Topic: A Quiet Return

Peredhil

Date: 2015-07-25 17:18 EST
Knee-high grass pressed against Peredhil's legs as he strolled through the Southern Glen, his eyes scanning the branches above. He paused mid-step as the birdsong reached his ears, his green eyes squinting against the rays of sunlight that had found their way through the leaves overhead. It was already late afternoon, but the summer sun had barely begun its descent. Finally, a small motion caught his attention, and a smile formed as he spotted the red-billed mockingbird perched on one of the upper branches.

"Ophioso los sal'ania bel'eneu," Peredhil said softly, the Elvish rolling smoothly off of his tongue. The bird peered down at him, fluttering its wings, but did not fly away. Peredhil studied it for a few more moments, then gazed off towards the northeast. Rhydin was obscured by trees and a few larger bluffs, but he could sense the city vibrating with an urban heartbeat that he had never felt in sync with. Even Elessar, his home and kingdom, even there he had not felt as at ease as he did out here, alone, surrounded by nature.

Yet he had done his duty, stepping up to lead during Elessar's darkest hours, assuming the command when nobody else would. Yet it had never felt right, as if he were obligated by duty and responsibility rather than a true desire to take what might be considered rightfully his. And he had shed those duties at the first opportunity.

And what did he have to show for it' He considered that for a long time as he meandered slowly towards Rhydin, leaving a soft trail of footsteps in his wake.

Peredhil

Date: 2015-07-26 12:05 EST
Peredhil slowed his pace as he approached the Red Dragon Inn, his gaze trailing over the contours of the two-story building. It was a minor miracle that the inn remained in such good condition over the years, considering the use (and misuse) it got. He stepped onto the porch, the sounds of laughter and chatter beckoning him inside.

"Hello, old friend," he said softly, his hand running lightly along the wooden railing. He made no move to push open the oak double doors, however, preferring instead to enjoy the cool evening air for a few more minutes. He watched the street traffic with interest " vendors pushing their carts of goods away from the market, well-dressed couples in carriages heading to the theater, rowdy groups of youth getting an early start on their Saturday night, and so on. Everyone seemed to be in a hurry to get somewhere. Everyone, that is, except Peredhil, who, after years of traveling without pause, felt that he had nowhere else he needed to be in this moment.

And so it was that half an hour later, lost in thought, Peredhil was idly sitting on the porch swing when a soft voice pulled him out of his reverie. His heart skipped a few beats when he recognized the familiar face, and he felt his mouth widening into a broad smile. Seeing his close friend standing in front of him was enough in itself to justify the return to Rhydin. Dear S"jira, how I missed you.