Fight for Mirkwood and Middle Earth

[whiterider]

Then we must not waste any more time here ,let us hurry ,the further we have travelled by night fall the better

[Eogthea]

Eogthea raises her eyebrow and urges her horse faster at the mention of an evil elf from Mirkwood.

[HLGStrider]

Elgee rides along on her cat, whistling as she goes. The cat eyes the pony suspiciously, as they are on eye level with each other.

[Arathin]

Arathin rides on, leading them farther and farther. As night begins to fall they stop and make a quick supper, then are off again. They ride long into the night, rest for a small part of it and then all day till mid-afternoon and are off again. Always going East and slightly North.

[whiterider]

The horses had came a long distance and were now lathered in sweat ,yet the marvellous creatures carried on relentlessly

[Eogthea]

"Arathin! Don't you think we should pause to rest? We will be in no condition to fight if we have no rest!"

[HLGStrider]

"The elf has a highly vallid point," Elgee weezed. "Arathin, not all of us are conditioned warriors... My cat can take this, but he just might keep going when I fall off his back."

[whiterider]

perhaps resting would be wise.But will we get there in time is the question

[Eogthea]

Do we want to get there in time, or a bit early, only to be killed by the enemy? I think not (poof!)

[Arathin]

(If you'll all notice by reading my post completely, I just gave us the rest of the night and almost a whole day of rest!!!!!!!!)

[whiterider]

Ok Arathin we are sorry :( :D

Now that they were all well rested they could gallop forward at a great speed
at this pace they would soon reach Mirkwood

[Arathin]

Tis fine, just read my whole post carefully next time.:D :rolleyes:

"I hope to reach our destination within a week, but that isn't Mirkwood. Our point of travel is, yes, within Mirkwood, but it isn't truely part of Mirkwood. We must stop at Dol Guldor, to see an old friend of mine."

[Eogthea]

what kind of old friend, pray tell?

[Arathin]

A rather complex friend. He and I have an interesting.... relationship if that is what you want to call it.

[Eogthea]

You are acting suspiciously. I dont like it. Should I kick you for it?

[HLGStrider]

I'll kick her for you if I can then tell her you did it.

[Arathin]

Neither of you can kick me as we're all on horse/cat back. And I am not acting suspictiously. If you knew him, you would be acting the same as I am. But you'll soon see what I mean. We'll be at his home in Dol Guldor tomorrow.

[HLGStrider]

Elgee shivered. She'd only seen Dol Guldor from a distance, and upon seeing it she'd increased the distance. She didn't like dark towers and haunted cities...

[Ciryaher]

Marby munched on a biscuit. "Well," he said between bites, "I shall do whatever it takes to accomplish this Quest, so long as there is food to eat!" He licked his fingers and looked over at the cat, noticing it was watching Darby. Whispering in the pony's ear, the hobbit said, "Easy lad...just ignore it."

[Arathin]

Arathin had the company stop for the night. After dinner, she called them to gather around the fire. This is what she had to say;

"Tonight, I shall tell you all a tale and at the end you must decide if it is real or not. Once, in an age long forgot, Glorfindel of Gondolin was riding through Mirkwood. He was on a secret mission for the king of Gondolin, but he wasn't going to the Elves of Mirkwood. His long and dark trip led him to the front gate of Dol Guldor. At the time, the dark lord was Melkor the Horrible. Well Glorfindel had been sent for unknown reasons to Dol Guldor. The man who ruled Dol Guldor was an Elf, but a Dark Elf. His name was Henulka Mori, Quenyan for Evil-eyed Night, and the name fit him. None but Melkor himself was more cruel hearted. After Glorfindel died for Gondolin, legend states that he was brought back to Arda as Glorfindel of Rivendell, my half-brother. Well since Sauron fell at the end of the Third Age, a man has moved back into Dol Guldor. Tis said to be Henulka Mori back in his home after age upon age unknown. I traveled to Dol Guldor with my brother, Glorfindel, and saw this "Elf" that rules Dol Guldor now. Glorfindel told me that it is indeed the Henulka Mori of Gondolin's time, but I leave that to you to judge. He is still cruel hearted and harsh to all, but upon my last visit he seemed to soften to me for reasons unknown. He has offered me and any who come with me safehaven and shelter and food in case of need, but more importantly he has a vast expance of knowledge in the field of evil. This is why I go to him and not return to my city. I am seaching aid again our new dark *lordess* from him. You maybe believe me or not as you will, but by late tomorrow, we will be at Dol Guldor and upon the threshold of undescribable evil. The hearth of Henulka Mori, evil-eyed night, waits us."

With her tale done, Arathin got up and climbed into a tree as to pass the night undesturbed in rest and thought.

[HLGStrider]

"But can we be sure that he knows? Evil is ever suspicious and distrusts even evil. Evil is also blinding..." Elgee sighed, petting her cat. Badger looked distrustfully at Darby. "Even if this elf is soft to you, will he spare the rest of us? I trust your judgement, Arathin, but in case we are both wrong, perhaps some of us should stay outside the gate, watching and waiting. At the very least they can continue the quest alone if something falls ill with our plans."

Elgee decided yelling up a tree at Arathin was ridiculous and curled up with Badger to rest.

[whiterider]

I believe you Arathin but how can we be sure if all of us are going to be safe in such a persons company

[HLGStrider]

To be sure you'd either have to be much smarter than the guy or too dumb to smell the danger, " Elgee murmured sleepily.

[Arathin]

If I left anyone outside his palace gates, he would kill all with me and hunt the rest of you down. And trust me, he will find you... All of us must enter and all of us will leave. Don't worry, *she yawned* I swear to you all on my life, you will be safe within Henulka Mori's palace walls in Dol Guldor. Now good night!

[Hawk]

OOC: I will be playing Henulka Mori when you reach Dol Guldor, as well as I can

[Arathin]

Arathin woke before the sun the next morning. No one in camp was up yet. She climbed further up in her tree. Over the tops of the forest, she could see the very top of Dol Guldor to the south of them. She had perposely brought them to far east so as to give herself an extra night away from Henulka Mori's dark palace walls. She was loath to return to the place, but something within her pulled her toward the place. Something she couldn't and never would be able to name. She sighed as she climbed back down and started a fire for a quick breakfast before the group set out. As she started the food, everyone was still asleep, and she was lost deep in her thoughts.

[whiterider]

Benjamin ate his brealfast in silence ,his thoughts filled with evil images

[Ciryaher]

Marby had a good share of breakfast when he was aroused by the smell. He doodled on a rough piece of paper as he ate, until he seemed satisfied with his bit of progress and put it away.

"Well!" he said, cheerily, "I say we get this ball rolling, so to speak, and get to this Dol Guldur place and do whatever it is we're supposed to be doing!"

The hobbit ruffled Darby's hair affectionately while he waited for the others.

[HLGStrider]

"Tell Darby to stick close to Badger. They may not like each other much, but they'll protect each other... somewhat."

[Arathin]

"If they don't kill each other first," muttered Arathin as she mounted Gildar. "Come on everyone. We must be at Dol Guldor by nightfall tonight." With that she led the others off at a fair trot. Her thoughts keep straying to two independant emotions at the thought of Dol Guldor. A great, stomach turning loathing and a bitter-sweet longing to see the place and its master again. He was so harsh and yet could be extremely charming, especially after a good, long torture of some innocent (or sometimes guilty) creature that had displeased him. "Be careful not to displease Henulka Mori. He is most unpleasant when you displease him." She commented without thought to her companions.

[whiterider]

They all mounted their horses/ponies/cats and started off on their to Dol Guldur. Are we there yet?:p

[Arathin]

*back hands Ben* Dork!

They ride all day with only one stop for lunch. Marby starts complaining about needing a stop for dinner. "We'll have dinner at Dol Guldor, my fair hobbit friend." As they ride on, soon Dol Guldor is clearly visiable to all. The black spikes rise up high into the sky, striking fear into the hearts of all present, even and especially Arathin. ~I wonder what will happen when we get there? Will he act like he did last time? He was so vulgar and unsecretive. I don't want him to be like that this time, but I think he will be.~ she mediated as they rode through the front gate of Dol Guldor. Henulka Mori was standing at the very top of the stairs, waiting for them.



(no posting for him, please. leave that to hawk. you can post but no dismounting or anything. post about thoughts fears etc, please)

[whiterider]

Benjamin felt his chest tighten with fear ,and every breath was a struggle , this person who stood before then was certainly not one to be taken lightly. However he rode on with his fellow companions taking Arathins word that they would be safe

[Eogthea]

The elf, despite having been off in her own little world for most of the ride, is deeply frighted by the sight of Dol Guldor. She wonders why Arathin has led them to such a place.

[Arathin]

(Hawk is on a randomly sprung overnight thing. He'll be back on Sunday nightish. I'll post for him til then.)


Arathin slowly swung her leg over the back of her horse and dismounted. She patted Gildor's neck and handed his reins to one of the servants waiting for their horses. "Dismount and give them your horses." She muttered to her companions. Henulka Mori hadn't moved. He was still standing atop the stairs watching them carefully, watching their every move. "Don't do anything suspicious, anyone. He doesn't trust many people." Arathin started up the stairs and made her way up to where Henulka Mori stood. She assumed everyone was behind her. She came to stand before him and bowed. Standing, she mumered to him. "Long ago you promised me safehaven here." He merely nodded. "I have come to ask it of you. My land of Mirkwood is under attack by a new dark lord, I need your help finding information about her. Will you allow me and my companions to stay here while I try to find out about her?" His eyes glinted at the mention of the new dark lord, and he chuckled.

[whiterider]

That chuckle sent shivers down benjamins spine and he felt there was something far more sinister at hand

[HLGStrider]

Arathin hadn't said anything about giving over cats, so Elgee clung to Badger. He swished his tail and remained placid... Elgee tried to do the same, but was hampered by the lack of a tail...

[Arathin]

Henulka Mori grinned as he casted his gaze over Arathin's companions. "Of course, you may have safehaven here, my dear Krista. You're companions may stay as well." He spoke over Arathin's head. "I grant all those traveling with my dear Arathin here safehaven within my halls, but be warned. Leaving the palace without my consent will be the last and most foolish thing you do." His eyes glinted and he chuckled again. Taking Arathin's arm, he led the companions to the dinning hall. "I am sure you're all very hungry. Don't worry. The food isn't posioned. I use less.... suptle ways of killing..." He chuckled as the food was brought out. A lavish feast. Full of only the best in foods and wines and ales to satisfy even the most picky of Hobbits.

[HLGStrider]

Elgee latched on to a plate of very red roast beef and devoured a few slices, carefully slipping pieces under the table to Badger...
"Now you, I worry about Badger," she frowned. "If you don't stay inside I won't be responsible for it."

[Arathin]

Arathin leaned over to Elgee. "Don't worry. I am sure that Badger is smart enough to stay inside. I bet if you just shut your door at night, he'll be fine." She straightened up as she noticed Henulka Mori watching her. She started eating a plate of rice and vegitables, sliding side glances at him as she did.

[HLGStrider]

Elgee stroked Badgers ears and turned down the wine. She needed a clear head for this.

[Hawk]

Henulka Mori spends the meal observing the group of travelers most of all Arathin. He has been wondering what had happend since she had last been to his place many years ago. He also wondered how all these other travelers had gotten involved in her quest. And what their motives where. He could tell that many of them seemed nervious, as well they should be. Noticing that Elgee declines the wine he asks, "Not thristy? I have already asured that the meal is not posioned neither is the wine." The meal continuse witout incedent. When he belives that eveyone has had thier fill he stands and walks towards Arathin's chair. Holding out his hand to help her up he address Arathin and the rest of the group. "You have had a long ride and if you wish I will have my servents escort you to your rooms, or if you wish we could go to my study and discuse recent events"

[Arathin]

Arathin accepts Henulka Mori's hand and stands up. "Well I am sure my friends are very tired. Why don't your servant show them to their quarters and we two can catch up on the years that have past. Also I can tell you more about my quest." Servants show everyone to their rooms and Henulka Mori leads Arathin to his private study. There she tells him of her quest and asks his help.

[Hawk]

Henulka Mori listens to what Arathin has to say. After hearing of everything that has been happening to her recently he walks over to her looks deeply into her eyes and promises all that he has is at her disposal.

[whiterider]

Benjamin and the others wait nervously for Arathin to return

[Arathin]

Arathin was so over joyed that Henulka Mori would help her, that she threw her arms around his neck and thanked him many times. The two then came out to where the others were. "We have all had a long ride. We should rest now. Remember do not leave the castle." Servants lead all the members of the party to seprate rooms. Arathin is led by Henulka Mori himself to the guest room besides his.

[Ciryaher]

Marby fetched a bit of charcoal and a piece of rough paper out of his pack and pulled a footrest up to the nearest end-table. He hadn't much mind for the discussions of the others, and he instead sketched the gates and tower of Dol Guldur.

Suddenly remembering his pipe, he took it out and held it in his hand. Smiling appreciatively, he lit it and put it in his mouth as he once more worked on his drawing.

[HLGStrider]

Her guard slightly lowered. Elgee drank a little wine and passed out an hour later...

[Arathin]

Arathin brought Elgee to her room, making sure Badger was in with her, before shutting Elgee's door for the night. As she came back into the room, she saw that everyone had gone to their rooms and probably sleep besides Marby. Coming over she caught sight of the picture. "That is very good, Marby. Very accurate, but you really should get some sleep now." Marby mumbled something and went to his room. Arathin streched and went to her room. Henulka Mori was waiting outside his door. "You're up late, Arathin." "Yes. I was just making sure everyone was in their rooms before I came to mine." "Indeed, very noble of you. Good night, Arathin. Sleep well." He moved closer, but, thinking better of it perhaps, turned and disappeared into his room. Arathin went into her room and fell asleep. None of the companions noticed in their sleep, a dark figure outside eachone's window in turn. Watching them, making sure each was in their room. None but Badger. Soon dawn rose above the forest and struck down upon Dol Guldor, making it seem almost beautiful, had anyone been outside, and at a distance, to watch. Everyone made their way to the dinning room in hopes of some breakfast, but none was to be found. Also Ben noticed that Arathin and Henulka Mori weren't in the dinning room either. Maybe she is still in her room, he thought, but still where is this Henulka Mori then?

[HLGStrider]

Badger was acting strangely, the hair on his back standing on end everytime anyone moved. Elgee tried to calm him and he almost bit her hand off... She stared.
"Something isn't right... the sooner we leave the better."

[Hawk]

OOC: *Sees tumbleweed past by* Is anyone there??!!??!!??

[HLGStrider]

OOC: I'm here,but I don't know where everyone else is...

[Arathin]

OOC: Will everyone still on here please post, so I know if this is just dead or not?