* Gandalf still held Andreth's book in his hands as the conversation ended. He would keep it safe in a hard leather belt pouch, and yield it up to her as she wished. *
* Gandalf hummed along with Hinura's carefree tune, quietly to himself until she stopped. He sensed her preoccupation ... and shared a certain foreboding, though outwardly maintaining a serene face. *
* Gandalf rose from his log, shaking off loose bits of bark, and strode over to where the hostler Aislan and the young ranger Alearindu were striking up sparks of conversation. He would only need a moment of their time. The wizard beamed a smile of kindly approval at Aislan's way with Midnight. * He's not fully tame, you know. Somehow Midnight's spirit remains unbroken, though he once carried one of the cruellest masters in all Mordor. Now, Midnight walks with us as a free creature. Please, do not tie him, nor even force him into the Stately Stables, should he prefer to take his chances apart from their security.
* Gandalf turned to Alearindu. * Will you consent to serve the company again by continuing on ahead of us, to scout the road against further traps, as before? ... And remember, a ranger's skill does not end when she enters the castle door.
* Gandalf walked on and drew up beside Holly for a moment. * May the company have the favor of drawing on your artistic skill yet again? Should we make good time and arrive at Laurëondo before sunset tomorrow, it would be well if when the shadows grow long around the boundaries of the Castle, you could sketch them.
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