Scouting Ahead, Part 2: The Path

[Varda]

Fainan:

The river was low, thanks to a paucity of recent rain. Earlier, that had caused concern over the fires they had set, but now! The horses only had the light weighted elves to carry and minimal baggage. They could leap the ford since they were already going at speed.

Arrows and spears shot from both sides of the path. Fortunately, orc marksmanship at fast-moving targets was notoriously poor. The natural deep shade of the tree canopy lessened at the river and the dawning sun could only aid the elves She ducked down, forcing Haran down as well, helping their leap.

[Eonwë]

Auros:

Hand on his sword-hilt, Auros crossed the river last. Spears and arrows flew past him. He desired to stay and fight, but he knew he would be overwhelmed. His mission was more important. Light began to pour brightly onto the path as the three horses raced, the arrows and spears lessening as they put distance between themselves and their attackers, making best speed for the Heart of Mirkwood, where Thranduil's mountain-castle lay.

[Shelob]

Estarion:

Sitting on the back of a horse, galloping past and over the spiders, Estarion did not see much of what went past. He was clinging tenaciously to Auros, afraid to fall off. Horses are definitely not for me, he tought. Had he had any other choice he would not have taken to the horse but have used his own two legs for walking or climbing through the trees. But for all his fear and doubts about horses, he was sure he would not have made it because of his injured arm. All that was left to him for now was to wonder if the Elven King of this forest would show leniency to him for passing through his woods unasked.

[ArPharazon]

Calion:

Followed by Auros, Calion headed towards the stream. Just before he jumped, an arrow flew before his face. An ambush. Not only spiders and squirrels were among the evil's minions, but Orcs as well. Should they face this evil again, of which Calion had no doubt, they were in for a lot of trouble. But, so far, the river was reached, and the halls of his lord were not far by horse.

The river was not wide, a result of little rain, and the company jumped it without trouble. Some Orcs leaped after them, fell in the water, and fell asleep. Before long, the company was free to continue without much danger. That did not mean they slowed down, of course... their speed remained the same, if not faster.

On the way, Calion rode to a tree beside the road, and snatched a small sack from a hole. It contained a stash of daggers he had hid there some time ago, and he was glad they weren't found by some other creature. Again, they rode on, and the halls were now close by.

Calions home already was behind them, and the first scouts around Thranduils halls had welcomed them, although warning them about the wolf and the Avari. Calion assured them the wolf would not enter the Halls, and that he would explain its presence to the king himself.

Not far from the gate, Calion said to his new friends: "I must leave you now, for Helvy needs to be cared for, and my family lives nearby. They are, like me, friends of all living things, and if anybody can heal Helvy, they can. I will be back in short time. Just go ahead into the halls."

So, while the others headed in the direction of the gate, Calion travelled further North, to visit his family in their tree-houses. He would be looking forward to seeing them again, it had been a while.