Tinuviel stood on the threshold of a forest, halfway between a plain and the trees. The wind rustled in her mane and tail, shifting the leaves that curled about the base of her neck. As long as she could remember, she'd longed to feel the breeze and be free. And at last, she was.
Mother was nowhere nearby to nag her about her studies or her chores, or the million other things she had to do to meet her destiny. She didn't want that destiny. She didn't need it. What she needed was to stand right here, in the cool air, and close her eyes as she reveled in the feel of the trees and the grass calling her home. She didn't know how long she stood there - but she did know that when she opened her eyes again, the sun was setting. She was alone with herself - she'd left Adrastos back at camp, sleeping in a two-legger's basket. And neither of her fathers had come after her, nor had her mother.
For the first time in her life, Tin felt freer than a bird. Inhaling the scent of the long, golden grass of the plain, she let her feet take a few steps forward.
