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