Though growing up with a younger sister and dutiful parents in the House of Valehaven, Lefrinu had grown accustomed to spending many hours in solitude while she trained in the surrounding forests. She had learned that Diriana’s boisterousness was a taste she had yet to acquire, but was indeed regretful when the mistral came down with a bit of a cold. While Diriana caught up on some much needed bed rest, Lefrinu heeded Avalong’s call to action. The elven leader of the Sworn Wanderers had received word from the mayor of Trestlebridge that they were in dire need of reinforcements. In response, Avalong rounded up what troops were available to make the trek from Bree. Those who came to aid their leader were Igarthel of Rohan, Faridir of Mirkwood, Earniel of Lindon…and of course, Lefrinu.
Stopping at Ardo’s Camp for supplies, the small group took a roundabout way to Testlebridge on foot. They stopped again at Thornley’s Farm for a secure night’s rest before continuing onward. During the early morn, the Sworn Wanderers came across two or three small orc camps…and easily disposed of those who plotted against the local farmers. Igarthel and Avalong were most valiant as they ran into the fray, while Faridir and Lefrinu picked off any of the beasts that tried to escape their leader’s blades. Earnel contributed the most by making sure everyone’s wounds had been properly treated.
Trestlebridge already looked worse for wear by the time the Sworn Wanderers arrived. Many of the houses had been set aflame, and it was taking most of the guard to keep the bridge secured. With the aid of Faridir, the opposing army’s camps had been scouted, and a sample of explosive goo had been procured. The orcs and goblins meant to destroy the bridge. Avalong would not allow this to happen, and instantly rallied up her troops. In the dead of the night, they snuck over the bridge’s blockade and stealthily made their way towards the enemy’s encampment in the neighboring mountains. Faridir hadn’t gone deep enough into the camp to realize just how many orcs and goblins…and trolls they would be contending with…not to mention the wargs!
Igarthel’s Rohanian blood boiled when he caught sight of a horse carcass…ravaged by the dire wolf-like beasts…and noted more whinnying as they came to the realization that their capture meant their doom. Faridir and Lefrinu, with the aid of their elven mystique and woodland training, scouted ahead to pinpoint the supply of explosives. However, instead of returning to the group to show them where it was…Avalong, Igarthel, and Earnel caught site of the display…which practically brought down a part of the mountain! Pandemonium broke loose at the explosion, which gave Igarthel his chance to free the horses. But panic caused all beasts to act chaotically, and while the trio did their best to defend themselves when they were spotted, they could not wait much longer for the two other elves. Catching what horses they could, Igarthel, Avalong, and Earnel retreated, riding back to Trestlebridge.
Faridir and Lefrinu did their best to sneak past the orcs during the panic and confusion, but an alert warg picked up their scent, and before long the two elves were running and fighting for their lives. Dawn was blotted out by the smoke and ash that filled the sky, flaming debris fell about the two elves…separating them as they dodged out of the way. Lefrinu found herself cornered by a troll, and nimbly ducked between his legs to get to freedom. Her daggers gleamed with firelight as she dealt with a goblin who sought to confront her, and only a quick glance behind her proved just how loyal a troll was as it crushed the goblins head into the ground with its foot. She hoped that with enough distance between her and the troll, she would be able to take cover behind something and slow it down with her arrows.
An old stone wall, crumbling from age was her only hope. The huntress made a mad dash for the wall, leaping over it for some cover. Her eyes widened at the sight of the ravine below, and she quickly scrambled back against the wall so not to fall into it. It wasn’t long before her panic was averted by the troll closing in on her…and the sound of horse hooves galloping closer. Though they had gotten separated, it didn’t take long for Faridir to catch sight of the elf maiden once she was out in the open. Grabbing one of the stray horses, the scout quickly charged after the troll, unaware of the danger Lefrinu had only recently encountered. As the horse came up from behind the troll, the elf notched an arrow to his bow. The stallion, running at full speed as it came up to the wall, leapt…the arrow was loosed…the troll fell from a direct hit between the eyes, and Lefrinu gasped as she saw her fellow Wanderer go over the cliff’s edge.
Time felt like it paused, she was unaware that it was mere seconds before Lefrinu gathered up the will power to look over the edge of the cliff. Would she see Faridir’s broken body idly floating down the river at the bottom? No. No, when she mustered up the strength to look, she found him gripping onto a branch of some shrub that grew out from the rocky side. They called out to each other, to reassure that the other was there, and with some rope, Lefrinu pulled Faridir up to…well…relative safety.
Taking a rather long and roundabout way back to Trestlebridge, Faridir and Lefrinu made it safely back to the Sworn Wanderers.
