Pallando and Alatar By Cathelm Chapter 1



The waves crash before the proud ship as it heads towards. whither does it sail? Who sent it? Who sails it? Here is where our story begins.

Five tall figures stood together on the upper deck, leaning on their tall staffs. A lazy wind blows through their uncut, yet tidy, hair. The sun was out, the sea was calm, even the unwanted rats seemed carefree.

"Saruman, do you know how far it is to land?" said one, whose hair and beard were gray.

"Patience, young Gandalf. It shouldn't be much longer," the white haired Saruman replied.

Another sighed, his breath blowing through his long brown beard. "I hope it isn't. Oh, how I long to see the birds in the forests again!"

"Radagast is right, although I personally don't care for birds," said one of the two who had blond hair.

"Well, we all have our preferences, Alatar," Radagast retorted.

"What about you, Pallando?" Gandalf asked, turning towards the other pale- blond haired one.

"I would very much like to get off this ship. We've been on it since the end of the ocean. literally!" The others all nodded their agreement; none of them were fond of the ever-rolling waves on which they had traveled on for so long.

The conversation broke up and the five wandered off to their usual spots: Saruman staying on the upper deck, looking important; Gandalf to his cabin where he can study new languages; Radagast to the loft where he can talk to the birds; and Pallando and Alatar to the ship's side.

"What are we going to do when we get there, Pallando?" Alatar questioned as they walked along the wooden deck.

"Live among the peoples of Middle Earth and give them council in a time of great need," Pallando replied. "Didn't you listen to the Valar?"

"Me? You know me. I never listen." Sighing, Alatar leaned out over the side of the ship. "I wish I had your patience."

"Don't worry, Alatar. It'll come someday."

"Oh I hope so. What will the people think of me! Looking to an impatient wizard for guidance.I feel sorry for them already. And I was the first to offer to come on this voyage!" He shook his head at his hastiness.

Pallando placed a comforting hand on his longtime friend's shoulder. "Don't feel so bad. We can travel together. That is part of the reason why I came along with you. And who knows? Maybe we can find better things to do with ourselves besides giving advice. Think of it as an adventure!"

"Well, when you put it that way, I guess it could be alright. Anyhow, I just want to stand on some dry land for once!"

The two stood together in silence. Small waves broke upon the ship's strong hull as it rocked gently from side to side. Suddenly.

"Land ho!"

The blessed words jumped the five minds into full excitement. Even Saruman dropped his staff and went scrambling up the ropes, competing with the others to catch a glimpse of the first land they had seen in so many months. They joined Radagast in the loft and leaned out towards the ever- closer stretch of land.

"Look! There it is!"

"Our new home!"

"Home! How good it feels to be saying that word again!"

They gazed into the twilit horizon, all filled with a sense of hope and expectation. With the sun setting behind them, they settled down to await the coming of the next day, and the beginning of their new life.