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piosenniel · 01-24-2003, 02:26 PM

Bullroarer walked round to where Branda still sat. The healer had declined the offer of Carl, choosing to stay close to his charges. ‘The weather will hold for us for another few days.’ said Bullroarer, glancing up toward the cloudless sky. ‘Can we get the companions on the road by tomorrow? Will those who are sorely hurt be alright to ride along in the wagon?’

Branda brought up the subject of Celandine, and Bullroarer sighed deeply. ‘Another one gone.’ He looked about at the weary circle of Hobbits. ‘We can’t take her back. We must go on and soon to Rivendell.’ His brow furrowed as he glanced into the darkness beneath the trees. ‘And I don’t relish the thought of leaving her for the Wargs.’

He called Carl, Lotho and Giles over to him. ‘Build up a fitting pyre for our fallen companion. Dafodyl, Gaddy, and Dinodas – you give them a hand. Make it far away from that other pile.’ He pointed toward the burning Wolf carcasses ‘Put one of the pitchy brands in it so it will burn hot and clean. When it’s done we’ll lay our friend’s body to rest.’

Bullroarer gently laid Celandine’s blanket wrapped body on the platform of the branches. The Hobbit’s gathered round, and a hush fell on them as Bullroarer lit the wood. Each of them spoke a few words in their hearts to her as the flames burned bright, and some threw small white flowers into the pyre, watching them float up on the heated currents and then burst into flame.

Once they were done, and the flames had burned down a little, Bullroarer bade them all move in close to the fire to sleep as best they could. Tomorrow they would once again be on the road, going East.

Branda was just taking a final look at the three in the wagon when Bullroarer pulled him aside for a whispered conference. ‘I fear that the Wargs will not be held off long, even by one fat Shire pony. We must come up with some plan to get by them safely.’ He looked closely at the healer. ‘I am at a loss at the moment. All the ideas I have churning in my mind don’t seem to work out well for us as I follow them to their end. We’re tired, and injured, and dispirited by the loss of another companion. Is there anything you can think of that we might do to give us a safer passage?’

01-24-2003, 02:26 PM	#237
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	Bullroarer walked round to where Branda still sat. The healer had declined the offer of Carl, choosing to stay close to his charges. ‘The weather will hold for us for another few days.’ said Bullroarer, glancing up toward the cloudless sky. ‘Can we get the companions on the road by tomorrow? Will those who are sorely hurt be alright to ride along in the wagon?’ Branda brought up the subject of Celandine, and Bullroarer sighed deeply. ‘Another one gone.’ He looked about at the weary circle of Hobbits. ‘We can’t take her back. We must go on and soon to Rivendell.’ His brow furrowed as he glanced into the darkness beneath the trees. ‘And I don’t relish the thought of leaving her for the Wargs.’ He called Carl, Lotho and Giles over to him. ‘Build up a fitting pyre for our fallen companion. Dafodyl, Gaddy, and Dinodas – you give them a hand. Make it far away from that other pile.’ He pointed toward the burning Wolf carcasses ‘Put one of the pitchy brands in it so it will burn hot and clean. When it’s done we’ll lay our friend’s body to rest.’ Bullroarer gently laid Celandine’s blanket wrapped body on the platform of the branches. The Hobbit’s gathered round, and a hush fell on them as Bullroarer lit the wood. Each of them spoke a few words in their hearts to her as the flames burned bright, and some threw small white flowers into the pyre, watching them float up on the heated currents and then burst into flame. Once they were done, and the flames had burned down a little, Bullroarer bade them all move in close to the fire to sleep as best they could. Tomorrow they would once again be on the road, going East. Branda was just taking a final look at the three in the wagon when Bullroarer pulled him aside for a whispered conference. ‘I fear that the Wargs will not be held off long, even by one fat Shire pony. We must come up with some plan to get by them safely.’ He looked closely at the healer. ‘I am at a loss at the moment. All the ideas I have churning in my mind don’t seem to work out well for us as I follow them to their end. We’re tired, and injured, and dispirited by the loss of another companion. Is there anything you can think of that we might do to give us a safer passage?’ __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.