Post by Andorinha on Jan 26, 2009 12:31:23 GMT -6
An Adventure in Middle Earth "closed"
Thinking this Classic to be too GOOD to be lost in the archive morass of "Multiply," I am placing it here. Further editing may be required.
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Message 1 of 58 in Discussion
From: DaleAnn
Sent: 2/21/2002 9:15 AM
The last thing Rivers remembered was flipping through Return of the King, trying to come up with ammunition against DaleAnn's latest zinger about Frodo. "Ring with legs, indeed," he muttered to himself right before he found himself here. If only he knew where here was. It, certainly, was not his comfortable bedroom at home. But, it did have a vague familiarity about it that he couldn't quite place. Then, he thought he heard a faint, tenative "hello?"
The voice came closer. "Hello? Anybody here? Hello?" It sounded like he felt, puzzled and worried.
"I'm in here!" Rivers answered as he walked to the doorway.
She rounded a corner and stopped. "Who are you? And what am I doing here?", she demanded.
"Ummm..I'm Mark Rivers. I was going to ask you the same thing."
For some odd reason, she smiled widely. "Rivers? THE Rivers from B&N?"
"Ah...yeah..."
"Rivers, I'm DaleAnn!!! Why are we here?! Do you have any clue?!"...
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Message 2 of 58 in Discussion
From: rivers
Sent: 2/21/2002 3:35 PM
When Rivers hears the name DaleAnn in a panic he checks his fingers. "They're all here, Yahoo I have them all right here" Rivers sings while doing some really uncoordinated dancing.
He then stops and with a most serious expression says " DaleAnn where is here?"
Dale Ann immediately worries for his sanity but replies"I don't think were in Kansas anymore."
A quick inspection of the room shows the walls are not stucco or plaster, but stone, cold hard stone.
Rivers quickly heads towards DaleAnn and pinches her,
"Oww, what's wrong with you," she say while slapping him "Get it right, pinch yourself."
"No doubt about it we're here, lets find out where here is" Rivers says eerily as they head toward the door with panes of colored glass and some stange etchings carved into the doorframe. He looks back and sees something shiny in DaleAnn's pocket,"Better than dirt" he mutters to himself. "Here goes nothing" as he opens the door they see a............................
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Message 3 of 58 in Discussion
From: DaleAnn
Sent: 2/22/2002 5:05 AM
...short, fat man with a bald head and red face. He had an apron on. He stared at Rivers and DaleAnn with an astonished expression on his face.
Clearing his throat and recovering his composure, he asked, "And what can I do for you? Barliman is the name and I own this inn. I don’t remember seeing you last night. And you’d think I would since I have no other guests. Haven’t had any guests since those Black Riders were here...days...or was it weeks ago? Never has such a thing happened in my time! Guests unable to sleep in their beds! The room in ruins! Ponies, gone! Did Nob let you in?"
They were speechless. Each of them was hoping the other was making sense of this. Finally, Rivers spoke. "I guess we let ourselves in. We were both so...tired?" DaleAnn tried to smile in agreement but, the confusion was overwhelming.
"Well, I can see that you both must still be tired. The looks on your faces, like you aren’t understanding me. When you are ready, I’ll have Nob get you something to eat." Off he went at last, leaving Rivers and DaleAnn dumbfounded.
"This has got to be your fault, Rivers! You’ve got an imagination that you let run wild. Some of those Frodo-Sam posts of yours!" In an exaggerated gesture, DaleAnn stuck her hands in her pockets for emphasis. She came out with something shiny. A stethoscope?...
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Message 4 of 58 in Discussion
From: rivers
Sent: 2/22/2002 11:27 AM
"My imagination you were the one who wrote about the stethescope. Besides if it was up to me I would have moved here from Alabama years ago."
Before the Dale Ann can reply Nob walks in and asks "food?"
"Whats on the menu this evening Nob?" Dale Ann queries while Rivers slips behind Nob and administers the "flea bite."
Nob turns suddenly holding his arm looking around sharply. Rivers is suddenly deeply interested in the contents of his pockets " lint, a quarter , a penknife, yep it's all here. say what's to eat?"
Nob bewildered says "mutton pie or mutton pie." Rivers and Dale Ann simultaneously answer "mutton pie." Nob leaves shaking his head and mumbling about the strangeness of the customers lately.
"Well what are we going to do, Rivers?"
"The first thing I'm going to do is eat. I don't think to well on an empty stomach."
"Okay but if you pinch one more person we're gonna have problems."
Nob brings in the meal on wooden platters without utensils. DaleAnn looks around while Rivers alternates hands and takes bites while blowing."Wow this is hot but tasty." DaleAnn shakes her head ,"when in Rome", and does the two hand shuffle albeit it with much more dignity than Rivers.
The meal is soon consumed and as Dale Ann leans back in satisfaction she hears, "Looks like its a dine and dash. Not only do I not know what they use for money around here, I don't have my wallet."
Dale Ann's musings run along this line (great I'm stuck with a knucklehead with a penchant for pinching people--good thing I'm here.) She reaches in her purse to pull out the card and it hits her. Their eyes meet and she says "I have a plan......................
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Message 5 of 58 in Discussion
From: DaleAnn
Sent: 2/23/2002 4:55 AM
"First, let’s make sure we are on the same page, ok?" DaleAnn paced back and forth in front of the window. "You’re real. I’m real. Nob is real. I think you can stop the pinching...ok?"
Rivers was a little disappointed. "I guess." This was his dream come true. All he wanted to do was touch everything. He couldn’t believe he was here in Middle Earth.
"We seem to be in Bree. We don’t know how we got here, but, we’ve got to find out how to get home."
Rivers sprang from the bed. "No way! I want to stay!"
"I’ve got a family to take care of. I’ve got to GO HOME! Rivers, I’ve got to go HOME!"
The tears welled up in Rivers eyes. Her fingernails, like lion claws, dug into his arms. "Ok, ok! Let go! I’ll help you figure this out." He wondered if she drew blood. There were going to be bruises, for sure.
DaleAnn stood staring at the stone wall. "I think we need to see Tom Bombadil. We think he might be a Maiar, right?"
"Cool!" Rivers forgot his painful arms. "How are we going to get there?"
"Walk."
"Naw."
"What do you propose we do? Call a cab? And we have to figure out how to pay Butterbur. This credit card won’t cut it." She picked it up from where it fell. Then she saw a backpack half hidden under the bed.
"Rivers, what’s this?"
He recognized his beatup backpack immediately. It was heavy. Rivers spilled the contents on the bed. Boxing gloves, well used; some rope; two brown packages with the words "BudK Corp" written on them; a twinkie, pretty well smashed; some unfamiliar coins; and some clothing items.
The two stared at the bed for several moments before speaking.
"Ah, DaleAnn...ah, do you want to know what’s in those?" Rivers asked, pointing to the BudK packages.
Picking up the boxing gloves, she said, "Sure. Why not? Can’t be anything more weird than anything else."
"Daggers...I ordered them a week ago."
"Oh." The color drained from her face. "Do you see that everything we wrote about online is coming true? The stethoscope...my boxing gloves...your daggers. Now, I’m really scared! You wrote some heavy duty stuff, Rivers. Orcs, Shelob...dying..or being left for dead, anyway."
"DaleAnn, we’ve got to get to Tom Bombadil!".......
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Message 6 of 58 in Discussion
From: rivers
Sent: 2/26/2002 11:05 AM
The next day started early for the two would-be adventurers. Buying supplies was just a lost game of Rock, Paper, Scissors away for Rivers.
" I can't believe anyone starts with two papers," he mumbles as he searches for Barliman. He ordered supplies and was happy he mentioned Gandalf's name because he had no idea what going prices were or exactly what value the golden coins possesed. At the mention of the wizard's name a second group of coins larger than his original change appeared with a shrug from the innkeeper.
Dale Ann in the meantime acquired two beautiful mares of fine quality. A lovely chestnut and an ebony specimen which would bring tears to your eyes. I placed my saddle roll on the chestnut and fell in love. All I wanted to do was ride so I named her "Sally".
It was a bright and chilly morning, the air was so crisp you almost expected to hear it snap. As the two rode out of Bree, Dale whispered "I think were being followed." Looking back, several shapes were obviously following us. "Better safe than sorry. Let's move off the road."
At that moment a figure dressed in grey beckoned us into the woods. Something about the man looked familiar. Dark closely cropped hair with a mustache and goatee.
Rivers smiled and entered the forest this was going to be very interesting.........
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Message 7 of 58 in Discussion
From: MSN NicknameLord_Algamesh
Sent: 2/27/2002 6:27 PM
As the two wanderers stepped from the road, the grey-clad figure quitely spoke, "Hurry it up, those villians shot first and ask questions later. Follow me!" The pair quickened their pace, crouched, and followed the cloaked stranger behind a thick bit of underbrush a few yards away. Pushing back his hood, the man revealed a strained smile. "Hi guys, Nob told me you had arrived." Dale Ann's jaw dropped and Rivers nearly clappped his hands. "Algamesh, where did you come from ..." started Dale Ann. "Shhh ..." cautioned Algamesh. "Keep still and watch the road. This should be quite entertaining."
Algamesh leapt from the brush and within a few steps stopped in the middle of the dusty road. Moments later, Dale Ann and Rivers watched as four darkly-clad horsemen stopped short and spoke to their old friend.
"Move off the road, Ranger," threatened the largest of the riders. "We are in haste and to hinder our passage is to welcome your death!"
"Is that so?" asked Algamesh. "You wouldn't happen to be looking for a couple of lost travellers now would you?"
"What do you know of this Ranger?" asked the dark captain as he leaned forward in his saddle and fingered his sword-hilt.
"Well, these newcomers happen to be worthy friends of mine who need no trouble from you. It may be wiser to turn aside and crawl back to Isengard on your bellies!" Algamesh whipped back his cloak and revealed a terrible blade at his belt. "The choice is yours ..." he continued.
"Ack ... kill this one and make it quick!" bellowed the captain. The other three in his company brandished their cruelly-curved blades and began to dismount.
"I've got to help, Algamesh!" shouted Rivers. He jumped to his feet but was quickly pulled down by his companion.
"Are you crazy?!?" asked Dale Ann. "If Algy wants to die that's his choice," she added. "Personally, I want to find Bombadil, Gandalf, or somebody and get home. I'm not doing this alone either, so don't get any more crazy ideas!"
As they both prepared to watch the gruesome death of their outmatched friend, the air was sliced by the a strange whistling noise. The three dismounting riders fell heavily to the ground with arrows protruding from each of their scarved necks. Algamesh looked back towards the companions, winked and with lightning reflexes drew his deadly blade and held it under the chin of the dark southerner.
"Now, snake of Saruman," spoke Algamesh in hushed tones. "If you value your life and would rather not fall prey to our Elf-Lord, you will ride south and not return to these lands. Tell Saruman to keep his dogs at bay."
To the surprise of all (except Algamesh), a lithe figure leapt from the trees on the opposite side of the road. Grim but beautiful (as is the nature of the High Elves), Glorfindle approached the rider who appeared to be frozen with fright atop his mount. Algamesh lowered his sword and stepped aside as the Elf whispered something in the horse's attentive ear. With a loud scream, the mount reared and ran with great haste towards the south through a thick wall of brambles. The last thing the group heard was the curses of the southerner and his futile attempts to regain control of his steed.
"Nice one Glor!" laughed Algamesh, then pointing to their two newly arrived friends he continues, "It appears that the little hobbit was correct with his descriptions. DA and Rivers as expected."
"How did you guys ...? Glor, your ears ... ? Algamesh ... that sword, where did you learn ..." stuttered Dale Ann.
"Back to the eaves," whispered Glorfindle roughly. "Something else approaches ... this could be trouble ..."
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Message 8 of 58 in Discussion
From: Glorfindle
Sent: 2/27/2002 8:32 PM
"A Elbereth!" whispered Glorfindle, and they all bowed low behind the thickets, with watchful eyes. A sense of dread seemed to wash over them, like a sudden harsh blow of cold wind from the east. Glorfindle knew this was not some paltry messenger of Isengard that could be dismissed away by a word into a steeds ear. He feared for his companions, knowing the danger that was upon them. He had to react at once, not percieving if the Dark Rider was alone, or how much of the NINE was with him. "Hark Ye! Algamesh! Make for the Withywindle, and so into the Dingle Valley to Iarwain Ben-Adar!
Glorfindle stood upright and threw back his Elven cloak, revealing Mithral armor that was dazzling. He whistled, and his great steed 'Asfaloth' came running to him. He leaped upon the magnificient beast while drawing his blade, and almost at once, they galloped toward the foe. "Flee! he cryed, Flee! I will come to you when I may!" and he disappeared with Asfaloth, toward the dread that near sickened them.
Rivers started shaking and DaleAnn pinched him. "Seems pinching has a use after all", laughed DaleAnn, as Rivers got a hold of himself again. Algamesh was impatient. "Come", he said. "We do not know how much time Glorfindle can save us, we must run".
They all took off at a good pace, not daring to look behind. They heard Glorfindle's voice raise up in a great battle cry, and they heard Asfaloth stomp and whinny in anger.
They ran and ran, until it seemed thier legs could not carry them another inch. They all fell exhausted near a great willow tree. "I cannot move a minute more, though all the hosts of Mordor be before us" exclaimed DaleAnn.
Rivers was still trying to pull all the thistles from his hair, when a sound made them all freeze, and look around.........
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Message 9 of 58 in Discussion
Sent: 2/28/2002 4:25 AM
This message has been deleted by the author.
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Message 10 of 58 in Discussion
From: DaleAnn
Sent: 2/28/2002 5:20 AM
....It sounded too much like an eighteen-wheeler barreling down the road to be anything else. It was coming from the direction the wide-eyed party had wanted to go. As the black monster careened into view, they heard the squeal of the brakes. Dust and stones flew everywhere. The three travelers shivered where they were hidden behind the giant willow.
The driver’s door opened. A hooded figure, all in black, jumped out. It’s head bobbed back and forth, looking or smelling for something. As one, the group shrank back deeper into the woods, still staring at the truck driver.
Suddenly, the cloaked form convulsed. Doubled over, the coughing fit took control. Now crazed with uncontrollable hacking, the driver stumbled back to the truck and climbed in. In another cloud of dust and debris, the truck lurched forward and was quickly out of sight.
"That could have only been one thing." commented Algamesh knowingly.
"Yeah...a nazgul. But, driving a truck?" Sniffing the diesel fumes in the air, Rivers laughed. "The dust and the fumes! That’s what made him cough like that!"
DaleAnn looked at the men huddled together nodding their heads in puzzled agreement. "Didn’t you guys read the posts on B&N about the nazgul truck drivers on the Garden State Parkway? It’s so obvious!" Waving her arms, she continued excitedly "Where there’s a truck...there must be the GSP! And home! But, where is Glor?...
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Message 11 of 58 in Discussion
From: Stormrider
Sent: 2/28/2002 10:24 PM
"Do not worry about Glorfindle." Algamesh reassured them. "He and Asfaloth may be a while taking care of business. They know we are headed to Dingle Valley."
With that, the trio mounted their steeds and headed into the woods in search of the Withywindle. The woods were quiet as they made their way through the thicket. They could hear the murmur of the river grow louder as they grew closer. Soon they were on the bank of the swiftly flowing Withywindle.
"We should follow the river this way." said DaleAnn, pointing West. "This should take us to the Dingle Valley."
Meanwhile, Rivers was digging through his backpack. With much crinkling, he pulled out the crumbled twinkie and offered it to his companions, who declined his offer with queezy looks on their faces. Rivers shrugged and gulped it down.
A little while later they heard singing:
Old Tom Bombadil is a merry fellow;
Bright blue his jacket is, and his boots are yellow.
Hey dol! merry dol! ring a dong dillo!
Bright blue his jacket is, and his boots are yellow.
Hey dol! merry dol! ring a dong dillo!
Out from the trees on the left danced a merry fellow, with brown hair and beard, wearing a blue jacket and yellow boots. "Why, I have been expecting you three! " He stated matter of factly. "We have just a little ways to go before we get to the house. It is up, down, and under hill up ahead."
"Well, Iarwin Ben-Adar, it is good to see you." shouted DaleAnn. "We are looking for Tom Bombadil. Perhaps he can help us get back home."
"I am afraid I will have to disappoint you, then." Iarwin Ben-Adar shrugged. "As you can see, I am standing in for Tom Bombadil. He and his fair lady, Goldberry, have taken a vacation to Fangorn Forest to visit with Treebeard and the Ents. I am house sitting for him."
"When is he expected back?" Rivers asked. "If he is due back soon, we will wait for him. It is safe here."
"He will not be back for another month. It is getting late, come to the house and we will have something to eat. There is always plenty of yellow cream and honeycomb, white bread, butter, milk, cheese, green herbs, and ripe berries to satisfy an empty stomach."
Soon they arrived at the house of Tom Bombadil. After untacking the horses and setting them out to pasture, they all stretched their weary legs and splashed water on their hands and faces. Soon they were chatting around a delightful feast.
"It looks as though we will need to go to Fangorn Forest to see Tom Bombadil if you want his help, DaleAnn." observed Algamesh. "Unless we can find Gandalf to help us. There was rumor at the Inn that Gandalf was in Rivendell conferencing with Elrond."
"Rivendell is much closer for us. After a good nights rest, let us go there." sighed DaleAnn.
The companions all turned in for a good nights sleep. In the morning, they had a hearty breakfast, saddled their horses, and bid farewell to Iarwain Ben-Adar, and headed Northwest out of the forest.
"Let us make haste." said Algamesh and they rode their mounts fast and hard. Many hours later, they stopped to rest their horses, eat, and relax a while. "I really have to find Gandalf. I have to get home. It's really important." moaned DaleAnn.
I'm kind of enjoying this little excursion of ours, though." grinned Rivers. "I am in no hurry to get home. Although I'm going to be saddle sore for a week after this rugged riding we are doing!"
"Be quiet or I'll pinch your saddle-sore rear end!" smirked DaleAnn. Soon they were back on the road again headed toward Weathertop. They slowed down their pace a bit because they all were a bit sore ended.
The landscape became hilly and barren. There wasn't much cover in case they needed to hide from any suspicious characters. As the afternoon wore on and dusk came, they arrived at Weathertop and shelter. After gathering wood, finding a clear spring for water, and catching a hare, they prepared camp and settled in for the night.
As they were drifting off to sleep, Rivers sat up straight and exclaimed, "What is that?" He pointed at the edge of their campsite as a dark stealthy shape peered at them with pale half lidded eyes. There was a hiss, the sound of flapping feet, and the dark shape was gone......
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Message 12 of 58 in Discussion
From: rivers
Sent: 2/28/2002 11:17 PM
"Are we there yet Algamesh?" Rivers asked for the hundredth time.
Algamesh didn't even honor him with an answer. "Is he always like that DaleAnn?"
"So far he has been, and he always was contrary on the board."
Alagamesh shakes his head as they round a bend in the road. The dense overgrowth reaches out over the road and the thick moss fingers billow in the wind like the wispy hands beckoning you home.
"That is beautiful I could sit here forever in the quiet, can we stop for a moment." Dale asks. "This looks like a good spot, lets stop for today."
They dismount and unsaddle the horses, "I'll look for some deadwood for a fire." Rivers quickly begins scouring the area for wood."
Algamesh remounts and starts forward, " I am scouting ahead you two keep near here as we don't want to be separated."
DaleAnn has camp neatly set up as Rivers returns with a fair amount of wood. "I know the pieces fit cause I watched them fall away mildewed and smoldering.."
Rivers was singing to himself as he lays out the wood. Taking a box of matches from his pack he gets a flame started. He puts some water in a pot and begins to start preparing supper. "The smell of stew wafting in the breeze and camp set up, time to relax and stretch some aching muscles." Rivers places his hands behind his head and naps.
DaleAnn even though she's anxious to return home quietly surveys the scene and is captivated." So lovely, so peaceful," She says as she drifts into slumber..............
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Message 13 of 58 in Discussion
From: rivers
Sent: 3/1/2002 10:03 PM
" What in the wide,wide world of sports is going on here?" screams Algmesh. "I leave to scout out our path and you two set up like were on a picnic in Jellystone Park. What do expect to see Yogi and BooBoo?"
Rivers in his best BooBoo imitation says "I don't know Yogi, the Ranger might not like those Nazgul..."
"Zip it Rivers, just for that you get first watch tonight although you probably wouldn't see a Balrog if it burned your butt."
"Well I did see something curious last night.." Rivers explains about the eyes and flapping feet and all of the sudden Algamesh starts breaking camp." No sleep tonight we may already be too late.............
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Message 14 of 58 in Discussion
From: MSN NicknameLord_Algamesh
Sent: 3/2/2002 9:48 AM
Algamesh, Rivers, and DaleAnn quickly put out the campfire and strapped their gear to their saddles. Within minutes they were mounted and riding hard along the road and the wind was with them. After a few hours, Algamesh pulled hard on the reins and motioned the others for a stop.
"I think it would be useless for us to pursue this course," begins Algamesh, soft and low ... almost to himself.
"And what course would that be?" asked DaleAnn. "Where were you leading us in all that hurry?"
"I was going to Moria," continued Algamesh.
"MORIA!!! Are you out of your mind???" screamed DaleAnn. "I have to get home and I have to get home NOW"
"I don't know," said Rivers thoughtfully. "Moria would be pretty cool. Hey Algy, has that Balrog been killed yet?"
"Rivers, you are about this close to a nasty, ugly, painful broken nose!" said DaleAnn, displaying a space between her fore-finger and thumb that an Elvish thread would have a difficult time navigating.
"She's right Rivers," concluded the grim Ranger. "DaleAnn has too many responsibilities in the "other" place. Anyway, I doubt very seriously we could intercept Gollum. The Fellowship hasn't even been formed yet and I don't know if we can avert the course of Tolkien's history anyway. Now, let's move off the rode under the trees there. We should be able to reach Bombadil in a couple of days. Even now, the Barrow-Mounds rise in the distance."
The party moved several yards under the eaves of the Old Forest and found a clearing where to set camp and secure their mounts. A small fire was constructed and soon, following a frugal meal of dried meat, fruit, and cheese, the three companions were joined in conversation.
"Algamesh," began DaleAnn. "How did you and Glor get here?"
"Well," replied Algamesh. "That story is both long and short, depending on how you look at it."
"What do you mean?" inquired Rivers as he stoked the smouldering embers into flame anew.
"Glorfindle and I have been here for some three months, Shire-Reckoning of course" answered the Ranger, now pulling a pipe from his saddlebag and filling it with leaf.
"That's impossible!" exclaimed DaleAnn. "You guys posted on the board only yesterday!"
"Hence, the long and the short of it," said Algamesh with a wink as he lit his pipe and drew a great deal of smoke. "It seems that time runs a bit differently here. Glorfindle and I came to this conclusion and now it has proven to be fact. Remember Lewis' books and The Neverending Story?"
"Anyway," continued the Ranger as he tapped the leaf down in the pipe. "DaleAnn is in danger. If she wants to get home, we have to find the way soon."
"Danger ?!?!?" exclaimed DaleAnn. "What danger ?!?!? I didn't do anything!"
"Shhh ... remember, the enemy is about and no way is safe! Especially since you two are bringing things from the posts with you!" cautioned Algamesh. "Anyway, I don't mean THAT kind of danger. The danger I speak of is something different altogether ... you may begin to forget the "other" place and your desire to get back home may leave you. This is the danger I speak of for you."
Algamesh stood up and slowly walked the perimeter of the camp, peering long into the forest. DaleAnn and Rivers sat silent, deciding what questions to ask next. The Ranger returned and sat down, satisfied the enemy was elsewhere for the moment.
"You see," began Algamesh. "When Glorfindle and I first arrived, we knew who we were and remembered our lives in the "other" realm. But slowly, we began to associate ourselves with this existence and our physical and mental attributes began to change. I inherited the skills and look of the Dunadain while Glorfindle began to resemble the fair folk. Soon, we gave no thought that another reality existed. That is, until Nob mentioned your names. The last thing I remember from the "other" place was chatting with Glorfindle late one night and then all of a sudden, we were standing on Weathertop."
"That's incredible!!!" said Rivers with great excitement. "Let's see, I wonder what I shall become ... hmmm."
"Incredible?" continued DaleAnn. "I think it is absolutely dreadful. I mean, I love the stories but I don't want to get stuck here or, or forget." At this, tears began to well up in DaleAnn's eyes and stream down her cheeks. Algamesh gently wiped her tears and gazed long into her eyes with much concern.
"Don't worry DaleAnn, Bombadil will have some answers," said the Ranger in a soft convincing tone. "As for me and Glor, we will stay to see a new Age in Middle-Earth. Rest now, all will look better in the light of morning."
DaleAnn and Rivers settled down in their blankets and found comfort in the thick bed of leaves on the forest floor. Algamesh kept watch throughout the night. His thoughts were drawn to Glorfindle and how he was faring against Sauron's riders .....
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Message 15 of 58 in Discussion
From: DaleAnn
Sent: 3/3/2002 4:59 AM
Rivers and DaleAnn woke up somewhat refreshed. It was morning in Middle Earth. Rivers pointed to a nearby knoll. Algamesh stood looking first in one direction then another. Head bent, he turned and walked back towards them. With a heavy heart, Algamesh began, "I think Glorfindle might be lost. I expected him to rejoin us sometime before sunrise. I do not know if one of the Nine ended his existence here or if the memory of the "other place" drew him back somehow, especially since you two are here."
"Let’s not forget that Rollercoaster season is almost here," Rivers declared. "Do you think he found your Garden State Parkway, DaleAnn?"
With all the turmoil of the last few days, she didn’t realize that in all the ground they covered, there was no other sign of the GSP besides that coughing nazgul truckdriver. That is, she didn’t realize it until now. If Glorfindle did find the GSP, he’d have so many reckless Orcs to deal with. Well, he was from New Jersey, so she was sure he’d be all right. He had enough practice.
"We can hope, Rivers. And maybe he’ll come back." Algamesh smiled, belying the troubled look in his eyes. "Let’s break camp and go find Bombadil."
"Algamesh, the last couple of days have been really confusing. First we go to Tom’s and he’s not home, then I think we are on the way to Rivendell, but, you say we’re going to Moria chasing after Gollum. Now, we’re going to LOOK for Tom. I don’t get it."
Algamesh straightened up from his packing. "DaleAnn, please, don’t say that."
"Say what?"
Rivers groaned and pulled DaleAnn aside. "DaleAnn, every time you say ‘I don’t get it’, you just harp on it. Remember that chat a couple weeks ago. All you kept saying to Glor was ‘I don’t get it’, ‘I don’t get it’, ‘I don’t get it’, everytime that poor guy tried to explain the topic board. It’s a miracle he didn’t get Karo6 to punch you in the nose."
Dale pondered this for a moment and gestured to the Ranger. "I guess we need him, don’t we? Even as indecisive as he is?"
Rivers relaxed and patted DaleAnn on the shoulder, "Yeah, we’ve got to give the guy a break. Remember how he handled those ruffians. And he's only been here three months."
Suddenly, Algamesh drew his sword. The horses whinnied in greeting. It was Asfaloth trotting towards them, riderless.
"Asfaloth!" cried Rivers.
"That’s not Asfaloth," stated a feminine voice behind them.
Quickly, they spun around. The horse trotted right to her. "This is Storm. Girl, I thought you were gone." The woman took a carrot out of her pocket and gave it to the horse.
"You must be mistaken. This is Glorfindle’s horse. Asfaloth." Algamesh said sternly.
"Everybody knows Asfaloth is white. She is brown." The woman shook her head in disbelief and gave Storm a pat. She took a book out of the pack she carried. "When I went to turn her out to pasture this morning, all I found was this." She handed the book to Rivers.
"The one volume Lord of the Rings. Wow! You’ve got to be Stormrider!" Rivers leapt forward with arms outstretched as if to hug her.
"Stay away from me! I’ve been reading about your fleabite routine!" Stormrider commanded. "You’ll see that every reference to Shadowfax has been marked." She said to distract him. "One second I’m in the barn, looking at this book. The next, I’m just a few yards away from you guys. And Storm is trotting towards me."...
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Message 16 of 58 in Discussion
From: Stormrider
Sent: 3/3/2002 10:41 AM
With a chink of spurs, the woman halted a moment to set down the saddle and tack that she was carrying. She brushed off the brown Western duster she was wearing and tipped the corner of her cowboy hat in greeting. "I was trying to figure out where I am now. It looks very much like I pictured the Barrowdowns in Tolkien's LOTR trilogy." mused Stormrider.
"It is!" stated DaleAnn matter of factly. "We have been rushing around Middle Earth looking for Tom Bombadil only to be mislead in several different directions. But, Stormrider, how did you get here?"
"I'm not exactly sure. I found this single volume book of LOTR with all the passages mentioning Shadowfax highlighted and Storm was missing from the barnyard. I wonder if she was reading it and highlighting the passages! I know Storm can be smart at times but that is really a bit more than I can believe!" laughed Stormrider. "In one of the B&N threads we had talked about what we would like to bring back with us from Middle Earth and I had mentioned Shadowfax and that Storm would like him during the Spring Twitterpating season! The highlighted book references, Storm's disappearance, my finding her here with you guys, is this a coincidence or what? Could she be looking for Shadowfax?"
"Maybe it is fate!" commented Rivers dramatically. "And don't worry, Stormrider, I won't do the fleabite routine on you! We are trying to locate Tom Bombadil. We ran into Iarwin Ben-Adar in the Dingle Valley only to be told Tom Bombadil and Goldberry were visiting with Treebeard in Fangorn Forest for a month. We are headed toward Moria right now to get on the other side of the mountains so we can go to Fangorn. We would love it if you would join us."
"Moria? Are you crazy? The Balrog is there and Orcs!" Stormrider queried in astonishment. "Couldn't we find another way through the mountains? What kind of weapons do you have? I have a couple of lasso ropes in my saddlebags, a hunting knife, a pistol and ammo, grain to feed Storm, and a couple of water flasks."
"We have some rope, boxing gloves, a stethoscope, and some old coins with us." mused DaleAnn. The rope and boxing gloves might come in handy but I don't get why we have a stethoscope!"
"I am armed with weaponry." announced Algamesh. "I have a few swords and daggers!" At that he opened his coat to show it lined with weapons of many different sizes and makes. It was a veritable arsenal on its own!
"Wow! That is so kewl!" grinned Rivers in appreciation. "Pass some of those around! I like the long, curved blade."
"It might be wise for each of us to carry our own weapons. DaleAnn and Rivers, take your pick. Stormrider, that pistol might be handy if you don't run out of ammunition. I am sure they do not sell refills here in Middle Earth! Take a sword as well and we can be on our way."
The friends chose their weapons carefully and gathered up their belongings for another long ride. Soon they had passed the Barrowdowns and were making their way in a Southeasterly direction toward the Misty Mountains and the Gates of Moria. As they rode, DaleAnn, Rivers, and Algamesh filled Stormrider in on what had been happening.
"I missed Glorfindle! I would have loved to have met him! I hope he is not in danger and can rejoin us soon." exclaimed Stormrider in disappointment. "It sounds a bit like the X-files with you taking on Middle Earth personalities, Algamesh! I think it is nice to visit here, but I don't want to live here permanently! I would miss such things as hair color, modern plumbing, a refrigerator, and grocery stores. I hope Tom Bombadil can help DaleAnn get back home because I would like to go back, too. However, I will enjoy myself here while I am here!"
"It is time to break for a bit to eat." announced Algamesh. "Let's look for a likely place to stop and hunt some hare." The group rode for a little while until they came to a nice, grassy place to allow the horses time to graze. Shortly they had a sizzling hare on the fire, some berries picked from a nearby bush, and water from Stormrider's water flasks.
As the party began to re-bridle the horses, a tune reached their ears carried by the wind......
"Hey dol! merry dol! ring a ding dillo!
Old Tom Bombadil is a merry fellow;
Bright blue his jacket is, and his boots are yellow!
Hey dol! merry dol! ring a dong dillo!"
Old Tom Bombadil is a merry fellow;
Bright blue his jacket is, and his boots are yellow!
Hey dol! merry dol! ring a dong dillo!"
"Quiet everyone!" DaleAnn demanded. "Did you hear some singing? I thought I heard Tom Bombadil's theme song!"
"I heard it, too!" agreed Rivers. "I did, too!" said Stormrider and Algamesh together.
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Message 17 of 58 in Discussion
Sent: 3/3/2002 12:09 PM
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