Lusseriel was sitting on the floor against a full bookshelf, she was enjoying the sound of the conversations around. For once things were calm...
She picked up her journal, and started writing the date.
"I haven't written in a while. I've taken the letters to the rangers, and when I got back to Eregion, well decided to get to Imladris finally...
Well, it didn't happen. I heard of my friends in Echad Eregion I believe? And I joined them there, From there, Candath, Ilthirian and I went to Echad Dagoras.
We had to help a local of course. Wadu I believe his name was. So we went on an errant for him, and upon our return to the camp, alas, Candath and Ilthirian seemed taken by a bout of melancholy:
"7 long years we had spent in the black land, and once more it seems that is where our path leads..."
"Indeed. It seems that we can't escape our fate."
"Yet again, our fates seem entwined with that of the Dunedain. Strong still they stand, yet they seem... diminished than those of old."
Hm... yes, the men are diminished... So are we elves, so let's hope our enemy is diminished too. To my answer, Candath said: "Diminished yes, but we have this one final great task afore us, or admit failure. I know not what designs have kept us here, but there is great purpose in our deeds."
Yes, I know exactly what kept me from sailing, thank you very much.
The same thing that brought me back to this group in Mirkwood despite their admittedly unwise quest, and the same thing that brought me back again now, when we are going Eru only knows where in our effort to help the Grey Company.
Part guilt, bit of grief, fear of what I'll find there, or probably more to the point of what I won't find there.
And that has nothing to do with any great purpose and whatnot.
We prepared to go out to seek Saeradan's camp, and rode there, back toward the fortress that the dunelendings have invaded. On the path, half hidden, just under it, as discrete as possible, Saeradan was there, with two other rangers.
They asked us to check the truth of a blockade on the north road.
We went around the fort, and advanced carefully to get as close as possible to those gates, and indeed, the way was blocked by dunlendings.
But we needed proof. Or something. So Candath approached to try and talk to them, but they attacked, so we retaliated. There were a few men, but no number we couldn't beat. And I found a closed strongbox. Candath opened it and inside there was a kind of report and a sword.
Ardirien joined us there, probably directed by the rangers to find us. As luck had it, the report and sword were indeed proof enough.
Apparently, the sword is one of the rohirrim... And Andrahir found us in Saeradan's camp as were were speaking of tracking the rohirrim who should be missing a sword.
Apparently Andrahir is somewhat familiar with the Rohirrim as he travelled through Riddermark somewhat recently.
He joined us as we left the camp trying to find that man.
We were hoping to find a man alive, probably a Rohirrim, perhaps injured. We found a dead Dunlanding man. It was Wadu. The poor man didn't live long past our last meeting.
Something made me tick though, when Candath said that "it seems he was on our side after all". I'm sorry but no, all due respect, death doesn't an innocent make.
Treachery is a thing, double crossing isn't an unknown endeavor. Not even speaking that robbery is also a possibility. So until I have more proof, I'll remember that Wadu didn't attack us or treat us unfairly, and I'll leave it at that.
Andrahir reminded me that there's many tribes of Dunlendings and some oppose Saruman, which is very true, but until we know for sure, I can't say that Wadu was a true ally just because he died.
At the news of Wadu's passing however, Saeradan suggested that someone needed to alert his family.
Which is true. Knowing for sure is better than to never know and always wonder. Honestly, never knowing for sure what happened to a family member might be far harder than knowing the end came and it's over and done with.
There was some discussion there, and some concerns were raised about our welcome as we do bring bad news with us.
We were to the village indicated by Saeradan, and we were allowed entrance. It wasn't exactly a warm welcome, but at least we were allowed inside.
And we found Wadu's father.
And what a father that was. Suvulch of Dunland is apparently a man unable to accept a son who doesn't resort to violence first things. I feel sorry for Wadu with such a father around. The only thing the man said that was useful was to tell us that Wadu's sister might appreciate the news.
But before we managed to find said sister, Threnduil did... Something.
There was a commotion at the town's entrance. Threnduil was apparently looking for beer, and insulting our hosts.
On one hand, Candath should put a leash and a muzzle on him for our peace of mind, on the other, it was somewhat entertaining to watch...
And while we were all at the entrance and Candath ended up dragging Threnduil away, Ilthirian started to scream at Suvulch for his entirely screwed sense of family worth.
Andrahir grabbed Ilthirian and pulled her away the same way Candath had grabbed Threnduil and pulled him away.
We got to the main square, or only square perhaps and... We found a woman beckoning us.
And indeed that was Wadu's sister. Nona of Lhanuch. A bit abrasive, but at least she seemed to genuinely care for her brother, which is more than I can say for his father.
And the mystery of the sword stayed complete for she didn't know he had such a weapon. She directed us to the mountain nearby and a dwarf in Thror's combe.
And before we had much to add to the conversation, we heard a woman's scream, and shouting and as we ran to investigate, we saw Threnduil running out of one of the huts, undressed, and a woman about as undressed chasing him with a shoe in her hand.
I'm... Somewhat sure I don't want to know.
We all joined Candath and Threnduil outside.
Poor Candath sounded particularly tired of his herald's habits.
Andrahir almost made me laugh when he said that: "I have to admit, that is some serious cultural bounding."
Not sure if it was cultural bounding or breaking but it was something for sure.
That left us with not much to do but go to Thror's Combe, though I do wonder if we'll be able to enter Lhanuch again at some point.
The path was clear and usable. A bit slippery at times due to the ice, the snow or the water, but fine enough. Ilthirian didn't seem to quite appreciate the way up though.
And up there, we found a dwarven hall, full of books.
Old ancient books, some of them in quite grave disrepair.
We found the place's two inhabitants, two dwarves, Nàr and Frithgeir.
Sadly, not only are they dwarves, but on top of that, one of them is insane.
Nàr somehow lost his sanity to time or dwarf craft. Perhaps dwarven beer is more dangerous for health than I believed?
Whatever happened to him, apparently Frithgeir has a recipe to give him back his awareness of the present moment. If we go and pick up some ingredients for him that is. And of course, to do so we had to go in an area full of unfriendly dunlendings and beasts more likely to kill us all than make friends.
And of course all the ingredients, three herbs were named in Khuzdul or dunlending language.
At least there was a nice description so we stood a chance to actually find what we were looking for.
Arcangar joined us there, led by Ardirien. They were a bit late but, as Ardirien said, "there was a little backlash in Lhanuch".
Yes, after Threnduil's exceptional relation building show, I don't doubt that at all.
Though I'll be honest, it was somewhat fun to watch.
And as usual, Arcangar was smoking. Does he ever stop? I'm willing to bet the stench of that pipe is forever stuck to him by now.
According to him, Arcangar had never heard of any healing or memory recovery ability in the herbs listed here, but something else in his memory, from long ago, made him think that something peculiar was involved with them.
Which, perhaps wasn't a good thing but in this instance I liked because it meant that he was familiar enough somehow with those plants to recognize them either by their description of their name.
I'll admit, outside of sindarin, quenya or westron, I'm not familiar with the names of plants.
One of the herbs and the nuts were carried by the dunlandings. The flowers were easy to find too. All in all, we managed without much difficulty to get all the ingredients.
We went back to the dwarves, and Frithgeir started to prepare the brew for Nàr.
That's where Nona found us. I thought she was waiting in the village, but apparently she decided to follow us in the end. And she's a... Rather aggressive personality.
The grey company had joined us there as well. To be honest, I think I'd have preferred for them to join us before we had to go collect the herbs, but...
In any case, once Nàr had his brew in hand, he seemed more clear minded and led us, Nona and Elladan through tunnels in the mountain.
I tire of dwarves and ill-kept tunnels. Can't they do the sensible thing and live above the ground? Every single one of their old mines is in disarray, dangerous and invaded by creatures who think nothing of attacking everything that moves.
We were attacked by bats this time. I appreciate that it wasn't goblins and the like this time, but it's still annoying. The next time I see a cave, a tunnel or a dwarf will be too soon.
We got rid of the bats, and one of us went to use a lever to open the door at the end of the tunnel.
Behind that door was the body of a great gwiber. A body that wasn't so old. Alas, Nàr was out of his brew and his mind was gone again. He told us the confusing story of a dwarf long ago...
However, this beast was killed by a sword, not an axe. I agree with Elladan when he said that it's likely that Wadu killed the beast for some reason.
But I think the most worrying detail here is what came after. Nàr said to Elladan, and here I quote : "I know your road, son of Elrond. That way lies death. Treachery! Treachery and deceit! You who walk the Paths of the Dead, beware!"
And then more of his usual hallucination I think.
But it's worrying for us all, for the future.
When we got back to the blessed surface, Candath noted that yes, it was brave of Wadu to fight and kill such a dangerous creature, but it had little to nothing to do with the venture of the Grey Company. Which is very true and if we could leave those dwarves to their... Whatever they're doing here, I'd appreciate it greatly.
Though perhaps I could check with one of the dwarves if they have any book on human healing and if yes, if I could borrow it…
Arcangar seemed to believe that Nàr's sudden sight came from the brew he was given. Which... I suppose is possible. We went to speak about that with Corunir. He needed to know about the situation. First of all, we don't quite understand what's happening there, and second, should the dwarf's words have any hint of truth in them, however they can be interpreted that is, the men need to know.
If Nàr isn't just speaking of the lore of the past that is.
And there Arcangar, our apparently not so friendly human travelling companion decided to pull a new one on us: "That draught gave him the sight. He saw what is in store and confirmed my fears. The elves have decided these men can be a suitable sacrifice to see their plans through."
...
Men! Did he never see a war? Does he think only elves are able to manipulate and betray? Those men from the Grey Company are men used to fight, used to work both together and alone, and used to the danger of the road and Mordor alike. They know full well that by leaving their respective posting they risk their lives. That's the very nature of their situation.
They know it, we all know it. We're all in the same ship and all risking our lives on the counsels and considerations of lord Elrond and his council. I sincerely doubt the men of the company are anymore ignorant of the situation than me or any less willing.
Dear misery...
Who is he to say that a soldier should be kept away from the battlefield because he risks his life? Who is that man to accuse someone else of scheming and using men unaware of the danger when they are all willing and lived with that danger over their head for years, and so just on account of his race and long life? Not only it's an insult to us, but on top of that it's an insult to the men of the Grey Company. And besides that, does he think lord Elrond would willingly send his sons to death for the pleasure of it? That he woke up one morning thinking : "Oh I have an impossible mission to accomplish, let's send men to get rid of the danger, and oh, what an idea, I'll send my sons as well while I'm at it so that'll get me rid of everyone."
Not even counting the rest of us. I mean, Candath, Ilthirian, me? What are we? Chopped liver? What does he think we're here for? To enjoy the scenery? Count the bodies and ensure everyone's dead perhaps?
And he just had to continue with: "when is it anyone’s right to decide middle earth needs a sacrifice, especially one as Elrond who has lived a long life, much longer than those he sends forth. Elrond, Galadriel, they know what awaits the Grey Company, they know that many of them will die to achieve this. And they send them forth anyway."
I can cite a few names, but funnily enough, whenever venture brought elves in contact with the other races in common ventures against the enemy, the betrayal never came from the elves. Strange then that a man could take the right come and judge us and point fingers.
Also, I'm quite sure that at least two of us here are older than lord Elrond. I'll give him that for lady Galadriel though, and we've been sent like the men he accused lord Elrond of using mindlessly so...
But I'm sure the members of the Grey Company will be delighted to know that they spent their life fighting the darkness for nothing and they should go home to safety, please and thanks, because a mere man decided that no, it wasn't their right to fight for Middle-Earth's safety. You never know, after all, when a dark power brings war to you, if soldiers fight for their freedom, they may die...
And that's not even counting that whatever future the wise saw can change. The future is never clearly written, it's not just a book you can open, check the end and see the plot happen to reach that end.
That's spoken like a truly ignorant man. I'm thankful that I've met more good men who are open-minded than men like him or I'd have turned my back on the lot of them already.
And all this judgment on the words of an insane dwarf, words that could refer to the future as well as the past. For all we know Nàr had a vision of the plan to use the Path of the Deads and flashes of sight of what happened that lead to the building of the place. Which is to say, danger, betrayal and death.
But no, better to jump at shadows and accuse the elves.
Arcangar left us there, thankfully, I might have ended up doing something drastic. Ardirien, the poor dear was tasked to try and speak to him. I feel for her. I'd sooner make him eat his damn pipe than actually speak to that prejudiced....
Never mind.
The rest of us went to speak to Fridgeir for hint as to what Nàr and Wadu had been up to before his death, and we had the pleasure of checking some books over as a result. Though, checking over one of the books put an annoying little song in my head, it's terrible...
After that, Candath bravely went to speak to Arcangar.
I followed Ilthirian and him outside, but stayed far away from that conversation. Honestly if he so much as throw his accusations in front of me again, I may well push him down the nearest cliff for peace's sake. There are actual cliffs nearby too so it's better for everyone if I stay out of that altogether right now.
Candath said that he will "forgive him", yes, he spoke for himself there. Someone with that kind of opinion on something as baseless as the rambling of a mad dwarf is no friend of mine and I don't plan to forgive or forget that one anytime soon. That's how you get betrayed by people you stupidly thought were your allies.
His poor excuse was that he has been an elf-friend for a long time before and got nothing but abandonment and betrayal as a result.
Well, I've been ally to men before and I can't say I was overwhelmed with their loyalty, either. It doesn't mean I go around pointing fingers at everyone that cross my path and isn't an elf. Men are all children I swear.
However Arcangar confirmed he'll endeavor to keep his opinion of lord Elrond for himself in the future. Good!
When he came with apologies, Ilthirian told him it was "already forgotten".
Valar above, Candath and Ilthirian are so much more forgiving than I can be. I don't know how they do that, I'm duly impressed. They have my deepest respect for that alone."
Lusseriel grimaced a bit at that.
Hey, at least she was aware of her faults, right?
She shut her note book abruptly and rose. She had a dwarf to talk to regarding books, perhaps it’d allow her to put that conversation out of her mind. Also hopefully it’d get her rid of that awful little song that just didn’t seem to disappear.
