The Twelve Days of Tolkien - Drabble Series

On the ninth day of Christmas, my dear muse gave to me

Béma and Shelob

Elrond winced as the Rohirric bard struck another jarring chord and launched into an off-key account of Béma’s pursuit of Shelob through the lands of Arda.

He was startled by Glorfindel snorting rudely into his cup.

Frowning, he whispered, “My friend, I understand the music is harsh to Elven ears, but surely you can give them some credit for their efforts?”

“You would laugh also,” replied Glorfindel, “If you knew the true reason for Oromë’s hatred.”

Elrond did indeed chuckle, when he learnt how a certain infant spider had crawled into the Valar’s boot and bitten him on the toe.