Before Leaving for Rivendell

​The early winter wind blew inside as Oronir and Neremnes entered Leothross' house. Neremnes removed her thick winter cloak and discarded it on the floor and Leothross welcomed them in with a smile.
“Welcome, welcome. Good to see you again, Oronir.”
He tipped his hat to Leothross, some snow tumbling to the ground. The girl had not spoken since they entered. She kicked her shoes off, only just now realising she had traipsed snow across the carpet.
“Sorry…”
“I do not believe we have met. I’m Leothross.” He turned to the girl.
“Nemmy.”
“Nice to meet you. And please, do not worry about the snow.” He turned to Oronir, “Is this young girl to be aiding us?”
Oronir took off his gloves and hat, warmth by the fire, “Neremnes has been around some time. She is young but always willing to help.”
“Good, good.” He glanced over his shoulder and beckoned Neremnes. “Please, the fire is warm over here.”
Neremnes approached the fire with a small smile then held her hands out, enjoying the warmth.
“You and your Dwarven friend have returned with good news from Bree, I trust?” Oronir inquired.
“Oh, are you the one investigating the scrolls?” Neremnes turned from the fire and placed her hands in her pockets, now interested to hear new of the scrolls.
“We certainly have news. Though I am not sure it is good…”
“It was Neremnes right here who obtained the scrolls, so speak freely.”
Leothross ran his hand through his beard, stopping periodically with a thoughtful look as he told, “Ah, good work. Well, we confirmed that the writing in the scrolls is indeed in code. And, in fact, we were able to decipher a few parts of it, and combined with the drawings, it tells a grim story… It seems that they are connected with the amulet that you found, as well. Drangan discovered that. He saw, or at least thinks he saw, an image hidden in the scrolls that appears to match that of the amulet.”
“I did feel a wave of dread pass over me when I looked upon the scrolls... It was very odd.” The girl appeared less shy than when she had stepped into the house.
“It sounds like we should alert Bree that the doctor is not an innocent citizen.”
Leothross shook his head, "We can't jump to conclusions just yet. These scrolls may not even be his, or may just be some curiosity. There is hardly enough evidence for that.”
“Did you figure out all of what was on the scroll, or are there still some parts unknown?” Neremnes asked.
“They were found in a locked chest in his room. The key was in his locked table drawer. I think it was his though. But what shall we do, since the Scholar’s guild couldn’t help out enough?” Oronir pointed out.
“There is still much unknown. We were only able to read a small portion of it. It seems there was something about a connection between the brain and the mind. And Oronir, Bree’s Scholars are helpful, but they are not… well, not well equipped, we’ll say. Their library is scarce more than a hole in the wall.” Leothross looked between the two, “I think we will need to visit the library in Imladris. It is the largest library anywhere close to us. If we cannot learn of it there, then it will take more than just a little research to discover its secrets.”
“Imladris…?”
Neremnes raised a brow, “Imla-what?”

Leothross tried to hide a sigh, “The Last Homely House, home of Elrond. Rivendell, I suppose it is more commonly known as among men... They have much more knowledge than any of the cities of Men, I wager. Certainly more than Bree.”
“Well, that is not what I imagined this would lead to. That journey is about 340 kilometres from here.” Oronir shook his head.
Neremnes’ face lit up.
Leothross shrugged, “The distance is hardly the trouble. It is a nice ride. I have made it twice in the last year myself. But, it is a bitter time of year for such a journey to be sure.”
“At least a three day journey I would say, and with winter upon us... will it be possible at all?”
“The roads have been getting progressively more dangerous as well, I have heard. But I see no reason why I couldn't make it. It would be good to see Rivendell again.”
“I will join you. Alone it would be too unsafe.”
“I will come too! I need to get out of here, and I've never seen an Elf. Besides, I want to know what's written on them scrolls.” Neremnes rocked back and forth on her heels excitedly.
“We should prepare for the journey and leave in a day or two. Perhaps others will join as well.”
Leothross waved a hand lightly toward Oronir, “I am never alone, and can handle the dangers...” he trailed off, “but of course, a group would make the trip easier, and this one has to see the Elves.” He smiled at Neremnes, and she grinned back.
Oronir stared into the fire, thinking, and then nodded to himself. “We should travel lightly and leave with or without extra aid.”
Neremnes blabbered out some words, “I agree. Swift and light is best in the weather - and I don't suppose we can afford to waste much more time with these scrolls. Whoever is working against us could be moving as we speak.” They didn’t mean much, and were already known, but she sure felt smart saying them.
“A few should be all that is necessary. Of course, if Drangan was able to join us, that would be good. His help was appreciated in the study of the scrolls. Although I agree we should not like to wait too long. I can be ready by the morning.”
“Then it is settled. Tomorrow we see if you find Drangan and leave as soon as possible.” Said Oronir.
“Agreed.” Said Neremnes.