Sunday April 29th, Echad Dúnann, Eregion.
Afternoon, a light rain has just quieted down, and the company, resting and waiting at the campsite of Echad Dúnann, finds themselves somewhat scattered. Only Ealendil, Elvealin and Nienore remains at the campsite. There are signs of the others as they have gone surveying the surrounding area, hunting, or practicing, yet the three of them are alone at the moment.
The party of Lord Tindir and Himwen are still absent, however, they will surely find the tracks of group as they went south to Echad Dúnann.
It appears that Nienore had gone out alone during the night and been bitten by some animal. Lady Athuviel had quickly talked with Ealendil about Nienore’s restlessness during the night. Now Nienore sits to the side reading, and Ealendil concerned tells Elvealin about it, who immediately attends to her wounds.
Feeling a little bored by the waiting and seeing that Nienore is no worse off from the last night ordeal, the three of them decides to make an excursion to the Hollin Gate. It is close by, not far at all. And the traffic commotion made by the wagon trains of the recently passed dwarves has made the road safe to travel, scaring away all wild-life.
Elvealin writes a message for the others of their would-be whereabouts, and the group readies their horses, packed lightly.
They steer the horses to the outer gate at Echad Dúnann, that heralds the road leading east up to the Hollin Gate. There, a single dwarf stands in the shadows, eyeing them warily as they nod to him passing him by.
The ride along the road is uneventful, only the sound of crickets seems to accompany them. Deep tracks in the dry path clearly marks the passage of several heavily loaded wagons.
A little further up the road, where it suddenly makes a sharp left turn, stairs are visible straight ahead, leading up east toward the mountain-side. No one seem to have come this way, and the wagon trails all follow the road to the left. The small party decides to have a look. Dismounting, leaving their horses to graze, they are about to start the arduous climb as Carniquesse catches up with them. She is greeted with joy and welcoming words, yet disapproval is written upon her face.
Though she doesn't’t look happy about having to escort the three ladies, which she in no small words and gestures fails to indicate. She has apparently seen the note Elvealin left behind and decided it was best to come and check on them.
At the top of the stairs a dismal view greets them. A lake, lifeless and spreading a most vile stench, assaults their senses. From their vantage point they can barely make out the opposite side, and Elvealin points out where the gate is supposed to be at the other side.
Though the view from the top of the stairs is remarkable, the group decides to move around the lake and approach the Hollin Gate. Night has fallen and they hope to reach it to view it in the light of the stars.
Following the road turning left, and the tracks, they soon encounter debris strewn about by the dwarves having preceded them. Ealendil shakes her head at the sight, as this is most uncharacteristically of the dwarves. They are most practical and would never throw away anything that is still of use.
The answer to the ‘riddle’ is soon revealed as they group comes around a bend in the road, and is greeted by the sight of the lake, that at this part has come really close to the mountain sides, leaving only a small strip of land to follow around it. Here, signs of a battle are clearly seen. A great force seems to haves thrown wagons and supplies around, making a wreckage out of them. They dismount and leave their horses to investigate the area.
As they come to a small stream that cuts the thin land-strip in half, they halt. Is it safe to cross it? Is the water tainted? Nienore boldly jumps out onto a small rock, avoiding contact with the water, but Ealendil not seeing this as practical solution, and pointing out that the dwarves with their wagons have crossed here too, reaches out and touches the water. Elvealin concerned immediately examines her hand, yet nothing untoward is detected. The water is fetid, but not toxic.
Despite the protests of Carniquesse, they nimbly jump across. avoiding getting wet more out of comfort than out fear of the water.
On the other side, a quieting sight greets them a little further on, five graves, and a stone marker typical of the dwarves of Ered Luin. Here they stop to honor those who clearly had died at the battle and been buried by their comrades. The graves are months old.
As they approach the Hollin Gate, Carniquesse rushes forward, weapons drawn, she has spotted a single guardian in the shadow of a tree. It turns out to be a lone dwarf caring for the provisions that remains outside. Remaining outside an open stone gate exposing a dark entryway into the mountain. The door is open! The Hollin Gate stands wide open! The elves stare in disbelief and wonder, and the dwarf is confronted with many questions. Out of all the confusion it is learned that a great battle had occurred at the very shore with a beast of great strength, a creature of evil, a guardian sent by the dark lord. The dwarf cannot say for sure if the beast is gone, but it was driven away, ensuring some safe foothold at the gate. The group of elves are invited to a small supply camp just inside.
After some heated discussions they finally agree to check upon this camp and to gather more information before returning back to Echad Dúnann.
A sight of wonder and disbelief meets them as they enter the through the gate, this is no small mining expedition after all that the dwarves have sent to Moria. Military equipment and supplies supporting a major campaign greets them, and loaded trains of goats make their way eastward into the darkness of the caverns.
They approach a lone dwarf who stands with arms crossed looking at them expectantly, smiling smugly.
Elvealin exchanges greetings with the dwarf and asks about the happenings within the mines. In short monosyllabic words the dwarf, Tulk, quickly describes the on-going campaign, apparently not wanting to reveal to much. Elvealin is told about the strife of the dwarves and the troubles with pockets of orcs, goblins, and whatnots all through the mountains.
Despite the misgivings of Elvealin about the possibilities to pass through the mines, Ealendil captures the glint in Tulk’s eye as he winks at Elvealin, smiling smugly. To Ealendil, knowing somewhat of the dwarves of Ered Luin, it is a clear sign that things are going good for the dwarves and that they are not that willing to tell more. While Elvealin queries the dwarf further, Ealendil looks around her, noticing the mood of the laboring dwarves around them, sensing the excitement in their eyes and sprint in their gait, there is an energy of hope around them.
Indeed! Things seem to be going far better than expected. And this would explain the writing of Elvealin’s father. The mines are indeed passable, maybe not easy, but passable!
As the group gathers to share and discuss what is learnt, questions arise. What about the horses? They cannot take them with them into the mountain. New mounts, the kind the dwarves are using is needed. But will they part with them? Money will surely help here, they are traders at heart.
The group decides to return to the camp at Echad Dúnann to await the return of the others and to share what they have found out. The mines are passable!
