,” Gandalf said. “The dark powers are done. Sauron is destroyed. With your work here in Eriador, Morgoth is not likely to return. Men will inherit Middle Earth and the elves will sail west to the undying lands.”

“Yes,” Lily said. “but not all of us have a place on the last ships to Valanor.”

“I would not be so certain of that,” Gandalf said as a ceremony began on the other end of the island of Tinnudir. “Come,” he said. “We would not want to be late for the ceremony.”

The three continued toward Tinnudir keep, the one large structure that was part of the island of Tinnudir. There, on the top of the steps of the great building, Sergee and Estonethiel stood together as Magla came just before them.

“We stand together at the steps of the Keep of Tinnudir to join Neleghil and Estonethiel to be joined together in matrimony. I have been given this privilege as mayor of Bree as it is not only a civic duty, but an honor to join these two in such an honorable commitment.” He looked at Sergee with a smile, “Do you promise to hold Estonethiel in the highest esteem, to cherish her and to hold her close as long as you both shall live?”

“I do,” Sergee said.

“And do you, Estonethiel, honor your commitment to hold Sergee in the highest esteem, to cherish your bond and hold him close to your heart for as long as you both shall live?” Magla repeated to Estonethiel.

“I do,” Estonethiel smiled.

“Then as mayor of Bree, and the power vested in me as mayor, I now pronounce you man and wife,” Magla said, “You may now kiss the bride.”

Both Sergee and Estonethiel, before all the masses of men, dwarves and elves, held her tight to him and kissed her for a very long time. The crowd cheered, Eleswith cried with happiness, and Theomin and Lily clapped loudly for their friends who had shown such affection for each other for a very long time. Gandalf’s eyes and face was beaming with happiness as he too clapped and laughed happily for it seemed he already knew the union was going to happen.

The festivities continued on long after the union of Sergee and Estonethiel. They continued on all the way to the dawn of the next day, loudly playing music and drinking through the night. The dwarves, of course, brought all the ale and drank most of it. The men had a good amount of ale too, as did the elves. By the end of the night, a thousand barrels of ale were brought, and a thousand barrels of ale were consumed. All seemed right with the world.

The Family Line Part 138 – The Missing Lynx

Part 138 – The Missing Lynx

Through the remainder of the afternoon, Theomin resumed his search for his lynx friend. The last he saw the lynx he was up in the cliff of Tyl Annun as he attacked Kronog along with the rest of animals that followed along. But the animals that came to Theomin’s aid all were scattered as the drake spewed fire on them. So where did all the animals go? More importantly, where was Aches?

Theomin looked down from the cliff as he wondered just that question. He began, much like he began the search earlier that day. He started from the cliff where Aches attacked Kronog. “If this was the last I saw him, and he was attacked by fire, where would he go from there?” he wondered to himself. He thought of the other animals and where they went as well. “Could the birds have aided in their escape from the cliff?” he wondered. Theomin looked down from the cliff. It was a very long drop from there as a voice came from the side.

“Quite a drop, is it not?” the voice said. Theomin looked over to see the girl, Ariel, who faught with Eleswith’s army. “Quite a long one.”

“What are you doing here?” Theomin had to ask.

“I have been looking out from this place for the past day,” she said, “since we gathered in silence after the fighting was over.”

“But why here?” he asked. He came in closer to the girl who looked lost in deep thought. Her eyes were red and dry. They were swollen as if she had been crying for too long as she also looked sleep deprived. “Why indeed,” she said as her own words trailed off into nothingness. “This is the last place I saw the man I was hoping to wed. The last place I gazed upon his eyes as he looked down at me before I plunged into the waters below.”

“He was one of the many wardens who was killed was he?” Theomin asked. “Was he thrown from the cliff?”

She only shook her head in silence but never broke her stare out into nothingness. “No,” she finally said. “I was dropped from this place. I was dropped as he watched me plunge down into the waters below.” Theomin was silent. He had nothing to say as she continued, “Before I was dropped into the waters below, they placed me into a cage. A terrible metal cage with metal bars. The same as the ones the other wardens were placed into before they too were dropped into the lake. They placed me into that cage and forced him to tell them where someone was. They forced him to tell them where Theomin was. But when the last of the wardens was dropped into the waters and only I remained, he told them. But that was not enough. They pushed me over the cliff but the last I saw of him was when he grabbed the cage and tried to save me from the horrible fall into the water below. The last I saw of him…” she began to sob again but continued as she sobbed, “was a troll beating him lifeless. The last I saw of him was his dead eyes as I fell into the lake.” She looked down and began to moan as she cried.

Theomin came to her and wrapped his arms around her. He knew not what to say as too wrapped her arms around him. She continued as she regained her composure, “That was the last I saw of him. I have not told my story to anyone. Not even to Eleswith, the leader our group. She has not a clue as to how I ended up on the shores of Tinnudir. She only knew I was a survivor.”

“I am so sorry,” Theomin whispered to her as he rubbed her back. “Who was he? Who was the warden who was to be your husband?”

“I hate to say his name,” she said. “He was too precious to me and I fear I will break down and cry if I am to say his name.”

“Do you know who I am?” Theomin asked as he was not sure if she knew who he was and why he was significant to her sad story. “I am sorry to say that I am the vary man they were searching for. I am Theomin.”

“I know who you are,” she said. “I had seen you around many times. You aided us in hunting for our food. Her…” she paused as she was about to say his name but stopped herself. “He knew you and had great respect for you. That was why he could not talk. That was why he could not tell them where you were.”

“Then have you anger for me?” he asked.

“How could I?” Ariel asked. “I could not be angry with you. You had not a part to play in killing my love.” She was silent for a while before she had to ask, “Why did he want to look for you? Why did Kronog go to such lengths to find you?”

Theomin quieted down for the thought held a certain amount of pain for himself. But amazingly, the pain was not as terrible as it once was. “Long ago, when I came here from Rohan to search for my family, I was framed for a murder in Bree. A murder in which I played no part.” He was silent for a while before he continued, “For a long while, I was beaten by the same man who hurt you. But then he went by a different name. He was Gerald Tenderlach. The son of Mayor Tenderlach of Bree. I was framed for killing his brother.”

“Then who killed him if it was not you?” Ariel asked.

He had not the hear to tell Ariel that Eleswith was the one who murdered the mayor’s son. “Gerald, who you know as Kronog, killed his brother. He was hungry for power. He wanted to be mayor of Bree after his brother died. After a while, his dream was finally realized when he murdered his own father. When we took back Bree from Gerald, we found the lifeless body of the mayor in the mayor’s office.” Theomin shook his head as he could not believe what had happened. “There were so many evil men who were behind the retaking of Annuminas. And they all came together to summon a terrible creature. That was why we needed to come here. That was why we needed to come back and fight. I cared not for revenge of what Kronog did to me. We needed to fight for the future of Middle Earth.”

“Then we succeeded,” Ariel said. “At a terrible cost.”

“Yes,” Theomin said as he remembered his friends and his brother. “At a terrible cost.” He gave a sigh as he remembered what Ariel told him about the part he played as a hunter for the city. He looked at Ariel, “It was Herion, was it not? It was he who was your beloved.” Ariel only looked down with sadness. He remembered the last time he saw Herion, strung up by the neck at the gate of Bree. He had not the heart to tell her of what he saw. “He was a great man and an excellent hunter. He aided me through much.” He gave a slight laugh as a memory came to him, “The first time I met Herion was in Esteldin. It was just before we came here to retake the city. He and I trained together just before we came here. Our friend, Taidir was one of the two that I trained with. Taidir too was lost long before we lost Herion.”

“I know of Taidir,” Ariel said. “He was my cousin. He was always a little spunky,” she laughed. “But a noble one he was. And a great fighter.” Theomin nodded as he remembered the friends he had lost. “Thank you, Theomin,” she finally said.

“What are you thanking me for?” he asked.

“I was so broken after losing Herion,” she said as life came back into her cold face. “I was so lost. Because I kept all of the pain and loss to myself, I felt so alone.” She looked at Theomin with care and respect, “You let me talk to you. You opened my heart and I let loose all that I had lost. Now I know that I need to open up about my losses. Only then can I finally find acceptance in Herion’s death.”

“I am glad I could help,” he said as he embraced her as she squeezed Theomin tightly.

She whispered again in his ear, “Thank you,” as the let go of their embrace. She wiped her face of tears that had newly run down her face as she asked. “Why have you come up here anyway? I know it was not to speak with me.”

“I actually came to find my lost lynx, Aches,” he said. “I have been searching for him since the fighting was over.”

“That little ball of fur that came and attacked Kronog?” Ariel asked. “The one that looked like a big cat?”

“Yes,” Theomin said with a little excitement. “Have you seen him?”

She looked around as she seemed to remember what had happened. “After that dragon spit fire, I saw the eagles carry some of the animals away. I know not what happened to them after that.”

“Thank you,” Thoemin said until he realized, “but they could be anywhere now.”

“Wouldn’t you check near the water?” Ariel asked. “If they were set on fire, they could have been dropped near it.”

“Of course,” he said as he felt stupid for not think of that, “The water would be the perfect place to look. Thank you,” he said as he hugged her one last time and ran to the nearest place.

He ran down the steps toward the Arient and crossed it as quickly as possible as those rangers around him hailed Theomin as he passed by. He crossed up the hill and around Clorhir as the men and women from Bree and Trestlebridge shouted a hail to Theomin. He slowed and gave a hail back at the them but could not stop himself from continuing. He ran down the slope and up toward Echad Garthadir as those from Dunland gave Theomin a hearty praise with their fists up in the air in honor of him. Theomin did the same as he put his up in honor of them. He passed Echad Garthadir and ran down the slope toward the closest bit of shore. Though he was not told outright nor was it the best bit of shore that bordered Annuminas, he was somehow pulled to that very small bit of water at the small inlet on the western portion of the city.

Among the small pebbles and small crashing waves of the lake, there was the small lynx. He layed there, not moving, dead. Theomin ran to him, tears gathered in his eyes as he could not fathom his small friend had already died but the terrible wounds told a different tale. His fir was singed off and his skin had melted from the drake’s aweful fire. Not a breathe could Theomin find in his small friend.

Theomin fell back, devastated by the loss of his beloved lynx. He picked up the lifeless body of Aches and held it in his arms. He held him tightly and pictured him in his mind as remembered his lynx. The last of his family in Eregion, he would have most likely died either at the hands of the half-orcs or by starving to death. He remembered his companion remaining with his for a long way, from Eregion until the the foot of Bree. He remembered finding his small friend in the land of the North Downs as he persued his friend of Rohan, and that was when it suddenly hit him. He substituted his friend from Rohan with the small lynx. He missed Aches, but more importantly, he missed Eotheron.

He felt horrible pain as he knew he would never see his good friend from Rohan. He placed Aches on the ground and doubled over in pain of the loss of his friend. He was the only friend he knew all his life. To never see him was a terrible reality he would need to face. “How can I return?” he asked himself as he fell to the ground, heartbroken by the loss of his friend. “How can I live without him? How could I have lost him? Why has he left me?” he asked. Tears filled his eyes as he cried and a single tear grew from his eye. It rose from the lid of his eye and formed a drop. Theomin wanted to wipe it away but cared not to move. The tear-drop formed and released from his eye and onto the small lynx. Only a moment passed as he cried more for the loss of his friend when a single jerk of Aches starteled Theomin from his sorrow. He sat back and waited for something to happen. But nothing came from it. He stood and stepped back.

A sudden memory harkened him back to his dream back in the cave. A memory of the one who aided him through the whole journey of rediscovery of who his lost skills. A memory that he had somehow lost as he battled through the cave, Bree, and into Annuminas. It was a skill of life. It was a skill that could aid those who were almost dead back to life.

With haste, Theomin grabbed his staff in both hands and raised it high above him and then struck it down on the ground. A light of a green hue grew from the waters of the lake and surrounded the small lynx. As it surrouneded him, it grew in intensity and spun around the tiny lynx and lifted it from the ground as light engulfed it and then softly allowed the lynx to descend onto the ground. It then layed there much like it did before. Dead it seemed until Theomin could see something new. The rising and falling of the Lynxe’s chest. It was alive!

Theomin placed his hand softly on the lynx’s coat as it woke. It looked at Theomin and jumped up to greet Theomin as if nothing had happened. As best it could, it wrapped its paws around Theomin as Theomin held the small lynx as tightly as he could. He hugged Aches as if it was Eotheron who had returned. Tears flowed from his eyes as he could hear himself say to the lynx, “Welome back!”