Encounter Among the Trees (part 2)

 “Daro! Stop!”

Tûk lowered his hand, but keeping the stone ready, as he searched the branches. His companions seemed fearful, but he seemed only wary.

One Elf dropped from the tree. The others remained above, but revealed themselves. Both of them had notched arrows to their bows, and I began to regret my interference. What if I had endangered the very folk I was supposed to protect?

“Who are you?” Tûk asked boldly. “Why are you watching us?”

“We are Elves of Greenwood the Great; we watch all who enter our realm.”

“My name is Tûk! My cousins and I did not know this forest belonged to anyone. We are simply foraging to feed our families.”

“I am Durdir. We are wardens of King Thranduil, whose forest this is. We have watched you, and I believe you meant no harm. You hunt only the small game and take only a little of the bounty the forest provides. I have the authority to give you leave to continue, though I warn you, there are other dangers than Elves beneath these trees! Do not venture too far into this wood, lest you encounter them.”

“Thank you for your warning, Durdir. We will keep it in mind! But I do not fear the forest.”

“No, I do not believe that you do. Still, be wary!” He launched himself back into the tree, where he and the others quickly vanished from the hobbits’ sight.

“Well, Cousin Tûk, that was interesting!” exclaimed one of the other hobbits.

Tûk smiled. “It was, Gamba. I wonder shall we see them again!”

I still watched the Elves. I could see they were as intrigued by the small folk as the small folk had been by the Elves. Perhaps my interference had worked out for the best after all.