Tanuchan

The Company is now riding towards Edoras, and the Halls of Meduseld. Day phase will comprise both riding and action in Meduseld, so feel free to RP straight at Edoras. If there’s enough votes/stated abstentions, I might end Day Phase some hours earlier – so, if you intend to post, please tell me so (either here or by PM). Enjoy! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Scorecard The Company of the Ring... Finnius => Filkiormous Magnanimous Berrison, hobbit from the Shire Giles => Baelestimah, Elf of Rivendel (male), servant of Arwen Patrick => Seothen, son of Seoras, Rohirrim Panther =>Garnorn, human Ranger (male) Ayshela => Linador, horse-master elf (male) from Rivendell ... and those who left Savage Dragon => Raus Tanathos, lost during an avalanche at Caradhras Sweetcherrie => Stoomp, taken by the Watcher of the Lake, Moria Mynx => Jagkatha, fell of a bridge in Moria, facing Orcs Gyrfalcon => Frerin, victim of a crumbling wall in Moria Gryphon => Mattias, fell in Moria Ozymandias => Jin, son of Jalen, lost in the waters of the Nimrodel Vahktang => Yeager Tickle-Bottom, killed by human raiders near the border of Lothlorien Venefyxatu => Neriam Therzyn, taken by an arrow at the Anduin river Phoenix => Megwyn, slain by the arrows of the Uruk-hai Akallabeth => Turin of Dol Amroth, fell from a hill at Emyn Muil Katzaniel => Rootmaker, caught by Orcs with flaming arrows at the eaves of Fangorn Sinsor => Irvin Bartholomew Muskfoot, fell from a cliff in Fangorn

Falmar led the way into Fangorn, following the soft tracks left by hobbit feet. At last they came to the rocky wall with its rough steps leading to the high shelf. As they climbed up Linador scanned the steps and the ledges, noticing very peculiar marks. “These are not completely strange... is it possible that another Ent has been here?” “What do you mean by ‘another’?” The rumbling voice startled all, and an old tree came to sight. On its branches, both Irvin and Filk waved. Time was taken to tell all the tales of the hobbits’ escape, and the old Ent rumbled from time to time. “Hasty... you are all too hasty. And Rootmaker was uncharacteristically quick to make decisions, like leaving the Entmoot to look for advice. What news to you bring me from Rivendell, and Elrond?” While Falmar talked quietly to the Ent, the hobbits wandered about the shelf. They hadn’t had the time to do it before, having met the Ent as soon as they had climbed up. Irvin peeks down from the edge of the cliff, curious. “Hey! What was it? Come, quick!” He waved frantically to the group talking to the Ent, without taking his eyes from the forest below. As they came, he pointed down. “There, do you see the shadow? From tree to tree?” Filk and Falmar nodded, both quick to catch the moving glimpse of grey. Baelestimah murmured, “Hawk-Brother sees him moving fast... he’s coming towards this cliff.” Seothen and Garnorn looked at each other, the Ranger picking his bow while the Rohirrim unsheathed his sword, considering if he’d better go down to where he had left Warud. Linador also drew his bow, while Falmar silently followed the shadow. “Let’s go down,” he decided. “I can see it’s an old man, clad in grey rags.” A startled cry made he turn, and he dived towards Irvin – but too late to grab the hand that disappeared down the wall. Cursing loudly, he darted down the steps, followed by the others. At the foot of the cliff, they found the gray-clad old man kneeling and holding the hobbit in his arms, gently stroking his head. He looked up, and greeted Falmar. “I see your numbers have dwindled, and I couldn’t do anything for this little one either. Elrond will be sad to know of his fate.” The voice paralyzed most of them – only those who hadn’t been in Rivendell long enough couldn’t recognize it. Falmar knelt by his side, and hugged him. “Mithrandir!” “Well met, Falmar!” He smiled, and both stood up. After Linador and Baelestimah, it was Garnorn’s turn to hug the old man. “Gandalf! How come we meet you again, so far from our last parting... you said you were going on other errands.” “So I have, and still am. Unfortunate as it was the fall of the hobbit, we cannot tarry in here. Hullo, Filk!” The Wizard smiled and waved Filk close, resting a hand on his shoulder. Seothen greeted him with a smile. “Treebeard, you must return to the Entmoot with the news they have told you,” said Gandalf to the Ent. “We are needed elsewhere, and I trust your wisdom to see the path you have to tread.” A rumble came in answer, and a slow nod. “You were never hasty, Gandalf... I will go, and tell the Entmoot.” “But haste is necessary now, old friend. Things are starting to move too fast, and doom is near to all who live upon Middle Earth. Do not take long to decide. You have days at the most, not months. There is activity in Orthanc.“ ”Following him they descended quickly from the high shelf and made their way back through the forest, down the bank of the Entwash. They spoke no more words, until they stood again upon the grass beyond the eaves of Fangorn. ‘I shall not walk. Time presses,’ said Gandalf. then lifting up his head he gave a long whistle. So clear and piercing was the note that the others stood amazed to hear such a sound come from those old bearded lips. Three times he whistled; and then faint and far off it seemed to them that they heard the whinny of a horse borne up from the plains upon the eastern wind. They waited wondering. Before long there came the sound of hoofs, at first hardly more than a tremor of the ground (...) then growing steadily louder and clearer to a quick beat. ‘There is more than one horse coming.’ ‘Certainly,’ said Gandalf. ‘We are too great a burden for one.’ ‘There is [one] that strides ahead: a very great horse. I have not seen his like before.’ ‘Nor will you again,’ said Gandalf. ‘That is Shadowfax. He is the chief of the Mearas, lords of horses, and not even Théoden, King of Rohan, has ever looked on a better. Does he not shine like silver, and run as smoothly as a swift stream? He has come for me: the horse of the White Rider. We are going to battle together.’ ” J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Two Towers” They marveled at Shadowfax as the great horse arrived, bringing with him two more horses. Seothen approached in wonder, having seen the Mearas running free in The Mark long ago. “How... Théoden King would never willingly part with this horse...” “I fear your King does not love me more for having Shadowfax with me, Seothen. He has given me permission to take him, but I do not think he knew in fully what it meant. But Shadowfax is my companion. And he has brought companions for you, for we are in haste.” Garnorn and Linador mounted the new horses as Seothen called Warud; Gandalf took Filk with him on Shadowfax. Baelestimah mounted Horse-Brother, and they departed Fangorn, leading south and west. ”Gandalf spoke now to Shadowfax, and the horse set off at a good pace, yet not beyond the measure of the others. After a little while he turned suddenly, and choosing a place where the banks were lower, he wades the river, and then led them away due south into a flat land, treeless and wide. the wind went like grey waves through the endless miles of grass. There was no sign of road or track, but Shadowfax did not stay or falter. ‘He is steering a straight course now for the halls of Théoden under the slopes of the White Mountains,’ said Gandalf. ‘It will be quicker so. The ground is firmer in the Eastenmet, where the chief northward track lies, across the river, but Shadowfax knows the way through every fen and hollow.’” [/i] J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Two Towers” ~~~~~~ OOC: Irvin/Sinsor fell from Treebeard’s shelf – how could it have happened is still a mystery. It’s Day Phase, and you have roughly 48 hours to place your votes (until around 10pm, EST, on Wednesday). Due to the reduced number of players, if everybody manages to vote or state an abstention, the day phase might be shortened by some hours. The Company is now riding towards Edoras, to meet Théoden King on the Halls of Meduseld. Scorecard and more info at the OOC thread.

The Company is now entering Fangorn, and heading to the cliff they can see – probably following the tracks of the hobbits. Treebeard is at the top of the cliff, and the hobbits will be with him. Enjoy! Katz: Feel free to keep RPing Rootmaker – he’s burned, and fell into the Entwash. I have no other cue about his whereabouts Finnius, Sinsor: You have escaped the Orcs, and have already made your way up the cliff, and met or meeting Treebeard by the time the others enter Fangorn. You’ll be reunited on top of the cliff. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Scorecard The Company of the Ring... Finnius => Filkiormous Magnanimous Berrison, hobbit from the Shire Giles => Baelestimah, Elf of Rivendel (male), servant of Arwen Patrick => Seothen, son of Seoras, Rohirrim Panther =>Garnorn, human Ranger (male) Ayshela => Linador, horse-master elf (male) from Rivendell Sinsor => Irvin Bartholomew Muskfoot, Hobbit of The Shire ... and those who left Savage Dragon => Raus Tanathos, lost during an avalanche at Caradhras Sweetcherrie => Stoomp, taken by the Watcher of the Lake, Moria Mynx => Jagkatha, fell of a bridge in Moria, facing Orcs Gyrfalcon => Frerin, victim of a crumbling wall in Moria Gryphon => Mattias, fell in Moria Ozymandias => Jin, son of Jalen, lost in the waters of the Nimrodel Vahktang => Yeager Tickle-Bottom, killed by human raiders near the border of Lothlorien Venefyxatu => Neriam Therzyn, taken by an arrow at the Anduin river Phoenix => Megwyn, slain by the arrows of the Uruk-hai Akallabeth => Turin of Dol Amroth, fell from a hill at Emyn Muil Katzaniel => Rootmaker, caught by Orcs with flaming arrows at the eaves of Fangorn

”Ahead and eastward they saw the windy uplands of the Wold of Rohan that they had already glimpsed many days ago from the Great River. North-westward stalked that dark forest of Fangorn; still ten leagues away stood its shadowy eaves, and its further slopes faded into the distant blue. Out of the forest the Entwash flowed to meet them, its stream now swift and narrow, and its banks deep-cloven. The orc trail turned from the downs towards it.” J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Two Towers”. On and on they went, following the trail of the orcs. Once Baelestimah’s keen sight found the small, light tracks left by hobbit feet among the trampling of the orcs’. And Garnorn followed a branching track, to find the remains of at least a dozen orcs – apparently killed by their own. “They fight among themselves.” Falmar was quick to examine the bodies, and point to something else. “See that shield... a White Hand. That was never the sign of the Enemy. I think we are dealing with two parties who joined for evil purposes.” Seothen nodded, remembering some reports. “Before I left Edoras, we had some reports from near the Fords of Isen... the White Hand sigil has been seen on raiding parties.” Falmar acknowledged the words, but kept his own counsel on their meaning. The Fords of Isen... near Isengard. I wish Gandalf could have found more about Saruman.. At last they saw a great column of smoke, and Linador could see a long line of riders departing from the place of the smoke, going westward. “One hundred and five. Yellow is their hair, and bright their spears. Riders of Rohan, gone in some errand. Can you see them, Seothen?” The Rohirrim shook his head, and smiled. “Keen are the eyes of the Elves. I cannot see them in that detail, but this is the realm of the Third Marshal of Riddermark. If Éomer is leading them, then he is indeed in an errand. May it be that they caught the orcs!” They observed the Riders of Rohan making a curve, galloping away from the smoky hill and from them. Seothen reined Warud, who seemed eager to join his brethren, and kept his eyes locked on the leader of the Riders. “They saw no sign of any trail to right or left, but here and there they passed single Orcs, fallen in their tracks as they ran, with grey-feathered arrows sticking in back or throat. At last they came to the eaves of the forest, and in an open glade among the first trees they found the place of the great burning: the ashes were still hot and smoking. Beside it was a great pile of helms and mail, cloven shields, and broken swords, bows and darts and other gear of war. Upon a stake in the middle was set a great goblin head; upon its shattered helm the white badge could still be seen.” J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Two Towers” “The Riders did find the orcs. But now, where are the hobbits?” Seothen started searching around for traces of Irvin and Filk, and was joined by the others. It was, however, Rootmaker who found the first clue. He rumbled from the river bank. “Here... small footprints. They’ve stopped here... for a drink, I think.” Soon Falmar found more footprints, and smiled. “They somehow got free... just hobbit feet here, no Orc or other creatures. They seem to have wandered into Fangorn, though...” Rootmaker rumbled happily, thinking of his home forest. “So let’s go after them. I can finally deliver the message to the Entmoot!” He started walking towards the forest, when from somewhere ahead of him a flaming arrow came. He cried in surprise and fear, as branches started to burn. Other arrows came while Seothen and Garnorn rushed into the forest, swords drawn. Linador and Falmar aimed their arrows at the shadows they could see, while Baelestimah sent Wolf-Brother to help them and tried to direct Rootmaker to the river. “To the Entwash! Dive!” Disoriented, fire enveloping him, Rootmaker stumbled and tried to follow Baelestimah’s shouts. At last he fell into the river, a great sizzling sound coming as the Ent rolled, taken by the swift current. From the top of a rock wall not far from them, a huge figure watched silently. His branches trembled as he saw the Ent on fire falling into the Entwash, and a low rumble issued from deep inside him. His eyes turned towards the Elves and Man, who had just killed the few Orcs that had dared the eaves of Fangorn and were now entering the forest. The wind blew fresh, and he waited, bidding his time and pondering. ”The ground was rising steeply still, and it was becoming increasingly stony. The light grew broader as they went on, and soon they saw that there was a rock-wall before them: the side of a hill, or the abrupt end of some long root thrust out by the distant mountains. No trees grew on it, and the sun was falling full on its stony face. The twigs of the trees at its foot were stretched out stiff and still, as if reaching out to the warmth. Where all had looked so shabby and grey before, the wood now gleamed with rich browns, and with the smooth black-greys of bark like polished leather. the boles of the trees glowed with a soft green like your grass: early spring or a fleeting vision of it was about them. In the face of the stony wall there was something like a stair: natural perhaps, and made by the weathering and splitting of the rock, for i was rough and uneven. High up, almost level with the tops of forest-trees, there was a shelf under a cliff. Nothing grew there but a few grasses and weeds at its edge, and one old stump of a tree with only two bent branches left: it looked almost like the figure of some gnarled old man, standing there, blinking in the morning-light.” J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Two Towers” ~~~~~~ OOC: Rootmaker/Katzaniel was the victim of the flaming arrows. It’s Night Phase – specials, please send me your targets within 24 hours. The Company is now entering Fangorn, and is about to meet Treebeard. Filk and Irvin are already there. Have fun! Scorecard and more info at the OOC thread.

I'm going out for the evening, and there is just one vote... so, considering all things, I'm giving an extension of 24 hours, give or take Have fun! ~Tanny

hehe... just to clarify, the [he] in the quoted paragraphs from the original book(s) are just because I don't want to refer to Aragorn, Frodo, and everybody else, by name It's not always that [he] is the Ringbearer. In the last two posts, it was actually Aragorn...

*huggles* Don't worry, 'shela... at the worst, try to post either a quick vote or state an abstention Good luck! I really enjoy your posts, they're *great*!!

You are still chasing the Orc that have taken Irvin and Filk. You're certain now that the Orc are headed towards Isengard. Feel free to RP anything you think that fits, but please do not actually go to Isengard or into Fangorn. Anyone can RP going near this last place, though - since night phase transition will take you into that forest. Have fun ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Scorecard The Company of the Ring... Finnius => Filkiormous Magnanimous Berrison, hobbit from the Shire Giles => Baelestimah, Elf of Rivendel (male), servant of Arwen Patrick => Seothen, son of Seoras, Rohirrim Panther =>Garnorn, human Ranger (male) Ayshela => Linador, horse-master elf (male) from Rivendell Sinsor => Irvin Bartholomew Muskfoot, Hobbit of The Shire Katzaniel => Rootmaker, ent ... and those who left Savage Dragon => Raus Tanathos, lost during an avalanche at Caradhras Sweetcherrie => Stoomp, taken by the Watcher of the Lake, Moria Mynx => Jagkatha, fell of a bridge in Moria, facing Orcs Gyrfalcon => Frerin, victim of a crumbling wall in Moria Gryphon => Mattias, fell in Moria Ozymandias => Jin, son of Jalen, lost in the waters of the Nimrodel Vahktang => Yeager Tickle-Bottom, killed by human raiders near the border of Lothlorien Venefyxatu => Neriam Therzyn, taken by an arrow at the Anduin river Phoenix => Megwyn, slain by the arrows of the Uruk-hai Akallabeth => Turin of Dol Amroth, fell from a hill at Emyn Muil

”Dusk deepened. Mist lay behind them among the trees below, and brooded on the pale margins of the Anduin, but the sky was clear. Stars came out. The waxing moon was riding in the West, and the shadows of the rocks were black. They had come to the feet of stony hills, and their pace was slower, for the trail was no longer easy to follow. Here the highlands of the Emyn Muil ran from North to South in two long tumbled ridges. The western side of each ridge was steep and difficult, but the eastward slopes were gentler, furrowed with many gullies and narrow ravines. All night the (...) companions scrambled in this bony land, climbing to the crest of the of the first and tallest ridge, and down again into the darkness of a deep winding valley on the other side. There in the still cool hour before dawn they rested for a brief space. The moon had long gone down before them, the starts glittered above them: the first light of day had not yet come over the dark hills behind.” J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Two Towers”. Falmar surveyed the ground, and then looked down the valley. They were in the last crest, and the way down was steeper than the previous ones. Linador gazed ahead. “They are far, and we’ve lost ground.” Falmar nodded. “The horses cannot ride double easily, and Rootmaker won’t go ahead of us. But also, going too swiftly might make us miss them if they change their path.” Baelestimah whispered, “Hawk-Brother cannot find them right now. They might have already changed the route. Would they be going towards Isengard?” “We have to find the tracks again.” Turin, Garnorn, and Seothen went in different directions, intent on the ground. Falmar went halfway down the slope, but he already knew that the Orcs had not come that way. Rootmaker stood upon the crest, looking ahead towards Fangorn. Turin, the farthest from Falmar and the horses, gazed down the slope, wary of the slippery loose rocks. As he walked, intent on the ground, some pebbles tumbled downwards, and moonlight cast a shadow over him. The loud cry, and the sound of a small avalanche of rocks and loose terrain made Falmar scramble up the slope. Others were rushing towards the point where Túrin had been standing. “Túrin!” Rootmaker moved down the slope slowly, his feet finding easy purchase. The rest of the company followed more slowly, and Falmar couldn’t help but notice that there seemed to be no more loose rocks on the slope. Garnorn shook his head, and Seothen closed Turin’s eyes. Rootmaker dragged the body down the rest of the way to the foot of the hill, while Linador and Baelestimah went up for the horses. Falmar gazed upward, frowning. No other loose rocks... was it some kind of trap? If it was, who could have set it? And if it wasn’t... someone pushed him. Are we doomed, harboring evil among us...? What kind of traps the Enemy would have had time to set for us? He closed his eyes, more troubled than ever. Elrond had given him the leadership of the Company, and of the seventeen that had left, only eight had come into Emyn Muil. And now, two had been taken and one more was gone. He did not want to suspect any of them, but he knew the lure of the Ruling Ring would grow more powerful closer to Mordor. He knew he did not dare to leave two of their company in the hands of Orcs... but he was not sure anymore if they were not all walking into a clever trap. With a last soft prayer on Turin’s grave, the Company left again, running swiftly in chase of the Orcs, and Filk and Irvin. ”All day the track of their enemies led straight on, going north-west without a break or turn. As once again the day wore to its end they came to long treeless slopes, where the land rose, swelling up towards a line of low humpbacked downs ahead. The orc-trail grew fainter as it bent north towards them, for the ground became harder and the grass shorter. Far away to the left the river Entwash wound, a silver thread in a green floor. No moving thing could be seen. Often [he] wondered that they saw no sign of beast or man. The dwellings of the Rohirrim were for the most part many leagues away to the South, under the wooded eaves of the White Mountains, now hidden in mist and cloud; yet the Horse-lords had formerly kept many herds and studs in the Eastemnet, this easterly region of their realm, and there the herdsmen had wandered much, living in camp and tent, even in winter-time. But now all the land was empty, and there was a silence that did not seem to be the quiet of peace.” J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Two Towers” ~~~~~~ OOC: Túrin/Akallabeth fell from a cliff, either pushed down or victim to a clever trap. It’s Day Phase – you have around 48h (until Saturday at roughly 10pm EST) to vote. The Company is still following the Uruk-hai, but nearer now to Fangorn. Scorecard and more info at the OOC thread.

You are now following the raiding party who took Filk and Irvin. Feel free to RP as you see fit, but do not worry about following the book. You’re going in Fangorn’s direction, and the transition to Day Phase will occur at its borders. Finnius, Sinsor: keep RPing as you wish, but you are right now prisoners of the Uruk-hai. Sorry for this news, but you were the small ones... easier to carry . Phoenix, hope to see you around as a ghost

In spite of the initial attack, the ride down the Great River was swift and almost uneventful. They would stop for the night in shadowed, hidden places in the west bank of the river, with the watch set to take special care on the east bank. The days went by rather quietly, and finally they approached the Argonath. ”Slowly the sky above grew lighter, and then suddenly the clouds broke, and their draggled fringes trailed away northwards up the River. The fogs and mists were gone. Before the travellers lay a wide ravine, with great rocky sides to which clung, upon shelves and in narrow crevices, a few thrawn trees. The channel grew narower and the River swifter. Now they were speeding along with little hope of stopping or turning, whatever they might meet ahead. Over them was a lane of pale-blue sky, around them the dark over-shadowed River, and before them black, shutting out the sun, the hills of Emyn Muil, in which no opening could be seen. [He] peering forward saw in the distance two great rocks approaching: like great pinnacles or pilalrs of stone they seemed. Tall and sheer and ominous they stood upon either side of the stream. A narrow gab appeared between them, and the River swept the boats toward it. ‘Behold the Argonath, the Pillars of the Kings!’ As [he] was borne towards them the great pillars rose like towers to meet him. Giants they seemed to him, vast grey figures silent but threatening. Then he saw that they were indeed shaped and fashioned: the craft and power of old had wrought upon them, and still they preserved through the suns and rains of forgotten years the mighty likenesses in which they had been hewn.” J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Fellowship of the Ring”. Turin stood on his boat, looking at the likenesses of Isildur and Anárion, and silently vowed again to do what was in his power to protect the Realm of Gondor. At his side, sharing the boat, Seothen rowed and thought of Eorl’s meeting with the Men of Gondor so long ago, and their friendship since. Others also stared at the mighty statues, and Filk huddled against Irvin wondering what their road would bring to them. Garnorn, who was in the same boat as them, smiled. “Fear not! Mighty as Isildur and Anárion they might not be, but there are people in both Gondor and the now lost realm of Arnor that still have the blood of Westernesse running in them, and will fight Sauron to the end.” Falmar looked past the Argonath, seeing with both eyes and mind the road ahead of them; for far away, he could guess at the dark clouds above Mordor. Linador followed Falmar’s gaze, a hand on Warud’s neck while Baelestimah steered the raft. Silently, they passed under the vigilant statues and came into Nen Hithoel. They could see the shadow of Tol Brandir, and Rootmaker felt in the current the pull of the Falls of Rauros. “Here we leave the River,” stated Falmar later, almost at the foot of Tol Brandir, and steered his boat to the west bank. The others followed, and then pulled the boats safely away from the Anduin. “Falmar, what is our road from here?” asked Turin, his gaze turning south. “For we are close to my people, and they would help us.” “The Rohirrim also would, if they knew of our plight,” added Seothen. “Across the plains, south of Isengard, we await a sign that the time to fight the Enemy has arrived.” A low rumble brought Rootmaker’s voice, while he enjoyed the wind and the sun that started to dry him. “I should bring news to the Entmoot... Fangorn is not far away, to the North and West.” “But we cannot go all directions at once, and didn’t Elrond say that our hope was in secrecy and speed?” ventured Filk in an impulse. Megwyin nodded, and again asked Falmar. “What is the road we take, then?” The Elf Lord sighed softly, troubled. “What you say, all of you, touch the truth. Our numbers have dwindled swifly, and help would be welcome. At the same time... we need speed, and secrecy. But secrecy is already compromised, and I dare not go into Mordor without...” He didn’t complete his thought, but the meaning was clear. Going into Mordor while they harbored one or more enemies in their middle was to give the Enemy the Ruling Ring. At length he spoke again. “Let’s stop here for the day. This is the lawn of Parth Galen: a fair place in the summer days of old. I need time to think and make the right choice, and we could all benefit from the rest.” After unloading the boats they ate a quick meal, and little by little each one of the Company drifted away from the others, straying into the woods. Falmar himself walked silently among the trees, seeking the path to Amon Hen. Troubled, he wanted to have a look at the country around him, the decision he had to take heavy on his shoulders. All of a sudden there came cries, and the clamor of metal against metal, and the unmistakable cries of Orcs. Cursing, Falmar ran down the hill, unsheathing his knife and shouting a battle cry, trying to warn and rally the others. From among the trees Garnorn came in a rush, and Seothen after him. Nearer to their camp the cries were louder, and they fought their way through small groups of Orcs. Baelestimah and Linador were on the other side of the camp, protecting the horses. Turin shouted, his sword slicing through the guard of one more Orc as Rootmaker just stepped on the three other Orcs circling Turin. Pinned by arrows to a tree not ten steps away from him, Megwyn stared at the sky with an eerie smile on her face. “Jagk... love of my heart...” As the last Orc fell, Falmar ran to Megwyn. She kept looking through him, eyes starting to glaze but still smiling. “Megwyn! Megwyn, talk to me! What happened, where are the hobbits?” She finally focused on him, and with her last breaths gave the news that froze his heart. “Uruk-hai took them... North... I tried, but Jagk was right... not fast enough...” Falmar bowed his head, and kissed Megwyn’s brow. Closing her eyes, he looked and saw the others all around him. “Orcs... and Uruk-hai. They took Filk and Irvin.” It wasn’t long before the Company was speeding northwest, after the Orcs and their missing friends. ”They then left Parth Galen. The afternoon was fading (...) as they picked up the trail of the Orcs. It needed little skill to find. ‘No other folk make such a trampling. It seems their delight to slash and beat down growing things that are not even in their way.’ ‘But they go with a great speed for all that, and they do not tire. And later we may have to search for our path in hard bare lands.’ ‘Come! With hope or without hope we will follow the trail of our enemies. And woe to them, if we prove the swifter!’ Like a deer he sprang away. Through the trees he sped. On and on he led them, tireless and swift, now that his mind was at last made up. The woods about the lake they left behind. Long slopes they climbed, dark, hard-edged against the sky already red with sunset. Dusk came. They passed away, grey shadows in a stony land.” J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Two Towers” ~~~~~~ OOC: Megwyn/Phoenix was killed by the Uruk-hai raiding party. It’s Night Phase – specials, please send your targets within 24h (until Thursday at roughly 10pm EST). The Company is now following the Uruk-hai, in an attempt to rescue Irvin and Filk. More info at the OOC thread. Edit: Eorl's reference

You are now floating down the Anduin, the Great River. Feel free to RP any stops, and change the order of the boats and who’s with whom, as the journey through the Anduin takes around 8-9 days... just, please - whatever you do, do not leave the river definitely; you’ll be taken to Parth Galen/the Falls of Rauros in the transition to the next night phase. And just a reminder: mod posts set flavor and scene... don't look for clues/hints in there Vene, feel free to join the ghosts! Have fun The Hill-Lands, from The Atlas of Tolkien's Middle Earth Info on the river Anduin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anduin ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Scorecard The Company of the Ring... Finnius => Filkiormous Magnanimous Berrison, hobbit from the Shire Akallabeth => Turin of Dol Amroth, human, Dúnadan Giles => Baelestimah, Elf of Rivendel (male), servant of Arwen Patrick => Seothen, son of Seoras, Rohirrim Panther =>Garnorn, human Ranger (male) Ayshela => Linador, horse-master elf (male) from Rivendell Sinsor => Irvin Bartholomew Muskfoot, Hobbit of The Shire Katzaniel => Rootmaker, ent Phoenix => Megwyn, human, Ranger (female) ... and those who left Savage Dragon => Raus Tanathos, lost during an avalanche at Caradhras Sweetcherrie => Stoomp, taken by the Watcher of the Lake, Moria Mynx => Jagkatha, fell of a bridge in Moria, facing Orcs Gyrfalcon => Frerin, victim of a crumbling wall in Moria Gryphon => Mattias, fell in Moria Ozymandias => Jin, son of Jalen, lost in the waters of the Nimrodel Vahktang => Yeager Tickle-Bottom, killed by human raiders near the border of Lothlorien Venefyxatu => Neriam Therzyn, taken by an arrow at the Anduin river Edit: I forgot to mention... you have all received gifts from Galadriel. Feel free to mention them at any point

”They remained some days in Lothlórien, so far as they could tell or remember. All the while that they dwelt there the sun shone clear, save for a gentle rain that fell at times, and passed away leaving all things fresh and clean. The air was cool and soft, as if it were early spring, yet they felt about them the deep and thoughtful quiet of winter. It seemed to them that they did little but eat and drink and rest, and walk among the trees; and it was enough.” J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Fellowship of the Ring”. In the days spent in Lothlorien they found some measure of peace again. Filk would sometimes talk to Irvin and wonder how they felt almost at home, though he would never get used to the Elves’ houses on top of trees. Thankfully for both hobbits, they kept sleeping in the pavilion that had been set for them in the first days. They would also remember Yeager, of how his body had been found by a company of Elves when investigating a fire near the border of Lorien, and how they had been suspicious of him. “We will never know, I guess... unless before the very end someone tells us who among us was responsible for the death of so many.” Not voiced, but present in the thoughts of not only the hobbits, was the fact that while in Lorien they had been safe from any enemy among them, and the knowledge that they couldn’t remain there forever. Neriam walked softly among the trees, talking to Garnorn and Megwyn. Both rangers had spent their days in similar ways, talking to the Elves and getting ready for the day they would have to depart. Neriam smiled at some comments, and shrugged – he had never left aside his habit of gathering useful things and tucking them in his many hidden pockets, always ready to leave at a moment’s notice. They passed by Rootmaker, who was standing besides a young mallorn tree and rumbled softly in the Ent tongue, his fingers caressing the branches of the tree. Linador and Baelestimah spent long hours with their brethren, making new friends among the Galadhrim and find soothing for their sorrow. Turin and Seothen were not so close to the Elves, but both learned how wrong their legends about the Golden Forest had been, and vowed to correct that specific part of the lore in their lands. The day arrived, though, when the company was called again to the presence of Celeborn and Galadriel, and they knew that they would depart soon. Falmar then talked, laying out his plans. “We know that we are being watched, or at the very least the Enemy is searching for us and our burden. We have been safe while here in Lorien, for his powers cannot yet unveil the protection of the Lady Galadriel and hopefully this time has been enough to divert the searching parties. However, we cannot linger here forever, and when we leave we must go swiftly before the Enemy bends his eye again towards us.” There were nods and agreeing mutters, and he continued, “We will go through the Great River. The Lady Galadriel has offered boats, and we will gain in speed and safety.” Seothen and the hobbits raised their eyes in surprise, but for different reasons. “What about our horses? They cannot go into boats, or swim while we do.” Seothen’s heart contracted in something akin to fear, though he knew that Warud would be well cared for in Lorien. Linador’s voice came, for he had also been consulted by Falmar being the horse-master of Elrond. “I have already asked that same question, Seothen. We cannot take horses with us, as you have well noted. But Warud and Baelestimah’s Horse-Brother won’t be left behind – I have no doubts in my heart that both would leave Lorien on their own accord to follow us. So, Baelestimah and I will go with them in a raft. We should be able to control them well enough so that they aren’t in more danger than the rest of us. However, we cannot take more than they both, for doing even that is already taking more risks than the advisable.” Seothen murmured his thanks to the elf, aware that it was probably just his presence that had allowed him to have Warud with them. Falmar then turned to the hobbits, who were eyeing him warily. “You are the only ones whose skill with boats I’m not aware of, and I have heard before that hobbits do not take water rides very well...” Irvin nodded wholeheartedly, but Filk sighed grimly. Garnorn looked at him, and nodded. “It seems one of them isn’t strange to boats, Falmar...” “I am not,” agreed Filk. “I have rowed small boats up and down the Bywater as a small hobbit, for my grandmother’s family was from Buckland and they have the love for the Brandywine flowing in their veins. I guess it is weirdish for a hobbit... but I can manage a boat if needed.” Irvin gasped, and Filk patted his arm with a smile. “We will do fine, Irvin... we have all the big folk to look after us...” What he didn’t say, but thought, was what kind of looking after they would be doing. All of them. “In the morning, as they were beginning to pack their slender goods, Elves that could speak their tongue came to them and brought them many gifts of food and clothing for the journey. The food was mostly in the form of very thin cakes, made of a meal that was baked a light brown on the outside, and inside was the colour of cream . The Elves next unwrapped and gave to each of the Company the clothes they had brought. For each they had provided a hood and cloak, made according to his size, of the light but warm silken stuff that the Galadhrim wove. It was hard to say of what colour they were: grey with the hue of twilight under the trees they seemed to be; and yet if they were moved, or set in another light, they were green as shadowed leaves, or brown as fallow fields by night, dusk-silver as water under the stars. Each cloak was fastened about the neck with brooch like a green leaf veined with silver.” J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Fellowship of the Ring”. Next morning they did a trial run of the boats up the Silverlode. To their surprise, as they turned a sharp bend in the river, they met the Lady Galadriel in a great boat shaped like a swan. Falmar stayed his boat as the Swan-ship drew alongside, and then followed it. In the last end of Egladil upon the green grass a parting feast was held: and there the Lady of the Galadhrin talked to each one of the Company, and gave parting gifts that were precious in the hearts of each one. They departed Lothlorien in three boats. Falmar and Garnorn were in the lead boat, with Megwyn. Filk, Irvin, and Seothen followed, and last came Turin and Neriam. The raft with the horses was manned by both Linador and Baelestimah, and was kept between Falmar’s and Seothen’s boat. Rootmaker just floated last of all, rumbling something about feeling like a log with eyes. The first hours passed calmly, though their hearts felt heavy for leaving Lorien. Filk kept staring back, wondering if he would ever be back to the Shire. Falmar looked ahead, heart set in their goal. Turin rowed silently, thinking of Gondor and the Great River that bathed the fair city of Osgiliath. Suddenly there was a startled shout, and Seothen pushed both hobbits down while rowing with all his skill to avoid flying arrows. “We’re being attacked!” Garnorn was quick in taking his bow, as were Falmar and Linador. At the East bank, they could see Orc archers, and some arrows that came were afire. Elven arrows flew true, and the Anduin took them swiftly away from the attackers – but not before a cry and a splashing sound came to their ears, and those nearest saw arrows aimed at their unfortunate companion. For, hit by two certain arrows, Neriam had fallen and now floundered, while the river took the boats away. ”So the Company went on their long way, down the wide hurrying waters, borne ever southwards. Bare woods stalked along either bank, and they could not see any glimpse of lands behind. The breeze died away and the River flowed without a sound. No voice of bird broke the silence. The sun grew misty as the day grew old, until it gleamed in a pale sky like a high white pearl. Then it faded into the West, and dusk came early, followed by a grey and starless night. Far into the dark quiet hours they floated on, guiding their boats under the overhanging shadows of the western woods. Great trees passed by like ghosts, thrusting their twisted thirsty roots through the mist down into the water. It was dreary and cold.” J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Fellowship of the Ring” ~~~~~~ OOC: Venefyxatu/Neriam was taken by Orc archers, who knew where to look for. It’s Day Phase, and you have around 48 hours (until Wednesday at roughly 10pm EST) to vote. Note: due to the nature of the scene, there was no helping hand in the kill. But the Orcs have been forewarned, and that was the role of those corrupted by the Shadows. Scorecard and more info at the OOC thread.

The Company spent a day recovering from their ordeals in Caradhras and in Moria, each one aware that their goal was still far and away ahead, full of perils. Elves and rangers breathed the healing air in Lothlorien, while hobbits enjoyed once more food and a soft place to sleep. Rootmaker draw the attention and wonder of the elves, and spent most of the day talking to them, and telling them of Ents and Fangorn. But at last Haldir came again, and calling all of them took them through a path into the heart of Lothlorien – Caras Galadhon, the city of the Galadhrim where Lord Celeborn and Galadriel Lady of Lorien dwelt. ”The sun was sinking behind the mountains, and the shadows were deepening in the woods, when they went on again. Night came beneath the trees as they walked, and the Elves uncovered their silver lamps. Suddenly they came out into the open again and found themselves under a pale evening sky pricked by a few early stars. There was a wide treeless space before them, running in a great circle and bending away on either hands. Upon the further side there rose to a great height a green wall encircling a green hill thronged with mallorn-trees taller than any they had yet seen in all the land. Their height could not be guessed, but they stood up in the twilight like living towers. In their many-tiered branches and amid their ever-moving leaves countless lights were gleaming, green and gold and silver.” J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Fellowship of the Ring”. Haldir finally stopped by the mightiest of all the trees, and blew a clear note on a small horn. It was answered three times from far above, and he turned to the Company. “It is the wish of Celeborn and Galadriel to talk to you. They have been warned of the presence of an Ent, so they will be waiting for you yonder,” the elf pointed, “and you will not have to climb to their dwelling place.” Filk looked upwards, and wondered at the height, and at the branches far up that held several flets, and still above them he could barely glimpse the wide talan upon which the house of Celeborn and Galadriel was built. Not much later they were in the presence of the Lord and the Lady of the Galadhrim. Soft were their voices, and wisdom was in their eyes as they greeted each one of them. “We have had news of your departure from Rivendell, and we have been waiting for you. But Haldir now tells me that you have come through Moria, and that some were lost since you last saw Elrond.” Falmar nodded, and started the tale softly. Others added to his voice at specific points, and so their adventures and losses were told in full, under the stars in Lorien. Linador told again of Jin and his quest for peace, and of Elrond’s wish to have him talk to the Lady Galadriel; of Stoomp and Frerin, the other dwarves who should have been with them. Seothen and Turin remembered Raus, and Mattias; Neriam, with a hand resting softly on Megwyn’s arm, and Garnorn brought back the memories of Jagkatha. And by talking and remembering their fallen friends, their grief was also exposed, and washed clean in the soft breeze of the Golden Forest, and their hearts found again a measure of peace and comfort. Filk and Irvin sat quietly, feeling comforted by Rootmaker’s presence behind them, while Yeager sat on the other side, silently listening to all that was being told. “There was a silence. At length, Celeborn spoke again. ‘I did not know that your plight was so evil. I will do what I can to aid you, each according to his wish and need, but especially that one of [you] who bears the burden.’ ‘Your quest is known to us,’ said Galadriel. ‘But we will not here speak of it more openly. Yet not in vain will it prove, maybe, that you came to this land seeking aid. For the Lord of the Galadhrim is accounted the wisest of the Elves of Middle-Earth, and a giver of gifts beyond the power of kings. He has dwelt in the West since the days of dawn, and I have dwelt with him years uncounted; for ere the fall of Nargothrond or Gondolin I passed over the mountains, and together through the ages of the world we have fought the long defeat. ‘I will not give you counsel, saying do this, or do that. But this I will say to you: your Quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while all the Company is true.’ And with that word she held them with her eyes, and in silence looked searchingly at each of them in turn. None could long endure her glance. At length the Lady Galadriel released them from her eyes, and she smiled. ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Tonight you shall sleep in peace.’ Then they sighed and felt suddenly weary, as those who have been questioned long and deeply, though no words had been spoken openly.” J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Fellowship of the Ring” That night they slept in a pavilion among the trees, spread for them by the elves. For a little while they talked, though what they had felt or thought when the Lady Galadriel looked at them was kept to themselves. Little by little they looked for their places to sleep, some still choosing to walk among the trees at Caras Galadhon before finding the comfort of sleep. Yeager was one of those who chose to walk. He felt somewhat restless, and he wondered at the way ahead – they were so far from the Shire, and from known lands. He had hunted long, and farther than most hobbits, but even so he felt a sudden wish for the comfort of his hobbit-hole back in Hobbiton. His mind wandered back to days not so long past, and his steps took him through the trees and paths that wound around Caras Galadhon. The elf-wardens eyed him curiously, but they knew he was one of the guests of the Lord and the Lady, and so Yeager walked on, dreamily, lost in memories. When he finally noticed, Yeager was alone, in a clearing where no trees grew. The evening star had risen and was shining with white fire above the western woods. Down a long flight of steps there was a deep green hollow, through which ran murmuring the silver stream that issued from the fountain on the hill. ~~~~~ OOC: Yeager/Vahktang is separated from the Company – I can’t have a “lynching” in Lorien (please see OOC thread) . It’s now Night Phase. Specials, please send me your targets within 24 hours (around 11pm EST on Monday). More info at the OOC thread.

Alright, so I'll do something... I'm deleting my original post and reposting after yours *huggles*

Vahktang/Yeager was the day lynching, however I cannot think of a way to have a kill in Lorien - not in Caras Galadhon anyway. So, for now consider him MIA... Vahk, feel free to post! For the Night Phase, you are still in Lorien. You can comment on Galadriel's "questioning" if so you wish, or you can go ahead and RP as you see fit. The Company is actually spending several days in Lorien, though for the sake of pacing I'm condensing them in just one night phase. For reference, the next transition Night/Day will take you to the River Anduin and the boat ride down to the Field of Celebrant. I'll post a Scorecard after the Night kill. Have fun!

Hehe... just to inform you, Giles... Vahk cannot use the phrase here since I don't allow it. Innocent or not, he won't give any hint as he used to.

Sorry for the delay... it was a busy day for me. You are in Lothlorien, the Golden Wood. Feel free to RP whatever you feel that fits, and to interact with any (NPC) elf you happen to meet while in Lorien. Just don't leave Lorien yet. Ozy, I leave Jin's fate in your hands... if you choose to have him drowned, I do hope to see you around as a ghost. I'm really interested on how you intended to develop your character, for the background you sent me was really interesting! Have fun Lothorien, from The Atlas of Tolkien's Middle Earth Info on Lothlorien: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lothlorien ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Scorecard The Company of the Ring... Finnius => Filkiormous Magnanimous Berrison, hobbit from the Shire Akallabeth => Turin of Dol Amroth, human, Dúnadan Giles => Baelestimah, Elf of Rivendel (male), servant of Arwen Patrick => Seothen, son of Seoras, Rohirrim Venefyxatu => Neriam Therzyn, son of Elwen Therzyn, human Panther =>Garnorn, human Ranger (male) Vahktang => Yeager Tickle-Bottom, hunter, hobbit from the Shire Ayshela => Linador, horse-master elf (male) from Rivendell Sinsor => Irvin Bartholomew Muskfoot, Hobbit of The Shire Katzaniel => Rootmaker, ent Phoenix => Megwyn, human, Ranger (female) ... and those who left Savage Dragon => Raus Tanathos, lost during an avalanche at Caradhras Sweetcherrie => Stoomp, taken by the Watcher of the Lake, Moria Mynx => Jagkatha, fell of a bridge in Moria, facing Orcs Gyrfalcon => Frerin, victim of a crumbling wall in Moria Gryphon => Mattias, fell in Moria Ozymandias => Jin, son of Jalen, lost in the waters of the Nimrodel

Yep, assume so

The night-wind blew chill up the valley to meet them. Before them a wide grey shadow loomed, and they heard an endless rustle of leaves like poplars in the breeze. ‘Lothlórien! Lothlórien! We have come to the eaves of the Golden Wood. Alas that it is winter!’ Under the night the trees stood tall before them, arched over the road and stream that ran suddenly beneath their spreading boughs. In the dim light of the stars their stems were grey, an their quivering leaves a hint of fallow gold. J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Fellowship of the Ring”. The Company stopped for the night at the eaves of Lothlórien, the elves and rangers feeling more at east than ever since they had left Rivendell. Linador, Baelestimah, and Falmar looked upon the leaves of the Golden Wood with a smile; Garnorn and Megwyn breathed deeply, both with closed eyes, letting some measure of peace enter their hearts. Túrin and Séothen looked at each other, doubtful – both having come from lands where Lothlórien was either a legend, or an enchanted place to be avoided. “Of that perilous land we have heard in Gondor,” muttered Túrin softly. “And it is said that few come out who once go in; and of that few none has escaped unscathed.” Falmar raised his head, and looked at Túrin. “Say not unscathed, but unchanged. Then maybe you will speak the truth. But lore wanes in Gondor, if in the city of those who were once wise they now speak evil of Lothlórien. But believe what you will, there is no other way for us. Unless you would go back to Moria-gate, or climb the mountains where there are no paths, or swim the Great River.” Túrin nodded slowly, and Neriam almost shrugged. Filk and Irvin gazed ahead, curious and full of wonder; Yeager looked at the woods pensively – while Jin trembled, still prisoner of his memories of last days inside Moria. The Company walked softly now, following the river that crossed their path. Nimrodel, with its dark running waters, added to their sense of peace. Falmar smiled, and pointed to the bank of the river. “We can cross here. The water is not deep, and I’d like to bathe my feet, for it is said that the water is healing to the weary.” As each one stepped into the swift river, they could feel the cold water and its clean touch. The water mounted to the knees of the elves and humans, but even the hobbits were not afraid of it. All of a sudden, wild cries came to their ears, and arrows flew. The reaction was quick, Falmar getting his bow in a smooth movement and letting arrows fly at the orc party; others joined him and there was some panicked gurgling and splashing as some of the smaller members lost their footing in the river. “Cross the river! To the forest!” As Linador shouted, arrows came also from behind them. Megwyin swirled fast, short swords ready to fight their ambushers – but she saw nothing besides arrows coming from the trees, aimed at the orcs. A clear voice spoke in an elven-tongue, to which Falmar reacted quickest of all, answering in the same tongue. Baelestimah urged them ahead. “Cross the river, straight into the forest – they’ll cover us. Quick!” “Jin! Where is he?!” Linador looked around, suddenly afraid. Irvin rounded his eyes, remembering a muffled yelling from somewhere behind him, followed by a splashing and gurgling. Rootmaker, though, swept by and lifted both Filk and Irvin once more into his branches, and the party crossed the Nimrodel into the safety of Lothlórien. Two elves dropped from a tree above them, and signaled them to follow. Swiftly they went deeper into the forest, leaving behind the sound of the river mixed to orcish cries. Linador looked back several times, frantic, until one of the elves touched his arm and spoke to him in soft a voice. They stopped at a small clearing, and then the elves spoke to them in the Common Tongue. “Welcome to Lothlorien. We have heard rumors of your coming, for the messengers of Elrond passed by on their way home up the Dimrill Stair. The Lord and Lady of the Galadhrim wait for you in our city.” “And the orcs who were after us?” asked Seothen, glancing back in the river’s direction. “There won’t be any going back to dark Moria. And no orc raid will ever pass the borders of our land.” “There is one of us missing...” Falmar looked up when Linador spoke, and gasped softly. “Jin!” The thought came unbidden to more than one in the party - Did he slip and fall... or did he have help in that? The elves nodded. “We will follow Nimrodel and look for him in both banks. I’m going back to the border – my brother Haldir will lead you into Lorien.” Led by Haldir, to whom Falmar spoke in soft tones in the elven-tongue, the party walked deeper into the forest. They stopped for food and sleep at a point, and their journey continued next morning. As the sun climbed, they could see why the Golden Wood had gotten its name; and all of a sudden, a view opened to them. They were standing in an open space. To the left stood a great mound, covered with a sward of grass as green as Spring-time in the Elder days. Upon it, as a double crown, grew two circles of trees: the outer had bark of snowy white, and were leafless but beautiful in their shapely nakedness; the inner were mallorn-trees of great height, still arrayed in pale gold. High amid the branches of a towering tree that stood in the centre of all there gleamed a white flet. At the feet of the trees, and all about the green hillsides the grass was studded with small golden flowers shaped like stars. Among them, nodding on slender stalks, were other flowers, white and palest green; they glimmered as a mist amid the rich hue of the grass. Over all the sky was blue, and the sun of afternoon glowed upon the hill and cast long green shadows beneath the trees.” J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Fellowship of the Ring” ~~~~~ OOC: Jin/Ozymandias fell in the river, helped maybe by a stealthy hand. It’s now Day Phase. You have about 46 hours to vote – until around Sunday, 11pm. You are in Lothlorien. Feel free to RP – just please, don’t leave it. Scorecard and more info at the OOC thread.

I love this. It brings images and sounds to my mind when I read it, and it conveys some fuzzy feelings - but that ring very close to me. Nothing I can really put in words, but they are there, and they are touching. Thank you for sharing, Finnius. And I hope you have more of these sudden, mysteryous inspirations. I think they're usually the best ones. *hug* ~Tanny

Scorecard at the end of Night Phase... but you've lost Raus/Savage Dragon Stoomp/Sweetcherrie Jagkatha/Mynx Frerin/Gyrfalcon Mattias/Gryphon

Jin/Ozy is still alive, yeah... you lost Frerin/Gyrfalcon. I guess all dwarves look the same...

You do love me, don't you? Third day phase, and third time I had to decide the lynching on dice?! Gryph, you're free to RP as a ghost, joining the others - or, if you so wish, play the eventual NPC. PM me if you'd like more info on that You are in a green valley outside Moria, and it's broad daylight - noon time. You're free to do whatever you seem fit; you have gone far enough from the Gate of Moria to be safe from the Orcs, since they won't dare to go into daylight. Your next stop is Lothlorien, and the Elves are aware that it is in their way ahead and Falmar is leading them there. Feel free to talk about it, but please don't go into it. If possible, try to avoid battles this time . Have fun!

"Even as they spoke they heard again the pursuing drum-beat: Doom, doom, doom.. Away beyond the shadows at the western end of the hall there came cries and horn-calls. Doom, doom: the pillars seemed to tremble and the flames to quiver. ‘Now for the last race! If the sun is shining outside, we may still escape. After me!’ [He] turned left and sped across the smooth floor of the hall. The distance was greater than it had looked. As they ran they heard the beat and the echo of many hurrying feet behind. A shrill yell went up: they had been seen. There was a ring and clash of steel. An arrow whistled over." J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Fellowship of the Ring”. Falmar measured the distance, then pointed. “Across the bridge, up the stairs, and less than a quarter of a mile to the Dimrill Gates. If it’s still daylight, the Orcs will hesitate in coming after us after we are at some distance from Moria. Let’s run – don’t hesitate!” The others nodded. Seothen and Baelestimah opted for climbing their horses; Warud snorted, ready to charge, but obeyed the gentle pressure Seothen did and quieted. Jin was grabbed by Linador and put into Seothen’s saddle, while Baelestimah caught Yeager. Rootmaker looked down and picked both Filk and Irvin. At a sign from Falmar, they ran. Filk wanted to scream and shut his eyes again, but the sight as they neared the Bridge of Khazad-dûm silenced him to a gasp, and he couldn’t but stare at the black chasm. "At the end of the hall the floor vanished and fell to an unknown depth. The outer door could only be reached by a slender bridge of stone, without kerb or rail, that spanned the charm with one curving spring of fifty feet. It was an ancient defense of the Dwarves against any enemy that might capture the First Hall and the outer passages. They could only pass across it in single file." J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Fellowship of the Ring”. “Seothen, Baelestimah...” “We can cross it, don’t worry,” said Baelestimah to Falmar quietly, his link with Horse-Brother making sure that the horse wasn’t panicking and would cross. Seothen just patted Warud’s head and nodded. Both darted ahead – first Horse-Brother, then after a safe distance, Warud. Garnorn and Megwyn followed, then Linador and Neriam. Closing the line, Mattias, Turin, Falmar, and Rootmaker last. Arrows and yells followed them, angry drums sounding from across the fissure that had separated them from the Orcs – had they come from the right way, they would have been trapped there. They could see hundreds of Orcs, and fire burning high. Mattias turned, nocking an arrow to his bow. “No – run!” Falmar urged those ahead of him. An arrow came, aimed true, and caught Mattias on the shoulder. Turin reached out to catch him, but the next arrow came close to piercing his armor – and Mattias fell to the chasm. Turin hesitated, horrified, but Falmar urged him ahead. ”They ran on. The light grew before them; great shafts pierced the roof. They ran swifter. They passed into a hall, bright with daylight from its high windows in the east. They fled across it. Through its huge broken doors they passed, and suddenly before them the Great Gates opened, an arch of blazing light. Out of the Gates they ran and sprang down the huge and age-worn steps, the threshold of Moria. Thus, at last, they came beyond hope under the sky and felt the wind on their faces. They did not halt until they were out of bowshot from the walls. Dimrill Dale lay about them. The shadow of the Misty Mountains lay upon it, but eastwards there was a golden light on the land. It was but one hour after noon. The sun was shining; the clouds were white and high.” J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Fellowship of the Ring”. ~~~~~~ OOC: Mattias/Gryphon is gone, into the deep chasm below the Bridge of Khazad-dhûn. It’s now Night Phase. Specials, please, send me your choices within 24 hours. You’re now in Dimrill Dale, a green valley beyond Moria. It is daytime. I’ll post a scorecard after night phase. More info at the OOC thread.