Arien, Lady of Rivendell

A difficult departure

The rest of her morning was spent packing her belongings into a small travel bag. Arien knew that she must leave behind everything that would not be needed, there was no room for fancy possessions. After an hour she discarded all of her dresses except one she chose to take. Arien ordered the chef to prepare food that would be suitable to last her many months and asked for her blades to be sharpened by the smithy.

A knock on the door caused her attention to drift away from the task before her.
"Arien?"
It was Lindirs voice, she could tell instantly. Sighing she opened the door and folded her arms gazing at him. The elf gulped.
"Your father wishes to bid you a final farewell lunch." He says and gazes at the floor, it was clear he was hurt that she was leaving without any thought of him. Arien nodded and followed him down the halls towards the dining room. For a while they walked in silence then Lindir spoke.
"So your leaving?" He asked, as his eyes searched her face. Arien nodded.
"Yes, I cannot stay here Lindir. Not after everything that's happened." She replied with a grave face. The elf stopped walking and grabbed her arm.
"Have you not even thought to consider my views on this?" He said angrily and Arien glared snatching away her hand.
"I did not think you cared Lindir, all these years I have waited for you to love me back, and now you do it when it is to late." She snarled. His hand retracted yet his gaze softened.
"You have been waiting?" He asked with a shocked expression, Arien sighed and nodded looking at her feet.
"But I thought... I did not know you felt that way. If I did, I would have told you sooner." Arien gazed away.
"I am sorry Lindir, but it is to late for us." She concluded the conversation and continued to walk down the hall alone.

The midday meal passed quickly, Elrond had clearly put a lot of effort into giving his youngest child the best farewell he could offer. Lindir did not turn up and his empty chair remained a haunting presence throughout the feast. Once many elves had bid their farewell to the princess, her father and Arien walked towards the stables, bags in hand.

She passed the many stalls of grand horses and stopped at the very end. A soft whinnie echoed from within and a stunning grey stallion padded softly towards the stable door. Arien opened it and walked him out before saddling him and attaching the reins. "Storm will bear you well on your journeys." Elrond said patting the horse. "He is a fine stallion and there is no other I would trust to bear you." Arien smiled sadly and placed a kiss on his cheek as they walked outside. She mounted and grasped the reins tightly.
"I shall not see you again father for many years, do not look for my coming. I will return perhaps long after you have given up hope for me." Storm shifted eagerly beneath her as she steadied him.
"Farewell Arien, always remember that you are a princess of this land and that me and its people love you." She grinned and waved a brief farewell before kicking her heels into her stallions sides. He bounded forward into a canter and together they sped towards the gate, storms hooves clattering on the paved stone. The thick gates swung open on her approach and she passed through quickly breathing the free air.