"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wonder are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost, From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewded shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king." a small straneg, child-like man whispered. (FOTR, Book 1; pg212)
Obi-Wan focused on the force trying yo understand, trying to remember the faces. But, lo! It was fleeting and then the force faded off of it, and the vision was lost.
Obi-Wan opened his eyes to see his master watching him concerned, "What is it Padawan?"
Obi-Wan blinked a few times as the haze of his vision lifted, and he found himself grounded furmly in his apartment in the Temple on Curasant. He breathed a long, deep breath of relief, "A vision, master, a vived one, of seeming dire importance."
"Tell me about it, Padawan," Qui-Gon gently inquired.
"It was a small room, warm was ther?" Obi-Wan pondered a moment, "there was a fire burning hot in the cold room. One of them, there where five of them, three small almost child looking by stature and body language, but well aged to look upon their faces. Then there was the fifth, tall, dark haired, leen, and pale skinned, he had a sroung and commanding presance, but he seemed to seckond himself to the small one who spoak. Bairly abuve a whisper he read from a letter, "All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wonder are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost, From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewded shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king... Then it faded, the force pulled me away, or was it me loosing focus. I don’t know but it was gone. Hard as I tryed to keep concentraited on that small man."(FOTR, Book 1; pg212)
"Did they speak Republic basic?" Qui-Gon asked, "or did the force allow you to understand his words?"
"No, this man," Obi-Wan answered promptly, "spoak basic, though heavilly accented from a place unknown to me."
"Could you tell, was this vision past, present, or future?" Qui-Gon questrioned again.
"The past, I think, I'm not shure," Obi-Wan thought a moment, "the tall man with a great presance, he boar a shiethed sward, and the little men, they wore large daggars, that where long enough to act as swards for them. Their dres sugests the past, but they could be presant or future, and just very primative."
"Yes, indeed," Qui-Gon agreeded, happy that his Padawan had been so viglent, "your revelation is wise. What ells did you notice, anything? No matter how trivial."
"No," Obi-Wan answered, "no, master, there was nothing else... a table and chairs, frour chairs, and four beds. All curtas drawn. No lights in the windows... They didn't want to be seen by prying eyes. The only light came from the fireplace. They where positioned so none cast a shadow across the drapes. Very clever, hiding in plane sight."
"Excelent, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon was quite please, "you remember the details well. Anything ells, anything?"
"There was a faint din of drunken song, and conversation coming from ground floor, but they made much effort not to be overhurd, using the noise to their advantage," Obi-Wan thought a moment again, "the whole of the place was dim and dingy, and the smell, the sound of dirty rain came from the closed windows. That's all I can remember." Obi-Wan furowed his brows and imprceptiully frouned, not very useful ifno. Obi-Wan. But now he felt his master in his thoughts, You had done well, remembered well, my Padawan. The meaning is not clear yet, but that will come with time. Let the force guide you to it.
"Yes, master," Obi-Wan answered obediently, "I just, I get this feeling that the little man reads this writing, and thinks it as a nursery ryme, but the tall man has a sobering reaction to it, and it seams so important, but I don't know why."
"Let it rest in your subcoushous," Qui-Gon reashured his youg apprentace, "and latter today you can meditate on it, then you can question the force and yourself about it."
"Thank you master," Obi-Wan breathed a deep, clensing breath and released it slowly, "you are wise."
Qui-Gon smiled, breaking his blank Jedi exterior, "Isn't that why I'm the Master, and you're the Padawan?"
Obi-Wan almost laughed, you jokes make me laugh, because they are so bad, "Yes, of course, Master."
"Shall we have first meal, then?" Qui-Gon saked, but it wasn’t really a question; he was telling Obi-Wan that time for his ponderings was over, and now they would go th the common room for first meal.
"Yes, master," Obi-Wan said obediently following Qui-Gon to the common room. They ate in relative silence, making pleasent conversation with the other Jedi when addresses, but in jeneral they had a quiet breakfast.
The room around Obi-Wan spun, his head fogged, and when his mind cleared he saw befor him a great many men, men with presance, reagal men, four types. One race, tallest of all, with pointed ears and fair clear skin and soft features. Hair sunshine gold or deep dark broun. The seckond, most closly resembaled humans, but all where tall, only a few inches less than the taller, and all had well definned features, and hair of jet; one of these he notices, the tall man from the dimly lit room, the third, but three foot and a half tall, but as heavy as a normal man, long braided beards and hair they had, and the shortest, the four otheres from the previonus vision. They sat, and stood, and yelled and argued anougnst them selves. Then one, looked as a man tall with a long grey beard and a crooked staf. He stood and spoak, commanding silence, "Thr Ring shall go now to be an heirloom of the northurn kindome..." he continued of for some minouts, but Obi-Wan could not catch all the words, but hten quite clearly, he spoak in a monsturous tone and all grew dark, "Ash nazg durbatuluk, ash nazg gimbatul, ash nazg thrakatuluk, agh bruzum-ishi krimpatul!" He exchanged words with a nouther and the vision began to fade out, but Obi-Wan knew what these strange words full of malace and hate meant: One ring to rull them all, One ring to find them, One ring to bring them all and in darkness bind them.
"Obi-Wan, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon was quite distressed as he picked up his uncoushous Padawan from the table and held him in a sitting position. Someone had callde for medi droids, and they entered the room. But Qui-Gon just held Obi-Wan. "Padawan?" Qui-Gon pleeded following the droids toward the healer's ward, "Padawan come back to me. Obi-Wan?"
He sutred just a bit when Qui-Gon put him down on the bed, didn't open his eyes, but moved his head a bit. Qui-Gon reached out to the force, Obi-Wan, come back to me my Padawan, can you here me Obi-Wan? Obi-Wan slowly opened his eyes, but they where misty, hazy and unfockused, "Master, master where are you?"
Qui-Gon enveloped Obi-Wan’s hands in his larg warm hands, "I am here Padawan. I am here Obi-Wan. Can you see me?"
"Yes Master my eyes are coming into focsu now. I had anouther vision, and a powerful one, they discribed some evil, some-"
Qui-Gon cut him off, "Sshhh... you need to rest, we can speak of it latter."
"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan agreeded, not letting his master take his hands away. He quickl fell back into sleep. Qui-Gon rested his forehead on the bed besid Obi-Wan's torso, and fell into a deep sleep as well. They boath slept for hours before Obi-Wan stured again. He sat up slowly, gently puting a hand on Qui-Gon's shoulder. "Master?" he asked softly.
Qui-Gon quickly sat up strait in his chair, "Obi-Wan, my Padawan, are you OK?"
"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan breathed a soothnig breath and let it out slowly, "I am fine now."
"Wait here then," Qui-Gon said standing, "I'm going to check you out."
"Yes, master," Obi-Wan answered bowing his head slightly. When Qui-Gon returned, he got off the bed and folowed his master back to their appartment.
"Sit with me Padawan," Qui-Gon said taking a seat on the ground and gesturing for him to do the same.
"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan sat apropriatly before and a bit to the side of his Master.
"How do you feel, Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon asked geniuonly concerned.
"I feel better now, Master," Obi-Wan took a few long soothing breaths, "I understand now the meaning of the visions, but I do not understand what the force wants me to do about it."
"Well then, start with the meaning," Qui-Gon said in an even calm voice, "and there in you will find the purpose."
"Yes master. I saw there where many men, too many to be counted, over fifty, I’d guess. The five from the previosu vistion where there. Most all the men from four discurnabul races, argued and fought treeabuly. The hate the racsim was tangabul, I could taste it heavy in the are. And then this tall and odd looking man, long grey beerd and a pointy hat, he stood and spoak terabul words in a horific language: Ash nazg durbatuluk, ash nazg gimbatul, ash nazg thrakatuluk, agh bruzum-ishi krimpatul! and I knew what it ment: One ring to rull them all, one ring to find them, one ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them. Then suddently I felt myself being pulled away from the vision, I don’t know what came over me but I was in a void in my mind for some time. I could here you calling out to me with your voice, with your mind, but I was lost and confused. Back to the meaning though... This ring, it is evil and must be distroyed. But i do not know if it if past, presant , or future. It confuses me, because if it where presant or future, I would think the point is for me to help to distroy it, but if it is past, prehaps it has alredy been distroied, had it not ben distroyed, then needs to be found and then defieted? But it is so unclear."
"Do not worrie about it now," Qui-Gon said softly, "that's enough for now. You need rest, Padwan. Meditate then sleep."
"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan answered thankfually. He sat in silent meditation for an hour and when he opened his eyes he found Qui-Gon thoughtfually obsurving him.
"Master, do you wish anything if me befor I go to sleep?" Obi-Wan asked ploitly.
"No, Padawan," he smiled, "rest."
"Thank you, Master," Obi-Wan bowed and left for his room. Obi-Wan slipped under his sheets and fast fell into a deep restful sleep.
In the other room, Qui-Gon sat still meditationg, sending happyness and peace to Obi-Wan. When he was shure Obi-Wan was asleep, Qui-Gon quietly got up and left the room. Qui-Gon went to consult with the councle.
"Worrie me, these vistions do," Yoda said flatening his ears with his typical hhuumm, "srtoung with the universal force, Obi-Wan is. Very important, this is, I feel. If any leads you find, follow them you will."
"Yes, Master Yoda," Qui-Gon said obediently with a polite bow, "Do you have any other instructions for me?"
"Of your Padawan, be mindful. For Obi-Wan’s safty, I fear," Youda said, his ears straitening his ears again, “If more instruction we have, infor my you we will."
"Thank you Masters," Qui-Gon said bowing and then left. Soon he returned to is appartment. Quietly, he checked in on Obi-Wan, but he was still fast asleep.
Qui-Gon meditated for two hours and then went off the the Temmple library. "Master," Qui-Gon adresses the keeper of Reckords, "I have a question."
"Yes, Master Jinn," she answered kindly, "what can I help you with?"
"My Pawdan is having strange visions about a ring, of seeming dire importance, and I was wondering if we had any informaioton on two sayings."
"What are they, I’ll enter them into the archive search system," she said warmly.
"First: All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wonder are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost, From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewded shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king."
Qui-Gon waited a moment for her to type it in, then continued: "The seckond, I have in two languages; Ash nazg durbatuluk, ash nazg gimbatul, ash nazg thrakatuluk, agh bruzum-ishi krimpatul! and then in basic: One ring to rull them all, one ring to find them, one ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them." Again Qui-Gon waited, "If you could find any information on them seprait, and then crossrefrence them for me?"
"Yes, Master Jinn. That will be no problem." A slightly frigheed look came over her face, but she masked it well.
'Master Jinn," her voice tenced with worrie, "the seckond phrase, the first language... It, it's the old..."
Qui-Gon could taste the fear in her words, "What is it?" he asked with urgency.
"It's the old sith language, the oldest form of it."
Qui-Gon was floored, his eyes opend wide, "Is there any refrence to the phrase, either of them?"
"No, no, nothing," she said a bit releived, "The language translator just told me the language, and that you have a proper translation, but there is no other information."
Qui-Gon pondered, speaking to himself, "Now I know why Obi-Wan said the words seemed so full of malace and hate, they where."
"Thank you Master," Qui-Gon stood and bowed, "I must go. May the force be with you."
"May the force be with you," she answered and Qui-Gon hurried off tward his appartment. It was now three hours sence Obi-Wan had come back from the healer's ward, and now seckond meal was fast aproching, Qui-Gon was hungry, but waited for his Pawan to wake.
An hour latter Obi-Wan woak, rested and refreshed. He heded to the fresher and washed his face. When he came out he found his master deep in meditation, he waited.
A few moments latter Qui-Gon opened his eyes. "Obi-Wan," he smiled, "Shall we have seckond meal?"
"Yes, Master,: he smiled back, "I am famashed. These visions seem to be taking a lot out of me."
"Yes, I have notice Padawan," Qui-Gon said standing up and looking over Obi-Wan, "You seem to have suffered no ill effects. Wait here, Obit-wan, I wish to talk. I will bring our food here."
"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan said bowing obediently and went to the kitchen, "I'll put on a pot of tea."
"Very well," Qui-Gon said laeving the room. Obi-Wan put the kettle on the stove snd threw a few tea leavs and a slice lemon into it. In a few minouts the tea was done, then Obi-Wan removed the leavs and lemon and stured in a dash of honey. Qui-Gon returned just intime for the soothing smell of tea to envlop the entiyer appartment with it's calm.
Qui-Gon inhaled deep, how I love the soothing smell of tea. Obi-Wan brought over the kettle and two small porcalin cups. "Padawan," Qui-Gon said taking his seat at the table.
Obi-Wan sat besid him, handing his master a cup, "Yes Master?"
"Eat," Qui-Gon gestured to a cart piled high with many kinds of foods. He took up the cup Obi-Wan handed him and drawing in a long sip said, "I'm not hungry, eat your fill."
"Thank you Master," Obi-Wan ate hungerly, but was carful not to eat too quickly or to eat to the point of gulttiny, confution ran through his mind, I'm never alowded to eat so much, isn't it greedy? It is not as if I havn't eaten today. Padawan, Qui-Gon intrupted his thoughts, I need you to be srtoung for what we are about to do. Eat and do not feel guilty. We are leaving as soon as I talk to you.
Yes, master, came Obi-Wan's silent reply. I pondered no more and ate his fill, being carful not to apear glutonus.
Qui-Gon waited for his Padawan to finish whail he slowly sipped his tea. When Obi-Wan was finished, Qui-Gon spoak, "Padawan, my faithful Obi-Wan, what I have to tell you will not be to your liking, but you must know. I went to the hall of reckords whil you slept to see if we had anything remotly related to it in the Jedi archives. There was no information, except," Qui-Gon hesatated, feeling his young Padawan’s confution, "the strange language you heard you tall grey-berded man say, he spoak in the... ancient language of the sith."
Obi-Wan's jaw droped, he was unable to regain his composur for a long moment, "M-master, but I felt no menevolence from the spespeaker?" Obi-Wan was sorly confused.
"Padawan," Qui-Gon reashured him, "that is because there was no menevlence to him, don't you remember what we spoak of just befor you went to seelp? You said thoes words made you realize how evil that ring is. I believe he said thoes words at that councle you witnessed, to get that very point acros to the people who argued befor him."
Obi-Wan felt foolish, "Yes, master," now he truly understood the power of what this strange man said was, "of course, it makes perfict sence."
"Now, my Padawan," Qui-Gon stood, "we leave. I have already made all preprations. Yoda has instructed me to follow and leads we can surmise. The councal has alowded me a small transport. I intend to let you fly it to where the force guides you," Obi-Wan stood behind his master to follow him, "After we’re out of Curasont space."
"Yes, master," if he hadn't felt such a sence of forboding from his vistion, he would be exited about following the force with a ship, an adventure, he would have thought, under happier circumstances.
----------
They flew the ship for several weeks, with Obi-Wan at the helm moast of the time. Qui-Gon had proqured from the Temple, enpough supplys for them to last 24 standard weks, 35 if they where strict with them. They where flying at super-sonic speed, quickly approching the end of their known galixy.
"Master?" Obi-Wan asked five and a half weeks into their travles, "the force I feel it's pull. It speaks to me urges me to this point," he pointed to a star systen far out of known space.
Then he continued, "It is anouther two weeks away."
"Yes, Padawan?" Qui-Gon seemed to ignor Obi-Wans comment, You wish to tell me somthing else?"
"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan searched his mind, "the force has been repeating names to me, but I have not had a single vistion sence we left Coursant."
"And what are the names?" Qui-Gon proded.
"Aragorn, Arathourn, Strider, Underhill, Merriodoc, Legolas, Galadril, Elrond, Frodo, Gimli, Baggins, Sam Gamgi, Took, Celaborn, Peragin, Boromir Merry, Pipin; the names are constantly repeated to me in varrying order, when ever I sleep or meditate. There is never more emphasis put on one that the other. I get the feeling that some are the names of the first five people I met in my first vision, but there are far too many, even if some are nicknames of the same person. I noticed sone sound more to belong to diffrent culturs." Obi-Wan stopped thinking... Qui-Gon was worried.
Obi-Wan stood tall, proud, a feeling strange to him, pride is not an alli, but as he did, he looked about, he was in shining plate and male armor, he stood upon a presapeek of white stone, many tears up in a magnificent citie, a castle behind him and he looked to the east; He thoguht the syk grew dark and there was a growing thunder, but in the west a pale light lingered, and out of it he heard a voice, remote, but clear, crying: "Seek fo the sward that was broken; In Imladris it dwells; There shall be counsels taken Stronger than Morgul-spells. There shall be showan a token That doom is near at hana, for Isildur's Bane shall waken, and the Haffling forth shall stand."
Suddenly the world Obi-Wan had been in was wisked away as if he where in a vacume, he fought to keep it, but all was one and he opened his eyes.
"Obi-Wan, Obi-Wan," he herd his master’s concurned voice calling to him. He was in his bed now, he reckidnized his room.
"Master," he spok, "I had had anouther... It was so strange, but I an shure we grow close. It was strange as if I where inside anouther man. He was tall and proud, aarogent, even, the feeling was so alien to me and I didn't like it but had time not to think on it. I stood in a magnificant quart-yard, to the chastle behind me and I thoguht the syk grew dark and there was a growing thunder, but in the west a pale light lingered, and out of it I heard a voice, remote, but clear, crying: "Seek for the sward that was broken; In Imladris it dwells; There shall be counsels taken Stronger than Morgul-spells. There shall be showan a token That doom is near at hana, for Isildur's Bane shall waken, and the Haffling forth shall stand." It was so vivid, I have repeated it to you exactly."
"Padawan," Qui-Gon said concerned, "are you OK?"
"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan answered, "I sence we grow close. The force, it speaks to me but I do not understand. I try to open myself to it, but then it vanishes before ny eyes."
"Then stop searching it out." what an odd thing for Qui-Gon to say, Obi-Wan thougth, "let it come to you."
For the next two weeks, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan spent in ruteen, no more vistion or demands from the force. With the ship now on auto pilot heading tward the distent solar system Obi-Wan had earlyer indicated, Qui-Gon thought they should use their time to keep up their skills. They spent moast of the days for the next two days meditating, sparing, practising katas, and going over general Jedi knowledge.
Now they approched the solar system, there where only three planets, and only one suported life, so they set the ship tward it. There was still several hours befor they got to the planet, so Qui-Gon decsided meditation, and a Lesson on Jedi culture would be good before they entered onto a strange, and unknown planet. They sat in silent meditation for over an hour before eather of them spoke:
"There is no emotion, only the force," Obi-Wan sat meditationg over the Jedi montra he so often repeted to calm his mind and emotions, "there is only peace, there is the force, there is no death, only the force, only balance."
Qui-Gon sat besid him, also meditating, "What is a Jedi, Padawan? in your own words."
"A Jedi," Obi-Wan answered promptly, "A Jedi is a monk, a protector, a diplomat, a kinght, a peace keeper, a warrior, but above all a Jedi is a tool, a follower, and a student of the force. To a Jedi, many things are important, life, freedom, goodness; the protection of the Republic is his swarn dutie, but even that is not more important to a Jedi than the force."
Qui-Gon smiled to himself, Obi-Wan is coming along well, "It is an exelent, well thought through answer. Do you often think of what a Jedi is, what it is to be a Jedi yourself?"
Obi-Wan nodded, "I make it a point to ask myself what a Jedi is to me, and to other people, and what my being a Jedi means, at least once a day."
"Good," Qui-Gon said happily, he stood, the lesson was over, "to be a good Jedi, you must constantly reflect on what you are and what Jedi means, you must always examine everything you do, not in a maer witch makes you judge or seckond guess yourself, but so you may learn from your mistakes, and your sucesses. Always remember, Padawan, there is no failur if a lesson is learned from a mistake."
"Yes, master," this was somthing Obi-Wan was constantly learning, he understood well.
The controll panel at the helm of the ship chimed, and the computer came to life, "ETA to planet orbit in five minouts, sutabul landing sights have been located."
The heads-up display indicated the likly landing sights, Obi-Wan looked them over, he picked one a few miles from a beautifually lush forest in fall. The land all around seemed green fields, but in that wood it was fall, the red, gold, green, yellow, and orange of the leaves warmed Obi-Wan, and he scencced it was this place that the force wanted him. It seemed oddly familur to him, so when thecomputer had deturmined the air was safe to breath, he put the ship down, several miles fromthe wood. Oddly, it seemed as if it would be rude, or even blasfumus to put the plane ship close to thoes, scarid feeling trees.
When Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan stepped off the ships ramp and locked it behind them they where overwhelmed by the scene of the force. As they began walking they realized it was stroung around everyting in this place, and a feeling of life, and love, and joy, and peace eminated from the woods to their right "This is the place," Obi-Wan was eilated, "this is where my vistion on the councle took place. I can fell the forve in everything. It is so stroung here, it overwhelms, it is stroung in the grass, in the trees, and in the insects."
Qui-Gon smiled, this place made him feel happy, at peace, "It is magnificcent. I feel no thret of disonance," he spoak to Obi-Wan with his mind, but I do feel eyes, someone watched, mistrusts us. I feel no agresstion though. Send out a feeling of peace with me, I will speak. They stopped after walking neer to the woods, about fifty feet away from the trees and Qui-Gon spoak, "I know that you watch, that you follow us. I know that you are suspishous of us, and I also know that you are not agressive by nature or you would have attacked us by now. I also know that you are a wise people, for you wait pashiently, wondering, learning from us who we are. I wish to speak with you for I come in peace, as the force has guided me here from a distant galaxy. I am Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, and this," he guestured to Obi-Wan, "is my apprentace, Jedi Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi. We are here on dire buisness. For we have had visions of your strife. Please, speak with us, except us or send us away, but pleas, be known."
They waited a long moment, about tem actually, then the faintest sound came from the capnopy of trees, so they almost thought it only a breeze through the trees. Then suddently they all where seen, six of them, tall slender, femanen, but all clearly men, all men, but one and she was a stunning to see, as an angle, Obi-Wan that, then chastened himself. Thier skin seened almost a faitnt glow, and their eyes the most brilent blue of the ocean. Hair long and dark. "Elrond's kin," Obi-Wan blurted out, he quickly droped his eyes as he recieved a look of repremand from his master, Obi-Wan, mind your place. Yes, master, cane Obi-Wan's silent obediance.
The men that stood befot them where mildly shock, but them their race was know to many in Middle Earth, but these where strangers, even to Middle Earth, they where shure. One, clearly the leader, though not nesacarily in a formal position of command, "Welcom star-travlers," he said with a hint of dis comfurt.
"For give me if my words are wroung," he thought for anouther moment, "you speach is an ancient form of Westorn, I know it not well. I am Glorfindel, son of Elrond, whom you star-travler’s aparently know of. These are scouts of Rivendel, kingdome of my father."
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan clasp their hands togeather and bowed grashously. "Thank you," Qui-Gon spoak again, "for recieveing us, nobal children of nature."
An odd look passed over Glorfindel’s face, but as quickly as it came it was gone. "Have I offended you?" Qui-Gon asked despret to correct his diplomatic slip.
"Quite the opposit," Glorfindel answered relieving Qui-Gon, "you have happily suprised me. Not many from the kindomes of Men take note or care of our bond with nature. And I tank you greatly for asking admitance to our home," he posed thinking, "it would distress us to find out only after we had perced you with our arrows, that you where good-natured."
Qui-Gon did not reveal his shock, but Obi-Wan did, he quickly hid it away.
"Your young," Glorfindel paused, "Padawan, did you say? He is not so disaplind as you," he paused again. Obi-Wan was horibly embarased and tryed desprietly to hide it.
"He is my student, apprentace..." his words trailed off, searching for a word they would understand, "a Page, if you would, in midevil turms."
Glorfindel's eyes lit up, "I know not this midevel, of yours, but Page I understand," he looked to Obi-Wan, "Do not be embarased young Jedi Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi," the title, the name they felt so strange on his lips, the words of Men where always so short, clipped, full of harsh sounds, "we are very preceptive, you will have a hard time hiding your feeling from us."
Obi-Wan thought to himself, there is no emotion, only the force, there is only peace, there is the force, there is no death, only the force, only balance. "Forgive me," Obi-Wan said as he bowed in apologie, the diplomat taking over, "I meant no offence, and I do not try to hide. It is inapropriate, even rude in our culture to show such emotions to thoes who do not truly know us."
Glorfindel smiled, "It is not rude to us," he paused again, "to us all is emotion, and thought we feel and express them, we are not so exctiabul as Men or Dwarf, one can not be so, if they are to live thousands of ears and still be happy."
Obi-Wan was floored, Qui-Gon shot him a harsh look, Need I remind you of your place again. Padawan! straiten your jaw and at least look as a proper Jedi, if you can not act like one.
Obi-Wan looked to his feet, he had known he was out of line, he hoped his shame wasn't to evadent, and he sailently answered, Forgive me master, it shall not happed again, I swair. Obi-Wan then made shure it did not happen again, he stood strait, folded his hands into his sleves and put a pleasant, but unrevealing smile on his lips. He stood still and silent behind his master.
Glorfindel fround, about to say somting in protest, but changed his mind remembering that these where men not of this planet, and so their customs where diffrent, "I have decided," he spoak at last, "to take you befor my father. But, there is a diffaculty, I amy not let you see the way deep into our wood."
"We will acomadate any precautions you must take," Qui-Gon said smoothly.
"We will have to blind-fold you," Glorfindel said unhopful.
"It shall be done," Qui-Gon agreed, "with out uspet, you do not offend me by protectiong your people. For after all, did I not say I was a protecter?"
"A wise one as so it seems to me," Glorfindell said. One of scouts approched each of then, "this is Windalyn, and Meslion, we will not blind-fold you untill we have crossed the river, but they will wuard you untill my father has seen you."
Windalyn moved close to Obi-Wan, her presance made him feel shy. Meslion had moved close to Qui-Gon and then they proceded.
"It seemes fair enough," Qui-Gon obliged, "for we are strangers to you in a time of trouble."
Glorfindel smiled, as he led the party into the wood. He kept not to the frount though, insted to the side. He kept a keen eye on all of them. Glorfndell was silently amazed at the ease at witch these two Men navagated the overgrown forest floor, the earth seemed to move wth their movement, with their very presance as they became more intune with their sournounding with every passing minout, they moved as he himself did. They moved, in soft, quick, graceful, and well placed stepps; they moved like Elvs.
Now they came to the river, and the beautifual melody it sang to the trees. Glrofindel stepped forward to the warer and let out a beautifual bird-song. It was imedioutly answered by one oun each of the river, and one Elf ame out on eather side. The Elf across the river sent a roap ailing acros the river to the other. Boath ends where sacured to trees. The Glorfindel, lept gracefually atop the roap and glided across, "Have you the skill to follow?" he asked Qui-Gon.
"We do," Qui-Gon said to his amazment, "though not with so much grace."
"Then follow," Glorfindel gestured to them to come. Qui-Gon went first, slowly, much slower than GLorfindel, but with as much ease.
Obi-Wan looked at the roap, tryed it with the force and mumbled under his breath, "There is no try, only do." And with that he lept upon the roap, wabbled a bit, but quickly found his balance. He decided to go very slowly and keep better balance than to go a bit faster at the chance of being swept away by the river.
"For Men, you have much skill," Glorfindel said as the others crossed quickly.
"Not really," Qui-Gon chanced a joke, "my Master, when I was a Padawan, he would have floated across that roap even as you did."
Again Glrofindel was silently shocked, but said nothing of it, "I apologize, but now is when we must blind-fold you."
"It is no offence," Qui-Gon ashured, "I am only honered that you have let us so far into this scacrid place fo yours unhindered."
Glorfindel nodded, Windalyn approched Quigon, and Meslion approched Obi-Wan, the each had in hand long, soflt, black cloths. They put up mo resitence. The two Elves tiyed the cloths firmly but comfertabully over their eyes.
Qui-Gon reached out to Obi-Wan, Padawan, do not panic, trust. Reach out to the force to guide you, these people will not lead us to peral, and even if so, you psoes the abolity to guide your self with the force, even if you where prmanently blinded. Yes, master, came Obi-Wan's silent reply, I trust them, and I feel the force guiding me, even as we stand here.
Much to the suprise of all the Elves they saw a slight smile sneek across Qui-Gon's lips, but he quickly distinguished it. "May I ask you Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, why is it you smile?"
The smile reapered for just a moment, brighter this time, "I am pleased with my Padawan, for he is coping well, and I feel happy in this place, and though your blindfolds will keep us from ever knowing how to get back to this place once we have left, they will not hinder our following you. We here your foot falls, and also the force is so stroung with you that we could follow you in the blackest night, as if you where beackons of the purest light." Glorfindel was taken aback.
"Do not fret," Qui-Gon said kindly, "we have not the power to see with eyes closed."
Glorfindel settled himself, realizing these two men could sence feelings at least as well as his brethren, "Then follow us, if you would," he said softly.
Wyndalyn put an arm around Obi-Wan’s and he jumpped at the touch of flesh against his. "Forgive me, Lady Windalyn," he felt ashamed at his reaction, and mumbled softly, "I'm not used to such physical contact."
"Would you rather a man?" she saked politly, but Qbi-Wan could feel her upset, she tinks I’m being sexest, or perhaps she thinks find displeashure in women.
"No mam," he answdered apologetically, "I do not mind at all I was just suprized, you cought me off guard is all." Qui-Gon stiffled a laugh as Miselon came and took his arm he thanked him for his guidence. Obi-Wan thought stroungly, Please, lady I do not take offence. Damn it Obi-Wan Kenobi, stupid Padawan! You've done it again, you're just so good a fouling things up. *Obi-Wan,* an intrution ih his thoughts, but it's not Qui-Gon, how did she, *Obi-Wan, please do not be so upset with yourself, I understand now that you are not used to being so close to a women, al be it at your master’s side. I do not take offence.* Obi-Wan took in a long clensing breath and said silent thanks to her.
They started off at a slow pace, but Gilgalad quickly realized that they needed not slowness, but just guidance, so he soon quickened their pace. In three hours, the ground under their feet shanged, and Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan noticed that the ground smoothed and then they felt soft grass benieth their feet. Here they stopped and their blindforlds. Obi-Wan was almost saddened when Wyndalyn left his silde, but he showed no hint of it. "Welcome to Rivendell," Gilgalad said reverently. They saw now the full glory of the citie envloped in trees, or was it the trees envloped by the citie. In either case, all seemed in balance here. The leavs of autom fell in a gental breez. The smell and sound of the water falls was right and calming.
"You must come now," Gilgalad said ushering them toward a larg open taras, "I do apologize, but he have no time."
As they approched the taris Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan could here people speaking, "Do you still hold to you word, Frodo, that you will be the Ring-bearer?" Obi-Wan thoguht, yes, these are the people we are to see.
"I do, I will go with Sam."
"Father," Gilgalad inturupted and brought in his guests, "these two men are here, these two star-travlers, they have come about the Ring, lord."
"My Govan," Elrond said politely, "Welcome."
"I present to you Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, and his apprentace, Jedi Pawdan Obi-Wan Kenobi," Gilgalad anounched then and bowded and left the room.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan clasped there hands togeather and bowed, "Thank you lord for your hospitality, your sun is most kind."
"No thanks is nessacary," Elrond answered bidding Frodo to leave whail he spoak to these men. Frodo!, Obi-Wan thought, but held his toung remembering his earlyer repremand.
"I must ask you to speak quickly Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn," Elrond spoak with ergency, "I apologize for my rudness, but I am needed elswhere."
"I understand this, Lord Elrond," Qui-Gon said understanding, "It is why we have come; some how word of your councle has reached us. We have been sccent to help you in any maner that we can, or to go back without question upon your demand." Such politmess of a Man, and his Westorn, so old.
"Sent from the stars?" he questioned.
"Not from the stars," Qui-Gon corrected, politelt, "by our superiors on our home planet Courasant, the Jedi Councle has sent us to follow word of your councle, and so here we are."
Elrond thought to himself for a moment, "I sence no decit, no evil in your words, or from your persons, and as this no doubt affects you, or you would not be scent, I will alow you to speak, but first you must tell me, what is a Jedi?"
"The Jedi," Qui-Gon spoke, "are an order of people of many races, and many planets, we are monks, protectors, diplomats, and knights defenders of good, and we are worriors. We come as representative of the Republic of Planets.We have come with hopes to help you and your peoples, and all the good peoples of Middle Earth. We can aid you in arms and intelct, we can serve you as diplomats or knights. We will help in any way you wish."
Elround thought for a long moment, "I must concult the others whait here. Are you houngry?"
"We have missed seckond mael, we would be greatful if you could offer us a small meal," Qui-Gon said gracefully.
"I will have a meal sent to you. Rest here I will return in some time," with that Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan bowed, Elrond noded his head and quickly left. He spoak a few words to an Elf that was near by, in a language they could not understand.
Not five minouts latter a trove of Elvs came in, they had two couches, a low table, and trays of food, all kinds of meats and frouits, and vegtabuls, a large loaf of bread. This all was set before Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. The other's left save one who addressed them, "I am Elrohir, a son of Elrond. My father has bid we welcome you and make you comfurabul, and tend to any need you may have, and answer any questions you have."
Once again Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan clasped their hands togeather and bowed, "Thank you, the kindness of your people is heart-warming. We are greatful for your acomadations."
"Your words are kind," Elrohir said and took a aeat, "please sit and talk with me."
They sat on the coutch opposit Elrohir, to eas the conversation between them. Obi-Wan was mindful not to seem greedy as he greatfually ate, he was so humgry. Qui-Gon, on the other hand, hardly ate anything. "This is far more than we need," Qui-Gon guestured to the furnishings brought for them, "we live lives void of unneede lugry, thought it is most beautifual. We are not acoustmed to such finorey, except in the Temple on Curasant, but then the rooms ment for training and living are quite plane, even there."
"We could not live without beauty," Elrohir said softly, "we do not do it just for estetic pleashur, though that is part of it. But more than that we believe if we make anything, it should be on the level off our best artisens. Qui-Gon noticed the movement of Obi-Wans hands, he had somthing to say. When Qui-Gon looked at Obi-Wan, he stilled his hands folding them in his sleves properly, and deverted his eyes.
"Padawan?" Qui-Gon said to his suprize.
"Yes, Master?" he answered obediently. That word "master", it disturbed Elrohir, is this boy his slave, no scertenly not, I can scence love between them.
"Speak your question, Padawan," Qui-Gon answered.
Obi-Wan looked at his master to be shure he ment what he thought, then he proced to speak, "Elrohir, let me start by thanking you for your kindness."
Elrohir smiled, "You are so thankful, and yet, we have been so rude."
All chuckled a bita at that, then Obi-Wan continued, "Well, my question then, I must tell you I've been having vistions of this place, of your people. I knew of your father's councle before we could get here, and I have had vistions of it and all our names, they are so familyer, Elrohir, it is strange to me. But I must ask, you do mean to distroy it?"
Elrohir shighed with relief, "So then you agree, we should?"
"Yes," Obi-Wan answered also relieved, "so the ones you chose at the councle, they will go?"
Elrohir was suprized but, made no notice of it, "Yes, they are set to go in only a few hours. My father has gone to them to see if they are willing to acept your help. My father does not want to keep you out of this, for it so clearly affects your people as well. It affects all the free people, everywhere. For if Sourn gains dominon over Middle Earth, it will not be long before he spreds his reach even further."
Obi-Wan flinched inpreceptably at the name, it is a syth name, he thought to himself, "We are pleased, and greatful that we have found a people so open minded."
"You are lucky then," Elrohir said blantently, "for if you had landed at the door step of a kindome of Men, you would be treated with much hostility and mistrust. Though they are civle, and generaly fair and kind, unlike you they acan be quite irrational and confrontational."
Qui-Gon chuckled, "I have been on quite a many planets where peoples of many races can act as such." Obi-Wan noded in agreement.
"In deed," Elrohir smiled, "irrationality has been spreding across all the places of Middle Earth. Panic and fear are spreding like wildfire, deviding brouthers and kindomes."
"My Padwan and I have witnesed such divitions before," Qui-Gon shook his head sadly, "We've seen whole planets devide into bloody civle war, when they should have been protectiong eachother from a common enimey."
Elrohier sighed sadly, "Yes, I know not, of your planets, but I too have seen such things come to pass in my 700 years." Their conversation went on for about twenty minouts more.
Elrond entereed the room, the two of them stood, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan clasped their hands togeather and bowed. "You need not bow to me," Elrond smiled kindly, "no alegence to me have you proclamed."
"Lord Elrond," Qui-Gon said smoothly, "our alegence has been pledged to all good peoples of all races and locations. And so, you have our alegence."
"You meaning and your words are kind," he smiled brightly, "but I wish you not to pledge any oath to me for you know me not. But this is not why I have come before you. I have spoken to the ring berer, he has decided that he will take any help avalabul. With the aproval of his companions who will acompany him. They wish me to bring you before them."
"Certinly, Lord," Qui-Gon said with a toft even tone, "we await there aproval."
"Then, I bid you follow me," Elrond led them to anouther open tarace, a ten minout walk away. Soon they saw nine men of varing races standing there discussig them.
"Here," Elrond introduced them, 'are the star-travlers. They have come from afar to offer what help they can." With that he left the room, he did not want his presance to affect their decsition.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan again made the traditional Jedi guestur of peace, clasping their hands and bowing, "I am Jedi Maste Qui-Gon Jinn, and this is my apprentace Jedi Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi. We have come to you to offer what ever help we can."
Boromir looked them up and down with suspition, then with smug disaproval he insulted them, "Not even a sward on you, a lot of good you will be against the darkness toward witch we move."
"I for give your rudenss Boromir," Qui-Gon said frankly, "for you will not reckidnoze our weapons, but we are armed." Boromir shook his head doutful. At that Qui-Gon unclipped his lght scaber from his belt and thumed on the power, he swung at Obi-Wan, who sencing his Master's intent, had alredy powered up his saber. Then they boath powered off and put away their lightsabers.
"They are as deadly as they look," Qui-Gon said with a smerk, "I a sure you."
Boromir was slightly angered at the insult, but then, he had been the one wroung, he moved to speak, but changed his mind when Aragorn stood. He extended his hand to each of them in turn, "I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn, Welcome Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, and Jedi Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi. Please forgive Boromir's brashness, his people have suffered greatly at our enemie’s decte. He does not mean to be so rude, but his hard years have made him suspishous of all strange travlers."
"He has done nothing to offend us," Qui-Gon answered quickly, "I simply did not want him to understamate us."
"Understandabul," Aragorn said kindly, "my I introduce the party to you?"
Obi-Wan looked to his Master, and then bit his tongue, after recieving a look of warning that said don’t even open your mouth.
Qui-Gon noded as Aragorn proceded to point them all out, "Frodo Baggins; His cusin Mariodock Brandybuck, or if you would Marry; Peragin Took, or Pippin; Samwise Gamgi; Legolas Thrandil, prince of the Green Elves; and Boromir, son to the Stewart of Gondor, and I as I have told you my name, I am a Dunidian Ranger from the North, and where is Gnadalf? No matter he will do as Frodo decides."
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan shook hands with each of them and then Qui-Gon spoke directly to Frodo, "Will you accept our help?"
All looked to Frodo and he stood wearily from the coutch where he sat on, "I do believe you have somthing to loose, as do all of us, should I fail, and so I think it is quite correct to accept you help greatfully."
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan clasped their hands and bowed again. "Thank you for accepting our help," Qui-Gon said happily, "We understand the peral to witch we all go, and now I promise you that if there be any way we can help you, even at the sacrifice of ourselves we will."
Frodo looked kindly at Qui-Gon and said, "I accept your pledge, Jedi Master Jinn," then he looked to Obi-Wan, "but I will not let you make this decsition for Padawan Kenobi, speak for yourself, what you will."
Obi-Wan was suprised and looked with a happyness toward Frodo, "I pledge myself to help you in any way, but do know that Master Jinn is, my Master and I will do as he wishes, for I am his student, and his friend, and I trust him wholy. And where I not his Padawan I would still." Qui-Gon felt so happy about his Padawan's answer to Frodo that his exprestion betrayed his calm, cool, collected, Jedi exterior, for a broud smile came across his lips.
"Then there is no question to me," Frodo said to the rest of the fellowship, "Jedi Master Jinn and Padawan Kenobi shall go with us."
"Please," Qui-Gon said quite happy now, "Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan will do quite well enough. For if you go around calling us fancy titles people will take note, especially because ours do not fit into your cultures."
Aragorn noded aprovingly, "You are correct Qui-Gon." Now all of them seemed content with Frodo’s decstion.
Legolas stepped forward to speak to them, "Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, you must tell me what is a Jedi?"
Qui-Gon smerked, "I leave that answer to my Padawan."
Obi-Wan smiled, happy with his Master's aproval, "A Jedi is a monk, a protector, a diplomat, a kinght, a peace keeper, and warrior. Above all, though, a Jedi is a tool, a follower, and a student of the force. To a Jedi, many things are important, life, freedom, goodness; the protection of the Republic is the swarn dubty of a Jedi, but even that is not more important to a Jedi than the force."
Legolas was quite entreged, "And the force? What is that?"
Obi-Wan frouned just bairly, I've never been asked before, "It is an invisabul force is all thing, all living things. It lives in sbiyosis with all living things, for thoes who here it’s call, they can gain strength and inscite into all things. I am most adept to the Universal Force witch fockuses on the bigger picture, on the future, and rarely on the moment, unless it is fockused on what this moment will bring to the whole. My master, on the under hand is more intune with the Living Force; that fockuses on this moment, almost to thje point of ignoring the next, it deals in the here and now, the impotrtance of what is now, not how what the moment brings will effect the future or the bigger pitcure. It is a poor definition, but it is terrably hard to explaine. Our conshous connection grants us scertan abilities, that would otherwise be imposabul to us."
"Padawan," Qui-Gon chided gently, "it was not a poor answer for a student it is quit a good explination, and proof that you understand the meaning well, yourself."
Obi-Wan beamed, but made no mention of it, rembering his place.
Legolas lifted an eyebrow at Qui-Gon and then he forgot his place, "Is he not allowed to shar his feelings?"
Qui-Gon did not like that question, "For a Jedi," he answered at length, "there is no emotion, only the force, there is only peace, there is the force, there is no death, only the force, only balance." Qui-Gon knew he would not understand, he felt emotion in all things that the Elvs did, and yet they had a great controll over it, never falling victom to pride, fear, or misguided passion. Legolas asked no more questions, he senced that he was making Obi-Wan uncomfertabul even though he gave no hint. Not wanting to get Obi-Wan into furthur trouble with his master, Legolas sat back on a couch and spoak to his mind. Obi-Wan, young one, do forgive me. For I did not mean to get you into trouble, and I do hope you will not suffer for my lack of knowledge in your culture. An inpreceptabul smile flashed across Obi-Wan's lips and then it was gone, Thank you, Legolas, but do not worrie at worst all I ever get is a disapointed lecture. Harsh enough, to be shure, but he would never strike me or make me suffer. Legolas smiled gesturing for Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon to sit and relax a moment, Then my mind can be at ease. "Tell me more," Legolas smiled kindly with honest intrest, "Obi-Wan about the Jedi and your people, for I much wish to know."
Obi-Wan smiled one of thoes pleasant, but unrevealing smiles as he folded his hands properly in his sleves, "My people, it may seem odd to you but, in the manor witch you mean, my people would be all the peoplse of all the planets of the republic. My master and I make our home on Curosant, at the Jedi Temple, though in truth we are there inoften that space feeels more like home to me. Ther is no real answer to your wondering of the culture of our people, unless you would like a history lesson on all the inhabited planets of the Republic."
"I would like that lesson," Legolas answered excitedly, "to find something so new, so unknown to me, makes me fell, almost as if I where young again."
Obi-Wan was suprised, few people he had met even cared enough to ask the inital question. As Gandlof steped into the room he commanded the attention of all, "That lesson, my courious friend, will have to wait." His smile was brouad and kind, full of caring and concurn.
"Welcome alies from afar," he said warmly. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon stood, clasp their hands and bowed.
"Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi," he smiled and shot them a whimsical look, "if you wish not to draw unwanted eyes, you must stop being so polite. I know you are diplomats and mean only to convay the honor you feel at being aloud to acompany us, and I understand how hard it will be to break you of this, but you must. For such things are ment for kings and queens in proper quartyards. If people see you doing such thngs for common folk you are shure to draw attention."
"Forgive, us," Qui-Gon said ashuredly, "I did not realize what we were doing."
Gandolf waved his hand dismissing it, and an Elf entered handing Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan each a travle pack. Qui-Gon smiled, "We do not need anything but food. Bed rools are unnessacary. We will travle great distances, will we not?"
"Yes indeed we will," Gandlof answered wanting more explination.
"Then we will want to travle light as possabul. We are at home in the wild, we need only to bring food and water to store for when there is none to be gatehred or hunted," Qui-Gon smiled, "we are well atuned to living in the harsh places of the galaxy." Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan went through the packs, they took out most everything but the food and water skins. The rest, save a few things of use they discarted.
"This is all we need," Qui-Gon anounced, "we are redy to leave at whatever time you have apointed."
Gandolf laughed a whole hearted laugh, "You are strange indeed, but I sence a wisdome in you as well. We leave in ten minouts." With that he left.
Legolas eyed them strangly, "You," he paused a moment searching for the proper words, "Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, you two suprize me. You are so much like my brethren, yet to look at you, clearly you are mortal men. I sence you are as wise, as Gandolf has stated, very wise for your age."
Qui-Gon smiled, "There are many whom I know who would disagree with you, especially toward me. Legolas though we are quite capabul of taking care of ourselvs in the wild, I believe we would be no match to your brethren for their skill with nature." Legolas smiled, I've never felt so at home amoung men, aside from the Dunadan. Qui-Gon smiled at Legolas, and I feel at home with you too.
"Now we, or rather my Padawan has told you much of us. Please, if you would, speak of yourself for a moment, for we much wish to learn of you as well."
Legolas' smile seemed to brighten the room, as he sat up tall, proud, but not aragent, "About me, or about my people."
"For one to tell of his people is to tell of himself," Qui-Gon said in that eluf negmatic Jedi way.
"I know we have not time to recount my people's history, so instend I will tell you a bit of myself," he paused amoment thinking where to start, "a breef over voiew to begin: I am 700 years old, I am a prince of Merkwood. But my home grows dark, as my people fight to fend off the growing evil of our enimy." A sadness, and a longing spred across Legolas' face coming from deep oceans for eyes. But then he guarded himself, and the torment left his face, for alas! I am here, and paine will bring me no relief. "I can not speak of this now."
Legolas diverted his eyes looking to Aragorn who gladly intrjected for his friend, "Boromir, why don't you tell them of Gondor."
Boromir's eyes lit up. Padawan, this man is arrogent, Qui-Gon thought, and proud. We must be mindful of him, but be shure not to inturupt the natural procedings, just be vigalent. Obi-Wan looked to his master nonchalantly, Yes master.
"Gondor," Boromir said with exzuberance, "is a vast and grand kindome. Her crouning jewl is Minous Tirth; a seven teer citie, carved out of the mountian side. But," Boromir trailed off, "we have fallen into turmoil. Are people are disheartened, but they are good people, brave people."
Qui-Gon spoak sympathetically, "We have seen many wars, and been in many combats, and we know what constant ware does to good peoples. One can only hope that with the distruction of this ring, all such things will evevtually go away, for a time at least." Qui-Gon continued to speak with Boromir trying to enhearten him, untill Elrond and Gandolf came out into view and called to them.
All where gathered now near to the edge of Rivendell now. "This is my last word," Elrond spaok in a low voice, "The Ring-bearer is setting out on the Quest of Mount Doom. On him alone is any charge laied; neither to cast neither to cast away the Ring, nor to deliver it to any servent of the Enemy nor indeed to let any hadnle it, save members of the Company, and the Councle, and only in the gravest need. The other’s go with his as freecompanions, to help him on his way. You may terry, or come back, or turn aside noto other paths, as chance allows. The furthur you go, the less easy it will be to withdraw; yet no oath or ond is laid on you to go furthur than you will. For you do not yet know the strength of your hearts, and you cannot forsee what each may meet upon the road."
"Faithless is he who says farewell when the road truns dark," said Gimly.
"Maby," said Elrond, "but let him not vow to walk into the darkness, who has not seen the night fall."
"Yet swarn word may strengthen quaking heart," Said Gimli.
"Or break it," said Elrond. "Look not too far ahead! But go now with good hearts! Farwell, and may the blessing of Elves and Men and and all free folk go with you. May the stars shine upon your faces!" (FOTR Pg 336)
They set off with many of Elrond's household standing in the shadows. There was no song or music, but there where many solom good-byes and farewells.
Gandolf walked in frount, and with him went Aragorn, who knew this land even in the dark. The others filed behind, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan where before only Legolas, who with his keen eyes was set as the rear guard.
"This cold will be the undoing of my mind," Obi-Wan shruged under his breath, not really directing the comment toward anyone. Obi-Wan was used to the cold of space, but this icy wind blew colder than the vastness of Hoth, he thought perturbed.
"Padawan," Qui-Gon said gently and reashuringly, "still your mind, reach out to the force, let is envelop you, let it souround you, it will keep out the cold. You know this Padawan," Qui-Gon smiled at him from deep uinder the hood of his cloke, "do not let your weriness sever your common sense or this horrid wind will be your undoing."
"Yes, Master," was Obi-Wan's only answer as he did as he was told. It worked, as he knew it would; Obi-Wan had used the techinque many times, it's one of the first survivle skills tought to tample students who are not even Padawans yet. Obi-Wan shook his head repremanding himself, Obi-Wan you know better, you are better than that. Do not let it happen again.
Qui-Gon sighed one of thoes long disaproving sighs, "Padawan, do not be so hard on your self."
Obi-Wan was terabuly imbarassed, to be repremanded before such noabal company, "I'll try not to." "There is no try," Qui-Gon chided gently, "do, or do not bother."
"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan said now flushed, pulling his cloke further over his hear, "I will be less hard on my self, though I can not promis you by how much."
Qui-Gon shook his head playfully, "Do you take anything serious, Padawan?"
"I have been told that I do not, Master," finally, friendly conversation.
Aragorn laughed looking back to Obi-Wan, smiling, "Obi-Wan would you speak to me of your Coursant?"
Obi-Wan looked to his Master, who noded slightly. At that Obi-Wan quickened his pace to come beside Aragorn, who had fallen back behind Gandlof. They spoak for a long time. The next many toiling days Obi-Wan spent giving detailed accounts of all the places and many missions he and his master had been on. Aragorn and Legolas where hungry for the stories and full of questions. Obi-Wan's nights he spent with his master meditating, sparing, and practising his katas and velocities.
***Sorry everyone! To be continued...***