Fellowship of the Dice

In those days there was a great building of ships upon the shores of the Western Sea; and thence in many a fleet the Eldar set sail into the West, and came never back to the lands of weeping and of war....

Yet not all the Eldalië were willing to forsake the Hither Lands where they had long suffered and long dwelt; and some lingered many an age in Middle-earth.

-The Silmarillion, Quenta Silmarillion, Ch 24, Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath September 12th, 2948, The Third Age, Autumn

Long the summer seemed, and much has happened, and sundered is the Fellowship, but not for good.

Varuthil has grown restless and ready to return to her friends in Wilderland at the Inn. Yet she knows Finn and Tom are due to pass through Mirkwood soon, and they have arranged to travel together. She doesn't have to wait long, for on the 12th of September her friends arrive in the Halls of Thranduil ready to make the trip westwards. The three friends greet each other with smiles and talk of leaving at first light on the next day. Varuthil invites the two Men to join her for dinner and a final comfortable night within the halls.

The trio is finishing up dinner....

"Thank you again Varuthil, for your hospitality, and for introducing me to Eällandor. Our relationship with the Raft Elves goes back for some time now, but we have only met a few here in Thranduil's Halls. . . . Now I wonder how Borir and Aerth are doing, and the Inn? Hopefully it is still standing when we return! Though come to think of it, there is still quite a lot of forest between us before we are there. I do not relish the thought of a long trek through Mirkwood, but am thankful for the Elf Path." Finn finishes eating and sets his utensils to the side. The meal had been excellent; fish from long lake, grilled over special white charcoal created from beech trees that grew near the realm. The trees were carefully managed and thus the charcoal was not used often. The red wine had been from the Pelargir region. Quite distance, but the trade route was fairly safe, considering other paths through Wilderland. Varuthil had clearly pulled strings with those in charge of the Elves' foodstocks.

As usual, Varuthil is quiet and reserved, even around those she considers friends. "It is good to see you again. No rumors have reached us here of war among the Woodmen or Beornings. No one can say for certain, but I think most likely the Inn is still there. And I would not envy those who would have to fight Borir and Aerth to do it harm."

Tom is making sure to eat every last crumb. One thing about Tom that Finn has learned over the last few months is that boy can eat, and never passes up a chance to eat something. He'll clean your plate off if you aren't careful while you are up from your seat.

Now he's drinking a glass of red wine, the last crumbs gone as you talk. He nudges Finn, "Who's that?"

With his glass he points across the hall as a small group of elves enter the chamber looking around for someone. The lead among the small group of elves is a tall elf who holds himself with noble baring but appears someone put out by his task. Varuthil knows him to be Galion, King Thranduil's former cupbearer (the one and the same from the Hobbit book). He glances about, and then spies your table and crosses the room, "Varuthil and Finnwulf of Lake-town I presume?" He is haughty and proud.

Finn shrugs at Tom's question and observes the Elves who enter. At the question, Finn simply nods, "At your service."

"I am Galion, servant of King Thranduil. I have come to convey a message to you both. Prince Legolas has requested your presence for an audience. I am to escort you to the prince at soon as you are able." You can tell he mistrusts outsides, friends of Elves or not, yet he does his duty and remains politely cool.

"Legolas . . . the Prince?" asks Finn, amazed. Of course the Lakeman has heard his name before, but had not more than seen the Elf from afar. "What would he want with us? As we have said, we were planning to return to the Anduin Vale at first light."

Varuthil rises and bows to Galion and says, "We would be honored to meet with Prince Legolas. I'm sure our travel plans can sustain some small delay if need be." She looks sharply at Finn, trying to warn him not to make enemies of powerful elves, whether Galion or Legolas.

Finn signals by his countenance that he agrees with Varuthil, and is ready to serve the Prince however he can.

Galion motions for you to follow him as he answers Finn's question. "I believe the fact that you are in fact traveling to the Vale is what he wishes to see you about. Now then, if you will come with me." He waits a moment only, and once Varuthil is ready he leads on weather Finn or Tom are ready or not.

He takes you through several halls and various passages heading deeper into the royal chambers of the king's halls until you reach a small, yet respelendlty decorated chamber. Standing speaking with his back to the door is the Prince Legolas. Galion enters and speaks clearly, "My prince I bring Varuthil and Finn of Lake-town as you requested."

Legolas turns around and his long blond hair flows around him like a waterfall or a tumble of leaves. He smiles, and dismisses Galion with a wave of his hand. "<Sindar> Mae govannen, saesa omentien lle." He corrects himself unsure if Finn or Tom would speak the Sindarin tongue, "Well get, and a pleasure meeting you Varuthil and Finn of Lake-town. I am Legolas, Prince of these Halls, I hope you have been enjoying your stay here." He nods politely as well to Varuthil, "I have been told that the three of you are friends and have some experience in travel to the Vale of Anduin and beyond?" He motions at a few chairs for you to sit among.

The elves behind him are dressed for travel, with bow and leather armors, flowing green and brown garb designed for forest travel. The two remain as guards, watching and listening, but silent.