Scouting Ahead, Part 3: The Halls

[Eonwë]

Auros:

Auros sat for a moment, gazing through and beyond the stable door. His path did not lie there, and he knew it.
"So be it," he muttered to himself.

"I suppose your people can look after themselves," he said aloud. Even if they think a wrapping of leather will offer protection in battle. He had seen too many Elves die long ago because they were ill-equipped. Many were from this kingdom. He was not wearing any armor, but he did not leave Imladris riding to war,.. yet.

Dismounting, Auros took Sulënar back to his stall. "I will be content gathering news from the guards until your king sends for us."

[Shelob]

Estarion:

Walking into the healer's quarters, Estarion felt refreshed at once, the scent of herbs and potions made the air feel.... cleansing. As soon as he entered, an Elf in plain forest robes addressed him: "What can I do for you, Sir? It is clear you are not from here, but we never turn down anyone for healing, save those who serve the shadow."
Estarion answered truthfully "I was sent by Auros, his skills at healing were sufficient to bandage me when I was injured on the forest path to the west, but he recommended I visit you before continueing my journey. I have injured my arm and dislocated my shoulder while I was defending him from an attack from behind."

Immediately the healer started on his task, first asking Estarion to remove his coat and shirt. Examining the bandages Auros had wrapped around Estarion's arm and chest, he muttered to himself "splendidly done". He carefully removed the bandages and scrutinized the injured shoulder. "Not much more I can do here, save a tincture that will speed the healing. You will still not be able to use that arm for a number of days, and I recommend you rest until you can."
Estarion laughed bitterly, "I am afraid I cannot do that, I have the understanding that the King will summon me before long. Also, I must continue my journey with or without my shoulder fully healed. I have yet a task I was set out to accomplish and I cannot abandon it, not even a short time."
"So be it", the healer answered, "these are dark times and the council of the healers often have to go unheeded. I would ask of you though, to return to me before you must go. I will need to check on your arm and shoulder again and will need to give you some more of the tincture I have used on your shoulder, lest it wears off before the healing is done."
"I will, master healer", Estarion said, "you have been most kind to me and I will remember your treatments."

[Varda]

Fainan:

Fainan, along with the rest of the party that she could locate, followed the King's messenger. The stone halls twisted, crossed, and echoed. She tried to remember all the turns but suspected she had missed several. She smiled at Haran, wondering if the dwarf could navigate the cavern halls of her people better than she could.
The messenger and the few guards sang softly and Fainan suspected it helped them to navigate. The words might be a code, along with the changing sounds due to passages and echoes. She hummed along with them, memorizing the words.

The messenger announced them at the doors to the great hall. Auros strode in proudly, as always, his tall Elda form a contrast to the short, powerful and hirsute Haran's. Fainan noticed a few looks also aim towards the unusual avar, Estarion. They would have to watch carefully to be able to spot the slight changes to movement from wounds.
In passing, Fainan lightly touched the leafy carvings in one of the stone pillars. They might have been fossilized trees, so marvelous was the worksmanship. The careful positioning of torches and slits for the sky worked to minimize any feeling of being underground and she felt relief.
Until the party stopped before the king.
He held his carven oak staff of office to one side, the area under his hand polished from hundreds of years of personal use. She had heard he could use it lethally as a quarterstaff, but preferred not to cause it dents. His crown changed to honor the seasons, the autumn leaves and berries adding to the color of the long golden fall of his hair.
"Hail," King Thranduil said, voice friendly but firm and strong. She had heard it lifted in music at feasts, and caught that exceptional Sindarin note even in speaking one word. He continued, "I would hear your report. You have seen the unrest in our lands from the far side of the Path all the way here. And I suspect it may have somewhat to do with your errand?"
Fainan automatically looked to Auros to speak, as leader of the party.

[Eonwë]

Auros:

Auros strode into the Hall with the confidence and pride of a Noldo. He still wore his travelling clothes, having taken no time to change since leaving his room, yet still one might take him for a lord. Coming before the king, he bowed, enough to show respect to his position, no less than any Noldo would show to a nobleman in his own manor.

As Auros spoke, his voice resounded with the assurance of one speaking with an equal; not pompous, but with a cold formality used when addressing someone one does not know well.

"Indeed, King Thranduil of Mirkwood. I have seen more unrest than I would have expected from this peaceful woodland realm. The escort you sent was already assaulted as I arrived, and twice more we were attacked as we made our way here. "

"Of the deepening darkness you know already, yet there is a darkness moving through Mirkwood that carries a greater dread. Creatures that burrow through the ground and wolves whose blood etches blades move on your kingdom. Your escort, the scout Fainan and the Lord Calion, can speak more on these matters. I shall say for now, however, that I will require a larger escort as far as the borders of Mirkwood. Beyond that we may discuss."

"My mission was to gather news of,.. enemy movements, and to bring you such news as the Lord Elrond deems wise to make known abroad. You may have received some such news from scouts taking a more direct path. Yet even this information is not for the knowledge of all."

"Before we speak of my tidings, there are other matters you must hear and judge. These, too, may perhaps prove to be of importance. The Dwarf Haran has come on a mission, but fears those whom he was to meet along the way did not arrive. The Avar Estarion also has come, but his deeds and tales he shall tell you of his own accord. "

[Varda]

Fainan:

Fainan wanted to stomp on the Noldo's foot! The king showed unusual forbearance for a persona reason, and Auros was wrecking it with his proud attitude. She could see King Thranduil straighten, the slight changing to fighter-ready of all the woodland warriors when they left the protection of the stone halls. He had moved the entire kingdom before to distance them from overbearing Noldor and allow his silvans and his own household to live as Eru originally intended, before the Valar made their error of overprotectiveness.

[Varda]

King Thranduil matched the coldness of the Noldor far too easily, but remained civil. "You would do well, Auros, to curb your attitude if you seek to pass peacefully through the lands of wood-elves, humans, and dwarves. 'Peaceful woodland realm' you say. Our realm has long been far from that! After the slow rebuilding due to the Last Alliance, we were attacked by the forces of Dol Guldur, sometimes directly, more often by insidious corruption of our forest and the beings that live therein. Even our women and children must learn to fight, despite our best efforts to protect them. But we persevere, with little or no help from others.

"I will take the reports of scouts Fainan and Calion at a later time, knowing a little of this already but in need of greater detail.

"I had hoped my son would return with you. He is needed for our defense. The earlier scouts said merely that he was delayed by a larger than expected Council meeting when he intended only to be delivering a report, perhaps afterward doing a bit of hunting with the sons of Elrond. I would know why he is not in your party. I trust you would have said if he were injured. If we need privacy, we may repair to my study."

[ArPharazon]

"Brother... is that you? You have come!"

"Of course, Calaron. Did you really think I'd forget you? As soon as I heard what happened, the militia and I came forth."

"How did you find me? And how did you hear I was captured?"

"Not all of your companions were taken or slain, some of them made it out, and they took us to this camp. They are waiting for us outside."

"I see. I'm glad they did, for their own sake, and for you to save me, of course. I've picked up some useful information on our mission, and didn't get a chance to relay most of it to my companions before we were captured."

"Yes, we were aware that you could have, so finding you and defeating these Orcs was a top priority. What you and the rest of your squad have discovered could be of great help to the defense of the kingdom. And even if it were not, I'm glad you are allright, of course. Although I see you are injured and weakened. We'll have you and the rest of your companions healed at the Halls, and your report will be most welcome there."

"Thank you, I don't feel well indeed. But I see you have not come unharmed either? You have a large cut on your forehead."

"Yes, those Orcish blades are quite sharp. I'll have it checked for poison at the Halls, but it doesn't feel worse than expected, so I have good hopes for it. Although I fear it will leave a scar."

"Well, you certainly look stronger than me, big brother. Could you help me up?"

"Yes, of course. It's time we headed to the castle, my company will surely wonder what has been occupying my time. Our mission is quite urgent, but I could not abandon you to the Orcs.
"But tell me about yourself. How have you been while I was away?..."

[Shelob]

Estarion:

Hearing the words exchanged by Auros and King Thranduil, Estarion shook his head. He had not expected such dissent between the Elves who had heeded the Valar's summons and had gone west where his people remained.
He didn't know exactly what he had expected, surely, some of his own people were haughty, but never in times of war or dire need. It seemed to him that these Elves had lived too long under the protection of the Valar, giving time for petty politics and squabbles.
He was now unsure if he had found the people to help him in his mission yet. They were great fighters, that much they had proved, but he would not rely on them if they would descend into useless bickering.
Again, he shook his head and hoped they would not act like this all the time.

[Eonwë]

Auros:

Auros was somewhat surprised and amused by the response he recieved. I thought I was being civil. Thranduil has become thinner skinned, or concern for his son and his people has made him more easily incensed. He showed no sign of either outwardly, nor did his stance shift as the King took the offensive.

"I came not arrayed for war, King Thranduil," Auros said in a slightly less cold manner, words with a double meaning he was sure his host would percieve. "Had I, and were I not here under orders, I would aid your people in what way I may. However, this is not to be for the time being. My mission stands, and I may neither turn aside to the left or to the right until my task is completed. I will not let anything interfere with my mission."

"The Prince Legolas is well," he then said, in a voice that reverberated off the walls of the Hall, ensuring his statement was heard by all present.

Returning to his former tone, he said, "I have told you all that I may in open council. Nothing else will I say here, except to reiterate my need for a sufficient escort to your borders, beyond which I will ask no more than you are willing to spare. My destination is Erebor, and you know well the distance between the Lonely Mountain and your kingdom. Judge then if you are willing to spare any soldiers beyond your realm, or if I shall make my own way. I will do as I must, as haste is my necessity and I must leave ere the sun is seen above the trees. I must have time to prepare my party, and," he said, glancing to the Avar and the Dwarf, "in some cases, who is to be in my party. The rest I require can be chosen at my discretion. How many you are able to spare is yours. Anything else we must discuss in your study, as you have suggested."

[Varda]

Thranduil settled back on his throne, relaxing as he heard that his adventurous son was well. The other members of the court moved their hands away from weapons they may not have realized they reached for, so long had they been under the siege of Dol Guldur.

"Very well. Gather those members of your party that you need for the debriefing and come with me to the study. The scouts may report to their captains, meanwhile, then to me afterwards if the captains deem it necessary."

A the king rose to leave, the herald led the cry of "Long life to the king! Health to the Greenwood!" The rote words seemed more fervent than usual, with the undercurrent of answering the strengthened challenge of the darkness and of these strangers.

[Varda]

Fainan:

Relieved that all the reports and tense moments with the King were over, Fainan looked around the great dining hall. The generous feast, singing, and dancing lightened her heart, but not as much as being reunited with family and friends once again.

Her mother's hands seemed rougher than usual, working in a good cause. The many who had come into the keep during the hard times needed help with washing, and she had volunteered to do part of the work for the Rivendell party. She had already cleaned the garments and delivered them to their quarters.

Fainan hoped that her brother might join the scouting party, but he seemed torn between that and continuing with the defense of their homes. Fainan's hints that the party aided a greater overall defense reached his heart, but he had made no decision yet.

Letting it rest, Fainan dropped the subject and whirled with him in one of the liveliest dances, the two laughing at some of their zanier, spontaneous moves.

She glanced at Auros and wondered if he felt left out of the Mirkwood dance style. The musicians could surely come up with something familiar to him and she would suggest it if he did not leave the table soon. With a grin, she wondered into which dance she could drag poor Haran.

[ArPharazon]

Calion:

As dusk fell, and the feast in Thranduil's halls was a joy to weary heart and hungry body, a company approached the main Gate. About two dozen were they, most equipped for battle with valiant steeds, some green-brown as not to draw attention to themselves in the forest mostly on foot but quite nimble and quick, and two, riding at the head, on older horses, dressed in nobler outfits, casual yet suitable for gatherings as was now going on in the Halls.

Beside the two, a lord and lady, there rode another, dressed more valiantly and war-like than any other in the company, and yet not like the guards and warriors as they would prepare for battle. His business was clearly in stealth and speed, though he was clearly of fairly high stature. Before him, on his dark horse, he had one wounded, like him and yet unlike him, dressed like those on feet moving through the trees, but more beautiful.

The four, looking so much alike as could not be mistaken for being part of one family, looked concerned, and did not come to join the feast, but to bring grave reports, and seek medical aid for those that were hurt. Nonetheless the feast would bring comfort to their tired minds, so that they would be able to rest and let joy into their hearts for a while. Behind them the rest of the company came, sharing the gloom of their leaders, and still glad that the battle of the past day was behind them.

They reached the Gate, and the eldest of the group, the nobly clad lord, spoke to one of the guards, requesting to enter the Halls. He and his wife had received invitations for the feast, and following them were many that needed the help of the King's healers, as well as carrying urgent news. They were recognized and admitted, and the Gate swung open. The company passed inside, and the doors closed again behind them.

[Varda]

Fainan:

Fainan noticed the King leave the feast, after listening to a messenger. The King looked grave but unworried, and let the feast continue, so Fainan decided not to worry. She knew where her bow was if she were called, and would keep alert.

Meanwhile, she had more important business. Her brother had attracted a lovely partner, leaving Fainan free to approach Auros and Haran. "Well, my friends. I am in need of a new partner. Might one be found at this fine table, not too heavily weighted by rich food?"

She smiled at the two, hoping she had not embarrassed them. Sometimes one had to be a bit forward, or be left sitting bored in a chair!

[Shelob]

Estarion:

As the news had been passed and the feast began, Estarion retreated into a corner quietly, contemplating about what he had heard and seen. He had now no doubt in his mind that these people were overshadowed by a dark threat. As well as his own people, these Wood Elves, as he had heard them be called, used the merry times of feasts to lift the shadows from their hearts. He pondered upon his errand as well, for that he had foremost in mind. He could not afford to waste time, and he could not be sure that the people he met in the forest were the ones he was looking for, yet, he knew that leaving them could prove disastrous, for they were great warriors and could be the end of his search.

Observing the feast from his corner, he observed the Lady Fainan dance with someone very similar in appearance, possibly a member of her family. For the first time he noticed her long golden locks swirving around her youthful face as she danced. It occured to him then that she was quite beautiful. As her partner left to join with another lady, she went over to the table where Auros and Haran were enjoying their meal. She spoke to them, although from this distance, and with the sound of the music and laughter drowning out her voice, he could not hear what she was saying.

Gathering his courage around him, Estarion stepped forwards, coming up on Lady Fainan. Tapping her softly on the shoulder to draw her attention, he spoke hesitantly. "My Lady Fainan, I do not know this music or these dances of your people, yet I find them oddly familiar with those of my own people. Would you be so kind to dance with me?"
Estarion looked rather awkward at being so blunt, but kept his composure with visible effort.

[Varda]

Fainan"

Delighted at being asked, Fainan said to the others. "Alas, you are too slow. My lord Estarion, I would be happy to help you with the steps, especially if you might also teach a new dance. I am sure others would enjoy adding to their repertoire as well." She placed her hand in his to allow him to lead, and smiled.