Scouting Ahead, Part 5: Return to Mirkwood

[Shelob]

Estarion:

The second sparring match was much more to Estarion's liking, the pace Auros set still faster than he was used to, but increasing it just slowly to allow Estarion to keep up. He still lost to Auros, but felt pride at him praising him and silently vowed to himself to learn as fast as possible from Auros' teachings.

Estarion quickly thanked Auros for the help as Fralí entered the clearing and Auros started towards him. Not long after, a beautiful and well-kempt Elf followed, with Fainan dropping out of a tree but moments later.
Unsure what to do, Estarion followed Auros a short distance away and looked at Fainan in a manner he hoped conveyed to ask her permission to join them.

[Varda]

Fainan:

Fainan said, "Suilad, Estarion! Well-played! I could not have done so well against Auros, most likely ending with a dirt-nap." Noticing that the Avar had seemed uncertain of his welcome, she tried to convey her cheer at seeing his return with her expression. She might not have the glamor of Meren, but at least she could claim vivacity. Between them, surely they could make Estarion feel willing to approach.

[Indis]

Meren

Meren gave a slight bow to Estarion and a greeting. "Mae govannen. I am Meren of this realm. I have seen you in the Hall, and now I am glad to meet you. I hear that you have done brave deeds, not least of which no doubt is sparring with Lord Auros!"

As she spoke, she glanced at Auros. It was time to deliver Thranduil's message.

[arienv]

Frali:

Frali bowed politely at the beautiful strange elf and then turned to Auros and answered shyly: " My lord Auros, i shall not shirk away from any opportunity that i will get to practise my skill with the axe."

Almost tenderly he patted the short but sturdy and skillfully crafted weapon that hung from his side, before he continued: "I shall be glad of every opportunity to use this weapon on creatures that mean any of our people harm, be it frequent or infrequent." The young warrior's voice made it clear that he plainly would prefer the first.

"If you can make use of what little skill i have and since his majesty King Thandruil seems of the opinion my message is worth reaching Imladris safely, I hope i am welcome to be your travel companion again."

[Varda]

Fainan:

Fainan smiled at the others and walked with them the short distance to Auros, as they seemed uncomfortable with walking up to the tall, armed, and unknown Noldo. She trusted they would soon find, as she had, that he was a good person and lose their concern.

"Suilad, Auros! Well-fought! I'd like you to meet Meren, an honored scholar who tries to teach such marvelous things as archaeology to those thinking more about how to slay the next wave of orcs and spiders." She grinned and stepped back politely to let Meren speak.

[Indis]

Meren:

Meren bowed with all the courtesy she knew, saying, "Suilad, Hir Auros. I am most honored to meet you, and to be the bearer of this note from King Thranuil." She extended the letter to Auros with both hands.

[ArPharazon]

Calion:

Riding away from his old home, Calion considered recent events. The rest of his party had gone off into the woods, seeking peace each in their own way even for just a little while. This had given him the perfect opportunity to make the short trip.

There was no doubt that the arrow belonged to Calaron, and his parents had to be told. It had turned out they knew nothing of his situation after leaving for the western outpost, and news of the outpost had stopped coming after a lone messenger requesting reinforcements for an oncoming assault, on Calaron's horse. The reinforcements had been sent, but of course it was too soon to hear of their success or failure. There was no denying that the use of Calaron's arrows by an enemy so close to home was a bad sign, though, and Pharion and Arienel were saddened at the dark possibilities. But they had to know, and Calion was the best fitted to bring the news. So Calion had told his parents what he was allowed of the upcoming expedition, which, considering their status, meant only little would have to remain unspoken. And he promised them that he would do his best to find out what happened to his younger brother.

So now he rode back to the Halls, seeking to find his companions and to announce to Auros that he was coming with, for the Noldo had already left the meeting when Calion had asked permission to continue the escort. Upon arriving, he was told his companions were still away, but all last seen going toward the river. Stabling Quessëlómë he hurried towards where his friends were supposed to be, until a clearing ahead revealed their familiar voices. Smiling he crept to the edge of the clearing to witness what was nearly a ceremony between Auros and Meren, a scholar whom he had often seen at the Halls, and whose knowledge of ancient ruins could be useful for the upcoming trip, as he correctly guessed her involvement.

[Varda]

Fainan:

Fainan glanced back towards a faint rustle behind them, still on sentry duty in her mind, and smiled towards Calion without speaking so as not to interrupt Meren and Auros.

[Eonwë]

Auros:

The Noldo hid a small grin as he spoke to the Dwarf. "You are of course welcome to continue with me. Indeed, I had not intended to leave without you. I do not believe your king would be pleased with me were I to leave such a trusted servant at the first available kingdom."

Turning to Fainan and the newcomer she introduced as Meren, Auros gave a nod and received the letter. He turned the paper over in his hands. The moonlight on this night was bright enough to read by. Breaking the wax displaying the personal seal of the king of Mirkwood, Auros began to read the letter to himself.

"Hir Auros of Rivendell,

I wish it to be known to Lord Elrond all that you have heard concerning the relic of Angmar. In addition, those of your escort counted among my people have been ordered to continue on from Rivendell to Angmar in order to retrieve or dispatch of this device and any others they may find. Any assistance in resources or counsel the lord of Rivendell is able to provide them will be greatly appreciated.

To this end I am sending the bearer of this letter as part of your escort and to continue on to Angmar with the others. She has been a student of the lore vital to my people’s mission there. She is also capable, as are all my people, of ensuring her own safety and that of your escort.

Thranduil, King of the Greenwood”

Folding the letter once again, Auros tucked it away safely, examining the apparent new member of his escort as he did so. “So, you are going to Rivendell,” he said, more of a statement than a question. After some time with those in his current group, he’d become fairly aware of their capabilities, encouraged by the knowledge most were capable warriors to some degree. This newcomer presented another variable. Thranduil had touted her ability to defend herself, so at least that meant she was trained. However, that could be said of most of the adult Elves in Mirkwood. Still, another weapon in the fight would prove valuable, should whatever attacked the elf-maiden present itself.

Turning to Fainan, he continued, “and you all are going to Angmar. Very well, first things first. As already planned, we leave in the morning. Ensure that all is ready by dawn.” Turning back to the newcomer, Auros said, “Make sure you are ready and at the stables by then. Bring no more than you or your horse can carry, and do not be late.” After a brief glance in Estarion’s direction, Auros added, “You do have a horse, don’t you?”

[Indis]

Meren:

Meren bowed her head to hide a smile, while she said, "Yes, Hir Auros, I have a horse, indeed, and I will hope that it can keep up with your noble steed, which I have already admired in the stable. And you can be sure I shall come prepared with all I anticipate needing, and no more. Thank you for permitting me to join your company; I look forward greatly to Imladris, our kinsfolk there, and your unmatched libraries and relic stores."

Giving Fainan a wink on the side of her face that Auros could not see, she added "And I think I can assure you that I will do all I can to be of use in the less..." she coughed ..."scholarly aspects to the travel. I shall not be a burden to you."

"If you will excuse me, Hir nin, I shall go make the preparations you mention immediately, and I shall meet you at the time you named." With a graceful bow, she turned to leave.

[Varda]

Fainan:

As soon as Auros spoke of the preparations, Fainan began a mental checklist. "I'll see to it," she said, put her hand over her heart and spread the arm out again.

At Meren's comment about preparations, Fainan said, "We can go back together and start the work. We travel light, so it should not take long. And perhaps you might help me locate a copy of that book?" She set off in a long-striding walk back towards the Halls.

[ArPharazon]

Calion:

Seeing Fainan and Meren walking towards him on their way out of the clearing, Calion strode forward, greeted them, and welcomed Meren to the party. "I hope Auros won't be too hard on you," he told her with a wink.

Reaching Auros he bowed before him. "Greetings, lord Auros! We have not always gotten along, but by the grace of the king I too will be part of this expedition to Angmar, and hope you will welcome my company for as long as you are in it, or at least tolerate it. If not, I will have to follow from a distance!"

Looking at Frali and Estarion, he added: "I see Estarion has decided to come along with us again. I hope you will keep up with us this time, because the region we will visit might prove more dangerous than what we have seen so far, and it would be best to stay together."

[Indis]

Meren:

"I would be happy to join you in our preparations, and I'm sure I can help you find the book--unless someone has borrowed it." She grinned, " But I think that's rather unlikely. And maybe you can make some suggestions for a long trip; mine have not been as far as Rivendell."

To Calion's greeting, she responded, "Thank you, Hir Calion. I hope I shall be of use to you all on the journey."

Matching Fainan's stride, Meren set forth for the Halls with her new companion, smiling with satisfaction at the outcome of the meeting. She was already thinking about how to get to know the dwarf better, too. There was much she wanted to learn about the Naugrim.

[Varda]

Fainan:

"I would be happy to help with your checklist, Meren. It's not long."

Fainan smiled. This scholar was a fellow elleth, had a good stride and a sense of humor. This trip could mean a new friend!

"Hail, Calion." And fun with the old ones as well. She was glad that the group was staying together.

[Shelob]

Estarion:

Estarion stood at ease behind Auros as the meeting unfolded. He looked up briefly when Fainan turned her head towards the edge of the clearing, to see another elf approaching. As he stepped into the clearing, Estarion noticed it was Calion, making their party as complete as it was likely going to be.

Not having wanted to disturb the official business, Estarion had waited with acknowledging Meren's greeting until after it was finished and everyone started going back.
"Greetings Meren! I thank you for your praise, but it is unmerited I am afraid. I have done but few things, none at all heroic, and least of which was the sparring. I wish to be better prepared for battle, and who better to learn from than from Lord Auros?"

He turned to Fainan and smiled at her and said "Hail Lady Fainan! I'm glad that we again may accompany each other on this journey."

When Auros turned to him with "You do have a horse, do you?", Estarion was a little taken aback, thinking he had told Auros that before.
"I am afraid not Lord Auros. I left the horse that King Thranduil loaned me at Erebor, preferring my own two feet for travelling to my kin. Knowing that you wanted to return here as soon as possible, I dared not delay by returning to Erebor to fetch it. Surely, had I done so, I would not have arrived here in time for your departure tomorrow."