2: ACROSS THE PLAINS OF AZANULBIZAR

Some time has passed since the ghostwalker rose from his healing rest. He had barely touched the food before him. Looking up at the healer he vanishes. Once again he is faced with the same spirits surrounding him again. He looks to each one and gets the feeling that he knew them at one time. The spirits once again speak with one voice. "You must return to the living, ghostwalker."

"But I have questions. Questions that I believe only you can answer."

"You would be right. We can answer all of your questions. But ask them quickly for your time here must be limited."

"Fine. Who was I?"

"You first lived over 100 years ago as a warrior of honor. Your fate, however, was sealed on the field of battle and your destiny began."

"My destiny?" Jack was slightly confused by this. As their tale continued the memory of that time began to come back to him slowly. He could now remember his battle with the orcs that had ended with him taking a fatal blow to the abdomen.

"Your destiny is to fulfill the prophecy. You are he who walks the line between life and death. You bring justice to those who escape it and compassion to those who suffer. Your time here is up, ghostwalker. Go now before your memory begins to fade."

When they uttered those words it was like a floodgate had been opened. Finally Jack was beginning to understand what had been happening to him. He crossed again only to find himself no longer in the clinic. He was now staring into a stream of crystal clear water.

Galadrial seemed to float and stand behind Brianna, as she stared into the pool. Softly her voice filled Brianna's mind. "You see what your heart desires. Do not let your heart be filled with sorrow, what you see and desire may yet come to be. There are many that must join your quest before the task is done. Stray but a little from the path that is set before and all may yet be lost." Then as with the lifting of a morning mist Galadrial's presence vanished and Brianna once more saw the rippeling of the waters and the Ghost Walker's image appeared in the pool.


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Lac, while stil holding Sinjin's hand looked from her face to Tiphereth and spoke. "Yes join us Tephereth, I wish your counsel. I wish to know if you are rested and your strength renewed. For I feel it is time we depart these lands and continue our journey to Oron_D_Narr. I sense the enemy goes stronger and closer with each passing day. Even now there are peoples enslaved and lands falling into darkness. We have stayed long enough amongst these fair folk. I have learned much in council with Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadrial. Haldir and his captains have given me much intelligence as to the commings goings along their borders and beyond."

Brianna listened intently to what Galadrial said to her, taking her words to heart for she felt how wise the lady elf was. She looked back down into the pool, looking longingly at the man who held her affections and did not even know it. When she saw the GhostWalker's image, her brows furrowed in confusion.

~Why am I seeing Jack? He is not the one I desire.~

Brianna is now thoroughly confused. Looking up, she sees Jack standing not far from her. Looking back down into the pool, his image is still there in the still waters. She looks back up again, and his corpeal form is still there, not far from the bridge.

Rising, she walks over to him, laying a gentle hand on his shoulder as he looks as if he's been through a gauntlet.

"Jack, are you alright? Come, sit down over here." She leads him over to a white sitting bench, next to a crystal clear, small waterfall. "What is it? What is wrong?"

Jack had been lost in thought when Brianna approached him. Somewhere within himself the secrets of his past were locked away. All he had to do was find the key to unlocking those memories. If he was truly as old as the spirits said then there had to be more. What had he done from the time of his last memory and now? Where had he been and why couldn't he remember? Jack jumps a bit as Brianna places her hand on his shoulder but smiles a bit when he realizes that it is her. "Brianna. Good to see you." He follows her to the bench then takes a seat, sighing at her questions. Where should he begin? "I'm not quite sure how to tell you this but according to my spirit guides I am much older than I appear. If that is the case then I have many memories that I cannot account for. There is a very large gap in my mind. Other than that, there is absolutely nothing wrong."

Tiphereth admiring the beautiful scene surrounding the two lovers stood transfixed by the all encompassing romance before him. Then Lac's welcoming voice pulled him from his trance and the Phaerie's demeanor transformed from that of an insecure child to that of a sure an experienced warrior. He skipped along the stones in the pale light, his from reflected beneath him in the shimmering waters as he leapt to the bridge in a series of four graceful bounds.

The Phaerie nodded to Jin then bowed humbly before his Lord, and heard his words.

"I agree, Lac'Nala." Agreed Tiphereth as his black eyes, darkened in the pale light turned and looked to the west. "We have lingered here long enough. What strength, this world allows me to retain yet holds but as I do not know for how long, I too am anxious to resume our trek to your lands. I have seen that we have lost a trusted member and yet with his departure have gained yet another strong Dwarven arm. At your command I shall prepare to depart."

Brianna didn't know what to say to him or how to respond in any way to this information. She sat next to him, thinking on this. Finally she looked to him, smiling.

"Well, I would have to say that eventually you will remember, you will just have to be patient, as hard as that may be. There is nothing else you can do that I can think of. Maybe Gladriel can help you. Have you thought about speaking to her?"

She kept looking at him, wondering why she saw him in the pool of water right after she saw the one who holds her affections. What did it all mean? Maybe she too, should speak to Lady Gladriel.

Smiling, Jin nodded in return to Tiphereth when he joined her and Lac on the bridge. As she listened to them talk of leaving, she knew it was indeed time to go but felt a sense of disappointment they were leaving already. This place had bought her some sense of peace. While there were still many questions she had that still needed answering, she accepted the fact that what ever the future held, she would find it with Lac and the others. If she lived that long. Knowing there was much they needed to prepare to leave, Jin looked to both Tiphereth and Lac.

”There is much we have to do before we leave here. While our hosts have been most generous, we still need to replenish our water skins and food supplies. You should leave at first light of dawn tomorrow. The horde will not be fooled much longer and I fear they already have a feeling they have been fooled and will head back this way again. The more distance we put between them and ourselves, the better. But it is not just the horde we must be wary of. Verin’s power grows stronger each day he is in this Dark Lords presence and I fear I will be like a beacon to his insane evil. I will leave tonight so I no longer pose a threat to these peoples.”

Turning to look at Lac, her eyes gave a longing look to him.

”I would love to travel from here with you, but to stay merely increases the danger. I will meet up with you once you all have well cleared the Golden Woods. I will signal you the way I did at our first encounter with each other. You will know it is me then.”

Once more Jin felt her emotions storming within her. There was something more she wished to say but exactly what, she didn’t know how. Instead, she turned her attention to the clear, flowing water beneath the bridge as she slowly released Lac’s hand, turning her back on him. It was better to remain silent if she didn’t know how to say things. That way she wouldn’t convey the wrong message and risk causing hard feelings with her lack of such knowledge.

Lac grasped Ssinjin's hands and said "Yisevsae wenev wynimlinlir saypalevalkar faeuthayruntayhamethrun orfor tirhileldasorest taehalistinorglinsil. Yidosuthay minuthsirtyn tilarthkaretha curaerilelda orfin yiroruthayrunsataevalayfay, perlirethaartsayeld. Welelda saehinastralorlae moreldeldatin astrityn tarhireld nirossarentaehirestaraenor ethdilguletha othfor Laeortynhillinosraeistaestnay belyil tilhameva rininavalkestaren. Imnar tirwilol delarthyorsar taeisamorelda. ( Translation: Yes we will speak further of these things. You must take care of yourself, please. We shall meet at the northern edge of Lothlorien by the river. In two days time.

Lac then turned to Tiphereth and said "Go and prepare, we leave this day at dusk. Inform the others, please. I must seek council with Galadriel before we part." They then went their seperate ways.

Jin let her fingers curl around Lac’s hands. His words touched her and she nodded once more before reluctantly leaving him once more. Remembering Galadriel’s request, she found an Elf nearby and requested his escort back to her quarters. While he seemed reluctant at first, he nodded and made sure he remained close, but not too close. When she reached her quarters, Jin gave the escort a genuine smile and thanked him for his assistance. To her surprise he smiled in return and inclined his head respectfully.

”It was my pleasure.”

The man turned on his heel and headed back the way he came leaving Jin in her quarters alone once more. Closing the door, she looked around the comfortable sanctuary she’d been given and sighed dejectedly. One day she would be able to enjoy such luxury but for now, she had a mission to complete.

Walking to the bedroom, she changed her clothes and gathered the other clothes that were in the wardrobe. Laying them on the bed folded carefully, she walked to the mirror of the vanity and sat down before it. She had taken the time to unbraid the spider web like design she had braided in her hair and now, she took the time to re-braid some strands of her hair into the spider web design once more. Finishing the process by connecting a thin braid from each side of her hair in a soft loop that made it look like a necklace, she was finally satisfied.

Now all she had to do was wait for the sun to start making its final descent in the sky and she could leave. And waiting was never one of Jin’s strong points.

The sound of the guard coming to attention could be heard from outside Ssinjin’s door. A soft knock followed and the door slowly opened. Galadriel walked softly in, smiled and said .... “Word has come to me that you will be leaving our land soon, before you go I have something for you.” .... Galadriel then gentley took Ssinjin’s hand and raised it, placing an amulet of an Elven leaf of emerald resting on a spider web of fine threaded crystal on a mithrial chain in Ssinjin’s open palm "Please accept this humble gift symbolizing the uniting of our two Elven peoples …….This will give you safe passage throughout Elfindom. Should you ever need our help or a place to stay, do not forget this room is yours. …… Now go in peace Priestess Ssinjin with our hopes and prayers for your safe journey and the peace and happiness you both deserve and crave.” Galadriel then leaned forward and kissed Ssinjin on the forehead giving Ssinjin her blessing. Galadriel then said “Your guard and a company of our warriors will escort you safely to our northern borders. " Galadriel then turned and walked quietly towards the door. She stopped and turned to Ssinjin "Follow and trust your heart" she then turned and walked out of Ssinjin’s room shutting the door behind her.

Sorrelwind had bowed before his Lord and without further words left to do his bidding. He navigated the forest trails, fleetly moving to the home of his host where he gathered the provisions that Nevthera has previously told him that he was welcome to. He would have liked to have bid her a good bye, but alas, she was still away with her mate enjoying the company of one another. He was, however, confident they would meet again, and so he left without word.



Othargren slept soundly, the vehemency of his snoring shaking the timbers of the long Elven bed. His armour was strewn across a nearby chair used as a coat rack and his axe leaned against the bed side table. The road had been long, and with his belly full the Dwarf was dead to the world and did not hear the the stranger as he floated into the room. The intruder's feet, barely touching the floor were noiseless, only the rustling of their garments made a sound but to the Dwarf the sound may have been the wind pushing against the curtains.

"Master Dwarf." Whispered a voice.

The Dwarf was up like a shot, eyes wide and furious, his powerful hand reaching for the intruder's throat but his rocky fingers grasped only air.

Tiphereth had casually stepped back, his blackened eyes observing the Dwarf, a slight, mischievous smile on his dark lips.

Othargren squinted through the darkness at the stranger. "What! You're no Elf!" the Dwarf screamed as he hurled himself off of the bed. He solidly landed and reached for his axe, then holding it before him, menaced the would be assassin.

The Elfin man held up his hands in surrender. "Please. I've only come to tell you that Lord Oradreth, has requested that we prepare to leave at dusk." Then as the Dwarf lowered his axe, though still suspicious, the Phaeirie bowed and introduced himself, "I am Sorrelwind a Phaerie of the lands far to the north and but a humble vassal. I had rapped on your door, but the sound of your snoring seemed to drown my efforts."

"Ah, ye must knock like one of the airy folk, as well." Grumbled the Dwarf as he walked over to where he only just hung his armour and began to dress once more, "Y'know we Dwarves need little sleep, I was digesting my meal." he explained and Sorrelwind humoured him with a believable nod.

The Dwarf introduced himself and told the 'vassal' that he would be ready shortly and to inform his Lord, that he would find him by dusk. Sorrelwind bowed and left the room to relay master Orthagren's message to Lac'Nala.

When Galadriel came to visit Jin, the Drowess bowed respectfully. Twice she was honored by a visit by the Elfess and each time she paid her respects. As the gift was handed to Jin, the Drowess was left speechless. The delicate nature of the amulet was a testimony of fine craftsmanship but it was the symbolic meaning of the amulet that struck Jin the most. Lifting her eyes to look at Galadriel, Jin once more bowed her head.

”Know I shall forever be in your debt for the kindness and hospitality you and your people have shown to me.”

Lifting her head to gaze at the Elfess, Jin spoke again.

”The council you have given me alone was the greatest gift I could have ever received but this amulet has touched my heart and I know what it symbolizes. I shall do all I can to insure our peoples learn to respect one another just as we have learned to respect one another. You shall always have a place to stay should you ever decide to visit my home.”

As Galadriel bid in farewell and told the Drowess to follow her heart, Jin nodded. She would certainly try, that was for sure. When the Lady of the Woods left, the guard and company of warriors Galadriel promised showed up. The guard carried Jin’s cloak and the leather straps she wore crossed over her torso that held all of her daggers on them.

Thanking him for the return of her things, she quickly gathered up some food stuffs as well as replenished her water skin then donned her daggers and cloak. Tucking her spare clothes, food and water skin into a seemingly endless pocket, the Drowess nodded and left her apartment. With a glance back towards where she last saw Lac, Jin quickly disappeared into the woods with the company of the elves.

Brianna rose from the bench where she'd been sitting, talking with Jack, feeling something different in the air. She saw the elves moving around, gathering what looked like foodstuffs and filling water bladders.

~We must be getting ready to leave and continue our journey~, she thinks to herself.

She says as much to Jack and smiling at him, tells him that she's going to go to her room and gather what few belongings she has into her small travel bag.

She will miss this place and it's serenity, but she would be glad as well, to be on their way.

Brianna was still confused but Galdriel floated out of her room before she could ask her questions. She didn't quite understand what she meant about happiness and fullfillment if she didn't stray from her path, for she still wasn't too sure about her path as it was. She would stay, though, with Lac and the others as she had nowhere else to go now anyway. They would reach her home village soon, and then, maybe, her questions would be answered.

Orthagren patted the heavy horn of the great black ram as it chewed on the succulent grass of the meadows east of the Golden Wood. Further to the east, the gentle rolling landscape descended to the Great River Anduin, so vast that the other side was lost in a grey haze to his eyes. Behind him the sun was setting behind Lothlorien, the amber light flashing off of the glimmering mithreal shirt gifted to him by the Lady Galadriel. When she had gifted to him such a precious prize to a Dwarf, he had not the words to express his gratitude but he felt the she would know how much her gesture meant to him and his people. Touching his hand to the medallion about his neck he traced his finger round the silver axe then the emerald leaf of the Elves and vowed that would carry her trust to the Orocarni and forever would the Quenya people be welcome at their fire.

The Dwarf, turned and found the Phaeirie of Ranslath, was now standing next to him, his long golden orange hair ablaze in the orange glow of dusk. His eyes, two radiant lilac gems peered eastward, gazing far beyond what the Dwarf could perceive. "Beyond the river and steppe lands there is a forest." he stated.

"Aye." Agreed the Dwarf, "Long ago t'was called Dol Guldur, Master Sorrelwind. A foul place, it was first the home of Silvan Elves until He returned and drove them north to the Mountains of Mirkwood. Centuries passed and at long last the White Council mustered the courage and waged war on Dol Guldur and they drove Sauron out." Orthagren paused to spit the foulness of the cursed name out of his mouth before continuing, "The second in command to the Nazgul yet remained even after the Dark Lord fled to Mordor, and it was Galadriel of Lorien leading the Elves of Mirkwood that at last took it back and renamed it once more, Amon Lanc, and remains so to this day."

Sorrelwind nodded his thanks for the story. "You make a fine story teller." he complimented and the Dwarf merely scoffed as he turned and looked westward, searching for signs of the others.

Orthagren and the Deithir had set out early and decided to await the others on the outside of Lorthlorien. Neither of them knew which direction Lord Oradreth planned to choose, perhaps Amon Lanc or further south across the Brown Lands, so they patiently waited.

Jack nodded to Brianna as she left to gather her belongings. He only had his weapons so there wasn't anything for him to retrieve. Once Brianna had left Jack returned to the stream, kneeling beside the water. He reaches down to touch his reflection and focuses on the ripples that it causes. "I know you're here. Show yourself, assassin."

A cold wind blows through the trees as Lazarus appears on the other side of the stream. "Do you finally remember who I am and what you did to me?" Anger burns in the man's eyes as he stares down at Jack.

Looking up at him, Jack nods. "I do indeed. The longer I stay on this plane the more I remember." Jack stands now to face his nemesis. "You deserved your fate, Lazarus. The innocent lives you took and misery you caused cried out for justice."

Anger turns to rage as two blades are drawn and pointed at Jack. "And who were you to judge me? I was given a job to do and I did it. Same as you. At least I know why I do what I do. Can you say the same thing?"

Jack stares at Lazarus for a moment. The swords pointed at him from across the small stream do not seem to bother him at all. "I cannot." The two men continue to stare at each other, neither moving until Lazarus finally starts to fade away. "We will see each other very soon, Jack. Next time you will die and I shall recieve my freedom. And my vengeance."

A statuesque female figure emerged from the woods as the other who existed between worlds faded from sight. Her red hair, aflame in the setting sun accentuated the rage in her eyes as she cast her defiant gaze upon the one called, Lazarus. Behind her appeared her husband, an arrow notched in his white Elven bow, but already he had lowered its point to the earth as the menace left of his own accord.

Nevtherra glared at Lazarus. "You shall not return to this place!" She ordered, "The Lady of these woods is mistress of all in this place and she can close the door to your ghostly realm at will! Be gone!"



The enchantress' face softened and molded once more into her serene porcelain-like masque. She turned and nodded her thanks to her husband, Hísleverya and the Elf relaxed his bow, though, keeping an arrow notched as he glanced over at Jack Rose.

"With time returns your memories, 'One Named Rose'." Spoke the Lady Nevtherra, "My Mistress Galadriel and I know well your plight, but our advice would only cloud thine sight." she recited poetically. She then looked to the east, her eyes staring beyond the world around them. "Two of your companions, await at the edge of Lothlorien and the others shall soon embark to join them. Go now Jack Rose. We shall not see you in this place again as you are now. Only time now can reveal your purpose. Fare thee well."

Nevetherra and her husband bowed, then melted into the forest, leaving the ghostwalker to his own counsel.

Sorrelwind and Orthagren bowed humbly before the Elven Queen until she vanished from their sight and senses and as they rose, the Deithir spun the Elven-blade in his hand expertly, it's edge gleaming the fading light of day.

"Careful laddie, or you'll be trimmin' one o' those points off o' ye ears." Commented the Dwarf.

With deft speed, the Phaerie, thrust the blade toward the Othargren's belly and with it's tip flicked one of his throwing axes into the air. Sorrelwind watched the taboo hovering before his gaze and though reluctant at first snatched it with his free hand and held it firm. His flaming eyes, looked on with amazement as he continued to grasp the iron weapon with no ill effects, but then realizing that even though he suffered not the pain, he still disobeyed the Will of the Aelaeydium and quickly returned the weapon to the grumbling Dwarf.

Sorrelwind raised 'Protector' high, and studied it's Elven inscription, a language so unlike his own and yet their peoples were similar in many ways. A most treasured gift, but one that could never be allowed to pass into his own lands. "Aelaeydia be merciful." He prayed, then sheathed the blade on his belt.

Othargren, sat down on a fallen tree and laid his axe beside him. "So tell me of ye tale, Master Sorrelwind?" He asked.

The Deithir smiled and moved silently to the Dwarf's side. They had some time before the others would arrive and so he told him of his origins and of how he met and came into the service of Lord Oradreth.

Brianna laid down on the plush bed, resting as Galadriel had bid, waiting for the Elven Queen to notify her that everyone was ready to leave this beautiful place.

Sliding the necklace over her head, she looked at the black horse with the white mane and tail, running her fingers over it softly, admiring the craftmanship of the beautiful pendant. It truly did represent her dual heritage.

Putting the necklace back on, she thought about the blond she'd seen in the pond. He'd never paid attention to her before, so why did she see him and why did she see Jack.

Rolling over onto her side, she was still so confused, but her father's words came to her and she smiled.

"Brianna, do not fret over things that you cannot change right at this moment. If you do not know the answers, then be patient. The answers will be revealed when the time is right and you are ready to know."

Sighing deeply, she decided that this was exactly what she should do, be patient and rested.

Brianna followed the elven child, once again, admiring the beauty of this place, the peace that was all around her. She would miss it here.

Seeing Tiphereth and Othagren, she smiled a thank you at the elven girl and walked over to the two men.

Looking around her, after greeting both men, she took in the beauty that would soon be behind them. It was as if she was trying to soak in as much of the peacefulness as she could before resuming their journey.

"I will miss this place, it's beauty, the people."

Fingering the horse pendant, her thoughts once again strayed to the blond Rohan rider. She wondered if he would be joining their journey soon, if that was what Galadriel had meant. If so, she wondered if he would notice her now that she was grown. When she'd left the village, she'd been a girl who was not yet a woman. Now, she was a woman grown.

Giving herself a mental slap, she mentally chided herself for such thoughts. There were more important things at hand than whether or not he would notice her if he did indeed join their quest.

Turning, she once again looked at Tiphereth and Orthagren, smiling at them.

"I will miss this place, but am anxious to be on our way."

Lac knelt at the memorial to his mother with his head bowed …… “Mother, this task that fate has set before me is larger and more daunting than any I have undertaken. I ask for you grant me your strength to see it through. If it be destined I should fall I pray that you will welcome me to the White Shores of Grey Haven.”
He then leaned forward and kissed the stone and rose slowly. As he turned he saw Lady Galadrial and Lord Celeborn walking over to him. Lac immediately fell to one knee and bowed his head in respect.

Galadriel placed her first and second fingers to her lips and said ……. “Rise Lac’Nala Lord of Oron_D_Nar, protector and friend to all of Elfendom. I wish to have words with you before you leave our lands.” She then motioned for him to follow them as they walked into a garden. “Do not concern yourself with your possessions. They shall be taken to the place where your companions await you. …..” Galadriel said.
They walked into a silken tent pavilion and Lord Celeborn walked over to a bench and picked up a long object wrapped in a fine silk cloth with a golden banner with silver runes upon it. She turned and said to Lac’Nala: “Hold out your hands son of Aleria and Dartanion deceased Queen and King of Oron_D_Naar, Know that they and all that have traveled across the great sea await you with open arms on the White Shores of the Gey Haven.” He said.

As Lac held up his hands Lord Celeborn placed the object in his hand then removed the cloth. Resting in Lac’s hand was an ebony sheath Elven long sword.

“This is Narsil, made by Telchar of Nogrod, during the fourth century of the First Age. Narsil was broken in the War of the Last Alliance, with the fall of its wielder Elendil. Its burning light was lost, but Elendil's son Isildur used its broken shards to cut the Ruling Ring from Sauron's finger. The shards were eventually brought to Imladris, and they became an heirloom of the House of Isildur. During the War of the Ring, the sword was reforged, its light was rekindled, and it was borne by Elendil's distant descendant Aragorn, who renamed it Andúril.

Anduril, the sword of Aragon that was broken when he fell in the War of the Last Alliance. Its shards were returned to Arnor, where they were kept as an heirloom for three thousand years. It has been forged once again, the shards brought back to life. I know give you Lac’Nala the sword of your ancestors wield it with honor and justice. Bring light back to the world of darkness with this blade now named Jarluthusaytynisticelesta (Translation: Justice).

Lac reached out tentatively and grasped the pummel of the sword, drawing from its sheath. The blade caught the light and sent shards of light dancing across the walls if the tent. He held the blade up pointed towards the ceiling across the blade were runes of Elven Text that spelt the word Jarluthusaytynisticelesta along it’s length. Slipping the sword back in it’s sheath, Lac lifted the weapon and strapped the finely tooled black leather belt with the silver Elven rings around his waste. Bowing his head to Lady Galadrial and Lord Celeborn he said “I shall not bring shame to this blade, this I swear to you.” He then placed the fist of his right hand to his heart and bowed.

Galadriel said “Of that we never feared Lac’Nala now come we must join your companions, for they grow impatient and your journey must not be delayed. As they stepped out of the tent a young Elf stepped forward leading two horses. Lac’s eyes grew wide as Lightning nuzzled Lac’s face. Behind him stood Ssinjin’s horse. Lac looked at Galadriel and asked “But how?......They were left in the mines?”

Galadriel smiled and said “These two fine creatures arrived shortly before you and have been resting and regaining their until this day. Horses are being brought for you companions as well. For your journey is long.” Lady Galadrial, Lord Celeborn and the Elf Gaurd walked with Lac'Nala through the forest towars his companions.

Lac became overcome, realizing he was leaving the protected lands of his mothers people, perhaps to never see them again, by the solem beauty of his surroundings. Everything had a feeling of wintery age, as if nothing had changed under the ;eaves of the mighty trees for thousands of years and nothing ever would; time itself seemed to have fallen into a slumber from which it would never wake. after a quarter of a mile the forest thinned and breaks appeared within the canopy, allowing planks of mutted golden sunlight of the setting sun to filter its way to the forest floor and the first evening stars began to faintly speckle the deep blue darkening sky. They passed underneath two burled trees that leaned against each other and stooped at the edge of a glade.
The ground was strewn with dense patches of flowers. From pink roses to bluebells and lillies, sprin's fleeting treasure was heaped about like piles of rubies, saphires and opals. Their intoxicating aromas attracted hordes of bumblebees. To the right, a stream chuckled behind a fence of bushes, while a pair of squirrels chased each other around a rock. It looked like aplace where deer might bed for the night, and a Buck, a doe and twin fawns stood a short distance away watching intently. Ten paces ahead stood Tiphereth, Or, Brianna and another Elf gaurd. Then two more gaurds appeared leading six more horses, four were saddled and two were laden with supplies. They approached Lac's companions and stood silently.

Galadriel then stood in front of Lac and said "We go no further, Lac'Nal at this time. I give you the blessings of the Elves. Go in peace, may your path be safe and your journey successful." ... She then leaned forward and kissed Lac'Nala lightly on the forehead.The Elves faded into the forest as silently as thay had appeared, leaving Lac, his companions and the horses standing alone.

Lac then turned to the others and said "It is time we continue on." He then tied the lead of Ssinjin's horse to his saddle, mounted Lightning and moved out across the pain.