I knew she would want to yell and protest immediately, and as her eyes got hard and she opened her mouth wide, I continued in a voice that was full of authority.
"No, Priscilla! I've come to this decision and you will go no farther with me! What it was that manipulated my ancestors so much that they would turn on their own, I do not know. But whatever it is, that is what they went to find and why they have never returned to the Shire. If I find them, I will find what it is that destroyed them and I am not taking you into any danger. Coming this far with me was fine, but it is time we part company." Priscilla was getting to her feet and once again about to speak when I cut her off. "I won't hear it! You will stay! I won't endanger you!"
"Oh, so that's the way it is! You tell me what to do! Never. I see right through you, Pady, and I see all the care you have for me. I won't say I don't enjoy it or I won't honor it, but the truth remains that danger is mine to pursue or leave behind. I'm not yours, yet, Pady Proudfoot, and I'll do what I want and if that is to follow you into darkness, then I'll do it!" She had shook her index finger right in my face at the end, but now brusquely removed it, put her hands on her hips, gave me one last frown and stomped off quickly.
Such was my conversation with Priscilla. By the time I had returned to my pack and found it filled to the brim with Elvish food and extra clothing, Priscilla's pack was already gone and it was not long before Celuvellon came upon me and beckoned me to walk with him.
"Lady Sirithiel is ready to see you on your journey." The tone of his words mirrored the sadness his wife had expressed earlier at the thought of our departure.
"I must find Priscilla." I didn't want to say I had angered her.
"She is already on the shore waiting for you." Of course. She would be.
When we reached the edge of the forest, I saw that it fairly glowed in the early morning light. The sun was streaming in through the branches of the trees, laying out striped patterns on the forest floor. My eyes adjusted slowly as I came out onto the shore and I brought my hand up to shield my sight from the brightness for a moment. Once I had grown accustomed to the brilliant daylight, I saw Lady Sirithiel standing by an Elvish boat and beside her was the youth I had only seen when I first stood on this shore, the one who had spoken so harshly. He was standing sternly next to her side, but seemed to be animated in what he was saying to her, his arms waving here and there. Now that I saw them right beside each other, their similarity was strikingly unmistakable. I had seen it before, but not as clearly as I did this time. The youth was just as tall as Lady Sirithiel and his eyes were bright and shining blue, yet a bit more cold than hers, almost hard. He seemed to me as one who knows he has a mission to complete and will not be dissuaded from it.
Not far away from these two stood Sirviriel with Priscilla, the two chatting gaily and laughing between themselves. Something had passed between those two, for I saw what kindred spirits they were and I marveled at how fast they could become such good friends.
Celuvellon directed me to the Lady and I stood before her again, looking up at her height, still awed by her presence.
"Good morning, Pady." The Lady's soft voice addressed me and then she turned to look farther down the shore. "I see your friend will be continuing the journey with you."
I nodded sadly, but the Lady shook her head slowly. "Do not fear or be saddened, my friend. What her destiny is you cannot foresee. If she has some part to play in your tale, then it is best you let her fulfill it."
I only nodded, but even I had to doubt the Lady at this point. What good could come of Priscilla's stepping into peril? The Lady said nothing more on the subject, but motioned towards her companion.
"I believe you have seen, Lanthir, though you have not been formally introduced." I nodded. The youth looked down at me, not harshly, but soberly and seemed to be assessing my capabilities. I tried to stand a little taller, to try and at least look a little worth his gaze. The Lady continued.
"Lanthir is my son, the joy of my heart." I started. He was her son! I should have guessed it with their similar appearance, but the difference in their personalities had distracted me from that conclusion. "He has volunteered himself to you as a guide and I would be honored if you would allow him to accompany you. He knows the lands into which you will travel and will be invaluable to you."
I didn't know what to say. This Elf was coming with us? Of course, I would not refuse the Lady, but I wasn't so sure I wanted this companion. Nonetheless, I answered affirmatively.
"I will gladly accept his help."
To my surprise, the youth then knelt before me and took my hand in his steadily and firmly. "To you, Pady Proudfoot, I pledge to lead you and see to your safety, even if I should be called upon to offer up my life." It was such a serious vow and I didn't quite know what to think of it or how to respond to his commitment. The Lady saved me from having to answer, though, saying to Lanthir that he needed to help Celuvellon prepare our boat.
Being alone again with the Lady, she drew close to me and leaned down to speak so only I could hear. "Lanthir is young, yes, but he is kind and loyal. I am confident in him and I know that you must accommodate yourself to his nature. Be patient with him. You may find in him much more than you have seen at the first."