Ollo Vae

Chapter 2

I mount my pony, Greystoke. Since my training is complete with Beorn, it is time for me to move out. My necessities have already been packed on a pack pony, and Beorn is to ride with me to the elven kingdom, where from there I'm to be escorted to the Shire by an elf. We set out at dawn four days after finding the orc encampment, and head south towards Mirkwood.

Beorn has to ride a horse as well, much to his dismay, because if the horses were to see a giant bear walking next to them, they'd spook and run off. He is quite unhappy about it, but after about three days of riding, we finally make it to Mirkwood. The elves kindly offer us rooms to stay the night, but Beorn declines, instead bidding me farewell and beginning the journey back home on his horse.

I awake the next day to find a platter with fresh food and a washing pan on my bedside table, and I sit up. I slowly eat my breakfast, enjoying every bite since I know this will likely be my last good meal for a long while, and quickly wash my face and change into clean clothes. Then I walk over to the mirror on the opposite side of the room and pick up the ornate silver hairbrush sitting on the table.

I get my dark brown hair wet with the water in the washing pan and brush through the tangled mess that is my hair. When I finally finish, I grab a sheet from my bed and dry my hair since I can't find a dry cloth. I then walk back to the mirror and try to do my hair. In order to actually see myself in the mirror I have to stand on a chair, since I'm only 4"7'.

I start my hair with a loose french braid down the middle of my head all the way down; then tie the end with a small piece of green cloth. After that, I pull all of my hair into a loose but secure bun, making sure to incorporate the braid as well. Then I bring a couple strands of hair to the front to frame my face and I'm done.

I step down from the chair and put it back where it had been previously, then open the door and walk out. I'm instantly greeted by at least a dozen elves, as it's already time to go. The elves lead me outside to Greystoke, and bring me to meet my guide for the rest of my travels.

"Hello," the guide says. "My name is Tanithil." I bow slightly in greeting.

"I'm Kierra," I say, holding out a hand. Tanithil shakes it firmly, and gets up on his horse, which is carrying all of our supplies. My pack pony unfortunately must be left behind. I mount Greystoke, and then Tanithil and I take off towards the Shire.

After about a day of traveling, we finally take a rest. I make camp while Tanithil looks for food. He comes back half an hour later with a couple scrawny rabbits; it's barely enough for one night, but it will have to do. I set up the pot of water while Tanithil prepares the meat. Soon the water is boiling, and the meat is ready, so he dumps the rabbit in the water and sprinkles a couple wild herbs he'd found while in the forest into the pot as well.

Within the next hour and a half, the stew is ready, and I dish it out to Tanithil and myself. We eat in awkward silence, and then go to bed immediately. The next morning, Tanithil wakes me up early and takes me outside.

"We need to get moving soon," Tanithil declares. "But first, show me what skill you got." I, still being half asleep, look at him in confusion. Tanithil grunted in annoyance.

"Tell me Kierra, have you ever been slapped by an elf before?" inquires Tanithil. Not fully understanding, I shake my head and look up at him questionly. Tanithil sighs quietly before hitting me across the head with his hand, and although I can tell his intention isn't really to harm, his cold touch still stings. My eyes open wide in surprise and I flinch away, fingers hovering over the spot where Tanithil's hand had hit.

Tanithil chuckles in amusement.

"It worked," he comments, straightening back up. "Now show me your bow and dagger skills." Still shocked, I stumble over to my dagger belt and bow and strap it on, making sure all the arrows in the quiver are accounted for. Then I walk back over to Tanithil, who points to a tree about 100 meters away.