Shadows in the night.

[Rhifaroth(#27282)]

What a weary day. It was productive, in the end, but what effort it took to cross this blasted ford would have been comical to someone watching and was misery to those who performed it. With the day dawning shrouded in mist, the group broke camp and put the horses and pony to the task. There were several refusals on the part of the animals. Some of the gear was lost, as well as provisions that had been obtained at the Shepherding Village. And nearly the cart pony drowned! But in the end a very beraggled group reformed on the easter shore of the Bruinen. Including one man bound hand and foot to that blasted pony that was nearly lost.

Exhausted, the soaking wet party put to getting things to rights. When they were finally ready to move on once more, most of the day had been lost. Dusk was not far off. So the sorry group didn\'t get very far.

Now with the last light of day glowing in the western sky, the first few stars begin to pop out in the east. At least it does\'nt look like more rain.

[Cordelia(#1394)] Cordelia has been through this routine a thousand times before, each night the weariness increasing as they break to make camp. The horses to tend to, wood collected, starting the fire, fetching water, starting food, tending to Rhifaroth, helping Addie with the baby. She\'s exhausted today, bedragggled after that crossing, moving slowly. One of the other two--Asht or Addie--has yelled at her to get about, so she goes to the river edge to refill a waterskin.

[Nauthcel(#19666)]

In stealth, a figure had waded across the river in the fog and is now on dry land a little distance from the area where the small caravan has gathered. Crouching low and moving to be within earshot of any conversations, Nauthcel focuses on the camp ahead. His ashen eyes scan over the group, resting on each member for a moment before moving to the next. Though the light of day has faded, Varda\'s gems assist him from above.

[Aragorn(#19187)]

Night\'s cloak is indeed being cast to the east, and there the shadows are already long and deep between the oak trees. The curve of the barrows nearby loom against the starlight as great mounds of darkness barely picked out in the failing light against such woodlands as grow about them. As has been told, the river swells here still, and the slosh of the water as it laps along the shoreline provides a gentle music to fill the evening air.

Perfect surroundings, in fact, for any who might choose to lurk and lie in wait.

Three figures do just that -- hidden between the boughs of the forest that stretches away towards the distant and unseen mountains. Slowly and quietly, nary a step heard above the rush of the Loudwater (so aptly named), and carefully they pick their way closer to the newly crossed party.

[Rhifaroth(#27282)]

The routine has been even more fun for the bound man. Dragged up, put on a pony that dislikes him, almost drowned in a flooding river, untied and shoved off of the pony and into the mud, then left there. Same thing every day, except the near drowning part. That at least was a change of pace. But the rest is the same. Same tied up position, same unending aches and pains, occational fever, always hungry, often thirsty, and he isn\'t ever allowed to see. The blindfold has so gotten tedious.

So, the injured, weak prisoner lays on the ground and listens to the same grumbling the others have done every night. But he doesn\'t attempt any singing - not anymore. Not since the strangling night. Rhifaroth keeps silent, moving very little, possibly unconscious or simply resting.

[Cordelia(#1394)] \"I know! I know!\" Cordelia snaps at a question one of the others has directed toward her over the rush of the waters. \"Water for our food first. I\'m getting it.\" She stands up, stretching, boots and hem of her skirt muddied now. \"Did anyone even -check- on him?\" Her head jerks in the general direction of where Rhifaroth lies. \"Make sure he\'s breathing and not drowned? Or would you rather carry a dead body across half the world before you check?\" That will likely earn her a slap or more later, if previous nights are any guide, but the girl apparently doesn\'t care, for she lets the words fly.

[Nauthcel(#19666)]

From his position, Nauthcel is able to hear the words spoken by Cordelia before his eyes return to Rhifaroth who is definitely worse for wear. What passes through the mind of the Ranger is yet unspoken considering he had been following the group for some time now. Even as he watches, there seems to be a patience about him that may signify that he awaits the proper moment to strike. Whatever the motive or mindset, he continues to crouch silently.

[Aragorn(#19187)]

And onward sneak the trio of shadows through the treeline drawing ever closer to the Southerner and his captives. As they close in upon the party however, without a word between them they slow, and begin to spread out somewhat. One shape, the middle figure slinks closer than the others, crouching in the hollow of a long dead trunk to keep from being seen.

There it waits, and watches.

[Annaiel(#28909)]

Also from the west comes bipedaled trackers. Silently slipping forth against the fresh tracks, Ana looks back to her companions and nods, lowering further. Also somewhat soaked, the group of three give pause enough for the ranger to check her bowstring and whisper very softly to the young man at her side. \"THey are but ahead.\" She says and then lifts her grey gaze to search for unexpected movement.

Nodding to the other two, her raven hair shifts down her back in a thick braid. Lowering to her haunches, she moves forward, bow in hand and pack having been set aside. Eyes narrow, starting to come close enough to make out the roving band, but it is other movement that has her attention. Beyond them and near to their own position. She signals the two with her to stop.

Keldean does not have as much patience as the rest, unfortunately. He whispers something to Liuni, the young girl at his side, then, while Annaiel is looking the other way the teen does anything but stop. He sneaks past her to get closer to Cordelia where the young woman is collecting water. \"Cordelia..\" He whispers softly, trying to get her attention.

[Cordelia(#1394)] There\'s no fire started yet. Someone has tried to start a fire, but the kindling was soaked in the crossing and just sputtered. There\'s a small pile of it left some distance from the water\'s edge. Asht isn\'t to be seen, though--perhaps he wandered off in search of firewood. Addie is likely hidden in the darkness, nursing the baby that is still on this journey.

Even so, Cordelia is making no move to run--not as if there is anywhere to go or see to go in the darkness. She\'s just about to turn to head to bring the water to where the fire would be--and where some cooking gear is stacked, when Keldean hisses her name. It\'s enough to make her drop the waterskin, which lands with a soft sploosh. \"Keldean???\" she hisses in the dark, far too loudly. \"Keldean?\" Her voice drops to a whisper again. \"Where is Liuni? What are you doing here!\"

[Aragorn(#19187)]

As Cordelia stirs and glances around, perhaps her movements are not missed by the watching figures in the dark. The middle shadow, still under cover of the hollowed trunk looses a sigh that mingles well with the breeze, and with the racket of the river still rushing past, the sneaking shadow slinks to its fellow to the right.

Low whispers pass between the trees, but it would take a keen ear to pick them up.

[Annaiel(#28909)]

Cursing below her breath, Ana reaches out for Keldean as he slips forward towards the woman. Her gloved hand misses and she moves forth to try to grab for him again but stops, ducking low again. Gripping her bow tighter, the ranger holds her breath and listens, tilting her head just so. Sparrow shifts and skirts around, trying to keep out of Cordelia\'s direct line of sight. Keldean was on his own now, she couldn\'t help him. Instead she turns to finding Rhifaroth, moving ever closer while the boy speaks with the woman.

[Henleg(#20696)] The shadow on the right seems to nod, yet the grey cloak makes it difficult to say... it blends almost perfectly with the bark of the surrounding trees, and the darkness makes it even harder to spot the Man. The water runs strongly, and thus whatever the reply might be, it is lost among the sounds of the rushing waters and the rustling of the branches of the trees.

[Rhifaroth(#27282)]

The noise, activity, and general grumbling in the camp has ... quieted. There might be some sound over by the river. Cordelia was over there, getting water. Sounds like she slipped in the mud and dropped the water skin. Poor girl. That wicked Addie woman and Asht are no longer to be heard, for the moment. No one seems to be near to him for a change. As Addie likes to keep the rope that binds his throat tied to herself, she can\'t be far from him. Must be nursing the baby, sitting still.

Maybe it doesn\'t matter. The prisoner seems disinclined to move. No complaints, no trying to shift position. Rhifaroth lies upon the ground like discarded, soggy, baggage.

[Nauthcel(#19666)]

Nauthcel continues to watch Rhifaroth as he lays on the ground though is drawn away from his staring at the sudden movements of Cordelia. Unsure what has taken place, the Ranger awaits a clearer explanation, especially in not being completely sure when the other travelers will notice the woman\'s distractedness.

Luini, the little girl, is left hiding in the hollow of tree. Keldean can\'t help but grin at Cordelia\'s incredulous expression. \"She\'s safe. Where\'s Asht?\" He asks, his voice soft as he looks around in the darkness for the dangerous man. The teen doesn\'t see the mordain, and begins creeping out to move closer to Cordelia. \"Are you okay?\"

[<#1394>] The water skin is left in the mud, and Cordelia rapidly closes the distance to Keldean, not bothering to creep. She reaches to try to grab his arm. \"Are you out of your mind?!\" she whispers harshly to him. \"What are you /doing/ back here? What are you doing bringing Liuni back here! I thought she was safe, dammit! It\'s all I had to go on and now you bring her back here? Of all places??!\" Cordelia\'s voice rises in volume even though whispered--she is clearly very angry. \"Asht...is here...somewhere. Taking a piss for all I know. Sharpening his blade to cut your throat, more likely.\"

[Aragorn(#19187)]

Another whisper in the dark, and the first shadow moves away from the other. Soft feet carry it from trunk to trunk, no light catching upon the cloak it wears, until it draws closer to Rhifaroth. There, it pauses, and waits.

[Henleg(#20696)] A bow lies on the hands of the shadow on the right, and it gives a nod to the one in the center. Silently, five arrows are set in front of it, while a sixth one is knocked on the string. Another whispered response, that would surely not carry to those in the camp is uttered, before it returns to stillness.

[Annaiel(#28909)]

Movement near her makes her stop and the sparrow\'s grey gaze looks towards where Strider draws ever closer. Ana shifts upon her feet, still staying low upon her haunches, huggin the undergrowth and trees. Casting a gaze back, the rangeress makes certain the Liuni is still undercover and then slowly she moves that study towards Keldean. She pauses her attention there and presses her lips firmly together. Decision made, she begins to move closer to help the other shadow with the captive.

Keldean cringes under Cordelia\'s sudden barrage of criticism. \"No.. she\'s okay. I brought help, Cord. I did! That woman from the inn, remember? The archer, Sparrow.\" He reaches to pry her fingers from his arm. \"Come on.. into the woods. Quickly, before Asht sees anything.\" The teen pulls back towards the treeline, trying to draw Cordelia along.

[<#1394>] In the darkness Cordelia\'s face pales. \"You what?\" Another harsh whisper. Keldean tugs her, but she doesn\'t budge. \"No, Keld. I can\'t leave Rhifaroth with them. He\'ll die.\" She turns her back on Keldean and starts to walk toward Rhifaroth.

[<#19187>]

Nothing comes forth from the camp to challenge him, and so the shadow near Rhifaroth dares a further pace forward not quite breaking from the pool of darkness cast by the trees. It falls to a crouch, and a soft hiss wends its way through the night to the captive.

\"...,\" it says. \"... ... ... ...?\"

[Combat(#13388)] Aragorn unwields Longbow.

[Combat(#13388)] Aragorn throws a thick grey cloak over his shoulders and fastens it about the neck.

[Annaiel(#28909)]

The name of her target is heard and Ana slows, leaning out from around the base of the tree. She looks from the figure crouched near to the man and she takes an arrow from her quiver. Setting it to the wood, she pushes forth off the bark of the tree she is at and makes for the next one, ducking close and resting there. Slowly she peers around and eases the string back a bit, readying to cover fire if need be. Adapting to the situation, the Sparrow holds her position, waiting to see if her dart will be needed.

[Henleg(#20696)] Henleg now draws the string a bit, yet his arms do not raise the bow. His grey eyes go from Aragorn\'s shadow to the camp.

[Aragorn(#19187)]

Meanwhile the third shadow, long stood still and quiet in the dark, slinks itself closer to Nauthcel. It seems they both are masters of stealth, but were any to know it, Lominhur is younger and less experienced a tracker than the Constant. All the same, it would take keen ears and eyes to spot his approach.

[Rhifaroth(#27282)]

No one else in the small camp seems to be aware of ... Cordelia\'s delay. There are soft sounds. The river water continues on its course, chuckling southwest with a song that sooths. Night insects are roused in the darkness now that the rain has finally held off since the night before. Just such lulling, peaceful sounds are almost like whispers in the darkness.

There is no response from the bound man lying on the ground to the whisper. No movement.

[Nauthcel(#19666)]

Nauthcel is at a high point of alertness as he awaits the scene before him. Lominhur goes unnoticed as the shadow that had stretched out towards Rhifaroth holds his attention. Unsure what to make of it, the Ranger straightens slightly from his crouch and takes a moment to scan the area though nothing is distinctly noticed.

[<#19187>]

Aragorn, for indeed the shadow nearest Rhifaroth is he, spends a moment or two longer watching the unmoving figure of Rhifaroth, ere the hiss grows sharper from his lips. \"Rhifaroth,\" he says again. \"... are ..... if you ... hear ..., ... your ......\"

[Cordelia(#1394)] Stooping over, Cordelia starts to pick up the dropped water skin--and then pauses with her hand outstretched, having heard one word whispered in the night. She stands up quickly, right hand drawing her dagger. \"Asht? Addie?\" She pauses for only an instant. \"What\'s that? Who\'s there?\" She calls sharply into the darkness, footsteps taking her quickly toward where she thinks Rhifaroth lies.

[Aragorn(#19187)]

And even as he closes in upon Nauthcel, the rush of Cordelia draws Lominhur\'s gaze at once. \"My lord..\" he breathes, ere he starts forward a brash pace. The twig that snaps underfoot is quiet, especially with the Loudwater passing by, but he is close indeed to the Constant now. His hand flies to a suddenly emerging swordhilt.

[Henleg(#20696)] As Henleg\'s eyes scan the area about the camp, he notices another shadow... and then another one. His eyes sharpen, and he remains still. As the shadows seem unmoving also, Henleg attempts something a bit.. rash, perhaps, under the current circumstances. A call is heard, yet it is not that of a Man. Rather, a bird, crowing longingly. And to those learned, it would sound like a gull. And even if the river is wide in here, no gulls venture so far inland... or do they?

Keldean hurries after Cordelia, protesting quietly, \"Just wait! Let me help then!\" He says, looking around warily. When he looks back to Cordelia to speak, suddenly the young woman is rushing towards Rhifaroth. Keldean hurries after her, only pausing to reach down and draw a knife from his boot. He\'ll be ready for Asht -this- time. He hears the whispers, it must be Asht taunting Seeker and the teen has a dark expression on his face.

[Annaiel(#28909)]

The woman turns then, catching the movements of Keldean and Cordelia. A soft call is given, a whiperwill so accustomed to the night. Her lips press together to make the shrill call and then she is moving, back tracking to do a half circle. She starts to come in towards Keldean through the brush, shadowing him. Her eyes narrow, bow still ready in her hand, but she reaches out to try to grab him once he gets near and pull him out of sight.

[Nauthcel(#19666)]

Recognizing the voice from the whisper near him, Nauthcel turns his head towards Lominhur and the faint sounds of movement through brush. In long steps, he attempts to cut the man off before he tries anything crazy seeming to have faith in Aragorn. In tones only audible to the Ranger he approaches, the Constant says, \"Stay and wait.\" Then too does he let out a call, that of an owl.

[Rhifaroth(#27282)]

There is a movement from the prisoner. But only a faint one as the man slightly turns his head, breathing shifting. Rhifaroth doesn\'t move his legs but he may not be unconscious. Perhaps the man was exhausted, asleep. Then his bare feet, tied together, move just a little. Whether that is an indication of having heard something or not...

[Henleg(#20696)] Well, it seems that there are allies around. But that does not dimninish Henleg\'s watchfulness. The string of his bow is still taut, and the tall Ranger would be able to fire within a couple of seconds of any unwelcome movement.

[Aragorn(#19187)]

The calls from the wood, wildlife or no, give Aragorn pause, and he turns a cowled head to watch the advance of Cordelia. He slinks back a pace, melting into the shadow once again, or so his cloak at least seems to. He finds the hollow trunk once more, and watches anew.

[Aragorn(#19187)]

Lominhur meanwhile is stayed by the command of Nauthcel, and peering at the other Ranger a breath of relief escapes his lips. No word of reply that might give them away, instead the younger Ranger chances to look out past Cordelia and to the rush of Keldean beyond.

Something he sees there gives him a blink or two of alarm, and a swift chirp of a bird is loosed thither.

[Cordelia(#1394)] \"Rhifaroth?\" Cordelia frowns as she reaches the man, sinking to her knees in the mud. She looks left and right--there\'s nothing to be seen and nothing to be heard except the normal sounds of bird calls. What does she know from gulls, after all. She leans over Rhifaroth again--knife still in her hand--is she going to cut his throat? Her left hand touches his forehead.

Keldean is intent upon Seeker, when suddenly a hand grabs his shirt and drags him back. He gives a cry of surprise and whips around, stabbing recklessly with the knife before he takes the time to recognize who\'s restraining him, brown eyes wide with fear.

You attack Annaiel with your Dagger...

[Combat(#13388)->Keldean]

Annaiel dodges your attack.

[Henleg(#20696)] Damn the noise that an arrow would make! Definitely, using the weapon right now would cause much of a rickus, and now silence is what is needed. So, Henleg lets the bow down, and starts to make his way towards Annaiel and the wayward child that seems so intent to make unwanted noise. His long legs move fast, yet he\'s woodcrafty enough not to make any noise as he nears.

[Aragorn(#19187)]

Slinking forward as quick as a flash from his place of hiding, Aragorn\'s hands are out and ready. His boots make little noise as he goes, and with a quick flurry of paces he is behind her as she stoops over Rhifaroth. Out snakes his hands, one seeking the wrist of her knifehand -- the other looking to wrap around her mouth and muffle.

[Combat(#13388)] Henleg eases down the longbow stylishly.

[Annaiel(#28909)]

Dropping her bow and upon her knee, Ana\'s hand comes up to stay the hand with the dagger. Gripping him by the wrist, her arm twists around his back and hugs the younger boy close as she draws her further away. Her grey eyes stare at his face and she makes a soft shhhhh sound with her lips.

She quickly gazes towards where Cordelia went and releases him for the moment. She shakes her head as she nods towards Cordelia and the movement of another catches her just a moment. The sparrow looks towards the approaching shape and hesitates, lowering herself and reaching for her bow.

[Rhifaroth(#27282)]

There it is again... then someone touches him. Cordelia\'s hand feels hot, fevered skin once more. The willow bark tea early in the day had helped and may even have broken the prisoner\'s fever, but then there were hours and hours spent with the near ruinous crossing of the ford. Then more hours spent trying to put things back in order and make a drier camp.

Rhifaroth tries to move a little but he\'s very stiff, \"Muir?\" he asks faintly, voice rough.

Aragorn attacks Cordelia with his Bare Hands and badly wounds her!

Keldean gasps in shock as Sparrow so expertly gains control of his knife hand, dragging him away. He nods quickly at her instruction of silence, then twists his head to look back towards Cordelia. He\'s having a hard time seeing, but someone is suddenly restraining his friend and he sucks in a breath in fear, whispering intently to Annaiel. \"It\'s Asht! Shoot him!\"

[Henleg(#20696)] \"Hush!\", comes the voice from the Grey. \"That is not Asht... we\'re friends, and I\'d advice you to stay put and very quiet... else we will rouse the camp, and we don\'t want a pittched battle in here!\", he adds in a whisper to the young man. \"In fact, it\'d be better if you went yonder, and stay out of harm\'s way, young man\".

[Annaiel(#28909)]

Keen eyes look to the young man and she also shakes her head, returning that whisper. \"It is not he...it is a friend.\" The bird call that sounds from across the way makes her tense again. She whistles back carefully, the same sound. But as Henleg speaks, she nods as well, looking to him as her arm leaves the young man. \"If you will not go back to Liuni, stay behind us, yes? I made a promise, remember? To three of you and I shall keep it.\" Ana nods, studying Keldean\'s face for a moment before looking to Henleg, \"Who else comes...\" But the bird call from moments ago has her looking, her own brows knit with worry.

[Aragorn(#19187)]

Lominhur sends a nod of encouragement to Nauthcel ere he takes off to join Henleg and Annaiel, though as he draws nearer a less friendly look is given to Keldean.

[Cordelia(#1394)] Cordelia\'s scream is cut off even before it begins, knife dropping harmlessly from her hand. Instinctively she tries to bite at the hand at her mouth, but the hands that are holding her seem to cut off her air, and she slumps suddenly, passing out.

[Aragorn(#19187)]

Lominhur sends a nod of encouragement to Nauthcel ere he takes off to join Henleg and Annaiel, though as he draws nearer a less friendly look is given to Keldean. \"Be still, sir, or put us all in danger...\" He sends a more thoughtful, worried look to Annaiel then, but a smile tugs at his lips.

[Aragorn(#19187)]

Even as she slumps, Cordelia is still slight of figure, and long years of toil have made Aragorn son of Arathorn hale and hardy. He suffers her weight with ease, and removes his hand from her mouth in short order, looking down once more to Rhifaroth. But the animal calls from the treeline can be heard, and so too can the sound of stirring from the rest of the Mordain camp, and so a hard decision seems to fall upon the Dunadan.

\"Valar keep you alive,\" he prays quietly to the man of Gondor laying before him, ere he lifts Cordelia into his arms and bears her back to the trees as quick as he may.

[Henleg(#20696)] \"\'Tis me, and Rush... and Strider\", Grey replies, eyeing the young Bree kid before adding, \"I met them... nearby, and we heard aout what had happened. We made our way here as soon as we could, hoping to catch up with them\", he adds, thrusting his jaw forward towards the camp. Without further word, Grey strides forth, and getting out a small knife, he quietly nears Rhifaroth\'s prone form. Quietly he slices the rope that ties the man to... well, to whatever he\'s tied, and then he tries to haul him to his shoulder.

Keldean would love to rush over and help Cordelia, but suddenly he\'s surrounded by several strangers that he doesn\'t recognize. He shrinks back, but holds onto the knife (Seeker\'s knife, in face, should any know it by sight) tightly. He looks at Annaiel, \"You promised.\" He reminds her, despite the fact that she just said as much.

[Annaiel(#28909)]

\"I did..\" She murmurs, looking to Lominhur with a wary smile. Travelling with two young ones has not gone well. \"She is safe...safer than she was here. Now we go.\" She starts to back away, staying low as she beckons to the two males that remain with her.

[Rhifaroth(#27282)]

There was a stirring of sound, maybe. But whatever rustling there might have been, whoever might have called his name, there was only a whisper in reply ... something Muirgheal would not have said. The fevered man must be delirious.

Afterwards, it is quiet... the bound man slips back into a restless sleep, dreams haunted by a constricting rope that never lets him breath...

Aragorn picks up a vicious looking knife its dark blade glimmering with malice.

[Cordelia(#1394)] Whether it is from mental and physical exhaustion, the beatings she has been taking recently, or Strider\'s attempt to wrest her knife from her, Cordelia does not come to herself for the rest of the night.

Keldean eyes to two strangers suspiciously, but reaches down to tuck the knife away again. He goes to retrieve Liuni, the little girl that\'s still hiding in the woods, then catches up to Annaiel. He watches the ranger woman closely, obviously not content until he has a chance to see for himself that Cordelia is safe.

[Aragorn(#19187)]

Softly does the Dunadan tread as he carries her, and Aragorn reaches the others gathered in the trees. \"The camp stirs,\" he informs them swiftly. \"Let us make haste to find our own.\" He spares a glance toward Keldean and Liuni then, ere he sniffs, and jerks his head northward. \"You\'re with us, friend. Come, we have no time to lose.\"

[Annaiel(#28909)]

Leading the young man away and towards the others, she nods to Strider\'s words. Looking down to Liuni and Keldean, she nods, \"She is safe. We will camp.\" She pauses then, slinging her bow on her shoulder and reaching down to offer to take Liuni from him so that Keldean can go to Cordelia. \"Follow strider and Cordelia Keldean..\" She say softly.

[Aragorn(#19187)]

Lominhur places a hand upon Annaiel\'s shoulder then, and his eyes seek her own for an urgent moment. With a squeeze he looks her over and smiles gently, ere he nods in relief and a boyish look steals over his face. \"After you, Sparrow,\" he says gently.

Keldean hesitates, looking at Liuni with worry, but Annaiel has been true to her word all these days of pursuit. The teen nods and hurries off to follow the man carrying Cordelia, moving quietly now through the woods, his curls bouncing in the dim light.

[Annaiel(#28909)]

Cradling Liuni in her arms and against her shoulder, Ana smiles to Rush and lingers there a moment before she picks up her pace. She murmurs back to him, \"As long as you follow..\" She keeps her trackes in the ones ahead of her, not wanting to give away numbers.

[Aragorn(#19187)]

And so pass the Dunedain away into the night, joined by friends and one who may have some explaining to do.