I watched the goings on between the elves and our former captor with amusement and a little bit of awe. So these were Elves.. They were everything my mother and father had told me of.
Turning my mind away from the elves (they were twins!), I turned to Lira who was crying bitterly, from both relief and shock. A tall man was crouched beside her, awkwardly patting her shoulder, trying to comfort her. His friend, a young women, was having better luck.
Lira quieted and was sniffing with her head on the women's arm. The flickering light of the fire illuminated her comforter's face. She was pale with clear cut features. Thick heavy braids spilled out of her hood which was thrown back. She was dressed similarly to the man, who I recognised as a Ranger.
I quickly dropped to my knees. "Lira, are you all right?"
She, the man and the women looked at me. Her brow wrinkled. "Y..yes, but I'm hungry!" The Ranger looked bewildered at that, the woman amused.
Lira's face cleared and she lighted up. "You're here!!" She threw herself at me, and we hugged.
"I was wondering when you were going to give me a proper welcome," I laughed.
"Well I was tied up earlier," she grumbled. I stuck my tongue out at her back as she turned and hugged the woman. "Thank you for rescuing me, Elena!"
She laughed and hugged Lira. "We feared you were lost to us forever. We were having difficulty finding tracks! You have my cousin and the twins to thank for that."
Lira regarded the Ranger for a moment then hugged him, much to all three of ours' surprise. The Ranger patted her on the back with a smile.
Elena smiled. "This is my cousin, Anarion."
He nodded at both of us. "And how came you here, to this land?" He inquired of me.
"To join the Fellowship. I heard of it from Elena."
Now it was her turn to look surprised. "I do not remember you."
We met sometime ago, and you told me of your plan to Walk. When I heard my friend, Lira joined, I set off as well. "
~Wyn
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Moving On...
Well, after they had all recovered from my little joke I played on them (I'd been planing that since I got the invitation for this trip!), Aldarion said we should be moving on. Lady Rosriel protested a bit, saying she'd promised her cousin Lady Elena that we'd all stay right here, but Aldarion says that since she is with his brother and Elrond's sons, she should have no trouble catching up with us. So now we've reached the west of the river and have got to a steep sided canyon, and we is camping out here for today.
After we had made camp and got the supper cooking over a fire, Aldarion told us about the first and only hobbit ranger.
"A ranger that was a hobbit?" exclaimed Elanor. "Why I never knew that! What was his name? Where did he live?"
Aldarion smiled. "He was called Trotter by many. His real name, if I recall correctly, was Peregrine Boffin."
"Peregrine Boffin!" I said. "Why I remember hearing tales of him! They say that one day he vanished off into the blue and was never seen again."
"He was indeed seen again, but not by any of the hobbits in the Shire." Aldarion continued, "He went about wandering the lands north of the Shire. He was lean and lanky for a hobbit, not to mention brave and hardy, so when he met up with some of the Rangers, he fit right in with their style of life. Eventually he wandered over the Misty Mountains, and traveled down toward what was then Mirkwood, and the hidden fortress of Sauron."
"Indeed it was," Rosriel spoke up. "That part of the forest in now finally clean and beautiful again. Now that hear this tale, I remember hearing of a hobbit named Trotter, though he never came to the home of the elven king."
"He did not," Aldarion agreed, "for he was captured by Sauron, then known as the Necromancer. It is not known exactly what happened to him, but when he was finally released, he began to wear wooden shoes on his feet, something hobbits never do. It has been said that he was tortured, or even that the shoes were actually replacements for his feet."
"But what happened to him then?" I inquired eagerly. "Where did he go to? What did he do?"
"He traveled about Middle Earth, doing the duties of a Ranger, until he perished in the Mines of Moria."
We all sat there in quiet, thinking about the tale we had just been told.
"Well, that's a proper eye opener and no mistake," I said. "I had no idea that a hobbit had ever been on of those Ranger folk. That was sad though, how he came to a sad end in the mines. I wish he'd been able to settle down again someday, or come back to the Shire."
"He died living the life he loved, the life of a Ranger." Aldarion spoke quietly.
I shook my head. "Well, thank you for that story sir. I bet my granddad Pippin would love to hear it. He is in Minas Tirith now." I looked up smiling. "If we make it as far as there, I'll tell it to him, if he ain't heard it already."
Aldarion's face became grave. "Samdo," he spoke quietly. "Come with me. There is something I must tell you."
--- Master Samdo, 16 miles
After we had made camp and got the supper cooking over a fire, Aldarion told us about the first and only hobbit ranger.
"A ranger that was a hobbit?" exclaimed Elanor. "Why I never knew that! What was his name? Where did he live?"
Aldarion smiled. "He was called Trotter by many. His real name, if I recall correctly, was Peregrine Boffin."
"Peregrine Boffin!" I said. "Why I remember hearing tales of him! They say that one day he vanished off into the blue and was never seen again."
"He was indeed seen again, but not by any of the hobbits in the Shire." Aldarion continued, "He went about wandering the lands north of the Shire. He was lean and lanky for a hobbit, not to mention brave and hardy, so when he met up with some of the Rangers, he fit right in with their style of life. Eventually he wandered over the Misty Mountains, and traveled down toward what was then Mirkwood, and the hidden fortress of Sauron."
"Indeed it was," Rosriel spoke up. "That part of the forest in now finally clean and beautiful again. Now that hear this tale, I remember hearing of a hobbit named Trotter, though he never came to the home of the elven king."
"He did not," Aldarion agreed, "for he was captured by Sauron, then known as the Necromancer. It is not known exactly what happened to him, but when he was finally released, he began to wear wooden shoes on his feet, something hobbits never do. It has been said that he was tortured, or even that the shoes were actually replacements for his feet."
"But what happened to him then?" I inquired eagerly. "Where did he go to? What did he do?"
"He traveled about Middle Earth, doing the duties of a Ranger, until he perished in the Mines of Moria."
We all sat there in quiet, thinking about the tale we had just been told.
"Well, that's a proper eye opener and no mistake," I said. "I had no idea that a hobbit had ever been on of those Ranger folk. That was sad though, how he came to a sad end in the mines. I wish he'd been able to settle down again someday, or come back to the Shire."
"He died living the life he loved, the life of a Ranger." Aldarion spoke quietly.
I shook my head. "Well, thank you for that story sir. I bet my granddad Pippin would love to hear it. He is in Minas Tirith now." I looked up smiling. "If we make it as far as there, I'll tell it to him, if he ain't heard it already."
Aldarion's face became grave. "Samdo," he spoke quietly. "Come with me. There is something I must tell you."
--- Master Samdo, 16 miles
An Unexpected Invitation
We all heard the screams at about the same time. If they had been going on incessently, Elladan and Elrohir would have heard them from miles aday, but they started when we were only about a hundred yards from the camp.
It was pitch black by now, but that meant nothing to two elves and two rangers. Quickly we huddled together to make our plan of attack.
"Elrohir and I will confront the dwarf," said Elladan. "It is us he wishes to speak to anyhow. Elena, Anarion, see to the maids."
I blinked. "Maids? Have the others been captured as well?"
"I have not the least idea who Lira's companion might be," he replied. "But unless my ears decieve me, there are two maidens in that hollow."
I pulled out a small dagger and got down on my hands and knees. The others did the same. We covered the ground quickly and within minutes could see the small flickering flames of a campfire. On the near side of the fire was the bushy head of a dwarf. Lira and her companion (thankfully no one I knew!) were tied up on the otherside.
Without warning, the twins burst forwards and tackled the dwarf. At the same moment Anarion sprang up and rushed to the captives. His knife made swift work of Lira's bounds.
Stunned for only an instance, I quickly recovered and joined him, setting to work on the ropes that held Lira's companion. She looked somewhat elvish, but was far shorter than any elf I had seen in my life. Furthermore, her hair was curly. Only hobbits had curly hair!
"Thank you!" She said breathlessly as I finished cutting through the ropes.
"Glad to be of service," I told her. "My name is Elenatintil."
"Raewyn," she replied. But I noticed that her eyes were no longer on me. Instead she was staring intently at the twins who now had the dwarf firmly at arrowpoint. "Who are they?"
"Elladan and Elrohir, the sons of Elrond," I answered, feeling a bit irritated. But I had no time to say anything further, for at that moment Lira began (quite understandably) to cry. Anarion had rested a hand somewhat comfortingly on her shoulder, but I knew that at a time like this, only another female would truly understand her distress. I quickly moved over to comfort her.
Meanwhile the elves were questioning the dwarf.
"Who are you?"
"Why have you kidnapped these defenseless maidens?"
"Where have you come from?"
"What is your purpose in this land?"
The dwarf was glaring fiercely at them. "And why should I tell you anything, Elven Princelings? Even from you I expected more courtesy than to be thrown out at the gate!!!"
Elladan scowled at him. "You will speak because we hold your life in our hands. And were it not for your cruel act against these maids we would have followed you and begged your pardon for our steward's rudeness!"
"Never let it be said that our father's house refused lodging to any of the free folk!" added Elrohir.
The dwarf seemed to be reconsidering his options. Finally he nodded. "Put away your bows."
The twins lowered their arrows and slackened their hold, but they did not resheath the arrows.
"I said, put them away," said the dwarf with a growl.
"I think not," said Elladan. "Not after what you've done."
"Then I will not talk!"
"Put them away," said Anarion, breaking into the conversation. "Even unarmed I think the three of us here are more than match for one dwarf."
"True enough," agreed Elrohir, putting his arrow away.
With a sigh, Elladan followed suit. "Very well," he said. "They're away. Now speak."
The dwarf crossed his arms. "My name is Dorin, son of Dor. I am a messenger from the Mines of Moria, sent to bring an invitation to our halls in hopes of restoring friendship between our people."
Elladan and Elrohir both turned amusing shades of red. The dwarf seemed to gain confidence from that.
"Forty years ago," he continued. "My kinsman, Gimli son of Gloin, led a party into the mountains to rebuild the halls of the Dwarrowdelf. With help from the elves of Lorian, we drove the goblins form the mountains and re-established our kingdom there. Now, our work being at it's height and our halls restored to their former glory, we have invited the royalty from the realms of Rivendell, Mirkwood and Lorian to come and drink friendship and fortune with us."
It was pitch black by now, but that meant nothing to two elves and two rangers. Quickly we huddled together to make our plan of attack.
"Elrohir and I will confront the dwarf," said Elladan. "It is us he wishes to speak to anyhow. Elena, Anarion, see to the maids."
I blinked. "Maids? Have the others been captured as well?"
"I have not the least idea who Lira's companion might be," he replied. "But unless my ears decieve me, there are two maidens in that hollow."
I pulled out a small dagger and got down on my hands and knees. The others did the same. We covered the ground quickly and within minutes could see the small flickering flames of a campfire. On the near side of the fire was the bushy head of a dwarf. Lira and her companion (thankfully no one I knew!) were tied up on the otherside.
Without warning, the twins burst forwards and tackled the dwarf. At the same moment Anarion sprang up and rushed to the captives. His knife made swift work of Lira's bounds.
Stunned for only an instance, I quickly recovered and joined him, setting to work on the ropes that held Lira's companion. She looked somewhat elvish, but was far shorter than any elf I had seen in my life. Furthermore, her hair was curly. Only hobbits had curly hair!
"Thank you!" She said breathlessly as I finished cutting through the ropes.
"Glad to be of service," I told her. "My name is Elenatintil."
"Raewyn," she replied. But I noticed that her eyes were no longer on me. Instead she was staring intently at the twins who now had the dwarf firmly at arrowpoint. "Who are they?"
"Elladan and Elrohir, the sons of Elrond," I answered, feeling a bit irritated. But I had no time to say anything further, for at that moment Lira began (quite understandably) to cry. Anarion had rested a hand somewhat comfortingly on her shoulder, but I knew that at a time like this, only another female would truly understand her distress. I quickly moved over to comfort her.
Meanwhile the elves were questioning the dwarf.
"Who are you?"
"Why have you kidnapped these defenseless maidens?"
"Where have you come from?"
"What is your purpose in this land?"
The dwarf was glaring fiercely at them. "And why should I tell you anything, Elven Princelings? Even from you I expected more courtesy than to be thrown out at the gate!!!"
Elladan scowled at him. "You will speak because we hold your life in our hands. And were it not for your cruel act against these maids we would have followed you and begged your pardon for our steward's rudeness!"
"Never let it be said that our father's house refused lodging to any of the free folk!" added Elrohir.
The dwarf seemed to be reconsidering his options. Finally he nodded. "Put away your bows."
The twins lowered their arrows and slackened their hold, but they did not resheath the arrows.
"I said, put them away," said the dwarf with a growl.
"I think not," said Elladan. "Not after what you've done."
"Then I will not talk!"
"Put them away," said Anarion, breaking into the conversation. "Even unarmed I think the three of us here are more than match for one dwarf."
"True enough," agreed Elrohir, putting his arrow away.
With a sigh, Elladan followed suit. "Very well," he said. "They're away. Now speak."
The dwarf crossed his arms. "My name is Dorin, son of Dor. I am a messenger from the Mines of Moria, sent to bring an invitation to our halls in hopes of restoring friendship between our people."
Elladan and Elrohir both turned amusing shades of red. The dwarf seemed to gain confidence from that.
"Forty years ago," he continued. "My kinsman, Gimli son of Gloin, led a party into the mountains to rebuild the halls of the Dwarrowdelf. With help from the elves of Lorian, we drove the goblins form the mountains and re-established our kingdom there. Now, our work being at it's height and our halls restored to their former glory, we have invited the royalty from the realms of Rivendell, Mirkwood and Lorian to come and drink friendship and fortune with us."
~Elenatintil, 18 miles
Hmmm...Maybe Not the Best Plan!
"This wasn't a very good idea," I said glumly from my place on the ground beside Lira, who looked positively lived at the fact that she was not going to be rescued now.
"I-AM-TIRED-OF-BEING-KIDNAPPED-AND-WANT-MY-SISTER!!!!" She screamed, kicking at the ground.
After a moment's reflection, I decided her idea was just as good, if not better then mine, and joined in. "AAAAHHH!!! I WANT TO SEE A ELF!!!"
The unnamed dwarf turned beet red and shook his fist at us, shouting something sounding very ridicules, but could do nothing as he had no cloth to stuff our mouths with.
I snickered under the cover of Lira's shrieking. Good thing I had thought to stuff that spare cloak of his beneath a rock.
Now all we had to do was wait for the rest of the Fellowship to show up...
~Raewyn
"I-AM-TIRED-OF-BEING-KIDNAPPED-AND-WANT-MY-SISTER!!!!" She screamed, kicking at the ground.
After a moment's reflection, I decided her idea was just as good, if not better then mine, and joined in. "AAAAHHH!!! I WANT TO SEE A ELF!!!"
The unnamed dwarf turned beet red and shook his fist at us, shouting something sounding very ridicules, but could do nothing as he had no cloth to stuff our mouths with.
I snickered under the cover of Lira's shrieking. Good thing I had thought to stuff that spare cloak of his beneath a rock.
Now all we had to do was wait for the rest of the Fellowship to show up...
~Raewyn
Friday, June 6, 2008
Introducing Raewyn..and Lira?!
Suilaid! (Greetings)
My greetings to the Fellowship! I am Raewyn Greenleaf Peredil-Elandili, very distant half-cousin of Legolas Greenleaf, Sole Elf and member of the Fellowship of the Ring.
I was born in the gentle woods of Ithilien, but was raised between the Shire and Lothlorien. I am the daughter of Erudan, a mortal with a few drops of Elvish blood and Nessa, a hobbit. Odd, yes. Many laugh even and do not believe me, saying such a thing's impossible. I disagree.
I am called Wyn or Wryn. I grew up between the Woods, with the trees, fed on stories and tales of old. My mother would sit in trees with me and tell me of Frodo Baggins, and the Fellowship of the Ring.
I spent many happy days by myself fighting Orks, after fashioning my own Sting from a piece of wood; first pretending to be Merry and Pippin, then Legolas, and then Gandalf. I floated down a river in my funeral makeshift boat with Lord Boromir, clambered down rocks and roots with Sam and Frodo, charged down a hill with the Rohirrim, and galloped through the dark caves of the Door of the Dead with Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli.
A dear acquaintance, the Lady Elena, has oft remarked to me that Elves speak one way, Hobbits another. I find it hard to not dabble in the manner of speaking of both Races. Especially as I have passed Rivendell not too long ago without even stopping! I've never seen a Elf before, and wish to from the top of my (rather short) head to me feet, to see one. But I cannot linger if I'm to catch up before nightfall. I am so very far behind, but my heart sings at the thought that I am following the path of The Nine!
But wait! What is that?
"Pleeeeeease?"
I stopped abruptly and looked around in puzzlement. Who is that? Had I come across my companions already?
I ran, parting the grass as I moved forward. My feet quickened of their own accord and I nearly let out a yell as I stumbled across a small hallow. Lira!
She was tied up and seated across from a strange dwarf, looking most dissatisfied.
I dropped down into the deep grass and inched forward careful not to make a sound. I peeked into the hallow and bit my lip to keep from laughing. Poor Lira! Her forced companion looked none too friendly.
From what I could tell, he was busying himself with a rusted old pot and some vegetables. I laughed silently. Surely, he wasn't trying to make soup?
I got up and circled the hallow, coming up behind Lira.
"How could you be so cruuuuuuuuuueeeeell to a poor, helpless little elf?" Lira cried, and looked miserable. "Not to mention a poor, helpless kidnapped elf!"
The dwarf ignored her.
There was silence and then she sighed and started screaming. "I AM A BORED ELF, AND NO-ONE WANTS TO COME RESCUE ME!!!!!" And threw a temper tantrum, much to the alarm of the nameless dwarf.
He turned around and threw a carrot at her, which she caught with her teeth.
Grinning, I looked around and saw something of interest lying near Lira. I crept up behind her and reached past to grasp the dwarf's cloak.
I dragged it away and hurriedly went through the pockets hoping to find a knife of some sort, (mine had fallen down a empty well) but found nothing.
Annoyed, but not discouraged, I crawled back to Lira, determined to bit through her bounds if that's what if took. Unfortunately, I must have been too loud. I felt, rather then heard, footsteps and my head was introduced to a rather heavy pot.
~Raewyn
My greetings to the Fellowship! I am Raewyn Greenleaf Peredil-Elandili, very distant half-cousin of Legolas Greenleaf, Sole Elf and member of the Fellowship of the Ring.
I was born in the gentle woods of Ithilien, but was raised between the Shire and Lothlorien. I am the daughter of Erudan, a mortal with a few drops of Elvish blood and Nessa, a hobbit. Odd, yes. Many laugh even and do not believe me, saying such a thing's impossible. I disagree.
I am called Wyn or Wryn. I grew up between the Woods, with the trees, fed on stories and tales of old. My mother would sit in trees with me and tell me of Frodo Baggins, and the Fellowship of the Ring.
I spent many happy days by myself fighting Orks, after fashioning my own Sting from a piece of wood; first pretending to be Merry and Pippin, then Legolas, and then Gandalf. I floated down a river in my funeral makeshift boat with Lord Boromir, clambered down rocks and roots with Sam and Frodo, charged down a hill with the Rohirrim, and galloped through the dark caves of the Door of the Dead with Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli.
A dear acquaintance, the Lady Elena, has oft remarked to me that Elves speak one way, Hobbits another. I find it hard to not dabble in the manner of speaking of both Races. Especially as I have passed Rivendell not too long ago without even stopping! I've never seen a Elf before, and wish to from the top of my (rather short) head to me feet, to see one. But I cannot linger if I'm to catch up before nightfall. I am so very far behind, but my heart sings at the thought that I am following the path of The Nine!
But wait! What is that?
"Pleeeeeease?"
I stopped abruptly and looked around in puzzlement. Who is that? Had I come across my companions already?
I ran, parting the grass as I moved forward. My feet quickened of their own accord and I nearly let out a yell as I stumbled across a small hallow. Lira!
She was tied up and seated across from a strange dwarf, looking most dissatisfied.
I dropped down into the deep grass and inched forward careful not to make a sound. I peeked into the hallow and bit my lip to keep from laughing. Poor Lira! Her forced companion looked none too friendly.
From what I could tell, he was busying himself with a rusted old pot and some vegetables. I laughed silently. Surely, he wasn't trying to make soup?
I got up and circled the hallow, coming up behind Lira.
"How could you be so cruuuuuuuuuueeeeell to a poor, helpless little elf?" Lira cried, and looked miserable. "Not to mention a poor, helpless kidnapped elf!"
The dwarf ignored her.
There was silence and then she sighed and started screaming. "I AM A BORED ELF, AND NO-ONE WANTS TO COME RESCUE ME!!!!!" And threw a temper tantrum, much to the alarm of the nameless dwarf.
He turned around and threw a carrot at her, which she caught with her teeth.
Grinning, I looked around and saw something of interest lying near Lira. I crept up behind her and reached past to grasp the dwarf's cloak.
I dragged it away and hurriedly went through the pockets hoping to find a knife of some sort, (mine had fallen down a empty well) but found nothing.
Annoyed, but not discouraged, I crawled back to Lira, determined to bit through her bounds if that's what if took. Unfortunately, I must have been too loud. I felt, rather then heard, footsteps and my head was introduced to a rather heavy pot.
~Raewyn
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Rangers and Elves and Dwarves- Oh My!
Well! This is a surprising turn of events!
Not five minutes after I had started my lembas, Elladan held up his hand, motioning us to be quiet.
"What is it, brother?" asked Elrohir.
Wordlessly Elladan pointing to a tall black figure making his way towards us. I frowned. There was something familiar about his stride...
But before I had time to mention this, Elladan had pushed me down into the grass. Than he and Elrohir rose and, with arrows on the string, started inching towards the newcomer.
By now the moon had begun to rise. By its pale light I could make out the features of the man's face. I stifled a laugh. I would have known those black eyebrows and cleft chin anywhere!
"Anarion!" I cried, leaping up and running across the grass.
Immediatly the twins lept out of the shadows.
"Elena, stay back!" shouted Elrohir as they pointed their arrows at Anarion.
"But he's my cousin!" I protested.
Anarion's furrowed brow relaxed as he recognized me through the darkness. "Elena? Is that you?"
"It's all right," I assured the twins again, moving their bows aside as I went to embrace my cousin. "Anarion! What are you doing so far from Minas Tirith?"
"What do you think I'm doing? Aldarion and I have come to watch over you on this venture. Did you really think that your kinsmen would let you wander these wilds alone?"
I glanced sideways at the twins, neither of whom looked very happy. Then I laughed. "Indeed! I must be the most well protected maiden this side of the Shire!"
Elrohir was the first to slacken his bow and nod his head in greeting. A bit grudgingly, Elladan followed.
"Elrohir and Elladan, the sons of Elrond," I said. "And this is my Uncle's younger son, Anarion. Aparently his elder, Aldarion, is somewhere else in these moors..."
"We split up," Anarion explained. "From the footprints it seemed that you had left your main party, though we were not sure why."
"Oh!" I blinked. "How could I have forgotten!" I turned back to the twins. "Where is Lira being held?"
"As we said, the maid is safe," said Elrohir. "She is merely held captive by an ill-tempered dwarf. He appeared at Rivendell a month ago, wanting something from us. Unfortunately, Elladan and I
were away patroling the Shire borders and our steward (a well meaning but prejudiced Elf) sent him away."
"And now he's kidnapped Lira? Why?"
"We know not."
I sighed. "Well, suppose we find out?"
Not five minutes after I had started my lembas, Elladan held up his hand, motioning us to be quiet.
"What is it, brother?" asked Elrohir.
Wordlessly Elladan pointing to a tall black figure making his way towards us. I frowned. There was something familiar about his stride...
But before I had time to mention this, Elladan had pushed me down into the grass. Than he and Elrohir rose and, with arrows on the string, started inching towards the newcomer.
By now the moon had begun to rise. By its pale light I could make out the features of the man's face. I stifled a laugh. I would have known those black eyebrows and cleft chin anywhere!
"Anarion!" I cried, leaping up and running across the grass.
Immediatly the twins lept out of the shadows.
"Elena, stay back!" shouted Elrohir as they pointed their arrows at Anarion.
"But he's my cousin!" I protested.
Anarion's furrowed brow relaxed as he recognized me through the darkness. "Elena? Is that you?"
"It's all right," I assured the twins again, moving their bows aside as I went to embrace my cousin. "Anarion! What are you doing so far from Minas Tirith?"
"What do you think I'm doing? Aldarion and I have come to watch over you on this venture. Did you really think that your kinsmen would let you wander these wilds alone?"
I glanced sideways at the twins, neither of whom looked very happy. Then I laughed. "Indeed! I must be the most well protected maiden this side of the Shire!"
Elrohir was the first to slacken his bow and nod his head in greeting. A bit grudgingly, Elladan followed.
"Elrohir and Elladan, the sons of Elrond," I said. "And this is my Uncle's younger son, Anarion. Aparently his elder, Aldarion, is somewhere else in these moors..."
"We split up," Anarion explained. "From the footprints it seemed that you had left your main party, though we were not sure why."
"Oh!" I blinked. "How could I have forgotten!" I turned back to the twins. "Where is Lira being held?"
"As we said, the maid is safe," said Elrohir. "She is merely held captive by an ill-tempered dwarf. He appeared at Rivendell a month ago, wanting something from us. Unfortunately, Elladan and I
were away patroling the Shire borders and our steward (a well meaning but prejudiced Elf) sent him away."
"And now he's kidnapped Lira? Why?"
"We know not."
I sighed. "Well, suppose we find out?"
~Elenatintil, 16.75 miles
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
New Companions
Thank goodness for Samdo's undying cheerfulness! We were all in a rather bleak mood, but that comical ditty and those lovely scones restored our hope and our spirits. There has been a new turn of events as well...
I was preparing the afternoons meal and the others were either taking a nap, or braiding flower chains, when suddenly I felt a prickle up my spine, as if someone was watching me. I straightened up slowly, and glanced cautiously around. Elanor glanced up curiously, and I held my finger to my lips for silence. A movement in the trees caught me eye, and I slowly reached for my quiver and bow. A loud laugh from behind startled me, and I whipped around to find a ranger standing there!
"Did I frighten you, my lady?" he asked with amusement.
"Is there not a difference between prudence and fright?" I retorted. "How was I to know, without having seen you, that you were a friend? We have already lost one of our company to a dwarf who has been following us."
"Then you believe her to be dead?"
"No! I pray not! I meant only that she has been captured." I answered quickly. "What is your name, ranger?"
He bowed low, "I am Aldarion, one of the Dunedin, just come from Gondor. I am traveling with my younger brother Anarion. He and I parted this morning; he to join Elladan and Elrohir, and I to find you."
"Elladan and Elrohir? Have you seen them? Is my cousin Elenatintil with them? Is she safe?" I asked eagerly.
He smiled. "Never fear, she is safe. She had fallen down a well, but came to no harm."
At this point Vila, Elanor and I all began laughing merrily. "So, so, she did fall down a well!" gasped Elanor. "And we, ha, ha, ha, ha, all, he, he, thought Samdo would..." I could not speak more for my laughter.
Aldarion looked puzzled. "Why does that amuse you? And who is Samdo?"
I wiped my eyes, and explained. "Samdo, is our other hobbit companion. He was planning..." I stopped and looked around. "Where is Samdo?"
"Right here, of course," came a voice from where Samdo quite obviously was not.
Vila scrambled to her feet. "Where?" She asked, her voice a bit fearful.
"Right here!" This time his voice was from a different spot, and he was still obviously not there.
We glanced at each other, the same thought running through our minds. "Another Ring, not another ring," I thought.
Aldarion spoke out commandingly. "Show your self this instant, or I shall run you through!"
The hobbit voice sighed. "Very well. Here I am." We turned to see Samdo behind us, slipping something into his pocket. Silent amazment was the general mood, then we all began to speak at once.
"Samdo, what is that in your pocket?"
"What on earth are you doing?"
"Where did you find that?"
"Show it here right now!"
"Show what?" that impudent hobbit asked innocently. We promptly jumped on him, and Elanor dug a gold ring out of his pocket. We stared at it, then him, and would you know? That hobbit started laughing as if it was the greatest joke in the world.
"Where did you find that?" Aldarion demanded.
Samdo rolled helplessly on the ground. "Didn't, didn't find it, hee hee hee, anywhere! Ha ha ha! Should have seen, seen your fa.. faces!" He giggled in a most irritating way.
I for one was about ready to strangle him. "Where did you get it?" I cried.
"Made, made, it, ha ha ha, back, in Hobbi..Hobbiton!" He managed to get out before exploding into laughter again.
"You mean you made this?" Vila asked dazedly.
At this point Samdo was beyond speaking, and merely nodded.
Then I asked, "So, it isn't a ruling ring?"
Samdo shook his head, trying to compose himself. "Ventriloquist!" He barely managed.
At that point Elanor burst into laughter. "Samdo!" she cried. "How could you?" She explained to us, "I remember now. Samdo learned how to be a ventriloquist, and make his voice sound like it was coming from someplace where he wasn't. And as you know, hobbits are naturally gifted with being able to slip a quietly and without notice. Samdo was also good friends with Joe Button, the forger's son, and so must have gotten a ring made that looked like the One Ring. Then, all he had to do was slip away unnoticed and hide, then make his voice sound like it was comeing from somewheres else!"
There was silence among the rest of us, and I glanced at Aldarion, to see that he was valiently trying to hold back a smile. I realized how foolish we must have seem, and burst into a most unladylike and relieved laughter. Soon we were all lying helplessly on the ground and laughing until tears came from our eyes.
That hobbit! Whatever will he think of next?
~Lady Rosriel 14 miles
"Did I frighten you, my lady?" he asked with amusement.
"Is there not a difference between prudence and fright?" I retorted. "How was I to know, without having seen you, that you were a friend? We have already lost one of our company to a dwarf who has been following us."
"Then you believe her to be dead?"
"No! I pray not! I meant only that she has been captured." I answered quickly. "What is your name, ranger?"
He bowed low, "I am Aldarion, one of the Dunedin, just come from Gondor. I am traveling with my younger brother Anarion. He and I parted this morning; he to join Elladan and Elrohir, and I to find you."
"Elladan and Elrohir? Have you seen them? Is my cousin Elenatintil with them? Is she safe?" I asked eagerly.
He smiled. "Never fear, she is safe. She had fallen down a well, but came to no harm."
At this point Vila, Elanor and I all began laughing merrily. "So, so, she did fall down a well!" gasped Elanor. "And we, ha, ha, ha, ha, all, he, he, thought Samdo would..." I could not speak more for my laughter.
Aldarion looked puzzled. "Why does that amuse you? And who is Samdo?"
I wiped my eyes, and explained. "Samdo, is our other hobbit companion. He was planning..." I stopped and looked around. "Where is Samdo?"
"Right here, of course," came a voice from where Samdo quite obviously was not.
Vila scrambled to her feet. "Where?" She asked, her voice a bit fearful.
"Right here!" This time his voice was from a different spot, and he was still obviously not there.
We glanced at each other, the same thought running through our minds. "Another Ring, not another ring," I thought.
Aldarion spoke out commandingly. "Show your self this instant, or I shall run you through!"
The hobbit voice sighed. "Very well. Here I am." We turned to see Samdo behind us, slipping something into his pocket. Silent amazment was the general mood, then we all began to speak at once.
"Samdo, what is that in your pocket?"
"What on earth are you doing?"
"Where did you find that?"
"Show it here right now!"
"Show what?" that impudent hobbit asked innocently. We promptly jumped on him, and Elanor dug a gold ring out of his pocket. We stared at it, then him, and would you know? That hobbit started laughing as if it was the greatest joke in the world.
"Where did you find that?" Aldarion demanded.
Samdo rolled helplessly on the ground. "Didn't, didn't find it, hee hee hee, anywhere! Ha ha ha! Should have seen, seen your fa.. faces!" He giggled in a most irritating way.
I for one was about ready to strangle him. "Where did you get it?" I cried.
"Made, made, it, ha ha ha, back, in Hobbi..Hobbiton!" He managed to get out before exploding into laughter again.
"You mean you made this?" Vila asked dazedly.
At this point Samdo was beyond speaking, and merely nodded.
Then I asked, "So, it isn't a ruling ring?"
Samdo shook his head, trying to compose himself. "Ventriloquist!" He barely managed.
At that point Elanor burst into laughter. "Samdo!" she cried. "How could you?" She explained to us, "I remember now. Samdo learned how to be a ventriloquist, and make his voice sound like it was coming from someplace where he wasn't. And as you know, hobbits are naturally gifted with being able to slip a quietly and without notice. Samdo was also good friends with Joe Button, the forger's son, and so must have gotten a ring made that looked like the One Ring. Then, all he had to do was slip away unnoticed and hide, then make his voice sound like it was comeing from somewheres else!"
There was silence among the rest of us, and I glanced at Aldarion, to see that he was valiently trying to hold back a smile. I realized how foolish we must have seem, and burst into a most unladylike and relieved laughter. Soon we were all lying helplessly on the ground and laughing until tears came from our eyes.
That hobbit! Whatever will he think of next?
~Lady Rosriel 14 miles
Monday, June 2, 2008
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...
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
Staying put...
Well, looks like we'll be spending a few days here. Lady Elena told us she was off to look for those elvish twins, that are supposed to be following us. She looked right mad, and I hope she gives those two a talking when she meets up with them. Fancy following us, supposing with the intention of looking out for us, and then letting Lira get taken by that dwarf!
Lady Rosriel said that we wasn't moving until she gets back, which caused a bit of grumbling. Miss Vila thought we should go looking for her sister and let Elena and the twins catch up, but Lady Rosriel put her foot down and said we weren't going nowheres. Said that the dwarf wouldn't be going far, since we seemed to be his source of food, and what if Elena couldn't find the twins, ended up hurt or something, and we weren't where we were when she left? Everyone agreed to that, so here we are.
This morning I woke up with an uneasy feeling. Can't figure why, but I feel as if somethin' is just not how it should be. I sure hope that nothin' has happened to Elena, or Lira. Or maybe my feeling is that something bad will happen soon. I expect Lady Rosriel is a bit anxious too, she's done nothin' but pace around and look worried. The rest of our fellowship is a bit depressed as well. Every face is gloom and doom.
This won't do at all! We can't all just sit around and look glum. The expressions on these faces is enough to scare the sun away. I know what I'll do! I cook them up a nice batch of scones with honey sauce, and recite something for them!
Lady Rosriel said that we wasn't moving until she gets back, which caused a bit of grumbling. Miss Vila thought we should go looking for her sister and let Elena and the twins catch up, but Lady Rosriel put her foot down and said we weren't going nowheres. Said that the dwarf wouldn't be going far, since we seemed to be his source of food, and what if Elena couldn't find the twins, ended up hurt or something, and we weren't where we were when she left? Everyone agreed to that, so here we are.
This morning I woke up with an uneasy feeling. Can't figure why, but I feel as if somethin' is just not how it should be. I sure hope that nothin' has happened to Elena, or Lira. Or maybe my feeling is that something bad will happen soon. I expect Lady Rosriel is a bit anxious too, she's done nothin' but pace around and look worried. The rest of our fellowship is a bit depressed as well. Every face is gloom and doom.
This won't do at all! We can't all just sit around and look glum. The expressions on these faces is enough to scare the sun away. I know what I'll do! I cook them up a nice batch of scones with honey sauce, and recite something for them!
There once was a bee,
Named Princess Mee,
Named Princess Mee,
She ended up at the bottom of the sea!
How could this be?
Asks you to me.
She wears fine things
and golden rings
Weighted down with jewels and things,
All the day she gaily sings,
The gold all clacks and chings.
On a fine day she wed
Mr. Wasp Harry Med
With tons of gold upon his head.
"For alive or for dead"
Is what they said.
Out in the moat
They went in a boat.
We pray and hope it stays a float!
All the gold is more then a goat
with a collar on its throat.
A wave came by
Up went the boat to the sky!
Came crashing down upon a fly
Who got a sliver in his eye!
That's how Harry and Mee did die.
So now you know
I've told you so,
Don't wear gold when you go
Out a boating with your beau
Or to the watery depths you go!
---Master Samdo 12 miles
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Tracking down those elusive Elvish twins!
Furious that Elladan and Elrohir insist on tracking us, yet were no help in keeping Lira safe, I left the others at the camp and set out to find the twins.
They are both experianced woodsmen, having had centuries of training with the Dunedain. Furthermore, they are elves, and it is practically impossible for them to leave footprints of any kind. By rights I should never be able to find them.
However, spurred on by my wrath, I disregarded these facts. Instead, furious at this turn of events, I sped on over the hills we had covered yesterday. I knew they could not be far behind and a space of ten minutes should bring me to their camp.
What I was unprepared for was the sudden giving of the ground and my plunge into darkness....
They are both experianced woodsmen, having had centuries of training with the Dunedain. Furthermore, they are elves, and it is practically impossible for them to leave footprints of any kind. By rights I should never be able to find them.
However, spurred on by my wrath, I disregarded these facts. Instead, furious at this turn of events, I sped on over the hills we had covered yesterday. I knew they could not be far behind and a space of ten minutes should bring me to their camp.
What I was unprepared for was the sudden giving of the ground and my plunge into darkness....
~Elenatintil, 13 miles
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