[ElenCala Isil]

Ivy did not make any attempt to hurry and get her things packed for the journey. She had planned things aforetime, hoping that it would come to be one day that she would be chosen to go on an adventure. As she reached her hole, she looked around to see the soft, pallid blankets of snow piled up high all around the Shire. She sighed, and walked in.

The fire kindled and warmth seeped into the air about her home. It was a simple hole, nothing too special about it, and it had been the same way for years. In fact the only thing remotely different about her home was the small bundle set beside the door. Well, my packing has been done for a long time, now. I guess I should see how the others are faring. She looked around her modest home, and decided to delay visiting the others until after having a light meal.

Ivy suddenly stood from the table where she was sat, and grabbed a mushroom. She stuffed it into her mouth, and then made her way towards the coat rack. Piling on her heaviest jacket, she set out into the frosty outside once more. She planned to go and see how Melody was doing, and if she needed any help, but as she was well on her way, she found that her feet were not leading her to Melody’s home, but instead back to the river, where she had first met the dwarf. Without even thinking, she sat down against the bole of a tall tree. In the summer it was a sight to behold. Naturally, its beauty did not compare to that of the party tree, but by this tree had always been Ivy’s favourite spot to read, or have picnics at. She placed her hand on the tree, it seemed lifeless. She looked up to see its bare branches, adorned with only rigid spikes of ice and snow clinging to its outstretched fingers. ‘If only the cool wind of winter did not make you wither so!’ Ivy spoke aloud to the tree. ‘Why must such a beautiful season bring such misery to everybody?’ Ivy had always been fond of winter, but she was pained to see how it affected everything, everyone.

Ivy sat for a while, her coat wrapped snugly about her, and pondered about the journey. The possibilities of finding the same dangers on the road to Bree as the one that lead to Rivendell for the most part didn’t bother her, but the chill did. She wondered how the group was going to make it even to Bree with such weather, much less attempt a journey back. But we have to try, she thought, trying to push away her pessimistic views of the whole situation. We have to bring supplies back to the Shire, and we will. What a pity we aren’t going to Rivendell! I wonder what the elves are like.

Ivy looked about to see a small figure heading her way. She quickly resolved that it would be a good time to head back to her home for the night. She walked briskly back to her home, and once inside, she lit the fire and warmed her hands. Oh, Ivy! You forgot to check on Melody and the others! she said to herself, as she suddenly remembered Melody. ‘I suppose I’ll have to do that tomorrow.[/i] she said as she peered out her window at the dark sky.

After having a bit of cake and tea, Ivy retired to her bed. Her sleep was empty, and not a dream interrupted her long slumber. When at last she had awoken, the sun was high in the chilled sky. She darted out of bed, and started up the fire once more. Then she made her breakfast, and ate it happily, trying not to think that she hadn’t much food left in her pantry, and that her cupboards were bare.