ArPharazon
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King of the Land of the Star
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Post by ArPharazon on Mar 14, 2015 21:38:58 GMT -5
Calion:
Knowing that there was nothing to do now for him but wait, Calion strolled along the river, trying to soak in what he could of the area before the party would resume the chase. In the distance he spotted someone familiar pulling on a fishing line, and he wondered what type of fish would be present around here. But before he had time to consider this further, or even to shout a greeting, a familiar sound caught his ear from the north. "So much for the wait", he mumbled.
The birds landed on some branches not far above Calion's head. They caught Fainan's attention too, but were eager and excited, and launched into their report without waiting for her to arrive. Calion listened attentively. There was no significant orc presence in the areas directly to the north. A few scouts and patrols, but no fixed abode could be found until they went further away from Rivendell, and those patrols could be easily avoided. However, there were more permanent residents to watch out for. Trolls, for a start. Trolls did not live in large communities, because it took more land and food to support them than the smaller races, but based on the troll caves the birds knew of, there could potentially be more trolls than orcs in the region. How many of the caves were occupied they could not say. Trolls did not get out during the day.
There were crebain high up, but the birds made a habit of staying out of their way. There were spiders as well, but not many, and smaller than their Mirkwood cousins. Yet they were large enough to pose a danger to the birds at least, who felt obliged to mention their presence for this reason. The birds also pointed out some rocky areas near streams of water that were a good source of food, but for all Calion knew that might just mean a snake or lizard colony or two. Still, they would do, if supplies ran low.
Besides the dangers ahead, the feathered scouts mentioned paths, passes, rivers, vegetation, fruits, and other features of the landscape and points of advice. Together with the maps found in Rivendell, there would be enough information to plan ahead for quite some time. Calion continued to listen and process the information while the birds chattered on.
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Varda
Vala, Council
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Post by Varda on Mar 15, 2015 17:00:39 GMT -5
Fainan:
Fishing for bluegill perch to use as bait for something better for the constantly needy Rivendell tables, Fainan had enough for a start. Spotting Calion walking along the beach, she pulled in her hook to go chat with him. Maybe he would like a turn at the pole? Then birds fluttered in, and she listened eagerly on her way to Calion. Trolls! Lots of them! O great. At least she had a good use for some of the bait now, and gave it to those birds that would find it interesting.
"Quite the news, Calion! Sounds as if we won't be bored."
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Post by arienv on Mar 29, 2015 17:05:29 GMT -5
Frali:
The three dwarves headed to the hall of fire after refreshing themselves and then joined the feast in the common room of the Last HOmely HOuse. They found both their curiosity and the rumours about ale in Elven halls satisfied, but over the meal Frali grew restless. Gimli looked at his young cousin: "What ails you, cousin. Don't you enjoy the merry-making and the music?"
The younger dwarf looked at his cousin and blushed slightly: "Don't think me ungrateful, Gloin's son, but I prefer the music made by the clashing of swords and the exhilaration found in the heat of battle .. , walls - however skillfully crafted just make me feel uneasy and locked in. I need to move outside, look out for something to exercise my weapons with .. and I don't mean sparring partners."
Gloin overheard his words and grinned. "Spoken like a true warrior, young one. It could have come from me when I was your age. I think I have an idea what you might enjoy. Lord Elrond is sending out scouts to check the different paths that lead away from Rivendell and the surrounding country. I can imagine that he could make use of your sharp eyes and quick moves, not to mention your skill with throwing axes and the sword."
Frali looked excitedly at the old dwarf. "Really? Do you think he would let me take part in this?"
Gloin: " Of course, I see no reason why not. But I cannot speak for him. You have to go and ask him yourself."
Frali nodded and sighed. "I guess so .. I hope this Elven Lord won't mind being disturbed by a young outsider like me."
Gimli: "He won't. Elrond is greater than you think and that goes for his knowledge and skills with books and weapon as well as for his attitude to the other races of MIddlearth. Go , Frali, pick up your courage and your own fears over being rejected and ask him. I am sure he will have sympathy for your plight, especially when it evolves such an important task as scouting the enemy's moves."
Frali blushed, smiled,emptied his mug of ale and rose to his feet. "I shall let you know of the outcome, Gimli and Gloin. I shall head towards Lord Elrond's study then."
The young dwarf left the common room and the feast, listened outside for a moment and smiled. Then he breathed through and headed towards Lord Elrond's study.
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Eonwë
Vala, Council
Vala and proud member of the Valar Guild. A quarter century of Tolkien fun.
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Post by Eonwë on Apr 23, 2015 6:27:56 GMT -5
Auros: The room was well lit, despite all the windows being shuttered. Auros sat in silence, focused intently on the sword, going over it and matching against his knowledge of orc weaponry, as well as the knowledge he'd reviewed in the various tomes he poured over. Messages had already come from Lord Elrond requesting an update on his progress. So far, he'd learned nothing new. It looked like an orc sword, of the same make as any other used by the orcs of the Hithaeglir. Perhaps it was in better shape than some others. There was a layer of runes written on the blade, the usual orcish phrases for such practices. Another layer was in the blade, older, fainter, harder to read with the newer runes overlaying them. This was nothing new from what he'd seen when he first examined it. And yet, Auros knew he was missing something. *** A few days had passed now, and Auros was still no closer. He'd uncovered nothing significant about the weapon yet, and he needed a moment to clear his mind and get some fresh air. Besides, he didn't want to miss it. He stepped outside his door, and it was heading into evening on a cloudy day. It would not be long now. He was not chosen for this task, but he wanted to be there when it was begun, the last great task of the age. As he approached, Malril was already there, and it looked like it was going to begin any minute. Joining Malril in the shadows, Auros waited silently. Then a horn called out, echoing throughout the valley. Auros stood straighter as memories of victories hard-won on battlefields long ago were recalled. Secrecy, it seemed, was not a concern to all. Finally, the travelers set out, and as Auros watched them disappear into the night, he thought about what he had said to Fainan several days earlier in the shadow of Erebor. "There is always hope," he whispered quietly to himself, "so long as all stand strong who stand against the Shadow." *** Back now in his armory, refreshed from his walk, he focused anew on the sword, reckoning not how long he sat there in examination and contemplation. He focused on trying to read the second set of runes, convinced that somehow that was the key. He focused intently, the candles currently lighting the room growing low, and eventually, a couple of them in the corner went out. Auros froze, keeping the blade in place. Whether it was a trick of the light, or something else, he thought he could make out the shape of the runes underneath. The other candles were starting to go out, and the first set of runes took precedence again. Setting the sword down, Auros quickly set up new candles, leaving the far corner in darkness. He returned to his position, took up the sword again, and saw only the first set of runes. He turned the blade, holding it in the same position when he had first thought he saw the underlying runes, and saw nothing. He stayed still, unwilling to give in just yet. Gently he tilted the blade just a bit more and held it, and before his eyes, the underlying runes stood out again, well enough to read, were this a language he was more familiar with. It wasn't what it said that caught his attention, though... Quickly he penned a short note to send to Lord Elrond: I've made progress.
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Varda
Vala, Council
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Varda on May 10, 2015 19:45:39 GMT -5
Fainan:
Fainan and Calion entered the Hall of Fire and found Meren deep in discussion with other lore-masters. Fainan waited next to them, long enough to give their companion a chance to notice them and look up. As soon as the group went quiet, Fainan said, "Pardon me, Meren. Could you join us for a few minutes? We're going to try to visit Lord Elrond."
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Post by Indis on May 10, 2015 19:53:01 GMT -5
Meren:
"Of course." To her companions she requested that they excuse her for leaving them but said she hoped for a chance to resume their conversation. Then she stood up, bowed to the loremasters, and joined Fainan and Calion, with a request for the topic of the meeting.
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Varda
Vala, Council
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Varda on May 10, 2015 20:07:45 GMT -5
Fainan:
"Thank you for letting us borrow Meren," Fainan said with a smile to the other lore-masters. Outside in the hallway with her friends, she said, "We heard Frali was already headed over to see Elrond and hoped to spot him on the way. Maybe he can meet us there."
Yet they did not see the doughty dwarf anywhere along the way. Fainan knocked on Elrond's study door, even though the guard seemed not to care about their presence. Inside, they found Frali at last, already in conference. "Mae govannen, Lord Elrond, Master dwarf. Calion has received tidings from his feathered scouts that we thought should be passed to you."
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Eonwë
Vala, Council
Vala and proud member of the Valar Guild. A quarter century of Tolkien fun.
Posts: 1,323
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Post by Eonwë on Jul 12, 2015 5:51:49 GMT -5
Elrond motioned to those now entering his study, inviting them to join Frali.
With a smile, he said, "By all means, please share what you have learned. Master Frali was seeking a task befitting his skills. Perhaps your tidings will provide such a task."
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ArPharazon
Member
King of the Land of the Star
Posts: 295
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Post by ArPharazon on Aug 9, 2015 16:58:14 GMT -5
Calion:
Bowing to Elrond, Calion said: "Yes, Lord Elrond, I imagine they will, if he is keen to join us further on our journey." After giving Frali a brief nod, he continued. "I do not know if my flying friends have seen the same things as your scouts, but they have told me about the area to the North of Rivendell in good detail. There appear to be few orcs about as of now, except for some patrols, but there are other dangers you will be more familiar with, such as trolls and spiders."
Looking around, Calion found a large and detailed map of the region on a wall in Elrond's study. "I studied a map like this in your library, and have been able to place locations the birds gave to me, in my head. If you don't mind, I could point things out on it, like orc patrols?" He then proceeded to point out patrols, paths, food sources, troll caves, and other things he had learned, on the map, hoping that they would prove useful in the planning of the journey, and that they were things Elrond did not already know.
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Post by arienv on Sept 27, 2015 17:11:28 GMT -5
Frali:
Frali looked from Elrond to the opening door and smiled at his travel companions. "We didn#'t get very far with it yet, my ladies, my lord. I just joined Lord Elrond's company. Maybe you can help him finding such."
He looked at Elrond almost apologetically. "Although I guess that he will have a lot harder tasks - and more important ones - on his mind these days."
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Varda
Vala, Council
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Varda on Sept 27, 2015 18:24:53 GMT -5
Fainan:
"If I may be so bold, Lord Elrond, perhaps one of those tasks might be sending our group out to hunt that sorcerer menacing Mirkwood and all the area? Little more research can we do, and the scouting seems done. What say you?"
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Varda
Vala, Council
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Varda on Jul 17, 2016 19:02:26 GMT -5
Fainan:
Elrond considered. "That has been on my mind as well, but you may have to reconsider your party."
"Please explain?"
"Your talented lore-master, the Lady Meren, has requested to remain with us a while to continue her studies. We have asked in turn that she join us permanently. Her insights from her time in Mirkwood and training others in a rough environment have proven valuable to us, and to our current problems in particular. Of course, when the road is safe, she is welcome to return to Mirkwood for visits, but she now has a home with us. She will be assisting Erestor directly and working with me as well."
Fainan stood stunned for a moment. Meren was staying? But what an honor. In no way could that be argued against. She swallowed. "Congratulations, Meren. You'll be incredibly happy here, and we'll drop by to visit when possible."
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Post by arienv on Jul 25, 2016 9:11:09 GMT -5
Frali:
Frali looked over to Meren with a warm smile, but there was also an underlying sadness in his voice as he now adressed her: "We will miss your expertise and wisdom, Meren, but I can already see that this is the place where you belong. You are a bookworm and enjoy discussing boring .. , excuse me, most interesting details without which people like us could not do our more mundane tasks. I am sure you will find a home here in Rivendell and ,as Fainan said, we can come and visit you when all is done. And thank you for the help you have given me and the others on the road so far."
To himself he thought: "Maybe Meren is the one who is best off here. Who knows how many fights and troubles lie ahead of us. She has proven herself invaluable to us and Elrond already and she might be needed here as much as we are on the road."
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ArPharazon
Member
King of the Land of the Star
Posts: 295
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Post by ArPharazon on Jul 31, 2016 17:08:56 GMT -5
Calion:
Smiling, Calion also turned to Meren. He gave a quick bow and said: "You will indeed be missed, Lady Meren. But I see we could not drag you away from your new library if we wanted to. Indeed, even for an elf, it seems to me there is more than a person could read in a lifetime, and hopefully war will never trouble you on the steps of Rivendell for all that time. I had feared we might lose someone on our quest, but if it must be so, losing you to a handful of books is certainly one of the better scenarios."
He glanced at the map, continuing: "You know where we'll be going, if you find any more knowledge that might help us along the way. I will ask our feathered friends to check up on you now and then, and if you have a message, I'm sure they will let you pass a note. And of course, when we return to Mirkwood, we will inform your family of your decision, but hopefully we shall meet again before then."
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Varda
Vala, Council
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Varda on Sept 8, 2016 10:47:41 GMT -5
Fainan:
"Thank you for your time, Lord Elrond, and I hope our news has been of help. Please send us a message when you are ready to turn us loose after the sorcerer. I fear that he is becoming stronger and more ready to attack again while we wait, but perhaps he will also believe himself safe in his stronghold. He surely has special wards and sensing against which we no longer have our lore-master to counter them. Perhaps, however, our very lack of magic will make us harder to detect. At present, our team includes Calion, Frali, and myself, perhaps a small enough party to escape his notice or be beneath it. May all go well for you." She curtsied to Elrond and Meren.
Outside the room, she said to the others, "Such a small party stealthily going against odds. Feels like home."
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