Allergic to Purple Mushrooms, Part 1

Saphira is Hungry

Saphira Mistwalker stands in her cave in Taibreamh. Her stomach rumbles and she groans. Ever since parts of the River Lands vanished into the mist, she has been hunting further afield for food. Hobbit food may be tasty, but dragons need good red meat to survive and grow.

Saphira wonders if she should part with a few gold coins from her hoard and just pay a hobbit or human farmer for a cow? She leaves her cave with extra gold in her pouch and flies south to the Shire.

A bored Fae is a dangerous thing and Fae Talia was bored.

Looking for amusement, Talia flew to the market, only to find it closed. On the way, she spotted a cow, eating grass contentedly outside the barn.  "I need a steed to ride." Fae Talia flew lower and landed on the back of the cow. The cow mooed in surprise and dropped the grass from its mouth. "Giddy up, cow!" called out Talia. She leaned forward like a horseback rider readying for a race. The cow stood in place, only moving to look at the odd Fae. "You're no fun cow, and now I'm thirsty from trying to ride you." Fae Talia looked around and all she could see was the river and a well.

"Water. Phooeey! I want cream." Fae Talia slid off the back of the cow, and tried to milk it. Fae are usually not skilled with running a farm, and all Talia managed to do was to spill a few drops of milk on the grass.  "Are you empty, cow? I need something to drink." Talia searched her flower dress pockets for something to drink. All she could find were purple Fairy mushrooms. "I know cow, I'll feed you Fairy mushrooms. Their magic will make you produce gallons of purple cream."

Talia Feeds Purple Mushrooms to the Cow

Talia held a purple mushroom to the cow. The cow sniffed at it, and then took a few bites. "Now, where is the cream?" Talia tried milking the cow again, but only managed to find a few more drops of white milk.  "Still empty, cow? I guess the Fairy mushroom magic doesn't work on you."

Hearing voices, Talia walked away from the barn and down the path.

Saphira spies a camp in the northern part of the Shire and her keen eyes spot Archdruid Fiesty. She smiles and drops to the ground.  Myrtle Sackville: "Hello Archdruid. Who is that?" Myrtle wrinkles her nose

Saphira: "Greetings my lady. I am called Saphira Mistwalker. I am Ambassador from the Shadow Dragon clan to these lands."

Myrtle: "Well, um Goodday". Myrtle stares at the creature. 

Fiesty Lotus: "Myrtle, mind yer manners"

Saphira Mistwalker: "Quite the refugee camp you have here. Not near as many fled north to Taibreamh."

Fiesty: "Them humans came this way cause it’s on the way ter Bree"

Saphira nods. "I can understand."

Myrtle purses her mouth in a sour line

Saphira: "Perhaps you ladies can help me. With the River Lands vanished into the mist, my hunting opportunities are limited. Do you know a farmer here who might be willing to part with a cow for a couple of gold pieces?"

Fiesty: "Oh my, that is dreadful" 

Saphira sees Copper Lotus walk over. "Ah, greetings Master Copper."

Copper: "Greetins Ter you" 

Fiesty: "Oh, I may have a cow fer you ambassador"

Saphira smiles when fae Lady Talia comes into view. "Greetings Lady Talia. So good to see you."

Fiesty nods to Fae Talia. 

Talia Sunsong sings a song about purple cream as she waves a purple mushroom about. Greetings"

Saphira looks askance at the purple mushroom.

Fiesty: "May I introduce you to Myrtle Sackville?" 

Fiesty whispers "Myrtle say hello nice now"

Myrtle: "Greetins um Fae"

Talia: "Hiya Lady Hobbit"

Copper: "Good ter see you Fae Talia"

Talia: "Hello Copper want a purple mushroom?"

Saphira: "Lady Talia, I am hunting for dinner; have you seen any stray cows wandering about?"

Fiesty: "I got a likely one by the stables"

Talia: "I saw a cow that a way"

Fiesty: "We shure can't let the Ambassador starve"

Saphira: "Well let's take a look Lady Fiesty."

Saphira follows Fiesty to the Shire stables with the others trailing along behind.

A Crowd Gathers

Fiesty: "here be a cow I kin let go fer a paltry 10 coppers"

Talia tries to talk to the cow by "moooing"

Saphira: "Ten copper? that is quite reasonable. Is it in good health?"

Talia: "Moooooooo Moo Moooo"

Saphira: "I'm not terribly picky, but I wouldn't want to take a really healthy one if someone else needs it."

Myrtle tags along

Talia: "If you are hungry I have purple mushrooms I'll sell for a shiny"

Copper comes to see the show

Talia sings "Fae love cream, just like it seems. Any color will do, purple too". Talia dances about

Saphira looks critically at the cow, "Aye Lady Fiesty, I would be happy to buy this cow for 10 copper."

Fiesty nods. "done then"

Saphira hands Lady Fiesty a silver coin

Fiesty takes the coin

Fiesty: "You go to it then Ambassador"

Fiesty: "Shall we look away?"

Saphira looks around and nods. "You may want to look away. Not everyone wants to watch dragons devouring their meal"

Fiesty nods and averts her gaze

Talia: "Is it terrible?" "Will my heart stop beating from watching?"

Saphira: "Well, I am in humanoid form, so it won't be too bad."

Talia covers eyes with flowers

Fiesty turns around

Copper looks on curiously

Myrtle glares at the demon

Saphira waits for the watchers to look away, then draws her dagger and swiftly and mercifully dispatches the cow.

Fiesty flinches at the sounds

Saphira is starving, and immediately cuts and rips large chunks from the cow and gobbles them down.

Myrtle looks startled and tries to hide her trembling

Saphira pats her rounded stomach a few minutes later and smiles, since she has not eaten well in more days than she cares to remember. She lets lose a decidedly unladylike belch. She considers how or if she can transport the rest of the carcass home, because she is still in her humanoid form.

Talia hears the belch "Are you done? Can I remove the flowers from my eyes now?"

Copper looks on. "yer want some help with that?"

Copper: "I kin get me scouts ter take it where yer need it"

Saphira feels a strange tickling all over her body. She looks down amazed: her skin has turned a decidedly yellow cast, with strange purple dots appearing everywhere.

To be continued....

Refugees Flood the Shire

A Stream of Humans and Elves

Andwise stood with open mouth as the stream of humans and elves came over the bridge. He asked a merchant he knew what was happening. The merchant just said “The lands are burning, Shadowlands just blew up and the Riverlands is no place to be now.” Andwise was dumbfounded. He stood for a moment staring at the crowds and then turned to one of his scouts and said “Hurry and let the archdruid know about this. Tell her it looks like most of the people from the Riverlands are coming over the bridge ter the Shire cause of some great fire.” The scout nodded, and turned to run to Fiesty’s house.

Earlier

Fiesty had already had word of the burning from her blackbirds. The blackbirds had been telling her for days something was burning. She didn’t know what to make of their sharp twittering’s and had thought them just very excitable until, just this morning; she received a letter by elven messenger from Druid Fit…..

My dear druid sister,

There has been a massive explosion in the Shadowlands and now it is burning everywhere you look. I have counseled the loyal elves to evacuate the villagers and farmers from the Riverlands and take them to the Shire. The folk from the Citadel have taken ship and may also be heading your way. I am sorry to inflict so many on you with no warning but there seemed no other way to save them. A number of the elves have fled towards the refuge of Mirkwood and a few others have obtained permission to sail to the West. I would take some refugees to Taibreamh but few have been able to pass its protections so far. Perhaps we can persuade the land to welcome some of the homeless in time. Let me know what I can do to help you; Can and I stand ready to aid in any way we can. Safe paths to you, my sister; I will see you at Mabon if not before. Namaarie.

The letter spelt out the enormity of the situation and since then she had headed out to find her nephew and let him know the news. She found scout Andwise, second in command coming to see her. He reported that Copper was in the mountains of Brandyfields overseeing some trouble with the roads. Fiesty asked him if he would gather some scouts and monitor the Bridge coming from River City, because she had had some word that there would be some company coming. Andwise readily agreed and strode off.

Myrtle Chases Down the Archdruid

 She then   rounded up the hobbit women to start on temporary lodging and gathering food for the humans. The bustle grew as tents were brought in from the scout outposts and many were being thrown together in the mill and assembly hall.

When the Scout, at last found Fiesty she was working in the infirmary to help the healers gather what they needed for the footsore travelers. “We will be needin them salts fer the fainters and that salve fer blisters. And bring yer herb kits and all.”  The scout came up the road panting and gave her the news. Fiesty said “Thanks fer the news. Well then, we should be goin.”  Fiesty told the healers to meet her at the bridge. She then told the scout “Now hurry and tell the girls making food at the Millhouse what yer told me.”

Fiesty set off at a brisk pace and was halfway to the bridge when Myrtle caught with her.

Myrtle: Archdruid Lotus. What is going on?

Fiesty Lotus stops to look at Myrtle " We is gonna have company Myrtle, lots of company.”

Myrtle: appears alarmed. "What you mean company? Who be comin?"

Fiesty Lotus: "River City humans and Riverland humans, also some elven folks and mebby others"

Fiesty Lotus almost cracks a grin at the dismay on Myrtles face

Fiesty Lotus: "The Shadowland is burnin and it’s apparently consuming the lands around it. We got ter help the humans and all."

Myrtles eyes bulge and she just catches herself from saying "why".  She says instead "That be terrible, they gonna stay here then?

Fiesty Lotus: "They will fer a bit; I suppose they will be on their way to Brandyfields. There be humans there that kin get them set up

Myrtle: nods and thinks furiously.” So, we gonna have all these folks here? How do we keep em then?”

Fiesty Lotus: “We are makin tents and gettin food ready. We will be puttin up some in households.”

They arrived at the Bridge and surveyed the people tramping footsore across the Shire Bridge. Many carried their goods in bundles. Some had carts and those were filled with elderly and sick people. The Elven people were with the crowd, helping some along.

Fiesty Lotus waved to a few of the people she knew and said "Welcome to the Shire, My healers are on their way and we got hot food fer yer all."

Many people said hello and how grateful they were to the Shire for helping them out.

Myrtle: watched with pursed mouth the flow of humanity. She was on her best behavior but watching all those humans was getting to her.

Fiesty Lotus greeted shopkeepers she knew and turned to greet her assistant Maisie as she brought water to the thirsty crowd.

Fiesty Lotus told Myrtle of some of the refugees. "That be Sylvester Bog, he ran the Mill in Riverlands. And that is Glenda Hopkins, she and her husband Harold did sell herbs at market.

Fiesty Lotus: And there is Henry, I never knew his last name. He tended the horses at the stables in River City.

Fiesty and Myrtle see John the Shepherd

Myrtle watched the flow of people coming over the bridge and presently saw a boy driving a flock of sheep across the bridge. He seemed a little bedraggled but hearty.

Myrtle: " Archdruid Fiesty, who be that one driven the sheep?"

Fiesty Lotus: “Oh, that be John, Dawson I think. Oh yes, his parents did get kilt in a fire last year so he has been on his own fer a bit.”

Myrtle: “How old is that boy? He looks young.”

Fiesty Lotus:” MM, I think around 10 or 11. I dunno what we will do with him. Perhaps he can drive his sheep up in the hills and we will find him a tent.”

Myrtle found herself staring at the boy. She muttered "lighter hair but that be.."

With a twist of her body Myrtle Sackville changed, her manner turning from sour resentment into blustering determination. "Oh no, Folco and I will take him in.”

Fiesty Lotus turned around at that and looked very confused. "But what about the Sheep?"

But Myrtle was already striding away, “Oh that be easy, I will just get Dudo Gamgee to put them in his paddock.

With that Myrtle went out to the bridge and said to the boy.' "You be comin with me boy."

Fiesty Lotus leaped to Myrtle’s side and said "Greetins John, this be Myrtle Sackville and she is gonna be puttin yer up"

Myrtle Shepherds the Shepherd

The boy nodded and mumbled something to Archdruid Fiesty and looked with terror at the black haired Hobbit lady.

Myrtle, to her credit, toned down her ferocity.

Myrtle: " Yes I be taken you to get yer flock set up and then we are gonna see about some vittles..."

Fiesty Lotus: Fiesty watched in wonder as Myrtle showed John the way to her house, she could be heard down the hill still giving directions.

She also noticed the way Myrtle touched his back with a tenderness that was not evident in her commands.

Fiesty Lotus turned to Maisie who was also watching the miracle. "Well my friend, this may be a difficult time fer the Shire but I do see a bit of silver linen."

Dwarves!

Can meets the dwarves in the tavern

Can Wobbit slowly walks past the Tavern in Taibreamh, pondering if he should go in and have some of landlady´s  marvelous ale, before he would continue his way up to the lighthouse, when he hears voices from inside. Strange and harsh voices, but somehow familiar. He opens the door and steps inside ..... and what he sees makes him smile.

"Kadrim and Bradni" he shouts with a voice both surprised and happy to see them again. The two dwarfs, who are standing at the bar stop drinking and Kadrim turns around:" Lord Can of Taibreamh" he shouts gladly, "so we meet at last". "And of course we found you at the tavern" Bradni adds in his usual grumpy manner, but cannot hide a grin under his braided beard.

Can steps up to them, and shakes hands heartily: "So at least you have found the way to Taibreamh, Dwarflords, and I guess you are here to demand your reward for giving me Lady Amethyst’s brooch, and to ask to have my leave to dig for gems, as I have promised you when we met in the caves of Shadowlands" The dwarfs give Can a long and searching look: "We hope you still hold to your word, else we might have need to take what is ours either secretly or by the use of our axes," Bradni replies in a sharp voice. "Do not worry", my Dwarf-friend, Can answers, "it shall be as I promised, and I also will show you a place where you can surely find what your hearts desire. But first let´s have a mug of this extraordinary ale, they serve here."

And so these three sit down on a table, and have a chat about what happened lately, and enjoy the ale. News about the still having no word about the fate of the Aran and his lady, and the burning and exploding of Shadowlands, about many of the elves leaving to the west and the hiding of Riverlands in the eternal mist by Elbereth and the Valar.

But it does not take long , and the dwarfs start getting restless ... eager to see the place Can promised to show them. So they empty their mugs, say farewell to the landlady and leave the tavern, heading north towards the lighthouse and then turn right up the mountain, climbing the ancient stairs till at last they come to the cave, delved by elves in ages past.

Approaching the cave

They halted for a moment, looking at the carved doors and then Can touches them and they open nearly all by themselves. "These gates are never locked, so everyone can enter at any time," Can explains, while they enter the cave. The dwarfs look around contentedly, but suddenly they stop abrupt and gaze at the far end of the cave:  there is someone else inside, and they give Can a disapproving look.  "An elf !" Bradni and Kadrim hiss with one voice. "Do not worry, my dear dwarf friends", Can says in a soothing voice," it´s Fitheach, my old companion and friend".

Fit has of course noticed these three long before they had, and walks slowly towards them. "Greetings to you, dwarf lords", she says in a soft voice, "and to you, mo Gra" she adds with a smile on her face. "Do not wonder that I know your names, but Can told me of your meeting in Shadowlands, and your kindly giving Ame´s brooch to him. You are Kadrim and Bradni and you are most welcome to Taibreamh. We all do appreciate this very much, and we have awaited your coming." and with these words, she bowed slightly before the dwarfs. "I am Fitheach,  Archdruid of these lands, and I too give you leave to search the lands for gems and whatever you find worthy of being your reward. May your pickaxes bring forth what your hearts desire."

Fit and Can talk with Bradni and Kadrim

The dwarfs look at the elflady in wonder, and finally Kadrim bows before her in return and answers:" This has not happened in ages, that an elf welcomed us dwarfs with words so kind and no prejudice. This must be a really extraordinary and special land, and even more a very special Lady. We are glad to have met you, Fitheach."

The small company goes on exploring the cave …..  Can laces his fingers into Fit’s, giving her a happy smile. "I´m really glad, you like them ", he says "and that this first meeting goes so well. I was afraid, they would be stubborn as a dwarf," he adds with a grin. After a while they reach a place that is called the crystal gate. There in ages past, someone already started mining, but no one knows if there are treasures to be found there any longer. Kadrim and Bradi look at the gate with eyes sparkling and breathing faster, talking excitedly in their own tongue. Searchingly they knock on the stone and scratch it here and there, and their faces expressions get more and more satisfied. Then Kadrim turns towards Fit and Can: "This is the place we would like to start, if you give us leave to do so, for it seems to be a very good place for mining."

A place to begin

"So shall it be", Can answers, and Fit nods in agreement. "And for the beginning, you may have the dwarfenholm down by the riverside, to use as a home and have a place to sleep and eat," Fitheach adds. "We gladly accept your offer, Fitheach", Kadrim answers," and we might have a visit at the tavern too from time to time. I would be glad, if by chance we would meet again and report about our fortune. " "And so would we," Fit answers, " and may your paths always be safe all day and night, whether under the mountain or under the sun. "Can smiles and adds: "And I join in these wishes, my friends, and may your pickaxes never become dull"

The Dwarfs bow slightly to the elf and the human, and at once start examining the crystal gate, while Fit and Can walk out of the cave into the late evening and enjoy the mild air and the rising of the first stars. "I have a good feeling about these two, mo Gra", Can says to Fit quietly, and clasps her hand again. Fit looks back at Can: "Me too, mo Run, me too"

Saphira Weeps

Saphira gazes into the Myst

Saphira stands on a hill in Taibreamh, staring sadly southeast into the mists where Calenhad lay.

Weeks earlier, she was overwhelmed with a terrible sense of foreboding. First she thought it was because of the upheaval among the elves and others over the disappearance of Lady Amethyst and Aran Jaekob and the hobbit Juste. But her dragon senses called stronger to her with each passing day. Her own efforts to locate any trace of Jaekob and the others had failed. Everything was amiss; seemingly the very fabric of the River Lands was rent.

So with a heavy heart, Saphira abandoned her Calenhad cave and moved north into Taibreamh. There, among a grove of trees by a sacred well, she established her embassy anew. It was a lovely peaceful place with fresh air. The quiet and sanctity helped ease her spirit, but still a great sadness lay on her heart.

A tear rolls down her cheek, precious like only dragon tears can be. Why has so much calamity come to the River Lands? She ponders all she has heard and seen. Great fires are burning across the Shadowlands, and rumor has the fires spreading south, into Calenhad. Elves were on the move. Saphira had flown over the lands to see them departing, either further south to the Shire, or over the sea to the undying West like elves grown weary of the mortal world were wont to do. They urged the humans within their realms likewise to flee.

 

Calenhad of the Elves before the Mysts 

Saphira weeps openly and her tears fall. She had stopped in Cheshire, only to find a ghost town, abandoned. No merchants stirred, all lay still but for circling seabirds and ravens. The infirmary and quarters of the healers were empty. Everything people could pack away was gone. The weekly market had moved to the hobbit lands, where Saphira still found life and bustling people. Yet, even normally jovial hobbits had haunted looks and the elves and humans lodged with them moved about listlessly, a shocked look on their faces.

Saphira sighs. Too often in her travels, even in her short span of years (by dragon reckoning), she has seen encroaching darkness drain life from other lands and places. No! Not here! Not to these people! Whatever has befallen the River Lands, her ambassadorship was to the peoples here. She was not moving on, not while there were friendly faces and goodly hearts.

Calenhad disappears into the Myst

Thranduil Approaches Calenhad

The Woodland King's gaze swept over the River Lands. Standing in a near deserted Calenhad, he took in the hazy view towards the towering Citadel and down the valley into the once bustling port town of Cheshire. He and his Rangers had arrived only hours before from their return journey from Lisianthus, the boat ride becoming hazardous due to high waves as they neared a sandy outcrop underneath Calenhad.

Iolas had first alerted him to the flames and smoke that darkened the sky as they sailed within sight of the River Lands. Infrequent, but at intervals strong tremors could then be felt as they approached and a sudden explosion, fiery sparks and a belching of thick black smoke produced waves capable of kipping their small vessel, if not for the skill of his companions.

Nearing the coastline, the source of the smoke was clearly further afar than Calenhad.

The Shadowlands, long a cesspool of Darkness and Evil, were burning and the eruptions stemmed from that area. Thranduil disembarked and they quickly made their ascent into Calenhad, only to find the courtyards deserted... Upon entering the Council chamber, the Elven King was astounded to meet a handful of Elders and a scattering of other Elves, both young and old.

Thranduil's arrival caused a stirring among them, yet there was no sign of panic and the scene before him was serene. Following a reverential greeting, his party was offered food and drink and his questions answered in an unhurried, contemplative manner.

A deep sigh escaped Thranduil's lips as he now surveyed the Lands. He had departed the Chamber, his feelings in turmoil. The Elves of Calenhad were in calm reverie, those remaining having apparently sought and been granted permission to sail into the West that very day by the mighty Valar. Their quiet happiness had heightened his own yearnings towards the West where Legolas, his only child, had departed many years ago and where the joys and sorrows of these Lands would no longer be a burden to him.

'Aiya, Thranduil sadron! Mai acáriel.' (Greetings, loyal Thranduil. You have done well.)

Her voice washed over him like a warm breeze, quieting the tumult he was experiencing and bringing a smile to his face. He turned as Elbereth Elentari emerged from a shimmering halo of light and moved gracefully towards him. 'Herinya, amatúlie! (My Lady, blessed arrival!). Your presence here soothes my mind. What is becoming of these Lands? The Aran has been missing many a day and the Shadowlands appears to be crumbling in a dirth of fire...,' the King's voice shook as he sought the bright eyes of the Maia.

The Shadowlands in Flames

'Thranduil, I am glad you have come although the citizens remaining in these Lands no longer require your assistance,' she paused and smiled encouragingly, '...yet, your guidance and leadership will be put to the test in the coming days.' The Woodland King listened intently to Elbereth's words, a myriad of questions on the tip of his tongue. 'A tule aseny...' (Come with me...,) she took his hand and led him towards the neglected home of the leader of the River Lands.

'The fate of Aran Jaekob is unknown,' Elbereth continued in the softest of tones, '... his future remains clouded, even to the Valar.' Thranduil opened his lips to give words to his apprehension, but Elbereth silenced him with a tender look. 'My lady Vanya sent me a vision. Manwë and his fellow Valar will not allow the Shadow to rise again among the pure intentioned beings of this realm... no matter in what form.'

Elbereth motioned towards the Shadowlands before resuming, 'The chaos issuing from the Underdark is not of our doing. Warring forces from within have caused the very ground to open and spew forth fire and pestilence. Very few will have escaped certain death. The catastrophe threatens to envelope the surrounding regions and the Elven Elders were quick to access the danger.'

Stopping just inside of the Aran's abandoned home, she removed her hand from Thranduil's and raised her eyes to his, 'All of the inhabitants of the Citadel and Cheshire were urged to take what they could of their possessions and relocate to kith and kin at least a days ride away.'

Elbereth's sweet voice became strained, but she kept the tone even, '... many Elves accompanied the travelers on their journey. Some towards the lush farming land around Taibreamh, others heading through The Shire towards Bree.' Her eyes became intense as she held the King's gaze, 'Those Elves will see the humans safe to their destinations and then they will continue to your realm, Thranduil.' Thranduil felt a thrill course through him as she murmured his name, his apprehension at welcoming so many new Elves to his hidden kingdom trickling away as her eyes captured his.

Elbereth smiled and took both his hands within hers, 'Gornon, Áva sorya (Valiant One, do not dread).

Thranduil Meets Elbereth in Calenhad

You are not alone. Events have come to pass that have made the Valar decide to once again take a more active role in the fate of the First and Second Born. The Shadowlands will be sundered and removed southwards, surrounded by an impenetrable cloud of Darkness. Those who chance to survive the disaster there may find a way back to the Light if they show true remorse and pure intentions.'

Thranduil marveled at the Valar's plans, his thoughts drifting to King Jaekob and his missing human mate, perhaps lost, yet all hope was not to be taken for their return.

'Thranduil,' a gentle pressure on his hands returned his focus to Elbereth as she continued speaking, 'the sorrow of the Elves of Calenhad has moved the Valar. Nienna wept for their losses and convinced Manwë to aid not only those who wished passage to the West, but once they set sail towards the Undying Lands, Calenhad itself shall be shrouded in Myst, as will the Citadel and town of Cheshire. The pestilence issuing from the Shadowlands will be removed and although these Lands will become untraceable to most, those who seek them with earnest, may indeed find them in future.'

The Maia and the Woodland King remained still as statues for a long while. The one gaging the impact her message had wrought and the other drowning in the immensity and finality of the unfolding happenings.

'Melda heri...,' (Beloved Lady...,) Thranduil began slowly, as his understanding of the situation deepened and his own part in the events became his chief worry again, '... what role have I to play? What do the Valar require of me? How... will...,' he stopped, his hands trembling slightly within hers as he searched her face for reassurance, '...will you depart too? What shall become of Lothloriel?'

Elbereth flashed Thranduil a stunning smile, her voice once again light as it took on a teasing quality, 'You shall not be rid of me so soon, Elven King! Your path back towards the Light is yet long and I will be watching to follow your progress. I am Guardian of Lothloriel and Protector of the remaining faithful Elves and the Second Born of this realm.'

Elbereth slowly released Thranduil's hands and bestowed him a serene smile as the light around her grew and her being gradually disappeared before his eyes, 'Return to Mirkwood, Thranduil. Gawador and Iolas have your boat ready and you are needed to greet and guide the oncoming Elves seeking sanctuary. You must continue to challenge your long held tendency to isolation and reach out to the folk of Taibreamh, Bree and The Shire... they will have need of your wisdom and foresight in future.'

Thranduil watched her fade and as he retreated from the Elven Haven towards his companions he once again heard her musical voice upon the breeze and the weight of his cares were partially lifted...

'Do not mourn for Calenhad, Woodland King, for it will soon be under the care of the Valar!'

Kathena Asks Why???

Kathena Paces Worriedly

It has been weeks since she was returned, battered and bruised by the guard Ettrian. She'd been upset at the rescue, because she was gathering valuable information about the marauders. Ettrian was furious with her ungrateful remarks and the fact that she could have escaped the torture all on her own. He left her at the infirmary and left in a huff.  She now wonders what has become of him and her dearest friend Jaekob. Both vanished overnight and only a short note from Jaekob was left behind.

Kathena paces worriedly through her shack by the water. Her steps slow and heavy with the thoughts of what could have become to them. Her physical injuries now fully healed, left only behind a small assortment of scars to add to her collection; each containing its own story.  She places her hands on the table as she leans on it for support. "Why didn't you wait Jaekob? I would have joined the search! I could have done this for you!" She fights alone, hoping her words would travel with the wind towards her friend.

She takes more steps, this time stopping to grab a goblet then fills it with rum and takes a long drink. Rum has been her medicine of choice these last few weeks. She clings to the hope that the drunken state will help ease her worries, and make the terrible thoughts disappear. Kathena's eyes well up with tears, as her face begins to look angry and lost. She screams loudly, "Why?!" Kathena throws her clay goblet against the wall and watches as it breaks into many pieces that fly through the air, landing on the ground with small splashes of rum.

Her hands cover her face as she sobs; the pain and loneliness starting to crush her. "You were my only true friend, Jaekob. This is why I should have never stayed. I broke my own rule. Never get close to anyone! They will always desert you."Kathena walks over to her bed and collapses on it. Her only hope at this moment is that if she can sleep, she will escape the torment that she finds herself in.

Just as Kathena faded into sleep she is awoken with a start by loud banging on her door. She quickly stands and notices a smoky scent as she makes her way to the door. She opens the door ready to scream at whomever stands there but is startled to see an elven guard, she'd met when training the troops. "Amarth? What are you doing here?" The elf looks unusually upset. The usual stoic expression replaces with one of desperate panic. "Lady Kathena, a monstrous fire has erupted in the Shadowlands and it's heading this way. All citizens must evacuate this instant! Grab all you can carry and head towards the shire."

She stands there motionless with an incredulous look on her face for a moment. Amarth grabs her arm and shakes her. "Woman you need to go! NOW!" She finally blinks and reacts to her shouting. "Yes! I'll get my wagon and leave straight away. Thank you." With that the elf turns and runs away to continue her evacuations.

 

Fire in The Shadowlands

Kathena is used to making hasty exits, though instead of villagers with torches, it appears the fire comes of its own will. She packs all the essentials, books, crystals, cards, potions, coins, and a small container of rum and places them all quickly into her wagon. She runs to get her horse, "come Shadow we must hurry out of town." The horse rapidly moves as she guides him and attaches the wagon to him. She takes a quick look around to make sure she hasn't left anything important then with a quick flick of her wrist the snaps the reins and takes off to the shire. "The shire should be a safe place for a few days, but I mustn't make camp there. I'll have to find a place better suited to my privacy later."

Kathena crosses over the bridge with her vardo in tow and hurries to safety.

Fire in the Shadowlands

The elves gather outside the council

Fitheach walked tiredly from the elven council meeting. There had been hours of repetitive discussion and still they were no closer to a solution. The lands were leaderless, the citizens living in fear of more marauder attacks. Already quite a few had packed up all they owned and trudged off towards Bree, hoping to find work and a new place to live. The hobbits and humans welcomed all the new arrivals.

Fit gazed down at Cheshire town; it’s once thriving market barren, no one ventured out at night these days. Even the troops in the citadel were demoralized, some had deserted and headed off looking for new opportunities or resigned their commissions and left openly.

The elven council was quarrelsome, many of the elves thought it was time to sail away west while others longed to join the woodland elves in their fair city. Neither side could sway the other and Fit tried instead to keep them focused on the people left in the realm and their protection. However many of them saw no need to consider mere humans, now that the Aran was gone they were reverting to disdain for those they had formerly looked after. Fit had appealed to them from every angle she could conceive, but they were beyond listening. Looking back she saw many standing about to go and a small number walking towards her looking as distressed as she felt. Amarth of the rangers stopped and looked at her sadly. “They have lost all sense, my lady. It is useless to continue to argue; what can I do to help the villagers?” 4 or 5 others gathered closer nodding at Amarth’s words. “We too wish to help Archdruid, tell us what we may do.”

Shadowlwands erupts into flames

At that moment there was a loud explosion, turning towards Shadowlands they saw fire shooting into the air from several places. All the elves remaining in the council house streamed out shouting and pointing at the flames. Cemenos, always the loudest complainer turned to the group and shouted; “It’s a sign for us. Let’s leave before we are all burned to bits.” Most of the group followed him running off towards the boats docked at Cheshire. The group around her implored: ”Lady Fit, what can be done? Shadowlands appears in mortal danger, suppose it spreads to the River Lands?”

Fit turned to Amarth, “collect your things and ride quickly to warn the villagers that remain to pack quickly and head to the Hobbit shire for safety. Tell them to take everything they can, livestock and all.” “Galas, go with her and help; the village must be evacuated. I will ride to warn the citadel.” Fit turned to the loyal few remaining; “you must decide to either go with our brethren to the woodland elves or stay with the citizens. Gather you possessions and take the path that seems best to you. I will hope to see you all again.”

Galsas ran up with Fit’s horse and her own; thrusting the reins at Fitheach, she turned away leaping up and riding off swiftly to catch up to Amarth. Fit swung up on Sinda and turned to watch the fast receding elves and then took another look at Shadowlands where flames leapt higher and more explosions were now heard. Leaning forward she urged her mount, “Fly Sinda, we must reach the citadel and warn the troops.” Sinda sped off leaping down the mountainside and galloping towards the great citadel at top speed, Fit bent low over her neck.

Fit rides towards the citadel

As they pounded up the road towards the citadel and surrounding town, she saw troops massing outside the gate. Many of them with family in tow and some were helping older citizens along. Fit drew rein before the guard captain who stared back at her grimly. “We have seen the fires lady and heard the explosions; cinders and sparks have already landed on the battlements. We think it best to retreat. The schooner in the harbor will hold us all, for we are many fewer than we were.” Fit sighed in relief. “That is a good plan, Captain, where do you head once on the ship?” The captain frowned slightly; “We thought to head towards the shire lady; the hobbits there are known to be kind to strangers.” Fit nodded; “That is a wise thought, Captain. I hope to see you all there on my next trip.”

Fit turned Sinda, intending to ride back and aid the villagers, but peering into the distance she saw the last of them and the 2 elves crossing the bridge to the shire and safety. The captain, troops and citizens marched off quickly towards the docks and the waiting ship. Another loud explosion was heard from Shadowlands, birds flew up in alarm. “I must find Can”, Fit muttered and turned Sinda towards the bridge to Talbreamh, riding through the mist towards what had now become her home.

Crossing the mist into Taibreamh