[Valeria, Witch of Angmar]

Valeria reached for her mug of ale, surprised when her hand was shaking a little. The wargs had upset her more than she cared to acknowledge. "I thought I left all that behind..." she murmured. "But I didn't think anyone would follow me either..." She remembered the hateful look the stranger had given her earlier, before he'd slipped outside. "He'll be trouble," she said to herself. "I'd best be on my guard." Looking over, she saw Amron drinking with Fin and supressed laugher. "Amron and an elf having ale together," she chuckled. "Now I have seen everything."
Looking around the room, she came to a decision. "Excuse me, all," she said, pitching her voice to carry, "but does anyone think we could use a little music around here?"
Cries of assent greeted her words and she smiled. "Then I hope you don't mind if I offer up my own humble talents as a singer?"
Again, shouts of "yes."
Valeria cleared her throat and said, "This is an old song that a dear friend taught to mek, though I fear it is rather sad."
"Sing anyway!" someone shouted from the far corner. She laughed. "If you wish it so."


"Farewell, farewell,
My home, my love,
I go to fight
For gods above
And to save this land
From shadow's fate.
I stand before
The midnight gate.

Farewell, farewell,
My love, my home,
Your peaceful hills
I'll never roam
Because, my love,
I die today
And now I stand
In judgement's sway."

She smiled at the somewhat shocked expressions. "I warned you it was sad," she said.
"No..." someone whispered. "I'd just forgotten you could sing so well..."
She looked up to the door. "Who's there?!" Her hand went instictively to the hilt of her sword. All she saw was a flash of shadow outside the window, and, after she had returned to her seat, the shadows the fire threw seemed to be figures creeping behind her and the bright blaze seemed to give off no heat...