Saephrond had long cherished the friendship he shared with Gallorith of Lothlorien. Gallorith had often sent him delicate blends of tea, accompanied by thoughtful letters signed in pressed flowers from his beautiful gardens. These teas, infused with rare flora, found Saephrond wherever he had gone. It was a wonder how Gallorith managed to find him, but Saeph appreciated his quirks.
As he sipped a brew from the most recent parcel, an idea took root in his heart. He would return the gesture by crafting his own tea of mixed herbs from some of his favourite regions, and hand-delivering a few bundles of flowers from the Shire. Surely, Gallorith would have much use for blooms that were foreign to Rhovanion. It was the least Saeph could do. And he'd not pass up the chance to visit his friends. Nor, little Miss Rosie.
He began his journey in the Shire, where his hobbit friends gathered around him, curious about his travels. As he wandered through their gardens, he gathered the finest marigolds and sunflowers - telling them of the beauty Lothlorien held and the peace their flowers would bring to its soil. And in the hills beyond the Delving Fields, Saeph picked wild flowers and fresh wild mint, known for its soothing properties and fresh taste - a perfect first ingredient to his tea.
With plenty a pick, he bade farewell to the Shire folk and traveled on to Rivendell. There, among the elegant arches and waterfalls, he found delicate elanor blossoms and sprigs of lavender, which would imbue the tea with a calming essence. He hurried along, so as not to meet the Lord of Imladris this time, for time was not in favour of keeping the plants fresh.
The final stop was the rugged, windswept paths of the Misty Mountains. The climb was difficult, and the snow beasts relentless. But in the high, rocky crevices, he found wild thyme and mountain sage. These particular herbs would lend the tea strength. And with his basket now abundant with flowers and herbs, he started for Lothlorien, where the soft yellow treetops greeted him. The air was cool and moved about him in a gentle breeze, carrying with it the bristles of dandelions and the quiet hum of song.
