Scouting Ahead, Part 4: Erebor

[Eonwë]

Auros:

Speaking to Fainan, he said, "Pardon, I did not mean to question your commitment to the task at hand."

As Auros prepared to order the departure, a loud noise came from the forest. He ran to the edge to try and make out what he could see. Nothing in sight, only the noise coming from the forest. Ordering the escort for battle, Auros drew his sword, waiting for whatever approached. To his astonishment, a Dwarf burst forth, flailing about as if trying to strike a blow against an unseen enemy.

What treachery is this?

Suddenly, the Dwarf made a last attack at his unseen foe and collapsed. Auros rushed over, followed closely by Fainan. Examining the fallen Dwarf, he was surprised to learn it was Haran. Seeing Fainan begin to tend to the Dwarf's wounds, Auros began to examine the path Haran had taken from the brush. The only tracks he found belonged to the Dwarf, as did the signs in the underbrush: bent or broken branches, fresh leaves torn from the plants. Nothing indicated the Dwarf was followed by or following anything. Could he still be affected by that spider's venom? Or is it...

Returning to where the Dwarf lay, he said, "Make sure he is well enough to sit on a horse. Once he is, we're leaving and taking him. Whatever caused this is behind us, not ahead. There is no choice now, Master Estarion. The guards need their horses to return swiftly to their posts once we leave here. You will have to ride with one of us. We will be slowed down with 3 horses bearing 5 riders, but there is little choice. Let me know when the Dwarf is ready."

Walking purposefully to Calion, Auros stopped and spoke quietly to him. "We will now have a conversation we should've had in your king's halls. I will say this only once, and as clearly as I can possibly make it. If you wish to continue travelling with me, you will give no quarter to the servants of the Enemy. Unless I order they are to be captured alive, you assume otherwise." His voice then turned grim, his Quenya accent increasing the effect as he lowered his voice. "The Noldor know intimately the treachery of the Lord of Mordor and his master, in a way the Silvans of the Greenwood would pray not to." His voice returning to its former tone, he continued, "It is possible whatever afflicts the Dwarf is related to his spider wound, and it is also possible your wolf has stirred something in the heart of your realm. One would think the Elves of Mirkwood would have learned their lesson after losing Gollum. "
Finishing, he said, "I have said my peace. Now if you have anything to say in your own defense, say it, and let us not speak of this again."

[ArPharazon]

Calion:

He glanced at the Dwarf, who was now being taken care of by Fainan. Haran had been fighting and roaring against what seemed a hallucination, and Calion's memory flashed back to the encounter with the wolves, and their unnaturally high amount of aggression. Was it just the spider's poison, or was whatever had affected the wolves and other creatures of the forest, now slowly spreading to the speaking peoples as well? This did not bode well, for Dwarves were known to be one of the most resistent races of all when it came to poison and mind-tricks. If it had this effect on Dwarves.. what effect could it have on humans, or Elves? Calion shrugged it off for now. Hopefully it was not as serious as that.

He turned now to Auros, who had unnerved him with his violent and slightly hostile tone. He would have slapped him in the face for this insolence, but since Auros was their leader, it was his duty to obey, and Calion was, as any honorable Elf, never violent against a fellow Elf. So he held back, and merely spoke words.

"You may know all of the Dark Lords from present and past there is to know, but when it comes to forest-creatures and warfare within Mirkwood, you are no more experienced than any of us. These are not the Enemy's Wargs we dealt with. Though fierce against any who threaten them, the normal Wolves of Mirkwood are nobler than most woodland-beasts, and nothing like Morgoth's beasts thousands and thousands of years ago. A valuable part of our eco-system, Wolves have lived next to Elves for countless generations, and what made them as aggressive as they were when we encountered them was anything but natural, and worth investigation. I knew I could save him when I looked in the eyes, the eyes of a defenseless creature who has been forced to act against its nature, and in his state he did not deserve to die."

Looking sharply into the Noldo's eyes, he added in his own grim tone: "Indeed, I am hardly as familiar with the Enemy's devices than you. For I had no idea it made you so cruel and merciless. Yes, all is fair in war, but as of yet we are not at war with the wildlife of our own woods, certainly not when they can so easily be recruited as our allies instead."

Turning his look to Haran for a moment, he softly added: "And if my fears are true, we must do anything to halt this corruption, and so far Helvy is our only clue. He is in strict supervision of my brother and the army, and if he does fall back under the Enemy's influence he will certainly be dealt with, do not worry about that. But," he sighed, "I shall do as you wish, for in these open plains I am not familiar either, and have little knowledge of the enemies we might encounter. Also, it is my duty to serve you as I may. Now unless you have another comment to make on this matter, let's move on to other business. Any further ideas what happened to our Dwarven friend here?"

[arathorn]

Haran:

Slowly and painfully Haran raised himself to one knee after coming to several moments before. The ache was in his mind rather than anywhere on his person. Turning and recognizing Fainan as she wrapped up and put bandages back into her pack, he examined his new cloth headgear with satisfaction and called out to her "It seems to me my debt continues to grow and I shall have a hard time repaying it should things continue this way."

He saw her startle, then chuckle and wave it off noticing concern drop away as she realized he had awoken none too worse for wear. As he regained his faculties he sat slowly on a stump and tried to make sense of what had happened. "Friends, I am afraid things may have taken a turn for the worse if what I remember of the past few days is indeed fact." He saw Auros frown and start over to him and caught his eye quizzically, asking him without words if he should share his fragmented recollections with the entire group or wait for Auros to find a way to pull them from the others for a brief moment. Haran feigned lightheadedness to give the leader a chance to decide what would be most prudent.

[Shelob]

Estarion:

Deep in thought, Estarion only heard faintly what Auros said to him, but when Auros turned to Calion, his voice altered, and it snapped Estarion back to what was. Auros seemed angry, but restrained himself, and the same could be said about Calion, whose answer was none less indignant, albeit in the end subservient.

Estarion thought it prudent to wait a little with what he had to say, and let Auros' and Calion's tempers cool a bit. Added to that was the awakening of Haran, who clearly seemed to motion with his eyes that Auros should make the decision whether Haran's story should be told in public, or on private. All together, Estarion could not have a clearer picture but to wait before speaking.

[Varda]

Fainan:

The curse of a fair complexion! Fainan felt her face redden, as Auros spoke of the Silvans' not having learned after the escape of Gollum. She put a steadying hand behind Haran's back as he sat weaving slightly on the stump. First things first.

"My lord Auros, since your mission is of great importance, and we will now have two riding double rather than one, we shall ask those now departing for Mirkwood to leave one horse, as they too may know how to ride double." She grinned at the excellent riders, sharing the joke. "I know not if Estarion is familiar with riding, but his horse may be led at need. I fear our friend Haran would need a different style of mount, so he may ride with me, and I will watch to see if he shows further...difficulties."

She did not relish the idea of the powerful dwarf suddenly going mad on the horse with her, flailing his axe, and hoped she would not have to shove him from his seat.

Calmed with having perhaps taken care of one problem, she added in gentle tones, "I was one of those who drove away the Orcs from Gollum, under the lead of Prince Legolas. The foul things were unused to the woods, creatures from over the mountains. We had left our charge with guards, and he was high in a tree, well out of reach of Orcs. Yet when we returned, our friends had been slain or taken by other attackers, of far greater stealth. We pursued as best we could, but could not regain the one left to us by Gandalf and Aragorn. Our own prince left the realm that needed him to report and offer our sincerest apologies to them."

"The dark things that we drove out in the year of the fall of Smaug returned in greater numbers, held back only where we live and fight without aid of the recluses of Lorien or our distant neighbors in protected Rivendell. Dol Guldur actively seeks our downfall, yet we survive and have mostly kept back the evil. Our paths are usually safe if kept to, although their protection is somewhat less without the prince. I doubt that even Noldor would have done a great deal better against what we daily face.

"Yet there is no way for you to know these things unless you do what you have done, by coming out to see for yourself. I am glad you have so done, and hope that you and yours might look more kindly on us after this inspection."

[Eonwë]

Auros:

"If by cruel you mean I do not let my judgement be blinded by pity towards an attacking foe when lives are in jeopardy, then yes, I am very cruel. When my task is complete, you are free to return to your forests and save the spiders as well, yet another valued part of your ecosystem."

As he finished, the Dwarf awoke, and as he spoke Auros began to walk over to him. So he is not sure what has happened these last few days. Or have his dreams distorted his sense of time?

Taking a moment to decide, Fainan then began to speak. Auros was surprised the conversation between he and Calion had been overheard. He meant to reprimand the noble privately and allow him to save face, but apparently the discussion was more heated than he realized. Auros was, however, somewhat amused by Fainan's tone matched with her chosen words. Recluses and distant, protected neighbors. He jokingly mused to himself on which of the two Silvans were really the noble. With such careful chastising, she must have experience with royalty.

When she concluded, Auros spoke, "Many now fight as you do, some in greater peril, and some in less, but all fight after their manner. Those who are not yet fighting are poised to begin."

Turning to the Dwarf he said, "Your tale will have to wait, Master Haran. For now, let us be on our way. Lady Fainan, if you are sure the guards can spare a horse, then so be it. Everyone, mount up!"

Helping Haran into the saddle of Fainan's horse, Auros called Sulënar over, mounted and bade a final farewell to the guards.

[Eonwë]

Auros:

Riding towards the setting sun, Anar had at last outpaced the group, and the light grew dim upon the plain as they stopped, the shadow of the forest now outlined only by the light of Isil rising above it. They had come closer to the river, which was could now be seen shimmering in red and white as the conflicting lights of Isil and Anar glittered upon its far reaches. The Long Marshes were ahead, and beyond them Laketown, but they would not be heading that way.

"We'll make camp here. Remember to fill your water skins before we leave in the morning. We'll be riding north tomorrow. As soon as we've set camp, you may begin your tale, Master Dwarf."

[ArPharazon]

Calaron:

The light of day faded, and as Calion halted to make camp, his brother walked towards Thranduil's stables at a steady pace. He had spent a large portion of the day in the war-room, among some of Mirkwood's finest commanders, as the defensive plan was being made and prepared. His part was to travel to the west, and take the command of one of the largest outposts in that part of the forest, from which scouts were often sent out as a first defense against attacks in the area. He was well known with the camp, for he had often had assignments in the west. Yet from now on his duty would not be to scout for enemy movement, but to act on it. If an Orcish force neared, he would be the first to hear about it.

Well prepared for his duties, he now prepared to take his post. Upon entering the stables, he greeted Elmirë, a servant's daughter, who he had befriended when they were yet children. He ascended one of the swiftest horses which she had prepared for him, and rode away. His first destination was home, to see if the wolf was strong enough to come with him today.

After a short ride he was glad to see Helvy was sufficiently healthy, but he was not yet ready for running such a long journey. So, as Calion had done a few days before, Calaron would take the wolf on his horse whenever it was grown tired of running beside him. Thus they travelled without delay through Mirkwood forest, crossing the river at dawn.

[Varda]

Fainan:

As Fainan set up the stew pot over the hot embers, she grinned up at Estarion. "How liked you that ride upon a steed of Mirkwood?"

With a quick, practiced burial of tuber skins with a twisting of the feet, she stepped over to Haran and checked his "white headband". "It seems your curls may flow free again, Master Haran. The scrape seems healed well enough, with no infection. A branch not well-met perhaps?"

Back again to stir the stew pot, she looked out over the lake, enjoying the dancing of light on its surface. "'So we shall miss seeing this Laketown up close. I've heard tales of it being built upon the water itself, a marvel indeed. Perhaps it looks and smells better from afar, but some day I shall take a closer look, to feel the swaying of a small shop as if it were a boat!"

[Shelob]

Estarion:

They rode hard, not much harder than he could manage on foot, but still, too hard for him not to ride this horse. Inexperienced in horseback riding as Estarion was, he kept going up and down bumping hard every time he landed his bottom. He had never thought controlling the horse would be so difficult, yet the animal was well trained and followed every command, hesitantly, as though it was aware of its rider's lack of skill.

When dusk settled in, they stopped and Estarion slid off his horse, rubbing his sore behind. Fainan grinned at him, asking how he liked the ride. He managed to flash a grin at Fainan and said, "It was not all unpleasant, Fainan", while continueing trying to put both his legs and his bottom at ease. Silently, he hoped for less speed tomorrow, so he may use his own two legs.

Quietly he settled down to watch the lights in the distance, upon the lake. He wondered how a town could be built upon the surface of a lake, but he couldn't hold that thought for long, as he drifted into a slumber.

[Varda]

Fainan:

Fainan dipped stew for everyone. Settling down next to the dwarf to eat, she felt a mixture of concern and curiousity. "Haran, are you able to tell us what happened to you? And what was the fate of your fellows? We will need to tell their families what we can when we reach Erebor."

[arathorn]

Haran:

Haran looked over to Auros who nodded slightly and moved over to squat by the fire. Sighing heavily the dwarf squinted and gathered his muddled thoughts. "Well, much of what happened is scattered through my brain but I will attempt to relay what I can remember clearly. ... My brethren and I left the halls and headed east the day of the feast. They had heard tell of strange doings in the mountains near our home. We traveled swiftly on foot as is our way and reached an area close to the edge of the mountains north of your fair city. What happened next is difficult to describe. Flashes of light, red and blue and yellow, all colours melding into one and breaking apart.. pain in our heads.. unbearable! Ghostly figures, .. orcs.. death.. mayhem.. AGH!".

Grabbing his head, he shook violently to ward off the memories.. recovering he continued ".. then a voice.. sure and lilting.. enticing.. telling us to follow, to join... to help those who would conquer and make all as it should be.. the dwarves would once again rule as of old.. riches.. wealth beyond comparison.. power... such power.."

The dwarf's eyes darkened as an evil smile crept onto his face. "And DEATH.. death to those who would dare to oppose us!! Colours, power .. our destiny!!" Haran leaped to his feet axe raised up in defiance. "But I would have none of it.. lies! Deceit! The voice is of one we would never ally with.. NEVER!!". Haran began slashing at unseen foes, jabbing slicing. "Begone evil witchery.. I am not as weak minded as you would have me think!!!" After several minutes of fruitless attack, he settled back into thought and crouched by the fire. "My two companions left me then. They chanted war songs as if off to battle a last time. They ran with vigour and purpose, to where I know not. I chased after them fighting the voice, but lost them in the forest behind me. Shall we ever meet again..."

Frowning, Haran turned his head up to Auros. "We have a new enemy it would seem. Wizardry and enchantments deluge my thoughts. I know naught of such things other than what I heard in tales as a boy. Something brews Auros, something grows. What do you know of wizards? What else could turn the hearts of my kind to such an evil path! They left heading south and with them I heard horses and many feet pounding the ground in the same direction. I am only here now perhaps because of the thickness of my own skull. I could feel the voice fading as I ran through the woods and as you relay, fell at your feet."

He rose again and his eyes pleaded with the group "What do you know of such things? What am I to tell my people should we reach Erebor?"

[Varda]

Fainan:

Fainan listened to Haran's tale with wide eyes. As it became boisterous, she rolled away from the enthusiastic storyteller to sit next to Estarion. Or perhaps, she feared, it was not that Haran was as a bard carried away by his own tale, but one still affected. Once he had finished, she pondered what he had asked, and made an attempt to answer, as he was so in need of one.

"My best guess, Master Haran, is that this is some new doing by the Necromancer of Dol Guldur; some of his servants also have strange powers. That his reach has extended so far is truly worrisome, and it means that we of the forest no longer have hope of a new place to retreat. You of Erebor and of all surrounding areas need to hope that we are successful, lest he take over the Greenwood and use it as a base to attack in any direction he chooses. I suspect Rivendell, at least, has become aware of this need, and hope that Lord Auros is one arm of their investigation. If it is not so, I fear for all of us."

[Eonwë]

Auros:

Auros listened silently to the Dwarf's tale, watching the changes that came over him as he told of his events.

"Your tale does not bode well, Master Haran. I would've thought the Dwarves beyond such... manipulation." What affect do these visions still have over him? "There is nothing more to tell the Dwarves of Erebor than what you have told me. We must all be on guard. Tomorrow we will ride harder, so we must get what rest we can tonight. Calion will take the first watch, followed by Fainan. I will take the last watch. Haran and Estarion, you two should rest."

[Varda]

Fainan:

Fainan felt quite willing to take her turn on second watch, as she had difficulty with more than light dozing during Calion's.

Early the next morning, she helped break camp, watching Haran with some concern, and helping him mount her horse. How were they going to explain the loss of the other Dwarves? She hoped they would listen and agree to aid against the new horrors unleashed by the Necromancer or his replacement horror, but past experience suggested that the Elves of the Greenwood could expect no help. At least, they could warn others.

As they rode, she moved up close to the Noldor. "Auros," she asked in a small voice, "do you see any hope?"