In these troubled times, there is nothing more soothing to Gandalf than the smoke of his pipe. In more relaxed times before the quest for the Ring even began, he smoked together with Bilbo as they welcomed the evening of Bilbo’s birthday. Everyone has an activity or pleasure they indulge themselves to unwind. Whatever one’s pleasure, it is there to soothe one’s soul and ease the mind of troubled thoughts. This time, however, not even his favorite pleasure can rest his heart, for there is evil on the horizon.
Continue reading “The Calm Before The Storm”Cross-roads
Sam: “Must be getting near teatime. Leastways, it would be in decent places where there is still teatime.”
Gollum: “We’re not in decent places.”
Continue reading “Cross-roads”Failed Counsel
Continue reading “Failed Counsel”You think you are wise, Mithrandir. Yet for all your subtleties, you have not wisdom. Do you think the eyes of the White Tower are blind? I have seen more than you know. With your left hand you would use me as a shield against Mordor. And with your right you`d seek to supplant me. I know who rides with Théoden of Rohan. Oh, yes. Word has reached my ears of this Aragorn, son of Arathorn. And I tell you now, I will not bow to this Ranger from the North, last of a ragged house long bereft of lordship.
Denethor
Minas Tirith, the City of Kings
Continue reading “Minas Tirith, the City of Kings”We`ve just passed into the realm of Gondor.
Gandalf
An Unsaid Goodbye
Continue reading “An Unsaid Goodbye”Of all the inquisitive Hobbits, Peregrin Took, you are the worst. Hurry! Hurry!
Gandalf
Leaving Rivendell
The Evening StarContinue reading “Leaving Rivendell”
Ngil cennin eriel vi I saw a star rise high in the
Menel aduial Evening sky,
Glingant sui mîr It hung like a jewel,
Síliel mae. Softly shining.
Ngil cenning firiel vi I saw a star fade in the
Menel aduial Evening sky,
Dûr, dûr i fuin The dark was too deep and so light died,
Naenol mae. Softly pining.
An i ú nathant For what might have been,
An i naun ului For what never was,
A chuil, anann cuiannen For a life, long lived
A meleth, perónen For a love, half given.
Text by Philippa Boyens
Sindarin Translation by David Salo
When The Music Stops
After the drinking, the celebrating and the singing, the company retire to their rooms for a night of sleep. However, not everyone is as exhausted and tired, some have troubled thoughts about others who are still fighting their own battles. There isn`t a drink or a song in the world that can ease their troubles, for they know what is to come.
Continue reading “When The Music Stops”Mirror, Mirror On the Water
The mind is a beautiful thing. It allows us to keep falling even when the bottom is surpassed. It can raise us higher than we have ever been, from the highest highs to the lowest lows. An emotional rollercoaster it can put us on. There is no telling what sordid schemes it can produce just as well as the most harmonious and benevolent results it can muster. To understand it in its entirety is to study it for a lifetime, and still, it could surprise us.
Continue reading “Mirror, Mirror On the Water”Return to Edoras
Éowyn awaits the return of the company. She stands before the doors of the Golden Hall of Meduseld, just like she did when Gandalf and the Three Hunters first rode into Edoras. However, everything has changed since she was first introduced to the company.
Continue reading “Return to Edoras”Saruman’s Last Stand
Saruman has turned sour. All that he once was, has been taken over by the influence of Sauron. Even now, in his darkest hour, he rejects any kind of sympathy from Gandalf. He cannot even acknowledge it. The poison that has protruded his heart has left no place for any warm feelings. He cannot give or receive them anymore. He cannot even manipulate his former subjects through phony benevolence.
Continue reading “Saruman’s Last Stand”