A brief synopsis of what transpired Sunday April 15th.
Dawn at the small hillock overlooking the valley leading up to the Red Horn Pass, opposite the old ruins of Minas Elendúr.
The company, greeted by light morning rain, finds themselves somewhat reduced. Lord Tindir and captain Himwen have gone ahead to scout, presumably up the valley, and has left a fair number of the fountain behind to protect the those traveling with them.
As time passes and day progresses, anxiety spreads among those of the company remaining. The hillock is found to be too exposed to prying eyes. Different courses of action are suggested and discussed; should they remain waiting, go after the others, or seek a more secure location.
One of the suggestions that is brought up is to continue to Echad Dunánn and seek better protection as well as moving closer to the Hollin Gate of Moria. As the only Caun present among the remaining company, Elvealin points out the merits of such location and steers the company to that decision.
Filegris of the Arrow leaves a marker of sort, to show Lord Tindir and Himwen when return where they have gone, thus allowing them to follow quickly.
Slowly the company makes its way down the hillock, and across the arid plains, horses navigating the treacherous rocky ground. Only mountain goats seem to follow the progression yet spying eyes high above are felt though not seen.
Without anything troubling them, the company reaches Echad Dunánn, where a small group of elves out of Imladris have setup an outpost. After greetings are exchanged the company settles down to rest at one of the campsites. It is here that Athuviel catches up with the company, having ridden hard out of Imladris following their tracks.
Many signs of recent caravans passing, with heavy loaded wagons, are found around Echad Dunánn, all following leading up to the Hollin Gate. A couple of dwarves are found at the outpost, dressed as those out of Ered Luin and Thrain’s vale. They seem to be wary and avoid all sort of contact with the elves, and despite approaching them, nothing further is learned.
While Carniquesse roasts meat from prey she has brought down, with the help of Elvealin, Ealendil takes approaches a few of the elves stationed at the outpost. They confirm that during recent weeks several caravans with loaded wagons, cargo concealed beneath thick coverages have indeed passed toward the gate, and none has returned so far. Yet what the cargo of the wagons is remains a mystery, be it building supplies, goods for trade, or more military equipment.
As the night approaches the company gather closer around the campfire, meal is distributed, and talk goes to what has been learnt here and what it may signify. In hushed voices talk steers to what may be found within in Moria, as it is obvious that the dwarven caravans having gone in that direction are not sign of a smaller expedition of explorers. Stories of what happened and what horrors may be found in there are shared, one such being the whereabouts of Durin’s bane.
How can more be learnt from the dwarves? Are the mines passable? Can information or guidance be bartered from them? Will they oppose any attempt by the company to seek entrance and passage through the mines?
Quickly Ealendil, Elvealin and Nienore gathers to share music lift the mood of the company and disperse any shadows encroaching upon their spirits.
Smalltalk go on late into the night, and as the company settles in to sleep, it is decided that it is best to await till Lord Tindir and captain Himwen reunites with them before moving any further.
