Gone Scouting

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.

Finally the sun rises over Mithrim! You feel the first ray gently touching the skin of your face. The night was long and misty...

The sun breaks over the high plateau of the Dorthonion to the southeast, riding low in the winter sky. To the west, the stars still hang brightly in the lightening sky. A little wind stirs the snow that lies on the ground, kicking up a few sprays of frost amidst the trees..

A tall man, cloaked and hooded against the chill, makes his way carefully thru the pines, a great bow slung over his shoulder.

Not far behind the cloaked Atani, another figure moves aong the trees. Tall as well, equally cloaked and hooded and with a mighty longbow slung too across his back and yet, somehow, different in movement and stance. In silence the second figure halts and rests the butt of the tall spear that he bears on his right hand upon the snow-covered forest ground. Leaning slightly on the haft, keen eyes survey the surroundings as the noise of a few birds on the pines mark the coming of the morning.

Andranar pauses in his movement, stopping near one of the snow clad trees, drawing a deep breath and observing the coming day. He studies the sky for a bit, then comments, "It seems we may have good weather for the task, though the day's not mild.. What do you think?"

Angadil listens attentively some more before he nods in assent to the Atan's words. His breath forms a small cloud that soon vanishes in front of his face "Freshly fallen snow" he says with a stern smile "It will muffle our steps. And the day is a clear one, although cold... Wish I had the light feet and forest-craft of my Sindar cousins or the Men of Dor-lomin..." His eyes sparkle with fleeting mischief with these last words.

Andranar laughs softy, the sound quickly lost in the trees. "Well, we savages of the wood have that, perhaps.." He looks down towards the valley to the southeast, where the river can be seen winding it's way among the trees. "Aye, clear enough to see a good ways, and the wind.." he indicates the drifting snow, "should cover our track well enough. What do you suppose our foes are up to, now?"

Angadil shrugs slightly and his frown creases a bit as he ponders "No easy prey left for them in these woods now... I suppose they will be gathering somewhere for some greater enterprise than burning shepherd sheds..." He sneers as he speaks as if each word had a foul taste "Still we need to be alert for their foray patrols..."

Andranar's eyes scan the treeline of the other side of a narrow clearing. "Aye. I think they are not so active by day, but we had best be cautious.." He pulls his cloak furthur around his shoulders, "They will be growing bold enough in their desperation to mount an attack soon.. Would that we can learn more of their plans. Forewarned is forearmed.." He begins to move again thru the trees and crosses the open space, pausing on the other side.

Angadil waits until the Atan clears the dangerous open area, his eyes shimmering as they scan the trees beyond where foes may lie in ambush. Once Andranar has passed and, in turn, keeps watch at the other side, Angadil retrieves his spear and, despite his protests of lack of woodcraft, strides with winged grace across the small glade. A fleeting grey shadow that seems to vanish in the still uncertain light of the winter morning.

Andranar nods, smiling a little at his friend's skill in the face of his words. Now within the trees again, he moves along, traveling downhill thru the pines along a slight ridge before he slows. "Would that the horizon were clearer and not so drear.." His gaze crosses the rim of the sky, choked with dark, low lying clouds. "I do not know if we will be able to sight the smoke from their fires or not.." He looks down towards the river, "But your sight may be keener than mine.." He smiles faintly.

Angadil follows the steps of his companion and now moves to his side in careful silence and he slows and stops. Standing by Andranar's side the elf's gaze narrows as he looks towards the point where the Atan's eyes focus. The corners of his mouth curve slightly in a repressed smile at his friend's words but then he nods "Aye, there is smoke there. Not much, though, and the cold air above makes it fly horizontally..." Angadil takes a step forward to obtain a better look and a boot ends up placed upon a dead branch that snaps broken, making the Noldo frown and sigh in contained frustration.

Andranar crouches lower to the ground, looking thru the trees. "Aye, you have it!" He exclaims, though words volume is still low. "I know not how many camps they have, or how large, but they gather along the river.." He moves forward again, stepping carefully thru the snow.

Angadil erases the frown from his face and, bending low, quickly follows Andranar's once more, now closer to him "If they have posted advanced sentinels we may be closing on them soon" he whispers as they move. The recent incident with the branch and the increasing notion of risk makes his moves a tad stiffer than they were a while ago.

Andranar nods, pausing to study the trees and snow for a few moments. "If they are here in any numbers, as we believe they are, they will be ranging further afield for firewood, and as you mentioned, game.." He looks towards the sun, moving along in its slow journey across the sky, "We'd best be doubly cautious." he continues to scan the tress for some moments before he moves on.

Angadil purses his lips and halts when Andranar does. He does not look upwards, but concentrates on the trees ahead instead. The bright eyes dart here and there attracted momentarily by the movements of a bird among the branches or the rumor of tree limbs rustled by the gentle breeze. Apparently satisfied, he nods "Aye. Doubly cautious. Perhaps it is best if we put some more distance between us? I trust your experience in this..."

Andranar's shoulders move a little under the cloak. "Mayhap some, though I'd have you to fight at my side if it comes to that." He smiles a little, "I think that weighs as much as the chance we'd be discovered."

Angadil smiles almost involuntarily at the praise implicit in Andranar's words "I'd be at your side if it comes to fighting" His eyes however, do not stray towards his friend's face, but remain intent looking ahead "But we do as you advise. Knowing your sword nearby is also a comforting thought for me"

Andranar smiles a little, "We'll be wary.. We do have the advantage of the daylight, as long as we keep moving.." He turns and begins moving once more thru the trees...

Angadil nods wordlessly. He gives Andranar two or three strides and then follows him vanishing as he does among the shadows of the forest.