This tale is related to the following story and picture
Dumbstruck I'm staring at the jewel laying on the ground where I had slept and my thoughts are in disarray, trying to solve it all. Standing Still, hardly breathing, I'm trying to muster my courage to pick it up. Or should I just leave it be and walk away from it. In that regard I might believe it was a part of my dream in the days to come? But laying there on the dark ground as the first light of day catches its reflection in it, I know it’s real, but still I hold back from picking it up. The dream I had is fading more and more and already seems like a distant memory, but the jewel from it, beacon to me from its resting place on the ground in front of me.
Taking in it’s details I can see it's an elven jewel, crafted to perfection with its red and orange hue, like a summer afternoon. These are the jewels elves adore very much and many lesser men would believe they do so because of vanity. But those false statements are usually based upon how people compare themselves with others. I have always been curious why certain of my folk believe themselves to be good, but act like snakes behind other peoples back, spreading their lies and mischief out of spite. Well they can believe and say what they want, they will still be snakes to me and have little power over true beauty, like friendship.
But I’m more attuned with the elves than most and I know they do have affection for jewels, but in such regard that they see the valars work in them and love them for that reason. Elves never sullies themselves with money and wealth like my fellow man, but see the world itself as the true treasure in life. That is why they value their lands and rarely venture far from them, just like a true rohirrim should.
Rarely will the elves call somebody en elf friend, since that is an honor hard earned and not given out lightly. But they do hand out gifts to honor guests and allies as a token of respect and the willingness to help. The jewel in front me is given out of respect, according to my dream… if there is a connection between them, or… it can be sent a warning as well. I’m taking my time trying to figure out this puzzle that has been laid in front of me and have kept my distance from it, while I'm pondering on what to do.
As the sun rises further up in the sky I realize I had forgotten why I had ventured into the White mountains and realize I have wasted too much time already. Without further ado I pick up the jewel and put it in my pocket, before I pack the rest of my gear and leave my makeshift camp. It’s time to continue my hunt for the orcs that have ravaged the mark of late, before they can do more harm. Fueled with my anger towards the vile creatures I hunt, I continue heading towards the south while ascending higher up as I move deeper into the White mountains.
I walk for hours, leading my horse behind me, since the terrain is not suited for riding anymore. Also, it has become harder to track the dark foes and I fear they have managed to get away from me. I’m about to give up, when I notice the barely visible track goes in two different directions. They have split up… Where the track in one direction are heading further south and deeper into the mountains. But I'm more concerned about the second track. That leads towards a mountain trail between Rohan and Gondor and is used by many traders and other travelers. The choice is an easy one and I turn from my southbound path and head for the mountain trail used. If I’m not mistaken there is a small town close by to the trail. I have never been there, but heard talks about it and this might be the destination part of the warband are heading towards. But still… The tracks in that direction are weak to read and it cannot be many of them heading towards the mountain trail. Maybe scouts?
Scout or not, I will need to find them before they can do more harm and as the sun is rising higher I lead my horse towards the mountain trail and the settlement. Maybe they serve some hot meal there?… I’m after all famished climbing these mountains.
ooc:
Sometimes people get hurt and sometimes they need time to heal from such scars. But sooner or later they need to move on and look forward. In such regards you have two paths in life. Dwell in the past and its darkness and let it consume you, which is entirely your own choosing and not something you can put on others, because in reality, you are the master of your own feelings. The second path is to move forwards and into the light. But remember there will be no new path, if you cannot leave the bad things from the past behind. You can learn from them, but do not dwell on them. People who are willing to listen and learn from friends, will see the truth in this. Those who do not and continue on their old dark path, are in reality only hurting themselves.
This story is a reflection on this. Dun could head further into the mountains and chase after the bigger numbers of orcs, due to his hatred for them, which could be the end of him, or he could choose the path which is more likely to succeed and also do good for others and for himself as well.
