Dawn was slowly arriving in the far horizon. Light pierced like sharpened gold spears within every opening it could penetrate through. In the forest the sun’s rays struck down between the leaves and branches; a very harmonious sight it was with the peacefulness within. The forest was as if it was its own world.

In the forest existed a glade, and at this hour the dew among the green grass danced like gold stars upon every blade grass in the rising sun. The call of sparrow could be faintly heard in the distance. Other than that lone sparrow, the only thing that stirred in the forest was a small group of Dunedain rangers that made camp in the glade. Quietly they spoke and moved about. Some of them were getting their supplies ready for another day of protecting the fallen kingdom of the north. Others either sat or stood a few were conversing in hushed tones with one another while others were off by themselves deep in thought.

One of these, who sat alone in thought, was a Dunedain known as Barathir. He was quite known in Middle Earth years ago, but as time progressed the more he longed to be in solitude He had seen much and done much. He was once the prince of Dol Amroth only later to become the king of Gondor. As his renown grew, the more people expected of him, he was relied on so much and amongst his stress he lost sight of who and what he was. He threw down his crown and betrayed his people. He betrayed his closest friend but worst of all he betrayed himself. Only to bring him to his death, not his true death, but the death of who he once was and for a time Barathir faded from thought.

When almost forgotten Barathir came to a tavern, only thought of as a wanderer to the locals but mischief stirred in that tavern. Commotion was heard by those who were downstairs when all the sudden they saw a body of a woman drop from the stairs and hit the ground, a dagger was sunk into her neck. The people watched as Barathir drew the dagger out of the corpse’s neck and walk out. They thought it strange but know one spoke of it because they knew who it was that died and the reasons as to why she came to her death and no one their that night took pity upon the dead woman.

It was then that Barathir came back into knowledge only to be brought back as the voice and sword of Ulmo. He was granted powers by Ulmo so that he may fulfill his task. Barathir did fulfill his task and when he asked Ulmo what was to become of who he was Ulmo said to him “You have proven yourself greatly Barathir. I give you the choice of what you want.” and Barathir asked for only to become who he once was; and so it was granted to him.

Barathir traveled back to where he came from, amongst the Dunedain rangers which is where he has dwelled to this day.

Barathir was in much thought when another Dunedain came and sat next to him upon a tree stump.

Barathir, you seem like much is on your mind. What is it that troubles you?

He asked softly. Barathir sat silent for a moment, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. He looked up to the rising sun that could just be seen starting to ascend over the forest, and smiled.

Nothing troubles me. For the first time in many years my heart feels pure, and my shoulders feel as if the burden that I carried for so long has finally be lifted for a time. Long has it been that I’ve been truly at peace with everything. Being here has brought me back to my younger days and though I am quiet my heart is very joyous. I know, though, that it will not stay this way long for me, for the burden of the world is only gone when we live no longer but today has brought back a feeling I’ve long forgotten: happiness. And even if it last for a short time in me I am grateful to be reminded of it.

The ranger sat and looked at Barathir closely, he then realized that, to his eyes, the weariness, the grief, and the pain that he held in his face had disappeared. He looked younger, and yes he did look happier also. The sight of seeing Barathir happy brought a feeling in happiness also.

Some of us dispersing now. The others and I will wait till you are ready to head out, but for now I wil leave you in peace. Barathir laid against a tree closed his eyes and took in another deep breath. For the first time in so long of years Barathir felt alive once again.