Of Herbs and Roasted Potatoes

Goodness me, there has been sparks flying around here and no mistake! An' I don't mean just the love ones. It's the dwarf Dior and Lira, Lady Rosriel too. Something is going to explode there or I'm a hobbit! No wait... I AM a hobbit. I meant "or I am a dwarf"!

Besides that... it is getting pretty obvious that Elladan doesn't particularly care for Aldarion. Can't figure out why though. Elena has an idea, I expect, so I shall leave those to to her. Do not meddle in the ways of those taller then you," my granddad Pippin once quipped. "For they are tall and will over power you easily." But Dior isn't much taller, so I shall see if I can make some head ways there, because as I understand it, he is the one that started it all.


I suppose that I should start be winning his friendship first. That should be easy, I thought. The way to this dwarfs heart is certainly through his stomach! I had forgiven him from stealing my earlier pot of stew, because he admitted he was very hungry and the stew had smelled so heavenly. He also said that the stew tasted even better then it looked.

I heard footsteps approaching as I bent over my makeshift grilling iron, and glanced up. Lo and behold, it was Dior approaching. He looked ready to heat a cow, as usual.

"And what are you making there today young hobbit?" He asked, sniffing the air appreciatively.

"This," I nodded towards the oven. "Is called Savory Herb Roasted Potatoes. Invented my my grandpa Samwise Gamgee."

"Is it indeed?" the dwarfs eye brows went up. "That and the fact that his cooked by his magnificent grandson, "he bowed low, and I returned it," I have no doubt that it shall be excellent!"

I grinned and shook my head. How that dwarf could be so complimentary to me, and yet so antagonistic towards those elf maidens was beyond me. I soon, however had another admirer.

"What did you say that recipe was called again?" Legolas asked, walking up.

"Savory Herb Roasted Potoatoes."

"Is it really?" Legolas exclaimed, his eyes lighting up. "The same kind Sam used to make?"

"The very same!"

Legolas grinned annd, grabbing a plate, sat down near the grilling iron. "I get it first!"

"You most certainly do not!" Dior protested. "I was here! I get it first!"

"You master dwarf, most certainly do not!"

Fearing that another rift between dwarves and elves occur, I said "Well, how about I serve you both at the same time? And..." I added. "What if I was to give you both the recipe?"

Both parties more then welcomed that suggestion, promising never to share the recipe with anyone ever. Grinning to myself, I wrote it down on scraps of paper.

Savory Herb Roasted Potatoes

SERVINGS: 4-6

METHOD: Grill (gas or charcoal)

TIME: Prep: 15 min. Grill: 25 min.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds red potatoes, cut into wedges (about 6 medium)
• 1-1/3 cups FRENCHES (r) original or Cheddar French fried Onions*
• 1/4 cup minced parsley
• 6 garlic cloves, halved
• 6 sprigs thyme or rosemary
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 ice cubes
• 1 large foil oven roasting bag*

Directions:

Toss first nine ingredients in a large bowl. Open foil bag; spoon potatoes into bag in an even layer. Seal bag with tight double folds. Place bag on baking sheet. Place bag on grill over medium-high heat. Cover grill and cook 25 minutes until potatoes are tender, turning bag over once. Return bag to baking sheet and carefully cut top of bag open. Sprinkle with additional French fried onions if desired.
Oven Method; Bake at 450° for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Yield: 4-6 servings.

* Of course Samdo didn't use one of these, but I am including it for the modern day chefs out there.

~ Master Samdo, 58 miles

A confrontation

I darted back to the camp to find Vila and impart my news to her, but instead, I tripped and fell face down on the ground, on--a tree root? I picked myself up, red-faced with embaressment, hoping Aldarion was nowhere near, and looked down at what I had thought was a tree root
"Oh! You!" I exclaimed furiously, the color on my face increasing, and not from embarrassment this time. My hands clenched into fists. "Is there a reason why you have your foot stuck out?" I said in a dangerously low vouce to the smirking dwarf.
He started to say something, but I cut him off. "So. First you assault and abduct me, then you trip me! I think Ellandan and Ellohir will like to have a little talk with you about this when I tell them!"
He finally got a word in. "I didn't trip you," he declared.
"No?" I said indignately, about to explode again.
He was smirking again. "You tripped over my foot," he stated.
I completely lost control. "OH!!! You are the RUDEST, most LYING, smelly DWARF I've ever met!!!!!!!"
"You've probably never met a dwarf before," he said, not looking affected by my words in the least.
"Oh, yes, I have," I said triumphantly. "I met Gimli, and he was very well-mannered, not in the least like you."
"I admire his patience if he could put up with such an ill-mannered elf as you," he snorted.
"Oh! Mîbo orch!" (Go kiss an orc!) I hissed furiously, spinning and stomping off.
He stroked his beard as he stared after me. "Now, I wonder what that meant?" he muttered to himself.

~Lirasvelindo
62 miles

The Story of My Sister...

Today is slightly overcast, which fits my mood -also overcast. I sighed again and almost without knowing it reached up and pulled my necklace from where it lay hidden under my dress. I played with it distractedly. For some reason my sister had been in my thoughts a lot lately. I thought about her often... but not as much as recently. Why? I mused.

Sighing again, I put my necklace away and continued walking on. I heard someone catching up behind me and turned to look who it was. Elena smiled as she came closer. "I thought I would walk with you, dear cousin!" She called out.

"To what do I owe the honor of your company?" I said with mock solemnity.

"You looked cloudy," Elena glanced sideways at me. "Thinking about Aldarion again?"

"No." I half snapped, a bit irritated. "Why do you think that I think about Aldarion every moment of the day?"

She raised her eyebrow, "Sorry, I did not know that you were touchy on that subject."

"I am not touchy!" I protested hotly. "It is just that you always seem to think that I can not think of anything but Aldarion and so you never ask my advice about anything anymore!"

Elena was silent. "I am sorry if I acted that way," she said at last. "I did not mean too."

I cooled off slightly. "I am sorry for losing my temper. I should not have."

"So what were you thinking about?"

I looked up at the cloudy sky which had tno began to drizzle slightly and pulled my dark green cloak tightly about me. "My sister." I said at last.

Elena looked puzzled. "I did not know you had a sister."

"I did, at one time. Maybe I still do. "

"What do you mean?"

"Well," I explained. "About a three hundred years before I was born, so not that much older..."

"Wait!" Elena intergected. "Three hundred years? What do you mean not that much older?"

I glanced at her in mock disbelife "I am an elf. I am imortal. How many years is a long time?"

Elena pretended to glare at me, "Oh please, surely three hundred years isn't a short amount of time even for an elf?"

I giggled, "No it isn't. Anyhow, about fifty years before I was born - I am serious this time - my sister was born. They called her Luthien Elsulien. My mother loved the story of Beren and Luthien, so she named us both after her, and then Elsulien, 'star wind'. They call her Gwanwen now, "I added sadly, "'Departed Maiden'. My father said she was very lovely for how young she was.

She nodded. "So what happened to her?"

I sighed. "Well, about a year after she was born, my mother and father decided to make a trip to Rivendell. They took her with. While crossing a pass in the mountains the party was waylayed by orcs." I looked out over the landscape. "Not very far from here, I believe. It was dark out, and the elf women who was carrying my sister must have been seperated from the main party during the attack. At any rate, they were able to fend off the orcs, though they had to make a run for it during the respite. The next morning, when they gathered the remains of their company," I paused sadly, "Niether the elf woman nor my sister were there."

I fingered my necklace again. "They searched the mountains many times, never finding a trace. My mother was heart broken, and she never spoke of my sister. I only heard of her by chance, overhearing someones comment and then I was able to pry the story from my father. He also told me," I showed my necklace to Elena, "That she had a necklace just like this one." I slipped it back to its hiding place. "But I doubt she would still have it, if she is indeed alive somewhere."

Elena put an arm around my shoulders. "I hope that indeed she is and that someday you will find each other."

I smiled at my cousin gratefully and at that moment the sun burst through the clouds. "Le hannon. Thank you"

~ Lady Rosriel 58.62 miles

A Possible Lead...

I woke up on the cranky side of the bed this morning.

"Do you always wake up this early?" I asked, disguising my pleasure at seeing Legolas with pseudo annoyance.

"Only when I have something worth getting up for," he answered.

"I don't think I want to know what you mean by that." I said.

"How is your ankle doing?"

"Good, actually. I think I can walk on it now. I would like to."

"No," he said. "I don't think you ought to try just yet. I mean...you may make it worse."

I sighed. "Stop treating me like a baby; it'll be fine."

He didn't look convinced, but didn't press the matter. "Ella...we're in good company here."

"I know," I said, wondering what his reason for bringing that up was. A sudden chill went down me as the thought of him confessing his love for a fellow traveler went through my mind.

"The best, one could even argue," he continued. "Or close to the best--you know I'll always say Gimli's company is top."

"Legolas," I said. Best to get this over with soon. "Do you have a point?"

He smiled. "Indeed I do. Hear me out. We are with good people here. No one will hurt you. I think it's time you let your secret out."

I was relieved that was all he wanted, but was still stubborn on this matter. "It isn't a matter of when the right time is, Legolas--because there never will be a 'right time.' My secret is not something I ever wish to be revealed. You know that."

"But Ella--look. Elinor has it too. As does Wyn."

"They're hobbits. I'm an elf. There's a tiny bit of a difference."

"But listen, Ella. Maybe you're a hobbit."

I stared at him. He looked serious, so I stifled my giggle. "There's a slight problem
with your theory. I look nothing like a hobbit. I look like an elf. Oh, maybe because I am an elf."

"What I mean is, you could be part hobbit. Ella, don't you see? I can't imagine why I didn't think of it before. This could be why finding your family has been so difficult--I've been looking in the wrong places!"

I brightened. "Really? You think this could help?"

Legolas smiled. "Definitely."

~Ella Ellessanderil, 61 miles

An Accidental Eavesdropping

I lay beside the fire, staring up at the stars, fingering the necklace I wore about my neck. I thought again about the sister I had never met. I wonder if she is alive, somewhere.

Sighing, I rolled over to go to sleep, when low voices cought my ear. It was Aldarion and Legolas. They were sitting on the other side of our campfire, and it seemed as if they were in the middle of a conversation. I must have been so wrapped in my thoughts that I did not hear them. Out of idelness, I listened.

"No", Aldarion laughed slightly. "I am not one to go around telling people I love them." He paused. "No, I have taken a vow, that I shall tell no maiden that I love her, unless I am ready to ask for her hand in marriage with my next breath."

"That is a good vow to take," Legolas replied thoughtfully. "But one that not many can keep."

"I have so far, and I intend to keep it."

There was silence for a good many minutes. I was about to fall alseep, when I cought my name.

"The Lady Rosriel, is you cousin, is she not, Legolas?"

"Yes, she is."

"Are you two particularily close?"

"Meaning do we confide in eachother?" Legolas asked. "Yes, we do frequently and we have since she was young." I had rolled over slightly and saw him glance at Aldarion. "Why do you ask?"

Aldarion's face was in the shadow, so I could not see his expression. "Do you know, I was just curious, prehaps wrongly so but, I was wondering..." he hesitated. "Does, is she - promised - to anyone?"

Legolas thought. "She has not plighted troth with any one." I could see him smile. "Nor had her heart been given to anyone when she left the Greenwood for Rivendell." He added casually, "Of course, that may have changed since she departed that fair place." He laughed. "Does that satisfy your questionings, Aldarion?"

Aldarion shifted almost uncomfortably. "Yes, thank you." He stood up, looking out at the dark landscape, then back at Legolas. I could see his face now, which was serious. "I did not want to make any mistakes."

Legolas stood up as well, and he said something that I could not hear.
"So I assume your heart is free as well?" He added louder.

"Why do you think I asked the questions I did?" returned Aldarion.

He walked away, and Legolas sat down near the fire. I turned on to my back. Why did I feel so breathless? Yes, I liked Aldarion, but I had never thought.... Why was I so completely elated? What was this feeling? I had never been in love before... was this it? I did not know.
Confused, I fell asleep.

~ Rosriel 52 miles

An Injury

Ever since I surprised the others (not to mention myself) by falling out of that tree, I've felt a dull pain coming from my right ankle, which is the ankle most of my weight fell on. Since I could still walk without limping, I decided to ignore it. Possibly that was not a good choice. This morning, as I was walking alongside Legolas and learning what all has happened in Mirkwood since last I visited, I felt a very sharp pain in my ankle and (rather ungracefully, I'm embarrassed to admit) I fell into Legolas' arms.

Out of the goodness of their hearts, the others have fashioned a chair for me. Legolas has taken it upon himself to push me around in it. I think he feels somewhat responsible for this, since it was, after all, his eyes that caused me to lose my balance. I of course would not mind this attention from my dear friend, if not for all the viscous looks I have been receiving from certain other young ladies on this journey.

Through my (unskilled, but satisfactory) evaluation of the ankle, I believe it is only sprained, and not broken. In only a few short weeks I should be walking again, which will be a great relief to me, and I have high hopes it will quell the anger of my fellow travelers.

(I thought I should give you all an explanation for why I will most likely be lagging behind you in the miles department in the coming weeks--for those who don't know, I actually did sprain my ankle this week)

~Ella Ellessanderil, 60 miles

Talk with Legolas

I sat alone, a little way from our camp, with a sad, pensive look on my face, though I was not feeling in the least sad or pensive. It was for Anarion’s benefit, I knew I looked very much like I wanted to be alone, and if Rosriel and Ella had any success with Legolas, I did not want him to find me with Anarion after promising to avoid him. I was feeling rather anxious, in reality; though both Ella and Rosriel had seemed confident in their ability to talk Legolas into believing me, I was not very much reassured. Legolas can be quite stubborn!
I was more impatient than anything else by the time Rosriel and Ella came.
“We’ve succeeded!” Rosriel exclaiming, smiling happily at me.
“Well, not quite, you still have to convince him of your honesty yourself, but he’s willing to listen!” Ella corrected.
I jumped up and flung my arms around both of them.
“Thank you so much! I will be indebted to you both for life!” I said, barely able to keep my voice down to a normal level.
“It was no trouble,” Ella assured me, and Rosriel added, “We would do the same for any friend.”
I smiled a little tearfully at them. “I’m so fortunate to have friends like you! I promise I’ll keep Vila from playing any pranks on you!”
“Er, thanks,” they said, looking a little amused.
Then Ella looked back towards the camp. “Legolas is looking for you so he can talk to you; we’d better go tell him where you are,” she said.
Rosriel nodded. “I wish you good luck with your talk,” she said.
“I won’t ruin your hard work,” I replied cheerfully, and they left to find Legolas.
I sat back down, feeling suddenly more than a little nervous. Now for the last test, and Anarion would be mine—well, if he wanted to be. But I would worry about that later.
Legolas came into sight, and sat down next to me. “Ella and Rosriel told me you were over here,” he began a little awkwardly. I decided not to make it too hard for him.
“They told me you wanted to talk to me?” I said, keeping my voice carefully subdued, though I felt like singing for joy.
He nodded. “They said that you were not behaving as irresponsibly towards that ranger as I had been afraid you had,” he began carefully, and I waited for him to go on.
He was watching me out of the corner or his eye. “Rosriel said that your behavior has been much more restrained than it has been in the past, and Ella told me you seemed to genuinely like talking with him, instead of merely flirting with him because you were bored, which I have frequently seen you do.”
He paused a moment, then said, “Lira, if you do actually like him instead of merely using him to alleviate your boredom, then I apologize for my words earlier. I did not mean to be harsh, but I must admit I was thinking of how you have acted in the past without allowing room for change. Tell me, Lira, how do you feel towards Anarion?”
I answered him, finally. “I like him,” I said slowly, looking at the ground. “He’s a good man, and he rescued me from that nasty dwarf, as I’m sure you heard.” Legolas’s lips twitched as he held back a smile. “Yes, I heard. You and Raewyn throwing a temper tantrum, and all.” I laughed, and he joined in. “Well, it did work,” I said, still laughing.
We talked a bit longer, with Legolas actually listening to what I said, and believing me, and then, finally, he told me, “I have no objection with your friendship with Anarion. Please make sure you do not lead him on, or give him false hopes. After all, you are an elf, and he is a man.”
“But he’s a ranger,” I protested.
“A ranger is still a man,” he said.
“Yes, I know that, but King Ellessar was a ranger, too, you remember.”
He raised an eyebrow at me. “Well, be careful, that was all I said.”

~Lirasvelindo
50 miles

In Defense of Lira

Legolas looked first at me, then back at Ella, and sat down with a sigh.
"Knowing the both of you as well as I do," he said wryly. "This will take a while, so excuse me if I sit down." He gestured. "Come, sit as well, then we can all talk comfortably."

Ella and I sat down in silence. We glanced at each other.
"Legolas," I started. "I talked to Lira, and she says that you have joined the Fellowship with the intention to watch her and keep her from flirting. Now wait!" I stopped Legolas from speaking, "I know Elena invited you, I heard her."

"But," Ella continued. "You did say that you intended to keep a watch and supervise her, as well as Vila, very closely."

"You cannot deny that they do not need it!" Legolas broke in. "Have you any idea how many hearts that girls has broken by her careless flirting?"

"Yes I do," I said. "In fact, I have watched her do it. And that is how I know, that this time it is different."

"Oh really?" Legolas raised an eyebrow.

"Yes really. You must account for the fact that women can see things in other women that men, no matter how observant, will never notice," Ella said seriously.

"How can you tell?"

"One way," I answered. "Is that her manner of flirting is more subdude. Yes she is still flirting, but not the way she used to. Lira is not nearly as outspoken, coy or careless as the other times."

"Also," Ella added. "She has talked to me several times about Anarion, before you joined us. She seemed to genuinly like him, as well as admire him. I have also seen her flirt once or twice before, and you could tell she did not care a bit for the poor mens hearts."

"I truely belive," I said, "that she is really serious this time."

Legolas was silent. He looked up, "Are you sure?"

"Look," Ella said. "Why don't you talk to Lira about it. As a friend. No protective fatherly type behavior. Realize that she has grown up."

He thought for a while. "I will do it," he sighed.

"Good." I smiled. "Ella, would you mind walking back to camp with me? We'll tell Lira that her dear friend Legolas wishes to have a heart to heart talk with her." She accepted, and we began walking, arm and arm towards the rest, talking about various things and getting to know eachother more.

I glanced at her. "Ella," I said, "I wish we had met sooner. I have missed out on a beautiful friend."

Lady Rosriel - 42.5 miles

Early Morning Meeting

As is my habit (for reasons I am choosing to keep secret), I was up before the rest today. I began my daily routine, hiding myself within the woods, but paused when I sensed an onlooker. To my relief, it was only Legolas. He had known my secret almost as long as Elrond had, so I didn't care that he was reminded of it today.

"You still do that, I see."

"Of course," I said, continuing my preparations.


"Ella, people will love and accept you the way you are!"

"They didn't."

"I did."

"I know, but...nobody else did."

"We were young then. The young always pick on those who are different."

"Speaking of picking on others..." I started.

"Why do I get the feeling you're going to turn this conversation off of you and onto me?"

"Um...because you know me well?" I offered. "But listen, Legolas...about Lira...and a certain ranger..."

"Yes, I would like to speak to you about that as well," Lady Rosriel said, stepping up to us. I was glad I had finished getting ready before she arrived.

~Ella Ellessanderil, 40.5 miles

Trouble

I smell trouble. And not from an enemy or that dwarf...but rather from the numerous romances bubbling up around the camp. Most of the girls are either being secretive (like Ella and Raewyn), coming to me for advice (like Rosriel and Elanor) or glaring at me (like Lira, for some unknown reason).

Needing a break from all this, I followed my cousin Aldarion out of the hollow to do some hunting on the moor. I love talking to the other maidens, but every now and then I find myself needed to mix with the level-headed males in our party. (I think perhaps my head for leadership and organization has something to do with this tendancy)

After hunting down three rabbits in relative silence and beginning to skin them, Aldarion turned to me and asked, "Rosriel is your cousin on your mother's side, correct?"

I looked at him in surprise. "Yes. She is the child of my mother's half-sister."

Aldarion was the son of my father's brother.

He nodded slowly. "You've known her all your life?"

"Yes, we have been firm and fast friends for as long as we've known each other."

"Would you say that she's...as worthy as she seems?"

"More so," I assured him.

He went back to his work. I watched him, curious. Rosriel, of course, had confided her own growing interest in the ranger to me, but I had not seen any sign that the interest was returned. Until now, of course. His expression remained closed to my interpretation, but I knew that the fact that he questioned me at all spoke volumes. In all my years of being his cousin I had never known him to express interest in any maiden.

Suddenly there was a shout from behind us. I turned and saw Elladan speeding over the heather with a furious expression on his face.

I stood up quickly. "What is it? Has something-"

He cut me off with a scowl. "What in the name of Mandos are you doing?!?"

Aldarion held up his half skinned rabbit. "Hunting."

"Without a word to any of us?"

"Elladan!" I said sharply. "I am the leader of the party. He only needed to report to me- which he did."

The Elf spun around on me. "It is you we've been worried about! You vanished without a word!"

"We?" I raised an eyebrow. "I remember quite clearly speaking to both Rosriel and Vila before leaving camp."

He paused. "Lady Elena- for your own safety-"

"For my own safety I was with Aldarion!"

"An untested ranger!"

"Untested!" Aldarion rose, his own anger rising. "Pray, explain yourself!"

Elladan crossed his arms. "What wars have you fought in- what orcs have you killed- what dragons have you tracked down in the hills?"

"Experiance is not everything!"

I broke in. "There are no wars, orcs or dragons on this moor, Elladan! Now help us with these rabbits or leave us to our task!"

He hesitated for a long moment, then whipped out his long hunting knife and set to work on the third rabbit. But the looks he shot Aldarion would have killed- if looks could do such.