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Post by Terbil Mudburrow of Deephallow on Dec 11, 2003 23:10:02 GMT -5
The small group traveled quietly along the road as they made their way from their haven to the Bree-land. The sun had begun to sink in the sky and shades of orange, violet, and red began to spread across the blue sky. Evening was fast approaching.
Terbil walked rather cheerfully, sticking one leg out straight in front of the other in a sort of mock march, all the while munching on an apple for Nevnarial and scanning through the pages of his book before suddenly slamming it shut. Smiling, he walks over and tugs on Fernelf’s arm as she sits atop her pony and as she turns to him, he hands her his book. "I know you wanted to see this the other day. I thought you might like to read it as we ride along."
Turning back to the path, the young hobbit looked down at the ground and notice heavy hoof prints on the ground, a whole group of maybe seven or nine, looking as though the riders had been in a hurry. He looked and watched as his companions continued forward but he stopped and inspected the prints momentarily. “Big horses….”
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Nevnarial
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Post by Nevnarial on Dec 15, 2003 7:15:11 GMT -5
Watching the sunset, Nevnarial walked a short ways in front of her companions. 'Breathtaking', she thought. She looked back and saw Fernelf engrossed in a book. She also saw Terbil bending down, caressing the ground, looking at something. She stopped to look down as well and saw the fresh hoof prints of a pack of riders. Nervously, she looked back at Fernelf, still reading her book and then turned her attention to Terbil, who then looked back at her. "These tracks lead to Bree," she said under her breath. She walked back, glancing from side to side, past Fernelf and her pony to where Terbil was kneeing down. "I think it is wise we shorten the distance between ourselves as we travel. Though, it might mean nothing, these riders were in haste to get wherever it was they were going," she said quietly to Terbil. "Nightfall is close, so we might want to find a place, well off the road, to camp for the evening soon." Pulling Terbil up by the hand, she lead him at a fast walk to where Alaterial was carrying Fernelf…
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Post by Morg Stormhammer on Dec 15, 2003 8:19:00 GMT -5
Blundering through the fauna, Morg finds his way back to where he left his new-found companions. Stumbling into what was the campsite, to his surprise he spies a building of some sort, where once stood only tall grasses and a few weeds. Wincing as his wounds cry out in protest, he makes his way towards the shelter, his war-hammer e're at the ready. Muttering under his breath, "Argh! What has befallen here! Indeed I see signs of struggle and the stench of wild wolves is enough to burn the hair off my face!" Advancing slowly, he sniffs around, trying to ignore the smell of his own blood in order to further investigate what adventures have taken place here. The two ponies he was leading think better of the situation and have wandered back to the stream to have a drink and get away from the smell of a harsh predator.
Morg reaches the door to the shelter and finds what appears to be a small slip of paper, hastily torn from a larger sheet, stuck between the door and jam. Cautiously, he reaches out to take it and then shoves the door open to catch unawares any fiend or villain who might be lurking inside. It is dimly lit inside, not having a lanter nor torch to illuminate his surroundings, but spending somewhat of his life digging and mining Morg can see a bit better than most in the dark. He notices naught out of order except that this place seems to have been left in a hurry by his companions. Morg, deciding there is no danger to be found, heads back out to the actual campsite to study the footprints and read the note. Peering closely at the ground, he finds that yet another has joined, and a Hobbit by the looks of things. He also finds the fire quite old, which disheartens him a little. His wounds have stopped bleeding by this point, but a deep cut across his left arm seems in danger of renewing it's protestations with the further loss of blood. Sitting down next to the firepit, he takes the note and begins to read, as best he can, the educated script written upon the paper. What he sees brings his spirits back up to where they were upon reaching the clearing that he left what seems ages ago. "So," he thinks to himself, "they have headed towards Bree. Last I knew it was a fine enough place, with no hatred towards my kin but no great love neither." Laying back so he could rest a bit and let the ponies do what they would, he closes his eyes and starts to think of home....
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Post by Finduilas Ancalimon on Dec 15, 2003 12:06:55 GMT -5
Fernelf glancing through the pages of the wonderous book once again keeps her eyes on her companions at all times. Fernelf had noted the prints in the dirt a while back though they were much more vague as the ones that Terbil was investigating. She feels pride in her companions and knew they too would spot them soon enough. Sitting upon her trusted pony , Fernelf continued to glance down at the pages, waiting to see what her companions suggested. She moved as one on Alaterial, so much so she was able to hold the book with both hands. Acting as if she was absorbed its pages...Fernelf waited to see who would indeed take charge with this new bit of information. "I knew they would notice the prints..it was only a matter of time." fernelf thought to herself. Smiling she also saw that both of her companions were already making plans for everyones safety. Fernelf still smiling aks" So now that you have noticed the tracts...what would you suggest we do about them eh?" Turning a page in the book while speaking to her friends to indicate to them she had no worries as she was confident in their skills and in there ability to keep all in the party safe. She then looked to both Terbil and Nevnarial for their replies. Alaterial snorted as if she was in on some secret joke, shook her head and continued to walk in a pace that kept Fernelf well within eyesight of her companions.....
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Nevnarial
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Post by Nevnarial on Dec 15, 2003 13:29:08 GMT -5
Nevnarial grabbed the reins of the pony to halt it. "I suggest we travel off the road for a while until we find a suitable area to camp for the night. I do not want to meet up with any evil doers," she said cautiously.
Believing that both Fernelf and Terbil had no objections, she told Fernelf to hold on, and led Alateria off the path into the lush bushes. They walked for a while through the thick brush and the pony seemed to have no problem finding it‘s footing on the uneven ground. Then, looking back at the two, Nevnarial said, "I will leave the task of finding a decent spot for us to rest up to you..."
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Post by Terbil Mudburrow of Deephallow on Dec 15, 2003 23:08:47 GMT -5
His mind raced about as Terbil followed closely to Nevnarial and Alateria and munched on his apple. The young hobbit glanced to the wild area to their sides and raised an eyebrow then looked up at the taller of the two Elves. "Miss Nevnarial, can you hear any water around here with your Elven ears?" He then glanced from her and looked over to Fernelf. "I have an idea about what to do for the night. It might be somewhat messy....but it should keep us safe."
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Nevnarial
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Post by Nevnarial on Dec 16, 2003 7:23:20 GMT -5
Nevnarial stopped and listened for a minute. “Yes, I do hear some sort of a stream about a mile off of this main road,” she answered Terbil with a questioning look. Raising an eyebrow herself, she asked, “What did you have in mind?”
As he was about to answer her, she put a hand up to quiet him. She listened again. “What is it? What do you hear?” he whispered. She looked at Fernelf with a concerned face. Then at Terbil. “There is a rider approaching, very fast.”
She quickly led her company further back into the forest, and all three pushed aside the bushes they hid behind and peered out to the open road. Nevnarial readied her bow, in case of trouble…
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Post by Finduilas Ancalimon on Dec 16, 2003 10:58:46 GMT -5
Fernelf allowed Nevnarial to guide Alaterial off the beaten path. She put the book in her bag for safekeeping. "I must remember to give this back to Terbil when we make camp" she thought to herself. She was just about to speak when she saw both Terbil and Nevnarial tense. Feeling chills up her back Fernelf quickly dismounted Alaterial and joined the others behind the bush. Soothing Alaterial with her touch she prayed her pony stayed quiet so not to give them away. She looked to Nevnarial and signaled with her hands. Pointing in the direction of the east, questioning both of her companions with facial expresssions...and waited...
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woodelf
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Post by woodelf on Dec 16, 2003 18:43:58 GMT -5
Woodelf was running swift as can be and suddenly his horse slows down, he heard talking and it sounds angry or alarmed so he hides behind a nearby bush waiting for something to appear..................
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Post by Finduilas Ancalimon on Dec 16, 2003 20:17:59 GMT -5
Fernelf seeing a figure appear on the road signals to both Terbil and Nevnarial. They too have seen the figure. Quietly Fernelf observes the figure on the horse. Even though her vision is better then most, she is unable to make out any distinct features since the rider's face is hidden by his or her cloak. A mist had developed as evening faded into night and was now obscuring everything within a few feet of the three.Becoming very puzzled watching the figure jump off his horse and hide in some bushes off the road. "Mayhaps he is being persued" thinks Fernelf to herself. Fernelf signals to both Nevnarial and Terbil that she will quietly go around the brush and see if she can indeed get a closer look at this new arrival. She whispers ever so quietly "I will see if he is a threat or if he needs our help. Stay alert and watch me closely. If I signal come to my rescue." Her voice so quiet that the slight breeze made more noise then her words. "He may be being pursured..or he may be pursuing us and lost us, I know not which." Fernelf looked to both Nevnarial and Terbil to make sure they agreed on her slipping closer for a better look. Once agreed, Fernelf began to slowly move from bush to bush...leaf to leaf quietly ever closer to the figure. Looking back at her friends for any sign of movement from the stranger. Finally she was so close to the new arrival she could have touched him by just reaching out her hand. Pacing her breathing with his (as she now knew it was a male) Fernelf gave no indiciation to the new arrival that he was not alone. "A Elven male" thought Fernelf to herself. Feeling heat and moisture Fernelf looked to see the Elf's horse staring right at her. Seeing steam come from the notrils told Fernelf this horse had ridden long and hard . The horse and Fernelf communicated silently. She letting him know by facial expression she was no threat and he warning her that he would not set by and watch his master come to harm. This silent conversation went on until both Fernelf and the steed were in agreement of sorts. Fernelf noted the Elf was breathing hard and dirt was on his clothes and face. Slowly so not to startle the horse Fernelf made her way back to her friends. The dampness from the ground seeping onto her knees as she crept back to safety. "I feel no danger from this new arrival. He is a elf. His horse seemed very faithful and I know one does not have a faithful companion unless one treats them well. What do you think we should do..shall we alert him we are here...or shall we wait to see who pursues him?" Her whispers carrying to both Nevnarials and Terbils ears and not beyond. Fernelf watched as the two discussed their options and waited for their decision....
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Post by Terbil Mudburrow of Deephallow on Dec 16, 2003 20:59:31 GMT -5
Terbil sat tensed as he peered from behind the bush, frying pan drawn in defense as they watched Fern approach the new arrival. He uttered a silent prayer from her safety, but, minute after minute, became confused as he saw her merely looking at the other persons horse. Terbil glanced up at Nevnarial, "What in Arda is she doing?" he whispered, "Having a staring contest with the horse?"
Within a few more minutes, however, Fernelf returned and gave her report of the situation. He thought quietly to himself, staring at the ground, and then lowered his frying pan as he looked at both of his companions. "Well, I trust Fernelf's appraisal of the situation. I say we say hello." Without consulting with the two women, Terbil stood from his place, hands in the air with his pan clutched in one, and stepped forward from the bushes to the road. He then let a big smile cross his face. "Hello, friend! What brings you here?"
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Post by Finduilas Ancalimon on Dec 16, 2003 21:13:19 GMT -5
"Ack" thought Fernelf and followed Terbil quickly..smoothing her hair and her wrinkled clothing. She tried to look as if it were perfectly normal to be hiding behind a bush on a mist filled night. Kicking Terbil softly on his rump, Fernelf stood next to the hobbit waiting for Nevnarial to join them. Whispering through her glued on smile"You are one brave or crazy hobbit, I am not sure which. I guess we shall find out in a moment". Fernelf watched the figure with the silliest smile plastered on her face as she wrapped her fingers around her dagger hidden within the folds of her cloak....
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Nevnarial
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Post by Nevnarial on Dec 16, 2003 21:24:45 GMT -5
Nevnarial is completely surprised with the sudden actions of the hobbit. She glances at Fernelf, disapprovingly, and shakes her head. As Fernelf rises and walks away toward Terbil, Nevnarial takes an arrow out of her quiver, readies her bow, and rises, taking aim at the bushes where the stranger has hidden.
“What a complete fool this hobbit is!” she thinks to herself. Not moving from her original spot and hoping to avoid an unkind situation, she watches as the newcomer steps out of his hiding place…
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woodelf
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Post by woodelf on Dec 16, 2003 21:37:29 GMT -5
He chuckles to himself for he heard them and quickly hops off his horse and says " I heard of what you have been saying and I am not an enemy I have been riding for companionship." It's not safe to travel alone any more, one must be safe. What brings you this way to Bree-Land he asks them?
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Post by Terbil Mudburrow of Deephallow on Dec 16, 2003 21:59:36 GMT -5
Still with his hands up he stands beside Fernelf and whispers out of the side of his mouth. "I'd say I'm a little bit of both. Anyway, being an elf, I'd imagine he knew we were there the whole time. If he wanted us dead, we'd probably be dead already." Terbil lowers his arms as the male elf steps forward and speaks to them, somewhat to his surprise and somewhat not that he knew they were there the whole time. "We are travelling to Bree to see some family of mine." he then realizes his lack of politeness and bows deeply. "My apologies, allow me to introduce myself. I am Terbil Mudburrow of Deephallow in the Shire, this young lady beside me is called Fernelf, and the young Elf in the bushes behind me with her bow probably trained on you now is Nevnarial. If it is companionship you are looking for, I believe you have found it, my friend."
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