Scouting Ahead, Part 5: Return to Mirkwood

[Varda]

Fainan:

Fainan winced at Estarion's words. One did not abandon a horse loaned by Thranduil. Bringing back the old one and finding another overnight meant a diplomatic and logistical nightmare for Fainan.

Perhaps she could find a privately owned horse rather than one from the military, as that would not be allowed until the first animal was brought back or met her demise. This horse would go into danger and possibly not return. Fainan knew a family friend who might be willing to risk a steady-minded "spare" horse for barter or pay. It would have to be pay due to the time crunch, but she should be able to come up with enough from her rather lean savings.

The rest of the savings would go towards having Estarion's horse returned by a dwarven or elven rider who would have to watch for enemies, as she would not have time to do it herself.

It was her own fault for not having watched over her charges better, so she would not ask for help. But she would watch the party much more closely this next trip, as she could not afford another such mistake.

"We'll find you another horse, Estarion, and have your previous ride brought back home to King Thranduil. Please be more careful to keep the next one and see that it is returned should I be rendered unable to do so."

[arienv]

Frali:

The young warrior bowed to Auros as the Noldo gave his assent to him joining the company and turned back towards the Elven hall where he had left his travel pack. Just before he was out of earshot the Dwarf heard Auros' decision to accompany the two female Elves into Angmar and thought to himself that it would be wise to check his gear and weapons, as they surely would be needed on that road.

An Elf awaited the Dwarf and led him with kind words to a small chamber where food, some delicious wine and a washing bowl were prepared for him. Pleasantly surprised Frali indulged in the strange but delicious food and on observing his surroundings he discovered that his pack had been brought here as well. All seemed in good order, so the dwarf set on polishing his rather heavy axe and gave it a final sharpening. The same procedure was applied to his small round buckler and finally Frali checked the string and the trigger of his crossbow.

So the dwarf passed the final waiting time for their departure rather to his liking, and was expecting any time to be told to join the remaining company.

[Indis]

Meren:

On the way back, Meren bantered with Fainan about all the handsome male elves in the party while at the same time getting tips on packing for a long journey. Finally they reached the Halls, and there Meren led the way to the archives.

"Exactly as i thought--all but untouched," she winked at Fainan. She took a codex from the shelves, checked the title, and offered it. "And look, it's even in Sindarin, not Quenya!" she grinned, then sobered. "Read what you can, but don't worry if you don't finish it--after all, I'll be with you to help as I can."

Parting from Fainan, she proceeded to her quarters to gather her travel gear and to various storehouses to collect what else she would need. Finally, she carried her pack to the stable to talk to one of the stablemasters about a suitable horse. She had rarely needed one, so she had none of her own but instead normally availed herself of one of those belonging to the Halls. She had been authorized this time to request a mount for the coming long journey. After some serious discussion with the stablemaster, she settled on Duroch, an even-tempered gelding that combined stamina with speed. She even thought she saw a glint of intelligence in his gaze. In a moment of vanity, she thought with amusement that her mount would match her dark hair, even to the occasional reddish highlights.

Talking softly to Duroch, Meren told him all about the travel they expected and about her riding style. She courteously asked him to be her companion and to bear her to journey's end and back. Duroch gave her a look of assent, and thus was the agreement made between them. All that remained was to gather her tack and arrange her gear.

When the time came--and it would not be long now--Meren and Duroch would be ready.

[Shelob]

Estarion:

After telling Auros about the horse, as well as the rest of their party, Estarion saw Fainan wince out of the corner of his eye. This time he truly berated himself for not thinking about the implications.
He nodded earnestly to her admonition to not lose this horse as well, thinking that what he would say to her would best be left in private.

When the party moved back to the Halls, each in their own way, Estarion decided to follow Fainan and talk to her once she was alone doing her duty. He half expected her to see to it right away, but instead she first went with Meren to a library.
Estarion silently took up a position besides the door and waited for Meren to depart. Once she did, he strode up to Fainan and asked if he could have a word.

[Varda]

Fainan:

Fainan tucked the book into a gathering pouch on her belt, after making sure no herb leaves remained in the bag. Then she waved farewelll to Meren and walked briskly towards the stables.

On the way, Estarion fell into step beside her. She liked his company normally, but this time she didn't want the embarrassment of his seeing how low her funds were. But it was the normal state of a scout and she should not allow her pride to cause others discomfort.

She just hoped he wouldn't notice that she intended to pick a very calm horse used to beginning riders; its one drawback was a tendency to follow its own judgment if it thought the rider was badly confused.

"Hi there, Estarion. Are you sure you want to be around a lot of horses?" she asked with gentle teasing and a faint hope that he might want to avoid large numbers of the animals and leave. "I'm headed for the general stables."

[Shelob]

Estarion:

Estarion noticed a slight hesitance in Fainan's words, perhaps caused by embarrassment, but he knew he was the cause of it.

"Lady Fainan", he began, deliberately stressing the title to show his respect for her, "that is part of the reason I wanted to talk to you." He paused for a moment, thinking carefully about what he wanted to say.
"Just as I asked Lord Auros to spar with me so I can train and become better, I wish to ask the same of you for..." he shrugged, as if disliking the idea, "... horseback riding. I figure it's a skill that will become handy in the days to follow, if not necessary."

"There is also the matter of my", Estarion swallowed, still trying to find the right words, "inconsideration with the previous horse. It's apparent you're in quite a fret about it, while I am the only one to blame for that."
"I wish to apologize for that, and to extend my offer to help in whichever way I can." He fell silent once again, allowing Fainan to respond.

[Varda]

Fainan:

How sweet of Estarion to have noticed that she was having a problem!

"I would be honored to aid you in riding, as it is a great delight of mine and something I think you would enjoy. You already have a fine sense of balance, and your sensitivity will go a long way towards working with your horse. But don't let it bully you just because it's bigger!" She laughed, remembering childhood experiences.

They found a suitable horse, one that a second cousin had made available and should be perfect for Estarion. She gave him a few exercises to try out for the evening, staying until he seemed to have an idea of what to do. She mentioned where the guest quarters were, and left him to his practice; he seemed very determined!

Then she went to see about the few things that needed packing. Remembering the axe Frali had used that seemed a shade too heavy, she added one quietly to his saddlebag, with a note saying, "To Frali, in thanks for your aid."

Finally, she fell over on her sleeping mat with her borrowed book and tried to devour all the information before morning, as she intended to return it. Such things were valuable and should not be risked on a trip from which she might not return.

[Shelob]

Estarion:

Estarion thanked Fainan for her care and bid her a good night. He then turned back to trying to control the horse. As determined as he was to learn though, his long trek from Erebor to his kinsmen, the match and training with Auros and now the training to ride on a horse, he eventually succumbed to his weariness, not even noticing the horse dancing and snorting with displeasure.

[Eonwë]

Auros:

With a bow, the Moriquendi Calion had presented himself to the Noldo. "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!"

Examining this elf of Mirkwood with a stern eye, his voice held a cold ring he could not hide as he spoke. "You know what your duty is, to my mission and to your king. Our paths lie together until Rivendell. For that time you will ensure the safety of this group as I deem necessary. Beyond that lies your mission, and you are free take your own counsel."

Auros had few concerns that Calion would fail in his duty through negligence or inability. He seemed to be capable enough in most of the ways that mattered for Auros' mission. He had, however already shown a tendency to fail through overkindness, and had put Auros' mission in jeopardy once before. The Noldo would brook no more unnecessary risks, not for a mission as important as this. The Elves of Mirkwood had already let one important prisoner escape, potentially to the ruin of all. The activity of the Enemy's servants is too great here to risk...

[Eonwë]

Auros:

It seemed as quickly as the clearing had filled with life, it had once again emptied, leaving Auros alone in the peaceful solitude of a starry night. The noises of the forest absorbed the banter of the others as they filed out, each to his or her task. Estarion would have to acquire another horse, if he could. I thought it clear I was addressing Meren, but no matter. Such minor misunderstandings are of no import to the mission. What's more, Thranduil was sending his people on to Angmar. Auros looked up into the sky. The stars and the bright moon, the life of the forest, the flowing of the Forest River not too far away, all reminded him of a similar night many long years ago.

Returning from his memory, Auros made his journey back to the Halls, where he proceeded to his lodgings, where after a brief respite, he took a seat by the fire. Closing his eyes, he walked in his mind the miles between Mirkwood and Imladris as he planned the next stage of his journey.

***

Dawn approached quickly, Anar eager it seemed to get on with the day, and after some final preparations, the Noldo left his quarters, knowing it would be some time before his travels brought him again in this direction. Elves about the business of the kingdom scurried about Auros as he walked through the hallways. He strode through the halls as the day's bustle flowed around him, neither slowing in their motion. There was travelling to be done, and every mile taken now was that much closer to the completion of his task.

[Varda]

Fainan:

The sun's rising brought Fainan awake as always. She quickly went through the morning's duties, including returning the book that had kept her awake most of the night. She checked with the paymaster and made sure the horse payments to her cousin would be deducted from her scout's paychecks and completed in the event of her death.

Then she made the few minutes of a flet run to visit family members and drop off carvings she had made for them during the last trip at campfires. Some were humorous, others sublime, according to the nature of the giftee.

This had all taken under an hour, well-practiced. She then shrugged on her small pack and bow and went to see that the other members of the expedition were ready, especially those less familiar with the area such as Frali and Estarion, and escorted those that needed it to the stables.

Then the clouds must have decided that the weird darkness fogging Mirkwood needed cleansing, and a rain started. Fainan pulled her oil-cloth hood over her head into a neat overhang over her eyes and enjoyed the massage of rain and the marvels of the display. "Beautiful," she murmured, at a particularly enthusiastic display of light branching into the sky.

Best of all, the orcs and spiders would probably be hiding from this thrilling display of the friendship of Manwe and Ulmo. She communicated her calm and pleasure at the scene to the horses and they began to quiet, her own Hithceleb now dancing sideways slightly in anticipation of some crazy traveling instead of fear.

[Indis]

Meren:

Sitting quietly in a shadowed corner of the stables, her pack, tools, and weapons neatly organized and ready to go, Meren reviewed her rushed preparations to ensure that she had forgotten nothing, though she knew she would discover omissions just when it was too late! At least she had sent notes to friends and family to let them know that she was leaving on a mission of undetermined duration, and one about which she was more than pleased. She had promised tales and songs on her return to make up for her absence.

Too, she reviewed Duroch's tack. Yes, she had even remembered to pack the brushes and combs he would need to keep his pelt glossy and healthy. A few special treats sure to please her new equine friend were also hidden away. Finally, she blushed a little as she thought of the couple of volumes she had stashed away, old friends that she could not bear to leave behind.

Yes, everything was as ready as she could make it, and now all that remained was to listen to the dramatic weather outside, watch the preparations of others and wait for the moment of departure. No matter what happened--good or ill--Meren knew that on her return, she would not be the same elleth.

[arienv]

Frali:

Over the food and cleaning his gear, Frali had forgotten the time and only as he nearly fell asleep over the practiced routine of polishing his shield and his beloved axe, he realized that it was later than he thought. Longingly he looked at the comfortable bed in the room and decided to risk it to lie down for a bit .. just a bit he thought. It didn't take long for the young dwarf who was unused to long journeys, especially on horseback, or pony back rather, to sink in sleepy darkness.

After what seemed only a very short period a soft knock was to be heard at the door and the same elf who had shown him to this room now roused him gently with a warm refreshing drink and some bread.

"I leave u for some moments to enjoy your food, master dwarf, " the elf said. "You will be taken to the stable by one of your travel companions after you have eaten."

Frali thanked the elf politely and hurried to finish his breakfast and picked up his bags and weapons - axe , buckler and crossbow.

Just as the warrior gulped down the last of his drink and wiped his mouth there was a knock at the door and much his pleasant surprise Frali recognised the beautiful and friendly elf lady Fainan as his escort to the stable, where they arrived after a few moments in companionable conversation.

[ArPharazon]

Calion:

Stifling a yawn, Calion stepped forth into the stables. This was another day of early rise and long travel, and there would no doubt be many more of those ahead before he would be able to sleep in. But these were difficult days, and he anticipated harder days to come, so he might as well get used to the pattern.

He had not slept well and had ended up paying Elmirë a visit somewhere during the night. She was improving, and just needed a good rest now more than anything. He had considered palming the arrow's end for his journey to remember his brother and perhaps remove evidence that might give his family funny looks in the future, but decided against it. Whatever it meant, he was sure he would come home with an explanation before the end, and secrecy from King Thranduil or the other elves of Mirkwood was not his way.

Calion's faithful horse give him a short whinny to greet him, as he approached her and brushed her mane. Fitting her out with the equipment he did not keep on himself, he looked around. The rain was coming on steadily now, and he smiled, for if nothing else it would wake him up quite well once they started on their journey.

His other companions were already pouring into the stables, with or without escorting each other. It seemed they would all be on time, in fact from the looks of it, Estarion had already spent the night here! He probably did not wish to be left behind again this time, and like this he would have been the first one here. After all had arrived and the party was complete, Calion mounted up and rode into the rain with a glint in his eye, ready to start the journey and serve his king.

[Indis]

Meren:

The rain sheeted down and showed no signs of ending any time soon. Fortunately she still had plenty of time to rearrange her gear to ensure that her few precious books were safely wrapped and placed in the driest part of her pack. She also took advantage of the time to pull out a hooded cloak, which she donned as soon as Duroch was saddled and her gear safely installed behind the saddle. As she talked softly with the horse, she thought she caught a look of annoyance at the rain, and yet she sensed no lack of confidence in his ability to cope with it. She though to herself, "I've found a good companion for the hardships of the road," and then said it aloud so he could hear it. At last, when the party was complete, she mounted and moved out into the rain to join them.