The Hobbitry-in-Arms

The long trek to the Great Smials of Tuckborough has paid off. There are a few false starts: Gaerondil finds and rejects volumes on swine, show chickens, and split-rail fences, while Redandir, predictably, selects To Win a Lass, and Hermanniadoc goes for Fireside Tales of the Shire. But once again, it is Lirisseya whose unerring research skills find the right volume -- a book called The Green Thumb by Old Gardner Greenleaves contains a sketch of the very flower the Elves are researching! 

Approaching the inn whose sign Oxslip described, the Elves discover a bewildering variety of hobbits who are astounded to see them. Naturally, the hobbits are curious as to what these outlandish Big Folk might want, and talk turns quickly to the mysterious flower and keepers of herb-lore throughout the Shire.

After a long and arduous journey, representatives of Lósengriol prepare to attend an event thrown by the Hobbitry-in-Arms to celebrate what the Small Folk refer to as the Foreyule season. Left to right: Lirisseya, Melumatyar, Glinthir, Manadhlaer, Branalph, Glorfingwë. Back row: A rabbit of the Hobbitry.

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. 

Live music and dancing at The Hobbitry's Annual Yule Party