(Written in Feb. 2005, for Marigold's Challenge #13)
AUTHOR: Dreamflower
RATING: G
SUMMARY: In answer to Marigold's question, "What has Merry enjoyed learning in order to become Master of Buckland?" I was to include a flood in the story.
DISCLAIMER: Middle-earth and all its peoples belong to the Tolkien Estate. I own none of them. Some of them, however, seem to own me.
LESSON LEARNED: SPRING FLOOD, 1433
As I watch the waters recede, I think of the things I have learned over the years, that have stood me in good stead now that I am Master of Buckland.
From my father, I learned the value of being prepared, thinking ahead, making plans, devising ways to carry out those plans.
And on the Quest, I learned that plans go awry: that hope may suffice when plans do not, determination may suffice when hope is gone, and success may come when least expected.
But today I learned this: I may Master Buckland, but I will never master the Brandywine.
