Quote:
Holly turned her face back to Gandalf, who sat considering her, as if her thoughts were plainly visible to him.
'So,' she said, her voice barely audible. He leaned in closer to hear her. 'How may I be of service to you?'
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Elrond's letter brings a hope that bears risk, Holly. For none have dared set foot within the Castle itself since the curse was set in motion. Yet dared it must be, if we are to find the deed to Laurëondo. Andreth's report of Shagdug carrying prisoners to Castle Maladil grants a special urgency ... if we do not arrive too late, perhaps we can rescue them. As Hobbits, you and Olo and Poppy are more likely to slip past the Castle ghosts unnoticed. The oliphaunt's share of their fury, envy, and attacks focus on the Big Folk.
As for your chances of survival, well, at least you will not be the first target, unless you draw attention to yourself. As for your reward should you succeed, you shall share in what treasure survives, apart from the Castle itself. If ill fortune befall the treasure within the Castle, your generosity shall not be overlooked by Master Elrond and the Lady Galadriel, nor forgotten by me.
If you would be so kind, Holly, as to show and teach the other members of our company the Elvish letters for Laurëondo, especially the Hobbits, so that all can memorize and recognize the word at the top of the parchment that we seek.
* Gandalf stared off into the middle distance, lit a pipe, offered pipeweed to Holly, and mused aloud. * As for Birdland … best for her to take on a non-Human form in sight of the ghosts.
* The wizard then stood and bowed, with a fresh smile to thank Holly once more for their sharing of tea and company. *
* On his way back to camp, Gandalf came upon the Bard Hinura weaving stringed harmony with nature's morning song of lark, finch, and sparrow. Mingled too was the soft sighing of wind winging from grass to cloud to at last the glowing chariot of Anor. *
Hail, Hinura … you ready yourself well for battle, for music shall go before us to announce our presence. Yourself and Menelduliniel and Estelarion shall wield harp and flute as gentle weapons seeking peace, in accord with such songs as Bethberry and any else of fair voice provide.
* Coming within sight of the company, Gandalf nodded to Andreth and Bethberry, and to Aislan and Nardol standing nearby. Alearindu was nowhere to be seen ... thus was it said that she left the company to take her own path. Gandalf now spoke. *
We must take to the road, and within an hour or so, despite injuries. Delay here will only bring further attacks. Andreth, you've mentioned that Poppy may ride with you on Whinney, should her condition warrant? As for Volondil, he can be drawn by sledge as a last resort … though methinks Midnight indeed will bear Volondil. The black steed shall not harm the injured ranger, though mischief glint in the eyes of so mercurial a horse.
* When all were assembled over breakfast, Gandalf repeated once again the whole story about the meaning of Laurëondo and the quest, just as he'd spoken it to Holly, so that all would hear and understand. Nardol too was there to hear the tale. *
[ December 17, 2002: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]