Prompt: Barrow-wight

What Once Was Fair

  Goldberry stood utterly still. That alone spoke volumes to Tom as he joined her.

  "They are burying her," she said.

  Tom followed her gaze and saw Dunedain winding among the barrows, led by a bier. His keen sight made out the hallowed cheeks and skeletal frame left by plague. The procession rounded a hill, and what once was fair was lost to their sight forever. He put his arm around Goldberry, and she wept.

  Years later, Tom took great delight in reclaiming the jeweled brooch of this dearest friend from the evil that had stolen it.