Having an uncertain feeling of danger, the expedition hasted through the dark tunnels as swift as they may. A lot farther did they come than Rikae and Mac expected. On their way to the deepest hall before, their often eccentric, absent-minded, and pointless group had wasted much time obtaining rare antiquities and collecting junk. At last the rangers made them halt, for the aged among the loremen started to lag behind.
We must rest for tonight, to save our strength for the coming days. said Mac.
The adventurers quickly prepared something approximating a camp and it did not take them long to fall asleep after they had lied down. But around them, there were things that needed no rest and no sleep. They had slept an unwholesome sleep for ages, and now they desired nothing more than to take revenge upon the thieves that stole their old master's highest treasure.
When all were sound asleep two of these dreadful spirits entered the bodies of two of our heroes, corrupting their minds and, with the remnant of the evil power still abiding in the deeps of Utumno, altered their bodies. Henceforth at night they took the form of werewolves, willing and able to slowly slay those who sought to exit from their realm. The beasts woke, bared their teeth, and withdrew to a corner to plot how to best reach their goal.
*~*
But more happened during this night. Other sprits, of less potency, descended into the minds of four more. They did not have the power to rule over them, or even their bodies, but they confused their hosts and dreams entered their thoughts that they had never dreamt before. They saw each other, though the vision was too blurry and dark to reveal a thing. Then, before their eyes, they saw the Dark Lord himself, awful to behold, and they fell to their knees in awe.
What did you come here for, into my abide? his voice asked, but none dare answer, for suddenly their plans made them felt like traitors.
This is the last realm in Arda that is free of the arrogance and deceit of the Valar. Here, you do not call upon their names. Here you curse them! Tell me now who it is that you worship!
In terror and faint voices they replied:
Melkor!
That is right. You are here at the source of darkness, and only darkness is worshipful here, and only darkness has power - and it was power that you came here for, power to undo my work?
Master, forgive us, we erred.
How shall I trust you? Maybe if you speak to me the words that my servants swore to me of old, I shall believe your vows.
And so they spoke:
Death to light, to law, to love!
Cursed be moon and stars above!
May darkness everlasting old
that waits outside in surges cold
drown Manwë, Varda, and the sun!
May all in hatred be begun,
and all in evil ended be,
in the moaning of the endless Sea!
And then they were revealed to the deadly plan. Yet, they did not learn of the identity of the two accursed ones, for Melkor's trust knows strict borders.
*~*
But even more dreams were dreamt that night, and those were of more beauty. One of the adventurers strayed through gardens of green and of colorful flowers and old trees, and peace came to his heart. At the time that he felt most glad and fulfilled, a gentle voice spoke to him.
I apologise to interrupt your joy, but I have called you to walk in my garden for more a more important reason than your enjoyment. You and your group are in the most dire danger! Foolish you were to seek for the secrets of the one I do not name. Now evil has conspired against you to bring you to your bitter end. Inside the evil dungeon even my power is restricted, so among all of you I can only grant one this gift. Henceforth, for as long as you should still live, you may walk in my gardens every night, and you shall wake up wiser than you fell asleep each time. May this wisdom help you and your friends.
Then the voice fell silent and did not answer when our adventurer asked for its name.
*~*
Another one of our heroes was allowed to stray in Lórien's gardens, too. But Lórien had no gift of his own to give to this one when he spoke to him.
Welcome to my gardens, weary wanderer. I have called you to walk in my garden tonight, for there is somebody who seeks to talk to you...
Alright, can I speak now?
Yes, you can. He can hear you now.
Just like this?
Yes Oromë, please, just go ahead.
Well... *ahem*... so... You were foolish to come to that place! The power of Morgoth will never undo the deeds of Morgoth. Only more suffering you will bring into the world, and first onto yourselves. The Valar have decided to come to your help, in the measure that we are capable of. You shall receive a hallowed weapon of mine. It is invisible to anybody but yourself, and it will kill anybody who pretends a fair face, but does not support you inside their hearts. It does not slay the utter evil or good... are you sure he can really hear me?
He heard everything, and hopefully understood it as well.
That is good. Now, to end this, what do I have to pre... *clack*
*~*
Night 1 begins. Wolves: plot. Seer: dream. Others: sleep.