Lightning on water

The Calm Before The Storm


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. 

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Man with bowed head

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
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Pathway through forest

Leaving Rivendell


 The Evening Star

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
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Woman holding man's hand

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.

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Man sitting on a rock

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. 

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Person standing in front of fire

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.

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