The White Horse

[Estel the Descender]

At first his own people did not know [him], who went out young and strong, and returned now seeming as one of the aged among mortal men, because of his torments and his labours. . .

No one would have thought that the stranger who entered The White Horse was an elf save by his clothing and weapons. He wore an elven cloak of the Golden Wood, and he was armed with two knives which were made in Rivendell. His bow and quiver, however, were of the sort that the people of Thranduil would have borne, and though the bow was longer than usual it was neither as long nor as graceful as the bows of the elves of Lothlorien. The arrows of his quiver were evidently gleaned, being of various forms and of slightly different lengths. Yet his bow would have been of little use: it was in need of repair ere it would be effective once more.

What was unusual (for an elf) was his apparel: aside from his grey cloak, he was clad all in black.

Once upon a time, he was fair, but now had a somewhat haggard look. His hair once silver was now streaked with grey, the colour of his eyes. Lines marked his face, so as to give the impression of deep pain and sorrow mingled.

He had a sword once upon a time, but it had become so damaged that it had finally become useless and had to discard it but not without deep regret, for the sword had been made in Rivendell. He came now to Rohan, hoping to find himself a new sword if possible.

In the meantime, he desired to sup and rest at the inn ere he continue his journey.

As he entered, he noted that there were more females than what he would have expected at an inn such as this, but he had heard that the proprietor was a lady so this probably was not unusual. But the person who just left the counter did not look alike a lady at all. . .

"Vemu ai-menu."

Dadrantor (that was what the elf called himself) was startled to hear an elvish voice speak in Dwarvish. Presently, he saw two elves, a male and female, conversing with a dwarf. Though surprised, Dadrantor was pleased to see that there were still some elves and dwarves who were friends. Just like in the Elder Days he thought. Then he noted the suspicious look of the dwarf, and when the lady-elf spoke once more the dwarf gave her a hard look.

Oh no, not again. . .

The male-elf then seemed to pacify the angry dwarf, for the dwarf responded courteously enough.

After much hesitation, Dadrantor decided to join them. But as he made his way toward them, his attention was caught by another elf-female who looked strangely familiar.


It was then that Galadel, who was looking around the room, noticed that a Dark Elf in black was looking at her strangely.

[ December 05, 2002: Message edited by: Estel the Descender ]