Departure from Lorien

The gilded boughs of the mellyrn have turned silver in the moonlight of early night, casting innumberable and scattered shadows over the slender, denuded pathway that divides them. On each side a number of grey tents have been erected, scarcely to be discerned, for the blend perfectly with the umbral patterns of the forest. Equally camoflauged is an elf strolling along the track: Belagos, Knight of Caras Galadhon.

At this gathering of tents and Elves, there arrives yet another. Varya treads towards the path from the west, passing briskly by brush, bole, and tree. He is fit and glad for travel: longbow is carefully wrapped, longsword hides in the darkness of shadow, and he bears a pack.

The marchwarden pauses at the outskirts, on the western side, and looks in.

Thorhur emerges from a tent near the front of the small encampment. He sees Belagos, and without smiling he comes up next to him. His eyes linger upon the moon, and he whispers, \"It is a beautiful night to set out. We will have plenty of light.\"

Thorhur is met with a smile from his fellow knight. \"Yes, beautiful indeed,\" he responds in a hushed voice as the features of his face shift, echoing sadness, \"I shall miss this Valley of Singing Gold while we are away - I always do. How long before our departure?\" For the moment, Belagos has not observed Varya.

Nary a moment passes before Varya resumes his tread, quick and quiet. Path carries him to the two of the order, and the Sinda raises a single hand in greeting, before continuing with words and speech:

\"Ah. Greetings! Which one of you is Thorhur? My name is Varya.\"

Jade gaze flicks from one to the other, from Knight to Knight -- a touch of question resides therein, but mostly just patience.

Thorhur smiles. \"I look forward to our journey. I have never seen the sea before.\" The Knight is just about to say more when he hears a voice behind him. He turns and smiles. \"I am Thorhur. Nice to meet you Varya.\" he walks towards the Marchwarden now and in a softer voice asks, \"Is there something I can help you with?\"

Belagos politely stands by, giving the pair time to engage in discussion.

\"I had heard that you and Maglind were leading the trip,\" begins Varya, glance settling upon Thorhur as he approaches, \"I just wished to inform you that, if there are no objections from one such as yourself, I would wish to join the company.\"

A gesture towards Belagos, \"It seems you have enough guards -- hail, friend -- so I wish not to be counted amongst them, unless desperate need arise. My charge of personal protection is the Minister Niinaeth, and I hope to not be placed in a position of conflicting loyalties.\"

Thorhur smiles. \"I would never deny anyone passage on this trip. Of course you may join! We have plenty of tents, and you are just in time. I hoped to set out this very night.\" His eyes glisten as he looks towards the camp.

The second knight bows, introducing himself, \"Hail mellon - I am Belagos.\" Stepping a pace forward to join the others in a loose triangle, he adds, \"Surely our loyalties, and yours, are the same?\" An expression on his face belies puzzlement.

A laugh escapes the lips of the Sinda Marchwarden, and he bends in a half-bow to Thorhur, \"Then consider another among your company.\" The briefest of pauses follows, before he adds: \"And do not worry! You and Maglind are the leaders of the trip, and thus will I defer to you: my advice is at your disposal.

A kind smile to Belagos, and an attempted explanation: \"My first loyalty is to Lord and Lady and the Wood and the duties of the Order the second the Minister. Should aught go awry, I hope to be able to pursue the second. That is why I do not wish to join the company as a member of the guard.\"

Thorhur smiles and nods. \"Let us hope the Minister does not need protection. I am confident that we will be safe on our path. It is one that avoids as many of the lands of men as possible.\" As he says this, he turns and gives Belagos the briefest of glances before returning his gaze to Varya. \"I will inform Maglind when I see him that you are here. You are part of the guard though...may I ask what rank?\"

Belagos\' unspoken response to Thorhur\'s glance is one of ease and neutrality. His attention returns to Varya.

\"Let us hope,\" breathes Varya in agreement, head dipping in a nod of silent confirmation. \"I am counted amongst the Marchwardens. I have traveled before, and know somewhat of the lands.\"

\"But, ah, enough about myself.\"

Thorhur suddenly feels somewhat embarrassed ordering a Marchwarden around, and indeed his ears redden slightly. He shrugs this off though, and says, \"Well, shall we begin our great journey? Somehow it is more comforting to travel by the light of the moon than by the light of the sun.\" he turns to Belagos, then Varya, then back to the camp before him.

Belagos nods and makes to follow Thorhur, \"I will help you.\" Nimble footsteps carry him in the other knight\'s wake.

Varya, however, does not instantly follow the two knights, but tarries somewhat: glance flicks about, as if searching for something-or someone. A few long, silent moments pass, before the marchwarden resumes pace, stalking the path of the two Galadhrim.