RP 35A: Hope?

[Snaga]

Turin Turambar fell in the First Age
On the sword of Eol. Its told he fell for
Glaurung's cage of words his soul
Ensnared with eyes of dread that stared
And into him bored, and telling him lies
That were not bared, as climbing the gorge
Up darkling sides, to come he dared
To Nargothrond's gate. And there he slew
Lo Morgoth's worm, yet he swooned and Fate
Led Niniel there too, and seeing there Turin
And thinking him dead, she cast herself
From top of the cliff. Yet Turambar was fed
On such lies himself he refused the belief
Of his loved ones end. So he fell upon Brandir
And with Gurthang's swing and swift came his end.
And yet coming near, elves of grey Thingol king
Made suddenly clear that his act was unjust
And so then despairing, a voice did he hear
That spoke of lust to take life beyond wearing
Twas the black sword, of steel dark and callous
A cold voice calling, for the soul of its lord
Life ended with malice, Turin threw himself falling
Down upon its sharp blade. Sword and its master
Were encased in the mound, ill will in steel laid
Lest more disaster befall - should it be found.

[Snaga]

Welcome to Book 2 of RPG 35.

This thread is for the actions of the good guys to post be posted on. This is going to be a great story, and I hope you want to join in.

If your character is more the absolute badass variety, you should try the 'Despair!' thread, where you will be more than welcome.

As with the other thread, please PM me, before joining! I am keen to get everyone into the story that wants to be there, but its important I understand where your character is coming from etc.!

Have fun!:)

[Snaga]

August 15

In the Great River Inn, on the Great East Road, in the Vale of Anduin, the wandering minstrel finished the song and opened her eyes. Swaying slightly, she seemed slightly dazed. 'Turin Turambar? I never knew that tale set to verses.' she mumbled to herself. 'Where did those words come from, unbidden to my mind...?'

She looked round the inn to see who was there...

[EverEve]

Eve had just settled down to her pint, when she saw a stranger walk in, mumbling to herself. With a sigh she stood up, and decided to offer a pint to the stranger. "Come, and talk. I'll buy you a pint, it seems that you could use it."

[Snaga]

'Thank you friend' said the minstrel smiling wanly. 'You are kind. I feel so...' Almost falling, she managed to lower herself into a chair.

'It's not right is it?' she said quickly. She looked up from under her dark hair as the barkeeper brought over her the pint, and flashed him another smile of thanks, an echo of the fair looks of days past.

'This is nice. What's your name? Did you hear my song? Its cold today for August. Well its not really my song at all. At least I can trust you. I think the cold has killed the bees, don't you? Call me... call me Lark.' Perspiration gleamed on her brow, and the pint shook as she weakly lifted it. 'Its nice and quiet in here, don't you think. I like the quiet. Hello. Eve, that's a nice name. I wish there were more people in here, a minstrel can't make enough to live when the roads are so quiet. Did you say your name was Eve? Turin Turambar... how strange... Please help...' Her voice trailed off into murmurs.

[EverEve]

"What is it that you needhelp with? How did you know my name is Eve, I dont remember telling you before? And if there is any doubt in your mind, you can indeed trust me, Lark." Eve lifts up her mug and takes a sip of her pint. She looked into Lark's eyes and saw them swimming with worry, and anxiety.

[Mormegil]

Just then, Mormegil, who had been staying at the Inn for a few days on Ranger business, left his room and walked into the bar.
Seeing his friend Eve in the bar talking to a stranger, he orders himself a drink and sits next to Eve, eyeing the stranger suspiciously.
'Hi Eve, all is well I hope'.

Mormegil looks at the stranger.
'You look weary my friend, have you travelled far?'
'What brings you to this part of Middle-Earth?'

Mormegil's drink arrives and he takes a long sip.

[Afterglow]

It's a Yellow Wizard Reunion!!

Afterglow stops by the Inn because she saw EverEve in the window. "How ya doin?!" She says running up to her. Then notices all the other people. "Hello everyone! I am Afterglow." *Bows*

[EverEve]

"I am not sure if all is well, but i would like you to meet Lark, Mormegil and Afterglow. I am glad to see my fellow Yellow Wizards here, it makes this place seem...uh.... more lively. "

[Kit Baggins]

A bolt of lightning suddenly lights up the doorway, revealing a short, stocky figure wearing a yellow cloak. Kit grins at the other yellow wizards, and Lark. When he sees Lark's expression, his good-natured face fills with concern.
"Are you all right?" he asks her.

[Mormegil]

Mormegil is pleased to see his fellow Yellow Wizard's.
'It is a while since we have been together friends. Now let us hear what troubles Lark'

[EverEve]

"we must be quite a sight. four wizards dressed in varying shades of yellow. but, there are more important matters on hand than what we are wearing. Lark, please, tell us yur story." Eve takes a long gulp of her pint, finishing it up. she cant help but to order anther one. "Waiter, please bring me five pints. *gets strange look from waiter* Please dont give that look, kind sir, not all of them are for me. I would like one for everybody at this table...... Now Lark, would you begin your tale, or would you rather wait for the pint?"

[Valar]

*Valae arrives on Menelus and walks in and spots Mormegil*

"Hello my young ranger friend, how are you enjoying being a ranger"
*Spotting kit and his other friends*
" Greetings everyone"
*Sits down in the cornr with his pipe*

[EverEve]

Hello there Valar! And how are you this cold evening?

[Mormegil]

Mormegil nods at Valar.
'Hello my friend, I am enjoying being a Ranger very much'.

[Valar]

"I am pleased to here it. I am as well as to be expected with all this trouble brewing."

[Snaga]

Larks stares round, disconcerted at the new faces around her. The doors have swung open so many times, a frosty air has crept into the room. The inn-keeper shouts for his son to fetch firewood.

‘Trouble? Where? What’s going on here?’ cries Lark, standing up suddenly, her chair toppling over behind her.

‘You! Black Sword? Is it you?’ she stares at Mormegil wildly. ‘Did you put this song in my head? Why must I sing it? Please let me be.’ He notices at once how pale and gaunt she looks.

She looks round at everyone, shivering. ‘You are all wizards. Please make him stop.’ She tries to sit down, but just in time realises her chair has fallen, and nearly loses her balance. ‘Its so warm now, isn’t it?’ She shrugs out of her cloak and lets it fall, and stands shakily.

‘Wizards! Perhaps I won’t need to go to Rhosgobel now. I don’t know if I could go that far, now I’ve so little food. Especially since...since...’ She trails off, the shadow of a memory passes across her face. Unsteadily she leans forward to reach for her pint. She lifts it barely an inch, before it slips through her grasp, and bangs on the table and foams slightly. She shakes even more, and her eyes struggling to focus. She sways again, and her knees start to crumple beneath her…

[Valar]

*Valar rushes foward and lifts Lark of her feet. She is falling in and out of concineces. He slowly carries the maiden upstares into room above and lies her in a bed. As he looked down on her he could see a shadow pass over her eyes and she broke into a cold sweat.*
"Evereve could you fetch me some hot water and some fresh food, this young lady is in need of care"
* After Larks was taken care she fell into an uneasy sleep and valar sat in the corner by the window with his pipe. Outside a storm started to rage*
He says to himself
"So it begins"

[EverEve]

Eve, who had been standing just outside with the water and food, walked into the room. "What begins Valar? Is there something we should know?" Sitting the water and food on a table next to Lark, she looks at Valar with a quisitive look in her eyes. "What is wrong with Lark? Can I help her Valar?" The quisitiveness slowly tturned to concern and worry. Eve went out and retrieved Valar and her drinks and settled down next to Larks bed.

[Snaga]

The inn-keeper bustles in with some warm broth, and soft bread. 'Is she alright 'n' everything, like?' he asked, worried. 'When she arrived she didn't look too good to me. But she said she wanted to sing, although I said there's no money to spare for minstrels 'n' such. Not in these days, with the Old Road being so quiet. I'm hard put to it as it is, and I can't deny I'm pleased to have so many guests all of a sudden. And it'll be worse when winter comes. I'll be bound. And that might be tomorrow, the way it feels tonight! I'm sorry I can't treat you to no mead as I'd like, but the Beornings have no honey to spare for that, they say.'

'Still it don't look like she will be going to Rhosgobel like she said, not for a while anyway. I don't like to go so close to the forest myself 'n' all, besides.'

Larks eyes opened for a while, and she struggled to speak. 'But I must, I must. Unless these wizards can tell me why I sing that song, I will find another one. Or... or... you could go and ask him.'

She sips a little soup, then falls asleep soon after. Eve sits by her bed.

A little later, Lark sits bolt upright in bed. Her eyes open, but stare straight ahead. She begins to sing the song again. Its strange melancholy words ring clear with Lark's voice, and can be heard clearly from afar. She finishes her song, and sags. Tears form. 'Not again... I hate that song!'

[Mormegil]

Mormegil feels sad at the thought that he might be the cause of this young maiden's woe.
He sits on the bed next to her, takes her hand in his and says, "My lady, I do not know what it is about me that upsets you so. I will do all I can to help you.... Will you tell me what I can do?"

[Snaga]

Mormegil's eyes deceive him somewhat in his pity, as the other see clearly that Lark is no longer a young maiden!;) A fair maiden indeed upon a time, but now approaching her middle years and gaunt with hunger and fear her beauty is still to be seen but like a memory.

But having rested, Lark begins to feel stronger and less troubled. Smiling at Mormegil, she says gently 'I am sorry. I see it is not you that brings this song to me. I am sure you cannot be to blame: for surely you would know it. But the song is about the black sword of Turin, and does not your name mean Black Sword? I think we were meant to meet... but I don't know why. I'm sorry I thought it might be you...' She sighed. Sitting up more, she says 'Let me have some more of that broth and I will tell you my story.'

After she had finished eating she speaks. 'When did it start?' she mused, for a moment. 'In spring time I suppose. I am from a land west of the mountains. Hollin where the elves used to live lies to the south. It is remote and craggy, and beautiful. I lived there with my husband and my young girl, and we tended a flock. A simple life, hard but good. But wolves came more and more to kill our sheep, until we had few left. And then came the song. Sometimes I see things before they happen, but only unbidden.'

She looked at Valar for a long moment. 'You too are of the dunedain.' she said smiling. Then the smile faded.

'My husband was a good man, but simple and has little lore. But I had heard in my youth of the Brown Wizard in the valley of the Great River, and my heart told me that was where I must go. He would not go, but when the wolves took the last of our flock... We took the pass over the mountains that comes down by the river Gladden. High we climbed, and then at length we could see the great river lying far below us like a silver braid gleaming in the sun. But it seemed to me that a fear lay heavy there too.'

She paused for a moment, and then her face hardened. 'Orcs came at night, and they slew my husband and my daughter. Nimrodel I named her. This would have been her tenth summer. It was the song that led them to us: they heard me sing it. I tell no more of that night, because the pain of it is too raw. Perhaps one day I will sing a song to them.'

Her head drooped. 'I lost all but my horse and a few belongings. I could not go back, so I went forward. I have little food, and no money. I have been lucky perhaps to get this far. But I must see the wizard, or someone who can tell me about my song and who puts it in my head. Is it for good or for evil purpose? I do not know, but only grief has it caused me.'

[YayGollum]

*Truor Tupnm stomps wearily in, sets down his shield punctured with many arrows, sits down at the bar, and orders a drink. After gulping it down, he finally notices the other people who are still in the room.* "Why's everybody so serious?" he asks anybody, then sits with Kit, the only one he knows here.

[Kit Baggins]

"What happened to you?" Kit asks Truor, staring at his friend's shield. Even the young hobbit looks uncharacteristically serious. Then he turns to Lark. "I don't want to cause you any more grief," he says gently, "but I feel sure I know your song, somehow, although I don't know how I could have heard it." He shakes his head, and takes a book bound in red leather out of his pack. The others can read the words emblazoned on the cover: The Red Book of Westmarch. "I know I've heard that song somewhere before." Kit says, as he begins looking through the book.

[YayGollum]

"Oh yeah, I ran into some Orcs a few days back. Luckily, I was able to get away." *he suddenly realizes there's something wrong with Lark* "Hey, what's wrong with her? I hate that tune, can't you get her to stop?" OOC: Kit, were you saying I was a hobbit? No, I'm a Beorning, cuz they're cool. Also, I'm assuming Lark is a girl, cuz it sounds like a girl's name.

[Kit Baggins]

(OOC: No, I'm saying *I'm* a hobbit :p !)

(OOC: Yes Lark is a woman)

[Valar]

*Valar looks over a Yaygollum*
"Orcs they are the least of our worries"
*Larks starts to shiver and shake in her uneasy sleep*
"Good in-keeper" *Valar crys* "Would you be so kind to fetch us some more wood for the fire.
This is strange, it is much to cold for this time of year, on my travels i have seen snow on the misty mountains till as far south as the gladden river, tis only August and the leaves are falling. *
"Mormegil you are a fellow ranger, have you noticed any of these fell beast about? A shadow is forming in my mind, i have noticed the shadow forming on the nothern vale of the anduin even if know one else has"
*Valar continues to stare out of the window, sometimes mutterine to himself* " Rhosgobel..........shadow......"

[Snaga]

'Orcs?' the barman says alarmed. 'Not too close I hope? They don't usually come this far from the mountains or the forest, although they did in the old days or so they say. It wasn't so far from here that one of the great kings of old was set upon and all his company killed by orcs. Or so they say, not that I'd know. We don't want days like that again. There was no inn here in them times of course. You do hear tell of strange beasts out of Mirkwood, black and unnatural. Tree serpents, black squirrels, of course there's tell of huge spiders there as well, and who knows what else? People getting killed too: Beorl and his family got set upon not so long ago. I hope you don't mean to let her, Mrs Lark I mean, go that way on herself to see that wizard or aught. Shouldn't go at all in her state I'd say. What are your plans, if you don't mind me asking?'

(ooc - I've decided to put dates against posts on each thread so we know where we are:))

[Mormegil]

Mormegil looks at the Barman and says,
"We will certainly not let this maiden travel alone anymore. She needs company and protection. I at least will defend her with my life and help her to find the evil that has caused this woe upon her."

Mormegil says to Valar
"I know nothing of a shadow growing in the northern vale of Anduin. For I have spent most of my time as a Ranger wandering the lands of Enedwaith, south of Eriador. I have only recently come to these parts on a secret mission concerning my kin in the White Mountains."

[YayGollum]

"I'll help you out, just as long as you can try to stop her singing! She doesn't like it either. I have heard nothing from the birds about this threat. Are you sure, Valar?" *Truor ignores the innkeeper and asks for another drink.* "I say we should wait a day, to rest up for the journey."

[EverEve]

"I agree with Trour. None of us are in good condition to travel tonite. I say we begin tomorrow morning." Leaning over to speak with Lark she said "Lark, I will help you. I will help you find who you need, and, as Mormegil said, I will defend you, even if it were to mean my death."

[Snaga]

'Thank you my friends, that means so much to me.' With that she bids them goodnight, and falls back into sleep.

The companions stay up and talk for many hours, enjoying the Inn's fine hospitality. Kit continues to search through the Red Book.

August 16

The day breaks, a grey and drizzly dawn over the valley. The inn-keeper is up early, bustling and busy. Everyone else sleeps late.

Lark is up last of all, but feels stronger and refreshed. To Valar and Eve she still looks pale and drawn, and they are worried about her. But her spirits seem good.

'You know, I haven't sung the song for many hours. Perhaps since I have help now, its purpose is served? Still, we must go to see Radagast. When shall we go?'

[Mormegil]

Mormegil looks at his companions and begins to tell them of a strange dream he had last night...
"I dreampt about a tall tower made of black rock. It was filled with old, dusty books and scrolls. I was looking for something but I couldn't find it... Then the scene changed and I was looking at an ancient port on a treeless coast, with tall ships out to sea ... Then I saw fire in cold mountains."

Mormegil looks shaken by his dream, he wonders what it means.
"Does anyone have any idea what it means?" he asks.

[YayGollum]

"I have no idea what your dream means, Mormegil, but if we are heading for Radagast, let's go!" Truor gives the innkeeper some honey, since he seemed to want some.

[Snaga]

'Thank you. You are very kind! So you're going now are you?' asked the inn-keeper, doubtfully. 'Well be careful! And look after her, she still isn't as strong as she might be if want my advice.'

'Well I'm not staying here!' Lark said hotly. Then seeing the inn-keepers face she added 'No! Not that that its not nice here. Its lovely, and you've been a true help! But I must find some answers. I'm not being left behind!'

She looks around, to see everyone preparing, except Kit who still has his nose in a book.

[Valar]

*Valar looks at lark*
"You are indeed very stout and stubborn, maybe that will help you"
*To everyone else*
"Then let us go, take only what you can carry, we are in need of haste so we will wait for know one."
*Valar tightens his belt and shoulders his pack*

[Kit Baggins]

"What?" Kit asks, suddenly looking up. "We're leaving?!" He lets out a squawk of surprise. "But I haven't packed!" He tidies the book and his other belongings into his pack, wraps his cloak around his shoulders, picks up his sword and turns to face the others. "Let's go." Kit says.

[EverEve]

Eve picks up her small pack, filled only with food and water (genorously provided by the inn keeper), and Vulcan. "Lark do you have a horse?" *calls for her grey stallion, Windrider* Windrider comes from out of nowhere, and appears at Eve's side. "For I fear you may not be strong enough for this journey if you were to take it on foot."

[Snaga]

'That's a beautiful horse, Eve!' says Lark. 'Let's go and find my horse. His name is Thistles, and he's just my old farm-horse. He's strong and loyal and I love him, but he will never be as fast as Wind Rider I think!' she smiles. She wanders off to get him saying 'He's in the stable, I'm a bit old-fashioned like that!' and chuckling lightheartedly at herself.

[EverEve]

Eve follows Lark to the stable where she sees Thistles. Windrider had decided to follow along to see where they were going and immediatly trotted up to Lark's horse. Turning to Lark, he nuzzled her shoulder affectionatly. Laughing Eve said: "I think Windrider has taken a liking to you and Thistles." Windrider, as if in agreement, blew softly in Eve's hair and neighed loudly.

[Mormegil]

Mormegil follows the others out to the stables, still thinking about his strange dream. It must mean something, but what....

He takes out his black cloak from his bag and puts it on, over his Yellow Wizard cloak. He walks over to his horse, Shadow, and leads him out into the cool outside air.
"Are we off then?" he asks.

[Snaga]

'Yes,' says Lark. 'Let's get going! We need to cross the river, follow the Old Road eastwards, until we reach the edge of Mirkwood. Valar tells me we will hit an old elf-path, that King Orophers people used to use centuries ago. It runs right along by the from great tree-arch where the road enters the forest, and goes north hundreds of miles. Isn't that right Valar?' Valar was quiet today.

'Anyway Truor, you must know these lands too, right? We'll have to lead our horses through the ford. Look how wide the river is already!'

One by one they led their horses through the water. Far upstream, Eve could see the Carrock rising high out of the river. The water was not swift, and the road was hard beneath their feet. It was built by the dwarves years ago. Ahead the land sloped ever upwards. They passed through wide lands of tall grasses, and here and there little copse of small tangled trees. They passed these warily, remembering Truor's encounter with orcs. But although the land felt watchful, they met no enemies. Morning passed into afternoon. And ever the darkness of Mirkwood approached.

Then Eve stopped and looked through her elven eyes. Far off, just near the trees she saw three horses coming from the north. They had no saddle or rider, and they ran with great speed in the grass. They were a sandy brown color, and their leader had a great wild mane. Not tall, but strong and powerful and lithe they looked to her.

They approach sleekly until they are plainly in sight, and then at length they stop, and their leader seems restless. He seems to sniff the air. They walk carefully now looking at the company warily, and bending their course slightly away.

'Aren't they magnificent!' cries Lark. 'I've never seen horses like these before.'

[Snaga]

Ahead by the side of the road, is some long yellow rushlike grass, perhaps four or five feet high, waving in the wind. The horses seem to have gone in that direction.

'Strange...' murmurs Lark.

[YayGollum]

"Those are just some of my father's horses. They are probably going to tell him that strangers are near. If you want, we could stop by and rest again." Truor looks towards where the horses last were and calls out to one in their language. The leader comes back and has a conversation with him. "He says my father is expecting us and that a feast is prepared for us! I was getting hungry anyways."

[Snaga]

'A feast! What are we waiting for? I'm starving!' Lark rubs her stomach gleefully.

[YayGollum]

The friends reach the house of Beorn. They are immediately taken to the feasting hall where they are served by all kinds of animals. They tell Beorn about their jouney thus far and after he talking with Lark, he says that we should get to Radagast after we rest here. Truor is eager for another nightly meeting with the other Beornings after being gone for so long. While he's waiting, he talks with Kit about what she's been doing.

[Snaga]

Lark asks: 'Are you going to see your friends, Truor? Can I come?'

[Afterglow]

Ooc: Sorry I haven't been here everybody. :D

Afterglow, (who had been quiet for some time now), makes a small sound, then blushes. "Uhm...sorry about that." she says. Lark looks at her curiously. "I sorta-kinda have this thing where if there's evil...or dark presence...I can feel it." She turns to Mormegil. "And your dream has been bothering me also, for a fire in the cold mountains I have seen in my dreams also...and a black tower. But I can not figure it out; it's like there is something blocking me." Afterglow shivers slightly, despite the comfortable surroundings. "I hear your song too, Lark. I can not seem to get it out." Suddenly the company can see Afterglow's breath in front of her. Her eyes flick upward. "We should go soon."

[Snaga]

They realise the feasting hall is cold, as the door is wide open. Beorn stands in the doorway, silently. He takes two steps forward. Something is wrong. Mormegil and Valar leap to their feet. His face is rent and gashed. Blood runs down his face, his beard is heavy with it.

'Father!' cries Truor. 'What has happened?'

They hear scratching noises at the windows. Geese yammer, the dogs start barking wildly.

'What is happening?' whispers Lark, terror in her eyes.

Beorn crashes forward onto the floor, not moving. 'No!' Truor leaps forward to him, Afterglow by his side. The scratching grows louder, like hundreds of scraping claws.

'Everyone stay back! Truor, Afterglow! Don't...' Kit draws his sword slowly, eyes staring.

Suddenly in through the door rush a dozen small dark creatures. Black and hairless, perhaps a foot in length from head to the end of their long tails, they come in leaps and bounds. With vicious sharp teeth and savage claws, they leap onto Afterglow and Truor before they can react.

Lark screams.

Eve jumps to her feet, sweeping out Vulcan with a flash of light.

At that moment the windows shatter, and dozens more come from every angle, like a wave of tearing fury....

(ooc don't worry this is not THE Beorn, but a descendent!)

[Mormegil]

Mormegil immediately draws his sword and quickly kills 3 of the small dark creatures.

But pretty soon the room is swarming with the dark vermin. Mormegil and Valar drag Afterglow and Truor free of the creatures on top of them.

Mormegil cries out to his friends ,"Flee!, Flee!, we cannot win. There are too many of them."
He makes his way to the door. His intention is to keep the door free so that his friends may escape.

[EverEve]

Eve struggles to the door to help Mormegil. She raises Vulcan, but also brings forth her staff, in a sudden blast of light, dozens of the vermin are fried by a huge shaft of lightning. Gasping, she says: "Afterglow, Mormegil, or Kit, one of ya'll help me! It will have more effect if more than one of us does it at the same time."

A pack of the evil vermin bound over to Eve and she slices them with Vulcan, not wanting to use to much power and waste her energy. Although Vulcan is covered with grey blood, it is also glowing white with the power and fury of battle.

Afterglow, raises her staff and also lets forth a blast of energy, killing all evil things surronding her.

[Afterglow]

Afterglow raises her staff and with EverEve's help they make a wall of electricity, blockading them from the enemy for a short while. "All right, here we go, don't worry." Afterglow says, motioning for the companions to leave. Afterglow winces from a bite she received on her arm from one of the evil creatures.

[EverEve]

Eve looks at the bite mark on Afterglow's arm, and notices that it looks like some sort of symbol

"AG, this is taking so much energy, we wont be able to keep it up much longer. Windrider and your horse are outside, I can hear them. Its time to run." At that they pushed the wall forward and the creatures hit the wall. While the creatures were stunned, Eve and AG ran out the door.

[Snaga]

(ooc Hey Eve - where ya goin'?? - everyone else is still inside I thought!!:D)

Dismayed by the power of the wizards, and the ferocity of the defense the creatures fall back and then turn tail and run. Outside, the horses are snorting and rearing up in alarm in the paddock. Eve and Afterglow see the black shapes bound off and into the trees of Mirkwood, not far away. But from they can be seen circling, dangling from branches, streaking up and down tree trunks at great speed.

Lark comes out shaking, blood running from a gash down her arm. 'I think we should go. This place is not safe. Can we find Rhosgobel in the dark?' She struggles to regain her composure. Then a thought crosses her face, and she cries: 'Beorn! What about Beorn?'

She rushes back in. Dozens of small black bodies lie dead in the wreckage of the hall. They are like dark squirrels, bald, foul and distorted. Their claws and teeth are savage, and even in death their eyes look cruel and hungry.

Gently she turns the body of Beorn over.

[EverEve]

ooc: i'll change that. but i thought ya'll had left. dont ask, ive got problems:D

[Kit Baggins]

"What are those things?" Kit whispers, horrified. He stands there, staring at the creatures, his sword still drawn.

[Valar]

*Valar is standing outside*
"We must leave soon, i can get us there in the dark but we must make haste"
*He walk inside to collect his pack, but see's beorn on the floor*
"My friend......"
*He ruses to his side*

[EverEve]

walking in through the door she says "Hey you guys, when ar............" she stops in mid-sentence when she sees Beorn's body. "Oh my gosh!!!" She stoops next to Valar and looks at Beorn. "Valar, is he alright? Most likely yet another stupid question."

Vulcan is stilled covered in grey blood, but Eve hastly wipes it off, and stays next to Beorn. "Its not fair Valar, he didnt do anything."

[Snaga]

'He is dead.' Lark says sadly. 'Truor! What a terrible thing! And there is so little time for pity! What can we do? We have no time to bury him yet, but we cannot leave him here for those, those...' She breaks off, tears in her eyes.

'Truor, I'm so sorry. Is there somewhere where he can lie in peace? A cellar or something? We will come back and honour your father. I promise you!'

[EverEve]

Eve stands up, wipes tears from her eyes, and places her hands on Trours shoulder. "I didnt know him well, but I know he was a good person. Will you be alright?" Putting Vulcan away she mutters "Will this world ever be rid of evil, or are we fighting a useless battle that we have no hope of winning?"

[Mormegil]

Mormegil shares in the grief of his companions, but knows that they are in peril.
"My friends, we cannot stay here. Whatever evil has sent these creatures knows that we are here, and will send more evil our way unless we leave right now." he says.

Mormegil points to the body of Beorn on the floor. "Let us leave him in some dignity before we make a move... But hurry!!"

[YayGollum]

Truor gathers all his relatives and asks two of his uncles to burn the body in the traditional Beorning fashion. Truor, with a small army of Beornings comes up to Lark, "We will go to Radagast now. We must hurry, for my father told me that he will be leaving tomorrow to visit the Shire. As soon as we get you there, me and my kindred will track the creatures that escaped. I will rejoin you as soon as my father has been avenged."

[Kit Baggins]

"I'm coming with you." Kit says. He looks up at Truor, his green eyes determined.

[Valar]

*Valar stands in the midst of his grief trying to regain his compsure, to try and lead his friends out of the danger.*
"Truor, i knew for father well, he helped me out many times on my travels, he was a good friend...."
*Valar straps on his pack and quiver and walks to the door*
"We must leave, i can get us there quickly in the dark, i know the way. The innocent dying are allways the first casultys of dark times aproaching, there are worse times ahesad"

[EverEve]

Wiping a final tear, Eve picks up her pack, sword, and staff. "I wish to help you find those creatures Trour, but if you feel that I would be a bother, I will not go." Walking out of the house, she mounts Windrider and waits for the others. Glancing off into the distance, she scans the horizon for some sign of the evil things, but did not see anything.

Valar walks out of the house and Eve walks over to him. "I fear you speak the truth Valar. When the innocent die before they were meant to, it is a sure sign of evil to come."

[Snaga]

August 17

'Yes, we must go!' agrees Lark sadly.

Valar leads them through the dark, and they take the elf path northwards by the eaves of Mirkwood. They peer into the gloom of the forest, ever anxious that more creatures may appear, but they see nothing. The darkness gives way to a cheery summer dawn. But it just seems to mock the events of last night. As it gets lighter they spur their horses on and go as fast as they can. They do not dare to pause, for fear of finding Radagast gone.

Eventually the path forks. North, still many miles off lies the forest gate, and the route east to the old elven realm, and eventually to Lake Town, Valar tells them. But now going back westwards, and down is a narrow path, following the line of the gurgling brook that comes out of the forest. They head this way, and before them now the stream dives down to meadow that opens up below.

Around the meadow they see a hedge of marvellous height of thick rose-bushes of many colours, or purple and red and orange berried firethorn and barberry and cotoneaster. And rising from its midst at intervals great slender trees: purple beeches towering skyward. In the centre of the meadow is an oak tree of vast proportions, defying all belief. Up and up it springs, its trunk thicker than they have ever seen before. Its lower branches were high up, yet thick as the trunks of many a tree that would be counted mighty in other lands. And from those branches are hung great houses of wood, that sway slightly in the breeze. From the door of each hangs a rope ladder that coils down to the ground.

And all about birds dart. The air is filled with their song. Beautiful birds. Electric blue kingfishers that swoop down to the stream. Finches of many colours that fly from branch to branch. Great blue-green peac ocks, strutting on the ground. And many more whose names they do not know. And animals wander there: badgers, foxes, otters and rabbits all tame to the hand of the man clad in brown at the centre of this whirlwind of splendour. To Eve he seems to be a young man laughing, and on his shoulder an owl sat blinking.

Valar leads them down the path to the hedge. Before them the stream suddenly jumps in endless chatter down a deep cleft to pass beneath the thorns. The path becomes steps cut into the slope by its side, and covered in a fine film of spray. They must dismount, for the way is precarious. But as they do so they hear a voice.

'Hello!' says a falcon, that sits on a branch above them. 'Who are you?'

[EverEve]

"Hello," replied Valar. "We have come in search of Radagast."

The rest of the company follows behind, leading their sweaty horses. Even Windrider, the great wild stallion, was wet with sweat, but still prancing and had his ears pricked. Eve looked at Lark, who smiled back. "I think we are getting close to your searches end." Eve whispered to Lark.

[Mormegil]

Mormegil begins to feel uneasy. He senses that something is wrong, they shouldn't be here. He can't quite figure out what exactly is wrong, but keeps alert, looking for any sign of danger.

As the group follow the Falcon towards what they hope will be Radagast's home, they begin to see more and more animals. There are now lots more coloured birds everywhere, squirrels run around in the trees, and pig-like creatures walk around on the ground.

[Snaga]

They go down the steps, Valar leading the way and enter the meadow. It is strangely scented with many beautiful flowers. All animals stop and seem to step aside and form a corridor through the grass to where the brown clad man stands looking at them. The falcon flies overhead and cries piercingly.

'Yes visitors!' says the man. 'Who are you to disturb me, wanderers?' He looks at them all in turn. They can discern little from his eyes, which only adds to Mormegil's sense of unease. Only Eve who from afar thought him young percieves great age in his clear features, and perhaps weariness.

[Snaga]

Lark stepped forward. 'Are you Radagast the Brown? I have come many leagues to find you!'

'Yes, that is my name. Why do you seek me? Be quick, I must leave soon! Come sit here!' Radagast sat down in the long grass, and the others joined him in a circle.

Lark told her tale as best she could, quickly to begin with, then haltingly as she remembered. Of the strange song that haunted her. Of her journey over the Misty Mountains, and the slaying of her husband and daughter. And her travel to the inn at the Old Ford.

'And that's where she met us!' said Kit jumping in.

'Yes!' Eve added. 'We heard her sing this song - from the old days I think!'

'Has it got anything to do with me?' asked Mormegil, worried.

'Why do you ask that?' asked Radagast.

'The black sword. Its a song about a black sword. And that is my name!'

'Let me hear this song!' sighed Radagast, as the sun moved on in the sky.

'Wait!' said Valar. 'What about those creatures. Let Lark finish the story first!'

So Lark told of the attack on Beorn's house last night, and of Beorn's death. 'My family will hunt them down!' said Truor, flatly, staring at the grass. Radagast looked at all their faces, as if trying to read their thoughts. He opened his mouth to say something, and then checked himself for a moment.

'Now let me hear the song!' And Lark sang it to him. The horses scuffed the ground moodily, fretting slightly.

'A strange tale!' said Radagast, standing up at last. 'If you have come all the way to tell me, you have wasted your journey. Beasts and the birds of this land are my province, did you not know? I care little for this song, and the troubles of men. The beasts of Mirkwood must be hungry to attack your father's house Truor. Surely it is no more than that? I will attend to it, when I return. I must make a journey to Arnor. Do not chase them into the forest: you will become lost, lost forever I deem.'

Lark and the others stared at him. 'Is that all you've got to say!' cried Lark. The others looked at each other.

Radagast smiled down at them. 'If more you want I will tell you this, children. Your song does not trouble you now, because it was sent to bring you to each other, not to my home. It is about Turin Turambar, and his black sword. You do not need me to tell you that. It is a translation from the Quenya, a rendering into the Common Tongue. It was brought to your mind therefore by the powers of the West that is lost I guess: for the powers of evil do not sing elven songs. I do not recall clearly the tales of the elves from that age. It is not my province! They say there were two swords of evil made by Eol I think.'

He walked towards the large tree, and sprang swiftly up a rope ladder, into one of the houses. The companions looked at each other. Lark was downcast. 'But what are we to do?'

Radagast came quickly down again, with a small pack. He whistled gently and a horse appeared. He sprang onto its back.

'What are you to go? Go to Isengard! I think I saw lore-books there that would help you. Somehow Saruman had got some writings from the dwarf city of Nogrod I think. They knew Eol the Dark Elf. Making things, weapons, rings of power, all that was the province of Saruman. Yes Isengard! Leave those creatures to me! Goodbye!' Away sprang his horse, through another gap in the hedge at the far end of the field, and away. Following him in sky, singing their farewells were birds in vast numbers. After leaving the meadow he turned northwards it seemed to Valar.

Lark looked at her friends. 'Well. What do you think of that?'

[Valar]

*Looking at the wizard dissaper, he thought of his stange manner, he had met him once before and he had been alot more to the point, but he thought that it must just be in his head*
"Isengard it must be then, i can think of no where else to go. But be on your guard for i have a bad feeling about this whole journey so far."
*Valar mounts Menelus and leads the group to the southbound road*

[YayGollum]

"We know Mirkwood better than he thinks! But then, I was always taught to heed the words of Radagast. I will come with you to Isengard and my brethren will hunt the creatures. It won't be too hard for them. And anyway, I've always wanted to see Isengard."

[EverEve]

Looking out where Radagast had disappeared, she said "I take we are off to see Saruman?"

[Valar]

*Looks over at Eve*
"Seeing as Saruman is long dead then no, but we are going to look at his scrolls"

[Mormegil]

Mormegil looks at his friends.
"I have a bad feeling about this. Remember my dream about a dark tower full of scrolls. It must have been Orthanc. What does my dream mean?"
"I'm not sure if going to Orthanc is a good idea. I got a very creepy vibe off of Radagast, it could be a trap or something."

Mormegil looks at his friends for their reactions.

[Valar]

"I agree my friend, i just said that i felt uneasy about Radagast manner, But i see no other option than to go to Isengard"

[EverEve]

OOC: ummmmmmm......can we just pretend that what I meant *blushes*? sorry! i dont understand these things.......im a lil slow....

ic:
looks over at Morm. "You have a point there. But should we go against the words of Radagast......even though he did seem a little vague..."

Eve walks over to Windrider who was pawing at the ground. She whispers something into his ear and he seems to calm himself a little, though he still looks around, even more alert than usual. As she mounted she said "You silly horse, I see nothing around here that could possibly be bothering you." But even as she said this, a dark feeling began to creep into her heart. Trying to shake the feeling away, she patted Windrider's shoulder, but felt him quiver underneath her hand, with contained energy and nervousness. The feeling began to grow stronger, and she looked to Mormegil who also felt the warning, knowing that something was wrong.

"Mormegil, something is wrong. You have felt it for long, but I am beginning to feel it too."

[Snaga]

'Where is Isengard?' asks Lark. 'Is it far?'

'Many days travel' says Valar, as they leave Rhosgobel. 'We must return to the Old Ford tonight if we can, and then head south on the west bank of the Great River tomorrow. I will lead us away from the river to strike the Glanduin before it becomes a fenland. I hope to cross that river the day after tomorrow. Then we will ride fast south, passing Lorien to the west, and hence to the Wold in Rohan. Then we must cross Rohan to reach Isengard.'

'A very long road,' agrees Mormegil. 'I came the other way from the White Mountains.'

She looks around the meadow, which is now quiet. Only the rope ladders sway gently. The animals have gone. 'Well let's go. There is something about this place that makes me uneasy.'

August 24

The companions have travelled far and fast in the last week. Their horses are weary, as they lead them across the stony bed of the Limlight, not far from Fangorn.

'Surely we must be close to Isengard now!' says Lark. 'You know I can't get out of my head how strange Radagast seemed. So... cold I suppose.'

[YayGollum]

"It's not too far. I've never actually been there, but I can't wait to see the Ents! My father used to wander when he was younger and he told me about them. Hey! Let's not worry about Radagast! He's probably just been under a lot of stress being a wizard in these times. Even though he says he only cares for animals, he'll be watching out for us!" *Truor walks off ahead of the rest, eager to move on and also to be alone to deal with his emotions from his father's death.*

[¤-Elessar-¤]

As the companions travel they suddenly hear a great noise in the distance, which appears to be ten or so grown men trying to sing. The company darts behind a grove of bushes to wait and see who the men are. They see great horses coming around a bend in the road, and atop those horses are men, big men. The horses are from Rohan, but the men are far too large and their accents were...clearly not of Rohan. The horses all came to a stop, save the first one, who's rider was clearly caught up in his song. Now that the others had stopped one could see that their captain was the only one capable of carrying a tune. He stopped suddenly and turned around, one of his men shouted to him. "Heru! Nosse moru mi i piinea taure." The leader turned and shouted back, "Telta!". Suddenly they were aware of men on their hind flank, and on their side flanks also, soon they were inclosed in a bristling square of spears. Another command echoed from the throat of the commander- "rinde!" The square wavered for a second, and then reformed as a perfect circle, and they were trapped.
The captain dismounted and walked between two of the horses, who quickly closed the gap after he was through. The man planted a banner at the edge of the circle, a White Horse running on a field of green.
"You men have been caught hiding from a patrol of Rohan, state your purpose and cause or else you will be taken to Edoras for trial."

[Kit Baggins]

Kit stares at them, fear starting in his round green eyes.
"We- we-" he stammers. Kit turns to the others. "Do something!" he says, terrified.

[¤-Elessar-¤]

*The man laughs at the hobbit
"Kit?!?! ha ha ha, is that you? You look so...different!"

[Mormegil]

Mormegil steps Foreward and says,
"Elessar, did you not recognise Eve and I. Fellow Governors of The Khazad Kingdoms?.....How are you friend? We are on our way to Isengard in order to see the old scrolla and books of Saruman. We need to find information that may help this woman."
Mormegil motions towards Lark.

"I assume that we have leave for passage through Rohan. We hid at first from you because we didn't know who you were. It is wise to be cautious in these dark times."

[¤-Elessar-¤]

Oh, well in that case, It is good that I caught you here. Durring the first war of vengence everything of value was removed from the tower, seeing as Rohan and Gondor became enimies. I do beleive its stores were added to the vaults of Minas-Tirith. And...what do you mean by dark times? There is no war about...or is there trouble unforseen? You know something I do not, no?

[Mithrandir]

OUt of no where a man clad in white appears next to Elessar,"Yes I have heard such rumors myself. Do you know something we do not Mormegil? Hello Elessar, and all here that I know. Perhaps you are in need of a white wizard in your company?......

[Mormegil]

"I have had dreams recently. Of a tall black tower, ships at sea, and of fire in cold mountains. I feel it all around me, trouble is brewing though I know not how or where... Then I met Lark who was recently attacked by Orcs in the mountains. Her family was killed and now she is haunted by a song concerning Turin Turambar, The original Blacksword."

[¤-Elessar-¤]

Elessar looks to the east
"A Black ship? You say?...wait, orcs...in the mountains? Then the rumours are true! Which way? I am part of a patrol sent out, there were rumors from far off that orcs were stirring again in middle earth, we are to make sure that orcs do not invade our precious lands.

[YayGollum]

"Okay, then why don't you go check that out. We'll just continue our journey. Thank you." Truor says stiffly. He keeps staring at them after he notices the discomfort of the horses. *whispering to his companions* "I don't think we should trust these guys. I'm sure those horses have been stolen."

[¤-Elessar-¤]

*Looks at the pitiful man
"I am 1/2 elven, grandson of Feanor. I am General of Westfold of Rohan, and these are Rohan's finest horses, mine to use at my desposal. Speak foul of me again and I shall...well, just dont speak of what you do not know, one of my pet-peives, you know.

[Azog]

Azog walks by and then runs off.

[Afterglow]

*Stares at the creature that just ran by* *blinks* *looks back at the company* "Whoa, everyone slow down." Afterglow says. "Let's not...argue. I think we're all just a bit stressed right now." Afterglow pushes her hair out of her face and subconsciously rubbed the cut on her arm, which as Eve had pointed out earlier, had taken the form of a symbol. Her horse, Arcadia, impatiently stamped. Afterglow patted her gently. "We better go however," She says. "Truor, I do not think you were far from wrong to be nervous, even though the reason is not Elessar. There is something else."

[Mormegil]

Mormegil is wondering where to go. Carrying on to Isengard seems pointless if Saruman's scrolls and books are no longer there. Should they instead travel to Minas Tirith and seek leave to study the books.

Mormegil turns to Truor and says, "Hush yourself. Elessar is trustworthy, you need not be scared of him. Perhaps he and his horsemen will accompany us on our journey."

[Snaga]

Lark looks at the circle of horsemen with concern, and unease. She is worried by Truor's concern, and the hostile reaction of their leader. But she decides to say nothing for the moment.

'What do you think, Valar? I feel quite out of my depth. We have come such a long way to get to Isengard, but if there's nothing there...'

Then she sees Afterglow rubbing her arm. 'Are you alright my dear?' she says, moving over to have a look. That's curious! Its almost like... well I'm not sure. Does that remind you of anything?'

[ooc - PM to join please everyone!:)]

[¤-Elessar-¤]

The man looks impatient
Come on Valar, will you tell these people that I am trustworthy? I mean seriously, as a captain of Rohan I have never seen such...what is the matter with you people, what makes you so jumpy? What arent you telling me?

[Kit Baggins]

Kit smiles at Elessar.
I know you are trustworthy." he says. Kit turns to Truor. "You don't know who this is, do you?" he asks. "This is Elessar II. And he is trustworthy."

[YayGollum]

"Sorry. Probably the elf in him. Never liked them. Hey, why aren't we going after that thing? He'll tell the rest of them where we are!"

[¤-Elessar-¤]

*stares impatiently at the crowd
"Well, what the hell is going on here? If you do not tell me I will have to take you to court, the new laws of Rohan state that the following questions must be answered. Even by you, Valar, which is mainly because you have been gone so long.
*Where you came from?
*Your name?
*What connections you have with me(Lord Eomer)?
*Why you want to enter my land?
*What trouble do you bring ?

These questions must be answered, or else no passage through the lands of Rohan will be granted.

[Valar]

OOC: sorry havn't been here.

*Valar smiles at his old friend*
"Oh course i trust, i trust you with my life my friend. To tell the truth i do not know what is going on here, for many strange events have happend in the last few days. On my way back to rohan from a few ranger missions, i came upon an in and found this young lady. She told me a strange tale, and she requested to be taken to radagast. As a said many strange things have happend, including an incounter of some fell and strange beasts, likes of which i have never seen before. A shadow has been growing in my mind for a while now, and it is growing unusally cold for this time of year. There is great trouble brewing i can sense it.
I am unsure now i which way to turn, for minas tirith is even further now and lark seems to be becoming weak."
*Turning to see the sunrise over rohan*
" I have indeed been away to long.....maybe i should return now, but first a few more things need to be answerd"

[Snaga]

Lark steps forward now, not liking the tone of this man.

'Most of my friends you know, but I am Lark. I have no titles to declare, I am just a simple shepherd's wife of Rhudaur. Truor here is a good man from the land of the Beornings far to the north. And these companions are Kit, Valar, Mormegil, Eve and Afterglow. Together we have travelled from the Vale of Anduin.

'It is but as we have told you. We seek to pass through your land on the way to Isengard, to study the lore-books of the wizard that once dwelt there. We bring no trouble, and seek no favours from you but to travel in peace. Yet troubles have befallen us, and both Truor and I have lost those dearest to us. We hope to understand the doom that lies heavy upon us. But all this is of no concern of yours or your king, and I see these are suspicious times indeed. You must do what is right for your king. But I beg of you: be not another ill that we must suffer!

'Let us pass through Rohan, or let us depart and we will go back North and find another way.'

[Valar]

*Valar holds up his hand to silence lark*
"Lark, it is the law of Rohan for such questions to be asked, and please to not speak to my friend like this. I am forth captin of Rohan and if i was on patrol i would be just as suspicies of such a group."

[Snaga]

Lark is on the point of retorting, but stops herself. She looks angrily at Valar, but then drops her head, her face reddening and says quietly: 'So be it. I will answer any questions you wish to ask.'

[¤-Elessar-¤]

Elessar looked at the woman, who looked much like a small girl, dwarfed by size, stature, and experience. He put out his hand and raised her head. His bright green eyes looked into hers.
"Indeed, from Rhudaur? I have been there often...they are good people, they once joined me in rebellion. And you say that Truor(nods to him with his eyes) is from the land of the Beornings? Well, I grew up somewhere near there, a little more to the north, but along the Anduin I was reared, indeed."
Elessar now looks away from her eyes, he turns to the rest of the group.
"And most of you do know me, and most of you have fought with me. And I will say it again, there is nothing of worth to you in Isengard. The tower of Orthanc in Angrenost is empty, and has been for at least near to a year. In the first war of Vengance its contents were plundered by the army of Gondor, and those precious scrolls you seek were either taken then, or before. For I went there, after the war, seeking methods of punishment for certian enimies of mine, and nothing was there, not even in Saruman's secret compartment, where the necklace of Isidlur, the one that had held the ring, had been kept in the later days of the third age.
Now, you have answered many of the required questions, but one is still left, what trouble do you bring? I know very well that you are persued, I can see constant fear in your eyes. Indeed you are in haste, and I do not wish to hinder you any longer, save to ask you what risk you, and my people here, are under.

[EverEve]

OOC: she is? I didnt know that!

Eve, who had been standing quietly finaly spoke. "Hello Ellesar.... and, um.....Ellesar's friends!" (sorry Ellesar, dont know your friends names).

[Kit Baggins]

Kit glances around.
"I don't know myself what trouble we bring- if we bring trouble at all. And I don't doubt that we do." he adds sadly.

[¤-Elessar-¤]

Elessar turned from his dark thoughts at the sound of Evereve's voice.
"Hullo Evereve, how go the Iron hills? I have a feeling that it has been long since you where there, no? And these are not men of Rohan, as you may have noticed. They speak quenyan, they are the decendents of Aragorn and of the relatives of Aragorn. They are those who follow the house of Telkontar, the house of Strider, and only the house of Telkontar, they refuse to follow either Ciryaher or Mike, and they transversed the Misty Mountains when Ciryaher took rule over their homes. They have spent the last twenty or so years living in a state of constant awareness and alert, they are some of the best warriors in Arda, and they are ever so dear to my heart.
And now, back on subject, will no one tell me anything more than that you wish to look at scrolls from Isengard? Surely one would have a very good reason for seeking such hazardous information...

[EverEve]

"Yes Ellesar, it has been a while since I have been at my home, but all is well there...well it was when I left. And Gabil-dum?"

[Valar]

"My friend we wanted to find out more about Turin Turambar and his darksword. A song was impanted in Larks head, and it is Quenya for the story of the dark elf. We needed to know more"
*He looks into Elessars eyes*
"I'm sure we could do with your help my friend, i'm am not sure how far a shall go on this journey, for i might have to leave back to Rohan, will you not come with us."

[YayGollum]

"I guess we'll just stand here talking and forget about that thing that just passed us. Sorry, Elessar, never heard of you. And we won't be giving your place any trouble if you just let us go. Or come with us. Doesn't matter to me." *Truor keeps looking in the direction of Azog*

[¤-Elessar-¤]

*Elessar starts at the information
Well, I can tell you this; A necromancer, Lorien of Angmar. He saved the sword and kept it secret through long days. And, as for Turambar I know little, upon my journies in the west I visited his grave, and I saw his bones, and I saw where the sword had been dug up from, and that is all that I know.

[Snaga]

Lark smiles at this, and then giggles a little. 'Do you mind if I ask how old you are, young man?' she says. 'I fear a charlatan has decieved you. For all of us know that Turin was buried in the land that once was, Beleriand, and that this was sunk beneath the sea by the Lords of the West, many ages ago. How could you have seen his grave, pray?'

[Mormegil]

Mormegil whispers into Lark's ear so that she will not feel so embarrassed,
"My dear, The site of the burial place of Turin Turambar and Morwen, his mother, escaped the drowning of Beleriand. It stands now as an island, named Tol-Morwen, in the seas off of the coast of Middle Earth."

Mormegil faces Elessar and asks him,
"Elessar, do we have leave to enter Rohan or not? We are friendly and mean no harm. We would like to continue with our journey, which you may join us on if you wish."

[¤-Elessar-¤]

*Looks at lark, walks over to his saddle bag, and pulls out a book, it is written in pure quenyan and its title reads "The Story of the Valar, the Silmarils, and Morgoth" in the corner is a small signature, the imprint of Maglor. "The author of this book has another title in my life, he was my father, though I have never seen him. This book tells of Turin, better and more descriptive than any story I have yet been told. I found this while sailing in the west, in a box that had many things of great worth. And if you are so intent upon knowing, I am twenty one years old. But do not mistake my years to be equal to those of a farmwife, I have traveled the extent of this world, the first man I ever killed was on the Eastern Shore, and for love did he die. I have seen many places that none alive have seen. I have captured and nurtured the spirit of Gothmog, and turned him back to the light of Manwe. I have transversed the anceint steps of Gondolin, and came to the fountain where he was locked in eternal conflict and battle with Ecthelion, greatest elven warrior of old. I have seen the anceint sanctuary of Ilutivar upon the mountain of Numenore. Do not speak to me in such a harsh tone, madame. I have fought battles against men four times my age, I have alone challenged the might of the Nations in Exile, and your lack of respect for those worthy of it is appaling.
*Elessar seems to be on the verge of exploding, then a fair faced man dismounts and comes to him, he grabs Elessar's raised hand and lowers it, he takes Elessar over to the side and tries to calm him.

[Snaga]

'I am sorry I entered your land. If you would raise your hand to an unarmed woman, then I am sure I do not want your help. Tell your King of the great peril you have saved his people from, and add that to your heroic tales! Good bye!'

Lark, seething with anger, turned her horse around and rode back north at a gallop.

[YayGollum]

Truor, happy to leave, follows Lark, but still looking in the direction of where Azog went. "Maybe I should just ignore it." he mumbles to himself.

[EverEve]

"Ummmm.....I'll be right back!" Turns Windrider and bounds into a full blown gallop to chase after Lark. In a matter of seconds, she passed Trour and began to pull even with Lark. "Lark, you have to calm down, and wait for me. cant we talk this through or at least wait for the others?"

[¤-Elessar-¤]

*Elessar is now clearly agitated, and sighs
"If you need me I will be in the deep, by the way, if you are going to Angmar you should know that their gates are closed to all save the necromancers, and they will not treat a group of wandering rouges (especially the wizards of the group)kindly.
"Rumma et"
Elessar ran up, jumped onto bill's back, and was off in a flash, hacking a full branch off of a tree in his fury.

[EverEve]

ooc: sorry if i 'agitated' you ellesar:) !!!!

[Snaga]

Lark slows her horse to a walk, but keeps going. Eve can see she is crying, although Lark tries to hide it.

'Why did he want to hit me? What did I do to deserve that? What a horrible man. Noone raises their hand to me.' She draws herself up proudly, and smiles through her tears. A smile of dazzling beauty through the lines that mark years of hard toil, so Eve sees clearly the fair lady of the Kings of Men, that Lark once was in days gone by, by Lake Evendim. 'For am I not too of the dunedain? I may have chosen a simple life, but I am noone's chattel to be hit and man-handled by a stranger on the road!'

She sighs and falls silent for a moment. 'Thank you Eve, you are so kind to listen. It is hard, for everything recalls to mind my husband that I have lost. He was no lord, or doer of mighty deeds. But I saw the dignity that he had, that tended his flock in peace. And never in our years together did he strike me, or raise his voice in anger. I gave him some cause too, at a guess, for I have a temper do I not?' She gives a small grin, though her tears still run. 'Now he is gone, and my beautiful daughter too. How can I go on? I do not know where to find the strength. But I cannot go back, for I see nowhere to return to.

'And more, I see the evil will that we spoke has even come to this land, putting rage into the hearts of Men. You are wise Eve. How do you counsel me?'

[Kit Baggins]

Kit looks confused and unhappy.
"I don't understand." he says. "Why was Elessar so angry? Lark did nothing wrong." Kit gives Lark what he hopes is a reassuring smile, but he too feels as though he's about to cry.

[¤-Elessar-¤]

Elessar arrived at the camp of his small army, he seemed dispondent and his head was not where it should had been. He waved off his captains, going straight to his tent. He came there, throwing his armour in the corner, and sat upon his makeshift bed. He lay there, looking up into the darkness, contemplting in his dark mood. He had been gone from Arathin for near to a week, and was in despirate need of someone to unleash his troubled mind upon. He had relived his entire gruesome life in a few short minutes, and she had laughed at him, how insolent, how unrespectful... the worst part was that she had been so ignorant, had he not seen his own stepfather die of an orcish arrow, even while he had been under the impression he was his real father? Had he not seen his own step brother die at his feet, helping him protect the gates of Rhun, a forien land? Did she not know how he had protested Ciryaher's empire forming, and his marshaling of all of the men of Arnor to his ranks, undoubtably her husband had been among them? How could she say those things, when he had seen the one he thought he was to spend his life with jump into the river, and he knew that drowning was not a normal death. He doubted she had ever seen the pain in the eyes of the dying, and known that she could had saved them. He doubted that she had ever been completely ignored, and shunned by the entire world, unable to come home for fear of what trouble she would bring to those she loved. She may had had everyone in her life die, but had he not also? The worst of all was that she had been of his own kin, the fire of Westernese was feirce in her unknowing eyes. And then suddenly he understood, he knew why they had avoided his questions. He sprang from the cot, rushing outside to see how late it was. By the position of the moon he judged it to be near to 3 in the morning. The guard saw him coming, snapping to attention. He came to them and told them to alert the general, that he was in command until he should return. They didn't ask, but could see a grim excitement in his eyes. He checked Anduril in its sheeth, and jumped upon bill. He vaugley noticed that he had put on no armour, and was wearing no more than his tunic and pants. Then it started to rain, and he cursed under his breath. He rode northeast, trying to find the grove where he had found the small company.

[Valar]

*Valar stayed looking into the night for a while, lost in his own thoughts, but after a while he mounted Menelus and rode after the group. He soon caught up for few could match the speed and grace of his steed.
The group had made camp some 15miles north of the last position and as valar galopped in, kit stood and said, "Who goes there, declare yourself" Kit stood with his sword shakeing in his hand, for valar looked very dangerous with his hood up and cloak around. When he dismounted he looked at the group and said dispondently "Its ok, its me"
*The group looked up at him, a few smiled but most had bowed heads, for not many knew the pride and anger of Elessar. He sat down next to Lark and spoke softly to everone*
"Please do not take offence at Elessars sometimes harsh words, he is my friend and he is greatly troubled at the moment, recently he has been force to move from place to place, and he is very protective of our home land. Though i do not know why he was so worried, for i could take it as an insult if he thought i would lead danger to Rohan, for i love it dearly, with all my heart......."
*For a while he grew silent*
"Well now we must decide where to turn, where ever you shall go i shall lead you and guide you there. It is really a case of what you all want"

[Snaga]

August 25

Lark looks at Valar for a time, thinking about all she has learnt of him in the days they have spent together.

'Very well, Valar.' she said at last. 'You are right we must decide our path. It seems the choice is to follow the words of Radagast, or the words of Ellessar. Who can read this, when both seemed so strange? Or should we follow Mormegil's dream, of the black tower. But I fear to go through Rohan now, and a trial at the hall of the king is a delay I know in my heart we can ill afford.

But how can we come to Minas Tirith or Isengard if not by Rohan?'

Mormegil says: 'I have heard there are hidden paths between the Misty Mountains and Fangorn Forest. So it is said, but few men can have trodden them. If those tales are true, we might come to Isengard from the north. Or we might find ourselves lost in a great trackless forest...'

Kit asks: 'Can we not go by the east bank of the great river?'

They think for a while. Then Valar says: 'It is possible, but we would have to leave our horses to cross the river.'

[Valar]

"Rohan is a peaceful country and it does not want foes entering it. Elessar was weary because he thought there might be something tracking us, but i do not this there is anything yet."
"I am 4th captin of Rohan, and i know King Eomer well, please stay here for a day and rest, i will go talk to my friend and my king. To see what he thinks"
*Without another word, valar mounts his hourse and rides off*

[EverEve]

Eve wanders aimlessly about the camp they had set up, deep in thought. Kit came over and tap her on the shoulder, and she jumped. "Eve, it is your turn to do the watch." Nodding, she grabbed Vulcan and walked to the entrance of the camp. Windrider simply looked up from his grass and looked at her. She looked back at him, and the gray stallion went back to eating. As she stood there, Lark came over to her and stood by her side, still visibly shaken by the events.

[Snaga]

'Can I stay and talk for a while, while you watch Eve?' murmurs Lark softly. 'Did you see Afterglows arm? What did you see? It is a strange mark, but I am not sure what it puts in mind.'

Then she added. 'You can tell me of your lands if you like. Are they far? I begin to realise the vastness of Middle Earth, now I must travel all its miles! Is it a happy country?'

[EverEve]

"Of course Lark. You mean the Iron Hills? *smiles at the thought of her home at the Kazum Kingdoms capital* It is wonderful there. But if you mean the lands of my birth, *her smile falls to a frown* I can not tell you anything, for I was abandoned in Lothlorien at a very young age." Her eyes cloud over with a strange look as she thinks of the parents she never knew. "They left me in the middle of the forest to be raised by strangers Lark........" Shaking her head as she cleared her minds of her thoughts she said "Sorry, here I am rammbling about the past, when we need to be watching the camp." She smiles, but it does not cover the look of sadness in her eyes.

Eve suddenly looked around as she heard a twig snap. With a flash she drew Vulcan, and stood ready for an attack......

[Eomer Dinmention]

As Valar is about to go.
*Eomer appears.

"my friends, I am sorry for this mess. But you are not alloud to enter Rohan anymore. Either is anyone else. Sorry for this."

[Snaga]

[ooc note on this point on the discussion thread]

August 26

The day dawns bright, but chilly. The ground is bejewelled with a slight frost on the grass that is melting.

Valar returns from his meet with King Eomer, who he encountered riding far afield on the north of his Kingdom. Of Elessar he had seen no sign. Eve sheaths her sword with relief as she sees it is Valar returning that she heard.

'My friends' said Valar. 'We must find another route. I am bidden to tell you that Rohan is a closed land, and none may cross its borders. This is a great sadness, for the rolling grasslands of Rohan and the Mearas are a wonder to behold. But we must now choose another path.'

Lark stood up. 'It is as I feared. Thank you for trying Valar. We are stronger for the rest. But which way now? I do not see that we can leave our horses, and cross the river. Mormegil, shall we look for the secret path of which you spoke? I see no other choice.'

The others agreed, quickly for the only other choice was to turn back north. They gathered together their possessions, and travelled back north across the Limlight river in the first hour, and then due west. The route was easy to follow, for the mountains were ever before them and the Forest was ever to their left. But it was not an easy ride. For the land was not flat, but becoming ever hillier as the mountains approached. The lush grass of the wold gave way to heathlands full of fern and bracken. Stream gurgled in narrow gullies leading to sunken bogs bright green and treacherous. Great rocky crags reared up out of the land high to tower above them and block their way. Great gorse bushes barred their way, their flowers bright yellow; or great banks of brambles already covered in berries.

So they were forced to turn this way and that trying to find a path where few men had been in all the ages of the world. Yet the land was wholesome even if it was wild and their spirits were lifted. They stopped to pick berries, and soon fell to laughing at Kits face covered in juice.

Lark smiled happily as it reminded her of the lands she had left behind. 'Hey Kit! Lets sing some songs from the Shire!'

They sang as they rode, for a time forgetting their cares.

Evening came early as the sun sank behind the mountains towering ever higher ahead of them. Mormegil and Valar discussed their route. 'We will have to camp soon.' said Valar. 'Indeed.' agreed Mormegil. 'Tomorrow we will we have to look for this path. I see chalk hills ahead of us. Perhaps we will see more from up high.'

As the shadows lengthened they came saw from the midst of a glade ahead a smoke or steam that seemed to come from the trees ahead. They crept forward carefully and cautiously. Who could be making fires in land such as this?

But as they came walking through the trees they saw a sight of strange beauty such as they had never heard of. The trees opened out, and before them were tall grasses leading to a small pool. And they saw that the pool itself was warm with white steam curling upwards. Blue-grey the waters were, yet turning to pink as the sun set. At the far end the water turned to grey mud, and black rocks rose out of them, here and there stained with brilliant yellow. As they approached, a flock of wild geese started and honking loudly took flight.

'Hey look!' Lark said in an excited tone. 'It's the end of the day, and someone has run us a bath!'

[¤-Elessar-¤]

Elessar had rode long and hard, he had reached the grove, horse tracks and all, and then found where the wandering company had made their camp. It was strange, that he should find such a familiar pair of new boots among the prints, only to have them dissapear. He saw that they had camped long here, longer than they seemed to have time to. He walked, on and on, throughout the rather lengthy camp, until at last he found the sets of tracks leaving, northward tward the Ziruk Khazad. He moaned and went back to Bill, who had been resting, they set off at an easy trot. Some times, upon his easy ride, he could had sworn that he heard sounds, but even his elven eyes and his ranger instincts could not pick out what had done the noise, he became nervous, and began to backtrack, and make false trails, to try and confuse whoever seemed to be following him. All the while he lost time, and the company grew further away from the mouth that had to speak its knowledge.

[YayGollum]

*Truor walks into the trees and immediately throws his shield down in disgust.* "This pace is too slow! We need to heed the words of Radagast, my father's old friend, no matter how strange he may have seemed in his hurry! We could never know everything that is on that great wizard's mind! I still don't trust that Elessar person, no matter how much you do. He thinks he knows everything! He would probably want to be our leader! I would never let him lead me, no matter how many accomplishments he has! Sorry, but that's my opinion." *Truor walks around restlessly* "Do I have to be on watch tonight? I'd really like to explore this place in bear form."

[Mormegil]

Mormegil begins to set up camp.
He is very tired and falls asleep. He dreams again of a tall black tower. Also in his dream he sees a black mist covering the land around him, then there is an explosion and he is falling, falling, falling.....

Mormegil wakes up with a start. He has a look of dread on his face.

[EverEve]

Eve heard Trours words of anger towards her friend. "Trour, please do not speak so ill of my friend. Ellesar is a trustworthy man, even if he has a temper. He has seen things that only some of us can imagine, and I do not think that he would wish to do us harm." Eve stood up and walked towards Trour. "It is your night to do the watch, but if you wish, I will take your place. I have much on my mind, and will not be able to sleep tonight."

[Snaga]

Lark goes for a swim.

Sing hey! for the bath at the close of the day
That washes the weary mud away
A loon is he who will not sing
O! Water hot is a noble thing

Then she sings to Mormegil,

Irmo is dark master of visions and dreams
But gentle Este dwells with him
Here is a place of thinking and forgetting
Come wash your cares away!

'This place should be called Lórellin, in rembrance of their home in Valinor! I feel young again!' she said, splashing water at Eve and Truor.

[EverEve]

Eve began to laugh out of control, and welcomed the ease in tension that the laughter brought. "It feels so good to laugh again. Its been awhile since I have had a reasson too." With tahtshe splashed Lark back, and she let out a shreek. Both of them break down in a fit of laughter.

[¤-Elessar-¤]

*Elessar had ridden hard, and hadn't slept in a few days, he was so close now that he could smell them, he had seen many of their camp sites, had seen places by rivers where their footprints were still in the soft sand, but no human form had he yet found in them. It had been a few hours since he had left the forest, and it was near to dawn, with the sun just breaking the distant mountains. It had been nothing more than flat, rolling plains for a while, and the sameness began to get to him. He didn't notice the fever set in. He didn't notice the sounds anymore, they were part of a monotone of buzzing in his head. He didn't notice the dark horses with dark riders who rode beside and behind him, his eyes were on the path ahead. He didn't notice the heartbreaking cry that had spooked Bill, whom had never before been spooked. He didn't notice Bill buck him to the ground. He didn't notice himself being tied and bound. He didn't notice being carried like a sack of flour over the back of a dark horse. Now though, as he sat in this pitch black cell, it all came rushing back in full force. How could he had gone on, knowing the danger that lurked, how could he had ridden open, when he knew they would find him, and... then a chill swept over his fever stricken body, and his sweat felt ice cold on his fevered brow.

[Tarien]

A Elven Lady seemed appeared in Elessar's mind.
"Seek thine kin, and find thy question." she intoned.
"Question" Elessar asks weakly.
"Thy answer is in thine heart." She dissapears.

[EverEve]

The group got ready for the night, and Eve stood doing the watch. In her heart, she knew something was wrong or Ellesar to act the way he did, but she couldnt figure out what. The shadow in her mind and heart was growing ever stronger, and nothing seemed to stop it. Pacing about the camp, Vulcan's blade remained dark, meaning no evil was very close. Tho only sound was the deep breathing of the sleeping company. Eve continued her watch, and barely noticed when Vulcan's blade began to flicker white around it's edges....

[Snaga]

Eve's companions sleep became more fitful, as their dreams now turned dark, full of evil foes, peril and oncoming slaughter. They turned and stirred uneasily, as if some unseen spirit warned them of impending danger. Then at once all sat bolt upright.

'What's the matter?' said Valar, wide-eyed.

Then arrows whined through the trees. One missed Mormegil by an inch. One punched into Kits pack. He pulled it out: it was short and black.

They could see little in the dead of night. There was no moon. But they heard the shrieking and yammering of many voices: orcs without a doubt. But also a huge roaring and crashing through the trees, coming towards them.

[Valar]

Valar springs up, he unsheaths his sword given to him by morwen, Etendi. His eyes glint with Malice, for even though it was not widely known, Valar had seen his parents tortured and mudered by orcs when he was 15. Rage erupted in his heart, and he looked down and saw his fathers pendant around his neck.
"GET BEHIND ME!!"
*The group run to grab the weapons, but he see's Lark cowering, on the floor as the song floods her head. He thought to himself for a moment, the sheathed his sword, and ran to lark and put her over her shoulder.*
"I shall not be long, i will take her somewhere safe and i will be back, to not give up my friends"
*With that he turned and ran to take the maiden to safety, arrows whistled past his ears*
Meanwhile the group where fighting the on-coming storm.

[EverEve]

Eve raised Vulcan and killed an on-coming orc. Through the rage that a battle caused inside her, a feeling of guilt began to form. With a newly found fury she attacked every orc she could see, knowing that if any of the company died, it would be her fault for not warning them in time. She brought out her staff, and sent a wave of electricity through a group of orcs, and then attacked once more with Vulcan. Fighting her way over to part of the company, she said "I am sorry. It is my fault that we ahd no warning of this."

[Mormegil]

As the Orcs come storming into the camp, Mormegil stands tall, swinging his sword with all his might. 2 oncoming Orcs are beheaded by the swinging sword of darkness.

Mormegil dodges an arrow which flies over his right shoulder, diving to the floor and then jumping up behind another Orc which soon lies dead at his feet.

Mormegil felt rage rising inside him as he continued to dodge attacks from the Orcs surrounding him. He knew that he and his companions were in great danger, but not knowing why or how to stop it.

Mormegil looks across to see four orcs converging on Kit at the same time. He sheaths his sword, and pulls out his two long daggers, the fighting will be hard now with so many Orcs upon them. With a battle-cry he dives at the Orcs near Kit, hacking and slashing with his daggers.

[EverEve]

Eve let out another blast of electricity and many orcs fell. Vulcan's blade was glistening so brightly, that it became hard to look at it. Swinging Vulcan left and right, she beheaded any orc she came across. Everytime they seemed to be getting ahead of the orcs a few more would come in. Eve began to get tired, but she fought on, trying to rid herself of her guilt.

[Snaga]

How many foes were there? They couldn't count them. Only when the flashes of electricity lit up the night sky did they see a circle of leering angry faces, shooting a hale of arrows. But hanging back from the pool, always attacking furthest from its steaming waters.

The bellowing grew louder, something huge was approaching. With a throaty gutteral roar a great hill troll crashed into the glade tearing bushes aside with one hand, and wielding a vast war hammer in the other. It looked around blinking for a moment, then it focussed on Eve.

Down came the hammer in a mighty swing. Eve dived out of the way, and slew an orc that was in front of her as she rolled. She looked round. And up. Down came the hammer again...

[EverEve]

Rolling out of the way once more, she stabbed upward and a gash appeared on the trolls arm. Letting out a horrific yell of pain, the troll aimed at Eve again. Dodging it, she mustered up all of her remaining energy, and sent forth a blast of electricity, but it was not enough. The troll was wounded, but not fatally. With barely enough energy to hold up Vulcan, she feebly slashed at the troll. Vulcan fell from her hand with clang, and Eve fainted.

[Mormegil]

As Mormegil helped Kit finished off the 4 Orcs surrounding him, he turned around to see Eve fighting a huge Troll.
Mormegil watched his friend send a blast of electricity towards the Troll before fainting.
"EVE!! HOLD ON!!" screamed Mormegil as he too sent a ball of electricity at the Troll. The electricity hit the troll just as it was to bring its huge hammer down on Eve's head.

With large bang, Mormegil's projectile hit the Troll in the chest. It dropped it's hammer, and reeling from the two blasts of electricity it had received, it fell backwards. Crushing two orcs that stood behind it. The troll let out a large groan and then fell silent, not moving at all.

Mormegil ran over to Eve and stood above her. Protecting her from the Orcs closing in on her prone body. More and more arrows were flying at them.

Where was Valar when they needed him??

[Kit Baggins]

"Where's Valar when we need him?" Kit yells. He draws his sword and stabs at a nearby Orc, then rushes over to see if Eve is OK.

[EverEve]

Eve drifts in and out of conciousness. At one point she opens her eyes to see Mormegil and Kit standing over her, sheilding her from the orcs. She slowly sat up, and tried to speak. "What's going on? Kit? Mormegil? Where's Lark and Valar?" That small effort seemed to exhaust her, but she was determined to fight. She groped around for Vulcan, and struggled to her feet. She stuck Vulcan's tip in the ground, and leaned on Vulcan's hilt for support. Tears glistened in her eyes, and she said softly "Im so sorry."

[Afterglow]

"oh shush Eve, it's not your fault." Afterglow said, seeming to run out of the brushes. Various small cuts were on her face and her symbolic cut on her arm was glowing. "I still have no idea what that blasted thing is." She said. "After this fight is over I need someone who's good with symbols to look at it." Noticing that Eve is still very faint, Afterglow leans over. "Don't worry about it." She said. "You need to just stay out of trouble right now, since we're being shot at, and you're exhausted." Afterglow slams the bottom of her staff onto the ground and the top ignites with electricity. She sends out bolts of electricity towards the Orcs, and then the company is finally able to see how many of them there are...

[Snaga]

Perhaps fifty remain, but dismayed at the fall of the great troll the orcs seem to fall back, retreating into the woods.

But on runs Valar, carrying Lark. He can hear her, still murmuring the song. A pack of orcs grows ever closer, howling and screaming. Arrows chase Valar's footsteps. Lark is not heavy at first, but the ground is uneven and tangled undergrowth bars his way at every turn. And it is dark, he can barely see. The more he runs the more the fear grows. He knows he must keep going or be caught. How many are there? Should he turn and fight? His breathing becomes more labored. If I run and run, I will be too tired to fight!

He turns to try to see how many chase. But some ill-will defeats him and his feet trip up on a tangled root. He falls sprawling, and his head thumps against a rock.

The orcs close in, surrounding Lark, and the unconscious Valar. One shoots an arrow, which drives into Valar's thigh. How many were there? Lark did not count perhaps twenty. She tried to lift Valar's sword, but it was heavy. 'This is no use, I doubt I could aim a blow with this!'

She sings. She sings such a clear song that the orcs cannot bear it. They cover their ears. She sings. She sings such a pure note, that it pierces the night. Eve, Kit and the others hear it from afar like the most beautiful song of Luthien. They stand enchanted by the sound for a time. Still she sings. She sings and the orcs ears begin to bleed.

[EverEve]

Lark's song strangely gives Eve more and more energy to the point where she had to just let it out and fight. Vulcan's blade glittered white as she swung it again and again killing every orc that came into her line of vision. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Kit and Mormegil fighting and she said "I have to find Lark! If she were with Valar, she wouldnt have had to stop and sing." The sun is beggining to rise. The last of the orcs began to retreat, and Eve mounts Windrider and in the very dim and pale morning light she looks for their trail. When she finally finds it, she is off in a flash. A few minutes later, she comes around the bend, and sees an orc who remains in the last few moments of darkness. Before she has time to react, he shoots an arrow. It hits her in the shoulder, but she keeps going, deciding not to waste time in killing it.

At last, she finds Lark, standing over Valar. Cursing under her breath about being to late, she jumps off Windrider. Before Lark sees it, she pulled the arrow out of her shoulder, and noticed with satisfaction that it point wasnt poisoned. "Are you two ok?"

[Snaga]

August 27

Lark is standing, trembling slightly. 'Did I do that?' she whispers, unbelieving.

Then looking at Eve she says 'Yes I'm fine. Thank goodness you came Eve. Poor Valar. Look! His leg! And his head is bleeding.' She knelt down and felt his neck. 'He's alive though. Just knocked out I think.'

Then she sees blood running down Eve's arm. 'Eve! Are you alright.' She examines the wound carefully.

As she does so, Eve notices something strange in the first light of morning. Lark's face seems smoother, less care-worn. Perhaps younger? Definitely younger: no longer lined, but blooming with vigour, and seeming almost to shine.

[Mormegil]

Mormegil, Kit, Afterglow and Truor arrive after killing the remaining orcs that haven't fled.

Mormegil begins to tend to Valar's wounds. Valar is drifting in and out of consciousness. Murmering incohearant things.

Mormegil says to Eve, "Don't worry. I hacked down the orc that shot you with the arrow."

After making the best job of Valar's wounds that he could do under the circumstances, Mormegil surveys his own wounds. He had a couple of cuts on his arms, a deep gash on his right leg, where he had been caught by a sword, and a gash on his left shoulder.
Mormegil begins to tend to his own wounds, and says to Lark,
"Your song was very powerful, like some kind of magic. The orcs were frightened of it, and it gave us all more courage and power. It was lucky you sang, for we were heavily outnumbered and would surely have fought in vain."

[EverEve]

Looking at her shoulder, she wiped off some of the blood. "Nothing major it will heal. But I wouldnt be here if it werent for Kit and Mormegil. I owe them my life. On a change of topic, I believe we may be a tad short on horses. If the need arises, someone can ride Windrider. He will obey anyone I command him to obey." The blood from her shoulder was still seeping through, and Eve did her best to cover it. "Oh and Mor, thanks for killing that damn orc."

[Snaga]

'Come with me' says Lark. 'Lets bath those wounds in that pool. There seems to be a strange potency to the waters there, don't you think? Did you notice how the orcs stayed clear too?'

They walked back to their camp, with Windrider carrying Valar. And Lark bathed Valar's thigh first, and then covered it with a dressing. Then she bathed his head. The bruise seemed to diminuish slightly, and Valar awoke although he was still dazed and sore.

Next she dressed Eve's shoulder. At once the bleeding stopped, and the pain disappeared. Finally, Afterglow washed her scratched face.

Then they packed their bags again, and got ready to carry on.

[¤-Elessar-¤]

The group set out immediately, ready to leave the foul stench of dying and dead orcs. They came upon a heap of orcs that none could remember slaying, and indeed their curiosity came to them, until at last they found a spot where much grass had been layed down, and two forms had rolled off into a thicket. There they found two forms, as was expected, one was of a troll, its throat sliced and its club laying bloodily by its side. The other was that of a medium sized dwarf, it wore the insigna of the Kingdom of Gabil-Dum, as was quickly found out by Eve. The dwarf was barely hanging on to life, as it had been beaten severely by the club, almost to disfiguration. It hadn't been the dwarf that had killed the troll, but a stray orcish arrow had slain the giant...

[EverEve]

"You come from Ellesar's region, yes?" she asked the dwarf. The dwarf nodded weakly. "Let's get you cleaned up." Supporting the dwarf she took him to a nearby stream, and washes his wounds. Lark comes over with extra bandages and wraps the cuts.

Now that the dwarf was clean and healthier, Eve asked him "Why are you here, if you are of Ellesar's army? Shouldnt you be in Gabil-dum?"

[¤-Elessar-¤]

The dwarf weakly replies
"Oy! Th' army is off, it ha' been fora while now, no work for any'ne save th' patrols. I jus' grabbed some armour 'fore I left.
*Looks down at the battered, shattered, and broken armour
"Oy, look like I'm gonna need some more, gotta chase those damned orcs...the ones from the
*loss of blood mingles with the spent energy on talking, the dwarf begins to get delerious
"east...men...black...fear..."
He passes into unconciousness again

[YayGollum]

Truor, grinning hugely, sits down to pull arrows out of his shield near the people tending to the wounded. "Ah! I had been itching for a fight! Glad I had time to change back to my human form! Never was good at fighting as a bear and I can't fight without my shield." He looks at the wounded as if he just noticed, "Woah! Anything I can do? Never was good at healing though."

[Valar]

*As everyone was listing to the dwarf, Valar was deep in thought, but soon he smiled, he thought to himself " At last she has shown her power, i knew i was not wrong. Maybe soon the others will realise the importance of this"*
*Valar gets gently to his feet, and wistles for Menelus, he pulls out a small bottle from his saddle bag and drinks deeply. He soon feels some of his pain Ebbing away. He walked over to Lark and looked into her eyes, he felt the song in his mind and smiled*
" My friend, when i saw you on the floor the song consuming you, i knew it was coming near to the time where you would realise your strength, but i had to take you away for the song to devolp in your head. I hope i gave enough to clear your thoughts."
*Lark smiled as she thought about what he had done*
"Thankyou, i have allways seen that you have believed in me."
*She looked down at his leg and the bloody bandage*
"Look at what i have done to you, in your attempt to help me find myself, i almost killed you, what if that arrow hit higher, what if you died...*
"Do not worry" Valar interupted
" As long as you are safe now......"
*He stood up and the worry came back to his face, for a while he was forgetting where they was. Looking around at his friends, still weary from battle he sighed for they where not safe here, they most move*
"My friends, i am afraid we must move to a safer spot, we are not far enough from the battle site, and soon it will be crawing with orcs, please let us ride for a few hours, i saw a vale where we might be able to find peace for the night"
*He walks over to Mormegil and clasps his hand in his*
"Thankyou my friend, you helped me know end back there, if i ever have to leave, please lead the Lark on, she is more important than most could imagine"
*Valars Eyes looked glazed with thought, a inner battle in his mind

[Snaga]

'You are right we must go' said Lark, 'but we must help this dwarf, first.'

She takes a flask of water from the pool, and tends his wounds. Soon the bleeding stops, and the dwarf grows stronger, such is the potency of the spring. 'Look!' says Eve suddenly. They turn and notice that the scratches on Afterglows face have healed already. Eve and Valar's wounds are improving already too.

The dwarf tries to talk again, but he is still too weak. They put him on a horse, and leave going carefully.

The undergrowth thins, and the land begins to climb. Soon they are struggling up a smooth escarpment of grass, that leads to the top of a long line of chalk hills, that lie at the feet of the towering Misty Mountains that loom high above them now. As they stand in the cool wind at the top of the hill they look around. The gold of Lorien lies to the north of them, and perhaps they can see also the Dimrill Dale from afar. But to the south is the green-grey shade of Fangorn rolling down from the mountains in the plains of Rohan. On the bare hills, where the grass is short and yellow, Kit shivers and feels exposed, as though all of Middle Earth will be able to see them.

Valar and Mormegil are studying the ground. 'There!' cries Mormegil, spotting tracks leading from the mountains ahead of them. 'This is the way the orcs came last night. We should not stay here: there may be more in an orc-hold in the mountains!' But Valar is looking along the line of the hills running from north to south. 'Do you not see this path, faint though it is on the bare hills? This must be the track that you had heard of. The tracks are old along here, but we should beware! I perceive this is an orc route too!'

Valar does not know it but he is looking at the north end of the path that Saruman's orcs had made years before when going to and fro in the mountains. Many years had passed since the end of Saruman's tyranny at Isengard, but still this route remained. 'Come!' he says. 'Let us follow this path into the Forest!'

And he leads the way along the path. Soon it plunges down to meet the trees. Thin twisted hawthorns and other small trees they meet first, but soon they are walking in dim shade amongst great boughs and trunks. The trees were old, vastly old. So old that even Eve feels young. But all the time they feel as though they were being watched, and the trees seem to whisper in a breeze they cannot feel on their faces. Yet try as he might, Truor sees no ents.

All the time the slope rears up to their right, and the path, scarcely to be seen amongst years fallen leaves and moss, climbs and falls according to the bones of the mountains growing beneath their feet. Here and there they see, from an age ago a tree lying hewn and rotting on the ground, or others still standing with a S-rune carved in crude strokes.

Under the cover of the forest they cover many miles, until in the evening they stop and camp.

[Afterglow]

"Someone come look at this weird thingy on my arm while if you can. It's going crazy on me." Afterglow said looking at the wound on her arm, which wasn't a wound any longer, but just a symbol. "It goes off and glows at times, and it's just really creeping me out." She says as they are setting up camp.

[Mormegil]

Mormegil looks at the symbol on Afterglow's arm. He is sure that he has seen it somewhere before, but can't remember where.

Mormegil's own wounds from the battle with the orcs have healed now, but the wound on his leg will be a scar for life.

The surroundings of the camp are quiet and peaceful. Mormegil feels relaxed for the first time in ages. He lays his cloak upon the ground and goes to sleep. His sleep is untroubled by dreams for the first time in many nights.

[¤-Elessar-¤]

Mormegils slumber passes on, but the rest of the camp is coming closer and closer to an unavoidable uproar. They had been tracked, tall rider