* Gandalf winced on being referred to as "mighty" by the mysterious Birdland, but smoked amenably enough until hearing Bethberry referred to as "leman." Then he extinguished his pipe and stood, turning towards the newcomer to their group. *
The one whom you mistakenly call "leman" is a good friend, the best pure light to come from the Old Forest and dispel darkness after the tradition of her parents most worthy. Her honor rivals that of the greatest fair folk ever to walk Middle Earth. * Gandalf nodded to Bethberry, inviting her to introduce herself and her background according to her comfort level. Then he spoke to Birdland again. *
... You've just reminded me of something, though. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for an Entwife. Thought I heard one earlier. If so, I must relay this good news to Treebeard.
* There being only a few short hours left until dawn, Gandalf eyed the half-snoozing horse with a touch of envy. *
They don't call it horse sense for nothing, * he muttered to himself, then spoke at a more normal volume to the group at large * ... A few last things to consider before I catch a short sleep: How many here ride bareback? Shall we be needing the horse's gear? And who among us will discover a name that the horse will answer to?
* Gandalf, unabashedly dead tired, yawned, stretched out on the ground, and dropped off to sleep. *
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