Fellowship of the Dice

Halleth reflects a moment on what he knows of the woman and can read in her face, then says to Essylt, "You've been wanting to live your own life, right? You don't want to be under anyone's thumb, whether it's the men of your own folk, me or anyone else, right? Do you want to put yourself under the thumb of your father? I'm guessing you haven't seen him in any ages and that tugs at your heartstrings. But look here--he's working for the forces of the Great Shadow. I will not say your father means you ill, but his master wants only to make slaves of everyone, like they did the people from your village. If you choose to dwell here, your father may not be able to protect you, and you may well become a slave--and not just to men with evil in their hearts, but orcs, werewolves, vampires and whatever other wicked things still dwell here."

Halleth has come to know her, and he speaks right into her very spirit. She stands tall and rolls her shoulders back, "No! Father, what have you done? Who have you become? You left us, you left us to think you dead and here you were working with these dark forces. All of our children have been taken from us by the orcs of your master, and you speak of being a Queen? A queen of what? Of shadows and lies, and bondage!"

He points at Halleth, "Here is a man who I was told would be my enemy since I was a child, yet without question or deceit he has aided me and our village time and time again with no ask for reward, for no care of his own life for he is a free man. I will stand with him and his companions even against you father if it means that our people shall stay free."

Heddwyn sighs. "I am sorry you think that way daughter, but I shall show you the truth, once these meddlesome outsiders are dealt with." He commands his men, "Kill them all except my daughter!" His men are happy for the fight and leap into action.

Telurin lights his lamp and holds it high, crying "Aurë entuluva!" The light floods the darkened room with an alluring brightness.

Halleth sighs and says to Essylt, "I'm sorry it to came to this. Get back and look away as much as you can--you should not have to see this." He then engaged the nearest Hillman with his sword.

Hartley nocks and arrow and prepares to fire at the attackers.

Telurin pulls forth his lamp and speaks the words Aurë entuluva! and it lights into a bright silver light that pushes back the shadow. The men turn greedy eyes toward the silver, there is desire to possess it, but to grow closer to it in such small space is not hard, everyone is nearly within an arms reach any how save for Heddwyn who stands well behind his men.

Then Halleth tells Essylt to look away as he drives his blade into the belly of the Hill Man. The blow is strong and swift, and pierces the man's bowels through and through. As his sword erupts out of the back of the enemy blood gurgles up out of his mouth and with a piercing look within his eyes he topples over dead from the lone blow.

Hartley, bow in hand, reaches into his quiver to find only 5 arrows remain. He takes out the shaft and sets and fires, and his short strikes true. It is not a mortal wound like Halleth's, but only because the Hillman's armor turns the shaft at the last moment saving his lift from a piercing shot.

Hugo...

Hugo draws his short blade and races in before Hartley and Essylt, "For Bree! For Essylt!" He leaps at the wounded hill man enemy and drives his blade into the belly of the man. The blade stabs deeply into his flesh and sinks in far enough to lacerate many a critical organ. The foul man drops his spear and grabs at his stomach as he topples back and collapses in a heap on the floor.

Then the eyes of the hill-men flash, there is something evil in them, something sinister and dark. These men are servants of the Shadow, and there is a chill that runs up your spines as they snarl and howl at you like feral wolves. Hugo and Telurin can feel the fear, for different reasons. Hugo is terrified of their raw power, while Telurin can sense the Witch King's purpose in their corruption.

All of the enemies ignore the light of the lamp, they are dark men, not easily swayed by the light. One steps forward and drives his spear through Hugo's shoulder "For Angmar you little bugger!" The hobbit screams and falls to the ground terribly wounded. Blood flowing wildly from the wound. Essylt and Hwalda race to his side, and grab the hobbit pulling him clear of the battle to tend to his wounds as Freach draws his weapons and stands guard over the women and hobbit.

Another of the wild hill men moves and with added effort manages to graze Halleth across his armored arm, its a light wound that will slow Halleth some, but not significantly enough to stop the Ranger's actions.

It is then Heddwyn, the Sorcerer of these halls, that turns on Telurin from his place of safety. "Elves have no power here! The Shadow is greater than your pathetic Light!" He lifts his hands and dark energy swirls among his motions, the eyes of Telurin see nothing but red. Crimson madness creeps into his field of view, and friend and foe blur together. That is until the power of his lamp surges, and the silver light, like that of Earendil fills his view and pushes out the madness leaving him unscathed.

Your company of three....