Cuilpantiel looked around her. No one was noticing her. Good, she thought. I don't feel like talking right now. They had a long way ahead of them, but she was glad for something to do.
Cuilpantiel has gone 49 miles since 1/4/10.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Untitled because I cannot come up with a title.
Mr. Sam had decided to travel to whatever important event at Rivendell by taking the same route he and Frodo had taken all those many years ago.
I had chosen to go with them. After all, this route would take me to Bree, where Auntie would be waiting. I would, of course, be days late, but I made sure those returning to Bree by a faster path would give her my message: Going to Bree with Mr. Sam, Ruby, and others. Will be late. Much love, and don't forget to milk the cows.
We had been walking for two days. My feet were quite sore; we were going the same speed that Frodo and Mr. Sam had gone on their journey with the Ring. I wondered how they had kept it up for so long.
Ruby was the only one of the many Gamgee children to go. Three Elves (Cupantiel, Ella, and a strange Elf, Marigold) came with us.
They did not frighten me as much as I had exspected to be frightened of such noble, ancient beings.
Marigold said that she had grown up in the Old Forest with Tom Bombadil and Goldberry. She was the kindliest of the Elves; at least, she did not seem so awkward around the rest of the group.
One Elf, Ella, kept giving me looks that I did not quite understand. Strangely enough, her face (which was so beautiful, both young and old) reminded me of the days of my childhood. Which was strange, because I had very vauge memories of my young childhood. After all, it was at least twenty years ago... or was it? Auntie thought I was a Numenorian because I aged so slowly.
Cupitantiel seemed to be lost. She rarely spoke, even to the other Elves. Not that the Elves talked all that much. They kept to themselves, mostly.
Lissi, a human, was known a little to me. She occasionally spent some time at the Gamgee's. But there was another human (who acted much older than she looked... like me), by the name of Miriel. No one knew who she was, but no one had the heart to tell her not to come.
To my great delight, some Hobbits other than Ruby and her father came! Dana, the cook, was sure to fill our stomachs with her knowledge of food... glorious food. Estelwen was one of the few Hobbits who had lived outside the Shire-- she spent her early childhood in Rivendell. I listened with joy to her memories of that wonderful Elvish place. It seemed so... familiar. In such a strange way.
I wondered if I should ever get to go to Rivendell. Auntie would be upset enough at me taking a long time to return to Bree. She would never let me take the long journey to Rivendell.
Ouch. That was one nasty blister! I leaned on Ruby's head as I adjusted my shoe. She rolled her eyes.
"How far have we come?" I exclaimed.
"Round about thirty miles," said Sam. He brushed the sweat off his white hair. "We are keeping a decent pace... I can't believe how effortless it seemed way back with Mr. Frodo. Oh! Samwise, you fool, you forgot about it? Look, everyone. Look!"
Everyone stopped at his urgent cry. We stared at the tree he was pointing at, confused.
"This is the tree where Frodo, Pip, and I hid during our first encounter with the Black Riders," said Sam. He squinted, remembering. After a moment, he started to hum a cheery tune. "Come, now, all of you! I hope to show you the place where we met the great Elves before nightfall!"
The Fellowship has traveled ~30 miles. We have just gotten off the Road and are near the tree where the original Fellowship hid from the first Black Rider.
Edhelaelwen had gone 49 miles since 1/4/09 and is on the Stock-Brook. The south bank is wet and muddy.
*Note: Please do post! Even if you don't have and idea for a storyline... even if it is merely a sentance about a goose flying overhead or a backpack that spills.
I had chosen to go with them. After all, this route would take me to Bree, where Auntie would be waiting. I would, of course, be days late, but I made sure those returning to Bree by a faster path would give her my message: Going to Bree with Mr. Sam, Ruby, and others. Will be late. Much love, and don't forget to milk the cows.
We had been walking for two days. My feet were quite sore; we were going the same speed that Frodo and Mr. Sam had gone on their journey with the Ring. I wondered how they had kept it up for so long.
Ruby was the only one of the many Gamgee children to go. Three Elves (Cupantiel, Ella, and a strange Elf, Marigold) came with us.
They did not frighten me as much as I had exspected to be frightened of such noble, ancient beings.
Marigold said that she had grown up in the Old Forest with Tom Bombadil and Goldberry. She was the kindliest of the Elves; at least, she did not seem so awkward around the rest of the group.
One Elf, Ella, kept giving me looks that I did not quite understand. Strangely enough, her face (which was so beautiful, both young and old) reminded me of the days of my childhood. Which was strange, because I had very vauge memories of my young childhood. After all, it was at least twenty years ago... or was it? Auntie thought I was a Numenorian because I aged so slowly.
Cupitantiel seemed to be lost. She rarely spoke, even to the other Elves. Not that the Elves talked all that much. They kept to themselves, mostly.
Lissi, a human, was known a little to me. She occasionally spent some time at the Gamgee's. But there was another human (who acted much older than she looked... like me), by the name of Miriel. No one knew who she was, but no one had the heart to tell her not to come.
To my great delight, some Hobbits other than Ruby and her father came! Dana, the cook, was sure to fill our stomachs with her knowledge of food... glorious food. Estelwen was one of the few Hobbits who had lived outside the Shire-- she spent her early childhood in Rivendell. I listened with joy to her memories of that wonderful Elvish place. It seemed so... familiar. In such a strange way.
I wondered if I should ever get to go to Rivendell. Auntie would be upset enough at me taking a long time to return to Bree. She would never let me take the long journey to Rivendell.
Ouch. That was one nasty blister! I leaned on Ruby's head as I adjusted my shoe. She rolled her eyes.
"How far have we come?" I exclaimed.
"Round about thirty miles," said Sam. He brushed the sweat off his white hair. "We are keeping a decent pace... I can't believe how effortless it seemed way back with Mr. Frodo. Oh! Samwise, you fool, you forgot about it? Look, everyone. Look!"
Everyone stopped at his urgent cry. We stared at the tree he was pointing at, confused.
"This is the tree where Frodo, Pip, and I hid during our first encounter with the Black Riders," said Sam. He squinted, remembering. After a moment, he started to hum a cheery tune. "Come, now, all of you! I hope to show you the place where we met the great Elves before nightfall!"
The Fellowship has traveled ~30 miles. We have just gotten off the Road and are near the tree where the original Fellowship hid from the first Black Rider.
Edhelaelwen had gone 49 miles since 1/4/09 and is on the Stock-Brook. The south bank is wet and muddy.
*Note: Please do post! Even if you don't have and idea for a storyline... even if it is merely a sentance about a goose flying overhead or a backpack that spills.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Near Bag End
I had come to the Shire hoping to see my friends, Samwise Gamgee, Merry Brandybuck, and Pippin Took. But I haven't seen them yet.
Miriel has walked 4 miles since 1/13/10
Miriel has walked 4 miles since 1/13/10
Monday, January 11, 2010
Going Home
I walked to Bag End. Hobbits were much friendlier than I had expected. An adorable family of them insisted I spend the night in their home. My objections that I had spent the past few months camping outdoors and did not mind it only led to further reasons I should stay with them...a chance to give me a real bed, a warm fire, a comforting atmosphere...
To be honest, the bed was tiny, and I doubt even an elven child could have been comfortable in it. But the fire was a welcome respite and it was wonderful getting to know the family in such close (SO VERY close!) quarters.
Now at my destination, I knocked on the door. Samwise and some others were to return with me to Rivendell. Elrond needed them for something. I wondered why he had not mentioned that to me before I left. I could have been the one to deliver the message. That would have given me a reason to be there, and I wouldn't have felt quite so inconsiderate for barging into a party I had not been invited to. But the past was past and everyone had been extremely welcoming. Samwise acted as though I were the very person he wanted at the party, and the others followed his lead.
Yes, I liked Hobbits very much. I would enjoy their company on the road home.
Ella has traveled 26 miles since 1/6/10 and is STILL on that pesky rolling road. ;)
To be honest, the bed was tiny, and I doubt even an elven child could have been comfortable in it. But the fire was a welcome respite and it was wonderful getting to know the family in such close (SO VERY close!) quarters.
Now at my destination, I knocked on the door. Samwise and some others were to return with me to Rivendell. Elrond needed them for something. I wondered why he had not mentioned that to me before I left. I could have been the one to deliver the message. That would have given me a reason to be there, and I wouldn't have felt quite so inconsiderate for barging into a party I had not been invited to. But the past was past and everyone had been extremely welcoming. Samwise acted as though I were the very person he wanted at the party, and the others followed his lead.
Yes, I liked Hobbits very much. I would enjoy their company on the road home.
Ella has traveled 26 miles since 1/6/10 and is STILL on that pesky rolling road. ;)
Introducing Miriel!
Name: Miriel (Mere -ee - ell)
Race: Numenorian
Age: Unknown
Canon Characters she knows: Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippen
Short Backstory:
(Kathleen on the forum)
Race: Numenorian
Age: Unknown
Canon Characters she knows: Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippen
Short Backstory:
(Kathleen on the forum)
Sunday, January 10, 2010
News of a Journey
I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. Yesterday had been one of the best days ever, and it had been one of the best Birthday Parties that I could remember. The entire day, from morning until well after nightfall, people of all kinds had been dancing, chatting, eating, playing, and having an altogether wonderful time.
I had met many new friends-- including some Elves. This was the first time that the Elves seemed to pay attention to me, but maybe that is because I finally looked older than a preteen girl. I was not sure of my descent-- Auntie said she guessed I was related to the bloodline of the King Elessar!-- but whatever my ansestry was, it made me age very, very slowly.
One Elf in particular, called Ella, kept giving me strange looks... as if she knew something but did not want to say it. Another Elf was following her around. Both of them had made friends with Estelwen, the Hobbit who was Un-Hobbitlike (as Ruby called her).
Ruby shook my shoulder, and I fell off the trundle bed. "What?"
"Daddy has got some kind of message, and he is leaving!"
"What?!" I was fully awake now.
"I said, Daddy got some kind of message. He is going to see the Elves' home!"
"What?" I repeated again, sounding incredibly intelligent.
"I asked him what was wrong, and he said that I could go with him! I think he is going to meet the King Elssar! There must be some kind of important business going on at Rivendell; anyways he is invited and he can bring people with him! It must be some kind of party!"
I vaguely recalled one of the Dwarves mentioning something along those lines. I sat up and crossed my legs. "Ruby, tell me all about it."
"I told you, Laelwen, Daddy is going to Rivendell. He says that many many people, even other Hobbits, are coming. But whatever is going on at Rivendell, it won't happen for a few months. He said that Mama is going to leave in a month, riding on a house-wagon. Most of my siblings and some other Hobbits will come with Mama. But Daddy has to get to Rivendell earlier, probably because of his adventures. He is going to walk the exact same way that he and Frodo walked all those years ago! And he said that I can come with him! Oh! Isn't it spectacular? He is packing right this minute. I won't be able to say goodbye to everyone I want to, but the Party can count for that, can't it? Anyway, some of the Elves who belong in Rivendell are going to travel with him. Imagine! Months of traveling cross country with Elves! And the same way that Daddy and Uncle Mr. Frodo went with Uncle Merry and Pip!"
"WHAT?" If I heard right, Mr. Sam was going to go to Rivendell, following the same path that he and Frodo did countless years ago-- on foot. They were going to take some Elves, and maybe some others... and Ruby was going!
"Laelwen, do you think you Auntie would let you come? We're only going to be gone... oh, it could take a year. But you don't grow old very fast, I don't think it should matter too much. We are leaving today. What do you say?"
I could only laugh at the mental image of Auntie's incredulous face... and then furrow my brows as I tried to peice it all together.
Edhelaelwen has traveled 14 miles since 1/4/10 and is almost at Stock Road.
I had met many new friends-- including some Elves. This was the first time that the Elves seemed to pay attention to me, but maybe that is because I finally looked older than a preteen girl. I was not sure of my descent-- Auntie said she guessed I was related to the bloodline of the King Elessar!-- but whatever my ansestry was, it made me age very, very slowly.
One Elf in particular, called Ella, kept giving me strange looks... as if she knew something but did not want to say it. Another Elf was following her around. Both of them had made friends with Estelwen, the Hobbit who was Un-Hobbitlike (as Ruby called her).
Ruby shook my shoulder, and I fell off the trundle bed. "What?"
"Daddy has got some kind of message, and he is leaving!"
"What?!" I was fully awake now.
"I said, Daddy got some kind of message. He is going to see the Elves' home!"
"What?" I repeated again, sounding incredibly intelligent.
"I asked him what was wrong, and he said that I could go with him! I think he is going to meet the King Elssar! There must be some kind of important business going on at Rivendell; anyways he is invited and he can bring people with him! It must be some kind of party!"
I vaguely recalled one of the Dwarves mentioning something along those lines. I sat up and crossed my legs. "Ruby, tell me all about it."
"I told you, Laelwen, Daddy is going to Rivendell. He says that many many people, even other Hobbits, are coming. But whatever is going on at Rivendell, it won't happen for a few months. He said that Mama is going to leave in a month, riding on a house-wagon. Most of my siblings and some other Hobbits will come with Mama. But Daddy has to get to Rivendell earlier, probably because of his adventures. He is going to walk the exact same way that he and Frodo walked all those years ago! And he said that I can come with him! Oh! Isn't it spectacular? He is packing right this minute. I won't be able to say goodbye to everyone I want to, but the Party can count for that, can't it? Anyway, some of the Elves who belong in Rivendell are going to travel with him. Imagine! Months of traveling cross country with Elves! And the same way that Daddy and Uncle Mr. Frodo went with Uncle Merry and Pip!"
"WHAT?" If I heard right, Mr. Sam was going to go to Rivendell, following the same path that he and Frodo did countless years ago-- on foot. They were going to take some Elves, and maybe some others... and Ruby was going!
"Laelwen, do you think you Auntie would let you come? We're only going to be gone... oh, it could take a year. But you don't grow old very fast, I don't think it should matter too much. We are leaving today. What do you say?"
I could only laugh at the mental image of Auntie's incredulous face... and then furrow my brows as I tried to peice it all together.
Edhelaelwen has traveled 14 miles since 1/4/10 and is almost at Stock Road.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Encounters with Hobbits
"The main host is named Samwise," I said. "I think he's that one..." I pointed, but quickly put my hand back down so as not to seem rude.
Marigold grinned and skipped in his direction. I walked behind, sincerely hoping my guess was correct. I'd never met the guy, but since he seemed to be surrounded by the most people, it seemed a safe bet.
"Hello," I said when we reached him. "My name is Ellarian...Ella. I was sent in Elrond's place. I'm sorry to intrude on your party like this." I bit my lip. Though they were many feet shorter than me, and had childlike features, hobbits still seemed intimidating.
Friday, January 8, 2010
More Preparations
I groaned as Ruby and I splashed into the little pond. We had successfully set off a firework, but had also succeded in burning our arms. My skin tingled as the cold water lapped against it.
"There is an awful lot of Elves around," noted Ruby.
I nodded. Usually only a few Elves attended the Birthday Party. But this year there were close to thirty.
"I think some of them are going to the Grey Havens after the Party," said Ruby. "It is wonderful to see so many Elves, you know they are my favorites. But I wonder why Elrond isn't here. He is very nice."
"Elrond? Nice? Really, Ruby, he is so strict that sometimes--" I cut off as a rustling noise echoed through the reeds. I ran towards the nearest tree, practically dragging Ruby along with me. Had someone discovered that we were the ones to set off the fireworks?
It was Dana the cook.
"I thought you would be 'round here somewhere, Miss Gamgee," she said sternly. Ruby gulped. "I need you to come help me pound the dough." I slowly let my breath out. "You, too, Miss Laelwen," said Dana. Her face filled with a grin. "I have icing left over for you two to lick if you are well-behaved!"
Ruby and I walked off, arms on each other's shoulders. Well, actually, my arm was practically on her head, and her arm was on my hips. But that did not seem the least bit strange to me-- Ruby and I had done it for years. We did get a strange look from a passing Elf, and only then did it occur to me that we must have been a funny sight. I just grinned back at the Elf, then turned my attention towards the sky. Night was falling.
Edhelaelwen has traveled 8 miles since 1/4/10 and is at the first slopes of the Green Hill Country.
"There is an awful lot of Elves around," noted Ruby.
I nodded. Usually only a few Elves attended the Birthday Party. But this year there were close to thirty.
"I think some of them are going to the Grey Havens after the Party," said Ruby. "It is wonderful to see so many Elves, you know they are my favorites. But I wonder why Elrond isn't here. He is very nice."
"Elrond? Nice? Really, Ruby, he is so strict that sometimes--" I cut off as a rustling noise echoed through the reeds. I ran towards the nearest tree, practically dragging Ruby along with me. Had someone discovered that we were the ones to set off the fireworks?
It was Dana the cook.
"I thought you would be 'round here somewhere, Miss Gamgee," she said sternly. Ruby gulped. "I need you to come help me pound the dough." I slowly let my breath out. "You, too, Miss Laelwen," said Dana. Her face filled with a grin. "I have icing left over for you two to lick if you are well-behaved!"
Ruby and I walked off, arms on each other's shoulders. Well, actually, my arm was practically on her head, and her arm was on my hips. But that did not seem the least bit strange to me-- Ruby and I had done it for years. We did get a strange look from a passing Elf, and only then did it occur to me that we must have been a funny sight. I just grinned back at the Elf, then turned my attention towards the sky. Night was falling.
Edhelaelwen has traveled 8 miles since 1/4/10 and is at the first slopes of the Green Hill Country.
I raised my eyebrows at the elf's impetuous hug. But I'd gone 500 miles without a hug, and welcomed it.
Marigold, she said her name was. It sounded more like a hobbit name than an elven name, but I didn't question it.
"Shall we go meet the hosts?" I asked. I was glad to have a companion. Hobbits didn't seem so scary with another elf beside me.
Ella has traveled 22 miles since 1/6/10 and is out of Hobbiton, on a rolling road.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Meeting friends
I clumsily weaved my way through the crowd of halflings, not used to being around such people of a great height difference. Spotting another elf, I made my way to where she stood, glancing about.
I caught my breath hastily. "Hi! I'm Marigold. I don't know much about this place..."
The other elf smiled pleasantly. "Oh, don't worry, you'll get used to it." she grinned. "My name is Ella." Proffering her slender hand, she added, "Where do you come from?"
To tell the truth, I was never very cultured (being raised alone in the woods will do that to you), so I had no idea what Ella was holding her hand out for, but she seemed to expect me to do something... so I hugged her rather quickly instead. Ella seemed a bit surprised, but hugged me back.
Marigold has traveled 14 1/2 miles since 1/4/10 and is trudging down Stock Road.
I caught my breath hastily. "Hi! I'm Marigold. I don't know much about this place..."
The other elf smiled pleasantly. "Oh, don't worry, you'll get used to it." she grinned. "My name is Ella." Proffering her slender hand, she added, "Where do you come from?"
To tell the truth, I was never very cultured (being raised alone in the woods will do that to you), so I had no idea what Ella was holding her hand out for, but she seemed to expect me to do something... so I hugged her rather quickly instead. Ella seemed a bit surprised, but hugged me back.
Marigold has traveled 14 1/2 miles since 1/4/10 and is trudging down Stock Road.
At the Party...
I had finally arrived at the Shire, and didn't even need to ask directions to Bag End. The noise and hustle and bustle alerted me as soon as I entered. I walked through the gate and almost ran into a girl chasing a ball. I guess I'll have to watch out around here. This place is packed!
Weaving around tables and carefully avoiding little hobbits running around was hard work. Suddenly, a girl with a kind face said, "Hi, I'm Lissi. What's your name? Do you know Frodo or Bilbo?" I replied, " Er, no, I don't... I was just passing through and found this." I held up the invitation. " I'm Cuilpantiel, but you can call me Tiel. Do you think anyone will mind me coming?"
Weaving around tables and carefully avoiding little hobbits running around was hard work. Suddenly, a girl with a kind face said, "Hi, I'm Lissi. What's your name? Do you know Frodo or Bilbo?" I replied, " Er, no, I don't... I was just passing through and found this." I held up the invitation. " I'm Cuilpantiel, but you can call me Tiel. Do you think anyone will mind me coming?"
Mischief in the Shire
I threaded through the bustling Hobbits, being very careful not to trip over them. I was awfully tall for a human, but it was years since I felt uncomfortable around the Halflings. Almost more years than I could remember.
"Hello, there, Little Merry," I said to a young (young in the eyes of the Hobbits, that is) Hobbit, the son of Samewise Gamgee. He was tending to a giant pot of daisies.
I jumped aside as he flung around, shears held high.
He sighed. "Oh, it's you. I thought it was another Sacksville Baggins kid. They kept trying to make daisy crowns out of my treasures." He patted the flower arrangement. "And didn't I ever tell you to stop calling me Little?"
"Well, how else am I supposed to distinguish you between the other Merry? I call your brothers Little Frodo and Little Pippin!"
"Uh, you can always call him Meriadoc the Magnificent," he said, jokingly. He knew that his namesake, Merry Brandybuck, disliked being called that-- except on important occasions.
"So... Meriadoc Gamgee, son of Samwise the, uh, Great, of Bag End in the Shire, have you seen your sister?" I made sure to draw out the title so long that Merry had turned back to trimming the daisies.
"Primrose or Ruby?"
"Ruby."
"I shaln't tell you; y'all will mess up everything!"
"No, we won't!"
After a few minutes, I figured out where Ruby was. We both surreptitiously disapeared into the tent full of fireworks.
Edhelaelwen has traveled 6 miles since 1/4/09 and is on the Brandywine Bridge, headed to Tookland.
"Hello, there, Little Merry," I said to a young (young in the eyes of the Hobbits, that is) Hobbit, the son of Samewise Gamgee. He was tending to a giant pot of daisies.
I jumped aside as he flung around, shears held high.
He sighed. "Oh, it's you. I thought it was another Sacksville Baggins kid. They kept trying to make daisy crowns out of my treasures." He patted the flower arrangement. "And didn't I ever tell you to stop calling me Little?"
"Well, how else am I supposed to distinguish you between the other Merry? I call your brothers Little Frodo and Little Pippin!"
"Uh, you can always call him Meriadoc the Magnificent," he said, jokingly. He knew that his namesake, Merry Brandybuck, disliked being called that-- except on important occasions.
"So... Meriadoc Gamgee, son of Samwise the, uh, Great, of Bag End in the Shire, have you seen your sister?" I made sure to draw out the title so long that Merry had turned back to trimming the daisies.
"Primrose or Ruby?"
"Ruby."
"I shaln't tell you; y'all will mess up everything!"
"No, we won't!"
After a few minutes, I figured out where Ruby was. We both surreptitiously disapeared into the tent full of fireworks.
Edhelaelwen has traveled 6 miles since 1/4/09 and is on the Brandywine Bridge, headed to Tookland.
Off to Bag End...
Early that morning, I decided to head over to Bag End, where preparation for Bilbo and Frodo's eleventy-whatever-eth birthday party had been underway since the middle of the previous week. It had been years since anyone had bothered to remember what age they were at, and no one really cared, anyway. It was an excuse for a party and dancing and lots and lots of food...who cares about technicalities? And besides, we would always want to keep alive the memory of those two wonderful hobbits.
As I entered the gate of Bag End, I ran into Sam Gamgee's daughter Elanor. She was just a few years younger than me and had always been one of my good friends. Her arms were full of tablecloths.
"Hello, Estelwen!" she greeted me. "Would you mind helping me put these on the table back in the field?"
"Not at all," I said, relieving her of a few of the cloths. "Oh, I can't wait for tonight!"
"Neither can I!" exclaimed Elanor. "I've cooking all day, every day for the past week, and all the food looks delicious! And I'm looking forward to the dancing."
"Oh, so am I! That's always one of the very best parts. And Gandalf's fireworks!"
"You certainly can't forget those!" said Elanor, pausing to push open the gate.
As we crossed the field, we ran into my cousins Merry Brandybuck and Pippin Took. They were several years older than me, but we'd always been great friends and I loved when they told me stories of their adventures during the War of the Rings.
"Hello!" I hailed them. "Now, mind not to set off any fireworks in tents tonight!"
Merry rolled his eyes, and Pippin laughed. I had only been 12 years old at the time, but I remembered well the night of Bilbo's party, when Merry and Pippin had set off Gandalf's biggest, best dragon firework in one of the tents. Gandalf had not been happy, to say the least!
"Now, Estelwen, surely your opinion of us has improved by this time!" exclaimed Merry. "We are no longer in our 'tweens," he added, pulling himself up to his full height, which made us all, him included, burst out laughing.
"Hmm, I'm not so sure I trust you, even now!" I laughed.
"Ahh, she's hopeless," said Pippin. "She'll never appreciate us!"
"Of course not," I smiled, and we parted, calling out jibes as we walked away.
Estelwen has traveled 9 miles since 1/5/10, and is in the Shire.
As I entered the gate of Bag End, I ran into Sam Gamgee's daughter Elanor. She was just a few years younger than me and had always been one of my good friends. Her arms were full of tablecloths.
"Hello, Estelwen!" she greeted me. "Would you mind helping me put these on the table back in the field?"
"Not at all," I said, relieving her of a few of the cloths. "Oh, I can't wait for tonight!"
"Neither can I!" exclaimed Elanor. "I've cooking all day, every day for the past week, and all the food looks delicious! And I'm looking forward to the dancing."
"Oh, so am I! That's always one of the very best parts. And Gandalf's fireworks!"
"You certainly can't forget those!" said Elanor, pausing to push open the gate.
As we crossed the field, we ran into my cousins Merry Brandybuck and Pippin Took. They were several years older than me, but we'd always been great friends and I loved when they told me stories of their adventures during the War of the Rings.
"Hello!" I hailed them. "Now, mind not to set off any fireworks in tents tonight!"
Merry rolled his eyes, and Pippin laughed. I had only been 12 years old at the time, but I remembered well the night of Bilbo's party, when Merry and Pippin had set off Gandalf's biggest, best dragon firework in one of the tents. Gandalf had not been happy, to say the least!
"Now, Estelwen, surely your opinion of us has improved by this time!" exclaimed Merry. "We are no longer in our 'tweens," he added, pulling himself up to his full height, which made us all, him included, burst out laughing.
"Hmm, I'm not so sure I trust you, even now!" I laughed.
"Ahh, she's hopeless," said Pippin. "She'll never appreciate us!"
"Of course not," I smiled, and we parted, calling out jibes as we walked away.
Estelwen has traveled 9 miles since 1/5/10, and is in the Shire.
Party Preparations
I had arrived at Bag End early, the morning before the preparation. And now, only several hours form the start of the party, it seemed that all of the Shire had turned up for the celebration. Hobbits ran back and forth, carrying armfuls of decorations and sweet-smelling loaves of bread and brightly colored fireworks. I loved hobbits. I liked being taller than someone for once.
I spotted Sam Gamgee dashing across the yard, toting a large assortment of treats. My mouth began to water. I headed towards him. “Want some help, Sam?”
“Lissi--you’re here? Good. Glad to see you again. Would you mind helping?” Sam held up a basket stuffed with some sort of pastry.
I nodded, scooping up three of the baskets. “Of course.”
“Bring them to the party grounds, would you?” Before I could answer, Sam had left, undoubtedly to scold the young hobbits that were tossing fireworks around like balls only a few yards away from me.
“Lissi, catch!”
I whirled around and spotted a ball hurtling towards me at an alarming rate. I squealed and jumped to the side, narrowly avoiding the sphere and spilling several pastries onto the ground.
Sam’s mischievous daughter, Ruby, was giggling at me. “Ruby,” I scolded, gathering up the fallen treats, “Look what you’ve made me do! Don’t do that again.”
Ruby skipped merrily over to me and helped pick up the last pastries. “Sorry. Want to play catch?”
“Now now, I’m busy.” I slipped the baskets onto my arm importantly. “Later?”
Ruby nodded, her curls bouncing up and down. I grinned. Her merry spirit was impossible to resist. “Can you help me set up the food down at the grounds?”
“O’ course!” Ruby followed me all the way to the party grounds, where several dozen tables had been set up.
"Expecting a lot of people?" I asked in amazement.
"Oh yes," Ruby said satisfactorily. "Even elves! Lissi, how tall are elves?"
I shrugged as I made my way to the largest table to set down my baskets.
Lissi has gone 5 miles since 1/4/10 and is at Brandywine Bridge.
Awaiting the Party
I giggled happily and began humming to myself as I threw my long brown hair into a flower-studded braid. It wasn't every day that Auntie let me go visit the Shire, but today was special. Dear Sam and Rose Gamgee were throwing another birthday party for Bilbo and Frodo. I remembered sitting next to the Gamgee children on cold winter evenings, listening as Mr. Sam told tales of the journey to destroy the One Ring.
"Laelwen, can't you wait until tomorrow? I desperately need to get the bread baked before the Birthday Party!" Auntie's voice traveled up the rickety stairs. I lifted my skirt and waltzed down the dim staircase.
"Auntie, you know that Ruby Gamgee invited me to a sleepover! Besides, I cooked three loaves of bread and a tray of sweets while you were napping."
Auntie grumbled, but I knew she was not as annoyed as she pretended.
"You can come, too, you know. Mrs. Rose would sure love to have someone to help her the evening before the party," I added.
"I can't do that, silly, creaking limbs won't allow."
I thought this comment odd, considering she would be doing the same journey in the morning. Oh, well, Auntie was a bit eccentric. I threw on my shawl, picked up my basket, and pecked her on the cheek.
Old Smith, the metal-smith of Bree, was waiting on the road for me. I hopped into his horse-drawn cart (which was cluttered with barrels full of wonderful trinkets) and watched as Bree disappeared into the distance. Old Smith started chattering about mundane gossip. I closed my eyes and breathed in the fresh air. We would be in the Shire soon enough.
Edhelaelwen has gone 4 miles since 1/4/10 and is at the Shire.
"Laelwen, can't you wait until tomorrow? I desperately need to get the bread baked before the Birthday Party!" Auntie's voice traveled up the rickety stairs. I lifted my skirt and waltzed down the dim staircase.
"Auntie, you know that Ruby Gamgee invited me to a sleepover! Besides, I cooked three loaves of bread and a tray of sweets while you were napping."
Auntie grumbled, but I knew she was not as annoyed as she pretended.
"You can come, too, you know. Mrs. Rose would sure love to have someone to help her the evening before the party," I added.
"I can't do that, silly, creaking limbs won't allow."
I thought this comment odd, considering she would be doing the same journey in the morning. Oh, well, Auntie was a bit eccentric. I threw on my shawl, picked up my basket, and pecked her on the cheek.
Old Smith, the metal-smith of Bree, was waiting on the road for me. I hopped into his horse-drawn cart (which was cluttered with barrels full of wonderful trinkets) and watched as Bree disappeared into the distance. Old Smith started chattering about mundane gossip. I closed my eyes and breathed in the fresh air. We would be in the Shire soon enough.
Edhelaelwen has gone 4 miles since 1/4/10 and is at the Shire.
I was wandering aimlessly through the woods when I noticed a piece of paper flying about on the wind. I reached out and grabbed it. It read:
Its the oh-so-many-th birthday party for Bilbo and Frodo. Despite the fact that they both went to the Grey Havens, we Hobbitses still throw a huge party every year (run by Samwise and his children!). Please join us in celebration!
Maybe it was just an extra that had fallen out of a bag. Who knows? But I was tired of walking, and I needed a distraction. All right, I decided, I'll go. I'm sure they won't mind. Now, I just have to find this place... I turned over the invitation and saw an address on the back. Bag End! Ah, that's not that far from here. And so I set off.
Cuilpantiel has gone 7 miles since 1/4/10
Cuilpantiel has gone 7 miles since 1/4/10
I whistled cheerfully as I worked, which I could tell was getting on some of the other hobbits' nerves. But what could I do? When one has been baking for nearly an entire day, one is entitled to whistle.
I carefully added a dollop of honey to the dough in the bowl before me. Sam had asked me to help cook the treats for Bilbo's party, and could I do anything but agree? It was an honor to be chosen. I snatched a wooden spoon off the shelf and began to stir busily. I had a lot of work if the food was to be finished by tonight.
Dana has gone 6 miles since 1/4/10 and is at Brandywine Bridge.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Strange Creatures...
Ok, it was about time to admit it. I was lost. But hey, not everyone is born with a built-in compass. And I was pretty sure I had passed that tree about three or four times now...
I pushed my way through thick shrubbery till I realized where I stood, and that was nowhere near where I wanted to be! All those hills with little doors in them... who would have thought of such things? Upon knocking on one, though, I soon found out. Dwarves without beards! These are indeed strange lands, but then again, I might have appeared a giant to them! Methinks I should have asked old Tom to tell me tales of these folk before...
I couldn't help but giggle as I noticed three cute toddlers running around, for they were so small I dare say I could have fit one into my bag!
Marigold has gone 2 miles since 1/7/10 and is following the hedgerows south.
I pushed my way through thick shrubbery till I realized where I stood, and that was nowhere near where I wanted to be! All those hills with little doors in them... who would have thought of such things? Upon knocking on one, though, I soon found out. Dwarves without beards! These are indeed strange lands, but then again, I might have appeared a giant to them! Methinks I should have asked old Tom to tell me tales of these folk before...
I couldn't help but giggle as I noticed three cute toddlers running around, for they were so small I dare say I could have fit one into my bag!
Marigold has gone 2 miles since 1/7/10 and is following the hedgerows south.
So it Begins...
I read over the invite again.
Its the oh-so-many-th birthday party for Bilbo and Frodo. Despite the fact that they both went to the Grey Havens, we Hobbitses still throw a huge party every year (run by Samwise and his children!). Please join us in celebration!
That's all well and good...but this invite was addressed to Elrond. Not to me. Still, here I was, on the outskirts of the Shire...Elrond's replacement. And hardly a fitting one. I didn't know how to deal with Hobbits! I'd only seen them on a couple occasions, and I'd kept my distance. Legolas knew some of them very well...why couldn't he have come?
But the point is he didn't. You did. Make the best of it. I still questioned Elrond's judgment in sending me, but I had a job to do now. I looked in at the town. It was as if it were out of a storybook...bright green grass, beautiful flowers, blue skies...and houses...in the ground? Weird.
Ella has gone 1 mile since 01-06-10 and is at the Shire.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Introducing Marigold
Name: Marigold
Race: A very fairy-like elf ;)
Age: Guessed to be young by her hyper but caring personality
Canon characters he/she knows: She is very good friends with Goldberry and Tom Bombadil
Short backstory of your character: Found abandoned as a babe in the forest near Tom Bombadil's house, she was raised by both him and Goldberry (an elf), none of them having a clue as to whom her biological parents might be. Marigold, a very tomboy-ish young maiden, played contently by the stream nearly every day, catching frogs and rejecting the lovely dolls her adopted parents made for her, until she decided this life too boring for her excited, untamed nature. Seeking an adventure, she sets off to discover who her real parents were/are at the Elven city of Rivendell...
~Marigold (Trissy from the forum)
Race: A very fairy-like elf ;)
Age: Guessed to be young by her hyper but caring personality
Canon characters he/she knows: She is very good friends with Goldberry and Tom Bombadil
Short backstory of your character: Found abandoned as a babe in the forest near Tom Bombadil's house, she was raised by both him and Goldberry (an elf), none of them having a clue as to whom her biological parents might be. Marigold, a very tomboy-ish young maiden, played contently by the stream nearly every day, catching frogs and rejecting the lovely dolls her adopted parents made for her, until she decided this life too boring for her excited, untamed nature. Seeking an adventure, she sets off to discover who her real parents were/are at the Elven city of Rivendell...
~Marigold (Trissy from the forum)
Introducing Estelwen
Name: Estelwen Brandybuck (I choose Estelwen because it's the Elvish translation of the meaning of my IRL name)
Race: Hobbit
Age: 27 (still in my tweens!)
Canon characters he/she knows: Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin, Gandalf, Elrond, Arwen, Aragorn (the last three only slightly)
Short backstory of your character: Estelwan was orphaned and spent her early childhood in Rivendell (for unknown reasons), hence her Elvish name. Shortly after her 5th birthday, she was returned to the Shire to live with her aunt and uncle, Brandybucks living near the Brandywine Bridge. Frodo, Merry, and Pippin are all her relatives and she's quite good friends with them and Sam. Because of living so near the Old Forest and having been raised in early childhood by elves, Estelwen has a rather un-hobbit-like fascination with trees and water and poetry. However, she's still a true hobbit and greatly enjoys parties, gardens, eating, dancing, and Gandalf's fireworks!
~ Estelwen (Lady Blanche Rose on the forum)
Race: Hobbit
Age: 27 (still in my tweens!)
Canon characters he/she knows: Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin, Gandalf, Elrond, Arwen, Aragorn (the last three only slightly)
Short backstory of your character: Estelwan was orphaned and spent her early childhood in Rivendell (for unknown reasons), hence her Elvish name. Shortly after her 5th birthday, she was returned to the Shire to live with her aunt and uncle, Brandybucks living near the Brandywine Bridge. Frodo, Merry, and Pippin are all her relatives and she's quite good friends with them and Sam. Because of living so near the Old Forest and having been raised in early childhood by elves, Estelwen has a rather un-hobbit-like fascination with trees and water and poetry. However, she's still a true hobbit and greatly enjoys parties, gardens, eating, dancing, and Gandalf's fireworks!
~ Estelwen (Lady Blanche Rose on the forum)
Introducing Edhelaelwen
Name: Edhelaelwen (Ethel-eye-win) or Laelwen (l-eye-win) for short (I chose this name because it is an exact translation of my IRL name's meaning into Elvish, with the feminine ending)
Race: Human (Numenorian)
Age: unknown; between 15 and 18
Canon characters she knows: (slightly) Aragorn, Arwen, Elrond, and the other elves of Rivendell. Merry, Pippin, and Sam.
Short backstory: Edhelaelwen is a human of Numenorian descent. As a baby, she was found by Aragorn as he was traveling over his old Ranger paths. He took her to Rivendell, where she was raised by the Elves (thus her Elvish name). A few years later, an old woman from Bree claimed to be Laelwen's aunt and adopted her. Laelwen ages slowly because of her Numenorian descent, so her real age is not known. She loves to take little journeys to the Shire, where she met many of the famous Hobbits.
~Edhelaelwen (Nenetta/Anette from the fourm)
~Edhelaelwen (Nenetta/Anette from the fourm)
Introducing Dana
Name: Dana Bunce
Race: Hobbit
Age: unknown
Canon characters she knows: Pippin, Merry, Gandalf
Short backstory: Dana is a fun loving hobbit who has never been outside of Hobbiton before. She is the second cousin thrice removed of Pippin, and is good friends with both of them. She's met Gandalf several times and is in awe of him. Dana is also a very good cook and loves to eat. :D
~Dana (Miss Wendy on the forum)
Introducing Ellarian
Name: Ellarian Ellessanderil (known as Ella)
Race: Elf
Age: Unknown
Canon characters she knows: Elrond, Arwen, Legolas...others who live in Rivendell
Short backstory: Ella was taken in by Elrond when she was very young, many, many years ago. Ellessanderil is the name given her by Elrond...her true name, her parents, and her past, are unknown. She is very good friends with Legolas (and in fact is in love with him, though she'll never admit it).
Ella
(Froggy/Ella on the forum)
Introducing Cuilpantiel
Name: Cuilpantiel (Koo-eel-pahnt-ee-ell)
Race: Elf
Age: 22
Canon Characters she knows: None at the moment. Cuilpantiel is friends with the others joining her on her trek, but she has not met any canon characters.
Short Backstory: Cuilpantiel is an Elf, but not much is known about her. She has no last name, and knows nothing of her parents. She befriended Lissi Uineniel and Ella and is joining them and the others on the journey.
Race: Elf
Age: 22
Canon Characters she knows: None at the moment. Cuilpantiel is friends with the others joining her on her trek, but she has not met any canon characters.
Short Backstory: Cuilpantiel is an Elf, but not much is known about her. She has no last name, and knows nothing of her parents. She befriended Lissi Uineniel and Ella and is joining them and the others on the journey.
Introducing Lissi Uinéniel
Name: Lissi Uineniel
Race: Human
Age: 17
Canon characters she knows: Eowyn, Bilbo Baggins
Short backstory: Lissi is a poor servant from Rohan, who lives with with her younger sister. Her parents were tragically killed in the War of the Ring, and she and her sister struggle to support themselves. Eowyn befriended her, and sometimes takes her on long rides around Rohan. Her mother if a hobbit (making Lissi rather short for her age), and is related to Bilbo Baggins (somehow ;), so Lissi visits the Shire every so often.
~Lissi~
(Turtegiel on the forum)
Welcome to the Journey
Elen sila lumenn' omentielvo, a star shines on the hour of our meeting. Welcome, reader, to the epic adventures of our Fellowship.
We are about to step onto the road and follow in the footsteps of Frodo and the other members of the Fellowship of the Ring. As Bilbo says, "It's a dangerous business, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to."
We, at least, have a better idea of where we are going than Frodo did. Thanks to the resources provided by The Eowyn Challenge, we are going to walk from the Shire to Rivendell. Every day, we will do some form of exercise and log our miles. (A conversion chart for different types of exercise into milege can be found HERE).
How far is it from the Shire to Rivendell? Nearly 500 miles. Can we do it? Well, four little Hobbits could, so why not? This journey will last for months, but as we go along, we will be exercising both our bodies and our imagination. This epic challenge will be a way to keep ourselves motivated. Who doesn't want to travel through Middle-Earth? The Road goes ever on and on, down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, and I must follow it if I can.
As a fellowship, we are going to set a weekly goal of 10 miles. We chose this because it is good for people who are not really in shape, and it is also a decent "average exercise" goal. As time goes on, we might raise or lower this goal. But do not feel inhibited it! Aim for the goal... and beyond.
Our adventures will follow our weekly goal. As the fellowship moves forward, we will be incorporating Middle-Earth landmarks into our stories. Each person will log their own individual miles and post them at the bottom of their posts.
Who are we? This fellowship is run by the lovely ladies at the Fairy Tale Novels Fourm (based on Regina Doman's wonderful books). Each of us will take on the part of a Middle-Earth personage. If you would like to join the challenge, please send a PM to Lady BlancheRose (via the Fourm). It is never too late to step onto the Road!
“Rivendell!” said Frodo. ”Very good: I will go east, and I will make for Rivendell. I will take Sam to visit the elves; he will be delighted.” He spoke lightly; but his heart was moved suddenly with a desire to see the house of Elrond Halfelven, and breathe the air of that deep valley where many of the Fair Folk still dwelt in peace.
~ Anette of the Fourm / Edhelaelwen of the Fellowship
~~~~~~~~NOTES:
I will post the general storyline/idea here, basically an intro, once we've actually decided. Or, one of the other members can edit this post and add it.
For your first post, please describe yourself:
Name: (you can say why you chose the name)
Race:
Age:
Canon characters he/she knows (i.e.: Elrond, Aragorn, etc..):
Short backstory of your character: (ie, a Hobbit who has always lived in Hobbiton, is a gardener, loves parties, is related to so and so)
Our stories can be written in either first or third person, though I believe that first person will be the most common.
At the bottom of your posts, please post your individual milege so far: ______ has gone ___ miles since (date) and is at (landmark).
We are about to step onto the road and follow in the footsteps of Frodo and the other members of the Fellowship of the Ring. As Bilbo says, "It's a dangerous business, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to."
We, at least, have a better idea of where we are going than Frodo did. Thanks to the resources provided by The Eowyn Challenge, we are going to walk from the Shire to Rivendell. Every day, we will do some form of exercise and log our miles. (A conversion chart for different types of exercise into milege can be found HERE).
How far is it from the Shire to Rivendell? Nearly 500 miles. Can we do it? Well, four little Hobbits could, so why not? This journey will last for months, but as we go along, we will be exercising both our bodies and our imagination. This epic challenge will be a way to keep ourselves motivated. Who doesn't want to travel through Middle-Earth? The Road goes ever on and on, down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, and I must follow it if I can.
As a fellowship, we are going to set a weekly goal of 10 miles. We chose this because it is good for people who are not really in shape, and it is also a decent "average exercise" goal. As time goes on, we might raise or lower this goal. But do not feel inhibited it! Aim for the goal... and beyond.
Our adventures will follow our weekly goal. As the fellowship moves forward, we will be incorporating Middle-Earth landmarks into our stories. Each person will log their own individual miles and post them at the bottom of their posts.
Who are we? This fellowship is run by the lovely ladies at the Fairy Tale Novels Fourm (based on Regina Doman's wonderful books). Each of us will take on the part of a Middle-Earth personage. If you would like to join the challenge, please send a PM to Lady BlancheRose (via the Fourm). It is never too late to step onto the Road!
“Rivendell!” said Frodo. ”Very good: I will go east, and I will make for Rivendell. I will take Sam to visit the elves; he will be delighted.” He spoke lightly; but his heart was moved suddenly with a desire to see the house of Elrond Halfelven, and breathe the air of that deep valley where many of the Fair Folk still dwelt in peace.
~ Anette of the Fourm / Edhelaelwen of the Fellowship
~~~~~~~~NOTES:
I will post the general storyline/idea here, basically an intro, once we've actually decided. Or, one of the other members can edit this post and add it.
For your first post, please describe yourself:
Name: (you can say why you chose the name)
Race:
Age:
Canon characters he/she knows (i.e.: Elrond, Aragorn, etc..):
Short backstory of your character: (ie, a Hobbit who has always lived in Hobbiton, is a gardener, loves parties, is related to so and so)
Our stories can be written in either first or third person, though I believe that first person will be the most common.
At the bottom of your posts, please post your individual milege so far: ______ has gone ___ miles since (date) and is at (landmark).
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