WWXLV: The Fellowship of Saruman - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Nogrod · 03-25-2008, 01:54 PM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nogrod · 03-25-2008, 02:04 PM

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

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

"Just remember this..."

A Little Green · 03-25-2008, 02:30 PM

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

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

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

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

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

Thinlómien · 03-25-2008, 02:38 PM

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

edit: xed with Bombadillo

Aganzir · 03-25-2008, 02:41 PM

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

Nerwen · 03-25-2008, 02:45 PM

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

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

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

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

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

A Little Green · 03-25-2008, 02:46 PM

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

++ Galadriel

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

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

Gwathagor · 03-25-2008, 02:50 PM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Groin Redbeard · 03-25-2008, 02:50 PM

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

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

++Gandalf

EDIT: X'd with Halbarad and Theodred

Thinlómien · 03-25-2008, 02:50 PM

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

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

Nogrod · 03-25-2008, 02:51 PM

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

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

X'd from Théodred

Aganzir · 03-25-2008, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Éomer

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

"Your beard."

++ Éomer

Nogrod · 03-25-2008, 02:46 PM

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

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

satansaloser2005 · 03-25-2008, 02:49 PM

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

++Elrohir

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

Gwathagor · 03-25-2008, 02:11 PM

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

satansaloser2005 · 03-25-2008, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Bombadil

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

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

Nogrod · 03-25-2008, 02:37 PM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EDIT: X'd with Lobelia & Eomer

Aganzir · 03-25-2008, 02:27 PM

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

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

03-25-2008, 01:54 PM	#1
Nogrod Flame of the Ainulindalë Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Wearing rat's coat, crowskin, crossed staves in a field behaving as the wind behaves Posts: 9,308	Tom had finally caught up with the others. There were no songs this time. "My old friend Olorin, please start making sense! You're driving old Ben mad soon! This Gildor here is making sense while you are not! I know your legendarium tells us that you have never been caught unawares during the Nights in tight situations like this - at least not on the first Nights of the unrest. But how can you be so sure you're with us toMorrow to share your thoughts? Now what is this puppetry? Are you trying... do you think you can fool old Tom?" Tom stared at his old friend puzzled. Then he finally let his gaze to wander off the wizard only to pick the two brothers. "And you two should give us some explanations as well. You Elladan were my top suspect earlier as you happily bandwaggoned others even if I know you're intelligent enough to form your own opinions... so it was just too convenient? And Elrohir, your actions speak louder than you probably wish. And it's not only your vote but the way you have acted - or not acted to be precise - in general toDay." Tom seemed to grow in stature and size as he spoke even if there were no rhymes this time. It looked like the everlived-man was finally getting interested and ready to jump the occasion. Even scarily so. "You have not seen the old Tom angry yet... and it has been rare times he has gotten into that mood. But let me promise you'll not forget it if you push him to it." His nostrils were enlargening as he studied the fellowship. "Now let's talk serious, my friends", he then added looking a bit more mellow again. "This can't go on like this and we should send one of us away this evening. Now who is one of the traitors amongst us? I agree with the hobbit that we should not pick just anyone but if we don't have better candidates I still suggest we decide on someone who doesn't even want to help us in the goial set by the Council. But the better candidates then?" No, no Tom... you're getting even more un-Tom all the time... settle down, settle down and become what you are...Think of the lillies, of harebells, of Goldberry... __________________ Upon the hearth the fire is red Beneath the roof there is a bed; But not yet weary are our feet...

03-25-2008, 02:04 PM	#2
Nogrod Flame of the Ainulindalë Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Wearing rat's coat, crowskin, crossed staves in a field behaving as the wind behaves Posts: 9,308	"Open trust may be a kiss of death if given by those who are true, but it's a stab in the back when voiced by someone who is not. Whatever happens, remember this..." It seemed Tom had receded down to his own thoughts once again but these words just poured from his lips. "Just remember this..." __________________ Upon the hearth the fire is red Beneath the roof there is a bed; But not yet weary are our feet...

03-25-2008, 02:30 PM	#3
A Little Green Leaf-clad Lady Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,571	"Gandalf Greyhame, I thought you were trustworthy but now my heart is doubtful; for all you have said today lacks substance, and hiding your true thoughts does not provoke trust. Indeed it is not what I would expect from one so high and wise. "Lady Galadriel, my heart is troubled by your behaviour as well as Gandalf's. What is it with these high folk we are told to call the Wise, who yet do not speak their minds clearly but instead lurk in the shadows and hide their true suspicions from us others? "Lord Elrohir, I do not think you are the only one in here who bears no love for the race of orcs, nor the only one with some grudge to them. Yet, as I said earlier, we must not cast ourselves into that net! Only destruction lies on that path. "Lord Halbarad, ranger of north, though you give me an uneasy feeling, I do not wish to lynch you yet; for I have no argument against you, and I shall not so completely trust my gut-feelings. "These four I have to decide upon, or these three to be more exact. I will make my choice soon." __________________ "But some stories, small, simple ones about setting out on adventures or people doing wonders, tales of miracles and monsters, have outlasted all the people who told them, and some of them have outlasted the lands in which they were created."

03-25-2008, 02:38 PM	#4
Thinlómien Shady She-Penguin Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: In a far land beyond the Sea Posts: 8,093	"I am greatly troubled. Halbarad and Mithrandir set a shadow on my mind, but I would not like to vote them too quickly. Elrohir has been the least helpful and somewhat hasty, but he doesn't seem very evil to me. In fact, I do not know what to think of him. Uglúk has not been very helpful either, but Curunir has told me that getting killed early on military missions runs in his family, so I would hesitate to say my word against him. But any of these four is a possibility. I need to think it through, but I'm only afraid there's too little time." edit: xed with Bombadillo __________________ Like the stars chase the sun, over the glowing hill I will conquer Blood is running deep, some things never sleep Double Fenris

03-25-2008, 02:41 PM	#5
Aganzir Woman of Secret Shadow Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: in hollow halls beneath the fells Posts: 4,511	"Actually, I might vote for Éomer, also. There's an aura of strangeness and deliberate misunderstanding about him - I can't explain it better, but I do not feel too good about him." __________________ He bit me, and I was not gentle.

03-25-2008, 02:45 PM	#6
Nerwen Wisest of the Noldor Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: ˙˙˙ssɐןƃ ƃuıʞooן ǝɥʇ ɥƃnoɹɥʇ Posts: 6,694	Elladan returned from his scouting expedition to find the company in an uproar, with everyone accusing everyone else. Desperately he tried to work out what was going on. "My friends," he said finally, "much as it grieves me to say this, I am seized by doubts of Mithrandir's sincerity. His extreme reluctance to state his suspicions, his near-threat to Gildor– it even troubles me that he voted Halbarad because he questioned my brother. Why, even I– knowing well how hard it is for either of us to be objective where Orcs are concerned– think Elrohir should have given some grounds for his vote– as a matter of form, at least.” His voice dropped. "My dear grandmother's vote also seems a little too easy...” He shivered. “...But that way madness lies... 'And yet, it is true that Halbarad has said little of substance, and that his manner makes me uneasy. I know not what to think. 'Master Iarwain I am also not sure of... why does he say I was "bandwaggonning" when I merely commented that he was being unhelpful early in the piece? He was." EDIT: X'd with Théodred, Lobelia, Éomer, Tom, Gildor and Lobelia again. __________________ "Even Nerwen wasn't evil in the beginning." –Elmo. Last edited by Nerwen; 03-25-2008 at 02:49 PM.

03-25-2008, 02:46 PM	#7
A Little Green Leaf-clad Lady Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,571	"Well, my lady halfling", said Éomer, "if you do not explain your point better then I cannot try to explain myself and whatever it is about me that makes you uneasy. I have to cast my vote now, so based on reasons stated earlier, ++ Galadriel because in the end she is the most sinister-looking of my suspects." x-ed with lord Elladan and lord Bomba-ding-a-dillo __________________ "But some stories, small, simple ones about setting out on adventures or people doing wonders, tales of miracles and monsters, have outlasted all the people who told them, and some of them have outlasted the lands in which they were created."

03-25-2008, 02:50 PM	#8
Gwathagor Shade with a Blade Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: A Rainy Night In Soho Posts: 2,512	Halbarad looked up and his face was grim, for these were his companions and friends. “Who shall we follow? Where now is the path of wisdom? With Saruman gone, who now will lead us? “Shall we follow Gandalf, who promises to withhold his vote, and then places it on the first bandwagon that forms, creating an elaborate theory to support his vote – a theory that contradicts his fellow bandwagoners’ reasons for voting? “Or shall we follow Galadriel, who votes first, and gives no reason at all? “Perhaps we shall follow the example of Elrohir, who votes his heart, and ignores his reason and good sense.” He sighed again. He was still anxious, but his mind was clearer now. “I do not know how I shall vote. Perhaps a traitor hides in the midst of the quiet and compliant and not among these three at all. I do not know. I shall likely wait until Bombadil has spoken, for he has shown both prudence and wisdom, qualities which I doubted he had at the beginning of the Day, and of which he has more than I.” __________________ Stories and songs.

03-25-2008, 02:50 PM	#9
Groin Redbeard Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Facing the world's troubles with Christ's hope! Posts: 1,635	Dain came wondering back to his companions with a sorrowful look on his face. He was not jolly and not mad, but very troubled. "Well I've come to a decision at at last," he said heavily. "Lobelia, you seem to be the more troublesome of the fellowship, but I will not harm you today. For indeed if you were at all harmful I'm sure my cries of alarm would have sent a rippling effect through the wiser members of our fellowship, but it hasn't. Indeed only one has agreed with me on that part: Radagast, and that was only slight. I believe that the time for acting is now and those who delay are troublemakers, but the one that I accuse has out right refused to vote and will give us no better reason than to be patient and wait. Wait for what, for someone to be killed? Therefore the one whom I saw as the wisest among us is the one that I must accuse. May the Valar forgive me if I am mistaken." ++Gandalf EDIT: X'd with Halbarad and Theodred __________________ I heard the bells on Christmas Day. Their old, familiar carols play. And wild and sweet the words repeatof peace on earth, good-will to men! ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

03-25-2008, 02:51 PM	#11
Nogrod Flame of the Ainulindalë Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Wearing rat's coat, crowskin, crossed staves in a field behaving as the wind behaves Posts: 9,308	"Good to see you back lord Elladan. Now I might just vote for you as you're present. Amnd you clearly were trailing "good-looking" suspicions earlier on. Not only to myself but to Radagast as well - and his case was even more out-of-the-blue than mine... But still I like the actions of your brother even less..." X'd from Théodred __________________ Upon the hearth the fire is red Beneath the roof there is a bed; But not yet weary are our feet...

03-25-2008, 02:49 PM	#14
satansaloser2005 The Sweetest Spoiler Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: from beneath you it giggles incessantly Posts: 5,789	"Once again, my fellows, I feel the need to speak out against a hasty lynching of Halbarad; I may be misguided, but I feel that he warrants an opportunity to prove where his loyalties lie. As I am somewhat hurried in my decision today, I feel the need to express my unease regarding ++Elrohir "He seems indeed unhelpful and seems, though not outright dangerous, to possess the potential for creating disasters later on in our quest." And with this, Theodred raced off, unsure that he had made the right decision but ready to stand by it (and still repressing the urge to get rid of the irksome Orc.) __________________ "My heart always cowers behind the defense of my wit." Friendship is two pals munching on a well-cooked face together. Fenris bookworm.

03-25-2008, 02:11 PM	#15
Gwathagor Shade with a Blade Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: A Rainy Night In Soho Posts: 2,512	Halbarad sighed and rested his head in his hands a moment. He needed to think clearly and it was growing difficult to do so as the company muddied the waters of reason with threats and accusations, flung this way and that. __________________ Stories and songs.

03-25-2008, 02:37 PM	#17
Nogrod Flame of the Ainulindalë Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Wearing rat's coat, crowskin, crossed staves in a field behaving as the wind behaves Posts: 9,308	Old Bombadil couldn't help but laugh when he heard Théodred's reasoning and then he went again singing. "Oh, you mighty laddie, come home to old daddy! With you I both agree and strongly disagree. Now let me stroke your hair, see the bottom of your eyes fair. There's no evil in there? Is there?" But then he shook his head and took the skin once more. "Oh no, don't get me wrong dear Rohanian master. I'm indeed beginning to think that this northern ranger Halbarad should be spared at least toDay. He eventually tries to do something unlike some others who conveniently hide in the shadows or behind their roles as someone we should think they are." At this point Tom glanced hastily at Eomer as well. "And anyway these northern men tend to be simple, not those honey-lipped vermins the southern courts, Saruman's pits or elven halls might produce..." He glanced at the two brothers to see whether there was any reaction only to see both of them gone. "So if he's a traitor indeed, we'll be able to spot him later..." "Olorin, my friend, please share your thoughts for otherwise I need to consider you as one of those I might vote toDay as well." Finally he took his pipe from his pocket and started filling it. "So the time of decisions draws near... Any ideas you others?" EDIT: X'd with Lobelia & Eomer __________________ Upon the hearth the fire is red Beneath the roof there is a bed; But not yet weary are our feet...

03-25-2008, 02:27 PM	#18
Aganzir Woman of Secret Shadow Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: in hollow halls beneath the fells Posts: 4,511	The first part of the journey was almost at its end, and soon it would be time to vote. "My options now are Halbarad and Elrohir. Halbarad is more suspicious of those twain, but the easiest choice is not always the right one. I do not feel good voting for Elrohir either, but thus far he has been the least helpful." __________________ He bit me, and I was not gentle.