The hobbits in Bree, in particular, were the ones most bullied by brigands who seemed to be getting numerous of late. Fairwynn, a feisty young minstrel from Rohan, found herself defending hobbits from brigands, and already the news of her courage and powerful words had spread throughout Breeland.

Fairwynn knew that she was going to be kept busy. And so she decided to stay in Breeland indefinitely. And most of the people who heard about her were glad of her decision to stay. Fairwynn of Rohan was not one to be trifled with. She fought with grim determination, courage, and yet she had a gentle side, the quiet healer.

There was little time for rest in those months in Breeland for Fairwynn, for Saruman had betrayed the White Council and had sent evil men west to terrorize the quiet country folk of these lands.

Breeland hobbits told hobbits of the Shire about the strange singer from the wild horselands of Rohan, and soon Fairwynn’s services would be required in the Shire too.

Fairwynn was happy to help. She liked hobbits and was delighted by their attitude and way of life. And though it didn’t seem like it, Fairwynn loved to eat. So she spent many an evening feasting with hobbits, who, we all know, like nothing better than to eat as often and as much as they can.

The feasting made every battle with brigands and wild beasts worthwhile. And with each passing week, Fairwynn’s skills improved. She sang regularily at the Prancing Pony and the Rangers of the North soon took notice of her. For they knew she would be a boon to all warriors in the many battles ahead.

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Waymeet is the town in the Shire along the East Road at an interesection where one could travel north to Little Delving or south to Tookland and the Southfarthing.

It’s a busy little place but the hobbits who lived there were getting edgy.

Wolves were killing livestock in the area, and travellers were being accosted by bands of ruffians who appeared at night, robbed their victims, and disappeared into their hideouts.

It seemed there were other travellers as well. Elves travelling west, and some east. Those going east stopped in at the Green Dragon in Bywater to listen to stories of goings-on in all parts of the Shire. And they quietly hunted enemies though most hobbits were none the wiser.

Some hobbits, it seemed, were already sensing trouble and started to make plans. The Elves were impressed by the attitude of most of the hobbits who had amazing courage for little folk.

Rangers from the North were also travelling eastward, and folks from the east were seen passing through Waymeet to go to Michel Delving.

Yes, the East Road was busy. The East Road was being watched…

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Pareth travelled to Falathlorn in Ered Luin to spend some time relaxing and enjoying the hospitality of the Elves in Duillond. She needed time to rest and the Lady Galadriel suggested she travel West as far away as possible from the ravages of war.

Pareth really wanted to go further East to her home in Ithilien in Gondor, but the Lady Galadriel warned her that she would be in grave danger if she tried to get home by herself.

“Nay, Pareth, you will not be able to escape the treachery of Saruman and the evil Uruks he created to wage war on Rohan. And beyond Rohan, I forsee the coming of armies of Orcs dispatched by Sauron, to join up with Saruman’s minions, and together their intentions are to capture any eastbound travellers. I would not have you captured and tortured or worse. You are far too valuable and have become very dear to us. You have proven your worth to our people and so I ask that you get some rest, for I would have you strong again to help the Malledhrim in Mirkwood when you are ready.” The Lady Galadriel spoke quietly to Pareth, watching her reaction.

Pareth sighed and tried to hide her disappointment, for she was homesick. “As you wish, my Lady. I will leave at once.”

So when Pareth finally arrived in Duillond, she was taken to Dorongur Whitehorn, who welcomed her warmly on behalf on the Elves of Ered Luin. She was treated with profound respect for word had reached these parts about her courageous deeds.

After a day or two, Pareth started to really enjoy herself and she spent many hours in the countryside, which, for the most part, was safe and very beautiful. But her thoughts often returned to her companions who were still in Moria and Mirkwood and she hoped they were still alive and well.

They were all fine, of course, for they were hardy warriors, fearless in battle, and determined to rid all of Middle earth of evil. But the worse battles were still to come and Pareth knew that after her rest, she would join some of her companions again in Mirkwood. And they would not get any rest for quite some time.

Pareth was grateful for the kindness of the Elves and she let them spoil her, for she knew such times as these were precious indeed.

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