On our way to the Trollshaws, running into some familiar NPCs along the way. Enjoy!

Chapter 14

Although I did not fall back into reverie, I did take the time to let my body relax and did some meditation. My mentor Talagan had instructed me in this practice as a way to clear my mind before a battle. "It is easy to be overwhelmed by the rush of anticipation before a fight, but it is important to keep your focus. The best way to prepare is to calm your mind; it will sharpen your mind and help you stay aware of your surroundings more effectively," he would say. I mused that perhaps I should do this every night before bed. I had heard that some elves could actually control their dreams and experience whatever they wished; I hoped Lord Elrond could teach me something similar. I felt saddened as I recalled the cruel twist of fate that ended Talagan's life; he was such a good person that taught me very valuable lessons, not only in fighting but also in life.

Radagast had met with me once more before we left to continue our journey. "Ride swiftly to the Trollshaws; although it is not without its own dangers, there is more cover in the trees than out in the open plains of this land. I have a raven stationed at the Last Bridge; if you could write a message for me stating you arrived safely and attach it to his leg; he will deliver it to me." He smiled, "It would put me at ease to know you had found your way."

I nodded and said, "Of course. Thank you for your help…I am not sure what would have happened without your aid, and I will take your guidance and advice into consideration."

"You are most welcome Gwinthilnel," he patted me on the shoulder, "Give my regards to Lord Elrond."

I waved as we trotted away from Ost Guruth, and I was glad to be leaving. This land held some bitter memories, and I was ready to say goodbye to it, at least for now. I knew Candaith was loathe to move on, especially considering the danger we had encountered, but he was dedicated to his mission with the Grey Company, and I knew he would see it through before returning.

I decided to ride next to Saeradan, as we had not had much of a chance to speak recently. He inclined his head as I approached. "Good morning Gwinthilnel. Are you...feeling recovered?"

Smiling softly, I nodded and replied, "Yes, I am doing better. Time will heal all wounds, as they say."

He nodded hesitantly, and I could tell he perhaps did not agree with the sentiment but was too polite to say so. We took some time to chat about nothing important, and I found the distraction to be pleasant.

We made it to the Last Bridge near sunset. I was glad we were passing over the bridge before dark; gaunt men and other undead creatures roamed the area at night, and I preferred to avoid them. I had plenty of experience defeating them, but anytime I could avoid confrontation, I did.

Sure enough, Radagast's raven was standing calmly on the stone wall of the bridge, and I tied the letter to its leg, stroked its feathers lightly, and it flew off with a soft caw.

I knew Barachan's camp was not too far from the bridge, so I convinced my companions to travel there to spend the night. It would also serve as a good place to send a message to Elrond, as I knew messengers often rode back and forth from the various outposts.

"How is Barachan?" Candaith asked. "I have not been to his camp in recent years."

"He was well the last time I visited, so I would assume he is doing fine. We shall see shortly," I replied.

As we approached, I called out, "Suilad!" so that Barachen knew it was not an enemy.

Instead of Barachen, a dwarf made his appearance. "Heithur Ironfist, at your service." He was a merchant from Thorin's Hall, and I had had some dealings with him in the past. He bowed briefly, but I could see his hand was on his axe. His eyebrows rose as he recognized me. "Lady Gwinthilnel! It is good to see you once more."

I inclined my head, "Greetings Heithur. We come looking for Barachen and wish to spend the night at his camp. Is he nearby?"

At this, the dwarf replied, "He went hunting some time ago but has not returned. The boar are thick in this area, so perhaps the lad is just trying to find the best one without being run over by the rest." He chuckled slightly.

I found it amusing to hear Barachen referred to as a "lad", but my brow furrowed. "How long has he been gone?"

Heithur thought for a moment, "I would guess a few hours."

"A few hours? That is a long time to be hunting without returning. You know there are plenty of wolves and bears in the area. I am surprised you did not go searching for him," I said, looking at him a little sternly.

The dwarf looked annoyed, "He's a smart Elf, and perfectly capable of taking care of himself."

Before the argument could escalate, an elf dropped down from the trees, "Never fear, Barachen is here!"

I rolled my eyes but was relieved. Barachen was quite a jokester and liked to make people laugh with his antics, "Suilad Barachen," I deadpanned. "I should have expected the dramatic entrance."

He laughed merrily and gave an exaggerated bow, "I aim to please, especially for beautiful maidens," he said with a wink.

I noticed Candaith shifting a little beside me, and Barachen finally acknowledged them, "You bring companions with you this time! Candaith I know, but the other I do not."

"I am Saeradan," the ranger replied quietly, inclining his head in respect.

"Mae Govannen," Barachen replied, and turned back towards me. "How may I assist you? Are you just passing through?"

"We had hoped to share your campfire for the night, as we need a place to rest. Would that be agreeable?"

"Of course! I would be more than happy to assist you. Follow me." Barachen turned and walked up the slope toward the camp, which was well hidden behind large boulders. Heithur had returned during our conversation with Barachen and was sitting close to the fire, warming his hands. He acknowledged us gruffly, likely still a little disgruntled at my accusations.

We tied up our horses next to a small paddock where Barachen kept his, and walked to the other side of the fire. Saeradan and Candaith volunteered to set up the tents, and I eased myself slowly next to the fire. I felt some mild soreness from my injuries, and it was likely I had hurt myself slightly when I was dreaming last night. Barachen sent me a questioning look, but I shook my head, "It is nothing." I could tell he did not believe me, but chose to give me a smile instead, continuing to stir a pot containing something that smelled divine.

Thankfully neither Candaith or Saeradan chose to explain on my behalf, and I was grateful. Rehashing my recent troubles was not something I was keen to do unless it was completely necessary. I sighed internally, knowing Elrond would want to know everything. At least I had some days yet before I would be speaking with him.

We sat in silence for several minutes while the rangers finished getting settled, and the atmosphere felt a little uncomfortable. Barachen and Heithur clearly were unsure what to ask, likely aware we would not be able to share many details of our journey, and Saeradan and Candaith did not know the others well.

I took the initiative to strike up some small talk, "Whatever you are cooking smells wonderful; were you able to catch something during your hunt?"

"Unfortunately, just a pair of rabbits, as the boars were acting more aggressive than usual and I did not feel comfortable approaching them. However, I make a delicious stew, would you not agree sir dwarf?"

This elicited a tiny grin on Heithur's face, "I suppose it is passable," he mumbled.

"That is high praise!" he replied, laughing lightly. After a few minutes the stew was ready to serve, and Barachen dished us out portions in beautifully crafted wooden bowls.

"Did you make these?" I asked, looking curiously at the intricate design.

"I certainly did," he said, looking proud. "Do you not remember I was trained to be a carpenter before choosing to spend my time in the wilds?" I nodded, recalling the beginning of his training when we were still very young. He grinned impishly, "My skill is unmatched." I knew he was joking, as there were carpenters in Imladris that had carved the buildings out of the trees themselves.

I played along, "Oh yes, it is beyond imagining."

"Do I sense some sarcasm my lady?" he replied, "How unseemly."

I knew he was joking and just rolled my eyes. "When have I ever been 'seemly'? You know I like to scandalize the high-born ladies with my adventuring." I smiled a little wistfully, "I never spent much time dancing or really doing much of anything with the nobility."

"I know you are a fine dancer; do you remember when I traveled to Celondim to escort some Elves from Rivendell for the Festival of Ithil? It was only a few hundred years ago, and I distinctly remember you twirling about in the wildflowers with me." I smiled fondly. It was a beautiful night, and I had appreciated the respite from my training. I was not part of any sort of army in Celondim, but I had chosen to train with the soldiers in order to keep up my skills, as I had a feeling they would be needed at some point in the future.

"I cannot imagine you dancing," Saeradan said quietly, with a little quirk of his lips. "We have spent most of our time together either hunting enemies or saving women from brigands. Is she graceful?"

"Well I would not use the term 'graceful' to describe her, at least most of the time" Barachen replied, and I wacked him lightly on the arm. "You know it is true Gwinthilnel! Do you not remember jumping on the tables with the Elves while they were singing a somewhat…bawdy tune?" he laughed merrily. "Some of the Elleths were quite scandalized!" I could tell my face was burning, and Candaith was chuckling.

I decided to take his teasing with good humor and replied, "You were no better Barachen. You refilled your goblet of wine with a little too much Dorwinion that night, and I saw you fall into the harbor while skipping along the wooden posts of the dock."

"Ah yes, I may have been attempting to impress Lady Vaelwyn with my impeccable balance," Barachen replied with a shrug, "Clearly I failed in that!"

"Then you asked me to help pull you out of the water, and when I gave you my arm you pulled me right in!" I said with an exaggerated, haughty sniff. "Some gentleman you are."

Both rangers looked amused at our banter, and Candaith said, "Barachen, I assume you helped her exit the water?"

"You would assume wrong," I answered. "He instead ran off to find Lady Vaelwyn to apologize for, and I quote, 'Leaving her without a proper, handsome, and talented dance partner', but she was already being escorted by Laegon, who was coincidentally also a carpenter!"

"Luckily Gwinthilnel is an excellent swimmer, and despite her own overconsumption of Dorwinion-" I wacked him again, "-ouch! Anyway, I knew she was perfectly capable of escorting herself onto dry land." He winked and then ducked as I threw my spoon at him. We had known each other for a very long time, as we had grown up in the same village in Mirkwood, and although we had not spent a great deal of time together recently, most of our interactions were memorable, in one way or another.

I looked over and saw Candaith grinning at me from across the fire, and I felt some redness on my cheeks. Must just be a little too close to the fire…

Once we had finished eating, Saeradan volunteered to wash the bowls and I took out my arrows; I wanted to make sure they were all in good condition, considering there were likely dangers ahead. Barachen looked over and said, "Do you have enough? I could probably craft you a few tonight. They would not be perfect…" He looked a little uncertain.

I waved him off, "It looks like I have plenty for now, but I appreciate the offer," I said kindly, offering him a smile of thanks. He returned it and decided to quick scout around the camp's perimeter before we would settle down for sleep.

I decided to make Barachen into a humorous, good friend to Gwin, which is not LOTRO "canon" but it's my story so I'll do what I want haha. Look for more silliness next chapter! Review and follow if you have a moment!