The Great Golden Hoard Game Thread

[Valier]

Rules and Regulations
Mods-Valier, Roa_aoife, Rune son of Bjarne

All players must complete their Day scenarios in 36 hours!! that includes picking their direction and moving into the scenario, asking and receiving answers about the scenario and posting all that is required. IF YOU DO NOT COMPLETE ALL THIS IN 36 HOURS YOU DO NOT MOVE FORWARD.

We expect this game to take a little over two weeks to complete. Please be prepared to commit for that time frame. Also, as this game will have a lot of behind the scenes communication, remember to KEEP YOUR PM BOX CLEAR.

The game will begin when we have enough players and us Mods are finished our prep work.

Day =36 hours

#1 Mod or co-Mod will post the days stats, tallies, and players current location. A map will be provided each day. Each player will be assigned a different colour.

#2 Players are given 3 short descriptions of each direction, left, right or straight all via pm.
(NOTE: All players when they choose their direction will always be facing West.)

#3 Players then choose their direction, then they will receive their preset scenario. Players ask 3 questions concerning their scenario, all this is done by pm. Players choose your words wisely!!

#4 Players will then post on the thread. They MUST state which direction they picked, what they encountered and how they dealt with it. (All this is done in RP style IE: Third person. Don't just state stuff, do it with style.) Players may leave "hints" in their post pertaining to the answers they received for their questions about the scenario. they may choose to help others or not.


Night =12 hours

#1 All players must vote for the Best scenario of the day via pm. (you may not vote for yourself!)
The player with the most votes will be notified and the following Day will get to advance two locations in the direction of their choosing.

#2 Night is a time for the players to rest and socialize with others near them. Players MUST post where they are sleeping. That is all that is required from players at night besides voting. HOWEVER players may pass the time with character development and chat with others near you. Players will be told every night who they are near, so no long distance talking. All this must be in RP style. No banter about the game. You may share as much or as little about your choices and questions as you wish.

If players hit a dead end along the way, they are forced to turn around and go back the way they came. They will stay at the location they started from that day. They will stay there and do nothing all day until the night, then they continue. There are other surprise spots as well that may advance you or set you back.

Regarding RP ishing
Note: THIS IS NOT AN RPG, IT IS A GAME THAT INCLUDES ROLEPLAYING POSTS.

All players must include their user name into their chosen name. EX: Valier = Valencia This will help to keep things organized so we don't have to keep track of 2 names per player.:D


Nothing is allowed in your posts that you do not already have, or asked about. You must use these guidelines when you create your posts.EX: You are attacked by Orcs near the river Isen. You may not magically make the river swell up and over take the Orcs. EVERYTHING MUST BE PLAUSABLE!!!! IT MUST REALLY WORK! Be creative, just don't go loonie.

Players or Mods may dispute any scenario post that we think is too unrealistic or not plausible. They are to pm a Mod with the problem. The offending player will be notified. They will be given a chance to explain themselves further. If the challenging Mod or player is satisfied they continue, if not the player stays at the place they originated at the whole day and does nothing, they continue with their night phase then continue the next morning.

Just remember during the day you want your posts to be like a quick little story. You need not post pages....just get to the point, keep it simple and be creative.

All players first post of the game MUST include a character bio worked into their story containing; Name, race, location (where from?) and a short visual description and the choices of items brought (following list) Also all players will have to incorporate more of the storyline into their posts about how they came to be on this journey. (More info to come....It's a secret...)

List of items allowed

1 Length of rope
food and water rations
2 sets of clothing (your choice)
2 weapons (your choice)
1 novelty item (must not be on the above list and must be carriable)
Players must describe all the "your choice" items in their first game post as well.

Edit when necessary, but keep it reasonable.

No signatures please.

Please do not post on this thread until the game starts!! Sign up and all questions will be answered on the previous misspelled thread.:p
__________________

[Roa_Aoife]

Here's the map, with the start and finish marked.

[Valier]

My name is Berrick, the year is 1299. I am writing this now so I may record what has taken place and what is yet to take place.

It all began with the Hoard. Dragon Hoard, that is. I came across this vast treasure on one of my many adventures. I was meandering through the Hills of Evendim, enjoying my freedom, when my old eyes spotted a small opening behind a large fallen boulder. I lit my torch and headed inside towards the darkness. I walked deeper and deeper still, till I thought my heart would quell. There before me loomed the largest golden pile I had ever seen and mind you, I have traveled so much and done so many things that I myself have an abundance of my own treasure. This pile had been abandoned, not, I assume, by the Dragons own wishes. Why here of all places? I doubt I will ever know.

As I stood there in that dank, dark cave with my torch raised high, I began to think of the many things I could do with this bounty, but as I raised the torch higher, my back gave a shudder and my old muscles racked with pain. The dreams vanished. I am an old man, I thought, my life is almost at its end. Why would I need this treasure? I had no kin, no family, and no heir to take my place. I had barely five persons with whom I had any sort of repertoire, and they all worked for me in one way or another. I had no one.

Those words echoed through my head as I slumped to the cold ground. I have no one, I have wasted my life. All the fortune and travel means nothing if you have no one to share it with. As I lay on the ground, the pain began to ebb away; I would make it still. The thought then occurred to me, why keep this gold? Why not give it away? But to whom? I would of course make sure the people I had hired would be well cared for before I died, but did they deserve all this treasure? Who really did?

I laid there for what seemed like an eternity before I had made up my mind. I would leave my legacy. I would enlist a group of adventurers and lead them to the gold. The first one to reach the Hoard shall have it, but also they shall hear my last words.

I raised myself slowly, the damp sticking to my pants. I knew what needed to be done. I would need help....My old mind reeled as I reached the cave mouth. I mustered up the strength and covered the hole as best as I could. I will return shortly, and with a plan.







My name is Berrick. The year is now 1300. Evil has begun to stir in middle Earth, but my plans are all set and being carried out. Mind you, it has taken long enough and has cost me most of my own fortune, but the reward for my deeds will be greater. I have enlisted these adventurers in a clever way, if I do say so myself. I, having owned a vineyard, have decided the best way to ship these "invitations" would be to hand write my wishes on the underside of several labels. The invitations read as follows:

If you are a great adventurer in your heart, leave all that you have and come. Come to Dorwinion on the banks of the Sea of Rhun. You will there embark on your life's greatest adventure, with a prize to be won. Come alone and bring with you only these things.

2 sets of clothing
2 weapons of your choice
1 length of rope
Food and water rations
1 novelty item (must not be on the above list and must be carriable)

Good Luck


I then hand packed these bottles of wine and sent them with carriers in all directions. Then the work of preparing the course began. I hired many and the work was done quickly. I am tired now. I have little time left. I now start on one of my last adventures....to meet my heir and my destiny.



ALL PLAYERS MAY NOW POST THEIR FIRST POSTS, FOLLOWING THIS POST.... :p

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Éomeléo stalked through the woods with a huge grin on his face. Sure, he wasn't quite clean, and his clothes had been torn by the unlikely number of thickets he had had to negotiate, but he was happy nonetheless. Who would have thought that he would be summoned by the seductive voice of adventure? Certainly not Éomeléo himself. He had anticipated nothing but problems for this week. How fortunate indeed! Most of the people he associated with would be horrified by the prospect of sleeping in fields. Adventuring: what a simple way to escape. Why had he never hit upon this idea before? Why had it taken that wine bottle to set him free?

Anyway, the opportunity to strike two birds with one stone had presented itself, and here was one Gondorian nobleman who jumped at the chance to grab his majestic blue cloak and flee. The trip so far had been wholly uneventful; but Éomeléo had been convincing himself that he was 'roughing it' out in the wild. It never hurts to get a bit of self-esteem into your system, especially when you lack hardiness to the extent that this fellow does. He is rather tall and proud to look at, delighted by his, almost royal, attire — waistcoat, ruffled shirt, and a splendid feathered hat (all royal blue); but he has clearly been protected his whole life, "wrapped up in cotton" they say, so of course he had no idea just how incredulous his family were when they read the message notifying of his journey.

In his bag he carried some rope, some food and water, and a bundle of clothes (another shirt, a jacket and spare cloak — again, all royal blue). His sword was hanging by his side and his crossbow was at his back. Attached to a chain around his neck was a golden ocarina, whose music could enchant even the most stubborn soul. Plus, he had made sure to have a haircut before he left so he was still looking quite prim.

Yes, this was the life. Éomeléo reached the end of the woods and there he saw it! The lush green banks of the Sea of Rhûn. Not at all like what they said it was in Gondor. "Let it begin!" he yelled, and the birds flew away in surprise and annoyance.

[Valesse]

Valesseka pushed her mousey-brown hair out of her eyes and looked out across the Sea of Rhûn with a grin, only to have her bangs whip back into her face again. Despite this, Valesseka considered herself to be a fairly lucky human being. She'd always had all she really needed, food, water, shelter... (not that she wasn't working to supply these things, you'd have to being of the peasent class)... and now she had found her ticket to adventure. In all honesty the idea had never occured to her before, but once she had a traveller read the bottle label aloud the thought of travelling herself was not soon to vanish.

Shifting her pack; Valesseka went over it's contents in her head to keep from squeaking at the large amount of water before her. There was food, water, wool and leather clothing... any other kind of fabrics besides maybe burlap would be a mystery to her. Then there was also rope, a throwing axe, and a cap to the stave she was currently using as a walking stick. But most important out of all of her packed items was Valesseka's brooch, glittering grandly out of place on her dull and worn attire.

At the water, Valesseka rubbed her hands together anxiously before catching sight of herself in the water. She was muscularly built, and just slightly over average in height... not entirely trim, but -possibly because she had to walk from eastern Arnor- not overweight, either. Even so, she was fairly vain about her face, and made sure that it was as nicely cared for as she could manage.

Hearing a shout, Valesseka jumped and stared at a very finely dressed man, curious, but frightened, she wondered if this was the mysterious Berrick. (Though, indeed, it is Éomeléo.)

[Gil-Galad]

Galadster looked around at the Easterling Marketplace, all fine men no doubt, but all confused about what is really going on in this world. Galadster looks down to the paper in his hands, is this really what he wants to do, go on this crazy adventure where he is proably going to lose one of his limbs? This is indeed a calling for a Mighty Warrior of Rhun. You only get to live one life so why not do something that you don't know what is going to happen.

He checks his bag one more time, 'Rope. check. Food and water. check. yumm Aunt Marie's Apple Pie... Tunic. check. robe. check. and finnally, my Rat Tail.

I adjust my Scimitar, Short Bow and Quiver then i walk out to a cliff looking of the lake of Rhun. its a nice lake. lovely foilage around. the odd majestik moose. I take a deep breath in, and then get startled by a large yell, and i fall about 4 feet to the shore with a big thud. ouch.

[THE Ka]

Near the northern edge of The Old Forest, on the eastern side of the broad Brandywine River, stood a collection of ash trees that were scattered into the distance of other trees and among the shore. Among them stood a sentient shepherd of this end of the forest, an ent. Dozing off into the glassy distance of the river, it was watching what may be passing in its waters, to pass the time, as it did most everyday, for about most of the third age so far.

Ho hmm… If I stand in anymore of this I am going to go treeish… Wait, maybe I already have! No, no, I couldn’t have, I still can move my roots, and I’m not as grumpy as that old huorn willow down the river. I can’t blame him though; humans and other beings alike seem to be greedy for wood and land. It’s amazing I haven’t been felled yet, I guess it comes with your neighbors’ reputation. Even so, drowning and other forms of discouragement do not seem to be that effective to keep men away. If there was something else to feed this greed of theirs, and possibly make a trade of land with them for it, they might keep away long enough for new trees to move in. Hah ho hmm… What do men greed after, besides land and wood? I’ve thought of this before, but did I reach a decision? Ha, now that’s a funny thought, hasty decisions, from an ent!

This ash ent, called Kafkalina, was about to sigh another day away and maybe tend to a few rowdy adolescent ash trees, when the ent noticed a few objects floating down river. They seemed to belong to either men or elves, possibly the result of an ill-gone boating trip, or an ambush. As the first of them approached, the ent saw that they were not harmed in anyway, and seemed to only but recently have entered the water.

… Well, it’s been the right amount of time I guess to make one. Hmm… I’ve seen them carry those bags full of pressed gold, and they seen to value them quite a lot. Also, minerals that shine when struck and shown in Arien’s rays, they use those to adorn themselves and their tools too. So they value minerals, birthed from deep within Arda, and they want to have much of them as well…

The first was a barrel, which Kafkalina bent down to scoop out of the water. The ent found this to be empty, and the inside stained a purplish colour. Another barrel came, and the ent didn’t bother with this one, since it seemed the same. Then the third came, a crate of empty long necked bottles that clanged together with the crate. Forth and lastly, came an unopened bottle that seemed to be tagging along. The ent spurred by some unknown reasoning, slowly bent down and retrieved the bottle. The bottom was broken and the drink inside now long gone, but it oddly had a paper wrapping of some kind.

… They are not easy to come by, that is for sure, that must surely add to their value among men. Then there it is! Men have a want for these precious minerals. Now that I have my decision, I only have to find some of these minerals, rare in abundance, though I will need many to sway their wants of this land. Ho hmm… Though, how could I even find these minerals of great value with any greater or, similar chance than men?

Carefully, Kafkalina peeled back the damp wrapper to find a curious message written on the inside. Though slightly smudged, the ent could clearly read the speech of it’s author:

If you are a great adventurer in your heart, leave all that you have and come. Come to Dorwinion on the banks of the Sea of Rhun. You will there embark on your life's greatest adventure, with a prize to be won. Come alone and bring with you only these things.

The ent stood as still as it usually did, but it’s mind was swimming with thought. Obviously this message was meant for the drinker intended, but they seemed to be too consumed in some other state to wonder why this bottle had a slim paper wrapped around it. Kafkalina read it again, and rethought again. This obviously as well, would take some good crafted ent decision making.

I have never left my trees before, but if I am to have any forest to call home to, I must find a means to secure it. Ho hmm… A prize to be won? Anything could be a prize to be won, they are not material things only. No, no, I’m thinking too hard about this, I have to remember to whom this was most likely written to, and it’s author. This was intended for either men or elves, or any other of Eru’s children. It was called ‘life’s greatest adventure’, now, I can see any day men fell trees for wood and land; it is only often that they fight with neighbors over it. If I was a man or, an elve I wouldn’t consider that a great adventure worth my risk and life. Then this treasure must be of much greater importance, and rarity. Ha he ha! Men and elves, and other beings would truly risk so much for their value!
If it was possible for me to acquire these precious gems and gold, enough in abundance could reclaim land and keep men and others satisfied themselves. If I’m ever going to keep myself from turning into a feeble minded, angry old Huorn, I have to find a way to retrieve lost land and forests. Fine then, I will go upon this adventure, and maybe even chance upon other ents not already lost to becoming treeish.

Once settled, the ent scanned the list of things needed for the journey. Trying best as it could, the ent gathered supplies as it could.

Now let’s see, it calls for ‘2 sets of clothing’… Well, let me see here…

Kafkalina looked at its branches, and down to its roots. Trying to find something similar to what was called for, the ent plucked off a few stray shoots and shook out a few empty birds’ nests from it’s head, it was spring already and it was already in full green. The other set would have to wait for the autumn season, and colder weather. Next walking down into the forest deep, the ent collected the rest of the called for items, a rope made of strong willow strands, entwine and other needed food, and as for weapons, Kafkalina would be able to acquire such at Dorwinion's nearby nature easily.

Finally, ‘one novelty item’. Ho hmmm… must be ‘cariable’. Well, maybe I could bring an ash tree with me. No, they would attract axes with their complaining and drink all of the entwine… Lazy homebodies…. Wait, I have those mallorn seeds hidden away, the ones the elves left so many years ago. They are no use here among these common sprouts, maybe they can help my way in Dorwinion.

With all things in stow, the ent gave farewell to the ash trees and their Huorns, and made way to the beginning of the adventure. Kafkalina arrived to Dorwinion with little challenge and upon Rhun’s banks viewed two human figures and another in the water. Though never meeting any ents so far, Kafkalina was not discouraged to catch up on what other children of Eru had become, and with caution approached them in the shroud of nearby trees.

[Nogrod]

”You’re a good rogue but you have the brains of a sparrow!”, Novgorod snapped to Chang-Liang. “I’ll take my share and leave!” he called the party. “You, Whin-Ding, are just a parrot with no real capabilities. Sorry to say that, but I’m not not sticking with amateurs like you any more...” His words died into a silence. The others were looking at him keenly and somewhat nervously. No-one had questioned the leadership and the command of Whin-Ding before. It had been self-evident that he was the leader, and now this guy who had only been with them less than a month was making this speech...

“You just rush yourselves to every ambush around and get yourselves killed whenever you want to. Maybe tomorrow? I don’t care.” He picked his bag and took himself to Whin-Ding. “My share, please”, he said and opened his sack.

Whin-Ding looked at him with a faked surprised smile that hardly hid his anger and stared back to Novgorod. “You really think you can get out this easy?” he said at last, pronouncing the words slowly enough. He had his charisma still.

“I call for only my share. It was according to my own free will that I joined you, and it will be of my own free will to leave you. If Chang-Liang would have more brains, I would like to take him with me, but you know the facts. I’ll go alone as I came, but with my share...”

“You are not leaving with any booty that has not been shared already! You want to go, you go, but keep your hands away of our haul” Whin-Ding answered rapidly, staring Novgorod into the eye and tried to draw his blade to assert his authority.

Novgorod drew his blade faster, and before anyone could react, the head of Whin-Ding rolled over the grass. The beautiful Easterling sword was covered with blood. Novgorod wiped it clean on the tunic of the newly-deceased. Then he took the purse of Whin-Ding, counting on the valuables in it, taking every fourth of them to himself. The others just stood aside and watched the counting, not daring to raise their hands. "I'm Novgorod from Dale and have taken my share. Without me you wouldn't have earned even half of what Whin-Ding tried to keep as his own. Anyone to disagree?”, he called the others around him after he had finished re-dealing the property of Whin-Ding, ponting his still blood-dripping sword towards the others. The other men drew back as he mounted his horse and got on it. “Think twice whom you pick as your next leader!”, he called as he rode away.

He had his inventory while he rode: there was tea and some dried bread in his pakckages, there were thirteen darts and seven arrows with a bow he was very bad in shooting on; he had a tinderbox, a lengthy rope and some spare clothing: another pair of cotton trousers, a red silken shirt to add to his yellow one he was wearing at the moment, and a scarf embroided with silvery threads.

The next day he came to the River Running, near the shores of Rhûn and bathed there. It was a luxury rarely afforded. As he was getting back to the shore he noticed a bottle in the stream. He got back to the swiftly running river, pulled a few strokes and grasped the bottle. He read the message while the fish was quietly cooking over the fire.

A quest! That was just something he needed.

[Glirdan]

The Elf walked silently towards his favorites spot in all of Lorien; the Silverlode. The peace and tranquility of the forest and teh mingled noise the rushing stream made him at ease. Glirdingo just sat down, to take an afternoon nap when something shiny in the stream caught his eye.

He got up and walked over to it, for it had got snagged in the root of tree which was protrudinng out of the bank. It as then that he noticed that it was bottle. "That's peculiar" he thought to himself. "What would a bottle be doing floating down the Silverlode?"

He bent down and grabbed the bottle without losing his balance once. He inspected the bottle carefully. "Nothing out of the ordinary." But there was something about the bottle that felt mysterious. He decided to pull off the label of the bottle and see if there was something on the back. And there was. This is what it said:

If you are a great adventurer in your heart, leave all that you have and come. Come to Dorwinion on the banks of the Sea of Rhun. You will there embark on your life's greatest adventure, with a prize to be won. Come alone and bring with you only these things.

He read and re-read the message three times before he was certain that this was no hoax. He rushed off back to the great city in the heart of Lothlorien to gather belongings and to set off to start this wonderful new adventure.

"Hmmm, it says to bring:

2 sets of clothing
2 weapons of your choice
1 length of rope
Food and water rations
1 novelty item (must not be on the above list and must be carriable) ."

He scrambled around his room, trying to gather his belongings in a sack. He grabbed an extra set of clothing (deep green to blend in with the forest), along with his grey elven cloak which was fastened with the malorn leaf, like most cloaks were in Lorien. He grabbed all his rations of Lembas and a gray length of rope made only in Lorien For his weapons he grabbed a bow and quiver of arrows as well as a a short sword along with his walking stick.

He took one last look around his lovely little home and set off out the door for the sea of Rhun, not know what to expect, but excited for a grand adventure.

[Sleepy Ranger]

"Wake up you nitwit." The words cut through the brisk air in the wilderness of Arnor. Ransley the Ranger sat up taking in a deep breath. There was nobody around. Ransley sat there alone, the only human around but not the only living being. There were a variety of creatures (both friendly and unfriendly) around. He brushed his hair off his forehead and stood up taking a look at himself. Brown breeches, brown boots, a gray shirt with a leather tunic on top. He lift a gray cloak up from the ground and wore it. His other pair of clothes, long gray flowing robes used mainly for special ocassions, were packed in his bag.

It would be a long day he sensed looking up at the sun. There was an adventure to set off on, money to be won. A bottle of wine was a rare thing in these parts and one bearing a secret message was even rarer. What it said was clear enough and Ransley had grown weary of guarding the ungrateful souls here. It was time for bigger things. He didn't require taking anyone's leave he was free to do as he would now. Hadn't always been that way though but things had changed since the death of his elder brother. He walked up to the edge of the hill he was on and looked around, quiet and peaceful. Things would not stay that way though, he knew that well enough. A quest would not be without danger but he was prepared for it. He took in a deep breath and walked back to where he had set camp.

He knelt down and inspected the ground, last night his weapons had been stolen by a group of goblins. It would not have been wise to have attacked them then not that it was wise now considering he was unarmed but he would have to none the less. Weaponless was no way to set off on a quest. He opened his bag and pulled out a thick and large metal sheet (Novelty Item). "Weaponless? Not quite." Though Ransley with a smirk. He lifted himself up and slung his bag over his shoulder. There was rope in his bag as well as food and water aplenty. This adventure would begin with a side-quest, how lovely.

He jogged along the path, tracking the goblins wouldn't be hard. They had taken no pains to keep their presence a secret.He found their lair easy enough. It was a cave which cut deep into the side of a hill near by. It would dark inside and he reckoned they wouldn't have left his weapons out in the open. He raised the metal sheet and began to move inside slowly and carefully.

It grew darker the deeper he ventured but there were no goblins so far. The cave ran on in a straight narrowing path until it came to a fork. He dropped to his knees to get a better look at the tracks. It was hard to tell which belonged to the goblins he was after and even if he could figure it out there was no telling whether or not they had handed his equipment to someone else. He sighed and examined the ground more closely... no, nothing... but wait! What was this? A bit ahead of where he was he noticed the ground pressed in a bit, one of his weapons had been placed here and then hurriedly picked up. It was not a goblin's hand impression there nor were those goblin footprints. Ransley raised to his feet quickly.

He began to run down the path as fast as his feet would carry him, the metal sheet held tight in his hand. It was a young boy, around seventeen he would guess, that had taken his equipment from here. A boy with goblins, that made no sense. The ranger came to a quick halt, partially aided by the fact that he had run straight into a solid rock wall. He shook his head and groggily got back to his feet. There didn't seem to be any harm done but he scolded himself for being so careless. What seemed to be a deadend, on closer inspection was revealed to be a door. He slid away the rock slab revealing a hole behind it. "Great." he thought. "More tunnels."

The ranger crawled through the tunnel, it wasn't too long. At the other end he had dropped out into what seemed to be a sort of make shift home. There was a bed, a stove, a couple of chairs and some other things that seemed to serve no real purpose. He walked in carefully, gripping the sheet in his gloved hands. There was movement, something cut through the air behind him. Something had tried to jump onto Ransley and whatever it was, was quick but the ranger was quicker. He spun around swiftly and raised the sheet as a figure smashed head first into it and dropped to the ground, out cold.

A young boy... in a goblin abode. Probably living off whatever scraps he could pick out from here. "Must be a tricky lad." Ransley mused as he placed the sheet back into his bag. He searched around the room till he found what he was looking for. It was a long sword with a black streak running through the middle fixed upon a black hilt. He seathed his sword, it was good to have it back. He then raised up a silver plated silver plated short sword.Still in perfect condition, he seathed that as well. He looked over at the boy before leaving and that moment he realized that this boy was destined for greater things. He couldn't leave him in this rat hole, there was only death to be found here.

So Ransley began to head towards the exit, his weapons reposessed and a young boy over his shoulder. All in all it would have gone well had a band of goblins not suddenly come out from the other end. The goblins snarled at the ranger, there were too many to fight and time was of the essence. He smirked at them as his hand creeped towards his sword. The goblins watched on, waiting till he drew his weapon before they attacked. Ransley had never drawn his sword though he had instead spun around and run leaving the goblins startled for a moment before they too followed after. He put two fingers into his mouth as he neared the way outside and whistled loudly, the sound piercing through the air like an arrow.

A neigh in the distance and the sound of approaching hooves told Ransley that his call had been answered. Arrows whistled past him but none hit and none would hit for it is fate. It has been written in the books of life that when faced with a main character the foe's accuracy drops to such a low number that they wouldn't be able to even shoot their own foot. However, a yelp from a goblin as his shot somehow dropped into his own foot broke that law.

Ransley tossed the boy onto the brown horse that waited outside before swiftly mounting it himself. He rode hard and fast to the first sanctuary on his way to begin his quest. He dropped the boy off there at the edge, he knew well enough that the boy would be found by those who would take care of him. As for himself though, it would be best to carry on. He had somewhere to be.

***

A horse trotted along to the destination designated in the note he had recieved. Ransley patted it on the neck and stopped it just before the meeting point, easing himself off. It would be best to go in alone as was mentioned in the note he reckoned. If he needed his horse later he could on him but for now he figured it would be best to go in alone. He rested a hand on his hilt as he walked towards where he was headed. He could sense he wasn't alone and he could also sense he would be in some strange company. It would be best to remain on guard.

[Thinlómien]

Thin-Gloomy sat on a huge rock, hugging himself and singing to himself on a low voice, and shuddered. He was still gripping his crossbow tightly, though the fight had ended nearly an hour ago.

They hadn't killed him because he had climbed to the rock and threatened to shoot them with his bow. They had agreed to take his things and leave him be. They hadn't wanted to risk even one of them to die for such a poor price as Thin-Gloomy's cheap gear. So Thin-Gloomy still had his life. But that was not much.

He kept his eyes closed. He didn't need to look to know that they had taken everything. Probably every single thing he had had. He wailed. Property was everything for a dwarf, even for a poor one.

Now get up, you miserable creature, he told himself. Get up, you disgusting little crooked monster. Slowly, he lifted his head and looked around.

It was not as bad as he would have expected. His little camp was destroyed. They had taken his tent, his utensils, his cooking gear, his recommendation papers (though with the recommendations he had that was not a great loss), his little wooden flute... Everything. He wailed again.

I don't have anything, I'm lost, I'll die, everything is worse than it ever has been, I knew it'd come to this... He lifted his hand to tear his beard in anguish and dropped the crossbow. I still have the crossbow, he realised. It's better to die, even by starving, with a weapon than without one. At the same moment he understood that he was not totally robbed.

He still had his quiver and ten bolts. His hand found his big knife on his belt. He had a belt! And, logically, if he had a belt he had still his purse! He was not that poor after all!

Thin-Gloomy hopped off the stone, a bit less gloomy than a while ago.

He should have learned never to hop so carelessly. He landed badly. His back was on fire. He swore.

After a few minutes he got up. His happiness was gone even more swiftly than it had come. He searched his camp through to see if they had left him anything. This is in vain. They left nothing, he kept telling himself.

He was wrong. He found his tinderbox lying in a bush. Thin-Gloomy was glad he had left it to such a stupid place.

After a little search he found his spare clothes too. He grinned darkly. Of course they hadn't taken them. The clothes that fit Thin-Gloomy probably fit no other creature on earth.

Thin-Gloomy was an ugly creature, even for a dwarf. He was slightly malformed, short and thin. His back was a little crooked and his black beard and hair were sparse. He had small, dark and beady eyes and an unfriendly gaze.

It was no wonder he never got proper work. With his appearance, badly made and resized brown traveling clothes and his lack of training he was never the first one to be picked for an appointment. And now he didn't even have his utensils. No work for poor Thin-Gloomy, he thought and almost started to cry.

Dwarves don't cry, he heard his mother's sharp voice in his head. The same, merciless voice he had heard so many times as a child when he had come home crying and looking for comfort after being teased by the other children.

Thin-Gloomy did not cry. He walked to the little brook, which probably originated form the river Carnen. He was bowing down to fill his flask with water, when he noticed a little bottle floating on the brook. He picked it up, and he didn't know why. There was a piece of paper inside. It said:

If you are a great adventurer in your heart, leave all that you have and come. Come to Dorwinion on the banks of the Sea of Rhun. You will there embark on your life's greatest adventure, with a prize to be won. Come alone and bring with you only these things.

2 sets of clothing
2 weapons of your choice
1 length of rope
Food and water rations
1 novelty item (must not be on the above list and must be carriable)

Good Luck

With a price to be won..., Thin-Gloomy thought. His eyes were lit in delight. Never to be poor and despised again! Quickly, he packed his things up and left the place.

In the next village he used his coins to buy him food for the journey and a good rope. Then he headed for the Sea of Rhûn and the great treasure that would change his life.

[Naria]

Narleah had crept out of her village in the Misty Mountains with not one of her kin the wiser. She was not very keen on the idea of sharing the hidden loot with anyone else. So Narleah plodded on with her floppy leather hat pulled down over her forehead and a heavy knapsack lugged over her shoulder.

The sun was beating waves of heat down on her small Dwarven body, making her sweat profusely. It was at that time that she decided to take a seat under a tree that provided a small amount of reprieve. Narleah had kept a close eye on her beloved bottle and checked her pack once again, reassuring herself of its whereabouts. First she removed her extra set of clothing and food:One woolen tunic for those chilly evenings and some dried meat and flat bread for when she could not find sustenance elsewhere. "There you are," she said plucking the bottle from the bottom of her pack. She read the label, yet again, and found renewed confidence in herself. Narleah took a huge breath in and gave herself a whack on the chest with her fist. She gave a heave and a grunt and pulled herself up off the ground. She had put all of her belongings back in their respective places in her knapsack. Narleah then scooped up her weapons and looped her hatchet in its belt and with the use of her rope crosswise over her chest and back; attached the mace to it for easier transport.

Once again Narleah found herself out in the heat and wondered while puffing a piece of beard hair from her chin, what each turn would hold for her in the days to come.

[Valier]

A tall cloaked figure stood silently, hidden from the group of waiting adventurers. Stepping out of the foliage the figure approached the waiting group. Not one of the group noticed his approach, they were all preoccupied with their own thoughts and busying themselves with their tasks. He stopped and stood not ten feet from them with not a word. Suddenly one of the group, an Elf, spied the cloaked figure and before the Elf could cry a warning, the cloaked figure raised his hand palm out in a quieting gesture. The large group was instantly silent as they became aware of his presence.

Reaching up the figure uncloaked his face. There stood a majestic regal Elf.
" I am Eoln" again he raised his hand, before a protest could be sounded. "I am sent here by Berrick, he gave to me instructions that I have been paid grandly to deliver here, today, to you." He pulled from beneath his cloak a scroll of paper, tied neatly with a Golden bow. The now gathered group looked around at each other and back to the Elf.

Eoln gracefully undid the ribbon in one quick motion and unrolled the parchment and began to read.

You have come from far and wide to this spot on this day, it is not coincidence that each of you here has chosen to make this journey. You are all great adventurers. I myself could not be there, I am an old man. I have sent Eoln in my stead, he will be watching, always watching. I have given you all a list of items, I dare anyone to bring more than I asked....Eoln has a temper and I would hate to see someone robbed of all their things before the end. Now there are paths that you must follow, it is up to you which way you will go, but do not stray off the paths, for danger lurks everywhere and only on the paths can Eoln provide you all with at least some protection from the evils around you. You shall all travel alone and that is how it shall stay until the end. Beware of the race boundaries....do not travel beyond the Gray mountains or the horrid Ash mountains. You will meet and see many strange or unusual things ion your way, but be strong ands good luck, may you all travel safely and may the Best Adventurer win.

All mouths stood agape. Eoln stood silently before replacing the scroll inside his cloak. Then as suddenly as he arrived , Eoln turned on his heels and about to vanish from whence he came, when a high pitched voice shouted, "Now what?"
Eoln sighed and turned to face the group again, they all stood staring in his direction. " Now you go." he said simply. "Go? what do you mean go?" shouted a large man from the rear. " Eoln smiled, a queer sorta smile that looked as if he would erupt with laughter. "You have all now been racing for about five full minutes and since that there Dwarf is the farthest west then most of you, he is now in the lead." With that Eoln turned and was gone. Each individual looked at the nearby Dwarf who stood slightly apart, as he turned around and took off into a sprint. Every person in turn began to quickly depart. The race had begun.

[Valier]

Player List


Eomeleo

Race-Human
Location-Gondor
Weapons- Sword/Crossbow
Novelty- Golden Ocarina on chain
Clothes- Shirt, jacket, waistcoat, ruffled shirt, a splendid feathered hat.(all royal blue)


Valesseka

Race-Human
Location-Arnor
Weapons-Throwing axe/ Stave
Novelty-Brooch
Clothes-wool and leather travelling clothes


Galadster

Race-Human
Location-Rhun
Weapons- Scimitar/Short bow and quiver
Novelty-Rat tail
Clothes-Tunic and Robe


Kafkalina

Race-Ent
Location-North edge of the Old forest, East side of the Brandywine river
Weapons-Strength and height (body)
Novelty-Mallorn seeds
Clothing-Green leaves/ Autumn leaves


Glirdingo

Race-Elf
Location-Lorien
Weapons-Bow and quiver/Short sword
Novelty-Walking stick
Clothes- Deep green camouflaged clothes and a grey Elven cloak held on by a mallorn leaf pin.


Narleah

Race- SheDwarf
Location-Misty Mountains
Weapons- Mace/ Hatchet
Novelty-Over sized floppy leather hat
Clothes-Long leather jerkin, Wool coat


Novgorod

Race-human
Location-Dale
Weapons-13 Darts/beautiful Easterling Sword
Novelty-Tinderbox
Clothes-Cotton pants, red and yellow silk shirts, scarf embroidered with silver thread


Thin-Gloomy

Race-Dwarf
Location-Iron Hills
Weapons-Crossbow 10 arrows/Big knife
Novelty-Tinderbox
Clothes-Badly made brown traveling clothes


Ransley

Race-Human
Location-Arnor
Weapons-Long sword with a black streak down the middle/Silver plated short sword.
Novelty-Thick metal sheet 15x17 inchs
Clothes-Brown pants, brown boots,grey shirt, leather tunic, grey cloak,long grey robes




Day 1 has now begun. All players please pm your direction choice to me. Left, right or Straight .....You have 36hrs to complete your post.

[Nogrod]

Novgorod was used to the elves from his childhood. They had been arrogant wise-guys to him ever since. But they were beautiful, he couldn’t help his inward feelings. But this elf who declared himself to be Eoln was majestic and more shining than many of his fellows Novgorod had met during his life. Novgorod was taken aback by him.

As Eoln disappeared, Novgorod got the hint fast enough and took his sack. “We’ll see the outcome, although I can’t see the reason why these dwarves would be on the lead here”. He nodded towards the dwarves and then smiled to the others. “We may almost walk across the river, but these guys must swim. Nice to see you little folk to do your best!” With a big grin he walked into the River and started crossing it. At halfway he had to swim for some yards but then he took back to walking in the waist-deep water.

He had taken his path to the left from where they started. He wandered the miles singing the songs his mother had taught him when he was young. He was in a good mood. After the thickets that surrounded the river he started crossing the more open land with small hills decorating his way.

At noon he decided to stop for a lunch and he sat down by the hill that had a rocky outcrop. He took the biggest stone and sat on it, picking some dried meat from his sack to eat. Soon enough he noted a huge rat that was trying to hide behind a rock some two feet away from him. He reached for a small pebble to throw at the rat but managed to scare it by leaning leftwards.

The rat took a flight but happened to jar loose the rocks on the slope to slide down. In an instant there was a landslide of rocks coming over Novgorod. He had no chance of getting out of the way of the stones. His left foot was jammed under the rocks.

For a while he just cursed, trying to free his leg with no avail. Calm down, calm down... you need to use your mind here, he thought to himself and laid down with his foot stuck under the rocks. He remebered Quan-Li, the Easterling captain who had taught him so much about the ways of the world years ago. Use the power of the enemy against him – make his power work for you, he had said. How could one use a rat to turn the tables here?

Then it flashed on him. He took a piece of dried meat he was still holding on his right hand and stuffed it under the biggest boulder that was jamming his left foot. Then he ripped another piece of it, throwing it to the hole between the stones that had covered his leg. The piece of meat felt cold against his ankle he could not reach. Then he fell backwards and started playing dead. He did not move and breathed only slowly and carefully.

It took some fifteen minutes when the rat came back. It had its friends with it. Slowly they started approaching his leg, having the scent of the meat on their noses. Novgorod felt the rats running over him, some of them snapping him from the ears or nose or gnawing his thigh, but amidst all the pain, he remained silent. In the end they found the pieces of meat at his feet and started to go after them, concentrating their biting to his leg.

The host of rats tried to get to the piece of meat that he had stucked under the stone that was jamming his leg. Together the rats hoisted the boulder and as the others were turning the rocks that tied his ankle, Novgorod realised that it was his time to act. Suddenly he jumped up, just when the load of the stones had eased enough. With a quick grasp he managed to catch two rats with his hands. He turned their heads around and threw them to the ground. The others had disappeared. Only two, he thought to himself, not much, but better than nothing. He kneaded his left foot and found it being quite allright.

He skinned the two rats and made a fire. Novgorod thought he had earned that dinner.

[Thinlómien]

Thin-Gloomy swore. He shouldn't have walked straight to the field. He should have guessed that no field is as innocent as it looks like.

There were thistles. Thistles that tore clothes, scraped skin and made the passage almost impossible. They are like elves, Thin-Gloomy thought. The more he thought about his comparison the more he liked it. Elves and thistles. They both were sneaky. They both hid below grass. They both were nasty. They both tended to made a dwarf tingle. And they both had prickles.

But like elves, thistles never beat a dwarf! Thin-Gloomy decided. He looked around. The thistle bush was twenty feet all around him. Once again he hoped he was a normal, big, healthy dwarf, who could wield an axe and cut down the thistles with a few great swings. But he wasn't. He was only a skinny and malformed dwarf whose back was crooked and who would never have the strength to wield a battle axe properly.

A dwarf does not give in, Thin-Gloomy decided. Bitterness was no reason to let the thistles torture him for ever. He drew his big knife from its sheath. He gave it a glance. Heroes in tales name their weapons when they fight their first fight with the weapon. What should I name you, sir Knife? Thistle-cleaver, maybe? A poor name for the blade of a poor dwarf, he thought wryly. But he had already begun to like the name.

Thin-Gloomy lifted the Thistle-Cleaver and started to cut the thistles. It was not as easy as one could imagine. The thistles were thumb-thick and strong. A well-aimed blow might cut one, but could fail to cut one as well. Hacking at the thistles was a more certain way to destroy them, but it took time.

Slowly and firmly Thin-Gloomy hacked his way out of the bush. He had come out of there, but not as triumphantly as he had hoped. He was thirsty and tired, his clothes looked even worse than before, his skin was covered in itching scratches and his blade was blunt. He was shuddering again.

He sat down to have a pause and a well-earned rest. He took a mouthful of water. He hoped he could find water somewhere, but there was no water nearby, not even a little brook. He wished there was. Though he hated water as an element, he hated being thirsty too. And he hated the itch. He craved to pour all the water in the waterskin on himself to stop it.

Thin-Gloomy was just about to bow down and press his ear against the ground to listen if there was water beneath the ground, when a sweet scent caught his nose. He turned to see the origin of the faint smell. He did know many plants, but this one he knew. Both scent and the looks. Green, tapering leaves that sprung from the ground. He remembered the summer when huge horseflies had infested the outer Iron Hills. And he remembered aloe vera, brought by the merchants.

He picked all the leaves he found. He crushed a few of them between two small stones and put the rest of them to his bag. He spread the salve from the crushed leaves on his skin. After a while it didn't itch so much any more. He was feeling better now.

He looked down at himself. He was aware that he looked even more horrible than before. There is no one to look down at me here in the wilderness, Thin-Gloomy told himself, but couldn't help hoping that the robbers hadn't taken his sewing kit.

[THE Ka]

Kafkalina had come through fields, and now the ent had ended up in one with a tricky first face value. The grass, which was high enough to rival saplings, was not the new problem. Underneath stood hundreds of thistles, which at first stood no challenge to the ent’s tough ashen bark, but over time they quickly began to have effect. It would have been easier to think this out, if it wasn’t for the sun overhead, which caused Kafkalina to sweat, while all the leaves would rather spend a day to photosynthesize. The ent stopped for now, and gave thought to a more resourceful nature.

Ha Hmmmm! Thistles, you scourges… Most likely the last testaments to entwives’ gardens. Indeed, I am glad I didn’t join up in that great walk to these lands, teaching northern Huorns was a good change of plans. Is this a punishment, then? No, no, most likely meant for other things of more deviance. I am just an ent, covered in prickles… and half of me wants to take in the sun and just sit here…

Kafkalina searched through her bag, mostly full of entwine, it was something that was saved and eventually had a good use. Taking a bit out in her stone bowl, it helped to quench some of the thirst off for more concentration. The ent’s roots meanwhile took this as a sign that they would be standing here for a bit, and began to slowly burrow into the ground. Then, the ent noticed two things.

This ground is quite soft, far less density it would seem from river rock and sand. Hmmm, maybe walking above is not the answer, but to furrow the plants from below and make a path. It won’t be as fast as before, but patience is a specialty of mine, which I have almost forgotten. I may have never made great gardens, but we ents all have the same secrets I guess.
Wait, I thought I had prickles all over… Oh ghoulish goblin axe, my sap is running…

The ent found the familiar sight of most trees in distress, thousands of drops of sap had begun to flow from where the prickles once where. Now they were covered and flowing within the drops. Soon, Kafkalina came upon a great idea.

Even if I furrow from below, I will still have to contend with the thistle’s little arrows. Sap would help keep them from directly harming me, but they would stick to me. Wait! Ho hmmm! It does not matter how many stick, they can be a good investment later. They can offer protection I see, a sort of armor! Oh great mallorn sprouts, maybe today is a fine day for a walking…

She rummaged through her things in tow and found more entwine, taking sips here and there helped to keep the sap flowing as the ent’s roots furrowed with diligent speed ahead. As predicted, the thistles’ heads where all but decapitated once they touched the sap, and began to collect upon her bark.

What to much younger creatures would seem an eternity, Kafkalina managed to find near the end of the field some small hills where a few trees clung to them for survival. Kafkalina slowly made her way to the closest patch to rest for a minute.

Well, at least I am out of the thistles, though, I might have needed a few more here and there...

Kafkalina gave a laugh to this, but it seemed rather a forced one. She then readied herself for continuation of the journey, maybe soon she would be able to share a laugh, just maybe.

[Gil-Galad]

Galadster look around... he was in a pickle, a hurting, poking pickle...he looked around, seeing that the end of the field was still 10 feet away and the sun was making it hotter and hotter.

I try to keep walking. oww. ouch.OWW. alright that won't work. maybe i can start cutting the thistles. though i risk losing my leg if i do that hmm. There are alot of bushes and twigs around. What can i do with Twigs and bushes that will make the thistles dissapear fast. something that can go fast. perferably a redish colour too.

Galadster stood there thinking. Then it came to him. I'll burn the field! The days of being a Easterling-Scout has finnally came back to his memory. Galadster grabbed the twigs and bush and began to make a fire. brushing the twigs together a spark ignited. then blew out. Galadster started another fire, but that also blew out. So he started a third fire! that one fell out of Galadsters hands, into his shoe, causing burns, and then blew out. But his fourth fire stayed and soon the fire was spreading through the field burning everything.

I stood there watching the fire, then i realized that i should be going now before the fire catches up with me. going now. jogging now. running now. Jumping from fire to fire not to get ablazed, waiting for the fire to burn a path for me to go through.

So Galadster ran as the fire grew and grew and the msoke could be seen from all around.

[Glirdan]

Glirdingo decided to go straight, into the wide open fields, with tall grass. It was a hot day and he was sweating like a big on a stick. He noticed that there was an Ent, a Dwarf and a Man ahead of him. It was then that he noticed he was rather itchy. "Probably from all this persperation," he thought to himself lazily, and he continued on, ploughing through the field at a slow, casual pace.

But even as he continued on, the itchiness didn't disappear. He searched his pack for his canteen of water and remembered that he forgot it back at his home in Lorien. "I KNEW there was something I forgot!" he cried out loud. As he searched, his hand hit something hard and hollow. "What's this?" he asked as he pulled the object out. It was his canteen. "Well, that's wierd. I proabably forgot to take it out after that walk up to Mirkwood last month. But it's empty. A lot of use that is," he said sarcastically, putting the canteen back into his pack.

He continued on, hoping to come across a stream sometime soon. Unfortunately, the itchiness continued on relentlessly. "Ugh! Why am I so itchy!" he thought irritably. He scratched his arm and withdrew it quickly with a sharp "Ow!" He looked down and noticed that he was covered in thistles. "I should have known that there was more to this field than first appeared." He looked around hopelessly, trying to see the end of the field. "Hmmm... 20 feet around me in each direction. No use in me stopping to remove these now. I shall wait until I reach the end," he thought to himself, a slight exahsperated laugh escaping his lips at that exact moment.

He ploughed on, straight to the end of the field, trying to ignore the continuous itchiness from the thistles. He reached into his pack and pulled out one of his many lembas breads, broke half of it, put the other half in his bag, and continued on, munching on his food in an attempt to forget his itchiness. It was then that he noticed that the grass had lessened and in a few more minutes he stepped out of the field, just as he took his last bite of his lembas bread.

"Well, that didn't take as long as I expected! Now to remove these blasted thistles." He looked around once more, hoping to find a stream in which to fill his canteen but there wasn't one for miles. "I couldn't bear with these thistles as far as that stream," he thought. So he started unpacking his pack to see if there was anything in it that could aid him to be rid of the thistles. "Hmmm...lembas, no. Bow and arrows, definetly not. Rope? Perhaps... Sword? I'm not looking for a death wish!! Extra clothes?? I'm not changing here!! Well, let's try this," he finally said as he took up the rope. He wrapped around himself just above his chest which was where the thistles began. Once it was completely wrapped around himself (loose enough for him to move up and down himself, but tight enough so it wouldn't fall off), he pushed it down his chest, over his stomach and down his legs. "HA! It worked!" he thought triumphantly, staring at the length of rope which was covered in the thistles he had just removed from himself. He shook it and all the thistles fell off. "Now to remove these blasted things from my arms." He repeated the same thing twice more (once for each arm) and shook the rope clean. "Gotta love this rope," he thought to himself smiling happily as he put everything back into his sack.

He had a quick snack (the other half of his lembas bread) before continuing. "That was definetly an interesting barriers, but they're only going to get harder as I go on," he thought silently and he laughed a merry laugh, his voice clear and young (after all, he was still a young Elf in the reckoinging of his people). "Maybe I shall have more laughs with others along this road?" he said out loud happily, walking slowly towards the West.

[Sleepy Ranger]

"Argh... a stupid elf." is all that went through Ransley's head as Eoln spoke. It was not that Ransley had anything at elves, it was just that he did not like them and for that matter he did not like anyone. In fact he knew he was here more so for making things harder for the other adventurers rather than for winning. "Quite a temper? Its just a sissy elf. I'd like to see him lose his temper. I think it would be fun to see if theres a dwarf near by." Ransley mused as he began to head in his chosen direction.

"Thats odd... everywhere is itchy." thought Ransley, a bit agitated. So far his plan of making life bad for others had not quite started though he was still in full hopes he would have a shot to pester someone ere the night came to an end. Which was perhaps a safe thing to say, night was quite far off. At present however he had other things to worry about, this field of thistles he was currently walking in for example. "I could make short work of them with my sword but the sane mind always picks the harder and more inconvenient way first." he muttered to himself as he turned his head skywards.

Lo behold! Larks! Larks ate seeds. He brought his fingers to his mouth and whistled loudly, a small flock of larks swooped down near him. "I hope they understand common because I don't speak bird." he took in a deep breath and began to speak. "Righty-o larks of the land! If you'd be so gracious as to guide me through where the thistles aren't so pointed and hopefully less denser than they are here I'd be grateful. In fact I may even have a little something for your trouble." He said to them cheerfuly. "And its pretty hot so if a couple of you'd, the stronger ones would lift this..." He drew his metallic sheet out. "...over my head and keep the sun off me I'd be quite grateful."

All the larks save one picked the sheet out of Ransley's hands and lifted it over his head, protecting him from the sun best it could. It wasn't much but it helped. The lone bird flew a bit and then chirped at Ransley, the ranger could only hope that meant 'follow'. He drew his short sword and began to chop away the thistles in front of him. It was still hard work and had him rather sweaty though the flapping of birds wings near him helped cool him and the sheet kept the sun off him, it would be steaming hot when he got it back he thought.

Once he was out of that thistle infested patch he stooped to the ground, searching for tracks of anyone else who had come this way as the birds placed his sheet near him. "One last task my fine feathered friends." He drew out one of his waterskins and drank a bit to quench his thirst. He then pulled out some blades of grass and spread them on the metallic sheet, pouring all the water left onto them. "Refill this with fresh water. Fly swiftly and try your hardest to get back to me before the night ends." One of the birds took the empty waterskin from him and flew off, the rest following close behind.

Ransley removed his cloak and soon the rest of what he had on and used the wet leaves [rather hot by now] to scrub himself. He then slipped back into his clothes and took a sip out of his other waterskin. He hoped the birds would be back soon though if needed he could live off the water he had for a week, maybe longer, he had done it before several times in the past. He then returned to scanning the ground for tracks.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

West? thought Éomeléo, well, there is no way I'm going due west to South Mirkwood! This was smart thinking, and he decided to venture north. Whatever evils he would encounter up there would have to be less than the power in Dol Guldur, which Gondor was rather worried about.

He strode along, and was soon out of sight of the others, a ramshackle bunch if ever he had seen one! Let them take the straight and narrow. Éomeléo chuckled at the thought of what they were heading towards.

He was really having a lovely time of it. It was a beautiful, sunny day and the birds were singing. In the late afternoon he discovered the catch in the route he had chosen. He was faced with the Celduin, also known as the River Running; and it was running pretty fast today. Éomeléo stood there thinking.

He gazed east and saw little of note, so he followed the river westwards for a few miles in search of a bridge or any method of crossing. There was none. At times he played some melodies on his ocarina but all this brought were the beautiful responses of the larks. He was definitely alone in the wild. He realised that he needed to get back onto the path, and so decided to test the river, knowing that he'd have to get wet to earn this wondrous treasure.

Placing his pack and his weapons on the grass, Éomeléo walked to the river, but stopped. He didn't want to get his clothes wet, particularly his waistcoat. So off came that, his cloak and his shirt. He looked quite the picture: half-naked but still partly resplendent in his Gondorian feathered hat. He waded in, for though the river was fast, he had chosen a shallow section of the Celduin, and he was strong enough to walk slowly and heavily to the middle of the river. It reached up to his neck at the deepest point, and the far bank was but 30 feet away from here.

He returned to his belongings and rearranged them. Wrapping all of his clothes together in his pack with his ocarina, he waded back into the river. Realising that he needed an arm to balance with in the water, he decided to hurl the pack across from where the water was just above waist-high. Being a young nobleman and having little else to do with his time but participate in sports, he achieved this easily, for the bag was not especially heavy, and it cleared the bank by a safe distance.

The weapons were harder to transport. Lifting them high, one at a time, Éomeléo practically skipped across the river this time. Never had it been so useful to be tall, and even then the river dragged his twinkle-toed approach far downstream before he reached the bank. It was very laborious, and when he finally got across he lay panting on the ground. He was soaking wet, and the sun was sinking in the sky; but his food, water and ocarina had been protected well by his clothing. It seemed good to young Éomeléo at this point, and he laughed out loud.

[Roa_Aoife]

Surprise! We mods have our own mini awards that we can give out at any time!

I am pleased to annouce that the first Special Mod Award goes to Kafkalina, for an outstanding use of her environment. Instead of turning lemons into lemonade, she turned thistles into armor! Well done!

[Valesse]

Valesseka blinked as the other adventurers scattered. Certainly there must be something wrong with this Berrick fellow. Not only had she come from the west, but probably passed right by this glittering cavern quite quickly in her rush east to find the Sea of Rhûn. Wandering north, she was fast to make sure to keep careful eye on where she was heading. Every once and a while having to alter her course slightly because of rocky obstacles. By the heat of the day, however, Valesseka found herself eeriely cooled. There was a loud, constant rushing sound, and in only a few more moments she would see it. Valesseka had arrived at the River Running.

After gapping at the speeding current for a minute, Valesseka took in her surroundings more collectedly (Though that is, in itself, and overstatement, if I might add.). A short walk to her left there was a small abandoned beaver dam. Eyeing the speeding current again, Valesseka figured she could reason out what had happened to the resident beavers. Behind her were still some trees, a few of which had noticably grabbed the attention of the watery rodents of yesteryear and fallen to their demise.

Wasting no time, Valesseka pulled out her throwing axe and got to work scrapping the remaining bark off of the most petrified looking of the fallen timbers. Not long after, however, began her collection of splinters, which grew to such a point where she had to stop working and see to her hands. Wincing, Valesseka finished her work and carefully push the log on top of the dam. With this she "broke" for dinner, snacking on dried bread and jerky as well as some water. With a gulp and a glug it was down and so was she, on top of the trunk.

With her pack tied to the top of the log, stave included, Valesseka sat backwards on the log and pushed off of the dam with her feet. Quickly she jumped in and held onto the trunk so it would not get away. Carefully, though through much mud and muck, she walked her pack across, clinging and paddling frantically when her feet could no longer reach the river bed. Reaching the other bank covered in sludge, Valesseka muttered as she was forced into her secound wool garb, washing the dirty one in the water which had ravaged it. "I bet that ent wouldn't have any problem going north." She muttered, "Hope I'm ahead...or at least not last."

Hanging her wet clothing on the rope she settled down for the day in from the riverbank.

[Naria]

Eoln ordered the words "go!" Narleah did not need a second tell. She headed away from the other group members. Thinking that she was the first one out, she couldn't believe her eyes when she saw the other Dwarf. "It's him!" She groaned "And it appears that he has chosen the straight path, well I will certainly not follow suit." Narleah ran further ahead and without pause, veered left. To Narleah's astonishment she ran out of steam quite quickly. Huffing and puffing she slowed herself to a walk. The scenery was quite beautiful she thought and flat, she chuckled as she just couldn't believe how flat the area was. Living in the Misty Mountains and being surrounded by....well mountains, Narleah was not at all used to the vast expanse of the vastness that was all around her.

Narleah plodded on for some miles when she came across a rocky outcrop. Feeling her belly telling her it was time for a feed, she wondered if there were to be something hiding in the rocks that would be easy enough to catch and eat. She had been picking her way up, down and across the loose stones when her next step startled a fairly large rat. "Ah ha, ya lil bugger!" She exclaimed with a wide grin and was about to give chase when suddenly the rocks that were about six feet above her came tumbling down. Narleah lost her footing and fell with a thud. She sat there peering at her now trapped legs and looking around, wondered if anyone had seen this gruff dwarf's predicament....no one....not a soul to be found. "Aye, well what to do now."

The hairy she-dwarf sat there for some time querying her situation. She pondered and pondered and pondered some more. "Hmmm I wonder if I were to just move this leg." So she did "And if I were to move this leg" She did this as well. Once again Narleah found herself tumbling down over the now long settled rocks that had fallen way earlier and came to, yet another thud...this time at the bottom of the outcrop. She stood up abruptly and dusted herself off, "Ahem...well right then."

By this time the sky had drawn its curtains and darkness was setting in. Narleah found another rocky outcrop, amazingly for such a flat land, and set camp. A flicker of light was seen not to far from where she was. The dwarf wondered if someone else had chosen the same path. "Maybe I will offer some idle chit chat whilst we await day break."

[Valier]

I am ending Day 1 now, seeing as everyone is done. But night will still end at 1am CST tomorrow

Players now pm me your votes for your daily favorite post. You may not vote for yourself.

Night will last 24hours

Players that may converse with one another are as followed in groups.

Group 1
Eomeleo
Valesseka

Group 2
Kafkalina
Galadster
Ransley
Glirdingo
Thin-Gloomy

Group 3
Narleah
Novgorod



There will be no talking to other groups!!
This is the time to post as much as you like about anything you like (in character)

This map shows where you are all located on the end of Day 1

NIGHT ONE HAS NOW BEGUN

[Glirdan]

The moon had just risen when Glirdingo stopped for the night. He took out half of a lembas bread and his canteen, which he had filled at a convieniently place stream a few miles back, and sat down for supper.

It was then that he noticed there were others about, one of them being an Ent. "I should go speak with him because none of my people have in years." He stood up and walked over to where the Ent was standing.

"Good day to you Mister Ent!" he called up. "I am Glirdingo, an Elf of Lorien!"

[THE Ka]

Kafkalina sensed night coming, and decided to take a quick nap. By the time the ent would forcefully wake itself, it would be morning... She hoped.

Just as she had begun to doze into sleep, with her roots in the ground and her weary branches now well groomed, the sound of a voice startled her.

Ha hoomm! Who in the name of Arda is that?! Am I hearing things again? Maybe it is a dream, no, I haven't had those in centuries. Well, it doesn't sound dangerous, but it would be best to be on my guard...

Kafkalina slowly opened her eyes to hear the calling again.

"Good day to you Mister Ent!"

Mister? ... Oh no, I've really let myself go, haven't I?!

Then, the voice finished it's sentence.

"I am Glirdingo, an Elf of Lorien!"

Lorien? I have not been there in ages, hmmm. An Elve? Oh my, I have not seen it's people either in so long. I wonder how many of those Mallorn trees are no longer saplings, oh, they must be so beautiful now. Well, I guess I could save the nap for later, it would be nice to hear what has happened in the wide world recently.

The ent cleared it's throat and bent down slowly to address this elve called Glirdingo.

" *Sulier vanë minë, it has me at quite a surprise to talk with one of Lorien! I am Kafkalina, an ent of the northern woods, or, what is left of them. Oh, begging my pardon, but I am afraid I am not a 'mister', but do not worry, it is no great offense Glirdingo. Might I ask what has become of the fair land of Lorien, and it's great Mallorn trees? They were but saplings when I passed through, and I never saw what became of them."

Kakalina uprooted and went to sit upon the ground, making sure of course not to harm Glirdingo as she did, there was still many thistles attached to her.



((OOC:* 'Greetings fair one', sorry, couldn't resist using some Quenya.))

[Glirdan]

" *Sulier vanë minë, it has me at quite a surprise to talk with one of Lorien! I am Kafkalina, an ent of the northern woods, or, what is left of them. Oh, begging my pardon, but I am afraid I am not a 'mister', but do not worry, it is no great offense Glirdingo. Might I ask what has become of the fair land of Lorien, and it's great Mallorn trees? They were but saplings when I passed through, and I never saw what became of them."

"Ah! I am sorry! I could not really see you in this night and you're eyes were closed, my dear Kafkalina. Those saplings that you once knew are no more, they are great trees now. Our people live in some of the greates trees of that wood." Glirdingo said with enthusiasm.

"Now, if you don't mind, tell me what has become of the rest of the Entwives? And why, if you don't mind my asking, have you come to participate in this event?"

[THE Ka]

"Ah! I am sorry! I could not really see you in this night and you're eyes were closed, my dear Kafkalina. Those saplings that you once knew are no more, they are great trees now. Our people live in some of the greates trees of that wood.", The elve from Lorien replied with joy.

Ho hmm! Dear?! What does this elve mean by this?... Hmmm. Oh, so the Mallorns did mature, how lovely indeed.

Kafkalina was about to answer about the mallorn trees, when Glirdingo had something else to say as well.

"Now, if you don't mind, tell me what has become of the rest of the Entwives? And why, if you don't mind my asking, have you come to participate in this event?"

Entwives? Those silly ents, wishing to be with other ents then running off to create gardens. Then again, did I run off too? No, no, my place was, and is in the north with the neglected trees. Besides, I hear now that Fangorn forest is crowded, I am lucky I chose to stay in the north. Ho hmm... This Glirdingo wishes to know why I joined the event, hmm. Well, I can say one thing about it without being too silent.

" Well Glirdingo of Lorien, the last time I saw the Entwives was when they were heading towards these lands. I myself was an outsider to what caused them to do this, but instead of leaving for what is now the Brown Lands, I chose to go north by myself. The ash trees in the northern woods were in need of instruction to protect themselves and such, so, I went. After the Maiar Sauron's scourge upon these lands, neither I, nor other remaining ents know of what became of them. Sad it is. I came to find this event by a broken bottle in a stream I found, and after much thought, I decided it was time for me to see the world again, before I became too treeish."

[Nogrod]

Novgorod was about to settle for the night when he noticed the faint glow of a fire something like a mile northwards from him. Hmm. Someone else picking this path too? Some company might surely do, he thought to himself and started towards the glow. Even though Novgorod might have been best described as a rough and ruthless rogue he surely was a social guy. He needed his solitude every now and then, but not too often. He was at home with others. And as he was quite reliant on his skills with arms, he generally wasn’t afraid of strangers anyhow.

When he finally got to the fire, he met a female dwarf, ready to use her hatchet against anyone approaching her with ill intentions. Uh-Oh! From all the other contestants, the female dwarf! Novgorod was somewhat used to the dwarves though. Living a great part of one’s life in Esgaroth did expose one to both elves and dwarves. And the dwarwes he considered just some underground weirdos as the elves were to him plain creepy.

“Good evening, master dwarf! Narleah, was it?” He greeted the dwarf pulling a smile of a friendly kind to hide his immediate embarrassement. “I suggest you put down your hatchet so that I don’t have to draw my sword”, he then added with a calm voice with no aggression in it, studying the dwarf carefully to notice any hints of action on her part early enough. “I just saw the glow of your fire up here and thought of finding some company for the night”.

Narleah laid her hatchet down with a grin and gestured Novgorod to the fire. As Novgorod sat down he pulled the pouch of tea from his belt and untied the knots in it. He held the leaves in his hand and asked Narleah smilingly: “Some tea perhaps? I could make it for two.” Narleah seemed to approve of the offer and so Novgorod started preparing the tea, chatting easily as he went on with it. He started to feel easy too. Funny, with a female dwarf... well there are wonders in the world mightier than this I suppose.

“My name is Novgorod and I come from Esgaroth. I don’t live there permanently any more due to some troubles way back, but... Well, that’s another story.” He raised his eyebrows and made a kind of conspirational smile to Narleah. Then he sighed and continued: “Many people call me a rogue, but I prefer to call myself just a wanderer who’s trying to make a living in this wretched world of ours.” He poured a small handful of the dried leaves to the kettle and whistled a little melody, looking the dwarf over the fire with some curiosity.

“Did you recognize the tune? I knew a dwarf called Dwannr some years back. We shared some things in the Mirkwood area then. He used to hum that one in the evenings and he never told me what it was. Do you happen to know that song? I kind of like the melody and it would be nice to know what the song is about.”

Novgorod took the kettle off the fire and placed it to his side on the ground to let it settle for a while and looked at the dwarf sitting against him questioningly.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Éomeléo espied the lady admiring the sunset. From a distance, she looked not unlike a girl he knew in Gondor. Awful laugh, terribly annoying. I do hope she's not like that, he thought. He gave a shout and she turned to look at him. Explicitly indicative that he was no stalker nor ruffian, Éomeléo sauntered up to her, noticing her wonderful brooch as soon as he got near.

"Good evening, lady!" he said with a big smile. "You, as I, are on this treasure hunt. Won't you tell me your story? It's been several days since I spoke to another person."

He stood there, smiling expectantly, hoping that Valesseka would entertain him; though in his heart he expected her to shun him, and to view him as a deadly rival for this gold. Éomeléo wondered whether it was legal to 'obstruct' his opponents on their path.

[Glirdan]

" Well Glirdingo of Lorien, the last time I saw the Entwives was when they were heading towards these lands. I myself was an outsider to what caused them to do this, but instead of leaving for what is now the Brown Lands, I chose to go north by myself. The ash trees in the northern woods were in need of instruction to protect themselves and such, so, I went. After the Maiar Sauron's scourge upon these lands, neither I, nor other remaining ents know of what became of them. Sad it is. I came to find this event by a broken bottle in a stream I found, and after much thought, I decided it was time for me to see the world again, before I became too treeish."

"I see. Tis a tragic thing, for eventually, there will be no more Ents, or Entwives or Entings if the rest do not come back," Glirdingo said sadly. "But let us cast away these dark thought's and enjoy each other's company while the night lasts," he said, looking up at the Entwife with joy.

[Valesse]

Valesseka jumped up for her spot on the ground, covered her brooch and humbley examined the well dressed Gondorian's boot-clad toes. She had recognized him to be the man who she had caught shouting at the Sea of Rhûn, and was starting to feel that he had quite an affinity for being boisterous, even if his calling out did make her feel a tad more secure.

"I would tell you my story, good sir, but I fear it would not be as marvellous as your own... I will make you a deal however, that I will tell you about me, if you do the same in return?" Very slowly a faint grin was growing on her face, some bit out of embarassment, but mostly from inexplicable giddiness. "That is... if it pleases my lord..." she nodded, boldly eyeing his shins. She had not expected someone to also head North like herself, but did not find his presense profoundly disappointing.

Lowering her head once more, Valesseka held her arms out in offerance to Éomeléo, "Please... sit. I'm from Arnor, so I fear my story is as long as the wind that carries it from me."

He seemed cheerful enough... but, she figured, he didn't really need the treasure if he could afford garbs like that.

[THE Ka]

"I see. Tis a tragic thing, for eventually, there will be no more Ents, or Entwives or Entings if the rest do not come back," Glirdingo said sadly. "But let us cast away these dark thought's and enjoy each other's company while the night lasts."

Kafkalina was once again awoken to that thought, if the entwives never returned. It had lingered of course, after the ents had discovered of their disappearance, all ents that she knew seemed to receed back into the deep of their forests, or became apathetic and endangered themselves to becoming treeish. It was also from this that some Huorns accepted to take up control in small patches here and there, and thus being confused for real ents by other peoples. The ents were more solitary now, that was true, and even more a mystery to other peoples of arda.

Maybe this journey was what I needed, to see the forest of this world for the trees again. I guess that this adventure will help make these last years the better.

Glirdingo seemed to be in a merry mood, and Kafkalina took it as a sign of the times as well, concerning the elves. The elves were almost in the same situation as the ents, but of course far better, she thought. Though, as old as the two peoples would be, and their time was slowly winding to a farewell, why not make them joyful ones?

" You are quite right fair Glirdingo, time has been given to mourning for the entwives, and we ents never give something so long to think unless it is worth such long thoughts, and of course, old enttish takes quite a long time to say anything in. It is why I am glad the elves were such kind creatures to teach us their speech and others, or this meeting with you would take a whole age to complete!"

Kafkalina gave a good laugh to this, it was indeed nice to speak with an elve again.

" Ho hmmm, well I have told you my story, would it be fine with you if I ask of yours? How have the elves been keeping themselves these long years? Hopfully much better than us ents."

[Glirdan]

" You are quite right fair Glirdingo, time has been given to mourning for the entwives, and we ents never give something so long to think unless it is worth such long thoughts, and of course, old enttish takes quite a long time to say anything in. It is why I am glad the elves were such kind creatures to teach us their speech and others, or this meeting with you would take a whole age to complete!" Kafkalina gave a good laugh to this, it was indeed nice to speak with an elve again. Glirdingo laughed heartily at this as well.

" Ho hmmm, well I have told you my story, would it be fine with you if I ask of yours? How have the elves been keeping themselves these long years? Hopfully much better than us ents."

"No problem, my dear Kafkalina. As you may know, there are three main settlements here in Middle-Earth. One, as you know quite well, is Lothlorien. There's one further North of us in the great forest of Mirkwood and one over the Mountains which is called Rivendell. We're all rather quiet settlements, but Rivendell seems to get more of the visitors than the rest of us, but perhaps that is because Lorien has a bad name in the countries surrounding the borders and Mirkwood is home to plenty other strange creatures. But, we are doing quite well. Keep ourselves to ourselves really. But I do not know how much longer this peace will last," Glirdingo said sadly. "There's something stirring in my heart which tells me that there is to be great trials in the future and that the time of the Elves is wanning." He looked around him sadly. He had known Middle-Earth all his life. It was his home. He didn't want to leave it, yet he knew in his heart that one day he would. But now was not the time. "Time to put these thoughts to the back of my mind and enjoy the time we do have left."

He wiped a single tear, which was running down the side of his cheek, the the back of his hand and looked back up at the Ent. "But, my dear Ent, I do believe I shall bid you goodnight. Need my rest for the next leg of this race, just as you do. I do hope to speak to you again. This was wonderful and it was wonderful to see one and Entwife before I passed off into the West or into the Halls of Mandos. So, have a good night sleep my fair Ent and I wish you luck in you're journey tomorrow."

After saying goodnight, Glirdingo walked back to where he had left his stuff. "That was quite a nice chat. I just hope that I'll be able to see more of this world before I pass off into the West. Perhaps this race is exactly what I needed. Something to get me out into the world and discover what I can. I believe, after this, I shall take to the roaming life," he thougt to himself thoughtfully. "But for now, I need rest." With that, he sat down and began his nightly meditation.

[Valier]

The first night passed quickly as the adventurers snoozed away. The dawn broke with a glorious sunset spilling colour like jewels of orange and gold over the land. The adventurers awoke to a dewy morning, as they readied for the day ahead.




Day 2 has now begun. You have 36 hours to complete your tasks.

Yesterdays favorite daily post goes to.........Kafkalina and her thistle armour!! She will move twice as far as the other adventurers today only.

Players you may now pm me your direction choices. :)



Oh and don't mind the big yellowish spot on the map......... :rolleyes:

[Glirdan]

Instead of continuing on straight (like he knew that some other would do), Glirdingo decided to branch off to the left and see what would happen there. He was walking along, enjoying the warmth and light from the sun, taking rests here and there for food and water breaks.

It was about midday when he was taking a short lunch break when something happened. He was just seraching through his sack for his canteen and a thing of lembas bread when he heard a noise in the shrubbery close by. He straightened up and drew his bow and arrow in the blink of an eye, squinting at the bush where he heard then noise. Then he saw it move again and loosed the arrow and out of the bush fell a hog, female by the looks of it.

It was then that he heard squeals nearby. "Uh oh... I don't think that was the brightest thing I've done," he thought to himself as two hogs thundered out of the brush (male this time) and charged at him. He turned and ran as fast as his feet could carry him. The hogs weren't far behind. He jumped into the air to grab at a low hanging tree branch and hauled himself up on the tree. The hogs thundered by underneath, not noticing that their quarry had eluded them. "Definetly not the smartest thing I've done," he panted.

He waited a little until he caught his breath and was sure the hogs had found their way home another way before jumping out of the tree. "I think I'll avoid that pig that I caught. "Maybe one of the other hunters will pick it up and decide to try their luck with that lot of pigs," he thought pensively.

It was then that he remembered that he had forgotten his things by the dead pig."Again, not the smartest thing I've ever done," he thought, exahspereated. He took his time going back, in case the pigs hadn't returned and decided to charge at him again. He was lucky, they had returned some time ago and he found his belongings and the trail without a further hitch.

He walked along, hoping that the pigs wouldn't pick up his scent. Again, his luck had held out. The pigs, who were trying to find food at that time, had gone back into the den.

"Well, that's the last time I shoot at a bush without first calling out to it!" he thought, a weak smile creeping up as the sun shone brightly on his face as he continued his journey.

[THE Ka]

Kafkalina woke much better than she had begun the day before, and traveled with great ease and stride. This soon brought the ent very far, and to a very surprising sight. The fields had slowly been giving way to small hills, which soon seemed to drop off the horizon into a gorge. It was a dry mouth of the earth, with no river, most likely its founder, in sight. Kafkalina stood back and looked down into the great dry casm. In the rocky and deep gorge there were a few points that rose up out of the ground below, and not much else.

Ho Hmmm! What a way to find oneself. I couldn’t walk around this great hole in the earth, and climbing down and across looks to be too much time, it would take me at least four days whole. Hmmm, if there was a way to possibly go from those high points to other high points, I could cut my travel in half with careful planning. I need something strong and flexible, maybe there is a log around.

The ent looked for a log that might fit this purpose. Others might consider felling a large tree to fit this purpose, but being an ent this was highly obviously out of the thought and idea of Kafkalina, as she definitely was not bent with such malice as might belong to the Huorns of Sauron or other fell creatures. Since there was naught but rocks and dry land, nothing but small shrubs and scraggly plants grew to the side of the earth. Kafkalina could not rely on that of the earth anymore, as to use rock and stone however great to fill a path across the gorge would take far too long. This time it would call for a much more demanding sacrifice on the ent’s half.

Oh great earth scourges! Ents were not meant for this! Wait, I think I do have an idea now. Ents definitely were not meant for this, since not all ents are the same tree, thank great Yavanna for that… I am forgetting myself entirely in this matter, and the work I have done for the past two ages it seems. We ash trees must be defensive, for many a woodsman values our bark and wood since we are strong and most elastic for bows and spears. Oh, I sound horrible now, talking of myself as if I was a commodity! Has it really come to this then?
Well, if only for myself I guess I can make such a pole of wood with which to travel. I will need to make much ent draught after this, possibly when I reach Mirkwood. That is, if I ever do make it that far. Oh bless my bark, I hope this works!

Kafkalina then buried her shame at this fact that she would need to take from herself as if she came hunting mercilessly with an axe, and found the ent wine in her bag. Looking far and wide to make sure that no tree was watching this, the ent began to drink the invigorating draught slowly, but steadily. Soon, one of her top most branches along with a few hundred leaves here and there, began to grow rapidly. Soon it was long enough that the ent had to sit on the ground from becoming too top heavy. After a time, the branch had now become a long enough log that with good luck would help her vault from the sides of the small peaks within the gorge. Carefully taking a sharp rock found nearby, Kafkalina readied to remove the branch as quickly as could be done.

Ho Hmmm! Yavanna help me that this doesn’t turn for the worse!

Quickly, and with as much force, Kafkalina removed the branch. The ent slowly arose and felt the top of its head. The branch was indeed removed, and it indeed was painful for awhile. Drinking more ent wine and allowing sap to cover the top of her head, the sharp pain left and was slowly throbbing away, as she prepared the branch to become a pole.

Well, it could have been worse, I could have missed. Bah Hmmm! I don’t need such thoughts right now, time to try this pole. It better be well worth the sacrifice I put into it!

The ent carefully planned out the position of the pole as it scaled down the side of the gorge, and finding a side jetting out far enough, the ent made for the first high spot. Being as flexible and strong as to her namesake, the ent made it with a some difficultly as it steadied itself on the narrow top. Slowly, and with much precision, Kafkalina carefully made it far enough to reach about a mile from the top of the other side. There she decided to walk and climb carefully the rest of the way, and reached finally the other side.

Today had been a trying day, and as the ent stopped to rest, she knew that what she gave in would certainly be able to be rewarded later, whether she was able to reclaim lost land or no.

[Valesse]

Waking just early enough to see the brilliant colors of the rising sun, Valesseka quietly started to put together her pack stealling careful glances at the sleeping Gondorian. If she was careful, she could be a hour or more ahead of the nobleman before he could make his breakfast. Éomeléo could stand some more sleep, she figured, smirking to herself. For his beauty rest and my wealth.

Sneaking small bites of stale bread, Valesseka hurried northward away from the river and out into a vast field billowing like the angry waters of the sea. The wind had picked up noticably as she ventured into the plain, which made the burning sun more tolerable. It'll be a shame if that Lord goes a different way... She huffed, hair blowing down in her face, forcing her to quickly forget about her previous thought. With a growl she man-handled it back behind her ear just in time to be hit with a blast from Manwë.

"Gracious!" She gasped, the wind was taking a turn for the worst, and walking was starting to become more laborious than it should have to be, especially with her sail of a skirt. To add insult to injury she could feel her precious face burnning with the intense gales of wind, so the girl hastily pulled her wool shawl over her head and close to her cheeks. Relieved for a moment that she would be able to save her complexion from the elements, Valesseka sighed and continued further into the plain. But her relief was short lived.

Surging again, a mighty gust forced the Arnorian to check her balance, and in the process carried off her shawl. Valesseka squawked loudly and chased after the run-away article as fast as the terrible wind would allow. Just out of reach each time she bent down, or tried to pin it with her stave, the shawl took to the air, then tumbled across the ground only to be tossed in another direction. Valesseka became more and more infuriated at the thought of loosing what would be one of her capes. There are mountains coming! Mountains! I -need- this shawl! I can't give it up! She also knew the longer she chased it around the plain, the longer Éomeléo had to catch up with her... or that the other adventurers had to get toward that treasure, and this, simply, was unexceptable.

Swallowing hard, Valesseka pulled her throwing axe off of her hip and waited for the shawl to tumble on the ground again. Wincing as she did, Valesseka threw the axe soundly onto the shawl, making an alarming gash across a corner, but none the less pinning it to the ground. Mournfully she pulled the axe off of the shawl and put it back on her hip before examining the damage. It would be alright... if one could ignore the gash... scoffing at her own impulsive rescue, Valesseka carefully wraped the shawl around her head and shoulders before pinning it to the rest of her attire with her prized brooch.

Valesseka was sure this meant that she earned herserlf an good sound meal, though cursed that the wind and her poor packing ensured that this was impossible. She would have to settle for jerky.

[Thinlómien]

Thin-Gloomy was on a better mood than he had been on in ages. The journey to Rhûn had done wonders to him. He was much more fit than before the journey, his normally pale skin had got some colour and though he was still thin, he was not as sickly skinny as he had been. And though he was gloomy like always, the idea of a great treasure awaiting him gave him new strength, mentally as well as physically...

North, north, I wander north, Thin-Gloomy hummed an old dwarvish tune with his own words, There will be a great golden hoard, and I will be the last man there. River will drown me, wood will cheat me, knight will beat me, beast will bite me...

Thin-Gloomy's song stopped suddenly. Beast will bite me indeed, he thought. He had arrived to a river's fork and saw a huge bear fishing there. It was so concentrated in its food that it didn't notice the dwarf. Thin-Gloomy backed slowly and silently. He did not wish the bear to hear him.

Had I noticed it earlier, I could have driven it way by simply making so much noise that it'd have run away. Now it's too late and there's only one of me and I'm too small to scare it away, he thought, remembering the beorning Barlath who had told him that bears were actually timid creatures and feared humans. And best not to make it angry, by making noise or shooting it, Thin-Gloomy decided, it might have cubs around hidden somewhere and then I'll certainly die.

I guess I'll only wait then. It can't fish all the day, Thin-Gloomy decided.

Hours proved him wrong. The bear seemed to be a clumsy and a stubborn one. It caught only one fish, but didn't give up. If it continues that way, it'll be night before I can continue my journey. I must do something...

Thin-Gloomy walked back to the woods he had come from. He didn't go very far, though. He collected some dry wood and lit a big fire edged with fist-sized stones. He hoped the stones would prevent the fire from spreading further and setting the whole wood in fire.

The trees blocked all major winds, but the air was still moving. And it was moving towards the river fork. Thin-Gloomy climbed to a tree and spied the bear. It had started to grow restless. It had certainly smelled the smoke. Thin-Gloomy climbed down and add more wood to the fire and threw fresh leaves into it. Like the dwarf had expected, there was even more smoke from the fire. He coughed; it was difficult to breath this close to the fire. He climbed to the tree again. The bear was gone.

Now there's only the future forest fire to be put out, he thought. The river fork was too far away for him to carry enough water to extinguish the fire, so he had to wait it to die away by itself. Even though he watched that it didn't spread and threw the water in his waterskin to the middle of the fire, he had to wait for more than an hour before he could continue his journey.

He crossed the river fork from the shallowest spot and refilld his waterskin. He hoped the still slightly smouldering remains of the stone-edged fire wouldn't be able to spread to a forest fire.

[Nogrod]

Novgorod was marching straight on through the grassland with fair speed and in high spirits. The sun was shining, and not regarding the low-lying shrubs, the terrain was easy to walk. Suddenly he ran into an area of familiar blue on the ground. “Blueberries!” he shouted and ran to the bushes, laying down on the ground and guzzling the sweet and ripe berries. He just loved them, had always loved.

But soon he came to think of continuing with his journey. I’ll not leave these to anyone else to pick. I’ll have to carry as much I can with me. With that he took a quick glance around to see what there was to make a basket or other kind of vessel to carry the berries. His mother had taught him how to make different baskets when he was young and he still thought he could make one from almost anything.

There were a couple of birches and poplars but they were too stunted to produce any reasonable quantities of bark for the purpose. That was sad because birch-bark baskets were both easy and fast to make and solid in use. He would have to come up with something else. He studied the shrubs with a keen eye. The stalks were thin and had just a little of broad leaves in them. The grass was knee high and had thin spindly stalks. These will have to do, Novgorod thought and took to his task.

First he searched four thickest stalks from the shrubs and cut them to different lengths. Then he took them one by one to be pre-bended. His mother had taught him that that way the stalks would slowly learn and get used to their new form and would then settle to it at will. He took a stalk with both his hands from the middle and started to bend it easily, being careful not to break it. He did all this in rhythm, moving his hands slowly farther away from each other with every bending until he reached the end of the stalk. Then he re-performed the operation. After he had handled all the four he left them to rest for a while.

Next he gathered some of the youngest and thinnest shrub-stalks to make strings for tying. He carefully gnawed the surface of the stalks to break it. This way the stalk would become supple and yielding. Then he rubbed them between his hands, twisted and turned them for a couple of minutes to gain more elasticity.

Now he had what he needed to begin the work. He went through the bending operation once again with the thicker stalks, but this time he went all the way through to bend them into a round shape, both ends of a stalk overlapping each other by a few inches. These he then tied up with the strings he had just made. Very soon he had four round circles of different sizes. The smallest one he put in the middle, the next in size around it and so on. Then he needed again some more stalks from the shrubs.

Novgorod picked four thicker stalks and eight thinner ones and came back to his framework. Carefully he slipped one of the stalks over the largest circle and then under the next one. This way he continued, slipping it over the third and under the middle-one, then over the other side of the middle-one and under the second, over the third and lastly under the largest one at the other side of the circle. He soon realised that he had not done this for a long time as it proved to be pretty difficult. The second stalk, that he threaded between the circles in a straight angle to the first one, proved even more complicated as the first stalk tried to move and go off its place as he was handling the second one. In the end he managed to slip the second through the framework and now it had nice cross-stalks keeping the circles at place. And as he had picked as curved stalks he could find, the basket was starting to get into a shape too. It was not flat, but a bit convex. After I get the two others in here, I’ll have to press the framework a bit to make the basket deeper, he thought, and performed the same operation with the two remaining thicker stalks, threading them through the circles from the middle of the triangles the two first ones had created.

Now the framework felt a lot more secure and threading the thinner ones in to the eight triangles the four thicker ones had formed was much easier. And the overall form began to settle too. It might carry, maybe three pints of berries, Novgorod estimated. That could just be enough...

Oh, if I just had some decent bark now! He thought disappointedly as the framework of the basket was ready. It would be so easy to just cover this framework with them. Well, no can do... So he resorted to a different version of a basket. He ripped a whole lot of grass and carried them to his basket-to-be. Then he took them a small handful at a time and threaded them over and under the stalks he had slipped through the circles. The first handfuls were pretty loose but as he added the stuff, they started to hold more firmly and in the end he had filled the holes between the largest circle and the one next to it. Soon he had all the holes covered and the basket was almost ready.

I need something to carry this with... Novgorod went again to the shrubs, searching for pretty thin but long stalks. In the end he had what he wanted. He moulded them to yield as earlier, but this time he plaited them into a real rope of a kind as it would have to take on the whole weight of the full basket. Then he attached the ends of the self-made rope to the brims of the basket and tried how it bore. That’s okay. It’s not a masterpiece but will do for me.

Novgorod had spent almost an hour with all this and felt he was in a hurry again. He emptied the bushes quite fast and filled the basket with the ripe and succulent Blueberries. The few remaining berries he stringed into a long stalk of grass, like he would have been making a necklage from the berries.

Carrying the basket and every once in a while slipping a berry or two to his mouth from his “berry-grass” he continued his walk, singing the little song the dwarf had taught him years ago. He was in even better mood than he had been at noon. The sun also, was still shining.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Éomeléo woke up and immediately realised that Valesseka was gone. She was clearly an early starter. Getting slightly worried, the Gondorian assembled a hasty breakfast and started to jog northwards. If he was going to sleep more than any of the other adventurers (and this was practically a given) then he would need to travel faster than them by day.

It was a pleasant country to run in. Vast plains adorned with all sorts of undergrowth. Éomeléo knew that there were mountains in his future and knew that he would have to get there posthaste to stand a chance in this hunt.

The day passed, and Éomeléo was doing fine, but in the afternoon, the further north he went, the conditions changed. Grey clouds formed and the wind picked up. Pretty soon it was whipping poor Éomeléo like an abused dog and he whimpered pitifully as he jogged. He then slowed down and marched.

He was perked up by a previously unimaginable instance of horror: the wind had stolen his feathered hat, and was carting it off into the distance! Yelping in despair, Éomeléo burst into life and gave chase. The wind was always that little bit faster than him, though. Every time he got near to his hat, the gales cruelly snatched it back. Realising that the Lords of Weather were privy to the workings of harsh twists of fate, Éomeléo attempted to formulate a plan as he ran. At first he thought of shooting the hat with his crossbow, but it is fact that the young Gondorian is not the best shot even in good conditions, and so the success of this method was far from guaranteed.

For about 10 minutes of chasing the hat, Éomeléo could think of no better idea. It was then that he noticed he had entered a particularly busy section of undergrowth. Sensing the presence of numerous animals, Éomeléo paused. Just like that, the hat seemed to pause too. He picked up a small stone and threw it into a very large bush to his left. All this accomplished was to send a single rabbit scuttling away out of sight. There was another way, though; it was something that Éomeléo had often done as a child in the gardens of Gondor. He would enchant them with the music of his ocarina. He had always believed it worked by magic and his parents had never discouraged this belief.

So he played. He played for about a minute, and he even began to think the hat itself could be charmed back, for it seemed to dance about, and move closer to him. Soon enough, the music attracted the presence of several animals. There were rabbits and ground-birds, and a couple of very large hares. One rabbit spied the brightly-coloured hat, and shyly moved towards it. Pretty soon, the hares spotted this, and bounded onto the scene, scaring the rabbit away and catching the hat. They jumped onto the top, crushing it slightly, and then Éomeléo made his move. Silently adjusting his crossbow, he calmly shot the hare, piercing both animal and now-motionless hat.

The animals scarpered, and Éomeléo finally retrieved his hat. Ignoring the suggestion that the hat had been caught in a new swirling wind in the slight dip of the land, Éomeléo praised his magic ocarina, and set about finding some water to wash the hare's blood from his hat.

[Sleepy Ranger]

Ransley was making his way silently in his chosen direction, one hand resting gently on the hilt of his sword. "Stupid Eoln..." is all he could think of as he moved forward. He had by no means made any attempt to hide his hate for the elf. Along his path he had carved, "Eoln is a sissy elf." into various things. It wasn't long till he arrived at a river. The bank would be a perfect place to carve another message for the stupid elf. He drew his short sword and dropped to a knee and began to carve 'E-O-L-N I-S A S-I-S-S-Y E-L-F'. He then seathed his short sword as he rose back to his feet.

He streched his arms and looked forward. "That's interesting..." he thought as he noticed a yellowish-brown bear fishing on the opposite end. He looked at it for a while, fully aware that the bear too knew of his presence. The bear however kept fishing, seeing no reaction Ransley decided to cross the river but the moment he put a foot into the water the bear turned to him and growled. "Ah... how damned." thought Ransley as he withdrew his foot, careful not to look the bear in the eye.

He begin to move into the river slowly and steadily, both hands away from his swords. No point making the bear think he was a threat. Animal evasion came natural to Ransley and a bear was an easy one. He knew well enough it would be a waste of energy to charm a beast such as this when he could just get away from it in a snap of his fingers, not literally but around that easily. He took a deep breath and repeated the steps in his mind, "Walk backwards and away from the bear slowly, keep speaking calmly and loudly and do not look into its eyes." All check.

He would need a way to get across though. He had not thought of that, luckily there were a couple of thin tress on the bank. He did not want to but had little choice at present. He drew his sword and cut one of the thin trees from the bottom, letting it fall diagonaly across the river. He fell a few more and placed them the same way forming a makeshift bridge leading diagonally away from the bear. "Here goes..."

Ransley put a foot onto the bridge, he was aware that his steps would have to be quick and light and all the while he would have to concentrate on not looking the bear straight in the eye and speaking calmly and loudly. The odds were not quite in his favor, just how he liked it. So he began, barely letting a foot touch the ground as he made his way across. Looking at the bear but not into it's eyes while speaking calmly and loudly, "I am only an illusion, pay me no heed. Go back to your fishing as I vanish into the distance. Look at yummy salmon, mmm tasty, go on and reach in. Pick one up and take a bite."

By now Ransley had reached the other end of the river, the side where the bear was. The bear had still not diverted it's attention from Ransley just as he had suspected but it was no need to worry all he had to do was keep doing th... oh damn... the bear had started to advance towards him. Well there was still no need to worry, plenty of trees around. "If thats how you want to play you big lagoot..." He drew his metallic sheet. "Come and get me."

Ransley ducked behind a tree as the bear approached him, turning away from the bear as it turned towards him. He kept moving from tree to tree whenever he found an opening as the bear kept cricling each tree Ransley passed. A couple of minutes later Ransley had completed a complete circle and found himself behind the bear. Not exactly something he had wished to do but the bear just did not seem natural to him. It was trying too hard, he drew his short sword as the bear began to circle the tree and impaled it in the top right corner of his neck taking a pot shot to his head with his metallic sheet after that.

The bear stumbled forward a bit and dropped to it's side. Ransley put the sheet back in his bag and moved over to the bear slowly. He searched around for and medicinal plants and then soaked them in the river. He then pulled his sword out of the bear's neck and pressed the plants against them. It was a tough animal, it would make it through. Once he was done nursing the bear he went over to where it was fishing and found a few salmon there. He picked them up and dropped them down near the bear. "You'll need these, champ."

He smiled at the bear and went back to the river drawing his short sword. A few fish wouldn't hurt him either. He waited there for a while and caught a good number of them himself. He looked them over, almost twenty of them. He grinned and placed just one in his bag. "They spoil fast, this will do for dinner." He then went over to the bear and dropped the rest of the fish by it. "You'll need these too, champ." To his surprise the bear raised his head and nodded letting out a low growl as to say thank you.

Ransley nodded back at the bear. "And remember Eoln is a sissy elf." With that Ransley headed off, continuing his journey till nightfall.

[Naria]

Narleah wasn't in the best of moods this day. The suns rays were relentless upon her head and her floppy hat provided little relief. It was extremely hot, making Narleah more and more miserable with every step. "Bah, is this treasure really worth all of this?" She scowled. Soon she came upon a thicket of berries that looked to have been cleaned out of its supply. "Aye, I wonder who or what has been here....and not too long ago either." She pondered this for a moment. Narleah figured that the culprit must have been the one that introduced himself to her as Novogord the night before. She was not at all impressed with the carnage that took place and kicked the bush in front of her. Almost immediately berries fell onto her foot and rolled to the ground. Narleah was very hungry and wanted desperately to eat some of the swollen fruit.

She took her hat off to examine the situation and give her head a scratch, "hmmm of course, this will work!" Holding the hat out in front of her. Narleah knelt down to take a closer look at what the bushes held for her and spied a copious amount of berries hanging from the bottom. "Ah ha, he didn't take all of them." With an evil grin on her face, she tasted one, then another and another. "Mmmm so good," smacking her lips together she filled her hat. Narleah groaned, "This will not do, I am so hungry and these will be finished before I leave here." She needed to fill her belly and just then a thought occurred to her, I am small and these berries are lower to the ground, I wonder if I were to lay down and pull myself under them. She lay on her back and pulled herself underneath the thicket. "Yes, this will work just fine" She said with a proud tone in her voice. Narleah was so close to the berries that she didn't even need to use her hands, she just raised her head off of the ground and began plucking the berries off with her teeth. If someone had not seen her wiggle under the bush, one would have assumed that a boar or a small bear was in the thicket gorging itself. The sounds that Narleah was making was horrendous, loud slurping, slapping and gulping noises as she swallowed each mouth full. She was having quite a time in her blueberry world.

A large belch escaped her belly and Narleah was satisfied. She wiggled her way out of her feeding den, wiping her face with the back of her sleeve as she picked up her berry filled hat and continued on. However, what Narleah did not realize was the mess on her face. She had blueberries everywhere! The pulp and skins were caught in her teeth, beard and hair; not to mention the juice, it was all over her skin. Narleah looked like a hairy blueberry, she was oblivious to what she looked like, nor would she have cared, and set off into a now setting sun.

[Valier]

The sun began to set on the second day. The wind was dying down and the adventurers began to settle down for the night after a long day. One traveller did not move that day, Galadster felt ill from the sun on the first day and decided to stay put at his first camp till he felt well enough to continue. (did not finish in 36 hours)

Night 2 has now begun, You have 24 hours.

Players please pm me your votes for your daily favorite, these are due in by the start of Day 3 (24hrs)


Players that may converse are in groups as follows...


Group 1
Eomeleo
Valesseka


Group 2
Thin-Gloomy
Ransley


Group 3
Galadster


Group 4
Glirdingo


Group 5
Narleah
Novgorod


Group 6
Kafkalina



All players that are in their own groups, may not converse with other players on this night, players in the same group may chat away....

[Valier]

I present the second Mod Award to..........Narleah!!!!! For her hilarious and messy,Feeding frenzy of a hungry SheDwarf!!

[Valesse]

The wind howlled grotesquely over Valesseka's thick, grassy haven where she had decided to stop for the night. It was the best place the Arnorian could figure to stay surrounded in the large plains. Here a hip-high cliff had formed in the usually gentle rolling expanse. She had greedily collected some of the taller grasses around to make a nice bed for herself, but in a spurt of boredom, started weaving it through the nearby living blades. Soon she had a fairly well-sized mat created, and let it flop over onto of her declared living space. I bet I'm ahead, she grinned to herself, sure that Éomeléo had fallen behind, or even better, not found the open plains that she had stumbled (quite literally) through.

Rubbing her face with care, Valesseka shivered. It was dry now, and she had yet to experiance the blustery sting of the frozen Misty Mountains. This journey was not going to be easy on her.

Just then she heard something coming through the grass... from the sound of it, it was large. Her eyes bugged out a little, scared to think what or who it might be. After a number of moments she mustered up the courage to turn her head and peek through the grass only to see that unmistakeable hat. I was ahead! How could this be?! she privately steamed. With a sigh Valesseka inspected her hidden camp, and stood up. "Hail, Lord Éomeléo!" that scummy man must have followed me! "There is shelter from the wind here... Come share it with me." With a kindly smile the girl sat down, secretly wishing that he was too disoriented by the gusts to ever get to her abode.

[Naria]

Narleah was a very tired and a very full dwarf. "Ugh, I couldn't eat another bite," she sighed as she plopped herself down beside the fire. Whilst giving her arse a good scratch, she couldn't help wondering where that Novogrod man had gotten himself. She remembered him humming a tune that her uncle sang every so often, but she couldn't remember the name of it nor be bothered to remember. Narleah was a tougher sort and having the males around her treating her like she was not to be seen outside was more than enough for her to have no second thoughts on taking such a journey as this.

She sat up and scanned the area for him, "that must have been him that got to the berries first, but where is his fire?" She was wondering where this man was only because she was extremely full and knew that there was no chance of getting to sleep any time soon. She was in need of some conversation. Aye, there he be. Narleah spotted him not more than a few trees away and he had a fire going. "hmmm wonder why I didn't see that before," she said with a shrug. Narleah pulled herself up off the ground and walked over to his camp. With outstretched hat, she offered her berries to him....well actually to share with him, she wouldn't have wanted all of the berries to be his.

"Er-hm...I don't know if I introduced myself yesternight. My name is Narleah." With that she sat down without Novgorod's approval. "I cannot recall the name of that song that you were humming....sir....sire?....lord?" She had no idea how to address him, with being kept away she didn't know how to act, nor how to talk to other people. Narleah pulled nervously on her beard, flicking pieces of berry into the fire.

[Nogrod]

Novgorod found a nice shelter between some boulders as the night was drawing closer. He lit a fire with the shrubs and then came up with some thicker logs from the nearby stunted birches. Soon enough he was having a merry campfire going on. The evening was just perfect: the air was not cold and the stars lighted the sky. Everything seemed to be as they would have to be; peace and quiet.

He was leaning backwards to a boulder, enjoying the warmth of the fire and the Blueberries he occasionally picked from his basket as he heard the sound of someone approaching. He was feeling too lazy to sprint up right away. The moment was too relaxed. Just from the routine, he took hold of the hilt of his sword and stared to the falling darkness of the surrounding landscape where the noises had come from.

Soon enough a figure of a dwarf appeared into the sphere of the fire. It was Narleah, the dwarf he had met the night before. She offered him some berries from her hat. Novgorod quickly showed his self-made basket almost full of berries to her and she retreated the offer.

They looked at each other for a while. Then the dwarf began: "Er-hm...I don't know if I introduced myself yesternight. My name is Narleah." With that she sat down without Novgorod's approval. "I cannot recall the name of that song that you were humming....sir....sire?....lord?" Narleah pulled nervously on her beard, flicking pieces of berry into the fire.

“Narleah! Welcome to the fire my friend! Just call me Novgo’”, Novgorod answered cheerily, casting away his doubts about the non-talkativeness of his company of this second night. “Sad you don’t remember the song, but maybe later...”, he said, pulling his breath as he was disappointed with the news. “If you have some water, we could make tea for two again”.

After a nod from Narleah, Novgorod added some more leaves to the kettle and gave the oncoming tea a new twist. “This will be a little strong, but I’ve got not so much water anymore” he told Narleah and smiled to her, passing his basket of Blueberries to the dwarf.

[Glirdan]

"Ahhh! Peace and quiet," Glirdingo said aloud to the starry night. It seemed that he was the only one had changed directions. "That just means I get to enjoy the peace and tranquility of this beautiful night."

He took out a piece of lembas, broke it in half and put the other piece back in his bag for toorrow's breakfast. He also took his canteen out of his sack and took a drink. He had filled it at a a little stream that he had passed on the day's journey.

After eating and drinking, he decided to take a little stroll in the moonlight, soaking in all the beauty that was shown to him in the moonlight. "This is beautiful, but not as beautiful as home," he said aloud, thinking about his home back in Lorien.

After an hour or so, he returned to his camp and sat down for his nightly meditation, hoping to get enough rest for the next day's journey.

[THE Ka]

Kafkalina didn't wisper a song under her breath, or made a sound that night. Her head still bore the mark of the pole she made, and it still throbbed. Sitting about a mile or so away from the recently crossed gorge, she stared off into the distance to the west.

In the west lay the border of southern Mirkwood, and with it the peak of Dol Guldur standing out. Kafkalina had heard many times from trees and other creatures of that place, and that apparently at the beginning of this age, a 'necromancer' had taken the elves' home of Amon Lanc. From then on she only heard from trees the apparent darkness that shrowded the bald hill, and of the great spiders and dark Huorns that massed to the hill and in some areas of Mirkwood.

Hmmm, it would be best if I avoided such dark places for now. Great spiders do not frighten my bark, but Huorns under such sway are blind in their furry, and they can keep more company than that of trees. It would be best to head clear of that place.

Looking now north, the dark haze of Mirkwood, one of the last great forests of the world, faded into the distance. It seemed much lighter than that of the south, and Kafkalina's memories began to return to her.

I need to find Taurduin, my ent draught will not last forever, most of it is already gone. I wonder what trees of my memory still live upon it's banks, and with the young elves to the north. I wonder if I might find company of them, and learn more about this dark place in the southern wood. Ho Hmmm, maybe I can prepare myself for what is yet to come, the winds do not seem the same as they once were.

Kafkalina toyed with her pole, possibly not all had been lost. Her leaves and branch would grow back, and the pole could be made into a needed means of protection. If she was right about the winds, she would not be chancing upon only ent friends and the first children of Eru, the world was a wonderful, but mysterious place.

'Never the same bird in a tree, or rock in a hill side', as we ents always say. I guess it means more than just a greeting now.

The ent took a carefull drink from her ent draught, and prepared for a light nap (in enttish standards, of course) as her roots returned to the soil and ancient hazel eyes closed. The wind started to pick up softly, the reminants of an early storm once far away, and they began to murmur of change in the ent's branches.

[Naria]

She thought for a moment, "I have some extra water." Narleah went to her camp and brought back her pack, after fumbling around for a few minutes she grabbed hold of her canteen. Novgorod diluted the strong brew at once and stared into the swirling leaves. "I have an idea!" Narleah exclaimed. "Why don't we just add some of these berries to the mix....it would taste awfully good." She handed him her hat, for she had had more than enough earlier on. Narleah continued, "I also learned of a recipe my Gran taught me, maybe I will get to show you sometime....if of course, the paths we take permit it."

She shrugged shyly and yawned. "I think it is time for me to take some sleep Novgo, Good Night and thank you for the tea." With that Narleah picked herself up from the fire and walked away to her camp, all the while giving her buttocks another scratch. Narleah was glad that a man was not ashamed to sit and talk to her, even if it was kind of awkward, but she was liking the company as well; and the hop in her steps showed it.

[Thinlómien]

Thin-Gloomy was just about to set his own camp and a fire, when he noticed another fire less than a mile away. Who else moves in this lonely land, but I and the beasts of wild? Thin-Gloomy wondered.

Another adventurers, seekers of the hoard... he thought. The thought of his rivals so near to him made him restless. In the other hand it gave him comfort to know that he was not trying a route that all others regarded as a folly.

If I went to visit him, I could find out something that could help me on my journey, Thin-Gloomy thought. He didn't admit - even to himself - that he wanted some company. He had been lonely for too long.

Telling himself he might be doing a big mistake he took his things and left.

Thin-Gloomy hadn't forsaken his caution though. He crept towards the light. He didn't want to take any risks. He couldn't know who would await him by the campfire.

Evidently Thin-Gloomy had taken after his forefathers - and his whole race - in what comes to hiding and stalking. "Who be there?" It was a calm voice, and probably belonged to a human male. Thin-Gloomy was relieved. He stepped forward, to the light.

"I am Thin-Gloomy the Dwarf, at your service. Who are you?"

[Sleepy Ranger]

"I am Ransley, Ranger from Arnor. Come, friend, make yourself comfortable. I was not expecting company tonight but I could perhaps make you something if you'd wish." Ransley watches the dwarf, a bit odd looking for one he had to admit, make his way into his camp. Once the dwarf was seated and the fish split between the two, Ransley began to study the dwarf. Apparently the dwarf did not adapt to wilderness to well. Ransley, over the years had become part of it.

"Tell me Thin-Gloomy, where do you come from and what business brings you here?" The ranger pauses for a moment, the dwarf did not seem all that comfortable so he decided to speak of himself first. "As I said, I am Ransley, Ranger from Arnor. Not too long back I recieved a message in a bottle of win, odd as it sounds. That message spoke of a quest and I, one with nought else to do, set off on this quest. It is not the money that interests me though."

Ransley stopped. He had meant to speak more but decided against it. He leaned in closer to the dwarf and spoke in a hushed voice. "I suspect there is a stupid elf, who goes by the name Eoln, sneaking about here. I do not wish my true intent to be known by him yet." Ransley then sat back in his position, offering the dwarf a warm smile.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Éomeléo gave a queer look to the girl, but scrambled into her shelter nonetheless. "You again?" he laughed, as he took off his hat to inspect it. It looked not great. "Blood is awfully hard to wash out of cloth" he said. It had a big hole in it too, and the top was still slightly crumpled. He sighed.

"The wind causing you problems?" asked the girl. Éomeléo nodded.

After a brief silence, Éomeléo started talking about himself. He told Valesseka that it was not necessary to call him Lord. He had always been slightly embarrassed by his privileges and had chosen to live a quiet, rather private life. For this reason, among others, he had always been viewed as the strange one in the family, and out of place among the noble class in Gondor, who always enjoyed a good party.

"I will tell you, lady, that I am on this treasure-hunt for two reasons. I needed to escape Gondor, where my family are trying to marry me off with someone I have hardly even met; but I also seek riches for my own ends. My family is wealthy; but as long as I stay with them in Gondor I am shackled by the order."

Valesseka at least looked deep in thought. Éomeléo bid her goodnight, and left her to enjoy her shelter.

[Thinlómien]

Thin-Gloomy returned the smile a little uncertainly, though he was relieved to learn that he had found a fellow hoard-seeker. Usually people never smiled to him, except the malicious, cruel grins and the few pitying smiles his appearance received. Thin-Gloomy decided he liked the ranger.

"Well, to be honest, I didn't like the elf either", Thin-Gloomy replied. Then he softened his words by adding: "That might be only because he's an elf, though..."

Realizing that his talk was idle gossip, he quickly changed the subject. "As for me, I come from the Iron Hills." Better a half-truth than to tell the man he was an outcast. "I too, seek this hoard."

His throat was dry, so he took a sip from his waterskin. "And for me it's the treasure that lures me." His own comment brought back the ranger's words and they echoed in his mind. "It is not the money that interests me though", he had said. ...and "I do not wish my true intent to be known by him yet."

"What else than money could lure a man to a quest for a hoard..." he wondered out loud.

[Sleepy Ranger]

"Hah!" The ranger let out a soft laugh when Thin-Gloomy thought out loud. "Revenge for one has led many to do more a foolish thing than money. Love, love has made many more do even more a foolish thing and revenge in the name of love? The insanity of that knows no bounds my friend." He then quickly added. "Not that I'm saying I quest for one of those things though I may. Only time will tell the truth my friend. We all have our secrets and I sense you have one too."

"Come, though, let us savour what is left of our meal before resting for the night." He gets to his feet and scans the area. "You need not fear tonight, friend. We are protected and should you hear a bear... be thankful that it is there. Now if you'll excuse me, I must leave you for a bit." Ransley picks up his short sword and walks out into the woods. He returns after a while with a satisfied look on his face and lays down under a tree. "It is as I said, we are safe tonight."

[Valier]

The night ended without any bad weather changes. The adventurers awoke early and began their quest again....


DAY 3 has now begun. You have 36 hours to complete all your daily tasks.

The daily winner for day 2 was.......Narleah!!! She will advance farther than the others for today only.

Players you may now pm me your direction choice for Day 3

Galadster did not vote 2 consecutive nights in a row, punishment will be dealt with soon..... :(

[Valesse]

Tried to get further ahead last night, didn't he? She thought to herself, moving carefully through the tall grass, I'll just make special care not to step on him today. But given a number of steps Valesseka nearly came to that situation, exactly. Drawing back her leg the girl slowly circled around Éomeléo's camp, and made for the west. It was another hour before she found herself able to speak again, even though it would only be to herself. Why had he confided those things to me? Was he lying? Valesseka blinked. What reason did Éomeléo have to lie... unless he wanted me to go easy on him. "That cad!" the Arnorian growled, but her expression melted. But what if he was just being open...?

She shook her head. It was much easier to be upset with her competition than friendly. "Bet he read his invitation." She grumbled jealously. "Bet he didn't have to make his own provisions." With another pause, she sobbed. She missed her family and dinky little farm in Arnor where she had vanished from... And here were people who could easily remove themselves from their day-to-day lives without feeling guilty. "Bet he didn't have to lie to get here!"

Thus starting another long period of silence for Valesseka, which was only broken by the growing sounds of the rushing river which appeared beside her. Dazed from her miserable mood, and the calming music which the elves calmed to be reminiscent of Ulmo, her thoughts were slow to take in her surroundings. Instead of watching her path, the girl watched the glittering water dancing across the bank, and instead of finding tranquility, Valesseka found a hornets nest.

Within a moment's notice dozens of hornets came swarming toward her, angry and ready to avenge their fallen home. Realizing her situation Valesseka dropped her pack in panic and ran for the water, stings and bites burning her arms and face the entire way. As if this was not enough, in her flight to the water the girl slipped on the muddy bank and fell face first into the grime crushing only a few hornets under her. Giving many painful yelps, she scrambled into the shallow water and ducked her head, holding in a deep breath. Her face was ruined, for now, and it took a great deal of self control not to let out a sob under water.

Every once and a while she would raise her head up for air, and listen for the hornets. When she was sure they were gone the girl crawled out of the river and carefully returned to her possession. Dressing into her change of clothing, she washed the dirty garb in a numb trance. Today had been horrible, but she still had some time. After washing her clothing, she smiled sadly down at the plant she had nearly being sitting on. Athelas. Luck at last. Without further thought, she took some of the herb, and then carefully went searching for others, and found a plentiful supply. It was still light out, but Valesseka had a feeling that it was soon to change. Deciding not to push her luck, she made camp, and gently administered a kingsfoil salve on her wounds.

[Gil-Galad]

Galadster does not take Blueberries and continues walking


EDIT: sorry for the plainess, i really can not think right now, sorry if this doesn't work either

[THE Ka]

Third day of the journey and the ent began to walk north towards the great forest of mirkwood, which was a taunting smudge on the horizon.

Ho hmmm, that elve from the start of this adventure said they would be following us, and watching. I guess I have never given it much thought now. Ha ro tumbula, what is this?!

Within a second Kafkalina saw a dust storm rushing in her direction, it was thick and mottled on the blur of the dry fields of rock and sparce grass, but it quickly came to clarity.

What mischief is this?! A dust storm! I have not witnessed one in many an age! Hm hommm, I guess I cannot weather such a thing by lying down, or put my rope to a good use.

Kafkalina put her rope quickly back into her bag. She had thought of using it as a protection by swinging it around overhead, but the dust storm was too tall. Quickly it approached, and as it did, the ent was struck by an idea.

Hmm ha ro tum! If I cannot rest on the ground until this passes, why not out run it?

With that the entmaiden was off doing something that would appear quite odd from far off. She ran as fast as she could towards the dust storm, but if a watcher were to look closely, she did not run into it at all. Right before the swirling mass, Kafkalina straightened herself out as far as she could and jumped to the ground at a roll. If the entwives and entmaidens were known for being lithe and strong, and ash trees this as well on their accord, the ent was making a good demonstration of it.

Faster and faster she rolled, though the ground was hard and rocky, the thistles collectively acted as a barrier and allowed her to move faster. Straight through the storm she went, and it seemed as if it was the passing into another world, and this was but the chaos between. Soon Kafkalina opened her eyes to see the other side of the dust storm as it began its journey across the dry land.

Standing up, and shaking the dust off herself, Kafkalina sighed and began her journey again. Maybe, just maybe she would find Mirkwood sometime. Also, she began to wonder about Eoln, the rather odd behaving elve at the beginning of all of this.

Hemmm ho rum... I guess the world has really changed if the elves are changing. I miss the elves of Valinor, and the first Sindar, so much strife they had, but such kind and sound people they were.

Kafkalina walked to the north, now quietly singing of the past, but she was aware and alert for any danger or, strange thing that may come.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Éomeléo woke quite early; but still later than the woman who was also walking his path. He wondered how she managed to rise when the Sun was yet so low. He decided to head West today: it was high time he did that. He guessed that Valesseka had also chosen this way and maybe, just maybe, hoped that he could find her again.

At least the weather was kinder on this day, although the wind was still a bit of a nuisance (and Éomeléo made sure to keep a hand on his hat when it picked up). After many hours of seeing naught but birds and rabbits, Éomeléo met the Redwater. It looked a lot friendlier and safer than the Celduin, and the Gondorian sauntered upstream slightly in an attempt to find a shallow point. It was getting somewhat hazy on the banks, due to the day's build-up of heat. Éomeléo let his mind wander; he ambled along the sides of the river, among the inviting flowers of the water. Somehow finding himself caught in a bush, he forced an exit through the side of it, upsetting a bike of hornets in the process.

Pandemonium ensued. Éomeléo was assaulted on all sides by the iniquitous insects. He cried and yelped and hollered and moaned in pain, but there were none to help him. He was alone against these barbarous beasts, this unholy foe. He ran up the river side, riveted by the rack of the stings. He just had the wits about him to spy a rabbit corpse a few feet away from the bank. Abandoning all hygiene concerns, he flung himself by the cadaver, and waited. For a good few seconds nothing changed: the hornets were relentlessly bent on destroying the human, not feasting on the open flesh of the rabbit. Éomeléo realised that this solution was more suited to an assault by flies. Curses! he yelled, scrambling to his feet. Trembling, he bent over the side of the bank. Spotting that the river here was quite shallow, he took his sword and crossbow in his hands and plunged into the Redwater, holding his weapons just above the surface of the water so as to protect them. Wading in, he felt a great sense of relief: not only had the hornets let him be, but his many wounds were soothed by the healing water.

Éomeléo just stood there for over an hour.

With much splashing, and with much labour, Éomeléo managed to plot a course along the rise on the river-bed, taking him back south again, far from the belligerent bees. He was inching closer to the prize, but was only now beginning to long for his beloved, soft bed back home.

[Sleepy Ranger]

Ransley wondered what way Thin-Gloomy had gone. He had enjoyed the dwarf's company. "Ah! Pay attention to where you're moving." He scolded himslef as he walked on lightheartedly. "Oh damn...!" he exclaimed all of a sudden as he looked down to notice he had just stepped on an ant hill and red ants were beginning to swarm over his legs. "This is lovely." He though as he raised his fingers to his mouth and then stopped. "They're insects..."

He stood still, watching the ants move about. They wouldn't do anything till they sensed movement so he probably could buy some time to figure a way out. The river was a good ten feet away so washing them off probably wasn't a smart move since it would be too much of a task to get there. "Well lets see. Ah, soil..." Ransley knew that in certain places the soil could be a good way to eliminate insects. There were apparently tiny, invisble fairies (in reality; certain protozoa and fungi) that lived in the soil that killed the pests.

He would have to bend, which would be a risk especially since he did not if this soil would be of any help. He turned his head a bit and noticed a few flies in the distance. He strained his eyes and scanned his memory... yes! These were the type of flies that drove these ants crazy. He would need to lure them closer though. He turned his bag around so it hung on his chest and shuffled through it, keeping his legs still. "Yes, this would do." He thought as he pulled out some bread and a bit of sugar. He sprinkled the sugar on the bread and raised it high, whistling a soft tune which he hoped would help attract the flies.

Luckily for Ransley it worked and the flies started approaching him. "Now for the fun." He smiled as he let the piece of bread drop to the ground, the flies darting down to get it. The ants immediatly sensed the flies and began to scurry away in panic. It took a while till they were all off Ransley but they were gone eventually. Ransley began to walk towards the river, watching the flies buzzing down onto the ants. "Losers... just like that pathetic elf... Eoln." He thought as he walked into the river shallows. Keeping his feet just immersed in the water, no sense bumping into another set of ants.

[Nogrod]

That Narleah was nice company, Novgorod thought as he continued straight forwards on his quest for the treasure the next day, even though she didn’t remember the song. Novgorod had no idea about how the race was going so far but he was quite assured that he was not in a bad position. Everything had gone smoothly and easily and he had been able to keep up a fair pace every day.

Suddenly his path was cut by a wide and deep dry gorge, spreading miles away to both directions. I’m not going to go around this one, Novgorod thought to himself as he tried to estimate the distance to the other side of the gorge. More than 10 feet, less than 15, maybe something in between... A piece of cake, without the carriage. He had to settle down to think for a while.

He could jump over it easily, there was no problem there. He could also throw all his belongings over it with confidence. But how about the Blueberries? He still had about half of the berries with him, some two pints of them in the open basket he had made yesterday. There was no chance of jumping over the gorge with them.

He took a sip from his waterskin and realised that he had not much of the water left. The day had been hot and the consumption of water had been equal to it. There it is! The sudden birth of the idea made Novgorod smile widely.

He took the basket between his feet and started pushing the berries into the waterskin. As the skin was as full as he could get it he put the lid on and started pressing and squeezing it. Soon the berries inside the skin were mashed and mixed with the rest of the water in it. Carefully Novgorod opened the lid and took a sip. Hmmm... real Blueberryjuice! After blowing into the skin softly to open it as large as possible again he started shoveling more berries into it. After performing this same operation three times he had managed to liquidize all the berries and had a fair 1½ pints of energizing juice in his waterskin.

Time to go. He packed all the belongings he could into his backpack, including the waterskin and the quiver with the arrows. He threw it over the gorge with no effort. Then he tied the laces on his sword’s sheath to secure the sword. Off it went too, followed by his bow.

Then he took some distance from the gorge, checking that his steps would fit rightly as he would approach the edge. To secure everything, he drew a mark on the ground from where he had counted he should start his speeding and made a test run. It looked fine enough. It had been a long time he had really have to make a long jump, but the distance was so short that he should make it easily. Better safe than sorry, he said to himself as he prepared for the jump.

Then he bursted into a run, gathering up speed before the edge... and jumped!

Novgorod landed to the other side, a fair two feet clear from the edge. He repacked his belongings, took a sip of the Blueberryjuice and continued his journey in good spirits.

[Glirdan]

Glirdingo decided to continue straight. This day. It was a pleasent sunny day and the warmth from the sun was quite uplifting. Every now and then, he took breaks for food and water and once stopped at a fast running stream and filled his canteen with cold water.

This was about midday. After about ten more minutes of walking, he entered a field full of flowers. "Well, this is pleasent!" he thought happily, and strolled on. He had only walked for a few more minutes when he noticed something strange about the flowers. "These flowers have a strange smell, not like tulips or other such flowers,: he thought silently. It was then that it started happening. His eyes had begun to water and his nose was really itching.

He wiped away the water from his eyes and tried to continue on but stopped almost immeadiately because they started watering again. Then he started sneezing and couldn't stop. "These flowers (ACHOO!) have a st(ACHOO!)range and nox(ACHOO!)ious smell!! I must (ACHOO!) get out of th(ACHOO!)is field!" he cried.

He wiped his eyes once more and tried to see the end of the field. But his eyes (which started to water again) and his nose prevented it. "I must walk on!" he cried desperately and bumbled on through the flower field. He kept wipping at his eyes to make them stop watering, but nothing worked. Finally, he took his canteen out of his sack and splashed his face with some water. His eyes had stopped watering!! But he couldn't stop sneezing and his eyes were still really itchy from the smell. "Well, it might not have stopped fully, but for now, it will do," he thought.

He walked and walked for what seemed like ages. Finally, he bumbled out of the field and fell face first on the ground. He wiped his face on the smooth grass and stood up. His eyes stopped watering completely and he stopped sneezing!! "Well!! This is a surprise!! It seems that grass contains some sort of anti-agent for the smell of the flowers!"

With that, he turned his back on the flower field and continued on his long journey to the hoard of gold.

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Valesse recives the Mods special award for this day. It is given to her for making one mod cry and one laugh, with her hornets attack.

[Naria]

Narleah's legs had begun to cramp; she had been walking for what seemed like forever. She did not know when they were going to give out, but knew that it was probably going to be soon with the amount of pain she was in. Narleah was now dragging her pack and all desire to keep going had begun to wain.

It was at that moment that Narleah noticed that she was no longer surrounded by miles of long grass, but miles of dry cracked earth. She scanned the area the best she could and could not see a thing...nothing at all, it seemed as though this was maybe the one area where no life was present. "Oye, this would seem to be my luck" she grumbled under her breath. Narleah was in need of shade and water and at least she had one of those things. She took out her canteen and took a long swig of the cool liquid. But when she tipped her head back forward, she became dizzy and the next moment found herself laying flat on her back staring straight at the blazing beast that was slowing her down.

She would have stayed like this for quite some time if it wasn't for a small tornado of dust that picked up and crashed right into her face. Spitting out the bits of dirt and pebbles, the dwarf sat up and as she did this she knocked over her water. "Umph, this comes as no surprise," she growled sarcastically. Narleah had to continue on with the race and she had to do something to bring down her temperature so she would stop feeling so woozy. She propped her head on one hand and with the other fingered the now moistened earth in front of her. The stickiness of the mud drew her attention down to what she was doing and...an idea! "Aye, methinks this will do nicely." At once she poured the rest of her water onto the parched dirt and covered the exposed parts of her skin with mud.

Narleah had many berries left, so she would use those to keep herself hydrated until she was able to find water again. Pulling her hat further down over her forehead, Narleah pushed herself onward and to hopefully a cooler climate.

[Valier]

Night 3 has now begun

The Day was long and tiresome, but now it was coming to an end. One adventurer (Thin-gloomy) decided to stay put for the day. (did not finish in 36 hours)

Some players will now be entering Roa's zone, Day 4 when you pm me your direction choices and you enter Roa's zone with your choice I will tell you and you will pm her your questions and from then on until you reach Rune's zone. Be advised, the zones get more challenging as they go....

All players now pm me your daily favorite post.

Map is where you are resting and where you will start from in the morning.

[Valier]

Players that may converse are as follows...

Group 1
Eomeleo
Valesseka

Group 2
Galadster

Group 3
Kafkalina

Group 4
Glirdingo

Group 5
Narleah

Group 6
Novgorod

Group 7
Thin-gloomy

Group 8
Ransley

[Valesse]

She had just started thinking about dinner when Valesseka found herself once more entranced by the river lapping at it's banks. After moments of holding a blank stare she became aware of foot prints leading away from the water... ones far too large to be her own... and from the looks of it, this person had reacted much the same as she did in her flight from the hornets. Curious and a bit afraid of what they might lead to, the Arnorian followed them to a small camp set up by none other than Éomeléo of Gondor. He seemed quite preoccupied at the time with his meal, to her relief, and hadn't noticed her so far. She threw her cape hood over her head and hoped it would hide her marred visage successfully. He isn't going to care if you're ugly, he's a lord of Gondor, and that girl of his that he doesn't want probably is twice as vain as you. With a deep breath she stood up from her hidden position "Greetings again, Éomeléo." I hope he recongizes my voice-- His face!

Without another word she invaded his camp. "I see you found those hornets, too..." Valesseka grimaced. I still have more than enough Athelas... but why should I share that with him? This is the -enemy-. "I'd rather have to fight that wind again, honestly." She smiled weakly. Going untreated, she knew the poison in the hornet stings could make the Éomeléo slightly ill in time, and that would give her quite an advantage in the race. ...yet he hasn't hindered me in anyway. Valesseka watched him with apparent concern before giving in and pushing something green into her mouth.

"Theres kingsfoil all over the place here. I only have a little" that you can have "right now..." In a rather unlady-like fashion she spit out a now well-chewed green mass "But it'll do a number on the stings." Only after she had held the messy salve in her fingers did she relieze that he might think her offer might be a little... disgusting. "It works." She stressed again.

I won't help him anymore. This is the only time. Very last. Valesseka bit her lip. "I'm from a little farm in Arnor. Everyone I know raises some crop or animal... I- I mean, I've only met a handful of people who can read their own names..." She sighed and smiled with a hint of regret on her face "I just wanted to see there was something more than that... The thought of adventuring for gold sounded perfect when I found that bottle." She looked back up at Éomeléo. That was enough for now, she figured, and if he asked anymore she would continue to give him half answers.

Quickly, she smeared the salve on his hand "It'll keep it from stinging, at least." The girl stood up and wandered back to her things, ready to eat, sleep, and dream.

[Valier]

Dawn of the fourth day had begun, a few adventurers arose to see their journey s taking them into the great Mirkwood forest. Others lagged behind still treading the harsh grassland, but were soon catching up. No one knew what lay ahead.....

The Day 3 winner was.....Glirdingo!!!! He will move farther than the other players for this day only. Two players failed to vote.....You know who you are *evil look* Please do not forget to vote!!!! By not voting, you do not have a say in who should move farther then you. If this happens a lot We will deal out Mod punishment (We will sick Eoln on you!! ;) )

Some players are now moving into Roa territory.....All players please pm me your direction choice, if you move into Roazone she will be notified that you are now her's and she will pm you your scenario and answer your questions.

Day 4 has now begun. :) You have 36 hours to complete all your daily tasks.

Players pm me your directions :smokin:

[Thinlómien]

Heading straight west is not my thing I guess... Thin-Gloomy thought. Last time thistles and this time... red ants. How nice.

The ants were swarming around him and crawling into his clothes and his thin beard and hair. And their bites hurt. Well, I guess the only thing one can do is to walk away, he thought, and did so despite of the nasty red ants.

Getting rid of the ants was not as easy as getting out of the ant hill. They evidently didn't want to leave. Though Thin-Gloomy hated water, he did the obvious thing to get rid of the red ants. He walked to the bank of the river nearby and splashed water all over himself. The ants ended up washed away and the dwarf ended up wet and itchy. Luckily he had taken the aloe vera leaves with him, so he made a new portion of salve and spread it on the bites.

He had dealt with the ants, but he was still frustrated. It is unfair that they hurt me, Thin-Gloomy thought, forgetting the fact that he had ruined their hill by walking straight into it. Maybe I could get something from them... His eyes started to glint.

He took few sticks from the ground and stuck them to the red ant hill. It took only a little while and the sticks were covered with formic acid. "Thank you, little sirs and ladies", Thin-Gloomy said and picked the sticks.

He continued his way whistling and licking his newly achieved candy sticks.

[Gil-Galad]

Galadster continued on till he came to a gorge filled with rocks, and there was a steady breeze behind him, as the grass and twigs started hitting his back.


hmmm... what to do what to do...grass...twigs...rocks... BURNINATING TIME!

galadster quickly started grabbing all the grass he can and start throwing it up into the air and piling it on the gorge, he then grabbed a bunch of rocks and started scraping them together to start sparks, sparks soon came and the grass ignited

BURNATING THE COUNTRY SIDE...GALADSTER!...BURNINATING THE PEASENTS...GALADSTER!

the fire went on for an hour or so, but the steady breeze blew it out, there Galadster looked with surprise as the gorge was still there, just a big pile of ash, that began to harden with the steady breeze, so Galadster with his quick thinking, used his dissapointment into oppurtunity and began forming steps as the breeze cooled it making it hard, And galadster continued this till he reached the top, where he just slid down on a rock shaped like a sled

Weeeeee! i'm going fast momma! i'm going fast!



OOC:hopefully that was up to standards, i might not get another time to edit this

[Glirdan]

Glirdingo had got a good night's rest and moved at a fairly fast pace the next day. It was another hot day and it was around noon when he noticed that the mountains were quite near. "Hmmm....going to have fun trying to get over those..." he thought to himself.

He stopped quickly for a bite to eat and a quick swig from his flask before setting off. He hadn't gone far before he noticed that he had entered a swamp. "Well, isn't this lovely..." he thought to himself sourly. He attempeted to walk further in and he made it a fair ways out before he noticed that he was slowly sinking into the mud. "This is wonderful!! Just what I need!! A mud bath! HA! A mud bath! I just made a funny!!" he thought, giggling silently.

"Wait! Not the time. Okay. What to do, what to do..." he looked quickly around to see if there was any trees that he could attempt to swing his rope onto and grab, but there were none. Then he looked around for sturdy bushes, but there were none either. "Only pieces of grass..." he thought miserably. "And I still have about another mile to go!! Ugh!!"

Then it hit him. It might have been because at that moment a bird decided to drop a worm on his head or because he just wanted to get out of there, but who knows? "Why don't I try and swim? And there's bound to be logs and what not protruding here and there that I could rest on! Yes! I'll swim through the mud!!" he cried. And with that he set off for the other end of the swamp, swimming here, resting there. Eventually, he got to the other end of swamp and clambered out, covered in mud.

"Well, that was interesting," he thought grumpily as he removed his canteen from his sack. He drank some then dumped the rest on himself, attempting to clear away the mud from his face, hands and hair. He took out his spare change of clothes and quickly changed. "I'll clean these and refill my canteen at the next stream I come across. For now, on I go." And with that, he set off towards the mountains which loomed nearer and nearer with every step.

[Sleepy Ranger]

"Mirkwood... Home of the stupid elves and senseless spiders! Why did I end up coming here?" Ransley obviously regretted his decision to step foot in Mirkwood. "Well whatever... no turning back now." He took in a deep breath and continued on into the forest. He still did regret his decision but he figured it would be all the better once he got out at the other end. Now if only none of those blasted elves showed up, spiders were just dandy but the elves took the cake.

Too bad Ransley had not wished away the crows for it was not a spider or an elf that appeared it was a crow. A murder of crows rather. Ransely looked up at the crows as they began to descend upon him. The ranger was light on his feet though and rolled away towards a bush as the crows neared him. In one swift movement he had his metallic sheet out. "You want a fight? I'm going to make this one a murder!"

Ransley smirked as the crows began to rush at him. There was a fair number of them, thirty or forty. It did not matter though, he had already done the hard part and all that mattered now was making sure none got away. He took a few swings as they came closer, whack whack whack and about a dozen of them dropped the down as the rest flew upwards. Ransley never had a hard task taking out animals, or birds for the matter, since he knew them all so well.

It seemed the creatures he had encountered along his way were set to harm him. They thought of nothing other than attacking and Ransley replied in turn. He watched as they began to approach him again. He could always use his sword but this give him a wider area and ensured none would get a hit in on him. Another ten or so dropped when he hit this time. They had dwindled down to around half their number. Ransley grinned and put away the sheet. He place and arm on the hilt of each of his swords and looked up at the crows.

He watched silently as they swooped down towards and once they were close enough he drew both his swords, slashing at them. There were only a few left and Ransley ensured that only one survived as they swooped down again. It seemed this last one wished to attack as well. Ransley seathed his swords as it hovered above him. Once the crow came down at him he sidestepped and stuck out his hand, catching the bird.[/i] "Alright little guy..." He crushed the bird's head with his hand and dropped it. Covering his head with his hood, Ransley walked away.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

The Sun beat down on the glorious green grass, and Éomeléo thought it good. This day was going swimmingly. "Ha ha!" he laughed, and hopped and skipped and pranced over the country. Valesseka's medicinal knowledge had proved apt and he was fully healed from the hornets' stings. For a change, Éomeléo had woken up bright and early, and he had been trying to move away from the Arnorian as quickly as he could. "A fine start I have on her; next time she sees me I will be showered in riches!"

Unexpectedly, his backpack fell off, propelling the handle of his sword to jut into his shoulder. "However did that happen?" he muttered, as he turned around to see the rogue carrier lying poorly on the ground. He lifted it and noticed that one of the straps had snapped.

He could not tie it up without the aid of something else, and he decided against this course of action. He thought it might be best to sew it, but in his haste to leave Gondor he had failed to foresee the need of such useful gear. Still, if he could only find something sharp, he might be able to perform the most rudimentary of sew-jobs.

He sauntered over to a group of trees, slightly southwards and about half a mile away. He had noted a few birds flying about the branches. Up he climbed and on the first tree he found a nest, and a finely-crafted nest at that. The birds were gone, scattering at the sight of Éomeléo's blue outfit glinting in the Sun. He grabbed the nest and clambered back down.

Picking a few of the sharpest twigs out of the sides of the nest, Éomeléo was able to utilise them as needles, sticking them through the straps of his backpack. The strap was now a bit shorter than the other one, but it was still suitable to wear. Éomeléo also used the feathers he found in and around the tree (there were plenty) to support the twigs, twisting the feathers around the ends of the twigs and tying them in knots.

The backpack was fairly shaky, but it held; and Éomeléo continued his journey westwards. The birds in the trees watched him leave, their beady eyes awash with fury: no doubt plotting their revenge. Éomeléo, blissfully unaware, strode on cheerfully.

[Nogrod]

After a couple of days of easy trekking the going was now getting tougher by every hour. Novgorod had entered the marshlands of Dagorlad and his pace slowed considerably. At times he had to check his every step and the mosquitoes were a constant annoyance. The going was getting all the more fatiguing and so the Blueberryjuice proved to be a real treasure, partly saving his day.

But eventually his concentration slipped for a fleeting moment. That was enough to get him into trouble. Suddenly the ground just gave away from beneath him and he realised his feet being swallowed by the bog, the swamp sucking them into it’s cold and muddy embrace ever tighter. He was sinking deeper at a slow but steady pace. Novgorod was cursing loudly.

This was not the first time Novgorod had been stucked into a marsh, but this time he had no one to help him out. He had sunken thigh-deep before he remembered what to do. With all his strength he yanked his body forwards, managing to ease the pressure around his feet passingly. He landed flat on his face to the bog, his legs still sucked by the muddy substance from under his knees. This probably is the most awkward position I’ve ever found myself from, he thought to himself after the “landing” and smiled a bit just to rise his spirits as he spat mud from his mouth.

As his weight was now spread over the surface of the swamp as evenly as possible, his body stopped sinking. But just laying there, nose on the smelly bog, was both frustrating and in a long run also dangerous. The problem was, that he knew only too well that every movement he made would probably sunk him deeper if he was not extra careful.

So, careful to move only those muscles that were absolutely needed, Novgorod started slowly raising his head to assess the situation and his chances. He had a faint image in his mind of there being patches of open water blue in front of him before he got stucked. He rose his head from the ground.

And there it was! Just two feet ahead from him behind the little neck of swamp. And if there is a place that is a bit higher than the surroundings, there is a reason for it... and that is some more steady vegetation... Carefully he started pushing his right hand through the moss and mud in front of him and finally got a hold of a root of a kind under the mud. Carefully he slipped his left hand in to take a grasp of the root too. Then he started concentrating. I need strength and speed to have momentum. I need strength and speed... he said to himself, breathing deeply and readying his muscles for the pull. I have one chance, a second is up to the stars. All or nothing, now!

With that he pulled himself fast forwards, using all the energy his arms could generate. The root he had taken hold of turned out to be quite rotten and broke down and so the pull produced only a part of the force he was hoping for. It was enough to free his feet but not enough to spring him to the open water.

“Blas...” he had time to yell before his face sank into the mud filling his mouth with the incredibly foul stinking substance of the bog and the rotten pieces of wood. He raised his head up immediately and realised being only about feet away from the open water, sinking fast into the swamp because of the force he had used. Just a feet! You can do it! He took a deep breath and started struggling forwards, sinking down with every effort of a stroke he made. Soon he was totally buried under the swamp, struggling forwards. And with every movement downwards he also got a little forwards. He had never fought this furiously for his life. Down he went, and a little forwards, down he went, and...

Just as his lungs were breaking, first his hands and then his head plunged from the mud into the open water. Novgorod had to double his effort to get the rest of his body out from the squeeze of the bog. His legs were still partly stucked in the mud as he made his last effort and sprang up towards the surface of the water. I... need... air...! ...

It took a while before Novgorod came faintly back to the here and now. He was on the float, free from the mud, in open water but too tired to do anything. At last he managed to take a draught of the Blueberryjuice and started regaining both his mind and body. There was a long patch of clean water around him, bordering to another little neck of the land, but behind it there was more water. Slowly he started swimming towards the next pool of water.

Passing over the next neck of land was a lot easier as he could build up some speed in the water and then leap forwards. That didn’t mean he didn’t have to struggle. Also his clothes and packages were wetted through and turned heavy. But in the end he somehow managed to pass several necks of land and following the open waters he at last reached the end of the marshes.

Novgorod was too tired to continue. He was too tired to even make a fire to dry and make himself warm. He only pulled the thoroughly wet clothes off him and fell asleep covered only by the low shrubs against the mosquitoes.

[Valesse]

The sun had already started rising when Valesseka found the motivation to open her eyes, but within a second she was up and rushing to pack. Late, late, late! She thought, standing up like a prarie dog and frowned. Even from here she could tell that Éomeléo had left, and she found herself unable to forgive herself for helping him the night before. She raced into the shallow water after searching for the shallowest crossing. That was the VERY last time. Very last... Argg...

Moving across the landscape at a paced jog, Valesseka focused on nothing other than catching up to the Gondorian Noble -indeed-. Valesseka snarlled, oblivious to the sound of her pack strap straning to hold together. But by the time she had reached back to grab her lunch, the strap snapped. "Grrreat..."

Valesseka pulled her pack off and inspected the strap... it would not do to simply tie it, due to the weight of her supplies, but at the same there was no catching up with Éomeléo without fixing it. Looking down at her brooch, the girl shook her head. It couldn't hold her pack without breaking. She would have to sew it back together somehow. "It was in good condition when I left..." she looked around, not sure what for, "....Éomeléo!" With a growl she stood up. "That trecherous man! It HAD to be him! And after I had helped him..." Whether she was right or not, it was enough for her to quicken her pace. Leaving her pack for now where she took it off, the Arnorian went in search for a thick briar.

"He thinks he'll get away with it, does he?" She mused, somewhat hysterically. "He thinks I won't play this game too?" She pulled a large vine up and took two savage swings at it with her throwing ax. Returning to her pack she frowned. What exactly was she planning to use as thread? Moaning in misery, Valesseka deflated and sat on the ground. This is what I get for helping people. With a sigh the girl lowered her head when it hit her, quite literally. When she had pinned her shawl on the ground with her axe, the gash had started ravelling. With a grin she started pulling at the ravels until she had collected enough to repair her pack strap.

Pushing a hole into the leather piece, she next used the thorn again to force the threading through. The entire repair took less than an hour for her, and in that time she was forced (by her stomach) to have a quick lunch. "Not bad" smirked Valesseka, pushing the vine piece in the repaired pack incase she needed it later for later repairs. With a kind of vindictive air, she returned to jogging west. We'll see who's ahead tomorrow, Éomeléo.

[THE Ka]

Kafkalina began to see the smudge of mirkwood far away, and soon found it's northern border. Walking cautiously through the trees, she could immediately sense the forests uneasiness. The dark shadow of Dol Guldur indeed had spread farther than its physical appearance, it now was a calling of great suspicion to anything coming from the south.

Oh huummm, and I thought to be amoungst trees again would bring me comfort, but all I find is distrust and none at ease. I hope only that I do not appear to be bringing more shadow to this great forest...

She was about to finish her thought, when she saw something move out of the corner of her eye, then again, but more softly now. She could sense more than trees were watching, and decided to stop and scan before moving on. Before she could, a hunting party (more like a scouting party it would seem) of elves surrounded her. Kafkalina made no attempt to run, she knew their ways and knew the folly of it. Bending slightly down to have a better view, she stared kindly at what appeared to be their leader, who was also staring with an arrow in her face. They did not seem to take kindly to her at all, but she could sense some in the party were just bewildered with curiousity as to why and who she was here.

" Speak, but do not take a further step. Tell us your business in Northern Mirkwood huorn."
The captain said in the mannish tongue, which bewildered Kafkalina more than his party members at her sight.

Why did he not speak to me in his own tongue? Ha ro tum! This indeed is strange and sad, that once to think I could come here and speak freely with them. To call me a Huorn too? Indeed something foul has come to pass for these elves of Mirkwood. Well, I have nothing to speak but the truth, hopfully they remember their own speech...

Still looking with a kind face, Kafkalina told them of her true intentions in their speech, Sindarin.

" Suilad Onodrim mellons, unless the world has changed indeed and the elves and Onodrim have parted ways, then it would seem the world has truely changed into naught. I am an Onod, though I cannot tell you my name in enttish, I have also the name of Kafkalina. I know I come from the south, and I know of the ill ways of Dol Guldur with their great spiders and twisted dark Huorns, but I speak with as much truth as Ilúvatar can grant me when I say this. I am not a Huorn, or dark and twisted roots I have bent for malice, I am of old an elve friend and the few left of the Onodrim. From what my people know of the Entwives, I may be indeed the last one, but no wive am I. I have journeyed quite far from my home in Eriador, in search of a treasure that may help my people and rebuild forests. If you have not forgotten my ways, as I have not forgotten the cunning and beauty of Thranduil's wood, you will know that nothing rousts an Onod to journey so far without a good reason. With that I will say that you will find not a single branch on me twisted with dark hatred for elvenkind, I only hold contempt for those that would cut down every tree of fair arda, as Yavanna set us Onodrim out to protect. Ho hmmm, as for my business, if you need to know, is to journey through your wood with peace and to refill my ent-draught at the Taurduin if this is approvable by you of course. I have nothing else further to say, but only that Thranduil's wood, may it one day be bright as we once knew."

The ent left the leader and his party in what seemed like a daze, but they were thinking of course. She knew that with the threat to the south, they would not suffer fools and would always be suspicious of her actions, but hopfully she did not seem to be a menace.

With arrows still pointed, the party did not move until their leader spoke.

" From what I first saw my eyes were filled with curiousity that one of the Onodrim had traveled this way, but then I know that the evils to the south can be puppets no matter how kind they may seem. Though, I know of no huorn dark or no, that could speak such in our speech, or had the ability to speak anything but a few words in the tongue of men or that of trees. It has been long since an Onod lived and walked through our forest, and the trees have grown without direction or heed of warning, thus allowing so many to become tools of malice against us and others. Though your story seems still strange to me, I shall let you pass under observation until you are out of our borders. Your presence will not be unknown, Onod, to that of King Thranduil. May you take care and your journey be a passible one. Galu Onod."

With that the party began to leave, but Kafkalina felt it unkind to not help them for the time she took from them. Calling for the leader to wait before he left, she looked through her bag, and then into a smaller bag. There lay the mallorn seeds, as bright as the day she found them. Taking one, she presented it to the leader carefully. At first he seemed suspicious, then his eyes widened for a bit in surprise and realization.

"Give this to King Thranduil and tell him I am sorry for causing so much trouble. May it help to bring light and joy back to his home."

The leader simply nodded and tucked the seed away carefully and disappeared. Kafkalina continued on her journey carefully to the forest river, now aware that she was a lucky guest to this wood of unease.

[Naria]

"Ahh, now this is much better," She sighed. Narleah had found some reprieve from the sun that had made her sick the previous day. She climbed ever higher until she reached the top of a large hill. The scenery was breathtaking, she couldn't help wondering though how she would escape the mass amount of trees that surrounded the area. The little dwarf whistled a happy tune as she moved down the other side of the hill.

Narleah was making good time, when she suddenly came to a crevice in the earth. It was not all that wide, about four to five feet across, so she figured that she would be able to jump across. She took a few steps back and ran forward as fast as her little legs could take her. Sailing through the air she thought how easy is this, I will make it no problem.Just as she was about to put her right leg forward to reach the opposite side of the crevice; her foot slipped and she found herself falling...down, down until she landed with a mighty thud. Narleah shook her head trying to clear her blurry vision...."Aye, well I should have known that my day was fairing to well for me," she sneered. It was at that time that she felt a searing pain rise from her right knee; Narleah had sprained her knee in the fall.

She sat crumpled at the bottom of the pit for quite sometime wincing in pain and trying to think of a way out. Narleah had noticed that the area immediately around the crevice had no trees, alive or dead. There were, however rocks and lots of them. She pulled her crumpled hat out of the small of her back where she put it when she arrived in the cooler climate. What to do, what to do she thought. "Hmmm, if I were to pierce a hole through my hat and pull the rope through....I could try and hook my hat on one of those rocks up there." She pondered some more and then thought what do I have to lose, I might as well try. Narleah did just that, it took some doing, but she managed to rip a hole in her beloved hat and pull the rope through. She gave a giant heave ho and threw it up....nothing, it didn't even reach half way. She gave another heave ho...this time it made it to the top, but didn't grab onto anything. Narleah watched the hat fall back down and gave it yet another lob upwards. Success! The hat grabbed hold of a rock, but would it be enough to hold her weight. She gave the rope a tug and found that the hat did not come floating back down to her. Narleah tied the remaining rope around her waist and began shimmying up to her freedom. She had found a rhythm, she used her good leg for leverage and her buttocks for support and balance. It was hard work dragging her bad leg instead of being able to use it, but she managed to work her way to the top.

Narleah reached the mouth of the crevice and found that getting herself over the ledge was actually much harder than she imagined. She took her pack off and threw it up and over the ledge and with all of her might, pulled and pulled herself until she could use her left knee to push her body up and over the rest of the way. Totally exhausted and feeling the throb in her knee, she lay on her back staring up at a now starry night.

[Valier]

Day 4 came to an end, the adventurers were finding the trail arduous and long...was the promised treasure worth it?

Night 4 has now begun.

All players please pm me your daily favorite vote. You have 24 hours for this.


Players that may converse are as follows...

Group 1
Eomeleo
Valesseka

Group 2
Thin-Gloomy

Group 3
Galadster

Group 4
Novgorod
Glirdingo

Group 5
Ransley

Group 6
Kafkalina

Group 7
Narleah


This map is where you are resting for the night and where you start from on Day 5.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Éomeléo lazed by the great oak tree and watched the last vestiges of sunlight diminish. It was a lovely night. He wondered if Valesseka had followed him west. He supposed she would. He wondered also where the other competitors were, and whether they took less rest than he did. Frowning slightly, he realised that this was very likely.

The time passed and Éomeléo felt a surge of foreboding. He gripped his sword and looked into the distance. He had the feeling that hostility was approaching. Sure enough, he heard a sound to his right. Turning around he spotted the Arnorian girl marching towards him, a slightly mad glint was in her eye. Éomeléo could hardly believe that someone would not be smiling at the sight of his friendly face.

He stood up, swinging his sword around as if he were practising his strokes; he was actually a little bit nervous.

[Valier]

Night Four went out without a hitch, the adventurers were quiet and subdued...

Day 5 has now begun. You have 36 hours to complete your daily tasks.


Players in Roa's zone

Sleepy
Nogrod
THE ka
Naria

You will pm your direction to Roa and recieve all your info from her.


Player's still in my zone

Valesse
Eomer
Gil-Galad
Thinlómien

You will pm me your direction still, until I tell you otherwise

The day 4 favorite post winner is.......Novgorod!!!! He will travel twice as far as the others for today only.

Edit: Sorry I posted this an hour early...if any players wants to add a post, please let me know.... :smokin:

[Valesse]

Valesseka had refused to talk with Éomeléo the night before, and was now mentally reciting her new mantra Noble -indeed-. As far as she was concerned the Gondorian was guilty, and she would figure out his punishment in due time. As for today she was sure to walk up as early as she possibly could have and noisily prepared herself for the next trek. After I was so nice to him! After I shared my kingsfoil!

Even as steamed as she was with Éomeléo, it was in her plot to sabotage him not to have him believe it could be her. With hardly an audible grumble (clearly not the same situation in her head.) Valesseka headed west once again, quickly entering the northernmost part of Mirkwood. Here the air seemed much cooler which was a relief after the blistering heat of the sun, and the cruel burn of the wind from days past. Hours went by, but with hardly any notice. The Arnorian's hatred was fast becoming the last thing on her mind as she took in the young forest around her. She thought it was beautiful and just for a minute perhaps it even humbled her enough to consider that maybe, just maybe, the scene she had just walked into was fairer than herself.

That moment was soon to pass, as she came closer to a river in the woods where apparently there had been a recent flood. There water stood in large shallow pools, glittering where the trees broke and let in light from above. "Well how am I going to--Putooh!" Valesseka sputtered, and then again. Backing away she saw something monsterous coming at her, like a large bubbling shadow she'd before only fear in nightmares. Holding back nothing, the girl screamed and retreated out of sight. She was panicked... how was she suppose to get past that... that... Thing!?

M-maybe...if I... Valesseka was blumbering behind a tree, here and there she could be heard whimpering. Maybe if I looked scary also? Would that thing be afraid of orcs? Somehow mustering up the courage to approach the pools again she gasped... whatever it was, it created something like a wall across the water. Shuddering, she reached deep into the pulls and starting caking on mud. Not exactly sure what an orc looked like, she was quite liberal in applying it. Soon she was covered in muck and fallen leaves. It isn't leaving. She frowned, slinging her pack back over onto a shoulder, and holding her stave ready. I have to get across. Just think about that... whatever it is, can't hurt me too badly...

The moment of truth had arrived for the day, as Valesseka approached the floating mass. Mosquitoes! Big ones, and lots of them...

Valesseka could still hear the humming through her mud packed ears. Just get across the river. Just get across. She soon found that it was getting impossible to see where she was heading because the mass of mosquitoes were quite interested in this strange creature that had wandered into their midst. She took off her axe and used it to bat away what mosquitoes were infront of her. Progress was slow, and what time she had made in her pleasent stroll through the woods before was now being literally eatten up by mosquitoes. "Putooh!" They were getting in her mouth! She tried to hold it as closed as she could and still be able to draw some breath from it.

I'm there, I'm to the river. Now there was another problem... How was she going to get across? Now at the edge of the mosquito cloud, she could see a fallen tree laying across the river. Hurrying toward it, she was nearly hurt to find it rotting. Obviously it couldn't carry her weight. Valesseka slung her pack infront of her and tied it to her stave which she balanced ontop of the rotting tree. carefully she entered the water, pulling her supplies across with her. She would tread water manically when she didn't feel ground under her, and used the fallen tree to pull herself across. When she was finally to where she could stand again, Valesseka was sapped of energy, but feared that if she remained close to these insects, she'd end up sapped of more than that.

Dragging her toes across the ground, she managed to clamber away from the mosquitoes and set up a muddy camp.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Éomeléo marched onwards, still bemused by last night's events (or non-events, as it were). Why had that odd Arnorian girl refused to talk with him? He certainly hadn't done anything to upset her, unless (he thought) being in the presence of handsome men upset her. Éomeléo chuckled to himself. Yes, I'm afraid this is true; but please don't hold it against him, for vanity is encouraged among the noble class.

Regardless, on he went, thinking less and less about Valeseka and more and more about the great forest of Mirkwood, which he was fast approaching. It looked very dark and not too friendly. He reached it in the late afternoon and, after a brief rest, dived into the unknown. He had barely walked ten minutes under the great trees and already he felt suffocated and unwanted. His eyes became twitchy and he was flinching at the slightest sound.

As the Sun descended, Éomeléo noticed a difference in the forest up ahead. It looked very hazy and grey, and as he approached the source of this change, he saw that it was being caused by water. Clearly, there had been some flooding in these parts. There wouldn't be a problem, though: unless Mirkwood hosted a phantom canyon, this water wouldn't be deep at all, and anyone should be able to walk through it.

He strode on towards the water, but stopped short in terror. Something was there.

At first he thought it was a ghost. It was a big, grey, floating thing so this guess was pretty logical if you think about it. However, even from his vantage point several yards away, Éomeléo could hear a horrid buzzing sound emanating from the spectre. Rubbing his eyes, he realised that what he was seeing was a swarm of mosquitoes.

"Oh dear! Oh dear! Oh dear!" he wailed. Éomeléo hated mosquitoes. In fact, he hated all manner of bees, boogs and buzzing, bumbling beasts of the air. He hopped from one foot to the other, terrified by the prospect of being eaten alive by this forest-evil.

Still, he knew that sacrifices would have to be made in order to win this gold; and the less the sacrifice if the cleverer the solution! The flooding had not covered a great area: it was probably only about forty feet 'til the blackness of the trees on the other side of the slimy lagoon. So, without giving himself time to get even more scared, Éomeléo whipped off his cloak, wrapped it around his head, and ran.

He ran like the wind!

Splash! and into the water he went. Crash! and he felt the heavy blows of the mosquitoe-kings, presiding over their stagnant domain. It was sickening: blind to the world, every touch accentuated tenfold, and the mosquitoes covering his clothed form so completely. But he escaped the water, and slowly, slowly the mosquitoes lost interest in this blue intruder. Still, he kept running.

Unfortunately, he collided with a very strong tree.

Lying dazed on the ground, still with his cloak over his head, Éomeléo had left the bugs behind him. Picking himself up and wandering deeper into Mirkwood, he finally lifted his cloak from his face, and saw the great forest looking blacker and even more threatening. Mosquitoe-free, though.

[Glirdan]

Glirdingo set off at an easy pace the next day. It wasn't long before he reaced a fast running stream, where two stream's met and joined. "How in Eru's name am I to cross this!?" he thought. He started pacing back and forth along the bank, trying to figure out a way to cross the stream.

It was then that he turned, slipped in a thing of mud and fell partway into the river. He caught himself and clambered back out onto the. It was then that he noticed that his sack was missing. He looked downstram and saw it floating along the river. "Oh no!! My food! My clothes! My rope and my canteen!!" he cried aloud. Luckily, he still had his bow, arrows, dagger and walking stick. "Uh!! What am I going to do!?" his sack was now 30 yards away. "That's it, I can't go on without food and I don't know my roots and berries to well. I need my sack!!"

With that, he dove into the stream and started swimming fast, aided by the current of the stream, towards his pack, dodging the odd rocks sticking out. He reached it and grabbed onto a near by rock to hold him there while he caught his breath. "Okay, now, I can either attempt to swim up stream against this current, or try to swim to the shore," he thought exhaustedly. Just then, a splash of water hit him in the face, forcing him to let go of the rock. He tried grabbing at something else and managed to grab onto another protruding rock.

"Okay, need to think of something fast." It was as another spray of water caught him in the face that he made up his mind. "I'm swimming to shore." "With that, he set out for shore, attempting to swim past the current. Unfortunately, it still managed to grab him and sweep him off a little further downstream before he managed to reach the shore.

He clambered out, soaking wet and exhausted. He rested a little longer before heading back along the bank upstream to where he had left his other things. It was a few hours before midday when he got there. He rested a little longer in order to let his clothes, both pairs, dry off. The lembas bread was soaked right through, but still edible as they did not crumble. His rope was unharmed and they same with his canteen. "Well, I'm glad that's over, Now to think of a way to cross this stream," he thought, quite upset.

It was then that he noticed that there were a few stones placed here and there in the river which were flat enough to stand on. "Hmmmm. If I jump correctly, I'll be able to land on those rocks and make it across. I just need to watch my step and hope that I don't fall in..." With that, he set off on his terrifying task. Every jump he made, he was afraid he had miscalclated. But his luck held out this time. He made it across with nothing but wet feet.

"Well, that was certainly enough adventure for one day. Now, let's get on with this adventure," he said aloud, always walking west towards his eventual goal.

[Nogrod]

The rainstorm came as unwelcomed news. Novgorod had barely gotten dry after last day’s swimming during the morning and now he was soaking wet again. The continual going uphill and downhill had taken its toll of Novgorod already, but now the slopes were even turning slippery and unstable. The going was getting slower all the time. The first days of the journey he had been in high spirits, now it was different.

These were rough regions to trek. He had known it beforehand as he had picked this southern path in the first instance. No one can drag me into Mirkwood, not even a great golden horde, he had mumbled then, and comforted himself with the thought of avoiding Mirkwood even now as he tried to keep his balance on a steep and slippery uphill he was ascending.

He wasn’t afraid of any fairies or the stuff like that people who had never actually lived in Mirkwood were afraid of. No, no. But he had some unsettled disputes with other rogues and rogue-gangs living in Mirkwood. Novgorod had no desire to meet those rogues or to settle those matters.

Novgorod was almost out of breath as he was reaching the hilltop and decided to have a break after finishing the climb. But there was to be no rest. As soon as he reached the top of the hill he saw them. About ten Easterling-rogues having an encampment on the top of the next hill northwards from him, effectively closing his way as the mountains were on his left side and the river at his right..And their guardsman had obviously seen him too as he had suddenly started to wave his hands excitedly and was pointing to his direction.

Before Novgorod had time to curse properly he noticed three of the Easterlings mounting their horses and starting towards him. It was hard for the horses to descend the unstable slope but they kept coming towards him with a slow but steady pace. They were some hundred yards away from him now as they had reached the low ground between the hills separating him from the Easterling encampment. Novgorod had nowhere to run, except running back south. I’m after the great golden horde and will not be running backwards...

Well, the table is laid and the dices are cast. Now it’s time to perform the miracles..., he thought gloomily to himself as he waved his hand to the Easterlings approaching him. With that he started descending towards them, spreading his both hands wide open to make sure they understood his intentions. They did and halted at the foot of the hill. Hopefully it’s not Khadil-Azahr or Derwang...

Some twenty yards from the Easterlings he called them: “Not the best of days, aye?” He took a careful look at the three. The one in the lead looked uncomfortably familiar. Gemel-Whir! Darn! Just my luck, he thought and cursed heavily to himself. But aloud he yelled: “Gemel-Whir! What a surprise!” He decided to take the risk as there seemed to be very little he could lose anyhow. “Are you still riding with that old Khadil-Azahr, the robed-robber? Don’t tell me you’re still sticking with the old stager?”

“I sure am, and he will be delighted to see you again, I’ll promise you that”, Gemel-Whir answered wryly. “No tricks Novgo’. Just walk between us. My friends here have lances ready if you try something.”

They arrived to the encampment after some slipping and cursing of both Novgorod and the horsemen. Khadil-Azahr, impressive-looking older Easterling, clad in silken robes walked towards them. After recognising the newcomer he smiled maliciously and welcomed him. “Well, well. Who do we have here? Novgorod, the “shadow-blade”, the trick-man himself! Praised be the stars!” He glanced at Gemel-Whir and winked an eye to him. “Nice little coincidence this is, isn’t it?” he continued with his broken Westron and returned his gaze to Novgorod.

“So you have been searching for me to pay back your crime and to give your life for it?” Khadil-Azahr needled Novgorod and bursted to laughter. “Well, what do you say now? You have no chance of tricks this time my friend.”

How ironic! To get yourself killed because of the one decent thing you have done in your life. Novgorod was desperately looking for options to get out of the situation. He knew he had not much time. He had joined the party of Khadil-Azahr two years ago and been with it for a couple of months. After a greatly successful hold up he had decided to get out of the gang that was then hunted heavily, like leaving a sinking ship he had thought at that time. But he had not left alone or empty-handed. He had stolen almost half of what there was in Khadil-Azahr’s coffin, killing one of Khadil’s personal guards by stabbing him in the middle of the night. But what probably was even worse, he had taken the young Esgarothian girl, Fannan, whom Khadil had as a personal toy with him. They had scared the other horses away and rode to the woods. The journey to Easgaroth had taken a few days and Novgorod had had his share of the enjoyment with the young girl. But he had both taken her away from the gang that had kidnapped her and brought her back to her home. To Novgorod, that was the most deecent thing he had done in his life.

The rush of memories overwhelmed Novgorod’s mind and distracted him from coming up with a way out. “So how would you like to recompense me of my losses, other than by dying nastily?” Khadil-Azahr queried maliciously. “I guess you are too poor to pay me back the money and too much of a loner to hand me some soft company you deceitfully robbed me?”, he grinned. After a moment of silence he continued: “Taking that for granted, how would you like to die? Maybe chopped in pieces? Skinned alive? Torn apart by the horses? Suffocated? Strangled?” Khadil-Azahr was laughing and laughing louder after every suggestion he made. The laugh spread over the whole Easterling encampment. The only one who didn’t feel like laughing was Novgorod, but he laughed too. Then he suddenly had an idea, a crazy one, but without better ones around it could be worth trying. And would he succeed in it, he would truly laugh for it.

“If I have a right to choose, I would like to be torn apart by horses”, Novgorod answered in as steady voice he could produce, silencing the laughter. “I’ve always fancied that”, he added and made the Easterlings burst to laughter again.

“You’ll get what you want Novgo’. Take his belongings and tie him up!” Khadil-Azahr called to his men, looking Novgorod keenly to the eye.

“I hope you would grant me just one request Khadil.” Novgorod said to the older Easterling. “I’ve been a fighter all my life and would like to die with my sword on my side. Take the other stuff but let my blade be on my waist as I die. If my hands and legs are tied, there should be no problem for you, but it would mean me much.” Khadil-Azahr studied Novgorod’s face for a while and then nodded slightly. “I’m not a heartless man and would like to die myself with my sword. Keep it.” With that he turned to the other Easterlings. “C’mon, tie him up, leave the sword! We have a spectacle to wittness!” He smiled wryly to Novgorod and turned away.

Four horses were picked and to the saddle of each one of them a rope was tied. These ropes were then tied to Novgorod’s wrists and ankles, one to each. Then Novgorod heard the whips lash. He felt a stunning pain in all his limbs as the ropes tightened. His left shoulder went out of its place. It hurt terribly. But as he had hoped, the ground was slippery enough to save him from being torn to pieces. The horses could not make their balance and were tumbling. As soon as the horse that was tied to his right hand had slipped and fell to the ground the rope got loose. He drew his sword and hacked the other ropes. Amidst the confusion he managed to get up and run for the horse still tied to his right hand. It was struggling to get up as Novgorod jumped on it. Mounted he faced the baffled Easterlings. “No tricks this time you said!” he yelled at Khadil-Azahr and took the reins of the horse, gallopping towards the other horses, cutting the rope from his right hand as he went.. Hitting a few of the rest of the horses with the lap of his sword he managed to panic them and they ran away. Riding through the camp he dared to do the trick he had learned as a young man. There was a backpack of one Easterling just in front of him and he turned around in his saddle, leaning downwards and grasping the sack, turning up from the other side of the stallion he rode.

Novgorod rode straight over the Easterling camp and headed northwards to make it to the downwards slope. An arrow caught his left hand and went through it just above the elbow and at least three arrows hit the horse as he was getting downhill. The horse slipped and then fell, in full speed. Novgorod was thrown from the saddle and landed on the slope, hitting his side painfully to a boulder he landed on. Without thinking he started rolling down the hill, carefully holding to his blade and the Easterling’s backpack.

As he tumbled to the foot of the hill he glanced upwards. Some of the Easterlings tried to follow him, but were stumbling on the slippery and unstable slope. Without horses they had no advance and no one seemed to dare a roll-down. He got up and not caring about the pain in his left hand and his right side he took to running as fast as he could. The curses he heard were not any more in Westron, but in the Easterling tongue, and they were becoming fainter and fainter all the time.

One of the curses in Easterling he did understand. Slimy Burbot! He had heard that one before from the same mouth now bellowing on the top of the hill far behind him. Sorry Khadil! I outwitted you a second time...

[Thinlómien]

Thin-Gloomy had never liked forests. Heading straight west he had managed to get into one. And this was a scary one. It was called the Mirkwood. The trees grew thickly and the sky was scarcely to be seen. Darkness and lack of space were not things that would normally have bothered Thin-Gloomy, but in this forest, they were wrong in a sense. The darkness was not natural darkness - like in a cave, but it was green and well, treeish. And there was something darker to it than to normal darkness.

The dwarf walked warily under the trees. Suddenly the only blue spot above him was covered with black. Before he could do anything, a flock of angry crows was attacking him. “What did I do to have your wrath?”, Thin-Gloomy wailed in vain, trying to protect his eyes. He drew the Thistle-Cleaver and tried to hit the crows with it. They were far too fast for him and his knife was far too short a weapon. Shlashing desperately with the knife, he took a few steps so that he had his back against a tree. The tree offered him protection, but he still needed a longer weapon. He tore off one of the lower branches of the tree, and started whipping the crows with it. They only backed away and after a short while attacked again. This is not working, Thin-Gloomy thought, I need them to be scared away.

Thin-Gloomy crouch down and took his tinderbox. He wanted to set the branch on firw. All the time the crows were attacking him; scratching his back and tearing his hair. When he finally managed to make the fire, he rose up. Shrieking he waved the flaming branch and defended himself with it.

The crows were not used to fire, and a shrieking dwarf was a new concept for them. Scared and surprised, the crows flew away to find easier prey or victim.

“Phew... That was close”, Thin-Gloomy sighed, treading the branch to extinguish the fire.

[Gil-Galad]

Galadster was walking in a dirt field, looking around as there was really nothing to see at all. He loked forward... it looked like a dust strom was heading right towards him, Galadster begins to think of about what to do...

dust storm... what did master sensei say about dust storm again?

|::|FLASHBACK|::|Master: so you see Students, this is what you must do when facing a Dust Storm

Galadster:...so thats how i befrieneded a balrog, so what you doing tonight?

Master: Galadster!

Galadster: i didn't do it! i found that panda in that cage alright!

Master: Galadster, pay attention! now what do you do when you are facing a dust storm?

Galadster:uhhh... put a stick in the ground, tie a rope to it and run around in circles?

Master:... yes, put a stick in the ground, tie a rope to it and run around in circle... to the Head Masters office!

Galadster: what i do? you said it was right!?

|::|END FLASHBACK|::|
Alright, now i know what to do

Galadster Sticks his Sword into the ground and ties his rope to it using many Knots, Reef knots, sheet-bends, figure-8 knots, Bowlines, the whole bit, and he begins running around in a circle. Though the dust storm won't approach till for another 45 minutes or so, Galadster keeps running, and he begins to make a trench in where hes running

ha, all that track & field classes paid off... and running from those angry guys...

When the dust storm hits, Galadster was in his ditch waiting out the storm, when it passes, he got up and unties the rope, puts it back in his pouch and pulls his Scimitar out of the ground and puts it back in his sheath and continues on...

Sunshine, lollipops and rainbow candy tops...

[Sleepy Ranger]

Ransley had arrived at a river as he continued his journey. He reckoned at deepest it was only waist high and began to cross it. Alas, the current was too strong and he began to get dragged away. He tried to swim towards shore but it seemed too far to reach and he was being dragged away.

In desperation Ransley the Ranger began to flail around. Luck seemed to be on his side and he grabbed hold of something, he did not see what it was but he was just glad to be holding on to it. He kept his grip tight and drew out his short sword, there were still some trees across the bank. He pulled out his rope and gripping the sword in his mouth managed to tie a knot single-handed, he suspected it would not hold long but a chance was a chance.

His aim would have to be accurate. He raised his arm and flung his sword towards a tree, it struck dead in the center and he grabbed on to the rope, trying to pull himself towards the shore. Unfortunately things were not in his favor as the knot began to give way but Ransley noticed something else as well, the tree was beginning to snap. Maybe, just maybe there was still a glimmer of hope.

He pulled back, in the way of the current with all his might and it seemed luck still was on his side as the tree snapped and began to fall towards him. He moved quick and dove under water with a deep breath. He heard the tree splash over him, still holding on to the rope he flung an arm out towards his short sword which was lodged into the part of the tree that was underwater. He pulled it out as he hung onto the tree.

The tree had not broken through completely and part of it was still cracking away on the shore. Ransley managed to move shorewards with the help of the tree. He managed to mace it across in time and dropped onto the shore. He took in a deep breath, thanking his stars for that save. The road would only get tougher he guessed and Eoln the sissy elf would be making it no easier for them.

[Naria]

Narleah spent most of the night awake and in pain. She did however, in the wee morning hours, manage to close her eyes and find some rest. She awoke chilled, but no worse of wear. The pain had subsided and she was ready to set off again.

The dwarf stomped through Mirkwood hoping that she was still on the right track. As she walked on she couldn't shake the depressing gloom the forest was offering her. Narleah was getting increasingly annoyed by this and found grumbling unmentionable words under her breath was of some help. Suddenly and quite literally, she fell onto a rocky beach. She stood up and noticed a river, one that went in both directions for a very long way and one that was very wide across. Narleah just stood staring at the rushing water in disbelief. Some time had passed before she blinked her eyes relieving herself of the trance she was in.
She thought for a moment of how to cross and began to pace back and forth, back and forth. She happened to notice while pacing that there were some tree stumps and boulder size rocks on the other side of the river. The gears in her head started to work and an idea came, I could throw my rope across and it should wrap around either a stump or a rock.

So that is what she tried...and tried....and tried. With three failed attempts, Narleah quickly came to the realization thtat she was just to damn short to throw the rope far enough. She had to think of another way to conquer her obstacle. She decided to give swimming across a try. With her pack abover her head and using her hands as a support she slowly waded into the water. The water rose higher and higher until it reached her waist. Narleah gave a quick look back to where she had come and for a moment thought about turning back. She gave a heavy sigh and thought better of the idea while continuing forth. While pushing her legs through the heavy under current she noticed that the water was getting lower and lower with every step forward. Narleah had reached a sand barge. With a big grin on her face, she knew at once that she was going to be able to throw her rope at the new distance she was at. She gave her rope a huge heave ho and on the first try the rope grabbed a stump.

Her day had turned into an adventure that she would not want to repeat any time soon. Narleah was exhausted and hungry. She found a patch of grass under a tree near the beach. She had a small fire going in no time, ate and felt sleepy...sure enough sleep is what she did....finally.

[Valier]

THE ka's Day 5 post

Kafkalina continued her journey through Mirkwood at a regular pace, heading north in a hopes to find an easy pass to the mountains. Time went slowly by, even for the ent, and it wasn't until much later she noticed why.

Ho rah tum... I am going around in circles through this wood! I haven't had a good drink of entdraught in two days and I haven't rested as well as I should. Tra la rom, my head is too dizzy for travel. I will need to go back today, and find a stream at least, if not the forest river.

Carfully walking back to where she was on day four, Kafkalina came by a small stream and filled up her supplies as best as she could, and refreshed herself. Finally arriving back, the ent settled down for a rest and decided upon a different road that might be taken the next day.








Night 5 has now begun. This night will end at 1am CST tomorrow

Players may now pm me your daily votes, you have 24 hours to do this.

the only players able to converse with each other tonight are Eomeleo and Valesseka ;) All other players may carry on with their own nightly carrying-ons :p

[Valesse]

Making camp is not very pleasent when you are covered in hardening mud. Valesseka found this out rather quickly, and was doing her best to lose as many clumps as possible before she guessed Éomeléo could catch up with her, but by the sound of it, he was approaching quickly. Finally, she heard the Gondorian come to a sudden stop.

At least she hoped it was the Gondorian. Her breath had, she noticed, become swallow and near-silent, and she had tensed up a great deal since the sounds had started. The trees which she had enjoyed first entering Mirkwood were now omnious and dark, which had been only a phenomenon of night for Valesseka up until this point. She was scared, and knew that it wasn't the blue-clad nobleman that she might actually be in some danger. For such a rascal, he is good to have around. She confided.

Forgetting about her visage for the slightest moment (Though I would have done her good in this instance), the Arnorian called out to Éomeléo.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Éomeléo was seriously creeped out. Mirkwood was evil black now, he could hardly remember being in a scarier environment. He kept seeing phantoms and shadow-beasts everywhere. In a trance-like state, he stumbled through the trees, too nervous to stay still for the night. At the same time, he was terrified by the prospect of what might come out from behind the next tree. And then he heard it:

"Éomeléo........Éomeléo!...........

"Aargh!" he screamed, very cowardly and all; and then he saw it: the treacherous mud-beast ascending from the forest-floor to meet him. He just stood there shaking, looking for all the world that he might collapse in fear.

"Sir?" the monster exclaimed.

"Stand back!" Éomeléo shouted, wide-eyed, hopelessly grasping for his sword.

"It's me, Valesseka.......idiot..." She mumbled that last part.

After looking dumbstruck for a minute, the Gondorian smiled. He was absolutely delighted to be with this, admittedly odd, girl again. Even though he had been getting more and more concerned that the other participants in this treasure-hunt were eventually going to do him serious harm, he could hardly have hoped for anything better to happen to him in Mirkwood; and even though the twain kept getting separated during the day, it was funny how they kept bumping into each other at night.

To Éomeléo, Valesseka looked relieved by some company; but he never was a shrewd reader of minds. He joked about the lack of mud that he had accumulated that day.

[Nogrod]

As the night was drawing closer, Novgorod started to feel safe enough to have a break. He heard no sounds of a chase from behind him and sat down under a smaller hill and decided to check the Easterling's backpack he had picked from the camp. Novgorod had lost all his gear but his sword, and swords are rarely nutritios themselves. And he was too exhausted and bruised to go on and try to hunt down anything, if there was anything to hunt in this empty country in the first place. His fingers trembling from pain, tiredness and hunger, he opened the cords of the sack and took a look inside it.

First he came up with an Easterling robe, a pair of cotton trousers and an embroidered scarf. Nice looking or not, it will have to do, he thought to himself. He took a firm hold of the arrow that was still sticking in his left arm and cracked it in two - cursing silently from pain. He pulled also the second half from his arm and took off his dirty and bloody shirt, bandaging the arm with the Easterling scarf. Then he went to search for more. I could see these ones first, I just can't take the pain of adjusting the shoulder just after this one, he thought and grinned as he grasped the next items from the sack.

To his great relief, there was a skin of water, some dried bread and a smallish piece of meat that stenched pretty foul. At the bottom of the sack there was a rough rope, not so firm-looking as his own had been, but it would have to do. And then there was the knife! Under all the other stuff, as if someone would have wanted to hide it there, was a beautiful longknife of Easterling handcraft in a decorated sheath. It was a real beauty and the blade was both sharp and clean. It kind of didn't fit with the other things in the package. This one has tried to get something free, something he hadn't a right into... Robbing from a thief that robs other thieves... Novgorod smiled even though the pain was still as present as ever.

Let's get to it then, he sighed half aloud and laid the stuff to the ground. He turned and leaned to the boulder he had been sitting in and yanked forcefully his left arm with his right. The bone slipped into its place, but this time he howled out aloud from the pain.

He pulled the Easterling robe on and ate a scarce and late meal. Soon enough the tiredness overpowered him. He was still hungry and the pain in his left hand - both shoulder and elbow - and his right side were tormenting him, but still he fell asleep. I will have to see for some herbs tomorrow, tomorrow... he promised himself as his last conscious thought.

[Valier]

Day 6 has now begun. You have 36 hours to complete your daily tasks.

The Day 5 winner is.....Galadster!!!! He will move twice the distance today only.

Players may now pm their direction to Roa. Gil pm me your direction first and Roa will give you your scenario.

[THE Ka]

Kafkalina after a day's rest felt more exuberant than ever, and with great strides soon passed to the northwestern borders of Mirkwood.

Farewell great wood! May you and I see better days...

The ent was about to continue when she noticed the heavy rain that had been falling. Under the thick cover of the wood, Kafkalina had not taken notice of its presence, but out now in the open, it was a sight of mixed results.

Ah! Ro hoom ra tum! The rain, the rain! Many a song to sing I have for you, but now I must be going. There is a river that starts somewhere around here, hopfully this rain shall not flood the river too much for my crossing.

Soon she found the river, and so had the rain. It was now flooded completely, and would have easily taken over the most dexterious elve or man. Carefully, Kafkalina sorted out her supplies for what would be launched over into the ash trees on the opposite bank, and what would be needed to simply cross.
With a light heave over the shoulder, the ent was able to rest her bag in the crown of a few young ash trees on the other side.

Humm, sorry if that disturbed you my young ones, but I am afraid I must cross this bloated river. Ha rum, see you soon.

With that, the ent carefully began to cross the river. The bottom was rather unstable, and seemed to be washed out of rocks with the rain and the river's current. When she reached half way, she found the surprise in store, not only was it a rip in the current, but the riverbottom was nothing but mud and tangled weeds. Soon Kafkalina with a great splash, was floating down river.

Garh ro toom! Not again...

Amazingly, the ent didn't travel very fast, but the large rocks jutting out of the river's surface were in part to this, and rather painful. Quickly, the ent summoned up old knowledge from her mind, and to check what supplies she had decided to keep.

Let's see, well, I didn't carry much. My pole of course, I had to throw that over on the other bank... Hmmm, well, I have a woven container of ent-draught, which is utterly useless now, I'm floating in water! Oh, rah ro tum! Could I have brought anything useful?!

Combing her upper branches in frustration and thought, she felt something that definately was not her own leaves. She pulled from her branches her long, strong rope of willow leaves and stems. With enough in hand, she spotted some cousins of hers, a few strong oak trees standing near where a rock poked into the side of the river. With the right length of rope, she could grapple onto a few of them and climb safely onto the bank.

Waiting with percision, Kafkalina flung the rope at the right moment, and thanks to the rope's ability to tangle easily to anything, she was secure. Carefully, and patiently, the ent pulled herself until she felt the side of the bank where she was able to crawl over. Dismantling her tangle of rope, she quicky thanked the oaks and ran back up stream. Her things were still there, all in their bag, except the bag was now hanging by a branch out in her direction.

Ho humm, you young ashes are always so coy. Thank you, but I must be on my way, once I finish making my ent-draught. I guess I could give you some of it as well, humm.

Carefully taking the bag while giving the ash trees a good looking over, Kafkalina refilled all of her empty ent draught supplies. The rain began to subside, and now was a light mist as the sun began to slowly break beyond some clouds. Giving the trees nearby a good look again, the ent carefully distributed a slight amount of her supply. The trees only moved slightly, and would seem to hum in approval.

No, no! No more, you've had your share, all of you. I can only wish you the best and to keep your wits about you. Now farewell, tra lo lum.

With that Kafkalina gathered her things and left walking towards the west, and the northern ends of the Misty Mountains. She had crossed them before to get to Rhun, she knew she could do it again, but with carefull consideration for what was to come.

[Nogrod]

Novgorod had no intention to meet any other old friends around Mirkwood and had turned his face towards the west and the mountains in the morning. He would continue straight over or under or from between the mountains following the first possible path that would show itself. If your friends are like that, what will your enemies be like, he questioned himself with a sarcastic smile, trying not to care of the pain on his right side and left arm. He had found some herbs from near the river early in the morning and their soothing effects were beginning to be felt at noon. But the wounds still hurt.

In the end he was on the west side of the mountains! But as he was totally ignorant of the geography of that region, he unfortunately had trekked to a place where there was a river of which name or nature he hadn’t the faintest, but which he needed to cross anyway. It was a fair twenty yards wide and the current seemed strong enough to call it a challenge. Could I just sleep here somewhere and think about it in the morning? He thought to himself, but after a glance he saw that that would not do. There seemed to be nothing that could be used as a cover of any sort and the Halls of Moria were just too near. He would have to get over before the dark and the sun glowed already from quite low, giving out a bit reddish hue to the western horizon.

There was a great old oak quite near the shore on his side of the river and a couple of knocked over birches on the other. Neither one felt like a tempting idea. Hacking down a great oak with a sword and a longknife would be just too laborous and time-consuming, and trying to rope the felled birches on the other side seemed counting more to luck than on any actual possibilities of success as there were no ready stumps but just knocked down trunks.

But there were rocks in the river. Very sharp and pointy rocks that sticked out from the surface of the water every here and there. I could take that, and then that, ... and possibly that, he thought as he counted a route easy enough over the river. Then he took the Easterling rope and tied a strainable loop to it. After securing his package and his sword he walked into the water. I’m getting soaking wet again! Three days in a row! I would give quite much for one dry day!

After just a few steps Novgorod was already chest-deep in the water. Okay, this kind of a river it is then, he thought and started looking for the nearest rock that pushed a bit higher from the surface. He rolled the rope above his head first carefully and then more comfortably and made the first try. He missed. With the fourth try Novgorod managed to throw the loop around the rock. He pulled it hard to tighten it securely and then started pulling himself towards the rock.

Then the hard part... As Novgorod had pulled himself to the rock he felt the current whirling around him. He would have to loose the loop and be able to throw it to the next one clinging to the rock at the same time. It was too deep and the current was too strong to give him a chance to even try a foothold on the rock. He splashed for a while, holding firmly on the rope, thinking.

Happily his brain still worked and the next rock was not too far away. Novgorod crept to the upstream side of the rock and let the flow of the current press him towards it. That way he could afford a momentarily two hand work with the rope. Fast he loosened the loop and prepared the rope for the second throw. This time he succeeded with his second try.

As he was pulling himself to the fourth – and last rock he would need to pull himself to as it was just a few feet from the western shore – the rope broke from the knot. Novgorod was thrown to the current. Instinctively he tried to turn upwards and was surprised to feel his feet meet the bottom of the river so fast. Just waist deep here! Doggone it! He made some additional and more elaborate curses over the Easterling rope and took the few steps required to meet the shore.

Wet again, but over the river. Novgorod hanged his clothes to a knocked-down birch and cut some branches from both of them to build a humble shelter. The sun was setting as he went to sleep.

[Sleepy Ranger]

Ransley made his way up the hill. He was in a solemn mood today and hoped nothing would happen. He doubted it though, something always happened. No matter how unlikely or silly it would seem at that time, something always happened. Never, never was it something that had helped Ransley in any way. Whatever happened always seemed to be for the worst. Yet the ranger always kept a level head and saw his way through, that was probably the only reason he was still alive.

He drew his sword as he carried on. There was nothing here which needed killing but for some reason there was something in the back of his head nagging him to keep his sword ready. He had nearly reached the top of the hill when disaster struck. He began to lose his balance and to his surprise the ground seemed to be moving away under him, it did not take him long to realize that he was trapped in a mudslide.

He was glad now to have his sword ready as he drove it into the ground and hung on. That did not last long as he got washed away. Still gripping his sword he noticed some rocks acting as a barrier to the mudslide. He thrust his sword between them and luckily for him it stuck. He grinned as he lift himself to the rocks, one arm around them and the other on the hilt of his sword.

It was a messy job but Ransley saw it through. He lift himself up once the way was cleared and pulled his sword free. He seathed it, it would need some repair at night he reckoned. He treaded carefully back to the top and continued on his journey.

[Valesse]

If Valesseka could see the sun, she would have been disappointed in how late she was to wake up, but even still she was relieved to note that Éomeléo remained asleep. I'll get ahead of him today. I'll get out of this dark and creepy place. She shuddered and pushed on. The forest was dark, and true to it's name "mirky'. Growing more regretful to pass through the woods in the first place, Valesseka found herself unable to focus on the rather eerie setting she had found herself in.

Now the trees were larger, and each breath she took felt like there was a film clinging to it. The trees were growing more and more massive, and with concern that she might have difficulty staying her course Valesseka took care to walk slowly. The Arnorian found telling time hard in the bleak light of the trees... minutes felt like hours; hours: eons. As she became worried that perhaps she had missed lunch already, but decided that she would only stop to eat when she felt hungry; simply put, the terrain was suspending her appetite for now.

Even further into the slimey darkness, Valesseka could recall a slithering like sound. Her grip on the stave could bend metal almost, spinning around in search for the snake that made it... there was none. This happened twice more before she told herself that it was just her stressing out over probably nothing. Night was fast approaching, but under the thick canopy Valesseka was not aware of any difference... what she did notice was first a sudden snapping sound, then a long low hiss coming from above her.

Before Valesseka could raise her head to see what in Middle Earth could have caused it, nearly an entire branch fell beside her- nearly on her. The bough dented into the mildewed earth and again the trees echoed a slow, hateful hiss. Valesseka shuddered.

With an strangely grotesque balance of grace and malice, a giant Mirkwood spider dropped infront of Valesseka. Both shrieked, though obviously with different purposes in mind. Even after her careful planning Valesseka was not at all above running. Though it was smaller than her, only about as tall as a halfling, it was still a monsterous spider... something Valesseka didn't like even at a healthy scale. Quickly she found out that it could and would over take her at her pace, so she turned. It turned, and swung around infront of her. Screaming again, the spider leaped at her, knocking the girl down onto her back.

With white knuckles wrapped around her stave, Valesseka tried to pull her arm back far enough that she might be able to stab the monster's underbelly. Though she was unable, she managed to hit the spider's stinger dead on. Furiously it writhed, trying to shake the staff, but the Arnorian kept pushing back.

In a rage it lunged to bite the girl, tearing a gash on her forearm before she instinctively jerked her hand down and away from the pinchers... then it hit her, literally (and in the elbow). Valesseka still had her throwing axe, and even if it was rather small, there was definitely a use for it now.

Breaking the strap that held it on her belt, she panicked and in the end savagely ripped into the spider's entire biology. Tired, scared, and covered with gore, Valesseka numbly trodded around in circles, trying to recall her flight path, or traces of her footsteps, but instead found the large branch that nearly crushed her. With another shudder she moved only as far away from the dead monster as she could bear. I shouldn't be here. I should be in Arnor. I shouldn't be here. Her arm ached, her back ached, and all she had right now was her cash of athelas. I shouldn't be here.

[Nogrod]

Thinlomien's post

The river. The Great River. Too much water in one place, Thin-Gloomy had thought when he had first heard of it when he was a child and was sitting beside the fire and playing with his wooden pony cart. Now, when he was a full-grown dwarf nearly drowning in the currents of that stream, he could but agree. Too much water in one place.

He had no idea how he had managed to walk straight to the biggest river in whole Middle-Earth. He should have seen it, or heard it or understood where he was. All too late now.

Thin-Gloomy couldn't swim. Few dwarves could.

Up and down he went as the roaring river threw him below and above the surface. He tried to move his arms and legs in order to not sink, but that was not easy. He tried to move towards a riverbank – either of the banks; at this phase it didn't even matter was it the right one or not. He was helpless; the river took him where it wished.

Had the current been any stronger, he probably would have crushed his skull when he crashed to a big stone in the middle of the stream. Realising this might be his chance, Thin-Gloomy grabbed the stone harder than many men grabbed their lovers.

He was no longer floating – or drowning – in the river, but he was not much more comfortable. Each wave almost carried him away. He knew he couldn't survive on the rock for long.

On the western shore there a few trees. And Thin-Gloomy had a rope. He made a knot to it so that it became a lasso. All the time he tread the water with his short feet and leaned to the rock against which the stream pressed him.He threw the rope. It fell short by a fathom, at least. Cursing, he threw it again, and ended up underwater. By some means he manged to get back and to get air.

This is not going to work, Thin-Gloomy thought gloomily. With every tread he was more tired, with every passing moment he was weaker and with every rush of water it was more difficult for him to not let the stream take him. He knew he couldn't last long. And he knew he didn't have enough strength in his skinny arms to throw the rope to to the trees. Unless...

Thin-Gloomy took the rope and made himself breath steadily. One toss, and it's over. To one way or another, he thought. Putting in all his remaining strength and effort, Thin-Gloomy thrusted himself forward as he threw the rope. Though it took only a few seconds, for Thin-Gloomy it was like ages to watch the rope first fly and then fall. Fall toward the trees. And fall short. The rope slithered back toward the river as Thin-Gloomy helplessly floated downriver, gasping for air in vain. It's over now, Thin-Gloomy thought.

But he was wrong. Just as he was bidding his bitter farewells to the world that he did not love and that certinly did not love him, he felt the rope – which he still grabbed uselessly – tighten. Desperately, he started to pull the rope. With the toughness only the dwarves have, he tugged himself to the shore. Bless Mahal, Thin-Gloomy thought, laying on the riverbank, devastated.

After a few hours rest he rose up and decided to continue for a little while. But before leaving he gently took off his rope which was wrapped about a tree-root. He bowed down and kissed the root that had saved his life. ”Now I know why Elves love trees”, he muttered.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Éomeléo continued west through the great forest, liking it less and less all the time. He could see eyes all around him. He shuddered at the size of these beasts, and hoped that they would leave him well alone. He guessed that this was wishful thinking, and he was all too right.

With terrible speed and skill, a giant spider descended from the forest-roof not ten feet in front of him. It was monstrous, slimy and wicked-looking. It licked its lips, or did the equivalent. Éomeléo could not tell.

He wasn't as scared as he had been when confronted with the swarm of mosquitoes, and he attempted to strike up a conversation with the beast; but apparently this was a dumb spider. It just looked at the Gondorian as if he was trying to teach a cat Sindarin. Birds had been disturbed by the movement of the monster and fluttered hither and thither among the trees. Éomeléo begged the spider to feast on them, but to no avail. The spider started dancing over to the man.

"Poor fool" muttered Éomeléo, as he took out his sword and dove into a collision with the homicidal arachnid. Gondor's finest steel won the day easily, the blade slicing through the head of the spider, sending it into sickening convulsions before it finally lay still. Éomeléo walked on, his boots sticky with spider-goo.

[Naria]

The slosh of footsteps walking through puddles and dripping water was all Narleah had heard through the grunting and squealing of her captors. Her turmoil began while she was walking past a mountain; six monsters grabbed her from behind. Narleah had no idea that she had marched herself right into Orc territory.

They pulled her along until they had reached the tunnel opening and pushed her through. Her eyes opened wide as to try and absorb any light that may be present. None....Narleah was in complete darkness. She heard more grunting as they pulled and pushed her further in. Suddenly there was a squeal from one of the Orcs that was in the front of her and the group stopped. Narleah heard a shuffling of feet moving away from her and then as quickly as they moved away, the footsteps returned...this time four out of the six had lit torches in hand. She thought that the light would help, but it didn't. In fact it was quite the opposite, the small flickering flames were casting eerie shadows on the tunnel walls and it didn't help her to see any further down or where they had come.

Narleah was getting more and more fearful for her life and it made her to want nothing more then to escape her nightmare. She had to find a way out, but how? Although she had thought of herself as a tougher female dwarf, she knew that she could not stand up to the towering stature of an Orc guard. Narleah remembered that her pack and weapons were taken from her at the start of the attack. She also remembered hearing what sounded like the Orcs dropping her pack on the ground inside the tunnel and she also heard the clanging of metal as it came to settle on the tunnel floor. Her only hope was that they had left her belongings just inside the opening. She knew that without her weapons she would have to use all of her strength and agility to escape.

The little dwarf made herself bottom heavy, almost to the point of dragging her feet. At once the Orcs that held her where beginning to have a hard time keeping things moving. They would get her going, then have to stop and re-adjust then move again. It was working, but not enough. She needed to think of something more drastic, something that the Orcs wouldn't be able to just pick her up and keep moving her to her death. Narleah let out a painful howl, that seemed to echo forever....it startled them! She let her legs go limp and found herself being dragged on her knees, however the back two Orcs didn't see this, while they were complaining to each other about the noise they walked straight into Narleah and the two buffoons that were holding her. Chaos immediately ensued and she found herself under a pile of scaly Orc bodies. There was no lack of shouting and whining from them, Narleah had to take this opportunity now for she knew that she would not get another chance to get out.

She stayed on the floor of the tunnel clambering and clawing her way through the dank, slimy corridor. In an odd way, she would be thankful to her captors for using torches. They had lit enough of the tunnel for her to notice that the group didn't make any turns and she knew that they hadn't gone far in with her. She pushed herself on, "Come on ye blustering fool! Go, go, go!" Narleah could feel her finger tips burn from trying to get a grip on the stone below the slime. Then she heard them! The angry beasts were running fast towards her, they weren't about to let there prize go that easily. 'Thud'! A rock hit the back of her head. Dizziness came over her, but Narleah had to keep pressing forward. More shouting came from behind and more stones were thrown at her, the Orcs were closing in.

Through blurry eyes Narleah saw a faint hue of daylight. She was almost there and she knew it. With her fingers grasping dryer ground, she half way stood up and ran towards her freedom. She ran through the door of the tunnel and into brighter light. "Run Narleah...keep running!" She kept shouting this to herself as she blindly tore through trees. She ran as far and as fast as her legs could take her, then her body could take no more. Narleah heard no more screeching from behind and felt safe enough to stop, only then did she allow herself to collapse. She had escaped, but not unscathed. Her night was going to be long and painful.

[Valier]

Day six has now ended. Night six has begun. You have 24 hours. Day 7 will start at 1pm CST tomorrow.

Eomer and Naria have both finished before the extended deadline, they will move forward Day 7, but are still uneligible for your daily fav. vote.

Glirdan and Gil-galad did not finish before the extended deadline, they will not move forward on day 7. They must still post their day 6 scenario post for day 7, then they may move again on day 8. They are also uneligible for the nightly vote.

Players that may converse are...

Valesseka & Eomeleo

Thin-gloomy & Kafkalina

Galadster & Glirdingo

all other players are alone for the night.

You may now pm me your nightly vote.

[Valesse]

Using her marred shawl as a large bulky bandage, Valesseka bound the athelas salve to her arm where she would leave it over night, and probably longer. She was shivering more from nerves than the temperature but every once and a while her trembling would build up into a voiceless sob. Want to see the world! I'm greedy! I just wanted more... Valesseka wiped her face and winced. She needed to find some clean water to wash in soon; yesterday's mud was now some part gooey and the other part itching dust.

I just wanted to go somewhere. she sniffled. Just then she heard Éomeléo humming proudly and then joyfully bursting into song. Nothing else at this point could make Valesseka feel quite as bitter.

Noble -indeed-. He has everything he's ever wanted, pampered to the core, and so insensitive he can't seem to rise early enough to escort a lady through these nasty woods. Of course, the girl was forgetting her entire plot of waking early just to avoid him doing that very thing. Such a cad. So... two faced. He noticed her and grinned brightly, heading her direction with a hearty 'Hullo!'

"I see you had some spider issues, yourself" He beamed, giddy to bump into the Arnorian girl while he was still fresh from battle.

Grimly she took notice at the small splatters of goo which Éomeléo was sprayed with, compared to most of her current outfit. "Yes..." Valesseka replied, somewhat through her teeth. Once more she invited him to stay and eat with her where the two talked, mostly about their lives previous, as Valesseka unconciously built new reasons to hate her competition. Probably only had to battle a tiny spider compared to that monster that attacked me.

About when Éomeléo was settling in to sleep something caught Valesseka's eye. On his strap there was a funny sort of patching... as if he repaired it himself.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

While gazing at the starlight, Éomeléo was concerned at how strangely Valesseka was behaving. She kept sneaking glances at him with a mad glint in her eye. He didn't think it was her run-in with the spider that was causing her this anxiety. No, it was something else, something less tangible.

He realised it was probably his own presence. After all, she kept sneaking off in the morning to avoid him. This race might be making her paranoid of human-contact. A shame; poor girl, he thought. At least I'm holding up quite well.

Quite well? It hit him: he was actually exceedingly happy. "I say, Valesseka, I think I don't want to ever go back to Gondor."

What was he leaving? Little but restrictions and the lack of intimacy. He had been raised by servants, not a loving family. Everyone envied his perceived riches but what really makes a rich man? A plethora of fine clothes and a seat at every banquet? Or freedom and your own responsibilities? Valesseka stared at him, not quite understanding how Éomeléo could be so naïve; but Éomeléo did not take heed, and began formulating daring plans and schemes. Thought of his wealth in Gondor had him excited again.

"Valesseka" said Éomeléo, "if you could have anything in the world, what would it be?"

[Valier]

Night 6 has now ended. Day 7 has now begun. You have 36 hours.

The Daily favorite for Day 6 is.....There has been a tie!!! Both Thin-gloomy and Valesseka will move twice as far for today only. :)



Glirdan and Gil-galad must post their Day 6 post today, then they will move on Day 8.


Players for today.....please pm me your directions....Most of you will be moving into Rune's zone. I will pm Roa with any remaining players in her zone and you will receive your scenario from her.

[Glirdan]

Glirdingo fell quite behind the next day. He had fallen ill the day before and was unable to move forward. Today, however, he was feeling quite well. Well enough to start off again on his quest. "Mind you, there's not really any chance of me getting to it first. But oh well, I'll go on anyway," he thought a little down-hearted.

He ended up in the foothils of the mountains. He was getting quite exhausted because of the continuouse mounting and de-mounting of the slopes. To make matters worse, it had rained there recently. "Must have been over night," he thought miserably. "And that's why my clothes were soaked this morning."

It was on the last rise when he decided to take a little rest before continuing. He clambered up the slope and fell down in the grass. It was then that he noticed that there was an encampment ahead. "Ooo! Perhaps they'll be able to help me!" It was then that he noticed who the campers were. "Easterlings!" he thought, suddenly quite alert. Fortunately, they had not yet spotted him as he was lying down in the grass. He quickly looked and saw that there were only ten of them.

He looked to the left, then to the right, hoping to see if there was a way to get by. Unfortunately, he had no luck. "There are too many for me to fight single handedley!" he thought desperately.

Then, an idea struck him. He drew out his bow and one arrow, strung it to the bow and crept quietly forward up onto the highest point of slope and went into a kneeling position. "Okay, have to take careful aim but make it quick," he thought, his chest starting to hurt from how fast his heart was pounding inside. He thought that it was unlikely that they hadn't heard it. He took aim, off into the bushes to the right, aimed a litte upwards to give the arrow enough height, pulled back the string and let the arrow fly and then heard a dull thud which echoed through the forest.

He looked back to the encampment and saw them all rushing off towards where the arrow had flown. "Yes!! They heard it!! It worked!" he thought happily, darting forward and running through the camp. "Well, you'd think those baffoons would be smart enough to leave a sentry, but nooooooo!!" he smirked happily.

He made it through the encampment and continued on, not daring to stop until he was sure that he was safe. "Whew," he said, wipping his brow off of sweat. "That was close." He took a long rest, drinking from his flask and eating a whole of his lembas bread before continuing on this hair rasing journey.

[Gil-Galad]

Galadster looked around, realizing he slept in, he quickly packed his things and moved on

*yawn* wow must've been a rough night...whats that whizzing sound?

all of a sudden, a arrow came out of no where and hit his armour, making a dull sound

oww, who randomly shoots arrows into the forest? honestly! oh man theres a dent now!

Galadster picked the arrow up as all of a sudden he was surrounded by 10 easterlings

Oh...hey guys... can i help you?

"What are you doing here! this is our encampment! shall i cut your head off?"

what! no no! no head cutting off today boys

Galadster quickly started thinking to himself how to get rid of these easterlings, he began looking at the arrow that hit him

"lets steal his stuff!"

hey guys, have i ever told you about the moon? your suppose to see it this time of the day!

"what really? where? i love round silvery stuff!"

"me too!"

yeah keep looking over there...

Galadster pulls out his short bow and cocks the arrow that hit him and begins to shoot it into the forest again...

"hey wait a minute, its high noon! there is no moon out!"

oh well...heh... look an eagle!

Galadster quickly shoots the arrow that makes anotehr dull thud, the Easterlings then run towards it and Galadster continues on

i still want to know who shot me...

[THE Ka]

Kafkalina was crossing through the Misty Mountains again from the north, she had done this only enough times to remember that they were not very ent friendly. As long as she took her time, and planned out her path, she would be fine. For awhile, this worked, until she reached an open path between the mountains, and a sharp wind came from the northwest. It was not alone, and carried plentiful supplies of snow. Soon, the ent was plowing through the side of the mountain, and becoming quite too frozen for comfort.

Rah tum! I can take the wind, water and earth, but this snow was never meant for ents! I cannot get out of the wind's current without losing my path and going south or back east. Ho hmmm, to ride out this storm would not be too much to ask of myself, but what to make it out of?

She had to think a bit more quickly, as the snow was building up around her. Looking at the slope of the mountain, she found a large enough rock jutting out of the face. Walking as best as she could, she soon reached the shade, but was still being blasted by the wind and snow. Whilst standing in concentration, she noticed that the sides of the rock, and her, were building up a wall. Soon, the entmaiden came up with a plan.

Ro tom la tum, maybe I cannot surpass the snow's skill in collected effort, but I can learn a bit from it. If not to fight it, there is no difficulty working with it...

With that, the ent shook off some of the ice starting to form from her branches, and began building up walls around and under the rock. Soon, the snow in the wind began to howl past, and stick to the walls. Kafkalina peeked out of her shelter to see the walls were several lengths thick, and very well insulated.

Retunring back inside, with a very large smile, she sat down to wait out the storm and drink some of her ent-draught, even though it was slightly iced over. Within a few hours, the wind was now clear and carried no more snow. It seemed to slow down as well, and was safe to travel in again, except for that the side of the mountain was quite deep now.

Kafkalina stepped out carefully and sank into the snow, gradually, the ent pulled herself back and found the problem. Her roots were too narrow, and were formed and conditioned to walking upon flat earth. Spreading and testing them on the snow, she found with the added surface area came a better resistance to the snow. Curling and forming her roots into shape, she began to travel again. A bit wobbly at first, but she soon was taking careful strides across the mountains again.

[Valier]

This so you can see where you are when you are doing your scenarios :D

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Éomeléo sauntered through the forest. He had meant to go west but somehow he had found himself in the southern part of the forest. He did not know this so he kept going. The place had an inviting quality, which concealed its evil ways very well.

He was hearing unnatural noises and becoming more and more scared all the time. "The forest itself is wicked" he muttered, as he tripped over an inconspicuous root. This then happened another three times, and Éomeléo got very suspicious.

"Aargh!" he screamed, out of the blue, as he noticed a horrific sight just ahead of him. There was a tree, honest to goodness, walking towards him. He stopped dead in his tracks, which made it even easier for the company of Huorns to surround him.

For Huorns they were, black of heart, and devastatingly powerful of body. Despite not being familiar with Huorn expressions, the Gondorian could tell that they were angered. Why? Who knows.

Anyway, they growled a bit and generally made Éomeléo's teeth chatter. Surely it cannot end this way! he thought. Not here, not in a big, dark forest, and not at the hands of anthropomorphised trees. That would be just too tragic. And ironic. In a way.

Anyway, one of the Huorns laughed a deep, bellowing laugh, walked over to Éomeléo, and picked him up. Then they engaged in a game of catch with our hero. Very cruel and unusual. Éomeléo was hurt and lonesome and scared and more than a little peeved.

But the trees became too rowdy for their own good. One of them threw Éomeléo so hard and far, that he missed his buddy, and their 'ball' was sent flung past the brutes into a tree branch. It wounded Éomeléo, but he had enough wits about him to cling on to the branch. Just as the slow-witted Huorns were trying to figure out where on Middle-earth their prey was, the blue-clad southerner was dashing down the branches and through the other trees. He did not stop running until he was out of Mirkwood.

[Nogrod]

Novgorod had walked northward the whole day after getting over the river at the end of the last day. The night was crawling in. The moon had already come up from behind the hills as Novgorod reached the outskirts of Bree, striving for food and information. He was hungry like a wolf. The Easterling’s piece of meat did not only smell foul, it had tasted even worse; sweet and sour at the same time. Novgorod had almost vomited as he had tried it. Only an imminent death by starving could force me to take another bite...

The road led him straight towards the southern gate. It was closed! The village itself was surrounded by a wooden palisade wall about 10 feet high.

Friendly little village this seems to be, indeed... he thought after he had knocked the gate the fourth time with no answer. Just as Novgorod was turning around to sit somewhere to think for his situation he heard some mumbled curses accompanied by the slowly approaching footsteps from behind the gate. A little hatch opened and the unwelcoming face of the old gatekeeper appeared into it.

“What do you want, stranger?” it called him in not particularly a polite tone. “No wanderers are allowed in! Find your peace from somewhere else. Hush!” Novgorod was just about to start to argue to the gatekeeper as he noted the changed looks in the eyes of him. They widened, expressing both fear and anger. “An Easterling! Go back to your homeland and never come back! Go back to your horde of barbarians!” With that the gatekeeper slammed the hatch closed and Novgorod was alone again.

An Easterling? At the same moment he realised that he was still clad in the Easterling robe he had taken from the backpack he had stolen from the encampment. His own tunic was ripped from a few places, muddy all over from rolling down the hill and smeared with his own blood. Gah! This is nightmarish! I could’ve talked myself in otherwise...

Novgorod found a larger boulder to sit on beside the road and after changing his own tunic on he fell into thinking. Yeah, I look like a beaten rogue and a loser, but that’s better than looking like an Easterling around here... He stareted figuring out the options he had. Anyway, he had to get in somehow.

I could make it with the rope. Walk some hundred yards away from the gate, make a lasso, throw it to jam into the pointed heads of the logs in the wall, tighten it and climb up and slide down... But that would not do for Novgorod. He had done that once before in another town long ago. That had been a disaster as he had landed straight to the backyard of the local Shiriff’s dogpit. He would never try to get over a wall as long as he was not sure what there was behind it. And after the incident at the river the day before, he didn’t exactly trust the Easterling rope either.

The western wind was getting colder, but it also brought the smell of the pipeweed to his nose some moments before he heard the sound of a cart being pulled towards him and the gate. Soon Novgord saw him. A hobbit, pulling a cart. A trader perhaps? Would he be allowed in? Novgorod was thinking quickly. This surely was his chance, but how to exploit it?

The hobbit was approaching steadily. Novgorod’s plans and alternative plans were in the middle of the making when he realised that he would have to act very soon. So he stepped forwards from the place he was sitting covered by the shadows of the pines around and stood out in the open. He waved his hand in a friendly way towards the hobbit, carefully not yelling anything the gatekeeper could hear. Novgorod picked his sack and walked towards the hobbit, opening his arms.

“Good evening sir”, he greeted the halfling. “On your way to the town, I presume?”

The hobbit halted and let the levers of the cart down. He seemed both suspicious and ready to defend himself. “What is it of your bussiness, mister?” the hobbit answered Novgorod, lowering his right hand to touch the hilt of the little knife that was hanging from his belt.

“Oh, don’t get me wrong my friend!” Novgorod said in an overtly friendly manner, flashing a fake smile. He had always thought that the hobbits were a deformation of the creation, and now being forced to look at one straight into the eye, his fore-perception was only strengthened. These guys really are weirdos, but brave weirdos, must be admitted...

“I intend you no harm. On the contrary. Do you have access to the town? The gatekeeper will not let me in even though I’m hungry and tired.”

“Yes I have. I’m a regular trader here, but what is it of your bussiness – or mine to take care of yours? I didn’t ask for you to come here.” The hobbit took a firmer grip of his knife and continued: “You think I should help you? But why do you think I would do so, if the gatekeeper has already decided not to let you in?” The hobbit was getting all the more confident after the initial embarrassement. “How do I know that you’re not one of those rogues harrassing the countryside, because of whom these gates are closed in the first place?” The hobbit smiled to Novgorod lightly. “You might surely be one of them. Just judging over your looks you seem like no wealthy traveller. Maybe I should call the old Gorger and the guards to take care of you?”

“No, no! Please no! Do not make hasty judgements on the basis of the looks or appearances! I’ve been attacked by those rogues myself!” Oh my! Where is this discussion going to go from here?

Novgord thought for a second and then continued: “Well, I might as well tell you the truth. I think I have no other options.” And would have to find a quick solution to get rid of this hobbit if everything would go as I have planned... “I’m an adventurer. I’m very near to a treasure. I’m in a competition arranged by an elf who overlooks all we contestants do. I need to get in to get some food and find the final understanding of the place where the treasure is hidden.” Novgorod made a little pause. “ I need to get in”. As Novgorod mentioned the word ‘treasure’, there was a flash of light in the hobbit’s eyes. Novgorod noticed it easily enough and smiled inwardly as he spoke the last of his monologue. Good, Let’s try this, Press him forwards!

“Surely I won’t be telling this to everyone around. I know enough of the gatekeepers: tell them something tonight and all the village knows it at the morning.” Novgorod studied the face of the hobbit and saw the growing interest in his face. Novgorod smiled carefully. This just might work...

“I need to get in to the town as I need some sleep, food and information concerning the game. The goal is a Great Golden Horde. Besides you I have no one else to help me. So just think of it. You get a quarter of the treasure if you help me in. What say you?”

The hobbit fell into his thoughts for a while and then answered: “A quarter you say? Why not a third? And how can I trust you?”

“You can come with me in the morning. It will not be a long way anyhow. You can claim your part yourself.”

“Trekking I should go? Forget it! You know us Hobbits, we’re not so keen on adventuring... But with a third I might consider your offer – if I need not wander over any rough lands. These roads are enough of adventure to me” the hobbit answered now calmly, clearly seeing the place for some good bussiness.

Darn haggler! I’m beginning to see why these folks are so renowned as they are! But at this stage Novgorod had no aces in his sleeve and had to yield to the hobbit. “Okay, a third. You help me in. We meet after the entry at an agreed place. And if you wish, we’ll sleep at the same quarters so that I can’t run away and break the deal. Does that suffice?”

The hobbit looked straight into his eyes and pondered the offer for a while. “Well, what’s your plan in concrete?” he asked after a silence.

“I’ll hide myself beside the shadows of the gate after we have broken the wheel of your cart. You call the gatekeeper to help you get the valuable cart inside. As you work it, I’ll slip in. This village seems small enough that you shouldn’t worry: there’s no place for me to disappear and betray you. Just tell me the directions where we should meet.”

The hobbit thought it for a while and then answered: ”After the gate, go forwards over two crossings, then turn right. The second apartment on the left has a reddish door. That’s where my nephew dwells. We’ll meet there and overnight there, both of us. Be there or otherwise I’ll wake up the whole Bree to find you!”

Novgorod agreed and they broke the shaft of the cart with a heavy boulder some twenty yards away from the gate. Then Novgorod took cover beside the gate and the hobbit started crying, getting to the gate and slamming it with faked frustration. “Old Gorger! Wake up you sleepy! It’s me, Paddy Wheatlocks! My cart is broken at your door! Come help me with it!”

The hatch opened once again. The keen eye of the gatekeeper made clear of the situation. Then the gate was opened and the old Gorger stepped over the bridge. “What are you bellowing, Paddy? There was an Easterling around just a moment ago. Now hurry inside!”

“My cart is broken! Your roads are not kept well enough! Help me with it! You’ll have a pouch of weed if you help me from the Easterlings!” the hobbit answered, playing nervous. The old Gorger came to help Paddy with the cart, but meanwhile Novgorod slipped into the town.

Allright then. Now the hide..., Novgorod thought to himself as he had passed the gate and was running the main road northwards. Soon he spotted the stacks of hay around the first crossing of the ways. There! After setting himself down behind the stacks of hay he started searching for a suitable pebble. After all, Novgorod was no killer from nature. A little knock-out would be just enough. Surely the gatekeeper will not help the hobbit more than is required and the cart will be left at the gate....

The aspirations of Novgorod came true. He heard the steps coming towards him and then there was the slam of the door. The steps came nearer. Sorry fellow, but this is a game you’re not invited into. And I’m going for the win and not intending to share it with anyone!

As the halfling was about to pass the crossing, Novgorod leaped over him and knocked him unconscious with the pebble he had found, striking him to the neck with precision. The hobbit fell down. Quickly Novgorod re-arranged the haystack, covering the unconscious body of the hobbit under it. He had tied the hands of the hobbit and his mouth. Farewell my friend in passing... Sleep well. Someone’s going to save you anyway.

Novgorod was in town.

[Thinlómien]

How can one end up in trolls' pot? Thin-Gloomy wondered. His life had brought him many challenges and problems before, but this was certainly unheard of.

He could hear the voices of two trolls, but couldn't catch the words. He glanced around. He was in a big pot. He couldn't climb out from it; the bottom was round and the edges too high. Nevertheless, he tried.

“Hey, Tim, the maggot tries to climb the walls of it’s prison! It tries to run away!”
“It wouldn’t be a big loss”, said the another troll voice, “He’s very skinny and bony after all.”
“He’s better than the squirrels you found last time.”
“Oh, shut up, Greg, or I’ll crush your bones and make powder of them.”

A skinny troll appeared. “Hello, little one. You’re going to be a good meal, once we cook you”, it told him and laughed maliciously. “Begging your pardon, sir, but are you really going to cook me?” Thin-Gloomy asked courteously, though his heart was pounding faster than ever. The troll cast a suspicious look at him. “Of course we are, stupid hamster”, the troll replied, scratching his bald head. “I’m afraid my meat will become leathery when cooked”, Thin-Gloomy told the troll. The troll scratched his head again. “You’re right. I’ve never actually liked a cooked dwarf. Maybe we should fry you.”

“Fry me, sir? Never, I beg you. I have only your best interests in mind and I can assure you that burnt hair”, Thin-Gloomy ran his fingers through his beard, “tastes awfully bad.”
“I see... Maybe we’ll smoke you then.”

“Smoke me? If you smoked me, there would be that much smoke that any bounty hunter – and bounty hunters kill trolls for their treasures, I trust you realise it – within miles knows you’re here. Not a good idea either.”
“Oh, blimey, you’re right again. Maybe we’ll the just...”

“He’s playing with you, Greg, don’t you see it?” a deeper voice broke out. A fat troll appeared in Thin-Gloomy’s field of vision. The bigger troll reeked even worse than his companion. “Tell me, mosquito, how would you like to be cooked?” the troll asked Thin-Gloomy in a malicious tone.

Thin-Gloomy was thinking desperately. How? What would give me a chance to escape? He had no idea. “I could have you as a snack”, the bigger troll suggested and picked the trembling dwarf from the pot. “Hey, he was my prey!” the thin troll protested. “Raw dwarf meat can cause sicknesses!” Thin-Gloomy cried. The trolls laughed, both of them. “Make a stew out of me!” Thin-Gloomy decided.

“A stew?” asked the bigger troll, as if puzzled.
“Let’s do it; it probably tastes the best”, the smaller troll commented, remembering the mutton stew his mother had used to make.
“Okay then Greg. Go and fetch some vegetables then, I’ll find some water”, the fat troll agreed and dropped the dwarf casually back to the pot.

When both the trolls had gone, Thin-Gloomy glanced at the sky. There was still about an hour – or more – ‘til dawn. He had won some time, but not enough.

After a while that was shorter than Thin-Gloomy had hoped it to be the trolls came back. “Make a fire, Greg. I’ll chop the vegetables.”
Thin-Gloomy was horrified. When the fire would be ready and the pot brought to fire, it would only be a question of minutes when would he die in the boiling water.
“What about the herbs?” Thin-Gloomy dared to ask.
“Herbs?” the trolls asked in unison.
“A proper stew has herbs in it” Thin-Gloomy told them.
“Aye, that’s true, Tim, my marmee always put rosemary in hers.”
“Your marmee was a fool.”
“Yours was cow!”
“You father was smaller than a rat!”
“Yours was a worse whiner than a mosquito.”
“Your brother was as whimpery as a rabbit!”
“Yeah, he was a sucker, but less than your brother, who was eaten by Elves.”
“No, he wasn’t! He ate the Elves!”

Unfortunately for him, just at that moment Thin-Gloomy made a small, involuntarily noise. “Back to cooking”, the bigger troll decided, “Or we'll be as dead as your brother when the sun comes up. I want to eat before it.”
“What herbs will we have – and my bro’s not dead”, the smaller troll said.
“Go find some... parsley. And I’ll look for celery.”

Again, Thin-Gloomy heard steps going away from the pot he was in. He tried to climb out again. He did not know how long he tried, but he stopped when he heard: “The lil’ one’s trying to flee again. Hohoho... Here’s some celery and parsley is to come.” Then, the troll whistled. From the other noises it made, Thin-Gloomy concluded that he was making a fire. “What about dandelion leaves? You can’t eat a stew without dandelion leaves!” he cried desperately. “Don’t try to fool me this time, little dwarf”, the troll replied, “Only Elves and cows eat dandelion leaves.” Even in such a situation Thin-Gloomy was alarmed that he agreed with a troll.

“Oh, there comes the parsley!”
Thin-Gloomy was even more depressed, before the other voice called: “Can’t you make a fire, Tim?”
“I can, better than you, old donkey! Leave me be and just chop the celery I brought.”
Cursing by himself, the smaller troll went to chop the celery.

It really took a while for the bigger troll to make the fire, but it was still too soon for Thin-Gloomy. The big troll bowed over the pot and poured water in there. Thin-Gloomy was about to drown again. Desperately, he gripped a giant celery that floated in the pot along with other newly added vegetables. Then, the world began to move. The experience was probably closest to seasickness one can have without a sea. The big troll wasn’t too careful handling the pot and bringing it to fire.

It ends now, Thin-Gloomy thought, It’s the final countdown... The trolls were arguing about something, but Thin-Gloomy did not care anymore. He could feel the water getting warmer. First, it was like a warm bath, but quickly – too quickly – it begun to be uncomfortable. Not the death I wished for myself, the dwarf thought, closing his eyes.

The pot rocked violently and hot water was everywhere. “You idiot! You fooled...” the big troll’s words stopped as cut. The hot pot rocked once more before tilting over. Thin-Gloomy heard a hissing sound when the fire was extuinguished. He rolled out from the pot, still grabbing the celery. He hit the still-hot logs that had just been on fire. Screaming, he sprung up and ran away from the burned place.

He could not believe his eyes. The sun was there, low in the sky, spreading it’s familiar light. Two huge stone figures stood nearby. The smaller one had a knife and parsley leaves in his hands, the bigger one had freezed to a kicking position with an angry look on his face.

Thin-Gloomy dropped to his knees. “Oh, Mahal, the greatest of all”, he muttered, bowed down his head and wept.

---

Later he recovered his possessions from a nearby bush and spread the remains of the aloe vera on his burnt back.

[Valesse]

Valesseka wasn't sure what she wanted most... Right now she just really wanted to get out of Mirkwood, but knew that Éomeléo meant what she wanted all around. She sadly went about readying her pack. It was before sunrise still, and Éomeléo had already taken off. Guess he really didn't -want- an answer. the Arnorian thought bitterly. Well behaved... two-shoes...
She started sobbing.

Not wanting Éomeléo to see her, Valesseka flat out ran out of Mirkwood. She ran into the Anduin, only to retreat back a few steps and gape at it. Across the Great River were the Misty Mountains... and across those was Arnor... She had to cross both if she decided to drop out, or if she pushed on to get the gold. In a blur, she found some large debris floating nearby... She climbed aboard and again, in a gondola like fashion, pushed her way across.

Discarding the debris, Valesseka took lunch on the other side of the Anduin. I want to go home. She whined. I don't care for-shh grabbing her arm tightly she inspected her bandaging. Again she would need to use her quickly disappearing cash of Athelas, or risk infection... and she was better prepared to chase after Éomeléo and give him a long kiss before -that- would ever happen. Valesseka gulped and turned a brilliant red. "I did -not- just think that..."

She didn't like him! What was she thinking? How embarassing... better move. Jumpping to her feet Valesseka made for the mountains, and made quite a lot of progress in crossing them before a heavy snow started falling. I -want- to get home. I could careless about the treasure anymore. Covering her shoulders with another layer of cloak, she pushed on her way, determined to see the other side. The wind was picking up and walking was started to become incredibly labored.

I want... I want to rest. the girl sighed, but not before hearing a small and distant 'crack!', then a quickly growing less distant, rumble. Avalanche!

Panicked, Valesseka looked for something to dive under before it hit her, but found nothing. In a second she was buried in snow, and if I must say, thinking some more 'embarassing' thoughts, at least upon her own description of it. It took a minute or two, but finally she was able to surface and clamber out of the pile, cold, somewhat wet, and very alone. Cursing under her breath she found a short cave not very far from where she was covered. Too tired to continue on for the day, she made 'camp'... hoping (and dreading) that the Gondorian would show up for dinner so she could answer his question.

[Sleepy Ranger]

Ransley had been walking along, continuing his journey as normal till something struck him on the back of his head. Not a pleasent feeling I assure you, being struck on the bag of your head by something heavy is never fun. It hurts quite bad and odds are it'd knock you out as well. As amazing as Ransley is it did not quite stop him from getting knocked out. Nor did it feel pleasent.

When Ransley awoke he found himself wet... Had a branch hit the back of his head and knocked him into a lake? On further inspection he found that it had not been son. Ransley was in a pot and he was surrounded by trolls. Nasty, smelly, stupid, icky trolls. Not a fair situation in his opinion conisdering he had been tied up and unequipped.

"Ah lookit! He be not sleeping." Said Troll#1.
"What if he sleeping with eye open?" Said Troll#2.
"Why you not ask him?" Suggested Troll#3.
"Hey you! Be you awake? For we no likey to eat you till you awake." Troll#2 asked Ransley.

"Morons..." though Ransley. Well lets play along with them. In a situation like this it would be brains over brawns. Ransley doubted he would be killing a bunch of trolls tied up, without equipment and with that pain in his head.

"Why you no say nothing?" Troll#2 asked angrily.

"Idiot!" "No my good sir, I am still asleep." Ransley replied, his voice clear and crisp.

"See! I tell you he sleep with eye open!" Troll#2 exclaimed proudly.
"Nobody sleep with their eyes open." Troll#1 said with an air of knowledge around him.

This sparked a small arguement from their trolls which caused them to turn their attention from Ransley. His mind worked quick and he took a deep breath and dived into the stew. Luckily for him he did not have to wait long and the trolls turned back to him. And lo! How surprised were they to discover that the ever elusive Ransley had vanished. (Though he was actually just underwat... pardon me, understew.) The trolls looked at each other in anguish.

"Arr! He got away! How on earth could he?" Squeaked Troll#1 angrily.
"I no clue. He jump maybe. Like rabbit." Suggested Troll#2.
"He tie up. He no go far. We go find him." Added in Troll#3.
"He no take things. You stay here and guard." Said Troll#1 asking Troll#2 to stay and guard.

Troll#2 had no complaints about that and the other two went off in search for Ransley. The Ranger had hoped all three would go away but well, Troll#2 hardly seemed the brightest of the lot. Far from it in fact. Ransley popped out of the stew, not really bothered if the guard spotted him though he did not. He managed to topple himself out of the pot with a bit of squirming, the clatter did attract the troll though.

"Hey! Why you here? Why no in pot?" Asked Troll#2.
"I'm sleepwalking." Said Ransley softly.
"Oh... that okay then." Said Troll#2 merrily.

Ransley smirked and half-hopped, half-rolled his way to his equipment. He managed to free his hands with his short sword and then cut off the bonds around his legs. He clamly lift up his things, tipped his hat (Hair rather.) at Troll#2 (who was rather distracted with a bit of moss growing on a tree) and silently removed his presence from the area.

[Valier]

Day 7 has now ended. Night 7 has now begun. You have 24 hours.

Naria did not finish all her daily tasks, she must post her day 7 post on Day 8 before she can continue.

Players that can converse are...

Ransley, Thin-gloomy and Narleah

Kafkalina and Valesseka

Galadster and Glirdingo

Novgorod
Eomeleo

You are both all by yourselves tonight.


You may now pm me your nightly votes :)

(Sorry about all the time changes....forgive me :cool: )

[Glirdan]

Glirdingo was walking peacefully when the moon arose and he decided it was time to take a break.

It was then that he heard a noise in the bushes behind him. "Who's there!?" He cried, raising his bow swiftly witha n arrow attached and pulled back taut. "Show yourself!!"

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Éomeléo just sat there, beside a big fallen tree, with a glum expression on his face. It wasn't that he'd miscalculated his direction, and had all but relinquished any hope of reaching the treasure first (unless the other competitors had been killed on the way?) He was lonesome tonight. He had been taking Valesseka's company for granted, but out here in the wilderness, completely by himself, Éomeléo realised the error of his ways, and cursed his tendency to keep all his thoughts to himself. He wondered if he would ever see her again.

Then an owl came and sat on a tree-stump a few feet away, and it amused Éomeléo no end, because he loved owls. It made him happier.

[Valesse]

As lonely as she was, the Arnorian girl was soon to forget it in her dreams. The little cave she had found was cold, and echoed the bellows of the wind outside, but it was free from it. Asleep she was confortable, that was until Éomeléo entered them. But even still, she was far too cozy under her double layers of cloak-'blankets' and garbs to rouse because of... well, nevermind.

There was a sound, something not unlike what she thought triggered the avalanche that nearly totalled her, and then another. Pulling the cloaks up over her poor wind-burnt face, two very long very wooden legs appeared on the outside of her little cave. It was Kafkalina, the ent. "My...word..." She whispered, not sure if she wanted to introduce herself to such a woody old thing when she was so unsure of her personality. No... that wouldn't do to go inviting an ent into her tiny little cave. It couldn't bend down low enough to enter or leave, and what about Valesseka? How could she relax with an oak tree smacking it's lips all night, or worse... snoring so loud that the ent itself sounded like it was... sawing wood.

"Um... Hello?" The girl squeaked, hoping to get no response. "Ent? Hello?" Where is Éomeléo? :(

[Gil-Galad]

Glirdingo was walking peacefully when the moon arose and he decided it was time to take a break.

It was then that he heard a noise in the bushes behind him. "Who's there!?" He cried, raising his bow swiftly witha n arrow attached and pulled back taut. "Show yourself!!"

Galadster was walking peacefully, cutting through the woods, he heard a voice yelling at him, he walked out and saw a man aiming a bow at him

woah woah enough with the arrows, i already got shot today, i don't need anymore

Galadster asked for his name and why he is travelling in these parts...

[Glirdan]

Glirdingo slacked his grip on the arrow, but did not put it away. "I can't believe this man!" he thought angrily. "He called me a Man! I am no Man!! I am an Elf! And an Elf of Lorien at that!"

He looked at the man and answered. "I am Glirdingo, an Elf from the realm of Lorien and I am on traveling in these parts for the same reason you are. To get to that hoard of gold. And who might you be and what do you mean you got hit by an arrow today?"

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Night 7 has now ended. Day 8 has begun, you have 36 hours.

Please PM your direction to Valier

Map and Day 7 winner will be up as soon as possible

[Valier]

The daily winner is.....A tie again!!!! Kafkalina and Thin-gloomy will move twice as far for today only.

All players....You are shooting for the red square on the map, not the yellow one. That is just a mistake I cannot seem to fix :rolleyes:

[Valesse]

(This one is going to be long!)

The ent has passed her without notice, and having had a cold night sleep the Arnorian rose to an early start which led her away from the mountains (where she was tempted to eat snow) and into the hills. Noticing her water to be on the low side, Valesseka cursed not filling up at the Anduin. Fortunately, in sight was another stream which looked to be fresh and good for replentishing her supply. Travelling to it, however, was rough, and even though she was away from the icy blasts of the mountains Valesseka kept herself bundled up warm. Almost to the stream she heard a noise which sounded very foreign to her, looking to see what it was, her breath caught up in her throat. Orcs. And not just a few, either...

As silently as she could, the girl backed away until she felt safe enough to run for her life. Hide... got to find a place to hide. I'm not getting in the middle of any orkish business. Forgetting the stream, Valesseka came across Amon Sul. She had heard about it from travellers as it had been the subject to many debates between the three portions of Arnor. At the moment, the fortress looked fairly war-torn, apparently recently sacked and still in the midst of rebuilding. It... must have been those orcs... They ravaged it last night I guess... It should be safe.

Catiously Valesseka arrived, but not without notice. Her glittering brooch amidst the unwashed carnage and debris drew eyes toward her, and it wasn't long at all before one of the men approached her.

"You... You're just in time. Our captain has fallen to the orc band, and..." he choked up, clearly he was close to the man, "We need a commander or the hill will fall."
"But..." Valesseka looked dreadfully confused, "I can't command a fortress."
"Of course you can! You are a noble man of Arnor! And if you don't... all will be lost!"
Valesseka glared daggers at the rather dramatic officer who was fortunate enough not to catch it. I am a woman of Arnor. Woman! And where does he get off that I'm nobility? Hastening her garbs she cleared her throat to announce that she was not who ever it was they were expecting, but was stopped short by a battered sword being thrust at her. The officer looked the girl in the eyes, clearly intending that she receive it "If you don't, the tower will fall, my lord."

Whining ever so slightly, Valesseka wrapped her hand around the hilt. It was suprisingly heavy, but for appearances she kept it held high. I'm a beautiful woman, why can't they see that? The officer smiled lightly and hurried away. This confused Valesseka even further, as she was not sure at this point where to go, what to do, or what had just happened exactly. The orcs attacked them last night, I know that... why do they want a leader so desperately, then? And why did he call me -lord-!? It hit her. The orc band she had seen on her way to Amon Sul were going to strike again tonight. With a terrible shudder she sat down. "Too many orcs..." she mumbled numbly.

A voice cut in "seventy-five." Valesseka looked over at the guard. He was also sitting, but in contrast to her and the rest of the guards looked rather calm. "And now there are only fifty of us." He turned to Valesseka with a piteous look "What do you think the Halls of Mandos look like?"

Okaaay, thats the end of that conversation. Gracefully she shook her head and stood, manuvering through the rubble and carcasses. Valesseka found the officer again, he had collected the other remaining officers and for a long while the men stood staring at the Arnorian girl. "...Well?" She said at length, before each man launched into his own battle plan. Apparently the orcs had been attacking in waves for the last few nights, and though the men have been getting better and better at defending their tower from this sort of strategy, the captain had fallen to an orkish arrow.

"If that guard knew what he was talking about... the numbers, that is, we're out numbered by..." She imagined counting vegitables "twenty-five. It's possible to delete their presence but..." There was a very distant rumbling sound, and Valesseka looked around in a panic, but here there could be no avalanche. The rumble could only mean one thing: the orc army was on the move toward Weathertop Hill. Straightening up, Valesseka shouted commands, acting more on her own protection than for the tower's. "You," She pointed at the first officer, "figure out how they are advancing toward us. Everyone else inform the men that they should be prepared. Light torches around this place... we want to see them if they break in."

The day was nearing dusk, and the orcs were arriving. First the archers started showering the tower with arrows. Somewhat safely behind a large barrier, Valesseka announced that her men should return fire. Fifteen or so orcs fell, and only eight of her's. Once she had calculated this, however, the orcs were at the wall, swinging and snarlling and making all sorts of terrible noises. "Keep the doors blocked in! I don't care ho-" *clack!*

Valesseka turned around and saw two funny little extrusions over the stone she was hiding behind, looking over the edge she squeaked. A ladder! The first officer acted instantly in pushing it over which proceeded in destroying the orcs on it. The orcs had brought five ladders in each group that marched toward Amon Sul, along with five archers each. She instructed that her archers focus on the orkish archers, and let the handmen take care of whatever clambered over the walls.

The door broke with a resounding clamour, and the calamity that followed became the end of serveral of her men. Swept into the battle, Valesseka ran toward the door, shouting furiously that at least twenty should follow her and help retake the passage. Her archers aimmed for the mass of orcs collected at the enterance, and successfully eliminated a fair number of invaders. However the strength of the door did not hold, and like a thin sheet of wood, snapped in half allowing a trickle of orcs inside. Salavating with bloodthirst, the orcs swung their swords sloppily compared to their previous war-formality in the advancing on the fortress.

A terrible noise came from behind her, one of the ladders remained upright long enough for a smaller orc to penetrate the defenses. With a nasty smirk at Valesseka's terrified face, it thrust it's sword at her, only to miss (Ladies being thinner in build) her flesh entirely. Pulling back his weapon, the girl swung hers, slapping, rather than cutting, his face with the blade. Nevertheless it was effective. Valesseka took a moment to check to see if he were actually dead or not before barking orders to maintain the tower walls better. The orcs were not quite as successful as the humans tonight, and for the first time in a long time, the humans were finally out numbering them.

"You two, collect these...arrows and bring it up the the archers." She pointed at a few bodies. She was stunned at her behavior. She didn't want to be in a battle, commanding it was out of the question, and yet here she was. The battle raged on, and the orcs ran out of archers, so too her archers ran out of arrows. Over the course of the battle Valesseka commensed in her own spars only a few times, most incurring injuries. I'm not built for battle. she'd repeat to herself over and over. I'm not a lord of Arnor. I'm a girl. I'm a beautiful girl. Deep inside, she felt hurt that the orcs didn't even seem to notice that.

Around midnight the carnage had ended. The orcs retreated with a quarter of their original band, and the Weathertop guards mantained half of their starting number. It was a fair enough advantage that the orcs would not soon attempt another raid, and that was comfort enough for Valesseka.

Wincing, she used the last of her athelas on her wounds, and the last of her water. In thanks for 'his' contribution the men of the tower replentished her supplies and offered housing for the night. She wasn't soon to pass that by, even if they were obviously blind to her gorgeous visage.

[Glirdan]

It was a very bad day, full of rain since late the night before. Glirdingo was shivering with cold, staring up at the Misty Mountains. He hadn't gotten much sleep the night before (he didn't trust that Man who was camping near him). "Well, this will probably be the hardest part of my journey," he thought to himself bitterly, thinking about the Orcs that lived in Mount Gundabad a shortway off as well as in the Misty Mountains themselves.

He started his treck towards the moutnains, the rain pouring down on him and soaking him to the bone, the wind on his skin feeling like icy blades cutting into him. He continued on and on, tirelessly. Finally, it was around midday (though he couldn't tell because there was no sun) when he began to feel the pains of exhaustion. He was at the base of the Mountains now. He stopped for a quick break before continuing on.

He walked all day, and almost into the night before he was really exhausted and had to stop. He searched the base of the Mountains, hoping to find a cave to rest in for the night. "Aha!" he cried delightedly as his keen, Elven eyes spotted a cave in the base of the Mountains.

He made his way wearliy to the cave at the base of the Mountains. When he reached it, he ran inside and slumped to the ground. He got changed into his (semi) dry clothes which he took out from his bag.

He had fallen asleep for what felt like a few minutes before he heard something scurrying around in the cave. He opened his eyes and grabbed his short sword and stood up while crying "Who goes there!" He heard something behind him before everything went black.

He woke up sometime later with a sharp pain in the back of his head. He put his hand up to where he had been hit and touched it gently. "Ow!" he cried sharply. Whatever (or whoever) had hit him, hit him pretty hard. He sat up slowly and took in his surroudings. He was in some sort of cell. There was a nothing in the cell, not even a small cot to lay down on and his possessions were nowhere to be found.

He rose to his feet slowly and crossed to the cell doors and peered out. He saw his sack a short way down the passage. "Hello!?" he called out. "Hellooooo!?"

"Quiet you!" a sharp, deep voice said to his left. There, sitting in front of him, was an Orc. "Quiet, or I'll stick you like a bug without the Chief's permission. Besides, you're just going to get done in tomorrow anyway!! Hawhawhaw!!" he laughed crudely.

With that, Glirdingo backed off to the back of the cell and sat down. He was a little frightened. The cave he must have fell asleep in wasn't a cave at all. It was an entrance to Mount Gundabad! He moaned as this realization dawned upon him.

The guard got to his feet and walked down the passage, just out of sight. "Well, now that he's gone, I can start thinking of a way to get out here," he thought desperately. "I need to get out, before tomorrow comes or I'm going to be a dead Elf!"

He looked around the cave once more to see if there was anything he could use to help him escape. There was absolutely nothing. Once again, he rose to his feet and crossed the cell to the cell doors. He peered around outside his cell to see if there was something he could use to escape.

As luck would have it, the Orc had convieniently forgotten the keys to the cell door which were convieniently already placed in the lock. "Well, this is convienient!"

He reached his hand through the bars, grabbed the key and turned it carefully. He heard a small click and withdrew his hand. He pushed gently on the door and it swung open quietly (the locks were (convieniently) oiled just that day).

He tiptoed down the passage to where his belongings were. He searched his pack and noticed that everything was unharmed. "I kind of figured," he thought grimly. "Orcs wouldn't like Lembas bread and my canteen is empty. They wouldn't see the usefulness of this rope. As for my weapons..." he looked around and noticed that they were locked up beside his cell down the passage. "Again, that's convienient. How stupid could you be to put someone's weapons right next to their cell," he thought happily. He grabbed the keys and tired that for the lock for his weapons. "And how stupid could someone be to make the same lock for a cell and use the same key," he laughed inside.

He grabbed his bow and arrows and slung it on his back. He took his short sword and walked slowly down the passage. He saw the guard up ahead, his back turned to him. "Oh my, these Orcs are really quite stupid..." he thought sadly.

He walked up and slashed the orc who fell down dead instantly. He continued to walk down the passage. It took him quite some time, but with luck, he found his way out and ran into no one. "Hmmm, that was too easy..." he thought to himself. It was dark out and the rain had finally stopped. "I need to get away from here and fast," he thought desperately. And with that, he ran towards the Mountains as fast as he could towards the Misty Mountains.

[Gil-Galad]

Galadster looked around, he was in a dark damp cell with a major headache, yet he felt different...

ah... what the...where am i?

Galadster looked around again, he found a dull metal bar i nteh ground and a couple of small rocks, he heard an orc guard outside cough

orcs... bloody orcs...

galadster took the metal bar and began banging the bars...

"stop that racket!"

galadster kept banging

"i said stop it!"

Galadster kept cosntantly banging the bar, till the orc guard came into the room and kicked him down through the bar

"i told you to stop it!"

no no, you can't find it!

"what? can't find what?"

you know the treasure here...bah i'm not suppose to tell you where this treasure is...

Galadster put it his hands on the ground as if to cover it, then the orc guard opened the cell and kicked galadster away

"if there is treasure it is mine"

the orc began to dig where Galadster had covered, then Galadster kickly punched the orcs jugular area, and the orc collapsed, trying to breath, but it couldn't.

Galadster then took the orcs sword and ran out, he looked around, he heard talking about these items, galadster went around and looked around the corner, there was 4 orcs, 1 in the back sleeping on a barrel againest the wall, three others going through Galadsters belongings, Galadster walked backwards and looked around another corner, it was an exit to the outside. Galadquickly ran back to the room with the orcs, took the orc sword he stole from the guard, and threw it at the sleepin orc, the 3 orcs turned to look at the now dead sleeper and wonder what happened, then Galadster ran in and grabed his scimitar that was on the table, he decapitated one of the orcs head when the other 2 turned around and tried to reach for their sowrds, but Galadster quickly cut off their arms and legs, leaving them there to bleed.

well that was interesting...

galadster quickly gathered all his belongings, including a full canteen of water from the orcs and he headed out, he began to head towards Arnor once again, but then a stone fell from the cave and hit him on the head

woah... what happened? did i go all super-crazy mode back then? nah... must have been a dream...

was it a dream? Who built the pyramids? find out next episode on THE ADVENTURES OF GALADSTER

[Nogrod]

It was so early in the morning that it was still dark as Novgorod left the little town. He had decided to press on with the quest. Against the inn-keeper’s counsel Novgorod had decided to continue straight ahead and take a shortcut through the hilly grassland the locals called Barrow Downs. Evil spirits! Bah! Old wifes stories to keep the young from playing far away from home, lunacies of the drunkards told in hope of a one more pint...

But as Novgorod dwelt deeper to the Downs the unpleasant feeling of everything not being quite right came all the more pressing. Mostly it was the weird fog. He had noticed some faint stripes of fog in the moonlight already some time ago but hadn’t paid much attention to them. Fog was fog after all and it happend to appear here and there at times, especially early mornings. But slowly Novgorod started noticing the odd behaviour of this particular fog. As long as he was able to see any futher he had time to realise that there was no fog in any other parts of the Downs but just around him. And it was moving along with him, whirling slowly around and condensating all the time!

Then came the voice. It was a low and hoarse sound that didn’t seem to come particularly from anywhere but from everywhere around him. Like the fog itself would have produced it. It sounded almost like the voice was composed of syllables, forming words of sorts. The fog got whirling and condensing tighter around Novgorod.

--------

Novgorod woke up in almost complete darkness. There was some faint phosporous light on his right. As he turned his head, he saw a light radiating fog that had vaguely a form of a gigantic warrior clad in robes. Suddenly there was a flash of dimly emerging dawning light as a boulder was turned aside and the fog-monster disappeared. The rock was slammed to its place and it was pitch dark again. Now if something is, this is creepy... Novgorod knew well enough that the best way to make things worse now was to panic. So he panicked.

But after nothing happend in a few moments he managed to cool himself down enough and tried to think. Whatever that was and wherever I am, there must be a way to get out! Carefully he came down from the table made of wood and stone that he had been laid on. Slowly he started creeping towards the entrance that had just been slammed close. He used the wall as a guide. The wall was covered with a thick layer of dust.

He reached the rock that blocked his way out. Novgorod searched for a handle but managed not to find one. Okay. I’ll just push it open. Novgorod tried, then he tried with full force. The rock didn’t move an inch. Well, then what? Waiting here for that monster to come and devour me? Novgorod was wiping sweat from his forehead. There must be something here...

Novgorod decided to check the other side of the chamber too. Just beside the entrance he stumbled to his own backpack. His sword was laying beside it. Novgorod took his sack and tied his sword on him. These won’t probably be of any use but it’s nice to die with some familiar things around, Novgorod grinned to himself in the dark and continued following the wall. Soon he crashed to a smaller table. There were different arms, dull and dusty, laid over it. There were also some cups and a few pieces of gold and coins. From habit Novgorod gathered the goldpieces and the coins and put them into his sack. After a moment’s hesitation he threw two of the cups in too. One never knows, he said half-aloud to himself and smiled sarcastically.

The small chamber was fast walked around. Novgorod sat on the table he had laid earlier and got back to thinking. I will never win that kind of thing in a fight and it seemed not a kind of a guy who wants to have a discussion and turn it’s mind after some nice pleas by its captive. But it must fear or at least dislike something. The problem is that I haven’t the faintest what it could be. Merry songs perhaps? Novgorod almost bursted to laughter with the idea. He figured how it would look: himself standing on the table he was now sitting as the foggy monster would come back and by singing some merry old nursery-rhymes the wight would be trembling in terror! That was just too funny... and futile.

But then he came upon a more promising one. It took me while it still was dark outside and it went out as it was still the early morning hours and quite dim. It lives inside this chamber, well probably... possibly? So it might not like the light? The plan was worked out pretty quickly. There seemed to be no other reasonable options anyhow. If it comes back to hide away from the morning light, I have no time to lose!

He walked over the chamber to the smaller table and took the helmet from there. Then he carved some pieces of wood from the larger table and lit a small fire near the entrance, hoping that even some of the smoke would get sucked outside by the draught. Using a wrenched cup and a small dagger taken from the table he managed to adjust the helmet to stay upsidedown over the fire so that it began to heat. Then he took the Easterling’s piece of meat out from his sack and started carving the fat out from it in the light of his little fire. This is probably the best use for this piece of meat there ever is going to be! Happily I didn’t throw it away yesterday! He poured the fat into the helmet and checked that it started to melt slowly over the fire.

He tried to hear for any sounds outside the entrance but couldn’t hear any. Okay, then the showpiece! Fast Novgorod gathered the other items from the table and got to the bigger one. He assembled the armour, the shield and the sword over the table, making them lean towards the wall looking like someone standing there. After that he started frantically to rip the dust from the walls near the entrance, laying them handful after the other over the quasi-man he had built on the table. The he changed his clothes again. The silvery and golden embroideries in the Easterling robes would flash in light too. What a self-defence...

Suddenly he was feeling cold. Something was drawing nearer.

Hurry now! Happily almost all the fat had already melted. Novgorod took the helmet by covering his hands with the Easterling underwear and poured the melted fat to the cup he had put into his sack earlier. He spread some of it over the “wanna-be man” that was covered with dust and threw some to the walls behind. Then he got beside the entrance by the little fire and started stuffing the cup with dust, ready to act as soon as needed.

Then he heard the rock being heaved out from its place and saw the dawning daylight pour in. He had the underwear still in his hand. Fast he took most of the burning wood from the fire and threw them towards his display. The foggy shape of the Wight came in just as the fire bursted. The armour and the shield shined with light and the dust on the walls flared alight, the grease continuing to burn after the blinding initial flare of the dry dust. Simultaneosly Novgorod dropped the last little burning sticks to his cup filled with fat and dust. It bursted like a torch.

The Wight was confused for a moment and that was enough. Novgorod leaped out into the daylight with his homemade torch in hand. And he ran. He ran as fast his feet could carry him. He heard noises from inside the tomb. To his luck, the Wight had decided to deal with the fake one first. After it noticed the threachery Novgorod was already somewhat far away, in bright morning sunshine. The moan of the wight coming from behind him chilled him to the bone but he continued running.

Despite not noticing anyone following him, Novgorod run the whole way until he reached the end of the Barrow Downs.

[THE Ka]

Kafkalina had finally reached her own neck of the woods, and was now happily climbing the northern downs with grace and ease. Now almost through, she paused to hear the voices of orcs ripping through the air and that of forlourn humans, as if a fading echo. She knew the downs had many a trick within the fog that encircled it, but the voices were stronger the farther she went. Slowly creeping on the top of one down, amoungst some alder trees, she viewed two of her rather ill-favored creatures, a small band of orcs, and three humans they were keeping as prisoners.

She would have no trouble passing around them, but there was no other trees to give her cover between where she was crouching, and the forest behind the orcs and their human entertainment.

Oh rah toom! Why must I be given such things to deal with. I don't want to save these humans, who may be no better than those vile orcs. Both cut, and slash, and hack, and burn... I guess though, humans are easier to educate, and far less likely to attack me at first. Then again, I guess the same is for orcs, I doubt they have seen such a creature as I in their lives. Even so, ho hoomm, I must be careful and cautious, what can they use against me?

Scanning the encampment, she saw that the humans were not dressed for the forest, or much travel at all. They of course, did not seem to have any weapons on them, as the orcs all carried axes and such of their design. There was supplies to make a fire, but it would be a damp one at most, because of the fog all around. Kafkalina felt a sense of advantage, but was careful as to plan it. Walking softly and in the thicker parts of the fog, she started to approach closer to the camp with her pole in hand. Spying a loose stone nearby, she picked that up as well.

Sitting now behind a down not far from the camp of orcs and their prisoners, she listened intently for the opportune moment, as the sky began to slowly loose light as dusk approached the northern downs.

" These filthy humans don't have any good things on them! No weapons, only a knife or two. Stupid villagers no doubt, i'm tired of raiding these flesh bags!" hissed one orc in disappointment.

" Shut your trap! At least they had food and supplies on them, and a wicked trap they brought to themselves here! No ghost I can see on the downs, except maybe theirs tonight!" cuckled by what seemed to be the more thoughtful of the orc band.

" They say that evil spirits, and that of fallen men, haunt these hills, Wights they're called. They're able to move the hills, and trees to work for them, and they sometimes take victims under the earth with them..." wispered another orc, glancing at the bound humans.

" Your head's rotted with man nonesense! You're letting those tales the prisoners tell get to you. I don't want you on watch near them tonight, go out near the hill tonight, now!" barked their leader.

"... and if I see one of these filthy flesh bags say another word, I'll have their tongues for supper!" the orc leader said, while flashing a long knife in front of its human captives.

Kafkalina smiled as she watched the scolded orc slowly approach the down where she was, this one seemed even more encouragable than the rest, and more likely to inspire fear in everyone. There it stood, looking out into the misty dark gray horizon, trying to appear frightening, but it's head was darting left and right in excitement.

Ha ro tumm! Now the time comes!

With that Kafkalina approached slowly with a stalk out of the mists, making a low calling sound that seemed to match the mood of the earth and air. The orc, quite small in comparison, looked out in the mist to view what seemed like a humanesque shape, carrying large weapons, and it was calling out for something other than a greeting. Quickly restepping in it's spot, it looked over its shoulder a few times until it could stand it no more. Running back, he sounded his imagination in terror.

" There is something coming, there is something coming! Look to the hill, it is coming out of the hill! It is a Wight! Hurry!" He raspped in alarm.

" I have had it with you, you mindless head of rot! Let me silence your babbling for good, you're tongue is mine no-" the leader stopped in mid bark, to stare up at the 'wight' of the down.

Kafkalina was now growling with delight as she starred down at the pitiful creatures, and without a word, began to attack. The orcs of course, did not stay in their stupour for long, and ran for their axes, or anything else of use. Using her stone carfully, she swooped it in their direction as the stone implanted them into the hill. The few others that remained had started attempts at a fire, but only had a flame in the moist air. Throwing them at her, she was able to swat them away just in time, but a few orcs were trying to escape to the woods and under cover.

" Rah toom! No you don't vile, slithering creatures! This is what you shall recieve for burning wood!" Kafkalina bellowed at them.

Just as they were to make it to the first tree, She extended her arm as far as she could and swipped at them into the distance. Looking about carefully, she found that they had been taken care off, except for one which she accidently stepped upon.

" Argh, disgusting and vile! I should be more watchful next time."

Kafkalina was about to go, when she remembered the human captives. She found them a few leagues away, trying to inch away within their bounds. There was utter horror and astonishment in their eyes, but mostly shock.

" Yo.. You... Please! Don't kill us, whatever you are!" One, an older boy, cried in shock.

Kafkalina bent down further, and gave a light laugh to this and smiled.

" Ho humm, have no worry young human, I am not bent towards killing things or people. I had only to attack your captors, becuase they were ill-favored to me, and in my path and would most likey not let me pass."

" What are going to do with us now then?" Asked another.

" Humm, well, I take it you are definately not woodsfolk, and that your home is not the forest. Here is what I shall do, if your home is not far from the outskirts of the forest, I can carry you to the outside borders and you can take your leave, but... Only if you promise not to attack me or, struggle and not listen to what I will tell you. It is not often that I do not meet men bent on greed for trees and nature, and it rarely that I care to save them in general. I hope that what I tell you will help you understand why I do not care so much for your kind, and what you should know to avoid further trouble in these woods. There are not only orcs that can cause you ill will, young humans..." Kafkalina said with an air of warning, she still found it hard to trust the shaken humans before her.

" Ye... Yes. Yes, if you could leave us at the northern edge of the forest it would be a blessing. We won't struggle, the orcs took the few weapons we had, and we have nothing else upon us. What you have to tell, we would gladly like to hear, we really enjoy tales... ah, or words of wisdom. Sorry, I sometimes confuse the two quite often. I hope you don't mind asking, what are you exactly?"

Carefully packing her pole and other things back into her bag, she bent down and carefully picked the three men up. Walking through the forest she began to reply.

" I am of the ents, old we are, and not many left either. My home is to slightly south of here, in what you call the Old Forest, but I am on other business right now and heading west. Now, I believe I think it is time I instructed all three of you in why I dislike woodsmen..."

After a slightly lengthy passing through the wood, and an even longer talk, Kafkalina left the three men at the forests' border. They told her farewell, and best of luck to whatever she was attending to. For humans, Kafkalina found them quite... odd. Not once through her speech did they fall asleep, or interrupt, they only looked up and seemed all ears to her words as if she was dripping gold from them.

Ho hummm... Seemed more like elves than simple human townspeople...

She continued her journey west, and the humans soon left her concern. The humans though, did not easily forget her, and reported back many times what they saw and heard, each time the tale grew larger, and so did the ent. Unfortunately, what did not grow longer was the humans' trust by others, and any bit of sanity they claimed to have.

[Sleepy Ranger]

"Dammit!" thought Ransley as he saw the large mass of rock and dirt which blocked the entrance. What on earth had he been thinking when he left his food in that stupid hole. It was so totally unlike him. What could he do? Hunt for food? Yeah, why not? There were rabbits a plenty here. Ransley smiled as he drew his short sword. Yeah, his food was growing stale anyway.

Using what he could find he set up a few traps and in the mean time went off to search for some fruits or such. He found a fair number of raspberry bushes. Why, it would have easily been enough to feed him for the remained of the journey. More food could come by later, he was close enough to home now. As he picked the berries he thought about how close he was now, he was not in this for the money.

He had never joined this race for the money. It had been for his own satisfaction. Ransley the Ranger had no need nor want for money. He had his own reasons for this quest but now he doubted he would even do what he had wished to. He wondered what he would do with all that gold if he did win... more so he wondered what the person who organized this really wanted. He also wondered if he would ever get a chance to fight that sissy Eoln.

Once he felt he had enough raspberrys he went back to check his traps. Yes, he had a few rabbits. Slash, slash, slash... he had a few dead rabbits. He stored them in his bag. Enough food to last the remained of the quest. Maybe he could retrieve that on the way back if he cared enough. Well regardless, Ransley continued on his quest.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Éomeléo tramped on, extremely cold and bitter. The Misty Mountains were proving very difficult conditions to travel through. There was no sign of life. Everything was still and frozen and....dead? Maybe not, but certainly comatose. If he had companions this could perhaps be viewed as romantic surroundings. Not while he was alone, though. It was miserable and, above all, dangerous.

Walking along a stretch of path beside one of the huge mountains, with nowhere to run and nowhere to hide, Éomeléo heard a worrying noise. It was a loud groan. He wondered if he had been disturbing any giant bears (and really, really hoped that he hadn't). He wondered what it could be for a few moments, but then the snow started to fall. Strange thing was, it was falling only on him. He looked up and there was no doubting that the snow was coming from the mountain-top. The groaning got louder and Éomeléo realised that he was going to have to survive an avalanche. Defeated, resigned, he just hoped it would be a small one.

The snow came crashing over the mountain, a white wave airborne, and Éomeléo instinctively raised both arms to make a point in the sky. The snow bludgeoned him, and his arms took the brunt of the force; but at least his head was more protected than it would have been. By sheer good fortune, the avalanche was not so big. It lasted only for a few seconds, and it did not cover him totally. The snow was chest-high, and Éomeléo began swimming through. He knew that he had limited time, and he had to find somewhere to start a fire. If he could not do this, chances of surviving the night were low.

[Thinlómien]

Thin-Gloomy was hungry and tired. Having moved swiftly westward he had used most of his food. And of my strength too, he thought dryly.

And those were the reasons why he had ended up to the human settlements in Arthedain. It seemed the word was swifter than a darting bird of prey; the news of his arrival had arrived to the King from mouth to mouth in a few hours, when he was still pondering what would be the best place for him to stay.

He was taken to the King. The King was a noble man with piercing grey eyes and remarkable height. He seemed to be fond of pompous speeches. ”Hail you, o wanderer from distant lands! What be your name and where do you come?” Thin-Gloomy bowed down. ”I'm Thin-Gloomy the dwarf, at your service, your majesty. I am from the Iron Hills.” ”And what do you seek from here?” ”Nothing but a shelter and food, your majesty” the dwarf replied humbly. ”Ha! And that is what you shall get”, the King replied with a glint in his eyes. He turned to the servants who were awaiting their master's call in the sides of the big hall. ”Get this dwarf some good food from the kitchen and let him rest for a while. Then send him to me.” ”This a great honour, your majesty”, Thin-Gloomy said, bowing down again, though he did not understand what was happening.

------

”I have a mission for you, my guest”, the King announced. ”My own folk can't leave their duties, yet I desperately need to know the position of the army of Angmar.” The King made a little pause and looked at the dwarf. ”Will you go, Master Thin-Gloomy?” How typical of Kings! That was not a question, actually it was an order. And the dwarf had a debt of gratitude to pay. ”I will find the information for you, your majesty”, he said and sighed. The King smiled. ”Then you may stay here as long as you wish and be provided for. When you choose to leave, your food supplies will be filled.” Thin-Gloomy nodded. ”Well, will you go now?” the King asked impatiently after a while. ”Do ravens live in these hills, your majesty?” Thin-Gloomy asked.

------

”If you are ready to trust me on this serious matter, your majesty”, Thin-Gloomy said, ”then you must be able to trust these birds as well. They have been friends of my people for a long time.” The King looked sceptical, when Thin-Gloomy turned to young, beautiful raven with strong wings. ”I beg thee, that you go to thy people and ask them if they have seen a big army coming from the North. They are evil people, and will destroy these lands if they get here. They will destroy your homes as well as these people's. These people are the only ones who can stop this army and so we must help them. Go now, my winged sister, and find out where this terrible source of evil camps.”

The raven looked at him in the eye, spread its wings and flew away. ”There goes your scout, majesty”, Thin-Gloomy muttered, watching the black bird in awe and respect.

------

”North of the North-Downs, you say?” the King asked. He seemed to agree that it made sense, though he cast a pondering look at the young bird on the dwarf's arm. ”Yes. My sister here and her people tell me so. They have no reason to lie; the army of Angmar will destroy their homes as well as yours, you majesty”, Thin-Gloomy answered, ”And as for me, I couldn't provide you more reliable information myself even if I saw the enemy army with my own eyes. It would only take more time. If you trust a stranger, your majesty, you must trust his friends as well.” ”Wisely said, Master Thin-Gloomy. I trust your birds then, though I'm not sure if it bades well.”

------

When Thin-Gloomy left, he had rested and left with fresh food. Yet the most important thing he had gained was respect and trust. They were rare delicacies for the malformed and ugly dwarf. Maybe I'm not that bad, after all, he thought walking away from the city. He almost smiled. He was one step closer to the hoard.

[Valier]

Day 8 has now ended. Night 8 has now begun. You have 24 hours.

Naria did not finish her daily tasks, she must complete her Day 6 post before she can continue.

Players that can converse are...

Kafkalina & Valesseka

Glirdingo & Galadster

All other players are on their own for the night.


You may now pm me your votes :)


P.S And by the way......Great posts everyone!!! Just fantastic!!

[Glirdan]

Glirdingo was walking along for the rest of the night. He finally decided to stop. He was just about to settle down and go to sleep for the rest of the night.

Just then he hear a noise in the bushes. He looked quikly around and saw the man that was camping near him the night before. "Oh, it's you," he said irritable. "Listen, I'm not in a good mood. So what do you want?"

[Gil-Galad]

Glirdingo was walking along for the rest of the night. He finally decided to stop. He was just about to settle down and go to sleep for the rest of the night.

Just then he hear a noise in the bushes. He looked quikly around and saw the man that was camping near him the night before. "Oh, it's you," he said irritable. "Listen, I'm not in a good mood. So what do you want?"


Galadster walked down to see the Elf again

your not in a good mood! i just went psycho-commando on 5 orcs and killed all of them in brutal ways!, besides i think that we gotta stick together if were gonna make it through, you know like an alliance

[Valier]

The Ninth Day began without any problems. The Adventurers were tired and longed to stay put for just a little while, but one adventurer just kept on going, through all the hardships and trials. Only one could now see the lone figure of the Elf, Eoln standing stoically in wait, for the first to arrive.

"Come now dear traveller!!" Eoln beckoned to the one. " You are the first, you have won. Won more than you can imagine."

The tired adventurer followed the Elf wearily towards a fire to await the arrival of the other eight.


The game has now ended!! One player has made it all the way to the end. Please stay tuned for the winner and for the last storyline :D

[Valier]

Eoln tended to the fire and brought a hot cup of steaming tea to the lone adventurer. "Come now friend, you must be tired. I have readied a place for you to sleep as we await the others. I beg you please do not tell anyone that you have won, just wait for Berrick..." Eoln took the stumbling traveller to a soft bed made from tree boughs, not far out of the light of the fire. "But when will I meet Berrick? and when will...." "Hush now!!" Eoln interrupted the winner. " All your questions will be answered in time." Eoln put his finger to his lips, winked and was gone. The tired victor snuggled down into the comforting boughs. The lovely scent of the Elf still lingered long after he was gone. This lulled the adventurer off to sleep.

One by one the other adventurers began to appear, and one by one Eoln whisked them away to lovely scented beds of their own. Each traveller did not know weather he himself had won, Eoln said nothing, just hushed them, like he had the others and sent them to bed.
The moon was high in the evening sky when the last Adventurer made his way into Eoln's camp. They too were sent off to bed. The fire died down and all was quiet.




The dawn broke with such vibrancy and colour that each traveller awoke as if they were being silently called to awake. There sat at the now roaring fire, a bent, cloaked figure. All around the fire sat large logs fashioned into benches. A large pot sat bubbling away as the bend figure reached to stir it's contents.

"Do not be afraid! Come my friends, come sit and let's talk while I still have time"
The voice that came from beneath the cloak was calm but commanding at the same time. There was a shuffling of feet and a loud cough, but they all managed to find a seat. Everyone stared in awe and waited....and waited for the man to speak again. Then when they thought they could wait no longer the bent man lifted his hands and threw off his cloak and stood.
There stood a man of great age, bent from his life of travel. His eyes...his eyes were still young, like the blue skies on a clear sunny day. His body was wasted away and they began to wonder how he could even stand.

"I am Berrick" with that he sighed. " I know you all not, but in my heart I know you each intimately....I too had the lust for adventure and fortune. I have obtained these things....."He slowly went on, pondering each word before he spoke. He winced. Eoln appeared as if from nowhere and was at the old man's side to help him return to a sitting position.

" As you can see I have not long for this world......I will get straight to the point...." He sighed again, as if all the talking was making him tired. "I have wasted my life on treasure and adventure....Only now, do I regret not having had anyone to share my joys and sorrows with. I never married, never sired children....my only true friend is Eoln here....for what reason I know not, and he will accept no gold or riches from me, no matter how many times I try to sneak some into his belongings!!" With that Berrick gave a loud hearty laugh that gave way to a fit of coughing. Eoln again rushed to his side. "Sir you can not do this now!! You need rest!" "Rest? Rest! that is all I do now....no I must finish this now before it is too late....." His eyes wandered to the faces of the people around him, they simply sat and waited.

"Well enough babble....." Berrick reach out now to Eoln. "It is time." Eoln nodded his head and quickly ran to fetch a large woolen package. He handed it to the frail man, who bent even further under it's weight. Eoln winced, but stood still as he had earlier been instructed. With a dramatic swoop at the right moment, Berrick whipped the blanket from what lie beneath.

There he held a large Dragon trophy made of gold. It shimmered in the rising sun. He raised it as high as he could manage into the air and shouted...

"Thin-Gloomy Dwarf of the Misty mountains....You and only you have won this task I had set before you. I present you with this!!....." He handed the statue to the waiting Dwarf. "As well as everything I own, which Eoln will discuss with you later. And here is the map. The only map of where the hoard is hidden. I have hired some help for you to carry it where you like." He struggled for a moment, then clasped the Dwarf by the shoulders and held him close for a brief moment." I say this to you now and to all of you..." He swept his hand towards the astonished others. "Do not waste it!! Do not throw your life away as I did mine!! Settle down...Start a family... Enjoy every minute until the last....Have no regrets....." He turned towards the others. " I congratulate you all!! I am so proud of each and everyone of you for making it this far.I hope even though you did not win, you take away something from this great journey you have travelled, whether it be self confidence, or friendship.....or perhaps even love....."

The great man's legs faltered and wavered and he fell crashing to the ground. Eoln was there in a flash, and cradled the men's head in his lap.. " The travellers gasped and fell quiet.

"I Have to go...." He whispered. " I cannot linger any longer. I have waited......waited so long for this moment......" His eyes fluttered. " Goodbye..... and may you heed my advice." With that his vivid eyes dulled and closed. Everything fell silent. Noone moved. The silence was split by the wails of Eoln. His lamentation for this man...his friend was great. He turned to the travellers and almost yelled..." Go now, back to your own lives!! But forget this man not!! for he was wise and noble and great no matter what he may have thought! Take these." He tossed eight small hefty bags to each of the losing travellers." He felt so much for you all that he could not bare the thought of any of you going away with nothing to start your new lives with." Eoln's voice cracked. "You Thin-Gloomy, you will see on your map the very house that Berrick lived in, this is now yours. I shall meet you there to discuss your fortune. And to you all I bid you farewell, You are all great Adventurers...do not forget that. Just do not let that be your only life.."


Eoln lifted the body of the frail man and wrapped him in his cloak. He looked once to the sky, then back to the adventurers, and he was gone.

The race was over. Just like Berrick's life. But the lives of the Nine had just begun.

[Thinlómien]

Thoughts still danced wildly in his head, not forming a clear shape. He could not believe, or understand, what had happened. Thin-Gloomy, being a lifetime pessimist hadn't seriously even dreamed of winning and there he was, holding the dragon trophy. Tears were running down his cheeks before he even realised it was happening. For the first time for years, Thin-Gloomy let other people see him weeping. All he cared about right then was his happiness.

He had never won as a child. He had been weaker and slower than the other children. If luck or his wits had given him victory over his playmates, they had taken his victory from him by accusing him of cheating. The same things had followed him to adulthood. He never won. Or if he won, he was a cheater. As time had went by, he had started believe himself to be a loser and a cheater.

This race had however taught him something. Standing there, tears on his cheeks and gripping the golden dragon not to let it fall, he had no doubt he was the winner. He knew he was and he knew he had not cheated. He never had.

He kissed the golden dragon trophy gently. It was key to his yet unforeseen future and he had never posessed such a beautiful and valuable item. But it was only the top of the iceberg of the tresures he was to possess some day.

For Thin-Gloomy, the adventure had only just begun.

[Glirdan]

Glirdingo clapped appreciateively for the Dwarf. He, like the others of his race, didn't have a fondness for Dwarves. As Thin-Gloomy walked away, Glirdingo looked at the Entwife, Kafkalina. "Well, my friend, it was a pleasure to see one of your race before I go," he looked up at her and smiled. "Just with that one night, you have taught me that I can't stay cooped up in Lorien for the rest of my days."

With that, he looked out across the fields, his keen eyes seeing things the others could not. He looked back up at the Entwife. "Perhaps we could walk back to Fangorn together? Just to see what it's like now a days?"

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Éomeléo stood there smiling. He was happy for the Dwarf, who looked quite overwhelmed. Who knows what he will do with the riches the man thought. What prospects for his life, his family's, his people's? There would be so much to do, and such adventure to be had.

Éomeléo walked up to Thin-Gloomy, shook his hand and congratulated him on his success. Walking back to where he was, he finally made eye-contact with Valesseka, who was sort of staring at him and shifting her feet uncomfortably. The effect rubbed off on the Gondorian. Blinking nervously, he pondered the words of Eoln.

"Perhaps even love..." Love? Could that mean....

[Gil-Galad]

Galadster looked around at the other contestants

cool, a lively bunch really

Galadster streched his arms and yawned

I'm gonna make some breakfest, anybody wants any? how about you ladies?

Galadster was nodding towards the female travellers, giving them flowers and all that romantic stuff

[THE Ka]

Kafkalina smiled and gave her appreciation for Thin-Gloomy. Unlike other ents, even though they were sent by Yavanna to keep Aule's dwarves in balance in concern to arda, she had a relatively good relation to them, or at least the ones from the Blue Mountains. This one had seemed different from others of its' kind she had seen, and thought it was quite nice that he was able to recieve something wonderful for his troubles in life.

The elve from Lorien was there as well, and did not hesitate to pick up another conversation from the last.

"Just with that one night, you have taught me that I can't stay cooped up in Lorien for the rest of my days."

This startled Kafkalina a bit, and seemed to be more than just an opinion of sorts, it seemed to reflect unto her existence as well. What was there left for her to do now, return and make use of what she had now, and buy off more land for her trees? Then what?

"Perhaps we could walk back to Fangorn together? Just to see what it's like now a days?" The elve suggested.

She jumped a little at this, and blinked a bit in surprise.

Ho humm! Visit Fangorn? I won't like to admit that I would rather not, who knows what those ents have made of themselves, and that forest. Then again, it has been so long since I left the others, I guess it would not hurt to make more meaning to my existence.

Bending down to speak with Glirdingo, she gave what was on her mind, even though it would probably have to be thought over again and again, because it was an enttish tendency. Even so, she was somewhat more of haste than other ents, that she could admit.

" Though it has been quite a long time in the measure of others, and even myself since I have visited Fangorn, and I am quite unsure how we will be welcomed, I would not mind walking again in old places of the world. Though, I must warn you that I cannot leave so suddenly, I have trees to take care of, and of course a few Hourns stationed in charge of my home wood that I must inspire again with my presence. They can be fixed as I have taught them, but sometimes they need a reminder to not carry away with power. This I assure you, will not take long, only a day or so, then we can be off. It sounds like a lovely trip to visit an old home."

It made her smile to think of what Fangorn might be, and maybe she could see lovely Lorien again. In the middle of her day dreaming, one of the humans anonunced he would be serving breakfast, and seemed to nod this to the female travelers. Kafkalina gave this a puzzled look, and shook her head in amusement.

Ro tor tumm! The day humans make ent draught, I'll live in a house and cook with a fire...

[Valesse]

Smiling numbly at the dwarf Valesseka waited for those adventurers who were more familiar to him to pass. When it was her time she gave him a quick peck on the cheek (Which in her mind was much more precious than any gold or well wishing). "Congratulations, Master Dwarf." was really her only words to the stranger before freezing.

Oh Eru! He's looking at me... Valesseka blushed and shuffled her feet nervously. There was Éomeléo... and he was looking at her! Twisting her foot nervously on the floor she fought in vain to figure out something intelligent to say. For the longest time she had convinced herself to hate him, and now with all of her reason to gone... he wasn't so bad. Fortunately her attention was turned momentarily to Gil-Galad, who handed her a small collection of flowers. "Oh, uh... no thanks."

Briefly Valesseka wondered what the Ent's reaction to being handed a flower would be...

The Gondorian had by now approached her and greeted Valesseka with a very nervous, but nonetheless admirable "We meet again."

"I-I guess so," she stammered, also recalling Eoln's words. She blushed and waited awkwardly for her breath to catch up with her thoughts. "This... might be terribly blunt of me... but after this journey I don't wish to travel alone for a long while... " Valesseka looked up at Éomeléo shyly "perhaps this time we won't get seperated during the daylight?"

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Even at this point, Éomeléo was unsure exactly what Valesseka thought of him. Most things indicated that she wanted to stay with him for a long time, but there was still that hint of adversity in those, admittedly beautiful, eyes of hers. He thought back to that night in Rhovanion, where she had been seething in anger for reasons Éomeléo could not guess. But he also remembered that horrible night after the Huorn-attack, when he had felt so alone and had wanted her beside him so much. Surely that feeling could not go unreciprocated? That would be tragic. He stood in a daze, imagining the horror.

But returning to reality:

"Valesseka" he said, "I do want to travel with you. Where is it you want to go?"

And he took her by the hand.

[Glirdan]

Glirdingo smiled happily up at the Entwife. "My dear friend, do not be troubled or be too hasty, for that is not the way of your kind. We shall go back to your home and we can spend a week there if we must. I am in no rush to visit Fangorn. After all, we will both live forever, whether it be here in Middle-Earth or in the Undying Lands of the Valar."

He looked at the other contestants, none of whom he had really made friends with. He noticed just how many Men there were. "But we should add a little haste, my friend. For I feel it in my bones that our time here is drawing to an end. How soon or how far off, I cannot tell. But I feel it coming."

Then, the moment passed and he smiled again. "But for now, let us enjoy each other's company while we may and make plenty of memories together."

[Gil-Galad]

Ah memories...
Galadster looked at Glirdongos quiver and noticed the arrows, they were the same kind of arrow that he got shot with

Woah! your the one that shot me!

Galadster said out to Glirdingo

[Glirdan]

Suddenly, the man (Galadster) who had been camping near him in the last bit of the race shouted out "Woah! your the one that shot me!"

"Yes, it was - wait, what!?" He said confused. "What do you mean I shot you? You don't seem to be harmed."

[Gil-Galad]

Well you put a dent in my armour, your the one that shot randomly into the forest! you shot me!

Galadster said to Glirdingo as he turned around

[Glirdan]

Glirdingo looked at Galadster in surprise. "So THAT'S why the arrow thudded!! I was wondering what it was. It's been bugging me for quite some time. As for your armour, well, that can be easily fixed."

Then, a sudden brainwave hit him. "Kafkalina, would you have a problem with this man coming with us on our journey? He is yet young (to us that is) but I sense the spirit of an adventurer in him. But of course, that is if you would like to join us Galadster?"

[Gil-Galad]

well that really depends there buddy, where shall we be travelling and what use would you have me, an Easterling, for?

[THE Ka]

Besides an offering of food, the human had decapated a few flowers, and was trying to pass them out as well. Kafkalina gave a slight cringe to this, even though flowering plants were far from the station of an ash tree, the gardening patterns of th entwives seemed to have rubbed off into her personality.

Glirdingo was considerate enough to take in account that though Kafkalina might promise to keep the talking with Hourns short, but realitically, she knew back at her home they would be nothing but curious about everything. Even more so of Glirdingo.

"But we should add a little haste, my friend. For I feel it in my bones that our time here is drawing to an end. How soon or how far off, I cannot tell. But I feel it coming." added in the elve.

She did not need him to explain why he said this, she already took into account the number of men there were. Relation wise, she would rather be in the company of dwarves (whom she really did not ill favour as much as outsiders might expect), than humans. The only men to have made an exception to her where the small bands of rangers, who were the few forest dwellers without timber and destruction on their minds, though, she naturally had slight suspicion of anyone really. Kafkalina now was in deep thought again, trying to remember when was the last time she actually saw a human ranger, they too seemed to have dwindled.

This did not last long though, for it seemed her elven friend was now in a debate with the man who had tried to pass decapitated flowers around. Kafkalina shook her head again. This was a confrontation that was as old as time, and it would be best not to take sides. This sparked another thought to her, when was the last time that a dwarve and ent were in a debate? She had to shake the odd thought off as Glirdingo called her back into the moment with a question.

"Kafkalina, would you have a problem with this man coming with us on our journey? He is yet young (to us that is) but I sense the spirit of an adventurer in him. But of course, that is if you would like to join us Galadster?"

Ho humm! My, that was a hasty decision! Ether this, or it seems these two have had more of a history together. Well, it seems quite odd that they would take up a side like this, but again, man and elve have done it before. It does not seem too difficult, though, passing a man through Fangorn is going to be quite a difficult task... Hmmm

She was about to finish her decision, when Galadster wished to inquire himself.

"Well that really depends there buddy, where shall we be travelling and what use would you have me, and Easterling, for?"

Easterling!? Rah ro tumm! What is this name calling for?! My, my, the tongues of men have been sure to turn so judgemental. I definately cannot bring this creature into Fangorn without being battered myself, taking me for an entmaiden bent towards wickedness. Rum tor hmm... I must set the trail straight if Glirdingo cannot...

Turning to Galadster with a stern face, she addressed him in a serious tone she mainly used on mischevious young Hourns.

" First of all young master Galadster, I am no Easterling, nor am I a tree. I am an entmadien of Eriador, and my reasoning for coming to this northern land is my own. You may call me by my much shorter name, Kafkalina, as my enttish one would be too long even for the most patient elve. Glirdingo has offered a joint position to join him to traveling in Fangorn, for the simple purpose of adventure, though more of a re-visiting for myself. I might be bold to say this, but I highly doubt that an elve and a man would be allowed into such an old and well loved area without attack, or a trap being placed. Hopfully, if you are willing to listen to a few words of caution on the way, I might be able to help the both of you through, though the chances are all up to a possibility. I am a bit uneasy about it as well, I do not know how many of the ents are still there, or might have wicked intentions for us. Though, thus is the curiousity of adventure I presume."

She ended her words with a lighter air, though it seemed that the conversation was to be an interesting one.

[Valesse]

The Arnorian thought for a short while before answering: "I've seen the mountains, the forests and the sea, and to all honesty, I would much prefer to go home."

She had just noticed the handholding and with intense interest watched to see if lightning sparks would shoot from their palms... (That would be exciting, now wouldn't it?) Nothing. It seemed that they were just holding hands, and in a rather playful turn in her thought Valesseka argued to herself how rude the Gondorian was for taking her breath away again (I'm so cheesey). She curlled her fingers around his hands and smirked slightly "It isn't far from here I'm sure, nor is it very large, but after what we've talked about at night I'm sure you will be impressed."

[Gil-Galad]

Galadster listened to the ent

Well of course, but just imagine what people would think, and Easterling travelling with an elf and an ent, and when they ask how me and glirdingo met, i will just calmly say, "oh he shot me in the forest randomly one time". But it is another adventure for me to travel, i never imagined leaving Rhun and even crossing the mountains...

Galadster looked up as Glirdingo and Kafkalina were staring at him

But now is not the time to be pondering thoughts! its suppose to be a happy occasion! so i won't argue about who shot who, lets enjoy ourselves and be merry!

[Glirdan]

"But now is not the time to be pondering thoughts! its suppose to be a happy occasion! so i won't argue about who shot who, lets enjoy ourselves and be merry!"

Glirdingo looked at Galadster ponderingly. Then he looked back at Kafkalina. "Could I have a private word with you, over here?" he asked her then looked back at Galadster. "We'll just be a moment."

He walked a little ways a way from Galadster. "My dear Entwife, I understand your mistrust of him. However, I think he's quite different from other Easterlings. He seems peacful, quite the contrary for his kind. I say we give him a chance. Who knows, he could help us out of troubles which we might not be able to get out of ourselves. So what do you say my friend?"

[Nogrod]

“We’ll see the outcome, although I can’t see the reason why these dwarves would be on the lead here” He had nodded towards the dwarves and then smiled to the others. “We may almost walk across the river, but these guys must swim. Nice to see you little folk to do your best!” With a big grin he had walked into the River and started crossing it. (Nogrod #15, modified)

How long it was from those days? And the other dwarf had won! The news struck Novgorod like a hammer. This just can’t be! I was so close! And I must have been in the lead! I just stopped for an hour at those creepy Barrow Downs... Then he became to think about it.

No, it’s not possible. I have wandered only a few miles the day I left Bree as I ran the whole day after getting free from the mound and got here. So I must have been lying in the Barrow for a whole day! Some shortcut that was!

Novgorod was swallowing his pride with the revelation. He had been stupid not paying heed to the inn-keeper’s advice and with that he had lost everything. Cursed be my stubborness...

One dwarf stole the trophy and the other stole my heart! ... Cut it, right there! Don’t get overwhelmed by the things! She wished you no good and it was good we did not trek together for any longer. Carefully Novgorod took a sideways look at Narleah who was sitting some yards away from him. She surely had shaken Novgorod’s balance. Both of the dwarves had.

Before this challenge he had thought of the dwarves as being stupid, boring and greedy. Now one of them had beaten him in a fair competition and the other one had proven to be more interesting than he would have allowed to himself. Queer folk...

There was a lot of hassle and joining together after Eoln had departed with Berrick. Narleah seemed to be sitting alone. Slowly Novgorod stood up from the bench and took the few steps to reach her. Whatever, otherwise I’d be wandering home alone anyhow...

“Hi, Narleah! You still haven’t told me the origins of the song I sang you days ago. If you have no company home, come with me, you’ll have plenty of days to remember it, and maybe we could find other songs and stories to share?”

[THE Ka]

"My dear Entwife, I understand your mistrust of him. However, I think he's quite different from other Easterlings. He seems peacful, quite the contrary for his kind. I say we give him a chance. Who knows, he could help us out of troubles which we might not be able to get out of ourselves. So what do you say my friend?"

Kafkalina relaxed a bit and decided to explain alittle of herself, and state her decision, now that time had been given to backtrack it in her mind, where she favoured to keep a couple of them in check at one time.

" Glirdingo, I do not ill favour any creature for where they come from, but after many years of having to fight with men, and trying to exchange thoughts with them, but only being answered with fire and closed minds, I have grown as my bark is thick, with mistrust. The reason why I came to the call of this adventure is for the reason of a final plight for my trees and forest, to hopfully sway men's thoughts from my woods to that of the mineral riches they desire so much. On this adventure, though I met others few, I did learn that I could sway my forest, but not the nature of others forever. Also, it is beings akin to young Galadster whom I can now see that I am not so far from. I too am a different branch of my kind, I never went to make gardens, or east for that matter, or was put into a lovely song. Sorry if I am hard to understand my friend, my years are too long for my words sometimes. I guess what I mean to say is, I've never walked the same earth for too long with other ents. As for my decision, I am not too hasty, nor do I wait as long as an oak to make a decision. I presume that is why my leaves fall still green... Anyways, before I fade into too many thoughts, I agree with your decision. It will not be easy to walk no longer solitary, but possibly meeting other ents is far more uneasy than any journey with you both shall be. Besides, it shall be pleasant to learn more of what has been happening with the other half of the world."

She ended her words with a bit of a relief and patted the top of her head to check a now old wound. It was still very much there, but small shoots had begun to grow in place, eventually, the mark would not show so much, or she hoped.