* Gandalf strode back into the campsite after reading the letter, his mind filled with hard-to-find runes, and the search for them. And the secret search for Gollum, which he'd left to Aragorn rather than bringing Aragorn along to Castle Maladil. And in stark contrast with the fair smooth-flowing Elvish penmanship that graced most of the document, the friendly scrawl just below Elrond's signature proclaiming, "Bilbo Baggins says Hallo from Rivendell!" *
* Thus it was that at first a bemused glint appeared in the wizard's eyes when Nardol addressed him. But as the Elf continued speaking, Gandalf's expression deepened into mild inscrutability. *
Trouble follows me, you say, Nardol? 'Tis as true as you like. For I came together with everyone here but you … and now you've come from behind, and indeed appear to have overtaken me.
My business at Castle Maladil … will be made known to those who continue travelling down the Greenway to Tharbad with me on the morrow. As for my choice of companions, never underestimate the power of being underestimated.
* Gandalf watched Holly's retreating back, hoping that she had heard. He caught Aislan's eye and directed towards her a look of gentle approval, and then nodded towards Hinura. *
Well spoken, Bard! My rough voice will leave the singing to your finer ones, as we share supper and rest.
* Later that evening, Gandalf approached Holly, who had just enough time to stash her map back inside of her vest before it could be discovered. Under the circumstances, the wizard's questions and requests were uncanny … Mentioning Holly's sketching, he asked her for a scrap of parchment. Writing out the word "Laurëondo" in large Tengwar letters, he handed the scrap back to Holly for safekeeping, with Olo looking on from a-near. Other members of the company also might well have seen or heard this exchange between Gandalf and Holly, for Gandalf paid no heed to who might be watching or listening. When pressed further, he said no more than a pleasant enough, "Goodnight, time enough for questions tomorrow," and with that, retired to sleep under the breezy light night-cloak of stars and fireflies. *
[ December 12, 2002: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]
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