[Alkanoonion]

The journey from his home in Crickhollow was an odious one for Carl Hoarwell, it was always hard in the winter to leave a warm house but in early fall it was intolerable especially when every room in his home had nice large fireplaces to warm the hands and kettles.

Stamping his feet to help Circulation Carl paused and looking down he saw his reflection in the ice. Looking back at him was stranger. The face looking back at him was smooth with no facial hair and fair skin his cheeks were now looking gaunter than he remembered. A touch of fatigue was around his blue eyes. His long golden hair, once his pride and joy was looking dull and unkempt from spending weeks trying to find food in the woods. Carl could only shake his head if he was like this what of the other Hobbits in the shire?

After a summer of snow little food remained for Carl and he dreaded how the other Hobbits were faring. He had it good; at least he could hunt in the wilds for a meal while other less skilled Hobbits starved in their cold homes. For this reason Carl travelled to Bullroarers home for a meeting to discuss the problems of the long freeze. Trudging along the roadway Carl was glad to finally see Bullroarers door, as he entered he was led into the Great Hall.

The meeting was just starting and Carl looked around the hall scrutinising his companions, they all had the look of exhaustion from worry but also one of hope, hope that Gandalf would have all the answers. The Hobbit listened as Gandalf explained his desperate plan to Travel to Rivendell to collect the promised supplies that the Elves had saved.

Carl listened through Gandalf’s plan and thought it a good one, when to his bemusement each Hobbit found fault with the plan and could only just with a mighty effort hold his tongue when Bullroarer stood up admonishing the crowd.
"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?"

Smiling with pride at Bullroarers speech Carl stood up as a wave of pride in his fellow hobbit moved him to volunteer. Now was the time for action, dammed if he would be left behind when his people needed him. Carl stood and faced Bullroarer his tall 4-foot stature standing him above most of the other hobbits in the room.

“I will dare the Great East Road with you and with me will go my Bow and dagger useful for both hunting and fighting if needed”

Bowing, to Bullroarer Carl stood aside to prepare for the road ahead.

[ November 26, 2002: Message edited by: Alkanoonion ]