[piosenniel]

Mornen nickered softly as Olo approached. 'Begging your pardon, Ranger,' said the Hobbit, 'but if you will allow me, I will see what injuries this fine creature might have.' He held his open left hand out to the horse, and felt the warmth breath from Mornen's nostrils as the horse lowered his head and took in his scent. He stepped closer and his right hand reached up to scratch the steed between the ears.

He moved his hands down the neck of Morwen, speaking quietly to him, and over the withers feeling for any lumps or cuts. Finding none, his hands moved gently down the horse's chest, checking for tenderness from forearm to fetlock on each front leg. Only a few small scrapes and tender spots were found, at the rear of each of the front legs, as the horse had slid down the side of the pit.

Of most concern to Olo was the barrel, that great part of the horse just behind the front legs. It had taken the brunt of the horse's weight as it hit the ground. He watched the horse as it breathed and saw only the regular rise and fall of the rhythm - no irregularities of breath as the lungs expanded against injured bone or muscle. A small area of tenderness on the left brisket was all that he found.

He bade the Ranger walk the horse about in a circle around him, and watched the legs closely. Motioning Alearindu to come to him, he smiled and said, 'He's a lucky one! A little sore, but nothing broken or torn. There are some scrapes and bruisings at the backs of his forelegs, just keep them clean. They need no ointments or special care.

************************************************** *

Holly took a deep breath when she heard Gandalf's words. She mouthed a 'thank-you' to him, and turned her attention back to Volondil. She and Bethberry rolled him gently, side to side, placing a sturdy blanket beneath him as a sling.

Then she waved over a couple of the Bigger Folk and asked if they might help her move the Ranger to the shelter which Andreth had set up for him . . .