WWXLV: The Fellowship of Saruman

[Groin Redbeard]

"The suspicion of Galadriel is due to the uncertainty that we are in," Dain said again when hearing Bombadil's words. "Indeed even you say that Galadriel and Elrohir would be the first for you to vote out, both of which are not here to defend themselves."

Dain went back to his own thoughts, but turned back as if something had just jogged his memory. "I don't know how my mistrust of Lobelia could be called as enthusiasm I expressed my concern of her change of mood from the beginning, but I have not singled her out. I said that I would ponder everyone's words and I find her suspicious. I do agree with you however about being to fond of trust."

EDIT: X'd with Radagastt and Eomer

[satansaloser2005]

Dain and Tom Bombadil's sudden outburst was just the thing Theodred needed to get him to speak. He did his best to be heard over the many overlapping voices of his companions.

"I have returned from some thought, and though I have much to say, there is little time to say it. There are some in our company whose behavior has been discussed enough for the day. Let us leave Galadriel to be further investigated at a later time; I feel her dawn speech was no more than an eagerness to share her views. Focusing on only one of our number benefits no one, for there are THREE traitors in our midst, and after hearing your recent arguments, I must say that

++Lobelia

is a suspicious little woman. I would almost prefer to be rid of Halbarad, just to be sure of where his loyalties lie, but at present I find her to be toublesome. Let us hope, my companions, that we do not send our ringbearer packing in vain."

[Aganzir]

If you kill me, you deserve the consequences!

[Aganzir]

++ Tom Bombadil

edit: xed with Radagast and Gildor

[satansaloser2005]

"I feel this may have been a mistake. Why did I fail to help eject Elrohir from our company? An oversight of unforgiveable porportions on my behalf, and though it was due to my rushed decision, I still am angry with my stupidity.

Nevertheless, we will accept the consequences. Sleep well my friends, for these speeches made right before sundown will be the topic of great discussion tomorrow."

With that, Theodred went off for a brief sleep.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

By the end of the day, following the course of the riverbed of Sirannon the Fellowship reached a low cliff, some five fathoms high, with a broken and jagged top. Over it a trickling water dripped, through a wide cleft that seemed to have been carved out by a fall that had once been strong and full. There it was, when the talk between the Companions almost turned into a fight.
After the last words of those accusing her, Lobelia laughed. It was not a sad laughter of one who is defeated, but a sad laughter of one who saw the foolishness of others and the way they took.

"So be it," she said. "I should have expected this from the likes of you. Noble, fair or wise some of you may think to be, but there is little nobility, little wisdom and seemingly no loyalty and trust in the wisdom of the Head of the Council among you. From the moment he left us this has been going in a wrong course. You sent away another of the Wise, and now you want me to go. You don't trust me? Fine, have the Ring!" With these words she took the chain with the Ring off of her neck and lifted it in front of them.
"Take it, then! I am really curious who among you will take it, and to what end it will lead you." Gildor, who was standing the nearest, reluctantly took the chain. Lobelia turned away.
"And now I will go home," she said and began to slowly walk back.

The other Companions looked at each other. They hesitated, and after hearing her last words, some were in doubt. Was Lobelia really a traitor?
"Wait!" Théodred shouted. "Wait, Mistress Lobelia!"
"Mistress Baggins!" cried Dáin.

She stopped. Then she turned; the beams of the setting sun surrounded her silhouette, they could not see her face. She reached to her side and lifted something with her right hand.

"Is she waving at us with her umbrella?" Éomer asked. But then he realised it: the umbrella was in Lobelia's left hand.
"What?" gasped Elrohir.

***

On the morning of the last day before the Fellowship left Rivendell, Bilbo was sitting alone in his room. Soon soft steps were heard outside the room. The old hobbit lifted himself and went to open the door.
"Oh, my dear Lobelia," he said, seeing the newcomer. "Please, come in."
Lobelia entered, looking suspiciously around the room. "Why did you ask me to come here?" she asked.
Bilbo stopped near the window and looked around nervously. "Well, I thought, you know," he stammered. "I wanted to apologize to you for how I acted on the Council..."
Lobelia looked at him, raising her eyebrows.
"We should be family, after all," the hobbit continued. "And, you see, I thought about it... the Ring is now going with you, and I -" he faltered. "I wanted to give you something."
He walked to the corner of the room and pulled out from under his bed a wooden box. He lifted the lid and took out a small sword in an old shabby leathern scabbard.
Then he drew it, and its polished and well-tended blade glittered suddenly, cold and bright. "This is Sting," he said, and thrust it with little effort deep into a wooden beam. "It is my sword, you know, the one I acquired on my journeys... I wanted to offer it to you, as you are carrying the Ring, and it may come useful on the journey..."
Lobelia was quite surprised and confused. She did not know what to think of the old hobbit's offer, even though she knew he is being right. I never wielded a sword, she thought. And why should I have? But now, it could indeed be useful... she was well aware of her importance as the Ringbearer. She could not deny the sword was beautiful, in a way.
Bilbo looked at her nervously. "So, what do you say?"

***

"I was watching over you," Lobelia said, holding the sword up. "At Caradhras, I did. I was not swift enough to save that poor Elf twin. But protecting such ungrateful company is beyond me. Face the consequences. Face them yourselves," she said, and finally turning away, not reacting to others' cries, she walked away.

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

The Fellowship:

A Little Green - Éomer
Groin Redbeard - Dáin II. Ironfoot
Gwathagor - Halbarad
McCaber - Elrohir
Meneltarmacil - Uglúk
Nogrod - Tom Bombadil
Rune son of Bjarne - Galadriel
Sally - Théodred
THE Ka - Radagast
Thinlómien - Gildor Inglorion

Gone:

Gil-Galad - Gandalf (left the Fellowship in Eregion) - innocent
Nerwen - Elladan (lost in the Pass of Caradhras) - innocent
Aganzir - Lobelia Sackville-Baggins (departed the Company by the dry streambed of Sirannon) - First Ringbearer & Protector

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

The second Collision is about to come. Everyone stop posting. Traitors start PMing. Everyone send me your picks, kills and other things.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

After Lobelia left, the Company stood still reluctantly for a moment. But the evening was closing, so they had to move. They climbed up the stony stair eastwards, back to the roots of the mountains. At the top they stopped. Behind them the sinking Sun filled the cool western sky with glimmering gold. Before them stretched a dark still lake. Neither sky nor sunset was reflected on its sullen surface. The Sirannon had been dammed and had filled all the valley. Beyond the ominous water were reared vast cliffs, their stern faces pallid in the fading light: final and impassable.
"There are the Walls of Moria!" cried Dáin. "Is that the path we are going to take now?"
"It is the best choice for us," said Galadriel. "There is no other way we can reach the other side of the mountains unnoticed."
"The name of Moria is black," said Halbarad with a grim face.
"Yet Gandalf would have advised us to take this way," Radagast said. "It is unpleasant to lose the sight of the sky and sun for some time, but this is indeed the fastest way to reach the pleasant and green valleys of Anduin."
"I would like to see them green at this time," said Éomer. "Yet if you insist, I will follow you to the darkness – if there is hope for us to come out again."
"Do not doubt it," Galadriel said. "I have passed through Khazad-Dûm, a long time ago."
Dáin and the Elves looked at her with surprise. She smiled, but the Dwarf frowned under that look, as if he remembered something unpleasant from the past. "But what?" he said. "Are we going to swim this gloomy water? It has an unwholesome look."
"There is a path by the northern edge," Halbarad said. "We might try to find our way around the shore."

He went forward and the others followed him. Only Tom Bombadil stood silently and watched the still lake. "This is ill water," he said.
Éomer turned at him. "We know that," he said. "But we must go around it to reach this gate, wherever it is."
Tom shook his head. "Tom expected at least the Fair Folk to be wiser than crawl into dark holes underground."
"You don't have to go, little man," said Uglúk.
"Don't hinder us," said Elrohir. "Let's go!"

The diminished Fellowship quickly passed around the lake to reach the walls of Moria. As Théodred, the last of the Company, stepped on the dry ground on the far side, there came a soft sound: a swish, followed by a plop, as if a fish had disturbed the still surface of the water. Turning quickly they saw ripples, black-edged with shadow in the waning light: great rings were widening outwards from a point far out in the lake. There was a bubbling noise, and then silence. The dusk deepened, and the last gleams of the sunset were veiled in cloud.

"So, where is this gate?" Théodred asked. "It may be dark inside, but somehow I would prefer it over standing on the shore of this lake after dusk."
"The Dwarven door is always hidden," Dáin explained.
"So can we find it?" Halbarad asked. "I thought you, Lady, said you have passed through before."
"I did," said Galadriel, lifting her white arms and touching the stony wall. "And I know the door does not open by itself."

Galadriel whispered something softly and, to everyone's surprise, where there was just plain wall a few moments ago, a great doorway opened.

"This is our way," Galadriel said, turning back on the others.
Bombadil gazed into the darkness inside. "This is not a good place," he said. "These are no longer Dwarven homes, but cold and dark caves and halls."
Dáin was standing still, clutching his fists, pale in his face. "It has been too long," he muttered to himself. "Balin..."
Radagast shook his head. "Come on! Wake up! This is no time to stay!" He took few steps to the edge of the pool and raising high his staff, he hit the surface of the water with a flash.
Instantly after the staff hit the surface, there was a swish and a bubble from further in the pool. Great rippling rings formed on the surface somewhere in the middle of the lake, and they moved slowly towards the foot of the cliff.
"Why did you do that, Radagast?" said Éomer. "I hate this place, and I am afraid. I don't know of what: not of the traitors among us, not of the dark behind the doors, but of something else. I am afraid of the pool. Don't disturb it!"
"We have been standing and talking here for too long," said Gildor. "Let us go in."
"This is an evil door, and my death lies beyond it. I will dare to pass it nonetheless," said Halbarad. He strode forward, but at that moment several things happened. Éomer felt something seize him by the ankle, and he fell with a cry. The others swung round and saw the waters of the lake seething, as if a host of snakes were swimming up from the southern end.
Out from the water a long sinuous tentacle had crawled; it was pale-green and luminous and wet. Its fingered end had hold of Éomer's foot and was dragging him into the water.
"Into the gateway! Up the stairs! Quick!" shouted Radagast leaping back.
Rousing them from the horror that seemed to have rooted all to the ground where they stood, he drove them forward. But then Éomer drew his sword and with one slash he cut the hideous tentacle away. He fell on his face, and twenty other arms came rippling out. The dark water boiled, and there was a hideous stench.
"We cannot help him!" shouted Radagast. "Up the stairs!"
Several tentacles grabbed Éomer's legs and body. He almost could not move. But he was still clutching his sword. He lifted his head, and his eyes met Radagast's. And with shock and horror, the Wizard realised the young Rohir's eyes were shining with anger and hatred.
"Cannot help me?" Éomer shouted with surprising strength. "I see – you are leaving me to die here! This was all your doing – traitor!!!"
Radagast felt as if time had slowed for him. He had enough time to watch Éomer's arm rising, he saw him stretching his hand and then, throwing his sword against him. He had enough time to see the sword of Mark flying through the air towards him and hitting him, while the slimy green tentacles slowly dragged Éomer into the water and the lake closed above him.

Radagast collapsed on the steps. But to the dismay of the remaining Companions, about his body a grey mist gathered, and rising slowly to a great height like smoke from a fire, as a pale shrouded figure it loomed over the pool. For a moment it wavered, looking to the West; but out of the West came a cold wind, and it bent away, and with a sigh dissolved into nothing.

Galadriel was the first to break the silence. "Come!" she cried, although even in her voice the horror was heard. "This is not over yet! Get away from the door!"

They were just in time. Uglúk and Tom were only a few steps up, and Halbarad had just begun to climb, when the groping tentacles writhed across the narrow shore and fingered the cliff-wall and the doors. One came wriggling over the threshold, glistening in the starlight. Galadriel turned and paused. If she was considering what would close the gate again from within, there was no need. Many coiling arms seized the doors on either side, and with horrible strength, swung them round. With a shattering echo they slammed, and all light was lost. A noise of rending and crashing came dully through the ponderous stone. They were now trapped inside Moria, and the only way out was on the other side.

-----------------------------------------------
The Fellowship has entered the Mines of Moria.
-----------------------------------------------

The Fellowship:

Groin Redbeard - Dáin II. Ironfoot
Gwathagor - Halbarad
McCaber - Elrohir
Meneltarmacil - Uglúk
Nogrod - Tom Bombadil
Rune son of Bjarne - Galadriel
Sally - Théodred
Thinlómien - Gildor Inglorion

Gone:

Gil-Galad - Gandalf (left the Fellowship in Eregion) - innocent
Nerwen - Elladan (lost in the Pass of Caradhras) - innocent
Aganzir - Lobelia Sackville-Baggins (departed the Company by the dry streambed of Sirannon) - First Ringbearer & Protector
A Little Green – Éomer (dragged into the pool by the Watcher in the Water) - Avenger
THE Ka – Radagast (killed by Éomer's sword Gúthwinë by the Gates of Moria) - traitor
-----------------------------------------------

The third part of the journey begins. Traitors stop talking. Everyone start posting. And if the former events were too little for you, you can decide who shall be the next Ringbearer.

[Groin Redbeard]

Dain jumped to his feet when the noise of the drums were heard, and took to flight with the rest of the fellowship. For a long time Gladriel guided them up stone stairs and down them again until the din of the drums could be no longer heard. The fellowship stopped for a while and rested for a few minutes.

"We mustn't linger here long," he said panting heavily, "They will be here before long, but let me offer my advice to the discussion while we have a moments rest.

"Gildor, I was glad to hear your words once again, and as usual they offer more incite than any of us here. I do not believe that you are a traitor like the wise Galadriel says, for if you were, would you offer such excellent incite on the words of your fellow traitor? Of course not! For everything that you say about Radagast is true and there has been no misinterpretations.

"The lady Galadriel, I don't like her quick accusation on Gildor's extensive thoughts. In my mind it looks like something Gildor said set Galadriel off, perhaps the words of Bombadil did.

Originally Posted by Tom Bombadil

"If all of us were like you we could clear this mess more easily."

"Master Tom Bombadil appears to agree with the loudest members of the fellowship and focuses on the quieter ones.

"Halbarad, he is sloppy and his words are often taken out of context, but he always comes back with a satisfying response, but not entirely satisfying."

Dain suddenly came to life again. "Come, the orcs may be upon us at any moment! Let us make haste and talk if you will while we move!"

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

"My good Dwarf, I like the way you think. . .You have a raional mind and you don't jump to conclutions, yet you are not afraid of speaking your mind.

Indeed I did not react to Gildor's speech, but as you correctly point out I was reacting to what The Eldest said. He has a love for elaborate speeches with lots of refferenses to what has earlier been said, I for one have nothing against long speeches as long as they are too the point. I wanted to point out to people that a hold a speech like Gildor's could also be a scheme from a traitor.

I am suspicouse about Gildor, but it has to be strengthend if I am to cast my vote on him tonight.

As you may have guessed I am most inclined to vote for The Eldest, even though he is right when he say that we have a history of misinturpritating each other."

[Meneltarmacil]

*Catches up to the rest of the Fellowship* They have a cave troll.

In listening to what Gildor has brought up about our traitorous wizard's dealings, It is quite interesting how Radagast acts like Elrohir and Galadriel are fellow traitors. Interesting also in that he and Bombadil initially did act like fellow traitors until the latter started finding fault in his statements.

Let's see: Radagast could have wondered about Galadriel's silence to throw us off track, that could well be staged. I'd agree that voting for Elrohir would be more risky though.

As for Tom, turning against Radagast is something I wouldn't put past him. He's not the kind that would save a fellow traitor if it meant putting himself at risk. And by doing such a thing, he's effectively distanced himself well.

[Gwathagor]

Halbarad suddenly awoke alone in the dark. The others were nowhere in sight; evidently he had fallen asleep and left behind.

I'll never hear the end of it if Aragorn finds out! he thought.

He got to his feet and stumbled off in the direction of the drums. He had a not-so-sneaking suspicion that the Fellowship was over there, but it would take him a few minutes to catch up.

[Groin Redbeard]

The fellowship moved hastily along the stone passages of Khazadum, always followed by the dulll throb of the drums. After a while of running Dain spoke.

"I must find out what has happened to Balin, allow me to linger ahead of you and search for his remains, for I fear that he and his companions are dead, slaughtered by the orcs. I will not stay far infront of you, but I will not be able to hear your council anymore, therefore I will vote now for who should leave.

"I vote for Tom Bombadil to leave. I do not like the way that he has joined what you call the bandwagon of votes during the last couple of days, and when he is not joining the others he focuses on the quieter members of our fellowship who either refuse to speak, or cannot speak, like he is doing toDay. Also I found his constant babbling during yesterDays voting very disturbing, and he contributed to much of the confusion then. Please forgive if you seem fit not to send him away, I vote is in haste for I must go now before it is to late, I must find Balin. Be wary of Durin's bane, I still fear that it lives!"

And with that Dain bounded ahead of his fleeing companions to search the passageways and rooms in the direction that their flight would take them.

++Tom Bombadil

[Gwathagor]

Halbarad finally came upon his companions in a long dark hallway, just catching the end of their conversation.

"I appreciate Gildor's analysis of Ragadast's actions. In some ways, it is the most helpful thing that has been said today. I believe it reaffirms (or at least doesn't contradict) what I spoke earlier, when I said that I found Elrohir and Bombadil the most suspicious.

"However, Gildor also mentions that Galadriel seems suspicious in light of her interaction with Radagast - this I do not understand. If I was to be suspicious of Galadriel, it would be for her poor behavior during the first day and a half, or so, not for her very limited involvement with the wizard. Perhaps I am too trusting, or too dull. I lack Gildor's elven sight and greater experience in these matters.

"I feel as though Elrohir has consistently ignored any attempts to make him speak up, participate, and, especially, explain that irritating first vote, which I cannot forget. Would a traitor not be more interested in appeasing his accusers? I do not know. I must think on it further, but as it stands I am likely to vote against Elrohir or possibly Bombadil - unless Galadriel does something substantial to arouse my suspicion once again."


EDIT: Crossed with Gildor

[Thinlómien]

"Honourable King Dáin, I appreciate the fact that you agree with me and that you think me innocent, for that is the truth. However, when you say

"Gildor, I was glad to hear your words once again, and as usual they offer more incite than any of us here. I do not believe that you are a traitor like the wise Galadriel says, for if you were, would you offer such excellent incite on the words of your fellow traitor? Of course not! For everything that you say about Radagast is true and there has been no misinterpretations.

I do not like the ring of it. You are slightly too eager to pronounce your trust in me and claiming there are no misinterpretations is dubious. For how could any of us know there are no misinterpretations? Even the other traitors cannot tell that. We would need the spirit of the dead wizard to tell us what he thought in order to interpret everything correctly." Then Gildor's features softened. "Maybe it is just weird Dwarven hastiness or fierceness I'm unfamiliar with. I do not think this comment of Dáin's is incriminating, merely that he should probably be more careful when he judges, if he indeed is innocent."

Then he turned his gaze to the Orc. "Uglúk, I think your latest words sounded most sincere. I'm less wary of you than I was a moment ago.

You said

As for Tom, turning against Radagast is something I wouldn't put past him. He's not the kind that would save a fellow traitor if it meant putting himself at risk. And by doing such a thing, he's effectively distanced himself well.

and I must agree with it. However, I do not think it would be his first choice of action."

Gildor then glared at Halbarad, hoping he could see behind the stern grey eyes. "You, my friend, I cannot read and you constantly evade my thought. I need to pay far more attention to you."

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Galadriel heard the words Gildor spoke of Ugluk and was suprised by them and so felt the need to adress him.
"It is interesting that I felt quite the opposite when hearing the words of the orc, it is not at all clear what he tries to say, he points out some of the things you stadet earlier, but does not conclude on them.

On a personal note I don't know if he suspects me or not, earlier there was nothing suspiciouse about me and it is not to tell from his last words whether that has changed or not"

EDIT: Crossed with Halbarad

[Nogrod]

"It's beginning to look like old Iarwain is packing his things toDay then... unless of those who have already spoken about their intention of voting me two are traitors themselves..." Tom sighed and shook his head. There seemed to be no believable chances for him to continue with the fellowship. After a while he smiled though. But I'm getting back to see Goldberry... and I don't need to face the one I sense is on the move deep down in the mines. Throw me thousand orcs and I will sing them away but that one could challenge even old Ben Adar...

He looked at the fellowship, or what was left of it.

"But at least one thing I will tell you if I'm not around toMorrow. And that is why I have not talked about our master dwarf until now. He was over-eager to support me and to trust my words and overjoyed to hear me talk on the first Day - and on the second as well. It was puzzling but I thought he might have been the seer who had had a dream on the Night before and knew I am innocent. A little clumsy seer - or overenthusiastic to press his point - but anyhow. Now he has turned his mind a full round as it starts to look possible that I might indeed be voted off. And how come he starts the same thing with master Gildor here affirming everything he says so as to be in good terms and not gather suspicion?

But I must tell you Daín that I did not not-suspect you because you rubbed my back nicely but because I thought you might be the seer. Now as I see you're not and as I see how you try to take your chances in sending yet another innocent away I must say that you have risen pretty high on my list of suspicions."

He sat down and draw breath. There was a mixed feeling of joy and sorrow in him. But even if he was to go he would try to help these heroes for five of them were still good and just two were rotten. But even one rotten apple can waste a whole basket.

EDIT: X'd with Galadriel & Halbarad: oh my...

[Meneltarmacil]

*continues running from the goblins*

Well, I think I've made my points pretty clear. Time to vote.

++Tom Bombadil

Anybody but me think we might be running in the wrong direction? I'm seeing some kind of strange fiery light ahead, and that threatening smell from earlier is getting stronger as we run toward it...

[Thinlómien]

"Iarwain speaks as if he was dead already... which could be because he's a traitor and traitors always over-estimate the pressure on them." Gildor sighed. "I do not know. I am suspicious of him, yet I'm not. There's a lot in him that does not sit right with me, but on the other hand, he does not seem particularly guilty. And if it comforts you at all, Iarwain, I must say I'm by no means decided on sending you away, you're but one of many options.

Halbarad - indeed, a Radagast-Iarwain-Elrohir trio is possible, one of those I've been thinking about. I thank you for saying it aloud and helping me shape my thoughts on the matter. It would be a foul and deceitful trio, but a possible one. I can see those two nature-lovers turning against their companion who fails to speak up or make a lot of sense. I still hesitate... would this be too easy?

And I must disagree with you, Halbarad, here

However, Gildor also mentions that Galadriel seems suspicious in light of her interaction with Radagast - this I do not understand. If I was to be suspicious of Galadriel, it would be for her poor behavior during the first day and a half, or so, not for her very limited involvement with the wizard. Perhaps I am too trusting, or too dull. I lack Gildor's elven sight and greater experience in these matters.

for why I suspected her was rather how she declared him innocent and how he slightly defended her.

You also said

I feel as though Elrohir has consistently ignored any attempts to make him speak up, participate, and, especially, explain that irritating first vote, which I cannot forget. Would a traitor not be more interested in appeasing his accusers? I do not know.

to which I would like to say: yes, a traitor called Elrohir would. I do not claim to know him well, but his manner in a thing like this could be as sly as that."

Gildor paused, glanced at the roof and grieved that he could not see the stars. He had never been one to enjoy himself indoors. Then he continued.

"I find it almost scary how much I agree with Halbarad at the present. Either it is because innocent minds often think alike, or then he is a treacherous traitor who seeks to gain my trust."

He smiled.

"Speaking of gaining my trust, it seems like almost everybody here is agreeing with me, calling me helpful and not suspecting me. It seems like people want to be friends with me. Which I would have nothing against if two of you weren't traitors. A refreshing exception to this party of admirers - if I may phrase it in such a comical way - is lady Galadriel, and that is one of the reasons I'm leaning to considering her innocent." He nodded approvingly to his mighty kinswoman.

"On a totally different subject, one thing we have not talked about very much is Éomer's death. I know our journey in the dark draws near its ending, but I still must see if this awakens any discussion. We have been so delighted by his braveness that we have forgotten about an important aspect of the happenings at the gates of Moria. Why was he killed? Someone said he might have suspected toi be the seer. If I have spare time, I will indeed have a closer look at it because it indeed might give new insights to this situation."


edit: xed with Uglúk

[Nogrod]

"With some of the last one task I may spare your work master Gildor. I said the traitors might have thought her the seer as she was one of the few who suspected Radagast the traitor.

And yes I speak like one who's going home already as at least three members of our fellowship have already spoken of their willing to vote for me and with this company of eight it's more or less a done deal then. That's maths and probabilities, not over-reacting.

But to a graver matter - for some of you will be alive and need to go on with the mission the council sent us. You didn't turn your ear to my worries about Radagast yesterDay evening - and I admit it came too late and is then also my fault. I should have realised it earlier. But it also seems that you're now totally ignoring my worry about Daín as well."

He turned towards Gildor and challenged his eyes. "At least you should have shown some concern as you're the next one the dwarf is trying to embrace into your death... unless you're his mate that is.

I mean how come such a seerish looking person is alive in the first place, one who trusts so openly someone the traitors know to be innocent? Also the fact that Radagast totally ignores him and he only makes a few totally unforthcoming mentionings of Radagast suggest a possibility of a treacherous link between them. It's not the worst case suggested these days.

Although I feel there is a more active traitor among us and I just hope you will be able to fish him out from the lot early enough.

But you will have one Day to mull over these things, right? After that it's over if you miss then as well."

Tom seemed to have an idea and a slight smile appeared to his face albeit a sad one.

"It's quite ironic that I should be in a position where Lobelia was yesterDay and to feel like saying that the outcome of your votes will be exactly what you deserve..."

[Thinlómien]

"Iarwain, you say

But it also seems that you're now totally ignoring my worry about Daín as well."

He turned towards Gildor and challenged his eyes. "At least you should have shown some concern as you're the next one the dwarf is trying to embrace into your death... unless you're his mate that is.

I mean how come such a seerish looking person is alive in the first place, one who trusts so openly someone the traitors know to be innocent? Also the fact that Radagast totally ignores him and he only makes a few totally unforthcoming mentionings of Radagast suggest a possibility of a treacherous link between them. It's not the worst case suggested these days.

and that may make sense. I have not suspected Dáin much because he simply hasn't looked partcularly suspicious to me. I must reconsider this all know and I'm very aware that there are far more faces to this thing - and other things - than I will talk about out loud. I need to muse through everything King Dáin has said before judging him finally and I'm afraid there won't be time for that here in Moria."

Gildorhalted and listened to the drums. Then he continued. "I will now speak plainly. Galadriel and Théodred I now believe innocent. If I had to guess, I would say that Uglúk and Dáin are innocent as well, but I'm not sure here at all. I believe the two remaining culprits may well be among Halbarad, Elrohir and Iarwain. I'm very unsure and would need to re-think everything in order to be clear.

This maybe an unwise folly, but for today, I'm afraid I do not care so much about how is lynched. I am eagerly waiting for our next travle phase when we know the roles of two more people. Then, if there are still two traitors in our midst, we will have the final fight in which I will take part wholeheartedly and there will be a lot of clues around. However, I do not advise you to adopt this attitude. Although I do suspect Iarwain, if he's innocent, his death would indeed be a grievous loss (but would remove an enigma, that I do admit).

Is there anyone else but me who would favour voting Lord Elrohir out today than me? Like I said I'm in a mood for gathering clues and I will feel far more safe next time we debate if I do not have such an uncertainity factor lurking around. And besides, one can hardly claim his actions have been innocent-looking."


edit: xed with Elrohir

[satansaloser2005]

Theodred watched as the remaining members of the fellowship spoke further of the traitors. So far, two of the fellowship had decided that Tom Bombadil should leave their midst; Theodred thought this to be a mistake.

"My friends, let us please consider that Tom took suspicion of Radagast at my request; after all, I was the one who requested more attention be paid to the fellow.

"I think that Bombadil is innocent. I implore you to see reason, for it seems unlikely that Bombadil would turn on his fellows unless forced to do so, as Gildor has pointed out today.

"To briefly speak of the orc, I will say only this for now. He said when voting for Bombadil,

Originally Posted by Menel

Well, I think I've made my points pretty clear. Time to vote.

++Tom Bombadil

Anybody but me think we might be running in the wrong direction? I'm seeing some kind of strange fiery light ahead, and that threatening smell from earlier is getting stronger as we run toward it...

It is as if he KNOWS that Bombadil is innocent and that leaving him behind would be a mistake, but he votes for his removal anyway. This bodes ill for my suspicions of Ugluk, as until now I had thought him perhaps innocent; now I am not so sure. Would you care to explain your statement?"

Theodred knew that, with the day drawing to a close, much had been said since he had begun speaking. He paused briefly to re-collect his thoughts and to listen to what others had said.


EDIT: crossed with everything since Ugluk's vote