Hello, folks, this is 'A Journey That Never Ended', and I will strive to keep this a pure RPG thread, in which you all can have your own characters and join me for a journey that I never was able to finish.

We shall all start out with creating our own characters, so here I go. Once you all have your characters, I will decide a place of meeting, and from there we shall begin our journey towards the cold lands of north.

Introduction

My name is Oerath Windsoul, but I often use one of my many aliases/secret names, so when I walk amidst ordinary and common folk, I'm known as Saegron Ithael. In truth, I'm a very powerful wizard, who has been in hiding for countless of centuries, if not for whole ages. I was one of the few to ever escape from the hands of Morgoth, and after all this time, I am still afraid to reveal my true identity, but a few know me nonetheless, and more than many have already forgotten, who were the men that once formed 'The Red Circle of Magicka'.

All of those wizards from the past times are still alive, and if I'm right, some of them may have something to do with the disappearance of my apprentice, Xathor.

I've sent out many of my trained crows to deliver the letters of introduction. Those of you who want to come to the secret meeting, follow my instructions and come alone, if you've an apprentice you can truly trust, then he/she may come too. I shall be waiting for news of your arrival, so if you have received the letter, answer either yes or no, and if you choose to come to the meeting, be sure to introduce yourself in the letter of response.

With best regards.

- Oerath Windsoul.

PS. Once we're 5-10 in number, or maybe more, more instructions will follow.

These first posts are about planning and figuring out different things.

Greetings, Mim. I received your letter of response, and I've accepted you and your son to the company of heroes.

I hope he's ready for a long journey and I also do hope that he has good arms to swing an battle-axe.

I shall stay here and wait for more letters to come, no matter how long it shall take.

- Oerath.

I am the Lady Alyss, Lady in the realm of elves. I hope you'll welcome me into your company, i have always loved traveling with wizards, very good company they are. I traveled far myself but now would like a group to join. i hope i can be of assistance and that you accept me though i warn you i can be quick to anger but then T's hard to be angry with wizards and i see a dwarf!

Good late evening, my friends. I've been thinking, and in my opinion, it would be best to wait for one more week. Whoever enters, whoever replies, he shall be welcome, but only as long as he's not an orc in disguise.

So, week it shall be. The countdown begins now, and after seven days have passed, our journey shall begin.

More instructions will follow on that day.

With honor and wisdom.

- Oerath.

Greetings from the Trees of Lothlorien.

I see there is already an elf in this company, but it will hurt none if one more joins, I hope. My name is Wenlesael, Wen, for short. I'm a young elf, with ambitious ideas that is in the Lady Galadriel's service. She herself has given me the permission to accompany you on this journey.

I am tall, even for an elf. My hair is sandy colored and my eyes shine blue. I wield a long sword named Foriel and wear a silver green tunic. Yes, I like style.

At your service,

Wen

I am Leelee , an elf, with pale blonde hair and amber eyes. But what house I am from I do not know. I did know, but all that I remember is the sun beating down upon me and whoever I was with, a great company, and then black clouds, screaming winds and then............nothing. i awoke to find myself upon a slate ledge high upon a rock face overlooking the churning sea below. It was my only comfort , the sound of the water and the gulls overhead. I was frightened and tired and terribly thirsty and my turquoise blue hooded cloak was comforting against my shaking form.

For days I lay there without food or water and constantly falling into a lonely troubled sleep. When I at last came to myself I staggered somehow to the top of the granite hillside and then down the southern slope which became more and more carpeted with grass and trees and flowers. And so I have wandered until this day here and there, asking any passers by if they know me, or of me, anything. I want to know my identity and find my people if there are any left to find. Please let me accompay you and you shall have the benefit of the large bag of gold coins I found inside my Elven cape.

A Journey That Never Ended

Rules: There's no posting limits, so post whenever you want, but as it goes for many other threads like this, we'll use the 'post and continue' method, so when I post something, someone of you will continue it from your own perspective, making the whole story intact. I cannot promise I would be here everyday, so those of you who have time to post more often, keep the story in good shape. Add new twists, but always remember to tell something about the other characters too.

Use your imagination and creativity, make it a good tale!

- Oerath.

So it begins by Oerath

It was a terrible evening. Rain poured heavily down from the skies, as he stumbled his way towards the familiar doors of The Prancing Pony. With looking to each sides and behind him, he finally opened the door and entered. Mad laughter and sounds of tankards hitting each other. He was used to it all, so he only smiled as he walked across the entrance hall and sat beside the bar desk, saying:

'Good evening, the usual one and keys to my chambers, if you may.'

'Of course, Oerath.' said the innkeeper, and with that, he was on his way to get a beer and the keys.

Meanwhile, Oerath sat and stared at one of the paintings on the wall, it described the flight of a raven.

'Good memories, good days.' he thought, and wondered could the painting be about himself.

'It's not so rare to transform into a raven.' he thought and laughed silently. And as he turned his head, he could see the innkeeper returning, stumbling across the unclean floor, yelling:

'How many times I've to tell ya, maggots. Drink the beer, don't spill it on my floor!'

'Having hard time with all these customers?' he asked.

'Aye, it's quite annoying, but there's hardly nothing I can do about it, except to clean it.'

'True.' Oerath nodded and finished with his beer.

'I shall be going to my room then. I suppose I gave you all the needed information and advice about those travellers?'

'Aye, you did, Oerath. When each of them arrives, I'll give them instructions and direct them to your chambers.'

'That's right, my friend. Off I go.'

And with that, Oerath walked into his chambers, took his old wooden flute and laid on the bed.

'Now, all I can do is wait, and I might as well take a nap. I'm sure they'll take their time to arrive, though it didn't take so long for me.'

Laughing, he said: 'So it begins, though it never did end.' and started to play his favorite song.

That was the first entry, figure out what happens next and share it!

I suppose I forgot to mention that the last instructions were behind one of those notes all along.

Search it up, and if you're not already coming this way, be quick about it! Wizards like to sleep, but when they've to wait and stay awake at the same time, it invokes bitter anger in them.

Fjorgyn hurried into the inn, glad to be under a ceiling again at last. Ah, much better. Once inside, she relaxed and shook out her cloak, loosing her grip on the repair hammer (that often doubled as a war-hammer, thankfully being strong enough for the job) she kept tucked in her belt. Making her way to the bar, she called for some cold beer, some hot food, and directions to Oerath's room in that order.

"y'see, little missus," the keep told her, "He's already bedded down. I'll show you to your room, and you can meet him in the morning."

With a cheerful nod, Fjorgyn grabbed her meal and headed to her room. It took little time to finish the food and less to finish the beer, and soon she was perched on the bed tinkering away at a trinket she'd found abandoned on the road. After a while she set it down, satisfied that it was fixed and saleable, and stretched out under the blankets. She'd see everyone in the morning.

Leelee awoke while the stars were still glistening in the fading black of night in preparation for the sun to come forth from her pavillion and warm the earth with daylight. She went to the rustic table and taking the large water jar filled with clean water, emptied all but a small amount into the bowl. Then she  undid her cloak and lay it lovingly down upon the bed and reaching inside of one of the numerous pockets cunningly sewn so that one did not notice them and only found their depths through skillful feeling, she took out a small sponge, a skin of fragrant smelling cleanser , a comb of gold and jewels and some tiny precious stone attached to thin ribbons. After a careful and thorough sponge bath Leelee poured the soiled water over the balcony that gave off from her large airy room.It splashed softly onto the grass below. After seeing to the combing and dressing of her hair with many tiny braids over the long hair and finished with the tiny jeweled ribbons she again made her way noiselessly to the balcony and stood staring into the now light grey and amber sky. And then she clutched her heart . She remembered. She remembered just who she was and the relief was beyond any joy she had ever known.  I am Leelee of the house of Celeborn, husband of my lady Galadriel. And I have been living with them these two years as guests, awaiting my betrothed to finish his battles in the east before we retire across the sea. Oh thankyou oh thankyou, the words were whispered to Erus and joy coursed through the elven maiden's heart and her amber eyes danced with joy.

Hunger assailed her now, hunger born of relief and happiness and she once more donned her beautifully crafted eleven cape and made her way out of the room, silently down the hall then the stairs and into the great space filled with tables and benches before the enormous fire place. Only two travellers were present in the eating room, both young and by their look and coloring were from the glorious city of Gondor, perhaps young soldiers on their way back home from some mission.

Both young men stopped their quiet talking and stood up and bowed. 'Greetings to you lady Leelee of the house of Celeborn and Galadriel. What are you doing alone in this humble place?" The older of the two Gondorians looked with some anxiety at the elf and waited for an answer.' The other bowed once more and indicated Leelee should take a seat of honor with them. At that moment the owner staggered into the room , eyes still red from fatigue and putting on a brave smile asked what the three would like for breakfast. 'Fresh bread and butter and strong tea for us; said the younger of the two men , and for the lady also fresh bread, your very lightest, and butter and honey and a hot glass of strawberry tea.

The owner hurried away and Leelee studied the two young men. They too studied her. " Until only minutes ago I could not remember who I was and so forgive me, obviously you know me well- you ordered my usual breakfast, but I cannot say I know you.'

'I am Ganamir and this is my cousin Wheldyn lady' said the older of the two, concern filling his honest clear grey eyes and also the bright blue liquid eyes of his cousin. 'How came you to not know your own identity, for the last time we saw you two months ago you were safe enough in Lothlorien, seated with your kinsman, Gandalf the wizard and the lady Galadriel. What could have happened to separate you from their company and find you here six days journey away?

Leelee was silent for a few moments. I only recall waking up high upon a cliff straight above the sea and feeling so cold and thirsty and very very terrified, for nothing came to my mind but the faces of hideous things and screaming to my ears and nothing else, not my name, nothing.

:But this is terrible, surely you must have been accompanied by someone from Lothlorien lady, what could have become of them, for we have heard nothing of parties of orcs in this area since last winter, if that is what happened why were you not murdered? This is truly alarming and..

Ganamir lifted a finger to his lips and the three turned to see a pale youth standing awkwardly in the doorway. He turned to go and Ganamir said' hail , come this way and join us if you like young sir.

The youth came, head down and after calling himself Ermin explained how he had come with Mim and offered a job. Ganamir said' that was fortunate for you and I am sorry to hear of your grief. Would you like, when you are finished in the service of the good Mim , to accompany us to Gondor, for you would be warmly welcome and could enlist in the military under us and have a permanent home for as long as you like.

Ermin's face lit up. 'Oh that would be wonderful. As it happens three years ago we travelled to your illustrious city and I met and befriended two boys whom I was loathe to say good bye to. Perhaps I could find them once more. The owner came bearing breakfast and drink on a large tray and Gnamir ordered also for the lad. For a few golden minutes only the sound of eating and drinking and the feeling of peace and comradship prevailed in the still quiet eating room.

Lady Alyss hurriedly walked in to the The prancing pony as the rain showered down on her, she hoped she hadn't arrived to late for the meeting with the Oerath; she still remembered the last time she had kept a wizard waiting, it had taken her weeks to rid herself of the bees and midges. She had only got the message a few days ago and  had rode all the way with her two guards who had left when the inn had come into sight. she had been sad to part with them for they were very loyal and the last of her family for miles round. she hadn't shown this of course, it would of shown weakness and her people definitely didn't need a weak leader.

"I am here to see the wizard Oerath. He is still here isn't he? O i do hope he hasn't been waiting long." Alyss spoke in an undertone with the grubby looking inn keeper.

 "Ah, don't you worry. he's still here an' waiting. Lucky you've come when you have, he hasn't bin here too long. Probably asleep,"

"Could I please get something light to eat before I retire?"

"Of  course," and he handed her a plate of bread and cheese minutes later. "Your room is on the right, to doors across and if you'll be needing anything just call." he bowed and stepped back to grab a pair of keys and handed them to the Lady.

"Thank you ever so much," and with that, the lady spun on her heels and walked majestically towards the door; her grey, elven cloak flapping behind her like wings.

As she walked she noticed many people lying around, drunk. This unexpectedly reminded her of her people back at home. Her people were loyal and obeying citizens' when her father had died they had personally selected her and she was very honored. She had left them with her brother but he wasn't exactly the most mature and sensible elves. He was one of the few exceptions but had a brilliant mind and so she had left jumping, happy at the fact someone had trusted him enough. She shook her head at the thought of his vanity then entered her chambers to eat and then hopefully get some sleep.

The past few days she hadn't been able to due to the constant encounters with bandits and thieves. They had come unknowing who they were trying to rob: t'was a nasty surprise for them indeed when their leader was killed, they ran as if hell itself was at their heels! Probably thought their leader unbeatable-- they were most definitely wrong. She had felt pity for them but she had to do what she had to do though she hated herself for it.

She sat down upon her bed and ate slowly then fell asleep.

Leelee and her companions talked quietly as they drank their steaming cups of refreshment and the talk turned to the mystery once more of Leelee's amnesia and who could have possibley been with her at the time of her setting forth on her journey. Leelee closed her eyes and in her mind went back to the last full day she remembered at Lothlorien.  "Well,The day as usual was gentle, a warm sun, the air and the earth beneath her elven slippers clean and fragrant and so very healthy smelling. Galadriel had excused herself after the morning meal in her flet , she had business to conduct with two of her runners, a long letter was to be dispatched to Elrond, half elven prince at Imladris. Dark rumours had been swirling about Middle-Earth about some sort of secret co-operation of Saruman with those in employ of the dark lord Sauron. Galadriel is terribly worried, that much I know. I believe she also sent a missive to the Steward of Gondor.,

That is correct lady Leelee, for in truth my brother and I went ourselves to receive the letter from her own hand and rode like the wind back to hand it to our Steward. Somehow though he did not act like all this was big news to him, it seemed eerie the way he calmly read the letter and set it down as if dismissing it.

Leelee listened to this in astonishment. 'Well all I can remember is breakfast whatever day that was I was last in Lothlorien and then waking up on the ledge. Oh look a small party is coming into the eating room, two female , a couple male, and the tall one there looks like he must be the leader. I wonder if that is Oerath, for in truthI only sent him a short note when I saw his invitation to any who would join on the door of the inn before this one and offered monetary help if I could journey with him  and perhaps find out who I was I did not meet him nor know what he looks like. But now that i remember my name I shall go just the same, at least a fortnight's journey before perhaps ending and returning to my people if I find out nothing about what occurred to me and if there are any of my party that are injured and still in this area.  See they seem to be headed toward our table.

A Morning and A Meeting by Oerath

The morning had been good so far, but he was a bit annoyed about the fact that someone awoke him. It had not happened for so long, so he hadn't used to it yet. Shaking his head, Oerath thought about his dream as he walked towards the dining chambers with the others.

The sun shone so brightly, the river's bathed in it's golden light. It was a beautiful sight. I was sitting under an old oak, writing a new poem, listening to the birds and their singing. A perfect harmony, but..

Everything can surely be interrupted.

Still, it was a morning, and he was glad they had all arrived. And as he entered the dining halls, he noticed that some of them were already sitting around the table. And by bowing to each and everyone, Oerath spoke for the first time: 'Greetings, my fellow travelers. My name is Oerath Windsoul, and I've summond you all here for a journey. It will be a dangerous journey to take, but with this number of us to take part in it, it should be a good tale to make songs about. And oh, before I go on, please, have a seat.'

And so they all took their chairs and sat down to eat. And as they kept talking, Oerath suddenly arose his glass: 'May I have your attention for a moment? Good. I already told you all my name, so now, I would be very glad to hear your's.'

And in a good order, they all spoke out their names: 'Mim, Ravun, Fjorgyn, LadyAlyss, Finrod althor and Leelee.' and before Oerath could say anything else, Mim's son, Ravun, asked few the most clever questions: 'Hey, Oerath, if you're a very powerful wizard, then why do you look so old and weary? Are you capable of casting spells and conjuring magical creatures?' - and before Mim could stop him, Ravun jumped on the table, dropping a few mugs and glasses to ground, shouting at Oerath: 'Can you show me a spell!?'

A silence followed, and then smiling, Oerath arose and said to Ravun: 'Hmm, you surely know the right questions to ask, lad, but me, old and weary. I can assure you that.. Oh well, I guess I've to show you some proof.' and so he looked at a candle, and suddenly, it was lit. Then he placed his hands around it's flame and murmured some ancient words, and then he put his hands together, and as he opened them, a crimson colored bird flew off from his grasp, doing a few circles in the room before flying off through open windows.

Ravun was amazed, and said: 'Alright, I believe you, Master Oerath.'

'Good, now, let us continue our conversation.' but before you could say anything, Leelee asked to speak and then said: 'Aren't we missing someone, I do not recall her name, but I'm sure about it.'

Wondering for a few seconds, Oerath suddenly remembered: 'Oh yes, yes of course. Wenlesael be her name, and well, I haven't met her yet, so I guess we should wait for her. What do you others think?'

As they all nodded, Oerath only smiled and said: 'Well, then, let us drink some morning tea.'

Next events to occur: We should wait for Wenlesael to make her move/entry. Then we can go forward in the storyline. Sorry for being unable to post this yesterday, I had some things to do. But, we can always play on for a while in The Inn of The Prancing Pony. A evening and some beer, perhaps?

If any of you knows Wen, could you contact her and tell her that an entry would be most appreciated.

Ganamir and Wheldyn studied the wizard intently as did Leelee. Ermin was still tired and the good breakfast made him drowsy. While Oerath Windsoul spoke to the assembly gathered at tables closest to the fire crackling comfortingly in the great stone fireplace the boy slipt into a deep sleep. Leelee looked down at him, his tousled dark hair across his still boyish unlined face, his long lashes still over the slumbering eyes, she smiled. How like Celeborn she thought, when he was young, how strangely like him.

When the wizard had finished his discourse and decided to wait at least one more day for the remaining rider and had sat down to talk quietly with Finrod, Ganamir said quietly' I hope this will not be bad news, I hope there is a good reason, a safe and simple reason for her delay. The roads seemed safe enough two days ago when we arrived at this inn, but there are strange rumblings from the east and small parties of orcs have been seen by some of our aquaintance. They were driven off, but where they went to we do not know."

A sudden noise at the door turned all eyes except those of the youth toward the commotion. A runner, one of the Dunedain had rushed in , dripping with rain , for the downpour had started again about an hour ago. He held a pouch that housed a letter inside and he motioned for the owner of the inn to hurry and take it from him. This was done and the runner said something to him. The owner then turned and pointed to Oerath Windsoul and the Dunedain took back the pouch and hurried over to the leader of the expedition

It is shameful for an elf to be late, but here I was, hurrying to Bree, to the Prancing Pony to be exact, and I was late. My long sandy hair streamed behind me as I ran, unstopping toward th inn. To clarify, I am a male elf though some think my name feminine.

I arrived, late to be sure, and I charged past the inn keeper, pausing only to ask him the way to the Wizard's room. The wizard, Oerath he was called, awaited me in the door.

"You are late." he said simply. He, like most, was somewhat surprised at the fact that I was a male elf.

"My apolegies, master. I was waylaid by a company of the most disturbing orks. Quite troublesome!"  The wizard smiled, and said that he was glad I was here anyhow. Then he updated me on the latest goings on. What I nice old gentleman, I thought.

Dear Wen, don't fret, these sort of threads don't go very quickly. Each person is terribly busy with his or her life, so many committments and duties. So just relax and think of it sort of as a monthly chapter of a great series, much like the Sherlock Holmes stories in the Strand Magazine. And please don't kill yourself off , you are important and who knows but that you might save one or all of us in the future

Leelee listened intently to the lovely dwarf Fjorgn and looked down at the interesting objects the other had collected in her travels. Finally with a sigh she shook her head. 'No, nothing seems to be the least familiar. But thank you so much. It is a lonely frightening feeling to not know what has happened for a space of time, I feel so vulnerable and nervous. I wonder, she changed the subject, 'I wonder what can be keeping our leader , we need to go, at least I need to go. I will travel three or four days journey with you all and then turn toward Lothlorien. I absolutely must find out what happened to any who were with me on the journey, for it is forbidden for female elves to travel alone since two of our people, both young in the way of elves were attacked and barely escaped with their lives two months ago as they journeyed to Gondor. They are still or were when I was there, traumatized and refuse to leave home for any reason . So under law I had to have been with someone. Only what is the matter with our leader, he called for volunteers and he seemed so filled with purpose and now we sit and waiti. In eight hours I will depart if we do not leave as a company.

She finished speaking and the dwarf nodded in agreement, for she too had pressing things that needed doing as soon as may be. It was then that the elf Wenlesael walked softly across the wood floor and bowed slightly to the women. 'How are you cousin of Celeborn, I wanted to greet you and speak to you privately ,for i am amazed to find you here without any of the Protectors of Lothlorien. Although I have not spoken face to face with you ever I have seen you twice at the table of Celeborn and Galadriel and always you had several at your side when you walked about at Celeborn's request. Is everything alright?

What's happened to everyone?  the weekends come and almost gone  yet no one has made an entry...

Another morning dawned and Leelee was already up , washed and had gone for a walk. She was restless in spirit and anxious to move . Home was calling her and she now became aware in her mind that someone in fact was truly wanting her home, she could just feel it. The only thing was the elf was loathe to leave the area without finding her companions or at least news of what befell them.To go home without trying to find them was unpardonable.

The smoking sun was just beginning to warm up the earth and the newly budding flowers everywhere when Leeleee entered the inn. The owner, eyes red and tired from starting the fire in the dining room and from a general lack of sleep, was softly muttering to himself while he wiped down tables and set out small linen covered baskets of fresh baked bread on tables. He always did this as it served to calm down hungry patrons and stopped complaints as they waited for their food to be prepared.

The elf ordered a large tray of fruit in season, a pitcher of cream and helped herself to the bread. 'This is very light and good innkeeper' she said and the large man colored in appreciation, a compliment from an elf was a rare thing for such as he. 'I thank you my lady, eat up and I shall refill the basket as needed'.At that moment a burst of activity struck the dining room. All of the travellers for the company of Oerath had trooped in as well as the two from Gondor, dressed obviously for the long journey still home. Only Oerath himself was missing and Leelee sighed as she ate her fruit. The two Gondorians hurried forth and asking to be allowed, sat with her at the table.

For a while there was the sound of dishes and silverware and soft conversation and a  lot of eating. The little dwarf came also and joined her at the table and said' well I have had it , our leader has somehow disappeared, I asked the good innkeeper and he said after the message The wizard paid for another three days, asked for a fresh horse and disappeared and had not returned as yet. I am for striking off myself, I have kin to meet in a fortnight and I must get going. Enough of this.'

Some at the next table heard her talking and listened intently. Wenlaesal stood then and said in a loud voice, fellow travellers, I have just heard that our wizard guide has gone out and not returned. I do not know that i wish to stay though he has paid for our keep another three days. What say the rest of you?

There was a general grumbling and then Leelee stood up and all stopped talking "Friends, I believe Oerath would not abandon us, this does not make sense. I say we start off and leave message and leave it at that. I myself would only be with the company three days ride anyway,. I will turn back if I don't meet up with any who may have accompanied me to this area. I would turn back and look in the other direction. I cannot bear inaction. I must away in either case. I will be ready to leave in an hour's time.

Fjorgyn started when the elf. . . What was his name now. . . Finrod tossed a child's doll on the pile of assorted oddments she had spread out on the table. Something tightened in her chest and her eyes burned when he explained where it had come from, and she hopped off her chair.

"I'll go with you. I'm a decent fighter, and a dwarf's a good companion to have in any case. That is, if you don't mind having me along." She cleared her throat and scratched the back of her neck, grimacing. "And, erm, if you don't mind riding double if you're taking a horse. I'm a lousy rider myself, but I won't slow you down. Besides, animals like me, not that I really know why, and I'm babbling so we should probably just get a move on, yeah? I wanna go knock some heads. And find whoever this doll belongs to, if she's still alive to be found. Or even if she's not, a child should have her dolly with her."

She cleared her throat, scratching at her neck again, fully aware that she hadn't actually stopped babbling. Making a conscious effort to shut up, she followed Finrod out the door.

I am very sorry for my absence and about this thread, but I've a good reason. I began my job as a trainee last week, it's a required 4-5 month contract to pass my degree.

It's a day job, and well, work renders a big piece of my soul, I must admit that, because I enjoy of simple life as it is.

But no can do. I'll promise to get to this thread on the days to come, if not this evening, then it shall be tomorrow.

Sorry you've had to create your own stuff, but that's impressive too. I've taken some time to read your posts, and I must say that it's good going.

So, another apologies. You don't have to await long for my next post. It will mark the beginning of the journey.

In minutes all those to join the company knew of the incident and gathered around the elf in kind support. A glass of cool clear water was called for and after drinking a little Leelee straightened up and with closed eyes said" you will excuse me dear travellers, but I must make haste and see if I can catch up with the Gondorian brothers that set off hours ago for home. I think I definitely came from that direction, and it may be that they will take a day or so to assist me in scouring the area for any trace of my child or at least what may have befallen her. I am cold with dread, but not knowing is torturous. I cannot promise I will turn back before I have found out what my heart screams silently to know, but I will try. May only good things come to you and please tell the wizard Oerath that I am sorry. I would like to leave in the care of this good dwarf some of the gold pieces from my bag to help ensure you will all be well fed on your journey.  She arose from the chair, still a little unsteady and walked over to the lovelly dwarf wno stood deep in thought. 'Here miss take this money in good fath and make sure you and your fellows and horses are well cared for. I will depart from you all now.

The rain was light, warm, and caused the trees and wild flowers to send forth wafts of lovely perfume and pine and other tree scents. Leelee breathed deeply and for a few moments felt peace invade her mind and heart. Only a few others took shelter, the rest of the company too anxious to be off to bother doing other than waiting for the few to decide to come forth and go on.

There was murmuring among the company; some were troubled that the journey was beginning with someone in trouble. The wizard had kept his own counsel about the 'friend in trouble in Mirkwood' and already some of the company were loathe to go there. They wanted to go else where, where the riding was good, where they could become one with the horses and run like an arrow shot with skill and great speed. A few were interested in the intrigue and weary of one delay after another. It was not a good start.

Leelee looked skyward and noted the rain already stopping. 'Please let us go sir, for as it is I can only accompany you one day and then I must turn back unless I get news that my child and the party I was with  were even in this area or toward the north. For me every minute counts. She looked in earnest at the leader and without meeting her eyes he nodded slowly. 'I understand, you have your mission and now I have one not counted on. Do what is good in your eyes."

No dearest it is not like that. You told us to go ahead and we have. For me, I chose the amnesia thing and I have to follow it thru for continuity. I would, of course weave my story in and out with yours. And hopefully the rest would too, I think that the problem is dearest that the others were expecting you to be on daily or at least frequently and since you thought it up, they were expecting you to lead us and set the story line. We have no clue where this is to go, so we improvised. And even in that we varied so greatly that there was no agreement of where to go, how to get there. So, I for one am certainly not leaving you Oerath, but you are going the opposite direction to me, so I would have to pursue my line of search and then, due to circumstances meet up with you at some point. Don't be discouraged. But you alone are the wizard and you alone are the leader, no one else. So in real life, here or Middle-Earth there would be grumbling and quarreling just as in The Hobbit. Only Gandalf kept things smooth and he left from time to time. That is all.

Wenles

ael stood under the dripping sky and his voice commanded instant attention, especially from Leelee , for she knew these songs. For the first time she studied the elf and then strode away from the wizard and stood beside the elf and listened to the remainder of his song , drinking in the words and music like a dry and cracked ground receiving warm rains which released the dormant seed of flowers to spring to life.

When he had finished Oerath commended his voice and a look of some sort of remembrance filled his dark eyes and he was silent a moment before saying' well I am taking this journey and anyone wanting to accompany me can go the distance, even I don't know what that will be, or come for part of the journey. Welcome to all and let us see where this takes us. i well know many cannot simply leave all behind and wander whereever, but for those that can or dare to for as long as is profitable , come let us go then. He rose up tall and beautifully dressed in garb so ancient in style that it was like watching a living legend , a dream passed down through the ages . The company all began to remount their steeds, but Leelee touched the sleeve of Wenslael and he bowed his head and listened.

"Friend do you not recognize me from Lothlorien, do you not know me at all?"

"No lady, for give me but I was away these two years on an errand secret and grave for Celeborn. With two others of his house I travelled and only came back three weeks ago. Small time i had to visit with my kin before urgent news travelled to us from the house of Erond Half Elven. I searched for a company travelling the direction I need to go for safety and to be more incognito and so I joined this one. I wish I had information for you, my heart hurts, and if not for the supreme urgency of my ride i would turn back and help you look for your little one and the others unto my death. I admit i am torn of heart in this matter. But let us mount our horses, the others are a ways ahead. " We can talk as we ride.

They talked and found out they were third cousins and so a bond was made and a sorrow enveloped the two, for Middle-Earth was becoming no home to the elves.

Lady Alyss sat on her brown, proud stallion and it started to trot slowly beside Mim who said,

"You are a lady of the elf realms? I thought they rarely traveled out."

"Yes that is true but I am amongst those who cannot stand being far from the wild. My mother died in the wilds, I believe that is also amongst the reason's of my love for the outside world." she answered with a melancholic note.

"That is interesting. My mother also died in the wild but by choice, she was old and didn't want to die within the great caves and so she left without a word of parting."

Lady Alyss nodded in understanding and  they talked of sorrows of their people and past, passing the time quickly.

After my conversation with Leelee, I wheeled my silver grey horse, Trelldor, up to the wizard's side. He looked very thoughtful as the sun shone on his face and outlined his brow as it bunched together as in concentration. But as I came up, he smiled, and without looking at me, said," You sing well, Wen, can you play the harp?"

" Not as well as Finrod Felagund, but reasonably." was my reply.  He smiled again, but his countenance settled quickly when I asked him my question. " Who, may I ask, is the man we are to meet, and what be his plight?"

The great wizard's eyes flashed but for a moment, then he said, " A friend in need of assistance, more is not known...."