The Hills of Evendim RPG

[littlemanpoet]

Falowik helped Eodwine find clothes off the tallest guard corpse. The shirt had a hole at the heart, from the arrow that had pierced it, but it would have to do.

Next, the party found a stretcher packed away in a store-room, doubtless used by the guards to haul the leeched corpses away. They cleaned it, and placed it next to Lira, and carefully moved her onto it.

Through these things happened, Eodwine met and befriended most of the party: as well as Thoronmir, Falowik, and Falco, he met bright Lumiel, and dark and powerful Eswen, and Furman the former guard of the Master. Eodwine paid close attention to Furman at first, and decided that this one had done much to aid in his own rescue, and in the downfall of Herugor, and maybe had paid his debts at least in part. He would be given no ill treatment from Eodwine.

One other kept to herself, but Eodwine noticed her. She had made herself useful as much as she could, but she never smiled, and seemed to keep herself apart from the party as much as the others included her.

After they had carried Lira out of the fortress and walked around the hill to the car, and laid her on it, he walked over to the silent girl.

"Who is this silent beauty?"

The girl looked about her and saw no one else to whom his question could be addressed, or to whom he could refer.

"I am called Finëwen, sir." She looked up at him briefly, then looked away, as if she could not find the right thing to do with her hands; one finally came to rest on her sword hilt, the other chafed at dirt that was not there on her trousers.

"Call me Eodwine, Finëwen. The party is about to move out. Will you walk with me?"

Surprise was in her eyes. She nodded, and they began to follow the wagon. Eodwine asked her how she had become involved in the adventure, and through fits and starts of slow speech, over the course of many hours, he had her story from her, and began to relate his own.

[littlemanpoet]

Uien blinked and sighed. She looked about her. The wet rag lay limp and crushed in her hand. Gorby and Anson watched her with wide eyes, full of worry. She smiled briefly.

"They have saved Eodwine, and the Master is no more."

Their jaws dropped, then they grinned, got up, and did a little Hobbit jig arm in arm before sitting down. Anson was first to speak.

"Then why are you yet sad, Uien? Is Falowik dead?"

She smiled again. "No. Falowik has survived. All but one have survived. Lira is dead." With mention of her name, tears flowed again from Uien's eyes. "I am sorry." Uien reached out and smoothed the hair on both the Hobbits' heads, for they were wiping their eyes. Lira had been their special friend, and it was only right that they should mourn.

[Esgallhugwen]

In a blur it all seemed done. The Hobbit Falco had saved the day, it wasn't the first time one of the Little Folk had done so and it surely wasn't going to be the last.

As Esgallhugwen turned to Lira a soft whisper came to her ear; Mellon, may the grace of the Valar protect and strengthen you. There eyes met for one brief moment, Eswen's still and sad, but Lira's gaze was filled with a light, she would finally be at peace.

She kissed Esgallhugwen on the brow and departed from the land of Middle- Earth to the Halls of Mandos.

They had found a stretcher in the back and gently lifted Lira onto it, they carried her out of the fortress and layed her on the cart that stood around the hill. Eswen led Morsereg up with the rest of the company.

When the large black horse saw the blonde Elf he whinnied mournfully and nuzzled her hand affectionately. Esgallhugwen sighed and pulled out the Elvish blanket from her saddle bag, the one she used to keep the wolf cub warm.

In a ceremonial manner she laid it down across her friend, the grey clouds that were once black drifted away and a beam of sunlight broke through making the silver and gold thread sewn into the blanket glisten.

The dark haired Elf mounted her horse and followed behind the wagon. Esgallhugwen barely spoke and had only done so when she introduced herself to Eodwine as politely as she good despite the pain that was eating away at her.

The loss of another one she cared about was almost to much to bear, ever since their first meeting at the Green Dragon Inn, Lira had been so kind despite Esgallhugwen's apparent unfriendliness.

She had tried so hard to heal the wounds within me, she believed that I still had goodness, she believed in the goodness of everything and everyone.

Esgallhugwen looked ahead of her but her eyes began to cloud.

Yes mellon, and now she can rest from all her toils, away from the pain that you feel you caused, but that is not so, be glad and cherish that memory of companionship, hold dear the fact that there is still hope for you!

There is still hope for me in any of this?

Of course, there is much you have yet to accomplish, do not be burdened by false guilt, remember the words of Lira.

She lowered her head and clenched her eyes, crystaline tears fell down her pale cheeks. Her grey eyes looked up to the clearing sky, a rainbow could be seen stretching across the hills.

The voice at first was low and barely audible except to Lumiel, then it began to grow first slowly, gaining strength. It soared over the hills like an eagle or a swan.

The voice was haunting and beautiful, singing in the Elvish tongue:

A Lament for Lira

~*~

Nairë an Lira

Lira Nen yassen si lei nórë?
Là andavë sé Eryn Lasgalen var vanima Ithilien
Lei dolce óma nira là na hlarë sé questi nórë ata

Mi ormë rauma mandë denominato lei
Ai! Quello lei hroa era rácina sé quello úro nómë
Quello lei Fëa era incarcerato mi ungo
Sé i mórnië i carnë rauco é venuto mal lei sfidato a lui

A! Elbereth Gilthoniel!
silvren penna miriel
o menel aglar elenath,
Gilthoniel, A! Elbereth!

Lei órë era silmë ar isilmë
Lei rinunciato ambar quando àra ortanë

Ràsa chiamate, ninquë falassë a laica campi
Tinda a laurë fiori ondeggiamento mi ëar hwesta
Lindo lindë di lúcë

Mai fare lei mírë hen na vaxë lacrimenen
Lei fare nyényë lá lillor nyérë sé firima nórë
Lá lil fare lei sentire i nwalya di anqualë

Sérë sé sacro Aman, melda Lira
Sérë si oallo i móta di Endor
Mi nórë di oira lómë

[Imladris]

Lira dead. But...but...she was an elf. She could not die...elves did not die. They were quick, swift with their arm and keen of eye. No, no...it could not be true. I brought my eyes to Uien's face and I said, "How did she die?"

"She fell, from the roof. Whether by strange magic or by accident the roof caved and she broke her neck upon the stone floor." Uien brow wrinkled and a silent tear slipped from her eye.

Not only had Lira died she had died by freak accident. I shook my head. It did not end like this. If she had died she should have died in glory and splendor, by either throwing herself in front of an arrow to save another or in combat. That was how it always ended in the tales.

But tales always lied to you. I kicked at a stone and watched it trip across the uneven surface of the grounds. But wait...hadn't King Theoden of Rohan died from an accident as well? I thought. Killed by his own horse, wasn't he? Pity...why did so many brave men have to die in such a...a...an awful way? It wasn't right...they deserved better.

Truth be told, they deserved to live, but if they had to die could they not have died killing their enemies? Why did they have to die by accidents?

And Lira...she was so ugly in a darling way. Her voice -- that beautiful, water like voice that could cheer me up and comfort me on the dark nights. Gone. All gone.

I buried my head in my arms and sobbed.

[littlemanpoet]

The wagon passed through the parted doors of the north gate of the settlement. The way was lined three deep with onlookers, eager to see who returned, and with what news. Uien's words had traveled quickly across the settlement, and those gathered craned their necks to see if what she had said was so.

Furman drove the wagon. His head was held high and his eyes were clear of shame. His words had proven true, and through his aid, Herugor had been defeated, his evil ended, and the prisoners set free.

Eodwine sat next to him, beaming to see the familiar faces of the friends he had made among the freed men in the settlement. A hue and cry of welcome went up as he waved to them.

Falco stood behind Eodwine, his hand resting on the man's shoulder, so that he could see all the hubbub, as he had put it. Big people could be big trouble, but they were not so bad, for all that. Falco was beginning to like adventure. The borders of the Shire were beginning to feel close.

Behind Falco lay the body of Lira, surrounded now by wildflowers from the hills nearby, picked fresh by Lumiel, Eswen, Finëwen, and Falowik. The crowd quieted as they saw the Elven maiden's corpse, unmarked by any wound, her head propped by blankets so as not to roll where the spine had been broken.

Lumiel rode on Lira's right, and Eswen on her left. Falowik rode directly behind, riding Eodwine's chestnut charger, Fleethaf. Riding alongside him was Finëwen. Falowik looked for Uien in the crowd but did not find her. Thoronmir and Awyrgan came last.

They wagon stopped in the center of the settlement, before a pavilion that Uien had asked to be made. It was made of leather, for the hide of cattle was the best covering to be had in the hills. A bed had been made in the pavilion. Uien stood with Gorby and Anson before the pavilion.

Eswen, Lumiel, Falowik, Thoronmir, and Finëwen lifted Lira's body from the wagon, and laid her on the bed beneath the pavilion. Uien, Gorby, Anson, and Falco walked behind them, and they surrounded her. The three Elven women lifted their voices in an Elvish lament for Lira. Finëwen joined them, for she knew the words, having been raised in Rivendell. The men listened, quiet. For his part, Falowik felt that he saw a green country filled with light. He knew that Lira would be happy there.

Her body rested in the pavilion until the Elves took her away.

The crowd parted. Eodwine joined his old settlement friends, and they heard his tale. The Rangers had the tale from Thoronmir and Awyrgan. The guards who had served under Herugor had it from Furman. Lumiel and Eswen walked by the shore of the Lake and spoke together; no one heard what they said. Falco seemed much friendlier than he had in the past, and Gorby and Anson welcomed his tale, and had to cajole his own heroics out of him, and slapped him on the back when they learned that it was his knife that had cut the Master. Finëwen sat outside the immediate crowd gathered around Eodwine, and seemed willing to listen.

Uien and Falowik walked to the Lake's shore and passed by Lumiel and Eswen. Eswen's wolf cub came by to sniff their hands, then returned to her as the two kept walking. They walked until the sun set, then walked back again.

The pavilion was left unguarded, except by a crow who perched on the strongest pole. Its voice sounded almost human when it cawed.

[littlemanpoet]

When they came through the gate, Falowik searched the crowd. She was not there. He smiled at the cheering crowd. When they quieted in respect for Lira, Falowik allowed his expression to come more in line with the sombreness that had been with him since the day had begun. Looking ahead, he saw the pavilion that had been erected.

Uien was standing there, his lodestone. He would never try to explain what that meant to any but her. It was not that he felt such a strong love for her, though that was true. Whatever place she was in, that place was the magnet of his life. It could not be explained, it simply was.

When they stopped, his eyes were on her alone, even as he dismounted. Hers were on him, and there was relief in her eyes. He helped to carry and lay Lira's body on the bed in the pavilion. Then they stood there, and Falowik's heart was slain by the beauty of the lament the women sang. He thought of all the things he remembered of Lira, for the song seemed to draw the memories from the depths of his mind. She had been a good friend, uncomplaining and loyal, and had fought for the cause even beyond her death. Lira would forever hold an honored place in his memory. Farewell, friend. May it be well with you in that far country.

The song was ended. The crowd dispersed. Uien remained standing, looking upon the form of Lira in repose, beautiful now in her final sleep. Falowik came to Uien's side and waited. At last she took his hand in hers, and they walked beyond the settlement gate and to the shore of the Lake, waving to Lumiel and Eswen as the sun lowered toward the horizon of the Hills to the west of Lake Evendim. They walked for a long time and spoke little. Falowik was at peace, his heart full with Uien walking beside him.

They stopped at last far down the lakeshore as the stars appeared.

"Where shall we go now, fair one?"

She looked at him, her eyes large and luminous, reflecting the light of the brightening stars.

"I have thought of accompanying the Elves as they return Lira's body to Eryn Lasgalen, but the passes of Ered Mithrin are an evil to me, and I would not go that way again, Lauréatan."

"I do not care where we go, as long as we go together."

Uien smiled. "That is as I would have it, my love."

He took her in his arms and they watched the stars for a long time, exchanging few words before they started back to the settlement.

[Imladris]

Anson beside me, I looked at Lira as she layed upon the bed in the pavilion. I looked at the wreath of wild flowers in my hand and I set them on Lira's cold, white brow: a crown for her unseemly face.

The lament was sad behond words, revealing forgotten memories. I could feel the tears trickle down my cheeks as I remembered her kind forgiveness when I hesitated at the first attack, I remembered every smile, every delightful word that fell from her lips, her beautiful voice that sounded like rushing water. It did not seem fair that she should have died. She was such a beautiful elven lady who lived in a forest...at least, that's what I think she said.

When the song had finished -- though it still sung in my ears, like the lingering scent of rain after a shower, I leaned over the bed, and I took Lira's hand and stroked it. I traced her scar upon her face, and whispered, "Goodbye, Lira." Then I leaned over and kissed her on her smooth forehead.

[Elora]

The day she had longed for, through night and day, joy and turmoil, had come and it was both sweet and solemn. Uien's heart was filled with many things, some difficult to name. Lira's passing was at first a sudden and bitter blow. Yet Uien still held a belief common amongst her kindred. Whilst the event that brought Death could be a terror, a horror beyond all imagining, Death itself was freedom for a while from the troubles of mortal lands. Lira would come, bound ever to the Circles of Arda by Illúvator to that from which the Elves were shaped, to peace in Mandos' Halls beyond the westward seas. For Lira, peace was a treasure she had precious little of here in mortal lands. It was a hard won boon, but a gift nonetheless and Uien's sadness stemmed from the sorrow of those around her and a sense of absence left by her passing into the Halls.

Yet her heart was not full only with such sadness. Uien's heart was filled with many bright things. The one who lit her thoughts and soul so stood with her again. She could not deny that a cold fear had stalked her that never would it be so. That always would she feel that absence, deep within her very being, a loss that not even Mandos' Halls nor the hallowed hill of Tirion or the jewelled shores of Alqualönde could assuage. Gone was the chill, banished with Falowik's words, presence, arms around her. Uien had not the gift of foresight. But hope was alive in her again and whatever the future held, she could face it gladly.

As they walked beneath the deepening twilight, a smile curved Uien's lips and her mind skipped, wandering at what would come. Where would they call home? The answer to that shone bright, already written upon her soul. Home, wherever it would be, was always in Falowik. She looked sideways, studying him through her lashes. He was quiet, wrapped in his own thoughts just as his hand was twined about her own. Soon they would come back to the others. Already the party would be preparing to set out, and they would want to know if any would accompany those escorting Lira to Eryn Lasgalen. Could she dare Ered Mithrin?

The name had lost some its dark power, a great deal, but not all. What if ruin again lay there? Yet deep within her a voice sounded asking a different question. How was to embrace the future with the man she so loved if she remained so enslaved to the past? Surely ruin lay in that. As the settlement came back within bow shot, Uien slowed and took a deep breath. What she was about to say would be the beginning of a path difficult at first, but would not end in woe.

"Beloved Lauréatan, the road our feet walk together will be long," she began slowly, gazing up into Falowik's face. She brushed her fingers down the side of his jaw and smiled. "That I do not doubt. Lira followed us, you, into a perilous place. She did so willingly, and proved to be a companion true and noble. If it be your wish to follow her now to Eryn Lasgalen, then by your side shall I happily be. It is you I embrace. I will remain a prisoner to dark memory no longer."

Falowik's brows rose in surprise, forehead furrowing. Never had he expected to hear her say that she would venture through Ered Mithrin.

"I will not bid you follow me there," he replied, shaking his head gently from side to side.

"I well know it, and that is why I will for my choice is to walk with you, my love, regardless of where it is that we find ourselves. Bree, Eryn Lasgalen, Ered Mithrin, Caras Galadon, the toppled ruins of Barad-Dûr. It matters not anymore."

"It doesn't," Falowik asked, mystified. Uien's smile deepened. "Nay, for I have found the only home I will ever wish for. Long have wandered seeking just that. Feckless would I be to turn away in fear now."

With that, she drew closer and rested her palms upon Falowik's chest over his heart. It's steady beat filtered through her hands and called to her own. Now was not the time to decide, and she knew that also. Falowik had only just arrived. But when it did come time to decide, she would not be the one to draw him from the path that he most wished to take. He was a man of honour, something she had seen in the very first twilight that brought him to her so many evenings ago. If he believed that it was right to escort Lira, then with him she would go. Who knew what would come then? The world was a new place, new lands, and it was theirs to make of it what they would.

[Alatariel Telemnar]

Finëwen enjoyed the time she had spent with Eodwine. It felt nice to talk to someone, for it seemed as if she had talked hardly any at all throughout the trip. She had listened intently with the group as he told his story. Her heart sank with the laments for Lira. It had been until then that she realised how much loosing her had meant to Finëwen. She did not know her well, but she had enjoyed the time she had spent around her.

Everyone seemed to have gone off by themselves or with someone else. Finëwen sighed and began to wonder what was next for her. She played around with the dirt in front of her. Journeys home seem to be always quicker than the journey to your destination. But the journey beyond the journey home seemed to be too far away. Unable to grasp. Finëwen placed her chin in her hand and stared blankly at the ground.

[littlemanpoet]

The gathering broke up and Eodwine remained sitting where he was, near the bonfire that had been built away from the buildings, halfway to the Lake. He allowed his thoughts to wander and stared at the Lake, shimmering in the moonlight, and at the fire, now lowering to a red glow among the burning embers. He looked up across from where he sat, and noticed someone sitting alone, hand in chin. He recognized Finëwen. Ever alone, it seemed. He got up and walked over to her, his steps quiet.

"Forgive me for speaking if you would rather be left alone, but I wonder what you are thinking, looking so wistful."

Finëwen had started at first, apparently unaware of his presence. Now, in the dim light of the fire, she seemed embarrassed to have been found out. Her mouth opened as she looked up at him. He waited for her to speak.

[Nurumaiel]

Anson sat alone, silent and stiff, gazing into the night. The journey was over. All that remained now was to go back home. Back home to his family, his dear family, his dear home. Where was the joy and happiness he had expected? What was this great weariness that slipped over him, engulfing him, weighing him down and crushing him into the earth? Afternoon tea... How often he had thought on that during their journey, and missed it. What a simple little thing it was, and what peace and contentment and joy it brought. No more. The simple things contained joy no more. Only a weariness.

Lira's face, pale and beautiful in death. He had stood apart from the others, not going close to her. He was afraid. It felt like the end of all things with Lira gone. He hadn't even looked at Gorby. Dear Gorby, who had stayed with him even when he longed to go with the others. Dear Gorby, what pain he must be feeling now! How much he had loved Lira. They had all loved Lira. Nobody knew how much Anson had cared for her. Elf though she was, she was as dear as a sister to him. She had been as a mother to him when his own mother had been so far away. The pain of her passing was deep. It was too deep. Life could not be lived.

He stood from where he had been sitting upon the ground and moved towards the pavilion. He slipped in gently, softly approaching the bed on which she lay. She was just as she had been before, silent, pale, and fair. She had always been fair. What peace was on her features! The wreath Gorby had placed on her head still crowned her lovely hair. He touched her hair gently, marvelling at its beauty. Tears were rushing unbidden to his eyes, tears that did not come through the songs of lament. He let them fall as he looked upon her face, and his heart burned cold with grief.

"Lira, Lira, why did you die?" he murmured through the sobs that racked his body. "I needed you to be my friend and sister all my life. My father doesn't care for me. He doesn't understand me. I always make him unhappy. But you understood me. Did I make you unhappy? But you made me so happy. You didn't think I was a fool because I was scared and timid, but you let your bravery stand as a shield for me." He sat down on the ground next to her bed in great weariness. "Oh, Lira, I have no one to protect me now."

An arm went about his shaking shoulderes; someone sat down beside him. A curly head pressed against his own and a comforting pair of eyes looked into his own. "Dear Anson, don't you know I'm going to protect you?" a voice said softly. "We've always been friends, haven't we? Lira's gone, and I know it hurts you. It hurts me too. But you aren't alone. I'll take care of you." It was Gorby, dear Gorby who had always been like an older brother, ever since they were children. Anson felt like a child again. He put his head on Gorby's shoulder and wept. How many times had Anson been the comforter to his younger brothers and sisters, and now how sweet it was to be the one comforted.

"Gorby," Anson choked through his sobs, "I wish I were dead."

"Hush, hush," said Gorby. "You don't really, Anson. Don't you want to go back to the Shire? To the green fields and the merry dancing at the inns?"

"Such things hold no joy any longer. I can never be happy again."

Gorby blinked away some tears. He understood. "It's all right, Anson," he said. "We both weep over Lira. But happiness can never be taken wholly away from us. We have our homes and families still."

"Lira was my family... she was like my sister and mother." Anson broke off and relapsed into his tears, and Gorby held him as a father would hold his little child who had woken up after a dreadful nightmare.

[littlemanpoet]

"... my choice is to walk with you, my love, regardless of where it is that we find ourselves."

"Uien, I thought that I knew what to expect, and you surprise me again!"

Falowik had no more doubts, of Uien, nor of his own heart's rede toward her. One thing alone troubled him, but it seemed a small thing now, that he was a Man and she an Elf. Either he was wrong to love her, or a great destiny followed them.

As they walked back to the settlement, arm in arm, Falowik thought about their next road.

"I think," he turned to her, "that our next road after Bree leads to the Stonebow Inn. I would that we go with Falco and Eodwine back there to greet our friends. I would go with Lira, but maybe we can catch up to them on the Eastern Road."

"You have made peace with Falco, then?"

"So it seems. His tongue may cause trouble now and again, but he has a good heart, and is very brave. He saved all of us at least twice."

"I am glad." Her smile warmed him as it always did. He bent his head down toward hers.

[Alatariel Telemnar]

'Forgive me for speaking if you would rather be left alone, but I wonder what you are thinking, looking so wistful.'

'Oh, I was just wondering what lie ahead of me after we report of your finding. I s'pose everyone will go their own ways after that. Excuse my complaining, but I see nothing for me after this,' Finëwen said. She looked down to the ground again.

After a pause she said, 'Ah, but you must have something for you after this, eh?'

[Meneltarmacil]

Thoronmir had not said much during Lira's funeral. He sat in silence by himself over in one corner, wondering where he had gone wrong, how he could have prevented her death. Awyrgan, one of his closest friends in the past few years, had also fallen in the assault, and Thoronmir was responsible for both lives. After both of the funerals were over, as he was sitting alone under the stars, he heard a voice call his name.

"Thoronmir? Why haven't you said a word to any of us since the funeral?"

He turned around to see Lumiel standing behind him. "You don't understand what this means to me. As the leader, I am responsible for both of the lives that were lost."

"There was nothing you could do, Thoronmir. None of us knew Herugor's true strength." she said.

"I shouldn't have ordered the attack through the roof. I should have known that it could collapse without warning," Thoronmir continued.

"We must still move on," replied Lumiel. "Regardless of what happened, you cannot go back and save Lira and Awyrgan. You have to let it go."

There was a long pause as Thoronmir considered this."I suppose you're right," the Ranger said at last. "I can't change what has happened. But tell Falowik I will not be returning to Bree with the others."

"Why?"

"I have been talking to the Rangers here recently. Most of their leaders are dead, and the survivors cannot stay together without someone to guide them. We had a long talk earlier, and they chose me to be their new leader. I must stay here and help rebuild what Herugor has destroyed. I cannot return to Bree with you and the others. Tell Falowik that I'm sorry."

[Imladris]

I pressed Anson tightly. I could feel his warm tears slide down my hand, and I ached for him. I rubbed my hand through his curly hair, slick with grime and grease. My own eyes smarted with tears, and I could soon feel them flow down my cheeks. I rocked Anson gently. He was my baby brother, and Lira had been like our big sister. She was the one who had stayed with us, to make sure that we did not go astray when the fighting became fierce. I wrinkled my brow. Had we ever shamed her? We were not the best fighters, Anson and I. How did she feel fleeing with us?

My lips trembled at the thought, and I pressed Anson tighter to me. Lira could not have been ashamed of us, I reasoned with myself. She could not have...she was too kind...too good...too gentle. But what if we had caused pain even a little corner of her soul? I sobbed at the thought and then wiped my nose. "Anson," I said, with a sniff, "Lira is happier where she is now, I think. Uien was sad, but she was happy, too, in a way." But that wouldn't take away the fact that she was gone. It would have been grand if she could have stayed in Bree, where I could have seen her regularly. But I suppose an elf could not have survived in such a bustling village. She had lived in a forest...a forest was where she would thrive, not in a town.

I wished that she was here, singing softly beside us; playing with Anson and I; I remembered the time we had tried to get her to smoke a bit of pipeweed -- ah, she had been so jolly; she would know how to comfort Anson. I didn't.

[Elora]

The twilight was suspended in their embrace and the passing of the stars overhead in seeming eternal dance was lost on Uien for a time. When their lips parted and Uien could hear somewhat of her whirling thoughts over her heartbeat, she realised that something had changed, shifted within her. It was a strange sensation and she did not quite understand it. Yet, she suspected she knew what it was and it sent her spirit soaring, blazing anew with life. But it was too early yet to speak of it and should she be wrong, it would cause such heartache. So Uien rested her head beneath Falowik's and contented herself for the moment with a private joy that she would share with Laurëatan when she could be certain of it. Perhaps he knew already.

Falowik looked down after a time and caught the smile still on her lips. "Are you indeed that pleased with the Shiriff." A light note of laughter fell from her. Well might Falowik ask after the smile given the nature of the rift between her and the Hobbit.

"Aye," she replied with amusement, "Well pleased indeed that he saved that which is most precious to me. Do you think I should tell him?" There was something in her question that Falowik caught. He'd seen that spark before. Uien watched him study her face for some hint of the mischief that brewed there, just beneath the surface. What harm could possibly come from her telling Falco Boffin that her quarrel with him was at an end, that she was indeed pleased with his conduct and grateful?

"I'm sure he be happy to hear it from you," Falowik replied with wondering caution. Uien laughed lightly again, no malice in it. Sheer delight.

"Yes," she agreed and finally was unable to keep her sport with the Shirrif to herself in her merriment. "And being such a worldy fellow, I'm sure he'll get to wondering what indeed would prompt me of all people to look kindly upon him." Falowik shook his head and rubbed his chin ruefully as Uien continued to smile. She relented at length and held up her palms in surrender.

"Ah, well I shall content myself instead with the knowledge that the good Shiriff has seen the truth of things. That is all I ever took umbrage with. I shall not tease him."

Deeming it safe to allow her within earshot of Falco, Falowik set off once more, arm in arm still with Uien.

"Yes, Stonebow Inn it shall be. I am sure we will be able to meet with Lira's escort after that.

"Perhaps, when all is said and done in this matter, there is something we may do," she mused. She felt Falowik's rumble of contented interest through her arm.

"Will you permit me to show you what once I called home long ago? It is not now as it once was, and yet is a place that perhaps you may like to see."

Uien fell silent after her suggestion, struck by a realisation. Lothlórien was long emptied. Caras Galadon was emptied and quiet. Yet the land retained some memory of those who so long dwelt there even though now it abided in the swift mortal stream of time. Elven and yet mortal now was her home, as too was she. Yes, that was what the change had been. Uien did not know how she came to know what it was, only that it was the final doing of her choice of path. She that was Elven now mortal, just as Lothlórien now is. Her smile returned and she was aflight once again. Such heights she could never reach into eternity, brought to her by the Man she had chosen to stand with into mortality.

[Esgallhugwen]

After Lumiel, Uien, Finëwen and Eswen had ended the lament they all seperated from the pavilion to sit by the fire or walk by the lake. Esgallhugwen and Lumiel chose to share their thoughts and reflections by Lake Evendim; the weather had calmed and dusk was approaching.

"Mellon", Lumiel said softly, "I know the loss of Lira is dark and troubling for you as it is for us all, but is there something else burdening you?"

Esgallhugwen looked up at the darkening hills wet from the rain "I cannot help but feel as if her death was my doing, when I heard that this journey needed members for a company I urged her to go with me, so that we may learn more of each other to strengthen the bonds of our frienship. She tried to help me, to relieve the evil memories within me and I brought doom upon her. Now she lies dead in that pavilion awaiting burial", her gaze returned to Lumiel.

Lumiel smiled gently "You forget Eswen, it was Lira's choosing whether to go with you or whether to stay behind, she chose her path; you must accept that she is gone".

Esgallhugwen nodded, she knew Lira would be at peace in Valinor.

The sun was below the horizon, only a faint glow remained; Lumiel left Eswen to her thoughts and returned to the camp. With the wolf cub at her side she sat down by the lake and gazed into the dark waters lapping at the shore.

[Nurumaiel]

Anson slowly ceased to weep and became as pale and silent as the stars that shone down on him. Always before the stars had been warm and twinkling and merry. Now they were so cold and distant, so rigid...

He got to his feet, and Gorby followed his example. Anson touched Lira's cheek, then one of the flowers on the wreath. He stood indescisive for a moment, and then he gently took one of the flowers from her hair. He drew in its sweet scent and gazed thoughtfully at it. "What a sweet flower," he murmured. "'Tis a pity it will fade... not like Lira. She was a flower, sweeter-scented than any, but she cannot fade." He put the little flower into his breast-pocket and put his hand over it, holding the flower close to him. "May you ever blossom in my heart, Lira," he said quietly. A little smile flickered across his face. "But you can't do anything about it. I'll make you bloom forth, whether you desire to or not." The smiled disappeared; his lower lip trembled, but he drew a deep shuddering breath and kept his composure. Stooping down, he pressed his lips to her hair. "Goodbye, Lira."

He stepped back. Gorby did nothing but take his hand in a comforting way. Anson stood there, gazing upon the beautiful face for a moment more before he turned to Gorby. "Come, let's go by the fire," he said. "I'm cold and tired. I would like some sleep. I think we shall say farewell to Lira once more before we return to our Shire." They left the pavilion together, still holding hands. They were yet the old playmates they had been, but a new bond was between them, a deeper bond. Anson recalled it with a brief smile and, gripping Gorby's hand tightly, murmured, "Dear friend and brother of mine, thank you."

[littlemanpoet]

"Ah, but you must have something for you after this, eh?" Finëwen asked Eodwine.

"May I?" he asked, gesturing to the seat beside her. She nodded and he sat. "I am a messenger to the King of Rohan. I shall return to Edoras and give King Eomer news of what has happened here. Then the King shall give me a new task. That is all. Before that, I will stop at Bree, and then the Stonebow Inn, and celebrate the fall of Herugor with those who will be happy to hear such news. But that is all."

"That seems much to me!" Finëwen said.

"Not as much as there was once, fifteen long years ago. I lost my wife and children in the War. I have made what I could of my lot since then, but I - I miss them." Eodwine's fists clenched. "As much today as I did fifteen years ago."

"I am sorry."

Eodwine smiled. "Thank you." His brow creased. "But you see nothing for yourself? Then come with me to Rohan. As a friend. Have you ever been there?"

[Alatariel Telemnar]

'But you see nothing for yourself? Then come with me to Rohan. As a friend. Have you ever been there?'

'No, I haven't. But I'd love to go. And now the opportunity is upon me, so I shall go with you, as a friend,' Finëwen said. She was not sure what to think. She now knew what she was doing after they finished their task. But if anything was there for her in Rohan, she was not certain.

[littlemanpoet]

"No, I have not. But I would love to go. And now the chance is upon me, so I shall go with you, as a friend."

Eodwine smiled and rose, and Finëwen followed suit. He extended his hand.

"I will be honored to have your friendship on the road, Finëwen."

She took his hand in hers and they shook.

Eodwine's eyes left hers to look at a couple coming in through the south gate. "Someone comes that I would speak to. I bid you good night, Finëwen."

"Good night, Eodwine of Rohan."

She left him and walked to the bunk house in which she had made her bed. Eodwine waved at the couple.

Falowik waved back.

"Eodwine greets us," he said to Uien.

"Give him greeting for me. I would go and speak to Eswen and Lumiel."

"Good night, my fair one."

Smiling, she reached up and traced the line of his jaw, stepped to him, and kissed him once. "Good night, Lauréatan." Her eyes were filled with the light of the stars, and Falowik felt the world shift as she walked away, taking his heart with her, remaining with her at the core of the world. He would never speak of such things to anyone, for they would think him moonstruck. And this was not far off, for he thought that he had been struck, not by the moon but by the love of an Elven woman, who was his Valinor, if such a thing could be.

When she disappeared from view, a hundred paces away, passing into one of the bunk houses, he turned and walked up to Eodwine. They greeted each other and sat by the fire.

"I see, friend Falowik, how you look at the one called Uien."

"Aye. I cannot help myself, nor care to." He grinned.

"It is a fine thing! It was so for me once, years ago."

"I would hear of it if you care to talk of it."

Eodwine shook his head, smiling ruefully. "Maybe another time, for I think our paths run together for a while yet. But tell me how you came to know of Uien."

Falowik related the tale of the night and following day when Uien had begun as a stranger and become so quickly the holder of his heart.

"But one thing troubles me, Eodwine. I have heard the tales of Beren and Luthien, and now lately of Elessar and Arwen, and for a man to love an Elven woman is a high thing, too high for me! She has told me that she has given her heart to me, which whelms me like a great flood! But I cannot hold her to it. It is not right of me to hold her love, and for her to lose me some day to death, and to live in grief for the rest of her days, which may not have an end for thousands of years!"

"My friend," said Eodwine, "it is well that you think of her fate in this, but there is one thing that you may not know, having lived in the wilds for so many years. The Third Age of the world is over. The fate of the Elves is changed. Those who have chosen not to cross over the sea, have turned from the hope of Valinor in the west, and have married their fate to Middle Earth. The old Law that forbade union of Man to Elf is passed."

"That the Law no more forbids it does not make it a good thing."

"No, you are right. But there is more. As I have heard it from the wise in Gondor, and from Elves who remain, those Elves who remain in Middle Earth will join more and more with wood and leaf and field and lake, and become ever more like them. Some few may join with humans, and become ever more like us. So it seems that you may love Uien freely, and that both of you will become more like the other. Who knows? Maybe you shall have longer years because of it, but that is just a guess."

"I will not hope for it. But if Uien knows this, and has married her fate to me, then I will not deny her the choice she has made, for I do love her and would spend the rest of my days with her."

"Then love her well, my friend."

[Elora]

Uien found Eswen and Lumiel in short order, but not before lamenting the momentary departure of Falowik and turning back to gaze at his golden form in the deepening night as he spoke with Eodwine. Bright did the flame within her burn, and she would have it no other way. She found Lumiel with the wolf cub, stroking its fur. She joined the Elf quietly, slipping in to sit beside her and for a moment there was silence. Lumiel discreetly studied the other's mien and wondered what had happened to illuminate Uien's eyes and features so on this day. She wondered, but in the way of her kin, made no direct approach on it. Uien would speak of it in her own time. Instead, Lumiel continued to pet the cub which was nosing Uien's hand hopefully. Uien felt it's wet nose move lightly over her palm and she smiled softly at the cub.

"Alas, I have nothing for you to eat, but that can be easily repaired," she said with fondness as she ordered her thoughts. She looked in time at Lumiel and found her already studying her.

"Where is Eswen," Uien asked first. She worried most after Lira's faithful close friend and sadness could break a spirit beneath its burden if allowed to.

"She is taking in the evening stars," Lumiel replied and Uien nodded. "I will look in on her soon," Uien replied. There was little a healer could do, but perhaps a friend could ease some of the pain, perhaps solitude. Uien could not say until she spoke with Eswen herself and the healer in her was determined to guage at least that much.

"We will depart soon to take Lira home," Lumiel said, her hand on the wolf's pelt slowing. Uien nodded, gathered her breath and broke the quiet interlude. "I, we would accompany you if we may."

"We?"
"Falowik and I... we would both see Lira safely returned to her home in these lands if we may." Lumiel smiled and nodded. "I would be glad your presence, you and Falowik both," she said with a deepening smile. Uien inclined her head and resumed patting the cub, who was studying each Elf in turn with liquid dark eyes.

"We needs must put in at the Stonebow Inn. Once there, Falowik and I can catch you up on the East Road." Lumiel smiled anew. "Aye, that seems well... ," she paused a moment and considered something before resuming speaking. "Yes, well enough indeed."

Uien settled back and a companionable silence fell over the pair. After a long moment, Uien slowly rose, dusting off her skirts. "I will speak with Eswen and tell her of our intentions." Lumiel nodded and watched the other walk into the night with a curious face. Something was afoot with Uien and Falowik, and it was writ through Uien's gaze and shimmered in her smile whenever she spoke his name or thought of him.

Uien did not have to walk for long until she found Eswen. The Elf was wrapped about in the fresh sharp pain of loss that Uien could sense. Loss and something else. Recrimination... self blame? Uien's heart panged with lament and her mind was troubled. Grief could be a terrible bane for her kindred...

"Eswen," she called in quiet voice so as not to startle the other woman. Eswen barely moved in the darkness. Uien edged closer, stood a moment considering and decided to seat herself next to Eswen.

"Lira will be glad of her homecoming with you escorting her back to her people," Uien said gently. Eswen sighed, a deep sound that shivered up from the depth of her soul, and turned her face to Uien. Grief was stamped deeply upon her features and Uien fell silent. She knew that grief, the darkness that could envelope mind and spirit, an eternally cold maw of black despair. She reached and brushed Eswen's hand with her finger tips to draw her thoughts into the present for the moment.

"You can find Lira again, Eswen, beyond the Seas. But not if you go that way. There is no return from that dark void, mellon." There was a note in Uien's voice that hinted at experience. Eswen shook her head.

"I know it... yet..."
"The knowing does not ease the grief." Uien finished. Eswen nodded and silence fell once more for a moment.
"Then perhaps knowing that now Lira graces the once well-kept and well-ordered Halls of Mandos, breathing new life into that hallowed place..." Uien suggested.
After a delay, Eswen added, "And turning all onto it's ear in her own fashion," with an aching fondness that drew a bittersweet smile to both their faces.

"Yes," Uien agreed. "Lira was a force unto herself. May her memory and spirit remain so."

"You could sooner turn the wind than change Lira's nature," Eswen observed. Uien fell silent, recalling the moment Lira turned her recollections, her memories on their heads and woken a new hope within her. Such kindess, valour and compassion. It was those qualities that rendered her more beautiful than any Elf Queen that Uien had beheld. Valinor would receive her in honour.

"Eswen, will you grant Falowik and I the honour and grace of accompanying Lira to her home?" Eswen paused and turned to look closely at Uien.

"That would mean passing through..."

"Yes," Uien quickly said, unsurprised that Lira had spoken to her friend of Uien's fateful disaster upon the mountain passes, though perhaps neither knew the full extent of that woe. "Yes, it does. Will you have us?"

Eswen sensed the tension in Uien's voice and wondered at that. "Lira would be glad of your company," she replied. Uien nodded, "Then we shall meet you upon the East Road. We first must make for Stonebow Inn and then Bree to report on events." Eswen touched her hand to Uien as the woman rose to give Eswen some calm solitude.

"Thank you, Uien. Thank you both." Uien smiled down to Eswen and slowly turned back for the camp. It was done. She and Falowik would set out together, and meet with Lira's escort on the Road. There was something else she had yet to do, but that needed to wait until Lauréatan knew the truth of the path she had chosen. She would only reveal to others, including her friends and kindred what he himself knew and accepted. But Uien could do nothing to concel the turn of her heart and soul, and the flight her spirit soared in whenever thought of Falowik came to her, and that was frequently. She walked back to camp with a serene smile that glowed in the evening.

[littlemanpoet]

In the morning, Lira's body was gone. It was Anson who discovered it. He raised the alarm and soon a crowd was mingling and mulling around the pavilion.

Uien came and told them that Eswen and Lumiel had taken Lira away in the night, and were bringing her body to the home of her folk in Eryn Lasgalen. It was a matter for the Elves now.

Some of the people grumbled, but Anson and Gorby and those who knew Lira best seemed to take it best, so the rest of them subsided.

Thoronmir approached Falowik accompanied by a crusty man who identified himself as Margeled, chief builder for King Elessar. It seemed that they did not wish to return to Bree, but were determined to stay and carry out their original duties as expressed by the King. They would stay and clear the ruins of Annuminas and Fornost, and lay plans to build new abodes in both places for the King. The fields were ripe with grain, and since the King had sent four different contingents of builders, and since Herugor had employed them in farming for the last four years, they decided that they could split duties amongst themselves between building and farming, and make up for lost time, and so have Annuminas ready for the King when he came. And Thoronmir and the Rangers would protect them

Eodwine offered to report to King Eomer and King Elessar for them. So that matter was decided, and the only people who were going to return to Bree would be Falowik, Uien, Eodwine, Finëwen, Gorby, Anson, and Falco.

The seven left the settlement just before noon.

Three days later, as the sun was setting, the seven remaining members gave their horses to the care of Nob at The Prancing Pony. As they entered the Great Room, many eyes turned toward them in curiosity. Doderic rose from his seat, counting their number. His face fell at their diminished number, for he assumed the worst, even as he was relieved to see Gorby and Anson safely returned. Falco quickly set Doderic straight on the reason for their shrunken numbers.

Barliman Butterbur came out, having his ear to the ground, as they say, concerning the goings on in his Great Room, had to hear the entire story as related by Falowik, with additions by Gorby and Anson, and by Falco, who to Doderic's surprise, was quite humble about his own accomplishments. But Falowik made sure that all there knew what Falco had done to save them all, time and again. Then the Hall became silent as Eodwine related his own time and the final night of his imprisonment in the clutches of Herugor. When his tale was finished, the Hall erupted in cheers, and Barliman, against his better judgment, gave one round to all on the house. Word spread out into the street, and in minutes the Great Hall was filled twice as full as it had been, and old Butterbur swore never again.

In the following morning, the seven companions left Bree and road at an easy pace to the Stonebow Inn, where they arrived while the sun was still yet in the mid afternoon sky. There was a reunion to remember.

Here ends the tale of the Hills of Evendim. This epilogue may expand over the next week or so, but only to account for the opinions of certain Hobbit gentlefolk and assorted Big People. If you would learn more regarding the doings of Falowik and Uien, of Eodwine and Finëwen, of Falco Boffin, and Gorby Brandybuck, and of Anson, you will have to look to The Green Dragon Inn, which by the magic of certain Maiar known as Moderators, is somehow, one and the same as the Stonebow.

And from here, the road goes ever on and on.

[piosenniel]

~*~ To Elvenhome ~*~