Fandom There and back again.

[Reaper.44]

Talvin couldnt help but stand out on the balcony. Looking around before taking his bath and then to sleep, he unbuckled his amour and looked down. The waterfalls crashing at the bottom. What he wouldnt give to feel like it was the old days with his family. Diving from the tops of waterfalls. He was tempted to jump. Sneak around, find he sword for safekeeping, or even sneak into the hall to find out what was going on. Such was the assassin in him.


But he held off on that. He made a small bond with his companions in a short day. In curiosity, he wanted to see how strong it would be in the long run. He was getting used to the name Marius. Maybe it could be his new life after all this was said and done. He'd have to dream on it though. There was time for more later...

 

[Shadow]

Moon laid up on the bed as soon as he saw it. He sighed in pleasure, enjoying how soft it was. He eventually got up and bathed then curled back up under the covers.


Glimmer sealed the door with magic then took a bath. She threw on a robe that was on the bed the went out onto her balcony. She saw Marius and waved at him. He was very mysterious about himself, but then again so was everyone else she was traveling with. She brushed her hair behind her ear and looked at the waterfall, enjoying the soothing sound it made.

 

[CAP Ireland]

Toxin got to his room, got naked and then went to bed. he would bathe in the morning, now he needed to sleep and think.


Morning came, the guards woke Paton up and presented him to the food that had been spread out on the table behind him.


The guards also knocked on the doors of the other companions, ready to take the to breakfast.

 

[Reaper.44]

Talvin heard the knocking. People being called for breakfast. He went to the balcony to receive his clothes he had washed in the night. He was wearing his trousers, but he had all his shirts out drying. Letting him sleep topless. His body stood in the daylight, showing all the scars and brutal cuts from his journey. Each one telling its own dark story. Colloecting his things and packing them up, he left them in the room for him to collect later. Getting fully dressed, he left his room and made his way to the main hall once more.


"Sleep well, Paton?" He asked, finding a seat and helping himself to some food.

 

[Shadow]

Moon woke up and told guards that he would be out in a moment. He got dressed and went to the main hall with his guards.


Glimmer got up and dressed then went onto the balcony to see the waterfall in the light. She was movement on Marius' balcony and was just about to say 'good-morning' to him when she realized that he was half naked. She hurried back inside, blushing furiously. She went down to the main hall and saw that Moon, Paton and Marius were already there. "Good-morning." She said, avoiding looking at Marius.

 

[Reaper.44]

Helping himself to some of the fresh fruit, Talvin nodded to each of the ones coming in. As Glimmer passed, his look changed to one of concern.


"Are you alright, Glimmer?" He asked. "You look a tad feverish."

 

[Shadow]

Moon sat down at the last chair on the long side of the table.


Glimmer blushed again as Marius asked if she was alright. She casually pulled her hair down to hide her face. "I'm fine. I think my room was just too warm." She said, sitting down beside Moon.

 

[CAP Ireland]

Paton looked at the group and picked up some fruit. He ate them quickly, then, realising his good they tasted, gave his full attention to the banquet.


Toxin heard the guards and banged the door back at them.


''I'm going to bathe, give me a minute.'' A


After getting in the beautifully warm water, he washed up and went downstairs.


''Morning all.'' he saw some pork and grabbed a few pieces, stuffing them into his mouth between breaths. When he was done, he asked


''So, sleep well?''

 

[Shadow]

"Good morning! I slept well. How about you?" Moon said cheerfully, indulging in the highly flavored breads.


Glimmer smiled at Toxin, glad for the distraction. "I slept well, and you?" She asked, then turned her attention back to the food.

 

[CAP Ireland]

''Not bad at all. Better than the bloody boulder that's for sure.'' now that he had had his fill of meat, Toxin moved on to the fruit.


Elrond approached the table.


''Good morning all. I trust you had a pleasant night. I was wondering what, if any, items you would like to have made for your journey?''

 

[Shadow]

Moon looked up and acknowledged Elrond's presence with a bow of his head. He couldn't think of anything he wanted for the journey that he didn't already have so he returned his attention to the food.


"Yes, thank you, my room was very comfortable." Glimmer said, then resumed eating, assuming Toxin would know what, if anything, they needed.

 

[Reaper.44]

Talvin raised his head at the offer Elrond made. A generous one at that. Guess he and Toxin had a lot to talk about. "My thanks for the bed my lord." He said, "and if you're offering, I could use a new dagger and a grappling hook. Or just the hook if you cant spare the weapon. My dagger is reliable but it's getting worn to the core."


He would have asked for a new sword but it didnt want to carry to much. That and draw attention to his morgul blade. Though since nobody was giving any foul looks or made an attempt to take him aside for a talk, he assumed they were respectful to his belongings.

 

[CAP Ireland]

'' A new quiver, arrows to spare, a sword and a bow as strong as you can.'' I'm not giving you a mountain for nothing.





Paton looked at his armor. it was slightly worn and damp, so he gestured at it.


''Very well, I shall have them prepared for you by the time of your leave. If you need anything, just ask.'' with that, Elrond left.





''So, lets plan the route ahead.'' Toxin toon out the map and spread it on the table.

 

[Reaper.44]

Talvin nodded at Elrond as he left, then made his way to Toxin as he laid out the map. "Ok, can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm genuinely excited to ask, where are we going next?"

 

[Shadow]

Moon pushed aside his food and scooted his chair closer so he could see the map.


"Before we discuss where we are going, I want to know what Elrond talked to you about last night, Toxin." Glimmer said, after moving her chair closer to the group.

 

[CAP Ireland]

OH GOD, NOT NOW GLIMMER!


''Well, might as well tell him seeing as I owe gold to half of the world already.'' Toxin turned to Marius.


''We're going to take back Erebor. Well, atleast the gold within the Lonely Mountain. Elrond and I came to an agreement: he gets the mountain, we get the gold. He's going to help us kill Smaug and will also be supplying our venture. So, still want in?''


Paton walked over to the map. He saw no pass through the mountains behind them and it might take quite some time for the group to scale and pass through the mountains behind them. Paton began to think about the best way to Erebor.

 

[Reaper.44]

As soon as Erebor was mentioned, Talvins faced dropped into a blank stare. "Wait...what?" He looked back at the map and then around the group. "That's why the secrecy? We're going to the Lonely Mountain to try and kill the biggest dragon on Middle Earth?" He then glanced at Elrond. Then back at the map. The mountain was pretty much a fortress as well as an underground empire. Any king would want it. At first, Talvin took a few steps away from the table. He then stopped. He turned to look at his new travelling companions. They had things riding on this. And with the gold he might get a share of, even the weight of a dragon-slayer added to his legend. Would it be enough to show Gondor not to mess with him again?


With a deep sigh, he returned to the table and landed an index finger on the map.


"Rhudaur." He spoke sourly. "I know someone who owes me a serious debt of gratitude. Big enough to get us through the mountains to the other side near Rhovanion wood. He's a smuggler or sorts. If you want to get through without much attention, there's your lead."

 

[CAP Ireland]

''Well, I'll take that as a yes then. Anyway, now that you all know why Elrond was offering you new equipment go and make sure you have what you need. I've more than payed for it.'' Toxin was surprised by Mariuses response. The others had been in it for what seemed to be the fun of it but Marius seemed to be conflicted about the quest.


Paton thought of going over the mountains and dismissed the idea. It may be faster, but contacting his friend would take weeks at best. Paton was not in the mood for waiting. A quick journey down the Loudwater river then a few days into Rohan via the North-South road would leave them in good stead. They could then decided if they wanted to go through the Rhovanion forest or not. Either way, the mountains would likely end with death.

 

[Reaper.44]

Talvin saw Patons look at it. Some of the others might be feeling skeptical. "It should be a simple walk up and ask for a ride really. We go to him and he'll just us through no trouble. By the way, by 'through', I dont mean over. There's a tunnel network from one part of the mountain to the other side. Its how he smuggles enough goods to sell off so much without getting anyones attention."


He removed his hand and circled his finger a little to the right. "There is a downside though. It's located at a highwayman's retreat. Basically a mercenary camp with wildmen and the like. I know some people there that wont give us trouble, but any more people than who we have already might grab too much attention."


It would also be a place to build up his ranks after Erebor is taken for Toxin. Gods above know Talvin would be inclined towards a share of the spoils, or at the very least Smaugs head.

 

[CAP Ireland]

''How far could he take us exactly?'' Toxin was unsure about this idea, but if it was a fast route then why not.

 

[Reaper.44]

"Hard to say. I used it twice going back and fourth, but he said if need be he could take cargo from places as far as the Grey Mountains. about a couple of miles off the forest river." Talvin trailed his finger along the map, from one place to the other. "Though if we're not careful, we could end up in Gundabad. Right in the backyard of Angmar, but that's pretty much the real risk."


He remembered going along the mountains there. The orcs were almost as bloodthirsty as the horrors rumored to be in Mordor.

 

[CAP Ireland]

''Ok, sounds like a good option, but I'm not the type to rush off at the first chance. Elrond, would you mind.'' Toxin motioned the elf over?


''Planning a way to your destination? There may be a way to get you onto a mountain path that would lead you straight into Mirkwood, but it would leave you in an...odd position.''

 

[Shadow]

Moon listened quietly, content to let the others decide how best to go about getting across the mountains. After all, he was pretty much just along for the adventure.


Glimmer threw up her hands and covered her face. "The whole mountain?" She let out a sigh. "The dwarves are going to love you." She said, more to herself. She looked up and listened quietly to Marius' proposal. She watched Toxin and Paton for their reactions. After a while she got bored listening to them and she suddenly remembered her wand. She felt along her pants and felt something hard press into her skin. She smiled slightly in relief. She longed to use magic again, if it was just for something simple. Ever since she had learned magic, she had never really had to hide that she was a Mage. She suddenly understood what Marius meant about sensing magic. Beforehand sensing magic had just been a sub-conscious thing for her. Looking at Marius carefully she spoke up. "Marius, have you been entirely honest with us?" She asked, trying to sense if he had magic around him.

 

[Reaper.44]

"Let me guess. The Mirkwood elves?" Talvin asked. "No offence, but they're more hostile towards visitors than you are my lord."


Still, it seemed a better idea should things get too dark around his own plan. Glimmers question stopped him in his tracks. He looked up at her. Did his plan give something away?


"Why do you ask?" He asked, keeping his tone subtle.

 

[CAP Ireland]

Elrond went to look at the map closely.


Toxin listened for Mariuses response.


Paton saw a bird fly into one of the halls windows and land on an elf's shoulder.


The man watched as Paton watched him. He then retreated from the vessel, leaving the elf's pet as it had been.