MIRKWOOD RPG

[Thalionyulma]

The huge orc captain, Wárzárz let his gaze wander towards the oncoming band of orc raiders. He frowned, his thick brows furrowing. The number he had sent out were had lessened on their return. Another failed attempt at Lorien, it seems.

He motioned for one of his sergeants who promptly obeyed.

“Ready another group to patrol the eastern flanks! Bring along the warg-riders.”

“And the Olog hai?”

“They’ll serve better on the next raid, they don’t travel as fast as the wargs.”

He looked up as another battalion entered to join camp. He smiled. Let the pointy-eared fools hide in their precious woods. They would be no match for the might of the Dark Lord’s armies.

[Taralphiel]

Taralphiel trudged slowly back to the campfire, feeling a slight dejected. Wondering what she could do, she stared out into the darkness.
'You feel useless' she mused 'Well be useful' a calm whispering of comfort came over her 'Go and find him and then travel in joy, knowing you are wanted and loved' A pang of pain came over her.

She looked at the Elves, absorbed in their own work, and wondered how easy it would be to slip away. She knew where Eriador was, she could feel how close he was. They did not need her after all.

Again the temptation called out in strength, and she could barely contain it...

[Thalionyulma]

Rinurion had controlled his rage and had finally calmed down. He refused to look at the traitor, until due time when he would be dealt with. He needed to find a way out of this and warn the patrols.

The elf looked about, gauging the ropes that bound tightly him as well. They were hidden from view and the orcs seemed familiar of the paths. The trees and foliage in this area were still familiar; he had past this way a few times in a patrol. He wondered how the orcs had been able to slip thru.

The elven warrior heard Gayahithwen address Deagon, and heard the elf’s reply…
"I.. I tried to do what seemed right," he began. "I.. they.. it's.. my sister.."

Rinurion clenched his teeth and caught Sauche and Amaryllis’s reaction. One had the look of contempt; the gentle elf maiden Amaryllis had a look of pity. She caught his eye and glanced down.

[GreatWarg]

The young wolf sensed the sick uneasiness coming from Taralphiel. A bond of affection for his companions had grown in the time he had spend with them. They were now his pack. Gently, Khelek nudged his nose against Taralphiel's leg. Rûdhcamion had told him of Taralphiel's abilities, and that danger could come through them.

Khelek whined in a wolfish pout, wishing himself to be older so that he could help Taralphiel. Despite his weakness, he did not want to alert Rûdhcamion.

[Fair Amaryllis]

his sister, that was so sad. she might have done the same thing. she sighed, and winced as she tried to move her hands within the tight bindings. She looked up, thinkning she heard something in the forest and noticed Rinurion looking at her, she quickly looked away. She shouldn't look at him, lest she begin a conversation and get herself punished by the orcs...

[Taralphiel]

As Taralphiel walked deep in self pity, she felt movement beside her. She turned to see Khelek nudge pitifully against her.

She knelt down and stoked his soft fur mururing to him

'Even you are stronger than I. I wish to be a warrior an I cannot even understand who I am'

The wolf seemed to frown at her comment. And her deep mood was not lifted. It was onlt the friendship of the wolf that kept her from running as she had contemplated.

She sat by the dying fire, the pup nearest to her. She slowly began to doze when she heard a small voice 'Rest. You will find your courage and strength in due time'. Sighing, she did not start at it, but slept softly

[Thalionyulma]

They were on the move once more. The orcs had forced them to travel during dusk until late evenings. Rinurion knew that they were heading towards the deeper part of Mirkwood, where the patrols no longer venture and have marked dangerous.

The foul orcs were not very gentle. And were often pleased at giving the captives any discomfort. Sauche had been fought back in retaliation, but was forced to submit once more when a blade was drawn to Gayahithwen and Amaryllis neck. As a result, both Sauche and Rinurion’s bonds were tightened. Daegon had looked on helpless and fighting off his guilt.

“Fool, do you thing the minions of the Dark Lord would ever keep their word?” Rinurion had hissed at the traitor under his breath that only Daegon could hear. He was nearly shoulder-to-shoulder with the other elf, and if he had not been bonded, would have done more.

[Fair Amaryllis]

Her wrists burned constantly and her hair was a tangle of burs, leaves, and twigs. The feet that were so unused to walking felt like they were about to fall off. They rarely got food and never enough rest before they were off again walking at an unbearable pace. She missed home. Missed all the people she knew. would she ever see them again? Or would she die out here in the wilderness? Her thoughts drifted too often and she found herself lagging behind, which caused her to have the bonds tightened even more. How would she ever get through this?

[Taralphiel]

The troop marched through day and night. Indeed night and day seemed to meld the closer they got to Dol Goldur, and the more persistent nightmares of the living dead Queen became.

The last time she had slept, the woman was reaching out to her, calling her to come to her and help her, but she always fled, unsure if they were illusions of her own mind probing to find her. She would wake in a cold sweat, trying to stop the shaking of her thin limbs.

Eventually the break between legs of the journey would get smaler, and Taralphiel had gotten used to the steady pace. Striding along to the wolf pup, she was slowly getting used to conversing with him in the mind. Just as she was about to attempt again, he stiffened. She looked about, and a heavy, probing, and cold malice filled her. She glanced at her party who were allready heading for the trees, and she scrambled to cover, waiting to face what would come...

[Thalionyulma]

The Dark Elf had kept cautious throughout their journey. He had chosen a path that seemed to go roundabout, but one he deemed safer. He felt young Taralphiel’s uneasiness and unasked questions. He was glad that both Khelek and Anarya were giving her as much comfort and support as they both could. The young pup was very compassionate to the young girl’s predicament.

The sky overhead was gray and overcast. It seemed as they neared Dol Guldur, the sun’s warm ray was blighted by something dark and evil. Even the sky at night was cloudy, neither letting the moonlight nor stars shine through. The woods that should be filled by the sounds of woodland creatures were eerily silent most of the time. The trees felt void of warmth, but rather it gave the elves a feeling of unwelcome.

Rûdhchamion stopped suddenly in his tracks as he felt a menacing presence. Quickly signaling to his companions he motioned for them to take cover behind a large boulder that was partly covered by heavy brushwood.

Like a silent panther, he was swiftly atop a large branch of an old bole. He was already beading his arrow, alert for any surprises. Anarya, too, had her bow strung and ready for an attack.

With his keen eyes, he searched carefully, tensing when he saw what he feared. Beyond the trees, several yards away from them was a pack of wargs. Above the pack were a growing number of large bats that seemed to be just hovering in the air. The foul creatures in the air were like the once that had attacked them near Thranduil’s realm.

There were too many of them, they would be outnumbered easily. Quickly deciding on what to do, he scrambled down swiftly. He squatted next to Anarya as Taralphiel and Khelek came closer.

“We have no choice. We must double back and find another route,” he said in a low voice. “Anarya, Taralphiel, head for the creek we last passed. Khelek stay with them. I’ll cover our tracks from behind and follow you.”

Filled with anxiety, the group quickly left their hiding place and headed back towards the creek. The sound of the wolves could be heard.

[ April 24, 2003: Message edited by: Thalionyulma ]

[Thalionyulma]

The elven healer had a sudden feeling of uneasiness. Several times he had passed the room King Thranduil had forbidden any to enter but a few. He knew of the two elves within, and had felt a pang of pity for the maiden Tinuiel.

He stopped at the door, putting his palm upon it. As his skin brushed upon the wood, he felt it. A malevolent presence that should not be there. He quickly headed towards the hall to the Elvenking’s throne.

As he turned a corner he came upon the King’s son, Legolas.

“Greetings, Sire,” Thallig bowed in greeting.

“You look troubled, Thallig,“ Legolas said.

The healer quickly told the prince his uneasiness regarding Tinuiel and Mornovarion.

“Have you looked in?”

“Nay, my Prince. Your Father has forbidden all but a few to enter the room. I was about to go and seek the aid of Tathar.”

“Go then quickly! “ Legolas said as he darted towards the room where Mornovarion and Tinuiel were in.

[Taralphiel]

Stumbling across the small river took great strength, but Taralphiel exerted herself and headed deep into the forest on the other side, finding refuge in the trees. Evil monsters had once again been looking for them, and it would make their journey all the longer.

Sighing, Taralphiel tried to ease herself into the branches and make herlself as comfortable as possible. After many hours, the dark Elf returned from making sure their tracks were covered. Pangs of guilt waved in her mind We would not have to hide if I hadnt been seen by that woman...Taralphiel began to turn in her mind all the things she could do to repay these three that had been so kind to her.

After staying aloft for a few hours, the party eventually moved on another path. Hearing screams of agony in her mind, she simply walked along and said nothing.

[Thalionyulma]

The Dark Elf scouted up ahead the path. Although they had been forced to back track from their trail, he was not taking chances. He knew they were going to go northwestward before going south once more. It seemed another roundabout route.

He sighed. It would be no good getting annoyed by it all. Two elves, a young maiden and a white wolf pup would have a slim chance against a large band of warg riders and orc patrol.

He noticed that a group of black bats regularly soared the skies as well. This was adding to his suspicion that their presence was being observed, if the enemy already knew their exact whereabout.

He headed back to his companions.

Rûdhchamion found that Anarya had a fire going and was preparing their scant meal. Taralphiel was sitting nearby, absently stroking Khelek, in deep though. The young wolf whined a greeting.

”No, Khelek, it looks like we may have a restful stop this time. The enemy did not follow. But I like not what patrtols the sky at night” the Dark Elf answered the young wolf’s unasked question.

Anarya nodded and handed him a waterskin before she sat next to Taralphiel.

“What troubles you, Taralphiel?” The Dark Elf asked the young maiden quietly.

[Iarbarion]

Laryelion stood on top of the tall boulder he had just finished climbing. His hawk-like eyes wandered aimlessly through the dark, dense vegetation. Even though he was an elf of Lothlorien he was in Mirkwood. The home of the elf had dealt with a small loss of a few elves. Uruk-hai had killed all of the unlucky group including Laryelion's own grandfather.

The Lady of the Wood had sent him with a small company to follow the Uruk-hai. When the group had finally caught the evil warriors Laryelion became lost in the confusion. He had found his way to Mirkwood alone and was welcomed as a guest. He wandered aimlessly most days waiting for something to do, something like a quest. He also wished he could somehow find his way back to Lothlorien.

One of the many days when he was wandering through the forest, he saw what seemed like orcs of some sort. They may have been Uruk-hai but the trees blocked even the view of his elvish eyes. He thought to himself I might as well go see what is going on, I have nothing more important to attend to.So he began to wander through the trees towards what seemed like a small group of creatures. His dagger and bow comforted him and gave him enough courage to wander on.

[Taralphiel]

Taralphiel wondered if it was compassion in his voice, but answered him in one tone.

'I hear screams of torture. Elves, Men and Dwarves are being tortured and executed Rudhchamion. And Eriador is there. He calls to me when I sleep and when I am awake. My mind is not my own'

She heard Rudhchamion shift in his spot. 'He is wondering if I can see his thoughts'she thought to herself 'What else could he be thinking?'

Rudhchamion's movement stopped, and she noticed Anarya and Kehelek were also watching. Rudhchamion took a while to reply...

[Iarbarion]

Laryelion trudged on trying to find what had just shortly before looked like a group of elves. His ears waited for any small sound. His eyes never moved the spot he had before seen. He could almost smell something was wrong, terribly wrong. He stumbled over a stick and fell to the ground. Still his eyes did not blink or move from the spot they seemed so fixated upon.

He had walked on for what seemed like at least an hour when his eyes spotted something move again. Laryelion's pace quickened. They searched for another sign of movement but whatever he was searching for looked very cautious. Laryelion wondered what sort of foul creature would be waiting for him.

He kept on going until the Sun began to sink behind the tops of the trees. His legs began to tire but he would not stop for anything. His throat begged for water and his stomach craved Lembas, but still he sauntered on. The creature or creatures moved again but this time Laryelion was within distance of them.

He jumped into what seemed like a small clearing of trees and looked around at many orcs. At once they attacked. His bow wipped out and shot many of the creatures. His sword sliced open many black wounds. Laryelion spotted what seemed like captives lying on the ground nearby. He shot another orc and cut one of the captive elves free.

[Thalionyulma]

Rinurion had sensed that they were suddenly being observed by... someone. But he was somehow sure it was not that of the enemy. The elven warrior had felt the change in the forest, a certain point of tense focus. He kept close to his companions, still keeping alert, yet he did not want to alarm them. He kept his silence.

All of a sudden, after the group passed a clearing, a rain of arrows seemed to suddenly fall upon them coming from a grove of elms. Keeping his head, the elf had turned to the nearest orc and kicked out. Sauche, too, had vented her anger at a nearby orc while the confusion erupted.

It was another elf, but not from Greenwood it seemed. This tall elven stranger was dressed quite differently, yet he was garbed in a distinctly familiar leather armor and cloak. It was that of Lothlorien! Rinurion had found his bonds freed suddenly, giving a quick nod of thanks to the stranger, he swifly disarmed an orc, and using his enemy's sword, whirled and cut down another at his left.

Swiftly going to Sauche's aid who was being attacked by the orc she had vented her anger on. Amaryllis was seperated suddenly from them as an orc roughly pulled her away from them. Gayahithwen, too was having her own problems but kicked out as another orc, too tried to grab her.

After cutting Sauche's ropes, he turned to Gayahithwen's direction to help her. Rinurion saw the orc double up as the elf maiden kicked out once more, hitting her attacker at a vunerable spot. He quickly cut down the foul creature and freed the maiden.

Looking towards the stranger, he saw him come to Amaryllis' help. The struggling maiden was resisting three large orcs. She too was fighting as best as she could, but being bonded, it seemed futile.

That was when Rinurion spotted Deagon.

[Iarbarion]

Laryelion had just cut free what seemed like an elven warrior when he saw that a nearby elf badly needed his assistance. The elf was being attacked by three orcs. He shot one of the orcs and ran over to where the orc fell. He pulled his sword out and sliced off a second orc's neck. The first elf that he had freed had released other elves and noticed that the bound elf needed help. Laryelion had barely sliced off the second orcs head when the third orc's neck was struck by an arrow. The last of the foul creatures fell.

"Nice shot," Laryelion commented to the originally freed elf.

Then the elves conversation started...

[ May 15, 2003: Message edited by: Iarbarion ]

[Fair Amaryllis]

She had been nearly drug off by those three large orcs but thanks to this stranger she was alive. She hugged Gaya and Sauche, happy they were all still together. sHe would have hugged Rinurion but she thought it might not be wise. She was sore and tired, and hungry but she was silent as Rinurion greeted the other.

[Taralphiel]

...Rudhchamion muttered something inaudible and turned away to other duties.

Taralphiel stood up, and walked out into the forest. The sharp pains in her head did not relent. Crouching to the floor, she could not help but weep

'Why has this come upon me?' she rambled out loud. 'Why can I not find rest and happiness??'

'Some are destined for things greater, and harder than that' said Khelek. Taralphiel stared into the dark eyes of the wolf, and found his wisdom beyond hers.

'You have a task, as we all do. Now is not the time for tears, or pity, but for action. I see you becoming a woman of great strength and wisdom, and a leader of Men, as Haleth of Old. But you must put away your tears, and take up your courage'

Taralphiel felt a hardening come over her heart at his words, and her tears stopped. She saw many thinkgs in her minds eye. A house of beauty on a cliffside, rolling hills, and swans flying gently in the breeze. She saw beyond her time.

Standing back up, she looked at the wolf 'You have changed me for the better, good creature! I will not go back to pity, nor meek whimperings. You have seen the last of that, I assure ye!' The wolf simply nodded.

Striding quickly back to the campfire, she took up her daggers and found a stone to sharpen them on. Anarya stared at her in disbelief, never thinking she would be the type to prepare for battle. Taralphiel grinned, and said to Rudhchamion:

'When do we leave for the stronghold? My fate is calling me good Elf, and I do not wish to leave it waiting!'

[Thalionyulma]

The dark elf was distracted by something beyond his normal vision. His senses were sharp and tensed, as if hidden danger ahead had tapped him mentally.

Rûdhchamion had been speaking to the young female Taralphiel. He had felt guilty for seeming insensitive to her feelings. He wanted to ease her troubled mind the best he could, luckily Anarya was near to give her comfort and support.

He had asked Taralphiel what was troubling her, when something in his mind's eye caught his attention. He could remember what he answered the young female.

He walked a few yards into a cluster of trees and let his elven sense to wander... searching about. Something, probably the woman again, was trying to reach out and find them. He noticed the stillness of the woods. The silent eeriness made the surrounding seem like it was holding its breath, waiting.

Anarya stood up from the campfire as he came back to the campfire. She, too was concerned. Rûdhchamion noticed that Taralphiel was nowhere around and looked questioningly at the elf maiden.

"Khelek went with her. She needs to have time to herself."

He nodded. "She is still young, even in terms of her kind. Many things will come about to test her."

"As it will to each one of us, Rûdhchamion."

They both turned as Taralphiel came back. A determined look was on her face. The young girl took out her blades and began to whettle them. She looked up at the dark elf and said:

'When do we leave for the stronghold? My fate is calling me good Elf, and I do not wish to leave it waiting!'

Rûdhchamion's face was masked, showing no emotion. After awhile he answered, "In good time young Taralphiel."

[Thalionyulma]

Rinurion had been distracted by another orc before he could reach Deagon, and when he turned towards the elf he was gone. He saw his companions were now safe together. Gayahithwen was gathering her composure, as was Sauche. Amaryllis was smiling with relief.

The elven stranger stood to one side and waited for him.

"To whom do we owe our lives?" Rinurion said to him by way of greeting and gratitude.

"I am Laryelion of Lothlorien."

"I am Rinurion of Greenwood, Northern Realm of Thranduil. It has been many ages that one of our kin has visited us."

Amaryllis and the others drew near and greeted Laryelion as well. They began telling their tale of capture to the elf who listened, concern upon his face. Laryelion knew though he was deep within Mirkwood, the border was not far from Lothlorien.

Rinurion was noticeably irritated at having lost the chance to get hold of Deagon. He had caught Gayahithwen's eyes and the elven maiden looked away.

Laryelion had caught the exchange, but kept to himself.

[Taralphiel]

Taralphiel followed the Elves and wolf on their new path through the forest, which was becoming more and more hazardous. But it seemed the closer they came to their destination, the louder and stronger the visions Taralphiel had became, so that at least could be seen as some guide. Soon the signs of buildings and life could be vaguely seen.

Travelling along their path came to a quick halt, and one nod from Rudhchamion sent them into hiding as a presence moved into sight...

[Taralphiel]

Anarya took refuge in the trees as a host of orcs came past. She eyed them closely as they filed through the undergrowth, and pondered their situation.

'We are close to an enemy force of great size. We must alert the King' she mused 'But how will he get here before a great attack meets him unawares?'

She met the gaze of the Dark Elf as he held his bow. He seemed to understand her troubles, and his expression gave a small amount of reassurance.

She also watched the human and Khelek. Great changes had come over her, and indeed their whole party. Anarya knew that she had withdrawn and become melancholy over the lst few weeks, and she did not see the need to hide such emotions. Such a great burden was on them, and she did not know how they would be able to release it.

At that moment, she felt a darkness sweep through her mind, and it shocked her. Looking up, she saw the human turn pale. All she could do was mouth to the she-elf... 'She is here'...

[piosenniel]

Thalionyluma

Please contact me about reopening this RPG for play.

Thanks!

~*~ Piosenniel, Shire Moderator