The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and Tolkien - The One Ring

by **erinhue** » Tue Oct 02, 2001 10:22 am

Although at first he was unaware of her presence, Erinhue did soon feel the healing love and joy that Tuile had tried to convey. He responded when she hugged him and felt the gentle warth of her spirit touch and rekindle somethind deep within him. The inner light that sustained his own bright spirit flared up from the embers with such renewed power that his body could not contain it and it burst forth from him in a deep restorative laugh full of the regained joy of life. He turned away from the sea and melancholy but not away from hope and knew that life and love and joy would continue and grow in beauty just as that which surrounded him in the peace of the Butterfly Garden.

by **RavenTinuviel** » Tue Oct 02, 2001 11:09 am

The Raven indeed flew again as her sadness was eased away with such happiness and love the garden had not seen in so long, since the days of Arwen's coming. She soared above and circled about, taking joy on the wind once again as she listened to all the Garden had to offer.

by **Cynara** » Wed Oct 03, 2001 5:10 pm

Cynara paused before entering, for the first time, the garden fair. Then she entered, and what sights she saw! The luminously jaded Butterflys flitted from mouth to mouth of the inhabitants of the glorious garden, almost as if, with gentle regret, bidding them farewell, as the soft winter approached the land. A few leaves, golden and red and brown, sat lightly upon the verdant grass, waiting, it seemed, for the next breath of whispering wind to lift them once more into their wild, joyous flight of passions. An old willow, sitting beside the laughing, chattering brook, bent his ancient head in resignation and submission to the steady, stately march of the seasons, his children's garments already lightly shedding onto the surface of the rushing waters below, perhaps to vanish forever into the mists of time and chance. Cynara quietly climbed into the willow, and sat above the water, contemplating the peace and beauty that the world had never before seen--not even in the ancient Golden Wood, Lothlorien.

by **tuile** » Sun Oct 07, 2001 11:55 am

As Cynara relaxed in the wise old tree, Tuile waded in the refreshing water...letting the healing liquid wash away her fears and terrors...suddenly feeling a desire to be amongst her friends, she beckoned to Cynara to follow and stepped out onto the lively grass and walked over to the people gathered around Orald and TerryD, hoping to find Erinhue, Raven, Arwen and Harive....

by **Cynara** » Sun Oct 07, 2001 12:52 pm

Seeing Tuile beckon, Cynara slips out of the tree, patting it farewell, fondly. Walking slowly throught the fragrant grasses and wildflowers, the two approach the group of delightful folk ahead.

by **Arwen740** » Sun Oct 07, 2001 1:07 pm

Arwen sits in the soft desert morning light. Mother-of-pearl skies give way to soft peach and gold. She sits wrapped in silver and blue veils, disguised for travel in the Eastern Deserts. She misses her beloved valley that sleeps in peace far to the West. She recalls the song heard in the night, song of the shepherd, song of the peasant, song of the lonely wanderer in the night. She also recalls the answering voice of the mother, the mother in the desert, the mother of Mohammed, of Jesus, of Buddha, of me and of you. The mother sings her song in the darkest night as we wander in the desert. She nurtures the mystery, fanning the flickering light of the father in our hearts with her loving voice. The shepherd follows her voice in the desert. (song) When All is Still verse: (shepherd) Late at night when all is still I leave my flock of sheep upon the hill Angel voices in the light Are calling me to follow in the night chorus: (shepherd) Starlight guides me through a desert, dangerous and wild I have come to hear a mother singing to her child verse: (shepherd) Soft white feathers in the night Are falling down from angels in their flight Through the darkness I can hear A gentle mother singing soft and clear chorus: (mother's voice) Precious one, it's you who've come to give new life to me You have chosen me to guide you toward your destiny verse: (shepherd) To this mystery I bow To feel the light of love upon my brow In the desert dark and wild There is a mother singing to her child There is a mother singing to her child

by **Harvestar** » Sun Oct 07, 2001 1:47 pm

Harvi returns to the garden, with sadness still in her heart. As she sits upon the bank, she notices hummingbirds flitting busily around the flowering bush beside her. As a smile begins to form, one hummingbird, shining green with a band of red at its throat, hovers for a moment in front of her. The smile quickly spreads across her face as she stares at the tiny bundle of energy. As the bird darts quickly back to a flower, Harvi knows that these beautiful reminders of her grandmother will always be with her. Harvi glaces up and sees tuile beckoning from across the garden. She moves quickly through the flowers, smiling as the butterflies float among the blossoms and flutter by her face. These butterflies remind her of an early memory... sitting on the front porch swing, next to her grandfather, watching the butterflies play among the roses in the Tennessee summer heat. He says to her, "There's so many. I've never seen this many before. They must have all come because you were here." She smiles up at him, swinging her legs that don't yet touch the porch... As Harvi reaches tuile and Cynara, she smiles and gives them both a big hug. (OOC - tuile, your words earlier in response to erinhue were truly beautiful! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0> Arwen, that's a lovely song! And erinhue, beautiful post! )

by **Terry D** » Sun Oct 07, 2001 2:20 pm

"The Forest and the Sea" A Chorus in leaves imploring, voices frolicked in light, Rejoicing, sun shimmer pouring Through the tree's Oceanic height. Butterflies clustered in flight, 'til moon embraces with night. Oaken bower, as sea, so lovely, moss laden, soft branches, moan, Day's hug, night's kiss, known Comforting lone, so lonely! Tides, in current urges... Sea to seek for home. Gather sea foam in surges, wind and water to roam, Tide which gathers and purges, as wind, in branches unknown. Gathering seashells in whispers, as pearls upon sugar sand. Starfish and Fiddler list, then wash unto land. . ~ ~ ~ Reflect on the water and hillside. Rejoice in the seeds that are sown. Remember the voice of moon's tide, Recall oak's whispering moan. For, surf and sky, in glories ride, as soul's seek, in captive hunger... Muffle your singing no longer, Join with the ebb and flow... nurture, and flower will grow. Sea womb, in deepness, Surrounds, green-hued silence... Night's eyes are omens divine. In season, in spaces, the sea song releases, mysteries, forgotten, sublime. Mere mention of motion, measuresless moments, echo, with tidal notion. Glistering sunlight, in sizzling torments, embroil lingering sand cupped potions... Voyage with starlight and sea song... Adventure, with quest for unknown... Listen as sea-grasses, unfold with tide, memories will be your guide. In silences secrets are spoken, in half-light, welcome is token. The tide spreads nightly, entreating politely, the sea, ever will surge. Upon hillock, the village, hushed in quieted image, as child sleeps contritely, as wind weeps ever hauntingly. . ~ ~ ~ With firefly tones with a hauntings unknown, the forest unveils memory. Stir the light, sweep the night, In expectant delight, Pause, in reflective reverie. Be stilled and await, flowers revive, dream is awakening still. Listen, mockingbirds, joyous, trill. ~ ~ ~ Reflected, surfaced, images return, as surely seen with eyes yearn, to envision and learn, how the darkening shadow, dense, tries to swallow, the image reflected in dream. . ~ ~ ~ Night has come illumed with lies, lay sleeping, timorous, gentle butterflies. A spider beguiles, in endless, webbed ties, On breezes a sea-gull aspires, To float on endless desires, The forest air, alit with fireflies. ~ ~ ~ Haunting ships sail, as stars twinkle and fade, And moonlight envelops waves. Haunted shadows fail, on glen and glade, and midnight slowly reveals, orbiting planets, crescendos of comets, passing through space on stellar jets. As over the waters, tempest seas toss, and sea-spouts, spiral and spin. Haunted ships, guided by stars twin, Steer uncertain course without, within…

by **Cynara** » Sun Oct 07, 2001 2:28 pm

Cynastood, listening to TerryD's song, and smiled as the music flowed around her in waves of harmony and melody.

by **gwendalar** » Sun Oct 07, 2001 3:01 pm

Gwendalar walked up the hill, waist deep in a lush green field with wildflowers and butterflys softly floating from person to person. The perfume of the sea was all around her and salt spray was woven throughout her golden hair and brow and the taste of salt was upon her lips. She was a creature of the land but dwelt upon the sea from time to time to feed a deep unknown desire. The fields were a riot of colors and smells. But the hint of fall was in the air and Gwendalar loving this time of year breathed deep of the comming of rest for Mother Earth. It was as though they were one as she held out her arms face up towards the sun feeling the warmth surround her, hearing the soft sounds of the birds heartbeats and insects drumming their farewells to summer. The Heartbeats I felt were deep inside of me - two heartbeats, at once, Mine and mother earths, the spirit of all. All of my life drums and beats, at once, sustaining a rhythm audible only to the spirit. I drum ny heartbeat into her, beating, hearts beating, my hands on her---- I hear her beat and I drum my return back.

by **~Turin-Turambar~** » Sun Oct 07, 2001 3:45 pm

Turin walks slowly into the Buttefly Garden, for he has been wandering about the lands as in days of old..... in the days before he met lady Elora. It was a week before he was to wed her and he was reflecting on life and the future with the wonderful lady of Arda. How she got him to settle down some and tame his wandering spirit, as though her hands were filled with a soothing peace. She in her soft ways and wild spirit of her own took him in, one of the Edain, a mortal of Middle Earth. Walking about the garden he listened to the sounds. there were sounds of birds and bees, and the songs of the land and water and those of people in mourning and in happiness. A Raven flew high above and the music flowed from eack leaf and flower. Turin found a place, high above the waterfall looking down into the canyon and over the land, and he sat on the high place, silent, in thought, dream, meditation, sleep, sweating, fasting, exercise, focus, feeling, seeing, hearing, knowing. Ilúvatar smiled down on All in the garden, seeing all that was created by the music in the beginning, and he, Turin cried out to Ilúvatar asking for wisdom in His ways, for he would wed Lady Elora, one of Arda who walks Middle Earth. he was slowly soothed to a deep sleep, as though dead, and his breathing was little, and he journeyed away.... ....A hand came and took him, and led him to many places young and old. Elora stood firm in guard of the door, and a voice soothing and fierce spoke to her. "We come not to go that way Lady, be at peace." And to the left they went, and Turin saw the land in the beginning as it would have been without the spoils of Morgoth after he came to Middle Earth. The beauty of the music flooded his ears, and he heard the song of Elora there, in the time before. And with a whisk he flew fast and was again on the high place, awakened.

by **tuile** » Mon Oct 08, 2001 12:31 am

(ooc- I can't begin to express how lovely it was to come home and find all of you had posted..<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0>) Harvestar was bestowed hugs upon hugs from Tuile and Cynara. The effervescent star-gazer spread so much light as she walked around the garden there seemed to be a perpetual trail of glowing stardust lingering in her path. The three turned towards the gathering people in time to catch the last lingering pharses of Terry's poem. The words themselves seemed cast out onto the fresh breeze and were carried and tossed gently over the waving trees and bowing flowers. Their meanings were carefully extracted and savored, their context stretched and mended, and their tender essences mingled with the permeable souls of the beings in the garden. As Arwen and Gwendalar spoke, their words were alotted the same marvelous fate, allowing the enraptured listeners a thorough taste of the speaker's intention. They stood quietly, touseled gently by the breeze like blades of grass. The music of nature in a myriad of notes and rhythyms filled the air. Tuile was overwhelmed by the beauty expressed in this garden. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0>

by **Terry D** » Mon Oct 08, 2001 4:54 am

A butterfly bedecked in green and blue landed on a succulent flower... carefully it extracted and savored the nectar. Tenderly it stretched its proboscis and drank the flowers essences... this warmed the fluttering one as it mingled deep inside... the butterfly was overwhelmed with love for all his companions....

by **Hunter** » Tue Oct 09, 2001 12:27 am

The stillness of the shaded glen hid the sleeping form of Hunter as she lay dreaming. Through clouds and mists she wandered in her dreams, catching glimpses of many paths that led toward the unknown. Following one, she came to a fair city, gleaming bright in the sun as it shone through the clouds. The strangeness beckoned to her, calling her restless spirit to follow new paths and she explored all she could, finding many treasures, hidden away, long forgotten. Doors upon doors she opened, walking along paths that glowed brightly and others that had fallen into disuse. Strains of music and echoing laughter followed her as she walked down glowing paths, then deeper into unknown realms, following traces of magic that lingered. The pathways wound back on each other, twisting and turning as they mimicked one another, until finally only one doorway remained and she stepped through… …awakening to find herself in the garden once again, she smiled as she recalled her dream, looking around at the stillness of the shaded glen. The gentle strains of music that had filled the air were silenced in the gloaming hours of twilight. She moved and the soft swish of the long grass against her skirt broke the silence as she stood. A light breeze stirred the dry leaves overhead, rustling and filling the air with promises of winter washing over the land, putting to rest the fragile flowers of summer. She knew that once again they would bloom, filling her shaded glen with their sweet scent, but for now their time had ended, and the trees were bent with their burden of berries waiting to nourish the birds through the winter. She loved this season best of all and wandered the forests long, filling her senses with the wonder of the night.

by **Speaker-To-Animals** » Tue Oct 09, 2001 8:38 pm

Speaker wandered cautiously into the Butterfly Garden. This was his first visit. At once, his mind clouded over with a subtle shade of emotional pleasure. It was an eerie experience, unlike any in his long memory. It was as if his very presence in the glade turned his perception into a timeless and ever-present painting of unimaginable beauty, itself moving and changing with his interactions, but remaining constantly continuous and tangible. Nothing had prepared him for the sudden rush of spirituality, yet being a faithful man, he welcomed the inherent sincerity with open arms. This place was truly magical, in the purest sense of the word. Speaker marvelled at the lovely, natural scene before him. But his mind played an endless game of contradictions. There were gatherings of butterflies and moths in the sunshine, but they flew also around the lights of candles lit unknowingly in the darkness. Bright flowers were clustered together in a patchwork of colour - in bloom they were, and yet also buds breaking the earth. Squirrels ran flittingly among the grasses of green and brown, and up trunks of birch and maple, and while the leaves fell from the branches, they also budded in bursts of green. Clouds meandered in the clear blue sky, while gentle cleansing rain fell within a calm wind. Water flowed freely, in rivulets and gathered in puddles, but as well there were frozen patches of snow and ice, and the quiet solitude of a hibernating wilderness. Stars were present and multitudinous, as was the light of the moon and wandering planets, but also there was the sun in all its glory, at once in sunrise and also sunset, and at its noontime height. All the wonder of the earth greeted Speaker's cautious eyes, yet there seemed to be no perceptible season in place. The growth and promise of spring, the wealth and bounty of summer, the colours of the autumn harvest, and the silent solace of winter were all present here. It was an orchestra of contrasting notes and sounds. The music filled his heart with absolute joy, its cascading melodies intertwining within his mind, as like memories in a dream. Memories of past joy and times of wonder, lost from conscious thought, and yet now at the very forefront of his living experience. Speaker was in awe, and he felt this Garden and its simple truth, and yet he was able to convince himself that he was indeed awake. And then he saw the people! They were there, allowing him to become accustomed to the strange emotions and sensations, as they had once themselves struggled to master. They were there, enjoying the Garden in all its loveliness, and now gathering around him. They were there, their faces of absolute beauty, reflecting the inner self that we all hold close to our hearts, and often hide among misguided ideas of sinful introspection. Smiles of happiness greeted him, and enveloped him, like a warm blanket in a long sleep after much exhaustion and exertion. Thus, he gathered with all of his friends, on a truly higher plane than ever possible before. Indeed, higher than ever previously imaginable. And Speaker smiled.

by **Cynara** » Wed Oct 10, 2001 2:09 pm

Cynara turned to watch a rare beautious butterfly flutterby (<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif"border=0>), and caught sight of Speaker, the loyal supplier of Timmie's for the Donut Guild, and welcomed him with a smile, remembering her own hesitant entrace, a very short while ago in this endless golden afternoon.

by **sandra** » Thu Oct 11, 2001 12:32 pm

Deep within a disused jar, it's soft body encased in a hardened shell seemed to have laid dormant. The old barn now in ruins, was still full of junk. The chrysalis silently matured until it bloomed into a sight of beauty. The Red Admiral now a delicate butterfly, posed lightly flapping it rich red, black edged wings. Gazing wonderously at the gentle creature, Sandra knew it yearned to be free. Ambling up the garden path, she looked for a shaded spot. How apt that it's maiden jouney should be in the butterfly garden. Placing the glass pot upon the low wall, she stood back and watched the little fluttering fellow .... Fly, fly little wing Fly beyond imagining The softest cloud, the whitest dove Upon the wind of heaven's love Pass the planets and the stars Leave this lonely world of ours Escape the sorrow and the pain Won't be in vain. Fly fly precious one Your endless journey has just begun Take your gentle happiness Far too beautiful for this Cross over to the other shore There it speaks for evermore And hold this memory bittersweet until we meet. Fly fly do not fear Don't waste a breath, don't shed a tear Your heart is whole, your soul is free Be on your way don't wait for me Above the universe you'll climb Far beyond the hands of time The moon will rise the sun will set I won't forget. Fly fly little wing Fly where only nature sings Fly away the time is right Go now find the light.

by **tuile** » Thu Oct 11, 2001 12:58 pm

Tuile sat on the rich green grass in wonderment and awe. No words arrived to her lips for none crossed her mind. This wasn't terribly unusual, yet the reasons were more so. She just sat. And sighed. And smiled. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0>

by **gwendalar** » Thu Oct 11, 2001 2:36 pm

Sigh, so many beautiful words and thoughts

by **Genuvere** » Fri Oct 12, 2001 1:01 pm

Sleeping so long in the grass of the garden, Genuvere in her dreams listened to the words, songs and stories told. She wandered and saw a mother play with her children, and the land itself sang slow & soft melodies as the water caressed her crevices. She wondered the whereabouts of the fair Lady Galadriel? Genuvere stood and danced in circles as the leaves of fall blew through the air.

by **Arwen740** » Thu Oct 18, 2001 2:01 pm

Tapestry of Love High above the valley, nestled deep within the old forest, there stood a small house. An old woman and her three lovely daughters lived together there. The woman spent her days weaving tapestries to sell in the villages and country bazaars. She would often sing songs to herself as she sat for hours weaving upon her loom. One day the woman fell ill. She called her three daughters to her and asked for their help. She told them of a dream she'd had of a beautiful tapestry. In the tapestry was woven the picture of a large home surrounded by gardens and streams. There were delicate butterflies and birds flying amongst colorful flowers there. She bade the girls to go out into the world and find beautiful, magical things with which the mother would weave her last tapestry, a tapestry of love for them. The three daughters promised to do this errand for their mother. They promised to not become married until their task was completed. Soon after the three girls started their journey, the two oldest daughters met two wealthy strangers. The two girls were entranced with the ornate carriages and sumptuous clothing of the two men. The men were eager to have them for their wives so they took the two girls away. And so the youngest daughter continued alone on her journey. As she walked along the road in the early mornings she often found and collected spiderwebs with wings of butterflies. In the evenings she gathered strands of colorful sunset clouds. Next to these, she carefully placed fragrant flower petals and delicate feathers into her bag. After a time she met a great crane who, after hearing of her errand, gave some of his soft feathers to her. Then he offered to fly her back to her home. When they both arrived at the girl's home, her mother was overjoyed to see them. The mother set to work at once to weave the tapestry and as she wove, she sang songs to herself. When she had finally finished weaving, the girl took strands of her mother's music and wove it into the fabric. Then it was night and the three lay down to sleep. While they lay sleeping the tapestry began to grow and stretch until it was much larger than the house. Then it covered the countryside with brilliant colors and patterns. When the old woman, her daughter and the crane awoke the next morning they found themselves inside of a beautiful home surrounded by gardens and streams. They rubbed their eyes in amazement at the wondrous site that greeted them. Butterflies danced among the flowers to the melody of the water. The trees were laden with sweet pears and oranges. They were now living in the tapestry. And because of his great love for the girl, the crane was transformed by the tapestry into a handsome prince. The prince, the girl and her mother lived forever in the new world that they had created. The end. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0>

by **Snowdog** » Fri Oct 19, 2001 2:04 pm

Now that is Arwen740! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0> Beautiful story! Welcome back!

by **tuile** » Fri Oct 19, 2001 5:22 pm

Arwen!!<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0><img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0> I must echo Snowdog!!! That story was simply beautiful!!<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0><img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0><img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0>

by **Speaker-To-Animals** » Fri Oct 19, 2001 10:06 pm

Arwen740, your loveliness and beautiful words have woven themselves into the tapestry of my heart. You inspire me, dear lady... <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0>

by **Cynara** » Sun Oct 21, 2001 6:24 am

An absolute wonderful piece! *Cynara's mind returns from the Reality Outside, and she sighs in sadness, and wanders back to her willow.*

by **Terry D** » Mon Oct 22, 2001 5:00 am

ahhhhhh, I am speechless... love has cuddled me into joyous slumber! What an incredible source, what delight, what friends...

by **Arwen740** » Mon Oct 22, 2001 9:21 am

Drowsy good morning hugs to you, dear Terry! I am always so happy to see you here. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0> Snowdog, Tuile, Speaker and Cynara, gentle garden hugs to you all! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0>

by **Terry D** » Tue Oct 23, 2001 5:00 am

Arwen, as happy as I am to be here with all of you, I am overjoyed at celebrating your two month anniversary!!! You and Crispy have given me more contentment than you will ever know!

by **Snowdog** » Tue Oct 23, 2001 12:27 pm

Aye Terry D! I have to agree! Arwen, I am so glad and filled with joy that you did find the love of your life! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0> You are such a talented writer, singer, songwriter, artist, a woman with the best of personalities, and I must say, very beautiful! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0>

by **Terry D** » Wed Oct 24, 2001 11:03 am

Reflect on this autumn morning secluded ‘neath shadowy yew… Vine laden, gently climbing, green leaves sprinkled with dew. Stop, and rest amid clover hollows, listen for bird-song so sweet… Willow swims in a pond of shadows lapping playfully under its feet. Build a comfortable cottage of heather, of fairy tales, whispers, and dreams… Safely and snug within oaken bower, residing timeless, it seems. Twin doves, as the hearts of lovers, nest near a window serene… a bounty of dancing wildflowers, unveil spectrum colors sublime. A song, as the heart of a lady, a song as deep as the world… frolics, as children, so gladly, or, fluttering flag in breeze unfurled. Sing to keep away sadness smile and it dances away… rejoice in a night without darkness with midnight as clear as mid-day. Dream, as maidens’ gold tresses, flows from a shadowy room… in a nimbus of shimmering dresses, as an aureole of white-laced bloom. Linger in this gathering twilight, cover in this gauzy dusk glade… for deep in the distant moon’s light a gentle ghost is stirring awake.

The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and Tolkien - The One Ring

Butterfly Garden - 100 Post Fair

Who is online