The night was bright over the ruins of Echad Mirobel due to the sky being clear. The stars shone down upon the remnants of the past casting eerie shadows to those who watched through the darkness.
Hiril Elisbeth had arrived earlier in the evening and I now watched as she studied the book before her, its ancient pages cast a glow upon her fine features. Was there an enchantment at work or mere playful reflections of the fire I could not tell? But old beyond my years I knew the book to be.
I sat opposite the fire with a smile upon my face, for despite the task at hand it was good to be away from the social graces which are needed to dwell in Imladris for a fare time. I longed to remember that which is lost feeling often like a child at social gatherings.
I recall the words of Elladan.
“Khalis, know that for everything that is lost or weakened another is gained or strengthened. Everything is always in balance.”
He had paused at that stage looking very concerned for his long standing friend.
“Your loyalty to my father is steadfast and is never questioned, your strength is battle has never wavered and upon the training grounds of Imladris you have been bested only once”
A broad smile had come to the young lords face then, you could almost say there was a laugh waiting to escape but perhaps it was not the right time to let it out.
“I wonder if you have ever come to terms with the fact she beat you when our finest could not?”
Looking serious once more.
“In time I hope that your past beyond the many battles returns to you, but know that it is maethors that Imladris needs now more than musicians and dancers. Once the shadow which is looming is cast asunder by the radiance of the light I hope that you will be content to find a wife and enjoy a life unknown to you.”
My mind drifted from that time to the present, it was my turn to take watch. I had offered to stand watch for a time in return for the camps hospitality. There was no need to I knew I knew for a maethor of my rank and standing but I had always found it helped me connect with the other maethor on a different level. I collected up my shield and strode out of the warmth of the firelight into the shadows my eyes quickly adjusting to the lower light levels.
As the hours ticked by, my left hand atop the pommel of the sword from Beleriand I had carried for so long, I paused a moment to glance back at the sleeping form of Hiril Elisbeth. The stars blinked above so did perhaps the jewel atop the pommel to the most observant of observers. A soft voice came to my thoughts in song.......
There's an ancient bond between us no one can deny
Like silken threads it holds us fast
It's unbreakable
It gives us hope enough to hold back the fears
There is strength enough to face these years
The memories hold us true
There's an ancient bond between me and you
Between me and you
There's an unyielding bond between us no one can replace
When I call your name I can sense you are here
Always at my side
There's an ancient bond between us which never can be forsworn
Like silken thread it holds us fast forever
It’s intangible
Deep in my heart, my mind it guides us true
When I hear your song, it rallies my spirit
A looming covenant
