[Novnarwen]

Tanroth

"These are not orcs. I can be sure. The camp is too tidy...no trees felled, not even a blade of grass hacked. But of course, that doesn't mean they are not enemies...I cannot be sure in this lands," Tanorth stated after giving serious thought to the whole situation. The others muttered in agreement.

"Let's stay the night then," Solondil proposed. At first Tanroth doubted, but as he looked up at the sky, the sun was already starting its way downwards; it would be dark in a few hours. He waved his hand, making them sit down. "We'll go no further today. But at the break of dawn we will ride with great speed. Let's make a little camp," he announced, muttering. For a moment the others looked at him with surprise. "No further today?" Tanroth heard one whisper. He made no grimace.

Later that evening, they had quite a merry conversation. Everyone seemed suddenly so pleased about Tanroth's decision. Tanroth himself hadn't regretted his earlier statement. Now the company would be well rested, and maybe they would reach Michel Delving soon. With this thought he went to sleep, and didn't wake up until morning, break of dawn.

******

Three days had gone by since they had found the abandoned camp. Faint tracks from, what looked like, the same horses could still be spotted. Tanroth shivered by this; where would they lead? Michel Delving? Only now, the tracks were about 1 and a half day old. The company had made greater pace the last days, and the two riders were slowing down.

"Michel Delving," Tanroth announced, pointing. The nine companions had reached the largest village in and around the White Downs, West-Farthing in the Shire.

"Strange inhabitants live here," Tanroth heard one of them say. They all broke into laughter. "I've heard that they call themselves "Hobbits"," one of them answered merrily. Tanroth nodded.

The company had followed the Great East Road all the way from Tharbad, and now the road ran through the village. Tanroth and Rostion rode in the front as they approached the village. Small figures, men greeted them, but not with pleasure. Sceptic looking, (who can blame them) and insecurity were two things which spread among them, and many gathered around the outlanders. But as Tanorth and the others made their way through the crowd and took no heed to the small people, (only Erkaliel seemed to really enjoy this,) the hobbits went in all directions taking no heed to these elves either. Tanroth chuckled, looking at Rostion and Imthôlion who rode at Tanroth's side. "Have you seen any of these strange being before?" he asked, his eyes glittering in the moonlight.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 6:01 PM December 23, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]