Even as Lyiana rode next to Glorfindel, she found herself being taken in by all of her surroundings. All of the stories she had heard from her friends and acquaintances about the Elves and Rivendell fell exceedingly short of their actual beauty and wonder. Everything seemed so new and alive, yet at the same time there was somber peace and learning in the air. Even the very wind that rustled the leaves filled her soul with both deep satisfaction and yearning for more.  This very desire to learn was exactly why she had set off on her own journey to Rivendell. She wished to seek those much wiser and knowledgeable than herself in the hopes that they would teach her more about the art of healing and of magic.<br/><br/>Lyiana was struck back into the present, however, at the wise Elf's somber words. The Shadow was becoming ever more prevalent in the lives of ordinary, everyday people; indeed, it was infecting those who called themselves 'good' and eventually turning them against their own friends and families. An unwanted memory started to creep into the forefront of her mind, and try as she might to focus on the words of Glorfindel, she began to picture her mothers' demise.<br/>The sun had just peaked over the mountains, and Lyiana was just rousing from her sleep after hearing a strange, chilling noise in the distance. As she opened her eyes, her mother grabbed her arm and pulled her out of their home then pushed her out to her own horse. Another ear-piercing sound erupted from the quiet of the morning, followed by crashing, swords clanging together and cries of pain. Lyianas' mother shouted something at her, but she couldn't hear it over the loud clamor that drew ever closer to them. With tears in her own eyes, Lyiana suddenly realized what was happening, and immediately recognized the instructions her mother was shouting at her. Flee now and do not turn back; Ride hard until Seles can no longer carry you, and when she cannot? Run.<br/><br/>"Mother..." Lyiana barely whispered as a tear fell down her fair cheek. Her chest rose quickly as she inhaled, forcing those memories back, and with the soft release of breath, she wiped the tear away. Although she did not want to reveal her sorrows to this kind Elf, she did not want to appear ungrateful or rude, so she turned her face to look upon him as she followed him after he dismounted.<br/>"I thank you, my Lord, for your kindness and the hospitality with which I am receiving."<br/>She dipped her head graciously as the Elf left, then picked up her staff as she followed his directions to the Hall of Fire, careful not to let her curiosity get the best of her and wander into places where she was not invited.<br/><br/>Soon, she found herself walking down a few steps into a beautiful courtyard, full of tables and-just as Glorfindel had said-ample food and drink. Lyiana glanced over as she saw a  woman standing by the entrance, and she  dipped her head and gave a small smile before continuing down to where the refreshments were and pouring herself a small glass of liquid. As she sipped the liquid, Lyiana walked over to a small table in the corner and sat, listening to the conversations around her.