The spirits of the land have become angry at the litter left in the green spaces and as a result, people travelling in these areas have been harrased upon their journeys. They no longer pass through the village, preferring to take more open roads to avoid incurring the spirit's wrath. The village is struggling without visitors and the people have been unable to leave without suffering the spirits anger. We need brave souls such as yourself to help us appease the spirits by clearing the litter.
Reward: 50 points
Yours faithfully,
Melcombe Tobberman
Mayor of The Village
To complete this job, you must travel to the nearest outdoor environment and collect whatever litter you find. Dispose of it safely and responsibly. Beware however, for the spirits may have laid a curse on the detritus- wearing gloves and proper safety equipment is strongly advised as is washing your hands thoroughly.
Imagine coming through death and darkness to make it this far. To reach a people who may be able to help, who can help save your friends, your people, the whole world as you know it.
You finally unclench your jaw long enough to take a full breath because its might just be alright now.
And then the Ents turn to you and refuse.
The decision to do nothing is even made for you; "Your part in this tale is over. Go back to your home", like it could ever be that easy again.
You're being told that your part in this, everything you've seen- death, so much death- everything you've suffered has been for naught, nothing but the burning regret and hopelessness gutting you slowly to show for it. The Ents refuse, its not their war, but your friends are going to die and so is everyone else. The Shire will burn, the rivers will be choked with ash and blood, nothing will be as it was.
Does Merry take this? Does Pippin? Absolutely not.
Sam is not the only lion-hearted Hobbit out there. Frodo is not the only Hobbit to face impossible odds and carry on anyway because he has to.
Here is a Brandybuck and a Took, having to figure out a part of this war on their own for the first time, realising what all this means. And they're not ready to quit yet.