The Friend

[Free The Hobbits 859]

 

 

The Halfling land soon began to turn to wastes after the visit of the Stranger, the once verdant landscape began to wither into a barren steppe. The trees became dry, their leaves turning brown and crackling in the months of the summer. Hopelessness began to set in for the Halflings, their crops were ruined and yet no rhyme or reason for their despair was found. It began to look like the end of the era of smallfolk was quickly closing in.

 

But yet, they feared not. For the Halfling people were proud and braved the drought. Their hearts were strong and their will of iron, yet they began to waiver. They became afraid, unsure of what would happen to them if the drought of their land would never cease. Food became scarce, wheat disappearing and potatoes becoming even more scarce among the people. Many feared the worst for their families and some have begun to pack up for new lands.

 

However, there was one who dared to step up to the challenge. His pants were held up by suspenders, his shirt was tucked and pressed. He walked into town with a swagger in his step. His smile inspired hope, and his strut inspired courage. The Friend had appeared and the Halflings rejoiced for their savior had come at last. The Friend was quiet, his eyes black as the night, his skin icy and pale, yet his will was unadulterated by the wasteland of Willow Hollow. There was no room for skepticism, and many seemed desperate to take any help they could find. For of course the famine had caused them to drawback on food, they would have to make do without their mid midnight snacks and their second third supper. The Halfling people remained wary, the Friend bringing with him the end of the Stranger to their lands.

He proposes a plan, laying down his dusty leather bound book on the table in the inn he frantically flips through it. He stops on a page, pointing to the diagram and text in the book. The townsfolk look at each other, their eyes shifting to everyone in the room. Many turn back to the Friend with uncertainty and doubt. Were they sure they could trust him?

[Elad™ 560]

Moved to the Archive. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.