(Archive) The Strange Adventures of Numandil, Naerdil, and Huan 5

Tiar Forod, at Limlight River
The great forest of Fangorn lies just to the west. Across a small bridge to the north, one can see that the forest ends, and a vast grassy plain stretches out off to the horizon and beyond. To the south a road stretches away.

Contents:
Grey tent
Numandil aka Indilzar
Naerdil aka Aearwen
Obvious exits:
East leads to South Bank of Limlight.
North leads to Long Plain.
West leads to Limlight River.
South leads to Tiar Forod, East of Fangorn.

[Numandil(#10108)]
With the twain now out of the forest, they now must break camp and resume their journey. In the misty airs Numandil says, "Well Naerdil. The Forest of Fangorn is great indeed, and now we have seen as much for a tall tale. Yet it is the time to resume our quest."

Nodding his head in agreement Naerdil says, "Fangorn has been an experience that I am not sure I would wish to repeat. Being lost in the darkness and tree that can travel and speak is almost more than one can comprehend."

South Bank of Limlight
The Sun is still quite high in the sky and the plains and waters lay sparkling
under a clear Winter sky.

The whispering sound of flowing water comes to your ears from the north.The sound of the wind sighs over the downs from the south and the plains to the north, and no rustling of leaves is heard. Beyond the river Limlight, the plains stretch away to the horizon, the verdant grasses waving in the breeze,while to the south stretch the low hills of the downs sloping gently toward you,innocent of any trees.
Contents:
Numandil
Obvious exits:
West leads to Tiar Forod, at Limlight River.
East leads to South Bank of Limlight.

A cheerful laugh sounds from Naerdil, a sunny disposition once again on his face as he says, "You have the best voice for song my kinsman. My own sounds much like a bullfrog croaking at the moon."
[Numandil(#10108)]
Slowly Numandil begins to sing in his step, not caring to ride upon his mount this day:

Upon the hearth the fire is red,
Beneath the roof, there is a bed,
Still not yet weary are our feet,
for round the corner, we may meet,
A sudden stream, a standing stone,
That none but we have seen alone,
Leaf and flower, tree and grass,
Let them Pass, let them pass.

To Erebor, where Dwarves yet are,
By the Mirkwood, forest hoar,
Wander far, over tree and grass,
Let them pass, oh let them pass.
Slapping the reins against the flank of the horse, Naerdil flies across the Plains in his eagerness to put distance between himself and Fangorn. Raven locks fly in the breeze as he and his steed right off into the horizon.

[Numandil(#10108)] "I do not like this Naerdil," says Numandil at last now mounting his steed, "We are being led too far west."

Turning his horse, the animal snorting in resistance, Naerdil looks to his uncle in question, "Led too far west? Is this not the direction to Erebor?"

[Numandil(#10108)]
Sighing Numandil says, "Haven't you looked at the maps? It is east and far north of here, but we must negotiate with lands without roads." He then motions to Huan, 'Huan, be our guide in this, for you have been here with Indilzar the Bragollach."

[Numandil(#10108)] "We are nigh the Celebrant," says Numandil. "It is thither that Eorl swore an oath of league and friendship to Cirion the Steward."

A hint of irritation changes the tone of the younger man's voice, "I have looked at the map's uncle. But since you keep them so closedly guarded, its not as if I have them burned into my memory. If you would like, I can scribe my own version of the map into my journal to take a glance when ever I wish."

[Numandil(#10108)] "And what about the map I gave you Naerdil?" replies Numandil as he follows behind Huan.

A frown draws bushy dark brows together as Naerdil turns once again to his uncle, "No copy of the map was ever given to me. Unless, it was sent along with those missives that never reached my person." A chill pervades his voice as he repeats his earlier words, "When next we camp, I will scribe a copy into the journal to have for safe keeping. I have no wish for another instance such as this to rise to cause discord between us. We must be as one as we make this journey."

[Numandil(#10108)] "I think perhaps that the spirits of Fangorn has disendengered your peace my brother's son," says Numandil. "It is yet many leagues to our goal."

No response does the younger man give his uncle, save that of a snort of disgust. His cloak is drawn tighter around his shoulder as the wind whips across the grassy plains. The silvery grey orbs of Naerdil glance at the never ending plains and clucks under his tongue to his stallion.

[Numandil(#10108)] "Now, Fangorn is behind us and we come to lands where seldom Men go," says Numandil. "By star or moon no map except the ancient ones can guide us now. Yet if we hold aright our course we will come nigh the Golden Wood."

The tall grasses of the plain whip at the leather boots of the men as they make their way towards Lorien, The Golden Wood. Silent save a soft whistle to his horse from time to time, the horse nickering in return. With each distance of ground that is covered, one can see the good nature of Naerdil returning as the blank expression on his countenance is replaced by one of curiosity, a smile -almost- curving his lips.'

[Numandil(#10108)] "It is said that the Golden Wood is perilous," says Numandil. "Named Lothlorien: The DreamFlower in the tongue of the Sindar, it is said that elves yet dwell deep within the wood."

"We do not intend to venture into the Golden Wood, do we?", Naerdil asks tenatively. Then with a gruff laugh he adds, "But then again, what is another adventure as we head off to Erebor?"

[Numandil(#10108)] "We will not enter there," says Numandil grimly. "It is perilous, but not as how you may think."

The ever present curiosity of Naerdil once again comes into play as he asks, "Perilous in what way, Uncle? Now you have me even more curious about what -lurks- in the Golden Wood. Are you to say, more perilous than the tree people of Fangorn?"

[Numandil(#10108)] "It is not meant for Men to seek out Elves," says Numandil. "For in that I deem it is peril. For it from a power and time that is no longer in this Middle Earth."

"Then peril exists only if we try to enter the Golden Wood and seek the company of elves." An uneasy expression slips over the younger man's face as he glances towards the woods, "How many days ride to get past this wood? Do you have any idea of the distance we must travel?"

You follow the Silverlode northwest for a while.
Riverside Pathway along the Celebrant
You stand aside an energetic river, surrounded on all sides by the towering boughs of a winter forest of Mallorns. A clear path runs alongside the river's embankment here northwards you can see it leading into a well-protected alcove beneath the forest canopy, while southwards the forest seems to begin thinning. Across the river (which appears impassable here), the forest extends both upstream and downstream as far as you can see.
Surrounded as you are, you have the distinct sensation that you are being watched.
Contents:
Numandil
Obvious exits:
Northwest leads to Western Riverbank of the Upper Celebrant.
Southeast leads to Western Riverbank of the Lower Celebrant.

[Numandil(#10108)] "It is not too far," says Numandil, "But there are few accounts of Men's travels in these days. We also draw nigh to Moria."

[Bird(#6479)->Naerdil]
As you arrive in this area, you sense a great spirit of Light beyond the bridge to the East. Indeed, you have arrived at the border of Lothlorien.You remeber hearing that the inhabitants of these woods take unkindly to uninvited visitors -- you would be wise to tread carefully...

Numandil nods, "Yes, we must be careful." Then coming to a pause he looks across the river and with a gloved hand points saying, "Behold! The Golden Wood!"

"Perhaps we should travel on with as much haste as possible Numandil and put the Golden Wood far behind us before we make camp again.", says Naerdil.

[Numandil(#10108)] "We have come far already and I do not fear evil here," then Numandil sighs and looks at the wood.

His voice rising a pitch the younger Nimothan asks incredulously, 'You just spoke of the danger that lurks when men seek elves. That elves dwelleth in these woods and yet.....yet, you say you fear no evil?" A laugh of disbelief he makes before Naerdil says, "Pardon me Uncle, but you speak in riddles"

[Numandil(#10108)] "Indeed I do," says Numandil. "For it is perilous, but not perilous as you may think. Let us camp here tonight."

An uneasy expression on his face, Naerdil speaks not a single word of argument about the choice of camp. Sliding from his mount, he stretches his legs a bit and picks a spot to pitch the tent.

Across the Celebrant, Tauran comes hurtling out of the trees on a rope! He lands softly on the ground nearby, and the rope he swung in on is quickly pulled back into the forest canopy above.
Across the Celebrant, Tauran heads down to the riverbank and starts wading across.
Tauran climbs up from out of the riverbank.
Tauran has arrived.
Across the Celebrant, Kathalis emerges from the dense forest.
Across the Celebrant, Kathalis heads down to the riverbank and starts wading across.
Kathalis climbs up from out of the riverbank.
Kathalis has arrived.

[Combat(#13388)] Tauran silently slings a worn longbow over his back.

[Numandil(#10108)] The camp now pitched, the two men now sit at ease. Their hound wanders by the water.

Wandering around the perimeter of the campsite, Naerdil is restless as he paces back and forth. Plucking a blade of grass he chews it thoughtfully as he looks into the woods and then spats it out as he turns to his Uncle, "Do you not think this is too close to the Golden Wood? An uneasiness is filling my soul with dread." And then a laugh booms from his chest as he shakes his head and wipes a weary hand across his forehead, "Perhaps the encounters in Fangorn have darkened my mind Numandil. A long time shall pass before I forget what was seen there."

[Numandil(#10108)] "There is no dread in the forest," says Numandil. "Save only that dread that you bring yourself. For you are a mortal like myself, and it is by that mark Lorien is deemed perilous."

[Numandil(#10108)]
Huan the hound sniffs at the water's edge cautiously before coming to curl up by the fire.

[Kathalis(#19051)] Out side your camp just beyond the fire light a soft foot fall can be heard.. the moment before a figure apears, clad in a long grey cloak, and shinny white cowl, in the figures hand can dee seen the very recogniziable form of a longbow with a knocked arrow.

[Numandil(#10108)] The hound gets up on his feet and looks out to the side of the camp, his ears perked...

Up go the hands of Naerdil in exasperation and he whirls in his footsteps to face his Uncle, "Make up my mind for me, please Uncle. First you say that it is perilous to seek elves. And dread awaits any that enter the Golden Wood and now....now, you speaketh of no dread? These riddles, coupled with the uneasiness that I feel are confusing, at best." Pointing to Huan with a long, slender finger he says, "At least the hound rests well in this campsite, perhaps my own imagination is working over much." Whirling around at the sound of a footstep, his eyes widen as a figure with longbow drawn steps into view.'

[Numandil(#10108)] Numandil, rises suddenly and says, "Who is there?" His hand drifts to his side but lays limply, as if knowing there is no use in bladework.

Numandil looks thoughtful for a moment and then...

[<#10108>] Numandil cups his hands to his mouth and cries in a soft voice, " People of the Wood! We come in peace! We are Dunedain of the South and come in peace!"

[<#19051>] Kathalis says softly, " Who are you that approach our woods, come you in peace?" his expression serious, as Numadil speak he nods and says softly, " Very well..." he raise his hand making a gesture towards the tree..

[<#10108>] Numandil says in Sindarin, "motions to Naerdil and then approaches with caution. At length he comes before the figure, still a distance away and bows low, "I am called Numandil son of Nodroth of the House Nimothan of Gondor. This, is Naerdil, my brother's son."

Numandil motions to Naerdil for a moment and says quietly, "Caution, my young nephew is the best course. I did not think we were espied so quickly, nor did I think that the Elves held their leaguer with such swiftness."

[<#19051>] Kathalis looks between the two of you silently and says softly, " We watch our borders carefully, had you been determinded a danger you would be dead already...I come to ask just this..what brings you to our woods."

Sighing deeply as the familiar language is spoken between the figure and his uncle, Naerdil visibly relaxes. No movement does he make save to tilt his head briefly as Numandil introduces the two of them. Palms upwards, visible to the one standing with bow he says softly, " No evil stands before you, only the Dunedain from Gondor as they pass on their way to the North." A soft laugh does slip from his lips as he nods his head in agreement, 'The swiftness of our detection did surprise me ...almost more than...', his voice drops off as his eyes return to the figure.

[<#10108>] Numandil then listens cautiously only now truly seeing the elf and he is in wonder for a moment before he finds words, " We pass northwards. We are on a diplomatic mission from the Steward of Gondor to the lands East of Mirkwood."

Kathalis nods and says softly, "Very well, know this, if you do anything to endanger our woods while you are hear, it will mean your deaths.." looking to you seriously, to stress the seriousness of this situation the elfstone on his brow flashes, "But as long as you are here you will be safe from harm for you are under watch.

[Numandil(#10108)] Numandil bows, "I thank you then! For we are tired and will do naught but pass through as we may."

Wide do the eyes of Naerdil grow as the elfstone flashes on the brow of the elf before them. Amazement brings a smile of pleasure to his face, again, his ever curious nature bids him to speak when perhaps, twas best to remain silent."We shall not endanger your beautiful woods as we pass through. May we know your name?" A tinge of colour brightens the young man's face as he admits self-consciously, "This is my first trip outside of Gondor and my curiosity about everything does tend to lead me to ask many questions."

Kathalis
A tall elf of 7 feet, his sandy blonde hair is tied neatly back in a simple silvery cord and his silver eyes sparkly as he scans the area quickly. Pushed back off his head is a shinning white cowl, along the inner edge of the cowl the Silver Cord of the Cukano is sewn the mark of a master archer. Under his grey cloak which is held together by a clasp, shaped in the symbol of House Raavindonserke, can be seen a glint of metal off his ringmail armor, also the hilt of his sword can be seen. He wears a pair of black pants. Upon his right wrist can be seen a bracer of intertwined silver and gold, and encrusted with jewels of many kinds. Around his neck hangs a simple medallion in the shape of a Falcon. A simple golden ring can be seen shining on the ring finger.
+first Kathalis

Kathalis says softly, "Aye I am Eldar Knight Kathalis of the Order of Lorien

Again comes the sweet sound of the language of the elves from the man from Gondor as he says in a pleasant voice, despite the drawn longbow still held tightly. " Tis a pleasure to meet you Eldar knight Kathalis or the Order of Lorien." Speaking to himself he muses, 'I would guess the Order of Lorien would be much like the Swan Knights of Dol Amroth.' He motions to the campsite with a cautious wave of his hand, a bit of trepidation in his voice, " Would you care to join for a sip of wine from the skin that rests there?" Shaking his head he mutters in disbelief as damp palms carefully wipe on his thighs, " Tis hard to know what to say when faced with a longbow drawn and feeling completely at a loss for words and still your voice springs forth in nervous chatter."

Kathalis nods slowly and says, "Nae mellon, I can not partake of the wine." placing the knocked arrow back into his quiver.

Drawing in a deep, cleansing breath as the bow in replaced in the quiver Naerdil says, " I see. My wish is to learn more and log everything from this journey for my uncle as he requested. I am but a simple noble man heading to Erebor at the command of the Steward of Gondor."

Kathalis nods and turns to leave without another word.

Kathalis is assisted across the Celebrant by some Galadhrim Guards who quickly string up a makeshift bridge for him.
Kathalis has left.
Across the Celebrant, Kathalis disappears into the trees!