[Child of the 7th Age]

Waendoliel's post

Merenwen wiped the sweat on her forehaed.She had been walking for hours. Her feet were aching, but she would not rest until she reached Mirkwood, and was sure that her mother was safe.
Deep inside herself a fear was growing; what if her mother had been killed under the attack of the dragon. Merenwen increased the speed by the thought, she had to hurry before it was to late.

After an hours walk she could dimly see some old trees which looked very well-known. It was Mirkwood, home, where she had not been for months. A terrible thought crossed her mind; what if the place was so ruined that she would not recognize it. When Merenwen approached the wood, she was proved rigt. The home she knew had been filled with laughter and joy, but now it was moved by destroyed houses and families crying for the lost ones.
While she was walking in sadness, not knowing how to respond, a very familiar voice from behind interrupede her. "Merenwen!" it called out loudly. She turned quickly and fell in to her mother's open arms. For a moment they just stod there hugging and kissing each other.
Afterwards her mother invited her home for a good meal and some rest.
Sadness fell over Merenwens face, because that was not the reason she had returned home. Her plan was to join Elentari's company and hunt down the dragon who had caused her people so much pain.
Merenwen feared that her motehr would not understand, but she had to try to explain to her. "Dear mother, you know deep in your heart that I have to do this. You traind me to be a warrior, to protect what's good and fight against evil. Now I have to live up to that. Since you are my mother I will not leav if you forbid me to. But I beg you, pleas, try to understand, it is for the best of everyone. You would have done the same."
Merenwen's mother shead some tears, and waved her hand at her. "You have my permission my child, but promise me this; one day you will return home," she whisperd in Merenwen's ear.

Merenwen walked away with tears in her eyes, and disappeared behind some trees. She was on her way to consulte Elentari. The bigest test in life was probably ahaed of her. But Merenwen was not afraid.

*********************************************


Faybeven Bombadil's post

Selvren was working to dam a section of the river that had overflowed in the latest dragon attack. The usual barrier had been smashed, and water was flowing into the valley behind the forest. He and his friend Rilgonion worked to move the large slabs of stone and hammered the wooden beams across them. It would take another day or so, and no one knew when the next attack would be. Soon, the two were joined by Erinrandir. He was a hunter friend of theirs that had witnessed the most recent attack, and had done all he could to save the elves. Three wives still had husbands thanks to him, and he was always about.

“Elentari has been given a new task by the King.” He said too simply, standing over the other two as they heaved a second stone into place. Selvren stopped and looked at Erinrandir. The simplicity of his words baffled him. Rilgonion set down his side of the boulder, and Selvren did as well. They turned to face the hunter. “She is gathering a group to track the dragon, and defeat him.” Selvren’s jaw dropped slack and Rilgonion held up a hand.

“Who has responded?” he asked.

“No one yet. If anyone wishes to volunteer, they are to see her in her house,” answered Erinrandir. Selvren shook his head.

“Does the King realize what he’s asking? We don’t have a chance against the wyrm.”

“I’m not sure what to think,” said the hunter, leaning against a white beech. “But if Elentari is leading it, I think our odds are better than one can guess. The gods seem to favor her, as well as the King.” The three shared an agreeing nod.

The pre-noon horn blew, and Erinrandir bid his friends farewell.

“I am also hungry,” said Rilgonion. “Let us go have a short meal in the hall. We’ll return for this in an hour, I promise.” Selvren shook his head stubbornly.

“No,” he said. “I’m going to see my father. But then,” he said quickly, before Rilgonion could nod with satisfaction that his friend was taking a rest, “I’m coming back here and working more on this dam.” Rilgonion shook his head. “It must be finished as soon as possible.” Turning his back in defeat, Rilgonion ran up the path to the palace for his lunch.


“So,” said Astaldohen to his son, as they shared a light meal in his study. “You are interested in aiding Elentari with tracking the wyrm?” Selvren nodded. A sliver of light shone through the window on the east side of the room as the sun ascended to its noontime position. Selvren had spoken with his father briefly about his reasons to go with Elentari. He desperately wanted to be rid of the dragon and to see that Mirkwood and the Lake Men were safe again and their trade renewed.

“Father, you have been given a name as a brave warrior during the wars of the First Age. I haven’t. I am known as a musician and recently, a relentless worker in repairing the wyrm’s damage. That is all. I want to come through for the elves of Mirkwood, and be remembered as something more than a bard.” Astaldohen nodded, understandingly.

“Yes, my son. I understand. It is now your turn to be great. You have my faith, evergreen.” Selvren stood and bowed his head.

“Thank you.”

After convincing Rilgonion to help him, he returned to working on the dam. By early evening, the stones were all in place, and in the morning he resolved to secure the beams. After joining Rilgonion for supper, he went to see Elentari.

[ May 08, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]