a feast

This morning a party had ridden out to Isenguard. I was among them, and so can give a first hand account of what took place.

When we rode there, many were surprised to find a dense forest growing around the walls. The walls themselves were torn down, and being 'guarded' by two halflings enjoying a smoke and some food. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli were surprised and overjoyed to see the hobbits, and I soon learned that they were members of the original fellowship I had sought, believed to have been dead.

Isenguard had been flooded, and was now controlled by an ent by the name of Treebeard. Saruman was powerless, and captive in his tower. King Theoden and Gandalf attempted to talk peace with him, but to no avail. He threw down a large glass orb at Gandalf, which was retrieved by a very curious Pippin.

That is really all I wish to tell of the trip there, though I will say that both Saruman and his assisstant Wormtongue are no more.

Now there is much feasting. We first raised a toast to the victorious dead, but now everyone is filled with food and drink and going back for more. There is music, ale, wine, wild game.

I myself have had my share of the gaiety. I have withdrawn to a corner, the haunting images of battle linger before my face, even as I put my quill to the page. The people are dancing, laughing. I smile as I see the faces of young, innocent children who are happy to be alive.

A drinking game has begun, and I am tempted to join. But I would not be welcome there. Many of the men disbelieve that I fought along side them, as a woman, I am unworthy of fighting, and unworthy of partaking in a mans game.

I smile as I see the two young hobbits, Merry and Pippin, begin to sing and dance upon a table, much to the enjoyment of nearby spectators.

Oh you can search far and wide,

You can drink the whole town dry,

But you'll never find a beer so brown

As the one we drink in our home town!

You can keep your fancy ales,

You can drink them by the flagon,

But the only brew for the brave and true,

Comes from the Green Dragon!

Their song is greated with much enthusiasm and applause. I've a mind to join that drinking game anyhow. After all, if they can allow an elf to join in, why not myself?