Scouting Ahead

Part 1: The Forest Gate of Mirkwood

(Thread started March 18, 2004. Original thread.)
(Participants in Part 1: Auros by Eonwe-Valar; Calion and Helvy by Ar-Pharazon-V, Fainan by Varda-Valar, Haran by Arathorn-V, Lomelinde Dusksinger by Elatan-Valar, Nimel Twinkle by Elwing-V.)

(Page 1 of Forum):

Fainan:

Morning sunlight still held, although the clouds suggested later rain. Cautiously, I kept my mare to a trot, although she wanted a good run. I had to watch for spiders or other annoyances that might be late going to bed. The evils weren't too bad here along the Old Forest Road yet, although they seemed determined to continue moving north despite our best efforts. At least we kept them slowed, and might someday be able to drive them back.

That was one reason I was on this trip. I'd been dispatched to act as guide for a Noldo elf from Rivendell. "Auros", my captain had said the name was. We needed to be less reclusive, and could try to overlook our differences with the haughty Noldor in order to save Mirkwood.

What he was doing was so secret that I was told only that he'd let me know if he deemed it a good idea, and if we managed to get together. I shrugged, the bow and quiver re-settling on my shoulders more comfortably. Orders were orders, and a great excuse for a chance to be out in the forest instead of cooped up in a garrison, waiting and waiting and...

I neared the border, waving to a guard, with a signal to let him know a visitor was expected. He gave a return wave and I passed on to the edge of the woods. It was bright out there! A bit much. And no Noldo yet.

So I moved back inside the comfort of the dimness under the leaves and untied the packroll from Hithceleb. After giving her a quick rub-down with handfuls of sweet-smelling grasses, I turned her loose to graze on a wide patch of clover and grass not far from the edge but out of sight. She would come with a whistle, if only out of curiosity. I'd raised her from a foal and she was quite certain she owned me.

I settled on a low-hanging branch near the road, good to watch for the incoming Noldo. It was a good time to work on making a fresh batch of arrows, so I set to work with my rather basic fletching kit. Aye, a knife, string, and feathers from a bird who had also provided a meal. Someday I'll have better.

With luck, some of the other warriors might be joining me if they ever got loose of what they were doing, and we could make up a decent honor escort. Still, for just a guide, I was enough!

Haran:

Scrape! Scrape! Scraaappee! Haran continued whetting his axe, grumbling and muttering to himself in the waning sunlight. Elves! Bah, always elves. He had been chosen yet again to meet an elf party just outside of Mirkwood. Of course they had the advantage of swift towering horses, which no self-respecting dwarf would be caught dead on. Indeed mounting and <shudder> riding one of those unpredictable beasts was tantamount to attempting to fly off a cliff by flapping one's arms! Ridiculous! Dead might be the only way a dwarf would ever be seen on the equine creatures. No. Best to stay on trusty mother Arda. Two sturdy feet, firmly planted, swinging a well honed axe. THAT made sense. Still, the offer from Elrond of one of his ponies ensured that the alliance was a solid one. He had of course declined, but thanked the wise sage all the same. Elves, however odd, were their allies and past indiscretions would have to be pardoned.

Raising 'Baruk' to the sky, he watched the light glint and sparkle off the sharpened edge. That should do well. Plucking a hair from his beard, he now looked about warily. No one was near. He peered closely at the follicle then slowly brought it down toward the blade. Breep! Ha! Straight in two, as always! He chuckled to himself and shook his head. Had anyone known of this silly routine, he'd never hear the end of it. No matter. The notches on his axe hilt bore the history of his victories. Routine was sound, stable. Focus was important. Especially in these dismal times.

Packing up the rest of his wares, he began the trek to the gates leading to the east. If he was going to make the rendezvous with the mounted elves, he'd have to leave now, or not at all. He sighed. Hopefully more dwarves would be accompanying them on the next outing. With any luck, one from the lands south of the Iron Mountains would be on it. Haran longed to hear news from the east. Or tales at least. As the gates closed behind him, he began marching eastward.

Calion:

The agile elf jumped down from the tree, landing on some bushes. He stepped a few yards from his home, into a sunny clearing. The clearing was one of those clearings cleared by his fellow Woodelves, under the lead of King Thranduil, for the large feasts occasionally held at night. This clearing, in fact, was one of those famous ones where Bilbo the Elf-friend and his Dwarven companions once visited the feasts uninvited.

But now the clearing was not used anymore: dark creatures started to roam the woods, and words of an (almost, as it seemed) unspeakable evil had crossed the skies above the Misty Mountains into Mirkwood. Not that long before, the Elven escort under the lead of Legolas, son of Thranduil, had left for Rivendell, and poor Calion was not allowed to go: Thranduil had said his skills with the throwing dagger were too important to leave the defense of Mirkwood. He had been given another mission though, something with escorting a Noldo through the woods. And the starting day of the mission was today.

So, he stepped into the clearing, watched the sun's position in the sky, and came to an ill conclusion: he was almost late! He ran to the nearby river, washed his face, ran back to his home, and climbed the tree. On his personal sleeping platform already his supplies had been laid out. Calion grabbed a piece of the Lemba-bread, stuffed his mouth with it, then stuffed the rest in his bag, together with his extra clothes, his survival tools, and his few dozen throwable daggers.

Those daggers were lost quite easily, he would have to work on that. He was trying to perfect his new boomerang dagger, although they were still worse to aim than the normal daggers. He also threw a bow in his package with a moderate amount of arrows, but he wasn't half as skilled at archery as he was at throwing.

When Calion finished packing, he jumped out of the tree again, jumped on his grazing horse, and started the journey to the rendez-vous point. Would he still make it on time? He certainly hoped so.

Haran:

Several days had passed. The Misty Mountains had proved more difficult than first expected, but all the same he had made good time. The Old Ford was now in sight and the entrance to the forest where the elves would meet him, if all went well, was now a plausible destination. Funny how at the start of any journey reaching the end seemed impossible to fathom. Middle Earth could seem infinite some days.

Suddenly Haran leapt to his feet... was that a howl?? He listened intently... waited... nothing more. Perhaps his imagination, but better to be safe. There was still a considerable distance ahead... alone in this strange land. He went off in search of more secure shelter for the night. The entrance to Mirkwood would be perilous enough without having to deal with orcs or wargs along the way. He smiled to himself knowingly. Meeting elves right now would not be as undesirable as he might have thought in the comfort of Rivendell days before. Companionship had its perks. And a friend with an accurate eye and bow would be of great comfort now. Yes, elves would be a welcome sight to be sure. Soon enough... or so he reassured himself... with his back to the wall of the small cave he had found and facing the entrance, he fell into an uneasy sleep...

Auros:

"Travel quickly, and travel light. The Hobbit's Quest must begin unnoticed, and must remain so for as long as possible. Gather news of all evil things stirring, but especially of the Ulairi."

It was with these instructions Auros had left Imladris some days ago. Several messengers and scouts were sent by the main roads East, South, and North. He was not one of these. As soon as he had crossed the Hithaeglir via the High Pass, he was to head North of the Old Forest Road, making with all possible speed to The Forest Gate and so come to Erebor from the West.

These Avari will no doubt expect to lead me through their lands, thought Auros. Very well, but they better be ready to move fast. My business goes as far as Erebor this time. I have no time to be lead through their winding forest-mazes just so they can show their defenses off.

Auros gave a slight chuckle. It occurred to him the Silvan Elves would probably prefer his company to that of the Dwarves he was to speak with. Not by much, but perhaps a mention of his destination would gain a bit of speed. Or not. Most Avari were not as,.. certain,.. as Noldor. More akin to the unpredictable Edain. Certainly not the Easterlings, but at times dealing with the Edain of Numenor were more certain than those with the Unwilling. Perhaps yet there were those among Thranduil's people who could be trusted,.. but let's not be too hopeful.

Rising early that morning, he had bid the Beornings of Carrock fare well. This reclusive people did not easily become hosts, even for an Elf, but, fortunately, they percieved the importance of his mission,... or at least his horse. They were not pleased at how tired the beast was when he walked into their woods alongside it, almost as tired as it was.. But then, they did not know his mission fully. Being sent long distances, Auros was accustomed to change mounts often, and so never grew attached to any of them beyond the love of Elves for all living things.
This was the first time he would not be able to leave a horse in a stable as he rode out on another, and at least the horse appeared to understand. He had not even asked the creature's name of the stablehand, and did not yet have a fitting name to give.

He sheathed his sword, Angran, which he of course had a name for. His bow had been left behind. Travelling light, he grimaced. Bows and arrows were too much maintainance for this journey, though he wished he had brought them. I've got no time for hunting anyway, and if I did end up in a situation I couldn't escape, Angran would serve me well enough.

With a sigh, Auros looked his mount in the eye. "Well, my four-legged friend, tonight we make the Forest Gate, one way or the other." Auros felt the air tense. The Beornings must not have liked that. The horse snorted and shook its head, almost inviting the challenge. Auros smiled and mounted the horse.

"Well then, let's go!"

Lomelinde Dusksinger:

With a yawn and a good stretch Dusksinger woke up by the first light of the Sun. The bed, if she could call the stride grass so, had left straws in her hair and carefully she picked them out while eating the remains from yesterdays dinner. The neeker-breekers were already beginning to humm in the air again making it clear everything in the wilderness was calm. As she finished her early breakfast her thoughts went ahead towards the coming day and long walk.

Four days ago she had met Duilan coming from the south-eastern Greenway and the area near Sarn Ford. He had brought news from Tom in the Old Forest about the old graves in the Barrow-downs. Tom had told Duilan the Barrow-wights were awakened and she was now on her way to see her mother and hear and learn more of these.

” I know whom they were, evil men from long ago who infested our forefathers graves, but it was a long time ago and they had been silent for long. I hope mother can enlighten me, she always seems to know things before many others. I still can not see things as clear as she even she have taught me well but perhaps one day…”

Dusksinger picked up her staff and the short sword. The sword was merely only for the looks but the staff was her real weapon. Well the staff AND the lore she had been thaught all her life. Combine the knowledge of old wisdom with shadegrown duskwood, cut in the right season, with the right signs carved, and you are well off her father had told and he was right.

” I am not a master like the old sages but I do alright and Elrond have told my parents I have a talent but I still need some experience. That is why I am out here, to learn and gain experience but right now it seemed more importend to head home”

She had been travelling north towards the North Downs from just south of the Weatherhills where she had met Duilan and today she set her course east towards Hoarwell. It was a longer route than heading straight north-east but at the other hand it was safer and she could be almost sure no one would see or follow her and she expected to be home late evening.

Calion:

Calion hurried through the forest, on his faithful horse Quessëlómë, or Night-feather. He had always liked the High-Elven Quenya, and had gotten almost as good at it as he was with his native Sindarin language. And Night-feather was of course very appropriate for his pitch-black horse, with her hooves coming down on the ground as silent as feathers.

Nevertheless, the evil spiders of the woods were increasing in number, and had excellent hearing, despite the absence of ear-lobes. They could definitely hear horses coming from miles away, and not even the almost magically silent Quessëlóme could pass by unnoticed. Calion just hoped with all his heart that he could cross the enchanted river before the spiders found him. The spiders rarely crossed the river, they were too afraid of the water, and the effects it could have on anyone falling in. The horse kept running along, the sounds of the running water were already present, and Calion spurred his dear horse even further.

Several yards before the stream, however, one of the eight-legged monsters jumped down from a branch, in Calion's neck. Calion fell down from the horse, and grabbed the spider before the thing could poison him. With a fierce stroke he stabbed it on a branch of a nearby tree, which freed him of his enemy.

Several spiders came crawling towards Calion now, but the horse, who hadn't been able to slow down, had crossed the stream with a mighty jump, but did not have the momentum to jump back. Calion slowly walked back to the river, as the spiders closed in on him. The biggest spider suddenly jumped forward, and in a short struggle both Calion and the spider fell in the water, where both fell fast asleep.

Quessëlóme grabbed her sleeping master out of the deep water, but swallowed some water in the process. She threw her master on her back, and ran further to the west, leaving the angry spiders on the East-bank of the stream. Slowly the water took its effect on her, and the beast became sleepier every minute. After a few hours the beautiful Nightfeather neared the West-Gate, and crashed asleep on the road, to the surprise of an Elven archer waiting for some companions, just several feet away...

Dusksinger.

The first stars glinted in the east over Hithaeglir when she reached home and in the silent evening she could clearly hear Hoarwell`s water rush through its stony bed. As she drew closer to the dim light of a fire she knew her father were working by the forge. Always busy he was.
"Hello father, busy as always I see. How is things ?"
"Hello dear Lomelinde ( He always called her by her right name and refused to used her nickname ) Aye, I am making new horseshoes for Malloth. He will need them for your travel across the mountains but your mother better tell you of that. She is waiting for you inside.

"Hmm I guess some elves have seen me walking home after all. I will be more careful next time. If I can avoid the keen eyed elves every time and not just half the times I will have learned to hide really good" she thought while entering the house.

"Hello Mother, I am home" she called.
"Good to see you honey, you are just in time for some food and some few hours rest, then you will have to ride. Your father is preparing Malloth. You have been called to met up with some elves and a dwarf near the West gate of Mirkwood. Their names are Fainan, Auros, Calion and Haran. There have been rumors of evil stirring and the Barrow wights are awakening"

Bleaa, she always knows, how does she ? she is always listening to the wind, watching the sky and the clouds, examing the colour of the water in the river and looking at the birds and insekts while collecting her herbs and leaves and flowers but she can tell so much more from it than I. Oh Well but this is a good chance for some adventure

While Lomelinde was eating her mother packed a bag with some food and some of her mixture of herbs. There were no need to ask what is was for, she knew it and knew how to use it. After the dinner she slept a few hours and by midnight her father woke her up.

" Malloth is ready, it is time for you go. If you keep a steady pace you should be able to reach the forest gate the day after tomorrow. As far as we know from Rivendell the High Pass is still safe. Bless you my child, may Iluvatar and the Powers guard you from harm"

With these words Lomelinde mounted Malloth her dark brown horse with golden speckles as flowers on a field and turned towards the towering mountains.

Through the night she rode, she climbed up towards Cirith Forn en Andrath, and by late morning she rested in the thin air between the peaks of Hithaeglir. It had been a long and weary journey up but nothing had happened. Now were only the climb down to the Old Ford and the straight road towards the forest gate left. She would be there in time.

Fainan:

Fainan sat up straighter at the sound of hoofbeats, glad of any excuse to no longer bend over the now large pile of freshly made arrows. So someone else had made it to the rendesvous! Great! She feared that the Noldo might want to talk in Quenya, and her fluency was sadly deficient. She could make it out in writing, with some effort, but speech...!

The hoofbeats sounded wrong, faltering. It stopped almost directly below her, as if aware of her presence. The horse might have scented her. Silence. No salutation.

Fainan caught up her bow, fitting an arrow at the same time. Stepping quietly onto the branch path overlooking the road, she watched for enemies. A black horse stood below, head down and eyes closed. A soggy Mirkwood elf lay on her back, apparently unconscious. Most disquieting. She listened intently. Nothing in pursuit that she could hear.

After watching another minute, she dropped down to the horse. Still breathing, as if in exhausted sleep. Beautiful mare, solid black, must be Quesselome. Marvelous creature, fast and quiet. This fellow atop her, she remembered as winning contests with throwing knives, what was his name? Oh well.

With that sort of switch from run to sleep, the pair must have run afoul of the Enchanted River. Everyone in Mirkwood knew better than to drink of it or touch it, so something had gone direly wrong.

She saw no sign of a spider sting or cuts from enemy weapons, so the fellow must have been either very good or very lucky until the water took him. His bones all seemed to be pointed the right way. She eased him down from the black horse, settling him against a birch trunk.

Fainan helped Quesselome revive first, as she had worked most of the river water out of her system in her run, and turned her out to pasture with a pleased Hithceleb.

She turned back to her fellow scout, apparently wrapped in dreams, and hoped they were pleasant. His weight being greater than hers, he would have to remain on the ground. Looking about the trees, she found a flat, reddish insect and coaxed it onto a fallen leaf. She set the leaf on the elf's shoulder, then poked at the insect. The stink bug became most wroth and let loose its defense, then flew away from the undeserved aggravation of elves.

Fainan grinned at the elf, feeling both pity and amusement at the manner of his awakening.

A thought nibbled at the back of her mind. This incident would not sound good to the Noldo if he heard of it. Even his escort couldn't pass the dangers on the road!

Haran:

The howling had been intermittent and interrupted his sleep from time to time, then had ceased a few hours before. That in itself was somewhat comforting, but did nothing to bring piece of mind during his respite. It seemed that at times he could hear a scratching and odd chirping sound, not that of a bird exactly, somehow a whispering, if that made any sense. Giving up on his slumber, he packed up again and left the cave heading ever eastward. He had passed the Old Ford crossing the Anduin some time ago and now had the entrance to Mirkwood in sight.

Something odd though, the entire trip... a feeling of being watched, even followed. He had tried concealing himself a few times, in a ditch or among some boulders, and waiting to see if anyone, or any thing, might stray by, but nothing ever did. Still.. it was unsettling. He couldn't get the chirping sound out of his head. He'd never heard anything quite like it before. There were no birds in sight either, WHAT was that sound?

The sun was now beginning to fade as he approached the gates to the elven woods. As he looked up at the sturdy doors, out of the corner of his eye he glimpsed something flutter by in the treetops. He tried to focus his gaze but even with his keen eyes whatever it had been, if anything, had shot by without a sound and was gone before he could even convince himself he had actually seen anything at all.

Turning his attention back to the gate, he wondered what to do next. No one seemed to be there to greet him, which in itself was rather odd. He shrugged, raised the hilt of his axe and banged on the doors then awaited a response. He tried knocking a few more times, but when nothing stirred from behind them he sighed and looked for a comfortable place to sit, as it seemed he would have to wait this out. He had barely turned around when the whispered chirping that had been haunting him the past few days suddenly rose to a fever pitch... spiders! They leapt from the southern wall and raced toward him on furry, spindly legs catching him off guard... ambushed! Baruk rang from his belt and cleft the first beast as it bore down upon him. Haran gave out a yell back out toward the gate "If there be elves about, show yourselves now and be quick about it! The gate is under siege!"

Then turning back to the arachnoid brutes he cried out in true dwarf fashion "Baruk Khazad! Khazad aimenu!" ('Axes of the Dwarves! The Dwarves are upon you!'), bringing his axe down to meet the onslaught...

Fainan:

Fainan watched the dwarf approaching Mirkwood. No Noldo this! What business could bring a lone dwarf to what must seem the threatening eaves of Mirkwood?

The being had hair almost completely hiding his face, dropping down nearly to his wide belt. With bemusement, she thought it had a cared-for look, even a couple of braids. Could dwarves have a feeling for the state of their beards the way elves did for their hair? The warrior braids in both her hair and that of her new, if slightly smelly, companion might have the same meaning. How very odd.

Now why was he hitting the gate? Such a hefty axe might damage the finish. She waited for him to give a whistle or other proper hail, but none came. She leaned against a tree and raised her eyebrows at her new companion.

But then she saw something she understood. Spiders. What were they doing so close to the path? They seemed to have followed the dwarf. The powerful bearded creature laid into them with his axe with wonderful bravery.

Fainan had been climbing the trees and moving forward even as she watched. At this improved vantage point, she shot with great care into the spiders, picking always the ones attacking the stranger. Perhaps they would realize which behavior was causing injury and death, then back off.

Sure, and the sun would rise in the west tomorrow too.

Calion:

What a smell! Immediately Calion woke up memories of lembas gone bad (could happen after a few thousand years), when a red insect let loose a stink from his shoulder. He looked up, and saw several things he didn't expect, as the last thing he remembered was drowning in the enchanted river.

First of all, the location. The Forest-gate! How did he get there? He knew Quessëlómë was smart, but did she really save him from the river, to deliver him in time to the rendez-vous point? Almost unbelievable, but after his experiences with the dark horse he knew nothing was impossible.

Second: A red bug, known for it's passive behaviour. The creature flew away from him, and he knew the insect was responsible for reviving him out of his sleep. What could have happened to make the thing so angry?
Also, it flew away from a leaf carefully placed on his shoulder.

Calion shrugged his head, until the sleep fully left him, and he saw more details. The first direction he looked in brought into his sight 2 horses some distance away. One of them was his own horse, grazing the green grass. She looked a bit sleepy, had she swallowed some sleep-water as well? The other horse looked strangely familiar. Then he recognized Hithceleb, the swift mare, and knew Fainan, the famous archer, would be nearby as well.

His head turned back to the front. There he saw indeed Fainan, standing before him. She grinned at him, apparently amused at the torture his nose now felt. After a short conversation, in which he introduced himself as Calion, the finest dagger-thrower of the court of Thranduil, and he also learned she was the one responsible for reviving him and his horse.

Calion thanked her, before the two Elves pointed their pointy ears to the west, from where several sounds were now heard. One of them was a large breathing, so loud and un-Elvish, they could have killed him in the dark. Had to be a dwarf. Other noises they heard were whispered chirpings.... what was going on out there?

The two Elves walked towards the gate, until the Dwarf started banging on the door. Dwarves had no respect for Elvish woodcraft, Calion thought.

Suddenly the chirping rose to the sound Calion painfully recognized... spiders again! The two elves climbed further up the trees, and started to fire away at the spiders with a mixed fury of daggers and arrows. There were many spiders around, but with these two new companions Calion knew they stood a good chance of defeating the spiders with little injuries to themselves. And besides, only the dwarf was attacked, so he knew nothing could disturb his aim.

Haran:

As the second shaggy giant fell beneath his might blow, arrows and knives came raining down from above. Uncannily accurate, they disposed of the rest of the attackers in due course, leaving him only three more to dispatch. He shrugged.. 5 was a good number... his favorite in fact. He was 5 when he picked up his first axe (a tomahawk really) and chopped his first log. This was unheard of even with the heartiest of dwarves. He chuckled to himself remembering the gasp and awe in his father's eyes at the deed. Ever since he had been known for his mastery of the weapon both in battle and in every day use.

He surveyed the damage and was amazed to find he was unharmed. Looking back up toward the top of the gates he tried to make out his rescuer (or rescuers) but could see nothing. Most likely the were awaiting a greeting or explanation of his presence. No doubt word had not reached them yet of his imminent arrival. Wonderful! He shook his head, then searched his memory.... his elvish was rusty at best, having spent most of his time up north where elves were scarce. In a guttural dwarvish drawl he attempted 'Mae govannen, Mellon ... Aiya'

...silence...

<ahem>

'You have aided Haran, son of Khazan, valiantly and a dwarf never forgets such a gallant effort. I have been sent from Rivendell by a council of Elrond to meet and aid an elf party at these gates in any way that I may, but, past that, I'm afraid my duty is unclear. The members of this company were uncertain at the time of my departure several days ago, so I am afraid I have no names to offer. I bow to you and ask you leave to enter and discuss further plans or at least to await the arrival of the rest of the group to verify my tidings.

He stood back from the gate and sighing uncomfortably, awaited his fate...

Fainan:

Fainan shared a glance with Calion. "A dwarf actually attempting our language?" she commented in amazement. "And he knows of the Council of Elrond? Maybe he's authentic. I might look less threatening, so I'll open the Gate for him. Please cover me and I'll be ready to dodge out of your way!"

Fainan opened the Forest Gate and swept her arm out in invitation to enter. "Welcome, Haran, son of Khazan!"

Her Westron held a strong Mirkwood accent, but she hoped he could figure it out. Her dwarvish was non-existent while his elvish was a mixed disaster, with an incredible accent. "Mellon" and "Mae govannen" was Sindarin and pleased her a great deal. "Aiya" was Quenya, maybe covering the chance that the Noldo had arrived.

"Did the road treat you fair?"

Haran:

He watched as the door slowly opened revealing a young elven maiden.. no wait.. a soldier it would seem, with a strong, well made bow cinched to her back. A warrior princess was it? Would wonders never cease? These elves were indeed curious creatures. As she spoke to him he was relieved to hear her use the common tongue and had to admit her voice had a calming if not pleasant effect... the thought of having to hunt for any more elvish phrases had made him extremely worrisome.

He breathed a sigh of relief and waited for her to finish her greeting. As he waited, he admired her long, well kempt hair... braided yet, not unlike his own beard! Well, if nothing else, they had something in common. Elves were at least well groomed and aware of their appearance. This journey may yet prove interesting to say the least.

He watched her motion him inward while she pushed the door open further. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed another elf standing beyond the gate with knives at the ready, by his side. He paused for a moment then thought 'No, had they wanted to capture me, they had more than enough opportunity when the spiders had attacked earlier, instead they had come to his aid. They were most likely being wary, after all he was a stranger alone at the entrance to their forest. And unbidden it would seem. Still... better to be safe than sorry...

He bowed low once again and spoke:
"Greetings to you both, may I have the pleasure of knowing how you and your companion go by, to be able to address you properly, in the way of my people? I have come a long way and indeed may have a few stories to relay as we wait for the other members of the troupe from Rivendell to arrive.

Again he arose and awaited a response, all the time carefully watching the guarded elf in back...

(Page 2):

Fainan:

Pleased by the dwarf's unexpectedly fair speech, Fainan answered, "I am Fainan. My companion is Calion. We were awaiting the Rivendell folk, but had only been told of one elf. I doubt if you would care to join us in the branches, but if you would like to share a handy tree root for a seat and perhaps share in a bit of bread and jerky, you would be most welcome. Other than spiders, was your journey peaceful?"

Fainan leaped up to the branch with her supplies, pulled out a few snacks, and rejoined the other two. She only had one waterskin, but offered it too. She wondered if dwarves ever drank spring water if not in dire need.

Where was the Noldo? Even a dwarf had arrived ahead of him. Should they search? She shot a worried look at Calion and mouthed out of sight of the dwarf, "The Noldo?"

Calion:

Calion slowly left the shadows of the gate, his bright-green eyes glowing in the light of the gate-lanterns. He put away his daggers, and made a smile on his face, before putting out his hand for the dwarf to shake.

'Yes, I'm Calion, dagger-warrior of the court of Thranduil. How are you, Haran? May I call you beard-boy?'

The dwarf's answer was largely lost on him, though, as Fainan mouthed in his direction, 'The Noldo?'

Calion made a secret elf-gesture back, meaning 'I don't know.' What could be going on?

Haran:

Haran frowned inwardly...Beard-boy!? How uncouth! He grumbled an incoherent reply and placed his pack next to the root Fainan had gestured to. Well, at least the male elf had put away his knives. It seemed all he had to fear from him now was disrespectful banter or perhaps other offhand rude remarks. No matter. His skin was thicker than that and he had most assuredly been called worse.

As he bent to set his back against the tree he noticed that his left pant leg was marred. Drat! He'd have to change in a bit.. but not right now.. too tired now.. actually, far too tired it seemed. After examining the material more closely he saw that he indeed had been nicked by one of the spiders. He began to get up again but as he turned to the elves to let them know he'd have to attend to his injury, his head began spinning uncontrollably and he pitched forward falling to the ground in a heap! He tried to form words but instead blurbled something unintelligible and blackness overtook him.

Fainan:

Shocked by the dwarf's sudden collapse, Fainan bent down to check. "It's his leg," she said. "Two holes, so I figure it's a spider bite. Could you help me turn him?"

They turned the dwarf over and elevated the left leg. Fainan cleaned the bite with her waterskin, then sprinkled a little anitvenin from her medical pouch. It was common to carry for any Mirkwood elf, since spiders were everywhere, but she had little and didn't want to waste it. Since it came from the blood of bitten horses, the antivenin was unfortunately not difficult to come by. She bound the wound with a small strip from her bandage roll.

"Now he needs to stay still, sleep would be best. When he wakes, we should probably have some white willow leaf tea for pain, or at least the twigs to chew. The antivenin might take ten or twenty minutes to work."

Auros:

It was evening as Auros drew within sight of his goal. An uneasy feeling had been with him once he grew close to the Forest of Mirkwood, foreboding of danger. Drawing his sword only slightly from its sheath, he saw no blue tint. Orcs were not near.
He had ridden hard for most of the day, taking indirect paths, slowing only to check for signs of other travellers through these lands, taking few breaks, walking alongside his horse when both were weary. He had made one last hard ride until Mirkwood before him came into his sight. He and his horse took one last rest, eating rations given by the Beornings. Best not to use the waybread unless food could not be found.

As he approached Mirkwood, Auros began to ride warily. His sense of foreboding had only grown more intense as he came closer. Besides, he would not approach the Gates sweating, neither he nor his horse.
My horse he mused. An amazing creature. Tired as it was, it had held its head high, refusing as much as the Noldo to show weariness from this journey.

Suddenly he saw something moving in the distance, coming out from the Forest. In the starlight he could tell it was alone, but he he could not tell yet what it was. Hunched over it seemed, walking low to the ground.
An Elf? Perhaps, but it is wounded. If it were an Elf, it would not be heading away from the Forest.
With a sigh, Auros said, "Well, we must investigate, my four-legged friend. If it is an Elf, we cannot leave it to die." The horse neighed, and off it sped towards the shape. Auros drew his sword just in case. No blue tint showed. At least it's not an orc.

When Auros reached the shape, it had already stopped moving. I'm too late.
He drew closer, only to find that the shape was not that of an Elf, but of a giant spider. Auros cringed with disgust. "Broodling of Ungoliant," he nearly spat, but did not sheath his sword.
Carefully approaching, he watched for any signs of life. The fould beast did not stir. Auros felt no malice. It was dead. He examined the body. These wounds are fresh. He touched the gash in its hairy hide. This blood isn't dry yet. It was a very recent injury.
He continued to examine the creature. Then he came to its head. The hideous multi-faceted eyes did not even reflect the light of Isil. A broken blade stood out from one of them.
As he looked upon the face, he saw a new sight. Its fangs were stained with blood. Another victim falls to these abominations. As he looked closer, he noticed the blood stain did not go far upon the spider's fangs, and the venom sacks were still quite full. Auros Jumped up.
"The victim may still be alive! I may be able to help. Or at the least, my help will be better against these spiders than nothing."

Throwing himself upon the back of his horse, he gave the command to ride hard toward the Forest Gate, now not far. Whoever it was who had been bitten, it must be an Elf on this side of Mirkwood, must be close to the Forest Gate. "I suppose our need for secrecy must be laid aside. I may be calling an ambush upon my head, but if the person can answer my calls, I can help in some fashion."

As he neared the gate, Auros began his calls in the tongue of Elves.

"Aiya! Aiquen!

Then in the Common Speech:

"Hail! Anyone there!"

The signs of a battle lay about him. Hewn limbs of spiders were strewn before the gate as their former owners lay in a semicircle fashion. The Gate was closed. Perhaps the victim was already cared for, or perhaps it was too late. he looked for signs of a body being dragged. None. Aside from the clawmarks of the spiders, only footprints lay in the area.. and one distinct set of bootprints. They went toward, and through, the gateway. They belonged to no Elf. But certainly not,.. a Dwarf! Strange times indeed that we live in. He still did not sheath Angran.

He called out again in the Westron.
"Elves of MirkWood!"

Dusksinger.

It was time for moving on. far down she could see Anduin as a small silvery string. She had not yet desided what side of Anduin she would travel.

I can cross here at the Old Ford or take this side passing the Carrock until I see river Rushdown and cross there. If I stay on this side of Anduin I may be seen and assaulted by the cavetrolls but the great eagles also may warn and protect me. At the other side are spiders and other dark creatures. But there is also Rhosgobel and perhaps Radagast is home or Beorn even he can be scary. I will take the east side and hope I meet Radagast for a little bit of lecture in the behavior and speech of birds and beasts.

So thinking Lomelinde reached to the ford, She filled her supplies of water and washed the stony dust covering her head and arms off while Malloth quenched his thirst. Then she took off in a north-eastern direction towards Rhosgobel at the eaves of Mirkwood hoping to meet Radagast on her way.

But Radagast were not home, the Sun had reached zenith and she were only a good throw of a stone from the thickness of Mirkwood.

Not home, would have been nice with some interlectual company on the last part north along Mirkwood now. Lost some two hours by this detour. Now I will not reach the gate before sun fading and that is only if I keep Malloth in a steady pace.

The high grass almost reached Malloth`s belly making it hard to see rocks and holes but he was a clever and experienced horse avoiding traps, old wood and small water ponds. She had passed east of Beorns home and were missing only some few miles when he suddenly stopped, snorted and wagged with the head.

What is wrong ?, something is not as it should be here ?

Malloth stepped side and backwards and Lomelinde took a better grab of her staff while trying to penetrate the deepening shades of the eaves. There were not a sound to hear. Even the insekts seemed to have stopped their noice. Then she saw it. or rather she saw the grass moving, bending to each side as if a invisible ship cleaving the grass came fast towards her.
Behind, at each side of this thing, two more trails now moved against her. As the first one came within 15-20 meters of her she could hear a deep gutteral growling and see a brown-grey rough-haired back.

Helwa calina uruite aicanaro, Rahta roita Umea !

A pale blue orb grew from the top of Lomelinde`s staff and with a noiceless explotion lightning up the evening it felled the creature as it was about to jump her.
Lomelinde slammed her heels in Malloths flanks and with great jump he sped towards north.

There were no time to turn and see where the two left wolfes were. If they had been chased off, dead or pursuing her. or if there were more than the three. There were only one thing to do. Hold on and hope Malloth had strength left to carry her far enough away.

Haran:

The fire roared... all around him flames! The heat was almost unbearable, even for a battle hardened dwarf. His face was flush as he fought his way past the blaze, sparks flying by precariously close to his now singed beard. Where had this inferno come from? Was this some sort of wizardry or witchcraft? He had been feeling his way through the darkness of the cavern trying to find the exit when out of nowhere, this! Finally he passed the last of the conflagration and made his way to the exit which now appeared not far ahead.

As he walked through the archway a blast of cold air hit him. What now? Unexpectedly, a torrent poured from above drenching him mercilessly. He sputtered out what he didn't swallow, shut his eyes tight and fought on through the rushing stream. As suddenly as it had begun, it was gone. Now the frosty air was back freezing the water to his body. His beard now looked as if he had aged a hundred years in the last few minutes. Up ahead he saw a great tree and made for it. Finally some shelter.

As he propped himself up against the trunk he heard talking in the distance. Frantically reaching for his belt he saw his axe was gone. No doubt lost in the downpour. Confound it! Drenched and frozen, he began shivering uncontrollably and hoped the voices belonged to someone friendly. As he moved to support himself better his leg flared in agonizing pain. As he attempted to soothe the pain by massaging the injured limb, consciousness faded away.

Haran lay by the stump, tossing and turning in his fitful, poison induced slumber. He cried out 'Fire' then 'Wizardry!' then fell silent again seeming to have tired himself into silence once more. He was drenched in sweat as fever overtook him and began trembling violently.

Calion:

Calion agreed with Fainan, and went out to find the white willow trees, for some twigs and leaves. He knew the white willow was rare in this part of the forest. The only place he knew of, was some way back in the forest. Had he been awake when Quessëlómë passed the willow trees, he would have stopped to grab a few, just in case.

But he had been under the effect of the enchanted waters at that time, and Nightfeather, trying to reach the Gate in time, never spent a second of thought about grabbing a few leaves and twigs, even if she had remembered Calion wanted to take a few.

So, Calion said his goodbye for now, and asked Fainan to take care of Haran as best as she could, and should the Noldo reach the Gate before Calion's return, to inform him of the reason of the departure. Then Calion rode back over the road to find the white willows.

After a short ride without spiders or other foes barring his way, Quessëlómë and her rider reached the grand trees, and Calion, not wishing to spend a dagger, used his new boomerang-dagger prototype to cut off a few branches and leaves.

The dagger returned according to plan, and after a few leaves and twigs had been cut off and fallen to the ground, Calion decided it was almost enough. He threw his boomagger, as he called it, for the last time, and a final leaved branch fell on the ground. The boomagger hit the treetrunk, however, and diverted of its course, landing a few yards further in the woods.

Calion now jumped off his mare, grabbed the leaves and twigs, and walked in the woods to grab the boomagger. But when he saw what he saw at that place, his eyes widened, and he started trembling all over his body. He grabbed his weapon, ran back to Nightfeather, and as swiftly as the stormwind and even more silent then a small breeze, he rode back towards the Gate.

He came to the Gate in less then a minute. With a paled face Calion climbed down, and saw the Dwarf shouting out 'Fire! Wizardry!' and then poor Haran started trembling violently on the ground.

Calion trembled almost as much, as he gave the leaves and twigs to Fainan, and then in response to her surprised face started to mutter a few words: 'this is bad... this is very bad...' before telling her what he had seen. At that moment he heard an Elven voice shouting out in the Westron language: 'Elves of Mirkwood!'

Fainan:

The almost-unconscious dwarf was miserable, even delusional. Fainan sang softly to him while making the willow tea. Perhaps the friendly sounds would calm his delusions.

With Calion's help raising the hefty armored being to a half-sit, she managed to make the dwarf swallow some of the drink. It should help bring down the fever, but she wished the antivenin worked faster. Next she should probably grind up some garlic to make a poultice against infection....

She almost dropped the now empty cup as she heard galloping hooves approaching from outside the forest. The strong elven voice calling reassured her. Perhaps the one they awaited had arrived at last. She hesitated a second, dreading what he would think of their defenses at this sight.

Since Calion was weighted down with a good bit of dwarf, Fainan said, "I'll go answer and give you time to set up in case it's a ruse. I am so glad you're here to back me up! The nearest guards are probably off hacking spiders, drawn away from the gate."

Fainan jumped up to a limb overlooking the gate, bow in hand but not drawn. Below, she saw only one rider, an elf, tall with dark hair. No bow or other distance weapon at the ready; she didn't even see a quiver. Knives maybe, like Calion. Definitely a monster of a sword. Nice looking horse, proud and well-built!

Might as well start off with Westron, since they would be a mixed language party. Of course, he might be a rider who had no connection with Elrond's presumably secret mission. This was not the time to blurt out any suggestion of it from impatience and curiosity. Calion was in position, proven excellent to count on, so she called down to the stranger, "Hail! Have you business in Mirkwood?"

Auros:

A response! The voice of an Elf woman it was. She did not sound injured.
Auros shouted back, "I have business here,.. and beyond. But we can speak of that later. I see there was a battle here. Are you or any others injured?"

If the injured one was his guide, or part of his guide's group, his mission would be slowed; not a thought that thrilled Auros. It could not be avoided. Hopefully one of these Mirkwood Elves was skilled in treating such injuries. If not, his skills would have to do. They were not exactly on par with the healers in Imladris, but they sufficed for a traveller.

The Elf guards were no doubt on their guard after the attack, even if the scouts who took the main roads would have told of his coming. Any time saved would be worth it. Auros sheathed his sword in hopes he would appear less unfriendly. I doubt there are any spiders nearby after this battle anyway.
Calling his horse over, he began to rummage through his supplies as he waited for the response from beyond the Gate.

Calion:

After the response of the Outsider, Calion whistled, calling Quessëlómë towards him. With the combined strength of himself and his mare, Haran was lifted on top of Quessëlómë's back.

After that Calion and Nightfeather joined Fainan near the gate. He looked through the gate, and recognized the outfit of Rivendell, from which many visitors had visited Thranduil's halls in the far past.

'Could this be the Noldo we are looking for?', he whispered to Fainan. 'In any case, his physical appearance and his clothing suggest he's a Noldo from Rivendell, and they are known for their healing abilities. The Dwarf can use any help we can get.'

So, without awaiting his companion's answer, who had already turned out to be wise, and skilled in survival, he shouted through the Gate:

'Just one, from a nasty spider's bite. Do you think you can help, sir?'

Auros:

Finding his herb pouch, Auros began to smell each one. Nothing for spider venom except,.. Athelas. Even in the gardens of Rivendell this was not grown year-round, and as winter approached it would be harder to find.
Not unless it is necessary.

"I am not by trade a healer, but I have some skill. I will do what I can, but I must see the wound first."

His sense of foreboding had not disappeared, though it had faded. He almost motioned to check his sword, but decided it may do more harm than good to draw Angran forth even just enough to see the blade. He had no time for misunderstandings, and quite likely neither did the injured person inside the gate. Some guards can be jumpy after an attack, and I do not yet know if they're convinced of my sincerity.

Fainan:

Fainan was reasonably sure this was the Noldo she awaited, but she wanted to be certain. Elves didn't survive in Mirkwood without caution.

She waited in the branch, bow nocked but not drawn, at the ready. This time, she backed up Calion while he opened the gate. If the Noldo could help the dwarf, or was even willing to try to help a non-elf, she would feel he had passed her test of trust.

Calion:

Having the permission of Fainan, who had seemingly given herself leadership of the entire escort, even before the group was complete, Calion opened the gate further by a complex mechanism, yet one of which any Elf from Thranduil's court of legion knew the process of using it.

This revealed the Dwarf and the Noldo to each other, allowing the Elf to examine the Dwarf's wound from afar, without him having to come close to the rest of the company, so that Calion and Fainan could act if something was wrong, if the Noldo had come with other purposes than good.

Auros:

Finally, the gate was opening...
A Dwarf! So he was right about the bootprints. But what was a Dwarf doing here? In the moonlight he could see a white cloth wrapped around the Dwarf's leg. The Mirkwood Elf stood by the horse and the Dwarf, expectantly. Hmm, they expect me to examine it from here.

"My eyesight is keen, but I am afraid not so keen as to examine the wound from this distance, nor through a bandage." Auros hoped it sounded like a gentle ribbing and not an acussation. With his hands in plain sight, away from his sword, he walked slowly towards the gate. His horse followed.

Hmm only one of them. The others must be standing guard. As he drew closer, he tried to read the Elf's face. It was harder to read a gaurded mind, but all but the most careful could still give a clue as to their intentions,... and of their partners' locations. This Elf was good. He almost didn't catch it,.. a slight glance of worry. Their band was small or one traveller would not worry them.

The hiding Elf or Elves were quite good as well. He could not hear breathing aside from the Elf he had seen, and the Dwarf drawing deep, desparate breaths.
We will play this out according to their rules, for now.

He drew closer until he could touch the Dwarf. Motioning for help to lay the Dwarf on the ground, he and the Mirkwood Elf gently lifted him from the horse. Auros vaguely recognized this Dwarf. He was in Rivendell,.. I saw him in passing as I arrived from one errand, but before I was given this one. Haran I believe he was called. But what brings him here?

"What brings this Dwarf to Mirkwood? Did he say, Master Elf? Anything in his delerium perhaps?"

I must know what, if anything, has been said of Rivendell.

As he listened for the answer, Auros adjusted himself to begin examining the wound. He purposely set his back to the gate, showing he did not intend to attack and run. He did not look up at the Elf. There was no reason to give the impression he expected an attack.

He gently unwrapped the wounded leg and examined the bite. This was well dressed. The wound in the leg matched the blood stains on the fangs of the spider he found near the entry to the Forest. After examining the wound, he turned to the Dwarf's face. Opening his eyes, he checked the pupils.Hmm,.. not as bad as I had thought.

"Has he been given anything for the wound already?"
Auros sat in thought, once again listening to the answer. Carefully he listened to the Dwarf's breathing. It was laboured, but he did not gasp for air. The poison
did not paralyze him. He listened to the Dwarf to catch any words he may say. When he awakes, I must be the first to speak with him. He cleaned and rewrapped the wound with a fresh bandage.

Carefully he spoke to the Elf. "Outside of the Forest I found a spider with a broken dagger-blade in its eye. From the signs, it must have been the one that bit him. Rest assured it did not survive to gloat, dying before I reached it. It's venom sacks were still quite full. The Dwarf has been poisoned, a quite potent venom from the looks of it, but he does not have much of it in him. I am,.. unwilling,.. to mix medicines, so we must wait out the remedies already given him. I will stay with him for the night. If his condition worsens, I will act, but there is nothing more I can do until then."

He studied the Elf's face as he spoke, watching for the slightest reaction that may pronounce his doom.

Then he said, "I am afraid we have not had time yet for introductions. I am Auros."

(Page 3)

Calion:

Auros? His commander at the court had said Auros was the name of the Noldo they were suppose to escort. This was either the Noldo they were waiting for, or someone who knew of it and tried to work against them. The fact that it was a Noldo, and that he was willing to examine the Dwarf, were almost proof of his honesty. However, what explanation could there be for him to be unwilling to share his medicines? Ah well, the other remedies seemed to be working, and perhaps the Noldo only had little medicine of his own.

So Calion moved his eyes very quickly, making eye-contact with Fainan. She was still on guard, pointing her bow, perhaps not even having heard what the Noldo had said. Calion, however, decided that there was a bigger chance this was the Elf they were looking for, then a few minutes before. So, he decided to speak to the Noldo, and, in a way, give him the answers he had asked for.

'Nice to meet you, Auros. I am Calion, Dagger-elf from the court of Thranduil, king of Mirkwood. The Dwarf, whom we already have given antivenan and white willow tea, has mentioned to us, that the business he has here is 'compatible' to ours. He may be trusted, as far as Dwarves can be. Speaking of trust: you seem to me to have proven your kindheartedness by wanting to treat the Dwarf, but still, your presence here cannot be seen as less than suspicious for now. So speak, Auros, and answer me: what IS your business here?'

Fainin:

Fainan listened with interest. She could hear every word.

The dwarf should be recovering soon, maybe five minutes or less to consciousness depending on how fatigued he had been when hurt.

Calion seemed competent to her, and she was glad he had elected to do the questioning. If the Noldo was on the secret Rivendell mission, she wondered how he would answer.

Since the guards seemed to have been drawn away, she was watching more for any danger to the party than danger from Auros.

In the distance, she thought she heard a few wolf howls, then silence. The horses moved quietly, grazing, now and again looking curiously at the new horse and rider.

She waited only for Calion's signal to join the party on the ground.

Auros:

Auros laughed. "The direct approach! Very well. I have been sent as a scout from Rivendell to report movements of the Enemy. My mission takes me along the Forest path to Erebor. Beyond that my mission concerns you not. It is likely others have come along the main road and spoken with your king already. "

Auros paused for a moment, then continued, "As for the Dwarf, I can speak for his travel from Rivendell, but as to what brings him here, that I do not know. When he awakes, I must be the first to speak with him."

Auros again grew solemn. "There will be no eavesdropping. Anything we may say will not be for others' ears. Now, it is your turn. I know your group is small. I deem you are my guides through your land, and we must leave at dawn. The Dwarf may still be weak come morning, so he will have to ride with us. There is little time for planning, and we must get as much rest as we can. Call your friends over so we can begin preparations."

Auros drew his pack from his horse and set it against a tree near the Dwarf.

Dusksinger

Full speed for 30 seconds and still no teeth or claws in her back or in Malloth but halting and looking was out of the question. If they were chasing her it would be enough for them to catch up before she could turn and get speed up. She tried to turn her head to see but the need for looking where to ride only allowed her some few seconds to watch her rear.

Better just to keep on until I reach the gate or was thrown down, If I get to the gate alive Malloth will have distanced them enough to gain time to send him home alone without my weight upon him and I can crawl up into a tree. From there I can take them one by one if needed.

At full speed she directed Malloth toward the gate getting ready to jump, the gate seemed as a dark hole among the trees in the fading light but as she drew nearer shapes of 3 persons appeared. It looked like one was lying, one sitting and one standing.

For all the evil... what the.. I sure hope these people are friendly and will allow me to speak before they do anything. If I am chased by wolves and they start off attacking me the wolves will get a big dinner tonight, If the wolves are close they might consider me riding with the wolves. Anyway, there are no turning back or hiding, either I will be killed by these people or the wolves or its my lucky day

With thundering hooves Malloth left the grassy fields and the reached within 50 meters of the gate and Lomelinde saw the shades turn as she appeared in their line of sight. She yelled out "Wolves attacking, Wolves attacking and jumped off.

She rolled two or three times on the ground before she stopped at the feets of a fourth person standing hidden.
Lomelinde got on her feet and turned towards the open looking for wolves.

If these are people are hostile well then better a knife in the back than a set of teeth in the chest

Calion:

Calion nodded to Auros, convinced this was the one they had been waiting for. He turned towards Fainan, and signaled her to come down. As Fainan climbed down to the ground, a sudden noise came from some distance outside the gate.

A horse running, wolves howling, and a voice yelling out: 'Wolves attacking, wolves attacking!', and at that point the horse, now within 50 meters from the gate, became riderless, as the female rider jumped off.

She rolled two or three times on the ground before she stopped at the feet of Fainan, now down on the ground. As the mortal woman got back on her feet, Calion ran towards the gate, preparing to fight the wolves now nearing the party, and protect his companions, new and old, and the human's horse, from death unlooked for.

Fainan:

Fainan grinned at the new arrival. Things were just too awful to take them any other way. This had been a seriously bad time to come out of the tree.

With a quick leap, she went back to her branch and pile of newly made arrows. Maybe the Valar had made her wait so long to make sure she had plenty of ammunition! Immediately she loosed arrows into the oncoming wolves, hoping to kill or injure as many as possible before they reached the party on the ground. She heard the horses whinny and stomp. Certainly the dwarf was about to wake to interesting times!

Haran:

He had awoken from his nightmare with a start and slowly opened one eye cautiously. Fiery and icy memories dogged his now groggy mind as he strained to see what was going on about him. He was still weak from the sudden collapse, so continued to lie on what seemed a firm yet somewhat reassuring surface. A musky, earthy scent it had to it. It took a moment to realize he was perched upon one of the elve's horses! Hmm, not as bad as he had thought. The animal was actually quite stable and, dare he say, comfortable? But, how in Valinor's name had he gotten up here! One of the Mirkwood inhabitants he had recently met must have tended to his wound and set him upon the beast. Perhaps they were ready to move on? How inconvenient that he should falter at such a time. Well, whatever the circumstance he had improved considerably and was about to call out when he thought better of it. The elves must be thinking he was still unconscious. A perfect opportunity to let matters unfold and see what he could learn. He continued to lie prone on the animal and listened intently to the conversation nearby.

A new elf had arrived since his unfortunate swoon and was now speaking with the others. Odd that elves should be so wary of their own kind. These were indeed dark times. Then again, he was no scholar of elven relationships or lore. Perhaps there was a history between the fair elder folk he would yet be privy to. He chanced a peek at the newcomer and a flicker of recognition passed by. Had he not see him before? Yes, at Rivendell, to be sure! He thought hard.. he had not met many but made a point to try to remember names... Auros! That was it. Hmm... he would have to attempt to speak to him in private to know what further decisions had been made in Rivendell after his departure. Their visit here was most likely temporary, to get aid for passage through Mirkwood and the rest of the trip would have to be kept close to the chest. Luckily he had only told the other elves what he needed to to get past the gate. One did not volunteer more information than was required even in happier days. He continued feigning sleep, trying to see what else he could learn about their current situation. Heh, Haran the Spy.. how clandestine! Ha, perhaps not, still, prudence was a virtue.

Slowly, he was lifted from the horse and laid down by the tree. The conversation continued revealing nothing of interest as he was poked and prodded by the new arrival. How undignified! He sighed and waited for a proper moment to 'awaken'.

Suddenly, he heard a female voice in distress yelling from beyond the doors, 'Wolves!'. Well, enough of this lurking, they were being attacked again and an idle dwarf was a worthless one. He had heard howling on his journey and was not surprised that the wargs had finally shown their true colours. He leaped to his feet, caught his balance and realized he was still a bit tipsy. No matter. His compatriots had tended to him well and that too would soon pass. Not completely ready to wade into battle, he reached into his pack by the tree and pulled out his trusty throwing axes. A force from above was a daunting foe, so he grabbed onto the trunk and began climbing to a better vantage point for his onslaught!

Auros:

As the cries came to Auros' ears, the sense of foreboding faded. He sighed. It's here.

As he drew Angran, he noticed the Dwarf jump up. "My advice, Master Dwarf," he said as he turned toward the howling, "is to rest while you can."
But then, he did not expect the Dwarf to listen. A stubborn lot they were, almost as stubborn as Elves. Maybe it's for the better. The newcomer seems to be in no condition to fight, and even a weakened 4th will be helpful if we have an entire pack to deal with.

Striding past the newcomer's horse as it entered the gate, he came alongside Calion. He could see the wolves' eyes glittering in the moonlight. Only wolves.

"Well, Calion, it seems the Elves of Mirkwood need not seek danger to find it." He turned to Calion with a small grin on his face. "Shall we go out to meet them?"
Charging forward, he met the first wolf to reach the forest with Elvish steel.

Calion:

As Calion charged to the gate, his companions behind him came into action too. But... how strange! The Dwarf climbed a tree, while the Elf came standing in the front of the battle. Sure, the Dwarf was yet too weak to fight in the frontline, but who would have thought he actually realised that, instead of storming into the wolves and probably dying.

So, Auros (as Calion was now sure the Elf was who he said to be) came standing besides him, looking confident in his own fighting abilities. He had definitely fought worse than wolves.

Auros said "Well, Calion, it seems the Elves of Mirkwood need not seek danger to find it." He turned to Calion with a small grin on his face. "Shall we go out to meet them?"

Calion nodded back, and the two Elves stormed against the wolves. Calion took out his daggers, and with one of them stabbed the stomach of the first wolf he met. He could do more with his daggers than just throw them.

Fainan:

Fainan's arrows sang over the heads of her companions. Even if her shots only injured, they might help. But she aimed for lethal shots whenever they presented.

Calion:

A dagger in each hand, Calion continued to advance into the wolf troop. There seemed to be no limit to those beasts, even if there actually were just a few.

After a short duel, another wolf fell, with a dagger in the chest and the other in the head. Trying to grab the daggers out of his victim, Calion was however jumped on by another wolf, the biggest of the pack, knocking him on the ground. The new wolf looked at him, a mean glance from his eyes. And was that a smile on his face? These things were more intelligent then Calion had ever realised. The wolf jumped at Calion's throat, intending to slay the now helpless Elf.

Calion's long life flashed before his eyes. A thought arose in him: Could his companions help him?

*OOC: Please do, I do not wish to be out of the story so soon.

Haran:

From this lofty vantage point the dwarf saw one of the elves suddenly fall beneath a larger of the furry behemoths... was the beast actually grinning at his pinned prey? Without a moment's hesitation he flung two sharpened hatchets in quick succession straight at the wolf's eyes, blinding him instantly. At least this would give his new ally a chance to recover his bearings.

He continued to survey the battle below, ready to assist when the most opportune moment presented itself...

Auros:

Arrows flew around him, as well as the occasional axe.

Seeing Calion in danger, Auros slew the wolf he was fighting and went to Calion's aid. Axes flew from the trees above, striking the beast towering over the Mirkwood Elf. Another wolf was charging from Auros' side, leaving only a moment to aid Calion. He kicked the wolf off of Calion then side-stepped to dodge the beast charging him,.. but it wasn't fully successful. The beast's claws met Auros' shield arm, gashing the shoulder. He flinched, but it happened so fast the pain did not begin at once. One arm now injured, he changed his sword-form to a one-handed stance.
I didn't move fast enough. But there's only a few left. I can make it until they're dead.

Calling to Calion, Auros said, "Are you ok? Can you still fight? We cannot let any of them escape!"

As he waited for the response, he saw his chance and struck the wolf who had attacked him.

Calion:

Just as the large beast jumped for Calion's throat, it was knocked back by 2 axes, firmly planted in the wolf's eyes. Auros kicked the wolf off of Calion, but got attacked by another in the process, and injured in his shield-arm. He changed his sword-stance to accomodate this new complication.

Auros said to Calion: "Are you ok? Can you still fight? We cannot let any of them escape!" and struck the wolf that had charged him.

Calion answered: "I'm allright, thank you. And thank you as well, Haran! I never knew Dwarves possessed such accuracy!" Calion jumped back to his feet, grabbed his daggers from his previous victim, and used them to finish off the big blinded one, who had nearly slain him.

After that, he joined Auros, acting as a shield for him, while doing quite some damage himself. Together they fought the remaining wolves in open combat.

(Page 4):

Dusksinger:

With the back to the people at the gate
A dwarf and three elves ? strange company ! she made ready to face the wolves There is a good tree to climp if needed but one of the beasts is going down first

The wolves came close enough to see, seven of them and suddenly all became a huge battle. One elf rushed with knives in his hand straight forward into the pack with another holding a sword right behind him. The Dwarf climbed a tree A dwarf climbing a tree, hiding from battle? guess the fierce rough reputation of those are greatly overrated. She could hear the wood of the bow the last elf had behind her bend and stretch and then the string of it through the air and the whistle of an arrow passing over her head.

hmm they are helping, not bad but after all they would be prey too if not When she looked up again four wolves were lying down but one huge bastard were almost to bite the throat of one of the elves when a couple of axes from above was firmy planted in its eyes.

The last two wolves turned to flight They con not escape, they will alarm every pack in the area and a man hunt for us will begin Dusksinger cleansed her mind and concentrated, whispering words to herself holding the staff vertical with the end of it planted in the ground. With all her concentration a thin barrier behind the wolves grew stronger and higher and from it increasing heat were wavering, preventing the two last wolves to run away. The heat barrier stretched, each end moved around the wolves in a circle enclosing them in a trap leaving the two elves outside.
I cannot hold this for long, now finish them off people.

Fainan:

The last two wolves started to run and Fainan started to lower her bow. She had no wish to slaughter animals, especially when they were fleeing. Orcs, yes. But the wolves abruptly backed away from a weird shimmering in the air, reminiscent of heat waves. As the wolves turned, once again menacing the party, Fainan shot one.

Auros:

Seeing the barrier surrounding the Wolves, Auros stepped back. I see,.. the woman. This was no Dwarf, and certainly no Avar.
Realizing he could not reach the wolves, he wiped the blood from his blade and sheathed it. One wolf approached the barrier as it stood before Auros and Calion, but was quickly shot dead. The other wolf stayed in place, and no arrow came to slay it.
The Mirkwood Elves hesitate to slay the beast. Cetainly it cannot be held in this way for long.
"The wolf must die!" he called out to the others. Placing his hand on Calion's shoulder, he spoke to the Mirkwood Elf, "Whatever else happens, this wolf must die." He walked away from the barrier, surveying the bodies of the wolves as they lay in the moonlight.

He walked over to the body of the wolf that attacked Calion. The axes still stuck firmly in its eyes. With his good arm, he traced the gashes along its body. Old wounds. This beast was tortured before it ever came to this field. The beast was of an unnatural size. He touched chest, checking to ensure the beast truly was dead. Sure of this, he opened the beast's mouth carefully, examining the fangs.

As one of the others approached, Auros spoke aloud. "This was the leader. Tell me, what do you make of this?"

Calion:

A magical barrier appeared slowly around the wolves, causing them to be trapped at the spot, unable to run, and unable to fight back. Calion looked behind him, at the source of the magic. He thought: Surely this is not a normal human? She seems to have great potential powers, if she could do this to the beasts in her current exhausted state. She could definitely be a great asset to our party.

One of the two remaining wolves stepped towards them, of course remaining within the barrier. It got shot down quickly. The other was left alive: how could any sane being kill any animal who wasn't currently a threat to them?

The Noldo seemed to have a different mind about that. He shouted to the rest of the party to kill the wolf, and whispered to Calion "Whatever else happens, this wolf must die." Calion did not agree with this statement, knowing the threat to him or his party was minimal, as the wolf was now alone, and trapped.

Auros now walked back to the corpses, examining them. Calion remained in front of the barrier, trying to subdue the remaining wolf with his eyes. It seemed to work, as the wolf slowly stepped back, burning it's tail to the barrier in the process, but he seemed too scared to even notice. Calion approached the barrier, and the wolf shrunk back, started crying, and all it's aggression was lost. It was now tamed, and could lead the party to it's source, because Calion knew there was something unusual to these creatures: He had noticed the old torturewounds of their leader, when he finished the large wolf off. Calion, in a slightly unappropriate thought, said to himself: "I'll call him Fluffy."

Behind him the Noldo also seemed to have noticed the wounds, as he said aloud: "This was the leader. Tell me, what do you make of this?"

Haran:

As the remaining wolves were being slain something very odd occurred. Two of the wolves were mystically encircled by a radiance that seemed to appear from nowhere. He noticed that the newcomer had her staffed raised and thought "A sorceress!?" He had heard tales of such a being but had never met one, yet here the truth was upon him. Wizards and sorcery. Perhaps his nightmare was not just a fever induced dream after all. A sense of foreboding lingered.

He turned his attention back to the glowing ring and saw that only one wolf remained. It now seemed frightened and subdued. He could kill it now with no trouble, but pity stayed his hand.

The elves were now examining the dead and seemed particularly interested in the giant that Haran had blinded earlier. Not wanting to be left out of the discourse, he made his way down to the troop below to see what was afoot.

Calion:

Calion left his wolf in the circle, not having the power to free him, and joined his comrades in the examination of the wolves. The Dwarf joined as well. Fainan looked back into the trees, saying: "And what happened to the border guards?"

Calion sadly answered her and the rest of the party: "I know not about the gate's guardians, but I do have a guess at the patrols along the Elf-path. For when I found the white willow-trees to heal Haran, I stepped into the forest, and found there a horrible sight. Pieces of Elven armor and weaponry, spider webs, and the ground soaked with blood. It seemed the spiders' intelligence is growing, just like the shadow emitting from Dol Guldur further South. If they could eat the road-guards without a single loss, they're definitely organising... who knows in how large packs they move now?
Yet this was not the only thing I saw. Looking from the slope down to the fields and towards the mountains, my eyes perceived smoke arising from the area of Dol Guldur, more black than any thundercloud I've seen, and steadily growing, advancing North. It has passed the mountains, and my eyes saw mountain beasts going crazy with anger. I do not know what this smoke holds, but it's pure evil.
If the wolves indeed came from Dol Guldur, their anger and rage should increase with time, until they become a great danger to Mirkwood. I have been able to save Fluffy from the darkness, but within short time all the wolves around Dol Guldur, or even in the regions in which we stand now, will be unsaveable, and death will be the only way to stop the poor things from ravaging our home. Does anybody have any suggestions on what to do now?"

Fainan:

"This is dire news indeed. This must be reported to King Thranduil on our way back. Yet how will he have us fight a cloud? If it does not go outwards in a circle, perhaps a force could be sent around to destroy the source, and let us pray that this source is not inside the fortress itself."

She turned and bowed her head politely to Auros. "But for now, my lord Auros, we were sent to escort a Noldo elf from Rivendell and any companions of his through Mirkwood, and to give any assistance you might require."

Auros:

Fluffy? Auros' eyes widened slightly as he turned his attention from the beast, and seeing one wolf left alive his face darkened. He turned his attention back to the beast.

He heard Fainan's words as he moved his hand toward one of the axes in the beast's eyes. As he pulled the axe out, the blood began to pour freely. He examined the edge closely. It was actually smouldering! Tossing the axe down, he said, "I'm afraid these two will do you no more good, Master Dwarf. I suspect some of your knives are in similar shape, Calion."

Rising to his feet, he turned to the female Elf. "My apologies, milady. I did not mean to ignore you." Motioning to the alpha wolf's body, he said to everyone, "Based on the evidence," as he shot a dark glance at the living wolf," I believe the leader acted as an overseer for the pack, spreading a foul will through itself into the entire pack, linking them to his master."
He paused a moment, then continued, "Evil has arrived before me and come in my wake. While I do not believe it has come looking for me, I cannot take the chance it will hinder my mission. The wounded must be tended to and all of us must rest and take nourishment while we can. We will be leaving before dawn."

"As for you," Auros turned to Calion, "you are now responsible for that wolf," he said, pointing to the creature sitting not far off. "It may not leave your side so long as I travel through Mirkwood. It has tasted both freedom and slavery, and while you may believe it cleansed, it can still take news to its former master. If it tries to leave, you must kill it. It is your,.. pet."

The idea was disturbing to Auros. The wild birds and beasts of Imladris served Elrond faithfully, gathering news from abroad when needed, but they were not owned by any Elf. It would've been better for the wolf to die free, Auros thought. Horses and domestic animals were a different matter, but even they were not delegated as "pets."

Once again speaking to all, "Of my mission I will say no more aloud than I must go through Mirkwood. You must also take thought of your own realm, and I must take thought of my mission. Someone must be sent to Imladris while I continue, and someone must be sent to your king. The latter at least will travel with us for some time. Take counsel with yourselves and decide what you will do. The gate cannot stand ungaurded for long, but we cannot wait for patrols, or for the guards to return."

Turning to the Dwarf, "Master Haran, since you are aparently well enough to be up and around, perhaps you would help Calion to gather these corpses together away from the trees. I think burning the bodies would be better than simply burying them. When the newcomer is tended to, we'll gather brush."

Turning to the female Elf once again, " Please see to the woman. I will see what I have to help in my pack."

With that, Auros walked back to his horse. He began to lift his pack, but the flexing of his shoulder caused the blood to run anew. He winced in pain. As if sensing Auros' reaction, the horse knelt down so he could slide the pack onto the ground.
"Hantalyë, meldo," he said softly to the horse, placing his hand on the horse's head. He slid the pack down and began to rummage through for his bandages.

Fainan:

"Pardon, I should have introduced myself. I'm Fainan. Calion exaggerates kindly when he calls me a 'famous archer', but I should be competent enough to be of service as one of your escort. I would be glad to help your human companion, and aid in skinning the wolves and disposing of the carcasses. May I see to your shoulder, when you have a moment?"

Not far away, a border guard slipped back into position, shooting us a surprised look. After Calion and I gave him the "all's well" signal, he shrugged and settled down to watch the gate. We could tend to our business while he acted as sentry.

Dusksinger.

One of the wolves in the barrier died and with it some strength of will returned. The magic is only minds towards minds, the more intelligent the opponent is the harder and faster you must work. It is like a mellee fight but in a mental sphere.
Radagast once told me " If you want to use a 2 handed sword you will hit hard but slow and only one opponent at the time, use 2 light weapons, one in each hand and you hit fast but not as hard on two opponents. It is the same with magic as most call it. You can blow off hundreds of minor rockets and firecrackers at a party, no harm but alot of noice and colors or one big gigantic boom which will drain you"

As strength returned Lomelinde felt only one will struggling in the field-trap and the strength of that will fast gave up fight and subdued. She saw up and in the trap one wolf were sitting with its tail between the legs and the tongue out the mouth making no attempts to attack or run. It was just sitting there, defeated, awaiting something.
She loosened the mental grip, the barrier vanished and she sat down, physically tired from the days long ride and mentally from the fights.

Calion:

As they talked, the mental barrier went down, and Fluffy was freed from his prison. He slowly walked towards Calion, who was now busy pulling away the wolves' corpses, and Fluffy stood next to him, a tear in his eye. His leader and all of his troop had been slain, and he would surely have followed, if Calion had not believed the wolf could be cured from the dreadful smoke.

As his new personal project came standing next to him, Calion looked at him, and saw the tear. 'Wow, these creatures truly are intelligent' he thought to himself. 'I just hope the Gulhuine', as he had now named the smoke in his thoughts, 'won't leave any permanent markings on his soul.'

Then Calion heard another presence nearby. He looked around him, and saw a border guard, not far away, slipping into position. He and Fainan gave the guard the 'all's well' signal, and the guard shrugged and settled down to watch the gate.

Calion gathered the wolfleader away from the trees, along with the other corpses, and started gathering wood and other fuel to burn the corpses.

Fluffy, tired and sad, yet also glad he was safe from both the Gulhuine, and the death which had come to his companions (although he was still not sure of Auros, and Auros' intentions for the wolf) walked to the clearing, lying down on the grass. Quessëlómë looked at this new creature, but recognized the will of her master, and turned back to grazing without worries.

Haran:

"Aye, the worst part of the battle. Clearing of the dead, even if it is the enemy. Although I cannot but feel that these beasts were somehow entranced and not attacking of their own free will. The marks upon the bodies shows at least that they were coerced? What say you, Calion, you were closest to the leader, what did you feel of his demeanor?"

As he awaited the elf's response he began dragging carcasses to the pile Calion had started, careful not to get stained by the foul blood that had been spilled.

"I also noted that you seem to have garnered a kind of affection for the lone survivor... this "Fluffed" one you named him? I too could not bring myself to slay him although from above I indeed had the opportunity. I worry that there may be a danger we ourselves have been bewitched. Perhaps the enchantress can shed light on these matters?"

After piling the last of the corpses, Haran rested on the hilt of his axe and turned a questioning glance to the group.

Fainan:

The human lady seemed uninjured, but fatigued. Fainan offered her the waterskin. "Drink all that you wish. I will refill it from the spring just outside the gate." By the skin, she laid out a bit of jerky and hardtack, keeping back the few lembas for emergencies. Fainan wanted very much to talk with the lady, to hear of what must be an intriguingly alien way of life, but had other pressing matters.

She approached Auros with determination. He struck her as one of those "I'm fine" patients who had to be knocked over the head to be tended. "Let me see to your shoulder, so that you may complete your mission. It will be hard to reach on your own."

Auros:

Auros looked up at Fainan, then smiled. "Very well. It will be easier for you to wrap my shoulder than to do it myself."

He handed her the bandage, as well as a small vial with an ointment inside. "This will help the healing. If Calion or the newcomer have any small injuries, it will help them as well. Be sparing, though; that is all I have."

Looking up, he saw the Elf guard now in place, watching outward towards the mouth of the path. "I see the guards have returned. Perhaps you or Calion should speak with them once the burning has begun. There must be good reason that they left the gate guarded only by an escort. "

Looking out as the Dwarf and Elf gathered together the bodies of the felled wolves, Auros said, "The pelts I deem would not be worth the time to skin them. There is a foulness in them that goes beyond the flesh."
After a moment, he added, "I was wrong about the leader. He was not a normal wolf. At first maybe, but now it's something,.. twisted."

(Page 5)

Fainan:

Fainan looked at and smelled of the ointment, trying to figure out if she knew the ingredients to make more. She cleaned Auros's injury and gently dabbed the ointment into place, then gladly used the finely made bandages. Her own, made of spider silk, might be needed later. "Do you know what this ointment is made of, my lord?"

Auros:

Auros paused for a moment, thinking. "It is the juices of several plants. I have not seen its making, but of the herbs used in it, I know at least one cannot be found anywhere in the West of Middle-Earth outside of Master Elrond's gardens." Auros said that last with a hint of sadness. It was a shame only a handful of such useful plants could still be found in the boundaries of the old realms.

"My own skills do not lend much toward healing, but in smithing, though I know enough of herbs and plants for the uses of a traveller. It is fortunate you and Calion were better prepared to deal with the Dwarf's spider bite."

As the last wraps of the bandage were made, Auros looked to the gathered corpses. "Looks like the burning is about to begin."

Calion:

Calion had just finished dragging the wolf-leader, when Haran started to drag the final wolf-corpses to the pile. He asked Calion what he had felt of the leader's demeanor, since he had been the closest towards the large beast, who seemed to have been twisted by his masters.

Calion answered the Dwarf: "The leader seemed to be under some sort of mental control as well. Although he was clearly following a command of some higher being, it seemed like he did not care about doing it: as if he felt it was his own will. But it is clear that he was connected to the lesser wolves, and only by his death was I able to save Fluffy."

As he said that, he saw Fluffy lying on the grass, falling asleep. Haran asked his next question, while dragging away the corpses.

Calion answered: "Poor thing, the aggression, unbelievably large even for a wolf like him, forced upon him by his leader, must have exhausted him. I think the leader had been infected by so much of the Gulhuine, he became a temporal transmitter himself. His death stopped the transmission, if it hadn't, Fluffy would have had to be slain as well. And I do not believe our unwillingness to finish him was one of witchcraft, but one of compassion and mercy. But the enchantress may have some answers in any case, once she is rested again. She seems even more exhausted than Fluffy!"

As Haran rested on his axe, Fainan finished bandaging Auros and the two elves looked at the pile of corpses. Calion continued to gather wood for the fire.

Fainan:

Fainan commented, "We need to be able to leave immediately once the fire starts. It is still night." She refilled her waterskin from the spring and collected her things from the tree, loading her packroll on her horse.

Dusksinger:

The elf huntress offered Lomelinde water "Drink all you wish" She had her own water but it was nearly empty and from the short rest in the morning and besides, a friendly gesture should not be turned aside.

"Thank you lady and thank you all for the aid with this pack. I don`t know why they attacked me, they normally don`t attack people unless starving and this is not the time of year or a year with sparse food. But holding them trapped I felt a presence of a strong will. It vanised and now it is gone though still one of them is alive"

Lomelinde saw the dwarf and two male elves had pulled the dead wolf-corpses together to burn them.

" Please sires, do not light that fire yet. I would like to have a closer look at those wolves and I would like to see too Malloth and make sure he is well before you announce our precense here for the whole wood.

It may not be the best approach to strangers beginning to tell them what to do but it was urgent she knew, or had a chance to know, what had caused this attack. She noticed the big one lying dead had large burned spot at the left side of his pelt.

The bolt I manage to fire before I came here. Usually that would have been more than enough to drive a wolf away but not this one

" I am sorry, I am a bit tired. Let me introduce myself. My name is Lomelinde and who may you be ? You are a rare company, a Dwarf and three Elves of which I see at least one is from Imladris ?"

Hmm I was sent out to meet someone here at the gate. One, two or four or more ? I was never told but not many choose to met here and fewer does by accident. I think I can be almost sure at least one of those is sent in the same errand. I might aswell give a hint.

"I come from West of Hithaeglir a bit south of Ettenmoors near Hoarwell. I was sent here to the gate by a message to see what was to be seen. So far I`ve seen an attack of wolves and a strange company. Maybe that is all what can be learned here ?.

Fainan:

Leading her horse and relieved the burning would not start immediately, Fainan joined the others. "It is good to meet you, Lady Lomelinde. I'm Fainan of Mirkwood, one of the escort sent for Auros here." She smiled at the Noldor by way of pointing him out. "I suspect the enemy is already aware of our presence, from this peculiar wolf attack."

Fainan looked up at the border guard who was watching them, probably concerned that they might be about to light a fire. "I'll go talk with the guard as you requested, Lord Auros. It should take only a few minutes." She led her horse to one side of the path, waved to the guard to let him know she was approaching, and leaped up into the trees.

Auros:

Auros rose, using the tree to push himself up. He bowed to Lomelindë.

"You will have some time to examine the bodies at your leisure before we light the fire, but the bodies must be burned. I would not leave this foul flesh to be meat for scavengers, nor would I poison the ground with it. I do not think it necessary to leave immediately once the fire is started, but certainly by dawn. The scent of death may bring more,.. visitors,.. than the light of a fire."

Auros watched the newcomer as he spoke. A guarded mind, but no malice; at least not toward us.

"When Fainan has returned with the guard's news, we will make more definite plans. I recommend we rest while we wait. I am sure there is still much to be seen for those whose paths go with mine."

Turning to the Dwarf, he said "I know of Dwarves' dislike for riding horses, Master Haran, but we will have little time to accomodate walkers. If no other horse can be found, you will have to ride with me. Not so dismal as the spiders I hope. Also, we must talk. We can do this along the journey while the others lead, or if you are well enough, we can speak now while Lady Lomelindë examines the corpses."

Haran:

Haran smiled, "I suspected as much, Master Auros. We are sturdy and can be swift if need be, but I certainly cannot sustain the speed of four legged fauna bred for galloping. I shall accept your offer to ride with you and your fine steed, by your leave, if that is not too much of a burden. I'm afraid I have limited experience in equestrian practices and have no wish to discomfort any of your unburdened animals with my clumsy attempts at horseback mastery. Best to leave that to those with the proper skills, I deem."

He cinched his axe into his belt, gathered what throwing axes had not been defiled into his pack, and walked over toward Auros. As he past him he spoke lowly, "Perhaps we should walk and converse so as not to ..ahem.. disturb the others with personal matters?". He raised an eyebrow at the last, then continued past in an unhurried fashion to give the elf a chance to follow without seeming conspicuous.

More clearly he spoke aloud as if convincing himself, "Yes, a short walk will do me good... clear my head of the 'cobwebs' as it were... or of the poison at least." He chuckled and stretched his limbs as he strolled away leisurely.

Calion:

Calion just lay down the last few pieces of wood, when the Sorceress requested him and his comrades to let the burning commence later, so the bodies could be further examined. After that, Fainan walked away to speak to the guards, while Haran and Auros engaged in private conversation, and casually walked away, one some time after the other.

'What is going on here?' Calion thought, 'What could they have to talk about that must remain unknown to the rest of us? Ah well, it is our job to escort the Noldo, and his further business is not ours. I'm sure his intentions are not dangerous to the future of this region.' Yet deep in his heart, the first seeds of mistrust were sown.

Calion stepped closer to the bodies, and examined further the body of the greatest wolf, with remains of wounds everywhere. Yet the strangest wound was the big, clearly very recent one on the left side of his pelt. It almost looked like a lightning bolt had struck him there... yet there had been no such weather in days, not even near Dol Guldur. If the evil forces behind the attack had tortured him so, it would have been foolish, since the wound had clearly weakened the wolf so, that the company could defeat him. Perhaps the Enchantress had had some part in it.

Calion turned to Lomelinde, asking: "This wound, was it your doing?"

Fainan:

The border guard said he had left to check on what sounded like someone calling for help. The sound was so faint that he could not tell much more about it, but since the cry had been in Sindarin, he had tried to find the person. It had sounded muffled. Once he had gone much too far from his post, he returned.

The guard wondered now if it had been a real person at all, or a trick to lure him away from the Forest Gate when the controlled wolves attacked.

He still feared it might have been a real person, since Calion had seen armor left from a spider attack along the road, but no drained bodies. It could have been an awakening prisoner muffled by web.

Fainan thanked the guard for his help and returned to the Gate. She rubbed Hithceleb's soft nose for patiently waiting despite all the weirdness and strangers around. When Auros was finished conferring with his fellow from Elrond's loosing, she would be ready to go. Or if these crazies lit a large fire at night in Mirkwood, she would move off and wait for them.

Auros:

Auros bowed to the lady, taking his leave and following the Dwarf. He caught up a distance away, but did not yet speak. For a while longer the walked in silence, until Auros was sure no one else could hear them speak.

"I am unsure what counsel brings you to the borders of Mirkwood, Master Haran, but now that you have come, you should not return to Imladris alone. First and foremost, I must warn you not to repeat anything you may have seen or heard there. There are many ears in the world,... but I trust I need not advise a Dwarf when it comes to secrecy. Even if you know little of the,.. happenings,.. that is too much for others to know yet."

Auros glanced at the Dwarf to see that his message was clear.

A few more minutes into the walk, Auros stopped. He listened carefully to the noises of the woods around him. No followers. "There," he said softly. "It is safe. Tell me now, what brings you to Mirkwood? "

Calion:

After getting the answer from Dusksinger, Calion stepped away, letting her examine the bodies in peace. He wondered what would turn out from the corpses. He saw the Dwarf and the Noldo walking away silently in the distance, but let them do their thing, he trusted them enough to let them tell the tale when they were ready. For now, at least.

He walked to the clearing, where Fainan cared for her horse, and Calion started to examine the sleeping Helvy for the same wounds he saw on the other wolves. There were some, but nothing too serious, unlike those of the wolf-leader.

Turning to Fainan, he asked: 'Well? Did the guard say anything interesting?'

Fainan:

"Aye, Calion. His news was most disturbing in more than one way. He claimed to have heard what may have been an elf muffled in web, and went to investigate.

"That was bad enough. But the sound moved and lured him well away from the Forest Gate during the attack by the possessed wolves.

"I fear Auros may have enemies moving against whatever his mission is already, and we must be alert at all times, for stronger or more cunning forces than we might have expected, and they are working together."

Haran:

Once Auros had caught up and had his say, Haran thought for a moment deciding what to reveal. Well, he had to confide in someone and this elf was in Rivendel as he had been, so might have a clue as to what was amiss.

"Master Auros, I am somewhat dismayed at the moment. I was sent here to meet an elf and a man, yet it seems that only you and I have made our way here successfully. I know not the name of the other in our party that was to convene with us here, but there were to be three of us. Were you informed of this number? We were to compare notes when arriving and decide how to approach the elven leader of Mirkwood with our findings. Hopefully together with his guidance in these strange lands we could plan a strategy against what evil now seems to be building. I have come here to, unfortunately, bring tidings of similar alliances between arachnids and wolves up north in my land. Such news I would not disclose so freely had it not gotten worse before I left. Something is guiding these hordes even against their will it would seem. What are your thoughts on this sir elf? Have you heard the same?"

Haran sat down and turned, awaiting an answer.

Dusksinger.

"Yes sir elf, I am sorry I did not catch your name. The wound there is my work. Normally it would be more than enough to drive a pack away but not these and I am curious why. And no, I do not see why I at this point should bear any grudge against people here, at least at this time, since you all seemed eager enough to help me out of a problem so to speak. I felt your presence in the astral plane, at least I assume it was you. Have you knowledge in these matters ? "

While speaking Lomelinde bend down, carefully examining the hair and skin of the wolf.
" Who are the others ? the archer seems to be a lonely wanderer and so do you while the dwarf and the elf there look like they somehow know each other. And look here .. and smell"

With her knife Lomelinde had cut the skin open and dragged it away from the chest leaving the flesh between the ribs to be seen.
"The flesh is not fresh as one would think of a newly killed wolf. See these abscesses, all over the flesh, almost looking like bubonic plague but the color of them and the place under the skin ?. This one should have been dead long time age and one may wonder what have kept it alive. Sure aint natural "

Lomelinde turned to another wolf and cut it open as with the leader but only some very few and small abscesses.
She spoke to the elf watching her but just as much to herself.
" I did not find anything strange in the pelt, no wounds besides those we have made. No old scars, seems this is comming from the inside. Could he have been poisened by something ? But then he should have been dead by now. Quite strange, like something kept him alive. And an awful strong mind he had for a wolf, as soon as he died the two last gave up. I would have liked to speak with Radagast about this, Maybe he could tell what this is"

Lomelinde stood up and turned to the rest.
"Alright, I am finished here, I do not think it is a question anymore of maybe burning them. I think we need to burn them. And since we all know it maybe would bring attension to the gate we might prepare ourselves where to go before we torch them. I do not know who you are, what brought you here and your errands and maybe it is not of my concern but I was send here by a message through the Dúnedains to meet somebody at this gate. I take the risk to tell now here at the gate. I believe none of you would gather up here with evil in mind so if mr. somebody is here now speak up that my travel havent been in vain"

(Page 6)

Fainan:

"I fear you're right that we will have to burn these diseased corpses right away. It will bring the attention of a great deal of local fauna, at least, that we don't want to deal with, so it would be best to be ready to leave once we start the fire.

"I believe the person you are looking for is Auros. Those of us who were between assignments were asked to come escort a Noldo elf and, I assume, any of his companions. We are supposed to keep him safe for some sort of scouting expedition he plans here. Since he comes at the bidding of Lord Elrond, this is both a miltary and diplomatic mission."

Auros:

Thinking deeply on what the Dwarf told him, Auros was silent for several minutes.

"I am afraid, Master Haran, " Auros said slowly, "That I have heard nothing of this. My mission was to scout the Forest Path and onwards to Erebor. There were no scouts sent to this path before me, though others have been sent to Mirkwood to speak with Thranduil by the main road. If your tidings are true, then I cannot be the Elf you seek, and yet I saw no others along the journey. Neither do I have knowledge of this third person you speak of."

"And yet," Auros continued, "both spiders and wolves have attacked within but hours of eachother, both more potent than is typical for their kind. It's clear they attacked for a reason. My mission and that of the Mirkwood Elves is evident: I am to go through this forest and they are to take me; perhaps by "man" you mean "mortal?" You and the woman seem to have been called by something other than duty. If so, then perhaps your party is here, whether they knew they were meeting you or not. There seems to be more at work than the realms of Elves, Dwarves, and Men, and something may have sensed this."

Haran:

Overhearing the words of the Sorceress, he turned from Auros in mid speech thinking to himself... Abscesses!! Aich... worse than I might have imagined. The beasts were now being tortured into submission. That could only mean the enemy was attempting to increase their numbers and felt that immediate attack was necessary. Perhaps the elves had mounted a force that Haran himself was not aware of even after the assembly at Rivendel?

Returning his attention to the elf, he queried softly "I heard nothing of such injuries to the foes we came across in our lands... it would seem that the enemy has grown in stature and has forced these animals to attack at their bidding. I heard nothing at the conference in Rivendel that told of such a massing of evil forces in Mirkwood? Have you any news of an elven force that has gone abroad, perhaps? What else would cause the enemy to go to these lengths to be so aggressive within unknown boundaries?"

Haran looked expectantly at the tall elf hoping he might shed light on their current dire situation.

Calion:

Before walking away to the clearing, the human and he had spoken, she giving a positive answer to his question, and then asking some more questions of her own. Calion had answered:

"I am Calion, dagger-champion of the court of Thranduil, at your service. You may have sensed my presence in the astral plain, although I would not have thought that my skill of taming through eye-contact had any magical side-effects. I do not have any knowledge of this matter, besides what my eyes have seen some distance in the forest. I just knew I had to save at least on of them from a death they actually did not deserve, in my opinion. Though the wolves may be beasts, built for killing, they should not die for what is not their fault, like any living creature. And this was definitely not their doing, I knew that from the moment the fight started."

"As for the others of this group," he continued, "I have come to trust them, and believe they have no evil in their thoughts. The Dwarf and the Noldo I have not seen before, but they seem to be the reason we are here, the other Elf and I. Your purpose I do not know. She, who has just come back from the guards... I should go over there, to see what they had to say... is one of the most famous archers of the wood, even though she is too modest to admit it."

Meanwhile, the young enchantress had opened up the skin of the wolfleader, and the sight was not pretty. And it was definitely not natural. As the woman had continued to speak to herself, Calion had walked away to the clearing, examining Helvy, and talking to Fainan.

Now, the mortal female stood up, and turned around, and said the bodies had to be burned, and the group would do best by leaving as soon as the fire was started. After Fainan's confirming words, Calion walked back to the pile of bodies and wood, and started to build the pyre, while plans and thoughts for surviving this mission, raced through his head.

Auros:

"Of what I know or suspect to be the causes of these attacks, I cannot share more than you have learned. However, with time, you may come to know and learn more yourself, should you continue to travel with me."

Auros rose from the ground, pushing himself up with his good arm.
"What say you, Master Dwarf? Shall you go with me to Erebor? The Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain may be more apt to speak with another Dwarf than a Noldo, though we share the same love of craft."

The Elf stood patiently, awaiting the Dwarf's answer to this offer, as the wind blew softly in the trees.

Haran:

Not the right Elf? Doubtful. He had seen Auros at Rivendel and his presence here confirmed that at least one was sent to the Mirkwood gate to meet him, although perhaps he had not known who, or what race, at the time of his departure. Either it had been decided that the man in the party was not to go, or he may have fallen on his journey here. In any event, the bonfire was about to be lit, so a decision had to be made.

"Master Elf, it would seem that plans may have been altered since I left. I would ride with you toward Erebor to the King's palace at least. There I may find the answers I seek. We may yet journey further together, if that is how matters turn out. I would indeed like to converse with my brethren of the Lonely Mountain as there is information I need to share with them and hopefully receive in turn. Will you bear me as a burden for that while, until I know more of how my mission is to unfold?"

Fainan:

Not wanting to stay a moment longer than necessary after the great fire was lit, Fainan started gathering the horses at the path so everyone could jump on at once. They seemed willing enough to join Hithceleb.

She smiled sympathetically as the border guard moved higher into his tree and wrapped his cloak around himself, hood ready to pull over his face

Twinkle:

From her vantage point, her keen eyes could mark any movements of two- or four-leggers on the ground, yet they would not see her; likely they would be surprised if they could. She was one of the rare elthoron ("star eagles"); a miniature version to the great eagles, full grown she was almost half height of a man. She knew the legend of her origin well: The First Pair was hatched by the White Lady of the Birds (she who was given birdform at will) as comfort for the loss of her previous children. The First Pair stayed with the Lady, but their hatchlings ventured into Arda, nested and bred there after.
Twinkle was on her first true Questing...a search for adventure, a nesting area, and a mate (not necessarily in that order!). She had traveled far since first dawnlight, pausing only for a meal, yet was not tired...the air currents had done a good deal of the work for her. Always cool at that height, it was even more so now in autumn, which she enjoyed...her prey were putting on their fat reserves for winter...Extra flavor!
Her satisfaction was tinged with sadness...as the last hatchling of her aged parents, she had stayed with them longer than usual, until their Calling: when many of her kin came to sing the pair on their final flight back to the Aerie of the White Lady.
Before leaving again, Twinkle's kin had exchanged stories of the world as it was now...darker things were gaining and growing in many places. Maybe not the best time to be adventuring...or perhaps it is. She had decided to scout out the home of Elrond, one of the Lady's First sons, perhaps have the honor of seeing him for herself. Along the way, however, she had some evidences of the tales her kin had told; upon seeing the beauties of Rivendell, much as she would have liked to linger, she felt compelled to continue on. That place was well protected...she would be of no real use to them. Further on was Mirkwood, which her ancestors had known by a friendlier name...she heard rumors of some important activity going on there. I will see what I may see, and perhaps even be of some aid.
Approaching the forest, she winged her way lower over the dense trees, her sight nearly as sharp at night, almost rivaling that of the nightbirds. There seemed to be some commotion around a gate, and...Howlers! Mostly dead ones...and several two-leggers. I wonder who's been hunting who? Surely this needed more investigating!

Calion:

While continuing to construct the pyre from the lumber he had gathered, Calion looked at Fainan, as she led the horses onto the road, preparing to leave as soon as possible. He was glad to see Quessëlómë among them, and even Helvy got up to follow. Sleepily the wolf almost stumbled over a rock.

Helvy:

He woke up. His dreams had been pleasant, no more fear, no more nightmares of the torture he had experienced in the dark tower to the South. He looked up, towards the sky, visible above the clearing. Finally, no more smoke covering the stars, but a clear sky and moonlight in his eyes. Although Helvy had not eaten for a long time, he was not hungry. The long days with little or no food had tought him to last long without a meal. Also, the aggression he possessed was far less than usual for a wolf, but that was probably due to the mental influence of the woodelf. Helvy did not care, that same influence had started the healing process of his wounded soul, and he was glad.

Helvy yawned, looked around him, and saw the horses around him following the female elf. He decided to follow as well, these elves had been good to him, and if Calion's horse trusted the elf, what reason had he to not do the same? So, he stood up, walked at the end of the group, and half asleep, he almost fell over a rock which had escaped his sight. No further hindrance came in the way, and Helvy reached the road, lay down again, and fell asleep once more.

Calion:

He watched Helvy fall asleep once again. He sure hoped the wolf would be able to keep up when they left, the seemed even more tired than Calion had thought earlier. Suddenly a strange noise approached from above, and Calion looked up.

'A bird!' he thought. 'It looks like an eagle, but no... it's too small. Although, it could be one of them. One of those birds of legend, the rare elthoron. What a beautiful sight... they say the elthoron are descendants of Luthien, and their beauty surely supports that story.'

Fainan:

The horses tried to spook. With great effort, Fainan kept them from bolting. A quick glance over her shoulder towards the direction of previous attacks showed a great bird winging towards them. Suspicious timing! Was it controlled as the wolves had been?

Fainan wasn't too worried. The party could probably lose it as soon as they started traveling the narrow path between the trees. And they could do something now to slow it, maybe keep it back. She called to Calion, "Start the fire! It could help keep that thing at bay!" Especially once the Mirkwood specials saw the flames.

Fainan called to Auros and Haran, "Ware! Our horses are coming to you!" She sent Quesselome towards Calion, then she leaped on Hithceleb. With a light dig of the knees and leaning forward, she started Hithceleb quickly towards the two down the path, Auros's horse following.

Auros:

"Then it's settled! We shall go to Erebor. The path now lies before our feet. Let us return to the others and take further council."

As Auros began to turn back towards the gate, he heard the shouts of Fainan echo down the path:
"Ware! Our horses are coming to you!"

Leaving the Dwarf to follow, Auros ran with all speed toward to gate, intercepting Fainan.

Mounting his horse, he asked the impending question. "What danger follows now?!"

I can draw my sword or steady myself on the horse. My arm prevents both, unless my horse can hold still, but once the Dwarf mounts I will have no choice but not to draw.

Fainan:

"A great bird comes, like to one of the great eagles. I fear that by its timing it may be corrupted as were the wolves. We can probably escape it in the woods while the fire distracts it, as the path is fairly small and winding. But, perhaps worse, the fire is about to be started and we need to be away.

Twinkle:

She angled away when she saw the horses spooked...that had not been her intent. She found a perch on the highest gatepost and assessed the strange hunting party of elves, human and dwarf. A successful hunt, apparently...and now they go and fire good meat! A strange custom two-leggers had...she couldn't imagine it possibly tasting better burnt, plus firing removed most of the good natural juices. No doubt why two-leggers always need to drink so much water, and must carry cumbersome containers of it with them everywhere they go! Still, even their strangeness did not usually include firing meat with fur still on it as was happening now. She readied for flight if the smoke should blow her way, but for the moment was safe enough. It reminded her of the other smokecloud she'd seen in the distance, one she instinctively knew to avoid if at all possible. A noxious thing with a will of its own, not relying on the wind to blow it where it may go. I wonder if this party has noticed it? The group was heading into the woods where they surely could not see it if they hadn't already. Her interest piqued, she wished to follow the party, but besides not wanting to further trouble the horses, she was not so comfortable in such confining flight space as the forest would have within. Patrolling above the treeline and keeping watch on the vile...thing...so as to warn if it were to move their way might serve. Now to show she wished to be an ally...they were understandably a bit on the nervous side to approach uncautiously...P