You will find

That the world has changed forever

The trees are now turning from green to gold

And the sun is now fading

I wish I could hold you closer

- 'Arwen's Song', Liv Tyler

21 February 3019

I cantered Alrohar through the trees, upstream, riding hard. As I had been for three days. We had followed the river from Lorien, skirting away in some parts, but always finding it again.

As we came to a stretch of open beach, something caught my eye and I pulled Alrohar up sharply. The stallion half reared and tossed his head irritably at the abrupt halt, and I patted his neck reassuringly as I vaulted to the ground.

"Esta sinome, Alrohar," I told him, dropping the reigns. Rest here, Alrohar. Alrohar shook his mane and headed to the water's edge to drink.

I left him to it, turning to examine what had caught my eye. A lone boat beached a few yards away. There was no mistaking it. It was one of my own peoples', one we had given the Fellowship.

"So they were here..." I murmured. But where were the other two? And the Fellowship themselves?

Then another boat drew my attention; beached also, but on the opposite Eastern shore. The path to Mordor.

I stood and thought. Not all of them had gone to Mordor, four at most could fit in one boat. So Frodo had gone East. But with how many, and so where were the others. If Frodo had gone, then the orcs had already attacked.

So who was even alive?

I moved up the beach a little, to the fringe of the trees. The remains of supplies were left. Abandoned?

Nearby, I finally found tracks. I recognised the light foot of an elf. Legolas. Bending down, I touched the remains. So he was alive?

There, the heavy set boot of a dwarf, Gimli. And another set of prints, a man. Boromir or Aragorn. The three tracks led through the trees, away from the river. Something told me it would be Aragorn, but there was no evidence to suggest it.

And there was still no sign of the other Gondorian, nor of three hobbits.

I sighed, and stood tall again. I could not follow Frodo. That was not my path. But I could follow these tracks, ensure Legolas and Gimli were safe.

"Alrohar!"

The stallion cantered across and I swung back up. Turning him to the trees, I urged him forwards. "Noro lim!" Ride on!

I did not know where I was headed, nor did I know what awaited me. But I would find out.

So ends the royalmaiden's journey, but the royalmaiden's quest has yet to begin.

I hope you've enjoyed this, and that you continue to follow Arnuríel's story which I want to start posting tomorrow!

Thanks to everyone who has reviewed, favourited, or alerted!

Neia x