The Moons Halo of Light

Just off the borders of the Bree, there lies a a dark forest. A forest so overgrown, untouched and dangerous, that none would dare enter. To walk into the Selmon forest is as much death upon you as walking through the black gates of Mordor and placing yourself in the burning, red hot lava of Mount Doom. Selmon forest was to be avoided at all costs! That is a fact that was never disputed in times long since past.

Many thousands of years has the forest stood unrelenting to the rising darkness and so, many tales about the forest were told. Some say it is protected by the spirits of the dead, because of its blue hue to the mist that settles over the barks of the aged trees or that there is a mad witch who eats the souls of those that stray too far in. Others believed that the trees wake up only to bury you alive under its twisting roots.

Yes! It is not wise to venture into that abyss. The forest is death itself. But one curious wizard however, knows what lies behind its boarders. One who braved the thick air and angry trees, to leave with a new friendship from the wood inhabitants . The very same one who would start an avalanche, so to speak, that would bring Salmon Forest to see its darkest, but also its brightest days yet.

"If anyone were to ask me, and I've noticed that they have not, I would say we were going in the completely wrong direction!" grunted Gimli son of Gloin. Gandalf had just about enough of his whining for the moment and gave him no sign that his words were heard. In fact Gandalf did not want to give any information to his other eight companions about the path he had chosen. He had garnered many curious glances and confused side eyes, each time he steered the fellowship further, rather than closer to the fire mountain.

The Ranger came to the boulder in which the grey wizard rested upon and addressed him quietly, so none of the rest would hear, except save the blond elf prince who could not help it due to his enhanced elf hearing. "I place my trust in you Gandalf, just as much as any man would in your presence. But in this matter, I must side with Gimli. We are nearly to the borders of Bree. We could not settle there for the night either. Too much talk and suspicion would arise from it. What do you wish to achieve from this backwards path." said the ranger in a mute mumbled tone.

Gandalf hesitated. Should he tell them. He knew they deserved an explanation, especially when they have blindly followed him this far. But it would delay them in their journey. Telling them would lead to backlash, and questioning the old wizards sanity. They would not understand the need to enter the forbidden forest. No! They would just have to wait until time revealed their true path to them! Besides, he made an oath never to speak of what he knows lies in that forest. Even though he is leading them towards that truth, he will not break his vow now. Soon they would understand that this detour is not just needed, but is essential. At least he hoped it would be. He had not visited in years. He had no idea if their temperament remained the same towards him, after what his last visit caused.

"Do not worry Aragorn. All will be revealed. I would not bring you all this way unless it was necessary." Gandalf soothed. "In that, my friend, I had no doubt" the ranger grinned and strolled over to the woodland prince, where he would take over watch so the elf could rest. Once rested and their stomachs full, they set off again.

~That's chapter one complete, I hope that I sparked your interest to continue to chapter 2, where we will learn about our main character~