Chapter 9 splendor fading

Just over a month had gone by since Winifred and Almund had departed from Edoras. While Winifred had experience camping outside, never had it been for such a long duration, or with such rudimentary equipment. It had been hard, but soon she grew used to it. She slept with her gear on. It caused her muscles to ache, and she had started to smell, but she did not want Almund to be reporting back to Eomer, telling him that she had complained about trivial matters.

Winifred and Almund went at a brisk pace, since this was to be a long journey, she did not want to tire Barefoot out unnecessarily. Almund had suggested they spend a night at Helm's deep, but Winifred did not want to let her absences from the Golden hall to be known to Theodred until she was outside the reaches his eored, his hoist of men.

It was only a few days after they departed Edoras when they crossed the Fords of Isen. Once they did that Winifred and Almund gave Isengard a wide birth by going south and making a wide arc around it. Almund did not understand why such precaution was needed, but Winifred told him that Saruman was no true friend, and that if they were to be captured by Saruman it could mean their deaths. They traveled west, deep into the Enedwaith, before they started north. Once they started going north they were wary of traveling too close to the misty mountains just north of Isengard. For that is where the Dunlending claimed landship. Almund warned that they were in danger, but still Winifred stayed the course.

One night when they were resting, they had heard men's voices. The voices were not aware of Winifred or Almund but they came awfully close. It had been very tense moments as Winifred and Almund looked at each other, wondering if action needed to take place. The voices eventual became softer until they disappeared entirely. Winifred was glad when they traveled out of their territory. As they traveled further north, the heat lessened and a cool breeze swept across them; soon it was not men that spooked them in the dark hours of the night, but howling, growling, and roaring.

When they had just passed what Winifred assumed to be the secret entrance to moria they did not rest that night but continued. Winifred did not want to risk spending the night next to an area so full of evil. It had been hard the next day but Winifred knew it was the right decision to move swiftly past it.

Ultimately they started following a river north. Winifred suspected and hoped that this river was the river that ran through Rivendell, the river Bruinen. When they were towards the end of their journey, after they entered a forest close to sunset, Almund spotted a figure far off, wearing dark clothes, and traveling alone.

Winifred had hoped she would come across this figure. Almund was not so keen on approaching and wanted to avoid this person.

"I don't think we need to fear him. In fact, I think our destination may be the same, if this person is who I think he is." Winifred said to Almund, while galloping off to investigate this lone figure. Almund soon over came her, and brought out his bow, notched it, and aimed at the stranger. Thinking him smart, incase this was not whom she expected it to be; she did the same as Almund.

When they were almost on top of this figure he turned around but not before Winifred spotted a white tree on the shield the stranger carried on his back. This man was good looking, the same height as Winifred, but strong looking. He had dark hair that was cut just above his shoulders, with grey eyes, and a straight nose. The white tree of Gondor was on his chest, and a horn dipped in Silver was attached to his belt next to a sword, it held the same white tree symbol. This was Boromir, Winifred was certain. The horn dipped in silver was all she needed to see to be positive. It was the horn of Gondor, an heirloom of the house of stewards of Gondor. If this horn were blown within the bounds of the old realm of Gondor, it would be heard to all within Gondor's realm. Winifred put her bow and arrow away.

"A sight for sore eyes. I have never been so happy to see men of Rohan pointing arrows at me." The man said smiling at them, he looked closer at Winifred. "My apologies, I did not realize a woman was in the company. But tell me, why have you traveled so far from Rohan." Almund had kept his arrow pointed; Winifred ignored him and dismounted from her horse to be polite, standing a few paces from Boromir.

"We are traveling north, seeking Gandalf the grey's council. What of yourself?" Winifred asked.

"I am seeking a forgotten people. The elves of Rivendell, I have strange questions that may be answer there." Boromir said.

"That is where we suspect Gandalf is. I am Lady Winifred, this is my guard Almund." Winifred said waving to Almund, who by now had lowered his bow, though still had it out and notched. Boromir bowed to them slightly, they returned it.

"I am Boromir, son of Denethor, Steward of Gondor." Boromir said. "I have journey far and long by myself, it will be greatly appreciated to travel with you the remainder of the way." He said to Winifred.

"Of course, I do not think we are far from Rivendell. Though with the setting sun, I think it best we make camp for the night before continuing into the forest. Do you agree Almund," She said to her guard. He's face was unmoving, showing no emotions, just nodded in agreement. He dismounted and began to prepare their camp. Winifred was looking forward to different company. Almund took his guard duty so seriously it was hard to pass easy conversation with him.

Soon enough they had a fire going, the horses tied to a nearby tree and the group enjoying a simple meal of what was left of their provisions. They sat around the fire, Almund constantly looking around and listening to the surrounding area, not paying attention to Boromir or Winifred, who were catching up on news of their countries.

"In June we lost Ithilien, we keep a group of men their to fight. We still hold the west bank of Osgiliath. We had to destroy the last bridge connecting the city. Orcs now occupy the east, though we keep them in check. The loss of Ithilien I feel holds meaning. Never have I seen a large group of Orcs come sweeping through the lands from Mordor as I have that day. They were not alone either; they have allied with the Easterlings and the evil Haradrim, and a black rider was present that brought fear into the heart of the men. Men that have weathered many battles, and faced the most evil of creatures Mordor has sent our way, even their steeds were affected by the black rider. The enemy wanted Ithilien badly. I feel it is positioning its self for the next target." Boromir was telling Winifred. Almund seemed to have been interested in the part Boromir told of Sauron joining forces with the Easterling. Winifred had been telling those of Rohan about such an allegiance for years. Maybe he would begin to put more weight to her words after Boromir confirmed what she had declared so long ago.

"Rohan too has been under attack, though from a different enemy. The Wildman have been terrorizing the west. Attacking outlying villages, killing many people and burning everything in their sights. Helm's deep has become a refuge to many of the west fold. The east has also taken casualties, though not as great as the west. Mostly the herds and herdsmen have been stalked by orcs. The third marshal of the Riddermark has pulled them back from the East Emnet, since then they have experienced fewer attacks. The King has grown weak, and ill. Where we should be leading an attack, the king will not allow it. Not wanting to lose more people. It has been unsettling for the marshal of the east, and of the west. They often arrive too late to change the outcome of the battle, they grow tired of not being able to defend their people." Winifred told Boromir, glad that Eowyn had been keeping her well informed.

Almund gave Winifred a hard look. Not comfortable with telling an outsider the state of Rohan. Winifred did not care. She had no intention of being in the council, and since Boromir would be in attendance, he could account for the state of Rohan when Rohan's allegiance was question by the council members. He defended Rohan in the books, and with such an up to date account of the going-on, he would be able to squish the rumors that the enemy had been spreading about the horse lords.

The rumor being that Rohan gave Sauron a number of horses each year as payment for peace. A ridiculous accusation, Winifred was sure many people of the council would ask herself about it, and she planned to put everyone in their place that asked. How could they think so low of Rohan, it almost angered her to think of it. Boromir and Aragorn defended Rohan, as they should. So Winifred put her trust in them.

"How does a Woman know so much of the opinions of the marshals of the mark?" Boromir asked curious.

"I am in the court of the golden hall, I have befriended both the second marshal of the Riddermark, Theodred, son of Théoden King, and the third marshal of the Riddermark, Eomer, nephew of Théoden King." Winifred answered simply.

"But you are not from Rohan, you do not have the straw locks of the Rohirrim." Boromir said speaking openly. Winifred gave a small smile averting her eyes from Boromir.

"You are very observant, Lord Boromir. You are correct; I was brought to the court of Edoras by Gandalf well over two years ago. Now Rohan is my home. That is all I wish to say on the matter." Winifred said swiftly, not in the mood to explain her forged origins. The people of Rohan had accepted her. She considered them her people; as far as she was concerned she was of Rohan, which was all she would say on the matter.

Boromir gave a gentle smile "The people of Rohan are noble friends of Gondor, and once they have given you their trust and loyalty you will never find them wanting. While I traveled through Rohan, I stopped in Aldburg. Lord Eomer re-stocked my provisions and gave me a horse for my journey, since I left Minas Tirith in secret. The horse was scared off some time ago. I hope it found its way home to Aldburg."

The group had a comfortable silence after this, each lost within their own thoughts. Winifred was pensive upon learning that Boromir had visited Eomer. Her thoughts soon drifted to the next step of her journey.

She would meet Aragorn, whom, if Gandalf had indeed spoken too on her behalf, would claim her a friend to the rangers of the north, and corroborate her fixed story. She was nervous about someone from Rohan, Almund, being present during this meeting.

Soon the three companies had their bed mats laid out around the campfire. They organized a watch, Winifred being first. The men drifted to sleep not long after. She could feel how close they were to Rivendell and Winifred doubted her ability to sleep at all this night.

After her watch Winifred had barely slept before she was awoken by Almund. He gently shook her shoulders.

"Lady Winifred, I have prepared your breakfast. We should get moving soon. I have let you rest for as long as possible." He said kindly to her. While she ate her plain meal, she noticed Almund packing the last of their things away, and preparing the horses. Boromir also was helping. It seemed they had planned their journey, for she noticed the majority of the bags had been placed on Barefoot. Boromir would ride with Almund it would seem.

Winifred smiled at this and laughed to Almund in Rohirric "was part of your orders from Eomer to keep all males far from me, Almund?" Rising from her place on the ground.

"I do not know what you speak of, but Eomer is a very possessive man. He does not share easily with others, as I am sure you know." Almund responded. Winifred laughed as she rolled her bed mat up, handing it off to Almund to secure to Barefoot. Boromir was looking between them.

"Have I missed a joke?" He asked with a lighthearted smile on his face.

"Yes, but it was not at your expense and you would not have understood it any better had it been said in the common tongue." She smiled at him. Boromir nodded at her and let it be.

Winifred liked Boromir. He was driven through duty to his father and his people. He wished only to bring them peace and prosperity. Though she knew the path he would take, it only made Winifred's heart soften towards him. For in the end, he would die defending Merry and Pippen. That was what was most important. He was a gallant man indeed.

Shortly they were off. Winifred mounted on Barefoot, and Boromir rode behind Almund. They went at a swift pace through the trees. The further they traveled into the forest the better Winifred felt. She began to feel safe and at ease. She laughed with Boromir over stories he told, and she in turn told him tales of her mishaps in Rohan. Almund would smile at a few stories, including the one where Winifred had finally triumphed over Almund in a sparring match, only because he had used his non-dominate sword hand. The group stopped briefly for a small lunch before continuing again. Winifred soon felt unseen eyes on them. She made no mention of it and continued her banter with Boromir but she could tell Almund had sensed the same.

A short time after this a voice came from the west. " Why do you enter the domain of Lord Elrond of Rivendell?" said the unseen voice. Almund and Boromir looked wildly around to find the owner of the voice.

"It is none of your concern whoever you are, but I am friend of Gandalf the grey, though you may call him by a different name, Mithrandir. I very much would like to speak with him." Winifred said in a clear voice. After this, two elves emerged from the forest astride two horses. They both were tall and lean; they had very long dark brown hair, and grey eyes. They had the elven beauty that Winifred had read about, such magnificence to make Adonis look plain. They had bright mail on underneath silver grey cloaks, and they looked to be the same person. One had a hand resting on the hilt of a sword; the other held loosely a great bow.

"You must be Lords Elladan and Elrohir, the sons of Lord Elrond." Winifred said, bowing her head slightly to them. "I am Lady Winifred of Rohan. My companions are Almund of Rohan, and Lord Boromir, son of Lord Denethor, Steward of Gondor." She added, indicating each man.

"How strange to see such company this far north. Stranger still that the woman would know of us," One of the twins said. The other replied, "I think we will find stranger things taking place in Imladris." They evaluated the company before them.

Finally the twin to the left introduced himself with a bow of his head. "I am Elladan, son of Elrond." The one to the right continued "and I am Elrohir, son of Elrond. We would be honored to lead you onward to the last homely house east of the sea." Elrohir ended with a bow to the company.

"I would like to reach Rivendell before night fall if possible my lords. Your guidance would be greatly appreciated. We are all drained from our long journey, and look forward to reaching our destination." Winifred said. She was sassing the sons of Lord Elrond, but she was exhausted and her body ached, she longed for a bath and a soft bed to sleep in. Her patience was running thin since she knew she was so close to her final destination. Anyone that delayed these comforts further were no friends of Winifred. The twins exchanged glances.

"We will reach Rivendell just as the sun begins to set." Elladan said. With that they took the lead of the group.

The twins spoke in soft elvish to each other as they lead the company through the forest. Almund and Boromir remained quiet. Since both men had thought that elves had long since left this land. Even though Boromir had sought them out, he had hardly believed that he would be successful in his quest. Winifred felt no need to push any conversation and instead enjoy the forest. Soon Winifred felt the air shift, it seem different. Winifred did not know how else to describe it but it felt as if she had just stepped into a different world.

Soon they crossed over a river and were slowly going up the side of a mountain. The path took a sharp bend. Winifred could hear the distant sound of a waterfall. Before Winifred realized what was laid out before her, she was blessed with the splendid view of Rivendell at sunset. It was nestled in a deep, narrow valley between the walls of two mountains. A waterfall was indeed present, that fell into a river at the bottom of the valley. The house was hard to distinguish from the foliage. She could see the main structures, but never had stonework complimented woodwork as it did in Rivendell, vines and trees had also grown to be part of the structure. With the bight orange light streaming from the setting sun, it illuminated the features, giving it a welcoming glow.

"Welcome to Rivendell Lady Winifred, Lord Boromir, Almund." One of the twins said, Winifred had lost track of which was whom.

"The last homely house undeniably. Never have my eyes been set on such a wondrous scene. It seems from a dream." Boromir said. He also could not take his eyes of the impressive picture below. Almund was quiet, and though Winifred could tell he was taken a back by the beauty of this eleven realm, he still shifted his eyes around, not trusting his surrounding or the elven companions.

"Lady Winifred, as promised, we have arrived before the setting of the sun. I hope Gandalf is here for you to council with, and if not, I hope you do not consider your journey here to be wasteful." Said the other twin.

"A journey to an elven realm is never wasteful, son of Elrond. I don't think many people of my race have been graced with such a view. I also don't believe many will have a chance in the future. Thank you for not leading us astray." She smiled at both twins. She had butterflies in her stomach; her palms had started to sweat from her nerves. She had made it to Rivendell.

In a single file, they lead their horses over a narrow stone bridge and arrived at the entrance to Rivendell. An elf was waiting for them, but soon a man was walking in quick stride down stairs to also greet the party.

Elladan and Elrohir smoothly jumped off their horses to greet the elf and the man. From a side pathway a few elves arrived, taking the reigns of the horses.

"We will see to the horse, my Lady." An elf said to her. She nodded, and gracefully dismounted.

"This is Barefoot, she was a gift from a loved one. She has the bloodlines of the Mearas running through her. I have every confidences in your ability to care for Barefoot, but I feel better knowing that I have told you how important this horse is." Winifred said to the Elf. He gave her a small smile and bowed his head, leading Barefoot away. " She likes apples!" she called out to the elf.

The man had greeted Elladan and Elrohir; the three were in deep conversation. Almund had also parted with his horse. Lord Boromir was greeted by the elf that had been waiting for them. A She-elf appeared at the top of the stairs motioning for Lord Boromir to follow her. He waved at the Rohan Company and followed the woman into the building.

"What do you think, Almund?" Winifred said in the tongue of Rohan, as she and Almund slowly walked forward.

"Never have I seen anything to compare it too. The buildings seem to be one with the earth. As if the trees and stone have befriended each other, and shared their secrets." He said softly to her. Soon Lady Winifred and Almund stood before the elf.

She bowed to the elf. "I am Lady Winifred, of Rohan. This is my guard, Almund."

The elf gave a graceful bow to her in return as the man gave his attention of Winifred and her guard. Elladan and Elrohir had begun to walk up the stairs into the building.

"Ah, we have been expecting you. Gandalf, the grey arrived a few days ago and was surprised that you were not here. He will be glad to hear that you have arrived at last." The elf said to her. "A feast is taking place shortly. Lord Elrond would welcome your company." The elf added to Winifred.

"I am too fatigued from the journey. I think myself and my guard would very much appreciate a hot bath, a hearty meal, and a soft bed. If you have any to spare." She said.

"Do not let Rivendell fool you, it is bigger then it may appear." The man said coming to the group. The man had dark wavy hair that ran past his shoulders. He had grey eyes, and a scruffy beard. He was taller then Winifred almost as tall as Eomer. He was very good looking. He looked fairly young but his eyes held wisdom in them. He looked to be a man of Gondor but was dressed as an elf; he wore an impeccable tunic, made of a strange material, beeches to match and a sweeping cloak of velvet was draped about him.

"Lady Winifred, it has been too long. You may not remember me. You were very young the last time I saw you." He said to her. Yes, this was Aragorn. Gandalf had spoken to him just as he promised.

"Lord Aragorn, it has been many, many years since we last met. I am glad to come across a friend so far from home." She said giving her hand to him; he gave it a swift kiss. Almund was suddenly closer to her then she remembered him being.

"I was sorry to hear about your people, my heart lighten when Gandalf said you had found refuge in Rohan." Aragorn said he gave her a smile.

"Almund. This is a ranger from the north, Lord Aragorn." Almund gave a curt nod, which Aragorn returned.

"Gandalf was not sure if Lady Winifred would bring an escort. I am glad to see she did not travel alone." Aragorn said to Almund then turned to Winifred. "Tomorrow there is to be a council held. Many events have been taken place in Middle Earth and by fate many races have sought out Rivendell for answers. Gandalf, I believe, wanted you to attend."

"I will be sorry to report that I will not be in attendance, but I will seek private council with him after this great council has finished. I am sure he will seek me out once that has concluded." She informed Aragorn.

"I will inform him of your decision. I must leave you, I have urgent news to hear from Lords Elladan and Elrohir." He nodded to both Winifred and Almund then swiftly took the stairs two at a time before he disappeared from sight. She turned back to the patient elf with a smile.

"Scouts told us of your party. Your rooms have been set up..." He guided them up the stairs and into the great building, just as a bell was rung to indicate the beginning of the feast.

A few hours later Winifred was full from delicious soup and freshly made bread, her skin was soft from a long hot bath, and she wore a silk nightgown and robe. She sent Almund to his room across the hall, promising not to leave her room. Her head barely touched her pillow before she was having pleasant dreams of the fields of Rohan with Eomer by her side.

The next morning Winifred was a woken by bells ringing. The sun was pleasant, the air was sweet smelling, and Winifred could hear birds singing outside her windows. Winifred ate breakfast in her room. Soon a she-elf entered and helped her dress. The wardrobe had been stocked with clothes for her disposal; the elves did not forget any insignificant detail. She was dressed in an elven dress of a deep blush color, with soft slippers.

When she opened her door all she saw was a green robe that she walked into. Almund turned around.

"Good morning, Lady Winifred." He said, stepping aside so she could pass through. Winifred gave him a disbelieving look.

"Almund, this is not needed in Rivendell. We are safe here." She said to him.

"We are safe in Rivendell. But I am your guard. This is what my duty demand's of me." He said with a straight face. Winifred's face was full of discontent but she let this go. She had to pick her battles and if he wanted to tire himself with protecting doorways then she wasn't going to stop him.

"Want to go exploring?" she asked him.

"I will do what you wish, Lady Winifred." He nodded to her. She gave a huff, and started wandering through the hallways of Rivendell. Almund never more then a few steps behind her.

She enjoyed a large balcony with a great view of the waterfall for a long time. By mid morning a shadow seemed to come over Rivendell. It did not last long, but all the inhabitants of the oasis felt it. The sun was dimmed, and a sense of foreboding hung in the air. Almund, who had begun to relax, roamed the sky with his eyes to see the danger. When the shadow was lifted, Almund insisted they go indoors in case an attack was emanate. Winifred conceded to the apprehensive guard and they moved towards one of the bigger buildings just as the lunch bell was rung.

They had a swift noon meal before Winifred went back to her room. Anticipating Gandalf's arrival. She was not disappointed either, she had just settled into her room when Gandalf appeared in her doorway.

"I was sorry to hear you would not be attending the council this morning." Gandalf said, slowly entering the room, taking a seat next to Winifred on her small balcony.

"I was not needed" She replied. "So I preferred to rest and recuperate from my journey." She added unabashed.

"Hmmm." Gandalf said pulling out his pipe. Soon he was puffing out great clouds of white smoke. "So I have been told you came seeking private council with me. Do you bring news of Rohan? "

Winifred looked at Gandalf "I left the morning after you, so I have no news to share. To be honest I knew it would be easier to explain my presence here if I used you as a pretext, I hope you understand." Gandalf gave her a knowing glance.

Winifred relaxed back in her chair, closing her eyes and letting the sun warm her face. "So tell me how the council was. Please don't spare any detail."

Winifred sat in perfect ease. Not opening her eyes once, or reacting to anything Gandalf informed her on. Winifred could not give anything away, not since many things had come to light.

He spoke of those in attendance, Lord Elrond and his sons, Lord Glorfindel, Other predominant Elves of Rivendell, Elves from Mirkwood had come, a group of Dwarves from the Lonely Mountain. Boromir had gone, as had Lord Aragorn. Bilbo with his nephew Frodo had also attended. Last but not least, Gandalf the grey was present for this great council.

Gandalf began the tale of the great council of middle earth, first beginning with the history of the ring. The ring was forged in Mount Doom, by the evil Lord Sauron. The War of Sauron and the last alliance between men and elves took place. A great battle on the foothills of mount doom playing as the backdrop for the downfall of Lord Sauron, where the ring was cut from Sauron's finger with a broken blade by Isildur. Isildur, the King of Gondor, did not have the strength of mind to rid the world of the ring, and instead took the ring for himself.

The ring poisoned his mind, and it was not long before the ring betrayed him. While he was in the far north, his group was attacked by orcs and the ring was lost within the currents of the river Anduin. There the ring waited, many years passed. Eventually it was found by Gollum.

Gullom hide it well within the misty mountains, obsessing over it until 77 years ago Bilbo found it. Gollum would say stole it. When Bilbo left the Shire for his last adventure, he passed the ring onto Frodo, who had brought the ring before the council.

The Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain had come to Rivendell to ask Lord Elrond for advice concerning a group of their people who had ventured into the mines of Moria 30 years ago, and who had not been heard from in many years.

The Dwarves also come in warning. One year ago a messenger from Lord Sauron had coming, wanting the Dwarves to a line themselves with Lord Sauron. The messenger asked about Hobbits, in particular, Bilbo Baggins. The messenger offered rings of friendship and all Lord Sauron wanted in sign of their friendship was for them to find and hand over the plain ring in Bilbo's procession. The Dwarves gave no response to the messenger, instead telling them they would council on it. Twice since the messenger has come. With the last visit, the messenger said it would only come once more.

The dwarves know that this messenger also visited the Lord of Dale and the Dwarves worried he would soon crack under pressure and give up information on Bilbo. The Dwarves wanted to warn their old friend of the danger seeking him out.

Boromir had updated the council on the state of Gondor, Winifred had already heard. He spoke of his dream, more of a nightmare. A dream his brother had twice before hand. A voice had said to both brothers "Seek for the sword that was broken, in Imladris it dwells, there shall be council taken, stronger then Morgal spell. There shall be shone a token that doom is near at hand, for Isildur's Bane shall waken and the Halfling forth shall stand." Isildur's bane is the one ring; the sword that was broken is in reference to the broken blade that cut Sauron's hand.

Lord Aragorn presented himself as Isildur's heir; He showed Boromir the broken pieces of the legendary broken blade, answering part of Boromir's riddle. Frodo then present the one ring, answering the other. Boromir eventually believed Aragorn's origins, Aragorn, in turned pledged to travel back with Boromir to Minas Tirith.

There was more tales to tell at this council. The elves of Mirkwood let the council know the escape of Gullom. Gullom had been brought prisoner to them many years ago by Aragorn, after Gandalf and Aragorn had been searching for him. Aragorn found him by the dead marshes and marched him to the elves for Mirkwood. But now he was lost.

There was also the betrayal of Saruman to address. Many of the council had not believed the tale of Gandalf escaping imprisonment from the top of Orthanc tower. With the blow of losing Saruman as an ally, few council members saw nothing but doom for middle earth. Some of the council members asked about Rohan, if they knew of Saruman's betrayal.

"Boromir, and even Aragorn defended Rohan's character. After I mentioned what Gwaihir, the great eagle, told me of Rohan, paying lord Sauron in horses, many others had heard similar rumors." Gandalf said to Winifred, still puffing on his pipe. "The rumors we guessed had been spread by the enemy." Gandalf added.

"I could have told you as much." Winifred said, her eyes still closed, soaking in the afternoon rays.

"Boromir informed the council of the state of Rohan. Many asked why you were not present, but soon that was forgotten. The next great matter to discuss was what to do with the ring, now that it had been found. The only path left for the free people of middle earth, is to destroy the ring in the fires of mount doom. Bilbo offered to go, but in the end Frodo volunteered. Lord Elrond and even myself think that this journey was meant for him." Gandalf puffed out, drawing to the end of his tale.

"Sam has proclaimed not to leave his masters side. That is all that will be decided on the matter for now. Lord Elrond has sent out scouts, more will go tomorrow. Aragorn has gone with Lord Elrond's sons. We must clear the path ahead, and find out what became of the Ring Wraiths. The enemy knows the ring is here so all precaution must be taken before the ring bearer begins his journey." Gandalf said as he put out his pipe, standing up to leave.

Winifred finally opened her eyes and looked over at Gandalf. "Leaving so soon?" she said to him.

"Yes, by now Frodo and Sam have informed their fellow kinsmen Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took of what took place? I do not want them filling up Frodo's head with unnecessary worry. They're imagination runs away with them more often then not." Gandalf left after that, a wizard never with a moment to spare.

Winifred had stood from her seat and over looked the valley below. With a deep sigh and a wide grin on her face. From what it sounded like, everything followed the path that it should. Once the fellowship was on its way Winifred could rests easy, until then she had to keep her head down and her ear to the ground.

Hope you enjoyed! -C xoxo