Pareth’s holiday in the beautiful countryside of the Shire was over. She received her instructions from the lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn to set out east again to the borders of Lothlorien and yes, though she dreaded it, she would also need to return to Moria.

Moria was still filled with all manner of of enemy: orcs, goblins, warg-riders, and vile dangerous creatures, the likes of which Pareth had never encountered before entering Moria. And these enemy armies started setting camps outside of Lothlorien’s borders. The elves were very busy protecting their beloved Lothlorien and Pareth knew they needed her skills as a hardy hunter, who has seen her share of battle.

“I will leave these dear Halflings once more and help Lady Galadriel. Besides, I will come back soon enough, I’m sure.”

Pareth wasn’t quite sure what would happen next. She just knew she had to survive the many battles she would fight. For she dreamed that one day she would return to the Shire once more before leaving forever for her beloved home in Gondor.

So she patted her horse Arinen and rode out alone. The Shire was quiet and peaceful and she enjoyed the ride. She travelled for days in safety for most of the trouble these days was further east and to the north and the news of terror in Mirkwood spread far and wide. Many of the Free Peoples’ Army had already left for Mirkwood, and Pareth would eventually be sent there too.

Pareth tried not to think too far ahead. She rode on and attempted to silence her racing thoughts. She breathed the fresh air and calmed down.

“If I think too much, I will despair! So let me turn my thoughts to creating lovely and powerful jewelery, and cooking wholesome food for weary travellers. Let me think of the beauty of untouched lush countrysides scattered throughout Middle Earth. Let me breathe the clean air unfouled by the enemies’ stench. Let me not falter now. For I am Pareth, a strong hunter of Gondor. I will survive this war.”

She was determined and her inner strength would save her life many times in the many weeks to come.

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