Andranar frowns, "I cannot say.. Some evil spirit sent against us by the Dark One. Though I do not think they are numerous, whatever they are.." he says, a little brighter. "She said it had a name, though she did not give it." he adds.
Finrod sits patiently while Teigril bandages his left shoulder. He shows neither comfort nor discomfort at the treatment. He answers Andranar, "A dangerous beast indeed, to fell my guard in such a manner. Its attack style is not something I am used to either. I was fortunate to get a good blow on the creature before it flew away."
Finrod stands after receiving treatment and says, "I should get some rest before heading back to the tower. Thank you for your ministrations." He nods to Teigril and offers her a tired, but dazzingly white smile. He than puts his hand on Andranar's shoulder and tells him, "Thank you for keeping my kin safe. It was a joy to see you again, Andranar of Dor-Lomin. I hope next we meet we might partake in more pleasurable activities such as dining and hunting. You are welcome in my tower anytime you wish, of course." He glances at Almar and says to no one in particular, "Please tell him I am sorry to depart with such haste." This was the man he married to Maegwyn not long ago. He heads out the door.
Teigril ties the ends of the bandage..her fingers running over it one last time..to smooth and be sure it's firm. "A strange creature it sounds..and I wonder if it poisons as well?" She smiles, "Tis the best that I can do for you..M'lord..it will be a bit stiff, but it should heal leaving no mark.." and nods as he rises.
Finrod heads east into the courtyard outside.
Finrod has left.
Andranar nods, and gives Finrod a smile in return. "I would like that, Nom. Maybe I will ride with you back to Tol Sirion tomorrow."
Aresmar enters the barracks hastily in a way like a swift animal. He closes the door after him than turns to room to see who are familiar to him. Nodding quickly to the ones he dont know, strides to three figures and bows a little "Mae govannen, mellyn" than rises his head a little glancing after the third figure he didnt quite remember.
Andranar looks up as the two figures pass in the doorway, "Mae govannen, Aresmar." he says, warmly if a bit wearily.
Aresmar seems worried, than quickly says "What are the news from the front lines? cause I have some from the back." Than glances at Teigril and Andranar shortly.
Several of the cots in the barracks are filled with still forms, event houg it is midmorning. There are still signs that the end of the room has been used as a triage quite recently, though these are being cleaned up quickly now.
Andranar stands and goes to the hearth, pulling the kettle from the fire and puring several cups of tea. He then sits again and nods, "Not so much.." He says almost wryly, "What is your news?"
Teigril gathers her bandages, straigtening the small trunk. She turns at the greeting, "Aresmar..Greetings..You have news?" she says, as she moves between the cots.. pulling the blanket up about Almar..and laying a hand on Keladar's forehead.. to see he has no fever..
Aresmar frowns than tells "Yes some news small but I think I had to tell. When you were gone to battle I stayed behind in need for backup. What a good idea it was. I encountered a little group of yrch scouts they were 3 or 4. I hide behind a little rock and watch the a little. They were trying to be very quite and very careful but this didnt foul me. Than I throw a rock to the opposite side of this group they suddenly start to run back towards where the battle is raging. I think they were the ones to break the formation to hit from back or to get some info. Anyways they couldnt do neither they fled like chicken. I think they thought the sound of rock falling was from a guard party coming to them.
Andranar nods, sipping at his tea, some of the weariness and tension draining from his frame as he does so. "Oh? The woods are growing thick with yrk it seems, though as yet we've learned little of their movings.." He frowns and sets the empty cup aside, and stands, stretching. He bows slightly, "Good day, Healer. I leave our companions in your able care.." He looks to Aresmar, "I would return to the site of that battle and see if there's anything to be found there.."
Aresmar nods at Andranar than asks "Can I escort you if you dont mind?" than turns to Teigril and says in a low voice "good day, may your job be easy" than turns back at Andranar.
Teigril looks up and nods.."Take care..this creature may yet be about?" She studies her charges..looking at the other cots. I shall be here..if you have need, Andranar.. "
Andranar nods, "Some company would be welcome, Aresmar." He gives a nod to Teigril, "I'll hope we'll have no need, Lady." Then he gathers his cloak around him and departs.
Andranar heads east into the courtyard outside.
Andranar has left.
You head east into the courtyard outside.
Barad Eithel -- Outer Courtyard
High walls and lofty towers cast their long shadows down into the courtyard below. Troops often train here, learning the skills which will protect them against an implaccable foe always more numerous than they. At times, the whole of the fortress gathers here to hear the words of their commanders or of the High King himself...or to muster for battle.
Ringing the courtyard are the grainaries, armouries, smithies, stables, and other buildings which support and provide for the fortress in peace and in war.
Andranar says, "First to the stables.. It will take a while to reach the spot.." Soon two horses are saddled and ready. The gates are opened to allow them forth..
The sun slowly disappears below the horizon. Night comes and the first stars appear...
Andranar passes through the outer gate, leaving Barad Eithel.
Andranar has left.
You pass through the outer gates and leave the confines of Barad Eithel.
Barad Eithel -- Approach
Barad Eithel, the Tower of the Well, stands proudly to the north. Graceful sweeps of grey mountain stone, joined so perfectly that no joint or crevice can be seen, rise up in great ramparts topped with parapets and arrow slots. Behind the high walls are several towers which reach up higher still with one rising up much taller than all the rest so that it seems to pierce the sky; upon its topmost spire, blue and silver banners ride upon the wind.
To the west of Barad Eithel lies the cobalt blue loveliness that is Eithel Sirion, partly surrounded by the high mountain peaks of the Ered Wethrin further off. Eastward, foothills sink towards wide plains, and the outworks of Barad Eithel extend some distance in that direction. Southward lies a road, and beyond that the foothills sweep onwards with the Sirion threading its way southeastward to join with the far-distant Rivil.
Andranar has left.
You travel for a few miles southwest along the road until you come to an intersection of roads south of Eithel Sirion.
East of Ered Wethrin -- Eithel Sirion
The spires of mighty peaks rise up, piercing the sky with their grandeur, their heights crowned with snow for much of the year. Forests of Pines, Elms, and Alders cover the lower flanks and foothills, their deep greens and browns providing contrast to the rocky greys and frozen, glittering whites above.
Directly to the north, sheltered hard against the rising spires of stone and ice, the glimmering blue of a mountain lake can be seen. It is small, but its waters dazzle the eyes like the sparkling of a sapphire whenever the sun shines down on it, and so deep as to seem to have sprung up from the very heart of the lofty peaks which all but surround it.
Just to the east of Eithel Sirion lies a mighty fortress of stone and iron; strong and proud it seems, with blue and silver banners flying from the topmost spire. Further to the east, the foothills of the Ered Wethrin drop down towards grassy plains that stretch out endlessly like a vast green sea.
Andranar heads up the path to the southeast...
Andranar has left.
You go off to the southeast...
Late afternoon.. The shadows grow long as the fall evening approaches. Two men on horseback approach the site of yesterday's battle, still some ways away and moving in a wide cautious circle of the site.
A dark figure blots out the otherwise bright afternoon. A large animal sits in the center of the previous battle. Could it be a horse, injured from the battle? Only way to tell is to get closer..
Aresmar striding cautiously looks at the battle field. "the field of pain" he said to himself slowly gazing to field and riding near his friend.
Andranar reins up his horse, with a slight nod, looking towards the battle field with an expression of puzzlement or curiousity crossing his face. He sits his horse a moment, studying both mounts actions. Then he puts a finger to his lips and holds it up to the air. He nods, and giving Aresmar a cautionary glance, urges his mount forward on their elliptical course again.
As you ride the slightest bit closer to the figure, it's as if a wall hits you. A wall of pure hatred, and evil. You can smeel the pain, hear the sounds of screaming, though the afternoon is silent. As soon as you hit this wall, the figure sitting in the clearing stirs, turning it's dark head towards you. Two blazing orange eyes flame like twin beacons, as no horses eyes can do. Without another twitch, a voice blasts into your head, coming from every direction, strait into your mind. " Ahh! More food! Greetings, Humans. Have you come to die as well? "
Aresmar sits his mount with Andranar's and asks in a low voice "You seem worried? You feel something?" than as he said this suddenly his horse rears up but he manages to calm down the horse. He frowns and looks cautiously to reveal the voices direction.
Andranar nods slightly.. Then his horse starts, and would shy wildly if not for the firm hand and gentle word from its rider. The voice may seem to come from everywhere, or nowhere, but he seeks the dark shape not so distant now with a nod to himself.. "it knows we're here then, though if it's seen us yet i know not.." he says in almost a whisper, "start your horse back, but slowly.." He tugs gently on the reins, backstepping his own steed a pace or two.. His hand pats the horse's neck, and then strays towards his sword hilt.
Aresmar nods to Andranar backstepping his horse a few than slides his hand to grip the hilt of his sword.
The blazing eyes stare up at the pair of Humans, clearly visable, even at the distance. The voice again blasts into your head. " Please, please. Do not flee.. You wont feel a thing, if you would not wave your little pointy needles around. You human's make this much to hard. "
Andranar nods to Aresmar, "Keep going." his voice has returned to it's normal timbre. "I have no intention of dying this day, and would make it as hard as possible when it comes at me." He says, though to whom, Aresmar or the shape, is unclear. He continues to move his horse along the slope, backing and sidepassing the skittish animal.
Aresmar nods wryly to Andranar and rides his horse beside the Andranar still cautious though.
Dreagoth doesn't seem to be able to tell if your are fleeing, or coming forward. The dark voice blasts your thoughts. " So, Humans. What will it be? Food, fight, or flee?"
Aresmar rides his horse near Andranar in the circle path they are following. Than stops the horse suddenly hearing the blast of question in his mind. Feeling of hatred, pain, agony filling his heart. The memories of his fateher filling the scene before his eyes he starts trembling closes his eyes he wants to shout out loud but couldnt like something grips his throat. Than he opens his eyes and gazes after Andranar a few steps back now. Holding his swords hilt stronger as if to crush it in his fingers.
Andranar, still moving the horse away, says evenly, "I don't think you'd be very good to eat, wolf. Maybe you had better flee." His eyes scan the distance between them and the shape, and then he casts a glance sideways and over his shoulder. His free right hand comes up, gesturing along the slope where a gentle ridge rises, and then falls into a wooded notch between the rising hills.. "this is not the time yet, friend.." he adds quietly.
The voice wades through your thoughts, the body of the shadow mot moving an inch. " I'm not your friend, Maggot. And I think you are confused. I'm not the walking meal.. My pack should be circling around you soon. You DO realize you are surounded, cdon't you? "
Aresmar confused with the voice in his head shrugs and throws away the thoughts that give him pain as he sees the Andranars gesture. He than strides again and catches Andranar. "I am feeling not very good" whispers to him.
Andranar smiles slightly, a strange gesture considering the situation. "You lie like a dog." He visibly shrugs, then turning a little and slapping the ends of the reins across the flank of his horse.. The steed lunges and wheels, eager to run, as is it's nature.. "Now! GO!" He says to Aresmar, gesturing again..
Aresmar seeing Andranar preparing to ride fast, he than slaps the rein of his mount and heads towards where Andranar rides. Glancing back over his shoulder a moment as if feeling the pain again.
Instead of chasing after the pair of Humans, the Gaur simply sits where he is. As you run, his voice begins to sound slightly tired and weak. " Ahh, yes. Run away like Cowards.. I'll.. I'll haunt you and such. Ask the other human.. Almar.. "
Andranar claps his heels to the horse's sides, shooting a sidelong glance at Aresmar. "Don't look back.. Just ride." He says, the wind in his teeth. Standing in the stirrups though he turns and cries over his shoulder, "I choose my battles, and the time for this one is not yet come. We will see who comes to haunt who, dread-voice." His voice could almost be a grim laugh, though his expression would be seen to be drawn and tight.
Aresmar hears the last words of the creature clearly and frowns, feeling the pain grow more inside, "The time will come" he repeats quitely after, riding his horse hastily with Andranar.
Dreagoth heads up the path to the southeast...
Dreagoth has left.
Andranar heads up the path to the northwest...
Andranar has left.
You go off to the northwest...
Andranar enters Barad Eithel by the Outer Gates to the north.
Andranar has left.
You pass through the gates and into Barad Eithel.
Once perhaps a quarter or half mile has been covered, Andranar slows his steed, though the animal seems willing to continue at the hard pace. He speaks to the horse in a quiet tone, and sets an even, ground eating pace thru the trees.. Some time later, well after the sun has set, the pair arrive again at the fortress..
Aresmar slows down the horse, calming her with his hand over his neck. Glances at Andranar his face still stiff and sad.
Upon reaching the inner couryard, Andranar drops from the saddle, leading the beast towards the stables, where he first waters the animal lightly, and begins to strip the tack from it, brushing the dried sheen of sweat from its coat. "Many more rides like that in so many days, and I'll run out of horses.." He says in a nervous jest. Then he looks at Aresmar with a bit of concern, "Will you be well?"
Aresmar drops from saddle than leading the horse to stables, caresses the horse with his hand than "I think, I will, but this was very tiring experince for me. Not for the body but for the mind. I couldnt clear my thoughts I was nearly going out of control If you were not there." answers to Andranar now he seems more relaxed as the horse relaxes as if feeling with the horse.
Andranar gestures to a nearby groom. "A hot mash for both of our horses. And another ration of dry grain for those we brought in this morn with their feed.." He then turns back to currying the horse, and looking over both animals to determine their condition. He nods, "That is natural. To be able to see past fear, fatigue, other worries is not an easy thing to do. You acted. You showed yourself well enough." He humms a little, picking a pine twig from the animals mane.
Aresmar than glances at Andranar "may we go back to barracks and tell the news to Teigril? She must have wondered us." as he wants to change the topic to feel better. and than he says "Thank you for your help there, I think I will be better as the time goes on and I learn more about these foul creatures." heads toward the door of the stables.
Andranar nods. "She'll get word we've returned, and safely enough, I deem. I'd save her worry over our scrape until it's a bit duller in memory though." Looking to see that the horses are now eating, he catches up the edge of his cloak and steps towards the door. "We might see about finding a meal though." He then speaks in answer of Aresmar's last comment, "Aye.. It's good to have knowledge of an enemy.. and of yourself.." he says almost absently.
Aresmar nods "Yes a good meal and a rest awaits us I hope" than a hardly smile appears on his face as he walks with his friend he respect more now.
You head north and pass the gate which leads into Mindon Thilos.
Barad Eithel -- Hall of Feasts
Fire burns in a great hearth, warming the hall year round. The floor is paved with flagstones and much covered with thick rugs and mats, especially during the winter, when the stone grows chill. Tapestries line the walls, bearing images of splendur and loveliness that brighten the hall with color.
Rows of tables seat the many people that are often found here, and just off of the hall are the kitchens, pantries, and cellars which provide the meals that give this hall its name.
Primarily, the hall is the scene of feasts and laughter, stories and poems and song that often lasts well into the night. But other purposes it serves, also: proclimations are read here, audiences held, justice delivered.
Andranar strides across the hall to one of the hearths, where he finds some bread and a pot of still simmering stew. Throwing his cloak at the edge of the stonework as a cushion, he sits, and draws a long slow breath. "So our old foes the gwuar have come with the yrk.. Lomendaur and Almar will have their work set out for them.. As will I." He frowns, though softly, "As will we all.." He breaks one of the loaves and offers half to Aresmar.
Aresmar follows Andranar to the stone work and sits near him and takes Andranars offer gently "Thank you" than takes a pot for himself. "Yes many foul creatures are helping them I heard" he says in a sad voice "This is not new thing though" he adds as he purs the piece of bread into stew to soak taste of it.
Andranar nods, taking one of the bowls himself and doing likewise. "Aye.. Orcs, werewolves, serpents, and now a new threat in this were-bat.." he says heavily, "We have our own weapons against them though.. Not just of iron and steel, but in hope and love and courage."
Aresmar nods Andranar until he says 'were-bat', his eyes open when he heard this. "Were-bats! what is that?" asks with curious eyes.
Andranar shrugs between a mouthfull of stew sodden bread, then says, "We are none of us wholly sure about the creature, yet, I think. A fell spirit in the form of a great bat, as the guar are to wolves, would be my guess. You saw it's handiwork in Nom's attendant, in the infirmary..." He says a little darkly.
Aresmar nods "They seem to use all kind of foul creatures under their command." than continues his meal as if not surprised. than adds in a sad voice. "It is getting hard for us, more pain and more to fight yet we have the wisdom and hope I think."
Andranar nods. "That pain is as old as the world, I fear, and will remain until it is remade." he says quietly, "But the elves are light and wise, and our people have learned from them, and have their own strength as well I deem."
Aresmar nearly finishes his meal. Than nods at Andranar "Elves are a wise race and they are great warriors also I know. But we are learning much from them yet we learned many already I think."
Andranar nods slowly, now running the crust of his bread around the near empty bowl to catch the last drops.. "Aye. There is always more to be learned.." He laughs soflty. Now setting the bowl aside, he stands and warms his hands near the fire. "The snow will come soon, I think. If I do not quite welcome it, it will make following our enemy easier, perhaps.."
Aresmar clears his bowl as Andranar does and says "Yes we have to learn more from them maybe our destiny lies in this way" with a smile. Than he stands and warms his hands too rubbing them each other. He says "I like snow it helps to track down but it also leaves tracks of your own if your not careful. I learned these things in many hard ways with my father, his face darkens again in the flickering lights of fire.
Andranar nods, "Such is the nature of things." he agrees, then his brow creases, "Would that there were words I could say to ease your loss, mellon. Alas, words are of little use in this.. But know that you do not have to bear your sorrow alone.." He says gravely, then picks up his cloak. "It has been a long day.. Rest would do us all the better, I think.."
Aresmar nods at the easing words of Andranar and says "Thanks, mellon, you helped me so much how will I pay this I dont know really other than to thank you." than he straightens his cape.
Andranar smiles a little, "No payment is needed.. Keep your spirits up." he says, and then draws his cloak around him and goes from the hall.
Aresmar walks to the Hall's door after Andranar "Thanks again mellon, good rest!" though slower than his friend to watch the stars before he goes to rest.
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