Wow, I can't believe it's been over 4 months since I posted here. There have been so many things going on in RL that time has just flowed past like the Anduin. I have still been walking though, and I am currently journeying back to the Shire with the hobbits. We are still in Rohan, about 20 miles east of Helm's Deep. I wrote the following sometime in October, but never had a chance to post it.
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2108 Miles -- The Beacon of Calenhad
We have journeyed slowly through Anórien, along the northern edge of the White Mountains, past the now dark and silent beacon hills. There is no longer any need of haste, and as we draw near to Edoras, our company follows the wain bearing Théoden King back to the land of his sires.
Several days ago we passed the edges of the wood under Amon Dîn, and King Elessar granted all of the Forest of Drúadan to the Wild Men of the Woods in payment for their help to the Rohirrim. After listening to Merry’s tale I had hoped for a glimpse of them, but we saw them not.
Most days, I find myself riding betwixt Elladan and Elrohir, playmates of my youth, and my brothers in spirit. As on many another journey, they have appointed themselves my escort and guardians. With them, I do not feel obligated to fill every moment with conversation. We speak and we are silent, and their familiar presence fills me with peace.
After the luncheon halt today, I was preparing to mount my horse when I felt a touch on my arm. Turning, I looked into the smiling faces of Frodo and Sam. “Can we ride with you this afternoon, Alatáriël?” asked Frodo. “It seems such a long time since we’ve talked to you. Sam and I are beginning to think you’re avoiding us.”
I was embarrassed…I had not realized that they might think that. “I would enjoy your company,” I replied with a smile of my own, “but surely the King would prefer that you remain with him.”
“King Strider’ll not mind,” put in Sam. “We thought as how you would come an’ ride with us sometime, but Gandalf said that you wanted t’ spend some time with th’ folk from Rivendell. But we’ve been travelin’ for a fortnight now, so we thought you wouldn’t mind spendin’ some time with
us. Beggin’ your pardon, sirs” he added with a nod to Elrond’s sons.
And so we three journeyed together once again, and it was as if time had turned back, and we were companions once again. The pleasure of their company, but without the fear and danger of our quest, was so great that I did not even mind the smirk I caught on Gandalf’s face.
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At last the day of departure came, and a great and fair company made ready to ride north from the City. Then the kings of Gondor and Rohan went to the Hallows and they came to the tombs in Rath Dínen, and they bore away King Théoden upon a golden bier, and passed through the City in silence. Then they laid the bier upon a great wain with Riders of Rohan all about it and his banner borne before; and Merry being Théoden’s esquire rode upon the wain and kept the arms of the king.
For the other Companions steeds were furnished according to their stature; and Frodo and Samwise rode at Aragorn’s side, and Gandalf rode upon Shadowfax, and Pippin rode with the knights of Gondor; and Legolas and Gimli as ever rode together upon Arod.
In that riding went also Queen Arwen, and Celeborn and Galadriel with their folk, and Elrond and his sons; and the princes of Dol Amroth and of Ithilien, and many captains and knights. Never had any king of the Mark such company upon the road as went with Théoden Thengel’s son to the land of his home.
Without haste and at peace they passed into Anórien, and they came to the Grey Wood under Amon Dîn; and there they heard a sound as of drums beating in the hills, though no living thing could be seen. Then Aragorn let the trumpets be blown; and heralds cried:
“Behold, the King Elessar is come! The Forest of Drúadan he gives to Ghân-buri-ghân and to his folk, to be their own forever; and hereafter let no man enter it without their leave!”
Then the drums rolled loudly, and were silent.
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I have a question. I have already walked to Rivendell some time ago and I don't want to start over so, first, we're walking to Lothlorien now right? If thats the case then how many miles is it from Rivendell to Lothlorien?
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elfearz1: I posted this quite a few pages back, so I thought I'd bring it forward. I hope it helps...
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I spent several hours yesterday afternoon working on a timetable/mileage chart for the rest of the journey. I discovered that if I follow the Fellowship exactly, it is actually
465 miles from Rivendell to Caras Galadhon (396 to the banks of Nimrodel);
389 from Caras Galadhon to Rauros; &
468 miles from Rauros to Mt. Doom. A total of
1,780 miles from Bag End to Mt. Doom.
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Lyta, my friend...I am sorry to read that you have run afoul of the spawn of Ungoliant. I hope everything works out for you and the Witch King. You are both very special people. And although you might feel trapped in the darkness of Shelob now, remember this:
"...Sam saw a white star twinkle for a while. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him. For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty for ever beyond its reach." Like Frodo and Sam, you two will triumph over the darkness...
and the spider!