Hi there! I am sure you thought I had given up on this...Naw---just holidays (and cleaning up after those holidays!). I shall carry on with Marie and Elrond a few more chapters here.

It's not over until...well---until it's over.

And thanks Arabiasil for all your help and support!

I entered the library with some trepidation as I was worried Lord Elrond wanted to read me a lecture regarding my run-in with the Nazgul or something.

When I entered, I only saw Erestor, holding a book and reading. I bowed slightly, "My lord. I was told to meet Lord Elrond here."

"He is in his study, Marie. Go to him there."

"All right."

I left and went quickly down the corridor.

When I knocked and he bid me enter, I was surprised to see Dalmiel standing before his desk. I couldn't help myself and I stepped back, a shiver of fear going up my back.

Dalmiel smiled at me and Elrond said softly, "No need to fear him, Marie. He has been cured of his "compulsion" as you have."

I smiled back and then held out my hand. Dalmiel looked at it funny and then slowly held his out. I shook it vigorously once and then let it go. "All right, let bygones be bygones."

Both elves looked at me in confusion. I waved it away and said, "Oh never mind. An expression I guess that does not translate well!"

Elrond bid me sit and so I did on the couch before the big window. Dalmiel remained standing. I was now really curious as to what was happening.

"Dalmiel is going to go back to Lothlorien with Filorphin, Marie. I suggested it to him because I believe a change of scenery would be good for his spirit."

I had a moment's fear: He wasn't sending me off to Lothlorien too, was he?

He must have seen the worry cross my face and he chuckled. "No Marie, you are not off to Lothlorien with him. You both need a change, I think. I brought you here so you may say farewell, as he leaves within the hour."

I stood up and went to the elf. "Dalmiel, you'll be able to return here once more, won't you?" I looked around him at the elf lord, who nodded.

"Of course, Marie. I just wanted to apologize to you before I left." He bowed to me slightly, and I curtseyed back.

"There's nothing to apologize for Dalmiel. We were both enthralled against our wills. I am just glad you are all right. The Nazgul was vicious."

Dalmiel nodded silently. He looked at Lord Elrond for a long moment, then placing his right hand on his chest, he bowed. Elrond came around the desk and gripped his arms at the elbows. "May your journey be safe, Dalmiel."

"Thank you my lord." He looked at me again with a slight smile, bowed to both of us and left.

I looked at the elf lord, tipping my head slightly. I knew there was more to this visit than a farewell to Dalmiel. He waved me to the couch and I sat---on the edge. I folded my hands before me and said anxiously, "Yes, my lord?"

He smiled as he sat back down. When he looked up at me, his smile lit up his eyes and relaxing suddenly, I smiled back.

"You are well, Marie?"

That threw me for a loop. If anyone would know…."Yes, my lord, I am fine. My ankle is still a bit weak but there is no pain or anything."

"Are your dreams pleasant?"

"I cannot remember one way or the other."

He nodded, satisfied. He sat back in his high-backed chair, his hands folded in front of him. "I am going on my annual spring journey to cull wild herbs in a week's time." Looking at me, his eyes sparkled in the candlelight. "Would you like to accompany me?"

Well…..duhhhh! I almost hopped up and clapped my hands. I widened my eyes and I am afraid I could not help myself from grinning. "Why yes, I should love to go with you! I think it would be fun, and very educational. I could take notes and maybe draw some pictures." I looked out into the room, my mind hopping like a sand flea. "It's still a bit cold at night." I looked up at him, "But perhaps we are going South?"

Laughing he nodded. "We may go South, if I cannot find one herb in the ruins it usually grows in. Mainly, we shall be in the Wild, where most of the herbs I need grow."

"Just you and I?"

"And two outriders. Even the Wild may have its dangers. I believe we both need a bit of a spring tonic and this journey will do admirably."

"I will start packing immediately. How long shall we be gone?"

"I am not sure. At least a few weeks. It will depend on what I find, the weather, what occurs along the way."

"Okay!" About to dash off, I turned and said, "Thanks a lot! This will be a great adventure!"

"We may hope!"

I rushed out of the study to my room already thinking of what I should bring and how big a rucksack I had.

Obviously, until the morning we left, I was consumed by plans and excitement. I did so love traveling and seeing more of Middle Earth and of course, having the elf lord with me was even better.

I spent a lot of time in the library, looking through anything to do with the Wild. I also perused the elf lord's earlier journals where he talked about his travels and what he had found. The drawings helped me to identify what plants and herbs he was looking for. And though I had always thought the Wild just square miles of scrub and hills, there were canyons and bits of wood, and even the ruins Lord Elrond had mentioned. Apparently men or elves (his notes didn't say) had lived in the Wild at some point. No cities, but here and there a solitary building/home of some type.

It all sounded intriguing. By the time the morning of our departure arrived, I was quite cranked up and ready to go. I hadn't slept the night before. But that was okay, I enjoyed having Ivy with me. In the morning, Cerwal come to my room and took her away for a little peace and quiet in the stables. I was glad she was not being left alone.

Well, as you can imagine, I dressed really quickly, grabbed my rucksack and rushed through the corridors to the front porch, where of course, Lord Elrond was already dressed and talking to Glorfindel and Erestor.

I handed my rucksack to the elf putting the last of the supplies on the packhorse. I rubbed my hands together, grinning like a fool as I watched the three elf lords conversing. They're so handsome!! I kind of wished Glorfindel was coming along, but I suppose taking care of Rivendell in Elrond's absence was more important that riding off looking for herbs.

At last, Elrond turned towards me and came down the steps, his cape flowing behind him elegantly. Glorfindel followed, still talking.

Waiting for Elrond to mount first, I quickly followed once he was astride Rhean. Glorfindel came up to me and patted Carenloth's neck. "I expect you to come back in one piece, Marie." His smile was warm. "And pray, be mindful Elrond's whereabouts. When he is absorbed in hunting an elusive plant, he frequently forgets where he is."

"I shall, my lord."

"May the Valar protect you, Marie."

"Thanks. You too."

Glorfindel went up to Elrond and clasped hands, elbow to elbow with him and with a quiet word to Rhean, we were off, clattering out of the courtyard into the rising light. All those we passed, waved to us and sang farewell. It was delightful.

I was so happy to be doing something, well, frivolous? No, a bit more useful than that…how 'bout innocuous? Pleasantly diverting. Riding down the Valley of the Bruinen with the elf lord to hunt plants.

What could be more fun?

The first couple of days, we mostly rode. There was only one place Elrond stopped to look for spring herbs and he found some but not enough for his stores. It was not a very rare herb, so he was certain we would find more as we went along.

It was beautiful spring weather. The horses were frisky, heck we were all a bit frisky, even the elf lord. He and one of the outriders, Calaniel, had an impromptu race through the shallows of the Bruinen at one point. And when they were done, they were laughing heartily. It was great to hear Lord Elrond laugh. I don't hear him do it enough. It lifts the heart.

About three days from the Ford, Elrond finally called a halt. He came along side me and said, "We will be stopping here for a few days. The Bruinen spreads its course about boulders and small hillocks here. There are many still pools in which grow things I need."

"Great. Just show what to look for and I shall help hunt it down. I love swamps. Birds nesting and frogs, tadpoles and minnows. This will be fun!"

Elrond just raised his eyebrows at me. "Be cautious in your "fun" Marie. It frequently has unforeseen circumstances."

I gave him a mock-hurt look. "Little me? No, you are mistaken, my lord. I am sensible as the day is long."

"The days are still short Marie."

I grinned and spurred Carenloth ahead. He was not going to spoil my expedition by being a wet hen.

The outriders had picked a fine spot for a few days camp. They erected one large pavilion in which we would all sleep. A large piece of cloth performed the function of a sunshade and there a small table was set up so the elf lord could do his notes and cataloguing. I helped unload the packhorse and sighed heavily when I saw the elf lord's chest of medical supplies. Dear Valar, I certainly hope I wasn't going to need anything from inside of it. I carefully set it inside the tent.

It only took an hour or so for the four of us to get the camp organized.

When we were finished, the other elf, Galareon set about making the midday meal. Calaniel and I went and did some fishing as the fire got set up and soon, we had enough for everyone.

Even though I am not a fish fan, I was so hungry, I ate two, as well as bread and cheese. And a little mead. After the meal, I went and washed the few utensils and pots in a nearby pool. Coming back, I saw Galareon propped up next to a tree cleaning his bow. Calaniel, whom I could not see, I imagined was on guard duty. The elf lord had wandered off to hunt herbs.

Since I didn't know what to look for at the moment, I decided to spread out on one of the thick furs inside the tent and nap.

Rough life, eh?

Late that afternoon, I woke up, flinging off the cloak over me. Yawning, I was about to put it on, when I realized it was the elf lord's. Shaking my head I hung it up on a hook and went out to find Calaniel grooming his horse, and the elf lord sitting at his table. I sat down and said, "Well was your search productive?"

He looked up with a smile. He uncharacteristically had a smudge of dirt across one cheek, and another across his jerkin. I guess he really did get into hunting plants!

"Yes, I have found plenty of iathanal, a fever reducer, and fellaman which is useful in bone setting to keep down inflammation. But the best of today's findings is this." He held up a scraggly plant about eight inches long. It looked like a weed, with small purple blooms. "This is rathamin, a rare herb. Excellent for pain, especially in childbirth or after surgery. I was almost out of this and have despaired of finding more."

I nodded, happy for him and a bit embarrassed. I am sure I was the one who helped deplete his supplies. "I cannot wait to help you hunt these herbs, my lord. May I do so tomorrow?"

"Yes, of course. There a several others I need that I should be able to find in this area."

"What can I help you with now?"

"In the basket here," he lifted one by his feet. "There are several herbs. If you would be so kind as to sort them, I would appreciate it very much."

"Of course!" I took the basket and sitting on the ground, I spread a small cloth and began to sort them.

I had gotten the bunches separated and was tying them with bits of twine to keep them from mixing up again, when my hands began to tingle. Even in the twilight, I could see they were getting all blotchy and red. Shoes!! Did this mean I was allergic to one of these herbs? If Elrond saw this, there would go any chance I had of helping him further.

Looking quickly about, I could see everyone was pretty occupied. Brushing my hands off and standing I told Lord Elrond I was finished. He nodded distractedly. Grateful for his preoccupation, I went into the tent and held my hands up to a lantern that had been lit and hung from the ceiling. Shoes. My hands were a mess. I looked around the tent and went over to a small table where a ewer and large bowl stood for washing. I poured the icy water into the bowl and sank my hands into it until it touched the cold metal bottom. Ahh, that felt much better. I took the bar of lavender scented soap and scrubbed my hands. It stung a little bit, but once I had rinsed my hands again, they felt better. I sighed with in relief. No need to worry the elf lord.

I went back out and saw that though now there was a branch of candles on the table, the elf lord was still working in his journal and fingering samples of his discoveries.

All right. I went over to the fire where Galareon was making dinner. "Can I help?"

"Yes, Marie. If you can go fill these two pots at the spring, I can get the water boiling for tea."

"Certainly."

I went off to the spring and filled the pots, taking a moment to soak my hands in the cold water. Ahhh, that felt good.

Bringing back the pots, I set them carefully down by the fire pit. "Is there anything else I can do?"

He handed me a handful of potatoes and asked me to cut them up for the stew. Nodding, I got to work. Using a bowl of water to put the peeled and cut up potatoes also made my hands feel better.

After dinner and the dishes were done, I asked the elf lord what he needed to look for tomorrow. He went and got one of his journals, and showed me the drawings of five herbs he was looking for in the area. As he went through the pages, I stopped his hand a moment and pointed to this rather gaudy plant with red and yellow flowers with really long pistils dropping from their centers. "Oh, that is belamath. The flowers dried are a wonderful headache remedy. The root is ground up and makes an excellent soporific. The leaves add good flavor when thrown into soup or stew."

"What a useful plant. Where do we find that?" The elf lord was so caught up in his studies, he didn't notice my hands. They were actually much less blotchy before.

"It grows in the damp places around the ruins I mentioned to you. It is one of the rarer herbs I am searching for."

"How far are we from the ruins?"

"Only another day. We follow the river here, through this narrow defile, which after a mile or so opens up into a small valley. The ruins are on the other side of the river."

"Who made the ruins?"

He looked at me with a twinkle in his eyes. "Time, of course, makes ruins of everything ephemeral."

"Ha. Ha. You made a joke." A wind had come up and I brushed my hair out of my face as I shook my head. The elf lord was definitely in a good mood. "Seriously, who built what is now in ruins?"

"Actually, I and several other elves built the manor house. It was where we lived while Imladris was being built."

"Really? Wow. Why did you let it go to ruin?"

"It was not needed any longer. I make sure it is not a danger to anyone passing through. When any elves are going through the area, I make sure they inspect the house. It still has a few rooms that are sturdy."

"I cannot imagine you constructing anything that was not sound."

"Thank you Marie, but it was built to be temporary."

"Hm. Did it have a name?"

"Clearfell." A small waterfall is nearby. It is really a rather charming spot. But it was not big enough for all the elves that were to take refuge in Imladris."

"Of course." I didn't want to bring up any painful memories. "Well I shall look forward to seeing it."

"Tomorrow." He looked to the sky and sighed. "Though I believe our way will be dampened by rain before too long." He frowned slightly at the racing streamers of cloud, but said nothing further.

Yawning, I decided to hit the furs and went into the tent after saying good night to all. Before I fell asleep, I heard the elf lord raise his voice in song.

I slept like a baby, the rising wind and the elf lord's voice making for a wonderful lullaby.