Leaving the Shire

Letters, letters again in our mailbox.. We have come to a point, my wife Amorey and I, that we dread receiving mail. Who will it be from this time? Will it be from one of them nasty people again that try to threaten our happiness? But this time one of them was in the writing of the firm hand of Amorey’s father, Gerebaldo Took and it was an urgent message.

“You are in immediate danger and so is the Shire Rose pendant. Come to Overhill now!”

In Overhill, in Amorey’s parental home, we were greeted by the parents and not only them: Cousins yule and Byco were there and Puki immediately took care of our pomies as we arrived. All members but a few of Shire Rose were present. A silent and mysterious elf we saw just leave for the mysterious secret room beneath the burrow.

Amorey and I were invited to follow, as well as Yule and Byco, and in that candlelit subterranean room we were given more detail. Amorey held my hand all the time and I could see and hear her weep. I too was very emotional. Why could we not just be left alone? Who were those mysterious but undeniable evil forces that made our lives so difficult by bringing sadness every time again? It was advised, no, ordered, that we would leave the Shire immediately.

I was shocked, stunned and puzzled. But Amorey and I both knew that this was to be taken seriously. Gerebaldo would not say this if he was not sure about it. And so it happened that the newly-weds returning from their honeymoon in Frostbluff’s Winter-home, started packing again. And not a travelling bag for another trip or adventure. I hired a cart that could be pulled by our two ponies and that could hold all our furniture.

It was with regret that we crossed the final Bounds of the Shire on this dark and starless night, but also with hope. Regret of what could have been if these dark and evil forces, that have no name yet but soon will be exposed, had not been there making our lives miserable and impossible even. And hope that we were heading for a brighter future, where we can live in peace and raise our family.

It was a caravan of carts that slowly moved across the streets and paths of the Shire. Puki took good care of all the extra ponies, keeping them together at all times. Cousin Byco steered the wagon in front of us, Yule sitting next to him and I saw Tahi through the little window in the back trying to study with a candle in her hand. Her companion Garry rode his pony beside the wagon. Even Gerebaldo and Lulabella, Amorey’s parents were in the caravan somewhere up ahead. They too were leaving the Shire.. again.

We stopped on the last bridge of the Shire. Looking back one more time, I felt exiled and at a loss. I held Amorey close to me as we stood there, gazing over the Rushock bogs into the distance. Then she pulled my sleeve, urging me to move on with her. We hugged and kissed one last time on Shire grounds and then moved on into Elven land.

The night was moonless and dark. Unfamiliar noises made me startle each time. But the road was marked for us by those that rode ahead, so we knew we were on the right path. Then suddenly dark shades of horseriders appeared out of nowhere. Six of them at least, I counted, while preparing myself for the worst. But as they came closer there was a sigh of relief: they were elf warriors and hunters being sent here to escort us. Their leader greeted us in their melodic language. I should really take a few lessons, as we will be spending more time among elves now. The old hobbit jest of replying “Salads and mellons” seemed inappropriate now that they had taken us in their midst. Ofcourse I remember some expressions from time in my youth when healing in Rivendell, but yes, I’ve decided to take lessons.

They guided us to a beautiful place, an elven village, hidden in a valley, whose name I was urged by Gerebaldo not to reveal to anyone. Two lovely adjacent houses were allotted to us, but we smiled and explained: We are married, one will do. Thank you. But as the elves insisted we use them both, we use one to live in and the other for storage, studying music and harbouring future guests comfortably.

After that long journey and furnishing two houses, we were so very tired as we lay down to sleep. But Amorey looked so happy and at that point we both forgot our sorrows and knew we would now be safe. But for how long? No, no, let’s not worry about that. We are safe and we will start our life here, make plans, make new friends, and just be happy. Peregrin will come join us soon we are promised. A lovely whiteleaved tree will watch over him and we will always be close. With my loved ones so close. I will be happy here. I hope the nasty people will leave us in peace.
“Le hannon” I said to the elves that escorted us as they left. They made gracious bows and replied with a long sentence. I should start those lessons soon.. Dalai may be willing to help with that.