As you recall from my previous entry, our party had just been kidnapped by amazingly well-built nearly naked men, who paddled us quickly down the Nimrodel to Caras Galadon, chanting and doing synchronized paddle maneuvers the while. It was quite invigorating.
We were taken straight to Caras Galadon, city in the trees.
...where, in another Middle-earth improvement, the buildings were now positioned on the ground for safety.
We were welcomed with traditional Elvish songs.
...dances, and displays of Elven prowess.
It was most invigorating. (I keep saying that, don't I?)
At length, we were greeted by the gentle yet imposing Lord and Lady of the Galadrim.
"We bid you welcome, and offer you rest," said the Lady. "For you are weary with sightseeing and much toil."
"Actually, I'm feeling quite a bit better," said Frodo, looking around with shining eyes.
"Sleeping quarters we have prepared for you," the Lady said, as if Frodo had not spoken. "We have striven along with the rest of the inhabitants here to increase the safety of Middle-earth. To that end, we have contrived fair quarters for you, anchored stoutly on the ground and designed to fit those of your stature."
"Will they also fit those of your stature?" Frodo asked worriedly, comparing the height of the lintel with the stately build of his hosts.
"See," said the Lady, still not seeming to hear a word that Frodo said (obviously no one had clued her in that in this adventure, Frodo had lines). "We have prepared a mighty feast for you. Behold."
Merry whistled as he looked in that direction. "Now, that's what I call a barbecue!"
"What are we having?" the hobbit asked excitedly.
"You must get it yourselves," said the Lady.
"Come again?" said Merry.
The Lady gave him a look. "Go fish."
Fortunately, Maggie proved an expert at this, better even than the hobbits. This hefty rock cod was her very first try.
Soon we had more than enough sushi to steam, dry, and iron for further adventuring.
We ate until we thought we would burst. Fortunately, the wise Elves had provided even for this eventuality.
Afterwards, well content, we lay about the beautiful gardens of Lothlórien.
"Will you look into the pool?" asked the Lady.
Frodo eyed her cautiously. "What will I see?"
"Even the wisest cannot tell," said the Lady.
"But we can guess easily enough," said Merry. "Frodo, a camp full of men, let me see... I'm guessing you will meet a tall, dark stranger."
"Hah, hah," said Frodo. "You look."
Merry peered into the luminous depths, and slowly read, "You will inherit a gold mine in Africa." He looked up worriedly. "Will I need shots? Should I vaccinate Stybba?"
The Lady narrowed her wonderful eyes. "I think it is time for you to leave."
Don't miss our next exciting installment, when the lot of us get
tossed out of Lórien on our collective ear. Cheers!
Click here for a
complete list of our NZ adventures.