Scouting ahead

[Varda]

Fainan:

Fainan looked at and and smelled of the ointment, trying to figure out if she could 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?"

[Eonwë]

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."

[ArPharazon]

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.

[Varda]

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.

[Elatan]

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 ?.

[Varda]

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.

[Eonwë]

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."

[arathorn]

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.

[ArPharazon]

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?"

[Varda]

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.

[Eonwë]

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? "

[ArPharazon]

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?'

[Varda]

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."

[arathorn]

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.

[Elatan]

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"