Scouting Ahead, Part 5: Return to Mirkwood

[Eonwë]

Auros:

Once again Auros stood at the sea of trees known as Mirkwood. Once this land was part of a greater forest, but where there were once trees now were plains; the very plains they had crossed coming from the Lonely Mountain.

Shaking the nostalgia from his mind, Auros focused himself on the journey. Since he did not push the horses or the pony to full gallop, he was able to keep the group moving longer during the journey, trotting carefully through the plain's tall grasses up until Anar had fully set. Thus he did not lose as much time as he could've.

Through Mirkwood, over the Misty Mountains, and then not far to Imladris. We are almost there.

"There is not much further to go now. Lady Fainan, you have the lead."

[Varda]

Fainan:

Fainan put two fingers to her mouth and whistled, loudly. Hithceleb objected, of course, jumping to one side and further disturbing the other horses. An answering whistle from perhaps a mile away sounded more like a giant bird, but had that slightly humanoid vocal cording. Recognizing the quick series as being from her brother and that he was being light-heartedly insulting, she whistled back more cheerfully and tunefully, telling their numbers and of being a returning party. A different whistle, probably that rather good-looking border patrol commander, allowed entry and to report to the King's hall.

She looked back at the surprised or annoyed expressions of her companions and grinned. To Auros but loudly enough for all to hear, Fainan translated, "We are welcome to enter without multiple arrow perforations, the way is reasonably safe except for a small group of spiders in the trees slightly off the path that they are clearing, and we are to report our news to the Hall of the King. We are also to pick up more information."

With a cluck to Hithceleb and a nudge of knees for a trot, she brought the other horses' attention back to forward motion rather than whistles. They passed into the welcoming shade of the massive, moss-hung, trees of home.

[arienv]

Frali:

The young dwarf had remained silent during the long ride, even though he had been listening intently as long as he was not busy staying atop his pony which had proved to be more trustworthy than he had anticipated. Still, well-mannered as it was, the beast had sensed the insecurity of his rider and tried stop for grazing numerous times, and Frali had to use all his little skill and strength to keep the pony going and keep up with the Elves great steeds as good as possible.Else the ride had proved very peaceful and almost boring. the young dwarf wondered whether he would see any fighting during this journey. How should he gain honor and experience if he had not the chance to prove himself a worthy guardian and representative of his people?

His face lit up a bit as his eyes fell on Fainan who now whistled like a bird. The answering whistle from the woods told him that it was no bird he was hearing. Frali wondered what kind of people he would find here in the woods - of course he had heard the story of Thorin Oakenshield and his companions and the less than hospitable treatment they had fared.

Frali sighed audibly - he hoped that he would make no fool of himself by being rude or collapsing when getting down from his little steed due to stiff muscles. Now he was here , at the edge of Mirkwood, a place of dark rumors and violence by all accounts .. where would this stop lead to? Would the journey continue peacefully? Frali could not answer the questions that ran through his young mind , but he had to admit that he was grateful for a break in the ride.

[Eonwë]

Auros:

Arriving once again at Thranduil's doorstep, Auros leapt from Sulenar and released the horse to the stablehands, giving no thought to his pack for the moment. His most immediate interest was what new information had been obtained by the king of Mirkwood, and of the condition of the path west.

Auros stood, right hand resting on his swordhilt, as he waited for the others to dismount. He had returned his knife to his pack along the journey, deciding his arm was sufficiently healed. His hand had borne no bandage since Dale.

As he waited, his thoughts turned to those scouts taking the northern pass near Mount Gundabad. He turned to face the northwest, as if he sought to traverse the many miles between them with his eyes. They have at least two days on me. They should reach Imladris before I do, if they have travelled as hard as I have. Still, I cannot shake this feeling...

[Varda]

Fainan:

Fainan slid from Hithceleb and whispered softly for the mare to go enjoy the good feed at the stable, to strengthen her for what could be a long journey together. The dappled gray snorted, in challenge to find a trip that her sure hooves might find difficult. Fainan hoped that the suggestion would not be met.

Turning smoothly as Hithceleb left to dance ahead of the stablehands, Fainan aided Frali from the pony. "Sure it is that you have no need of help, noble Frali, but I did wish to admire your pony up close once more." She whispered lightly to the pony that seemed nervous in the unknown place, and let the little one know of the love these elves had for all such good beasts. Well-deserved comfort awaited during the short time of rest before Frali would call again.

A tall elf caught her around the waist and spun her in a circle, laughing. "About time you arrived, aftercomer! My patrol beat yours into the gates!"

"Yours was closer," she said, grinning back. Once her feet found grass, she hugged him back. She left one arm around his waist and turned him towards Auros and the others. "This is my wayward brother, Taurdirn."

Taurdirn pulled slightly away to place his fist over his heart and then swing his arm to one side in salute. "'tis good to see you well! Be wary on your return to Rivendell. The ancient evil rises as the Nazgul seem to have called for aid while they are abroad."

Another warrior called to Fainan's brother. "Taurdin, come away! Such rumors should not be laid in the ears of travelers. Be about your duties."

"I must take leave of you, sadly, but is there ought I might do for you?"

"There is one thing," Fainan said, and took him to one side. She handed him the marvelous dagger gifted by Auros and whispered to him. He drew it to admire the worksmanship and resheathed it in the quickly built bit of leather she had earier made. Fainan said, just loud enough to be heard, "And see that the work is done right away. We may have to leave quickly and I would not be parted from it."

The beeches within the gates seemed overfull of flets, even as the stablehands and other workers were too numerous. All too many elves remained within the safety of the King's walls.

[arienv]

Frali:

Frali gladly accepted Fainans help as he climbed stiff legged from his pony and a sigh of relief slipped from his mouth as his feet touched the ground. "Thank you, my lady, " Frali bowed clumsily to her to underline his words. With polite words he handed the mount to the stable hands who led it away to his well earned rest and food.

Frali turned towards Fainan who exchanged greetings with a male elf, and the way they treated each other told the young dwarf that it must be a close relative. Slightly smiling he followed the Elves towards the entrance of the palace area - at least he tried to smile. The young dwarf found that every step hurt him a lot more than he cared to admit and it cost him quite a bit strength of will not to show the pain in his features .

As he came closer to Fainan and her companion he could not help overhearing what the male elf was telling her. Frali felt a mixture of fear and anticipation of the journey ahead ruinning through him as he thought about the continuation. Would they have to face one of these shades of terrors? How would he pass such a confrontation and how did you fight these beings , if one had the courage to fight them at all?

Or would there be just orcs and spiders? Those he could kill without any problems - Frali had practise enough of that, young though he might be for a dwarf. He had his fair share of kills of these inhabitants of Mirkwood and wielded his axe quite skillfully.
the young warrior's face lit slightly up with pride as he thought about the kills he had already achieved.

The pain in Frali's legs forced him back into reality as a low moan escaped his lips, as he followed his companions deeper into the palace.

[ArPharazon]

Calaron:

Some time before the morning dawned, most Orcs had moved away from the battlefield and dispersed in the woods. The flets were burned, and so were the corpses of the slain, both Elf and Orc. The smoke rose high, a reminder of the tragedy that had taken place.

In a clearing there lay an Elven commander, with a strange ring on his hand, clearly one of power but far below the Great 20. He had not worn the ring during battle, or put it on before he fell, but putting it on his finger from a small pocket during his sleep was the only physical action the Orcs had observed. For a small group of the creatures had surrounded the Elf and now gazed upon him suspiciously, for some reason resisting the urge to put a blade to the flesh and end his suffering. For while he looked fast asleep, Calaron's head was in turmoil.

He lay in terrible nightmares, as the dark spirit in his head sought to meld with and control his own fëa. He had conversed with the spirit, asking it many questions, but losing secrets and resistance of his own. It was strong-willed, and trained in the sorcery (or so some would call it) of Sauron as one of his old servants, trained to subdue minds under its own domination, take over their bodies, and thus extend its own life.

It told Calaron that it had planned to take over a noble Elf for quite some time, to bring chaos to the woodland realm, and sow discord between the Elves and their allies. And now its time had come, for it had planted the ring before him when Calaron was busy in the Northlands, though he had no memory of picking it up. But there the small thing had been, buried deep in his pocket, creating a link for the old sorcerer to complete the plan.

With some strength left Calaron defied the spirit, claiming his body as his own and seeking to leave the ring behind, but it had already gained too much control and instead forced it on his finger, thereby sealing the conquest. But it probed Calaron's fëa deeply, seeking some way to break his will completely. The stronger he resisted, the deeper it reached, ultimately finding a weak point. "A girl" it said. "It's always a girl."

Calaron opened his eyes, but it was not Calaron. The spirit, the sorcerer, was in control now, and its mind was set to its next goal. Asserting its control to the nearby Orcs, the group set off to the East, where Calaron mounted a large wolf and started his journey to the woodland realm.

---

Over one and a half day had passed when the young Elf reached the halls of Thranduil. He had knowledge of much of the outer defenses, dismounting well before the first ones were due, and tried avoiding patrols. The net of scouts was hard to penetrate unseen, though, and whenever he met a patrol he mumbled something about a message to the King, before making his way further. Just after his brother's party had arrived, he stumbled upon the stables, espying Elmirë from a few bushes, aiming his bow with deadly accuracy. Killing the girl, the secret and unrealized love, would surely break the fëa's will forever, for it was a deed and tragedy few Elves and humans would ever recover from.

But the Calaron inside was not about to let that happen, and with a great effort he fought to wrest control of his own body and prevent the event. The bow wavered, the arrow shook, and he cried out in agony. Elmirë turned around, saw his face through the bushes, and the arrow released. She fell to the ground with her own cry, struck though not with such accuracy as the sorcerer had hoped. Quickly he made his way out of the area before any guards showed up, and hurried back to the place where he had left his wolf and escort. The action had had its desired effect, Calaron was defeated, and full control was now his. He had to hurry for the next phase of the plan, and rode West swiftly.

---

The cries were heard even in the Halls themselves, and Calion jumped up. He had recognized both voices.

[Eonwë]

Auros:

Turning his attention back to his own situation, Auros returned the salute given by Fainan's brother.

What could the Nazgul have stirred before they were unhorsed?

As Fainan's brother was called away, Auros walked toward the doors leading inside.

***
Auros sat in council, listening to the reports from scouts and messengers sent from the western borders of Mirkwood. So far, nothing had caught his interest. Suddenly, screams were heard ringing through the halls. Jumping from his seat, Auros ran to the door, hand on his swordhilt. He threw open the door to see guards running past. Some of those within the council chamber followed him as he joined the guards.

When he arrived at the scene of the commotion, he found a woman was being tended to, apparently the source of one of the screams. She had been wounded, but not fatally. Auros could not see the source of the other scream, however. Surveying the area, he looked for evidence of an intruder.

No tracks are in the clearing, and it was an arrow wound, so the attack could've come from nearby brush.

Auros returned to the injured woman and began to gather information from the earliest to arrive.

[Varda]

Fainan:

Fainan wanted to immediately investigate the scream and to watch over their impulsive Noldo guest, but looked to King Thranduil first for permission. He gave it with a quick wave of his hand. The small group of fighters quickly located the disturbance and found Auros listening to distressed elves with their garbled comments.

Recognizing the injured elleth as she was raised on a cloth litter, Fainan put a hand over her own mouth in horror. Once composed, she whispered to Calion, "Isn't that your brother Calaron's sweetheart?"

He nodded in dismay.

Their conversation was interrupted as a ranking officer called to the patrol leader who had first come upon the scene. "Report to the Council chamber, now."

Fainan returned, not sure if Calion had joined them in the press of elves returning to the king. She would listen and tell him whatever transpired if he had slipped away to aid his intended sister-in-law.

Little enough was known of the attack. Someone had shot an arrow at the young elleth, perhaps a target of opportunity. Some said the figure might have been elf-like, but no elf would kinslay, especially in such times, so it might have been a human. A patrol was added to the groups already searching, with the added information that they probably hunted a human.

At last the report came that Fainan had most wished to hear. "After we learned of the strange movements of the enemy, a party checked towards the mountains northwest of here and overheard a group of orcs and humans. They were grumbling that the Witch-king had sent orders to his old minions, long-hidden deep in their old haunts of Angmar, to come out with morgul-knowledge and add to the horrors in Mirkwood. The woods were to be retaken by strange morgul-works that would include a fear and a slow lethalness into the creeping darkness. These would be controlled from a deepset Angmarin ruin by an artifact to which they referred to as what translates to 'the crooked staff', and in ancient times was called "the staff of unlight". A dwarf's understanding of stonework and deep places may be of great service."

Thranduil sat back in his carved throne, looking out across pillars carved in honor of the trees and of ancient Menegroth. "We shall watch more closely for this new enemy and his special attacks now that we know the source. Also, we must send folk to infiltrate the depths of the Angmarin ruins to find the controlling staff. These people must be good with going underground and with stealth."

He looked straight at Auros. "Will you and your party aid against this threat, even if only by sending word to Lord Elrond?"

[arienv]

Frali:

Frali's thoughts were interrupted by the sudden scream of a woman and the following hubbub. Instinctively the young dwarf grabbed his axe and jumped in a battleready situation.

Suspiciously he glanced around and was ready for an invasion force of orcs to rush into the hall. But nothing of that did happen . All he could see that a figure was lifted on a cloth litter and carried away.

Since he didn't know what would happen next, Frali stayed where he was, his axe still in his hand, ready to be used

As the excitement settled down and Thranduil asked Auros whether they could pass on the message of the attack and the threat connected to it to Master Elrond in Imladris, Frali silently nodded his agreement and thought to himself. *Maybe this will get us on the way all for the faster now .. it is getting time.*

[Eonwë]

Auros:

The Noldo stood, the epitome of Noldorin dignity, as Thranduil gave forth these newest revelations. He had naturally fallen into a soldier's stance: apparently at rest, but poised to act.

"As I have said before, your highness, I have my mission, and I may not stray from it, even were I wont to," Auros said. "I will take any messages you wish to send to Lord Elrond, but I can do no more."

"However, I will not burden you to provide protection through your realm, seeing as danger comes even to your doorstep, and you have better tasks for your soldiers than to guide a scout and messenger upon a path laid clearly before his feet. The Dwarf and I shall leave at first light tomorrow morning, and make all possible haste out of this Mirkwood. There is now too little of daylight left for travel, or we would set out immediately."

Giving a slight bow, Auros added "By your leave, your highness, I wish to retire and consider how these latest events will affect the remainder of my journey."

[ArPharazon]

Calion:

He jumped up when the cries came. Several thoughts immediately raced through his head, and continued to do so as he joined the group going outside. What was his brother doing back here, wasn't he away to the west of Mirkwood? Was he in pain? And Elmirë? What had happened out there, was there an attack? He cleared his head and watched.

The girl was carried in past him, lying on cloth. There was an arrow in her shoulder, partially broken to make her easier to move. Specialists would look after her inside, and the wound did not seem terminal. This observation did nothing to stop the rage building inside him, though. So close to home! How had the enemy gotten past the patrols? And what had happened to his brother whom he was sure he'd recognized by voice? He clenched his fists and tried to calm himself. It would not do to give in to anger in this company. When Fainan whispered him "Isn't that your brother Calaron's sweetheart?" he could not do else but nod sadly.

'Sweetheart', Calion thought. It was nothing official, but even those Elves who had their home outwards and only came occasionally to the Halls could see it. The way they talked to each other, looked at each other, kind of dancing around each other in the social complexities of the world... but what had they been doing together now? Had he come to her aid, and if so, why was he the first to cry out? Was she part of the reason he had come back? And for the first time since the incident the thought entered his head: 'What does this have to do with my dream at Erebor? What happened to him out there?' Calion was sure he'd felt an evil presence...

Something clicked in his mind, and he took one last look at Elmirë. Or rather, what stuck in her shoulder. The shaft was clearly of Elvish craft. Had the Orcs raided an Elvish supply location? Or was there more going on here? Trusting his instinct, he walked to an Elf who had helped raise her on the cloth litter and had stayed behind. "What of the rest of the arrow you broke off?" he said rather softly. Do you still have the fletchings?" The Elf looked at him, and hesitated, fingering something in his hand. "Speak up if it concerns the safety of these Halls!" Slightly trembling, the Elf handed him the other end of the arrow. The fletchings bore the small mark of the house of Pharion. An added mark showed the strange truth: It had belonged to Calaron.

Thrusting the remains of the arrow back in the other Elf's hand, he stepped back into Thranduil's Hall, and listened to what was said. A humanoid figure, able to dodge the patrols, and using Calaron's arrows. It sounded strange to him. But Calion needed more proof before he could put his thoughts in line, for obviously a Mirkwood Elf would not kinslay? Perhaps he was defeated, and his arrows borne off? But why was his cry heard *here*?

But it would have to wait, and he knew that the matter was best left to the defenders and patrols. There was not much he could do in any case, even if they'd let him when his family was concerned, and his task still lay with defending Mirkwood and, for now, escorting Rivendell's messenger.

After hearing the report about Angmar and Auros' speech to the King, Calion stood up. He asked for permission to speak, excused himself to the court standing there, and said that he would, with the King's leave, still accompany Auros to the western edge of Mirkwood and perhaps beyond. "The forest seems to grow more dangerous with each passing day, and I would not abandon my task of guarding him through our territory in this hour. My connection with the creatures of the forest is well-known here, and you know that my part in the defense of Mirkwood is better out there than near the Halls." He added to himself in silence that if there were answers concerning his brother to the west, or even at Angmar, he would find them faster this way. And he swore to do so under his breath.

[Varda]

Fainan:

"By your leave, Your Majesty, I would like to continue to guard Lord Auros if he allows it. As we travel through Mirkwood, we can investigate the happenings there. Once Lord Auros is safely returned to Rivendell, I would like to continue on to investigate this strangeness in the ruins of Angmar and report back to you."

[Eonwë]

Auros:

After taking his leave of the council, Auros sought a quiet place to collect his thoughts, and finally as the evening sun fell below the distant horizon, he found a small clearing near the bank of the river. Drawing his sword, he began to go through the forms as he considered the day's tidings. He needed no practice, only exercise. After this long and as many times as he'd been called to draw his sword, he knew these forms by heart, and glided smoothly from one to the next.

Something is unsettling about the assult suffered by the nis today. An orc penetrating this far into Thranduil's realm without being spotted is hard to believe. The scouts and soldiers of Mirkwood are not blind. It was not one of the great rings, and it was not one of the Ulairi. Whatever came to Thranduil's doorstep did so through knowledge. It, or perhaps they, though multiple intruders could've certainly been spotted, knew how to get this far, how to avoid the defenses, or detection in bypassing them at least. If this foe knows that much, the roads through Mirkwood are even less safe, and yet are still the quickest way for a horse to get through. I can't leave Sulenar here and proceed by foot only to once again require a horse beyond the forest's edge.

More importantly though, with such an obvious advantage, why did the enemy not press the attack? Why settle for a wounded maiden?

[arienv]

Frali:

Frali felt awkward in the halls of the elven king, especially now in this unsettled situation caused by the assault on the elf maiden, about which he had his own thoughts.

Such an attack must have been either been executed by a master of stealth that would escape the sharp eyes of the elves or indeed an "inside job"... , an intruder in the palace, an agent of evil. But this would include the possibility that an elf fired the arrow on one of his own which seemed very unlikely to the dwarf, but it was a possibility.

As the strange thought occurred to him the immensity of it struck him and so he kept his mouth shut about his musings .. even if the Elves would have considered this trail of thought, they wouldnt react too positive to him as the one who brought it up.

When his erstwhile companions started talking about continuing the journey, Fral' s face lit up and, turning to the Elven King, he said shyly to Thrandruil: "If you allow, Sire, I will continue the journey in whatever company you see fit to honor me with. I do not wish to withdraw any further forces from the palace but a journey to Rivendell alone is impossible for me, so it lends it self that i will offer my axe to Lord Auros if he is willing to accept it."