Ruby's Adventure
Chapter 10
Ruby walked along in silence, pondering her quest. It seemed that they had decided to follow their forebears in this, as in all things. First to Bree, then to Rivendell, then on to Moria. No 'short cut' through the Old Forest, thankfully. And most likely, they would go no further, but simply return home to a warrior's welcome. A sudden thought pierced Ruby's heart and froze her blood. If they returned home at all.
Huore had said that by now, it was only a few more days to Rivendell. Theoden, his trusty mapmaking tools in hand, was practically bouncing with delight. He had inherited his mother's cheerful nature, Ruby noted, and the young hobbit lad made everyone smile. She hoped that this journey would do no lasting damage to that so beloved merry temperament.
Making camp now had the ease and grace of routine. Everything flowed together beautifully; except for that moment when Faramir tripped and dropped the firewood onto Primrose's large furry feet. The other hobbits had watched the two hop about in pain, laughing 'til tears rolled down their cheeks. But other than that, everything was normal. They had been doing this for quite a while, you know.
The five hobbits had almost no worries about their journey. It would be dangerous, but they could brave the fiercest storms any villain with such a silly name as 'Vorimalka' could throw at them. It was quite unrealistic, as they might later remark; but they were young and free- spirited, and the world would not make them solemn before their time. So they believed.
All in all, a jovial and carefree group of hobbits came to Rivendell one day. The Elves were, as always, both pleased to see them and a little sad, too; reminded of people and events long past. They managed to show the note in all seriousness to Celeborn, now Lord of Rivendell. His grave manner subdued the hobbits enough for him to have a Serious Debate with them over what was to be done.
"The lands West of the Misty Mountains are at stake, it seems," Celeborn announced, "that much we have established. This Vorimalka is in charge of this; it seems a certain Forya is his right hand in these dealings. They seem to have set up a stronghold in Moria, and outposts at many places; but most seem to be quite near the Shire. What news of these places do you bring?"
"Well," Faramir began, being the eldest, "There have been sightings of Orcs in the Shire and Bree; if we asked, I'd bet that people in the other places mentioned would say so to."
"It's our opinion," Ruby added, "That this Vorimalka and Forya have it in their heads to take over the Shire and the other places West of the Misty Mountains - and that includes Rivendell, I believe."
"That would explain why he's worried about the Men of the North and South," Daisy agreed, "He thinks they might get in the way, or try to stop him." Celeborn nodded soberly.
"Your suspicions are wise," he told them, "and your hearts are bold. Yet I fear that wisdom and bravery might not be enough to counter this unknown evil that is set against us. I fear great malevolence may befall you, should you undertake this task alone."
"But we aren't alone at all," Theoden argued, "There are five of us, and Huore as well." Theo beamed up at his tall friend.
"This is supposed to be a small group anyway." Ruby persisted, "We're supposed to go to find out things. Small groups are better for that."
"I fear it is too late for just 'finding out things', as you suggest" Celeborn shook his head sadly. "Elves cannot help you. I myself am leaving these shores, and soon; but I have faith in you, that you will succeed." He seemed to have some sort of knowledge of what would already come to pass; he surveyed their young faces sadly, perhaps mourning for the loss of the youth of his people. Or mourning something, someone else.
*****
Only weeks later five hobbits and one ranger left Imladris. Cheerily they set off towards still-hazy mountains; singing and joking amongst themselves. Celeborn and his grandson, Elrohir, stood behind, listening to snatches of conversation and song that occasionally wafted back to them on the evening air.
". Down from the door where it began."
"Don't you dare, Ruby Gamgee! Just you wait 'til Father hears."
". Prim little Primrose, always the voice of reason."
"Or the voice of annoyance."
"I heard that!"
Back on the balcony, Celeborn shook his head.
"It will be too much for them, I fear."
"Will they survive?"
"And if they do?" Celeborn did not meet his grandson's eyes, but still followed the steps of the young hobbits and their guardian. "What then? Will they lead cursed half-lives, always in fear and ever remembering what happened before. They will lose their innocence; that I do not doubt. They might lose their lives; that is a possibility. That they will lose their peace and ease of mind? I hope not with all my heart."
"But will they?"
"They will never be the same hobbits, Elrohir. But I hope they will still be hobbits."
Chapter 10
Ruby walked along in silence, pondering her quest. It seemed that they had decided to follow their forebears in this, as in all things. First to Bree, then to Rivendell, then on to Moria. No 'short cut' through the Old Forest, thankfully. And most likely, they would go no further, but simply return home to a warrior's welcome. A sudden thought pierced Ruby's heart and froze her blood. If they returned home at all.
Huore had said that by now, it was only a few more days to Rivendell. Theoden, his trusty mapmaking tools in hand, was practically bouncing with delight. He had inherited his mother's cheerful nature, Ruby noted, and the young hobbit lad made everyone smile. She hoped that this journey would do no lasting damage to that so beloved merry temperament.
Making camp now had the ease and grace of routine. Everything flowed together beautifully; except for that moment when Faramir tripped and dropped the firewood onto Primrose's large furry feet. The other hobbits had watched the two hop about in pain, laughing 'til tears rolled down their cheeks. But other than that, everything was normal. They had been doing this for quite a while, you know.
The five hobbits had almost no worries about their journey. It would be dangerous, but they could brave the fiercest storms any villain with such a silly name as 'Vorimalka' could throw at them. It was quite unrealistic, as they might later remark; but they were young and free- spirited, and the world would not make them solemn before their time. So they believed.
All in all, a jovial and carefree group of hobbits came to Rivendell one day. The Elves were, as always, both pleased to see them and a little sad, too; reminded of people and events long past. They managed to show the note in all seriousness to Celeborn, now Lord of Rivendell. His grave manner subdued the hobbits enough for him to have a Serious Debate with them over what was to be done.
"The lands West of the Misty Mountains are at stake, it seems," Celeborn announced, "that much we have established. This Vorimalka is in charge of this; it seems a certain Forya is his right hand in these dealings. They seem to have set up a stronghold in Moria, and outposts at many places; but most seem to be quite near the Shire. What news of these places do you bring?"
"Well," Faramir began, being the eldest, "There have been sightings of Orcs in the Shire and Bree; if we asked, I'd bet that people in the other places mentioned would say so to."
"It's our opinion," Ruby added, "That this Vorimalka and Forya have it in their heads to take over the Shire and the other places West of the Misty Mountains - and that includes Rivendell, I believe."
"That would explain why he's worried about the Men of the North and South," Daisy agreed, "He thinks they might get in the way, or try to stop him." Celeborn nodded soberly.
"Your suspicions are wise," he told them, "and your hearts are bold. Yet I fear that wisdom and bravery might not be enough to counter this unknown evil that is set against us. I fear great malevolence may befall you, should you undertake this task alone."
"But we aren't alone at all," Theoden argued, "There are five of us, and Huore as well." Theo beamed up at his tall friend.
"This is supposed to be a small group anyway." Ruby persisted, "We're supposed to go to find out things. Small groups are better for that."
"I fear it is too late for just 'finding out things', as you suggest" Celeborn shook his head sadly. "Elves cannot help you. I myself am leaving these shores, and soon; but I have faith in you, that you will succeed." He seemed to have some sort of knowledge of what would already come to pass; he surveyed their young faces sadly, perhaps mourning for the loss of the youth of his people. Or mourning something, someone else.
*****
Only weeks later five hobbits and one ranger left Imladris. Cheerily they set off towards still-hazy mountains; singing and joking amongst themselves. Celeborn and his grandson, Elrohir, stood behind, listening to snatches of conversation and song that occasionally wafted back to them on the evening air.
". Down from the door where it began."
"Don't you dare, Ruby Gamgee! Just you wait 'til Father hears."
". Prim little Primrose, always the voice of reason."
"Or the voice of annoyance."
"I heard that!"
Back on the balcony, Celeborn shook his head.
"It will be too much for them, I fear."
"Will they survive?"
"And if they do?" Celeborn did not meet his grandson's eyes, but still followed the steps of the young hobbits and their guardian. "What then? Will they lead cursed half-lives, always in fear and ever remembering what happened before. They will lose their innocence; that I do not doubt. They might lose their lives; that is a possibility. That they will lose their peace and ease of mind? I hope not with all my heart."
"But will they?"
"They will never be the same hobbits, Elrohir. But I hope they will still be hobbits."