The Fall of Greenwood the Great RPG

[piosenniel]

Arien’s post

Prolog

The greatest forest in Middle Earth stood fair and tall. The breeze gently rustled her delicate leaves that draped down from her mighty trees. And all was silent, still. The sun bathed her in its never ending light, caressing the rolling midnight canopy. And below on the floor she hid away secrets of beauty, And all was calm, good. Years past in an instance and she never waxed nor waned, but held her grace.

Many people past dwelt within her, but none so as the Elves. And within her northern realm they lived. It was filled with immense wonder, for it was crafted in the image of the diminished realm of Menegeroth- once the most beautiful place upon Middle Earth. And all was peaceful, alluring. Time still fleeted past and she lost nothing but remained.

But one day a shadow of evil entered the south. Twisted forms marred her trees and killed her animals. And she wept. Then he came…….And from that day forth her beauty was no more. Slowly his evil spread and reached the Elves. And they in turn closed their doors to the world. And from then on she was Mirkwood.

This is the story of how the evil was found, some died and some lived but he was too strong. The fought but with their failure the doors of their hall were closed.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“You do know that it is growing. Less and less peoples enter here and trade has fallen…..”

Ceros leaned against one of the great trees and breathed into the blackened night. It had been nearly a year now and he had noticed the changes in the forest. A year since the rumours started. A year since a shadow fell like a shroud of misery. No longer did the birds sing their songs of wonder in the south, and no longer did the beasts roam the pleasurable clearings, but lay hid amidst the newly formed darkness. Others had noticed the change too, felt it in the air, the ground, the water. But they were too afraid to speak up, troubled of being accused of being paranoid. For in this world things of shadow would always be. But this was no paranoia, no it was real and Greenwood no longer held herself as she once did.

“Yes I do know…” replied a voice in the night, “But what to do?” Orodhin stepped forward into the light of their small fire, so Ceros could see him. “But what to do?”

“At least try to fight it!” breathed Ceros deeply. He loved Greenwood with a deep passion and hated it that nothing was being done to counter the threat. The invisible threat as some had grown to call it.

The two were on guard duty tonight, protecting the southern road from any intruders, or unwanted guests. Everyone knew there was no real point in guarding it for no one had come from the south for over a year now, and they weren’t going to start now. Plus the rumour of the shadow had put off guards from patrolling these areas, and Cersos and Orodhin were two of the few who would do it. An eerie silence hung thick in the air, and nothing but the two Elves were there.

“We don’t even know what we are up against, how could we fight it?” Orodhin replied staring up into the canopy, “There are rumours,” he sighed, “Rumours of a great evil!”

“I have heard them too…….” Ceros looked down the Elven path, “that is why we have to do something….now…bu…”

“Shh,” Orodhin drew his sword and fell back into the darkness. Ceros had heard it to and silently stepped backwards into shadow. The noise was clear and crisp in the silence, the crackling of leaves underfoot was amplified in the stillness. As the thing drew closer Ceros tightened his grip, but as two figures drew into the fire light his heart jumped.

“Talas, Ranude!” cried Orodhin stepping out from his veil of darkness, Ceros too revealed himself.

“We have come to relieve you, but you are lucky someone came, many were reluctant to…”

“Thank you, goodnight ,” Ceros said and he and Orodhin made their way back to the Halls and left the other two to guard the halls.

Blessed by the Valar were the lives of Ceros and Orodhin, for neither Talas nor Renude were ever seen again, this is what drew the meeting together and this is where our journey starts.

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Four months later a meeting was called:

To all the Elves of this Realm, the time has come to call into question the Shadow . . .

When Ceros had first heard the notice he had snorted, as if this was just another gathering to deal with rogue spiders or unwanted trespassers. But as the Council grew closer, realization hit him. This was serious, the heads of the guards were attending, along with scholars and Thranduil was to be present. Maybe this was actually going to do something. And about time too. There had been more disappearances of late and Ceros could never stop thinking that he and Orodhin might have carried the same fate as Talas and Renude. They had lost some of their best fighters too. Just vanishing into the night, no trace left. But al least no something was going to be done.

Ceros made his way to the meeting alone. He had just finished guarding duty, being posted at the west entrance. Luckily escaping duty on the South gate. No one wanted to guard their anymore. No, not since the shadow had got much thicker. As he walked down the Elven path he past the great trees, birds sang their songs, which were once so full of pleasure, but now alas they were filled with misery and woe. The sunlight glinted through the tree tops, and whispers of their Elven dwellers could be heard echoing throughout. Ceros was now nearing the Halls, there were beautiful trees lining the way to the Halls, and around it flowed a dark, strong, swift river and over it was the bridge. The bridge then lead to the mighty doors, which were now swung wide open. Two guards were placed either side of the large gaping hole in the mass of rock. Slowly nodding towards the guards her carried on inside the Hall. The walls were carved with amazing shapes and pictures, breath taking they were but Ceros had no time to stop and stare he was already late. Deep he went into the ground, following the endless, dim corridors but he finally reached it.

He made his way to the main atrium where the meeting was being held. Slowly he slipped into the room. There were fifty or so chairs in a large circle. At the head sat Thranduil, upon his fair head he wore a crown of woodland flowers, for it was spring again. But somehow it did not feel so. He wore rich green robes embroidered with golden stitches, and he sat upon his wooden throne. The rest of the circle was comprised of various Elves, some scholars, others guards and some Elves of high stature. The atrium, was a circular room with a high ceiling and broad walls. Large pillars were carved from the living rock and were decorated in spring flowers of many colours. The room was lit with many glowing candles and sweet perfume burned, filling Ceros' mind with the smell of Spring. Slowly he took his seat beside Orodhin, Thranduil rose.

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Ceros leaned against the cedar chair, his arms crossed and his legs stretched out in front of him. With content he listened to Thranduil.

“…..they have been missing for four months. Two good archers and able fighters, missing in their own homes? No, the thought is absurd! We must now face this growing threat from the south, speak up those that will for we must do something now…… "

[ September 22, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[piosenniel]

Maikafanawen's post

She didn’t want it. It was drab and strident which wouldn’t help her dance at all. But the Elf was smiling and he looked sincere. Ihwesta extended her hand, accepting the pair of bell-adorned anklets from Ghiorden.

“Ah, thanks, Ghio, thanks a lot. They’re very—well you’re very thoughtful.” She smiled up at him tucking the anklets into one of the deep pockets in her skirt. Ghiorden was very kind, and Ihwesta had enjoyed his company a lot, though he was two thousand years her senior, while she was learning to arch, but lately he was growing into a bit of a nuisance, and she couldn’t piece it together.

“Are you dancing soon?” he asked eagerly.

“I have no events scheduled requiring entertainment from me as of now. I’m taking a break, but when I practice I-I’ll wear them.” She forced a slight smile, her mind buzzing for some excuse to get away.

The day had been long and hot. Ihwesta was forced now to take extra caution as she journeyed further from the palace walls, which meant going slow and studying carefully her surroundings. One of her brown hide shoes was ripping down the back and she lacked the tools to mend it now, and doubted returning home soon with Ghiorden drilling her with pointless conversation. When she thought all hope of repairing her shoe and getting to the Council on time, she was rescued.

“Ihwestaieleva,” said a voice behind her. The Elf turned to see Reynion coming her way, probably on his way to the Council. “They are expecting us. If you’ll excuse us Ghiorden.” The older Elf nodded, disappointment slightly lining his face.

“See you later then, Ihwesta.” He bowed and retreated gracefully down the hall again. The she-Elf slumped her shoulders and confided in the guard Elf.
“I feel so nasty. But, there’s something peculiar about him and I don’t trust him at all.” Reynion stopped and tossed a glance over his shoulder then looked down at the she-Elf beside him.

“Yes, he is eerie, I’ll give you that.” Ihwesta absently rubbed at the button on the side of her tunic.

“I know he wants to work with Minyahiniwen at the shop but, well, she’s picky about her work and only Orodhîn knows how to fletch or polish just the way she wants it. I wonder how long he’ll be at it.” They entered the Council hall where Elves were already seated, waiting for Thranduil to address their purpose for gathering.

The king spoke of the disappearances of the Elves in recent weeks and of the growing shadow that seemed to weave its way through the ancient trees taking the merry forest creatures and beautiful shrubbery with it. Then he called for action, action that would discover the perilous enigma that was soon to envelope the entity of the Woodland Elves’ home. Bravest among them was Ceros. He was first to speak.

“Friends of old, I know what must be done. A company of nine shall patrol to the depths of the wood to unveil this mystery that consumes our realm. I propose that—”

“Hold a moment! This is dangerous!” protested Ainemetion, a dark eyed elf close to Ihwesta. “It is madness to explore something we know so little about. No one who has met this peril has lived. It is insanity to risk the lives of yet more people.” His brow furrowed in disturbance as he glanced around the room for support. Another came to his aide.

“I agree with Ainemetion,” offered Delorfath. “No one would take up with you, Ceros, except the foolhardy and novice blinded with a false sense of honor towards the realm.” Ihwesta shook her head and stood also, asking permission to speak. Thranduil nodded and she began,

“I disagree with both of you and will follow Ceros. I do not mean to sing my own praises, but I am a decent tracker and if this power is not supernatural, the best among us could stand against it, I am sure.” Ainemetion and Delorfath shook their heads, retaking their seats. A few moments of silent echoed silently in the air. Ihwesta was one of the youngest there and felt awkward searching the gatherings’ faces for replies. Then, another spoke up, agreeing to take up with Ceros.

“I may be how you say ‘blinded with honor’, but to me that is a credit in itself,” stated Reynion. “And I am neither foolhardy nor is my reasoning for reverence false. You have everything I can offer,” he said, bowing low to Thranduil and then looking towards Ceros. “I will go.”

“Have you no concern for your safety, Reynion?” another interrogated. “You, Ihwesta, your mother needs you in her shop? Yes?” Yeorgil leaned forward in his seat, honest trepidation for the young she-Elf impressed lightly on his face. Orodhîn spoke but did not stand.

“I help Minyahiniwen in the bowyer shop. Ihwesta is free to do as she chooses.” Yeorgil scowled slightly.

“We need skilled warriors,” Ceros pointed out. “Our troupe will not be complete without many of you. Ainemetion, please reconsider.” The first to depress the idea stared down the Elf who stood by Thranduil before standing slowly.

“I shall go. Delorfath?” He stood beside his friend.

“I still am not convinced. But I wish you good luck my friend,” he answered. Ainemetion nodded. After what was a short time to Elves, though truly two plus hours, a company of nine was ready to do the king’s bidding.

[piosenniel]

Tinuviel of Denton's post

Reynion strode down the halls of Thranduil, lost in thought. He heard voices ahead of him and almost turned around to take another route. He thought he recognized one of the voices as one of the Elves he’d grown up with. Ghiorden, he thought. Oh, and the elvenmaid was one of Ghiorden’s old archery students, the one with the incredibly long name. She seemed to be uncomfortable. So of course he had to step in and “rescue” her.

“Ihwestaieleva. They are expecting us. If you’ll excuse us, Ghiorden.” To himself he added, and I hope he takes the hint. I don’t really want to explain the situation if indeed I’m understanding it correctly.

The other Elf nodded, disappointment slightly lining his face. “See you later then, Ihwesta.”

Ihwesta slumped her shoulders as Ghiorden drooped away. “I feel so . But there’s something peculiar about him and I don’t trust him at all.”

Reynion stopped, a little embarrassed at being confided in by a comparatively young elf, and a maid to boot. “Yes, he is eerie, I’ll give you that,” he agreed for lack of anything better to say.

“I know he wants to work with Minyahiniwen at the shop but, well, she’s picky about her work and only Orodhîn knows how to fletch or polish just the way she wants it. I wonder how long he’ll be at it.”

Reynion was saved from having to answer that by their arrival at the Council doors. Once inside, he slipped away from Ihwesta and stood in the shadow of one of the pillar-trees. The tidings were worse than he had realized. A spider or two was one thing, but accomplished scouts and trackers just disappearing? That didn’t make sense. Suddenly he was very glad that he’d returned to this area, even if it did bring him into closer quarters with his father than he would have liked.

As the arguing escalated, he decided to go, especially when two young elvenmaids volunteered. It wasn’t that he disparaged their skills, mind, he just didn’t think it right for them to be among so few. Besides, [Elves #4 & 5] were not among his favorite people. It would be nice to be in the right for once with them.

“I may be how you say ‘blinded with honor’, but to me that is a credit in itself,” Reynion stated blandly. “And I am neither foolhardy nor is my reasoning for reverence false. You have everything I can offer,” he said, bowing low to Thranduil and then looking towards Ceros. “I will go.”

Well, now I’m in for it, he silently laughed at himself. Well, one thing about this mission. His sword and knives would be much more practical than his sword.

[piosenniel]

Kates Frodo Temp's post

The tall, well-built Elf named Ainemetion was just returning from a solitary walk in the wood. It was so beautiful in springtime, he could hardly keep away! Everything was so fresh, so alive!
When he reached home, Ainemetion was puzzled to see his father at the door to greet him.

“Council,” he growled. “You should go.”

“Oh, yes! Go!” His mother, Evien, rejoined.

“Alright. I’ll see you when I get back.” The door slammed shut.

Ainemetion slipped quietly into the Council hall, hoping he had not disturbed the other, far older Elves. He took an empty seat and settled in, preparing to hear what he knew would be a lengthy and intriguing conversation. He expected the council was concerned with the strange disappearance of several of the best Elf warriors. Ainemetion listened as a respected Elf named Ceros began to speak.

“Friends of old, I know what must be done. A company of nine shall patrol to the depths of the wood to unveil this mystery that consumes our realm. I propose that--

Ainemetion sat silently for a moment, staring at the intrepid Ceros. Did he really believe anyone would accompany him? Even if they did, what made the hotheaded Elf think they would come back? Ainemetion was the last one to reject a plan to protect his beloved home, but this was insane! He could not keep silent.

“Hold a moment! This is dangerous!” protested Ainemetion, leaping to his feet. “It is madness to explore something we know so little about. No one who has met this peril has lived. It is insanity to risk the lives of yet more people.” His brow furrowed in disturbance as he glanced around the room for support. Another came to his aid.

[piosenniel]

Everdawn’s post

Once again Arië had wandered off into the wood, against many of the Elves wishes. Two had gone missing in the previous months, and the Elves still had no idea why. She walked barefooted through the woods until she came to a stream. The water was not deep, but the brook was a harbour for all kinds of small fish. Arië ran her hands through the water. Several deer had come from the surrounding woodlands at the sound of Arië’s voice raised in Elfish song. “I though it would be that you would not come.” She spoke to one of the deer who laid down beside her. “Tell me Aras, have you seen them, the guards that have gone?” she asked it.

“That deer can tell you nothing.” It was the voice of another Elf guard Noneil, he had a desperate look on his face. “Mae govannen” she said as he helped her up. “You mother sent me, to find you. Mellon, you should not go away like that now these days bring danger!” there was look of concern on his face. “Come, back to the halls we shall go.” Arië sighed, “You doubt me so, It is not wise.” She shook her head. “However, Noniel, If you think that I am unsafe why do you come alone?” He stopped, a look of surprise on his face. “Well, I did not think.” He said plainly. “I don’t think that my safety is at all threatened by this part of the woods.” He said.

“Precisely my point.” Replied Arië. Noniel looked as if he could not speak. “Do not let it trouble you my friend. Now, why did my mother really send you?” she asked taking a sideways glance at him while they walked. “The King has called a meeting, Ceros is also attending as he has something to say.” Arië interjected, “about the missing ones?”
“That is what I am thinking; I think he wants to send a search party. In which case I will not go.” Arië spun around. “OH! But you must! We must!” Noniel frowned, “We?”

“Yes, I will go, you forget yours Elf, I am a very skilled tracker Mellon, better than many guards. Not to make mys Elf better offcourse, but I could be a real asset.” Nonile began walking again. “You may discuss that when you hear what the King has to say, or after you discuss it with your parents. Who of course will not allow you to go.” This annoyed Arië, “You may not tell me what I can do, Noniel, You are far too protective of me, I can look after myself, better than you could. Now, lets not fight, I do not wish to find an enemy in you old friend.”

They crossed the bridge from the river and proceeded to the Elf King’s hall. Most of the inhabitants were there, including her mother Sendalien Arië, who was called Arië also by the Elves, and her father Menorë. “I have told you, daughter. Never to go out there, now these days bring peril.” He said solemnly. “She only wants to be closer to Ea, hervenn” spoke the elder Arië.
The king spoke.

“Ceros take me. You know as well as I no one here can track as well.” Ceros nodded, “Yes, you have a point young one. But for a woman to be out in the dangers of the woods, I am not so sure.” The king nodded. “I know what I am doing, you yours Elf Ceros have said on numerous occasions that I have been able to sense things before the others. And what if it could help you, I can fight, these guards have taught me from a young age!”

“Very much correct Arië. You are quite in touch with everything also aren’t you.” He stood thinking for a minute. I will speak for you, for I have much confidence in you, come you will, that is if Menorë and of course the King have no objections.” She glanced at her father. Who stood tall in thought. “I will allow her, if you shall speak for her Ceros. Even I know you would be foolish not to accept an offer form Arië the younger.” Said the king. Menorë frowned. The older Arië at his side, “If it is you wish King Thranduil, My daughter will go, and all blessing will follow her.” Arië breathed a huge sigh of relief. “Ah! It is done!”

[piosenniel]

Nerindel's post

Taurëwen walk slowly back from her watch of the eastern borders, after her brothers disappearance four months ago she had ask the king's permission to join the watch in her brother stead, With a saddened heart he had granted her request. "The Song of the Greenwood is lost, but it shall ever remain in our hearts" he had told her sympathetically. He had been right after that day she had not had the heart to sing and even now she could not find her voice.

As she walked she suddenly felt a cold shiver run up her spine, she looked up to see the path that ran to the south gate, how she got here she could not fathom, her feet had merely brought her here. She pulled at her green and gold tunic nervously and took a few steps towards the gate, but as she did a short gust of spring wind blew and the trees shook their new leaves in warning. Shivering again, she heeded their warning and did not venture into the thick darkness that lay about the gate, instead she quickly turned and made her way hurriedly to the council halls.

As she neared the Halls she reached out her hand to touch one of the great beech trees that lined the way to the Halls, her heart gladdened that the shadow had not reaches these magnificent trees, she glanced back, the shadow could not be seen from here but it was still heavy on her heart as she crossed the bridge and passed through the great doors of the Woodland halls. Deeper and deeper she went until at last she reached the main atrium.

The meeting had already begun, so she slipped quietly into an empty seat at the back of the circle. She breathed deeply taking in the sweet smells of the wild spring flowers and sweet perfumes that filled the room.

"Friends of old, I know what must be done. A company of nine shall patrol the depths of the wood to unveil this mystery that consumes our realm."

These were the first words she heard as she had blocked out the others concerning the missing elves to prevent her grief from resurfacing. She did not need to look up to know the voice was that of Ceros the commander of Thranduil's army, She could feel her cheeks flush with anger as she listened to [Elf #4] and [Elf #5] speak of the dangers, off course it would be dangerous, but it would be more perilous to sit here and wait for the darkness to engulf us she thought heatedly, but as she was about to rise and air her protest another spoke.

"I disagree with both of you and will follow Ceros. I do not mean to sing my own praises, but I am a decent tracker and if this power is not supernatural, the best among us could stand against it, I am sure."

As she looked up she saw Ihwestaaieleva, Minyahiniwen the bowyers daughter, she drew strength from the younger woman's words and managed to calm herself, then another Elf rose and spoke his piece offering to go with Ceros. The other two were obviously still not convinced and spoke openly, she lowered her head as Orodhîn rose in the defence of his sister.

Taurëwen had harboured secret feelings for the male trainee bowyer before her brothers disappearance, Orodhîn and Ceros had been the last ones to see her brother and they had both been unable to tell her anything of Talas's disappearance. She had been unable to look the young man in the face the last time she had been in his mothers shop, she had practically bolted from the shop when he handed her the silver arrow heads he had made for her.

She continued to listen as Ceros convinced the other Elves to join him, Then she watched as the King consented to let Arië the younger join the company, A wise decision she thought for she knew of the young elf was more attuned to the nature of the woodlands than even she.

Seeing now her opportunity to speak she grasped it "I too will go" she called determinedly "Nooooo" she heard as all eyes locked with hers, she suddenly felt uncomfortable. The cry was her mothers and her father was now walking towards her, he placed his gentle hands on her shoulder and looked at her askingly, "Please understand that I must father " she whispered, " I have to know what this darkness is and from whence it has come ere it consumes me, it already eats at my heart by the taking my beloved brother and by the corruption of beasts and trees of our southern borders" she saw Arië nodding her agreement with her assessment of the border. Her Ithildin nodded then turned to the King and Ceros,

"If you permit it my lord, my daughter shall go with Ceros and the others. She will been of great asset as her healing skills are unsurpassed and she is quite capable in combat."

"You have no need to convince us we know full well the ladies skills " the king assured him "You have my blessing"

Ithildin embraced his daughter then went to reassure and comfort his wife.
Taurëwen took her place silently with the others and awaited the kings bidding.

[piosenniel]

Eruwen's post

Many years passed by after the disappearance of Eruwen's mother, Artue. Long the shadow had passed into their forest, and it was drawing even closer to the Silven Elves of Greenwood the Great. As always around the later part of the day, Eruwen rode through the deep wood closer towards Thranduil's palace and then on towards the South gate to greet her brother before she returned home again. Soon a break came in the forest as Eruwen rode into sight of the palace. She gazed up at the towering peaks before her as a soft wind began to blow. The bright sun shone through the tops of the trees down onto the land below her causing a shadow to be cast down on her, and it also caused the wind to become strangely cool.

As she passed by the palace, she began to notice many Elves, many she knew, slip behind the walls of Thranduil's dwelling. Curiously, she kept riding passed when suddenly she saw her brother about to enter the palace as well. Eruwen quickly dismounted from her grey steed, Mírie, and ran over to where he stood.

"Nárello!" Eruwen yelled catching his attention. Nárello froze and turned to meet his sister with a discouraged look on his face.

"Eruwen, go home," he said forcing her away. "You don't need to be here."

Eruwen looked at him strangely, but then she spoke again as she realized what was happening.
"You told me the council wasn't until tomorrow," she said. "Why did you lie to me?"

"Because I don't want you to come, now go home!"

"No!" Eruwen yelled causing many Elves to turn towards them. Seeing she caused a sudden crowd around, she lowered her voice again and continued.
"She was my mother too, Nárello." she said. "I deserve to avenge her disappearance as much as you do."

"But I don't want you to disappear as well," Nárello replied. "It's too dangerous."

"Well what about you? Don't you think I wouldn't want you to go either?"

"And I probably won't. Thranduil is sending only the most skillful of the Elves on the mission."

"Well then, I shall go," Eruwen said starting to walk towards where she saw the other Elves enter, but she was stopped by her brother. She looked up into his piercing, green eyes and saw the fear he held. "I'll be alright," she said finally, but it didn't seem to help.

Ignoring Nárello's wishes, Eruwen quickly made her way down to where the council was being held. Many Elves were seated already as Thranduil rose to speak. He spoke of many of the disappearances in the forest and of the shadow which was drawing close in the land. Soon a well-known Elf, Ceros, stood and spoke.

"Friends of old, I know what must be done." Ceros stated. "A company of nine shall patrol to the depths of the wood to unveil this mystery that consumes our realm. I propose that—"

His words were soon cut off by an Elf at the side which protested his idea. Many other Elves spoke up and both protested and agreed to going with the company. Soon many Elves already agreed to go, and, without much reguard to anyone, Eruwen stood suddenly.

"I will go as well," she said raising her voice above the crowd.

[piosenniel]

Elentari Greenleaf's post

Airelómë sat in a tree, a breeze blowing through the leaves causing them to make a sweet rustling noise. He sighed. Things were getting so bad now in Greenwood that seeing elves out in the forest was a rare sight. Airelómë neatly re-did his plaits, which he had taken out, to stop his dark golden hair blowing across his face. He looked to his right and nearly fell out of the tree in shock.

"Seré," exclaimed Airelómë. "You climb these trees too swiftly and silently. What is it?" He added, seeing the expression on his friend's face.

"A meeting has been arranged. Ceros intends to stop this evil growing before it destoys us. It will be held soon, in a few minutes I think. I thought I ought to tell you."

"Thank you Seré," shouted Airelómë as he climbed down the tree. He ran though the forest as fast as he could, his feet carrying him more swiftly than they had in a long time.

Airelómë walked down the corridor toward the meeting hall. The growing darkness needed to be stopped, and when something was done he wanted to be part of it. He didn't just want to be, but felt he needed to be part of it. Perhaps it was because his parents were loosing out on work now there was less trade, or perhaps he just wanted an adventrue, but he would help in whatever way he could.

As he entered the hall, he realised he was late, as per usual, and quietly sat at the back. Ceros, an elf Airelómë had seen and heard of but never spoken to, began talking and Airelómë listened intently, suprised when several elves interupted. When he heard that the company was to only be of nine elves, Airelómë knew he must join. He rose at the end of Ceros's speach and said what he had to say, though he had heard elves say it would be dangerous.

"Ceros," he began. "I am Airelómë Firith, and I will help you. But where will the quest lead us? Where do you think the darkness arises from?"

Ceros explained to everyone that their journey would take them to the southern parts of Greenwood and back again. He also said that both male and female elves were needed for each is skilled in their own way. Missing elves were mentioned, which Airelómë had heard before, but he had not heard which elves until now. Though he was not familiar with the names, they were elves all the same and needed to be found. Airelómë would not let the thought that they could be dead enter his mind.

"I too will join the company," Airelómë said after seven or eight others had.

[piosenniel]

Eladain Moruviel's post

"Oh Mother, must I come?" said the young Gilbereth with an irritated tone "Those Council meetings are so long and boring ,I'd much rather be out with showing off my new spring clothes" "Yes you must come!" His mother shouted back at him from the other room "All the important nobles are coming, how would it look if you, the son of one of the King's advisers, didn't show up?" "Alright" he sighed" " I'll come if I must" And so, a little while later they both set out for the Council hall.

When they arrived, most of the other elves were already seated. They were hunters, trackers, and nobles for the most part. Also seated there, were some soldiers and some members of the King's guard, distinguishable by their green and gold uniforms. He and his mother found his father and took seats next to him. A few moments later the King started to speak, but Gilbereth wasn't paying attention, he was thinking about his brother, he had been doing that a lot lately "It's been what? A year since he had gone missing" he thought to himself.

The next thing he knew an older Elf by the name of Ceros was saying “Friends of old, I know what must be done. A company of nine shall patrol to the depths of the wood to unveil this mystery that consumes our realm...."what's going on he whispered to his mother "Good heavens child!" she whispered angrily "haven't you been paying attention?" "Well..um...no" he replied,s omewhat embarrassed "The King has been talking about the shadow that has come to our beloved forest. He says that we must send someone to find out what it is"

Just then an elf [Elf #4, brief description] jumped out of his chair and shouted Hold a moment! This is dangerous! It is madness to explore something we know so little about. No one who has met this peril has lived. It is insanity to risk the lives of yet more people.”

As Gilbereth watched another elf[Elf #5, brief description] stood up and nodding his head in agreement with [elf #4] said “No one would take up with you, Ceros, except the foolhardy and novice blinded with a false sense of honor towards the realm.”

Then, to Gilbereth's surprise a young female elf stood up and said "I disagree with both of you and will follow Ceros. I do not mean to sing my own praises, but I am a decent tracker and if this power is not supernatural, the best among us could stand against it, I am sure.” Elves [#4] and [#5} retook their seats. And a few moments of silent echoed silently in the air. Then, another spoke up, agreeing to take up with Ceros.

“I may be how you say ‘blinded with honor’, but to me that is a credit in itself,” stated [Elf #3]. “And I am neither foolhardy nor is my reasoning for reverence false. You have everything I can offer,” he said, bowing low to Thranduil and then looking towards Ceros. “I will go.”


And so it went on for hours , some agreeing with Ceros, and some disagreeing, but in the end it was decided that 9 elves should go into the woods and search out this shadow.8 elves went forward, each in there turn, but one more was still needed. "Well" Gilbereth though to himself "Here is a way to show my parents that I am responsible, and maybe even find my brother while I'm at it. they need one more elf, why shouldn't it be me" And so, to his parent's shock, he stood up and asked the king if he could accompany the other Elves on there journey saying "You all knew my brother, he was captain of the guard, and well liked by all. you also know that he disappeared early last year. I wish to go along with the company, and see if mayhap I can find him, or at least something that could tell us what happened to him" His parents tried to convince him not to go, but he was determined and so there efforts were fruitless. And so, finally, the King accepted him as the 9th member of the company.

[piosenniel]

The Game is now open for play. Have Fun!

Remember to remove your signatures from EVERY game post (your SAVES - too, please).

Will remove this once everyone has posted again on the Game.

[Everdawn]

Arië was quietly content and stood beside her family, with a small grin on her face. Her mother Arië, the elder turned to her. Arië kept her head bowed. "Are you happy?" her mother asked her, no tone of worry upon her voice.

"Not happy, relieved." she said raising her head. Menorë, her father had his back to her, then turned around. For a while he looked upon his daughter, before a small grin spread on his face. "I can not begin to say to you daughter, you will be in danger. Eru help the enemy if they capture you." he touched her cheek. "However, i am proud of you."

"Thankyou father" she said humbly and walked away from her parents. She looked upon her companions, and she was not the youngest. There was Ainemetion, among others. And Gilbereth. Arië couldnt help but smirk. Unfortunatly for Arië he saw this.

"What?" he asked her. Arië still beamed at him. "I think it is strange that you, Gilbereth, who never comes to the King's meetings, has appeared at this one and agreed to go into the depths of Greenwood in search of an unknown enemy." she was trying to keep face. "...you may tear your clothes." to this she laughed. Gilbereth frowned. "You are just a child Arië!" she rested a hand on his arm, still smirking, "come now, you know i adore you, i adore everyone. Lets us two find Ceros. I am anxious to learn of when we might leave.

Ihwesta was standing to the side of Ceros, she smiled and nodded to Arië. "Are you ready old friend?" she asked, and now Arië had lost her smile.

[Tinuviel of Denton]

Reynion stood at the door of his family’s home, debating whether to knock or just to enter. He probably would have stood there for a very long time if his mother had not chosen that moment to open the door.

“Reyn! How wonderful to see you again. You really ought to come home more often,” she scolded merrily, her grey eyes sparkling.

He smiled a little. “Is Father here?”

His mother nodded. “But he won’t want to see you. You know that.”

“Mother, I’m going with the scouting party, to see if we can discover what’s happened to the scouts who have disappeared. I want to see if I can make it up to Father before I go.”

Lashella frowned, but ushered him inside. She left him in the entryway as she went to get Eldarion, shaking her head at her son’s folly.

****

“So, have you decided to give up your nonsense?” was Eldarion’s only greeting. He was at least a head taller than his son, and Reyn had to look up at him, which had always seemed to the son as quite an unfair disadvantage. Eldarion had years and height on his son, which made it rather difficult to argue with him.

“No. I came to tell you goodbye.”

His father frowned. “Goodbye? You bid me farewell a long time ago when you left my roof for the forest. If that’s all, I bid you farewell and I don’t want to see you darken my doorway again if you can’t think of anything better to say to me.”

Reynion smiled, curling his lip a little. “Then you won’t wish to hear that I’m going towards the area where the scouts have disappeared. Good day, sir.” He turned on his heel, and strode out.

Well, that went well, he thought, a grimace on his face. I might as well have saved myself the trouble.

****

Reynion hefted his light pack to his shoulders and joined the other elves who were going on this journey. The others were all ready and he was the last one to arrive. He greeted them, then took a place some distance away from the others, wondering if he’d have done better to stay in the woods. Too many people, and all of them would expect him to be polite. Oh, well. What was done could not be undone, and this mission proved to be interesting at least.

He smiled at the other elves a little self-consciously. He was beginning to wonder if joining this expedition might not have been so smart after all. It had not escaped his notice that most of the others were very much younger than he. Half his age at best, and at worst—well, he wondered that some of these elves had even been allowed to the council, much less on the mission.

He stood alone, slightly separated from the rest of the group, and watched. It seemed that the youngest elves thought of this almost as a game. They were laughing and joking with each other as if they had already gone, discovered the missing elves, and triumphed over whatever had taken them. Reyn was not so confident. The spiders were growing more numerous and strange noises had pervaded his sleep until he’d come back to the area around Thranduil’s halls. It seemed almost certain to him that some of them would suffer the same fate as the missing scouts.

[ July 14, 2003: Message edited by: Tinuviel of Denton ]

[Eruwen]

After she agreed to going with the company, Eruwen looked directly back towards her brother who was standing near the back. Nárello had no expression on his face, nor did he look up at his sister. Eruwen turned back around to face the company in dismay. She knew she might have been foolish for agreeing so quickly, but it was just something she had to do. Eventually she worked up the courage to walk back and face her brother as well. As her slow pace soon brought her at his position, she lowered her head.

"I know you’re mad at me," Eruwen said quietly. She heard Nárello take a deep breath, but then he looked up into her eyes.

"Eruwen, you are my sister," he replied. "I cannot be mad at you for doing this. If anything, I should be proud...for you have great courage to agree to go out there."

"Then why are you acting so ill towards me?" Eruwen asked.

"I just don’t want what happened to our mother to happen to you," answered Nárello.

"And it won’t. I’ll be careful...like always."

Nárello looked at her in disbelief. "Yes, that is what I am afraid of," he said with a slight laugh in his voice and took another deep breath. "But I guess if you must go, then I cannot stop you."

Eruwen smiled shyly in gratitude and hugged her brother before he left. "Tell father goodbye for me," she said. "I won’t be returning home before we leave."

Nárello nodded and replied, "Take care of yourself. I’ll be watching for your return every day."

As a friend of hers called her from behind, Eruwen bid farewell to her brother. She gave him another short hug and then Nárello turned to leave. Eruwen walked over and began to talk with her friend, Callo, who was a close neighbor to her.

"So you’re going as well are you?" Callo said confronting his longtime friend. "Aren’t you scared?"

"No...well," Eruwen replied uneasily. "I don’t know. Whatever’s out there is of course frightening, but I think I won’t have to worry about being scared. I’ve faces many fears in my lifetime."

"Yes, but you knew what all of those were," said Callo. "How will you do against the unknown?"

"Just fine," the She-Elf said. "Besides, it’s not like I’m going alone."

"Of course," Callo said turning towards Ceros in the front of the room. "You have Ceros, the brave with you…why should you be afraid?"

"He’s not the only one going, Callo. There are many others as well. Although, it is an advantage."

The two Elves laughed as they continued conversing for much longer.

[Nerindel]

Taurëwen sat quietly in a seat at the front of the great hall, it was now all but empty. She watched her companions while they said their good byes to loved ones and friends. Her own father had taken her distraught mother from the atrium shortly after she had volunteered to join Ceros and the others. Taurëwen knew she would see her parents before she left, for she would have to pack and gather herb's from the halls of healing.

She watched as a tall dark haired elf, who addressed himself as Reynion excused himself, saying that he would return shortly. Ceros had nodded his Assent saying "we must discuss, what plans need to be made." Reynion nodded and left hastily.

Taurëwen recognised this elf from her wanderings in the greenwood, she had come apon him a few times, often near the borders of their realm. But anytime she got close the male elf seemed to disappeared. She often suspected that the elf had a flet somewhere among the great trees, although she never looked for it, instead respecting the elf's obvious need for solitude.

As her sharp green eyes scanned her companions she realised just how young some of them really were. Ceros, herself and Reynion seemed to be the oldest among them, not that it mattered much to her for she was sure they were all skilled, each in their own way. Her mother always reminded her to never judge a person by their age or appearance, "it's what's inside that counts" she would tell her and Taurëwen had always found that to be good advice.

Taurëwen's eye's then caught Ainemetion's, she smiled gently as she realised that the young elf was also regarding the company. This elf she knew also, his mother, Evien worked in the halls of healing as many of the elves with healing skills did. Evien always spoke affectionately of her son, but Taurëwen always sensed that Evien was a little disappointed that her son had neither her or her husbands skills. Ainemetion was another who liked the peace and seclusion of the Greenwood, she would often see the young elf sat in rapt contemplation. She shifted her gaze so as not to make him feel uncomfortable

Her gaze fell on another young elf, this one she did not know, she watched as the young she-elf's long brown hair danced around her shoulders as she laughed with an older male elf that she did recognise, Nárello had visited her mothers halls quite a few times, admittingly he was usually bring others who were not so lucky or skilled as he. The young elven woman turned her head slightly and Taurëwen could see the resemblance these two were obviously siblings. Taurëwen turned away from them, she suddenly had the feeling that she was intruding by watching them enjoy each others company, much like she and her brother used to do.

As she turned she saw Arië and Gilbereth making their way towards Ceros and Ihwestaieleva, As she looked on Ceros, the memories of the day he came to their home, to deliver the sad news of her brothers disappearance, came flooding back to her. She remembered her mothers distress and her father concern, but most of all she remembered her harsh questioning of the older elf , who was her bothers superior. At the time she refused to believe that her brother would have simply gone missing, without trace. She even accused Ceros of not looking hard enough for the missing guards.

She lowered her head in embarrassment, but just then she felt a gently hand on her arm, "Are you, ok" asked another male elf that she did not recognise. "erm...eh...yes, I'm fine thanks" she replied. "My name is Airelóme" he smiled warmly "I think Ceros, wishes us to join him." As she slowly looked up she saw that Ceros was indeed beckoning them over. Blushing again she followed Airelóme over to were the others waited, and stood patiently to listen to what Ceros had to say.

[Arien]

As the meeting ended Thranduil rose and came towards Ceros. Ceros bowed at his king and greeted him with kindly words.

“My Lord, I thank you for letting us search for this shadow..” Ceros smiled at him extremely grateful for what his king had allowed him to do.

“Ceros, I have every confidence that you and this company,” he looked over to the 8 other Elves, “…will find this shadow and prevail against it.”

Ceros did not know quite what Thranduil meant by prevail but he was not going to question him. “Thank you again, I have one more question though…”

“Oh! And what may that be?”

“If we could take supplies from the halls?”

“Of course, I would not have you leave without any!” And so Ceros bowed one more time and Thranduil left the atrium.

Now the others started to gather around him, he wanted to speak with Orodhin but he had already left on business. He would catch his mother and father when at home, so now it was for the planning.

Ceros beckoned the last two remaining Elves over to where the party stood. At last maybe they could find out what this threat was and maybe persuade more of the Elves to put some sort of defence up against it. Firstly he asked them to follow him into a smaller chamber, just of the large room. When they had all filed into the respectably smaller of the two rooms Ceros shut the door. He asked if they would be seated around the rounded table that stood in the centre of the room. The room, as well as being small, was also dimly lit, but for a small fire place and a few torches on the wall. Along one wall of the room was a sizeable bookcase filled with maps and books of lore. As the others made themselves comfortable Ceros selected a thin maroon book from the top shelf and brought it to rest on the table.

“Thank you for all volunteering to come with me, this journey is a perilous one. A few of us have already felt the sting of this danger,” his eyes flashed around the circle looking with sorrow upon those who had lost someone: Ainemetion, Gilbereth, Taurëwen and Eruwen. He then took his seat. “ We will set out at midnight, so this evening we have time to prepare supplies.” The others nodded to him. “I trust you all have valuble skills that you carry with you, and hopefully we will be able to make good use of them.” Ceros looked around, the other stared at him and he felt a little intimidated by them, but he shook it off and continued.

He opened up the book and lay a large dusty map onto the table for them all to see. “We will be travelling south as that is where the threat seems to be emerging from.” He pointed out their route out on the map and then closed it. “Tonight we will meet outside these halls, just across the river. And once again thank you for coming, at least some of us care.” He muttered the latter quieter, but it looked as though only Ihwesta as she gave him a confused look. “We have been granted to use the supplies from the halls so take what you can, but stay light…carry only essentials.”

The others departed and left quickly bidding Ceros farewell. He stayed until it was just him left and waited for a while, studying the maps he had brought out, hoping that he would not be responsible for the loss of any lives. Just as Ihwesta was leaving she turned to Ceros.

“Ceros, they do care….they are just scared, I will see you at midnight.”

“ Ihwesta say farewell to Orodhin for me, I fear I will not see my dear friend for sometime now and it is unlikely I will be able to see him tonight, it is a shame he was unable to come. But….but I am grateful that you have.” he smiled and she gave a slight nod and left the room. He stayed there for a while toying with one of his knives. After a hour or so, when the fire was dying he left the room, he hurried quickly out of the halls and across the river that surrounded it. He was making his way to his parents home. As he came through the door his mother and father went about their ordinary affairs in the home. He bid the fare well, and they told him how proud they were of him. Ceros beamed with pride inside, for he always liked to please his parents no matter how childlike it seemed. Then he returned to his own home, packing only the fundamentals: Water, food, herbs, extra arrows and a old bound book. As he picked the book up he pondered whether to take it, but after a moment or so he threw it into the bag. Now he was ready. So he left his home and went to the meeting place, his heart exited but restless.

[maikafanawen]

Ihwesta returned to her home that was just behind her mother and brother’s shop to get the few things she’d need. Minyahiniwen was already ahead of her filling new arrows into her quiver and Orodhîn had made himself useful by sharpening her two long-knives.

"Do not take Lintequesse," her mother called after her. "She will be our ransom until you come home."

Ihwesta took down her backpack from the hook beside the fireplace, monotonously placing into it the necessities she would require: flint, whetstone, lembas, and a small leather bound canteen to hang at her side.

Orodhîn entered bearing before him Ihwesta’s two long-knives now sharpened and ready for their sheaths.

“Thank you,” she said quietly as the blades disappeared into their pockets. The she-elf looked up at her brother. His face was expressionless and Ihwesta couldn’t know what he was thinking.

“Mother’s not angry,” he said. “She wants you to wait for Rildëoreion to return before you set out.”

“He is not home yet?” she pondered. “I wonder why.”

“You saw him at the meeting, sister. When you stood he made no movement of concern or dissent. He does not think anything of your decision. Nor does Minyahiniwen.” Averting his eyes from his sister’s questioning gaze, Orodhîn poured a glass of shimmering draught from the frail decanter on the table by the far wall. He held it for a moment in his hands before sipping it.

“You want to go Orodhîn. I know this. Minyahiniwen knows too I should think. One should know where one is needed and what one’s strengths are. You showed that you do at the council. Your strengths are in bowing and arrow-smithery. Mine aren’t. My talents are not as diverse as yours, Orodhîn, please remember. There is little I can give to the realm. All I have is sense: weather and tracking. The journey before me calls for such skills and so I give them freely. You understand.” Ihwesta walked to where her brother stood and hesitantly laid a hand on his shoulder. “You are stronger than I Orodhîn and our parents are proud.” She moved before him so that he had no choice but to look at her. “I am proud as well.” He smiled.

“Sister, may the star guide your path to your destiny, and may it fulfill all your dreams.” He leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the forehead. “I am proud of you.”

A tear had found its way into Ihwesta’s eye and ran down the length of her smooth cheek. Her brother turned then and left the room that had been her chamber since birth.

“Goodbye Orodhîn,” she whispered. “Goodbye.”

She packed little for she needed little and by the time her father returned home she was ready to go.

“Daughter,” Rildëoreion began. “I have no words of satisfaction or vigilance to share with you, please understand. The decision you have made is your own.” Ihwesta nodded understandingly and looked down as he withdrew something from his pack. It was a book bound with red leather and encircled with a braided strip of darker crimson embroidery floss to keep it shut. On its cover was stenciled a rose of many seasoned petals: Ihwesta’s favorite flower. It contained pages of blank space for sketching and here and there were written bits from tales of old elven history. In a long thin pocket on the inside of the cover was a piece of charcoal encased in wood so that it would not break or smear onto the hands while in use.

“I want pictures and descriptions of everything you see while you’re out there. If I’m to keep up with the history of our people, I need illustrations!” Ihwesta smiled inwardly, she should have expected this.

“Thank you father.” She kissed him on the cheek and hugged her mother goodbye.

“How long will you be gone do you believe?” queried Minyahiniwen. The elf maiden shook her head.

“I do not know. Not long.” She glanced quickly at her parents and older brother. “Oh yes, Orodhîn. Ceros sends his own fond farewells.”

“Return them for me please. And I wish him safely traveled.” Nodding, Ihwesta fastened her cloak of midnight blue over her shoulders and hoisted her bag onto her back. Not able to think of anything left to say she opened the door. The evening breeze entered the foyer, bringing to life the flames that danced on their wicks in their fat candles. The fire in the fireplace snapped and a shower of sparks disappeared into the air.

“Namarie,” she said softly. The door closed behind her closing away the comforts of her home. She walked slowly down the narrow path on her way across the river to where Ceros had determined they’d meet. As her feet carried her silently over the bridge, she caught a glimpse of the star-studded sky. How many times would the stars pass by before she returned home again?

[ July 16, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

[Everdawn]

Arië was the first ready that night. The moon was high and the stars bright. Though she did not admire them, this elf was far to wrapped up in her thoughts. The same thing came in and out of her mind constantly. A Shadow... of what?. It was the now ever present fear that haunted her days and nights.


Arië had seen how the other elves had refused to come and find this threat. And Ceros has done so much for them, for all of us. it was an emotion that Arië did not care for, she was gentler than that, and never was it she who would doubt an elf of her own kind.

She was packed lightly, as Creos had instructed, with her bow and daggers and small sachel which hung around her body. And she was no longer in a dress but a deep green tunic and light boots.

There would be some that thought that Arië the younger was not fit for exploring the depths of Mirkwood for an unseen enemy, she was not of that character. This thought amused her, Well, i am full of surprises.and waited for the others.

[Eruwen]

Eruwen left Callo to himself as the company was called for a quick meeting. Being advised to pack lightly and meet at midnight across the river that ran near Thranduil's halls. After the meeting was over, Eruwen walked outside onto the street once again. Mírie was still standing in the place she had left her steed, and Eruwen was glad to see her again. As Eruwen looked through her belongings that were tied to her horse securely, she saw that indeed she already had her bow and arrows already with her. She pulled a small dagger from another pouch and stuck it in a sheath secretly hidden within her boot.

As she also took her cloak from atop Mírie’s saddle and placed it around her own shoulders, Eruwen remembered one item that she had left at home...her grandfather’s flute. She sighed as she remembered her words to her brother about not going home again.

But I don’t want to have to say goodbye, she thought as she lent slightly again her steed. The flute is outside anyway. Perhaps I can just sneak by, grab it, and return here without anyone knowing. Oh, but if my father sees me, he will try everything in his power to get me to stay. But I must retrieve it. I cannot go without it.

Silently Eruwen quickly mounted Mírie and headed back for home. She raised the hood of her mantle as she approached the house so that possibly if she was to be seen, they would mistaken her as just another Elf and not stop her. She rode around in the forest nearby the house until she was closest to where she thought she had left the flute. As she alighted her steed as carefully as she could, she began to quietly walk over towards a tree that stood just feet from the bench her flute was lying on. Just when she was about to come out from hiding behind the tree and grab the flute, he father appeared. He stormed out of the house as if in some sort of rage, and made his way over to the bench Eruwen’s flute was upon.

Eruwen quickly hid once again behind the tree hoping to not be seen, but a faint sound caused her to become a little more inattentive. Her eyes widened as she realized the faint noise was her father’s own tears. Suddenly she heard him cry out aloud.

"Oh, Eru, what is happening!" he yelled now looking towards the sky. "My whole family is falling apart! Please protect my sweet daughter until she returns. Please let her return to me!"

Eruwen almost began to cry as she stood and listened to his words, but she remembered that she did want to go with the company, so she remained silent.

"And look," her father began again. "She has left her grandfather’s flute as well. Oh this is not well, for she goes nowhere without it."

Suddenly Eruwen began to hear the music of the flute. She turned her head slightly around the tree to see her father playing as tears were still streaming down his face. She sighed and slowly walked out from behind the tree.

"And to retrieve it is why I am here," she said softly as her father looked up at her in amazement. "I...I wasn’t going to come back before I set out with the company, but...I did need my flute. For, as you said, I can go nowhere without it."

Her father smiled merrily as he handed the flute to his daughter. Eruwen placed it around her belt where it could be hidden behind her cloak, and looked up at her father.

"I’m not going to stop you," he said to her surprise. "I know how much you want to do this, and I will let you go."

Eruwen muttered a faint "thank you" as she gave her father a short hug.

"Don’t worry, father," she said. "I will return. I promise you."

Saying these last few words, Eruwen ran off towards Mírie and mounted her steed. She waved goodbye to her father and her brother who now was outside the house and rode off. The ride back to Thranduil’s halls was short for she rode now at an extremely quick pace. Her heart raced rapidly as she thought of the dangers that soon await her and the rest of the company. Still having much time before they actually set out, Eruwen came upon the river and waited with another Elf who was already there. Soon they would indeed be setting out.

[Nerindel]

Taurëwen walked silently from the main Atrium to the Halls of Healing, Small gems in the intricately carved walls twinkled in the flickering light of the torches that lined the walls, as she passed, till finally she came to the large wooden doors of the halls, she smiled at the familiar sight of the woodland creatures that made up the carvings on the large green doors. She ran her hands across a carving of a majestic stag, before clutching the silver ringed handles and pulling the doors open.

The circular room was filled with the smells of fresh herb's and wild flowers, Incense and sweet perfumes burned to give the room a relaxed and calming effect, the walls were lined with shelves that held everything from Pestles and mortars to drying herb's and bottles of freshly prepared tinctures. There were three smaller wooden doors in this room the first was always opened and lead to the room of recovery a fairly spacious room that housed six beds, but could easily accommodate more if the need arose. At that time the room only housed two patients, A young lad who had unfortunately fallen from a tree while playing, and broken his leg, the other was a scout who had, had a rather nasty encounter with a black spider. It had taken many of them to counter the poison that coursed though his veins, he was very lucky to be alive. As she peeked in she saw that they both slept soundly.

The second door was the Lore room, the shelves in this room were lined with books and parchments describing every ailment and how best to treat them, as she near the door she could hear the busy scratching of quill on parchment, apprentice healers spent most of their time in this room, "Tarfolgin" her mothers voice whispered from behind her, "Does he ever rest" she grinned turning to face her mother. Her red were still puffy and red but she was no longer crying. "I remember you spending nearly as much time, if not more in that very same room during your apprentice years." she said smiling apon the grown woman who was her youngest child.

Taurëwen notice the Green woven satchel that her mother clutched in her hands. Nieninque seeing her daughters puzzled look, held it out to her, saying "It contains everything that you may need." Taurëwen carefully opened the flap of the satchel and looked inside, her mother had painstakingly selected every herb, root and Elixir she thought her daughter would require on her journey, Taurëwen was just about to close the bag when she saw a small leather bound bottle, "What's this?" she said frowning slightly, "Poison for your arrows" her mother answered innocently, "No! I will not us this" she cried thrusting the bottle into her mothers hands, "We have both seen how this works, slowly kill it's victim from the inside, No, I will not see any creature even my enemies die in this horrible way." her mothers eyes now beamed with pride, she had been worried that her daughter sought revenge for her brothers disappearance and feared that all her daughters kind and gently qualities would be lost to that emotion, but she was wrong and she was glad. she pulled her daughter into a tight embrace, whispering "Come join us for supper?"

"But I ...." Taurëwen started to answer but her mother put up a gentle hand to stop her, "Your Father has seen to your gear, now come Supper is ready. Taurëwen had a wonderful supper with her parents, her father telling her what to expect in the woods beyond the borders, even though he know full well she had been beyond the borders many times. her mother all through supper reminded her how to treat arrow wounds and sword wounds, spider bites and spider poisons all of which she knew off by heart, but she was happy to let her parents fuss over her, she knew it was their way to hide the worry they felt.

When supper was over she excused herself and went to the room that they kept for her, though she rarely used it. There on her bed was her pack and as her mother had said, it was already packed, she opened it to make sure everything was there, Lembas, dried fruits and nuts, a pair of beech grey leggings and two spare tunics, spare arrowheads and feathers, several water skins, as healer she needed more for cleaning wounds, rope and a few other things her father thought necessary. once satisfied she closed it and went to get her cloak, it was double lined one side was silvery grey and the other was forest green, she decided she would wear the silvery grey side as the first part of their journey would undoubtedly take them through the great silver beech trees that ringed their home.

She slipped the satchel her mother gave her over her left shoulder, so the bag part sat comfortably by her right hip, her sword she already wore on her left side and her long knife sat securely in the right side of her belt, she strapped on her quiver and clasped on her cloak, throwing the left side over her back so her quiver remained uncovered. She then threw on her light pack and grabbed her bow.

Her Parents were waiting for her, they said warm farewells then Taurëwen made her way silently along the passageways to the great door and across the bridge to the designated meeting place, where the other three female elves already waited.

[Eladain Moruviel]

That were to be part of the fellowship. There was Ceros standing next to Ihwesta "how strange they looked standing together" He thought to Himself Ceros being so tall, and Ihwesta, though not short was still far shorter than Ceros. They would both be part of the fellowship, for which Gilbereth was glad, because Ceros was a mighty warrior, and Ihwesta was probably the best tracker in Mirkwood.

Also coming along would be Taurëwen, she knew something of herb lore from what He had heard, and that would be useful if any of them were to become ill or injured. "I’m sure we won’t need her though" Gilbereth told Himself "we’ll just go in, find out what’s causing all this trouble, find the missing elves, and be back in a couple of weeks". But He knew He was just fooling Himself, this would be a dangerous quest and He knew it, but alas, it must be done.

Then there was that lad Ainemetion, the King shouldn’t have to let someone so young come along but that was the King’s business and not His. But perhaps he would prove useful, and after all, some of the others might not agree with the King’s decision to let Him come along.

While He was thus occupied, going over all the names of his fellow companions, He noticed out of the corner of his eye that Arië was smirking at him. He turned to look at her and asked rather irritably "what?" But Arië till beamed at him. " She always seems to be beaming" He said to Himself, but then she replied "I think it is strange that you, Gilbereth, who never comes to the King's meetings, has appeared at this one and agreed to go into the depths of Greenwood in search of an unknown enemy." He could tell she was trying to keep face. "...You may tear your clothes." She then said, and to this she laughed.

"You are just a child Arië!" Cried Gilbereth, but she rested a hand on his arm, still smirking, and said "come now, you know I adore you, I adore everyone. Let’s us two find Ceros. I am anxious to learn of when we might leave."

So the two went off to where Ceros and Ihwesta were standing, and as soon as the others came Ceros invited them all into a small room off th the side where they discussed the about the mission. Ceros confirmed Gilbereth’s worst fears, this would be very dangerous, and there would be many hardships, but hopefully it would only last 4 or 5 weeks, and they would have enough information to counter whatever evil dwelled in the south.

After the meeting Gilbereth went home to get packed.Having never been on such a journey, He wasn't quite sure what he should bring. He wanted to bring all of his new spring clothing (it would be a shame to let them go to waist) but He wasn't sure if he could carry all of them" and besides that, they might get ripped or dirty". He told Himself.

Just then his mother came in with a large package, inside were a forest green tunic, some dark brown leggings, Boots of the same color, a belt, and a black cloak to top it all. His mother laughed as she gave them to him saying "I thought you might need these, you aren't exactly dressed for going through the forest." she also handed him a small brown backpack in which to put the few things he was going to take with him.

After some time He was finally ready, not being fond of long farewells, He silently kissed His mother goodbye, clasped His father's outstretched hand, and headed for the door. He strapped on His sword dagger and buckler, threw his backpack over His broad shoulders, and went out the door. He didn't stop walking until he reached the bridge where the others were waiting.

[ July 22, 2003: Message edited by: Eladain Moruviel ]

[Tinuviel of Denton]

Reynion packed lightly, knowing that elaborate clothing would be wasted in the forest and would be only a burden. Three sets of leggings, three tunics, all in his signature black, lembas, with dried fruit to supplement it. He didn’t think they’d be gone that long, but lembas for every meal every day did get tiresome. He carried a small leather bota at his waist, with a larger one hanging at his back, both full of water. He brought a cloak, also black, that could double as a blanket. That was all.

Well, he also brought his weapons. He wore his quiver strapped to the side of his pack, and had his bow slung across his shoulders. His short knives were strapped along the inside of his forearms, and his longknives were slid inside his boots. He hesitated a moment when he came to his sword, but he attached its sheath to his belt. He braided his long black hair in one long braid down the center of his back to keep it out of his way. He was ready.

He took one last look at the room he’d lived in since he’d left his flet in the forest. Almost, it had become a home to him, more than anyplace else here in the safety of the northern parts of Greenwood. Then he straightened, and strode resolutely out of the chamber. Perhaps he’d never see it again.

When he reached the meeting place, it seemed that, this time at least, he was not the last to arrive. He smiled a little at the elves who were already there. Some of them he only recognized from the council at which they’d volunteered. A few he could remember seeing in the forest. None did he call friend. Though, as he had no friends, that was unsurprising.

The young elf—Gilbereth was it?—appeared to be new to woodswork. The young elvenmaid, Arië, had been teasing him when they first met to decide when and where to meet before starting off about his clothes getting torn. From that, Reyn thought that Gilbereth might be something of a clotheshorse, which thought was enough to make him laugh and forget his father’s oh-so-warm farewell. The idea of trudging through brush and bracken in the sort of things most elves wore to court functions was highly amusing, though Reyn wouldn’t say that to Gilbereth. Well, not at the moment. He might use it later if Gilbereth complained about camping in the rough woods.

Another elvenmaid—Taurëwen, he thought her name was—looked much more prepared and comfortable. She was one he remembered seeing in the forest, though he took pains to avoid her as much as he avoided anyone else. She was one of the few in the group who looked old enough to go outside alone. The rest looked like they should still be home with their mothers to him. It would be interesting to see what she did when the young elves started making mistakes.

Last, he considered Ceros and Ihwesta. She was standing very close to him; was there attraction there, or was it only his imagination working overtime? Probably the latter. Living alone did do some strange things to one’s mind. Still, Ceros didn’t seem like the type to do any flirting on a trip this serious anyway, even if there was attraction. He’d heard that Ihwesta was a great tracker. Reyn hoped that the rumors were true, as his skills lay more in the hunting of beasts, things that couldn’t think and plan against you. What they would be up against probably could. And Ceros. He was very focused on this mission. Reyn rather thought that he would finish this if it killed him.

[maikafanawen]

When all had gathered, packed and ready for their odyssey, Ceros called them to him. He had no more words, elves were a race of little dialogue, and they started off. He didn’t call for the trackers to the front so Ihwesta walked beside him as she would her own brother. She wished Orodhîn had come but knew he could not have.

“You think of your brother now Ihwesta?” asked Ceros in his deep soothing voice. Ihwesta relaxed.

“Yes, but the nostalgia will wear. It will build character yes?” Ceros smiled and they walked on, mostly in silence.

By the time a sliver of pale sunlight broke through the canopy of the forest, they had been walking eight hours. It was finally dawn and the elves continued until they reached a place where one of the disappearances had occurred. Ihwesta and Arië were immediately sent ahead with words of caution. They stayed in the shadows where they moved like wraiths, completely silent.

Their ears pricked up at every slight movement and rustle in trees ahead and behind. Then, the sound of a great beast moving quickly along the forest floor reached their ears. They made eye contact the minute they were sure it wasn’t their anxious imagination.

“Let’s go back,” mouthed Ihwesta. Her idea came just in time, for not a minute after the two elves had returned to their party did a large monster thought to be no more than legend, entered the clearing where they had just stood.

They told Ceros and the group of what they had heard. They came to suppose that it was no more than an old wolf, alienated from its pack, and probably wounded. They headed onwards, unknowingly veering further west from the path of a dangerous creature.

[Eladain Moruviel]

After all the Elves had arrived at the bridge, they set out into the night, all of them wrapped in there own private thoughts. Gilbereth couldn’t even begin to guess what each one was thinking, nor did he care to try, for he had his own thoughts to occupy his mind. There was his brother, he had been missing for months, Gilbereth wondered what had happened to him, had he been injured, or was he still alive? If he was alive where was he now? These thoughts and many others ran through his mind, and he was startled when the sun broke through the trees.

They had been traveling for eight or so hours, but He hadn’t noticed the time slipping by. After a short time they came to the place where one of the Elves had disappeared, Ceros called them to a halt and sent the trackers out. After what seemed like ages, though it was really only a short time, Ihwesta and Arië returned. They reported hearing something in the forest close by, but said that it was most likely just a wolf or some other large animal.

While Ihwesta and Arië were gone, Gilbereth welcomed the short rest. Though he hadn’t noticed it before, he now realized that he was rather tired, and so he sat down with his back to a tree and rested for a short while. Most Elves don’t tire as easily as He, Gilbereth realized, but then again, he wasn’t used to traveling great distances, rarely traveling farther than the King’s halls.

When the Elves received the news from the scouts there was a low murmur, “suppose this thing turns out to be more than just a large animal.” Gilbereth thought to himself “Suppose there are more than one of them, and they catch up with us.” Gilbereth wasn’t sure if he would be ready for a fight, but he told himself that if one came, he wouldn’t back down from it. “Maintain your honor, and you gain other’s respect” his father had once told him. Well, he wasn’t about to show himself a coward, he would rather die.

[Kates Frodo Temp]

As Ainemetion carried his few belongings with him wherever he went, he saw no need for delay. Carefully, he checked the items off a mental list. His treasured knives, meticulously sharpened and cleaned, hung crossed behind his back; at his waist, he carried a length of rope, a small knife he used for whittling, and a small pouch containing a pair of flints. When sure all was in order, he waited impatiently for the rest of the company. Now that the decision was made, he longed to be off.

There were no tender farewells for Ainemetion. To be sure, his parents heard of his departure, and prayed for their son’s safety, but it was his own life. He had chosen his path, and it seemed the choice was now to lead away from his home. Evien stood in the doorway of her dwelling, to watch her son set out with the rest. It was only natural that a mother should do such a thing. Ashamed of her lack of emotion, Evien turned away.

Ainemetion was nowhere more at ease than in the wood. He resisted the urge to whistle merrily as he might have done under different circumstances. Instead, he thought over the company itself. There had been time enough to study them.

Ceros seemed a fine leader, someone who could be trusted to make right decisions. This was the type of person Ainemetion could serve with unquestioning obedience, and to serve a just master in a just cause was all that he desired from life. He was ashamed of having formed opinions of him too early.

The Elf called Gilbereth was not at all to Ainemetion’s liking. He saw a haughty bearing, a self-absorbed nature, and harshly critical eye. Such a person was nearly impossible for Ainemtion to tolerate. Yet, here he was, and no way out, nor did Ainemetion want any. He knew it was only a matter of time before he clashed with this one.

One Elf, Taurëwen, that was her name, had made an outstandingly favorable impression. She seemed quiet, and thoughtful. Also, he could tell that when she looked at something, or someone, it was not simply because that was where her gaze happened to settle. She had watched him a while, he knew; he wondered anxiously if she was pleased with what she saw.

Ainemetion had an immense respect for everyone in the company, apart from Gilbereth, and their approval was of great importance to him. To please others was once again his highest aim. He found himself angry that the old feelings could be so easily rekindled. Ainemetion had wished to be rid of them forever, and was distressed by his own fickleness. While he was alone, he could live for himself, pretending that no one else mattered. Now he was once again a slave to others, or at least that was how he chose to view it. Still, he hoped against hope that he had at last found individuals worthy of his devotion.

[ July 21, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Arien]

Three days had passed since they had set of, and two had gone since they had left the southern gate. Ceros’ eyes glanced towards every noise his delicate ears sensed. His feet lightly padded the ground next to Ihwesta. Arië brought up the rear, her keen tracking skills picking up any thing Ihwesta may have missed or dismissed. Now they continued to walk along the uneven and broken Elven path, it had not be tended to in many years and the things that now infested Greenwood had without a doubt damaged the path. Ihwesta, who was ahead of the company halted, the rest followed suit.

She beckoned for Arië and Ceros to come forward. She bent down and traced her hand lightly over the footsteps that were imprinted on the ground. Ceros could see they were made by heavy iron, metal of some sort but the foot print could not be made by Dawaves, they would not even travel her, they had no reason to. The other two had obviously thought the same thing to but dismissed the idea as quickly as Ceros had. This was the first sign of the enemy.

“I believe we have found a sign of the enemy,” Ceros sighed, “ Arië, Ihwesta what do you make of the prints. We are agreed they are not Dwarves?” The two of them nodded, but did not replied to what or who the prints belonged to. In the back of his mind Ceros had an idea of what the prints belonged to, but did not want to say. The company continued onwards silently. Ceros thought about those who had joined him.

Ihwesta he knew fairly well, she was his best friends younger sister and he had known her for some time. She had always shown compassion towards Ceros’ ideas and always believed in them. Arië was a surprise to Ceros, she was younger than he had whished to be, but she was still respected and most of all willing to accompany him. He respected herself even more for this, as there had been many more skilled Elves than her at the council who had turned the plea down. But she had accepted.

Taurëwen, Ceros had seen around the realm but never really met her. He knew she was and expert in herb lore and he was grateful for her accompaniment. He had heard from others she too was as serious as he about the threat that Greenwood faced. Gilbereth, was another matter. Ceros, although gratified that he had chosen to come was not sure that his motives were entirely for their Greenwood. But still they needed every elf they could get. Ainemetion was quiet and Ceros was unable to gather much information about him. But in his eyes Ceros saw something, a strength, something willing to prove itself. Hopefully this would be a good asset.

Eruwen was also a younger elf than Ceros would have liked to accompany him on the journey, but she was high spirited and Ceros had now gained new reverence for her. Reynion Ceros did not know too well, he was not very social with others, but maybe this would not be a problem. Lastly Airelómë, Ceros knew well, he was lively and Ceros liked him. He was glad to have him as a part of the company as he was trustful and honest.

Now the company continued on at a slow pace, soon they would stop and make a fire. Get rested then continue.

[Nerindel]

Taurëwen felt right at home walking through the forest, she spoke little instead content to listen to what the others had to say. They were now two days away from the safety of their elven realm. Taurëwen recalled the cold shiver that had ran down her back as they passed under the eaves of the two large silver barked trees that stood either side of the south gate. She had always thought of them as silent sentries, that protected the gate from unwanted intruders. But as they had passed under them it seemed to Taurëwen that their bark was now a dark grey and that their branches now banged on the gates trying to break them down. She shivered again and shook the thought from her mind.

Other thoughts quickly replaced them, the wolf that Ihwesta and Arië had spoke of for one bothered her, she was quite attuned to sensing the pains of others be it elf or beast, it is what made her such a good healer. Hearing the trackers words she had stretched out her innate senses to find the beast, she had sensed nothing. Having no idea how far the two elven women had scouted ahead, she concluded that the wolf was either not injured and been frightened off by the elves presence or that the poor thing had died of it's wounds. the latter had saddened her.

But as they continued their journey, questions crept into her mind, one in particular plagued her. If the beast was injured why had Ihwesta and Arië found no trace of this? tracks? traces of blood? Something? she thought. She in no way doubted either elf's abilities, but something just didn't seem right to her. As she thought these things the company came to a stop, As she looked forwards she could she Ihwesta beckoning Ceros and Arië forwards. She watched intently as Ihwesta bent down and traced her hands across the ground.

"I believe we have found a sign of the enemy," she heard Ceros sigh, as she and the others drew closer. Taurëwen regarded Ceros for a moment, Had he secretly hoped, that he was wrong? if this was the case she could understand, no one would wish such things to be true. Or did their leader see something else that worried him, she sifted her gaze from the elf to the foot print the three had been examining, it was nothing she had ever seen before, her tracking skills were limited to the animals of the forest and her fellow elves, who's tracks were light on the ground and only close inspection would reveal them, but this print was course and marked the ground clearly, but still she could not guest as to what would make such a heavy print.

Ceros moved them on and they continued at a slow pace, Taurëwen now held her bow in her hand, she had thought that the print did not seem all that old and she wished to be prepared if they should come across it's owner. Her elven ears listened to the sounds of the woods listening for something new or unfamiliar. Shortly before dusk Ceros again stopped the company, they had left the broken path and found a small clearing, it is there that they set up camp. Taurëwen began gathering fire wood, hoping beyond hope that she would not be asked to hunt, for she could see that some of the elves were growing tired of Lembas and dried fruits.

As she fleeted silently in and out of the trees searching for fallen branches and dead wood, she sensed another followed her doing the same, she smiled that the thought of not being alone, she normally preferred to be alone, but the wood seemed less friendly here, and although it saddened her greatly, she was gratified that another was with her. She turned her head slightly to see which elf aided her in her task...

[Tinuviel of Denton]

Reyn smiled a little when Taurëwen glanced back at him. He’d seen her leaving the camp, and had followed because the woods hereabouts seemed…malevolent. The trees were darker, the light was less than usual. The entire area seemed that it did not welcome the elves’ presence. Though he gathered wood with one hand, he kept the other ready to snatc.h a knife out of his sleeve at any time. Things just did not seem right here, but what had made it this way, he could not tell.

As he’d passed, he’d taken a look at the print that the others had mentioned, and had wondered what would make such a harsh mark in the earth. It was so deep. Whatever had made that print did not care for the forest. He supposed it could be a man, but what man could have made it into Greenwood without being spotted by the sentries? It just didn’t make sense. Not any sense at all.

He reached out and took a largish branch—and stopped short. This branch wasn’t ordinary dea.dfall. It had been hewed from the living tree only a few short hours ago. There was nothing wrong with this branch as far as he could tell, it had no holes where there shouldn’t be any, nor did it look to be infested with bugs. Now, it was one thing to cut dying branches off to allow the tree to live longer, or for wood when there wasn’t enough dea.dfall, but to cut a thriving branch off the tree for no purpose at all? That was just wrong. He stood up quietly and looked up at the tree above his head. There was the cut where the branch he held had been and the area around it was scored with even more marks. It really looked as though someone had just chopped up the tree to vent their frustration. He didn’t want to think that it might be for some other reason, nor what could be capable of such an act.

He looked around again and saw that this tree was not alone in its pain. Several others had been marred in a similar manner. Reyn clenched his fist. Who or whatever had done this would have to pay for these trees. And it was no longer any wonder that the forest seemed to resent their presence, with a violation such as this upon them. It just made him so angry…

“Taurëwen. Look at this,” he whispered, gesturing for her to come over and see. Her expression mirrored his shock and outrage when she saw what had happened to the trees. She looked at him in dismay.

“What could do such a thing?” she murmured, not really expecting an answer.

“I don’t know.”

[maikafanawen]

They set in to camp in the early evening when only the fading red rays of the setting sun shone through the most open parts of the canopy. Taurëwen and Reynion had gone off for brushwood so that the elves might cook something to eat other than the dried fruits and nuts they’d been eating these past few days.

The job of hunting had been assigned to Ihwesta and Arië who took it up gladly. Their days of walking had taken its toll on the two trackers and they decided to make a game out of their little task. Making their way absent from the others, Ihwesta unhooked the quiver from her belt and chose from it three black arrows. These she held in her hand, leaving the others where they were on the ground at the base of the black poplar. Arië did likewise.

Their bows over their shoulder, the two laid out the rules.

“Right,” said Ihwesta looking around. “Ye can go no further than two hundred yards in either direction. Ye may only use the three arrows chosen and must hit the target so that it dies instantly or else it won’t count.”

“Of course, if that does happen, we’ll still take it back to cook we won’t leave it,” insisted Arië thinking of their animal-tender friend.

“Naturally,” agreed Ihwesta humourously. “Alright on my mark we’ll go. Be back here with your catch and whoever gets here first with three animals wins, unless ye loose all your arrows then come back anyhow. Got it?” Ihwesta looked towards her friend in gaming. Arië nodded readily.

“Go!” The two women raced off in opposite directions, bows at the ready with the first arrow notched in place. Within ten seconds of the start one of Ihwesta’s black shafts had whispered through the air and found its mark in a large hare, sitting at the base of a mature beech. The she-elf leapt over the gorsebush separating her from her catch and quickly put the game into her bag that hung around her neck and under her left arm, resuming her hunt immediately.

Not fifty yards away, Arië was having her own success, the forelimb of her first catch hanging slightly out of her bag. It was then that the stag came into view. His neck was bent down as he lapped water from a cool running stream. Thrilled that she had found him first, Arië aimed at the deer. Before she could loose the arrow, the stag’s ears pricked and its head shot up in alarm. Swift as the shaft notched in her bow, he darted away through the trees into the shadows, first Arië thought to go after him but as she moved into the clearing, Ihwesta joined her.

“You saw him too!” exclaimed Arië.

“Shush,” Ihwesta said, staring at the place where the stag had disappeared. Suddenly Arië’s senses also picked up the presence of a second, larger creature moving through the forest, just beyond the clearing’s edge. The two crouched down and moved quickly back into the shadows, waiting for the creature to show itself. The rustling of undergrowth grew louder and nearer. When it seemed like the beast was just out of eyeshot, it retreated again and vanished.

“What do you think it was?” asked Arië, peering into the darkness after it.

“I haven’t a clue. But it wasn’t a wolf like we thought.” The other tracker agreed, adjusting her rabbit’s leg so that it was emerged entirely. “Did ye have much luck?” queried Ihwesta, trying to get a peek inside her opponent’s bag. Arië quickly shut it, an enigmatic smile on her face.

“You’ll find out when you return to the clearing to see me standing there first!” and with that the two parted again, taking up their game. In another ten minutes, Arië returned to the clearing to see Ihwesta there first, two decent sized conies laid out on the ground before her. The youngest let a slight elvish curse escape her lips before revealing her own catch: three small rabbits.

“Smaller game is harder to pursue!” Arië argued.

“Sorry mate,” said Ihwesta, unmistakable satisfaction written on her face. “It looks like you’re going to be cooking dinner to-night!” In a much lighter mood than they had been in when they started out, the two elves made their way back to camp where Arië talked Eruwen into cooking their catch.

“Do you think we should tell Ceros about the stag?” asked Ihwesta as she savoured the brilliant stew concocted by Eruwen. Arië glanced towards their leader and shook her head.

“No. I don’t think it anything serious. The deer might have sensed one of us.” Doubting the probability, Ihwesta finished her light supper and took out a sheaf of parchment on which she drew a portrait of the stag they had seen. It was a magnificent creature, and Ihwesta was almost glad neither had caught it. Although, thought the elder as she drew, It would have been a pleasant feeling to see the look on Arië’s face when it had dropped dead from Ihwesta’s shaft right before her eyes! Smiling to herself, she finished the drawing as the fire dwindled and others began to settle themselves down comfortably to enjoy their first break.

“Well done on the catch,” said Airelómë as he walked by where Ihwesta and Arië were seated. “It was just what we needed.” He winked before moving on to join Ceros and Ainemetion. Ihwesta’s gaze lingered on the trio before resuming her portrait. It was relaxing to sit here by the fading firelight with her sketchbook, listening to the scattered conversations of her companions.

“I hear it again,” said Arië suddenly, looking up from her musings. “That’s the third time Ihwesta, let’s go find out for sure.” Airelómë saw them stir in concern and stepped in. The two trackers told Ainemetion, Ceros and Airelómë of their thrice encounter with the sounds of the same sort moving through the dense forest.

“I’ll go check it out,” vouched Airelómë. “The two of ye have been out hunting already and it’s time for ye to enjoy our break.” Before either could agree, not that they would have, he was off, bow in hand, in pursuit of the mysterious creature.

[Tinuviel of Denton]

Reyn loosened his knife in its sheath, even if it wouldn’t be likely that the creature who’d marred the trees thus would return. Still, there was the sounds that the scouts had heard, and the prints in the mud. He wanted to be prepared, just in case.

Reynion and Taurëwen returned to the camp, both bearing armloads of wood for the fire, Reyn also bearing a branch that had been hacked off a tree while it was still thriving. The branch itself had been bearing well, until it was so cruelly severed. The trees that had been marred thus had the same sort of feel to them as had the footprint earlier. A wrongness to them.

Reyn crossed to Ceros and tapped him on the shoulder. When he turned around, Reyn whispered, “I hate to interrupt, but there’s something I think that you should see.” He drew Ceros aside and showed him the marks of an axe on the branch. “There were several more that were cut, or rather, hacked, in such a manner, and the trees were defaced as well. I don’t like this, Ceros. I don’t like this at all. I had thought that Greenwood would be safe from this sort of thing for a very long time. And now, it looks like that time is over.”

He left the other elf standing there with the branch, and took up a place in the shadows beyond the fire, where his black clothing mad his face appear to be floating in midair. He watched Airelómë go into the bushes and wondered if it was related to the sounds that had been noted twice or thrice by Ihwesta and Arië. He hoped that the elf would come to no harm. Airelómë was one of the elves he found to be woodswise and would probably be useful in a tight spot.

[ July 23, 2003: Message edited by: Tinuviel of Denton ]

[Arien]

Ceros watched as Airelómë made he way of into the forest. He did not think that someone should go with him, he was an able fighter and he would no doubt comprehend the thing that Ihwesta and Arië had heard now three of four times. As he watched he felt as tap on his shoulder, he turned around and was greeted by Reynion. He was holding a branch up to him.

“I hate to interrupt, but there’s something I think that you should see.” He drew Ceros aside and showed him the marks of an axe on the branch. “There were several more that were cut, or rather, hacked, in such a manner, and the trees were defaced as well. I don’t like this, Ceros. I don’t like this at all. I had thought that Greenwood would be safe from this sort of thing for a very long time. And now, it looks like that time is over.” Ceros took the branch from him and Reynion withdrew back into a shadow. Ceros examined it of several minuets, tracing a hand over the marks. The cuts were made by axes he could see that clearly enough, but who the axes belonged to he was not skilled enough to say.

“Ihwesta! Arië!” he summoned them over to his side. He showed them the branch and told them of his thoughts.

“Well you are right, these are axe marks…” said Arië taking the branch from Ceros.

“But they are too uneven to be crafted by our kind or even the Dwarves, maybe even men…” Ihwesta now too traced her hand across the branch.

“If it is none of them……what is it?” sighed Ceros, “ It can not be hobbits they would not dare venture this far, and surely the animals and birds do not make these weapons!” The three stood exasperated with the guessing. “We will leave this until tomorrow morn, now let us rest and eat.” The three dispersed around the small cap which was now formed. Ceros sat himself down upon an arrangement of large boulders, her leaned against them and looked up into the sky. Night had fallen now and the stars danced in the night sky. And so he softly sang a song her had composed, it was quiet so none of the others could hear

One tone is mute within the starry singing,
The unison fulfilled, complete before;
One chord within the music sounds no more,
And from the stir of flames forever winging
The pinions of our sister, motionless
In pits of indefinable duress,
Are fallen beyond all recovery
By exultation of the flying dance,
Or rhythms holding as with sleep or trance
The maze of stars that only death may free-—
Flung through the void's expanse.

When he had finished he continued to gaze up into the sky. It had been some time now and he had heard no sign of Airelómë’s return. He lifted his head and looked around the camp, no he had not returned.

He called out, “Airelómë, has he returned yet?” He was greeted by the shaking of heads.

“We have seen or heard no sign of him,” whispered Eruwen who was close by. Ceros worried, Airelómë was an able elf, he could not have got lost, or attacked.

“We must find him!” he called out again.

[Everdawn]

Arië felt a slight tinge of being older when she was with the others. Ihwesta who had taught her a great deal of the tracking skills she knew had beckoned her to scout. Arië felt emmence honour in this and put it to her best to find what danger lay ahead.

Several times the young elf had felt movings in the forest ahead, but time again they were disappointed. Ihwesta and Arië were in charge of hunting, while this was not her usual pastime Arië accepted, at the same time a pressure was put apon her shoulders. We must eat...she told her self. The game that Ihwesta had made up was close to genius, and occupied her mind from what she was doing.

Biearyn Arië had already managed to catch two rabbits before she came upon a stag by the edge of a brook, and Arië was taken aback. Almost hypnotised by the creature, she edged foward fitting an arrow to her bowstring, she aimed for it, unaware Ihwesta was watching her. What a noble creature, but i cant, it is an animal of grace, i would be shunned for it.

It was lucky for Arië that the stag took that moment to run, Ihwesta came out of the shadows. It was not long until a presence was felt by the two. It felt to Arië that dread was upon her.

Ihwesta had won the hunt, and it was Arië who was supposed to do the cooking, but as cunning as The younger was, she persuasivly talked Eruwen into doing the job for her. "Thanyou Eruwen!" she said over and over.

The camp was an excellent opportunity for Arië ot get the interaction with elves from her own land which she had never met before, for many did not spend as much time near to the elf king as her family. Ceros was one of these, but to the exception that she had known him for rather a long time. Ihwesta was a good friend to Arië, she always had been, her brother as well as herself had been good to her over the years, teaching her things about the woods which her father would not.

Eruwen amused her, she was a good soul and had been very good company. Animention, on the other hand was more practical, and had a great love for his weapons, he was one of whom you could tell was an excellent stratigest. Taurëwen was quieter, like herself, though Arië was by far the most gentle of the company.

It was at dinner that Ihwesta had told Arië to sit by her, and she did gladly. Gilbereth however did not seem to be getting along as well with the others and was slightly isolated. "You arent used to this are you Gilbereth? out in the wood." she said standing watching the fire. "If it makes you feel any better, i will not jest about your clothes ever again." she laughed, but noticed Gilbereth did so half heartedly. "Give them time they will come around, we are all different here." she stopped and turned around to face him. "Let me tell you something, I almost caught the most magnificant stag today...." and told him tales of Ihwesta and her hunt of the day, of which some of the other elves turned to listen. "Natrually, Ihwesta, thought that she saw it first." she flicked her eyes to her direction where Ihwesta just smiled. "It was all you Younger!" she laughed.

"No, we saw it at the same time." admitted Arië before pulling up short. It was there again, that feeling, Ihwesta and Arië then told Ceros and the others of their comings. It was Airelómë who offered to go to see what it was. For a long time Arië's pale eyes lingered on the part of the woods where he went, a fear struck newly into her heart.

Time had passed and he had not returned. "Where do we begin to look then Ceros?" she asked, painfully aware that their friend could well have fallen victim of the threat.

[Nerindel]

Taurëwen was still disturbed by the needless damage inflicted on the tree's. On their return to camp they passed Airelóme going into the woods, He winked jovially at her as he passed, but the determination in his eyes told her that something worried him and this added to her own concerns.

Once back at the camp Taurëwen let Reynion go to Ceros with their discovery. Soon the smell of Eurwen's stew filled the camp, Taurëwen moved a little off from the camp, the thought of the rabbits that had died so that they could eat saddened her, but she knew it was a necessary part of the circle of life.

She sat under a large beech and ate some lembas and dried berries, She watched as conversations erupted among the gathered company, she had not seen Reynion leave but she knew he would not be far. Her thoughts kept returning to the needless hurt the great and once beautiful trees had recieved, no wonder they are turning dark and resentful she thought bitterly to herself. But who or what would do such a thing, the question kept repeating itself in her mind and still she had no answer. Her head started to ache as the question she could not answer haunted her, "I will find out" she whispered determinedly, as she balled her fists.

Her sudden rage startled her so she took out a few calming herb's and leaned back against the tree to take some rest, before Ceros moved them out again, without realising she had rubbed the herb's together in the palm of her hand, she looked down at the pulped herb's in her hand, she gave it a tentative sniff then shook her head "Taurëwen what are your hands thinking what use will a sleeping mix be to us" she laughed under her breath. She picked up a fairly large leaf that had fallen from the beech she sat under and wrapped the pulped herb's in it and put it carefully in her satchel. she then wiped her hand on her skirts the green stain was hidden in the greens of her skirt.

"Airelómë, has he returned yet?" Ceros's words startled her and she looked around the camp then back to the forest where she had last seen him, no he had not passed her! she shook her head, as did the others.

She felt a great foreboding, Airelóme seemed to her to be quite competent and he had seemed swift on his feet, she could not believe that he would lose his way, so that left only one other explanation in her mind, he had found something and could not return! There was off course the fact that he may be dead, but just now Taurëwen was not ready to accept that fate had befallen her companion.

She sprang to her feet pulling her bow from her back and faced in the direction that she had last seen the lively elf.

"We must find him!" she heard Ceros call, it was just then that she realised that she had heard nothing from the woods for some time, no scurrying of animals on the forest floor no night birds, even the trees were silent, "I don't like this" she whispered aloud to herself, "Neither do I" said another. She didn't look up, she recognised the voice as Reynion's.Instead she kept her piercing green eyes trained on the darkness of the woods.

"Where do we begin to look then Ceros?" she heard Arië ask, but before Ceros could answer she voiced her own concerns "Ceros, I think we should stay in groups, no-one should be on their own" as she spoke she did not take her watch off the forest, she was concerned that if they split up, the darkness would take them one by one. Her worry clearly carried on her soft but firm words.

[ July 24, 2003: Message edited by: Nerindel ]

[Tinuviel of Denton]

Reynion firmly agreed with Taurëwen on that point. Airelome had been alone, and now Airelome was gone. Gilbereth didn’t seem to be listening though. As the others planned, the young elf stepped away from the fire as though to look on for the missing elf on his own. He moved to intercept.

“Did you not hear her, child? She is more woodswise than you are and you would do well to listen to your elders,” he admonished quietly. This was not a time for anyone to play the hero at the possible cost of another life. Yes, another life, for Reyn had no doubt that they had seen the last of a good elf when Airelome disappeared. He did not trust this quiet. Not at all.

The younger elf seemed uninterested in either Taurëwen’s or Reyn’s warnings, and tried to shove past. Reyn took him by the shoulders and gestured sharply out at the others. “Look, child, those elves are smart enough to stay together. If you go out there alone, you will be out of all our hair, and I very much doubt that any of us would miss you. I don’t care what you have to prove by coming out here, getting yourself killed won’t do it.”

He let go and walked away from Reyn, towards Taurëwen. He leaned toward her and whispered in her ear, “I don’t think we’ll find him, but why don’t we check around those trees? The ones that were…attacked.”

She nodded, and told Ceros where they were going. No use in causing another search, after all. They started away, praying that somehow, Airelome would come back and make all this fuss unnecessary. Reyn saw Gilbereth standing alone and regretted his harsh words. They were supposed to be on the same side, and Gilbereth couldn’t make himself older by wishing, now could he?

“Gilbereth, come with us. Maybe you can help,” he invited, half-surprised that he was inviting this foppish, and foolish, youngster along.

[maikafanawen]

Ihwesta gathered her things together and had Arië help secure her quiver to her back after discarding it for their hunting game.

“Do you think he might have been Taken?” whispered the Younger anxiously. Ihwesta paused, it hadn’t crossed her mind and now she began to worry. “I mean, with the branch Reynion brought back—” Ihwesta laughed, cutting her off.

“That was orc work that was, and I’m sure Ceros knows it!” Crossing her pack’s strap over her left shoulder she pulled up the edges of the boots she had traded for her usual flat shoes and waited for Ceros to give the go-ahead. She retied her hair tightly into a long brunette ponytail adorned with feathers, and beads.

“Ceros, I think we should stay in groups, no-one should be on their own” said Taurëwen as she kept her gaze on the forest. Ihwesta agreed silently fleeting a glance at the she-elf. Her words were fine but Ihwesta felt liking taking orders from Ceros or no one for the time being. She had only met these elves before their trek and it wasn’t like her to give them the benefit of the doubt.

At that time Ihwesta looked towards Gilbereth who was looking at the woods dubiously changing his spot of attention haphazardly. He didn’t look like there was anything to fear at the moment until a shadow moved just under his gaze. Surprised he shook his head. When the shadow came and went a second time he moved forward and was, at that time, intercepted by Reynion who assumed he was going off on his own.

“Did you not hear her, child? She is more woodswise than you are and you would do well to listen to your elders,” he admonished quietly. Gilbereth, thinking his words a jest, tried a second time to move past him. Ihwesta set down her bow, narrowing her eyes as she saw the scene unfold.

“Look, child,” he continued seriously. “Those elves are smart enough to stay together. If you go out there alone, you will be out of all our hair, and I very much doubt that any of us would miss you. I don’t care what you have to prove by coming out here, getting yourself killed won’t do it.” That was enough and Ihwesta moved forward, shaking off Arië who tried to stop here.

“I’ll fancy that,” she said coldly. Reynion turned catching the irritated glint in her dark blue eyes. “He saw a shadow, I saw it at as well. It is unlike the elves of Mirkwood to be so unfeeling with their own.” Reynion, eyes peering at her uncertainly began to speak. Ihwesta interrupted. “You’ll do well,” she began firmly. “To keep your ‘woodwise’ opinions to yourself.”

“He’s a fop,” Reynion said in undertones so that Gilbereth might not hear. “If you think there’s hope in him, you teach him.” Ihwesta’s firm countenance faltered but her voice carried on.

“I will,” she said evenly. Then catching Gilbereth’s eye and beckoning him to join Arië and herself, stalked away from the seething Reynion.

Ihwesta, still put off by Reynion’s rude behavior towards Gilbereth be he fop or no, stood rigid as she peered into the woods.

“Alright Ihwesta, Arië,” said Ceros. “Ye two shall go ahead twenty or so yards. We’ll follow.” With that the two trackers, Ihwesta filtering her mood, moved off into the forest to hunt for the now four hour missing Airelómë.

‘Which way?’ mouthed Arië. Ihwesta crouched down so that her chin touched the soil.

‘This way,’ she answered, taking up her bow and shooting through the trees again. She shot too fast and came face to face with an orc. Unsheathing her long-knife she slashed through his throat before he could even register what had happened. Pulling his body then into a thicket so that his friends might not come upon him, she moved back to where Arië stood silent, surprised at the sudden encounter.

‘I knew it!’ Ihwesta cursed faintly, looking back the way their companions were soon to follow. At that moment a great crashing sound erupted in the forest and a monster, the size of a table appeared in the clearing just behind them, separating the trackers from the group. The two she-elves’ eyes widened in shock and they dove into the clearing trying to get around the creature they had now identified as a mutant spider.

“Ceros!” whispered Ihwesta frantically as she came upon them. “The Spawn of Ungoliant! Of Shelob! The legends are true indeed!” The elf’s expression slackened. The she-elf understood his feelings and knew that she’d laugh if someone had told her such a thing. “Look! I do not jest!” Grabbing him by the wrist she towed him near enough where he could get a decent view of the spider who had a small orc in it’s jowls. Ceros didn’t freeze but instead jolted into action giving distinct orders to the group who fanned out, surrounding the monster.

Ihwesta and Arië ran ahead, scouting for orcs and, as dreadful as it seemed to them, other spiders. What if they travel in multitudes? thought Ihwesta recklessly. What are our odds? Reaching back into her memory of education in the palace she remembered at least how the legendary heroes killed them. At that moment a distressed shout came from behind and the two turned to see Airelómë running towards them.

“Spiders!” he screamed. Baffled by the elf’s hysteria, both Arië and Ihwesta tried to restrain him. “Let me go!” he yelled threateningly. When they refused, Airelómë hit Ihwesta hard across the face. Shocked, she loosed her grip and the elf tore from Arië’s arms.

“He’s gone mad!” said Arië in terrified awe. “Come on Ihw—ooh—are you alright?” she said, seeing the welt across her face. The she-elf nodded firmly. “Well come on! We’ve got to do something!” Following Arië after their crazed companion, Ihwesta kept searching for more spiders as they pursued. “There!” shouted Arië. Airelómë had just disappeared from view behind a large aspen. As soon as he was out of sight a strangled scream came from where he stood and the two saw blood spray from behind the trunk. The trackers leapt into the tree and saw the hideous sight below them. A spider, bigger than the one in the clearing had pounced upon their elf friend and was now making a meal out of him, oblivious to those in the tree above.

Arië was first to realize his ignorance and lowered herself bravely so that she was just above him. Notching two arrows she shot him evenly in each of his largest eyes, the fluid pouring into his many others. Ihwesta, in her fury, took that chance to leap upon the ground, rolling under it so that her knives might plunge up into its belly releasing the putrid ingredients within. She moved just before they spilt out of the dying animal, and quickly wiped the poison from her blades before re-sheathing them.

“They do travel in packs,” said Arië somberly, leaping down from her place.

“We have to hurry!” said Ihwesta.

“But Aireló—” began the Younger. Ihwesta paused then turned, shaking her head slowly.

“We can’t touch him Arië. It’s safest. I’m sorry.” Ihwesta felt a pang of guilt. It were as though she was heartless to let a companion rot under the carcass of the enemy. But the poison in the once legend beasts was nefarious. Ihwesta wouldn’t risk it. Consenting reluctantly, Arië followed, tears forming in her eyes.

The two met up with Ceros and the rest.

“What happened?!” demanded their leader, his face taking in the bleeding welt across Ihwesta’s face and the dirt and blood upon both their clothes.

“Airelómë’s dead,” she said hoarsely. “Spider’s work.” She would leave out the part about his craziness for when Ceros and she were alone. It was the wrong time to share such information with the rest of her group. The fellowship, minus one of their friends hung their heads, tears dropping from the eyes of the females.

“Where is he?” asked Ceros. “Where is his body?”

“Underneath the spider’s that hath killed him. The poison runs through his useless blood Ceros. It would be unwise to touch him. We cannot bury him.” Then the tears came. Ihwesta wept for her harshness, the death of Airelómë, not being able to give him a proper burial, and even for losing her temper with Reynion. Suppose he had been killed! She wept on as Ceros comforted her, taking on the role of her brother.

The woods around them had been cleared of orcs, frightened by the spider’s appearance. The company was alone to mourn the first death among them. And the last swore Ihwesta. So help me Eru!

[Eladain Moruviel]

After eating his meal in silence, Gilbereth went off to alone to one side of the camp. He preferred to be alone for now, at least until he got to know the others better. After a while he unsheathed his sword and began cleaning it, the long narrow blade gleaming in the sunlight. He meticulously sharpened, and polished its shining surface, and when He was satisfied, returned it to its sheath.

A few moments later Arie came over to talk to Him "You arent used to this are you Gilbereth? Out in the wood." she said standing watching the fire. "If it makes you feel any better, i will not jest about your clothes ever again." she laughed, but Gilbereth only did so half heartedly. "Give them time they will come around, we are all different here." she stopped and turned around to face him. "Let me tell you something, I almost caught the most magnificant stag today...." and told him tales of Ihwesta and her hunt of the day, of which some of the other elves turned to listen. "Natrually, Ihwesta, thought that she saw it first." she flicked her eyes to her direction where Ihwesta just smiled. "It was all you Younger!" she laughed.
"No, we saw it at the same time." admitted Arië. Gilbereth enjoyed the company of Arie, it was good to talk to another person, something he had hardly done since they started on this trek.

Gilbereth’s thoughts turned to Airelome, he had been gone for some time, had something happened to him He wondered. Just then He heard Ceros say "Airelómë, has he returned yet?" They all shook there heads "Where do we begin to look then Ceros?" He heard Arië ask, but before Ceros could answer Taurewen
replied "Ceros, I think we should stay in groups, no-one should be on their own". “This was sound advice” He thought, “My only problem will be finding someone willing to let me go with them.


Just then Gilbereth thought He saw something moving in the woods,Surprised He shook his head.
He couldn’t be sure he had seen anything, but no, there it was again, a shadow. He moved out of the firelight to get a better view when He was intercepted my Reynion. “Did you not hear her, child? She is more woodswise than you are and you would do well to listen to your elders,” Reynion admonished quietly. Gilbereth, thinking his words a jest, tried a second time to move past him. “Look, child,” he continued seriously. “Those elves are smart enough to stay together. If you go out there alone, you will be out of all our hair, and I very much doubt that any of us would miss you. I don’t care what you have to prove by coming out here, getting yourself killed won’t do it.”

Just the Ihwesta came up to them and said “I’ll fancy that,” she said coldly. Reynion turned catching the irritated glint in her dark blue eyes. “He saw a shadow, I saw it at as well. It is unlike the elves of Mirkwood to be so unfeeling with their own.” Reynion, eyes peering at her uncertainly began to speak. She interrupted. “You’ll do well,” she began firmly. “To keep your ‘woodwise’ opinions to yourself.”

Ihwwesta motioned For Gilbereth to follow her and Aire “thank-you” He breathed so that only Ihwesta could hear as they went off. They shot through the trees at a breakneck speed, and then ran face to face with an orc.Unsheathing her long-knife Ihwesta slashed through his throat before he could even register what had happened. They then pulled his body into a thicket so that his friends might not come upon him.

At that moment a great crashing sound erupted in the forest, and a monster, the size of a table appeared in the clearing just behind them, separating the trackers from the group. The two she-elves’ eyes widened in shock and they dove into the clearing trying to get around the creature they had now identified as a mutant spider.

“Get behind me!” cried Gilbereth to the she-elves and stepped between them and the monster. He unsheathed His sword and faced the beast, not sure of how to approach it. This was a monster that until now He had thought only a myth, but now here it was standing in front of Him, trying to kill Him even!

When He was sure that the two elves were safe Gilbereth advanced upon the beast, circling slowly to it’s right. Then the beast lunged at Him, this caught Him off guard He hardly had time to jump back, but he was lucky, for it had a small orc in it’s jaws and was unable to bite him. He continued to circle it, staying just out of reach of the creature, not knowing what else to do. By this time it had dropped the orc, and was clicking it’s jaws angrily.

Then an idea struck Him, he circled around once more, feinted for the spider’s belly, and then quickly slashed the creature’s eyes in two deft strokes. Unable to see, it charged about madly through the clearing.At this time Ceros came to his aid, and together they were able to quickly slay the creature."You came just in time" Gilbereth panted when the creature lay dead "For that I thank you"

They joined up with the others a little while later, and found out about Airelome’s death, this saddened Gilbereth greatly, but He was also grateful that no others had been killed. They all headed back towards camp, and when they got there Gilbereth collapsed at the base of a great tree and rested.

[ July 26, 2003: Message edited by: Eladain Moruviel ]

[Tinuviel of Denton]

Reyn wiped his forehead with the back of his hand, thinking back over the words that had passed between himself, Gilbereth, and Ihwesta. Unfeeling? Aye, I suppose I sounded it at that. I didn’t mean to. Maybe if I cut out my tongue it wouldn’t get me into so much trouble, he thought wryly. It seemed that whenever he said something that wasn’t meant to be sarcastic or cruel, it came out that way through habit, which he’d originally developed as a defense against the verbal barbs of his father. Now, it was just a habitual mode of speech, one which he had not had occasion to break until, well, until now.

He looked around at the others in their fellowship. Gilbereth was probably still mad at him, he supposed, not that he blamed him. Reyn’s tongue had earned him more enemies, or at least made him some ‘unfriends’ if they weren’t precisely enemies, than had his temper, though that was considerable. He tried to think of a way to make up with the younger elf, but couldn’t think of any way to approach him without appearing to look down on him, which after all would make the whole point of approaching him moot. This was not going to be easy.

He thought back on the attack in which they’d lost Airelome. It was horrible, dying that way, without even a decent burial. That was after all why he’d left his flet to begin with, though now, being alone in his flet was looking more and more attractive, spiders or no spiders. N.asty things. It made him furious to think of them climbing all over the platform he’d built with such care, but that was probably what they were doing, if they were in that area. Even, he shuddered, nesting in it, for it was just the sort of thing a house-spider would like, if the house-spider just happened to be larger than a horse, anyway.

Something else about that attack bothered him. It seemed too coincidental that the spiders should be there, just when the elves found signs of orcs. And indeed, hadn’t there been orcs among the foes? He couldn’t quite remember, having been rather busy at the time. He did recall seeing more than one two-legged corpse, though the elves had only lost Airelome. Orcs then. Well, that was one more reason to make up with Gilbereth. It would be very bad to be fighting at each others backs and be angry with each other. That sort of thing had led to more defeats than the enemies. At least, so said Reynion’s father.

Dash it all, thought Reyn. I keep coming back to the need to make up with that fop, and I can’t for the life of me imagine how. I suppose I’ll have to do something nice for him, but what can I do for him out here in the forest? I can’t exactly buy him a new outfit. Well, surely someone had a spare bow, and Gilbereth hadn’t one, not that Reyn had seen anyway. And surely…hello, what was this?

“—and he’d managed to blind the thing until I arrived and helped him with it. Clever way to use a rapier—”

So, Gilbereth had used his sword on a spider, unless there was some other male elf with a rapier about. Well, that took a great deal of bravery, if it wasn’t very sensible. Though what else Gilbereth could do without a bow or throwing knives, neither of which did Gilbereth have, as far as Reyn could tell, was rather a short list; throw rocks, and…throw rocks, and he could…throw rocks. Too short a list.

So, tomorrow he’d offer to teach Gilbereth the bow. Now, he could really rest, though perhaps not sleep.

[Everdawn]

“Ceros, I think we should stay in groups, no-one should be on their own” said Taurëwen. A very good idea thought The Younger to herself.


Arië could not begin to believe what she was hearing. Reyn, she thought to be of decent nature, but so was Glibereth. Being young was no so much of a binding, Arië too knew how that felt. People thought you naïve at times, her father showed her that often. Her mother had always come around for her, and for that she was thankful.

Still, being young was no excuse for Reyn to put Gilbereth down, he had other assets as well, for instance, in court he dressed better than any of the other elves by far, and (she supposed) was good with his sword, or Ceros would not let him come along.

It was Ihwesta who stood up for him, and in good time to. Ihwesta was always like that, taking some under her wing, she had done so with Arië, and taught her most she knew about tracking. Glibereth was to join Ihwesta and herself.

A way along the woods, Ihwesta crouched low to the ground. Arië stood with her bow by her side. Ihwesta was still crouched low before shooting up and culling an orc. I had not heard that coming. thought the elf wide eyed.

But she had heard something else. A giant spider emerged from the undergrowth. Arië edged back from the emerging figure. It was the orcs the spiders were after. And after Ceros gave the order to seek out, Arië followed Ihwesta and set herself beside a large tree, seeing two orcs runing away about thirty yards in front of the spiders she aimed two arrows at them, and they fell dead to the ground not a second later.

It was then brought to her attention that, Airelómë was coming towards them. Arië had no idea of where Glibereth was, but she supopsed he was allright as he had afterall been told to follow them. Both tracker elves tried in vein to subdue him, but ot no use, he hit Ihwesta across the face who subsiquently fell to the ground. Arië was caught in surprise, it was not knew to the elves that Arië was not as strong as the others, Arië was only so strong, and it was no use in trying to detain Airelómë with his superior strength, and he found it rather easy to tear from her grasp.

“He’s gone mad!” said Arië in terrified awe. “Come on Ihw—ooh—are you alright?” she said, seeing the welt across her face. That was going to leave a mark for a while. Ihwesta nodded and Arië was off in search of him again. What came next was no sight that Arië wished to see again, though she doubted it greatly that she would be granted her wish.

Arië had perched herself into a tree above him in time to see him killed. She had fitted two arrows to her bowstring. Foul creatures! how dare they set foot into our wood.the anger drove her. She shot the spider, arterial spray from their elf friends body reached her tunic, and Ihwesta had gone in under. She could not see what Ihwesta was up to.


“They do travel in packs,” said Arië somberly, leaping down from her place. It was a thought that had played on her mind also. “We have to hurry!” said Ihwesta.
“But Aireló—” began the Younger. Ihwesta paused then turned, shaking her head slowly.
“We can’t touch him Arië. It’s safest. I’m sorry.” Arië couldnt believe this either. But try as she might, she too knew that touching him was dangerous. Together they tried to find their companions, tears welling in Arië's eyes.


Telling Ceros was the worst part, it felt to Arië at least that she had failed him in some way, and she did not wish to loose the respect of Ceros. The company made their way back to camp, and Arië sat alone shivering, not from any cold but from the shock of seeing an elf die. An immortal who will never see the lands...

[Arien]

Ceros sheathed his knives as Gilbereth thanked him for the help he had given him. Ceros nodded but was too shocked at what they had discovered to reply. Instead he circled the now dead spider, looking at it with disgust. As he drew near to its head, its eyes glowered at him, and two long white fangs protruded from its foul mouth. A black substance leaked from its side, and from its mouth, probably poison of some sort. As he knelt down to inspect it he felt Gilbereth’s hand touch his shoulder.

“We should be getting back, see if they have found Airelómë.” Ceros agreed and Gilbereth followed as he lead the way. They meet up with the rest of the company at camp, but his eyes did not meet a happy sight. The others were covered with blood, like he and Gilbereth and Ihwesta had received a welt on her face.

“What happened?!” he demanded. His eyes fixed upon the bleeding mark upon Ihwesta’s face.

“Airelómë’s dead,” she said hoarsely. “Spider’s work.”

“Where is he?” asked Ceros. “Where is his body?”

“Underneath the spider’s that hath killed him. The poison runs through his useless blood Ceros. It would be unwise to touch him. We cannot bury him.” Ceros’ heart wept for Airelómë for he had been a good, brave elf and now he was even denied a decent burial. Ihwesta now wept, and he did not blame her. He could see the sadness in her and Arië’s eyes. And so he comforted her . So as he sat with her by the fire side her thought of what had happened, it had been what? Four days into their trip and already and elf had died at the hands of an enemy that his people were denying existed only a few moths ago. Although this was a sad occasion, Ceros felt that he had been proved right, there was something out there and some how he knew that this was no the worst of it.

[Nerindel]

Taurëwen had went with Reynion to search by the injured tree's as he walked past her she looked on him trying to figure from whence His harsh words to Gilbereth had come, but she said nothing and followed him silently. She kept her bow readied as did Reynion , and took in their surrounding as they went. just before the clearing both elves stopped , Reynion signalled for her to fall into the shadows, by now she to could here the wild screams and shouts coming from ahead, "Orcs" she hissed under her breath , She levelled her bow ready to shoot the foul creatures when they came within range. 'of course' she scolded herself 'It was they, that defiled the trees, how could I forget what my brother and father had told me of these abominations.'

Four orcs rushed through the trees, Taurëwen immediately let loose her arrow and quickly in one fluid motion pulled a fresh arrow from her quiver, nocked it and fired, Her first shot had taken down the first orc and her second shot the third through a gap in the shoulder of its black armour, at the same time as another arrow Rynion's, it struck the creature through the throat. It made a gurgling sound as it fell clutching at the green flights of the arrow in its neck, Rynion had already dispensed of the second and The both renocked their bow's, but before they could fire the ground shook unsteadying them for a second then the monstrous eight legged beast crash through the trees and grabbed the screaming orc in its great maws.

Taurëwen's green eyes widened at the sight before her and her bow hand faltered slightly, "It's Eyes" she heard Reynion scream at her. She immediately levelled her bow and fired at the creatures many eyes, the creature she had though only legend, made a loud hissing sound and headed straight for her, she kept her nerve, firing arrow after arrow that the spiders massive head, trusting that Reynion had a plan. "Reynion!" she cried throwing down her bow and drawing her sword, the creature was now to close for her bow to be effective, "Reynion!" she called again anxiously. The spider could on longer see her clearly but her cry had alerted it to her position and as it raised its front legs and opened its great maw, Taurëwen feared that this would be her end.

"Now! Move!" she heard Reynion cry as he rushed under the great beast and pushed his sword into its soft underbelly, Reynion rolled out of the way just in time as the creature fell, Taurëwen then with all the might she could muster drove her sword through the things huge head and with what Taurëwen could only described as a death wrenching scream the creature finally died.

"do not touch it" she warned as she saw Reynion approach the dead monster, "If the legends are true then its great bulbous sac holds its poison" Reynion then held out his sword and examined the sticky black/green fluid that adhered to it, he screwed up his face in disgust and wiped his sword clean on a dead orcs body.

After making sure there was no other enemies about they made their way silently back to camp, they arrived back just afore Ceros and Gilbereth, at the sight of Gilbereth she looked to Reynion, the guarded elf to looked in Gilbereths direction and something in his grey eyes told he that he regretted his harsh words, though she though him to proud to admit it. 'pride the bane of all' she chuckled to herself.

"What happened!" she heard Ceros's voice cut above the others, as she turned she too saw the welt on the trackers face, she instantly searched her pack for the right mixture that would take down the swelling and stop the bleeding, as she mixed the components in her pestle, she listened to Ceros and Ihwesta's words.

Tears streamed down her face as she learnt of the fate of Airelóme but she kept to her task, 'had this been my brothers fate also', she thought sadly to herself. With the mixture now ready she wiped the tears from her eyes and walked slowly to were Ihwesta sat, nodding to Ceros and Arie as she passed, "Here" she said softly examining with welt closer, "This will help with the swelling" she continued. "It is fine" the young bowers daughter answered defiantly turning her head her still tear-filled eyes sad and mournful almost broke Taurewens heart, " please" she urged softly, slowly the younger elf turned her head and let Taurëwen administer her remedy.

Ihwesta flinched slightly as she cleaned the wound with salted water, then relaxed when she gently added the cooling mixture, the mixture was sweet smelling and smooth and left but a green tinge to where it was applied, "It should not scar" she said thoughtfully, even though she knew the elf woman would have guessed as much. She picked up her things and made to leave the younger elf to her grieve, when she felt an hand on her arm. "Thank you" Ihwesta said wiping the tears from her dark blue eyes, Taurëwen nodded, realising that she thank her not for the healing but for not asking more of Airelomes death, the young bowers daughter knew that Taurëwen as a healer would likely know of the effects of the spiders poisons.

Taurëwen then went about the company checking that no one else was hurt, she was relieved to see that only Ihwesta was hurt and that was but a minor injury. after packing away her things she gathered some fallen branches to whittle into shafts to replenish her spent arrows, staying within the confines of the camp, keeping her own advice. She then sat by the fire between Ainemetion and Gilbereth and silently whittled the Branches into straight shafts.

It wasn't long before she felt someone beside her watching her work, she inclined her head and found herself looking straight into the soft blue-gray eyes of Gilbereth, he tensed slightly at her gaze, she smiled and he relaxed instantly. "Would you like to try?" she asked indicating the knife and the half whittled shaft in her hands, his eye's widened in mild surprise, "I don't think ...." he began, "Nonsense, it's easy" she interrupted pleasantly as she pressed the knife and branch into his hands.
The deer handled knife sat comfortably in his right hand, but he looked nervously at the half whittled branch in his left, awaiting her instruction. "Follow the grain and let the wood be your guide," she whispered softly as she put one hand round his and the handle of the knife and used the other to help him steady the branch , she closed her eyes and lovingly ran the blade down the length of the branch, in one fluid stroke, again and again she repeated the strokes slowly turning the branch in their hands. "see!" she smiled opening her eyes and looking down at the straight shaft that sat in their hands. She then lifted one of the silver arrow heads and showed him how to bind it to the shaft.

He watched intently as she showed him how to cut the feathers into flights and how to attach them to the other end of the shaft, he then handed her back her knife and took out a narrow bladed dagger of his own, He picked up a fresh branch and began to whittle it down for himself.

Taurëwen watched Gilbereth work the wood in his hands, the young noble seemed to take a great pride in his work, She nodded her approval as he held a finished arrow in his hand, as Gilbereth picked up another branch, she thought about the fact that he had no bow, it was then that she remembered the large branch that she and Reynion had brought to Ceros.

As she looked around the camp she saw the branch at Eurwen's feet she walked over and smiled at the elven woman, as she gently picked up the branch and took it back to her seat, the large branch would make an average sized bow, crude though it would be. Her hands worked lovingly carving the bow shape, as she worked she thought of those who had been lost to the growing shadows. Without realising it she had carved the image of the trees that had been damaged into either end of the bow, majestic and proud as they were before their marring. she then searched in her pack for the spare bow strings she carried.

After stringing the bow she picked up an arrow and nocked it to make sure they would fit, it felt comfortable in her hands almost as if the wood itself approved of her work. The bow was only waist high, but sturdy and durable. She turned back to Gilbereth and looked at him trying to find something unique to him to add to the bow, her eyes fell across the crest on his buckler, she delicately carved the hand bearing a branch, then underneath it she carved the sword bearing the delicate elven script " Do not draw me without reason, do not sheath me without honour." This carving sat just below the tree at the top end of the bow and at the bottom she carved the Elven runes of friendship and protection and also the elven words *"Nailya pilind rip linta'ar anwa." then down the length of the bow she carved the leaf pattern that she had seen on his court finery, the few times she had ventured to the courts of their realm.


Once finished she took out a small pouch of green powder and mixed it with a little water , she then dipped her knife point into the green liquid and traced the tip around the intricate carvings. The design on the bow now stood out a vibrant green against the slivery grey of the wood. She wiped the knife clean on her green skirts and slipped it back into its sheath.


She smiled approvingly as she turned back to Gilbereth, the young elven noble had managed to whittle and fletch fifteen arrows for himself, some of them could have been better, but this was his first attempt she reminded herself. "Is this enough" he asked uncertainly, "Yes, I think so" she smiled. She noticed Gilbereth staring at the bow in her hands, "Do you like it" she asked holding it out for him to examine, "It is wonderful " he replied taking it from her, and examining the design, his eyes widened as they fell on the crest at the top end of the bow, "this is the crest of my house!" he exclaimed.

"Only fitting for a bow belonging to one of that house" she chuckled lightly.

"for me!" he exclaimed, His thanks shining on his elven face.

"It is crude by elven standards and I do not have any wax with which to add as a protective finish," she replied frowning slightly.

"Do not frown my lady, I can only but hope that I can learn to use it with as much skill as the hand that made it" he smiled genuinely.

"for that you will require the aid of another for my bow is used only to stop those who would think to destroy or mar our woodland realm," she told him, not at all abashed at her words.

"I understand and would not trouble you further, Ihwesta has offered to teach me" he replied.
"yes, I think the bowers daughter would make an excellent teacher," she smiled back at him, "she may even have wax with which to finish the bow and maybe even something with which to make a quiver for your arrows." she told him.

Taurëwen and Gilbereth talked together for sometime, he told her tales from the courts and she spoke of the simple pleasures of the woods surrounding their home, others joining the conversation when they had something to add or to object.

[ August 05, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[maikafanawen]

Ihwesta avoided the rest as they sat around the fire that night, taking time to recover from the unexpected attack by creatures they hadn’t even believed to exist. She had reluctantly let Taurëwen tend to the welt on the left side of her face that was healing visibly. Only Arië knew the cause of the welt. None other had asked, probably assuming it had come from a spider’s leg in the beast’s rough defense.

Ihwesta looked around for the other tracker and was surprised to see her sitting beside her, watching earnestly.

“Are you going to be alright Ihwesta?” she asked sincerely. Ihwesta tried to offer a comforting smile but succeeded only in making her welt sear with pain. Arië didn’t try to help. Ihwesta’s strong nature wouldn’t allow it so she didn’t have a go. Instead she shifted her gaze into the fire as it cracked its last log, the embers glowing against the charred wood.

“How about you?”

“I’m alright. Airelómë didn’t slap me—” she began grimly but Ihwesta laid a hand on her shoulder.

“I hate to wonder what made him,” she stammered “crazy, but I can only think... Should we—”

“No!” Arië half-shouted turning the heads of the nearest elves. “No,” she repeated quietly. “Not yet. Don’t even breathe a word to anyone else. I think it is best for Airelómë’s spirit it’s kept between the two of us.” Ihwesta consented and leaned back against the spruce she rested besides willing her mind to go blank and relax. It was then she felt a tap on her shoulder. Opening her eyes she turned her head enough to see whom it was: Reynion.

“Hello,” he said timidly. Ihwesta smiled inwardly, determined to keep her wound still. She sat back against the tree again, closed her eyes and didn’t speak. “Look here, I didn’t want our harsh words back there to be the last between us. It would appear as though this journey is taking some unpleasant and unexpected turns.” Ihwesta agreed privately as he continued. “Well, this might help to calm your nerves from the welt.” Her eyes opened completely and looked insensitively at the herb in his outstretched hand.

“What would I do with—” she stopped as his other hand produced a small pipe. She grabbed both and held them in her fists that she covered with the flap of her bag so that the others might not see. “Where did you get that!” she whispered excitedly speaking of the pipe.

It was common knowledge that reputable elves didn’t smoke the pipes of men. Reynion didn’t tell her how he came into possession of such an object but leased them to her as long as she promised to return them without the others knowing of them.

"Um, just one more little thing, Ihwesta," Reynion added. "I don't want to be enemies with anyone in our group and, well, I know that you said that you'd teach Gilbereth, but I want to try to make it up to him for talking down to him. So, if you don't mind, I'd like to offer to teach him and give him the chance to refuse before you try." Ihwesta looked up at the elf and gave a half-smile so that her face wouldn’t hurt too bad; it still stung a little.

“You have a good heart Reynion. Let’s hope you have good luck too!” Now in better spirits, Ihwesta moved into the shadows where the firelight didn’t reach and sat with her pipe, letting the essence of the herb sedate her cluttered mind. Thankfully, the herb gave off no detectable smell so she would be able to sit unnoticed for a while in peace.

When it was finished, she emerged from her seat and joined the rest of the elves who had gathered closely together and were engaged in light conversation: something that proved they were becoming close.

“Where were you Ihwesta?” asked Arië harmlessly.

“Just off,” she replied. The matter was not pursued. Then Ceros’ eyes brightened and he looked towards his friend’s younger sister.

“Dance for us,” he said softly. The tracker started to protest but then decided she was in a good enough mood. Ihwesta removed her boots so that she was bare foot and over her tight forest-pants, she donned the only skirt she had brought. Finally she let her hair down and looked the part of any elven dancer. The only difference was the calm expression upon her face where as the common dancers would be categorically sultry and beautiful. Ihwesta was exceptionally attractive but it was not her renowned quality.

The reason the noble elves of the palace had chosen her entertainment over that of the more stunning maidens was because her movements were reputable and her ballads were edifying. The parties where she was employed were always attended by the elves of highest stature. She did her father much credit as she was often told. No one would guess her alter ego was a tenacious tracker who had just indulged in the tranquilizing pleasures of their opposite race.

From within her pack she withdrew a diminutive harp of elegant make. Along the sides were emblazoned designs that could not be found in any book or tapestry but designs that described the magic of music that would come forth from the strings whence plucked by the daintiest of fingers.

As the dance began so did the music.

The swirl of her skirt revealed the golden threads embedded in the folds of her uniform. Shadows that one would have guessed would darken her dance helped to uncover the mysterious elements that gave the performer’s silhouette a glowing condition. The music seemed to manipulate the sounds of the night and even the strengthening wind added to the song…

There was once a time for laughing
When the clouds came down to play
And at night the comets stopped awhile
Now they just zoom on their way

Where ponies grazed in fields of green
And silver fish would swim upstream
Oh yes the painted creatures of the earth
Entered that circle on their day of birth
Without a warning promise
They are all around us!

And the dance is danced
While the song is sung
Do you even remember
When it was begun

As the skirt of flora swirls
And the harp of fauna plays
Sit back awhile to think upon
The merriest of days...

I see the memories of Time
As it filters through my fingers
I wish it’d stop and talk awhile
In my parlor would it linger

The nests of the birds reside
In the tallest trees outside
While the homes of mice and mole
Are in an underground hole

Nothing’s changing yet
Don’t you dare forget

And the dance is danced
While the song is sung
Do you even remember
When it was begun

As the skirt of flora swirls
And the harp of fauna plays
Sit back awhile to think upon
The merriest of days...

“And as the last notes of the last chord is strummed,” whispered Ihwesta, dancing fluidly, releasing the power her music seemed to have over the earth. “The breeze settles back into its nook and the forest creatures nestled back into their crannies, ready for night’s diamond studded velvet blanket to tuck them in now that its lullaby was through.”

When the dance had ended at last, Ihwesta’s eyes had been looking towards the ground. Now as she lifted her chin so that the dying embers of the fire shone upon her tranquil face, those who would have been looking for them would see the tear paths from the corners of her eyes down her cheek. The tears were not mournful but relaxing. Would it were that the elf would be given shelter in her own home tonight, one would see her sitting upon the sill of her classic arched window, playing the song again upon her harp as if the stars themselves had asked to hear it one last time.

[ July 26, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

[Everdawn]

Yes, Arië supposed that keeping Airelómë's memory good was the only way to restore dignity to an elf who always put others first. Arië wondered why it was so hard for her to put the dark memories behind her, perhaps it was that she had never seen another elf die before. The idea that their kind was immortal was one of the saving graces of this world.

She let her white blonde hair fall over her face as she dropped her head. She kept her eyes closed for a long while as Ihwesta danced. And dwelled on memories of past. She had seen Ihwesta dance many times, so it was nothing new to her.

It was then that she thought how nice it would be to be home, eating a meal with her family. Her father Menorë would sit at the head of the table, speaking of his thoughts of the future, for his family and of Arië. Her mother, Sendalien Arië, sat at the other end of the table, quietly ignoring her husbands remarks. And Airë sat in the middle, head down thinking.

She was thinking now of what her father would say if she returned. I told you so daughter, the edges of the woods are no place for one so delicate as you. yes, it would be something to that effect. Well, my father will be surprised wont he? she thought grinning.

Arië opened her eyes when the music was over and stared at her lap, the sight of dried blood came to meet her. As if in shock she sat up straight. "Are you allright?" asked Taurëwen. "Nothing, just the blood, i need to change." Arië excused herself and left to change.

On her return something caught the edge of her eye. Suddenly scared it was another spider, she unsheathed one of her two daggers. Out of the underbrush walked the stag from the morning of the hunt. "There you are..." cooed Arië to the stag, which to her surprise walked over to her. "I thought you were scared of me, I would never have killed you. Ihwesta might have though, she is a better hunter than I."

The stag bounded his head as if in agreement. "You are a magnificent creature arent you?" she said to the stag which sat down. "I know a stag like you near to where i live." but she was interrupted when the stag sniffed the air, jumped up and ran away. Arië jumped also. Someone, or something was coming, still it did not hurt to be prepared so once again, Arië armed herself.

[Arien]

“And as the last notes of the last chord is strummed. The breeze settles back into its nook and the forest creatures nestled back into their crannies, ready for night’s diamond studded velvet blanket to tuck them in now that its lullaby was through.” Ihwesta whispered. Her head fell to the ground and then faced up towards her audience. Ceros smiled intently at her, his heart was indeed lightened as it always was by her performances and the sadness he had felt earlier seemed to be a little more relieved. His eyes lingered upon her face long enough to see rebellious tears forming in the corners of her eyes. He did not think they were tears of sadness, but left her to her own devices as the rest of the company settled down for a few hours rest after the ordeals that had been had earlier.

He left his place by the fire side and climbed up to the rocks were he had been seated earlier. The sky was still opened wide, not a cloud in the sky. And the moon, oh the moon! He was bright tonight. So handsome in the sky. But tonight didn’t feel like a night for marvel at the skies, it was a night reserve Airelómë’s memories in their hearts. Ceros watched over the rest of his companions, what a imprudent mistake he had made letting Airelómë wonder off into the forest alone. Without company. He could kick himself for his grave misjudgement which now had ended with a death. But now he had learnt from his mistake and hoped that the same or similar would not be made again.

His eyes glanced over to Arië who had just left her place by the fireside. She seemed disturbed by the whole affair, more than most of the company was showing at least. After all she had seen Airelómë die at the hands of the enemy and he was no doubt the first she had seen to die ever. She was young, and yet her lack of experience concerning death did not lead Ceros to disrespect her. She was some what innocent and had the unfortunate duty of witnessing the death of a friend, something no one should have to witness. She left to seemingly change her soiled clothes as she picked up her some on departing. Ceros waited a little while giving her due time to change and then slipped off of his high perch and followed the path she had taken behind a few trees.

“……I know a stag like you near to where I live." Ceros could hear her faint voice through the trees. As he came closer he brushed against a few branches causing something to jump and run. He came closer and into full view of Arië who had her bow drawn at the ready. The sight was met with surprise from Ceros who immediately lifted his hands in a pleading gesture as if Arië was about to shoot. She lowered her bow and loosened the arrow from its notch.

“So you found the stag?” asked Ceros. Leaning against the nearest tree.

“Yes I did, but you seemed to have scared him away…” Arië replied, while placing the arrow back into it quiver. Her eyes met Ceros’ and he could see a little amount of distress in her eyes.

“I take it is the first time you have seen another elf..” he was cut off by Arië’s expression. She wore one of pain, and of confusion.

“Ceros,” her voice was slightly shaking, “Indeed it is the first time I have seen an Elf pass from this world, and I wish never to see it again. But you talk of it so indifferently, as though it is something that you encounter almost everyday.”

“No,” he sighed, “I talk of it so offhandedly because I prefer to hide my feelings. I have seen Men die, Dwarves, Elves. You can never cease to forget everyone you have seen die, it is a permanent mark upon your memory that will never fade.” Arië looked shocked, but Ceros continued, “I guarantee you will see more deaths and I wish that you could not encounter any, but this shadow seems to have brought this threat upon us and we must deal with it as best we can. We are skilled warriors, trackers, scholars, healers and if we pull together we will be able to defeat this. Arië, you are young to have come on this journey and I may have had my doubts, but you came and you have shown me your skills, dealing with death is one of them. So remember Airelómë in your heart and cherish his memory, but I am sure he would not want you to dwell upon it and have it distract you from uncovering this shadow…”

She nodded, and smiled in thanks towards Ceros, and so the two returned to camp.

[Kates Frodo Temp]

Ainemetion did look for the tears in Ihwesta's eyes. Sweet tears of release, he thought. She has seen much. This was probably her way of relieving the tension building in her as it was in all.

He longed for daylight, when they could once again be moving. Restless, he would never have stopped on his own, but would have fought off the tense feeling and fear by constant movement. He at the same time wished that this moment could last for eternity, that they would never have to face that which they dreaded, that death, and pain, and sorrow would be forgotten in the beauty of the woodland night.

As he thought over these things, Ainemetion's eye fell on Gilbereth. He turned quickly away; he was ashamed of the childish feeling. Every time he looked at that Elf he felt ill. Few things had ever so disgusted Ainemetion. Surely Ceros had had a purpose in bringing that one, but he could not see it. Every thing he did, every word from Gil's mouth grated one Ainemetion.

[ July 28, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[maikafanawen]

The night passed slowly and none slept. Before dawn came, they had decided to move on again. Gathering their things, Ihwesta and Arie were sent ahead to he the first to meet their obstacles. The forest was silent that morning and little words were exchanged between the two elves. They were concentrating hard on what was around them, determined not be caught off guard a second time. Arie held her bow and arrow notched, but Ihwesta’s weapons stayed in their place. Too cumbersome to carry, she needed her hands for other things.

At the slightest sound or movement the two would halt, one staying on the ground the other ascending the nearest tree to get a better look at what was below. So far it had been the dropping of a dead leaf or bough, sometimes the latter snapping as it was tread on by a cagey rodent feeling the uneasy tension in the morning woods. So hushed was their milieu even after they’d traveled far from the first attack, Ihwesta was sure that something was waiting ahead for them.

Two hours after being separated from the other six of the fellowship, Ihwesta and Arie found their way back to report.

“There’s nothing Ceros,” Ihwesta told the leader who looked bewilderedly at the forest floor in thought.

“Well that’s good,” Gilbereth pointed out cheerfully.

“No,” rebuked Ihwesta. “It’s not. Nothing means absolutely nothing. No spiders and orcs, yes, but none of the regular forest inhabitants either. We’ve seen a total of two squirrels. Squirrels that looked as though they weren’t that at all but more like shades of such a rodent, wandering as if lost and so thin their bones pressed up against their skin. Not even the wind dares to occupy these parts. Something’s waiting for us, I can feel it.”

The group was taciturn, as Ceros reflected over what Ihwesta had said. The tracker meanwhile, backtracked twenty yards to see if anything was on the contrary to her opinion, following them. Arie didn’t accompany her and instead stayed with Ceros should she be needed to find Ihwesta. The thought wasn’t very comforting but the elf moved on through the canopy eyes and ears so alert she could catch the sound of flowers blooming, had there been any that morning. Something seemed to have taken all the color out of the forest that day.

She hadn’t been gone long when something obscured the ray of sunlight that she had just skirted. Ihwesta looked up and saw a black fog seeping through the tops of the trees coming from behind her where she had left the group. Only fifteen yards into her backtracking, she abandoned it and returned to find the fellowship also examining the mist perplexedly. Ainemetion looked up as Ihwesta joined them.

“Anything?” he asked. “Nothing but this fog,” Ihwesta replied without looking at him, set on reaching Ceros for the moment.

“Do you have any idea where it’s come from?” asked the leader as the oldest tracker reached him.

“I don’t think that matters,” she said tactlessly, getting edgy at the murkiness of the whole situation. “What matters is that it’s something of a legend, just like the spiders were, and it’s surrounding us quickly.” She pointed from whence she had just come and the mist was indeed creeping like a plague along the forest top and down the trunks.

“Is it alive?” asked Arie backing away as the fog began to encircle them. Ihwesta shook her head.

“No, it’s just fog. Unfortunately, it’s a kind of evil fog, shall we say? Our tracking senses won’t be much good in it. We can’t hear anything past it, nor see anything through it. We have two choices—”

“Choices that I will make,” said Ceros comfortingly. “This burden doesn’t fall upon your shoulders Ihwesta, please.” Then turning to the rest of the group he said, “We can either wait here until it passes—”

“IF it passes,” Ihwesta cut in.

“Or,” Ceros continued firmly, “we can risk moving through it, perhaps getting past the fog entirely, as long as we stay together. Are there any suggestions?”

[Eruwen]

"Choices that I will make," said Ceros comfortingly. "This burden doesn’t fall upon your shoulders Ihwesta, please." Then turning to the rest of the group he said, "We can either wait here until it passes—"

"IF it passes," Ihwesta cut in.
"Or," Ceros continued firmly, "we can risk moving through it, perhaps getting past the fog entirely, as long as we stay together. Are there any suggestions?"

Eruwen stared at Ceros blankly as he spoke. She began to feel a little uneasy about the entire predicament they were in, and she began to throw out foolish words as she spoke her mind freely.

"I’m not trying to be negative about this whole thing," she said. "But neither of the choices sound very good to me. If we stay here, then whatever’s out there will eventually find us and attack us without warning. But if we go, then there is the risk of everyone getting lost and maybe even dead. So either way, we’re done for."

As Eruwen looked around at everyone’s vivid expressions of curiosity at her words, she quickly came back to her senses.

"But if you ask me, I’d say we try and find a way out of the fog," she added in. "That way we’d at least have a chance for survival."

Ceros nodded his head slowly as he stared back at the Elf. Eruwen lowered her head shyly, irritated at her own words, as she listened to the silence of the woods.

"Alright then, anyone else?" Ceros began turning to the remainder of the company.

Many other Elves spoke up and gave their opinion on the matter, and eventually it was decided that they journey through the fog. Eruwen now grew silent as they rode through the eerie darkness surrounding them. Although she knew she could not turn back on the quest, she regretted not listening to her brother’s words. She looked around into the eyes of a few others Elves around her but saw only solemn looks from all. Eruwen returned to her position of staring forward blankly into the murky wood and never turned her head again for many hours. Continuously thoughts of regret and sorrow filled her mind, but fright of this unknown fear surpassed all other feelings.

[Eladain Moruviel]

The night passed slowly and none slept. Before dawn came, they had decided to move on again. Gilbereth packed his few belongings into his pack, strapped on his cloak, and started off with the rest of the company. The two trackers had gone on ahead to look for any signs of danger. It was about two hours later that Ihwesta and Arie found their way back to report.

“There’s nothing Ceros,” Ihwesta told the leader who looked bewilderedly at the forest floor in thought.

“Well that’s good,” Gilbereth pointed out cheerfully.

“No,” rebuked Ihwesta. “It’s not. Nothing means absolutely nothing. No spiders and orcs, yes, but none of the regular forest inhabitants either. We’ve seen a total of two squirrels. Squirrels that looked as though they weren’t that at all but more like shades of such a rodent, wandering as if lost and so thin their bones pressed up against their skin. Not even the wind dares to occupy these parts. Something’s waiting for us, I can feel it.” The trackers then dissapered back into the forest.


A little while later they returned for a second time “Anything?” the Elf Ainemetion asked. “Nothing but this fog,” Ihwesta replied without looking at him, set on reaching Ceros for the moment.
“Do you have any idea where it’s come from?” asked the leader as the oldest tracker reached him.
“I don’t think that matters,” she said tactlessly, getting edgy at the murkiness of the whole situation. “What matters is that it’s something of a legend, just like the spiders were, and it’s surrounding us quickly.” She pointed from whence she had just come and the mist was indeed creeping like a plague along the forest top and down the trunks.
“Is it alive?” asked Arie backing away as the fog began to encircle them. Ihwesta shook her head.
“No, it’s just fog. Unfortunately, it’s a kind of evil fog, shall we say? Our tracking senses won’t be much good in it. We can’t hear anything past it, nor see anything through it. We have two choices—”
“Choices that I will make,” said Ceros comfortingly. “This burden doesn’t fall upon your shoulders Ihwesta, please.” Then turning to the rest of the group he said, “We can either wait here until it passes—”
“IF it passes,” Ihwesta cut in.
“Or,” Ceros continued firmly, “we can risk moving through it, perhaps getting past the fog entirely, as long as we stay together. Are there any suggestions?”

Then the she-elf Eruwen spoke up "I’m not trying to be negative about this whole thing," she said. "But neither of the choices sound very good to me. If we stay here, then whatever’s out there will eventually find us and attack us without warning. But if we go, then there is the risk of everyone getting lost and maybe even dead. So either way, we’re done for. But if you ask me, I’d say we try and find a way out of the fog," she added in. "That way we’d at least have a chance for survival."

"Alright then, anyone else?" Ceros began turning to the remainder of the company. “ I think we should try to wait it out” Gilbereth suddenly said. “ If we try to go through it, whatever it is that’s hiding in there can pick us off one bye one.” Several others in the group murmured there agreement to this, but much to Gilbereth’s dismay it was finally decided that they would continue on into the fog.

As they walked, the fog continued to grow thicker, until Gil could hardly see five feet in front of Him. “If this continues on for much longer, we’ll have to stop weather Ceros wants to or not” He thought to himself. Then He heard it, a small rustling sound to His left, He looked at the other elf’s faces, and wasn’t if sure they had heard it also. Whatever it was out there, it didn’t sound like an animal, at least not one Gil had ever heard before “Perhaps it’s just my mind playing tricks on me” He told himself “the others don’t seem to have heard it” and so He just brushed the matter aside and continued walking.

[Everdawn]

Ceros' words to Arië earlier were comforting. The young elf had finally decided that yes, more of them perhaps would die. Ihwesta in the meantime had gotten the company on their way again, and had told Arië to stay with Ceros and the others in case that Arië would be needed to help find Ihwesta. As much as she did not like the idea of Ihwesta going off alone, she thought that it was the only way. There was no sense in having two trackers killed off, whatever their amount of skill.

Ihwesta returned, and told them of what lay ahead. They worked out that that it was just a simple fog. Eruwen was in the middle of speaking, and Arie was to mixed up in her own thoughts until she was brought back to hear Eruwen say; "So either way, we’re done for." Arië's eyes widened, Its not true, we will get out of this, or destroy it.

She was now getting angry. If it werent for the other elves, we would be safer. Cowards, and they better than i at a great many things, refused Ceros and the king, because of what? Becuase they valued their lives?. Oh, if I could tell them something right now! Had they truly valued their lives, they would have come with us. Save myself a lot of grief thats for sure. If it werent for us, these spiders may consume the whole population of Greenwood. Still, if we are defeated, our bodies will lay forever in the mirk of the woods, and disaster will overcome Greenwood. No failure is not an option. She was now frowning deeply to herself.

Ceros asked for the opinions of the other elves, and Gilbereth offered, “ I think we should try to wait it out” Gilbereth suddenly said. “ If we try to go through it, whatever it is that’s hiding in there can pick us off one bye one.” Arië looked at him and spoke aloud. "Gilbereth has a point, fog clears... usually. And it may give us a vantage point should anything try to attack us."

Ceros seemed to disaagree with the two of them. "No Arië, There is a chance that the fog is thinner, or even non-existant a few yards away, further than Ihwesta has gone." Ceros had a point also. Arië looked back at Gilbereth as if to say, Well, we tried diddnt we?

Ceros and Ihwesta headded the company with Arië taking up the rear. Since they had left their camp site, Arië's fitted bow was in her hands. She would not let an ambush like that frighten her again, or take one of her friends. She was taking way to much notice to see what was in front of her. Which was almost nothing which could be seen, becuase she went head first into Ainemetion's back, and was lucky that she did not impail him with her arrows.

"Sorry Ainemetion!" she said getting up from the ground. "I was to busy watching I-" She saw Gilbereth's head jerk to the left. This fog is really starting to get to people. Arië thought an accepted Ainemetion's hand to help her up.

[ August 10, 2003: Message edited by: Everdawn ]

[Nerindel]

Taurëwen had nocked her bow in readiness as they left the camp, but now she could no longer see any of the others, but she could still make out the faint sound of their breathing around her, she quickly un-nocked her bow returning the arrow to her quiver and returning her bow to her shoulder, it would be useless to her in this darkness.

Taurëwen felt around for one of the others, she found an arm, "It's me! Taurëwen!" she whispered quickly as she felt the arm she held tighten. She heard a sigh of relief and a blade slipping into a sheath, "Taurëwen, can you see anything at all?" She recognised Eruwen's voice, "No, not a thing, this is not a natural fog!" she replied uneasily.

"Taurëwen! Eruwen! is that you she heard another elf exclaim, then she felt a tight grip on her right arm, she instinctively tensed, but relaxed when she realised that the voice belonged to Gilbereth. "Yes!" the two elf women answered together, "Are any of the others with you?" he asked apprehensively. "No" she sighed. "Ceros! Ihwesta!" she heard Eruwen call out into the impenetrable darkness, "Arie! Ainemetion!" Gilbereth add to the dark silent air. "Reynion!" Taurëwen cried, realising that the safe comfortable feeling that she felt when she sensed him near was gone.

When no answer came the three elves fell silent, Gilbereth was the first to break the silence, airing the question they were all thinking "What will we do now?" "we have to try and find the others!" Taurëwen said earnestly, "I too wish not to remain here waiting for what ever is out there to find us! " Eruwen added anxiously. "All right it is decided, we will go on and try to locate the others" Gilbereth answered trying to sound confident in his words.

As they walked on, still holding on to each other lest they too got lost, Taurëwen thought about Reynion and wondered if he was safe, always when she wandered the woods of their realm she felt most happiest and contented in the area in which Reynion had his forest home she always felt comfort in the knowledge that he was there even though see never saw him, and when she did catch a fleeting glimpse of him her heart warmed. Taurëwen blushed in the darkness as she realised she harboured feelings for this elf. 'Now is not the time for such things' she scolded herself internally, 'the realm is in danger and I am thinking such things, it is likely that one or both of us may not even return from this mission,' she thought despairingly, then determinedly she pushed her thoughts and feelings for Reynion to the back of her mind, as she did, she heard Eruwen and Gilberth arguing.

"We will not find them!" Gilbereth was saying "I'm telling you we are going round in circles" Eruwen was saying to were she thought he stood, no she was wrong they weren't exactly arguing they sounded decidedly despairing her own thoughts came back to her and she realised what was happening! "Stop! she cried, bringing the pair to a sudden halt. She moved Gilbereth's right hand onto Eruwens left arm and put his right hand on her belt so her hands were free to rummage in her herb satchel, she brought the various leaves to her nose to smell out the one she was looking for, "Ah ha!" she exclaimed as the lemony smell of Melissa Officinalis reached her nostrils, "Here, chew on this" she said pressing a leaf into the hand of each elf, "What is it" They both asked dubiously. "it's simple lemon balm" she told them as she chewed one of the lemon tasting leaves, "It will rid you of the despair that you are feeling."

The lemon balm seemed to work the three of them once again moved on, randomly calling the names of the others in the hope that one of them would answer.....!

[ August 10, 2003: Message edited by: Nerindel ]

[Tinuviel of Denton]

Lost in thought, Reynion had fallen behind, and was now quite lost. He couldn’t hear, see, or sense any of the others. The black mist surrounded him and he almost couldn’t tell up from down. It was like water in a way; if he moved his hand the mist would drift away from it, but the space filled immediately. It would have been fascinating to watch, if there wasn’t so much danger to Tau—the others involved. Not to mention himself. He reached out blindly, hoping to find Tau—one of the other elves. Even Gilbereth would be welcome at this point, at least he wouldn’t be alone.

“Taurëwen! Ceros! Ihwesta! Anyone!”

His voice seemed to fade and die before it left his lips. The silence of the black mist pressed down, and Reyn was suddenly afraid. Of what, he didn’t know, but there was something out there, something malevolent. It made him angry, fear had no place in his mind. He would just have to find the others. There was no room for failure. He reached out again, and his left hand met something smooth. Was it—no, it was only the trunk of a tree. He called out again, praying that someone, somewhere would hear him. There was no answer.

Dear Eru, let her—let them be all right. Let none die, he silently entreated. There had been enough of that already, with Airelómë and the elves whose disappearance had caused this mission. He groped his way past the tree, and continued shouting the names of the others. Taurëwen, especially.

Unfortunately, he was going in the wrong direction...

[ August 13, 2003: Message edited by: Tinuviel of Denton ]

[Everdawn]

Arië was becoming anxious, it was getting harder and harder to see the other elves within the company. Arië knew at least that Ainemetion was behind her and Ihwesta was somewhere near.

"Ihwesta!" she called into the mist.
"Arië?" ah, she is still here! Arië thought. "Can you see me?" Ihwesta called.

"No!" Arië strained her eyes, "Nothing! I can bearly hear you!"

Arie lowered her bow incase she were to injure someone else who happened to walk in front of her. Which was lucky because in the next ten seconds, she walked into the back of something which scolded. "Ihwesta!" Arië called getting up blindly.

"Well, now you have found me!" Ihwesta chortled, a slight laugh in her voice. "Indeed..." muttered the younger elf.

"Whose here then?" Ceros asked out of the blue. He had been very quiet lately, but then again, who hadnt? Arië clung to the back of Ihwesta's tunic. "Im here" Ainemetion called from behind Arië. "And the others?" Arië waited for the rest of the elves to register their being.

[Eruwen]

Eruwen walked through the mist blindly and barely able to hear even her own footsteps. She looked around in every direction as she walked, but she saw no one. Ah, maybe this wasn't such a good idea, she thought to herself as she continued on.

As she walked on slowly, she began to hear breathing around her. Eruwen removed her dagger from its sheath and began to follow the breathing...hoping to find a member of the company. Suddenly, she felt a hand grab her left arm, but the voice she heard follow was, thankfully, a friendly one.

"It's me! Taurëwen!" she heard the Elf say.

Eruwen sighed and returned her dagger to its sheath as she replied, "Taurëwen, can you see anything at all?"

"No, not a thing, this is not a natural fog!" Taurëwen replied uneasily.

The two Elves walked on for a short moment but stopped when they heard another voice rise above the silence in the forest.

"Taurëwen! Eruwen! Is that you?" an Elf said coming up to them.

"Yes!" the two elf women answered together recognizing Gilbereth's voice.

"Are any of the others with you?" Gilbereth asked.

"No," Taurëwen sighed.

Eruwen soon became frustrated with all of the fog, and cried out loudly.

"Ceros! Ihwesta!" she shouted, but no reply came.

"Arie! Ainemetion!" Gilbereth added, but still there was no answer.

"Reynion!" Taurëwen yelled finally.

Sadly, once again, they realized they were indeed alone. Eruwen lowered her head and sighed. How had they gotten lost this fast? She thought. She knew eventually it would happen, but she did not think it would be so soon. Now what are we supposed to do? She thought again. It is only we three, and who knows if the others have found each other.

"What will we do now?" Gilbereth said breaking the silence.

"We have to try and find the others!" Taurëwen said.

"I too wish not to remain here waiting for what ever is out there to find us! " Eruwen added nervously.

"All right it is decided," Gilbereth answered trying to sound confident in his words. "We will go on and try to locate the others."

Eruwen nodded, though it would not do much good for they were blind even from each other. Nevertheless, they continued on silently into the mist. Eruwen listened to all that she could hear around her, which was not much, and began to think hard about different things. I wonder what it is, she thought to herself as she anxiously walked on. Taurëwen was right. This is no natural fog. But what unusual fog this is! Eruwen held her hand out in front of her face, or so she thought. I cannot even see my hand. Oh, I wonder how the others are doing. Are they wandering alone, or have they found one another as well? Are they even still alive?

Suddenly Eruwen’s thoughts were broken by a faint sound in the distance. She had heard it before, but she was beginning to wonder if it was only her imagination. After all, it was extremely muffled by the fog, but...it was almost as if she thought to hear something in the trees.

"Does anyone hear anything?" Eruwen said.

"I have heard nothing for hours," Gilbereth replied. "Why, what is it?"

"I’m not sure," said Eruwen. "But I think that I hear something, though I’m not sure if the sound is real or not. I’ve heard it before though...have we come by this place already?"

"It is not anyone of our company, if that’s what you’re thinking," Gilbereth said. "It’s hopeless. We will not find them!"

"We’ve been here before," Eruwen added. "I'm telling you we are going around in circles."

"Stop!" Taurëwen yelled suddenly.

Eruwen jumped at her scream, and waited curiously at the Elf’s motives for the sudden halt. She felt a hand grab her left arm again, and listened as she tried to hear what Taurëwen was doing. Ah, no use, Eruwen though. The fog is too thick.

"Ah ha!" Taurëwen exclaimed as a lemony smell filled the air. "Here, chew on this."

"What is it?" Eruwen asked reaching forth for the leaf. She heard Gilbereth ask the same.

"It’s simple lemon balm," the Elf told them as they each chewed on the leaves. "It will rid you of the despair that you are feeling."

As Eruwen chewed on the lemony tasting leaf, she soon felt her sadness leave, and they all continued out into the wood. Every once in a while, one of them would call out the name of a member of their company, but no reply ever came back. Though Eruwen indeed felt well again, the strange sound that she thought she heard never left her mind, and fear continued to dwell inside her.

[maikafanawen]

"Whose here then?" Ceros asked out of the blue. He had been very quiet lately. Arië clung to the back of Ihwesta's tunic.

"Im here," Ainemetion called from somewhere behind Arië.

"And the others?" Arië asked, waiting for the rest of the elves to register their being.

There was no sound.

“Taurëwen? Reynion? Eruwen?” Ihwesta called short and loud, hoping the boom of her voice would penetrate the mist better than a long-held yell would. When no answer came, Ihwesta knew that they had been separated temporarily.

“Ceros,” she said hotly. “If you don’t object, I think it would be a good idea to get a rope that we all can hold on to so that the rest of us don’t get lost.” As much as she respected the elf two thousand years her senior, she had a problem with taking orders, especially when they were in a predicament. An elf passed her a coil of rope from her left. She took it and began to unravel, tying it to a loop on her belt. Then she gave it to Ceros, telling him to do likewise. The rope was passed around until Ihwesta, Ceros, Ainemetion, and Arië were attached in that order. At Arië’s small protests at being in the back, Ihwesta had politely explained that trackers should be at both the front and rear of the line. The matter was dropped and she didn’t have to explain why she had the front.

Fifty feet of rope divided Ihwesta from Ceros and the others were only six feet from their neighbor with twenty-five feet separating Arië and Ainemetion. This way Ihwesta could still go ahead a fair distance to scout out. Tied securely to the makeshift leash, the four elves felt their way through the forest in the direction Ihwesta was sure was south.

“But the others,” Ceros said tetchily, stopping Ihwesta before she went ahead.

“We can not find them in the mist,” she pointed out. “And if they’re the intelligent elves I hope they are, they won’t trace backwards looking for us, they’ll continue onwards.”

“Gilbereth is with them,” Arië said lightheartedly. Ihwesta smiled, but through the mist no one saw.

“So is Taurëwen. She’ll lead them straight.” No more words were said and the four walked on again.

The blackness that surrounded Ihwesta was frightening. She had always been able to see at least ten feet around her even in the darkest night. With this mist shrouding her vision, she was granted only a mere twelve inches and no ground was in sight. It was a very depressing sort of feeling and a sense of helplessness washed over her. Nostalgically wishing she had Reynion’s pipe, Ihwesta pressed on, feeling with her feet as she went.

The progress was slow and they covered only a hundred yards in about thirty minutes. To Ihwesta, who liked to move fast and assuredly, this was extremely frustrating.

She had let thirty yards of slack fall between her and Ceros when she felt him tug on the rope. Starting at the movement she hurried back, praying that nothing was amiss.

“What?” she said. “What is it??”

“What are we doing?” he asked tensely. “Where are we going and why?” Ihwesta opened her mouth to answer but nothing came out. She didn’t know. All she was doing was heading south like they had originally planned, covering the extent of their forest with only four of them left.

The thought wasn’t very appeasing but she wasn’t going to sit around and wait for the other four to just bump into them. They set out from the palace with a mission. Nowhere did it say they had to stay together and complete it as a whole. If that was so they’d already failed when Airelómë died.

“We’re pressing south like I said Ceros. If they’re still around they’ll catch up to us.” That covered she walked towards the back of the line to talk with Arië. She also had let slack fall and was backtracking to see if the others were anywhere behind them. Ihwesta jerked on the rope and waited for Arië to return.

“Have you had any luck?” Ihwesta queried when she felt Arië touch her arm slightly to let her know she was there.

“Nothing. It’s the silence of death, Ihwesta. It’s a wonder that the Mist doesn’t kill.” Ihwesta nodded.

“I agree. We’re going to try and move faster, I’m thinking that this is like a shadow that will pass over an area, leaving no trace behind it as it was.” Ihwesta doubted the theory and from Arië’s hesitation so did she. But no one really had another idea.

Arië continued to search behind them, coming up every once and a while to check back before going back again and Ihwesta led them on cautiously, but doubled the pace. Soon the mist began to thing ever so slightly and another foot was added on to Ihwesta’s vision scope. Hopefully the mist was beginning to clear...

[Eladain Moruviel]

Gilbereth continued Walking in silence. Wrapped in his thoughts he didn’t even notice that the fog a gotten thicker, until he realized that he was alone and couldn’t even see his feet. His first instinct was to panic, but he forced the feeling down and did his best to remain calm. If I run around panicking, it won’t do me any good he told himself I just have to stay calm and try to find the others, they can’t be too far off. He walked on for a moment, then he heard something, he walked on in that direction and then he heard what sounded like Eruwen saying "Taurëwen, can you see anything at all?"
Then he heard what he was sure was "Taurëwen’s voice. Overjoyed at having found at least these two he exclaimed "Taurëwen! Eruwen! Is that you?” "Yes!" the two elf women answered together, "Are any of the others with you?" he asked apprehensively. "No" she sighed. "Ceros! Ihwesta!" he heard Eruwen call out into the impenetrable darkness, "Arie! Ainemetion!" Gilbereth add to the dark silent air. "Reynion!" Taurëwen cried.

When no answer came the three elves fell silent, Gilbereth was the first to break the silence, airing the question they were all thinking, "What will we do now?" "We have to try and find the others!" Taurëwen said earnestly, "I too wish not to remain here waiting for what ever is out there to find us! " Eruwen added anxiously. "All right it is decided, we will go on and try to locate the others" Gilbereth answered trying to sound confident in his words.

Stumbling on through the fog, they held on to each other so that none could get separated again Bloody fog Gilbereth thought darkly It’s as thick as a dwarf’s beard, I can’t even see my hands “Unh!” he cried as he stumbled over a root. That was it, he had had enough "We will not find them!" he cried out in frustration "I'm telling you we are going round in circles" Eruwen was saying to were she thought he stood. Stop! Taurëwen cried, bringing the pair to a sudden halt. She moved Gilbereth's right hand onto Eruwens left arm and put his right hand on her belt so her hands were free to rummage in her herb satchel. "Ah ha!" she exclaimed as the lemony smell of Melissa Officinalis reached her nostrils, "Here, chew on this" she said pressing a leaf into the hand of each elf, "What is it" They both asked dubiously. "it's simple lemon balm" she told them as she chewed one of the lemon tasting leaves, "It will rid you of the despair that you are feeling."

The lemon balm seemed to work and Gil felt much relaxed as the three of them once again moved on, randomly calling the names of the others in the hope that one of them would answer. Not that it will do us much good he told himself, but at least they were doing something rather than standing around waiting in the slight hope that the others will find us. They walked on this way for what seemed like ages, but then the mist started to clear. Finally! Gilbereth thought with joy Finally we can get out of this blasted fog!

At that moment he heard something, he looked at the others to see if they had heard it too, they both nodded. “It sounds like a cry for help” he whispered to back to them “perhaps it’s the others? Maybe we should go check it out.” After a quick conference it was decided that they would indeed go see what it was. They all knocked their bows and slowly advanced into the clearing where the sounds were coming from. When they entered the clearing what Gil saw gave him chills, he saw bones scattered about the place, and along with the bones were webs. He heard something snap behind him, but before he could turn around, something stabbed into his leg and he blacked out.

[ August 16, 2003: Message edited by: Eladain Moruviel ]

[Arien]

“What are we doing?” he asked tensely. “Where are we going and why?”

“We’re pressing south like I said Ceros. If they’re still around they’ll catch up to us.” [I]And what if they are not still around?[I] he thought, but it was too late to return the comment to Ihwesta, she had left to check on Arië. Ceros had felt uneasy about the whole thing, but he guessed that Ihwesta was probably right. If they were to complete what they had set out to do there was no point in staying in one place searching for their companions. They might as well head south, but still search.

His head was slightly clouded, ever since they had lost Airelómë he had felt a sort of distressing pain in the back of his head, he suspected that it might be a lot worse than a few spider and an impenetrable mist. Things were definitely not looking up. And to add to it Ihwesta seemed reluctant to take any orders from him. He sighed, so it wasn’t going to be as simple as he had hoped, but then again it was for the good of Greenwood.

Ceros could hear Ainemetion whispering from behind him, “I think it is clearing slightly….” his voice carried a small air of hope.

“It is,” commented Ihwesta as she passed the two on her way to the front of the company.

They continued onwards for a few more hours, they seemed more like ages though. The mist thinned ever so faintly. But this was enough for them to regain some of their sight. They still walked through the haze, Ceros tugged on the rope again to get Ihwesta’s attention . She walked back to him.

“Ceros?” she questioned, “what is it?”

“Once the mist clears…” he hesitated, they could either wait for the other, search for them or go on ahead with out them. None of the options were favoured by Ceros. The first could leave them there for days, the second could do exactly the same. And the third meant leaving them to their own devices, and Ceros knew that they both needed each other. But wait! How did he even know the other were all together, they could have been split up and were by themselves, or even worse a spider could have……No it wasn’t worth thinking about, they were going to find them.

“Yes…”

“We keep going south, they will catch up with us or us with them, unless…”

Ihwesta frowned, she knew what he was thinking. “Hope fully not…..” She returned to the front and they continued.

[Nerindel]

Taurëwen could not say how long they had fumbled about in the darkness of the mist, nor how far or in which direction they had come. As the mist started to finally lift she heard something in the distance ahead of them, she stopped and listened intently. "It sounds like a cry for help" Gilbereth whispered behind her, she nodded her agreement. "perhaps it's the others? Maybe we should go check it out." the young elf went on, speaking out loud her exact thoughts. "Yes, we should go they may be hurt!" Taurëwen said earnestly.

Once they had all agreed, Taurëwen nocked her bow and followed the others into the clearing were the cries had come from. She banked at the sight before her, bones littered the ground and great webs hung from the trees, Her thoughts went instantly to Reynion and the others, "oh Eru! please let them not be here", she whispered looking at the bones at her feet.

just then she heard a snap, she turned and gasped out loud. A giant spider had wrapped it's great maw about Gilbereth's leg, "Gil!" she cried letting loose the arrow in her bow, but it was no use she was to close the arrow just skipped of the spiders hard body. She stumbled back dropping her bow and unsheathing her sword, her heart raced as the giant spider stepped over Gil's lifeless body and started towards her.

"Come to me my sweet" she heard a hissing voice behind her, she spun round to see another huge spider clacking it's great jaws at her, she jumped out of its way just in time. Walking backwards, shuddering as bones crunching beneath her feet, she kept both spiders infront of her. But little did she know that she was walking straight towards one of the silvery webs that were spun between the trees.

She could hear Eruwen's bow ringing or was it her dagger she could not tell over the hissing and clacking of the spiders infront of her, Suddenly the thought of Gil's lifeless body filled her with rage and she swung her sword viciously towards the nearest spider, making a gash across one of its huge legs. It screamed in anger and lashed out at her,the blow connected with her face knocking her backwards into the waiting threads of the giant web, her sword clattered to the ground. The spiders laughing coldly as they advanced on her.

"Reynion" She wept softly turning her head away as the larger of the two spiders bore down on her. Then once more she was wrapped in endless darkness.

[ August 16, 2003: Message edited by: Nerindel ]

[ August 20, 2003: Message edited by: Nerindel ]

[Tinuviel of Denton]

The mist was finally clearing, for which Reynion was profoundly grateful. He did not like being made afraid, and the mist had done just that. It angered him. He only hoped that everyone else was all right. Especially a certain elvenmaid, with golden hair…he shied away from that thought quickly. Things were quite complicated enough, thank you.

As the mist lifted, Reyn blinked hazily to allow his eyes to adjust to the comparative brightness of the daylight. Something crashed through the forest to his right, and a thin, wispy sort of voice whispered, “Thisss one doesssn’t look ssso juicy asss he could be. He hassn’t been eating right.”

He froze. The voice did not belong to an elf, nor a dwarf, nor yet a man. He turned slowly, loosening his belt-knife as he did so. It was a spider, though a great deal smaller than the ones that had attacked the elves before, perhaps younger. Which would mean that it was less experienced and would possibly be easier to kill. Though, that did not mean he would take ease for granted. “I’ve been eating quite well, hanon le. Perhaps you haven’t been doing so well yourself.” He chuckled a little, to cover up his nervousness. One did not simply take on one of Ungoliant’s spawn alone. He rather doubted that he’d survive.

“It’sss noisy, too. Well, we’ll let it hang in the treesss for a bitsy, then we’ll eat it all up,” the spider rejoined, angry that this food-creature was daring to insult it. It came closer, hissing and clicking its mandibles. Reynion tensed. He slid one of his knives out of its sheath and threw it into the spider’s eye. Enraged, the spider charged, heedless of its half-blindness. Reyn threw his second knife at its other eye, and dodged around a tree. He wished that Taurewen was with him; they’d serve this one as they had the other. As it was, he’d have to continue this game until the spider was worn out before he could kill it. He dodged around another tree and threw a third dagger. Only one left. It was then that the now thoroughly blinded and enraged spider staggered. It regained its feet and hissed. He threw his last knife, aiming for the vulnerable joint between the neck and the head. He did not miss. The spider’s body convulsed a few times, then lay still.

Reynion walked cautiously up to the body and tried to find his knives in the green/black ichor oozing from the body of the monster without getting the spider’s blood all over him. He had only recovered one of them when he heard the screams. He whirled and ran in the direction from which they came.

****

“Dear Eru…” he murmured as he picked his way through old webs and bones. There was a stink here, like old tombs. Or dea—he stopped. There were more spiders, many more. Several the size of the one he’d just killed were scurrying about the trees, spinning webs and hissing and chuckling to each other. There were two, nearly twice the size of the others and these were obviously the leaders, perhaps even the parents of the brood of hissing, malformed beasts in the trees above. There was a web behind them that held something that was moving, just barely enough to vibrate the web. One of the enormous spiders moved to the side, just a little.

Reynion’s heart stopped. Taurëwen… She was hanging in the middle of the web, with Eruwen suspended beside her. Gilbereth was lying on the ground, apparently d.ead, though perhaps he was only stunned. Reyn didn’t realize that he’d moved until the huge spider looked in his direction and hissed, “There’sss another of them, dearsss. More for sssupper.”

He had barely time to register the delighted clackings of the smaller spiders before they were upon him. Oops… he thought distractedly as he tried to fend off the creatures. Fire lanced through his left knee as one of the bigger monsters joined in. He slashed wildly with his sword and managed to break through the ring of spiders to the north. He looked back at Taurewen, then ran, ignoring the pain in his leg. He had to get away, find the others, bring them back. Somehow. He had to save her—them.

[ August 17, 2003: Message edited by: Tinuviel of Denton ]

[Arien]

The mist was clearing. They seemed to have strayed from a recognisable path altogether. Although Ihwesta was leading them well, avoiding obstacles like boulders and fell trees which they were not able to see until the actually fell over them. But the mist was thinning now, and their eyes started to register with their surroundings. Ceros looked around suspecting to find the trees standing tall and proud.

But he was met by quite a different sight. There were webs everywhere, winding themselves around trees and squeezing the life out of them, suffocating them. As they brushed past the webs they could see the damage done to the trees, marks and deep hacks and slices were set into them. This place certainly wasn’t the Greenwood he knew. It was as though the company had strayed into a nightmare. All of them were speechless, and the silence hung in the air, saturating it. Until they heard running.

Ihwesta was the first to hear it as she was at the head of the company. She ran back to where the rest were and told them of what she had heard.

“Someone is coming,” she whispered into the huddle.

“Someone or something?” question Arië. She had a very good point, what if it was an enemy?

“Draw your weapons then, Ihwesta how many come?” asked Ceros turning to the she elf.

“One…”she said looking into his eyes, “Just one…”

“Let us hope you are right,” Anemetion said swiftly as he drew his knives. The others drew their bows. Fortunately the thinning of the mist would allow them to see this thing from a good 10 metres away, and that would undoubtedly leave enough time for them to slay it. So they waited, but only for a few seconds. In the distance a shape was forming, Ceros’ tightened his arrow onto the notch and waited. Slowly but surely the form came closer. Arië was the first to drop her weapon followed by the others.

“ Reynion” cried Arië, she rushed to him and saw that he was injured, as the others gathered around she asked, “What happened?”

“Spiders, they have the others,” he said flatly hiding the pain from his leg.

Wasting no time Ceros said hastily, “Which way?” and so they followed him running through the debris of webs and marred trees, the ran swiftly and the still air whipped their faces, branches caught their faces but they didn’t care, they had to get to the others. As the approached the spider lair so to speak, Reynion slowed down. He put his hand up to halt them and he alone crept forward passed the spider he had slain earlier. He beckoned them forward and showed them where the others were. Ceros stared into the lair and he could see Eruwen and Taurëwen hanging, the life drained from them, his eyes wondered to the floor where Gilbereth lay, apparently dead but Ceros assured himself that he was only unconscious. He dreaded the thought of losing anyone else. They crept forward not making a sound.

“Its too quiet..” whispered Anemetion. The other nodded in agreement. It was too quiet.

[ August 21, 2003: Message edited by: Arien ]

[maikafanawen]

“Its too quiet...” whispered Ainemetion. The others nodded in agreement. It was too quiet. Ihwesta crept forward just behind Ceros, her arrow notched and the bow taut and ready. Her eyes darted rapidly around finding no sight of the spiders.

Ihwesta had assumed that the silence identified the situation as a trap, but nixed the idea at once. There was no way the spider’s intelligence capacity could muster a trap.

Then the sound of a padded foot, much like that of a cat’s moved, scraping bark from a tree with it’s exposed claws. Perplexed, Ihwesta turned slowly, just in time to see a spider hurl itself from the tree into the midst of their group. The elves scattered before it landed. They had no time to re-bond and were split up. It was that action that signaled for the rest of the spiders to come out of hiding and attack the elves.

It had been a trap. And it had worked. Separated, the spiders could pick them off easily.

Ihwesta knew that she could not win if she fought, and that if she fought, all she’d accomplish was enervating herself. So instead, she took the band of spiders who pursued around in small circles, stepping just out of the way every time their fangs got close. In quick fluid motions she severed spindly legs with her sword, being careful never to expose herself completely or use up too much strength.

Finally she had gotten it to where the spiders chased themselves around the tree, and she slipped out to join the nearest elf. Together they could successfully dispose of the spiders. Their defeat was a two man—er—elf job.

Ceros was nearest and she slipped between the hairy beasts to stand back to back with him, her bow ready since he had imposed his sword. He acknowledged her presence by shouting commands:

“Good Eru! Go for the eyes Ihwestiaelva!!” She pivoted enough to blind the spider nearest Ceros who immediately kicked it over and plunged his broadsword into its belly. Dodging the spray, they reunited to employ the same attack on the next opponent.

“Nasty creatures!” spat the spiders. “They cannot beat Ungoliath’s Spawn!” Ihwesta froze in shock.

"They speak!" she shouted at Ceros.

"Oh good! Let's stop then. Perhaps they'll tell us how to get our friends back and leave unscathed!" He rolled his eyes exasperatedly. "Come on, Ihwesta, MOVE!!" The she-elf loosed a second arrow into the spider with the first voice and waited until it lay still before her third shaft pierced the eyes of yet another monster. The fruitless battle went on until the duo had dispatched of no less than seven spiders.

Then Ihwesta's arrow missed and instead of pulling out a replacement, she watched to see where it went astray. One of the giants took that moment to pounce. Not stopping to think, Ceros stepped between them, driving his broadsword into its belly and sidestepping just in time as the spider fell with an earth-moving thud.

"What are you playing at Ihwesta! MOVE!!!" Feeling very stupid, the tracker concentrated on her arrows and the spider's eyes. Ceros was the leader of their group for a reason, she realized. He was patient, quick thinking, and extremely proficient in battle. He had the agility of a cat that far surpassed her own. Ihwesta's ego deflated considerably as the battle wore out. She had behaved as a child during their trek through the mist and regretted it. Pushing herself harder, she strived to prove herself and regain her brother's friend's approval.

"Ihwesta! Ceros!" The two elves stopped their incessant movement to find the source of the voice. They looked over and saw Arië, and Ainemetion battling the spiders likewise, from the haven of a black oak.

"Where's—"

"No!" Ceros interrupted Ihwesta in elvish. "The spiders will understand us."

"Oh, right." She turned to repeat her question to the other two when the largest spider of the colony appeared behind the oak.

"Arië!" she screamed. Groping for an arrow, she was distraught to find them all spent. "Ceros!" she yelled, palms forward, signaling she was unarmed. This of course was very foolish for the spiders advanced, unafraid now that the archer had no shafts. Ceros glared at the tracker whose self-confidence was descending faster now. Drawing her sword, Ihwesta fought her way through to the giant and stood before it raising her thin cut-and-thrust high in the air above her head.

The spider grinned wickedly and rose up on its hind legs, saliva dripping from its fangs.

"You challenge me little elf?" he asked in perfect Sindarin. Although this took her completely by surprise, she did not falter.

"My name is Ihwestaieleva I-linte-er Lauriëlas and by the swiftness of my sword ye shall find me no mere elf!" Though she felt much less confident than she said, Ihwesta stood fast, glaring into the spider's many eyes.

"We shall see elf!" With that he struck with one of his forelegs knocking Ihwesta clear off her feet. She landed twenty feet away and pain shot through her leg. Cursing, she tried to stand. It wasn't broken but it definitely hurt. Gritting her teeth, she hefted her sword up again she ran to meet the spider.

"Alright ungol!" Summoning all the strength she could, Ihwesta faced the spider. Ready for one of the hardest fights of her life!


OCC: To Be Continued...

[Everdawn]

The webs were worse than Arië's worst nightmares. Worst of all, their friends were trapped by them. Reynion was hurt, and Eruwen and Taurëwen were strung up in the webs, Gilbereth was on the ground, and for a fleeting second, Arië feared that he was dead. Ainemetion had tapped Gilbereth with his foot. "not dead" he muttered. Arië could still see Ainemetion's contempt for him.

"You must not be unkind to him Ainemetion, we are all on the same side now." said Arië reaching for her arrows. She glanced at Reynion who was obviously in pain. "Im no healer, but you look pretty bad, are you sure you can fight." Reynion said nothing but took out his weapons.

The next few seconds passed very quickly. Arië was now cut off from Ihwesta and Ceros, but was left with Ainemetion, and the two were as well cut off from the others. Which made Arië very anxious. There then came a voice out of the woods, "What a pretty little thing we have here... hair of snow, not fit for a whole meal... She has a friend... that makesss usss a meal..."

Arië turned to see a huge spider handing from her left. She was shocked by its sudden arrival that all she could do was stand still. Ainemetion took no time in jumping onto its back and shooting its eyes. Arië then sent a flurry of arrows into the spider's torso.

"Well?" Ainemetion asked, looking slightly pleased with himself. "Get back to the others." she replied, this however was no easy task. There were many many spiders in this thicket, so the only way to get through them before becoming a meal was to kill them. She was surprised at how good a team she and Ainemetion made. She had never fought beside him before.

Still isolated they were surrounded by the trunk of an oak tree. When she was met by the screams of Ihwesta. Who charged at a spider which had surprised them form behind the oak.

[Eladain Moruviel]

Darkness… After a going down, Gilbereth could remember nothing. At first he had the strange sensation of floating, but after a while, even that ceased. When he finally awoke, he did so slowly, and as his vision started coming back he became aware of his surroundings. There were Arie and Animention fighting a large spider off to his left, too his right were Taurëwen and Eruwen both tied with webs. He tried to find the others but in vain.

Slowly he got too his feet and staggered over to where the two she-elves were, pulling a small dagger from his boot he worked to free them, this accomplished he went off to help the others fight. Unsheathing his sword Gil came to where Reynion was fighting, a slight limp showed him that Reyn had been injured. Together they were able to slay several more of the beast, Reyn shooting the eyes out and Gil finishing it off with his sword. Finally exhaustion got the better of Gil and he collapsed.

After a few moments he forced himself to get back up and keep on fighting, Reyn had already gone off to help the others, so Gil was once again alone. One more spider came, but thank Eru it was a small one If this keeps on much longer he told himself None of us will ever make it back. Using the bow Taurëwen had made for him, he was able to blind the beast before it reached him, and he then dispatched of it with several quick thrust of his rapier.

His victory was only short lived however, for Gil saw Taurëwen stand up just as a large spider was coming toward her. Not having time to think, Gil dashed forward and madly slashed at the beast. It snapped at him, and he was able to dodge out of the way, the second time however he wasn’t so lucky. The beast’s jaws closed around his wrist, fire shot through his arm, and when he looked down all his hand was no longer there. Oh dear Eru why?!? he screamed in his mind, but there was nothing he could do now.

Darkness took him a second time, but before he had killed the beast. He could no longer help them.

[ August 23, 2003: Message edited by: Eladain Moruviel ]

[Tinuviel of Denton]

The elves seemed to be slowly triumphing over the spawn of Ungoliant that had claimed this section of forest for their own. Gilbereth seemed to be holding his own well, and Reyn had to grant the youth credit for his skill with that slender blade of his. It looked as though Gil could handle himself well enough just now, so Reyn joined the group that was fighting one of the large spiders. He was running out of arrows, so he pulled his sword. An anguished cry pulled his attention away from the beast.

Reynion turned and cursed as he saw Gilbereth fall to the ground again, once more unconscious. The spider Gil'd been fighting stepped back a little, and Reyn could see that Gilbereth's right arm now ended at the wrist. Oh, bad, very bad, he thought, even as he threw the dagger he’d managed to retrieve into the joint between the spider’s head and its body. His leg was one long stretch of fire. He ran as best he could over to where Gilbereth lay and tried desperately to staunch the blood flowing from Gil’s severed wrist. Taurëwen stood nearby, but she didn’t seem to see anything.

He shouted her name, still frantically trying to keep Gilbereth from losing so much blood. He tore a strip off of Gil’s shirt, and tied it as tightly as he could around the stump. “Taurëwen!” he shouted again. Mentally, he cursed the ill chance that had split the group. If they had all been fresh, things might have turned out differently. Never mind ‘what if’s,’ he ordered himself. Keep your mind on what you’re doing.

There was no more that he could do for Gilbereth. He was no healer; he knew a few herbs, but that was all. He stood, and limped over to Taurëwen. She was staring blankly, and he knew that the spiders’ poison was still somewhat in effect. She would be like a child for a time, unable to defend herself. He pulled her over to where Gilbereth lay, and gently pushed her to the ground, hoping she would stay there, and took up a defensive stance. Her life was worth more than his anyway.

[ August 23, 2003: Message edited by: Tinuviel of Denton ]

[maikafanawen]

Gonungol reared up and Ihwesta was granted a complete view of his colossal size. He was easily three times the size of the second largest ungol. Each of his spindly legs measured Ihwesta's height and his hollow fangs appeared to be dripping venom from their bulbs. His backside was bent under him so that his silk glands had a clear shot ahead of him. Gonungol's appearance, the she-elf admitted to herself, was magnificent. Had they been a more innocuous species, she'd have loved to stay and draw them. Her father would have been fascinated.

She was drawn away from her thoughts by his cackling voice.

"Oh yes, my precious morsel, we shall see how your frail blade will do against my own!" Ihwesta snarled, and gripped her sword tightly before her as he continued. "I will cut off your limbs and reattach them again with my silk. Then once you're wrapped up nicely I'll begin to pump your life away, bit—" he moved closer "—by—" and closer "—bit!" The silk shot out at Ihwesta as fast as a lightning crack forked its way across the sky. She dogged it first then sliced at it second, sending the severed threads flying off into the trees.

The chase began, and Gonungol followed with his silk lashing out at the she-elf from all angles.

"You will get tired quickly edhel!" Ihwesta leapt onto the branches of an oak as the silk wound its way after her. "Come down treasured!" She flipped down just as one of the silvery strands groped at the air where she had just been.

She kicked up leaves and dust as she dogged Gonungol's claws as they struck down upon her. Unable to watch both the silk glands and his legs, she tripped over a velvety segment and the bristling hairs launched their barbs into her left leg. She yelled in anguish, dragging her self behind a nearby beech followed by the spider's laughing.

"Alright then treasured? Are we done playing now?" Ihwesta pressed her eyes closed, tears of pain streaming down her cheeks. Her leg pulsated as the barbs sunk deeper, digging away at her flesh. "Come out, come out!" Gonungol guffawed again not bothering to move as he enjoyed his dinner's pain. "I am hungry!" he shouted threateningly. The she-elf shuddered and then gripped her sword again. Gritting her teeth, she pushed herself to a standing position. Gonungol sensed her movement. "Oh good," he chortled, "I was getting impatient."

Ihwesta moved from behind the tree, a rigid figure wracked with pain. She laboriously cut away at the first silk net the spider threw at her and dogged the first, hitting the ground with an excruciating thud. Gonungol roared with laughter as Ihwesta let a sob escape her lips. One of his legs the sunk its claws into her right leg and pulled her forward as she screamed. He stopped when she was right under him, the fangs inches from her face. All it would take was a small jolt of movement from the spider to end her life.

"I told you that you could not win edhel. You should have listened to me. It would have saved you much pain!" As he reared up to provide his treasured the fatal strike, Ihwesta pulled her sword from beneath her and thrust it into his underbelly, rolling from under him just in time. The blood and venom oozed forth from the wound, and Gonungol began to twitch. His legs collapsed from beneath him and he hit the ground, shoving the blade deeper into his body. He roared in agony, squirming as Ihwesta's sword cut through his insides. "Nasty elves!" he shrilled. "A curse on you all! Enemies of the great brood of Ungoliath!" And then he gasped his last and went still.

"Go back to the darkness Gonungol…where thou hast spawned." At the death of their chief, the rest of the spiders retreated into the darkness of the forest, leaving the able-bodied elves to tend their wounded in peace.

So ended the first battle of the elves verses their spider foe.

Ihwesta resisted collapse to make her way over to where the others sat crouched around Gilbereth who was unconscious from blood-loss. Reynion and the temporarily puerile Taurëwen had done what they could to stop the blood flow and wrapped the stump in makeshift bandages. She was then gathered up into the arms of Ceros who supported her.

"We cannot stay here so unprotected," Ceros said, lifting Ihwesta so he carried her like a child, curled up in her painful frailty. "Let us move into the darker trees where there is a clearing. Here we can tend to them while Reynion, and Ainemetion will keep up guard. With a little instruction from Taurëwen, Arië and I will do what we can."

So the Younger led Eruwen and Taurëwen before her, guiding them towards the clearing Ceros mentioned as the other four followed, Gilbereth supported by Reynion and Ainemetion. They had not yet reached the clearing when Ihwesta's consciousness fled her mind.

[Nerindel]

As the darkness slowly lifted Taurëwen found herself lying on the cold damp earth. The vision of the Spider and it huge maw closing on her flashed through her mind. She tried to scream but nothing came out, not even her lips moved. She realised that most of her senses where impaired in some way or other by the spiders poison. "Get up!" she screamed in her mind, that not working she then focused her mind and after some mental struggle she managed unsteadily to raise to her feet. Her vision was just as foggy as her mind and she soon came to realise that hear hearing had been affected too.

Suddenly she saw a huge blurry mass in front of her, her mind raced as she realised how defenseless she was, her heart raced as she resolved that it was likely that she was going to die here, partially paralysed by the spiders poison and unable to defend her friends and their woodland home. As she closed her eyes waiting for death the regret of not telling Reynion how she felt filled her mind.

She slowly forced her eyes to open when the anticipated strike did not come, Through the blurriness she could see that the blurry mass that she had seen before was not moving, but as she blinked trying and clear her vision she saw a smaller blurred figure fall to the ground. "Nooooo!" she screamed in her mind, realising that one of her friends had just fallen and she could do nothing to help them.

Suddenly a numbness took her and her mind fell into delirious mutterings, every so often ceasing enough for her to be aware of what was going on around her. During one of these brief instances she felt strong but gentle arms wrapped around her waist, she sensed someone gently guiding her and sitting her down on the soft damp earth, then the moment was gone and the mutterings returned.

Taurëwen was aware of nothing else until they reached a small forest clearing, the poison was beginning to wear off, once coherent enough she instantly fumbled in her herb satchel for a small green vial that contained something that would lift the fogginess she still felt. She removed the stopper and swallowed a mouthful of the liquid, she started coughing violently as its fiery taste burned in her throat. "Are you alright!" came Arië's concerned voice next to her, "yes, I am fine" she reassured the young elf, "please will you administer this to anyone else who has been affected by poison!" she continued earnestly placing the vial in the she-elf's hands. "I will, but you must come quickly, It is Ihwesta and Gil" Taurëwen saw the pleading in the young elf's eyes and nodding once she followed the young elf to Ceros who was gently laying Ihwesta next to Gil. Taurëwen's usually gentle eyes went wide with horror as she saw the extent of their wounds.

"Can you help them?" Ceros asked her not looking from the injured pair, quickly examining the wounds on both elves she turned back to Ceros and nodded "Yes, I think I can, but I will need help." "Yes anything, just tell me what you need" he answered earnestly, "I need a fire,next to me if possible, boiled water and two volunteers" she urged him gently, he nodded once the set about making the fire.

Taurëwen then turned back to her two patients, The stump where Gil's hand had once been was still bleeding profusely and the temporary dressing that one of the others must have put on was now dark red soaked with the young elf's life blood, just then Eruwen and Arië came up beside her asking how they could help. "Eruwen! take off Gil's dressing and clean his wound, then press the palm of your hand as hard as you can against it to stop the bleeding, then I will sear the end" Eruwen nodded and went to Gil's side. Taurëwen could hear Ceros building the fire next to her as she turned to Arië "Now we will tend to Ihwesta!" she removed her belt knife and gently cut away the material surrounding the wound, she then took one of her water skins and gently washed the wound, she saw Arië's eyes widen at the extent of the damage. "Do not worry, we can fix this. " She reassured the young elf. "Here, press your hand on the wound to stop the flow of blood while I get what I need" gently she pressed Arië's hand on the wound, then rummaged in her pack for the small wooden box that held a fine silver needle. She carefully took it out then pulled a single strand of her strong golden hair from her head and threaded it through the needle.

Turning back she saw that the fire was lit and Ceros was now sat between the two wounded elf's, helping both Arië and Eruwen with their patients. She sat her knife blade in the flames and turned the needle point in the flames for a few seconds, "Ceros, hold the wound closed so I can sew it up," He immediately did as she asked. "Arië! Arië!" she cried to the stunned elf , "I need you to keep the wound clean while I work, can you do that?" Arië nodded solemnly and took the water skin and began cleaning the blood away. Taurëwen worked carefully but relentlessly to stitch up the wounds on Ihwesta's leg, once done Arië helped her to bind the leg. She will need some kind of support, she told the others while she wiped her hands on the skirts of her dress "and she must drink this when she wakes" she continued putting some sage leaves into the water Ceros had boiled.

"Ceros I need you to hold down Gil, I have to sear the stump to stop the bleeding or he will die from the loss!" Ceros did as she asked and held Gil's shoulders. Eruwen her hands heavily soaked in Gil's blood held his legs, realising what Taurëwen meant to do. lifting the now red hot blade from the fire she placed it on Gilbereth's stump searing the end and preventing both the bleeding and any infection. She winced as Gil awoke screaming with the added pain she had inflicted, but it was short lived as he passed out once more, the smell of burnt flesh filled the glade as she made up a yarrow root pulice and applied it to the wound, then with Ceros's help she bound up the stump, telling him to make sure that Gil also drank the sage soaked infusion. "It will numb the pain." she told them softly

Taurëwen then got up and walked, where she did not know or care she just had to get away. She only got as far as the outskirts of the clearing when she fell to her knees, exhausted both physically and mentally. The tears streamed down her face stinging the scratch one of the spiders had given her. "Why is this happening?" she cried staring at her blood soaked hands "I swear that I will not Rest until I see this darkness defeated" she yelled defiantly into the darkness of the trees, then she fell against the nearest tree and let her tears for herself, her friends and the once great wood fall, until her eyes had no more to give.

[ August 25, 2003: Message edited by: Nerindel ]

[Tinuviel of Denton]

Reynion stood guard, staring off into the darkness of the woods, fervently praying that there would not be another attack this night. He doubted that Ihwesta and Gilbereth could go any further, and he himself was worn out. His leg was aching, but he mentally brushed it off. There were others who were much more grievously wounded than he. It was only a leg wound, after all. Even if it did hurt like the Void. He didn't need Taurëwen's expertise as much as, say, Ihwesta. Now, she needed the aid of the healer, as did Gilbereth. He had lost a hand and her side was torn up. It looked like a piece of meat.

He grimaced. It seemed that he was trying desperately to convince himself of something he should know beyond doubt. It was only a leg wound, for Valar's sake. So why did he feel so anxious about it? Well, maybe the fact that it felt like his leg had been thrust through a forge, then pounded on the anvil. He shook his head and leaned against a tree, not-so-incidentally taking his weight off of the injured leg.

He glanced back at the company. Unaware, his eyes softened when they lit on Taurëwen. He winced in sympathy with Gilbereth when she seared his arm wound. He was very grateful that it was not he who was lying there. When Taurëwen ran to the other side of the clearing, he debated going after her, but putting weight on his leg decided him against it. It simply hurt too much to walk on it.

Well, he would just have to fix that, he supposed. It shouldn't be too hard, wrap it up tight, and put aum on it. That was all it really needed. So he took one of the extra shirts out of his bag and set to work ripping it up. When he reached for his belt knife to start the tear, he realized that he'd left his daggers in the carcasses of the various spiders. Silently calling down imprecations on himself for his stupidity, the spiders for their ancestry, and the daggers for their disloyalty, he started the rip in the fabric with his teeth instead.

He tore the thin black cloth into fairly even strips and rolled up his leggings. The wound looked a little worse than his thoughts had painted it, with swirls of angry color surrounding the gash itself, but it was less severe than either Gil's or Ihwesta's wounds. He put a bit of the herbal paste that he always carried in case of emergency on the red flesh, and wrapped it tightly. The advantage of black bandaging, he mused, was that it wouldn't show blood as easily as, say, white, and would give the others less reason to comment. Especially Taurëwen. He didn't want to worry her.

Perhaps an underlying reason for that was that he didn't want to appear weak to her either. After all, he was supposed to be this big, strong elf, who needed no one. Though, that could be a bad image, if he wanted to win her over…oh, never mind. He thought he'd seen her casting covert glances on Orodhin, Ihwesta's brother, anyway. He was just the recluse who lived alone in the middle of Greenwood. He glanced in her direction again, and tested his leg. The wrapping appeared to help the pain, so he decided to see if there was anything he could do for her.

He glanced at Ainemetion, who was paying very close attention to the direction of the spider lair, and concluded that it was safe enough to leave the watching to the younger elf for a while. He skirted the clearing, and in order to keep from shirking, he scanned the forest around him as he passed through.

For a little while, he was afraid that he wouldn't be able to find Taurëwen, but the sound of soft sobbing soon solved that problem. He slipped through a group of trees, and found her huddled at the base of a giant oak, weeping as if she would water the entire wood. He retreated to the shadow of an overhanging tree, and watched her. This sort of situation was far beyond his experience, and he wouldn't know what to say...

[ August 26, 2003: Message edited by: Tinuviel of Denton ]

[Everdawn]

Taurëwen was so calm, and Arië was shaking, she did her best despite the circumstances to help, and the older elf reasured her she was doing fine.

But the harder the elf pushed to stop Ihwesta's bleeding, more blood seemed to run over the young elf's hands. "PLease dont die Ihwesta, youre the closest thing to a sister ive got." she said quietly. Arië closed her eyes, the sight of blood was making her ill.

In the background she could hear the faint words passing between the other elves. Ainemention was ahead of her making sure no spiders came out to visit them again. Ceros was beside her. Arië became more and more reassured that everything was going to be allright. Not that she doubted Taurëwen's word, not at all.


Taurëwen had finally gotten Ihwesta back on trach and had told Arië that her work was done. Arië stood up in time to see Gilbereth in time to watch the surgical work which the older elf had now persued and to see Gilbereth start to scream in pain. Arië nearly screamed herself, but she managed to put a hand to her mouth, she was shaking.

There was nothing she could do to stop him screaming, but stand there in shock and back away slowly until she reached a tree and sunk to the ground, hand still at her mouth, a small amount to sobs audible. She had never seen anything like it in all of her short years.

Arië turned her head away and forced herself to look at something else, she then noticed one of the sleeves of her tunic was missing, obviously torn in a jump from a tree and a small amount to scratches showed. Arië was angry that she had been so luck to escape healthy and whole.


Why cant i stop shaking? Eru! Why is this happening again!she shouted in her mind, but no answer came. Her tears finally subsided, but the feeling of dread and anguish lingered. Keeping her head down she decided to keep watch with Ainemetion.

"Whats wrong over there?" he asked, looking straight ahead. Arië hesitated, "Ihwesta... is going to be ok, Gilbereth... Gilbereth, he lost an arm." Arië's teeth started to chatter from shock.

"Do you think that becuase we are young we are any different?" she asked him.
"No, why do you ask." Ainemetion replied.
"Becuase we are substancially younger than the rest of the company, and look at them, they are taking this so well and me... Well im a mess. I cant keep myself undercontrol for one damn second when they need me most!"

She turned around to face the camp, and the blood soaked ground that kept Ihwesta and Gilbereth.

[Arien]

When he had finished aiding Taurëwen with Gilbereth and she had gone, Ceros returned to Ihwesta stayed by her side with Arië. Then when Arië left it to see what had happened to Gilbereth he still stayed. Arië was distressed you could see it in her tear filled eyes, although she tried to hide her defiant tears you could still see. Ceros’ eyes drifted upon Ihwesta, her eyes were softly shut as if in a dream. He lifted his hand and carefully stroked her cold cheek. What would he do if he lost her? Although he could not stand thought, she nearly was lost and it was worse than any thought in his mind. Even that of the Wood. He felt he had a not only a duty as a leader to protect her, but as a friend and as a guardian. He had remembered what Orodhin had said to him. It wasn’t some immense lecture that he had given him, just three words: I trust you. And as a friend he did, he had trusted Ceros to watch over Ihwesta, whether her sudden stubbornness allowed it or not, he would watch over her.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered over her frail for that was lain in front of him, now brushing her smooth hair from her face, “I’m sorry….” In truth he was sorry to all of them, he did not know it would be this bad, he had not known what to expect. But it certainly wasn’t this! Sometimes ignorance was bliss. He looked down on to Ihwesta just as her blue eyes flickered open. He smiled and beckoned Arië over. She came over and started to talk to Ihwesta while he administered sage infusion. Ceros decided to leave Arië and Ihwesta to talk , so he rose and retreated to the refuge of Gilbereth.

The two, Arië and Ihwesta, seemed to have made quite a bond between each other and it was comforting to see a friendship spring in such a hostile environment. And he found now he was on a new level of respect for the young Elf. She had now over come battle and many in her situation would have shown dire signs of breakdown. But she appeared strong, stronger than he had anticipated.

And what of the others? Eruwen seemed to still be overcoming the effects of the poison, as she was sat by herself looking starry-eyed over her companions. Ryenion had drawn back into the shadows, and he too looked over the camp, in deep thought. Taurëwen had as well gone into the darkness beyond the clearing. The rest were gathered in the glade, with the wounded.

As he looked on the stump that once was Gilbereth’s hand he became frustrated with himself, firmly believing he could have done better to protect his companions. When in reality he had done his best even if he did not realise it..

“Ceros?” He looked up, it was Arië, “Ihwesta is awake, and she says she is feeling better than she was earlier.” Ceros nodded in thanks, “has he gone back into an unconscious state?” she queried.

“Yes, I think it was the pain,” Arië nodded and took over the guard of Gilbereth while Ceros came to Ihwesta’s side.

“Why are you sorry?” she questioned in a soft voice.

“Don’t worry Ihwestaieleva , you have to rest now….” he replied.

“And when do we move out?”

"We will stay here…”

“But we cannot stay her!” her voice rasped, she sat up, but feeling the pain she lay down again. “It is too dangerous!"

"I know that, but what can I do?!" he hissed, "Would you have me leave you here? You are in no state for fighting!" Ihwesta looked away in frustration, and Ceros hung his head for being so short. "We will stay here for the night."

[Nerindel]

Huddled beneath the great oak Taurëwen forced herself to get up, she would not let the others find her hiding like a small frightened elfling. Raising to her feet she reached for her sword, meaning to relieve her tension and frustrations by swinging her sword as Talas had once taught her, while she carried the sword that he had lovingly made for her, she felt not alone for her brothers love was moulded into the elven weapon and she also believed that his strength and courage too were embodied in it's blade, but as she gripped the air were the hilt should have been she remembered that she had dropped it when she had became entangled in her silken prison.

Looking down at her blood stained remnant and her sword less belt she suddenly felt as defenceless as a young Elfling. With sword and bow she protected her home! but now without either what use would she be, "No! I will not have them putting themselves in danger because they feel they have to protect the defenceless healer!" she told the growing darkness. Using the water from a skin that hung from her belt she washed her hands and face, then pulling back her golden hair she tied it into a single long tight braid, which she let sit on her shoulder.

Her mind now set she drew her long knife and silently stole herself away into the night. Swiftly but cautiously she flitted between the trees making her way back to the spiders lair, unaware that another followed her from a distance. As she drew nearer the clearing of there previous battle she stopped and stretched out her elven senses, she could not hear or see anything amiss, the lair was either abandoned or her companions had slain the whole brood, she hoped the latter was true. The smell of decaying spider carcasses caused her to wrinkle her nose in disgust. 'I must be quick' she thought to herself.

Cautiously she stepped out into the lair, her knife held tightly in her right hand. The Moonlight streamed through a gap in the canopy, filling the lair with a soft eerie glow. In the soft light she found her bow, She sighed heavily as she found that it had been snapped in two, without thinking why, she slipped the two halves into her belt. Then lifting her head she scouted about for her sword, a short distance away she saw something glinting in the moonlight next to the corpse of the dead spider that had almost made her it's supper. She hurried over to find that it was the basket hilt of Gilbereth's slender rapier, she sheathed her knife and with both hands she dislodged the fine blade from the corpse, "Gil, may yet have need of you" she whispered cleaning the blade on the grass and slipping it into her belt along side her damaged bow.

Crouching to the ground she followed the clear tracks hoping they would lead to her to were her sword was lost, "No!" she gasped as she realised that it had been Gilbereth that had cut them down, he had lost his hand protecting them, she thought regretfully. The trail did eventually lead her to her sword and the web that had ensnared her. Her soft green eyes blazed with anger and wrapping her hand tightly about the hilt of her sword she cried *"Gurth gothrim Tel'laiqataure!" the runes on the blade seemed to glow with a faint blue light as she slashed and cut down the webs that defiled a once beautiful glade.

Once they were all cut down, she lowered her sword, Breathing heavily she slumped her shoulders. As she regained her regular breathing she heard a twig snap behind her. Swiftly she raised her sword and spun around to met her assailant, *"Uuma ma'ten' rashwe, Re'naa ren'elle" she sneered. But her eyes widened in disbelief as her sword stopped inches from Reynion's chest.

"You should not be here! especially not on your own" His voice was even and unfaltering as he looked down at the blade at his chest. Sighing she lowered her blade, 'he has come to scold me for not heeding my own words' she thought sadly. 'But he had not stopped me,' she concluded, a Mischievous grin pulling at her pale lips "But I am not alone my friend, you are here, are you not!" She said raising a questioning eyebrow. She could see him trying to suppressed a smile as he struggled to find an answer to reiterate the seriousness of her actions. "We should go!" he said after a moments pause, "Do you have what you came for" he asked hesitantly. "Yes, and I think Gil will be glad for this!" she smiled patting the caged handle if the rapier. "Maybe" he sighed turning to lead her back to the others.

As they left Taurëwen's foot brushed something else, she stepped back and using her sword she gently brushed aside dirt and leaves to reveal a small throwing knife, she bent down and picking it up she realise it was one of Reynion's, she glanced up to see if he had noticed that she stopped, "what is it" he asked seeing her crouched on the ground, "Oh! nothing" she assured him palming the knife and slipping it into the back of her belt when he wasn't looking. She was grateful that he looked out for her and she hoped that the little gesture she had in mind would please him.

As they walked back to the glade together, Taurëwen wondered just how long Reynion had been watching her, had he seen her weeping? her cheeks flushed at the thought, and had he heard her strong promises. She turned and looked at him, his dark hair bounced about his shoulders as he walked and his grey eyes ever watchful flicked with the light of wisdom, she completely forgot her worries as she watched him confidently lead her back to the relative safety of the glade.

As they returned Taurëwen was pleased to see that both Ihwesta and Gilbereth were now awake, she instinctively rushed forwards to see how they felt, but stopped and looked back as she realised that Reynion did not follow. She turned just in time to see him slip back into the darkness of the trees. She sighed softly then turned back to see how her patients were feeling.

Ceros was with Ihwesta, so she went to see how Gil was faring. "He has just woken," Arië smiled, lifting the sage infusion she knelt down beside him, "Here drink this, it will numb the pain" she assured him as she helped him to sit up and pressed the cup to his lips. "So, it was not a dream" he sighed looking down to were his hand had once been. "I know what you did and I thank you, I am only sorry that the cost was so dear" she whispered lowering her head, the guilt was such that she could not bring herself to look him in the eyes.

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

*Gurth gothrim Tel'laiqataure! - Death to the foes of the Greenwood!

*Uuma ma'ten'rashwe, re'naa ren'elle! -Don't look for trouble, she is before you!

[Arien]

Ceros’ eyes rose from the face of Ihwesta at the sound of talking. Taurëwen had returned and was now tending to Gilbereth with Arië. He overheard her soft whisper to Gilbereth "I know what you did and I thank you, I am only sorry that the cost was so dear". She knew then of what Gilbereth had done to save her, sacrificed himself to cut his companions down from their confinement. Taurëwen now came over to Ihwesta.

“You are awake too….” she said faintly giving Ihwesta a little more sage infusion. “And how are you feeling?”

“Better…” she replied barely. Taurëwen nodded.

“You will feel the pain from your leg for a few days, but with time it will heal.” Ihwesta acknowledged her and then closed her eyes again. Ceros sighed, and got up from the ground where he had been seated.

“We are to stay here for the remainder of the night,” he told the others, “it is better for them, we will move out a soon as the sun rises. But for now take rest.” The others agreed, but all of them stayed in their own space for the night. To reflect on the days events. Ceros, as usual chose a place where he had a view of all of them, even Reynion as he hid beneath the shelter of a dark tree. The other were gathered in the clearing, scattered with Taurëwen nursing the wounded. Ceros admired her too, she put the others before herself even tough the poison from the spiders still flowed through her veins.

Her sword at her side glimmering in the fire light. It was from Talas, he remembered her reminiscing about it before he went missing. Ha, missing! Ceros dreaded to think of the fate of his friend and fellow guard. Was he overwhelmed by spiders or was there something even darker inhabiting Greenwood? And now the sword was the only…..her sword! She did not have that when we left the spiders nest. But she couldn‘t have gone back! No, surely not….

Ceros slowly rose from the spot where he sat and went to Taurëwen’s side. She was cleaning Ihwesta’s wound when she turned round.

“Ceros, she has fallen asleep again”, she said briefly looking at him and then back down at Ihwesta.

“Why?” he asked sternly. She ascended slowly, the rag she was cleaning Ihwesta’s wound with hung loosely in her hand.

“Why what?” she asked in a defensive voice.

“Why did you go back?”

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” she said quickly and she walked past him. But he grabbed her wrist and pulled her back.

“Back, back to the spiders nest?” She looked taken aback as if she was going to fight him but then dropped her head.

“How did you know?” she said hoarsely looking up into his eyes.

“Your sword, the one Talas wrought for you. You did not have it when we first got her, nor when I helped you tend to Ihwesta and Gilbereth”

“I went back for it, I could not just discard it!” she replied defiantly.

“I understand, by why, why did you go alone?”

“I..” she started, but then stopped.

“I am not angry with you,” he said softly, “I just don’t want to loose another friend on my part. I am your leader and should watch over all of you. And no matter how much you wanted it back, was it worth risking your life? Next time, Taurëwen take some one with you!”

[maikafanawen]

The pain was relentless and it tugged at her nerves throughout the night. The sage concoction helped, true, but Ihwesta felt the few drops of Gonungol's blood course through her anyhow. Sleep came, but it was plagued with dreams: horrors of the ungol infestation. She would awake feverish and afraid, eyes wide with terror before being calmed by whoever stayed beside her. In her dazed delirium she could not tell whether it be Arië, Ceros, or Taurëwen. Twice her leg-wound seared as the healer-elf cleansed and re-bandaged the external lesion.

"Will it stop?" she asked once as slender fingers wrapped gauze tightly around her thigh. Her voice sounded rigid and every word had to be said clearly and deliberately to be understood.

"In time Ihwesta. You must sleep." Then she would drift off again, her body wracked with agony.

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

"She's been asleep longer even than Gil," said a man's voice. It sounded like her brother! Orodhin!

"I think she might have infused with Gonungol's blood." The two elves were not far, but their voices were hushed.

"Does being the Chief make his blood more fatal?"

"I don't know." Why couldn't she move? Was someone holding her down?

"When will she wake?" I am awake Orodhin! Here!

The female elf sighed jadedly, "I don't know." Orodhin…

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

When Ihwesta finally roused with renewed strength, the sun had set twice and the others were faring well. Her eyes flickered open to stare at the canopy's underside where sunlight streamed through. Her lips seemed to be stuck together from disuse and when she did open her mouth it felt dry and sore.

"Ihwesta!" Ceros dropped to her side, holding fast to her hand. "You're awake." Ihwesta remained expressionless as her memory and voice returned. Meanwhile, Taurëwen was summoned and others gathered around. She couldn't distinguish their faces just yet but there they were anyhow.

"Drink this," commanded Taurëwen. She obeyed and a honey-sweet concoction streamed down her throat. As it began to be distributed throughout her body, the tenseness from neglect of her muscles began to lift and her lifeblood surged more rapidly. I can stand, she thought swiftly, and made to move.

"Oh n-o," said Taurëwen pushing her down again. "That usually has that side-affect of sudden certainty of one's renewed strength. You must be awake first for an hour or so. Then you can stand." Ihwesta's memory, voice, and mind had returned more quickly and even Taurëwen seemed surprised when she fought back.

"You certainly are a fine healer, Taurëwen, but this is no infirmary, and I may move when I please." The tracker would not have attempted to get up if she knew she was unable, but some inner, forgotten strength seemed to reach out and support her as she stood. The others blinked.

Ihwesta looked around the camp for her things. "Where's my sword?" she asked. Even as she said it, it dawned on her where the blade was: buried in the carcass of Gonungol. Feeble despair shown in her eyes as she looked towards Ceros. "I have no sword. What will I do?" She did not see her pack and belt-pouches either. They must have dropped somewhere. Perhaps they could still be salvaged should she dare to go back and find them.

"Ha! I see that little nap of yours didn't cost you any of your stubbornness!" said a light-hearted voice coming from behind. "One thinks you would have learned your lesson!" Ihwesta turned to see Arië appear, two hares slung over her shoulder.

"Arië!" Ihwesta beamed as the younger embraced her friend tenderly.

"You don't know how good it is to see you up," Arië said breaking away. "Well come on, I'll cook these up and we'll eat." Ceros especially seemed to be thankful Ihwesta's thought was drawn away from her missing possessions. No one was too keen about explaining to her that going back to find them would be extremely dangerous.

After the rabbits were spitted, cooked, and eaten, Ihwesta turned sort of blunt like to Ceros and said, "My sword, by now, is most likely to be disintegrated in Gonungol's body and Eru knows where my bow and arrows are. So right now, I'm completely unarmed. If I had my way I'd go back and get them right now." Ceros smiled contentedly and nodded, placing a hand on Ihwesta's arm.

"I'm glad you've come to see reason Ihwesta. I didn't know how I was going to convince you not to go looking for them." The tracker, however, laughed and stood.

"Aye, that's why I've saved you the trouble!" she said, throwing her hands in the air with a mysterious twinkle in her eyes. "The way I see it, if I can run faster than you, I can go back without you having to say a word!" Ceros's face quickly changed from a pleased expression to one of shock then irritation. But by the time he was on his feet, Ihwesta had shot off into the darkness, swiping Taurëwen's sword as she moved.

"Ihwestaieleva!" he shouted after her. Then he too shot after her into the forest. The rest of the elves moved to follow but Ceros, in his unbelievable fury, yelled for them to stay put.

In no more than twenty minutes, the duo reappeared. Ceros's face was a deep shade of red as he pushed Ihwesta before him, shouting things at her in an elvish rage. The tracker looked harassed as she stumbled forward obviously disappointed he had caught her. However, they were all surprised to see her right hand on the belt holding her pouches, and her left resting on her sword.

"How did you get it back?" Arië asked, interrupting Ceros's admonitions.

"Never you mind," Ihwesta said. "Right now I've got to help Ceros get a hold on himself." That comment launched their leader into a whole other chain of scolding that lasted until they were ready to move on again towards the southern parts of the forest like planned, and to everyone's great thankfulness, they hadn't lost a soul.

[Eladain Moruviel]

After killing the spider Gilbereth remembered nothing. Darkness filled his mind, and he wandered paths best untold. When he finally awakened it was because of the searing pain in his left hand No he told himself Where his let hand used to be, it was all coming back to him now. After a few moments he passed out again, and remained that way for several more hours. When he opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was Arie standing over him “You’ve been unconscious for some time” she said to him in a quiet voice “How are you feeling now?” He winced as the pain coursed through his arm, but he set his jaw, put on a calm face and replied “ Much better now, thank-you. I hope I haven’t been too much trouble”

Just then Taurëwen ran up “Ah, you’re finally awake!” she said as she kneeled next to him “hear, drink this, it will dull the pain” Whatever she had given him tasted horrible, but as she promised, it did dull the pain considerably. “Thank-you for all you’ve done for me” he managed to say after choking down the liquid. Then Taurëwen ’s face light up as she said, “Here, I’ve got something else for you.” and she handed him his rapier “ah, thank-you!” he said with delight “I didn’t think I would ever see this again”. Then he noticed the broken bow shoved into her belt and his face grew dark “looks like you weren’t so lucky with your weapons. But here, take mine, I won’t be able to use it anymore”. He looked sadly at the stump that once was his hand “ There are a lot of things I won’t be able to do anymore” but then he broke into a smile “ I guess I won’t be as handy as I used to be, or as handsome”. At this Taurëwen couldn’t help but smile “Well, now that I’m sure you’re alright, I think I’ll go check on Ihwesta” she took the bow from Gil, and then left him to himself.

After a little while he fell asleep again, waking only briefly to eat something before lapsing again into darkness. On the morning of the second day He felt much rested, and even walked around “ you shouldn’t be doing that” admonished the others “ you’re still not well” “Oh bloody hell!’ he laughed “it bit off my hand, not my legs. I think I’ll be fine”

After eating, he decided to go for a walk in the woods around the camp. While he was walking, he noticed the buckler at his side Well, this won’t do me much good anymore he thought, and was about to throw it away, when he thought better of at Perhaps it will serve some good yet he decided. Then he noticed a strange sensation in his arm, it started at his wrist, and slowly worked its way up. Come think of it, he had noticed it earlier Oh well, it’s nothing he told himself, and put the matter aside.

When he returned to camp, it was getting dark “we’ll be leaving tomorrow morning” Ceros told the group “ so we’d all better get some rest” This sounded like a good idea to Gil, so he retired early, and slept soundly until the morn. That night he dreamed about Celesta, a girl he had known at court. They had spent many hours together, walking in the woods, or sitting by the fireside talking. It was commonly said that some day the two of them would be married, but then the shadow had come and hers was one of the all-to-many families that had moved to a safer place. They would probably never see each other again.

They started out early the next morning, the fog still stuck close to the ground, and everywhere you could smell the damp leaves. It was still hard for Gil to get used to having only one hand, and he had some difficulty packing that morning. When he had finally finished, which had taken a very long time, he had even more trouble getting the pack on his back. Finally they were finished making their preparations, nd they set out into the dawn.

[ August 29, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Everdawn]

Arië seemed to have a new breath of determination breathed into her when Ihwesta had recovered. She had first experenced a responsibility to the group, when it looked bad for Ihwesta. And she had to face the prospect of tracking their way all on her own. As one of the healthy few, Arië had done her fair share of nursing.


Arië felt like she had a weight lifted from her stomach when Ihwesta was given the ok by Taurëwen. Though Arië made sure that she did nothing but lie around as she did the hunting, watching and tracking all by herself. Yes, for once in her life, The younger felt like she was doing something significant.

Gilbereth took longer to wake up, and The younger didn't blame him. Id be the same way too if i had lost a hand...she thought. There seemed a change in Gilbereth, he did not seem so.. well.. vain, and she kept out a special eye just incase he may injure himself. That would be terrible she supposed, and liked to think that any of the others would do the same if it were her.

Ainemention still kept watch for long periods of time, and he looked quite content in doing so. Arië took no sleep either that night, but kept watch on the outher side of the thicket, taking time to braid her hair several times over. Dawn came and Arië collected breakfast and waited for the word of their leader Ceros, whom Arië took more admiration for everyday.

[Arien]

"Never you mind," Ihwesta said. "Right now I've got to help Ceros get a hold on himself." Now he began to rebuke Ihwesta again, he was particularly angry. After all that happened not only one, but two of his companions had defied order to stay where they were and not leave to go back to the spiders nest. He was only angry because he cared, but it seemed to come across in a more irate mood than he would have liked to pick. But soon Ihwesta had calmed him down an she had duly apologised to him.

“Let us gather our things!” he called out over the camp, “I do not whish to stay here any longer!”

So the others gather their thing and Ihwesta lead the way, but with Ceros by her side now. Arië stayed to the rear of the group as a skilled tracker was needed to keep and eyes out and the others gathered in the middle. They walked silently through the think forest. They had strayed from any recognisable path if there indeed was one present this deep in the forest. This land was not trodden by their race, nor any other race that they had dealings with regularly. It was dark and the trees choked nearly all the light from above.

Vines and weed squeezed and suffocated the trees and odd hacking marks and slashes one the trees often met their eyes. What is doing this? It cannot be just the spiders, that is too obvious, they are too feeble and too few to cover the whole forest. What is it? He sighed, it was no use trying to think about this now, they had to get to a safe camp and soon.

A few hours passed, they all walked and rarely stopped except to examine more trees. The sun must have been at its highest peak because it was getting lighter in the forest, even if the trees tried to block her light out it still seeped through. The shafts of light made the forest look unnatural, dust hung suspended in the light and it was quiet. It was always quiet.

“I hear running water,” Ihwesta said suddenly, looking back at Ceros.

“I hear it too, there must be a river near.” It sound fast, very fast. The sound wasn’t that of a calm stream or brook that leisurely wound through their realm. No. This river was brash and dangerous. No good would come of them crossing it, but they had no other choice. As they neared it they could see how hard it would be. The river was easily twice the width of the one flowing in their realm. A good 30 feet across, and it looked deep, very deep. His fellow travellers gathered round and stared into the deeps of the rampant river.

“How are we going to cross this?” said Arië exasperatedly. Ceros shook his head, the situation certainly couldn’t get any worse.

[ August 29, 2003: Message edited by: Arien ]

[Everdawn]

Arië had clearly spoken before she had thought. She was a smart elf. A river, a fast running river... how do we get across, now think.she said to herself while pacing with her hands on her hips. She looked up at a nearby tree then back at the others. "Rope" she exclaimed with a hopeful laugh, and looked at the other to see if any of them had thought the same thing.

Their blank faces staring back had told her they hadnt. In an excited glance at the thers Arië scrambled over to Ainemention and took a piece of rope from his bag. Not noticing the agrivated look on his face the young elf cried "You see!" she said Turning to the others. "See what!" exclaimed Ainemention. "The rope, Taurëwen and Ainemention both have some! We can use them to get across the river, I will shoot them with my bow, into a strong tree with thick bark of course so i dont fall into the river and simply run across!"

Arië had smiled at the thought of just how clever she had been. "Good work Arië!" Ceros cried approvingly from beside Ihwesta. Arië beamed and automatically retrieved her bow from the ground and fitted an arrow to the string. "Why do you get to ge across Younger?" Ihwesta grinned at her.

"Because, im the smallest and lightest." Arië smugly replied to her friend and fired the arrow. It landed with perfect precision (for once) in the middle of the tree she had been aiming for. She bent to make sure it would hold her and carefully stepped from the shore. So far so good. she said to herself as she inched closer and closer to one quarter way of the 'bridge'. In no time she reached three quarter way and the bridge shook, unforseen by Arië who would have been sent into the water if she had not realised in the time she did. Then swiftly made her way across to the other side.

With a sigh of relief the young elf glanced at the company on the other side of the river. She waved at them before hastily reaching the arrow in the tree. She untied it form the arrow and made sure the rope was secure around the tree before beckoning for the others to join her.

[ August 31, 2003: Message edited by: Everdawn ]

[Eruwen]

Eruwen watched carefully as an arrow was shot into a tree on the other side of the river. She had well overcome the poison of the spiders, but she didn’t feel like talking or making herself known to the others in the group. She continued to gaze out into the rapid waters as Arië made it across the river, as did many others afterwards. Eventually Eruwen was told to go, and she began to make her way to the so-called “bridge” that she would cross.

As Eruwen placed one foot onto the bridge, she once again looked down into the water. Taking a deep breath, she stepped up with the other foot and began to run across as fast, and as carefully, as she could. Every step that the Elf took made her think back on the fear she had when the spiders had captured her and the few members of the company. Suddenly her own words came back into her mind again.

“If we stay here, then whatever’s out there will eventually find us and attack us without warning. But if we go, then there is the risk of everyone getting lost and maybe even dead. So either way, we’re done for.”

The “getting lost” part had already somewhat taken place, except they were all found again. The last part of her words was what was making her fearful again. Soon Eruwen stepped off the bridge and onto the ground once again. She found herself a place by a nearby tree and sat down with her arms propped up upon her knees and her face buried in her hands.

Why did I have to say that? She thought to herself. Not only did I bring myself down but also probably others in the company as well. And although it is me who is dwelling on this statement, how do I know that no one else has thought about it also? I just hope that I’m not right anymore. Getting lost for that brief time was bad enough, but losing someone for good would be horrible! Oh, Eru, just don’t let my foolish words come true!

Eruwen stood once again to join the members of her company as they each crossed the river. She stood silent towards the back waiting for another command.

[maikafanawen]

Ihwesta watched skeptically as Arië shot the rope to the other side of the river and walked warily across, not twelve inches above the water. She adjusted the rope so that it was taught and more secure for the others to follow. Eruwen fastened her pack and bow so that they wouldn't swing and throw her off balance as she went over. There didn't seem to be a problem with any of it but the tracker was still a bit nervous.

"Alright Gil, you next," said Taruewen. The noble elf looked nervously at the bridge and shook his head.

"No, uh, no thanks, I'll go last if it's all the same to you." He smiled shakily.

"Fine with me!" Ainemetion said gruffly. He went next, followed by Taurëwen.

"Reynion, will you carry my things over for me?" Ihwesta asked quietly. "It'll be a bit dificult to balance them myself."

"Sure." He hung her pack around his neck, and draped her belt over his shoulder. Then he crossed.

Ceros stayed behind to help Ihwesta. "Ready?" asked Ceros. The tracker nodded. Then, with Ceros walking before her, and Gil coming up behind, she started across the river.

It rushed menacingly beneath her, roaring lustily as though it waited for her to fall into its depths. The sound was bewitching and the fear bottled up inside her as she went slowly across. Her eyes were glued to her feet, spotting so that they stayed on the rope. The water splashed up, dampening her and the rope she walked on. She looked into the water, hoping to see a reassuring reflection, but the white foam that curled on the surface before being sucked beneath by the current.

They were nearly half way across when the tree came.

Spiraling out of control and being tossed in the water it shot from behind the bend towards the trio who crossed the makeshift bridge. All heads shot in the direction of the coming danger too late. The colossal wood hit the rope with such an impact that it snapped them forward and the three elves were thrown into the rushing water. Ihwesta went under fast, the river trying to push her down. She finally got her head above water.

"Ceros!" she screamed, taking in a mouthful of water

"Don't yell Ihwesta, I'm right here." Ihwesta felt, Ceros's left arm encircle her waist, helping to keep her above the water as it tried to drag them downstream, his right hand holding onto the rope suspended still above them.

"Gilbereth!" he yelled long and loud. "Gilbereth!" There was no audible answer over the thunder of the river. Ihwesta tried to relax, taking in deep breaths of fresh air as she fought to keep her head above the water. Then she saw Gilbereth. He had popped up ten yards behind them before being carried away again by the current out of sight.

Reynion had made his way across the rope again and began to help Ceros and Ihwesta up. They were both relatively unharmed and taken to the others.

"Alright," Ceros began, "we've got to get to Gilbereth."

[ August 30, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

[ August 30, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

[Eladain Moruviel]

They had been walking for some time when Ceros told them to halt. "Running water, do you hear it?" he asked,
they all had. It sounded like a river, a swift one at that, not one of the small ones they had near their homes.
They continued on a little farther, when suddenly the trees stopped at the edge of the river. It was as they all had expected, large, and swiftly flowing. "Now how in Eru’s name are we going to cross that?" Gilbereth wondered
out loud, but before any one could answer Arie was readying her bow and quiver. " Someone, give me your rope" she said hurriedly. After she had gotten about 50 yards of it she tied one end to an arrow, and had shot the arrow
into a tree on the other side of the river.


After quickly running to the other side, and securing the rope, Arie motioned for the others to come across.
Eruwen fastened her pack and bow so that they wouldn't swing and throw her off balance as she went over.
Alright Gil, you next," said Taruewen. The noble elf looked nervously at the bridge and shook his head.
"No, uh, no thanks, I'll go last if it's all the same to you." He smiled shakily. Ever since he was a child Gil had
never been fond of doing this kind of thing, so he wanted to put it off as long as he could. "Fine with me!" Ainemetion said gruffly. He went next, followed by Taurëwen. Next Reynion crossed with Ihwesta’s belongings.
Ceros stayed behind to help Ihwesta. "Ready?" asked Ceros. The tracker nodded. Then, with Ceros walking
before her, they started across the river. “Well, I can’t put this off much longer” Gil whispered to himself, so he
took a deep breath and started across the bridge.

Everything seemed to be going well This isn’t too bad Gil thought to himself, although it was a bit hard to keep
his balance he managed. They were nearly half way across when the tree came.
Spiraling out of control and being tossed in the water it shot from behind the bend towards the trio who crossed
the makeshift bridge. All heads shot in the direction of the coming danger too late. The colossal wood hit the
rope with such an impact that it snapped them forward and the three elves were thrown into the rushing water.

Gilbereth sank like a stone This is it, I’m going to die were the first thoughts that rushed through his mind, but
then something deep inside of him awakened No! I’m not going to die, not like this, not yet! Then using all of his
strength he struggled to the surface. Once he had reached the surface Gil saw that he was about 30 feet
downstream of the others. He tried to swim to them, but even with two hands it would have been hard enough
but with only one, it was impossible. So he relaxed, concentrated on staying above water, and went downstream
with the current. “ I will find them, I will not be separated again!” he silently swore.

[ August 30, 2003: Message edited by: Eladain Moruviel ]

[ August 30, 2003: Message edited by: Eladain Moruviel ]

[Tinuviel of Denton]

Reynion cursed as he saw the last three elves to cross fall into the river, knocked off of the swaying rope by a tree. Ceros and Ihwesta managed to grab the rope and with the help of the others crawl back onto the shore. Gilbereth was not so fortunate. His arms flailing, he plunged beneath the surface of the foaming water. Reyn cursed again, and watched for him to come up. He floundered to the surface, but by then he was almost thirty feet downstream. He tried to swim back up, but with only one hand, it was impossible. So Reyn did the only thing he could think of to do. He dove in after the younger elf.

The first thing his mind registered was that the water was icy cold; the second that this had probably not been the smartest thing to do and it was very likely that he wouldn't survive. He thrashed his way to the surface, and looked for Gilbereth's blond head. He didn't see it, and barely had time to gasp a breath before being plunged under the surface again. When next he came up, he could neither see Gilbereth, nor could he see the other elves. He struck out towards the shore, obliquely so that he wouldn't have to fight the current so much. His leg protested at this hard use, so soon after it was wounded, but he had no choice except to ignore the pain. He still looked downstream, hoping to see Gilbereth bobbing along, but it didn't happen.

The current sped up, and Reyn gave up trying to locate the other elf and instead focused on getting to shore so that his aching muscles could rest. He kicked harder and pulled faster. He didn't know how much more of this frigid water he could take. Besides, there was always the possibility that another tree would come crashing down the channel. The thought was not reassuring, and it was with a sigh of relief that Reyn found hard ground under his hands.

He crawled out and looked around, shivering. If the water was cold, the temperature under the trees while soaking wet was positively glacial. He didn't see anyone else. He was alone for the second time this journey. With one backward glance in the direction Gilbereth had disappeared, he started to slowly make his way back to the others. He wouldn't do anyone any good if he froze to .

He rubbed his hands together and along his legs, trying to evoke at least a semblance of warmth. The act made him think of Gilbereth, who was likely as cold as he. The younger elf still annoyed him, but this was not a predicament he would wish on his worst enemy--well, he wouldn't mind if a few orcs were freezing after a dunking in a frigid river, but other than that...it wouldn't have surprised him in the least if icicles began to grow on the tips of his hair, which now hung in limp strings around his face.

[ August 31, 2003: Message edited by: Tinuviel of Denton ]

[Nerindel]

Taurëwen had watched in horror as the drifting tree sent her friends tumbling into the freezing cold water. "No!" she gasped, she sighed with relief as she saw Ceros's hand grasping the rope and as Reynion helped him up she saw that he held Ihwesta.

"Where is Gilbereth?" she asked wrapping each of them in the warm blankets of her bed roll, Ihwesta shook her head sadly as she pressed a clear phial to their lips, the Miruvor within the phial warmed their insides, chasing away the bitter cold. "Alright," Ceros began as the warmth returned too his frozen body, "we've got to get to Gilbereth."

"Rey can you see him?" Taurewen asked turning to were he had been standing. "Nooooo!" she screamed too late, Reynion plunged into the icy waters, she made to run after him but was held back by Ainemetion. "Why!" she whispered to the foaming waters. "We will find them," Ceros tried to reassure her. She slowly turned to him and nodded.

"Then let us go!" he said casting off the blanket and handing it back to her, she did not roll it but stuffed it into her pack and the six of them began their trek along the river, Ihwesta infront and Arië to the rear. But Taurëwen eye's ever scanned the river bank for signs that either elf had emerged from the river. "Oh Eru please let them be safe" she sighed as again they found nothing.

*snap* Taurëwen wheeled round hoping to see Rey or Gilbereth, but instead she saw the others with weapons drawn, both Arië and Ihwesta were taking hastily to Ceros, "What is it?" she asked returning from her unsuccessful search of the bank.

[ August 31, 2003: Message edited by: Nerindel ]

[maikafanawen]

She had just finished strapping her things back on when he moved to jump. Ihwesta dove at the same time Reynion did. Her hands reached for any part of him she could grab but he lunged into the water seconds before she was able.

"Nooooo!" screamed Taurëwen. She made to run after him but was held back by Ainemetion. "Why!" she whispered to the foaming waters.

"We'll find him!" Ceros reassured her. "We'll find him!" Ihwesta stood, brushing off the leaves, grass and dirt that clung to her wet clothes.

"Let's go!" she called back. Leading them on, her eyes watched both the river for any signs of Reynion or Gilbereth and the woods for enemies. She had decided long before they crossed the river that there were undoubtedly more evil things lurking as they journeyed southwards.

"Any sign?" asked Ainemetion, running up beside her. She shook her head. Then came a sound from the shadowed forest. The two drew their knives, calling a halt for the six elves who were left.

"I saw it!" Ihwesta told Ainemetion nervously. She wasn't sure exactly what it was but something was definitely there. "Ceros. There's something out there. It's not making a move to attack it's just sitting and waiting. It wants us to go farther."

"What do we do?" asked Arië who had come up and heard the tracker's words.

"Go farther," said Ihwesta deprecatingly. "We've got to find Reynion. And Gilbereth. Besides, we'll most likely have to face it sooner." They nodded and moved on, keeping a wary eye on the trees as they went.

"How far do you think they've gone?" Ihwesta asked Ceros. He shrugged.

"They could go on forever. There's not much that will stop them."

"No rocks? Roots?"

"We're looking for two elves here Ihwesta who probably aren't very accomplished swimmers not to mention one is less a hand." The tracker slumped her shoulders slightly. This could take days! They didn't have time to waste!!

[Arien]

"We're looking for two elves here Ihwesta who probably aren't very accomplished swimmers not to mention one is less a hand." Ceros explained exasperatedly to the tracker and the others. This wasn’t looking good and why on earth did Reyn jump in? To save Gilbereth yes; but to condemn himself also to death? He must have acted before thinking the situation through. That was the only reasonable explanation. The Elves ran down the bank of the river, their eyes searching hoping to catch a glimpse of their companions, but to no avail.

“Reyn!” cried Taurëwen, who was looking ahead up the river. The others turned as she rushed to him, wrapping a warm blanket around his frozen body. He shivered as a soft breeze rustled past the trees; he stared into the trees for a moment then looked to the others.

“There is something there,” he whispered hoarsely to them.

“We know,” replied Ihwesta, her eyes shifted nervously towards the trees and then back to Reyn.

“Gilbereth?” asked Ceros anxiously, coming face to face with Reyn. He shook his head, and Ceros’ heart fell. How could this be? Certainly not another companion lost, he would find Gil…..alive.

“The current was too strong, he was washed away and I couldn’t reach him,” he shook his head again and hung it, “It didn’t look too good.”

“Well we can not give up.......” whispered Eruwen from behind Ceros.

“Nobody was suggesting that, but we will keep looking,” ordered Ceros, “Reyn can you continue?” He nodded and so they went ahead. Ceros and Ihwesta fell behind the others.

“Ceros we cannot go on looking for him! No matter how much I want to look, we just cannot,” she sighed, “something is drawing closer to us, or we to them and we cannot risk looking for him. We have to….”

“We have to continue,” He finished, “ I agree and hope the rest will too.”

“Ceros!” came a voice from up ahead, “the bank ends here, there is no where else to go!” It was Arië. She stared flatly at the end of the bank that now went into the rushing water. There was nowhere else for them to go, the water rushed passed. It was too dangerous for them to go in, they would risk being carried away like Gilbereth. Ceros stood beside Arië on the edge. The roots of the trees fell into the water and there was nowhere to climb.

“We can not go on any longer, we must..” Ceros faltered as he looked to the others.

“No…” gasped Arië.

“I am sorry, if he makes it he will catch up,” he lowered his voice, “But there is something out there and we must press on, if any one protests….” The group looked dull but they did not object. Ceros was glad at this, although it did not make abandoning Gilbereth any easier. “Let us carry on, but be wary….draw your weapons. Something waits for us….” And with that they drew their arms and crept slowly into the dim of the forests shadow.

[ September 05, 2003: Message edited by: Arien ]

[Nerindel]

Taurëwen held Gil's bow tightly, she was angry that they were abandoning their search for their friend, but she also knew that Ceros was right, still it didn't make the guilt any less. Her sharp green eyes searched the forest for their silent follower.

"Do you smell that!" Ainemetion whispered behind her, she took a deep breath then frowned as she recognised the foul stench. When she was young her father and some other warriors had returned from a battle in the lands outside Greenwood and she remembered that they all bore the foul stench of the orcs they boasted they had killed. Taurëwen hurried forward to Ceros, the only elf among their company that may have actually encountered these foul beasts before.

"Do you smell them?" she whispered, he looked at her slightly surprised that one who had never left their woodland home would know of such creatures. "I have treated wandering Elves who have returned smelling of these foul creatures, my own father among them" she offered as explanation, but she was sure that some of the others would also have read the lore of their people and know of these foul beasts.

"Taurëwen!" Reynion whispered nudging his head towards her sheathed sword, she drew it half way out so they could see the runes glowing a faint blue, "Enemies of the wood are near!" she told them slipping the sword back and lifting Gil's bow, she felt Reynion take her back as her eyes searched the tree's for their foe.

Seeing a yellow pair of eyes in a tree ahead she let loose her arrow, there was a hissed yell as the orc fell from the tree clutching at the arrow in it's throat. As he fell they were rushed by a whole band of Orcs, Taurëwen instinctively turned her bow on the charging orcs and fired, hitting another in the eye. Her next shot bounced off the next orc's black breast plate, but as it grinned leering at her another arrow with green fletching went through it's throat. "Tree's" Reyn said to her as she turned to thank him. She nodded her understanding and turned just in time as a black arrow passed between them. Eyes blazing they both turned on the orcs hiding in the trees and let loose their arrows, knocking the creatures from their perches as the others fought the orcs on the ground.

By their estimation there had been at least fifteen orcs in the trees, some taken out by Ihwesta, Arië and Ceros before the orcs on the ground got too close for their bows to be of much use. Taurëwen and Reyn between them had felled nine of the foul creatures and now turned their attention back to the main battle. Their four friends were outnumbered and being pressed back.

"its a trap!" Reynion exclaimed pointing to the tree's that their friends were being herded towards.

"How many?" Taurëwen shouted as she push her arrow through the throat of an orc who had stepped in front of her and pulling it out she nocked it and fired it into the left shoulder of the next orc.

"At least six!" Reyn cried back as he pushed his long knife into the stomach of the orc before him.

"Do you think we can take them?" she cried slinging her bow over her shoulder and drawing her sword.

Reynion's leg burned but he would not let her see his pain, her fierce spirit seemed to give him strength. "Let's see" he laughed as the pair of them dashed into the trees to take the unexpecting orcs from behind.

"Gurth gothrim Tel'Laiqataure" (Death to the foes of the greenwood) They cried as they beset the orcs from behind. Taurëwen's sword flashed next to Lachril as she and Reyn cut through the orcs to their friends.

"We're out numbered!" Reyn cried to Ceros, but Taurëwen had not heard him her anger that these abominations infested the greenwood burned within her and she fought with the fury of the whole wood within her. One orc after another she cut down, "How dare they desecrate the sanctity of this great wood!" she screamed as she hacked them down mercilessly...

[ September 04, 2003: Message edited by: Nerindel ]

[Everdawn]

Arië was caught off guard when the orcs had attacked, and found herself in the middle of about seven angry orcs. What evil is this! she called to herself before drawing her bow and slaying two of the foul creatures. She caught a glance of Ceros and Ihwesta both fighting as many as she, Ainemention had a lesser number and Reyn and Taurëwen seemed capable in slaying all orcs which they encountered.

There were still five orcs clambering around Arië, each wondering who would get to kill the dainty elf and have her for supper. The Younger had never felt so small in her life, she had never lay eyes upon her putrid foe before this day. Only the tales that were told by the guards of the king and other elves that were friends of her parents. They had always spoke of these creatures dimly and Arië had only ever been curious. She wished now that she had not been.

After three more orcs were felled at her hand, The Younger was horrified to find that she had run short of arrows in her quiver. A cold sweat ran down her spine and her blood ran chill. The two orcs remaining laughed at her. Go ahead, laugh your ugly heads off... she thought, for it was well known that she was more able in hand to hand combat than she was with a bow.

Arië raised her hands inot the air and dropped her bow on the ground as if in surrender. The orcs inched foward. As soon as they were close enough she took from her side, the handiest of all weapons that she posessed, A shining engraved dagger, withing two seconds her handiwork had prevaled and both remaining orcs fell dead to the ground, one gutted. The other slashed in the throat.

Just when she thought she was done, form the corner of erh eye came another. Arië ducked, but not in time as the orc brought the crocked end of his sword across her back, scraping away her skin in a 4 inch tear. Not knowing what had happened to her Arië dropped to the ground and rolled and stabbed the orc in the back making sure to drag the dagger the length of his torso.

"Ihwesta! What are we doing! We cant get out!" she cried.

[ September 05, 2003: Message edited by: Everdawn ]

[Eladain Moruviel]

Gil had been carried downstream for about 15 minutes before he finally found a place where he could struggle out of the water. Using all of the strength he had left, he dragged himself onto the riverbank and collapsed. Finally recovering his breath, he stood up to get his bearings. Much to his dismay, he found himself in an even darker part of the wood than the fellowship had just left. The trees were all either hacked, uprooted, or charred. “Out of the pan and into the fire” he thought dismally to himself. “Well, I don’t want to stay here any longer than I have too; I’d best try to find the others”. And so he started off back upstream.

As he walked in silence, that strange feeling he had felt before returned. It was no longer just in his limbs, but had spread throughout his body. Now that’s odd he thought It was only a small wound, and it shouldn’t cause this. Stranger still, where the dark thoughts that now lurked on the edges of his mind. Thoughts of death, not the deaths of his enemies, but those of his comrades. Then a sudden waive of anger struck him, and drawing his sword, he clove a young tree in twain. He would have continued hacking and slashing , had he not called up all of his will power and forced these dark thoughts and feelings down. He dropped to his knees sobbing “what’s wrong with me?!?” he screamed “what has happened to make me do such terrible things!?!”

Then all at once it was clear to him, like clouds passing after a summer storm. He could feel it; it was writhing around in his mind, like a serpent trying to free itself. He had heard of it before, wizards, or mages that could take over a person’s body, control it like a puppet, and bend it to his dark will. It would take time, especially if he resisted with all of his might, but sooner or later, even the most stouthearted of men would succumb. He would resist, and it would be one devil of a fight, but it was only a matter of time…


Then he heard the sound of battle up ahead, he instantly knew it was his comrades and charged forward with renewed strength. In the clearing he saw his friends surrounded by a multitude of orcs, at least he thought they were orcs, for he had only heard tales of them. He knew they would die just as easily if he had seen one, as if he hadn’t, so he moved forward. Unsheathing his dagger, he crept up behind one of the orc archers and silently slit its throat. Then he saw a large orc charging towards him, dropping his knife, and drawing his sword, he hammered into the orc, killing it instantly. "Gurth gothrim Tel'Laiqataure!" he screamed lunging into another group of orcs, and soon they all lay dead.

He saw his comrades fighting gallantly, slaying many of the foul brutes “We may win this!” He though hopefully. Then he saw something that made his blood run cold, 10 or 15 more orcs charged out of the forest straight towards him. Getting into a defensive stance, he prepared himself for death, though they would pay dearly for it with their lives….

[ September 06, 2003: Message edited by: Eladain Moruviel ]

[maikafanawen]

"Ihwesta! What are we doing! We can't get out!" Arië yelled.

"Stay together," the eldest tracker said firmly. "And fight." So they did. It was a madness that had cast its net over them and given them a devilish strength. Like wasps protecting their nest they horned in on their foe and smote them.

Arië, the youngest seemed to grow to an empowered height and bore down on the orcs with the cruel grace of a striking snake. Taurëwen, who all looked upon as a gentle and benevolent person, was now full of hatred and she loosed her wrath on the maltreatment of Greenwood. Even though the water had filled him and the current pounded his body, Reynion also gave more than his all, fighting gallantly alongside his companions. Finally Ainemetion appeared from where he'd been taken, joining his friends and pouncing upon the enemy as a cat would its unsuspecting prey. Ceros led them all with the will and commanding presence of a god. His strength was unchallenged by the hordes of orcs that rained down upon them.

How they all hated the darkness that had plagued their realm! Ihwesta was moving in a quick and fluid fashion, refusing to pause and give the goblins a standing target for even a second. Now with just seven against the score of orcs that came upon them, her sense of hope flickered like a candle in the wind. Yet she fought on, oblivious to the strain on her wearied muscles, and the cuts and scrapes from the wild swings of goblin scimitars.

Suddenly, their lost companion united in the battle. Gilbereth with one hand had a newfound energy and he tossed himself carelessly into the web of certain death. Ihwesta smiled. His determination had renewed her drive for the moment and she plunged her sword into the bowls of the retched. But her glory was short-lived.

There was a tremble in the earth and the orcs began to squeal and run off into the woods. The larger goblins stayed though and fought on, keeping the elves rooted to their fighting stances as the unseen enemy drew closer.

"Pull away!" shouted Ceros, trying to get the elves to run from the clearing between the forest and river's bank. It was fruitless. For every step an elf took farther away, a goblin was there to beat him back and soon, they would all be separated. Then the beast that was the size of ten small orcs packed in one broke through the wall of trees and crushed a goblin under its foot. It was a hill-troll, come down from the Misty Mountains and across the Glâdden Fields by some miracle untouched by the sun to reach Greenwood unscathed.

"Dear Eru...." Ihwesta gasped. "RUN!" Breaking through the net of orcs, that appeared docile compared to this new monster, they made their way through the dense forest away from the clearing, listening with unsurpassed fear as the troll barreled through the trees after them....

[Nerindel]

Taurëwen heard not the shouts of the others as she battled the foul smelling creatures that held no regard for the Greenwood, but as she finished off her current attacker and turned to face the next the ground shook beneath her feet knocking her to the ground, she pulled her sword into guard position expecting a blow from the orc she had been facing, but the orc was squealing and running in the opposite direction, as she rose to chase after it the ground shook again.

Her eyes widened with fear as she saw the mammoth creature barrel through the forest, but it was short lived! for as the creature knocked down trees in it's wake an anger that Taurëwen thought she could never possess burned within her and with no thought other than to stop the monstrosity doing any more damage she charged towards it! She did not get far though! For Reynion who had been behind her and was now running with the other away from the troll, saw her run forward and grabbed her about the waist pulling her back.

"What are you doing!" she screamed at him, trying to break free of his hold.

"I was going to ask you the same thing," he replied calmly as he struggled to keep a hold on her and follow the others.

"Look!" she yelled pointing at the Troll as it knocked over another tree, "If we don't stop it there will be no forest left to call home!" she snapped, her eyes glistened but her anger held back the tears.

As they regrouped, Reynion turned her round to face him his hands sitting firmly on her shoulders,

"Taurëwen we all feel the same, but you do not think you could take on a fully grown hill troll on your own! do you?" She knew he was right, but the anger was still within her,

"No, but at least I would died trying, not running like a coward letting this...this monster tear down our home!" she retorted bitterly.

"And what help would you be to those left behind if you die!" Reynion calmly told her. As she defiantly looked into his eyes she saw his concern, the anger melted away and was replace with shame. She dropped her head as she felt the others looking at her, stunned by her harsh words. But there was no time for apologies the ground shook with the strides of their current foe.

"Ainemetion! Arie! Flank right, Gilbereth! Eruwen! flank left, Reynion do you and Taurëwen think you can get behind it?" both elves nodded at Ceros' question then he continued, "If we surround it I think we can take it down, now go!" Taurëwen nodded and dashed off with Reynion to attack the creature from behind.

"I'm sorry" she whispered as they ran.

[Tinuviel of Denton]

When Taurewen ran for the troll, Reynion's heart seemed to stop beating for an instant and he pulled her back before she got herself killed before his eyes. As the two of them and the other elves fell back from the melee, she turned on him.

"...At least I would died trying, not running like a coward letting this...this monster tear down our home!"

Reynion refused to show how much Taurewen's words had hurt him. He wasn't a coward, he wasn't! He was just being prudent. That was all...wasn't it? Oh, stop it! This is NOT a time to let your emotions run away with you. he ordered himself, as he refocused his attention on what was going on. Ceros looked at him measuringly, as if trying to determine if he was still up to battle after that swim and the orc-fight, then he started giving orders.

"Ainemetion! Arie! Flank right, Gilbereth! Eruwen! flank left. Reynion, do you and Taurëwen think you can get behind it?"

Reynion nodded, determined to do his part. He was no coward. And so he and Taurewen ran stealthily to get behind the troll. As they ran, he was warmed to hear her whisper, "I'm sorry." Those two words did a great deal to lift his heart, even if they were about to die.

"I know," he replied, and that was all they had time for.

[Everdawn]

Throught the trees came the horrid monster, and The Younger had no idea what it was. Eru! This is a nightmre i shall never wake up from! she screamed to herself inside her head. Gilbereth had returned to them, Arië was relieved, and it seemed that there was relief in her eyes as it was her bridge that was not strong enough to hold them all when it was struck.


No time for apologies now.she said to herself, You can say sorry later.
Ainemention and Arië ended up on the right side of the creature. "What is it?" Arië yelled over to Ainemention. "What?" he asked back. "Well! i have never seen one of these creatures before!" She yelled back whilst killing another orc.

"Its a troll" Ainemention answered back, coming over to her. "Youre bleeding" he remarked to the Younger. Arië wiped her dagger blade on the grass, "I know" she answered. "Well, ok then" the other elf looked at Arië as if it were strange that she did not feel the pain.

"Now Younger, look at Ihwesta and Ceros for direction. Reyn and Taurëwen ran behind the troll, she supposed Gilbereth was nearby with Eruwen. "Shall we bide our time, yes, thats what we will do, wait for the others to initiate the attack" Arië whispered to the other elf.

[Arien]

Ceros thrust one of his knives into the chest of an on coming orc, the other was thrown at another coming towards his left. The knife was quickly recovered and his attention turned to the Hill Troll in front of him. He had only seen a troll twice before and it was not so easy to fell as other opponents might be. His mind rushed with thoughts as the grip around his knives grew stronger; how to eradicate such a foe? Perhaps to lure it into sunlight; or into the river. But that would be hard and neither was near. The vile creature looked round widely at the eight elves that surrounded it, wondering which pair to strike first.

“Try and lead in into a clearing, the sun will shine upon it….” He cried above the mighty roar that the beast had just let out. Ceros hurriedly sheathed both knives and grabbed his bow. He swiftly reached for an arrow from his quiver, and notched it on to his bow. He took aim and shot. The arrow spun through the air hitting the troll on his left shoulder. Now his companions from each side of the monster released other shots, some pierced its thick skin but other ricocheted of its body harmlessly.

“Ihwesta,” he spoke softly to the She- Elf beside him, “Aim for its eyes, maybe if we blind it, it will stumble into the clearing.” He could see it ahead. The group all the time had been gently leading the troll unknowingly into a trap. Ihwesta and Ceros advanced forward slowly firing at its vulnerable spots.

Of course it retaliated with roars of anger and lashes from it crooked club that it carried, but it was too slow to hit any of them. Although if it did the strength behind it was overwhelming. Ceros looked behind him to see were Ihwesta was, she just released an arrow from her bow and a look horror came over her face. Ceros turned round speedily, the troll swung its club in a rage towards Ceros, he tried to get out of the way but was too slow.

The club made contact with his upper body and he was carelessly slammed into a near by tree. He could feel his ribs crushing against the club and then the breath was taken from his lungs as his back hit the tree.

“Ceros!” He heard someone cry, but he did not know whom.

His bow was cast aside idly, and a sudden stinging sensation came to the left side of his lower chest. Ceros tried to stand, but failed as the troll took another swing, luckily missing him, but hitting the tree he leaned against. It shook violently and leaves and branches fell to the ground. He watched as he friends fought with the beast, he got more and more frustrated with himself as he found he was unable to stand, or do anything for that matter.

His bow lay just a few yards away from him, if he could just pull himself together then he would be able to get back up and fight. But his vision was failing and his head was spinning. Ceros was too stubborn to realise when he was beat and so he tried again to get up, and once again it failed. He fell to the forest floor, his vision blurred even more and now it grew darker. He could hear the echoing sounds of a struggle far away in his mind as he fell into darkness.

[ October 01, 2003: Message edited by: Arien ]

[maikafanawen]

The hill-troll's club whizzed through the air, slamming into Ceros before Ihwesta had a chance to yell out. It sent the elf slamming into a nearby tree. The troll made a second swing but missed. Ihwesta recovered from the shock quickly enough to grab the end of the rope that Ainemetion had tossed her and together, pull the troll backwards. The giant monster staggered then turned, trying to move away from the elvish rope.

Then it faced Taurëwen and Reynion who were stationed behind it, hoping to snag it from the rear. This gave Ihwesta time to help the fallen elf.

"Ceros," she said, kneeling beside him and patting his cheek urgently. "Ceros!" He was unconscious. She crouched behind him, getting hold of under his shoulders, and dragging him back into the forest, looking for a relatively safe place to harbor him. There it was: a small outcropping of stone making a sort of cave. Once they were inside, she laid him flat, trying to figure out what she could do. She was certainly no healer, but Taurëwen was fighting.... Tears of frustration welled in her eyes, and she blinked them away impatiently.

His legs were not broken, though they held a few cuts and scrapes. His arms were not broken, though his right was heavily bruised. Then, she tore Ceros's tunic to reveal his wound. The tracker opened her water canteen and rinsed it out. Upon doing so she saw the bruise that covered his whole chest. Ihwesta felt gingerly around and discovered that multiple ribs had broken. She hung her head. His body worked to heal the wounds. But it worked slow and he needed the healer's hands. The tracker wished she'd learned the skill that was so valued in Taurëwen.

She knew that the others would need her help in the fight, but there was no way she was going to leave Ceros. Ihwesta folded a clean tunic from her own back and used it to stop the bleeding in his side. It was all she could do. The internal wounds were beyond her and needed the healer.

The elf held the cloth to the wound for a spell, then rinsed it again, and re-applied the rag. The bleeding slowed. She tilted the canteen to Ceros's mouth and he drank instinctively. Ihwesta breathed a sigh of relief. He was lasting.... She prayed that Taurëwen got there soon.

Ihwesta sat back on her legs and gazed into his face. It was loosing color from the pain and his features were twisted in anguish. It caused her pain to see him like this and she began to stroke his gold hair out of his face, whispering elvish words of love into his ear.

She looked deeper then, past the visible lines of agony written on his countenance, and deeper into the histories between them. Always had he been her elder brother's friend, and she had known him as just that. True, as a younger maiden she had felt a sense of attraction towards the handsome elf, but as time wore on, and the politics of the realm, and duties of battle consumed him, she slowly grew out of it. But this expedition had given her, her own sense of obligation and duty to the realm, and in this way they were connected.

Ihwesta smiled and bent down over Ceros, kissing him gently on the lips. She wasn't going to think more or tell anything of how she felt until they both returned to the palace. Now was not the time for such things. So knelt between him and the woods, weapons drawn and ready for anything that might bring further harm to Ceros.

* * * * *

Ainemetion dropped the end of the rope and shot an arrow into the monster's nostril as it turned towards them. It roared and the hand the size of a table went to its flat face, trying to pull the small arrow from its nose. The other held the club and it swung towards Ainemetion. He dropped and rolled out of the way just in time. When he looked up, he saw a faint glow coming from fifty yards into the woods. A clearing!

"Arië!" The tracker appeared beside him. "Look there!" The she-elf saw and jumped excitedly.

"Alright! How do we get it there?" The two looked up to where the hill-troll towered over them, trying to see where they crouched out of sight. Ainemetion's mind raced.

"I doubt we're strong enough to force him there physically, but perhaps we could lead him there?" Arië looked up at the troll, then into the woods towards the clearing.

"How?" Ainemetion shook his head, deep in thought. "There's no way," Arië protested. Then she got an idea, "But if he can't see where he's going, perhaps he'll depend on his ears to follow his prey!" Ainemetion threw his hands up in the air then gave Arië a great hug.

"AH!" he exclaimed. "You're brilliant." The two jumped out the clearing in a blur of greens and blues. When he was standing right before the troll, Ainemetion aimed very carefully as the fell beast lumbered towards him. When it stopped, he loosed one of his shafts and it his its mark right in the troll's left eye. The elf yelped excitedly and moved just out of the way of the troll's club that he had let go of and sent flying through the forests. Ainemetion flinched as the trees bent and snapped under its force, but moved again to put out its second eye.

"Move Ainemetion!!" Arië screamed. The elf looked up and dove out of the way as the troll stumbled and fell momentarily to his knees right where he had been standing. When the elf was on his feet again, he saw that one of Arië's shafts stuck in its right eye. He looked at the young she-elf appraisingly.

"Very nice," he complimented. The two united with Gilbereth, Eruwen, Reynion and Taurëwen and told them their plan. They were going to run through the woods, back and forth in front of the troll, leading him slowly towards the clearing. "But don't let him get to close," Ainmetion warned. "They've got devilishly good sense of smell. You must to be quicker than he."

Then the chase began.

[Tinuviel of Denton]

His leg throbbed in time with his heartbeat as Reynion and the others ran in front of the troll. The foul thing seemed almost to anticipate his movements, and he wondered if it could sense that he was not at his full capacity, like other predators could. The idea was not comforting, and Reyn resolved to ignore such thoughts. He was probably attributing far more intelligence to the troll than the creature could possibly have. At least he hoped so.

His left foot caught on a root, and he stumbled slightly. The troll got closer, and Reyn’s heart lurched. For all of his brave words to himself, he didn’t relish the thought of dying just yet. He put on a fresh burst of speed, just as Gilbereth called out, drawing the troll away from him. Reynion took a deep breath, and continued running. He would have to thank Gilbereth later. If there was a later.

Ahead of him, the light from the clearing beckoned, bringing new heart to the elves and spurring them to greater lengths. The troll roared with frustration, if that be not too intelligent an emotion for such a creature to feel. Apparently, it had come close to catching one of the elves, but the note in its voice indicated failure. Which was just as well, since the plan certainly didn’t include any d.eaths. Sometimes, Reyn’s mental running commentary surprised him, sardonic as it was. It seemed to be very out of place in the current situation, certainly.

He shrugged a little, and shouted to call the troll’s attention away from Gilbereth again.

[ September 14, 2003: Message edited by: Tinuviel of Denton ]

[Nerindel]

Taurëwen reach the clearing as Reynion drew the stupid creature from Gilbereth. The sunlight shone down on her golden hair warming her heart and her spirit, she knelt down and stuck several arrows into the ground and nocked one in her bow and fired it into the creatures thick hide.

"Hey! Yes you, Did your mother drop you on your head?" she cried out to the troll hoping that it understood the common tongue she was using. As it spun round she nocked another arrow and fired drawing the creature towards her. As she hoped it picked up her scent and it's triumphant grin almost made her laugh, the others watched in horror as the Troll lunged towards their Healer.

But as the trolls huge hand shot out to grab her it stopped short, but a few inches from where she knelt. She let out the breath she had been holding and laughed at the stone creature before her, it still wore its look of triumph.

It had been a gamble whether the troll would turn before it reached her but it had paid off and none of them had been badly hurt, she sighed with relief. But her relief was short lived as she realised that two of their company was missing.

"Were is Ceros And Ihwesta!" She asked pulling her remaining arrows from the ground. The others looked around and shook their heads, We will go back Ainemetion and Arië cried together, Taurëwen nodded and they headed back to where they had battled the orcs.

"Where are they?" Reynion whispered, Arië at once began searching for the tracks of their friends, But Taurëwen realised that Reyn had meant the orcs who seemed to vanish with the defeat of the troll. He and Ainemetion kept their eyes sharp and their weapons drawn as Arie picked up Ihwesta's trail.

Before long they found Ihwesta weapons drawn guarding the entrance to a small outcropping of rock that looked like a small cave. "Taurëwen! it's Ceros!" she cried running forward and literally pulling her towards the wounded elf.

Taurëwen frowned as she saw the extent of their leaders wounds four broken ribs at least and a number of small cuts and abrasions, even if she gave him elixir and bound his chest he would still find it hard to breath never mind walk, their was only one thing she could do! she would have to invoke her gift.

Kneeling beside Ceros she closed her eyes and placed her hands on his blackened chest, using her skills she used her senses to find the broken bones she invoked her gift to speed up the mending of his bones and to relieve the pressure on his chest.

As Ceros' breathing returned to normal hers shallowed and she became pale, as the bruising faded and Ceros began to open he's eyes, Taurëwen her strength diminished fell back from him and rested against the out cropping next to him. She was relieved when the others went to Ceros and did not question her on what she had done, for the gift of healing was usually only associated with the Eldar.

Taurëwen rarely used her gift as it left her weak and the strain of taking anothers pain was great. Taurëwen turned away hoping the others would not see the silver tears run down her cheeks as the Pain of Ceros' injuries flooded her mind.

After a few minutes the pain passed as it always did, but she was still weak. She used Gilbereths bow to support her weight and moved off from the others to the comfort of the trees, though they offered none, they were gnarled and twisted and their branched seemed to pull at her hair and clothes.

wearily she looked down at herself, her clothes were torn in several places and stained with the blood of her enemies and friends, her hand were also black and smeared with blood. She hoped they would find somewhere safe to rest so she could wash and change, but it was to dangerous to stay here, they did not know were the rest of the orcs had gone to and she felt that were ever they were they would not forget the handful of Elves who had diminished their numbers.

"We can't stay here!" she told them earnestly, Leaning on her bow, her eyes searching the trees for danger.

[Arien]

Ceros’ eyes opened hurriedly as breath rushed back into his lungs, the aching in his torso was intense but he did not worry about that, his first instinct was to rise but Ihwesta’s hands restrained him. He looked up into her face and then to those of his companions around him.

“The troll?” He gasped weakly; his breath was still short, although whatever Taurëwen had done was working well, and fast. He was grateful for this but he could not see her amongst the Elves gathered around him.

“It is forever stone,” mumbled Gilbereth moving out from the circle with the rest and leaving Ihwesta by his side. They did it! At least one foe was rid of, but the orcs were a mystery. Where did they appear from, there must be some kind of camp near by of some sort? Even though Ceros dreaded to think of such a thing.

“Thank you,” he said to Ihwesta as she looked down on him.

“What?”

“Thank you for taking me from the clearing, I know for certain I did not end up here. And anyway I was conscious for some parts…” his eyes looked upwards to her fair face and then down again.

“You were…. I mean, there is no need to thank me. It was instinct.” She sighed and helped him to prop himself against a near by rock. As his stomach bent the pain became almost unbearable and his face showed the pain; even if he tried to hide it. Ihwesta saw the pain and impulsively grabbed his hand.

“Is the pain…?”

“It will cease in time,” he replied hastily, although he was not sure how long it would tarry. The group was silent for some time; all reflecting on the most recent battle. Wounds had been received, but no wound was greater than the pain that they suffered knowing what now haunted Greenwood. Monsters for their own selfish means had defiled the once majestic forest, her dignity and greatness had all but disappeared. And been replaced with horror and terror.

He himself found his mind not only thinking about the forest but Ihwesta. He had never felt so strongly about her before; she had always been his best friends younger sister. Never had he dreamed of thinking of herself in such a way. But the journey had brought some kind of new light onto her fair face and he had never witnessed previously. Whether it was for better or for worse he could not tell, but whatever happened his own desire could not be pursued.

“We can’t stay here!” Came the voice of Taurëwen, from the front of the cave.

“I know,” Ceros nodded getting up, with a little help from Ihwesta. “We must leave quickly, who knows what other may attack.”

“Are you able to continue?” questioned Arië.

“Yes, I will be fine for now. Let us take our leave.”

[Everdawn]

"Stone" Arië repeated when she saw it. Ugly stupid creature! she said sitting on down by log catching her breath. Ainemention was standing by another nearby tree. "Nice job" she muttered to him as she counted her friends.

Ihwesta was tending to Ceros. "He looks bad." she said to her elf friend, she was a little afraid to go near him for fear of making his pain worse. She watched Ihwesta and Ceros for a while, they just looked, well, right for some reason.

"Do you think you should get Taurëwen to look at your back, it looks like it is a bit sore." said Ainemention lightheartedly. "In a while, she has bigger things on her hands than me." she said as Ainemention offered her a hand to get up. "Well, ill just put something on it to stop the bleeding then until you do see her, will that Suit?."

"Fine then" Arië answered then turned to Ainemention. "Now that i have seen this horror, i dont blame the others for not wanting to come, only its that... i wish they did." she said weakly.

"What will the king say when he finds out." Ainemention said. "I imagine he will call for help form the other elves in distant realms, perhaps even men, none can be sure." Arië looked again across camp. Gilbereth was sitting quietly. Now would be a time to apologise. she said to herself and made her way over. "Gilbereth" she said. "I just want you to know that i am sorry for my bridge, im sorry that you fell in the water. If you had died it would have been all my fault." but her attention was diverted.

“We can’t stay here!” Came the voice of Taurëwen, from the front of the cave.

“I know,” Ceros nodded getting up, with a little help from Ihwesta. “We must leave quickly, who knows what other may attack.”

“Are you able to continue?” questioned Arië.

“Yes, I will be fine for now. Let us take our leave.” Arië moved to the front of the company keeping a keen eye out for any danger.

[Eladain Moruviel]

Gil was so caught up with killing orcs that he didn’t notice the troll until it was almost too late. The troll’s club whizzed into a tree two feet from his head “ That would have left a lasting impression if it had hit me” he chuckled to himself. The next blow he dodged easily and ducked behind the troll. “This only last until one of us makes a mistake. Oh Eru please don’t let me be the one.” he thought darkly.

Them he heard Ceros shout “Try and lead in into a clearing, the sun will shine upon it….” “ Not a bad idea” Gil thought. Then the long chase began. At first it was difficult staying one step ahead of the troll, but when some of the other elves had shot its eyes out it became decidedly easier. Just then Gilbereth noticed Reyn trip on a root and go down. “The troll’s right behind him, eyes or no, it will still kill him” Gil gasped in horror “Hey! You! Over here! Yeah you!” He shouted at the top of his lungs. It worked, and the troll followed Gil’s voice.

Gil had only his sword now, so he shoved it back into it’s sheath and began throwing rocks at the beast. After a while, it started off after another elf Reynion he thought, but it was hard to tell in all of the confusion. But then an arrow whizzed through the clearing, and into the creature’s side. "Hey! Yes you, did your mother drop you on your head?" He heard Taurëwen shout, and then the troll shambled off after her. Then, to Gil’s horror, she stopped. “The fool, she’ll be killed!” he screamed in his mind. But just as the troll reached out for her, it turned to stone. “Of course, she’s in the clearing” he told himself.

After the troll was killed, the rest of the group headed of to find Ceros and Ihwesta. When they did, it wasn’t a cheerful sight. “He doesn’t look good” Gil whispered to Arie. “The orcs may come back” he mumbled to no one in particular “ I’m going to go have a look around” And so he left the cave and entered the forest again.

Gil headed back to where they had fought the orcs; bodies lay everywhere. Then Gil noticed a strange device on one of the orc’s helmets. It was what looked like an eye, crudely drawn with red paint “I should probably show this to Ceros” he told himself, and headed back to camp. When he returned, he found that Ceros and Ihwesta were talking, not wanting to interrupt, he quietly sat down under a tree.

As he was sitting there, Arie came up to him "Gilbereth" she said. "I just want you to know that i am sorry for my bridge, im sorry that you fell in the water. If you had died it would have been all my fault." but their attention was diverted. “We can’t stay here!” Came the voice of Taurëwen, from the front of the cave. “I know,” Ceros nodded getting up, with a little help from Ihwesta. “We must leave quickly, who knows what other may attack.” “Are you able to continue?” questioned Arië. “Yes, I will be fine for now. Let us take our leave.”

When Gilbereth finally found a moment to talk to Ceros alone, He showed him the helmet he had found. “What do you make of this?” he said “I found it on one of the dead orcs” Ceros took a little while to reply, and when he did, his voice sounded concerned…

[Tinuviel of Denton]

Reyn's first thought when he saw the red eye on the helmet of one of the orcs was a sarcastic little comment. I rather doubt a painted eye helps one's vision any. Certainly it did nothing for you. His second was more serious when he saw that Gilbereth and Ceros were deep in worried conversation over a similar object. As far as he could tell, this had belonged to one of the more important orcs. At least its armor was better quality than most of the others.

He sighed. This was getting stranger and stranger the farther they went into Greenwood. The spiders (his leg gave a slight twinge at the thought), the river, the troll, and these strange 'eyes' on orc-helmets. The shadow in Greenwood was growing.

His eyes scanned the trees around the clearing, looking for any sign of the remaining orcs. Their sudden disappearance worried him more than their appearance. As his eyes passed over Taurëwen, they softened, then grew worried as they took in her tired state. She sagged against a tree and he began to stride across the glade to her.

His leg had other ideas.

About halfway across, his left leg buckled and collapsed under him. He cursed, and tried to get back to his feet, but his injured leg wouldn't cooperate. It had had enough; after being bitten by a spider, he'd barely treated it, walked on it for some distance, swum a freezing river, fought orcs, and run from a troll.

By this time, he was surrounded by the others, who were obviously worried. He tried to wave them off, pleading fatigue. "I'm fine, truly. I just did a little too much today. I'm fine." No one seemed to be listening. They insisted on helping him to his feet, despite his protests. Taurewen seemed to have been startled into motion and she crossed to him.

"What happened?" she asked.

"It's nothing, I--it's nothing. Just tired, and, I suppose my leg hurts a little. One of the spiders bit it, but it's not too bad."

[ September 19, 2003: Message edited by: Tinuviel of Denton ]

[maikafanawen]

Nerindel's Post


Taurëwen slumped against one of the tall trees as she waited for the others, she saw Gilbereth show Ceros the helms that the larger orcs wore, the red eye upon them had made her shiver and although it was just paint she could not shake the feeling that something or someone was watching them!

As she looked round she saw Reynion coming towards her, She managed a weak smile, then gasped as he collapsed to the ground. Fear strengthening her she got to her feet and hurried over to were he had fallen, pushing passed her companions as they surrounded him.

"What happened?" she asked, her face full of concern.

"It's nothing, I--it's nothing. Just tired and I suppose my leg hurts a little. One of the spiders bit it, but it's not bad," Reynion replied.

"Spiders! That was days ago!" Taurëwen exclaimed as she gestured for those holding him, to gently set him down against the tree she had just come from. Kneeling down she ripped open the black makeshift bindings, though she really didn't need to. Reynions lower leg was black and Taurewen knew that even if she was at full strength her innate abilities would not be able to mend the dead flesh, she was surprised that he had even been able to stand, but as she removed the bindings she could see that it was spreading and that there was only one option left to her. She slowly raised her head and turned to Ceros as he stood over her supported by Ihwesta and shook her head, then turning back to Reynion her eyes filled with sorrow she told him that she would have to remove his leg, else the infection spread to the rest of his body.

"I will need water!" she told Ceros as the others again helped Reynion to his feet, He nodded and let Taurëwen lead the way. She had heard a stream to the southeast so she made for it the others helping Reynion and the still weak Ceros behind her. 'Why had he not told me of his injury when we returned to from the spiders lair? And why did I not see that he was hurting?" she sighed and as she looked up she saw the stream. Her heart was suddenly heavier that she had ever imagined possible as she knelt down by the stream next to Reynion and told the others that she would require, "Water; fire and a sharp long knife or dagger!"

[ September 22, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

[maikafanawen]

Arien's Post


“What do you make of this?” Gilbereth said “I found it on one of the dead orcs”

Ceros took the helmet from Gilbereth’s hands and examined it, turning it over and then tracing his left hand gingerly over the red eye. He had never seen any such mark before and he dreaded this new evil that it brought with it. His heart was disturbed by the new findings; no good would come of them.

“This is new to me. I have seen many orc and many have fallen by me. But never in all my years have I seen such markings,” he whispered to Gilbereth, “But no good can come of this finding and I dread that there is worse to come. Thank you for informing me of this Gilbereth. But we can’t delay leaving any longer than we have let us…”

”Ceros!” Hissed Ihwesta coming up behind him. He turned and looked upon her as she motion to Taurëwen. The She- Elf was bent over Reyn, her face full of concern and distress. Ceros threw the helmet to the floor and the three made their way over to Reyn and Taurëwen.

As he drew nearer Taurëwen looked up at him she was very upset as she told them that Reyn’s leg would need to be severed. Ceros rubbed his forehead, this was not good. Reyn was a valuble member of the company, as was everyone else. Ceros could not afford to loose any of them.

“I will need water,” Taurëwen told Ceros as she rose beside him. The others helped Reyn up and Taurëwen lead the way back to the river. The company entered the dark forest again; the air was stagnant and stale and not a sound could be heard but the oncoming river.

When the reached Reyn was lain down onto the hard ground beside the river. Before Taurëwen joined her patient she mumbled under her breath, “Why had he not told me of his injury when we returned to from the spiders lair? And why did I not see that he was hurting?" Ceros replied.

”’Tis not you fault, it is no ones but those wretched creatures.” He was not sure that she had heard him as she fell to the floor beside Reyn, she told the rest what she would need: “Water; fire and a sharp long knife or dagger!"

[ September 22, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

[maikafanawen]

Tinuviel's Post


Stunned, Reyn could only stare at Taurëwen. "Cut it off? But how—what can—what use could I possibly be with only one leg?" The idea sickened him. Lose the leg entirely? He'd expected to need a long time of recuperation for the wound, but could it really be so bad as to need amputation? There was no way he could even begin to grasp the consequences of such a thing. If he had only one leg, how could he live alone in the middle of the forest the way he did? How would he even manage to live alone among the other elves? He would have to live with his father again. And that he would not do.

"Is there no way to save it?" he asked, not daring to hope. He already knew the answer. If she said that he had to lose the leg or die, she spoke truth. He would be a cripple. A freak. There were no elves that were crippled in this manner. A few Men, yes, but never elves. None he knew of, at least. Surely, surely there was a way to save his leg. He just couldn't face a future of living on the charity of others. The idea horrified him. To depend on someone else for the very staples of existence, that, that would be terrible. He would have none of the independence he so loved. That, most of all, would be the worst thing about this whole business.

"I'm sorry, Reynion."

"You needn't be. It's not your fault." No, no, it was his own fault. He should have done something about it immediately. He shouldn't have tried to hide how bad it was. He should have, he should have. There was no use wasting time this way. "Let's do it." He looked at his legs, and knew that this would probably be one of the last times he would ever see both whole. It was like dying, at least partially.

****

He refused to let her put him to sleep for the operation. It would hurt dreadfully, she warned, but he didn't care. There was no way that he would be sleeping, oblivious to his loss. He didn't want to go to sleep whole, and wake up in pieces. He knew that she would do her best not to cause him undue pain, but he couldn't bear to look into any of the others' eyes. He didn't want to see the pity there. He knew it would be, just as it had been there when Gilbereth had lost a hand to the spiders. It had been in his own eyes, he knew. Somehow, he felt that he could understand the younger elf better now. At least he was given a little time to get used to the idea. For Gil, it had been hardly a moment, in the heat of battle.

They tried to make certain that there were no orcs or spiders about before Taurëwen set up for the operation. It was a surprisingly peaceful glade, with a little stream running through one corner. Reyn knew that Taurëwen had chosen that glade because there was a stream. They would all want to wash their hands once she was through.

"Are you sure?" she asked him a final time, meaning would he please let her put him to sleep for the duration. He shook his head, adamant. He didn't trust his voice. She told him to lie down, and had Ceros and Ainemetion sit one at each of his shoulders, to hold him down during the operation itself. It did not reassure him that she thought he would need to be held down.

He closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them. "Do it." Taurëwen nodded, trying to meet his eyes and reassure him, but he looked away. He didn't want any pity, from anyone. Especially not from her. Instead, he looked at the leg, now bared nearly to his hip. It was swollen and red above the knee, with angry swirls of color around the wound itself, while below the wound was black rotted flesh. It looked like a piece of meat, or perhaps that painter had lost his temper and dashed his palette against the canvas. It felt as though it were afire. He gritted his teeth, as she set blade to flesh.

If he'd thought that it was painful before, that was nothing compared to the pain when the blade parted his flesh and sliced deep into the muscle of his thigh. He arched his back, fighting to keep from screaming in agony. Ceros and Ainemetion leaned on his shoulders to keep him from thrashing. Taurëwen pressed down on his good leg, and sliced deeper into his leg. Reynion gritted his teeth again, determined that he would not scream. By the time Taurëwen had begun to saw through the bone, he wished he'd allowed her to send him to sleep; being awake for this was more painful than he'd imagined. He cried out, the last of his pride eroded by the intense pain.

Then, mercifully, the world went dark.

****

Reyn woke some time later with a mild headache. It paled in comparison with the dull throbbing pain from what was left of his left leg, but that was a far cry from its former pain and quite bearable. What was unbearable was the fact that his own stupidity in hiding the wound from Taurëwen had cost him his leg entirely. He was a cripple now. He would always be a cripple. For a moment, Reynion nearly gave in to the tears that threatened to seep out of his tightly closed eyes, but that moment passed soon enough. He wouldn't give any more cause for the others to pity him. He would not weep.

Someone tapped him on the shoulder. From the faint scent of herbs, and the gentleness of the touch, he knew it was Taurëwen. She was the last person he wanted to see. He didn't want her pity. He had wanted her affection, even, perhaps, her love. But now, certainly all she would find in her heart would be pity, if even that. He almost would have preferred dying to this half-life he saw stretching out before him. Perhaps there was no 'almost' about it. Perhaps d.eath would be preferable. Perhaps he'd been fooling himself when he thought that Taurëwen might possibly feel anything more for him than respect. And surely even that must be gone now.

He had never felt quite so miserable in all of his thousands of years. All he wanted to do was weep, but he refused to do even that. There would be no more show of weakness from him. His pride was truly all he had left, for his sword was useless, and he had never recovered his daggers from the body of the spider, and how could he manage to shoot a bow with only one leg? And there would be centuries of this, millennia, even.

Taurëwen seemed to sense that he wanted to be left alone, because she said nothing, merely walked away, leaving him with his morose thoughts.

[ September 22, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

[ September 22, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

[maikafanawen]

The next three days after Reynion's surgery were spent in recovery. Ihwesta had shed her share of silent tears over the pain. She could never understand the agony Reynion felt, and that made it worse. No one had anticipated this additional and injurious impediment to their progress. It came as a shock to everyone when Taurëwen announced what she had to do. The operation was uneasy for the whole fellowship and the following days of peaces and recuperation were sorely needed. Finally, though, the sun peaked over the golden leaves of the forest and its rays shone down on the company of elves and Ceros announced (with a bit of persuasion from Ihwesta) that they needed to get moving again.

So they were off, Reynion hobbling on a pair of makeshift crutches and being more or less spotted by Taurëwen or Gilbereth. Arië brought up the rear by about fifty yards. They were making very slow time on account of Reynion but Ihwesta didn't care. She was very sore that her friend had to loose a limb, especially a leg. As a tracker she went continually back and forth telling Ceros and Ainemetion every detail of what lay ahead and making up idle excuses that kept their pace slow enough to accommodate Reynion. She wished there was more she could do.

On the fifth day after they set out again, Ihwesta caught an unpleasant scent in the air as she wandered ahead of the company. She froze completely and concentrated her senses on her surroundings. Something was very different and very wrong. A few paces further and she broke the forest to look across and up an awesome hill atop which sat a monstrous, ugly, black tower that seemed to reach the sky. Smoke was coming from what seemed to be small industrial stations scattered at the tower's base and there were orcs everywhere, bustling to and fro with their vile tasks and manufactures. Then she caught sight of a new sort of devilry. It looked a lot like a man: a very large and muscular man with big hands and broad shoulders. Its face was pallid, though and the eyes had an inclined, devious look to them. The aura about him was not that of a man, Ihwesta noted, and when he spoke, his accent held the croaks and wheezes of an orc. The vile means of producing such a monster surpassed Ihwesta and a hand flew to her mouth to keep her from expressing her disgust.

Trolls there were as well. She blinked again as she realized that they moved, breathed, and even roared in the morning sunlight. Trolls that did not turn to stone under the great star? They stood chained to the sinister tower as smaller underlings worked before them on Eru knows what. The fortress, as it appeared, was set up incompetently. Obviously designed only to keep things in, and even so very poorly. There were not visible sentinels at the gate. Ihwesta guessed that there were other devices within the tower and possibly below that did the job for whatever it was that had designed, built, and kept it.

She wasn't sure who or what it was that lived there, but she had little desire to find out either. Ihwesta was so terribly captivated by the colossal tower and its mechanics that she forgot about the company. They soon appeared beside her and also gazed in awe and terror upon the sight before them. Words escaped them and hope fled their hearts.

"Dear Eru, Ceros," breathed Ihwesta at last. "What do we do?" The leader elf placed his hand on her shoulder and looked again out to the nightmare before them.

[ September 22, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

[ September 22, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

[Arien]

"Dear Eru, Ceros," breathed Ihwesta at last. "What do we do?" Ceros placed his hand on her shoulder and looked again to the nightmarish sight before them. So this was it, the thing that had threatened their realm and slaughtered the forests beauty into a state of darkness. His grip tightened slightly on her shoulder as the other came up behind the.

He heard a gasp come from behind him, it was Taurëwen, “What….” She trailed off. They were too shocked to speak; too shocked to move.

Ceros’ eyes looked around the great monstrosity, Trolls and orcs walked freely in the sun light… This can not be…but it is...how?” Such an ugly thing marring such a beautiful area. And what delivery was hidden in its dankest, darkest chambers. Ceros dreaded to think.

“We must go back,” he said finally, he turned but the other stood still.

“Ceros?” questioned Taurëwen sternly, “Go back to what? Go back to a realm that will be ravaged and mutilated by these creatures? We must scout the are for more…more”

“More information.” Finished Arië coming up from the rear. She stared momentarily in awe and Ceros saw a stray tear sweep down her cheek.

“I know,” he replied, “but we must get out of sight; we are not indistinguishable to their eyes or any others. We do not know what else could be watching.” He finished softly making his way back into the gloomy forest. The others followed slowly.

“So we have found it,” he said firmly when they had all arrived. “We have found…”

“We have found the misery of this world, the evil that no one whished to uncover.” Ihwesta said defiantly.

“We need to look around, scout.”

“Yes, I know Gilbereth,” Ceros said, he thought for a while. Did they not realise if they were captured it would be the end.

The enemy would not set them free! They would not bargain with their lives. And if they died no one would no of the darkness in the forest. But what of Reyn, if they were taken or if they had to fight his life might…..it was even worth lingering on.

But they must find what was causing such destruction and the decision would be let to him.

“We will scout the area,” he said finally.

[Tinuviel of Denton]

While he appreciated the concern of Ihwesta and the others, Reynion couldn't help but resent it too. He knew why they were making such slow time; Ihwesta was all too clearly trying to go easy on him. He also knew that he needed it, which was as galling, if not more so. Reyn had never depended on anyone in his long life, and he didn't want to start now. Unfortunately, he didn't have much of a choice.

The empty place where his leg used to be felt very strange, it was almost like he could still feel the missing limb, which was nonsense of course. If he looked down, which he avoided doing as much as possible, he saw the ragged edges where the leg of his trews had been ripped off. Protruding from that was a white-wrapped stub that ended about a foot above where his knee had been. No more black bandages, this was white so Taurëwen could make certain that the wound hadn't reopened. He dreaded when she examined the end of his leg; he didn't dare look at her face for fear of what he would see in her eyes.

While he was thinking, he wasn't paying attention to what he was doing with his sad excuses for crutches. One of them caught in a hole, causing him to stumble and almost fall, though Gilbereth caught him before he went very far. Reyn couldn't help thinking that the young elf had grown up a great deal since the beginning of the mission, especially after he lost his hand. It was one of the few things that lent the two of them a kinship...

"Dear Eru, Ceros," breathed Ihwesta. "What do we do?"

Reyn hobbled forward to see, and immediately wished that he hadn't. The sight of those beasts and what they had done to the beautiful forest, even without the ominous tower, would have been enough to drive him into an incoherent rage and send him storming down, heedless of any danger, before he had lost his leg. As it was, he had to swallow several times before he regained his composure.

He could hardly believe that this was the same forest in which he'd spent his life. It was enough to make him forget his depression in his utter fury. Had eyes the power, the entire valley, orcs, trolls, tower, and all, would have been powdery ash in moments. He didn't know it, but he stood a little straighter, held his head a little higher, and looked better than he had for several days, since the spider had wounded him in fact.

“We will scout the area,” he heard Ceros say.

Good, he thought. Maybe I can ki--oh. Never mind. I can't do much at all...

[maikafanawen]

"Scout the area...." Ihwesta mused then nodded. "Good. Arië!" she called softly. "Let's go!" The two trackers made their way around the edge of the forest that thinned as it moved down towards the valley surrounding the hill. Using the bare trees as cover, the elves moved swiftly and undetected closer and closer, searching around for answers to unasked questions. How long had they been there? What was their ultimate goal? And what could be done to stop them?

The hill was mostly of dirt and rock. Only haphazard tuffs of grass remained underneath bristly shrubbery that was long dead. The barren waste ran about forty-five yards up the side of the hill all around except for a steep stone staircase that ran up the Southern side of the hill. On the Northern side there were layered turrets and climbed up the side of the hill all the way to the tower. The way it was built, one could not simply walk a circle around the tower without walking the perimeter of the outer wall.

Ihwesta crept closer, in a crouching-walk, her hands testing the ground before her as if though it would cave under her should too much weight be distributed incorrectly. She risked getting closer and actually crouched behind the very last tree that stood closest to the battlements. She was no longer intimidated so much by its size but by its origin. What devilry held enough power for such a fortress to be built, and who would have located it in such a place as Greenwood? Dear Greenwood the Great!

Ihwesta backed way up into the woods and located a climbable tree that would enable her a descent view of the inside of the wall. What she saw didn't exactly thrill her. Inside was a dreadful sight of instruments and machinery that baffled the mind. At each "station" stood no less than ten orcs worked it with rough unfeeling hands. It wasn't skill that drove their ways but necessity. They were needed to work the equipment so they did. And regrettably they did it fast and flawless.

As the tracker scanned over the area inside she noticed for the first time structures made of both iron and wood that appeared to be some sort of cage. There were living things inside. Living, but unmoving. She squinted her eyes giving her already enhanced vision an extra hundred yards or so of sight. What she saw then took her breath away and she nearly fell from the tree. They were elves! Elves of Greenwood! They were the missing, about two-dozen or so. Their clothes were soiled and their expressions unresponsive. It tore at her heart to look. She watched painfully as a goblin unlocked the cage and threw another exhausted elf roughly inside as though he were no more than a sack of flour or wheat. After the goblin had walked away, a she-elf stood and walked over to the new addition. She lifted him carefully and brought him to the back of the prison where she turned her back on Ihwesta's eyes and began to work on the comatose elf's wounds.

It was too much.

The tracker began to make her way so that she could face the entrance again. She met Arië standing there already. "Seven hundred and thirty-two," said the Younger.

"Seven hundred and thirty-two what?" Ihwesta asked. "Stairs," Arië answered. The Elder rolled her eyes. "And why did you count the stairs?" she asked. The Younger shrugged. "Have you ever seen that many stairs leading up to one thing before?" she interrogated. Ihwesta looked again and imagined orcs in perfect succession walking up to the gate that was being opened by footmen of the Most Wicked who lived there and a large black banner flying from the ramparts. It was a lurid thought. "If they stood side by side in groups of three," she began, "the orcs I mean, almost two and a half thousand of them could set at hand." She sighed, and then lowered her voice for some reason. "Come on, let's go back."

The trackers made it back to the other elves and told them what they'd discovered about the layout of the castle: its weaknesses and strengths—the latter unfortunately outnumbering the former. Ceros rubbed his forehead and glanced nervously over his shoulder even though they were well out of sight of the stronghold.

Ihwesta hadn't mentioned the elves yet. She wasn't sure how. She didn't want to tell them all. Especially those whose family members were among the Missing.

"Ceros," she said quietly as the others talked. "May I have a word?"

"Of course." The two moved off, away from the group and out of earshot. Ihwesta turned to tell him about the elves and looked into his eyes. It was a mistake. The moment their gazes met she forgot her purpose. It was terrible. She was needed to help keep the company together and see this madness through to the victorious end! But now she was unaware of the fellowship off in the clearing just beyond the handful of trees and even worse, she was unaware of the tower atop that malicious hill in that immoral glen.

She shook her head slightly, and blinked. "There was something else," she whispered and Ceros leaned closer so that he might here her words. "I saw...." her voice began to break. "I saw...." a tear fell down her cheek and she brushed it away angrily. No, don't cry now. "I saw the Missing," she breathed. "They were in cages only fit for rabid dogs. And they looked frightened and full of hopelessness." Tears streamed down her face again and she looked pleadingly into Ceros's face. "We've got to help them." Then she began to cry openly and the elf held her against him, stroking her hair.

Ihwesta needed to cry, but hated to. It was not a good time for tears but as she thought on it, the more the misery filled her and she sobbed on. Soon it felt as though the blackness of despair had taken over her and the tears subsided. A part of her screamed and tried to tell her that the tears were needed. They are a shield against the anguish that consumes you! the voice pleaded. Shaken, the she-elf allowed them to flow once again and the silvery drops seemed to clear away the darkness.

After what seemed like a long time that in truth was but five minutes, Ihwesta shivered once more and the tears of sadness stopped. The misery was replaced with a vague feeling of optimism that had lighted like a candle in the night. The arms of Ceros wrapped comfortingly around her softened her and only out of modesty for the situation did she pull away. The tracker wiped her moistened eyes and looked shamefully at the ground, her gaze glued to the many blades of grass around her feet.

Then Ceros placed his hand under chin and lifted her head so that she looked at him. Emotions threatened to devour her in a lovely way. Then he spoke.

"We must tell the others. We'll think of something." He gave her another reassuring hug and they made their way back to the clearing. Ihwesta blinked her eyes rapidly. She didn't want them to know she was crying. Her efforts were fruitless and they came again to the elves.

To save Ihwesta the pain, Ceros relayed her story and after he'd finished, there was a mournful silence as the she-elves cried softly. Ihwesta kept her tranquility and prayed that those who cried wouldn't let the despair fill them as it almost did her. She opened her eyes somewhat suddenly as she felt Ceros take her hand. He put a finger to his lips and placed his other hand on the back of her head pulling her forward so that their foreheads touched. "We'll both pray." And so they did as the elves comforted the silently weeping Taurëwen, Arië and Eruwen.

When the tears had subsided for the most part, Ainemetion's eyes grew dark with hatred and he looked at Ceros with heroic determination.

"We've got to do something." Faces turned towards the elf to hear what he had to say. "We've got to get them out of there."

"But how?" Ihwesta asked, sitting cross-legged now. "It won't be too difficult getting in there. All we do is shout a bit. Wave our arms around enough and they'll open the gates and escort us right to them." Scowling, Ainemetion sat back on his feet and furrowed his brow, trying to think of something else.

"We'd have to sneak in," Gilbereth suggested. "Free them, and sneak back out." He shook his head even as he spoke the words. No one knew the condition of the elves. They could be brainwashed for all the fellowship knew.

"Well," Ihwesta said. "What should we do then?"

"You should come with me," said a grotesquely hollow voice. Swords were drawn and arrows were notched in seconds, flying at orcs and slicing into goblins but it was fruitless. They were quickly surrounded and overtaken. Ihwesta struggled against the impossible strength of her captors who quickly bound and gagged her. "Just in case you have any sort of eloquence," the voice said. "You understand." Out from the shadows stepped a man, no, an orc— He laughed at the confused terror on their faces.

"Rhtalk the Half-orc," he said with revolting pride. "We're a delicate breed, and a valuable one." The goblins snarled and Rhtalk's face fell. "Bring them to Amon Lanc," he ordered. The orcs pushed and pulled on the ropes binding the fellowship and dragged them through the forest towards the fortress.

[Tinuviel of Denton]

Reyn found himself between two of the smelliest excuses for orcs he had yet scented. Their effluvia was rank and reminded the crippled elf of a midden heap, though their odor was perhaps not quite as pleasant. They had left him his crutches, preferring that he do the work of moving himself along, rather than having to carry him. One of them, with a mean-spirited, if not too intelligent, smirk, put the butt of his spear between Reyn’s leg and his crutches, causing the elf, who was still figuring out the temporary replacements for his leg, to stumble and end up almost underneath their heavy boots.

“ ‘Ey, lookit this ‘un ‘ere! ‘E ain’t all there!” There was loud guffawing at this remark from the other orcs, who were all quite amused at this attempt at wit. Reyn was not so amused, though there was little he could do with only one leg and no weapons. If only he had his knives, they wouldn’t be laughing at those. He’d have died very quickly, of course, and probably painfully, but it would have been so satisfying to take a few of them down with him. It was probably a good thing that he was gagged, he reflected, or he might have said something that would make them angry, instead of merely amused. And while it was uncomfortable in the extreme to bear the brunt of their amusement, it would be much worse to be the target of their anger.

“ ‘Ere, lay off, fellows. ‘E ain’t goin’ anywheres, an’ we kin do as we loike t’him later,” remarked another orc, with a glance at the fallen elf that Reyn did not like in the least. It reminded him of the look he sometimes gave to a specially ripe bit of fruit…

“But wot yew want is a deal diff’rent then wot we want, ain’t it?” smirked the one who had tripped Reyn in the first place. It looked at him with an almost proprietary air, as though Reyn were his own special amusement.

Under their various scrutinies, Reynion had but a few thoughts running through his pain-and-rage-fogged mind. One was that he hoped Taurëwen didn’t see him thus humiliated. The second was a vague wish for some sort of super-weapon that would be useful to him even bound, gagged, and one-legged. He might as well wish that Manwë would come down in person and send all of the orcs to the Void where they belonged, destroy the tower and renew the valley, revive all of the captured elves into their former state, and replace his missing leg. Both were equally likely. The third thought wasn’t a proper thought at all, more of a boiling rage at the beasts’ treatment of Taurëwen, the others, and himself. He surged upward, futilely trying to at least get a kick toward one of the stinking, filthy creatures.

CRACK!

An armored boot crashed down onto his right leg, not quite breaking it, but definitely causing a great deal of pain. He would have cried out, if it weren’t for the gag, which he was almost grateful for. He’d lost enough dignity in the past few days; no need to add to it.

[ September 25, 2003: Message edited by: Tinuviel of Denton ]

[Everdawn]

All the words that Arië could muster when Ainemention asked her what she had seen was the same phrase, "Seven hundred and thirty two stairs." Ainemention had no idea what she was talking about as he stood over her. Arië was still in shock. She had no idea what was going on.

Ceros was busy telling the fellowship about what they had found, all the time the images of elves in capture filled her mind. She was not yet sure whether she knew any of them. She then felt Ainemention clutch her hand tightly and Eruwen lean against her shoulder.

Arië came out of her trance, to find tears falling from her face. "We are so few, and they are so many. What hope do we have." she whispered. After a while of discussing what they should all do, and Arië staying silent, Ihwesta spoke.

"Well," Ihwesta said. "What should we do then?"

"You should come with me," The voice sent a chold chill down her spine. Arië barely had time to remove her dagger before she was thrown to the ground, Eruwen was beside her. They bound her hands and as she was able to walk, one orc hit her over the head while speaking to his friend. Arië cried out.

"This one eh! look at 'er," he said taking her white hair in his hand and looking at hte tiny white jewels that had always littered it. "Little princess eh?" the orc hissed in her face. Arië did not answer. The orc was getting angry, "If tha's the way you is going to be, ills jus' be havin' some o' these then." and with that yanked out a portion of her hair. Arië screamed.

"Get your hands of her!" Ainemention yelled and was hit himself over the head by an orc shield. Tears began to stream down her face. Her chin was lifted by someone, She closed her eyes tight. "You are a pretty little morsel arent you." came the voice of Rhtalk, "You could be very good to us." he stroked her hair pulling gently out more tiny white jewels and thew them on the ground.

She pulled away from him and he siezed her neck. "Is that how you are going to be eh? Would you like to be an orc servant." Still Arië said nothing.

Rhtalk released her and began to walk away, when Arië said in a strong voice. "I serve no man, nor orc, and i will never!" The half orc strode up to her and hit her in the stomach with such force that she was doubled over and sent inot the front of Ihwesta.
What has become of us! she cried over in her head.

[Arien]

"Rhtalk the Half-orc," he said with revolting pride. "We're a delicate breed, and a valuable one." The goblins snarled and Rhtalk's face fell. "Bring them to Amon Lanc," he ordered. Ceros’ hand automatically reached for Ihwesta’, he held it tight, even if he did not know he was doing it. They were all immediately stripped of their weapons and their hands were bound tight with ropes behind their backs. Ceros’ were the last to be tied.

“Hey,” said the goblin tying him up, “You can let go ‘ov ‘er.” But his hand did not move from her arm; he instead looked down on it half surprised to find his hand their. “He said you can let go of her…” came the voice Rhtalk as he circled behind Arië. But Ceros did not; he looked up at Ihwesta, her eyes pleaded for him to let go but her face was emotionless. Just as Ceros was about to let go something hard was driven into his stomach.

The pain was immense and he fell immediately to the floor on all fours, his breathing became shallow and blood spluttered from his mouth. He wiped it and stared as it on his hand then Ceros quickly wiped it onto the ground. He started up at the orc who had just pushed him down. Ihwesta stood behind him; her face was still pale, as cold as ice. Then out of nowhere Arië went straight into her, knocking them both to the floor.

Ceros tried to get up but the pain from his chest was too much. Her groped the air with his right hand for help, but it was meet buy a rough hard hand. It clamped itself around his; grasping it as hard a possible. Ceros pulled at it and got up, he looked at the face of the one who had helped him. It was Rhtalk.

“Weak beings…” he spat a Ceros; he then turned his back to him. Ceros suddenly had the urge to attack him. But that would be no good for anyone and Ceros doubted that he could even do it, now that his torso had been bruised hard again. Rhtalk spoke again, “Come on! Get them to Amon Lanc!” He roared at the goblins. The did as they were told and they Elves were pushed forward into a line; Ceros was first, then Arië, Gilbereth, Ihwesta, Ainemention, Eruwen, Reyn and lastly Taurëwen.

They only walked a short distance to the gates that flanked the Tower. They were gates of great iron and as they neared they were slowly opened. Only two guards were posted at the entrance. To Ceros this looked foolish, but he did not know what lay inside. Against his better judgement he decided that these things could not be that foolish. They were pushed forward up the muddy stone path that lead to the door of the Tower.

A dense fog surrounded the whole area. Ceros noted it was much like the one that they had already experienced. He followed the goblin in front of carefully, until in the distance the Tower started to pierce like a sword through the fog.

As Ceros looked up at the enormous structure his heart fell. Not in his wildest dreams had he imagined the threat to be as colossal as this. No. But than it could not just be these stupid creatures behind it there must be some more intelligent power controlling them. Ceros’ eyes widened as the opening front doors revealed a dark hall in front of them. The chill from the hall reached right down into his heart, his soul and it froze them still. A sudden weakness fell over him and his body felt limp, but he was still walking.

The echoing footsteps of the goblins were all that could be heard. All were brought into a line in front of Rhtalk; all were standing until they were kicked to the ground hard by the Goblins behind them. They laughed and snarled at the Elves.

“Silence!” Bellowed Rhtalk, his voice ricocheted off the icy walls and the goblins were silent immediately. “Now,” he said walking in front of them looking at each in turn. Inspecting them as if they were meat. “Looks like we have found some help….”

“Help, we will never help you!” Spat Taurëwen. Rhtalk sent a stare at her, and Ceros saw a Goblin grab her hair from the back. He whispered something into her ear, but Ceros was unable to hear properly.

“As I was saying, you will help us. You, you, you and you,” he said pointing to Eruwen, Ihwesta, Taurëwen and Arië, “You will help us with building. The rest will be drafted his the army.” His? thought Ceros. So they do have someone in charge.

“’ey, what ‘bout this one?” Said a Goblin kicking Reyn forward.

“Ah yes, well we shall see….”

“For now the will go to the cages with the others, it is nearing the height of the sun and you were lucky you weren’t scorched trying to get them here!” Rhtalk said to the Goblins stood behind them, he then walked away.

“Wait!” Shouted Ceros. Rhtalk turned round, “Don’t you want to know what we were doing here?”

“No!” He growled back.

“We are here to rescue the Elves you have taken and we are her to bring you down!” Howling laughs from the Goblins followed this.

“Well you doing well so far!” He shouted back.

[ September 28, 2003: Message edited by: Arien ]

[Eladain Moruviel]

Well," Ihwesta said. "What should we do then?" "You should come with me,” Gilbereth whirled around just in time to be struck across the head. The next thing Gil knew, they were all bound and being marched towards the tower. “oh now isn’t this great” he mumbled to himself “we walked right into a trap!” “ey, you! Shut yer yappin!” came the harsh voice of a goblin, and he was again struck across the face. This time he staggered to his feet and was able to continue walking.

After a few minutes of walking, they reached the tower gates. “Only two guards?” Gil wondered, but then realized that this place was made to keep people in, not out.upon entering the tower, all were brought into a line in front of Rhtalk; they all stood until they were kicked to the ground hard by the Goblins behind them. They laughed and snarled at the Elves.

“Silence!” Bellowed Rhtalk, his voice ricocheted off the icy walls and the goblins were silent immediately. “Now,” he said walking in front of them looking at each in turn. Inspecting them as if they were meat. “Looks like we have found some help….”
“Help, we will never help you!” Spat Taurëwen. Rhtalk sent a stare at her, and Ceros saw a Goblin grab her hair from the back. He whispered something into her ear, but Ceros was unable to hear properly.
“As I was saying, you will help us. You, you, you and you,” he said pointing to Eruwen, Ihwesta, Taurëwen and Arië, “You will help us with building. The rest will be drafted his the army.” “’ey, what

‘bout this one?” Said a Goblin kicking Reyn forward.
“Ah yes, well we shall see….”
“For now he will go to the cages with the others, it is nearing the height of the sun and you were lucky you weren’t scorched trying to get them here!” Rhtalk said to the Goblins stood behind them, he then walked away.

With that they were all pushed forward and out the doors of the tower. They were then marched toward the cages. When they reached these poor excuses for living quarters, they were shoved roughly to the ground and the doors were locked behind them.

The first few days were grueling, up before daylight (and of that there was little enough during the day) and spending the rest of the day drilling or working on weapons. There was little time for talk, and most of the time there was no one to talk to anyway.

On the sixth day as Gil was trudging back to his “quarters” he saw Reynion being savagely pushed along by two of the goblin overseers. When he finally fell to the ground, they started kicking him mercilessly. Gil had had enough, he went into a rage, grabbed a large piece of scrap metal and flew at Reyn’s attackers.The rage gave his muscles added strength as he attacked. They were caught off guard, and he killed them before they knew what had happened.

Gil helped Reyn to his feet. “you alright?” he whispered “fine came the weak reply. So together they slowly walked toward the cages. “things will go badly for me when they find those two” Gil thought darkly, but he said nothing of the incident to the others.

[ September 29, 2003: Message edited by: Eladain Moruviel ]

[Tinuviel of Denton]

Rhtalk watched the crippled elf meditatively. Besides the obvious one, he saw no defects. He had good arms and sound wind; he might be useless in the army, but it could add efficiency if there was more strength on the machines. No, he'd set the elf to smithying; it would free up an abler body for the Master's army.

"Hold!" he ordered the orcs dragging the subject of his scrutiny. "Bring him to me."

Reyn struggled a little, but previous tests of the strength of his captors had taught him it was useless. The orcs felt like they were made of the same stone as the tower. His arms bore mute testimony to their might in the form of several already purpling bruises. The abomination jerked his left arm out of the grasp of one of the two, and looked measuringly into his face.

"You can use a hammer." It was not a question.

"I could do many things, most of them require two legs." Am I trying to get myself killed? Reyn wondered abstractly.

"You will be in the forges. I do not tolerate slaves who don't pull their weight." He smiled coldly. "I don't like backtalk either." His nails dug into Reyn's arm, feeling remarkably like claws, cutting off the circulation. Reyn bit his tongue on the remark he would have liked to have made and kept silent save for a muttered "I hadn't noticed."

The half-orc leaned in, his breath hot and foul on the elf's face, his squinty yellow eyes looking directly into Reyn's defiant grey ones, a cruel smirk on his face. "If you don't keep up, it will be my great pleasure to slit your scrawny throat. I've always enjoyed stewed meat..."

There wasn't much Reyn could say to that.

****

It near broke Reynion's already bruised heart to watch Taurëwen try to heal Talas. He didn't think that she would be able to; her brother's eyes had all the life of the stone he slept on every night. Less, actually, for the stone was at least warm, from all those who lay on it, and d.ead. Talas' eyes were just d.ead.

On the fifth night, he tried to pull her away from her brother. "Taurewen, you'll kill yourself!"

"No! Let me try, please. I have to try..." her eyes pleaded with him, and his resolve melted. He let her go, and watched with aching heart as she tried to wake her brother back to his former life.

****

His arms ached, the stump of his leg was rubbed raw from the rough leg that the orcs had supplied him with, and his eyes were watery from the smoke in the forges. Consequently, he didn't see the orcs who decided that a lame elf would make a good target for sport. His first indication of trouble was the fact that his wooden leg was suddenly no longer underneath him and the ground was approaching his face with frightening speed.

The impact knocked the wind out of him and felt like it might have broken his nose as well. He tried to roll over, but found that the thick leather boots, thankfully not armored, of his attackers were finding tender places to rest in his back and sides. And his already aching head. He held back a groan, wondering when the abuse would stop this time. It seemed that a different set of orcs tormented him every day...

A shriek of rage interrupted and the kicks of the overseers suddenly ceased. Reynion rolled over and looked up in time to see Gilbereth smash in their skulls with a piece of scrap metal. He tried to wince in sympathy and grin in relief at the same time and ended up doing neither. His ribs felt like they were about to stab through his heart and his chest felt like it would collapse.

So of course when Gilbereth asked, "You all right?" he answered with a weak "fine." Compared to some of the others, he was fine. Compared to his condition before this mission, he was nearly d.ead.

The younger elf helped him to his foot, and they slowly trudged back to the Cage...

[ October 02, 2003: Message edited by: Tinuviel of Denton ]

[Nerindel]

Taurëwen cringed as the half orc, half man abomination paced up and down eyeing them up and down, as if trying to decide what to do with them, if only she had her sword she would know what to do with him. The repulsion and hatred she felt towards Rhtalk frightened her a little, but the sight of the captive elves, and the thought that her brother could be among them, had filled her with rage.


"Looks like we have found some help...."

"Help, we will never help you!" she spat defiantly, lifting her head to look the halforc in the eye, the repulsion she felt dripping from her words. Her eyes remained unwavering as Rhtalk shot her a stare, suddenly she felt her head snap back as her hair was grabbed from behind,

"spirited eh, elf witch we wills have fun watching im breaks it, now bes silent else we sends you piece by piece to the wolfses!" he whispered in her ear, She shuddered not at his threat but at the repulsion of his closeness and was relieved when he pushed her forwards but as he did her foot moved slightly and it hit something, 'in the folds of her skirt' she thought, she remained defiant as she rose but kept silent. If she was right Reynions knife lay in the lining of her skirt, hidden from her captors. She had completely forgotten about it, 'it must have cut through the material of her skirt when they fought the troll and slipped into the lining'.

As she fought to suppress the grin that threatened to give her away, she saw Rhtalk point to her, Eruwen, Ihwesta and Arië, he told them that they would assist in building, building what she could not imagine. Then he told the males that they would be drafted to some sort of army, Taurëwen's then turned her head to look at Reyn, what would they do with him, she panicked, he can hardly walk let alone fight. But her panic turned to anger as the Goblin behind Reyn kicked him forwards, "ey, what 'bout this one? "it said gruffly. As she stiffened she felt her goblin guard rest a heavy black blade at her throat, "Just tries it!" it sneered baring it's yellow teeth at her as she slowly turned to eye him.

After Rhtalk ordered the goblins to take them to their cages, she felt her guard grab her up by her hair and push her forwards, 'he will be the first one I kill !' she promised silently as he grabbed her arm and pulled her on.

"We are here to rescue the Elves you have taken and we are here to bring you down!" she heard Ceros shout back to Rhtalk , Taurëwen fumed as the goblins laughed at his words.

"well you are doing well so far!" Rhtalk shouted back mockingly, Taurëwen again remembered the knife in her skirt,lowered her head so none could see the satisfied grin on her face, 'yes we are!' she thought to herself. Her guard then sharply pulled her forwards until they reached a large iron and wooden structure 'no a cage!' she thought as she and the others were pushed inside.

Taurëwen was horrified at what she saw, at lest two dozen elves were housed in this prison many of them suffering from malnutrition and exhaustion, luckily the orcs had not seen fit to remove her herb satchel, but as she started to help the elves she noted a blank emptiness in their eyes, that unnerved her. "What is it?" Arië asked, "I don't know, she said waving her hand infront of a she-elf before her, the elf seemed not to even register her presence, she glanced round to see if the guards where watching, they seemed to be watching something else, so she placed her bare hand on the she elfs skin and using her healing skills tried to see if the elf was injured. Almost at once she jumped back letting go of the elf, "Ungol! Ungol!" she whispered to the others as they stared at her, for a while this is all they could get out of her, there was no other way she could describe it, it was like a Darkness had infected the elfs mind and was slowly poisoning her free will.

As she went around the others she found this darkness in all of them, but some not as much as others, but these elves were to afraid to speak to them and some even believed they were not elves, just some kind of trick to torment them further.

"Taurëwen!" she heard Ceros call from the other side of the cage, as she reached him she gasped, sat on the floor staring at nothing was her brother, "Talas!" she cried flinging her arms around him, but when he did not respond she fearfully pulled back to look at him, he looked at her but there seemed to be no recognition, infact there was no emotion at all. "No!" she cried shaking him gently, until Reynion put a gentle hand on her shoulder, he said nothing but she welcomed his silent gesture, it gave her pause to think.

She reached in her pack and took out three small vials of Miruvore, she tucked one into her tunic, then gave one to Reynion and the other to Ceros, "use it sparingly and keep it out of sight, it is all I have left!" She then took out the small supply of Lembas she kept in her herb satchel and divided it between the seven of them. As they split up to help the weak and exhausted, Taurëwen grabbed Reynion's arm "Reyn could you help me" she asked softly, her sad green eyes pleading with him, "what do you wish me to do?" he replied lowering his head , as if afraid she would ask something he would not be able to do in his crippled state. "Just stay and watch" she said gesturing to the guards, then to her brother,.

"What are you going to do?" he asked, concern tracing his brow, "That which I am trained to do!" she answered, though her voice wavered as doubt crossed her mind, but looking at the blank shell that was once her brother she steeled herself and went to his side. As Reynion watched the guards she placed her hand on his forehead and whispered "Talas it is I, Elle-Taur'othar!" She went on talking softly to him reminding him of things they had done together, of their mother and father and of the great realm they lived in, but nothing seem to work, so she used her healing gift to try to drive out the darkness as she would a disease.

After about and hour, Reynion turned just in time to catch Taurëwen as she collapsed exhausted to the floor, and there she lay asleep in his lap, he could she her breathing and he gently brushed aside a stray golden lock and took the vial she had given him, unstopped the top and let a few drops fall onto her lips and into her mouth, then he too leaned back to sleep.

Taurëwen was awakened by rough orc hands as they pulled at her, "gets up! gets up!" it shouted in her ear, she had barely got up when she was being dragged through the cage door, She saw Rhtalk watching them as they were given a meagre breakfast, was it breakfast she wasn't sure it was still dark, it tasted foul, but she ate trying not to think on what it was she was eating.

Then they were separated from the males and lead off towards a building area, Taurëwen was lead to a dry stony area full of large rocks, on one of the rocks sat a chisel and hammer, she was told that she was to cut the stone, when she refused she heard the crack of a whip and felt a sharp pain down her back, but she refused to wince, 'No! she thought, I cannot help the others if I am injured or weak' she thought to herself, then slowly she lifted the Chisel and hammer and began cutting the stone, But the overseers where brutal and punished any they thought was not pulling their weight, or any that tried to help another as she soon found out, she had instinctively went to aid one of her kin who had fallen and for this he had slapped here hard across the face and ordered that she was to have no supper.

Everyday Taurëwen worked the rough stone, and every night she would return her hands blistered and share her supper with those weaker than herself, then she would go to her brother and continue to try to heal him, from what ever ailed him and each night she would fall asleep in Reynion's lap.

On the sixth day Rhtalk was overseeing their work and he noticed that Taurëwen was cutting blocks for the others as well as herself, she lowered her head as he walked towards them, one of the women that worked with her had been struggling so she cut extra bricks and put them in her pile, Rhatalk throw one of the bricks to her feet, "You did this!" he bellowed and as she defiantly looked up she saw had he had the elf woman that she had tried to help stood infront of him and had a black blade held to her throat, "No!" she cried seeing the elf woman's terrified eyes, "It was me, punish me!" she pleaded.

"She can't do the work she is of no further use!" he sneered as he cut the elf woman's throat.

"No!" she screamed through her tears and raising her chisel and hammer she charged at Rhtalk, he dropped the elf corpse and grabbed Taurëwen by the wrists, spinning her round and pulling her tight into his chest, "Now how are you keeping so strong, my spirited filly?" he whispered in her ear pressing one of his black hands over her body until he found the bulge in her tunic, ripping the material away he held the small glass vial in his hands, "well, well, well what have we here?" he said removing the stopper with his teeth and giving it a sniff.

"Why don't you give it a taste she spat knowing full well that it would burn the foul half-breed. But he just grinned and threw the bottle to the floor she winced as the vial smashed and the clear liquid seeped into the dry ground.

"You are spirited" he laughed "I like that" he whispered pulling her tighter and moving closer to her face that she could feel his foul breath on her cheek, she shuddered as he licked her cheek, but this only made him laugh as he threw her to the goblin guard, "put her back in her cage and see that she does not eat unless I say so!"

Once back in the cage Taurëwen went to her brother, after six days she seemed no closer to freeing him than she had been on the first day and she could see that this darkness was slowly starting to spread to her companions.

"It was time you and the others were leaving, I have a knife that was missed by the goblins, "Tearing the lining of her skirt she slipped the knife to Ceros,

"Here use it to pick the lock when the guards fall asleep, then just sneak away!"

"No! we all go or none go!" he said slipping the knife back to her, "We will think of some other way?" he gently reassured her. She nodded and went back to her brother, but she was not sure there was a way out, would she have to watch as the others slowly became mindless servant like her brother. For some reason she remained unaffected by this strange darkness, although she felt it in her mind, it never took hold, 'something to do with her gift' she assumed. She grew concerned when she noticed that Reynion had not yet returned and as she looked around she noticed that Gil too was not back, but she did not wait for him instead she placed her hands on Talas' forehead and began again trying to heal him, little knowing that she was being watched.......

[ October 01, 2003: Message edited by: Nerindel ]

[maikafanawen]

*Reflection on Gilbereth's Fate*

After just five days in the Cage, Ihwesta began to tire. She hadn't anticipated this weakness during her imprisonment and was dismayed to realize its presence. The two meal a day policy wasn't affecting the tracker and she was doing fine with only a few bites from the breakfast meal. The living quarters were very rough and dirty. She hardly slept and spent a lot of her time helping the others in the Cage. Her effort was very fruitless however and only those most recently incarcerated were saved.

Among them were Rydian, Thillersk, and Dorienne. Rydian was the youngest son of Greenwood's most talented archer. He was plain looking for an elf with chin-length flaxen colored hair. He also harbored his father's skills. Despite his admirable skill, he was only nearing his seven hundredth year. For this, Ihwesta commiserated with him and contributed a lot to his recovery. Thillersk was his older brother who was quite the opposite and she couldn't spare one without the other.

Dorienne was a strikingly handsome noblewoman who was obtained in an ambush shortly after the fellowship departed on their mission. It was unnerving to discover that elf apprehension didn't diminish during their journey. At this Ihwesta cursed and made another round checking the well being of the elves who had been most recently apprehended. Their will was much weaker than Dorienne and so they had all been easily overcome by the enigmatic Darkness that settled over their minds.

On the seventh day there was a problem in the stone cutting station where Taurëwen worked. Rhtalk discovered that the healer was working for others in her group and killed one of the weaker women. Ihwesta had evaded retching and returned silently to her work. Things were getting worse very quickly. She prayed for Eru to grant her sane companions strength. They needed it still.

The next day Ihwesta was confronted about her idleness. "Why don't you do anything tracker?" one she-elf, who worked in the construction of catapults with the tracker, asked as she loosened the bolts on the frame. Ihwesta didn't answer and turned her attention to rubbing the leniency out of the leather strips so that they'd fray and snap quicker. Why did the orcs trust them with such labor? "Answer me she-elf!" the woman demanded. Her eyes blazed and her face was a thundercloud.

"Bide your time," Ihwesta whispered between clenched teeth. "There are six able bodied elves plus the two hunters who can help with escape!" The elf's interrogator lost it then and made a run for the walls. Ihwesta watched helplessly not wanting to risk calling out for her. Perhaps she'd make it through unnoticed. She was very fast.

Hope was snuffed when din rocked the hill and out of the Tower doors glided a wraith. Elves who were overcome screamed and moaned in his presence and in two impossibly long strides he was at the elf's side and he sunk a wicked looking blade into her side. She shouted in agony, and gripped where the weapon has pierced her body. The wraith backed up then and commanded in a raspy voice for two orcs to drag the body into the tower.

Tears welled in Ihwesta's eyes as she watched the monstrosity take place. She knew she couldn't act. Dorienne had said that they were to wait. Returning to her work she quickened her pace so that she'd have time to finish the catapult by that evening. The other three in her group worked steadily though inefficiently and Ihwesta had to go very quickly to get it all done. The tracker did do her very best to make changes that would make the weapon very useless on the field. Hopefully, they wouldn't test them too meticulously.

It was nearing noon, of the ninth day when the orcs were very dormant in their actions and the elves were kept to their confined prisons that Dorienne and Ihwesta had their argument.

"That was very strong of you to stay silent when the Nazgûl came out last night," the noblewoman commented. Ihwesta whirled around to face her and whispered in hushed angry tones so that the watchers mightn't overhear.

"Strong? Keeping my mouth shut as that wraith murdered an innocent elf? I'm missing the part where that was keen of me. On the contrary, I'm so distressed by all this waiting and keeping silent that I’m beginning to think that you don’t really have a clue what you're talking about!" Dorienne tilted her head, her eyes full of pity and understanding.

"Come here," she whispered. Ihwesta obeyed and sat cross-legged before the ancient woman. Dorienne took Ihwesta's hands in hers and looked intently into her sorrowful face. "It's time."

"That one evaded me my Lady," the tracker admitted. "Time for what?"

"Bring all the sane together. We'll call 'council' for the few hours we have to ourselves. We'll decide how to get out of this hell taking as many with us as is possible." Ihwesta beamed.

In a matter of gestures and a few softly spoken words, all those capable of comprehending Elvish speech were gathered in a haphazard bundle huddled in a far corner ready to hear the words of Dorienne and Ceros.

[ October 01, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Arien]

Ceros returned from his ninth day of work with a heavy heart, cuts and bruises covered his arms and his chest was now black. The pain was fading slightly but it could not be completely abolished. Not with the work they were being forced to do. They fought against orcs tirelessly both for the fun of other and to train them up. Ceros had always defeated his opponent, but this day had been different. It seemed as though something had leaked into his mind and was taking over; it was corrupting all his emotions and sucking out his strength. He had nearly been slashed to bits by an over confident orc and he dreaded tomorrows work.

As he reached the cage the door was opened and the guards pushed him in. The door slammed firmly behind him and a few weary elves looked up in recognition. Ceros made his way to a corner of the cage and slip down to the floor. He propped his arms on his knees and looked down at the cold stone floor.

The diminished murmur of once happy Elves could be heard around him. It was of course of the newest addition including him; the others were worse. Some seemed all but defeated; they had given up all hope. It was distressing to see them like this, some, Ceros had known; he had served or grown up with them. Now he could barely look upon their grave faces, their eyes held no spark of life but yet they still lived. It was curious and it was chilling.

Ceros continued to stare at the floor, listening to his breath come slowly in and then out again. He was then lead away from his trail of thought by someone sitting down beside him. He looked up to find that it was Ihwesta. She had just been talking to Dorienne; that is what she came to explain. They were calling a council. In a matter of time all those able to understand Elvish were gathered around Dorienne and Ceros in the corner where he had first sat.

The two leaned against the edges of the cage and the others formed a circle around them. The sun now crept through the dense fog and a few rays’ immersed parts of their enclosure with warm merciful sunlight. The other were gathered around them intently listening.

“We have to get out; but we have to get out with as many as we can,” muttered Ceros. The Elves seated nodded silently.

“The best chance for escape must be during the day, the orcs don’t come out then. There are fewer guards and we will have more of a chance” Pointed out Dorienne.

“But how will we get out from this prison? It will be all very well if there are less guards but what is the use if we cannot escape?” Asked Ainemetion staring around the circle. A few mutters were heard around the cage but no one had anything to shed some light upon his question.

“A distraction maybe?” Suggested Reyn.

“Yes, lure the one guard outside in here. Then we could attack it.” said Eruwen.

“That is all well, but with what will we attack it with?” Asked Gilbereth.

Arië started, “He is right. The guard will have weapons and we are already too weak….” But she was cut off by Ceros.

“The knife..” Ceros said blankly.

“What knife?” Questioned Ihwesta.

“Mine…” Replied Taurëwen holding close to her side so the others could see. It gleamed in the light and the Elves’ eyes lit up with a new hope.

“So it shall be… Nodded Dorienne.

[ October 01, 2003: Message edited by: Arien ]

[Eladain Moruviel]

It took the orcs several days to find out who was responsible for the two overseer’s deaths, so Gil continued to work in the army. Every day he would come back covered with cuts and scrapes. “I’ve got to get out of here. We’ve got to get out of here!” I kept on telling himself.

Then, on the ninth night, all of the able-bodied elves were called together for a council. “We have to get out; but we have to get out with as many as we can,” muttered Ceros. The Elves seated nodded silently.
“The best chance for escape must be during the day, the orcs don’t come out then. There are fewer guards and we will have more of a chance” Pointed out Dorienne.
“But how will we get out from this prison? It will be all very well if there are less guards but what is the use if we cannot escape?” Asked Ainemetion staring around the circle. A few mutters were heard around the cage but no one had anything to shed some light upon his question.
“A distraction maybe?” Suggested Reyn. “Yes, lure the one guard outside in here. Then we could attack it.” said Eruwen. “That is all well, but with what will we attack it with?” Asked Gilbereth.
Arië started, “He is right. The guard will have weapons and we are already too weak….” But she was cut off by Ceros. “The knife..” Ceros said blankly. “What knife?” Questioned Ihwesta. “Mine…” Replied Taurëwen holding close to her side so the others could see. It gleamed in the light and the Elves’ eyes lit up with a new hope. “So it shall be… Nodded Dorienne.

Gilbereth didn’t sleep that night, all he could think about was their plans of escape. “what if one of them was caught, or even killed?” he worried Then he heard the doors to the cage open, and half a dozen hands grabbed him in the darkness. He tried to struggle, but it was of no use.

The goblins led him to the great hall, and stood him before Rhtalk. “So, we’ve finally found our little trouble maker have we?” chuckled the half-orc. It was all Gil could do not to try and kill him right then and there. He knew it would be useless anyway, he would be dead before he could do anything. “the only thing to do with trouble makers, is to kill them” continued Rhtalk “Take him away!”

Gil was lead to a courtyard with a heavy wooden block in the middle, he could easily guess what this was for and it made him shudder. “I won’t go like this! I must help the others!” They bound him quickly and rather carelessly. Then they lead him up to the block. That’s when the idea struck him. He tested the ropes that bound him “the funny thing about having your hands tied” he chuckled to himself “is that you have to have hands” Just as he thought, he could slip the wrist of his left arm out of the ropes, and then he would be free.

“Wait!” He said as the executioner lifted his broadsword “I don’t want my hair to blunt the edge of your sword. Have one of the others hold my hair up while the sword falls on my neck.” The orc grinned and had one of his men wind Gil’s long hair around his filthy hands. The orc raised his sword. The sword swiftly swept through the air. At the last instant Gil jerked his head back sharply. He dragged down the arms of the orc holding his hair. Dragged them down into the path of the swinging sword. The orc cried out in pain as the steel severed his hand from his wrist. At that instant Gil freed his hand, and grabbed the sword from the shocked executioner.

In a few short moments he had killed both orcs. Running too the gate, he made sure it wasn’t guarded, and then
headed toward the cages were the others were being held. Before he reached them he ran across several other goblins. “just my luck” He grumbled “ If I’m not careful, one of them will sound the alarm”
He had caught them off guard, and killed them quickly; cutting the first one’s head from his shoulder and dealing similarly with the others. After going through what seemed like an eternity, he reached the cages where his companions were being held.

Charging into the first guard, he managed to get in several strokes, but this orc was stronger than the others and fought back viciously. Gil was struck several times before he finally dispatched of the beast. He fumbled throughthe orc’s pockets untill he found the key to the cages. He was starting towards the cage door when the other guard caught him from behind. Whirling around, Gil barely managed to block the first blow. The second was harmless as well, then he slipped on the blood of the first orc and hit the ground hard. Taking this opportunity, his opponent slashed down into his side, crushing the bone and ripping the flesh and muscle. He screamed out as pain lanced through his shattered chest. With one last effort he got to his feet “stupid little elf!” the orc roared “ doesn’t know when to die.” With that he started a barrage of blows at Gil, who managed to block most of them until he finally found an opening and thrust his sword home.

Tossing the key into the cage he said, “well, you wanted a diversion” and managed a week smile before he fell. As he lay there, images of his home and family flashed through his mind. His father, his mother, and his brother. “His brother! He had not been among the elves in the cages!” screamed through his mind “what had happened to him?”
Then darkness took him, never again would he wake. But he had found his brother, he was right there with him.

[ October 02, 2003: Message edited by: Eladain Moruviel ]

[maikafanawen]

Ihwesta watched horrified as Gilbereth collapsed. Ainemetion began to shout but the tracker silenced him quickly.

"Draw no attention to ourselves." Then she faced the Caged. "At the cost of his life, Gilbereth has given us our means of freedom. Since dawn is upon us we will have the advantage. Take up all your hope and your courage." She bent down and retrieved the key half buried in the dirt earth where Gilbereth had bunged it and unlocked the cage.

Ceros moved forward. "Ainemetion, come with me. We're going to hide the bodies Gilbereth plowed through so they aren't discovered by Rhtalk too soon. Then Ihwesta, Thillersk, and Rydian, I want you three to recover our weapons and any others you can find. Rhtalk's put them in the warehouse just near the East wall. It's sheltered so you might run into some latent orcs. Be careful." Ihwesta bowed her head in respect towards Ceros and then the three elves left the Cage.

She stopped beside Gilbereth and knelt down beside him. It was most terrible to lose him. Of all the companions, he had been most mistreated. Sorrowful emotions filled her heart and she prayed quickly and quietly over his body. "Be at peace," she concluded quietly. The she leaned forward and kissed his forehead. As a second thought she turned back to Eruwen who stood silently besides Arië in the Cage. "Do something with his body," she commanded tenderly. "We can't leave him like this. And take anything of value from him that we might return to his mother." Looking again at her dead friends she added, "I grieve for her."

Under cover of the sun the tracker and two hunter brothers made out again for the East wall. Ihwesta passed by the dead orcs: five total counting the two near the execution block. She bent down by one of them and searched him quickly. On him she found a wicked looking knife.

She grinned and held it up for Thillersk and Rydian to see. 'Find one,' she mouthed. In a moment, the three each held an ugly but sharp dagger.

"Taurëwen, Lady Dorienne," Ceros continued, "let's get the others ready to go."

It felt strange to Ihwesta, walking out under broad daylight, no more than ten feet at a time away from orcs who were awake, but near blind in the sunlight. Her main fear was the Nazgûl Dorienne had told her about. Was it affected by the sun? The tracker didn't think so. Then another thought hit her: was there more than one? Hopefully not. Keeping a watch out for Rhtalk the three made their way to the small shack of a warehouse.

They found it right where Ceros had said it'd be. It was very crude and appeared to be relatively unused. "Check around for orcs before we go in," she whispered. The two brothers nodded and gripping their own filched weapons, snuck around through the walls and piles of scrap. Rydian encountered the first one and neatly slit its throat, stuffing the corpse into a rough sack and he shoved it one of the unused storage sheds. He picked up four more bags from the pile and handed two to Thillersk. In a few minutes all were full and harbored in the lean-to.

When they had returned, Ihwesta used her knife to cut through the poorly constructed lock and opened the door cautiously. Inside they found a treasure more valuable to them than a ton of mithril. In the closest corner there laid a pile of swords of all makes and nationalities. Among them, Ihwesta located her own sword and those of the others in her original group. On the wall hung Thillersk's and Rydian's bows along with a quiver of arrows. "Why didn't they destroy these?" Thillersk asked suspiciously. Rydian fingered his bow, one eyebrow raised in doubt.

"Or at least keep them locked up more securely," the younger said. Then he stepped back. "I don't like this Ihwesta." The tracker looked around quickly and shrugged.

"It's too late to second guess. Gilbereth's done it now, bless his soul," her voice wavered and it took a moment for her to finish. "And we've got to move now." The brothers exchanged wary glances and then began to gather all the weapons they could carry for those waiting in the Cage.

"What about mail?" Thillersk asked, holding up an iron vest. Ihwesta looked at it and nodded. "Might as well. Grab one for all the men. I'll collect some of the thicker leather for the women, I'm not sure how well those would fit us." Finally they had everything stowed in three of the burlap sacks and made their way back to the Cage.

It must have been something short of a miracle that brought them back undetected. A new hope was kindled as the sacks were opened and weapons were returned to their owners, or those that could wield them.

"It didn't take you long enough," Ceros noted worriedly.

"I know," Ihwesta said. "But even if we run into someone now we're armed." Then she looked at the Succumbed. They hadn't moved or even acknowledged the sudden presence of weapons wrought by man and elf smiths. Dorienne and Taurëwen approached then, distraught written noticeably on the latter's face.

"We can't take them," Dorienne announced quietly to the two elves. Ihwesta met her gaze heatedly.

"Maybe not, but I'd rather die than leave them," she argued. Dorienne shook her head and moved closer.

"Then you probably will, child." Ihwesta rolled her eyes and helped to get the entranced into a tightly huddled group that the rest could guide and maneuver through the camp.

"We'll stay tight to the East wall where the executioner's block and the ware sheds are. The orcs thereabouts have already been taken care of so we'll cross little trouble. Ainemetion returned then, an excited look on his face.

"It's very clear, Ceros. I'm afraid I'm feeling a bit overconfident at the moment." Ihwesta and Arië exchanged worried glances. Anything could go wrong.

"Ready?" Ceros asked everyone. There were murmurs of concurrence and gripping their weapons firmly, the elves exited the Cage making for the East wall and ultimately, the exit.

[Nerindel]

Taurëwen woke to the sound of their prison door opening, slowly lifting her head from Reynion's chest, she saw goblins grab up one of the elves, "No!" she gasped as she realised it was Gil. raising to her feet at jumping over bodies to try to stop them, But the goblin to the rear turned and sneered at her, "Still Spirited, Eh witch!" then he backhanded her across the face sending her to her knees, blood dripped from her nose as she looked up defiantly, but the goblin was locking the door to their prison and grinning at her wickedly.

Reynion had made his way over to her and helped her up silently leading her back to the back of the cage, "Where are they taking him ?" she whispered. Reynion's head lowered and she knew that he knew something, "What is it!" she pleaded. "Gil killed two overseer's trying to help me!" Reynion told her, his face red with guilt, She did not blame him for Gil's actions for if the situation was reversed she knew Reyn would have done the same and she told him so.

For a moment the two of them locked eyes, she felt his hands on hers and her heart burned and a knot started to form in the pit of her stomach, she suddenly felt herself leaning forwards to kiss him ... But the sudden clash of swords violently pulled her from what she thought was a beautiful dream. It's Gil she cried, but as she rose she realised that Reynion was holding her hands, but he pulled them away quickly and rose with the others to see what was going on. 'Was it real?' she thought as she watched him hobble over to the side of the cage.

She gasped in horror as another guard rushed at Gil from behind and cut him deep in his left side, from were she stood she knew that the wound was deep and the flow of the blood told her that he would not survive, but Gil managed to kill his attacker and toss them the key to their prison before he fell, never to wake again. Taurëwen wept for him and prayed silently to Illuvator asking him to honour this heroic elf, she was proud to call her friend.

She had not the time to honour him as he deserved. "At the cost of his life, Gilbereth has given us our means of freedom. Since dawn is upon us we will have the advantage. Take up all your hope and your courage." Ihwesta's words hardened her resolve and she nodded in agreement, brushing away her tears. She then listened as Ceros organised their group, Ceros and Ainemention went to hide the bodies, Ihwesta, Thillersk and Rydian went to retrieve their weapons and she and Dorienne were to get the others ready to leave.

They went around the cage that was their prison trying to rouse the other elves, but it was no use they would not move, when she came to Talas her heart broke she could not leave him . She hooked her arm under his and tried to pull him up, but he wouldn't budge, "Get up! Please, Get up!" she pleaded but he just looked at her blankly , she fell to her knees as she realised she would have to leave him behind with the others.

"Come" said the gentle voice of the elf woman Dorienne, Taurëwen nodded her head sadly and rose to join the other woman, but before leaving she turned and gentle kissed her brothers cheek, "I love you brother and will miss you always" the tears glistened as they rolled down her cheeks.

She followed Dorienne "We can't take them!" the elf woman quietly told Ceros and Ihwesta, Taurëwen could not bear to look at them and lowered her distraught face, Ihwesta's heated words only made her feel more ashamed that she could not help him...them! she slowly turned away as her sword was returned to her, the sword that Talas had made for her and as the runes glistened in the dawn light she made up mind if she could not take him then she would remain.

There was just one thing she had to do, lifting her chin nobly she walked over to Reyn determined that she would not let him change her mind. "This is yours and it is time you have it back." she said offering him the hilt of his knife, roughly chiselled into the black hilt was the elven rune for freedom, she had etched it days ago and the hope had kept her going. As Reynion saw a hint of sadness in her eyes he told her "Keep it you may yet have use of it." But Taurëwen gentle placed the knife in his hands, "Nay, I think I shall not." she whispered turning to what away. "No!" Reynion gasped looking down at the knife in his hands, realising what she was planning to do. Taurëwen held back the tears as she placed her sword next to Talas and knelt down beside him, resigned to stay with him, she squeezed at his hand one last time in the hope that he would respond, then she laid her head on his lap and wept.

"Ready?" Ceros asked "Yes!" she heard a weak voice above her say, It was Talas and he was holding her sword. "Thank you" he whispered pulling her up and handing her back her sword, "But...wha..how.." she stammered as they made for the East wall. She smiled as Reynion came up beside them and handed Talas a sword, he took it and nodded his thanks to the elf both for the sword and for looking after Taurëwen.


*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+

Talas

clouded by the darkness in his mind, he could hear everything that going on but was powerless to do anything about it. When his own sister had been thrown in to the cage he had thought it but another cruel trick of his captors, but every night she came to him and slowly the darkness was clearing, he wanted so much to reach out and hug her and tell her that what ever she was doing was working.

on the ninth night since her arrival he listened to their plans to escape but still he could not break from the darkness that held him, but as he watched his sister say farewell to the elf that he could see that she loved and chose to remain in this prison with him a great anger rose in him, "No! you shall not have her!" he screamed in his mind and suddenly the darkness was gone. Looking down at Taurëwen weeping in his lap he lifted her sword and looked at its glistening runes remembering her strong resolve and determination.

"Ready?" he heard the Familiar voice of his captain ask "Yes!" he whispered tightening his grip on his sisters sword, and smiled weakly as she looked up in surprise. "Thank you" he whispered helping her to her feet. "But...wha..how.." she stammered as they made for the East wall. but before he could answer, The elf who his sister loved came up to them and offered him a sword, "My name is Reynion and it is good to have you back with us!" though as he spoke his eyes drifted back to Taurëwen, as his eye returned to look at him he nodded his thanks for not just the sword but also for looking after his sister.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Taurëwen, Talas, Reynion

The three of them remained to the rear of the company as their going was slow, Talas was still weak and Reynion was still getting used to the wooden leg that the orcs had attached to his leg several days ago, the others had managed to get through the gate, when Taurëwen felt a strong arm grab her from behind, "oh no you don't !" a harsh voice whispered behind her, the others where to far ahead to hear her gasp, but Reynion and Talas turned round instantly.

Talas's eyes burned with hatred as he remembered the beatings he and others had taken at the halforcs hands, he raised his sword ready to lunge at the foul creature, "One move and I will slit her throat!" Rhtalk hissed pressing his blade to her bared throat, reluctantly he lowered his sword. "Fire!" Rhtalk yelled to the wall and both Reynion and Talas looked to the gate as they heard the twang of bow strings and the whiz if arrows flying through the air towards their fleeing kin.

"Just kill me and have done with it !" Taurëwen spat to the surprise of the others, "Oh no you are much more valuable to him alive!" her sneered at her "One who can heal without medicines is useful indeed!" he continued. As he spoke Talas sneaked behind him, he had made his mistake, letting them know that Taurëwen was too valuable to kill.

Reynion lifted his sword and charged forward, Rhtalk threw her roughly from him and blocked Reynion's blow with his sword then with his other hand he punched Reyn hard in the stomach knocking him to the ground, Taurëwen gasped as she saw the halforc raise his sword to deliver the killing blow, but suddenly Rhtalk screamed as Talas' sword went through his right leg.

Rhtalk's scream had alerted the archers and they now turned their fire on them "Come on !" Talas yelled as he helped Reynion to his feet, Taurëwen put her arm around Reyn's other side and the three of them made a run for the gate. "Kill them! Kill Them all!" they heard Rhtalk bellow from behind them.

[Tinuviel of Denton]

"K.ill them! K.ill them all!"

The half-orc's roar from behind them spurred the elves to greater strength; there had been more than enough d.eath in the fellowship. Reynion, Talas, and Taurewen pushed to get themselves out of arrow-range before they found themselves studded with the black things. Unfortunately, Reynion couldn't exactly run, as his wooden leg was only meant to hold him in a standing position and allow him to limp to and from the Cage.

It fell off.

Reynion cursed, but Talas pulled him up and they continued. The brief pause was enough however that Rhtalk almost caught up with them.

CLUNK!

The wooden leg ricocheted off a sickly tree just ahead of the trio, and just missed Taurewen's head. A curse from Rhtalk followed hard after and Reyn turned his head. He wished that he hadn't immediately afterward because a rock joined the leg and curses flying after the fleeing elves. It missed, but the wind of its passing brushed his hair.

"Let go of me," he ordered the other two. "I can't throw when I'm being dragged along like a sack!"

He wrenched his arms out of their grasp, nearly falling flat on his face again in the process, and turned back towards the half-orc. He sighted, took aim, and let his dagger fly. Straight and sure it flew, and he allowed himself a momentary thrill of pride that this at least he could still do right. With a wet THUNK! the blade buried itself to the hilt in Rhtalk's neck. The black blood of the abomination seeped out around the blade, and the creatures following Rhtalk paused uncertainly with the d.eath of their commander.

"Now we can go," he said calmly, much more so than he felt.

[Nerindel]

Taurëwen flinched as Reynions wooden leg narrowly missed her head, she did not look back but kept on going, "Let go of me," Reynion ordered them, something that she suddenly felt reluctant to do! "I can't throw when I'm being dragged along like a sack!" he yelled wrenching his arm free of her grip, she stopped and watched as he sighted his dagger and let fly, she nearly screamed with elation as the dagger found it's mark and bedded itself deep in the foul things throat, but held it as she witnessed the gleam of almost forgotten pride in Reynion's grey eyes, It warmed her heart to witness that moment, 'perhaps he will get over his loss' she thought hopefully.

"Now we can go," Reynion said calmly. Talas offered his shoulder for the proud elf and Taurëwen was relieved when he took it. "Taurëwen go ahead and let the others know we are alright!" Talas said as they ran on, but as she started to protest Reynion cut in "It may be that some of those arrows found their mark and your skills may be required." out numbered she sighed, but kissing each elf tenderly on the cheek she ran on to catch up with the others. They where not to far ahead and she easily caught up to them and from what she could see they too had managed to evade the archers volleys with only minor cuts and grazes.

"Ceros!" she called excitedly, "Talas!" she panted "he has awakened from the darkness and is a short way behind with Reynion, they have sent me ahead to see if anyone requires my skills?" she went on. "What happened!" Ihwesta asked, evidently referring to the sudden appearance of the archers on the walls. At this Turëwen lowered her head "I was not as careful as I should have been and Rhtalk discovered my gift of healing, I think he has been watching to see how he could use it for his own or his masters gain!" she shrugged "Do not fault yourself," Dorienne whispered "anything could have brought him out, but I think if Rhtalk was watching you it would be to determine if you gift was a threat as much as something they could use," she continued.

"No matter!" Taurëwen grinned "The foul orc... man... thing! won't be determining anything, Reyn saw to that, Put a dagger through it's throat." she beamed proudly. At this moment in time Táurewen was filled with hope and elation, although it pained her to leave the others behind, she had her brother back and she did not deny the strong feelings that were welling within her for Reynion and now they where on their way home and Thranduil on hearing their story would undoubtedly sent out his armies to smash down the black fortress and all within!!!!

[ October 03, 2003: Message edited by: Nerindel ]

[Everdawn]

Gilbereth had died to save them all. And after their ordeal in the cage, Arië was eternally thankful to him, for she was weak, , There were dark circles under her eyes, her hair had lost its glow, her eyes no longer bright but dull and her hands were scraped and bruised. Still she fought along side the other elves. Many elf women had been killed by Rhtalk and the orcs, as they walked around watching them work. It was taking its toll on her. Every drop of blood spilled was another reason for Arië to endure the days of torment and survive for the day which she could take their blood back. Today was this day.
Arië lost count of the number of times she had plunged her dagger into the bodies of orcs which came charging at her. Her entire body was sodden with their blood. With all her arrows long spent, she relied on the charms layed into the blade of her dagger by her ancestors. All the time Ainemention, her dear friend was at her side slaying the foul creatures without mercy. She was thankful to him, for without the friendship and protection of him she would not have been alive so far.

Over and over again she was bathed by fresh orc blood, her hand to hand combat was sharper than ever, despite her weaknesses. No orc could match her for her speed. News came to her form one of the other elves that Rhtalk was slain. Ah! Eru willing we have made it! she said in her heart.

"Ai!" she cried to get Ceros' attention who was now a little further away from her. "The gate!" she called. And began to make her way over ot it. Climbing the wall easily (the ladder had been shattered by orcs) she drew herself into the sentry tower and to her surprise, there was a new quiver of arrows, and another orc. Ducking his blow she rolled and with speed that was barely visible, she jammed her dagger into his skull.

It was then that the young elf gazed upon all that was to be seen. A horror built with my own hands! she cried. Down on the ground Ainemention was out of sight and she searched for him but to no avail. She could see some of the other elves. There came a shout from below. It was Ainemention, and beside him was an orc. It seemed to Arië that in that moment pure terror raged through her heart.

Ainemention was stabbed, the orc-blde still in his breast. Wihtout a second glance at the orc, the elf picked up her bow and found one of the orc-arrows and set it loose into the creature that had injured her friend. Ainemention lay still on the ground. Arië made hast climbing down the wall, leaping from it five metres down and made her way to him.

Ainemention was struggling for breath. "Arië!" he said as loud as he could. Tears now filled her eyes, "Its not so very bad!" she cried, covering the flowing blood and wound from his sight as he struggled to sit up. Arië cradled his head in her arms. "It is" he cholked, his words barely audible, trying to be brave, as he knew as well as Arië that the end was near for him. "You must get out of here, go back to your home. Live you life till you are old in the eyes of the elves!" Arië was in shock. "No, no... you cant... you are going to live! Ainemention!" she was finding it hard to stomach her dear friend's parting words to her. "Arië... Biearyn Arië the Younger... Thankyou for all you have done for me..." with his last strength he reached up and touched her cheek then fell back to the earth. His eyes still open to the dark sky above.

"No!" she screamed, looking into his face. "Dont you dare go! Taurëwen knows what to do..." she cried. "Taurëwen! Come!" she sobbed but she knew it was to late. She closed her dead friend's eyes. Her hands carried the consequences of his last stand.

Arië was shaking when she was dragged along by one of the other elves. She could hardly walk. "Ihwesta!" she called crying when she saw her friend. "Ainemention is dead!" There was pitty in her friend's eyes, and she clung to Ihwesta for a while, as Ihwesta attempted to comfort her heavy heart. Arië knew not whether she should rejoyce in their victory as others were doing, or grieve as she would have done. She decided that Ainemention would have teased her for carrying on so. She remembered the sacrifices her friends had made for her, they had given life and at last they were free.

[ October 09, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[maikafanawen]

Tinuviel's post - Talas' death

Reyn watched as Taurewen ran ahead, wondering if this was a mistake and if he would die after all. He clamped down on that sort of thought; that was the road to madness. If he had time to go mad. If he survived the next few minutes...

The orcs were no longer stunned by the knife that had taken Rhtalk's life, and they were coming after the two elves, cursing loudly in the Black Speech and throwing more rocks. Fortunately, there were no more wooden legs for them to throw.

Talas supported Reynion and they limped along at a fairly decent rate. Unfortunately, a fairly decent rate was about half the rate the orcs were running. They were getting closer with every second and both Talas and Reynion were getting tired. Talas, because Reyn was in no way a small man, even minus a leg, and Reyn, because it's frankly rather difficult to run when you have only one leg.

Another rock flew at them, and this time, the orcs had better aim. It hit Reynion in the middle of the back. Hard. They were thrown off balance and tumbled to the ground. They both cursed, loudly and at length, whilst attempting to rise.

"Talas, go on without me; I'm only slowing you down. Go on!"

"I can't leave you to face them alone. Taurewen would have my head," Talas responded, trying to inject a modicum of humor into their bleak situation. They had managed to stand by this time, and Talas was pulling Reynion along, desperation giving him the needed strength. The two elves were crashing through the underbrush in a very unelvish display.

Then another rock hit Talas in the back of the head. His eyes widened, then glazed over. He inhaled sharply, then suddenly Reyn was pulled down by the other elf's weight. Dear Eru, NO! he thought numbly. Please, not now. She's only just got him back; he can't die now!

But Talas wasn't moving, he wasn't breathing, his heart, when Reyn pressed a hand to his chest, wasn't beating. He was gone. Reyn wept, knowing that Talas' body would never receive the honor he was deserving of, knowing also that he would have to leave the body to the tender mercies of the rabid orkish hoards, angry at the death of their leader and the escape of their fugitives, knowing that Taurewen would blame herself for the leaving them behind.

Then he used one of the maltreated trees to pull himself up, and, silently begging forgiveness for his action, but too desperate and guilty to really care (Talas would never go home because of him, what did it matter if he killed a tree? His soul was already stained black as the heart of Rhtalk), broke off two branches to use as crutches and pushed off, sparing no glance for the empty husk that had once breathed and laughed and loved.

With the crutches, his speed was greater, and he half-wondered that they had not thought to do this before. The other half of him knew that only an elf whose soul was tarnished would think to do such harm to trees already sorely mistreated. He did manage to lose the orcs when he got into deeper shadow. His black clothing made that easy.

His heart tore as he thought of Taurewen's reaction when he told her. Almost, he could have let go the crutches and waited for the orcs to kill him rather than to face that. But something in him knew that she would be just as grieved to lose him as she would be when she heard of Talas' passing. It was with more a sense of dread than of relief when at last he stumbled into the clearing where the others were.

"Reyn!" cried Taurewen, rushing forward, but she stopped when she saw that he was alone. "Where--where's Talas? Where's my brother?"

He couldn't tell her after all. He looked away, and she read in his posture and in his face the truth.

"Eru, NO!"

Reyn closed his eyes, but he couldn't stop his ears from ringing with the sobs of the woman he loved, weeping for her lost brother.

[ October 08, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[maikafanawen]

The elves ran for a week straight trying to put as much distance between them and the fortress. Ihwesta ran ahead scouting out the quickest evasion route while Arië backtracked to make sure no vice pursued. Nibbling on lembas and making quick stops for Taurëwen to mend broken things and renew strength in those who faltered, they covered a great expanse by the tenth day and were now a two weeks gentle walk from the palace.

They were allowed to continually slow down as Arië gathered no sign of pursuit. The last battle between the elves of Greenwood and the monsters of Dol Guldur left the latter in a disagreeable state, unfit to give chase.

"How goes it?" Ihwesta asked Taurëwen, setting down the skin of fresh water. The healer was doing her best to keep the Succumbed hopeful enough to continue the journey and make it home. The conscious did their part to sing songs of elven lore and brighten their companions' memories with ancient stories. Ihwesta played and danced for them, drawing an occasional smile.

"They'll make it home," Taurëwen whispered. "But that is all I can be sure of." Ihwesta placed a hand on her friend's shoulder and beamed at her.

"That is all we need to know, Taurëwen. Your Gift has more than saved us all." The tracker left then as Reynion returned with Ceros, who had gone to collect more firewood, and went to sit by Taurëwen.

Ihwesta untied a bundle of faggots herself and helped arrange them about the pit and blew as Ceros held a flame to the kindle. The fire blazed and Eruwen came with a pot to begin boiling water for the soup. "Rabbits." Arië said proudly, coming up to them with her bow slung over her shoulder. She unfolded the sheet of canvas that carried no less than seven good conies. The women helped to cut them up and mix them in with the gravy-like stew.

"What spices will we need for this fine feast of yours?" Taurëwen asked Arië as she came up with her own bag. Three were chosen and sprinkled over the steaming supper. Then it was served and everyone ate their fill, warming their enervated bodies.

Ihwesta finished her bowl, set it down by her side and turned to Ceros. "If I have to eat another soup like that again it'll be the end of me," she laughed.

"I heard that!" Arië called, smiling from where she sat. Ihwesta winked and leaned back against a tree. It was quiet for a while as they all sat there lost in their own thoughts. Then Taurëwen spoke up. "I think we should have a song for them," she said gesturing towards the distant elves. "Before they sleep a while."

Ihwesta nodded. "I shall sing one." With no accompaniment, the tracker began a small song.

"Once, as my heart remembers
all the stars were fallen embers
once, when night seemed forever
I was with you.

"Once in the care of morning
in the air was all belonging.
once, when that day was dawning
I was with you.

"How far we are from morning,
how far are we
and the stars shining through the darkness,
falling in the air.

"Once, as the night was leaving
into us our dreams were weaving.
once, all dreams were worth keeping.
I was with you.

"Once, when our hearts were singing,
I was with you."*

It was brief but pleasant and left them all peacefully tired. Ihwesta leaned into Ceros's shoulder and soon she too fell asleep.

At dawn they were ready again to get moving, and a short fortnight later, they crossed the stone bridge into Thranduil's palace and were home at last.


------------------------------------------------------------
*Fallen Embers, words and music by Enya, Nicky Ryan and Roma Ryan.
ã2000 EMI Music Publishing Ltd, London WC2H 0QY

OCC: I saw that song and it seemed so appropriate, don't you think? Something an elf would sing I thought. It fit.

[Arien]

The group of Elves past the South gates a fortnight later and in one day they had reached the bridge that crossed over the river to Thranduil's Palace. The group stopped for a moments glance at the doors guarded by two equipped male Elves. Ceros looked to them; the seemed almost shocked to see them and one of the guards cried out.

“Ceros?” He cried, leaving his station and approaching his fellow guard, “You have returned at last! Oh what joy it brings me to see you alive; long have the hours been since the departure of your group.”

“How long has it been?” Asked Ceros. He did not think it had been long since they had been absent; but it had seemed like ages had passed since they had left their Realm. For now it looked as though the woodland realm had been through a transformation. Ceros had not noticed before but now no elves walked freely along the paths; there was no singing and the birds and beasts had been hushed by the silence that now lay still among the trees.

“’Tis only been five weeks now, but much has happened. But come you can not stay outside, come inside with the others and let Thranduil tell you the story and then you can exchange yours.”

And so the company ventured inside the hall of Thranduil and they headed straight for the King himself, for Ceros whished to tell him immediately of what they had discovered.

“Thranduil,” Ceros said bowing in front of his King. The Other Elves behind him followed accordingly.

“Ceros, it is with great joy that I see you have returned,” he smiled weakly. “But I see that not all return with and some return that did not leave with you.” Thranduil looked behind Ceros at the rest of the company, holding each of their faces in his glance for a few moments.

“Aye, it is a sad tale; we have lost three of our company: Airelómë Firith, Gilbereth, and Ainemetion. And we also lost some of the company that we had found.”

“Found?” Inquired Thranduil.

“Yes.” And so Ceros told the tale of their journey. The Elves present in the Kings company saw the pain on Ceros’ face and his companions as he re told their troubles on their expedition. And none could imagine, only hear what strife they had been through. It was grave news that came to the ears of Thranduil that day and indeed to every single Elf of Greenwood.

The tale of the tower on Amon Lanc was taken in shock; the hall was still as Ceros told their story. Not as sound could be heard, despite Ceros’ voice echoing from the delicately carved walls. And none of the fires in the hall could warm the hearts of those that stood to hear his tale.

“So, now we know where the spiders are from.” Spoke the elf King after the silence of a few minutes.

“They have attacked? Here?” Asked Ceros, his voice was distressed. The evil was spreading quickly, so quickly.

“Yes, yes they have. But we managed to defeat them.” Sighed Thranduil, he sat back in his throne. The crown of spring flowers adorned his fair hair, but spring had not come to Greenwood this year and Ceros feared if it would ever come again.

“But know,” Spoke up the King, “Let us feast. For those we thought we had lost have been born again from the shadows of evil and let us remember those who have passed.”

And so the company left the hall and returned to their families; they returned in the night for the feast that was to be held in their honour and in honour for those who had lost their lives to that evil that now polluted their kingdom. It was a joyous and happy night and friends and family were reunited. All happy, save for the tears that were shed for the lost ones.

[Nerindel]

Tinuviel's post

Reynion felt very much out of place when the tired group entered Thranduil's hall. His heart was heavy with guilt over Talas' death and with sorrow over his lost leg (and with it his hope that Taurewen could love him) and the reunions of family members were only a bitter reminder of his parting words to his own father.

He stood silently as Ceros told of their journey, and winced when he came to the part where he had lost his leg. Eyes turned toward him, and he held his head high, meeting no one's eyes. He would be glad when this ordeal was over.

His mother and, surprisingly, his father approached him immediately after Ceros' recital. Eldarion was thoroughly sorry for his angry words to his son; the fear that Reynion wouldn't come back had taught him just how important his son was to him. Reyn wasn't entirely pleased to be reconciled to his father under these circumstances, but it was pleasant to be with him without the friction that had marked their meetings for the past centuries.

Well, it was pleasant until the subject of conversation came around to Reynion's missing piece.

"I'm so sorry, son. You must feel it deeply." Pity was one thing that Reyn hated, and from his father--it felt as though his father had traded one way of looking down on him for another. And since he could no longer live in the middle of Greenwood--no, Mirkwood--alone, he would either have to live with his parents, or with someone else. Either way, he couldn't be alone. He'd almost forgotten that during the long imprisonment in the Cage.

"Father, if you never mention that again, I will be grateful."

****

The music made Reynion sick to his stomach. It was like someone was deliberately trying to remind him of all the things he could no longer do. The dancers all looked like they were enjoying themselves, even if the cause of celebration was mixed with sorrow.

Reyn watched them, bitterly contemplating centuries of this standing on the outskirts, forever condemned to watch and never experience that again. He finally couldn't take it, and began to walk out of the hall.

A flash of movement caught his eye. A swirl of blond hair, a hint of green, and he knew that Taurewen had arrived. He smiled almost unconciously--until he saw her dancing with Orodhin.

Then he walked out.
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Nerindel's post

The return journey was a hard one for Taurëwen, after the death of her brother Reynion had become distant, spending less and less time with her. Her heart was heavy with sadness, but for the sake of the others, especially the ones they had freed she wore an air of care, happiness and hope, even calling for Ihwesta to sing a song to lighted their hearts. A small part of her was glad to be returning, but she feared most explaining that she had found Talas only to lose him again. Every night after she had made sure everyone was well and sleeping she would find a quiet spot and cry herself to sleep.

When they finally passed through the south gate Taurëwen did not fail to notice that the eerie silence had followed them home, She continued on her head bent wearily, barely registered the words spoken between Ceros and the guards.

She stood in silence, head bowed as Ceros recounted their journey for Thranduil, her tear streaked face raising in horror as her king told of the attack by the spiders and the damage they had inflicted, she saw weariness in his noble face as he spoke.

After Thranduil had decreed that a feast would be held in their honour and to honour those lost, she found herself face to face with her father, he had been in the hall when they had arrived and had heard Ceros's account.

"Daughter!" He smiled weakly pulling her into his arms, She burst into tears sobbing uncontrollably on his strong shoulders, after a few moments she pushed him away, "Where is mother, I have news that you should hear together" she whispered unable to look into his eyes, "At home" he replied worry creasing his greying brow, "Then let us go," but as they left she glanced over her shoulder to find Reynion, but he was being fussed over by his parents, so she left to deliver her unpleasant news.

On reaching her home she was greeted by her mother, "Oh! it is true, you are home and you are safe!!!" she cried embracing her daughter so tight that Taurëwen thought she would not be able to breath, but sensing something was wrong she let her daughter go, "What is it! what's wrong daughter?" she asked gently.

"I found him I found Talas, but on the journey home he was slain, I couldn't save him, I couldn't bring him home! I'm sorry" she sobbed falling to her knees. To her surprise her mother and father gathered her up, their eyes were streaked with tears, not only for the news that their son was indeed lost,But for their daughters apparent pain and guilt.

"Do not look for fault in yourself daughter, it was not your blade that stole Talas' life it is these foul creatures that infest our realm, that we hold accountable!" her father whispered softly.

many hours passed as they comforted each other and bit by bit Taurëwen told her tale to them, leaving out the fact that Talas had been over come by the darkness. "You love him?" her mother asked as Taurëwen spoke of Reynion, "Yes I believe I do" she smiled weakly. "Then you should go to him you have both been through alot and will need each others support" her mother urged gently.

"Your mother is right and I believe if Talas was here he would want to see you happy" her father added. Taurëwen nodded, knowing this to be true.

"It is over Daughter, you are home and you should be happy tonight, celebrate your brothers life, don't mourn his loss" her father said lifting her head so her eyes met with his.

"No father it has just begun, but you are right I will celebrate my brothers life and honour him by doing all that I can to help heal Greenwood of it's darkness!"

After washing and slipping into a white and silver dress with matching slippers that had been her bothers favourite, she made her way to the feast, she was late, so she silently slipped onto her seat, during the meal toasts were made for each of those who were lost.

Then when the tables were cleared and the bards and minstrels called the feasting hall was filled with merry music, light melodic singing and light feet dance to and fro. Seeing Ihwesta and Ceros dancing in each others arms, Taurëwen went looking for Reynion, determined to let him know that she loved him and that she didn't blame him for Talas's death.

But as she searched she was stopped by Orodhin, Ihwesta's older brother, "May I have this dance?" he asked softly, Not wishing to be rude she nodded and let him lead her to the dance floor, but as they danced around the room her eyes searched for Reynion, but he was not there.

In that instant Taurëwen felt a gap in her heart as though something was missing, but the festivities of the night swept her away, the company laughed and danced the night away, none of them willing to speak of the horrors they had witnesses, but none of them forgetting those they had lost.

It was the next day before Taurëwen found out about Reynion's departure, it cut her deeply that he had not spoken to anyone about his departure, but it hurt her more that he had not even said goodbye.

Over the following weeks and months Taurëwen was kept busy tending the succumbed and helping them readjust back into everyday life, but the gap in her heart always remained, no matter what she did to try and fill it. The secret promises she made on their journey she never forgot an she dedicated herself to the protection and healing of the Greenwood.

[ October 08, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Arien]

Everdawn's post

It had been a trying journey home for Arië, the king had greeted them warmly, though the frost which had now fromed on Arië's heart could not be melted. She had come exhausted to her father, Menorë, after their address to the king, and stood as he spoke words which offered little comfort to her now, in such a former shaddow herself she bowed her head.

“I never knew such unbridled hate dwelled in the world.” He spoke, “Until now.” She looked up, her eyes straining against the light of the hall and into the face of her mother and father. His voice was lowered and he bent down to see her. “My only daughter, an innocent, who happened to be one of the few of faith and full of heroism, was one of the few thinking Greenwood able to come back from the brink of annihilation. My only child believing in the deeds of Ceros and his company, strayed out into this once beautiful wood full of life, now this wood, this… Mirkwood brings her here and Ceros has not failed.”

And there she cried, all the sorrow and broken innocence of her short days appearing in unison on her mornful soul. Sendalien Arië the elder gave her daughter a hand to lean on. "You have done more than was thought that you could do, your grace has gone now, but have faith my Younger, your grace will return."

In the days that passed, Arië was not alone, there were many an elf who came and spoke with her. She had gone herself and spoken with Ainemention's parents and wept over. Ainemention's mother said to her, "Biearyn Arië, I am gald that my son could have lived to save a life such as yours."

She saw much of Ihwesta and Ceros and Taurëwen and Eruwen in the weeks following. All had noticed the swift change in their young friend, her eyes told the tale of her growing what seemed to be centuries upon her return home.

The darkness had only begun to eat their once placid home.She became part of the king's counsel. Some fought now with a great hope, like Ceros, but Arië knew in her heart that they would fail.

Arië, in the latter days, never found many excuses to be happy, and the younger's spirit was never shown in such passion to another elf again, not even to her friends and Arië never married.

It tore her apart to see how the world had changed those few weeks, and Arië never recovered fully from her own doom.
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Arien's post

After the return to their realm all continued with the same duties they had had before departing. Reyn had disappeared mysteriously; and none of them held any knowledge of where he had gone, just that he had departed. It had cut Taurëwen deeply and the pain showed on her face when it was too much for her to contain.

Ceros continued with his duties to the realm, and worked and battled tirelessly against any foe that dared to come near their borders. Ceros too now had a duty to Ihwesta; he could not deny that he had fallen in love with her during their journey.

“It seems as though love can even grow in places of despair.” Those were the words of Orodhin when Ceros asked for the blessing of their marriage for he would not marry her without the consent of his closest friend.

He loved her dearly, and times were to come in the following years when she would be his only comfort against the darkness that devoured their home.

[ October 09, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Arien]

Epilogue

………..The greatest forest in Middle Earth now bowed to the forces of evil that lurked within. From the day that the shadow of evil entered the south, it was no longer the same. Twisted forms marred her trees and killed her animals. And she wept. And he came…And from those days forth her beauty was no more. Slowly his evil spread and reached the Elves. And they in turn closed their doors to the world; to keep the evil out and to keep the good in.

That was the story of how the evil was found, some died and some lived but he was too strong. They fought but the evil was too strong and in their failure the doors of their halls were closed; their beauty and hers was shunned out of sight beneath the veil of blackness. And from then on she was Mirkwood………

[ October 08, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[piosenniel]

~*~ To Elvenhome ~*~