A Hobbit's Journal...

It has been an exhausting few days, but before I sleep and perchance to dream, I must post this note to our Alliance leader, Lady Tauriel.

Dearest Lady,

After the battle at Minas Tirith, I resumed my wagon travels to the Inns of men, dwarves and elves delivering honey to make their mead.

Along the journey I spied what I could for the Alliance.

I made it as far as the forests of Milkwood. Mostly because I encountered a huge iron gate at the entrance of Dol Guldor and felt a great evil in the area, and there be spiders! Not that the gate could stop a hobbit (small enough to squeeze between the bars) but I did not venture beyond for fear of what lay behind the gate. There were a number of sealed barrels near the gate which when shaken sounded hollow, save for one, which made a clinking sound within.

I have safely returned and am including a small map locating what I found, hoping it can aid the alliance efforts and do my service justice.

The rumors at the Green Dragon that we are on eve of another battle is quite disturbing, and it is my considered opinion we all stay home and sleep late. I found myself quite by accident in the battle at Minus Tirith, and barely escaped with me and my nephews life!

If you do go, I wish you, the Lady Galadriel, Mr Kavarek, Borelek, Sir Isildur and all brave souls who venture with you, fair winds and good fortune! I am not a fighter, and have responsibilities in the Shire like training my young nephew in the Honey trade and such.

So if not with you in body in battle I will be so in spirit! (Which I fear is the state most will find themselves in by days end)

Yours in service,

Beedle Beedit, Hobbiton keeper of bees, orc stinger, spy sneeker and map maker

Placing down pen and sealing note, all thoughts become a fidgle widgle.

'What am I to do? I don’t think I shall sleep a wink tonight until I'm decided.’

Slowly a song fills the wakeful hours.

DREAMS ON THE EVE OF BATTLE

What dreams come a warrior

Upon battles eve?

Of glory or horror,

threads of a sleave.

Of Valinor or heaven

where heroes do roam?

Or is it much less then,

of hearth and of home?

Unsure what I face,

as I toss turn in bed,

no dream can replace,

the thoughts in my head.

Will I find courage,

or will I find shame?

Simply discourage,

and dishonor my name?

This call I must answer.

Do I stay - do I go?

Fight Sauron’s cancer?

Fear a fall before foe?

Well…

this much I know…

If I shake or I shatter,

it matters not.

It’s others that matter,

Tis what I forgot!

The friend who’s beside me,

For they I will stand.

For loved ones and family

To save this fair land!

If I stop the arrow

Another may live

Whatever their fair role

or greatness they give.