Arbogast returned to his home to find that, though it had suffered fire, it still stood along with the bounty of his snares and furs. The days passed in toil, as the woodman either aided in the clean up of the Black Tarn, or spent his days on the hunt for any sign of where the raiders had come. The only thing for certain was that their trail led south and west and that gave the young man foreboding, for Mogdred and his clan were in that direction. Arbogast had supported the son of Ingomer in the Moot four years past. Had he been wrong to do so?
Though they had been sad days due to the loss, it had been a happy time, too, for the Fire-watcher. When the battle had ended and the fire at last contained, Arbogast had moved through the village in search of the woman who had claim to his heart. Fear had filled him as the hour lengthened and Lindwine could not be found, but at last she was there. Ash and soot covered her face and hair, and a dark line of blood ran from her forehead, but she was alive and well. He took her in his arms and lifted her, spinning her about as he did, his laughter and joy causing her to smile. It was at that moment that Arbogast knew that all would be well in his world - he would make it so.
The week passed.
Pushing a pile of ash and burnt timber into a pit, with spade in hand, Arbogast did not notice the approach of Amaleoda. The leader of the Black Tarn had just returned from another scouting mission. She spoke, causing the young man to turn, "Arbogast, you are well?"
"As can be," he replied. Truly he had not suffered grievous harm, but their people had and he carried that weight as if his own. "It will be some time before the wall is mended and the buildings rebuilt...but we are still here." He gave Amaleoda a grim smile.
"Agreed, we are still here. I bring word for you...your presence has been requested in Rhosgobel. I know not why, so do not ask, only that word came by raven whils't I was on scouting duty."
"But there is too much to do here," began Arbogast, but he was cut off by his leader. "And it shall be done. It is well-known among our people about your relationship with the Mage of Rhosgobel, you serve us better by answering this summons. For certain, whatever Radagast needs you for it is more important than you cleaning up burnt ash. If by your hands, through his machinations, you can make our lands safer, than that is far better than any wooden wall."
"What did you find in your scout?" asked the Fire-watcher, changing the subject. "Did the trail continue south?"
"It did. If it is the men of Tyrant's Hill that plague us, than we at least now know their sigil."
Arbogast thought of the black shields painted with a blood red disc. The sigil would damn someone soon, and they would at last know who was constantly bringing ruin to their efforts.
"Very well," he sighed in resignation. "I will gather my things and go. I will take advantage of as much of this day's sunshine that I can." Amaleoda nodded, "Fare the well, Fire-watcher. Hopefully the wizard will help guide us to good fortune."
Her words made Arbogast cringe inside. The last path that Radagast had led them had not been to good fortune.
Rorin watched as the entourage of East Bight men left the common hall of Rhosgobel and made their way to the tents that they had set about the villages periphery. He scratched at his beard and wondered where he would come up with enough steel and gold to create this gilded treasure that Ceawin had come to request. He was honoured that it was he that they had retained to create such an item, but he wondered at its purpose.
Bandy drew from his pipe, the Hobbit standing close behind the Dwarf, "The payment is quite high - they must be requiring a grand token indeed." Rorin nodded. For the money he was given, he would be able to provide an heirloom that would befit a king.
There was a stir at the gates of the village. The two turned to see Grimbeorn and Esgalwen laughing loudly and clapping another on the back - it was Arbogast. The Woodman had answered their call.
"I wish only that I had better news," he says to his two companions in response to their questions. He still shows the signs of his recent injuries, and the smell of smoke lingers on his unwashed clothes. "The Red Moon raiders struck my home, and inflicted much harm before they were driven off."
He begins to walk purposefully in the direction of the wizard's copse. "Tell me, where is Radaghast? For I have been bidden to seek him out."
:ooc: How long has Grimbeorn been at Rhosgobel at this point?
:ooc: It has been nine days since the end of the Black Tarn raid, and Grimbeorn was arriving in Rhosgobel on the morning of the attack.
"As have we all. It seems dark tidings follows us back to Rhosgobel," says Grimbeorn.
Grim were the faces of the companions due to the Beorning's words and Arbogast's news - most of all, Bandobras Bracegirdle, who had spent time among the people of the Black Tarn as well.
The Hobbit answered for the group before any other could, "Radagast has not been seen for maybe two months. The wizard seems to come and go with the wind."
Bandy's words did not help to ease the Woodman's ire, for he had walked the last two days due to a message from Rhosgobel. It was Esgalwen who spoke next, "Come Arbogast, it is evident that you have had little rest since the raiders attacked. Come, we shall sit and break bread and drink ale and share our tales since last we saw one another. There is much I need tell and based on the activities here in town, there is much that Rorin and Bandy have to say. Grimbeorn as always has been quiet to himself." She smiled at the Beorning, but he only glared back.
The friends walked to the center of the village where a fire ring crackled and log seats encircled. Over the fire hissed and popped a large swine that had been spitted the night before. Pulling her dagger, Esgalwen cut a large hunk of the cooked pork free and then plated it along with some stewed vegetables from a cookpot. As she did her task, Bandy saw about filling five flagons which Rorin helped carry to their table. They gathered about and began to eat and talk - some of the news was good, but much was dark and shadowed.
Rorin told his tale of the entourage that had come into Rhosgobel four nights past - it was Ceawin of Sunstead. The East Bight folk had come due to their lands being plagued by fell-spirits. It seemed that their ancestral burying mounds were no longer keeping the dead, and that Sunstead was now haunted by these undead bodies. Ceawin had come seeking a craftsman to wrought them a gift to appease the dead. He had thought of going north to Dale and Erebor, but the ties that bind these men now to the Woodmen of Mirkwood brought them west instead.
"Fortunately, they found of Dwarf of no mean skill," smiled Rorin. "So they retained me to create this gift to their dead fathers - a helm of gold and steel. Unfortunately, the materials to make such a treasure only pass through Rhosgobel when a merchant comes, and I can say that the price is never cheap. So, I intend to go to where the materials are, purchase them, and then bring them back here. I am hoping that my good friends here will accompany me on my journey to make the task a bit easier." The Dwarf gave a wink and a smile.
Arbogast was baffled - he had been drawn from his damaged home for this? He was about to speak when a new voice entered the conversation. The companions all turned in surprise to see Radagast there, as if he had been all along.
"Your trek will take you north and west to Mountain Hall - along that way you will need do a task for me."
None of the companions liked the sound of that...
:ooc: RP among yourselves ;D
"Radagast, what does this all mean? We all heard or encountered queer and evil tidings since we've been here last," said Grimbeorn. "And why 'appease' spirits instead of banishing them?"
Rorin too was curious to hear the Wizards answer to Grimbeorn's questions. He had no knowledge of spirits or magic and knew not how this artifact he was to make would help with such things.
To Arbogast he said, "I assure you friend, that it was not I who summoned you all this way. While I will always welcome your company, you have more pressing matters than going on an extended errand with me. I wish that I had been by your side in your time of need. Let us complete this Wizard's task with haste so that we may all go help to rebuild your beloved home."
Esgalwen looked with concern around the table of her friends. While she had found some healing and secured a major victory during her time away, it appeared Grimbeorn and Arbogast had met trouble and hardship. And now another task from the Wizard, she thought to herself. The journey with Rorin had sounded pleasant enough, but Radagast's surprise visit darkened the idea some.
"Yes, Radagast, please speak! Tell us plainly what you need done. And tell us of what you have seen and heard these last few months, for you have been travelling with the wind it has been said, and all know that you have eyes and ears in far off places."
Radagast looked at Grimbeorn, "Ah...do not confuse yourself that this is my judgment at work. Ceawin has come with this request and has concocted this fool plan. He will not listen to reason and plans to see it through. It is his belief that he can lay the spirits of his fathers to rest with a token of respect. And so, he will try. As for my task that is needed, it is even more simple - the daughter of Vingal of Sunstead has traveled with Ceawin and his folk. She has been betrothed to one of your kin, Arbogast, from the Woodland Hall. I merely need you to escort the young lady there, as you will be heading north anyway to travel to Mountain Hall."
"Indeed? The clans of Woodland Hall are noble folk (except for Fridumar, of course). Might I ask who is to be the fortunate groom?"
Arbogast welcomes the opportunity to lay down his burdens for a time and talk of lighter matters. It will be good to see Wuduseld again, and learn how my cousins fare. I wonder if we can stop off at Woodmen-Town and seek news of Lafdag? And then across the river to Mountain Hall, further away from Mirkwood than I have ever ventured before!
"Spiders again multiplying more than ever before, whispers of nameless fell creatures abiding in Mirkwood, fierce tribes that seem to be consorting with orcs, along with tales of a creature stealing livestock and babies from cradles... And we're to be a wedding escort?" Grimbeorn asks almost incredulous. "What is being for the care and protection of those in and near this great wood?"
"What you see as a distraction may in fact be the greater battle, my friend. There will be spiders and other fell things in Mirkwood until world's end. So will some men raid others when they believe themselves to be stronger and more deserving.
But the Shadow will not be defeated by slaying dark creatures and evil men, though we might fought to the last drop of blood. It is through life, not death, that it will meet its doom. The marriage of one of Caewin's kin into the house of Woodland Hall will be an occasion for great celebration, and a reminder to all that better things than bloodshed may yet take place under the sea of leaves."
He leans in towards the fire pit, his expression mock-serious. "Not to mention that such things bind the houses of the Woodmen closer together, granting a strength of which you will be glad the next time an army of Orcs comes down from the mountains!"
"Arbogast speaks true," Esgalwen admitted. "Further uniting the clans would be a boon for such a time."
Turning her attention back to Radagast, she probed further though, "That said, Master Radagast, why us? Are the roads so hostile to travel that a troop of warriors could not escort the bride-to-be? Is there more you have yet to tell us? Begging your pardon, but you have not spoken yet of what you news you have heard these past months, nor where you have been. A wizard's business is surely his own, but is there more you can share with us to help us along our way?"
Bandy sat up with interest, "We head north? I have desired to travel north for some time now. I have heard that folk from my country have an inn and I would very much like to see it. To share in Hobbit tales and to enjoy a good Hobbit meal would do me good."
Radagast dismissed the small Bandy for the moment and looked to Esgalwen's question, "Why you? Why not you? You are traveling north and it would kill two birds with one stone, so to speak...though I do not care to see any bird killed." The wizard chuckled at his own joke. "As for news, what can I tell you? The world is now awash with fear due to the emergence of Sauron in Mordor. I could just as soon ask you what news, as you have been south to Gondor and have seen the efffects of the Dark Lord's return.
"No matter," sighed Radagast, "This is an easy task for you, no frightful journey as before. I suggest maybe you should go to the Hobbit inn, any and all news from the surrounding lands would be of great use."
:ooc: would there be a map as to where we are supposed to go? I am unfamiliar with the place references.
"Well then," says Arbogast, "we ought to begin our journey as soon as we can, for I would be home as soon as possible and not leave the hard work of rebuilding to my kinsmen. But first, introductions are in order."
He nods to the Dwarf. "Rorin, from your labours I take it that Caewin has already arrived, no doubt with his retinue in tow. We should seek out the daughter of Vingal, and any others who are to accompany us."
:ooc: Hey Matt, yea, if you go to Resources above and then Lord of the Rings, there is a map link for Wilderland.
Resigned to his duty, Grimbeorn becomes practical. "I vaguely know of Mountain Home, as it is south of my father's lands but who is to lead the group back? Is the a map that might be consulted? Is there a means to cross the Anduin? Is there any knowledge of potential hazards or enemies in that area? What of provisions for the journey? And if we are to be there and encounter these foul wights, do you have any ideas in how to defeat them?"
The brown wizard could tell that his initial answer did little to persuade the Beorning to undertake the task.
He sighed and looked to the south in the direction of Dol Guldur.
"Grimbeorn, son of Beorn many battles have been fought against the shadow. Many fell deeds and strength of arms have broken themselves against the marring of the world. There have been times where even an entire life span of a man have known peace, but they are few. The wisdom has not been given to you Grimbeorn son of Beorn to know the past and future of the world. There will always be another battle, another fight to be waged for truly our time of peace is over. I dont know if you wil ever know peacce again while this age of the world endures. The ash of the great dfire mountain taints even the air here in my home, and who will care for the small things?"
The wizaard looked older to the companions than he had the last time he saw them. While in the past he had looked travvel worn and rugged, now he looked dirty and smelled like the wet dead leaves of autumn instead of the spices and wood smoke of a crisp fall night.
"I do not have the fortelling, my voice is for the trees, and the birds. When I am gone who will they have to talk to? Take this woman to her husband to be, enjoy the peace of the land. Fell deeds will still be at hand when you return. Who knows what you might find on the road between the forest and the sea."
"Wizard, I will go as an escort and representative of my people; it is my duty. I just don't want to be caught too much by surprise lest we encounter anything foul upon the road or those dark spirit of Ceawin's. I have no doubt that war, strife, and evil won't end -- not even with the end of the Dark Lord -- but I want to be prepared for it when it comes."
"I cautioned Ceawin from trying to rebuild in the East Bight. Men lived there, but left it long ago. These new troubles may be connected to the wakening of the evil in the south, or it could be something else that has stirred. Either way I believe his current errand is dangerous, Rorin has taken this quest on, and it will be well that you go with him."
Rorin listened as the Wizard responded to the various questions being thrown at him by the companions, and he was bothered by it. He felt as though Radagast had withheld some information, but he also wasn't going to press the issue...after all, Wizards will be Wizards. However, he did still have one question.
"Radagast, you say that Caewin's request is that of a fool? Do I do the realm a disservice by creating this artifact? I do not know of such things."
:ooc: This will be a bit of a retcon, but shouldn't affect anything. I had forgotten that I got a new Virtue, Raven of the Mountain, during this Fellowship phase. And it seems wrong to just magically have a Raven pet with no explanation.
One night when Rorin was engrossed in the reforging of his war hammer, a dark raven perched unseen over him quizzically watching the Dwarf's work. After a time, it greeted him,
"Hello Rorin, son of Barin."
"Aye! Who goes there?!", Rorin spun around raising his smithing hammer to strike but saw nothing.
"My name is Magrac, son of Roäc of Ravenhill, and I come to serve you."
The befuddled Rorin lowered his arm and finally saw the figure of a Raven perched on the dark rafters above him. "Why?", he asked.
Magrac went on to explain that since the Shadow had fled from Mirkwood, the Ravens of Ravenhill had begun to flourish again and grow in number. Also now that the Kingdom of Erebor had been reborn and Dwarves once again lived under the mountain the old alliance between the Dwarves and Ravens had been revitalized. The Ravens had begun to spread far and wide to gather tidings and learn about the newly growing Shadow and were reporting back to the Dain II. Some of the elder Ravens had caught wind of this unlikely company that Radagast had created and that they counted a Dwarf of Erebor among their number. Magrac was sent to find this Dwarf and assist him because any Dwarf working directly for the Brown Wizard was clearly of great importance to the region and was worthy of their assistance.
Ever since that day Magrac was never far from Rorin's side, even if he spent much of his time in shadowy corners where most eyes would not see him. The two conversed on a regular basis and began to greatly enjoy eachother's company.
Grimbeorn narrowed his gaze at the Wizard. "That's a lot of words to say 'I don't know, good luck.'"
-- Following Rorin --
Sighing, the young man takes a moment to consider his words more carefully. "My father is no less a friend to the beasts than what I know of you, so I understand your concern. We will do what we can for the people." To anyone still here, he says, "Let's go see this Ceawin and introduce ourselves as Arbogast suggests."
:ooc: Esgalwen doesn't have anything to add. She will accompany the bride-to-be as requested.
The conversation with Radaghast having come to an uneasy conclusion, Arbogast stands and excuses himself. The weariness and worry that remain from the raid are gradually being replaced with the mixed excitement and trepidation at the prospect of another long journey into the unknown. He goes in search of Caewin's party, reasoning that, among the tiny and familiar population of Rhosgobel, such a prominent man will not be hard to find.
:ooc: I will update our game tomorrow.
The companions had few dealings with the Brown Wizard, but their journey south had put him in their company for an extended period of time. There were few in the village who could boast such close personal time with Radagast. Though they could not say what it was to each of them the wizard seemed somewhat changed after their entry into Dol Guldur. He spoke less and was not seen for long periods of time, but strangest of all it seemed as though it was hard to keep his attention on anything and his sense of humor and deep laugh had hardly ever been heard since the winter. Even now when he was with them the presence that he had had before seemed dimmed and less there. None knew the age of the wizard and while he appeared old no one would have called him such, now though he began to act aged, like the old folks of evey village.