And Then Destiny Takes Hold (Adanadhel) {April 3011}

Falkner had no idea how long he’d been laying there when someone shook him.

It could have been days or weeks, but what it really was was minutes he supposed. His eyes blinked open slowly, barely grasping the voice asking him why he was alone. He tried to grasp who it was, perhaps a passing traveler, but he did hope it was no one dangerous...

Then came the rustling, and the smell. Falkner’s nose quivered ever so slightly. Was that food? It smelled like bread. Oh god, even the littlest bit of bread smelled like a five course meal in his eyes right now. He shakily pushed himself into a seated position and did not hesitate to take it. In fact in his ravenous state he began to tear into it. Suddenly not caring how he looked in his tattered furs and half-starved state.

It was the first bite of food he’d seen in almost a week.

He’d finally registered the person spoke again and turned wearily. Nearly falling over again, this time far more in surprise. Falkner had never seen an elf before - but his father had told him tales and he knew instantly it had to be what the man was. Had he wandered so far in search of food he’d found himself near their territory? Or had they always been near? He didn’t know,

Finally having some energy to speak, his voice was still a little raspy. “Y... You’re... Oh wow,” he breathed, trying to calm himself. And deciding not to gawk he managed a. “Thank you.. I’ve been starving. I was out hunting but I’m not quite as good as my father was...” he paused.as he thought of the man and his gaze became distant.

“I thank you for your kindness and generosity sir. As for these wilds I was raised in the wilds. I’ve only found myself alone in them more recently,” he said, though it took some time to get out with the little energy he honestly had at the moment - he supposed he owed the man who may have saved his life an explanation. “My father has recently died in a hunting accident. I am trying to continue his mantle - but I have found it very hard to carry on. I’ve considered turning to a city - but if I’m this close to elven territory... I fear I may be further from home than I originally believed.”

It was an honest assessment, and one that made him weary. Perhaps at best the elf could show him the way to the nearest town - there had to be one.

Alright so the Elf’s name was Adan.

Mirkwood. It didn’t seem to familiar - so he definitely had been very far from home! Man what kind of idiot was he? He must have thought him to be some sort of fool he figured. He was really not very good at this he supposed despite being better than the average ten year old. Who he wouldn’t be surprised would have succumbed to the elements if nothing else by now.

Then the elf offered to take him to where he lived. His mind swirled at the though. A bath? Food? Clothing that didn’t practically rip at the seam? For most, they’d probably grasp that the elf intended to keep him - but he hadnf grasped that in his exhausted state. In fact most might have protested but the soft way the elf spoke, his kindness, and gentleness were easy ways to win Falkner over.

After all he was only ten. A little boy, who had lost his life so to speak. He welcomed kindness even from a complete stranger.

He let the elf pick him up without any sign of a struggle, even wrapping his arms around his neck for support as he laid his head against his chest. He didn’t much care how it looked, he simply was thankful to be helped by a Good Samaritan after all. “Thank you... I promise not to be a bother. I’ll simply take the help and be on my way,” he explained - showing his fully not grasping of the situation. “You’re very kind Adan, thank you.” He repeated, attempting to show he had listened despite his quietness.

When the elf asked his own name, Falkner gave a calm nod. He supposed he would need that or he’d be calling him all sorts of words trying to figure it out. “Falkner. Father named me because when I was born, a hawk landed near our homestead. Thought it to be a sign,” he laughed a little, some of his strength returning but not much. “Never seen a single hawk before. So a bit funny if you ask me.”

A home? Among the elves?

That was an interesting thought - Falkner thought. In fact it sounded like a bit of an adventure when you considered he was a man. And he had not often heard of the elves extending such an offer before. Who knew what he could learn from the elves - and what kind of adventures he might have! But at the same time he didn’t quite know what to make of it. Would he be able to find a place among them? One acceptance did not a life make.

Then again, if he let him go who knew how long he would last. He’d already seen how hard life became when one didn’t have someone teaching them. Should he agree to allow Adan to take him to this place - Mirkwood, and see to his care he had much to gain. A roof over his head, food to eat, and clothes that were not tattered. He’d have someone new looking after him and perhaps new friends should he find himself any.

He’d been about to answer when the whistle - and the falcon - came.

The boy raised his head a bit and looked at the hawk quietly. Perhaps it was foolish, childish thinking given he did not know the whistle had been meant to call it. But Falkner took it as a sign. When he had been born, a hawk had come to greet his parents. Now again, a hawk came into his path, but while he was in the arms of someone who offered him sanctuary and perhaps a new life.

It was as though something, in his mind, was telling him this was his new beginning.

So, in his mind he made up his decision. Though perhaps hasty, he did believe in intervention. And this was in his mind certainly that. “It’s beautiful,” he explained his eyes scanning the bird quietly. “I will stay with you, if you truly will have me. I simply hope that I will not be a burden upon you sir. Although I am not normally in such a weakened state. I am quite good with a bow and as a hunter. Perhaps I can return your kindness in time.”

He supposed that looked like a joke for a boy being carried, half-starved by an elf. This was not the way he would have liked to be introduced to someone who intended to take him home and likely raise him. “I can try to walk perhaps after I’ve gained a little more strength. I’d hate for you to have to carry me all the way back to your home.”
He admitted. “I’d hate to look like such a weakling to the man who wishes to save my life.”

He didn’t know if it was his loneliness or simply the gentleness in the elf that made him feel comfort.

But everything about this elf screamed he should go with him. He spoke softly and with kind words, and the way he ruffle his hair like that, it was like his father had never left. And perhaps in such a sense he had been given a new one who could do the rest of his rearing. Though he had never once expected it to be an elf.

All the same, he burried himself into his newfound fathers grip a little more. Perhaps he did not think of him fully as such yet, but as with any child the time would come. And a part of him knew that - given he intended to bring him along. “If you do not think me a burden I shall try to think the same,” he admitted slowly. “I’m not sure how strong I’ll be but I will try. I do not want to slow you.”

He blinked a little at his explanation of his strength. That was certainly an interesting point - and maybe he was right and he ought to be dead. But his living clearly showed that life had more intended for him. Perhaps it had lead him to this area as the start of that, perhaps not. “Or I survived by sheer luck,” he admitted. “I don’t think I’d have made it more than a few more days had guy not come along with the bread.”

He nodded a little as the elf mentioned needing to make camp. That did make a fair bit of sense, it was growing late. So he simply allowed himself to relax somewhat as the elf set him down. His attention grabbed at the magic. His eyes grew a little wider. “So it’s true, elves are magical.” He managed.

At being motioned over he hesitated slightly. Why would he want him sitting there, he wondered? Though he slowly dragged himself over and was rather surprised when a cloak wrapped around him. He supposed he did not think of the cold but was thankful for it. “Thank you...” at the food, his mouth watered. He could hardly believe his good fortunes half expecting it to be a dream.

All the same he began eating, allowing himself to regain the energy he’d lost at least a little bit. He looked at Aldan rather calmly, resting himself against the elf again. If only so that he could feel his comfort and assurance that this was real. After all he was not entirely sure he would not awaken from a dream yet. “So this place you are taking me to. What is it like?” He questioned rather calmly. “I’ve only heard stories of the homes of the elves.” He admitted sheepishly.