Alexa remained in Rivendell for some time, and during that time, her old friend, Spitfire, died. He was old, and Alexa knew that it was his time, but it still broke her heart to lose her dear friend. Spitfire had endured much with her, and had saved her life many a time. He had always been there to comfort and protect her, and he had given her someone to love. Now he was gone, but Alexa knew that he would always be a part of her heart.
Alexa had begun to train Spitfire’s son, Rodyn. Rodyn was the color of the blackest night, and he had a small white star on his forehead, that was usually concealed by his thick, black mane. He was large and powerful with a wild spirit that rivaled even his father’s. Alexa had managed to break the horse enough that she could mount him, but whenever she tried to get the horse to move it would either refuse or tear away at an intense, unrelenting gallop. After one such galloping incident, Alexa dismounted and glared at the stubborn animal.
“Rodyn, you are impossible!” she said in frustration. “You are so stubborn! Just like your father!”
She turned away and ran her hand through her hair, but spun around sharply as the horse nudged her roughly in the back. She stared at the horse, who snorted and stamped his foot. She shook her head and laughed.
“Yes. And just like me too,” she said and scratched Rodyn’s ears.
Alexa grinned mischievously at the animal, and she began to run lightly away from him. Rodyn whinnied and chased after her. Alexa changed her course many times, but Rodyn relentlessly kept pace. When Rodyn caught her, Alexa allowed him to knock her gently to the ground. She lay back and looked up at the horse.
“You are the victor, Rodyn. I surrender!”
The horse nodded proudly, and Alexa rose and stroked his neck. She stepped back and looked into the horse’s eyes.
“Shall we try riding again, Rodyn, and this time with you cooperating?”
The horse whinnied softly, and allowed her to mount him. Alexa held her breath as she gently nudged Rodyn, but to her surprise, the horse began to walk. She gave Rodyn another nudge, and smiled as he began to trot.
“Good boy. I knew you had it in you,” she said and lightly patted him. After several minutes of trotting, Alexa gave the animal his head, and held on as Rodyn broke into a steady gallop. They began riding back to Rivendell, but as they neared, Alexa saw a rider approaching. She halted as she recognized her father, and she quickly dismounted. Her father dismounted and walked over her.
“Rodyn is beginning to cooperate now, Elyndiriel?” he asked.
Alexa smiled wryly. “Yes. It appears that he has finally decided to behave himself.”
“He is as stubborn as you are, my daughter,” he teased.
Alexa laughed. “Yes, Father.”
Glorfindel grinned, but then his mood became serious. “Elyndiriel, I know that you are planning to return to Lothlòrien soon.”
“Yes,” she replied, nodding.
Glorfindel sighed, knowing that she would not like his request. “I ask you to please allow me to have someone accompany you.”
Alexa sighed heavily. “Father, we have discussed this many times. I enjoy traveling alone. It pleases me,” she told him.
“I know, Elyndiriel, but it is very dangerous for anyone to travel now, especially alone. Orcs are rampant, and evil is spreading. We suspect that the Ring of Power has been found.” He reached out and touched her cheek. “I am worried for your safety, Elyndiriel.”
Alexa covered his hand with her own. “I know, Ada. I know that you are worried, but I need this time alone. I was alone and took care of myself for many years. Sometimes I desire solitude.” She sighed. “It is sometimes difficult for me to forgo my old ways, Ada.”
He smiled gently. “I understand, my child. I do, however, wish to give you something to help protect you,” he said and walked over to his horse. Alexa watched him with open curiosity, as he untied something from the animal. He turned and revealed a beautiful sword and scabbard to her.
“I give you my sword, Sildring. It has saved my life many a time. It is made of the finest mithril, and the blade glows blue when orcs are near,” he told her.
Alexa studied the sword and was amazed by how light it was. It barely felt like she was holding anything at all. The sword was long and gently curved. The hilt was crafted in a beautiful Elven design, and the blade was intricately carved with several Elven runes. She looked up at her father and smiled.
“It is beautiful, Ada. Thank you.”
“You are welcome, Elyndiriel. May it always protect you and keep you from harm.”
She smiled at him, but then her mind wandered to what he had said before. She looked at him and frowned slightly in confusion. “Ada, what is this Ring of Power that you spoke of?”
Glorfindel looked at her in surprise. He realized that she would not know of the Ring because she had grown up so differently from other Elves. He began to tell her of how Sauron, the deceiver, forged the Ring of Power, and how Isildur had defeated him during the first War of the Ring. He told of how Sauron was bound to the Ring, and how Isildur had refused to destroy it.
“The Ring disappeared for many years, but we now suspect that it has been found, for darkness has once again begun entering Middle-Earth.” He looked into Elyndiriel’s eyes. “That is why it is so dangerous, and why you must be so cautious, my daughter. The Great Evil is growing in power once again.”
Alexa nodded in understanding. “I will be careful, Father.”
Glorfindel pulled her close and hugged her tightly. “Please, Elyndiriel. Please do.”
She drew back and looked into his eyes. “I promise, Ada.”
He nodded and smiled slightly. “Shall we take these animals for a run?”
Alexa nodded and they both mounted. Rodyn was still skittish, but he cooperated for Alexa. Alexa and Glorfindel rode for a long while, both dwelling on the words that had transpired between them.
* * *
The day had come for Alexa to return to Lothlòrien. This would be her and Rodyn’s first journey together. The horse was still somewhat wary of being ridden, but Alexa believed that he would make the journey well. Her father had come to wish her farewell as he always did. Alexa went to him and hugged him tightly.
“I will miss you, Father,” she told him.
“And I you, dear daughter.”
Alexa released him, and he helped her mount Rodyn. He took her hand and looked into her eyes.
“I love you, my daughter.”
She smiled. “And I love you, Ada.”
“Namarie, Elyndiriel.”
“Namarie, Father.”
He released her hand, and she turned and rode out of the city. She rode into the magnificent spring-touched countryside, and began her long journey back to Lothlòrien and Haldir.
