Eonwë
Vala, Council
Vala and proud member of the Valar Guild. A quarter century of Tolkien fun.
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Post by Eonwë on Apr 4, 2005 0:03:31 GMT -5
Auros:
Rising early, he gathered his belongings, checked his bandages one more time, and left his chambers. Coming to the stables, he set his pack down next to Sulënar's stall and patted the horse. There was still three hours until the appointed setout time, but the stable hands and those assigned with the preparation of the journey's supplies were already bustling about. The other servants of the house were also already about, making the preparations for the day. Leaving the stables to those preparing for the journey, Auros walked to the messengers just riding in with fresh reports from the scouts. Of the things he carried to the stable besides his own weaponry, he brought with him only Estarion's sword.
"What news is there from the East?"
"The road is empty for several leagues, Lord Auros,.. and so are the forests. All is quiet."
The forests? "Very well then. Carry on." Leaving the messenger to deliver his report, he spoke with the guards at the gates and with those guarding the east and west sides of the forest path. On the edge of the forest, he could hear nothing: no birds, no crickets, nothing. On the other hand, only the natural darkness of pre-dawn lay upon the forest. Dawn was coming, and it was time to hear the final reports before he began his trek.
Coming to Thranduil's War Room, Auros paused only a moment as the doorwarden greeted him and admitted him the the room. The King and several nobles were already there, and the morning reports were already begun. Taking the strap of Estarion's sword from his shoulder, Auros set it down and took an empty seat.
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Eonwë
Vala, Council
Vala and proud member of the Valar Guild. A quarter century of Tolkien fun.
Posts: 1,324
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Post by Eonwë on Apr 12, 2005 0:30:44 GMT -5
Auros:
The morning reports done, Auros left the King and the lords of Mirkwood to discuss matters of the realm. The time for departure was nigh and the escort would be forming now. He'd gathered what news he needed for the journey.
Returning to his horse, Auros fastened his pack and mounted. Sulënar was looking rested, head held proudly as ever. Auros too held himself high, the image of nobility. Setting Sulënar to a trot, he rode from the stable to the gathering place.
As he approached the group, he found the escort gathered and almost prepared. Coming upon Estarion, he held out Estarion's sword to him. "We will all ride fully armed, but no weapon will be drawn if we can avoid it. Do not be wreckless with your injuries."
Riding to the front of the group, he waited while the group finished preparations and mounted their steeds. Once they were done, he began an inspection, riding slowly down the line. Satisfied that everything was in order, he once again returned to the forefront.
"You all know your mission and what we may face," Auros said to the group. "Have your weapons ready, but do not draw unless I give the order. You are bound to ride to the border and no further. After that I will be in need of haste. Do not continue further if you cannot ride hard and fast."
Turning to Fainan, he said "You have the lead."
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ArPharazon
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King of the Land of the Star
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Post by ArPharazon on Apr 13, 2005 8:21:29 GMT -5
Calion:
His heart strengthened, and the fire of his spirit re-kindled, he got up. Spending the night in a real bed again had done him good, and he was fully rested and prepared for the journey ahead of him.
It was relatively dark out, not long past sunrise, as the party was scheduled to move out 2 hours after dawn. After washing up and eating some breakfast, Calion entered the atrium again for a breath of fresh air. As he looked up at the same stars, fading this time, as he had watched the evening before, he heard his brother's words again in his head. He smiled. 'Mirkwood is in good hands,' he thought.
He went back in, and entered his room. Lifting his pack off the ground, he examined the contents. He had picked up some stacks of daggers from his parents' home, where he always had reserves stored, so he should now have enough for quite a while, and his own hidden stacks could be found all the way to the borders of Mirkwood. Still, he went to visit the court-blacksmith, for he had left some equipment there the evening before to be repaired.
As he passed by Thranduil's War Room, he noticed Calaron going in. At a commanding position in Mirkwood's army, his responsibilities had greatly increased. Upon entering the blacksmith's workshop, he greeted him friendly. The blacksmith had been up early, even for him, to supply fresh weapons for the escort. His days were long now, with war threatening on Mirkwood's borders. After inquiry, Calion took the equipment which was now fully repaired, and rewarded the blacksmith for his troubles. After a few minutes of small-talk about Calion's new achievements with the boomagger-concept, Calion left the workshop again, and went on to the court-healers, for a final check-up. Once again passing by the War Room, he saw Auros entering as well, and knew the time for departure was near.
The healers examined Calion, and decided the cut on his forehead was largely healed, and the bandage was removed. They warned him to be careful still, but the wound would now best be cured by fresh air, as the bleeding had completely stopped. Glad, Calion thanked them, and left for the stables.
In the stables he found Quessëlómë well taken care of, and the stuff he had left with her was still there. He greeted and patted her, and prepared her for departure. Soon he mounted her and rode to the gathering of the escort. Upon arrival he saw Calaron standing there. The meeting in the War Room was apparently over, and Auros would come soon to command the party. Calion made his last greetings to his younger brother, and told him to pass them to Pharion and Arienel as well. After this, he rode on to Fainan and Estarion. Within a few minutes Auros came indeed, and inspected and prepared his escort. It was time.
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Varda
Vala, Council
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Post by Varda on Apr 17, 2005 13:49:42 GMT -5
Fainan:
Fainan hugged her family good-bye. She felt pride in her father's salute as she and he parted ways at the main gate, he on the mission to Rivendell and she to Erebor.
Her brother, after some soul-searching, stayed to defend the people. Her mother remained to help take care of the mass of non-military folk who had come in from the forest to stay within the underground fortress.
Fainan sat her horse, feeling proud of her people for passing the Noldo's inspection without reprimand. They knew their jobs. Had they not defended Eryn Galen since they could draw a bow?
But when Lord Auros designated her to take the lead, she was thrilled at his trust. Under no illusion that she was more than his second, she gave the quick hand signals that all knew almost as a second language.
She knew something was very wrong, as the pre-dawn forest should not have been silent. Everyone needed to be alert, riding quietly to hear the often noisy enemy. She was glad Auros had not worn the clanking armor she suspected he would have preferred. This time, they could not even sing, and speech would be kept at a minimum. Observation and agility was often their best protection, letting them leap into the branches at need to use their bows. That alone could turn an ambush into a deadly counter-attack.
The formation showed instantly as they began riding out. The slowest rider paced the group's speed, by her side in the front of the main body. In the center rode the injured and Auros. He had to be protected, as the Noldo alone knew what Lord Elrond's mission truly was, one important enough to have the backing of Mithrandir himself. Well to the fore rode two keen-eyed and keen-eared scouts, one excelling with sword and the other with spear, both under cover of the center's bows. The trailing rearguard was also of two, under cover of the center's bows. They would whistle if they noted anything suspicious, with a two-part whistle if attack seemed imminent.
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Post by Shelob on Apr 19, 2005 3:17:03 GMT -5
Estarion:
Estarion woke up early enough to make it to the departure time with ease. His first order of business was to seek the court healer first, to check upon his injured arm. The healer still retained his opinion that rest would do the quickest healing, but thought a couple days in bandages on the road should do the same, if the arm was tightly secured and not moved too much.
Happy with the healers attention and advice, Estarion walked back to his quarters to grab his gear. He carefully checked his equipment to see all was in order and adapted his backpack a little to make sure it wouldn't slide off with his arm strapped to his side.
Coming into the courtyard where the party had already assembled, he refused a horse, to many an astonished glance and took his place in the center of the party. When Auros came up to him and handed him his sword back and cautioned him to be careful with his injuries, Estarion smiled and replied: "Thanks for the sword, Auros, I will heed your advice."
He now carefully strapped on his sword and hid it under his long cloak. He had come just in time it seems, for already Auros gave the order to move and quickly the party formed a body with him and Auros in the center. Still thinking about his own mission and the decision he had reached but hours ago, he thought the time was nigh to inform Auros.
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Eonwë
Vala, Council
Vala and proud member of the Valar Guild. A quarter century of Tolkien fun.
Posts: 1,324
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Post by Eonwë on May 31, 2005 4:34:21 GMT -5
Auros:
Calling the escort to a halt for a rest, Auros dismounted and walked several paces olong the road. It was after the noon hour and the forest's edge should be near. The forest was quiet, even for a late-autumn day, only increasing the tension in the air.
Examining the markings on and near the path, Auros sought to discern what else had travelled this way. The path itself was well-trod, likely from enhanced trade with the folk of Erebor and the Lonely Mountain in more recent years, and hardly a hoofprint would show had a troop passed by within the last few days. Still, what passed by a few days ago might be of less importance than what passed through yesterday, and there's some chance a sign of that would remain. Only faint hoofprints, likely from the scouts earlier this morning. No web in the trees. No marks in the dirt or on the trees that would indicate anything but Elves have been through.
After a few more minutes of looking, Auros took a drink from his water skin and went back to Sulënar. Tending to his horse, he gave a few more minutes rest before calling the group to remount and continue the journey.
The march continued in the silence that absorbed the forest. Auros watched the path ahead and listened intently for any sounds. Aside from the sounds of the escort and the slight rustling of leaves in the wind, there was nothing. Resting his shield hand on his sword-hilt, he continued to ride in silence. There is no sign of immediate danger, yet.
Finally, the forest opened before them into a field of short grass. The plain lay before them far into the west, and to the right lay the forest river, running on to Laketown. To the northeast lay the shadow of the Erebor, the Lonely Mountain and Auros' destination.
"Let us rest our horses once more, then we shall each ride swiftly towards our goals ere the sun sets. There are a few hours left before then, and I wish to push on as far as I may."
As the horses rested, Auros looked over the plain toward the Lonely Mountain. For the rest of the day we can follow the River and make camp near it, and in the morning we will make haste directly to Erebor. We will need to fill our water skins before we ride in the morning, but we will make good time.
Once again, Auros called the group to mount. "You have all done your duty well. In different times our parting might be met with more pomp and ceremony, but such are not these times. We must part only in peace and swiftness, hoping such times will come again." Auros then rode a few paces from the group. "Those who continue with me must decide now. To the rest of you, may you reach home in safety, and may we meet again in MIddle-Earth. Namarië, people of Mirkwood! May the stars shine upon the end of your road."
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Varda
Vala, Council
Posts: 1,044
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Post by Varda on May 31, 2005 20:21:17 GMT -5
Fainan:
"I am with you, Lord Auros, as I would see more of the world. Besides, a civilized Noldo may need someone to help him in the wilds." She grinned to show no offense intended.
"But more seriously, something feels not right! The forest is much too still, and I ask that all be watchful, either going forward or returning home. And I wonder if our Avar friend will be able to keep up, if he is coming?"
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Post by Shelob on Jun 8, 2005 17:29:47 GMT -5
Estarion:
With no outward sign of fatigue, Estarion halted a second time, now on the forest's edge, with the Lonely Mountain looming ominously over the plains. It had been silent on the road, perhaps too silent. With his free arm, Estarion eased his sword in its scabbard, to make sure it was free and could be drawn in an instant. As if the Mountain far off was not enough to quell his spirits, the pressing silence of the forest weighed significantly on his already heavy heart.
The time had come. He would have to inform Auros of his decision now, or leave. Still pondering upon what to say, he called Auros a little distance from the rest of the group, indicating he wanted to have a personal talk.
As Auros joined him, Estarion began: "Lord Auros, ever since we met, I have been holding back information on my mission from you. The time of choice has come upon me, and I perceive that I will need to come clear if I am to continue. Our people has never forgotten those that departed in the days when the world was young. Even after the defeat of Melkor, our people has been hard-pressed against his minions. In ancient times, it was decided that we should send out scouts to the western lands to insure that we could call in aid if our lands would no longer stand against invasion. Our scouts always remained hidden, for we thought it best to retain our own ways unless there was absolutely no other way. In the past few years, the attacks on our people became more heavy and more frequent. Our elders believe that the time has come to call in the aid of those that left us long ago."
Estarion paused with a long sigh and a weary look in his eyes.
"I am here to request that aid. Over the last few days, it has become apparent to me that we fight the same enemy and that these lands have as much chance to stand against this enemy as our people has. I have come to believe that no aid will come from these lands no matter where I seek. It is to my belief that the real battle for all our survival will be fought in these lands. Therefore, I have decided to accompany you on your mission. I request to be allowed to journey with you and save both your and my people."
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ArPharazon
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King of the Land of the Star
Posts: 296
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Post by ArPharazon on Jun 9, 2005 9:00:30 GMT -5
Calion:
During the ride from Thranduil's Halls, Calion rode amongst the injured. The rising sun shone in his eyes, and his forehead started to throb a little, so he thought it best not to make himself a prime target in case of an ambush. Still, thinking of his companions around him, as well as his brother and Helvy back home, he knew he had been quite lucky to be only lightly wounded in the adventures of the past few days.
He thought back to those adventures with a sigh. The borders of Thranduil's realm had become increasingly dangerous, as Calion had known all too well, but he had not expected the recent events. Wolves, forest-spiders, hideous earth-spiders, and on top of that all some evil shadow coming from the north, and not from Dol Guldur as expected. It almost seemed to him that something, or someone, in the party, attracted these evils. Perhaps Auros' mission was more important than Calion had first realized... as if the enemy was bent on preventing its completion, no matter the cost.
He shuddered. There was no predicting what could happen in the future... perhaps the adventures were only just beginning.
Looking around him, he noticed that the forest was strangely quiet. All along the road, not a single beast had scurried across or along the path, not a single bird had sung its song, and only the hooves of the horses and the leaves in the trees were there to ensure Calion he had not gone completely deaf. Still, there was no sign of danger yet, and the horses remained calm.
The escort halted for the second time after the forest's border was cleared. Mirkwood lay behind, the plains surrounding Erebor lay in front. As was to be expected, Auros presented the members of the escort with a decision, whether to continue with him, or return to their homes. After Fainan informed Auros that she would remain with him for the journey, so also did Calion approach Auros.
"Lord Auros," he said, "I too have decided to stay along your side. If the events of recent days are any sign of the future of this quest, you might desire my aid in this open area, providing clear view to any who might prey upon important-looking travellers such as yourself. Also," he added with a smile, "I do not like half work." 'Or half information', Calion added in thought. He was still curious to see what this mission was all about, and how it would end, and this too was a reason he had made his decision.
Now, Estarion called the Noldo a little distance away from the group, and they engaged in a whispering conversation. 'More secrets', Calion thought. He shrugged his shoulders, and prepared for the further journey.
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Varda
Vala, Council
Posts: 1,044
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Post by Varda on Jun 19, 2005 21:10:22 GMT -5
Fainan:
Fainan spoke quietly so that only Auros could hear. "Perhaps this strange peace is a good sign. King Thranduil may have been exerting himself to make our travel safe. Speeding your mission returns the Greenwood's defense sooner. If your mission has aught to do with his son, as I suspect, then he may have given you his utmost in aid. But we will soon ride out from under the King's strength, and the evil may be greater for having been balked. We should be wary."
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Eonwë
Vala, Council
Vala and proud member of the Valar Guild. A quarter century of Tolkien fun.
Posts: 1,324
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Post by Eonwë on Jun 20, 2005 2:29:22 GMT -5
Auros:
After listening to the Avar's explanation, Auros answered, "You are correct in your beliefs. The chief target of the Enemy's wrath has always been those who live in the west, on this side of the Sea and beyond. The peoples of the west weather the storm as they may, but not enough of my own people remain to mount an offensive against him, and he knows this. He gathers his strength to attack, and when it comes the west will be alive with war. We have time yet, but not much. The west has its own struggles to overcome. No aid will come east for a long time, if ever."
"Of your travelling with me, it was unwise of you to refuse a horse, because now you must borrow one from the soldiers or else ride doubled with myself, Lady Fainan, or Calion. We have gone a rapid but easy pace through Mirkwood, but now is where you cannot hope to keep up on foot. The speed and endurance of a good horse is many times greater than the good intentions of an elf on foot. We will be going many miles very quickly with few stops. You may be fast in the forest, but we go now over open land. If you travel with me, you go on horseback. You have proven to be a strong warrior, and that at least is worth something. Perhaps you will make it long enough to see the fruition of your participation in this errand, but we shall see. There is still much time before I return to my home. You must choose whether to borrow a horse or if you ride with one of us."
Leaving Estarion to make his decision, Auros returned to the group. "Have all made their decision?"
Hearing Fainan, he replied in the same tone,"Perhaps, but there is little we can do. I also have felt a tension in the air, but we must all at times ride from protection and safety into danger. If you have any doubts, you should not go further. It will become harder to turn around should you change your mind before we reach Dale."
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Varda
Vala, Council
Posts: 1,044
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Post by Varda on Jun 25, 2005 0:27:57 GMT -5
Fainan:
Fainan laughed merrily and spoke aloud, no longer worried who should hear. "My Lord Auros, it is my job as a scout to mention potential future hazard, but what a dull world 'twould be without risk! Nay, my Lord. You must try to survive my continued company. I wish to see Dale, which now is only a trade word to me. What must it be like with so many humans in one place, and so much water!"
Turning to make sure Estarion noticed her offer, she said, "Perhaps our companion, Estarion, if he can find no horse, could ride with me as I am lightest. No one need have an excuse not to continue!"
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Post by arathorn on Jul 5, 2005 13:34:38 GMT -5
Haran:
Fire and wind, flurries of wild magic rushed through his mind! He ran frantically, flailing his axe against an enemy unseen. Scenes of battle, explosions, rushing water, ice storms.. the elements have gone mad! He writhed in his flight, turning and slashing, hitting nothing, the unending feeling of pursuit engulfing him.
He broke through the trees into a small clearing stumbling to the ground and looked up.. there stood his tormentor, staff raised high and an evil smile shining through his flowing rainbow coloured beard. "You cannot flee from me dwarf, I am everywhere you are not and anywhere you may yet be."
Haran grabbed his head and let out a roar of pain trying to drive the voice from his throbbing mind. Suddenly the grin of his attacker faltered and uncertainty overtook him. Haran took this moment to dive at the vision his bloodied axe raised! The apparition wavered then vanished and he fell to the ground in a heap. Hearing startled voices and feet scurrying toward him he got up on one knee and raised his axe for one final blow. He peered up through the blood that flowed from his brow and saw a face before him... it looked familiar. He tried hard to focus and a flicker of recognition formed in his tortured thoughts. Long angular features, a glowing certainty and a touch of concern. Haran confused and relieved at once mouthed "Auros?", then past into unconsciousness and crumpled forward.
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Varda
Vala, Council
Posts: 1,044
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Post by Varda on Jul 7, 2005 16:41:31 GMT -5
Fainan:
Fainan ran with Auros towards the source of the disturbance, so loud in the quiet woods. To her amazement, a wounded dwarf seemed to be frantically attacking...air? Blood ran down his face, so he must have taken a recent head injury. To her horror, he fell.
With trepidation, she knelt by the stocky being, recently her entertainingly gruff riding companion. He looked up to see Auros' face, and seemed able to recognize him. But Fainan's relief disappeared as the dwarf let himself lose consciousness as he found himself apparently among friends.
She meant to hesitate and wait for Auros' lead in what to do next, but her hands of their own accord went to her waterskin. She lightly rinsed the injury to see its extent, glad it had not harmed his eyes, and opened her pouch for the bandage roll. Haran would have to accept a "white headband" to add to his wardrobe.
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Post by Shelob on Jul 9, 2005 8:29:12 GMT -5
Estarion:
Just as Estarion was about to answer Fainan and thank her for her kind offer, a loud noise in the otherwise quiet forest disturbed him. As Auros and Fainan ran towards the noise, Estarion hurried after them, noticing with shock it was the bearded creature, what in the halls of King Thranduil he had heard called a Dwarf, who had aided them in their fight before. Estarion remembered his name was Haran and he was as jolly as he was serious, when such times asked for it. He could not begin to fathom what trickery would lead this dwarf to such irrational behavior, swatting at nothing but empty air.
Estarion stood back as Fainan kneeled beside the fallen dwarf, for he knew his skills in healing were not great, for he had always left such matters for other people to tend to. As the dwarf looked up at Auros with sudden realization, Fainan, what appeared to be automatically, for her eyes told of her reluctance, began to clean and bandage the wounds. In the steady way she worked, and her relaxed manner, Estarion could percieve the wounds the dwarf had sustained were not life-threatening. To his own surprise, Estarion felt a surge of relief himself, for he had spoken little to the Dwarf, and did not know him at all. Perhaps it is true then, he thought by himself, people do grow attached to those they find themselves in danger with.
As Fainan diligently continued her work on Haran, Estarion's thoughts drifted off into far away and strange places, pondering upon everything he had learned so far, and upon everything he might yet learn about this strange country. He appeared to be so consumed in thought, that he stood still as a rock, only his hair moving on the small breeze of the wind.
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