No, this is not a joke.

[lorien_gal]

There may be a boat, on the lake, very early this morning.

On this boat, there may be a woman, beautiful, tall and proud, eyes clear as pond water, hair golden to match the Light of the Trees. She looks about, and her eyes fill with wonder and concern - this is not the Great River that leads to Osgiliath. This is not the way to Minas Tirith -

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[hewer_of_caves]

Shortly after, anohter Elf appears through the trees, eyes bright, moving quickly and smiling as he goes to meet his little sister. "Artanis!"

[lorien_gal]

"Finrod," this is just a little too much, and she leans against the tree. "How can it...."

Her hand goes to the other. A trick, perhaps? But... "Is it truly you?"

[hewer_of_caves]

He takes her hand between his own, still smiling. "It is me. It's good to see you, sister."

[lorien_gal]

The hand is so real, his touch so warm. Her smile spans - she will need to make sense of it, but to see his face....

"Brother.... it's been so long!" She locks her eyes into him, seeking - if this is an illusion, or a dream she will know. She always knows.

[hewer_of_caves]

"I know." Though it hasn't been for him. He meets her eyes, smile not leaving. It's no dream.

[lorien_gal]

No, it's not, and she sees it now - and because of her it's been centuries, she will sink in his arms if he allows it.

"Elbereth Gilthoniel, it's been so long..."

We know, she's repeating herself. She's kind of in schock.

[hewer_of_caves]

"I know," he says again, reaching to take her in his arms and embrace her tightly. "I'm sorry."

[lorien_gal]

She sinks in his arms - because a big brother is a big brother and well, it's been centuries. To see such close sibling is a blessing.

She takes in his scent - to prove herself that he is real.

"How can it be?" But there is wonder in her voice.

[hewer_of_caves]

He holds her close, he didn't think he'd get the chance again. "This place is strange like that. People arrive here without knowing why, it doesn't matter if they were alive or dead."

[lorien_gal]

She may open her eyes in the embrace. He know's he's dead?

"But this is to the West," she murmurs.

[hewer_of_caves]

He knew he was going to end up dead the moment Beren walked in the door. He was fully aware that he was dying. It was waking up here that was the surprise.

"No," he says, "it is not anywhere that you have ever heard of, anywhere that ought to exist."

[lorien_gal]

"How.... how could it be?" She tries to make sense of it, and does not. "I saw Angarato. He said you were here, but it was so difficult to believe..."

[hewer_of_caves]

He nods. "He's only just arrived. I've been here for almost two years now." Sorry Galadriel, but sense making is not something that often happens here.

[lorien_gal]

She's just storing this. She'll need time to digest the... information.

"And you're well?" A bit disbelieving, but awed, too.

[hewer_of_caves]

He nods, still smiling. "I am, yes. I hope you are as well?"

[lorien_gal]

"I am," she murmurs. "Though now I wonder about so many things...."

Millenia have passed.