I rode to Rivendell with Tom on a Inn League mission. It was the third time I've been there.
Every time I've gone, I go giddy when I come out of the pass and look down into the valley. This time was no different. I gripped my pony's reins. One false step and we'd be tumbling down the mountainside. When we got to Elrond's stables I hugged her so tight that she whinnied.
We stopped to look at the falls. It's magnificent! So much water! Such power! I just had to take out my pastels and sketch.
Bilbo, himself, was in the Hall of Fire! He asked us to help with a riddle game. That sent us scurrying all over the valley looking for clues. Before we knew it the sun was setting. It turned the sky and river an amazing red.
We climbed to the top of the falls. An important elf, named Glorfindel, was there. We shared some of the wine I had bought. Too bad for the Inn League. Again, this time I had to paint.
It looked like a fine spot to fish so I pulled out my fishing rod and baited it. Before I knew what happened I slipped and found myself in the river, flopping and paddling to save my life.
On the river bank Tom was shouting, waving his arms, and jumping up and down. Glorfindel stood watching with that calm expression I've seen on quite a few elves, neither smiling or frowning.
Lucky for me I fell in a part of the river sheltered by a little island. Somehow I managed to find a place to scramble out.
There I was standing on the bank, as bedraggled as a cat plucked from the Brandywine and Glorfindel laughs.
By Bullroar Took's toe hairs, I was fuming. How dare he? I could feel my face hot.
Embarrassed? Yes! Angry? Yes!
But then Glorfindel called for towels and hot tea. He and Tom helped me to the Hall of Fire. No one complained that I was dripping water on that beautiful floor. How foolish of me to be angry or embarrassed. They set me down by the fire and it was then that I laughed.
