Repairing the damage from the rains and rodents, clearing the surroundings of the house of weeds, and leaving the windows open to air out the house had been Kennet's chores that morning. But just after lunch the young man had saddled Hawthorne again and set off for Bree. His trot was slow and his spirits high, though at the sight of the hundred-year-old Yellow Tree he shivered. It had always been a place with an aura of almost mystical tranquillity, but after the year in Rivendell and the awareness of the doings of the forces of evil, he felt that the Yellow Tree was both an oasis of good and a target of war in case war ever come to Bree. He tried to push those thoughts aside quickly, but without much success.
Fortunately, the walls of Bree soon appeared before his eyes, and the rush of men, animals and wagons of goods allowed him to put the grim thoughts away. Kennet could not hide the broad smile on his face, and even less so after leaving Hawthorne at the stables, for Meldanyel appeared as they had agreed the night before.
-Well... a long time ago without trespassing south gates! -he exclaimed.
-You'll notice everything is the same. Not a lot changed in Bree -she answered.
-It's true… Kennet said, looking at every side of the town. I have to sell some stuff and visit Dalton Willow this afternoon. Will you come with me? -he asked.
She nodded, and they both entered the auction house by the south entrance to Bree. Kennet set about negotiating the sale of his preparations, both salves for the dangers of the road and dyes for the ornamentation of clothing. Meanwhile Meldanyel was looking at all the wares available, but without deciding to purchase anything in particular.
When he had finished his business, they both left the building in the direction of the High Stairs. They passed the Bree-town Jail, where some of the men were imprisoned. One of them lamented that he had only stolen to eat, and it cast a shadow over Kennet's mood. Meldanyel could see that, and he knew his friend well enough to know that the situation saddened him.
-Do you remember Frodefast? -she asked. He nodded unsure. He's a nice lad, he really cares about Bree's people. He wanted to help the poor -she added.
Kennet realized who Frodefast was. Ah, the baker! Yes, I recall him now -he admitted. Is he still assisting the Merchant Guild?
-I think so -she answered. We've been talking about stuff about Anunominas or something like that… About brigands.
Kennet laughed after hearing Meldanyel: Hahaha... It must be Annuminas!
-Whatever -she replied ignoring him. It seems like they… kill the brigands there. Or the treasure hunters. Those anuninuminians seem harsh people.
-Uau... that sounds like a dangerous adventure -he said a bit excited, what annoyed Meldanyel. She thought her friend was always prone to find problems wherever he was.
The conversation flowed until they reached the end of the Scholar’s Walks. The sun was moving over the horizon, and Kennet had to meet his duties before the night came.
-I'll have to go through that door, Mel -he said, pointing at the upper entrance of the Scholar's Stair Archives. Will you join me?
-Oh, no, I'll go to the market. Shall we meet at the Pony? -she suggested.
-Yes! I'll go there when I finish here -he stated smiling.
The Prancing Pony was one of his most preferred places in Bree, and Meldanyel’s company made the place even better. Both friends waved and took different paths. Kennet knocked the door as other times in the past, a bit excited. Before Rivendell, he had sometimes entered this place as a humble student. Now, he came to this research centre as a member of the Scholar’s Guild, a big responsibility.
It was Henry Oakeshott who opened the door. The man was in charge of maintaining the place clean, cooking for the scholars living there, delivering messages in Bree-town and buying what was needed. He greeted Kennet and the young man trespassed the Archive’s door. The place could be a regular house, but instead trophies and wardrobes, lots of chest containing relics from Bree-land, shelves with scrolls and written papers and tables for studying were found in its interior.
Dalton Willow met Kennet at the moment the young traveller entered. They knew each other, so they started with a friendly handshake. Dalton asked him about his studies in Rivendell, and Kennet answered with a few words, focused on showing Dalton the scrolls he brought from the elven enclave. They spoke about them, having in the next hour a very interesting conversation about history and botany.
But soon after, the conversation turned to Kennet's interest in exploring Fornost, which surprised Dalton and made him more concerned. He reached for and pulled out a couple of maps, which he spread out on the table, describing what Kennet would encounter if he persevered in his goal of exploring the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Arthedain.
Dalton explained that Kennet would have to travel north along the Greenway, beyond Hengstacer Farm. It was the furthest north Kennet had ever visited, and he was looking forward to crossing that personal frontier. Once across the Northern Bree-Fields he would enter the North-Downs region, and could rest in the village of Trestlebridge. Thereafter he would find no more shelter before he reached Fornost Erain. He would have to follow the Greenway north until he reached the Fields of Fornost, the vicinity of the mythical ruined city he would see in the distance.
Looking at the maps, Kennet was getting more and more excited, but he did not forget leader Ethan's orders to go with company to protect him. The young man asked Dalton about the risks along the way. Brigands around Bree was the first answer, but as he went further north the possible presence of patrols or orc encampments made the road dangerous. Beyond Trestlebridge the situation could be worse. The Northern Dunedain were rumoured to patrol those wild lands, but that was no guarantee of safe roads. And, finally, the city of Fornost was unknown as to what dangers might lie ahead. But that wild or evil creatures had taken up residence in its ruins was a very real possibility.
Kennet listened to all these descriptions with concern. He asked Dalton directly how he could make his journey safer, but the scholar shrugged his shoulders, claiming that he had never been to the North Downs. But he did give him some valuable help: the contact of Trestlebridge's schoolteacher, a woman with whom he had corresponded on occasion and who could give him more first-hand information on the situation. Kennet was extremely grateful for this information, for at least it was clear to him what his next destination would be: to seek out the Trestlebridge teacher.
The smell of food coming from the next room reminded him that it was already late. He had completed his tasks and had obtained the information he needed to continue his exciting but dangerous adventure. So, happy with the evening, he said goodbye to Dalton, promising to take a missive from him to the Trestlebridge teacher, and to return in one piece to tell all he had seen at Fornost.
The night was clear but cold, and Kennet did not linger in its lonely lanes, walking briskly towards The Prancing Pony. Entering the familiar tavern brought back many memories and instantly lifted his spirits. He recognised some old patrons and waved to them, and immediately turned to Barliman for two pints of the best ale on sale at the inn: it was a celebration and he wasn't about to skimp on the coin. He took a long sip of one of them, left a few coins on the bar and went to one of the tables in search of Meldanyel. He found his friend near the fire and, after saying hello again, they both looked for a table to sit at and share a drink.
-Aaahh... long time I wasn't here, Mel. I missed this place! -he assured, looking everywhere. It seems to be dark and dirty after a year at Rivendell... but I'm comfortable here!
-I bet you did! I guess those fancy elves didn't have good ale -she commented, taking one of the drinks and toasting happily with Kennet.
-I see The Prancing is still the most visited place by foreign people… Local drunkards can't frighten them hahaha! -he joked, which made both of them laugh. And what about you, Mel? Are you still cooking for everyone in Bree?
-Of course -she replied proudly. I try to participate in every Merchant’s Guild meeting, but during summer I was very busy taking care of the farm. I may have missed some markets but I will try to make a name for myself… And I even have a name for my business! Dale's Daughter!
-It sounds good! I'm sure that name will be famous in all Bree-land! -he said, remembering Meldanyel’s mother came from that place.
-I hope so! Master Frimsi helped me with that -she admitted.
-Ah... Master Frimsi... I'd like to meet him -he said sincerely. Is he now at Bree?
-I cannot tell, he comes and goes as he pleases. But I heard some weird things about him.... -she said in a mysterious tone. Those words caught his attention, and she kept talking, lowering her voice: I guess they are only rumours, but.... I heard he did a drinking contest with a brigand… And he won! Can you imagine it?
-Ha! -he laughed loud out. Yes, I do imagine it! You saw that, Master Frimsi can speak without respect to an elf in Rivendell... I'm sure he can win a brigand in a drink contest!!
Meldanyel laughed, remembering those days in Rivendell. The visit of the dwarf was one of the best things in all the days she was at the elven city. Meanwhile she lost herself in her mind, Kennet took from his satchel a pouch of weed, and gave it to Meldanyel.
-I keep some weed safe at home… -he said, looking at how she prepared her own pipe with tobacco and light it.
She stood up, exhaled all the air from her lungs and took a long puff on the pipe. After a few long seconds with the smoke in her lungs, she exhaled rhythmically creating some shapes with the smoke.
-Ey! You didn't lose your awesome skills!! -he exclaimed.
-Well, I've never lost practice -she winked an eye before taking the pipe again to her lips and sitting.
-I have to meet Ponto to take more weed from him. He will be disappointed to know that elves don’t grow weed at Rivendell -he said remembering the promise he made to his hobbit friend. Ponto has been caring for my farmlands during my stay at Rivendell.
-Indeed. And you also have to think about your land. Winter is coming and you need to prepare the camps for when spring comes -she appointed before taking a long sip.
-Ah... don't worry. Ponto is still taking care of them. I leave in a couple of weeks, so I can't plant this season -he said quietly after drinking another sip.
Meldanyel almost choked on her drink when she heard Kennet's words: Wait, what?
-Yes... I’m here only for a pair or three weeks. I'm leaving for Fornost soon -he informed.
-WHAT? Are you leaving again? -Meldanyel tried to not raise her voice, but she failed. Her anger grew and she stood up.
Kennet stood up too to speak and tried to calm Meldanyel down. Yes, Mel. I'm stopping by Bree, to bring Dalton some scrolls and asking him about the trip to North Downs. I need to explore Fornost for the Scholar's Guild -he explained.
Meldanyel grumbled at Kennet: To… to Fornord!
-Fornost! -he corrected. It was the ancient capital of the ancient... or not so ancient for elves... the ancient kingdom of Arthedain.
-WHATEVER! -she shouted. I don't care about Arthedain, Forntos or Anuminais, I care that you are leaving… again! I was right about the whole thing, you've changed! -she accused angrily.
-But, Mel! I've got to! I... I... have to travel, you know what I do! -he excused.
-No, you don't HAVE to. You WANT to -she replied. Those damn elves gave you the idea, but you already wanted to explore the world!
-Well... yes! -he admitted. You can't blame me for that! You know, I've always been drawing at Three-Farrows about old cities! Visiting Fornost is an adventure for me -he stated.
-And also a death sentence! -she cried out. Don't you remember how dangerous the road to Rivendell was?
-But Dalton told me about a woman in Trestlebridge who can help me -he commented. She is part of the Scholar's Guild and she can guarantee me escort.
-Oh, wow, a woman, for sure she'll stop the orcs from attacking and killing you! -she said with sarcasm.
-Not she! But she can get me some protection -he assured. In fact... the Guild Leader ordered me to travel with bodyguards to stay safe! C'mon, Mel. We have spoken about this before...
Meldanyel sighed at Kennet, and sadness appeared in her face. She scolded him: Yeah, but I thought… I thought that when you returned to Bree you would have changed your mind!
-Mel... I'm a scholar now. I learn from places and books and people, and in Bree I can't learn anymore -he said meanwhile she shook her head negating. But I promise I'll be here again!
-I don't trust that promise -she replied at the moment. You told me you wouldn't change and here we are.
-But I didn't change! -he replied a bit angry, raising his voice. Don't you remember all the adventures in Midgewater Marshes? I always wanted to explore those spider-infested ruins!
Meldanyel sighed, and he tried to calm down himself. Do you want to come, Mel? You and your axe are great companions!
Meldanyel shook her head: Don't count on me.
The cold and firm answer made Kennet sighed, before she kept speaking: I DO have to stay here and take care of the farm, my business… everything! And ALSO be worried about you all the time, thinking something had happened to you on the road. I’m...I'm so angry at you I could slap you! -she shouted.
-And my business is exploring and making the world easier to know! There are… -Kennet put a cautious face before speaking, lowering his voice. There are evil forces that work undercover, to harm Bree and every good land. And I can help to fight those forces.
That explanation made her feel sad. You are only one man, Kennet, you cannot stop any force of evil. Orcs, brigands and other evil creatures will attack you, hurt you, kill you. And then what?
-Yes, only a man -he replied. But a man that can discover things and support all the Scholar's Guild. The wise people who can help the good forces to cope with the evil! And I won't be alone! I'm going to always travel with protection, I promise you! I have learnt about the dangerous paths coming alone from Rivendell to Bree. I don't want to repeat that frightening experience!
Meldanyel negated her head, angry and sad. You'll discover the dangers the hard way, and some day you're going to get hurt. And it will break my heart. I don't want to talk to you anymore. If it was for me I'll tie you on a chair in your farm until you get your senses back!
Meldanyel turned around and walked towards the exit of the sagging inn. Kennet said to her: Ey, Mel! Don't get angry. Let's enjoy these days! We still have the pint half finished!
But she replied without coming back: Enjoy! BAH! Good night, sir!
-Ey! Mel!! Wait!! Where you go?? -he asked while trying to take all Meldanyel things left behind. Let me go with you!
-I’m going home! -she replied, and asked after his petition: Why?
-Because I don't like to see you angry. And I want to calm you down -he argued. She went out of the tavern and walked towards her home. But Kennet ran and reached near her outside the building.
-I realize your fears, but you can trust me! I’ll be safe! -he assured.
Meldanyel sighed, telling: You think you'll be safe and that's what scares me the most. You're not really afraid of the road, or its dangers. You think you can overcome any problem. And that will kill you -she said with a very sad voice. I already lost someone who thought that travels were easy and not dangerous.
-Oh, Mel… -he said, approaching his friend. I know you had a terrible loss in the past. But it doesn't mean you're going to lose me.
-Don't I? -she asked skeptically. You're leaving again… for how long? Another year?
-I... I don't know -he admitted. But not a year! Only a travel to Fornost, to explore and draw the remaining ruins. And, after that, I'll be back again at Bree. I promise.
-Then… promise me you'll be here in winter! Before the snow covers all the roads -she asked.
After seconds of thinking, he replied: I'll try... I hope to be here before the snow.... but I'm sure I'll be here before the spring.
Meldanyel sighed, saying: It's something, I guess…
-And... in that case, we'll take a trip to Archet or Hobbiton -he suggested, trying to raise her spirit. Do you like the idea?
-What? Why? -she asked surprised.
-Well... you could sell your delicious meals at Hobbiton. And, maybe, learn some cooking recipes from the small people! His suggestions made her think for a moment. C'mon... you liked the idea. I know you!! -he stated smiling.
-Well....maybe -she admitted. But we'll see -Meldanyel added unsure.
-Great! Don't be sad! I'll be here, at least one more week. I'm not in a hurry, and I want to meet a lot of neighbours here -he said, trying to end her friend’s anger.
-Well then, I have a week to make you change your mind… -she said resignedly. Now, let's go home… it's getting late.
-Ok... but... We left unfinished beers inside. Don't you want to drink them? -he suggested, convincing her to enter again at the tavern.
