The Thunder Battle

The Rangers were always on the lookout for traces of Orcs. All races whether men or elves hated orcs, so whenever possible they fought to eradicate them.

Disaster struck when the party was almost out of the mountain pass.

They had only planned to stop for one night, but were delayed by several days because of a huge thunderstorm. Estel had never seen or heard anything like it. To him, it was a thunder battle where all of the hosts of Manwë and Melcor were waging war in the Heavenlies. He was absolutely terrified until one of the Rangers, Camlost, told him this story:

"Didn't you know that the sky is having a conversation? When the sky gets cloudy and the sun runs behind them, it's time for thunder and lightning's party."

"Really? But why do they have to be so loud? I can barely hear myself think!"

"It's because we are so close to them. They make their homes in the high mountain passes. In Rivendell, you are down in the valley far below their houses. Why don't you go check on Melian and see if she's ok?" Camlost asked, seeing he was reassured they were safe.

The horses protested the noise and light as well, stirring against their pickets. More than lightning and rain was worrying them; they were lathered with sweat and their cries rang out, echoing between rolls of thunder. The rangers said nothing to each other, but they were preparing their weapons and watching vigilantly.

Estel ran to the side of the cave to where the horses were. "Hello my beauty. I hope the thunderstorm isn't keeping you awake. Soon, we will be able to ride like the wind through the fields," Estel told her.

At this, she whinnied, that sounded like a wonderful idea to her! Melian's ears twitched as Estel patted her nuzzle, "Oh! You're tickling me! I think you already guessed what I have," he told her with a grin.

Then he produced two sugar cubes. "I'm sorry I don't have more, this is all we have left. But I'm sure there will be MILLIONS of sugar cubes in Lórien, just for you!"

Estel began brushing her coat. He couldn't wait until they reached the river. She was in need of a good scrub-down. Her coat was as shiny as ever, but it needed a wash every now and then.

At that moment, the rain suddenly stopped.