Arradril

The scouts and swordsmen are shaken by the dangers they faced this day. They pause at the falls of Barad Glamgil to regain their bearings and assess the situation. Having left Lirisseya at Thorenhad following her painful wound, the small party is further diminished; the cónin of the House make the decision not to confront whatever shadow the Elves feel lying on the ruins above. Commander Redandir strikes out on his own to gather more information, while the rest of the group makes for an Elf-camp Melumatyar knows of.

Melumatyar's sure instincts have led the Lósengriol to the decaying ruin of Ost Thondol, deep in the Northern Trollshaws. As Glorfingwë patrols the battlements and looks to the north, Lindalembar of the Woodland Realm and Arradril of Gondolin stand together and cast their watchful gaze to the south. 

Following the scent of woodsmoke, we discovered a camp in the Trollshaws. The fact that friends felt safe here on this rocky outcrop -- safe enough to rest their horses and build a fire without fear -- cheered us no small amount. Several of the company opened their rations and took food around the fire. It was natural for me to remain standing, but, with my lord Branalph's approving eyes upon me, I was able to offer the company a song about harvest-time and grain.

We rode, following the guidance of hir Glorfingwë, who was eager for the company to take horse and begin the long travel ahead of them.L

My lord and I met the merry travelers at a well-known ruin in the woods. He and I knew we must turn back once we saw the group safely on their way as they traveled toward merriment and frivolity -- and we remained for duty. I admit that envy tinged my gaze upon my friends.

At the small encampment called Gaerond -- mostly Elves of the Trollshaws, but also a few Men who had the look of Dúnedain -- the group made inquiries. Unfortunately, the horse-mistress reported one of her beasts had fallen sick with no cause apparent, and while hir Branalph stood watch for any unusual activity, the others moved to inspect some freshly delivered provisions. Arradril halved an apple to inspect it, while Glorfingwë, who had long experience working with reagents and metals, smelled sulfur among the fruits and vegetables.

Word had reached Carethril, a healer within the house known somewhat cryptically as Lósengriol, that Men and their beasts were sickening and dying along both banks of the river Mitheithel. Accordingly, a small group of Elves of that house met the scouts encamped just east of the Last Bridge across the river. They fanned out, searching for clues, and soon Arradril found something not at all to her liking.

An exhausted Arradril lies at Tham Send as Lady Manadhlaer gathers her healing equipment and rushes to the Last Homely House to treat Arradril's wound. Neither Glorfingwë nor the fretful, devoted Branalph will leave her side until then -- and likely after then. The incident leaves Branalph ready to pointedly question the wisdom of the expedition, but Glorfingwë counsels patience -- it may be that Lirisseya was right and the flower is a good omen of something, although that is hard for Branalph to see at the moment.