WWXLV: The Fellowship of Saruman

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

This is the game thread. No out-game posts here. All questions go to the Admin Thread (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=14711), please.


BRIEF RULES

Deadline is 9 PM GMT.

Votes are not retractable.

No double-lynches. In the case of a double-lynch, a lynchee will be chosen randomly.

!!!Posting in-character is compulsory!!!

For more details about the rules, check the admin thread.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

"Alas!" said Saruman. "I know too well how deep my treachery reached. I pity it, and I can only hope that all I have caused can be healed yet."
"Truly we all hope for that," said Elrond. "But let us not be troubled by the past anymore! We have the advantage of the moment, when the Enemy is in doubt: he did not learn yet that Saruman has returned to our cause. And Saruman the Wise is here with us again, and who else could be of more help to us in this perilous time?"
"But what are we going to do?" Frodo asked.
"The Ring cannot stay here, that much is clear," Elrond replied. "Now at this last we must take a hard road, a road unforeseen. There lies our hope, if hope it be. To walk into peril - to Mordor. We must send the Ring to the Fire."

Silence fell on the room. At last Saruman spoke. "It is as Elrond said. The road must be trod, but it will be very hard. And we need both strength and wisdom to carry us upon it, and more. This quest must be attempted by the strongest of all, for everything depends on it. Messengers will be sent out with the Ring, in small numbers, but the stronger must be their spirits and arms. We have been pondering this for a long time with the others of the White Council, and we made the choice at last."
"We agreed with Saruman that the Ring went on," said Elrond. "Bilbo's part in the tale was already finished, and also Frodo has already fulfiled his task and brought the Ring to Rivendell. Therefore, Saruman suggested another hobbit being called to complete the task."
"This person is going to represent all the halflings on the most important mission," said Saruman. "And so, I decided to turn to one I know about, and the one who is really a worthy representative of the Shire's folk. This time, the bearer cannot be chosen not just by mere coincidence, as it was in Bilbo's and Frodo's case, but after a deep thought and responsible choice. It was a good fortune, which brought the Ring to the two former bearers; but now, it is time to make choices of our own. And this is what we were appointed to."
"And whom did you choose?" Frodo asked.
"The name Baggins and its importance for the tale of the Ring is not going to be forgotten," said Saruman with a mild smile. "And so the third Halfling Ringbearer is going to be one who bears this name as well. I know the Sackville-Bagginses, and they are noble and strongwilled. The name of the Ringbearer we chose is Lobelia Sackville-Baggins."
Bilbo's face seemed to freeze in surprise and his eyes stared wide on Saruman.
"But -" he stammered. "But -"
"I understand your feelings, dear Bilbo," said Gandalf. "But, if the Wise have accepted Saruman back, why should you not accept Lobelia as the one carrying the Ring?"
Bilbo sighed. "You are right. It is just... strange that the events unfolded like this."
"You can be proud of yourself," Saruman said. "And, I believe it is time to invite the new Ringbearer among us." He nodded at Elladan who stood next to the door. The elf opened the door, and Saruman spoke up with a loud voice:
"Please, Lobelia, come in."

The venerable Sackville-Baggins entered, clothed in noble gown and with firm expression in her face. All eyes turned on her; some were looking at her with amazement. Bilbo sighed and turned away, shaking his head.
Saruman took a few steps towards the incomer and stood by her side.
"Mistress Lobelia Sackville-Baggins," he said, half towards the audience, half towards her. "Welcome here. You heard what has been said. Do you still hold to your word that you will be the Ring-bearer?"
"I do," said Lobelia, and the expression of her face was unmoved; only her eyes gleamed with what were maybe tears, maybe not.
"So it shall be," said Saruman. "I can foresee very little of the road; and how the task is to be achieved I do not know. But I have chosen you companions to go with you: I will accompany you to be of counsel and do whatever is in my powers to aid you as far as fate allows. The others of my Order shall go with you, too: Gandalf the Grey, as the Ring concerns him closely; and Radagast the Brown, for this task shall be the fulfilment of what was laid upon him a long time ago. For the rest, they shall represent the other Free Peoples of the World: Elves, Dwarves, Men; and Orcs, too: as even among them many now stand against the oppression of the Dark Lord. Galadriel and Gildor shall be for the Elves; and Dáin Ironfoot for the Dwarves: all of them represent the most powerful lords of their folk in Middle-Earth and if they would not help, then none could."
All eyes turned to the beautiful Elven lords sitting on the opposite side of the room, who seemed to give out a faint light. Then Elrond spoke up.
"Even though Saruman was unsure first when we were discussing it, I believe there lies still much hope with the Men of Westernesse, even though their numbers are few; and the tale of Isildur is a part of their own tale. Therefore, we agreed that Halbarad of the Dúnedain be chosen into the Fellowship as well. The spirit of Númenor lives still, and their strength may be useful on this journey."
"Indeed," said Saruman. "And for strength, there will be also strong arms of an Uruk by your side, Lobelia. Uglúk will go with you; and he is trustworthy, the most trustworthy of all my captains."
Some of those in the room looked at Uglúk with surprise, but the tall Orc did not move.
"And if you are still in lack of valiant men," Saruman continued, "Théodred the Second Marshall of the Mark and Éomer the Third Marshall of Mark will go with you. Their honourable titles speak for them, and now that their land is in peace again, they were allowed to give their hands to our cause. Théodred son of Théoden is one of the bravest men, and bestowing him with this honor is the smallest thing I can do to repay what evil I have caused to the King and his people."
"That makes nine, yet we agreed that there should be twelve companions for the Ringbearer, to make the number of fourteen as long as Saruman is present," said Elrond. "And it will take long to call anyone from distant lands to join us now. But I had forgotten Bombadil, if indeed this is still the same that walked the woods and hills long ago, and even then was older than the old. He is a strange creature, but maybe I should have summoned him to our Council."
"He would not have come," said Gandalf.
"Could we not still send messages to him and obtain his help?" asked Gildor. "It seems that he has a power even over the Ring."
"No, I should not put it so," said Gandalf. "Say rather that the Ring has no power over him, or so it seems."
"The more is Gildor's counsel worth considering," said Saruman, "and I would not be so hasty in dismissing it, even though Gandalf thinks otherwise. Bombadil's aid could mean a lot for our cause: I say we at least try to ask him. I shall see to it myself."
"Then there remain two more to be found," said Elrond. "These I will consider. Of my household I may find some that it seems good to me to send."
"If you permit me, father," Elladan said, standing up, "we don't want to be left behind. We want to go with the Fellowship."
Elrond turned at him, startled. Elrohir rose also and stood by his brother's side.
"That is right, father," he said. "If this is the task of the greatest importance, we should go and represent our house."
Elrond's face was grave now. "I cannot withhold you by force," he said. "But I beg you to reconsider. There are other tasks that need to be fulfilled, of less honour maybe, but also of great importance. You may accompany Aragorn to Minas Tirith if you have the desire for great deeds. But I have seen the horrors of Mordor and do not want to see you going that way."
"We chose already," said Elrohir.
"Let it be so then. You shall go," said Elrond, and he sighed. "Now the tale of Fourteen is filled. As soon as all are present, the Company must depart."

-----------------------------------------------

The Fellowship:

Aganzir - Lobelia Sackville-Baggins
A Little Green - Éomer
Gil-Galad - Gandalf
Groin Redbeard - Dáin II. Ironfoot
Gwathagor - Halbarad
McCaber - Elrohir
Meneltarmacil - Uglúk
Nerwen - Elladan
Nogrod - Tom Bombadil
Rune son of Bjarne - Galadriel
Sally - Théodred
THE Ka - Radagast
Thinlómien - Gildor Inglorion



The first part of the Journey will start tomorrow at this time.

No one post here yet until then.

Turn yourselves into the invisible mode if you haven't done so already.

As soon as all roles are sent out, the Traitors may start to PM each other and the Seer may post me his first dream.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

In the small hours before the dawn, three shadowy figures stood in the darkness outside Elrond's house. There was silence all around, not even a leaf trembled in the still air. The whispering voices of the three shadows floated through the darkened valley, but there was no one to overhear them.

"I do not understand all this," said the first shadow. "Saruman has returned to our cause, but did he not show greater wisdom before? Why is he all of a sudden speaking of destroying?"
"You are right," the second shadow spoke. "What strength have we for the finding of the Fire in which the Ring was made? That is the path of despair. Of folly I would say, if the long wisdom of Elrond did not forbid me."
"And then," said the third shadow, "Why should we not think that the Great Ring has come into our hands to serve us in the very hour of need? Wielding it the Free Lords of the Free may surely defeat the Enemy. That is what he most fears, I deem. Many of the Free Peoples of Middle-Earth are valiant, and they will never submit; but they may be beaten down. Valour needs first strength, and then a weapon. Let the Ring be our weapon, if it has such power as they say. Let us take it and go forth to victory!"
"Alas," the first shadow spoke once again, "we cannot do that. Not when the fate of the Ring is in others' hands. Not when the Fellowship is bound to follow a different course. The others do not share our view of things."
"They are blind," said the second shadow.
"But we cannot oppose them. Not now," the third shadow said. "But what about outside, once we are on the road? The way to Mordor is a long one, and there is still time to turn back at any point. In Rivendell, we have no chance to oppose the Wise, but in small numbers, maybe we may convince the others of the Company, and make them understand."
"I doubt," the second shadow said, "that the others will join us easily. They follow the course set by the Council. They are foolishly following the path into darkness."
"Then we must achieve the supremacy by other means," said the third shadow.
"What do you mean?" the first shadow asked.
"There will be perils known and unknown arising as we go on," said the third shadow slowly. "And what do we know? It's not that hard to get lost along the way, or be beaten in a battle. We cannot avoid such things – and if we take care not to be harmed ourselves, but help the events a little bit so that our most zealous opponents don't get through, we may begin to take over the Company."
The first shadow nodded. "We may even pity the losses," it said. "But we are going to save the Middle-Earth, and what we aim for is far more important than a few individual lives."
"I don't like what you suggest at all," said the second shadow. "You – you realise...?"
"If the fools take the Ring to Mordor, there will be no escape," the first shadow interrupted. "You said there is no chance to find the Fire. The Enemy surely is not sleeping. And you heard what happens when he grasps the Ring: all is going to turn into darkness."
"Yes, this is the only choice we have," said the third shadow. "Maybe you don't realise, but we are the ones on whom the fate of the whole Middle-Earth depends. We must not fail. The Ring must be held back from Sauron's grasp. And this is the only way to do it."
"All right," said the second shadow.

Silence fell once again on the gardens of Rivendell. Above the treetops and above the mountains, milky gray light started to appear. The dawn was coming near.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

As even Tom Bombadil was already present, the Fellowship set out. They headed south, at the Ford of Bruinen they left the Road and went on by narrow paths among the folded lands. Their purpose was to hold this course west of the Mountains for many miles and days. The country was much rougher and more barren than in the green vale of the Great River in Wilderland on the other side of the range, and their going would be slow; but they hoped in this way to escape the notice of unfriendly eyes. The spies of Sauron had hitherto seldom been seen in this empty country, and the paths were little known except to the people of Rivendell. What more, their hope lay with passing through Hollin and Dunland unnoticed and reaching Isengard, where they would refresh and continue in their journey eastwards.

However, it was not their fate to take the easy path. They had been a fortnight on the way when the weather changed. The wind suddenly fell and then veered round to the south. The swift-flowing clouds lifted and melted away, and the sun came out, pale and bright. There came a cold clear dawn at the end of a long stumbling night-march. The travellers reached a low ridge crowned with ancient holly-trees whose grey-green trunks seemed to have been built out of the very stone of the hills. Their dark leaves shone and their berries glowed red in the light of the rising sun. And that was the time when Saruman called all the Companions to him, and many who looked at him wondered: as his face was now grim, grey-hued and weary. But before anyone could ask him, Saruman spoke.

"I have grave news for you," he said. "And I know it is not pleasant to hear that, but that is the truth. Last night, something happened that forced me to reconsider and change my plans. The power of the Enemy has moved. I have to leave you."
Screams of surprise were heard. But Saruman raised his hand to make silence.
"What more," he continued, "you need to change your path. Yes, it is like that: the Enemy has learned about my change of sides. Isengard is no longer safe. Sauron will strike soon, and he will strike hard. And bringing you to Isengard will be the most dangerous of all choices. You don't know what powers he is governing. But there is hope even in this turn of events: if you take a different road, and I keep the Enemy focused on Isengard, his Eye may be distracted and you will have safe passage – at least for some time."
Then his face turned stern again. "Unfortunately, this is not the only peril. I have seen other things."
"Seen?" several of the Companions shouted.
"Yes, seen," Saruman said. "And I am not going to withhold this from you. Some of you will understand, and I am not going to lose time with the others who won't. I have looked into the Palantír, and I learned that the Enemy knows. But I also saw something else." He looked at each of the Companions, as if he were piercing them with his gaze. "I know there are three of you who are traitors. You plan to betray the Fellowship. But I was given the chance to repent, and so I give it to you. Come forward now and confess. You will be sent back, but no harm will be done to you and you are free to go wherever you wish. I will lay a Command Word on you not to tell anything to the Enemy, but that will be all."

There was silence. After some time when no one has moved, Saruman slowly nodded. "So be it," he said. "I have no time to spend with you. It is no use arguing. I have, as I told you, some pressing business away south; and I may be already late. We may meet again before all is over, and then again of course we may not. That depends on your strength and courage and sense. But those three of you I have to warn. You may be hidden, but you are alone. The others remain faithful to their mission. If you do not leave your crooked paths, you will die surrounded by enemies. And there is more than you can see. While I will not be present, my legacy remains with you. I carried the Palantír with me all the way – but I don't have it anymore. I have entrusted it to one faithful among you, about whose intentions I am sure. And I know there are more among you devoted to the protection of this Fellowship. Whoever among you is faithful still, try to keep together. Find the traitors, and send them back. This is my last advice. I really must leave now."

With these words, Saruman passed by the silent company. But he could not resist to add several words. He turned for the last time.
"Head for the pass of Caradhras," he said. "There is the road the Enemy would not watch. Goodbye, be careful and – don't forget my thoughts are with you. The power of Orthanc cannot be lightly thrown aside, whatever threats may lie before you."

With these words, Saruman really turned away and disappeared between the rocky slopes of the hills of Hollin.

-----------------------------------------------
The Fellowship has entered Hollin.
-----------------------------------------------

The Fellowship:

Aganzir - Lobelia Sackville-Baggins
A Little Green - Éomer
Gil-Galad - Gandalf
Groin Redbeard - Dáin II. Ironfoot
Gwathagor - Halbarad
McCaber - Elrohir
Meneltarmacil - Uglúk
Nerwen - Elladan
Nogrod - Tom Bombadil
Rune son of Bjarne - Galadriel
Sally - Théodred
THE Ka - Radagast
Thinlómien - Gildor Inglorion

The first Journey begins. Everyone may post now. Traitors, stop PMing.

[Nogrod]

After Saruman vanished behind the hills Tom looked at the others. They seemed troubled and insecure - all thinking of possible schemes Saruman's speech had opened and thence looking at each other wearily. That was not to be if they had to travel that day as well.

So he took his staff and things and started singing loudly while he went on.

Hey dol! Merry dol! Ring a dong dolly!
Ring a dong! Hop along! Fal lal the holly!
Grey's from the mount,
blossoms to count
shining red and found!
On your mount!
There's a day ahead
no time for bed.

The road goes ever on and on,
and c'est si bon, c'est si bon!

Hey! Come merry dol! Derry dol! And Merry-o
Show me the faces more like cheeri-o, cheerio!

Tom is going with the others!
Now, who actually bothers,
the fickle hearts of the young and restless,
like this wizard Saruman this one jestless?
Their mind goes with the wind:
like they feared they'd sinned...

Once this, once that
like a weary blind bat,
they search for the right
even if it's within their might
in the first place,
in their own grace...

Tom's going forwards, bright flowers bringing
Hey! Come merry dol! Can you hear me singing?

Tom walked away from the camp towards the mountains. He was not actually caring whether the others followed or not but he hoped the "eyelash-lifers" would follow his example.

[Groin Redbeard]

Saruman was gone. Dáin stood still for a long while clutching his red axe, still trying to shake the ever pressing thought of dought in his mind. He eyed his comrades.

"Well it won't do us any good to just sit here, unless we hold council," he said gruffly.

"What should we do now that Saruman has left us and traitors are in our midst?" he barred his teeth and gripped his axe even tighter at the thought.

EDIT: X'ed with Tom Bombadil

[Gwathagor]

Halbarad paused for a moment as he looked up towards the mountains in the distance, then concentrated on the trail at his feet as he began to trudge steadily along behind the jolly dancing figure ahead of him. Early starts make easy journeys, he thought to himself, and he prepared his mind for the long day's march he knew was ahead of the party.

He was not happy about Saruman's revelation that there were traitors in their midst. Steady minds are going to indispensable, he thought grimly. Especially with Saruman gone.

He looked over his shoulder to check on the progress of his companions, then back ahead where Bombadil was still dancing and singing nonsense.
Halbarad chuckled slightly. I can't understand a word that funny Bombadil-fellow is saying.

[Nogrod]

Tom heard the grim words of the dwarf while he was entering the holly-wood. :D

"We can walk as we talk!" he shouted back and went on bursting to a song once again.

"The traitors they
will slip away
their hearts and minds
as they're in binds
to their lies
like the flies
are to these lilies
and golden daffodillies!
Hey ho, don't you fear
for old Tom is near!"

EDIT: X'd with Halbarad

[Groin Redbeard]

"We can walk as we talk!

The traitors they
will slip away
their hearts and minds
as they're in binds
to their lies
like the flies
are to these lilies
and golden daffodillies!
Hey ho, don't you fear
for old Tom is near!"



The dwarf sprinted forward with renewed energy at Bombadill's words, but the others seemed depressed for they had not uttered a sound, but Gandalf, the wizard and in Dain's mind the wisest of the company, would have his say before long; until then he kept his mind on walking.

[Meneltarmacil]

Traitors among us, eh? Aye, I've seen a few in my time as a Captain, and I'd rather not mention what I did to 'em in front of everyone else here. Let's just say they never got the chance to cross us again.

Mark my words, this is going to be bloody. I suggest we use every means necessaary to ensure survival here. Do not hesitate to go after those whom you find guilty.

I know that I'm probably more likely to be suspected than most here, being an Orc and all. But I am a loyal servant of Saruman and would never turn against the White Hand even if it meant my death.

And this horrible singing is getting on my nerves...

[Nogrod]

Tom heard the voices of others receding while he went and then slowly fade away...

Suddenly he managed to bring his mind back to the mission. Stopping with his yellow boots he tried to capture any notion of the others coming after him. There was nothing.

So he sang out aloud once again.

"Fear no alder grey! Heed no hoary holly!
Other than that would be utter folly!
Fear neither root nor bough! Tom goes before you.
Hey now! Merry dol! I'll be waiting for you!"

He stood and listened the voices coming forwards... and the orc complaining about his singing.

"Now this silence I do not like... those with evil intentions would gladly that we just walked in silence..." he muttered mostly to himself. "But also complaining about nothing looks dubious...".

Tom straightened his back after picking up a bunch of flowers. Ohh, Goldberry would love these!

"It was the orc, right? Well I must be wiser than that to suspect him for being hasty... those orcs with their life-span of what? Maybe I should just let him wail as much as he wants? At least toDay? I have a bad feeling about orcs being made guilty everytime they meet these other shortlived races... Now Gandalf and Radagast, where are you? With you I'd really like to talk a bit... well at least later."

Then he saw a bunch of a rare Marsh Labradors (ledum palustre) and went for them totally forgetting other things at hand...

"Oh, Goldberry, my deary,
with these flowers so cheery,
What happiness could you see?
What brightness could you feel?
Tom is back soon again
in our own cosy den!"

[Nerwen]

Elladan gave Uglúk a sidelong glance. Out of habit, he said nothing, but his mind was not the less busy for that.

Listen to this Orc, he thought, boasting and half-threatening us already– not to mention trying to pre-empt our suspicions with his "I know that I'm probably more likely to be suspected than most here".

So we should not hesitate to go after those we find guilty? An excellent suggestion.

Elladan's hand rested lightly on the hilt of his sword. He never forgot his mother's torment...

EDIT: X'd with Tom Bombadil.

[Gwathagor]

Halbarad didn't like orcs, for obvious reasons, but was beginning to agree with Ugluk about Bombadil's singing. What does it mean? he wondered. He seems so jolly on the outside, but I wish he'd speak plain and to the purpose, like an honest man and a soldier.

He chose not to say anything, as Halbarad was no complainer, but all the same he could not help but wonder if that whimsical exterior was simply an effective cover for something darker.......the apparently nonsensical rhymes and airs began to take on an eerie, dream-like, almost sinister quality in Halbarad's mind. He shook off the feeling.

Steady on, he thought. Steady on.

He called back to Elladan and Elrohir, whom he knew from previous journeys. "If you don't hurry, Bombadil's going to beat you two over the mountain!"

EDIT: Crossed with Nerwen/Elladan

[Groin Redbeard]

Uglúk's talk was not the type that Dáin wanted to here. Clearly the Urúk's thirst for action was greater than even his own. He observed Elladen tightly clamping the hilt of his sword, it looked like it might get bloody indeed.

"Curve your tongue Uglúk," Dáin barked. "Try to controll that brutal Orc nature of yours, you are among decent people now. You are loyal to Saruman I have no doubt, but why should we believe you to be innocent? Your thirst for blood is great perhaps too great!"

Dáin than laughed out loud, "Well, one good thing has come out of this: we can no longer hear Bombadil's singing! Come he is far ahead of us, let us hasten to him."

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Galadriel who was not interily displeased with the turn of events turned to Halbarad and spoke "Worry not about Iarwain Ben-adar; he might wander hither and thither, but he will not go too far and never be lost"

Although Galadriel had great confidence in Tom Bombadil, she did find some of his muttering odd.

As she passed the orc she looked at him with some disgust, she could not belive that he had been allowed on this mission. "After all, he is a wicked creature and can we really trust Saruman to an extent where we allow him to let the enemies servants enter our ranks" She thought to her self.

[Nerwen]

Elladan came up to the Dwarf and the Ranger.

"Let us not be in too much of a hurry to run after Bombadil. The Ringbearer is lagging behind," he indicated Lobelia, who was struggling to keep up with the others, "and should not be left unguarded in this present company." Again he glanced at the Orc, and again his slender fingers caressed the hilt of his sword. "Still, I should like to hear your thoughts on this Bombadil creature, of whom I know little. It is said that the Ring has no power over him... but dare we take anything for granted? (Before you ask– I'm Elladan, not Elrohir.)"

[THE Ka]

Radagast had stood quietly near Gandalf and the others as Saruman gave his leave, and news from the East. In all his long years amoung the other Istari, especially that of Curunir, he hadn't seen his pride so washed away with worry.

'Tis a bad tiding to see a spirit such as his so blurred with worry and frustration, and so grey in the face. Seems more fitting for a servant of Mandos than the strongwilled Aule. I only hope that we may continue on to see the fruits of our long labor... and sometimes I wish I'd been a bear, not an old man. Well, maybe I should stop spending too much time around Curunir the mirthless and more time with Olorin. I never can doubt the hope he learned from Nianna. Always a beautiful gift.

He never was much for speaking, and didn't feel surprised that many in the company either ignored him or just didn't know much of him. Like Gandalf's beloved Hobbits, he just never got out that often. The duties, however invisible to the world of other beings, that he was given with the wild had always been his primary concern, even if others and some of the Valar themselves doubted Yavanna's reasoning to ever send him to Arda. Now though, with some influence of Gandalf, the pressing matter of the Enemy had encroached more to both the wild and his duties, and the time had come for him to be a little more open with other beings of Arda.

He respected Ugluk's membership in the company, because he respected the wisdom of Saruman, which wasn't always agreed by others in the company though Radagast understood silently why this was so. He was wary of the firery words Ugluk began with though, knowing that it would only stir up the temperment of others, and thus their judgement. Before he could council calmly on this, Tom Bombadil called out to him and Gandalf as he was singing on towards the mountains.

With a merry smile he soaked in Tom's tune, and batted away other's annoyance or just plain confusion over them.

" Do not trouble yourself too much over Tom's rhymes, they speak no malice or jest. You must remember that however confusing or silly he may seem, Iarwain walked under the first trees and sang to the infant streams and now mighty rivers we live with. He has wisdom in those unburdened songs. As but a humble servant to Yavanna, I can only marvel and respect him."

With a renewed gaze, he bounded calmly on to catch up with Bombadil to hear his request, even if he knew Gandalf would give scold him for 'not appearing properly burdened with years as you should' later on. He chuckled a little at this, and greeted a few of the sparse birds of Hollin who came to join him. Tom was singing off in the distance, and held in his hand a familiar sight to Radagast.

"Ah! Well, he may think them cheery, but a good find indeed. If ever one of us is taken by the bite of spiders..."

Though, such a thought made him reflect on the dangers ahead, as the ones he knew from Mirkwood as well.

... And I hope indeed that we may have strength enough between all of our company to prevent such a thing.

[Groin Redbeard]

Although Dain was not weary, he halted alongside Elladan and Halbarad and waited for Lobelia to catch up.

I should like to hear your thoughts on this Bombadil creature, of whom I know little. It is said that the Ring has no power over him... but dare we take anything for granted?

"You heard for yourself, Elladan, Frodo's account in Rivindell and now that I see him I believe the story all the more. He is indeed simple minded in my opinion and cares nothing for the Ring and for our quest." Dain stroked his beard thoughtfully when he said this.

"But wether his actions are sincere or not, I cannot say. Indeed we must watch everyone with equal amount of vigilance. Time is what we need, but time is luxary that we cannot afford. In one sense Uglúk was right: we must act swift, but not in the fashion that he was thinking of.

Dáin turned back to Lobelia. She had made progress, but was still a far way off.

"Come mistress hobbit we must hurry the others are waiting for you," and with that Dáin trudged back down the hill to hurry the hobbit along.

EDIT: X'd with Radagast

[Gwathagor]

Elladan came up to the Dwarf and the Ranger.

"Let us not be in too much of a hurry to run after Bombadil. The Ringbearer is lagging behind," he indicated Lobelia, who was struggling to keep up with the others, "and should not be left unguarded in this present company." Again he glanced at the Orc, and again his slender fingers caressed the hilt of his sword. "Still, I should like to hear your thoughts on this Bombadil creature, of whom I know little. It is said that the Ring has no power over him... but dare we take anything for granted? (Before you ask– I'm Elladan, not Elrohir.)"

Halbarad watched as Groin jogged down the hill to help Lobelia, then turned to Elladan. He hesitated, then answered the elf's question.

"I can track a beast, hunt an orc, or start a fire in the snow, but I do not feel confident enough yet as a student of Illuvatar's Children to speak much on this. Nor would it be prudent to do so. My only concern is that Bombadil's manner of speaking (appearing to say little or nothing) is quite impenetrable, and could, potentially, be used effectively to hide a traitor. However, I refuse as of yet say anything against the fellow himself. Too little has transpired, and I daresay he is genuine enough."

There he stopped, and said no more. But he resolved to keep a watchful eye on ALL the members of the Fellowship.

[satansaloser2005]

Théodred finally joined the rest of the fellowship near the top of the mountain. This would have been much easier, he thought to himself with a perturbed look in his eye, if they had let us bring our horses. I am most displeased that I was instructed to leave Thunderbranch behind.

He glanced around at the rest of the fellowship, a group consisting of everything from an old (though proven wise) wizard Gandalf, a dwarf, a handful of elves (all whom, of course, thought themselves to be the best-suited, in more ways than one, for the mission ahead of them), an Orc (Théodred's fists clenched at the thought), and to Théodred's relief, his cousin Éomer and another man, who had introduced himself as Halbarad.

The most surprising of their company however, was the ringbearer herself; Lobelia Sackville-Baggins they called her. Upon their first meeting, Théodred thought he had been tricked, for no one stood before him; then he looked down and saw a halfling, a woman somewhere between the size of a small child and a large dog. Apparently, the woman belonged to the hobbit race, a people whom Théodred had always believed to be irresponsible, with a tendency to gorge themselves on fatty food and excessive amounts of wine. Théodred then understood why Saruman (he cringed at the mere thought of him) had disallowed the fellowship to use horses-it would be all too easy to crush the small female standing before him.

Still, it would be nice to be able to ride to our destination, as it would be both faster and more convenient. But I am not of a weak nature unlike, he paused and took a glance at those surrounding him, unlike some in my midst, but a man worthy of the task set before us. I fear the others will prove unhelpful during the journey, and if this happens my kinsman and I must be prepared to take over and complete our mission.

His thoughts were interrupted by a crazy little man, wandering about merrily and singing nonsense rhymes at the top of his lungs. Théodred had wondered why this man had accompanied them. Did this man have ulterior motives for coming with the fellowship, or was he just permitted to come for entertainment value. Wild though he may be, he seems harmless enough, as long as he maintains his distance. Théodred had the impression that Bombadil was safe, but that perhaps his hilarity was contagious; the last thing Théodred needed was a distraction during battle.

The company stopped for a brief moment, and Théodred decided to share his true thoughts about the state of their mission. "I see that our fellowship has made a hasty (and thus, I fear, poor) choice of ringbearer," Théodred began. "Such a responsibility as the ring should not be placed in the bumbling hands of a hobbit. Granted, she seems innocent enough now, but if our "lord" Saruman has put her in charge, I find it a grave miscalculation. Or perhaps this is his intent, to send us all on a journey to dispose of the ring only to leave our homelands without full protection." With this, he glared at Saruman and, unable to correctly read the responses to his statement, turned on his heel and marched on, determined to cover as ground as possible before nightfall.

He knew, as did the others, that the day would be plagued by accusations regarding the three traitors in the group, and that sundown would signal the end of the journey for one of the company. Théodred dismissed the thought and carried on.

[Meneltarmacil]

"Hmm, I see my dislike of Bombadil's music has got people talking a bit," Ugluk grunted. "Well, I'll admit his singing is pretty annoying, but I don't find it particularly suspicious as long as he balances it out with some sense."

"Unfortunately," the Orc growled, "he truly hasn't been saying much about these traitors, and seems to suggest that the tratiors want us silent. As you can see, lots of nonsense but little serious talk, and what serious talk there is doesn't look well."

"I also see that Radagast has yet to comment on the traitors among us."

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Galadriel walked up to Theodred after having heard what he had to say about the choise of ringbearer. "Do not let your doubts distract you from the task at hand, for focus is of the essens now. If we are not united behind the ringbearer now then our misson is sure to fail, a desition was made and Saruman was not the only to trust Lobelia with this task. Our task is in itself the most difficult there is and traitors in our company is not going to make it easier, so we cannot use energy on bickering"

She then turned away from Theodred and starting humming as she walked.

[Aganzir]

Lobelia Sackville-Baggins had never been this far from home before. She had never before been of any importance to anyone, either - except her husband, whom she couldn't love, and her son, who took so much after his father that she couldn't be proud of him. She was hated by her husband's relatives, the only reason she could see being her marriage to Otho. If they only had known how her life with him had been, she thought, they would have pitied her instead - though she rather had their hate than pity.

She touched the Ring that was hanging on a chain round her neck - Bilbo's Ring, the one he had stolen. She had never hated him; even if she sometimes had wished to do so, it was impossible to hate someone so immature, so childish. Let him have his hate and prejudice! Lobelia knew she was superior to him, the last piece of evidence she needed being Saruman choosing her to be the Ring-bearer. She had enjoyed to see Bilbo's dismay in the Council. He and Frodo had always been so proud of their friendship with Gandalf, and they deserved to see the chief of his order, greater in power and wisdom, come and choose Lobelia. Men were weak and easily corrupted, and she was a woman, and she was old and had seen the hardship of life. There was nothing the Ring could offer her. Now at last, at the age of one hundred years, she had got a chance to prove herself.

Lobelia blinked. She had been dwelling on memories too long - it often happened to her nowadays. She was lagging behind, and it was time to catch up with the others and talk.

"Elladan and Dáin are already corrupted by the Ring. Don't you see how eager they are not to let it out of their sight, wearing the mask of friendliness and helpfulness to hide their evil intents? I manage well even without your help, thank you! Besides, I would be surprised indeed to see a dwarf that has not been corrupted by a piece of gold.
Halbarad feels foul and doesn't even look fair (though what else should one expect from a Ranger?). Besides, he's all to quick to be in good terms with the former two. I suggest here are our traitors.

Master Théodred, if I am a poor choice for the Ring-bearer, who would be good, then? Yourself, possibly, I wonder? Sauron's spies would hear your neighing miles away.

This far, Tom Bombadil and Lady Galadriel might be the most likely to gain my trust, but I am not going to give it to anyone too lightly."

With that, she fell into silence and memories again.

edit: xed with Galadriel

[Thinlómien]

Gildor Inglorion had been walking at the rear and had not uttered a word before, being so deep in thought. But now he caught up with his companions and spoke up:

"Hail, my friends, and listen. Although it might not have seemed so, I have been lsitening to your conversation, and it troubles me. Few serious words have been uttered at all, mostly by Théodred son of Théoden from the green land of Calenardhon. I do not think we should make easy judgements, but for the time being he seems like a noble man to me.

Now, excuse me, I must have gotten a little strayed from my original path of thought." Gildor smiled, then his eyes grew more serious. "What I wanted to say was that the sunset is approaching - yet it is still far away, I know - and yet there has been little speech and even less serious talk. We will never catch the deadly traitors this way. I do understand that some of us have not been able to utter their thoughts yet, but I do not understand why those who have been awake in body and mind have talked so little. Many of us seem to be too fascinated by our quest to concentrate on finding the traitors."

"Iarwain Ben-Adar, honourable Eldest, I am aware that you have the habit of testing the waters with your yellow boots, but I find your comments on the Orch a little queer. The same goes for you, Lord Elladan." Gildor had smiled veneratingly to the old man and nodded politely to the young Elf-lord, but his grey eyes grew cold when he faced the Uruk. "Did I not have such respect for Lord Elrond, Mithrandir, Lady Galadriel and many others, I would indeed question Curunir's allegiance. For it seems wrong to me to take one of the very creations of the Enemy on a quest against his servant whose name is cursed. I would not be surprised to find this Uglúk treacherous, whatever he claims to be. Yet this far, I must admit, he gives me no reason - except his foul origin - to suspect him any more than any of you others."

Suddenly, Gildor laughed. "A poor example I am. I come here, complaining to you about talking too little of the grave matters and myself discuss secondary issues at length. But there indeed are little suspicious words uttered. All I can say before musing again on all that has been said is that there is an edge to both Lord Elladan and to King Dáin and it sets a faint shadow on my mind." He waved his hand as if to banish the evil shadow of gut-feeling. "But at any rate, I do not know. Suspicion is a dangerous weapon, especially in the hands of the wise."


edit: xed with Uglúk, Galadriel and Lobelia

[Nerwen]

"Indeed, Tom Bombadil has uttered many words but little sense." Elladan did not address Uglúk directly, but rather stared at an imaginary point above the Uruk's head. It was very hard for him to admit, even to himself, that he agreed with an Orc about anything. "Radagast too seems unnaturally cheerful... it is strange, in our present plight." To the company in general he added, "But why have so many not spoken yet– Gildor, Mithrandir, Éomer, my brother Elrohir, and of course the Ring-bearer herself? Will they not share their thoughts with us?"

EDIT: X'd with Lobelia and Gildor.

[Nerwen]

Elladan looked down at the Ring-bearer, taken aback to find such spite and fury in so small a being. The other hobbits he had met had been much more courteous.

"Are their women different?" he muttered to himself. "Or is this the kind of hobbit that Saruman the White chooses? If so, what does that say about him?"

What really perturbed him, however, were the comments that Gildor Inglorion had made. “Gildor,” he said, “you are my own kinsman (though I cannot at the moment recall exactly where you fit in the family tree). Surely you know the deep hatred I bear towards Orcs? Surely you realize how hard it is for me to let one of these foul creatures live? If you see my usual conduct as suspicious, then truly the Ring is clouding your mind."

EDIT: fixed bolding.

[Gwathagor]

Halbarad watched while Lobelia and the mighty Elladan argued. It was an amusing sight to see the diminutive Ringbearer telling off the mighty elf-lord. All the same, he could not help but agree somewhat with Lobelia.

He spoke aloud, thought quietly: "Though Bombadil is an enigma, I, too, am glad that Lady Galadriel is with us, one of the wisest beings in Middle-earth. I believe we may rely on her for good counsel. However, I could wish that she would say more, and explain how she could be so confident about Bombadil's innocence."

Most of all, Gildor's words stood out in his mind. "I do not think we should make easy judgements," he had said.

Indeed, thought Halbarad. Our lives depend on it, not to mention the fate of Middle-earth.

With this sobering thought, he walked on ahead. It was too soon to form serious opinions of his fellows, he knew. That could wait till the end of the day. For now, he would listen.

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Galadriel's humming stopped quite suddenly when she heard the words of Halbarad, she turned to him and spoke in a somewhat stern voice.

"I shall speek when I find it necisary and I shall say as much as I find fit, too many speek too much with out really saying anything"

Galadriel paused for a second before she again adressed Halbarad, this time in a more friendly tone.

"If I may advice you: It may help you on this quest if you listen to what exactly is said and not jump to hasty conclutions. On this quest it can be hard to tell when people are making acusations and showing belife in another member of this fellowship, or if they are just being them selves and showing their natural characteristics"

[Nogrod]

"Wop-bop-a-loo-mop alop-bom-bom!
Don't fear the shadows of Carn Dûm!
Jolly Tom, Hey! Jolly Tom is back again,
and hopefully not such a featherbrain
some of you seem to think.
Okay, shall we have a drink?"

Tom came back from his wanderings after hearing that the discussion had begun and he had somehow managed to force himself to change the beautiful lillies and daffodillies to the quest they had in hand.

"You should pay heed to the wisdom in lady Galadriel's words my young friends. It seems she's not called the wisest of the firstborn for nothing."

Bombadil sat down and took a long draught from his flask of wine and then looked around.

"Some of us are just themselves, clearly,
and some of us just have spoken early.

Quick to judge, quick to act
are souls whose life's but a fleeting fact.
So look closely the hasty accusations,
as they may reveal darker aspirations.

And hearties, trust may be a kiss of death
which guides evil that at night quietly cometh
So think what you say before you say,
for otherwise those you trust may not see another day."

The yellow-booted man took another draught and then wiped his beard with his hand... which he in turn wiped clean to his trousers.

"Now old Tom needs to think about things said and done. Do excuse me for a while. Old brains work slowly. Patience my hearties!"

Unlike people had expected Tom didn't end up his monologue bursting into a song but just got up and started walking with even pace.

[McCaber]

Elrohir walked up to match his brother. Even on the first day the group was already divided. This did not bode well.

"Ringbearer," he spoke, "this is not the Shire. Unless you realize what would happen to you alone out here, do not criticize my brother and the Dwarf for their protection."

He turned to the orc. "But I would not be surprised if our loyal friend here tried to do such a thing. Not at all."

[Thinlómien]

Gildor and Éomer opened their mouths at the same instant.
"Which one of us will continue?" Gildor asked courteously.
"You may, lord," Éomer replied, "it would take me a while to gather my thoughts."
"As you wish," the Elf replied, bowing lightly to the Man. Then he turned to the more vocal one of Elrond's twin sons.

"Good lord Elladan," he said, "Indeed we are kin, and none of our kin has ever loved the foul race of Orcs. And you and your brother have more reason to hate them than many of us others. Yet Curunir the Wise has appointed this Orc to join our company. I have my doubts of it, like you do. We may suspect this Orc because of his evil origin. But what troubled me in your behaviour was that you seemed to find something faulty in his conduct, which seems to have been fine - for an Orc - this far."

"Iarwain, you say
So look closely the hasty accusations,
as they may reveal darker aspirations.
and there is wisdom in these words. Yet hasty accusations may only be made in order to provoke a reaction. Although I did not like it in the past, and still have a complicated relationship to it, I hesitate to condemn it. Rather, I think, we should condemn those who are quick to agree with hasty accusations." Gildor cast a quick glance at Halbarad and Dáin, but decided not to say anything aloud.

"Our Ringbearer confuses me a little. I have heard tales of her normal behaviour from Bilbo Baggins. He told me that when Lobelia Sackville-Baggins has something to hide, she seems very innocent and when she doesn't, there is something suspicious about her. Now I do not know whether to trust his wisdom or my own intuiton of her seeming very genuine."

Gildor suppressed a sigh. "Now, I have finished. You may speak, young lord Éomer." He nodded to the Man, smiling.

[THE Ka]

Even though Radagast was trying to catch up with Bombadil, it wasn't proving any better that he seemed to be unaware of his presence.

Oh well, I guess being 'the Brown' in such a land as Hollin doesn't strike out as much. Though, all these lands west of the Mountains I am unaware of. Hmph, where's Gandalf when you need him?

He stopped and looked around, and tried not to show any sign of his age, which was creeping up on his knees. He didn't want to be a burden to the rest of the fellowship, but as he paused he noticed that events were unfolding most foul around him. When he heard Gildor, who he respected in his eyes even now, he spoke up gently:

" Though this is something that dear Gandalf is more of an office to say -

...but has grown unusually silent about.

"I must agree with Gildor's words. There is indeed no harm in being prepared and conscious of the traitors amoung us, but it clouds the mind and twists the heart if we do so rashly, and especially on first impressions. I also can agree with his thoughts on Ugluk, but this myself I will say to him:

I do not doubt your place in this fellowship as quickly as others might, given their reason, because I have respect in Saruman's wisdom and can only hope that he brought you with his best in mind. I must warn strongly though, that you would honor this when you speak of others, as Gandalf and I honor Saruman in our Order. For even if others stay their hands from attacking and so must you, words can pierce as dangerously when used without reason.
Especially now that our fellowship has grown ravaged as a Huorn, and honesty and hope are so far our only guides."

Radagast finished his words sternly, but with a honest calm as well. Granted he wasn't impressive an air as Olorin or Curunir when they spoke as such, but he didn't feel it right to let his Order become so silent on such a matter without some wise words.

He looked now to Lobelia with his usual kind expression, and followed Elrohir's words,

" Gandalf has told me very few of your people, and Saruman at that even fewer, but I do not doubt your strength amoung us. Though, lord Elrohir speaks justly about keeping together, especially with such a Mountain and its pass ahead. Without trust in the fellowship I can only hope the greatest we can pass under its anger."

Radagast looked up ahead where Bombadil was heading off without a gaze upward, and braced himself for what would be a difficult climb ahead.

Even Iarwain's eagerness for the road ahead gives me some trouble, unless he knows of some way to calm the wrath of Caradhras. I do not even know if Curunir can wholly control it, though may he give us aid when we reach it.

[Gwathagor]

Halbarad heard Gildor's criticism for what it was, and it stung him. He thought for a moment, then spoke up again, slowly.

"I will not say anything against Bombadil himself. However, we are naturally wary of that we do not understand, and I have great difficulty understanding Bombadil's chants and poems. But I stand corrected nonetheless: I would be wise to hold everybody in the same careful consideration."

"Perhaps I should be more suspicious of those who have said little to nothing at all. In truth, silence is a better cover than speaking, for the talker draws attention to himself, whereas the silent will be considered wise."

EDIT: Crossed with Radagast

He glanced around the group, catching the eyes of Elrohir and Gandalf.

[Nogrod]

Soon Tom bursted singing once again.

"Four suspicious behaviours have I noted
under which an evil intent could be coated.

There are those who speak and act differently
those minds I do not follow gently.
Like our ranger Halbarad here who suspects
those with lots of words with no serious contents
but himself doesn't give us a penny's worth,
not even the relaxation with the mirth.

And like this Uglúk chosen by Curunir
whose bloodthirst reminds one of the Bauglir.
He calls for sense balancing the nonsense
while all he himself produces is a fence.
And how in importance he lifts his own tail,
while his reasons against the wizard are just stale.

There are also those who like to use arguments of others,
bandwaggoning suitable ideas to gain more believers.
Like our high-lord Elladan of Rivendell
too happy to follow the footsteps to hell:
going after the Uruk's mind with old Tom being vicious
trying to make us blind with Radagast casted suspicious?

The fourth one is a harder one to explain
but hopefully from my words you might gain
an insight to a matter of the venerable Gildor the high
whose self-reflectiviness might darker secrets imply.
Going after the bandwaggons but notifying it
and reminding that suspicion is a dangerous gift."


After the recitation Tom felt suddenly tired and laid down unscrewing his flask.

"I'll just take a nap to refresh me old bones and brains but I'll catch you up before the sun sets. So don't you worry."

A faint "tralla-lally" came from his lips before he fell asleep.

EDIT: X'd with Gildor & Radagast & Halbarad
EDIT2: removed a doubling of "to follow" from Elladan rhyme...

[Aganzir]

Lobelia had been deep in thought for some time, but eventually her meditating was disturbed by voices.

"What is this, Halbarad? You are agreeing with me? About what, if I may ask? About you being a traitor, possibly? As for Galadriel finding Tom innocent, my guess is that they are fellow traitors and don't want to accuse each other.

Elrohir, do I look like one who needs protection? Maybe you are too used to seeing weak and frail Elven women who can't defend themselves, but not everybody is like them. I am more afraid for myself if I am in the wild with a greedy Dwarf and a haughty Elf than if I were alone.
But I know what you are doing! You are trying to make me trust them, make me believe that they wish me no ill, and when I am alone with them, they will attack me. Poor Elrond, both his sons being traitors!

Gildor Inglorion, I wonder indeed how Bilbo Baggins can even claim to know something like that about me. As far as I am concerned, he has always hated me, always suspected me anyway. Oh yes, I do know he still accuses me of stealing his spoons, which I didn't do - but who of you is going to believe that?
Of course it is your own business to decide whether you believe rumours or trust your own judgement, and I do not care what you do, although one decision may hurt me more than the other. But if I were you, I wouldn't trust Bilbo Baggins.

I do not know much about Gildor personally, but I believe Saruman the White has told me enough about him so that I can say there's nothing strange in his behaviour - at least yet."

edit: xed with Radagast, Halbarad & Tom

[Gwathagor]

"Trust, Radagast? Who would you trust among us? Too much trust is a dangerous thing, and scrutiny is safer."

EDIT: Crossed with Lobelia.

[McCaber]

"You speak truly, Halbarad, but I would rather that we try to keep close. I may have never seen a hobbit woman before, but it's a fair wager that she has never seen a pack of Wargs. So I am willing to not judge her too quickly. After all, I am not the orc here."

[THE Ka]

"Trust, Radagast? Who would you trust among us? Too much trust is a dangerous thing, and scrutiny is safer."

Radagast turned back calmly and gased on the other member from the north, with the respectable order of being a ranger. He gave a steady face and replied,

" Unlike Gandalf I did not have the liberty to study under many of the Valar, especially Nianna who weeps for all the world so that it may have hope and trust in life, but there are some lessons you can learn of the heart from the wild, which I do not doubt you are familiar with.
I do not order trust, I hope for it, as seeds hope they may grow, and birds hope they may live to greet them. The trust I speak of is one of the road ahead. The pass of Caradhras is not a path in the glen, so to speak, and if we suspect too blindly of one another The Cruel will suffer no pause in ripping us who are faithful, apart.

It is not whom I trust, but the trust you all will not forget yourselves and why you came, in this trial. "

He paused for a moment to hear the words of a few birds who called out over head, after which he sighed deeply and regained breath.

" If you wish me to act with more scrutiny, I will be honest. For scrutiny that you seek is one that only Saruman can do well. I will speak words of caution when there is good reason to fear someone. So far, it is only the collective rashness of earlier which I distrusted, but to that we are all guilty.
I believe Saruman said there were only three amoung us who have been blinded by the ring, for those three I am only watching with stern, not blindly everyone here.

I do have some concern over Ugluk, but only in the interest of Saruman, and that I will not have to explain to him why his servant only a few hours into the journey is only bits and pieces.... Saruman is cunning, and I will not doubt his servants are without this either, but Ugluk has only spoken so far as a few others of you have. When he gives me a reason of all proof for treachery, I will undoubtibly change my thoughts on him and any ultimate motive of Saruman to attract us to his call.

As for Iarwain, whom you all seem highly suspicious of, his last song has seemed the most frank. I'd rather discern my suspicions from that and any later songs, than his earlier reverence for nature.
Unless the very plants are after us too, which if anything, I can assure you all that is has not yet come to pass.
That is what I honesty, suspect, my thoughtful ranger.


Though, I have not studied the peoples of Arda as well as Gandalf, who has grown worryingly quiet amoung us. If anything, he will have far more wisdom than myself about this."

[A Little Green]

"I thank you, lord", said Éomer, bowing curtly to Gildor. Though he had said he'd gather his thoughts, he wasn't sure if they were gathered at all. These are strange days, he thought. Dreams and legends spring to life out of the grass. Indeed I wondered at the peculiar combination of the fellowship: along with me and my cousin Théodred there was to be sent a strange old woman who barely reaches my waist, hobbit they call her, a halfling come to life from the stories of old (though a little less spectacular than I'd have expected); a ranger from the north, who seemed to me a good solid man; a dwarven king, weird but honourable; elves, and many of them too: these twins seemed to be honourable folk, high in both wisdom and valour, that Gildor fellow looked trustworthy as well, but of the Lady of the Golden Wood I had heard much, and not much of it praise. Net-weaver and sorcerer she is told to be, and only a few escape her nets. Mayhaps she holds that hateful Saruman in her grasp? I wouldn't find it impossible, after all the devilry that wizard has done to our land... Also I wondered at the other wizard, that Radagast, he seemed more like a rather senile old fellow talking to birds than a wizard of power and highness; but old Gandalf at least can mayhaps be trusted, though I was uneasy with those he calls friends. But the strangest of all was this singing fellow with the yellow boots. What does he do here, I wonder? Sing ill-rhymed songs (really, I'd make loads better!) and dance and hop around like a maniac rabbit? And an orc? I respect Uglúk as a captain respects another, but I didn't relish the idea of being in a fellowship with an orc.

Travelling with the company had cleared Éomer's head somewhat, and changed his impressions on the peculiar cretures he was travelling with. He cleared his throat, as the others had started to look at him expectantly.

"I have to disagree with lord Bombadil with his words: So look closely the hasty accusations,
as they may reveal darker aspirations. I do not see it so; actually, lord, you seem to contradict yourself. First, you urge us to discuss with substance, and then say hasty accusations are not to be trusted? Hasty accusations, I fear, are all we have to go on with for now.

"The sincerity of the Lady of the Golden Wood I doubt. I do not like the way she flows around the place with only a few careful words into someone's ear as she passes. I do not trust her. A sorceress she is called, and mayhaps not in vain. No smoke without fire, they say in my land.

"Though I hold no love for the race of orcs, I do not suspect this Uglúk a traitor. He looks to me sincere in the way of his own fell people. On the other hand, lord Elladan seems overly eager to accuse him based on only his race. I do not think we can afford to hold our personal grudges here, for the benefit of all.

"And, on top of this tangle, I fear what this elf Gildor might be hiding behind his mask of fair courtesy."

Éomer sighed. He still grudged that they had to go on foot. Wish I had my Firefoot with me, he thought. But I'm not going to complain. One must adapt to the conditions. He missed horses and swordplay and deeds of honour, he missed leading his éored through the green plains of the Riddermark. He was annoyed with all these weird creatures he should travel with. They were a marvel and a wonder, but not as satisfying company as the honest, valiant men of his land. That thought in mind, Éomer joined his cousin Théodred.


EDIT: x-ed with Lobelia, Halbarad, Elrohir and Radagast

[Groin Redbeard]

Dáin walked had been walking in silence for a long while, ever since Lobelia refused his help. He had listened to the discusion, and in due time more of the companions began to express their suspicions.

"Well words of wisdom we hear at last from master Bombadil," Dáin said at length. "Although I do not find Gildor's words to be of an evil nature, I do wish that she would provide deeper incite than just a gut feeling of dread of the ranger Halbarad and I, but she does make sense to accuse people of hasty accusations."

"Mistress Lobelia seems to be quite content with reduculing others: describing me as a greedy dwarf and calling the sons of Elrond traitors. Shame on the hobbit! I do not always agree with their council, but you seem to be content with condemning the voice of anyone who speaks; througing confusion in our midst. A cool head is what we need in times like these at that is exactely what Elladin and Elohor have been!"

"I wish that Gandalf would speak, we need his say in the matter, but we have Galadriel and Radagast. Galadriel, my fair lady, you give advice only when spoken to and this is disturbing. Tell us more of your say on the matter, it seems that you hide more than you tell, but please hurry, the night grows ever nearer."

"I have said enough, my thoughts have been expressed, and I am finished for now," and with that Dáin fell back into silence.

[Gil-Galad]

Gandalf pondered at what was said.

"my friends... this ordeal we has only begun, we may have to survive many hardships in order for our goal to persist."

Gandalf looked around the faces of the fellowship.

"the first couple of days will be hard, we may purge our company of the traitors quickly, or we lose some friends. I for one believe we must hear all voices before acting rashily. please note that as the days go by, i will be forced to act and i will deliver justice to the traitors when it is due, but for now i must sit and wait."

Gandalf sighed as he leaned on his staff.

"you ask for my advice, this is it: do not act hastily. consider the options at first. that is all i can say in the matter till our roles are revealed."

"i will not accuse today, i have my suspicions already, but i will not reveal them till next day perhaps."

Gandalf then pulled out his pipe and began smoking some of his pipe-weed.

[THE Ka]

Galadriel, my fair lady, you give advice only when spoken to and this is disturbing. Tell us more of your say on the matter, it seems that you hide more than you tell, but please hurry, the night grows ever nearer."


"In a way I can agree with master Dain, it would comfort my thoughts to hear more from the Lady of Lorien, especially on the nature of our fair Lobelia's words and that of others. I hope I am not asking too much from the fair Altáriel."

Radagast turned swiftly to hear Olorin's words, whatever they may be. Sometimes he wondered if things had been any different, or better possibly, if Olorin had been head of the Order. Though, he chased these thoughts away and remembered that greatness was made and not given.

He bowed shortly in a nod of respect to Gandalf's counciling words, and could only wish others might share the same hope.

" Thank you Olorin, I can only hope the same."

He finally rested and thought more on the words shared recently as he drank a little from a waterskin, and fed some of the birds who had been following faithfully through the day. He couldn't help but look up at the Mountain again and think of its treacherous pass, but he resumed his thoughts to here and now.

Thank you also, my feathered friends for your company as well. Though, I would never wish you to follow me through the Mountains, go instead and keep my work and thought amoung your kin while I'm away. Do not worry though, if ever there is trouble for the Company, in our greatest need I can only ask for Gwaihir and his strength.

Edit: x-posted with Gandalf and Dain.

[Nogrod]

"Old minds
create limping rhymes,
my dear Eomer of Rohan...
That's sad but true,
so bad and nothing new",

Tom hummed more to himself than to others who had already passed a long way before him. But somehow he had heard the few words made while he slept.

"Now this sure is the quietest company I've had since the early days... and we'd need to talk if the traitors are to be found."

He rised up and straightened his colourful clothes before picking his stuff.

"But we should not talk just anything." He murmured while he gathered the last objects he possessed. "Digging ourselves into the creatures we are and only coming up with ideas that we should do in everyday life or which are expected from us just aren't good enough at this moment. If you men or elves doubt the Uruk please give a reason to it, if you Uruk want someone's blood give us a reason for it... gnarl-gnarl-gnarl... Uh-oh... you will get older and grumpier one day too and then you will see that stereotypes do not help you in trouble and that maintaining a jolly face is a burden indeed..."

Tom looked unexpectedly energetic with his concerns at the moment - or was it just that he was missing his wine-skin still?

"Ahh... there you are... Now where was I? Nothing seems to be wrong after all! A good skin of wine, beautiful hollies around and a whole forest of flowers around! Hey dol! Merry dol! Ring a dong dillo!"

Suddenly he froze as a thought entered his mind concerning the fellowship.

"If someone needs to be sent back from this company let it be one who has not bothered to open his mind as yet. And with opening one's mind I mean actually saying something out of what one could conveniently hide behind - the mask of everyday expectations - or just stayed away from discussions."

Slowly he shook his head as he felt he had somehow been very much un-Tom-Bombadillish. You're getting old Tom, really old. Maybe you should just turn back home to Goldberry. This adventure is not doing good for you...

Happily he realised just then that there was a bunch of really beautiful harebells only a few yards away from him towards the way the other companions had walked... and then another bunch a bit more forwards... and another after that...

"Hey dol! Merry dol! Hey-ho-hey! Ring-a-ding-a-delly!
Here go the harebells, ding-dong along, to my Goldberry!"

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

It appeared to Galadriel that the quest was about to take an ugly turn and soon she would have to make some desitions that would be necisary to make, but very risky.

She spoke out loud "Soon decistions will have to be made and soon we shall receive answers, be they good or bad"

She looked at her companions before continuing "Now the song The Eldest sang just before was as honey to my ear and I could not have sung it better my self"

Galadriel the directed her attention towards to Eomer "It would not be the first time that the assistans of Lothlorien have gone unoticed by the people of Rohan, but I shall not hold this against you. Your words seem to have no malice behind them and I can understand that you wish for me to talk more, but I only talk when I have things worth saying"

Galadriel looked to Gandalf for she must desired to hear his view on things, but not sound came from his lips.
"I am most grieved by the absense of Gandalf's advice as I have great belife in his wisdom, absent could be a sign of treachery, but I do not belive that is the case with him."

All fell into silence minutes pasted before the silence was broken, again it was Galadriel who spoke. Her face showed clear signs of remorse, she was not happy about what she had to do.
"I will have to make my desition now as delaying this matter could cloud my mind, Halbarad has seemingly tried to stir up trouble by bringing up the question of who should be ringbearer. This even though it was already decided well in advance."

++Halbarad

Crossposted with Dain and everybody since

[Thinlómien]

"For long I have held your wisdom in reverence and your counsels in my heart, Mithrandir, but now my there's a shadow of doubt on my mind." Gildor paced around rather then walked forward. "Doubtlessly one of the Wise has reasons for his actions, reasons that even we elder Children of Ilúvatar can not see. Yet I do not see a reason to withholding one's suspicions, especially as they are those of one of the Maiar, and a person doing such summons old memories of the servants of the Enemy. Yet where would we be, what would be our efforts, if Mithrandir himself had turned from the path of wisdom and fool's hope? My heart dreads and thus I restrain myself from getting too troubled over this so early." A merry glint appeared to Gildor's eyes. Or maybe the halfling weed has just clouded his judgement for a while, he thought, but knew better than to say it aloud.

Then he burst to a sudden laugh, remembering the recent words of the King of Naugrim. "Most venerable King Ironfoot", he said, "I do understand it is difficult for a Dwarf to tell one Elf from the another, or to determine their genders, but let me say this: I am most definitely male.

And as to your comment on my suspicions of you and the ranger Halbarad, they are simply for you being so quick to agree with the hasty accusations of others. It certainly does not reassure me of your innocence."


edit: xed with the Friend of Birds, the Eldest and the Lady of Light

[Gwathagor]

Halbarad bowed his head.

"My lady Galadriel, have I said aught concerning the Ringbearer since our journey began? Before we left Rivendell, I made it clear that I did not wish this burden on myself, and suggested that the Ring remain with a hobbit. But no strife have I sought to stir up. Nonetheless, the regard that I hold you in, lady, is such that I shall not contend with you on this; only consider carefully, that your wisdom may not cloud your common sense."

EDIT: Crossed with Gildor

[Gil-Galad]

"my dear Gildor, i advise you not to over stretch your accusations. My goal in this fellowship is to be the middle point, to bring understanding to the table and hopefully save the death of an innocent. If is state who i believe to be the traitors, then i fear that if i am wrong that it will hurt us and bring about the doom on myself as well."

Gandalf crossed over and should in front of Gildor.

"And i will let you know that you were not in my list of traitors, so do not give me reasons to change my mind about you."

Gandalf then looked over to Galadriel

"Fair lady, Halbarad is indeed on my list as i share the same assumptions with you. i will not vote as of yet, i must decide if i must or simply abstain in this matter"

xed: with Halbarad

[Gwathagor]

"Gildor, it is as you say. The guilty are often quick to support the accusers of the innocent."

EDIT: Crossed with Gandalf

[McCaber]

"As I must be away, I shall make this quick. I would not accuse a ranger on this first stage of the journey, so I will give him the benefit of the doubt. The orc gets no such license."

++ Uglúk

[Groin Redbeard]

"I apologize for my mistake master Gildor," Dáin said, "Indeed you might find it harder to distinguish women of our folk from our men." Dáin laughed heartily for awhile.

"I agree with you Gildor," he said again, "Gandalf, we must hear your council. I consider you among the wisest of our company and to delay with your judgement would be folly. Please speak to us about your suspicions, or at least tell us why you stay quite."

"Also, after hearing the words of Galadriel I must ask Halbarad to defend himself against the accusation and give us his say in it."

EDIT: X'd with Halbarad and everyone since.

[Groin Redbeard]

"As I must be away, I shall make this quick. I would not accuse a ranger on this first stage of the journey, so I will give him the benefit of the doubt. The orc gets no such license."

++ Uglúk

"Please master elf," Dáin said in great alarm, "Your vote is justifiable in your own mind, but not to ours. Give us your reason so that we may judge for ourselves, it appears as if madness is taking us all!"

[Aganzir]

Lobelia looked sulky. She wasn't in a talkative mood today, and she had a feeling she was once again disdained - people didn't trust her being a capable Ring-bearer. What angered her was that Bilbo had already managed to mislead some of her companions. How long will he continue spoiling my life?

She smiled at Radagast. "I am glad to see that not everyone's eyes are veiled by prejudice. But your own thoughts are hidden from me, and when you speak I can only hear birds singing and bees humming."

"Perhaps I should be more suspicious of those who have said little to nothing at all. In truth, silence is a better cover than speaking, for the talker draws attention to himself, whereas the silent will be considered wise."
Lobelia turned to point at Halbarad with her umbrella. "Yes, indeed! When someone points out the flaw in your logic, this is what you do! Everybody knows it is somewhat acceptable to accuse those who are silent, but I have never before seen this blunt a change! You are trying to hide by suspecting the silent, aren't you? Guess what I say to that? Traitor!"

She paused and drew breath. It was long since she had had a chance to shout at someone properly. Had she done it after Lotho had grown up? Yes - several times, actually, now that she came to think of it. Lotho had always been a nasty child, and despite being full grown now, still was. It took Lobelia time and effort to try to get him behave himself, but she had never really succeeded. He is too much like his father.

"I do not trust Master Éomer. I cannot put my finger on it, but I disagree with him on some things, which, to me, look like he has said them only to keep the discussion in the nonsense area. Things like a traitor might say. But I am not going to express too much concern about him yet, because I do not know if I find him suspicious only because of our differences in thinking.

Dáin, if a cool head is all that you need, you are a lucky fellow! But yes, I can admit being content with condemning speakers and throwing confusion. It may be that the traitors are more confused than the rest."

edit: xed with two Halbarads, Gandalf, Elrohir and two Dáins
edit2: bolding

[Gil-Galad]

"In due time my lord Ironfoot. i will decide to vote soon enough, but i feel that i would rather release my suspicions next day. Believe me that it would be better, after the first lynch i can place my thoughts more strongly then, for i suspect the ones i am hinting at is in the currently accused."

xed with lobelia and dain

[Gwathagor]

"Indeed, friend Elrohir, for once the dwarf speaks true. We are all companions here, chosen by the greatest council of the wise our Age has ever seen assembled. Who are you to question their decision based on race alone? Or would you have us all do likewise? Would you see dwarf against elf, hobbit against man, wizard against wizard? I have counseled scrutiny of all, but, given the circumstances, race is hardly grounds for judgement."

Halbarad's tone was stern, but inside he felt Elrohir's sorrow, and knew that the pain of his mother's torment had never left the elf. He softened his tone.

"Why do you cast your vote against Ugluk? Persuade us with some reason, if you can. Justify your decision."

[Groin Redbeard]

Dáin, if a cool head is all that you need, you are a lucky fellow! But yes, I can admit being content with condemning speakers and throwing confusion. It may be that the traitors are more confused than the rest."
"I have done you no harm and still you continue to insult me Lobelia, I must warn you that my patience will not last forever! I was not one of those who believed you to be capable of carrying the Ring, but I am prepared to walk with you to Mordor and beyond. Refuse my help too much and I will be gone!"

EDIT: X'd with Halbarad

[Thinlómien]

"Old Iarwain, although spending disturbingly much time with his wineskin, has uttered words of wisdom. He said
"If someone needs to be sent back from this company let it be one who has not bothered to open his mind as yet. And with opening one's mind I mean actually saying something out of what one could conveniently hide behind - the mask of everyday expectations - or just stayed away from discussions."
Now, sunset is drawing nearer and to my disappointment, neither my eyes nor my heart can see who is the evil-doer among us. Rather than send away someone who is vaguely suspicious, I'd rather send someone who is distinctively unhelpful. But are there even such people? How strong are the shadows of suspicion in my mind? I need to reconsider and pray for Elbereth." Gildor walked on in silence, resting his eyes on the flowers old Iarwain so cherished.

After a while, he continued. "Halbarad then... I would like to call you a friend, but my distrust of you is growing. I do not understand why do you take all the accusations against you so humbly and why are you so apologetic, if indeed your heart is pure? Where is the pride and the fierce flame of the Dúnedain?"

Then the Noldo faced the Grey Wizard, his eyes full of seriousness and even sorrow. "Mithrandir, your conduct grieves me. You set yourself as the mediator and the leader who takes no sides, the ultimate judge. You may have the right to do so in this company, unless your brother Radagast grudges it. Yet it pains me to see you unwilling to share your thoughts with us. None of us is on the mission in vain, all of us has been chosen. None of is meaningless nor devoid of judgement or wisdom of thought." (At this phase he glanced at the Uruk, the grumpy old woman and the hot-headed young Rohir, but said nothing. It was better not to let prejudices reign.)

Still, the wizard's parting words rang in his mind.
"And i will let you know that you were not in my list of traitors, so do not give me reasons to change my mind about you."
"Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger," Gildor recited an old saying. "Indeed it seems so. Even though Mithrandir is known for his temper, this kind of blunt threat both grieves and worries me. It is more like something I would expect from a servant of the Enemy than the gentle Maia who has great love for the Children of Ilúvatar... unless of course he was jesting." But the seriousness did not leave his eyes and his mind was greatly troubled.


edit: xed with Elrohir, Dáin, Dáin, Lobelia, Gandalf, Halbarad and Dáin - action at last!

[satansaloser2005]

Well, Theodred thought to himself, it seems as though our ragged band of allies is taking the transport of the ring seriously, despite my earlier concerns. Still, it would be a pleasant turn to find that-Theodred spit-Orc not among our numbers come nightfall, but as he has taken no hostile action, perhaps my cousin Eomer and I should be content to keep a close eye on him. He then turned his attention on Elrohir.

"Perhaps, master Elrohir, you could explain your hasty decision regarding the orc?" Theodred quite frankly had no issue with disposing of Ugluk, but to do so without cause....he found this highly irresponsible, possibly even reckless. "Has the-" Theodred searched for the proper word, keeping in mind the presence of the women "-Has Ugluk done something to alarm you? Please, sir, if you have cause for concern, share with us, so that we may be aware and ready to be rid of the situation." Theodred looked around and noticed that the fellowship was getting more chaotic, and knew accusations (and tempers) would very soon be flying even higher than before. He broke himself from the other's company in an attempt to think clearly; although there were some in the fellowship he would not regret losing, he refused to ruin their mission just to satisfy a need to....Tom Bombadil's loud, offkey, and incoherent tune cut through Theodred's thoughts.

*OOC: Sorry, just realized class is starting. Finish post later! Eek!*

[Gil-Galad]

++Halbarad

"My dear ranger, your actions are indeed troubling. After your vote by Galadriel, Elrohir voted Ugluk, which you then joined in accusing Elrohir of his actions. i have a feeling that you would have tried to rally support against Elrohir and to brush aside Galadriel's vote on you. It troubles me to bring the death of a friend, but if you and Ugluk are in league together, then we must act now."

Gandalf looked again to Gildor.

"do not worry friend elf, i will be true to my word and i will express my thoughts the next day. i will say no more in this matter, just have patience."

OOC: i am off to work, so i will come back on to view the aftermath of day one

[Aganzir]

"Why do you cast your vote against Ugluk? Persuade us with some reason, if you can. Justify your decision."
Lobelia made a stern face and imitated the ranger's voice: "Give me good reasons to vote for Uglúk so that I don't have to vote any of my fellows!" She swiped at Halbarad's direction with her umbrella.

"Dáin, you were not one to believe in me. Why should I think even now that you have changed your mind? Maybe you find yourself a better Bearer, maybe you would rather get rid of me and gain the Ring to yourself... Yet it is not me whom you are helping but the whole of Middle-earth, so you don't need to threaten me. I suppose I will manage well enough even without a dwarf to help me!

Tom and Gildor, voting for an unhelpful today may be alright, but there are so few of us that we cannot afford to do that until every more or less unhelpful person is dead or sent away."

edit: xed with Théodred and Gandalf

[Thinlómien]

"Mithrandir, it is not just your opinion you take away from us, but you also prevent us from seeing your innocence - or guilt - which is most troublesome. So please speak." Gildor's tone was grave. The wizard's manner troubled him, but he was not eager to send someone so powerful away at such an early phase.

"On a lighter note, I think Dáin II looks quite trustworthy. Maybe there still are noble Naugrim in this world, like in the days of old.

Less light - again - is that the ranger Halbard seems quite bad. But I have heard that last time when he fought against the beasts of Evil, he was unjustly sent away by his own kin in the very first moments of the fight, and I would not see such shame on him so soon again, unless I really had a reason to doubt his intentions."


edit: xed with Son of Théoden, the Grey Pilgrim and Mrs Sackville-Baggins

[Groin Redbeard]

"Dáin, you were not one to believe in me. Why should I think even now that you have changed your mind? Maybe you find yourself a better Bearer, maybe you would rather get rid of me and gain the Ring to yourself... Yet it is not me whom you are helping but the whole of Middle-earth, so you don't need to threaten me. I suppose I will manage well enough even without a dwarf to help me!

Dáin gave a deep sigh. "Your fate is tied to the fate of others mistress Lobelia," Dáin said in a deep soothing voice, "It is the will of the council that and I were picked for this mission, and our quarreling will not help matters at all."

"I will be alone now and think take into account what everyone has said; I'll be back and cast my vote later." And with that Dáin II. Ironfoot went to be alone and think on the decision that he would make.

EDIT: X'd with Gildor

[Nogrod]

Tom had finally caught up with the others. There were no songs this time.

"My old friend Olorin, please start making sense! You're driving old Ben mad soon! This Gildor here is making sense while you are not! I know your legendarium tells us that you have never been caught unawares during the Nights in tight situations like this - at least not on the first Nights of the unrest. But how can you be so sure you're with us toMorrow to share your thoughts? Now what is this puppetry? Are you trying... do you think you can fool old Tom?"

Tom stared at his old friend puzzled. Then he finally let his gaze to wander off the wizard only to pick the two brothers.

"And you two should give us some explanations as well. You Elladan were my top suspect earlier as you happily bandwaggoned others even if I know you're intelligent enough to form your own opinions... so it was just too convenient? And Elrohir, your actions speak louder than you probably wish. And it's not only your vote but the way you have acted - or not acted to be precise - in general toDay."

Tom seemed to grow in stature and size as he spoke even if there were no rhymes this time. It looked like the everlived-man was finally getting interested and ready to jump the occasion. Even scarily so.

"You have not seen the old Tom angry yet... and it has been rare times he has gotten into that mood. But let me promise you'll not forget it if you push him to it." His nostrils were enlargening as he studied the fellowship.

"Now let's talk serious, my friends", he then added looking a bit more mellow again. "This can't go on like this and we should send one of us away this evening. Now who is one of the traitors amongst us? I agree with the hobbit that we should not pick just anyone but if we don't have better candidates I still suggest we decide on someone who doesn't even want to help us in the goial set by the Council. But the better candidates then?"

No, no Tom... you're getting even more un-Tom all the time... settle down, settle down and become what you are...Think of the lillies, of harebells, of Goldberry...

[Nogrod]

"Open trust may be a kiss of death if given by those who are true, but it's a stab in the back when voiced by someone who is not. Whatever happens, remember this..."

It seemed Tom had receded down to his own thoughts once again but these words just poured from his lips.

"Just remember this..."

[Gwathagor]

Halbarad sighed and rested his head in his hands a moment. He needed to think clearly and it was growing difficult to do so as the company muddied the waters of reason with threats and accusations, flung this way and that.

[satansaloser2005]

"Now let's talk serious, my friends", he then added looking a bit more mellow again. "This can't go on like this and we should send one of us away this evening. Now who is one of the traitors amongst us? I agree with the hobbit that we should not pick just anyone but if we don't have better candidates I still suggest we decide on someone who doesn't even want to help us in the goial set by the Council. But the better candidates then?"


"My companions, this old man has likely never spoken more sense. I believe Halbarad will prove himself useful. Our journey just begun, I find it rash to make such a case against the fellow, and yet in this case his accusers seem reasonable. Still, I cannot help but consider the role he may play later in the journey. Surely, if we were to go with old Tom's advice, he would be the first to go, as he seems here merely to entertain, yet in my mind's eye I sense an innocence about him." Theodred sighed, having already made up his mind but unwilling to carry out his decision for the moment. "I feel I must reserve judgement a bit longer; I will return to you all with a vote of confidence, or perhaps lack thereof, and we will cast out one of our numbers, in hopes of ridding ourselves of a filthy traitor." Privately, Theodred could not help wondering whether this fellowship had been handpicked by Saruman with the express intent to fail, but for now the traitors were the main concern.

[Aganzir]

The first part of the journey was almost at its end, and soon it would be time to vote.

"My options now are Halbarad and Elrohir. Halbarad is more suspicious of those twain, but the easiest choice is not always the right one. I do not feel good voting for Elrohir either, but thus far he has been the least helpful."

[A Little Green]

"Gandalf Greyhame, I thought you were trustworthy but now my heart is doubtful; for all you have said today lacks substance, and hiding your true thoughts does not provoke trust. Indeed it is not what I would expect from one so high and wise.

"Lady Galadriel, my heart is troubled by your behaviour as well as Gandalf's. What is it with these high folk we are told to call the Wise, who yet do not speak their minds clearly but instead lurk in the shadows and hide their true suspicions from us others?

"Lord Elrohir, I do not think you are the only one in here who bears no love for the race of orcs, nor the only one with some grudge to them. Yet, as I said earlier, we must not cast ourselves into that net! Only destruction lies on that path.

"Lord Halbarad, ranger of north, though you give me an uneasy feeling, I do not wish to lynch you yet; for I have no argument against you, and I shall not so completely trust my gut-feelings.

"These four I have to decide upon, or these three to be more exact. I will make my choice soon."

[Nogrod]

Old Bombadil couldn't help but laugh when he heard Théodred's reasoning and then he went again singing.

"Oh, you mighty laddie,
come home to old daddy!
With you I both agree
and strongly disagree.
Now let me stroke your hair,
see the bottom of your eyes fair.
There's no evil in there?
Is there?"

But then he shook his head and took the skin once more.

"Oh no, don't get me wrong dear Rohanian master. I'm indeed beginning to think that this northern ranger Halbarad should be spared at least toDay. He eventually tries to do something unlike some others who conveniently hide in the shadows or behind their roles as someone we should think they are." At this point Tom glanced hastily at Eomer as well.

"And anyway these northern men tend to be simple, not those honey-lipped vermins the southern courts, Saruman's pits or elven halls might produce..." He glanced at the two brothers to see whether there was any reaction only to see both of them gone. "So if he's a traitor indeed, we'll be able to spot him later..."

"Olorin, my friend, please share your thoughts for otherwise I need to consider you as one of those I might vote toDay as well."

Finally he took his pipe from his pocket and started filling it. "So the time of decisions draws near... Any ideas you others?"

EDIT: X'd with Lobelia & Eomer

[Thinlómien]

"I am greatly troubled. Halbarad and Mithrandir set a shadow on my mind, but I would not like to vote them too quickly. Elrohir has been the least helpful and somewhat hasty, but he doesn't seem very evil to me. In fact, I do not know what to think of him. Uglúk has not been very helpful either, but Curunir has told me that getting killed early on military missions runs in his family, so I would hesitate to say my word against him. But any of these four is a possibility. I need to think it through, but I'm only afraid there's too little time."


edit: xed with Bombadillo

[Aganzir]

"Actually, I might vote for Éomer, also. There's an aura of strangeness and deliberate misunderstanding about him - I can't explain it better, but I do not feel too good about him."

[Nerwen]

Elladan returned from his scouting expedition to find the company in an uproar, with everyone accusing everyone else. Desperately he tried to work out what was going on.

"My friends," he said finally, "much as it grieves me to say this, I am seized by doubts of Mithrandir's sincerity. His extreme reluctance to state his suspicions, his near-threat to Gildor– it even troubles me that he voted Halbarad because he questioned my brother. Why, even I– knowing well how hard it is for either of us to be objective where Orcs are concerned– think Elrohir should have given some grounds for his vote– as a matter of form, at least.” His voice dropped. "My dear grandmother's vote also seems a little too easy...” He shivered. “...But that way madness lies...

'And yet, it is true that Halbarad has said little of substance, and that his manner makes me uneasy. I know not what to think.

'Master Iarwain I am also not sure of... why does he say I was "bandwaggonning" when I merely commented that he was being unhelpful early in the piece? He was."

EDIT: X'd with Théodred, Lobelia, Éomer, Tom, Gildor and Lobelia again.

[Nogrod]

"Being of one mind might show good judgement
but it might also tell of reason's abandonment
and the treacherous one's achievement...

But new ideas as well
thrown at late hour
are easily thrown to the well
the water of which may turn sour."

[A Little Green]

"Well, my lady halfling", said Éomer, "if you do not explain your point better then I cannot try to explain myself and whatever it is about me that makes you uneasy. I have to cast my vote now, so based on reasons stated earlier,

++ Galadriel

because in the end she is the most sinister-looking of my suspects."


x-ed with lord Elladan and lord Bomba-ding-a-dillo

[satansaloser2005]

"Once again, my fellows, I feel the need to speak out against a hasty lynching of Halbarad; I may be misguided, but I feel that he warrants an opportunity to prove where his loyalties lie. As I am somewhat hurried in my decision today, I feel the need to express my unease regarding

++Elrohir


"He seems indeed unhelpful and seems, though not outright dangerous, to possess the potential for creating disasters later on in our quest." And with this, Theodred raced off, unsure that he had made the right decision but ready to stand by it (and still repressing the urge to get rid of the irksome Orc.)

[Gwathagor]

Halbarad looked up and his face was grim, for these were his companions and friends.

“Who shall we follow? Where now is the path of wisdom? With Saruman gone, who now will lead us?

“Shall we follow Gandalf, who promises to withhold his vote, and then places it on the first bandwagon that forms, creating an elaborate theory to support his vote – a theory that contradicts his fellow bandwagoners’ reasons for voting?

“Or shall we follow Galadriel, who votes first, and gives no reason at all?

“Perhaps we shall follow the example of Elrohir, who votes his heart, and ignores his reason and good sense.”

He sighed again. He was still anxious, but his mind was clearer now.

“I do not know how I shall vote. Perhaps a traitor hides in the midst of the quiet and compliant and not among these three at all. I do not know. I shall likely wait until Bombadil has spoken, for he has shown both prudence and wisdom, qualities which I doubted he had at the beginning of the Day, and of which he has more than I.”

[Groin Redbeard]

Dain came wondering back to his companions with a sorrowful look on his face. He was not jolly and not mad, but very troubled.

"Well I've come to a decision at at last," he said heavily. "Lobelia, you seem to be the more troublesome of the fellowship, but I will not harm you today. For indeed if you were at all harmful I'm sure my cries of alarm would have sent a rippling effect through the wiser members of our fellowship, but it hasn't. Indeed only one has agreed with me on that part: Radagast, and that was only slight. I believe that the time for acting is now and those who delay are troublemakers, but the one that I accuse has out right refused to vote and will give us no better reason than to be patient and wait. Wait for what, for someone to be killed? Therefore the one whom I saw as the wisest among us is the one that I must accuse. May the Valar forgive me if I am mistaken."

++Gandalf

EDIT: X'd with Halbarad and Theodred

[Thinlómien]

"I had almost decided to pronounce my word of banishment against Mithrandir but then I paused to think if one of the servants of the Enemy would indeed be so openly foul-looking, if you catch my meaning... Already the sun has almost vanished and I can not choose. I do not like this."


edit: xed with Théo, Halbie and Daim
edit2: corrected a typo

[Nogrod]

"Good to see you back lord Elladan. Now I might just vote for you as you're present. Amnd you clearly were trailing "good-looking" suspicions earlier on. Not only to myself but to Radagast as well - and his case was even more out-of-the-blue than mine...

But still I like the actions of your brother even less..."

X'd from Théodred

[Aganzir]

"Well, my lady halfling", said Éomer, "if you do not explain your point better then I cannot try to explain myself and whatever it is about me that makes you uneasy.
"Your beard."

++ Éomer

[Gwathagor]

"Indeed, Master Bombadil, and what is more worrisome about Elrohir is that he did not even TRY to persuade us. Would a traitor do such?"

EDIT: Crossed with Lobelia

[Groin Redbeard]

"All this talk about lynching Halbarad is nonesense if you ask me." Dain said, after he had recounted himself with the companies discussion. "He is quite yes, but I still have to see some proven evidence against him. All we have now are a few gut feelings, this is no for any man to die: lynched on a bad feeling!"

EDIT: X'd with Gildor to the present

[Nogrod]

"what did I say about the uniform mind we had...? This is ridiculous as well.

Okay. Elrohir, Elladan or Gandalf for me. I will not venture too far at the last moment to catch a fish I have not looked at properly before."

[Thinlómien]

"It is time. The one who looks foulest and is one of the least helpful shall go, even though he is wise and powerful. In other words, my vote goes to Mithrandir, also known as

++Gandalf.

And let it be said aloud: whoever we send away, I'm afraid I'm not expecting good results. Everything seems too easy. O Elbereth snow-white! Please send us guidance!"


edit: xed with Halbarad, Dáin and Tom

[Nogrod]

"A good question master Halbarad. But maybe he just tried to avoid any scrutiny?" Who knows?"

[Gwathagor]

"I fear I must vote for ++ Gandalf. I will explain my reasoning momentarily."

[Thinlómien]

"A silent moment before the end? Where is everyone?"

[Aganzir]

"Hiding. They are all traitors."

[Thinlómien]

"I have a bad feeling about this last minute voting flood that is to come..."

[Nogrod]

How many around now as Gandalf has three votes and Halbarad 2 (and I don't wish to see him gone at least toDay)?

Okay. No one reporting in.

Sorry Olorin my old friend... I couldn't trust your self-security

++ Gandalf

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

The dusk was coming when the Company stopped. They stood on a hilltop, with the valleys covered by holly forest behind them and barren lands in front of them, and the ground rising slowly to the east towards Caradhras, which far away still glowed faintly red in the last light of the vanished Sun. One by one white stars sprang forth as the sky faded.
"So it is me you want to leave," Gandalf said, stating the obvious. The others stood in a little distance from him in an unmoving half-circle. The old wizard leant on his staff and sighed.
"Even the wisest cannot always help, and I had the feeling this journey is taking a bad course," he said. "There is shadow above us, and Saruman was right. Alas, I cannot protect you against yourselves. I am not going to accompany you against your own will. Do you really want me to leave?"
Dáin Ironfoot clutched his axe. Halbarad shook his head.
"Mithrandir," said Gildor, stepping forward. "You have heard what Saruman told us. There are traitors among us. Yet you are very mysterious. If you know anything, or if you have anything to tell us, speak more clearly."
"I am afraid I cannot satisfy you, my dear Gildor," said Gandalf. "I actually do not know anything, one might say, or not more than most of you do."
Tom chimed in. "Hey and ho! My friend, if wisdom is what you show by being silent as stone, this is not what Tom expects from one like you. If that is so, you better go."
Gandalf looked at Bombadil. "So it seems, my friend... I pity I cannot help you anymore. Yet maybe this is the way it is meant to be: other hands must do the work while mine are elsewhere. You were always the moss-gatherer, and I was the stone doomed to rolling. Looks like I have to roll once again... but not with you. I wish you well, all of you."

Only silence answered him. Gandalf slowly turned his face to the north. He gave a final wave of his hand, and walked off at a surprising pace. The evening was closing in, and his cloaked figure quickly vanished into the twilight.

-----------------------------------------------

The Fellowship:

Aganzir - Lobelia Sackville-Baggins
A Little Green - Éomer
Groin Redbeard - Dáin II. Ironfoot
Gwathagor - Halbarad
McCaber - Elrohir
Meneltarmacil - Uglúk
Nerwen - Elladan
Nogrod - Tom Bombadil
Rune son of Bjarne - Galadriel
Sally - Théodred
THE Ka - Radagast
Thinlómien - Gildor Inglorion

Gone:

Gil-Galad - Gandalf (left the Fellowship in Eregion) - innocent
-----------------------------------------------

The first Collision is about to come. Traitors may start to PM each other already, and then send me their pick. Others may also send me their picks.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Nothing further happened that night. The next morning dawned even brighter than before. But the air was chill again; already the wind was turning back towards the east. For two more nights they marched on, climbing steadily but ever more slowly as their road wound up into the hills, and the mountains towered up, nearer and nearer. On the third morning Caradhras rose before them, a mighty peak, tipped with snow like silver, but with sheer naked sides, dull red as if stained with blood.

The Company set out with good speed at first; but soon their way became steep and difficult. Laboriously they climbed up, and then dim white flakes of snow began to fall upon their heads and shoulders.
They went on. But before long the snow was falling fast, filling all the air, and swirling into their eyes. The wind whistled and the snow became a blinding blizzard. Now Radagast was leading the way, but he went on slowly, leaning on his staff. The snow was already ankle-deep about his boots and it kept falling. Soon even Uglúk found it hard to keep going. Tom Bombadil trod the deep snow in his high yellow boots, but he was not singing anymore. It was plain that they could not go much further. The Elves were the only ones who felt no fatigue. Halbarad the Ranger was silent and covered his face from the snow. Éomer's feet felt like lead, and Théodred was thinking about sitting in a saddle, though he knew that a horse would have been no use up here. Lobelia was dragging behind. Even Dáin, as stout as any dwarf could be, was grumbling as he trudged.
The Company halted suddenly, as if they had come to an agreement without any words being spoken. They heard eerie noises in the darkness round them. It may have been only a trick of the wind in the cracks and gullies of the rocky wall, but the sounds were those of shrill cries, and wild howls of laughter.

And then, stones began to fall from the mountain-side, whistling over their heads, or crashing on the path beside them. Every now and again they heard a dull rumble, as a great boulder rolled down from hidden heights above.
"We cannot go further tonight," said Halbarad. "Let those call it the wind who will; there are fell voices on the air; and these stones are aimed at us."
"I do call it the wind," said Elrohir. "But that does not make what you say untrue. There are many evil and unfriendly things in the world that have little love for those that go on two legs, and yet are not in league with Sauron, but have purposes of their own. Some have been in this world longer than he."
Tom kept looking around, as if trying to pierce the veils of snow by his gaze. "Let us go, as quick as we are able! This is not good place for us to stay. Old Tom knows too well, although he was not here ever before," he said.
"But what shall we do?" asked Uglúk. "We cannot just give up! There is no other way!"
"We have to go back," said Radagast. "It is no good going on. And sure Caradhras has more snow yet to fling at us, if we go on. The sooner we go back and down the better."
"And what is the other way?" asked Elladan, but at the very moment it happened. A loud clash was heard and a huge stone fell with deafening crash right into the middle of the company. Everyone tried to jump aside and cover.

When the echo of the clash faded away, the Companions slowly lifted themselves from their covers and assembed again in the middle of the pass.
"Is everyone all right?" Dáin asked.
"We are," said Lobelia, sweeping the snow off her body. "But it really seems now that we should turn back. Whatever way we need to take, this one is not going to be safe if we continue."
"Wait," said Éomer suddenly. "Where is Elladan?"
Everyone looked around. There were just eleven of them.
"My brother!" cried Elrohir. "What happened to him?"
"Look," Halbarad said, pointing at the edge of the cliff nearby. There were fresh steps in the snow, although not very well visible, and they were rapidly disappearing in the blizzard. They ended on the edge, and the snow there was broken, as if something larger slided down there into the pit under the cliff.
"He – he fell!" cried Elrohir. But then they saw it: aside from Elladan's footprints, there were other footprints, barely visible, as the snow already almost covered them, but they were leading to the first trail and then they disappeared in the mass of new footprints made by the Companions as they rushed back to the meeting point.
"Someone pushed him!" shouted Uglúk.
"Indeed," said Théodred. "But the tracks are destroyed – we cannot find out more."
"Come on," Galadriel interrupted them. "This is a bad place to debate. We cannot find more here, but the mountain's wrath has not passed yet - so let us leave at once."
"Yes," said Radagast. "Come on! There is a darker path we must thread now that Caradhras is closed to us. But we must descend from it first safely. It is not going to let us go easily. Come!"

The Companions slowly turned and started their descend back to the valley. Caradhras has defeated them.

-----------------------------------------------
The Fellowship is descending the pass from Caradhras and around Sirannon towards the Gates of Moria.
-----------------------------------------------

The Fellowship:

Aganzir - Lobelia Sackville-Baggins
A Little Green - Éomer
Groin Redbeard - Dáin II. Ironfoot
Gwathagor - Halbarad
McCaber - Elrohir
Meneltarmacil - Uglúk
Nogrod - Tom Bombadil
Rune son of Bjarne - Galadriel
Sally - Théodred
THE Ka - Radagast
Thinlómien - Gildor Inglorion

Gone:

Gil-Galad - Gandalf (left the Fellowship in Eregion) - innocent
Nerwen - Elladan (lost in the Pass of Caradhras) - innocent

-----------------------------------------------

The second part of the Journey begins. Traitors stop PMing. Everyone may post now.

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Galadriel returned to the group after having wandered of for a while, she was of course influenced by the events of Caradhras with. . . ., but that had to wait for now. She knew that she would not be able to get look upon the recent events with clarity before she had dealt with what happened in Eregion. Her heart was filled with sorrow over the departure of Mithrandir, she knew she could have done more to prevent it, but she had not listened to her heart when it mattered the most and now her most trusted ally was gone.

First she turned toTom Bombadil and for what seemed to be forever the two beings stared in silence at each other, then Galadriel spoke “I am most disappointed in your choices Iarwain, beings that have walked this earth as long as you and I should know better than to cast away the wisdom of Mithrandir so lightly. Indeed my heart warned me that our wits would fail and Mithrandir would be send away, but Alas I heeded it not. You should indeed have known better than to send him away on this early stage because of his silence, I understand that you do not like to wander in doubt about Mithrandir’s allegiance, but more time should have been granted. The wisdom that you spoke in early in Eregion seem to have left you and whether this was merely miss judgement on your part or calculated, I know not and I fear it will stay that way until you depart us.”

Galadriel the knelt before Lobelia so that they could speak eye to eye “I have no great experience with Halflings, but sturdy people you are and strong willed. You’re heart seems filled with sorrow and anger, it seems that you try to turn people away from you and not show weakness. Why you walk about with this stern façade I cannot yet tell and if I need to worry I know not, but for now I shall stand by my choice of supporting you as ringbearer.”


Galadriel arose again and seemed taller than ever, she eyed everyone of the company that she had not yet addressed and spoke. Before I can reveal to you my thoughts on what we experienced on Caradhras I need to share with you some thoughts about what happened in Eregion. She spoke out clearly so that everybody could hear her voice.
”Gildor you too should know the ways of Mithrandir, but yet in your pursuit to make him talk you did not let him gather his thoughts and worse is that you yourself got blinded and could see little else.”

Galadriel paused for a second before continuing addressing the group.
“In Eregion I suggested that Halbarad should depart our company. . .I stand by what I said and did in Eregion, I thought your quarrel with our ringbearer most disturbing and out of place. However more disturbing behaviour have been seen since then and I unless you give me furthermore reason to I shall hold it forgotten. One thing I will ask of you is to explain your change of heart in Eregion. . .first you accept my choice a choice that was not easily made and then you turn on me in what appear to be an attempt to throw suspicion on to me and Mithrandir”.

“And Eomer one cannot be surprised with your view of me, however honourable and wise your house may be it also have a tendency to show distrust where trust should be and have higher regard for floods of empty words than of the fewer expressed with more care.”

“I shall finish with a few words about people that I do not know much about, but non the less my respect for the have increased, I speak of you Master Dain and of you Radagast. I have not had dealings with dwarves since the elder days, but indeed Dain seem as fine representative for his people and I think his council will be essential for this quest to succeed. Of Radagast’s wisdom there can be no doubt and so far I see no reason to doubt his allegiance.”

“Of the rest of you I shall not speak yet, for even my thoughts are clouded by the recent events”

[Gwathagor]

Galadriel paused for a second before continuing addressing the group.
“In Eregion I suggested that Halbarad should depart our company. . .I stand by what I said and did in Eregion, I thought your quarrel with our ringbearer most disturbing and out of place. However more disturbing behaviour have been seen since then and I unless you give me furthermore reason to I shall hold it forgotten. One thing I will ask of you is to explain your change of heart in Eregion. . .first you accept my choice a choice that was not easily made and then you turn on me in what appear to be an attempt to throw suspicion on to me and Mithrandir”.


"I was cautious at first, Lady, and needed time to think. Also, had I reacted violently to your accusation, it would have only incurred more suspicion. But later, as I pondered your charge against me, I realized that it had no substance. Even now I am puzzled by your accusation: to what quarrel do you refer? I have not spoken directly to Mistress Lobelia since the start of our journey. If I have spoke against you, it has not only been to question the validity of your argument; not yet have I attempted to impune your integrity. Not yet."

Somber and bewildered, Halbarad departed to eat and think.

[satansaloser2005]

Theodred made a brief appearance; hearing the end of Galadriel's speech, he realized that he must also have a few words with some of the group.

"Galadriel, I, too, regret now the decision to allow Halbarad's continued presence with our fellowship, and while we may disagree regarding....regarding your lifestyle....I feel that for now at least I have no choice but to trust you, at least regarding the curious behavior of Halbarad.

"As for the rest of you, I must speak my mind. Those of you who were responsible for Gandalf's departure, I express my displeasure. Though there were others less worthy to travel with us, you ignored this fact and called for his dismissal from the fellowship. To add to the crime, you saw that, mere moments before we were to reach our final concensus, he was unprepared to defend himself against your accusations and so you set to outnumber him."

Theodred had avoided the rest of the group during the night, speaking quietly with Eomer, one of the only fellowship members he found trustworthy. After the company's discovery of Elladan's grim fate, Theodred realized that Elladan had refused to voice an opinion regarding the previous day's banishment, as had Radagast and the revolting creature called Ugluk. Perhaps he was aware of something dangerous, maybe he had discovered the identity of one of the traitors? He shook the idea out of his mind and strutted away, careful now to keep his thoughts to himself; at this rate, even his own kin wasn't to be trusted. Behind him, he could here Bombadil's incessant rhyming.

[Meneltarmacil]

"Hmmm," Ugluk growled. "I find the disappearance of Gandalf to be suspicious-looking. His style of arguing has often been considered suspicious, even when not a traitor. I can excuse Halbarad and Eomer; they know him little. But Gildor and Bombadil? No, they're too wise and have been around too long to not be familiar with him."

The hungry Orc noticed a large rat crawling around and quickly stabbed it. After he'd finished eating the rat, he spoke:

"Halbarad does seem quite the suspicious one, but then again, he's fairly new to this sort of thing and bound to make mistakes. I'm not letting him out of my sight at all, but he's not at the top of my list either."

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

After hearing the words of Halbarad Galadriel feel deep into thoughts and she seemed like asleep, when she finally spoke her face was full of sorrow.
"You did right in speaking against me, please accept my deepest appologies! I have backtracked my thoughts and discovered that I made a grave mistake in Eregion. . .in my haste I mixed the words of you and Theodred"

"I must be alone with my thoughts for a while and re-analyse the previouse events"

[Nogrod]

Tom Bombadil had been mainly quiet the days after his friend Gandalf had parted from the fellowship. He was lonely indeed and longing for Goldberry didn't make him feel any better. He had even pondered it a few times whether he should just turn back and leave the whole adventure to the others. If not for any other reason but to bring back his joy of life and nature. He had also thought it back again and again what happened that evening when they had decided to vote for Olorin to leave.

There were many who hadn't said a thing. Those Tom found particularly suspicious although one of them, Elladan, had been brutally murdered by the traitors and thus proven innocent. There were those who wilfully spread out the voting which finally ended up in the nasty choice between Gandalf and Halbarad. Tom had disliked the widening scope of choices that time as they seemed to bring everything to a last moment randomness but they could be also seen as true trials at actually sending out someone who in fact was a traitor. But in the end it resulted in the early calls for Gandalf and Halbarad remaining the only choices.

Somehow he had then a nagging feeling in the back of his head that on this mission Halbarad would indeed be of more help to them than Gandalf. He had it even now. Yes, it sounded bad and felt bad. But still he felt it. Somehow Gandalf was not what he would be; intelligent, helpful, insightful, leading, caring... Some had said the wizard had just thought of things but Tom felt Gandalf hadn't been even interersted in the fellowship's quest in the first place. He knew Gandalf well enough and the Gandalf they had with them was not the Gandalf he knew.

But still he had asked himself a hundred times whether anything he would have done would have kept his friend Olorin around now that he knew he was no traitor. But the end-result was always the same. No one was ready to save him, no one came to help... not even Galadriel herself who now quite hypocritically blamed others of wrong choices...

No one knew who the traitors were... except the traitors themselves. And those who spoke after the fact.

Even if the sun had arisen and they were coming swiftly downhill leaving the horrors of Caradhras firmly behind them Tom didn't feel like singing. But he took his own way down drowned in his own mind, for all this reflection had strengthened one thought in him. They killed the young Elladan, cruelly and brutally. And I will not rest until this is solved. I owe it to Gandalf as I was one of those sending him home - however uninvolved he were. But I need to walk alone to think properly...

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

"Iarwain, you think that I spoke words of hypocricy earlier? But hypocricy demands a false decleration of belife and in my defence of Olorin there was no falseness, that should be clear. I may not have done what I should to protect him and it may indeed seem convenient that I now declare that I feared this might happen, but it is the truth and does not in any way conflct with what I stated earlier! I do regret not speaking clearer in his defence and even though I feared he would fall victime to our insecurity, even I cannot see all ends and wrongly thought that it would suffice to say that I did not think him a traitor."

Galadriel once again fell silent and thought back on previouse events and the grave and almost unforgivable mistakes she had made earlier on the journey.

[Groin Redbeard]

Dain's heart was heavy as he descended the pass of Caradhras. He had not regretted his decision for Gandalf's departure, for indeed it was Gandalf's silence that had in the end condemned himself, but the loss of Elladen was a greater tragedy. In the eyes of the dwarf Elladen was a wise elf and would be a great asset to the fellowship, but alas he has fallen.

Dain heard the kind words of Galadriel. "I thank you my lady for your approval, but I think that my words are more of a hinder to this fellowship. In the future I will be more cautious when offering my advice, not to say that I won't offer it at all. Indeed if more people were in on the debate of yesterday a traitor might have been found and forced to leave instead of a good man. Therefore I pray that the more silent ones of the fellowship: Elrohir, Theodred, Ugluk and Eomer speak up and offer their advice in the matter today, some good thoughts were found among you, but were not pressed enough to be seriously considered. Speak up, lest suspicious eyes fall on you who are innocent; let us not repeat the doings of yesterday!"

Dain listened to the conversation eagerly, hoping that the fellowship heeded his words.

EDIT: X'd with Galadriel

[Gwathagor]

After hearing the words of Halbarad Galadriel feel deep into thoughts and she seemed like asleep, when she finally spoke her face was full of sorrow.
"You did right in speaking against me, please accept my deepest appologies! I have backtracked my thoughts and discovered that I made a grave mistake in Eregion. . .in my haste I mixed the words of you and Theodred"

"I must be alone with my thoughts for a while and re-analyse the previouse events"

Halbarad thought carefully for a moment or two.

"Lady, I am inclined to believe you meant no harm. I, too, have made honest mistakes and have no desire to condemn the well-meaning."

Nonetheless, Galadriel's sudden change of stance had taken Halbarad by surprise, and he wondered if he ought to be more suspicious of the Lady of the Galadhrim.

Indeed, he thought, such a swift and easy reversal on the part of anyone else would immediately arouse the suspicion of every honest member of the Company.

Though he determined that Galadriel's mistake probably had been honest and was not grounds for accusation, he resolved to watch her closely if he could. Then he smiled, for he had just found a note of humor in that dark day.

"It is curious, Galadriel...you say it was Theodred's words, in fact, and not mine that had originally drawn out your suspicion, and yet it is now Theodred who seems most eager to take your side."

And then grim and stern Halbarad laughed, as he had not in a long while. Theodred had been brashly eager to confirm Galadriel's accusation which was now shown, essentially, to be an indictment of words spoken by Theodred himself. This struck the Ranger as paradoxical, and even funny. However, he soon quelled his mirth, for he knew it was inappropriate in light of the dark events which had thus far haunted their journey. He resumed his usual sad, thoughtful expression. There was work to do.

[McCaber]

Elrohir rose from where he had been sitting.

"You wish me to be more vocal, when these traitors have taken the life of my brother? Nothing good can come from hasty accusations now.

If only I were more convinced of the orc's guilt, it would make my choices much easier. But for this, I am prepared to set aside my hatred of Uglúk to find the traitors.

But let us wonder why Mithrandir was sent away earlier. Out of the four who voted for him, only Dain gave any long explanation of his choice, and Halbarad said nothing about his reasoning at all. I would think that it was to save himself, but he never explicitly said so.

This, together with the attention he received yesterday, moves Halbarad to first on my list of suspects."

EDIT: crossed with Halbarad

[Gwathagor]

"You are justified, Elrohir, in your wish to hear my reasoning. There was not time yestereve for me to explain my vote, though I expressed my intention of doing so. I will now.

“I believe that Bombadil, myself, Dain, and Gildor were justified in voting for one who spoke too little to be helpful, promised he would not vote and promptly did, and, finally, gave no good reason for his voting. In short, he was obscure, erratic, and inscrutable. As has been said, Gandalf, in the end, condemned himself by his own actions.

“We were wrong, yes. But it was an honest, reasonable mistake, and I expect you would have done the same, had you not voted for one who gave you neither provocation nor offense. I speak, of course, of Ugluk. Perhaps you wish to explain your vote as well? I imagine that I am not the only one who found your vote thoroughly inexplicable."

[Meneltarmacil]

Elrohir, I'd like an explanation from you as to what makes me suspicious. Granted, I'm an Orc, but have I done anything to make you doubt my loyalty to the White Hand? You seem to have voted for me without much reason other than that I'm an Orc. You maintin suspicion of me today. I'd like to know why.

[Meneltarmacil]

Er... wait. I see you've backed off somewhat on your suspicion of me. Good, but I'd still like to know why you find me suspicious.

[THE Ka]

Radagast joined the others slowly back down from the pass, but the heaviness in his somber actions wasn't from defeat at Caradhras, but the loss of Elladan and that of Gandalf. He sat quietly and starred deeply into the distance of his own thoughts and worry, while it felt the literal age of his body was finally coming up on him as if in some cruel joke to his worthiness for such a challenge of the Fellowship.

Of all the ages I've passed, to have Olorin distrusted so by those he had openly embraced is something I have never known. Or the great loss of Elrond's house, such a noble elve has lost too much by this world to be stripped of more kin. I greatly hope he will not loose further meaning to stay in Arda, but after such as this I cannot judge his actions. Nor would I have thought I'd be so lost now, even among a company of great hope. If anything could become worse, may the Valar pity us in our despair.

Thoughts of a darkened sky seemed to creep up on his mind, but quickly he shook himself out of it realizing that if anything, he might carry on the work of the Gandalf he remembered and in honor.
Quietly, but assured he added after listening to the debate on what had passed after Gandalf's departure.

" Our recent days have been ones in loss, as we all are sure. Even though we have lost kin and kif and we are asundered in doubt, I can hold no grudge against you who voted Gandalf's leaving. It would not be in his hope, and what I have known him for, to become revenged in sorrow, but instead to aid what work there is yet to be done. That, if any of you feel shamed in guilt by your choice should remember about him, and should not continue punish yourselves needlessly.
What has happened on the pass I fear is only a taste of what our traitors wish to befall us and any hope in this journey. Though, for what I know Gandalf, and have come to know Elladan of, they would not wish us needlessly to stab blindly in the dark with our fears or hatred. We should act in our reason and hope."

He regained breath before he spoke again,

" I am sorry I may not add anymore thoughts, but I must like most of you, think greatly on this matter that it might not effort in vain."

[Thinlómien]

Gildor had not spoken before, for he had spent the beginning of the day singing a lament for Elladan, his brave kinsman.

"His death is an evil we can not leave unavenged. Who did this foul deed? Everybody saw the footprints. Now, we Elves do not tread that way and leave such marks on snow as we walk. Therefore, I conclude that at least one of the traitors is not an Elf. But with Elladan dead and innocent, that does not actually help me, for I anyway know that there can't be three guilty Elves around, for that would mean that I myself would be guilty, which I'm not." He smiled, and his smile was a sad one. "So after all it does not help us at all that the murderer left footprints. We must find other clues then."

Gildor sighed. "Who of us would kill Elladan? I can not answer that question before musing on what people said in Eregion properly. Maybe some of you has an idea? The only reason that occurs to me right now would be that it would leave no tracks except for the actual footprints."

"Lady Galadriel and Captain Uglúk, you accuse me and Iarwain for accusing Mithrandir and say we should know better. I know he's a wise wizard and can be of great help with his Maiarin intuition, but I also know that when he regards some mission unimportant, he does not bother to commit much time to it. Why would he? He's here to save Middle-Earth, how could he attend every quest with full enthusiasm? Maybe he just didn't regard this quest as very important." Or maybe he did not want to show important because he grudged Curunir of coming back and taking his place. He banished the thought. Old Mithrandir is not like that.

Then Gildor buried himself deeper in thought, swearing to return the words said in Eregion to his mind before opening his mouth again...

[Nogrod]

Tom had accidentally wandered quite far from the others thinking how weird everyone's reason to vote on the first Day had been. After mulling through them for a while he realised they all looked bad... How easy it had been for the traitors not to stand out in there in the middle of those ad hoc statements supporting the votes.

He had to share his thoughts with the others but there was no idea in yelling them from that far. So Tom turned back towards the way from were he could hear the faint occasional voices of the companions. It was to be a long trek to reach them but he was confident he would join them before the sunset.

[satansaloser2005]

"It is curious, Galadriel...you say it was Theodred's words, in fact, and not mine that had originally drawn out your suspicion, and yet it is now Theodred who seems most eager to take your side."

And then grim and stern Halbarad laughed, as he had not in a long while. Theodred had been brashly eager to confirm Galadriel's accusation which was now shown, essentially, to be an indictment of words spoken by Theodred himself. This struck the Ranger as paradoxical, and even funny. However, he soon quelled his mirth, for he knew it was inappropriate in light of the dark events which had thus far haunted their journey. He resumed his usual sad, thoughtful expression. There was work to do.

"I apologize for not explaining myself properly. I, like Galadriel, question the motives of Halbarad, but not for the same reasons as she; those I will explain when we are not constrained by how much time I have. I was merely stating that I agreed with the conclusion she had drawn, that which implicates Halbarad as a traitor.

"First of all, he more than happily advocated the dismissal of our fellow Gandalf, giving little reason for his decision. I believe that he may have seen his own position on the fellowship in jeopardy and, not wanting to leave his two felllows (the other traitors) behind, quickly secured Gandalf's departure, disregarding Gandalf's importance in our company and making the cowardly choice to save his own hide.
And now he takes my words (and those of Galadriel) and attempts to use them against me. This, I admit, is not a difficult task, as I did not speak plainly at the time, but again Halbarad uses other's ambiguities to secure his continued presence among us."

Theodred wished to say more, but there was no time. The fellowship continued moving, so no one was particularly keen to listen. The others became very quiet, and so Theodred got to work.

(OOC: Literally to work. Back briefly around 2hr til DL, then again right before DL)

[Thinlómien]

"There indeed is something troubling in the manner of Iarwain Ben-adar... only, I can't wholly tell what it is. It is weird. Or maybe it is so that I am simply worried by the possiblity that he might be sending his fellow conspirators signs via his ding-a-dillos." Gildor sighed deeply. "This is difficult."

He walked on in silence, then he continued. "This is difficult because it's so silent. People talk little and I myself, for instance, have little to say. It's a vicious circle of remaining quiet. But it can be broken."

Suddenly, he laughed. "I will try. Let me start with this. I do not like the way Lobelia accuses Éomer. I have seen a lot in my years in Middle-Earth and indeed that is the way traitors pretend to be wary of each other in order not to look like friends."

A sad blue hue shaded the Elf-lord's grey eyes. "As for the words of my kinsman Elladan, he said little that would have given reason for his death. I think he was either killed in order not to leave tracks - like I already said - or because Iarwain is a foul conspirator and wanted to kill someone only he had suspected in order to look more innocent, because in normal conditions traitors do not kill those they can turn the mob against." Gildor rested his fair face against his hands. "I truly do not know. Maybe he was killed just to confuse us."

Then he turned his keen stare to the Ringbearer. "Mistress Lobelia, I wish you were less evil. For when you mock and accuse everybody in this company, it remains veiled whom you really suspect of treachery."

Gildor's last words before falling to a silence once again were: "And those of you who did not vote in Eregion... who would you have voted and why? And why did you remain silent?"

[Groin Redbeard]

Dain walked in silence listening to the argument of others. They were beginning to express their concernes and their suspicions of the other members, and this is when Dain spoke.

"Where is Eomer?" Dain said. "My suspicion falls on him at the moment, but I wanted to wait to see if he would talk, and it seems that he is nowhere to be found. I will give my opinion of him none the less and he can defend himself when he shows up.

"Eomer has in my mind been the most suspicious of all the fellowship right now. He speaks very seldom, infact only twice and one of them was to condemn Galadriel saying that she is the most sinister of all his suspects, but does not explain why. Indeed he seems to be the most hasy of us all.

"I now call on you to defend yourself against my accusation Eomer, Marshal of Rohan."

Dain fell into silence after this, listening to the conversations of others and waiting for Eomer's response.

EDIT: X'd with Gildor

[Aganzir]

Although Lobelia had never felt much love for Gandalf, she was sad to see him go. And although she hadn't approved of the Elf's behaviour, she was now beginning to understand that if not caught, the traitors would do the same to everyone. Lobelia knew that one day, she was going to die anyway. She was old, and she was not afraid of death. But she had set out to take the Ring to Mordor, and she wanted to do her work before dying. It would be too humiliating to die on the journey and prove unworthy of the trust of the Wise.

She caught up with the others.

"Éomer, there's something about that you that I don't like. Perhaps it is only the smell of horse, perhaps it is the way you speak. I do not know, but I will try to explain.

When you first spoke, you disagreed with Master Bombadil about his words 'So look closely the hasty accusations, as they may reveal darker aspirations'. I am perfectly fine with people disagreeing with each other, but the way you said it sounded like you were speaking of a very insignificant thing just to have something to say, if you understand what I mean. And it is traitors who have to grasp at the insignificant things.

Also, before voting, the way you went after Gandalf and lady Galadriel for not speaking their minds looks a bit sinister to me. I do not think they said that little, but a traitor might wish to make a big issue of it in order to get an easy lynch, as indeed happened with Gandalf - whom you decided not to vote, after all.

"Dáin Ironfoot, I find you trustworthy for now. Were you a traitor, I believe you would have treated me differently in Hollin.

"I trust Halbarad even less than in Hollin. Let me interpret his words now as I wish:

He cast vague suspicion against Master Bombadil's singing and backed off of it immediately. It was just meant to make people feel bad about Tom. In truth, he is saying: 'Look, he is behaving in a way that might be considered suspicious because he could hide his treacherous behaviour by doing it! I, of course, don't suspect him but you others should!'

And then... Let me repeat his words again!
"Perhaps I should be more suspicious of those who have said little to nothing at all. In truth, silence is a better cover than speaking, for the talker draws attention to himself, whereas the silent will be considered wise."
'I have been caught doing a suspicious thing I shouldn't have. I will change my behaviour. I will start suspecting the silent instead - those of more vocal sort don't mind me doing it even if the silent were innocent. I myself can't be a traitor because I talk and silence would be a better cover.'

Then he asked Elrohir why he voted for Uglúk:
"Why do you cast your vote against Ugluk? Persuade us with some reason, if you can. Justify your decision."
While I agree that Elrohir should have given reasons for his vote, this looks a little too jolly, a little too by-the-way. The tone is overly light. It's sooo... 'Give me a reason to vote for Uglúk and I will!'

He suggested that a traitor is hiding amongst the quiet and wanted to hear whom Tom would vote before voting himself.

And now, see what he said just a while ago!
“I believe that Bombadil, myself, Dain, and Gildor were justified in voting for one who... *blah blah blah*

“We were wrong, yes. But it was an honest, reasonable mistake
An honest, reasonable mistake from whose part? You can't speak for each and every one of those, as, if innocent, you shouldn't know whether they were honest or not. Or are you trying to gain allies by defending also them? This looks rather treacherous to me.

"Am I the only one to not find anything that weird about Elrohir's vote yesterday? It looks like he didn't have any better suspects so he decided to stick with racism. I dislike prejudiced people, but it alone doesn't make him a traitor.

"Nothing alarming about Uglúk this far.

"I have no idea what to think about you, Tom Bombadil. You have been repeating your trust-may-be-a-kiss-of-death thing too much, in my opinion - so much that it looks like you could say it as often as you wished without having to fear that the traitors would start to think if you really mean something more serious with it or if it's just a good piece of advice. Also, I don't agree with you on Gildor being suspicious.
But this far you have felt rather innocent, and I am unlikely to vote for you yet.

"I am inclined to trust lady Galadriel for now, although my heart does not feel as comfortable about it as my logic.

"Smelling of horse or not, Théodred is one of the most honest-looking here. I trust him.

"Of Radagast I have little idea, but if I had to choose, I would say he is innocent.

"I trust Gildor Inglorion. He doesn't look like he had something to hide."

Lobelia shivered. It was cold, and she felt a chill in her old bones. She took the tea skin from her bag and drank.

edit: xed with Gildor and Dáin

[Gwathagor]

"I concur with Gildor that there is all too little talking going on.

"Presently, I am most suspicious of Elrohir and Lobelia. Galadriel seemd suspicious based on her vote of yesterDay, but since her explanation and apology she has not done anything else suspicious...indeed, she has said nothing at all.

"Elrohir's vote against Ugluk yesterDay was dangerous and flippant. It may have been the calculated decision of traitor wishing to hide behind a facade of semi-righteous indignation, or it may have merely been the action of an impassioned and angry, yet innocent. I cannot tell. However, the latter possibility is as dangerous as the former, if not more so.

"I voted for Lobelia to be Ringbearer, because I had great confidence in her courage and strength of heart. She has shown both of these qualities, but I do not like the way this has turned out for us. Since the beginning of our journey, she has been one of the most vocal members of our party and has accused nearly every member of the Fellowship, and most more than once. I have counseled scrutiny of all, but Lobelia has taken it too far. What are we to make of the fact that three-parts-out-of-four (three-quarters) of the Fellowship are, according to Lobelia, traitors? Finally, I do not like how her accusations seem to be based on personal dislike, with the circumstances interpreted to fit her biases."

EDIT: Crossed with Mistress Lobelia

[Gwathagor]

"I see Lobelia has decreased the scope of her suspicions. No doubt this will be for the best of everyone. I would speak further on what she has said, but at the moment I must travel ahead to scout out our path. I will return as quickly as I may, perhaps in 3 hours."

With that, Halbarad shouldered his pack and trudged off down the gentle boulder-strewn slope.

[THE Ka]

I think he was either killed in order not to leave tracks - like I already said - or because Iarwain is a foul conspirator and wanted to kill someone only he had suspected in order to look more innocent, because in normal conditions traitors do not kill those they can turn the mob against.

" Fair Gildor, despite what others may say, I can see good reasoning in your words here. Though, if I may add now that i've looked back on the events of this journey I do not wholly think that brave Elladan's passing was trackless. There were not many, but a few who openly resented his judgement, but I do not believe they contained serious threats. If so, then we would have lost our heads indeed in such blindness. Instead there were others who did resent his words, but did not let their rage out openly, something that can be dangerous to a strained mind. If I may quote your own wisdom, we should look to what few words have been said by those who easily follow any suspicion. If anything, the traitors may be those who say this, or when confronted, they will come to defend those who unknowingly support them when the tide changes out of favor."

Radagast took a short sip from his waterskin and continued,

" Though Iarwain's actions do appear odd, I have to wonder whether if we were at his home or in his Wood, would he appear any more or less so. Though, I must think back more on this matter, since I cannot yet put names to trial so easily. Always remember, one swallow does not make a summer."

He resumed back to his analyzing of the past days as a bear searches the river, knowing that another look can bring a better catch.

[A Little Green]

"I now call on you to defend yourself against my accusation Eomer, Marshal of Rohan."

"And Rohan will answer!" cried Éomer, hurrying to the others. "I have been scouting long and far today, master dwarf. I only just returned. What comes to my vote for the Lady Galadriel, I have explained my suspicion of her already. I found her the most sinister of my three suspects because I thought Gandalf might not have been that attention-seeking if he were a wolf, and there was a small doubt in my heart on whether the palantír had been trusted to his care. After all, he seemed a sensible choice for that from Saruman's part.
I decided also that lord Elrohir's vote, though hasty and ill-considered, did not straightly speak for treacherous intentions but rather of rashness or indifference. A traitor would try to affect the course of the voting more, I deem.
I did not have time to explain this along with my vote because I needed to let lord Inglorion talk as well.

"I have to support lord Gildor's question: Those of you who did not vote in Eregion... who would you have voted and why? And why did you remain silent? It has been troubling my mind as well. But there is another question I would like to ask as well. Why, lord Elrohir, did you cast your vote for Uglúk?

"I place my trust in my cousin Théodred, and not only because he is my kin, but also because his behaviour has looked sincere so far; in Dáin Ironfoot, who I have considered trustworthy for long, and still do; in Gildor Inglorion, for he has not given me any reason to suspect him; and in Uglúk, who looks to be among the most sincere in here. Indeed I now wonder if I have been deceived, for I hear Uglúk is very often suspected of crimes he did not commit so now that he is not widely considered suspicious, he might actually be guilty. For now I will still consider him innocent, trusting my heart instead of my knowledge of his deeds before he joined our company.

"My heart is torn about some of you. Master Bombadil I cannot understand, nor can I read his behaviour. Lord Radagast I fear, for his gentleness and friendly manner makes it feel difficult to suspect him at all. He has not given me any reason for suspicion as yet, but I fear that if he did, it would pass unnoticed by me and by others because of his kindness. Mistress Lobelia, though giving me an uneasy feeling, is grumpy towards all of us, which makes me think better about her; my heart says that she would try to be more agreeable if she were a traitor.

"Lady Galadriel seems more sincere to me now than she did before, perhaps because she now talks clearly, and in a plain voice instead of whispering to individuals. She seems to really have something to say.

"Lord Halbarad I am not decided about. I will think about what he has said and done for a while now."


EDIT: x-ed with Halbarad and Radagast

[Meneltarmacil]

Okay, I've got a lot of stuff that needs to be taken care of later with regards to hunting for food, so I won't be around in time for the deadline. I'm casting my vote now.

++Tom Bombadil

That Gandalf vote strikes me as suspicious.

[Aganzir]

Lobelia turned to look at Gildor and laughed dryly.

"So, at last, it has come to this! Yet I am glad that you seem to trust your own judgement, not that of Bilbo Baggins'. I hear you, and I can understand why you think the way you do. But my suspicions are those of an innocent.

"Also, I just remembered I was to accuse Halbarad of yet another thing: his reluctance to defend himself - until now that we have left Caradhras. It seems quite clear that in Hollin he tried to avoid the discussion swirling around him.

"Master Halbarad, I wonder why you find an angry random vote possibly more dangerous than the calculated decision of a traitor.
And why is it for the best of everyone that I have decreased my suspect list? Don't I have so many traitors there anymore?

"Éomer, you are sounding more honest now unless my old ears have lost their hearing. But I must disagree with you!
I decided also that lord Elrohir's vote, though hasty and ill-considered, did not straightly speak for treacherous intentions but rather of rashness or indifference. A traitor would try to affect the course of the voting more, I deem.
Or a traitor would try to survive. It doesn't matter much to a traitor who leaves, as long as he is innocent.

[THE Ka]

I found her the most sinister of my three suspects because I thought Gandalf might not have been that attention-seeking if he were a wolf, and there was a small doubt in my heart on whether the palantír had been trusted to his care. After all, he seemed a sensible choice for that from Saruman's part.


"A... Wolf?", Radagast gave a little snort of confusion.

" Gandalf has dealt with wolves, but I've never seen him in their skin. I thought we were looking for traitors, not wolves. Sorry for the idle chat, just an old fellow's office of knowing the animals and speaking for them. Though, you do seem to have a wisdom of your own in saying these traitors are like wolves, they certainly are hunting like them.

I can understand your reasoning of the palantir in Gandalf's care. If anything, he had the strength to carry it, but I do know him well enough to never use it. That is more the office of Saruman, and I can never imagine Olorin being so convinced to readily use it in the light of who else may be using one. It would be an arguement, I fear, even the far away shores would hear and more or less ourselves.
If anything, Curunir entrusted something so prized to one who knows little of its use, worth or connections, merely for safety not folly. So that it could only be accessed for its intended purpose among us."

" As for whom or what I would have voted in Eregion, I could not at that time say readily. If you would think of me as any less in wisdom or strength I do not take offense, but worrying thoughts ahead on the pass of Caradhras are what distracted (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=551195&postcount=146) me as I hoped Gandalf would be the better 'man', so to speak, to lead us safely. Though we still seem divided over this vote, I will say again that Gandalf would not council us to not think of the here and now, especially after we have lost one of the company."

After thinking for a moment, he added more words,

" Though, I fear there was easy chance for any traitors amoung us to hide in that vote. For matters of that, I must think more of yesterDay's events now that I have a clear mind."

[Groin Redbeard]

"Gildor, I agree with you that Lobelia was a little too suspicious yesterday, but now after hearing her speak I am even more afraid of her. Her personality has changed entirely from being suspicious and pushy to being more passive, and I wonder if your suspicion of her has entirely changed her attitude."

Just then Eomer came running back to the company from scouting. Dáin listened to Eomer's response to his accusation, and then took into account his words refering to the other members of the fellowship.

"Indeed I find your defense valid, though I am still wary of you speaking only once and then immediatly voting yesterDay. Still, one can be silent and observe, you don't need to talk in order to think." The dwarf chuckled at his own words.

"I do agree with you on having the people who didn't vote yesterDay explain for whom they would have voted for. Very good idea Gildor!" Dáin bowed in the direction of the elf lord.

EDIT: X'd with Radagast

[Aganzir]

"Master Dáin, you can surely see that I did not hear Gildor's accusations of me before I had already spoken."

[Thinlómien]

"I do not understand all these complaints of Éomer's silence. For even though he speaks seldom, his speeches are long and tell what he is thinking. One does not need to talk all the time in order to contribute to the discussion," he said, smiling a bit self-ironically.

"Now, maybe I should say a word or two about each of you. Of Éomer I have already spoken and I will only add that I find him relatively innocent-looking. My mind is not troubled by his actions, but I'm not ready to trust him either.

His cousin Théodred then... In Eregion, he seemed like an honest man, but now I'm not too sure. Something in his late manner troubles me, but I can not tell what exactly. Yet he remains on the list of those I trust the most in this company. Maybe it is only his quick agreeing with Lady Galadriel that troubles me.

The lady herself has an innocent presence, but some of her words today have made me raise my eyebrows, mostly because of their aggressiveness or hastiness. I do not like the way she accuses me and Iarwain Ben-adar.

I do not mean to claim I find Iarwain innocent-looking. In fact, there's something very troubling in his presence. He reminds me of a treacherous Dwarf of Nogrod I met very recently. (Now, what words did I utter? Recently? From Nogrod? Nay, I believe it has long lied in ruins. How time passes...) Yet I'm not ready to send him away on such flimsy grounds...

Speaking of flimsy grounds, I think that's what Lord Elrohir is basing his accusations on. His actions trouble me to a certain extent, but I'm actually not finding him traitor-looking.

Another one I'm not finding suspicious is Radagast. His presence is so kind and honest that it is impossible to think bad of him. If he's a traitor, he's the foulest of them all.

Dáin, too, is very honest-looking. Some of his arguments I find odd and disagree with, but his overall manner is more that of an innocent than that of a traitor.

Halbarad the Ranger is an enigma. His behaviour is at times very suspicious, but a shadow crosses my mind every time I think about lynching him. I have a bad feeling both about him and lynching him.

I do not like the way Lobelia pursues him. She looks like a traitor who has found a good victim. And Saruman must have told her that it is unfortunately very easy to gain my trust by trusting me, for she seems to be following that pattern of action all too fluently. I suspect her, but I'm not truly ready to lynch her on these grounds.

Last but not least, Uglúk has been avoiding my attention. But he feels quite innocent for an Orc so I'll let him be for a while."

Gildor laughed, but there was a stony edge to his laugh. "See?" he asked. "This is what I think of you: no one seems very suspicious, yet three of you are traitors for sure." He shook his head, smiling grimly. "If I was to guess, I'd think the traitors were among Iarwain, Galadriel, Lobelia, Halbarad and Éomer."

He shadowed his eyes with his hand, looking to the distance. When he turned back to his companions, his fair face was troubled. "Already our time is running out, and we are merely struggling in the bog of uncertainity."


edit: xed with Radagast, Dáin and Lobelia

[Groin Redbeard]

"Still, your manner and voice has changed, mistress Lobeila. Perhaps in council with your fellow traiters you thought that this might be the best thing to do, or you may have had a change of heart, who knows, but the fact still remains that your manner has changed. I will not hide my scrutiny under fancy words and double talk, it is you who I suspect the most at the moment, but it the day is not yet over and perhaps a traitor will make a mistake for us to act on."

EDIT: X'd with Gildor

[THE Ka]

Why, lord Elrohir, did you cast your vote for Uglúk?


"I can ask for this question as well, but for different reasons than Eomer. Past history aside, lord Elrohir, I will not ask you to explain what had happened to your family by Orcs, so painful as it would not be wise nor kind, and I fear cloud judgement. Though, if there is any reason aside from this please let us know, for I am willing to hear it without prior judgement and only concern. I cannot think upon this without honest words, hopefully."


Edit: Bolding

[Aganzir]

Lobelia shook her head silently. No matter what she did, there was always someone who found her unpleasant. She couldn't understand it.

"Gildor, I understand you have had much dealings with Bilbo Baggins. I wonder if he hasn't told you that if I suspect someone has something to hide, I go after them the same way, no matter if I have something to hide myself or I don't.

"But I agree about your possible list of traitors, only excluding myself.

"Master Dáin, I know I am different than in Hollin. But it doesn't mean anything - except that "the first day", as some people would call it, is over, and I have formed opinions about you so that I don't have to provoke so much reactions anymore.
I hope a traitor makes a mistake, because it would be a pity indeed to receive the vote of such a noble dwarf!"

[Nogrod]

After a few detours Tom was finally reaching the company when the sun was already setting. He hadn't heard but a fraction of what had been said as he had wandered a bit farther he had thought he would and almost gotten lost. He noticed the wizard Radagast whom he had known for ages and with whom he shared his passion to nature and all things living. Tom asked him to fill him in with the Day's discussions. It would take a while, but then again only a while.

[Gwathagor]

"I had intended to vote early today, but my heart and mind do not speak clearly, or as one. I must think a while first."

[satansaloser2005]

"There is much to be considered, and I have not the time now to give my vote for who to eject from our number. I will return after further deliberation." Theodred noticed, however, that one member of the fellowship had been ignored almost completely. Radagast had thrown suspicions toward others, but had been overlooked by the masses. Theodred hoped that when he returned to the company he [Radagast] would be considered more, as he knew that no one in the fellowship could be fully trusted. He took a last look at the group and walked away, determined to give some serious thought to Elrohir (whom, though he could not place his suspicions on anything solid, he suspected for his behavior thus far)



(OOC: back (hopefully) about 15 before DL)

[Nogrod]

"Uglúk I don't dislike your vote
but I'm afraid it might be just a coat
to hide the lack of open reasoning,
that is totally lacking of seasoning.

Also Théodred seems to go on
with arguments relying on roles long gone.
If someone suspected Olorin the old
or was himself in trouble, truth be told,
there's nothing wrong in there.
But look at Théodred's words, which were:
disregarding Gandalf's importance in our company and making the cowardly choice to save his own hide.
I do dislike this kind of quasi-arguments
so easily shading speakers own alignments
and only pushing nearer to the edge
those who already stand on the hedge."

After voicing those first impressions Tom sat down and took his pipe.

"I need to think of other matters still a bit. Like this over-friendliness of yours my friend Radagast... I know it's in your nature but something just feels offbeat in your overall smoothness. I know you can be more edgy when it's needed. And I think we'd need that edge right now..."

And he went on filling the pipe humming quietly as he did. But he clearly was back in life once again and focused. The walk had clearly done good to him.

EDIT: X'd with Halbarad & Théodred

[Thinlómien]

"I feel it shadowing me again. The stubborn spirit of us Exiles and the narrow-mindedness of my high people. I voiced some half-hearted suspicions earlier and now they're already affecting the way I read people. I do not like it. I would prefer to hear what people say first and then determine if they are suspicious, not decide they're suspicious first and then hear what they're saying. Why is this curse following me? Acknowledging it is not breaking it..." Gildor wailed, looking up to the sky. "Oh Elbereth, guide my thought well." But only Arien shone back to him, the stars of Varda were hidden to him.

[Aganzir]

"How difficult it is to discuss when on a journey! Everybody just uses their energy in walking instead of talking..." Lobelia frowned. "I don't have much to say right now, and my earlier opinions about people still hold. At the moment I think I am probably going to vote for Halbarad."

[Nogrod]

"My dear elf, Arien is beautiful as well but soon fading and the stars of Varda will come... sooner than we might wish I say."

Tom looked at Gildor first quizzically but then gave him an encouraging smile.

"We are here to fulfill our duty set us by the Council. No more, no less."

He puffed his pipe and then looked around the others.

"One thing I might request from you, all of you. Do realise that the presence of the Ring may turn even the wisest head around. So stop referring to anyone what they had been earlier when you knew them without the presence of the Ring. The Ring can chance men and elf alike... even wizards... not to talk of dwarves or orcs. It has power to change anyone of you so don't talk of what someone has been before this mission but only rely on what they say and how they act now."

X'd with Lobelia

[THE Ka]

He noticed the wizard Radagast whom he had known for ages and with whom he shared his passion to nature and all things living. Tom asked him to fill him in with the Day's discussions. It would take a while, but then again only a while.


Radagast had wondered why Iarwain had left so swiftly, but he let it go knowing that it was no more in his nature than his own love for spending whole days listening to birds. With a collected sigh and smile he began to explain what little he already understood of other's true intentions, and whom Iarwain should respond to as they had questions about his previous actions.

" As is to be expected and understood, most in the company still find your ways confusing, but speak with them honestly and they should see that it is but the way of your - nature, if you pardon the choice of words...", Radagast said with a slight smile, since he knew Iarwain would find it silly but true.

" Though, there are those in the company who have grown worried about you who do know you well. Gildor so far has kept his reasoning steady, and wonders whether you are hiding something in your songs, but he wishes you to explain more of this clearly so he will not regret acting without reason. I think this is wise, for we cannot afford more mistakes or losses. Our river of suspicion has grown wide enough.

Ugluk has left to find provisions so that we may not go hungry and cold this evening, but he has voted for you to leave. I do hope he will explain his reasoning when he returns, although I respect him because I respect Curunir's wisdom, I cannot help to wonder if he acts so justly. We are all waiting for lord Elrohir to explain his vote, others may have their own reasons, but mine is concern that we make no mistakes over it.

Our strong Lobelia has kept to her judgement as always, and although it may seem unfair, I see no planned malice in them, only a need to have others be forthright. As for Halbarad, he seems to be in other's eyes as much an enigma as you are, but like Lady Galadriel he has changed in his judgement and said so. He still appears somewhat reserved to me, but I can't find the reason to punish him for being honest about his vote.
There is far more others can tell you themselves, for I am afraid I never studied the way of reading others' thoughts but only their honesty if they mean so."

He ended his recollections with a small shrug and hoped that Iarwain in his wisdom could dispel any doubt.

I know it's in your nature but something just feels offbeat in your overall smoothness. I know you can be more edgy when it's needed. And I think we'd need that edge right now..."


"Aye, it is true. I learned quite a bit to be stern from the Beornings, but I am afraid if anything I am lost in my decision. If the traitors feel confident about anything, I guess they will be even happier knowing that I am generally lost in suspicions. Though, the time has come for me to be a bear, so to speak. "

Radagast didn't literally turn into a bear, he knew all too well Gandalf would have him by the beard later if he used such abilities, but he decided to appear more in thought and tone like one.

" Like others I have grown concerned over Elrohir's light judgement, but he has explained already that this was what it was. Thankfully he is willing to put aside voting Ugluk just because he is an Orc, and concentrate on any other more rational choices. Like I've said before, I may not entirely agree with the actions of Halbarad earlier, but I cannot simply vote for him because he gave a reason for his vote of Gandalf when we asked him. It is quite a lot more than others have given in their criticism.

Lord Theodred, I respect your natural suspicions, but I believe Bombadil was clear when he said that I was making little grounds in the way of open suspicion. So far I have been unable to make up my mind about anything for certain, and I see no reason for me to openly attack others so I can here what I want, not what I need for a vote. I need not prey on others to feel confident about my own inabilities. I am afraid you are beginning to sound like Elrohir did yesterDay, but I hope you can give reasoning behind this as he has.
If you believe I am spreading suspicion, please remind me where I said I accused a direct person in the company. I am willing to speak with you about this only if you wish to further explain.

I am worried over Ugluk's vote, and simply hope he may return to explain it. I don't think he will be back in time before the voting deadline unfortunately, so I will wait.

I understand Galadriel's reasoning behind her previous vote, but I think it wise if she speak more on toDay's matters, for I would like to hear more from her."

Edit: x-ed with Bombadil, Theodred, and many more.

Edit: Bolding.

[Nogrod]

Tom realised there was preciously little time in comparison to how slow he used to think - and how he needed to puff his pipe every once in a while - and how soon the sun would set that he decided to voice every suspicion or thought that came to him as soon as it came. He didn't care to rhyme them anymore as he'd need the time for thinking the next thought.

And so hew began with calling the fair lady Galadriel.

"My dear lady Galadriel, the carrier of wisdom, you spoke so soon after the terrible murder was uncovered and with such length and eloquence one might think you had it prepared beforehand – which you couldn’t have done unless you knew there was a place for such a speech in the first place… I do not wish to underestimate your prowess in learning and thinking, do not misunderstand me my lady, but there was something too ready and prepared in that first speech of yours this Morning even an elf-queen would not be able to do without some foreknowledge. It really bothers me now as I noticed it.”

[A Little Green]

"I am at a loss", said Éomer. "I do not know yet who to vote, and already evening draws near. Like I said earlier, I fear lord Radagast and what he might be hiding beneath his fair mask, but hesitate to drive him away without more proof.

"Though I have given much thought to the ranger Halbarad, I still do not know how to think about him. There seems to be something going on around him, if he is not a traitor then I suspect one of his accusers is. I do not know. I will think through once more what has been said about him, and what he has said.

"There is something sinister in how Mistress Lobelia talks, though her arguments are generally good and sensible. She has become more controlled and more careful, and I do not like the change. She explains it very reasonably, but something just does not sit right with her.

"Of the others I have nothing to add to what I have said before. Like I said I do not know who I am going to vote. I guess it will be a choice between Radagast, Lobelia and possibly Halbarad, depending on the result of my thinking. I am still a little uneasy about both Galadriel and Elrohir, but will probably leave them alone at least until tomorrow.


EDIT: x-ed with two Toms and a Radagast

[Gwathagor]

"I earlier expressed my suspicion of Elrohir for his unmotivated vote of yesterday. Several of us have asked for some explanation, and he has given none. If Master Elrohir fails to provide a reasonable explanation within the next hour, I will vote that he be expelled from the Company."

[Groin Redbeard]

Dain cried aloud in joy when he saw Tom Bombadil frolicking back towards them from his long walk.

"I'm glad that you have come back to us the night is almost upon us we have an hour to decide our vote. I will express my concerns now before I think about my vote.

"Theodred seems to be alright to me right now, I haven't really focused on him, since nothing strikes me as suspicious about him, but I will ponder his words and examine them more closely.

"Lobelia's change is disturbing to me. It looks like she was testing every member of the fellowship yesterDay for weaknesses that could be used against them and then singled Halbarad out when people started suspecting him.

"Eomer, is looking better to me, but I wasn't entirely satisfied with his answer. Indeed it seems like he focused more on accusing others than clearing his name.

"Gildor, I have no problem with. Very inciteful; very helpful too.

"Halbarad, he's a very quite figure, but has spoken enough for me to have an opinion of him. He's on my list of suspicious characters, but he is at the bottom of it. His defence is an fair one and indeed if he is a traiter than he is a sloppy one.

"Radagast, I have no opinion of yet, as Theodred said we seem to have passed him entirely in our calculations. Let me examine his words before I offer further incite on him."

With that Dain walked away from the company and walked by himself for a little bit. He would speak less now, but his ears where always open.

EDIT: X'd with Bombadil, Radagast, Bombadil, Eomer, and Halbarad

[Nogrod]

"And I don't know about you Halbarad the ranger. First you felt suspicios, then less so and now once the tide is slowly turning again in my mind - as I start to wonder why I felt you not so suspicious in the end of that cursed first Day of our trip. But I can't see you planning these treacherous acts together with lady Galadriel as it would be too attention-grabbing... But whatever way this all goes in the end there's something that focuses around you in many ways - like Eomer here stated - and after something happens we may see what there was. Whether it be you gone or one of your lead-suspicioners turning out a traitor."

[Gwathagor]

[quote=Nogrod;551428]"My dear lady Galadriel, the carrier of wisdom, you spoke so soon after the terrible murder was uncovered and with such length and eloquence one might think you had it prepared beforehand – which you couldn’t have done unless you knew there was a place for such a speech in the first place… quote]

"This is a good point. I may renew my suspicions of Galadriel, to whom I have perhaps not given enough attention today. I hope you are not trying to lead us astray, Bombadil."

Halbarad looked shrewdly at the old fellow and pondered what Gildor had said about Bombadil earlier. Was there something darker to Bombadil? He was not sure.

[Aganzir]

"Masters Bombadil and Halbarad, I do not see anything that suspicious about lady Galadriel's early start. If she had been too deep in thought to concentrate on the last part of the discussion in Hollin, why could she not prepare her speech beforehand? I do not think it necessarily indicates any certain foreknowledge.

But on the other hand, I find her speech something a traitor might wish to use against her - just because it is possible to do so."

[Thinlómien]

"I find it weird how Éomer gradually drifts from mentioning that Radagast's evilness wouldn't be noticed to saying that he is one of those he considers voting today. It is definitely odd and I do not like it."

Gildor cast a thoughtful look at the ascending Arien. "There is not much time, yet we all seem confused, and some of us have been very silent. Where now is Lady Galadriel? I would like to hear her opinions on things."

He paused to cast an inquisitive look at a lemming that was eyeing him. When he next talked, it seemed more like he was talking to the creature than his companions. "And whoever said that either Halbarad or at least one of his accusers is guilty, I agree with him. But I'm not sure I want to try to find it out by lynching him... yet."

Gildor then truned to Lobelia and Iarwain. "You two are my main suspects at the moment, I'm afraid, but I would not like to see either of you sent home for feeble reasons.

It remains an open question who I will vote."


edit: xed with Halbarad and Lobelia

[Nogrod]

"Even if our spicy little hobbit will dislike what I say I must say that I'm a bit uneasy with your enthusiasm Daín... I'm just afraid of too much trust.

I will join master Halbarad's dislike for Elrohir's presence. And even if I can't say I trust the ranger's innocence any more than I do with anyone of you.

If you say we can't do it as his brother was just murdered cold-blood I'd turn that very unhelpful argument back to that Elrohir might better go home if not for any other reason than just to make sure even one from the house of Elrond gets back safe and sound."

Tom seemed to stop for a moment but then got back to his senses.

"I could vote for Galadriel or Elrohir. Those might be my first choices right now. I might vote some others I have spoken already toDay as well but I need to think them a bit more."

[Nogrod]

"It's also interesting to see how certain people jump on half-defending lady Galadriel, half-turning the suspicion of her to be a suspicious act itself as soon as some believable suspicions have been raised against her. That's good indeed as all these twists increase the probability of the next sending away from the fellowship and the possible Nightly act of murder will start telling us things."

[Aganzir]

"Master Bombadil, this very same person thought right after hearing lady Galadriel's speech that she wouldn't be surprised if it was used against her by a traitor, and that is why the half-defense. She is not certain about Galadriel's innocence, quite the contrary, but if she sees something she finds a bad reason to accuse of, she will definitely comment on it."

[Nogrod]

"Ahh, but it's not a bad reason. Indeed it seems like the best one I've come forwards this far - which might be because I was lost in the woods myself thinking other things than this mission most of the Day. Sure.

But one has to know that such an act takes place and it doesn't take you yourself with it. That's what I'm looking at there. She knew nothing bad would happen to her and thence she could prepare her speech in advance.

As soon as you give me a better case I'm ready to follow. But now I would probably favour sending the dear lady back to Lothlorien.

Gah, the straightest route for her would be to accompany us..."

[THE Ka]

to that Elrohir might better go home if not for any other reason than just to make sure even one from the house of Elrond gets back safe and sound."

"It is not so much unhelpful as Elrohir said himself earlier that his thoughts would be few after the event of such a thing and that he needed time. If he wished to return home he might say more on this, but I think it pity-seeking of others to force words into his mouth."

[A Little Green]

"My lord Gildor", said Éomer, "what you said about my thoughts about lord Radagast is understandable. I would hope, however, that you would take into account the thinking I have done between my speeches. I cannot have done all my thinking out loud in order to let others have a say as well. The more I think about Radagast, the more uneasy I am with him. I hope that cleared my words.

"I have thought about Halbarad and find him more suspicious now. His behaviour in the last minutes of the dreadful day was definitely fishy. I do not have the time for straight quotations or specification, for already the sun is setting.

"My vote will go to Lobelia, Halbarad or Radagast. I am still torn."


EDIT: x-ed with Lobelia, Tom and Radagast

[Groin Redbeard]

"The suspicion of Galadriel is due to the uncertainty that we are in," Dain said again when hearing Bombadil's words. "Indeed even you say that Galadriel and Elrohir would be the first for you to vote out, both of which are not here to defend themselves."

Dain went back to his own thoughts, but turned back as if something had just jogged his memory. "I don't know how my mistrust of Lobelia could be called as enthusiasm I expressed my concern of her change of mood from the beginning, but I have not singled her out. I said that I would ponder everyone's words and I find her suspicious. I do agree with you however about being to fond of trust."

EDIT: X'd with Radagastt and Eomer

[Gwathagor]

"The evening draws on ever swifter, and only vote has been cast. I fear the frenzy of the last moment, for all too frequently it produces a bad kill. I do not wish to get involved in such a frenzy, so I shall vote now. I vote that

++Elrohir

be sent home, for he is either a traitor hiding behind the shield of family tragedy, or an innocent whose unreasoning hate makes him dangerous as well."

[Aganzir]

"Tom, making a speech doesn't take so much effort that one wouldn't do it even if she wasn't sure whether she would survive the collision. But let's not argue about it now."

edit: xed with Halbarad

[Nogrod]

"Wake up Radagast my friend! We have no time to this kind of thing anymore. Are you trying to force me to stand up against you after I have voted my dearest friend and your kin out? Try to be more constructive - or are you not interested? Because the traitors are safe at the moment so it's just fine whoever of the top-candidates right now get sent away and you don't feel any urgency to bring in your own thoughts about the vote?

I need some puffing of my pipe right now."

[Groin Redbeard]

"I need some puffing of my pipe right now."
"No!" Dain cried in anger, running over to the rest of the fellowship, "We need action! The Sun is nearly set and half of our minds are not made up. I'm not sure about the rest of you but I'm going with the one who looks the most suspicious on my list. Please hurry the night is almost upon us!"

++Lobelia

[Thinlómien]

"Iarwain, you said:
Because the traitors are safe at the moment so it's just fine whoever of the top-candidates right now get sent away and I did not quite get it. How so? Do you happen to know that none of the top candidates is guilty?...

I brought back to my mind Galadriel's early words and they indeed seemed somewhat fishy. I might vote her, or Iarwain, or Lobelia and I should have made my mind up already..."


edit: xed with Dáin

[Nogrod]

"I somehow don't like the way this hobbit continues defending the lady... especially the way she makes a point and then says let's not discuss this any more. It feels wrong and fishy in athe way it's executed. But so do most of you feel bad to me right now..."

[A Little Green]

"I have to vote now, so

++ Lobelia

it will be. Further reasoning coming tomorrow, time is pressing. Gildor has to speak his mind as well."

[Aganzir]

"I didn't say anymore, I said now. 15 minutes before nightfall is not the right time to argue about something like that."

edit: xed with Éomer.

[Nogrod]

Do you happen to know that none of the top candidates is guilty?..."Don't play an ignoramus my friend. It was a specualtion why he'd feel secure if his allies were safe right now - and you know it was a speculation. So why ask the question if there wasn't another agenda behind it?"

[Thinlómien]

"I think what Lobelia is doing might be a traitor defending an innocent in order to look good... but I do not know..."

edit: xed with tom

[Aganzir]

"Or an innocent defending someone who is attacked with feeble grounds."

[Thinlómien]

"Don't play an ignoramus my friend. It was a specualtion why he'd feel secure if his allies were safe right now - and you know it was a speculation. So why ask the question if there wasn't another agenda behind it?""Now stop that, good sir! I'm afraid i did not understand what you said but for Elbereth's sake let's not solve this now for I should be rather thinking about who I will vote...!"

edit: xed with Lobster

[Thinlómien]

"In my opinion it's not feeble gorunds."

[satansaloser2005]

Dain and Tom Bombadil's sudden outburst was just the thing Theodred needed to get him to speak. He did his best to be heard over the many overlapping voices of his companions.

"I have returned from some thought, and though I have much to say, there is little time to say it. There are some in our company whose behavior has been discussed enough for the day. Let us leave Galadriel to be further investigated at a later time; I feel her dawn speech was no more than an eagerness to share her views. Focusing on only one of our number benefits no one, for there are THREE traitors in our midst, and after hearing your recent arguments, I must say that

++Lobelia

is a suspicious little woman. I would almost prefer to be rid of Halbarad, just to be sure of where his loyalties lie, but at present I find her to be toublesome. Let us hope, my companions, that we do not send our ringbearer packing in vain."

[Nogrod]

Radagast goes for straw-picking with roles and character-emotions at the last minutes when we should do something else. So why? Because everything's alright to him? 'nuff said?

[Aganzir]

If you kill me, you deserve the consequences!

[THE Ka]

I cannot have done all my thinking out loud in order to let others have a say as well.

"That is of course, understandable, but it is slightly troubling you won't let others have a say or explain a bit more. I believe Gildor is concerned that you are saying something, but without much in it."

" Voting for Galadriel does not seem to be the quickest way of flushing out traitors, if that is what voting for her is to acomplish. Unless the goal is to just send her home without getting any information from her, but to me that seems a waste of good judgement."

Gah, the straightest route for her would be to accompany us..."

Indeed, it makes little sense if she'd be following our same path anyways.

Theodred's immediate concern is troubling, but I can't vote him simply for racing to the deadline with something, since I don't have much evidence to use either. Still, many others did this on the first Day, hopefully he can explain in full toMorrow as others have.

Gah, I have little to no evidence to give a vote that would suit my conscious or any others. I am going to regret this, but if only to save someone from further harm I will have to agree with Bombadil about Elrohir, except in the light of recent circumstances I do not believe it would be kind to suffer the House of Elrond any further when it needs its kin now more than ever.
If you object to this lord Elrohir, I understand and am sorry if I act by a different feeling.

++Elrohir

[Thinlómien]

"Alright, let's go by a gut-feeling although I'm everything else but sure

++Tom Bombadil

I don't want everybody to vote at the last minute. And besides whatever happens and however horrible this will turn out, we will learn a lot tomorrow..."


edit: xed with everybody on this page

[Aganzir]

++ Tom Bombadil

edit: xed with Radagast and Gildor

[Nogrod]

If you kill me, you deserve the consequences!

That does it.

++ Lobelia

I'm taking my chances with the consequences now.

EDIT: x'd with everyone since Lobelia's "consequences"

[Aganzir]

Lobelia laughs. This was the other thing she was sure would happen.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

DEADLINE

Stop posting.

Votes cast after this will not count.

Narration coming up soon.

Traitors may begin to plot meanwhile.

[satansaloser2005]

"I feel this may have been a mistake. Why did I fail to help eject Elrohir from our company? An oversight of unforgiveable porportions on my behalf, and though it was due to my rushed decision, I still am angry with my stupidity.

Nevertheless, we will accept the consequences. Sleep well my friends, for these speeches made right before sundown will be the topic of great discussion tomorrow."

With that, Theodred went off for a brief sleep.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

By the end of the day, following the course of the riverbed of Sirannon the Fellowship reached a low cliff, some five fathoms high, with a broken and jagged top. Over it a trickling water dripped, through a wide cleft that seemed to have been carved out by a fall that had once been strong and full. There it was, when the talk between the Companions almost turned into a fight.
After the last words of those accusing her, Lobelia laughed. It was not a sad laughter of one who is defeated, but a sad laughter of one who saw the foolishness of others and the way they took.

"So be it," she said. "I should have expected this from the likes of you. Noble, fair or wise some of you may think to be, but there is little nobility, little wisdom and seemingly no loyalty and trust in the wisdom of the Head of the Council among you. From the moment he left us this has been going in a wrong course. You sent away another of the Wise, and now you want me to go. You don't trust me? Fine, have the Ring!" With these words she took the chain with the Ring off of her neck and lifted it in front of them.
"Take it, then! I am really curious who among you will take it, and to what end it will lead you." Gildor, who was standing the nearest, reluctantly took the chain. Lobelia turned away.
"And now I will go home," she said and began to slowly walk back.

The other Companions looked at each other. They hesitated, and after hearing her last words, some were in doubt. Was Lobelia really a traitor?
"Wait!" Théodred shouted. "Wait, Mistress Lobelia!"
"Mistress Baggins!" cried Dáin.

She stopped. Then she turned; the beams of the setting sun surrounded her silhouette, they could not see her face. She reached to her side and lifted something with her right hand.

"Is she waving at us with her umbrella?" Éomer asked. But then he realised it: the umbrella was in Lobelia's left hand.
"What?" gasped Elrohir.

***

On the morning of the last day before the Fellowship left Rivendell, Bilbo was sitting alone in his room. Soon soft steps were heard outside the room. The old hobbit lifted himself and went to open the door.
"Oh, my dear Lobelia," he said, seeing the newcomer. "Please, come in."
Lobelia entered, looking suspiciously around the room. "Why did you ask me to come here?" she asked.
Bilbo stopped near the window and looked around nervously. "Well, I thought, you know," he stammered. "I wanted to apologize to you for how I acted on the Council..."
Lobelia looked at him, raising her eyebrows.
"We should be family, after all," the hobbit continued. "And, you see, I thought about it... the Ring is now going with you, and I -" he faltered. "I wanted to give you something."
He walked to the corner of the room and pulled out from under his bed a wooden box. He lifted the lid and took out a small sword in an old shabby leathern scabbard.
Then he drew it, and its polished and well-tended blade glittered suddenly, cold and bright. "This is Sting," he said, and thrust it with little effort deep into a wooden beam. "It is my sword, you know, the one I acquired on my journeys... I wanted to offer it to you, as you are carrying the Ring, and it may come useful on the journey..."
Lobelia was quite surprised and confused. She did not know what to think of the old hobbit's offer, even though she knew he is being right. I never wielded a sword, she thought. And why should I have? But now, it could indeed be useful... she was well aware of her importance as the Ringbearer. She could not deny the sword was beautiful, in a way.
Bilbo looked at her nervously. "So, what do you say?"

***

"I was watching over you," Lobelia said, holding the sword up. "At Caradhras, I did. I was not swift enough to save that poor Elf twin. But protecting such ungrateful company is beyond me. Face the consequences. Face them yourselves," she said, and finally turning away, not reacting to others' cries, she walked away.

-----------------------------------------------

The Fellowship:

A Little Green - Éomer
Groin Redbeard - Dáin II. Ironfoot
Gwathagor - Halbarad
McCaber - Elrohir
Meneltarmacil - Uglúk
Nogrod - Tom Bombadil
Rune son of Bjarne - Galadriel
Sally - Théodred
THE Ka - Radagast
Thinlómien - Gildor Inglorion

Gone:

Gil-Galad - Gandalf (left the Fellowship in Eregion) - innocent
Nerwen - Elladan (lost in the Pass of Caradhras) - innocent
Aganzir - Lobelia Sackville-Baggins (departed the Company by the dry streambed of Sirannon) - First Ringbearer & Protector

-----------------------------------------------

The second Collision is about to come. Everyone stop posting. Traitors start PMing. Everyone send me your picks, kills and other things.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

After Lobelia left, the Company stood still reluctantly for a moment. But the evening was closing, so they had to move. They climbed up the stony stair eastwards, back to the roots of the mountains. At the top they stopped. Behind them the sinking Sun filled the cool western sky with glimmering gold. Before them stretched a dark still lake. Neither sky nor sunset was reflected on its sullen surface. The Sirannon had been dammed and had filled all the valley. Beyond the ominous water were reared vast cliffs, their stern faces pallid in the fading light: final and impassable.
"There are the Walls of Moria!" cried Dáin. "Is that the path we are going to take now?"
"It is the best choice for us," said Galadriel. "There is no other way we can reach the other side of the mountains unnoticed."
"The name of Moria is black," said Halbarad with a grim face.
"Yet Gandalf would have advised us to take this way," Radagast said. "It is unpleasant to lose the sight of the sky and sun for some time, but this is indeed the fastest way to reach the pleasant and green valleys of Anduin."
"I would like to see them green at this time," said Éomer. "Yet if you insist, I will follow you to the darkness – if there is hope for us to come out again."
"Do not doubt it," Galadriel said. "I have passed through Khazad-Dûm, a long time ago."
Dáin and the Elves looked at her with surprise. She smiled, but the Dwarf frowned under that look, as if he remembered something unpleasant from the past. "But what?" he said. "Are we going to swim this gloomy water? It has an unwholesome look."
"There is a path by the northern edge," Halbarad said. "We might try to find our way around the shore."

He went forward and the others followed him. Only Tom Bombadil stood silently and watched the still lake. "This is ill water," he said.
Éomer turned at him. "We know that," he said. "But we must go around it to reach this gate, wherever it is."
Tom shook his head. "Tom expected at least the Fair Folk to be wiser than crawl into dark holes underground."
"You don't have to go, little man," said Uglúk.
"Don't hinder us," said Elrohir. "Let's go!"

The diminished Fellowship quickly passed around the lake to reach the walls of Moria. As Théodred, the last of the Company, stepped on the dry ground on the far side, there came a soft sound: a swish, followed by a plop, as if a fish had disturbed the still surface of the water. Turning quickly they saw ripples, black-edged with shadow in the waning light: great rings were widening outwards from a point far out in the lake. There was a bubbling noise, and then silence. The dusk deepened, and the last gleams of the sunset were veiled in cloud.

"So, where is this gate?" Théodred asked. "It may be dark inside, but somehow I would prefer it over standing on the shore of this lake after dusk."
"The Dwarven door is always hidden," Dáin explained.
"So can we find it?" Halbarad asked. "I thought you, Lady, said you have passed through before."
"I did," said Galadriel, lifting her white arms and touching the stony wall. "And I know the door does not open by itself."

Galadriel whispered something softly and, to everyone's surprise, where there was just plain wall a few moments ago, a great doorway opened.

"This is our way," Galadriel said, turning back on the others.
Bombadil gazed into the darkness inside. "This is not a good place," he said. "These are no longer Dwarven homes, but cold and dark caves and halls."
Dáin was standing still, clutching his fists, pale in his face. "It has been too long," he muttered to himself. "Balin..."
Radagast shook his head. "Come on! Wake up! This is no time to stay!" He took few steps to the edge of the pool and raising high his staff, he hit the surface of the water with a flash.
Instantly after the staff hit the surface, there was a swish and a bubble from further in the pool. Great rippling rings formed on the surface somewhere in the middle of the lake, and they moved slowly towards the foot of the cliff.
"Why did you do that, Radagast?" said Éomer. "I hate this place, and I am afraid. I don't know of what: not of the traitors among us, not of the dark behind the doors, but of something else. I am afraid of the pool. Don't disturb it!"
"We have been standing and talking here for too long," said Gildor. "Let us go in."
"This is an evil door, and my death lies beyond it. I will dare to pass it nonetheless," said Halbarad. He strode forward, but at that moment several things happened. Éomer felt something seize him by the ankle, and he fell with a cry. The others swung round and saw the waters of the lake seething, as if a host of snakes were swimming up from the southern end.
Out from the water a long sinuous tentacle had crawled; it was pale-green and luminous and wet. Its fingered end had hold of Éomer's foot and was dragging him into the water.
"Into the gateway! Up the stairs! Quick!" shouted Radagast leaping back.
Rousing them from the horror that seemed to have rooted all to the ground where they stood, he drove them forward. But then Éomer drew his sword and with one slash he cut the hideous tentacle away. He fell on his face, and twenty other arms came rippling out. The dark water boiled, and there was a hideous stench.
"We cannot help him!" shouted Radagast. "Up the stairs!"
Several tentacles grabbed Éomer's legs and body. He almost could not move. But he was still clutching his sword. He lifted his head, and his eyes met Radagast's. And with shock and horror, the Wizard realised the young Rohir's eyes were shining with anger and hatred.
"Cannot help me?" Éomer shouted with surprising strength. "I see – you are leaving me to die here! This was all your doing – traitor!!!"
Radagast felt as if time had slowed for him. He had enough time to watch Éomer's arm rising, he saw him stretching his hand and then, throwing his sword against him. He had enough time to see the sword of Mark flying through the air towards him and hitting him, while the slimy green tentacles slowly dragged Éomer into the water and the lake closed above him.

Radagast collapsed on the steps. But to the dismay of the remaining Companions, about his body a grey mist gathered, and rising slowly to a great height like smoke from a fire, as a pale shrouded figure it loomed over the pool. For a moment it wavered, looking to the West; but out of the West came a cold wind, and it bent away, and with a sigh dissolved into nothing.

Galadriel was the first to break the silence. "Come!" she cried, although even in her voice the horror was heard. "This is not over yet! Get away from the door!"

They were just in time. Uglúk and Tom were only a few steps up, and Halbarad had just begun to climb, when the groping tentacles writhed across the narrow shore and fingered the cliff-wall and the doors. One came wriggling over the threshold, glistening in the starlight. Galadriel turned and paused. If she was considering what would close the gate again from within, there was no need. Many coiling arms seized the doors on either side, and with horrible strength, swung them round. With a shattering echo they slammed, and all light was lost. A noise of rending and crashing came dully through the ponderous stone. They were now trapped inside Moria, and the only way out was on the other side.

-----------------------------------------------
The Fellowship has entered the Mines of Moria.
-----------------------------------------------

The Fellowship:

Groin Redbeard - Dáin II. Ironfoot
Gwathagor - Halbarad
McCaber - Elrohir
Meneltarmacil - Uglúk
Nogrod - Tom Bombadil
Rune son of Bjarne - Galadriel
Sally - Théodred
Thinlómien - Gildor Inglorion

Gone:

Gil-Galad - Gandalf (left the Fellowship in Eregion) - innocent
Nerwen - Elladan (lost in the Pass of Caradhras) - innocent
Aganzir - Lobelia Sackville-Baggins (departed the Company by the dry streambed of Sirannon) - First Ringbearer & Protector
A Little Green – Éomer (dragged into the pool by the Watcher in the Water) - Avenger
THE Ka – Radagast (killed by Éomer's sword Gúthwinë by the Gates of Moria) - traitor
-----------------------------------------------

The third part of the journey begins. Traitors stop talking. Everyone start posting. And if the former events were too little for you, you can decide who shall be the next Ringbearer.

[satansaloser2005]

Theodred was overcome with sorrow at the loss of his cousin, though proud that Eomer's last act had been to conquer a traitor. He resolved to sit in silence for a while before joining the day's discussion.

[Thinlómien]

"Brave was Éomer son of Éomund from the green land of Calenardhon, and although I grieve his death, he did not die in vain, for he killed a traitor, and indeed the slyest of them all, it seems. For I did nor foresee Radagast's treachery, and I daresay few others could.

His guilt has somewhat reduced my doubt of Iarwain Ben-adar. If they were companions in treachery, I do not see why would he spread light on the suspicious actions of his fellow who was unsuspected or unnoticed by everyone else. Or maybe he could, but not in the manner he did it."

Gildor paused. He weighed the strange Ring in his hands and tried not to think about it. He was afraid of its power and its lures and had been reluctant to take it, even though he believed he had more willpower and harmony of mind than perhaps any of the others. He tried to catch someone glaring at the precious Ring, but no one was eyeing it greedily. He shook his head. The path of catching the remaining traitors would be a more difficult one.

"As soon as I can, I will go through everybody's relations with Radagast in my mind." He fell silent. Then he hid the Ring. It was useless to create more evil by having it in plain sight.

[Groin Redbeard]

Dain stood in shock as the doors of Khazadum closed with a collosial bang. He stood for a while in horror of what had just happened, but it was only for a second. He shook his head at the loss of Eomer, his words might have helped fellowship for a while longer.

"I am not at all in favor of coming this way," he said. "Long ago did a warn Thrain of the danger that still dwells here, I fear that Durin's bane still lives. Balin set out from Esgaroth thirty years ago and has never been heard from since." he sighed hard through closed lips. "But do not let that disturb us, we may still go unoticed here, and we have one less traitor to worry us on our journey, one down two more two go."

He walked at the head of the council guiding the way along with Galadriel, and he marveled at the craftmenship of his people long ago and indeed would have loved to stay here longer; but he knew all to well of the danger that they were in and pushed on.

EDIT: X'd with Gildor

[Gwathagor]

Halbarad sat stunned for a moment, with a dark look upon his face, as he considered this sudden turn of events. He needed to choose his next words carefully, for this day could mean the life or death of the Fellowship. Careless words had been the cause of Lobelia's death in the closing hours of the previous day, and they could afford no more losses.

"The chances are that Elrohir is innocent after all, since Radagast the Traitor voted to expel him. Of course, Lobelia already had several votes when the Traitor voted, so it may have only been a subterfuge of the enemy who knew that Elrohir would not be voted out...? It is possible, but unlikely.

"What troubles me most now is yesterday's last minute voting frenzy between the allies of Lobelia and Bombadil. It was a generally nasty situation, and nearly everyone involved looks suspicious...except Lobelia, of course. My first instinct is that Bombadil looks the most suspicious of the participants in that disaster. However, I dare not rush to conclusions. Allow me a few hours alone to consider what transpired; when I return, I will join the debate. (I may eat some food while I am away as well and exercise while I am away as well!)"


EDIT: Crossed with Dain and Gildor

[Groin Redbeard]

Dain went over in his mind the doings of Radagast the brown during the last two days, in truth he had not suspected him in the slightest.

"Well, on thing we can be sure of is that Elrohir is in fact innocent, or all the more guilty. Radagast had voted for him when Lobelia was voted to leave. That was either a clever part on Radagast's part to fool us, seeing how few of us were eager to jump on Elrohir, or proves his innocents completely."

EDIT: X'd with Halbarad

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Galadriel had failed the group earlier and she knew it, but there was little she could have done about it and there was nothing for her to do than to look ahead. Eventhough her speach at Sirannon had been the subject of debate, she where going to repeat the act.

Galadriel calmly adressed the group, it could not be seen that she was no longer as confident as earlier.



"Of Eomer I had great doubt and in Radagast I held great belief, both have been shamed at the walls of Moria. My wisdom seem to have left me to some degree, no doubt the pressens of the ring has some hold of me and is surrounding my thoughts with a grey mist of insecurity. It is the same mist that clouds my mind about the Ugluk the Orc and Theodred of Rohan.

Of something I am certain still. . .I can only say that I have grown more sure of the need for the departure of Iarwain. Of course my speech at Sirannon was prepared, I do not start speaking while knowing not what to say! Surely even I could not know whether I would have the chance to speak them, but at times one is willing to take risks. As Lobelia quit rightfully pointed out your view on that speech changed in a quite interesting manner.


On the subject of Lobelia: It will be hard to figure out if traitors where amongst the people responsible for her sending away. . . . her aggressive and somewhat unorthodox approach to our quest could have let many to belive that she was a traitor hiding in the open and indeed I was bewildered by her.

Halbarad Is hard to put a finger on, he seems to be bending like a branch in the wind no matter what happens.


Gildor You confuse me a bit, you seem at times highly suspicious and at other times you seem to posses your wisdom of old. Had it been someone I knew less than you I would give you the benefit of the doubt, but I do know you and I so I am letting you know that I am watching you closely."

[Nogrod]

Tom was both sad and proud of the young Eorling - and a little proud of himself as well. And in the middle of all the puzzles and confusion some of his normal self-confidence was back after the weary hours of the last Day. He was thinking to himself: I was right in the end! I'm normally not good with persons and conspiracies but with nature and Ilúvatar's simpler creations... But maybe I can indeed help these youngsters after all? So should I turn my eyes more intently towards the lady Galadriel toDay as I still have a similar kind of suspicion on her? Maybe I should indeed.

The fellowship was ascending the steps in the darkness and Tom couldn't but hum silently...

"I've wathched these mountains grow,
seen them aligning themselves in a row,
but still I hate being here in dark under them:
places without the sky are places for mayhem."

That wasn't the most cheery piece but it reflected his feeling about the mines of Moria quite accurately. But then he heard some people already starting discussion and he started thinking about what they had said and what had happened.

X'd with Galadriel

[McCaber]

Elrohir returned from his meditative journeys,

"Truly, Eomer is a grievous loss, but it is sadder that Radagast had turned from the light. Even the Istari can err, it seems.

Two of us here are traitors. I shall think back on what the wizard said to see if he incriminated anyone.

And please, believe that I am not one of these foul traitors, for if I were I would not have killed my brother Elladan. I apologize for my silence on Caradhras, but I shall speak as truly as I am able in Moria."

[Nogrod]

And please, believe that I am not one of these foul traitors, for if I were I would not have killed my brother Elladan.
"At this hour it will take more than that my good elf. You know as well as we all that this Ring might mess with the heads of anyone of you and bring you to do things you couldn't imagine... I'm pretty disappointed with you now as I was almost ready to believe you true to our mission before you spoke just because of what Radagast did..."

Tom shook his head and then shouted to the front of the party where lady Galadriel was leading the fellowship.

"Shall we rest any time soon? I'd need to talk to you my fair lady and we'd do with a break, all of us."

[Meneltarmacil]

Oh, and I have plenty of time to spare now, unlike before when I had to hunt for food and scout for enemies, so I will be able to participate more in discussions of treachery.

This place...I can tell there are plenty of Orcs here, mountain-goblins most likely, the likes of which I have no love for. They have no sense of duty and honor like we Uruks do. Yet besides them, I can also smell... something else, something that seems familiar, a memory of Orcs past and fills me with apprehension. And twice now I have seen what appeared to be a cloud of fire and smoke moving around as if it were alive far below us. The sooner we leave here, the better, I say.

But enough about unknown dangers for now, and back to our more immediate problem.

We have here this quote from our good Tom Bombadil:
Wake up Radagast my friend! We have no time to this kind of thing anymore. Are you trying to force me to stand up against you after I have voted my dearest friend and your kin out? Try to be more constructive - or are you not interested? Because the traitors are safe at the moment so it's just fine whoever of the top-candidates right now get sent away and you don't feel any urgency to bring in your own thoughts about the vote?
He sounds kind of desperate for Radagast to start talking here. It has a sense of "I don't want to have a reason to turn against you" feel to it, or at least as I see it. And we already know what that nasty wizard turned out to be in the end. Could Tom be trying to keep a partner in crime from looking too suspicious?

Elrohir, I'm still waiting to learn why you voted for me near the beginning of our quest. Was it really just because I'm an Orc?

And Halbarad, I'm really not sure I can honestly keep letting you off the hook for this long.

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Tom shook his head and then shouted to the front of the party where lady Galadriel was leading the fellowship.

"Shall we rest any time soon? I'd need to talk to you my fair lady and we'd do with a break, all of us."

"Even though I do long to cover some distance and I we are all perfactly capable of talking while moving, I guess a small break would be welcomed. Now speak your mind Iarwain Ben-adar and hopefully it will enlighten us all"

EDIT: Cross-posted with Ugluk

[Gwathagor]

Of something I am certain still. . .I can only say that I have grown more sure of the need for the departure of Iarwain. Of course my speech at Sirannon was prepared, I do not start speaking while knowing not what to say! Surely even I could not know whether I would have the chance to speak them, but at times one is willing to take risks. As Lobelia quit rightfully pointed out your view on that speech changed in a quite interesting manner.



"Indeed, Lady Galadriel, Bombadil's behavior this game has been curious. His voting record speaks against him: he has consistently cast the last, decisive vote against the accused, innocent player. I do not accuse Bombadil yet, but I believe that he deserves a closer look given his role in Lobelia's banishment. And had Radagast not been proven guilty this last night, I would have thought that Bombadil and Theodred were trying to frame him. However, given their last moment suspicions of Radagast yesterday, I am inclined to think that they cannot BOTH be guilty.

"I still think we should have voted against Elrohir.... Maybe he has not caused any more obvious harm, aside from failing to vote yesterday, but silence can be as harmful as speaking up; and silence is much safer. The simple fact of the matter is that a quiet traitor is much less likely to be suspected than one who speaks his mind. Finally, he still needs to explain why he voted for Ugluk on the first day. Elrohir claims it was because of Ugluk's race, but surely no one is satisfied with this answer. I am not.

"I have thought a little about Radagast. Hespoke very little while alive. Even less than Elrohir or Galadriel, and when he did speak, it was generally (apparently) whimsical and distracted - with little substance, and thus little to learn. He didn't even vote on the first day. Perhaps he felt that he didn't have to? He knew that, given the day's suspicions, either I or Gandalf would be killed. No vote leaves no trace.

"Captain Ugluk, however, has identified an interesting comment made by Bombadil to Radagast. We may be able to learn something useful there.

"I have nothing else useful to say for the present. I am, however, very curious to hear more from Elrohir and Bombadil."

[Nogrod]

It has a sense of "I don't want to have a reason to turn against you" feel to it, or at least as I see it. And we already know what that nasty wizard turned out to be in the end."It has the feel in it that "I'm suspecting you heavily now and will soon vote for you if you don't give me reasons not to". Let us not confuse the good manners we all show to our earlier friends here and the exact situation we are and what we need to do."

Saying that he welcomed the call of the lady of the Galadhrim and climbed the remaining steps eagerly to meet her. While others sat back and went to their sacks for snacks Tom stayed up.

"Sorry for not singing this. There's time and place for everything.

My dear lady I must say that there's a shadow I see hovering above you and I need to speak this through openly. I do hope you can show I'm wrong for too noble companions have we lost this far already. And I will not restate things I have already said but only stick to thoughts I've gotten of late.

The traitor Radagast defended you in the very end when all was still more or less open - and he couldn't foresee his own death that would make that determined but non-grounded (and in the end non-needed) defence look so bad afterwards.

Also the heroic Eomér suspected the traitor Radagast strongly but also suspected you. If two of the traitors were caught in her suspicions (others being Halbarad and Elrohir) they might have thought he had some capabilities - a gift one could say - for seeing loyalties and that would explain why they called the Watcher to finish him off last Night.

And you speak of certainty and surety with the need of getting rid of me while you apologise how wrong you have been? I'm not sure or certain we should send you away but I'm beginning to think it might be our best option... in all insecurity we need to live with."

Tom looked at the fair lady in to the eyes and then sat back himself.

"And by the way I do still think that both Halbarad and the fair lady Galadriel are not both traitors but one of them might be indeed. For the way Halbarad seems to try at the same time both make friends with me while with his other hand trying to spread suspicion of me when there seems to be some general distrust looks very dubious indeed. And he shared the top-suspicion in the eyes of Eomer who the traitors might have taken as a "seer" of some kind...

And if you think you should suspect me then just remember Radagast's recital when he told me - by my open request - what people had said yesterDay while I had been away (post #132). It's a nice piece of rhetoric where he looks like quite innocently only referring to me what people had talked about that Day - but why did he make it aloud? Why did he actually wrote all those "analysis" to answer my request? So there was a reason why he wished to share those thoughts with us all. And what might that be? Just remember what he said and you see that it's kind of a list why people should vote me out of the company (he refers mainly to those speeches that suspected me and only referred to a few other kind of comments) while he could distract himself from that view and stay in friendly terms with me. Treacherous wizards are crafty indeed."

Tom took a piece of bread from his rucksack and started chewing.

"In principle we can make one more mistake but I'd rather send a traitor away toNight and so I would very much like to hear what you lady Galadriel and good Halbarad have to say for yourselves - or what suggestions you do have."

EDIT: X'd with Halbarad:
"Your indecisive suggestiviness looks really bad indeed dear ranger..."

[Gwathagor]

For the way Halbarad seems to try at the same time both make friends with me while with his other hand trying to spread suspicion of me when there seems to be some general distrust looks very dubious indeed.

"I asked for your opinion in order to judge you, not to flatter you, Bombadil."

[Gwathagor]

"Your indecisive suggestiviness looks really bad indeed dear ranger..."

"Indecisive? Say, rather, that I am prudent and not o'er-hasty in my accusations."

[Nogrod]

"Ahh... I'm too old to remember or pay heed to that kind of a thing... what was it? Flattery? No. I mean from the very beginning you have walked the line trying to look friendly and even trusting at times but everytime there have been suspicions raised against me you've been more than happy to re-cite them. I know I'm innocent and thence the traitors know it too. They'd love to see old Tom gone. That much I know even if I haven't a good track-record this time. But just look at it the other way around. On the first Day I might have brought you dear Halbarad even with master Gandalf, on the second Day I could have committed a suicide. So do you still say I should have acted differently?"

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Galadriel sat patiently and waited for Tom to finnish and when he did, her answer fell quickly.

"Yes Radagast indeed defended me, but is it no wonder? I spoke kindly of Radagast. . .as a traitor would you not grap the hand of an inoccent when it is streched out to you? Lets not forget that Radagast was not the only one who defended me Lobelia did as well, or rather she attacked the obscure grounds on which some accused me. My heart greatly desires that you are still true to the cause, but I your words have been too predictable.

Yes I have been wrong, but do not try to twist it around and use it as an argument against supporting my sugestion of sending you away!

I would never have voted for Radagast and I was willing to vote for Eomer, but did you not vote for both Lobelia and Mithrandir? Have you not been just as wrong as I?

The fact that you choose to use this in your argument worries me greatly."

EDIT: Cross Posted With Tom Bombadil and inserted a "me"

[Nogrod]

"Oh my lady, have I been wrong? Yes, in a way I have been. But unlike you who have voted nice and early so as not to be scrutinised I have stood there at the last hour. Sadly the chances given to me on these two Days have been dreadful (look what actually happened or just check what I told to Halbarad a moment ago if you're forgotten it).

Just tell me, anyone, what you would have done with that kind of choices I faced that would with your criteria not look suspicious? I mean aren't you just saying X is suspicious where anything someone does in a situation that he has not himself produced will be categorically deemed suspicious? And if that is the case shouldn't we turn our eyes to those who specifically try to avoid any situations where they might be looked like that eg. those voting safely early, spreading the vote so as not to be decisive etc.?

And do not be lazy my dear friends either... Go through what has been said and do not talk nonsense. Not doing that is the way the traitors win. If you care to go through what people have said you can disregard the ignorant or malicious misjudgements which so many people like to just pass forwards as it's easy to cling into something someone just said but remembering and thinking is hard work. Of course, if you're not that interested in following the Council's decision then so be it. I can't force you all to think the best for yourselves. And in the end it's a Ring that affects folks like you and the world of yours, not mine. So as you wish..."

Tom seemed frustrated but also a bit tired. He pulled his hat over his eyes to take a nap and talked or moved no more.

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Now it was Galadriel's turn to feel frustrated and replied Tom just before he laid down to sleep.
"So it is a sign of innocence to save ones vote, to let other run the show instead of shaping it one self? Also lets not forget that when you wait you have the lovely chance of saving your own or a friends neck. I am not saying that I suspect people who save their votes, all I am doing is pointing out that these things can be interpritated in what way fits you best"

[Meneltarmacil]

Actually, to be honest, I've just gone over what Halbarad and Galadriel have done thus far, and have discovered that neither one seems extremely suspicious. Much as I distrust arrogant, self-proclaimed "wise" Elves and don't particularly care for the Dunedain either, neither of them has done anything that deserves exile.

Interestingly, Tom Bombadil called Halbarad suspicious for not contributing much to the discussion. This was after the Ranger had already made the point that Tom's singing could be used to confuse discussion. He's been making arguments, so how is he not contributing to the discussion?

Much as I'd like to move away from my old way of relentlessly attacking a single target, Tom just keeps coming back in my mind... not that getting rid of that annoying singing wouldn't be a good thing, as it gives me a nasty headache.

*angrily drops a large rock down a well*

*crashing sounds*

*RRRROOOOAAAARRRR*

Um, oops?

[Thinlómien]

"Now, I have long pondered Radagast's relations with us who still remain... now hear this. Let me pose a few questions and then answer them.

What did Radagast say of Uglúk?
He repeatedly (#17, #32, #38, #132) mentioned that he did not mind his being in the fellowship because he respected Curunir's wisdom. He also mentioned having some concern about the Uruk (#38) and later (#132) questioned his vote against Iarwain and said that it troubles him, but he will wait until the Orc comes back and explains, although it won't probably happen until after the next collision.

What did he say about Iarwain?
He first defended his rhymes (#17) saying there's no malice in them. Later he defended him again (#38) and noted that everybody were very suspicious of Iarwain, which, in my opinion, was not true. When we had come from from Caradhras (#114), he said that the old fellow's actions were odd, but he did not actually suspect him. Radagast to Iarwain's request and explained that most people find Iarwain's rhymes confusing and also explained his kindness (#132).

What did he say about me, Gildor Inglorion?
He said he respected me and agreed with me that we should not make rash decisions (#32). Later, he agreed with me again (#114), this time on the possible reasons behind Elladan's death. He also called my reasoning steady (#132). He elaborated my point to Éomer, but actually misinterpreted it (#164).

What did he say of Elrohir?
He supported his words about keeping together (#32). He also asked him to give reasons for his vote in Eregion (#123), seconding Éomer there. But later, after stating he had grown concerned about him, he dismissed the whole matter now that Elrohir "is willing to -- concentrate on any other more rational choices". When Iarwain mentioned sending Elrohir home, Radagast said (#145): "It is not so much unhelpful as Elrohir said himself earlier that his thoughts would be few after the event of such a thing and that he needed time. If he wished to return home he might say more on this, but I think it pity-seeking of others to force words into his mouth." Then he agreed with Iarwain about Elrohir (what did Iarwain actually say evades my mind at the moment) and voted him (#164).

What did he say about Halbarad?
He answered his question about trust (#38). He called him enigma in others' eyes and said he seems honest and reserved to him (#132).

What of Galadriel then?
He agreed with Dáin that it would be good to hear more of her (#42). He also mentioned her when talking about Halbarad and said he understands her vote and would like to hear more of her (#132). Later yesterday (#164) he said "Voting for Galadriel does not seem to be the quickest way of flushing out traitors, if that is what voting for her is to acomplish. Unless the goal is to just send her home without getting any information from her, but to me that seems a waste of good judgement."

What did he say of Théodred?
He defended himself against Théodred's suspicions and said that the Rohir is starting to sound like Elrohir in Eregion(#132). He also said his "immediate concern" is troubling and considered voting him but decided against it (#164).

As far as I see, he did not mention Dáin at all."

Gildor paused, giving the other time to think about what he had said and himself time for drinking water from his waterskin. Then he continued:

"What did others say of Radagast then?

What did Iarwain say?
He said Elladan might be trying to make Radagast look suspicious (#34). When accusing Elladan, he mentioned Radagast's case to be out of the blue and slightly defended him (#78). When he went away (#125), he asked Radagast to fill him in with the day's discussion. When he had come back (#128), he said that Radagast was over-friendly and thus odd. In the last moments of yesterday (#150) he says: "Wake up Radagast my friend! We have no time to this kind of thing anymore. Are you trying to force me to stand up against you after I have voted my dearest friend and your kin out? Try to be more constructive - or are you not interested? Because the traitors are safe at the moment so it's just fine whoever of the top-candidates right now get sent away and you don't feel any urgency to bring in your own thoughts about the vote?" he repeated this a while later (#162) by saying: "Radagast goes for straw-picking with roles and character-emotions at the last minutes when we should do something else. So why? Because everything's alright to him? 'nuff said?"

What did Halbarad say about him?
He questioned Radagast's words about trust and asked who he would trust (#36).

What did Dáin say about him?
He mentioned him among the wise of the company (#40). Later (#76) he mentioned that the wizard agreed with him about Lobelia's behaviour. Near the gates of Moria he said "Radagast, I have no opinion of yet, as Theodred said we seem to have passed him entirely in our calculations. Let me examine his words before I offer further incite on him."

And what did Galadriel say?
She first mentioned him when we had descended from Caradhras and in her first speech she declared that she had no reason to doubt his allegiance (#92).

Or Théodred?
He noted that Radagast had not voted in Eregion (#94). Later, he noticed that "Radagast had thrown suspicions toward others, but had been overlooked by the masses". Which is a good point, if you ask me, although Radagast had actually been defending people more than attacking them. At the same moment, Théodred hoped that people would pay more attention to Radagast.

What did I, Gildor Inglorion say?
I first talked about him on our way from Caradhras to Moria (#121) and said these words, that look so bitter now: "His presence is so kind and honest that it is impossible to think bad of him. If he's a traitor, he's the foulest of them all." Later (#140) I questioned Éomer's way of suspecting Radagast.

Uglúk did not mention him at all."

Gildor made a pause again, but this time he did not drink from the waterskin, but hummed a hymn to Elbereth in order to gather his thoughts.

"Based only on this, I would say the following things. Based on this, Théodred looks quite innocent. Everybody else could be either way.

My own and Uglúk's relations to the evil wizard look the worst to me. I will not waste my time on dwelling my own misguided opinions and Radagast's eagerness to support me, but instead I will say a few words about the Orc. Radagast's willingness to let Uglúk be regardless of his questionable vote seems slightly incriminating. What confuses me is his repeated words about Curunir's wisdom concerning Uglúk. At first it looks like careless non-action-based defense of a companion, but would he really do it this visibly? Isn't he overdoing it? Also, the fact that Uglúk did not mention him at all might speak for a connection between the two.

Radagast and Iarwain's relations are very troubling. Their first dance of supporting and suspecting each other looks rather suspicious, but I would like to repeat that I find it unlikely that Iarwain would have spotlighted (Elbereth forgive me for using such a word) Radagast in the manner he did yesterday when Radagast was rather safe, if they indeed were comrades in treachery.

Radagast and Galadriel's relations would be quite incriminating (especially suspicious was Galadriel's declaration of the wizard's innocence), but what makes me hesitate is Radagast's repeated questioning of where Galadriel is. It would be odd if he would wonder that aloud of a partner in crime and do it more than once.

As for Radagast and Elrohir, it looks quite bad - except for Radagast's vote. Would he have voted to banish his companion at a situation like that? It would have been risky but he might even have done that...

And Radagast's relations to Dáin and Halbarad do not tell me anything..."

[Thinlómien]

Gildor frowned. "What is this silence?" he said, almost bewildered, "No one has said anything in nine hours!"

[Nogrod]

"I think we have all slept master elf" Tom answered Gildor and stood up from the ground he had been dozing. "But you have spoken thoughtfully and I appreaciate it. It's good to have you around." Tom looked at the elf to the eye and finally patted him to the shoulder and smiled. "If all of us were like you we could clear this mess more easily." He then glanced at the sleeping company around them. "Sadly that seems not to be the case."

After picking some bread from his sack he started speaking, slowly and thoughtfully.

"I'm going to trust you Gildor, at least toDay. Also I haven't seen anything alarming in master Daín and will give him the benefit of doubt as well. What you said about the relations of Radagast and young Théodred agrees with what I have felt and thence leads me to more trust the young laddie than not.

So it means that I must focus toDay myself on the four that are left.

Of those I'm most confused with lady Galadriel. I seem to have the strongest reasons to suspect her but what youi pointed out about Radagast calling him all the time would suggest they were not in cahoots after all. Also the way she has answered my questions sound innocentish even there's something I can't say what it is that bothers me. It may well be just our mutual history for it has always been like that as we have met. Even if we respect each other we seem to misinterpret each other every time.

Elrohir is another one I'm not sure what to think. He comes and goes hardly saying anything and when he says something he manages to either say nothing or look suspicious. Maybe he's just lost, poor kid, after what happened to his brother but still... Anyway, he's not exactly helping our mission at this point.

That leaves me with Uglúk and Halbarad. I don't think that they both are traitors but that another one of them is a misguided innocent. They wouldn't make that kind of concerted attack on me if they were mates in crime. So I should find out which one is which...

What you said about Radagast would point towards Uglúk but Halbarad seems the more opportunistic of the two who likes to surf (Arda forgive me that word...) with the ideas of others which I always find traitorish behaviour."

Noticing that others were still sleeping he sat back down and offered his pipe to the elf.

"Now take a puff and relax, I need to think this over."

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Galadriel who had not been a sleep, but walking silently in the shadows now approached the two who was sharing a pibe and she talked to Tom Bombadil.

"If we all were like Gildor it would make it no more easy the find the traitors, than if we had all been like Radagast. Gildor has done some extensive thinking and memory searching, but mostly it was administrative work that needs not be redone. It saves us other time which is nice, but the part that really matters is his own analyses which is not as extensiv as it first appears. Doing a speach like this could easily be a traitor wanting to appear helpful and innocent!

That being said, I do to some degree agree with you Iarwain, there does seem to be put thought into Gildor's words."

As he had spoken with Tom Bombadil she would every now and then cast a glance at Gildor, so that he would know that he was not excluded from the conversation.

She now turned to Gildor and asked him
"My dear Gildor, I would like it if you would explain in further dept what you find so suspicouse of Elrohir's relationship with Radagast. I would also like to know why you did not include Elrohir's statements(or lack of) in your speech?

As Galadriel returned to the shadows and her own thoughts, she cast a last glance at the two and said "And for the future I would like to be reffered to as "her" not "him"

[Thinlómien]

"Fair lady Galadriel, you said"My dear Gildor, I would like it if you would explain in further dept what you find so suspicouse of Elrohir's relationship with Radagast. I would also like to know why you did not include Elrohir's statements(or lack of) in your speech?and I'm happy to oblige and elaborate.

Elrohir and Radagast's relationship was supicious in my opinion, because Radagast echoed Éomer's questioning of Elrohir's vote - note, he did not ask it first but re-asked the question. This loooks like distancing himself from his companion. Also, his dismissal of Elrohir's odd vote and suspiciousness looks dubious, as well as his defense of Elrohir when Iarwain talked of lynching him. I am now referring to his words about Elrohir needing time and people putting words to his mouth. That is, in short, what I find suspicious.

As for Elrohir's lack of statements..." There was a merry glint in Gildor's eyes and if an Elf-lord could look embarrassed, he did. "It seems I forgot it, my lady. But that merely means that he did not say anything about Radagast."

[Nogrod]

Rumm-dumm-dum-dum
Rumm-dumm-dum-dum
Rumm-dumm-dum-dum

"The drums, the drums in the deep!
Rise and shine, no more sleep!"

Tom turned to Gildor. "I can sing them away if they come closer and you have keen eyes and ears. Let's go and scout a little!"

"Wakey-wakey-wakey!
These drums are no fakies!"

[Groin Redbeard]

Dain jumped to his feet when the noise of the drums were heard, and took to flight with the rest of the fellowship. For a long time Gladriel guided them up stone stairs and down them again until the din of the drums could be no longer heard. The fellowship stopped for a while and rested for a few minutes.

"We mustn't linger here long," he said panting heavily, "They will be here before long, but let me offer my advice to the discussion while we have a moments rest.

"Gildor, I was glad to hear your words once again, and as usual they offer more incite than any of us here. I do not believe that you are a traitor like the wise Galadriel says, for if you were, would you offer such excellent incite on the words of your fellow traitor? Of course not! For everything that you say about Radagast is true and there has been no misinterpretations.

"The lady Galadriel, I don't like her quick accusation on Gildor's extensive thoughts. In my mind it looks like something Gildor said set Galadriel off, perhaps the words of Bombadil did.
"If all of us were like you we could clear this mess more easily."

"Master Tom Bombadil appears to agree with the loudest members of the fellowship and focuses on the quieter ones.

"Halbarad, he is sloppy and his words are often taken out of context, but he always comes back with a satisfying response, but not entirely satisfying."

Dain suddenly came to life again. "Come, the orcs may be upon us at any moment! Let us make haste and talk if you will while we move!"

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

"My good Dwarf, I like the way you think. . .You have a raional mind and you don't jump to conclutions, yet you are not afraid of speaking your mind.

Indeed I did not react to Gildor's speech, but as you correctly point out I was reacting to what The Eldest said. He has a love for elaborate speeches with lots of refferenses to what has earlier been said, I for one have nothing against long speeches as long as they are too the point. I wanted to point out to people that a hold a speech like Gildor's could also be a scheme from a traitor.

I am suspicouse about Gildor, but it has to be strengthend if I am to cast my vote on him tonight.

As you may have guessed I am most inclined to vote for The Eldest, even though he is right when he say that we have a history of misinturpritating each other."

[Meneltarmacil]

*Catches up to the rest of the Fellowship* They have a cave troll.

In listening to what Gildor has brought up about our traitorous wizard's dealings, It is quite interesting how Radagast acts like Elrohir and Galadriel are fellow traitors. Interesting also in that he and Bombadil initially did act like fellow traitors until the latter started finding fault in his statements.

Let's see: Radagast could have wondered about Galadriel's silence to throw us off track, that could well be staged. I'd agree that voting for Elrohir would be more risky though.

As for Tom, turning against Radagast is something I wouldn't put past him. He's not the kind that would save a fellow traitor if it meant putting himself at risk. And by doing such a thing, he's effectively distanced himself well.

[Gwathagor]

Halbarad suddenly awoke alone in the dark. The others were nowhere in sight; evidently he had fallen asleep and left behind.

I'll never hear the end of it if Aragorn finds out! he thought.

He got to his feet and stumbled off in the direction of the drums. He had a not-so-sneaking suspicion that the Fellowship was over there, but it would take him a few minutes to catch up.

[Groin Redbeard]

The fellowship moved hastily along the stone passages of Khazadum, always followed by the dulll throb of the drums. After a while of running Dain spoke.

"I must find out what has happened to Balin, allow me to linger ahead of you and search for his remains, for I fear that he and his companions are dead, slaughtered by the orcs. I will not stay far infront of you, but I will not be able to hear your council anymore, therefore I will vote now for who should leave.

"I vote for Tom Bombadil to leave. I do not like the way that he has joined what you call the bandwagon of votes during the last couple of days, and when he is not joining the others he focuses on the quieter members of our fellowship who either refuse to speak, or cannot speak, like he is doing toDay. Also I found his constant babbling during yesterDays voting very disturbing, and he contributed to much of the confusion then. Please forgive if you seem fit not to send him away, I vote is in haste for I must go now before it is to late, I must find Balin. Be wary of Durin's bane, I still fear that it lives!"

And with that Dain bounded ahead of his fleeing companions to search the passageways and rooms in the direction that their flight would take them.

++Tom Bombadil

[Thinlómien]

"Honourable King Dáin, I appreciate the fact that you agree with me and that you think me innocent, for that is the truth. However, when you say "Gildor, I was glad to hear your words once again, and as usual they offer more incite than any of us here. I do not believe that you are a traitor like the wise Galadriel says, for if you were, would you offer such excellent incite on the words of your fellow traitor? Of course not! For everything that you say about Radagast is true and there has been no misinterpretations.
I do not like the ring of it. You are slightly too eager to pronounce your trust in me and claiming there are no misinterpretations is dubious. For how could any of us know there are no misinterpretations? Even the other traitors cannot tell that. We would need the spirit of the dead wizard to tell us what he thought in order to interpret everything correctly." Then Gildor's features softened. "Maybe it is just weird Dwarven hastiness or fierceness I'm unfamiliar with. I do not think this comment of Dáin's is incriminating, merely that he should probably be more careful when he judges, if he indeed is innocent."

Then he turned his gaze to the Orc. "Uglúk, I think your latest words sounded most sincere. I'm less wary of you than I was a moment ago.

You said
As for Tom, turning against Radagast is something I wouldn't put past him. He's not the kind that would save a fellow traitor if it meant putting himself at risk. And by doing such a thing, he's effectively distanced himself well. and I must agree with it. However, I do not think it would be his first choice of action."

Gildor then glared at Halbarad, hoping he could see behind the stern grey eyes. "You, my friend, I cannot read and you constantly evade my thought. I need to pay far more attention to you."

[Gwathagor]

Halbarad finally came upon his companions in a long dark hallway, just catching the end of their conversation.

"I appreciate Gildor's analysis of Ragadast's actions. In some ways, it is the most helpful thing that has been said today. I believe it reaffirms (or at least doesn't contradict) what I spoke earlier, when I said that I found Elrohir and Bombadil the most suspicious.

"However, Gildor also mentions that Galadriel seems suspicious in light of her interaction with Radagast - this I do not understand. If I was to be suspicious of Galadriel, it would be for her poor behavior during the first day and a half, or so, not for her very limited involvement with the wizard. Perhaps I am too trusting, or too dull. I lack Gildor's elven sight and greater experience in these matters.

"I feel as though Elrohir has consistently ignored any attempts to make him speak up, participate, and, especially, explain that irritating first vote, which I cannot forget. Would a traitor not be more interested in appeasing his accusers? I do not know. I must think on it further, but as it stands I am likely to vote against Elrohir or possibly Bombadil - unless Galadriel does something substantial to arouse my suspicion once again."


EDIT: Crossed with Gildor

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Galadriel heard the words Gildor spoke of Ugluk and was suprised by them and so felt the need to adress him.
"It is interesting that I felt quite the opposite when hearing the words of the orc, it is not at all clear what he tries to say, he points out some of the things you stadet earlier, but does not conclude on them.

On a personal note I don't know if he suspects me or not, earlier there was nothing suspiciouse about me and it is not to tell from his last words whether that has changed or not"

EDIT: Crossed with Halbarad

[Nogrod]

"It's beginning to look like old Iarwain is packing his things toDay then... unless of those who have already spoken about their intention of voting me two are traitors themselves..." Tom sighed and shook his head. There seemed to be no believable chances for him to continue with the fellowship. After a while he smiled though. But I'm getting back to see Goldberry... and I don't need to face the one I sense is on the move deep down in the mines. Throw me thousand orcs and I will sing them away but that one could challenge even old Ben Adar...

He looked at the fellowship, or what was left of it.

"But at least one thing I will tell you if I'm not around toMorrow. And that is why I have not talked about our master dwarf until now. He was over-eager to support me and to trust my words and overjoyed to hear me talk on the first Day - and on the second as well. It was puzzling but I thought he might have been the seer who had had a dream on the Night before and knew I am innocent. A little clumsy seer - or overenthusiastic to press his point - but anyhow. Now he has turned his mind a full round as it starts to look possible that I might indeed be voted off. And how come he starts the same thing with master Gildor here affirming everything he says so as to be in good terms and not gather suspicion?

But I must tell you Daín that I did not not-suspect you because you rubbed my back nicely but because I thought you might be the seer. Now as I see you're not and as I see how you try to take your chances in sending yet another innocent away I must say that you have risen pretty high on my list of suspicions."

He sat down and draw breath. There was a mixed feeling of joy and sorrow in him. But even if he was to go he would try to help these heroes for five of them were still good and just two were rotten. But even one rotten apple can waste a whole basket.

EDIT: X'd with Galadriel & Halbarad: oh my...

[Meneltarmacil]

*continues running from the goblins*

Well, I think I've made my points pretty clear. Time to vote.

++Tom Bombadil

Anybody but me think we might be running in the wrong direction? I'm seeing some kind of strange fiery light ahead, and that threatening smell from earlier is getting stronger as we run toward it...

[Thinlómien]

"Iarwain speaks as if he was dead already... which could be because he's a traitor and traitors always over-estimate the pressure on them." Gildor sighed. "I do not know. I am suspicious of him, yet I'm not. There's a lot in him that does not sit right with me, but on the other hand, he does not seem particularly guilty. And if it comforts you at all, Iarwain, I must say I'm by no means decided on sending you away, you're but one of many options.

Halbarad - indeed, a Radagast-Iarwain-Elrohir trio is possible, one of those I've been thinking about. I thank you for saying it aloud and helping me shape my thoughts on the matter. It would be a foul and deceitful trio, but a possible one. I can see those two nature-lovers turning against their companion who fails to speak up or make a lot of sense. I still hesitate... would this be too easy?

And I must disagree with you, Halbarad, here
However, Gildor also mentions that Galadriel seems suspicious in light of her interaction with Radagast - this I do not understand. If I was to be suspicious of Galadriel, it would be for her poor behavior during the first day and a half, or so, not for her very limited involvement with the wizard. Perhaps I am too trusting, or too dull. I lack Gildor's elven sight and greater experience in these matters.for why I suspected her was rather how she declared him innocent and how he slightly defended her.

You also saidI feel as though Elrohir has consistently ignored any attempts to make him speak up, participate, and, especially, explain that irritating first vote, which I cannot forget. Would a traitor not be more interested in appeasing his accusers? I do not know.to which I would like to say: yes, a traitor called Elrohir would. I do not claim to know him well, but his manner in a thing like this could be as sly as that."

Gildor paused, glanced at the roof and grieved that he could not see the stars. He had never been one to enjoy himself indoors. Then he continued.

"I find it almost scary how much I agree with Halbarad at the present. Either it is because innocent minds often think alike, or then he is a treacherous traitor who seeks to gain my trust."

He smiled.

"Speaking of gaining my trust, it seems like almost everybody here is agreeing with me, calling me helpful and not suspecting me. It seems like people want to be friends with me. Which I would have nothing against if two of you weren't traitors. A refreshing exception to this party of admirers - if I may phrase it in such a comical way - is lady Galadriel, and that is one of the reasons I'm leaning to considering her innocent." He nodded approvingly to his mighty kinswoman.

"On a totally different subject, one thing we have not talked about very much is Éomer's death. I know our journey in the dark draws near its ending, but I still must see if this awakens any discussion. We have been so delighted by his braveness that we have forgotten about an important aspect of the happenings at the gates of Moria. Why was he killed? Someone said he might have suspected toi be the seer. If I have spare time, I will indeed have a closer look at it because it indeed might give new insights to this situation."


edit: xed with Uglúk

[Nogrod]

"With some of the last one task I may spare your work master Gildor. I said the traitors might have thought her the seer as she was one of the few who suspected Radagast the traitor.

And yes I speak like one who's going home already as at least three members of our fellowship have already spoken of their willing to vote for me and with this company of eight it's more or less a done deal then. That's maths and probabilities, not over-reacting.

But to a graver matter - for some of you will be alive and need to go on with the mission the council sent us. You didn't turn your ear to my worries about Radagast yesterDay evening - and I admit it came too late and is then also my fault. I should have realised it earlier. But it also seems that you're now totally ignoring my worry about Daín as well."

He turned towards Gildor and challenged his eyes. "At least you should have shown some concern as you're the next one the dwarf is trying to embrace into your death... unless you're his mate that is.

I mean how come such a seerish looking person is alive in the first place, one who trusts so openly someone the traitors know to be innocent? Also the fact that Radagast totally ignores him and he only makes a few totally unforthcoming mentionings of Radagast suggest a possibility of a treacherous link between them. It's not the worst case suggested these days.

Although I feel there is a more active traitor among us and I just hope you will be able to fish him out from the lot early enough.

But you will have one Day to mull over these things, right? After that it's over if you miss then as well."

Tom seemed to have an idea and a slight smile appeared to his face albeit a sad one.

"It's quite ironic that I should be in a position where Lobelia was yesterDay and to feel like saying that the outcome of your votes will be exactly what you deserve..."

[McCaber]

Elrohir finally broke his long silence.

"I am sorry that I have not spoken much on this journey, for much of my time has not been my own to spend.

To set this straight: On the first stage of the journey, I voted for the orc because I was running out of time and had no real leads. I defaulted to racism, my brother died, I rethought my positions. Ugluk, I truly am sorry for that first vote. I acted through hatred, which can only lead to breaking this fellowship further. You might not believe me, but it is so."

He turned to glance back at the entrance to the chamber.

"It seems that time is running short, and yet I still have much to say. But I shall close my thought with this: A traitor I might have been, but I am not a Kinslayer."

[Thinlómien]

"Iarwain, you sayBut it also seems that you're now totally ignoring my worry about Daín as well."

He turned towards Gildor and challenged his eyes. "At least you should have shown some concern as you're the next one the dwarf is trying to embrace into your death... unless you're his mate that is.

I mean how come such a seerish looking person is alive in the first place, one who trusts so openly someone the traitors know to be innocent? Also the fact that Radagast totally ignores him and he only makes a few totally unforthcoming mentionings of Radagast suggest a possibility of a treacherous link between them. It's not the worst case suggested these days.
and that may make sense. I have not suspected Dáin much because he simply hasn't looked partcularly suspicious to me. I must reconsider this all know and I'm very aware that there are far more faces to this thing - and other things - than I will talk about out loud. I need to muse through everything King Dáin has said before judging him finally and I'm afraid there won't be time for that here in Moria."

Gildorhalted and listened to the drums. Then he continued. "I will now speak plainly. Galadriel and Théodred I now believe innocent. If I had to guess, I would say that Uglúk and Dáin are innocent as well, but I'm not sure here at all. I believe the two remaining culprits may well be among Halbarad, Elrohir and Iarwain. I'm very unsure and would need to re-think everything in order to be clear.

This maybe an unwise folly, but for today, I'm afraid I do not care so much about how is lynched. I am eagerly waiting for our next travle phase when we know the roles of two more people. Then, if there are still two traitors in our midst, we will have the final fight in which I will take part wholeheartedly and there will be a lot of clues around. However, I do not advise you to adopt this attitude. Although I do suspect Iarwain, if he's innocent, his death would indeed be a grievous loss (but would remove an enigma, that I do admit).

Is there anyone else but me who would favour voting Lord Elrohir out today than me? Like I said I'm in a mood for gathering clues and I will feel far more safe next time we debate if I do not have such an uncertainity factor lurking around. And besides, one can hardly claim his actions have been innocent-looking."


edit: xed with Elrohir

[satansaloser2005]

Theodred watched as the remaining members of the fellowship spoke further of the traitors. So far, two of the fellowship had decided that Tom Bombadil should leave their midst; Theodred thought this to be a mistake.

"My friends, let us please consider that Tom took suspicion of Radagast at my request; after all, I was the one who requested more attention be paid to the fellow.

"I think that Bombadil is innocent. I implore you to see reason, for it seems unlikely that Bombadil would turn on his fellows unless forced to do so, as Gildor has pointed out today.

"To briefly speak of the orc, I will say only this for now. He said when voting for Bombadil,
Well, I think I've made my points pretty clear. Time to vote.

++Tom Bombadil

Anybody but me think we might be running in the wrong direction? I'm seeing some kind of strange fiery light ahead, and that threatening smell from earlier is getting stronger as we run toward it...

It is as if he KNOWS that Bombadil is innocent and that leaving him behind would be a mistake, but he votes for his removal anyway. This bodes ill for my suspicions of Ugluk, as until now I had thought him perhaps innocent; now I am not so sure. Would you care to explain your statement?"

Theodred knew that, with the day drawing to a close, much had been said since he had begun speaking. He paused briefly to re-collect his thoughts and to listen to what others had said.


EDIT: crossed with everything since Ugluk's vote

[satansaloser2005]

Galadriel[/B] and Théodred I now believe innocent. If I had to guess, I would say that Uglúk and Dáin are innocent as well, but I'm not sure here at all. I believe the two remaining culprits may well be among Halbarad, Elrohir and Iarwain. I'm very unsure and would need to re-think everything in order to be clear. "



"I urge you to keep in mind, sir Gildor, that both the traitor Radagast and our Halbarad voted to excuse Elrohir from our company yesterday, and that it was likely he could indeed be voted out. I find Halbarad more suspicious of the two, if only marginally, and thus I think it is safe to assume that if Halbarad is a traitor, Elrohir is not. I would just like to point that out before someone takes your words and incorrectly assumes Elrohir and Halbarad to be traitors together."




"My friends, the day draws to a close, yet only two votes have been cast, and even those I do not agree with. Where are you, my companions? Please speak again quickly so that we may make the wisest decision of whom to cast out." With that, Theodred again fell silent.

[Nogrod]

"If not for his last words I might have answered positively for voting Elrohir but when he says: A traitor I might have been, but I am not a KinslayerIt looks like he has rather lost his wits and is probably innocent - even if very unhelpful one at that. Yes that kind of an elf is a danger to our mission and there's no need of forlonging his pain in this dark place we've run into, but if we wish to catch a traitor it would be more like a shot in the dark. From my point of view sure infinitely better than expelling me as I know I'm no traitor but can't know it of Elrohir."

X'd with Théodred

[Gwathagor]

Elrohir finally broke his long silence.

"I am sorry that I have not spoken much on this journey, for much of my time has not been my own to spend.

To set this straight: On the first stage of the journey, I voted for the orc because I was running out of time and had no real leads. I defaulted to racism, my brother died, I rethought my positions. Ugluk, I truly am sorry for that first vote. I acted through hatred, which can only lead to breaking this fellowship further. You might not believe me, but it is so."

He turned to glance back at the entrance to the chamber.

"It seems that time is running short, and yet I still have much to say. But I shall close my thought with this: A traitor I might have been, but I am not a Kinslayer."


"Alas, Elrohir, you have complicated matters. I was intending to vote for you, but if your repentance is as sincere as it seems, how can I? My instinctive reaction is that this is indeed genuine, and now I am forced to give more serious thought to Bombadil and Galadriel. To be honest, I almost wish that you had said nothing at all, as you were the straightforward, obvious vote for me.

"However, you may be simply telling me what I want to hear, so I am not going to dismiss you just yet. On the contrary, I am going to continue to weigh you against the other candidates for the present. It is too soon following your apparent repentance to be certain one way or the other."

[Nogrod]

"Uglúk is monomaniac like his kin,
but he doesn't watch carefully for his own skin.
Over that I have long had to ponder
he might be innocent, I wonder?"

"But Halbarad the ranger
seems to try to avoid every danger.
Trailing others' suspicions to push over
those in trouble while remaining himself in cover"

X'd with Halbarad + added italics

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

"Gildor, I understand that you are nervouse about sending Iarwain away in case he is indeed true to our quest, as he could be a magnificent asset. Even I have my doubts about sending him away, but if we don't he will take up too much of my focus and he is still by far my top-suspect."

"Ugluk I find is acting more and more suspicouse, he agrees with Gildor on a few points with out making any conclutions and then turns up and vote! What is one to make of that? It sertainly frustrates me"

EDIT: Crossed with Iarwain and Halbarad

[McCaber]

"So it seems that either Halbarad or myself is a traitor in the eyes of the fellowship.

After looking back on the ranger's words, I can only say that he looks treacherous, as does fair Gildor. I will have to devote more thoughts to this matter."

[Nogrod]

"I was about to sing of you too my lady Galadriel but your reasoning forces me to speak plainly. Even I have my doubts about sending him away, but if we don't he will take up too much of my focus and he is still by far my top-suspect.Now if this doesn't soundlike a speech of a traitor, then what would sound like it? If you're innocent you want to make it right and you don't go on excusing your choices with that kind of reasoning. Trying to justify a vote with the grounds that someone would occupy your mind too much is pretty much the same as to say "I don't care, lynch anyone as long it's not me or my fellow-traitor".

And please all of you ask yourselves toMorrow the question why did you think old Tom was suspicious as all the claims made this far are just ridiculous."

[Gwathagor]

"Having considered Galadriel's behavior, I am growing more convinced that either she or Tom Bombadil must be a traitor. Bombadil is undeniably more suspicious than Galadriel at the moment, but should Tom prove innocent...

"But how to vote? I am torn."

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

"I might not have spoken clearly before. If I vote for Iarwain it will be because of his very suspicouse behaviour, not because of the focus he will take away from me. I for one always feel a bit of doubt just before making major desitions and I thought that is what Gildor felt as well, so I wanted to convince him to ignore these feelings"

++ Tom Bombadil

EDIT: Crossed with Halbarad

[Thinlómien]

"Iarwain - I agree with you on Elrohir but not on Galadriel. I see nothing particularly wrong with her reasoning.

Théodred, once again you talk sense.

I will vote for

++Halbarad

For he is quite suspicious and now that Elrohir looks quite innocent only he and Bombadil remain on my list of suspicious people and I'm more and more unsure of Bombadil... I might like to give him one more day.

If I'm alive the next day there will be a lot of reconsidering for me to do."


edit: xed twice

[satansaloser2005]

"Gildor, I understand that you are nervouse about sending Iarwain away in case he is indeed true to our quest, as he could be a magnificent asset. Even I have my doubts about sending him away, but if we don't he will take up too much of my focus and he is still by far my top-suspect."

"Ugluk I find is acting more and more suspicouse, he agrees with Gildor on a few points with out making any conclutions and then turns up and vote! What is one to make of that? It sertainly frustrates me"

EDIT: Crossed with Iarwain and Halbarad



"Lady Galadriel, I think that someone taking up too much of your focus is NOT a legitimite reason to banish them from the fellowship. Having thought you innocent until now, and still inclined to believe so, why do you make such a statement?

I do, however, agree with your points upon Ugluk. At first, we all desired his departure because of his race, and for a time I think we ignored his potential harm for the same reason. If he does not leave our company today, I am inclined to give him a much more severe look tomorrow."

[McCaber]

Elrohir turned suddenly.

"We must be gone quickly, but before I leave I shall simply say

++Halbarad

looks the most treasonous at the moment. He has thrown suspicion everywhere, and only kept to those accusations seconded by others."

EDIT: crossed with Galadriel, Gildor, Theodred

[Nogrod]

but should Tom prove innocent...Remember this toMorrow. Quite a nice self-defence.

And don't forget Daín either. Or Gildor. Or Galadriel.

And shame on your weak wits.

I'll pack my things then. And don't bother, I know the way.

Oh... the only thing I can do now.

++ Halbarad

[Gwathagor]

"I, on the other hand, believe you to be innocent, Elrohir. Therefore, I shall vote, not you, but

++Galadriel

[satansaloser2005]

Because I find Bombadil more innocent than he....


++Halbarad

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

DEADLINE

Everyone stop posting now. Votes after that do not count.

Narration coming up soon. Nightly birds may start doing things....

[Nogrod]

If I go away don't send Halbarad away. His vote showed it...

Sorry was late and X'd with the last after Gwath

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Tom had hardly spoken these words, when there came a great noise: a rolling boom that seemed to come from depths far below, and to tremble in the stone at their feet. Then there came an echoing blast: a great horn was blown in the hall behind them, and answering horns and harsh cries were heard further off. There was a hurrying sound of many feet.
"They are coming!" cried Elrohir.

With great speed, Dáin hurried into the room. Arrows whined and whistled down the corridor as he sprang in.
"I was lucky to have found you!" he cried.
"You were lucky to reach us in one piece," said Théodred, drawing his sword. "Have you seen them coming?"
"There are Orcs, very many of them," Dáin said. "And some are large and evil: black Uruks of Mordor. For the moment they are hanging back, but there is something else there."
"There is a cave troll," said Uglúk. "I saw him."
"Then there is no hope of escaping that way," said Gildor.
"We may cut our way out yet," gnarled Uglúk. "It is not the first time I led a squad out of such trouble. We only must - "

He did not finish. There was a horn-blast and a rush of feet, and orcs one after another leaped into the chamber. How many there were the Company could not count. The affray was sharp, but the orcs were dismayed by the fierceness of the defence. Elrohir stabbed one who dared to advance too far into the room, Dáin hewed the legs from under another. Uglúk and Théodred stood side by side and protected Galadriel. Halbarad, together with Gildor, defended the eastern door.

When thirteen enemy Orcs had fallen, the rest fled shrieking, yet the Companions managed to slay a few more before they retreated. The defenders were unharmed.

"That showed them," said Uglúk, observing his blade.
"Not for long," said Elrohir. "We cannot hold here forever, there are too many of them."
"There is no sound outside here yet," said Gildor, who was standing by the eastern door listening. "The passage on this side plunges straight down a stair: it plainly does not lead back towards the hall."
"This may be our escape route," said Halbarad. "Let us run!"
"Wait," Gildor stopped him, blocking the door with his reached arm.
"What?" asked Halbarad. "There is no time, we must - "
"Not this time," said Gildor.
"Gildor is right," said Elrohir. "Someone must remain here and watch over our retreat. You will be the last, Halbarad."
"But - why, that is – that is madness," said Halbarad.
"Not truly," said Théodred. "If you are true to us, you will be proud watch our back."
"Come on, tall man," said Tom cheerfully. "You may join us later! Just hold this door for some time."
Halbarad looked at the others, but there seemed not to be enough support. Reluctantly, he stepped aside and bowed towards the door.
"Please, go," he said. "I will guard your escape."
"Quick, now!" said Galadriel. "They may return in every moment!"

Swiftly, the Companions passed through the portal and started descending the stair. Halbarad remained up there, watching the entrance closely. Then there was movement -

The passage was lit by no shaft and was utterly dark. The Companions groped their way down a long flight of steps, and then looked back. They could see nothing, but Halbarad seemed to be still standing on guard by the door. They stood peering up the stairs into the darkness. Gildor thought he could hear the voice of Halbarad above, muttering words that ran down the sloping roof with a sighing echo. He could not catch what was said. Suddenly there was a dull rumble and a heavy thud. The drum-beats broke out wildly: doom-boom, doom-boom, and then stopped. Halbarad came flying down the steps and fell to the ground in the midst of the Company.
"Well, well! That's over!" said the Ranger, struggling to his feet. "I have done all that I could." In the darkness, they could not see his face, but he seemed to be laughing. "Don't stand here! Go on! Run! They are after you. Don't trust me anymore, do you? Well, so be it, fools: the Ring is not going to leave Moria! Let it lay here, until the end! It will be safer here, than if it got to the hands of the Enemy!"
With these words, he jumped at Gildor and tried to struggle the Ring out of his hold. But Uglúk grabbed Halbarad with his stong arms and threw him aside from the Elf's reach. The treacherous Ranger leapt at him with his sword drawn, but was beaten back by Dáin and Théodred who slashed him with their weapons.

"The devilry!" cried Gildor, gazing through the darkness towards the curled shape of Halbarad, lying on the ground. "What mischief has he done-to himself, and to all of us?"

But there was no time to think about it. Something just moved in the darkness at the top of the stair. Leaving the dying ranger atop the stair, the Company hurried down into the shadow.

-----------------------------------------------
The Fellowship:

Groin Redbeard - Dáin II. Ironfoot
McCaber - Elrohir
Meneltarmacil - Uglúk
Nogrod - Tom Bombadil
Rune son of Bjarne - Galadriel
Sally - Théodred
Thinlómien - Gildor Inglorion

Gone:

Gil-Galad - Gandalf (left the Fellowship in Eregion) - innocent
Nerwen - Elladan (lost in the Pass of Caradhras) - innocent
Aganzir - Lobelia Sackville-Baggins (departed the Company by the dry streambed of Sirannon) - First Ringbearer & Protector
A Little Green – Éomer (dragged into the pool by the Watcher in the Water) - Avenger
THE Ka – Radagast (killed by Éomer's sword Gúthwinë by the Gates of Moria) - traitor
Gwathagor - Halbarad (killed by the Companions in self-defense in Moria) - traitor
-----------------------------------------------

The third collision is upon us. Traitor and Seer, send me your picks. Others, wait until it's over.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

They ran on in the dark, but soon they started to see better. They could now see their way: in front the road sloped down swiftly, and some way ahead there stood a low archway; through it glowing light came. It was red and flickering. The air became very hot.

They rushed out. Before them was another cavernous hall. They were near its eastern end; westward it ran away into darkness. Right across the floor, close to the feet of two huge pillars a great fissure
had opened. Out of it a fierce red light came, and now and again flames licked at the brink and curled about the bases of the columns. Wisps of dark smoke wavered in the hot air.

"There is some new devilry here," said Elrohir. "Devised for our welcome no doubt."
"But I know now where we are," said Dáin. "We have reached the First Deep, the level just below the Gates. This is the Second Hall of Old Moria; and the Gates are near: away beyond the eastern end, on the left, not more than a quarter of a mile. Across the Bridge, up a broad stair, along a wide road through the First Hall, and out!"
"If we had come by the main road down from the upper halls, we should have been trapped here," said Gildor.
"Then we are lucky once again," said Théodred. "Let's head out! There is no time to lose."

They turned left and sped across the hall. The distance was greater than it had looked. As they ran they heard the beat and echo of many hurrying feet behind. A shrill yell went up: they had been seen. There was a ring and clash of steel. An arrow whistled over Tom's head.
Uglúk laughed. "They did not expect this," he said. "The fire has cut their ambush off. They are on the wrong side!"

But then, glancing back over his shoulder, he spotted something else coming up behind them from the darkness beyond the archway. What it was could not be seen: it was like a great shadow, in the middle of which was a dark form, of man-shape maybe, yet greater; and a power and terror seemed to be in it and to go before it.
It came to the edge of the fire and the light faded as if a cloud had bent over it. The flames roared up to greet it, and wreathed about it; and a black smoke swirled in the air. Its streaming mane kindled, and blazed behind it. In its right hand was a blade like a stabbing tongue of fire; in its left it held a whip of many thongs.

"Elbereth save us!" wailed Gildor. "A Balrog! A Balrog is come!"
Dáin's face turned grey. "It is here," he muttered to himself. "Beyond the shadow it was waiting still: Durin's Bane."
"A Balrog," said Galadriel with a sigh. "Now I understand. What an ill fate."

The dark figure streaming with fire raced towards them. Suddenly, Gildor turned towards Galadriel. "You must lead the Company to Lórien, my Lady," he said. "I will hold the narrow way."
"You are brave," said Théodred, turning at him in amazement. "But you cannot face this creature alone!"
"Neither of us can," said Dáin. "Some other power than ours would be needed to defeat the Durin's Bane."
"Aye," said Uglúk. "But we are not going to run squealing like rats! If we must stand up to this thing, we will! Running is no good now: even if we ran, there are more than enough of these filthy mountain-maggots to mop up our lot on the flat."
"No," said Tom. "If the sun is shining outside we may still escape. But dear Gildor is right: the Men and Dwarves and Elves and Orcs cannot fight the evil Shadow and Flame."
"This is true," said Galadriel. "This is a foe beyond any of us. But if it is your wish, Gildor, there may be our only hope of escaping now."
Gildor slowly nodded. "I see it all clearly now, Lady," he said. "I will stand here for the entire House of Finarfin." Then with a sudden move, he clutched Tom's arm and pushed the Ring to his hand. Bombadil's eyes opened wide.
"Keep it safe at least for now," the Elf said. But then he turned his head and saw the dark figure getting closer to them.
"Then over the bridge!" cried Galadriel. But Théodred, Uglúk and Elrohir did not heed the command and still held their ground, side by side, with their swords drawn.
"Fly!" Gildor shouted at them. "It is no good if more of us die here. I will hold it back. But you – go!"
Reluctantly, the three warriors turned and passed over the bridge. Just in time.

The Balrog reached the bridge. Gildor stood in the middle of the span, unarmed, but with his left hand raised. His enemy halted again, facing him, and the shadow about it reached out like two vast wings. It raised the whip, and the thongs whined and cracked. Fire came from its nostrils. But Gildor stood firm.

"A Elbereth Gilthoniel," the Noldo cried, and the words echoed through the wide hall, diminishing and disappearing in the dark abyss below.
"A Elbereth Gilthoniel," Gildor repeated, and then he began to sing in the ancient Elvish tongue, and his clear voice filled the shadowy cavern, and to everyone who heard, even if he did not understand the words, it seemed as if images of far distant places started to appear before his eyes: green forests and far seas under starry skies; swift rivers running through plains around hidden gates and a mighty bridge; a beautiful city lost amidst high mountain peaks and a narrow high pass, above which eagles circled. And yellow flowers blossoming upon a barren stone, and last of all, a glimpse of mountain, rising beyond one's mind's reach into a shining cloud. And Gildor sang, and even the Orcs stood silently and listened.

The Balrog also stood still. The fire in it seemed to die, but the darkness grew. But when Gildor's song ended, it stepped forward slowly on to the bridge. Suddenly, it drew itself up to a great height, and its wings were spread from wall to wall; but still Gildor could be seen, glimmering in the gloom; he seemed small, but shining with sharp light, like an evening star in the coming darkness.

And now at once Gildor drew his sword, and crying aloud he sprang forward towards the enemy. There was a ringing clash and a stab of white fire. The sword flew up in molten fragments. But then, Gildor leaped forth and enclasped the dark figure with his bare hands. Flame bursted out of the Balrog's mane, but Gildor was still clutching it. They both staggered on the brink, and then, with a terrible cry the Balrog fell back, and its shadow plunged down and vanished, taking the noble Elf with him. Like a dim star, Gildor's light glittered in the depths for a short time, and then the abyss darkened and there was no light anymore.

-----------------------------------------------
The rest of the Fellowship has just left Moria and enters Lórien. Today, you shall travel in peace.
-----------------------------------------------

The Fellowship:

Groin Redbeard - Dáin II. Ironfoot
McCaber - Elrohir
Meneltarmacil - Uglúk
Nogrod - Tom Bombadil
Rune son of Bjarne - Galadriel
Sally - Théodred


Gone:

Gil-Galad - Gandalf (left the Fellowship in Eregion) - innocent
Nerwen - Elladan (lost in the Pass of Caradhras) - innocent
Aganzir - Lobelia Sackville-Baggins (departed the Company by the dry streambed of Sirannon) - First Ringbearer & Protector
A Little Green – Éomer (dragged into the pool by the Watcher in the Water) - Avenger
THE Ka – Radagast (killed by Éomer's sword Gúthwinë by the Gates of Moria) - traitor
Gwathagor - Halbarad (killed by the Companions in self-defense in Moria) – traitor
Thinlómien - Gildor Inglorion (fell into the abyss with the Balrog of Moria) – innocent

-----------------------------------------------

The fourth part of the journey is starting. You may begin to post now.

[Nogrod]

*~*

The Ring had seemed to grow larger as it lay for a moment on Tom's big brown-skinned hand. He had looked back at Gildor asking with his eyes whether he really thought his decision was the one he wished to make. And Gildor had nodded. "It all began that one fine day when you rode through my lands and told about this hobbit Frodo and his flight. And here we are." Tom bowed slowly to the elf-lord and then slipped the Ring into his pocket.

*~*

"Lórien!"

It was interesting to see the faces of the small fellowship getting the elven kingdom within their sights. Three of them looked joyful and relaxed after all the horrors they had endured while the other three were looking nervously around clearly thinking whether they had been led yet again to face another grim ordeal.

"Cheer up Dain, Uglùk and Théodred! That's beauty and life, Arda in it's most enchanting robes you'll ever see her dressed! And remember, even if our road has been hard and too many good people have lost their lives we're still fulfilling the mission the council gave us. There's but one traitor left and our seer is alive. And we still have this..."

Tom took the Ring out from his pocket and put it in to his eye and laughed. Then he put the Ring round the end of his little finger and held it up to the sunlight. Then he just spun the Ring in the air - and it vanished with a flash.

The others looked at the odd play somewhat nervously and finally Tom realised he had been watched at and that the situation was a bit awkward.

"Oh, sorry. No harm done, it's here..." He opened his palm and showed them the Ring was still with him.

[Nogrod]

"Looking back at Halbarad's words I find his last action a bit weird. He could have made it to a tie but insisted on you lady Galadriel to stay on the door. But I'm inclined to think better of you my lady Galadriel. And you master Elrohir. What he spoke of late would point more towards the innocence of both of you more than guilt. But I need to recollect what he has said and think about it in greater depth and more detailed fashion later toDay as now my nature calls me to sing and dance for the open sky, the green the blue, the light!"

And so old Tom ran off to his own. Jumping and singing as he went.

"I'll come back and I will concentrate on this thing toDay. Just let me gambol the dark tunnels and the image of the Balrog from my mind!"

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Galadriel sighed by the sight of Lothlorien, but her return was not as happy as she could have hoped. Indeed it was a moment of great relief to enter the Golden wood once more, but the shadow of Moria where still with them and Galadriel knew that the dark events that had gone before would overshadow the splendure of the Mallorn.

"I shall lead you to the heart of the Realm, but then i must depart for quite some time and seek the counsil of my kin. . .I shall send for you all when it is time for the final debate."

Galadriel then took the lead and the rest followed.

EDIT: Cross Posted With The Latter of Tom Bombadil's Posts

[Meneltarmacil]

Ah, that's what I'd been smelling this whole way. A Balrog of all things. Certainly explains the fiery thing I'd seen moving about in the lower levels before.

As for old Bombadil, don't think that I'm going to write him off just because he voted for Halbarad. I wouldn't put it past him to vote for a fellow traitor in order to save his own hide.

Also, I can't be sure whether that Balrog actually had wings or if that was just the shadows playing tricks on me...

[satansaloser2005]

"It has been implied, my friends, that today's leg of the journey will be a peaceful one," began Theodred, "I do not think this will be the case. There is still a traitor among us, and another of our companions has been slaughtered.

Lady Galadriel, I am saddened that you fell for the traitor Halbarad's deception yesterday. However, this is understandable, as he presented a well-crafted diversion, and there was no harm done, as the traitor was vanquished and our own Tom Bombadil remained in our company."

Theodred looked into the eyes of the orc Ugluk. Though he still hated the creature, he could not believe that Ugluk was a traitor. Still, he decided against admitting this, considering that....well, considering that he had a reputation to uphold. He turned away from the orc and turned to Elrohir.

"Master Elrohir, I still find your behavior suspicious, but considering the actions of the other traitors, I am hesitant to expel you. On the day which Lobelia, our protector and original ringbearer, removed herself from our presence, you were close to being banished yourself. Considering that it was the traitors Halbarad and Radagast who put you in this grave position, I am inclined to find you safe.

"As for Tom Bombadil, I have considered him harmless nearly since the beginning of our journey, and I do not feel the need to change my opinion on the matter. He may be illogical at times and have a larger than usual capacity for merriment, but I do not consider this reason enough to let him depart."

[McCaber]

Elrohir streched lazily across the ground.

"It seems that we are taking our time here to rest instead of discuss things. While I do enjoy it, it is not a wise thing to do.

In the meantime, I will turn my thoughts to everyone, but especially Lord Ironfoot and Theodred, simply because they have escaped the brunt of my attention thus far."

[satansaloser2005]

"I urge you to do so, lord Elrohir, for I assure you that you will see nothing but the purest of motives throughout all my actions. Unfortunately, I do not think this will be the case with our master dwarf Dain, for he has escaped my attentions as well; what I have seen of him, however, concerns me greatly."

Theodred did not wish to speak further of his suspicions. He was content, at least for the moment, to allow others to speak (which he hoped they would do quite a lot of over the coming hours) and refine their own opinions. He had some thoughts of his own to collect.

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

To the suprise of most members of the fellowship Galadriel returned earlier than suspected due to events she was not master of, however she would have to leave again for a while.

Uplifted by being home she smiled even as Theodred spoke:

Lady Galadriel, I am saddened that you fell for the traitor Halbarad's deception yesterday. However, this is understandable, as he presented a well-crafted diversion, and there was no harm done, as the traitor was vanquished and our own Tom Bombadil remained in our company."


"Fell for his deception? I guess you can say that, although I do think it sounds a bit harsh. For I was never following the call of Halbarad, I was voting for the person I found most suspicouse and if you search your mind you will find that it was indeed the case. Of course when events like those of Moria unfolds you are forced to reconsider your views of everybody and indeed some of the actions of Iarwain now seem wiser, but I shall need more time to decide if he shall recive my vote or not today.

You say that you consider Iarwain harmless, that can only be described as a mistake my young friend. Beings with the capacity of Iarwain is never harmless, either they are an asset or they are dangouress it all depends on the perspective!"

Galadriel left the company again, though this time she had insured them it would not be long before she returned. She was not the only one seeking counsil, Celeborn and others had asked for a moment of her time so that they might discuss the defence of Lothlorien.

[Nogrod]

Most of the fellowship seemed to be coming and going so there seemed to be no permanent group anywhere to be found but after seeing that the others were within the range of his deep and echoing voice Tom bursted to sing. It seemed he was irrevocably back to his good moods now that he could wander under the sunny sky amidst the flowers, trees, butterflies and birds.

"Hey dol! Merry dol! Tom is fine!
Hey dol! Merry dol! Now some wine!
For two of you
I believe are true
and from three just one
needs to be gone!

Sing along, hop along!
Rum - dum - tum!
Jump along, ding-a-dong!
Hey - ho - hum!"


Tom sat down under a giant birch but didn't stop his singing.

"This much my mind has noted:
the way the traitors have voted
lord Elrohir from Elrond's house
his innocence sems to announce.
It seems Halbarad was after him
with fervor, not with lights dimmed
and even Radagast trying to be so kind
did him the most suspicious find.
For he sure seemed to be an easy prey
for those on the darker shade of grey.

Also fair Galadriel your mistake
looks more genuine than a fake:
confusing points made by the eorling
to suspect a fellow already himself defending
looks both risky and so unbelievable
that I'll trust the conspiracy to be a fable.
Even if Halbarad went to and fro in the end with thee
I'd hold you first and foremost from my suspicions free."

Even if he might have been seen intoxicated to an outside observer he had indeed held his wineskin closed all day. Now he uncorked it and took a long draught to help him think the matters over for good.

[satansaloser2005]

"I do apologize for the misunderstanding, Lady Galadriel. The implication of my last statement was unclear. I only meant to point out that I find your actions to indeed be an honest mistake, and not intentional treachery. In short, I still find you innocent, despite the attempt on Tom Bombadil's life yesterday.

"My friends, although i know I will be in your midst throughout the day, I feel no need to withhold my vote. As I have stated, I trust three of you without doubt, which perhaps will give you insight as to why I feel confident in my decision. As for the other two of you, masters Elrohir and Ironfoot, you still puzzle me slightly; though as I have mentioned, the actions of the other traitors seem to counter my suspicions of Elrohir. Thus I will cast my vote to release

++Dáin II. Ironfoot

from our company. And now, my companions, I leave you to your thoughts." Theodred shook his head and quickly walked away. His decision had been made, and he was confident in it; it was now up to the others to decide the fate of the fellowship.

[Groin Redbeard]

"Why all this silence?" Dain asked, "Do you still morn for Gildor back in Moria? I pray that you don't, rather you should rejoice and thank the Valar that such an elf has lived. His words yesterDay were not in vain, and we can still pick up the peices from were he left off."

Dain was recounting the words of the fellowship yesterDay from one of his companions when he came across the words of master Bombadil.
"But at least one thing I will tell you if I'm not around toMorrow. And that is why I have not talked about our master dwarf until now. He was over-eager to support me and to trust my words and overjoyed to hear me talk on the first Day - and on the second as well. It was puzzling but I thought he might have been the seer who had had a dream on the Night before and knew I am innocent. A little clumsy seer - or overenthusiastic to press his point - but anyhow. Now he has turned his mind a full round as it starts to look possible that I might indeed be voted off. And how come he starts the same thing with master Gildor here affirming everything he says so as to be in good terms and not gather suspicion?

"Master Bombadil," Dain roared looking up suddenly at Tom with a look that would have made lesser men shrink. "I must say that I am indeed surprised at you! You wait until after I have left and voted against you to accuse me, rather than speaking when I was there to defend myself! Did you think that you could sway the vote against while I was gone, then let me ask you this: why haven't you brought it up before? Indeed it was as I said yesterDay before I left, you go after the ones who will not defend themselves, or in this case cannot defend themselves." Dain was mad with rage

"You ask me why I was overjoyed to here you and Gildor speak on many occasions, have I not expressed my opinion of Gildor being the wisest of our company? Would it not be suspicious for me to doubt his and your words? I think that you would have to accuse almost everyone of the sin of trusting Gildor's words, but unlike the rest, when I make a decision I stick with it!"

EDIT: X'd with Tom Bombadil and Theodred

[Nogrod]

Iarwain had learned to trust the young and even a bit reckless eorling during the days the company had wandered through perilous terrain and even if he had decided to take a closer look at him toDay (and he would do it indeed) he was seeing the wisdom in his vote on the dwarf. For he had indeed spent some time with thinking about Dain's actions and words this far and reached similar conclusions. And if he trusted the lady and the elf-lord already, could't see the Uruk but as too bold for a conspirator and tended to trust the young marshall of Mark it left him with the same top suspicion - and there indeed were things he had found alarming with the dwarf.

He would give it thought - if he could turn it to a song - but anyway he was ready to state why he susected Daín could be their last traitor. He fell into himself searching for the words...

X'd with Daín

[Groin Redbeard]

"I can see that we will not be getting much discussion today," Dain said with a sigh. "Therefore I will be content with pondering everyone's words, for toDay is a difficult day of voting."

[Nogrod]

"I must say that I am indeed surprised at you! You wait until after I have left and voted against you to accuse me, rather than speaking when I was there to defend myself! Did you think that you could sway the vote against while I was gone, then let me ask you this: why haven't you brought it up before? Indeed it was as I said yesterDay before I left, you go after the ones who will not defend themselves, or in this case cannot defend themselves."
Tom heard the raging dwarf and walked to meet him.

"My good dwarf. You can't expect everyone to wait for the person they suspect to come back to the others to voice their suspicions. Otherwise those not being around for the most of the time could never be suspected. You should speak when you come to think about things.

And I think I told you all already why I didn't bring that up earlier. As I thought you might be our seer it would have been most foolish to voice that aloud and thence help the traitors to pick their most wanted victim.

I go for those who I find suspicious. And so should everyone else do."

Tom nodded to the dwarf courtially and looked at him to the eye. "But what comes to the matter of trusting master Gildor or me earlier, I'd not say it was just a pointing out of reliability but a try to rub someone right so that he would not suspect you as it feels good to be praised... In this kind of situation one can't afford blind trust but only reasoned ones and even those one should take with a pinch of salt."

EDIT: X'd with Daín again

[Nogrod]

Let's see what our dear dwarf had to say about the traitor Halbarad:

Day1

After lord Gildor managed to suspect the two...
Although I do not find Gildor's words to be of an evil nature, I do wish that she would provide deeper incite than just a gut feeling of dread of the ranger Halbarad and I.
Here Halbarad was leading in the votes...
All this talk about lynching Halbarad is nonesense if you ask me. He is quite yes, but I still have to see some proven evidence against him. All we have now are a few gut feelings, this is no for any man to die: lynched on a bad feeling!

Day2

After Lobelia, Gildor and Eomer had suspected Halbarad...
Halbarad, he's a very quite figure, but has spoken enough for me to have an opinion of him. He's on my list of suspicious characters, but he is at the bottom of it. His defence is an fair one and indeed if he is a traiter than he is a sloppy one.

Day3
After there had ben some new suspicions on Halbarad and I had brought him openly as my choice (alongside Uglúk)...
Halbarad, he is sloppy and his words are often taken out of context, but he always comes back with a satisfying response, but not entirely satisfying.
"Let those formulations and situation talk for themselves."


He has clearly avoided speaking of Radagast, although it's interesting to notice that he begins quite early with this...
I wish that Gandalf would speak, we need his say in the matter, but we have Galadriel and Radagast. Galadriel, my fair lady, you give advice only when spoken to and this is disturbing.which kind of leaves him nicely the one to be trusted.

After that he only says once he doesn't have an opinion about him yet (#136) and afterwards announces he hadn't the slightest that Radagast was a traitor.

It's also interesting to see that he has casted the first vote to both those innocents who had been voted out this far (on Day1 to Gandalf and on Day2 to Lobelia - and he casted the first vote to myself on Day3 and almost made it once again...) so he's clearly looking around and making safe votes eg. voting those who have gained suspicion and making his votes early enough so that he can suspect others of bandwaggoning.

I hold this most suspicious indeed but I will a bit later look at Uglúk and Theodred as well so this is not my final word but those two need to turn out quite ugly if I were to change my mind."

EDIT: Don't call for discussion if you're not ready to have it yourself master dwarf... you knew I was around but still decided to just go away while implying it's the others who don't wish to discuss...

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

When Galadriel returned again she asked for those still remaining with the group to follow her to a more suitable place for debate, as they walked Galadriel said to the people following. “Worry not for those who are not with us, they will be send for” She now lead them to a mighty tree. “We are going up there she said”. They all looked up the tree but could see no way of getting up there and so turned to Galadriel, but she was not to be seen. The fellowship felt uneasy about her mystical disappearance, but before too long an young (relatively) elf came up to them and showed them the way to the great talan where the hall of Galadriel stood, inside they that seats and food had been prepared for them. Galadriel her self was also there and she asked them to sit “I found this place more fitting for our last debate in Lothlorien and let me start it while you all eat”

“Firstly I will speak of Iarwain as I have done so many times before: Just before the death of Halbarad he constantly changed his opinion on me, which seemed a bit odd and convinced me I had made the right choise. The Halbarad turned out to be a traitor and that changed everything, so I have to look at Iarwain’s final acts again. When it looked like he might get lynched he voted for Halbarad, this seems to be an innocent act. . .why not go for a person he knew innocent? As I said it looks innocent. . .but of course this could be a carefully planned scheme for the one who survived to look innocent, but why would Halbarad then vote for me that is the thing that throws me off. Anyways I think I shall give Iarwain the benefit of the doubt today.

What of Ugluk? The orc he has made very little sence for a long time now and I have been suspicious of him ever since he supported Gildor’s analysis without concluding anything. Since that he has ignored my words completely and continued in the same manner, I would not mind sending him home to the mountains!

I see the tide is turning on our dear Dwarven Lord and I can understand the accusations against him, yet I am a bit reluctant to vote for his departure. He does seem to take the easy road at times, but for some reason I find his way of reasoning appealing and so I would rather put my vote on the orc.”

[Nogrod]

"Is it the awe and wonder of this place or what makes the others this quiet?" Tom opened his mouth after seeing no one else would do it.

"How much you wonder... or fear this place", he glanced at Daín, Uglúk and Theodred, "do not let it seal your lips."

He then rose up from the seat he had been given and started to walk around slowly fallen into his thoughts reflecting what lady Galadriel had said.

"I see you are worried about the Uruk. And I do not blame you for it, at least in here. It has been an act of generosity from your race to let him enter in the first place. And I can see it that as a product of art he hates all those born free and why that would give us the reason to suspect him. And he hasn't been the most co-operative member of our fellowship either. But what I fear is that it's his nature to be monomaniac like that and to be openly aggressive when he thinks he has gotten a target and not being able to widen his scope. It's sad but maybe the explanation to his behaviour.

I will fall back to my memories trying to look what he has actually done - like I will try to retract the steps of this young Théodred before it's time to make decisions. We can end this treachery here, remember. And at the moment I think a treacherous Uglúk would have been smoother."

Tom bowed to the lady and lord Celeborn and then retreated back to his seat.

[Nogrod]

"What first catches my eye in Uglúk is that early on our first Day of travel he made a speech where he discussed generalities and criticised me of speaking lots of nonsense and nothing serious, like not talking about the traitors among us - which I indeed find a bit unfair accusation looking back at how little had been said that far then. But anyway. He then ends his speech with this totally separate sentence: I also see that Radagast has yet to comment on the traitors among us.and that was only little after a lengthy speech by Radagast and where he had openly suspected me of not talking about the traitors. Now were they in cahoots together this kind of pointing out would be totally unnecessary and unwanted not the least because Radagast's clear tactics seemed to be not suspecting anyone. And as there had been no major suspicions either it would be reckless indeed.

With the same breath I admit that Radagast tended to speak a lot in favor of him that first Day especially - like he was trying to shelter him from any attacks that would have been hurled towards him because of his race. It was easy for him as he could make an appeal to Saruman's judgement and pretty sneaky if they were traitors together.

When the second Day of talking started he quite justifiedly criticizes myself and Gildor for voting Gandalf even if we knew him well enough - well not taking account that he actually behaved much more weirdly and irresponsaibly we have ever seen him act. But then he catches my eye once again for adding to that: Halbarad does seem quite the suspicious one, but then again, he's fairly new to this sort of thing and bound to make mistakes. I'm not letting him out of my sight at all, but he's not at the top of my list either.which is exactly the round about way of discussing a fellow... or then he just got carried away with the way he could spot the styles of some of us in the fellowship?

After starting his obsession on Elrohir's vote and voting for me because my vote on Gandalf he then starts the third Day with a theory of myself and Radagast as mates - where my suspicion of Radagast was a way to signal to him to start behaving less supiciously. It remains to be seen what his reasoning to it was as it was then a few moments before the deadline and basically no one had openly suspectet the wizard who then died in the hands of mighty Eomer. He then continues with his questioning of Elrohir and then says this about Halbarad: And Halbarad, I'm really not sure I can honestly keep letting you off the hook for this long.which again looks like a traitor feeling a need to address the case of the other but with reluctance - and after all that promise didn't lead anywhere...

For he then next announces that he doesn't suspect Halbarad anymore and will concentrate on me. But his "cases" keep being as sham as you can see: Interestingly, Tom Bombadil called Halbarad suspicious for not contributing much to the discussion. This was after the Ranger had already made the point that Tom's singing could be used to confuse discussion. He's been making arguments, so how is he not contributing to the discussion?which I find faulty indeed as I couldn't consider Halbarad's thought an argument any more than our lady Galadriel speaking in a certain tone that is hers - or the young Eomer speaking the way he does. I sing because I am Bombadil and they speak as they do because of who they are. Anyone can hide behind anything: a role, a habit, a principle... And btw. I think I actually defended Halbarad a few times on the first Days just because he was doing something - unlike some others!

After speculating with Radagast's words, reminded to us by Gildor, he then votes for me once again.

ToDay he has seconded himself in saying that he wouldn't put it past to me to vote for my fellow (Halbarad); seconding because he said the earlier Day that he wouldn't put it past me that I could suspect my fellow (Radagast). So whatever the information, whatever happens he will stick to suspecting me. And I think it a bit too bold - unless we say that sticking to a principle is tactics and pointing it out is an argument. It might well be?

Well, I don't know. Looking back at the Uruk made me a bit more weary of him as I had just thought he was only too bold but the way he spoke about Halbarad and also how Radagast treated him and how fabricated his points on me were kind of raise my alarms once again.

Hard to say."