The Vale of Thrain is an area in Middle Earth on the path through the Blue Mountains to Thorin’s Hall. The Dwarves of the Blue Mountains maintain two outposts in the area, the fortress of Gondoman and and the waystation, Nogrod.

Generally the road to Thorin’s Hall is quiet but if one strays too far from the road, creatures such as lynx and bears have been known to attack. Recently reports of attacks from goblins and Dourhand dwarves have been a concern to the Elves of Ered Luin and tensions have increased between the Elves and the Dwarves of the Blue Mountains.

Many warriors have been enlisted to help ease the tensions between the two factions and to stop the invasions. Their efforts have been successful, for the most part.

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The Last Homely House is the home of Lord Elrond of Rivendell. It is not known precisely when it was built but Lord Elrond came to Rivendell in 1697 of the Second Age and it has been a safe refuge for many a traveller, and home to a number of elves, including the Elf Lord Glorfindel. Aragorn lived there for some time during the Third Age and returned often to visit.

Bilbo Baggins lived there after his mysterious disappearance from the Shire on his 111th birthday and remained there before finally leaving on the ship that sailed from the Grey Havens after the War of the Ring. Bilbo loved The Last Homely House and described it as “a perfect house, whether you like food or sleep, or story-telling or singing, or just sitting and thinking best, or a pleasant mixture of them all.” (FotR, p. 237)

Whoever built the Last Homely House had an appreciation for beauty. The architecture is stunning, the rooms large but comfortable and peaceful. And no visitor to Rivendell was ever in a hurry to leave. And who could blame them?

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Peregrin Took, known as Pippin by his friends, was the youngest of Frodo Baggins’ best friends. Smaller then the rest, he was very curious and often got himself into trouble.

But he proved his merit when he saved Faramir from death as Denethor became crazed in despair after Sauron’s deception was revealed to him. It was Pippin who risked death to find Gandalf in the burning Minas Tirith.

It was Pippin who represented the hobbits when the Army of the West stormed the Black Gates in a desperate gambit. Pippin slew a troll and then was knocked unconsious as the troll fell on top of him. Gimli recognized Pippin’s hairy feet and dragged him out, saving his life.

It was also Pippin and his best friend Merry who were the leaders of the hobbits who overthrew Saruman’s minions in the Scouring of the Shire. Together they raised the Shire.

Yes, Pippin was a very worthy young hobbit, indeed.

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