The smell of stew, burnt wood and tobacco smoke permeated the atmosphere, but without being overwhelming. The main room of The Prancing Pony was large enough that the twenty or so people who were there were not crammed together. There was nothing to set this night apart from any other night: no suspicious group of travelers, no performances by musicians present beyond the quiet tunes of local bard Owen, no fights or affronts that would force Barliman to intervene... It could be any night for everyone but Kennet.
Sitting on a stool some distance from the fireplace, the young man kept reminiscing about his conversation with guildmaster Edwin and the upcoming trip to Rivendell. Holding a mug of Barliman's Best beer, Kennet smiled stupidly as he fantasized about debating with the elves, consulting their immense libraries, learning about all their wondrous arts... So engrossed was he in his illusions that he did not notice the arrival of his friend Meldanyel until she was standing next to him greeting him.
Meldanyel was a young neighbor of Bree's with whom Kennet had become close friends years before. Both had been orphaned in their teens and had had to make a living to get by: she cooked and perfected her mother's many recipes, he grew and sold different varieties of pipe tobacco as he learned from his father. So, although they didn't see each other every day, they had developed a fondness for each other as if they were the siblings they never had. Because of this, Meldanyel instantly noticed that Kennet was especially elated and happy. So, after ordering another round from Barliman, the two sat down to chat together.
-Why do we make a toast today? -asked Meldanyel, wanting to know the reason for his friend's joy.
-Because... well, you won't believe it. I was in Three-farrow with Alice and she told me to speak with Edwin, the guild master. Do you know him? -asked Kennet.
Meldanyel shrugged before answering: Hm...Edwin...not really.
-He's the one who oversees the guilds in Bree. Well... it doesn't matter. The point is Alice has suggested to him I should join the Scholar's Guild. She said she can't teach me anymore... I've learned enough to need another tutor to keep improving -said the young man speaking quickly and in an excited mood.
-Wow -Meldanyel's expression showed amazement and sincere joy for her friend. She was not following Kennet's academic path, but those words sounded like a great achievement. So you have to go to that Scholar guild, don't you? In Scholar's Stair Archives.
-No! In Rivendell! -replied the euphoric young man. Do you know what it is?
-What! -Meldanyel's expression suddenly changed, showing more surprise than joy on his face. Rivendell! That magical weird place!
-Yes! -he nodded her head several times, although Kennet was so happy that he didn't even notice the change in his friend's expression.
The young cook's voice was more restrained in her next words: I thought Rivendell was somewhere made up by our parents, to tell us bedtime stories.
-Not really... It's half a legend... but it's a true place, but a secret one -he said lowering his voice with complicity, and then finished by raising his finger: And soon I'll visit it!
Meldanyel's attitude was beginning to show dissatisfaction with this idea. But that place must be very far away! Further than... than... than... The... Weathertop!
Kennet began to ponder after hearing Meldanyel's assessment: Yes, it's near the Misty Mountains, at the other side of Trollshaws. Perhaps some days travel... -he said, looking at the ceiling and trying to remember the possible route from the maps he had seen in Bree's library.
-Oh my... and are you sure you wanna go there? Maybe it's dangerous -she mumbled in a worried voice.
-Dangerous? No... elves are good creatures, although... -he begins to say before being interrupted by the young woman.
-But what about wolves? And...and orcs? -added Meldanyel, who no longer hid the fact that she thought it was a bad idea.
-Maybe the path could be dangerous, yes... -reflected Kennet, bringing his feet closer to the ground. But there are people who make that way. I'm sure there must be safe paths to Rivendell.
His words had lost the initial speed and excitement they once showed. But it was not the dangers of the road that were dampening his mood, but the realization of Meldanyel's reaction. It was all happening so fast, that even Kennet had not yet considered the full implications of this new possibility he had so eagerly jumped at the chance to cross. Perhaps Rivendell was only a few days journey away... but he had no idea what would happen once he got there. Whether he would return to Bree or not... and that also meant that he didn't know if he would see Meldanyel again.
There was a long and tense silence for almost a minute, in which neither of them looked happy but thoughtful. Finally it was Meldanyel who broke it.
-I don't think it's a good idea! You have everything you need in Bree! -she said, abruptly coming clean.
-No, Bree is becoming small for me. I mean... -Kennet was convinced of his own arguments, but there was a slight hint of sadness in his words. If I were to plant and sell only pipeweed, I would have everything I needed in Bree. But that's not the case. I... I... I'd like to know what elves have in their libraries... -he began to argue, but her words were interrupted by her friend.
-You sound like my mother... -she answered in a quiet tone. Kennet fell silent immediately, for he knew of her mother's disastrous fate. She also wanted to travel. She always said that she was meant to be the best merchant in Bree, and that she had to travel.... But... her caravan was attacked and she died.
Kennet tried to speak tactfully, trying to reassure Meldanyel. But... I won't travel in a merchant caravan, a precious loot for bandits. I'll travel quietly and stealthily. I swear...
-And alone! -replied the young woman. Maybe brigands will ignore you, but what about wolves and other animals?
-Well, I don't have problems with boars, bears and neekerbreekers. I'll deal with them, I'm sure -he said in a soft, calm voice.
But Meldanyel shook his head in concern: And what about orcs?
The young man took a deep breath and moved his chair a little closer to the bench where she was sitting. He took her hand as he had done so many times before and said looking into her eyes, trying to convince her: Hey, don't get worried. I'll travel only by day, and I'll stop to sleep in safe places. Maybe I could find someone to join me, but I'm not afraid to travel alone.
-You are reckless, Kennet -said the young woman.
-No! I'll ask Edwin how messengers make their way, and I'll take care. I swear you -he said, hoping to reassure her friend or at least get her blessing for this trip. He had put the possibility of not returning to Bree out of his mind, and refocused on getting Meldanyel not to be so worried.
However, Meldanyel unceremoniously pulled her hand away from Kennet's and stated seriously: I can't let you go, just like that! I'll be very worried everyday till your return!
Kennet sighed at her words and tried to arm himself with patience in the face of what he considered Meldanyel's stubbornness, which was beginning to annoy him. Well, what do you suggest? -he said, trying to hide his change of mood.
Stay here in Bree! -Meldanyel immediately replied. Who is going to take care of your farm? The crops will die! -she said upset.
Ponto will take care of that, as always -replied Kennet at the moment. And I've harvested enough crops to live the next weeks.
You're going to go there whatever I say... -said the young woman wistfully, turning her head and fixing her eyes on the distant chimney.
Kennet remained silent, with an unpleasant mixture of emotions inside him. Although until a few minutes ago he had been elated and his life had become an extraordinary adventure, now he felt a mixture of anger, sadness and guilt. On the one hand he didn't understand why his friend was opposed to making his dreams come true, to taking advantage of a unique opportunity that very few people in Bree could achieve. But on the other hand he felt he was abandoning Meldanyel to her fate. Not that she wouldn't be able to survive without him...but they had both cared for and supported each other through the difficult personal situations they had each had. The young man nervously nibbled his tongue as he could only remember all the meaningful experiences he had had with his friend.
-Kennet, I can't let you go... alone -said Meldanyel looking back at him. Let me go with you.
Kennet's face reflected the surprise at the unexpected idea, another one of those he had received tonight. He blinked a couple of times, before he began to stammer hesitantly: You? But you... you...
-What? -said Meldanyel with determination, even with some anger at his friend's attempt to question his decision.
-It could be dangerous! -said Kennet still not believing the idea.
-I'm stronger than you! I can buy a sword or something... -said Meldanyel without hesitation. While it was true that they had both worked the land, she was better built and had done more physical labor in her short life than Kennet's book study and pipeweed seed planting.
-Do you want to join me? -he asked, beginning to assume that the idea might become a possibility. Although in this case Kennet was sure that she had not thought through the implications for Meldanyel in making this decision.
-I would never forgive myself if you die there in the cold! -she said, confident in her words, although her next statement was more emotional than forceful. I cannot change what happened to my mother, but I can help you.
-I'm not going to die in the cold! I know how to start a fire -the young man replied with mock pride, but then he came clean with an affectionate smile: But... I appreciate your interest.
However, Meldanyel ignored his show of affection and continued arguing with Kennet: Knowing how to do a fire is not enough!
The attempt to end the discussion had no effect, so the young man also continued to defend himself and counterattack: But there are taverns, such as the Forsaken Inn. Your fears make no sense. And another point is... What are you going to do with your business?
-My business is cooking! I can cook anywhere -she assured, then added: You're not the first person who tells me about Rivendell.
That surprised Kennet: No?
-No. Do you know master Frimsi, a dwarf? A merchant also... -she said, realizing that he had captured his friend's attention.
The young man looked suspiciously at Meldanyel: Mmmm.... I don't know him. What did he say about Rivendell?
-You should! -Meldanyel pointed out, this time beginning to show some excitement in her voice. He probably knows a lot about Rivendell, he says he has been there.
Ah! It could be great -replied Kennet, thinking of the possibilities of learning first hand about the mystical elvish enclave. Where can I find that Frimsi?
-He comes from time to time to Bree, as he's one of the members of the Merchant's Guild -said the young woman, who had only recently joined the guild. And coincidentally the guild is meeting next week. If anyone would like to buy me a round, I'd be happy to invite you to that meeting... -she said with a hint of mischief.
Kennet couldn't help but laugh at Meldanyel's hint, and without hesitation said before toasting her: Well, let's finish our mugs, the next round is on me!
