Tempestuous weather was everything and the only thing that we encountered on our journey. It would seem rather ironic that the shadow would clear away from the mystery of my appearance, causing me great joy, only to move up into the heavens and attempt to once again return me to a state of great grievance. Such is life, what can I say?
As I was saying about journeying, it is a difficult thing all by itself, especially when rain is pouring down on you ceaselessly the whole way. Now, one might wonder exactly where we were going. Apparently Mallor intended for us to go to Bree. I didn�t much care for the idea, primarily because we had to pass back over the Anduin using the Old Ford, and then make our way over the Misty Mountains. From there we would pass by Rivendell, we would pass by the Trollshaws, over the Last Bridge and down the East-West Road until we reached Bree.
Now it wasn�t that I had anything particular against Bree. It seemed like a lovely place, even though I hadn�t previously known it actually existed this far back in time until Mallor told me. I swear that boy is a human map. Anyway, I didn�t want to trek through the High Pass. I knew there were things that we didn�t want to encounter that way. I wasn�t ready to fight any goblins and Mallor wouldn�t be able to protect us both if something were to happen. I tried telling Mallor that, but he wouldn�t hear it.
�We shall not run into trouble if we are careful,� he said. �You do not even know for certain if there are goblins there.�
�Mallor, come on! Shadowy and dangerous mountain pass? You know they love that kind of place. The whole pass will be swarming with tunnels and caves just with goblins just waiting to kill us both!� I exclaimed. I really didn�t feel like being eaten today.
�You worry far too much for your own good, Manda,� he said with a roll of his eyes.
�Do not roll your eyes at me! I am being serious! I really do not thing it is a wise idea to go through the High Pass.�
�Well, unless you truly feel like heading back down south to loop around the Misty Mountains using the Gap of Calenardhon and then return back north!� he snapped, his patience with me beginning to waiver.
�No�but�� I didn�t have any good ideas.
Mallor sighed. �We have no other options then. We must then suffice with the hope that no danger shall come our way. Surely you know that I will never cease to be your protector?�
�I know that. I am more concerned about your ceasing to be among the living. But since we have no other alternatives, I will stop fussing for now. But, if I die, I will kill you,� I promised.
�I would bet money to see that come to pass, little lass,� he laughed.
�For the millionth time, do not make fun of my height!� I growled. He always makes fun of my height. I always want to whack him with something for it. Fortunately for him, I was gifted with a rather large amount of self-control.
�Oh, but is so much fun! You know I only jest!�
�Of course,� I said sarcastically. His expression turned to one of concern. I don�t think he understands sarcasm. Figuring he probably thought I was angry with him, I poked him. Poking serves as my silent �I�m sorry�, at least some of the time, anyway. The rest of the time I just do it for kicks.
He smiled. This whole thing made us look utterly ridiculous. It was still pouring and we were right there, standing out in it acting stupid. We both look like drowned rats. Firefoot stamped his foot in the mud impatiently. I guess he was afraid his feet might be extinguished or something, but that was a stupid and irrelevant thought.
Anyway, Mallor and I decided it best to travel onward, so we mounted our horses and headed for the High Pass. Fortunately, we had crossed the Old Ford a while ago. The river was beginning to flood slightly, and had we waited longer than we had we probably wouldn�t have been able to cross.
We started moving forward.
Hopefully the path ahead of us wouldn�t turn us into someone�s dinner.
