Free Soul Seeker (The World of Lasniniar Book 1) by Jacquelyn Smith

Unless they were successful in their quest, he would always be alone. And wasn’t Silvaranwyn just looking for some understanding on his part? She was the only one of her kind to come on this journey. She had done so willingly, knowing it was unlikely she would ever return to the Quenya and her people. She had come to him, the only other elf in their group, and he had gotten wrapped up in his own problems and walked away.
    Iarion suddenly felt ashamed. After all, he had been living with his burden for thousands of years. He had let Silvaranwyn down. She had chosen to come on this journey to help him and he had pushed her away. Iarion took a final deep breath and went back downstairs. He was met halfway by Barlo. The dwarf was scowling.
    “What did you say to her?”
    “Some things I shouldn’t have,” Iarion said with a sigh. “Where is she now?”
    “She ran up the stairs to the western spire, crying. I tried to talk to her, but she wouldn’t hear anything I had to say.” Barlo’s voice was distressed.
    “I’ll take care of it.” Iarion gestured for the dwarf to step aside. He continued down the steps and reentered the main hall to find the twins staring at him. He ignored their puzzled glances and ascended the stairs to the western spire.
    Numarin’s living quarters were a mess. Ancient tomes and trinkets littered the room. Silvaranwyn stood on the balcony with her back to the stairs.
    “Please, go away,” she said in the Common Tongue.
    “It’s me,” Iarion said in Elvish.
    Silvaranwyn turned. Her face was streaked with tears. Iarion walked over to her and placed a comforting hand on her back.
    “I’m sorry,” he said. “I said some things I should not have. My anger at you was misplaced. I’m just frustrated with my own situation. I should have been supportive for you.”
    “I am also sorry,” Silvaranwyn said through her tears. “I did not think before I spoke. It was hurtful of me. I did not mean to belittle your problem. I just thought you would understand when the others would not.”
    “And I do understand.” Iarion stroked her back and shrugged. “Well, as much as someone in my situation can, anyway.”
    Silvaranwyn gave a small smile. Her eyes met Iarion’s and she turned serious. “I am afraid, Iarion. I thought I had prepared myself, but not for this.”
    “Do you want to return to Melaquenya? You could probably summon another bird and send a message to the Sintadar . They would send someone to escort you back.”
    Silvaranwyn shook her head. “No. The Quenya has revealed my path. I must go on this quest with you. If I do not, you may fail, and my soul will be doomed for straying. I cannot ignore the will of the Quenya.”
    Iarion nodded his understanding. He expected no less from her. “Then stay on the path as you must. And if you are ever frightened again and need someone to talk to, I promise I will be here.”
    “I would like that.” Her smile grew. “And I will be here for you. I know I cannot understand your predicament, but there will be times when you will need to talk to someone who understands the call of the Quenya.”
    “Then you forgive me?”
    “Of course. Do you forgive me?”
    “There is nothing to forgive.” Iarion led Silvaranwyn away from the balcony. “We should go back. The others are probably worried. I know Barlo wasn’t happy with me.”
    The two elves returned to the main hall. The others gave them curious looks as they sat down.
    “Everything is fine,” Iarion announced. “Just a misunderstanding.” Barlo’s expression became relieved. Iarion had just finished speaking when Lysandir descended the southern stairs. Everyone looked at him expectantly.
    “I do not like what we have found.” The Learnéd One sat beside them on the floor. “Nothing has been taken and the doors were sealed when we arrived. What concerns me is I do not know the reason for Numarin’s departure. From the mess he left, he was agitated about something. He has not