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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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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