To leave the valley of Rivendell was to leave the warmth and safety of the elven enclave in one fell swoop. Autumn rain greeted Kennet on the High Moor, wetting the damp ground and making passage through the wilderness difficult. Perhaps because of this, the wild animals were less active and stayed in their dens, safe from the weather as the young man's mount made cautious way. The human travelled with caution and Hawthorn moved carefully over the mud.
Because of all the time he had taken to set out that morning, midday surprised him as he descended the High Moor. For that reason he decided to stop at the place where the Rivendell scouts were keeping watch over the surrounding area, the place where he had first met Canaddal. The elf was not there, but Kennet was welcomed and was able to eat a few rations before continuing his march. It was suggested that he wait with them until the next day to avoid travelling under the rain, but the human was eager to return to Bree and refused the warning.
After descending the High Moors, trying to avoid accidents, he reached the ford of the Brunein, which was fuller than usual. Fortunately, the pass was still accessible, and Kennet wasted no time in crossing it. He entered the Trollshaws, looking to all sides, for the lush vegetation was a potential ambush point.
The journey through the forest was tense and silent. Even Kraven was flying silently and close to Kennet, which was unusual for him. Everyone was drenched by the light, incessant rain, but perhaps the weather caused potential assailants on the road to stay in their shelters as well. So the three of them arrived without further incident at the Last Bridge over the Hoarwell River, the passage to the Lone-Lands.
The wind that blew across the Lone-Lands made the ride west more unpleasant. Kennet began to shiver with cold, though he would rather endure the chill than gallop over Hawthorne. The worst thing that could happen to him would be for his mount to bolt and injure himself, and be stranded in the middle of nowhere.
The fog grew thicker and thicker, making it hard to see around him. That made Kennet uneasy, for he knew that dangerous creatures roamed these lands, creatures like wargs or spiders that would not want to steal his belongings but eat his flesh. Fortunately, Kraven had not lost his expertise, and at one point he began to squawk loudly dozens of yards down the road. Immediately, Kennet heard through the mist the angry voices of what sounded like orcs, and figures began to make themselves out in the distance, running towards him. The human did not hesitate this time, and spurred the horse to ride away.
Kennet rode for a long time, praying to Araw (the Valar patron of men) that his mount would not stumble, nor meet a pack of wargs head-on. He realized that he was terrified, that he was alone in the middle of dangerous lands and had to fend for himself. How he missed Meldanyel and his axe at this moment!
Fortunately, it did not take him long to reach the outskirts of Ost Guruth, the place where he hoped to spend the night. He made it to the stables, and felt like hugging the dwarf in charge of the horses on seeing him, though he restrained his impulse. He chatted nervously with him for a few minutes to calm his spirits, then began the ascent into the settlement followed by Kraven. Kennet had little desire to socialize, only to get to Bree-Land as soon as possible. So he made his way to the communal building, curled up on a bed and, after eating some of his rations, went to sleep.
The human slept well and woke up in a much better mood. The rain had stopped and the sun was brightening everything with its autumnal warmth, which helped to have a good spirit. Kennet ate a hearty breakfast and browsed through the stalls of vendors and artisans. He found nothing of interest, but he chatted with the locals and even sold some vials of dye he had made in Rivendell from piles of copper salts.
He then set off with the information he had gathered about the road to Bree-Land. The locals had advised him to avoid going off the road to meet the spiders, and to show special caution in certain areas where evil half-orcs and wargs tended to roam. So Kennet remounted Hawthorne, keeping an eye out for potential dangers aided by Kraven's air support.
He managed to ride through the morning, avoiding the dangers, leaving the ruining Wheatertop behind and arriving at the Forsaken Inn. It was not a place he was particularly fond of, but in the circumstances it was a great refuge for Kennet to rest in at midday. He left his mount at the stables, entered the ramshackle building and joined the patrons eating, drinking and passing the time within its stone walls.
Kennet ate some of his rations, but took advantage of his first visit to a human tavern in a long time to order beer and enjoy its mediocre quality and ability to get drunk. His tongue began to loosen, and the scholar ended up chatting with other patrons and ordering a few more beers. When Kennet decided to continue on his way, his balance was not at its finest.
Back on the road over Hawthorne, much more relaxed and not paying much attention to possible dangers, Kennet entered Bree-Land happy to see again the scenery he had grown up in. Whether it was the ale at the Forsaken Inn, or the last year at Rivendell, Kennet saw the familiar woods from a different perspective. Whereas in the past he had categorized some wilderness areas as more peaceful and others as more dangerous, he now saw them all as much more harmless and safe when compared to the situation in the Lone-Lands and Trollshaws.
With those thoughts in mind, he finally reached the crossroads that diverted him from Bree and headed towards the Homestads, to his home. The human made his way to the settlement with happiness; the effect of the ale had worn off, so his joy was genuine. His home, his cart and the bench he had set up to watch the sunsets were still there, waiting for him a year ago.
Kennet entered his home, leaving his belongings behind and just resting for a few minutes. He was glad to be home, even if it was only for a week or two. But he didn't take a moment to stow some of the tonics in his leather pouch, and he walked briskly back outside.
The settlement did not seem to have changed much in the last year. The Homesteads lacked a communal cropland, as Kennet had denounced at the last Merchant's Guild meeting he had attended. Despite Master Frimsi's best efforts, Major Graeme Tenderlarch did not seem to pay much heed to the guild's claims. The afternoon was drawing on but it was not yet over, so most of the farmers who farmed in Bree had not yet reached the homesteads and the roads were sparsely populated.
Kennet waved to some familiar faces in the main square, but did not linger and started up the hill towards the High Road. From there he could glimpse the rooftops of the settlement's dwellings, still without streaks of smoke emanating from their chimneys or the smells of supper wafting through their windows. He was tempted to detour down Chestnut Street to the great memorial to the unknown old king of the High Men. There he used to chat with his dead parents in solitude, but on this occasion, after a year's apprenticeship in the Scholar's Guild at Rivendell, he wanted to return to inspect the monument in detail for any clues that might reveal the identity of the old king. But he decided to leave that task for the next few days: at the moment he was eagerly on her way to the dwelling of his friend Meldanyel.
He saw her in front of her henhouse feeding her chickens, and a feeling of joy washed over him. The same feeling Meldanyel felt when the young woman heard the newcomer's whistle and turned towards him. Meldanyel looked at him while he was approaching her, needing some seconds to recognize her friend. Then, she immediately throws the chicken food on the floor and hugs him.
-How are you, Mel?? I see your chickens are even bigger than the last time I saw them! -Kennet joked.
-What are you doing here? When did you return to Bree? -asked her with her happy face.
-Just now! -Kennet answered. I’ve left the pack and Hawthorne at home, and just came here!
Meldanyel’s surprise and happiness were great. Ah, c’mon inside home! I will prepare something delicious to eat to celebrate your return to Bree! -she gladly offered.
Both friends entered in the house and went straight to the kitchen, the place Meldanyel loved most. Excited by the surprise, the young woman began to pull ingredients and food from various cupboards, preparing dinner and talking nervously about the food seasons and tricks for making good recipes. Kennet listened and responded, happy to feel at home again.
Before long, the head table in the small home was laden with fruit, a roast and drinks fit for a banquet. Or so it seemed to Kennet, who had never been a good cook and always appreciated Meldanyel's meals.
-It smells delicious, Mel! -he said. I missed your unique meals!
-Enjoy it and eat as much as you like! I was saving this beer for the time you come back -she admitted.
-Great! I must admit elves are not as cheerful and beer drinking as us breefolk! -Kennet told laughing and making Meldanyel laugh.
The time to speak about Rivendell and the elven enclave was coming, a conversation that Kennet was not sure to be a kind one. Meldanyel had been hostile towards elves because of his stay at Rivendell, so he was nervous about that. He preferred to start speaking about the human region.
-How are you doing this year, Mel? What news are there in Bree? -asked after swallowing a piece of lamb.
-I've been very busy with the business, the farm, the animals… so I don't know all the news in Bree. But there had been some new members in the Merchants guild! -she informed, still excited by Kennet's presence.
-Ah, yes! Master Frimsi's Guild! I like he is successful with his trades and guild -he said. Has any petition been performed by Major Graeme? Or does he keep demanding without outcomes? -Kennet asked smiling.
-Weeeeell… Some things will never change -she answered laughing, provoking Kennet’s laughs too.
-This lamb is delicious... In Rivendell there are delights... but nothing compares to your cooking art! -he praised.
Meldanyel smiles widely, answering: Thank you! I was afraid you would stay there forever.
-No! -replied the young man. I mean... It has been a very interesting year! I've learned a lot, and I've seen a lot of different people... but that's not my place -he admitted.
Meldanyel nodded profusely and stated: Exactly. You belong to Bree! I've tried to take care of your home, but it needs your hands to be as good as new.
-Thanks, Mel. These days I'll take a deep look at it, and I'll repair all the damage -he promised. But seconds later, his face changed and showed an excited look. Listen, Mel.
He cleared his throat, and slowly spoke some words in an elf tongue. Meldanyel frowned her eyebrows as she hears the words, asking: What are you doing?
Kennet laughed and answered: I'm speaking Sindarin! Well... bad speaking, but it's a beginning -he said smiling widely.
-Bah....I've had enough elvish gibberish for all my life! -she complained.
He laughed, but next he asked in a more cautious tone: How about your home back travel to Bree?
-It was… -Meldanyel was going to say something, but she suddenly shut her mouth and finished saying: Nothing.
Kennet noticed the change of the sentence, and he didn't hesitate in asking: What? You were saying something.
-Well… -the young woman sighed, and looked at the floor, blushing a little. I was very sad the whole journey. I even cried once or twice. I missed you and I hated that you stayed in that goddam elvish place. The road was safe and easy because I was with Master Frimsi and his caravan, but… It felt like every step was harder than the last one -she admitted. Meldanyel looked angrily at Kennet and said: I wanted to return to Rivendell, slap you in the face to make you return to your senses and then travel together to Bree!
Kennet had lost his smile... until she spoke about slapping him, what made him smile. Mel, I've missed you a lot too. I... I… -he lost a bit of his cheerful mood before the next sentences. I remember you everyday. Every time I went by the Rivendell Bridge, I remembered the day you left, and it made me sad. But now, here we are! Eating your meal in your house! Cheers! -said to evade the sadness.
Kennet takes his drink to make a toast with Mel, who answered in the same way: Cheers!
-And... I've made a lot of things in Rivendell. You know... I'm not a cooking man, but I've prepared some valuable tonics and beverages… Kennet started to look into his pockets, while she looked at him with a worried look, but also with curiosity. Aja! Here we are!
Kennet took from his jacket a little leather bag, and gave it to Meldanyel, who asked: What’s… this?
-Take a look! -he said excitedly. There are several tonics that give you energy to travel, taking the wood logs and cutting with your axe as you used to do! I've done them myself for you!
Meldanyel smelt the little bottles, first with a face that showed suspicion, but when the scent arrived to her, she smiled: It smells… good! Like flowers!
-Yes! I... I wanted to make them nice for your nose -he admitted smiling.
-Thank you! -she said, stood up and hugged him sincerely. I will use them during this winter!.
Kennet enjoyed the hug and answered in the same way. Great! I hope they will be useful for you. I've got some other potions and tonics I'll sell in Bree. They're not common, so I expect to be all sold in a pair of days -he expected. Will you come to Bree tomorrow?
-I will! -she answered happily. We can go together, I need to buy some stuff. And then we can go to the inn!
-Great! -he agreed. That's my best plan for the next few days! There's no good taverns in Rivendell nor Ost Guruth! -he stated laughing. I'm visiting the Scholar's Stairs Archives for some duties, but I expect to be with you all afternoon in The Prancing Pony. Is it all right for you?
-Yes! I would really love it -she exposed while sitting again. The young woman was in very good humor, which made her the one who started the conversation Kennet was avoiding. But now… Tell me more about your year in Rivendell!
