There were some in the group that were so hungry they cared not which order in which they ate their courses. Plates were filled with game pie alongside scones and freshley baked bread. Radagast found himself as guilty as the hobbits of gorging, remembering the last hearty meal he had partaken of was in the Shire. Once filled he settled back on a chair in the inglenook of the fire, scooped up the hem of his brown habit clear of the warm cinders and set about with his pipe. There he remained, seeming to be peacefully smoking as the others ate, chattered and even fell asleep. His head was filled with woes. Troubled by his own failings and troubled by the loss of Calentoliel. Rothalle, her own sister seemed unblighted by her absence but Endereth was silent, sullen and unlike the remainder of the company ate little. He sighed. He hoped his friends would return soon. He had great faith in Tom Bombadil, perhaps his wisdom would prevail where his had failed.
Finally he let his eyes settle upon Mattius. He was passing food to young Faye and listening intently to whatever she was saying through a mouth filled with food. Radagast the Brown allowed himself a smile. Perhaps, just perhaps everything would be solved.
The smile vanished. Calentoliel was still unaccounted for.
__________________
Auriel
|