Chapter One: A Quest?
Sitting just outside of Bree in a tree was me. I sat against the trunk with my black trouser covered legs laid out in front of me crossed. My arms were also crossed in front my chest which was covered in a black tunic and long coat. A belt hung snuggly on my hips over the tunic to keep it in place. My belt was decorated with my long sword and several daggers and knives. My tunic was short sleeved and my hands were covered by leather, fingerless riding gloves. On my feet were leather boots that went up to mid-calf.
My head was tilted up, watching the sky and clouds with my soft red lips turned up in a slight grin. My green eyes were glazed over in thought with some of my ebony hair strands falling in front my eyes. The rest of my hair was pulled back into two braids connecting at the back so that the majority was kept out of my face.
I sat there for a long while before a noise from below woke me from daydream. I blinked and looked down at the bottom of the tree and grinned at the familiar face. There stood an old friend, Gandalf. My grin widened into a big smile as I quietly started to climb down and you could see more weapons on my back, my long bow and arrows. When I got to the bottom branch I flipped upside down in front of him.
"Why, hello Gandalf!" I greeted him. His mischievous smile greeted me, like it always does. His wise eyes twinkled with happiness.
"Hello Arien!" he said. "How are you doing this day?" His gravelly voice asked me as he rested both of his hands on his staff.
"I'm doing well, my friend. How about yourself?" I smiled.
"Wonderful, wonderful."
"What brings you here?" I asked him tilting my head, curiously.
"Well I have an important question to ask of you, my dear friend." He said.
"And what may I ask is that?" I ask as I flip down and stood in front of him. I had to pull my neck all of the way back because he was a giant compared to my height. I was just smaller than a dwarf but bigger than a hobbit.
"I must request you accompany me on a quest. I cannot give you details right now but you must know it requires a great deal of courage, bravery and stealth. If you were to come to a meeting I am having at Hobbition in a week's time, everything would be explained."
My face split into a grin at the thought of a quest. I've become restless the last months from just travelling. "Well of course, Gandalf. I'll come meet you. Where in the Shire may I ask?"
His smile grew at my answer. "Good, good. It is at Bag End. If you cannot find it, a mark will be on the door." He said as he clapped me on the shoulder. "Now I would very much like to hear of your travels of the last two years. Come, lets head to the Prancing Pony in Bree for a mug of ale." He kept his on my shoulder as he led me into Bree.