The Shire

[Luthien Elenese]

Etta closed her eyes and inhaled the lush, green smell of the Shire. The scent of home, friends and (to a lesser extent) family. She opened her eyes, hitched her pack higher onto her back and marched off down the dusty path. The first hobbit she'd seen for over a month glared at her, frowning with an already wrinkled face. His small cart veered to the side as Etta passed him, knocking her off her feet. The man then looked over his shoulder to mutter a string of obscenities about 'the youth of today'. Such a warm welcome Etta had never had before.

The inn of Crickhollow was Etta's favourite in the Shire. Close enough for meeting with old and new friends, but far enough away from Michael Delving and Hobbiton to avoid interruption from relatives she'd rather stay far away from. She laughed out loud, thinking that where ever you went in the Shire, as long as there were more than two dwellings in a particular spot, you were sure to find an inn next door. But what was strange about this is that those inns were always bustling with people, usually around double the population of the village or town it was situated in, a fact that she had never been able to understand fully.

[AraCelebEarwen]

*Off in an odd corner of the Shire, a stranger was walking the roads, going from one place to the next... wherever that might be.*

Wasn't there anywhere you could find a good drink or even hear the latest news? Ah well, when you are a wanderer you have to use what you can get. That is why im gar- estel...

At least the weather was good. The fresh breeze blowing through the cool grass and the sun worm and inviting.

[Rosalee LuAnn]

Meanwhile, back at the Crickhollow Inn, well over half the guests were being entertained by a very humorous story, so humorous that a good number of the listening hobbits had tears of laughter in their eyes. The tale wasn't one of the usual kind, of daring adventures or far-away lands, but rather one that had happened right in their own little villiage. Elanor Gamgee was clearly enjoying the tale, although she herself was telling it, and was the rather unlucky heroine of it. She was telling of the first time she had ever tried to cook dinner for her family by herself, and everything had gone wrong--the bread had burned, the soup boiled over, the salad got too near to the fire (the audience had found great amusement in the fact that she was, in fact, so bad a cook that she had burned a salad.) The tale was finished with a significant flourish and the crowd broke up.

Ella glanced around as the crowd moved away, her eyes smiling. Suddenly, she saw a face she knew, that she hadn't seen in a long time.

"Etta! Etta! I can't believe it!"

[AraCelebEarwen]

*Walking down the long road, Meoi takes her time looking at the small gardens and little painted doors that could be seen ahead and further down the valley.

As she got closer to the little town, she could smell the smoke from kitchen fires and the sent of baking foods. It had been perhaps to long sense she had last let her feet carry her to this part of the world.

She finally reached the first of the houses. A round little face would look out from under the occasional bush or from a window, then vanish again at seeing the tall dark figure. She smiled to herself, now where was that pub?*

[AraCelebEarwen]

It was starting to grow dark, the hills took on a shadowed, quiet appearance. As she had been walking since dawn she kept an eye open for an inn or, as the edge of the town was drawing near, a quiet patch of trees to rest in.

She continues to walk tell the edge of the small village is behind her, yet still easily visible. After walking off the road she spies an overgrown patch of forest and decides to investigate.

[Luthien Elenese]

"Ellanor Gamgee! Indeed a face I haven't seen for a long time." She looked around the room at the huge grins and tears of joy. "oh! is it the family dinner story? I haven't heard that one in a while!"

She sat down to hear the rest of the tale, and although she knew it well, she was a good listener, laughing in all the right places and cheering in others. When Ella had finished and the audience were wiping their eyes and noticing that their mugs and tankards had been empty for nearby ten minutes, Etta spoke again.

"Never have I seen such a bad cook, well, exept maybe myself. Do you remember the spoon incident?"
"yes! cooking a spoon into a pie... Remember Aldagrim's expression?"
Etta laughed. "Much the same as your parent's when they found out you burnt the salad, I'd imagine..."

Etta went to the bar and got a half-pint of honey mead for herself and a re-fill for Ella.
"So, where have you been for so long?" asked Ella, with no need to whisper in the crowded and now rowdy inn.
"Oh, here and there, we've all done it in our tweens, I just happen to have had a particularly long and eventful youth... Actually I found this little village by the mountains, worked there for a bit, but in the end I couldn't stand being so far away from my family" she added with sarcatic tones. "So, what about you? got any ground-breaking news from the last few months?"

[Rosalee LuAnn]

"Ground breaking news?" Elanor said, thinking. A mischevious smile spread across her face. "Well, the flowers came up, same as always. Thats always ground-breaking... they have to split the ground to grow, you know..." she grinned at her own joke, then she sobered slightly, a small smile on her face very unlike her usual wide grin. "Well, actually, nothing much has been going on. It's the same, day after day, week after week... at least it's started to seem that way." she sighed, then hitched the smile back on her face. "You're the most ground-breaking news I've had... since you left." again she sobered, gazing off into space. "I thought of following you more than once. Oh, not seriously, I think. I fantacized about it, mostly, but the more I've thought about leaving, the more serious about it I've become." she turned her gaze on Etta, the smile gone now. "Does that seem so very strange?"

"Of course not!" cried her friend, unable to keep from smiling. "I felt the same way before I left home. Everything seemed to become a part of all the dreary same-ness, until I couldn't stand it. So, I left. It wasn't exactly the adventure I thought it would be, but it did break up the monotony quite nicely." she sighed. "Well, that was part of the reason I left, anyway." she didn't need to say more--they both knew what she was talking about.

Ella's grin was back, her former gloom seemingly forgotten, not willing to let her friend become gloomy thinking about what was past. "Really? Then perhaps it's not that strange after all!" the grin became mischevious now, her head tipped to one side. "Or perhaps it really is strange for me, but not for you."

"Why is that?" Etta asked, guessing what was coming.

"Because you're a Took, thats why! And everyone knows the Tooks are an odd bunch. A Tookish Took is all well and good, but a Tookish Gamgee?" Ella shook her head. "I can hear my mother now. 'I warned you not to take up with that Took girl, I always knew she would be a bad influence!'" They both laughed at that; Ellas mother was fairly easy-going, as hobbit-mothers go, and was really rather fond of her daughters friend.

"Hey!" Etta said for the sake of the joke, not really offended. It was a running joke between the two friends, and Etta teased Ella about it as well.

"Well," said Ella, her easy grin back, "You can tell me all the details of your adventure later. Right now, I think I want to sing!" Ella loved to sing, and she had a very good voice, and sang for the guests at the Inn when she wanted to, which was fairly often. She dragged up young Fredo Brownlock from the table he sat at with his friends to accompany her on his flute; he preteneded not to want to play but was actually pleased at the invitation. Everyone knew the timid Fredo fancied the lively Gamgee girl. There was a quick whispered conversation between the two hobbits, then they stepped up together in front of the fireplace, which had become the stage since Ella and others had gotten into the habit of using that spot to perform. The crowd hushed fairly quickly when they heard Fredo play the starting notes of the song, a quick, lively tune. The song was one of Ellas favorites; It told the story of a mischevious Grasshopper who played a trick on his friends, the bee, the moth, and the spider, then they all got together and played a trick on the grasshopper for revenge. Ella played it out to the fullest, using actions to and voices for each insect. She was clearly having as much fun as her audience.

[Luthien Elenese]

Etta's jaw dropped, surely the tall, slender figure was an elf? Parhaps she was one of the big folk, simply fairer and more perfect than most? But to not even know what an elf was? And to walk into the inn, ducking at the small doorway and low rafters, not noticing the odd looks some of the hobbits gave her?

"but, surely you're an elf? I've never seen a woman so fair of face before, so I just assumed..." she frowned and drained her mug. "you're quite sure you're not an elf, one of the magic folk?"
"magic? no, I cannot do magic. I mean I can do the normal... healing and calming animals with my voice but no magic."
Etta didn't try to hide her shock. "what? you can talk to animals?! that is not normal, my dear, that's a gift, elf or no. Of course, I can find you a room for the night, I have some friends who will not mind a big 'un staying with them." She shook her head in disbelief once more then shook her empty mug. "would you like a drink? It's not bad, as long as you wipe the glass first. I don't think the barmaid has washed that filthy dish-cloth since she started working here. You look hungry too, how about a sandwich?" Fiwen nodded politely and Etta went off to get yet more tankards of ale and whatever food she could scrounge from the kitchens.

When she came back and sat down in the corner, Etta put down a bowl of cawl (vegetable soup) and a large wedge of bread. She then fumbled under the bench for a few moments, making Fiwen wonder what she was doing, then finally found what she was looking for. There was a small snap as a lever was switched and the table raised four or five inches higher off the ground to a comfortable height for anyone over four feet tall to eat at.

"The people of Crickhollow are well adjusted for big folk. We live right next to the old forest, after all." she explained. "You'll find us the most hospitable to outsiders in the whole Shire, I'd imagine. At least to my knowledge. But I'm not promising anything. There are still some narrow-minded folk around who resent anyone not born and bred in the Shire, even more so if you are born and bred here, then mess it all up by associating with outsiders... But enough about this place. You haven't told me how you come to not know the difference between hobbits and elves!"

[Rosalee LuAnn]

Ella finished her performance with some rather overdone curtseys, accentuated by many large, waving flourishes. Fredo Brownlock shyly made his way back to his seat while Ella unabashedly accepted the praise for the both of them. She took the long way across the room to where Etta sat, so as to pass more complimentary hobbits, and managed not to notice the newcomer with whom her friend was sitting with until she was at the table with them.

"An elf!" she cried shamelessly, grabbing Fiwen's and shaking it energetically, as if she thought that the sencerity of her greeting was to be measured by how vigorously she pumped Fiwens hand up and down. "Hello! I'm very pleased to meet you." Then she suddenly remembered her manners. "My name is Elanor, but everyone calls me Ella." she said, her gaze telling the stranger that she expected a prompt introduction from her.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Fiwen. You have a lovely voice, by the way." Ella liked her immidiately, not for the compliment (though that might have been a factor) but simply for her poise and grace. She thought that she might become very good friends with this elven maiden.

"Thank you very much." Ella said graciously "I enjoy singing greatly, its nice to know that someone enjoys listening, too."

"So, perhaps you could help with some of my questions. Etta has been very helpful so far."

"I'm more than happy to help." said Ella. "Ask them, and I'm sure Etta and I shall do our very best to answer."

The elf smiled her thanks. "Well, I was just asking Etta, Is it really that rare for someone to be able to talk to animals? Is it a gift? And, if it is, who grants these gifts? Are we just born with them?"

Ella glanced at Etta, then answered, "Those are some interesting questions. Let me think about that for a moment." After only a couple seconds of silence, Ella let out a small burst of laughter, then said, "Mum says I was definately not born with the gift to sing. She says I was wailing from the moment I first took breath, and only stopped when I learned to talk. She says niether my wailing or my talking sounds much like my singing, so that must have come around some time later." she sobered a little, a smile still on her face. "I don't know as I can answer your questions, Fiwen. Someone else might, but I'm only a simple Hobbit maid, who's knowledge stretches little beyond gardening and cooking."

"And even that knowledge doesn't go far." Etta added, glad to have her chance to tease her friend. Ella laughed along with her, momentarily forgetting that Fiwen was not in on the joke, as she had come too late to hear Ella's story.

[Luthien Elenese]

Etta frowned, wet her lips and began. "Yes, I'd say it is rare to have the ability to talk to animals. And, well, it would be Iluvatar himself who gave you that gift. The difference between races? Ermm... well, men, or humans first off. They're rather tall, about five or six feet tall. They vary from place to place but generally have darker hair than elves and live shorter lives than the rest of us. Hobbits- that's what Ella and me are- we... well we aren't as tall as the other folk-"

"But we make up for it in personality!" butted in Ella.

"Well said! Now, Dwarves-

"Are short and hairy and like shiney rocks!"

"Yes, I suppose that's true, but they're a decent enough people. Elves on the other hand... Well, they live far longer than anyone else, they sing and play music better and fight with more efficiency. There are many more races and species (and not all of them you'd want to meet in a dark forest) but those are the main ones. Oh and about Mr. Frederick. I don't know him really. He always seemed an odd fellow to me. What about you, El?"

[Rosalee LuAnn]

Ella shrugged. "He keeps to himself, mostly. He seems pretty grumpy at first, but he was really rather kind to me when I asked him some questions about gardening last spring. I don't know him very well, but he doesn't seem that bad to me, if you can manage to get past that grumpy outer shell. Maybe try to talk about something he likes first to soften him up a little, about gardening or something. Just an idea."

Fiwen nodded graciously. "Thank you. I'll keep that in mind."

"Why do you want to see old Mr. Frederick, anyway?" Ella said, her curiosity aroused. "He doesn't seem the type that would be hanging around with elves or big folk." she said. "No offence meant to you, of course." she added quickly.

[eleventy-one]

Rainclouds were aprroaching from the east. Giriond was grateful for them, the bright light of the sun was begining to fluster him and the cool shadows of the grey clouds soothed his mind. The town seemed pleasent enought as he strolled through it, but the increasing darkness of the clouds made it seem even better. More like home. Giriond grimiced as he remembered his home. Mercelessly rebuilt. Now it was a shinning and pompus city, ruined from it's original dusty, peacful, and humble state. That bastard! Giriond thought for what must have been the millionth time. He resented greatly King Aragorn who had sought out the ruins of Annúminas through that damned palantir of his only to 'redo' and 'reclaim' it's 'vital pieces of history and heritage'. Giriond snorted to himself. The fool, the absolute, outright, damned fool! All King Aragorn had done was drive out the "bums" of the city, "bums and beggars" like Giriond. Those "bums" were the history and heritage. Couldn't Lord Aragorn see that? Ach, no matter, that man can't see an inch in front of his nose, the fog of pompousness is to great around his head.

Raindrops began to fall, rising gentel clouds of dust from the dry streets. Giriond looked around, seeing the town and the little folk as if for the first time. True, the hills of Evendim were not far from the Shire, but, like the hobbits, the men of Evendim were not great travlers. Thus, the 2 races rarely met. Giriond pulled his hood over his dark brown hair, navy blue eyes, and pointed nose as the rain began to pour. He, however, did not scatter for shelter. Instead he continued down the now-empty street, looking suspicious and very foreign. He seemed to have a purpose to his stride, though not even he knew to where.

[reem]

“Dratted weather,” muttered the old hobbit through teeth clenched over a smoking pipe and easing himself off a stool with the aid of a heavy walking stick. “Just when I got myself comfortable. Where’s that useless lump? Bili! Bili! I can see you in the window, lazy oaf! I’m not blind yet, you know! Come here and bring in my chair!”

A muffled stomping of feet moved from the kitchen to the main hall and out came a gloomy-looking young hobbit with a disgruntled scowl on his face.
“Come along, come along! No need to wait till we’re soaked through,” snapped Aldagrim, taking his pipe out of his mouth and waving his nephew into action. Bili hefted the chair and staggered his way to the door, bumping his toe on the step and stumbling in with a pained “Oof!”
“And that’s what happens when you don’t watch your feet,” said Aldagrim, keeping close behind.

Suddenly he paused, a gnarled hand going to his vest pocket. “Hallo! Where’s my weed pouch gone to?”
He turned and looked back to where he'd been sitting near the rose bushes and squinted. A few more steps in that direction showed him his embroidered green pouch lying on the grass and he stooped laboriously to pick it up, joints creaking and pipe wavering between his teeth. “Damned bother,” he grunted as he straightened, jowls a-quiver and ears flushed.

And then he saw it: a dark figure moving down the road, all cloaked and hooded. Damp pouch forgotten in hand, pipe no longer smoking, old master Hilldweller stood watching the tall stranger warily, wondering at the presence of such an unlikely-looking fellow as one would expect to see up at Breeland.

[AraCelebEarwen]

The bushes stirred in the breeze and the smell of rain washed pass the face of the sleeper, bringing her to full alertness. She loved the rain. That is, as long as she had somewhere to enjoy it from a dryer place. Gathering her few things and pulling here cape about her, she walks to the edge of the cover and back to the road. As the cool drops start to hit her face, she pulls up her hood and quickened her pace towered town. Perhaps there was a barn or something she could hid in if there was still no sign of an Inn.

"Well, here I go again. I could... no. that would not be wise at the moment. I just need to find some shelter for a little while. Try to stay low for now." She smiled "But only for now."

[Wraithguard]

Necronum has been wandering lost for three days ever since the barrow-wight stole his map. As he wanders out of the woods, he grasps his cloak and holds it tight as the rain begins to pour down upon the starving elf-friend. As he walks ever onward, ready to collapse at any moment, he sees an odd shadow in the distance, with the desperate hope it is at least an Orc he can cook and eat, he runs towards the shadow, only to realize it is an Elf, she turns and notices him with curiosity. As he continued onward in hopes she may have food, his legs finally give out as he collapses to the ground and lies unconsious in the rain as the drops of water pound down upon his worn armour like rock on glass. The Elven lady quickly runs over to investigate.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Cautiously she moves closer to the stranger. There was an edge of danger to him, but he had an Elven bow with him. Was it a gift or a trophy? She thought for a moment, then lifting the man onto his feet she walked only a few steps before she realized she couldn't get far like this. Glancing around she saw that no one else was anywhere near. She might regret this later but it was something that she couldn't walk away from. She set her bag on the ground and tied the cloak tightly around herself. It only took a moment, where there had been a tall woman now stood something else. A slick coat of dark red and brown strips, and large green eyes now belonged to a large feline. She pushed the limp body over her strong back, picked her bag up with sharp teeth and headed once again for town.

Finely she found a small barn that had been carelessly left open. Silent feet walk over to a pile of dry straw and she shrugs off her burden. She stretched her back and changed again to her human form. While she waited for the man to awake, she pulled a small loaf of bread and a wine bag out of her pack. She watched him carefully while eating only a bit of her supplies.

---------
Sorry that took so long, I had to go do something... :o

[Wraithguard]

Necronum awakens to the sight of a ceiling. Fearing he was in a prison, he jumped to his feet, only to find that he lacked the strength to remain standing. After collapsing to his knee, he noticed the Elf watching him curiously. Having lost his fear of Elves long ago, he began to introduce himself. "My name is Necronum, my lady. I have no idea how I got here but I believe it is your work and for that I thank you." He takes a seat on a soft pile of straw. "I've been without supplies for so long I feared there was no hope. Then in my madness I almost made a meal out of you. Doing so would have broken all my oaths and would no doubt have been my demise. Where are we? Last I knew my whereabouts I was on the edge of the Barrow-Downs."

[AraCelebEarwen]

She watches him and thinks how to answer.

"You are in a small part of The Shire, and I think you might have had more then you could handle if you had indeed tried to attack me, you are in no condition to fight. You do look as though you have not had much to eat. Here." She holds out a lump of bread.

[Wraithguard]

He takes the bread and eats as if it was the best thing he'd ever tasted. As he finished, a look of anger flashes across his face which is immediatly replaced by a look of greif. "I am once again in the debt of an Elf. I pledged myself to Cirdan and took oathes of service but I took no oath saying I had to pledge myself to others." As he spoke an old hobbit walks into the barn and is startled to find his mysterious guests. "What are you doing here!?" Necronum stands and begins to approach the old Hobbit as a peace gesture. As he walks he leaves a small trail of blood that seems to be slowely dripping from his side. "I am sorry sir, it is just we need shelter from the rain and this is the best place as any." "Well it's not often I get armed strangers around here." "But you both look like Elves so I guess it would be safe to invite you in for a hot meal." Necronum's black eyes widen, "There will be no harm done tonight!" The old hobbit escorts them to the nearby hobbit hole that is well consealed. "My name is Paladin. Welcome to my humble home"

[AraCelebEarwen]

She stands and walks behind the man, what was his name, Necronum? There was something about him that she feared, and yet for some reason she was worried about the blood she had smelled and was now becoming more apparent. What had happened to cause that? And what about the feelings he had shown about the thought of owing her anything? She let the thoughts fall to the back of her mind as the sent of roosted meat wafted from the now open door. Elf yes, and there was nothing in The Shire that could beat hot food on a cold day. They were shown into a low room and lead to a table set with plates of fresh bread, meat, fruits and sweets. Such a meal as any Hobbit would be proud of. Paladin vanished into another room and came back with a large jar of what he said was wine.

"I thank you my little friend. It is very kind of you to offer to share with us. May you not regret this kindness."

[Wraithguard]

As they began to take their seats an old woman walks into the room and lets out a loud yelp at the sight of the travelers. "Oh! I wasn't expecting guests. Well, if Paladin let you in the house you must be ok. We have plenty of food so don't worry about us." "Thank you ma'am." Paladin enters the conversation casually, "So what brings you to the Shire?" "I was on the way Imladris to deliver a... where did it go?" "Deliver a what?" "Erm, nothing." "Excuse me sir," the old lady says, "are you in need of a blacksmith? There is an excellent smith just down the road that would be happy to repair your stuff. Umm, are you okay? You seem to be staining my chair with blood." "Oh, it must have been from that Warg. It is alright, I have endured worse." "Well as long as you are alright." They get settled in and begin to eat the fine meal that has been so graciously prepared for them.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Meoi's eyebrows had raised at the dropped mention of a packedg. Again, more story yet no clues.

"Thank you ma'am, I hope our presence is not a problem for you." Glancing into the eyes of her fellow traveler... "A Warg you say? No wonder you are falling of you're feet. Are you sure you should not have that looked at, it might not be very wise to leave it untended. Wargs are filthy creatures with raged fangs."

[Wraithguard]

"Perhaps you are right. However I have survived more greivous injuries. Morgul wounds still lie deep in my flesh. My more noticable scars are my only war trophies." As he is speaking there comes a knock at the door. Necronum rises to his feet with a look of horror on his face. He draws his blades and yells over his shoulder, "Stay here! This is not your fight!" He then runs to the door. A loud, high pitched scream emenates from the door, followed by the sound of clashing steel. The others run to the door to see what is going on. A hooded, black figure has locked blades with Necronum. "It would seem that Sauron wants me dead." In a harsh, whispering voice the hooded figure says, "I am not acting on Sauron's orders. I am here from a greater evil's bidding!"

[AraCelebEarwen]

The hair at the back of her neck stood on end at the sound of the whispered words. She had been hopeing for some rest, but was ready to defend the people of the house if it came to that. She stood still, thinking quickly and trying to plan what she would have to do if she must revel herself.

"Why have you come here?" Her voice was almost a growl. "Who is your master?"

[Wraithguard]

"This is not your affair she-elf!" the hooded figure whispered, "However you do seem to match the one described to my companion." Necronum spins, bringing his blades down on the hooded man, then rising with great force, sending one of his blades into the air, and bringing the other down on his assailant's sword, breaking it into pieces, the merrily catching the other sword as it fell. "Make peace within yourself." as he says those words, two other hooded figures step out from the shadow. The tallest one says in his deeper but still whispering voice, "Even Sauron's master will bow before the Master!" Necronum collapses to the ground after reopening his wound in the earlier display.

[AraCelebEarwen]

The next few moments were only a blur of movement and sound. The hobbits had vanished when the door had opened so there was no worry there now. As Necronum's body fell to the ground, Meoi filled her lungs with the fresh, cool air, took off her cape and changed in a flash of motion. The wraiths shrunk back for a moment, it was all she needed. It had been too long since she had had to fight anything like these creatures. Tooth and claw ripped through shadows of flesh and strong limbs crushed ancient armor. She know their weakness, no man can kill them, but she was indeed not to be mistaken for a man. She tried to pounce on the nearest form when a sharp pain touched her front limb sending her to the wet ground. She tried to dodge the next attack and managed to see that there was only the one tall figure left to fight. She leapt for where it's throat should be and could fell the cold death taring it's way into her mind as she locked her teeth into it's flesh. It fell and vanished, not a moment too soon. She landed hard on the ground and tried to breath. She let her human form come back and held her injured arm close to her shaking body.

[AraCelebEarwen]

She had to close her eyes for a moment before she felt strong enough to pull herself to her feet. Seeing that she had left large paw-prints in the mud, she wondered if she should even bother wiping them away. No, it didn't matter right now. Her mind was still clouded and ringing from that last attack, had she killed that other wraith...? It was not here now or she would be dead, of that she was sure.

She looked back toward the door as the earlier moments of the fight start to become clear once more. Well now, had she not just said he was not fit to fight? Brushing damp red hair out of her face she let a small smile show it's-self. There was no way she could help move him now, he would have to get him-self off the ground this time.

She went back to where she had left her bag and pulled out a small pack of herbs and a few strips of rags. First she cleaned and bandaged her own wound then knelt beside the still body of Necronum to see if he still lived. He was pale but breathing. She tried to remove his armor in order to tend to the jagged gash in his side but was slowed by the pain in her upper arm. He might as well tend to his own wounds, it looked like he had done so before.

She gathered her things and, thinking that there was a chance someone had seen the fight, decided to go back to the barn and rest. If she had been seen it would be foolish to not be ready for whatever she might need to do this time. The door was still not locked and the straw looked inviting. She tossed her bow and bag to the floor and let herself collapse on the soft pile. She breathed in the sweet smells and closed her eyes.

[Wraithguard]

Necronum awakened to a wrenching pain in his side. "Curse my ignorance!" The rain began to pour down once more as he tended his wounds. There! Ah, now I remember! I was supposed to deliver that package to Imladris, but where did it go? And where did that Elven lady go? Seems odd that she would leave me here as dead after trying to protect her and the Hobbits. Perhaps it was a mistake to have fled Mordor. No that's just madness! I would have been killed as it was torn asunder. At least in Mithlond I live a painful existance. Enough talking to myself. I have a task to complete." He walked towards the Barrow-downs in hopes of reclaiming his map from the Barrow-wight and recovering the lost package. "I just hope I've seen the worst of this by now."

He continued walking, until once more he was lost within a woodland area. With little effort he hacked his way through the underbrush until he came upon a small cave. Within the cave, all that could be seen is a set of yellow eyes. "I have come for that which belongs to me!" The unusually large Barrow-wight leaps from the cave and into sight. With his target in sight he releases his arrow and nails the wight in the back of the neck. As it falls to the ground, he quickly dashes into the cave and grabs his map, and flees the area, in fear of hurting himself in another fight.

[AraCelebEarwen]

She must have fallen asleep where she rested for as she dreamed there was a voice that haunted her mind. Was it just an aftereffect of the wraith, or something else? It echoed in her tired, clouded dreams...

"Meoi, can you hear me. I do not know if you know who I am but I send peace. Praise to you for harming the evil one. Will you hearken to me?"

How could she answer? Should she try? She stirred and sat up on the straw, now wide wake. 'Praise?' If the voice meant the wraith then she could at least understand that much... She closed her eyes and thought.

"I hear you, who are you and what could you want with me?"

[Wraithguard]

Midnight drew near as fatigue began to take its toll upon him. He checked his map and decided that his best bet would be to head to back to the Shire and restock on supplies are rest up to allow his wounds to heal. He kept a steady but quiet pace to allow him to move like a shadow. As he walks he spots a group of Hobbits. He walked over to see what is going on. As he walked he steps on the tail of some poor creature, causing it to scurry away through the brush. The Hobbits aim their shortbows at Necronum and are ready to fire. "Wait! I mean no harm! I am searching for a package. It is in a red, square box." One of the Hobbits is holding his arm. Necronum walks over in a peaceful manner after the Hobbits drop their bows. "Are you alright small one?" "My arm was broken as I fell from that cliff there." "Hold still." The grey runes on Necronum's right arm begin to glow with a noble blue light as he places his hand on the poor Hobbit's broken arm. Within moments the Hobbit is once again able to move his arm. "That's quite a gift you have there!" one of the amazed Hobbit's is able to say. "It," Necronum says as the runes return to their former grey color, "is more of a curse." "Well since you helped us out, I think we can help you. I saw a man carrying a box that looked like yours. He was headed to Crickhollow." "Where is that? It is not on my map." "You have a map? All the better! Here, this is where you need to go. You can also find food and a hot bath if need be." "Thank you." He walks away quietly and dissapears into the woods, once again dissapearing in the shadows of the mighty trees.

[AraCelebEarwen]

She waited a few moments. "This is silly." If there was a voice then they can find me again if that want to bother. She stood up slowly and gathered her things, placing the light bow over her shoulder she winced. How deep had that gone anyway? She walked to the door connecting the house to the barn and placed a small pile of coins on the step for the hobbits to find. It was a good thing she could find food elsewhere, they might not be so swift to invite her back in this time. Holding her arm she left the shelter of the barn only to find that it had grown dark. Smiling at the sight of the pure night, long strides carried her into the cool air that had been left by the calm in the storm.

[Wraithguard]

After a couple of hours of shadows and underbrush, he finally arrived at what appeared to be a gate of sorts. He quietly passed through the gate and crept up towards the door in an odd stance. Passing through the door, he was warmly welcomed by the smell of food and the sound of people. He quietly shook the rain off his cloak and made his way to a corner that was poorly lit by the firelight. A young Hobbit boldly approaced the stranger. "Welcome to Crickhollow good sir! What may I get you?" "Food and anything that isn't alchoholic."

Within minutes there were a group of Hobbit children around Necronum asking him questions like, "Who are you? Where have you been? What's this? Are you and Elf? etc." Necronum humored them as a great load of food was brought to him. The youth soon departed and he began to enjoy the food. After that he approached a Hobbit that seemed as if he were in charge. "Excuse me, I need a room for tonight." "For you, only the best. And at a discount too! We certainly have had a lot of outsiders recently haven't we?" "I wouldn't know sir. Have you seen a square, red box?" "Why yes I have! Someone was here last night with a red box. Seemed to not want to let go of it!" "Thank you very much." He returned to his seat and began to scan the room.

[AraCelebEarwen]

In this light the Shire was only to familiar to her glowing eyes. Down the rood could be seen the lights of a house and further on was what she had been looking for. Out of one of the many hills stood a building slightly larger then the rest, hanging from it was a sign that was still to far to be seen clearly. As she continued down the road there was a stirring in the bushes at her side. She froze in place and watched into the shadows, listening for something that must be there. Ready to pounce at any moment she had to stop suddenly when a small head pocked out of the shrubbery. Bright little eyes were locked onto her face, too scared to run.

"Hello little one. What are you doing out at this time of night?"

The child blinked at hearing a calm, inviting voice. "Umm... I... got lost... Do you know where I am?"

She smiled a reassuring smile and shook her head. "I don't know what the places are called, but if you tell me what it looks like I think I can help." He looked around and then back at the tall woman.

"Well... it can't be far... I only left just before dark... but it is so dark now... I was at one of the Inns when I got tired of wanting to go home... so I snuck out and... I guess I could have been going in circles... that rain was cold."

"Well there is an Inn not far down the way from here. Would you walk with me? He nodded his head and clung to her outstretched hand. They talked only a little as they walked. Finely they reached the building and walked inside. Looking around the boy must have seen a familiar face for her ran away from his guide and towards on of the bunches of hobbits gathered round the fire. Meoi looked around trying to let her eyes grow accustom to the light. Now she could finely get a drink.

[Wraithguard]

During the telling of a relaxing story, Necronum had fallen asleep. His dreams, however, were far from peaceful. In his dream there was a tall magestic and dark man, wearing an iron crown, inset with three jewels, and holding a large hammer, and across from him was a great winged demon. They seemed to be talking but in a language that Necronum couldn't understand. The tone of the conversation became more and more heated as anger appeared on the man's face. At last he charged the demon with his great mace but was thrown down by the demon's awesome power. In the background there appeared a great battle as Orcs and Balrogs and Dragons and wolves charged an army of strange and unkown creatures.

As the dream ends, he awakens to the end of the story and the comforting environment. However the dream has deeply disturbed him. Whether or not it had meaning will soon be discovered.

[eleventy-one]

As the night grew darker and the rain began to slow, Giriond spotted the lights of an Inn in the distance. As it drew closer he drew his cape closer about him. Finally, he could read the sign. It said: "Crickhollow Inn". Giriond hesitated anyway, lurking in the shadows outside the door. What was the use, really? He had no money, never had and probably wouldn't for another few months. Those bastards don't pay enough for even a shot of brandy! He thought, hot anger rising in him just as the hunger pangs set in. Giriond clenched his jaw, blocking them out. Yet, it had been 2 and a half days since his last meal. No matter, he thought, you've gone longer. Yet he knew that he would not be able to walk another day without at least a slice of bread or two. So, he entered the small, bustling pub and took a seet in a corner, hopeing someone would spare him a penny or 2, but at the same time wondering if he could swallow his pride enough to take it.

[Wraithguard]

Necronum spotted the stranger the moment he entered. His black eyes narrowed as the man moved to take a seat. Something about him didn't seem right. Nonetheless, seeing as how he was starving and remembering his oaths. He reluctantly takes a loaf of bread and an apple over to the stranger. Saying each word as if they burned like acid, "Enjoy these stranger." and returned to his dim corner. The dream was still fresh in his mind as he thought about it over and over. After an hour he was hit with the thought of what was happening to the lady he met that gave him the food. I never even found out her name. Why am I even concerning myself with her? If she can just run off like that then she can take care of herself. He became tired and walked down the hallway to his room.

[Wraithguard]

When he enters his room he is surprised to find a Haradrim archer standing next to the bed. "What are you doing here?" "I have been sent to find you." "Who sent you?" "I cannot tell you. But I can tell you that you are about to be in great danger." "What do you mean?" "I will tell you no more." "Even though Sauron's reign has ended I still hold my command because I never died nor resigned. So I order you tell me or I shall cast you ishiatghâsh." "Alright. I still must obey my superiors. A man nearby plans to kill you." "Was it that narûlôkhî out there at that table?" "No, but your assasin knows this is your room." "So that is why I was given this room so cheaply." "I will have to show this man endless urukî for his plans against me." "That would be most unwise. His plan is to draw you into a fight. I suggest a subtle stroke. I will let you use my room tonight." "So be it." The Haradrim archer quickly ran out of the room and through the door as Necronum set to work. After a half hour of working, he managed to create a device that will send shards of steel flying in many directions. Hopefully, when the assasin enters the room. The shards will launch and impale him. After he sets his trap, he quickly headed down the hallway and into the archer's room. Perhaps this is his turn to enjoy a victory.

[AraCelebEarwen]

The room would have been quiet if not for the insistent voices coming from the direction of the fire. The little boy had run into the group of other hobbits and when they saw him they had started to rejoice at his return. As Meoi was about to order a drink two small hands grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the fire side. Familiar little eyes looked up at her and told her to come say hello. She stood still and shook her head.

"I need to be on my way soon and can't let too many see me here."

His eyes grew larger and a frown showed on his face. "Must you leave now? It's well past dark and I want to tell you something." She Sighed and looked around the small room.

"Only a moment though." His face lit up and he pulled harder on her arm. "Careful little one. You are not the only one to have an adventure today." He stopped and pulled instead on her cape. She sat at a table and he climbed up to sit on the top to be able to talk to her.

"My name is Tom. What's yours?" Again she shook her head. "Well... thank you for helping me get back. Where are you trying go?" This she answered. "I'm trying to find the Inn at Crickhollow. Do you know where that is little one?" "Yes! Just down the rood! That's part of what I wanted to tell you! There was someone ran past me just this morning coming from there. He told me to lookout for any strangers, but... well, Sense you helped me... He looked like he was trying to hide something... didn't get a look at it though. Probably should not have told you though, but I thought you might like to know, for some reason..." Before he could say more she picked him up and placed him on the floor. "My thanks little Tom. I must go now, but I hope you have learned you're lesson about wandering after dark." He nodded and waved as she pulled her cape around herself. Walking once again into the night she headed in the direction she had been pointed.

After only a little while she could see the lights and, as the breeze picked back up, the sent of smoke from a cooking fire brushed past her. Finally she stood at the door of the Inn. Swinging the wooden door open, she slipped in silently and made her way to the bar. "All I want is a cup of fresh milk and a little bread." The Inn keeper looked at her for a moment then went to get the order. When the small meal was brought to her she placed down two coins and went to sit by the fire. If only she had not left like that... no, it was not her problem now. If she found fellowship once again she might remember to not be so foolish. That was, if one could even call a chance meeting fellowship.

[Wraithguard]

As he walked towards the room, he spotted in the distance a very familiar face. He begins thinking, I should at least warn her of the danger she is in. He walked over and immediatly notices her arm. "Perhaps I am too late to warn you of the danger. That is a Morgul wound; I've had my share of those. Here, let me help." Necronum calls for a bowl of boiling water to be brought over as he begins to remove his brooch. When it is removed his cloak falls to the ground, revealing his full armor and a belt pack that seemed to be very well hidden. He pulled on an edge of the brooch, which opened up to reveal a very sharp edge. "That is the good thing about Morgul wounds. You can't feel them until they have been healed." He began to dig into the wound with the sharp edge, flawlessly and painlessly. After a couple of moments of working, a metal shard emerged. He then opened the pack and took out Kingsfoil leaves and another, unidentifyable plant, and put them in the bowl of boiling water. He then places her arm over the water and cleans off his brooch. "Don't move the arm until it starts to hurt. You will know when that happens, and be more careful on the roads at night. I am not the only one they hunt. And no matter what you do this night, do not enter the room with the red door." He then reattaches his cloak and walks off into the room down the hall.

[AraCelebEarwen]

She sat still, trying to decide what to do now. She was thankful that he had helped with her wound but she was not about to tell him that. Did he think she could not do that on her own? She sighed. No, it was good to see him again, but... She left the last of the bread, finished off the milk and wondered if she should try talking to him. There was something she wanted to know...

"Shadowed one. Will you leave my to my lost thoughts? I had almost thought you dead. What are you doing here?"

[Wraithguard]

The room was deathly quiet as he sat and listened for his assasin's arrival. Minutes felt like hours as his impatients grew and his curiosity became infathomable. He decided to pass the time by performing routine maintenance on his armor. After a little work he was able to remove his chest armor, revealing a series of scars that ran deep and long. His first order was to repair the tear from the warg claws. After a period of time, a scream of pain was heard emenating from his room. Overjoyed, he bursted forth from the room and ran down the hallway.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Perhaps he did not want to hear her. She finished the last of her bead slowly and listened to the sounds of the inn. There was nothing out of the ordinary, or was there? A long scream came form in the direction she had watched the man walk. Leaving her seat she moved swiftly toured the back rooms. What had he said about that red door? She came to the hall and waited to see what, if anything, was going on.

[Wraithguard]

After a short dash down the hallway, he arrived at his room. He pulled the door so hard the top hinge almost broke. Inside there were holes in the wall, a broken mirror, and a man lying on the ground, with several metal spikes jammed into his body. Necronum smiles at his victory and entered the room to begin cleaning it. Perhaps there are benefits to working for a Dark Lord.

[AraCelebEarwen]

She watched him enter the room and carefully walked to the door. What had happened here? Spotting the body on the floor and Necronum bent over the poor victim, she could not keep her words back.

"What is this? Someone not listening to you?" A cold smile crawled onto her calm face. "Are you going to pay for the damage to this room or leave before anyone else knows you were here?"

[Wraithguard]

"Neither. Considering that people here played a part in this. Such as the Hobbit that gave me this room was an accomplice of this poor assasin. I'll clean it up and pay for the room but they can repair the damage themselves." He begins to pull the spikes out of the wall. "It worked better than I thought it would. I had to play the trap on his ignorance, for if he had not stabbed the bed it wouldn't have been set off. Now all I need is a mop!"

[AraCelebEarwen]

Laughing lightly she excepted his answer. "May I ask why that poor man wanted to kill you? It would aper that you have quite a problem when it comes to trying to find any rest." She reaches for one of the sharp points and pulled it out of the door frame. "That must indeed have been an interesting trap."

[Wraithguard]

"I honestly have little idea as to why he was trying to kill me. As for the trap, I made one similar to it at the Black Gate many years ago but on a much larger scale. Hey, he has an odd symbol tatooed on his arm." It was a triangle with another symbol on each point, yet the symbols appeared to have no meaning. He carelessly lifts the body and tosses it out the window.

[AraCelebEarwen]

"That is odd, I do not think I have ever seen that mark before."

They worked on the room for a while in silence. As she pulled mettle out of the walls and set some of the sparse furniture back on it's feet she had time to think. Unfortunately there was also time enough that her arm was starting to throb. She gritted her teeth and tried to put her mind on something else.

"You talk of the Black Gates. You give me clues to your past but only leave questions. Do you work for anyone or are you just a wanderer? Though that dose not fit how you look... Will you not answer with honesty or do you not trust me?" The same cold smile flashed across her face for only a moment as she waited the next words.

[Wraithguard]

"I meant no offense if that is what you think. I will enlighten you in exchange that you do the same. Many years ago, before the finding of the Ring, I was a Lieutinant of Sauron. I had great power of influence by turning the curse of my birth into a gift. I fought in many battles including the many attacks on the Mirkwood Elves. After years of slaughtering Elves and Dwarves, I became the Lord of Udûn. Then after the Ring was found, Sauron became distracted. Without his full focus, I was able to gain realization. With my new found independancy, I attempted to overthrow the Dark Lord. My attempts were futile as my rebellion was silenced with force. One day, in an attempt to kill me, I decided that if I couldn't stop him myself, I would lend my aid to the people of Middle-Earth. So I jumped off of the Black Gate. I then wandered, lost for weeks on end until one day I awoke in the hands of an Elf. I was racked with fear because of my past, but I was taken into the care of Cirdan, where I made a vow to serve him until my death. It is through his orders, that I played out my role in the War of the Ring. I lent aid and assisted in the destruction of Dol Guldur, I joined Aragorn and the Sons of Elrond in the Paths of the Dead. I turned the tides at Pellenor Fields when I forced the Easterlings to turn on the Mordor Orcs and Haradrim. Then at the Black Gate, where my devices of war aided them in their attempts. Then, I was there when the Elves crossed over the sea, and I was given my final orders, to maintain Mithlond and lend aid and coucil to all who would ask, be them Man, Dwarf, Elf, or Orc."

[AraCelebEarwen]

"Then you do have quite a past. It is no wonder you have to be cautious. As for me... there is not much to tell. I was borne a wanderer and have seen many years and faces... My father was a ranger. He taught me to fight and hunt. Those skills have come in useful many times now. This scar is from one of them." She brushed the hair away to show a thin white line running down the side of her face. "This is what taught me to not give my name to anyone but those I know I can trust with my life. A man I thought a friend tried to kill me in my sleep one night." She paused, thinking. " The point of the knife was at my head when I awoke, I... moved to fast for him to react fully... needless to say, he is long dead." As she spoke, he words became slower and she reached up to hold her arm. He had said it would hurt but this almost made her head spin. "I am sorry, I must sit for a moment. It would aper you were correct about this kind of wound."

[Wraithguard]

"I'm sorry there was nothing else I could do. I could use my cursed arm to purfiy it but doing so here would draw to much attention. Besides, the pain will go away soon enough. I have four scars from Morgul wounds alone. I was seperated from my ammê and attû just days after my birth when I was sent off to Khând to be trained, so I never knew my parents that well. They weren't born in Mordor. They were pure Nùmenorian. But most of my history is in the Deserts of Harad and the Plains of Rhûn. I was trained in sword skills by Herumor himself. As for the scar across my eye, it was a war trophy from Dol Guldur. There are more feirce things than spiders in those woods."

[AraCelebEarwen]

"There is much truth in that. And I as well want to avoid drawing attention to myself. Rest would do us both some good, but perhaps this is not the safest of places. It was my own choice to become a wanderer, and at times I think there might have been a less... adventures lifestyle if I had not been such a foolish youth." She rubbed her lower arm, trying not to touch the actual wound. "Is there anywhere you know of that I might find something to sooth this in a small way?" She looked up at where he stood watching her, then let her gaze wander to the window. "You... wouldn't be... looking for anything... would you? A small friend of mine told me about his seeing someone. He thought he was acting... odd."

[Wraithguard]

"Indeed I am. A small, red box. It contains a very powerful artifact from the days of Sauron that needs to be delivered to Imladris. I say we head off to another Inn. I'm not too familiar with the Shire as I try to avoid it as much as possible. I doubt the Lord Telcontar would be happy to hear of the events of the past couple days." They left the room quietly as Necronum left some gold (less that he owed) on the bar and exited the Inn quietly.

[Wraithguard]

They wandered into the forest once more, this time, knowing where they were going. After so far, they stopped to rest. Necronum was able to convince her to allow him to purify the wound to stop the pain. As before the runes on his right arm began to glow, this time with a white light. What appeared to be steam emenated from his arm as he performed a purification. After so long he removed his hand from her arm and the runes returned to their grey color. They then quietly continued on until they arrived at a river crossing called Buckleberry Ferry. Seeing no one around they moved the raft across the river and anchored it to the other side. They then continued down along the Withywindle and found a ford they could cross. After crossing they realized that there were no landmarks, and they became lost once more.

[AraCelebEarwen]

It was too dark to read the map well, and even with what she could do without exposing herself, Meoi was as lost as she had ever been. "I have spent some time in the Shire but never have I seen this part of the woods. Should we try to go back, or stay here tell morning?" She almost giggled. "Not that we would have long to wait. It has indeed been a long day."

The answer never came. As she had finnish talking, there was a voice that could be heard floating on the breeze. It was a strange, eery sound. They listened carefully as it seemed to come closer to where they stood. As the word started to become clearer Meoi looked at her companion's face. He let nothing show and seemed to listen carefully to the song. "... Ho! Ho! I am, that I am. My name is my own and the forest my home. The trees know me as friend and the robin knows my song. Do you know my name? Do you know my story? I am older and younger, strong and quick. Tom is my name, Bombedill I call myself. Tom Bombadil, Bombadillo! Ho! Ho! Ho!..." The song grew strong and the singer could finally be see standing at the edge of a patch of bushes. He wore a green shirt and breeches, a green hat with a red feather pocking out from the top and a well used smile on his face. He bowed low and with a sing-song voice asked... "Are you in need of a guide, or just trying to hide?"

[Wraithguard]

Necronum's voice changes drastically from it's usual solemn tone to a cheerful and joyous sound. "Hey Tom Bombadil, such a merry fellow, lead us beyond tree and hill, and past the maze of willow." At these words Tom chuckles and begins to skip off into the woods. "We should follow!" They continue after him until they see a clearing in the distance.

[AraCelebEarwen]

The trees bordered a meadow of waving grasses, in the center stood a small house on a gentle hill. The sent of late flowers and cool water blew through the tangled hair of the wonder-struck woman. She gazed across to the vine covered walls and inviting windows of the little home.
"Is this your home Bombadil? I would think it a dream if not knowing I have not found sleep for too long. Yet I've been wrong before..." His smile grew slightly and he danced his way to the door.
"Would you come visit my humble home? My table holds plenty and no shadows come to my door. Ho! Ho! No, they dare not come here!" He swung the door open and closed it again when they finally came in. Candles had been lit and a fire glowed in the hearth. The table in the corner was indeed covered in plates of fruits and things, and there were cups of sweet water dancing with light.
"Please, eat your fill and drink what you will! A story is all that I ask." He skipped to the fire side and waited for them to respond. It was Meoi that spoke first. "I have hear tell of a man like you, but never thought it true enough to be more the a child's tale. As for a story..." She picked up a cup of water and curled up in a soft chair by the fire. She went on to tell the tale of the little hobbit boy she had helped, and tried to recall anything from her childhood that might interest their host. "...And my father picked me out of the water and placed a dry blanket round my shaking shoulders. He had told me to stay back from the edge but I never did really listen to him. It was so good to get back to our tent and dry out by the fire." Her eyes had been watching the flames and little trails of smoke as she remembered he father. She was pulled back to the present by a sudden sweet, smooth voice. "All is well this day. You must rest now for you are weary." Tom had jumped to his feet and was watching the beautiful maiden that had just entered the room. "Goldberry Riverdaughter, my wife and my own! Are the rooms ready for our guests?" Golden hair waved as she nodded her bright face. "Yes, all is ready. Please sleep well and wake rested my friends." They stood and bowed to their thoughtful hostess. Picking up the few things they had, they were shone to their rooms and thankfully calapsed into the soft blankets. The night passed and dreams came and went in peace.

[Wraithguard]

But not all dreams were as peaceful as the beautiful surrounding and grand company. Necronum was being troubled by the same dream of the man with the Iron crown, inset with three jewels, and the winged demon. Except this time he was able to understand some of what they were saying. He understood the words: Morgoth, great battle, Valinor, and others that were insignifigant. The battle in the background had changed as well. The army of Orcs, Trolls, Balrogs, and Dragons was being overwhelmed by the power of the unknown creatures. There were different types this time as well. One was a giant, lumbering creature with small, thin legs and huge arms that had spikes jutting out from them, and had a head like a lizard. Another and the most common was a man sized, but was mutated and sickened, and had 2 large wrist blades that it used to tear through the enemy lines. The last was giant, insect like creature. Built like a siege tower and with the same amount of armor. The dream seemed to repeat itself all night.

[AraCelebEarwen]

When Her eyes opened, she could see that it was well into the morning. She sat up, stretched and rubbed her arm. She could hear a song bird praising the sun and it was her empty stomach that forced her out of bed. She had been so raped in memories that she had forgotten how hungry she was. After pulling on the cleaned clothes that had been set beside the bed she left the room and found her way back to where the table still stood. She was happily surprised to find that all the food was still as it had been. She filled a plait with bright fruits, fresh breads and a few peaces of meat. Along with the water was now a pitcher of fresh milk, she filled her cup and found a soft spot to enjoy her first meal in almost two days. The house was still and there was no sign of Tom or Goldberry. She almost thought about letting her guard down and changing into her favorite form. She could be almost invisible to the less wary if she wished, but it would not be wise to test Necronum in that way. She settled to her food and relaxed.

[Wraithguard]

Necronum awakens to a bright light coming from the window. The dream was still fresh in his mind. He kept turning it around and comparing it to the other dream. Without realizing that his armour was laying on the floor beside him, meaning he was wearing only his greaves (leg armour), he walked carelessly and made his back to the main room where a great feast was laid before him, revealing his many scars on his chest and back, some deeper than others. He is still not fully awake and is still thinking about the dream as he sits and begins to eat the fruit laid before him.

[AraCelebEarwen]

She watched him enter the room and flinched at the sight of torn and marked flesh. Should she not be seen? He had not yet caught sight of her... Soundlessly she changed into a slightly larger the normal house cat and curled into a ball watching the man look over the table. Her red-brown coat blended with the morning shadows, and half closed eyes shone a sparkling green.

[Wraithguard]

He continues eating and begins to talk to himself. "I feel horrible. How many people must I put in danger? While it is nice to see people after living alone for so many years in the Grey Havens, I do not wish them harmed. Now I am even placing my burdens on Bombadil again. All of this just to deliver a ring." He continued eating until he was awake enough to realize he had forgotten his armour and weaponry. He then began to return to the bedroom.

[AraCelebEarwen]

The cat leaped from it's spot on the chair onto a table by the door. It's glowing eyes focused on Necronum. Letting out a low purr, it stretched it's feet out causing sharp claws to catch the light. It sat up tall and watched as he walked towards her.

[Wraithguard]

Necronum stoped as he nears the cat. "Bombadil had no cat last I was here. Must have wandered in." He continued into the bedroom where he began put on his armor. After a few minutes he was reclasping the cloak to the brooch and beginning to walk back out into the main room, this time in hopes of at least seeing the River Daughter.

[AraCelebEarwen]

After he closed the door she changed back to her elven body. She tried not to laugh at the idea that he had not seen through her. Ether he was still sleeping or she was getting better. She went back to her chair and picked up some of the food she had left. This was a good place. If only she could stay lounger... but she could be found... even here. "I hope that will not be to soon though." She had said this out loud and looked around to be sure no one had heard her.

[Wraithguard]

Instead of stopping in the main room, he left through the front door and walked around to the garden. Even here there was no one to be found. He sat underneath an apple tree and began to eat a slice of melon he had grabbed as he passed through. The sunlight beamed down upon him and his black cloak, it was so bright and warm that even the shadow walker himself seemed as cheerful and happy as a carefree Hobbit. He enjoyed greatly the peace and harmony of the garden as the first warm smile in many years crossed his face as he closed his eyes and immerced himself into the scenery.

[AraCelebEarwen]

She spent her time finishing her meal and then went to look around the room. It was a cozy place, lots of ways a cat could spend it's days. Sitting in the windows, watching the fire or hunting the fields. At this thought she looked out the window at the bright light on the long grass. She went to the door and left the house behind her. The meadow was so wide that she know she would have time to hide if need be, as her bare feet brushed pasted the dew moistened bushes in front of the house and with a wonderful smile on her face she ran out into the grass. It was so warm and calm, she looked carefully around and ducked out of sight. The red cat pounced on a mouse that had foolishly come into the open. It squealed and she let it run back to it's hole. No one should have to suffer on a day like this. It was so good to feel this free. A movement at the edge of the woods made her duck low and watch the figure walk towards the house. It was the Riverdaughter. The cat walked to meet her, when she had come to the door Goldberry knelt to look at the feline. "You had a good night then?" It purred and let her stroke the soft coat before she started walking round the house. It was only a thought but she was able to catch it. "Thank you Goldberry. It is good to have a friend." The cat stretched out on a smooth rock and soaked in the sun light.

[Wraithguard]

Necronum opened his eyes and realized that he was forgetting something. "The ring!" he shouted as he jumped to his feet. He began to look around for Bombadil or the Elven lady. Neither could be found. Where is she? We need to leave immediatly and I cannot afford to wait very long. Perhaps if I left her here she would be safer. No, even here will not be a haven forever. He continues to scour the area for her and yet his search becomes fruitless. He then enters the house to get his weapons and supplies and prepares to leave.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Again he had walked right passed her. She craned her neck to see him. His face had a almost worried look to it, was something wrong? Little feet took her away form the window then two human feet walked into the house. She tried to think what could be going on and finely found Necronum trying to strap his armor on and gathering his things. "Is something wrong? Must the rood take you're mind from this place so soon?"

[Wraithguard]

"I must, but I must also ask that you remain here for now. I will return after I have what I seek. Then we will go to Imladris without worry. But for now I ask you remain here for your safety." Without letting her answer, he grabs his stuff and walks out the door and through the woods. Dissapearing into the distance.

[AraCelebEarwen]

"If that is what he wants... I had hoped to stay longer anyway." She walked back to the yard and soon found the garden. She rested in the shade of a tree and enjoyed the light breeze that lifted the sent of flowers and warm ground. Her mine was calm and heard too well the voice that broke into her peace.

Meoi......it is I again. I send you best wishes and peace. I ask you to be careful traveling with Necornum, no matter what side you are on. I must know though which side you are on, our world is in grave danger. I also ask you not to tell Necornum about this for now. I am not on Sauron's side, I can tell you that. What do you think of Necornum? I know you wil be wary in answering me. Necronum has a ring, Sauron' s ring. We must find out which side he is on as the country's fate rests in his hands. I am lluvatar, Elven king, magician, and friend of Gandalf who has passed on but is a spirit. He tells me we need each others help and I never doubt Gandalf. I have heard of you and understand you are an elf. [/i]

~"I hear you. It seems no use to keep all things from you, but I will not tell all for that would not be wise on my part. You know my name and race, but you do not know me. As for Necronum... he is on a mission that I feel I should be part of, strength and quick wit alone will not make a friend of me though. Yet there is something that calls me to be part of this story. I have heard the name Gandalf before but never had the chance to know him in this life. I will not come to you, not now, I need this rest."~

She sat still in the garden. Listening and thinking, would she to have to leave? She know that she must stay where she was long enough to rest and heal. But how long would that be...?

[Arlina]

A child by human years, no older then eighteen, ran through the woods, cuts and bruises marked her body as limbs keep catching against her skin. Tears streamed down from her eyes as she kept running, barely missing any trees. She glanced back, fear in every feature of her body.
She was new to this part of the worlds, the Shire. She had believed at first to have been able to escape the danger that followed her, believing that a peacefully little place that this could protect her. She was wrong.
She kept running, barely able to stay awake and conscience. A sense of relief came upon her as she neared an opening in the woods where a small house rested quietly on a hill that was decorated with flowers. She spotted another being, any unlike herself. Before being able to call for assistance, fatige came over her, causing her to collapse on the ground, unconscience.

((here's hoping that this works in...))

[AraCelebEarwen]

All she wanted to do was to lay in the sun and listen to the sounds form the woods and garden. Why had that girl looked so scared anyway? The small body had collapsed as soon as Meoi had caught sight of it. Curiosity taking over, she walked over to see if the stranger was alright. Sigh. "These must indeed be hard times..." Seeing that the girl was unconscious and in need of care, Meoi fetched some water from the nearby stream. After dipping a rag in the cold water she brushed it across a bruised and scratched forehead. As the girl started to stir and wake-up, Meoi left the rag with the water and ran silently back to the house, thinking it might be better if her first sight upon waking not be of someone like her.

[Arlina]

The girl, Staefia, stired, slowly raising her hand to figure out where the moisture was coming from on her forehead. With a moan, she slowly opened her eyes, then realizing she didn't know where she was, her eyes opened wider. Cautiously, she sits up, finding the bucket of water beside her. Nervously, she takes a quick drink, her eyes constently watching the border that she had emerged. Staefia felt save here, but her mind wouldn't let her forget her pursuers.
The girl looks down at her eyes and legs, realizing how badly she had been cut many times through the woods. The adreline had carried her all the way through the woods without noticing anything.
Finally, she takes her eyes off of the woods and turns towards the house, curiously looking at it. Her eyes drop heavily again, and sleep took over once more.

[AraCelebEarwen]

She hoped she had done the right thing. She had watched the girl from behind one of the garden bushes, wondering what her story might be. Seeing that she was not going anywhere, Meoi walked back into the house to gather a small plate of food which she carefully set beside the sleeping girl. Though she was an Elf, she was also the daughter of a mortal. She made sure that the little body was as comfortable as she could make it. Some soft grass made a pillow and she placed her cape gently over the bruised legs, pulling up to scratched shoulders. She watched her sleep for a moment before walking to the stream and followed it through the meadow.

[eleventy-one]

Giriond waited until the man was out of sight before greedily gobbeling the loaf of bread. The apple, however, he saved. Apples had far more uses than the average bloke would think, Giriond would know; they were the easiest thing to steal off a marketplace cart. They made excellent sheilds, for daggers and arrows that is and were perfect for putting someone uncontious. So, the apple he put in his pocket.

Even after his meal, or lack thereof, Giriond stayed in the inn a bit longer, thinking. His task was clear, but was far more than easy. In fact, the assigment really should have been given to an army, but since his particular group of rebells didn't have one, he was the next best choice. A one man army.

[AraCelebEarwen]

As the day went by and the sun started to grow closer to the horizon, Meoi finely turned her feet back towards the home of Bombadil. It had been a nicely uneventful day thus far and she had gotten her much needed rest. The only things that bothered her mind were her arm, Necronum and the mysterious girl. She knew her wound would take more time to fully heal, if it ever could. Where that man was or what he was doing she could not guess. She only hoped that he was not in grave danger or lying dead or dieing where she would never again find him. But it was the girl that was the first most thought in her mind as she neared the house. Was she from one of the villages around here, or was she perhaps a young wanderer as she had been? The grass was still hiding the sleeping form. It looked like she must have been running for her life. Her limbs and face were going to show marks if not small scars for some time now. Meoi could see that the food had not been touched, reaching down, she felt a bruised cheek with a soft hand. She had let her stay in the sun too long. Gritting her teeth she carefully lifted the girl and walked into the house. Placing a blanket over the still body she wondered if the poor thing might ever awake. It was to her surprise and great relief that Goldbeary walked into the room. "My lady, I thank you for the help you have given me. I would ask now that you help this girl with her wounds. I can do some things for myself but I have no power to bring healing to her. You are of a greater race then I, please, if it is in you ability..." She waited and watched Golebeary's kind face. Finely she spoke. "I have no special power for healing, but I am able to help when the need arises. Fetch some water and clean clothes so that we might make her more comfortable. I will do what I can." When the things were brought in they washed the blood and dirt from her little arms and legs, placed the soft dress on her and let her sleep on the pillows by the fire.

[Arlina]

The girl begins to stir, moaning in her sleep from a dream. The dream consisted of her running away from the evil that haunted her; she couldn't seem to be able to just get away from it, it was always closer each time she turned around.

The girl fully wakes, screaming. She quickly glances around the room that she risided in, then tries to sit up. Her limbs ache and she looks down at them, finally relaizing there was bandages all over her arms and legs. She feels warmth to her right and looks at the fire, watching it dance for a few minutes, before noticing that someone was watching her. Carefully, she turns towards the person, almost too afraid to speak. "Wh-ho are you? Where am I?" She asks, the questions just seeming to spill out.

(( sorry that this post sucks but I'm running out of time to do anything better!! ))

[Wraithguard]

A familiar site is before Necronum as he once more looks upon the hous of Bombadil. Yet there is a difference in his appearance. Instead of the black spiked armour, in its place is a black cloth, robe-like outfit that is secured around the waste with a thick black belt. Where once were heavy greaves, are now loose trousers most commonly worn by the desert people of Harad. Where his cloak once draped there is now a large brown pack that contrasts horridly with his attire. In one of the side pockets on the pack is a small, red box which is tightly secured. Where once were his swords there is now only a small, wicked dagger slid into his belt. Finally I can do what I came to do!

[AraCelebEarwen]

She smiled gently and held her empty hands out to show she meant no harm. "It is alright aiwe, you are at a safe place. I have no name to tell you nor do I mean you any harm." She tried to speak with a calm tone in her voice, but there was something in the back of her mind. It felt like she was being watched, not by an enemy though...

[Arlina]

The girl was nervous, never one who could trust anyone easily. She watches this stranger for a moment, unsure of what to do. She felt that she was safe, but something told her not to let her gaurd down. "Where am I? Who do you work for?!"

[Wraithguard]

As he places his hand on the door, he stoppes and begins to think out the situation. Why am I coming back for her? I would only place her in danger again. However, I did say I would return. I also said it would be safe, which was a lie. He then sits on a rock by the doorway and removes the heavy pack and places it beside him. Sitting quietly, he thinks out the situation and of the danger that he must comfront and decides whether or not to bring others with him.

[AraCelebEarwen]

"Perhaps you have heard of Tom Bombidill? You are a guest in his home." She let the girl think about that before answering her other question. "I am from shadow and light. I fight the darkness while in the shadows and hope to find light enough to keep holding onto hope." As she spoke the feeling of someone being close had become stronger in her mind. She looked around from her place on the soft pillows. Nothing at the windows... was she just suffering from her healing wound, or was there really someone just outside? To leave the girl now was not a good idea. She might try to run off or do something else rather foolish when left on her own. Looking back to the girl, "Would you like something to eat or perhaps a drink would be more to your liking?"

[Arlina]

The girl starts to back up, not understanding this stranger. How could someone be so nice to her? No one had ever treated her this nice, except her parents. The villages that she traveled to had always cast her out: they saw her has a danger to thier own lives. "I don't want none of your pity!" the girl finally says, trying to stand. "I don't need any help!" she tries to walk towards the door, but slowly manages to take a step, pain shooting through her limbs.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Not moving from her spot, Meoi shakes her head as she watches the girl's face twist in pain. Now here was someone not that different from who she had been. "If that is your way of showing thanks... but you are far from able to run from here, even if you could I would not chase you. I think I can understand your distrust of me. I wished only to let you heal and rest for a time. You are welcome to do what you will." She stood up slowly and walked to the door. The garden was starting to grow cool in the light of the setting sun and a fresh breeze touched her face as she stepped outside.

[Wraithguard]

By this time he had fallen asleep during his thinking and the warm sun beamed down upon his pale flesh with a harsh warming. Yet his dreams were once more filled with the familiar horrors. Once again the dream was different. He understood more of the conversation including talk of the destruction of Valinor. The battle in the distance changed again once more as well. The army of orcs and balrogs and dragons was being slaughtered even with their aid from what appeared to be Elves. The other army had new breeds as well. Including a screeching, winged beasts, and a large, hound-like creature with the head of a lizard. He awoke from the horrid dream to a familiar face.

[AraCelebEarwen]

She had spotted the sleeping form as she set foot out the door. Bending down on her knees she watched him sleep, she could have seen his dreams but had decided agents it. Instead she had wondered where he had been and what had happened, he looked different in these traveler's clothes. When he awoke she smiled slightly. "You have returned safely? I had wondered if you might not remember leaving me here."

[Wraithguard]

"Perhaps I should have but I simply could not. Are you ready for our journy to Imladris? Afterwards you can go your seperate way if you wish. However I must retrieve my equipment along the way. I dropped it off near Amon Sûl for maintainance." At this he rose to his feet, grabbing carefully the pack and placing it once more upon his back.

[AraCelebEarwen]

"If that is where our path leads next. Did you find what you went after?" She had caught sight of a small flash of red. "And we are not the only ones to be resting here. I found a young girl not long after you left. She is like a little bird, scared and restless. I hope she knows I mean her no harm..." A strange smile crosses her face. "..but I think you might send her flying."

[Wraithguard]

"What would make you say that? Are you saying that I would cause her terror? No matter, if there is someone here that needs our aid then I will wait patiently. Now that I have recovered the artifact there is no need to rush. Is there anything I can do to assist?" He seems to be a bit more cautious around her than before, as if there was something else in his mind that was haunting him.

[AraCelebEarwen]

She was quick to notice a change in his manner, and was slower in answering these questions, slightly worried. "She reminds me of how I once was... and still am at times. No sign of peace is excepted and trust seems to be out of the question. Something haunts her thoughts... it would seem you would know how that feels... Is something not well?"

[Wraithguard]

"Nothing more than Restless Dreams. However, I believe that if she were to talk to one who has been in the same position and you seem to fit quite well. I will indeed wait until she is at least is rested enough to be on her own again."

[AraCelebEarwen]

"And unless she finds me worth even a small bit of her trust she will be long gone as soon as she is able to walk. Perhaps I should not hope for any trust to be put in me... not by anyone." Clear eyes meet his for a moment before she walks away from the house a few steps. If this girl was anything like her she would never trust anyone... if she lived that long. The life of a mortal was indeed a gift, she did not want for death, yet to be alone... "Perhaps I should try once more to talk to her..."

[Wraithguard]

"Perhaps you should. One should not procrastinate acts of kindness for terrible things often become of it. Such as the first breaking of my vow. I made a promise to an old friend that I would spend time with him on his deathbed as I had been neglectful of him for years, yet as I finally decided to fulfill this promise, I was informed that he had died just moments earlier. Such great evil can come from great intentions. That is a lesson best learned without experience. Thus was my first breaking of a vow. That vow was of the greatest importance to me and the loss of him without the completion of the vow brought me to tears. That was one of the dark moments of my past that brought me to the light." As he is speaking he slowely runs his fingers up and down the hilt of the dagger that is protruding from his belt.

[AraCelebEarwen]

She turns back to face him. "I am sorry to hear of your friend, yet it is good to know you are not with the darkness." She absentmindedly rubs her upper arm. "Should I ask her name or where she is from? Though why should she answer me... I have never even given you my name. I almost want to, yet I know better then to trust..." Her voice faded before she could finnish. She began to walk back into the house, hoping that the girl might still be there.

[Wraithguard]

He begins to stop her, but then thinks better of it, as he himself had said putting off acts of kindness have disastrous results and it would be best if he did not interfere in this. Yet his thoughts began to swirl within his head, as he fell to his knees at the memory of his past acts and he began to weep, bringing a great sorrow to the cheerful and calm garden.

[AraCelebEarwen]

She stopped for only a moment and turned back to where he knelt. Placing a hand on his shoulder she spoke in a voice no more then a whisper. "Keep hope my friend, you have earned some of my trust." At this she walked into the house to find the girl.

[Arlina]

The girl watches the stranger in disppear as she disappears out the door. She watched the door for a little bit, waiting for this unknown person returned. When she didn't, the girl decided to try to find some food for herself. Slowly, she took small steps towards an opened area that appeared to be something close to a kitchen. Gritting her teeth, she manages to reach this area before having to slide to the floor to rest a bit. She glances back towards the doorway that the stranger had disappeared from, wondering if this person would ever return.

"I can't trust anyone ever again!" The girl says to herself. With determination, she stands back up.

[AraCelebEarwen]

As she had closed the door behind her she stopped for a moment in thought. No trust, that was what she must remember right now. This girl would run as soon as look at her again... at least... in this form. It was the little tiger coated cat that walked into the room where the girl sat on the floor. It walked at an angle closer to her but still just out of reach. It's green eyes were half closed as it sat on it haunches and watched the child try to stand.

[Wraithguard]

Necronum arose and took hold once more of his emotions. Realizing that he hadn't eaten all day he decided to grab some food, hoping there was no one in the kitchen other than at the River Daughter and even then hoped she was no where to be found because he was never comfortable around her.

[Arlina]

Taking deep breaths, the girl slowly moves again, most of her concentration on finding some food. She glances around her again after having to grab onto the wall for support one more time. Not seeing the person from earler, she finally manages to enter the kitchen when she notices the cat. She looks at it in curiousity, but shakes her head in determination to find something edible for herself to eat.

[AraCelebEarwen]

It's eyes followed her movements before it's soft feet keep not far behind her. It would watch and be patient if it had to. Meoi loved to do this, a spy that went seen and unseen. She reached out with her mind to the girl, not giving her words but trying to pull some of the pain and worry from her mind. If she would just realize that she was safe here she might relax enough to be talked to.

[Arlina]

The girl made it the counter to find a loaf of bread and greedily took it, nibbling on it immediately. She glances down at the cat again, she just hated being watched and tried to shoo the cat away with her foot. She bite into the loaf of breed again after realizing that the cat wasn't going away. "What? Do you want some too?" she asks the cat, giving up hope that it was going to go away. When she was getting ready to bend down towards the cat, a noise of someone entering startles her and she freezes, glancing towards the door, poised to run, even through her pain, which she noticed was slightly reseeding.

[Wraithguard]

As he neared the door, there was a tingling sensation in the back of his head. In his mind someone was telling him not to enter. Having experienced such enlightenment before he heeded the warning and backed off, walking around instead to the garden where he would find fruit.

[Arlina]

The girl stays poised a for a few moments after the sound of footsteps ceased. She sighed, and turned back towards her bread. She took a few more bites and finally felt satisfied enough. Glancing around, she pockets the rest of the loaf. Thinking that no one would notice, she decided that she should leave this nice little house. She felt slightly safe, but she still didn't trust these people, plus no one had showed up for a while; what could that mean? She was thankful to whoever helped her, but she didn't want to get caught by whatever was following her. She limps to the kitchen door and turns the knob, but stops when she feels the cat at her feet. "Go away." she says towards the cat. "I can take care of myself and these people are way to nice. Something here is wrong. Don't you know you can't trust anyone, anyway?"

[Wraithguard]

Perhaps it was pure caution, or perhaps it was a precognition, but something told him that danger lurked nearby. He quietly steps to the door, and locks it, placing a large rock in front of it to boot. The he draws his bow, strings an arrow and moves into the woods nearby, determined to find whatever was out there.

[Arlina]

When the girl tries to turn the door knob again, it wont budge. The girl began to panic and frantically tries to get the door open. A sense of dread comes over here and backs away from the door, a look of horror on her face. She gringes in pain, but manages to get back towards the center of the house. Completely shaken up, tears burst from her eyes as she panics almost to the point of histeria. "He's here. He's going to get me!" she cries, collapsing onto the floor and draws herself into a ball. "I'm sorry, Mom and Dad...I couldn't do it....."

[Wraithguard]

He comes back moments later, a couple arrows short but smiling confidently at the thought of the slain troll. He arrives, moves the stone but forgets to unlock the door. I should retrieve my gear. That would allow her time to do what needs be done. With that he places the pack in the crevice of a nearby tree and wanders off in the direction of Weathertop.

[Arlina]

The girl stays drawn into a ball for a little while. Her sense of dread passes, but she can't stop shaking. Trust wasn't an option anymore, she decides, she has to leave. Finally getting up, she decides to check the door away. Standing up, she whips her tears away with the back of her hand and struggles to the door. She finds it locked again and looks around for another outlet for leaving. She spots a window and decides to try that.

[Daranavo]

Chinig always hated these kinds of missions. He especially hated how Oolgog always bullied him and gave him the tough ones. He heard him in his head; "Chinig do this, Chinig do that, blah blah blah." His hatred of the orc was almost as bad as his hatred of the smell of FLOWERS! They are EVERYWHERE! He tried everything to stifle their stench short of lopping off his own perfume infested nose!

Chinig and Dagn were not strangers, they had done several of these abductions, however, the two of them knew this one was their most important. Together their journey here was very long and arduous. The closer to the Shire they got, the harder it was to find a suitable hiding place. Infact, If it weren't for a quick throw of a bola by Dagn, Chinig would of been half the goblin he was. A farmer had heard them move through his crops and came to call with a large dog and very nasty looking scythe. Only in the evenings did they move about and even then one of them took to keep watch while the other slept.

It was a wretched night when the two finally arrived. The moon was full, the sky was clear, and the stars brightly twinkled. Chinig decided that the Inn would be the best place to discover their quarry so he led Dagn under the bridge and up behind the Inn at its left corner. Chinig had managed to procure a unattended pouch of Longbottom Leaf and set them to rub it about their makeshift robes. Hopefully, the strong scent will confuse the dogs. Several hobbits sat smoking on the front porch and told jokes to one another. Many more were inside eating, drinking, singing and smoking. In a hushed voice Chinig spoke first.

"Ok Dagn, who be this Hobbin we'ens is a lookin fer?" Dagn grunted and scratched his head. "Umm, you'd a be gettin his names, not a me's." Chinig snapped a mean look at Dagn. "This a be no times for you games, you tells me the names." Dagn, now a little annoyed replied. "You a bein Ooglog's do gobby not a me's, he tells you the names." Chinig was becoming angry. Though he had a thick skin, the Oolgog crack dug under it. He turned his gaze behind him and focused on Dagn. He pointed his finger and flicked Dagn's nose hard with it. Under a growl he spoke. "You tells names or I getting angries." Dagn now forgot altogether about the hobbits and quickly smacked Chinig's hand away and fumed. "What, you sayings you fergits the names you mush brains?" The insult churned Chinig's stomach, and he too had forgotten all about the hobbits and their mission. He dropped his sap and lept at Dagn. "Why you Warg husker!"

The two brawled upon the grass near the Inn. Chinig freed his left hand and smacked Dagn on the cheek. Dagn yelped and countered the blow with a poke in Chinig's left eye. Their altercation set them to roll about and fling insults even worse then before, "Musk sniffer!", countered by, "Weed grazer!" their hands at each others throats.

[AraCelebEarwen]

*Long enough, this might be it. The cat rubbed it's soft body against the girls legs. There was too much fear in her mind to simply watch any more. In the hope it would be heard, she touched the girls mind with a thought of hope and peace, at least he had listened this time.*

[Arlina]

The girl turned her attention from the window to the cat, not feeling worried and trapped no more. She bent down towards the cat, extending her hand out towards it. "I don't know why you're following me, cat, but you must know that I'm not one you can trust." she says, watching the cat.

[AraCelebEarwen]

*It tilted it's head at her words, an innocent look in it's calm eyes. As their eyes meet the cat let her know a little more. This was no house cat at her feet, it grew slightly in size but stayed fully feline. A deep purr came from the still form.*

[Arlina]

The girl pulled her hand away as the cat grew in size, but didn't feel afraid, but instead, felt peaceful. She couldn't explain it, but she was beginning to like the feeling of being in peace and not to have her guard up all the time. She pulls the bread out of her pocket and nibbles a little on it, sitting all the way on the floor of the kitchen. "What is trust any way?"

[Warrior93]

((can I join))


The boy jumped back in alarm at the cat, AHCHOO! He was allergic to cats, he'd always wanted one but couldn't even touch it.

[AraCelebEarwen]

*It watched her eat and could tell she was relaxing a bit more now. Meoi stood on soft paws and started to pace the small room. Perhaps the girl would want to go out some time, it might be alright now for her to stretch her sore legs a little and get some fresh air. The girl couldn't out-run her now anyway so that was not a problem.*

[AraCelebEarwen]

*The large cat walked out the same door they had come in by, she had had about enough time indoors. It was not hard to push the front door open and soon a fresh breeze blew into the room. Dark shoulders tensed in a crouch, sharp eyes glanced over the meadow, in one swift motion she sprang into the grass. She breathed in the air and stretched out on a cool rock to enjoy the warm sunlight. Time went by. It was almost silent. She could make out the sounds of the birds in the trees and little bugs creeping around in the grass. Suddenly she heard something else. She slid from the rock and laid low to the ground listening... *

[Arlina]

The girl was delighted as she followed the cat outside, almost excited to get away from the inside of that house. She felt slightly nervous outside, close to the forest that she had come from earlier, but for some reason, as long as she stayed close to the cat, she felt safe,like nothing could touch her. She watched the cat for a moment, the walked towards the little garden close to the house, seeing flowers that she'd never seend before. Her eyes grew wide as she witnessed the cat take what looked like a position for listening. "Wh-what is it?"

[AraCelebEarwen]

*As she watched, a shadowed form walked from the edge of the woods. She knew the girl was watching her and did not want to alarm her, but what if this was a threat? Granted, it could be a friend, but they were few and far between. The graceful form walked to the girl and pushed her towards the garden with it's head. A friend could find them, an enemy would wish they had not.*

[Arlina]

The girl didn't know what to do, besides be afraid as a figure emerged from the forest. She felt as though she couldn't move, but felt the cat pushing at her leg and allowed to cat to move her away. She still couldn't figure out why she wanted to trust this cat, something kept telling her to just relax, but in the back of her mind, she still had questions: Who was this cat. Why did she only feel safe around it? Was the thing/person who was following her really gone? What happened to the stranger who had helped her earlier? Was she really safe?

[Wraithguard]

Bordering on unconsiousness after a long walk with little rest, he unwittingly stumbles back to the house of Bombadil, and in the process, into a tree. Forgetting completely about the ring, and everything else for that matter, walked into the garden where he found himself lost in vertigo where he managed to drop his arse onto a rock without hurting himself. Unable to think clearly nonetheless have energy to see or hear, he found himself lying on his back with eyes closed, baking in the warm sunlight.

[yhwh1st]

May I have a go?



She walked in a dream. In a green land of beauty and light. She heard the stream and saw the pebbles, shining like gold on the bottom. Then she felt it. "I'm not alone" she thought. She came out of her dream into a world of yellow and grey. Tiriviel had passed into the realm of Rohan just two days before. She had not, as yet, seen any men. Or another elf for that matter. There was a group of large rocks, not more than 13 meters ahead and to the right. She sensed that that was where the being was watching her from. Suddenly, a warning. She now felt the danger of her vulnerability. A whiz. Tiriviel leapt aside and drew her sword, but too late. She felt a jerk, then her head struck a rock and she knew no more.

[AraCelebEarwen]

*She had pushed the girl around the edge of the house and out of view. Walking slowly back to the garden she found Necornum stretched unconsciousness on the ground. Well well, what do we have here? The large cat walked over, grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled him into the shade of a tree. She watched him for a while to see that he would be alright. If she could, she would have laughed at finding him like this once more.*

[Warrior93]

Need any extra people?
If so:

Roan rambled through the woods, he saw endless amounts of spiders and such. The elf drew his bow and set his sight on another spider. The arrow whizzed but didn't completly kill it, it then sprinted away. He then heard a lound thunk and someone fall to the ground. He sprinted through the trees and saw a young girl. " Who..." Another thunk and everything went blank.

[AraCelebEarwen]

((OOC! If you haven't found it, I would invite any and all new players to go to the ooc -out of caricature- thread here. Thank you. :) ))

[yhwh1st]

When she came to. Tiriviel found herself inside of a tent. The last thing she remembered was resting. Then.....no. Something had happened. She sat up and felt a deep pain in her shoulder. Looking down she saw that it was bandaged. "They must have been aiming for my heart. If I hadn't jumped out of the way....." She didn't let her thoughts go there. Her head was pounding as she felt the bump on the back of her head.

Tiriviel saw movement outside the tent and stood up. Her sword was gone, as well as her knife and bow. The others she could stand to lose. But the sword.....the blade was magical and would cut through nearly anything she willed it to. To lose this sword was a heavy blow indeed. Now she was weaponless among enemies.

"Make the best of what you have. Let them make the first move." As Tiriviel stepped toward the opening someone suddenly came inside. She stood poised to attack when the man said: "You are awake sooner than I expected. My most sincere apologies for attacking you and your friend. Had we known you were elves..... We were ordered to shoot intruders on sight..... These are evil times."

Tiriviel was confused. "My friend?" she asked. Misunderstanding her meaning, the man said: "He is in another tent being tended to. If you will follow me I will return your weapons and take you to him." Not about to object to having her weapons returned, she followed him.

When she walked into a tent she saw an elf sitting on a stool awkwardly trying to bandage his chest. The arrow had struck just above his heart. "He has had a closer call than me!" She thought.

[Warrior93]

Roan looked up, there was the most beautiful elf he had ever seen. " I..I..My..Name is Roan." He could hardly speak. He then had a sharp pain in his chest. " No!" He then got up, he looked around for his sword. " No. My Elven blade, it was given to me by my father before a corsair slew him." The fire in his eyes grew more and more. He then groaned, the arrow wound was opening again. " Well...uh..whats your name?" He smiled and gazed at her, he knew he was deeply, no, madly in love.

[yhwh1st]

"I am Tiriviel. Are you alright? Perhaps I can help you." She said this as she watched blood trickle out from under the bandage. The wound was in an awkward place. It would be difficult, for him, to tie the cloth tight enough to stop the bleeding. "My pack is in my tent and I believe that I may have something that will help your wound to heal much faster. Shall I get it?" Without even waiting for an answer Tiriviel turned and left, in search of her pack.

On the way back to her tent, Tiriviel was in deep thought. "Was this elf following me, I wonder? might he be someone I can trust with my secret? could he help me? or was he a servant of.....no. There was no appearance of evil in his eyes. But...'Trust no one with this secret. Not even your closest friends, for even they can betray you.'" The memory of his words rang in her head. "No. I couldn't chance it even if I could trust him. I must go and find King Éomer as soon as I am able." She winced as she reached for her pack. Tiriviel looked down at her shoulder and saw a tiny bit of blood seep through her own bandage. The wound felt deep. "It is not too bad. I will take care of it later." She quickly covered up the blood, then headed back.

[Warrior93]

Roan was also in deep thought while he followed her to the tent. Could I trust her with my mission? I don't know, ah but those eyes are unresistable. Maybe I better find King Eomer first, he did ask me to come and see him for a mission. His wound was oozing out more and more blood, and the agonizing pain would not stop. " So Triviel, what happened to you?" He wondered what is up with her she had been in a trance-like thing for some time.

[yhwh1st]

"The last thing I remember, before I was shot, I was resting and was suddenly brought out of my rest by the feeling that I was being watched. I felt danger, drew my sword and lept, then I woke up here."
She washed his wound with water and a healing oil that had been given to her before this journey. As she bandaged Roan's wound Tiriviel began to feel a discomforting sense of urgency. "I must be on my way as quickly as possible. Something does not feel right here." The welt on her head was making her a little dizzy, but she felt certain that she was well enough to make it to Edoras. "But will I make it there before something happens?"