Culture: High Elf of Rivendell
Calling: Scholar
A lively Elf-maid with golden hair and green eyes, Istril could at a glance be mistaken for a fair young woman of Dale, Gondor, or Rohan. She stands taller, however, her manner of speech is decidedly different, and her Elvish air is unmistakable. Istril dresses in finely-made garments common to the Elves, the hues of which blend into natural surroundings, and covers this with a hood and cloak that help her fade into shadow. The cloak does not have the same virtue as the cloaks the Galadhrim wear, but it is finely-woven nonetheless. For gear of war, Istril wears a chain shirt, cunningly made by elven-smiths to rest lightly upon her frame, and carries a bow and sword, tools of last resort.
Born shortly after the beginning of the Third Age, Istril is among the youngest of Elves who dwell in Imladris and she has not witnessed firsthand the destruction wrought by the Enemy. Her mother and father have long since passed over the sea to the Uttermost West, but Istril has chosen to remain in Middle-Earth for a time, hoping that some of the past glory of Eregion might be recovered or rekindled. She is young enough that her spirit still burns brightly and she maintains a cheerful demeanor, though the hurts of others touch her deeply.
When in Imladris, she divides most of her time between the Hall of Fire on days when songs and tales are shared, the craft rooms and forges, and (when permitted) Elrond's library. When traveling, she seeks the (rare) company of the Dúnedain or other elves, though the latter increasingly seek only the havens. She avoids the company of others, especially Men or Dwarves (unless, perhaps, they be of Durin's Folk), and has not had the pleasure of Hobbit company, preferring her horse, Lhossiel, a roan mare taken from the small stock of horses in Imladris.
Gifted with the Noldorin skill at craft and a love of learning, Istril has set herself to the mastery of several disciplines. To supplement her knowledge, she has taken to traveling the roads and wilds of Eriador, searching for records and artifacts that might aid her mastery. It is in this pursuit that she finds herself in the Bree-Land at Midsummer.
