POWER FOUND. POWER LOST.

Elrond once believed, had he the power, he may fix the ills of Middle earth. Imladris was a step; a refuge and repository for knowledge and beauty. With Vilya, came the yearned-for power, but he used it to weave walls of air to enclose; hoarding power close. That's when he realised that power never satisfied, only produced a craving for more.

Then came Celebrian and three beautiful children, revealing life's true power, love, that grew when given away.

Newly naked hand bore testament that Elrond's greatest loss, was the presence of those he loved. Power, he consigned to the waves.

END

RAW AND WRIGGLING

"Rock and pool is nice and cool."

I'll give him cool. "That's my brother ye're munching on mate!" We came from the same spawning. Our kin's lived in this water fer generations. Don't he know the rule about fishing in this pool?

Some guardian you are, Fancy, Schmancy, Faramir. Don't just stand there chatting with yer cute new mates.

What? Aaaargh! Scarred for life, I'll be. Nobody should watch their own brother's head float by.

"Oi, no! That's Aunt Goldie." That's it! If he sets one toe in this pond I'm having it! Then we'll see who's "Juicy, sweet."

END

SILVER GAZE

Elves aint much different to hobbits. They're taller, and most look in need of a good dinner, but mostly they're the same as us. Leastwise, that's what I thought.

It's those grey eyes that's different. Strider's is grey too, but he don't make me shiver like elves do. There's times one of 'em looks at me and the eyes go all sort of silver. Mr Bilbo used to say eyes are windows to the soul, but you can't see into elves eyes sometimes. They're like mirrors, only showin' back what's in your own soul.

That can be a mite uncomfortable.

END

SPELLING BEE

Frodo drew his cloak tight against the downpour, grateful for impervious elven fabric.

Huddled opposite, Sam scowled as he rummaged for more lembas while trying to keep his pack dry. "I wish we could get out of this horrible weather."

Within the shelter of his hood, Frodo nibbled on his frugal portion. "We shall have to weather it, or be weathered." The twinkle in his eyes issued a challenge Sam tried hard to match.

"Yes sir, whether we want to or not."

Frodo's chuckle was warm memory of Bag End's parlour. "We need to brush up on your spelling."

END

STAR GLASS

As land finally slipped beyond the horizon, Frodo lowered his aching arm, allowing the light of the starglass to fade. He considered the delicate little bottle; aid in the darkest hours.

"I hear it served you well." He looked up into Galadriel's stary gaze.

Facing setting sun, Frodo smiled softly, offering up the bottle. "I am sorry golden Lothlorien will fade now. Take this as a memento of your beautiful glade."

Accepting it, a tear slid down her cheek, as she smiled too, placing her hand upon his heart. "And still Lothlorien could not match your beauty, Frodo Baggins."

END