Most passed through the run down village, barely stopping long enough to replenish their stocks before embarking upon another difficult journey to the larger towns. The villagers were desperate and extremely grateful for all trade that came their way but recently, trade had been dwindling.
There was an air about the place that was difficult to discern, it was not an evil presence, but yet, it was not a good one either. Stangard was a village that was on the brink of existing, barely surviving.
Adharra kept her eyes low not wishing to make contact with anyone for the time being, but remained vigilant to the hushed toned conversations taking place behind many closed doors. The people here were living in fear, but they did not understand why. Villagers and visitors alike were free to come and go, but not many ventured in or out of the main gates. There seemed no logical explanation.
Under the cover of night, Adharra climbed the watch towers where overworked guards slept soundly and undisturbed, this too she found very curious. In silence, she stood peering out into the distance but no visible signs of an enemy could she find. Frowning, she descended the tower once more and this time went to one that faced west. Perhaps she hoped that somewhere she might find an explanation as to why the life of this village was being drained away.
Nothing. There was nothing to see or hear no matter which direction she searched. Her Elven eyes felt as if her sight was being shielded and so frustration welled within her. Deciding there must be an explanation, Adharra vowed that no rest would she seek until an answer be found.
As was her way, gaining height to peer far into the distance and downwards to the valleys below, always gave her an advantage and so she rode through the back gates of Stangard making for the mountains behind. Her horse Nir well adapted to rocky terrain easily carried her upwards until they reached a peak where none other seemed higher. It was here that the fresh air breathed new life into Adharra and things became a little clearer.
Caught between the Misty Mountains and the northern edges of Fangorn Forest lay a dangerous wilderness. The Limlight River flows down from the mountains forcing its way through falls and rapids, creating cascading waterfalls, which in turn create a natural shadow over the land.
Adharra’s heart halted for just a brief moment upon the sight that she beheld. Words would not come to her, for no words would describe what she now found herself looking at. The innocent people of Stangard had no notion that such an evil and menacing presence lay practically at their door. They were completely unaware to the large army that seemed to be amassing right under their very noses.
The enemy had taken full advantage of the landscape, the deep clefts into the ground and the mountain sides. They could not be seen from Stangard no matter how high you might build your towers. They could not be tracked here, because the locals believed this land to be impassable, none bothered to venture this far. They could not be heard, because they roamed the area in silence.
Fearsome trolls, enormous spawn of Ungoliant and rare ancient trees that moved just like mighty Ents but yet, these trees had evil malice in their hearts. This place would only fill a heart with dread, no matter how courageous that heart may be. This place would fill warriors with fear, for death was all but certain. Should any venture downwards into the depths of this lair, their return would be granted only by the grace of the Valar.
((OOC This is just one of a series of RP quests that I hope to embark upon soon. All those coming along should remain in character for the duration of the event, but this is not compulsory. This area is level 75 +. The aim is to claim back the Limlight Gorge area to make it safe once more for the people of Stangard. If you are interested, please let me know so that we can arrange a gathering.))
