A World of Danger: Part One

[Mathron]

Tal'niel stared out at the village for a few minutes, lurking silently within the surrounding trees. It was nearing dusk, and activity had died down, with only a few of the villagers wandering about. Some hunters strolled in, passing right beneath Tal'niel, yet not noticing him despite all their tracking skills. They laughed as they passed, and carried a large buck upon the shoulders - surely a great prize for dark times like these, with winter fast approaching. The three were all dark of hair, with bushy beards, and either brothers or close kin.

Tal'niel watched them enter the village, and go into one of the larger houses together, its warm light spilling out of the doorway and into the darkening streets, before it closed. Opposite the house was an even larger building, filled still with light and many sounds of merriment, for despite the few travelers that wandered in these dark times, this village was one of the few for miles around, and the inn was often busy.

Tal'niel leapt to the ground, landing silently, in a crouch, before rising back up. He checked his bow, upon his back, and his hand swept across the hilt of his sword - his father's before his own, and ancient and well made. Nodding to himself, he pulled the cowl of his cloak tight about his face, and walked into the village, and into the inn.

A few faces glanced his way as he entered, but noted his worn leathers and long cloak, and dismissed him as one of any other number of adventurers who wandered the woods. He glanced about, and then headed towards a corner, where a familiar face resided by a table.

As he sat down by the table, the face looked up - a bearded face, with a great nose and piercing eyes. Eyes that widened at the sight of him, and the dwarf bellowed, "Tal! By the forge, I have been waiting here for you this past week, now! Where have you been?"

Tal laughed, lightly. "I had some unfinished business to take care of. Mitzik and a company of his orcs were a few days away."

The dwarf raised his eyebrows. "So he's dealt with, then?"

Tal nodded. "He didn't have El'nela, or any of the others... but I knew that already, Dain. Still, he won't trouble anyone ever again, and that is one small evil laid to rest."

"What of the orcs?" Dain asked.

"Too many to deal with. They are probably still wondering how their commander died in the middle of the night, and will hopefully run back to the dark one's lair in confusion."

Dain nodded. "Well then, let's get to business," said the dwarf, and they fell to talking throughout the night...

[Elbreth of Carhouth]

An' tiar trudged through the black mud of the side road, wind howling past the windows and doorway of the inn just ahead. Raucous night-time laughter seeped through small cracks in the door, the welcome light of a roaring blaze and flickering candles drawing her closer.
Coming to the door she managed to push it open, but collapsed on the stoop in fatigue and hungar.

[Mathron]

Tal'niel glanced up in surprise as the figure collapsed in the doorway, and then exchanged a glance with Gain. Without a word, the two arose and headed over to the door, even as others were gazing in curiousity at the figure lying there.

Tal'niel helped her to her feet with a grunt, as Gaun caught her from the other side, and helped her stumble over to a table.

"Innkeeper, some broth and ale!" called the dwarf, as Tal tried to get her back to coherency - but for a few minutes, could only get hazily murmured comments. Eventually, as they held some warm broth up to her mouth, she blinked, and greedily slurped down the soup - and then stared suspiciously at the pair.

The elf spoke quietly. "We mean you no harm, girl, though one wonders what someone so young was doing wandering through these parts on such a night."

[Elbreth of Carhouth]

"If they've managed thus far without satisfying their prying minds, it won't hurt them any to remain unenlightened," An' tiar said bluntly, her tongue and wit obviously suffering no damage from exhaustion.
"I thank you kindly for the broth and mead, but I'll not be subject to pity. I'll be on my way." The girl tried to stand, but found to her dismay (which she hid well from her fatigued face) that she hadn't yet the strength to do so.

[Lief Erikson]

"Or not," said a voice from behind Tal'niel.

An older man was standing there, leaning on a crooked staff, twisted and with odd designs criss crossing its surface. His face was sharp, but a slight smile played across his lips, vanishing almost instantly.

"You've come a ways, and I think that you should probably bed down here for the night. There isn't any other place for several days march, and here will be the only warm bed available. And by the way, if you don't want to tell us anything about you, it would be best on the whole if you did not tease our intellects by draping yourself across the doormat in this fashion. It draws attention to yourself. And no one wants attention in these parts."

His friendly and slightly tipsy voice altered instantly to something more serious as he spoke this last sentence.




Vardor placed his hand on his servant's forehead. "Attention leads to death. Do not fail."

The black clouds shifted and writhed over the vast mines and scoured earth of Angband.

[Darth Tater]

Folstan sat at the corner of the street. His robes were muddy and tattered, and his face narly, with a sinister smirk playing across it. He could not be more then fifty, but the years had not dealt well with him. He sat now curled up in a ball, sticking his staff out occasionally to trip the unwary passerby.

As the night grew on a cold wind blew in from the north. Folstan hated people, and the more there were, the more miserable he felt, but the cold was such that he found he had to take shelter somewhere, and the only place to do so was in the tavern.

He stood up slowly, putting all his weight on the staff. His legs were not very good at supporting him, despite the fact that he was used to walking for long miles. He had vague memories of his childhood in which a dark figure he assumed was one of his parents thrashed his legs with a large, thick rope for reasons he could not remember.

Folstan made his way across the threshold of the tavern. Inside people seemed to be having a grand old time, but to him the place seemed menacing, as if all the figures were waiting to pounce on him at the slitest movement.

His gaze was caught by a great dark man staring down at a young girl. The man had a wicked look in his eyes, one Folstan liked.

[Lief Erikson]

Vardor's servant trembled at the memory of his touch. But Vardor seemed also more desperate than usual. More strained.

The servant looked out upon the small village that Vardor had designated and prayed for success. Things were getting too dangerous, and Vardor would be likely to kill if the mission was not a success. The orcs feared him, and even his very powerfulest servant, the Nightrider moved cautiously around him at this point. His mood was black and evil. Murderous.

The servant continued down the road toward the village, hurrying now. Fingers brushed away dirt upon the forefront tree of the road, and just as expected, the mark was revealed to the morning sun. This was indeed the village where Vardor's hopes and fears rested on, and his eventual peace of mind would be reached through. It would increase his power and prominence in the eyes of his master, as well as the position of the one who succeeded in the mission.

It was the servant's destiny. The servant had been named Fore Dog. A measure of contempt from the master the servant had grown to serve. It was the only name the servant knew. But a different one would likely be given, as reward for success in this mission. And then the one who had been trodden on and whipped with orcish lashes, beaten and counted as dirt would rise and become greater than they. Then no more of those continual punishments, and the memory of what had once been. Fore Dog lived to serve.

[Mathron]

Tal's lips curled in a bitter smile. "Wise words, indeed, and well taken. As for you, girl, I'll ask no more, but you had best get yourself a room here, for the night. Whatever you've been through, its left you weak as a kitten."

He glances back at the old man, and raises an eyebrow, saying, "And what of you, elderly one? You seem to possess some measure of wisdom, so what brings you to such a place as this?"

[Alenria]

Dishes... elbow high in human dishes. She frowned and scowled, cursing under her breath the fool she had been to mess up in such a mess... Dunking another dish, she caught more noise then she was used to during this season. Customers had been scarce.. though not dishes... Dishes upon dishes... Was this how she was to waste her life? Had she been a bit meaner, she would have zapped the innkeeper in his bottom, and run for it. She flipped out her dagger, and rubbed off a piece of dried something or other. If she worked quickly, she could poke her head out and see what all the comotion was about. Her bow rested a few feet away, a reminder of what she had been...
"Green leaves and toadstools" She smiled for the first time this evening. "Dishes done, and I should almost be too" Wiping her hand, she pushed back the doors, her eyes growing accustomed to the light and slowly the shadows became figures

[merry linger]

in a far corner of the tav a small hobbit sat perched on a stool sipping ale and waiting patiently for dinner to be served. his name was hushpad, though his friends called him furryballs. in the company of so many of the big people he knew his place; out of sight and out of mind.
however the ale was tasting even better than usual for some reason tonight, and as he drained his third mug a gay mood overtook him, and without quite understanding why he leaped onto the table, skittling his stool he whipped out his little flute and began playing a merry tune. as he was wont to do began to dance in a most extroverted manner, scattering plates and full mugs of ale from the table...

[Lief Erikson]

"I travelled here to leave the last place, and that place I had gone to for the same reason. One cannot hide, but one can run." The old man smiled slightly and drained his mug of its remaining contents. "One must eventually stop running. But none who are sought will stop while the cursed one's presence still hangs over Beleriand.

"My name is Steward," he said, extending a hand. "What is your name, and your purpose for remaining in a village so near the border?"

[Elbreth of Carhouth]

*Lief, do you have two characters running again? I'm confused as to who is who.*

An' tiar felt relieved, the interest in this old bag of bones distracted them from her. She couldn't abide attention, it's best if they don't reconize her. Drape myself over the doorway indeed, she thought, attempting to slide herself away as quietly as possible. This failed when, to her utter humiliation, her chair toppled over sideways and she found herself once again on the well scubbed, but hoplessly stained floor. An' tiar nearly bit her tongue clear through in anger, a scowl as dark as midnight in her eyes. Best if they don't reconize you, she taunted herself, that was a clever move An' tiar.

[Lief Erikson]

*Three. I've been keeping up on them in the characters area of this game, you can check them out there.*

Steward glanced down at An'tiar and slowly let his hand drop. "Well, it appears that our young friend cannot abide the lack of attention." He turned to face her entirely. "Well, now that you 'have the floor,' you had best make the most of it."

[Mathron]

Tal reached down, and helped the girl to her feet, which she obviously needed, despite the fact that her face grew hard and she pulled away as soon as she was standing.

"Here now," said the dwarf, "If ye've had your fill of the food, ye had best be getting to a bed. My name be Dain, lassie, and my friend is Tal'niel. What do ye call yourself?"

[Mathron]

*Well, here ya go, Lief!*

El'nela looked up, wearily, as she felt herself dragged to her feet. She flinched away as her gaze met that of one of her captors, a cold man she thought of as One-eye. She didn't know any of their names, and didn't want to.

A push sent her moving with the others, also stumbling along, exhausted and tired. She barely recognized her old friends and neighbors from the village, whose faces all blurred together with those who had died in the raid, or during the long, forced marches north.

Soon they were moving again, marching through the woods. The men were better than the orcs, at least, she thought, who had seemed to enjoy being rough and cruel. The men simply ignored them as long as they kept in line, and being left alone was a small blessing amid the misery they all felt.

[Alenria]

Her attention was grabbed by the hobbit playing the flute. She had not heard one for quite a long time, and pleasant memories came back. She smiles again. A movement caught her, and she turned her head in time to see a chair fall over, and a woman a moment later. As the matter was settled, her eyes were drawn to the enterance, and beyond to outside. Looking through the windows it seemed to be a well enough night, but something tingled deep within her, and despite herself, she drew her robes closer to her body. With a fluid motion, staying out of the main commotion, she ended up at the door, and pushed it open, slipping outside. Cool air rose to greet her, and her eyes scanned the horizen, but only little houses nestled in among the landscape was what she saw, turning she headed back in, the tingle still their

[Lief Erikson]

*Thanks.*

Fore Dog groaned in sleep. Dreams, haunting memories . . .


Torture. Whips. Flame. Vardor. Deep mines. Whiteness.


Fore Dog whined at remembered pain. Tears rolled down cheeks, and it would not leave. Peace was not to be found this night. It was unattainable


"My name is El'nela, what's yours?"

"Erenfor." The young elven man glanced at their captors. "At least it is to me. They take our names from us, along with everything else. But I have to hold onto some s**** of what I once was, or else all will be lost."

"Yes, indeed. You must hold on, Erenfor. All of us must. Morgoth retains his dark throne by the work of slaves. If us slaves revolted, or refused to work from him, it would weaken his production and stop up his progress in stopping up the Noldor. The choices are either this or working for him."

"We would all be killed. I've seen it happen before. There have been two other uprisings among the slaves, and each of those brutally put down, the leaders being taken away to somewhere else. Someplace worse."

"Listen," El'nela said, putting her hand on his arm. "If we do otherwise, we would betray our countrymen."

Erenfor frowned, undecided. "Listen, if we do it, I would rather if you did not involve yourself in it. I've already had thoughts several times about starting something like this, but I would not care to see you carved up by our enemies."

"I'd like to see you try to stop me," El'nela said with a mischievous smile.

[Elbreth of Carhouth]

"You may call me An' tiar," she stated. Turned to glare holes in the old man (still chuckling to himself) then left to find her self a room, leaning heavily on the arm of one of the serving girls.

[Lief Erikson]

"People have the best of manners nowadays," Steward said wryly as he turned back towards Tal'niel and Dain.

[Mathron]

Tal gave a bitter laugh, and said, "Manners seem less important when every day could be your last." He trails off, looking lost in thought.

Dain looks up at Steward, and gestures him over to the table they were sitting at, motioning for the waitress to bring over another ale. "You seem to be a man who knows many things. At the moment, we are looking for information - would you be able to aid us?"

[Darth Tater]

(Lief, your multitude of characters is already confusing me!)

Folstan followed quietly behind the girl. She seemed to be always hiding something, he liked that. They walked into a back hallway and the servant girl showed her a room. Folstan slipped in, hidden by the shadows.

The girl began to prepare herself for sleep. She took off the large cloak that covered her and the rest of her garments. Folstan saw that something metallic was hidden in an inside pocket.

"You may want to stop right there," he said. The girl jumped, turning around and seeing him for the first time, standing in the corner of the room.

"What are you doing in here?!" she exlaimed, running at him. She began to beat on him with her fists, tryint to chase him out of the room. Folstan retaliated, hitting her repeatedly over the head with his wooden staff.

"Stop, stop!" his pitifull voice pleaded. "I'm a friend!"

[Lief Erikson]

"That depends largely on what you desire to know," Steward said, sitting down at the table. "And whether I feel like telling you. But before or if I impart anything, I would at least first like to know who I have the pleasure of speaking with."

[merry linger]

hushpad, bouyed by a captive audience (or so he thought) was reaching a tumultous crescendo of foot tapping and shrill chirpings from his little flute. As he launched himself through the air from one table to another in an amazing climactical finale to his opus, he was suddenly collared and hurled unceremoniously to the floor by a particularly large and unappreciative patron. He picked himself up and bowed to his audience as gracefully as he could under the circumstances, but his only response was muffled laughter and a few jeering whistles from around the room. "barbarians." he thought to himself.

but these thoughts vanished from his head almost as suddenly as they entered. from the corner of his eye he saw a strange looking girl being shown to the guestquarters. but this was not what fired his imagination, it was the shifty looking dirty old man lurking in shadows and following up the steps behind her! motivated by a sudden chivalrous whim of heroic fortitude, he vanished up the steps in pursuit. With a voyeuristic glint in his eye as he crouched silently in shadows at the top of the staircase, he saw the filthy old man sneak into her room unnoticed!

he was at a loss as to what to do. what hope had he, a little hobbit, against one of the big folk? But all indecision left him as he started to hear shrieks and sounds of a skirmish coming from behind the door. he leapt into action and was upon the door in a flash. As the door flew open indeed he saw a rather pathetic site in front of him, the old man cringing and grovelling under the blows of a very frightened and exhausted looking girl.

"My name is furryballs. What on earth is going on in here?"

[Mathron]

Tal and Dain exchanged guarded glances, and Dain said slowly, "As I told ye a moment ago, me name be Dain and me companion be named Tal'niel. As for what we wish to know, we seek a servant of the Dark One, a leader of his raiding expeditions called the Grim Wolf. Would ye know if he and his band have passed through here recently?"

[Lief Erikson]

"Through here? No not through this village, although they may have contributed to the strikes around it. I don't know the names of any of the different bands, and they usually don't come that close. Most of the fringe houses of the village have been destroyed by now, but all the ones on this here hill are still perfectly defendable, and they don't dare attack that."

[Elbreth of Carhouth]

*Lief, Mathron, sorry to do this, but you need to limit your posting to one a day. Its moving too fast for some of the players. As well, Lief, you caracters are confusing. It may be advisable to post the name, a main characteristic, and what they're doing before each post. Will that work?*

"That's what I'd like to be knowing," hissed An' tiar between clenched teeth. "This tramping vagabond nearly scared me of my wits, what he thinks he's up to I don't know."

[Darth Tater]

"No no!" Folstan pleaded. "You don't understand. I want to help you! You missunderstand me!"

"I watched you follow her," Hushpad offered. "I know what I saw."

"Ha!" Folstan responded. "And who would trust a little thing like you? What are you anyways? Never have I seen one of your kind before! Be gone with ya, I'm trying to work here!"

[Lief Erikson]

*If Mathron's and my characters are interacting, I think that we'll certainly do more posts than one a day to keep that going. It isn't necessary to slow down then. But where other players are concerned, I suppose I'll slow down some.

Fore Dog, Vardor and Steward are the main characters I'll keep going. The other two I wasn't actually intending to introduce the way Mathron did, so I had to make it a memory. I realized when I was making that one that it would probably confuse some people, but I believe it'll end up being for the best. It explains a couple things characters will be referring to later on.*

[Elbreth of Carhouth]

* ok, sounds good. Keep going with the game! :) *

[Mathron]

*I have been trying to keep my posts down. I will be posting more, but primarily only if I have two different situations occuring (as in, unrelated characters in different places.)*

Dain looked up quickly at Stewards words, a gasp hissing through his teeth, and Tal frowned. "I would certainly not have thought that they had come through this region, but if they are actually raiding the village... that makes no sense at all! They haven't spent effort on taking it in years, and I don't know why they would do so now. As one of the few havens in the region, its loss would be a great problem..."

He trailed off, apparently lost in thought, and then shook his head. "Well, I can do nothing about such a thing, but doubt that any forces will truly come against the village. With the defenses they can erect, this deep in the forest, it is still far too costly for the Dark Ones men to come against it. Whatever happens, it is more likely my friend and I shall be long gone from here anyway."

[Lief Erikson]

"All right, well, was that all you wanted to know? Not much, and something anyone could have told you."

[merry linger]

Hushpad glanced quickly at the tired looking young girl. She seemed to have recovered her composure and did not appear to feel threatened by the presence of this dirty old man, evidently she was quite capable of taking care of herself. He relaxed his stance, put his hands behind his back and quoted solemnly;

"In answer to your questions, sir, my character is of the most trustworthy of dispositions. And I am a hobbit by the name of Hushpad, a stranger to these lands, to be sure. But I will not take leave, save by the good grace of our young lady here, as she alone has the right to say who shall stay and who shall leave in her own chamber."

[Mathron]

Tal's lips curled into a semblance of a smile, and he said, "Indeed, I had hoped you would be able to tell us more. But it seems little is known in these parts. Still, my thanks for what you have told us, worrisome as it is. For now, my companion and I will be seeking rest for the night."

[Lief Erikson]

"That you had best speak to the Innkeeper about, not me." Steward pulled back his chair and stood up, stretching. "Now, if you'll excuse me, the night is getting on and I'd like to be in my own bed to catch it least some semblence of sleep before morning intrudes upon us all."

And so saying, he moved through the crowd and slowly mounted the stairs, disappearing into the upper sections.

[The Black Lieutenant]

When Angar Eidol arrived at the outskirts of the village of Edlyn he paused. His home was the forest, and he avoided the company of others whenever possible, but rumours of the presence of one of Morgoth's more powerful followers had led him to this place. Angar was a Dark Elf; one of the fabled Avari, those of the Firstborn who had refused the summoning to Valinor. For a timeless time his people had shunned the light of moon and sun and dwelt beneath the earth like Dwarves. But before the beginning of the First Age Morgoth had discovered their subterranean kingdom and captured or killed everyone but him. He alone had not been present at the massacre, for he alone had chosen to return to the surface world a year before. Curiosity had saved his life, but it had also turned him into a homeless vagabond. He was an outcast, and a loner by nature, his one companion the albino wolf he had raised from a pup after her mother had abandoned her.

Aldea was also wary of anyone who wasn't a member of her pack, which for as long as she could remember had consisted solely of herself and Angar. She was intelligent as wolves go, and could communicate with her Elven companion.

"You must wait here, Aldea," Angar said to her now. "Stand guard. Howl if you see, hear or smell anything out of the ordinary. I will bring you something special from the inn."

Aldea whined her reluctance to be parted from Angar.

"I know." He knelt and ran his long fingers through her luxurious white coat. "Don't worry, I shouldn't be gone long."

In truth the idea of drinking at the inn appealed to him. The sound of a flute played merrily could be heard, and the glow of the fire within was a welcome sight. As he entered he took note of everyone who was there with a quick sweep of the room before he sat himself at a table in the shadows and waited to be served. He felt the eyes on him, but did not return their stares. He was used to such attention, for he gave most people the impression that he was a servant of the Enemy. Though clearly an Elf, he had a sinister look about him, and the black clothes he wore added greatly to this impression; nor did it help that his hair was also raven black. Yet in his grey eyes there was no guile--only a feral hunger, and at times a hint of sorrow.

[Mathron]

Tal watched as the old man left, eyes narrowed in suspicion. But then, he had been filled with little else, of late, and tended to doubt all he met, save Dain.

Turning away, he looked for the innkeeper to see to getting a room - and paused, seeing a newcomer had just entered. Another elf, though one of strange garb and appearance. Tal turned to Dain. "See to the innkeeper and find us some room. I see another of my kind, and wish to find what brings another elf into these parts."

Dain nodded, saying, "There are indeed many odd folk in this place, it seems. I'm still curious as to what that little creature was that was dancing upon the tables, for I'd never seen one before. See to your brethren, and I shall be waiting to discuss more of our destination upstairs when ye are done."

As Dain hurried away, Tal turned towards the corner the other elf sat in, and then walked over, greeting the stranger.

[Elbreth of Carhouth]

"Indeed it is by rights mine to say, and I do not wish a gally-lag as such this seem to be in my quarters," she sneered in the direction of the old man. "Help me what? Why, pray tell, should I need the aide of one such as yourself?"

[Darth Tater]

Folstan shot an angry face at the hobbit. "I refuse do discuss such things with the likes of that around here!"

[The Black Lieutenant]

Angar politely returned the other Elf's greeting, and invited him to sit. Upon entering, the Dark Elf had noticed him first of all the inn's patrons, and was half expecting the encounter, and half-dreading the inevitable questions. He had been away from his distant cousins for far too long. He had never fully understood their ways, nor they his. But there was something different about this Elf. Angar could see it in his eyes.

"I was just about to have a drink," he said. "Please join me."

[merry linger]

hushpad's nerves were on edge. he didn't know much about the big folk, and it was partly because of a curiosity of their ways and motifs that he chose to leave home and travel, seeking out strange lands and beings. one thing he had learnt though, was that as a rule they didn't seem to appreciate having their affairs intruded upon by a meddlesome hobbit such as he, particularly this oafish smelly character.

well he was in a fix and no mistake. his own skin seemed to be on the line, but against his own better judgement he stood firm. after all, he didn't want to be seen losing face in front of a lady especially one such as she, who seemed to possess certain endearing qualities that he couldn't quite put his finger on.

hushpad's stance became defensive:

"come, my strange fellow. let us settle our differences outside, and leave this poor girl in peace in her own chamber. who knows, perhaps i may be of use in your little scheme. methinks you will not find me such a useless weakling that first glances would suggest."

his stern glance gave away the brooding fire in his eyes, and the fear he felt was hidden deep within.

[Mathron]

Tal bows as he sits, and speaks to the other elf in their own language.

"I did not expect to see any other of my kind in this village, especially after the disasters wrought b ythe Dark One's men after the fall of Doriath. Pray tell me, what brings you to these parts?"

[Darth Tater]

Folstan was surprised by the hobbits courage, but he doubted there was much to it.

"We can settle this right here. Old as I may be, I can squash one of your kind with a single blow."

He walked towards the hobbit and lifted his stick high above his head. He brought it crashing down, straight towards the small creatures head.

[The Black Lieutenant]

"My name is Angar Eidol," the Dark Elf replied in heavily accented Sindarin. "I am not of Doriath, or any realm other known to you, though heard I have of the Hidden Kingdom and share I your sorrow for its destruction."

As words failed him, he switched to the common speech.

Your folk and mine were sundered long ago," he explained apologetically, "and while I have spent time amongst the Grey Elves in my wanderings and have thus learned your language, I speak it badly, I fear. My own language is similar, but the differences sometimes confuse me when I try to speak Sindarin. I speak the common tongue much better, for I have had more occasion to use it in my travels. I come from a hidden realm as well; only this one was much smaller than Menegroth, and deeper underground, as deep as any Dwarven hall, and we never ventured to the surface. We depended on Dwarves for trade, and fed mostly off the blind fish that swam in the underground lake near our home. But eventually Morgoth and his horde found and destroyed our colony, just as Doriath would later be destroyed. I had already left, the first of my people to do so since they had first gone underground. As far as I know, none of the others escaped. I have since wandered long and far, killing the Dark Lord's servants wherever I find them, often hiring myself out as a mercenary."

[Elbreth of Carhouth]

*An'tiar has no weapons skill, remember guys. Don't get her into a fight.*

...And looked in surprise as it landed not on the head of the hobbit-lad, but on the back of An' tiar.
"How dare you," she seethed between teeth clutched in pain. "That you would strike a creature, despite its strangeness here, is unforgivable. The very fact that your staff was brought down with such force is proof of your intent towards him." She answered his unspoken defense. "Give me one good reason, now, why I should hold conference with the likes of you."

[merry linger]

*i think this may be pertinent right about now - how are fights resolved? does a moderator step in to adjudicate or are we left to our own devices? 8o *
*Sorry Merry, I don't allow swearing in my games. So I edited this one. Fights are left up to the players in the interest of the storyline ~Elbreth*

hushpad, feet spread and ready for anything, saw the old man swing his staff aiming a vicous blow straight at his head. needless to say he took serious evasive action, rolling to one side and regaining his footing right under the old man's feet. He heard a shriek and looked up, seeing Antiar wincing in pain. He'd had quite enough of this old b*****d, and the anger rose in him boiling over.

With a bold leap and a fearsome battle cry he reached up and yanked the old git's beard with one hand, and poked him in the eye with an outstretched finger of the other (hobbits having long and dextrous fingers).

"Behold the wrath of furryballs! One for the romantics! Aie!" :smokin:

[Darth Tater]

*I think we should just do what's best for the story*

Folstan fell flayling to the ground, swinging his staff wildly around.

"Stop! Stop!" he pleaded. "If you're so eager to hear my words and not leave in peace I shall speak to you as well!"

The hobbit leaped off Folstan, allowing him to stand up and slink off into a dark corner.

"I only wanted to help!" he said, trying desperately to defend himself. "Dark times are coming, and I saw this girl had a special, er, talent. The Dark Lord will come to greater power, soon, and I only wished to make an alliance with her. He rewards well those who lower the supplies of his enemies."

[Elbreth of Carhouth]

*As I posted in Merry's prevous post, I don't allow swearing in my games. I'm sorry I didn't let you newer players know that right away, that's my fault. I am the one who judges what needs to be edited or not, I may edit even strong language. Again, I apologize. :) *

"Alliance? With scurge such as you? I don't think flinging staffs at eachother and shouting is accomplishing much, so if BOTH of you," An' tiar looked pointedly at the hobbit-fellow who'd been so quick to rise in defense, "can manage to behave, we'll step out for a moment and talk things through."

An' tiar was still weak from her earlier ardeal, and now this wearying attack from the old man. But, she forced herself from her knees, put back on the few clothes she'd removed before being attacked, and followed the others out to a table near the back.

[The Black Lieutenant]

:lol:

[Darth Tater]

Lieutenant, we're upstairs, no way you can see us! :p

[Mathron]

Tal's eyes widen in surprise at learning of Angar's origins, but he nods at the rest of his tale, and switches his speech to common as well.

"Though I have never heard of your land, surely I do share your sorrow over its demise. Far too few places of our kind are left, and far too many are falling to the Dark One's strength. Indeed, my tale is similar to yours, for my own birthplace, a small village, was overrun by orcs, and many killed by his dark minions. A few of my fellows survived, though mostly those who were able to hide or flee, and some more survive as captives. I was able to deal with the orcs but of recently, only to find that the captives have already been passed on to another."

His voice, already soft and low, halts and fades, and then, with renewed strength in it, continues, "My sister is among them, and she is now captive to a human band of mercenaries, led by one called the Grim Wolf, a servant of the Dark One's Lieutenant, Sauron."

[Elbreth of Carhouth]

*Are we? I just thought we were at the back of the inn, upstairs rooms are too expensive for An' tair anyway. Either way, I need one of you to post our talking at the table...*

[merry linger]

Hushpad gave an'tiar a sheepish look.

"my most humblest of apologies m'lady for such rude behavior. I would be happy to continue our conversation at a more prudent location."

He eyed the old man suspiciously as they ventured back into the common room.

"pray tell of this dark lord of yours. he sounds of dubious character. Methinks he is not someone one would wilfully be associated with if possesed of his own wits."

*An'tiar why do you need one of us to outline events in the common room? is this part of the rules r something? just curios.*

[Lief Erikson]

*No, it isn't. I just confused her with one of my posts, so she thought that if all of them were going to be like that, it would be better to explain it in a better way.*

[Darth Tater]

*Elbreth's gonna be away for a couple of months, she asked me to keep her going in the story. If you're talking to her I suppose you should just keep her going in your post as well. I'll basically outline the character according to what she wanted it to do.*

Folstan sneared at the hobbit. "The dark lord may not be a plesent character, but in these times it is best to alley oneself with the side that will win. These lands will soon be plunged into a deep darkness, there is no way to escape it, so to survive we must join it!"

An'tiar gave Folstan a strange look. "You see no hope for the light? So you would simply join the darkness and aid them in their fight? You could affect the outcome of the fight itself! I see no logic in this theory of yours."

"Then you are a fool!" said Folstan. he spat the floor at their feet and limped out of the tavern.

[Mathron]

As Folstan comes limping out of the room, he almost runs right into a burly dwarf heading up the stairs with a fierce look in his eye. As the dwarf glances at the room Folstan just barged out of, he looks at the old man, and says, "I just heard some shouts coming from in there, and I hope there isn't any trouble going on..."

[The Black Lieutenant]

"The Grim Wolf!" Angar exclaimed. "Then the rumours are true. I have come to the right place. I seek him too, but not for noble reasons I must confess. I was hired by a wealthy merchant who must remain nameless. But if in hunting him down, I can also aid you in your quest to rescue your sister..."

He trailed off as a young man carrying a pitcher of ale to another table passed by.

"I offer you my sword," he continued, lowering his voice to nearly a whisper. "And my own 'grim wolf,' a travelling companion of mine. She waits for me just beyond the borders of the village, a superb animal, both intelligent and ferocious in battle. Will you have us? Perhaps together we can defeat this dark servant and his men."

[Lief Erikson]

Fore Dog pushed aside the sweaty covers and stood up. It was too hot here, and confined. Sleep was impossible, and even if acheived, the dreams that came with it were a torment.

Fore Dog walked several steps forward and picked up a pitcher of water from the table. Sloshing the water down the front of the shirt helped a little, and the evaporating process afterwards brought some relief from the stifling heat.

Fore Dog glanced back at the bed, but decided against returning to it. Fore Dog's arms and legs were cramped and slick with sweat anyway. It would be useless. Far better to use the night hours to find Vardor's target. Things were very dangerous now. With Vardor so on edge anyone could be killed for even a small reason.

Quickly Fore Dog finished dressing and opened the door, stepping outside . . .

. . . instantly to be seized and wrestled to the floor. The attacker's eyes were cold and white, the pupils black against them. Wild dark hair was matted on the attacker's face, and a arm of iron bore downward, a razor sharp dagger clenched in his fist.

Fore Dog strained and used the man's own momentum to throw him to the ground, the dagger jamming through the floorboards.

Quickly Fore Dog rolled to the side, kicking the attacker in the side to keep him off. The man's face tightened in pain but the wildness had not left his eyes. Quickly both scrambled to their feet.

A closer look showed Fore Dog that the man was actually not a man, but an elf. An elf.

Fore Dog's eyes widened. Elves were gentle, strong and kind. They had many virtues in general, but they were not cold blooded maniacle assassins.

Fear clutched Fore Dog's heart as memory began to serve.

The elf's dagger glinted, and his eyes stared into her own, full of hate. Unending, paralizing hate.

They stood, staring, each knowing the other. One bent on killing, the other knowing that the time of death and attonement was come.

From Fore Dog's lips came a low wail which broke into a scream of terror. Blackness blinded vision. The elf's cruel lips curved into a sneer, and he drew the dagger from Fore Dog's body for the second time.

Fore Dog screamed again, legs stumbling into motion, falling back through the still open door, scrambling back up and running. Blood matted Fore Dog's torn shirt, but the victim was still in shock. Terror replaced every feeling.

"You'll never escape, Eshian!" the elf screamed. "For what you did, for what you have done! Die, traitor! Traitor! TRAITOR!"

The elf's feet thudded against the floorboards as he followed into the bedroom, . Blood pounded in Fore Dog's temples, running footsteps, flashing dagger again . . .

The sound of splintering glass filled Fore Dog's ears as the window exploded outwards. Fore Dog was flailing in empty space for a long moment, eyes wide with terror and agony.





The body of a young woman struck the earth outside the inn of the village known as Edlyn. Broken glass lay scattered about her blood stained body, and for a moment nothing happened. Then a man in a dark robe dashed out from beneath the porch of a nearby house. He crouched over her body, looking closely at her face. Swiftly he checked her pulse, and then drew a dagger. Quickly he cut a long strip off of his black robe, and then sheathing it, drew a flask from within his robe.

A shout from behind him stopped him in mid process, and he glanced behind to see two villagers rushing forward from the inn.

Dropping both the cloth and the flask, he fled into the night.

[Mathron]

Tal smiles grimly. "I would be glad indeed, of your aid. The journey will likely be dark and dangerous, and you seem like one who can aid me greatly. As of now only one other ally do I have - a noble dwarf named Dain, who I shall introduce you to sho-"

He cuts off at the crash from outside, and stands up quickly as he, and others, rush to the door to see the commotion. As he gets outside, amid a few other curious villagers, he sees the girl lying on the ground, as a figure fades away into the distance.

"This night brings many surprises," he mutters softly, as he calls for the innkeeper to bring help and assistance - and checks to see whether she lives, or not.

[Lief Erikson]

*She lives. And the potion is for healing. And I've edited my post telling about her, now that more is known. And don't make her regain consciousness too swiftly, her two wounds, plus the other smaller ones inflicted by falling through the window are serious.*

[Darth Tater]

*Lief, I'm playing the part of Elbreth in all regards at the moment, so I gotta ask, how many thousands of characters do you actually have going here? Two's the limit*

[Lief Erikson]

*(Irritated sigh) Well, if you demand an explanation, I suppose I'll give you one. Please open up your personal link for a little while, and then I'll explain myself. I will have to give away some information in order to do so, and I'm sure you'll understand how I feel about broadcasting it to every member of the game.*

[Darth Tater]

*You can e-mail me at darthtater@tolkientrail.com or icq #92655375 or aim Darth Tater*

[Lief Erikson]

"She is still breathing," one of the villagers said as he removed his hand from her pulse. "There may yet be hope. Come on, let's get her inside. But gently!"

They quickly lifted and moved the body inside. A table was cleared and quickly bandages were brought.

A villager stepped up in front of Tal and held up a small flask and a long, black piece of fabric, cut roughly along one edge. "Sir, I found these next to the body."

[Darth Tater]

Folstan watched as they carried the girl into the tavern.

"She'll get no rest there," he muttered to himself.

Folstan began walking up the large hill that led to the outscirts of town. He was tired of being around all these people, their suspicious eyes staring at him, trying to find out his secrets with one stare. He never had trusted other people, and he probably never would.

Folstan made his way over a ridge. He was surprised to see a campsite set up. Dark tents flapped in the wind, lit from the inside by a fire that was now burning low. Folstan decided to investigate further.

(Whoever's in the tavern, Elbreth's character should be involved somehow in the goings on. I'll jump in to control it a bit, to make sure everything's going as she wished)

[Mathron]

*Wha? Hey, Tater, my dwarf was talking to you! Don't just walk away! ~grin~ You must have missed my post, I guess...*

As Folstan tries to walk past, Dain grabs his arm and swings him around, eyes flashing.

"Don't you be trying to get away from me, ye've got a dark scent around you, and looking more suspicious all the time. Ye weren't causing any trouble, now, were ye?"

[Darth Tater]

*Hmm, yeah, I missed it, sorry, I'll just add a post in here then ;) *

"Let go of me!" Folstan snarled, raising his cain. "Let go or I'll crack your skull. You don't know my business, and I have no plans to learn yours, leave well enough alone!"

Folstan broke free from the dwarfs clutches (though the dwarf undoubtedly allowed him to) and went to the last post he made.

[merry linger]

Hushpad's tense negotiations with Folstan came to an abrupt end when a burly looking fellow stepped in Folstan's path, grabbed him by the arm and started asking questions with an accusing look in his eye.

"seems I'm not the only one who smells a rat." he thought to himself. He was about to pipe up about the skirmish in Antiar's chamber but thought better of it. He had meddled in the affairs of others enough for one night.

He turned to Antiar. "Come m'lady, you are weary. It seems Folstan has attracted another audience to distract him for the night. If you wish, take this opportunity to retire to your quarters. Just be sure to lock the door behind you."

[Mathron]

Dain warily watches Folstan's exit, then shakes his head and heads to his own room.

---

Meanwhile, within the common room, Tal looked over the items found by the girl. He calls over Angar, and shows him the cloth and the flask, asking, "We seem to have a mystery, and these items might be a clue to it. Can you make aught of them or their purpose?"

[Darth Tater]

*Hi, I'm Elbreth :p *

An'tiar decided to take the hobbit up on his advice. She wanted to stay out of the way as much as possible, and not seem suspicious either.

She lay in her bed thinking about what to do. She found the elves so fascinating, so beautifull and mysterious. She decided to try to follow them, they also seemed safe.

*Well, i'm not channeling elbreth very well apparently*

[Lief Erikson]

*Don't think we've run into a single nice elf in this story. (Faint sigh) When will this night end?*

[Mathron]

*Apparently now.*

---

After many minutes of looking over the items and the injured girl, Tal and Angar gave up. Tal turned to the innkeeper, and ordered a room for the child, saying, "I've taken care of her wounds, which were rather light, but now she needs rest - and food, when she wakes."

Soon after, he bids Angar farewell for the night, and heads into his own room to rest and think on the night's events - the gaining of at least one new ally, but a number of mysteries arising as well.

[Lief Erikson]

The sun finally began to show its face over the horizon, letting its sunny beams stroke the surface of the forest land. The forest, which had seemed gray the night before now bloomed green, although still with a musty sense. Far away, but too close for comfort were the gigantic mountains which marked the location of Angband.

From the window of a room in Edlyn, an old man peered out at the landscape. He was tired, more tired than he should be. It was his old age catching up with him, as well as the action of last night. But also something else. Overnight, a burden had settled upon his aged shoulders. A burden of anxiety. But he would have to make as light of it as he could, and attempt to forget. But he could never forget now. He had shoved the memories into the darkest recesses of his mind, yet still they resurfaced to haunt him. Last night they had returned in a physical shape, bringing back a new rack of pain and worry. Plus the voice that echoed in his mind spoke more often, now. Words came through his mouth, yet he thought they came through someone else's mouth as well. And dark thoughts flitted back and forth in his mind, thoughts that had no right to be there.

He sighed and stepped back from the window, shrugging on his gray robes and tying up the laces of his sandles. Finally, he walked down the stairs to the common room. The girl who had been injured last night had been placed in a back room, where she had a bed to sleep in. Someone with medical knowledge could still help her there, but she wouldn't ruin the innkeepers custom either.

Entering the common room, he gave the innkeeper his best smile.

A poor exchange, he thought ruefully. A smile for a rusty old innkeeper's distrusting frown. But who is this at the table in the back? Ah yes, I remember him from last night . . .

And Steward walked over to greet him.


*He can be anyone's. Its been too long since anyone posted here. I realize this is at least partially my fault, but my attentions have been rather sidetracked of late.*

[The Black Lieutenant]

*I was on vacation.*

Angar sat up late, brooding over his wine. Then he left, bringing some s****s from his table for the wolf. He did not often do this, not wishing to blunt her hunting instincts or tame her too much, but he took pleasure in the rare times that he did.

She was waiting for him patiently just inside the forest. He threw the s****s to her, and she gobbled them up greedily. Then he petted her and spoke to her softly before settling down to sleep under a tree as he was wont.

[Mathron]

Dain looked up as the old man walked into the room, then looked back down to his breakfast, a shapeless bowl of porridge. The dinner had been good the last few days, but the morning meals left one craving for trail rations.

After another bite, he pushed the meal aside, and waved over the old man.

[Lief Erikson]

"Good morning," Steward said, walking over to the table. "We didn't get to talk much last night, I'm afraid. I usually try to keep not staying up late as a rule of thumb, so I'm afraid I missed several interesting travelers. Was there anything of special interest that I missed?

[Mathron]

Dain gives a shrug. "Depends. I ran into an old cripple running out of the inn. Some girl was found injured outside. Don't know if ye find that interesting or not, meself. With the Dark One up north, I suppose strange things are becoming almost normal."

[Lief Erikson]

"A girl found injured is nothing unusual. And an old cripple running into you is irrelevant. No," he said with a grin. "I suppose I missed nothing.

"I'm going to have some breakfast now," he said, continuing. "In these times, you eat when you can. Who knows if the Dark Lord's hordes decide to take the town before lunch time."

He then walked over to the side of the room, hopped over the counter and began to help himself. "Innkeeper's not up yet. I'll probably have to discuss the price of this with him."

[Mathron]

Dain finished up his meal, and the looked up as Tal slid in the seat next to him. Tal spoke softly, saying, "Strange things have been happening of late, and the rumors that the raids from his minion's are increasing disturbs me. We will need to be well on our way as soon as possible."

Dain nodded. "I'll be getting to the town's general store to pick up some supplies for us, and don't see much more to do than that."

"There is at least one other who might be able to help us, another elf in this village, albeit with strange origins. Keep an eye out for any others who might wish to join us."

Dain nodded, then headed on his way as Tal returned to his room.

[Lief Erikson]

Steward was just walking over to the table, his plate full when Tal and Dain suddenly exited, both in different directions.

A smirk crossed his face for an instant, but was wiped away a moment later. He sat down and ate his fill.

Then he pushed aside the plate and walked outside. He'd talk to the innkeeper later. For now, he had to think.





Angar woke up to the wolf's nudgings. "What is it?" he asked, but the look in her eyes bade him be quiet.

He looked down, and his elf eyes soon picked out a figure moving in the trees below. The wolf's ears flattened on the sides of her head, and Angar considered what to do.

The fellow appeared to be wandering aimlessly through the underbrush, talking to himself.

[Selwythe]

*Using the innkeeper as NPC*

The inn in the village was rather empty from the peace and quiet of the morn. A man in dark green robes and a hood over his head shuffled in silently with a pile of heavy sacks.

"Ah! Great news! You are here! I was running out of supplies," the innkeeper greeted jovially.

The man went to the counter and set the sacks down on it. Through it all, he never spoke a word nor showed any indication that he heard the innkeeper.

"Good, quality venison as usual, and fresh too. Could not have been dead an hour ago. Here, your payment," the innkeeper inspected the contents of the sacks before giving the man a few pieces of gold.

The man received them and prepared to go but the innkeeper stopped him.

"Hey, young man. You always stop by to sell me fresh meat but you never really stop by for a good drink and chat. Do stay, I'm in a good mood and your breakfast will be on the house. Please accept it as a gratitude of your wares."

The man hesitated but turned back and sat at an empty table. The innkeeper went up.

"So, young man, I have placed an order to the kitchen and while they prepare you a homely meal, perhaps you can tell me your name for once. Everyone is welcome here. And do take off that hood, you must be cooking in that..."

The man leaned over until his hardened eyes were visible to the innkeeper and spoke for the first time, in an unfriendly hiss, "I take off the hood when I pleassse. You leave me be, or your meat may not be so popular with your customersss."

The innkeeper jumped back and knocked over a stool, hurt from the venom of the man's words and turned toward the counter before hearing again the voice of the man, which though raised, was still only barely audible.

"And you, can address me as Arcon, a name you may be forced to memorise."

[The Black Lieutenant]

Commanding the wolf to stay with a gesture, Angar crept toward the old man with the surety and silence of an elf who had dwelt long in the wilderness. His sharp elven ears strained to pick up any words in the old man's mumbling. He did not know if this stranger walking in the woods had any relevance to the events of the previous night, but he decided to follow him in order to find out.

But I mustn't go too far, he thought, or my newfound allies may leave without me.

[Lief Erikson]

On closer view, Angar found that it was not an old man as he'd thought, but it was an elf. The elf's hair was matted, and it might have been fair once, but now it was brown from caked mud. His face was hollow and strained, and there appeared to be a constant pain about it, but not from any physical injuries.

Angar's elven ears were sharp, and he was able soon to understand what the elf was saying.

"Should have killed her when I had the chance . . . El'nela, why did it have to be her? Why did Shelina break? I have put my dagger through her neck the moment I met her, what do you think? Vardor you cruel bloodhound, you'll never give up . . . You'll chase us to the ends of the earth and tear our bodies apart, but still never be satisfied . . . You were brave and I was weak, El'nela. Should never have let you into it . . . Should have done it without you." He smiled to himself. "You would never have allowed that. You would not have agreed. You agree? Too late now, you're dead. Dead? Are you dead, my El'nela? Of course you're not dead, else you wouldn't be talking to me."

Suddenly he stopped in his tracks, straightened and began to finger the hilt of a dagger which was stuck through his belt. He looked around in the brush and suddenly whirled around, staring at the bushes behind which Angar was hidden.

"Who's there?" he asked hoarsely, raising his knife blade. "Is it you, El'nela? I will kill her in time, honest I will. Just give me some more time. Thought I killed her last night, came real close." He dropped the dagger and stared hard at the bushes, his eyes glistening with what could have been tears. "I am weak, I am a fool. The odds were always against us. Don't chide me any further, I couldn't handle it. But Vardor will hunt us, he always has, so we must run."

Angar stepped out of the brush, the wolf close behind him.

The elf's eyes widened. "Vardor? El'nela, Vardor has come for us! Fight while can," he said, his eyes moving swiftly over to Angar's wolf. "He's brought wargs." Then he gave a scream, leaping at Angar, dagger pointed at his throat. "DIE!"

Angar caught the elf's wrist and twisted, letting his momentum carry him past. The elf smashed into the underbrush with a crash and lay still.





"RESPOND AND OBEY, FORE DOG," the voice blazed through Shelina's dreams, bringing her back to reality with a start.

She glanced around, surprised to see the white sheet covering her. She was in a bed, but where?

And she felt weak, oh so weak. Memory began to return, and she remembered her wild eyed dagger wielding assailant. Fear coursed through her heart. Where was he? Was he here, in the inn, or elsewhere?

The door swung open and a busy looking woman entered, wearing a white apron. "Good for nothing servant," she was muttering. "Offered a nice meal and turns those cold snake eyes on the innkeeper, poor soul, as if he was dirt!"

"Excuse me . . ." Shelina began, and the woman turned around with a start.

"Oh yes, dear dear, I'd forgotten about you. Picked up off the street last night, yes?"

Shelina put her hand under the covers and gingerly touched the edges of one of the dagger wounds and felt the cool bandage. "Where are my clothes?"

"Oh, they're being washed. I've got some other things for you to wear, you don't want bloodstains on you, do you?"

"No," Shelina said, worriedly pulling the sheet closer. "No, I wouldn't want that. Who are you?"

"I'm the cook, but I do a number of smaller tasks here too while meal times aren't going. Looking after you should be one of those things. If you don't mind saying, how did you get so wounded?" the woman asked.

"A . . . person attacked me. I was just leaving my room," she hurriedly added. "I gave no provocation."

"Of course you didn't, deary," the woman said in a consoling tone. "We are one of the closest settlements to Angband that hasn't already fallen, so there'r bound to be folk like that here abouts, I suppose. Now, if you feel strong enough, I could bring you some breakfast."

"No thank-you, not now," Shelina said, leaning back against the pillow.

"I understand. Now put this on," she said, passing a light blue dress to Shelina. "It was mine when I was a young thing like you, and could actually fit in it." She bit back a laugh. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got several things to do back in the kitchen. Those around here who know healing say that if you feel well enough, you can come out to the common room for a time. Your wounds are minor, apparently your attacker didn't know his job. Many glancing wounds. You should be most of the way recovered by the end of the week."

"Thank-you for the prognosis."

"No problem," the cook said with a laugh before leaving the room.

[Darth Tater]

Folstan stood hunched behind the tree, watching as the fight raged on. Finally deciding this was the time to make himself known, he moved into the moonlight.

"Hey! Sirs!" He shouted. "When one of you falls, I am willing to work, for a good sum of money, of course, for whoever comes out victorious!"

The two fighting figures stopped, staring at the strange old man for a moment. His action was totally unexpected, as was his presence.

"Get back to your fighting!" Folstan said, waving his hand. "I'll just wait here and see who wins."

[Lief Erikson]

*Are those meant to be Angar and the elf? The elf just attacked, was thrown into the brush and fell unconscious. I think it's the Black Lieutenant's decision what Angar does about this now.*

[Mathron]

Dain rubbed his neck as the storekeeper tallied up his purchase, which primarily consisted of a large pile of rations and some items to replenish his traveling gear. He was eager to be on his way, but there were a number of things getting strange about the town, and many odd happenings seemed to be afoot. Hopefully he would figure out a bit more before they were on their way - after all, any information could be well worth it.
He gave a grunt as the shop owner listed the total, and then he dumped out a few silver pieces, tossed his purchase into his pack, and headed back into the street.

---

Tal walked up the stairs, thinking deeply. He was glad to have Angar's assistance on his quest, as the other elf looked to be an even better tracker than himself, and that would be needed to catch up to the villains who had El'nela.

(OOC: Whoa, just noticed who the crazy elf in the woods was mumbling about! eeenteresting.... :) )

Tal sighed, and stepped into the hallway, turning towards his room. He noticed, just then, one of the other doors opening - and glancing out into the corridor, the girl he had found injured the night before, looking hesitant but mostly healed. Tal walked over to the girl, who flinched back as he approached.

"Are you doing well?" he asked, continuing, "I was one of those who found you last night, and am glad to see you are looking better than you were then. My name is Tal. Out of curiosity, do you know who your assailant was?"

[Lief Erikson]

"I only got a glimpse," she said, shaking her head. "No, I would never know someone like that personally. He might have been an ordinary cutthroat, but the nerve to come into a crowded building like that . . ." she shook her head. "But I thank you for helping me then, I personally am surprised that I survived, and it is incredible that I am on my feet now. Your herbs were well chosen.

"Out of curiosity, is there an old man in these parts? His name is Orpholin, and he is a . . . wandering something or other. I'm not sure of his proffession, but he'll be new in these parts."

"Rather like yourself, then?"

"I may be new here," she said with a small step back, "But I come on very different business." Her eyes took on a distant, worried expression for a moment. "That attacker had nothing to do with it, as far as I know. But I must be allowed to meet Orpholin, do you know him? Or where he is?"

"I know no one by the name of Orpholin."

She sighed. "Well I'm sure there is someone here who does. I had positive information that he would be in this town. If you run across him you will tell me, won't you?"

[Mathron]

Tal nods.

"Certainly, I shall keep watch for anyone of that name. I have seen a few old men wandering the inn yesterday, so one of them may be the one you seek - but more than that, I couldn't say without knowing more. What does bring you to this town, and where do you come from, if you don't mind me asking?"

[Lief Erikson]

"Finding and speaking with Orpholin, mainly. I've been looking for some time. It's personal business which he can help me with. What about you?"

[The Black Lieutenant]

Angar leapt to the deranged elf's side and quickly bound him securely with rope. Aldea growled, but seeing that her companion's attacker was no longer a danger, she resisted her instincts to pounce on him and tear out his throat. In the excitement neither elf nor wolf had noticed Folstan's approach. As he spoke, Aldea whirled around and was about to attack when Angar called her back.

"I need no hirelings," said the Dark Elf once he understood what Folstan was about, "but if you would join me in my quest you are welcome to a share in any booty that results, provided you do your part in acquiring it. My name is Angar Eidol, and I myself am a mercenary."

Turning now to his prisoner, Angar looked upon the shabby remains of this member of the fair folk and pitied him. No doubt he had been ruined by the Dark Lord or one of his servants. He had mentioned the name of Vardor, and mistook Angar for him.

The Dark Elf knew well what Morgoth and his fiendish minions could do to destroy the will of any reasoning creature that came within his grasp. His own people, the fabled Avari, had themselves fallen prey to the Dark Lord during their wanderings in the great forests under the twilight, and had long been the subjects of that hellish Enemy's ghoulish experiments. The handful that had escaped, his direct ancestors, were never the same again. They dared not look upon the light of even moon or stars, and so had dwelt like worms, in the earth, and raised their children to likewise seek the comfort of the Everdark.

He thanked the Valar, though he had never known them or their sacred land, that he had had the courage and will to seek beyond the darkness and free himself from the legacy of Morgoth. It was said that the orcs themselves were the terrible product of the Dark Lord's treatment of those of the Moriquendi who had not been so lucky to escape. He hoped with all his heart that this was not so -- for he was not entirely sure that all his kith and kin had been killed outright when Morgoth had found their hidden halls.

He decided he must bring his captive to Tal, for questioning. Turning to Folstan he said, "Help me carry this poor mad wretch back to the village. There is one there who may well reward you for your efforts."

[The Black Lieutenant]

*I'm confused... Tater mentioned moonlight--isn't it morning? Or did I awake in the middle of the night?*

[Lief Erikson]

*No, it is morning.*

[Darth Tater]

*I'm, apparently, not paying attention ;) *

"My service has a price!" Folstan exclaimed, but Angar glared at him with a face that quickly made him change his mind.

"I want half of any goods we come across though!" He continued, and began to help with the transportation of the elf.

(wonder what I screwed up that time ;) )

[Mathron]

Tal face grows dark and bitter, and he says, "I've been searching... searching for revenge. My home was raided by orcs, under the service of the dark one, and while there were survivors, many were taken prisoner. I recently found and slew the orc chieftain, but found that those he captured were already sent on to another - a mercenary who transports slaves to Angband. He is called the Grim Wolf, and I seek to rescue my sister, El'nela, from him."

[Lief Erikson]

Shelina paled visibly as he continued this speech, and took a step back at the end of it. "You are . . . I see. Well best of luck with it." She started to turn, but he caught her arm.

"If you know aught of this, you must tell me. El'nela means more to me than . . ."

"No, no," she said, shaking her head. "You misunderstand. It just reminded me of something in . . . my past."

A moment later her knees buckled and she nearly fell, catching herself on the doorpost. "I'm sorry, I think that I am not so well as I thought. Do you mind if I return to my bed?"

He supported her as she walked weakly back into her room, and laid her back on the bed. He shook his head slightly as he left the room, closing the door behind him. Perhaps what she said was true, but it seemed that with her things went deeper than apparent. How much deeper remained to be seen.

At that moment, the door burst open and Angar stepped in, dragging a elf. Steward followed in the back, trying to peep over Angar's shoulder for a better view.

Angar let the bound elf fall to the floor and stepped over to Tal. "I found him in the forest, and he attacked me. He is . . . I think he is at least partially insane. He was muttering thoughts as soon as they came into his mind, and he heard voices of people who weren't there. He spoke much about violence and death."

Tal nudged the elf with his foot. "Well, what have you to say for yourself?"

"He carried this," Angar said, passing Tal a dagger. The weapon was quite plainly of orcish making, and Tal set it down on the table to get it out of his hands.

"And what would you, fellow, be doing with such a weapon?" Tal asked, leaning down over the elf. "Do you know that we slay orcs? Or orc friends, for that matter."

"Slay orcs!" drool began to form on the side of the elf's mouth. "Slay wargs! Try to escape, but escape is useless! What point in living if one only lives in death?" A racaus, insane laugh burst from the elf's throat. "Why live if dead?"

"He's mad," Steward said, stepping away in disgust.

"What are you?" the elf snarled at him. "What have you in your hands, there? Orcish whips? I care not for orcish whips? Whip me till your hands ache, I'll still tell you nothing!"

"Is there any way to deal with a madman, convince him to give you information?" Tal asked Angar.

Angar shrugged. "I've never tried before. Sometimes they give more voluntarily than they'd ever give under any type of strain. But I have little experience with madmen, much less mad elves."

"Vardor?" the elf cursed. "You have returned for me, Vardor, eh? I know who led you to me! Shelina is and always has been the traitor! Should have killed her last night! I tried, really I did, so don't mock me, dearest."

Then he shifted into silence, glaring up at them. Then, he stopped glaring as his eyes rested on Tal. "You know, you look like her, a bit."

"Like who?"

"Her," the elf said, trying to point but finding himself unable to, motioning with his head towards a vacant part of the room. "Are you related?"

"What was that he was saying about Shelina?" Angar asked, taking a step closer to Tal.

"Apparently those two know each other," Tal said. "This does indeed run deeper than it appears to on the surface. Unless it's a different Shelina, of course, but I rather doubt that."

"El'nela will have your hide for tying me up," the elf said angrily.

[The Black Lieutenant]

*waiting for Tal's reaction to this*

[Mathron]

Tal's eyes widen, and all composure vanishes. He grabs the madman and slams him against the wall, nearly growling into his face, "What do you know of El'nela, villain!?"

[Lief Erikson]

"I will tell you nothing!" the elf snarled at Tal. "I will not betray our cause. You tortured me before and may do so again, Vardor. But El'nela, don't worry, I'll tell him nothing!"

They tried for some minutes to convince him to say more, but the elf was silent from then on, glaring up haughtily at Tal.

"Well, perhaps he will reveal more by accident as time passes," Steward said. "But I think you cannot afford to waste much time, Tal, correct?"

Tal's face was tight as he stared down at the elf captive. "But he has knowledge in his head. Knowledge that I need."

"Hear me out," Steward said, raising a hand appeasingly. "You cannot afford to tarry here, wasting valuable time which could be spent rescuing this El'mela of yours. However, if you took him with you he'll very likely let something slip by accident. My suggestion is that you take him with you, and possibly others as well. Where you go, you may have need of companions to help you in a fight if nothing else. Angar will do well and a better choice you could never find. But there are others, hereabouts who could be helpful as well. The halfling, Hushpad could be useful. Hobbits, I have heard are marvelously stealthy on their feet. Stealing a person out of a dangerous situation calls for other people, good at trickery and other things as well. That calls for the doormat replacement, you know, the girl who dropped in here last night."

"We work better alone. Those people could never help in a fight," Tal said grimly. "They would need defense from us constantly, and would be more trouble than they're worth."

"They have taken care of themselves in a dangerous world for some time," Steward said. "And they would be better than you think at different tasks that you could ill accomplish. Those pointy things sticking out of either side of your head will be a detriment to getting into certain places, and other points of your features, both of you, point out exactly what race you are. Elves do not serve the Dark Lord, and his orcs know it."

[Mathron]

Tal turned angry eyes towards Steward, his teeth bared in a vicious sneer as he said, "You seem to know much of many things, stranger, and I wonder if you are not working at some hidden motives beyond which you have said. Speaking of 'hobbits' casually, when neither I nor any other has so much as seen such a creature in these lands to the best of my knowledge. Bah!"

He turns away from the old man, and grabs the captive, who looks up at him with a decidely unstable gaze. Tal drags him so their faces nearly touch and, spittle flying, Tal snarls into his face, "You WILL tell me what you know of my sister!"

He then tossed the elf against the wall, and backhanded him harshly across the face, dropping him into unconsciousness. Breathing heavily, he slowly calmed down, and turned a brief, bitter look at the still form on the floor. He looked back at the others - both of them somewhat shocked - and opened his mouth to speak, with something resembling remorse in his eyes - when the door to the common room burst open. Dain stepped in, carrying a heavy pack upon his back. He stopped in his tracks, looking at the three of them standing there with the unconscious elf by their feet, and said, "What in the name of Eru just happened?"

[Peregrijn]

Irid walked pass some doors. One of them was standing open, and she only just looked in for a moment. She wanted to go on, when she heard the word halfling spoken. She stood still and listened with the ears of the wolve. She saw some people, humans and elves, all men. One of them, a dark figure, claimed hobbits didn't exist, because he hadn't seen one. Then he took an elf who was captive and asked something about his sister. Then a dwarve walked in, though he didn't see Irid.

She knocked at the door and walked in.

"Excuse me, I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. Well the last part in every case."

She turned to the person who looked like the leader.

"I heard that you said hobbits don't exist. It feels like my obligation to tell you otherwise. I happen to have a few good friends in Bree. And why is a member of my people captive?"

Then she noticed something else. A big albino wolf was standing there, looking at her.

(occ: the next is wolve language, but i'm gonna right it in english so everyone can follow. With wolves it's mostly thelepathic, so the others in the room only see Irid and Aldea looking at eachother)

"I'm Irid al'Menie. You must be Aldea. I have heard of you."
"You are remarkable to know our language, elf. But don't think i trust you for that. The only one i trust is Angar..."

[The Black Lieutenant]

"Though I am an elf," said Angar, "I am usually viewed with suspicion by other elves due to my sombre appearance. Perhaps I could trick the Enemy into thinking that, as a Dark Elf, I have no allegiance to the Eldar or the Valar. In a way, that is the truth, and I could use that truth to entice the Grim Wolf to seek me as an ally. If he could be made to think that accepting me into his ranks was his own idea, he would be slower to suspect me of treachery."

As the newcomer entered, Angar's hand strayed toward the hilt of his sword. Yet this was no dark foe springing from the shadows, but another elf. A cursory glance told him further that this was no ordinary elf -- like himself, and like Tal, there was something different about her. After she spoke, her eyes met Aldea's, and he instantly sensed something transpiring between the two of them, but at first was not able to determine what it was. Then Aldea expressed to him in a way that was part body language and part limited telepathy that the other elf was able to communicate with her.

"How can this be?" he asked aloud. He turned to Irid and explained, "Aldea has told me that you know her language. Though I wonder at the possibility of such a thing, since even I cannot speak to other wolves or understand them as I do her, I cannot help but think that such an ability would prove most useful in our quest. If it ever becomes necessary for our party to split up into two groups, with your help we might use Aldea to deliver messages to each other..."

His voice trailed off. He was getting ahead of himself. Forcing a smile, he said: "Forgive me. You of course have nothing to do with this matter and we'll understand if you wish to stay out of it. It's just that it struck me what a help your peculiar ability could be to us."

[Irid alMenie]

Irid could see that the dark elf was suspicious for other creatures, but also that he could kind of comunicate with Aldea. Although she didn't know his name yet, she knew that someone that was trusted by a wolf, could be trusted by her. She also heard the wolf saying she could comunicate with her. She decided to tell the truth.

"Well, sir, I don't know what this quest is, but it's very likely I will join. If you could be kind enough to tell me what it is? As for my ability to communicate with your wolf, i'm able to speak to all animals, as I was raised by wolves in a wood, and they taught me to speak their language, and of all the other animals. Later they took me to a man that lived their to, and he taught me my fighting skills. So, you see, i'm not only able to speak to animals, but I know how to save myself when i'm attacked."

[Mathron]

Tal looked up, his eyes focusing again as he left his train of thought and focused on the newcomer. After looking her over for a few seconds, he said, "Greetings, kin. My name is Tal'niel, and my companion here is called Dain. If you truly wish to join us on our quest, you would be more than welcome - but I must warn you, we seek to go towards the very land of Angband, and we seek out one of Morgoth's most vicious servants, a grim mercenary."

[Lief Erikson]

"To rescue a girl called El'nela," Steward said with a nod. "She's Tal'niel's sister."

[Irid alMenie]

Irid turned around as she heard the other elf speaking. This one was tall, and attractive. He said it would be against Morgoth, what made her to make up her mind about joining. Then the human man spoke.

"If it's against Morgoth and to save someone, I'm in. If it's needed, I can go right now, I don't need preperations, as I'm always ready."

[Lief Erikson]

Steward glanced at Tal. "Tal? What do you say about my former suggestion? Now is the time to decide."


*If we're to involve those players in the game, I think he'll have to say yes. That's my suggestion, anyway. I don't know how many are still interested, but we'd better not leave them behind.*

[Darth Tater]

*I'm gonna be leaving this game, sorry. Just say that Folstan died or got left behind or something.*

[Mathron]

OOC: That's a shame, I thought your character added a bit of underhandedness to the game. :) But I do hope that you might be able to join back in, either to this game or a later one!

IC: Tal blinked at Steward's words, and then nodded. "Of course, any who wish to join are welcome. We will need all we can with us on our quest. And what of you - did you plan to come along, eh?"

[Lief Erikson]

*Yes, that surprises me too. Why are you leaving, Tater?*

Steward shot a quick, almost unnoticable glance at Shelina's door before nodding to Tal. "Yes, I think that that would be best. I may not be good with any weapons except the longbow, but I may come in handy in other ways. I used to hunt a lot, and have learned the ways of the forest." Seeing the look in Tal's eyes, he suddenly shook his head, raising a hand. "No, no no no no no no. I'm not going to pick up the longbow again. These old arms could barely bend the thing and I haven't shot an arrow in thirty years.

"Now if you'll excuse me," he said, nodding his head to the others. "I think I'll check if that halfling or any of the others are interested in coming."

[Selwythe]

*Sorry for the lapse. I was lost with the story and needed time to comprehend it*

Arcon, in the common room, had eaten reluctantly the tasteless porridge that the innkeeper had delivered to him. Fair was the day, and he had wasted much more time here on his supposed sales trip than was the norm. After setting the spoon down disgustedly, he rose with a great clatter of the chair and wore again his hood.

"Going so soon, my sire?" the innkeeper started in a squeaky tone, but a glance from Arcon shut him up.

And thus Arcon went to the door, but just like what had befallen not too long ago, he paused and he gazed far off into the misty surroundings of the morning. Without a word, he trudged back to his table and sat down, looking intently at the entrance.

Before long had passed, he saw two strange figures coming into the inn. The leading one, he saw, was clad in dark raiment unlike many he'd seen in the inn. Indeed, he reminded him of himself. Yet the sharp ears on his head betrayed his appearance. Arcon had never seen their like before, and he wondered.

But the other figure Arcon felt a strange bond towards. He was carrying a figure, an Elf in bonds, and something about that gave him a perverse pleasure. Yet, that was not the bond, for the man seemed to have something in common with him, not just that he seemed to be of the race of the Followers.

He beckoned for the man. The first figure bade him go and carried the Elf upstairs. There, on the seat, they just stared at each other, and Arcon's eyes delved into his mind, and seeked his thought, and realised his Orcish ancestry.

"Where by do you come, and wherein this journey lies your motive?" Arcon said softly.

"My name is Folnast, and I come to..." the man's voice trailed off as he snapped out of his trance.

"Begone, stranger," Arcon suddenly rose and his voice hardened but never wavered, "I hint at your motive, and its folly. You shall be gone."

Words of poison they were, and somewhat unsurprisingly, for Arcon was a master of poison. And thus, Folnast stood up and fled out of the inn, only burned by them, yet the scars were in the hidden meaning of the words. Whither he fled, no one knew and he wasn't seen for some time.

Arcon sat back at his table and gazed at the door with a subtle smile, which revealed nothing of his thoughts.

[Irid al'Menie]

Irid stopped the old man by putting her hand on his shoulder.

"Who are the others? I like to know who i'm dealing with."

[Lief Erikson]

"Which others do you mean?" Steward asked. "The enemy we face, the comrades I go to collect now, or these that we were just speaking to?"

[Irid al'Menie]

"The others you are gonna collect now", Irid said.

[Shenna McBain]

**Howdy all... I was thinking of joining this, but it appears you have enough going on without me dragging a new character into it all. Perhaps I start my own thread, I'll have to think on it. :D Carry on!**

[Mouth of Sauron]

*Hi, it's me, The Black Lieutenant. I signed up for 'Mouth of Sauron' which would have been my ezboard global username if it hadn't already been taken*

Angar sat down in one corner of the room, enveloped in shadow. Aldea curled up at his feet. He pulled out a long-stemmed clay pipe and filled it with pipeweed. In his travels he had met many strange and interesting people, and had learned the art of smoking from a company of dwarves he had adventured with once. Little did he know that it was invented by those funny little creatures called halflings, and that the best leaf came from their homeland.

As he puffed on the pipe his thoughts turned to the Grim Wolf. He tried to remember everything he had heard about him. Any detail could help in their quest, and forewarned was forearmed. He could not afford to underestimate this enemy as he had the Dark Lord's own Lieutenant. He looked around the room at the others. Any one of them could be a traitor; a spy for Morgoth. He would have to be very careful, and watch his back every minute. His eyes rested on the distraught Sindarin, Tal. He could trust him, perhaps. Anyone could invent a story about having their village destroyed by the Grim Wolf -- but there was little doubt in Angar's mind that this elf was telling the truth.

He regarded the newcomer now, with curiosity if not outright suspicion. Aldea would have to be the touchstone by which he determined this elf's trustworthiness. She would sense anything false in her -- or at least he hoped so. Her story about being raised by wolves was incredible, but made sense. How else could she have learned Aldea's language? Still, there were wolves, and then there were wolves. He could not forget that not a few wolf packs had allied themselves with wargs in the past, and that wargs also knew the wolf language in addition to their own.

[Mathron]

Tal says, eyes flashing, "I do not know much about these others, but Steward seems to think they may have skills that will aid us. I only saw this halfling briefly in the common room, dancing about, while the girl was found at the door, weak and starving. What use, I do not see, but any extra hands may help."

[Irid al'Menie]

Irid nodded. Then she sat down on her knees before Aldea.

"Your dark friend here seems to be distrusting the rest. Do you know why that is?"
"I only know why he distrusts you. There are wolves that allied with wargs, and they know the wolf language too."
"Maybe it doesn't say very much to him, but the wolfpack that found me was that of the Ashmarian wolves. These are very noble animals, and they would never allie themselves with such wicked beasts as the wargs are."

This conversation being over, Irid stood up and walked over to another corner and sat down on the ground, happy she atleast sorted that out with the wolf.

[Mouth of Sauron]

*Pipeweed makes me paranoid :D*

Aldea had no way of communicating to Angar exactly what Irid had told her, because his understanding of her language was limited to simple concepts. Because of this, she had always thought that elves and other two-legged beings were not intelligent enough to learn her language, but now she knew that she was wrong in thinking so, for Irid was living proof to the contrary. In any case, she did her best to convey to him that his mistrust was unfounded, for indeed the elven lady had spoken true; she knew of the Ashmarians and they would not have had anything to do with wargs or any other servant of the Black Foe.

"Forgive me," said Angar, smiling in spite of himself. "I didn't realize my thoughts would become a topic of conversation between you two." He gave Aldea a mock scowl. "But I don't think anyone here is of a very trusting sort, given the circumstances."

Turning to Tal, he said, "What do you think is our next best course of action? Admittedly, we must proceed cautiously. But time, I fear, is not on our sides." He would have said more, but caught himself. There was no point in reiterating the imminent danger to the Sindarin's captive sister; he knew that only too well.

[Lief Erikson]

"You asked about the ones I am about to collect?" Steward asked Irid. "They consist of one pushy hobbit and one floppy thief.

"Plus I'll also speak to any others that I have forgotten," he said with a slight frown.

[Mathron]

Tal nods to Steward. "You should go see if they will join us. First, though, let me cover our basic plan. After that you can go, and I shall fill you in on anything you miss while gone."

Turning to the others, he spoke quickly, outlining what he knew. "The Grim Wolf is a mysterious figure, known only to be a cold, ruthless man. His company consists mainly of hardened humans, but they are accompanied by a large half-troll and some dwarves of dark descent. Dain heard news of them in town - they are camped about a few days walk from here, but likely will be moving north towards Angband any day now. They have with them a large batch of slaves to be delivered, and our goal is to stop that from happening."

Silence fell, and the others exchanged glances. Steward rose, nodding to them, and left to see if he could persuade the others to join them. Dain looked up, and said, "Well then, what be our plan?"

[Irid al'Menie]

Irid listened to the explanation of the Grim Wolf, then she let her mind wander. There was said a few days away, so she felt for animals intellegent enough to communicate with.

There was a wolfpack near the place it should be. She asked them to tell her what they saw. The image of a large camp crossed her mind, but there was no sign of breaking up. Then she saw a group of human and elves tight up. Those must be the slaves. The following image is that of a large tent, but she couldn't see anything but that. Except for a flag at the top. On it she could see the face of a Wolf. Now she broke the contact with the wolves, and returned to the room.

"Well, if it's any consolation, the Grim Wolf is not yet leaving. There isn't a sign of live there, save a group of enslaved human and elves."

[Mathron]

OOC: I will have a few posts like this, detailing actions of the villains. These are not add ons to my characters - just posts to keep the story rolling, and develop plot.

As the wolves were watching, the camp was certainly not mobilizing. Most rested asleep within their bunks, or sat up late playing with dice and cards. A few kept silent watch around the site, weapons drawn and eyes hard as they watched for trouble.

But in the center of the camp, in the captain's tent, more was going on. The tent was lit by a single candle, its flame flickering hesitantly in the breeze that blew throughout the night. One figure stood near the back of the tent, arming weapons about his person, while a much larger figure loomed near the front.

"You know what to do?" The man asked. (Though over 6 feet, the other figure still topped him by a head.) The man's voice was rough and gravelly, as harsh as stone, and he didn't pause in his preperations as he spoke.

The massive figure nodded. "Yea, boss. You head off ta th' fortress tonight, and we started movin' out tommorow. Ya take care of ya own bus'ness, and we meet ya when we get ta Angband."

"Good. You are in charge of the camp, Kur. See to it the prisoners are escorted back without trouble."

The half-ogre leered and said, "I make sure they huv a nice trip on th' way, hur hur."

Slowly, the other figure turned about, meeting Kur's gave and quieting his laughter. "You will make sure they arrive, untouched. Move them as quickly as possible, but don't entertain any private fun that could delay things. Do you understand?"

Stuttering in fear, Kur could only nod as the Wolf swept by him, and soon vanished into the night - unseen even by his own sentries. Yet though his namesakes, watching, did notice his departure, they knew not who he was, nor what it meant...

[Erewe]

In the shadows beyond the camp, Erewë lurked in the shadows. He kept his eye on Grim Wolf. The one who murdered his surrogate father. It was dark, but the lack of light was no burden to Erewë. No. But he knew he must wait. Killing Grim Wolf with other servants of Morgoth around was foolish. Erewë would wait until he had Grim Wolf alone. Yes. Then... Revenge.

[Irid al'Menie]

Apperently, noone was about to say something, so Irid went back to the wolves to give her more images. She saw how the slaves were fed. They all had a nap, and in it was something that may could have been called food in a far distance. Then she saw someone coming out of the big tent. It was a person, though she couldn't see anything more. It was like he had shadow around him. The next image was that of a man hiding in the bushes. He had a grim look on his face, and looked at the shadow that had come out of the tent. Probably someone else that had been hurt by the Grim Wolf.

[Mathron]

Tal nods, somewhat pleased, and his manner loosens a bit. "If the mercenaries are still encamped, we have a bit more time than I thought. We should head onwards as soon as daylight breaks, however. The rest of the day you may spend dealing with any preparations you need to make. I shall be in my room preparing."

He paces across the room fitfully, and then glances over at Dain. "Seek out Steward, and see what progress he has made. Fill him in on what we have learned, and that we are meeting outside of town come morning."

The dwarf nods, and heads out the door, glancing at the others as he goes.

"Now then," says Tal, "Unless any of you have more questions, I think our plans are settled until tommorow comes."

OOC: Lief, can you handle the Dain/Steward interaction? I don't know how far Steward has gotten in dealing with the others.

[Irid al'Menie]

"Wait a second. I don't have a question, but I need to say something. I'm not sure, but maybe there's someone else who wants to be part of the quest. He's not here, but I saw him nevertheless. I'll tell you later how. For now, do with the information what you want, I need to get some sleep. Goodnight."

Irid walks out of the door, and goes straight to her room. There, she lies her bow and sword to the wall, and lies down on the bed. For safety reasons she keeps her daggers hidden. Then she falls in a light sleep, keeping her eyes open but letting her mind move through dreamways.

[Lief Erikson]

*Sure, I'll handle the interaction. It'd be a bit easier though if I knew which of the players I was thinking of contacting are still interested in playing.*

Steward glanced sideways as he saw Dain approaching, and smiled as he approached the dwarf.

"How has it gone?"

"Well enough so far," the old man answered. "But I've only contacted An'tiar and the halfling. Other than them, I'm still uncertain."

[Lief Erikson]

*The character I'm using now is only a blip in and out character, so don't hyper react over him please, anybody.*

Arcon remained seated at the table long after most had left, sitting back in his chair and quietly smoking his pipe. The old man who had wandered the area speaking with various people had not approached him. Few had. Few ever did.

But as just as it seemed the incoming of people had stopped completely, a figure appeared in the doorway and walked straight to Arcon's table, seating himself opposite him. The figure eyed him in silence for a short time, but did not request a drink even when one was offered.

Instead, he leaned slightly closer to Arcon, staring at him through hazel eyes. "I have been sent to find out if your abilities are for hire. We have scanned the credentials of most of the people here, and you intrigue him as a possible ally. Will you be willing to speak with him, or are you already paid by someone else?"

[Selwythe]

Arcon stared back at the old man.

"Depends. He who you speak of, name Him. And what fruits shall I reap from the confines of my labour? For whom I work, that you need not know."

OOC, uh what time is it? It seems like night and thus I think it's pretty strange that he sat in the inn for one whole day when he's supposed to be one who shies from public

[Lief Erikson]

*Actually, I have no idea what time it is either. And the person your guy is talking to is not Steward. He's not that old, either.*

"The person I was speaking of is my master. His name is . . ." the man hesitated and looked around furtively before leaning closer. "I need to know more about you before I put my faith in this." A moment later, he sighed though and shook his head. "No, you wouldn't be interested in telling me your past history. Very well, my master's name is Vardor. A certain servant of his in this village has gone silent, and he needs a replacement. Also a mission has been dropped which needs to be picked up again. You appear the best person to take up that mission."

*I don't think Arcon knows who Vardor is, though. Vardor is pretty remote.*

[Lief Erikson]

*Actually, I have no idea what time it is either. And the person your guy is talking to is not Steward. He's not that old, either.*

"The person I was speaking of is my master. His name is . . ." the man hesitated and looked around furtively before leaning closer. "I need to know more about you before I put my faith in this." A moment later, he sighed though and shook his head. "No, you wouldn't be interested in telling me your past history. Very well, my master's name is Vardor. A certain servant of his in this village has gone silent, and he needs a replacement. Also a mission has been dropped which needs to be picked up again. You appear the best person to take up that mission."

*I don't think Arcon knows who Vardor is, though. Vardor is pretty remote.*

[Irid al'Menie]

*I think it's about morning...*

[Elbreth of Carhouth]

*Hey guys, I'm back. :) Anyone know where An' tiar is at the moment? I think you forgot her somewhere.*

[Selwythe]

Arcon showed no obvious response to the mention of Vardor. He stared back at him.

"Vardor... I have heard that name only from tales of lore and myth. Vardor... intriguing."

The air seemed to fall silent as Arcon pondered this proposition.

"Name me the task and reward, and I perhaps I resume the incompetent work of his servants. But servant I am not of he, I will only be an ally, and woe betide him the day he disposes of me in the fashion he does to others."

[Lief Erikson]

"Woe betide him?" the stranger asked, laughing softly. "He could crush you like a bug. Nevertheless, I am sure he'll be pleased to learn that we have a new voice from the village. He wants you to hunt down one who might be known as Orpholin. At least I think the name was Orpholin," he added with a frown. "You needn't kill him if you find him. Simply bring him to a certain meeting place we will arrange, and we will collect him from there. He is an enemy, but one who Vardor greatly desires to possess. Not to kill."

[Mathron]

OOC: Welcome back, Elbreth! Good timing, too, as there are some about to interact with your character. You are the one inside the room our characters are approaching, below.


Dain walked along the passage, eyeing Steward warily as they walked to the room he had seen the commotion in the night before. Steward ignored the dwarf's stares, and knocked on the door. A voice called out, "Who's there?"

Steward answered calmly. "A friend, who would like to talk."

[Selwythe]

Arcon again showed no visible reaction or balk at the mention of Vardor.

"Orpholin? My eyes are peeled and my ears are opened. Hurry along now stranger with your words, for I am a busy man and should not have tarried thus far in this inn. What know you of the uncouth name of Orpholin and this meeting place? If this meeting place is secure and the bars only lifted for me in due time, look for Arcon by the green wyvern."

[Lief Erikson]

The hazel eyed stranger nodded once. "That will be satisfactory. I'll meet you there tonight. Also there may be a young woman here named either Fore Dog or Shelina. If you can establish contact with her, bring her to the Green
Wyvern as well. Tell her it is on Vardor's orders."

[Selwythe]

Arcon's eyes searched wanderingly the stranger as he left the inn. For a while he wondered at this quest and its significance, for it hinted at a greater plot than what it seemed. But he got up. The Sun was rising and as little as its warmth mattered to him, it was a stark reminder of the time he had wasted on a simple trip.

He stood up and glanced over the inn, indeed hoping he would espy one who looked like Orpholin or Shelina by chance. Finding no clue to start from, he went towards the innkeeper, who had raised his hopes when he saw Arcon rising to leave but now broke into a cold sweat at his approach.

"I shall be gone," Arcon started.

The innkeeper's relief was short-lived.

"But first, let me say something."

Arcon toyed with something under his sleeves and continued.

"I may not arrive every day to sell you meat, for how long, even I do not know. Maybe a skip in a day here or there. It all depends. And second," Arcon bade the innkeeper quiet, and making sure no one was within earshot, leaned forward and spoke in a raspy whisper. "You heard of the name Orpholin? Or Shelina?"

The innkeeper, taken aback at the sudden hiss, stuttered, "Uh...uh... Orpholin? Shelina? I, uh."

"SPEAK!"

The clatter of the inn died down to a deathly quiet at the sudden impatient outburst as travellers looked at the counter. Arcon realised this wasn't the way. He continued in that same hissing voice.

"Speak, sire, before I lose my patience."

"No no, heard none of them. They are not registered in this guestbook. See, no Orpholin, no Shelina."

Arcon scanned the guestbook quickly with his roving eyes, and was satisfied but not entirely.

"What about the unregistered?"

The innkeeper found himself in a dire situation, with his guests' privacy and his safety balancing each other.

"Um... I'm sure my guests will prefer to have privacy up in their..." he paused suddenly for he felt the cold prick of steel upon his chest, for it was no other than the poisoned dagger of Arcon. This he held there as a threat, veiled from others by his cloak which he spread with his arms. Now he was really nervous.

"B..b...d....a....uh...uh okay okay! There was a woman found on the street yesterday with wounds! I know not her name or whence she came. She..she...'s upstairs in a room!"

The diners once again craned their necks toward the counter at the innkeeper's nervous outburst and Arcon reluctantly withdrew his dagger, shooting a cold look at the innkeeper.

Then Arcon's mouth went up in a smile, but his eyes did not. And he said two words in a much friendlier tone, but nonetheless did not warm the innkeeper.

"Thank you."

Arcon went out of the inn. The innkeeper quickly called for his servants.

"Quick! Tell the maiden who was found yesterday wounded on the streets that a man of questionable intentions seeks to find her. He is out of the inn now, and I have no idea when he'll come back. Tell her her safety is at risk!"

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

Arcon went astray of the path which led to the door of the inn and looked up. There in the second storey was a window, and a tree was near it. The tree would not look out of place in the forest he dwelt and easily he climbed those trees. Yes, that was a good tree, he thought, and the window could not have been at a better place.

[Lief Erikson]

The servants of the innkeeper found their way to Shelina's room quicker than Arcon, and hastily knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" she asked.

"We've been sent by the innkeeper to tell you information. You're in danger, please open the door."

She stood up and walked unsteadily to the door. She reached down to touch the dagger hidden within the folds of her dress as she opened it. "What information?" she asked them, relaxing slightly as she recognized a couple of the faces.

"There's someone asking questions about you and possibly hunting you. He forced the innkeeper to give your location, and your very life might now be in peril."

"Tell me," she asked, "Is this pursuer an elf?"

"An elf?" one of them asked, looking puzzled. "I'd say not. No elf would get concerned with business like that."

"Of course not," she murmured, but she looked slightly puzzled. "Then who?"

"He hunts deer for the innkeeper, miss. But he's a nasty chap, as we just found out today."

"What's his name?"

"I don't know," he said, glancing at the others. They shook their heads slightly. "You'd have to ask the innkeeper."

"I might just do that," she said. "He's not in the inn, is he?"

"No, miss. He left as soon as he'd received an answer to his question."

"Gone to report what he'd learned to a superior," she said with a nod. "In that case I have a little time. Thank-you for your help, you may leave me now."

They bowed their heads and walked back down the stairs. Shelina closed the door and walked back into the room to collect certain items she might need.

And the window at the far end of the hall slid open, Arcon stepping through. He moved quickly from door to door, moving in quickly on his target.

[Irid al'Menie]

Irid just looked out of her door to see a man moving silently. Not silent enough for her elvenears though. She shook her head. Humans were strange. She wondered when Tal would call them.

[Selwythe]

Shelina gathered up her belongings hurriedly. She had dreaded every second for news of that like and now they had materialised before her very ears. She tried to keep her arms steady, she had time. Yet the more she thought of her impending danger, the less speed she seemed to progress with.

Arcon, in the hall, decided to pause his actions. He was looking too suspicious. Besides, if the innkeeper had done what he thought he would do, his victim would panic and walk right out, right out into him.

Arcon's ears stood at attention. He had heard a door open and close again and in that short instant, his wandering eyes had caught the face of an elvish woman. Whether this Shelina was elvish he did not know, but he did not have all day to think about it. He went up to the door and knocked on it.

Like her neighbour only a few doors down the hall, Irid was packing for the journey with Tal'niel's company the next morning, albeit with much less haste. She was impatient for news of the leaving and had looked out of her door down the hall in hope but did not see her would-be companions

Her door suddenly sounded with a knock. She opened the door in relief, thinking that they had finally come to speak to her. She expected to see an old man, or a handsome elf, or a dwarf, but she never expected to see a man hooded in dark-green, the one she had espied outside. But before she could voice her amazement or shy away in surprise, a dart pierced her neck and she knew no more.


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


Arcon stepped into the room and closed the door, pondering how to bring this woman back to his abode in the woods, for no doubt in his mind, this was Shelina, the woman in dire need of haste out of this inn. He had kept to the requiem of the captive, shooting her with a slow flick and only with an unpoisoned dart. He had only aimed it at a nerve, not her spine or blood vessel. She would not die, he knew very well, in fact she would be unharmed, but she would be unconscious until the dart was removed.

Perhaps where he had come in would be the only safe way out. Carrying the woman and her belongings, he shuffled quickly down the hall into the window he had opened. In his haste, something dropped out of her bundle but he did not realise this.

Also in his haste, Arcon did not notice that even as he hurried along, a door behind him had creaked open slightly and shut in an instant. The occupant was of course the real Shelina.

*OOC, Irid is not injured, only unconscious. It was an acupuncture-style piercing and no blood flowed nor anything harmed.*

[Irid al'Menie]

*geez, thanks for not harming me, That's really nice :D*

Irid slowly regained conciousness. She didn't open her eyes, but listened. She heard someone breating next to her. She had no idea where she was, so her mind searched for an animal nearby. She found a bird who was sitting above her.

"Where am I?"
"Well, for starters, you are here, but I don't know what this place is called."

*OOC: where am I?*

[Selwythe]

*OOC, in the forest. Uh, don't ask me which. Never good at geography.*

Irid tried to move but found her hands and feet bound together.

"Struggle, Shelina," Arcon smiled, "You won't break free."

"Who are you?"

Arcon sat down. He had been gathering some firewood beside her.

"No, I think I'll be more interested to know who you are," he started and leaned close. "Tell me, Shelina, why this Vardor desires you so much and even better, tell me if you know anything about Orpholin."

Irid spat in his face, "Curse the vile name of Vardor! And curse the name of Shelina too, for I am but Irid, fostered by the wolves!."

Arcon smiled strangely, "Even in a dead end, you lie. Excuse my hospitality for a while now, for I go now to hunt for food. And let's hope that your tongue frees itself when I return hither. And fear not, for I entertain my guests well and leave them within vigilance. As a matter of fact," Arcon suddenly locks his eyes upon Irid's, "they love my abode so much that they never leave. No, never."

Arcon walked away. But behind a tree, he suddenly dropped his blowpipe and collapsed and clutched his chest in pain. He gasped for breath. Yet in his need did his hand suddenly fall upon the bracelet under his sleeve and the pain subsided. He slowly got up. Unbeknowst to him, this was the ancient curse he had at work, though hurting him for the first time, he knew not what had brought it upon him. What he did know, however, was that he had never felt so vulnerable before in his life. Nay, not even when he was an infant surrounded by hordes of orcs in this very forest years ago.

He picked up his blowpipe again and walked off, relieved that his prisoner had not seen his embarrassing collapse. He had to appear an authoritative and imposing figure before her to earn her fear, but suddenly, that did not seem that easy to do.

As for that bracelet, he assumed to be an heirloom of his parents, for he had borne it for as long as he knew, and for as long as he had lived. He never knew that the bracelet had burned the orcish hands which tried to pry it away.

[Lief Erikson]

An assassin, or another enemy from the past who felt somehow betrayed by her? Shelina wondered as she glanced out at the young man and his captive elf. He was mistaken. Was following the fire too dangerous? Get too close, and she'd be burned, staying away would be safest. But if he really did come from Vardor? He wouldn't try to kill her, would he?

Pain and whiteness. Gripping hands and tearing pincers. And Vardor laughed at her torment.

She winced at the memory, unconsciously running her hands over her body, as if to make sure it was all there. All there, and whole. Somehow, she'd made a full recovery. Even most of the scars had been removed, but not all of them. Pain filled her memory whenever she came across it again.

Was she a fool to come here? she asked herself, forcing her mind back to the situation at hand. No, she was not a fool. She simply had to know what Vardor wanted . . .

She stepped out from behind the tree, whipping her dagger out and stepping towards Arcon. "Don't move, and don't try to attack me. I am not unskilled with this, and will use it if need be.

"But tell me who you are? Who do you serve, and why do you hunt me?"

[Irid al'Menie]

Irid tried to move her hands, as the one who captured her was away. She couldn't move anything, so she let her mind wander around again. She was searching the wolfpack she had felt before, but knew they were too far.

Just when you need them, they're not around.

Then her mind just dwelt around, to give her body some rest. She hoped he would know his mistake soon.

[Selwythe]

Arcon froze. In his fit a few moments before, he had not noticed the presence of this woman.

He did what she commanded but even then, his mind worked quickly to find a way out of this mess.

"But tell me who you are? Who do you serve, and why do you hunt me?"

The woman stared at him.

"I am Shelina. Or perhaps the name Fore Dog rings a bell in your mind?" the woman replied stoutly but even then, her hand was shaking in fear.

"You lie. You feign. For even now Shelina lies in my abode bound in ropes and ravaged with fear."

[Lief Erikson]

*Actually, she's not better known in these parts as Fore Dog. That's a name Vardor and his servants call her. And would you mind explaining who this Eshian is?

Oh, one more thing. She doesn't have dozens of knives secreted all about her. Some people somehow got the mistake in an earlier RPG that a character of mine had dozens of knives, when she actually only had one.*

"You mistake her," Shelina said, shaking her head. "And it is you who is under questioning at this moment, not I. Who are you, and whom do you serve. Speak now or be forever silent," she said, raising the dagger a little higher.

[Selwythe]

*OOC, I saw in the Characters thread that it said "Eshian to some, Fore Dog to others" and there was no mention of Shelina so I was pretty surprised you refer to her by that name.*

Arcon's lips glanced upwards in his trademark subtle smile. Yet his eyes still stared cold into this intruder.

"Nay, I want your real name. I may be under questioning but I was ambushed unawares. The least you could do before waylaying me is to give me the real name of my assasin, whether it be Orcish vermin or Elvish aloof. Shelina lies a prisoner with me and unless she turned violent or," he chuckled through a sneer, "or very ugly suddenly, you are not Shelina."

The woman was not amused. She stared at Arcon, waiting for an answer.

"Wait," Arcon's eyes suddenly lit up, a rather rare sight. Yet this was the common of the rare, for Arcon had never showed enthusiasm before with good intentions. "A visitor will come at night bearing tidings for you, from your master. You will learn more, for even I am just a mercenary and servant of no one for long."

This he said even as his hand strayed slowly into his cloak where his hand could make a fine choice between dart, dagger or sword. He held the gaze of this woman, precautioning against their straying and beholding of his hand.

[Lief Erikson]

*Okay, I probably renamed her when I was thinking the whole thing through more seriously. Sorry for being confusing.*

"A mercenary." She nodded her head slowly. "Figures. They haven't heard from me for quite some time. Take me to this person you've mistaken as Shelina. Now."

His eyes flickered down to her knife once, and then he nodded. "Of course," he said, beginning to turn around and pulling a dart free in the same movement. The same dart that had felled Irid, and with the same potion on it.

Shelina gasped as she looked down at the dart sticking out of her shoulder, her hand quivering suddenly. The dagger fell to the ground and she sank to her knees. Not at all a deep wound, but sufficient.

"Well, whichever of you is Shelina," Arcon said, stepping closer, "I think I can be pretty sure I have her."

[Selwythe]

Then Arcon smote her with a blow, which was purposed to knock out, not to injure.

He carried her back to his small hut, cursing her disruption of his errands. The hut was set in a tangle of trees and was hidden to all except for the keenest of eyes. He opened the door of the hut. It was humble, as he described, for it only had one room and contained naught but a warm bed and a fireplace. The only adornment was the design he had carved on the outside with his knife in the shape of a wyvern, green and wrathful. In this bed he set her down and bound her with ropes. He had better be more vigil this time.

He then closed the door and went to the glade where he had left the supposed Shelina. 'Supposed' it was to him, for he was now very doubtful of her identity. She was in a sleep and he roused her roughly before undoing the bounds on her hands.

She had been rather groggy when he undid the ropes on her hands, but now she awoke with a mad ferocity and immediately clawed at the hands of her captor. She tried to stand up but failed from the ropes on her feet.

Arcon drew back, nursing the trickle of blood on his wrist. His wrath had been aroused, but her trip had reminded him of her vulnerability. He steadied his nerves.

"Calm yourself, for I come for a parley. I am doubtful now if you are Shelina. Tell me who you are and everything you know and I may set you free. But a lie you sayeth and I give you up to the messenger who comes from the north, not before cursing you with words or poison, or both."

[Lief Erikson]

*This is Irid your character is talking to now, correct?*

[Irid al'Menie]

*OOC: Yes, he was talking to me*

Irid shakes her head, a sad smile on her face. She didn't understand why he didn't believe her. There was something he didn't know though.

"As I told you, my name is Irid. I can't see why you don't believe me. But maybe you believe me now."

As she said that, a pack of wolves entered the glade. They all surrounded the two humans. One of them, the leader, came to her and she put her hand on his head. Another one bit through the rope at her feet, so she was free again. One at the time came standing in her neighborhood, untill 20 wolves were standing between her and the man. Behind her were even more wolves. She saw that this man wasn't easily threatened, but now he had a scared look on his face. He turned around and ran to a hut a bit further.

[Selwythe]

Arcon rushed hurriedly to his secret abode. Woeful was his day, and he was beginning to think that this Vardor had cursed him. He looked in and was relieved to see that Shelina was still there, captive and safe. That was his prime concern, this Irid was next, but he had lost her. He had not foreseen that she would be able to call on the aid of wolves, and had panicked thus for his peaceful glade had never been host to so many visitors, but now he kepts his darts ready and his sword unsheathed, ready for a sudden ambush.

Perhaps it was time to resume what he had meant to do. He took out a horn from his coat and blew it long and true. The sound was high and shrill and ancient, for the horn had been given to him by a creature which had lived long. And even now, the giver of this gift gave an answering call from the north.

He gathered more firewood as he waited for its arrival. Night was drawing nigh and it was time to make the fire of the Green Wyvern, wherefore the messenger could come guided by its light. Orpholin he had not found, but Shelina he wanted to rid before his recent ill fortune reached its peak.

All through his toil, his ears rang with what he had heard some time ago.

"My name is Irid"

He remembered that forever, but for the reasons, they are yet untold. For the present, he burned with an unquenchable fire to recapture her, for she had escaped him, and no one had before. But now was not the time, he decided, for she had a powerful escort. Besides, the forest was thick and without a guide familiar to its paths like himself, she would take long to find a way out, if she did at all. She had no food or possessions with her for he had withheld her belongings in the hut and thus he trusted he might find her carcass lying in the forest in the future.

*OOC, what about 1 or 2 of the wolves sacrificing themselves for meat so you have food ;)*

[Irid al'Menie]

*OOC: Really funny. Maybe arcon hasn't heard of such a fenomenon before, but those wolves are my friends :D*

Irid was running with the wolves. After a while they stopped at a glade. Some wolves disappeared, and came back with a small rabit. She knew the ways of the forest, living in one for about her whole life. She was able to get a little fire going, and she had a good meal. Further they ran. She didn't know where she was, but the wolves did. They led her back to the inn, indefatigable as they all were.

She went directly to the room where she knew Tal was in, accompanied by Twofighter, the leader of the wolves. Noone wanted to stop them. She knocked one time, and went right in. She could see the surprised look on his face.

[Lief Erikson]

Shelina woke up slowly, and with a sour taste in her mouth. She looked around herself briefly and tried to stand up, only to fall back on the bed. She frowned as she found that her hands and feet were both bound with rough rope. She looked up at Arcon, who was smiling slightly as he sat on a nearby chair and sharpened his sword. Her dagger was lying on the table.

Then she remembered all, and she looked at him sharply. Hopefully there was a way out of this, but she had to find out who this person was, and who he served. "Mercenary, whom do you serve?"

"You shall see in a short time," he said blandly and continued to sharpen his sword.

"Are you working for a man named Orpholin?" she asked curiously. "Or is it someone else? Please tell me, I'm not going to be escaping anywhere."

[Erewe]

Erewë sat on the branch of a tree above the camp. He was waiting for something. He wasn't sure what. He should be using this time for sleeping, but he knew that something was about to happen.

Grim Wolf left his tent, and walked over to some bushes. He bid a gaurd watching the edge of the camp to leave for a while. Once alone, Grim Wolf emptied himself.

In his perch in the tree, Erewë strung an arrow on his bow, and took aim. Just as he fired, though, Grim wolf bent over to pick up his pants. Erewë swore under his breath as the arrow went wildly into the woods behind Grim wolf. Grim wolf noticed nothing, and, after sending the guard back to the post, re-entered his tent.

Erewë sighed. He had missed his chance. But others would come. Yes, others would come.


--Erewë

*OCC: this is just to let everyone know I'm still here. And also, what does "OCC" stand for?*

[Irid al'Menie]

*OOC: It's not OCC, It's OOC: Out Of Character. If you first have an OOC, and then want to say something back In Character: IC or BIC. Clear enough?*

[Selwythe]

"Orpholin!" Arcon exclamed, nearly dropping the sword he was sharpening. In an instant, he regained his composure and held the sword at Shelina's throat, even as she had done to him some time ago.

"Orpholin, I have been seeking the bearer of that uncouth name. Speak all you know of Orpholin, lest you fall before your time!"

This he had spoken even as the visitor arrived and landed in the nearby glade. It was a green drake, with a barbed tail. It was considered small and weak in draconic standards, (and was thus that Arcon managed to tame him away from his Master in the north) yet still stood at a respectable size, slightly bigger than Arcon. This wyvern was the only being whom Arcon trusted, and very possibly the only dragon ever lived in Arda not working for Morgoth in the north.

Glamdin, for so the dragon was christened by Arcon, saw the pile of firewood in the glade and blew on it in a great burst of breath. The wood caught fire and green wisps of smoke rose into the air. Night was nigh, and one in the woods would need guidance.

[Mathron]

OOC: Well, as apparently Elbreth is still on break, and has not posted in a week, I am going to have to move along the rest of the adventure, perhaps having her catch up later, or something. We will assume that no others, apparently, could be persuaded to join the party, and that the events between Arcon and the others took place over the night. So it should be just approaching morning when Irid bursts in upon Tal.
By the way, Erewe, Grim Wolf left his camp earlier that night, so presumably if you were hunting him, it would be through the woods. :) Be warned, for he is a crafty and dangerous fellow. ~grin~


IC:

As the door bursts open, Tal leapt to his feet, hand drawing a dagger from beside his bed. His hand locked in mid-throw, as he recognized Irid, and he slowly lowered the blade as Dain grumbled and hoisted himself out of bed. Glancing over Irid's scrapes and bruises, Tal raised an eyebrow, and said, "You look to have met some trouble in the night, if I do not guess wrongly."

[Irid al'Menie]

Irid grinned, but it was forced.

"You can say that again. Some guy burst into my room and somehow made me fall unconcious. When I woke up, i was in some forest, tied up, and that guy, i still don't know his name, said i was Shelina, and he didn't believe me when i told him my name, and then later I had to go with him to a hut, but by then the wolves were there, and they helped me escape, and then I ran here. The wolves showed me. And I think he's got someone else, because he said something of not knowing who was the real Shelina."

As she was telling, noone would have noticed she just ran that much. She had a strong constitution, but she didn't know herself why she wasn't out of breath. But that answer, she would find out later. Now it was more important what she had just told.

[Lief Erikson]

Steward frowned. "Shelina. Wasn't that the name of that wounded woman found on the street last night? Yes, I think it was. Well now, perhaps she wasn't the innocent duckling she appeared to be if she's already got people after her."

"That attack probably really was an assassination attempt, then," Dain said in a low voice.

"Probably. And now they're going to try and finish the job."

"Kill her," the mad elf mumbled. "Kill her when you find her, give no mercy. She deserves no better, the sly tongued creature. She has venomous fangs, beware of her. I nearly succeeded in killing her last night, nearly, oh so close. But not, I suppose. Forgive me, El'nela!"






"I know something of him," Shelina said, raising her head slightly and glancing down at the sword blade resting against her slender neck. "And I hunt him." She looked again at the sword blade and sighed. "Very well, I have been commanded by a . . . a person to collect him and take him by force to a certain grove in the forest." She lowered her head slightly in the shame of having been forced to give away information. "Whom do you serve? I have laid bare my mission and goals before you. I'm afraid that I'm not very brave, not like some."

[Selwythe]

Arcon sat down again and resumed sharpening his sword.

"You speak not well enough, lady, who is this person?" he inquired sharply with a sinister smile.

His smile became even more threatening as he mocked the voice of Shelina, "I have been commanded by a . . . a person to collect him and take him by force to a certain grove in the forest."

He got up and paced around her, staring her down.

"That is my mission, and I lay it bare to you. Yet it is also my mission that I find Shelina."

He stopped suddenly and stared coldly at Shelina.

"Why would my employer want you? Could it be he desires you? Or could it be," he retrieved the sword and leant close, "that you work for a rival lord... Speak his name!"

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

Glamdin gave a loud cry in the glade, such that those in the forest might be drawn toward the noise. And this noise the messenger who hired Arcon followed, for it was unmistakably the sound of a drake.

[Lief Erikson]

"I have told you everything I can!" she said, trying to squeeze backwards in the chair.

"No," Arcon said, his smile widening slightly he reached up to touch her neck. "You have already revealed that you have not told everything."

She shuddered at his touch. "There is no rival lord! Orpholin is the only one I can think of who might want me, but never like this!"

"Who do you work for?" he asked, closing his hand gently around her throat. His grip hardened as he pulled her forward. "Whom do you work for?"

"A man named . . . Vardor!" she gasped.






Glamdin glanced to the side as a dark robed figure seemed to materialize out of the darkness. The figure's cowl covered his face, but it was easy to see he was not the messenger from earlier today.

The man glanced at Glamdin briefly, the shadows hiding his expression. He then turned his gaze on the fire, and from there to the hut.

He stood at the entrance of the hut, watching for a moment in perfect silence as Arcon questioned Shelina, smiling in amusement.

[Mathron]

OOC: When did Steward get into Tal and Dain's room, anyway? ;)


Tal narrowed his eyes. "I don't know why they are after the girl. But she obviously has some connection to this one, who seems to know of my sister." He prods the mad elf forward, then glances to Irid. "If you can, take me to where this one led you, and quickly. I should be able to track him easily, and would know what this relates to my quest. We still have some time, if we move now!"

Looking at Steward and Dain, he cries out, "Rouse the others, and head after us, prepared to leave!" Then, he is following Irid out the door, and they fly out into the bright morning light, and into the woods.

[Mouth of Sauron]

*Ok obviously I've been gone far too long. Someone please tell me where my character is, who's he with, and what the heck is going on? :confused: Oh, and if I disappear again for a long time Lief can play my character if it comes down to that.*

[Lief Erikson]

Steward and Dain soon collected An'tiar and Angar, grabbed the mad elf along for the ride as well *And who am I forgetting?* and moved immediately off in pursuit of Tal and Iridal. They moved quickly, and it appeared that the couple had purposely left an easy trail behind them.

Angar led the way however, so that when difficult parts came he could guide them easily through. Steward didn't need Angar's deciphering of the tracks, however. He had not lied about his past in tracking and archery. He sighed slightly at the memories. Memories were always painful to him. There were so many, and he was afraid that in the future there were more still to come.

Angar drew his sword as they got closer. There could be trouble up ahead, although Irid had come a long way. No, they still had quite a ways to go. And even after they got there, he could be little help. He was unarmed, and not a warrior. Not that he truly had to be a warrior. No, he'd decided to go with these people for his own reasons. They were good people, he surmised. Certainly not friendly with Morgoth, and holding them up as a barrier between himself and the shadow of Angband would help him live for that much longer.

"Why do I want to live?" he asked himself silently, and grimaced when the insane elf glanced at him with a slight smile, as if he'd found a kindred spirit. "If I stay alive though, at least I'll not go as mad as you," he whispered fiercely. "Who are you, poor fellow?"

"My name is Erenfor," the mad elf answered. "Not the best of names, but neither is yours. Vardor will never release any of us. He'll hunt us till we are dead. You must know that. Where do we go now?"

"Hunting."

"Orcs?"

"Perhaps."

"My hands will choke their life away. I hope we see them when we arrive," the elf who called himself Erenfor answered.

They ran on in silence for some distance further before the mad elf spoke again. "Angar, give me a sword. I want to slay those who run with evil."

Angar blinked. This was the first time the mad elf had called him by his name. "I cannot give you a sword, we don't have spares."

"I need a weapon."

[Selwythe]

Arcon's hand shot back quickly as he pondered over the logic of that past statement. It had set him thinking. If Vardor was capable of sending someone to harm his own servant, it put him in danger too. His mind flickered to the messenger and he wondered whence he would arrive.

Looking at Shelina, he decided that he had questioned her enough and desired a moment of peace. He set a plate of half-cooked meat in front of her mouth and went outside.

In the background, he had seen Glamdin as expected, hearing his humongous din. He was more interested in this man who stood between them, for his visit was unexpected, being not the same man as the messenger that had talked to him earlier.

[Mathron]

Mouth of Sauron: You actually did not miss much. Tal met up with some others in the evening and they agreed to go with him on the quest. In the night, a kidnapping occured. The one kidnapped escaped, and it was discovered she had been taken by mistake - and the true target, one who seems connected to Tal's history, has been taken. Tal and the rest left in search of them, and you are now with the group, I think.

IC:

Tal darted through the woods after Irid, brushing aside loose branches as he went. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw light grey forms flitting through the woods beside them, and smiled grimly at realizing Irid's companions.

Suddenly, the clustered trees spread out, and the two burst into a clearing. Three figures are within, and Tal recognizes one as the girl they came to find. Irid snarls at one of the men, who is looking upset at their arrival, and his situation, while the other man, a cloaked, hooded figure, simply lightly smiles as the two appear.

A harsh cry brings Tal's attention to the side, where a small drake croaches. Tal's heart grows cold, for though the wyrmling is small compared to the greater of its kind, it is still a deadly, dangerous foe. His blade swings back and forth as he glances between the drake, and the other people, and he hopes the others shall arrive quickly.

Pointing his sword at the one Irid snarled at, Tal said calmly, "You have made a grave mistake today, villain."

[Selwythe]

*OOC, Shelina's in the house all tied up, not outside :P

Arcon stared steelly at the newcomers, even more so at the female, for she it was that escaped his clutches hours ago, yet his memory was not dimmed at all for the passing of time.

"Villian thou deemst me, and just it is, for I deem thee villian for trespassing in my land. Begone and leave this vile maiden here if it suits thy will, for I have some unfinished matters with her," he hissed coldly, unsheathing his sword.

He held his sword firm before him and gave a deep cry, whereupon Glamdin came next to him, ready at his call to attack or be mounted.

"But if you want my hostage," he continued coldly without the pleasantries, "you have my steed and me between you, and hopefully, this traveller whom I have only just met. And you, Irid," he spat, "you'd do well not to call upon your foul creatures again unless they be immune to the dire effects of fire and poison."

[Lief Erikson]

Vardor glanced over the intruders for a moment. They were barely worth thinking about, simply an interruption. "Leave now while you can," he told them coldly. "Stay, and not one of you will be spared. You know not with whom, with what you meddle. Flee now, if you deem your hides worth saving from the fire."

His voice was not arrogant, simply casual confidence.

A semi circle of fire burst up out of the ground around the travelers, blocking them off from their opponents. Glamdin bared his teeth and stepped closer, and Tal began to realize that the odds were certainly not in their favor. But he was not about to turn back yet.

"Leave us, hated Istari!" he snarled at Vardor, who he deemed to be the worker of magic.

"You've only felt the taste of what I can do. Leave now and you will avoid agonized death. You know not what we do, nor why. Mercenary, watch the hut. They may have others creeping around from behind."

Still Tal hesitated, and whisps of fire curled up from Vardor's fingers, twisting into a mechanism of some sort. Then Vardor raised it in his hand and threw it at them. The same why someone else might crush a fly or ant underfoot.

They leapt back, dodging away into the forest. The wolves scrambled, but the semi circle of fire impeded progress. The firey mechanims struck ground and exploded into an inferno. The wolves inside were killed mercifully instantaniously, but the ones further off were not so lucky.

They ran away yelping, their fur all aflame as Irid wept bitter tears for them, trying to shut their pain out of her mind.





Vardor laughed quietly for a moment before turning back to the hut. "That is not the last we'll see of them though, I expect," he told Arcon as he entered the hut.

Shelina's eyes widened at the sight of him, and she cringed against the ropes. "Spare me. I have tried to do as you said, please believe me! Orpholin will be found!"

"Arcon, you misunderstood me, or perhaps my messenger spoke wrong," Vardor said, turning his head to him. "I simply wanted to speak with her. If this is what it took to get her to listen, I am pleased that you did. But if you'd simply told her to meet me here, she would have obeyed." He put his hand on her head, and Shelina winced at his grip.

Arcon's eyes widened with surprise. "Your messenger certainly didn't clarify that."

"But on your hunt for Orpholin," Vardor continued smoothly. "If he causes any trouble, you may resort to any methods necessary to bring him before me alive."

"Then . . ." Shelina looked up at him fearfully. "Will you release me?"

"Perhaps," Vardor said, putting a finger to his chin and looking down at her mockingly. "Perhaps, after you have told me what has kept you so long from reporting. You were not at the meeting place in the grove, last time my messenger was there to hear your report."

"I was wounded," Shelina explained miserably.

"You were wounded yesterday," Vardor asked thoughtfully. "There is a way to be sure. Your wounds wouldn't have gone away overnight."

Reaching down, he unbuttoned her shirt and scanned over the bandages briefly. "Very well," he said, stepping aside. "You were wounded. Now you must tell me, who dared to wound one of my servants? Was it Orpholin?"

"No," she said with a shudder. "He'd never do that to me. Never. It was an elf I met some time ago. His name is Erenfor."

"And he bears a grudge against you. Because of the One Again movement?"

"It has to be."

"You may release her, Arcon."

Arcon stepped forward and unbound her ropes, and she hastened to button her shirt up again. Vardor tossed her her dagger, which she proceeded to return to its sheath.

"You will both be working together now," he told them. "To seek out Orpholin. Shelina knows where the grove is which you must bring him to. Arcon, I believe that you have not received any payment yet, yet you have achieved one of your mission objectives with great dispatch. Here," he said, passing a small pouch of coins to him. "You can expect far more upon the success of your second mission."

[Mathron]

Tal stumbled out of the clearing, dragging Irid behind him. Behind him, he could hear the flames crackling. Breathing harshly, he glanced at Irid, who was moaning at the pain of the wolves' death. Shaking his head, he struggled back.

Moments later, the others came in sight, stopping to stare at the pair in shock. Tal gasped out an explanation, "Some dark sorcerer of Morgoth! I fear the girl is lost to us - his power is far too great for us to deal with!"

The others darted forward, inspecting the two's wounds, but found no real injuries. Dain frowned, and asked, "What did this sorcerer be looking like? I didn't know of any in these parts, and don't like to hear of such business. It bodes ill, indeed."

Tal shook his head. "He was a dark, cloaked figure, and I could make out little of him, nor did I catch a name. I know not who this foe was, but it was surely one beyond our power. I fear we should make way from here as soon as we can, lest he come after us, or cause trouble in these parts."

---


Some miles distant, a figure slipped through the woods with ease. He wore a dark and leathery cloak of some strange material upon his shoulders, and frowned as he passed over the hills. He had sensed another's presence the night before, and felt the eyes upon him today. Someone was tracking him, someone good.

He pulled his cloak tight about his shoulders, his hand resting gently on the sword beneath it as he slowed his pace. Perhaps he should try and lure his stalker out into the open.

Sandor, called the Grim Wolf, did not like to be followed.

[Irid al'Menie]

Tal had let go of Irid, and as he was talking to the others, Irid concentrated on the wolves. The ones still alive came to her, their fur now no longer in fire. She sat down, the wolves all around her, and she tried to comfort them a little, but moaning herself for the death of her friends. In time, the wounds of the wolves would heal, but it was always hard to accept dead, for all wolves. 9 were killed in the fire. Among them was Twofighter, leader of the pack, and her best friend.

"That man will pay for what he did!"

She didn't see how the others looked strange at her.

[Selwythe]

Arcon pocketed the bag of coins, with a parting shot.

"You hire servants who are but servants of words, Vardor. I had no orientation from your messenger on how to go about this quest. But goodbye O mighty one, and fare ye back swiftly to wherever you need to go and whatever you need to do. I am confident we will fare out of this place before they muster a force, for with the number of intruders here today, my abode is no longer safe."

The door slammed shut as Arcon sent Vardor out the door. He turned around and stared suspiciously at Shelina.

"Your master surprises me in his choice of defenceless fair maidens," he sneered. "But I suppose we are allies now. Tell me who this Orpholin is, and the Once Again movement, lest Glamdin my pyromaniac friend be hungry. Speak swift, and gather thy belongings while you do, for I want to leave before the first light of dawn, and pray ye that Glamdin does not find you too much of a nuisance when we do."

[Lief Erikson]

"Stop saying that," she snapped. "The One Again movement took place long ago. It was a planned revolt involving hundreds of slaves. Their leaders were captured and punished, and there's an end to it." She leaned over and began to put her scattered belongings back into the pack where they'd started.

"Orpholin," she continued, "Was born on Mount Dolmed many years ago. I'm not sure how old he is. He grew up in a small village along the outskirts, and acted there as a tracker and hunter. Orcs attacked when he was somewhere in his twenties, and he fled the village. They pursued . . . him for some time, but he escaped and became unknown to them. Since then he has learned a good deal about the art of fortune telling, and has used that to earn money, travelling from town to town attracting incomers with his knowledge of the future.

"Now I'm ready to go," she said, slinging the pack over her shoulder. "Are you?"

[Selwythe]

*OOC, oh. so HE is Orpholin, hoho. When I first started, I planned for Orpholin to be Arcon but now, I'll play along.*

"Am I ready?" Arcon asked in disbelief. "Long was I ready, we shall leave now!"

He brought her out to the glade where Glamdin was waiting. He spoke in hushed tones to the wyvern and turned to Shelina with a strange smile.

"No rider Glamdin has borne but for me, and only once. You are welcome to risk falling a league from the skies or a dogfight with the Eagles, or you can walk out through the forest and get captured or starved to death."

"Why can you not lead me through the forest?" Shelina replied, annoyed.

"I am leaving by air. You are welcome to join me," and saying that, Arcon leaped and climbed on top of the drake. Shelina came hesitantly, and Arcon reluctantly pulled her up. On feeling her weight, Glamdin gave a huge roar which seemed to shake the trees from their roots. Then he flew into the air, leaving Shelina screaming in fright. Arcon did not look unfazed, but deep in his hood, one could see that his face had turned unusually white.

Then Glamdin spun around and looked at the direction of the hut. He opened his mouth and unleashed a ball of fire, which burned the woods around the hut. A few minutes more and it would cease to exist. Then the drake rose higher into the air and became a small speck in the sky.

[Lief Erikson]

"How long?" Shelina asked, glancing down nervously at the enormous drop. She clutched the dragon's scales tighter, but it didn't seem to either notice or mind.

"A half hour to clear out of the forest. After that we can land again."

"How do you intend to go about searching for Orpholin? The last I heard of him, he was reported to have gone to Edlyn. We could be moving away from our only lead. Then again, some of the most powerful warriors they have are going out on a quest. Orpholin might join with them, seeking their protection. Which area will you cover?"

[Mathron]

Tal looks around, and sighs angrily.

"It looks as though we must start upon our path. Perhaps more will be revealed of who that foe was, but for now, we must try and find the orcish camp. They are a small band, right now, but still dangerous and more plentiful than us. If we start now, and they remain where they are, we should come upon them tommorow evening. If, as is likely, they have already set out, we shall hopefully reach them the night after that. And then... well, we shall see what we can do when that time comes."

He trails off, and then, eyes flashing, looks back to the group, his mouth set in a grim line. "Let us be off!"

[Tessar]

so ummmmm where is there a good place for a 12 year old elf to join the party? I want to join but id reallllly like it if some one could help me by giving me an intro (if you dont know who i am you can look me up on the carectros post im the elf tessar twelveblade) can some one do that for me pleasssss?

[Elbreth of Carhouth]

**Sorry to dissappear like that all the time. I was back, but didn't get a chance on the net before going on holidays for a week. Now I'm back for a few days, then off to school where (hopefully) I'll get back on every week. Mathron, I want you to keep An' tiar running for me when its needed and I can't get here... ok? :) And here's your intro Tesserract... love your name by the way**

An'tiar wasn't quite sure of the company she kept, but wasn't that usually the case? She did know, for some reason, that she could trust Dain. Strange little man that he was, she'd learned to trust her instincts.
Sigh, An'tiar leaned heavily against a tree, just a short distance from the rest of the group. What ever is to be done? And wherefore have I gone and messed myself up in such as this?
She sat up suddenly as she heard someone behind her, ducking her head causiously around the tree, she came face to face with a small... well... face. Pointed ears, fair hair, wide eyes, just a young'un after all. Their mutual startled expressions both melted to laughter as each realized the other meant no harm.

**Now, may I ask, where are we going and what is this quest? It would seem Dain has recruited An'tiar for something. She doesn't mind, I would just like to know the general gist of the plot.**

[Tessar]

(thanks for the intro)

"Hellow my name is Tessar Twelveblade can you help me? Im on the run from a band of orks they killed my parents but I got away." sudenly an ork jumped out of the bushes behined the elf

"ahhhh there you are littil one now i have got you!" the ork sayed, then, notesing the girl behined the boy he turned to run because he was a coward at hart but loved to buly those he thought were weker than him self. but he was to slow! the elf seeing there was only one and that the ork wasent paying any attintion to him started twerling his staff and then yelled "eliment of fire come to my aid!" there was a loud booming sound and a fire ball apeared in the elfs hand where the staff had been before
the elf boy threw the fire ball at the ork but missed, the ork got away the boy sighed and mutered sompthing about improving his aim. the fire ball dissapered and the staff re apered in the boys hand. "well that was one of them but there will be more" he sighed "may i stay with you for the night? I have been running from these orks for two days and havent sleppt in three".

(is that ok? I have never been in an rpg before so that was my first atempt)

[Mathron]

Elbreth - ok, I shall do that! Right now the group is hunting a band of mercenary's led by one called the Grim Wolf, who have a number of slaves (including Tal's sister.)

Tesseract - Sure, that looks like a great entry! Just try to remember we don't want too much power in the adventure, so try to limit the fireball hurling and such. :) Glad to have you along, though!

[Tessar]

Ok thanks for ponting that out to me (all I wanted was a cool carector but nooooo) lol im just kidding. if any one cares to look I modifyed my carector to be less cool ummmm I mean less unrealistic :)

[Irid al'Menie]

*I've never seen An'tiar, is that right?*

As Irid and the rest got to the others, she saw some new faces.

"Ok, Tal, who is that? Is that one of the others, or what. And the little brad?"
"Yes, that's An'tiar. I haven't seen the boy before."

Irid looked a bit better to the boy. It was an elf, but a very young one, even much younger then herself. As she spoke to him, her voice went a little softer, as if she knew that she had spoken too hard.

"Sorry for being a bit rude. I've recently lost some friends of mine."

At that moment, 3 orcs jumped out of the bushes. Emediatly, she drew her sword, and as Tal took care of the one at one side of hers, she saw that the other one was killed by the wolves. When it was over, the wolves came and sat next to her.

"Well, you must be an important boy, if those losers were after you. Tell me, how does that come?"

[Tessar]

ooc: ookkkkaaaayyyy think fast lol.

"Well ummmm" *how much can I tell them?* the boy wandered
*just make sompthing up* "well you see my parents were both powerfull wizerds so I guess they thought that ummmmm well uhhhh" *oh good job braniac. think fast* "ummm well they might maybe think I hade sompthing of grate value which of corse I dont I mean what would a kid like me be doing with sompthing like a magic gym I mean its just totly imposebul and whel ummm ahhhhh you seeeee we werrrrr really just ummmmmm" the boy was sweting profusly and blurted out "WE WERE GOING TO VISIT MY UNCUL! REALLY I DONT HAVE A MAGIC GYM AND I NEVER HAVE!" *they didnt buy it* the others stared at him with lookes that sayed "nice try but no dice" the boy looked gloomy "oh well i guess i alredy told you why the orks are chasing us im not a very good lier i have never had to lie before"

OOC: ok im making this up cus this is all i could think of. magic gyms are like a power boost for magishans so it was important that the bad guys didnt get it.

[Irid al'Menie]

*ok, sure :D*

Irid shook her head. The boy's last statement was pretty obvious. She turned to the new chosen leader of the wolfpack, asking him to let some wolves search the area to look for other orcs. Some wolves ran into the forest.

"No matter why they chased you. They did, so that probably means you're not one of His servants, though I couldn't have imagined that from another elf. But the decision is up to you, Tal. Do we protect him, yes or no?"

[Selwythe]

Arcon looked inquisitively into Shelina's eyes, not an easy feat being a league high in the air.

"A quest? From Edlyn? What do you know of this?"

"I have no idea."

Arcon thought over that.

"Quests, either they head for the Iron Fortress in the north or they seek to disperse a scatter of broodlings," he wondered aloud. Turning once more to Shelina with an urgency, "Tell me, who and where are the Dark Lord's allies in these parts?"

[Lief Erikson]

Shelina glanced down at the trees below. "I'm not sure about most of them, but I know there's a large orcish band two leagues that way," she pointed off to the right. "There are smaller bands here and there dotting the forest, but that's the main one. Vardor does not command very many troops in these parts, he never was one for large bulky armies unless there was a serious need for them. These are under the command of some other general of Morgoth's possibly coming with the goal of wiping Edlyn out. It is the closest enemy held fortress in the area, and he might consider it worth heavy losses to wipe it out. Having it there is a bit of an embaressment," she added with a small smile.






Erenfor turned his gaze towards the boy who'd just entered the clearing, and his eyes narrowed. "Spies come in all shapes and sizes. Never trust again. Not after her. Should have killed her when I last saw her; but I tried, seriously, El'nela."

He glanced warily at the boy again, but the young fellow seemed to have fallen into conversation with the wolf maiden. She could be trusted, he was pretty sure of that. If no one else, she could be trusted. What was her name? He'd heard it before . . . His memory drifted away from the topic, back to past circumstances, as it was want to do.

"El'nela, we should not have trusted Shelina," he whispered. "We hunt you, but the crimes that have been done cannot be forgiven. NOOO!"

The orcs lunged forward, smacking aside the other slaves. The slaves around Erenfor drew their swords, their resistance, as prepared by El'nela and Erenfor had been well planned and supplied. How had this happened? Their plans had been so perfect!

Erenfor was unarmed, as was El'nela. Quickly he put himself in front of her, to protect her. He had grown to care for her more over the past three weeks they'd spent together.

Reaching out, he seized a poker from the fire and held it in front of him, as he would have a sword when he'd been Guard Warrior in Doriath. A prisoner he had become, taken during its fall. But he could wield any weapon available to him with deadly effect. "COME NEAR, ORCS! COME TO ME AND MEET YOUR DEATH!"

The orcs fell back, glancing at each other in worry. The last, the strongest of the slaves gathered around Erenfor, their leader.

A man in black robes stepped out of the crowd, turning his eyes like twin icycles upon Erenfor's face. "You have long escaped notice, Guard Warrior. Your rank was unknown until recently, but that was not the only thing which had cast suspicion upon you."

"Vardor," Erenfor breathed. "I should have known you'd lead this scum."

"My name is known to you?" the man in black asked in surprise. "Just as well. Orcs, attack. But I want those two alive," he said, pointing a finger.

The orcs lunged, and Erenfor fought on in the blind heat of the battle. "For Doriath!" he screamed, his voice hoarse and the weight of numbers bearing him down. He stabbed, and that was one less body clawing at him. He gouged an eye, a leg, and arm. Another body released its grip. "For Doriath! For honor and for Doriath!" The weight of bodies crushed him.

Erenfor grimaced in pain. "For Doriath," he mumbled. "For Doriath. For honor and for Doriath. El'nela! You think you can hide your identity from me, Vardor?" he asked, tears beginning to leak out of his eyes. "No, I identified you. If only I had died with the others!"

Tal looked at him oddly.

[Elbreth of Carhouth]

"He can stay with me," An'tiar spoke bluntly. It was far from her wont to speak aloud when the others were around, it made her uncomfortable.
The others looked at An'tiar oddly, she was a malingerer, they thought. No one really knew why she'd joined the group, she just kind of tagged along. Well, if the elf-lad was staying with her, he couldn't be that much trouble.... could he?

[Tessar]

"Well I guess you all want to see the Magic Gem?" the elf boy sayed. As he sayed that he reached inside his cloke and puled out a deep blue gym which showen with an inner light
"my parents were going to give this to some one but I dont know who they never told me" "how did you come by it if it was your parents?" asked Tal "well I wanted to see what it looked like so I took it whill my parents were asleep and as i was looking at it we were atacked" the boy sayed. then turning to An'tiar he thanked her for leting him go with them.

[Selwythe]

Arcon drooped his head sideways in concentration and hissed softly to the drake.

"We fare east, my precious, and keep thy gleaming eyes peeled for enemies abound."

[Mathron]

Tal shakes his head as he shoulders his pack, and looks over the group once more. The boy was young, but it seemed like he could contribute enough, as it were. And it seemed nowhere was safe, anyway.

He glanced behind him to see the boy chatting, excitedly, with Antiar and Dain, and Tal smiled softly. The dwarf was much more of a cheerful spirit than Tal was, though few would guess that at first.

Tal turned, in silence, while the other's talked and followed, and walked onward, waiting for dark to come.

[Irid al'Menie]

Irid saw Tal walking alone. She left the boy with Antiar, and walked next to him. He didn't seem to be in a mood to speak, so she didn't say anything, just walked besides him, her hand on the head of Runner, the new leader of the Wolves. Behind them, the sounds were happy.

[Lief Erikson]

"What are your plans?" Shelina queried as they flew farther, and the dragon began to get closer to the ground. "And where exactly are we going?"





Steward glanced at the boy who was traveling with them and shrugged. Although he didn't entirely trust the child, An'tiar and Dain certainly appeared to have taken a liking to him. They didn't seem to realize as yet that spies for Morgoth came in all shapes and sizes. The kid would bear watching. As would the insane elf. He still had the worry that Erenfor might stab them all in their sleep, thinking they were orcs.

And there was peril ahead of them and peril behind. Steward sighed and rubbed his forehead with a gnarled hand. "Are the adventures and quests always this way?" he asked himself quietly.

[Tessar]

The boy was happer than he had been in a long time. the dwarf seemed to like him and the boy certanly liked him and the dwarf had some interesting storys to tell. An'tiar was interesting as well but she wasent as talkative as the dwarf. *how odd that a dwarf should like an elf so much* he thought *now now lets not be to set mineded its just MOST dwarfs that dont realy like elves not all dwarfs* sudenly the boy felt a hand grab him from behinde and yank him back wards! the boy tryed to yell but a hand went over his mouth "now Iv got you you littel spy" hissed the mad elf "you wont be spying on us any more" an arm slid around his neck and sckweesed. th elf strugeled but he was not very strong and so his strugels had no efect sudenly he grabed his dagger and it was a small elf blade (it looked a lot like sting but it isent you see i think that ther was more than one of that kind but dont worry im not making him super powerful, he dosent know how to use it properly) he grabed his dagger and stabed behined him but the elf grabed it with his free hand and put it aside the world was going dark when the boy mutered the magic words "help help" (ok yes i got that from the game. so sue me lol) but insted of a muter when the words reached the company the sounded more like a yell. every one turend arund and saw the mad elf strangeling the boy!

OOC: hey dont ask me how the mad elf got free maybe he has a dagger or sompthing.:D

[Selwythe]

Arcon stared at Shelina mockingly.

"You have a short memory. You it was who pointed out this territory towards me, where the Orcs have their camp."

Glamdin landed on the ground in another forest and Arcon and Shelina hastily climbed down. Shelina quickly clambered a little further from the drake but Arcon whispered to it and he came forth with Glamdin.

"We shall have eyes in the sky. Glamdin will look out for Orpholin, he whom your master hates." Then he scowled coldly. "But we are in the company of Orcs. Never have I borne any love of them, for they deprived me of a cheerful childhood and life. Nay, I shall take to the skies with him and await the tidings you bring when you return to this glade."

Justified was his claim, for the years passed had failed to dim his burning hatred of the Orcs, the vile creatures who had razed his hometown to the ground and supposedly killed all its inhabitants and his kin. The vile creatures...never had he spared any he met and now he doubted the credibility for his quest, for he was now allies with them. Yet also in his mind, he was amused that a young maiden like Shelina would journey into the company of Orcs alone.

He mounted Glamdin and cautiously started to leave.

*OOC, hey can I replace and continue Folstan? I just had some ideas to write him into the roleplay and the ending.*

[Lief Erikson]

Shelina scowled at Arcon's back. So he'd brought her here simply to drop her off ? She could get along plenty well without the assistance of orcs, it had been Arcon who brought them up in the first place. Well if he wanted to split up like this, and without asking her, fine. She could get along plenty well without him. She'd been assigned this mission alone in the start, she could continue it alone.

She fingered her dagger's hilt and scowled at the leering orcs as they stepped closer. "Keep back. I am trained by Morgoth's servants and work for them. If you harm me, you will anger him."

One of them laughed as it stepped closer. A foul, guttural noise.

Shelina's old fear dragged itself up, and only with great effort did she manage to squeeze it down again. But she was on the verge of panic. She had been brought through terror and out again too frequently for it to simply go away, and she could feel the flashbacks preparing to come back. Of these horrible creatures, as they tortured her . . .

She pressed down the memories desperately, trying to forget, to focus. If she did not, she was lost. "Have you ever heard of a dragon not serving Morgoth? And how often is it that dragons allow themselves to be ridden, even by servants of Morgoth? Only someone with rank and importance would be allowed such. And there are other ways to prove it.

"Do you serve the Dark Lord loyally, or no? Are you the treacherous swine you're leading me to believe you to be, hindering one of the Dark Lord's servants? I seek a man named Orpholin, who is an enemy of Morgoth. Do you know of his whereabouts?"

"No," one of them said slowly in the orcish tongue. He looked at his comrade hesitantly, apparently uncertain now. Best to keep it that way.

She drew her dagger and took a step closer, a menacing glint in her eye. "Search your memory, vermin. Search it hard and closely, and pray that you succeed."

The orc looked even more uncertain. He was used to terrorizing people like her, and being spoken to in this manner was totally different from everything he was used to. "Now listen . . ." he growled, but cut off sharply with a strangled sound as she raised the dagger's point to his chin.

A small flicker of confidence flashed through Shelina. These brutes were cowards at heart. Most of them, anyway, and she was lucky enough to have met one of the weaklings.

"No, I've never heard the name Orpholin! Never!" he lowered himself to his knees, his eyes wild with fear.

His comrade looked hesitant to.

"What's this? You allow yourselves to be faced down by the slip of a girl?" A man stepped into the clearing, covered from head to foot in dark armor. But there was something else about him that made him a man to be feared.

The orcs backed away from him and he stepped forward. "What has discipline come to?" he asked calmly.

"Who are you?" Shelina asked quietly, lowering her dagger from the orc's throat.

"You can call me Grim Wolf," the tall man answered. "I serve the Dark Lord to, in my own way. I am simply passing through, and I am, shall I say, surprised to see someone like you facing these down," he said, motioning to the orcs.

"You aren't their captain?" Shelina asked in surprise, and the man laughed.

"No, hardly that." He extended an arm. "Come here, and we will talk."



*She will tell him the truth about her mission without any need for persuasion.*

[Selwythe]

Arcon watched Shelina till she was out of sight. Then he dismounted and climbed swiftly up a tree. Glamdin, he had long instructed to circle the skies and espy a company of travellers and thus did Glamdin finally take flight. But Arcon, he climbed cautiously from tree to tree after the path of Shelina.

Thus did he finally arrive at the clearing and see Shelina talking with a thickset armoured man. The man, he did not care, but he looked at the Orcs and a burning hatred was rekindled in his heart. They, destructors of his childhood, tainters of his sanctity, tormenters of his mind, body and soul since the beginning of his time. He stared coldly at them without emotion and he was overwhelmed by his sadness, that which he had buried long in his mind for it nearly drove him mad.

He withdrew a dart and flicked it at a kneeling Orc. Curse this mission for now, he thought darkly, he had a bone to pick with these foul broodlings, and perhaps only a whole host of dead Orcs could satisfy his bloodlust.

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

The Orc fell to the ground, a poisoned dart stuck in his neck. It was merciless, for the dart was thrown at a strength to torture to death, not a quick and easy kill. He spasmed and squirmed on the ground and clutched his black heart. Then he gave a huge yell, that of one who leaves the Circles of the World, and moved no more.

[Mathron]

OOC: Selwythe, I don't think anyone would mind if you took up Folstan. Feel free to do so!

IC:

Grim Wolf led Shelina to a small clearing, out of sight of the orcs, who looked in fear at both of the travelers, and kept their distance.

Turning back to Shelina, he crossed his arms, and said, "Tell me, then, of what your mission is. I doubt you will find the help you need from this ragged bunch, and though time is precious, I may be able to lend aid."

[Mathron]

Tal siezed the mad elf, restraining the man as he cried out, babbling. With a grunt, Tal lifted him off the ground, and held the flailing form their until it calmed down. Dropping him back to the ground, Tal grimaced, and turned to Dain.

"This one is becoming dangerous. See to it he is restrained and watched from here out."

Dain nodded, grabbing some rope from his back, and hoisting up the limp form of the elf, who had apparently falling into unconsciousness. Shaking his head, he bound the elf's arms, and tossed him over one shoulder before the group continued on.

[Tessar]

finaly! thank you my littel carector was running out of air!

[Lief Erikson]

Shelina hesitated for a moment, but the need for another companion overcame worry about what she was saying reaching wrong ears. "I was sent by a man named Vardor, a servant of Morgoth, to seek out someone named Orpholin. Vardor has a personal grievance against him of some sort, but he told me that he'd be in these parts. Orpholin is an old man, his precise age I know not. I'd know him on sight; one of the reasons I was chosen for this mission. We've been able to certify that he is either in the village of Edlyn, or he is travelling with a group of people out on a quest. I am going to seek out the latter and see if Orpholin is with them. Probably revealing myself, my appearance is an added protection. But your help would certainly be helpful. Orpholin might put up a stiff fight; either that or his friends might pursue and have to be done away with. I was planning to get Orpholin out of the camp, and then take him to the location designated by Vardor. Having you helping me by slowing down the pursuers would be very helpful."






Erenfor strained at the ropes, grimacing in anger at Dain. He had been a strong elf, and skilled. Strength and skill come to this! Slung over a dwarf's back like a sack of rocks.

"You forget my training," Erenfor sniggered. "But I forget it myself. What's the point in having training if you can't even remember it? El'nela will flay you for this. Either that or Vardor will. Enemy come in all shapes and sizes; you can never trust."

Steward rolled his eyes and tried to shut out the insane babbling. It appeared to be having some affect on Tal, though. The man wanted news of his sister, and the only one who could give it was insane; incapable of giving anything useful.

"If we rescue El'nela, what's left of her, perhaps the blankness that fills my mind will break to pieces. Perhaps I'll be able to think again," Erenfor wept softly to himself. "I tried to protect El'nela, but there were simply to many of them! The One Again movement collapsed on the verge of victory! Just two more nights! In two more nights we will be ready to make our attack! Just give me two more nights!"

Steward tried again to shut out the insistent voice of the elf, and Erenfor drifted off into quiet mumblings about two nights and Vardor.

[Selwythe]

Arcon stared at the dead Orc, and his breathing slowed. Temporarily was his wrath sustained, but now he was on the verge of flaring as he saw the Orcs running to the fallen Orc, cursing loudly in their uncouth tongue. He looked away and realised that Shelina and the man had left. He berated himself silently. She would have to depend on her own now, good riddance, he thought, as he made his way out of the clearing through the trees, back where he came from.

Then did he suddenly discern a great roar. He saw Glamdin at a distance and jumped down from the tree. Then did he run towards Glamdin at great haste and silence, worried at what he had found. He loosed his sword and picked out a handful of poisoned darts from his pouch, holding three in each hand.

Thus did he suddenly jump out from the forest into a dirt track, and landed in front of a man whom he knew by sight, yet not by name. He had an elf slung over his shoulder and behind him was a small following, but he did not look closely at the followers, for his sight was directed on the man who carried the elf.

"Villian, we meet again," Arcon said darkly as he unsheathed his sword.

In the sky, Glamdin flew threateningly low, steaming the air with his hot breath.

[Lief Erikson]

Steward turned his head in surprise as the man leapt from the underbrush, and his eyes flicked over the man. He'd seen him once, in the inn.

"Villains you call us?" Steward retorted. "You'd best mind your tongue. What we do is for a noble cause, more so than any you have ever done or been on."

Tal and Angar stepped to Dain's side, and for once Steward regretted that he had not accepted a bow and arrows.

"Come, come," Arcon taunted. "Allies? I could take any of you in single combat."

"Well for us then that we'll not give you the chance," Tal said, lunging on the last word, his sword aimed for Arcon's heart.

[Irid al'Menie]

As Tal attacked, Irid quickly called the other wolves. Now they were circling around, fighting-lust in their eyes. This was one men they had seen there, in the hut, where so many brothers and sisters were killed. Irid tried to keep them from attacking the man. If she was taken out of her concentration for 1 moment, she wouldn't be able to stop the wolves.

[Selwythe]

Arcon parried the shot with his sword at the last moment but staggered backwards and fell to the ground. He clutched his sword-arm.

Tal advanced but Arcon quickly flung out his right hand and three darts flew out, narrowly missing Tal for he dodged quickly. Then did Arcon jump up and bear down on Tal as he got distracted from the darts. He only managed to kick him in the side before jumping back to avoid a Dark Elf and Dwarf who had come to their friend's aid. He stared steely at them and spoke in a brooding voice.

"I speak only to this foul elf who carries his own kind and is a destroyer of peaceful abodes. Stay out, old man, and you may perhaps see the light of tomorrow. And you," he turned to the figure in dark raiment. "I saw you in the inn in Edlyn, bearing an Elf in bounds and walking secretively. Sadly," he shook his head mockingly, "it appears you have fallen into bad company. And you," he turned to the Dwarf this time, "it surprises me to see you in the company of Elves for when I last heard, your kindred was estranged with them and got..."

His smile vanished quickly as the dwarf swung an axe at his head, but he ducked, leaving him open to a strike by the Dark Elf. Yet he only hit him with the handle and Arcon flew backwards, tasting blood on his lip. He dabbed it with his fingers and smeared it on his face, cursing darkly.

"I have heard of the valour and nobility of the people of the South, yet I have never believed these fairy tales. And thus are my beliefs confirmed this very day, for never had I thought I would see a whole band of travellers gang up to strike a single man."

Then Arcon picked himself up and stumbled a little but he held their stare rigidly. Then did he withdraw and blow his horn. Glamdin overhead gave an answering call and unleashed his wrath. For a moment, the woods around them burst into visions of fire, but the smoke cleared soon and the fire burned itself to naught. But Arcon was out of sight, for he had hidden behind a bush in the chaos.

The company began looking for him. Too far were they from his spot, and he could escape easily but then did he behold that wretched female elf again. What was her name? Ah yes, Irid. Her eyes were closed and she appeared to be in deep concentration. He looked at her for a while then unable to resist, shot a dart at her, unaware of the peril this would cause.

The dart flew straight and true at Irid. It was aimed at her neck and would reach her before she had time to react.

[Mathron]

A wolf bounded forth, into the dart's path, and the wicked barb sank deep into its flesh. It cried out with a mournful howl, and Irid turned to it, eyes wide, as it collapsed on the ground in pain. Tal quickly glanced towards where the dart had come, and cried out for the others to give chase as their foe fled off into the wild brush of the woods.

---

Grim Wolf crossed his arms at Shelina's tale, and then said, "I suppose it will do me no ill to lend aid to you, for I have made better time than I supposed. If your cause truly serves Mordor, it would be in my best interests to aid it, truly."

He trailed off, looking again at Shelina, and shaking his head, as though upset with something. He opens his mouth, as though to ask a question, when the sounds of battle suddenly echo through the woods.

"What... the orcs?" the darkhaired man wondered aloud, before his eyes grew cold and hard, and he said, "Whatever disturbance this is, it bodes not well. Let us investigate."

[Irid al'Menie]

Irid awakes from her concentration by a wolf leaping in front of her, a dart in it's body. It is Jumper. At least, that's the name she gave to him, belonging with the image she has of him. He didn't die yet, and she tries to heal him, but the dart has gone too deep in the flesh of the wolf, and to stop his agony, she takes her daggar. Then she sends the image to all the wolves, and they all begin the hunt, now really searching the Killer, and not held back by Irid. He had already fled deeper in the forest, so they started running, Irid running with them. Before, she knew it wasn't him that killed the other wolves, though he was the one who captured her. But she didn't let those personal feelings influence her, until now. Now he had killed one of her friends, and he would pay for it.
The hunting wolves didn't make any sound. Quiet, but fast as lightning, they ran through the forest, grey shadows against a field of brown.

[Lief Erikson]

Shelina followed Grim Wolf closely, her dagger now drawn in her hand. As if it would do much good against trained swordsmen. She'd have to rely on the Grim Wolf to protect her if it came to fighting, and she didn't trust him. But he would help her, and he had assisted her back in the clearing with the orcs. If he could help her to accomplish this mission, perhaps Vardor would finally release her.

She laughed bitterly to herself. Release her? Who ever heard of Vardor releasing anyone, except in death when his use for them was gone. No, but she had to continue serving him, if only to make her death, when it came that much less painful.

The howling of hunting wolves grew nearer and she and Grim Wolf dodged away into the trees.

"I thought wolves served the Shadow?" she asked quietly after the hunting party had passed.

"Not these wolves," was the equally soft answer. "Wargs do, but these wolves are . . . different."

Perhaps it was for the best that I split up with Arcon, she thought to herself. And good riddance. If this is the only way he knows to catch a prisoner, I'm far better off without him. "The company is hunting right now," she said out loud. "Joining them now would not be a good idea. Perhaps after this hunt of theirs is over would be a better time, when they're more calm. I wouldn't like to lose my head before they even see who it is they're striking."

[Mathron]

Grim Wolf watched quietly, hidden on an outcrop, as the wolves and adventurer's passed below.

"Wolves serve only themselves and their pack," he mused, and then turned to Shelina.

"Do you know who those were, or who they were chasing? I did not catch sight of the one fleeing, but they seemed very interested in catching him."

[Tessar]

Grim wolf was about to folow the groop when suddenly huffing and puffing behined the groop came a young elf muttering to him self "slow down I sayd but nooooooo they just chareged on ahaed with out me oh well. any wayes i cant run any more im wayyyyy to tired" and so saying he sat down right infront of grim and shilana! "ohhhhh thats mutch better guess ill just weght hear for them to come back". grim wolf was half thinking about killing the boy when the elf jumped up and spun around with a yell drawing his dagger! "hey! who are you and why are you watching me?!".

[Selwythe]

Arcon ran along the dirt track but he was unable to shake them off due to the visibility of the path. Pausing for a breath, he cut into the woods at the side of the path, before getting pinned to the ground. He yelled and struggles and shook this being off and picked himself up but another jumped out at him. He dodged and caught in a glance for the first time his attackers, wolves, numerous enough to be counted a pack. It was that Irid again, he cursed, and this time she had loosed a whole army upon him alone.

He drew his sword and fought off as many as he could, yet he did not pierce them for some reason but only used the sword to fend them off. Deeper he journeyed into the woods and greater the number of the wolves, and finally his strength failed him. He was pinned to the ground as another wolf snapped at his left arm. Like the savage beasts they were, all of them jumped on him and started scavenging his body.

Arcon felt his consciousness fade as the blood trickled down his face but right before he gave up hope, his right hand strayed to his bloodied left arm, feeling the skin and carnage there, for the sleeve was ripped. Then did he clutch upon the bracelet upon his wrist, and for a moment, he felt detached from what was happening.

In the sky, Glamdin suddenly stooped and loosed fire upon the assailants. So numerous were the wolves that they completely covered Arcon's body and shielded him from the blast. A great part of these wolves fell back in dismay, with singed fur and incurred wrath, but some fell to the ground a writhing, burning mass.

Arcon summoned his strength and got up. He stumbled to a tree and climbed up it, leaving a trail of red behind him. The wolves immediately surrounded the tree, barking loudly up at him, but for now he was safe. Then did Glamdin stoop once again and spit another barrage of fire. He watched while fingering the bracelet as the wolves scampered around in confusion.

The smoke finally cleared and Arcon saw that the wolves had either fled or died. Yet that did not delight him, for he had had dealings with wolves in his outings and respected them. He stared glazedly at the carnage below before his last ounce of strength finally left him. He fell from the tree and on to the ground.

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

Glamdin looked down at his master's form. He was bleeding profusely, with several cuts on his face. His sleeves were ripped and his dark-green raiment had turned largely dark red. Then did Glamdin stoop again and seek to bear his master's form away but an arrow shot through the trees and impaled him in the side. It could not pierce his hide, but it hurt him. Glamdin flew away, his presence rid for a while.

[Irid al'Menie]

Irid cried. She wasn't ashamed of it, for the second time that day she had lost friends in fire. She guided the remaining wolves to the nearest river, where the fire was put out. They all howled for the loss of their friends. During the hunt, other wolves had joined, and now the howl could be heard through all of the wood. She sweared that Arcon would never again feel safe in a wood where there were wolves. But they wouldn't kill him, not a chance of that. He would live in fear of wolves a long time. Every time he would come in a forest, the wolves would be there. Watching, howling. She'd make sure that would happen. This time he had gone too far. He would Pay.

[Lief Erikson]

Shelina arched an eyebrow. "That you sat down in front of us is the primary reason. Come," she said, taking Grim Wolf by the arm and standing up. "That's the last of them." Suddenly however, she took a closer look at the boy, her interest rekindled. "But what about you, boy? You journey with these people who just ran across our path. We paused to let them continue the chase, it is none of our affair. But who are they chasing?"

Grim Wolf crossed his arms and glanced down at the boy, his gaze ice. The boy shuddered slightly at his appearance, his hand going to his staff's haft.

A smile quirked the other man's lip, but it vanished so quickly it might never have been.

"Well?" Shelina asked in as gentle a voice she could manage, hoping that this wouldn't come to violence. The boy would be far better help giving information freely than spouting blood on the ground.

[Tessar]

"I have no idea who thay are chasing" the boy answerd, nervisly fingering his dagger. *sompthing about this man is making me feel jumpy. but dont be a fool he wont hurt you* the boy looked grim wolf in the eye, or at least he tryed to but he had to look away after a secont "who are you? and why are you so interested in my companions?" *hummmm if im not right ill look like a fool but i want to know who these people are* "your from mordor arn't you?" he asked.

[Selwythe]

*OOC, the enemy is in Angband/Thangorodrim/Utumno, not Mordor ;) And please, capture me.*

[Tessar]

OOC* yes i know. but the mordor thingy is just cuse the boy knows very littel about it.

[Mathron]

OOC: Well, Mordor doesn't exist yet, which is why the question is odd. ;) And just about everyone will know of Angband, I'm sure. Don't worry, I almost slipped up a few posts back and said Mordor too. ~grin~

IC:

Grim Wolf paused, for a moment, then said, "Why don't you call me Sandor? As for where I am from... many places. As for my interest, I rarely see people running on such a vicious chase through the woods, and it sparked my curiousity, shall we say. I am set to meet someone near here, and did not expect the region to suddenly become so... crowded."

[Tessar]

OOC* hu no mordor?! what kind of place is this! im leaving! :p
lol im just kidding. i didnt know there was no mordor hehe sorry
oh well atleast im a good littel boy:D

[Lief Erikson]

"But you do travel with these people," Shelina pressed. "Surely you know something of what's going on."

[Tessar]

OOC* OK i dont think that i know very much about whats going on or why there chasing him so this is the boys guess. of coures its wrong ;)

"well ummm i think that there chasing after a man named grim wolf who is some kind of slave master and i guess that they must have found him so there chasing him"

OOC* hehe hows that for a mixt up story. :p

[Mathron]

Sandor crosses his arms, frowning. Glancing over at Shelina, he says, "This is an interesting story this boy tells. What do you think of it?"

*OOC: Lief, I just recalled the Shelina *was* privy to Tal's proposal to hunt down Grim Wolf, so she probably would know what is going on. Not sure whether you knew and were hiding it, or just didn't recall. Either is fine. :)*

---

Arcon blinked his eyes, as water was splashed across his face. He stumbled up, then narrowed his eyes at the figure before him - an oddly bedecked stranger, wearing red leathers and a bright flamboyant cape and a widebrimmed hat.

The figure bottles up the water canteen he had used to awaken Arcon, and then raises his eyebrows. "You seem to be in a bit of trouble, friend." Amusement is heavy in his voice - and truth, for even as he speaks, wolves burst from the trees, and Tal and the others approach right behind them.

Tal shouts out, "That villain is ours! I know not your business, stranger, but you would best be served leaving him to us. He has hounded us twice now, and injured those of our company!"

The red garbed figure chuckles softly, and says, "My business in these parts is meeting with a friend, though I've no doubt your commotion sent him into hiding. So tell me more of this story - and I'd like to hear what this one has to say for himself, first, as well."

[Lief Erikson]

*Right, I'd forgotten about that. Okay then . . .*

"I think we've drunk this well dry," she said as she glanced back at the boy once more. "Thank-you for your information, boy, perhaps sometime in the future we'll have the chance to meet again. I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch your name?"

He told it and she smiled again. "Farewell then, until next time."

Reaching out, she took Sandar's arm and moved away into the trees, not looking back but speaking with the other man quietly.

The elf lad watched after them for a moment longer before shrugging and moving off in pursuit of his comrades.





"Most of what he said was a lie," Shelina said as they walked away in the trees. "I think an accidental one, though. And I didn't want to kill him, as this little conversation could help if we decide to join their company later on."

"Join them?" Sandar asked in surprise.

"It's our best bet, I think, to finding Orpholin. Surely one of them will have heard something of him, I had positive leads that he had gone to Edlyn."

"Maybe you're right," Grim Wolf said with a shrug.

"Let's move in a parallel direction with the others; the person they were chasing obviously couldn't have been you, and I'd still like to find out who it was."

[Tessar]

The boy finaly cout up with the others of the groop.

"why did you all run off like that? you forgot me!"

the boy finaly saw the stanger. *why do i feel like i have seen him before?* he wanderd. then with a tuch of saddnis he realised *he looks like dad* the boy suddenly realised that he axidentaly left his blade behined "I have to go back" he told the others "I forgot my short sword".

[Selwythe]

*OOC, an Elf having an evil man for a father?*

Arcon weakly tried to get up but failed and fell once more. His pale parched lips strained hard to speak and he finally managed some coherent speech.

"I, I, they hunt me...though I have done nothing wrong..."

That said, Arcon clutched his chest tightly and coughed up blood. He turned to his side and saw a strand of blood trickling down a blade of glass. He was going to die, he realised painfully, as he fell once more into a deep slumber.

[Irid al'Menie]

Irid looked at the man with a sad expression. He didn't think he did something wrong... He only killed the wolves. It was clear he was going to die. Probably for his best, for he would be haunted the rest of his life by wolves, if he'd live. She'd be very surprised if he'd do that.

The wolves all surrounded the dying man, to watch him in his last moments. They wouldn't attack him, but leave him in the pain he had right now...

[Selwythe]

*OOC, !What? Hey, don't let me die! I may die eventually but not so early! Someone heal me ;)*

[Mathron]

Sandor looked down at the group from a small hill a short distance away. Glancing at Shelina, he said, "The man that just appeared is an... ally of mine. One high in the service of Melkor. Do you know aught of the one lying on the ground at their feet?"

---

The strange new figure looked down at the person dying before him, chuckling softly. Looking back at the party, he said, "Well, it seems both you and he claim the other as the villain. I am sure you can see my difficulty - How is one like myself to decide who is in the right?"

He paused, thinking a moment, and Tal tenses up, prepared to strike at any provocation. The man continues to speak, however.

"On the other hand, it looks like he has met whatever you consider justice, and likely will not last longer in the coils of this world. So you may as well leave him here."

He pauses again, and then looks as though a sudden thought has struck him. "Perchance does he have aught to do with the slaver's camp that is marching nearby? Oh, say, a half-hours run east of here? They seemed to be charging north with some speed, I would say..."

[Lief Erikson]

"His name is Arcon," Shelina said as she took a closer look, squinting between the thin branches and leaf covering which allowed them to see without being seen. "He was working with me, neither the smartest nor the most dangerous of the allies I've worked with yet. He probably brought this upon himself. But he is a fighter, of sorts. He probably has caused some harm to his opponents before allowing them to take him down.

"This other man is on the Dark Lord's side, you say? Interesting, perhaps he'll be of some help."

[Tessar]

OOC* ok im hear to rescue you.

"well i guess ill bandage him" sayed the elf boy and kneeling down began to do so.

[Mathron]

Tal looks down at the man lying on the ground, and then back at the newcomer, indecision visible on his face. Finally, with an audible cry of frustration, he speaks out, "Child, bandage him as best you can, then hurry after us if ye will! I can't let my true foes escape me, not when my sister still is in their grasp and they are so near!"

He takes off, sheathing his weapon, in a full sprint into the woods. Dain pauses, then huffs and hurries after him, and the others quickly follow.

The boy quickly ties a strip of cloth around Arcon's torso, where most of the bleeding comes from. He looks up, seeing if there are any more bandages, to find himself alone with the stranger.

The red garbed man kneels down beside him with a grin, and says softly, "I think you best hurry after your comrades, boy. I shall see to this one's care from here out."

Tessar opens his mouth to speak, then closes it with a snap, and nods quickly, before gathering his stuff and hurrying onward.

---

After they are gone, the man glances up towards where Grim Wolf and Shelina are concealed, and crosses his arms.

"Well, Sandor? I've cleared out those strays, whatever they were doing here. Care to show yourself and introduce your companion?"

(edit - addition to hopefully speed things up. :))

Grim Wolf slowly jumps down, and walks out of the brush, Shelina following hesitantly behind him. He nods at her, and says, "I encountered her wandering nearby, looking for a man named Orpholin. She has been made into one of the dark lord's servants, though I can't say I know much more than that."

The man nods, slowly, still grinning, and says, "Well then, child, what can you tell me about yourself, eh?"

[Irid al'Menie]

Irid sadly shakes her head. She knew that they could keep on running, but that wouldn't do any good. She needed some time on her own, and she ran deeper into the forest, followed by the wolves. She would find and fight the servants later.

[Tessar]

OOC* geez im going from god posting to wimp posting am i pathetic or what?

the boy ran after his frends well actuly he started out running but by now he was down to a jog, when quite unexpectidly he saw the others not to far ahead searching the ground for sighns of the slavers.

[Lief Erikson]

"My history . . ." Shelina hesitated, eyeing the man. A pained expression came onto her face for a moment, and finally she shook her head. "No, I'd prefer to keep my history private for the time being. It is painful to say the least.

"But I can see you two know each other. How did you meet?"

[Mathron]

The man laughed. "We've worked together in the past. I've been trying to enlist him in some... business endeavors... for a while now. "

He stops, then glances at the man dying on the ground, frowning slightly. The, shrugging, the turns back to Shelina and says, "You look for a man named Orpholin, eh? I may be able to tell you more of him, if you should tell me why you are interested in him."

His eyes darken, and he smiled grimly. "And I would like to hear every detail of your mission, now. You may keep your past to yourself, but whatever mission you are on you will make known to me."

[Lief Erikson]

"I don't want him, my master does. He is a servant of Morgoth, a man named Vardor. I don't know why he wants him, but he has ordered me to collect him and bring him to a certain place where he'll be transferred into Vardor's hands. I know little more than this, but that is my mission. To capture him.

"My mission is now revealed to you and I wasn't trying to hide it from any who will help me in this endeavor. This man, Sandor as you call him, has already agreed to help me so I told him all. Now you know to. But you promised me information about Orpholin. Let us speak on that, now."

[Mathron]

The man frowns. "Vandor, eh? Never heard of him. Shall have to look into that..."

Trailing off, he glances back up as she stares at him impatiently. "Well, I am afraid I require Sandor's ears now, but shall give you the information you need. The man you seek, I believe, travels with the group that ran off from here not so long ago, heading west. Moving as fast as they can, I believe. You may be able to catch them, should you hurry as soon as you can."

Grinning, he sits on the ground and prods Arcon's form, which results in a groan that fades into silence. Then he glances back up at Shelina, and raises his eyebrows, as though surprised to still see here there.

[Tessar]

OOC* Slewythe, I DO NOT HAVE A EVIL MAN FOR A DAD!!!! HE JUST SLIGHTLY RESIMBLES HIM!!!

[Mathron]

Tal finally stopped in the midst of running, almost freezing in place. A few yards ahead of him, the woods ended in a clearing - and within, he could see a small camp of maybe a hundred mercenaries, and a small camp of slaves in the center of the tents. No sentries seemed to be stationed at the moment, though.

He glanced behind him, and saw Dain, huffing and puffing as he caught up. The others approached too, although Irid had vanished. Tal frowned.

"So, who is with us, now that we have found our goal?"

OOC: Guys, if you are still active, now is the time to post...

[Lief Erikson]

"I'm no fighter," Steward said with a frown.

"But I am!" Erenfor said, seizing Tal's sleeve. "Give me a sword and I'll prove I can fight as well as anyone! Better! A sword to put through orcish throats, to cut them apart. Perhaps then I can avenge El'nela!"

"Avenge?" Tal asked, his voice quiet.

"Perhaps not, perhaps so," Erenfor said, his brow creased. "Give me a blade and we'll prove to her what we can do! I should never have given in to her. Should never have . . . It was my fault, all my fault, mine and the other woman's. Shelina. Must kill Shelina when I get the chance. But give me a sword!"





"Will you be coming with us?" Shelina asked the newcomer. "We could use your assistance, two might not be enough; some of them looked like fighters. And wolves run with them."

[Irid al'Menie]

*OOC: AAAAAAARRGH!!! It's impossible to stop!! way too interesting!!! i stay, i'm at the merceneries camp!*

They were running at full speed. Irid knew she had to stay with Tal, but not why, so she followed his tracks. A wolfpack from this forest came with her, together with the remaining wolves. She came just in time to hear Tal ask who was coming.

"Wait for me! I'm fighting with you. I want you to find your sister."

Right now there were 31 wolves. She instructed them to stay together, and not fight alone. She'd say when they could attack. Runner had given his leadership to the leader of the other pack, and he stayed with her. The rest of the wolves waited for the signal.

[Tessar]

OCC* im in an di was alredy there when irid showd up.

[Mathron]

Tal, his gaze growing ever harder, nods at the mad elf, and hands him a small dagger he kept by his side. "This will do for now, but we shall see how you prove yourself. You seem to have certainly suffered at their hands... and if they have harmed El'nela...."

His voice trails off as he stares into the distance.

---

The stranger shakes his head, and says, "No, I think I shall leave you to your own fun. You should head after them now, while you can. I wish to conclude my business with Sandor, and then I'm sure he can easily catch up to you."

[Lief Erikson]

Erenfor growled irritably and twirled the dagger along the top of his hand. He glared at Tal, but only for a moment. He turned away swiftly as if the other was not even worth spending attention on. "Well, we're going, aren't we? Going to die by the hands of those who crushed the One Again movement. Then the last scraps will be gone from their way, but perhaps we'll take some with us." He laughed in an insane voice, shaking his head. "I am a fool, a fool, a fool . . ."






Shelina frowned at the pair for a moment, but realized there wasn't any way she could force them to change their minds. She'd revealed everything . . . well, almost everything, and the least they could do was do the same for her. Still, there was no way that she could do anything else but obey without destroying her standing in their eyes. And she'd likely need their support.

"Perhaps you should take him to someone who can heal him, anyway," she said, pointing at Arcon. "If it is at all possible. He might turn out helpful, he was assigned the same quest as the one I was given, so he's on our side."

With one parting glance at the pair of them, she moved quickly off, vanishing in the green foliage.

[Mathron]

Tal said, thinking out loud, "Perhaps we should strike in the middle of the night. It is only another hour till nightfall... and they will be surprised, drunk, and asleep by midnight, if they are like most mercanaries. What say you?"

---


The stranger glanced at the body again, then dismissed it with a smirk as Shelina left. Sandor raised an eyebrow.

"You seem to have less value for life than you did when last we spoke."

The man laughed, and said, "I don't value the lives of those like him. I've been serving Melkor because it's been the smart thing to do, but those like him actually think they aren't evil, or serving evil. The fool actually thought he had been wronged; I saw the whole thing, he attacked them, and then seemed surprise when they struck him down."

Arcon, on the ground, tried to say something, but pain flooded through him, and he could not even twitch enough to gather their attention. He heard their words clearly, but his vision was drowning in a sea of red as they kept speaking.

"You do seem more vocal in your objections to those who serve Melkor. Does that include me, as well?"

"Oh, I know your reasons well enough, old friend. And I like you well enough to keep you informed of the way tides are turning. It may soon be in my interests to cut off my dealings with Melkor, and you might wish to do the same."

"You think it is that easy?"

A pause ensued, and then the stranger's voice rose again. "I suppose it is not, for you. I've always simply had an understanding with Melkor, but for those of you who serve him, it may well indeed prove harder. Regardless, keep my words in mind."

The rustle of a cape seemed loud in Arcon's ears as the man turned, presumably to leave.

Sandor asked, "What do you want to do with him?"

"Leave him. He should die within a few minutes, anyway."

Silence fell, and Arcon heard more rustling. He strained, but his body refused to move, and he heard no more. Heart sinking, he realized they had left. As the time dragged on, the pain grew and grew, and eventually his vision faded from red to black, and all sensation went away.




----



Bright light flared. Arcon opened his eyes, in shock. He was in the clearing, but it was now nighttime. His body felt... whole. And a strange, red light was flaring before him.

He blinked, and suddenly the light was a figure standing there, a handsome man with blond hair and black eyes, and a horribly cruel smile that sent shivers down Arcon's spine.

"Wha - Who are you? How did you save me?"

"I did save you," said the man, and his voice was deliciously pleasant and painful at the same time, "And you should reward my aid, if you wish it to remain. My name does not matter - but you will tell me exactly what Malagar and his friend were discussing while you lay dying."

[Tessar]

OCC* ooooooo! chilling!

[Selwythe]

Arcon cautiously touched his left arm, a bloody mess the last time he saw it, and winced. It was bandaged, presumably by this strange man, but it did not obscure the pain shooting from it.

He staggered up to his feet and immediately caught up his fallen sword, although he knew he could not repel this man, not without his full strength, yet he who goes down without a fight but surrenders himself is worse than a he in death, and he steeled himself in a wary position.

All the while, this man kept his eyes riveted on him, and their blackness seemed like a well which would never end. Arcon matched his gaze in defiance and spoke.

"I thank you for healing me, me who you know not and have no obligation to. I am not one who forgets deeds of kindness but I do not know the unfamiliar name of Malagar and..."

His voice trailed off as his face flared in realisation and wrath.

"I was attacked by wolves. Malagar chased away my assaulters and he tended to me, yet he left me to die. To die..."

He trailed off again, unable to continue, and the flame of hate burned unsuppressible in his heart. He looked around him and realised how this looked like home. The woods, the birds, even the sinister sounds, and not to say this strong red light as a replacement for his cosy fire, but strangely, it came from a living being.

The man stared and replied, "And what of the iron-clad man and the maiden?"

Arcon looked confused and bewildered as he searched his memories for what had happened. So long ago it seemed, and his spirit had hovered at the edge of the Circles of the World. His attackers had left him to die, but they killed too a part of him, a part tainted long ago in the woods north of Edlyn, in the woods of Dor-Lomin when it was fair. Then he remembered, he remembered all too clearly the woman's face.

He turned the hilt of his sword toward the man in a sign of peace and said stoutly with all energy he could muster in his weakness.

"The iron man is a lord of Orcs. The woman is a two-faced whore. And unless my comprehension fails me, you plan to kill Malagar the Cape-Bearer. I have enemies of my own, and you saw them. No more is my employer Vardor of the North, for his servants are finally known to me. I am the hater of Orcs, thieves of the happiness I never had and mindless slaves of the North, join me in my quest."

That said, he used his sword to pierce his finger and a trickle of blood appeared. He licked it and held the finger up at the stranger, another drop of blood glistening in the red light which radiated from this stranger.

*OOC, Hope you don't have AIDS.*

[Tessar]

EEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWW! ok now that is just a littel bit grosse! ok yalls i have no idea when or what or where to post! can we get back to the simple hack and slash and kill the orks stuff?

[Irid al'Menie]

Irid nods at Tal.

"It is best to attack an hour or two before sunrise, when their guard is down. They usually don't expect an attack that hour."

Her hand is resting on Runner's head. She now would not fight for Tal, or his sister, but for the wolves. Her revenge for Arcon would come. In fact, it was already there. The same time Arcon and the stranger were talking, a pack was surrounding the glade. They would show a glimps now and then, and howl even when there wasn't moon, but not attack. She just hoped the stranger wouldn't kill the wolves, she had seen his power, send through by one of the wolves.

[Lief Erikson]

"There has been much comotion in the forest, yet you have not reported." The voice was harsh, cold like ice.

"There has been no time," Shelina told him, cringing. "Please, I'll try to continue. Allies have betrayed me and there is a massive hunt throughout the forest making movement near impossible."

"I dislike failure, Fore Dog, and do not believe that simply because of your past you are impossible to replace with another."

"I could take him tonight, sir, except that I cannot find him. I don't know where they are." Please let me have this one last chance. This one last chance. Her thoughts hammered in her mind as she waited for Vardor's response. It was rare that he came himself on these meetings, and her insides roiled in fear. But she hadn't lied, she was incredibly close. And if she could take him, she could.

Vardor was silent for a long moment, a shadow darker than shadows, staring at her and considering. Considering whether he should let her live another second.

Her breath tightened in her chest, and she stared up at him pleadingly.

"Then perhaps I shall give you one last chance. And I shall give you a way to find him more easily." Vardor raised a finger. "But do not fail me again. You wouldn't like to go back to Dalsorle, would you?"

His words shot through her like knives and she could half imagine the smile which surely crossed his face at seeing her sudden panic.

"You shall have your second chance, Fore Dog. But move more hastily. I fear that we haven't much time left. Now go."







Steward peered out from between the leaves of a couple trees, watching the camp closely. Surprisingly, they did have sentries out. But those sentries were few and only on the edge of the camp, allowing their opponents to creep close unobserved. They would bleed for their mistakes tonight. There still were some wolves here, although most, along with Irid, had crept away 'to continue their own hunt', she'd said.

For a moment, Steward caught himself wishing that he was still young. Still capable of fighting in a skirmish of this sort. The odds were greatly slanted against them, but they had the advantage of surprise and skill. Angar and Tal looked more than competent, at any rate. One shouldn't be decieved by Dain's pleasant exterior and behavior either. When roused to battle, he could be as deadly as either of the other two most likely.

Steward glanced over his shoulder swiftly at the sound of a crackling in the brush. Noiselessly he extended a hand and placed it on Tal's shoulder. "Erenfor's gone."

Tal cursed silently under his breath. "Well there's no time to go collect him now. The attack is about to start."

Steward nodded and glanced around again. It was true. But he could do without the mad elf also weighing on his mind. Tonight's events were desperately important and there were enough unexplained factors lurking the forest already without Erenfor added to them. And armed, now. But suddenly another thought crawled into his mind and his breath tightened. Could it be that . . . ?

He shook his head fiercely. No, it couldn't be, not yet. Not now, not of all times. But his anxiety was redoubled. Slowly, he reached out and touched Tal's arm again. "If you don't mind, I'd like a weapon to."

[Irid al'Menie]

*oh, maybe i wasn't clear, but the wolves surrounding Arcon are another pack then the ones about to attack the camp. I do want to get some action, you know! ;)*