Trudge Trudge Trudge.
A few weeks ago we had parted with the small red haired creature - she had disappeared every night and we heard strange growlings all through the night. she had agreed to scout ahead and behind us, and that was when we last saw her. Sometimes I still think I feel her following us, prowling and watching, but I'm ever sure. Olorin really liked her though, and found her conversation refreshing - he said she reminded him of another of her kind, called Beorn, but he never elaborated on that point.
Keep on walking.
We had been walking all day now, and I began to forget why we were even continuing, I wondered what happened to Brundt.I walked up to Isilindil's tall frame.
"Isilindil?"
"Yes?"
"What do you thinks happened to Brundt? And his ageing?"
"I don't know, Ruby. Don't fret, I'm sure we shall find him soon." she replied without breaking stride.
We passed a couple of trees, and I looked up to see that alreday these were being infected by the strange disease that was ravishing the lands around us. They're colours were muted and unhealthy growths had began to appear.
Suddenly, a startle from a bush ahead of us drew me out of my reverie - a middle ages man had sprung out of a bush, drawn his sword and was facing us!
"Come no further, strangers!" he shouted, brandishing his weapon. I recognised his voice slightly, which was rough and low.
"We mean you no harm" replied Olorin "we are only seeking a young man which may have passed this way. Have you seen him?"
"Ah yes... yes I have."
I grew angry with his manner, and stamped my foot.
"Well tell us which was then! What happened to him?!" I shouted angrily. Isilindil put her hand in my shoulder. The man stared at me.
"He met someone he didn't expect to, and came to terms with his fate. He is long, long gone by now."
"Well, which way did he go?" Olorin asked, with a questioning tone - I could tell he was pertrubed by something, but I wasn't sure what yet.
"Ah, in no direction, sir. He is long, long gone. The young man you seek is no more, no more at all!"
With that fateful sentence, he attempted to leave, but Olorin had drawn forth his staff from under his cloak and brandished it shouting,
"Stay you where you be, changeling of man! And reveal yourself!"
Suddenly, so suddenly, a crack sounded through the forest and when the last revebrations had cleared away, I realised who this man was.
I hadn't torn away any disguise, or suddenly realised what I had forgotten - it was if I had known all along - but my brain suddenly allowed me to know, that this was Brundt.
How he had changed - almost old now. I was suprised that this change of appearance didn't diminish my happiness and confusion about seeing him one bit.
"Brundt! What is the meaning of this?!" Shouted Ranewan, and Olorin questioned with his volumous eyebrows.
But as Brundt opened his mouth to answer, his eyes wide open as if we could see into him, into the young man that me missed, a loud whooshing noise filled the path.
It came from somewhere we couldn't see, although I didn't feel anything the trees swayed in this intangible wind.
Release my One.
A simple sentence was heard in my mind, and looking at the others I realsied that they ahd heard this too. Isilindil's reserve had melted away and she was gazing open eyed at soemthing I couldn't see beyond Brundt.
A few moments later we came back to reality, only to realise that somehow Brundt had broken through Olorin's bond and slipped away.
"Wh-what was that?" I asked, and coughed to clear my throat as if I had not spoken for years.
"I may know.... but I do know what it means." Olorin replied gravely.
"What does it mean?"
"That Brundt has chosen his side. It is time we acted on ours." and Olorin sighed.
The trees swayed in a wind which pricked the hairs on the back of my neck, and I watched the mountains roll away to greyness in the impossible distance.
~ Ruby Burrows
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
A New Hope
It had been a few weeks since I had registered any hope on finding Brundt; Isilindil, Olorin, Ranewan and I had been tirelessly searching for him, while the landscape changed around us, we kept our heads down, tracking a ramshackle path that seemed to lead us on a wild goose chase.
It was a cold morning when I woke up earlier than usual - we had been sleeping out in the open, as we were on an open moor. The misty early morning light chased the wind, and the tops of the grass rustled slightly as I moved, careful not to wake anyone up - I wanted to be alone.
I moved away from our camping area, breaking into a confident stride as soon I was sure that I was out of earshot. That was when I heard a strange noise coming from some undergrowth.
rustle rustle rustle SPLOT rustle rustle rustle SPLOT
I stopped walking an listened quietly. I could hear my blood pumping through my veins, and I kept telling myself that I was dreaming. Then I heard a small piping voice from underneath the moss.
"Always mess. Always mist. Never rest. And then that big brute comes tramping through my home. More mess. Always tidying."
I couldn't believe my ears - what was this? I cleared my throat loudly.
"Huuuhhhh!" Suddenly the chattering stopped, and a small area of the moss dislodged itself to show a small persons red head peeping up from the ground.
"Good mornin'. What you be's a wanting?" The petit mouth moved strangely, and I didn't know what type of creature this was.
"Oh... hello." I meant to say 'who are you?' or 'what are you?' but it came out as "Have you seen a young-ish man wearing a green cloak pass by?"
"Why, yes I have... you be's a wanting him?"
"Yes... do you think you could help? I'm his friend, we're trying to find him - will you come and tell my friends what you saw?"
"Big fella' was a' tramping through my home... but I be's a obliged to help... I's a comin'." and the small, red headed creature disappeared inside it's home again, and then there was a series of knocks and booms from under the ground, and then a secret door disguised as moss opened from the ground. The creature heaved herself up, and we walked back to camp.
-Ruby Burrows
It was a cold morning when I woke up earlier than usual - we had been sleeping out in the open, as we were on an open moor. The misty early morning light chased the wind, and the tops of the grass rustled slightly as I moved, careful not to wake anyone up - I wanted to be alone.
I moved away from our camping area, breaking into a confident stride as soon I was sure that I was out of earshot. That was when I heard a strange noise coming from some undergrowth.
rustle rustle rustle SPLOT rustle rustle rustle SPLOT
I stopped walking an listened quietly. I could hear my blood pumping through my veins, and I kept telling myself that I was dreaming. Then I heard a small piping voice from underneath the moss.
"Always mess. Always mist. Never rest. And then that big brute comes tramping through my home. More mess. Always tidying."
I couldn't believe my ears - what was this? I cleared my throat loudly.
"Huuuhhhh!" Suddenly the chattering stopped, and a small area of the moss dislodged itself to show a small persons red head peeping up from the ground.
"Good mornin'. What you be's a wanting?" The petit mouth moved strangely, and I didn't know what type of creature this was.
"Oh... hello." I meant to say 'who are you?' or 'what are you?' but it came out as "Have you seen a young-ish man wearing a green cloak pass by?"
"Why, yes I have... you be's a wanting him?"
"Yes... do you think you could help? I'm his friend, we're trying to find him - will you come and tell my friends what you saw?"
"Big fella' was a' tramping through my home... but I be's a obliged to help... I's a comin'." and the small, red headed creature disappeared inside it's home again, and then there was a series of knocks and booms from under the ground, and then a secret door disguised as moss opened from the ground. The creature heaved herself up, and we walked back to camp.
-Ruby Burrows
Saturday, May 17, 2014
The Clue
I scuttled ahead of Isilindil, brushing noiselessly against the ground with my feet. I listened, then beckoned her forwards.
"Looks like someone was here for the night - I see footprints, and the area has been disturbed -look!" I pointed at an area of bush which had been broken, as though someone had stumbled through clumsily, or been hauled away.
"I agree" Isilindil brushed past me, and scouted out the area. We had been sent ahead by Olorin, attempting to find Brundt. We had followed his trail this far, Isilindil, Ranewan, Olorin and I, and we felt pretty close to wherever he was now.
"Do you think he's here, or near?" I asked. I felt my heartbeat quicken at the thought that we might find him now. I had thought of little else, I was so worried - even though I didn't know him very well, I felt a strange affinity inside for the silent man I had met in the woods.
"I don't know. We should probably go back and alert Olorin and Ranewan to this area."
"Hmm..." I looked around, and eventually my eyes alit upon an area of ground, which was turned up, and a bit muddier than the rest "Hold on..."
Walking over, I found that a scrap of what looked like fabric had been left behind, evidently torn off in a struggle of some kind...
"Look!" I gasped
"What? A clue?" Isilindil leapt to my side
"Isn't this the colour of Brundt's cloak?!"
"Maybe... we should take it back to Olorin and Ranewan anyways. Come on, Ruby, we should go back."
I gazed longingly at the ground, willing it to show some invisible clue, or to offer up Brundt safe and secure back to us.
But that was not to happen. Just another day of fruitlessly searching. Again. Tirellesly we had combed through the path we had taken, never leaving a stone unturned.
"Take heart - this is the best clue we've had yet. We might yet find him." Isilindil, encouraging and hopeful as ever, always had somehting to say to make me feel better of a situation. I smiled at her, and tucked the scrap of fabric into my pocket.
"I hope you're right."
And we set back to find Olorin and Ranewan, and let them know of our knew clue.
"Looks like someone was here for the night - I see footprints, and the area has been disturbed -look!" I pointed at an area of bush which had been broken, as though someone had stumbled through clumsily, or been hauled away.
"I agree" Isilindil brushed past me, and scouted out the area. We had been sent ahead by Olorin, attempting to find Brundt. We had followed his trail this far, Isilindil, Ranewan, Olorin and I, and we felt pretty close to wherever he was now.
"Do you think he's here, or near?" I asked. I felt my heartbeat quicken at the thought that we might find him now. I had thought of little else, I was so worried - even though I didn't know him very well, I felt a strange affinity inside for the silent man I had met in the woods.
"I don't know. We should probably go back and alert Olorin and Ranewan to this area."
"Hmm..." I looked around, and eventually my eyes alit upon an area of ground, which was turned up, and a bit muddier than the rest "Hold on..."
Walking over, I found that a scrap of what looked like fabric had been left behind, evidently torn off in a struggle of some kind...
"Look!" I gasped
"What? A clue?" Isilindil leapt to my side
"Isn't this the colour of Brundt's cloak?!"
"Maybe... we should take it back to Olorin and Ranewan anyways. Come on, Ruby, we should go back."
I gazed longingly at the ground, willing it to show some invisible clue, or to offer up Brundt safe and secure back to us.
But that was not to happen. Just another day of fruitlessly searching. Again. Tirellesly we had combed through the path we had taken, never leaving a stone unturned.
"Take heart - this is the best clue we've had yet. We might yet find him." Isilindil, encouraging and hopeful as ever, always had somehting to say to make me feel better of a situation. I smiled at her, and tucked the scrap of fabric into my pocket.
"I hope you're right."
And we set back to find Olorin and Ranewan, and let them know of our knew clue.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Letter from a Stranger
Brundt warily looked around him, he was surrounded on all sides by a damp green moss wall dripping black ooze. Looking up Brundt's eye's meet brambles and thorns thick enough as to make seeing outside impossible. Three small holes in the brambles overhead cast small brave streams of light which danced about in conceit.
Brundt leaned forward quickly as the space began to grow contract with sudden force. Although he was not aware of it at the time, it wasn't the space that was contracting but rather he was growing.
A silver plate spotted with blue mold fuzz was pushed through a small opening in the wall which quickly closed upon the plate's back. Upon the plate was a small note, written in an elegant hand which was spotted here and there with dirt and crimson lines.
"I hope you do not mind your present accommodations. I cannot tell you who I am for it would put both of us in danger. Friends will turn to foe when blood relations are learned. I know what you seek. Parentage unknown. Know this-that your mother perished long ago from a broken heart. A mortal's eventual pain cannot be changed although it can be brought to pass quicker by those of us who believe it is better.
- forever yours"
~
Isilindil Telperien
Brundt leaned forward quickly as the space began to grow contract with sudden force. Although he was not aware of it at the time, it wasn't the space that was contracting but rather he was growing.
A silver plate spotted with blue mold fuzz was pushed through a small opening in the wall which quickly closed upon the plate's back. Upon the plate was a small note, written in an elegant hand which was spotted here and there with dirt and crimson lines.
"I hope you do not mind your present accommodations. I cannot tell you who I am for it would put both of us in danger. Friends will turn to foe when blood relations are learned. I know what you seek. Parentage unknown. Know this-that your mother perished long ago from a broken heart. A mortal's eventual pain cannot be changed although it can be brought to pass quicker by those of us who believe it is better.
- forever yours"
~
Isilindil Telperien
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Weary Feet and Wandering Hearts
Trudge. Trudge. Trudge.
I dragged my feet another mile. Another mile again. I stopped.
Olorin was in front of me, his cloak disguising his bowed back and weary feet - or maybe he was just drawing on an invisible source of energy.
Olorin had closed the discussions with Merewan three days ago - giving Brundt's kidnapper's three days head start. We had set off immediately, following some trail only he seemed to know.
At the moment, Ranewan and Isilindil were scouting ahead, searching for a place to spend the night - we had been walking since we set off. Elves have high endurance, and what ever Olorin was, so did he. I was just a walking corpse by now though, every step carving another notch into my bones.
Finally, we stopped.
Too tired to greet Ranewan or Isilindil, I cast myself down by the fire immediately, not bothering to eat.
That night, I dreamt of an old man with a nose like Brundt's. He was muttering by the fire, watching me. He stood up, and walked towards me, and stroked me hair. In my ear, he whispered:
"Are you coming? I might be gone before you arrive..."
And then he walked off in between the trees. I called after him, and ran, but there was no one there. Then the trees moved, and turned into orcs, real ones like uncle Sam used to tell about - hulking and scary.
I screamed, and woke myself up.
"Olorin! Olorin!" I screamed "What if Brundt dies before we rescue him?"
"Shh... my dear hobbit, leave all the worry to me..." and I fell asleep promptly.
I had not dreamt like that for three years - my uncle Sam used to say that when I was asleep my heart would wander and visit those I worried about. Huh. He might just be right.
-Ruby Burrows
I dragged my feet another mile. Another mile again. I stopped.
Olorin was in front of me, his cloak disguising his bowed back and weary feet - or maybe he was just drawing on an invisible source of energy.
Olorin had closed the discussions with Merewan three days ago - giving Brundt's kidnapper's three days head start. We had set off immediately, following some trail only he seemed to know.
At the moment, Ranewan and Isilindil were scouting ahead, searching for a place to spend the night - we had been walking since we set off. Elves have high endurance, and what ever Olorin was, so did he. I was just a walking corpse by now though, every step carving another notch into my bones.
Finally, we stopped.
Too tired to greet Ranewan or Isilindil, I cast myself down by the fire immediately, not bothering to eat.
That night, I dreamt of an old man with a nose like Brundt's. He was muttering by the fire, watching me. He stood up, and walked towards me, and stroked me hair. In my ear, he whispered:
"Are you coming? I might be gone before you arrive..."
And then he walked off in between the trees. I called after him, and ran, but there was no one there. Then the trees moved, and turned into orcs, real ones like uncle Sam used to tell about - hulking and scary.
I screamed, and woke myself up.
"Olorin! Olorin!" I screamed "What if Brundt dies before we rescue him?"
"Shh... my dear hobbit, leave all the worry to me..." and I fell asleep promptly.
I had not dreamt like that for three years - my uncle Sam used to say that when I was asleep my heart would wander and visit those I worried about. Huh. He might just be right.
-Ruby Burrows
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Of Trials and Tribulations
"We have her!" A graceful elf stepped through the archway delicately, addressing Isilindil.
"Merewan?" I questioned. These elves always thought you knew exactly what they were talking about!
"Yes. We have taken her to be questioned, and she seems to want words with you two." The corners of his mouth twitched.
We had arrived at Rivendell late two night before, tired and footsore. Brundt had embraced us wholeheartedly - it seems he had worried about us dreadfully, for leaving us behind. Olorin gave his cursory greeting - with riddles and word tricks, but I felt safer to see him. He has a very calming presence, like the sea. Ranewan had embraced Isilindil, I think that there might be something between them from the way that he was so relieved to see her (and by extent, me) safe from harm.
The elves had treated our feet and laid us to rest like children, and we had awoken the next day to birdsong and flute music.
We had quickly shown Olorin what we had with us the night we got back, and we had held a council with the elves as soon as we had slept, explaining what a Muted was. We had treated the Muted's wounds and given it food. It didn't seem to be angry, more upset and disgruntled. Another sign of their changing.
Now it seemed that we were to pay the repercussions for Merewan's betrayal.
"Isilindil?" My voice was timid and tired.
"Yes?"
"Do you think Olorin will be angry? And what will we do about Merewan?"
"I'm sure that Olorin will be able to placate her, Ruby. And I think Olorin has a clue about this plague that has struck nature. He seems to be keeping something from the elves, untill he can meet with us."
"Will we be going off with Brundt and Ranewan again?" I smiled. Even though the adventure would be fraught with dangers, I would enjoy their company.
"Perhaps." Isilindil strode ahead now, making her way towards Olorin, who had appeared in the door. His forehead was wrinkled with worry.
"What is it?" Something had to be wrong, for Olorin to look so doubtful.
"It's Brundt" Olorin started and then stopped "He's been kidnapped."
-Ruby Burrows
"Merewan?" I questioned. These elves always thought you knew exactly what they were talking about!
"Yes. We have taken her to be questioned, and she seems to want words with you two." The corners of his mouth twitched.
We had arrived at Rivendell late two night before, tired and footsore. Brundt had embraced us wholeheartedly - it seems he had worried about us dreadfully, for leaving us behind. Olorin gave his cursory greeting - with riddles and word tricks, but I felt safer to see him. He has a very calming presence, like the sea. Ranewan had embraced Isilindil, I think that there might be something between them from the way that he was so relieved to see her (and by extent, me) safe from harm.
The elves had treated our feet and laid us to rest like children, and we had awoken the next day to birdsong and flute music.
We had quickly shown Olorin what we had with us the night we got back, and we had held a council with the elves as soon as we had slept, explaining what a Muted was. We had treated the Muted's wounds and given it food. It didn't seem to be angry, more upset and disgruntled. Another sign of their changing.
Now it seemed that we were to pay the repercussions for Merewan's betrayal.
"Isilindil?" My voice was timid and tired.
"Yes?"
"Do you think Olorin will be angry? And what will we do about Merewan?"
"I'm sure that Olorin will be able to placate her, Ruby. And I think Olorin has a clue about this plague that has struck nature. He seems to be keeping something from the elves, untill he can meet with us."
"Will we be going off with Brundt and Ranewan again?" I smiled. Even though the adventure would be fraught with dangers, I would enjoy their company.
"Perhaps." Isilindil strode ahead now, making her way towards Olorin, who had appeared in the door. His forehead was wrinkled with worry.
"What is it?" Something had to be wrong, for Olorin to look so doubtful.
"It's Brundt" Olorin started and then stopped "He's been kidnapped."
-Ruby Burrows
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Merenwen to Rivendell
Crystal lines of garnet flowed across the sky and garnet changed to auburn as the sun rose. Merenwen mounted upon her horse and began her journey towards Rivendell.
The search for Ruby, Isilindil and the stolen Muted had proven unfruitful, the elf knew where they would look and what they would be looking for. Merenwen had decided upon traveling to Rivendell in the hopes that she would reach it before them, it was impossible for the Muted's to come with her for it would be to dangerous a journey for them. Not all would trust the strange twisted orcs.
The land was quiet and closed as the horse and it's master passed through. Merenwen's thoughts had little time to travel as her mind bent sharply around the betrayal of Isilindil and Ruby.
Rivendell's entrance took her two days to find as it had been well hid from unfriendly eyes. After Merenwen's search proved to not be in vain she dismounted and tucking a scroll into her mount's saddle bag she whispered to him and he galloped away, gladly free of his master.
Green leather boots strode across the smooth stone and Merenwen entered. Immediately she was surrounded by wood elf's clad in green, their bows and swords drawn towards her throat.
~
Isilindil Telperien
The search for Ruby, Isilindil and the stolen Muted had proven unfruitful, the elf knew where they would look and what they would be looking for. Merenwen had decided upon traveling to Rivendell in the hopes that she would reach it before them, it was impossible for the Muted's to come with her for it would be to dangerous a journey for them. Not all would trust the strange twisted orcs.
The land was quiet and closed as the horse and it's master passed through. Merenwen's thoughts had little time to travel as her mind bent sharply around the betrayal of Isilindil and Ruby.
Rivendell's entrance took her two days to find as it had been well hid from unfriendly eyes. After Merenwen's search proved to not be in vain she dismounted and tucking a scroll into her mount's saddle bag she whispered to him and he galloped away, gladly free of his master.
Green leather boots strode across the smooth stone and Merenwen entered. Immediately she was surrounded by wood elf's clad in green, their bows and swords drawn towards her throat.
~
Isilindil Telperien
Sunday, March 16, 2014
A new Dawn
My feet were weary with walking: we had not stopped since we had left Moria, for fear of followers.
The air was dark and grimy. It was the dusk of the following day, but I was not tired, I was fuelled by fear and my fear of the others in Rivendell. Isilindil had given the Muted orc a potion that made it fall asleep immediately, and there was not trouble from it.
I didn't raise my eyes to see the tall, humped figure of Isilindil and her load in front of me, I knew she was there and leading the way as sure as I was of my own shadow in the daytime. Nevertheless, I still felt laden with worries.
What will happen to Brundt and Ranewan? How does Olorin know what to do? It seemed that the only way not to worry was to trust blindly, but looking at the path it seemed filled with potholes and precipices! Ho could I walk knowingly down it when I had no one to guide me? My doubts filled me with guilt, and the guilt led to more doubts. It seemed a never ending circle of despair.
But then, I paused. I had felt a change in the air, and like a rabbit from its burrow, I lifted my head and sniffed the air.
Then I realized - it was dawn. The pink and golden colors of hope were being painted across the sky as I watched, and they were changing and moving in ways too beautiful to comprehend. I decided to stop worrying, what will come will come.
"Ruby? Are you coming?" I started at Isilindil's tentative voice.
"Yes, sorry, was lost in thought..." we smiled briefly, and continued walking. It no longer seemed so bleak and desperate. I felt the new day in my bones as much as I felt it in my eyes, and with this hope I could do anything.
-Ruby Burrows
"Where are they!" Merewan screeched, clawing at her face, as she looked at the pale Muted before her.
"They're gone, ma'am. They took Urak, my watch-partner. They knocked me out." The Muted replied, looking at his feet.
"We must go after them! What do they hope to achieve? We trusted them!"
Beckoning at her personal guard of Muted. she bade them scour the land for any sign of the elf and hobbit, and not to stop until they could return with them and Urak, dead or alive.
"We trusted them!" she screeched again.
And so the Muted's left, in the same hopeful dawn as Ruby, and ran their trail, picking up the scent. Their skin didn't burn in the sun anymore, and they could travel in the day as well as night.
The air was dark and grimy. It was the dusk of the following day, but I was not tired, I was fuelled by fear and my fear of the others in Rivendell. Isilindil had given the Muted orc a potion that made it fall asleep immediately, and there was not trouble from it.
I didn't raise my eyes to see the tall, humped figure of Isilindil and her load in front of me, I knew she was there and leading the way as sure as I was of my own shadow in the daytime. Nevertheless, I still felt laden with worries.
What will happen to Brundt and Ranewan? How does Olorin know what to do? It seemed that the only way not to worry was to trust blindly, but looking at the path it seemed filled with potholes and precipices! Ho could I walk knowingly down it when I had no one to guide me? My doubts filled me with guilt, and the guilt led to more doubts. It seemed a never ending circle of despair.
But then, I paused. I had felt a change in the air, and like a rabbit from its burrow, I lifted my head and sniffed the air.
Then I realized - it was dawn. The pink and golden colors of hope were being painted across the sky as I watched, and they were changing and moving in ways too beautiful to comprehend. I decided to stop worrying, what will come will come.
"Ruby? Are you coming?" I started at Isilindil's tentative voice.
"Yes, sorry, was lost in thought..." we smiled briefly, and continued walking. It no longer seemed so bleak and desperate. I felt the new day in my bones as much as I felt it in my eyes, and with this hope I could do anything.
-Ruby Burrows
"Where are they!" Merewan screeched, clawing at her face, as she looked at the pale Muted before her.
"They're gone, ma'am. They took Urak, my watch-partner. They knocked me out." The Muted replied, looking at his feet.
"We must go after them! What do they hope to achieve? We trusted them!"
Beckoning at her personal guard of Muted. she bade them scour the land for any sign of the elf and hobbit, and not to stop until they could return with them and Urak, dead or alive.
"We trusted them!" she screeched again.
And so the Muted's left, in the same hopeful dawn as Ruby, and ran their trail, picking up the scent. Their skin didn't burn in the sun anymore, and they could travel in the day as well as night.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
But to Wait is Sorrow
"I am overwhelmed by your welcome Olorin." Brundt casually took out a pipe and raised his eyebrows at the tall dark figure angrily staring at him.
"You did not even try to follow them. They could be dead right now." Olorin glared.
"There was nothing I could do," Brundt rose past three years as he stood up and faced Olorin, "I did not want to leave them but fate does not write an easy story." he paused.
"They will most likely meet up with Merenwen in Moria, if they do not," Olorin's voice trailed off into a web of mutterings.
"You were saying?" Ranewan spoke up for the first time in this heated discussion.
"Let us pray that they meet up with her and that they stay there for there are dangers uncountable for a hobbit and elf in the lands between Rivendell and Moria." Olorin swept past Brundt and Ranewan.
"If I may ask," Brundt turned questioningly towards Ranewan, "How long have you known Isilindil And Ruby?"
Ranewan gave a low laugh, "Isilindil I have known since she was a young elf, and Ruby I met less then a year ago." he looked up sadly at Brundt, "Funny how strange paths become when crossed, how smeared and blinding when one is unsure."
~
Isilindil Telperien
"You did not even try to follow them. They could be dead right now." Olorin glared.
"There was nothing I could do," Brundt rose past three years as he stood up and faced Olorin, "I did not want to leave them but fate does not write an easy story." he paused.
"They will most likely meet up with Merenwen in Moria, if they do not," Olorin's voice trailed off into a web of mutterings.
"You were saying?" Ranewan spoke up for the first time in this heated discussion.
"Let us pray that they meet up with her and that they stay there for there are dangers uncountable for a hobbit and elf in the lands between Rivendell and Moria." Olorin swept past Brundt and Ranewan.
"If I may ask," Brundt turned questioningly towards Ranewan, "How long have you known Isilindil And Ruby?"
Ranewan gave a low laugh, "Isilindil I have known since she was a young elf, and Ruby I met less then a year ago." he looked up sadly at Brundt, "Funny how strange paths become when crossed, how smeared and blinding when one is unsure."
~
Isilindil Telperien
Friday, March 7, 2014
The Kidnapping
Isilindil crept along ahead of me, silently and swiftly. I could only see
her outline through the gloom - we had decided against any form of
illumination, it would give away our whereabouts.
About fifteen minutes earlier, we had pushed several rocks into a deep well, setting off loud, reverberating noises and creating a distraction for us to slip away unnoticed.
"Shh...We’re there..." Isilindil voice drifted out of the darkness, halting me mid-step.
"Do you have the sack?" I asked. It was crucial to our plan, but so common in the art of kidnapping that I feared that they might expect it anyways.
I peeped around Isilindil's silhouette. There were two Muted, one taller and wider, and the other much smaller and weasely, standing guard by the secret exit out of the caverns, it was known only to the ones on the inside, practically invisible on the outside. I don't think dwarves had made it, as it was neither fancy nor grand. It was crude and hewn out of the rock as if by swords hacking they’re way through the undergrowth. But it was useful and therefore valuable.
"Alright... On the count of three...One... two... three!" With a graceful bound, Isilindil soared out of the hallway we had been huddled in, and landed in a pile on the first, larger Muted.
I ran out of the cavern a split-second later and silenced the first Muted, who had begun to wail, with a quick blow to the head.
Isilindil threw the sack over, and I pulled it over the smaller Muted's head. Isilindil strode over - I glanced at the large Muted. He was stunned, not dead. I felt strangely relieved - as if I had grown close to these Muteds, and did not wish any harm to befall them. With a shock, I realized that WAS how I felt.
Looking away, I saw Isilindil tie the sack up and host it over her shoulder. I too shouldered the packs of food and equipment we had salvaged, well, stole, from the Muted, and we stood up.
"To Rivendell?" I asked, although it wasn’t really a question.
"To Rivendell." She replied.
And out we stepped, leaving Moria and the Muted. I stepped outside; the night was cold and fresh. I took a breath, and then set off after Isilindil.
We left Moria, and probably left enemies.
-Ruby Burrows
About fifteen minutes earlier, we had pushed several rocks into a deep well, setting off loud, reverberating noises and creating a distraction for us to slip away unnoticed.
"Shh...We’re there..." Isilindil voice drifted out of the darkness, halting me mid-step.
"Do you have the sack?" I asked. It was crucial to our plan, but so common in the art of kidnapping that I feared that they might expect it anyways.
I peeped around Isilindil's silhouette. There were two Muted, one taller and wider, and the other much smaller and weasely, standing guard by the secret exit out of the caverns, it was known only to the ones on the inside, practically invisible on the outside. I don't think dwarves had made it, as it was neither fancy nor grand. It was crude and hewn out of the rock as if by swords hacking they’re way through the undergrowth. But it was useful and therefore valuable.
"Alright... On the count of three...One... two... three!" With a graceful bound, Isilindil soared out of the hallway we had been huddled in, and landed in a pile on the first, larger Muted.
I ran out of the cavern a split-second later and silenced the first Muted, who had begun to wail, with a quick blow to the head.
Isilindil threw the sack over, and I pulled it over the smaller Muted's head. Isilindil strode over - I glanced at the large Muted. He was stunned, not dead. I felt strangely relieved - as if I had grown close to these Muteds, and did not wish any harm to befall them. With a shock, I realized that WAS how I felt.
Looking away, I saw Isilindil tie the sack up and host it over her shoulder. I too shouldered the packs of food and equipment we had salvaged, well, stole, from the Muted, and we stood up.
"To Rivendell?" I asked, although it wasn’t really a question.
"To Rivendell." She replied.
And out we stepped, leaving Moria and the Muted. I stepped outside; the night was cold and fresh. I took a breath, and then set off after Isilindil.
We left Moria, and probably left enemies.
-Ruby Burrows
Monday, March 3, 2014
A Kidnapping Conspiracy
"Olorin sent a message this morning to say that he cannot persuade Gontorion to come to Moria. Gontorion mistrusts the Orcs." Ruby breathlessly exclaimed.
"It was as we should of expected," I sighed, "Elves can be stubborn creatures when they believe they are right. Besides the wisest Elves have passed into the West, there are none now that posses the wisdom of old."
"What should we do?" Ruby asked, "It's not like we can just take a Muted and travel to Rivendell in hopes that upon seeing it they will decide to follow Olorin."
"Well why couldn't we?" I cried, "I don't believe the youngest Muted would make a lot of fuss. Merenwen would never let us take it so we would have to do it secretly. It is worth a try at the least, there isn't another path to tread that my eyes can see."
"You know better then I do, but the risk we would be taking is extremely high. They would have no reason to believe that we weren't traitors were we to be caught before Rivendell." Ruby remarked doubtfully.
"Of course there would be a great risk but as I have already said there is nothing else we can do within reason to aide Olorin." I replied.
"Even if there was no risk of being caught I see no way in which we could take the youngest Muted without causing temporal or permanent damage to those which guard it. If we are aggressive towards the Muted then they shall respond in kind no doubt. This could be fatal as you well know Isilindil." Ruby stood unconvinced with her arms firmly placed on her hips.
"Stubborn Hobbit," I cried, "Do you have a better plan then that which I have thought of? We cannot merely abandon Olorin, Brundt and Ranewan to deal with these Elves. I doubt they will be swayed till they see for themselves what they are being asked to fight for."
"Very well," Ruby scowled, "But if we end up limbless, headless or dead it is entirely your fault."
I laughed, "Very good. But don't worry, I don't think we shall end this limbless or headless. Dead now, that is another matter."
~
Isilindil Telperien
"It was as we should of expected," I sighed, "Elves can be stubborn creatures when they believe they are right. Besides the wisest Elves have passed into the West, there are none now that posses the wisdom of old."
"What should we do?" Ruby asked, "It's not like we can just take a Muted and travel to Rivendell in hopes that upon seeing it they will decide to follow Olorin."
"Well why couldn't we?" I cried, "I don't believe the youngest Muted would make a lot of fuss. Merenwen would never let us take it so we would have to do it secretly. It is worth a try at the least, there isn't another path to tread that my eyes can see."
"You know better then I do, but the risk we would be taking is extremely high. They would have no reason to believe that we weren't traitors were we to be caught before Rivendell." Ruby remarked doubtfully.
"Of course there would be a great risk but as I have already said there is nothing else we can do within reason to aide Olorin." I replied.
"Even if there was no risk of being caught I see no way in which we could take the youngest Muted without causing temporal or permanent damage to those which guard it. If we are aggressive towards the Muted then they shall respond in kind no doubt. This could be fatal as you well know Isilindil." Ruby stood unconvinced with her arms firmly placed on her hips.
"Stubborn Hobbit," I cried, "Do you have a better plan then that which I have thought of? We cannot merely abandon Olorin, Brundt and Ranewan to deal with these Elves. I doubt they will be swayed till they see for themselves what they are being asked to fight for."
"Very well," Ruby scowled, "But if we end up limbless, headless or dead it is entirely your fault."
I laughed, "Very good. But don't worry, I don't think we shall end this limbless or headless. Dead now, that is another matter."
~
Isilindil Telperien
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Caverns are damp and dreary...
After a week of scuttling around in caverns and cave's, I can count myself, with good conscience, an expert on life underground. And I can quite happily state, that it is a BORE! There is no sun or flowers, or green grass to tickle your feet!
I don't understand dwarves, methinks!
Merewan has continued on with her stubborn silence on the Muted Orcs, and has not deigned to explain to us how the orcs have been changing, nor why. She holds out on her excuse that Olorin will explain all when he returns. I cannot help but to dislike this action. It makes me feel like a child! Isilindil feels much the same, but I think that she has had better luck with Merewan's disparaging comments than I have. Perhaps this has to do with matters of height...
I hear Isilindil calling me off in the distance. Reluctantly, I pick myself off from the ground and and make my way through the winding corridors until I glimpse the circular room that has become the meeting place.
Knowing that there will be nothing more interesting to discuss than the food rationing and potato peeling duty, I switch my brain off and give myself leave to daydream, letting my mind roam the green and golden fields of the Shire. I sigh, thinking of my Uncle Sam, enjoying himself in the sweet, warm, sunshine.
- Ruby Burrows
I don't understand dwarves, methinks!
Merewan has continued on with her stubborn silence on the Muted Orcs, and has not deigned to explain to us how the orcs have been changing, nor why. She holds out on her excuse that Olorin will explain all when he returns. I cannot help but to dislike this action. It makes me feel like a child! Isilindil feels much the same, but I think that she has had better luck with Merewan's disparaging comments than I have. Perhaps this has to do with matters of height...
I hear Isilindil calling me off in the distance. Reluctantly, I pick myself off from the ground and and make my way through the winding corridors until I glimpse the circular room that has become the meeting place.
Knowing that there will be nothing more interesting to discuss than the food rationing and potato peeling duty, I switch my brain off and give myself leave to daydream, letting my mind roam the green and golden fields of the Shire. I sigh, thinking of my Uncle Sam, enjoying himself in the sweet, warm, sunshine.
- Ruby Burrows
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Meetings with the Muted
I scuttled along sideways through the thin hallways that led to the cavernous meeting room. Here we where to meet with Mernwen and the orcs, or the strange Muted Orcs as I called them - muted around their hardness, and soft and almost Evish they had become.
I kicked a stone and listened to its fading echoes bounce back to me. PLINK PLONK. It had hit a puddle I emerged from the tunnel too small for anyone else.
'Ruby!' Isilindil looked delighted to see me - I could understand, the orcs were very off putting.
'So glad you could make it, we are about to show you why you have been summoned here'. The raspy voice of a Muted Orc emerged from the shadows, and he stepped forth, dragging a bundle of cloth which seemed to be writhing slowly in his hands.
'Look well, elf and hobit'. He cast the cloth to the floor, and it opened to reveal a small elf, almost a child. Pointed ears emerged from raven hair, and smooth skin showed bellow the tunic.
And then, the elf child looked up.
Surrounding bright, green eyes, was the thuggish face of an orc - with voluptuous lips and a delicate nose. It scowled up at us.
'It is the Orc, Elf, Child' The Muted Orc explained. 'This one was the first to change. We are all changing.'
Isilindil and I exchanged galnces, and then looked down at the Orc - Elf - Child again.
'Changing!'. I shuddered.
Merenwen spoke up, "With the darkness that is beginging to crawl through these lands it's effects have not been entirely evil," she paused, "It has so far left alone the Orc's, and as time passes and they are not under an evil influence they have begun to," Merenwen paused again, "change. What this all means we do not know, our hopes are that eventually they will take again their compleate forms as elves, from which they came. But that is but a wild hope."
"Are you sure they are trustworthy?" Isilindil exclaimed.
"That is a risk we must take, and you needn't look so disgusted at them." Merenwen reproved.
"Well if there is no other choice then there is no disuccsion which needs to be done I suppose." I said. "I suppose Orc allies are better then no allies."
"Hardly!" Isilindil cried.
"Enough!" Merenwen said, "You are here and therefore under my command."
"Who gives you commands?" I asked
"Olorin, through messengers," Merenwen continued, "The plan is to stay here until Olorin arrives, then we will decide what is to be done against the evil."
-Ruby Burrows.
Monday, February 17, 2014
DOWN
Unfortunately, due to storms and the fact that Ruby and I are deep in the caverns of Moria, we will be unable to continue posting till this Thursday. Make sure and check back on the 27th though!
~Isilindil Telperien
~Isilindil Telperien
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Orc Allies
Darkness fondly embraced us with uncanny effortlessness. Ruby and I made our way as carefully as we could, clasping at the rock walls.
"I wonder why Olorin sent us here." Ruby remarked.
"I do not know but he must have had some purpose. For some reason my heart finds no cause to doubt him." I replied although I felt little in the mood to talk.
"An odd fellow he is. Something about his eyes sort of captures you doesn't it?" Ruby said.
"Yes, a gleam of light seems to always peer out under his eyebrows. Ah careful, here there is a chasm before us." I cried.
Stepping over it Ruby and I continued on in blind darkness, having no idea where we were headed.
"Stop! Who goes there?" a gravely voice rasped and spiked hands griped at my throat.
"Elf Isilindil Telperien and hobbit companion Ruby Burrows, we were sent by Olorin." I gasped.
A light shone forth as a creature unveiled a lantern which was rudely shoved in our faces. Ruby cried out for the creature was an Orc. Yet his face seemed softer, if softer it can be said of one so rough.
"We are glad to see you two, we have waited long for your arrival." The Orc remarked. "Follow me, this way."
The spiked hands released their grasp and we began following the Orc cautiously, seeing there was no other choice. Reflected eyes flashed a few feet away as we were lead through a wide passage, of what sort I know not for the light of the lantern was but little.
Eventually we entered a short, wide room, apparently a room which was once used for counsels. Standing at one end was a large Orc dressed in a leopard skin. Beside the Orc stood a tall woman who glided towards us.
"My name is Merenwen, I am from Gondor. Like you I was sent to Moria by Olorin, although that was many weeks ago." she smiled, "Do not be afraid of these Orcs for they will not hurt you. Indeed we are one in our cause. You should consider them your closest Allies as of now."
~Isilindil Telperien
"I wonder why Olorin sent us here." Ruby remarked.
"I do not know but he must have had some purpose. For some reason my heart finds no cause to doubt him." I replied although I felt little in the mood to talk.
"An odd fellow he is. Something about his eyes sort of captures you doesn't it?" Ruby said.
"Yes, a gleam of light seems to always peer out under his eyebrows. Ah careful, here there is a chasm before us." I cried.
Stepping over it Ruby and I continued on in blind darkness, having no idea where we were headed.
"Stop! Who goes there?" a gravely voice rasped and spiked hands griped at my throat.
"Elf Isilindil Telperien and hobbit companion Ruby Burrows, we were sent by Olorin." I gasped.
A light shone forth as a creature unveiled a lantern which was rudely shoved in our faces. Ruby cried out for the creature was an Orc. Yet his face seemed softer, if softer it can be said of one so rough.
"We are glad to see you two, we have waited long for your arrival." The Orc remarked. "Follow me, this way."
The spiked hands released their grasp and we began following the Orc cautiously, seeing there was no other choice. Reflected eyes flashed a few feet away as we were lead through a wide passage, of what sort I know not for the light of the lantern was but little.
Eventually we entered a short, wide room, apparently a room which was once used for counsels. Standing at one end was a large Orc dressed in a leopard skin. Beside the Orc stood a tall woman who glided towards us.
"My name is Merenwen, I am from Gondor. Like you I was sent to Moria by Olorin, although that was many weeks ago." she smiled, "Do not be afraid of these Orcs for they will not hurt you. Indeed we are one in our cause. You should consider them your closest Allies as of now."
~Isilindil Telperien
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Rivendell & Refusal
Ranewan and Olorin reached Rivendell as I was later to learn, without trouble. Olorin met with Gontorion immediately upon their arrival but Ranewan declined the offer to join their counsel and instead walked through the valley watching the elfs work desperately to complete as much as was possible before nightfall. He offered to help but the elf's kindly refused Ranewan's offer as they knew he was quite tired from his long journey.
Olorin meanwhile was ensconced in thought whilst a restless Gontorion passed around him.
"But why wouldn't I have forbid anyone to leave Rivendell?" demanded Gontorion, "It was for the good of the elves, and probably all of Middle Earth."
"It was for no such thing!" rumbled Olorin, "You were merely afraid of perishing before reaching the Grey Havens." His eyebrows slowly raised. "Yes. Yes I know you have been planning to go to leave Middle Earth for some time. You know no evil is allowed to enter that land. No bitterness of heart or desperate actions can lead you to it's pearl shores."
Gontorion paused, and like a young birch tree he swayed slightly upon his feet before leaving the make-shift tent.
"A curse upon these elves. No sense. No sense at all. Oh well, one must make do." Olorin sighed and taking out of a leather pouch a long pipe he began to puff like a very tall pot-bellied stove.
_____________________________________
Cape thrown carelessly over his shoulder Brundt journeyed towards Rivendell singing a song. It was low and barely audible except to the groundhogs who occasionally poked their heads out of their dark doors to hear the spicy sweet melody.
With only two more days before reaching Rivendell Brundt's thoughts had little time to wander. Indeed other then his concern for Ruby and I he thought little. He knew that there was no way he could have changed our fate but his heart still yearned to have been able to be there with us. We who were now quite lost in the shafts of Moria. Brundt knew not of our curious guide who was leading us at the very moment to the heart of Moria to meet the Orc chieftain.
~Isilindil Telperien
Olorin meanwhile was ensconced in thought whilst a restless Gontorion passed around him.
"But why wouldn't I have forbid anyone to leave Rivendell?" demanded Gontorion, "It was for the good of the elves, and probably all of Middle Earth."
"It was for no such thing!" rumbled Olorin, "You were merely afraid of perishing before reaching the Grey Havens." His eyebrows slowly raised. "Yes. Yes I know you have been planning to go to leave Middle Earth for some time. You know no evil is allowed to enter that land. No bitterness of heart or desperate actions can lead you to it's pearl shores."
Gontorion paused, and like a young birch tree he swayed slightly upon his feet before leaving the make-shift tent.
"A curse upon these elves. No sense. No sense at all. Oh well, one must make do." Olorin sighed and taking out of a leather pouch a long pipe he began to puff like a very tall pot-bellied stove.
_____________________________________
Cape thrown carelessly over his shoulder Brundt journeyed towards Rivendell singing a song. It was low and barely audible except to the groundhogs who occasionally poked their heads out of their dark doors to hear the spicy sweet melody.
With only two more days before reaching Rivendell Brundt's thoughts had little time to wander. Indeed other then his concern for Ruby and I he thought little. He knew that there was no way he could have changed our fate but his heart still yearned to have been able to be there with us. We who were now quite lost in the shafts of Moria. Brundt knew not of our curious guide who was leading us at the very moment to the heart of Moria to meet the Orc chieftain.
~Isilindil Telperien
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Through the Rock Doors
Traveling West we came upon the great doors of Moria. There was little talk between Brundt, Ruby and I. What was there to talk about? Brundt lead the way carefully and quickly, Ruby and I were willing followers. After a week of travel we came upon the doors after treading round a dried up lake. My mind wandered back to when the Company traveled here so long ago, Gandalf had been with them then. They would certainly have not survived if it had not been for him. I began to think about Gandalf, how I missed his quick temper and his joy in taking people by surprise. He was always one who enjoyed putting people off balance, got quite the amusement from it in fact. I remember saying goodbye to him in Rivendell. I was there visiting when he came along with the Company, that is, all but Boromir.
New rock doors lay hid in the wall and for a moment I feared we would have the same problem as the company so long ago. I looked at Ruby, she shrugged and I knew that she did not know the password. I was tempted to speak the elvis word 'mellon' which was the word which opened the doors long ago. Yet I knew it would be in vain as these were clearly new doors and I felt new, stronger spells of closure then could be opened by the word of a friend.
"Wanwie sina annon aa' n'uma goth suula" (Past this door may no enemy breath ) Brundt said quietly and he stepped away from the doors. "Place your hand Isilindil by the athelas flower in the center. There, barely visible." He pointed, "And you Ruby, Place your hand next to it so that both hands are inside the flower and touching."
Brundt then retreated several feet away from the door. I looked behind me in consternation, giving him a questioning look.
"It was as Olorin was afraid, and as I was. I cannot pass these gates." he paused and he seemed to grow, but I could not tell if it was the moonlight that tricked my eyes. "They will not. They will not understand. The spells cast upon this door makes it so that it may read descent and not heart." Brundt looked up confused as if he did not understand his own words.
"So then you are not coming with us?" Ruby gasped and our eyes meet in confusion.
Brundt calmly responded, "I cannot."
"What shall we do when we enter the gates!?" I questioned "I have never been here before and I do not know what clue we are looking for. Indeed I know not why we are even here, nor the evil, if evil it be, we stand up against."
"I do not know what you will find beyond those gates and I do not know why Olorin had us come here. He must have known that I could not have entered." Brundt looked up again as he was beginning to do more and more often.
"What will you do?" Ruby asked, "Where shall you go?"
"Why to see if I can meet with Olorin and Ranewan in Rivendell. There I shall counsel with them." Brundt's voice was steady.
The great rock doors distracted us for a moment as they began to swing slowly open.
"Do not remove your hands or you risk being killed as they will rush together once your hands are removed!" shouted Brundt.
"Oh I wish Gandalf were here. Or one of the Wise which have long left this land!" Ruby cried.
I silently agreed with her and turned my head to see Brundt smiling, waving his hand as we entered Moria. Once inside we removed our hands and jumped forward as the doors clanged shut upon Brundt, the light of day and to us it seemed, upon any chance of survival.
~Isilindil Telperien
New rock doors lay hid in the wall and for a moment I feared we would have the same problem as the company so long ago. I looked at Ruby, she shrugged and I knew that she did not know the password. I was tempted to speak the elvis word 'mellon' which was the word which opened the doors long ago. Yet I knew it would be in vain as these were clearly new doors and I felt new, stronger spells of closure then could be opened by the word of a friend.
"Wanwie sina annon aa' n'uma goth suula" (Past this door may no enemy breath ) Brundt said quietly and he stepped away from the doors. "Place your hand Isilindil by the athelas flower in the center. There, barely visible." He pointed, "And you Ruby, Place your hand next to it so that both hands are inside the flower and touching."
Brundt then retreated several feet away from the door. I looked behind me in consternation, giving him a questioning look.
"It was as Olorin was afraid, and as I was. I cannot pass these gates." he paused and he seemed to grow, but I could not tell if it was the moonlight that tricked my eyes. "They will not. They will not understand. The spells cast upon this door makes it so that it may read descent and not heart." Brundt looked up confused as if he did not understand his own words.
"So then you are not coming with us?" Ruby gasped and our eyes meet in confusion.
Brundt calmly responded, "I cannot."
"What shall we do when we enter the gates!?" I questioned "I have never been here before and I do not know what clue we are looking for. Indeed I know not why we are even here, nor the evil, if evil it be, we stand up against."
"I do not know what you will find beyond those gates and I do not know why Olorin had us come here. He must have known that I could not have entered." Brundt looked up again as he was beginning to do more and more often.
"What will you do?" Ruby asked, "Where shall you go?"
"Why to see if I can meet with Olorin and Ranewan in Rivendell. There I shall counsel with them." Brundt's voice was steady.
The great rock doors distracted us for a moment as they began to swing slowly open.
"Do not remove your hands or you risk being killed as they will rush together once your hands are removed!" shouted Brundt.
"Oh I wish Gandalf were here. Or one of the Wise which have long left this land!" Ruby cried.
I silently agreed with her and turned my head to see Brundt smiling, waving his hand as we entered Moria. Once inside we removed our hands and jumped forward as the doors clanged shut upon Brundt, the light of day and to us it seemed, upon any chance of survival.
~Isilindil Telperien
Monday, February 10, 2014
Plans and Separation
I laid out on the sweet smelling grass of the forest next to Ruby. She was sleeping peacefully and on the other side of the campfire Ranewan and Brundt were resting at an amusing distance from each other. I believe that they have not quite gotten over the circumstance of their first meeting. At least it seems so for Ranewan.
Olorin sat up against a tree with his eyes closed, although I could not tell if sleep had taken him.
Hearing a slight burning noise I sat up quickly, the others seemed oblivious to the noise. Looking around I saw a shade pass over the ground, like an ordinary shadow and yet as it round through the forest it left behind a bitter scent and appeared to melt certain of the ordinary, plain plants. As it came to a small group of wildflowers happily dancing a waltz it appeared to 'stand' up over them. For some reason my heart was clenched in fear and I could not call out to the others although my heart agonized for some strange reason of the flowers, so unaware of their impending doom. Yet as I watched the dark shadow dove at the flowers but was instantly repulsed repeatedly. Eventually It retreated and I found my voice after gasping several times.
"Olorin!" I did not think at the time how odd it was that I should call Olorin out of the four. "Olorin! Olorin!"
Olorin rose like an oak and was by my side in an instant. The others woke in a more human-like manner along with plenteous yawning and lots of confused looks around.
"What is it Isilindil?" Olorin asked "What did you see?"
"There was a shadow," I found the air did not come quickly to my lungs, "it crept throughout the forest leaving a foul stench and it burned some of the more ordinary plants and shrubs It tried to devour those wildflowers there, but it could not." I began to find breathing more easy.
"It has not grown into it's full strength. Yes. It is as I was afraid." Olorin exclaimed, "Ranewan you shall travel with me to Rivendell to see Gontorion. Brundt you shall go with Ruby and Isilindil to," he paused, "To Moria, it may be that you find a clue there. And yet it has been so long ..." his voice trailed off.
"A clue to what?" Ruby questioned "I don't understand this at all!"
"Neither do I, and yet this is what my heart counsels me to do. We must continue on in faith." Olorin glanced down.
"Please let me stay with Isilindil, I would like to know that she is safe." Ranewan looked at Olorin.
"No. Most definitely not. I understand why you want to go with her." he peered at Ranewan sharply and Ranewan hurriedly looked away. "But she will be no safer with you then without you so it's settled. No buts!"
"We should go immediately I doubt that sleep shall find us anymore this night." Brundt quietly remarked.
"Quiet right you are! Farewell Ruby, Isilindil, Brundt. Keep them safe." Olorin lifted his large eyebrows at Brundt and a slight smile spread across Brundts face in acknowledgement.
~Isilindil Telperien
Olorin sat up against a tree with his eyes closed, although I could not tell if sleep had taken him.
Hearing a slight burning noise I sat up quickly, the others seemed oblivious to the noise. Looking around I saw a shade pass over the ground, like an ordinary shadow and yet as it round through the forest it left behind a bitter scent and appeared to melt certain of the ordinary, plain plants. As it came to a small group of wildflowers happily dancing a waltz it appeared to 'stand' up over them. For some reason my heart was clenched in fear and I could not call out to the others although my heart agonized for some strange reason of the flowers, so unaware of their impending doom. Yet as I watched the dark shadow dove at the flowers but was instantly repulsed repeatedly. Eventually It retreated and I found my voice after gasping several times.
"Olorin!" I did not think at the time how odd it was that I should call Olorin out of the four. "Olorin! Olorin!"
Olorin rose like an oak and was by my side in an instant. The others woke in a more human-like manner along with plenteous yawning and lots of confused looks around.
"What is it Isilindil?" Olorin asked "What did you see?"
"There was a shadow," I found the air did not come quickly to my lungs, "it crept throughout the forest leaving a foul stench and it burned some of the more ordinary plants and shrubs It tried to devour those wildflowers there, but it could not." I began to find breathing more easy.
"It has not grown into it's full strength. Yes. It is as I was afraid." Olorin exclaimed, "Ranewan you shall travel with me to Rivendell to see Gontorion. Brundt you shall go with Ruby and Isilindil to," he paused, "To Moria, it may be that you find a clue there. And yet it has been so long ..." his voice trailed off.
"A clue to what?" Ruby questioned "I don't understand this at all!"
"Neither do I, and yet this is what my heart counsels me to do. We must continue on in faith." Olorin glanced down.
"Please let me stay with Isilindil, I would like to know that she is safe." Ranewan looked at Olorin.
"No. Most definitely not. I understand why you want to go with her." he peered at Ranewan sharply and Ranewan hurriedly looked away. "But she will be no safer with you then without you so it's settled. No buts!"
"We should go immediately I doubt that sleep shall find us anymore this night." Brundt quietly remarked.
"Quiet right you are! Farewell Ruby, Isilindil, Brundt. Keep them safe." Olorin lifted his large eyebrows at Brundt and a slight smile spread across Brundts face in acknowledgement.
~Isilindil Telperien
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Olórin Lays A Trail
I had finished telling this strange sorcerer about my story - how I had come to be in Mirkwood, when the strange boy with no name entered the clearing again. Except he was different. He was two inches taller than before, and had grown a small beard.
"Hello - Wha-?" I glanced from him to Olórin, speechless.
"Oh, Ruby, I'm sorry I forgot to tell you" he seemed quite unperturbed by what had happened to his charge "You see, he suffers from a rare condition, indeed I have never heard nor seen it before, which makes him age differently. I have conducted my tests and trails - and about now I would say that he is, by human years, twenty-two. When you first met him he was around nineteen. I do not know what causes this different sort of aging, he is unlike any creature I have ever encountered both on this world and others..." he dwindled off, muttering to himself.
"But I am twenty two now, and you may treat me accordingly, as that is now my age." the man nodded towards Olórin and I, gesturing at himself.
"I'm sorry...Sir... but what am I to call you?" I stammered a bit, still thrown off by this rather 'sudden' turning of events.
"Oh..." he seemed quite taken aback. Olórin seemed to be amused by my asking.
"I don't know yet."
"I guess I'll just think of something when I get to know you, then. But for now, I'll call you... Hmm... how about Brundt?"
"Brundt. Very blunt name. But I guess it'll have to do for now" He smiled a bit when he said his new name.
Olórin left us chatting and walked off into the undergrowth again, he looked aback at us with a twitch of his head, nodded to himself and left.
And I felt perfectly safe. But I couldn't just forget about Isilindil. I did not know what had happened to her or the company of elves we had been travelling with. Leaving Olórin to follow our trail, Brundt and I set off along the path further into Mirkwood, hoping to find some clue as to where the elves had gone.
Further away, Olórin had his head to the ground, listening to the trees and the plants. He detected Islindil and Ranewan, entering into the forest, and as fast as a bird, he began to weave spells. He cast spells of scent, which alerted the elves to the trail of Ruby, and spells of finding, which the elves soon picked up on but did not realize it. Following them, they soon came to where Ruby and Brundt had been walking.
_________________________________
"I see two steps have passed here - she has someone with her. That, or someone has taken her somewhere." Ranewan was bent on the ground, picking up the trail of the Hobbit. Ruby had not bothered to be extremely cautious, which was good for the elves to follow. Unfortunately, Isilindil worried that it would make her trail visible to others whose intents weren't as noble as theirs.
She nodded her head briskly at Ranewans words, and continued along the path, searching for Ruby.
_________________________________
We had just come to a small, sallow stream running by the path, when I heard voices from behind us. Grabbing Brundt, I ran into the underbrush off the path, praying for Olórin to come back soon.
I shivered. It was evening and a chill had stole through the trees. Brundt looked straight ahead, his entire body tensed like a spring.
"Two steps have passed here..." I heard the voices again - they sounded strange and unearthly, yet so familiar. I struggled to place them.
Just then, two shadows emerged onto the path. They were long and lithe. Bellowing like an Oliphant, Brundt sprung onto the path and accosted the tallest shadow just when I had realized who was talking - it was an elf!
I emerged onto the path, and glimpsed Isilindil's shocked face, and then Brundt and another elf were there, tussling and tossing on the ground, oblivious of Isilindils shouts for stop, and my foot kicking at Brundt to get his attention.
Then they were standing, and the elf had taken a long sword from a scabbard by his side. Brundt eyed him warily. The elf ran forward, but paused in shock just before stabbing Brundt. Brundt had just shot up another inch, and this allowed him the upper hand. Brundt leaped on the elf, and they crashed to the floor.
"Stop!" Isilindil's voice rang as clear as a diamond bell, and Brundt stopped hitting the elf.
"Brundt. It;s alright they're friends." Brundt allowed the elf to get up, and he dusted himself off eyeing the elf with a slight look of dislike.
Isilindil glanced at me, and then we rushed towards each other and hugged.
"I'm so sorry, Ruby! I've been so worried!" she exclaimed.
"So have I. But at least your here now. There are people I want you to meet."
We embraced, and soon we had make camp to wait for Olórin, while we told each other of all that had befallen us. Brundt and Ranewan meanwhile had dropped their aggressive glances and had become slightly cordial.
-Ruby Burrows
"Hello - Wha-?" I glanced from him to Olórin, speechless.
"Oh, Ruby, I'm sorry I forgot to tell you" he seemed quite unperturbed by what had happened to his charge "You see, he suffers from a rare condition, indeed I have never heard nor seen it before, which makes him age differently. I have conducted my tests and trails - and about now I would say that he is, by human years, twenty-two. When you first met him he was around nineteen. I do not know what causes this different sort of aging, he is unlike any creature I have ever encountered both on this world and others..." he dwindled off, muttering to himself.
"But I am twenty two now, and you may treat me accordingly, as that is now my age." the man nodded towards Olórin and I, gesturing at himself.
"I'm sorry...Sir... but what am I to call you?" I stammered a bit, still thrown off by this rather 'sudden' turning of events.
"Oh..." he seemed quite taken aback. Olórin seemed to be amused by my asking.
"I don't know yet."
"I guess I'll just think of something when I get to know you, then. But for now, I'll call you... Hmm... how about Brundt?"
"Brundt. Very blunt name. But I guess it'll have to do for now" He smiled a bit when he said his new name.
Olórin left us chatting and walked off into the undergrowth again, he looked aback at us with a twitch of his head, nodded to himself and left.
And I felt perfectly safe. But I couldn't just forget about Isilindil. I did not know what had happened to her or the company of elves we had been travelling with. Leaving Olórin to follow our trail, Brundt and I set off along the path further into Mirkwood, hoping to find some clue as to where the elves had gone.
Further away, Olórin had his head to the ground, listening to the trees and the plants. He detected Islindil and Ranewan, entering into the forest, and as fast as a bird, he began to weave spells. He cast spells of scent, which alerted the elves to the trail of Ruby, and spells of finding, which the elves soon picked up on but did not realize it. Following them, they soon came to where Ruby and Brundt had been walking.
_________________________________
"I see two steps have passed here - she has someone with her. That, or someone has taken her somewhere." Ranewan was bent on the ground, picking up the trail of the Hobbit. Ruby had not bothered to be extremely cautious, which was good for the elves to follow. Unfortunately, Isilindil worried that it would make her trail visible to others whose intents weren't as noble as theirs.
She nodded her head briskly at Ranewans words, and continued along the path, searching for Ruby.
_________________________________
We had just come to a small, sallow stream running by the path, when I heard voices from behind us. Grabbing Brundt, I ran into the underbrush off the path, praying for Olórin to come back soon.
I shivered. It was evening and a chill had stole through the trees. Brundt looked straight ahead, his entire body tensed like a spring.
"Two steps have passed here..." I heard the voices again - they sounded strange and unearthly, yet so familiar. I struggled to place them.
Just then, two shadows emerged onto the path. They were long and lithe. Bellowing like an Oliphant, Brundt sprung onto the path and accosted the tallest shadow just when I had realized who was talking - it was an elf!
I emerged onto the path, and glimpsed Isilindil's shocked face, and then Brundt and another elf were there, tussling and tossing on the ground, oblivious of Isilindils shouts for stop, and my foot kicking at Brundt to get his attention.
Then they were standing, and the elf had taken a long sword from a scabbard by his side. Brundt eyed him warily. The elf ran forward, but paused in shock just before stabbing Brundt. Brundt had just shot up another inch, and this allowed him the upper hand. Brundt leaped on the elf, and they crashed to the floor.
"Stop!" Isilindil's voice rang as clear as a diamond bell, and Brundt stopped hitting the elf.
"Brundt. It;s alright they're friends." Brundt allowed the elf to get up, and he dusted himself off eyeing the elf with a slight look of dislike.
Isilindil glanced at me, and then we rushed towards each other and hugged.
"I'm so sorry, Ruby! I've been so worried!" she exclaimed.
"So have I. But at least your here now. There are people I want you to meet."
We embraced, and soon we had make camp to wait for Olórin, while we told each other of all that had befallen us. Brundt and Ranewan meanwhile had dropped their aggressive glances and had become slightly cordial.
-Ruby Burrows
Friday, February 7, 2014
Back to Mirkwood
"Ranewan what are you doing here?" I demanded angrily and in great fear I looked around expecting to find myself surrounded.
"Isilindil calm yourself." Ranewan's voice was quiet. "I have not journeyed after you with such haste these past four days for the purpose of bringing you back again."
I gazed at him with ill favor as his joke struck a dull cord within me. And yet as I watched he did not smile or alter his serious and honest expression.
"You're serious?" I gasped "You are actually going to help me disobey Gontorion's orders?"
This was not the law abiding, faithful and unbending Ranewan that I had known all of my life- he interrupted my hurried thoughts.
"I am not going to help you disobey anyone's orders." he looked down "But I do not believe in abandoning a helpless hobbit girl to die simply because one is frightened of the unknown. It is true that one fears what one knows not of, so to conquer this evil and fear we must first learn of what sort it is. That is why I came to find you."
"Well then, shall we away?" I questioned "What route do you suggest we take?"
Ranewan looked to the sky for a moment and then replied "We should go toward Eregion then ride between the mountains on the hidden path where we shall then turn North to Mirkwood's upper edge. That is where we will begin our search."
____________________________________
"Now if you will go and hunt us down a rabbit maybe we will have something a little more suitable to offer this dear lady." Orion's voice was warm and friendly and a twinkly of amusement sparkled in his eyes as he ordered the man in dark green britches off.
"Wait!" Ruby cried as the man began striding off into the forest with a bow slung over his shoulder.
The instinct of a healer and guilt had flooded her and without further thought she ripped a strip of her petticoat off and dipping it in the merry stream which winded halfway round their 'camp' she bound it around his bleeding hand.
"Sorry for biting you," Ruby hesitated and looked up regretfully, if she was to survive in these great woods she would need friends and biting one of them was not a great start.
The man smiled at her and remarked "Fear not my friend for I have survived many worse wounds than these with little trouble." he winked and having his hand bandaged turned and quickly was lost to sight.
"Well now that he," began Orion.
Ruby interrupted, "What is his name?"
"Do you know I have no memory of his name," the old man gave an odd laugh. "But as I was saying, now that he is gone we can have a proper talk and you maybe could tell me what a hobbit does here by herself far from safety even in these 'peaceful' times?"
"Well it all started when I met an elf,"
Orion interrupted me saying, "An elf you say. Hmm, and what was her name?" he lifted his eyebrows questioningly
"Isilindil Telperien. She's a wood elf." Ruby chirped
"So this is why I have been sent .... ahhh it makes sense. Yes. To help the inevitable. To help these two. Yes this is the hobbit I was sent to aide, and the elf she speaks off must be the chosen elf friend. Yes. It was written in the sky's so. " Orion muttered under his breath.
"I am sorry Sir but what are you mumbling about? I am afraid that I can't understand you." Ruby remarked.
"Oh no matter, just thinking you know." Orion smiled "Well that's that. Ah yes it's perfect. Don't you think its a lovely day?'
Orion pulled out a pipe and taking three large puffs he laid back smiling. Ruby continued her story and smoke rings flitted towards the treetops in rhythm.
~
Isilindil Telperien
"Well then, shall we away?" I questioned "What route do you suggest we take?"
Ranewan looked to the sky for a moment and then replied "We should go toward Eregion then ride between the mountains on the hidden path where we shall then turn North to Mirkwood's upper edge. That is where we will begin our search."
____________________________________
"Now if you will go and hunt us down a rabbit maybe we will have something a little more suitable to offer this dear lady." Orion's voice was warm and friendly and a twinkly of amusement sparkled in his eyes as he ordered the man in dark green britches off.
"Wait!" Ruby cried as the man began striding off into the forest with a bow slung over his shoulder.
The instinct of a healer and guilt had flooded her and without further thought she ripped a strip of her petticoat off and dipping it in the merry stream which winded halfway round their 'camp' she bound it around his bleeding hand.
"Sorry for biting you," Ruby hesitated and looked up regretfully, if she was to survive in these great woods she would need friends and biting one of them was not a great start.
The man smiled at her and remarked "Fear not my friend for I have survived many worse wounds than these with little trouble." he winked and having his hand bandaged turned and quickly was lost to sight.
"Well now that he," began Orion.
Ruby interrupted, "What is his name?"
"Do you know I have no memory of his name," the old man gave an odd laugh. "But as I was saying, now that he is gone we can have a proper talk and you maybe could tell me what a hobbit does here by herself far from safety even in these 'peaceful' times?"
"Well it all started when I met an elf,"
Orion interrupted me saying, "An elf you say. Hmm, and what was her name?" he lifted his eyebrows questioningly
"Isilindil Telperien. She's a wood elf." Ruby chirped
"So this is why I have been sent .... ahhh it makes sense. Yes. To help the inevitable. To help these two. Yes this is the hobbit I was sent to aide, and the elf she speaks off must be the chosen elf friend. Yes. It was written in the sky's so. " Orion muttered under his breath.
"I am sorry Sir but what are you mumbling about? I am afraid that I can't understand you." Ruby remarked.
"Oh no matter, just thinking you know." Orion smiled "Well that's that. Ah yes it's perfect. Don't you think its a lovely day?'
Orion pulled out a pipe and taking three large puffs he laid back smiling. Ruby continued her story and smoke rings flitted towards the treetops in rhythm.
~
Isilindil Telperien
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Isilindil departs and Ruby is befriended
The horses soon disappeared over the horizon, carrying their riders with the effortless riders of elves - which they were carrying. the elves journey on towards the smoking ruins of Rivendell, alit with the blazes of campfires dotted around the ruins, where the elves were staying while it was being rebuilt.
The only way, thought Isilindil, that Ruby could've wandered off by herself is if she was tricked - or lost control of her mind by an evil sorcerer. That, or she was kidnapped by some foul beast! This would never of happened if we hadn't embarked on this stupid adventure to Rivendell! Oh, everything seems so stupid now that I look back upon its happenings - I could've prevented it all from happening! Whatever has harmed Ruby, I vow to rescue her and to have vengeance upon those who have kidnapped her!
With this in mind, Isilindil began gathering her supplies together to prepare for the long journey alone back to Mirkwood - although she was still enrolled in helping Rivendell to be rebuilt. It was the only other task that occupied her mind, along with rescuing Ruby, and it was the only thing that turned her grim look happy once in a while - although it was a guilty happiness all the same.
Gontorion had forbidden all the elves under his control to leave Rivendell for fear of the threat that still held sway over the lands - but in a weeks course, Isilindil had mounted her horse and was a couple of miles away from Rivendell already.
Which was when her horse stopped stock still and nickered frightfully.
"Who's there?" Isilindil asked, her voice not betraying a flicker of emotion.
"It is I" And out from the shadows by the path, stepped Ranewan, a strange expression upon his unreadable face.
-
Meanwhile, deep in the leafy expanses of Mirkwood, I lay upon the ground, dazed, but retaining control of my senses slowly.
A figure strode up to me. He was obviously male, and quite well built, proof of a life of hard work and little respite. He wore dark green breeches and a long grey tunic, and his face was shadowed under a brown hood. His stance spoke of assurance and confidence, and his movements showed grace and determination.
"Here" He helped me to sit up, and gave me a log to lean on.
"Eat this. It will help with the headache." He handed me a piece of bread, which was strangely pungent and had a faint greenish tinge on it, as if it were slightly moldy.
As soon as I had taken a bite, I realised my situation. I jumped up and was about to ran off, when he grabbed my shoulders and held me there, his hands digging in to the sides of my neck. Unfortunately for him, he didn't think that I would continue struggling, so I turned my head and bit his hand, and when he yelped I ran off into the underbrush, shouting for Isilindil.
Until I bumped into a tall man in robes of an indefinite colour.
"Well, well, well. Our little guest has woken at last." He harrumphed gently, peering down at me from under his enormous eyebrows.
"Wh-who are you?" I was surprised, and frightened to tell the truth. I thought the worst had happened.
"Now there's a question! Who am I? Well, to you I'm one who would help. Quite simply, a friend to those in need, along with my companion here." he gestured to the man in the clearing "But you may know me as Olórin." He smiled, and I knew that I could trust him, even though I still had no idea who he was. And yet his eye's had a friendly sheen to them which I felt I knew and loved.
~
Ruby Burrows
The only way, thought Isilindil, that Ruby could've wandered off by herself is if she was tricked - or lost control of her mind by an evil sorcerer. That, or she was kidnapped by some foul beast! This would never of happened if we hadn't embarked on this stupid adventure to Rivendell! Oh, everything seems so stupid now that I look back upon its happenings - I could've prevented it all from happening! Whatever has harmed Ruby, I vow to rescue her and to have vengeance upon those who have kidnapped her!
With this in mind, Isilindil began gathering her supplies together to prepare for the long journey alone back to Mirkwood - although she was still enrolled in helping Rivendell to be rebuilt. It was the only other task that occupied her mind, along with rescuing Ruby, and it was the only thing that turned her grim look happy once in a while - although it was a guilty happiness all the same.
Gontorion had forbidden all the elves under his control to leave Rivendell for fear of the threat that still held sway over the lands - but in a weeks course, Isilindil had mounted her horse and was a couple of miles away from Rivendell already.
Which was when her horse stopped stock still and nickered frightfully.
"Who's there?" Isilindil asked, her voice not betraying a flicker of emotion.
"It is I" And out from the shadows by the path, stepped Ranewan, a strange expression upon his unreadable face.
-
Meanwhile, deep in the leafy expanses of Mirkwood, I lay upon the ground, dazed, but retaining control of my senses slowly.
A figure strode up to me. He was obviously male, and quite well built, proof of a life of hard work and little respite. He wore dark green breeches and a long grey tunic, and his face was shadowed under a brown hood. His stance spoke of assurance and confidence, and his movements showed grace and determination.
"Here" He helped me to sit up, and gave me a log to lean on.
"Eat this. It will help with the headache." He handed me a piece of bread, which was strangely pungent and had a faint greenish tinge on it, as if it were slightly moldy.
As soon as I had taken a bite, I realised my situation. I jumped up and was about to ran off, when he grabbed my shoulders and held me there, his hands digging in to the sides of my neck. Unfortunately for him, he didn't think that I would continue struggling, so I turned my head and bit his hand, and when he yelped I ran off into the underbrush, shouting for Isilindil.
Until I bumped into a tall man in robes of an indefinite colour.
"Well, well, well. Our little guest has woken at last." He harrumphed gently, peering down at me from under his enormous eyebrows.
"Wh-who are you?" I was surprised, and frightened to tell the truth. I thought the worst had happened.
"Now there's a question! Who am I? Well, to you I'm one who would help. Quite simply, a friend to those in need, along with my companion here." he gestured to the man in the clearing "But you may know me as Olórin." He smiled, and I knew that I could trust him, even though I still had no idea who he was. And yet his eye's had a friendly sheen to them which I felt I knew and loved.
~
Ruby Burrows
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Middle Earth Scarf
Never get lost again traveling Middle Earth with this trusty scarf. Not only is it fashionable, it is also very useful in a pinch! (Link Below Photo)
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Confusion in Mirkwood and Ruby Disappears
Gontorien came out of a counsel-one I was not invited to- and they had decided to go to Mirkwood and meet the Orc Army. I thought it was a foolish decision as Rivendell had been saved and was currently in the process of being rebuilt under careful guard. I believed it would be better if we sent back-up to the elves in Rivendell till the survivors, if any, were found. But Gontorion would not be swayed and we headed to Mirkwood.
Riding we journeyed over Rhovanion, otherwise known as The Brown Lands. This course took us along the west side of Mirkwood, passing by Dur Gulder. At last we reached our destination, the very west/north corner of Mirkwood from where there was a safe path so that we could take our enemy by surprise whom we were told were encamped currently along the north rim of Mirkwood.
"Isilindil!" a voice called me back into reality and I was ordered to dismount as Gontorion wished to see me. Ruby begged to come but I was in a foul mood and shook off her pleadings.
"Isilindil, scouts have been sent out to view the enemy and ..." Gontorions voice trailed away and a nearby scout piped up.
"The Orc's are dead, all of them. We thought it may have been poison as there was no sign of physical wounds, in fact when we first came upon them we thought they were merely all asleep."
"Tis a deep evil that lies here and I think it best we journey back to Rivendell as Isilindil you first counseled me two weeks ago. Would that one of the greater elfs were here for I fear I cannot perceive that which is the best path. You may go now Isilindil."
With sorrow misting my heart I walked back to my horse and looked about for my friend as I was in need of comfort amid the confusion of my mind.
"Where is Ruby?" I asked a nearby elf-archer.
"I do not know, I saw her ride through those trees over there," he pointed to a dark clustered group of pines "And she has not returned."
I quickly ran over to the trees calling Ruby's name loudly. The alarm sounded throughout the army and soon many voices were heard calling Ruby's name, but no response came back to our eagerly listening ears.
Gontorion blew a crystal note upon a horn and silence fell. He strode angrily towards me and firmly grasping my shoulder he demanded why I should cause such a commotion when our army could be in mortal danger.
"Ruby." I gasped, "Ruby is gone, disappeared."
"Well then that way she must stay as we cannot wait for her and we cannot stay here." Gontorion's voice was merciless.
"No, you can't!" I pleaded.
But there was steel in Gontorion's eyes and he mounted his horse and turned the army round about as we headed West to Rivendell.
Behind us in the shadows Ruby lay unconscious surrounded by black foliage which now was twisted around her waist,a tall white figure bent over her, a dark look clouding his brow.
Riding we journeyed over Rhovanion, otherwise known as The Brown Lands. This course took us along the west side of Mirkwood, passing by Dur Gulder. At last we reached our destination, the very west/north corner of Mirkwood from where there was a safe path so that we could take our enemy by surprise whom we were told were encamped currently along the north rim of Mirkwood.
"Isilindil!" a voice called me back into reality and I was ordered to dismount as Gontorion wished to see me. Ruby begged to come but I was in a foul mood and shook off her pleadings.
"Isilindil, scouts have been sent out to view the enemy and ..." Gontorions voice trailed away and a nearby scout piped up.
"The Orc's are dead, all of them. We thought it may have been poison as there was no sign of physical wounds, in fact when we first came upon them we thought they were merely all asleep."
"Tis a deep evil that lies here and I think it best we journey back to Rivendell as Isilindil you first counseled me two weeks ago. Would that one of the greater elfs were here for I fear I cannot perceive that which is the best path. You may go now Isilindil."
With sorrow misting my heart I walked back to my horse and looked about for my friend as I was in need of comfort amid the confusion of my mind.
"Where is Ruby?" I asked a nearby elf-archer.
"I do not know, I saw her ride through those trees over there," he pointed to a dark clustered group of pines "And she has not returned."
I quickly ran over to the trees calling Ruby's name loudly. The alarm sounded throughout the army and soon many voices were heard calling Ruby's name, but no response came back to our eagerly listening ears.
Gontorion blew a crystal note upon a horn and silence fell. He strode angrily towards me and firmly grasping my shoulder he demanded why I should cause such a commotion when our army could be in mortal danger.
"Ruby." I gasped, "Ruby is gone, disappeared."
"Well then that way she must stay as we cannot wait for her and we cannot stay here." Gontorion's voice was merciless.
"No, you can't!" I pleaded.
But there was steel in Gontorion's eyes and he mounted his horse and turned the army round about as we headed West to Rivendell.
Behind us in the shadows Ruby lay unconscious surrounded by black foliage which now was twisted around her waist,a tall white figure bent over her, a dark look clouding his brow.
Monday, February 3, 2014
The Battle at Lothlorien... And I take my first life...
Isilindil and I paced back and forth in the hallways between
Gontorion’s Armoury and the ‘barracks’. These were simply beautifully made
rooms where the army would fire out their arrows at whatever impending doom was
marching towards Lothlorien.
Of course, we had no idea what this ‘impending doom’ was.
Yet.
After the course of an hour, Gontorion summoned us to the
Armoury, and bade us choose our weapons quickly.
Of course, I was already armed with the dagger that I keep
in my boot, and was wearing the mithril shirt underneath my clothing. But I had
not told Isilindil of that yet, as it is in my hobbit opinion that the best
secrets are best kept secrets, even unto those that you trust the most.
But I have not yet mentioned my sword – I pulled it out of
the sheath that was hung from my back – I prefer to pull it over the shoulder
in fighting, and to have the hilt resting on my right shoulder by my neck is
the perfect placement for me. This sword was bequeathed to my Uncle Sam by a
dear dwarven friend (although I’m told the blade is elvish), after his great
journey to Mordor with Frodo the Ringbearer. However, my uncle had never used
it, and gave it to me when I was a child, wishing that I got used to it’s feel
in my hand and learn to swing a sword properly. However, I had never put it to
proper use until today.
“Do you wish to be armed, Hobbit?” Gontorion gazed down at
me, his words tickling the wisps of hair on the crown of my head.
“I’m already armed, sir.” I replied as courteously as
possible, which is difficult when someone refers to you simply by ‘Hobbit’.
“I’ve known Ruby to have excellent weapons, and I’m told by
her uncle that the blade is of elvish make itself.” That was Isilindil,
vouching for my weapons.
As Isilindil chose for herself more arrows with which to
fill her quiver I wandered around rooms of the Armory, gazing at the
racks of gleaming blades and stacks of arrows. Eventually, I found myself
completely lost within all the sheer threat
and viciousness of it all. It was a bit overwhelming.
That was when I came to a room full of bottles.
I kid you not; I was in a room of bottles. There were big
ones and small ones, tall ones and round ones. Translucent ones and opaque
ones, and ones that didn’t seem to be there at all, but which gave on strange
shadows which quivered on the walls behind the places that they seems to be.
There were pones of all colours and ones darker than pitch black.
It all seemed very strange. Eventually, my eyes alit upon
the strangeness part of this room, which was an old woman, round eared and
grey, asleep in a corner of the room. I had overlooked her before, as her dress
resembled sackcloth and her grey hair was worn in dreadnoughts which fell over
and disguised her features so it was almost as if she were a sack of greying
potatoes, if not for her bare feet which poked out of the dress and were lying
on the floor, gathering dust in my opinion.
I coughed rather loudly to get this woman’s attention. But
she remained as she was, silent and still, so I took some of the bottles, which
I later identified as the most evil and potent potions, and scurried, away from
the room back to Isilindil. She had just finished selecting her arrows when I
burst in and landed in a heap.
“Where have you
been? Gontorion just spotted an orc scout rushing away from the forest!”
“I saw a-“ But I was cut short as Gontorion swept into the
room and began ordering us for the battle. He paused and explained to me that a
contingent of two hundred orcs had been spotted entering the outskirts of the
west side of the forest.
“Strange…” He muttered under his breath “that so few should
come…. We are more that a match for them… They must be a distraction, but they
shall have to be dealt with…”
So he ordered about more than two hundred elves, including
Isilindil and I, to go and root out these orcs from the leafy paths of
Lothlorien, while he stayed there to keep watch for the main army, which he was
sure would appear.
We marched though the gathering dusk to meet the orcs, all
of us as silent as we could be. I used all of my hobbit skill I had to avoid
making the slightest amount of noise, and the only things that I heard were the
far off grunts and shouts of the orcs, their attempts at being stealthy.
Half an hour later, we had them surrounded.
Then, after I had drawn my blade, Isilindil and the other
elves had rushed towards the orcs, shouting war cries and screaming revenge. White-hot
anger was painted on their brows as they beheld the orcs milling around the
trees in confusion.
I leaped after them mimicking their sounds. I hacked at the
knee of an orc, and was shocked as my blade bit straight to the bone. I glimpsed
it glowing blue, almost as if it were relishing the taste of orc blood after so
long.
The sound around me was unbearable, and I was caught up in
the midst of it, a little hobbit, lost fighting orcs with the elves, I gutted
an orc as he rushed towards me, his warm blood spurted across my face and I grimaced with disgust. I glimpsed Isilindil fending off an attack from three orcs at
once. She skewered one in the eye with her blade, then swung the dead orc into
his companions, winding them and giving her the chance to decapitate one and
hobble the other before finishing him off. Then she was lost again as she
leaped to find another enemy.
I returned my attention to the battle before me. Just in
time, as an orc had come up behind me and was about to stab me in the back
before I turned around and stabbed his ankle, causing him to jump back and I
lunged forward and skewered his elbow, hot blood running down my blade. He fell
to the ground, and bringing my sword up, I chopped him as I had done many times
with logs. I turned away from him to focus on my next attacker, and heard his
body fall to the ground. First one half, then the other. After taking my first life, a red haze took
over my eyesight and I darted among the orcs, shouting, stabbing and killing,
if I remember correctly. The last thing that I remembered was the wail of on orc
as I stabbed him through the mouth, before I blacked out.
I woke up drenched in sweat and blood. I must not have been
out for long. I glanced around me and saw Isilindil striding towards me, with a
grim look on her face. She pulled me to my feet, and I winced as i suddenly
felt the pain of dozens of bruises and a long gash across my left cheek.
Luckily, I only had a few minor injuries and a deep wound on my kneecap, which
bleed tears of blood when I put my weight on it. Isilindil looked unharmed and solemn.
“What’s happened?” I heard the fear in my own voice as I
asked her.
“Gontorion has found the army of orcs,” she replied “And
they are headed straight for Mirkwood.”
-Ruby Burrows
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Show Them Your Loyalty and Honor
Remembering the valiant quest which took place so long ago ... this may be difficult for you if are a hobbit and never really payed much attention to such stories except as fairy-tales. Fear not my dear -and probably still angry at me-hobbits, for now you may purchase this Fellowship of the Ring mug and every morning be reminded of the loving sacrifice these Nine paid to Middle Earth.
IIe Ier Late
"You are honored"
http://www.etsy.com/listing/100742876/fellowship-of-the-ring-coffee-mug
~
Isilindil Telperien
IIe Ier Late
"You are honored"
http://www.etsy.com/listing/100742876/fellowship-of-the-ring-coffee-mug
"Remember to check http://themiddleearthdaily.blogspot.com/ again tomorrow as the adventure continues while Lothlorien sends soldiers to Rivendell, Ruby finds herself in the midst of a fight and Isilindil bids Ranewan farewell as he goes with the brave Elf warriors to battle."
~
Isilindil Telperien
Friday, January 31, 2014
Of Lothlorien and Gontorion
I didn't understand. No comprehension. Rivendell was gone. My uncle Sam had always spoken about it with such adoration. I felt a tear slide down my cheek. Isilindil glanced at me, but didn't say anything, which I was glad for. The path that we took to Lothlorien was cold and lonely, distant and dead. The trees by the side of the path had either been killed or had died from a spreading disease. the leaves on plants were mottled and graying. Some strange sickness had seized nature and left her bereft of comfort and health.
The further we traveled, the more apparent the devastation wrought by the strange evil that had twisted the land became to us. We came across villages that were deserted or destroyed, and footprints scattering off in directions unknown.
Eventually we came to Lothlorien. Luckily, although the tress on the outskirts of the forest seemed to be affected a little but, the elves inside were healthy, and thankfully alive.
Once they saw that there was an elf with me, we were escorted straight away to Gontorion, the 'head-elf' of Lothlorien. I had hoped to meet Galadriel, but Isilindil explained to me that she had long since left to journey to the West.
We told Gontorion of the fate that had fallen to Rivendell, and once the elves heard, they
began wailing and weeping, mourning the loss of their kind. Since elves live so long, the death of so many hit them hard as their experiences and lives can never be lived. We are all unique, but to have such a long life filled with a unique combination of situations, and then to have you torn away from the world is like the loss of a species of flower. Think of all the stories they could've told! Seemed to me like that anyways.
Right now, I am standing in Gontorions meeting room. High up in the trees, where the elves 'roost' I guess. The leafs are fluttering and filling the air with a melancholy song, as if they were mourning the loss of the elves. I suppose they were, actually.
"Pray tell me more about this 'sickness' that you have seen in nature?" Gontorion asked calmly. The other elves muttered worriedly. Living in a tree is swell until there is something to fell it, I guess.
I dozed in and out of consciousness as Isilindil explained the situation to the other elves. They looked at her strangely, and for the first time I realized that Isilindil must be quite young for an elf. It struck me as odd, somehow.
In my minds eye, I still glimpsed the desolation of Rivendell. I could almost hear the screams of the elves. Horrified, I quickly distracted myself with the thought of Lembas bread, which the elves had so kindly given us. Delicious stuff!
"Do you think that there are a chance of survivors?" One of the elves in the congregation around us piped up eagerly.
"Unknown." Gontorion said "It must have taken great skill to kill all our kin in Rivendell. If there are survivors, we must pray that they have the strength to return here, Vandor."
"I volunteer to take a rescue team." Vandor, the elf, said seriously.
"Granted. Take our best sword-elves, but leave the archers. We shall have need of them, I fear. And hurry back soon. Remember, beware of dark places unless that is where your path takes you. And beware of whispers, for they will whisper lies." Gontorion said wisely. Vandor nodded and set off, squaring his shoulders.
This was when Ranewan, who I had met before, rushed into the room after Vandor.
"Let me come with you. I had family among those in Rivendell! I must come!"
Oh..." Vandor glanced at Gontorion. Ranewan was an esteemed archer, I remembered.
"We can spare you, I'm sure." Gontorian addressed Ranewan. Ranewan nodded stiffly in the direction of Isilindil and I before heading out of the room after Vandor.
"Now" said Gontorion "It is time to prepare for the coming storm. And of what, I know not."
~Ruby Burrows
The further we traveled, the more apparent the devastation wrought by the strange evil that had twisted the land became to us. We came across villages that were deserted or destroyed, and footprints scattering off in directions unknown.
Eventually we came to Lothlorien. Luckily, although the tress on the outskirts of the forest seemed to be affected a little but, the elves inside were healthy, and thankfully alive.
Once they saw that there was an elf with me, we were escorted straight away to Gontorion, the 'head-elf' of Lothlorien. I had hoped to meet Galadriel, but Isilindil explained to me that she had long since left to journey to the West.
We told Gontorion of the fate that had fallen to Rivendell, and once the elves heard, they
began wailing and weeping, mourning the loss of their kind. Since elves live so long, the death of so many hit them hard as their experiences and lives can never be lived. We are all unique, but to have such a long life filled with a unique combination of situations, and then to have you torn away from the world is like the loss of a species of flower. Think of all the stories they could've told! Seemed to me like that anyways.
Right now, I am standing in Gontorions meeting room. High up in the trees, where the elves 'roost' I guess. The leafs are fluttering and filling the air with a melancholy song, as if they were mourning the loss of the elves. I suppose they were, actually.
"Pray tell me more about this 'sickness' that you have seen in nature?" Gontorion asked calmly. The other elves muttered worriedly. Living in a tree is swell until there is something to fell it, I guess.
I dozed in and out of consciousness as Isilindil explained the situation to the other elves. They looked at her strangely, and for the first time I realized that Isilindil must be quite young for an elf. It struck me as odd, somehow.
In my minds eye, I still glimpsed the desolation of Rivendell. I could almost hear the screams of the elves. Horrified, I quickly distracted myself with the thought of Lembas bread, which the elves had so kindly given us. Delicious stuff!
"Do you think that there are a chance of survivors?" One of the elves in the congregation around us piped up eagerly.
"Unknown." Gontorion said "It must have taken great skill to kill all our kin in Rivendell. If there are survivors, we must pray that they have the strength to return here, Vandor."
"I volunteer to take a rescue team." Vandor, the elf, said seriously.
"Granted. Take our best sword-elves, but leave the archers. We shall have need of them, I fear. And hurry back soon. Remember, beware of dark places unless that is where your path takes you. And beware of whispers, for they will whisper lies." Gontorion said wisely. Vandor nodded and set off, squaring his shoulders.
This was when Ranewan, who I had met before, rushed into the room after Vandor.
"Let me come with you. I had family among those in Rivendell! I must come!"
Oh..." Vandor glanced at Gontorion. Ranewan was an esteemed archer, I remembered.
"We can spare you, I'm sure." Gontorian addressed Ranewan. Ranewan nodded stiffly in the direction of Isilindil and I before heading out of the room after Vandor.
"Now" said Gontorion "It is time to prepare for the coming storm. And of what, I know not."
~Ruby Burrows
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Rivendell Holds No Answers
Ruby and I found ponies awaiting us at Bree as sent for three days ago. After a night of rest at the Prancing Pony we were away to Rivendell. I must admit my heart was glad for the trail that led me every mile closer to the beautiful valley where Rivendell lies. It has been many years since I have been able to lay sight about that last homely house.
Ruby and I approach the near hidden path and as we begin the descent I notice strange footprints in ground, it is clear that a recent scuffle had taken place in that area.
"You know Ruby, I have not been here for almost one hundred years." I remarked quietly, "It may be that things have changed and that visitors are not usually welcomed as in the olden days. Elrond is no longer master in Rivendell as he has long ago journeyed into the West. Perhaps we should have sent a message ahead."
"Come on Isilindil" Ruby's voice was eager but I saw her hand slide down slightly and put her hand upon her sword.
We entered into a clearing in full sight of Rivendell, ashes and smoke drifted around us and I knew my fears were correct. Nothing of Rivendell remained but desolation and a few burning corpses, there was nothing we could do to help the horrible scene. Rivendell was demolished. I had smelled smoke a ways back but I hoped that it was merely a campfire.
Horns sounded close by and I pulled Ruby down just before an Orc squadron entered the valley. We watched in horror as they tramped across the dead. At last there was silence and pulling Ruby gently up we walked back to where we had tied our ponies near a large pine tree. Bella and Henry appeared unharmed and were lying down resting after their long journey, little did they know that their exhaustion had saved their lives, and probably ours too.
Mounting quickly we rode without speaking to each other six miles till stopping ata small stream, allowing our horses a little much needed rest.
"We." Ruby choked, "Lothlorien. We should go to Lothlorien."
"What if it is like Rivendell?" I cried "What if it lies in burning ruins? What if corpses now line the beautiful hills of Lothlorien?"
"We need to go now!" Ruby urged "It may be that we find Lothlorien in a bath of blood and evil but we do not know that they have suffered from such a fate. Besides they need to be warned as it is possible that they know nothing of this."
Ruby was right. Sometimes common Hobbit sense is a wonderful thing when you are in complete darkness.
"Very well then," I agreed "We should go towards Lothlorien. We shall travel along the outskirts of Rohans lands, going around the mountain. Then we shall make for the forest."
Ruby and I approach the near hidden path and as we begin the descent I notice strange footprints in ground, it is clear that a recent scuffle had taken place in that area.
"You know Ruby, I have not been here for almost one hundred years." I remarked quietly, "It may be that things have changed and that visitors are not usually welcomed as in the olden days. Elrond is no longer master in Rivendell as he has long ago journeyed into the West. Perhaps we should have sent a message ahead."
"Come on Isilindil" Ruby's voice was eager but I saw her hand slide down slightly and put her hand upon her sword.
We entered into a clearing in full sight of Rivendell, ashes and smoke drifted around us and I knew my fears were correct. Nothing of Rivendell remained but desolation and a few burning corpses, there was nothing we could do to help the horrible scene. Rivendell was demolished. I had smelled smoke a ways back but I hoped that it was merely a campfire.
Horns sounded close by and I pulled Ruby down just before an Orc squadron entered the valley. We watched in horror as they tramped across the dead. At last there was silence and pulling Ruby gently up we walked back to where we had tied our ponies near a large pine tree. Bella and Henry appeared unharmed and were lying down resting after their long journey, little did they know that their exhaustion had saved their lives, and probably ours too.
Mounting quickly we rode without speaking to each other six miles till stopping ata small stream, allowing our horses a little much needed rest.
"We." Ruby choked, "Lothlorien. We should go to Lothlorien."
"What if it is like Rivendell?" I cried "What if it lies in burning ruins? What if corpses now line the beautiful hills of Lothlorien?"
"We need to go now!" Ruby urged "It may be that we find Lothlorien in a bath of blood and evil but we do not know that they have suffered from such a fate. Besides they need to be warned as it is possible that they know nothing of this."
Ruby was right. Sometimes common Hobbit sense is a wonderful thing when you are in complete darkness.
"Very well then," I agreed "We should go towards Lothlorien. We shall travel along the outskirts of Rohans lands, going around the mountain. Then we shall make for the forest."
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Of Disapprovals and Blessings
Today Isilindil and I took a stroll along the perimeters of Hobbiton - or rather, she strolled and I jogged to keep up. It's hard being friends with Long-Legs. Oh well...
To cut to the chase, she and I had many wonderful experiences in the Shire - I really enjoyed showing her to all my family and friends - however there were those who didn't exactly approve of a Hobbit - Elf friendship... Hmmm... Well, lets see - I think that the Sacksilve Bagginses didn't exactly approve. but then, they never approve of anything really - always got their fat noses in the air.
There were several others who you could tell looked on us with disdain and fear at Isilindil - The Hobbits (however we might deny the claim) have always been scared of Tall Beings, and only a select few ignore this prejudice.
Back to the walk - the sun is shining, the bees are buzzing and the grass s growing underfoot. It's a pleasant day, as it always is on Hobbiton, and the smell of honey and daisy's pervades the air. We decided to take a walk as I thought it would be better to be away from the main population of hobbits since the occurrence yesterday with the two boys who were playing Trolls and Hobbits.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Isililindil leaned casually against a sycamore tree, towering over me by about three feet.
"Oh, just recollecting yesterday's excitement..." She laughed, leaning backwards, and then sat on the ground. My dress being tugged by the wind danced around and it became still as I too sat down. 'Even when I'm standing', I thought, she's still taller than me.
About two hours later, it was hard to tell for time seems to slow down in The Shire as if being crystallized like the many candies we adore, we had made our way to Samwise Gamgee's hole, my uncle's domain.
The gate swung freely in the breeze, but was propelled by three little Hobbits watching our approach.
"Greetings Cousins!" I waved my arm in the air. Frodo, Elanor and Rose waved and then ran off giggling to tell their father that we had arrived.
"Oh, they're darlings!" I explained to Isilindil, rolling the R's "They love visitors, although they can be shy around Tall Beings." warning her just in case we had another incident, like yesterday. I smiled at the thought of Rose and Elanor being trussed up like dwarves in barrels.
After the cursory greetings we were sat down on the furniture and thoroughly enjoyed a large hobbit lunch - discussing a map that Uncle Sam would lend to us.
"Mr. Bilbo gave this t'me before 'e left on tha' big journey... It's a map o' showing 'oo knows what. I think it's a mystery. Looks like dwarvish t'me. Could mean treasure or adventure..." Uncle Sam explained after taking a sip of tea. I shivered with anticipation, and glanced towards Isilindil. She was examining the map with a thoughtful expression. Then, touring to Uncle Sam., she said:
"Do you not wish to take part in this journey?" her lilting voice almost turning the words to song.
"Nah. Besides, I got a family to take care of. And I think I'm a bit to old and round t' go off chasing treasure. I'll leave that for sprightly young things like you" I scoffed. Uncle Sam wasn't that old, and besides, I could see the gleam of curiosity and adventure in his eyes that he got when talking about his adventures of old. But then it disappeared as he pulled Primrose onto his lap and gave her a tickle.
"We'd best start right away to Rivendell to decipher this" Isilindil's tone was decisive.
"Well, you 'ave my blessings, the both of you. And don;t forget to pack potatoes" He gave me a cheery wink. Isilindil looked at us confused.
After we left the home, Isilindil asked me what he had meant about the potatoes. I just laughed and continued on my way, leaving Isilindil with a stymied expression on her elven features.
I whistled. It looks like the beginning of an adventure to me!
~Ruby Burrows
To cut to the chase, she and I had many wonderful experiences in the Shire - I really enjoyed showing her to all my family and friends - however there were those who didn't exactly approve of a Hobbit - Elf friendship... Hmmm... Well, lets see - I think that the Sacksilve Bagginses didn't exactly approve. but then, they never approve of anything really - always got their fat noses in the air.
There were several others who you could tell looked on us with disdain and fear at Isilindil - The Hobbits (however we might deny the claim) have always been scared of Tall Beings, and only a select few ignore this prejudice.
Back to the walk - the sun is shining, the bees are buzzing and the grass s growing underfoot. It's a pleasant day, as it always is on Hobbiton, and the smell of honey and daisy's pervades the air. We decided to take a walk as I thought it would be better to be away from the main population of hobbits since the occurrence yesterday with the two boys who were playing Trolls and Hobbits.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Isililindil leaned casually against a sycamore tree, towering over me by about three feet.
"Oh, just recollecting yesterday's excitement..." She laughed, leaning backwards, and then sat on the ground. My dress being tugged by the wind danced around and it became still as I too sat down. 'Even when I'm standing', I thought, she's still taller than me.
About two hours later, it was hard to tell for time seems to slow down in The Shire as if being crystallized like the many candies we adore, we had made our way to Samwise Gamgee's hole, my uncle's domain.
The gate swung freely in the breeze, but was propelled by three little Hobbits watching our approach.
"Greetings Cousins!" I waved my arm in the air. Frodo, Elanor and Rose waved and then ran off giggling to tell their father that we had arrived.
"Oh, they're darlings!" I explained to Isilindil, rolling the R's "They love visitors, although they can be shy around Tall Beings." warning her just in case we had another incident, like yesterday. I smiled at the thought of Rose and Elanor being trussed up like dwarves in barrels.
After the cursory greetings we were sat down on the furniture and thoroughly enjoyed a large hobbit lunch - discussing a map that Uncle Sam would lend to us.
"Mr. Bilbo gave this t'me before 'e left on tha' big journey... It's a map o' showing 'oo knows what. I think it's a mystery. Looks like dwarvish t'me. Could mean treasure or adventure..." Uncle Sam explained after taking a sip of tea. I shivered with anticipation, and glanced towards Isilindil. She was examining the map with a thoughtful expression. Then, touring to Uncle Sam., she said:
"Do you not wish to take part in this journey?" her lilting voice almost turning the words to song.
"Nah. Besides, I got a family to take care of. And I think I'm a bit to old and round t' go off chasing treasure. I'll leave that for sprightly young things like you" I scoffed. Uncle Sam wasn't that old, and besides, I could see the gleam of curiosity and adventure in his eyes that he got when talking about his adventures of old. But then it disappeared as he pulled Primrose onto his lap and gave her a tickle.
"We'd best start right away to Rivendell to decipher this" Isilindil's tone was decisive.
"Well, you 'ave my blessings, the both of you. And don;t forget to pack potatoes" He gave me a cheery wink. Isilindil looked at us confused.
After we left the home, Isilindil asked me what he had meant about the potatoes. I just laughed and continued on my way, leaving Isilindil with a stymied expression on her elven features.
I whistled. It looks like the beginning of an adventure to me!
~Ruby Burrows
Monday, January 27, 2014
A Journey to The Shire
Ruby Burrows persuaded me to go with her back to Hobbition. Unsure I at last gave way to my curiosity and said yes. Here I am now, standing on a hill under the new Party Tree, the soft, sweet breezes playing with the leaves. I have visited the Mayor, Samwise Gamgee and have met several of Ruby Burrow's relatives including the Sacksvile Baggins, although she denies vigorously as to being related to them. However I had heard many rumors of Bilbo's evil relatives, so away we went. A rude and most amusing line of Hobbits I found the Sacksvile Baggins to be, however I fear my dear friend Ruby did not enjoy our intercourse and much as I did.
Through traveling around Hobbition I learned that Samwise has recently been elected Mayor for the seventh time. Meriadoc is master of Buckland and is doing well, although that is the tale in Green Dragon and I have not had that information from his own lips.
One encounter I had while staying in Hobbition involved a dear little hobbit boy named Togo Loamsdown. He must have been around 15 years old and although no eagerness to do anything of any excitement existed in his cognition I still liked his sweet smile and shy voice.
I was walking with Ruby along the snakelike path which threaded through the village when we heard a loud crash inside the Green Dragon and a small boyish cry. Rushing through the doors I was astounded to find poor Togo Loamsdown being held upside down by a much larger hobbit which I learned later the name of which was Lardo Bunce. Without thinking -as usual Ranewan would comment were he here- I drew my sword and putting it to Lardo's throat demanded that he drop the hobbit. Forthwith Lardo with a scared chirp threw Togo down with little grace. My friend walked in behind me just as the little hobbit was dropped and stared at me with shock as my eye's flashed with fire and drawing near Lardo I grabbed him by the collar and demanded to know why he treated the boy such. Lardo stuttered. A small voice from Togo's direction said quietly, "We were playing 'Trolls and Hobbits'".
"What?" I was very confused.
Ruby gently laid her hand upon my sword and I sheathed it blushing. A smile from my friend and a quick apology were all we gave to the stone-like hobbits before rushing outside. Ruby was quite happy and thought it good to give the hobbits a scare once in a while. I however felt very badly and would have gone back and apologized if my friend had not said it was useless. So ended my one adventure, if adventure it can be called, in Hobbition. Because of this happening I knew that it would be best for Ruby and I to journey on to somewhere else seeking excitement as neither excitement nor kindness would be thrown our direction for some time in this place.
The hobbits are a kindly and odd people, lovable and distrusting. The hobbits do not approve of my befriending Ruby as it is thought to be quite unexpected. I think I could spend many beautiful days here, in the sunlight, among the simple and complex hobbits. If my love of adventure and my thrill seeking nature did not make me begin to agonize for the untamed lands of Middle Earth I would stay here for many delightful years.
Through traveling around Hobbition I learned that Samwise has recently been elected Mayor for the seventh time. Meriadoc is master of Buckland and is doing well, although that is the tale in Green Dragon and I have not had that information from his own lips.
One encounter I had while staying in Hobbition involved a dear little hobbit boy named Togo Loamsdown. He must have been around 15 years old and although no eagerness to do anything of any excitement existed in his cognition I still liked his sweet smile and shy voice.
I was walking with Ruby along the snakelike path which threaded through the village when we heard a loud crash inside the Green Dragon and a small boyish cry. Rushing through the doors I was astounded to find poor Togo Loamsdown being held upside down by a much larger hobbit which I learned later the name of which was Lardo Bunce. Without thinking -as usual Ranewan would comment were he here- I drew my sword and putting it to Lardo's throat demanded that he drop the hobbit. Forthwith Lardo with a scared chirp threw Togo down with little grace. My friend walked in behind me just as the little hobbit was dropped and stared at me with shock as my eye's flashed with fire and drawing near Lardo I grabbed him by the collar and demanded to know why he treated the boy such. Lardo stuttered. A small voice from Togo's direction said quietly, "We were playing 'Trolls and Hobbits'".
"What?" I was very confused.
Ruby gently laid her hand upon my sword and I sheathed it blushing. A smile from my friend and a quick apology were all we gave to the stone-like hobbits before rushing outside. Ruby was quite happy and thought it good to give the hobbits a scare once in a while. I however felt very badly and would have gone back and apologized if my friend had not said it was useless. So ended my one adventure, if adventure it can be called, in Hobbition. Because of this happening I knew that it would be best for Ruby and I to journey on to somewhere else seeking excitement as neither excitement nor kindness would be thrown our direction for some time in this place.
The hobbits are a kindly and odd people, lovable and distrusting. The hobbits do not approve of my befriending Ruby as it is thought to be quite unexpected. I think I could spend many beautiful days here, in the sunlight, among the simple and complex hobbits. If my love of adventure and my thrill seeking nature did not make me begin to agonize for the untamed lands of Middle Earth I would stay here for many delightful years.
~Isilindil Telperien
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