Nardol ... you're not alone.
* Gandalf's tone held the softness of true understanding. For a dream he'd had many years ago, a dream that had come true, now returned to the wizard in a flash of clarity more immediate than the light of his staff. *
I dreamed I was aboard a ship just set out from the Grey Havens, but not with the destination of sailing West. Rather, with the responsibility of completing a quest for ... of all people, Master Elrond ... which entailed sailing South with several companions. Bethberry was one of these.
A violent storm arose with a lashing wind that threatened to blow the ship back East and run us aground. Using what wizardly skill I could muster and intense concentration, I focused on combatting the effects of the wind, focused towards the West, and found myself tempted to simply drive the ship as far West as I could, overcome with longing to see the Blessed Realm. But there came a voice interiorly, commanding, "There yet remains much for you to do."
Immediately then, I walked to the Southernmost part of the deck, to concentrate on steering the ship South.
That was the dream, Nardol. When it came true, however, things did not go as smoothly. But each of us did the best we could together, and that is what saved us from an otherwise certain death.
And now here it is again ... the road leads South, at Master Elrond's bidding. I've something yet to do, Nardol ... and so do you. Rest easy, now. I'll be near.
* Gandalf placed an encouraging hand on the Elf's shoulder, then turned and walked gingerly away. *
[ January 04, 2003: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]
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