Scouting Ahead, Part 3: The Halls

[Varda]

Fainan:

Fainan sang joyously as the beeches of home greeted the elves. In a short time, the party would reach the guards and the gates. She trusted the trees to pass on her greeting to let her family know she had come, for she feared she would not be allowed to slip away for a short visit to the home flet. Her personal flet was in a tree across from her parents, within easy jumping distance of her brothers', and she longed to see them all.

[Eonwë]

Auros:

Auros rode in silence as they came under the shadow of the mountains of Mirkwood. They had gained distance between their attackers and now rode at a swift trot. Ackowledging Calion's departure, Auros reminded him they would be planning the next part of their journey later that day.

Flexing his right arm, Auros rested it on his sword hilt. Good. It's still holding.

The sun shone brightly above the mountains. Scouts in the trees sent messages before the riders toward the gates, where the guards would be awaiting them.

"Haran, Estarion, how are you holding up?" he asked quietly as the gate came into his sight.

[ArPharazon]

Calion:

Soon Quessëlómë found herself once again running on the familiar paths near Thranduil's halls. The paths were known, the trees and houses were known, and Calion hardly had to steer... the horse knew exactly where it was going, and how to get there. Still, he urged her to continue on at a steady pace. For although they were now out of danger, for Helvy's sake there would have to be as little delay as possible, and Calion longed to see his family again. Also, he knew, he should travel back to Thranduil's halls as soon as he could.

The forest cleared up a little, and soon Calion entered a large clearing, hidden by large surrounding trees. Within the clearing, Elven community was still somewhat alive. In the treetops there were many conversations going on, and the clearing was being patrolled by local guards, with some local inhabitants traveling to other trees. For the treetops were, of course, the houses for the Elves living in this neighbourhood, and they visited each other quite often. Most of the Elven citizens had taken refuge in the Halls, for Mirkwood was steadily darkening, but there were still a lot who had no fear, and stayed close to nature until larger threats arose. Calion's parents and younger siblings were one such family.

He dismounted, and led his horse to a huge tree on the eastside of the clearing. His family had lived in the ancient wonder of nature for generations, for they were a noble family, and had a high reputation with the king. Especially since Calion, starting an ordinary soldier, made his way up to the king's court. There would always be room in the Halls for them, but they were too close with nature to make much use of it in troubled times. In fact, they often were in charge of the local militia, and had vowed to command the first line of defense should the area come under attack. And so, they remained still in the clearing, not far from the halls, taking care of nature wherever the need would arise.

Calion was proud to be a part of that family, and he knew Helvy was going to be in good hands, as he carried him up the beautifully decorated ladder flanking the tree.

[arathorn]

Haran:

Loosening his grip on Fainan's vest, he waved farewell to Calion then turned to Auros exhaling audibly "I'm afraid I must catch my breath and have a moment to gather my wits! I am unaccustomed to flying upon the backs of such swift beasts... I felt that we left the ground for what seemed to be far longer than should have been possible!"

Jokingly raising an eyebrow he mused, "Lady Fainan, I do believe you were making sport of me at the river... was that not a smirk I saw forming on your lips? I surely thought that we would reach the treetops and beyond, expecting your steed to sprout wings at the last!" He chortled to himself, his heart still racing from the invigorating race to safety.

The group slowed to a trot, giving him a few moments to mull over his thoughts. The outcome of his meeting with the king would decide where he would go next and in what company. Possibly north to his kin, with Auros? Yet many unanswered questions remained from their recent adventures. The monarch would undoubtedly want to hear all of their accounts of what had happened before making any judgments or decisions. Still, he needed to speak with Auros in private to see what his plans were to be and if they had changed as a result of recent events.

"Auros, once we have settled beyond the gates, I would wish to have a parlay with you when you have a moment. There are many things to be decided and I am curious to know your thoughts on certain matters."

[Varda]

Fainan:

"Haran, you could see the smirk? And I thought it was hidden so well."

They rode to the gates and Fainan took a deep breath. As a mere scout, she rarely entered the halls except on feast days. Reports to her captain were usually outside, but she had not seen him yet. With Calion gone, she would have to make the attempt to bring Elrond's emissaries inside.

"Hail, keepers of the gate! We have guests from Rivendell, needing lodgings and then to speak with the King! Be so kind as to open for us!"

With great relief, she saw the gates swing soundlessly open. She saw a guard she knew and waved with a grin. She remembered how well he had danced with her at the last feasting and hoped times would allow such frivolities again. Her visitors were on a mission that might help bring such peaceful times again and she would do all in her little power to aid them.

"This way, my lords! We may leave our horses for these young ones to take to the stables," she smiled at the young stablehands coming up to them. "And then drop by the healers, see to your meal, and find unoccupied guest rooms. With any luck, we may be able to squeeze into the king's schedule early in the morning, perhaps even see him at dinner."

She slid from her horse and helped Haran to the ground. "Alas, I see no wings on Hithceleb. Perhaps she shed them on the way into the gates to better fit the stalls. Shall we away?"

[Eonwë]

Auros:

"Fear not, Master Haran. We shall have that talk shortly."

Auros ended as they approached the gate and allowed Fainan to announce their arrival. Auros could see the questioning look in the guards' eyes as they caught sight of the second passenger upon Sulënar. They realized he was no Noldo, and likely they also knew he was not native to Mirkwood.

Letting Estarion down from Sulënar, Auros dismounted and spoke, "He is a traveller from a distant land. He also is seeking audience with your king. That is all you need to know. The sooner we see your king, the better."
Giving a pat to Sulënar, he lifted his pack and all that he carried with him and followed Fainan through the doorway. The early morning bustle of servants and messengers was an expected sight. Guides were already waiting at the door to lead them to their desitinations. "Master Haran and I will not require the services of your healers at this time. We have more urgent matters to attend to. Please lead us to our chambers.
As they walked, he spoke quietly to the group with the confidence native to a Noldo. "King Thranduil will no doubt make us wait for some time, long enough to demonstrate his patience and confidence concerning this matter. Not too long, of course, for after all, this is a matter that affects his realm. I deem he shall begin seeing us by the third hour, one person at a time probably. Your case, Estarion will likely be judged last, after the threats to his land are made known and he has learned something of you."

After some time, their guides came to the guest chambers.
"Master Haran, let us take our leave for now. We shall all meet up again in my quarters at the second hour after noon. We should each have had our audience by then. I ask that you send word to Lord Calion of this."

Bidding farewell, he added with a small smile, "As for you, Lady Fainan, I hope you have some experience in dealing with kings, for you shall most certainly be called before him as well. "

He followed the guide until they reached his quarters, and stepping into the antechamber was followed by Haran. A curtsy from the guide and she was gone as the door closed behind.
A large room it was, the epitome of Sindarin craftsmanship, however much Thranduil's father had wanted a return to the simple lives of the Silvan Elves. Silks and cloths of diverse colors and textures, tapestries of great quality and age both ordained the walls. A large fireplace on the far end and a large table with 5 chairs at the near end, obviously arrayed for the occupant to dictate orders or lay out plans. A grand room, no doubt an inspiration for awe in the Silvan lords Thranduil may have at times entertained, but to Auros, even the simplest rooms in the House of Elrond held a richer depth and glory. Perhaps it was his Noldorin pride, or his greater love for the works of his own people. Or perhaps the disdain Thranduil professed for his heritage, yet the trouble he went through to emulate his leigelord of old.

Setting his pack down, he untied Estarion's sword from it and set the sword against the wall to one side of the large fireplace. He unstrapped his own from his belt and, leaving his knife on, leaned his sword against an armchair sitting by the large fireplace, an ornate piece of stone craftsmanship. Putting his pack on the table, Auros motioned to Haran to join him in a chair opposite his by the fireplace.

"Tell me now, Haran. Where shall we begin? Even in walls safer than these, certain things must not be mentioned by name. It seems those you expected upon our initial encounter have not arrived, or we should have heard news. Do you still intend to go with me to Erebor?"

[ArPharazon]

Calion:

After about 10 minutes, Calion climbed down from the tree, his expression grim. He put a hastily-written letter in the hand of one of the guards. "See to it, that this letter is received by the Noldo or one of his companions who are currently visiting the Halls of our Lord, King Thranduil. It is quite urgent."

"I shall summon a messenger at once, sir Calion." The guard climbed up one of the trees, and came down again with another Elf, who jumped on a horse and rode like the wind towards the Halls. "It is taken care of, sir" the guard said. "Good" Calion replied. He turned around, and started preparing for the task ahead.

This is what the letter said:

To my respected companions, Lord Auros, Lady Fainan, Master Haran and Sir Estarion.

I shall unfortunately not join you this day. There is a highly urgent family-crisis in process here, to which I must attend at once, which could also bear relation to the Power we have recently encountered, and perhaps to our quest, although I do not yet know what exactly is our goal. I cannot predict how long this business will take me, it could be over in half a day or it could take several whole ones. What I do know is that for the sake of the safety of this region, and for my family, I cannot walk away.

Please give my sincere apologies to the King, for not being there for the audiences. Tell him it is of important matter for my family and the security of the area. He knows my family, and I'm quite sure he'll understand.

Good luck with your meetings with Lord Thranduil. I hope he can make use of our/your observations, and can be of great help to the next part of the mission. If you desire to contact me, or aid me in my troubles, follow the road to the North. The guards will be able to guide you along the way. Just say you are looking for the house of Pharion and Arienel.

Namárië, and may we meet again soon.

Signed:
Calion, son of Pharion.

[Shelob]

Estarion:

Clinging on to Auros on the back of his horse, Estarion could not speak for a sense of foreboding and dread had fallen upon him. Seeing whatever little he could see about the capital of the lands of Thranduil, he could not hope for aid in his people's peril. Also, he could not be sure of his own judgment before the King to go well, going by the grim faces and strange looks that were cast upon him.

Inside the gates of the halls, he dismounted silently and followed Auros and Haran after their guide to the guest chambers. Reassured by Auros' and Fainan's words, as well as by Haran's casual joking, Estarion loosened up a bit. However strange the dwarf was to him, it was clear he felt as awkward around these Elves as Estarion did.

As they came up to the guest chambers and Auros bade farewell to him, he turned to the guide and spoke for the first time since crossing the river. "Would you please escort me to the healers? My shoulder has been tended the best as Lord Auros could, but he recommended that I visit the healers upon arrival. His judgment has been well since I met him, so I will take this unto me as well."

The guide nodded as he took Auros' message. "I will walk you there, but first I need to see this message delivered." After a short walk, the guide bade Estarion wait a little, while he entered a door, most likely belonging to the messengers. Indeed, it was not long until he returned and took Estarion to the healers quarters.

[arathorn]

Haran:

"...It seems those you expected upon our initial encounter have not arrived, or we should have heard news. Do you still intend to go with me to Erebor?", Auros asked.

Haran thought this over, then carefully responded "My understanding of who I was to meet was not completely clear initially. I may have misconstrued the instructions, but in my defense, they were a tad cryptic, as are many things in these unsure times. As you mentioned, no place seems safe to speak out about things that are best left unmentioned."

Scratching his beard and furrowing his bushy eyebrows, he was wrestling with how to continue "I now feel that it was you I was to meet or one of your... kin, at least. It seems we are both headed in the direction that would gain benefit from our combining forces. I will be more certain when I have had my parlay with the King, for he had actually sent for me, well, for the information I have to relay and was chosen by my people to do so. After that conference, I will most likely wish or perhaps even need, to go to Erebor, preferably with your company. If our recent mishaps are any indication of the road ahead, two heads, and well wielded weapons, are better than a sole one."

"What I wish to know at that time is a bit more about your expedition. Why you are headed northeast as well... we may indeed be on similar missions. I will be in a position to tell you more about mine then and hopefully you can reciprocate. It may clear up some uncertainties I still have that are nagging at me."

With that he looked up at Auros questioningly hoping he had not been too surreptitious.

[Eonwë]

Auros:

Laughing softly, "Ah, but Dwarves themselves are cryptic. Surely you can pick between the news and rumour to read the grain of truth at its core."

"I was given no word of anyone to meet. However, I do not believe it coincindence that we met where we did either. There are greater Powers at work here, I think. You are welcome to travel with me as far as you are willing, so long as you realize my mission requires haste. I do agree that the both of us would present a greater threat to our enemies than either of us alone. Think not that we will march alone, however! For as far as the border of Mirkwood, I shall request at least five of Thranduil's best men. That will give you, me, the Lady Fainan, and Calion, plus five equals nine. If the Avar Estarion is willing and capable of marching forth as well, and if Thranduil gives him leave to do so, that will be ten as far as the border of Mirkwood. Beyond that, we shall see. If we make it to Erebor, I have some hope that some of my people will still be there, though I have been delayed slightly. Their missions may take them along different paths, though, and we shall have to see if they will trek with us from there."

Drawing somewhat closer to Haran and lowering his voice, Auros said,"Of my mission, I can say no more than I have been sent to gather reports on the movements of,.. the Enemy. No more can I plainly say outside of Imladris, and to some even there I cannot speak of these matters,..."

Changing the subject, Auros asked Haran "What do you think of the Avar, of Estarion? Do you trust him? A shadow clings to him like cobwebs. It would seem it clung to him through a long journey, which would validate his story. Yet there is something about him I cannot quite trust."

[Varda]

Fainan:

The king. They were really going to meet King Thranduil! She had seen him at a distance a very few times presiding at festivals, and his son more often at the head of patrols or at the festivals. Oh, how the prince could dance! Unfortunately never with her.

Fainan shook out her change of clothes, suitable for travel but so inadequate for court! She sighed. Her horse, Hithceleb, would approve anyway. At least it was clean, and she struggled to smooth the wrinkles. She was only there to help Auros and Haran meet King Thranduil, so perhaps she could escape much notice.

Maybe if she did not embarrass anyone too much, Auros would let her continue traveling with him at least to the edge of Mirkwood. This trip had awakened an unmaidenly hunger to see new things and try herself against the Enemy of Mirkwood.

[arathorn]

Haran:

Estarion. Hmm... he had not thought much about any of his party truth be known. His focus had been disrupted several times by the force in the forest that had unsettled him so. But now that Auros brought it up, he had found the Avar rather.. unusual. He seemed to concurrently have an essence of childish vigor then a deep foreboding that belied the former. To Auros he replied "I am unsure. Something deeper seems to trouble him, yet his demeanor masks it. I imagine as with all of us, his past holds its own tales of woe that are not easy to revisit."

He then chuckled and stated with finality "And as you may surmise, being a dwarf I am not fully trustful of anyone I have not had the opportunity to suss out. Time will tell, no doubt".

With that he motioned to the door and asked "Shall we inquire about sustenance at this point? I suppose that the king will meet with his advisors for a while yet before calling on any member of our party. Perhaps one of the young guides will honour us with a grand tour of the halls afterward. What say you?"

[Eonwë]

Auros:

"I beg your pardon, Haran, but these halls are not unfamiliar to me, insomuch as guests and emissaries are allowed to to venture. Also, I have things I must see to. We will meet up when the lord of this land calls us."

Auros strapped on Angran and secured Estarion's blade in a safe place. Flexing the bandage on his hand, he bowed as Haran moved towards the door.

Once the Dwarf had left, Auros removed from his pack the bloodied shirt and left his room. Leaving the shirt with the launderers and explicit instructions, he made his way to the healers of Thranduil's court to speak with Estarion himself. It was then that a messenger arrived with a letter. Taking the letter, Auros read, and his countenance grew grim. Crumpling the paper in his hand, he said angrily, "I am not his herald!" He returned the letter with orders to deliver it to one of the others.

Marching to the stables, he drew Sulënar from his stall and mounted. The horse was tired, not having rested long, but with his proud neck held high, was ready to dash at a moment's notice,...

[ArPharazon]

Calion:

"I'm sorry I can't come with you, my son. You will have to lead the force yourself. I know I can trust you on this, you have already proven yourself a good leader in the past."
Calion understood, his mother should not be left alone in her condition, not if the rumors about the patrols were true. But still, it was the first time in many years that Pharion did not lead the militia in its operations.

And so it happened that Calion rode out swiftly through the forest, in North-West direction, away from the guarded paths. A team of scouts, injured but taken care for, in front of him, leading the way, and over a dozen warriors and archers at his side and rear. Some went by horse, like Calion, some went on foot, trying to keep up with the rest, and some of them went across the trees, slaying/shooting down any spider guards they could find. Both speed and stealth were critical if their mission was to succeed.

The troop was well-armed, as far as a mere militia would be, with well-sharpened swords, spears and arrows, and resilient leather armour. Well-prepared to take their foes, if they had the element of surprise at their hands.

Calion heard a rustle to his right. He looked, and his keen Elven eyes saw a spider trying to get away. One swift throw with a dagger, and its corpse fell to the ground from its branch. He sighed... if only they were all this easy to defeat.

[Varda]

Fainan:

"Hail, Lord Auros," Fainan said. "Your mount seems tired. Would you care to let him rest, perhaps borrow another if you really must ride out? I would be happy to show you around, if you'll let me collect my bow and quiver first. Spiders are plentiful here. But we need to do our tour quickly to be back just before dinner, as we are to meet with the king then. I was just making the rounds to let everyone know."

She sighed. Just when she had gotten her clothing and hair in decent order, back to riding and fighting. But one must be a good hostess.