Scouting Ahead, Part 3: The Halls

[Eonwë]

Auros:

Auros, eyes focused on his goblet, listened to the discussion between Thranduil and the nobles still remaining, while planning the next day's journey. His seat was not far from the king. Haran and Estarion, as ambassadors of their respective lands, also sat nearby. However, the Avar had already excused himself to join in the festivities.

The discussion was over scouting reports and other recent occurrences in Mirkwood. Much of this Auros had already heard, in council and from the scouts themselves, so heed only gave it a little attention as he planned. However, even if protocol allowed him to leave, he was not willing to miss the parts of the reports he had not yet heard.

Seven more, as far as the edge of Mirkwood. Beyond that, haste will be needed. Who should these be? The Sindarin lords are part of the king's personal guard. Somehow I have to find seven capable soldiers...

While he planned, messengers came in. The nobles fell silent as the messengers spoke quietly to the king. From the look of Thranduil's face, the message was of some importance. Those at the table rose and bowed slightly as the king left, some accompanying him, the others remaining at the feast.

As Auros prepared to excuse himself and follow Thranduil, Fainan came to the table where he and Haran still sat.
"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?"

Her warm smile made it hard to dismiss her request, and Auros sought for a response. As he did so, Estarion returned to the table as well.
"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?"

With a small smile due to the impeccable timing, Auros rose and gave a slight bow.
"I'm afraid, Lady Fainan, that my chance has come and gone. I must yield to the quicker action of Master Estarion."

Auros excused himself, and as he turned to leave, he paused for a moment. "There is one task I have for you, however, in preparation of our departure tomorrow. You know the soldiers of Mirkwood better than I. When you have tired of the festivities, choose seven, the best that you know: three spearmen and four archers, but all should be skilled as well in weapons of shorter range. Tell them to be prepared by the second hour of the morning. Provisions have already been ordered and will be ready by the same time. Horses have been brought for both Master Haran and Master Estarion."

Auros then left and came up not too far behind those who had gone with Thranduil.

[Varda]

Fainan:

While dancing, Fainan looked around the room. She had no authority to choose warriors, but she could ask some to volunteer. Those uninjured enough to dance well, that she knew to be experts of the types Auros had specified, she marked mentally. When she came close enough to them, she asked them to join her and Estarion at an adjoining atrium.
Not letting such martial thoughts be a hindrance, she took time to enjoy the life that those martial endeavors were meant to protect. Estarion was light on his feet and full of surprises, and she enjoyed the time immensely. Her brother had been caught up in a semi-war between the partner who had taken him from her and another elf-lady, for he was an excellent dancer and light-hearted.
She wondered if Auros ever loosened up enough to dance. And what would dancing with a dwarf be like? He had to know moves she had never imagined, if she could see them through the beard! She hoped the Dorwinion wine, served only at the head table where he was, did not slip up on him with its famed stealth. She had known to take only a few sips and tried to warn him, hoping he did not misinterpret her words as a challenge.

[arathorn]

Haran:

As Auros moved off in the direction of the king and his entourage, Haran sampled the elvish wine and smacked his lips approvingly. It was certainly not a highland brew but it did pack a decent enough punch. As the warmth of the fermented juice settled in his belly he watch the tall race as they flamboyantly twisted and turned on the ballroom floor. They were indeed graceful people, but who wouldn't be with long lithe legs and thin tall frames. He chuckled to himself thinking how silly he might look pirouetting with his stocky build. Dwarves also loved to dance, but theirs was a more either solitaire or group endeavor. This coupling he was witnessing seemed too intimate for such a large audience. No matter, he was open to new situations. How else did one learn. He took a few more small sips and let the mild intoxicating effect lighten his demeanor. At first he had been uncertain when Fainan had hinted at a dance partner. Certainly she had been addressing his tall colleague and was just being proper in her approach so as not to make anyone feel left out, namely him. But now, he thought, what of it, when she returned and if time permitted he might ask her if she would want to see how his kind enjoyed the pleasures of the danse. Indeed his festive hop, skip and leg kick methods might even bring a smile out of some of the more demure elven folk.

The music faded and Fainan and her young partner returned once again to their seats at his table. Feeling rather rambunctious at this point he hopped up, turned to her and with a low bow inquired "Milady, I have watched as you and your people have enhanced the floor with your eloquent motions and now wish to give you a sample of how my race partakes in the same. As I imagine elves have not witnessed much of what I speak of, perhaps you, Estarion and I and a few of your friends may return to the floor and form a circle within which I will teach some of the more basic individual steps. Are there any you know of that would be so daring?"

With that he smiled, raised an eyebrow, smoothed his beard and awaited an answer.

[Varda]

Fainan:

A chance to learn something completely new! How did dwarves dance? The elves had their own group dances, so she supposed adapting to Haran's way would not be too strange. "I'm game," she answered, and looked towards Estarion.

[arathorn]

Haran:

Haran gruffly but happily replied, slapping Estarion's back:

"Well then, what say you young lad... ready for some REAL exercise... we won't be floating about with what I have in mind! .. <haha!>"

He began hopping up and down touching his outstretched legged toes to his fingers and landing back on his sturdy legs in a well placed comfortable crouch a bit more nimbly than many might expect, preparing for the ordeal.. then turning back to Fainan with a twinkle in his eye added:

"Although I MUST warn you lass, that should the dance go well, the initiator does get to choose his companion for the 'in circle' ... and that is in itself is a gallant pageant!"

He chuckled and proffered: "Are you still 'game' then? Or would you choose another for the finale?"

A few more hops and he turned back to the small group:
"We will need a circle of at least 5.. but the more the merrier..."

He then turned and choose a prime spot in an open area of the dance floor then called back, waving his arm over his shoulder:
"To all brave enough to enter the realm of the unknown.. follow ME!". He then laughed out heartily and walked over to the middle of the floor and awaited the rest.

[Shelob]

Estarion:

Hearing Haran requesting a dance with Fainan, a shadow of jealousy passed quickly over his face, before Estarion could compose himself. He stood up from his seat and sprang up into the air, and at its highest point flung himself backward for a backflip to land graciously on his feet again. "I think I can manage this dance of yours, Master Dwarf! Count me in!"

Walking with Haran and Fainan to the spot Haran had pointed at, he saw Fainan's relative and his lovely partner dancing nearby. Not hesitating, he approached them and dragged them into the dance Haran was preparing. Surely Fainan would appreciate her kin participating in this new dance.

[Varda]

Fainan:

Delighted with her two unusual friends' willingness to join into light-hearted fun, Fainan co-opted a few of the more adventurous silvans and winked at her brother, letting him know how pleased she was that he had come into the circle.

"Lead on, Master Dwarf!" she cried. "And mayhap we might add a fillip or two to your moves for you to take home and astound your friends!"

[ArPharazon]

Calion:

Entering the feast, Calion was surprised and gladdened to see such merriness still taking place in such troublesome times. He and his brother had been taken care for, as well as given their reports to the King, and with a bandage on his head and his still weak brother leaning on his shoulder, he greeted his companions.

Also entering were Pharion and Arienel, his parents, and some other nobles who had followed the King. Thranduil himself came in as well with a grave face. Also present in the party was Auros, who had followed the King and witnessed the report-giving.

Calion noticed the Dwarf leading a great dance, which he had never seen before. Greeting Fainan, Estarion, and Haran, he grabbed something to eat from a table, as the healers had advised him. Setting Calaron on a chair, he joined the dance, hoping it would uplift his spirit, as well as allow him to approach his companions in a subtle manner, informing them that King Thranduil had called a meeting in the atrium, concerning them and the quest, as well as addressing the scouting report of Calaron.

And so it happened, for he was able to inform Fainan, Haran, and Estarion without alarming the guests. After a few minutes, the King moved to the atrium. Calion followed him, with Calaron at his side.

[Shelob]

Estarion:

Hearing Calion's words of the meeting in the Atrium called by King Thranduil himself, Estarion felt doom approach on him, yet he refused to be overcome by its smothering darkness. He was unwilling to leave the merriment with Fainan and Haran for a while yet, but as his people taught, it was never for the better to delay the inevitable. Thus he bade farewell to Fainan's kinsman saying he needed some fresh air after such a fiery dance. Following Calion's footsteps outside, he joined the King and several of the nobles already gathered there with a smooth and unshaken face, yet his thoughts were in turmoil.

[Varda]

Fainan:

A little stunned at how well Thranduil kept track of everything going on, Fainan joined the seven in the atrium that she had asked to come with them to Erebor. They joined up with Auros, Haran, Estarion, and Calion.

Fortunately the atrium was large, often used as an extension of the feast hall when numbers became extreme. Most of the others in the room were warriors, she noted.

Thranduil, able to look commanding by stance and expression alone, instantly took control of the gathering.

"A war party will clear the path back to the edge of the forest. Part of them will continue on to escort a messenger to Lord Elrond telling him that the roads here are unsafe for most travel.

"Another party will escort these messengers of Elrond to Erebor. We already have seven volunteers to continue with the party which is already familiar with the messengers. None need continue past the borders of Greenwood, but they may volunteer and be accepted if Auros deems it good. When you return, wait to be recognized by the border guards and learn the situation.

"The trespasser, Estarion, will be removed from our lands by this same guard. He has promised to go peaceably and claims he will not need to be bound in any fashion.

"Most of our people will be deployed for defense. A group is even now working on ways to use those Sindar left of our household to at least partially replace the protection lost when the other royal left.

"If you have questions, take them to the captain of your group. If he cannot answer it, that person can come to me. Good fortune to the Greenwood!"

A cheer went up for the Greenwood. Thranduil inclined his head to the group and left, bodyguards and advisors cloaking him.

Fainan winced at the king's deliberate lack of use of his son's name, a sign of displeasure. But she cheered again, smiling happily at Auros, for she would be allowed to venture again with his intriguing group on their secret mission. With any luck, maybe someday someone would tell her what great design she was helping.

[arathorn]

Haran:

As the dancing festivities were about to get underway, Haran noticed several elves sprint over to the king and 2 dwarves (2 yet! Where had they been hiding?) making their way toward him. He recognized one but could not place a name... the other was a youth he had never met.

After a short discourse with his brethren, he called out to his former battle companions "I am afraid dire news sends me back to my people NE. I will send news to you should you return here. Fair well my friends!"

With that, he and his two new companions set off to deal with dwarven affairs.

[ArPharazon]

Calion:

After the meeting was over, the atrium was quickly emptied, as people started preparing for departure. Haran would not accompany them, he had urgent dwarf-business. The rest of the party would still remain together further on the quest, escorted and joined by a larger group.

Calion remained behind in the atrium. He had not much need for preparation, for he was already outfitted for the journey, and was already fully armed since his strike on the Orc-force. What he did not already carry on him, he had left with Quessëlómë, who was resting in the court-stables. For now, he had a lot to think about.

His family, especially his brother, would be drawn deep into the war threatening Mirkwood from the North, while he himself would be going with Auros and the others, for an uncertain time. Yet he knew his services could be a lot of help in the defense, a feeling his venture that afternoon had imprinted in his mind. So now Calion sat in the atrium, watching the stars, and thinking of what could happen next. After some time Calaron joined him, stumbling less every minute. He had always been quick to heal, even among the Elves, and the royal healers had taken good care of him. Before long, he would be fully capable of returning to his war-duties.

"Do not worry, my brother," he said to Calion. "We will be allright. Mirkwood's armies are strong, and we have good leadership."

"I know Mirkwood will be allright," replied Calion, "but I'm worried about you. You'll surely be thrown into war more often than you can count, and I hope you'll survive. I do not doubt your skills, understand that... but you're still my little brother."

"I will be fine as well, big brother," Calaron tried to assure him with a smile. "I was just summoned personally, and have been granted a higher position in the outer defenses, as well as command of most of the scouting-companies. Next time I go into battle, a larger force will be at my back and at my command. Also, your wolf Helvy has obtained permission to stay in the realm of Thranduil, as long as he is watched at all times from the moment he is strong again. He will be fighting along my side."

Calion was glad at these tidings, and looked in the eyes of his brother, though doubt remained in him, whether he should stay. Calaron saw this, and said again: "Don't worry! We'll be fine, even without your help. You must continue the task you have begun, even were Thranduil to grant you leave to abandon your mission. They are counting on you. Your skills are best used on the path your feet lead you now. Now go, and take some rest before morning. You will need it."

Calion stood up. "...Yes, you are right, of course. It is my right place to go. You just... take care of yourself. I shall see you at dawn, before we depart. Good night." He went inside, and laid himself to rest in the guest-room he was led to.

[Eonwë]

Auros:

Sitting in his antechamber in front of the fire, Auros ran the events of his journey through his mind as he sipped warm spiced cider. His sword leaned against the second chair, while he still bore his knife on his belt.

Spiders and wolves. Poisons and blood that etches steel. A shadow indeed lays upon Mirkwood. Much unexpected has happened since I arrived. Many paths have crossed, for good and ill. Things are moving, but so far not within sight of these walls. Hopefully we can make it out of this wood before it arrives.

Auros had stood quietly against a wall as Thranduil spoke in the atrium, observing the group that had joined him and the nobles of Mirkwood. He had been pleased with the choices Fainan made for the escort. The look of a warrior was in each of their eyes.

She may have a knack for choosing soldiers. However, much has happened and it seems this is only the beginning. Might will only get us so far. Haran is not travelling with us after all, but that may be for the better. He was not much used to a horse, so the journey would've been rough.

Auros flexed his arm, feeling the tightness of the new bandages.At least that wolf will be watched closely. There will be enough of the Enemy's servants ahead without them coming behind me as well. If we move swiftly, we can reach Dale in two, maybe three days and gather news. The Kingdom under the Mountain is only a short trek from there. Not enough time for anyone to catch us, if we move swiftly.

Finishing his goblet of cider, Auros set it on the table and closed his eyes, returning in his mind to the forges of Imladris.