As they neared Ered Anduin, the base of the great river Anduin, the
traveling companions come upon little villages more and more frequently. At
each one they asked after Thendel's father and showed them the only
heirloom the young girl possessed; a small locket with a picture of a woman
inside. On the front was engraved a willow branch surrounded by tiny stars
and on the back the letters W.F. Thendel had already come to the conclusion
that F stood for her family name; Fowler but the W puzzled her endlessly.
Tired and travel worn they stumbled across a field of summer grass to where they could see candles glinting in the street lamps. This village seemed larger than the ones they had passed through previously. The buildings seemed well cared for despite the damaged done by the salty breezes coming in from the sea. The paths were well swept as was evident by small figures hurriedly sweeping in the dim light. Compassion sweeping through him for the frail people; Everard broke a piece of his bread and handed it to one small child.
Grasping at it hungrily the child tore into it with savage hunger. It was difficult to tell whether or not the child was a boy or a girl beneath the grime that caked its hair and clothes. Black soot covered the thin face and passing over his handkerchief Everard watched sadly as it wiped its face clean. When it went to hand it back he closed the child's hand and pushed it away.
"No, you keep it." He declared and headed back to where the others were waiting. As they turned the corner they saw the child heave a sigh and go back to sweeping. Anger contorted Collach's normally jovial face as he stomped along the cobbled road. The others had difficulty in keeping up with the brisk pace he was setting.
When he finally slowed down they had reached the other side of town. Here the roads seemed less well looked after and the buildings suffered more from disrepair and the constant battering of the salty winds. The street lights weren't lit and they had to find their way by moonlight. A soft creaking sound reached their ears and with a grunt Throin started towards it.
"Means a tavern lass" He explained to Thendel when she tried to draw him back. "Though what sort of place it'd be I dinnae. But Collach 'ere had the right idea takin' us to this part o' town."
Soon it was proved right, up above a nearby doorway swung a sign. It seemed obvious that it was supposed to be green though it was faded and rusty. The imprint of a horseshoe and an oar stood out dismally. The building itself seemed even less welcoming, with boarded windows and no sound. Turning the handle Throin peered inside.
What he saw surprised him. Around the bar stood men, though not as sad and downtrodden as they should have seemed. Near the back wall one man stood upon an old wooden crate talking loudly while those around laughed. Elbowing their way in, and making sure Everard wasn't lost, they made their way to where he stood.
R?nfuin tried to gain his attention but his voice was lost in a particularly loud burst of laughter. "An' then, my good friends, 'e 'as the gall to call me a wort'less ole man wit' a voice loike a cat on the roof in summer. Say's oi, 'ow is me wort'less governer? Oi does yer wroitin' fer ya doesn't oi? An' oi keeps quoite about it." Those listening suddenly started laughing again and one man called out "Yer tellin' us ain't ya?"
"But ye see, 'e hurt ma feelin's young Kellerby. Callin' me Ma a foul- mouthed ole crone wot don't see the end of 'er nose and all. So wot's oi say then eh? Eh?" Behind the bar stood a young girl, her cheeks rosy and her hair unkempt in a crude bun. From where she was calmly drying a beer glass and listening to orders for drinks she answered him. "That ye won't write nothing for him anymore."
"By me ole wooden leg the gel got it. Free cheers for her lads. 'ip, ip." As they cheered the young child who waved them off with her towel the companions tried approaching the old man again.
His hair was just as wild as the young girl's and his hands shook as he settled down into a chair. Once he grasped onto his drink it stopped but the ale seemed the shiver slightly. Thendel sat opposite him, with Rynfuin standing just behind her. The other three headed towards the bar.
"Wot do ye want eh m'gel? Wot's a young lass loike yerself doin' in a place loike this?" Leaning back in her chair, Thendel crossed her arms over her chest and stared levelly at the man. "Oh, ye thinks oi can tell ye eh?" Thendel still said nothing though her eyes flickered briefly at his comment. Rynfuin clicked his tongue impatiently and rested his hand on his adopted daughter's shoulder lightly.
"If you're the man we heard about in the last village yes. We were told to come and find you." "An' wot luck ye did. It's not often some 'un lookin' for ole Fowler finds 'oo they're after." Her heart skipping a beat Thendel resisted the urge to lean forward and grab the old man by his shirt. She felt herself trembling at his words. Fowler. This is what she was looking for. This was the result of her journeying.
"Oi see oi am 'oo yer after lass. But oi'll take ma leave fer now. Oi know a lass wot'd be proud t'put you up fer the noight. A rare thing she is, 'mongst this rabble. Ask m'gel behind t'bar fer directions to 'er place and she'll set yer roight."
Standing up, he grimaced as he reached for a crutch the pair had failed to notice previously. Limping away he exited faster than either of them thought possible.
Without anything else to go on they did as he bid them. Soon they were winding their way through the streets, being passed from one guide to another. It wasn't long before they found themselves in the same part of the village as they were in when they first arrived. A cream door greeted them as their present guide said his goodbyes and left them. Hesitantly Thendel rapped on the door.
A rich voice called down from the window but it was impossible to discern the words. They stood waiting on the porch for a few moments enjoying the balmy breeze blowing in. The sky was already paling, a herald of the sunrise. A flood of light poured out on the road making the companions blink.
There, in the door, stood a young woman. Her hair was held loosely in a braid of brilliant auburn. Her face was wreathed in smiles as she greeted them one by one. A pale cream dressing gown was wrapped around her as she ushered them into the hallway. "Good morrow, as I see it shall be. My name is Gwaihir. I come from Minas Tirith on holidays, though with your arrival I can see it is going to be anything but peaceful."
Bowing low Collach took her hand and kissed it politely. Gazing up at her through a veil of golden hair he smiled rakishly. "I am sure we will not disposition you to much my lady." "No, I am certain you will not." Returning the smile somewhat vaguely the woman led them upstairs where they were greeted by warm beds. With a sigh of utter relaxation Everard threw himself into one and instantly curled himself up. His snores soon greeted them.
Throin grunted at the young Hobbit and went about going to be a little more calmly. The peaceful look on his face revealed that the grieving dwarf was grateful for the gesture however. Collach took a little convincing from his cousin to turn in as well, so with a little bit of reluctance he bid Gwaihir goodnight and turned in as well.
Cocking an eyebrow questioningly at Thendel, Gwaihir nodded imperceptibly at Rynfuin. Thendel returned the gesture and the trio headed downstairs together. Offering an explanation; quickly settled down into a large armchair. "He is my adopted father, therefore anything that concerns me concerns him. I wouldn't have it any other way."
"No I didn't think you would. Old man Fowler said this elf had some bearing on your decisions and I see that is evident." Gwaihir replied as she poured out some tea for them. "Now I would like to hear your story my dear before I decide on what to do. There are some here that would not like to know of your coming." Thendel obliged and under Rynfuin watchful eye she told Gwaihir all she could about herself.
When she had finished the lady sat back in her chair and steepled her fingers under her chin pensively. A mixture of emotions passed over her face from relief, happiness and finally to worry. It was the last emotion that made Rynfuin moved towards her in concern. Her face had whitened considerably and she kept glancing to the open curtain the faced out onto the road.
Noticing her glances Thendel jumped up and drew them shut hastily, the velvet material swishing against the floor rug. Resting a hand on her shoulder Rynfuin knelt down and offered silent support. Gwaihir had begun to tremble slightly and she seemed ill at ease.
"You are indeed who we feared you were Thendel. It pleases me greatly and will many others too but there are some who loathe and fear your family name. They curse it daily and it is forbidden to give those who are your relatives their true names. You have arrived in your father's home only to find your father hated grievously. There is little I can do to prevent that though I pledge to protect you. With my life."
Eyebrows raised Rynfuin moved so that he was now in front of her. He rested comfortably back on his heels and gazed at her for a few moments but she didn't back down. She stared at him just as resolutely before the elf turned his dark gaze away from her. He nodded his head slightly in acknowledgement and she, in return, gave him the briefest of smiles.
"I am a ranger Thendel, a ranger of Gondor. A title you should have borne if not for the greed of your father. But, such things happen and there is little good to be expected from a situation like this."
Collach's head appeared around the corner, his eyes heavy with sleep. Heading for Thendel he reached behind her neck and unclasped the chain about her neck that held the locket. Placing her deformed hand over it protectively she almost whimpered imploringly as the elf took it away.
"This should bring some good my lady, if my dreams prove true."
Burying her face in her hands Thendel refused to watch as Gwaihir took the only item that reminded her of her father. The bright haired woman opened it carefully and stared at the picture inside. Her face instantaneously lightened and she closed it, clasping it just as protectively as Thendel had previously.
"This shall bring him good fortune and no mistake," She muttered to herself "And the child shall live the life she was destined for."
"Thendel?" Rynfuin asked her.
"No, no. She is destined for something different that I know. The child of whom I speak is the little girl you met in the streets. Yes she was a girl- child Collach. Where her younger sister works in the bar alongside her father; Thendel's cousin must sweep the streets. Punishment inflicted on an innocent by our mayor."
Thendel started briefly, her eyes instantly averting towards the curtain she had closed only moments before. Her mind went back to earlier that evening when the child had so ravenously eaten what little food they could offer her. She was her cousin? And ole Fowler was her father's brother? This was the family she had been looking for all along. But who was the lady in the locket?
"That we shall talk of in the morning my daughter, now you must sleep. Everard already misses your comforting presence and Throin grows restless. Now leave us, we have much to discuss that doesn't concern you. Not yet by any means." Rynfuin scolded gently, nudging her towards the door. Collach almost fell into her seat and the trio began talking immediately. Thendel left with one thought on her mind.
Tired and travel worn they stumbled across a field of summer grass to where they could see candles glinting in the street lamps. This village seemed larger than the ones they had passed through previously. The buildings seemed well cared for despite the damaged done by the salty breezes coming in from the sea. The paths were well swept as was evident by small figures hurriedly sweeping in the dim light. Compassion sweeping through him for the frail people; Everard broke a piece of his bread and handed it to one small child.
Grasping at it hungrily the child tore into it with savage hunger. It was difficult to tell whether or not the child was a boy or a girl beneath the grime that caked its hair and clothes. Black soot covered the thin face and passing over his handkerchief Everard watched sadly as it wiped its face clean. When it went to hand it back he closed the child's hand and pushed it away.
"No, you keep it." He declared and headed back to where the others were waiting. As they turned the corner they saw the child heave a sigh and go back to sweeping. Anger contorted Collach's normally jovial face as he stomped along the cobbled road. The others had difficulty in keeping up with the brisk pace he was setting.
When he finally slowed down they had reached the other side of town. Here the roads seemed less well looked after and the buildings suffered more from disrepair and the constant battering of the salty winds. The street lights weren't lit and they had to find their way by moonlight. A soft creaking sound reached their ears and with a grunt Throin started towards it.
"Means a tavern lass" He explained to Thendel when she tried to draw him back. "Though what sort of place it'd be I dinnae. But Collach 'ere had the right idea takin' us to this part o' town."
Soon it was proved right, up above a nearby doorway swung a sign. It seemed obvious that it was supposed to be green though it was faded and rusty. The imprint of a horseshoe and an oar stood out dismally. The building itself seemed even less welcoming, with boarded windows and no sound. Turning the handle Throin peered inside.
What he saw surprised him. Around the bar stood men, though not as sad and downtrodden as they should have seemed. Near the back wall one man stood upon an old wooden crate talking loudly while those around laughed. Elbowing their way in, and making sure Everard wasn't lost, they made their way to where he stood.
R?nfuin tried to gain his attention but his voice was lost in a particularly loud burst of laughter. "An' then, my good friends, 'e 'as the gall to call me a wort'less ole man wit' a voice loike a cat on the roof in summer. Say's oi, 'ow is me wort'less governer? Oi does yer wroitin' fer ya doesn't oi? An' oi keeps quoite about it." Those listening suddenly started laughing again and one man called out "Yer tellin' us ain't ya?"
"But ye see, 'e hurt ma feelin's young Kellerby. Callin' me Ma a foul- mouthed ole crone wot don't see the end of 'er nose and all. So wot's oi say then eh? Eh?" Behind the bar stood a young girl, her cheeks rosy and her hair unkempt in a crude bun. From where she was calmly drying a beer glass and listening to orders for drinks she answered him. "That ye won't write nothing for him anymore."
"By me ole wooden leg the gel got it. Free cheers for her lads. 'ip, ip." As they cheered the young child who waved them off with her towel the companions tried approaching the old man again.
His hair was just as wild as the young girl's and his hands shook as he settled down into a chair. Once he grasped onto his drink it stopped but the ale seemed the shiver slightly. Thendel sat opposite him, with Rynfuin standing just behind her. The other three headed towards the bar.
"Wot do ye want eh m'gel? Wot's a young lass loike yerself doin' in a place loike this?" Leaning back in her chair, Thendel crossed her arms over her chest and stared levelly at the man. "Oh, ye thinks oi can tell ye eh?" Thendel still said nothing though her eyes flickered briefly at his comment. Rynfuin clicked his tongue impatiently and rested his hand on his adopted daughter's shoulder lightly.
"If you're the man we heard about in the last village yes. We were told to come and find you." "An' wot luck ye did. It's not often some 'un lookin' for ole Fowler finds 'oo they're after." Her heart skipping a beat Thendel resisted the urge to lean forward and grab the old man by his shirt. She felt herself trembling at his words. Fowler. This is what she was looking for. This was the result of her journeying.
"Oi see oi am 'oo yer after lass. But oi'll take ma leave fer now. Oi know a lass wot'd be proud t'put you up fer the noight. A rare thing she is, 'mongst this rabble. Ask m'gel behind t'bar fer directions to 'er place and she'll set yer roight."
Standing up, he grimaced as he reached for a crutch the pair had failed to notice previously. Limping away he exited faster than either of them thought possible.
Without anything else to go on they did as he bid them. Soon they were winding their way through the streets, being passed from one guide to another. It wasn't long before they found themselves in the same part of the village as they were in when they first arrived. A cream door greeted them as their present guide said his goodbyes and left them. Hesitantly Thendel rapped on the door.
A rich voice called down from the window but it was impossible to discern the words. They stood waiting on the porch for a few moments enjoying the balmy breeze blowing in. The sky was already paling, a herald of the sunrise. A flood of light poured out on the road making the companions blink.
There, in the door, stood a young woman. Her hair was held loosely in a braid of brilliant auburn. Her face was wreathed in smiles as she greeted them one by one. A pale cream dressing gown was wrapped around her as she ushered them into the hallway. "Good morrow, as I see it shall be. My name is Gwaihir. I come from Minas Tirith on holidays, though with your arrival I can see it is going to be anything but peaceful."
Bowing low Collach took her hand and kissed it politely. Gazing up at her through a veil of golden hair he smiled rakishly. "I am sure we will not disposition you to much my lady." "No, I am certain you will not." Returning the smile somewhat vaguely the woman led them upstairs where they were greeted by warm beds. With a sigh of utter relaxation Everard threw himself into one and instantly curled himself up. His snores soon greeted them.
Throin grunted at the young Hobbit and went about going to be a little more calmly. The peaceful look on his face revealed that the grieving dwarf was grateful for the gesture however. Collach took a little convincing from his cousin to turn in as well, so with a little bit of reluctance he bid Gwaihir goodnight and turned in as well.
Cocking an eyebrow questioningly at Thendel, Gwaihir nodded imperceptibly at Rynfuin. Thendel returned the gesture and the trio headed downstairs together. Offering an explanation; quickly settled down into a large armchair. "He is my adopted father, therefore anything that concerns me concerns him. I wouldn't have it any other way."
"No I didn't think you would. Old man Fowler said this elf had some bearing on your decisions and I see that is evident." Gwaihir replied as she poured out some tea for them. "Now I would like to hear your story my dear before I decide on what to do. There are some here that would not like to know of your coming." Thendel obliged and under Rynfuin watchful eye she told Gwaihir all she could about herself.
When she had finished the lady sat back in her chair and steepled her fingers under her chin pensively. A mixture of emotions passed over her face from relief, happiness and finally to worry. It was the last emotion that made Rynfuin moved towards her in concern. Her face had whitened considerably and she kept glancing to the open curtain the faced out onto the road.
Noticing her glances Thendel jumped up and drew them shut hastily, the velvet material swishing against the floor rug. Resting a hand on her shoulder Rynfuin knelt down and offered silent support. Gwaihir had begun to tremble slightly and she seemed ill at ease.
"You are indeed who we feared you were Thendel. It pleases me greatly and will many others too but there are some who loathe and fear your family name. They curse it daily and it is forbidden to give those who are your relatives their true names. You have arrived in your father's home only to find your father hated grievously. There is little I can do to prevent that though I pledge to protect you. With my life."
Eyebrows raised Rynfuin moved so that he was now in front of her. He rested comfortably back on his heels and gazed at her for a few moments but she didn't back down. She stared at him just as resolutely before the elf turned his dark gaze away from her. He nodded his head slightly in acknowledgement and she, in return, gave him the briefest of smiles.
"I am a ranger Thendel, a ranger of Gondor. A title you should have borne if not for the greed of your father. But, such things happen and there is little good to be expected from a situation like this."
Collach's head appeared around the corner, his eyes heavy with sleep. Heading for Thendel he reached behind her neck and unclasped the chain about her neck that held the locket. Placing her deformed hand over it protectively she almost whimpered imploringly as the elf took it away.
"This should bring some good my lady, if my dreams prove true."
Burying her face in her hands Thendel refused to watch as Gwaihir took the only item that reminded her of her father. The bright haired woman opened it carefully and stared at the picture inside. Her face instantaneously lightened and she closed it, clasping it just as protectively as Thendel had previously.
"This shall bring him good fortune and no mistake," She muttered to herself "And the child shall live the life she was destined for."
"Thendel?" Rynfuin asked her.
"No, no. She is destined for something different that I know. The child of whom I speak is the little girl you met in the streets. Yes she was a girl- child Collach. Where her younger sister works in the bar alongside her father; Thendel's cousin must sweep the streets. Punishment inflicted on an innocent by our mayor."
Thendel started briefly, her eyes instantly averting towards the curtain she had closed only moments before. Her mind went back to earlier that evening when the child had so ravenously eaten what little food they could offer her. She was her cousin? And ole Fowler was her father's brother? This was the family she had been looking for all along. But who was the lady in the locket?
"That we shall talk of in the morning my daughter, now you must sleep. Everard already misses your comforting presence and Throin grows restless. Now leave us, we have much to discuss that doesn't concern you. Not yet by any means." Rynfuin scolded gently, nudging her towards the door. Collach almost fell into her seat and the trio began talking immediately. Thendel left with one thought on her mind.