The final days here in the Elven valley fly by, we visit our ponies while making final preparations, Scrumpy seemed very happy and eager, I guess like me it has been quite restful for him. Though as lovely as it is to be here, I long to be home and see the Shire again, the simple things in life really do come to mind when they are not present. I like my routine, and I like gravy, two things that have been quite absent on this trip.
While taking a final walk with Amorey back up to the Homely House we ran into a very distinct Elven Lord, Amorey seemed very happy to see him. He was tall and looked quite important indeed, his name was Lord Khalis. Amorey who was far more used to all the pleasantries bowed and introduced me, I was a little nervous and bowed I wasn’t even sure how to address an Elven Lord. It was then Lord Khalis very kindly knelt and greeted me personally, I quickly removed my hat and fumbled with it in front of me while he spoke. I will not soon forget my encounter with an Elf Lord!
Very early the next morning we set off, a few final glances back as the valley disappeared from sight, it took us many days before we saw anything I could recognise from our journey here. The big tower ruin thingy, Amon Sul was obvious from a long way off but we avoided it Amorey told me a story of a round shiny seeing stone (one of many) they used to keep in there. A few days later we finally crossed the Brandywine, Scrumpy was nearly as excited as me to be home, I smiled at Amorey we left the Shire as friends and returned as something more, life will certainly not be the same and this hobbit lad is glad for it!
It was late evening when we entered Brightdown the smell of the river and pond, the faint splashes from the waterfall.. “ah.. home!” We ride up to her house and I help Amorey unpack her pony, although oddly her pink/yellow satchel was missing, but we were far too tired to go looking now. Exchanging an affectionate embrace I made my way quietly to my own home leading Scrumpy by the reins. Gazing at the door I smile, unlocking it I enter, only the outside lamps offering illumination, I quickly light a candle and set about kindling the fireplace the floor boards creek quietly in a familiar homely manner. Setting my things aside I sit while preparing a hot drink before bed, stirring the water I feel a deep sense of satisfaction to be home. I left with many ideas and dreams of how it would be to have a first big adventure, but now more importantly I have returned with something very precious and unexpected.
