The Ranger smiled as he rummaged through a saddlebag. Pulling out a green leaf-wrapped package, he broke a very small piece of Lembas off and flipped it towards the loquacious crow. Camlost caught the morsel and gulped it down with a satisfying clack of his beak. Then he looked expectantly at Earendur for more.
“Patience, Camlost. I know you have flown far and are hungry. But in your eagerness to “sing for your supper“, I think you have only given me the bare bones of the message entrusted to you. Now sit while I ask you some questions.
The black bird sighed and settled down on the top of a stall door, waiting for the Ranger's questions, (and the rest of his supper.)
“First: Where did you last leave Gandalf? For I found signs of his passing through here two days ago, and I would much like to speak to him“.
"Next: what is his take on the doings here at Old Ford, for I know that he offered aid to a certain family of Harfoots who had to leave the area under tragic circumstances. Did they fear pursuit? Were they hoping to join up with other members of their clan? Or did they intended to just leave danger behind and then continue their usual drifting to the South as the seasons turn?”
"Third: What clan of Halflings were seen at the Narrows? Were these Fallohides looking for new hunting grounds, or have Harfoots strayed into Mirkwood seeking to hide from danger?”
"And lastly: Has Gandalf heard any news from the new settlement in Eriador? For Perry here says their leader has sent Messengers out into the Wilderness to search for their scattered kin. If he has heard of these searchers, does he intend to offer them any aid?“
Earendur sat down on a feed box, passing out Lembas to Perry and Arrow, and settled down to enjoy a piece himself. “Perry, do you have any further questions for our friend here?“
[ September 08, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]
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