What Happened at the Well

I woke up to find myself at the bottom of an old abandoned well. In my opinion, if people are going to abandon wells, they ought to cover them up or fill them in. Thankfully it dried up long ago and was wide enough for me to stretch my legs out in.

Once I got my senses back, I started examining the walls. There were still a few stones embeded in the dirt, but the only ones I could reach were dislodged when I tried to grab them. Absolutely no tree roots, of course.

Next I tried calling for help. But the round walls caused my voice to rebound and echo rather than carrying out to the surface.

I groaned and sat back down on the ground. It was getting quite late, and I was worried about the others. Would Rosriel make sure that they stayed in one place? Would Elanor get frightened about me? And what about poor Vila! She must be worried sick about her sister! At least I knew that Samdo was a rock of good sense and cheerful to boot. He'd keep them from getting too depressed.

But what about Lira? Who knew what might be happening to her?

Suddenly, a shadow crossed the top of the well. I glanced up and saw two heads sillouetted against the dusky sky.

"Well, well, what is this?" said a familiar voice. "I think my lady has gotten into trouble after all."

"Yes of course I've gotten into trouble!" I called back. "Please get me a rope, Elladan!"

"I told you they would need us," said the second figure, ignoring me. "Especially in this lonely and deserted country."

"Elrohir-I beg you- a rope?"

Elladan let out a chuckle. "You were right, brother. Do you think they might ask for some protection next time?"

I groaned. "Very well. Would you be so kind as to rescue me from this hole? And then I should be very grateful if you would assist me in finding one of our lost companions."

"Oh, we know where Maid Lira is," said Elrohir. "She has been kidnapped by a dwarf with a large temper and even larger stomach."

His brother pulled a rope out of his small pack. Knotting one end around his waist, he lowered it down to me. I grabbed the end, jerked it to make sure that he had planted his feet solidly, than began making my way up the side. My skirt didn't make it easy, but in less than ten minutes the twins were helping me over the side.

"All right," I said. "Let us find Lira."

"First we're feeding you," said Elladan.

"But Lira-"

"Is in no more danger than an empty stomach," Elrohir assured me. "And fear not, my brother and I are not the only guardians of this wildland."

I had little choice but to do as they said. I accepted the lembas they gave me, and listened as they made their plans...

~Elenatintil, 14 miles