Ty-Kwan-DoIf you like the suits you will probably like the new vision that I have (Snodgrass gestures to the orange suit with green labels) We're both thrilled that you're doing a picture for us! We can't wait to see it! We also love Phantom of the Opera only the version with Michel Crawford singing the Phantom's part. Keep reading!
Archimedes-FactotumEmily and Barbie both have dark brown hair, but Barbie's eyes are dark brown and Emily's are hazel. You know, that color somewhere between green and brown? They are also rather on the short side…well, Emily isn't anymore. But they are full figured, (Note: That does not mean fat it means they have curvy figures, I personally think they're rather Sueish in their body type but they can't help how they were bornIf you want to do Barbie, you could do one with her standing there with all the weapons circling her in. I think that would be sooper kewl, but you want to do it differently okay. Sorry we haven't replied earlier! Keep reading!
Fk306 animeloverGreat to hear from you! Keep reading!
Nolitari : Sorry about that. When it was typed up we did notice that and just forgot to fix it. As for the high elves, most of them didn't have blond hair, in fact more of them were black and red haired then blond. But as for Lindir….TOO BAD! THAT'S THE WAY IT IS! After all Lindir isn't from Rivendell anyway, he just lives there now.
Anon JunkySorry for the wait but we are busier now that college was started. Keep reading!
AnnamariahBarbie didn't need her glasses after Lothlorien, because she wasn't using glasses while Haldir was teaching her how to use a bow. Re-read chapter eight for details. I think Lindir's rather underrated. Keep reading1
kaleidoscopic blueberry muffinLindir was a character in FOTR and he had one line. Something about not knowing the difference between Bilbo and Aragorn's writing. He is a minstrel. Sorry to break the happy stream of quick up dates! Keep reading!
theycallmemaryElves have gray, green, blue and golden eyes. The elf with golden eyes was Elmo, Celeborn's grandfather. Yes, the whole speech thing was not written out just referred too. Re-read chapter Thirty- Five. Keep reading!
Primevera TookActually Emily will always be the highest woman in Gondor because Arwen is an elleth! Tee hee hee! Would love it if you could draw a picture for us! Keep reading and sending food!
The Cap'nOh! Oh! Oh! Emily and Boromir kissing! That would be perfect! And Legolas giving his life's grace that would be great too! We can't wait to see your drawing!
Princess SiaraI thought you would, you see I can read minds! Well,…sometimes. And even people in high and low places have problems that are annoying. Keep reading!
Laer4572I think there are millions of girls would be thrilled to be stuck in elf land. However, not with a million wounds. I think Emily handles things as well as could be expected. Keep reading!
Luthien and Tari OronarAs for a picture…Barbie and Haldir learning how to shot with a bow. Thanks for the squashed cake! And thank you so much for the award although we already knew that!
Winkle : Snodgrass! How can you say such an arrogant thing! We're wildly grateful for your sincere love and reviews! (Winkle kisses your hands.)
Siriusly Sirius Lily BlackThank you! We always glow when people love the Emily Boromir parts, their my favorites. Keep reading dear!
crazyroninchic(Snodgrass standing tapping his foot while glaring at his watch) Still waiting to see your drawings! Keep reading!
Chicky PooI suppose that the elves didn't care because they rarely get sick. Although they do sometimes get sick, Tolkien said so. Keep reading!
Slayer3Once again we have no idea what you're talking about. Keep reading!
Pancake (aka: Panqueque) : I know they're just riddled with typo's. We're soooo lazy! Keep reading!
PlainAndSimpleDon't allow the evil children of this world to lead you to believe are so bad. It's not fair to the rest of them that are nice! However, I am glad our up date cheered you! Make sure you eat lots of Dr. Pepper even if you hate it. If you can't draw don't sweat it! Keep reading!
NakaraThe "afterwards" parts will be in the sequel, "The Man With Red Eyes." And thank you so much for the huge complement that you gave us.
AraelMoonchild : He was probably trying to see if she was sleeping or something like that. He sleeps with his eyes open. Keep reading!
Erasuithiel : Send it to us in an e-mail. Just make sure that you tell us who you are in the subject part of the e-mail. We have a few more chapters to go so don't start crying now! Keep reading!
Eruanna92 : Crazy? Well, then you fit right in! Keep reading!
Elvin BlueEyesWell…we haven't heard from you in a bit. Glad you like it! Keep reading!
halfelvenmedeaWoW! We haven't heard from you ages and ages! You just found out that Boromir lived? WoW! We haven't heard from you in ages! Keep reading!
qpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpq
Middle Earth Fun Fact: Rivendell is freaking far from Gondor!
A carrier, even a swift rider, takes over a week to get more the Last Homely home to the white City. Therefore, as you read this remember that weeks and weeks are accounted for in this chapter.
Sincerely,
H.F. Winkle
qpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpq
Chapter Thirty Seven
From The Middle earth Post Office
qpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpq
From Emily, Lady of Gondor, Wife of the High Warden of the Tower, Captain of the Guard, Steward of Gondor.
To Barbara Dark Lady of Rohan
Dear Barbie
Sorry for all the pompous mumbo jumbo, but I have been informed that I have lots of titles and even more then I used there. You'd think that they'd get tired of saying all that stuff after a while.
I was so glad to get Elrohir's letter! I was imagining all kinds of horrific things like you being dead. A few broken bones will heal in no time, especially with Elrond tending to you. What is he like? Is he anything like Hugo Weaving? You have to remember I never got the chance to meet him, worse luck.
We have been mindlessly busy here since Aragorn was crowned. The city is sure getting a shake down and suiting up. Boromir is gone all day with Aragorn, trailing around the city writing down what needs to be done, where and when. Gimli is already drawing up plans for the new gate.
As I write he is perched on a stool nearby muttering under his breath and squibbling all over a piece of parchment. Legolas is nowhere to be found these days. Aragorn appointed the dear elf to the returning and replanting of Gondor's gardens…all of them!
He shows up every night with dirt under his finger nails and a happy satisfied look on his handsome face. There just something wrong with the picture of Mirkwood's finest with dirt under his nails. His dinner conversation is usually along the lines of what kind of manure should be used.
Merry and Pippin spend their time with Boromir and Aragorn, although they make sure every evening is devoted to Sam and Frodo. The two brave fellows are still on the recovery list, Galen is thrilled! He's always glad to have someone to worry about.
For the most part I have been spending time with them. I sing (Such a Sue!) and tell funny stories about our childhood. And yes, I did tell them the one about you putting socks in the toilet when you were little. They thought that was hilarious!
Gandalf has holed himself up in the library writing down an account of the tell to the dictation of the two scribes. I met them the other day, they were rather nice chaps named Sturgis and Arik
When you can write back please tell me all about Rivendell! I can't wait until you come here with Arwen. By the time you get here you won't recognize the city, it's so beautiful!
Lovingly!
Emily
P.S Gimli says hello!
qpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpq
From Barbara to Emily (You're still just my sister!)
Dear Emily,
I am dictating this letter to Elrond, because my right arm is still healing, and my left-hand writing still resembles dying spiders from a Garfield comic strip.
Does Elrond look like Hugo Weaving? Yes, except for the fact that Elrond looks younger. And handsomer ( and I had to tease him to write that down!) The reason I had to tease, is because he says that one should "always strive to present a correct representation of the facts"
Here is an Opinion: Elrond is handsome
Here is a Fact: Elrond is really handsome.
Here is Elrond's Opinion: That if that is " all you intend to write about, continuing to write this letter would be a useless waste of paper and ink"
Sniff, ok, I'm sorry. Anyway, I'm sitting by the window, and since Elrond is fwumpled, I will describe the peaceful happenings taking place.
Actually, not so peaceful. Elladan and Elrohir are practicing their swordsmanship in ( of all places) the garden. I think they want to entertain me, but the gardener doesn't look too happy. He's a rather haggard elf, and every time the twins come too near his tulips, he threatens them with a deadly garden hoe. Unfortunately, the hoe isn't that deadly. E & E are happily ignoring him, and the tulips are looking frightened.
Other than these incidents, my stay at Imladris has been very peaceful. Other then Elrond's disgusting medicines, everyone is remarkably nice.
I met Glorfindel. He is tall, handsome, and married. Yes, married, and absolutely thrilled that his wife ( Cathy-something-or-other) is going to have twins in five months, yes, and he hopes they'll look just like her, yes. Thanks Elrond, her name is Carlithirel.
I have also met Lindir, the minstrel of Imladris. I have been told that he can play the harp, flute, piano, and electric guitar. Ok, I'm just kidding on the last, but he also sings. I'm miffed because I have not heard him play any instruments, or heard him sing.
But he comes and talks to me every single day, and he has these weird green eyes. I asked him why he visits, and he said because he didn't know much about mortals.
Well, I hope I have given him a correct representation of our race so far. If I haven't, may Eru Illuvatar strike me down. Elrond says I shouldn't say that unless I have a death wish.
Guess what! In a couple months or so, we're coming to Gondor! The entire household of Elrond, for Arwen's wedding. Everyone is thrilled…except you-know-who. He's looking grumpy now, and I should probably stop now
Love and Huggles
Barbie
Post Script
Greetings Lady Emily,
I would just like to say that your sister, while charming and sweet, has a bad habit of exaggerating. Please, disregard any comments upon my physical appearance and the taste of the medicines I make.
Sincerely,
Lord Elrond
qpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpq
From Plain Ol' Emily
To Barbie of Rohan
Dear Barb,
Confound it Barbie! I had to wait all day to have Legolas read your letter! It's rather stupid to get a letter from your sister and have to ask an elf to read it to you!
Legolas sniggered through most of it and then teased me about not telling me what it said! Silly elf.
We are in the middle of designing my garden right now. It's more complicated then it sounds. I have to make sure that I have the right kinds of flowers so that they are blooming most of the year. They also can't be anything that makes Boromir break out in hives. Can you believe that he's allergic to some flowers? Neither can I.
My garden is wonderfully big! It has a pond and a fountain and several levels which is just too posh for words! The balcony runs all the way around the east side of the house and all of the family bedrooms open out onto it. I have such a big house I haven't even seen the whole thing yet!
Anyway, I'm glad to hear that you're doing so well in Rivendell. I'm mad with jealousy! I can't picture a younger Hugo Weaving, but that's alright. Who's Lindir again?
Tell the twins I miss them and I can't wait for you guys to come back. My hair has finally grown to a length that doesn't look too bad for a lady of position. I'm only disappointed that it is not as curly as it was before. Boromir said he doesn't care because he loves me no matter what. What a comfort.
Aragorn's coming to dinner again tonight as is the rest of the Fellowship. It's a treat to watch them all together, arguing and joking, laughing. After all the pain and grief that we've been through I think it's wicked cool to see them so happy. Gimli and Boromir are arm wrestling as are Aragorn and Legolas. I think you know I'm rooting for!
I get to pick out the colors in Arwen's bedroom so please ask her what she likes because I wouldn't want to pick something she really hates.
Miss You!
Emily
P.S. Pippin and Merry send kisses and hugs back to you.
P.P.S. Legolas says to watch out for Erestor and his books. "Whatever she does, make sure not to eat jelly and bread in the library!" he says. I know there's a story behind that somewhere, but he won't tell me! (Grrrr!)
P.P.P.S Aragorn says that he wishes you well and you would like to be the Gondorian maiden cup bearer? I would advise you to say no, because it's a position usually held by the king's sister and to take such a post would be so Sueish. Aragorn demands to know what that means? I won't tell him.
P.P.P.P.S. Boromir says that I should send more time with him then writing letters to my silly sister, but he doesn't mean it. He named a horse after you today, so he likes you….I think.
qpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpq
To Emily
Tell Legolas I don't care for jelly-slathered bread but I'll have to check out the library. I'll just hop along on my crutch.
Yes, that's right! Your youthful seventeen year old ( and I can't believe that I forgot about my own birthday, but then we were on the quest at the time) is hobbling around on a crutch. I feel like Bilbo.
Bilbo, by the way, is the most shriveled, irascible curmudgeon. He is continually stumping up and down the halls with his cane. He claims this is exercise, but I have found that he is usually just moving from one chair to another. He snores when he sleeps, a kind of open-mouthed, wheeeeeezing. You can practically see down into his stomach.
Tell Boromir that I positively forbid him to some horrid horse after me! It's very insulting! And what are Arwen's favorite colors? How should I know!
I just asked. Apparently her favorite colors are blue and silver. Wow, that's original! About fifty billion fan girls have the same idea! Sorry for the sarcasm. I just naturally resent perfection. Grrrrrr….
Tell Aragorn that I would love to be the Gondorian maiden of liquid refreshment dispensing. I bet he makes a sweet lil' king. Ahh! Elrond influence! He's bending my mind.
Ah yes, on my end of things, there is Lindir. By now he should be completely educated about mortals, but he still hangs around. Literally.
The other day in the garden, I was peacefully minding my business, sitting on a bench. Suddenly, I noticed two, long legs dangling from a nearby tree. They were swinging back and forth….back and forth….back and forth…
"Um…hello?" I ventured.
There was a rustle, and Lindir was there. He dangled upside-down, his legs now hooked around the tree branch he had been sitting on. His arms were crossed over his chest, and he said pleasantly
"Good morning Barbara."
In spite of myself I had to laugh at the ridiculous sight. His face was slowly turning pink as he hung there, acting as if he did this everyday.
"What are you doing?"
"Talking to you of course." Lindir returned, and smiled an upside down smile.
"Ok…" I shook my head "Isn't that kind of uncomfortable?"
Lindir was about to answer, when we interrupted by a sudden shout
"Barbara!"
We both started-- a bad idea for Lindir. With a frantic "ahh" he fell from the tree, arms and legs waving frantically. He had to be going at least seventy miles per hour when he connected with the gravel garden path.
"Ouch!' I said automatically, then "Are you ok?"
"I don't know." Lindir said quietly, eyes slightly glazed "I think I've broken my head."
"What's going on?" Elladan skidded to a stop on the path, and looked from the prostrate figure of the minstrel to me.
"Don't worry about him." I said sweetly "He's just playing possum."
So, dear elder sister, if you've been wondering what I have been doing, I have simply been "hanging out."
Lots of love. This letter is much too long, and the courier who brought yours is looking fidgety.
Send huggles and kisses to everyone. The twins say hello.
Love,
Barbara
qpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpq
From Lady Emily to Barbie
Dear Barbie
First of all, who wrote that last letter? A baby? Legolas could hardly read it! It was so bad we even asked Aragorn, thankfully he could read it easier. I think, therefore that one of the twins wrote it. I can't think that Arwen's handwriting is that bad.
You'll never guess what happened today! Aragorn came home with the sapling shoot of the tree! Fairly dripping silver light the precious plant was clasped in Aragorn's hands as tears, real tears flowed down his face. I've never seen Aragorn crying before but he was almost sobbing with emotion over the little thing.
Boromir and Faramir were speechless with joy and a kind of sad regret. Together all three of them removed the old withered tree from the courtyard of the citadel and carried it to the (now cleaned) burial chambers.
Then, with Boromir and Faramir at his side, Aragorn lovingly planted the sapling in the freshly turned earth. It looks a bit stupid, being so tiny in place of the massive old trunk that was there before, but I didn't say that. After all I didn't want to get hung for treason.
I'll finish this later, Boromir is calling me.
Two Days Later
Sorry for the delay, but a massive party was held in honor of the tree's return to Gondor.
I couldn't help but think my description of the tree-finding-bringing-home thing was terrible. But I can't tell you what it was like to see the looks on all of their faces! I think Peter Jackson totally lamed out on that part. I mean, you saw the old tree, dead as a bone and dried out like stale bread. That thing couldn't bloomed again even with an overdose of Miracle Grow.
As for the party…well, I had the swell job of carrying around a whacking great drinking horn for all of the warriors to take a sip from. It's supposed to be a great honor but it struck me as rather unsanitary. Once again I didn't say anything about it.
Miracle Grow…is that the same thing as Ent draught? Because if it is…I drank Miracle grow!
I am so good.
Love Emily
P.S. Frodo asks if you have done any sleeping in the gardens groves yet? He recommends it.
P.S. Prince Imrahil says he hopes the twins are behaving. He says he is at your beck and call should you need help warding off kissing elves. Tee hee hee!
qpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpq
From Barbie To Emily
Great news!
I am rid of the hated crutch!
Yes, three days ago Elrond poked at my cast, furrowed his brow, and said that he could take it off. He was also a little startled when I hugged him, but after all he's done, it's the least I could do.
I was a little disappointed to find that I still couldn't walk very well yet. In fact, I cannot walk at all. My leg sort of buckled under me, it felt like a Olympic Barbie doll leg, the sort that you can bend back and forth.
So most of the time I hang onto Elrond, and he still has to help me everywhere! The whole time he coaches he on taking small steps, and resting frequently. I think maybe my leg's slowly getting stronger.
Last night though, I got to see the Great Hall. Or Hall of Fire, as it's called, because at one end is the biggest fire place you have ever seen in your life. It took up an entire wall, and there are actually chairs inside of it. Unfortunately, I have never seen it lighted, probably because it is the middle of June.
Clustered around the fireplace are many, many chairs and couches. There are also innumerable pillows and cushions, for sleep on, leaning on, and the twins tell me, for throwing.
There is also the main table. It stretches almost the complete length of the hall, and there are also many kinds of chairs there, even stools ( for children I think). At the head of the table is an impressive, high-backed chair where I assume Elrond sits.
I was surveying all this from the couch on which the twins had deposited me.
"We thought you might like a look around." Elrohir said
"Before the dinner rush." Elladan added
"Because it's going to get rather crowded later."
"So we brought you now." they finished together.
Then, to the twin's deep disgust, Lindir strolled into the hall. They have a sort of eternal feud going on. When I asked why, there were devious mutterings concerning buckets of water, doorways, and nasty surprises.
"We're going." Elladan muttered darkly.
And they did too.
Lindir only smirked, and ensconced himself in the opposite corner of the couch. He commenced tuning his violin, which I believe he had strung with his own hair. There seemed something terribly wrong with that. What is it with elves and using their hair for everything; bows, ropes, violins!
And the twins were right. Around half an hour after they left, stalking, and muttering, people began to pour into the hall. The majority were elves, but there were also rangery-types, a few dwarves, and of course, Bilbo, who arrived before anyone else.
And if you want to know if there's anything odder then listening to a dwarf speak Dwarvish, it's hearing Elrond speak Dwarvish. The language entails lots of guttural, back of your throat noises like "ack" and "waggh" and other various growling sounds.
Speaking of noise and sound, you can't imagine the unbelievable din that results when you stick at a few hundred hungry people of varying races into one room. The servants rushed around, with bowls and plates and pitchers, and one of them brought me a tray, so I didn't have to "inconvenience" myself.
The only silence that lasted for any length of time was when Elrond stood, and thanked Illuvatar for the 'bounty which thou hast so graciously provided.' He seemed to have the wisdom the make the prayer fairly short, yet still slightly pompous.
I saw a few people I recognized. Glorfindel, and his extremely pregnant wife Carlithirel were there. (Only a month till the big day I believe)
There was also a tall, elegant elf with dark hair that Lindir pointed as Erestor. Apparently, he is not only an advisor, but steward of the household. Contrary to the nerdy librarian most people see him as, Erestor was actually good-looking, in a dark-eyed, hawk-nosed sort of way.
After dinner, which was a lengthy, and concentrated affair ( I believe that the Rangers ate the most) the servants once more began to rush around, clearing away plates and such. When that was done, the table ( which is actually separated into several tablettes) were pushed back to the wall.
"What are they doing?" I asked Lindir.
"For the dancing of course." he said, as if I should have known this "I'm playing for them."
I spent the rest of the evening watching other people dance. Lindir played the violin the entire time, beginning with a slow, mournful piece. Each note was spun out slowly, deliberately, and everyone stopped talking…or moving…or breathing.
Then the sudden hush was broken by the sound of a drum. One of the Ranger types held a small drum, and was beating out a swift pace with some sort of drum stick thing. He played alone for a few moments, until there was a seconds pause. Then Lindir, a spark lighting his eye, lifted his bow, and began to play.
Quick, lilting, the violin kept easy pace with the drum. The Ranger looked at Lindir, and there seemed to be a mutual agreement to play as fast as possible. The violin went higher, the drum played faster.
People began to tap their feet, and clap their hands in time with the catchy music. I watched, fascinated. At all other times the minstrel adopted a half-languid, almost bored attitude towards everything. Now he seemed to come alive, swaying with the music as his fingers flew over the strings. The clapping ceased, the beat was too fast to follow.
When the song finally ended, everyone cheered, for the Ranger, for Lindir. He looked a little startled, like a sleepwalker suddenly awakened. I was to embarrassed to cheer, so I just smiled in his direction, and hoped he looked my way.
All in all, I had a wonderful evening, even if I couldn't take part in any of the dances that followed. And they lasted for hours, until I fell asleep, dizzy from watching the intricate twists and turns of a proper Elvish dance.
I can't wait to see you Em. Give Boromir, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Merry, Sam, Pippin, Frodo, Imrahil, Galen, Faramir and Eowyn all my love and a kiss.
Love Barbie
P.S. I have discovered what Imladris is.
It's a commune!
P.P.S. I sternly commission you with this: when you get this letter, give the courier a pat on the head. I really think he needs one.
qpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpq
From Lady Emily To Lady Barbara
Dear Barbie,
Your letters are bringing all kinds of questions to my mind but I will not ask them until I see you. I know it won't be much longer, Aragorn…sorry, King Elessar, stands on the walls staring off toward Rivendell.
He is so excited that I think he might explode when you finally show up! Even with the heat of summer the house is deliciously cool inside. The cool darkness of the stone is very nice after a hot day in the gardens.
Earlier this morning Gimli's magnificent mithril gates were lifted into place. They're very ornate and shining so brightly that you can't even look at them while the sun is high. I have to say that the people are vastly impressed and love Aragorn more and more everyday he is king.
But back to the gate, everyone helped to lift it too. Well, not me, but I wasn't exactly surprised not to be included. The scary thing is that I have become more and more comfortable with my role as Lady.
I just hope I never lose sight of the values I hold dear to me. I can just add on to the new ones I am gaining. But here I'm getting all stuffy and old sounding so I say that I have the wild desire for a great big glass of Coke with lots and lots of ice in it. Unfortunately Coke won't be invented for ages (literally) and I have to live with a fizzy thing called baby soda. It's a drink they give little child so they can feel grown up. I feel so special.
You're coming by mid summer so I only have a few more weeks to go before I see you! Yippee! Miss you heaps!
Lady Emily
P.S. Poor Ingold he didn't know where to look when I patted his head! I think I've given the poor man a complex.
P.P.S. Boromir says that I may not kiss all the people you wanted me too becaue he is too selfish! Miss you