The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post

Himaran · 04-07-2003, 08:04 AM

As the fight unfolded, Bali watched the guards of Kaldon be overwhelmed by the superior fighting methods of his company. Once again he was proud to fight alongside such great warriors.

He, having no other enemies within axe range, searched around the camp for Kaldon. Having first been surrounded by his body guard, the man had completely disappeared. The dwarf then saw Arlome, aiming an arrow at the large tent left undisturbed. Of course...

Bali hurried over, and readied himself to storm the tent after the opening arrows. Arlome released the shaft and quickly sent another into the tent alongside the first. Bali then charged into it, roaring. What he found was a dead man, pierced by Arlome's arrow, and another that had dodged the volley. Bali dispatched of him quickly.

The fight was soon over, and Bali called the warriors over to the tent. "Look what I have found! This explains everything."

Bali had dug around in the tent, and found not only several detailed maps of the places that the company had been ambushed, but also a diary and a series of letters.
However, everyone knew that Kaldon had escaped.

Bali read one of the letters:

Kaldon,

Within the next few weeks I will be launching my first assault on Erebor. It will consist only of about four-hundred Uruk Hai. But this will be only a taste of what is to come. I have recieved news that Belfalod has betrayed us. Dispose of him quickly, he will probably talk. As for those other fools you have hired, get them out of the way, as well. I will be waiting for you, at Erebor.

Your father,
Galdon Finnlo

"Well, this explains who our real enemy is. So Kaldon is the son of the warlord, threatening our homes. It all makes sense, now. We'd best take these maps, letters, and anything else of value, and head back to camp. No doubt the others will be anxious about us."

________________________

The next morning, the company left the camp and headed east again. They had no further problems, except for the occasional spider getting too close for comfort. At last, after five days of travelling, they reached the great castle; that belonging to King Thranduil, the elf-king of Mirkwood. They thus went over to the drawbridge over the river, and hailed the elves overtop the gate. Soon the great doors opened...

___________________

Maikafanawen's Post

Gheriwen ran through the woods, her boot clad feet barely touching the forest floor. Like many of the other Mirkwoodians, Gheriwen could find her way through the Black Forest like a spider could its web.

Gheriwen caught her breath in her throat as she swung herself up on a branch. Ascending it with the agility of a cat, she broke the canopy and gazed out over the wood. The wind whipped through her long white-blonde hair as she took in the scene. A thin trail of smoke wound up into the sky. She narrowed her eyes. Silent as a ghost, she slid down the tree and followed her trail back to the palace.

Crossing the bridge, and appearing in front of the gate in the form of a shadow, she whispered the password, and the invisible door swung inwards. She slipped inside and the door shut tightly behind her, blending into its original form. The guards nodded their greetings towards her as she made her way to the throne room of Thranduil.

“Gheriwen,” she said to the bodyguards, “Tracker.” The elf heard the messenger on the other side of the door run to inform the king of her desired audience. About a minute later, three knocks came from the within, and Gheriwen was permitted entrance.

The large double doors opened up into a room, ornately decorated with gold and silver vine motifs that encircled the entity of the room. A thick green carpet led to a large gold chair in which sat a thin, but regal looking man.

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On his head was a crown of berries and red leaves, for autumn was come again. In the spring he wore a crown of woodland flowers. In his hand he held a carven staff of oak.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gheriwen fell before him in a long and graceful bow.
“My king,” she drawled. Gheriwen was not fond of the old fashioned king. She preferred to interact with the outside races, though she was the only one in the noble court who thought that. Missing her mocking remark, the king gestured for her to stand.

“Tell me what you will.” Gheriwen told him of the trail of smoke she had spied on the southern side of the forest. Thranduil gazed at her, expecting more. He narrowed his eyebrows then and said,

“Do you have another instinctive feeling—”

“Of something coming my lord? Yes, I do.” She kept her eyes averted from the face of her king out of respect.

“Unfortunately, you have never been wrong. We must have company.” He gestured to his messenger and spoke quickly with him. Then he waved his staff and dismissed Gheriwen. “I am sending out the regular group of trackers: Rhanduin, Syverwen, Ghanden, Perragorn, and you. Bring me our visitors.”

The company was spotted on the second day. Rhanduin, Syverwen, Ghanden, and Perragorn ran back to tell the king. Gheriwen stayed to make sure the company meant no harm, and did not enter the palace until she had the king’s consent.

* * *

The company stood at the edge of the forest before it broke away to the little clearing before the great drawbridge that led to the door of the palace.

“Ani Dao,” whispered Bali. “You go.” Nodding, Ani Dao wrapped her cloak around her and emerged from the shadows, making her way slowly towards the gate. Suddenly, like a bolt of lightening from a cloud, an elf shot out of the shadows by the gate and barreled into Ani Dao. Yelling out, Ani Dao recovered quickly and drew her knives. The source of attack was not to be seen. She motioned for the company to stay back and looked around once more. Swinging from the top of the nearest pine, a pair of boots hit Ani Dao in the back, throwing her to the ground. Cursing she rolled over and caught sight of a figure crouching before her in the long shadows. She sheathed her knives and laid her hands out before her palms up, as a sign of disarmament.

“Draw your sword fool,” commanded the shadow. Judging by its voice, it was a she-shadow. Ani Dao peered into the shadows. Two gray eyes stared back. “Fine.” Shooting like an arrow, the figure leapt towards Ani Dao. The assassin kicked out, throwing the figure off her course. The assailant landed on her feet and charged again. Ani Dao threw out a punch that the figure blocked easily. They fought hard for a good minute, giving every kick-punch combination they each knew. Ani Dao had the disadvantage because she did not know whom she was fighting, if she should harm the person, or simply defend herself, and she had been caught off-guard. Finally the figure got the better of the elf and pinned her to the ground, her fist raised in a final punch. The two had rolled into a sliver of light, and the shadow caught a glimpse of the elf’s face. Gasping, she stood up quickly. It was Gheriwen. Ani Dao’s eyes narrowed and she stood as well.

“You!” shouted Gheriwen angrily as she stared amazed at Ani Dao.

“Nice to see you too, Gheriwen,” drawled the assassin. In anger, Gheriwen advanced towards Ani Dao, but an arrow was pointed towards her throat and she stopped suddenly.

“I’d stay back if I were you, she-elf!” Astarielle had emerged as well and was now at Ani Dao’s side. The assassin laughed.

“Very good. But don’t hurt her Astarielle. She means no harm I’m sure.” Ani Dao faced the stone gate.

“Now, Gheriwen, my old friend. How do you open this again?” Gheriwen shouted the password in elvish and the gates swung open to reveal large stone hall. The entire company entered. The guards were young and new, the original having been sent off. Neither recognized Ani Dao. Instead they looked suspiciously at the company. Syverwen snickered at the site of Gheriwen being held at arrow point by another she-elf.

They were brought before Thranduil who welcomed Astarielle kindly, and bid her release Gheriwen. She did so reluctantly then bowed before the king. The elf king ignored Ani Dao. Obviously he remembered her, and also that she had ‘abandoned’ Mirkwood. He looked right past his ex-assassin towards Bali.

[ April 07, 2003: Message edited by: Himaran ]

04-07-2003, 08:04 AM	#236
Himaran Ash of Orodruin Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Thangorodrim Posts: 777	As the fight unfolded, Bali watched the guards of Kaldon be overwhelmed by the superior fighting methods of his company. Once again he was proud to fight alongside such great warriors. He, having no other enemies within axe range, searched around the camp for Kaldon. Having first been surrounded by his body guard, the man had completely disappeared. The dwarf then saw Arlome, aiming an arrow at the large tent left undisturbed. Of course... Bali hurried over, and readied himself to storm the tent after the opening arrows. Arlome released the shaft and quickly sent another into the tent alongside the first. Bali then charged into it, roaring. What he found was a dead man, pierced by Arlome's arrow, and another that had dodged the volley. Bali dispatched of him quickly. The fight was soon over, and Bali called the warriors over to the tent. "Look what I have found! This explains everything." Bali had dug around in the tent, and found not only several detailed maps of the places that the company had been ambushed, but also a diary and a series of letters. However, everyone knew that Kaldon had escaped. Bali read one of the letters: Kaldon, Within the next few weeks I will be launching my first assault on Erebor. It will consist only of about four-hundred Uruk Hai. But this will be only a taste of what is to come. I have recieved news that Belfalod has betrayed us. Dispose of him quickly, he will probably talk. As for those other fools you have hired, get them out of the way, as well. I will be waiting for you, at Erebor. Your father, Galdon Finnlo "Well, this explains who our real enemy is. So Kaldon is the son of the warlord, threatening our homes. It all makes sense, now. We'd best take these maps, letters, and anything else of value, and head back to camp. No doubt the others will be anxious about us." ________________________ The next morning, the company left the camp and headed east again. They had no further problems, except for the occasional spider getting too close for comfort. At last, after five days of travelling, they reached the great castle; that belonging to King Thranduil, the elf-king of Mirkwood. They thus went over to the drawbridge over the river, and hailed the elves overtop the gate. Soon the great doors opened... ___________________ Maikafanawen's Post Gheriwen ran through the woods, her boot clad feet barely touching the forest floor. Like many of the other Mirkwoodians, Gheriwen could find her way through the Black Forest like a spider could its web. Gheriwen caught her breath in her throat as she swung herself up on a branch. Ascending it with the agility of a cat, she broke the canopy and gazed out over the wood. The wind whipped through her long white-blonde hair as she took in the scene. A thin trail of smoke wound up into the sky. She narrowed her eyes. Silent as a ghost, she slid down the tree and followed her trail back to the palace. Crossing the bridge, and appearing in front of the gate in the form of a shadow, she whispered the password, and the invisible door swung inwards. She slipped inside and the door shut tightly behind her, blending into its original form. The guards nodded their greetings towards her as she made her way to the throne room of Thranduil. “Gheriwen,” she said to the bodyguards, “Tracker.” The elf heard the messenger on the other side of the door run to inform the king of her desired audience. About a minute later, three knocks came from the within, and Gheriwen was permitted entrance. The large double doors opened up into a room, ornately decorated with gold and silver vine motifs that encircled the entity of the room. A thick green carpet led to a large gold chair in which sat a thin, but regal looking man. quote: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On his head was a crown of berries and red leaves, for autumn was come again. In the spring he wore a crown of woodland flowers. In his hand he held a carven staff of oak. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gheriwen fell before him in a long and graceful bow. “My king,” she drawled. Gheriwen was not fond of the old fashioned king. She preferred to interact with the outside races, though she was the only one in the noble court who thought that. Missing her mocking remark, the king gestured for her to stand. “Tell me what you will.” Gheriwen told him of the trail of smoke she had spied on the southern side of the forest. Thranduil gazed at her, expecting more. He narrowed his eyebrows then and said, “Do you have another instinctive feeling—” “Of something coming my lord? Yes, I do.” She kept her eyes averted from the face of her king out of respect. “Unfortunately, you have never been wrong. We must have company.” He gestured to his messenger and spoke quickly with him. Then he waved his staff and dismissed Gheriwen. “I am sending out the regular group of trackers: Rhanduin, Syverwen, Ghanden, Perragorn, and you. Bring me our visitors.” The company was spotted on the second day. Rhanduin, Syverwen, Ghanden, and Perragorn ran back to tell the king. Gheriwen stayed to make sure the company meant no harm, and did not enter the palace until she had the king’s consent. * * * The company stood at the edge of the forest before it broke away to the little clearing before the great drawbridge that led to the door of the palace. “Ani Dao,” whispered Bali. “You go.” Nodding, Ani Dao wrapped her cloak around her and emerged from the shadows, making her way slowly towards the gate. Suddenly, like a bolt of lightening from a cloud, an elf shot out of the shadows by the gate and barreled into Ani Dao. Yelling out, Ani Dao recovered quickly and drew her knives. The source of attack was not to be seen. She motioned for the company to stay back and looked around once more. Swinging from the top of the nearest pine, a pair of boots hit Ani Dao in the back, throwing her to the ground. Cursing she rolled over and caught sight of a figure crouching before her in the long shadows. She sheathed her knives and laid her hands out before her palms up, as a sign of disarmament. “Draw your sword fool,” commanded the shadow. Judging by its voice, it was a she-shadow. Ani Dao peered into the shadows. Two gray eyes stared back. “Fine.” Shooting like an arrow, the figure leapt towards Ani Dao. The assassin kicked out, throwing the figure off her course. The assailant landed on her feet and charged again. Ani Dao threw out a punch that the figure blocked easily. They fought hard for a good minute, giving every kick-punch combination they each knew. Ani Dao had the disadvantage because she did not know whom she was fighting, if she should harm the person, or simply defend herself, and she had been caught off-guard. Finally the figure got the better of the elf and pinned her to the ground, her fist raised in a final punch. The two had rolled into a sliver of light, and the shadow caught a glimpse of the elf’s face. Gasping, she stood up quickly. It was Gheriwen. Ani Dao’s eyes narrowed and she stood as well. “You!” shouted Gheriwen angrily as she stared amazed at Ani Dao. “Nice to see you too, Gheriwen,” drawled the assassin. In anger, Gheriwen advanced towards Ani Dao, but an arrow was pointed towards her throat and she stopped suddenly. “I’d stay back if I were you, she-elf!” Astarielle had emerged as well and was now at Ani Dao’s side. The assassin laughed. “Very good. But don’t hurt her Astarielle. She means no harm I’m sure.” Ani Dao faced the stone gate. “Now, Gheriwen, my old friend. How do you open this again?” Gheriwen shouted the password in elvish and the gates swung open to reveal large stone hall. The entire company entered. The guards were young and new, the original having been sent off. Neither recognized Ani Dao. Instead they looked suspiciously at the company. Syverwen snickered at the site of Gheriwen being held at arrow point by another she-elf. They were brought before Thranduil who welcomed Astarielle kindly, and bid her release Gheriwen. She did so reluctantly then bowed before the king. The elf king ignored Ani Dao. Obviously he remembered her, and also that she had ‘abandoned’ Mirkwood. He looked right past his ex-assassin towards Bali. [ April 07, 2003: Message edited by: Himaran ]