Meeting of Kin

Luinor lets his arms fall down to his sides as he looks at Atharan. He hooks his thumbs under his belt and offers a single, slight nod to him to indicate he was listening and ready.
Turchiron smiles at her best he can, His mood still not quite improved, He turns and makes his way back to the large group.
Turchiron folds his arms and fidgets around slightly, kicking around some gravel lightly beneath his feet as he waits.
Sigfread says, 'I am glad you all came to my call. For those whom may be less known to me. I am Atharan, son of Arandir. I oversee and guide the young rangers that come to Bree as well as the Weatherhill.'
Sigfread says, 'I have summoned you here to discuss a serious matter. Not long ago, Nethdir and I fought alongside the Black Steel Company, whose leader I have been friends with for a long time now. Sadly, we could not prevent that a large number of hobbits were brutally slain up in the Northcotton farms near Oathbarthon...'
Turchiron looks up at the mention of his name before looking back to the ground once more, Thinking to himself about the events being spoken.
Sigfread says, 'The enemy we face there, he was no normal man. He used dark powers to corrupt the mind. Much like the sorcerers of Angmar'
Hithfaerwen felt her brow furrow, glancing at her Father.
Sigfread says, 'Has any of you heard of such a moment? A tall dark cloaked figure he was. Face pale as a corpse.'
Hithfaerwen shook her head, looking toward the others.
Luinor lifts up a hand to scratch his beard, his brow raised at the mention of Hobbit folk slain.
Caerdrin shakes his head a time, scratching his chin a time as he ponders what figure he speaks of.
Turchiron remains silent, the memories of Northcotton farms bring him some trouble.
Luinor lowers his head slightly, a hint of sorrow glints in his eyes for a moment. "It seems we have failed these good folk in our duty."
Sigfread looks over his shoulder as he hears footsteps in the tall grass ''Well.... by my beard.....''
Estenthel comes walking, almost waddling, in. Her footsteps are a bit heavier than in the past.
Sigfread makes room for the late arrival...
Sigfread says, 'We have not failed the halflings yet....'
Estenthel pulls her hood down, grinning at the sight before the cave. A hand rests on her round belly as she stops by them, "I almost didn't believe the message. What have I missed?"
Sigfread says, 'As much as we all wish this could have been prevented, it seems our enemy was playing quite smart....'
Sigfread says, 'Estenthel... Good, you came....'
Turchiron turns as Atharan did, He looks to see a familiar figure approach, Although with quite some difference than last he saw her. He bows his head slightly to her, speaking with the first smile since he arrived at the meeting, speaking quieter as to not interrupt Atharan's speech, "Galu Estenthel, Le maer? It has been quite some time."
Sigfread says, 'We are discussing the matter of Northcotton farm. And the brutal attack upon the halflings that took place'
Hithfaerwen felt a bit uncomfortable with all the others. She knew they were Kin. They wouldn't be here if they were not, but she could not help but feel wary.
Sigfread says, 'I have already noted Calenglad of this. He agreed to send more watchers to the area to help and defend it.'
Estenthel hums, "It must not have reached Bree then. I have not been able to wander like I could years ago... Attacks on the halflings though?"
Sigfread says, 'A large number of halflings was slaughtered at Northcotton farms by, what I presume to be, an Angmarim sorcerer'
Sigfread says, 'I was there with the Company of the Black steel to investigate the disappearance of two Hobbits... We came too late to the cries and smoke.... However.... if we had not come it might have ended worse for all Oathbarthon'
Estenthel glances at all of them as she mulls it over, "Did we miss something then? It's rare that we miss someone, especially like that, leaving Angmar."
Sigfread says, 'Indeed. And my fear thus be that it might happen again. Somewhere else....'
Sigfread looks around the group finding them awfully quiet. ''Anyone else has a word on this? How we might respond?''
Turchiron looks around before speaking up, "I was camped in a small area between Nenuial and Fornost Erain, I saw none pass through to head south to Oatbarton. Unless somehow this man managed to get passed it from there, Or took another way to the Shire.."
Sigfread looks over to Caerdrin to await what he has to say on this
Caerdrin says, 'Alas, I have not heard of tall folk crossing into the Shire. Our numbers are sparse, as is, I worry for more dark ilk crossing into peaceful land.'
Caerdrin says, 'A solution? It's hard to cover every piece of land without the Bree-folk getting angsty of our presence.'
Sigfread thinks calmly upon the words said ''And what of you Luinor?''
Luinor says, 'Perhaps it is from Annúminas itself this creature emerged from? There are many dark things in the old city, and as Caerdrin has stated, even there our numbers are sparse.'
Luinor says, 'We can not possibly know.'
Estenthel mutters, "Excuse me, I'm going to head inside for a bit."
Sigfread says, 'The city is mostly abandoned, however.... we have not been deep into its catacombs for a long time....'
Caerdrin says, 'What of the Ram Dúath? Has anything passed the Hillmen?'
Caerdrin says, 'Gotten passed, pardon me.'
Turchiron glances to Hithfaerwen before back to the others, "I was briefly in the North Downs before coming here, I had not heard anything of note coming from either side of Esteldín."
Sigfread says, 'I have sent word to Candaith in the Lone-lands, however, he seems to have not noticed any movement either. Whoever we are dealing with is very good at what they do...'
Hutin treks through the marsh, feeling his supple leather boots sink down into the muck. He led his sturdy horse along behind him, holding it by the reins as he tested out the best route to take. Eventually, the two managed to get to firmer land and now like a shadow with his cloak pulled around himself, he moved towards the cave, hearing voices upon the wind.
Sigfread says, 'But they do not work alone. There is another whom leads them'
Sigfread says, 'We managed to best the black robed man before he was called back by a voice that came out of the air....'
Hithfaerwen had her eye on her feet, listening nonetheless.
Sigfread says, 'It means we are only dealing with a lackey....'
Caerdrin ponders for a moment. A grimace rests on his face as he shakes his head a time.
Hutin lowers his hood as he strides forth, going forth towards the tree to tie the reins around to keep his horse in place before he turns and joins the circle though does not offer anything more than a nod for now.
Caerdrin says, 'Regardless of the hierarchy, you said this individual wields sorceries. That doesn't bode well for us.'
Sigfread looks over to the new arrival and nodding to him
Turchiron looks to the newcomer, "Le suilon, Brother, Glad you could finally make it here."
Sigfread says, 'We were lucky to escape...'
Hithfaerwen turned her head to the ruin behind them, body turned to view it properly. Her mind was occupied.
Hutin says, 'I had some messages to deliver, one of them which we can talk of after.'
Sigfread says, 'My mind was strong enough to repel the visions. Nethdir barely held....'
Hutin nods his head towards Turchiron with a smile from underneath his beard that had seen little care in the past few days.
Sigfread says, 'As for the two woman of the Black Steel Company..... they almost broke under it had it not been for me and Nethdir...'
Turchiron folds his arms, casting a quick glance to the more elderly Rangers before looking to the ground, perhaps out of embarrassment at Atharan's words.
Sigfread says, 'The fact that he got to one of us only shows how powerful his spells may be...'
Sigfread says, 'And if it is only a lackey with such powers, I fear for what his master can do.'
Sigfread says, 'Thus I called you all here. So you may be known with this evil'
Sigfread says, 'If you hear a strange whistle in the night. And the sound of thunder following sharply after... be ready.'
Sigfread says, 'This is how it sounded when we approached the figure'
Caerdrin says, 'You speak of masters and puppets. Fearful words in dark times, I worry you endanger what we stand for though. To protect those who can not protect themselves. Lofty words make it sound like we march for the very gates of Carn Dûm itself! As much as I believe in rooting out this evil, we must keep in mind our strength and numbers.'
Sigfread says, 'We must cover all our routes. I'll stay with the Bree-landers. My connection with the Black Steel lies good and through them, we may find out more. I am sure Fiontann wants his revenge as well....'
Luinor says, 'I am of the same mind as Caerdrin.'
Sigfread says, 'You speak wise Caerdrin.'
Turchiron nods in agreement, "Protecting those who cannot protect themselves is where we ought to be, More men stationed on the borders of the Shire, Perhaps Amon Raith near Trestlebridge would also be of benefit, Their defenses seem... shaky, to say the least."
Sigfread says, 'Agreed....'
Sigfread says, 'But whom will go where?'
Caerdrin nods towards Nethdir, looking ahead once more afterward. He wrinkles his nose slightly, pondering the possible locations of interest.
Sigfread says, 'I can hold the borders of Bree. It is not large a land after all. My fear, however, lies towards the North. near Nen Harn.'
Hutin says, 'I can spread the word that if there are any to spare, more blades are needed in these locations.'
Sigfread says, 'That would be a welcomed thing Hutin...'
Turchiron says, 'What of the Eglain? Although I detest their occupation of our eastern ruins, They are still a people who have done no wrong.'
Sigfread says, 'If we can make a pact with the Eglain they might be able to watch over the ruins of Agamaur and Gath Agarwen.'
Luinor folds his arms over his chest once more as he glances over the others, then Atharan.
Hutin says, 'As an Elf-Friend, I can request a meeting with those of Imladris and other areas asking for them to keep their eyes and ears watchful, and let their bows sing if necessary.'
Sigfread looks to Hutin with an asking gaze ''Do you think Hir Khalis has time to help us?''
Hutin says, 'If it is to defend his own land and people from threats, then I am sure the Elven folk will be glad to aid us.'
Hutin says, 'I shall head that way soon, after a short stop in the Chetwood, I can ask them what they think.'
Turchiron kisses Herendor.
Sigfread says, 'Nethdir, Will you head to Trestlebridge with Hithfaerwen?'
Hithfaerwen perks up as her name is mentioned, turning back to the group.
Turchiron nods, "I had intended to head to the North-Downs regardless, Perhaps I'll check the pass of Ram Dúath and past Fornost Erain should the opportunity arise, But are you sure it's wise for her to come all that way with me?"
Sigfread says, 'I am sure. For now, I wish her to stay with you so she may get used to her wound a bit better.'
Sigfread says, 'Besides. If you are heading to Fornost and surrounding areas, a bit of help is not unwelcome.'
Turchiron looks between Hithfaerwen and Atharan, "Help would most certainly be welcome, But that area is fraught with danger, So you -" He points to Hithfaerwen, "Will have to be careful and stick close to me no matter what."
Hithfaerwen gave a small nod, her face a neutral emotion.
Hutin says, 'I shall head to the elves first, then go via the quickest routes to the North to ask them of help down here.'
Sigfread says, 'Caerdrin, will you head to the Eglain with Luinor. And see if you can find anything in Gath Agarwen?'
Caerdrin says, 'Very well. It shall be done.'
Sigfread says, 'I will keep an eye on Nen Harn and the Barrow Downs as well.'
Sigfread says, 'I mind the Breelanders not too much anyway so....'
Sigfread says, 'Hutin. Now that this matter is decided upon. What new did you bring?'
Caerdrin says, 'Very well, when do we depart?'
Sigfread says, 'As soon as we can Caerdrin. I have supplies to spare inside the cave for those who wish to take them. Rope, food, Firestone....'
Caerdrin nods.
Hutin says, 'As soon as my horse is watered and fed I will leave.'
Sigfread turns back to Hutin to hear of him
Sigfread says, 'Did you not say upon arrival that you bear news?'
Hutin says, 'Ah yes, but to do with Nethdir here.'
Hutin smiles to Sigfread with a nod of the head.
Turchiron turns with some surprise, "With me? That's unexpected, Whatever could it be?"
Sigfread looks around the group ''Well then I suppose that concludes our meeting. Help yourselves to any supplies within the caves. And thank you all for answering the call.
Hutin says, 'A man that goes by Glirandir? I met him in Esteldin when I was delivering a message, and he told me to keep an eye out for you, relating to how he seeks to find you again soon.'
Hithfaerwen glances at Nethdir, brow raised in a curious matter.
Sigfread nods to the group in a farewell before he heads back inside to continue on his mapping
Sigfread says, 'May your roads be safe my friends...'
Turchiron says, 'Father found you? And he's in Esteldín? Even more, a reason to head back there, It seems I should depart quickly as possible, I thank you greatly for this message Hutin, I did not know where he ended up!'
Hutin says, 'In the Frozen North by the judge of his clothing... lined with furs!'
Luinor pulls the folded gloves from under his belt and begins to slide them over each hand. He turns to Caerdrin.
Luinor says, 'Echad Sûl is where we shall find each other.'
Caerdrin says, 'So be it.'
Luinor offers only a single nod to him and nothing more before he wanders out into the marshes.
Turchiron nods, Almost speaking to himself at first, "Crazy old man..-" He turns to the others, "Safe travels friends!"
Caerdrin says, 'Take care.'
Turchiron says, 'I take it you'll be off toward Imladris then?'
Hithfaerwen waits behind Nethdir, as he is her guardian for the time being. She feels happy for him! Her small smile showed little but her cheeks and nose were pink with excitement.
Hutin says, 'I believe so, my horse can only handle so much and I will have to change horses in Ost Guruth I believe. Is there any messages - the both of you - need to be delivered?'
Turchiron ponders for a moment, "None for the Elves at the moment, Although if you do see Estenthel, A kinswoman of ours, there, Do tell her I wish her well and hope to see her sometime!"
Hutin says, 'Estenthel... right you. And you?'
Hutin leans to the side to look towards the woman standing behind Nethdir.
Hithfaerwen shook her head. "No message. Thank you though."
Hutin says, 'Then I shall away! I believe there is another ranger named Amrath in this area, who will be willing to lend a hand. I will spread the word as far as I can!'
Turchiron says, 'Good travels then, Brother! Word of trouble in these areas need to spread, Inform any of our kinsmen that you come across, But ensure no common folk overhears you.'
Hithfaerwen bowed her head. "Safe travels to you."
Hutin says, 'I shall! Stay safe, and if you need a message delivered, seek me out, even via raven if you wish.'
Turchiron says, 'I shall most certainly do so, Stay safe yourself.'
Hutin nods his head to them both, offering a smile before he moves to his horse, unwrapping the reins and climbing into the saddle. He kneads his ankles into the flanks of the horse, and it sets off up along the valley.