[Mithadan]

Elladan and Elrohir crept back through the dining hall to the spiral stair and dissolved again into the shadows. They climbed down another level and passed through a low arch into a new passageway where they found themselves again submerged in a darkness deeper than night. Uncovering a lamp, they walked along the corridor for a ways until it forked. The tunnel to the left had a layer of dust on its floor and showed signs of disuse. Masonry had fallen from the walls and ceiling and a pile of garbage and bones sat near its mouth.

The brothers entered the side passage and proceeded perhaps a dozen paces into it. At that point, the tunnel curved slightly and was obscured partially by a rockfall. There they sat, invisible to any who might pass by the entrance to the corridor, and waited. They heard Orcs walking by along the main passageway, some jabbering on excitedly about the upcoming party. Two did not reach their destination, instead donating their shabby cloaks, shields and helmets to the Elves, but only after confirming that the night's entertainment would include the long anticipated passing of two Elven maids.

After some discussion, Elladan reached out to Fingil with osanwe, again risking the possibility that whatever dark being inhabited this place might overhear. There will be Orcs moving soon through the halls towards a place of celebration. Celebrian and her handmaiden will be the entertainment. This will be our only chance. Follow the Orcs but do not reveal yourselves.

The brothers took stock of their weaponry and stripped the two Orc bodies of a quiver of arrows and a bow. Then they wrapped themselves in the Orc cloaks and took up their livery before carefully approaching the mouth of the tunnel, crouching to disguise their height. Soon, more Orcs passed on their way to the dining hall. The raucous celebrators did not notice two shadows detach themselves from the dim tunnel to follow them.