RPG 35C - Where Lies Hope

[Snaga]

Of the Genealogy of the Sindar

The Eldar were divided into those who made the journey to the West, and those who refused the journey. Of those who made the journey, all of the Vanyar and the Noldor came unto Valinor. Yet on that journey the Teleri were ever hindmost, being most in love with the wild woods of Middle Earth, and of the wide lands under stars. For in those days Morgoth troubled not the lands of Middle Earth and all was at peace and joyful to them.

Yet the Valar desired to bring all of the elves unto Valinor, and thus they brought unto the Blessed Realm the lords of the Teleri. Of old the names lords of the Teleri were Olwë, and Elwë, and they came unto the Blessed Realm, in the earliest days and saw for themselves the light of the Trees. And they returned to lead their peoples across the sea.

Yet Elwë tarried in the woods of Doriath and it is told that there he espied Melian the Maia and he loved her. Thus were the Teleri sundered, for Olwë led much of his people into the West, where they dwelt at the harbours of Alqualondë. And of him was sprung Eärwen, wife of Finarfin, and mother of Galadriel, who was later Lady of the Galadhrim.

Yet Elwë remained with a great part of the Teleri, and they lived in the wide lands of Beleriand for many years of bliss. And he is named Elu Thingol, King of Doriath, and his people were the Sindar, the Grey-Elves. And he wed Melian the Maia, and she bore to him but one child, she was Luthien Tinuviel, and she is counted the most beautiful of any born in Middle Earth. And she married Beren, and chose the mortal life to the grief of her father, but from this union came Dior, Thingol's Heir.

Now Dior wed Nimloth, and she was kinswoman of Thingol. For Thingol had a brother who is named Elmo, and who lived in Doriath with his brother but little is told of his deeds. He had two sons and one daughter.

His first son was called Galathil, and he died in the downfall of Doriath at the hands of the sons of Feanor, with his father. From him came two children. One is Nimloth, wife of Dior, and she too fell as Doriath was ruined. But her brother Celeborn escaped, and he was the husband of Galadriel.

His second son was named Eol the dark elf. For he forsook Doriath, not wishing to be confined within its bounds and he made his home in the wood of Nan Elmoth, where no light came. And he was the greatest craftsmen of Beleriand, and trafficked much with the dwarves of the Blue Mountains. It is told that he wed Aredhel, sister of Turgon, and that she bore him a son Maeglin. All three fell in Gondolin, and it is said that their coming to Gondolin at the last caused its ending.

His daughter is named Aelinwen, which means Maiden of the Lake. Of old she was ever with Eol her uncle, until he forsook Doriath. Upon a time she travelled with him unto Belegost, but the dark places of the dwarves were little to her liking. She turned aside and dwelt awhiles by the Lake Helevorn, for its dark and tranquil waters seemed lovely to her eyes. It is said that she gave up this dwelling when Caranthir took up lordship of that land, for in his haughty words she was but a dark elf, of little worth. So it is said she returned to the halls of Menegroth, and there befriended Galadriel. Now Mablung was the Captain of Doriath, and comes into many tales. And he loved Aelinwen, and held her in high honour for her kinship with King Thingol, and she was fair. But ever he journeyed afar and she did not know of his love for her, yet she heard much of his deeds on the marches of Thingol’s realm, and in the great wars. And then when he returned he declared his love and they plighted their troth. She bore unto him but one daughter, and she was called Nenathlin, and she was but a child when the dwarves came unto Doriath. Aelinwen was slain and Mablung too, and Celeborn and Galadriel took Nenathlin into their care.

Much could be said of their journeys, which will not be told here. But after the lands of Beleriand were utterly destroyed, Galadriel chose to remain in the Middle Earth. For a time they dwelt by the Lake Nenuial, and Galadriel gathered to her many of the elves of Beleriand, Sindar and Noldor alike. At a time she resolved to move unto Eregion, but like her mother before her Nenathlin was enchanted by the waters of the lake. And so she resolved to stay, though long did Galadriel and Celeborn counsel her against this. But she was now full-grown and was willful and would brook no argument. Thus she stayed, and lived by the lake for many long years.

But it is said then that there came a Sea Lord of Numenor to the lake one time, and he was foremost among all of the captains, and Ëarthoron was his name. It is told that he saw her on the shores of the lake, alone and fair, and that he married her. From that union was sprung a line of elf-friends that ever allied itself with the Elendili of Numenor, and the realms in exile, but was never itself of Numenor. But the truth of this is not known to the elves, and neither is the fate of Nenathlin.

[Snaga]

Welcome to 'Where Lies Hope', Book 4 of RPG 35.

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

As with the other threads, 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.! If you have been part of 'Hope?' previously I would love you to continue. If you were not, I am more than happy for new people to join. Please PM me, before joining!

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

The other installments may be located as follows:

Book I: Despair (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3195)
Book II: Hope? (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3221)
Book III: The Depths of Despair (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4267)

Newcomers should really try to get to grips with what has gone before as much as possible. The start of Book III contains a synopsis of the first two: that is the best place to start. But also have a look too at the sort of posts that are expected: quality comes before quantity!

Have fun!:)

[Snaga]

Lark spent many days of rest in the gardens of Lothlorien and recovered her strength. And she sat and listened to the tales and songs of the Elves and was glad.

‘Ëarthoron? That means Sea-Eagle does it not?’ she mused.

Elessar, Valar, and Mormegil had much to do and had travelled far, for they each had lands to rule and keep in order. Yet the great peril that loomed across the land could not be set aside, or long ignored. They had judged that Lark would need a month to recover from the poisoned wound from the orc blade, and so after a month they returned to the golden wood.

There they were to take counsel, and to continue wherever the task might take them. Now she sat waiting for their return, upon a high flet in the city of the Galadhrim, and with her were others of her companions from before.

Elessar arrived first, returning from his lands to the north, where people were troubled. Snow had come early in the northern reaches of the vale of Anduin, and the crops had been poor. Fell creatures had been driven back into the depths of Mirkwood, through the bravery of the Beornings, but the Woodmen were troubled and said that they sensed they would soon return. And the land was full of talk of orcs marauding through the land unchecked. He had done what he could to set the defenses, but in his heart he knew he must return to Lothlorien to continue the journey to fully dispel the shadow over the north.

Mormegil and Valar came from the south, and rode together across the Wold, and across the Field of Celebrant unto the borders of Lothlorien. They were glad to return, and wondered which of their companions from before would continue the journey, or indeed if others would come with them on the next stage. Such things would be decided in the great council that was to follow. For now, it was heartening to return to the land of the mallorn trees.

As they led their horses deeper into the woods, Valar suddenly stopped. ‘Mormegil, look there!’ he said quietly, pointing through the trees.

‘I see him too!’ said Mormegil in reply. Before them was a bare knoll of grass, treeless and of little height. And a top it was lying a figure, a man, elven fair, ageless and strangely familiar though they could not place it. And a light seemed to shine about his body, that lay lifeless and naked upon the grass.

And they approached, but were awestruck and dared not put foot upon the hill.

Then the figure rose and stood shining, though they could hardly look, and he spoke saying:

‘Sulimo is alone and sees no more
Taniquetil lies silent in grief
Who now recalls the end of days?’

The light then seemed to fade to a glimmering, and Mormegil and Valar rubbed their eyes and looked again. And he now appeared to be but an elf-lord, but weak and faint he stood with a smile he said: ‘Well met indeed!’

[¤-Elessar-¤]

Elessar had grown tired of the joyous mood that was evident in the capitol of Lothlorien, and decided to venture out into the woods. He noted that the woods here were of a much finer variety than those of his own kingdom. He had decided to meet the new lord of Gondor and the lord of the White Mountains, and to escort them to the capitol. He heard them coming, and mused to surprise them. He pulled a black cloak around himself and stood in a shadow, completely unmoving and silent. They came, but stopped suddenly. He could see now, in a clearing that seperated he from them, there was a figure upon a hill (A hill!, he thought, perhaps the one that his forefather was so fond of? Perhaps indeed....) and that figure rose before them, with a light about him. Elessar stood in his shadow, arms folded across his chest, looking out on the events. He almost knew what this was, it seemed oddly familiar. He was on the point of grasping it, all of it....

[Mormegil]

Mormegil took a step foreward. Looking at the Piercing eyes of the figure before them.
He smiled back and replied;
"Well met also my friend. I am Mormegil, King of Ered Nimrais, and my companion is Valar, King of Gondor. We are on our way to the capital of Lothlorien."

Mormegil pondered the words spoken by the Elf and wondered what they meant. It sounded dark and unhappy. Coupled with the appearance of him, Mormegil felt an air of sadness.
Looking up again, Mormegil said;
"Would you tell us your name friend, and join us on our journey?"

[YayGollum]

*just then, Truor Tupnm comes riding up on his horse Anthrax, heroic music playing in his head* "Hey, Mormegil! It's been a month, hasn't it? Yeah, I thought so. Who's this guy?"

[Lorien]

Lorien smiled in a strange manner and said, "Yes I know who you and your companion are. And you know me or rather should I say you knew me, for before I was a necromancer and I have vague recollections of you. But I seem to forget what I was called before what happened to me."

[YayGollum]

*walks up to this dude that he's never seen before* "Well, I don't know you. What happened to you?"

[Kit Baggins]

"I don't know you either." Kit says. "Not that I know many people here." he adds. Then he gives the Elf what he hopes is a friendly smile, and says, "I'm Kit. Pleased to meet you."

[Snaga]

An Elf approach through the trees and bowed gracefully before them. 'Greetings! I am Amras son of Haldir. I was sent to bring you to the city, for it came to our ears that you were come.'

Then Amras looked upon Lorien and bowed. 'Here is one who hath travelled further than all, I percieve.' He gave Lorien his cloak. 'We shall find you more fitting attire, presently. But you must tell your tale to Thinorn, the loremaster of the woods of Lorien.'

So Amras led them quickly through the trees, with just another wide-eyed glance at Lorien. And they came after a time to the wide lawn before Caras Galadhon, where Lark sat in conversation with Thinorn, who they had met before, after the battle with the orcs. Thinorn looked unchanged, but Lark looked if anything more full of health than they had seen her.

He rose and greeted them. 'Welcome friends, returned from afar! The hour of our appointed council is here. Alas that two of my kindred who journeyed with you before have not returned: the fair ones Eve and Tarien. But here is Lirulin,' he said indicating Lark. 'Lirulin is now in good health, although it was a test of my skill to help her.'

Lark smiled at Elessar who she had seen earlier, but jumped to her feet and ran to greet Kit, Mormegil, Truor and Valar with enthusiastic hugs. 'You are here at last! Elves are great company, but I missed you! And they will call me Lirulin! Doesn't my name sound good in elvish?' she laughed.

But Thinorn looked at Lorien, and said to Amras: 'Who is this who comes clad only in your cloak?'

Amras replied: 'He remembers not his name nor his purpose. Perchance you may help him?'

'I will try! Find him some clothes while I talk to him.' Thinorn approached Lorien. 'Tell me your tale, lord. I will help you as I can.'

[Lorien]

Lorien smiled and said, "You are too kind sir. I remember not all in my life. Some of it seems to be clouded over in a black shroud. But I shall tell you whatever I can." And so Lorien began the tale of his life to the present company beginning from his days at Valinor and then telling them the important bits, or what seemed to be important to him, of his stay on ME including him becoming a Necromancer. But as his tale neared the days when he began his attempts to enslave Smaug, Lorien began to falter in his words and often muddled up or contradicted himself. He could not remember why he shuddered everytime he uttered the name of Smaug whom he tried to enslave. Lorien had to then resort to referring to Smaug as the 'fell spirit' so that he could continue with his tale. And as his tale reached back to the time when he made the promise to Mandos to return all the captured souls and return to ME, Lorien was completely lost and said, "After that what happened to me I do not remember. It seemed like I was in a long dream and my feet took me several places I should not have been to. I cannot remember what my name is but I do remember some of the people I've met today. I remember Mormegil, Elessar and the King Valar but I do not remember my own name. That is all I can tell you sir." Then Lorien fell silent with a very sad expression on his face.

[YayGollum]

*tries to listen politely while looking around for some food, gives up, and plops down on a chair* "Too bad about that, Lorien. But am I here only to listen to someone's life story? Aren't we here to talk about whatever evil might still be afoot?"

[¤-Elessar-¤]

Yes and no. Evil never stopped. While we were all out tending our own flocks evil flourished. The armies of the north move. Great armies of orcs, trolls, and goblins roam the lands unnaposed. I know not their purpose, save to kill and enslave, and I know not their destination, save that it shall be a peacefull, and venerable land. Evil arises, and (turns to Lark) I beleive you had a song, did you not? And, you, (looks at Mormegil) have questions unanswered, about your lineage and what impact it shall have upon upcomming events. What we started last winter has, by no means, even come close to closing.

[Mormegil]

Mormegil nods, "Indeed there are many unanswered questions. But maybe I have a clue here....."
He reaches under his cloak and pulls out the ancient scroll he found in the tower of Orthanc. Then unrolling it and placing it before them, they saw ancient words written in fine script.

"I found it when we were in the tower of Orthanc, however I 'forgot' about it after my fall. I have tried to read it, it seems to be elvish, though I cannot read it. My basic knowledge of elvish could tell me nothing of the meaning of the words. "

Mormegil looks at Thinorn and says, "I brought it here in the hope that maybe the elves of Lothlorien would be able to read it and tell me what it means...."

[¤-Elessar-¤]

"Might I see it, then? It shouldent be too much trouble for one who has decoded nearly all of a book written by Feanor." Elessar stood and was handed the scroll by Mormegil. He took it to a table and placed it within the light of a lamp. He studied it for a long while, finnaly rising with a sigh. "It is not Sindarian or Quenyan, at least not in any form I have yet seen. It may very well be of the people of Celebrimbor, my cousin. They lived long ago in Hollin, for it is told that they had scripts as complicated and beautiful as this... but it cannot be, for there is not even a trace of Sindarian in it, and I would be sure that they used something that they brought from Beleriand.... It seems to me a mix of many different types of runes. Perhaps there is someone here who can decifer it, or at least part of it.

[Snaga]

Thinorn took the scroll and looked at it briefly. 'This is a curious thing,' he said, 'for it is written in the ancient tongue of Doriath. Few now have the skill to read it. But come, let us climb to the high flet yonder where there may be found a chamber I have had set for our council.'

And so saying he led them across the lawn and into the city of the Galadhrim. There was one mallorn mightier than any other they could see, and a long rope ladder led high up into its golden leaves above.
They climbed the ladder, and experience that Lark did not like much. The cool autumn breeze set the ladder swaying, and Lark preferred the ground to this. Lorien climbed last, for some elves came and brought him fine robes in a silvery blue to wear.

Nonetheless at last they came to Thinorn's high chamber. It was lofty, and formed from many interwoven boughs and branches, forming living walls and ceiling. And though the wind seemed to rustle through, it was warm inside as though heated from some imperceptible source. Light hung from the ceiling casting a silvery sheen on the table and chairs that were set ready for them.

Thinorn said: 'Sit now at your ease and enjoy some lunch, for those who have travelled far will surely be hungry.' He cocked an eye at Truor. 'I will look at this manuscript while you eat.'

They ate a light but wonderfully refreshing meal served by the elves. Then Thinorn returned and addressed them.

'Now I have heard much of your tale from Lark, and I have questioned her closely about it, but little have I said to her. For I felt it best to wait until you were all assembled.

'Amongst the papers you brought from the tower of the wraith was nothing that might tell me who that evil creature was, nor the dark spirit or wizard that Elessar espied when he was captive there. Discovering this must be our chief goal. For the maps seem to speak of a plot of great proportions for there seem to be plans to awaken the orcs of the mountains and other darker threats. And by some means many points of danger and peril are united by some single will.

Of old Tuor was led by Ulmo of the deep to find the Hidden City of Gondolin. And Lark too is now it seems to me led by some Lord or Lady of the West, for to her comes a song unknown to her mind. And one we hear once sung in Valinor, though of that fair land I have naught to report. Yet what is this peril, that the Valar must send warning to us? And if the peril is great, why is aid sent so in the words of a song? Thus do I judge this task is urgent to us and many others. It may not fail.

But harder it is to discern the journey. There maps might show many places to go, many nests of evil, and yet the Kraken by the west gate of Moria was not slain when but one snake was cut off. We must find the centre of this evil, and strike at its heart I deem.

Now it seems to me that what you learnt in Orthanc is of a crucial import. Not merely because fate seemed to lead you there, but also because from nowhere you were assailed by a dragon of Morgoth. Such things happen only rarely by chance. From that journey we learn that Eol the Dark Elf forged two black swords, which is known to all loremasters of the Eldar. But it is news indeed that the source of their fell nature was these strange black stones set in their handles. And yet more news that a third stone greater than the others was known to Eol. Not idly does this news come to us.

Thus I deem through this great Black Stone perchance the evil comes. But where could this stone lie? It comes in no tale that I have heard.

And then into this tale comes Azranika, the Sea Lord and ancestor of Mormegil. For some reason, it seems that Saruman was looking for news of him.'

'But wait!' cried Lark. 'I have learnt something. Mormegil, your ancestor was descended from the brother of King Thingol of Doriath. While I was here I heard a tale of the descendents of Elmo, and Azranika is named. Well, he is in elvish! Did you know that?'

[Snaga]

Mormegil shook his head in wonder.

Thinorn stared for a moment.

'I believe you are right. Then perchance Mormegil's fate is somehow woven into this tale.

For now let me tell you the tale that is told in the manuscript that you found in Orthanc, that Saruman had kept hidden, that came to light seemingly by chance.

For it was written even by Nenathlin herself and tells of the fate of her husband. But it is a tale of some woe and grief, and that grief is not yet come unto an end. For it seems that at Vinyalonde, that men now name Lond Daer there dwelt a sea-lord of Numenor. Azranika he was named in the Adunaic tongue of Numenor, but Ëarthoron he is remembered by the elves. And he found Nenathlin who dwelt by Lake Nuniel, and wed her. And she came to live at the port of the Numenoreans with her husband, and bore him a son. And Ëarthoron was a man tall and proud, and ever extended the influence of the Kings of Men. But there came from the sea a ship one time, and upon it came a great Lord, saying he was come from the West that is the Blessed Realm. He was called the Lord of Gifts, and he met with Ëarthoron and they became close in counsel. But Nenathlin's heart misgave her, and she tells that she mistrusted this Lord. But Ëarthoron would not listen and became colder to her.

Then it tells that the Lord of Gifts departed and was not seen for many years. But when he returned he said he had great favour amongst the Elf Lords of Eregion, and that he was engaged in great works. With him came an elf lord, fair but fell looking, and bearing two black swords. And she questioned him ever about them, for they seemed to be the work of her kinsman Eol, but he would not speak of them. It was said he was apprentice to this Lord of Gifts.

Thinorn paused, and looked at them all. 'It seems this was part of Sarumans interest.' Lorien sat, saying nothing.

Lark said: 'A part? Go on!'

Thinorn continued. 'For it seems that they brought a gift to Ëarthoron, a ring, as token of their friendship. For verily, as some of you may know, the Lord of Gifts was indeed Sauron. But I judge that this ring was not one of the Nine, for this tale tells us that war had not come yet to Eriador. And it is known that the Nine were not given by Sauron until after the ruin of Eregion. Yet Ëarthoron took a ring, so I judge this to have been a lesser ring, through which Sauron tested his power. For Nenathlin records that Ëarthoron coveted the ring greatly, and would ever have it on his finger. But when the Lord of Gifts was there he would ever do his bidding as though he had little mind of his own. But when he was gone his own will would return and he would be filled with grief. For the Lord of Gifts would have him commit acts that otherwise would not have been. At first minor and petty, yet growing ever more horrific, setting man against man. Soon he had the men of Numenor fighting the wildmen of the woods, driving them into the dark forests, which they burnt with fire and hewed with axes. And the men of the woods killed them with poisoned darts, until outpost of the Numenoreans was greatly weakened.

Ëarthoron was long-lived, as were many of the Numenoreans. But still he endured longer than those around him, and Nenathlin wondered for she had long awaited the day when he would lay down his life in the manner of Men. Yet it did not come, but she perceived that he was falling into shadow, and the moreso because he now stayed at all times in his tower by the harbour and would not come forth, nor suffer even his wife to enter. Only a few captains could enter to receive orders and would leave shaking with fear, she writes. And one other: the elven apprentice of the Lord of Gifts.

Now war came to Eriador, for Sauron revealed himself with the forging of the One Ring. Yet this lesser ring was not bound by it, it seems for the bonds on Ëarthoron did not grow stronger. But they proved strong enough, it seems. For it is told herein that Ëarthoron at Saurons bidding, closed the port against the fleet of Admiral Ciryatur who sailed to the aid of Gil-Galad, with the King of Numenor. Thus the main part of the fleet was forced to sail unto the Gulf of Lhun, and thus were delayed, and moreover their plan to assail Sauron from the rear was undone.

So Nenathlin at last roused herself against the husband that she loved, and entered the tower. And she laid an enchantment that caused the elf-lord and her husband both to sleep, and she tried to take the ring from his deathly hand. (Those are her words). But it would not come loose, so she took up a black sword, and hewed off the ring. But the sword cried aloud and awoke its master, and with the other sword he struck at her, and the sword fell ringing from her hand. But Ëarthoron's very spirit had fled, and a shrieking howl rang around the tower, as his morbid sinews withered before them. At that, the elf lord took up the sword, and fled. Thus was the port opened to the Numenorean fleet, and Ciryatur led a force to victory at Sarn Ford.

But Nenathlin would not leave the Tower, and she writes that she resolved to stay within its walls until her husbands spirit could share the Gift of Man, according to the will of Iluvatar, but neither could she find the strength to finally end the mortal life of her husband, though he was reduced to an evil shade of the enemy, but now empty and powerless.'

Thinorn sighed. 'Alas, for this is a woeful tale, more evil than I have heard in many years.'

[Mormegil]

Mormegil sat there, pondering over what the scroll had told them. What strange fate it was that he should find that scroll in Orthanc. He began to believe that there must be some force guiding them along their path.

Then he spoke, "A woeful tale, yes. And although it tells us more of my forefather, it leaves yet more questions. Such as how Saruman came to have this scroll at Orthanc in the first place. There is surely a great mystery to be solved here."
Then,looking around at his companions he asked, "So friends, what will we do next?"

[Lorien]

Lorien sat silently thinking deeply. Whatever Thinorn had related seemed to ring true and sounded familiar to his ears. Why did the tale seem so real to him, when Thinorn was speaking Lorien received visual flashes of the story in his mind. Then suddenly Lorien remembered it all and in great shock crumpled to the floor convulsing.

[Snaga]

Lark rushed to help Lorien. 'Help me. Get some water!' She turned his head to one side, hoping he wouldn't swallow his tongue.

'Who is this? I don't know him. But he seemed very disturbed by the story. Anyway, do you know what I think. That wraith we met before, Elessar. Could that have been... you know... ' she lowered her voice. 'Could that have been Mormegil's ancestor?'

[¤-Elessar-¤]

"If he was then this must be but a part of the story, for he was powerful, and commanded the authority of the entire fortress. And the shade from hte story was powerless, or so the manuscript tells us." Elessar sat there, in thought for a moment. Finnaly he raised his eyes and spoke. "Long ago I took command of the lands known as Enedwaith, and under me they fought against Gondor and Arnor (who had, by evil words, been influenced to wage war upon the White Council). Lond Daer was a part of that land, but I never visited it. There is, to this day, an Ancient Numenorian fortress upon a great cliff in that land. It is said that it is abandoned, for no one has ventured into or out of it for ages beyond count. Perhaps the forlorn charge of Galadriel, the Nenathlin whom she and Celeborn left at that very lake in Eregion, awaits still in that tower. Perhaps she waits for us. It may have been her high-elven will that brought that song into Lark's head, and maybe her will brought pictures of the tower to the dreams of her decendent.... What think you of this, Loremaster of Lothlorien? It makes perfect sense, unless you have more scrolls on the lost lady? For last I heard she was never seen again by the Elven kind.

[YayGollum]

*listens to the people talk for a while, then runs to a pool and returns with his helmet full of water, which he hands to Lark* "Will that guy be okay? Looks like that story isn't a good thing to talk about around this guy!"

[Snaga]

'Thank you, Truor' said Lark. Lorien's convulsions had subsided, but he now lay unconscious on the floor. Lark tended him, her face full of concern.

Thinorn replied to Elessar: 'You are right. And our lore has little to say of Nenathlin, save what you have heard. And we knew naught of this tale of Lond Daer. But, if this be the same shade, then some power or force has made him strong again. The same fell force that we sense all is drawing its noose ever tighter across the lands, has poured its malice into this empty shade. I fear many evil things will arise to contest your path. For of all that has been reported, that a dragon came so far south, and that there was a rider on its back tells me most. For this means that you are known of and hunted in some way. But how this could be I do not know. And it seems strange that the great army issued forth from the fortress to hunt you down, when you had approached with great stealth. They have some way of gaining news, but what it is I cannot say, and I am troubled by it.

'I am troubled too because the fate of the Black Stone is hidden. I feel sure we must seek it, but where? For if it was taken by Eol to Gondolin, when he pursued Aredhel and Maeglin it is not told in any tale: so I do not believe that. Where then? Did he leave it in his home in the Dark Wood of Nan Elmoth? If so did it lie there till Beleriand was sunk beneath the seas? Or was it carried off by elf, dwarf or orc?

'And then the book of Saruman, of the ancient evil of Genomancy comes into the tale too. For this is the art of twisting and breeding distorted creatures, and you bring news of savage beasts coming from Mirkwood. All signs seem to say that Radagast had taken that book from Orthanc. Has he fallen into darkness? For many a long age he has trodden his own road, caring little for the affairs of Men and Elves. Where did that road lead? Let us hope... let us hope things are not as they seem. That would be black news indeed.' He sighed, and trouble clouded his fair face.

'But these things I will ponder, and if more comes to light I will send word. But your road goes to Lond Daer, even as Elessar has said...

'He's coming round I think...' said Lark suddenly, as she bathed Lorien's brow. 'I am so glad! I was worried. I would say that he has suffered some great shock. As you say, Truor, that story does disturb him in some way. But why I do not know. Who is he?'

Thinorn said: 'I might guess from what has been said but I think others who his name with more certainty. If I am right, it is a strange chance that brings him here, and now. Indeed so strange I deem it is not chance at all. Elessar, perhaps you know him?'

[¤-Elessar-¤]

Perchance some of you remember, when we first met, on the marches of Rohan? There you told me that you were searching for the dark blade, teh bane of Turin. I told you that it, and another he claimed to be it's twin, was in the possesion of a Necromancer. That is he, although different now he looks. He ist Lorien- once governor of Arnor and most recently governor of Dol-Guldor of Mornclaur. Indeed, I had received reports that the orcs of the southern wood were not being troublesome, but I did not think so far as that their leader had fallen....

[Mormegil]

Mormegil spoke up, "Well maybe we should hear the Necromancer's tale. How does Lorien appear in Lothlorien in fair form, with clouded memories. Perhaps it would be best if we hear all that he knows, especially about his reaction to the story"

But Mormegil needed no explaination, for it ws clear to him that Lorien was indeed the elf who was "fair but fell looking, and bearing two black swords". He looked down at Lorien with distaste, waiting for the Elf to recover and give some sort of explanation.

[YayGollum]

*looks down at the recovering Lorien* "Well, it doesn't look like he has the swords now. I wonder what happened to them." *hears Thinorn use Radagast's name* "What signs say that Radagast took that book from Orthanc?"

[Snaga]

Lark looked up as Truor said this. 'Yes!' she said thinking slowly. 'Radagast did nothing wrong. He helped us! Why do say such things about him?' she said suddenly beginning to feel cross.

Thinorn shook his head. 'I hope I am wrong. But the book is missing, and you, Lark, you yourself told me he had said that he had been to Orthanc. And all the lands about his home at Rhosgobel are beset with those creatures that attacked you. But not his house where you saw no sign of them. I may be wrong; perhaps he does not mean ill. But in telling you to go far to the south, I am sure he thought it served his purpose well to have you out of the way. And then... who else but he knew you were going to Isengard? Someone knew, because the dragon came...'

[YayGollum]

*slumps down* "I hope you're wrong, too. I never would have suspected that HE would do anything like that! We Beornings used to respect him!" *pushes the rest of his food away* "I've lost my appetite. Will this Lorien person be okay?"

[Lorien]

Just at that moment Lorien shuddered once and his eyes jerked open. He suddenly sat up and looked around him with bewilderment. "What happened?" Then the company told him what happened, including his name, and Mormegil looked upon him with dislike. Lorien getting all his memories back looked around the room once and when he stared back at the company they saw a marked change in his eyes. They no longer remained clouded and weary but they seemed sharp and hard as diamond reflecting a iridiscent violet-blue color. He shrugged diffidently and said, "Well I suppose you've all realised who I am. Now what do you expect of me?"

[Kit Baggins]

"I expect you to tell us exactly what's going on!" Kit said. He stared at Lorien, and for the first time he felt ever so slightly afraid of the Elf.

[¤-Elessar-¤]

"Why have you come here, and why did you try to deceive these people? For surely you, lord of the Necromancers, would be working with the orcish hordes that move in the northlands." (remember, not many people know of your little journey! Might want to explain it.)

[Lorien]

OOC: Warning this post is very long. But I suggest you take the time to read it because it would explain some of the history.

Lorien glared at Elessar and Kit. "Lord of the Necromancers no longer! Now I'm left with no powers save the few that I had when I first arrived to Middle-earth from Valinor. And I was with the orcs in the Northlands. But then something happened." Lorien stopped abruptly and his body gave a slight shudder and his eyes flickered wildly. Looking around at the company gathered he sighed and said, "I suppose starting my life all over again isn't going to be easy and antagonising you lot isn't going to help matters is it? If you care to listen I will tell what happened to me recently." Taking a few deep breaths Lorien looked at the inquisitive faces of the company.

Then Lorien spoke softly, his voice barely above a whisper, but it carried with it great sorrow and fear. "I was in the Northlands helping one orc known to me as Snaga, to others as Lord Gonnilclaur, he wished to become the Urukgush and I, when I was still a necromancer, thought it worthy to help him. As some of you might know the Dark Legion has a circle which deals with the dark sciences. In short, I will say we conduct several, let us say experiments of different natures that would be beneficial to us in some way or the other. I was a part of this circle being Leader of the Necromancers and I always had a wish to resurrect or raise the spirit of a great dragon. So I tried for a long time. I tried to subdue the spirit of the Great Smaug, yes the very same that rested in the lake who was shot by the Bard. Unfortunately I reached too high too soon. Smaug's spirit was too strong for me too control and eventually I lost my body to his spirit comdemning mine to the Halls of Mandos. What happened then with my body I do not know, all I can guess is that Smaug took control of it and must have wrecked havoc for a while. Meanwhile in the shadow world I met Mandos and he granted me a second chance. The condition being I would have to give back all the souls I had captured and possessed over the years and I would have to give up Necromancy. I agreed, for I was tired of my life as I knew it and I wished to repent. My body left on Middle-Earth with Smaug's spirit in it was burnt to ashes and I was sent back. When I came to I was where Mormegil found me with no recollection of my name and with a very faded memory. When Thinorn related the tale my past came rushing back to me in heavy waves and then I passed out from shock I think. That is all I have to tell. I have hidden nothing and if you wish to know something else I shall try and answer." Lorien sighed and shut his eyes thinking.

[¤-Elessar-¤]

"How interesting a journey..." Elessar said with a strange look in his eyes. He turned from the company, mentioning something about some research he needed to do.

[Snaga]

Lark drew away from Lorien, looking at him with a mixture of wonder and disgust. She bit her lip, unable to decide what to say. She found herself staring, eyes hard.

Thinorn shook his head. 'My mind recoils from such a story, but I know it to be the truth somehow. Many have not returned from fates more evil and less deserved than that you have been spared from. None can see what Mandos knows, and how his judgements are reached. For your crimes who could say death was undeserved, and yet you are spared it.'

He looked at Lorien darkly, with this jaw muscles clenching. 'You say you have repented. Let it be so! Put right your crimes, or be forever accursed. Your former master bound Ëarthoron to this ring: go and undo his work, for it is your crime too!'

He turned away, saying: 'And you share your name with these fair woods! Nuruhuinë, I name you: Death-Shadow. For it is more fitting, and may death come swiftly if you are not true.'

He paused then, as a new thought displaced his cold anger. 'The Black Swords. You have them no longer? Then this Gonnilclaur has them? Then of a certainty he will return to this tale...'

'But for now the road leads to Lond Daer. You will take the Redhorn Pass?' he asked, more brightly.

[¤-Elessar-¤]

Elessar came walking back in, his pack prepared and on his back. "All of you, we need to be on our way as quickly as possible. Thinorn and I shall speak of routs to take to get there." Everyone left, save Lorien who looked hard at the elven loremaster. Finnaly, he turned with a heavy sigh, following the path of the others. Elessar turned to the elf, and they began to examine a map, discussing what would be best for the company.

[Lorien]

Lorien grimaced as he walked behind the rest of the company thinking hard. 'I don't owe anything to anyone. Nuruhuine he names me and so be it, I have lived with worse names in my life. I shall only follow these people until I can reclaim my swords, I will not have any person save myself use them! None of these fools shall ever or even try to understand, it is practically worthless to try and convince them contrary to their stupid thoughts.'

[Snaga]

Thinorn unfolded a map and laid it on the table. It showed the northwest lands of Middle Earth: Eriador, the Misty Mountains and the Great River. He and Elessar looked at it in silence for a short time. Then Thinorn spoke:

'From here the route is to either go south by the Gap of Rohan, or to cross the Misty Mountains here. The southern route is long, so I advise you to take the Redhorn Pass. You might try to pass through Moria, but the dwarves may not welcome you. The year grows late now, but the snows have not yet come.

Word comes to me that there is a camp of Elves from Imladris now in Eregion, set against troubles that were feared. You should seek that camp I should say. Thereafter you could try to wide lands of the Dunmen, or you could follow the Swanfleet river to Tharbad and take boats down the river to Lond Daer. The choice is yours. The latter road is the easier at a guess, but longer. Do you think you could set a path across the lands of Arandor and not falter from your path? It is a wide land and houseless for much of its area. You would need to carry greater stores to go that way. The choice is yours.'

He straightened himself. 'We will provide you will warm cloaks for the mountains, and food too.'

[¤-Elessar-¤]

I do not know for sure that we could gain our way into, or past for that matter, the Redhorn. It is heavily guarded by the peoples of Telchar, and would be no easier than the caverns of Moria themselves. Are there any smaller passes, like up tward the beginnings of Nimrodel, or down further, perhaps a bit of the way into Fangorn? Was there not a path of the ents long ago, one that connected Fangorn with the great wood that used to be? Surely there was...

[YayGollum]

*with Anthrax and everybody else's horses, packing, since the rest of us aren't good enough to 'speak of routes to take to get there' :rolleyes: * complaining out loud to Anthrax---> "I can't believe that about Radagast! We Beornings always looked up to him! He must have made those creatures that killed my father. I guess we'll have to try and knock some sense into him if we ever see him again. Argh! Always having to run all over the place, aren't we? Sure, let the other people waste time deciding which route to take! It's not that hard to decide! Whichever way is the quickest, right? Right. Oh, well. Might as well relax while we have the chance." *reaches into a pack on his friend for some honey*

[Snaga]

Thinorn shrugged. 'I know of no pass between the Redhorn and the Gap of Rohan. More northerly there is a pass where the River Gladden issues, but that one was where Lark's family were killed by orcs, so I would count it perilous.

'I did not mean that the dwarves would close all route West. The Redhorn pass is open to traveller. Of a surety it is guarded and watched by the dwarves: but better them than orcs! I merely meant that they do not allow the city of Moria to be a highway for all-comers. But I expect the pass will be open to a small group of travellers such as yourselves, if you pay the tariff!

'If you know another route, then I do not. But both you and Mormegil have wandered long in the wide world, while I have tarried in the woods. You have the wisdom to choose the best way!'

Just then an elf clad in grey and green appeared. He bowed to the company. 'A messenger has come from Gondor to our city seeking King Valar. An urgent matter has arisen in Minas Tirith, requiring his attention.'

[Mormegil]

As Mormegil was readying his horse he heard Truor's complaining, and turning towards him, he replied. "Truor, I had a bad feeling when we went to see Radagast, it was as if I could sense the new evil in him. I wouldn't mind running into him again to teach him a lesson. As for which route to take, I'm pretty sure we wil be taking the Redhorn pass, it seems the most logical. I'm sure Elessar and Thinorn will come to that conclusion anyway."

[YayGollum]

while stuffing his face with plenty of honey from one of his many earthenware containers ---> "Yeah, I know you were suspicious back then, but I just couldn't fathom that HE would do anything like that! If he loved his animals so much, why would he make them evil? Why would he let them loose on Beorn's house? My father was his friend and taught us to respect Radagast! Do you think there's any chance of showing him that what he's doing isn't helping?"

[Lorien]

Lorien silently checked a steed provided to him by the elves. Gently stroking the horse's head Lorien whispered a few words into the horse's ear and the horse whinnied loudly. Lorien laughed loudly catching the attention of the others.

[Snaga]

Away from the group Valar spoke in urgent tones with the messenger of Gondor. Then after a few moments he walked over, with a concern on his face.

'My friends, alas! I must return to Gondor, for I am needed. Do not ask the reason of me, but I do not leave you lightly. But I know that you have between you all might and wisdom and kindness, and that these will serve you well. Look for me when you least expect me, for I will return if I may! Fear no darkness!'

With that he embraced or shook hands with each one in turn. Then he and the messenger leapt upon their horses and departed.

Lark watched him go glumly. 'Would that he were coming with us! For he has a great reassurance about him, and I will miss him.' She sighed: 'Ah well! You can look after me, can't you Mormegil?' she added with a friendly grin, cheering up at once.

'Elessar!' she called. 'Have you decided our route? The sooner we go the better I would say. Are you all set, Kit?'

[¤-Elessar-¤]

Elessar came walking down a flight of stairs, looking off after Valar. He was buckling his pack onto his back, and carrying a bag for his horse. "Are we all ready then? Don't worry about us, we will be fine... I just wish I had been here in time to hear what the trouble was in Gondor." He walked over to Bill, his old (hmm...Bill sure is getting old, I may have to retire him soon :D) warhorse. He took an apple from his pack and took a bite of it, he gave the rest to the eager horse. He jumped into the saddle, and turned Bill to face the company. "Well, don't just sit there, it's off to the Redhorn pass, and hopefully the kindness of the Dwarves of Zirak Khazad.

[Lorien]

Lorien smiled and patting his horse's head jumped on it ready to ride. Suddenly he was stopped by some elves who came upto him and handed him a bag. Opening the bad, Lorien found a sword and a bow with a quiver full of arrows, he quickly buckled the sword to his waist and slung the quiver over his shoulders. Then he gently pushed his horse into a slow trot and waited for the others to come along.

[Kit Baggins]

Kit finished packing the last of his bags, and jumped onto his pony. He rode up to Lark, and smiled at her.
"I'm all set." he said. "Let's go."

[Snaga]

Thinorn spoke first to Mormegil saying: 'Guard yourself against anger overflowing. Long years of hurt in your family may be healed, but not through rage I deem!'

Lark pulled her cloak around her, as a chilly autumn breeze swirled through the trees, and smiled back at Kit. 'I'm glad to be crossing the mountains with you Kit! It will be almost like going home for us, being west of the Mountains! We can sing some songs from the Shire together again!'

She climbed onto her brown horse, who swished his tail in welcome. 'I've named him Chestnut!' she said. 'The elves suggested all sorts of fine names. But I chose a friendly-sounding name for a friendly horse!'

Thinorn walked lightly over and held Chestnut's bridle for a moment and said to Lark: 'You must be careful, for you are no sword-maiden! You are wont to be too rash, even if you seem pursued with strange fortune. You have valiant companions: let them take care of you. Remember my words to you: the songs may come but fear not if it is not at your choosing. Have courage Lirulin!'

To Kit he merely smiled saying: 'You are true-hearted like all your folk! I am honoured to have met you!' and he bowed to him.

Then he walked over to Truor. Truor seemed to be puzzled as though missing something. Thinorn said: 'Are you looking for this? I have taken it upon myself to have this done for you.' And he drew a cloth off a bundle that he was carrying. Beneath it was Truor's shield, but now it had been polished and shone, and in it, etched in gold, was the sign of a great bear, carrying a staff. 'May it bring you hope!'

To Lorien and Elessar he merely clasped hands in farewell. 'Good fortune ride with you! Namárië!' But at Elessar he looked for long moment, and Lark felt suddenly much may have passed between them in thought.

Two days ride lay ahead of them: the first through the woods to the edge of Lothlorien. The second up the Silverlode to the start of the Dimrill Pass.

As they rode Lark laughed suddenly. 'He called me Lirulin again! I'll miss that!'

[Lorien]

Lorien silently rode his horse a few steps behind the rest of the company and looked around him taking in the beauty of the forest. His horse whinnied impatiently as Lorien had unconsciously pulled to a stop while admiring the light shining in through the branches and leaves, smiling Lorien pushed the horse into a trot again and spoke to the horse, knowing well the animal did probably not understand him but knowing so he did it anyway. "Well I've got to name you something. Can't call you horse can I? I think I shall name you....Black..no sounds too silly....." And so Lorien continued thinking and talking to his horse while they moved onward out of Lothlorien.

[YayGollum]

*proudly holding his new shield high, while riding through the stifling woods* "Argh! I can't wait until we get out of here! The mountains have to be better than this!" *hears Lorien talking to his horse and slows Anthrax down to talk to him* "Do you two understand each other? Doesn't look like it. Did the elves give him to you? He does act like an elf's horse. Not too talkative."

[Lorien]

Lorien looked at Truor and said, "He might understand what I say, I am half-elven after all. Going that way he might only understand half of what I say. I can get what he says in snatches, I seem to have had a reduction of my capabilities after I was sent back. I'll probably have to work on them for a bit to get them back to what they used to be. Meanwhile, you got any ideas of a name for this horse of mine? I can't seem to come up with anything good at the moment. Maybe Orion....hmmm....that's it I think. Orion or Sirius...what do you think?"

[YayGollum]

"Well, I got this idea when I heard what Lark is calling her horse. Why not Nutcracker? If not, I'd go with Orion." :D

[¤-Elessar-¤]

Elessar, who had been leading the pack of people and horses, suddenly stopped and turned to face the company. They had reached the end of the forest, and before them were wide plains. "These are the Gladden Fields, many a great men perished here after the war of the Last Alliance. Now, though, we must make a decision. To the north is the Redhorn pass, guarded by the Dwarven folk of Lord Telchar. He is an ally to the south and the east, and probably to those orcs wich are gathering in the north. We can go that way, and risk being turned down (and Elessar thought to mention slain, but he decided that it was not a great enough risk) and have a return trip. Or, we could go southwards, and go through Rohan, where we have been before. Or, there is rumour of a pass through the mountains closer to where we are, that would take us straight to Enedwaith. But it's rumor takes use along the eves of Fangorn, between it and the Misty Mountains. It is probably the greatest risk of peril and failure. I leave it up to you all to decide."
He reached into his saddle, and took from it some pipeweed and a pipe.

[Mormegil]

Mormegil pondered Elessar's options and replied, "I must say that I favour the Redhorn pass. It is a definate route and would be the shortest journey. To go through Rohan and the Gap would take us far out of our way. And as for the romoured nearer pass, I don't think we should be taking risks based upon rumours. At least we know that the Redhorn pass exists. And I am fairly sure that we will be allowed passage as we do not bring war to the lands of Zirak Khazad. But I will listen to the opinions of others as well."

[Lorien]

Lorien jumped off his horse and stretching his legs said in a curt voice, "Redhorn Pass, easy and simple. Besides its rather useful to have an ex-Necromancer along with the company. It would greatly lessen the chance of any attacks or hostility we might face because I do not think Lord Telchar of Zirak Khazad knows of my current state yet. I don't think we will get turned away from passing through, for Mormegil is right, we aren't at war with the Zirak Khazad and they should let us through."

[YayGollum]

*hears Elessar and slows down* "Whichever way is the shortest. Sounds like the Redhorn pass to me. Not that hard of a choice. I've always liked Dwarves, though." hears Lorien ---> "Huh. It's a good thing you're on our side now!" *Anthrax starts eating some of the Gladden Fields* "Yeah, it's good to be out in the open again!"

[Lorien]

Lorien grinned in reply at Truor and walked back and forth stretching his legs. Walking to his horse he pulled out an orange from one of the bags slung on his horse and peeling it ate half of it. Running his hand along Orion's head he fed the rest of the orange to his horse and said, "Must we take so long to decide? I say let us tarry no longer! Let us quickly make our way to Redhorn Pass and see what happens there."

[Snaga]

Lark listened to what everyone was saying. 'Lets go to the Redhorn Pass! At least its near and we know where it is. If it doesnt work out, so be it!'

She nudged her horse into a trot and followed the pass of the Silverlode, that raced down the slopes that loomed to the West. Three snow capped peaks gleamed above them in the last light of the sun that sank in the east.

They founds a sheltered spot beside a craggy outcrop, where it seemed almost that some giant had long ago hurled a vast boulder down from the mountains into the green sward below. All was quiet as they made their camp in the red light of dusk, except for Lark's voice singing gently.

Then from the south they heard a great steed neighing...

[Lorien]

Lorien who had found a quiet spot slightly away from the rest of the company was lying on the ground with a flower in his hand and was twirling it absentmindedly in his fingers as he thought once again about his life. Now that it all had come back to him it seemed rather strange to view his whole life in a strangely detached, third-person manner. Smiling to himself as he recounted a particularly funny experience and half-listening to Lark's song, Lorien's peaceful reverie was rudely jolted by the neighing of a horse. Immediately jumping to his feet Lorien pulled out his bow and taking an arrow but not notching it he glanced at the rest of the company. "I think we should see who that is, it could be a foe."

Lorien, Elessar and Mormegil moved cautiously towards the direction of of the sound until they saw a person on a horse. The darkness denied them sight of the riders face and Lorien called out, "Who goes there? Friend or foe? Show yourself!"

[Eomer Dinmention]

*The rider hopped off his steed.
He then started to laugh " Friend or Foe, my good friend Lorien, do you not know who i am?"

*The dark figured took of his cloak and hood. It was Eomer

"It is I Eomer Dinmention, King of Rohan. I am no foe, but a friend. And here i show myself."

[Lorien]

Lorien looked at Eomer for a full minute before placing him and then laughed out loud. "Eomer Dinmention, it has been long since I saw you. How fares your kingdom, Rohan? And what brings you here?"

[Eomer Dinmention]

There was a large group of orcs near by the Gap. My captain informed me.

So i went off and took 2 Eoreds. We followed the orcs up to the mountains. They slew many of my men, at least half. Behind me is the rest of my men. I have some what of 20 men left. The others are either injured dead, or gone back home. We have been watching you. At first we didn't know who you were. THough i then saw yor faces. And thought it was a good time to show myself until now

[Mormegil]

Mormegil welcomed Eomer and spoke, "Eomer, we are on our way to Lond Daer, through the Redhorn pass. Will you journey with us? We would be glad of a little more company."

[YayGollum]

*confused* to Eomer ---> "How do you two know each other as friends if he always used to be evil? Well, that's what I gathered from what he told us." :confused:

[¤-Elessar-¤]

Elessar rode Bill up to Eomer, and all could see that there was a majesty in the horse. It held it's head high, and had the muscular build to match even the horse of the lord of the Mark, but Bill was older, and smarter, if not quite as quick. The horse seemed to glow. It was no longer grey, it was silver, and in the dim light of the late afternoon it seemed that even his eyes would glow a deep green colour. Then their attention was drawn to the figure of Elessar. He sat in the saddle, but he did not look vigorous, as was the usuall. He looked tired, tired and worn from teh world. But still he sat proud. And this puzzled some of the companions, for a matter of minutes ago he had seemed full of life and energy. A faint smile played his lips, as he looked out at the gathering. "A strange thing it is that you are all here, at this time, and in this place." He looked to Eomer. "My friend, many troubles and times of hardship we have enured together, but it seems that Rohan was, indeed, fated to live forever... while all that I strive for falls to ruin. Here, this is the key to my chambers at Helms Deep. There are scrolls and such there, although of what use they have I do not know." He turned to Mormegil. "We have been friends for a while now, or at least os it seems. You are a fine person, and are good to your people. Be a better lord than I was, and do not try and push peoples buttons." He turned to Kit. "Kit... you have never, not even once, proved anytihng save a tireless and kindhearted friend. And, as I beleive is custom, 'may the hair on your feet never fall out.' In this box is everything that signifies myself as a governor of Arnor, give it back to your lord." He turned to Truor, which seemed to surprise much of the company. "You once asked me if I was lord of the Beornings, and then I told you yes. But now I see what that question was fated to lead to. We have had little trust between us, and may have even argued once or twice, but on this I will take no argument. Here are the keys to my great fortress upon Corrock, of which I now oppoint you King and guardian. Only a Beorning should rule the Beornings, and you, I deem, are that man." He turned Bill, and made a slow trot to the northeast. About a hundred yards out he turned, and yelled back to the company, "Enyala, kuile uu-minda ava respect!" And a cloud of fog passed quickly over his form, and he was gone.

[Eomer Dinmention]

*Eomer took the key and just stared at it.
He then smiled

He telepathically spoke to Ellesar


"Ellesar do you remember when we first met, at the Silver Dragon. Middle Earth was great at that time. We would face troubles together with you and me and Mithrandir. Now it seems everything is fading. Ellesar i thank you, for being my true friend. And even though i left you by yourself in the early years, I deeply regret that. Farewell Ellesar, Farewell my brother. I beg you to come back to Rohan later on"

*Eomer sat down, he then called to his men.
"It seems as if your Govenor of Helms Deep has left. Salute him with honor and spread the word of his greatness in Rohan. Now go, I see many of you are injured. Ride swiftly."

*A man spoke up "But my lord, what are we to do with you. We cannot leave you behind"

"Do not worry, the fellow company will help me. Now ride, ride to Edoras"

*And so the men rode off

[Lorien]

Lorien looked as Elessar disappeared and gave a laugh. But the laugh lacked the humor it should have possessed, instead it held bitterness and sorrow. Then Lorien spoke softly but everyone present could hear. "So there goes another. Another, loss to the world. He was a good person. And I am honored to have met him." Turning to address the company, "I think we should move on. I don't think it is wise to be standing still anymore."

[Eomer Dinmention]

"Yes I agree with Lorien. We must move on. My men left some food here, so take what you need, and can carry. The rest we will give to the animals."

[Lorien]

The company quietly collected whatever food they could carry and then returned to their camp to eat some of the remaining food, also feeding some to the animals. Lorien went upto Lark and told her what had taken place and how Elessar had taken leave of the company. "'Tis a sad thing that has befallen this company on its quest. We will sorely miss his advice and his power." Then turning to address the company Lorien said, "Night falls quickly and we cannot risk travelling in the night because of what Eomer has told us about the orcs. I think we should set a watch through the night until we are ready to move in the morn."

[YayGollum]

*Truor watched Elessar ride away and thought to himself, "I never expected him to do that! Too bad he ran away." then starts thinking of how soon he can get the fortress on/in the Carrock demolished/filled back up and what he'll do with all of these new responsibilities until he remembers his brothers* "Oh, yeah. They can handle it!" *walks back to the group and asks to be on watch because he's still so shocked*

[Snaga]

Lark sat alone for a time, thinking about Elessar. They had not really got on well at the start, but she had grown to respect him for his courage. But he had not even said good bye to her! She sighed. Namarie, Elessar. She knew that in returning to Mirkwood he had chosen no easier road than theirs.

She went and introduced herself to King Eomer. 'Greetings sire!' she said with a little curtsy. 'I am Lark of Rhudaur. Welcome to our company! Let m tell you our tale.' So she sat with him and told him all that had befallen them.

'How many of those orcs are left?' she asked at length. 'It could be that they were from the same fortress that we entered before, survivors from that battle. I am worried.'

[Eomer Dinmention]

*Eomer bowed down
"Well the orcs that we encountered was around 150, We slew many of theirs. And now i am guessing there is only around 30 left."

[Lorien]

Lorien said, "I do not think we need to be bothered about an attack right now. We must all get some rest. Good night."

The company slept, but uneasily, Elessar's departure and the news of the orcs had made them wary. Guards were changed through the night and the last guard before the morn came to Lorien who sleepily replaced Mormegil from watch. Sitting beside the dying embers of the fire the had made, Lorien added a few more logs to the fire for the night was chilly and settled back to keep a watch.

Soon the sun began to rise in the sky and as the first hour after dawn had passed Lorien began to wake the company up. Surprisingly they were all in deep sleep and Lorien got yelled at, and hit out at quite a bit before the whole company had managed to get themselves up.
There was a small river nearby and as Lorien went to wash himseld he yelled, "Next time someone else gets the last watch! I didn't sign up for an expedition to get beaten and abused!"

The company quickly washed and breakfasted upon some food and then set out again for Redhorn Pass.

[Eomer Dinmention]

*Eomer wakes up, he puts on his armor. And equips himself with the weapons he needs. He then covers himself with a dark silver cloak.
*He walks up to Lorien

"My friend, what route do we take. For my horse is still here, will it be any use"

[Lorien]

Lorien grinned at Eomer and said, "You're a hard man to wake up for a king! Our final destination is Lond Daer and we have planned to take the route through Redhorn Pass to get there. Hopefully me being an ex-Dark Legion member might get us through Lord Telchar's boundaries without facing any hostility, and in any case we have no fights with the dwarves of Zirak Khazad so it really shouldn't be a problem. Of course take your steed! We ride to Redhorn Pass, walking would take too long. If I'm not mistaken we should be at Redhorn Pass before evening begins."

[Snaga]

Lark nodded quietly. 'I dont know this pass, but I crossed the mountains at the pass that is further north, where the Glanduin begins to the east. That passage of the mountains took several day: I do not doubt this will take as long. It looks like a long slow climb to me!' she said staring up at the peaks ahead.

That day they rode steadily, always keeping close to the Silverlode as hurried down from the mountains, icy cold. But the pace began to slow as the slopes steepened towards the afternoon. Now they entered a dale: it was wide and shallow to begin with, but was ever narrowing. Ahead they saw a deep dark lake ahead: Mirromere, and by it Durin's Stone.

The road now forked: the left fork led to a huge gate in the shadows of the Mountainside. The right fork, led a short way down to the mere. The middle continued its route into the darkness of a deep gorge throught which the rushing waters came. Far beyond it they could see a white waterfall diving from the heights above.

But at the fork in the road was a small stone outhouse, and by it stood a small company of dwarves, who stood and watched them approach, fingering their axes.

[Lorien]

The company continued onwards till they reached the fork where the dwarves shouted at them yelling, "Who goest there? What business do you have in the lands of the Lord Telchar?" Several of the dwarves had drawn their axes and looked to be itching for a fight. Mormegil stepped forward boldly and said, "We desire to go through the Redhorn Pass. We have no fight with your Lord and simply wish to be allowed to pass."
The Dwarves looked at the company and started laughing cruelly, "Fools! What makes you think that we will let you pass? What favor do you hold with our Lord that made you think we will let you go unharmed?"
Lorien, who was riding at the rear of the company came forward and said coldly, "I did not know it was custom of the dwarves of Zirak Khazad to harass visitors to their lands in such a fashion. As we have told you we have no fights with your Lord and are at peace with him. Let us pass!". Once again the dwarves laughed and said, "Keep your fine words to yourself fine elf! Draw your swords or turn back for we shall not let you through!"
Then Lorien jumped off his horse and when the company beheld his face they were shocked because something in it, something very subtle that they could not pinpoint, but it made his face look fell and dark. Walking towards the leader of the dwarves he growled, "Also was it custom to detain Dark Legion members from entering! You fools I am the Necromancer of Angmar and I give you one last chance! Let us pass or you shall pay with your very souls!"
The dwarves looked utterly shocked and suddenly their leader dropped to one knee and stuttered, "Forgive us sire! We did not recognise you! Of course you all shall be allowed to pass, Dark Legion members are always welcome in Zirak Khazad."
The dwarves quickly moved aside and the company taking the left fork proceeded onwards. As they had passed the guards Lorien started laughing and said, "That was good sport! I haven't had so much fun in quite a while."

[Eomer Dinmention]

*Eomer drew his sword, though not showing his armor, he covered himself with his cloak.

*He then rides past the dwarves
"You know, I would of had fun in killing you all, though you are lucky my friend Lorien stepped up"

*The dwarves started to laugh "Ha keep moving"

*At lightning speed, Eomer thrust his sword, just stopping at the dwarves heart.

"If my Necromancer friend wasn't here. I would thrust this sword into you so hard. That you wouldn't have time to see you whole life fly pass you"

*The dwarf, stood their shocked

[Snaga]

Another dwarf of greater stature and bearing came out of the outhouse. Two others emerged with horns in the hands.

'Who are you to threaten the guard of the Dimrill Vale?' he asked, on the edge of fury. 'I heard your title, Lorien of Angmar. If friend you be, do not come in menace and arrogance. You will not pass the gates of Moria that way!'

Lark had sat watching the argument develop, sad to see so much anger. Now she spoke. 'My lord!' she said simply. 'Please forgive us!' She dismounted from her horse, although the others tried to stop her. She waved them away.

Smiling, she walked towards him. He could see she was unarmed. 'I am Lark of Rhudaur, at your service!' she said with the best bow she could manage.

The dwarf softened slightly. 'Tundin son of Fundin, at yours and your families' he replied gruffly. 'Visitors would do well to announce themselves properly when they enter our land! Rhudaur? You are going to Arnor?' he asked. 'I see you have a hobbit with you!'

'Indeed!' she replied. 'That is Master Baggins of the Shire!'

He snorted. 'A famous name, well known amongst dwarves. He is no threat to us. Who are these others with you?'

'This is Truor, of the land of the Beornings. And here is King Eomer of Rohan, and Mormegil, Lord of the White Mountains.'

'Well! Noble names indeed!' he said pondering. 'Zirak Khazad has no dispute with any of your realms. Although how the Lord of Methedras will view this, I do not know. What brings you to Khazad-Dum?'

'But that is it!' Lark replied smoothly. 'We are do not wish to enter Moria. Or at least, that is to say, I would be honoured to go that way upon a time and look upon its majesty, for I hear there is no finer sight in all Middle Earth.' The dwarves nodded approvingly at these words. 'But we are travelling to Arnor, so the pleasure must come another time. We merely wish to go through the pass.'

He stood for a moment considering, and another dwarf whispered into his ear. Lark stood watching, worried at what they would do now. At least they would not have all the dwarves of Moria chasing them. But would they be allowed to pass? Then Tundin turned to them and spoke. 'Very well. You may travel the pass. But...'

Lark sighed with relief to hear this. 'Oh thank you Tundin!' she broke in, beaming at him.

'But!' he repeated with emphasis. 'You must pay the toll. We collect it from all travellers for the upkeep of the road. And had you asked us straightaway, perhaps you would have learnt that the pass lies yonder.' he said indicating the middle way. 'That will be fifty silver pennies or one gold each.'

Larks face fell. 'Fifty?' she mumbled in dismay. 'But I am only a poor widow. I have no money...'

[Mormegil]

Mormegil walked towards Tundin, and spoke, "Don't worry about money Lark, for you travel with kings. The fare is no problem."
Then he pulled out six gold coins and gave them to the Dwarf. "May your beard grow ever longer, master Dwarf"
Tundin bowed and motioned towards the pass, "Well, you'd best be on your way then. And remember that the mountains can sometimes have a mind of their own."

Mormegil and lark mounted their horses and the group began to ride up towards the pass.

[YayGollum]

*breathes deeply* "Ah! I love the mountains! Very clean air." *glances back at Lorien and Eomer* "Now I see why you two were friends before! Argh! Am I so ignorant that I didn't know that the Dwarves are now subjects to the very orcs we've had trouble with in the past?" *hangs head in shame and mumbles to Anthrax about how much times have changed*

[Snaga]

The dwarves watched them go, muttering to themselves in their secret tongue.

They rode up the valley, which closed in ever tighter about them. Here and there the path was crossed by tumbling streams from the heights above them. Eventually, they seemed lost in shadow, as the valley became a deep gorge, and they could hardly speak to each other above the roar of the white waters cascading through. The path became a slippery rock ledge, narrow in places, and at all times wet with spray from the torrent that was at times disconcertingly near, at other times seemed too far below them. Above them trees overhung the cleft, seeming to close them into a dark passage. The light became difficult, and they were forced to dismount to lead their horses through the dangerous way.

Then at last they came to what appeared to be a sheer cliff. Lark's heart sank: how could they go on from here?

'The Dimrill Stair!' shouted Mormegil, but here the river was plunging from a terrible height in an unending roar so they heard nothing. He led the way, and there cut in the rock were steps steep and difficult, for they wound this way and that, but with care and lots of pauses they could coax their horses up. Lark tried to count them, but after a hundred or more gave it up, for she could see now end in sight above her, although she percieved the sky came nearer now, and the roar of the falls was fading.

Eventually, tired beyond imagining, they hauled themselves out of the gorge, and onto a grassy meadow high above the world, in a blaze of sunlight and clear air. Was there a small figure, high on the slopes above them? Lark was too tired to care, and threw herself down in exhaustion.

[Lorien]

The entire company and their steeds were exhausted from the climb. Lorien jumped off his steed and giving Orion some food Lorien collapsed to the ground and lay down on the grass. "That was the most tiring activity I've done in ages! Dear Eru that was simply exhausting." Looking about him from the ground Lorien suddenly spotted a person on the slopes above them. 'Thats a dwarf!' Lorien thought. Jumping to his feet Lorien said, "Look there, a dwarf on the slopes above us! And he carries a large, black stone with him!" The entire company turned to look in the direction Lorien was pointing. Mormegil, Eomer and Trour all exclaimed that they could only see a shape. Lorien said, "I'm half-elven I see better than you! Just trust me alright?" The company continued watching the dwarf with interest.

[Eomer Dinmention]

*Eomer hops off.
"Excuse me from my actions, I am King Eomer of Rohan, And these last couple of weeks, I was chasing a group of orcs, which killed most of my finest men. I am angry and filled with Fury. I have not returned back home for at least a month. So I apoligise Master Dwarf"

[Snaga]

'I wonder what he is doing here, so late in the day?' Lark said thoughtfully, for the sun was falling low. 'He seems to just be sitting and waiting. We should go on while we can. Look! We haven't even reached top of the pass yet.'

So they climbed back on their horses, all glad that they could ride for a while now.

They reached the point where the dwarf was after an hours ride, by which point it was nearly dark. He sat watching them approach, his expression impossible to discern from beneath his beard, and his hood which he had pulled over his head to keep out the cold night air. But he had lit a fire, with blazed merrily, and from its light they could see his beard was long and white, and his clothes were rich and splendid.

The black stone that Lorien had spoken of, it seemed was a large flat circle of stone perhaps two or three feet across, and he laid it flat on the ground before him.

He stood up as they approached.

'Greetings!' he called as they approached. 'You must be weary!'

[Lorien]

Lorien jumped off his horse and said, "Hail, Master Dwarf, indeed we are weary for we have travelled long. I am Lorien." Then Lorien introduced the rest of the company in turn to the dwarf.
The dwarf smiled joyfully and said, "Ho! It seems I am in quite a royal company then! My name is Nim Redleg, and I hope you shall join me for a bit of food." Lorien said, "Thank you Master Redleg! We will take you up on your offer." The company settled itself around the fire and talked for awhile about places, journeys and adventures they had. All the time Lorien couldn't take his eyes off the stone, Nim noticed this and said, "'Tis unusual isn't it, Lorien?" Lorien nodded silently, Mormegil quickly taking hold of the chance asked, "What is it? And where have you gotten it from?"

[Snaga]

The dwarf smiled, with a twinkle in his eye. 'I thought you would never ask! As for where I got it from, well there is not much to tell. It is a piece of obsidian, and it was dug perhaps two miles beneath this place where we now sit!'

'Its beautiful!' said Lark nicely, but wondering what he wanted with a flat piece of stone.

'Thank you, but you have not seen its full potential yet.' Nim replied. 'Sit awhile, and wait!'

So they sat and ate with him a while.

'Why do you come up here?' asked Lark suddenly.

'To see the stars of course!' he said. 'Most of my people stay in their halls and mines looking for jewels. But look at these jewels here, scattered across the sky!' Then he sighed. 'Alas though!'

Before they had a chance to ask him about that sigh, he leapt to his feet. 'Here comes the moon!' And sure enough from behind the shoulder of the mountain arose Tilion the Wayward, Isil the Silver. And its seemed to Lark that she could have run, and jumped from that cliff aboard his ghostly vessel so huge and near it seemed as it climbed. But as it did so, it shimmering light fell upon the black disk. And suddenly they saw reflected in it a myriad points of light.

'My star-map!' he explained proudly. 'All the stars are here, and their positions in the sky! It is made with Ithildin. It is my life's work.'

He looked at it for a moment, and his eyes glinted, but it was with sadness.

Lark looked at him, and said: 'But is wonderful. Why are you so sad?'

'Why am I sad? Because after all my years of careful work, it is wrong!' he said gruffly. 'Well, no! Actually, it seems to me that the stars are wrong. It seems they do not hold to the positions they were set in. How can that be? What has happened them? It forebodes something dreadful!'

[YayGollum]

*examines the rock, then falls on his back to examine the stars, and goes back and forth for a while, until his food almost falls on the ground* "This is very impressive. I've never met a Dwarf who admired the stars. I have no idea what may be changing the stars! Beornings usually keep their eyes to their land. Or the moon." *quickly eats the rest of his food*

[Lorien]

Lorien looked long at the stone and said, "You're right Master Redleg! This is strange. How come those stars aren't where they are supposed to be? I have only seen this happen once before, a very long time back, and the cause of those 'discrepancies' wasn't a good one. It cannot be Sauron again, I am sure of that but this is not a good sign. Somewhere, something very dark and potent has arisen! I feel we must move quickly to our destination."

[Eomer Dinmention]

*Eomer settled in, also admiring the stars he then spoke
"The stars are indeed beautiful, Everytime i look at it, It makes my day a little bit better. Though if we are to leave, I suggest that we all get some sleep and leave early in the morning"

[Mormegil]

Mormegil had also lain on his back to gaze up at the stars. He had never before looked at them in this way, and their beauty filled his heart with a starnge warmth. Yet he too felt the sadness of the Dwarf that something might be wrong with them.

"You are right Eomer, we must set up camp here and get going early tomorrow."

[Snaga]

'Come!' said Nim Redleg. 'There is a cave nearby which all of us may take shelter in. I use it often. My nephew is there. He insists on coming with me when I come up on the mountains. Just because I am getting old, he thinks I need looking after!' he added crossly.

He stomped a short way through the darkness, to where a tunnel recessed into the rock, a pile of shale nearby suggested that it was not a natural cave.

'My people dug this out trying to clear the Endless Stair, that was blocked when Durin's Bane fell way up there,' he said gesturing up at the snow-capped peak of Zirak-Zigil. 'Alas we have not been successful.'

He led them inside the dark cave, where he scrambled amongst the rocks to find tinder and flint, whereupon he lit a lantern, which lit up the cave. At the pack was a dwarf, whose bearded head poked out from a roll of blankets on the dry sandy floor. He was fast asleep.

'You and your horses will be safe enough here. Silvertine is not too malign a peak. Beware of Caradhras, that you will reach tomorrow. Here! Have some of this ale if it will help you rest. Oh and I have some pipeweed too, if you would like some, although I dont have a spare pipe.'

'No thank you, not for me' smiled Lark, yawning. 'I just want to sleep. I'm so tired!'

[Eomer Dinmention]

"I'm not tired at all, You go ahead. I think I will look apon the stars with Nim Redleg."

*Eomer takes some pipeweed, and starts to smoke it in his own pipe.

"Come Redleg, Let us gaze apon the stars. A little Hobbit named Merry, taught me that I should always carry a pipe. And I'll thank him for that too."

*Eomer and Redleg walk outside the cave, and just sit down watching the stars.

"Isn't it beautiful Redleg. It has been a while since I've had time to watch the stars"

"Indeed it is Lord Eomer, You can never get tired of watching it. Its so exciting, sparkling, like theres no word that can describe its beauty"

"Of course, Redleg, let us just sit down and smoke some pipe, while we just gaze"

[YayGollum]

*sees Eomer and the Nim wander outside, and since he was never a great admirer of nature's beauty, looks around for the ale* "Ah! Here it is! Not as good as mead, but I need to relax after that climb!" *looks back at the sleeping Dwarf and goes further into the cave and finds another bed, then leaps onto it, cradling the ale*

[roguelion]

The Sleeping Dwarf stirs and stretches, and sits up..."what the..." he proclaims as he picks up his axe and gets up to look around. Shortly he finds a person sitting on a bed, drinking out of a jug of Ale "who are you?"

[YayGollum]

*sees the Dwarf standing in front of him, and being a little tired from the climb, tries to burrow his head back under the covers, then remembers the axe and the hostility and leaps out of the bed* "Oh. Greetings, Master Dwarf! Truor Tupnm, at your service!" *holds the ale out* "You wanted this?"

[roguelion]

Thorvold takes the ale. "Thank you friend..whay are you here?"

[YayGollum]

*relaxes and sits back down on the bed* "Oh, we're just on some quest to save the world, I think. I'm just coming along to ensure the safety of the Beornings, well, and to travel. And who might you be?"

[roguelion]

"Call me Thorvold" said the dwarf,"Im from..well, ill tell you that story another time friend, Im just traveling around to see the world, do you need another on your quesy, Im sure my friend (holds up his battle axe) Cleave here can be of service"

[YayGollum]

*shakes hands* "Well met, Thorvold! I'm sure the rest of the group wouldn't mind if you joined. There's not really anyone in charge right now, though. Maybe Mormegil or Lark. They're both humans. Not that bad, though." *looks around through the cave for Mormegil or Lark*

[Eomer Dinmention]

*Eomer sits and continues to watch the stars.

"Master Redleg, tell me. Did you see us coming?"

*Redleg did not reply, he had fallen a sleep.

"Sleepwell Master Dwarf, Though we will be gone before you wake up."

*Eomer makes a little fire. Where he gets something to eat, and feeds it to his steed. He takes out his sword. With dried blood on it, he starts to wash it off.

[Snaga]

Nim Redleg awoke just as they prepared to go. He wrapped his blankets about him and stumbled to the mouth of the cave, where everyone was preparing to go. The horses scuffed snow with their feet, for the first snows had fallen in the night: not heavy, but just a cool covering upon the ground. The sun shone, but clouds wreathed the peaks about them. Save Caradhras, who looked upon them with a gleam in his eye.

'So you are going too, are you Thorvold?' he said proudly. 'I hoped you would. When my grandfather used to tell me stories from long ago, I used to wish I was meant to go on a great adventure. But a quest never found me. Khazad-dum was re-taken... what else was there? And our folk have grown selfish: now they have wealth, they care little for anything that passes in the wider world, and they listen to evil counsel. How lucky you are... it has come to late for an old dwarf like me. These people have come and your way lies with them! But if you can, you must find out why the stars are wrong! Good luck, and come back and visit if you can! Take care on Caradhras!'

'Goodbye Master Redleg!' said Lark sleepily.

[Mormegil]

Mormegil prepared himself for the journey, and said his goodbyes to Nim Redleg, "Master Dwarf, It has been a pleasure to have your company for the night. I promise to protect your nephew, with my life if necessary. And I hope that we might find out what has upset the stars, and right it so that your starmap will be correct again."
Mormegil shook the Dwarf's hand and turned to the others. "Come on then, we've got a lot of travelling to do...."

[roguelion]

Thorvold listens to the old dwarf intently. "I wil do my best, and I will return when this adventure is done" He then mounts his small horse and adjusts his armor and clothing..."Well Im ready.."

[Eomer Dinmention]

*Eomer bows down
"Well Master Redleg, It has been a pleasure sitting down, and watching the stars. I grant you permission to enter my lands. And i think the stars are in a different view there. But if you ever do want to travel, come and visit me. I thankyou for the Pipeweed and the Ale. Farewell Master Redleg, and we will try to find out whats wrong"

*Eomer gets up and saddles his horse. He then gets onto his horse. And as he was about to leave.
"Well Lark, Mormegil and Lorien, IT seems as if we have new companion. AS i heard the conversation, His name is Thorvold.
Welcome Thorvold, I am Eomer Dinmention, Lord of the Rohirrim, King of Rohan and all that great big name stuff."

[Lorien]

Lorien looked at Nim and said, "Take care Master Dwarf! Once and if we set the stars right I will come back here to star gaze with you again! Namarie, Master Redleg." Nim Redleg bowed and said with a twinkle in his eye, "It shall be a pleasure to have your company, even if you are hlaf-elven, I shall hold you to your word! And I shall wait for you." Lorien nodded and jumped on his horse Orion. As Eomer introduced himself to Throvold, Lorien just looked at the dwarf and said, "Good to have you along. My name is Lorien."

[roguelion]

Thorvold, sitting on his horrse nods to Lorien, and sits quietly waiting for the party to leave, he then decides to ride over to where Truor is upon his horse. "Well Truor, this looks like it could get interesting, I never noticed that the stars were wrong, never paid them much heed when I was under the mountain."

[Eomer Dinmention]

*Eomer bows down
"Well Farewell Master Dwarf, I hope to see you again"

"Indeed Eomer, Farewell. I will visit your kingdom, when i am i need of an adventure"

"Very well"

*Eomer then gets up and starts to ride off. He speeds fast. As his horse, is a Prince of the Mearas

[YayGollum]

to Thorvold ---> "Yeah, it was interesting when I've traveled with some of these people before. Dangerous sometimes, though. I hope you're good in a fight!" *sees Eomer speeding off* "Great! He thinks somebody's chasing him!" *asks Anthrax to try and catch up with him, to which he is replied with a neigh of disbelief* :rolleyes:

[Snaga]

They rode onwards that day, and at first the path seemed easy enough as it followed the stream higher and higher. But soon they were in the high places where the grasses and small shrubs gave way to more rocky terrain. But they came across wet and boggy spots which they had to lead their horses around with care, and other places where falls of rock and shale had buried the path, and the route was treacherous.

The sun shone, but though it was bright, it gave little warmth to them. High above them the peaks glistened white from the snow. Here, deeper into the mountains it seemed to have fallen much more heavily. At times they had to labour through drifts of it, but for the most part they made good progress.

They paused for a break in a high place, but beyond them yet was Caradhras. Its white peak ahead of them had smirked unkindly down upon them, but as they sat to eat some lunch it disappeared in a thick cover of cloud, as if to hide its thoughts. But Lark felt a prickle on the back of her neck, as though evil eyes were upon her. Turning she was, a great black bald-headed vulture leering from a high crag. As she met its eye, it gave a rasping cry, and took flight swiftly heading northwards on its deathly wings.

'Ai!' cried Lark, unnerved. 'That carrion-bird was watching us! I don't like it.'

[YayGollum]

*watches the vulture fly away and drinks some mead* "Oh, him? Nothing to be afraid of. Those things get nervous if you even look at them! That's probably what happened. The least he could do is tell his friends about us. Those nasty birds will work for anybody!"

[Eomer Dinmention]

No No that was no ordinary Vulture, I have watched it with my eyes. Did you see those dark black evil eyes looking. I don't like this, Someone is behind this.
I suggest we lay low for tonight.

*Eomer put on his dark cloak so that no one could see any flesh of his body

[roguelion]

Thorvold sits upon his horse, listening to the conversation about the vulture."I know little of birds and fowel, but I do know this, that bird looks as if it driven by an evil master."

[Snaga]

'Yes, very evil looking. But I wonder. A name springs to mind: Radagast! A friend of birds and beasts...' Lark replied, her words trailing off. She looked at Truor. 'Go easy on that mead! We dont want you rolling down the mountainside!' she said with a grin.

Lark follows Thorvolds lead, and gets back on her horse. 'Yes we must continue. Why so quiet Mormegil?' she asked, for the ranger had not spoken for a long time.

They continued on their way, circling the around the rocky faces of Silvertine on a narrow ledge atop a sheer drop. Clouds came suddenly as they descended, and the wind picked up. Lark found herself shivering, as snow began to fall. It was not so much to stop them travelling onwards, but it fell steadily all that afternoon. Looking upwards, the peaks had disappeared, wreathed in clouds.

As nightfall came, they arrived at a spot where a small stone shack was built in a sheltered hollow. They were halfway through the pass. But Caradhras was ahead of them, and the snow was still falling. The stone building looked deserted: the narrow windows were unglazed and wooden shutters banged against the rough walls, echoing about the dell. No light came from behind them. The heavy door had a stone in front to stop from opening.

'Look! A shelter!' cried Lark, happy for the first time since seeing the bird. 'Let's go in! This is much better than camping out in the snow.'

[Eomer Dinmention]

*Eomer took out his sword, and started to push the stone away.

He draws his sword and walks in steadily.

[Mormegil]

Mormegil also had his sword drawn and walked through the door, behind Eomer.

As his eyes adjusted to the gloom in the hut, Mormegil could make out a table against the wall, it had a few things strewn over it, there was a chair in front of the table, with some sort of clothing hanging from it.
On the far wall could be seen a fireplace, which did not look like it had been used for years.
As Mormegil continued to scan the small hut, he saw what looked like a bundle of clothing in the corner, he took a step towards it and the bundle moved. Mormegil could see that it was in fact a child, a boy, no more than about 10 years old.
The boy looked up at Mormegil and Eomer, with tears in his eyes, staring at their drawn swords. "Please don't kill me" he begged.

[Eomer Dinmention]

*Eomer sheaths his sword

"Put you weapons down"

"Don't worry little child, are you ok? Where are your family?"

*The boy continues to cry.
" I don't know, mummy and daddy haven't come home yet, they said that they were going to get some food, and that they will be home few hours later. But that was yesterday, And they haven't come home yet"

*Eomer pulls out some food and hands it to the boy to eat.

[roguelion]

Truor shoves past the Humans and stops into the shack, he grabs the chair and slumps down into it, letting his still gloroulsy shining shield clatter onto the floor. He then crains his neck looking for Thorvold. "Wher'd that DWARF get to...Someone get him in there to start a fire!"

[Eomer Dinmention]

**What ever happened to this thread, this was such a good one too**

[YayGollum]

Sure, I'll delete this later.

I don't know. That snaga1 dude doesn't have time for it nowadays, I guess.