15

The next day while Felana and I were out in the stables visiting with a new foal (are they the cutest things or what?), Cerwal motioned to the two of us to follow him. We left the roomy box stall and went down the aisle to a smaller stall in a corner. There we saw a grey pony. Its head hung so that it's long forelock covered his face. One back hoof was cocked. His ribs were wrapped in linen. And I could smell the wonderful sharp odor of the salve that was beneath the bandages. There was lavender in it for sure.

"Taffy!" Felana whispered. "It is the pony Jafa was riding."

"Master Cerwal, how is he doing?"

The elf had joined us at the stall door. "He is coming along Marie, mistress. He just needs a few days of rest and he'll be fine."

Felana smiled at the tall elf. "Oh Jafa will be so glad to hear that Master. He was so worried about the pony." Cerwal, his eyes sparkling, smiled and bowed slightly, leaving us with Taffy.

I turned to Felana. "Well, in a few days, I imagine everyone will be ready to return to the caravan."

"Oh indeed Marie." She looked around the beautifully made stable, the curlicues of stone that framed the wooden supports of the stalls where they reached the ceiling. The carved wood of the gates, the clean flagstone floor of alternating green and black stone. "I have so enjoyed my visit here. It will make for a lifetime of tales." Her gaze returned to me, her smile wide. "But I shall tell you now, I will really feel much better when I return to the normal world of the carnival."

I laughed as we turned to leave the stable. The normal world of the carnival. Of course!

None of you are surprised to hear that Jafa and the pony recovered well enough to travel in a few days, as Felana surmised. And that I was to go with them. One of the things Lord Elrond had wanted me to do was to help with Jafa's bandages and medicines. Not that Felana couldn't do it herself, it was just that with the two of us, we could get it done quickly and hopefully, without causing Jafa any pain.

Late the evening before our early morning departure, I was still trying to persuade the elf lord to join us as we traveled to the Great Northern Fair.

He looked up from the journal he was writing in, his eyes catching the candlelight. He smiled at me slightly and returned his gaze to the parchment on his desk. "I have not yet decided Marie."

"But, we leave tomorrow!"

"Indeed, I am well aware of your travel plans." He looked up at me again. "Now, I would think you had better go and make sure you have what you need Marie. You will gone from here over a month. I have already packed up the medical supplies you will need."

I bit my lip at that. Whew, that would be a long time to be away from Rivendell, and possibly, the elf lord. Wah. But I could tell he was not going to give me an answer. Sighing loudly, I bowed slightly, said my good night and left him to his journal.

I walked slowly back to my room and then flopped on my bed. I really wanted him to join us, but what did I know of the needs of Rivendell and the elves therein? He might have all kinds of things that need to be taken care in the next few weeks, that couldn't be left until he returned from the fair.

I twisted over until I was lying on my stomach. I stared at the candle burning brightly at my bedside. I stared at the flame until it filled my eyes.

Suddenly going to the Great Northern Fair didn't sound so fun anymore.

I fell asleep.

The next morning, I dressed slowly, sort of dragging my heels. I was resigned to the fact that Lord Elrond was not joining us. Well, heck, I suppose it would be good for me to get out and about and talk to people other than elves. See the rest of Middle Earth. Perhaps, even meet some hobbits. Now, that would be something.

Rubbing my eyes, I went out into the corridor and made my way to the dining hall. The hall was not crowded, so I got myself a honey roll and some sweet cheese and a handful of grapes. I took them with me in a napkin and went towards the courtyard. My things had been taken last night and added to the wagon we were going to use. Hanj was going to drive it until we rejoined his camp and then another of his troupe would take over the reins.

As always, the elves (and Lord Elrond, bless him) had been generous. The wagon was painted in soft purply greys and greens. Two sturdy bay horses were hitched to the front. There were even some bells hanging from their harnesses. Canvas, bent into a half-circle over the back where the supplies and my camping gear were was also a soft grey with vines painted on the sides. Inside I discovered I had several soft thick quilts to sleep in, beautifully wrought metal lanterns, fragrant candles, and other necessities likes plates and pots, and two wonderful chests full of dry goods and spices and lembas too. I noticed with a roll of my eyes, there was also that carved chest of medical supplies. I shook my head. I certainly hoped I wouldn't need to use any for myself!

Little Jafa and his mother were inside the wagon and once I saw they were comfortable, I got out and mounted up on Carenloth. I didn't want to sit in a wagon all day.

I looked over the heads of the elves helping us prepare to the main porch. There were several elves there. I could see Glorfindel, and then at last, the crowd parted and I saw Lord Elrond talking to Erestor and the caravan leader.

I sighed heavily and slumped a bit on Carenloth. He was wearing a pale gold robe and hardly looked dressed for riding. Darn, darn, darn. He wasn't going to come! I suddenly felt a wave of nervousness sweep over me. How was I going to manage Middle Earth without the elf lord? And then I shook myself. I was a big girl and had not only been on my own for a long time, but an adult for enough years. Of course I could manage! Heck, I hadn't turned into a blithering idiot with Loran or Hollasfar. Well, not much of one, anyway.

While I had been wrestling with things mentally, the elf lord had come to my side. "Marie?"

I looked down at him and gave him a watery smile. "Hi there. I guess you have made up your mind."

He said nothing but nodded slowly. "You will be fine Marie. You will be in the midst of a group of humans. And, you will not only see some of Middle Earth, but you will have some..."fun," as well."

"Hence the wooden chest of medical supplies."

Laughing he put a hand on Carenloth's neck. "Some of that is for Jafa of course. But it never hurts to be prepared."

"And I am always getting hurt."

He cocked his head slightly and gave me a sharp look. "I hope you will manage to keep yourself free of injury or sickness on this trip Marie."

Carenloth tossed her head as if anxious to go. And I noticed, that indeed our group was moving out of the courtyard. I suddenly wanted to hop off my mare and hide behind Lord Elrond.

My hands gripped the reins, which made Carenloth dance a bit. Lord Elrond laid a hand on my knee. "Do not fret Marie, you will not be alone."

I nodded again and stuck out my hand, which he took in both hands.

I took a deep breath and felt myself relax some. With a slight smile, the elf lord let my hands go. And then, I was off with a clatter as I hurried to catch up with the rest of the group, which was already crossing the bridge.

I set my eyes on the back of the man in front of me and bit my lip.

Darn it, I WOULD have fun!

And hey, I am not lying—it was fun. I surprised myself. Once we got trotting along the Bruinen, my heart lifted some. (Could be some last parting gift from the elf lord, who knew?) It was a beautiful morning, the air full of the smell of growing things and the river damp. A bit of mist lifting from the road made our departure kind of magical, and soon, Rivendell was hidden in soft grey.

I kept my eyes ahead. Camping was always fun (save when you are alone and wolves or orcs are about!). And with this group, it would undoubtedly be entertaining as well.

I started to sing some Rodgers and Hammerstein under my breath.