I was in my quarters, packing some provisions I would need for my trip to the Shire. I was folding some extra clothes, trying to wrap my head around the thought of a hobbit being part of this journey. This journey would have its dangers, its many obstacles. And if we made it to the mountain alive, there's no way we'd survive against a dragon. Dragons were ruthless, and no weapon forged by man could kill it. So our odds of defeating this beast were slim. Hope the wizard had a plan to kill the beast when the time came.
Once I finished packing my clothing, I left to find Lord Elrond. I was walking down the hall, when I came across Lindir. "Lindir," I greeted.
"Lady Sáerwen, what can I do for you?" He asked as a smile formed across his face.
"I was wondering if you could tell me where I could find Lord Elrond?"
"Yes, he is up in the pavilion."
"Thank you, Lindir." He gave me a nod, and we went our separate ways. I went outside and walked along the cobblestone pathway until I came to some stairs and I started walking up them. I was climbing the last step when I saw the elf speaking with another wizard. Lord Elrond turned around as I came towards them. "Good evening, my lords."
"Lady Sáerwen, it's good to see you again." Lord Saruman said, giving me a nod. I nodded back. The wizard said his goodbyes to the elf and left, and it was just me and him.
"What can I do for you, Lady Sáerwen?"
"I just came to inform you I will be leaving tomorrow at dawn."
"Oh, what prompted this sudden decision to leave?" Lord Elrond asked as he motioned with his hand for me to take a seat at the table, him doing the same thing.
"A lot of things, actually. One I never thought I would have to face." I admitted, my voice trailing off. The elf lord watched me curiously.
"We are all have a path we must follow. Only you can decide if it is the right one for you."
I looked at the stone table for the longest minute before looking back at Lord Elrond. "It's something I must do."
"Than I will not keep you any longer. I'm sure you will want to get a good night's rest before you leave tomorrow. I will have Lindir have the kitchen pack you a week's worth of food and some water for your journey."
I got up from the table and nodded to the elf. "Thank you, Lord Elrond, for your hospitality and your kindness." He nodded back, and I left back to my quarters. Lord Elrond in so many ways had become like a father to me, more than my own. Lindir stopped by later on with my weeks' worth of food for my journey. I thanked him and we said our goodbyes, though I had a feeling I'd probably see him and the others again.
Since it was going to be my last night here for a while in this peaceful valley, I went out onto my balcony and gazed up at the starry night. I would definitely miss my time here. I went back inside and changed into my night wear and climbed into bed.
I was up at dawn. My satchel was over my shoulders as I left the room and I headed for the stables. Felaróf was happy to see me as I approached him. "You ready for another adventure?" I asked him, stroking his face. He snorted. "Couldn't agree more." I attached my satchel to the saddle and climbed onto my mount, and we were off. It was at-least a seven day ride to the Shire from here. If I travelled morning till dark every day, I would arrive in the Shire by nightfall.
I followed the path under the arches and nudged my horse to go right and my journey had began. Felaróf travelled at a normal pace, not rushing. We stopped to take a break for food and water. Felaróf was content relaxing in the grass by the river while I read. Once we both felt rested, we'd continue on our way, until the sun went down from the sky and I would set up camp.
The fire was going, and I sat near it to get warm as I nibbled on a piece of Lembas bread. It wasn't the greatest tasting, but one bit was enough to fill the stomach of a grown man. I felt myself growing tired, and I yawned, and I decided it was time to get some rest so I could get an early start in the morning. I removed my cloak and my weapon's belt for the night. I used my cloak as a blanket and my satchel as a pillow. My sword laid right beside me, ready if I should hear something in the late night.
The next day I was up at dawn. I put my weapon's belt around my waist and my cloak back on. Next I put out the fire and got rid of any evidence that I was ever here. I climbed onto the back of my horse and we continued our journey to the Shire.
When the afternoon came around, I walked beside Felaróf, just talking to him. He has been my best-friend for many years. We had been through a lot together. The thought of something happening to him devastated me.
It's been five days now, since I left Rivendell. So far I had not come across any immediate danger on the road, which I was thankful for that. The other night I had heard Orc screams in the night. They weren't close to my camp, but it kept me up most of the night. Bringing back memories of the time I had been viciously attacked. Two more days and I would be in the Shire.
The Shire. Why the Shire of all places? What was the wizard thinking? Involving a hobbit? For one, they were not warriors. Two, they weren't likely to go pass the comforts of their borders. It was a long time ago. Before my attack on the Great East road. I had only been to the Shire once. I wasn't even sure how I ended up in this village, but I did. I had been travelling for almost a week with no food or water. I would later learn that I was so weak that I ended up passing out at some point and fell off the back of Felaróf and my boot got stuck in the stirrup, and dragged me down the road.
I woke up in a bed that was so short that my legs hung off the end. And I remember standing up and banged my head on the ceiling. Everything was so small, including the ones that occupied this home. My back ached for days, having to bend over constantly to walk under these short roof's. But the one thing I would never forget was the couple that brought me into their home. I was a complete stranger, and they gave me food and rest until I was well enough to continue on my way. They even took care of my horse while I was on bed rest.
It was only four days, but I would never forget them. It's been decades, but I wonder if they were still there? They also had a son that was only a couple years old, who enjoyed my stories I told before he went to bed. I wonder what he was like now? For some reason, I couldn't recall his name.
Finally, I was in Bree. I stayed the night at the Prancing Pony, Felaróf was in the stables for the night, happy that he was undercover and not spending another night in the pouring down rain. One more day's travel and I would be in Shire for the meeting. I laid on the bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to sleep.
The thought of the meeting had me up most of the night. How could Gandalf be certain that the dwarves would allow me, an elf, to join their quest? I only met the heir to the mountain a few times when I accompanied my father on his travels, but I doubt he'd remember me. Now, I only heard about him, from what others told me. He defeated Azog the Defiler in Moria, losing his father and grandfather that same day. He built a settlement in the Blue Mountains for his people after they lost everything.
I don't know what I expect to happen during this meeting. I don't expect it to go smoothly. After the attack on the mountain. There was a lot of hatred between Dwarves and Elves, and it would likely not change from one offering to help them with their quest. Or if they were to learn who I am or who my father is. As far as they needed to know. I was just a wandering elf.
Nightfall was here and the rolling hills were looking familiar as I got closer to the Shire. I climbed off my horse, holding the reins, and walked beside him up the path. As I walked passed the hobbit homes, I saw the candlelight's flickering through the windows. Gandalf mentioned he marked one door of where the meeting would be held and I kept my eyes peeled, looking for it.
The road turned, going uphill, and I continued to follow the path, hearing yelling and shouting of multiple voices coming from inside one home. As I got to the top of the hill, I saw the glowing mark, though I didn't need a mark to know which hole it was. The festivities coming from inside could only mean one thing - Dwarves.
I opened the tiny gate and took Felaróf over to the side and tied the reigns to the fence post and walked up the steps towards the tiny round door. I bent down and knocked on it and stood back up and waited patiently and listening. There were many conversations going on, but the annoyed voice became the clearest as it came closer to the door and it opened.