* Gandalf used the short break to think over Bethberry's words about the destroyed letter ... seek ways to redress the loss. Could the path be retraced and a second letter sought? Or now must our steps be sent a different way, not to Tharbad? ... The trek to Tharbad could still go as planned, actually. Rivendell wouldn't be too far out of the way when it came time to journey to Lothlórien. Especially if the former war steed Midnight would consent to take him. *
Bethberry, it is kind of you to offer to continue the journey with me, when all the road appears to offer you is hardship.
* Gandalf smiled, bowing to recognize the generosity of his friend. Then the break ended, and all filed back inside the cabin. *
* As for what was to be learned from the Council of Rangers, the main gist of it all was that the tide was turning against the Dunedain, who continued to meet the challenge by sheer dint of drawing the deeper on their reserves of inner strength and determination to fight the good fight in Arda. Trolls were observed as being bolder and shrewder than in former days. Stranger yet, it was rumored that Orcs singly or in small, quiet groups were skulking openly in places where they'd never dared venture so before. Travel was increasingly treacherous. *
* At Vincamir's mention of Maladil Castle, the Ranger looked at Gandalf meaningfully. It was thought that the Castle's very reputation for hauntedness was making its territory an attractive refuge for evildoers. *
Yes, Vincamir. My road still lies South to Tharbad.
* In the middle of the afternoon, the Council ended. Bethberry and Gandalf decided that by the time they arrived back at the Trade Inn to meet up with the others, it would be too late for further travelling this day. They would spend one more night at Sarn Ford. *
* Meanwhile, at around dusk, Podo Cotton arrived in Buckland. This time, he couldn't resist putting one of his plans into action. The Hobbit crept up the lane to his friend Emmy's door, humming a song about picnics and pies. Emeralds for Esmerelda, he murmured, placing an envelope containing three choice green jools on her doorstep. Podo knocked on the door, then flung himself into some bushes to secretly await what would happen. His pony Hardwin and his cart stood a short ways down the lane, submerged by twilight shadows under an overcast sky. *
[ August 09, 2002: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]
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