Rohirrim

"My wife gave to me a second son. He was not as strong, nor as brave, nor as fearsome as Meadwine. He was a different boy, I was never as fond of him, but ever did I feel that he loved me more than most. He was truly fond of me, I could tell. Yet many a time did he disappoint me, and I reacted unfairly to him. For this, my son, Aegaldred, I am sorry. And I hope that you succeed in the task that I have given you, for upon your shoulders I put a heavy burden.

We have done the Dun-men abundance of mischief, and we went against Grimbold’s wishes, and crossed the Isen when he forbid it. But he is not our lord to command us, and we go whither we will – that is, until now.

Tonight, we were set upon by a herd of Horse-men, and they surrounded us, and aiming their bows and spears at our throats, commanded us to lay down our weapons, because their king does not abide strangers wandering the land without his leave.

My kindred, not content with any common enemies that lessen and destroy us, were set on reducing the great multitude of despicable Men into far less numbers, and deliver a powerful blow to our Enemy by purging the land of their tribe, settled so close to the borders of the Horse-Men’s lands; and by this bloodshed, show that we stood on the same side, and meant them no ill will. It was decided that one of the Dun-Men would be spared, to become our bartering tool to the Horse-Men.

The Elven Maiden, Winter, TA 3029.

Winter Solstice has recently passed, and still it feels like I am still witted by the sweet mead, and the stubborn ales.

Today I walked into the Prancing Pony for some more merriment and joy for this lovely season, listening to the tales and songs of various bards, raising a few tankards of mead, and to look (or maybe more) at fair maidens as well.