[Mattius]

Mattius strolled along just behind Radagast thinking whether or not to ask the wizard how far it was to this 'friends' house. No-one was really talking but Mattius could here the old bent figure in front of him humming under his breath. Mattius looked out onto the bumpy green plains and noticed that the fog seemed to have become more dense. For some reason the sight of the small hills troubled his heart greatly and made him shiver. He turned his gaze into the thickness of the trees. Manwe the voice said to him in his head again ...protectors... seek thee... do not fear them... Something flickered in the woods for a split second and stopped Mattius in his tracks. Rothalle stood next to him and asked him what was wrong. Unmoved he spoke,
"I thought I saw something just then, some sort of eyes seeking me." Rothalle looked troubled.
"From what you say it may seem that the Beast follows us," Mattius looked at her, "though I percieve that, like me, you do not feel its presence here. It is something else." She looked into the trees. "But it has passed, do not let it hinder your mind for the time being, whatever it was, it as far from being evil of heart." Mattius nodded but thought to himself if it was not evil, why was it hiding. And the voices, the voices, were they simply his memory playing tricks on him or were they something else? He rubbed his temples and shook his head before falling into line beside Endereth.
"How goes it Ranger?"
"Not quick enough, already the sun races to dusk." She was right.
"Lets hurry on then."

Mattius marched on wanting the group to make good time but he couldn't help looking into the woods again. This time he did not see any eyes or such but clear as a bell a voice spoke to him inside his head and it was not the same as the Falcon earlier, but a more friendly and magical voice, happy and sad with uncounted years. Firnlord, soon I will seek thee in private and Manwe's mind and counsel will be revealed to thee. Do not fear me, I am the Head Protector and will guide you. Mattius found a strange comfort in these words, particualry at his true elvish name being spoken. Content, he marched on as the last rays of the day shot across the plains.

[ October 15, 2002: Message edited by: Mattius ]