The End or the Beginning?

Climbing the Mountain Path

Can Wobbit scouts on ahead as Fit and Fiesty climb the path to the mysterious cave.

Fitheach Eun: “So what exactly did you find in this cave, my sister?”

Fiesty Lotus: “I am not sure, but it seemed sumthin like a leak in time?”

Suddenly they saw the faint glow of the cave just ahead as Can called out: “I think this is the cave, something is glowing inside.”

Fiesty Lotus: " Do you feel it Druid sister? the pull of that openen?" It feels like it's made of all things." Fit turned to answer and suddenly Fiesty exclaimed:

"There’s Talia! Oh, and look a dragon."

Talia.Sunsong: “I found it in a tree.”

Talia and the Dragons

Fitheach Eun turns to look and sees only a large fierce looking dragon. "That huge thing was in a tree?"

Fiesty Lotus: "Um, what yer gonna do with it Talia?"

Talia.Sunsong: “Welllll, the baby dragon was in a tree, and it was so cute and all, I fed it and it followed me, then this big dragon came along.”

Savage Taurus eyes the small bipeds hungrily.

Fitheach Eun: “Ah now I see the little one.”

Fiesty Lotus: “Does it got a Mama?"

Talia.Sunsong: I'm not sure; whispers: “How can you tell gender in a dragon?”

Fitheach Eun: “In truth Talia; I am not sure I would want to know how to tell. And I am not sure we have time to find out...”

Fiesty Lotus: "Talia, yer know it ain't right ter take a child from its mama."

Talia.Sunsong: “But its sooooo cute and he followed me after I fed him, so it's not my fault.”

Outside the Cave

Fitheach Eun looks toward the faint glow in the cave in front of them...

Fiesty Lotus: “Oh yes, yer do know the Shadow is eating the mountains as we speak?”

Talia.Sunsong: “Drat that Shadow. It causes more trouble than I get accused of causing.”

Fitheach Eun: “We need to see if we can bend that portal to take us somewhere. If that is what it is; it would be our only chance.”

Talia.Sunsong: “I have great magic.”

Fitheach Eun looks dubiously at the fae, “We have seen more than enough of your great magic, Talia."

Fiesty Lotus looks at Talia’s bent wand. "um.."

Fitheach Eun: “So far it has only started fires.”

Talia Sunsong: “I'm better now; I've practiced by turning toads into mushrooms.”

Fitheach Eun: “Ummm right...We have great need of mushrooms right now, I am sure.”

Savage Taurus clears his throat, "Hey, lady. Whatcha doin with my kid there? You got a death wish?"

Talia Sunsong: jumps. “Who, me?”

Fiesty Lotus whirls around and sees that the dragon has spoken.

Fiesty Lotus: “Well, I think we must be gettin in the cave and tryin it out, right Druid Fit?”

Fitheach Eun: “Yes, let's do that, my druid sister.”

Talia Sunsong hides the baby dragon in her skirts.

Savage Taurus: “Anybody else here holding a baby dragon?”

Talia Sunsong: “Ummmmm…I don't see a baby dragon.”

Fiesty Lotus: "Oh, no, we don't have time fer this."

Fitheach Eun ignores the dragon and walks determinedly into the cave and Fiesty follows.

Fiesty and Fit Enter the Cave

Savage Taurus: “Yea, don’t play games with me, hon.”

Fiesty Lotus: “Give that baby dragon up Talia and come into the cave with us.”

Talia Sunsong: runs into cave to hide. “Noo He's my dragon.”

Savage Taurus sighs..."Damn bipeds."

Fitheach Eun plants her feet firmly and starts calling on the Water spirits.

Fiesty Lotus begins to draw on the spirit of Earth.

Fitheach Eun breathes deeply and concentrates on the spinning orb.

Savage Taurus bites at the fae's wings to pull her back.

Talia Sunsong: “Ouch! Stop it.”

Can Wobbit crowds in closely behind them all and watches intently.

Talia Sunsong: “I'll take good care of the baby dragon.”

Savage Taurus: “Gimme my kid!”

Talia Sunsong: “He likes me better!”

Savage Taurus growls.

Talia Sunsong: “Quick, open the portal.”

Talia Sunsong waves wand desperately.

Fiesty Lotus now adds the spirit of Fire to her incantations.

Fitheach Eun calls on the Air spirits to help them and the cave fills with sylphs.

The orb begins to glow but nothing else happens.

Savage Taurus: “you wanna be roasted, sweet cheeks?”

Talia Sunsong: “The dragon will get me! Hurry.”

Savage Taurus pulls on her skirt.

Talia Sunsong screams and tries to pull away.

Fitheach Eun chants softly but the portal glows and stays small.

The Portal Stays Small

Fiesty Lotus chants to earth and Fire with increasing frenzy.

Savage Taurus yanks her back hard.

Talia Sunsong throws her wand at portal just as her skirt rips.

The wand hits the port and explodes.

Talia Sunsong: “It's bigger!”

The portal glows brighter and enlarges quickly.

Savage Taurus eats the ripped skirt in his mouth.

Talia Sunsong jumps away from the dragon.

The portal suddenly grows to a huge size and turns black.

Fiesty Lotus stares in wonder.

The Portal Grows and Turns Black

Savage Taurus: “What are you all doing here, anyway?”

Talia Sunsong: “Escaping from the shadow. It comes. It destroys.”

Savage Taurus starts chewing on her blonde hair.

Fitheach Eun: “Well my friends shall we go? There is nothing left for us here.”

Talia Sunsong: “Stop eating me! I'm going!”

Savage Taurus: “You aren’t going anywhere with my kid.”

Talia Sunsong leaps into the portal.

Savage Taurus follows her through.

Fitheach Eun raises her staff and waves Fiesty into the portal.

Fitheach Eun, Can, and the ravens crowd through behind them, followed by a cloud of sylphs.

Everything goes black.

Last Ones Through the Portal

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Exodus from the Riverlands

Fiesty Finally got her people over the mountains and began loading them on ships. She had sent the king of Fairehaven a message once she understood the danger of the Shadowlands fog. She had gotten a terse message from the king saying that her people could stay for a while but then they must move on. The Shire had traded with the people of Fairehaven for years and knew the worth of their produce.

Fiesty Gives Berilac a Chest of Gold for the KIng

Fiesty put together the best goods of the Shire and sent with that a trunk full of gold for the king. She hoped that would be enough to carry her people through this confusion. Some of Fiesty’s blackbirds had seen that the mountains were also being eaten by the fog. She had spoken to the town mayor of this and he had ordered rangers go to verify this. As it was the case, the Mayor did tell the humans of Bree to take flight – just before he boarded a Clipper ship away.

The Mayor Flees on a Fast Ship

So, a mass exodus was the answer. Many ships were summoned with the last of Fiesty’s funds and all of the remaining people were being carried away.

Fighting to get Copper on the Last Ship

Fiesty sat with Copper trying to get him to go on the last boat. “Copper, I gotta do this alone. This be Druid business.” Copper replied “I ain’t leaven ya Auntie.” He shook his head and remained stubborn. After it was clear that Copper would not go, Fiesty nodded to Berilac. It was a prearranged signal that got Berilac and 2 extra scouts to drag Copper into the boat. Actually it took 2 more to manage the job. Fiesty called to Berilac “and keep him until the boat is out of sight. That there hobbit can swim.” Fiesty waved mournfully as the last ship departed with her good friend Maisie and Copper and Berilac waved from the stern.

Fiesty Waves Sadly at the Departing Ships

Her thoughts became lonely. Just then, as she felt the awful responsibility of helping her people heavy on her shoulders she looked up and saw Druid Fitheach and Can sailing into the harbor in a beautiful Elven Ship. She cried out in happiness and nearly fell off the dock. She knew that Copper would take some comfort that she was not all alone.

Can and Fiesty Watch the Ships Leave

The graceful elven ship swooped near her and Can leaped out and hugged her. Fiesty felt grateful tears wet her face as she greeted Can. “Oh, I am so glad you are here Can.” Can answered with a grin, saying I am happy to be here with you also Druid Fiesty.” He continued “Druid Fitheach will be here as soon as she docks.” Then Can looked out at the ships leaving Riverlands. He motioned with his hand, “I see Copper on that last boat.” Fiesty smiled through her tears and said “Yes, wave to them Can, it may be the last we see of them for some time.” So Can and Fiesty stood on the dock and waved madly at the departing ships.

Sailing Away…

Fit loaded her small bags into the elven boat mournfully. There was little she wanted to have to carry not knowing how long the journey might be. The ravens hopped into the boat and looked at her expectantly.  Slowly she turned and took a last look at the lovely land that had been home to her for these last years. Taibreamh was a special place with an air of peace and tranquility she had never known before. Suddenly she saw that the undines had gathered around the boat and were waving to her.” Lady, you must leave; you have little time to get away.”

The Land Flashes By

Fit pushed the boat off shore and jumped in, seating herself on the cushions in the stern. Raising her hand to the sylphs flitting through the air above her she called for the wind. It came in a gust filling the winglike sails and driving the small boat quickly before it across the sea towards Bree. As it danced across the waves, Fit turned one last time to look back at Taibreamh, then took a deep breath and looked steadfastly ahead. The lovely isle of Lothloriel flashed by and soon she was on open water. One of her raven friends jumped to the bow and acted as a lookout as the little boat sped along.

Raven Lookout

Images from the past threatened to overwhelm the elf druid as her boat glided swiftly forward. The River Lands had so completely become a refuge and a home after long years of roaming that her heart ached at the thought it was all destroyed. She remembered her training under Master Druid Jaekob; the discovery of her druid powers and the connection to the elements. Images of other times flashed across her memory: standing with the Master Druid against the demon that had captured their friend Kathena. And later exorcising the demon with her fellow druids to free the drow he had taken over. She wondered now if the demon had really been eliminated or was it his dark powers that had destroyed Shadowlands and now the rest of the River Lands.

Images Threaten Fit's Thoughts

A sylph dove down and hovered in front of her; “Lady, we have seen Lord Can leaving his ship and standing at the far edge of the Shire. His ship has gone on without him and changed course.” Fit regarded her ally with alarm, “Will you take me there; we must rescue him?” The sylph darted off to the east and Fit turned the boat to follow until the abandoned Shire came into view and she saw Can trudging along the shoreline heading towards Bree in the distance.

Can Waiting Near the Shore

Can turned and saw the elven craft approaching; he ran to the water’s edge and waved to her smiling broadly. “You come at a good time,” he shouted to her. Fit waved back and stopped the boat as close to the shore as she could. Can waded out, tossing his things into the bow and climbing in to sit on the cushions there. “I am extremely glad to see you, mo ghra,” he said as he settled himself. “Fiesty sent word that the ship from Taibreamh must go on to Fairehaven with her ships, but I knew I could not meet you if I stayed on board.”

Arrived at Bree

Fitheach called to the wind again, turning the boat back towards Bree and it leaped ahead; driving through the water more quickly and raising plumes of spray. Soon the docks at Bree hove into view and they could see a line of ships moving slowly away from the mooring and Fiesty standing alone on the dock waving sadly. She saw them coming and smiled. Can sprang from the boat as soon as it touched the land and ran to stand by Fiesty; they watched the boats head out together as Fit unloaded their gear and came to join them silently.

The Passing

The trees had been whispering the news and the waters carried it unto Lothloriel, where Elbereth gazed across the sea towards the rising mist. She sighed.

So, it had come to pass. The Shadow of Evil would not relent, thirsting yet for the very last of the Light still residing in these Lands.

Manwë's tidings were being carried across the hills and plains. All living creatures were being urged to seek out a new place to dwell, far from the oncoming smoke and stench issuing from the Shadow Lands.

The Elves were departing, although Elbereth doubted that all would board the westward bound ships.

Her thoughts drifted to the Elven Druidess in Tailbreamh. The ties that were woven into her being and connected her to all living things would make it nigh impossible for her to part these shores. The human named Can held her heart. She would wander until she found safer harbour and many would follow her.

Clouded Future

Elbereth's eyes pierced the milky fog and she watched the Hobbitfolk of the Shire stir and begin their journey across the mountains. Soon they too would be overwhelmed with good people fleeing towards them, wanting to join their exodus, trying to outrun the Darkness. They would help and protect as best their honest souls could, but they too would be compelled to leave their beloved meadows and hills behind ere the Shadows devoured them.

Elbereth wondered at the pace of these calamities. Not a twelvemonth had passed since the Valar had allowed the Elves of Calenhad to sail towards the West. The evil lurking among the crevices on the borders of the lands had been unusually reticent to approach further inland, yet Elbereth knew the forces of Darkness had not been idle.

There was war and strife among the Drow races to the South and a foreboding of greater evil seeped across those far regions, but there had been no real signs of such dangers here, so close to Lothloriel.

Lothloriel, the Fair

She turned as she became aware of Galdor's surefooted approach. He had returned then. Elbereth smiled as he came to a halt an arms length away.

"Mae tollen na mar, thalionen [Welcome home, my champion]. What news from the Elves of Mirkwood?" Her tone was light, accompanied by a sweet smile, yet the brevity of the situation was clear to them both.

The Ranger inclined his head reverently, his answering smile soon replaced with a frown as he begun to speak, "Glass nun le, hiril nin [It is my joy to see you, my Lady]. The Elven King sends his thanks for your counsel and guidance. The trees of Greenwood had already imparted news of the dire situation amongst our neighbours. He also gave me this message to convey to your hands and his certainty that he would meet with you again soon."

Galdor reached beneath his cloak to reveal a rolled parchment with Thranduil's seal upon it.

Elbereth nodded, her eyes glistening like the dew on a spring morning. She accepted the missive, her voice firm, yet sad... "The Elves of Mirkwood will not heed the warning and shall remain."

Mirkwood

Galdor nodded solemnly. "It is so, my Lady."

"So be it, my friend." Elbereth returned her gaze towards the sea.

Lothloriel shall open its enchantments to any Elves seeking refuge from Darkness who resist the urge to take the ships. Lothloriel will sustain, the Shadows hold no power here and perhaps this power may serve to protect the Woodland revier too.

Taking Galdor's hand, she made a sweeping gesture with her arm towards the sea. "Soon you will see the boats bringing refugees from Tailbreamh to us. We must prepare living quarters for those who choose to come."

Galdor nodded and gently removing his hand from hers, he turned to do her bidding.

Lothloriel

Elbereth stood upon the rocky outcrop, her attention swaying between the whispers of the trees and the secretive murmurs of the breeze. Her vision was clouded and there was no foresight of the near future forthcoming, only a vague disclosure of a glowing passage deep in the mountains towards which the Hobbit Druidess was being guided unawares. The part this mysterious threshold would play had not been revealed to her and she could only hope that the brave Druidesses would trust their instincts and escort their people to a safer haven.

The Guardian of Lothloriel drew a deep breath. Her path was always clear.

And although the journey of the folk of these parts was partly shrouded to her sight, she was certain that their loyalty and innate goodness would guide their steps towards safety and Light.

The Hobbits Flee the Shire

Council at the Fissure

Fiesty saw fear in the eyes of the hobbits of the council as she led them through the hills of the Shire to the western sea. She stopped a ways away from the seething serf and gestured with her hands to the fissure opening up from the sea while the council crowded around her. “This be happinin all over our northern lake. The crowd gave a gasp as a cloud of noxious smoke issued from the fissure. “Yes, stand back. It be poison fumes and it will kill all of us”. Someone in the crowd shouted “Can’t yer stop it Druid Fiesty?” Fiesty answered, “No and neither can the elves or Dwarves in Tailbreamh. It be what killed of the kings lands. It’s issuin from the Shadow Lands.”

Fiesty looked around. “Yer understand that we will have to flee the Shire?” There were groans but even the naysayers on the council realized that they would have to agree.

Fiesty went on “So, yer all get yer kith and kin and put the word out. The only way to outrun this is over the mountains to Bree, and I don’t even know it the mountains will stop it.”

A Message From Fitheach

Earlier in the week Fiesty had received a message from her sister Druid Fitheach Eun that said that the Shadow was eating up her lands and that she is working on sending her elves to shelter and will meet us in Bree in a few days.

When the council arrived back at the village, Fiesty called in Copper, leader of the Hobbit Scouts, and they planned out a supply and support effort for those that fled the Shire.

Fiesty had been uncomfortable for weeks with a feeling of impending doom. Earlier on Fiesty had sent out some of her blackbirds to tell her how the lands were faring. They returned in frantic flight, barely passing on their report before winging their way across the mountains.

The Hobbits packed frantically and were soon streaming over the mountain pass with their goods and cattle. It was a bad day for all the Hobbits; it seemed they may never see their lovely Shire again.

Heading for the Mountain Pass

Later:

Fiesty traveled partway up the mountain with the first of the Hobbits setting out. She took the time to meditate in the mountains and consider what they should do next. Where should they go? Would they ever find a place like the Shire again?

Fiesty Enters The Bear's Cave

 While she was up there she felt the urge to visit her bear friend. The bear’s name was Grr. It was not an unusual name as the bears spoke in growls and grunts. It had been the hardest animal language the Druid had learned and it was still difficult for her. She approached the cave after connecting with the earth spirit and gathering her courage. When she came close she realized the bear was not there. Her connection with the earth spirit showed the cave empty of living beings, yet there was something there. Fiesty walked into the gloomy cave and lit a torch. She moved silently to the back of the cave and saw a small light coming from the back wall. She examined the small spinning light and realized it was an opening. She could not tell where it led. It pulsed with a whirling light. Still connected to the Earth spirit she realized it was an opening to somewhere else. It fascinated her but it was much too small to go through. She sat for a long while contemplating the hole and finally got up to make sure the Hobbits were proceeding at a good pace.

Fiesty Encounters a Small Portal

Leaving Home

The Fog Approaches

Archdruid Fitheach stood at the northern edge of Tai and worriedly watched the strange fog approaching from the sea. She had never seen anything like it before and though it was a long way off, it seemed to be heading straight for them. Suddenly the lead undine shot up from the sea at her feet and called out: “Lady, the lands are in in danger; you must flee!” Fit looked down at the small creature confused, “In danger, how are we in danger?” 

The undine looked unusually solemn: “That fog is sent from the shadow; it will overtake all of the remaining lands and Taibreamh’s protections will not hold against it. This land has always had magical powers against the Dark but they have grown old and slowly faded. They are no longer strong enough to stand against that which destroyed the River Lands.

The Undine Gives Warning

Fitheach regarded her small ally seriously: “How long do we have before it strikes?” The undine considered thoughtfully and replied: “My sisters in the ocean say it will be some days, perhaps a week but no more than that. You must all leave quickly.” “Leave, yes but where can we go that will be safe?” Fit countered. The undine replied: "The Shire will be taken, but there is safety for some far overland to Bree.” “And Lothloriel will stand against the dark forever, but none may go there without permission.” “It will accept you and your elven companions, but not Lord Can.”

Fit turned and ran back towards home. “I must warn Fiesty and her people and tell the elves, humans and dwarves here to flee. And I must find Can.” Passing through the grove she stopped by the scrying basin and immediately saw great fissures appearing in the ground and pouring out more of the foglike smoke. She could not tell whether they were in Taibreamh or elsewhere in the lands but they hastened her steps.

The Scrying Basin Foretells Destruction

Back at her desk, Fit wrote out a quick note to Fiesty and called for one of her ravens.

“My dear sister, The undines have warned that disaster will overtake our lands and we must all flee or die. A noxious fog approaches from the Shadow. Can has gone to tell the dwarves and the few humans that remain here; they will set sail for the Shire in a day or two. Over mountain to Bree is said to be a safe refuge. I am working with the elves remaining here, but as soon as I see them safely gone I will come to meet you and Can and we will decide what we should do. Stay safe.”

Fit tied the note securely to the raven’s leg and held it closely for a minute. “Fly my friend and deliver that only to Archdruid Fiesty. Wait there for me. Vanya Sulie.”

Two days later, Fitheach watched the ships pull slowly away from the dock; one turned towards the Shire with Can waving from the stern. It was heavily laden with the few humans and dwarves and as much of their possessions as they could load. Farm animals looked out from odd places giving it the look of the legendary ark.

The Dock at Taibreamh

The other ship carried the elves and many of the wild creatures from Taibreamh off to safety in Lothloriel. “May the Valar protect them”, Fit intoned as she watched her friends waving sadly as the ship drew away. They had pressed her to join them, but she could not stay in a land where Can was forbidden. Where would the druids and Can go? Over the mountains with humans, dwarves and hobbits? As she turned to load her own small boat for the voyage to the Shire, Fit felt a great longing for a home. Taibreamh had been the first place she had ever felt at home and now it would be soon gone. “There must be a home for us out there, free of the shadow, she dreamed briefly. Where does it lie and how will we find it?”