Bree (Some years before the War of the Ring)

[Sharkû]

<font face="Verdana"><table><TR><TD><FONT SIZE="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Hungry Ghoul
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From silence to whispers to talks

Valdavar had remained silent all the time since the company departed from Bree that morning.

Even when Andy joined the company, he paid little attention and was deep in thought. A restlessness seemed to have come upon him, as if they could not reach the Barrow-Downs fast enough, and whenever the way ahead was clear, he went way ahead of the party with long stalks, and only stopped when he heard Ferny or one of the elves call.

Now that the sun had nigh climbed up to its highest point, and shone as a ghostly lamp behind the thick clouds, the company rested; and the Beorning went to examine the new half-grown traveler a bit more.

He was as open as always in his action - the way he looked at the young hobbit from head to feet made clear that he was not overjoyous because of his company. While Menel talked to Andy, Valdavar shook his head and went off again.

But later, the Beorning walked at to the side of the ponies, who were standing near the travellers, and patted them softly on their manes with his big hands. At each of the ponies he lowered his head a bit and spoke something in their ears, shortly and calm, and too low for even the elves to hear, had they paid attention to this.

When Andy noticed this, and looked with big eyes at the strange massive man which he, in company of so many fascinating travellers, had not shown much interest in yet, Valdavar smiled at the hobbit, and said, &quot;Well, my lad, we know much of the nature of beasts, and these are fine ponies I may say. To speak the truth, I'd even say some of these can be more trusted than most of these people here. Aye, I prefer the pony to the weasel...&quot; Valdavar tried hard not to let it show that he meant Ferny. &quot;You seem to me a young hobbit who likes the beasts, although I well know you did not want to follow us because of them! Well, come here, and let's have a talk. A cheerful chap can always drive my bad thoughts away, and that's what I need right now.&quot;

</p>Edited by: <A HREF=http://www.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_profile&u=00000006>Gilthali on</A> at: 4/17/01 7:19:56 pm