Pareth of Gondor and her kinmates Loreinn and Athelian entered the Sword Halls of Dol Guldur, where many evil creatures sought to destroy them. But the enemy underestimated the resolve of these three brave friends whose common goal was to protect Lothlorien from an impending attack from the forces of the Dark Lord Sauron and to serve the Malledhrim warriors, who counted on the Free Peoples of Middle Earth to aid them in their time of need. For Pareth and her friends were more than capable of incredible strength and bravery.

Even the evil troll, Durkâr, whose massive size and crushing blows could kill the best warriors in mere seconds, was no match for the kinmates, who fought with grim determination and defeated the vile creature. Loreinn was an incredible boon to the group with his war cries and his superior healing abilities. He kept Athelian alive despite the fact that she faced and defeated each enemy head on while Pareth shot arrow after flaming arrow with stunning precision. And when it was all over, Pareth was numb but very grateful to be alive.

Pareth would not soon forget the evil presence that lingered in that dreadful place. Her skin would crawl at the mere thought of the dread she had felt while battling the evil creatures in those dark halls in Dol Guldur. She would soon have to forget her fear as she would return to that evil place a few more times, each time tempting fate and risking her life. As many other warriors did in these troubled times in Middle Earth.

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Pareth’s holiday in Falathlorn was short-lived. The dwarves in Moria sought help from the Elves of Lothlorien and Pareth was summoned back to Lothlorien to speak with a dwarf named Bosi. The Galadhrim wanted to know what Pareth thought of Bosi’s request, and much time was spent trying to appease both dwarves and elves.

Finally the Lady Galadriel herself requested that Pareth meet her in her garden, and she was invited to gaze into Galadriel’s mirror. And what Pareth saw in the mirror filled her with dread, for she saw many orcs fighting herself and a group of elves and dwarves. The evil Mazog was gleeful as he watched the attacks on his captors.

Galadriel’s keen gaze was fixed on Pareth as she quietly said “Yes, I know what you saw, but I would not send you to aid in this mission if I didn’t think you would survive the dangers that you will encounter. You have proven yourself to be worthy of trust. But keep alert and try to continue to be impartial. For only then can I be certain that neither dwarves nor my own kin can sway you into making a wrong decision which could turn into a deadly mistake. I wish you a safe journey, Pareth. Namárië.”

And so it was that later that day, Pareth departed for Mirkwood, and she thought about the Lady Galadriel’s words often over the course of her journey. For the first time in a long time, Pareth was frightened. What evil awaits her in Mirkwood?

Dol Guldur’s forces would prove to be very powerful but Pareth was protected by the Malledhrim and she soon was joined by many of her companions who had been battling in Mirkwood for many weeks already. Together they defeated many orcs, wargs, and other evil creatures who had infested the area.

And their victory songs were sung by minstrels far and wide.

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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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