dragon

In my travels across Middle-earth in search of the elusive and slippery Nick Tallow, I heard many tales of his reputed exploits and deeds (and at least as many more concerning his actual misbehaviours and tawdry misdemeanours).  Many of these were clearly drawn from the Trials &etc., but Tallow possessed an extraordinarily broad repertoire of fictions and was fond of drawing upon this store whenever given the merest opportunity.

Come, come, gather here 
Behold such a saddening tale 
Come, come, take your handkerchief 
It may keep you well.

It came upon the sunrise clear 
That sorrowful song of old 
From Elves bounded to the Earth 
To touch their harps of gold.

The Ranger find himself alone in the wood 
It's magic only forest spirits understood 
He lose himself hoping to find 
The peace of mind he left behind.

Now the Elf-maiden was his happiness
And Ranger rhymed about her grace
And told her stories of treasures
Deep beneath the dragon's lair.
 
Till in the stillness of one dawn
Still in its mystic crown
The Elf-maiden she went down to the lair
And in the ice she's gone...
 
The Ranger came down to the lair
To call out to his dear
When there was no answer
He was overcome with fear...
 

Aldamir. Lifestone. The Gift of Yavanna. The Green Jewel from the legends. The beginnings of this gem is a mystery even today. Who knows how much truth there is in the old tale from the Elder Days?

this story is a pure allegory for what Amathlan fears he will become. view Pride's POV here. view Patience's POV here.

A special "Thank you" to Brablo, who made this all quite possible. Many of the ideas to come in this chapter, and future chapters, were created, fixed, or polished by Brablo.

Back in Bree, Avalong led her motley recruits to the Mess Hall to discuss the terms of their alliance with the Council of the Red Dragon.  The Council seemed like a well-organized troupe of soldiers, dressed in respective hauberks and matching capes.  Their leader held an heir of pride and respect as he introduced his elfin mate, who’s elegant beauty seemed to humble the rest of the elves of the Sworn Wanderers who had arrived in their normal traveling attire.  Even Lefrinu felt out of place in the Council’s presence.