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Rosie_Gamgee
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: January 11, 2005 07:19
Rosie had snuck a hurried kiss with Ben just moments before the four of them had been put in barrels. Although she could swim just fine, and was not afraid of water, she didn't much like the idea of being packed in a barrel, which might leak, or sink, or get lost, or... Bullocks, Rose, stop twittering to yourself and do something useful. she chastized herself harshly before realizing that there was nothing useful for her to do. She was being packed in a barrel.

"We should have wrapped it..." Narwa sighed softly, looking at her ankle, before patting her curls absently and putting the lid on tightly.

"Well, that's something I can do." Rosie whispered to herself, trying not to be nervous in the stuffy closeness of the barrel. It was a comfort that no light was making its way in - that seemed to point to less leaking, for which Rosie was grateful. Slipping a small knife out of her pocket, she began cutting strips of cloth from her cloak and hurridly began wrapping her nearly-healed ankle as tightly as she dared.

She had just finished when the barrel was tipped on the side and rolled a little ways. Then there was a sickening lurch, and Rosie's stomach was left behind as she fell down, down, down. There was a sudden stop, and the sound of rushing water.

Rosie prayed very very hard that she would not get lost, and that the other barrels wouldn't leak. Of course, it was then that hers decided to.

((I popped her a bit ahead, but really it makes sense to get the poor Hobbit on her way...Catch up, please, my dears! I don't fancy being left to drift away!))
LadyRanger
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: January 11, 2005 09:01
Andurion gave a quick reassuring smile at Rillan. "Don't worry, Rillan," he said softly. "I won't lose sight of you, I promise. It will be all right," he repeated Willow's words before closing the barrel, checking it again to make sure it would not leak. He gave a soft sigh and looked at the others, nodding in approvement as he saw all the four barrels with the Hobbits in sealed.

The three Elves and the Man each took one barrel - Andy making sure he was with Rillan's as he had promised - and turned it over, then one by one rolled them into the river as gently as they could, its keeper jumping in right after to make sure it would not get lost in the current.

As Andurion jumped into the water he felt the air being forced from his lungs and he gasped, reaching out quickly to take hold of the barrel near him. The water was cold, so cold. He was a good swimmer but it took him a moment before his limbs would co-operate and by then the current had already pulled him some way along the river. He struggled himself and the Rillan-barrel back nearer the others, his eyes searching around almost frantically to see how they were faring.
Vanalosswen
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: January 11, 2005 01:25
Vana helped the others pack the hobbits in and ensure the barrels were secure. She smiled to herself and shook as she revisited an old memory--anything to not think about what Narwa was listening for.

One summer evening, when the princess and her brother Legolas were bored to tears, they had taken a river journey similar to this. Vana had been the one packed into a barrel--luckily, she'd been a lot smaller then and fit nicely--and Legolas the one guiding from beneath. It had almost become a tragedy. Legolas hadn't checked the barrel for leaks--probably too eager to get on the way--and Vana had nearly drowned. Legolas had gotten her out of the water as fast as he could, but the current was swift and he couldn't get her out until they were nearly a mile downriver.

Rillian was the last to be packed in, and Vana took charge of Willow's barrel. She guessed, knowing that Narwa had taken a shine to Rosie, that he would want to watch over the wounded hobbit.

Vana took a deep breath as she eyed the river for a wary moment before rolling Willow's barrel in and jumping in after it. Her fingers caught the rough wood, then the current spun her under it. She nearly screamed in terror; drowning in the Forest River had been one of her worst nightmares since that fateful journey with her brother. Choking back her terror, Vana kicked hard against the current and forced her soaking head above the rough water.

Gasping for air and blinking away water, the blonde princess fought to stay above the raging river and keep close to the other barrels she could dimly see bobbing beside her. In the part of her mind not occupied with not drowing, she looked for the others, hoping their journey wasn't as hard as hers. She caught sight of Andy and dared to raise a hand briefly in greeting before motioning under the water and up where she knew thre guards would be. She didn't take the time to see if he obeyed; she ducked under the water herself after taking a deep breath.
Rosie_Gamgee
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: January 31, 2005 05:57
((The hobbit song is all Wil's creation - ain't she great? Anyway, I just thought I'd give credit where credit was due. :love: ))

It was cold, dark, and wet. The only sound Rosie could hear was the rushing of the water and the spluttering noises that someone was making right outside her barrel - one of the big folk. A long time (it seemed) passed like that, and Rosie felt lost, like a child who wandered off during the day, and then when night came, found that they couldn't remember the way home. It was all she could do to keep from crying. She hugged her knees to her chest and tried to think of a song to keep her mind off the fact that she was stuck in a barrel, floating down the river. All that came to mind was a little song she used to sing as a child, and she latched on to that thought and tried to sing.

"'Til papa comes a'home again
a'home again, a'home again..." Rosie's voice, only a weak whisper, trailed off. She cleared her throat, closed her eyes, and started again. Perhaps if she sang loud enough, she could drown out the sound of the river.

"'Til papa comes a'home again
a'home again, a'home again
'til papa comes a'home again
They'll be no cakes with tea."

Ben was similarly uncomfortable in his own barrel, although he wasn't quite AS scared as his "little" bride. He tried playing various mind games that he had learned over the years, but quickly realized that all of them required either another player, or a view of the world around you. With a sigh, he resigned himself to boredom. Unfortunately, when he had nothing to occupy his mind, he realized how dangerous a situation he was in, and quickly became quite nervous.

Then, over the sound of the river, he heard someone singing. He couldn't make out the words at first, but as the singer sang, he recognized the song - a childhood song he hadn't even thought of for years, but he realized he still knew all the words. So, as the voice sang on, he joined in.

"'Mama,' I said, 'Mama,' says me,
There's no more cakes and no more cream
'Dear me,' she said, 'oh no,' says she
and called a'down the lane,

'Til papa comes a'home again
a'home again, a'home again
'til papa comes a'home again
They'll be no cakes with tea."
Tasar_Took_Nualda
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: January 31, 2005 07:29
Rillan in his barrel was suddenly very glad of the stars at night as he was consumed by the utter darkness of being stuck where he was. Dark was dark, but this was impossible. And cold...

Dark and cold and nothing for his ears but the rush rushing of the river, until he thought he heard a tune over the roar. It was a reminder, a very welcome one that though trapped for now he might be... alone he was not. A quite unexpected smile came to his round face as he _recognised_ the tune. The lasses back home used to play skipping games to it.

He joined in himself for the last verse;

"Aha!" he said, "I'm home," says he,
"And goat and cake and seed have me."

And he heard a laugh, distant as it was near to him and his beloved joined in the singing as well...

"At last!" ma said, "For joy!" says me,
"And cream and cake and flour there'll be."

Now papa's come a'home again
a'home again, a'home again
Now papa's come a'home again
We'll all have cakes with tea!

It brought such memories... welcome any time but especially now. The smell of a good Hobbit supper bubbling on your mother's hearth. Celebration on Midsummer, the smell of the hay drying in the fields. A thousand different things, the worst of which were now idealised in memory, golden because they happened at home. Where they were all now very, very far from.

Even Alasse, paddling his little legs hard to keep from being swept away in the river let out a small whining whimper, not for the water's cold, or the tiredness of his muscles but a longing for home. The warm milk before breakfast and the thrill of gathering the herd, the simple pleasure of curling up on his mistress' lap while she drank her bedtime chocolate.

And so as the Halflings floated in their cold dark and leaking barrels from the Woodking's hall their little voices rang through and carried over the waters of the river.
LadyRanger
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: March 05, 2005 03:56
Andurion held on to the barrel in front of him as he let the current take them along, smiling though he was thoroughly wet and cold.

"Hobbits," he murmured through slightly clattering teeth, "remarkable creatures."

He listened to the little ones' singing voices, grateful of the hope and happiness they carried. Current circumstances were not those to make a man happy, not at all, however much he liked adventure and seemed to be attracted to danger. Swimming in the freezing cold water of a river with a strong current was not the adventure he had in mind, nor the risk of getting ill because of it the danger he sought. And of course, he grumbled to himself as he looked aside to one of the Elves near him, he would be the only one to have that trouble. Narwa would love to point out this next weakness.

Shaking his head to get rid of the water dripping down into his eyes, Andy looked to the shores of the river that seemed so horribly far away, though in truth he guessed it wouldn't be all that far. How long had they been swimming now? He didn't quite know. All he had been thinking of the moment he had jumped into the water was how much he wanted to be home now... for as far as anything could be called home. The Angle, he supposed, was the most homely place of all their few permanent shelters. Always kinsmen around, clean clothes, fresh food, a roof above your head and a fire crackling in the hearth; it was all he could possibly ask for. They could sing their songs, tell stories, play a game or just sit and enjoy the warmth of being one, large family together.

But he wasn't at the Angle, he was in this cold, cursed river. And then a thought hit him. Where were they supposed to get out?
Vanalosswen
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: March 16, 2005 03:46
Vana had calmed by this point; the hobbits' song helped. She smiled as she pulled herself up to see better. 'Hobbits are amazing beings,' she thought, blinking water away from her eyes.

The river was swollen with the rains and was a lot faster than usual. Vana saw, to her pleasure, that the exit point was close and that they were far enough away from Eryn Lasgalen to risk shouting above the roar of the river. "Andurion!" she shouted, using a battlefield voice. The man's head turned to look at her. "The place where we can leave the river is almost upon us! Narwa, there!" she managed to get a hand free to point at the place.

Their heads turned to look and they nodded. Vana reattached her hand to her barrel and kicked towards shore as hard as she could.
LadyRanger
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: March 18, 2005 05:57
((and now, for a little 'action' *giggles* no actually just a spawny action of my muse, but it ought to be at least slightly entertaining. Yes, I am blabbering nonsense. Is it that bothering? Okay, I'll stop. Maybe we should establish an ooc for ramblings Yeah, I'll really shut up now.))


The barrel clutched tightly between his arms, Andurion looked to where Vana pointed and for a moment a slightly desperate expression crossed his face. Floating with the current of the river had been relatively easy, but swimming against it…?

“Oh great,” he muttered with an angry frown and keeping one arm around the barrel, he started making his way towards the shore, or at least trying to.

The Ranger struggled against the current, muttering foul words under his laboured breath at the barrel that tried to slip from his grasp, at the water that choked him and froze his muscles. He tried not to look at anything but the shore he was supposed to reach, knowing that a split second lapse of strength could be fatal, or at least dangerous. Not for himself, he wasn’t worried about that, but for the precious content of the barrel he guarded. He’d never forgive himself if he let it slip away and Rillan drowned.

The shoreline was still hideously far away; it seemed as if he hadn’t made progress at all. Setting his jaw he tried to swim faster, but feared it would not be enough. By the time he reached the shore, he would have drifted miles away from the others. Frustrated but determined to not to let that happen, he growled and managed to kick even more forcefully against the ever pulling water. It appeared to work, he was getting closer now and a little ahead and beside him he could see the others struggling their way to dry ground. Only, where was-

A sudden jolt and a painful stab in his stomach as something collided with him startled Andy and he cried out in surprise and also fear as he felt his grip on the barrel weakening. He submerged briefly and came back up at the surface, gasping and coughing out the water accidentally taken in instead of air. It took all his strength to keep a hold of the barrel, continue to swim towards the shore and at the same time deal with whatever had crashed into him. A quick observation learned that it was not a thing, but a person - a certain Dwarf. Flailing arms and a lot of splashing was all Andy could see, but it was clear enough a sign to him. He reached under water and grabbed what he thought was Dwimor’s collar, then pulled him up and pushed him a good end towards the others, hoping that one of them had more strength left to help the Dwimor into safety. He didn’t have the breath to speak so he refrained from doing so, making a note to himself to scold the Dwarf later when they were out of this cursed river.
Tasar_Took_Nualda
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: March 22, 2005 07:57
Things had been going just fine. Or rather as fine as they could for a dwarf who was far less than buoyant. Sure he had taken off his boots and weapons, but just his natural mass and his clothes soaked down in water were dragging him ever downward. It seemed so at least to him.

Water... Dwimor would have muttered a good few curses if he had not been so very occupied with keeping his head above the water. He could hear that little dog panting and splashing to one side of him as suddenly everyone was changing directions.

The shore! Finally... the dwarf grasped at the water using all his might to turn himself. Swimming was something he had only done once before out of desperate need and he was not very good at it. The dog with his short legs seemed to be doing far better.

Concentrating all his efforts on getting to that muddy shore and swearing that if he made it he would never take a bath again Dwimor struck something. He tried to shout out but he was suddenly going down to the bottom. He closed his mouth and his eyes and just flailed wildly until suddenly he had gotten himself away from whatever it was.

It was a mighty boost, surely Mahal had seen one of his favored sons in desperation and helped. He spun around in the water, his head somehow ending up under him for awhile. His ears popped and the water came spilling into them... something that would plague Dwimor for days after. He paddled and kicked desperately until he hit resistance and then he kept at it.

Then he felt it the pressure of little clawed feet on his back. Alasse was quite grateful for the dwarven ramp-way so he did not need to muddy his paws getting to the grass on the bank. There the little white dog shook off and waited for the others to get out of the water.

Nasseo might have under other circumstances found the happenings with the man and the dwarf amusing. At the moment however all the elf wanted was to get the barrel with Rosie in it out of the water. He could feel it was losing its buoyancy which could only mean there was a leak. He had found himself becoming quite attached to both Rosie and Abbannalis.

He glanced over to make sure Oneth was doing well, which of course as he fully expected she seemed to be. It was more than her beauty which had captured his heart he knew that. The red haired elf kicked his legs directing himself and the barrel to the shore where hopefully they would find their supplies reasonably dry and get a fire going to warm those who needed it.
Vanalosswen
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: March 24, 2005 10:04
Vana was the first of the bigger people to make it to shore. She had done this several times before and knew how to play the river, even as swollen as it was. Rolling Willow's barrel up the embankment, Vana sat beside it for a moment to catch her breath. Once she didn't feel completely like a drowned rat, she opened the barrel and let Willow out. The hobbit looked well enough, if a bit more bruised than when she had gone in.

Vana looked back at the river and smiled slightly. The others weren't faring quite so well, though all were doing better than she had expected. Her eyes caught on the barrel Narwa was pushing and she frowned. That was the barrel with Rosie in it, and it was riding far lower in the water than it should have, no matter how dense a hobbit was. Without a second thought, the already sopping princess abandoned the shore and struck out for Narwa. She pulled level with him and added her strength to his to get Rosie out of the water as soon as possible.
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: March 25, 2005 05:16
At last, with a tired grunt, Andurion lifted his barrel onto the shore and then climbed out of the river himself. With a slight smirk he reached out and hauled Dwimor next to him out of the water by his arm, then left him to take care of himself. The Ranger knelt down next to the barrel and tried to open it to let Rillan out, which was harder than he had expected since his fingers were numb from the cold and his hands shaking. But with some help from Willow the barrel was finally opened and Rillan let out.

Seeing that both hobbits weren't in immediate need of care right now, Andy sat down heavily and pulled his knees up slightly to rest his arms on them and his head on his arms. They'd have to set up a camp quickly to dry, warm up and rest, he knew, and he would help in doing so, but while the others were busy getting themselves out of the river, the Ranger deemed he could permit himself some time to catch up on the breath missed since jumping into the river at King Thranduil's Halls.

He lifted his head and cradled his hands together in his lap, rubbing them across each other to get the blood running again. While doing so he gazed around at the others, looking quite tired and sick of it all, but he was prepared to jump into action should he see any situation that called for help.
Sillende
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: April 18, 2005 09:40
((sorry I've been gone again. I had to catch up on my school work..um I don't know what barrel Ben was in...I';m guessing mine my fault for not being able to figure it out))

Oneth directed herself towards shore. She had been able to handle having to swim in the river quite well. She saw Narwa glance over at her. most likely checking to see if she was all right. She smiled slightly and he turned around.

It wasn't long before she got to shore and brought her barrel gently away from the water's reach. She laid it gently on it's side so it would be easier for ben to get out and opened it though it was not easy at first.

Ben crawled out, seemingly all right and grateful to be out of the dark, wet barrel.
Tasar_Took_Nualda
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: April 19, 2005 06:35
Narwa pulled Rosie from the barrel and sighed, "We will get you a fire started quickly. I do hope that besides your being drenched that your ankle fares well." he set her down gently on the grass and turned to look at the forest beyond the small clearing at the river.

The elf gave Dwimor a thump on the back of his shoulder and said, "Come let us get some wood, these little ones need warming." In truth it looked as though the dwarf could use it as well but if he knew anything about the dwarven folk, they would never admit they needed any more comfort than solid stone could provide. So with only a small amount of grumbling and groaning Dwimor was up and grabbed his axe from the barrel he had put it in and followed after the red haired elf, the dog close at his heels as well.

They moved with what haste they could, the Hobbits setting up camp in the eaves of the forest, pulling ropes as lines to dry what was wet and setting aside everything that was not. Even freezing cold and shivering from the damp clothes on their skins the four Halflings were very concerned about their store of food.

Once the camp was set and the fire alight Narwa addressed Vanalosswen, "I recognize that you might not approve of our actions, but allow me to explain." And he did and thoroughly. He played a great deal upon how the she- elf must have known well her father and what he was and was not willing to do. He also reminded her that the stone had been set to be found by _his_ brother so one day there could be hope of someone opening the library and the chamber beyond and destroying the Grauk.

"We did not steal it out right, or friend ally and companion here Dwimor made another ring, of fine craftsmanship and beauty as a replacement. Beyond that it may be but temporary..." He paused and looked to Andurion who still had the ring with the stone in it, "We will give to you the setting once the stone is loosed and if it is at all possible aftewards you may have the stone back and reset it."
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: April 20, 2005 12:55
Vana sat beside the fire as Narwa spoke, wringing out her long hair and listening intently. She could sense his attempts to rationalize what he had done, and her fury at the theft of the ring was redoubled by how he was trying to manipulate her. When he had finished, she rose and began pacing slowly.

"Understand this, Narwa," she said finally, turning to face the red haired elf. "Had it been a simple matter of taking a ring, any ring, I think Ada would have forgiven it eventually. He loves jewels, but not more than people. However, two things make this a bit complex." Water dripped from her clothes as she moved forward to look the other elf in the eye. "One, I was involved. Perhaps Ada thinks I was used as a means to make sure you would not be stopped, I do not know. I have a hard time with how Ada thinks. Two, that ring is the edsiria." She looked around the circle of faces and saw only puzzlement. She sighed. "I am not overly surprised you do not know this. There are perhaps four who do. Nana did, Legolas, Ada, and I know."

She sat down and crossed her legs at the ankle. "I mentioned that the ring was an heirloom of Greenwood," she said quietly. "I did not mention who made it. The Elven-smiths of Eregion, the ones who made the Ruling Rings, made it. It was one of their very first essays into rings of power, and has no power in itself. However, when there is power already in someone, it works as a, a..." she groped for words. "A focusing lens, I suppose. It takes the power inside someone and makes it stronger by narrowing it. It helps Ada control the power of the magic gates and protect the Northern Kingdom. It is not merely sentimental value that makes it important."

The princess sat in deep thought for a moment, her chin on her fist. "It would make me feel much better if I were the one carrying it," she said at last. "I will not run away with it, I swear to you. This quest is important enough to keep me at it. But I do not want the consequences of it being lost to fall on anyone but myself. Ada cannot execute his daughter." Her gaze swept over the hobbits, Oneth, Andurion and back to Narwa. She didn't want any of them killed for this.
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: April 21, 2005 02:24
While Vanalosswen was speaking Andurion fished the ring in question from underneath his shirt and untied the cord that held it around his neck. He let the jewel slide off the cord into his hand and observed it with mild interest. It was a finely crafted thing, he had to admit, but the style was not his taste. Very fitting for a haughty King to wear this, he thought, this jewel so obviously Elvish.

When Vana had finished speaking Andy looked up at her, his eyes showing clearly he did not agree with her. "First of all," he began in an already very definite voice, "it is because of us three," he glanced at Narwa and Dwimor, "that this ring is no longer in your father's possession. Second, he didn't like me in the first place so it is likely he'll be out for my head just because of this theft; another more reason for him to kill me makes no difference to the result." He grinned, showing he had entirely no worries that the Elven King might indeed catch him. "Oh and third: I won't lose it."

He closed his fingers around the ring, very much intent on carrying it himself. Not because of its power - on the contrary, the knowledge of that prevented him from even trying to see if it fitted on one of his fingers - but simply because he knew that if they ever met again, Thranduil would not be nice to him anyway, no matter if he carried the ring or not. He could lie, he could tell the truth, it was doubtful the Elven King would believe either, the Ranger told himself with in inward sneer.
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: April 27, 2005 01:53
((This is why Miss Rosie should not be allowed to do other things...she forgets (albiet temporarily) about things like this. Gah.))


Rosie and Ben shared a blanket, still shivering slightly from the wet.

"Do you think King Thranduil will be very mad?" Ben whispered into Rosie's ear. Rosie nodded.

"Very mad. I hope he doesn't come after us. And that we can return the ring eventually." she sighed and massaged her ankle gently. Ben frowned.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine." Rosie answered quickly and put her foot down. "Just a little stiff, that's all."


((...wow, that was completely and utterly pointless...))
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: April 29, 2005 03:26
Vana rested her chin on her drawn knees, looking across the fire at Andurion. "I think you are being unduly foolish," she said after a silent moment. "But, as you say, it is because of you three that it is here now. And I suppose it is more needed here than in Eryn Lasgalen. I bid you to be very careful with it, and when the stone is removed I would like to be the one to carry the setting, as Narwa promised."

With that, she stood up and collected her bag from the small stack. She disappeared with it into the woods and climbed a tree for some privacy to change her sopping wet clothes. An elf couldn't catch cold, as such, but wet clothes at night was always uncomfortable. Besides that, she needed a moment to collect her temper. Humans could be so stubborn! Why did Andurion insist on putting himself and everyone else in such danger? Vana, as Thranduil's daughter, knew better than anyone else that he could not allow the theft of his ring to pass lightly. He would have everyone out looking for them. 'We cannot stay here,' she thought. 'The light of the fire will draw them, if nothing else does.'

In dry clothes, she dropped out of the tree and headed noiselessly back for the fire. "Rosie, do you still carry the key?" she asked, crouching beside the shivering hobbit and wrapping her cloak around both Ben and Rosie. "Which way is it pointing now?"
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: May 03, 2005 09:31
The four Hobbits had huddled all together, getting dry and changed and finding their hearts which had somehow pounded away with their stomachs in the bouncing and tossing of the river. They changed quickly and efficiently (though crampedly) under the blankets in turn.

To Willow this was a far worse situation than being captured by Goblins had been. Elves angry with them... what a thing. Alasse had at first flopped down by the fire and dried and rested but he was now walking in an uneasy circle around the perimeter of their little camp. The Hobbit figured they'd have to be moving soon.

"If we were just going to give it back then why could we not just have asked the king?" Rillan grumbled, being the first of the little ones to really start feeling the stress of the situation. He was probably the most practical minded of the four and he realized, and no mistakes about it that they were in a whole hill of trouble. Even if they escaped the elves getting _out_ of the forest (which he assumed there were now going to do, was there a way to get _home_ without coming through the forest again? Especially if they were to return this ring, which he hoped in the end Vanalosswen could be handed it and that they did not have to return it together.

Rillan for one did not appreciate being associated with the stealing of anything. And here he was surrounded by it. For as he saw it all these nice supplies they had and even the barrels they had gotten away in were in fact stolen. Once he was dry he wandered around the little camp frowning a good deal and packing things back up, "I assume we cannot stay here for long." he grumbled more than a little out of sorts when asked why he did not rest for awhile.

It was not long after he started organizing things that Vana (because we will assume she approached the appropriate Hobbit ) came up and asked Willow if she still held the key, "Yes..." she reached down into her shirt and brought up the fine silver chain that held the pendant dangling upon it. However when she held it out on the palm of her hand the star simply blinked and then pointed most definitely to Andurion.

"Hmm..." Willow rose slowly and walked over to the young man. Once the stone on the ring was close enough to the key pendant it flashed again and Narwa joined the little huddle of Hobbit and Dunadan.

"It points to the south and west." the elf said with a small note of despair tainting his voice, "We are going to have to turn and go back deeper into this forest."

Rillan came up quickly, "No oh no, what do you mean deeper into the forest? With that elf king here and this being his territory so to speak we are going to go _back_ past where he lives and south deeper into the forest?"

Willow put a hand upon her husband's shoulder and kissed his cheek, "I wish we could just go home." she said quietly, "I do not know what I was thinking to ever wish an adventure upon myself."
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: May 14, 2005 09:12
Andurion kept his eyes on the pendant, a deep frown marring his face. Back into the forest... the thought alone made his stomach turn. Not so much for the fact that the longer they stayed here the more likely they were to run into angry Elves, but something else. The forest itself, maybe, the dark creatures that lived here. He suppressed a shudder, thinking about the spiders they had met on the mountain just before Rosie had joined them. He would give anything to avoid the Hobbits having to go through that again.

The young Ranger sighed and turned away from the others, not feeling up to talking any more right now. He lay down on his side next to the fire, staring into it. He was tired but the brief discussion with Vanalosswen had left a restlessness in his body that made it difficult for him to relax and think of something else. Stubbornly his mind insisted that if anyone was going to be in trouble it would be him anyway, he might as well take the full blame for everything. He knew from himself that it would take a lot to bring him from this thought.

He rested his head on his arms and watched the flames, letting everyone else around him do the talking. He had said enough for now, and there was little doubt their next path would be to follow the new direction the pendant showed. Everything was decided, everything but when they would set off again. Until that time, he wanted some rest to clear his mind and focus again on what they would come to face on the rest of their journey.
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: May 17, 2005 09:15
Oneth sat silently by the fireside. The flames had mostly dried her by now and there was hardly a breeze so she easily kept warm as the other spoke to one another. She did not feel her opinion was needed in their discussion, she felt they did what they had to do.

"Perhaps we should all get some rest and decide what we should do in the morning,"Oneth suggested.
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: June 21, 2005 09:11
((don't make me grab my Holy Halibut to smack you all awake again...))


"Perhaps we should all get some rest and decide what we should do in the morning."

Andurion was more than tempted to agree with Oneth's words, but even as she said it he felt a shiver travel down his spine. It was as if she were speaking their very doom. He rolled over to face her and the others again. "We can't wait till the morning," he said with a resolute shake of his head. He pulled his legs under him, sitting up. "In fact," he continued, glancing around him, feeling the threat of pursuing Mirkwood Elves increasing with the second, "I think we've lingered too long already. Thranduil will be searching for us with all his might. He'll know by now we've escaped through the river - they'll find us for sure if we stay here. And there's no point in staying, we know where to go: where the pendant points."

He stood up, suddenly anxious to get moving again. His heart was telling him they could waste no time and he trusted on that to be right. His sixth sense had saved his life and that of others many times before. Shadows threatened to intrude his vision but he quickly dispelled them, fixing his gaze on his companions. Almost unconsciously his hand came to rest on the hilt of his sword.
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: June 22, 2005 04:40
Rillan was inclined to side with Andurion, "Yes," he nodded, "I would feel much better if we set out. Danger before us danger behind us... that seems the way of things right now." the much rounder for his stay in Thranduil's halls Hobbit walked over to the bank of the rive and started pushing the barrels back into the water.

Dwimor came over and helped him, though he wondered if truly that would put any of the wood elves off their track who were looking for them. Probably not but it was worth the bit of effort to shove them all back in and send them on their way down stream. "Aye I agree, lets be pakcing up and on our way." he grumbled lowly, "And ever we come to a river again, let us find ourselves a bridge... or at least a boat!" he decided that water was not a thing he got on well with in large amounts.

Willow started gathering packs her stomach letting out a small grumble as it had grown accustomed to again having second breakfast... though she was certain the time was well past elevensies by now. She looked at Rosie and Ben, who looked so happy together even out here in a dark wood and headed to where it was but darker still. She felt such guilt at having drawn them into this, though at any point she tried to express how she felt responsible for their wellbeing she was only rebuffed and told it was not her fault.

The Hobbit lass handed Rillan a pack and smiled at him when he stood up on his toes and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Let us get going then." he said and whistled Alasse to come, "I suppose we ought to do more than simply stamp that fire out. Should we cover it with mud or something to maybe hide it?" he asked of Padfoot.
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: July 04, 2005 09:08
A smirk crossed Andurion's face. "If you want to keep those Elves on the wrong track," he said, "aye, covering it would be a good idea." He knelt down and helped Rillan extinguish the fire and then cover its remains as well as he could.

That done he stood up and looked around. Everyone had packed their things by now and stood ready to go, but their campsite, despite the now near invisible campfire leftovers, was still a mess. It was too obvious they had been here, and certainly Thranduil's men... elves... would notice this with their keen eyes. He pursed his lips. "Go ahead, all of you," he said to the others. "I'll... clean this up and then follow after."
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: July 06, 2005 03:33
"Now Andurion," Rillan said sticking his thumbs in his vest and managed quite well to look down on the tall young ranger standing above him, "have you forgotten you have that ring? I do not think you ought to be traipsing around on your own." Had the Halfling a mirror he might have thought himself to look a bit ridiculous. His brown curls were an awful mess from the barrel ride and his hands though he had wiped them dry (on the legs of his breeches) still bore clearly a good amount of dried mud as well as a couple of smudges on his round face.

"I can walk silent as any of you and quick as well despite this." and he tapped his belly which thanks to the Elves hospitality had grown round again. "I do not like the idea of you going about alone. Not safe."

Abannalis frowned deeply. That was the sort of adventure _he_ should be going on. Not his proper and stiff younger brother. But there was Rosie... He looked over at her and unasked for a smile brightened his features. She was such a fine lass even, or maybe especially, again dirtied by the rigors of travel. There was her ankle to think about. Mended it seemed but she'd not been traveling hard upon it yet.

No, Ben realized, it was his responsibility to stay with his Rosie-lass and make sure she was taken care of. Such a switch he thought his smile turning wry for a moment before he leaned in and gave his bride a kiss on the cheek. Him taking responsibility seriously and Rillan coming out and being bold.

Although his more portly brother would say that nothing had changed for himself. He was watching out for Andurion. They all had the responsibility to be watching out for each other out here. So Rillan stood fast his blue eyes reflecting the fact that 'no' was not an option.

[Edited on 7/6/2005 by Tasar_Took_Nualda]
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: July 09, 2005 02:45
((okay, just getting the group on the move. We have a dark fortress to reach before the end of the age! ))


Andurion looked down at Rillan in utter bewilderment. He blinked once, twice, his expression turning thoughtful first, then somewhat amused. He crossed his arms in front of his chest and smiled at the round little fellow who was concerned about him, a Ranger, being on his own. And there was no arguing with the steadfast Hobbit, his eyes showed as much. Should he be flattered now or insulted? “Fine,” Andy said eventually, “you stay with me. The others;” he looked up at them, “go ahead, we’ll catch up soon.”

Andy watched the group set off into the forest and waited until they were out of sight before heading up to the river. He glanced upstream, relieved and satisfied to see only the cold rushing water. He stepped back and began erasing the trails the rolling barrels had left in the mud. “You know, Rillan,” he said without looking around to the Hobbit, “you really shouldn’t worry about me. If there is anything a Ranger is trained for it’s fending for themselves.”
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: July 14, 2005 03:25
Rillan watched carefully the things that Andurion did to cover their tracks and as he could helped. “You know, Rillan,” he said without looking around to the Hobbit, “you really shouldn’t worry about me. If there is anything a Ranger is trained for it’s fending for themselves.”

"Ah yes that would be why there are so many of you out and about?" The Hobbit said although there was just this glimpse of humor in his blue eyes when he glanced up at the young man.

"I do not think I would say you are anything but capable, Padfoot." Rillan went on using the Ranger's alias as apposed to his true name. "Just that things can happen to the best of people and there is that ring to be looked after. Its important and should anything at all happen that the ring would be nigh on impossible to get back."

The others were moving along very neatly through the forest as in this part Vanalosswen was very familiar. Though to the untrained eyes of the Hobbits they seemed to be weaving aimlessly through the trees, Narwa could see clearly the princess was taking them down along patrol routes. A clever thing to walk down well trodden paths to try and hide their direction.

The red haired elf frowned his fair face clouded with worry and yes, it would be difficult not to admit, fear as he took up the rear of the group behind Dwimmor. He could feel the panic rising in him but he pushed it back. Ahead of him in the dim light of the thick forest he could see Oneth's golden hair shining, not in need of sunlight to do such.

If he looked to her and the brightness she caused to bloom in his heart Narwa thought he could stand it. He had never looked upon another with such awe as he did her. It opened up to him a whole new range of feelings that he had buried deep within him to forget these long years. As he trotted down the track (as with the three Halflings and Dwarf there was really no _running_) there was a definite lifting of the elf's spirits.
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: July 14, 2005 11:30
((finally back))

Oneth followed Vana, knowing that she knew her way and it was actually paths that they were being led on. Her keen eyes making out the trail even in the shadows of the forest. To those who could not see the paths would surely be lost by now with out a guide.

She felt more at ease now that they were on the move though she had been the on to suggest that they rest till morning. She hoped that Rillan and Andurion would be all right though she knew that they would be. It was still odd for her to be among a such a number of people though it may not have been so large when seen by others' eyes.

Oneth felt eyes on her and she turned to see Narwa at the rear. A soft smile touched her face before she turned around again. Though their conversations were few as of course there was other business to attend to, his presence was all she needed.

Their journey went on.
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: August 01, 2005 10:49
((gaah, Musebrains fried))

Andurion paused briefly to glance at Rillan. He did not reply to the Hobbit in words but merely tipped his head in the suggestion that he would agree. After that the Ranger continued his work in complete silence. Twice he halted and stood upright, his head tipped sideways, listening to something he thought he had heard. Twice he shook his head and silently cursed his agitation. There was no way the Elves could be this close behind them this fast.

When all was done and no traces of their being there remained, the Ranger gave a satisfied nod and after briefly making eye contact with Rillan he started off down the path the others had taken, trusting the young Hobbit would follow. He started at a fairly slow pace, looking from left to right intently to make sure he was following the right trail, but soon he quickened to a near run, as fast as he could go while still able to spot the marks he had to follow. Despite barely hearing him, Andy felt Rillan’s presence behind him and he was glad; he didn’t have to look over his shoulder constantly but could keep his eyes on the path they followed.
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: November 20, 2005 03:47
((Not too late for me to rejoin? Oh, good. Then allow me to hop back in...))

Against her will, Vana had left the ranger behind with the young hobbit. Oh, it wasn't that she doubted that they needed to cover their tracks; that was absolutely needed and she was kicking herself for not thinking of that herself. But to leave the young human and the younger hobbit behind...Mirkwood was dangerous at night, even to someone who knew it well.

But what other choice did they have? She needed to lead the group, as she knew the area the best, and the tracks did need to be covered. So they'd done just that. Vana's senses were craned for any sound of the two loose members of their party and for any hint that the border patrols were about.

Pausing, Vana lifted a hand slightly. A patrol was approaching. "Take cover," she whispered, indicating a small recess close to the base of a tree. She made sure that the hobbits, at least, were hidden and covered before she took shelter beneath a tangle of bushes, covering her bright hair with her cloak.
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: December 11, 2005 06:10
Everyone seemed to be worrying, no doubt about Andurion and Rillain. Perhaps it was best for them to worry, no one would speak if their thoughts were in another place. Indeed this was Oneth although she was still alert and saw the lifting of Vana's hand.

"Take cover," she whispered, indicating a small recess close to the base of a tree.

The hobbits were hidden swiftly and very well before any of the others took to their hiding places. Oneth kneeled down not to far from the path but close enough as to not be too separated. She remained behind the tangled bushes and two trees very close together.

She could hear the soft footfalls approaching. It was the patrol, that was one thing the ranger would also have to careful about let alone the spiders and other beasts of the forest.

Oneth could see them now, rounding a corner. It seemed as if they would walk right past them. 'This can not be that easy,'she found herself thinking.

Their disappearance would be known by now of course, the escape had not been all that clean.
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: January 07, 2006 12:41
Andurion and Rillan hadn’t been behind on the others all that far and they had made good speed trying to catch up. The Ranger knew he should catch sight of the group soon enough, and when he saw a flash of movement ahead he let out a relieved sigh. Not a step further ahead his relief changed to an abrupt halt in his heartbeat, as well as his feet. He froze on the spot, then turned around to catch Rillan as the Hobbit very nearly ran into him. Not wasting time with explanations Andy lifted the baffled Took up from the ground and practically dived into the foliage beside the path. It only made the slightest of disturbances, but the Ranger knew it could be enough to alert the keen ears of the Elven patrol he’d seen coming their way. Even if hidden they were not necessarily safe. He let go of Rillan and slowly led him crawling further away from the path, until the point came where the growth was too thick to get trough silently enough. He crouched down low in front of Rillan, so if the Elves found them it was him they’d see first. He thought about telling the Hobbit to crawl further away but quickly dismissed that thought. The forest was too dangerous to risk getting lost, and besides, he smirked inwardly, Rillan wouldn’t agree to leave him alone anyway. In a tense silence he waited, listening closely and praying the others had been able to hide in time as well.
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: February 11, 2006 04:10
Vana watched, her breath baited, as the patrol began to pass the hiding place. She could hear her heart racing in her ears, and she took slow, deep breaths to try and calm down a little. It was tricky; she knew everyone in the patrol that she could see, and she knew all of them were always alert during patrols. And now she could hear some of them talking quietly about the escaped group, speculating on the fact that they'd managed to get out and how they found the other way to leave.

Then the leader, just past the escapee's hiding place, stopped and pulled his troops to a halt as well. "Look," he said softly, kneeling beside the tracks Andurion and Rillan hadn't managed to get. "Someone else is here."

Vana's heart nearly stopped as she mentally raced through her options. Grabbing Oneth's arm--the other female elf was the closest to the princess--she whispered softly, "Tell Padfoot that I'll rejoin you after I've drawn them away."

Without waiting for a response, she shifted her body and dove out of the underbrush close enough to the patrol to be noticed immediately, but far enough away so they couldn't grab her. Shouting gibberish in Dwarvish, she raced in a direction away from all of the group.

Surprised shouts echoed behind her as the patrol took up the chase. 'Good,' she thought. 'Now just to stay ahead of them!' It shouldn't be too hard, she reasoned; she'd grown up in those woods. She just needed to keep them on the chase long enough so her group could get a long way from the current hiding place, then she'd lose the pursuit and find them again. Her legs pumped and her fists blurred by her sides as she raced away from the patrol.
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: February 23, 2006 10:44
It was the most foul thing his ears had ever heard... and elf shouting some nonsense in his native language. that was what Dwimor thought, scowling as Vanalosswen raced off. "An abomination." He grumbled testily. Forests were not his favorite of places to begin with, but down on the damp ground in this tree choked place hearing a travesty done to his beautiful language was just too much to bear.

"The princess and I will have words about that you can be sure of it." He said with a deep frown as he stood and helped Rosie to her feet near him. And running- - why must they run when they had their scape goat off redirecting that Elven patrol. He huffed and sighed, "Mahal curse every standing forest and the elves that dwell in them." He mumbled testily as he lumbered onward.
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: February 26, 2006 06:39
Oneth was nodded silently, she was unable to do anything as Vana ran off in the opposite direction. She wodnered what Dwimo thought of this as the elleth began to shout in dwarvish and Oneth was sure she did not know what she was saying, nor did she for that matter.

"We need to leave,"Oneth voiced aloud though of course everyone knew that was the plan. Vana did know her way through the forest though and she was quick. Oneth could only hope Vana would escape and returnto them later.

The group minus one since Vana ran began to move away from their hiding place, going as swiftly and as silently as they could. The shouting of Vana was becoming more distant now even to elven ears.
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Post RE: The Journey of Willow Undertree or Jewels of the Avari
on: February 26, 2006 10:04
Andurion had crouched down low when one of the Mirkwood Elves knelt close to their hiding place, he had shut his eyes and held his breath, fearing every second to be his last. His mind all set on the expected threatening male voice, it took the young ranger a moment to realise that what he heard was not doom, but salvation. Someone was luring the patrol away and he did not need to think twice on that someone's identity. He turned to Rillan and grabbed the Hobbit's arm, helping him up. "Come quickly," he breathed as he pushed himself a way through the tangles of bush back to the path. "We're right behind the others now."

Out of breath and still shaken from their near-discovery, Andy could finally get them to catch up with the rest of the group. He silently joined the line, not willing to waste breath on pointless talking. But at last he had to admit, much to his frustration, that he needed a moment of rest. Just a moment to calm his racing heart and to clear the lump in his throat that was suffocating him. Setting his jaw he managed to speed up his pace a bit, only barely avoiding a spectacular fall over a fallen branch on his path as he came up next to Narwa. "Narwa," he began in a hoarse voice, then coughed and tried again. "Narwa, I don't know how much further you plan to go, but it'd better not be too far. Vana's the only one who knows the way 'round here, we've got to let her catch up." He paused a minute to breathe. "Besides - I think some of us could do with a brief pause, while we can."
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