The true question, my dear Alearindu, is how long will it take us to leave Castle Maladil?
* Alearindu hadn't been in attendance during the Council of Rangers held two days ago. Instead, it was her lot to be on patrol that day, and to rescue two Hobbit lads fallen into the River Brandywine. Later that afternoon, Alearindu had been in the Rangers' secret log cabin on the outskirts of Sarn Ford when Bethberry had come capering in with a basket filled with wild turnips, carrots, mushrooms, asparagus, strawberries, and blackberries. And that night, Bethberry returned, this time with Gandalf bearing dinners of mutton stew, bread, butter, and ale for all the Rangers present. A much-needed feast, for there'd been no time to hunt or gather while the Council was in session. So Gandalf was of course previously acquainted with Alearindu, and Alearindu had been informed by Strider about Castle Maladil. *
* Meanwhile, Menelduliniel and Estelarion kept up their typical morning banter nearby, cheery enough in their own fashion. Truth be told, the wizard had grown sentimentally attached to these two Elves despite their flightiness. *
* Outside roving free and munching dew-tipped grass from the lawn was Midnight, a former war steed of Mordor whom Gandalf had befriended after defeating the wraith who rode it. *
* Meanwhile, the daughter of one of the Trade Inn's stablehands stood nearby. Ever since Aislan had overheard Gandalf tell the Tale of Castle Maladil that night in the Common Room, she'd been nearly as adamant about wanting to come along as a certain cheeky Hobbit named Podo Cotton. Fortunately, Gandalf had scared off Podo, sensing something not quite right about the fat merchant. But Aislan? While the wizard disliked the thought of her facing danger, she was free to share his road. *
* And hustling down the stairs came Hinura the Bard, whom Gandalf now bade a good morning. A fine chance meeting, this. For Hinura's wooden harp would well complement the singing of Meneli and the flute-playing of Estelarion. *
* Gandalf counted out silver with which to pay for his room and board, and settled accounts with the Innkeeper while waiting for the rest of the group to assemble. *
[ November 15, 2002: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]
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