May 17, 2025 8:41 am
The easy nature and relative security of their journey present no trial to any of the Company (no Travel test while escorted).
Gondril in fact moves across the land until she comes across another trench, where they can again disappear from any spies at ground level. This trench however becomes a tunnel and the view of the sky is removed. "Now we are no longer screened by the eagles above, we take more care in daylight. In this tunnel, our scent is not blown across the moors so readily.
After some time the roof broaches the ground and the tunnel becomes a trench - but one sheltered by overhanging bushes and small rowan trees. The slope goes up and they are finally out of the northern Maze of Elrond: one of the wonders of elven crafting that has helped secure the secret of the location of Imladris for centuries. Gondril even confirms that the maze is dynamic. Trenches can be cut off, filled in, or dug anew. Movable screens open up side branches at different times. And few - if anyone - who leaves Rivendell knows all the paths.
"I will travel with you some way yet. The ground here is firm enough for the pony to move with ease. When you return you will have to find your own way south to the Great Road and enter Imladris by the way known to you. You might be spotted and intercepted by our patrols, but do not plan for it.
The Lady Arwen bade me to remind you at this point to remember her words about the marshes plant, whose symbol you wear as a badge. The Sapphire Mallow grows on firm ground in the wetlands. Tread carefully if you do not see it. At night you can smell it."
Gondril in fact moves across the land until she comes across another trench, where they can again disappear from any spies at ground level. This trench however becomes a tunnel and the view of the sky is removed. "Now we are no longer screened by the eagles above, we take more care in daylight. In this tunnel, our scent is not blown across the moors so readily.
After some time the roof broaches the ground and the tunnel becomes a trench - but one sheltered by overhanging bushes and small rowan trees. The slope goes up and they are finally out of the northern Maze of Elrond: one of the wonders of elven crafting that has helped secure the secret of the location of Imladris for centuries. Gondril even confirms that the maze is dynamic. Trenches can be cut off, filled in, or dug anew. Movable screens open up side branches at different times. And few - if anyone - who leaves Rivendell knows all the paths.
"I will travel with you some way yet. The ground here is firm enough for the pony to move with ease. When you return you will have to find your own way south to the Great Road and enter Imladris by the way known to you. You might be spotted and intercepted by our patrols, but do not plan for it.
The Lady Arwen bade me to remind you at this point to remember her words about the marshes plant, whose symbol you wear as a badge. The Sapphire Mallow grows on firm ground in the wetlands. Tread carefully if you do not see it. At night you can smell it."
