Fighting the Sun-Loving Orc
A tale freshly told of the Beorning
Grishnakh takes on the enemy in Southern Mirkwood
[Elladan(#27059)] Far behind the Misty Mountains the sun has vanished beyond the horizon and the cold of winter is enforced by the upcoming night. One who seems not to mind such temperatures is Elladan - a thin cloak of grey covers his armour and he stands there on guard in the icy winds that blow at this lonely corner of the Mirkwood. It is a silent evening, only occasionally interrupted by a crow or other creatures of the forest.
Cecilia is off at the edge of camp, carefully working a knife blade under some bark on a sapling, likely for medicinal collection or something of that nature. The healer has seen to all the injured and now the young Beorning is restoring some supplies that are running low. She\'s been in much better spirits since leaving the Golden Wood, almost herself again.
From behind Elladan comes the sound of heavy footsteps, the walker not bothering to try to hide his approach as his feet crunch in the snow that is here. \"Any sign of the enemy?\" Mobeorn calls softly to the elf--he\'s apparently learned not to surprise any non-Beornings with his approach. \"Evening,\" he then adds to Cecilia, since he is not too far from her.
[Elladan(#27059)] \"None,\" replies Elladan. \"But I do not trust this wood, it is treacherous and foul - too close is the Hill of Sorcery.\" He casts a wary glance eastward ere returning his attention to the Beornings.
Cecilia lifts her head and graces Mobeorn with a winning smile. \"Hello!\" She says cheerfully, then looks back to her work, lest she slice her thumb clean off from inattention.
[Grishnakh(#22300)] Crunch! Crack! Flitting shadow within the black night of the trees. Foul smells. It seems the enemy is never too far in this part of the world, so close to this evil wood. Just the sounds of the forest? Or things more sinister? Surely that was a muttering voice! Or just the wind?
\"The what?\" Mobeorn blinks at Elladan. \"We are far out of our lands, and I\'ve never heard of such...\" A quick grin is given to Cecilia at her greeting, along with a question: \"How fare Maglind and Elaos, lass? They were poorly off after the fight.\"
And then Mobeorn\'s attention is drawn again to the woods, the shapechanger tilting his head and sniffing the air. He turns his gaze back to Elladan, his expression indicating he is uncertain of what the noises are.
[Elladan(#27059)] No answer is given to Mobeorn. Instead Elladan signals to Cecilia to take cover in the camp. His hand slips to the hilt of Nallaklaure and the sword is parly drawn from the sheath. A dim light shines forth from the very blade, causing the elf to shrug wrily. He points into the direction of the noise, then looks at the shapeshifter.
[Grishnakh(#22300)] As the last rays of sun flicker over the mountains, they catch the glimmering eyes. Animals perhaps? If any would live there. A light hoot wafts down from the trees to the north. Answered by one closer to the camps of the elves and men. A hurried rustle. The sound of half a consonant filters out. Followed by a gurgle. The rotten smell does naught but increase.
[Cecilia(#23897)] \"It\'s too early to say..\" Cecilia answers, her tone growing serious. \"I am sure they will recover, though.\" The girl peels the bark away and tucks it away into her pocket, then sheathes and stows the knife as well. When she notices the expression on Mobeorn\'s face and Elladan\'s gesture. The healer glances around once, then moves back behind the shapechanger, reaching for her bow and setting the string. Her eyes grow wider at the sounds.
Mobeorn\'s answer to Elladan\'s gaze is to smile, flashing white and very sharp teeth. He turns, looking in the direction of the answering \'call\' that is closer to the camp, and then back to the elf. And then the air shimmers around him as he slips into the form of a bear--not bothering to hide the change from the elves anymore, in particular this elf. Carefuly he takes several steps forward.
[Elladan(#27059)] Eventually Elladan draws his steel now and with light steps he follows the bear. A dim blue fire seems to glow around the elven blade, flickering brighter every now and then. Some silent gesture is made towards the camp, but whom it is meant for is left uncertain.
[Grishnakh(#22300)]
Crunch! CRUNCH! Snap and crack! The trees almost seem to part for the beast that walks through them. A hulking figure of an orc. He steps foraward, making no disguise of his coming. Though for such a large creature, he seems light on his feet and well balanced. Like he could be very quiet if he wished. Almost graceful in his movements.
A sinister look in his eyes, Grishnakh calmly licks black blood from the blade of his scimitar as he scans his enemies. Low mocking laughter gurgles from somewhere in his bowels, deep and resonant. High pitched squeals and maniacal laughter ring out from the trees at the same time. The orc speaks, his voice low, \"What business do you have here? What tribute do you bring?\" The orc\'s eyee fixate on the bear with a flicker of respect.
Cecilia trails after the two, pulling an arrow from her cloth quiver and setting it to the bowstring. The healer has no death wish, but she\'s not a complete coward in the face of the enemy either. Though, that grim Beorning resolve withers a bit when she sees Grishnakh, who is rather impressive in appearance.
The appearance of this particular orc gives the bear pause--it stares, giving no answer to the orc\'s challenge. Then it swivels its head back toward Elladan. A word-like growl is all it can manage. Perhaps the elf won\'t understand, but the Beorning woman might. \"
[Elladan(#27059)] \"No tribute bring we,\" says Elladan and his voice is icy. \"Instead we come to claim a toll of you and your kin who spoil this land with your presence. The Greenwood is not yours to rule!\"
[Grishnakh(#22300)]
\"I beg to differ, you pointy eared mutt.\" Swiftly, 3 arrows rush from the brush. Seeming to fly right out from the sides of the orc. Each arrow zooms towards a seen enemy and Grishnakh brings down his shield. A thick piece of solid oak, a red, lidless eye painted on it, \"This wood is green no longer! Darkness rules here. HE rules here!\" The orc flicks a half smile and darts forward, eye on glowing steel and scimitar aimed towards furry man.
Cecilia doesn\'t understand all of what Mobeorn growls, but she understands enough. The healer looks at the large orc with a new respect and backs up a few steps, further from the immediate danger. She keeps the arrow nocked, ready to pull the string back if a fight breaks out.
The orcs open fire and Cecilia ducks down low with a cry of alarm, then pulls back the string and lets her arrow fly in the direction of one of the unseen attackers.
As the arrows fly over the bear\'s head, it seems to break him out of his hesitation to charge. With a roar, he leaps ahead, into the fray, going for either the orcs on either side of Grishnakh or perhaps the great orc himself.
Elladan merely cants his head to let an arrow fly past. A command is called in Elvish and a rain of arrows from the camp is the answer spit back into the undergrowth of the woods. Slowly Elladan walks foward behind the bear, his blade held up in defensive position.
[Grishnakh(#22300)]
The orc leaps from the path of the bear, swiping at her side as he goes. The scimitar cuts a hard arc through the crisp air for his ribs. Keeping his shield defensively at his flank, the orc slows his momentum and tries to center his opponents.
[Combat(#13388)] Grishnakh puts on Wooden Shield.
Long distance to Grishnakh: Mobeorn is a he bear
Grishnakh attacks you with his Scimitar!...
...and he hits! Ouch!
Cecilia backs up more in the direction of the camp, trying to keep herself directly out of harm\'s way. She pulls another arrow from her quiver and focuses on Grishnakh now, carefully watching for an opening as he engages with Mobeorn. She knows how testy the bear can get when shot by allies. She looses the arrow when she sees an opportunity.
Cecilia launches an arrow...
Cecilia\'s arrow flies wide, doing no harm.
The scimitar hits home, slicing a red-streak cut through the bear\'s side. Still, the momentum of the bear is fast enough to prevent his entire chest from being ripped open, and as he runs by the orc, he takes a swipe toward the beast with a huge claw-studded paw.
You attack Grishnakh with your Beijabar Fists...
[Combat(#13388)->Mobeorn]
Your attack against Grishnakh moderately wounds him!
[Grishnakh(#22300)]
The clawed hand tears armor off the shoulder of Grishnakh. Deep scratches are left in it\'s place, raking against collar bone and neck. The orc growls low, keeping an eye out on all sides. The scimitar flashes forward again, higher this time, as Grishnakh swivels to try and keep the rushing bear to his front.
Grishnakh attacks you with his Scimitar!...
...and he hits! Ouch!
[Elladan(#27059)] Seemingly the shapeshifter is now in need of relief and so Elladan leaps forth and a white flash marks Nallaklaure\'s rage against the orcish intruders! The elven steel is swung at Grishnakh in an upward arc.
Elladan attacks Grishnakh with his Longsword, but he misses by an arm\'s length.
[Cecilia(#23897)] Too many are engaged now for Cecilia safely to shoot at Grishnakh, and she cringes when she sees the scimitar cut Mobeorn\'s hide. Her concern passes when she grows distracted by other gleaming red eyes in the trees, and the healer focuses on firing at other orcs.
Blood flows freely as the orc blade bites deep into the bear\'s left flank. The blow sends the bear crashing down a small ravine, the sound of falling rocks rattling after him.
[Grishnakh(#22300)]
Warm red blood splatters the uruk-hai\'s face. His tongue flicks out, tasting the iron tinged fluid with a grin. Blade now dripping both black and red, mingling in a wretched brown, the orc swiftly turns to the glowing steel that has never been far from his sight. As Mobeorn\'s body tumbles from sight and deeper into the woods, sqeals on glee ring out and you can be sure the shape shifter will have a fight on his hands.
He barely escapes the elf\'s blade. Just barely jerking himself away in time. He gives the half-elf his full attention, no others near enough to worry over. He steps in, shield leading in a swat. The scimitar follows just behind it. As it clears, the blade is free in an overhand chop.
Grishnakh attacks Elladan with his Scimitar and moderately wounds him!
[Elladan(#27059)] And the orc\'s strike is quick - it scratches along the left shoulder of Elladan, causing the elf to wince in pain. The retribution is swift though, as he attempts a slash across Grishnakh\'s torso.
Elladan attacks Grishnakh with his Longsword and moderately wounds him!
[<#23897>] Cecilia watches Mobeorn topple away and her eyes go back to Grishnakh. \"
Cecilia launches an arrow...
Cecilia\'s arrow flies wide, doing no harm.
[Grishnakh(#22300)]
The orc\'s midsection swivels back, but not quick enough. The blade cuts along his armor, shredding padding and twisting metal. Dislodging himself quickly, a thin line of blood seeps out slowly. He positions his shield better, not to be so open again. Stepping in on the right, he plants the shield down in front of him as he strikes for the neck.
Grishnakh attacks Elladan with his Scimitar, but Elladan parries the attack with his Longsword!
[Elladan(#27059)] Metal rings is the black scimitar meets this blade of light in mid-air. Elladan parries the strike with ease and wielding the sword with both hands now, he attempts to bring it down at the orc\'s head.
Elladan attacks Grishnakh with his Longsword, but he misses by a handspan.
Cecilia frowns and finally lowers her bow and begins digging in her pack for a torch that she keeps. She pulls it free and kneels down briefly, striking a spark to the treated cloth. It catches quickly and she plants the end of the torch down into the snow.
[Grishnakh(#22300)]
Light flickers into life and the orc frowns even as he ducks and darts to avoid the particuarly nasty looking sword. He jabs his lighter weapon in fast. A sort of thrusting chop for the half elf\'s thigh. Perhaps slow him down more.
Grishnakh attacks Elladan with his Scimitar, but Elladan parries the attack with his Longsword!
[Elladan(#27059)] With the grace of the Eldar, Elladan uses the momentum of his previous strike to twist his stance and again he parries Grishnakh\'s blade. His own sword is then thrusted forward, aimed at the orc\'s throat.
Elladan attacks Grishnakh with his Longsword, but he misses by a handspan.
[Grishnakh(#22300)]
Grishnakh deftly ducks his head under the thrust and leaps forward below the sword. His thick, corded bicep snaps the razor honed scimitar forward at the bowels of the elf. It whistles in the cold air as it slices in from the side.
Grishnakh attacks Elladan with his Scimitar, but Elladan parries the attack with his Longsword!
[Cecilia(#23897)] The Beorning stands again and watches the two dance and parry. She raises her longbow and takes a couple of steps closer, then pulls back another arros and lets the shaft fly at Grishnakh.
Cecilia launches an arrow...
Cecilia\'s arrow flies wide, doing no harm.
From the ravine where Mobeorn fell, there is the sound of scuffling--mixed yelps and roars and curses, and an orc body or two comes flying out of the ditch. Next, up comes a bloodied and bruised bear, still quite alive. It pauses to survey the battlefield.
[Elladan(#27059)] Quickly the elf steps aside to pin the orcish scimitar down with a deft swing of his own blade - and once more Nallaklaure is immediately pulled upwards again, towards Grishnakh\'s right shoulder.
Elladan attacks Grishnakh with his Longsword, but he misses by a handspan.
[Grishnakh(#22300)]
The firelight, the return of Mobeorn, the oh so shiny blade. It\'s all getting just a little too overwhelming. The orc flashes a grotesque grin and leaps aside the longsword. He slashes at Elladan\'s throat, but it is swiftly retracted, feet moving backwards towards the black trees and allies.
Grishnakh attacks Elladan with his Scimitar and lightly wounds him!
Cecilia is drawing back another arrow and glances over when Mobeorn appears again. She smiles in relief, then turns her attention back to the closest skirmish between Grishnakh and Elladan. She sees that he is retreating and takes another shot at the orc, aiming for his upper torso.
Cecilia launches an arrow...
Cecilia\'s bowshot hits Grishnakh, badly wounding him.
Mobeorn, too, is rushing toward the elf\'s aid, but the beijabar\'s progress is hindered for the moment by a pack of orcs at his heels, which force him to turn and fight.
Elladan\'s head and shoulder\'s twitch but still the scimitar draws blood as a fine red line appears on the elf\'s cheek. \"Fly to your master and tell him to go whence he came,\" he shouts at the retracting Grishnakh, taking a defensive stance. Meanwhile another volley of arrows from the elven archers at the camp accompanies Cecilia\'s single shot, impacting somewhere in the woods.
[Grishnakh(#22300)]
The orc backpedals with a smirk that turns swiftly to a sneer. The arrow drives home at the shoulder, where Mobeorn ripped the armor off already. Glancing off the collar bone with a nasty sounding TWACK, the arrow skitters away. Another volley launches from the woods, covering the commander\'s retreat. His voice, grating and angry rises from the darkness that engulfs him, \"The wood is stained black. Fear lives here now. You will see.\"
Faint words in the language of Morbeth rise from the trees, the words sounding almost as icy as the air. The arrows cease. The woods are deathly still. Hardly a sound can be heard of these orcs fading away.
Cecilia stands, watching as the orcs fall back. She ducks again when a volley is returned upon them, taking cover. Once the immediate area is safe she moves closer to Elladan, speaking with concern. \"You are hurt. Is it bad?\" Her gray eyes skim over him.
As the orc backpedals into the dark woods, Mobeorn shakes off the last of the orcs attacking him, the rest retreating with Grishnakh. For a second the beijabar looks as if he is going to follow the orc into the woods, but then he turns toward Elladan and Cecilia, stumbling in their drection. Black blood is thick on the bear\'s fur and he walks as if in pain.
[Grishnakh(#22300)]
A light hoot sounds in the night, too close for comfort. In the distance it is answered. The watchers wait.
[Elladan(#27059)] \"It is naught, I have been much worse,\" speaks Elladan while he keeps watching the woods. \"Stay alert,\" he advises the Beornings. \"They might not be gone and may come upon us once more!\" The blade though is lowered and also the fierce flame surrounding it is slowly decreasing.
Cecilia lets her gaze go to the bear now and she sucks in a horrified breath. \"Mobeorn!\" The healer rushes over to his side. \"Oh, change back! You\'re covered in blood and I don\'t know if it\'s yours or not!\"
\"
[Elladan(#27059)] Finally Elladan sheathes his sword and as a last arrow whistles past him, possibly to meet a stray orc at the edge of the wood, he walks over to Mobeorn. \"How fare you,\" he asks. \"That was a fierce orc, I daresay, such fighters as him I have only seen near Mordor proper. I do not like this thought of mighty Uruk-Hai roaming the lands near Lorien,\" he mutters.
[Cecilia(#23897)] \"I can\'t understand you like that.. not very well.. I don\'t know what you said.\" The healer mutters as he changes back to his mannish form. \"It wasn\'t besting us. Elladan fought bravely, and I buried an arrow in him.\" She says proudly, denying her first claim of not understanding the bear. The healer reaches for Mobeorn\'s arm to try and drag him back towards camp. \"Come on! You need my help, you\'re bleeding all over.\" She stoops down to pick up her torch, dousing it with a quick dip into the snow.
Mobeorn takes a deep breath, his hand going to the wound on his left side and pressing against it, blood trickling out. \"That was the one that nearly killed the harper Lith and I when we fought him near my lands. It was only through the help of the dwarves that we managed to survive in the end. No matter how much I hit him, he hits back and harder--I can\'t stand long against one such as that. Perhaps Grimbeorn could...\" He lets Cecilia take his arm, wincing as she does so. \"There are more like that one?\" he then asks Elladan.
[Elladan(#27059)] \"There are more such creatures behind the mountains of the Black Land and the Enemy has made use of them before,\" explains Elladan. \"Many centuries ago a fair city at the southern parts of the Big River was captured and destroyed by them.\"
Cecilia listens, but her concern is mostly on Mobeorn\'s injuries. She leads him back to their camp, releasing his arm and pointing towards his tent. \"Go, sit down. I\'ll get my supplies.\" The healer disappears for her own tent, then, collecting the things she needs.
[Elladan(#27059)] \"They were driven back by the men of Gondor, yet the city lies in ruins and has not since been used by men.\" Elladan sighs worriedly and glances at the Beijabar\'s wounds. \"Eat this, it helped you before,\" he says as he reaches a bag of dried herbs to him.
\"You sure you\'re not mistaking me for a cow?\" Mobeorn says as he eyes the herbs the elf is offering him. \"They\'re white or light brown, often, big brown eyes, moo a lot...\" He chuckles at his own humor, poor though it may be--then pays for it by wincing. \"Aye, Gondor. Have heard of it,\" he says, taking the herbs, \"but have never been so far south. Don\'t expect I ever will be before my time is up.\"
[Elladan(#27059)] \"With Evil spreading northward, you will have much to do at home, Mobeorn,\" says the elf while wraps a piece of cloth around his own upper arm. Blood runs down his cheek, but this does not bother him. When he is finished, he takes a closer look at the shapeshifter. \"Your arm will heal quickly, but this cut in your flank may cause you problems. We should relocate our campsite and make for the north if you feel able to walk.\"
\"I can walk.\" The shapeshifter finishes chewing the herbs, then slowly gets to his feet, moving carefully. \"I made it back from Mirkwood in much worse shape last time I fought this beast, though exactly how the Harper and I got to the village healers, I can\'t remember.\" He points to the cut on Elladan\'s face. \"You\'ll have a nasty scar, I expect,\" he notes.
[Elladan(#27059)] \"We will see,\" replies Elladan and wipes the blood off his face. \"Come to the tent now, where we treat you.\" As he urges Mobeorn to move, he starts singing his favourite song of mending, the age-old tune from a land far to the west.
One of Mobeorn\'s brown eyebrows arches, then he shakes his head. \"Don\'t think I\'ll ever understand your kind, though I suppose with the little I know of you folk, I shouldn\'t expect to,\" he grins. The song does seem to help him a little, and he makes his way to the tent. Is that his low, gravelly voice humming the elven tune along with Elladan? It would seem so, though Mobeorn would never admit it.