Weary

We rode for three long, hard days. The landscape was smooth and bare, dry grass stretching endlessly on for miles, with only the occasional outcropping boulder to show that we were actually getting anywhere. By midday of the second day the shapes of mountains had begun to form on the eastern horizon, and today, on the third, we reached the Great West road.

It was early evening when we rode through the gates of the majestic city. I've never seen anything like it! The whole place, hundreds of feet tall, brilliant white marble reaching up into the sky, filled with people wearing rich, dark clothing.

We rode through the city, up the many levels, until we reached the top. I dismounted, and nudged Tela towards the stable boy, who was unsure of how to lead two un-bridled horses.

Ever since we left Edoras, neither Gandalf, Pippin, nor myself had said a word--we had been too pressed for time. But at this point the hobbit could no longer contain himself.

"It's the tree!" I followed his gaze to a tall, withered tree as white as the stone we walked upon, perhaps once tall and majestic, now a reminder of an age nearly forgotten.

"Yes, it's the white tree of Gondor, the tree of the King."

"It's beautiful," I whispered, for despite it's twisting, leaf-less branches, it was stunning.

Gandalf had only glanced at me, slightly amused, before continuing on. "Lord Denethor is not the king, however. He is a steward only: a caretaker of the throne."

We mounted the stairs leading to the ebony doors of the hall, Gandalf in front, with myself and Pippin immediately behind. When we reached the top, Gandalf turned to look at us.

"You," he spoke to me first, "should not speak unless addressed. The people of Gondor are not accustomed to women dressing and speaking freely as men do." He then turned to Pippin. "Now, listen carefully: Lord Denethor is Boromir's father. To give him news of his beloved son's death would be most unwise. And don't mention Frodo. And say nothing of Aragorn either." I raised my eyebrows and looked at the hobbit as he only nodded his head sheepishly. The wizard began again to move towards the door, but turned back towards us abruptly. "In fact, it is better if you do not speak at all, Peregrin Took." Pippin looked up at me, but I only smiled and nodded in agreeance. I had already witnessed just how much trouble this young halfling could manage to find.

But alas! I am called away to supper.