Demelsa

Arradril was able to escort the hobbits - by now complaining of hunger, which was really to be expected - through the mountain pass before having to turn back. Despite the steep climb, she enjoyed not only the company, but the views that began to reveal themselves.

Although some of the throng -- for the first time in a long time, Arradril began to doubt her throng-leading skills -- were mildly miffed at discovering the Dwarven outpost of Vindurhal was not, in fact, an inn, there was an opportunity for a bit of rest and a snack. Arradril confronted the strange Dúnadan who had been following the group, demanding to know his intentions, but gave up when Foggi, one of the Dwarrow accompanying the hobbits, invited the Dúnadan along despite her protestations that "Randir" wasn't actually a name. 

Arradril walked at the back of the column so that others would not notice she was stepping lightly on top of the snow, rather than sinking in. In the quiet of the mountain pass, she began to hear sounds as if, indeed, someone was following the small folk she had decided to protect.

Visiting the stables of Imladris to get her horse washed, Arradril was astounded to find that the band of hobbits she had helped escort through the Trollshaws on their way to Isengard had not only survived, but returned, and with reinforcements -- including several Dwarves. Learning that the brave little survivors were now headed for the Vales of Anduin, Arradril resolved to escort them as far as she might without either permission, or Branalph. 

A horror befell the Shire last weekend when half of it voted Xobin for May King in order to facilitate free pie for themselves!

It mightn't have been as awful, but they made me the accompanying Queen!

HOW? AND WHAT'S MORE, WHY? Now I must put up with him.

Tis only a year, I tell myself... It'll go by in a blur.

Except it won't, will it?