The Greenwood Meeting

Luckily, there were no more meetings with the wild beast, although they often heard low breathing behind them. Brier dismissed it always as the wind, and they carried on. Near sunset on the second day of their travel they camp upon the Greenwood elves they had been after, and were welcomed heartily. The leader of the group, Fendor, was a light-haired man with deep blue eyes. He presented gifts to the two, (leather scabbards with encrusted jewels) and allowed Brier to lead the way to Agador and Brier's camp. Along the way Fendor told many stories of his home, and the many travels he'd been on, much to Agador's delight.

"Yes, there are many creatures that dwell in our forests, deep in the dark places." Fendor began. Agador gasped:

"Like what? Are they more fowl than orcs?"

"Quite so, yes. But I highly doubt you will come across any in these plains, for we have driven them deep into the heart of the forest." Fendor replied.

"Don't be so sure of that," Brier began. "We came upon quite an ugly beast on our way to meet you." Fendor seemed puzzled.

"Of what kind do you mean?" he inquired.

"A horrible hairy beast with glimmering fangs and sharp claws!" Agador exclaimed exuberantly, and continued, "Brier was nearly killed by it!"

"No, not nearly killed, it just.surprised me, is all." Brier defended, and all three smiled.

When they arrived at the camp the travelers were welcomed warmly by everyone, and ate a hearty meal around a large bonfire in the center of camp. There Fendor told listeners of their journey to NĂºmenor. Brier was amazed at the way Fendor told of the warrior's atire, their homes, and how the people there were a lot like Brier himself.

"Agador!" Brier whispered in Agador's ear in the middle of one of Fendor's tales.

"What is it?" she asked, hardly noticing Brier by her side. She was intent on hearing every aspect of Fendor's tale.

"Doesn't Gondor sound marvelous?" he inquired, smiling broadly.

"Quite so," she began. "Would you like to go?" Brier grinned even wider and pulled Agador up to her feet. They walked a couple of feet from the circle of storytellers.

"Yes, I would like to go, would you come with me?" Brier asked excitedly. Agador only looked at him questioningly.

"Are you sure? We are still quite young, and the village is very nice this time of year."

"Yes, but if not now then when? If you really keep putting our adventures off so long I will be dead before you feel like leaving." This caught Agador's attention.

"Why must you speak so carelessly about such a thing?" and she turned back to the circle to hear more of Fendor's story. But Brier took hold of her hand and pulled her back to him.

"My apologies, I never remember you are so sensitive to the subject." And he kissed her forehead.

"That's quite alright," she began, "I would like to go to NĂºmenor with you, but could we wait a while longer? That wild beast gave me quite a scare." Brier nodded, and they went back to listening to Fendor's story.