Scouting ahead

[Varda]

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?"

[ArPharazon]

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?

[arathorn]

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.

[Varda]

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."

[Eonwë]

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!"

[Elatan]

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.

[arathorn]

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.

[ArPharazon]

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!'

[Varda]

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?"

[Eonwë]

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.

[ArPharazon]

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?'

[Eonwë]

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.

[Varda]

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.

[ArPharazon]

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.

[Eonwë]

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."