Scouting Ahead, Part 4: Erebor

[Varda]

Fainan:

Without thinking, Fainan patted the coughing Estarion on the back. "Breathe air, drink liquid. Better now?"

She tried not to wince as she suddenly realized she might have embarrassed the warrior. She smiled and stepped away, trying to let him regain his abused dignity.

[ArPharazon]

Calion:

Looking at the situation unfolding for his eyes, Calion could not help but feel a little amused. Fainan rejecting her beer, Estarion nearly choking in his, perhaps Auros had done the right thing in declining his.

Nonetheless, he drank his own mug completely as they approached the doors. It was indeed a burning taste that he would have to get used to, but it was not a bad drink. Almost growing up at the court of Thranduil, Calion had been subjected to fine wine on various occasions, so he figured he was more than prepared to take on Dwarven drinks as well.

So far, 1 mug had not been affecting him that much, but the taste was starting to get to him, and he considered whether he would ask for the mug Auros had declined. Yet after some consideration he decided not to, since it wasn't proper behavior for the serious business they were on. He should not even have thought it. Perhaps the drink was affecting him more than he had assumed?

[Shelob]

Estarion:

While trying to soothe his throat and stop coughing, Fainan stepped in and patted him on the back. He was glad for her tender help, but as the coughing grew less, his face turned to an unnatural shade of red. He was surprised and a bit sad when Fainan suddenly stepped away again, almost as if afraid she had done something wrong.

When he finally got himself back together, albeit with a face still redder than it should be, he stepped up to her and give her a small pat on the shoulder, showing his thanks. Looking around, he saw the Dwarves staring at him with a strange look in their eyes. Mockery perhaps? Amusement?

This is strong stuff indeed! But for some reason, it tastes good and healthy. I had better be more careful with it, yet I cannot let these Dwarves think I cannot handle their drinks.

With determination he took up yet another mug and took a deep breath. He flashed Fainan a quick couragous smile before he set the mug to his lips and emptied only half of the stuff this time. It went a bit better with only half of the stuff down his throat at once, only coughing for a short time before regaining his composure. His study of the Dwarves revealed some whose beards were slightly moving, yet the rest of them perfectly still. Definitely amusement he thought, as he turned to Fainan with a broad smile and a glint of triumph in his eyes. "Whatever this brew is, it's good!"

[Varda]

Fainan:

At the friendly back pat, Fainan blushed slightly, very glad that the fierce warrior had not minded her action. But then her eyes widened and her mouth opened a little in shock as he downed a full stein! No! What was he thinking! Was he trying to prove that he was powerful? Was this...her fault? She would try to watch out for him and try to make amends, as this could not be good!

With a deep breath, she looked towards Auros. "Should we go in, now? I'm sure we've all had enough refreshment for the moment."

[Finduilas - V]

Fráli:

Fráli watched the Elves each with interest as they tried the beer one after the other and at least with two of them the reaction was no great surprise to him. The tall Elf at the front, who already looked as if he was something better than the rest of the company, declined the cup outright and accepting and expecting the reaction the young dwarf bowed silently.

As far as the Elven woman was concerned, Fràli smiled shyly at her and tried to look away as she spped the beer slowly. Obviously she tried to hide her distaste for it wtih some courtesy, but was all too eager to put away the mug when the leader set down his. The young dwarf cast a quck glance at the Elven woman and smild - was it apologetically? - and answered with a blush that could be interbpreted as embarassment or compliment. Politely he said to her, or rather the whole company, :"I am glad you find some taste in our beer, it is the best you can find on this side of dale, mylords, and not one of the Dalemen has ever regretted trying it."

Approvingly Fràli nodded at the two last members of the company, and it was obvious to the young dwarf, an uprising warrior himself, that they were men at arms, approving obviously not only of the glitter of their swords but more lascive pleasures as well. "You are always welcome to get some more, mylords, but it should be drunk in a more relaxed atmosphere."

The amusement was plainly audible in Fráli 's voice as he jumped to assist the one who burst into a coughing fit after emptying his mug in one big gulp. The young dwarf's eyes held open admiration for this effort, and so he completely failed executing his intention, but luckily the friendly elf-woman was qucker than himself.

Fràli blushed yet again as he handed the empty or half-full mugs to some dwarven servants and ruhed to the door to fulfill his duty.

"Of course, mylords and mylady, please excuse my lackness, I am new to this kind of task," Fráli appologized and opened the door to lead the company into the presence of King Dain.

The young dwarf bowed deeply and announced:" My lord and king Dain, here are the Lords Auros, Estarion, Calion and the Lady Fainan who have taken much time and trouble to come and see you."

with these words and a deep bow he stepped back and tried to make himself invisible during the folowing conversation.

[Eonwë]

Auros:

Auros eyed the others' attempts at the Dwarven brew with some amusement, though he hid it, recalling somewhat similar experiences from his and his comrades' encounters long ago. They were going before a king, however, and such times required a clear head. He only hoped they would not make fools of themselves at a time when the Dwarf king will be focusing his thoughts on the preservation and protection of his realm.

As the door opened and the group drew together to enter, Auros gave one last warning in a soft but firm voice: "Try not to make fools of yourselves!" Then he stepped into the great hall of the King under the Mountain.

Tall was the ceiling and wide the distance between the walls, such that were it not so well lit, one would not guess the size. Stone pillars stood perfectly parallel to eachother, carved with intricate patterns, the work of a skilled craftsman who loved his art. Much work had been done to Erebor since the Battle of Five Armies to repair the damages caused by Smaug, but it seemed to Auros that this hall had seen the most attention. The work here was of great detail, even for Dwarves, and the skill and love of the crafter could be seen in them. If these works were less lovely than the Dwarf works of old, they yet had their own beauty. No doubt Dain himself had had a hand in this, for he was not simply the ruler of Erebor, but as with most Dwarves, a skilled smith; a craft which the Noldo shared. Both the Noldor and Dwarves held the Vala Aulë in reverence, which had led in the past to a greater friendship between their two peoples than between the Dwarves and other Quendi.

Standing at last before Dain's throne, Auros bowed, in all manners showing due respect to the King under the Mountain, and greeted him with the deference one would show a respected and esteemed colleague.

"Hail Dain, King under the Mountain! May your beard grow ever longer!"

The king sat upon his throne, studying each of his guests. He was an old Dwarf, but his mind was still sharp and he was unbowed by age. "Hail to you, travellers from distant lands. You, Master Auros, I know are a Noldo, a messenger and scout from Rivendell, and two of your companions I mark by their dress as woodelves of Mirkwood, but who is this other?"

[Shelob]

Estarion:

With a slight stagger in his walk, Estarion followed Auros into the Throne Room. Just before entering, a last warning from Eonwe not to make fools of themselves, Estarion redoubled his efforts to walk straight and without so much of a hint of the Dwarven brew doing battle with him inside. Fortunately, the brew seemed to addle the brain little and have the greater effect on the body.

After the formal greeting of Auros and King Dain, Estarion stepped forward to answer the King. "Hail King Dain! May your people prosper and find peace! I would like to beg pardon for my less than lordly entrance... Your beer is as fiery and strong as your people." A small silence fell as Estarion once again tried to compose himself again. "But where are my manners? You asked me a question and I should answer. I am Estarion, an Avari as my people are called in these lands. Our people have been under attack since the day they awoke at lake Cuivienen and although we have known times of peace, the minions of Morgoth have never ceased to attempt to eradicate us. But now, we are under such siege that our very existance is threatened."

And then, once again he told his mission in full, only known to Auros and King Thranduil, but now as well to King Dain and his companions. His mission was simple. To scout out and seek deliverance for his people. To find allies where possible and enlist their support for his cause. In the end he concluded and finished: "However, I believe now that the same evil that is sent against my people is also being sent here, although it seems here that evil waits and masses his forces. I firmly believe that if it cannot be stopped here, nor can it be stopped back home. We'll be swallowed in a sea of enemies, like an island resisting the storm. Whether we fall first or last does not matter, if we cannot prevail here, we will fall. With these people here before you, Lord Auros, Lady Fainan and Lord Calion, I believe I have found a way to fulfill my mission. In aiding them, I aid their efforts to stop the evil that assails my people, and with that evil gone, I will have brought deliverance to my people, albeit not in the way my commanders and Lords expected."

As he had finished, he bowed deep again and set a step back, awaiting King Dain's reply.

[Varda]

Fainan:

If the first part of Erebor that they had seen had been awesome, in that cold and permanent way of stone, this was truly a magnificent place. She lightly ran a finger over the edge of a carving on a nearby pillar as they walked, even as she might with a fine leaf, yet this did not commune back. Some elves could hear stone, and she wished she had paid attention to such learning. What might such a marvel as this say?

Fainan watched the warriors lest they require surreptitious aid. Auro was magnificent as always, fortunately for them all! She pulled her lower lip between her teeth as Estarion answered the summons, pleased that he managed himself so well physically. Had he truly intended to tell so much to King Dain in front of them, as he had not earlier breathed a word of his mission in her presence? It seemed fitting, however, and she had not needed to know earlier, perhaps. Was this evil he referred to the same creeping dread attempting to take over the Greenwood? Or was it this other menace that seemed to have crawled out of the ruins of Angband to reinforce it, that had so disturbed her brother?

[Eonwë]

Auros:

Auros winced as Estarion stepped forward and spoke, but King Dain seemed to take no notice of this breach in protocol. Perhaps he takes no offense because the Avar would not know the customs of these lands. Perhaps he had expected it, knowing somehow of the offer of brew outside his throneroom. Or, perhaps he had arranged for the beverage to put his guests at ease, to loosen their tongues so he could more freely gather information from them. Did he mean for all of us to drink the brew, or had he guessed I would decline? Or was it specifically to loosen the tongue of only a few of the party? Had he hoped to learn something he otherwise would not have? Had he...listen to me! I'm showing no more trust than he would be if my thoughts were true.

As Auros listened to Estarion once again tell his tale, he wondered how long it had been since the Avar was last home. Auros wondered if he knew that much of Rhun and Harad were already under Sauron's control via men who served him. Whatever fell creatures may attack the Avar's people, Sauron's influence was spread much further by the hands of Men.


Dain listened to Estarion's tale, showing no hint as to his thoughts. A moment of silence after Estarion finished, and the old Dwarf spoke.
"All the lands of the West are islands in a storm. We but wait for the lightning to fall. The Dark Lord is not concerned with the East, for much of it is already under his control. If your people yet live and thrive despite what foes they face, they are of little consequence to him, and so may go on living and thriving for the time being."
"I say this not to inflame your pride Estarion, messenger from the East, but to solidify your resolve, that if you are to stay in the West and defend these lands, you will know and understand that your enemy, our Enemy, will strike in the West first and hardest. War already rears its ugly head upon the eastern borders of our allies. It will not be long now, for he has been preparing for a long time. If you return home and the West falls, you may yet rally your people and make a last stand that will be remembered for many years, if there is anyone left to remember it. If you remain in these lands, and fight beside those you have chosen to travel with, your path may yet lead to battle and remembrance, but you may never see your own lands again. I deem you know these choices already, so only you can decide your path."
"It seems at least that your travelling companions are well chosen. Recent messengers have been less than welcome. You, Master Auros, may learn more news from me than I from you in this particular instance, and so we will come to your business last." The conversation with Estarion ended abruptly with the declaration to Auros, and it seemed King Dain had said all he wished to say on the matter. Eying the Elves of Mirkwood, saying to neither in particular, "Tell me, what news is there from the Woodland Realm that brings you before me?"

Risking a breach of protocol himself, Auros spoke, "They have come as escort for me through less-than-friendly lands."

"Have they, now," said the Dwarf-King, still studying the Silvans. "A lord and a lady here, and they are but escorts?"

[Varda]

Fainan:

Feeling the pressure of silence after King Dain's question, Fainan answered, "Your Majesty, these kind folk but name me Lady in courtesy. I am a scout for Mirkwood, yet as a scout, have seen something of the evil that concerns us all. Dol Guldur rises ever stronger, until a branch of its darkness seems to have settled into the mountains south of us, recently augmented by greater orc activity from the north. As our party traveled here, my brother near the Halls of our King felt a nearing morgul darkness. He seems to connect it with the reports of increasing activity in the Barrow-downs. Scouts and patrols by your own people seem to have increased. I dearly hope that these are not a sign of the same shadow extending this far as well?"

[Finduilas - V]

Fráli:

Fráli tried to stay at the back, unnoticed by everyone, but as Estarion started to talk he couldn't help coming closer and closer until he bumped into the last member of the Company, who hadn't spoken so far, but still regarded the full mug of beer which had been shunned by Auros with almost a dreamy gaze - the warrior Calion.

"Excuse me, mylord," he tried to whisper, so he did not disturb the report, but it was too late.The eyes of everybody, including King Dain ,suddenly rested on him and Frali turned crimson.

"Appologies, my Lords and Lady," he stuttered, "It was not in my inention to interrupt the report."

[Eonwë]

Dain paused only for a moment as Frali attempted to speak to Calion. Nodding at Frali's apology, he motioned for the young Dwarf to carry out his business and continued his audience.


Auros:

His attention back to those standing before his throne, Dain said, "A scout you may be, but you conduct yourself more eloquently than many who claim such a title by birth, Lady Fainan. Your words are troubling, however. We cannot expect aid from Mirkwood when the hammer falls. Perhaps that is for the best. Your people will have enough to deal with in your own land it seems."

Turning to Auros, the old Dwarf said, "Now, what word is there from Master Elrond? What council would he give to me?"

"Only that which you already know, King Dain," Auros said. "Do not trust the messenger from Mordor. Resist any forces brought against you to the best of your ability. Your warning has reached Bilbo, and he will be safe. There is hope yet, and plans are being made. I have been sent not only as messenger, but also to check for signs of the Enemy's movements. Has the messenger from Mordor returned yet?"

"No, he hasn't."

"Then we are fortunate, and you yet have time to continue preparations for war."

"The messenger from Mordor has not returned, but my scouts to the north tell me the Grey Mountains are stirring. There is trouble in the earth."

At this news, Auros was reminded of the escape in Mirkwood. To the North lay the Northern Wastes, remnants of Angband, the realm of Morgoth Bauglir, to whom Sauron was but a servant. Those creatures were trying to push us north. "Is this the news you spoke of?"

"It is."

The memory of his sleight by whoever commanded those creatures returned to him, fueling a burning anger inside him. He quickly quashed that. There is no time for that, and there are more important considerations.

"I had thought to make my way along the Ered Mithrin, coming within sight of Mount Gundabad, and catch up with others of my people taking that way." A sense of reverence mixed with anguish and rage tinted the atmoshpere of the room as Auros spoke that mountain's name. "It seems now that is not the best path to go, and those of my people who went that way will have to make do without me. You should tell your scouts to the north to be wary of anything unusual. As you have said, all lands are islands, but even an island can be uprooted, if one can get underneath it."

Hearing the Noldo's words, it seemed the Dwarf King had gleaned a deeper meaning from them. "What path then will you take from here?"

"I cannot head further south as I had considered and follow the East-West road, as that would take too long, and I cannot travel Northward." Letting the disdain for his choice show slightly, he gave a soft sigh and said, "I guess I shall have to take the paths through Mirkwood once again."

"Well then, if there is no further business, perhaps your group would appreciate a meal and a night's rest before you make your way back to King Thranduil's halls?"

[ArPharazon]

Calion:

Looking upon the throne-room, he was quite impressed. He realised the beverage could be tricking his eyes, and the hall might not be as spacious as it seemed to him, but still, it would be quite majestic, no matter his influence.

Calion observed the introductions with a smile, as Estarion undoubtedly released more of his story than he intended. When king Dain addressed him and Fainan, he took a step forward because he was standing in the back, and wanted to speak, but he tripped over a small pebble and his speech was cut short. Instead, Fainan said what needed to be said. Hoping to have escaped unnecessary attention with his stumble, he took a step back again, and bumped into the young dwarf who was edging closer and closer.

The dwarf apologized to him in a whisper, but Calion smiled and whispered that it was his fault also. Seeing the eyes of the gathering on him, he bowed apologetically and was pleased to find out the report was not disturbed that much.

Feeling slightly light-headed, he did not relish the thought of going back to Dale and Mirkwood on that very day, and approached Auros, saying that it would be quite impolite to refuse the Dwarven hospitality. 'Besides', Calion thought to himself, 'I'd like to try some more of that beer.'

[Finduilas - V]

Frali:

Frali stepped back quietly and could not help feeling slightly disappointed that these interesting guests were about to disappear from the dwarven halls so soon.
He sighed resignated and was about to lead them out of the audience halls when the eye of King Dain fell upon the young dwarf. His glance rested for a short while upon him and, speaking half to Auros and half to Frali, he said:

"So you venture the cursed path again, Lord Auros, that many have not returned from. However, it is known to me that some of my kindred, indeed of my family as of this youngling " - and he pointed with a short smile to Frali - " have reached Rivendell, that you call Imladris. I am sure they should know of such grievous news as you bring or should need protection on the way back. What is more, the importance of your news will be underlined if one of my family will take it to the people concerned. For this reason, Lord Auros, I would suggest you take this young warrior with you, so he might serve as my messenger. He might prove useful both to you and to me - and indeed to bouth our peoples.."

.

[Varda]

Fainan:

Fainan felt relief rather than the usual delight at the idea of returning home to the Greenwood. Perhaps with all the gloom covering it, she too would soon find herself calling it Mirkwood. They needed every available fighter there as soon as possible. The dark fears coming through the link with her brother worried her, as it was so unlike him. She needed to return home and stop this thing coming from the north. Very little room could be found for her people to fall back once again. The concept of all retreating from their homes in the trees into the dead stone of the king's keep could not be borne. Whatever these great folk had in mind for fighting back this ancient evil of the north would have her bow singing soprano to the whizzing song of their swords. She would take any excuse to return, even if it meant nursemaiding messengers back and forth.