Scouting Ahead, Part 4: Erebor

[Eonwë]

Auros:

Walking into the parlour, Fainan's armor had reminded him of his dream. Brushing the thought aside, he took a seat at the table.

News of the Dwarf was not a shock. He did seem to have a knack for getting into trouble. First at the Forest Gate, then even in Thranduil's Halls. This time, hopefully, he would come with information.

"No, there is no need to search out a Dwarf here if we have none. We are messengers. They will likely assign guards to us if they suspect our motives."

[Varda]

Fainan:

Fainan laughed. "We are Elves and they are Dwarves. Our motives are automatically suspect, so we may expect Dwarven company of more suspicious nature!"

She purposely ordered a fruity, sweet wine with a flowery scent that would surely turn up the noses of any Dwarves within the entire city, and sipped it with a small dinner. Too soon they would be back on travel rations, their mission allowing little opportunity for hunting and gathering on the way.

[ArPharazon]

Calaron:

It was morning, and he was worried. The scouts he had sent to the northwest the day before, had still not returned. Something was wrong. He felt a dark presence brooding in that direction, as if it was closing in to strike. Pacing around on the main flet, he pondered his options.

Calaron had been at the western outpost for several days now. Upon arriving he had immediately settled his command, taking inventory of the supplies and manpower, and going over the recent reports. Hostile activity had increased lately, and reports of Orcish patrols from the North were becoming more frequent. Yet, the threat from the South seemed much larger still, and most of Thranduil's forces had been stationed along that border. So now the outpost was undermanned, and its previous leader given a new position elsewhere.

But though the threat from Dol Guldur seemed larger, Calaron was not sure it was more imminent. If his scouts had been taken or worse, the Orcs were probably around in larger numbers. An attack could come any moment now, and with his current forces, he would probably be hard pressed to keep them from overrunning the outpost. Abandoning the outpost would be too dangerous: There were few horses available, and those having to go on foot would probably run into more forces undoubtedly coming from the North and Northeast. Also, retreating without a fight, without at least trying to hamper and slow down the Orcish forces, was not the way of the Elven army, not in their own home. So Calaron would command his forces to prepare the defenses. Prepare them for war.

His next order of business was to call in for reinforcements. He was fully aware that Thranduil had few men to spare, but for victory here, it would be necessary. Since most of the outpost was situated in the trees, there was little space for horses, and there were few. So Calaron gave the messenger he chose to go his own swift horse, the fastest available. As he watched the messenger ride East, he thought back to the heart of the message he had sent. Main Northwestern outpost expecting attack. Lacking in manpower. Commander Calaron, son of Pharion, requesting reinforcements.

Calaron sighed. And hoped, nay, prayed, the message would reach Thranduil in time.

[Shelob]

Estarion:

Long Estarion walked the streets of Dale without so much of a notion where he was going. The faces in the streets reminded him of home yet again, afraid, but not defeated. As he walked, he once again drifted into his memories again.

On a starlight night a rider came to the Elves' encampment of Cuivienen, Orome himself, on his big horse, Nahar. At first, the Elves were afraid of him, but as he came closer, they could see the light shining about him, naming him a Valar and not shadowspawn. Long he spoke to their lords and in the end, he took the 3 mightiest among them to Valinor, to see it's splendor.
When they returned, they had a new light in their eyes, telling of great beauty and nobility, and they counceled for moving to Valinor, to live under the protection of the Valar. But one voice rose up saying that they should not, for Cuivienen was their home. And many joined that voice and took him for their lord. They stayed, for they were not yet weary with the moon and starlit nights and the shores of Cuivienen still held it's magic to them.
And so the greater part of the Elves left on their journey while some stayed behind and built their homes there, and defended themselves against the shadow. Ere long they came to regret their decision to stay, yet unwilling to go yet. And suddenly, one day the sun came up and filled the sky and none worried anymore, for surely, this was a sign of the Valar.

With a start, Estarion realised that the sun had risen in Dale and that the night had gone by in thought. Silently he returned to the inn where the party was staying. When he entered, the others were already assembled, except for the Dwarf, Haran, who seemed to have gone out already. Apparently they were already readying themselves to leave, so Estarion went to his room and quickly gathered the few things he had taken with him and joined the others downstairs.

[Varda]

Fainan:

"Hail, Estarion!" Fainan said with a smile. "Would you be willing to ride a horse this time?" Her expresson faltered. "My brother," she murmured, "what is worrying him?" She saw the odd expression the ones nearest gave her and tried to smile again. "My brother and I have been close a long time, and sometimes when one of us is upset, the other feels it. It may be that we of Mirkwood should return home soon. I am glad this journey is near its end."

[Shelob]

Estarion:

Greetings Lady Fainan! "As I understand, the Lonely Mountain is just a small while away from here, so I see no need to ride a horse this time." In a split second, he saw Fainan's smile falter and forced back again. He wondered whether he had imagined it, but when he saw the expressions on the faces near her, he knew it was not so.
His own smile faded into a worried frown. "Surely my Lady does not intend to return so soon? Our mission is not yet over and the Enemy still stirs these lands. Do we not have an obligation to our people to aid in whichever way we can?" At this, he fell silent again, fearing he may have revealed too much.

[Varda]

Fainan:

"Ahh, good Estarion! You need not think my bow would leave before the mission is done! Yet glad am I that soon we can return to help our own people, as I can feel that my brother seems pressured by a reinforcement of the darkness threatening the Greenwood."

She mounted and smiled brightly at them. "Shall we see what excitement can lie ahead on a road to see the dwarves? And who can catch us before my horse reaches yonder L-shaped oak?" With a forward lean and a knee-tightening, she launched her fleet mare. Her laugh floated back to them, as the wind seemed to carry away the worries for a bit.

[Eonwë]

Auros:

Auros sat patiently waiting until it was obvious everyone who was coming had assembled. Then he rose and said "It's time."
Walking out to the horses, Auros had little thought for idle chat. His mission was almost complete, and his thoughts turned now to the return journey.

Sulenar stood in his stable, anxious to be in the open again. The provisions Auros had had the innkeeper prepare were sitting outside the stable. Apparently one of the innkeeper's servers had just left it there when he found they were not yet in the stables. No matter, the provisions were good, and it's more important they were ready in case they were not able to come back through Dale.

Walking Sulenar out of the stable, Auros hoisted himself onto the horse's back and looked north towards Erebor. Fainan's attitude was cheerful as usual. Auros could not bring himself to such cheer. With his final destination in sight, he was anxious to arrive and complete his task.

[Eonwë]

Auros:

The rays of sunlight that had poured through the windows of the inn were now struggling to light the land as the group moved deeper between the roots of Erebor. It was likely the scouts, greater in number since the visit by the messenger from Mordor, had already marked the group's departure from Dale, and word was going now to the mountain. This, however, was of little concern to Auros. That was as he expected it. What troubled him was that his anxiousness, once directed at finally completing his mission, was now anxiousness that, even with his goal in sight, his mission was far from over. The question then was whether this,..complication,.. would reveal itself once he reached Erebor, or on his journey back to Imladris.

The Ulairi must've reached Mordor by now, if not soon. Will Sauron make his move now that he knows where the Ring is, or will he continue to build his strength until he can decimate any force that marches against him? If what the scouts coming from further east have said still holds, Sauron is biding his time.
Whispering softly to himself, Auros said, "Let us hope he continues to bide his time."

The trip in all was a matter of hours, so Auros did not see reason to press the horses hard, and so finally the group arrived at the gate. A fine work of Dwarven craftsmanship, likely awe-inspiring to the men of Dale. Not that it was not a work worthy of praise, but certainly the Dwarves had created more splendid things in their past.

Auros had been right. Their journey was noted almost as they left Dale. It was only moments before the messenger sent to King Dain had returned to the gate, and the group was let enter the great stronghold of Durin's people.

[Finduilas - V]

Fràli:

Fràli led the group of Elves down the corridors down numerous stairs until they stood right before the throne room.

"King Dàin is expecting you, mylords - but before you go, do you wish some refreshments? I know the jouney has not been long, but you might still appreciate some of our beer?"

The young dwarf looked at the travellers questioningly. He didn't know whether he should have spoken to them more or not adressed them at all, but Fràli had a feeling he should show them at least some hospitality. But then - they were Elves and probably would despise anything he offered them anyway. Elves were so lofty and arrogant - and had caused much grief to Durin's children.

But there he was - appointed as gude for this group of Elvish travellers (and eye for King Dàin during their stay in the Iron Mountains). It was the first errand of this kind for him, something to prove his valor and worth to the King.

Fràli wondered what would come out of this - and how he would come out of it. Maybe these elves would refuse him outright .- and probably he shouldn't be angry about it. He was only 60 anyway - barely out of dwarfish boyhood. But then - they didn't know about this and it was for King Dain to tell them.

[Varda]

Fainan:

She tried hard not to gawk at everything like a tiny elfling. The great underground halls of Thranduil had been awe-inspiring to a simple flet-dweller like herself, with the airy stone columns in memorium of various famed trees, the careful vents to give fresh air and even a breeze, the artful slits to let sun and stars illuminate various features just right. Such a hall celebrated the forests and skies.

But this! This was true love of the very earth itself, the foundation stone that upheld all that was elvish. The mindset behind every inch seemed alien yet marvelous, and she felt reminded that she had neglected her thoughts of the great Vala, Aule.

A very cute young dwarf appeared out of this marvel, offering beer. Beer? Fainan had drunk mostly water where no corruption had touched, or wine for its safety and the improvement of meals. Yet this strange drink with it's odd scent seemed to be as right for the dwellers in this place as effervescent wine was for the elves. She hoped accepting at least a sip would settle her culture shock as well as be the polite thing.

"Thank you, my lord Frali," she said. "That would be most welcome after our journey, and a new experience. We appreciate your kind consideration."

With a sudden worry, Fainan hoped she had not insulted this dwarf and embarrassed Auros. The beard might be short not due to age, but due to gender! She had heard that their ladies were also hirsute. Plus, she was certain that the pronunciation had been imperfect. Fainan smiled at the sweet-faced youngling and knelt to be at the same height as she extended her hand for the odd cup, somewhat like those the humans used - a stein? If the dwarf intended to take umbrage, Fainan would prefer it to be with herself than with the lordly Auros.

[ArPharazon]

Calion:

Walking through the gate, and into the deep mountain, Calion was as much impressed by the massive stonework as Fainan seemed to be, although she tried to hide it. Erebor's halls were very great, with its pillars and its stairs hewn from the living rock. Surely work like this left no room for error, and so had to have been done carefully by many skilled craftsmen.

It was no place for horses, though, and Calion had left his loyal companion at the stables outside the great gate. Dwarves, while on rare times making use of small ponies, were not known for riding the larger horses, but the traders and visitors coming to Erebor did, and so the Dwarves had enlarged the stables outside their mountain to harbour the steeds of those who did not desire walking from Dale, or leaving them in the occasional rain.

Soon, a young Dwarf, naming himself Fràli, introduced himself to the party, having been instructed to guide them to the throneroom of king Dàin. Calion looked down from his admiration of the halls just long enough to greet and bow to the Dwarf, and as they were led down the stairs he found himself staring at the fine masonry once more.

As they neared the throneroom, Fràli asked them if they were interested in a refreshment, called beer. 'Beer', thought Calion to himself. The blacksmith had told him about this drink, though he named it ale, yet he had said the two names were used for the same thing. Calion was intrigued by this drink, which seemed to be quite popular in both Dale and Erebor, and thought: 'If their beer is as good as their construction skills, it might be worth a try.'

He looked at the young Dwarf, who seemed to have a bit of panic in his eyes. Perhaps he felt uncomfortable with the Elven company, and was unsure of how to treat them properly. In an attempt to assure this humble and polite guide, apparently eager to serve, he said "Thank you, good sir, it would be so kind." Accepting the cup, Calion took a first sip, and felt his throat burn. This would take some getting used to. Of course, he was not planning to insult the Dwarven ways, and politely let show that he did like this liquid example of their culture.

[Eonwë]

Auros:

As their guide took the group deeper into the mountain, Auros could feel the intensity and grim determination emanating from the very walls of the Kingdom Under the Mountain. They would not aid Sauron, and any attempt by the Dark Lord to take this mountain would be met with bloodshed.

Upon reaching the door to the throneroom, the guide offered them a drink before they faced the King. Fainan and Calion accepted, no doubt not realizing the potency of Dwarven beer. Eager to complete his task, Auros politely refused. "I thank you for your hospitality, but I must decline."

After the group had been refreshed, Auros approached the doorwardens to be admitted into King Dain's throneroom.

[Varda]

Fainan:

The Dwarven beer had been horribly sour. Fainan tried not to show her reaction after the first sip or two, but kept watching for a pot plant anywhere in the room. Did these dwarves not believe in any greenery? Oh dear.

"Thank you, but I believe I am unable to complete this drink. You must have a mighty constitution indeed! Is there somewhere I might set it?"

With great relief, she left the stein and followed Auros from the room. She hoped that if they were required to eat together, she would be able to survive the spices! Her first big diplomatic mission could be done in by a meal!

[Shelob]

Estarion:

Estarion trotted the few hours to Erebor in silence, pondering upon what he would see when he arrived. His people had always been watching from afar, and these Dwarves were a ... secretive people. No report about them had ever come back home had been complete, and totally lacking details. Remember the strange illness that befell Haran in Mirkwood, he thought it was best to be on his guard. Yet at the same time, he remembered Haran's prowess and valiance in battle, as well as his merry nature before the illness befell him. Best to approach the situation carefully, but not too carefully, or they might take affront.

The Lonely Mountain grew larger and more ominous as they drew nearer, but as they approached the gate, a small stream greeted them. Always fond of water, he marked this as good, for a cave without water is not good for the spirit.
As they entered, they were greeted by a dwarf, named fráli. Not knowing the Dwarves, Estarion could not really put an age to him, but his eyes and face betrayed him to be young, no wrinkles of age or scars of battles fought.
Estarion studied the Dwarf closely while they made their way into the Mountain, not paying any attention to the stonework around him. Had he looked, he would surely have appreciated it, but his mind was elsewhere.

When they arrived in a hallway before the throneroom, which surely must be it, due to the huge doors in front of him, Estarion for the first time looked about him, still not noticing the architecture, but the Dwarves in the hall. Mostly guards by their weaponry and armor, yet with the same deadly set in their eyes that said that any intruders would not pass without heavy pains.
He heard Fràli offer some refreshments, and seeing both Fainan and Calion drink, he took up a mug and continued his study of the Dwarves assembled there.
Distracted by his intent study of the dwarves, he emptied the mug in one long swig and burst out in coughs.