Cirith Ungol RPG

[Elenna]

She crept up the web, taking great care not to lay a hand on the trigger threads that would alert the spider to her presence. Spider's Bane, her sword, glinted in the darkness that never left Mirkwood even during the day. The spider did not notice her approaching until it was too late. He whirled around and croaked "Arawil" in the fell tongue of the Children of Ungoliant before she was upon him.

"For the Trees!" she cried, as she speared the writhing creature, a fierce white light in her pale eyes.

For Arawil was old, older than the forest in which she walked and stalked. Few had seen her, save her prey. Her life was killing the spiders, offspring of Ungoliant, she who had killed the Trees. Yet most of the Mirkwood spiders were gone, and only one direct descendant of Ungoliant remained - Shelob.

[Ithaeliel]

Anroth was lost.

He thought to himself, what a fool you are! You come to Mirkwood for your first time, knowing nothing of the lay of the forest, asking no one for help, and yet you come into one of the most perilous places of Middle-earth armed with only a sword and your intuition? You are a fool indeed, Anroth.
It was night in the forest, and he had lost his path. He knew not if he was any closer to Thranduil's realm than to Dol Guldur. He sook news from the Elven-king of the dealings in the Northeast, for the wind had borne to him when he was in the Hithaeglir a rumour of strange and eerie shadows that haunted the forest by nightfall, and they were more than just spiders.
And even as he mused over this, Anroth heard a faraway crash and a garbled shriek like that of a monster. "One of Ungoliant's children... so it is true," he said to himself as he drew his sword and ran swiftly toward the fray.

[Ithaeliel]

<<I'm sorry to double-post, I just don't want this RPG to die before it even begins>>

Anroth had barely set foot in the dark clearing before he saw a shadowy figure before him. It was leaning over, but as it straightened itself, Anroth saw the crumpled form of a dead spider at its feet and the gleam of a blood-covered sword being drawn steadily out. He drew his own ancient sword and leapt on the figure, lest it should be an enemy of his. "What name are you known by and are you a friend or foe of the king?" he asked quietly. The figure did not move, but drew a shaky breath as it spoke. It was a woman's voice. "I am Arawil, foe of the children of Ungoliant, and if I must choose a side, I would choose that of the throne of Gondor," she said. Anroth released Arawil from his grasp and backed away, sheathing his sword.

[Elenna]

"But I warn you, mortal. I am not on anyone's side. Your petty kingdom's quarrels mean nothing to me. My only task is to rid the world of Ungoliant's kin. Stay out of my way." She grabbed a limb of a nearby tree and swung herself up, clearly planning to escape.

"Wait!" Anroth called. "Can you help me get to the Elven King's halls? I am lost..."

"Obviously, little man. But in this I will help you. Follow me." She sprang to another branch and began to climb like a spider across the forest canopy. Anroth gulped and followed, thinking all the time I'm going to die. I am going to fall, and die.

[Ithaeliel]

Sweat formed on Anroth's forehead as he climbed cautiously through the branches of the thick trees of Mirkwood. He had no time to think of anything else but climbing, for it was not his forte, and before he knew it, Arawil stopped, and climbing higher into the tree she poked her head through the branches.
"Well," she said when she leapt back down, "It seems we are near to our destination, little ranger... what did you say your name was?"
"I do not give my name out freely, especially not to people as reclusive and strange as you are."
Arawil frowned. "Reclusive I may be, but evil I am not. As I have said before, my only enemy is the Children of Ungoliant, but my only ally would be my sword."
Anroth laughed and shook his head in disbelief. "You are a strange woman, Arawil. Lead me now to Thranduil's halls. Perhaps later I shall again seek thee out and tell thee my name, if thou will it."
Arawil turned and began to climb toward the halls, which were now in plain sight. "If you wish to seek me out, you may, although I doubt we shall ever meet again."
Never underestimate a ranger's tracking skills, on ground or high limb of tree, Anroth thought to himself as he followed her finally toward the elven-king's halls.

[Elenna]

Finally, Arawil and Anroth reached Thranduil's halls.

"Come inside with me, Arawil. You might enjoy speaking to someone besides your sword and the spiders."

"To them I am a legend, ranger. And I like it that way. Farewell."

And with that, she swung back into the branches and was gone.

[Robin Headstrong]

"An Elvin-maid there was of old,
A shining star by day..."
Min began the old Elvish song accompanied by the plucking of his lute. He always came out into the forest to practice reciting the Songs. He preferred the refuge of the trees rather than being trapped inside the halls of Mirkwood.
The musician's ears picked up the sound of a branch being cut. He abruptly finished right in the middle of the song and followed the sound to investigate. No Wood Elf would cut down a branch while travelling in a forest.
"Hello?" he called. "Who are you, and what business do you have in this forest?"
Min's jaw dropped when he finally found the source of the sound.

[Elenna]

Arawil dropped from above onto the branch where the minstrel sat. "And who are you, little bird, perched in your tree, singing? My business here is certainly none of yours. Who are you?"

"My name's Min. Who are you?"

"I am Arawil, and you are disturbing my prey. Stop that caterwauling."

"Arawil? THE Arawil?" Min said to the air. Arawil had crept off.

[Ithaeliel]

Anroth had recieved his news from Thranduil. He came out of the halls and his mind immediately turned to Arawil.
Swift as a deer, he ran back to the forest and climbed to a tree from which a branch was freshly hewn. He heard a cry from below and stopped. Looking down, he saw a minstrel who appeared quite bewildered by something.
"I beg your pardon, sir, but who are you and why are you up in a tree?"
Anroth continued to leap nimbly from branch to branch. "I am Anroth the ranger, and I am seeking Arawil. I have not the time to explain," he finished before leaping out of sight.

[Shadow_Staar]

Dykoria, atop her blood bay stallion Morne Nuru, rode swiftly through the woods of Mirkwood. She was hear for adventure, and was bored of Rivendell and Rohan.
"I can't believe it Morne Nuru, me a Ranger, is bored." She laughed slightly to herself, and brought her stallion to a halt. There was music up ahead, and a noise in the trees.
Morne Nuru halted and perked his ears towards the sound. All of the sudden a man came crashing throught the trees, scaring the living day lights out of poor Morne Nuru. The stallion reared, and almost tramples the poor man. But Dykoria calmed her horse and turned her head to the man.
"What were you doing in a tree?" She demanded.
"I am following someone, so leave me be." He got up, and turned back to his tree.
She glared after the man as he climbed the tree, and muttered a curse under her breath.

[Robin Headstrong]

Min heard the sound of horse hooves from below the branches. He leapt down to find a woman dressed in the garb of a Ranger, riding a tall stallion.
"Another outsider in the woods?" he asked. "I saw two others just earlier. Who are you?"
"I am Dykoria, and this is my stallion, Morne Nuru," the woman replied.
"And I am Minyatalion," said the elf, "but you may call me Min. Did you see a man Ranger or a woman of similar fashion go by?"
"Just a moment ago a Ranger did fall from a tree frighten my horse," Dykoria answered. "But I didn't see a woman."
"That Ranger was following the woman," said Min. "Thank you, Dykoria. I hope we meet again sometime soon." With that, he leapt back up the tree and went off in search of Anroth and Arawil.
Min leapt from tree to tree, looking for any traces of either the Ragner or the huntress. He really didn't mean to meet Anroth again; he wanted to see the mysterious Arawil. She was only a legend in Mirkwood; and Min was determined to know more about her. He was proud of himself; he was one of the few native Wood Elves to have seen a legend thought by many not to exist!
The Wood Elf felt a branch snap under his weight, and he quickly jumped and grabbed the branch of another tree and hoisted himself up. Suddenly, he heard a hissing sound. He slowly turned his head around to find a round, black shape with sleek legs climbing towards him.
A Spider! Min didn't have his knife with him, and he couldn't fight the creature with his fists. All he had was his lute...

[Ithaeliel]

Anroth continued to jump through the trees as lightly as a cat. He was getting better all the time. But he had gone on for miles with no sign of anyone. How quick and sly could Arawil possibly be?
Finally, he heard a cry, and a quarter-mile later Arawil was on the ground beneath him, surrounded by a large pack of hungry spiders. "Now we shall finally have our vengeance on the Murderer," one hissed in the tongue of the children of Ungoliant, which Anroth barely understood. They began to close in on Arawil. She fought back, killing many, but she was by far outnumbered. Anroth jumped down quietly from the tree and raised his sword above the back of one of the attacking spiders. But another saw him and croaked at the spider right before Anroth drove his sword into its back. It shrieked and crumpled up before the ranger drew forth his sword and slew another. Soon enough, the pack was in a frenzy, with now both Arawil and Anroth fighting them.

[Lucretia]

Agarwaen Macil woke up to sounds of battle, sharp cries and breaking branches. She jumped off of the high branch, and, pulling out her sword, Nevthondiel, and landed lightly on her feet. The scene before her ws astounding: Massive spiders, such as she had'nt seen in years beyond count, were attacking two people, who looked like other travelers. Agarwaen Jumped into the battle and started slashing across the backs of spiders. Soon there were few left, and those spiders that remained fled in fear. Agarwaen looked down at the dark corpses below her, and looked up to find the two staring at her in surprise, as though they had never seen an Elf such as this.

[Elenna]

Finally, all of the spiders but one had died. Arawil decapitated this one with a fierce downward stroke, faster than the eye could follow. The three warriors stood looking at each other, breathing hard.

"Why are you following me, human?" Arawil said in a low, furious voice.

"What? I just saved you?"

"SAVED me? I, who have hunted the children of Ungoliant since the world was born? I need no help! Now. Why were you following me? Both of you!"

[Ithaeliel]

"Why are you following me?"

Anroth was taken aback. Well, you are quite welcome yourself! I ought to teach her some social graces if I have the time. Instead he said politely, "Do you not remember my words? I intended to follow you in the first place. Are you angry because I have succeeded?" He raised an eyebrow and looked at Arawil skeptically. The elf stood by, expecting an argument.
Arawil sheathed her sword in frustration. "Leave this place, both of you. My business is my own, and I don't appreciate either of you nosing about in it!" she hissed.

[Shadow_Staar]

Dykoria took her time gettin to the site, and found many people standing there, and two inparticular where fighting, she listened a little be decided it was not interesting, and just sat there on her stallion watching. The noise becaming annoying, and she finally spoke.
"Can you please stop fighting, it's childish!"
Everyone stopped and looked at her.
"Stop staring, haven't you ever seen a Ranger before?" She sneered.

[Ithaeliel]

Arawil threw her hands up in the air, angry and frustrated. "Yet another newcomer in my part of the forest! Soon I shall be known to the entire court of Thranduil! Ai!"

Anroth glared at the girl as she spoke her spiteful question. "What a question, when you yourself do not know your fellow ranger when you see him! Suilad, Dyakoria," he said politely. It was then that the girl recognized him. "Anroth? Anroth of Gondor?"
Anroth bowed. "Yea, I come to seek news from Mirkwood."

"And just who might you be?" Dykoria inquired, her eyes shifting from the elf to the strange woman Anroth had been talking to.
Arawil did not speak. She was furious that four people had entered her teritory and seen her.

[Elenna]

Finally, she spoke. "I am Arawil Spider's-Bane. I live in Mirkwood, alone. But it seems as though I must give up my life of solitude, for my task here is done. The Children of Ungoliant are no more in Mirkwood, and only one remains in other parts."

[Ithaeliel]

"Shelob," Anroth said. "You intend to seek her out? She is far more swift and powerful than the spiders of Mirkwood. You cannot go to Cirith Ungol alone. If you underestimated Shelob, it could be the death of you."
Arawil thought that the ranger was hinting at her. "Do you really expect that I would go out of my way to have you three tag along with me to the dark passage into Mordor? You are a fool, young ranger," she snapped.
"I meant nothing by it. I only said that Shelob may equal you, or perhaps overcome you, if she has mustered that much strength. You should at least have a dependable band of warriors behind you."
Arawil stared at Anroth, one eyebrow cocked up. "The mind of a Numenorean ranger who roams the wilds works in strange ways," she said. "I have to admit, you are an impressive sworfighter, as well as the elf. I do not know of the female ranger, as she has only just arrived here and I have not had a chance to test her yet."
Dykoria scowled at Arawil. She would show the Maia her abilities.

[Shadow_Staar]

Dykoria jumped off her horse, and unsheathed her sword as quick as lighting.
"You want to test my abilities, Arawil, fine test me!" The female ranger sneered.

[Elenna]

"Fine, Ranger," Arawil hissed, grinning fiercely. Then she attacked. Dykoria was fast, very fast for one of mortal race.

But Arawil was not mortal. For hundreds of thousands of years, she had been prowling the forests of the world seeking the Children of Ungoliant.

Dykoria swung her sword up over her head, preparing to finish the test, and then gasped as Arawil stepped inside her stroke, countering her blade and sending Dykoria's sword flying into a tree 30 feet away.

[ August 31, 2002: Message edited by: Elenna ]

[Robin Headstrong]

(ooc: Sorry I haven't posted in so long... &^%! summer reading...)

As Min looked down at the spider below him, thinking of what he could use to stop it. Then he remembered... the lute! It sounded ludricous at first, but maybe music could stop the Spider.
Min pulled out his lute and began singing an Elvish tune. The Spider seemed to be slowing down...
SHING! A long metal object was flying through the air, missing Min's head by a fraction of an inch and settling into the trunk of the tree. The minstrel abruptly ended his song, turning his head to see that the object was a sword- what could have sent it flying like that? Maybe he could fight the Spider... He grabbed the sword by the hilt and pulled. It wouldn't budge. He pulled again and again, but all of his effort was in vain. The sword remained in its same position.
The Spider below him hissed again. Min cursed under his breath, kicked the black creature in the eye, and leaped to another tree.

[ September 14, 2002: Message edited by: Robin Headstrong ]

[Shadow_Staar]

"Well then Spiders-Bane, i see you are not as slow as i had preceived," Dykoria grabbed her sword,"I hear you are going to Cirith Ungol, in search for the thing they call Shelob. I can be of use, and I am bored here." She lazily swung her sword back into its sheath, and leaned against a tree.
"What is this?! I never asked or told any of you to join me!" Arawil told them, with her anger in her eyes.
"Yes, but we are bored here, and seek adventure, and you are the one who can give it." Dykoria stated."And, now you know of me, and how I work. So like it or not, we are coming."

[Robin Headstrong]

The Spider was gaining on Min. "You can't escape me, Elf!" it hissed in the tongue of the Children of Ungoliant. "I have sisters!"
Another Spider appeared behind it, then a second, then a third, then a fourth. How many were there?
Min could only run; he was sure his lute and voice wouldn't be enough to tame this many Spiders. Then he spotted a figure on the ground: Arawil! She was standing with Anroth and Dykoria. "Arawil!" Min called. "Spiders!"

[Shadow_Staar]

"Spiders? Well, this should be fun." She drew her sword, and smirked as she saw they spiders closing distance between them.
"Well don't just stand there! FIght them!!" Min yelled.
Dykoria was second to attack, for Arawil had already taken a spider out. Dykforia stabbed one of the things in the eyes, and and proceded to cut off leg by leg, until the thing managed to get a away and regroup.
"Come back and fight, you foul creature!" The female ranger ran and kneeled and put her sword up as the spider jumped and landed on the ranger's sword. SHe roled out from under the thing, covered in it's blood.
"Discusting."

[Elenna]

Arawil swiftly did away with the rest of the spiders. "Stupid things - they keep trying to attack me in small groups, and I keep defeating them."

Then she remembered Dykoria and the rest. "I suppose you can come with me to Cirith Ungol, but do not swear to help me defeat Shelob - I have seen her. You have not, and the darkness she casts around her will probably drive you mad."

[Ithaeliel]

Anroth was not expecting her to let them come. His wont to come at all had not been, actually, although he was not reluctant. The mere fact that Arawil had granted Dykoria's request was a sign that she was not so relentless as he had thought. Anroth approached Arawil. "I will not swear to help you defeat her, but I will swear this: I shall be of help to you whenever possible. I shall not betray you. I would die first. That is my way."

[ September 07, 2002: Message edited by: Ithaeliel ]

[Shadow_Staar]

"Then to Cirith Ungol, we go, I like the dark, it won't drive me mad. You jump to conclusion's old woman...don't underestimate me." Dykoria turned to Morne Nuru and hopped on. "Well are we leaving or not?"

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hreeza watched the creatures below her and her laugh tinkled down to them like the autumns breeze. She grimaced though as she looked at the grisly remains of the spiders, and extended a finger of wind down to brush the vile bits away.
The wind sprite examined the group carefully, watching them in the way that only an elemental can, seeing all that they all they are.
One was arrogant seeming, although the sprite saw her anxiety for the others acceptance, and her ever present longing to travel. She had a good heart and Hreeza was gratified to see her want to do good and vanquish bad, strong for a mortal.
One had beautiful fine tuned twists to his soul and the sprite recognised with delight that he was a musician. This one was young and not as adventurous as the others, but his spirit was beautiful to the sprites eyes.
Another male was with them. Loyalty glittered in his soul and Hreeza was not surprised to see he was an elf. However, her attention was distracted from this one to the other, whose shimmering spirit took her breath away. She could not begin to examine her; it would not be right, for this creature was above her, one of the valars servants. She shivered with delight. This was the one the trees whispered of,who she would help...and who could help her.

[Elenna]

Arawil suddenly sniffed the air. "I know you are there, sprite. I am not that foolish. A wind coming from nowhere to sweep away the spiders, and then vanishing like it had never been? That is elemental work."

The others looked at Arawil as though she were raving - they heard and smelt no one.

They were incredibly startled to hear a silvery laugh come from the tree above them. "Well done, Arawil. I am Hreeza - a wind spirit."

[Shadow_Staar]

"A wind Sprite,eh? Well now that we know she is here, shall we continue on and start our little journey, or will I have to go Alone?" Dykoria asked.
"Dykoria, calm down, we will begin soon." Min stated. Dykoria went into a pout and mumbled something about going alone.
"Ah, so YOU are the adventerous one, i see." The sprite smiled, and turned her attention back to Arawil.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hreeza surveyed the baffled creatures below her with amusement at their confusion. Dykoria...that one was so adventurous, but Hreeza pushed back this thought. Others had been as headstrong as this one and to what avail had it been?

Her happiness at the Maias recognition was shwon with her silver laugh. Min, the minstrel looked around in awe at the sound, like a silver harp. She came closer to him, pouring herself in and around his lute, producing a snippet of the beautiful delicate music of the air.
"What is this trickery?"
The wind sprite stopped playing and was shocked to see the ranger Dykoria holding out her sword in a shaking hand. Arawil looked up angrily and Mins expression of delighted bliss turned to bewilderment, although he said nothing.
"Trickery?" Arawils face darkened. "That trickery you seem to foolishly resent is the sacred soul music of the forest itself! How dare-"
"Hush..." The sprites whisper rustled in the leaves near Arawils head, quieting her. "She knows not of the forest as such a living thing-her people have forgotten such things. I mean not to startle or disturb you ranger." She continued, turning to the ranger, now sheathing her sword. "The soul music is simply a way to express my being to you."
Anroth had been watching and listening in amazement. At this recent answer, he stepped up and waved his hand through the air in which her voice had come from. "What are you? I hear your voice, yet I can barely see you-"
"Barely?" Arawil and Hreeza interupted together, then stared at each other- well Hreeza stared at Arawil and the Maia stared at the shimmering outline of the sprite. How could this elf, not an eternal first spirit such as these see Hreeza?
"What an you see of her, elf?"
"I see an outline, yet...yet another outline over that. The silver glitter in the air...can you not show yourself to us in a more corporeal form?"
"Would that I could Anroth. Would that I could." Her eyes stared into Arawils, trying to pass the hidden meaning on. She could not voice her wish- was not allowed- instead she had to earn them and hope to make Arawil understand.Earn them...aha! Taking a deep breath she spoke.
"O maia, I beleive i can assist you in you quest. Allow me to come and I will do as you command for the good of the quest." She flashed a quick mind picture of a human/elf kneeling and handing a sword to Arawil in a way of expressing herself.
"Of course sprite. I would value your help."
"Well then what are we waiting for?" Said Min eagerly. Dykoria perked up and together the group began to plan.

[Losthuniel]

Laegulien walked the forest of Mirkwood, breathing deeply of the piny air. A familiar sound, a voice that had all but faded from memory, reached her ears through the densness of the forest. Smiling in recognition, she hastend to the glade where he heard it. To her great surprise, she saw not only Arawil,whom she knew but also 2 humans and an elf. And to her greater astonishment, a wispy presence in the air
"Sister*" she said, bowing her head. Arawil turned.
"Laiquasse**! it has been long since we last met on the other side of the sea."
"Indeed. many now know me as Laegulien. But what brings you here? The spiders are all but exticnt."
"Yes, precisley. There is one other. Shelob, the giant spider."
"Surley you dont..."
"I do."
<<i realize i have taken liberties, and if this doesnt work out, I'll edit. if its a problem, tell me. Ithink that Laeg and Arawil would probably know each other, considering they are both Maia from the Blessed Realm, and that they both loved the Trees.
* Just a greeting
**Laiquasse: Laeg's spirit- name
(like Gandalf was Olorin)

[Carnëiach]

OCC: hi all, sorry this is Aman, but Ive got a few problems with my other account so can I play in this account?

Hreeza stopped and turned as she felt another prescence entering the group. Noble, strong, kind and loyal...and a maia! It was too much to wish for and yet here it was- not one maia to revert her to a corporeal form, but two!
*Wondeful!*
Tha maia greeted each other and the watching wind sprite would have looked amazed as Min currently did when she found they were sisters, and therefore bound to have a mental link.
*Thankyou wondrous valar! If ever I doubted you, rest assured thats gone!*
"Ah, what is whispered on the breeze!" The newcomer whirled around. "It talks of our masters and mistresses the valar."
Hreeza let her silvery laugh rustle the branches over and around the maias head. *Your words hold more truth than you may guess when you talk of the wind whispering noble maia.*
Laegulien turned to her sister with a look of amazement. "Can this be real? Windsprites still inhabit the ancient forests and will talk with us?" She looked back to where her enhanced vision showed a silvery sheen. "Who are you sprite?"
"Her name is Hreeza. She seeks to help us." Arawils last sentence made Hreeza look sharply at her; it held undertones, that was for sure. Had Arawil guessed her wish for a corporeal form?

[Elenna]

Arawil mentally frowned as she said that Hreeza meant to help her and her companions defeat Shelob. "For no wind-sprite that I have ever met has wished to do such a thing. Shelob and her foul kind do no harm to the wind, nor to the sprites. I know she wants something of me, and of Laiquasse."

"All right. If we all are to travel to Cirith Ungol, we shall need to stop in the Elven King's halls to get some supplies."

"But Thranduil never gives to travelers, and is distrustful of strangers," Anroth said uneasily.

"True, but I am not any stranger. I am a legend, Arawil Spiders-bane, children's tale and creature of the shadows. He will help me, for all that he might not wish to."

[Losthuniel]

<<Sorry, allow me to clairify: Arawil and Laeg are not actually related, but they know ech other fairly well from a long time ago(that is, if you're okay with this Elenna, I know I'm taking Liberties. "Sister i was mereley using a a greeting. sorry for confusion, I'll edit my post>>

[Robin Headstrong]

"She's right," said Min, "I myself am from the halls of Thranduil, and many of my kin have heard of the legends of Arawil. Some of my friends will be amazed to find that she is real after all, just as I was when I first saw her!"

The elf smiled, remembering the stories he would make up about Arawil as a child. He often daydreamed of the Maia battling Spiders and hiding in the forest. His brothers and sisters often laughed at him, for having such an active imagination. But it also brought back the memories of his father and instructor, who had scolded him: "Your duty is to preserve history, Minyatalion, not to preserve dreams." It wasn't long before Min stopped inventing tales and began reciting the ancient Elvish songs, abandoning his fascination with local legends and childish fantasies. How astonishing it was to discover that the tales he had heard and disregarded were known facts!

Min stopped thinking of the past and turned to the two Maia. "So this is Laegulien? Amazing, I've met two Maiar in one day! By the way, my name is Minyatalion, but everyone knows me as Min. I am a minstrel in the halls of Thranduil. What brings you into Mirkwood?"

[ September 19, 2002: Message edited by: Robin Headstrong ]

[Anarya SilverBranch]

<<OCC- Sorry I can't remember any information about my character that I sent you so I'm going to make it up as I go along as well as I can remember it.>>

Vivianna looked at the forest distastefully. The dark trunks of the trees stood close together, their leaves dancing in between their shivering branches. She grimaced.

Vivianna had no desire what so ever to enter the dark shadowed wood, the eaves as black as the mane of her horse, Kidia. She had not been through Mirkwood in ten years. She hadn't liked it then and now, at the age of 37 springs, she still didn't like it.

Kidia grunted softly, the evening mist beginning to encircle her hooves in the growing twilight.

"Well," Vivianna said to no one in particular, "Might as well get it done with."

She lightly jabbed Kidia in the ribs, her green wool skirt beginning to dampen with the ever rising fog. She had stopped wearing breeches years before, when she was young and wild. She was just as happy with wearing them under her dress now.

Kidia neighed suspiciously than quietly began to edge into the wood, Vivianna putting the hood of her cloak over her hair, done back neatly in a thick braid running down her back.

Something caught her ear the minute she entered the wood though. The ever growing sounds of hurried voices could be heard upon the ever playing breeze, dancing about leaves...

[Shadow_Staar]

Dykoria sat patiently atop her horse for what seemed like hours. She was bored, and night was coming on. She sighed, and did a few braids in her stallion's mane, out of bordem, until she heard a faint noise to her left. She reined Morne Nuru to the left, and he started to walk.
"Dykoria! Where do you think-" Arawil was silenced by Dykoria's hand going up in the air, asking for silence.
She urged her stallion forward, and saw a young woman atop a horse. Dykoria swiftly and silently rode up behind her.
"What are you doing here? Don't you know that the forest is dangerous when it gets dark? Or are you to careless to notice that it is dark?" Dykoria scolded. "Follow me, oh careless one."
The female nudged her horse to walk and made sure that the other woman followed.
"Dykoria, what is this?!" Arawil shouted.
"I found her in the forest." She sighed," But who cares? I want to get on with this."

[ September 20, 2002: Message edited by: Shadow_Staar ]

[Carnëiach]

Hreeza watched the way Dykoria approached with amazement, turning to frank astonishment as the new woman followed. She tried not to laugh with disbelief, as she had not yet showed herself to the new woman openly.

She had tried to stay with the groundlings, but she would have had to have the patience of an earth elemental to have stayed at the dwawdle they were going, and wind is the most restless of the elementals. She had wandered through the forest, and in passing had found the new woman. The mortal was lost, wanted to get to Thranduils court, and it would not have done to let herself lose herself to the spiders- Arawil wouldnt be likely to forgive her for that one and it would do nothing towards the gaining of the spell. Viviana had not struck her as a weak woman though...

The sprite sighed as she played lightly through the leaves. She would reveal herself all in good time, no matter how many meaningful looks Arawil was giving her...

[Elenna]

Arawil muttered curses under her breath. What had started as her own personal vendetta against Shelob had turned into what she viewed as a merry walking-party for too many clueless elves.

"Fine!" she snarled. "You can all come! But don't expect it to be fun. This is no picnic for children in the woods. We will likely meet terrible battle, fearsome darkness, and we will all probably die. But if that's what you want..."

Arawil had expected them all to quit right then and there, to go crying home to their mothers. But, strangely, none of them seemed distressed by her morbid pronouncement.

So the Maia, unsure of what she should say, gripped a tree branch and swung herself up, crawling like the spiders she hunted across the canopy. "Hurry up! I don't have forever," she called behind her.

[Shadow_Staar]

"Well if you are done giving your little speaches, Spiders-Bane,"Her voice dripping with sarcasm,"Then I guess we shall leave."
Dykoria urge Morne Nuru forward and followed the Maia. The new girl rode close to Dykoria, unsure of what she had gotten herself into.
"What's your name?"
"If you must know, it's Dykoria." The ranger said with out even turning to look at her.
"Oh, I'm-"
"I don't care who you are." Dykoria cut her off and rode ahead, to keep up with Arawil.
"Vivianna." She said shaking her head.
"Don't mind her, she's just, how should I put it, Dark." Min said as he caugh up to Vivianna. "But I'm Min, nice to meet you."

[Carnëiach]

Hreeza watched Min introducing himself to Viviana, smiling. Ah...
"Looks like now would be a good time for introductions Arawil."
"Yes it would indeed sprite." The maia replied.
"Well, as the leader of our little group-"
"None of whom I wanted to join me!"
"-Then you should be first to introduce yourself first surely?"
"Ah, where would I be without my trusty and interfering elemental friend?"
"Im gonna try and find a comliment in that Arawil."
"So I think others should know of her, instead of such a wonderful diplomatic sprite hovering in the air like that!" Arawil finished triumphantly. Hreezas smiled froze on her lips as she realised the maia had won the arguement. Then she laughed lightly. Never miss a chance to wind up Arawil.
"Of course, O mighty leader. Is that a smile I see from the great spiders bane? No it must have been a trick of the light."
Arawil sighed loudly and frownder, but her eyes were twinkling. The sprite whisked past her, not missing the chance to blow up her heair in passing and approached the pair further on.
She blew lightly through Mins instrument, tinkling a small tune and they both turned sharply.
"Good day fine Viviana." She whispered. "I am Hreeza, a sprite."

[Elenna]

"And I am Arawil."

Vivianna's eyes widened. "Arawil? Were you named after the Maia they call Spider's Bane in the old stories?"

Hreeza laughed, a sound like wind through leaves. Arawil's silver eyes narrowed.

"I am Arawil Spider's Bane."

This is going to be a long trip, she thought to herself as she swung up into a higher branch.

[Carnëiach]

"Are you named after Spiders bane?"
Hreezas laugh was like wind through trees but she cut it off as quickly as she could at Arawils glare.
"I am Spiders Bane." She said angrily, riding ahead. Hreeza got control of herself glad her smile could not be seen.
"Nice one mortal." She whispered to the woman. "I honestly dont think i could have put it better. If I had a hand, Id shake yours."
Leaving the confused land walkers she followed the maia. "Arawil! Arawil!"
"Go back and play with your little friends. Although theyre too good for you." She muttered angrily.
"Hey! Come on Arawil, she didnt know. Very few humans expect to meet a legend. I think she still thinks Im some trick Min is playing!"
Arawil sighed angrily. "This is going to be a really long trip. An arrogant ranger, a wide eyed musician, a....well, Ill use the word nieve human, and a sprite who I cant even pinpoint apart from as a silvery sheen who enjoys teasing me."
"It doesnt have to stay that way noble one." Hreeza whispered quietly. As Arawil looked questioningly at her she changed the subject, although she hoped the maia had picked up the hint. "Ah! There is King Thranduils palace already."
Indeed the mighty and elegant palace rose out out of the forest, built of elegant silver and greens. Around it Hreeza could see the ghost images of all who had lived and made a difference there, making the sprite smile. Two elves outside saw them and one went to alert the others inside. The other started to spproach them.
"Oh great, more elves...." Muttered Arawil, straightening up.

[Shadow_Staar]

"Oh, the palace already." Dykoria sighed, she just wanted to leave this boring forest.
"So, Arawil, what are we doing here again?"
"I told you already!" The maia replied angerly. "Weren't you listening?"
"No, why would I? I know all this stuff." Dykoria scoffed.
"Well then you should know why we are here." Arawil snapped as the ranger and jumped down off the branch to meet the on-coming elves.

[Elenna]

Arawil also climbed down from her perch in a tree to meet the elves. The first, a tall, blond, strapping fellow carrying a spear held up a hand. His companions stopped.

"Who dares to set foot in King Thranduil's realm?" he called. "Be ye elf? Speak quickly or I will be forced to attack you."

"Not on your pretty spear, elfling." Arawil said, laughing. "I could run you through before you had even registered I had moved."

This entire scene could have devolved into a battle, if it were not for Min. He held up his hands. "Himhuan, you know who I am. Take us to the King, and let us tell him our story."

[Carnëiach]

"Well, so much for Min being useless. Here, allow me to prepare you a slice of humble pie.." Hreeza whispered to Arawil. The soldier in front who was leading them stiffened at the sound and turned around. Arawils glare stopped him though and he turned stright around again, not wanting to seem like he was hearing things and walked on a bit more briskly.
"I wouldnt bother shwoing yourself as who you are Sprite. Theyre going to have enough trouble dealing with that fact that Im actually Arawil, not just just named after her, without having to deal with the invisible circus with me." She replied through gritted teeth.
"Well, thankyou."
"What?!"
"Well, youve actually admitted Im travelling with you now. Thankyou."
"You..." The exasperated maia searched for words. "Exasperater."
"Sullen."
"Maddening."
"Boring."
The tirade was cut short by the opening of a huge pair of double doors. The group stepped through, Hreeza closely flanking Arawil to face King Thranduil of Mirkwood.

[Losthuniel]

Laegulien laughed at Hreeza and Arawil, shaking her head at heir argument. The ranger in front of them kept shooting glances over his shoulder, though at Arawil or her invisible friend, Laegulien couldn't tell. The task at hand came back to her abruptly, and her smile faded. Shelob was a dangerous enemy, and laegulien stopped, unsure if she did want to go on this seemingly foolhardy mission. glancing at Arawil, who was walking confidently up ahead, she shook her head, and hardend her resolve.She wou;d go.

[Shadow_Staar]

"This is soo boring." Dykoria muttered to herself.
"Well you're the one who was begging to come." Arawil stated.
"Well, so what? This IS boring." Dykoria gave a sigh, and handed her horse off to one of the elven guards. "Be a dear, and watch him for me." She left with the others to seek an audience, before the guard could reply.
"What a weird girl." He shook his head and led the horse to the stable area.

[Carnëiach]

The wind sprite watched yet another of Dykorias maddening acts of arrogance but if shed had teeth she would have ground them together.

As the group came through the doors they bowed in front of Thranduil, who rose respectfully to meet them, which surprised Hreeza; who was the ruler here, him or them? The king was staring at Arawil with an odd look on his face, as if he was seeing something he couldnt quite believe.
"Well this is quite an honour-" He muttered, then stopped, remembering his status and that of the group, even the two maia. "What brings you travellers to the Palace of Thranduil in Mirkwood, seeking even an audience with myself?" His voice was more stately now, although he was still looking hard at Arawil. She looked back at him, meeting his deep brown eyes with her startlingly pale ones. "We seek to get supplies for a journey to Cirith Ungol to finally rid Arda of Shelob, spawn of Ungoliant. This is Laegulien, one of the noble maia, this Dykoria and Anroth, rangers, Minytalion and Viviana, travellers in the forest. And I am Arawil, the one you know as spiders bane."
Thranduils eyebrows shot up and he walked towards Arawil. He looked at her face once again, the translucent skin, pale icy eyes, the cold nobility. He nodded to her again, taking her hand and raising it to his forehead. "An honour indeed to have two maia staying, especially as high as the Spiders Bane and legend, Arawil." Here Arawil shot a satisfyed glance in the direction of Viviana. Hreeza smiled, shifting through Arawils fingers; this king had believed Arawils identity, hopefully he would swallow having an elemental there as well. Thranduil seemed to sense a prescence in the air for he frowned, glancing around slightly.
"And another who travels with us, the wind sprite Hreeza, an elemental of the Forest."
"Noble one, greeting from the forest depths, may the elements smile on you." Hreeza softly spoke the traditional greeting of the forest.
Thranduil looked around, even more bemused. "Yes, yes of course." He said vaguely to the air before turning back to the others.
"You shall of course accept our hospitality for a few days. It is the least we can do after all your years keeping down the grotesque spiders."
Arawil looked mildly frustrated- she would have to put off her journey longer- but saw the sense in staying and nodded, to Hreeza relief; she wanted to see the land walkers of her forest, see how much had altered in the millenia since she had last seen the elves. "Thankyou your highness."
Servants led the groups to guests quarters, leaving the king standing looked after them, the bemused look still fixed on his face.

[Robin Headstrong]

After the guard guided Dykoria's horse to the stables, the party headed into the halls of King Thranduil. Min was amazed; although he sang in these halls several times, he never realized how vast and beautiful the king's hall really was. But what truly astonished the young Elf was the fast that he would be facing King Thranduil with a heroine of folklore. This was too good to be true...

[Ithaeliel]

Anroth stood for a moment looking up toward the forest canopy. Shelob... how many times he had heard the name. How very many times his father had preached to him about the impossible dangers beyond the lands of the free peoples. In fact, Cirith Ungol, his father told him as a small child, was possibly the most treacherous place in Middle-earth. Besides the orc-guard, there were things the crawled and fed on manflesh... and there was Shelob. Anroth had heard of, during all his time in Minas Tirith, so many deaths by the venom of Ungoliant's child. He had also learnt of the courageous blow that she was dealt by Samwise Gamgee. She had been, or so it was said, wounded by it. Her thick skin was pierced. If a halfling could harm Shelob, he thought, why should not we be able to do the same?

At the same time Anroth was unsure of the journey. Arawil obviously did not want anyone interfering, and that was what she had accused him of doing. Anroth disagreed, but had not the heart to say. He had merely assisted her when she was in need of it. But Arawil would not admit it. Also, Anroth's nerves were getting the better of him. If the king found out...

But that put another idea into his mind. If the king knew of the journey and Anroth had his consent, the troupe of travelers might gain an advantage. It certainly was possible.

Anroth voiced his thoughts to his companions. "Ye fellow travelers, may I issue a request?"

Arawil rolled her eyes. "What is it now?"

"I believe it would gain us a great advantage to rest in Minas Tirith, my home, on our way to the Spider's Pass. With the consent of His Majesty, we should be at a far lesser risk than we would if we were to go without anyone knowing. He is a noble man and would take an oath of confidentiality if asked. What think ye of it?"

[Shadow_Staar]

"Well, here's what I think, not that is matters, but I agree. If we conceal ourselves, and travel without any one knowing, we shall be able to go quickly and without delay. With this tactic, we just might be able to sneak up on Shelob, and kill her." Dykoria mused.
Everyone stared at her. To them, this was the first time that she had actually made a reasonable sentence, so to speak.
"What?" She asked.
"You're so odd." Laegulien said. And Dykoria just smirked, very pleased with herself.

[Amanaduial the archer]

"My my, Dykoria saying something reasonable, what is Arda coming to?" Muttered Hreeza.
Arawil smiled. "I thought i was meant to be the one who resented all of you?"
"Yes well, even elementals have their moments."

The group were given a set of guest rooms to stay in, fairly near each other. Thranduil knew how to treat his guests; each room was elegant and airy, relaxing and pleasant. Arawil however seemed restless as she sat on the balcony looking into the forest.
"Whats the matter noble one?"
The maia spun around exasperated. "Why are you still here?"
"Well, one of unsurpassed manners, it seems his highness wasnt sure where to lodge a sprite. So meanwhile Im staying with you."
"Oh great. I cant imagine anything better." Arawil rolled her eyes. Hreeza floated on a small tendril of wind towards her, more serious now. Arawil sighed.
"I dont want to make an expedition of this. I want to simply get to Cirith Ungol and rid Arda of the last of Ungoliants foul spawn."
"We are only here to help. In time, all the fates shall unroll themselves to some end. Do not fight it." Hreeza said gently. She just hoped that they would unroll to the ends she wished...
Brushing tose thoughts aside she became more practical. "Where to now Spiders Bane? Do you have a route?"

[dragoneyes]

Just then, there was a knock at the door. "Oh, will I have no peace?" said Arawil "very well, come in"
The beautiful, carved door opened slightly and a young woman with light brown hair snuck in, she was wearing a pair of leather riding boots and riding trousers to match, the rest of her clothes were hidden by a brown cloak she wore, Arawin recognised the clothing as that of a messenger. Arawil rolled her eyes, she didn't like all the attention she was getting from the people here. "Who are you? What do you want?" she snapped.
"My name is Lorin Thoriel, I know what you intend to do, and I wish to come with you." the young woman said shyly.
"For goodness sakes! I am not taking an army to kill Shelob, in fact, I didn't intend to take anyone at first, so I will not let anyone else to travel with us." Arawin burst out.
"Please let me come, I would be a useful member of the group, I can tend wounds, I am good with the bow and arrow and the knife, if it is needed." pleaded Lorin.
"I do not care, I will take no one else." insisted Arawin. Hreeza, who had been silent during the conversation whispered in Arawil's ear "Give her a chance Arawil, if she speaks the truth she would indeed be useful."
"Very well, what proof have you that you can do these things and why do you so wish come along?"
"If I were to get my bow, you could tell me to shoot anything in the forest, I would hit it. As for wanting to come along, I come from a long line of explorers, my father, and his before him, that is why I became a messenger here, in hope of adventure, I have served king Thranduil well and I am sure he would gladly let me go." explained the woman.
"If your forefathers were explorers, why do you not let your brothers do the heroic deeds and get on with your own life?" Arawil inquired.
"Because I am the last of my family, my brothers are all dead, I outlived them, I inherited immortal life from my elvish mother, but they had their father's mortal life and my mother later died of a broken heart."
"That is indeed a sad tale," said Arawin, and seeing Lorin's determined face she continued, "I do not feel I need a demonstration of your talents and I shall consider your place in our group, I trust you know the dangers we shall face?"
"Oh yes," said Lorin, her face brighteneing.
"Good." said Arawin, very nearly returning the smile.
"When you've decided, if you need to find me, I shall be in the stables." and with that, Lorin left.

[Amanaduial the archer]

The half elf lefy and Arawil glared at the door as it closed.
"Happy now? Another member to our merry little crew!"
"Oh you cannot say you are not even slightly pleased to have another worthy companion?"
The maia glared at the sprite but was denied a specific place to glare as she couldnt properly see the sprite.
"Oh your impossible!" Arawil stood abruptly. "I cant even glare at you! If would be so much easier if you were a so-called land walker, for then at least i would not have to glare at thin air!"
Yes! Progress! the wind sprites heart leapt and she practically danced around the room. She did not push the matter though. "Of course, Arawil. For all of us..."
The maia once again looked strangely at the sprite but simply raised an eyebrow. She sighed.
"Well, if you insist on having something to do, go scare some servants and let a voice out of the air tell them we're leaving tomorrow morning. And you may as well alert the travelling circus thats coming with us."
"'Us.' Thankyou."
Arawil glared at the air again and Hreeza laughed mischeiviously. "When you wake in the morning, is your first thought how to annoy me?"
Hreezas voice took on a hurt tone. "Wy of course not O Mistress Of Paranoia." She floated towards the door, turning as she left.
"I dont sleep!"
Arawil threw a piece of bread towards the air where the sprite had a few seonds ago been. "Exasperator!"
Hreeza silvery laugh reached Arawil as the sprite drifted down the corridor.
"Of course, O Noble Bread Thrower!"

[VanimaEdhel]

Morluinien sighed and picked the pink flower, crushing it. She threw the bent, broken, crushed blossom into the black waters of the little stream. She growled to herself.

"Bran!" Morluinien called.

"Yes, mistress?" Bran said, ambling between the trees.

"Something has been this way!"

"Are you sure, m'lady?"

"Ach! Faireg (Little human)! Can you not see it? Or feel it, even?"

Morluinien made a slight gesture, and Bran fell to his knees groaning.

"I-I'm sorry m'lady!" Bran managed to say. Morluinien relaxed and Bran struggled to his feet.

"See that it does not happen again. And do not question me again, either." Morluinien said, coldly.

With that, she turned and made for her house at a brisk walk. Bran scrambled and followed her. The big man ducked under brambles and soon had utterly lost Morluinien. He looked around desperately for his mistress.

"M'lady! M'lady! Do not leave me!" Bran called, turning around in fear. He could remember a time when he did not feel this urge to be near her...when he did not fear her leaving him and he did not even care. When had that changed? It had to be that night. He remembered nothing of it, but...it must have been that night that she had bound him to that metal chair.

"M'lady!" Bran called again, in desperation.

"I am here, stupid ogre," Morluinien said. She wondered why she had chosen such a stupid Easterling to enchant. Bran's eyes lit up like a puppy's and he scrambled to catch up.

They reached the cabin and entered. Morluinien made immediately for her room and locked the door behind her.

"Now, who has been on my land?" Morluinien muttered to herself. She opened the clasp of the necklace she wore and held it in her hand.

"Morluinien, my child," a cold voice said.

"Mother," Morluinien said, just as coldly, falling into her mother's speech pattern, "What creature hath made itself known to my lands?"

"A few mere children, Morluinien," the familiar voice said, "'Tis nothing that thou shouldst trouble thyself with. And 'tis not thy land, my daughter. 'Tis mine. And it will always remain such."

"Yes, Mother," Morluinien said, bowing her head, feeling scorn for her mother. Her mother was dead, the land should not be hers. It was Morluinien's now, by right. Morluinien continued, "But, any creature on my...our lands art a threat. What if they give this position away to others? What then shall we do?"

"Others know, Morluinien," Duraglariel responded, "For that is why I am dead."

"Yes, I suppose so," Morluinien said, "I thank you, Mother. May the Lord rise again and fill your body with strength with which you may return to me."

"And may that strenth also find its way into you," Duraglariel responded.

Morluinien clasped the necklace once again around her neck and stood. She unlocked the door and exited her room. Bran was sitting at the table.

"What do you think you are doing?" Morluiniel asked.

Bran quickly stood up, "Not a thing, Morlui-"

Before he could finish the name, Morluinien had strode over and slapped him hard.

"What were you about to call me?" Morluinien asked.

"Mor-mor-my lady!" Bran corrected himself.

"When did I say you were able to refer to me by my true name?" Morluiniel demanded.

"Never, m'lady, but...I thought...thought that it would show my devotion that I would call you by yo-"

Morluiniel slapped him again.

"Do not call me that! Only your other mistress may call me that!"

"You mean your moth-?"

Bran ducked the slap, and, in some distant instinct, grabbed Morluiniel's arm, easily subduing her physical strength.

"Do not do that agan!" Bran said strongly, immediately regretting the gesture. Rage filled Morluiniel's eyes -- so fair they seemed to Bran -- and she took in a quick breath. The next instant, Bran was on the floor, crying in pain.

"Do not disobey me!" Morluiniel shouted, Bran still doubled over in pain...

**********

An hour later, there were three children in Morluiniel's cottage. Each was knocked out and blindfolded. Bran finished tying up the last one.

"M-m-m'lady?" Bran asked, meekly.

"Yes?"

"May I ask you something?"

"Careful, Bran..." Morluiniel warned.

"It is just...why did we have to take them? They are just children, after all."

Bran could not explain this strange feeling he felt...he thought it was sympathy for the children, but he could not be sure.

"Because they were trying to destroy us Bran. Do you understand that?" Morluiniel said.

"Oh..." Bran let it drop, but was not so sure...

[dragoneyes]

Lorin was in the stable attending to her horse, Brilthonien, she was a chestnut mare and the two of them had delivered many messages together and were firm friends. Lorin was packing the saddlebag, ready to leave Thranduil's palace, happily humming to herself, she put the last thing in the bag and she was finally ready.

Hreeza, who was blowing past to find the others, heard Lorin humming and stopped to look in, "ah, Lorin," said the wind sprite "I've been looking for you."
"Yes? What did you want?" said Lorin, but on turning round she found no one there, she was a little confused, she was sure someone was talking to her, "Show yourself," she said to the door of the stable. Hreeza suddenly realised that they hadn't been introduced, "Ah, yes, I am Hreeza, and I am a wind sprite." Lorin relaxed "So the rumors are true then? There is a wind sprite travelling with Arawil?"
"Yes," Hreeza was pleased, that wasn't as hard as she thought it might've been, "And speaking of Arawil, she wanted to leave as soon as possible, we will gather at the gate, ready to leave."
"Very well, I will be there." Hreeza carried on to find the others and left Lorin to prepare. Lorin was pleased, "At last!" she thought, "a true adventure!"

Soon everyone was gathered at the gate, they were just waiting for Arawil now. "Typical," said Dykoria, "She get's us all to rush down here as fast as we can and then makes us wait!"
"Don't critisize that which you don't understand, she has been doing this for longer than you can imagine." said Lorin.
"So, that makes her better than the rest of us does it?" retaliated Dykoria.
"It certainly makes her better than SOME of us here." said Lorin pointedly. Dykoria put her hand on the hilt of her sword, "Do you wish to fight for what you believe?"
"If I have to." answered Lorin, drawing her knife. Min then butted in "I don't think this is the best way to start our journey is it?" both Dykoria and Lorinput away their weapons. They didn't wait much longer though, soon Arawil arrived, the gates opened and they were off.

[ October 20, 2002: Message edited by: dragoneyes ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

"So the rumours are true? There is a wind sprite travelling with Arawil?"

Hreeza smiled to herself. Wow, famous without actually having to do anything yet... She was mildly thrown though- she wouldnt have expected this woman to be so accepting, even is she was from the golden wood.
She left her message but didnt leave immediately, just watched Lorin for a moment as the elf groomed her horse, talking to it and humming quietly to herself. Satisfied she had definitly made the right choice with this one, Hreeza left quietly.

Hreeza sighed impatiently, not a difficult task for an air elemental. Just when she thought she was about to blow Dykoria to the other side of mirkwood, Arawil walked down into the yard. She smiled cordially at the others as they mounted the horses and set off through the elegantly carved gates.
"Ah, glad to see you looking so pleased, O Mistress Of Impecable Timing! What did you do, strangle a couple of servants? Or maybe you were making pleasant conversation with your underlings?"
Arawil glared at the silvery sheen nearby. "Ah good, glad youre back on form Spiders Bane. I was getting worried.
"And you are too obviously on your usual form Sprite."

The group set off through the forest and instantly Hreeza felt more at home. Inhaling deeply she wove through the trees of her home forest. The small group below her also seemed more cheerful as they made their way through a lighter part of the forest. The journey had begun!

[Shadow_Staar]

"Finally we are getting started!" Dykoria complained.
"Oh arrogant ranger, will you for once keep your mouth shut?" Hreeza asked impatiently.
"Why should I,oh annoying sprite?" Dykoria shot back.
"You know ranger, you should watch your tounge." Lorin said, as she rode up next to Dykoria. Morne Nuru pinned his ears as Lorin's horse came near him.
"Get your beast away from my horse! Morne Nuru doesn't like her, and I think he feels the same about you little elf." Dykoria smirked as the elf glared dagers at Dykoria, and moved ahead. Morne Nuru lifted his head high in the air, and looked please that he gotten ride of the mare. Dykoria patted him approvingly.
"You know Dykoria, you should be more accepting to people in this group." Min said.
"Min, I don't need any advice from you, and I will do as please, so don't bother me."
"Suit yourself, but one day it will come back in face." And with that he went to meet up with Lorin.

[ October 21, 2002: Message edited by: Shadow_Staar ]

[ October 21, 2002: Message edited by: Shadow_Staar ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hreeza ground her teeth together, forcing herself not to reply to the ranger. She watched as Dykoria attacked Lorin and Min as well; the elf responded in much the same way as she had, biting her lip, trying to rise above it. Min however seemed crushed as the ranger stared down her nose at him, and it annoyed Hreeza- she had no right to treat such an sweet minstrel like Min in such as manner. His reply made her smile though and she came up behind him, breezing through his flute gently so as not to startle him too much.
"One point to Min, Nil to Dykoria. Nicely done, O Minstrel."
Min blushed slightly, smiling. Lorin smiled at him as well, and as they caught one anothers gaze they both smiled little bit more broadly, laughing nervously. Hreeza stifled a laugh, watching with pleasure as the vibes of happiness rose of them in colourful layers to the sprite.
"I dont believe Ive introduced myself; I am Lorin Thoriel of Lothlorien. You must be Min?"
Min blustered slightly, touching his forehead. "Oh, yes. Im a minstrel." He added eagerly. Lorin smiled at him.
"Yes, I can see that." She glanced meaningfully at his instrument. He went red again, but Lorin spared him embarrasment. "What brings you to travel with this group?"
As the pair of elves slipped into conversation Hreeza left them to it. She felt lonely- The elves had their own kind to talk to, Arawil was driven by her quest, and had spent centuries in solitude. Hreeza had, of course, not had a particularly full social calender of course, but she longed for company. And that left only Dykoria...
Hreeza took a deep breath, wondering if it was worth it. Psiching herself up to it, she swallowed her feelings about the arrogant ranger. She was probably very friendly when it got down to it...if a bit, well... crusty, arrogant and violent on the surface.
Mentally shaking herself to prepare herself, the sprite took another deep breath and floated towards Dykoria. She could do this...

[Elenna]

Arawil was a bit perturbed. First of all, Hreeza and King Thranduil had made her ride a horse. They had given her a spirited black gelding named Nightwind, and as horses went he was all right, but she would much prefer to climb through the trees. Then there were what seemed like a dozen squabbling traveling companions. They couldn't stop arguing for a second! Arawil pitied poor Min. Dykoria would have to be dealt with.

She was still fuming about this when Hreeza whispered in her ear "Stop! There's someone approaching!"

From behind them, towards Thranduil's palace, an elf woman came running up. She collapsed by Arawil's left leg, grasping a corner of the Maia's gray cloak.

"Please! Please! You have to help me! My little Nolvennion!" The woman began to sob, her body shaking. Arawil dismounted quickly and knelt beside the woman.

"What's wrong? Tell me what happened, and I'll see if I can do anything."

"My son! He has been taken by someone, a huge man! I tried to stop him, but I couldn't...I couldn't" The woman began to cry again, sobs racking her slender body. Arawil gingerly put her arms around the woman's shoulders and made faces of discomfort as the distraught mother sobbed into her cloak.

"Don't worry. We will find your son."

[Robin Headstrong]

"You see," Min began explaining to Lorin, "I just happened to meet Arawil by chance while I was out in the forest. Spider's Bane has been a legend in Mirkwood for many years; I've been fascinated with the stories since I was a child. I was probably the only one in my family who believed in the possibility of her existence... And I was proven right! I couldn't resist the oppurtunity of going on a quest with the legendary Arawil, and possibly by of help in slaying Shelob. I want to make history, not just sing about it!"
"Fascinating," Lorin responded, seeming a bit bored. Min turned a bit red; he usually didn't talk this much.
"Well," Min continued, "tell me a little more about yourself! I know you are an Elf of Lorien, but what brings you to Mirkwood?"
Suddenly their conversation was interrupted by the sounds of sobbing. The two elves looked in the direction of the sound to investigate. It was an elf woman crying, "Please! You have to help me! My little Nolvennion!"
Arawil comforted the woman, who explained that her young son had been captured by a huge man.
"It seems we have some trouble here," Min muttered as he and Lorin walked towards Arawil and the distraught mother.

[dragoneyes]

Lorin and Min watched as the woman continued to cry, Brilthonien nuzzled her, trying to comfort her and she managed to stop her tears. The woman looked around her and realised she was surrounded by a group of people now, "Will you help? Oh say you will, please say you will!" begged the woman.
"Yes, we will" answered Lorin, "We will do everything we can." She smiled at the woman who smiled weakly back. Not even Dykoria had anything to say.

[ October 22, 2002: Message edited by: dragoneyes ]

[VanimaEdhel]

Morluinien looked at the children, who had just woken up.

"What are you doing here?" Morluinien demanded.

She did not get an answer, so she tried again, "Nîn pedo, hin, e telid lîn (Tell me, children, of your coming)."

The children all burst into story. Morluinien only listened a bit, as she sat, probing their mind for their lives and determining if they could be of use to her.

They were important in their home in Mirkwood. They could be used...or they could be the death of her...

Morluinien sat back, and sighed, plotting.

Bran sat there, listening to the strange Elvish tongue. He heard Morluinien curse at him in that language all the time, but he had no idea of the meaning of the words. Because she only used the language in scorn, Bran grew to hate the language. He was surprised when he heard the children speak it. Such innocent beauties knew of this awful tongue?

Bran stood, listening and confused...

[dragoneyes]

The group finally persuaded the woman that they would find her child, and after each member told her many times each that they would, she went back to Thranduil's palace to wait.

The group continued walking, they were nearing the edge of the forest and the trees were becoming more sparse. Lorin stopped, got her bow ready and drew it back, "What are- " started Min,
"Sshhh" Interrupted Lorin, she was aiming at a small bush, she released the arrow, which went flying, Lorin jumped off her horse and went to the bush, she knelt down and returned the arrow to the quiver, she stood up and in her hand was a dead rabbit, "Lunch!" she said smiling.
"Did you have to do that in front of us?" said Dykoria,
"Where else was I going to do it?" retalliated Lorin.
"And anyway," continued Dykoria as if she hadn't heard Lorin "I'm not eating anything that you've caught."
"Fine with me." said Lorin, she rapped the rabbit up and hung it from her saddle and climbed back on her horse. "Are we all ready to continue?" asked Arawil,
"Yes." said everyone else in chorus and they started walking again, Lorin started a conversation with Min and the others sunk into their quiet solitude, Hreeza still trying to pluck up the courage to talk to Dykoria.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hreeza was saved the ordeal of talking to Dykoria as she felt the prescence of another person nearby- its hard to sneak up on an elemental...but not impossible.... She couldnt make anything of the turmoil of emotions surrounding the woman even as she drew near though, for she was in such turmoil her emotions did not even have a clear colour. She warned Arawil of the woman, and the maia woman dismounted. Seconds later, said woman threw herself at Arawils feet, sobbing.
She started weeping inconsolably, but started speaking as well. Hreeza had no time for that though, and tried to prise her way through the layers of emotions and see what had happened...
My son....him, his friends playing in the clearing...hadnt beent to this part of the forest before...suddenly screams changed to those of terror...huge man...hurtled through the undergrowth...grabbed them...little Nol was yelling for me...the man threw me to the floor...vanished in the forest...
Here the womans thoughts became to disjointed for the sprite to make anything of them.
Arawils face was a picture of discomfort as the woman sobbed into her cloak. She caught Hreezas eye and the elemental sent the sign of a nod into her brain. Arawil nodded back and Hreeza set of into the forest, looking for the place she had seen in the womans mind and the fearsome man who had taken her son...

[Zohariel]

I'm accepted!

Zohariel snunck through the undergrowth, trying to plant her feet as silently as possible. They were not small feet, and she was not an Elf, so 'silently' was an overstatment. Her stomach growled and squirmed. She had not eaten in three days, except for a mouldy apple core scrounged from a dustbin (probably half the reason for the squirming). She was dirty, tired and ready to do anything for food.
Suddenly, the trees seemed to stop in front of her, and she heard voices. A wind blew strongly just in front of her, and someone was wailing, with a voice fit to raise the dead. Zohariel smirked. She was the only Necromancer round here. Another voice sounded, a male one, strong and firm, and Zohariel retreated further into the bushes, cursing under her breath as a thick bramble cut her cheek. She wiped the blood away with one dirty sleeve, and grinned in a twisted way.
Hmmm...people. And where there's people, there's food. And money. Mentally, she resolved to trail them, wait for a good time to attack. With her cudgel, and broken sword (if it did not stab you properly it gave you blood poisoning) she could beat three, maybe. If they did not have too good a weaponry.
Zohariel sank to her knees, and leant against a tree. This looked like a long wait.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hreezas came to the spot she had picked up from the womans mind pictures and alighted in the clearing. Looking around s only an elemental can, she could see clearly now, far deeper than the land walkers could. She saw, as she had seen in Thranduils palace, the strange half images and colours of whoever had passed and made an impact.

Around her strange figures passed, oblivious of each other, though only from the last few days, but she kept her gaze fixed on the spot where she hoped the children had been- ah!

She saw the huge man lumber through the bushes, although he had moved so quietly until then; strange, for one so huge to walk so lightly. As he grabbed the children Hreeza leapt forward, following the essence of the figure through the undergrowth.

She followed the trail for a while, and he was hard to miss, for the trees and the wind whispered of such a creature passing, sensing his deed. Soon though the whispers became less frequent and fell to telling of evil lurking there. The sprite passed with caution; the aura around the place and the complete silence startled her. There werent even any birds singing, but stranger yet, the ghostly figures had ceased. No one had passed here for too long to be natural. Eventually it got too much for her- she had found where the children had obviously been taken, so she could easily lead Arawil and the company to this spot. She could not shake off the unnerving feeling though, that maybe they would be biting far deeper into the pie than they had hoped...

As she was returning to the group she felt a powerful prescence in the area, disturbing her thoughts. As she breezed lightly through the trees, she noticed a character sitting on the grass by the roadside leaning against a tree, with a definite air of trouble. And after her disturbing experience near the hut in the evil part of the forest, she was in the mood for trouble; anyway, if Arawil had taught her one thing, if was to be forward about things. Grinning slightly to herself she swooped suddenly down so that the creature could not miss her; sure enough, she stood, sword outraised. Ah ha! Flinging a tendril of wind sidewards, she flicked the...weapon? (the main aim didnt seem to be to attack but to give a nasty disease) away from the womans(once again, not entirely sure on that) grasp.

She yelled, surprised and stepped backwards so her back was pressed against a tree. Perfect! In a milisecond the sprite had pinned her to the tree, her hands by her side. The necromancer (dear gods, a necromancer with a mission to infect!) struggled fiercly, letting rip with a number of words that would even impress Arawil, then went very still. What truly surprised Hreeza though was the way she then smiled.

"What kind of sorcery is this? I feel no magic, so are you instead a demon or wraith? No, not wraith..." She cocked her head questioningly, almost arrogantly. The sprite was impressed. It wasnt the first time she had been called a demon, but this woman said it with authority. Anyway, despite the fact she was indeed gifted with necromany, there was a love of nature and Hreezas forest.

After considering for a moment Hreeza let go off the woman. "I am Hreeza, wind sprite of this forest. Who are you and what is your business to lurk so furtively here, O Bearer of Infected Weapons?"

[Zohariel]

"I am...Beilass Andun," answered Zohariel, knowing that to decieve this one would be hard, but worth a try.
"That I doubt. Now, if you will, furnish me with your true name," smiled Hreeza, wondering why she had lied.
Zohariel scowled.
"Zohariel Canute, most definatly not atcher service. My friends call me Vulture. At least, they would," she paused to contemplate, "if I had any friends."
Hreeza assumed a wondering air. She hesitated, then "Are you a Necromancer?"
Zohariel raised her eyebrows quickly.
"How in Middle Earth did you find that out? I am a wandering Necromancer- riel gulder. I bind the dead back beyond the first gate, or sometimes dispense of them. The dead, you see, won't stay dead." Hreeza tilted her head to one side. "The first gate? What is this? I am sure I have never heard of it before."
"No. You probably haven't. There are like, seven gates, each one deader than the last, and, uh, like, Necromancers travel about, and, like, when a dead, uh..person rises...well, obviously they are still dead...but, uh, they rise...like..." She trailed away, screwing her scrawny face up in an effort to continue. She was rubbish at speaking her thoughts.
Hreeza had by now had enough anyway, and took Zohariel's arm firmly.

[ October 28, 2002: Message edited by: Zohariel ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

The necromancer tailed off uncertainly as the sprite waited politely. Eventually she just stopped talking and Hreeza laughed softly.

"A fine one at expressing thoughts then, my furtive necromancing friend? However, I have a few friends, one of whom especially will be very interested to hear of the black arts." She pushed at Zohariel but the woman turned around stubbornly.

"That sounds very like a threat sprite."

"I have a name. And its not a threat. At the moment. But that can easily be remedied..." She gave the woman another nudge in the back. She frowned at Hreeza but found the same problem as Arawil in that its not at all satisfying to stare at thin air, even more so for Zohariel as she was living with the knowledge that she could well be staring in entirely the wrong direstion. Incidently she had the right direction, but still. Reluctantly she let Hreeza push her in the right direction, before nudging her onto the path.

The company spotted Zohariel immediatley and reacted in different ways. Dykorias eyes practically lit up as she saw a chance to make someone feel cmaller than herself, Min looked vaguely anxious and excited at the same time, a strange combination but one that suited his friendlt face very well. The others put their hands on their sword hilts, or made sure their weapons were to hand. The necromancer noticed this with apprehension and looked nervously to her side where she imagined the sprite must be. The wrong side, but hey, everyone cant be right all the time.

"Dont even think of running off." She whispered, after noting with a groan the non to welcoming reactions. However, she had a feeling the proud Zohariel would not simply run...
"Well you said it wasnt threat!" the reply was hissed back.
"Well, just be nice Ok? You arent currently in possesion of The Mighty Infector, and Arawil Spiders-Bane is one of the Maiar."

Arawil noted the sheen of silver and saw the woman speak, however discreetly, to apparently herself, and raised an eyebrow as she quickened her horse forward.

"Found a new friend Sprite?" She muttered sarcastically as she arrived, then turned to the figure standing in front of her. "Who are you and what is your business with the troublesome elemental who I have no doubt brought you here because trouble is what she does best?"

[Shadow_Staar]

Dykoria looked the newcomer over, and smirked.
'This girl looks like rubbish, and she looks suppicious, if she tries anything, then i will slit her throat.' Dykoria thought to herself. She made eye-contact and glared at her, and the newcommer did the same.
"Who's that?" The girl asked Hreeza.
"Ah, you ask about our arrogent Ranger, Dykoria." Hreeza gave a slight chuckle.
"I asked you what your business was here, tell me!" Arawil demanded.

[Zohariel]

Zohariel frowned from underneath heavy lashes.
"Bite me ya prick," she offered. Arawil breathed in sharply and clenched her fists.
Zohariel smirked, pleased to have enraged her.
Who does she think she is anyhow?
She strolled to the fireside, more at ease now, and plonked herself down next to Min.
"Who're you?" she said, offering a dirty hand. Min screwed up her nose. Zohariel withdrew the hand and looked daggers at Min.
"I'm a Necromancer. I felt a presence of death here, and came to investigate.
At 'Necromancer' one member of the group pricked up her ears. Zohariel could still feel the death hanging in the air.
"Many wicked wicked things will happen tonight. The Necromancer must take care of the living and dead," she quoted. She did not expect the group to recognise the famous poem.

[Amanaduial the archer]

"Bite me yah prick." Zohariel said calmly, inspecting her nails. Hreeza whooped and did a somersault in the air, before hastily turning it into a cough. Arawils eyes narrowed as the newcomer walked away, starting a fire by the roadside.

"Looks like we'll be having a small stop." Hreeza muttered. She didnt know what she liked about Zohariel; by rights she should find her even more irritating than Dykoria. And the talk of death in the air... Arawil rounded on her, interrupting her thoughts.

"How dare you?" She snapped.

"What? Pardon me, Mistress of Manners, and this time that would be meant if you werent taking it out on me, but whatve I actually done?" Hreeza was genuinely startled.

"Bringing that insolent mongrel here, then acting as if she was the Valars gift!" She took a deep breath but didnt give the sprite enough time to reply. She lowered her voice, sounding disappointed. "I was under the impression that the elementals were loyal to their friends." She dismounted and began to walk towards the fire.

"No wait." Hreezas soft words stopped Arawil. She was mortified- She had never meant to insult the maia. "Please...I didnt mean to insult you O Maia. I am at your service, you know that. I will always be loyal to you, even if I do have...well, ok, if i do have a sense of humour."

The woman stopped, watching Hreeza carefully. The wind sprite shifted uncomfortably- she could never read Arawils emotions like she could the others. Eventually she sighed then raised an eyebrow. "Dont you forget it. You serve the Mistress of Manners alright?"

Hreeza soft laugh of relief rippled around Arawil and the maia half smiled before stalking back to the fire, pointedly ignoring Zohariel. The necromancer remained a mystery to Hreeza, but she didnt feel to wary of her- she had found, at first examination, a great love of nature and a wish and passion of healing. No harm would come to Zohariel Canute, but she still had alot to prove to Arawil Spiders Bane. Like Hreeza herself.

[Zohariel]

Zohariel noticed Arawil ignoring her. She hardly cared; she just wanted to get warm. She shuffled nearer the fire and curled up into a ball. Her cloak- the one clean bit- turned her into a small, black lump.
I still sense death. Why am I here? There is no dead here. I could be out doing something else and getting paid for it.
For the hundreth time she wondered why she was a Necromancer, and why she didn't just dump those b****y bells in a ditch and get herself a proper, paying job. so she wouldn't have to steal. The other voice in her argued back.
You never chose to be a Necromancer. Necromancing chose you. It's not something you can just drop. And what would your mother, your grandfather say if they saw those bells lying in a ditch?
The feeling of death still lingered and she could not shake it off. Finally she got up and began pacing the ground around the fire, trying to sense where the feeling came from.
On the way round, she hit one girl's head with her bell pouch- a total accident. She had no idea who it was- the stressy one was over there though- but the girl rose to her feet practically snarling.

[Shadow_Staar]

"WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT FOR, NECROMANCER!!!" Dykoria screamed.
"It's wasn't like i meant to do it, geeze! Though you did deserve it!" Zohariel screamed back.
Hreeza gave a slight chuckle, and she knew that Dykoria deserved that, even though it was an accident.
"And what are you lauging about sprite?!" Dykoria had turned her attention to the sprite she couldn't see, but she heard her laugh on the breeze.
Hreeze didn't answer and just kept on laughing, and the stanger joined in.
Dykoria did not like this, so she lunged at Zohariel, and the laughter stopped. The stanger stumbled back, and glared daggers at the arrogent ranger.
"Excuse me?" Zohariel asked.
"Don't mess with me." Dykoria hissed.
The Necromancer got into fighting stance and Dykoria did that same.
"If you wouldn't mind, don't fight in my presence, we have more important things to do then scream and moan about nothing!" Arawil scolded, "Dykoria come here!"
"What do you want?"
"You need to change your attitude, and you need to do it now. I will not let you carry on like this." Arawil spoke in a harsh whisper.
"Nothing's wrong with my attitude."
"I will not argue, you attitude is a disgrace to all rangers, and humans alike, no that I like them anyways. Do not tempt me to ban you from this mission, becuase i will do it like that!" The Maia snapped her fingers, and walked away.
Dykoria hmphed and went to check on Morne Nuru.

[ October 30, 2002: Message edited by: Shadow_Staar ]

[VanimaEdhel]

Morluinien sat, drinking an herbal tea and watching the children closely.

"Man he (Who is she)?" The girl asked, looking at Morluinien.

"Im, hîn nîn, Morluinien. A im kurus numad e-turon. Nîn garil daedelos (I, my children, am Morluinien. And I am a priestess of much power. Do you fear me)?"

"Le garin daedelos (I fear you)" the small boy said.

"Im avo garin daedelos (Do not fear me)," Morluinien said.

"Dan nîn onig daedelos (But you give me fear)," the boy said, shivering.

Morluinien was tired of talking.

" Avo pedo...esto (Don't sleep...rest)," Morluinien said, waving her hand. The children fell fast asleep. She turned to Bran.

"Get me some more firewood," she said quietly, "We are running low."

"Yes, my lady," Bran said.

Morluinien closed her eyes for a second, sighing, then reopened them, saying, "For tonight, call me Morluinien."

"Y-yes...Morluinien," Bran said, confused.

"Now go...please," Morluinien said, touching him on the arm. Before she could have a chance to go back on her kindness, Bran ran out of the room, to get wood.

Morluinien sat by the fire, staring into it. A single tear rolled down her cheek.

"Naneth...nîn avo ono umarth. Mel aníron. A le aníron (Mother...do not give me this ill fate. I desire love. And I desire you)," Morluinien whispered...

[ October 30, 2002: Message edited by: VanimaEdhel ]

[Elenna]

Arawil stormed off after her confrontation with Dykoria. What had started as her own personal vendetta had morphed into a child's walking party, and she was not happy about the change. She did not trust this necromancer. Those who deal with the dead seldom are good companions to the living.

Still fuming, she swung herself into a nearby tree, within seconds reaching the top. Suddenly, something caught her eye. "I see smoke!" she called down to her companions. "Green smoke to the south!"

[Amanaduial the archer]

As Zohariel stood to walk around to a better place by the fire, her strange bag hanging from her arm, Hreeza could almost see the accident before it happened. Zohariel turned, stepping over a branch and the sudden movement made the bad swing, hitting Dykoria solidly on the back of her head. She tried to stifle her laughter as the two women started yelling at each other angrily, but a small chuckle slipped out. Immediately Dykoria rounded on her.

"And what are you laughing about sprite?!" Hreeza couldnt stop and her contagious laughter soon got Zohariel laughing. Min gave a small chuckle, watching from the fire.

Dykoria looked furiously at the necromancer, glaring at the air where she thought Hreeza was, although she was looking in entirely the wrong direction, a fact that only fuelled the sprites laughter. The ranger dived at Zohariel pushing her backwards towards the fire, sending her stumbling backwards.

Now the pair took up the fighting stance, quickly chasing away any remains of laughter. Hreeza started towards Zohariel, but Arawil then thankfully interfered.

"If you wouldn't mind, don't fight in my presence, we have more important things to do then scream and moan about nothing! Come here Dykoria!" She scolded them both, but then took the ranger aside, muttering angrily to her.

The wind sprite floated just behind Zohariel. "Much as I enjoyed watching that O Necromancer, you must not fight the ranger."

"Oh yeah? And sence when can you tell me what to do more than the hyped up little-"

"Do not critisize the handmaidens of the Valar!" Hreeza voice came out more sharply than she had intended. Zohariel paused, stunned before speakinh more quietly. "She is a Maia?"

"Indeed. And I am loyal to her. However, I promise you, I will not let you come to any harm here, from the arrogant ranger or others, but please do not make things hard. And do not force me to choose between one of the creatures created in the ame way as me, and one who...well, frankly whose attitude I love!"

Zohariel gave the sprite a very odd look then grinned. "Served her right though didnt it?" She whispered slyly.

Hreeza grinned back. "Oh yeah, O Guider of The Dead. Big time!"

[dragoneyes]

Lorin had been sitting at the fire cooking the rabbit she had caught, smiling as the ranger finally got her comeuppance.

"Green smoke to the south!"
"I suppose this means we're moving again then?" Lorin muttered to Min. Lorin packed up the now cooked rabbit and Min put out the fire. The group mounted their horses, if they had them, and got ready to leave again.

Dykoria stayed well away from the rest of the group as they got ready to leave so Lorin rode up to her, feeling slightly sorry for her now. As Brilthonien appraoched Morne Nuru pinned his ears, so Lorin dismounted and sent Brilthonien to walk with the others.
"Come to poke fun at me?" said Dykoria sulkily.
"No," said Lorin "I'm just wondering if you intend on staying away from the group for the whole journey, or if you intend to make freinds with the others here?"

[Zohariel]

Zohariel grinned, looking like a skeleton, then sat down. For now the dead had been forgotten. She liked Hreeza, and Hreeza was one of the first people not to judge her on looks. The rest of the group though...they could shove it. She decided to tag along though, if not solely to annoy that stuck up Maia and that snob of an elf, then to see what they were doing.
Her mind made up, she realised that everyone was packing up. She picked herself up and felt again the pang of death. Trying to ignore it, she slung her flat pack across her shoulders and trudged alongside the horses. Hreeza was floating overhead and Zohariel gazed at her, wishing she could fly. She didn't even have a horse.
If someone offers you a horse to share, throw away your pride and say yes. Otherwise you'll end up like a walking skeleton, like you aren't already. But Zohariel knew it would be difficult to put away the pride that stopped her accepting help. Still, no-one had offered her a horse yet. She came to the conclusion that they didn't like her and she didn't like them (except Hreeza). She wondered though, about the pair that had sat cooking rabbit. She had not spoken to them ,although they had been watching her.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hreeza floated in the air overhead, guiding Arawil with her silvery sheen to the hut in the forest where the children were. She took a deep breath, revelling in being away from the land walkers for a while, being high on the winds, in her elements. There was not one in the group who had not got a problem with at least one other. Then there were ones like Dykoria and Zohariel who'd fallen out with everyone. Zohariel...

That one was a mystery. A necromancer? Yet not a altogether willing one. And a trouble maker as well; if she continued with her attitude towards Arawil, she would end up with her own wards, the Dead, far sooner than she might think...

Hreeza couldnt help smiling though when she thought of the fight between Dykoria and the necromancer. Dykoria had had it coming to her, and Zohariel had given it to her with a vengeance! And her first reaction hadnt been to whirl a sword in the air madly when she heard voices coming out of the air, and to continue whirling in disbelief when the wind sprite told them her species. Earlier on Hreeza had retrieved Zohariels sword (for lack of a better word) although she wasnt entirely sure it was a good move...

Glancing behind her and down, Hreeza saw the necromancer walking alone, seemingly daydreaming. Walking. Not one of them had even offered her a horse yet! She-

Hreeza was interupted from her thoughts as the feeling of strange deadness came over her again. A shiver spread over her as she looked around, locating exactly where they were, and she felt the trace of the children and the huge man again...and that of another, dark creature... Shaking herself she floated down to Arawil. By the disturbed look on the maias face, Arawil had felt the strangeness as well, and a hush had fallen over the group. Arawil unsheathed her sword, motioning for the others to do the same, and as they walked on te feeling of unease grew deeper...

[Shadow_Staar]

"It all depends...on whether or not I like you." Dykoria looked Lorin in the eye, and gave a small smirk.
"I see." Lorin stood up and started to walk away.
"Well, if you wanna have a good start, you might want to share you rabbit with me, and I promise I will be nice." Dykoria gave a genuine smile and Lorin came back over.
"So, you promise to be nice?" She asked.
"Yes." The ranger replied.

[dragoneyes]

Lorin smiled back, she knew that Dykoria couldn't be all bad, she passed Dykoria a leg of rabbit and took another leg for herself.
"So, what do you think of that necromancer?"
asked Lorin. Dykoria stared in disbelief, "What do you think?" she said. Lorin realised what she had said and laughed, "I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking,"
"That was obvious." said Dykoria,
"I'll choose to ignore that, for the sake of a good start," Lorin was interrupted by Brilthonien nuzzling at her for food, this annoyed Morne Nuru who bared his teeth, "Sorry," said Lorin as she led Brithonien away, mounted her and took up her usual space next to Min.

[ November 02, 2002: Message edited by: dragoneyes ]

[ElentariGreenleaf]

A young elf, or who looked young, was walking through the woods. A woman, amongst her sobs, had asked Elentari to find her child for her. She said the child was kidnapped by a large man while playing in the forest.

"After wandering for so long I FINALLY get to do something to help someone." though Elentari to herself.

After a little bit more walking, Elentari almost walked right out onto a path, where she saw the oddest looking group of people walking along it.

"There's a fairly large man there. I wonder if he kidnapped the child." She decided to follow the strange group to see where they were going.

[ November 04, 2002: Message edited by: ElentariGreenleaf ]

[Zohariel]

Zohariel felt her hollow stomach. She realised that she had been so preoccupied she had still not gotten anything to eat. She recalled one person cooking something....smelt like rabbit...that one! On the horse....ok...they were all on horses. But Dykoria was with him. Oh well, stuff her. Zohariel sauntered up to Lorin and held out her hand.
"I'm Zohariel. You?" Lorin frowned. Zohariel took that to mean Lorin was offended by her appearance like so many other shallow types.
"Fine. Its just, I'm starving and you seem to have a supply of cooked rabbit. I have a few bits of silver. Would ya sell me some?"

[ElentariGreenleaf]

"Right," thought Elentari. "It's now or never." The Elf leapt out from the bushes and ran straight up to Min. "What have you done with the child" she yelled. Unfortunatly for Elentari, Arawil had been warned of her presence by Hreeza and was soon attacking the Elf.

"Get away from him!" shouted the Maia unexpectantly.

"You defend one so evil?" questioned Elentari. "Then you too are my enemy." Elentari whisled sharply and, only moments later, a pure white horse jumped out of the bushes. It didn't even have to stop for the swift Elf to mount as Elentari quickly leapt onto her horses back. "Noro lim, noro lim, Raana!" As the Elf said this Raana, or Moon in the common tongue, galloped back towards the bushes.

[ November 05, 2002: Message edited by: ElentariGreenleaf ]

[dragoneyes]

Lorin was a bit taken aback, she stared for a while at this strange person,
"Well? Will you accept my offer?" Lorin shook herself, "You don't need to pay me, we won't be needing money where we are going if the tales are true, here." she said as she handed Zohariel a piece of rabbit. Zohariel ate greedily, Lorin was a little disgusted by the necromancers manners, she ate every last piece of meat and she continued to chew the bone.

[Elenna]

Arawil stood, sword upraised, and watched the elf gallop away. "What in the name of the Valar was wrong with her?" she asked. Min shook his head, obviously in the dark as to why this woman had attacked him.

Hreeza chuckled in Arawil's ear. "How could anyone think Min was evil? I can't think of anyone who looks more innocent!"

Arawil smiled grimly and nodded.

[ElentariGreenleaf]

As Elentari rode away from the path she wondered why the group was traveling so openly. And for an evil kidnapper the Elf hadn't looked very strong, she though, refering to Min. Elentari dicided she would continue to follow the band of travellers to find out where the child might have been taken.

As Elentari went back to the path she saw Hreeza.

So, they have a wind Sprite, thought Elentari, Why would a wind Sprite travel with such evil? Maybe I made a mistake. Elentari considered things for a while. Maybe the mother of the child she was looking for had said *she stole my child* not *He stole my child* It had been hard to tell amounst the sobbing. And that Necromancer looked oddly suspisious anyway.

[ November 05, 2002: Message edited by: ElentariGreenleaf ]

[dragoneyes]

Lorin went up to Min "Are you alright?" she asked.
"Yes," said Min "Just a bit shaken"
"I should think so! What was it she accused you of? Something about a child?"
"she must have thought that I kidnapped a child."
"You? Kidnap someone?" Lorin started to laugh.
"It's not that unbelievable thankyou very much! I could if I wanted to." said Min, a little put out.
"Just as long as you don't want to then." said Lorin.
"Hurry up back their!" called Arawil, "I want to find this person."

They all urged their horses faster, then, Lorin looked behind her and noticed Zohariel struggling to keep up, it wasn't a particularly nice thought, but she had to, her mother had taught her manners for a reason. She turned Brithonien towards the necromancer and held her hand out to her "would you like a ride?" she asked.

[ElentariGreenleaf]

Just as Zohariel was about to stubonly refuse the Elf's generous offer she remember what hse had told herself - If someone offers you a horse to share, throw away your pride and say yes.
"Thankyou, Lorin" she accepted kindly. Lorin helped her up onto Brithoniel and sped up to catch up with the others.

Hreeza found it hard to see where the Elf, who had attacked Min, had gone. No images of appeared showing her where the Elf had gone. Even the whites horse's tracks were hard to find. It was as if they were ghosts. But they weren't, and Hreeza knew it. They were just very skilled in hiding themselves. However, no horse can cover up it's scent after running a long distance, and Arawil soon picked up a trail.

~~~~~

As Elentari followed the strangers she marvelled at how well they were picking up her tracks, for there being almost no tracks at all. It dawned on her that her horse must have run a long way and fast to reach her so quick when the Elf called her.

"Oh Moon," said Elentari to her horse. "We may have to go and lay some false trails. But we best rest or they'll pick up the scent again!" Elentari laughed as her magnificent mare stopped suddenly, making Elentari fall off, then licked her on the face.

"Moon, will I never learn to predict when you do that?" she said jokingly as she stood up. "Let's rest a while. We'll soon pick up their trail again. They are not taking enough care. Especially those on horses."

[Shadow_Staar]

"What was up with that elf?" Dykoria asked Lorin.
"I have no idea, what was all that about her calling Min evil? That's absurd." Lorin replied.
"Yah, she should have come after you." Zohariel said with a smile.
"Watch your tounge, Necromancer, or I might just feel need to hurt you." Dykoria sneered.
"Please, stop, I don't care to hear you two bicker." Lorin said calmly.
"C'mon, we need to catch up." Dykoria said, as she urged Morne Nuru into an easy canter, and Lorin followed.

[Zohariel]

Zohariel wiped her mouth and ran her toungue over her teeth. The rabbit had not been particularly nice, but it was food and Zohariel was so hungry she would have gladly eaten worse.
"So, whats your name?" she whispered to Lorin.
"Lorin. You?"
"Zohariel. Thanks for the rabbit, though herbs, maybe? I make a good rabbit stew. And, I have some herbs in my bag. Not many, and certainly not enough to stave off hunger. Just some parsley, a little thyme, some cinnamon and basil. I mostly use them for healing."
Lorin turned briefly to face the Necromancer. "You know the arts of plant healing?" she said, surprised. "But I thought only..." she trailed off.
"Only educated people know that?" Zohariel finished in a savage voice. "Well, it may surprise you to know that I was educated. And under one of the finest Maia this side of Mirkwood."

[ElentariGreenleaf]

As Elentari rode Moon, bareback as always, back round infront of the group she decided that instead of just laying a trail, she would let them chase her for a while.

"Glos roch, Raana, cel be i ngawad gwae, na ed cel glams"
(White horse, moon, run like the wind, to out run foes <<sorry if really bad elvish, but it's my first go at making up stuff>>

With that, Moon ran into plain view of the strange group of travellers.

[dragoneyes]

"There! Ahead!" cried Hreeza, the elf was sitting atop her horse, watching them. "Get after her!" yelled Arawil as she jabbed her own horse into a speedy gallop, the elf infront of her spun and gallped off down the path, the others followed not far behind.

They rode along, jumping over logs and ducking under branches as they went. Soon though the elf infront slowed and stepped cautiosly forward, the group nearly caught up when they too felt why the chase had now ended. It was an uneasy feeling, the horses tossed their heads nervously, Lorin patted Brilthonien's shoulder, trying to calm her, taking up her bow at the same time. The others drew their swords and knives, though not quite knowing what they were preparing to fight.

[ElentariGreenleaf]

As they neared the elf, who they now realised had golden brown hair, she turned round to challenge them.

"Why have you not yet admitted to your crime?" Elentari shouted in challenge to Min, whilst pointing Star (her sword) at him.

"What crime?" shouted Min in reply. "What are you talking about? I don't understand!"

"Elf," said Arawil, adressing Elentari. "Who are you? And why do you blame this crimeless elf, who we know as Min? He has done nothing. He wouldn't hurt a fly."
<<AH! Cliche>>
"He stole a child." shouted Elentari, her anger rising. "My name, on the otherhand, is not your business to know!" As she said this, she charged at Min, and knocked him off his horse. Min lay on the floor, unaware of the gathering group around him.

[Shadow_Staar]

Dykoria sat atop Morne Nuru, who gave a small rear, his nostril's flaring.
"Calm down, it's alright." Dykoria soothed her horse.
"Who is that?" Dykoria leaned over to Lorin.
"I don't know." She replied.
The girl on the pure white horse ahead sat tall, and looked somewhat angry.

(OOC: sry that was short, my class ended...)

[Elenna]

Instantly, Arawil stood in front of Min. The elf had charged at him, shouting a fierce battle cry. Arawil leapt backwards and drew her sword, blocking the maiden's desperate thrust. She did not attack, merely defended herself and Min expertly, waiting for the girl to exhaust herself.

[dragoneyes]

Lorin climbed down from Brilthonien "Min!" she called "Min come on! Get up!" Min just groaned and rolled over, "He must be quite badly hurt," said Dykoria coming over "She did hit him hard." Lorin knelt down next to Min "Tell me where it hurts."
"My stomach," Min coughed "And my head." Lorin lifted up Min's shirt, underneath the skin was badly bruised and there was a cut, "Zohariel you said you knew the arts of plant healing, we could use some help."

[ElentariGreenleaf]

Mean while, Arawil was still defending herself and Min against the elf.

"You think I'll tire?" said Elentari. "You think I am young. Compared to you I maybe, but I am not. You wished to know my name. I am Elentari the Wise, elf-wizard from Rivendell. I am more than 2000 years old. Why do you still defend one so evil?" She screamed an elvish war cry as she fought harder against the Maia.

"Why do you still call him evil?" shouted Arawil, now getting annoyed and fighting back. "He has done nothing. I myself can tell you this."

"Please," whispered Hreeza in Elentari's ear. "Why do you think he is evil? Explain so we may understand."

"Away from me Sprite." shouted the raged Elf, taking a well aimed swing at Hreeza with her sword, even though she knew it would do nothing. "I will not explain anything to ones so evil." With one last powerful strike at Arawil, the Elf swiftly mounted her horse and galloped off.

[ November 07, 2002: Message edited by: ElentariGreenleaf ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

OCC: I cant actually get to the RPGs third page, so Im doing my best without that.

Hreeza watched in astonishment as the strange woman came and went in a flash. She had only detected her precense seconds before she tried to attack Min. How strange...

Arawil looked irritated at this intrusion and still had her sword in her hand.

"Looks like we are not the only ones to be dealing with the fate of the kidnapper." Hreeza murmered to the maia. Arawil nodded slowly, as she turned her horse again. A weeping willow was rooted in front of them, its long branches drooping over the path in front of them.

The sprite braced herself. She knew that the children were behind there. Along with there dark kidnapper. As the group started forward she stopped them.

"Wait." Arawil stared at her in surprise. So did the others. It seemed for a moment Hreeza stared at herself in surprise. Still, shed started now. "I do not know exactly lies beyond there, but I feel the dark powers. Have caution my friends."

Stunned silence. Then Dykoria scoffed. "Have caution? Please. Im a ranger- I dont need caution!" She drew her sword and surged forward through the willow. Anroth, by some way of rangerly companionship went after her, his weapon drawn also. The others looked at Arawil and where they suspected Hreeza to be. Hreeza herself had a major sinking feeling about this. Then she too followed, with the others beside and behind her as they came quite cautiously while seeming confident through the willow to the clearing...

Where there was no sign of Dykoria or Anroth!

[ElentariGreenleaf]

<<I thought Anroth wasn't there anymore, or I would have attacked him, not Min>>

As Elentari rode away, she wondered, again, if she had made a mistake. All the evil creatures, elves and men she had come across had never defended each other like that. But she had felt a horrifically strong power of evil near by.

The elf swung Rana round and headed back to where she had attacked Min. Many things now happened at once.

She saw a large man leap out and grab two of the humans from the strange group she had been traking. She also heard an evil laugh from inside the hut she was standing next to.

She then saw the rest of the strange group walk from behind the willow. Elentari was about to warn them when she heard an evil laugh behind her.

"Oh no, my pretty" said an Elf. "You wont be warning them in a hurry."

Elentari swung round, only to be knocked unconcious by a powerful blow to her head.

[ November 10, 2002: Message edited by: ElentariGreenleaf ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

OCC: No, we're killing him off. It has a better effect.

Hreeza saw a flash of movement nearby and was over there in a shot. An elf, the very elf who had attacked Min earlier was being dragged into the strange hut she had seen before, hidden behind some trees. She hovered uncertainly for a moment, then decided her friends come over one other elf, whod already proved herself to be unpredictable and possibly not on their side, although something told Hreeza this was wrong. She came back quickly to Arawil.

"Over there behind the trees, there is a hut. And in it abides not only the children and their kidnappers, but also the elven maiden we met earlier and no doubt the two rangers."

Arawil looked and the others turned to see what she was looking at.

"I feel evil in this place and the sense of death is stronger than ever..." Zohariel murmered quietly, massaging her temples. This backed up what Hreeza herself felt and she was about to say so to the necromancer, before a huge crash made her turn quickly. The huge man, the one she had seen in the distraught womans memories, was thundering towards them, yelling ferociously. But his eyes were strangely blank...

[VanimaEdhel]

Morluinien looked at her captives. She knew that the others would come for them.

"Ah, well, I will deal with them when the time comes," she thought to herself.

"You will never get away with this," one of the Elves said to Morluinien, spitting at her. Morluinien looked steadily at the girl.

"Rhaw a sereg tulo a no nin," Morluinien whispered. The Elf cried out in pain and found herself paralyzed, even after the pain had subsided.

"We will see how much I get away with," Morluinien whispered as the Elf struggled to catch her breath, "Bran! Stay here! I need you here with me!"

The big man turned from the door he had been prepared to go through.

"Erm...m'lady...I was...going to check the area," he stammered.

"Well, stay. I want you to stay," Morluinien said coolly.

The two stayed, guarding their prisoners...

[ElentariGreenleaf]

"Let me go," Elentari struggled to say. "I demand you let me go. You do not know who you are dealing with."

"Oh, but of course I know," Morluinien said sharply. "You are Elentari the Wise, Wlf-Wizard from Rivendell. Why do you think I paralized you? I know you need your hands free, or at least movable, to summon your staff. <<sp?>>"

"Then you must be Morluinien." reply the elf-wizard calmly. "My friends in Rivendell told me of you."

"So," replied Morluinien, looking careflly at the elf-wizards expression. "What did they tell you?"

"That you are nothing but a weak fool!" shouted Elentari, spitting in the evil elf's face. "You can't-"

Elentari was cut short but a noise at hte door of the hut. Morluinien turned, only to see Bran running in, quickly closing the door behind him.

"FOOL!" shouted Morluinien. "I told you to stay in here!"

<<I did that to make the last post less contridicting, and well kinda in the past (more than it already is smilies/wink.gif >>

[VanimaEdhel]

<OOC: The big guy you're talking about there is Bran?! Oops...didn't know that...thought it was someone else...sorry>

Morluinien watched Bran leave.

"Do not worry, he will return," she said, using her will once more. She was beginning to tire from using her powers so much.

*****

As the big man ran towards the others, suddenly his knees gave out and he fell, gasping.

*****

Morluinien smiled as she heard him gasp and fall. She turned once more to Elentari.

"Weak, no. Fool...yes, maybe I am one," she said out loud, "Ah, well, never mind. At least she taught me one unbreakable spell before she was slaughtered...by you that is...well, by your people. Nir bor nîn na nirnaeth nîn, thal nîn na deadelos nîn, no nîn a cuia le, Elentari, ar tad."

Elentari felt herself tingle, but nothing else.

"You have done nothing!" she said to Morluinien.

"Yes, so you think," Morluinien said, taking out a knife. She pulled up her sleeve and layed the knife on her own skin. She slowly cut, flinching in pain, her breath becoming short, ragged gasps. She was not used to physical pain.

Elentari suddenly felt her arm tremble and she felt a great pain. She gave a small yell of surprise.

"Yes, child. Now, whatever pain you or others cause me, you shall feel twice over. Do you think that I am stupid now?"

<OOC: Never said I would make it easy...>

[dragoneyes]

The man crashed through the bush startling Brilthonien, she reared and threw Zohariel off. The man then collapsed at Brilthoniens feet, Lorin drew her bow and aimed it at him.
"No!" said Hreeza "Don't shoot him!"
Lorin didn't shoot but still had her bow aimed. Arawil walked up to the man and knelt down beside him,
"What were you doing running through the forest?"
The man raised himself up and looked around, he saw Arawil kneeling down and saw a chance to hurt her and perhaps escape. Arawil could almost see this running through his mind,
"Don't even think about trying to escape, all of us here are armed."
"And if you move I won't hesitate to shoot you." Added Lorin
"So what do you have to say for yourself?" asked Arawil.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hreeza felt the dark power rippling through the air.

"Arawil, I will go ahead-"

"No Hreeza. We are going to deal with whoever is in there together- much as Dykoria irritates me and Anroth simply doesnt speak, I intend to get them back. And the children. And hey, if we're on a role, the other woman who you declare is not evil even after she attacked us may as well come along as well!" Arawil muttered the last part darkly. She could obviously feel the dark powers as well.

Hreeza sighed at the maias stubborness. She was probably right, but the sprite hated to let her friends go into danger unknowing. She turned her attention to the huge man still lying gasping on the floor. He was struggling to get to his knees, but the wind sprite took advantage of his weakness, rushing at him and throwing him onto his back and pinning him there. He had obviously been in pain before, but was quickly coming around at this new onslaught. She held him still, but it was becoming quite hard, even for Hreeza. Arawil had ridden up though and dismounted.

She twirled her sword a few inches from the mans face the ended at his throat.

"Dont move." She spoke in short clipped sentences keeping the sword levelly at his throat. A rebellious glint glittered in his strange possesed eyes, but she pressed the sword a little closer and he took the hint. "Just answer. The dark one in there is your master."

"Morlunien is my mistress." Then he bit his lip, his eyes widening as he realised what hed given away. Arawil smiled slightly.

"She has the children." It was a statement. "Just nod."
Nod.
"She is using dark powers on them and her other captives, including the rangers. Just nod."
Nod.
"And you will get them away and bring them to me. Just nod."
Pause. "I will not betray Mo-agggh!" He ended in a small trangled noise as she pressed closer still, maing a small cut in the skin on his throat. She crouched beside him, but kept the sword at his throat.

"Yes you will. I will let you go now, but I will still be watching you. I will be staying very close to you." She glanced up for a second as if shed heard something, but winked slightly at Hreeza. The sprite nodded. "Now I dont think I saw you nod..?" She now forced the flat of her sword hard against his throat."

He choked slightly, then nodded. She smiled perfectly amiably. Hreeza tried not to laugh- Arawil was great!

The huge man struggled up as the wind sprite regretfully withdrew. He began to walk quickly away backwards, still staring at Arawil, but occasionally looking around, wondering how the maia was watching him.

He started to run and dived through the door of the hut, slamming it hard behind him. But Hreeza was right beside him...

[Zohariel]

Zohariel looked around. Had someone spoken her name? Then she saw Min lying on the ground groaning. She immediatly leapt down from the horse and sped over. Pulling her herb pouch out, she searched through for something to heal wounds, something to stop pain, something to soothe bruises. She picked out Lavender, Lemongrass, Asphodel and Rosemary. Then on further reflection, a large dried dandelion.
Zohariel carefully rolled up the Rosemary and Lavender into a ball, then placed them on the neck of a bottle that seemed to appear in her hand, and tipped it up. The ball became a drenched shapeless mass of leaves and a queer smelling liquid. Zohariel made to place it on Min's bruise and Lorin grabbed her arm.
"What...is that?" Lorin asked. Zohariel tilted her head forwards and ignored the question.
When the ball went onto Min's bruises, he stifled a cry, but soon the pain was fading. Zohariel gave Lorin a cocky, superior smirk, and picked up the Lemon grass. This, when the Dandelion had been squeezed over it, was given to Lorin.
"Rub it on his chest," she was told by Zohariel. Lorin looked slightly dubious. Zohariel leant over to her. "Trust me." Lorin began gently rubbing the Lemongrass-Dandelion on Min's wounded parts. Zohariel next got her Asphodel and tore it into strips, placing a strip on each cut. Finally, she bound the whole of Min's chest with a funny smelling bandage, and dusted off her hands. Then, without another word, she got back on the horse, waited for Lorin to get on, then they rode off, following Arawil. Of course, she didn't expect any of them to say thank you.


Sorry, went right back in time there, so I could do my magic fingers thing. Carry on where you were, sorry I was away so ,long.

[ November 13, 2002: Message edited by: Zohariel ]

[Shadow_Staar]

Morluinien sat and watched as the female ranger struggled with her bonds, and grumbled as she did. The witch laughed, and Dykoria hissed as her.
"Shut up, you b*tch!" Dykoria screamed at her, with her voice full of anger.
"No one talks to me like that, Ranger." Morluinien whispered a few words under her breath, and instantly Dykoria lost the ability to talk.
"Dykoria..." Hreeze whispered lowly in the ranger's ear.
Dykoria whipped around, or so she tried, and fell over on her face.

[ElentariGreenleaf]

Elentari watched as Dykoria fell over. She would have laughed at the ranger, but their predicament was too serious. If anyone attack Morluinien the Elf would feel her pain. Elentari struggle more. The paralyzing spell seemed to be wearing <<sp?>> off. If she could just get her hands a little bit losser...

Morluinien was arguing with Bran. This was Hreeza's chance.

"Elentari," she whispered to the Elf, noticing that she didn't act startled. "I see you are trying to lossen your bonds. Will you be able to summon your stalf if I undo them? Will you help my friends?"

"Yes," said the Elf in Hreeza's mind, now noting the Sprite's startled look. "I will. I realise I made a mistake and for that I am truely sorry. I will defeat Morluinien with the help of your friends."

[ November 13, 2002: Message edited by: ElentariGreenleaf ]

[Elenna]

Arawil continued to interrogate Bran, using her powers as a Maiar to intimidate the man. He was near sobbing with terror.

"So tell me, Bran, what do you want with the children?"

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hreeza was surprised but relieved that the elf could mind speak. This might surely make things easier.

Slipping behind the elf she blew a hot wind gently against the ropes, careful not to burn the elfs hands. They started to chaff gently and then fell away with an almost inaudible thump on the floorboards.

However, it was loud enough for Morluinien. Spun around immediatly, the cup of strange herb tea she had been drinking smashing against the wall near Elentaris head, only missing her head by Elentaris quick reflexes. She was on her feet in a moment, sword in hand as she faced the dark witch.

"Get the others. I will sort this out." Hrreza was doubtful about that but she quickly loosened the two rangers and the childrens hands. She cursed quietly as their reaction was simply to fall on their faces. Damn paralisis spell. Well, she couldnt do anything else at the moment, save dragging all five of the out, a move she had approximately no faith in.

"Stay. Try to distract her. I must fetch Arawil..." The sprite whirled out the door as fast as she could in the direction of the maia and the others, regretfully leaving Elentari facing Morluinien. She hoped with all her soul that the paralisis spell would wear of and that she could get her companions to her side in time...

[dragoneyes]

The group were moving forward slowly, now not quite sure of their direction.
"Do you want to climb back on Zohariel?" asked Lorin,
"No I'll walk the rest of the way, it can't be that far."
"Sshh," said Arawil, everything was quiet, except for a slight breeze, which slowly grew to quite a strong wind.
"Quickly!" said Hreeza, "The others are in trouble! Follow me!"
Hreeza flew fast, and it's very hard to keep up with something if all you can see is either a silvery sheen or ruffling tree leaves. Finally, they arrived at the hut, Arawil flung open the door and the group charged in.

[ElentariGreenleaf]

As Arawil and the others approched the hut, they heard what sounded like a battle raging. In fact, it was Elentari defending the two rangers and three children against Morluinien. The affects of the spell now came into action.

At the start of the fight, Elentari had not remebered the spell. She struck some heavy blows to Morluinien, only to find that she felt the same pain and her blood started flowing.

"Ai!" screamed the defending Elf. "The spell gives me your injuries twice over! Ai!"

From then on she had defended herself, trying to think up a plan. She would not tire before the wicked Morluinien, so she had time. Morluinien managed to strike Elentari on the face below her eye while the Elf let her guard down.

To Elentari's surprise, Morluinien screamed in terror. A ct had appeared on Morluinien's face.

"Ha!" laughed Elentari. "So the elves obviously didn't trust you! It was a two way spell. You feel my pain."

"Yes, but cut in half." laughed Morluinien in return. "So you will be dead before I!"

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hreeza blew open the door in a most dramatic way that befitted the circumstances. The scene inside seemed frozen; the two rangers in the corner were still not moving, but the sprite could not tell whether this was because they were still under the spell or whether they were just strategically staying still. The huge man, Bran, was cowering in the corner, the wide eyed children behind him, and at the centre of the room, the two elves circled each other dangerously, swords held at the ready.

Hreeza assesed this is an second, and then the scene came alive as Morluinien lunged at Elentari, the point of her sword slicing a small cut in the others cheek. The dark one screamed, surprising Hreeza; it was not after all her who had gotten cut.

The scene then fully came to life, the elves swords flashing in front of them, clashing metallically. Bran leapt with a roar at the group in the doorway, but was stopped as Anroth threw himself in his way and began grappling with the giant.Dykoria shakily got to her feet, looking a little embarrassed at having to be rescued, something Hreeza really wouldve taken satisfaction in if circumstances hadnt been so pressing. She exchanged a look with Arawil, who nodded; the maias pale eyes were still on the pair of fighting elves, waiting for the right moment as Hreeza flew to the children sitting wide eyed and stiff in the corner.

"Come on little ones!" She whispered, her voice enchanting and musical. The little elves looked around, catching only the occasional glimmer of silver in the corner of their eyes to define the sprite. Hreeza loved children, but right now she REALLY needed them to move.

"Come, follow my voice playful ones! The witch cannot hurt you while I am here!" Her voice was joyful and playful as she spoke. "And if you dont Ill leave you here because I really have other things to do!" She thought, but didnt say it. Slowly the children began to follow the musical chiming voice of the elemental but their eyes never left the fighting sorceress...

[Shadow_Staar]

Dykoria found her sword, and got in position, but she felt in no mood to fight, her legs were shaky, and she could barely move. She was going to help Hreeza with the children, but Bran jumped in her way.
"Great, just great!" She sighed as bran swung to hit her, she dodged but almost fell.
"Darn spell!" She cursed as she dropped her sword. She didn't have time to fetch it back, because Bran was in her face again. He swund, and she blocked. She tried to kick him, but he grabbed her leg and threw her into a wall, almost hitting Arawil on her "flight".
"Watch it!" The Maia yelled.
"Sorry, not <cough> my fault." She said. She tried to stand, but there was a terrible pain in her side. 'Well that will have to wait, time for another round." Dykoria thought as she saw Bran stalk towards her.

[ November 20, 2002: Message edited by: Shadow_Staar ]

[Zohariel]

Zohariel yanked her rusted sword from its sheath with a horrible crunching noise and with that in one hand and her spiked cudgel in the other, she entered the battle. With her black rags flying out behind her, the first thing she did was let out a terrifying howl like a wounded wolf. This was her battle cry, and usually served to scare enemies. This was a different enemy, and Morluien merely rolled her eyes. Zohariel ran straight into the midst, hitting out in all directions, not caring who or what she hit. Finally, Lorin grabbed her arm.
"Calm down! You're not supposed to be fighting us!" yelled the elf. He released Zohariel and she went on hacking her free way. At last she managed to hit Morluien on the cheek with her sword. It ripped a cut down her face, about 2 inches down, and Morluien screamed. Zohariel stood still, swaying on the spot, and put her hand to her cheek. Blood covered her hand and she felt dizzy with pain.
The wounded Necromancer took a step forward and stumbled, then fell to her knees, not making a sound, but her face was twisted in pain.

[dragoneyes]

Lorin saw the chaos around her, Arawil and Elentari were fighting Morluinien. Zohariel was lying face down on the floor, she had nearly cut Lorin's head of as she had flailed her weapons all over the place. Dykoria had just been flung against the wall by Bran who was now rounding on Anroth and Min was in no condition to fight.

Lorin sized up each situation and decided Anroth was in the most dire need as he didn't seem to be able to move, with a cry she charged at Bran with her knife pointing straight at him. She hit him in the side but Bran was determined to hurt Anroth. He walked towards Anroth again, ready to try and kill him, but again Lorin charged at him but this time he dodged, Lorin turned and attacked again but Bran just pushed her out of the way and started on Anroth. Lorin was just gathering herself up to attack again when she heard one of the children cry out as Elentari stmbled back into her, Elentari strove on and faught harder while Lorin picked up the child and took her over to Min,
"Look after them will you?" she asked,
"Of course." he said taking the little ones outside. Lorin watched him out then turned back to help Dykoria.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hreeza pushed the children towards Lorin and saw the concerned elf take them outside. Right, now that job was done-

"Anroth! Look out!" She called. Even as she said it and began to rush over, it was as if things were happening in slow motion; Anroth started to turn, but Brans fist smashed into the side of his face, knocking him to the floor. As he scrambled around, Hreeza knocked a sword within his reach. His fumbling hands grasped it and he flung it up, parrying Brans downward swoop with his own sword.

He pulled himself to his feet, but Bran once again swumg across, making him jump to the side, pinning him against the wall. The giant man swumg back his sword once again, preparing to attack, then frpze, his eyes wide as Anroths dagger skashed deep into his chest. Clutching the wound he roared madly.

The ranger struggled wildly in his grasp but freed himself too late; Bran drove his sword into Anroths stomach, almost up to the hilt.

"NOOOOO! Hreezas despairing cry hit the ears of all present as she rushed up to the dying ranger. He was clutching at the sword, gritting his teeth against the pain, tears in his eyes, tears of anger and pain.

"Im so sorry. But please...win this one. And kill the buffon. For me." He whispered, then fell back, his fall cushioned as Hreeza lowered his head slowly to the floor. She made his words carry around the room, letting all know his last words. She was really angry now and from where she stood the wind began to blow harder, knocking things from the table, making Zohariels bells jingle.

Yet was it only the angry sprite disturbing the bells...she faltered, feeling suddenly the prescence of another in the room. She saw Zohariels eyes widen and turned to look at Morluinien, who was smiling as she clutched the amulet at her thoat. She was summoning her mother...

[Shadow_Staar]

Dykoria whipped around as she saw Anroth fall, his blood spilling onto the floor.
Dykoria knelt down next to him and bid farewell to the noble Ranger. Azalea heard the bells, and stiffened. She relaxed, then looked to she was clutching the amulet, and she started to speak in an ancient tounge.
"Oh dear god! Stop her!" Dykoria hissed to everyone. She knew this language, and she was frightened of it.

[VanimaEdhel]

Morluinien continued to chant. She felt her mother coming to her slowly. She hoped that her mother would be able to unleash her power against these newcomers. Morluinien had never had to ask her mother for aid yet in battle.

"Morluinien?" her mother asked, "Why do you wake me?"

"In'glaim nidar thalion. Le aníron," Morluinien said.

"All right," her mother said.

Morluinien saw one of the companions look to her with fear. She felt the power growing in the room as her mother prepared to smite these insignificant fools. She wondered if Bran would be killed too, but she didn't much care. She could always fetch a new man. The charms were easy enough.

She felt the power growing and waited eagerly for it to be released...

[Zohariel]

I admit I copied most of this out of Sabriel but no other book explains Necromancing so well!

Zohariel dragged herself to her feet, the wound on her cheek still bleeding thickly. Still desperatly trying to stay upright she fumbled with her bell belt. She thought for a second, then pulled out the smallest bell, and swung it once. It sounded a sweet, low sound, and all the fighters rubbed their eyes, getting drowsy. She swung again and many fell asleep.
"Ranna" she said out loud. Ranna, the sleepbringer. Now she faced Morluien and her mother- ghost- thing.
She replaced Ranna and drew Saraneth, the deepest bell that would shakle the Dead to the ringer's will.
"Saraneth" Zohariel choked out over a gurgle of blood that dripped over her mouth. She swung it, hoping it would let her bend the Mother to her will. Unfortunatly, it did not work. Frantically, she swung it again. Realising it would not work she replaced it and drew Kibeth. This was only used in an emergency, a difficult bell to wield. She made sure she had the holdings correct then swung it in such a way that should get Mother through the last gate and back to wherever she came from, be it death or life.

[VanimaEdhel]

Duraglariel unleashed her power then. Suddenly, each person saw themselves being ripped in two as if from a distance. They were back in their bodies and felt brief, horrible pain. Many cried out at this pain. Morluinien surveyed the scene and heard her mother be dragged into the timeless Void.

"Very well," Morluinien said, "As you seem to have the self-confidence of two people, Naneth has seen to it that you are two people. These spirits, however, shall not cooperate with you, for they only respond to those of my heritage."

With that, she ran into her room and locked the door.

"I'lhûth sain dagitha (The spell will slay them)," Morluinien said to herself, looking for a sign of her mother.

[ElentariGreenleaf]

Elentari groaned in despair. She couldn't think of a solution. Unless...

"Zohariel," shouted the elf above the clashing of weapons. "Use your bells again."

"It wont work," replied the Necromancer.

"It will. Use them, but in reverse order."

"But what will that-"

"JUST DO IT!" shouted Elentari.

Zohariel drew Kibeth and swung it. It seemed to have no effect.

"See, I told you-"

"Use the next bells together." shouted the elf.

Zohariel drew Saraneth and Ranna. She swung them together. For a momemt it was as if the earth itsself was going to give way. Them whole room shook.

"It's working," shoted Hreeza joyfully as the copies of the brave group stopped moving.

"Now," said Elentari comandingly. "Swing Kibeth and, with all your might... Zohariel? ZOHARIEL!!!"

[Zohariel]

Zohariel creased up her face and swung her bell. It sounded and rang, rang loud and harshly. She shivered in her rags, dropped the bell and fell to the ground. All she knew was a burning, white hot pain before all went black.

[ElentariGreenleaf]

"Zohariel! NO!" screemed Zrawil. All the coppies of the group started to disappear. The bells had worked, but the effect on Zohariel was not so good.

"Lorin, help her." Arawil started shouting orders. "Hreeza, go after Morluinien. Dykoria, do something about that body. AND YOU!" she shouted at Elentari. "YOU CAN LEAVE. It's your fault Zohariel is now so badly injured! Leave."

"But I..."

"LEAVE!"

Elentari, as if only a child again, ran out of the hut, into the forest. Never had seen been so cruely treated after helping people. Sure other people had not appreciated the help and had shouted at her, but she had saved these people's lives. Only in Rivendell had she been truely accepted. You see, even though she was 2014 years old and very wise, at heart she had nevver left her childhood behind. She was easily upset when not fully on task or if some horrific event just happened - like what happened to Zohariel.

Even Hreeza did not expect Elentari to react like this. She would have gone after her if it was not for her task at hand. In the end it was Min who followed the Elf.

[ December 01, 2002: Message edited by: ElentariGreenleaf ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hreeza hovered uncertainly, caught between following Elentari and following Morluinien. Damn! The elf witch had power and it should not be waster, but she had to obey Arawil if she ever wanted the chance of being able to Change.

"Arawil, get them all out of the hut. There is evil contained here, even if the spirit is not right here now." She spoke over her shoulder. "Ill meet you at the edge of the forest if all else fails!"

As she set off on the track of Morluinien, she hoped the maia wouldnt notice the error- a wind sprite could find anything in her forest! But she had business with this witch, this necromancer, the one who sent such evil upon Zohariel....

[dragoneyes]

Lorin rushed over to Zohariel, she was covered in cuts and bruises and she was plainly exhausted. Lorin raised Zohariel slowly off the hard wooden floor and carried her, she was still unconcious. Lorin carried her with ease as she was very thin.

Arawil opened the door up for them, Lorin smiled at her in thanks and continued to carry Zohariel outside. Lorin lay her down on the grass and sat down next to her, the grass was soft compared to the wooden floor and Lorin welcomed the change.

The childern came crowding aroud Zohariel,
"What has happened to her?" they all asked,
"Min, take the children will you?.. Min?... Where has Min got to?" said Lorin looking around for him. Arawil bent down, looking at the tracks on the floor,
"He followed Elentari as she ran out."
"Why?... Oh don't bother, I must tend to Zohariel." Lorin said as she turned back towards Zohariel.

[Shadow_Staar]

Dykoria picked up Anroth's body, and carried him out the door. She followed Arawil, and met up with Lorin, who was surrounded by the children.
Dykoria gently laid his body down, and kissed his head. She arranged his body, he looked so peaceful.
"Why are you doing that, he's dead." A little girl came over to her.
"I am giving him a rangers farewell, he deserves this and more." Dykoria kissed his head again, and so did the girl. Dykoria gave a smile, and the girl ran back over to Lorin, who winked at Dykoria.

[ElentariGreenleaf]

Elentari went back to her home. In the middle of a clearing, right at the heart of Mirkwood, was a large tree. It was hollow inside, but Elentari had stopped the desease which was killing and hollowing the tree and kept it alive. Though she was skilled in medicin, it was not elves or men she would help. She despised their treatment of her. They seemed to hate her because she was neither pure elf or pure witch. It was nature now that she loved and helped. It had never abanded her or hated her.

Moon walked slowed up to the root where Elentari was sitting and licked the elf-witch's face. She hated to she her friend this way.

"Moon," mindspoke the elf-witch. "You have never shown unkindness to me. You're my only friend now. I wish my love hadn't left with Elrond and the others at the turn of the time."

"They asked you to go with them didn't they?" Thought Moon, allowing Elentari to read her thoughts. "I don't inderstand why you didn't go with them."

"I could never leave this place. My heart belongs to it. My love told me that one day I would face my great enemy and defeat it. To that I hold...." << hehee, not stealing lines there at all!!! smilies/biggrin.gif >>

"Miss?" Elentari did not jump, for she knew of his approach.

"Go away Elf. I do not which for your company."

"Please, call me Min."

"Why do you show me kindness... Min. No one else does."

"You saved us. I wanted to thankyou."

"I did nothing. All in all I made things worse. Leave me!" Elentari spun round and disappeared into the tree. Min was left standing next to Moon, stroking her mane.

[ December 05, 2002: Message edited by: ElentariGreenleaf ]

[VanimaEdhel]

Morluinien had silently exited while the others had been counting their injuries. Bran was most likely dead. Once she saw that her mother was not there, she fled.

Now, that annoying sprite-creature-thing was trailing. No matter.

She sped quickly and silently through the woods hardly leaving a trail...

[ December 07, 2002: Message edited by: VanimaEdhel ]

[Zohariel]

Eventually, Zohariel came round to feel a warm hand on her forehead: Lorin. She pushed it away and struggled to sit up. Suddenly the whole world spun and Lorin pushed her down, saying "Rest. You lost a lot of blood."
Zohariel checked her bell belt; Kibeth was missing. But it swung into view above her and she realised someone had picked it up.
"Where..Where..Elen..taa- a" she started, but her mouth hurt too much to end. Lorin knew what she meant.
"Arawil shouted at her and she ran off."
"See her...haf to see...plee"

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hreeza shot through the forest as fast as she could, picking up the few, tiny trails there were visually, but also those that ran deeper; the scent of the breeze, the feel of the trees, the whispers of the track. The necromancer had covered her tracks well, but not well enough to hide them from a wind sprite in her own forest. In this way she picked up the Othersight of Morluiniens track.

Speeding through she then thought she could hear something and indeed; on the trail below was the sorceress, whispering shallowly under her breath some kind of chant. Well, no wya was Hreeza going to let her finish. Gathering her energies up, she knocked a branch from a tree above with a snap.

Morluinien stopped.
She looked up.
Her mouth formed a shocked 'O'.

As the heavy breanch hit her head she fell, unconcious to the ground. Hreeza exhaled deeply, letting the pulses rushing through her calm down as she smiled slightly in satisfaction.

[dragoneyes]

"Zohariel," said Lorin matter-of-factly "You are in no condition to go running roung the woods, you need your wounds washed and bandaged, and you need some food in you!" the children were crowding around and listening intently,
"I've got some bread in my pocket, she could have that." Lorin looked at the child and smiled,
"Yes, thankyou, that would be very helpful. Do any of you know of a strem or river around here?"
"Yes, there's one just through those trees there." said a boy pointing to a large clump of bushes and brambles. Lorin went to her horse and got three bottles and gave one to each child,
"Now, would you go and collect some water for me?"
"Certainly!" said a young girl as they ran off into the wood. Lorin took the bread the child had given her and gave it to Zohariel to eat, but it proved too painful, lorin decided they would have to mush it up with some water.

Lorin walked over to Dykoria, who was sitting beside Anroth's body and sat down beside her. She looked at Anroth's peaceful face, he was almost sleeping. Lorin was reminded of her family.

Her father had been the first to look like this, she had even been told that he was sleeping as she was still young, but his skin was hard and cold to the touch, not the skin of a living man. That was her first experience of death, years had passed since, but still it stuck in her mind.

"I did all I could for him, and still it wasn't enough." said Lorin,
"No, Lorin, this was meant to happen, he died a true ranger's death."

[ElentariGreenleaf]

Min waited a while to see if Elentari would reappear, but he had no such luck. He turned around and headed back towards the others. He had walked about 100meters when he noticed that Moon was following him.

"You better stay here." He continued walking but she still followed. "Won't Elentari get annoyed with you?" Moon snorted and Min interpereted it as a no. "Fine, but Arawil will not take kindly to you."

Little did he know that Elentari was watching him. She was sitting in a branch right above his head.

"This Elf," she thought. "He thinks so little of himself.... So selfless. I can see why the other Elf likes him. He's so much like my love used to be."

Elentari had asked Moon to follow Min. The elf-witch wanted to find out more about the others' personalities. Their reaction to Moon would tell her all she wished to know.

[ElentariGreenleaf]

"Zohariel!" commanded Lorin. "You must stay still. I think Min followed Elentari. Maybe he'll bring her back. But I have no idea where the Elf'witch is, so I can't find her, let alone you!"

Zohariel allowed herself to be pushed back onto the bed of leaves Lorin had made for her. Lorin fed her some bread *mush*
~~~
Arawil was wandering in the forest looking for Hreeza. She could sence Morluinien and the wind sprite were near by and suddenly came apon the strangest sight. Morluinien lay semi-conscience on the floor with a large branch on top of her. Hreeza was floating near by keeping an eye on her.

"So you found us then." laughed Hreeza. "What took you so long? Shouled a Maia be quicker than that?"

"Why are you so annoying?" said Arawil sternly, but she could not stop a slight smile appearing on her face.

"What should we do with this evil one?" asked Hreeza becoming suddenly serious.

"We should kill her for what she has done to Zohariel, for what Bran did to Anroth." Arawil strode up to Morluinien and drew her weapon.

"No. We must not stoop to her level." said Hreeza, holding Arawil back with a strong, but gentle, gust of wind. "We must punish her accordingly. She has not killed. Bran did that."

"But he was under her spell. Could you not see it in his eyes?" Arawil was becoming angry with the sprite for stopping her.

Hreeza was about to argue her point when she remembered way she was helping Arawil.

"I must not anger her." thought Hreeza. "Or I'll never be able to have corporeal form.
~~~
Elentari continued her journey above Min in the trees. She was being careful not to break any twigs or Min would hear her. Once or twice Moon had looked to see if her friend was following but she had only received an angry stare from Elentari. Min had also come close to spotting her, but Elentari's quick reflexes prevented that.

"Min has better sences then I had first imagined" thought Elentari to herself. "I better be more careful"

[glennyboy02]

I would like to join, is this where I post my character's details? smilies/smile.gif

[Zohariel]

&gt;No dearie post them in the discussion board&lt;

Zohariel waited til Lorin was out of sight then spat out the mush and got up, shakily. She took three wobbly steps forward and made up her mind. She had to find Elentari.

[Airerûthiel]

Elentari heard the sound of horses' hooves and song in the woods nearby, and froze as though she had slept outside on a bitterly cold night and was now stuck to the branch until the frost melted. From her position she watched the new figure approach her, and she turned away as soon as she heard the singer's Elvish lament, not knowing if this person offered help or hatred.

The figure was female, stuck halfway between being a girl far advanced in her childhood and a woman beginning her adult life. She was dressed in black, and the hood of her cape was pulled up over her face. On the belt around her waist hung a pipe and a scabbard bearing the symbol of a green shield with a white horse facing right and a noticeable brownish-red stain upon its supple leather. The horse she rode was a fine bay stallion, and she spoke to it in the Ancient Tongue.

~*~*~*~*~

"Who are you?" Airerûthiel looked up to see a female Elf sitting in the branches of a nearby tree. "What business do you have here in Mirkwood?" The speech was in the High Tongue, which comforted her a little in this strange land.

The half-Elf dismounted and whispered to her horse, "Sérë." She then bowed low to her new acquaintance, and whipped back her hood to reveal a pale face, raven hair dressed in the Elven style, and eyes as green as emeralds. "Who desires that knowledge?" she asked in the same speech.

"I am Elentari Greenleaf, and I am an Elf of Rivendell." Elentari climbed down from the tree until she stood before the one who was half her kind. "But you have still not answered my question."

"They call me Airerûthiel," replied the Gondorian, "and my horse is Sérë. My mother was an Elf and my father a Man of Gondor. When they were slain in the massacre of the Rocconinquë five years ago, when I was just ten years old, I became a Ranger. I have come from the inn of the Green Dragon at Bywater in the Shire, and have been travelling some days. But what is this place?"

"This is Mirkwood, home of the Elves," replied Elentari. She noticed Airerûthiel's begin to grow wide with anxiety, and the half-Elf inched back towards her horse. "Why do you run from me? I will not hurt you, and I only offer the hand of friendship."

"I am not welcome here," said Airerûthiel. "My cousins Laitalathion and Maikadurion have been here a few years ago, and without wishing to give a bad press to the Elves, I was told their reception was not exactly the perfect one."

Elentari laughed, a sound like gentle summer rain. "You will not be turned away because your blood is not pure Elven," she said. "Come, you seem weary and lonely. I shall take you back to the house of Mirkwood."

[ January 01, 2003: Message edited by: Airerûthiel ]

[ January 01, 2003: Message edited by: Airerûthiel ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

"I know there was a spell on Bran, Arawil. Its-" She stopped herself from completing the sentence.

"Where is Elentari? Ai, why cant we seem to keep everyone together for more than a few moments!" Arawil muttered irritably, looking around. Glad to have an excuse to be left to her thoughts for a few moments, Hreeza replied.

"I'll find her O Maia. But, for the meantime," she glanced down at the sorceress, who was slowly returning to conciousness. "For the meantime, do not kill her. I have a few questions..."

Dykoria grinned wickedly at the sprite, then looked at the sorceress. She hit her sharply over the head with her sword hilt, once again rendering her unconcious. Hreeza looked at the ranger reproachfully- she could not stand creatures who would hurt an enemy while they were helpless. But a vision of Anroth returned to her mind... Oh Valar, she was so confused, her thoughts spinning around. Without further ado she left to find Elentari.
*~*~*~*
Hreeza was impressed; it had taken her at least half an hour to find the elf in her own forest. She was good! Looking down she saw Elentari with another and heard the last of their conversation.

"Come, you seem weary and lonely. I shall take you back to the house of Mirkwood."

"Come, you seem weary and lonely. I shall take you back to the house of Mirkwood."

"Not so fast, O Hasty Witch." Hreeza murmered softly beside Elentaris ear, making her jump slightly as she spun around. The other looked at her strangely as she turned and then glared at apparently thin air.

"Cant I get away from any of you?! I tried to help and all that happened was that you shunned me!" She yelled at the air. Hreeza blew gently around her, stroking her cheek soothingly.

"Hey, hey. Calm down, O Elf. You were not shunned." The elf started to talk again but Hreeza continued. "First things first; who is the Gondorian?"

[Airerûthiel]

Airerûthiel tightened her grip on the hilt of Minyacirith, her father's sword, but Elentari removed it. "You have no reason to draw your blade here," she whispered. "But I advise you to answer Hreeza, and be hasty about it."

"She has dealings with you, does she not? You have been kind to me, Star-queen, and things do not look to be in a good state between the two of you," replied Airerûthiel, her eyes beginning to narrow.

"Who are you, Gondorian maid?" asked Hreeza again, growing impatient. "What is your history? Speak now!"

"My name is Airerûthiel, and I am the last of the Rocconinquë," replied the half-Elf. "I have walked this land for five years, and yet knew not of this place in my travels. My horse is Sérë. You know my story, and you know what name they give me. I know that you are called Hreeza, but I desire to know what business you have here in what appears to be a private conversation between a Ranger and a Rivendell Elf."

[ January 01, 2003: Message edited by: Airerûthiel ]

[ElentariGreenleaf]

&lt;&lt; Rivendell elf! &gt;&gt;
"I have come to ask Elentari to come back to help us." replied Hreeza. "Elentari, Arawil did not mean to shun you. She just loses her temper."

"You mean to tell me," said the elf-witch getting angry, "You mean to tell me that everyone who has shuned me has not meant it? In rivendell I was welcome. I was forced to leave when Elrond and the others left this land. I came here to Mirkwood where elves still dwell, but they rejected me. half-elves they will befriend but not an elf-witch. They were frightened that I might curse them. I've had it with other beings. I should never half tried to help Arawil and the others. I should never have revealed myself to you, Airerûthiel. My life is one of loneliness."

With that Elentari dissapeared into the tops of the trees and headed back to her tree.

"Moon, I don't want you to follow them anymore." Elentari was mind-speaking with her horse.

"I am sorry my friend," replied Moon, "But I am already at their camp. I will stay and find out more about them."

"Ok, my friend, but be careful aswell as watchful. Arawil knows you to be my horse and she will resent you for that, I know it."

[ December 27, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[dragoneyes]

Lorin finished feeding the little bit of food to Zohariel and called to the children, no reply, she called again, again no reply.She rolled her eyes and threw her arms up in despair, when will everyone stop running off? she thought to herself. She went to investigate and dissapeared into the forest,
"Children!" She called, but it soon became clear where they were, there was a sound of splashing coming through the trees, a occasional squeal was mingled in aswell.

Lorin walked down the gentle slope towards the sound, soon she found three elf-children soaking wet, up to their knees in water. The stream ran past their legs as they continued to splash about. Lorin emmerged from the trees to try and insert some order into the three children but instead, a rather vigorous and misguided splash came her way. Suddenly Lorin found her legs to be very cold, and her trousers soaked. The children stopped and looked at her, putting on their most innocent faces.

Lorin looked at each of them in turn, giving them a penetrating stare, but to the children's surprize a smile broke on her face and she took off her boots. The children watched amazed, as the adult proceeded to drench them all even more, they soon caught on though, and it wasn't long before all were dripping wet, and too cold to continue. They crawled onto the bank laughing and they stretched out, letting the warm sun dry them.

[ December 22, 2002: Message edited by: dragoneyes ]

[Eruwen]

Eruwen walked quietly with Soronûmë at her side. It had been a long trip all the way home from the Shire. "Ah, Mirkwood. What a wonderful place." Eruwen thought. The warm smell of the air brought a great joy to her. It had been long since she walked these paths. It was then she heard the familiar sound of rushing water come to her ears.

Eruwen took off in a dead sprint. She knew this river well. Shocked, Soronûmë followed running calling after her. "Eruwen!" he said. "Stop! You do not know who may be in these woods! Eruwen!" Soronûmë could not stop her. Eruwen was too eager to touch the waters she once loved more than anything in all of Mirkwood.

As she came out into the clearing, she stopped suddenly to find a group of travelers on the bank. They all turned around and stared at the Elf. Soronûmë came up behind slowly. "There could be many dangerous foes in these wood...oh," he said when he looked up at the group of people in front of him. Eruwen could not speak.

"Excuse my friend here," Soronûmë said. "We did not mean to disturb you." Eyeing Eruwen, Soronûmë started to turn back through the woods with Eruwen behind. Before they were out of sight, a young woman came up behind them. "Wait," she said. "Don't go."

Eruwen turned around to face the woman. "I am Lorin Thoriel." the woman said. Eruwen was questioning herself at whether she should answer or run away. "Do you understand the common tongue?" Lorin said.

"Yes, she does." said Soronûmë coming up. "I am Soronûmë. My very foolish, yet shy friend here is Eruwen. We are both recently left an inn in the Shire to venture back to Mirkwood."

Eruwen looked up at Soronûmë then at Lorin. "I am not always very shy." she said. "I just don't know if I can trust some people." Eruwen looked into Lorin's eyes. She paused for a moment. "Yes," she said. "I believe your words. Are you and your company living here in Mirkwood now?"

"Oh, not at all." replid Lorin. "We are on a quest of our own, but we have taken a rest along this riverbank. Come with me. I think you two should meet the rest of my...company." The three walked back to the riverbank to find the group ahead talking amongst themselves.

[ December 27, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Airerûthiel]

&lt;&lt; Sorry! &gt;&gt;

Airerûthiel watched as Elentari left; she was confused and saddened at her friend's sudden departure. 'She does not speak true,' she thought to herself. 'The Elves here turned away my cousins, and our mothers were Mirkwood Elves, rejected by their people because of whom they gave their hearts to - Men of Gondor and Rohan.'

Sérë stirred at the Gondorian's hand. "What is it?" asked Airerûthiel in Rohirric, the language of the horse-lords of that country. She heard talk in the woods and recognised some of the voices that came to her ears. "Did I not hear these same voices speak in the Green Dragon two nights ago?" she asked her horse, who merely whinnied softly and pawed the ground.

Now the half-Elf's mind was split. Should she seek voices she recognised but did not know, or should she try and help her new friend? It was bitterly painful to look upon Elentari after knowing what she was going through; all her young life she had been seen as nothing because she was unlike her lively fair sisters and her frail brother, and it had fallen to her to do the duty of a son of the house of Rocconinquë. But then her parents had shunned her for being too wild and unladylike; her sisters had teased her and then she had got into trouble for fighting back; her cousins had been afraid of her because her gender did not stop her being as good with a sword as they were.

And then, after they were slain, what had she lived beneath? The most terrible poverty in the world - loneliness and being unwanted. Everywhere she went, she was seen as no more than a Ranger and, as such, nothing compared to the world she had been born into. She knew she would never be truly accepted by this world, but she also knew that one day the Shield-maiden of Gondor would return to her people.

Mounting Sérë seemingly effortlessly, she spoke to her horse in the Ancient Tongue of her mother's kin and the two of them took off into the woods.

[ElentariGreenleaf]

It was not long until Elentari felt the half-elf drawing near. The elf-witch, Elentari, had stopped to consider things. It seemed foolish to run off like a little girl. She had to grow up. But still, they had rejected her. Elentari knew Arawil would not soften towards her. She would not be a friend to the elf-witch. But the others... they were kind, thoughtful. Min was so selfless and Elentari's new friend, Airerûthiel was from the start kind to the elf-witch.

Now that Airerûthiel had come searching for her Elentari's mind was made up. She would try once more to join the company.

"Elentari!" shouted Airerûthiel from below. "I know you're up there. Why did you run off? Won't you please come back with me? I could introduce you to some of my friends I met in the Shire at the Green Dragon."

"You would do that for me?" said Elentari quietly. "But we only just met?"

"even though you were at first cold towards me I knew that you were kind, Elentari. You said you would lead me to the house of Mirkwood, even though they have shuned you. Please, please come back with me!"

"Ok."

"Please.... I fell like it's my fault. that sprite probably would have convinced you to-"

"It's ok Airerûthiel." said Elentari calmly. "I will return to the company with you. And I will meet you friends. I needed to go and get my friends, Moon, anyway!"

Airerûthiel was surprised and yet filled with calmness at the sound of the elf-witch's enchanting laugh.

"Thankyou, my friend."

[ December 27, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

"And I too will be glad to introduce you to Arawil and the others Airerûthiel."

The sprites soft voice made Airerûthiel smile but it made Elentari jump, scowling.

"Are you following me sprite?"

Hreeza laughed, a sound as pleasant as Elentari's own and the elf couldnt help but relax slightly. "But of course, O witch."

"Do you practise being irritating for a living Hreeza?" Elentari shot back, but her heart wasnt really in it as she smiled slightly.

"I do believe you're starting to sound like Arawil!" Hreeza replied. Elentari's smile faded but Hreeza jumped in before she could say anything. "She is not angry at you, O One of the Blessed Race. This anger was a fleeting one. Believe me, she is grateful."

"You are sure of this?" Elentari asked softly.

"Well, we wont know until we meet with her again will we O Elf?" Hreeza smiled. "And I welcome you also O Child of Two Races." She added to the half elf standing near Elentari, sending the little sign of a bow to her mind and recieving a smile in return.

"Now come. I think there is one especially who waits for you, going by the name of the great Moon?" Hreeza surprised Elentari with her knowledge of Moon as the started off.

[dragoneyes]

The children were now sat up and talking, still slightly damp.
"Children! I have someone here for you to meet." Lorin called ahead. The children looked round and, noticing the other two people with Lorin, stood up, not very trusting at first. Lorin led Eruwen and Soronûmë up to meet them.

"Children, this is Eruwen," she said pointing to Eruwen "And Soronûmë." she said, pointing to Soronûmë.
"Greetings." said the children in chorus. Turning to the two travellers Lorin said,
"This is Nolvennion, Teltarma and Imsewwen."
"Hello." said the two together. There was a moment of silence before the young she-elf said, peering round Eruwen,
"Is that your horse?" Eruwen turned to see what she was pointing to, it was a slender grey horse, nibbling at the rich grass on the bank.
"Certainly is, her name is Mírie."
"Can I stroke her?"
"Of course!" At this, Imsewwen positively beamed, she rushed up to Mírie and fussed all about her.
"That reminds me," said Lorin, "My own horse is waiting for me with the others, we'd better get back there."
"There are more of you?" enquired Soronûmë,
"Certainly, I wouldn't go travelling round Mirkwood with children and only a bow for my protection. Come, we should really be getting back." With that, Lorin started back towards the forest.

[ December 30, 2002: Message edited by: dragoneyes ]

[Gorothlammothiel]

Soronûmë walked back with Lorin and Eruwen, the children quietly in front of them. He had no idea there would be so many of them on the quest, but had decided previously that he spent a lot of time alone and helping others could be just what he needed.

Approaching her horse, Eruwen poke softly to the children who seemed fascinated by the creature. Soronûmë called to Salixrana who came swiftly from the trees, apparently unoticed by the children for which he was glad.

Lorin led Eruwen and Soronûmë, and after a short while the children seemed to be getting tired. Imsewwen looked at Eruwen and the horse she was leading at her side. Soronûmë smiled as he knelt to the young elves, "If you desire you may ride my horse Salixrana, until we reach the group again." Nolvennion, Teltarma and Imsewwen's faces lit as they looked to Lorin for approval. Smiling herself as she stopped a litle further on she nodded. Soronûmë lifted Nolvennion and Teltarma up onto the grey steed's back. Imsewwen was looking towards Eruwen. "I'm sure Eruwen would not mind if you were to ride Mírie Imsewwen. Why not ask the kind lady?" Imsewwen seemed shy, "My lady" asked Soronûmë catching Eruwen's attention as he stood again, "Would you mind if Imsewwen here was to ride Mírie until we reach the group?" Eruwen nodded and brought Mírie over to them. Helping Imsewwen up she smiled at Soronûmë.

The pair led their horses and caught up with Lorin. "Thank you" she said. Eruwen and Soronûmë looked back to Mírie and Salixrana and the three young elves riding them and continued on their journey...

[ December 31, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Eruwen]

The company stopped to rest a short while before they reached the place where the other members of the group were. Lorin and Soronûmë helped the children from the horses then sat down for a while.

Eruwen sat up suddenly from where she had layed down. She looked around at her surroundings, then rushed off through the trees. Soronûmë followed when he noticed her quick dash. It was not far before Eruwen stopped at a certain tree and started to climb. She did not stop until she was sitting at the top looking over the forest of Mirkwood.

Soronûmë came up breathing heavily. "You know," he said. "It really does get tiring you running off all the sudden like this." He looked at Eruwen's face. She was in a still gaze as she peered over the treetops. "Eruwen?" Soronûmë continued. "What's wrong?"

Eruwen turned toward the Elf. "This was the treetop. This was the very spot I had last been at while in Mirkwood---the last place I was before I had to run." She lowered her head.

Soronûmë looked behind them and back at Eruwen. He was not sure what to say. This place had so many sad memories. "Come." he said. "We must get back to Lorin and the children. We will be setting off again soon."

The two Elves climbed down the tree and walked slowly through the forest. The group set off again shortly to meet up with the others.

[ December 31, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Airerûthiel]

Airerûthiel stopped suddenly, her pace slowing as she glanced around the woods. "What is it, friend?" asked Elentari, wondering why her new companion suddenly seemed so saddened. "Does something about the world of the Elves unsettle you?"

Airerûthiel shook her head. "It is nothing, only...I have great respect that my mother sacrificed her immortality, and her life in a place of such beauty, to be with the one she loved. I can remember my father's pet name for my mother was Tinúviel, after she of the Elven race that was so beautiful that Beren the son of Men was struck dumb when he first laid eyes on her." She sighed heavily and walked on, speaking softly to Sérë in Rohirric.

Elentari watched slowly as the daughter of two races walked away; she could sense that the lone Ranger's heart was heavy with the history of her mother's people that surrounded her. The Star-queen knew that the Eldar were hospitable and kind people, but she could not help pitying the Gondorian because of who her father was...

~*~*~*~*~

Airerûthiel heard the voices she recognised from the Green Dragon some way ahead. Mounting Sérë, she spoke to her bay stallion and the brown-eyed horse of the borderland of Men obediently trotted forward as quietly as a thief in the night. Up ahead the half-Elf could see two figures, a male Ranger and a female Elf from Mirkwood, and both had a horse with them.

Sérë whinnied and pawed the ground, and Airerûthiel hastily tried to quiet her mount, "Stille nu, faeste..." But it was too late. The two figures with the familiar voices were coming towards her.

~*~*~*~*~

"Do you hear the sound of a horse, Soronûmë?" asked Eruwen, glancing around the area in which the two Elves stood. Soronûmë nodded and glanced in the direction of a tree on the other side of the riverbank. Behind it he saw a dark-cloaked female figure dismount from her stallion and pull her hood over her head in one single fluid movement.

"There is someone there. Stay here with the horses; I shall go and investigate." An ancient tree stood nearby, its highest branch stretching across to just about meet with one of the tree behind which the figure was hiding. The male Elf climbed this as easily as a cat, creeping stealthily towards his goal. As he did so, Eruwen noticed that the figure was beginning to sneak around the front of the tree-trunk, possibly with the intention to head back down the path in the opposite direction.

Suddenly, the branch that Soronûmë was using as a foothold snapped slightly, causing the Elf to lose his footing. Eruwen winced for her friend as he fell to the ground in a sort of graceful way...with a Gondorian daughter of Elves and Men to break his fall.

~*~*~*~*~

THUD!!

"What was that sound?" asked Hreeza to the Elf-witch; Elentari merely shrugged and ran down the path after her friend, the sprite closely following her.

Soon the Rivendell Elf came to the riverbank, where she found a male Elf standing up and dusting himself down, muttering to himself as he cast a look of contempt at Airerûthiel. The Gondorian shook her head as a dog would after a bath and shakily got to her feet.

"Who are you, Ranger, and what are you doing in Mirkwood? This is Elven country; no Men walk in this part of Middle-earth with good reason." The male Elf cast a glance at the female of his kind across the water, who Elentari could see was trying very hard not to laugh despite the sadness she seemed to carry.

"I could ask the same question of you, my friend," replied Airerûthiel angrily, pulling back her hood. "And besides, I do have business here; my mother was a daughter of Mirkwood, and this is the land of my kin."

"Many mistake me for a Ranger, but I am more Elf than you will ever hope to be, daughter of two races." Soronûmë seemed to be ignoring the Elf-maiden's comment. "My name is Soronûmë, and my companion yonder is Eruwen. We are both Elves - do not insult me by calling me Ranger and making the mistake of many like yourself."

A flicker of recognition passed over the maid's face. "Did I not see you in conversation with Elwen in the Green Dragon some time ago? I had the pleasure of speaking with the star-maiden also, and any friend of hers is friend to me. My name is Airerûthiel, and I am the last of the Rocconinquë, a Shield-maiden of Gondor, the daughter of Elves and Men."

"And who, pray, are your friends?" asked Soronûmë, taking in Elentari and Hreeza. "One is of Elven kind, yes, but the other..." Hreeza's eyes flashed impatience at the Elf, a threatening expression and one that encouraged most to tread carefully in what they said to her.

"They are Elentari of Rivendell, and Hreeza," replied Airerûthiel. "And pray, tell me, where are you going? Like myself, you and Eruwen seem to be adventurers."

[ January 01, 2003: Message edited by: Airerûthiel ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

"I am more elf than you will ever be daughter of two races." The arrogant young man answered and Hreeza fought the impulse to knock him straight back to the floor. "My name is Soronûmë, and my companion yonder is Eruwen. We are both Elves - do not insult me by calling me Ranger and making the mistake of many like yourself."

"And who, pray, are your friends? One is of Elven kind, yes, but the other..." He was trying to fix Hreeza in his full line of sight, a thing virtually impossible if the sprite decides to make things difficult.

"You do not know what I am, child?" She whispered next to his ear. The elf spun around, shocked, a sword held out in front of him. Airerûthiel spoke behind them, but Soronume's attention was pretty taken up by the sprite in front of him.

"What are you?" he murmered.

"A wind sprite. The sprite of this forest. Do not mock the child of two races, as worthy as any child of Beren and Luthien may have been. I was formed on the breath of the valar." She spoke next to his ear, makinbg him turn again.

"I am sorry." He said quietly. Hreeza sent the image of a nod into his mind, followed by a smile. "Thankyou. I am Hreeza, and pleased to meet you. Come, the half elf asked you a question."

[Gorothlammothiel]

Turning back to Airerûthiel, Hreeza commented "Come, the half elf asked you a question."

Soronûmë put away his small sword, "Indeed she did Hreeza, though I expect she would rather be called by name than by half elf. I am not one to descriminate against birth" he smiled softly as he continued, "Eruwen here and myself are seeking adventure, we were in the company of Lorin and three young children. It seems we have ventured from our guide a little too far that we have met others in the forest. Lorin was taking us to meet the rest of her own company, travelling to Cirith Ungol I believe." Eruwen nodded as she came closer towards her companion leading Mirle behind her, Salixrana followed.

Elentari seemed pleased with his answer "You are aqquainted with Lorin?" she questionned, "We are her company, in part. We had become split after..."
Hreeza interupted as if Elentari was about to say something she should not. "Come, if you are indeed friends of Lorin you shall follow us back to her, she will be worrying if you two have wandered off."

Eruwen and Soronûmë followed the sprite, half-elf and shieldmaiden back in the direction they had ventured from. Soronûmë turned to Eruwen "It seems your little outbursts of energy have led us to new friends once again Eruwen" he said and the pair began laughing.

[dragoneyes]

Lorin continued walking for a little while, trying to hurry the group along, it was getting dark and she didn't wasnt to be caught out in the forest at night. She turned to check on how her two new aquaintances were doing to find that they weren't there! again? she thought to herself is there something about me which makes people want to run away?. Imsewwen was walking next to her, Nolvennion and Teltarma were playing about infront.
"Did any of you three see where Eruwen and Soronûmë went?" Lorin asked,
"Oh," Said Imsewwen, yet again being the most innocent she could, "We thought you knew that they'd gone."
"Well it doesn't matter now, where did they go?"
"They ran off a while back." She answered.

Lorin stood for a while, torn between getting back before dark and finding Eruwen and Soronûmë. Did they know their way around the forest? Hopefully Dykoria and Arawil would already have a fire going back at the hut and Zohariel should be alright in their care. Lorin longed for a rest though, it had been a hectic day.

Lorin finally made up her mind to go back and find the other two. Now that she thought about it, they did know their way around, but still, it was hardly courteous to leave them out in the forest when there was a proper camp, hopefully, being set up else where.

Lorin turned and started retracing her steps, she called after the children who followed, though somewhat reluctantly. They walked for a while, chatting a little until they heard voices other than their own. Lorin stopped and listened longer, the voices were jumbled up and not discernable from each other, but then she heard a musical laugh, it couldn't be mistaken,
"Hreeza." She whispered to herself, smiling. Perhaps they could help her in her search for her new-found and new-lost friends.

She sat at the base of a tree, waiting for Hreeza and, well, Elentari she supposed, to catch up. They finally got close enough so that Lorin could hear what they were saying, there were more than two voices there.

A small breeze blew past on an otherwise, windless day,
"Hello Lorin." Lorin jumped five feet in the air,
"Hreeza! Don't do that!" She cried, as the children fell about laughing. As they did, Eruwen, Soronûmë, Elentari and Airerûthiel emerged from the trees. Lorin looked over at them and saw the two she had been looking for immediately,
"I'd been wondering where you two had got to." She said smiling at them both,
"Yes, sorry, that was my fault." Said Eruwen.
"Don't worry, you're not the first to do that," Replyed lorin, lookin first at the children, then at Elentari, "I see you've found Hreeza, Elentari and... somebody else." She said realising for the first time there was a newcomer.
"I am Airerûthiel, pleased to meet you." she said, holding out her hand.
"And I you," Answered Lorin, taking it, "I am Lorin Thoriel, of the Golden Wood, where is your home?"
"I am Gondorian." Replyed Airerûthiel, Lorin raised her eyebrows,
"Really? It's not often one of the race of men strays into Mirkwood."
"I am half elven." Lorin's eyebrows raised even further and her smile widened,
"As am I!" The conversation continued from there as they made their way towards camp, though it was now quite dark.

[ December 31, 2002: Message edited by: dragoneyes ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

"Hello Lorin."

"Hreeza! Don't do that!"

The sprite grinned mischievously as the children laughed and Lorin smiled slightly as well. She was looking tired and had to air of a person who seemed to have endless bounds of patience, and that someone was trying to find those bounds.

As the elf turned to the others and introductions were made, Hreeza turned her attention to the three children. They could see her, she knew it; even if they werent elves they probably would have been able to. Children had an ability to do this until they stopped believing so much in such things. They were watching her with s sort of wondering curiosity.

"Good day, O children of the blessed race." She said as she blew lightly around them.

"Children of the blessed race?" One said, attempting to raise an eyebrow.

"Indeed, as are all elves, O elfchilder. Now, where do you live?"

"Not telling you." Answered one boldly, jutting out his chin. Hreeza 'looked' at him. "Well, we like it with you." he muttered, then pointed a small finger at Lorin. "Shes nice. She doesnt tell us what to do."

Hreeza sighed and blew a few leaves around distractedly, laying them in colour order in front of the children. Children could be so very difficult. Ah well...

"Have you told Lorin?"

"Nope. She was distracted. Said something about another woman. Zohazel or something."

Zohariel! Hreeza looked around wildly. The necromancer was nowhere to be seen. Really not in the mood for this... Hreeza thought, as she went towards the main group...

[Eruwen]

The group, now rejoined together, had all sat down at the camp. The children were lying down falling to sleep one by one while the others talked quietly around a warm fire. Eruwen sat staring into the midst of the hot, red flames thinking of her past. Many times had she recalled all of the memories left in this wood, but they were coming back even stronger now.

She looked up at the sky as stars shone brightly through the tops of the trees. The voices of the company drowned out with only the sound of a crackling fire coming to her ears. Eruwen listened as the wind blew slightly moving the leaves all around. This place was so peaceful---just like she remebered it. Eruwen's thoughts were soon lost when she saw Lorin come up beside her.

"Mind if I join you?" Lorin said. Eruwen nodded as Lorin took her seat.

"I--I'm sorry if I worried you earlier."Eruwen commented to her new friend. "Soronûmë and I had a run-in, or fall-in if you will, with some members of your group." Eruwen looked over at Soronûmë who seemed to have overheard her words. He smiled a sort of half-laughing way and returned his attention to the rest of the group.

"Quite fine." replid Lorin smiling. "I'm somewhat used to people running off on the journey. The children did the same not too long ago."

The two laughed and continued their conversation later on into the night. The area where the group camped seemed to have its own effect of homeliness on everyone. It gave it a feeling of comfort which Eruwen was very thankful for after their long journey. She knew, though, that it was not quite over yet. There was still much more to come into play before she could really be at home.

[ January 01, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[dragoneyes]

Lorin and Eruwen soon found themselves one of the last few up,
"Well, I for one am worn out, I'm going to sleep." stated Lorin,
"I think I'll join you." Said Eruwen. Eruwen went to set up some kind of bed next to Soronûmë and Lorin went to tuck in the children. She wrapped each one in a blanket, tucking it in around them, then she got up, ready for a rest of her own. Before I go I should really check on Zohariel she thought.

She made her way over to where Zohariel last lay, but all she found was compressed grass, she felt the ground, it was no longer warm, not to worry, perhaps someone had moved her. Lorin checked everywhere and even ventured into the forest a little way, but she was still nowhere to be found.
"Where is she?"

"Lorin,"
"Yes Hreeza?" She didn't jump this time, she was far too tired to, "Do you know where Zohariel has got to?" she asked.
"That's what I came to tell you, I've found her a little way into the forest, she's unconcious." Lorin was almost disbelieving, after all that had happened today, Zohariel had to finish it off with making everything worse. She very nearly lost her temper, but instead she resolved to go and get her.

"How far away is she?"
"Just a short breeze away."
"What about walking?"
"About ten minutes."
"I'll take Brilthonien then." Lorin woke her horse, she didn't want to, but there was no way she could carry Zohariel back. She mounted and trotted off, following the signs of Hreeza as she wafted through the trees. They stopped and came to the spot where she lay, face down on the ground. It was difficult to tell how long she had lay there.

Lorin gently lifted her up and lay her on Brilthonien. They walked back, Brilthonien trying to make the journey as smooth for Zohariel as possible. They emmerged back out of the forest, into camp, the fire was still lit and blazing away but no one else was up.

Lorin lay Zohariel next to the fire on a spare blanket,well, it was really Lorin's blanket, but the way this night was going it didn't seem that she would be needing it.

[Gorothlammothiel]

Soronûmë along with the group had gone to rest, but sleep was not something that came easy to him. He lay staring into the star-lit sky, thinking back to the day he lost his brother. Stirring, he turned onto his shoulder and noticed that Lorin was still awake also, and that she was bent over a stranger. Sitting up Soronûmë caught her attention, "I'm sorry" she whispered, "I did not mean to wake you".

Getting himself up, he made his way over to Lorin, "It is no bother, I was not asleep for I am not yet tired" his words seemed full of sorrow, "but you Lorin, you have had a busy day, are you not yet weary?" he questionned. "To be honest I am exhausted, but I must attend to Zohariel here." she relpied turning her attention back to the stranger on the ground.

Soronûmë looked upon the unconcious figure's face, the stranger was female. She looked of the race of man but some characteristics were not as defined as a humans may have been. Looking down from the face she wore dark, worn clothes. Trousers and a tunic with a dark cloak. He knelt beside her, "What happened?" he asked Lorin. "I am not sure. She left us some time ago and Hreeza found her tonight in this state" she replied with a yawn, "I have tried to wake her but it is no good. There is nothing I can do until morning."

Soronûmë could see that Lorin needed to sleep but was keeping herself awake for this Zohariel, whoever she may be. "Staying awake all night when you cannot do anything until the morning will not serve either of you good Lorin" he told her. She drew back replying "I know, but someone must watch over her." "Well then let me watch her. I am not tired and could not sleep if I were. Let me be the one to stay with her while you take some much earned rest". Lorin seemed uneasy about letting Soronûmë watch over her friend and had she not been so weary she may have protested but her tiredness took the better of her and she reluctantly agreed.

Soronûmë took the blanket he had been using and lay it over Lorin, who was already asleep aside from the fire. Resting his back against the trunk of a nearby tree he pulled his own cloak around his shoulders as he watched the group, and the unconcious Zoariel rest. The flames of the fire reflected then became lost in his deep and troubled eyes. He lay his bow and quiver at his side, taking his sword into his hands and looking up to the stars he began to quietly sing a song, his words floating on the breeze...

"Walking paths seldom trodden
Wandering forests unknown by man,
Telling tales of myths forgotten
Strength in both mind and hand.

Living a life of solitude
Travelling by the day and dark,
A bright light shone from within
But lonely forever in his heart.

Cursed not with weary feet
Only with a lasting hope,
Navigating by the stars
His intuition led him home."

[ January 02, 2003: Message edited by: Gorothlammothiel ]

[Zohariel]

Begs humble forgiveness for not posting, internet mucked up. Allows whole group to slap her.

Zohariel woke up suddenly. She could see stars above, a fire blazing. Someone was sitting beside her, watching her. She did not know who it was though...
Zohariel struggled up. Her middle seemed to be on fire, her head pounding. The stranger spoke.
"They said you must lie down. They found you unconcious."

Zohariel growled. "I need to speak to Elentari. And who the heck are you?"

The stranger seemed not bothered by her rudeness.

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

[Gorothlammothiel]

Soronûmë sat silently watching the group, catching his attention Zohariel began to stir. She struggled to sit up putting her wait onto her arms.

"They said you must lie down. They found you unconcious." Soronûmë said to her quietly. This seemed to anger her as she quickly stated "I need to speak to Elentari, and who the heck are you?" Soronûmë had forgotten the two had not yet been aquainted and went to help her sit up properly.

"I am Soronûmë" he said, "I was travelling with my friend Eruwen when Lorin asked us to join her and her company to Cirith Ungol. I believe Elentari is part of that company, she is over there" he pointed to the group asleep on the other side of the smoking remains of the fire. "She is sleeping, I do not think we should wake her."

Zohariel was holding her chest in pain, "I must talk to Elentari" her voice was now a whisper, "she will understand if I wake her."
"That she may" replied Soronûmë "but you too need your rest if you are to recover, that would will take some healing." He looked upon Zohariel who seemed to be having trouble trusting him. It was not her fault of course, she wakes up and sees all her friends sleeping and a stranger watching her.

"If you wait here Zohariel and rest, promising not to wake Elentari until I return I will go and see if I can find something to help that wound. Take some rest whilst I am gone and when I return we will see about waking Elentari." Soronûmë smiled at Zohariel who did not seem impressed with the statement, he hadn't meant to be patronising, but she nodded and agreed. Zohariel was not really in the state to move very far.

~~~~~~~~~~

Soronûmë returned some time later with several kinds of flower and plant in his arms. Bending over Zohariel he went to lift her cloak from the wound but she quickly pulled it further over herself. "You don't trust me Zohariel, I can see that, and I am not asking you to believe everything that I say but please, let me help you." She stared at him for a moment then over to her friends. Reluctantly she pulled the cloak away and allowed Soronûmë to 'treat' her.

Soronûmë bound the wound with a strip from his cloak he had cut off pressing hard, Zohariel winced in pain. He tied a comfortable but secure knot in the fabric. Zohariel sat up with more ease than she had previously but was still feeling the effects of her injury. "Do you still want to wake Elentari?" he questionned...

[ElentariGreenleaf]

"Yes," replied Zohariel. "I must speak with her. Wake her for me."

"Ok, but don't blame me if she gets annoyed."

"He can't have known Elentari long then," thought Zohariel. "From what I've seen she never gets annoyed!"

Soronûmë walked over to Elentari. He had not known her long and was therefore nervous about how she would react.

"You need not worry," spoke a voice from nearby. "I am awake."

"Oh," said Soronûmë as he realised the speaker was Elentari. "I'm sorry. Zohariel wanted me to wake you. She seems so desperate to speak with you, though I do not know why."

"You have nothing to be sorry for," spoke Elentari kindly, "for you did not wake me. I have not yet slept this night for a worry about Zohariel. It is my fault she is injured."

"How is it your fault? From what I've been told the fight, a dark elf attacked her."

"That injury would not be so bad if I had not told Zohariel to weild all three bells once more. It is hard for me to feel welcome here because of that."

"You could not have known it would make her injury so bad. It could not have been your fault."

Elentari looked to the floor. "But I should have known. I am an elf-witch." Elentari noticed a slight hint of discust in Soronûmë's face. "I have the ability to see the consiquences of my actions. Anyone could have guessed that outcome, but I did not see it. I should have been more careful. I cannot stay here."

Elentari stood up and walked over to Moon. She mounted her horse and galloped away.
~~~
After only twenty minutes of riding Elentari felt a soft breeze beside her.

"Why do you do this, Hreeza?" asked Elentari. "Why do you follow me?"

"It is I," spoke Hreeza, "who should be asking you why you do this? You are welcome in our group, so why do you still run?"

"It is not the group. It is I. I cannot face Zohariel after what I made her do."

"Do you think," said Hreeza softly, "Do you think Zohariel would have done what you asked of her if she did not trust you? No one knew what would happen, not even I. Please. Stop this child like behaviour. Come back to the group."

Elentari looked at the Sprite and smiled. "You're right Hreeza, I am being childish. It's time I grew up. But not just yet.... race you!" And with that Elentari galloped back to the camp, her white horse shining in the moonlight.

[ January 06, 2003: Message edited by: ElentariGreenleaf ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hreeza smiled at the elf. She was so young it seemed, had lived for only a fraction of the time the sprite had...yet she seemed to have seen so much, and suspected so much.

Getting back to the camp, Hreeza saw people starting to pack their stuff and put out the fire- after all, the morning was creeping in- and her heart rose. She laughed, making those in the camp look up, the sound like warm, soft sunlight on their faces.

"Come friends!" The sprite cried joyfully. "Tis time we were off- we have a spider too fight!"

[Eruwen]

Eruwen's heart raced. Finally, some real adventure was coming back. It had been long before she had gotten a chance to use her bow in real combat.

As the group all mounted their horses and made ready for the journey ahead, Eruwen looked at the trees in Mirkwood once more. She loved this forest, yes, but it was time to move on. She knew in her heart she would have to let go of the past and finish out her long life as it should be done.

The company set off later that morning.

[ January 08, 2003: Message edited by: Eruwen ]

[Zohariel]

Finding it hard to wait while the stranger woke her friend, Zohariel sat fiddling with the grass. The stranger...Soronume? Something like that.

He knew the plants to heal me. He used them correctly. He, like me is well taught in the art of herbs.

***
Later, trying to keep up with the pace of the ride, Zohariel fell behind a little way. She tried to call after the swift horses, but her parched throat emmited only a small sound. In despair, she sat down to feel a soft nose nudging her in the back. Turning round, she saw it was a horse- a chesnut mare with white feet and mane. It seemed to want her on it's back. Zohariel climbed up, wincing, and they set off after the ride.
"I shall call you...Mesdos." she whispered.

[ January 08, 2003: Message edited by: Zohariel ]

[Gorothlammothiel]

The company had been on the road some time now but Soronûmë had noticed that Zohariel was not riding in front of him. Turning Salixrana, he could not see the one he had healed in the early hours of that morning. He called ahead to Lorin and Hreeza to continue whilst he went back to look for her.

It wasn't long before Soronûmë could see Zohariel upon the back of a horse that looked strangely familiar to him. He waited until she approached. "My lady, we thought we had lost you. I count twice now you have almost parted our company today" he said with a smile, obviously refering to her wound. "Almost" she replied "almost."

The two then rode hard to catch up with the company who were not far ahead now. Once in sight they slowed the horses. "Where did you find that steed?" Soronûmë questionned. "The horse found me" Zohariel said quietly as if avoiding something, "She seems quite tame for one wandering in the wild." "Indeed" agreed Soronûmë, "but perhaps the reason why is that she is not wild at all" Zohariel looked puzzled at this but they had now caught up with the group.

Dismounting their horses Soronûmë and Zohariel approached the company who were now at a standstill alongside the road. "So you found her then?" joked Hreeza brushing past Soronûmë's cheek. It did not make him jump but simply turn his head. "It would seem so Hreeza" was the reply as he patted Salixrana's head, "but why have we stopped?" he questionned. Elentari stepped forward with the shieldmaiden at her side. "We are now at the borders of Mirkwood and it seems we are unsure of our route ahead. It seems we have no memory of Cirith Ungol, or at least one of the directions to get us there" she spoke with a bright disappointment.

"That suprises me" spoke a strange voice some distance behind them. The company turned. "Cirith Ungol is not a place that is to be forgotten easily, and why would you all be so keen to reach that land?" It was a man who spoke, a dark figure with piercing eyes approached the company. He was a mortal man it seemed, mid 30's and had a ranger quality about him. A sword hung at his side and a bow on his back. It was several moments before he recieved an answer...

[ January 08, 2003: Message edited by: Gorothlammothiel ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hreeza was impressed when Soronûmë's didnt jump when she brushed past him suddenly. The elf had got used to her quickly. She wondered about the horse though...

Hreeza stopped dead however as the group halted. She looked out on a landscape that seemed so empty; there were no trees, few for miles...but there was so much chance of oppurtunity. Other sprites even...for the first time in several hundred years, Hreeza breath was taken away. She had, of course, been to the borders before, but had never left her forest before.

She wasnt really paying much attention to the group until she heard the voice behind them and whirled around; she hadnt detected the stranger but now inspected him with interest...

[VanimaEdhel]

Khôrbar approached the inexperienced-seeming group. They did not appear to be equipped for such a quest. He continued to keep his hand on his sword.

"People who do not know what awaits them in Cirith Ungol should not travel unaccompanied," he said, his voice very level, "You should turn back."

"But our business is in Cirith Ungol," one of the braver members of the company responded.

"What business could women have in such an area?" Khôrbar asked, suspicious of these new people. He looked the group over, "And you do not appear to be shieldmaidens, for the most part," he commented, "You are facing your doom, young ones."

"Some of us are older than you," said one, obviously an Elf.

"In the number of winters you have beheld," Khôrbar responded, "That may be true, but I assure you that most of you are still children at heart."

He looked over all the women. There were only a few men. What could they possibly be doing here? They had no business coming into this territory, especially if they had no recollection of it. He worried quietly to himself about their fate. They did not seem to be bad people. Whether they deserved his trust, he did not yet know, but they seemed to merely be naive in their quests.

"None should travel into Cirith Ungol unless they know nearly all there is to know about the land," he said to the company, who now, for the most part, had drawn their weapons and pointed them at him. He silently took his hand off of his sword hilt, but was ready to grab it, in case any of the party was overenthusiastic. If that was the case, then they would all probably die anyway, so it would not matter if he was killed before he could defeat any of them...

[ January 12, 2003: Message edited by: VanimaEdhel ]

[Airerûthiel]

Airerûthiel looked long and hard at the stranger, blinking as if trying to recall a long-forgotten memory. She could surely remember seeing this person somewhere in her past, but the memories were hazy...he could have been someone whose face she had seen when travelling through Middle-earth after her parents' murder, or he could just look like a figure she might have momentarily glimpsed in an inn or walking the streets.

"Do not judge on appearances, my friend," she replied in a voice as bitterly cold as the morn of midwinter after a layer of frost has smothered all it can reach like a spider's web. "I may look as what I am - trapped between the end of my childhood and the beginning of my adult life - but these young eyes have seen sights that would no doubt strike terror into the hearts of the most valiant Men of Gondor and Rohan."

Her hand tightened its grip on the hilt of Minyacirith, and a strange fire none of her companions had ever seen before blazed in her eyes. Elentari and Hreeza glanced at each other, both recognising the look at the same time - it was that of one with a quick temper and a vicious loyalty who seeks revenge on those who have wronged her or her house.

Elentari reached out and took Airerûthiel's hand from her sword hilt once again. "I admire your bravery and courage to defend our party, young one," Hreeza whispered in the Gondorian's ear, "but do not act too rashly for your own sakes. I suspect that this kin to you when you walked the wilds may be helpful to us."

After a brief period of silence in which the only communication was a brief stare from Airerûthiel that could have burnt a hole straight through the walls of Moria, Soronûmë spoke. "If you think we are not capable of getting to Cirith Ungol and completing what business we have there, then maybe you should come along as our guide. Of course, if you do not wish to..." He turned to the rest of the party. "Come, let us ride east to the tower we seek!"

"Wait..." Khôrbar had made his decision. Although he still refused to fully commit his trust into the hands of this motley crew of beings, he knew that if he did not help them in their quest, then they would all be slain before they had reached the Golden Wood.

"I shall aid you in your mission for as long as you may need my help," he said. "But I make no promises."

[ January 14, 2003: Message edited by: Airerûthiel ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

"Maybe in the number of winters you have witnessed. But you are all children at heart."

Hreeza intook her breath sharply. The children of men...was it just her or were their weaknesses, always a point the elves made much of, or so she had thought, getting stronger? Was it so much of a coincidence that the two, Dykoria and now...this...were so full of themselves.

His hand was still on his belt. If he tries anything...Men lived such short lives though. Brief and fleeting as a dragonfly it sometimes seemed to the immortal sprite. Yet they still had such an uncanny way of apparently wanting to make those lives shorter; never had she met another such intelligent species that had such an aptitude to picking fights!

He couldnt see her, she knew this, would have no idea of her being there, less even than the elves. And that left her free to examine Khôrbar's mind...if she so wished. She withdrew. The temptation was strong, but she could beat it.

She watched with interest as Aireruthiel held her own against him, and with surprise as Elentari acted as a peacemaker. Now perhaps she would add her own part...

No. She restrained Hreeza, whispering in her ear as quietly as so that he wouldnt hear, but she didnt say anything to the ranger. It would be interesting to see what he would act like.

The human was still a ranger though, and the blood of adventurers flowed in his veins. Although she could see he expected to regret it, Khorbar agreed to come, after a fashion. Hreeza smiled quietly to herself. Yes, this certainly ought to be interesting...

[ElentariGreenleaf]

"Wait," said Elentari. "What of the childrens' fates? Our road is dangerour, far too dangerous for such little ones. We saved them for their mothers. The women who asked me was distraught and I'm sure she wants to see her child. I'm sure you want to see your parents don't you?"

The children looked up at her with longing eyes. They wanted to see open land so much, see adventure. But as they thought of their mothers they nodded.

"Good," said Lorin, "but who shall take them? Which of us will leave the quest?"

All of the group were silent. They had all decided to go together, none would break their promise.

"I will go." said a quiet voice. "I will take the children. I know the way and I'm sure I should return."

"But Min..." said Lorin.

"I wont here it. They need someone to take them. I would be no help to you on your quest."

[ January 14, 2003: Message edited by: ElentariGreenleaf ]

[dragoneyes]

Nobody said anything, Lorin wanted to protest but she also saw the truth in Min's words. Even those newest to the group, except perhaps Khôrbar, were sad at the prospect of Min leaving, he had made many friends in just a short amount of time.

Min said his goodbyes to everyone, shaking some hands, pattng others on their shoulders. The children also went around saying farewell in their own fashion. All were trying to be optomistic that they would see each other again, yet no one voiced the fear that they would not. Hreeza flowed around Min and the children, whispering goodbyes in their ears.

Everyone helped the children up onto Min's horse, packed what they would need and took some supplies for their own. Once they were ready, Min finally came to Lorin. They said nothing, then they came together in an embrace. Lorin held back the tears as best she could, she felt like she had known him forever and parting with him was hard.

They broke apart and smiled a little at each other. Everything seemed to be silent as Min led his horse into the forest, soon dissapearing behind the trunks of the trees.

The group broke out from the cover of the forest, onto the open plains. Conversation slowly grew, though Lorin hung at the back, not partaking in any of it.

[VanimaEdhel]

Khôrbar felt as an outsider in this new group. People came and went from the group as was needed, it seemed, but they travelled on, relentlessly and tirelessly, or so it seemed to him.

Conversation began, but Khôrbar still felt left out. There was something...that girl...the one who had wanted to attack him. She was strangely familiar to him. And there was more there...something he felt, he did not know what. It was as if the group was protected by more than what he could see. This had been one of the main interests that had prompted him to join the group. There was something there...something tangible, but he knew not what. Khôrbar knew he would have time to get to the bottom of this.

Khôrbar wandered into his own thoughts, leaving part of himself open, however, subconsciously. He had become good at that, for he always had to be partially on alert in these lands. There was an unsettling feeling eating in the back of his mind. Maybe he should not have come with these people. It was not his way. Why did he trust them? They might lead him directly to the enemy and to his own demise, and he was not interested in travelling to the Halls of Mandos to be with his family any time soon.

"Khôrbar!" Khôrbar jerked up, as one of the company had called his name. He put his hand on his hilt, in case they were about to alert him of any danger he missed in his daze, and quietly scolded himself for wandering in his thoughts...

[Zohariel]

Zohariel hung about at the sides of the group, hidden in shadow. She observed the stranger wonderingly.
Khorbar.
She knew that name. It sounded like an old friend. But she had no friends. They were all dead.
Later, refusing to get down from Mesdos, she called Khorbar to her and flung back her hood.
"Do you know me?" she asked.

[ January 16, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[ElentariGreenleaf]

Elentari rode up to Lorin. She looked at her friend and saw much sorrow in her eyes.

"You miss him, don't you?" Said Elentari. "Since he and the children left I have not seen you smile. Those children had grown so attached to you." Elentari looked at Lorin for a while. "It was because of Min I came back to the group." Elentari saw Airerûthiel look towards her. "And Airerûthiel aswell of corse!" She added with a smile.

Lorin said nothing. Elentari hated to see others so unhappy. Lorin patted her mount and rode ahead. Elentari could see that it wouldn't be easy to cheer the half-elf up.

"Elentari." shouted Airerûthiel, motioning with her hand. "Come over here will you." Elentari rode over to her friend.

[ January 17, 2003: Message edited by: ElentariGreenleaf ]

[Gorothlammothiel]

Soronûmë was riding along the road with the company though he felt somewhat alone. Eruwen was behind him and Zohariel had questionned Khorbar just before Soronûmë was able to ask Zohariel if her wound was healing. Elentari and the others were riding infront but slowly so that they were able to talk. At that moment Lorin picked up her pace and rode ahead. Soronûmë followed at speed.

Catching Lorin up Soronûmë called to her to slow down a little. When she did he could see the emotion in her face, she missed Min and the children. "We all miss them" he said trying to comfort Lorin, "even I who did not know them as long as you did had become quite attatched." Soronûmë looked upon the horses. "I think even these two miss the children riding upon their backs" he said, putting a smile back on Lorin's face.

"Yes" she replied, "I have no doubt that they will be safe with Min" Soronûmë nodded. "But I suppose we must concentrate on matters in hand. Cirith Ungol." This comment surprised Soronûmë though he suspected it was a distraction from the loss of a very good friend. "Indeed" he replied after several moments, "I believe you and your company were travelling in the direction of Mordor though I have not yet heard anyone mention the route we are all to take. I would guess we are heading..."

A sound behind the pair distracted Soronûmë before he had the chance to finish his sentance. The two stopped and looked back...

[VanimaEdhel]

Khôrbar looked at Hreeza, his eyes wide.

"It cannot be," he said, "You are one of the elementals. I have heard tales of thee and thy kin. There are many breeds. You...you are Hreeza. I have heard of you, I believe. Your tales are famous in many places."

Khôrbar realized how immense his response had been, so he quietly shook himself out of his stupor and quickly caught up to those that had fallen ahead...

[Eruwen]

Eruwen looked around at the company she was traveling with. This was her home land, and she was with her own kind for the most part. Something just didn't seem right though. Something felt...uneasy with this whole journey.

As she continued riding, Eruwen sank deep into her thoughts so that everything surrounding her just seemed to disappear. "Why am I doing this?" she said quietly to herself. "Why am I here? It feels like I am alone on this journey heading for a destination which will only bring an end to all of my dreams. It might even bring an end to me."

Many thoughts and emotions flashed through Eruwen's mind. She seemed to have even lost track of her horse. Before she knew what had happened, Eruwen looked up to find Soronûmë and Lorin staring at her.

"Oh, uh, I'm sorry to interrupt." Eruwen said. "I guess I just let my mind wander away for a second. Please continue whatever you may have been doing."

Eruwen turned her horse a bit and started to float back to the rest of the company where many more conversations were also going on.

The quest continued on for many days without any sudden dangers or changes in the company. Although Eruwen was technically a member of this quest now, she felt as if she was afraid to let anyone know she existed. She had neiter talked to anyone, nor barely made any type of guesture toward any member of the group for quite some time now. Eruwen constantly kept her distance from everyone, including the kind stranger she journeyed with from The Green Dragon Inn in the Shire.

[ January 18, 2003: Message edited by: Eruwen ]

[Airerûthiel]

Elentari dismounted from her horse and knelt down beside the stone slab Airerûthiel had indicated. "This is a fool talking, but can you read the Ancient Tongue?" asked the Gondorian, her brows knitting together as she puzzled over the elaborate and mysterious-looking text. "My mother tried to teach it to my siblings and I when we were small, but alas! the knowledge has all but left me as I grew older, and the precious little I have is useless in this matter."

Elentari smiled to herself as she ran her fingers delicately over the lettering, hidden by a mass of sprawling weeds and choking brambles. Some of it had all but faded, but if she squinted hard enough it was just possible to make it out. "I think you have stumbled upon a clue, young one," she replied, "and 'tis twice so fortunate for you, as it is a message from your mother. She must have possessed the gift of foresight, and she knew what would happen to her family when she walked no more in this Middle-earth."

The Elf-witch's voice suddenly changed, ringing out through the woodland realm as clear as the peal of wedding bells, as she read the words of the riddle inside her head.

"'The sun has set on the days I saw
Yet barely risen in your spring
And as we take our steps to war
I gave you peace for wings
The way to the spider's tower you seek
Is perilious and long
The paths you walk are dark and bleak
But keep the gift of song
Follow the southeast trail and cross
The river going west
Along the way there may be loss
Do not forsake your quest
Go into the Brown Lands east of the Great
Past Emyn and Fangorn She awaits.'"

[Zohariel]

Getting no answer to her question, Zohariel scowled, pulling up her hood and dug her heels into Mesdos.
"Yah!" she yelled, and before the others could blink she galloped off.
A couple of minutes sitting by a stream was suffice to soothe her temperamental nature, and Zohariel decided to wait until the others rode past. Hearing muttering on the other side of the stream, she glanced idly across and saw-
"Orcs!"
Zohariel rode straight into the path of Arawel's group, causing some of the horses to rear up.
"Orcs! On the other side of the stream!" she yelled.

[Gorothlammothiel]

Zohariel came riding back to the company at speed, her pace causing distress amongst some of the more tame horses. She cried "Orcs! On the other side of the stream!" Her tone caused suprise within inself before many had realised what she had said. Soronûmë jumped down from his horse and immediatly drew his bow and an arrow from the quiver on his back. Aiming it forward downstream he closed his eyes and focused.

'Yes, there were orcs further along the bank, quite a number of them' he thought.

Soronûmë paced forward and Khôrbar did the same with his sword drawn. "What are orcs doing roaming in these parts?" asked Soronûmë with little hope of an answer. Khôrbar however did reply to him, "bands of orcs can be found throughout Middle-Earth but shy away from forests and their borders. Even in this age, orcs are unwilling to venture into the lands of creatures unknown to them." He spoke with a subtle superiority and was obviously well learnt in the geography and races of Middle-Earth. Soronûmë felt some kind of peace between himself and Khôrbar. At the moment, the rest of the company approached from behind. "Orcs?" Lorin questioned, "Are they likely to attack?"

[ElentariGreenleaf]

Elentari dismonted from Moon and drew Star. "They are travelling fast! Wait... they are on Wargs! Lorin, drive the horses away. If they are injured we will never reach Cirith Ungol. We must do that in Arawil's name." Elentari held Star infront of her. She may have to resort to magic. But that was only a backup. Would she have to reveal her true power to the Fellowship, as she liked to call them.

This reminded her so much of Aragorn and Frodo's tales of the War of the Ring. Many times had they recounted the tale to her. She was only 14 during the war of the ring. Ah, so much time had passed. But know she had her own friends to protect. There were many Orcs and Wargs. Some Wargs did not even have riders, and some Orcs did not ride Wargs. This seemed strange to Elentari. Why did they not ride them?

"Wild Wargs!" she shouted. "They are driving wild Wargs this way! This is bad. Everyone draw your weapons. And please," she looked at each of them in turn. Not long had she known some of them, but already she cared deeply for each of them. "Please, do not get hurt. I could not bare to see another of my friends hurt."

As the Wargs and Orcs approached everyone braced themselves. This was merely the begining of a long journey, and already their lives were at risk. Elentari could only hope she would not yet have to reveal her power. That would be needed later on, she had seen it...

[VanimaEdhel]

Khôrbar drew his sword as the group approached. He drew in a breath. He should have told the others not to come this way. This area was always heavily guarded. Oh well, it was too late now. Khôrbar and the others would just have to fight these Wargs and Orcs. He hoped that they could take them. If naught else worked, he could disappear into the woods. That was what he usually did. He was good at disappearing at this point, actually.

"Nakhê, Êru, kitabdahêya zir-mâ Êruvô," Khôrbar muttered as the Wargs grew near.

With that, the Orcs attacked. Khôrbar gave a yell and slashed back, hewing the Orc that approached atop a Warg. The Warg ran wildly until an arrow shot through the air from one of Khôrbar's companions, killing the large, ugly creature. The fight had begun...

[Gorothlammothiel]

Soronûmë ran forward to Khôrbar's side, his arrow had hit the warg bringing him down in front of the ranger. Other's followed and the company fought well and hard. Soronûmë continued to shoot arrows at the wargs whilst Khôrbar would kill the Orcs that came off their backs with one swift movement of his sword.
The rest of the company were also fighting together, Lorin who had led the horses to shelter returned and helped also. After a few moments Elentari began to chant something in a voice other than her own. Soronûmë turned to her and shouted,

"Tampa! Dina, Lye nuquernuva sen e dagor!"

Realising he had spoken in an elven tongue he quickly repeated himself so that they would understand, "Stop! Be silent, we will defeat them in battle!" Elentari continued to speak, "No magic" insisted Soronûmë, "Please, it will not help here." He shouted to her and an Orc mounted on a warg made way towards him from behind...

[ January 19, 2003: Message edited by: Gorothlammothiel ]

[dragoneyes]

Lorin saw the warg pounding along the ground towards Soronûmë and also saw that he hadn't noticed his peril yet. She quickly shot an arrow at the warg, bringing it down, it stopped dead at Soronûmë's feet. Neither of them had any time to acknoledge one another as the orcs kept striving against them.

How glad she was that the children weren't there! She had been standing further back than most of the group, the arrow geing a long distance weapon, therefore working better when at a distance, when she reached back to her quiver and found no arrows left. This meant she would have to enter the fray, how she hated using her dagger, if Brilthonien had had armour she could've ridden her in, no point thinking about that now though. Lorin ran into the battle, not as fierce as when it started now though.

[ January 19, 2003: Message edited by: dragoneyes ]

[Airerûthiel]

Airerûthiel knew that the memories of Orcs were long and bitter; they did not like to leave a job unfinished, and she knew what she was to them. No doubt the 'defeat' at the house of the White Horse - when looked at in the fact that one was left alive when the order was to slay all within - had been branded onto the minds of these creatures, in the manner of something a child unwittingly does and is threatened with punishment should it happen again. She would not escape them a second time, unless...unless she stood beside the older members of the company and fought along with them.

With a roar that echoed off every surface in the vicinity and surprised even the wargs momentarily, she drew Minyacirith and dived into the fray. For someone so young, her blade skills were excellent; several Orcs fell with one single sweep straight through their necks, their heads rolling away like rather large and quite frankly ugly-looking stones. She then turned back to the company, feeling fairly pleased with herself. They were nowhere to be seen.

And now the Gondorian shieldmaiden tasted fear. She was dimly aware of something creeping up behind her, ready to strike at a moment's notice, and only turned in the last second to see a wild warg approaching her. Foaming spittle dripped from the creature's knife-like dirty yellow fangs as it stared straight at her, its eyes blazing with intent to kill. On its back was an Orc archer, his bow ready to fire an arrow directly into her heart.

Airerûthiel's blood pounded in her ears like carmine waves in a stone, seeming to drown out everything else she ever heard. She knew this face. The Orc facing her was all too familiar to her. He had killed her family, and she had sworn to make him pay for his crime. But now he would finish the job he had set out to complete five years before.

Running would be useless. She had left herself no choice. It was either stand and fight, or stand and die. Her sword raised before her face and dancing in the sparse light like a marriage of fire and ice, she prepared to face her fate...

~*~*~*~*~

Meanwhile, the rest of the battle had progressed further ahead of the half-Elf without much more of a hitch. The grass ran with rivers of red, sickening to the eye, as few were left alive. Those that escaped a fate too good for them at the hand of one of the travellers rode off back east, determined never to lay eyes on these vengeful comrades until they passed through the gates of hell.

"Are we all here?" Khôrbar asked the world in general. After running a quick head count, he mentally calculated that against the number who he had originally met. Minus Min and the three children, that left...

"One of us is missing," he said in a grave voice, scanning the group to check who had vanished. Seeing the riderless Sérë walking a little way behind the other horses, he asked no-one in particular, "Where is Airerûthiel?"

The silence could have drowned out a great battle of the Third Age as it lay heavy on the hearts of the friends. Elentari was particularly unsettled by this news. The maiden had been kind to her and did not desert her when everyone else seemed to have abandoned her. She was worried about her young friend, who had seen so much tragedy and sadness although she had not seen a score of winters in Middle-earth.

"At least she died fighting," said Lorin eventually. "I think she wanted to go that way. She can finally be with her family; I know how important they were to her." She sighed heavily. "But 'tis not right that one so young should give her life so that we might live."

"We shall take Sérë with us," said Elentari. "If we cannot bury the dead and honour them while doing so, the least we can do is care for her only legacy to us."

The company set off, their hearts saddened by the loss of a brave warrior and loyal friend. Even Khôrbar's mood was slightly dampened, as he tried to unravel the mysteries of his past and the memories of that young yet haunted face...

~*~*~*~*~

Night fell like a midnight velvet cloak buttoned down with pinpricks of starlight. Beneath her dark cloak, which she feebly pulled around her for warmth, Airerûthiel lay as still as the ice on the river in midwinter. Her face was the colour of the first blanket of unblemished snow; the warg attack and subsequent fight had caused her to lose a lot of blood, which spurted briskly from an open wound. She hoped that either death's sweet kiss would visit her before the dawn covered the world, or that someone with a true heart and an honourable nature would help her.

[ January 20, 2003: Message edited by: Airerûthiel ]

[Zohariel]

With a whoop, twirling her cudgel and ignoring her wound, Zohariel leapt into battle. Three wargs were dispensed with a wallop from the cudgel, and two orcs' heads went rolling along the ground after meeting with the rusty blade of her sword.
"Whoo! Yah! Curoocuroo! Yah!" she yelled- getting many strange stares from the others, but carrying on regardless. Finally, one orc managed to stab at her arm. He created a small wound, which was avenged by a swift stab to the chest. In, out, up, down, round and down, swiftly turning and whirling, black rags flying behind her, like some complicated dance. Once she found herself back to back with Khorbar, but was too out of breath to say anything, and they soon split. Duck, whack with the cudgel, slice and through, stab, whack, duck, jump, whack. And again, frenzied and excited war.
The yelling necromancer left a trail of dismembered bodies behind her, but soon, the battle was won. Then, she ran to tend to the wounded. Not noticing one. Then, she fell fast asleep, not knowing that the others were eyeing her and muttering about her fighting.

[Gorothlammothiel]

Nightime had fallen and the company settled to rest, reflecting on the afternoon's battle. Zohariel was already asleep, exhausted from her fight which had left her with no more than a small wound on her arm. Lorin was silent and still, though not asleep. Soronûmë thought she may be still thinking of her good friend Min or the children, however she may also have been thinking of the late Airerûthiel.

Airerûthiel thought Soronûmë, Surely she did not fall in battle? It seemed a hopeless thought, the half-elf was nowhere to be found after the last orc had been slain or chased away. The group did move on a little quickly however. They did not linger so long that they may have seen Airerûthiel laying badly wounded. The maiden's horse, Sérë, was still in sight and if Airerûthiel's relationship with her steed was anything like that of Soronûmë's, the horse would not be far from it's master.

~*~*~*~*~

With that last thought Soronûmë announced to the group, those that were still awake, that he would go back and look for Airerûthiel. They insisted that he should not return for there may still be danger in the area. Elentari pleaded with him to not go, disregarding his thoughts on the horse. "No" she said defiantly, "Airerûthiel died in battle, it was how she wanted to go. Leave her be Soronûmë, let her rest in peace." Soronûmë was unwilling to accept this however. He had not know Airerûthiel long, but time enough had passed that he should not let her suffer the same fate that he had his good friend all those years ago. He mounted Sérë for if anyone were to be able to find Airerûthiel it would be her.

~*~*~*~*~

Soronûmë had been riding for some time now and was close to where the battle had been. A small breeze from behind caught his attention and he slowed. "Hreeza?" he asked. The breeze passed his ear. "Yes my child" the sprite replied, "you are foolish coming out here alone, paying no heed to your company's warnings." "But I am not alone" Soronûmë was quick to reply, "not any more." "Indeed" whispered Hreeza quietly to his ear. Continuing on a more serious note she said, "Airerûthiel is not far from where she fell, she is badly wounded, if you are to save her you must reach her and bring her to the group quickly." With that Soronûmë rode fast, following the wind sprite to where he did indeed find Airerûthiel near death.
Putting the maiden upon her horse, Soronûmë also mounted the steed and made way quickly back to the company...

[Amanaduial the archer]

"No. She died in battle, it was how she wanted to go. Leave her be Soronûmë, let her rest in peace."

"What?" The wind sprite was incredulous. They werent really going to leave her...

It seemed she was not the only one to hold this opinion. Soronûmë refused to leave her. Switching for a moment to her othersight, Hreeza could see peals of distress coming off him. Eventually he left, mounting his horse and riding away. Hreeza smiled...true heart and nature that one....she followed.

"Hreeza?" His head jerked.

"Yes my child." A true heart and nature and very sensitive ears to touch too...She knew he would argue more if she told him she wasnt with him. Elves could be like that..."you are foolish coming out here alone, paying no heed to your company's warnings."

"Not any more."

Hreeza chuckled quietly. "Indeed, indeed..."Airerûthiel is not far from where she fell, she is badly wounded. Shall I show you?" She asked, already searching out exactly where the maiden was.

Afterward, watching the pair return Hreeza smiled after them. He was so tender, so kind...She looked wistfully around the forest, using the last few hours of that night. This was her home, her family, her life....and she was about to leave it all.

Returning to the camp she blew quickly around the camp, raising the sleepers with many groans.

"Come, O Men and Elves. For we need to find our way to Cirith Ungol!"

The next morning and for the next few days thr group travelled, making good speed away from the forest. The sprite travelled above them, musing on her own thoughts, at the back of all of the groups minds, and not even there for the Ranger.

[ElentariGreenleaf]

Elentari slept restlessly. She never stopped tossing and turning. Images appeared in her mind of an inn full of bodies. Orcs were there, and so was Airerûthiel. The images shifted to that of a battle. There, Elentari saw herself and the fellowship running. But the dream did not follow her, but stayed focused on Airerûthiel. Elentari saw the Orc ride up behind her friend, then shot are with an arrow.

"Why?" thought the elf-witch. "Why am I seeing this? What use is it now?" The images skiped forward in time to the present. Elentari now saw Soronûmë carrying Airerûthiel back to camp on his horse.

"Lorin!" shouted Elentari has she woke the half-elf. "Wake up! We will soon need your healing skills." The elf-witch kept shaking Lorin until she woke.

"Elentari?" asked Lorin, still half asleep. "What? What is it?" Lorin looked at Elentari and noticed the concern on her face. "What is it? What have you seen?"

"Airerûthiel is alive." replied Elentari. "She is very badly injured. Soronûmë is bringing Airerûthiel back now."

"I was a fool." thought the elf-witch, scolding herself. "Why did I not atleast look for her? I thought she was dead. Khôrbar! He put those words into my head. I read his thoughts before the battle. He was going to abandon us if the battle looked bad. And he abandoned her, he abandoned my friend." Elentari was angrier than she had been in a long time. Her outline glowed blue. But she had learned long ago to control her rage, and so the outline dimmed, but did not go.

OCC: This is meant for just before Amanaduial the archer's post

[ January 21, 2003: Message edited by: ElentariGreenleaf ]

[dragoneyes]

The group rode together, a little conversation flitted around, though it was usually very forced. Lorin could see that, for some reason, Elentari didn't like Khôrbar, though it may've been that she didn't know him, Lorin didn't know, but Elentari was definately colder towards him than the rest of them.

Lorin's mood had improved since the battle and Airerûthiel was well on the way to recovery. To Lorin this seemed like a reason to celebrate, but only Elentari and Soronûmë seemed to think the same. Eruwen was strangely silent.

Lorin could think of nothing else but to sing, an old song she'd been taught while in the Golden Wood. It spoke of Nimrodel. The elves there knew it all, the others there either knew some of the words or the tune was familiar to them. There was now silence all round, Lorin sang on, hoping for others to join her.

[ January 25, 2003: Message edited by: dragoneyes ]

[VanimaEdhel]

Khôrbar listened to the singing. He debated whether he should join in, as even he enjoyed a good song while traveling, but he decided against it. This group did not seem too warm to him at all.

As he walked, he began to quietly sing his own song:
Rîn nîn na gwann
U-aníron mel le si
U-linno, u-nallo an rîn nîn...

He hummed to himself as they continued to walk go through the woods, reminding himself of the danger they were rapidly nearing, and chastizing himself for taking up with this perilous company.

[Gorothlammothiel]

Soronûmë approached Khôrbar who he found softly singing.

"Such a song" he said gaining the rangers attention, "though not one to share. Is our company so tiresome?"

Khôrbar took time over his answer. "Tiresome it is not Soronûmë, the company is well." He continued hesitantly, "but so weak, all the women..."

Soronûmë interupted him, "these women are far from weak. Each posesses a skill in battle, one that they have already proven to us all. Elentari holds a powerful magic though the control she has over it I hold currently in doubt." He seemed to be straying from his point somewhat. "And Hreeza, is it that a weak company should have an elemental with them?"

"Indeed not" replied Khôrbar with some thought. "The company are not weak, forgive me." Soronûmë nodded for he was not trying to make an enemy of the ranger. "But why" asked Khôrbar, "why would you take up upon such quest with them? You have no more purpose than to take upon some perilous journey?"

"For the same reason you have" he replied, to which Khôrbar could question no more. He knew exactly what this Soronûmë had meant.

"I am sure that you posses a power greater than you let be known to them Soronûmë" Khôrbar said turning back to the group following behind. "Your healing abilities are not those which are learnt at pace. It is some past you must have behind you, for you are not of certain birth."

"No I am not." Soronûmë spoke just above a whisper. "Indeed my birth is unknown to me. It was a great friend I had in my brother who taught me well about healing. And even in the short time I have been with this company it has been called upon twice."

With that last sentance the two came to a worthy sight. A great river stood not such a distance from them. It seemed the group had been travelling some time. The company caught up to Soronûmë and Khôrbar and stood in awe at the sight of the flowing river...

[ January 25, 2003: Message edited by: Gorothlammothiel ]

[VanimaEdhel]

Khôrbar quickly composed himself. He had not seen this river in so many years. It had been too long since he had traversed this dangerous territory. Though it was dangerous, it was undoubtedly magnificent and powerful, nonetheless.

"I do hope," Khôrbar muttered to Soronûmë, "That your companions possess talents for crossing these rapids. I know the shallowest part, but it is still perilous, for the waters move quickly."

Soronûmë stood quietly for a moment, looking at the waters. Khôrbar slipped quietly away and moved towards Elentari.

"Hiril nîn," Khôrbar said quietly, "I do know a shallower path. It is dangerous but, if you are willing to trust me, I believe you will find your way across. Unless your company has another surprise for me that I do not know of that involved sprouting wings and flying over the rapids, of course."

Khôrbar said the last part a bit more sarcastically than he probably should have, but he felt no regret, as he had never been informed of anything in regards to this company as of yet and somewhat resented his lack of information. He looked across the rapids and then to the quiet Elentari. He wondered if the stronger, such as Zohariel, would abandon them, using their own strength to cross the River.

"It would follow my luck, as of late, if we had been abandoned by an elemental of greater strength than we possess," Khôrbar muttered to himself as he began to move towards the shallow part of the rapids.

Khôrbar did not look back to see if the others were following. Even if they did not, he much desired to behold this land once more. He had once seriously thought of staying here, abandoning his wandering ways, although this land was dangerous.

Cuil nîn na le
Ai hiril nîn
A guren na gwanur al le...
Khôrbar sang again, merrily this time, at the thought of returning to his favorite place in the world. He knew that Soronûmë would have to follow, for he was of the Elves and could not fly, even if the other could.

Khôrbar breathed the familiar air of this land and, for the first time in a long while, felt at home. He was a different person in this land. He was merry and jovial, quicker to trust and more open. Khôrbar felt a swell of pride in his heart that he was aiding this company.

His hopes, however, diminished a bit when he saw the familiar crossing ground. It was still there, luckily, but he had failed to remember how quickly the water moved, even in this shallow water.

Ai, I hope this shall not be the death of any of the company, Khôrbar hoped quietly, waiting for those that followed him to catch up...

[ January 27, 2003: Message edited by: VanimaEdhel ]

[Airerûthiel]

Airerûthiel cursed herself for being so inexplicably stupid as to let herself be taken by the wargs. She felt guilty for delaying the company. Why had she not simply chosen to step back from what she knew was too much for her to deal with? If only her desire to prove herself as worthy and battle-hardened as the others had not taken her over! She knew the reason for her actions; she had wanted to show off in front of Khôrbar, telling him loud and clear that she was not just some little girl with big ideas - she knew what she was doing.

And then there were the tortured nightmares whilst she was ill - the dreams of a guard of Gondor she knew and did not know, the guilty secrets that weighed heavy on both their consciences, the strange sense of destiny that she would soon be forced to confront. She was desperate to untangle the scrambled threads of her life and search for a clear idea of what her purpose was.

[ElentariGreenleaf]

Elentari had crossed the river. It had not been hard for her. Khôrbar's comment about flying over the river had got her worried. Could he know? No. She would remember his face. But that's what worried her. Elentari didn't trust Khôrbar at all. Just being near him sent a chill up her spine.

Elentari turned around to see who else needed to cross before they could set of again. She immediately cursed herself for forgetting about Airerûthiel's injury so quick. The elf-witch practically ran back through the water to help her friend. But as she approached, Elentari noticed that Airerûthiel had a confused look onto her face. In fact, she looked very troubled.

"I'm sorry," said Elentari, half-startling Airerûthiel. "I should have waited for you, my friend. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been so careless. Would you like some help?" Elentari smiled at Airerûthiel, who smiled back. Elentari helped Airerûthiel across the river. They were all across and could continue to Cirith Ungol.

"I wonder where Hreeza is," thought Elentari, but she thought nothing more of it.

[VanimaEdhel]

Khôrbar slowly began to wade across the rapids. He did not look back, for he would most likely lose his balance.

It took him a good ten minutes to cross, but he managed to do so. When he reached the other side, he checked his pack. He had lost no supplies, thank the Good Spirits. Khôrbar quickly drew his sword out of habit. It was wise to keep one's weapon out when traveling in this area.

Khôrbar moved along the shore. Suddenly, he saw most of the rest of the company was already ashore. He stood, puzzled, for he had been the first to cross, and he did not think any people were behind him.

He saw one woman giving him a distrustful look. What was this woman hiding? Or why did he make her so distrustful?

"Tôlo! Come! Nakha! Á tulë!" Khôrbar said in the four languages he was most learned in. He set off through the woods again, still wondering how the others crossed so soon...

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hreeza steadied her companions as they crossed, buoying them up slightly so they would not lose their balance, and crossed faster. They themselves led their own horses across. As they got to the other side in a quicker time than they would have before, Zohariel turned, whispering quietly a thankyou. But Hreeza didnt reply.

The ranger crossed himself and looked surprised when he saw the others standing there already. Hreeza smiled to herself. She wasnt sure she fully trusted this man yet, especially as she saw once again Zohariels hostility towards him as she looked distrustfully across at him.

"Why is it that you dislike the ranger so?" Hreeza murmered to her friend as they set off into the forest. Now it was Zohariels turn not to answer. The sprite whipped around her, tickling the back of her neck until she smiled. Then she sighed. "It is not so much dislike." She replied, and that was all the sprite could get from her.

Khôrbar seemed happier here, looking around and smiling, inhaling deeply. She came right up in front of him, looking right into his eyes, yet he looked right through her, unaware of the elemental hovering in front of him. She wondered that humans should seem to know so much, as she had heard the ranger speak four different languages previously...yet they seemed to see so little.

Lorin was once again humming, and after a while Elentari joined her, and the others. Zohariel however, remained silent, as did Khôrbar, who seemed caught up in his own thoughts...

[Eruwen]

Eruwen followed her company quietly as they defeated the Wargs, crossed the river, and continued to journey through a patch of woods on the other side. She felt a need to talk to someone, as she had not spoken for days to anyone, yet she just walked near the back watching the other members. It was almost as if she was afraid to communicate with them---like she would be out of place.

A few nights later while they were resting from the journey, Eruwen woke up suddenly to a strange sound. Maybe it had been her immagination, but to some reason she felt an urge to followed the sound into the wood. She walked on eagerly to find the remote sound that constantly kept coming back to her ears.

As she approached a small clearing in the wood, the sound stopped. Eruwen stood for a moment listening in case she heard it again. Nothing. "There is nothing." she said quietly. Eruwen turned to return to the group, but a clicking noise from behind made her stop. She turned slowly to see the figure which made the noise.

Eruwen stood in amazement as she faced a tremendously tall troll that seemed to have wandered its way all the way out into this land. The troll looked down at Eruwen as she stared up at it. In fear that it would follow her to the camp, she started to run a direction away from it screaming and hoping that someone from the company would wake up.

She did not run far for fear of getting lost or too far away from the group, so Eruwen stopped and hid under some plants growing thickly at the base of a tree. Although it was dark, she could plainly see the monstrous troll searching vigorously for where she had run to. Eruwen kept silent.

[Zohariel]

"Why do you torment me, spirits of the past?" murmered Zohariel. She knew Khorbar- she was sure she knew him. But from where? Father time would not let that secret go. She needed to speak with him.

"Khorbar. I must ask you something."
Khorbar turned round, and gazed at the young necromancer coldly.
"Why should I listen?"
Zohariel had to bite her lip to prevent herself from stabbing him there and then. Instead, she gave him a dark look.
"Stay your tongue. Hear me out." She frowned. "I know you from somewhere. Do you recognise my face?"
She threw back her hood once more.

[VanimaEdhel]

Khôrbar looked at Zohariel. She was not too familiar to him in person. He had heard tales of her, of course, but he knew he had not seen her...at least not in this form.

"If you saw me," he said, shrugging, "'Twas not in the body that you display before me. Unless you can shapeshift, I have not traveled with thee. I would know if I traveled with one of your strength and of the respect you command. I do not travel with people that much to begin with. Because of this, I would remember if I had met you."

Khôrbar sighed. He wanted to get back to the land. This speaking and socializing with others was not what he was good at. Now, speaking with nature was a forte of his.

"I do not know," Zohariel said, at a loss now, as she was getting no aid from the slightly more jovial Ranger.

Khôrbar smiled at her, grinning for the first time, and turned. "If you have a memory, stop me," he said, merrily, "For I would much desire to know if I knew some of you from before! It might help me in remembering names!"

Khôrbar laughed, noting startled glances from the group, and returned to the head of the group, inhaling the smell of the earth again, and once again feeling at home.

[dragoneyes]

Lorin was snapped out of her doze by a scream, a frightened, frantic screaming. She jumped up with others of the group following suit. Lorin took up her bow and plunged into the forest, followed closely by Elentari and Soronûmë came after her. They followed the screaming for a while, it was travelling fast, in the opposite direction, but soon it stopped, leaving them with no sound to follow, and no way of helping the screaming person. Elentari began searching for tracks, though in vain, they hadn't taken the same route as Eruwen.
"Hreeza!" Lorin whispered into the air, not wanting to bring them to the attention of any danger that might be lurking.
"Hreeza!" she called again.
"I am here! Follow me to Eruwen!" Lorin stopped for a moment, why had the quietest of their group run off like that? And what trouble was she in? Soronûmë's face showed the same worries.

Soronûmë and Elentari followed Hreeza, Lorin followed them, she didn't trust her own sight as Hreeza sometimes looked more like moonlight on the leaves of trees to her. They slowed down as they approached the troll, everything was silent except for the occasional troll-grunt. Lorin's eyes widened as she realised the size of their adversary, maybe they could get Eruwen out of there without a battle.

All three of them searched the nearby trees for Eruwen or signs of her and it wasnt long before Soronûmë spotted her,
"Over there." he said as quietly as possible, pointing to a bush. Now came the trouble of getting her attention of her without the attention of the troll. But no! That wouldn't be needed, Eruwen had seen them, Lorin suspected that Hreeza had something to do with that. Now how were they going to get her past the troll?

Lorin slowly began to sneak closer to Eruwen, motioning to Eruwen to do the same. Their feet, light on the ground made minimal noise, the troll was still stupidly searching in the same bush. Lorin stopped and waited for Eruwen to get closer, nearly there, at last, they were together. Lorin smiled a little at Eruwen despite their situation and they began to hurry back towards Soronûmë and Elentari, perhaps too hastily. Lorin wasn't watching where she was putting her feet and a twig snapped beneath her, she froze, tilting her head slightly so she could see what the troll was doing, it had heard something. The troll turned towards the noise, and began its clumsy lumber towards it.

Suddenly great swoosh of wind went through the trees behind the troll and it turned to investigate the new sound, leaving Lorin and the others free to escape. They ran fast as they could, not caring about the noise they made.

They foung the rest of the group a little way into the forest, looking for them,
"What happened?" one of them asked "Where have you been?"
"No time to explain." Replied Elentari, "We're camping elsewhere tonight"

[ January 31, 2003: Message edited by: dragoneyes ]

[ElentariGreenleaf]

The company wandered over another mile or two before they would rest again. Eruwen thanked Lorin many times. Elentari and Airerûthiel kept watch that night. Airerûthiel twitched at the slightest sound. She looked towards Elentari. The elf-witch seemed deep in thought. Airerûthiel thought better than to disturb her. Although Elentari would not react to being interrupted, Airerûthiel knew what the elf-witch was thinking was most likely important.

Elentari was thinking about important things. Why was there and cave troll so far south? And did Khôrbar know her secret? IT was impossible but, but still… Elentari was starting to worry that her friends – the first friends she had had in a long time- would discover her secret. If they did, she did not know how they would react. If that found out she was… it didn’t bare thinking about. Elentari’s past was too painful for her. Living alone in Mirkwood and surprisingly helped her forget the past. But now with so many Elves around, the memories came flooding back.

Lorin and Soronûmë walked up. It was their turn to take watch. "Three hours gone already?" said Airerûthiel. "Time has flown by."

"It’s probably because you were twitching at each bird that flew by," laughed Elentari. She would leave her problems for now. She just hoped no one, especially Airerûthiel, found out.

[ February 06, 2003: Message edited by: ElentariGreenleaf ]

[VanimaEdhel]

Khôrbar reluctantly made up camp. He felt a danger in the area and, although he loved this land, he wanted to move out of this area quickly. He wished that they did not need to rest for the night, but he knew that they needed to rest.

Elentari looked fairly worried. What did this woman have to hide? Or did she just sense the danger that lurked nearby? Khôrbar hoped that the feeling of danger would be in vain...

****************

Soon everyone bedded down. Khôrbar took the first watch. He could tell that many were not asleep. This group seemed to have so many secrets that they kept from even each other.

Khôrbar remembered that this was one of the reasons he avoided civilization. Everything was so political. Everything was done in the hopes of saving face and pleasing another. That was why he did not get along well in society. He spoke his mind and did not feign a guise of a person he was not...

Others took turns aiding him in guarding, but he refused to get any sleep. He could not sleep with all this restlessness around him.

The night passed slowly...

****************

The next morning came, much to Khôrbar's unenthusiastic joy. They packed up and started off again after a short breakfast.

They continued on quickly, stopping only briefly for lunch. The scenery passed by much the same, each one traveling by whatever mode of transportation they were now accustomed to.

Soon evening came and they were again looking for a place to camp...

[Airerûthiel]

The company walked for days without event, across the Brown Lands east of the Anduin and the living forest of Fangorn. The landscape was much the same as they had seen for days, seeming to stretch away forever into the distance. As the distance between the group and the last safe haven that was Mirkwood increased, everyone's mood seemed to grow heavier and more melancholy. There was a sense that the journey was too easy.

Airerûthiel could see that her fellow Ranger, Khôrbar, was as uneasy with the situation as she herself. She knew that when the eastern lands of Middle-earth were quiet and untroubled, danger was growing about them. And she was thrice troubled - as well as having to worry about the problems that dogged Elentari, her only true friend since she left the land of Gondor behind, and the journey's constraints, she was still edgy.

The Gondorian she saw when she closed her eyes...he was connected to her family by some link. She remembered seeing a child with his red-gold hair and dark blue eyes walking in her parents' house when she was barely out of babyhood. The eyes were his most haunting feature; she had seen those in the face of her mother on the night that she was slain by Orcs. The truth weighed heavy on her heart as she scanned the country.

When most of the others had gone to bed, Khôrbar took the first watch, while Airerûthiel and Elentari stayed to clear up the camp following their meagre meal of berries and roots. It was not enough to satisfy any of the company, and the half-Elf's stomach rumbled miserably as she absentmindedly fed the horses and secured them for the night. "Are you all right?" asked Elentari. "You seem very nervous."

"It is nothing," said Airerûthiel. "Do not worry yourself with my concerns when you have troubles of your own. I may be young but I do know how to handle my own problems." The Rivendell Elf nodded wordlessly and went back to her blanket. Meanwhile, faint columns of grey-blue smoke rose into the air from Khôrbar's pipe, the only motion around the dying fire as the two Rangers stood together, not speaking a word.

"Khôrbar..." Airerûthiel knew she needed to tell someone who she really was, but never thought she would choose a strange and cold Ranger over the only true friend she had ever known. Maybe it was because he was not particularly her friend; it made burdening him with secrets and lies easier in a way, softening the emotional blow she would inflict on the one she revealed the truth to. He grunted in reply, not meeting her eyes.

"I'm not Airerûthiel."

~*~*~*~*~

The Ranger was shaken out of his stupor by the young girl's words. His thoughts instantly jumped to the most suspicious that he harboured - she was a spy, an infiltrator. Slowly he turned to look at her. She stared fixedly at the toes of her steel-capped black leather boots, her long shiny black hair glinting blue in the firelight as it cast a hood over her pale oval face.

"What do you mean, you're not Airerûthiel?" he asked, raising a thick dark eyebrow the colour of a charred beam at her. There was a tinge of anger in his voice, as a parent scolding their disobedient child might have. "And why did you tell me this? Why not Elentari, or Lorin? We are not friends; indeed I might say you appeared to hate me on sight. And why tell me now, when we are so close to sighting Mordor?"

"Airerûthiel was the name of my mother," the young girl replied. Khôrbar could see her grey-green eyes were glazed over with tears of relief, but they did not soften his heart towards the Gondorian. "I had no choice, Khôrbar. If I use my real name of Bragolhirwen, then those who murdered my family will surely find me. Their spies are everywhere, and although the dark times have passed they will never relinquish their quarry. Should I take the true name I was given at birth, my days would surely be numbered.

"You are a Ranger, like myself. You have seen as much of this Middle-earth as there is to see. We have been through the same things - both outcast by society, both simply tolerated rather than accepted or rejected. Elentari, Lorin - none of the others would be able to help me. They are not being chased by their pasts each day they live to see. There are no secrets for them. They are not unwanted."

With that, unable to prevent herself from bursting into tears, the half-Elf drew her dark hood over her head and almost ran back to her bed as far from the campfire as possible, leaving Khôrbar confused and alone in the darkness. The fire had long burnt out.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hreeza heard Aireruthiel telling Khorbar of her secret. She couldnt help it; they were facing away from the wind, probably so the news wouldnt carry towards the rest of the group, so there was very little chance of anyone hearing, but no matter how quietly they spoke, from one who was the wind itself it is hard to keep secrets.

"You are a Ranger, like myself. You have seen as much of this Middle-earth as there is to see. We have been through the same things - both outcast by society, both simply tolerated rather than accepted or rejected. Elentari, Lorin - none of the others would be able to help me. They are not being chased by their pasts each day they live to see. There are no secrets for them. They are not unwanted."

Khorbar remained silent, shocked, as the other ended. She stared at him for a moment, pleading with her eyes for him to say anything before she threw her hood over her head and walked away with a sob, stumbling as she ran away from the dying campfire, into the darkness. Hreeza knew that people needed to be alone when sad, but it also turned to brooding, and that wouldnt do; also this was hardly the safest of places, so close to the dark land. Silently she followed the dark figure of the half elf until Aireruthiel suddenly slowed to a halt. She turned slowly and looked up into the air all around and then, to Hreezas surprise, gave a harsh laugh.

"Come on Hreeza, I know youre there. At least show me youre there." She called, her voice choked with tears. Hreeza raised an eyebrow- the elven side her surely was strong.

"Showing myself has always proved a little difficult, O Daughter of Two Races." She replied. Aireruthiel smiled briefly before it twisted with bitterness. "Aye, make jokes, Sprite, make jokes with other peoples feelings!" The last few words were raised to a shout. Hreeza would have taken a step backwards- if it had been possible, as she had been reminded that it wasnt.

"Well, jokes are often easier to make in times like these, O Sorrowful One." She said softly, her voice sadder now. "Easier than facing the truth, I think. I mean, I could, oh, lets see, smile sympathetically- oh no, wait, no I cant. Well then, I could put an arm around you- no, thats not possible with no limbs is it."

The half elfs expression changed as she heard a tone of bitterness that she had never before heard from Hreeza, but only slightly. Hreeza continued. "Yes, others have problems, Child. I am just sorry I heard yours."

The ranger sat down on the ground with a sigh, but her tears were now gone. "Khorbar didnt exactly take that well though; harsh words hurt."

"Harsh words from who? As he said, you werent exactly welcome towards him, nor even friendly. But I must ask, as did he...why now, so close to Mordor?"

Aireruthiel didnt answer for a moment and Hreeza actually wondered whether she had heard before she spoke very softly. "Because Im afraid. All my life I have been afraid, afraid of being found out...but the creature we will face..." She trailed off. Hreeza smiled and gave her small silvery laugh. "Well, Im glad Im not the only one, I was beginning to think I was letting down elementals! We are all afraid, even Arawil. But, as one who had seen generations of sadness and lost much said, sometimes to see the light you must face the darkness. And it os best you face yours soon." She sent the symbol of a smile into the half elfs mind and pushed her gently to her feet with a small gust of wind. "And also the sooner we face our dark enemy, the spawn of Ungoliant, the better. Come, let us get back, we must set off at dawn."

[ February 09, 2003: Message edited by: Amanaduial the archer ]

[ElentariGreenleaf]

The next days travelling were much like the others. The same landscape, the same familiar faces. But Elentari was full of guilt when she looked at Airerûthiel's young half-elvish face. It was full of sorrow. Guild caught hold of Elentari's mind the further they walked. Why does such a young one as Airerûthiel have to suffer so much? To Elentari, her own problem seemed so selfish, so... well, stupid really. She was letting the past haunt her once more while she hadn't even tried to talk to Airerûthiel about the half-elf's troubles.

"Airerûthiel," said Elentari gently. "What is troubling you. Please tell me for it has now started to trouble me." Elentari looked at Airerûthiel's eyes. They seemed so glazed over, it was unnatural.

"It's nothing, really." replied Airerûthiel. "Don't worry about me. I'm fine..." She trailed off and Elentari knew that something terrible must have happened.
~~~
Elentari had to walk quite fast to catch up with Khôrbar without looking suspicious. As soon as they walked through the next patch of trees Elentari was pinning Khôrbar against a tree.

"You're quite strong," said Khôrbar as best as he could with Elentari nearly strangling him in her rage. "What have I done to deserve this?"

"What indeed." shouted Elentari. A little too loud perhaps, with a sprite in the company.

Even though no one was near Hreeza heard Elentari and floated above the raged elf-witch.

"Hreeza," shouted Elentari. "This does not concern you." Elentari didn't even have to look at Hreeza to send her flying backwards. Elentari was too angry to want to control her rage, and her power. Khôrbar could see a dark blue outline appear around Elentari.

"WHAT DID YOU DO TO UPSET AIRERÛTHIEL?" screamed Elentari.

[Eruwen]

"WHAT DID YOU DO TO UPSET AIRERÛTHIEL?" screamed Elentari.

Eruwen looked up when she heard Elentari yell. Much to her surprise, she rushed over to find Khôrbar pinned up against a tree. Hreeza was floating around in the air trying to calm Elentari down.

"Elentari!" Eruwen screamed as she approached the tree. She calmed down to a low voice. "I'm sure Khôrbar could answer you much better if he could breathe."

Elentari let go of the grip around his neck and backed up breathing heavily in anger. She spoke to Khôrbar once again, but this time in a more quieter form of anger.

"What did you say to her?" she said.

Khôrbar looked up at her still panting from lack of breath. "I said nothing, nor did anything." he said with harsh eyes looking into Elentari's. The whole group was now standing listening to the commotion that was going on. Airerûthiel stood in the back silently. Khôrbar continued...

"If she is upset about something, I am sorry for it," he said. "though I did not knowingly hurt her in any way. If you want to know so badly what caused her to get upset, then ask her. I would dare not say without her consent."

Elentari turned and looked at Airerûthiel who was staring at the ground, then back at Khôrbar. "I did talk to her...or at least I tried."

Elentari rushed off to continue the journey. Soronûmë helped Khôrbar up, and the others followed them out towards Elentari. Eruwen was somewhat shocked at the response from members in this quest toward Khôrbar on the next few days journey. She had not seen anything to be untrusting about him, nor did she know him very well either.

Eventually, after a long time in the journey without any important events happening, the company rose above a hill on the plain. As Eruwen stepped over to where she could see what lay beyond, she stared into land of Mordor.

[ February 16, 2003: Message edited by: Eruwen ]

[Gorothlammothiel]

Along with the company, Soronûmë stood still at the sight before him. Khôrbar was at his side with Eruwen. The others approached.

For some time they stood silent, staring at the land where they had ventured much time and many pains to reach. Hreeza brushed past them, "So still?" she questionned, "after such a journey you are to stay on the borders and go no further?" The company stood until at last Khôrbar spoke, "We must continue. Cirith Ungol is so close now, to stay on the very edge of Mordor is to watse time which could prove to be invaluable." With that Soronûmë stepped forward, his steed following behind.

"You are so quick to trust Soronûmë!" shouted Elentari who was standing firm behind. "How can you follow him over us?!" She was raged again. "Far from it Elentari" spoke Soronûmë calmly as he turned to face the elf-witch, "I am not one to trust easily and have learnt that lesson well over time." His eyes narrowed, "time more than you can imagine but I see no reason to believe that this man could want to harm us in any way."

Soronûmë was now standing at the side of the ranger some way in front of Elentari, behind which Lorin, Zohariel, Eruwen and Airerûthiel stood. Hreeza was somewhere inbetween the now split company.

Elentari was fuming, "We do not know this ranger, we do not know what he is capable of as he leads us to the very heart of Mordor!"

Soronûmë was quick to reply, "I am still partly stranger to you all, you do not know me in part, nor do we know eachother well but we have come to trust along the way. Elentari, you proved to us all not so long ago that you are capable of some strength and ability with magic that we had not realised. Are we not to trust you?" Elentari stood quiet. He continued...

"Airerûthiel, you have a secret that I suspect you shared with Khôrbar above your friends and yet you stand parted? Zohariel, you have been healed back to strength, is that not of the aid of someone who cares? Eruwen, you travelled with me from the Shire and to meet with this company, and Lorin, what about Min? If he were here?" Soronûmë turned back to the rest of the group. "Have we travelled so far, losing friends and saying goodbye to those you loved to stand apart when we are so close?"

Khorbar stepped forward. "This was not my quest, it was yours and I followed. If you cannot trust me then so be it, but surely not so much that we cannot complete as a company what you set out to acomplish as a group so small."

Hreeza brushed past the ranger and elf-kind, then around Elentari bringing her hood down to her shoulders. "Come children" she spoke softly, her words floating on the breeze.

[ February 09, 2003: Message edited by: Gorothlammothiel ]

[VanimaEdhel]

Khôrbar trudged on for a while more, stewing a bit at the other's mistrust of him. He had been more up-front with the group than it seems that the members were. He would not have lied to them, had they asked him a question about his personal life. Yes, he was vague, but he did not lie. This mission seemed to have been composed of lies and deceit. How could these people live this way?

And this new development with Airerûthiel was strange to him as well. He understood why the girl told her what she did, but he could not, for the life of him, figure out why she kept this information from her sworn allies in this quest.

The group moved on until sunset, then on the next morning. They were reaching their destination and they were now merely three or four days away from this goal. Khôrbar then realized that he did not know what he was leading this group into peril for. He did not much care now, anyway. If all else failed, he could slip into the shadows, as he was wont to do when things became difficult.

[dragoneyes]

As the last few days went by spirits grew low. In this barren land, even the highest spirits would be quelled. Everyone felt out of place and a few wished they hadn't come this far. Food and water were also becoming an issue, none could be found anywhere, unless they were to eat the dust on which they walked and drink from the polluted streams that ran through the land.

The road they followed came to some crossroads, strait ahead of them loomed a dark city, once great and powerful but now ruined, Minas Morgul. They stared up at the great tower, it's windows dark and it's stones blackened. The presence of many evil things could still be felt, whether they were still there or had fled, nobody wanted to find out. "I would not have liked to have seen it while the dark lord was here." Lorin said fearfully, nobody replied.

They turned away from that evil sight and carried on along their path towards the stairs of Cirith Ungol. Lorin tried to hum a little, she found that it always made her feel better but her throat was dry and her voice grated on it. She gave up and the silence dropped on them once more.

[ February 15, 2003: Message edited by: dragoneyes ]

[Eruwen]

Eruwen's heart cringed as she peered ahead into the darkness beyond them. She knew what lay ahead---an evil, black foe which had been sulking in the shadows of her cave for many ages now.

As they journeyed along the road, the entrance to the stairs became more visible. The time had now come. The beginning of the end of their quest stood before them as they stared into the cave which beheld the stairs of Cirith Ungol. Khôrbar was the first to enter, followed by the remainder of the group. Eruwen followed from behind.

[ElentariGreenleaf]

As ELentari watched Khôrbar climb the stairs she thought maybe she was wrong about him. He did seem courageous and willing to go first into danger. Airerûthiel had been avoiding Elentari, which did not surprise the elf-witch. The way she had acted was childish. Elentari cringed inside as she realised how close she was to killing Khôrbar.

The long, steep stairs barely affected Khôrbar's speed. It took Elentari a while to catch up with the swift ranger. Khôrbar seemed not to have noticed Elentari's approach.

"Um," started Elentari slowly. "I'm sorry, Khôrbar. I... I..." Elentari nearly started to cry as she remembered her voice and the great amounts of energy that had been flowing through her.

"I know that you were not in total control of your actions," said Khôrbar, barely turning his head. "But you need to learn how to control your powers. Others may have got hurt." Khôrbar stopped and faced Elentari. "But you are of good nature, and have a good heart. That will help you learn what you must to control your strength."

Elentari was left standing alone as Khôrbar raced up the stairs in true ranger style. He was right. She needed to learn to control them. But how was she to practice with no target, nothing to annoy her. Elentari continued up the stairs, hoping to one day learn control and to one day become Khôrbar's friend. It would take a lot of fixing, but maybe this would teach her to be patient.

[VanimaEdhel]

As they reached the top of the stairs, Khôrbar turned and waited for the others to catch up. He gave a small sigh at the ones lagging so far behind. When they all caught up, he addressed the group.

"I will aid you, as you seem to be in need of another companion," Khôrbar said, "But, there is one thing you must do for me."

The group remained silent as Khôrbar paused. He looked around at the grim, silent faces. The group had been through a lot, he could see. they had probably lived through a lot more than he could now imagine. Khôrbar gathered his thoughts and continued.

"I, however, will proceed on only one condition," Khôrbar said. The other remained silent, listening for his demand. He finally continued, after a fairly dramatic pause, "You have to tell me what you are doing here. It came to my mind that I do not know your plan or what you hope to accomplish by traversing foolishly through dangerous lands to an even more perilous place, such as Cirith Ungol. I refuse to guide you any further if you do not enlighten me as to the details of this quest."

Khôrbar stood steadfast, hoping that someone would tell him what they were doing here, and that they would not just leave him to his fate here, in what was probably one of the most dangerous areas they had been to as of yet.

There was a silence before someone stepped forward from the group...

[Zohariel]

Zohariel stpped forward. She had been thinking about Sorunume's speech.
"Welcome, friend." she said, extending a hand towards Khorbar. "Quite off topic but it needed saying nevertheless."
"However" she continued "I am not the one to tell you about this quest, for I know very little myself. Indeed, many of the members of this quest seem to judge on appearances and do not trust me as well as they might." She glared at one particular personage.
"So, Khobar, whether I know you or not, it should be a long time before I reveal my true means. But. As you all have worked out I have a past, and a secret. And I think we should stop with the secrets. If we can't trust each other, who can we trust?"
She drew her sword and scraped it along a tree, then spat on the blade and lifted it high into the air.
"If you believe in honesty, tradition dictates you should follow."

[ February 18, 2003: Message edited by: Zohariel ]

[VanimaEdhel]

Khôrbar looked at Zohariel in some confusion. Had the girl just questioned his honesty? He had told these people everything they had wanted to know. Khôrbar had never lied to them. He had never lied to anyone in his life, truthfully. He could be brief in his answers, true, but he never blatantly lied. His anger grew within him, and he fought the urge to attack the tirl who stood there before him, daring to think that he would not hold to his own values, virtues, and morals. Khôrbar finally collected himself and addressed Zohariel, hoping to quench her mistrust.

"I have told you the truth," he said plainly, "Although I have not told you all of my life's story, I have never lied to you. Much of my life, quite honestly, is a mystery even to me. If you feel that it is necessary to question me before we go on, however, do so. But make it quick. We do not have long before we are discovered and killed. And I still await an answer as to why we journey all this way into such peril for, seemingly to me, no reason."

[dragoneyes]

"We are here," said Lorin, wearily stepping forward "To rid Middle-Earth of Shelob." There was a silence as the words sunk in. Many times now, Lorin's mind had thought of the seeming futility of the quest and many times had she regretted not turning back while she had the chance. Her long-time friends back in Lorien and Mirkwood were far behind her and her horse ran free across the plains of Mordor, she had let Brilthonien go once they'd come to the base of the stairs. She was tired from the drearyness of the darkness that ever hung over this land.

Khôrbar may have said something but Lorin pressed on into the darkness, wishing to meet her fate, whatever it was, as soon as was possible. The cold of the tunnel peirced her heart and she wavered for a moment, on the edge of turning back. You've come this far now, no point turning back. she thought, the others caught up and they began their decent into the utter darkness. Their eyes, no matter how sharp, helped little. They felt their way along either side, any noise that they made fell dead to the floor, but still served as a little comfort to one another, reminding each that they weren't alone.

[ February 19, 2003: Message edited by: dragoneyes ]

[Airerûthiel]

Zohariel's request for honesty had set the young Gondorian thinking, and she knew that Khôrbar should not have to help her bear her burden. Honesty was vitally important to her, and for the last few hours the foreboding words had been drifting constantly across her mind in a streamy of mist: 'If you believe in honesty, tradition dictates you should follow.' The weight of her secret was one she needed to cast off, and it had to be discarded now, or she knew she would not be able to go on.

In the darkness, even though she could not see her companions, Airerûthiel spoke. "I have a confession I want to make," she said as quietly as she could, her voice echoing down the corridor nonetheless. "Only one other in this group knows my secret. But as I sense we may not all survive - call it half-Elf's intuition..." She paused briefly, and hearing nothing but her own breathing and the almost-silent footfalls of the company, allowed herself a small smile. "I pride myself on my honesty, but in order to protect myself I have lied since the deaths of my family. If I never see the light of day again, I want to leave this Middle-earth with a light conscience.

"My true name, the one I was given at birth, is Bragolhirwen. The ones who slew my family know me by that name, and they still seek me with intent to kill. I have always been told that I resemble my mother, and so I thought nothing of taking her name in order to stop the murderers discovering who I am. If that is how they know me, they will not wish to slay me; my hope was that they would be afeared of that name, thinking I was her vengeful ghost.

"But I have no reason to hide any more. I have foreseen that this quest may bring death to our group, but who will be among the fallen I cannot say; fate did not bless me with that foresight. If we go to our ends, then I say let us go without fear and with nothing to hide!" Her hand went to the hilt of her father's Elven blade, a wedding gift brought from her mother's people at Mirkwood, and as she drew it she, and everyone else in the group, heard a noise that sounded like echoing footsteps, coming closer and closer, quickening to keep time with every heartbeat in the passageway.

[ElentariGreenleaf]

Elentari was shocked at this secret, but was not surprised that Airerûthiel had wanted to tell her secret before the fight ahead. But death? No, Elentari would not let that happen. She had not come back to this land to see her friends die. Sailing to Valinor had made her realise how much suffering there was in this world, how much death and destruction there was. Her Loved One had understood why she wanted to return. Elentari had promised him that she would protect those who needed protection, to be there for them as a loyal friend.

"I too have a secret," said Elentari boldly. "None of you can know the true suffering in this land, for none of you have ever sailed to Valinor. I left this land and sailed with my family from the Grey Havens. But I saw that in this land too many people suffer needlessly, so I returned.

"My quest is much like that of Arawil. I wish to rid this land of evil, and I will until I am slain by that evil. Not one of you knew this secret of mine. I have many a time tried to forget that place beyond the Grey Havens. Peace I felt there. I hope one day all of us may find peace. Inner peace at least..." she trailed off. Elentari did not know how her companions would react, but she knew they must wait no longer.

"Come," said Khôrbar. "We must tarry no longer." With this the company continued in the dark, not knowing when they might encounter their target.

[Eruwen]

Eruwen quietly listened to the confessions of members in the group. It seemed a right time to confess any unspoken secrets, yet she had none to tell. It was true, yes, that she had not spoken much throughout the entire journey, but she hid nothing from her companions...at least not from Soronûmë. He had been closer to her than anyone of them.

Her thoughts were suddenly shattered when Eruwen heard faint footsteps from beyond them. She turned and followed her companions into the heart of Cirith Ungol---the lair of Shelob. Her heart was racing. She knew courage and strength she had, yet it was hard to find any when one felt so near to death. No light could be seen from inside. All was dark. She felt somewhat too nervous to shine a light and reveal what may lay beyond.

No sound could be heard other than the light footsteps of the travelers, nor did anyone dare break the silence. Darkness was far too near now. A shadow had grown close. Fear mixed with a sudden eagerness to destroy this sulking foe had entered Eruwen's mind. All other thoughts had ventured away.

As the group continued to move slowly through the black surroundings, Eruwen stopped. It was not through fright or fear of what lie ahead, it was through knowledge. She knew the time had come. Their foe was here---she could feel it. There was no need to move on. Eruwen made no sound to tell the others, for they had felt it as well. The sound of many steps could be heard coming. The incessent noise grew louder and louder every moment until suddenly, it stopped.

[VanimaEdhel]

Khôrbar pushed on into the darkness, both physically and mentally. He thought of the secrets of his company. They all had kept their identities from each other. And yet he, the supposedly aloof member, had no secrets. And here they were, planning to kill a mere spider. That was no secret worth keeping. Why these people decided that this creature, even more quiet now than Khôrbar, deserved death was more of a question. What grudge did they hold against Shelob? Yes, she was spawn of Ungoliant, a dark creature of Melkor, but Shelob had been silent for so long...unless they knew of unseen movements made by the vicious monster. Knowing their histories now, Khôrbar deemed that it was quite possible that they knew about some movements made by Shelob that Khôrbar was unaware of.

"As for me," he said, addressing the others as they moved, "I have no secrets. My life is simple. My parents died when I was young and I lived with various wild families over the years. Here I am, the product of those groups. I have traversed the land and seen many things. I have met many races and witnessed many births and deaths. That is all I know of my history."

Khôrbar grew silent again as they pressed forward. They continued for what felt like an eternity in the dark. Once they stopped for a rest. Khôrbar made his way over to Airerûthiel and sat beside her.

"You were brave," he said quietly to the girl, "And I think that you have nothing to fear from these others. They are good people. You are lucky to have companions such as these. If I had such companions, I may have found more joy in the ways of society. You travel among noble beings. Try to always be in their company, or in the company of people such as them."

Khôrbar whispered these words quietly to the girl, who listened silently. Khôrbar waited, hoping that Airerûthiel would respond, filling this awkward silence with words...

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hreeza smiled as she heard their 'confessions', not because of any humour, but because she was proud. They were learning. She sighed happily, like a small breeze, then stopped, as she heard the noise the others had noticed. One by one, all of them froze, listening, hands on weapons. A sound, like needles, carefully managed with such power, as if they were walking...

Hreeza gasped sharply as she realised what the noise was.

"She is in there..." She whispered, causing the humans and elves to look up at the sprite they had almost forgotten. If she had been solid, the sprite would be as pale as the others. "She is in there...

And she is awake."

[VanimaEdhel]

Khôrbar quickly rose and pulled Airerûthiel to her feet before the girl could respond. He drew his sword and looked down the passage that the others now peered down. A rustling noise came. Shelob was moving, and it sounded like she was coming closer. Khôrbar looked around. This passage was wider. If they went down the other passage, they would probably be forced to travel in single file. If they stayed here, however, they may be able to fight her more than one-on-one. Fighting together was the only way they could hope to win.

"Stay here," Khôrbar whispered, getting in battle position. He saw the others were preparing their weapons as well.

The sharp-sighted Elves could almost make out a shape deep in the darkness, moving towards them. Soon she would be upon them, and the success of their quest would be determined, all within this one decisive battle...

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hreeza could feel the evil wafting out of the tunnel, countering everything she was, and all who had made her. She shuddered. Below, she saw the group preparing themselves, drawing weapons and preparing themselves for battle...

The giant spider attacked the hall, her vicious legs whipping out all around, injuring the shocked and surprised Maia, caught unprepared. Behind her a huge shape loomed, the shape of a valar, but the air around him twisted, corrupted, the dark magics he was summoning shattering the calm of the hall, sending the elementals into disarray...

Hreeza fought of the urge to be sick as she remembered the attack of Melkor and Ungoliant that day, so long ago. To the surprised Valar and Maiar she had been...unstoppable. The evil around her, and around Him had beenmind shattering. And this was Shelob, the spawn of Ungoliant, who they were about to try and fight. She looked down at the children of elves and men, less powerful than any who had been there on that day. And Arawil looked up and caught her eye. The Maia smiled sadly and Hreeza saw something inside her seem to die. She too held the gathered memories of those who had been there.

"We shall fight." She whispered, for Hreezas ears only. Khorbar started to creep forward, oblivious of the memories of the pair, into the tunnel.

"Wait!" Hreeza almost cried out, forcing her voice down so as not to alert the thing inside to their prescence. The ranger looked up, surprised. "Wait. Wait until the spider is asleep. We must catch her offguard...just as she did us..."

The humans and elves were puzzled, but obeyed, seeing the logic, and Hreeza fell once again into memory. It would be more than just Arawils revenge wreaked here...

[Eruwen]

Everyone sat down and waited in the darkness for silence from the beast. It took quite a while for Shelob to fall asleep, but eventually she did. Hreeza whispered to the group again after noticing the sleeping menace.

"It's time."

Nothing else needed to be said by the sprite. They all knew what was meant by the commment. It was time to fight...to conquer. As they creeped into their foe's dark lair, Eruwen saw her. Sitting in a corner she was---sleeping peacefully in the shadows. At first Eruwen crept towards the back of the group, but courage regained inside her as she saw Hreeza hovering close to the foul creature.

She silently walked up towards the spider with some caution, but with vengence in her heart. As Eruwen stood close, she gazed over Shelob's somewhat towering body. This was no normal Orc from Mordor. This was far more terrible. She pulled back her bow ready to strike as did the others with their weapons.

Eruwen crept up more towards the head of the spider to get more of a direct shot. All fear had suddenly faded from her mind. There was only hate and a will to kill. As she beant over the creature to shoot, a voice from behind caught her attention.

"She's awake!" said a member of the group to another. "Get back, she'll attack!"

Eruwen did not notice from whom the voice was coming, for she had turned back towards her foe staring straight into the deep, red eyes of the spawn of Ungoliant. Eruwen pulled out her sword to strike, but it was too late. The creature had already overpowered her. Her company watched as she fell beneath the evil Shelob at Cirith Ungol.

A few screams were heard, but there was nothing they could do to save Eruwen...but to fight. As some of them lured the monster away into another part of the lair, Soronûmë approached the fallen Elf. No life was coming forth. Not long had it been since he had known her, but it seemed long enough to miss a friend. He stood in anger and ran off towards the remaining few of the group to accompany the others in defeating the evil creature called Shelob.

[ February 24, 2003: Message edited by: Eruwen ]

[Airerûthiel]

A blazing hot rage welled up in Bragolhirwen's throat, burning her eyes with stinging tears. Eruwen's death was a reason for vengeance - even though she had not known the Elf very well, the whole group had grown closer to each other as their journey had gone on. To lose one of her companions so close to fulfilling their task was a bitter blow; the half-Elf could not tolerate that dark evil any longer.

The others could see this great source of power within the troubled child, and there was a sense that she could be incredibly dangerous should she try and attack the great spider. It seemed as though nothing could overpower Bragolhirwen's desperate desire to attack, no matter how much the others tried to control her as they struggled to lure Shelob into another part of the tunnels.

The spider was advancing slowly on the group, her red eyes blazing with a strange desire as she sought out the choicest meat from the band of attackers. Her gaze fell upon the young Gondorian, who did not break the eye contact between herself and the creature. Bragolhirwen's heartbeat quickened; fast, faster, keeping time with the monster's footsteps. The sound of her own breathing roared in her ears, uncontrollable and overpowering every other sound.

In the blink of an eye, Bragolhirwen drew Minyacirith, which seemed to have taken on a strange glow; it danced like a marriage of fire and ice, cutting her face perfectly in half as she raised it in front of her. A loud and vicious-sounding battle cry ripped forth from her throat, surprising even Shelob, as she charged forward. In the background she could dimly hear voices calling her names, but they did not register.

Putting all her weight behind the sword, she swung it wildly at the massive round body. There was a hideous screeching cry - where it came from she could not tell - and then a sensation of slime dripping from every surface, but mostly from Shelob's side and her own blade. Without even waiting to see what the spider's next action was, she could vaguely register the rest of the fellowship charging forward. The battle had truly begun.

[ElentariGreenleaf]

A few screams were heard, but there was nothing they could do to save Eruwen...but to fight.

"No," thought Elentari. "How could I let this happen?" The elf-witch saw Bragolhirwen charge forward, followed by the rest of the company. "Should I use my powers? Could I control them enough? Maybe, but... how could I be certain?". Elentari remembered what someone had once told her, not long ago. But you are of good nature, and have a good heart. That will help you learn what you must to control your strength. Khôrbar's words filled Elentari's mind.

With a loud war-cry, not quite like Bragolhirwen's, Elentari ran forward to join the battle. Star rang as it met Shelob's putrid flesh. All of the company now fought for there lives. There was either life or death in this battle. As Elentari thought of Eruwen, she fought harder still. The elf-witch would not let another of her friends fall that way. Not while she had strength left in her.

Shelob took a strike at Bragolhirwen. Bragolhirwen dived to avoid it, but felt no impact. As she looked up she saw Elentari standing above her with a gash on her arm, but one of Shelob's legs on the floor at her side. Bragolhirwen gave Elentari a brief look of thanks, then continued to fight.

Shelob had screamed in rage as she felt one of her legs huged from her body. She saw an elf like person standing before her and swung out gashing Elentari's left arm. Elentari winced in pain, but did not let Bragolhirwen see this. Hope faded from Elentari's mind as she saw the great spider face Lorin.

[dragoneyes]

Until now, Lorin had been stabbing and slashing at Shelobs side, it would've hurt her were it not for the many thick layers of skin which had built up over many years. Now though, Shelob had turned her attention towrds Lorin who saw her chance.

Lorin charged with her dagger pointing towards Shelob's blazing eyes. before Shelob could react, she lunged into one of those eyes which went out like a torch in a gale. Liquid gushed out as Shelob screamed once more. The liquid ran all over Lorin's dagger and it slipped out of her hand and fell to the ground with a thud. With no time to draw out her bow, Lorin dived towards the dagger, though in the darkness, she missed it. Lorin fumbled around, lying on her front, feeling towards the dagger with her right hand.

Lorin suddenly screamed in pain, she looked up and could see that Shelob had brought down one of her feet and stood on Lorin's hand. Lorin pulled as hard as she could, but to no avail, Shelob had her full weight on that leg and she was now coming round to finish off her prey. Lorin couldn't fight off Shelob while trapped like this, she had to try and escape. With her other hand she reached towards the dagger again, she wasn't going to use it to attack this time though.

Her hand clasped the hilt of her dagger and she dragged it towards her. She looked at it, it was still covered in slime. She glanced behind her and could see the looming eyes. Lorin hardened in her resolve, it was either this or Shelob's stinking stomach. She raised her dagger above her head and brought it down as hard as she could upon her own wrist. She sprang forward, and Shelob's open fangs closed on thin air. Lorin dodged between Shelob's other legs and appeared out the other side, collapsing against the wall, cradling the stump of her arm, it had been a clean cut at least.

[Gorothlammothiel]

Soronûmë had hastily ran forward with his bow poised after laying the body of such a good friend down. As the others Soronûmë was fighting with all his strength, he turned and shouted back, though the others could not understand his words. He noticed Elentari wince hard as blood flowed from her arm onto the cold stone. Tears were running down her cheeks. Soronûmë flung his head around and quickly moved from one of Shelob's legs which would otherwise have surely thrown him to the ground. Catching himself he could do nothing much watch as Lorin became trapped under the giant creature.

Time seemed to stand still as the elf slowly realised how hastily the company had walked into this, and how he had taken up with them with no real score to settle with anyone other than himself- least of all the spawn on Ungoliant. Such a quest was folly, that he had realised from an early point, but he had not the heart to tell them. Such hope they had in this quest,he could not turn them down, such a company of young females. And it seemed neither could Khorbar. He too had realised the dangers, and had warned the company, at which they had paid no heed. And now the cost? Eruwen, the maiden that had walked with Soronûmë from the Shire to meet with the company, now fallen at the side of the spider.

Soronûmë's thoughts were cut short by cries from Lorin who he could see fallen against a far wall, clutching her arm. He rushed with the ranger at his side to aid her. He drew his brothers sword from the scabbard at his side, Lunos. Wielding the sword in both hands with a tight grip around the hilt he ran hard.

Elentari who had been holding back, partly from pain stood not far from the young sword maiden who was fightly valiantly. Elentari's lips began to mutter words of a foreign tongue-another spell.

The elf-witch had distracted Soronûmë's attention and Khorbar's cries were all too late as a heavy blow pushed Soronûmë across the cold dark ground. It was surely luck that the elf had not suffered more than he had. He was still concious, though on the floor he held tightly at his waist. The blow had not broken the skin but still the pain throbbed as an evil within him.

Still Elentari muttered, her voice growing so that it no longer seemed her own. Shelob too had noticed this as she turned and faced the chanting figure. She took a step forward towards the elf-witch, seemingly oblivious to the three still fighting and stabbing at her side. The foul creature took another step and Elentari remained standing, no longer wincing. Soronûmë tried to pick himself up but fell back to his knees. He reached towards his quiver which he found bare. Lunos was lying some distance away. Weaponless he sat and watched as the creature they had all come to destroy crept closer towards destroying another of his own. Soronûmë would not lose another to this quest and, relying on his last hope, began to chant himself.

Khorbar certainly had some strength in him, still stabbing and slashing at the spider. He had worked his way between Shelob's legs and was standing beneath her possibly most vunerable part, her abdomen.

Soronûmë chanted, it had been such a long time since he has used his magic, that which had been condemned by his family so long ago yet the words flooded back into his mind as if they had never parted.

Still slimy and dark, Khorbar looked up upon Shelob's underneath. With no hesitation he thrust his sword hard into the creatures stomach causing the spider this time to recoil slightly in pain.

At the same moment Soronûmë had stopped his spell, and watched as a well of light formed above the spider, burning bright. The light pained Shelob, perhaps more than any of the blades or arrows she had so far endured and she grimaced in pain. Khorbar took another stab upwards and the sword maiden from behind. To their surprise, Shelob fled.

The light dimmed to nothing and Soronûmë let out a sigh of both relief and of breath. Pulling himself up, he held his side and made way towards Khorbar. The ranger picked up Lunos and handed the sword back to Soronûmë with no expression on his face. The blade had no weight to it so the elf did not have such trouble placing it back in the scabbard at his side.

Soronûmë made way to the fallen Lorin as fast as he could manage,whilst the ranger and sword maiden ran to Elentari who now seemed to be herself though unaware of recent happenings. Lorin was awake. Injured but not undeterred. She stood up looking down to the clean cut wound which was now the bottom of her arm. All the members of the company made way to the lifeless body of Eruwen.

Soronûmë fell at the maiden's side, on his knees he wept for his friend, tears falling to the ground creating a pool of silver. Lorin knelt beside him. "Such a loss you have suffered as a company, and many more in part. She gave her life for you." Hreeza they realsied was hovering overhead. Her words but a faint whisper, "Yet still the creature lives, you have weakened her, that is certain but she shall still put up a fight when next she attacks, she knows of our presence now."

[VanimaEdhel]

Khôrbar remained silent and expressionless amidst the mourning that took place around him. He had lost too many companions, brave, bold, and noble, to similar fates to let this trouble him at the moment. He knew that they must move on. Shelob had fled, but it would not be long before she came back, refreshed and prepared for battle. Khôrbar came and stood behind Soronûmë, awkwardly putting his hand on the shoulder that was still heaving with sobs.

"We must move on," Khôrbar said quietly, "You know we cannot remain. It is for us to decide whether we pursue and strike her down in this, the hour of her pain, or whether we retreat."

Khôrbar flinched, hoping that the answer and reason would not be what he feared. If they went on, revenge should be a reason, but not he only one. The desire to avenge the death of a friend or loved one clouded people's judgement. He had seen only too many times what blind, thoughtless fury did. While it gave unbelievable strength, most were too hysterical to use it correctly.

"I," said Khôrbar, hoping that he would not regret the vote he was about to cast, "Say that we should press on. If we do so, however, it must be now. We can waste no time allowing Shelob to gain back her strength. Either we move on or we leave immediately. We may mourn the dead when we, too, are safe. It is no use looking to find their fate as well."

Khôrbar looked at the remaining company, silently hoping that they would press on, but willing to comply with whatever agreement was made.

[Airerûthiel]

Bragolhirwen was struggling to sort out her head - the pain and destruction caused by the spider had filled her with a chokimng rage that her will could not overpower. She cursed herself for being so stupid as to start the attack. 'Had it not been for my folly, Elentari would not have been hurt by the spawn of Ungoliant,' she thought bitterly to herself, biting her lip so that a small drop of blood appeared in the corner.

And yet the harsh reality of what they were doing had suddenly dawned on the half-Elf in those tunnels: this was no mere attempt at trying to hide from evil. Now she was truly fighting for her life. She had always thought herself to have grown up at least twice as fast as a 'normal' child, but the horrible realisation that she was nothing but a headstrong little girl who could not deal with what life was throwing at her.

"I think..." she said eventually, her voice shaking slightly with fear, "I think we should go on. My judgement may still be clouded due to the blood of my friends and my kind shed by this monster, but I have finally realised what I have come to be. Maybe I am still a child; maybe I just like to think of myself as the brave warrior-maid I always wanted to be when I was younger. But maybe, just maybe...I am finally growing up.

"I do not deny that Shelob is pure evil, but we cannot merely kill her for what she has done to the others. Before I came to Cirith Ungol, I was fighting for my parents and running from my past. Now I go to battle for the safety of the free peoples of this Middle-earth, from the Lands of the West all the way to Ithilien, and I walk into what I now know I was destined to become. I am willing to sacrifice myself for the sake of all."

She wiped her blade absentmindedly on a rock and then re-sheathed it. Her eyes met Lorin and Elentari's, both of whom were nursing their injuries, and she made herself a promise: 'From now on, I embrace who I truly am, and I come to accept whatever befalls me - be that adventure or boredom, friendship or loneliness, life or death.'

[Amanaduial the archer]

"I am willing to sacrifice myself for the sake of all."

"No."

Hreeza looked up, the silver tears in her eyes visibile even to those who couldnt see the sprite well. The spawn of Ungoliant had wreaked such havoc in the Halls, and now...now this elf, this young elf maid, so young in this eternal world...gone.

"No." Once again she whispered the one word. She had been as hurt as some of the others; not physically, but she could feel herself falling apart, could feel the particles splitting painfully away from each other... She shuddered and took a deep breath. "No, we will fight. There will not be any more sacrifices. We will win this one."

She turned to look down the tunnel the way Shelob had fled. "We will rest for only a short while. Then we shall follow. We will win." She repeated. Even Arawil didnt argue with the difinite tone of the sprites voice.

[Zohariel]

Zohariel looked at Hreeza, then touched the bells which hung at her belt.
Hreeza frowned quickly. "Not until it's abousoloutly nessescary." she muttered.
Zohariel shrugged, trying to look like she didn't care, but she did. What use was she against a spider? Hand to hand combat was alright, with her mad hacking style, but a spider could creep up. It didn't care for the basic rules of combat. It would just...
The rake- thin necromancer drew her sword anyway. It wasn't like the bells would work. They might daze the spider, but not do any lasting damage. She'd just have to try as hard as she could to fight.
She gripped her sword tightly, her cudgel in the other hand, and steeled herself for battle.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hreeza tried to form her thoughts into a sensible order, trying to work methodically instead of thinking. She knew exactly what they were up against. They had no chance...no, not no chance, they had one very slim chance...

"Right...we must have some sort of tactics to fight this monster." She spoke quite slowly, arranging her thoughts as she spoke, but trying to speak confidently. "Khorbar, Lorin, you will fire as many arrows as possible at the spider, as fast as you can, from ledges above. Dont worry, there are ledges, I...I have been here before." She simply gave this explanation, as she knew they wouldnt understand the way her mind and memory worked, not even Arawil fully, and although the maia gave her a strange look, she didnt question her, and neither did any of the others. "This will give us the element of surprise, provided we move quietly. Elentari, would you be able to multiply the arrows as they fly, somehow?"

Hreeza knew it was a wild hope, but after a moments careful thought, the elf witch nodded. Hreeza smiled at her and carried on. "Thankyou. This will probably confuse Shelob, and she will be busy wondering what is happening and looking for the source of the arrows, hopefully without success, as you must confuse her. Make as many of the arrows count as you can, but spread them around a bit, to confuse her. I will give a signal, and you must stop firing. As soon as you do, the rest of you will rush in, attacking with swords. Come in two lines, a few on the front who will then…drop back, and the others will move in. After a few minutes, they will drop back and the second row will go forward again, more refreshed. This means we can keep attacking her continually. If the archers feel up to it, they can also come back down and join the attack from the other side UNLESS Shelob is completely blocking the corridor down. If she is, don’t give indication you are there until she has moved away; if youre too close, one swing of her legs could…” She stopped, not knowing how to phrase it. “Well, anyway. Elentari, you do not have to attack with the archers if you don’t feel up to it-“

“I will.” Elentari stubbornly interrupted. Hreeza looked at her and cursed silently as she realised the witch had probably taken it as an insult to her ability. She would speak with her afterwards.

“With this method, we should be able to tire out Shelob and finish her off.” She finished hopefully, if rather lamely. She then came round to float just behind Elentari. The elf witch sensed her there and spoke before Hreeza could.

“I will help. I will.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I will!” The witch sounded insulted. It was as if she had to prove something. Hreeza sighed and spoke even more softly, gently.
“You have nothing to prove. I know how magic can wear you out.” Elentari looked like she would start again, but Hreeza got there first. “Just remember you don’t have to, alright?”

The witch nodded, after a pause. Then Khorbar cleared his throat, looking around; he couldn’t see Hreeza. “Here.” She said, letting him know where she was. He spun around, then gathered himself and spoke.

“What will you be doing during this, Hreeza? With all respect.” He added hastily. “Its just…well, you can fight with neither sword nor bow. And what if Shelob sees us, when we are going up to fire at her, on these ledges you tell of?”

Hreeza grinned to herself, knowing the others wouldn’t see the malice in her smile. “Those things are related. Don’t worry, I will deal with her eyesight before I give the signal to shoot. Nay, she will not be able to use her eyes much, I think..” Hreeza laughed softly, but it was a harder laugh than usual; she was at last going to get her revenge.

“Come, let us go. Shelob awaits.” Quietly, Hreeza led the way towards the being in the darkness…

[Gorothlammothiel]

The company followed the sprite down in the dark. Soronûmë was deep in thought, he had been listening intently to Hreeza's plan. He looked over to the sorrowful Lorin then stopped in the darkness. The rest of the company came to a halt and Hreeza brushed past the elf's cheek. Khorbar stepped forward, "What are you doing?! You know we must fight now!" He was speaking impatiently but with a respect that Soronûmë understood. "Hreeza?" Soronûmë looked up to her, "your plan, how is Lorin expected to fire arrows from a bow? Had you forgotten our pains of late?" Hreeza fell still and silent as she looked over to the fair maiden with her bound, wounded arm.

"If I were to take her place" Soronûmë continued, "for am I far more skilled with a bow than with the small sword I carry" he stepped forward enthusiastically. "No" stated the sprite defiantly, "indeed you are skilled with your bow Soronûmë but your grief is near. We cannot let it cloud judgement, not in this hour." The elf was shocked at the statement, "My grief has rightful place in my heart, and in yours. It was not only I that lost a friend today and if that grief is to cloud my mind then it will do the same to you!" Elentari and Lorin agreed with him. Lorin spoke softly, "Hreeza, I cannot use a bow, let someone else take my place. Eruwen died in this battle and we all suffered at the hands of this beast. If we are to defeat Shelob we will need to work and trust eachother."

"Very well Soronûmë, you will take place of Lorin. You fire down onto Shelob but then wait for my command. Lorin if you can you must now fight with Khorbar and Zohariel on the ground. Elentari, are you sure you are up to this?" She looked onto the elf witch. "I am ready" she replied.

The company all turned as they heard the groans coming from the darkness. Silently now they crept on.

[Airerûthiel]

Bragolhirwen felt drained of all hope; she wanted to drop to the ground and fall into a deep sleep. Maybe she was bitter with her realisation that she served no purpose in Hreeza's plan, but secretly she felt guilty for attacking the spider without thinking of the consequences. There was nothing she could do, except watch...and wait.

The silence in the tunnels seemed to echo on into eternity, save for the spider's occasional groans. They shook the walls of the catacombs so violently that Bragolhirwen had to cling onto the cloak of the person in front of her several times in order not to lose her balance. She kept her hand on the hilt of Minyacirith, but did not dare to draw it in case she should alert the monster to their presence a second time.

The noise was louder now, tearing through the stuffy atmosphere in the caves as though it was a sheet of paper. Bragolhirwen shut her eyes tightly, a sense of fear running down her spine in a cold shiver. She felt physically ill, and had to swallow several times in order to prevent herself regurgitating the meagre contents of her stomach. Slowly and cautiously, they came closer to the spider's lair.

Shelob was lying in a strange position, a horrible slime spurting briskly from the open wound in her side. The ground had become wet and slippery with the amount of disgusting fluid the spider had spilt as she crawled away to her hiding place. Suddenly Bragolhirwen, who was last in the group, lost her footing and skidded several feet down the path, slamming into the wall in the end.

Shelob was instantly on alert, seeking out the intruders. Bragolhirwen hated herself that very instant for ruining the plan, but now she realised they had no choice. Someone yelled at the group to get into their positions as fast as possible, and without another word they all shot off into the darkness like arrows from a bow.

[ March 02, 2003: Message edited by: Airerûthiel ]

[ElentariGreenleaf]

Arrows flew from the ledge. Soronûmë and Khôrbar fired arrows as quickly as they could. Elentari made a diamond protection around her, and doubled even tripled the amount of arrows. It rapidly drained her energy, and Hreeza could see this.

"No," said the Sprite as loudly as she could without showing Shelob the others' positions. "Stop Elentari. Don't drain your energies." Elentari ignored her.

Shelob was completely confused by the hail of arrows and her legs flailed wildly. At one point she was very close to hitting Bragolhirwen. Elentari saw this, and at the same time Soronûmë and Khôrbar ran out of arrows.

"NOW!" shouted Hreeza. The first line of brave fighters ran forward to attack. Lorin was in the second line and nervously held her knife. Hreeza looked around at the scene. The attack was going well, but there was one person missing. Elentari had said she would fight in the second line, but she was not there.

"Elentari," shouted Hreeza. "Where are you?" She could see the diamond protection flaring near the foot of the ledge. "Elentari!" The elf-witch had collapsed from over-using her magic. Hreeza was about to float to her friend as she heard a scream of exhaustion come from the other direction. Someone had been hit.

Bragolhirwen was in the front line. She had started to become tired. Where was Hreeza's command to pull back? Without warning, Shelob swung round and hit Bragolhirwen to the floor. The half-elf let out a cry, alerting Hreeza and the others to her pain.

"First line retreat, second line attack. Someone get Bragolhirwen out of there!" shouted Hreeza.

Elentari heard this, and stood up. There was new rage burning in her eyes. With a scream of anger she leapt forward, chanting a new spell: she was calling her staff. A bright light appeared before Elentari and a tall pale grey staff appeared. The elf-witch took a firm hold on this and swung it in a large circle as she ran in front of those attacking Shelob. Bright blue light came from both Elentari and the staff, causing even Shelob to back off a little.

"Elentari. STOP!" shouted a number of her companions. But it was too late, Elentari was too far into this now. There was no stopping her.

[Amanaduial the archer]

"First line retreat, second line attack, someone get get Bragolhirwen out of there now!" Hreeza yelled, not even pausing when she said Bragolhirwens true name. She was not trained in war, but she had seen enough of them. She felt like a general!

Then Hreeza felt it, the Change, the differences in the energies of the cave. She turned to Arawil but it was not the maia...

"Elentari! STOP!"

[VanimaEdhel]

Khôrbar had fought with the second wave of attackers. He hoped that the weakness he thought he felt in Shelob was truly growing weakness.

"Elentari! STOP!"

Khôrbar spun around and looked at the woman. Khôrbar always knew that there was something different about Elentari. Now he could clearly see that she was certainly powerful. What was she doing? And why were the others so afraid of her using her power.

Out of caution, Khôrbar backed up to the entrance of Shelob's chamber. He felt that, whatever Elentari was doing with her power, he did not want to be in the way of it. He saw the girl's concentration. Khôrbar wanted to stop that look...wanted to stop it...the wave of energy was so strong that even Khôrbar, a non-magus, felt it. However, Khôrbar knew that interfering with Elentari, even touching her, could lead to further danger than they were already in.

No, Khôrbar decided, he was forced to stay back in the shadows. He had just exited the shadows, now being forced back into them. Khôrbar then realized how helpless he actually was in the world as he watched Elentari using what was left of her power to what end he did not as of yet know...

[Airerûthiel]

Bragolhirwen rushed forward as part of the first wave of attackers, randomly swinging her blade at an already confused Shelob in order to keep the advancing creature away from her. With every blow of the heavy broadsword she felt her energy weaken, fading away into nothingness with every slowly-passing second. With a last battle cry and throwing all her weight into the blow, she managed to hit Shelob's side. The enraged spider flew at her, on a collision course with the Gondorian.

The spider's blow flung the half-Elf to the ground like she was a child's unwanted toy. She heard a sickening crunch that seemed to echo through the monstrous caverns for the rest of time as she hit the floor. Her head span with the shock of impact, and she could not feel her legs. In the distance she heard people yelling, shouting her true name. There was the sound of running feet as Elentari came towards her, trying to save her.

"No..." she whispered, in a voice that was barely audible. "Go. Save...yourself. It's...right...I...shouldn't be...alive...I cheated...my...death...before." She paused, feeling all her energy drain away, and then spoke, her words seeming to disappear before they came forth from her mouth. "I'm...not going...to let...fate...fail...again..." She saw the spider looming over her, and then as she fell into an eternal darkness she could feel some kind of great power growing about her. Her final though before she slipped into true unconsciousness was of the knowledge that her short yet turbulent life seemed to be finally over.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hreeza saw the elf fall and heard her last, defeatist words.

"Not a chance, O elven child!" She yelled, diving down. She had to stop this. Forcing herself tight up, trying to make herself tangible, she pushed against Bragolhirwen, slowly getting her out of the way.

Looking back she saw Elentari had started chanting...but now Arawil was there as well. The power was flowing around, and there was nothing Hreeza could do. No wait...she felt something stir inside her that she had not felt for a long time. The power of all creatures as ancient as the mountains and the forests...

[ElentariGreenleaf]

Elentari could fell the power pulsating around her body. Her staff and outline glowed brightly now. Bitterness inside was growing, growing to a point of true hatred towards Shelob. Elentari felt more power surround her as Arawil joined her. Together they were unstoppable. Shelob had no chance, or did she?

Shelob was pushed back against a wall by the sheer force of the energy gathering. But now she too started to glow. Elentari and Arawil did not see this - they now had their eyes closed as they chanted a spell of destruction. However, Hreeza saw the spider's own spell being cast and was filled with new strength. She flew towards the two heroines and floated between their shoulders.

"Hreeza, stay out of this," thought Elentari to Hreeza.

"No. I will not let you and Arawil do this alone. We three have the power to defeat her. She is casting her own spell."

Elentari opened her eyes for a moment. Shelob was glowing purple and seemed a lot bigger than before. Elentari stood up. Still chanting her original spell she turned around to face the others. They all had pure fear in their eyes; they were afraid of both Shelob and the elf-witch.

"Do not fear me," she thought to them. Elentari pointed her staff at one sidewall, then the other. A bright and powerful diamond protection spell was cast around them. Elentari had to lean on her staff for a moment, but continued her chant. If she stopped now the spell would fail. She turned back around to face Shelob.

The three brave heroines now stood facing Shelob with their eyes open, chanting the spell in perfect sync. They were as one now, Elentari leading the spell. As Elentari held her staff out in front of her Arawil and Hreeza held on to it.

It seemed strange to Hreeza. For the first time she held something in her grasp. How could this be? She did not have visible form.

Elentari stopped chanting, but Hreeza and Arawil kept going. "Hreeza," said Elentari in a voice that sounded unlike her own. "For this you will need the form unnatural to wind sprites. On behalf of the company I grant you your hearts desire." A mark appeared on Elentari's forehead, which ten seemed to float across to Arawil's then on to Hreeza, where it glowed brightly.

Hreeza felt things more clearly now. She felt the woods texture; felt Elentari's power as well as Arawil's. The sprite turned around and saw the others staring at her, open mouthed.

Elentari looked at Hreeza and smiled. There in front of her stood a young woman with long silvery hair. "Now on with the spell. We must continue it before Shelob finishes hers."

[dragoneyes]

Lorin saw Hreeza leave Bragolhirwen so she grabbed her and dragged her away, the further away from Shelob, the better. Bragolhirwen was still breathing at least, but she would only survive if she had the will to, Lorin started trying to wake her there and then, shaking her and calling her names, true and untrue, but still she lay unconsious.

Lorin suddenly heard inside her head 'Do not fear me', she looked up startled, then over towards Elentari who was casting her spell, along with Arawil and now Hreeza. Her jaw dropped and for a moment she forgot all about Bragolhirwen's and her own injuries and why they were there and the horror which towred before them, and was only amazed at the power which was eminating from these three people, people she had been travelling with and knew. In that moment, she noticed something happen to Hreeza, she became more than just a flicker of light to the half-elf's eyes and became more and more, well, solid. Her eyes opened wide and she thoughtlessly ran her stump across her brow, bringing her painfully back to the situation they were in and more to the point, that Bragolhirwen was in. Healing was what she was good at and that was what she would do, Shelob was now in other, more capable hands.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hreeza felt her spirit seeming to come on, but not in a bad way. And suddenly she needed to come down the ground. She felt herself suddenly seem to seperate, to become isolated from eveything...

As the sensation left, Hreeza slowly opened her eyes...eyes! She had eyes! Hardly daring to believe it she looked down, stretching out what would be a few tendrils of air...and saw her arm. She looked at her knew body. Her silver hair flowed down, shimmering like it wasnt quite real, like fine silver and gold and bronze, shimmering with all the colours of the wind. Her skin was pale, and her body slim. She was beautiful and...she was solid! Despite the moment, she laughed. Her silvery laugh remained, but had a different edge on it.

"I am corporeal! And...oh!" She realised the males in the company were looking away, embarrassed. She laughed again and, still in possession of her spritely powers, she spread a garment of woven silver air around her new body. "Better now?"

But she hadnt forgotten the task in hand. She delighted in rolling up her sleeves in a business like manner and turned to Shelob, almost cowering away from the three. Her happiness had made her stronger, and Hreeza began to summon the power of Air into a ball between her fingers, a ball of solid power. Arawils spell was confusing the spider, and Elentaris was reaching its peak.

"One...two...THREE!" Hreeza yelled, and cast her ball of power at the spider, at the same time as Elentari thrust her staff at it...

[ March 04, 2003: Message edited by: Amanaduial the archer ]

[ElentariGreenleaf]

Elentari trust her staff toward Shelob. She felt energy flowing down her arm to the tip of her staff. Shelob was too confused to retaliate, for now, and Elentari hit the great beast in its belly. Shelob screamed, the attack form Elentari had cleared her thoughts. The spider finished her spell, but attacked Arawil, the Spider killer.

Elentari and Hreeza could do nothing. Shelob's own powerful spell cut straight through Arawil's heart, killing her nearly instantly. The Maia's life was over, but it had not been in vain.

Elentari was filled with new strength from a strange calm-rage filled her. She did not even bother to chant a proper spell. With a war cry, Elentari ran at Shelob, wielding her staff and releasing her energy right into Shelob's wound. It seemed nearly an age to Elentari before the spider started to weaken. Foul spider-blood covered Elentari as she stood under Shelob. Elentari fell to her knees as the energy drained from her.

Shelob screamed with rage. Only once before had see bee attack on her belly. That stupid hobbit had got away too. Shelob tried to hit Elentari; tried to stop the pain. She couldn't reach far enough under herself. She could not stop the elf-witches power killing her.

Elentari's vision started to blacken. "No," she thought. "I must not give up now, for Arawil's sake." Elentari screamed as she let the rest of her power flow from her staff into Shelob. Blackness took Elentari.

~~~~~~~~

Elentari woke up, aching all over. She looked up to see a very concerned Hreeza watching her.

"Elentari, you're alright!" said Hreeza joyfully.

Elentari sat up, pain racing through her veins. She saw Shelob's carcass in a pool of stagnant blood. Arawil lay not too far away from Elentari. The Maia's eyes were closed and her arms crossed on her chest.

"Could you possibly get rid of this diamond protection spell?" shouted Khôrbar impatiently. "We've been stuck in it for hours.

"Oh, sorry," said Elentari. She cried as she saw the injuries of those around her. Killing Shelob didn't seem worth the lives of two companions. Elentari would have saved them if she could have, but now they couldn't be saved. Elentari only hoped they were happy in Valinor now. "Lorin, how is your arm?"

"It's ok," lied Lorin, wincing as she said it.

[VanimaEdhel]

Khôrbar sighed with relief as they were let out of the protection spell. He had been worried that fouler creatures would come now that Shelob had perished.

He quickly hurried out of the corridor, leading the group out of the cave. They exited and looked around. It was light out, and they all flinched, as they were no longer used to such brightness. Khôrbar breathed deeply, once again feeling air that was not stale and burning with evil. He forgot the danger that was around them and just smiled at the beauty of the world.

The others cautiously noticed Khôrbar smiling foolishly, and gave him strange looks, but Khôrbar did not care. He had a chance now. He was not forever trapped in the gloom of that cave, as so many had been, their bodies' last feeling being that of the cave, sadly.

Khôrbar let the others lament for their companions, thinking about how good it felt to be alive...

[Airerûthiel]

Bragolhirwen knew she had to fight her injuries, but something deep inside her was unwilling to do so. The one thing that had held her together during her lonely childhood in Middle-earth was her unshakeable belief in fate. Her life belonged to the world beyond this one now, as it had for the past five years. In the back of her mind she could faintly hear Lorin's voice calling her names, and she knew what she had to do.

The girl managed to break the misty haze of her vision and slowly opened her eyes to see the worried-looking half-Elven healer kneeling beside her. "Are you all right?" asked Lorin, who Bragolhirwen suspected would have reached out to hug her if she still had bother her arms. "We have been afraid for you, young Gondorian. Any who can survive combat with Shelob is truly blessed. Some may even call you a hero, for going and attacking without any thought for your own safety."

Bragolhirwen shook her head. "They are mistaken. I am no hero - 'tis you and those others who rescued me from the spider who deserve that title. I am nothing but a headstrong little child trying to act like an adult. I still feel as though this is the third time fate failed to claim its prize, but I shall try and go on. But as to what happens to me once we escape these tunnels...that is another matter. Until the end of my days, I will always hold true to my belief that it was my life, and not Eruwen's, that should have been taken in those chambers."

[dragoneyes]

Lorin was quite amazed at Bragolhirwen's ability to look constantly at the bad side of life. All the same, she was cheery as was possible in this dark, dank, evil place and was just as happy to leave it as Khôrbar seemed to be. They slowly descended the stairs, the stronger helping the weak. They emmerged at the bottom to find that not all of their horses had run off. The more loyal had stayed and watched the entrance of the stairs, waiting patiently for their masters and friends to return. To Lorin, the land seemed less dark than when they first arrived and her spirit soared at the prospect of seeing Min again. They all sat and ate a little, as much as they could spare until they were out of these lifeless lands and were able to hunt for themselves again. After their food, they mounted and set off again, rushing to get out of Mordor and away from that land forever.

Hreeza was very pleased with her new body, as was everyone else, Lorin not the least, finally being able to see her properly. Once out side of Mordor, the pace slowed and the companions talked among themselves and remembered those that had not been as lucky as them and had not made it out.

A month went by and at last they were within sight of Mirkwood. Lorin couldn't help herself, she could feel Brilthonien's excitement beneath her at travelling in well known lands again. Lorin kicked Brilthonien's sides, not that she needed much encouragement, and they went speeding off together, towards their home. The wind through Lorin's hair refreshed her no end, the smell and feel of it were familiar, like no other she'd ever known. She stopped and turned, watching and waiting for the others to catch up, Brilthonien reared, eager to get going again but Lorin just patted her and whispered in her ear "Don't worry, we'll be there soon, then you can run and prance and rear all you want."