Lady Sirithiel must have read my disappointment, for she continued in a soft voice. �I think, Pady, that Aewvaran had purpose in sending you to us. I think he sent you so that we would comfort your heart before a longer journey. Whatever crimes your kin has committed, know they came from a malice born of external means. What evil befell them, I cannot say. It is for this reason that now I warn you, as you must choose your further path. I am concerned for your continuing quest. If your kin have not returned for such a long time, I fear something of shadow has befallen them. You must be careful and cautious or it may find you, too.� She looked off back towards the bonfire I had passed before our conversation. Turning, I saw that many Elves had gathered and they were singing with joy as their eyes reflected living flame. I had not been aware of their voices, so intensely had a followed all the Lady had said to me. Now I heard such sweet melodies and I saw that Priscilla herself had gathered among the Elves. The fire was shining off her chestnut hair and gleaming in her big, green eyes. She was a breathtaking sight.
I heard the Lady whisper beside me. �And I dare say, that on this quest, you would not want to harm what is most precious in your sight.�
I only nodded. I wanted to say more, but the Lady motioned me towards the fire.
�There is much I have said to you. It is for you now to consider and think on all that has passed between us. Go join our song. It will put your heart at ease and cause you to reason clearly.�
I spent the rest of the night with Priscilla and the Elves. After all I had heard, I would have thought my mind would have been disturbed the entire time. But in the presence of these gentle people and of my one true friend from the Shire, I was at peace. When the fire had faded and the Elves had left one by one and Priscilla had fallen asleep by the last glowing embers, I sat thinking deeply. I could not sleep like I had before. There was too much for me to work through. I know I will travel north and to the east, but I am anxious knowing I will do it alone. I cannot bring Priscilla farther. My family story is darker than I thought and though it will be hard for Priscilla to hear, she must know the truth. It is time we separated and I take what fate has dealt me.