The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - The Lonely Star -- Chapter 4

mark12_30 · 11-05-2002, 01:41 PM

Child's post

Despite all the sadness and loss, everyone woke up that morning knowing that something special was about to happen. This was to be the day when the hobbits and their rescuers finally walked on the shores of Meneltarma. Even the Elves, with their quiet assurance and vast knowledge, were genuinely curious about what they might find within the isle.

The ships were located only a short distance from the shores of Meneltarma. They pulled easily into the harbor to dock, the Star leading the way like a mother swan forging a pathway for its cygnets. Many hobbits crowded near the ramps hoping to be among the first to exit, straining to catch a closer look at that small and mysterious island nestled within blue-green waters of perfect peace and harmony.

The isle itself was dipped in flowers and sunlight. Bright green fields, gently shadowed forests, and beaches of pure white sand lay at the base of Eru's Mount. The mountain was so close to the heavens that the hobbits could not even see where its top point lay. Sea beasts gamboled below in the cresting waves, joined by Levento and his folk, or played closer to the shore in nearby coves. Gulls and terns swooped overhead, plunging down to nestle on twiggy homes already full ladden with eggs. Yet, wherever the hobbits looked, all traces of the tombs, all hints of suffering and death, had been swept away and replaced by something wondrous.

Ancalimon and Loremaster were the first to leave the boats and step onto the soil of that new place. The hobbits and Elves followed close behind, coming up shipload by shipload as the vessels docked.

Even Rose had managed to leave her sickbed that day. She leaned against Bird's shoulder, smiling broadly for the first time since the rescue. Cami walked near Gamba, with the chldren playing about their legs. The boy looked about him with longing in his eyes and only wished Esta could have shared this. He hoped that, wherever she was, there would be as much beauty and peace as he could see here today.

Elves, hobbits, and hobbrim, all gathered together on the beach, marvelling at the freshness of the land. Idril leaned close to Khelek and confided, "This spot is small, and is meant for mortals, but the isle bears some resemblence to the shores of Elvenhome."

Then Loremaster turned to the crowd and spoke, "Enjoy yourself now. Rest or explore these pathways as you see fit. Take time to eat the food from your baskets that you have carried along."

"We will meet again at mid-day in the shaded grove to the west of Mount Eru and pay our respects to those hobbits who died. Then we will talk of other things which must be decided within a few days' time."

And all listened carefully to Loremaster, all, that is, except one. Phura sat on the edge of the beach, with Azraph beside him. At first they held hands and stared out towards the waters. Then the hobbit put his head down into his hands and began to cry. A single refrain ran through his mind, Home, home, I have finally come home.

[ November 06, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[ November 06, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

11-05-2002, 01:41 PM	#370
mark12_30 Stormdancer of Doom Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Elvish singing is not a thing to miss, in June under the stars Posts: 4,349	Child's post Despite all the sadness and loss, everyone woke up that morning knowing that something special was about to happen. This was to be the day when the hobbits and their rescuers finally walked on the shores of Meneltarma. Even the Elves, with their quiet assurance and vast knowledge, were genuinely curious about what they might find within the isle. The ships were located only a short distance from the shores of Meneltarma. They pulled easily into the harbor to dock, the Star leading the way like a mother swan forging a pathway for its cygnets. Many hobbits crowded near the ramps hoping to be among the first to exit, straining to catch a closer look at that small and mysterious island nestled within blue-green waters of perfect peace and harmony. The isle itself was dipped in flowers and sunlight. Bright green fields, gently shadowed forests, and beaches of pure white sand lay at the base of Eru's Mount. The mountain was so close to the heavens that the hobbits could not even see where its top point lay. Sea beasts gamboled below in the cresting waves, joined by Levento and his folk, or played closer to the shore in nearby coves. Gulls and terns swooped overhead, plunging down to nestle on twiggy homes already full ladden with eggs. Yet, wherever the hobbits looked, all traces of the tombs, all hints of suffering and death, had been swept away and replaced by something wondrous. Ancalimon and Loremaster were the first to leave the boats and step onto the soil of that new place. The hobbits and Elves followed close behind, coming up shipload by shipload as the vessels docked. Even Rose had managed to leave her sickbed that day. She leaned against Bird's shoulder, smiling broadly for the first time since the rescue. Cami walked near Gamba, with the chldren playing about their legs. The boy looked about him with longing in his eyes and only wished Esta could have shared this. He hoped that, wherever she was, there would be as much beauty and peace as he could see here today. Elves, hobbits, and hobbrim, all gathered together on the beach, marvelling at the freshness of the land. Idril leaned close to Khelek and confided, "This spot is small, and is meant for mortals, but the isle bears some resemblence to the shores of Elvenhome." Then Loremaster turned to the crowd and spoke, "Enjoy yourself now. Rest or explore these pathways as you see fit. Take time to eat the food from your baskets that you have carried along." "We will meet again at mid-day in the shaded grove to the west of Mount Eru and pay our respects to those hobbits who died. Then we will talk of other things which must be decided within a few days' time." And all listened carefully to Loremaster, all, that is, except one. Phura sat on the edge of the beach, with Azraph beside him. At first they held hands and stared out towards the waters. Then the hobbit put his head down into his hands and began to cry. A single refrain ran through his mind, Home, home, I have finally come home. [ November 06, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ] [ November 06, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ] __________________ ...down to the water to see the elves dance and sing upon the midsummer's eve.