Skrayper and Krystic were forced off of the main road when bandits attacked them not long after they made up camp for the night. Though the duo were able to lure the bandits into a false sense of security when they chased the two into the forest; but the elfin maiden and the Rohirrim were able to use the cover of the trees to pick off the brigands one by one. Unfortunately, with as deep as they went into the forest, the pair grew terribly lost in the darkness. Wolves kept them on their guard, and it wasn’t until they reached a sparkling stream that glimmered with the golden glow of the dawn that they were rescued. It was the enchanting Goldberry singing to the trees, who smiled kindly to Skrayper and Krystic and welcomed them. She led them to the house of Tom Bombadil where they feasted and rested in safety and comfort.
During their stay, Tom taught them about the Old Forest, of the dangers that were ahead of them. He forewarned them about the Barrow-Downs, and the restless spirits that haunted the desolate land. Leaving with his advice in hand, the couple ventured swiftly towards the Northern Barrows Pass, wary of the beasts that were on the prowl…looking for their next meal. Skrayper and Krystic lit torches to guide their way as night fell, relying on each other’s strength to get them through the darkness. Their bravery was tested when faced with a wandering spirit that threatened to steal their souls. Neither Krystic nor Skrayper were proficient with magic, but with their faith in each other and the love that started to grow between them, they pulled their strength together and defeated the wight that blocked their path.
The weary couple found their way out of the barrows as down broke over the mountain peaks. Brigands seemed like nothing in comparison to the wight they encountered. When they reached Bree, they took a day to rest at the Prancing Pony before making inquiries on the whereabouts of Krystic’s sister Lefrinu and the Sworn Wanderers.
