Scouting Ahead, Part 5: Return to Mirkwood

[Eonwë]

Auros:

Fastening the finished blade into the knifehilt, Auros looked up to see Fainan walk up to the smithy. On one side of the hilt, Auros had etched an anvil. On the other, Valacirca, the Sickle of the Valar, or Durin's Crown to the Dwarves. The blade itself was plain, large enough for close combat, straight with a single edge, save the tip which was slightly curved with a false edge along the back. He then inspected the knife closely, particularly where the blade and hilt were joined. After a few tests, he was satisfied the blade would hold. He twirled and spun the knife in his hands. Well balanced. Choosing a sheath from those arrayed nearby, he slid the knife in, and his work was complete.
Rising from his stool, he began to lay the knife on the table with the others, and hesitated. Drawing his hand and the knife back from the table, he walked for the entrance.

Fainan was at the hall waiting for him. "My lord," she began, "there is a problem back home. I have felt my brother's concern. He has tried to give more detail, but it is difficult. He links the great dread in Dol Guldur with a connected, growing one in the area that was once Angmar, now ruins. The Greenwood is in danger, and I ask that we speed our departure and return to the forest soon. You know now that this route is perilous, the reason for your scouting. I would be willing to escort you safely through the Greenwood, and perhaps we can see more of what has changed since last we passed?"

Hmm, morning already.

"Yes," he said, "Have everyone meet at the gates in half an hour. We make best possible speed for Mirkwood." Before turning to another hallway to gather his equipment from his quarters, Auros held the knife out to Fainan. "When riding into danger, an extra weapon is always welcome."

[Varda]

Fainan:

"Ohh! How beautiful! I shall use and treasure this. If I may?" She pulled a leather scrap from her pouch and used the knife to cut it, then an awl and leather lace from the same pouch to fasten it. "It deserves better later, but this will let it ride my belt for now."

In a wonderful mood, she left to gather the others, while trying to figure a way to pay Auros back for this great gift.

[Eonwë]

Auros:

Retrieving his gear from the room he had been given to rest the night, he walked to the stables. The kingdom was awake and about its business already. Little time was wasted in Erebor during times like these, when war could begin at any moment, the advancing army could be spotted at any time. The Dwarves had scouts, certainly, but their first warning would probably be return of scouts from Dale.

Auros walked into the stables the epitome of Noldorin dignity. He showed no signs of weariness from his night at the anvil, nor did he feel any. He had become accustomed to working such hours, but moreover smithing was to him as much a respite from labor as walking through the gardens of Imladris.

Patting Sulenar gently, he prepared the horse for the journey.

[Varda]

Fainan:

Delighted with the scent of hay, horse, and wood overlaying the omnipresent cold rock of the dwarven abode, Fainan smiled. Hithceleb nickered a greeting, immediately guiding Fainan the right way in the long area. Auros already was present, caring for his horse. Noldor had that love of good creatures inside them too, and the dignity he showed made her feel a bit young and admiring of him. Surreptitiously, she scraped her boot soles in the hay to make sure no organic remains yet clung there.

"Hail, Lord Auros! The others are gathering even now, and should be with us soon. How is Sulenar?"

She continued to the next stall as she spoke, opening the gate slowly in case it squeaked, which she was pleased to see that it did not. The dwarves were rough in many ways, but their craftsmanship held no fault.

Hithceleb's soft nose nuzzled her shoulder, trying to rush the offering of the apple treat. Fainan gave it to her and rubbed the whorls of hair in the "star of Earendil" on the wide forehead. As the mare munched happily, her mane flowed across Fainan's long hair, blending with it for a moment.

[Eonwë]

Auros:

Looking at Sulenar, it appeared the horse was as ready to be about their business as Auros. Sulenar had had plenty of rest, and now wanted exercise.

"Ready for the return journey," Auros answered.

[Eonwë]

Auros:

The half hour Auros had set for their departure had come and gone, and the others had not yet shown. Sulenar was eager to begin, held in place only by the pride and dignity he felt from Auros. The Noldo gritted his teeth, growing more impatient by the minute. Now more than ever on this journey, he had no desire for delay.

[ArPharazon]

Calion:

After his rude awakening he had tried to get some sleep again, but without success. As a result he got up early to finish what business he had. And so, before the break of dawn, Quessëlómë and her rider rode at full speed south towards Dale, hoping to find the blacksmith already awake, and wishing to check on his progress. Once the party left Erebor there would be no chance of returning to the town, and Calion thought he would make use of the remainder of the night to see the smith, knowing full well that the skilled craftsmen of war got up early in these troubling days, for they had many orders to fulfill. Perhaps he could even see the smith in action, learn some secrets of the trade from observation, and assist in the boomagger-design.

Calion knew Auros would not appreciate his departure, but he was sure he would make it back with plenty of time to spare before Auros had planned to leave. Besides, the night had left him with a cloud on his mind, and a swift ride over the plains was always great for clearing his head. He had made sure to have no more business in Erebor, and would need no further preparation after his return to the mountain. Maybe the party wouldn't even notice he had gone, despite a note he had left in front of Fainan's room, the room nearest to his, including a request not to alarm Auros if he was a little late, but say he was preparing to depart. Calion did not want Auros or the rest to worry needlessly.

Entering the town, he had no trouble convincing the guards of his good will, for they had seen him the day before, and swiftly arrived at the blacksmith. The man was indeed awake, it seemed, but not busy with his craft, but talking to some guards outside. Seeing Calion approach he left the guards to their business, and prepared to bring the bad news.

There had been a theft. Eager to play with the boomagger-design, the blacksmith had spent most of the night working on them, finishing three already, and the other three being partially done. But he dozed off for some time, tired by the hard work, and during this time a thief had broken into the smithy, and stolen several of his finest pieces, including the finished boomaggers. The smith had been startled by a sound the thief made, and woke up to see a figure running through the door. He had given chase and alerted nearby guards, but they had not been able to catch him yet, and were afraid he had escaped.

Displeased by this turn of events, Calion helped with the search for a while, but after some time no considerable progress had been made, and he looked to the north with a frown. The rest of the party would be preparing to depart soon, and he would most likely be late, though he did not know the exact time Auros wished to go. Wishing the smith good luck with the search, not blaming him for the theft and hoping that he would still finish the other 3 daggers to send them after him, he rode off to Erebor in even greater haste than he had come the other way. Still, he couldn't help being late, and when he arrived he found Auros standing alone, waiting impatiently. Part of him was relieved when he saw the rest had not yet shown up either, but he knew better than to show this to Auros. Slowly dismounting, he put up an air of dignity and approached Auros with Quessëlómë at his side, hailing him with a smile, and taking place beside him as if he had been right on time.

[Varda]

Fainan:

With Hithceleb ready to go outside the stone confinement as much as she was, Fainan swung open the stall door with a light slap on the powerful neck to give direction. The horse started down the long walkway towards Auros with an anticipatory glance back at her.

With a laugh, Fainan ran towards the horse and leaped over the swishing tail, placing both hands on top of the hindquarters to vault onto the back. She slid forward next to the neck, placing her weight more nearly over the withers than so much on the back. As they reached Auros, Fainan had already opened a belt pouch. From it, she passed a note to the Noldo. She did not have to lean far, as the Noldo was quite tall.

"From Calion", she said, as he took it. "Hithceleb and I will be outside the gates off the road, seeing to the shortening of the local grass. We will remain within easy sight of the guards, and the others said they may join me there. We will be ready to chase after you as soon as you take to the road. I do not wish to remain within the stone any longer, so please forgive me."

Hithceleb reared unnecessarily as she made her turn towards the stable door, and Fainan suspected the mare was showing off for Sulenar. "Behave!" Fainan whispered as they cantered towards freedom. Ears swiveled towards her voice, but the mare's lively gait and head toss suggested a total lack of repentance.

[arienv]

Frali:

Frali thought that King Dain had been joking when he had pointed to the young Dwarf and mentioned that a messenger was needed but the serious expression in the ruler's face and himself being pulled gently away by his old mentor Nari convinced him of the reality.

"Come, lad , I help ye get ready," the warrior said.

Being as good as his word, Nari made Frali get a large travelbag that could be rolled into an amazing small pack when it was not too full and started picking armor and weapons for the his young protegee to take along. There was a sturdy and solid looking mail coat, a heavy war axe with a sharp blade, a long knife in a sheath and the suitable legwear to go with it.

But there were also lighter travel clothes and blankets, intended for the time of rest and camp building such as there were on the road.

Quickly the two dwarves stuffed all items in the bag except for the mail coat , the shield and the weapons which Frali would wear openly during the ride. Since they were entering dangerous territorry the company would have to be ready to fight at any time and weapons were necessary to be close at hand.

Quicker than one would have thought possible everything was packed and the two dwarves on their way out to the stables - Nari carrying the bag which he strapped behind the saddle of the sturdy brown pony that had been prepared for Frali as mount.

Frali looked at the robust animal with definite unease. "Do I really have to ride that, Nari? I ' d rather run all the miles to Rivendell through the middle of Mirkwood and swim the length of the Lake and if i had to fight a whole army of orcs .."

Nari frowned :" You won' t have any choice, lad, the elves have fast horses and there is no way you can keep up with them on foot. You are to be part of their company and an additional guardsman for them , Frali. Don't forget that l, and - " he hesitated a short moment " After all you are a representative of our people and an official royal messenger, so you cannot walk alone for that reason."

Frali pondered the words of his old friend and sighed finally. "I guess you are right, then I will have to sit on this .. beast."

Carefully he stepped at the pony' s side , tried to pat his neck and take the reins, but the beast , feeling the insecurity of his future rider laid back its ears and snapped at him.

"Dont let him get away with this, " Nari warned , "else he will make your trip less than pleasant for you."

Frali pulled himself together , cuffed the pony between the ears and grabbed the reins very tightly and short. "You, " he said to the pony, "you and I will go an awfully long way and we better get used to each other, whether this is to our liking or not, so better behave."

With that he led the pony outside the dwarfish fortress towards the spot where Fainan was waiting.

Frali smiled shyly at her and said in what he hoped was a self - confident voice: "I am ready."

[Varda]

Fainan:

"Excellent, Frali! Would you like to graze your pony here while we wait for the rest of the party? Auros will let us know when we can go."

[arienv]

Frali:

The young dwarf nodded and pulled the reins over the ponie's heads to give him a free head. The animal gave him a puzzled look as if he could not understand this freedom now , but then swished his tale and started to busy himself with the grass.

[Varda]

Fainan:

Fainan untied a few pouches from her belt and laid out the contents "for a last check". This might help Frali remember if he had left anything out. One pouch held a change of clothing, the compact cloth losing its fold wrinkles within a minute of being released. Another pouch contained a repair and maintenance kit for her bow and arrows. Her "possibles" such as soap, hairbrush, and frayed wooden toothbrush were in another belt pouch. Hithlain rope seemed to be a small loop of decoration on her belt. She shook out her cloak that doubled for a sleeping bag, if she should need more than reverie. Then she double-checked her bowstring and bow, lightly oiling the wood and sinew, then adding a bit more resin to the "string" made of her own golden-brown hair. All was back in place within less than five minutes of removal.

[Eonwë]

Auros:

Auros sat upon Sulenar, glaring angrily as he watched Calion ride up from Dale. As Calion nonchalantly took a spot at his side, Auros said "It is about time you decided to grace us with your presence." He motioned to the rest of the group already gathered not far off in the grass. "Your little excursion to Dale better not have tired your horse too much to ride as far as I expect to ride today. We have already lost precious daylight."

Finally allowed by Auros to move, Auros not waiting for any sort of response from Calion, Sulenar lept forward until he came to the rest of the party. Auros let the horse take two more steps before turning him to face the others. "This group has been lax in gathering this morning. Erebor was not the end of our journey. It is not the end of my journey. I made it clear when we left Mirkwood that speed was of utmost importance. We will not be late in gathering again."

Turning Sulenar away from the group, he said, "Mount up. It is time to go."

With everyone mounted, Auros spoke again. "We have lost time. We will have to make it up. You have had yesterday for you and your horses to recuperate from our long ride here." Turning to look at Calion, he said, " I hope you all have used that time wisely."

Auros took a moment to inspect the group, ensuring they were prepared, particularly their newest addition. Aside from the look of discomfort at riding a pony on the face of the young Dwarf, though, Auros was sufficiently satisfied that he was prepared.

One last time he addressed the party before beginning the ride. "Have your weapons at the ready. We do not know what we may have left behind as we rode from Mirkwood's borders." Finally he gave the order to ride, and Sulenar sprang towards the west.

Long they rode, Auros leading the group as fast as he would let Sulenar go. He kept an eye on the Dwarf's pony, making sure that he was never more than a couple of feet behind the other horses. The pony had good endurance; the Dwarves would've been sure of that. However, a pony would not last long keeping up with horses at full gallop. Auros had nothing against the Dwarf who had joined them. The pony was slowing Auros down, plain and simple. Auros could tell this Dwarf had seen little if any battle, however well-trained he may be. Auros understood the logistics, of course. Dain did not have many seasoned soldiers to spare if he expected to put up a fight when Sauron strikes, and Auros' group was full of warriors with at least some experience in battle. Had it been anyone other than Dain who asked, however, Auros might've refused. Auros had great respect for the old Dwarf, and he had a foreboding that, unless his path led him soon back to Erebor, their paths would not cross in Middle-Earth again.

Due to the passing day and the hard ride, eventually the group emerged from the shadow of Erebor. Auros called the group to a halt and turned Sulenar back to face the Lonely Mountain. Anar shone brightly above the mountain, crowning its peak with a radiant glow reflected from the snow. As Auros looked upon this, he thought back for a moment to Erebor in its full glory, before the dragon Smaug came.

Trotting Sulenar to come up beside Fainan, he still looked upon Erebor. "Do you see now that there is hope, Lady Fainan?" he said quietly. "Erebor and Dale will be attacked for refusing to join with Sauron, but they will hold their ground through whatever He sends, lessening the attack on your own woods. Imagine if Smaug still held Erebor. We are divided and outnumbered, but the Enemy must also divide his strength. Against his full might we would not last, but he cannot give other realms longer to prepare so that he can destroy us piecemeal. Many who live in Erebor have fought in brutal battles, many in the Battle of Five Armies, and some in the War of the Dwarves and Orcs before that. They have fought in the deep places of the world. It will not be a simple matter for Sauron to take Erebor."

Let us hope that his arrogance causes him to divide his strength.

Turning Sulenar back towards Mirkwood, Auros called the group to a gallop once again.

[ArPharazon]

Calion:

Knowing that continuing any argument with Auros would do him no good, Calion let his comments pass as he accompanied him to the group and all departed to the west, back to Mirkwood. Looking back at the pony, he wondered how long the small creature would be able to keep up at this speed.

He knew Auros worried about whether Quessëlómë would be able to maintain full gallop after the trip to Dale, but Calion didn't. The horse was well-trained and used to long and fast journeys through all of Mirkwood, and she did not exhaust quickly, especially on the plains, where there were no trees, roots, or fallen branches in the way. The sun they were not used to for the shadows in Mirkwood were everywhere, but for now they still rode in Erebor's shadow, and even outside that shadow the sun did not shine too brightly in this time of year.

Auros had ordered weapons ready, and keeping to the reins with one hand he fumbled rather idly with one of his daggers in the other, while thinking of what happened in the early morning. Thefts and other bad incidents in otherwise peaceful towns disappointed Calion, who was raised in a society with little crime, and he wondered what it was all for, because evil would always show up in the little places no matter how much you tried to stop it on a global scene.

After leaving the shadow of Erebor they halted and turned around, and Calion realised what it was indeed all for. Glorious kingdoms and societies, peaceful towns and their citizens, proud defenders fighting for their preservation, independence, freedom. Freedom to shake up little peaceful towns with petty thefts and get away with it, he added in thought, and smiled.

[Varda]

Fainan:

Fainan forebore to joke and sing during the first part of the ride as she feared Auros' understandably serious mood would not tolerate it. She watched Frali's pony, concerned that the ride might overtax it, but the sturdy animal exhibited marvelous stamina and sure-footedness as well as carrying a very light load. It did slow them somewhat, but so would her carrying Frali as a double load, and the dwarf simply would not fit on a full-sized horse.

Frali, however, was going to need some horse liniment on himself after such a long, hard ride, as he had probably not done much traveling of this sort. She smiled, holding back a giggle, remembering her own first long journeys as an elfling, and, along with the soreness, how her legs wanted to stay out in a U-shape; the grace expected of an elleth had quite deserted her!

Auros spoke privately to her, telling her of hope in Middle-earth. This seemed so foreign. Her life had been one of watching encroaching darkness from a horror that grew even greater after each time it had been beaten back, until the elves were forced into a north-eastern corner of their once great forest. They even had to use a cave for their hiding place of last resort whenever the intelligent spiders and orcs were extra-nasty. One took one's joy by seeing the pleasure of the moment and the surety that after leaving the Halls of Mandos, they could tend and enjoy the unmarred forests of Yavanna in Valinor, surely much like Greenwood the Great in its prime.

She looked again towards little Frali. The protection of the elves was supposed to lie in those small hands, and the hands of humans who lived the span of time of fireflies? The trade with these people that Thranduil had fostered against internal opposition made yet more sense now. No wonder he had required them to aid the people of the northern pass after they had killed Smaug. They... had killed the great dragon! Auros could be right.

Now nothing stopped the song, songs of hope and of forests regrown. New hope fed a deep happiness stronger than the delicate effervescence she had always felt. Hithceleb, one of the most rested horses, caught her mood and stepped lively, tossing her mane for no reason.