(Archive) The Fellowship of the Sword 20 - Dissension and Debate

As the Fellowship stands under the eaves of Lorien, dissent arises as to what is the best course of action.

By the Celebrant

When young dawn with her rose red fingers shone once more...

The camp of the Men of Gondor sits by the Celebrant. In this morning hour Indilzar the Black can be found by the riverside looking out upon the trees of the Golden Wood. It is hard to read what his thoughts are.

So unlike the bright pavilions of Dol Amroth with their brave pennants, the grey tents of the Fellowship are pitched in a small circle -- as distant from the river as they may be, and yet remain in the clearing.

Yet, there is one which stands alone nigh the river -- and it\'s flap is pushed back now, to allow passage to the Lord of the Isilrim swordless as he has been ever since the Men of Gondor enter the shade of the tall mallorns.

Turning back to the camp, Indilzar looks to Arnafel and says, \"Good morning Arnafel. The day is bright and pleasant and their is a sweet fragrance in the air.\"

To the woods across the river Arnafel turns even as he straightens, and long he gazes thither ere replying, \"Indeed. But it has been well nigh two days. And there is no reply.\"

Turning to Arnafel, Indilzar looks strangely at him, \"I did not see the messenger of the Lady since I was hunting in the Greenwoods with Huan. Yet all the same, time is but a small think to the Eldar I deem.\"

As the late morning stretches on, and fills the air with pleasant fragrances and light, Foronwe emerges from one of the many scattered tents in the clearing. He squints in the sunlight, and then breathes in deeply, taking in all that is around him. He sighs and takes several steps down towards the riverside, always favoring the sight of running water. As he walks, he spots from afar his lord, Arnafel, and another of the swan knights conversing. As of yet, however, he remains silent.

\"Less than a small thing, Bragollach. It holds no meaning for them, save when they must deal with our like.\"

And to Indilzar the Isilrim glances then, with arched brow, \"You hunted in the Greenwoods, and alone? It was bravely done...and rash. But come, did you see aught to trouble you thither? For I deem we will have to pass through it if we are to go North.\"

\"Nay,\" says Indilzar, \"I did not hunt in the Golden Wood. Rather I was in the hills and dells and there is no sign of aught save the voices of birds and the wind. Yet I am now troubled in heart if truth be told. For yonder shall our doom be told I think.\"

Silence is the answer the Bragollach must content himself with. Long does Arnafel stand with his gaze bent upon the woods -- distant he seems, even as if he looks beyond that which lies before them to some vision hidden from the sight of others. Until:

\"Truth indeed. Come, I would speak to you on a matter of some import.\"

And turning abruptly, he strides back to the small fire set before the tent.

Indilzar turns and follows Arnafel only casting one last gaze back at the river. His steps are slow and he says, \"Tarrying we must not do much longer. Come, we shall take counsel.\"

Hearing fragments of the conversation before him, Foronwe looks up from the river, towards the noblemen. He listens carefully, trying to understand what it is that they speak of so urgently. He washes his face in the water, and when finished, rises and approaches the men, who have, by now, walked back to the camp. Upon reaching them he bows, and says \"Good day, Lords. How fair you and how fairs our entire fellowship on this most majestic of mornings?\"

Indilzar looks at the face of Foronwe and says, \"Majestic it may be Foronwe, but be wary. Not all things golden have a heart that shines as bright.\"

\"And yet tarry we must,\" rises a new voice, clarion and clear, from the borders of the encampment.

Thorondur Edrahil, the Elf-Friend, has emerged from the thickness of the brush to the north. \"For only when we have heard the judgement of the Lord and Lady of this land will be well-advised to leave it.\"

He speaks to his peers, the lords Arnafel and Indilzar, yet to Foronwe the squire he smiles beneficiently, and that is answer enough for his welfare.

\"So that is true enough,\" says Indilzar, \"but many leagues have we left to go. And still I am uncertain of our course. If I read the maps of Numandil rightly, then we must consider the forest ahead - and that is a perilous place. Perhaps there is a way to go around it?\"

With inclined brow -- yet, in silence -- the Silver Knight greets Thorondur, ere casting back his cloak and seating himself on a log before the fire. And to Foronwe he says then, \"A wiser deed than you know perhaps, Squire. The waters of the river are said to cleanse all weariness and give hope anew.\"

Yet, to Indilzar he gives no reply, but merely glances to the Girithlin.

\"We wait upon their word,\" Thorondur repeats, coming up now to join with the others -- and upon Arnafel his gaze lingers, as if there is meaning within the words for him alone. \"They know of our presence, and will treat with us as they will -- or not.\"

And if there is an unspoken meaning in the Knight-Herald\'s eyes, then it is read fully by the subtle gaze of the Isilrim -- to Indilzar he glances then, and back to Thorondur. And as if a decision has been reached, he turns fully to the Black Knight then.

\"Yet, ere word comes to us of whether or not we are to be given passage, I would speak to you, Bragollach...of the woods, and of yourself.\"

Realizing he has stumbled in to a conversation of matters of great import, Foronwe is content to stay silent. Yet, being curious, he stays among the Knights, and does not leave them yet. He all but listens, understanding what he may of this conversation. When addressed by Arnafel, he nods with a grin and replies \" They are indeed miraculous waters. Be it the light of morning, or the river itself, I feel refreshed and hopeful regarding the path that is to come. Yet it seems, unfortunately, that my hope is flawed and frivolous.\" He finishes on a hinting note, referring to the matter at hand.

Silently the flap that barrs entrance to Faengor\'s tent is brushed aside by a single hand, revealing the Errand Rider in the tent, dressed in full attire. With quick steps he exits the tent, releasing the flap. Grimly he surveys the lands around him, before turning to the fire and walking towards it with quick steps, wrapping his cloak tightly against him.

A smile curls on the lips of Indilzar Bragollach and he nods to Arnafel, \"Oh do speak on. Please.\"

And as Arnafel speaks with Indilzar, the Lord Girithlin turns his attention once more to Foronwe, the squire. \"Flawed and frivolous?\" he wonders. \"I have never known a false Hope, lad. Why do you speak so, after even the taste of fair Nimrodel\'s waters has wet your lips?\"

There is silence for a long moment, as if the Isilrim considers what he must say -- yet, there is no hesitation in it merely counsel taken with himself. And at last, he speaks:

\"The Firstborn are not as us, Bragollach. Not for them, wrath or fear or rashness...not, at the least, for long years. But you -- no need have I to speak of the House of Sudden Flame to you, for you are their lord. How will you bear yourself within the woods if we are to be given passage, I wonder?\"

There is silence for a long moment, as if the Isilrim considers what he must say -- yet, there is no hesitation in it merely counsel taken with himself. And at last, he speaks:

Piously Faengor moves towards the fire, the squire and the three knights, cracking twigs under the sole of his boots. Serenely his gaze rests upon them, watching their gestures as they speak and listening to them with carefull attention as they speak. Upon arrival he bows respectfully, inclining his head to the group while muttering an apology for interruption.

Rising Indilzar says, \"Since when has the Lord of the Isilrim been given to rash judgement on the House of the Bragollach? Or do you not trust enough my endeavour to free Amrothos from his unholy curse. If you wish me to say that I shall be a good boy, and not be who I am, then you are mistaken Lord Isilrim. Now, come off of your high seat and speak among mortals again lest the fragrance of the woods makes you think that you are as a Vala to command us.\"

In wisdom is framed Thorondur\'s smile, older and less judgemental perhaps than any expression deserves to be upon that fair, that youthful face. On the squire he gazes still, and says, \"Yet in solemn matters is hope best held nearest the heart, young Foronwe. Come -- let me show you something.\"

And with a gesture to beckon the lad on, he starts down toward the water -- and included in the motion is Faengor of Minas Tirith, for Thorondur is not unaware of that one\'s arrival.

\"If I passed judgment, Bragollach\" -- seated yet before the fire, Arnafel remains -- \"...then I would not ask. But I do so for I have seen the fire of the Bragollach.\"

And the Isilrim\'s voice does not alter -- yet, sterner now it seems in some subtle manner, \"And I have seen what it can drive the folk of your house to do. Or do you forget who stayed your hand in the gardens of Dol Amroth by the sea?\"

The flap of another tent is pushed aside, a smaller tent then others it is, and out steps a tall man. Clad in his black cloak, he glances around him, his gaze falling upon the men of the southern kingdom taking coucil upon this bright morning. Then the dark gaze of Tamran turns towards the silent woods, accross the river. For a moment he lingers upon the sight, yet no sound does he make, no expression seen upon his face. Closing his cloak, as to protect him form the cool morning, the guardsman start to make his way towards the group of men. \"Good day.\" he says simply, bowing his head respectfully to all. \"Taking council upon our next course?\" he adds, addressing no one in particular but all at once.

Curiously, Faengor\'s eyes dart towards Thorondur, giving him a curious look for several moments, ere setting a step forward and turning his gaze to the direction Thorondur waved. \"What is it, you wish to show us Lord?\" Faengor speaks, curiously.

Noticing the direction which the conversation between the lords Arnafel and Indilzar has taken, and wishing no particular part of it, Foronwe nods quickly to Thorondur. \"Yes Lord, I come after you...\". He steps down towards the water, along the path that Thorondur has taken, looking back at Faengor as he does so.

On a sudden the face of the Bragollach turns pale with rage. He fingers the sword of his fathers and you can see perhaps the debate in his eyes...

\'Should I know strike down Arnafel in blood for my honour and ill words?\'

But at length Indilzar Bragollach lets his hand fall from the hilt of his sword and he shrugs, \"If you wish to taunt my house. So be it. I will not do the same. I shall not utter the Doom of the Isilrim, for in doing so, perhaps it might find thee as well.\"

You paged Celeborn with \'that is something I wrote up and since it is so old... you would know about it...\'.

As he leads his small party down to the riverbank, Thorondur pauses by Tamran to say, his voice low, \"You had best come with us, I think.\" And with that, he adds for Faengor, \"All will be revealed in time. Now come, if you will.\" And seemingly heedless of the argument behind him, he moves onward.

Quickly Faengor jumps forward, following the small party along the steps, casting one last look towards the two knights and their heated argument, frowning curiously before returning his attention to the path ahead, picking up the pace of his steps.

The gaze of the guardsman rests upon the two knights, Arnafel and Indilzar. Slowly he nods, listening to the words of Thorondur and takes a few steps backwards before truning around to follow the Knight-Herald. \"I hope our friends within the woods do not hear the heated words of Lord Arnafel and Lord Indilzar...\" Tamran almost whispers this to Thorondur, as if affraid the other knights might hear him.

And now he rises, the Knight-Admiral, to stand tall before the Black Knight -- held in rein yet is the chill fire of the Isilrim but harken to his voice, colder than death:

\"Your words are those of folly, Bragollach. You see insult where none was given you think of vengeance where none is due. But you have given me your answer, at the least.\"

But Indilzar laughs saying, \"For little price do you wish to bring dissension to our ranks. If you think that I shall betray the company, or that my coming is a curse, then so be it. You will not be the last to test me Arnafel, and though we may be brethren, I loathe the future. For my part, I deem that you play with fire, and our errand is to save the Prince\'s boy.\"

Steady is the gaze of the Isilrim upon Indilzar -- clear and bright, and keener than keenest blade in that instant. And gone of a sudden is the stern bearing -- as the lords of an earlier age might have spoken in the power of their blood, so does he, distant and slow:

\"Nay, Bragollach. You will not betray the Fellowship. Not willingly. But you will betray yourself ere all is done.\"

And then, as swiftly as it had come, it passes, and he is himself again -- to reply with a faint smile one which has little of mirth in it, \"I have ridden through fire ere now, Bragollach. If I must do so again, then so be it.\"

Taking a smile, Indilzar says, \"I think you need to relax more Arnafel. You have been acting queerly since we came nigh this river. Return to the earth.\"

\"In that, Bragollach\", the Silver Knight replies dryly, \"...you may at last have spoken truly.\"

A glance to the others of the Fellowship who have begun to come forth from the tents -- and drift nearer to the two Knights -- and Arnafel seats himself again by the fire. And veiled again seem his thoughts as they ever are -- the companions will naught of what has passed between the two lords from him, it would seem.

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The Roleplay of the Rest of the Fellowship while Arnafel and Indilzar quarrelled

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Western Riverbank of the Upper Celebrant

You stand amidst a winter forest. The trees here are of mixed varieties - oaks and elms and even quite a few enormous mallyrn. To the northeast, the Celebrant river rushes by noisily, swift and cold. The underbrush here is fairly light, and you can easily make out a trail following along the river\'s edge. However, the brush gets really thick in the direction of the river, where more sunlight reaches down to the ground, at least during parts of the day. Across the river you can also see a golden forest, comprised almost exclusively of mighty mallyrn. You feel uncomfortable here, and have the distinct sensation that you are being watched.

[Thorondur(#23126)]

Leading his small party down toward the riverside, the Lord Thorondur -- arrayed in his riding leathers, the sigils of his ancient House, and over all his snowy mantle -- offers Tamran a wan smile. \"They will hear it, I assure you. And for it they will love Arnafel the more....\"

How they will love Indilzar, if at all, he leaves unsaid.

But now he halts, there before the swift water, and turns to regard his countrymen. \"Close your eyes and tell me, my friends,\" he intones solemnly, \"what you feel here.\"

[Foronwe(#27193)] His worn travel-garments upon him, Foronwe halts his walking, and closes his eyes, as instructed by Lord Thorondur. He hesitates a moment before doing so, perhaps doubting or wondering what the benefit of such an action can be, yet eventually he respects the request and does so. He breathes in deeply, stroking his forehead as he does so, and then speaks slowly. \"There is indeed a feeling of majesty here. The light of the these lands shines not only in sight, yet in all other senses as well. Once again, have the surroundings affected me, I feel all the more enlightened...\"

Tamran looks at the Knight curiously for a moment, but no objection does he give. Slowly he close his eyes and silent he remains were he stands. At lenght, his voice breaks his silence, \"The wind against my face...\" he pauses for a moment, before he adds, \"peace...\", this time a smile crosses upon his face.

[Faengor(#18480)] The Errand Rider of Gondor frowns, regarding the wise Girithlin curiously -- yet, respectfully -- with narrow eyelids. His gaze remains on the Girithlin for several moments ere turning to the stream of wate, the Celebrant, regarding it curiously. Finally he complies, although warily, closing his eyes and relaxing.

Yet his lips remain sealed.

[Thorondur(#23126)]

Gravely does the Knight-Herald of Dol Amroth, this man named Thorondur, listen to the words of his fellows -- when they speak at all. A smile blooms then, slowly at first, upon his lips, and after a moment he too speaks into the blessed silence, yet his voice does not trouble it.

\"Enlightenment, for Foronwe,\" he says. \"Peace, for Tamran. And you, Faengor -- I wonder what it brings you, for in the face of that Light the walls of pride we build about our hearts are cast down.\"

In those last words there is a hidden knowledge, a challenge maybe --

[Thorondur(#23126)]

And after a lengthy pause he finishes, does the Herald, by saying, \"You stand now on the borders of the Golden Wood.\"

[Faengor(#18480)] \"Safety,\" Faengor speaks with a long sigh of relieve, \"The Freedom to let down my guard and unbuckle my Belt and cast away my sword.\" He sighs once more and slowly opens his eyes, turning his gaze to the east and the Golden Wood, muttering softly, \"LothLorien, ... it\'s a strange feeling, to realize you are being watched yet never even catching a glimpse of your stalkers.\"

[Thorondur(#23126)]

\"Indeed,\" agrees Thorondur, looking long and long upon young Faengor. No more does he say of that, yet instead gathers his cloak of fairest white about him, and settles down to sit not two paces from the bank of the river.

The water is swift, and violent the spray touches him on occasion. It would seem he might plan for the others to join him in his vigil.

[Gondor Code Object(#16802)->Tamran] Announcement: Faengor has changed the GPOLL to: Smash forehead on Keyboard to continue.

Drenlyn walks upstream along the bank of the Celebrant.

Drenlyn has arrived.

Tamran look at the silent woods, ordinary they seem to any eyes cast upon them, as he takes a few steps closer to the river. \"You seem to know a lot about this place my Lord.\" the guardsman says without glancing at the Knight, droplets of water spraying him at times.

[Foronwe(#27193)] Long is Foronwe silent, and for many minutes does he contemplate his words and feelings. Many thoughts pass through his head, and his usually-stern face grows even more so. He does as Thorondur, and sits besides the running water. \"The Golden Wood...long have I waited to see this place. And now, when I am but upon its outer borders, I do see that my expectations were not unjusitifed. The lore and amazing tales of this place do not lie, for I see it is all they claim it to be. I am content here now, yet I can not help but wonder, Lord, shall we be given the immeasurable gift of seeing these woods from within?\"

[Faengor(#18480)] Faengor on the other hand does not move, gazing at the forest in silence, fruitlessly attempting to find his stalkers trough the trees and brushes of the Golden Wood. Several moments of searching pass and finally Faengormoves forward, silently stepping towards the knight, the squire and the Guard, sunken in thoughts.

[Thorondur(#23126)]

Here the river flows swiftly, defiant of the winter cold. Several of the Men of Gondor are arrayed upon the western bank, about the Lord Thorondur who sits there, at peace despite the chilling spray that touches him now and again. An aura of serenity seems to have settled on this place.

It is to Tamran, who stands nearby, that Thorondur speaks first. \"I know little of Lothlorien, Tamran of Minas Tirith, and there are times when knowing little is worse than knowing nothing.\"

Then to Foronwe the Herald turns and says, \"It may well be beautiful within -- but how well do you know the pain of leaving such beauty behind forever?\"

[Thorondur(#23126)]

And then, to all who have not yet done so, he gently beckons them, \"Please -- sit.\"

[Drenlyn(#19482)]

Drenlyn sits beside Foronwe, and gazes at the world about him silently. His eyes rove amoung the trees as if trying to piece together they\'re secrets, and yet he constantly finds sanctuary with the peaceful sight of the river. \"Indeed my lord, for if this golden wood becomes too tempting of a harbor, we may find too much reluctance amoung us when we must leave.\"

\"It is said that men enter those woods and never seen again. Maybe, they find a better life here and no wish do they have to leave it...\" Tamran\'s voice is soft yet clear, his eyes never drifting away from the woods. \"Imagine living in a place of light, no shadow to stalk you, no orcs to ambush you...no shadowspawn to run you down...\" the guardsman slowly begins to sit, for the first time his expression changes.

[Thorondur(#23126)]

\"Even so,\" says Thorondur to Tamran, now wiping a tear of river-spray from where it has landed upon his brow. \"Who then would defend the West, if all her guardians slept in the waking dream? Who among you will tell me what the name of this wood does signify in the Elventongue?\"

[Faengor(#18480)] Silently Faengor places himself on his knees near the river, still sunken in his thoughts as he complies idly to Thorondur\'s request, his gaze still set upon the Golden Wood. \"Let us first see if we are allowed entry,\" Faengor speaks softly, in silent reverence, his words meant for noone in particular. \"Would it not be premature to discuss leaving the forest, if we are not even sure of entry?\"

Foronwe is quiet and thoughtful, his answers spoken for him by those around him. He says nothing, and lets his senses take in all that they can of his surroundings. He contents himself with listening, for the time being..

[Thorondur(#23126)]

Now the Herald looks to the young Nimothan with a sad, secret smile. \"Peace, Faengor,\" he says softly, lifting a hand to placate the youth\'s question. \"We will speak soon of that very thing. Yet first, who will answer my query?\"

[Rowaen(#16595)] \"Yet none of that shall happen to one amongst us... I concurr with Drenlyn, we must be aware of the quest at hand. The Golden Woods happened to be alongside the way we seem to follow. Let us leave it at that..\" So speaks Rowaen, his words clear, walking towards the gathering, finding a place near his fellow-squires. Then as the Lord Girithlin speaks, Rowaen listens silently, a thoughtfull gaze coming upon his features.

Arnafel walks upstream along the bank of the Celebrant.

Arnafel has arrived.

Mathollor glances aroung himself his attention obviously wandering as he half listens to their conversation.

[Thorondur(#23126)]

\"Ahh, Drenlyn. Rowaen. Mathollor. Join us, and be at peace beneath the Light that guards the Wood,\" Thorondur tells the late-come squires. As he motions for them to join those already gathered -- sitting, upon the near bank -- he awaits an answer to his question.

[Drenlyn(#19482)]

Drenlyn nods, \"I for one wish not to hide in blessed peace yet, but I hope that we do not lose many stout hearts to the beauty of this blossoming wood.\"Now turning to the Herald Drenlyn remarks

Mathollor inclines his head in a graceful nod as he strolls over to join the party. His eyes drawn towards the Wood before he drags them back towards the Herald.

[Drenlyn(#19482)]

Drenlyn nods, \"I for one wish not to hide in blessed peace yet, but I hope that we do not lose many stout hearts to the beauty of this blossoming wood.\"

Now turning to the Herald Drenlyn remarks as he makes himself comfortable by the edge of the river, \"Sadly Sir Thorondur, I know not why this wood is named so, though I\'ve heard that its trees do blossom beautifully in the spring.\"

[Faengor(#18480)] Faengor holds his speech, gazing forth after being silenced by Thorondur, unknowing of the answer. Silent eyes dart forward at the tree and the river in silent revery, while Faengor\'s ears wait for the answer.

Tamran looks at Thorondur and smiles, as he nods in agreement. At lenght he also speaks to the Knight\'s other question, \"Not versed in the old Lore am I, just stories that I heard as a boy...I am affraid I do not recall hearing of what the name signifies, for only as the Golden wood have I heard it mention aside from it\'s name. Maybe one of the squires, know the answer to your query...\"

[Rowaen(#16595)] As the question becomes fully aware to the young Nimothan, he sits straight, eyes silently watching Drenlyn as he speaks. A faint smile appears on his face, a dreamy gaze wandering into his eyes. The words Tamran speaks then, seem to find recognition with Rowaen.

\"My Lord, I too would only know the name as to mean the Golden Wood. Books I have read, and no other name have I come across then that of the Golden Wood...\"

[Thorondur(#23126)]

\"Lothlorien,\" says Thorondur then, and gravely.

\"Lothlorien, that in the speech of the Grey Elves means the dream-flower,\" he softly intones. Now examining each of his companions at length, the Herald -- long rumoured an Elf-Friend, as they must now -- smiles once more, though a deep, deep sorrow lies within it.

\"There is beauty there, verily, more beauty than you have ever seen. And yet in beauty lies peril. Some of you speak of entering Faengor asks if we must consider it others would leave it entirely. And yet I say to you, do not hope that we will enter here, for I think it unlikely. And I think it best if things stand, thusly.\"

[Faengor(#18480)] Faengor sighs softly, a soft hiss even as if a sudden burden fell of his shoulders. Silently he brings up his hands, clasping them together as he rips his gaze away from the Golden forest and places it upon the Knight-Herald.

\"Peril in beauty, Lord Thorondur?\" he questions in a sudden raising of his voice. \"How can there lie peril in Beauty?\"

[Thorondur(#23126)]

Before answering Faengor himself, Thorondur gazes once more about the party -- perhaps seeing if any will demonstrate their wisdom, and answer the question in his place.

Mathollor shakes his head a rueful grin on his face as he looks over the rest of the party. At Faengors words he laughs loudly and almost scornfully.

[Rowaen(#16595)] And so Rowaen sees and hears his brother speak, and swiftly comes his answer in return. \"Indeed peril in beauty, or perhaps peril in dreams. What use would we have of men, half awake, dreading to leave such a place of legends. Losing eye of the quest itself, to realize of what we are here in the first place, to seek a way to retrieve the lost son!\"

[Drenlyn(#19482)]

Drenlyn nods, as his eyes are lost on the trees across the river, and speaks, as though in a dream himself, \"An good name it is, for entering the wood, even staring at it so, can bring one into an inescapable trance.\"

Shaking his head lightly, and turns to Faengor, \"Dear guard, beauty is the greatest peril, for it can drive men mad if it is too great, or make the tasks a head appear too difficult and dark, and so corrupt the stoutest of warriors.\"

[Foronwe(#27193)] Finally does Foronwe break his silence. Having listened to all that is said, he lets his feelings burst loose, in the form of a question to Thorondur. His words he speaks quickly and loudly, with great passion. \"Do we not risk madness and peril greater if we avoid the wood? Are not the alternate paths equally dangerous?\" He stares forth at the Wood, as he says this, and not at any person in particular.

Mathollor speaks slowly and carefully \"I am glad that my fellow squires display such courage and stout hearts before a wood, pray Valar that we need confront nothing more fierce.\"

[Faengor(#18480)] \"Is Lothlorien truly that enchanting that one would forget and set aside his loyalty?\" Faengor frowns, arching his eyebrows at both Rowaen and Drenlyn. \"Never have I witnessed such beauty beauty that would make me forget my oath to the Steward. Yet perhaps, ..\" his voice halts and slowly the Errand Rider\'s eyes drift to the Golden Wood. \"Perhaps indeed yes, there can lie peril in beauty.\"

\"Where our path leads we shall go. Whether it is within those woods or not...\" Tamran says, as he glances at Foronwe, \"The decision is not ours to take. I shall not enter those woods unless invited in.\" and then turnin to Mathollor, he adds \"Something I must of missed? Tell me good squire what is so funny, so I may laugh also.\"

[Thorondur(#23126)]

And now more than satisfied with the sudden eruption of conversation and queries amidst the squires and the guardsmen, the Knight of Dol Amroth among them raises his voice -- and moves to quell all with a simple sentence:

\"I have spoken yestermorn with an Elf of this Wood.\"

And now he looks sharply upon Mathollor, whose rash speech speaks of the shadow, and not the light.

[Rowaen(#16595)] \"Tamran speaks wisely.\" concurrs the young Nimothan with the man of guard, \"What would we discuss, if we are not even sure whether entrance to the Woods will be permitted.\"

More Rowaen seems willing to speak, lips already parted. Yet how swiftly his they are pressed again, as the Lord Girithlin speaks. Twice the young squire blinks, eying the Knight-Herald with astonishment. Also a glance is casted to Mathollor, a brow raised in wondering, though his gaze returns swiftly to the figure of Thorondur.

[Drenlyn(#19482)]

Rasing a questioning eyebrow to Mathollor, Drenlyn retorts, \"And what makes you think fellow squire, that this may be our greatest challenge? For some would find the temptation here to be very great, and sometimes our most difficult foe may wear a mask of great beauty, and still be fierce. But I speak no ill of this wood, for if Thorondur has spoken with an elf but yestermorn, then I do not doubt that they watch and listen to us now, and pass judgement.\"

Mathollor says, \"We spend our time discussing entering the wood yet before the knight spoke we had no knowledge that entry would be possible. Would it not be better to consider this matter with logic and strategy ?\"\"

[Thorondur(#23126)]

Standing, the Lord Thorondur waits for the squires to fall silent ere speaking futher on this wonder he has revealed. And though he seems patient, none know better than they that he is not one to be lightly defied.

[Faengor(#18480)] Curious eyes glance up at the Knight-Herald and swiftly Faengor seals his lips, waiting patiently for the Lord\'s voice.

Tamran looks at the Knight-Herald, almost ignoring the squires answering him. Yet no word does he speak, no questions asked. Silently he awaits Thorondur to continue.

[Drenlyn(#19482)]

Falling silent upon looking at the Herald, Drenlyn falls silent, attentively waiting for what may come.

Foronwe looks about himself with frustration. From face to face, he sees shouting and endless conversation. He looks between them all, and then to the Lord Thorondur. At once, he shouts \"Silence, men! Silence! Can you not see that our Lord Thorondur here wishes to speak of matters of great import to all of us. Little is our knowledge compared to his! \" Finishing his words, and seeing the silence fall around him, he awaits Thorondur\'s words as well..

Mathollor turns quickly and bows to Lord Thorondur. His face showing curiosity and a though forced down a trace of wonder.

[Thorondur(#23126)]

A wry smile turns Thorondur\'s lips, briefly, at the words of the squire Foronwe. Too kind, maybe, yet he remains patient, awaiting the blessed silence that must settle on the Wood once more ere he speaks again.

When at last that moment comes, and all the sound to pass their ears is the rush of the water, the rustle of the leaves above, he draws a deep breath to him. And now the Herald explains.

[Indilzar(#10108)]

>From the camp, Indilzar finally comes up to the edge of the river. He joins the company here but is silent, listening.

[Thorondur(#23126)]

\"I have spoken with an Elf of the Wood,\" he repeats, \"and I have told her of our plight.\" Gravely now Thorondur eyes each and every man about him, ere going on:

\"She has carried word of our errand to her Lord and Lady. More than this we cannot ask. What the Elves decide, they come to of their own counsels. Yet I have a question for each of you: are any of us worthy or their wisdom, let alone entry?\"

\"Look within your hearts,\" Thorondur urges them, his voice gentle and yet riven through with bands of strength like steel. \"I see Men of Gondor here, aye. Yet also I see among them men who feud with their brothers, men who scorn the simple questions of their fellows, and men who laugh at fairly-spoken words. I see men who think with their swords and with their minds, but not their hearts. Look deep within yourselves, children of the West that is no more -- and think for yourselves if you can stand beneath the gaze of the Golden Lady, and not quail in fear when all your pride is stripped away.\"

[Thorondur(#23126)]

\"Only then,\" says Thorondur at last, \"will you know yourselves. For in the end that will mean more to our quest than whether we stay, or tarry.\" Then he is done, and all falls quiet.

[Indilzar(#10108)]

\"Truly Girithlin you speak wisdom,\" says Indilzar at length as he leans on a tree by the river, \"for it is perilous I deem for us to be among that of a later age lest we become enamoured of it. It may be our doom to journey thither and then who knows? Yet our errand and our quest is before us, and if that is to be the case, so be it. Yet I will say this much as well. Long are the leagues to Erebor and there are no folk we know of save the Elves until we reach the lands nigh the Carrock where Numandil found the people known as the Beornings. It would do us well to remember that we will have need of food and stores in our journey. Horses may thrive on grass, but Men need other things.\"

\"Too long have we stood against the shadow, that our hearts have become hard. Yet, if not most, at least some of us still remember our friendship with the First-Born. But indeed, we do not show it often, for we have been trying to remain strong for so long that we have forgoten to tear down the walls around our hearts when we could do so.\" Tamran says to the Knight.

\"Speaking for myself, I still hold the old friendship with elves close to my heart, yet if I am worthy for their council is another matter. I am no lord...only a soldier of Gondor.\" the guardsman continues.

[Drenlyn(#19482)]

Drenlyn nods, and draws within himself, his eyes closing gently. He sits so, an image of thought and peace and silence. Opening his eyes, Drenlyn begins to speak, and yet remains silent, staring at the flowing waters nearby. Startling awake at the voice of the knight, Drenlyn nods at the words, and yet speaks not.

[Thorondur(#23126)]

\"And will you force your way in, if no Elf comes to lead you thither, Lord Bragollach?\" wonders the Lord Girithlin, though he nods in approval of Tamran\'s words that come after.

Mathollor shifts his balance slightly, as he does so his face becomes thoughtful as he looks over the assembled company. His eyes are distant for a moment and the he moves again this time to stand beside Lord Indilzar. \"We must consider how best to serve our Prince best.\"

[Indilzar(#10108)]

Listening to Tamran Indilzar then says, \"Yes, it may be so. I hope it is so.\"

Yet now he pauses and wonders at the words of Thorondur Girithlin, reknowned herald of Gondor and he says, \"Truly if you think of me suchly then I marvel. For many times I have been true to our quest and to our errand. I do not seek to do such, for to what profit would it gain, save perhaps to gain an arrow in our sleep. Yet I for one would look upon that land beyond the river and see what I may. For of old I heard tales told of the eldest kindred and I have not seen one yet among moon or sun. Indeed, I had thought it but a myth of old but then again, in many songs things are said that are true.\"

He then looks to the company as a whole and says, \"Bragollach I may be, but I am also a Man of Gondor. If the Elven kindred gives us aid, then we shall be fortunate - if not - then we must do what seems good to us.\"

[Faengor(#18480)] Faengor\'s pupils grow large, his nostrils flare and his lips grow grim as stern eyes muster Thorondur\'s words with hurt pride. His lips remain sealed, though with trouble as the Errand Rider searches inside him for the answer to another query of the Girithlin Lord, yet only after several moments Faengor can find his serenity and calm that this place brings anew and he speaks with a clear voice,

\"Perhaps We are not worthy of their judgement, yet is our quest not worthy? Maybe we do struggle between ourselves and perhaps we do scorn eachother for their words. Perhaps the first-born live forever while man is doomed to die of age. We do not carry the wisdom that only age can bring, but our quest is of relevance and any should understand such for Amrothos is the child of the prince and carries blood of the elves.\"

[Foronwe(#27193)] \"You speak strong words, Lord Thorondur, as do you, Lord Indilzar. Yet the arguments are strong both ways, and only one true path lies ahead of us. It does indeed seem that many of us, if not all are not deserving of entrance to this place. Yet is not the beauty of the Wood that it can also heal and mend spirits full of pride, rather than only overwhelm them. For if the wood is truly as great as is told, it should be open to many, not only those of the highest degree.\" He looks between those in front of him. \"It seems a doom-filled choice is upon us all, yet this talk is of no import if we still do not know whether or not we CAN enter..\"

Tamran looks at Indilzar and Mathollor, now standing besides him. \"Follow you to the gates of Minas Ithil I will without hesitation, that I have told you before...yet I shall not enter those woods without the blessing of the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien.\" he says, pausing for a moment, \"I admit that I wish to see the woods, for only one with no love of our old friends will not want to, yet willingly should I await here if I am not deemed worthy of this honor, until the ones that are, if any, return with council.\"

[Thorondur(#23126)]

\"Yet do not let the rightness of your quest blind you to the error of pride, Faengor Nimothan,\" Thorondur says to Faengor, and then looks to Indilzar at length, silent a while. When Foronwe speaks, and Tamran, the Herald nods his approval once again.

\"There is no debate,\" he says simply. \"The Eldar will decide if they will succour us, or not. Until then, we must enjoy what we may of our time, though the quest lies heavily upon us.\"

[Indilzar(#10108)]

\"We may not need to enter,\" says Indilzar, \"to receive their aid. For since the peril at the Fords of Isen I have watched our stock of supplies dwindle. Indeed,that is why I was a-hunting with Huan for this past day as best as we might. Yet such labour is slow, even for Huan. But Huan knows this land, better by far than any here. He can smell the fragrance far keener than we, and he hears the birds from afar singing their songs in the breeze. For did he not come here with Numandil? Yet I ask the company now to lay aside their thoughts of doom. For now let us enjoy the sight of the wood, even if we do not pass within those boughs.\"

\"Lord Thorondur,\" says Indilzar again, \"I agree, but we must not let our time be idle. For if the elves do not help us, there is still the long road up the Anduin. Let us send forth the company into parties south of here. We must hunt and gather what store we may.\" Then a glance is given to Tamran, \"Tamran, you are knowledgable in these things as a soldier would. There are some hundred or more leagues as the crow flies from here to the Carrock where men are friendly to our kindred. By horse, how long do you deem that shall take us?\"

Mathollor nods his head his face showing his approval at the words, as he turns his thoughts to the matter at hand.

Tamran ponders the question of Indilzar for a moment, before he speaks \"It will take us a few weeks at best my lord, that is if we do not have to go back on our tracks...\".

[Thorondur(#23126)]

With nothing to say of such mundane affairs, the Lord Thorondur -- fey of late, and of some strange mood not given to the warp and woof of daily life -- moves away from the gathering, back toward the camp.

[Indilzar(#10108)]

Indilzar nods, \"I have pondered our road. I considered also the peril of Mirkwood. It might be we can escape it by skirting the southern edges. Yet it is said there are evil things there: Dol Guldor where the enemy is strong. Also, it might be best to follow the path of Numandil of which we have his map and Naerdil\'s journal. What concerns me most is getting there obviously. I do not take lightly the land of Lothlorien, but there are also many perils beyond. And then we shall see.\"

[Faengor(#18480)] Slowly Faengor raises from his knelt position, inclining his head respectfully to those present before following Thorondur to the Southeast.

[Drenlyn(#19482)]

Standing, Drenlyn smiles, and gazes at the gathering, and then follows the Herald back towards the camp.

\"Many perils awaits upon this journey, that none of us doupt it.\" Tamran says slowly with a nod, \"Yet for now I shall confront the present problems...\" he adds glancing at the sun, \"No food have I eaten since last night...\" a grin appears upon his face.

[Indilzar(#10108)]

\"I shot a hart early this morn,\" says Indilzar, \"It is clean and ready for cooking. Come, let us go back to the camp and take a small feast in it.\"

[Foronwe(#27193)] Sighing, the squire Foronwe rises from his seated position, and stands among those now conversing, watching the trail of men leaving the gathering. He runs his hand through his hair, and watches the steady flowing of the river, and looks with a somber glare at the woods beyond. He thinks to himself and then says \"These matters are more simple to discuss, than those which have just been exhausted. I awoke today full of hope, and while hope still fills me, it is accompanied by fear and wariness of what is to come. I might say, that which is obvious to all, this quest is no simple matter...\" He falls silent, perhaps waiting for a reply...

[Indilzar(#10108)]

\"It is not,\" says Indilzar grimly, \"Yet too much thought of the future shall age you too quickly. Let us return to camp.\"

\"Then let us enjoy this feast while we still can.\" Tamran says with a mirthfull laugh as he makes his way towards the camp.

[Mathollor(#4469)] Mathollor clears his throat before speaking as they begin to walk. \"I would gladly accompany The sergeant to seek further supplies.\"