Rp#57- Search For The Lost Ranger

[Ecthelion]

It was a cold day at Weathertop and no one spoke a word. All the Rangers gathered their gear deep in thought about the stealing of the Ranger Elgee. Ecthelion II gathered his scimitars and other items for the journey. After he finished finding all his weapons and provisions he wrapped around himself his grey cloak. Ecthelion walked to the tip of Weathertop where was his horse. He saddeled up and awaited his fellow Rangers so the may retrive their friend and slay all who helped to capture her. Ecthelion hoped in his mind Elgee was still alive and could leave signs to help us find her. Ecthelion took a sip from his cantinee and stared off into the distance and waited silently in thought.






OOC: This is for Rangers ONLY, don't post unless your a Ranger

[Mablung]

Lolik checked the shaft of each of his arrows then the edges of all of his blades. He did this mechanically as his thoughts were wandering about the kidnapping of Elgee. After pulling on his outerwear he put everything, but his weapons in his horse's saddle bags. Then he lead the horse over next to Ecthelion waiting silently in his thoughts to leave.

[Éomond]

Éomond put on his green cloak on. He tighten his mail shirt and gloves. His armor was set. He put on his quiver or arrows and his bow. He put his sword (called Éomond) on, he also carried a long knife. He left behind some of his other weapons and armor, because they would slow him down. He came out-side to his horse Naru, he stroked the horse for awhile then put on the saddle a blanket, a cantinee, and some food. He jumped on his horse and walked him over to where Ecthelion II and Lolik were. He sat staring at the distance. The day was getting colder.

[Arathin]

These three were quickly joined by Arathin. She sat upon her dapple-grey stallion, Gildor. She traveled very light with only Rauko Umbar, her long sword, a short knife concealed in each boot, and a bow with arrows. Her ancient Lothlorien cloak, which had been her half brother Aragorn's, hung upon her shoulders. Her gaze was distant, focused off on lands and events that had happened in the past upon this very spot, but that echoed the recent lose to the Rangers number. A lose of one...

[Goldberry344]

Goldie sighed and stood up, sliding her freshly polished sword into its sheath. Slowly she strode to the edge of Weathertop, adjusting her bow, quiver and daggars on her back as she went. She glanced to her right and smiled slightly, seeing her faithful black mare grazing in the grass below. Her harsh whistle pierced the silence, and Midnight Wings' loud whinney of responce rang through the air as she trotted up to Goldie. Goldie gave her an apple and bridled her, storing Wings' halter in her already-on saddle. Slowly she glanced over at the others, questioning with her eyes.

[Ecthelion]

The group was ready. They started heading off in the most likely way, west. The group soon found tracks, lots of them. They looked like orc tracks only much much bigger. The tracks looked about two days old, luckily the orc things were on foot and the Rangers could catch up with them. Ecthelion and the others picked up the pace. Hours later they found another very seeable group of tracks. These were also fresher, Ecthelion knew they were catching up. In excitement that they might catch up during the night The Rangers headed on, and then something horrible happened. The tracks stopped. Right at the foot of The Misty Mountains.

[HLGStrider]

Elgee moaned... she'd been unconscious for most of the ordeal, and she was glad of it... When awake she was still blindfolded, tied, and surrounded by smelly orcs... also she had a head ache...

She knew they would be tracking her, and she knew that her fellow Rangers could read the signs, no matter how faint... but would they make it in time? Orcs were not known to be gentle with prisoners, or indeed to keep them for very long. Why had they stolen her? Where were they going?

The wind whipped about them coldly... they were high in the passes now... then it stopped.

Elgee concentrated on the change of air... they must've entered a cave... the orc's heavy footsteps now echoed... on the hard ground and with the snow covering their prints, even a Ranger would not find her easily... Wiggling one foot against the other she managed to free one of her skin shoes... it fell unnoticed on the cavern's floor.

[Ecthelion]

Ecthelion and the group did the only thing they could, the started up the mountain. They searched cave after cave looking for one with a passage or sign from Elgee. After an hour of searching Arathin noticed Elgee's shoe. She called the rest of the group over to the cave where there was indeed a small passage. Ecthelion said "This is definately where they took Elgee, but we are all tired, send your horses back to Weathertop and get out your blankets we sleep here tonight. We shall take shifts on who stays awake, I will go first. Sleep quickly so we may soon go into the Mountains."

[Arathin]

Arathin pat Ecthelion on the back and muttered in his ear. "Keep watch on the back passage carefully. I for one will not be taken as Bilbo and the dwarves were taken long ago..." She then pat Gildor on the neck and whispered something in his ear. He turned and started away. She smiled after her faithful stallion; then spread out her blanket and soon fell asleep.

[Mablung]

Lolik patted his horse on it's flanks then told it to go back to Weathertop. The horse not liking the cave happily complied and went off after Gildor. Then following Ecthelion's advice he spread out his blanket then drifted off. About two hours or so later he awoke to find Ecthelion still watching faithfully. Wrapping the blanket around himself for warmth he walked over to Ecthelion and tapped his shoulder. "You get some rest I'll take the next watch."

[Goldberry344]

Goldie sighed and unloaded her saddlepacks swiftly. leaving the saddle on her horse she sent her back to weathertop with the others, hoping there would be someone there to untack her. Silently she unrolled her sleeping sack and glanced at Mablung and whispered, "Ill take the watch after yours, wake me when it's time."

[Mablung]

Lolik nodded to Goldie and took up the long watch. Watching the position from of the moon from the mouth of the cave he estimated when 2 hours had passed and he walked over and gently shook her awake. "Your turn I didn't see anything, but something could come anyway." After watching her drag herself groggily over to the position he was occupying he lay back down and went to sleep.

[Goldberry344]

The rest of the night passes slowly as goldie sits with her sword across her lap. it is the crack of dawn when she hears a slight noise from the right of the cave. Cautiously and slowly she looks around the side, and comes almost face to face with an orc. He seems as surprised as Goldie, but Goldie recovers sooner and beheads the orc. swiftly she rushed over to the others and woke them. "An orc was here," she explained as they got up groggily, "i killed the one, but there will probably be others."

[Mablung]

Lolik woke instantly hearing the word Orc and quickly packed all of the things he had on the ground. "Then we had best prepare for a fight." Putting his pack on his back he drew put his hand on the hilt of his sword and walks over next to Goldie eager to resume the hunt.

[HLGStrider]

The slope had been down ward. That was the only thing Elgee could surmise about her trip... that and that they were now using lanterns... One of them had singed her dress when she'd made an attempt to struggle away. Of course, she'd failed... She wanted to be home with her cats... So dark...

She'd managed to slip off her other shoe a few hours back, but in the darkness it would be a miracle if they found it...

Suddenly they started to go up again... climbing steeply. She was being pulled along. Then they emerged into fresh air and started down again at a trot.

[Arathin]

Arathin had unpacked only her blanket, throwing this back into her pack, she was on her feet and at the mouth of the cave in an instant. "I bet they didn't stop with Elgee. If they are Orcs, they probably are keeping her down there or just cut through, but they didn't stop if cutting through. Some one get a torch, we will most likely need the light."

[Goldberry344]

Goldie shoved her blanket back into her packs and lit three torches. she handed one to arathin, one to lolik and one to ecthelion, not taking one herself so that she could have both hands free to shoot her bow. she swiftly slung her packs onto her back, checking her weapons as she went, she gestured for arathin to lead the way.

[Arathin]

Arathin nodded to Goldie and pat her on the shoulder to show her trust of Goldie's bow before leading the way into the dark tunnels. She silently stepped over the beheaded orc's body and carefully continued on downward. The thing that hit her the most was the stench. 'Orc tunnels for sure.' she thought to herself as she continued downward. After being in the tunnels for a few hours, her torchlight shone off of what was definately the other one of Elgee's shoes. Arathin picked it up and exibited it to her fellow Rangers.

[Ecthelion]

Ecthelion looked at it carefully as did everyone else. In the end they did decide that it was indeed Elgee. They kept going and their route inclined when suddenly they hit a dead end. Ecthelion said "I guess they took a turn somewhere." The Rangers turned around and looked at the numerous tunnels there were. "Ok everyone spilt up and find the tunnel with the freshiest footprints and we will take that tunnel."

[Goldberry344]

Goldie took Elgee's shoe and placed it in her pack with the other. "she'll probably want these later," she whispered as she took her own fork in the cave, making sure she traveled down the one with the most natural light. Feeling as if she were being watched, she knocked her arrow and continued on.

[Arathin]

Arathin wandered down a separate tunnel. She kept her torch high, so it would reflect better off the messy floor. She could find no tracks fresh enough and so went down a different tunnel a short ways.

[Goldberry344]

Goldie also found no fresh tracks and began to walk back her tunnel to find another lit one.

[Éomond]

Éomond had his hand on his sword Calimmacil. He looked around the tunnel, it was very dark and he had no torch, he strianed his eyes looking for any clues in the tunnel. He walked down his tunnel, it seemed like hours he went through it, still no track or clues. He had a feeling, and he kept walking down the tunnel......

[Mablung]

Lolik walked cautiously down his tunnel shielding his light as much as he could with his hand on the hilt of his sword. He found many goblin skeletons from long ago but naught else.

[Ecthelion]

Ecthelion wandered up his tunnel looking left and right when he soon heard it. The voices of many talking and laughing. Nain looked ahead and saw a tunnel that went of his that had light shining out it. He got close and listened. "Did and ya'll see that group of Uruk-Hai running through here earlier? I'm pretty sure they had a halfing, either that or a quite small person. Man I must have man flesh soon, real SOON!" Ecthelion had heard enough already he grabbed his mighty horn fo Gondor passed down to him and blew a mightly blow. The goblins all clutched their ears and Ecthelion jumped in with his two Scimitars in hand. He killed 5 or 6 goblins before they regained their wits. Ecthelion was very outnumbered, but then his great companions burst in arrow and sword drawn. Ecthelion said," Rangers, kill them, kill them all. Except him." Ecthelion pointed to the Goblin he heard talking. Ecthelion walked up to him and knocked him out with the handle of his blade. Ecthelion looked up at the petrefied goblins, Ecthelions aid again,"Kill them."

[Arathin]

Arathin had been about to enter a third tunnel just as she heard Ecthelion's horn blow. She raced down his tunnel along with several other Rangers and burst into the area with the Orcs, sword drawn. Her appearance bewildered some Orcs and merely enraged others, as they knew her sword, Rauko Umbar. Many of their kind had fallen to her blade, and many more would follow this hour.

[Mablung]

Lolik raced down the tunnel towards the cry of the horn. Seeing Arathin and Ecthelion already engaged in battle he drew his sword and fought with both the torch and the blade. Burning and bludgeoning some while simply cutting the others.

[Éomond]

Éomond heard a distant blow of a horn. His tunnel had gotten so dark, he could see anything, but the horn seemed to guide him. He ran as fast as he could, he drew Calimmacil and a small knife. When he reached the other Rangers, many Orc were already dead but some were still left, he through his short knife and it hit a Orc in the neck, and then fought using Calimmacil to slay a few others.

[Mablung]

Lolik stabbed his blade into one of the last orcs alive when the one who complained of needing flesh jumped on him from behind and in a blind rage of hunger and malice bit his arm taking a large chunk of flesh and meat out of it. He let out a cry of pain and threw the orc down. "You'll pay for that one you filthy beast!" With that he caved in the orc's skull with the torch and sat down while the while the others finished up the few remaining orcs. The wound wasn't life threatening but it was deep and the muscle had been torn weakening his arm so much he couldn't lift his sword. Gritting his teeth he probed it to see how deep it was then ripped off a piece of his blanket and wrapped it around the wound as a bandaid until he could properly treat it.

[Arathin]

Soon all the but one Orc Ecthelion had knocked unconcious were dead. Arathin seeing that Lolik was injured hurried to his side. "Sit and rest a moment, you have lost a fair amount of blood." Lolik did as told and Arathin covered the wound with Athelas leaves, which she always carried with her. Wrapping Lolik's arm in clean bandages and other herbs, Arathin muttered some Elvish over his arm and his pain eased. "You'll be better soon." She muttered and went over to join Ecthelion and the other Rangers around the commatose Orc.

[Ecthelion]

Ecthelion first took out some rope, he bound the orcs wrists together and its ankles together as well. He proceeded to take all weapons that the orc had on him. Now Ecthelion grabbed it and shook him violently. The orc woke up shaking and screaming. Ecthelion garbbed its arm and put one of his scimitars up to his neck, he spoke,"Shut up you vile orc! I have questions for you," The orc shivered in fear ," The orcs you saw running by here today with the person, where did they go?!" The orc shook his head and wouldn't answer. Ecthelion said to it "Tell me NOW!" is voice eoched through the caves. The orc pointed to a steep tunnel leading upwards. Ecthelion said "Thank you." then again bashed him on the head knocking him out. Ecthelion took his orc draught and gave some to Lolik saying ,"I know it tastes horrible, but you'll feel much better." Ecthelion also took the sack fo bread the orc had, he bit off a piece and said triumphantly "It is still good." He turned to his Rangers and asked "Well we know orcs, big ones, took Elgee and went up that tunnel, now what shall we do with this orc?"

[Arathin]

Arathin scowled at Ecthelion. "You've got gut eating that bread. I wouldn't eat anything I got from an Orc unless it was life or death... even then I might go for death first. But our options are to take that slimeball with us, leave him here where he might be found by other Orcs and put them onto us, or we could just kill him and be done with it. I say just kill him. We know which way they went and I doubt he knows much more than that. Besides we don't have much time to waste." Arathin figgited as if more than ready to leave.

[Ecthelion]

"Arathin, orc bread lasts long and if we run out of food it may save us. Now then I will dispose of this orc and we shall travel up the cave." Ecthelion took out one of his scimitars and placed it to the orcs neck. With a quick slice the orc was dead. He resheathed his scimitar and headed up the cave, the others following.

[Arathin]

Arathin shrugged and started up the cave after Ecthelion. She held her torch high so that those between her and the next torch could see well enough to walk.

[Éomond]

Éomond looked at the dead Orc before he left. He yelled out to Ecthelion "He helped us though! The least you could have done was....." His vocie echoed though the caves getting fainter with each word. Éomond took some arrows from a dead Orc. He then went the the Orc that had just been killed, he took the a very small knife from it and stuck it in his boot. Éomond then ran off to his fellow Rangers.
When Éomond caught up with the other Rangers, he spoke to them "I think we should start running, those Uruk-Hai have got a good head start on us, maybe if we can some get less distance between us there'll be easier track to read and maybe they'll be within eyesight."

[Ecthelion]

Ecthelion kept walking and didn't turn around, but said to Eomond," Maybe we could get closer, but you should know what would happen, they would pick up our scent, that would make things worse. At this pace they don't know we are after them. In other words, the faster we go, the faster they go."

[Éomond]

Éomond looked up while walking, as if thinking, "I guess you are right, I was to quick to speak. Forgive me, I just wanted to get our fellow Ranger back quickly." Éomond cleaned his sword and put it back in it's sleath.

[Mablung]

Lolik pinched his nose as he drank the orcish medicine. It burnt like fire and tasted like the dregs of a marsh but he imediatly felt revigorated and a new strength flowing through his limbs. His arm felt stronger though hardly strong enough to kill an orc with. One arm was still good, so he would just have to make do.

[Goldberry344]

Goldie walked after Eomond, her bow strung in her left hand and an arrow in her right. "We're almost out," she announced, "the air is getting fresher."

[Arathin]

Arathin paused a moment, letting the others pass by her. She tilted her head as if listening to something far behind. "I think living Orcs will soon find their dead friends..." She said lowly so as not to create an echo.

[Ecthelion]

Soon Ecthelion lay outside in the fresh air again with his Ranger friends. He said while laying down "Shall we try and find something to block the entrance or shall we keep going?" After Ecthelion spoke he sat up and his hand felt something wet. He smelt the substance than liked it, he exclaimed "ORC DRAUGHT! Fairly fresh for its still warm. Lets us go!" With that the company began to trot around the rocky paths that were laid ahead.

[HLGStrider]

Elgee felt lightheaded... when was the last time she'd eaten... when was the last time she'd drank anything? Evil Orcs... They'd crossed what was either a large stream or a river ford awhile back, and they'd let her feet drag in the river, but feet couldn't take in water... and she was probably going to get a cold from her damp toes... Elgee sniffled.

"We're almost there," scoffed one big fellow somewhere to her right.

[Mablung]

Lolik bent down after they crossed the river shivering from the cold water. Looking at some other trails amongst the orc tracks he stood up and took the last swig of Orc draught to warm up and regain the rest of his strength. "Shes in bad shape now they're just dragging her and if they don't pour some of their bloody awful orc draught down her throat she could be getting hypothermia if they submerged anymore than her legs in that water. Either way let us hope our chase nears an end for her sake."

[goldmare]

Goldmare Greenleaf's eyes strained ahead of the party, hoping to see something worth seeing, but although her half-elven eyes were better than most, all she could see were the tracks they were following, and all she could smell was the orc stench that was as much a guide as the tracks on the ground. Eager to gain on the orcs, she increased her speed and focused all her attention on the trail ahead. Fidgeting with her bow, she vowed that the first orc she spotted would have an arrow through its head...

[Goldberry344]

Goldberry ran next to Ecthelion and glanced around. "They are less than two days ahead of us. we are downwind of them, and the wind is not likely to change within the next day. if we run we have a chance of meeting them in the night, at this pace, we'll find elgee when she's dead!"

[Mablung]

Lolik nodded. "And if they get to their fortress camp or wherever they are going it will be much harder to take her back as they will have fresh supplied and quite probably reinforcements."

[Arathin]

Arathin followed the other Rangers at the back of the group. She kept as much a watch behind her as before. She felt trouble was behind them as well as before, and it was closer behind. She caught up to Ecthelion. "If we do not quicken our pace, we'll have company soon. This company will not be our quarry though. I fear it will be our fallen "map's" friends." By map, she meant the orc that had directed them in their persute.

[Ecthelion]

Ecthelion nodded and they picked up the pace. Shortly Ecthelion stopped in his tracks as did all the others, he got down and crept behind a huge boulder. Others did the same or shared one. Sitting a few feet passed the rocks sat roughly 25 huge orcs. Ecthelion made eye contact wih the other Rangers and was about to give them the sign to attack when a large growl came from behind them. Quickly turning around Ecthelion saw 25 more giant orcs running at them. Ecthelion jumped up and drew his blades. The other orcs infront of them quickly noticed The Rangers and got up with their swords in hand. Now they were trapped.

[goldmare]

Goldmare shifted nervously; they were surrounded by about 50 orcs. She looked desperately for Elgee among the orcs in front, but she knew Elgee would not be there, but further ahead. She snarled in frustration from the delay and gritted her teeth for battle. Loosening her sword for when her arrows ran out, she aimed her bow carefully at the largest orc there and waited for the command from Ecthelion to attack.

[Arathin]

Arathin whipped out her sword and waits for the orcs to come to her. As they charge, she tworls around and beheads the first one on the back sweep. The second gets her sword in the gut and sliced from navel to nose. The orcs start giving Arathin a cautious clearing, but she charges into them and beheads two more.

[Goldberry344]

goldie looked away from the attacking orcs for a moment, then she pulled an arrow from her quiver , knocked it and pulled back. She held her fire for a moment, unsure of whether or not she should fire, then she let loose, arrow after arrow, hitting ten before they were close enough for her to use her sword.

[Mablung]

Lolik drew his blade and held it tightly. He slashed at the first orc that came near him and although the blow was a killer the shock pained his arm breaking through the numbing effect of the Orc Draught. So once more reduced to using his one arm again he kept fighting as best he could having enough strength left in his other one to wield one of his small knives to cut the throats of particurly persistant orcs.

[Ecthelion]

Ecthelion faced his focus on the orcs in the back. He let them come to him, which some were more reluctant than others. Ecthelion did not go for kills on the larger orcs, he merely cut of limbs, for they will be of use. Ecthelion had now killed six and four larger orcs lay on the ground with a leg and an arm missing. He sheathed a scimitar and pulled out a dagger and launched it hitting and orc in the arm. Ecthelion kept fighting when soon a sharp pain struck his left shoulder. He killed the orc he was fighting and glanced to his shoulder, an arrow stuck out his shoulder. He tried to ignore it and kept on all the while feeling more pain.

[HobbitGirl]

One of the orcs had managed to escape the skirmish and was crawling away into some nearby bushes when he heard a rushing sound like a wind through an aspen tree. It was the last sound he ever heard, because the sound was Fiara's sword, Triassa, the Fearsome Wind, coming in to chop off his head. She nimbly jumped over the decapitated orc and joined the battle. A few orcs saw this new foe and rushed at her. She sliced two of them across the gut in one stroke and the rest hesitated. Fiara pulled out her throwing knives and launced a few of them at the remaining orcs that had charged her. She hit one orc in the neck and one between the eyes. The other two fled from Fiara, only to be slain by the other Rangers.

[Mablung]

Lolik saw the arrow hit Ecthelion and quickly put away his knife and took his shield from his back. Hearing the sharp twang of the bow he barely raised the shield in time to catch the arrow in it. Rushing the archer he saw he caught another arrow in the shield then used it to bash the orc. With the orc stunned he thrust his blade into the orc's gut then pulled it out and continued fighting on the look out for any more archers.

[goldmare]

At the start of the battle, Goldmare had used her Elven bow to slay orc after orc. Now, however, the fighting was getting too intense. Dropping her bow, she drew her sword and began to hack through the army of creatures, beheading some and running her sword through others. Some time later, she was able to stop and look around. There were only about ten orcs left, which the Rangers were quickly finishing off. Breathing heavily, she began to help them with this job.

[HobbitGirl]

After the last orc was slain and their dead bodies littered the ground, the other Rangers took notice of Fiara. She saw them looking at her and said, "I'm sorry I am late. I arrived at Weathertop after you departed and have been tracking you since. I hope my absence has not been hindering."

[Goldberry344]

Goldie smiled and replied, "not at all, though we are thankful you came. be wary, we should search the camp."

[Ecthelion]

Ecthelion ripped out the aroow in his arm and spoke "Grab what you can to help us, weapons, drink, and food if you have the extra room for it. Hurry now we aren't far behind now." Ecthelion quickly picked up many a daggar and hooked them onto his belt, he also grabbed a quite full canteen of orc draught that hung by a dead orc. Ecthelion then walked over to the moaning orcs he left to live for awhile longer. He spoke to them and got what info he needed, he quickly slayed them and looked around. Soon everyone was ready and Ecthelion shouted "Let's Go!" Night was now here and they would run right through it to catch their leader and friend, Elgee.

[Arathin]

Arathin hurried after Ecthelion. She had treated the wounded Rangers, especially Lolik, as best as possible in the short amount of time. She had also collected some Orc draught, a few throwing daggers, and a little of the Orcish bread. she didn't believe she would ever eat it, but better to be safe, she mused.

[HobbitGirl]

Fiara cleaned and sheathed her sword. She picked up what knives were usable for throwing, then followed Ecthelion into the night.

[Mablung]

Lolik pulled the arrows out of his shield then took all of the draught and bread he could find sipping on the draught as he continued. His arm was starting to feel genuinely better rather than numbed by the draught but he still needed the energy.

[Goldberry344]

Goldie gathered the lightest of the orcish arrows to fill her quiver, glaced over at Lolik and ran after ecthellion

[Mablung]

Lolik drained the whole canteen of Orc Draught then made sure all of the orcs were dead before catching up with the others scanning for threats.

[Ecthelion]

And they went through the night and into the next day. They were always catching up for now the orcs slowed thinking their comrades left behind would stop the ones coming after them. Their traveling had taken them down the Misty Mountain and down back to the ground of Middle-Earth. Before they knew it, they found what they were looking for. A camp of orcs, maybe 75 - 90 of the vile creatures. Ecthelion turned to his fellow Rangers where they were hidden in some trees and bushes "We shall stay here tonight and get Elgee back tonight." The other Rangers looked confused, he pointed and said "Look over there by the tent, that sack moves very once in awhile, it must be her. Tonight we resuce her. Now everyone, get as light as you can, bringing maybe one weapon, and we have to do this." Ecthelion lifted up some mud and spread it on his skin," We can't let them smell us, now rest, soon we go."

[HobbitGirl]

Fiara said, "I will take the first watch tonight. If the orcs discover us or leave suddenly I will alert you at once." As the other Rangers settled down for a brief rest, Fiara moved to the edge of the camp concealed in some bushes. The more she stared at the group of orcs the more her anger increased. They had taken a Ranger, and that would not be forgiven. As the night deepened one could not hear the sound of Fiara sharpening her sword any more than one could hear her breathing.

[Mablung]

Lolik smeared mud all over his body like Ecthelion did then put his bow and knives in a bundle that he expertly hid in the bushes. Then with only his sword he sat and waited staying awake like Fiara.

[Goldberry344]

Goldie looked at the mud puddle and crinkeled her nose. Walking silently into the bushes with her grey cloak wrapped around her, she lay in the bushes, her pack under her head and her bow in her hand next to her, she fell into a light sleep with her eyes open, as is natural with her elven kin.

[Arathin]

Arathin covered her body with mud and lays down to sleep until the rescue.

[Ecthelion]

Ecthelion could not rest so he simply sat up against the tree and waited. An hour or so later Ecthelion moved around waking everyone. When everyone was awake he said,"Ok, most of the orcs are asleep. There are 5 guards on each of the 4 sides of the camp. There are 7 of us. First we will each pair up in twos and one of threes and take out 3 of the sides. So first off everyone pair up." Everyone did and the groups were Mablung and Eomond, Goldie and Goldmare and Fiara, and Arathin and Ecthelion. Ecthelion spoke again," Now, Mablung and Eomond, you two kill the guards on the left side, Goldie and Goldmare and Fiara, you two take the one facing us and Arathin and I shall take the right side. Make your kills silent and don't let the guards wake the others, or we may never see daylight again. Now, take as long as you want and meet back here once you dispose of the guards, and don't leave their bodies laying about, hide them in a bush or something, now lets go."

[Éomond]

Éomond had his Long Knife close at hand. But he took out his Bow and a grey-feathered arrow. He looked over to Mablung, who was in his group. He spoke quietly to him "Shall we slay them will arrows or shall we sneak to them and make a quick kill with our swords and knifes, or do you have another idea?" He wait for Mablung's reply.

[Mablung]

Lolik whispered back to Eomond. "I left my bow and have only my sword besides the wind is blowing a bit too fast for my liking of getting a clean kill. Go for the voice box." With that he and Eomond snuck around behind then guards. One of them stepped on a twig bringing one of the orcs to full attenion. Lolik then took a knife out of his sleeve then dug it into the larnyx of the orc. He kept pushing until he felt the knife point begin to poke through the back of the orc's neck then he let him fall and drug him off into a bush and covered the body with mud. Then he whispered to Eomond once more "Cover it's body with mud or they will get suspicious smelling an orc outside of camp." Then he sat waiting for Eomond to finish keeping on the look out.

[goldmare]

Goldmare whispered to Goldie and Fiara, "Ok, there are five of them and three of us, and we can't risk even one yelling and alarming the others that we're here. The way I see it, we should pick off two of them while they are separated from the others, then sneak up and cut the throats of the other three. All right with you guys?"

[Éomond]

When Lolik was making his kill Éomond had stepped on a twig to distract the other Orc from seeing Lolik. As the other Orc gaurd was walking over to were Éomond was, he jumped out of the bushes and sliced the Orc's head off. He grabbed the body and covered it with mud and hid it in the bushes. He had forgotten about the head. He hid the other Orc that Lolik had killed and waited with him.

[Ecthelion]

Ecthelion and Arathin snuck over to their side. They hid in some bushes and made a quick plan. Ecthelion quickly crawled to a bush on one side of the orcs and Arathin went to the opposite side. They made eye contact and Ecthelion nodded. Ecthelion grabbed a branch and snapped it, one of the larger orcs walked over to see what it was, the other orcs also looked his way. Arathin leaped out and slit the closest orcs neck while quickly pulling back with her and piling mud on the carcass. The other 3 orcs sitting down starting talking for they thought the other orc left for something. When the looked back Ecthelion lunged up and stabbed the orc through the windpipe. The orc fell forward into a bush near Ecthelion, Ecthelion got back his knife, but didn't yet cover this one with mud for the others had gotten up and slowly walked over to where the larger orc was. When they looked around and found his body Arathin popped back up with her bow and arrows and fired one. She nailed the middle orc in the back killing him. The two orcs left started to get very scared. As they looked at where the arrow had come Ecthelion slowly got up, then slowly unsheathed his two scimitars. The orcs heard one of the blades as it came out and they both turned around a second later Ecthelion had sliced both their chests killing them. Arathin came out and met Ecthelion, Ecthelion whispered,"Ok lets cover the bodies with mud and get back to our camp." Arathin nodded and they quickly covered the orcs and hid them in bushes some feet away from where they died. When their job was done they snuck off and where seen by none.

[Lossen Vana]

OOC: can I join this quest?

[Ecthelion]

Lossen please delete your post, this thread is only for Rangers, if you join you may enter the Rp.

[Mablung]

Lolik nods as Eomond comes to join him then they both steal back off to the camp carefully and meet up with Arathin and Ecthelion after making sure they were not detected. "Our task is done what is our next move?"

[HLGStrider]

Elgee sat in between two large orcs, feeling miserable. She'd been working at trying to free her hands without moving a great deal, which was difficult. Her wrists were bleeding from the ropes.

Finally she managed to break the bonds.

She knew she would never be able to escape, but in case a rescue was plotted she now had an advantage. She kept the ropes loosely about her wrists, hoping the captors wouldn't notice.

[Thomas Baggins]

Aravorn sharpens his sword while awaiting the leaders' decisions on what the next move should be.

[Ecthelion]

"Ok, Arathin, Eomond, and Mablung, you all go and take out the finally watchers on the opposite side of the camp, Aravorn you wait here for the others and tell them what we're doing. If we dont come back within half an hour, you all will have to think of a new plan. I will go and get Elgee and bring her back as soon as possible" Everyone nodded and went off into the darkness.

[Mablung]

Lolik nodded to the others and they circled around the camp carefully trying to make as much haste as they could safely manage. Then when they were on the otherside of the camp he snuck up upon an orc and clamped a hand over his mouth and sliced his throat open destroying the larnyx. Cover his kill with mud in the bushes he squinted his eyes trying to count how many orcs they had to kill. Then he whispered to them "How many do you count?"

[Goldberry344]

Goldie snuck around to the other edge of the camp, keeping an eye on the last sentry orc. Silently she walked up behind it, drawing one of her daggars she slit its throat, silently. she slowly lowered the beast's body to the ground, then picked her way back to the others, taking in the lay of the land as she did.

"I cant think that there are less than 50, Lolkik" she whispered, "but please, correct me if i am wrong"

[Mablung]

Lolik spun around with his knife flashing before realizing it was just Goldie. "Sorry Goldie, you scared me there I thought only Arathin and Eomond were over here. Anyway your estimate looks about right lets hope Ecthelion can get Elgee out of there without bringing all of them down upon us."

[Arathin]

Arathin whorled at Goldie's whisper. "What are you doing here?" She hissed. "You're suppose to go back to camp once you finished your assigned kill." Arathin hissed, sounding a bit preturbed.

[Goldberry344]

Goldie raised an eyebrow at Arathin. "Im on my way there, and i heard your chatter." she hissed softly, "I simply thought i'd put in my two cents on the matter, as i have probably seen the whole of the camp by now. Kill them quitely, and it will be a small job. Make a noise and we're done for." Goldie smiled sweetly, spun, and headed towards camp, past the group.

[Mablung]

Lolik watched her until she was out of sight then turned back to the others."Shes right... so anyway Arathin how should we do this?"

[Ecthelion]

Ecthelion rushed out into the night searching for his leader anf friend. "Where is that sack? Where Where Where?!" He thought to himself. Seconds later he tripped an dfell right in front of the sack. Ecthelion opened and saw it was empty. From the tent in front of him he heard to orcs talking, "So what does master want with this girl?" The other shrugged and answered, "I don't know maybe she's needed for a sacrafice." Ecthelion did not understand who the master was, but he knew they had Elgee. Ecthelion slowly drew his blade and a daggar. He crept around to the entrance. Ecthelion stood in the shadows peaking in waiting until the looked the other way. Ecthelion quickly scanned the room and sure enough in between the two orcs was Elgee. In anger Ecthelion jumped into the tent, while in the air he threw the daggar that sailed into the neck of the farther away orc and sliced the other ones arm with his sword. The orc with the huge gash in his arm was about to yell, but Ecthelion was too quick, he stabed him threw the throat. The orc fell over his mouth open. Ecthelion grabbed his daggar and resheathed his blade then whispered to Elgee, "Elgee, it's Ecthelion, are you ok." She gave off a small smile and nodded. Ecthelion looked at her and noticed her many wounds. "This wont be the best drink every, but you'll feel better." Ecthelion poured some orc draught down her and tossed her over his shoulder. Ecthelion quickly rushed out the tent and vanished with Elgee into the shadows.

[Arathin]

Arathin shrugged at Lolik and stepped forward making less noise than the darkening shadows. Her boot dagger didn't even flash in the moonlight as she slit the orken guard's throat in one liquid motion. The orc dead, she carefully hid it in a bush and covered it with mud. "One more left," she mouthed to Lolik then turned to the camp. She could see a shadowy figure with what looked like a large sack over its back. Pointing she hissed, "that might be Ecthe. it might not be."

[HLGStrider]

Elgee drew a deep breath as they ducked along the underbrush. She didn't feel so good, but she knew it would be a bad time to pass out. She couldn't remember her last meal... The orc draught was naseating...
"Where are the others?" she hissed.

[HobbitGirl]

Fiara had followed Arathin and the others when they made thier way around to the backside of the camp. She pulled a throwing knife out of her boot, waited until a breeze blew, then threw the knife into the last orc guard. He never saw nor heard the knife coming, because the sound of its flight was like to the sound of the breeze. Fiara quickly hid the orc in some bushes and covered him with mud. She mouthed to Lolik and the other Rangers nearby, "Done. Let's go."

[Mablung]

Lolik looks at Arathin and whispers. "Doesn't anyone understand the meaning of stay back at camp and only three should go? Well its done anyway." With that he and the others cautiously made their way back to camp.

[Ecthelion]

As Ecthelion swiftly headed back to camp he said to Elgee, "Don't worry the others are fine, we made a hasty camp in a patch of woods and bushes, first thing we do when we get there is give you a good meal and heal your wounds." Ecthelion picked up his pace. He soon found the camp and could make the faint outline of Rangers whispering inside the camp. He rushed in and layed Elgee up against a tree, he didnt notice who all was there, but said "Somone get Elgee some food and drink, quickl quickly!" Ecthelion checked her wounds carefully and found mostly cuts and brusies except a minor bone fracture in her left arm, he told her what was going on and made her a splint. Soon Goldie came up to him with bread and a canteen of water. She handed it to Elgee who started eating away.

[Mablung]

Lolik comes back into the camp having stayed behind to make sure they didn't notice anything amiss. Seeing Elgee and Ecthelion he went over and kneeled by them. "Glad to see your back Elgee, you had me worried there for awhile." Then he turned to Ecthelion. "They haven't found the bodies or anything, but they are milling around a bit more than they were I don't think we should wait around too long here."

[Ecthelion]

Ecthelion nodded and saw the rest of the Rangers file in after Lolik saying their greetings to Elgee, "We leave when Elgee is ready enough to walk. For now rest and have food and drink"

[Goldberry344]

Goldie thought for a moment, "Lolik, do you have anymore of the orc-draught?" glancing at Elgee's face she read the distaste there and smiled weakly, "I know you've had more than your fair share of the stuff, but it works!"

[Mablung]

"Don't worry Elgee one of the Orcs took a good bite out of my arm awhile back and I've been having to drink it too. Ill take some with you." Throws her the orc canteen then takes a normal canteen of water for himself since he had no more draught but still wanted to make her feel better. "Bottoms up!" They both drank from their canteens and he pretended to be disgusted with his.

[HLGStrider]

Elgee winced.
"I have a weak stomach.. I'll be ready in a minute... just let me catch my breath..."

[Mablung]

Lolik smiled and nodded but internally cursed having take the last sip of the water he had on hand. So grimacing he takes a canteen of real orc draught from Ecthelion who held it out with a smile. "Ready when you are Elgee..."

[Thomas Baggins]

Aravorn chuckles at Lolik, who makes him drinks whats left of the orc-draught. He takes one small sip and spits the rest out, "that stuffs disgusting" he exclaims.

[Dáin Ironfoot I]

Kuri watched from the cover of the forest, as the Rangers prepared to leave. He burst out of the woods, cloaked in green, only his knotted black beard visible from the outside.

"Hoy! I am Kuri Ironbow! I wish to aid you on your quest, for I grow weary of remaining idle up here in the North," Kuri said, waiting for the approval of the others.

[Arathin]

Arathin spun around at the sound of the Dwarven voice. She thought she reconized it. Catching sight of the Dwarf before the Rangers, her thoughts were confermed. It was Kuri, her oldest and most dear friend of the many friends her old, past travels had made. She rushed at him. "Why you old fool!" She exclaimed with joy. Kuri grinned broadly at seeing his old companion amoung this group. "How have you been all these long years?" Arathin asked after giving her much loved Dwarf friend a hug.

[Dáin Ironfoot I]

"Old am I now? Ha! This 'old Dwarf' is naught but 97 years, which is less than old by Dwarven standards!" Kuri joked, trying to look serious. But Arathin laughed, her clear voice like a sparkling waterfall in early morning, and Kuri smiled with joy. For this woman had found him and aided him after he was seperated from his father. She had helped Kuri kill the Petty Dwarves that were tracking him, and showed him the way to the Iron Hills and the wild North. But she had left, and their last meeting was of sorrow and grief.

"Well Ecthelion, what say you? Will this 'old Dwarf' accompany us on our quest? I am sure he will not fatigue despite his considerable age," Arathin said with a beaming smile.

[Goldberry344]

Goldie grins and steps next to Arathin. "I say, its a wonder you found us, Master Dwarf!"

[Ecthelion]

Ecthelion said quickly, "Enough rejocing for now, the orcs have found some dead orcs and Elgee missing, they are scouting. Listen closely." Everyone went quite and listened, a voice was speaking to the orcs that was not of any orc or anything related to a an orc, the voice said, "You all must find that girl, she is vital to my plan, bring her to my lair in Dol Gulder where I will await you, whoever finds here and brings her back ALIVE will get a handsome reward." The orcs roared and all went off in search. Ectheion whispered, "Follow me." Ecthelion crouched and walked low around to the right side of the camp, there was were they saw him for the first time, it was a Necromancer. The Necromancer got on a horse from a rough made stable and rode off. Ecthelion quickly whispered a plan to the Rangers. They serectly snuck into the area with the horses. They were 6 guards. When Ecthelion gave a signal they all fell dead from different circumstances. Everyone grabbed a horse except Dain who rode with Arathin. They took of to Dol Gulder in search of the Necromancer, what they didn't know was one orc saw them and quickly gathered all the orcs in the camp and the started running after the Rangers.

[Arathin]

Arathin had pulled Kuri onto a black stallion with her. Wishing very much it was her stallion Gildor very much, she and Kuri followed Ecthelion and the others on horse back.

[Thomas Baggins]

Aravorn waits behind to get off a few shots at the orcs who are chasing them then jumps onto his horse Rohryn to follow the others.

[Ecthelion]

Ecthelion turned to see orcs running yards behind them, he yelled as they rode, "Rangers, shoot at the orcs if you can." Ecthelion turned around as much as he could and fired at orcs gaining on them, he fired near the front so when one fell many tripped over the dead orc.

[Dáin Ironfoot I]

Kuri fired many a bolt from his wrist crossbows into the chests of the Orcs. Arathin desried to fire as well, but her attention was diverted to steadying the horse, whom was wild with excitement. The sharp bolts pierced through the armor of any Orc that opposed the party, and sunk deep into its vile flesh, causing black blood to spill forth like a foul waterfall.

[HobbitGirl]

Fiara heard Ecthelion's shout, and turned around as best she could on her steed. While still holding the reins, she pulled a knife out of her boot, took as best aim as she could despite the horse's bouncing, and let the knife fly. It missed the orc's face she was aiming for, but hit the neck of the orc behind him.

[Goldberry344]

Goldie turned to shoot, when her eye was caught by a figure nearby. It caught her eye, clawing into her brain. Do not shoot the orcs. a voice echoed in her brain, making her dizzy. Her eyes were locked on that figure, torn away only by the pain she felt when she struck the ground with her shoulder, falling from the horse.

[HLGStrider]

"Goldie!" Elgee moaned, still feeling weak herself. "Ecthilon... Look!"

The Orcs stooped towards Elgee.. She reached into the saddle bags before her hands met a metal handle. Whipping it out she swung down the all her remaining strength.
CLANG! The frying pan hit the top of the nearest orc's head.
"Take that!" she snarled. "And that!" Another clang. "And that... Oh... I think I'm going to faint..."

[Thomas Baggins]

Aravorn reigned in Rohryn turned him around and started shooting at the orcs. He then noticed Elgee and Goldie and galloped back to help them shooting arrows as he went. He jumped off Rohyrn and started fighting the orcs hand to hand with Gurthang and his elven daggers.

[Ecthelion]

Ecthelion yelled, "Aravorn, Elgee get back on your horses!" Ecthelion while shotting arrows galloped towards Goldie and scooped her up. His last arrow was spent and they tokk of riding. Ecthelion felt the air of a spear fly past his back, but missed its maek, Ecthelion picked it up, turned and threw it back at the orcs. The orcs were getting tired finally, and low in numbers soon Ecthelion knew they could turn around and defeat them, just a little longer.

[Thomas Baggins]

Aravorn jumped back onto Rohryn and galloped off with the other rangers.

[Goldberry344]

Goldie slumped against Ecthellion, weak and in pain. Tell no one the voice issued its last command and left so swifly it left Goldie in shock. Her eyes snapped open, her mind no more awake or steady, but her eyes aware. A sudden shadow filled her eyes, mind and heard for a brief moment, then her eyes drooped again. A shadow remained in her heart, though she could hardly feel it at the time.

[Ecthelion]

Ecthelion felt Goldies head slump against his back, but he didn't know why, the other Rangers were making the orcs fall like flies, they were only now maybe 30 in number. Ecthelion halted his horse and shouted, "Rangers, come to me!" Ecthelion drew his sword and waited as the other Rangers drew their swords in unison and trotted alongisde Ecthelion. The orcs came ever closer, when they were about 50 feet away Ecthelion yelled, "Attack!" The Rangers charged the orcs, and slaughtered them all. The Rangers circled them at first killing few at a time, the orcs got confused and started roaring, at that Ecthelion and the ohers charged into the mass of orcs stabbing and slicing, soon they all lay dead on the ground.

[Mablung]

Lolik looked over the orcs and frowned. "Is it just me or did they seem more disorganized and easier to kill than usual? Seems a bit strange they seemed very well versed in those areas at their camp."

[Arathin]

Arathin carefully slid her sword home into its sheath. She had not killed as many Orcs as she would have liked from having to control this youthful and vibrant stead. Had she Gildar she would have killed many more. She entreated this fact to Kuri, who merely laughed at his old friend's common complains when on any horse rather than her trusty old Gildar. "He will be a good mount once trained for battle riding, though." She said thoughtfully. "You know Kuri, Gildar is getting rather old and although still wonderful, not what he use to be."

[HobbitGirl]

After cleaning Tristasse of orc-blood and sheathing it, Fiara turned to glance briefly at Goldie. She had seen her fall suddenly from her horse. That was strange, she thought. Something is not right. Fiara frowned slightly, but shared her thoughts with no one.

[Goldberry344]

Goldie soon came to her senses, realizing where she was. She sat up straight, still holding onto Ecthelion for fear of falling again. "The horse," She whispered, "what happened to the horse?"

[Thomas Baggins]

Aravorn wondered what had come over Goldie, falling off her horse was not like her, he made a note to ask her later. He then spured his horse on and rode up to the front.

[Ecthelion]

Ecthelion said softly to Goldie, "The horse was killed after you fell off, orcs don't like horses much, I'm sorry." Ecthelion turned from Goldie and said, "Here we will make camp and at dawn we ride as far as we can." Ecthelion jumped off his horse and started to pitch his tent.

[Goldberry344]

Goldie sat on Ecthelion's horse for a moment in shock, grieving the loss of the horse. Then slowly she heaved herself heavily off the back of the horse, holding onto the saddle for support once she was on the ground.

[Éomond]

Éomond had jumped off his horse and started a very small fire, he laid out two blankets on the ground. He had no arrows left and took not of it. He left all of his knifes at camp. He spoke to the other Rangers "I'm going to go back to the dead Orcs and retrive spent arrows, anyone can come if they wish." Éomond jumped on his horse and waited to see if any other Rangers would come with him.

[Mablung]

"I may come and catch up with you Eomond." Then he went over to Ecthelion. "My food supplies are getting rather low how are yours? I could go and hunt if we need too."

[Goldberry344]

Goldie straightes her spine, and follows Eomond. "I too, need arrows." She explained, as the others gave her an odd look. She wanted to see that figure again. the voice was enchanting.

[Thomas Baggins]

"I'll go with you too Éomond, for I only have three arrows left" Aravorn replied.

[HLGStrider]

Elgee sat still, polishinig her new frying pan. It had been awhile since she used on of them in combat... she sighed gently, still feeling weak...

"I don't even know why they'd kidnapped me..." she murmured. "It is all very odd."

[Ecthelion]

Ecthelion looked up at Mablung, "Yes we could use some meat, go with Eomond and get some arrows then bring us back something with meat, I'll get a fire started," Ecthelion said now to everyone, "We leave after our meal I have decided, we must get to Dol Gulder soon." Ecthelion sipped some water and went to get a fire started.

[HobbitGirl]

Fiara followed after Eomond and the others. "I will go with you as well, Eomond," she said. "I need to try and recover my knives." Fiara could not stop thinking about why had Elgee been captured. Fiara wanted to go back to the area where the skirmish took place not only to retrive her knives but to look for some clue that would explain these strange things going on.

[Éomond]

Éomond jumped on his dark-brown horse and rode back to where all the dead Orcs lay. I was very dark, and the dead bodies gave away a frightining feel. He took arrows that seemed like his, iron tipped with green feathers, it was hard to tell in the dark, but noneless he started to pull the arrows out of the bodies. When his quiver was full, Éomond then looked about the dead Orcs for their Orc daught. Many Rangers and himself had gotten injured and it seemed like many injuries would come, so Éomond grabbed two canteens. While Éomond was looking around, he saw the Goldies's dead horse, a tear ran down his cheek, in his country, horses were "part" of your "family," and highy regarded a great and wonderful creaters, and great companions, no horse deserves that he thought. After some thinking Éomond looked up to the rest of the Rangers "Ready when you folk are."

[Goldberry344]

Goldie filled her quiver with arrows, looking around for the figure who lurked in the shadows, but she saw it not. Stuffing one last arrow into her quiver, she glanced at her horse, whispered a prayer for it and headed back to camp.

[Thomas Baggins]

Aravorn quickly recovered enough arrows and hoped back on to his horse, thinking all the while how happy he was to not have lost her.

[HobbitGirl]

Fiara searched the dead orc's bodies for her throwing knives. She pulled them out of the corpses, cleaned them, and put them away. Fiara was disappointed when she found no sign of anything out of the ordinary that would give her an answer to her questions. Slightly downcast, she made her way back to camp.

[Mablung]

Lolik picked up all the arrows he could find then turned to the others. "I shall return after I find us some meat go on ahead I saw some boar tracks I will not be long." With that he stole off following the tracks with his bow drawn.

[Arathin]

Arathin sat before the fire Ecthelion had started with her friend Kuri beside her. A troubled expression was in her eyes. "Something is not right here." She whispered to her Dwarven friend. "Elgee is our leader, yes, but that is no reason for those orc-highbreeds to take her. Also, Goldie... She has never fallen from any steed I have seen her upon. Never. That was not like her..." Arathin shook her head, looking very tired and weary.

[Thomas Baggins]

Aravorn wandered back to camp and sat down by the fire warming his hands.

[HLGStrider]

Elgee curled up next to the fire like a tired kitten and fell asleep... It had been a hard day. Her dreams were troubled, however... when she awoke later that night she could remember nothing of them but a great unpeace.

[goldmare]

Goldmare took the first watch that night. As she leaned against the trunk of a tree, bow at the ready, she reviewed the strange events of the day. The necromancer saying he had plans for Elgee... Goldie's fall from the horse, that was very strange... Goldmare sighed and resolved to keep an eye on her, trying to remember something her father had once told her about necromancers. Something about them being able to get inside people's heads? Well, Goldmare had no proof. Goldie's fall was probably just dizziness or something, maybe something she ate. At any rate, she hoped Elgee would recover soon. Going up against a Necromancer of Dol Gulder would be tough enough without their leader being weak from her encounter with the orcs, and Goldmare felt a pang of fury at the orcs for daring to capture the leader of the Rangers. Thinking she heard a noise, she brought her eyes up sharply to scan the darkness, but saw that it was only a squirrel. Well, she wouldn't be caught off her guard, not tonight.

[Mablung]

Lolik walks up the path with a boar slung over his shoulders to the camp. "Lets roast this and eat we need something of substance." He then set the boar down by the fire and began carving it with his sword.

[Goldberry344]

On her way back to the camp, Goldie felt as if a cloud had been lifted from her head. She breathed what seemed to be cleaner air. Looking around her, she found some herbs and edible plants and brought them back to the camp. "Use these," she suggested when she saw Lolik with the boar.

[Thomas Baggins]

"Wow!" Aravorn exclaimed, "that boar looks good Lolik, I hope it's done soon"

[Mablung]

Looking around for a spit Lolik could not find one that suited himself, so he took his spear and skewered all the pieces of boar on it. Then taking the herbs Goldie handed him he mixed them and rubbed them into the meat. When that was done he built two small structures out of sticks and began to roast the meat.

[Goldberry344]

When the boar was finished cooking, Goldie helped Lolik slice the meat into strips for the company to eat. She left the finish of that work to Lolik, however, as she rummaged through her bags looking for some vegetables. She soon found a jar of sliced carrots mixed with peas and corn, and she poured these into a pot to warm up for her and her friends. She divided these equally among the company as well, and set down to eat the best meal she'd had in several days.

[Ecthelion]

Ecthelion ate his meal, little did he know this would be the best meal he would have for days and possibly months.........

The Company finished there meal with haste, put out the fire and started to walk, most horses were dead, there were not enough for everyone. As the company walked along the edges of Mirkwood the sun rose up out of the sky. The sun made the tracks of the galloping horse ahead of themstand out in the wet ground. Ecthelion started to run the others folloing knowing they must be close to this newly arisen evil.

[Arathin]

Arathin looked quickly at one of the footprints left by those ahead. "Filled with water already. Yet the mud is still sinking into the tracks. Take this as a good sign. They are close. Closer than we could have ever hoped. They must have stopped for the night as well." With that she hurried on at a looping run, which was easy to mantain on long streatches and best for long, quick run.

[HLGStrider]

Elgee felt tired and cold. . . In fact with every minute she felt worse. She shivered.
"Goldie," she said, turning to the nearest Ranger. "Does it seem chilly to you?"
Goldie didn't respond.
Elgee began to wonder if she could be seen or heard. People didn't seem to notice when she spoke. She felt odd.

[Mablung]

Lolik saw Elgee shivering quite a bit. He took an extra cloak from his pack and handed it to her. She quickly bunched it around her shoulders with a thank you. He nodded and continued forwards. He saw all of the many tracks and he looked back over his comrades uttering a few lines he had heard before.

"We saw the risk we took in doing good,
But dared not spare to do the best we could."

[Thomas Baggins]

Aravorn followed the tracks with the others his elven side sensing that a great evil must lay ahead, he munched on some Lembas he had in his saddle bags and asked if anyone else wanted any to help maintain their strentgh.

[HLGStrider]

Elgee took some lembas, starting to feel a little better. She was still cold, but her heart was warm, and that was enough.

"I think that Orc-brew or poison or pigswallow or whatever you want to call it isn't agreeing with my system," she moaned.

[Arathin]

"Hold on, Elgee. I might have something that will help." Arathin took out a waterskin with fresh, clean, clear water in it and some leaves from a pouch at her side. She crushed the leaves into the waterskin and shook the Althelas leaves throughout the water, then handed it to Elgee. "That should make you feel much better. Everyone may have some if they wish, I will do us all some good and no harm."

[Mablung]

Lolik came up beside Elgee and took the bottle from her when she was finished drinking from it. He took a sip from it the water cleansing his system. When he had taken his fair share he passed it on. "I had no idea that stuff was having such an effect on me I feel much better now."

[HLGStrider]

Elgee felt much better after this, but she was still tired.

Her ears caught the sound of something. . . Moving in the bushes beside the trail. She cast a glance at Arathin who nodded. She heard it as well. Something was nearby.

[Arathin]

Arathin silently loosened her sword in its sheath, and waited acting like nothing was wrong with her back half turned to the bush. "Did the drink help, Elgee? Are you feeling any better?" The light in Arathin's eye warned Elgee to also act inconspicutous.

[Ecthelion]

Ecthelion stopped, he too heard the nosie but was farther ahead than the others. Ecthelion crept into the shadows of a tree near him and silently took out his bow and nocked an arrow, he pulled back. The arrow flew silent as a wisper into the bush, a harsh orc cry was heard, Arathin leaped into the bushes and grabbed the vile creature, Ecthelion quickly walked to Arathin who held down the orc. Questiong from the Rangers would soon start.

[Mablung]

Lolik watched as the others gathered around the Orc for questioning. Not wanting to be caught off guard however he climbed a nearby tree and kept his ears and eyes open for any possible threat.

[Arathin]

Arathin held the small orc at arm's length, pinned to the ground. She had her sword tip at the creature's throat, ready to slice out its lanyx in an instant.

[Goldberry344]

Goldie noticed the orc, its eyes darting around, then resting on her. Filled with fear, Goldie slowly walked backwards, her eyes locked with the orcs, she reached the woods, turned and fled, silently running several hundred feet before she tripped and fell. Slowly she sat up, and a voice filled her head, Why do you run from my servant? Fool! the voice scared her this time, it was in no way compelling as it had been before. Go back to your party. the voice ordered. Go now! Goldie stood up, and walked back to the group, standing away from the others, brushing leaves from her clothes. No one turned to see where she had went and how she had come back.

[Thomas Baggins]

Aravorn thought he had heard something behind them earlier but seems as no one else had heard it he hadn't said anything. Now in light of them catching the orc he decided to go investigate, walking slowly on the side of the trail he went about fifty feet and around a bend. He stoped at the sound of voices, spying through some bushes he spoted two orcs conversing in the common tongue. He was to far away to hear them so he crept closer, he was just getting in to hearing range when he cracked a twig, the orcs were on him in a moment, he killed one then stepped back and blew a loud blast on his bugle, hoping some more rangers would come and help him subdue the orc without having to kill it.

[Ecthelion]

Ecthelion was talking to the orc when he head the bugle, he quickly said, "All of you, stay here with this one!" He ran off to the horn sounds and soon found Aravorn locked with an orc wrestling around Ecthelion drew his blade, the orc heed Ecthelion little. Ecthelion lifted his blade and swung. The orc screamed with a great howl as a piece of his right arm fell to the ground. Ecthelion quickly bound the legs and arms of the orcs and dragged him back to the others with Aravorn next to him checking for wounds.

[goldmare]

While Ecthelion was occupied with the other orc, the Rangers began to question the one before them. "Who is your master?" they asked threateningly. "Why did you kidnap Elgee? Where is the rest of your group?" The orc gave a hacking laugh and replied, "You'll never get me to talk." "Wanna bet?" said Goldmare, stepping forward with a mischievous gleam in her eye. "There are ways of making you loosen your tongue." She thought to herself, I wonder if orcs are ticklish? She really didn't want to resort to torture, even if it did get the information out of him. Just then, Ecthelion came into view, dragging another orc behind him and followed by Aravorn.

[HLGStrider]

Elgee, meanwhile, sunk into her horse feeling tired. Then she felt a rough jerk, someone had grabbed her by the ankle and was pulling her into the bushes. That someone was also snarling!

She gave a cry of surprise, grabbed her frying pan, and instinctively struck out. The person gave a moan. Elgee stared down at Goldie.

"OH DEAR!" She gasped. "Sorry, I thought..." Elgee propped Goldie up. "What is it? Why were you pulling like that?"

"What?" Goldie frowned.

[Thomas Baggins]

"Well let's get on with the questioning, an you two orcs better talk or else. Who is your leader? and what was your purpose for capturing our leader? Aravorn exclaimed rather gruffly.

[Ecthelion]

The first orc caught muttered,"He is our master, he can take you by force or by his will. Beware." The orc jumped up and grabbed Ecthelion's sword then slit his own throat. Ecthelion slowly picked up the sword and the Rangers turned to the other orc, the other orc suddenly got up as if out of his own will and ran, and ran, and ran until none could see him.

[Goldberry344]

Goldie leaned against a tree, rubbing her head and thanking Eru that Elgee's preferred weapon was a frying pan, not a sword. Her memory of her run in the woods was misty, but when she looked at Elgee, she knew something in her wanted Elgee dead. Confused, Goldie looked away, shaken by the thought of wanting her close friend dead.

[HLGStrider]

Elgee put away her frying pan, very glad that she didn't use a sword.

"I'll get you some water. What were you trying to do?"

Goldie felt relieved that Elgee was so naive.

[Goldberry344]

Goldie sighed an inner sight of thanks, then replied, "I'd tripped. I had to grab something for balance." Knowing this was a lame excuese, Goldie took a sip of wate.

[HLGStrider]

"Oh, I'm sorry I hit you." The excuse was enough for Elgee.

"Where are the others? I hope things are all right."

[Goldberry344]

Goldie pointed to the group and followed Elgee towards them. Goldie was beginning to understand part of what was happening to her, and she was frightened. She had begun to feel distain and hatred towards all that she had once loved.

[Ecthelion]

Ecthelion turned and saw Elgee and Goldie coming back, he said to them, "Th orcs we found, they acted odd, one talked, but made barely any sense talking about a 'him' then they both killed eachother, but the look in their eyes, they were scared, they didn't do it out of their own will."

[HLGStrider]

"It is rather odd. I am not enough meat and of not enough importance to travel so many leagues to capture. They didn't seem to want me to eat and no one mentioned ransome. . . it is all very odd," Elgee yawned. "Excuse me. Getting tired."

[Ecthelion]

"Yes, it is getting late, we shall rest now, who will take first shift?" Goldie quickly shouted, "I'll do it." Everyone looked at her kind of oddly she answered, "Well, I mean, I'm not that tired yet." Ecthelion nodded and they set up a crude camp.

[Goldberry344]

Goldie blushed an looked about nervously as the others set down to go to sleep. As her friends began to drift off, Goldie felt the approach of the shadow. She could not see him, but she knew he was there. He did not speak at all, but stayed with her until the watch was over, and Goldie woke up Ecthelion for the next watch.

[HobbitGirl]

Fiara was puzzled by all that was going on. Those orcs had acted very oddly indeed...and the business with Elgee getting captured, and what that meant...and then there was Goldie, who seemed kind of distant lately. Fiara knew that there was something behind all of this, but she could not figure out just what it was. The answer was right in front of her, but just barely out of her reach. Fiara was frustrated that she couldn't figure out the puzzle, but she slept anyway.

[HLGStrider]

Elgee slept like a rock. Only during the early part of the night did she feel a sort of chill over her. After that, all was quiet.

She awoke feeling cheerful and inquisitive.

"Where to now?" she inquired.

"You're the leader," Arathin said sarcastically. Elgee frowned at her. "Oh well."

[Thomas Baggins]

Elgee, I think we should go in the direction or most recent orc "friends" took. They seem to not to want us to follow them which seems a good reason to follow them to me.

[Arathin]

Arathin snorted. "That is exactly what they would want us to do. Of course, they'll make it look like they don't want to be followed, knowing that we will follow them. Thus they will definately be leading us away from their companions and thus leader."

"Orcs aren't that smart. You are giving them too much crediance." laughed Aravorn.

Arathin sneered. "You're right... Orcs are not that smart, but who ever is leading them, controlling them obviously is. We should go in the opposite direction, but then again..." Arathin smirk sarcastically. "Elgee is our venerable leader." Arathin made a cynical mock bow and turned to packing up her things.

[Mablung]

"Actually Arathin I believe that they may lead us right to their companions if not their leader as Aravorn suggested. I don't think they have given up on Elgee that easy. I think they are trying to trap us. And if we aren't careful we may have a very large battle on our hands. Choose wisely Elgee we all trust your judgement."

[HLGStrider]

"When the road diverges you must take one path or the other. . .unless you are more than one person," Elgee said. "We, fortunately, are. I suggest we divide into groups, a smaller group to sneak around by the back ways and try and get ahead of the orcs, a larger one to follow them from behind. . . the smaller can be trackers, the larger fighters.
"It may stretch us a little thin, but it is better than putting our eggs in one basket."

[Mablung]

Lolik nodded thinking the decision was a wise one. "So Elgee who will go where?"

[HLGStrider]

"Well, I would have us all assemble here. . . I feel Echtelion is the obvious choice for the larger group and Arathin for the smaller. I will go with the smaller because I feel I should. . . an odd feeling, but I feel I will come in most handy there. Goldie you come with Arathin and I . . . and one other. . ." She scanned the group carefully. "Aravorn, you'll do quite well. . . Is there anyone you would care to add, Arathin? Or have we taken any you would care to have, Ecth?"

[Ecthelion]

Ecthelion spoke for the first time in a while, "That is fine, I shall take Eomond, Mablung, Fiara, Dain, and Goldmare," he waited a second then spoke again, "If we seperate, where will meet or know if something happened to the others?"

[Goldberry344]

"There is no safe meeting spot," Goldie pointed out, smiling cynically, "Any point we may choose could be taken over by our enemy at anytime."

[HLGStrider]

"The best we can do is work out a signal." Elgee frowned to herself. "Fire is the most obvious. . .but also the most likely to attract attention."

[Ecthelion]

"Yes fire is to easily seen, we'll have to trust in hope I guess." Ecthelion paused then added, "We must go soon, we are wasting time."

[Arathin]

Arathin turned to Ecthelion. "If you are in trouble, hoot like an owl. If you are trying to get us to meet up with you for some reason, howl like a wolf. Easily done, and not easily reconsided." She shrugged easily, and turned to cut ahead of the orcs. She stopped after a few dozen steps, and turned to Aravorn, Elgee, and Goldie. "Coming?" She inquired cynically with a smirk of mischievous thrill in the hunt crossing her lips and lighting her eyes.

[Mablung]

Lolik watched the others take off and pulled up his mask around the lower half of his face. Then he nocked an arrow and waited for Ecthelion to give them the signal to go.

[Ecthelion]

Ecthelion looked at his team and nodded, a smirk on his face and adventure in his eyes. Forward they went on their path, Ecthelion walked quickly and silently, his blade gripped in both hands.

[Goldberry344]

Goldie grinned and followed Arathin, her bow strung and ready. She pulled up the rear of the group, sometimes falling as far as twenty feet behind Elgee, listning for the voice she had come to enjoy. When she realized she had drifted so far she ran to catch up, silently so that none would notice her absence.

[HLGStrider]

Elgee looked about nervously. She felt some of the evil was somehow with her. . . close enough to see, yet she could see nothing.

[Thomas Baggins]

Aravorn sensing evil ran ahead of the others, then looking back triped on a root, blamed it on his sword, and went forward with less speed and more care. :D

[goldmare]

Goldmare loosened her sword, notched her bow, and started to follow Ecthelion and the others. Then she hesitated, glancing around. Did a voice just whisper through the trees, or was it her imagination? Shrugging her shoulders and shaking her head with unease, she set out again and hurried to keep the others in sight. Something was wrong, she knew it... but at the same time, she felt it was nothing immediately dangerous. She felt like she was being watched, like there were eyes following her every move, just waiting until she was out of sight to step out of the trees and reveal the owner of those eyes. She kept a close watch on the trail behind her.

[Thomas Baggins]

Aravorn trying to prove himself as a worthy Ranger, sharpened all of his senses and looked about himself carefully, seeing a treebranch move he shot an arrow at the spot. Down fell a large Crebain bird, he went over to get it and it snaped at him, he quickly pulled out Gurthang and choped off it's head. "Well at least I shot something evil although not an orc" he said quietly.

[HLGStrider]

Elgee winced at the ugly bird.

"This is a spy," she swallowed. "They rarely fly alone. . . we've probably been seen, and if we have it is ten times more likely that we will walk into a trap. . . I suggest we take an unusual route .. . You know these woods well, Arathin. Where now?"

[Arathin]

Arathin sniffed the air carefully, and glanced around to make sure her whole group was there. She noticed Goldie trying to sneak back into the group. As worried as she was for her friend, Arathin knew that there was something in these woods trying to hinder them. "I will lead the way, follow me." She whispered. She had decided she couldn't tell the others the path they would take, not only was it a dangerous path leading through a thick bog to the point the orcs were definatly heading, but some evil was at work and it seemed almost in her friends. And in me, she thought ruefully as she turned into the brush. Her head constantly moved from side to side, as if picking out a path. In truth, Arathin knew the unseen path better than an Ent knows its trees, but she kept hearing a siblant voice hissing just beside her.

[HobbitGirl]

Fiara followed Ecthelion and the others near the middle of the group, Triassa drawn and ready. She noticed how tense the mood was among the Rangers, and thought this was odd, as she had never thought that a Ranger should go into battle fearing for his own life, but should fear for the lives of others. Nonetheless the uneasiness was almost palpable, and Fiara wondered what could be causing the unsettling feeling amongst her friends and in herself. She kept her throwing knives close at hand and checked the grip of her sword.

[Goldberry344]

Goldie caught Arathin's eye as she snuck back into the group. Quickly, she looked down, avoiding Arathin's eyes for a long time. A hissing began to rise in her ears.

[Thomas Baggins]

Aravorn wondered at the strange things happening to the other Rangers but decided to just mind his own buisness as that is usually the best approach.

[HLGStrider]

Elgee ducked nervously under a low tree branch, keeping close to Arathin and Goldie. Aravorn trailed a little behind, protecting the rear of the tiny group.
Having no idea where Arathin was leading them, and feeling that as the official leader she should, Elgee very much wanted to ask questions, but felt it would be a bad time to break the silence. . . Even though Goldie was breathing loud enough to be heard from two miles away. She sounded like she was about to pass out. . .

"Are you all right?" Elgee whispered to her friend. Goldie gritted her teeth and nodded.

[Arathin]

Suddenly, Arathin stopped dead in her tracks, making Elgee and Goldie bump into her. Arathin waved them back. "Stay right here." She hissed. "I'll be right back. Goldie eat and drink something. You need the rest." Without another word, she left the unseen path, making toward her left. She had distinctly heard something over to her left, and she wanted to find out who this was that was within her ears, whispering words of death to her subconcious.

[Goldberry344]

Goldie's mind and eyes went black, there was something in the woods, something that would kill Arathin.

Arathin. Goldie remembered her vaguely. Arathin had been Goldie's friend for a long time. Arathin had saved Goldie's live on countless occasions. Arathin was about to die....

Goldie's eyes snapped open, she sprang to her feet, drawing her sword and ran after Arathin. As Goldie approached, Arathin turned to see who was coming, and an arm snaked out of the woods, thrusting a sword towards Arathin. Goldie grabbed Arathn's shoulder and threw her to the ground, Arathin was caught unaware and toppled down. The arm, which belonged to an orc, sliced the sword towards Goldie, Goldie blocked the swing, but another orc attacked her from behind. Scorching pain ran accross her back, from her right shoulder to her left hip, and Goldie fell with wail of pain and resistance. The shadow took over her mind and the voice Goldie had come to fear and love spoke, That was foolish, mortal. Your time will come sooner than you wish if you keep that nonsense up!

[HLGStrider]

Elgee and Aravorn ran forward and pulled their friends up.

"Come on!" Elgee snapped. "Let's run for it!"

[Arathin]

Arathin stumbled and almost fell again. Something called her back there, but she knew she couldn't go back. "Quickly, once we are away, we'll treat Goldie's back. There are some herbs up here that will stop the poison." She stumbled again and ran until her lungs ached.

[Thomas Baggins]

Aravorn grabbed Arathin and pulled her along, "come quick we must not stop now, Nuralime!!! Nuralime!!!"

[HLGStrider]

Elgee grabbed Goldie by the shoulder to help support her and hurried along.

[Thomas Baggins]

Aravorn and Arathin made it back to the other Rangers, "Whew that was close" Aravorn excaimed.

[Goldberry344]

Goldie stumbled on, following where Elgee led her. Her back was on fire, and the voice echoed in her head. "What if it never comes back?" Goldie thought, frantically.

[HLGStrider]

Elgee ducked along. . .feeling out of breath. . .feeling tired. . .

[Arathin]

Finally Arathin collapsed. "We---have---to stop." She gasped as the others fell down about her. For several long minutes, they sat catching their breaths, then Arathin handed Goldie some herbs. "Here this will help the wound."

[Goldberry344]

Goldie took the plants and held them, staring at them blindly as if not knowing what they were for. Elgee took the plants from Goldie and tended her wounds. "Thanks," Goldie muttered softly.

[Thomas Baggins]

"What is going on!!!???" Aravorn yelled, "people are not normally this weak, some strange but very potent evil is at work here."

[Arathin]

Arathin wheeled upon Aravorn. "Silence. Do not yell like that again. Yes there is a very potent evil at work here. Come we must hurry if we are to get ahead of the orcs. Can you travel, Goldie? Elgee? Aravorn?"

[HLGStrider]

"I think so," Elgee breathed after taking a drink from her flask. "We need to move fast."

[Thomas Baggins]

I am sorry Arathin, but when I see evil will working against me and my friends, and cannot prevent it, it makes me furious. I am ready to travel let's go, and quick.

[HLGStrider]

"The quicker the better!" Elgee exclaimed, but it was a quiet exclamation, she could practically feel the Orcs breathing down their necks.
Everyone picked themselves up and, following Arathin, began to walk.

Elgee knew that evil was among them, but not in the shape of Orcs, in the shape of something she could feel but not fight.

[Thomas Baggins]

"Not have I felt evil like this since I was last in Mordor hunting orcs near the former site of Barad-Dur." said Aravorn.

[Thomas Baggins]

and I'm not so sure I want to meet this evil now, I feel it is to strong for any of us.

[HLGStrider]

"Well, we've never failed before." Elgee smirked.

The air was thick and dark about them. It had suddenly grown much warmer, humid almost. The light was swiftly fading. Occasionally they would hear the hoarse cry of some foul creature or see glowing eyes in the distance. . .But they kept going.

[HLGStrider]

The sky was growing dark as the lone orc galloped upon his warg, up the steps of the fortress. The wooden doors creaked open then fell shut behind him with a clang. He passed the guardian that guarded that door. . .then came to the doors of stone. . .There were three doors, wood, stone, and iron, blocking the entrance to the palace. Each was guarded by a fierce creature, or in the case of the door of iron, fierce creatures. All this was to safeguard the master. . .the one who made all this possible. . .The orc had news to bring him. He hoped it would please the master for if it would not the orc would die.

[HLGStrider]

The creatures gazed wearily at the orc as he walked past, some licking their lips. Soon he emerged into the throne room. He growled a respectful greeting to his master.

[Goldberry344]

Goldie was now weak from blood loss and exastion. She had been figting the voice all day, knowing it wanted her friends dead. When she saw the man the orc greeted so fondly, she knew that this was not the owner of the voice, but she knew he worked for the voice. Frightened, she fell to her knees crying.

Distracted by Goldberry's fall, the man on the throne stood, and approached the group, staring at Goldberry. "Yes, my master has spoken of you, youngling." he said. His voice sent chills down Goldie's spine, causing her to wimper and her eyes to tear. "And I have strict orders as to what to do with you and your friends."

Goldie stared up at the man, his eyes were black as pits and they consumed her. She could not tear herself away from those eyes, and then she heard the voice. This is the one. This is the girl. Do as I instructed..

The man stepped away from Goldie, breaking their eye contact and leaving her kneeling on the ground, sweating with fear. "Yes master." he said, then motioned to the orc, and he took them away.

[Ecthelion]

Ecthelion walked silently, his friends a few steps behind him. The nosies were faint, but got closer and closer, it was unlike anything Ecthelion had heard before, he gripped his sword tightly with both hands walking ever on in the darkness. Ecthelion stopped as an orc shriek let out into the cold still night. The sound was not to far behind them, "Hurry." Ecthelion said just loud enough for the other to hear and hurry they did, but they were not fast enough, the horrific growls of orcs and wargs coming ever closer. Running was no use. Again Ecthelion paused and said to his friends, "Get out your weapons," once they were all armed he positioned them. Fiara and Goldmare stood behind the others with bows out and arrows notched, Eomond and Mablung stood next infront, swords drawn. Ecthelion stood infront. Ecthelion crouched low and crawled a few feet forward. The yells and screams of orcs were closer now, every second. Not more than ten minutes after preparing the wargs and orcs came riding down the path nearly 25 in all, 5 rode wargs. The front, middle and back orc riders carried torches, but that was not enough to see The Rangers. The head warg rider rode infront of his small party. They were here. A howling scream came as Ecthelion thrust his sword up into the belly of the lead warg flinging his rider forward to Eomond and Lolik, easy kill. That was the sign. Fiara and Goldmare let loose arrows killing two orcs, they notched again and fired, two more hit the dirt. Now Ecthelion, Mablung and Eomond charged forward slashing and slicing, more arrows flying from Fiara and Goldmare, the orcs stood no chance as confused as they were. Not long after the orcs were dead, the other warg riders fled in fear.

[Thomas Baggins]

Aravorn turned back up after wandering along the side of the trail, "It's so hard to go forward, Iluvatar help us!"

[HLGStrider]

Elgee hid under the bushes. They were now close to the enemies fortress. . .within sight, and worse in smell. .. It had a dank, lifeless smell that got under her skin. . .she shivered.

[Thomas Baggins]

"Elgee" Aravorn hissed, " we should wait for EcthelionI think I might have heard him and his group back in the woods." "Lets wait before we make move."

[HLGStrider]

Elgee nodded, feeling a little breathless. . .this had been a tiring trip and she was physically and emotionally drained. Something was wrong. . .in Goldie's eyes as well as in the air. Something was terribly wrong.

[Arathin]

Arathin sat with her back to a tree and sighed. She could feel it coming from this place. It was a thick, heavy sensation. It pressed down on her, making it hard to draw breath. Her body hurt when she knew that it shouldn't be hurting. She closed her eyes briefly, and then glanced around the tree at the fortress. The black spires rose threateningly up before her eyes. The ground about its base was charred and black as well. She could see no orcan patrols, but she knew something was watching, guarding, waiting.

[Ecthelion]

Racing in the night Ecthelion suddenly paused the group, he had heard something, in the bushes. Stealthily he crept near the bush and in an instant leapt into pushes his sword drawn. The rest of his group ran into the bushes as well when a girl screamed out from the bush as well. Now they saw Ecthelion restraining Elgee, quickly Arathin and the rest of her group ran into the bushes to see the same. Ecthelion helped Elgee up saying, "Please forgive me Elgee I though you were an wevil being." Elgee replied, "All is forgiven, I was just picking berries for a snack and thought you were an orc, but at least now we are again reunited." Ecthelion nodded and turned to Arathin, "So, find anything intresting?"

Soon the group was walking up to the fortress of The Necromancer Arathin leading the way. Lolik spoke after a silence as everyone stared up at the dark fortress, "Anyone have a bright idea?"

[HLGStrider]

Elgee shook in her shoes. . .or would'vehad she been wearing them.

"I dont' know. . .you scared me," she swallowed.

[Goldberry344]

Goldie walked in the middle of the group, close behind Elgee. She carried her strung bow, ready in case of attack. Her mind was completely focust on keepig the voice out ofher mind.
Suddenly, a black crow flew out of the trees, cawing loudly. Startled, Goldie let down her guard, and the shadow came rushing back into her head. She snagged her foot on a root and fell to the ground with a short cry of fear. Embarassed, she got to her knees and dusted herself off when the voice came and flooded her brain. Make your friends turn back it said, if they do not, they will all die. Goldie vaguely realized the voice was playing tricks on her, it didnt care if they died. but with a rush, any doubt she had had fled, and she looked up at Elgee, frantic.
"We must get out of here!" she exclaimed. "He'll kill you all. It told me he'll kill you all!" her eyes were wide and frantic, as if begging for understanding from her friends as they stared down at her in bewilderment.

[Thomas Baggins]

Aravorn splashed some water on goldie and said, "the girl must be mad, Goldie what is going on?"

[Arathin]

Arathin glanced around, and shook her head. "We must ke