The War in the South

[The Necromancer]

The leaders assembled in a room in the Prancing Pony. For the first time anyone could remember, Rytandur and Ranedhel sat together, dwarf and elf. Ethan sat next to Baragund, and the consel begun.

"What we are here to discuss is clear," said Ethan. "But in case any of those still need to hear, I shall say in brief what has happened.

"Harad has two wizards at it's helm, there are two Balrogs, a horde of Elves and ten-thousand strong men of Harad. Dwarves have rebuilt Amon Sul, and renamed it Kazad Aref, and it has been built in a resmblence of Helms Deep, with Gates all around and only one entrance. My first thought would be to gather there, then move as a group as far as we can, before fighting doom with Harad."

All took this in.

[YayGollum]

*a very simple looking Dwarf stumbles in somewhere around the middle of the briefing, looking very tired, but when he sees all of the people in the room, he blinks with surprise, shakes his head to try clearing it, and looks back the way he came* "Oh, I'm sorry! I must be in the wrong room!" *the Dwarf beats a hasty retreat back to the door, but stops suddenly when what he heard registers in his brain and he turns back* "Uh, what was that about fighting doom with someone called Harad? Was I not supposed to hear that? I can forget!" :eek:

[The Necromancer]

Suddenly Rytandur laughed a merry laugh uncommon for dwarves.

"Come, Boffin, it seems you know about our plan, so sit in with us, and you shall get us food and drink. For you are smarter than you lead on, and I am sure you knew what was happening here."

Then he returned to his grimness, and looks to the other leaders.

"Now you have heard of the doings of Rytandur's dwaves, what do the two other races of Middle-Earth have to say?"

[YayGollum]

*Boffin looks a little surprised, but quietly steps back in and takes a hobbit-sized seat, he wonders how this guy can know his name and looks at the other people in the room expectantly since he's gathered that he's supposed to be taking orders for food and drinks*

[baragund]

*Baragund listens to the discussion and then strokes his beard while considering what he has to say. Eventually, he clears his throat and addresses the group.*

"Comrades-in-arms, the people who live in what was Gondor want only peace. The Haradrim are harassing South Gondor and are even infiltrating Ithilien. We thought our quarrel with Harad was ended with The War of the Ring, but I am apparently mistaken. Can we not engage in a peaceful discussion with the leaders of Harad, find out what they want and maybe find a way we can peacefully coexist?

By the way, I am famished after my long journey through the Gap of Rohan and up the Greenway, how is the fare at this establishment?"

[YayGollum]

*Boffin nods superly emphatically when he hears the peaceful discussion idea* "Oh, the food is good here, sir. I just came from supper and found myself here when I was looking for my room. I can go get food for you all if you want."

[The Necromancer]

"None for me," responded Ethan.

"I shall have a sturdy meal, if you can find me one, Boffin!" Said Rytandur.

"But come, let us return to matters, what does the Elf have to say?"

[HLGStrider]

The girl hung back in the corner, afraid of all these men of war but knowing what she needed to do. She pulled at her red-gold curls nervously. . .How would she be seen? If they knew who she was they would laugh or scorn her. . .she quivered at the thought.

[YayGollum]

*Boffin stands up and heads out to talk to whatever cooks he can find* "Sturdy meal? I hope he means three platefuls of the lamb and potatoes! That's pretty good. Maybe I should ask for some stew, too. Does he drink beer? Why not? It's good here!" *after grabbing all of the stuff he just talked about, he decides to ask the guy to pay for it later, tells the cook where the room is just to be nice, and heads back* "Here you go, sir! I found my room, too! It's across the hall. Whoops! Oh, sorry." *sits back down and shushes*

[baragund]

*Baragund peers over at Boffin's lamb and potatoes, and then calls out to the inkeeper, Barliman Butturbur IV.*

"Ho, inkeeper, I would have some of what this good dwarf is eating, and a pint of stout to go with it."

*In between mouthfuls, Baragund again addresses the group.*

"We have representatives of most of the free peoples of Middle Earth. Before we start a war, why don't we form a delegation and journey to Umbar to parley with the Haradrim?"

[The Necromancer]

The dwarf finished his meal in silence. Ethan spoke.

"I think a deligation is a rather peaceful idea, though that might be our undoing. But come, Ranedhel, you have been deep in your elvish thought, tell us now what you think!"

[Emowyn]

"The elf has this to say. It seems at the moment that the company has more intent to eat and drink than to talk of the grave problem that arises. Therefore I deem it more suited if the meal is finished and then begin our sollom talk."

[YayGollum]

*Boffin takes a look at the one person who's eating, then tosses a confused look at the elf* "We can't talk and eat at the same time? Oh, should I get you something, too?" to everyone ---> "But if you want my opinion, I'd say that we should start heading south right now. We'll have to go there no matter what we decide, right?"

[Emowyn]

"Fools rush in where angel's fear to tread my good man."

[baragund]

*Sensing that the others would like his undivided attention, Baragund inhales the rest of his dinner and downs his stout. He wipes his mouth on his sleeve and addresses Ranedhel.*

"Sorry for the distraction, but I was really hungry after my journey up the Greenway. I have only encountered Southrons in the forests of Ithilien, but I hear of elves who have turned to darkness are are in league with the people of Harad? How can this be? Surely, there has never been such a defection of the elves to evil, not even in the Elder days."

[The Necromancer]

Ethan, sitting quietly broke in.

"Yes, elves have sided with the men of Harad. Elves have been in the south for long, although it was not very known. For during the War of the Ring, Elves lived in the vastness of Harad. After the few Men made it back, they told the Elves horrible lies, saying that the Elves of the Golden Wood and of the North and Greenwood had betrayed them, saying they all left for the Havens and the last boat had left. This enraged the Elves, and they at once grew angry at Valinor and Middle Earth, and took an oath to forever wage war on Middle Earth."

Rytandur stood angrily.

"Curse Elves! Always they are thinking of leaving, except when they do stay, now they decide to wage war on Middle Earth!"

Then he looked at Ranedhel, and realized what he said.

"Nay, not curse the Elves, curse the Dwarves for never learning the ancient lore of Elves or understanding them. For I realize I have crossed a line I do not know."

All went quiet in the hall. Boffin was looking very unnerved. Ethan was deep in thought, as was Ranedhel, and Rytandur was silently cursing himself for the words he said.

Ethan spoke again at length.

"I agree with Boffin. I think at once we must ride to Weathertop, or in Dwarf speak, Kazad Aref. We shall make future plans there But I fear we shall only get to the Misty Mountains, or to Rohan before we are at seige."

Rytandur nodded to show his agreement. They waited for the vote of the others.

[YayGollum]

OOC: Boffin's a Dwarf. oh well.

IC: *Boffin looks around superly confusedly* "What's an angel? oh well. What's wrong with heading south now? They way you people are talking about it, I thought that the danger was very far away from here. I'm sorry. I didn't know about some rule that said we have to make a plan here and now instead of on the road. I think you people have more experience in these things than I do." superly surprised about the elves ---> "There are evil elves? I have never heard of such a thing and I know my elves! Now I want to talk about peace even more!"

[The Necromancer]

"Boffin, my dear dwarf, if you must know, we must make a plan when we have all of our army, which, is at Kazad Aref. And when dealing with a vast army, we must make plans for ambushes and attacks on the Southrons. As for the Elves, anything can become wicked."

Rytandur, satisfied that he spoke his piece, sat down, waiting the voice of others.

[YayGollum]

"Well, that makes sense. You need to tell the plan to a big army." *yawns* "I'm thinking about heading to bed. Don't leave without me tomorrow, okay? I still don't see how an entire race can decide to be evil so easily. Especially elves. oh well. Good night!" *heads to the room across the hall*

[HLGStrider]

Lynea decided not to approach them just then. . . perhaps if she could follow them when they left. On the road they might not notice an extra member. . .

[Emowyn]

Ranedhel's eyes flashed angrely, but the rest of him remained calm and peaceful, "Nay! No elves are considered evil! Theese elves you speak of are no less then orcs!"

[baragund]

"Ethan, these elves that you say are allied with Harad, it sounds like they are aggrieved because they think they have been abandoned. A delegation from Lindon, Rivendell, Mirkwood and Lothlorien to reunite with their kindred to the south would easily expose the lies told to them by the Southrons. I would happily accompany such a journey to meet these southern elves and express that the people of Gondor have no quarrel with them.

"If they are orcs as Ranedhel suggests, then they must be exterminated. It may be that enough time has elapsed since the War of the Ring that they may be beginning to multiply again."

[The Necromancer]

Ethan, now in his anger spoke up.

"Nay, have you not listened? These are not Orc, we could only wish. For I have talked abroad, even to these Elves I speak of, for I have journeyed far and met them when they were still tracking for others, and they were not angry at the time and told their tale. But now Ranedhel, do you know of your dumbness? For any race can become evil, and Elves not the least. Sauron has decived them, and now wizards work their power."

Once again all was quiet.

Rytandur stood.

"Now Ethan, do you not know of your dumbness? For if you talked to these Elves, they have lied to you, and there may be another reason for their anger. As for a delegation, I do think that this would work fine, if fine is walking into a trap. If we have my plan, we shall march into the South bearing flags of our Kingship, and wage war on an enemy to finally rid the world of evil filth!"

Rytandur had raised his battle axe as he spoke, and now they saw a kingly Dwarf, not unlike Durin, a war leader ready to fight.

Ethan stood once more.

" I agree with him for the most part, except walking blindly into the South, for there surly another trap awaits us. Maybe we could open the doors to Moria and make refuge there, awaiting the enemy and then striking one blow hard enough to stop Them. But maybe not, for we have not a Wizard, and we shall not be sent one. Nay, I think we must seek the refuge of Kazad Aref. But at any rate, this meeting must be over soon, for it is late and we must all get rest. Shall we vote? For my vote goes to Kazad Aref first, then open this discussion again."

Rytandur seconded his vote. They waited for the rest.

[baragund]

"I will bring my men to Amon Sul (I do not recognize this dwarvish name for the ancient watch tower of Arnor!) but my doubts remain as to the possibility of an entire community of the Eldar being turned to evil. I may be a commoner, but my family are descendents of the Faithful of Numenor, and I must see these 'evil elves' with my own eyes before I will believe.

"It is late, indeed. I am retiring."

[The Necromancer]

OCC:Emoywn...it would be nice if you would post when I asked for the voting.

IC: "Then it is." said Ethan.

"We shall travel to Amon Sul, or Kazad Aref, as the dwarves have renamed it. Go now and tell all your hosts, and we shall leave at two hours before the noon!"

They all retired to their chambers, except Rytandur, went down to Barlimans area and questioned him for a very long time about any allies remaining in this area.

"I don't think so, unless you were to journey to Rivendell! I have always heard that is a fair place!" said Barliman.

"Of course you could ask those shadowy-type folk who patrol our grounds."

With this, light awoke in Rytandur's eyes. He told Butterbur he wanted a horse ready and nine o'clock instead of ten, but just one, for he would ride to Kazad Aref early, and then go to find the Dunedain. He told Butterbur to tell Ethan the hobbit and no other being.

[The Necromancer]

The next morning, the hobbit awoke with a message delivered to him:ready the Dwarves, I have ridden to get help from the Dunedain of the North, I shall hope to meet you in Rivendell twenty nights from now. Ethan woke all his Hobbits up and while they were readying their ponies, he woke up the Dwarfs. He noticed two things. Dwarfs did not like to be disturbed, and this group liked to ride horses. They were all ready to ride, Hobbits in front, then Elves, then Men, and finally Dwarves.

[YayGollum]

*Boffin, though, happens to be a very messed up Dwarf in that he is an annoyingly perky morning person and doesn't mind being too small for horses, after eating a breakfast and packing enough food that will keep for a while away, he mounts his white and gold pony named Pooftop and rides up to whoever decides that he rides up to them* "Did you guys decide anything else I should know about after I left? I still think that talking to the people down south could help."

[HLGStrider]

Lynea had fallen asleep in the corner of the common room, unnoticed. She now awoke, stiff and sore, realizing that for all her journeying she had accomplished nothing so far but a lot of eavesdropping. At this rate no one would ever listen to her. . .she would never succeed. She pouted to herself for a moment before sneaking up and wondering where she could get a free breakfast.

[baragund]

*Baragund gives instructions to his men that they will journey to Amon Sul to unite with the dwarvish and hobbit forces there. His group takes their place in the procession, second from the last. As they begin the journey from Bree, Baragund hangs back a little until he finds Boffin.*

"Boffin, I don't mind uniting our forces at Amon Sul (I just can't call it Khazad whatever), but I am worried about your kinsman Rytandur. He is bent on war at the expense of all else. True, the Southrons have been harassing our lands in South Gondor and Ithilien but I'm not sure it is the imminent threat he makes it out to be. What do you make of this?"

[YayGollum]

Boffin, stuck on the Amon Sul thing ---> "Well, I don't think I've ever been there. I'll call it Amon Sul if you want me to." realizing that he was talking about something else ---> "Oh, sorry. I have no kinsman named Rytandur. I just met that Dwarf yesterday. I don't like war, though. We'll just have to see what the situation is when we get down south, right? I haven't been there in a while. What about you, sir?"

[baragund]

"My mistake on thinking you were related to Rytandur. That is just as well. I think I can now speak more plainly without risk of offending your family.

"As to my situation, I live in Osgiliath with my wife and five children though I was born in Minas Tirith. We moved to Osgiliath after the War of the Ring and I have been working on it's reconstruction ever since. We live in the city but now and again we would visit the woods of Ithilien for rest and merriment. Occaisonally, we would meet some of Legolas's people in the woods. Ahhhh, they have been truly special times, full of song and laughter, good food and wondrous stories. I thank Eru that my children got to meet the Elves before they all departed over the sea."

*Baragund begins to daydream of the pleasant memories, but then shakes himself back to attention.*

"Sorry... It is easy to become distracted by such fair memories. Recently, Southrons have begun harassing South Gondor and Ithilien. At first, it was nothing. Minor incursions, poaching, stealing some crops and the like. Now they are bolder and more numerous. They are burning and looting. They almost took my youngest daughter from the woods just outside the city walls. We gathered these 300 when we received word of this meeting in Bree.

"We thought with some assistance from the dwarves and hobbits we could easily repulse the Southrons, but I am now hearing of balrogs and two evil wizards and a supposed army of elves turned to evil. If this is indeed true, I do not know how our meager forces can defeat them unless there is a mighty army awaiting us at Amon Sul."

[YayGollum]

Boffin, superly taken aback by the information ---> "Yikes! It didn't sound like the situation was that bad last night! Well, I was pretty tired. I don't see how I could be of any help. I was cast out by my father back at the Lonely Mountain, so the Dwarves there wouldn't help me now. Who are these wizards? I thought that there were no more on Middle Earth."

[baragund]

"Ethan mentioned them last night at the inn. He went over it quickly as if he would have scared everyone off if he dwelled on it. He's right! Can you imagine fighting against a Gandalf AND a Saruman at the same time? I wonder if they are the two blue wizards I heard tales about?"

OOC: They were mentioned in Necromancer's back story.

[YayGollum]

OOC: Well, I know that. That doesn't mean that Boffin has to.

IC: Boffin, shuddering at the thought of the scariness ---> "I've heard of the wizards Gandalf and Saruman, but not any blue wizards. oh well. If only I had found my room in the first place! Now I have to help! I feel sorry for those elves."

[The Necromancer]

Ethan presently rode back, after hearing all they said.
'Yes, Rytandur is set on war, and that is not well. But harken and hear why. His father was taken to the stronghold of Dol Goldor when Rytandur was young, and he never met him. It is suspected that one of the Blue Wizards were suspected in doing this, for long have the Blue Wizards disliked Dwarves, for the Dwarves would never aid them, or give them a place to lead. Infact, Rytandur's father was just one of the many thousands taken to Greenwood.'
'And Boffin, at Amon Sul, or in your tounge, though this man says not to call it that(although you do not have to) Kazad Aref, there is no vast army. five thousand and six hundred we will make, and even with the Dunedain what more? Ten, twenty more? For we have valient Dwarves, Elves, and Men, and sturdy hobbits, but what more, valient and glorified as they are, can Dunedain do? I think Rytandur will suggest we march and ride to the Iron Hills, and he may be right, if we can make it there. But if we cannot, we will be stuck in the vast Wilderland, nowhere to run!'

Boffin looked quite troubled at this.

'But why can't we stop at Rivendell, then head to Greenwood?'

'First, because I think we do not have the time, and if we did we might as well journey to the Iron Hills where they indeed have a vast army, and secondly, because Greenwood is being taken by, as I have said, a Blue Wizard. But now I must ride up to Ranedhel and ask for any news in the wind.'

He rode off up the path on his pony, Tren, until he got to the Elf, and he said;

'Ranedhel! What news of the wind? What does it say of Mirkwood?'

[YayGollum]

Boffin, to the guy he was talking to earlier, since the other one ran off ahead ---> "Oh, I must have missed that there's a wizard in Greenwood, too! I thought we only needed to go south. So why don't we all go there? Send a messenger ahead to tell the soldiers in the Iron Hills so we can all meet there. We can go south after that, right? I thought that there was more danger there anyways. But yes, I would like to stop in Rivendell, too, if we can." :rolleyes:

[The Necromancer]

Rytandur, even as Ethan and Boffin talked, was standing at the foot of Amon Sul, getting ready to ride. He had just conversed with Dalehelm the Dwarf, and told him of all the news. Then Dalehelm had held council with the other Dwarfs there, and they had decided that they would leave fifteen to watch the walls and carry on the rebuilding, and the rest would wait to ride with Ethan.

Rytnadur set off with a flash on the horse he borrowed from Butterbur, and at evening he came to an area of Arnor, where Rangers were known to lay. He stood waiting, for he knew it would only be a while.

[baragund]

*To Boffin*

"I had hoped we would go south from Amon Sul, but it is good that one of the blue wizards is in Mirkwood. The wizards are definitely more daunting if they were together. I agree we should collect as many forces as we can at Amon Sul and then Rivendell before we attempt an assault on Mirkwood."

[YayGollum]

*Boffin beams at the person he's talking to since he thinks he's pretty smart for coming up with that idea, then grabs a skin full of water and holds it up to offer to the person, he goes back down to grab some cram* "This is another reason to stop by Rivendell, huh?" to the soldiers and whoever else might be nearby ---> "Anybody want to share? I'm hungry!"

[The Necromancer]

OCC:Come on Emowyn! Everybody is trying to make this work except you! Please respond.

IC:

It was late night. Rytandur awoke. He sensed somthing. He looked around, looked to the great walls made from stone, and realized there was a man there. He quickly stood, but made no movement to his weapon, for he knew it was a Ranger.

'O Dunedain, has thy and want of me?'

'No,' said the man 'But I know you have need of me. I have made ready your horse. Get up, you will ride with us.'

With that Rytandur saw that there were at least twenty men here.

'I am Eriasor, lord of the Dunedain. We will ride in twenty minutes.'

Ethan had just finsihed talking to Ranedhel when they stopped for the night. They were suddenly aware that Amon Sul was lit up. It had banners depicting mithril, a white tree and then an elf flet. These were Gimli's people, for Rytandur was the Lord of Kazad Aref, and was related to Gimli.

Ethan rode to Baragund.

'We shall stop and make camp here. We can have a peacful, slow ride of about five miles tomorrow. But you will lead them. For I am going to ride on tonight, to tell them the numbers, and learn of Rytandur. Goodbye!'

Ethan rode quickly now. He arrived at Amon Sul, and talked to Dalehelm.

'Yes, we will have enough beds. But I do not doubt you are tired for you had a great ride. We shall be ready tomorrow at noon. Rytandur told me if he is not back by then, to ride on and meet him at Rivendell.'

With that Ethan went to bed.

[Emowyn]

ooc: AGGGGHHHH! I am SO SORRY! I've been in Jesus Christ Superstar for the past two weeks and I haven't been at home! I'm really really sorry but there was nothing I could do.

Ic: Not needing any sleep, Ranedhel stood awake and alone. He sighed as he looked out across the dark plains. Oh how he wished to be back in Rohalath with his brother, riding the endless fields. But his dreams of the East where quickly shattered when he remembered the quest at hand.
His mind was set. In the morning he would ride forth with them and guide wherever his elven knowlage saw fit. Deep down he knew that this quest would succeed, but he also knew that it would be his last.

[baragund]

*At dawn the next morning, Baragund moves from camp to camp, passing the instructions Etha had given him the previous night. Since it is a ride of only five miles, he asks the others to spend the morning training and honing their skills with sword and bow and ax, and then set out at noon. As they set out from Amon Sul, his self-doubts return with a vengeance:*

"Why have Ethan and Rytandur put me in charge while they scout the way to Rivendell?" he thinks to himself. "Don't they know that it has been only weeks since the first time I lifted a sword in anger? I am a builder, not a warrior! If the Southrons or these dark Elves ambush us, I cannot command in battle; I have not the skills in the arts of war. Oh, how I wish King Elessar were here to give me guidance! And what am I going to do If I come in contact with a Balrog or a wizard?"

*Even though it is a warm sunny afternoon, Baragund shivers and hunkers down in his saddle as if he is trying to shelter himself from a pouring rain.*

[HLGStrider]

Lynea felt cold wet and hungry. She had tried to gather up the courage needed to join the men, but she knew they would not accept her. She had considered taking up male garb and hiding among their ranks, but she knew they would find her. Her voice was too high and her frame to weak for such things. . .

Instead she had set up a little camp outside the ring of sentries, waiting for a chance, waiting for anything. . .

[YayGollum]

OOC: Ack! Crazy HLGStrider person! Are you going somewhere with your crazy posts or am I just supposed to approach your character before you do anything? I have no idea. The group is moving again anyways, so I guess you're still in your little camp and my character isn't heading back. oh well. sorry for confusion.

IC: *since the group is moving again and he was having fun swinging his mace around for no good reason, he continues to swing it around while riding, but when he sees the guy he was talking to earlier looking pathetic, he rides over and nudges him with his mace* "Hey, guy! Still sleepy?"

[HLGStrider]

ooc: I'll figure it out eventually. I was invited to join, but I am lousy at war rps so I'm trying to learn as I go.

ic:

Lynea mounted her little pony, planning to follow at a distance. She knew they would outdistance her in a matter of days.

[Emowyn]

Ranedhel, now mounted on his great Palomino steed, rode at the frount of the company alongside Baragund. He could see that he was unsure about somthing and placed his hand upon his soulder.
"Whatever troubles yor mind, do not fear."

[The Necromancer]

Rytandur found himself riding like the wind on a little used horse, but the horse was enjoying it. He was in the company of the Dunedain. It was almost high noon now, and there was not much left to ride. He saw them, his company, riding slowly to Amon Sul, and saw that a few had stayed behind to work on their training.

'That was a smart move,' he thought. 'We shall need all who can fight by the time this war has begun. The Dunedain were riding slower now, and Rytandur made for the group of hobbits, but found that Ethan was not there. He rode to Baragund, where he learned all that had happened.

'You did well, leaving some to train. You will be a war captain yet.'

[The Necromancer]

The great tower made to a fort by the Dwarves was preparing for welcoming the races of Middle Earth as Ethan rode in. He had a discussion with Dalehelm, and then he waited for the troops. Suddenly horns blared and Rytandur, along with Baragund, strode in with all their army behind them. The sun was glinting so brightly on Baragund that he looked almost kingly, as many men of Gondor can look.

Ethan thought 'He must have some of the race of Numenor in his blood.'

Finally, before the gate shut, the Dunedain rode in behind the ones who stayed to train. They took to the back of the pack. Eriasor lead them, and he rode tall and proud.

Eriasor was indeed a proud man, but his heart was troubled. Should he proclaim himself Lord of all Dunedain, as he was, or should he once again become quiet? There was no time, for at once Dalehelm spoke.

'Hail races of Middle Earth! We are here today to gather for one last battle. I see you do not have any great numbers, but we shall pick more up, I believe, before it is over. I see that there is a leader for the Men of the realm Gondor, along with Elves from many regions, Dwarves, from Kazad Aref, or Amon Sul, and some from the Iron Hills. And my dear Hobbits, and it looks as if some have learned battle skills! But what of these Rangers? Who is their leader?'

Eriasor stood up and proudly took his claim.

Dalehelm told them he would like to hold a council. They headed to the hall of the fortress.

OCC:I left a message in the Disscusion thread I would like you all to look at and reply from.

Also, anyone can use Dalehelm and Eriasor, since they are not my own.

[baragund]

*Baragund stirs himself from his musings and notices the others addressing him. Rather self-conscious about how he must have appeared and wondering how long they had been addressing him while he was lost in thought, he straightens up and clears his throat.*

"Thank you, Rytandur. Even though my men are stout-hearted and sturdy, few of us have maintained our weapons skills since The War of the Ring." *Looking over to Ranedhel,* "I am grateful you are with us and I pray that more of your kin may join us. Your presence helps put my heart at ease."

*Baragund gazes with wonder at the tower the dwarves constructed on the foundations of Amon Sul.*

"Rytandur, your work on this tower is truly remarkable! Worthy of the craftsmen who hewed the Dwarrowdelf! I will now and alway refer to this place as Khazad Aref with respect and dignity."

[Emowyn]

Ranedhel bowed his head at Baragund, "I have some three hundred and more archers ready to fight alongside your men."

[The Necromancer]

OCC: I just returned from DC! It was a great trip, but I am glad to be posting again.

IC:

Rytandur sat listening to Baragund and Ranedhel talk. He wondered if they had ever met before, because they talked like old friends.

'Thank you Baragund. We have tried to make Kazad Aref as kingly and threatining to evil as before. But pray, tell me, how did you see Dwarrowdelf?'

After a short discussion with Baragund, Rytandur talked privatly with Dalehelm.

'Yes Dalehelm, I agree that Baragund has Numernor in him. But how shall we bring it out?'

Dalehelm responded.

'On tough roads, tough men shall emerge. You yourself should know this. I have decided that in two nights we shall set out for Rivendell, including all that I take. We shall ride swiftly but wearily. We do not know who is the keeper of the Ford now.'

All this war talk tired Rytandur, and he walked alone for a while. He came to a great circular porch, with Elven flowers and carved benches made of mithril. He saw Boffin staring over the edge with Eriasor the Ranger. He stood silently for a long while, before finally saying somthing.

'It is unlikely that any of us ever come back from this final battle to rid the earth of cheif evil. This will perhaps e our last sunset on the porch.'

Likely, but not certain. Nay, I shall not believe so. I think that you will see we have more comrades than enemies on the road,' said Eriasor.

[HLGStrider]

Lynea sunk low in the saddle, hoping no one would notice her. She had to approach the leader. . . but would he see her? Perhaps he would understand her plight once he heard her story. If not she would be no worse off than before.

Drawing herself up, she rode towards the army. . .

[The Necromancer]

OCC: Eh, hello? IS anyone going to post?

[The Necromancer]

I am moving the story here...Middle Earth RPG Site (http://www.middle-earth-rpg.com)

[HLGStrider]

ooc: I was the last one to post so it aint my turn. . .

[baragund]

For the rest of the day and into the evening, Baragund sees to settling his men in their campsites surrounding Khazad Aref. From time to time he notices a young lady, mounted, watching the small host. Over the dinner campfire, he notices her again, this time drawing nearer but with much trepidation. He gets up and walks to her.

"I saw you at The Prancing Pony, and now it appears you followed us here to Khazad Aref. Are you hungry? I don't mean to brag but my rabbit stew is quite good. Please join us for supper and be at ease, at least for now. The night is pleasant and well suited for the telling of tales."

[HLGStrider]

"Yes," Lynea stammered. "I am a little. . .I need to. . .Thank you."

Lynea joined the company, partaking of the food and observing its members. It was a step forward. . .perhaps she would not need to address the commander. . .if she could just stay with the group without anyone asking her who she was or what she wanted.

[Emowyn]

Ranedhel sat alone, sharpening his arrows and blades.

[The Necromancer]

I am moving the story here...Middle Earth RPG Site (http://www.middle-earth-rpg.com)

[HLGStrider]

Does that mean you want us to stop?

[The Necromancer]

No, just start posting there instead. In like a few days these RP forums won't exist.

[Emowyn]

Sorry. I'm afraid I've had to quit the rp due to a work placment. I won't be here for about three weeks!

[Liat_ravensong]

can i join?