The Journey Home II: Rivendell
*A letter bearing the seal of the Esquires is sent to Irwinn*
Dear Faeder,
I am glad to hear that the duties I've set upon your shoulders are going well. The three you sent onwards have all been to my aid. Especially the one named Gilorthar.
I can now inform you that we have reached Rivendell. But the journey was far from swift.
Dagdens fever did not settle during the evening. In fear of him not living through another day at Ost Dúrgonn, I decided that we should seek the aid of the elves of Rivendell. Considering they had already offered us safe passage through Trollshaws, it seemed like the best option.
During the evening a few more of our company had decided to leave, leaving only a note behind in the morning. Explaining various reasons for them returning to Bree. Faeder, if you come across someone named Hardoleth or Ardehgon, make sure to keep a wary eye on them, they are not to be trusted.
As dawn approached I slowly awoke the rest of the company, telling everyone to prepare for departure. Most had not gathered enough sleep due to the beekers surrounding the camp. The beekers clearly didn't like our presence, the nighttime guard shifts had merely consisting of trying to find various ways to keep the critters from those resting. Once everyone was ready to depart, there was a foul mood lingering within the company. Probably caused by said exhaustion and an overall worry for the ill companion.
The company leaves from Ost Dúrgonn to find aid for a wounded comrade.
I heaved Dagden up on my horse trying to keep him there as we traveled. It did not take long until we were stopped by two persons of the Warband of Imaldris, they were easily enough recognized due to their blue and dark signature clothes. However, the way we were spoken to was not as easily recognizable. They stopped us and questioned our intent, as if not knowing of the past meeting. Neither were they interested in hearing of the critical state of our companion. The rest of our company grew rather impatient, but soon enough the rest of the Warband showed up, and I hoped that we would be shown some sort of hospitality, rather than contempt.
As they approached I could see them all have rather grim expressions on their faces. The last rider was someone I knew well. Edelred of house Edelwine had tried to catch up with us, along with him on his horse sat his son. It seemed that he had caught up with the Warband before reaching us. Knowing how Edelred feels about elves, I could only assume what words had been exchanged between him and the leaders of the Warband.
Dagden being treated by some temporary lasting medication
The elf named Elisbeth didn't seem to care much for whether or not Dagden survived or not. Infact, Eadenswith informed me later that Elisbeth had mentioned that they should leave him there to die. At times, it is good to travel with people who speak their language to learn of their true intents. Luckily enough, both Khalis and one named Ebbephant seemed less willing to let Dagden die. Ebbephant quickly instructed the gathering to find a few ingredients, including water from the Imaldris, so that he could dampen the poison slightly. Meanwhile Khalis seemed to be debating whether to bring us to Rivendell or not with a few others. Eadenswith told me that Elisbeth seemed to be quite against the proposal. But soon enough we were all up on our horses again, traveling towards Rivendell in company with the Warband.
The company is being guided to Rivendell by the Warband of Imaldris.
The company ascends the misty mountains.
The sun had already begun to set once we passed the river of Imaldris. As we continued to climb with our horses further and further up, the view soon enough became quite spectacular. Sadly, there was little room to enjoy it, due to the worry of a companion, a companion who's health was my responsibility.
At the gates of the Rivendell valley, Edelred decided to stop at a nearby camp with his son. Probably for the best according to me, he had already caused enough trouble for one day at that point. As the rest of us entered the Rivendell valley many jaws dropped in awe of its beauty. Such an untouched land.. it made me realize why the Warband of Imaldris seemed more than eager to keep danger at a distance. In the end, they are merely doing what people of Riddermark is currently failing to do. Protecting their home.
Dagden was left at one of the guest houses in care of Ebbephant the rest of us guided to the skirmish camp where they asked us to keep our weapons attached to the horses. Being in little position to argue this, we did as instructed. Once the elves had departed for the evening the Esquires gathered to speak about what had happened. Many were displeased with the actions of the Warband, it took some time to calm them, but in the end I believe I managed to make them find peace. And get some rest.
Eadenswith and Irwthryth reflects over the happenings of the day under stars.
The rest of the days have consisted of exploring Rivendell as well as regain the strength for the upcoming journey. Soon enough Dagden also showed up at the skirmish camp. Being in a weakened state he was told to be bound to camp duty rather than scouting until I could see his health improving. He still seemed to be under the impression that the elves did not want more than to bring harm to us, even if his life had just been saved by one. I told him to keep such opinions to himself.
There have only been a few occasions for us to meet with any of the people of the Warband. Ebbephant and Khalis would be the two I managed to speak the most to. After Eadenswith and Elisbeth had an argument in Elronds house. We soon enough were informed that we were to keep to the skirmish camp, at Elronds command, even though I doubt it.
I remember watching the sunrise over the misty mountains with Gilorthar one day. Speaking about how our home laid beyond them, increasing our wish to grow wings and take off. But things cannot always be easy can they?
I was hoping to have some words with Elisbeth before we departed, but it seems she cannot be found, and we are leaving at break of dawn. I therefore ask you father to try and visit these people frequently. Both to avoid future misunderstandings and try to establish a feel of trust between the Warband and the Esquires. However hard the task may prove to be.
Make sure to give Mother a kiss from me.
Hope to hear from you soon,
*signed*
Irwthryth
