⊱ ──── {⋆ 🌌 ⋆} ──── ⊰

FOURTEEN MONTHS OF TRAVEL TO THE LONELY MOUNTAIN AND BACK TO THE SHIRE, only to return to Rivendell at the beginning of July was a tiring journey that came to an end that Maristela did not truly like. As she entered the Valley of Imraldis, Attica and Maristela parted ways for he had somewhere else to be while the Elleth Istari desired the company of a young boy who would bring a smile to her face. She searched the Kingdom to no luck of locating Elessar, the Dúindane boy was nowhere to be found.

Maristela made her way into Elrond's tea room where he was currently reading, lowering the book upon her worried presence. "Where is Elessar?" Maristela asked immediately, Elrond frowned knowing what he would tell her is something she did not need. "Elessar has learned his true identity, Marisol. And he has left to the North in search of more answers," Elrond informed her. Maristela stumbled lightly before sitting down, Elrond joined her side immediately. "I didn't get to say goodbye," Maristela whimpered before tears filled her eyes, Elrond knew those tears weren't just for Elessar.

"I know you are in pain, Marisol, but it will ease. It will never fade, it may still hurt many years from now, but it will be easier to live on," Elrond assured her as he let her cry into his shoulder like she did when she was younger. "He would want you to keep living, to fight and find something for yourself," Elrond added before allowing the silence to overcome them, giving her the chance to grieve without overwhelming her with words of comfort. Maristela let everything out and the skies wept with her, her heart healed the smallest amount that day within the arms of someone she saw as an uncle.

⊱ ──── {⋆ 🌌 ⋆} ──── ⊰

Dear Mari,

It has been almost eleven months since we saw each other. Erebor has flourished beautifully since your departure and I firmly believe that you would love it. King Dáin sends his well wishes and invites you to visit the moment you have the chance too.

Balin has plans to reclaim the lost city of Moria but King Dáin holds hesitance due to Durin's Bane which he had witnessed during the Battle of Azanulbizar. But Dori believes that Dáin may agree with Balin's wishes, but for now, we are uncertain.

I was happy to hear that Bilbo is well, please tell him to send a letter the next time you visit him. And let him know that he may have a visit from Bombur and Bifur who are close by that way heading towards the Blue Mountains.

Remember to keep smiling for us in Erebor.

Sincerely, Bofur
Your best friend.

⊱ ──── {⋆ 🌌 ⋆} ──── ⊰

⊱ ──── {⋆ 🌌 ⋆} ──── ⊰

Dear Mari,

Oh how the times have gone by. Glóin and Gimli send their best and show gratitude for the wines you had sent. We know you've been very busy assisting Rohan in clearing off Orc Scum but do remember that we are looking forward to your next visit.

Dwalin looks similar to Balin now, his beard as grey as his brothers. Age truly takes us but I believe that is to be expected when fourty years go by in a blink of an eye.

Dáin approved Balin's venture to reclaim the City of Moria. He has been accompanied by Flói, Óin, Ori, Frár, Lóni, Náli and a large colony of Dwarves. But you needn't fret, they have some of the best warriors on their side.

Best of luck, Maristela, and well wishes.

Sincerely, Bofur
Your best friend.

⊱ ──── {⋆ 🌌 ⋆} ──── ⊰

⊱ ──── {⋆ 🌌 ⋆} ──── ⊰

Dear Maristela,

I wish to apologise for my departure, I should have said goodbye but I had too many questions that I needed answers for.

I am well, do not worry for me. I will be on the borders of Rohan by the time you receive this letter, if you are nearby, it would be nice to see you.

Wishing you well,
Your son, Elessar.

⊱ ──── {⋆ 🌌 ⋆} ──── ⊰

Maristela walked quietly through the field, the Kingdom of Rohan in the far distance as she wandered around hoping to run into Elessar per his letters request. She stopped in place as he approached, his hair longer than she last saw and his clothing resembled the natural appearance of a Ranger. "You are the one they call Strider?" Maristela asked bringing a smile to his face. "And you are the one they call Starlight," Elessar replied before he rushed forward and embraced Maristela who immediately hugged him back. "My son..." Maristela breathed out, while he was not his son by blood, she was his mother by choice.

"I hope you are not mad at me for keeping your true identity a secret, Elessar," Maristela expressed as she pulled back, cupping his face to look him over for wounds. "No, I could never be mad at your, Mother. Lord Elrond explained everything to me but I needed answers of my own," Elessar explained to her. "And that is fine, I am just happy to see you are well. Now, let's get some food. You look famished," Maristela told him before motioning towards the town, the two made their way talking about their adventures and travels since they last saw one another; Maristela happy to see him again.

⊱ ──── {⋆ 🌌 ⋆} ──── ⊰

Maristela sat on the edge of a cliff, her eyes locked on the mountain in the distance. She twirling the dagger within her hands as the sun shone down on her, the surrounding environment was quiet except for the sounds of nature, birds chirping and small creatures running around the forest below. It had been fifty-three years since the Battle of the Five Armies and Maristela hadn't really aged a day, though she had a few new scars. Attica's breath rumbled as he walked up to her, lying down behind Maristela so she could lean back against him before singing.

My love, my love
My fearless love
I will not say goodbye
Sea may rise
Sky may fall
My love will never die

Go on, go on
Go bravely on
Into the blackest night
Hold my breath
'Til your return
My love will never die

My heart, my heart
My drowning heart
Oh all the tears I've cried
Oh I may weep forever more
My love will never die

My love, my love
My fearless love
I will not say goodbye
Sea may rise
Sky may fall
My love will never die

Sea may rise
Sky may fall
My love will never die
My love will never die

Her thoughts are flooded with every moment she had with Fíli Durin, her heart eased as the hurt had faded. Now she simply smiled at the thought of the Dwarf Prince and though she had many dreams of what their life could have been had he survived, she knew he would only want to see the smile on her face. And so, she made a simple promise to herself and to Fíli himself; She shall live for him. With that promise in mind, she truly believes that she can continue fighting, especially considering that something lurks within the shadows ready.

⊱ ──── {⋆ 🌌 ⋆} ──── ⊰

⊱ ──── {⋆ 🌌 ⋆} ──── ⊰

「 ✦ 𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘 ✦ 」

This chapter was shit but like... whatever.
Thats the end of the Hobbit.
Onto the Lord of the Rings now!!!

I shall leave you will the message:
Listen to Sleepsong by Secret Garden 'cause something about it is so magical and very Tolkien universe coded.

That song above is called "My Love Will Never Fade" by Claire Wyndham. It's hauntingly beautiful and fits Maristela's love for Fíli.

See you in the next act!!