Redandir

The scouts and swordsmen are shaken by the dangers they faced this day. They pause at the falls of Barad Glamgil to regain their bearings and assess the situation. Having left Lirisseya at Thorenhad following her painful wound, the small party is further diminished; the cónin of the House make the decision not to confront whatever shadow the Elves feel lying on the ruins above. Commander Redandir strikes out on his own to gather more information, while the rest of the group makes for an Elf-camp Melumatyar knows of.

The long trek to the Great Smials of Tuckborough has paid off. There are a few false starts: Gaerondil finds and rejects volumes on swine, show chickens, and split-rail fences, while Redandir, predictably, selects To Win a Lass, and Hermanniadoc goes for Fireside Tales of the Shire. But once again, it is Lirisseya whose unerring research skills find the right volume -- a book called The Green Thumb by Old Gardner Greenleaves contains a sketch of the very flower the Elves are researching! 

Approaching the inn whose sign Oxslip described, the Elves discover a bewildering variety of hobbits who are astounded to see them. Naturally, the hobbits are curious as to what these outlandish Big Folk might want, and talk turns quickly to the mysterious flower and keepers of herb-lore throughout the Shire.

The Elves of Lósengriol sit amazed -- the very first hobbit they have met, even before crossing the Baranduin, knows a song about the exact flower whose lore they have come to study. And a beautiful song it is, skillfully strummed by young Oxslip!

When one plans a journey, one must have maps. But do they hold the right information? Manadhlaer finds the index to her atlas completely unhelpful when it comes to a tiny, pastoral corner of Middle-earth. There is plenty of physical geography, but no political geography, and the Elves do not quite know whom to ask about the herb-lore they seek.

The company -- which included a goose named Gertrude, who reportedly has something to do with a bakery -- enjoyed wine, snacks, and song by the shore of Hidhuinen. 
Screenshot by Melumatyar

Friendly gathering in the Last Homely House

Some say they are very "friendly" to each other. Or was it "too friendly"? But we must not forget that elves, just like people, spread all sorts of gossip...

Easy Rider