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hands. “I charge you with its safe return, along with the missing portion of the Quenya. May fortune smile upon you all.”
    “Please, provision yourselves well.” The lady gestured to several other elves that had arrived bearing supplies. “Valanandir and I would like a moment to say farewell to our daughter.”
    Iarion wrapped the Levniquenya in some spare clothing and stowed it at the bottom of his pack. The elves bore dried travel rations, new arrows for Iarion, and extra blankets. It would get colder once they were in the north. The elves also provided healing supplies. Lysandir fell into a deep conversation in Elvish with some of those who recognized him. Iarion stole a glance at Silvaranwyn and her parents and caught Barlo doing the same.
    “I understand she is their daughter and they want her to be safe, but why were they so shocked at her wanting to come with us?” Barlo asked.
    “I don’t think she means to come back.” Iarion continued to watch as the family embraced. Two other elves had arrived—one male and the other female. The family resemblance was undeniable. They must be Silvaranwyn’s siblings.
    “Why wouldn’t she come back? This is her home.” Barlo frowned.
    “The Quenya has told her something.” Iarion felt some of his bitterness creep into his voice.
    “She’s not going to die, surely?”
    “Perhaps, if it is her destiny.” Iarion shrugged. “But I don’t think so.”
    “Then why are they acting like she’s dying?” The family was now weeping openly as they embraced Silvaranwyn.
    “In a way, I suppose she is going to die.” Iarion looked over at his friend. Barlo’s shocked gaze met his. “ Linadar cannot be apart from the Quenya for prolonged periods of time. It changes them. It is what changed the rest of us into Goladar .”
    “What will happen to her?”
    “Over time, she will fade from Light Elf to Shadow Elf. Her coloring will darken and her magic will wither. And unlike the rest of the Linadar , who live forever unless killed, she will become mortal, and eventually die once her purpose is fulfilled.”
    “Then why is she coming with us?” Barlo’s expression was aghast.
    “Because she must.”
    “Why? Because some mystical presence has planned this out for her?”
    “It’s not only because it is the path that’s laid out for her.” Iarion sighed. “It’s likely she knows our quest will fail unless she comes with us.”
    “And why is that? Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot. Because the Quenya told her.” Barlo rolled his eyes before taking a good look at his friend. “Wait. You’re jealous, aren’t you?”
    “Of course, I’m jealous!” Iarion hissed. “I would give anything to have the connection to the Quenya she has.”
    “Even if it meant almost certain death?”
    “At least I wouldn’t be wandering around, wondering why I’m here.”
    “Why not? That’s the way the rest of us live, and we get by just fine.”
    “I can’t believe this.” Some of Iarion’s hurt crept into his voice. “From the way you were talking yesterday, I thought you understood.”
    “The First Father knows I’m trying.” Barlo sighed. “I’m sorry, Iarion. It’s hard to understand when I see a family like this one being torn apart because it’s the will of some glowing light. Why would you want to be like them anyway? Look at what this has done to them.”
    “They are sad, but they are at peace, knowing this is the way things should be. Their lives are shaped by a sense of certainty. All I have is a void where that connection should be. To have a connection with the Quenya is what it means to be an elf. I am the only one of my kind without one. Although they are sad now, they have never known the despair that comes with being lost, perhaps for all eternity. There are times when I have even contemplated taking my own life.”
    “ Iarion!” Barlo’s eyes widened. “What stopped you?”
    “I couldn’t do it. No elf has ever done it before. Then again, no elf