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piosenniel · 11-25-2002, 02:25 AM

‘Collin Boffin,’ said Bandobras quietly, ‘we cannot feed our families with patience. Nor can we fill our children’s empty stomachs with promises of a change in the weather.’ He looked round the room at the ragtag gathering of hungry Hobbits. ‘I stand on the side of good Hobbit common sense. The Elves have food to spare. Master Elrond has given his word that he will share what bounty he has with us. We have but to go to Rivendell to retrieve it. It is quite straight forward to my way of thinking.’

He looked directly at Collin. ‘If this is madness, then call me completely mad. For I intend to go to Rivendell.’

There was a collective gasp at this announcement, and then a swelling murmur of voices, as Hobbits turned to each other, wondering what hope the Bullroarer saw where most saw none.

‘It will be a long journey, and there will no doubt be perils along the uncertain way. But to stay here brings the certainty of death ever closer for ourselves and our families. We have the chance to succeed if we but try. Staying put here gives us no chance at all. We will grow weaker, until we are nothing but food for the hungry Wargs.’

He looked at the map Gandalf had pinned to the wall, and traced the journey with his thick finger, tapping it lightly on Rivendell. He stood with his back to the assembly, and spoke low, as if to himself. The Hobbits moved in close about him, straining to catch his words.

‘We will need each to bring a pack animal, two if possible. Gather what foodstuffs can be spared. We will hunt and fish along the way as we can. Bring warm clothing, bedding, and means to make shelters from the cold. Cooking supplies, candles, firestarters. Arms, too – stout cudgels, slings, bows, long knives, sharpened staves, a pitch fork, even, will do nicely.’ He ticked off the items from his mental list as he went along.

Bullroarer turned back to face them, waving them back from him a fair pace. ‘Only the best and the bravest will I take with me. You know who you are. Come! Stand before me now. Who will dare the Great East Road to Imladris with me?’

He leaned on his cudgel, his eyes glinting with the challenge, and waited.

11-25-2002, 02:25 AM	#3
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	‘Collin Boffin,’ said Bandobras quietly, ‘we cannot feed our families with patience. Nor can we fill our children’s empty stomachs with promises of a change in the weather.’ He looked round the room at the ragtag gathering of hungry Hobbits. ‘I stand on the side of good Hobbit common sense. The Elves have food to spare. Master Elrond has given his word that he will share what bounty he has with us. We have but to go to Rivendell to retrieve it. It is quite straight forward to my way of thinking.’ He looked directly at Collin. ‘If this is madness, then call me completely mad. For I intend to go to Rivendell.’ There was a collective gasp at this announcement, and then a swelling murmur of voices, as Hobbits turned to each other, wondering what hope the Bullroarer saw where most saw none. ‘It will be a long journey, and there will no doubt be perils along the uncertain way. But to stay here brings the certainty of death ever closer for ourselves and our families. We have the chance to succeed if we but try. Staying put here gives us no chance at all. We will grow weaker, until we are nothing but food for the hungry Wargs.’ He looked at the map Gandalf had pinned to the wall, and traced the journey with his thick finger, tapping it lightly on Rivendell. He stood with his back to the assembly, and spoke low, as if to himself. The Hobbits moved in close about him, straining to catch his words. ‘We will need each to bring a pack animal, two if possible. Gather what foodstuffs can be spared. We will hunt and fish along the way as we can. Bring warm clothing, bedding, and means to make shelters from the cold. Cooking supplies, candles, firestarters. Arms, too – stout cudgels, slings, bows, long knives, sharpened staves, a pitch fork, even, will do nicely.’ He ticked off the items from his mental list as he went along. Bullroarer turned back to face them, waving them back from him a fair pace. ‘Only the best and the bravest will I take with me. You know who you are. Come! Stand before me now. Who will dare the Great East Road to Imladris with me?’ He leaned on his cudgel, his eyes glinting with the challenge, and waited. __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.