Filrean had set up camp for the night, amongst a few trees on an outcrop set above the campsite of the elves below at Eavespires. Her fire was built and a small area set out for sleeping beside her sword, bow and quiver of arrows, she kept her hunting dagger at her side as always. As she settled down into a comfortable seating position she watched a boat moving across the water, two passengers both in hooded cloaks, she was not going to sleep yet. Quietly she packed away her sleeping arrangement and restocked the fire, drawing from a pouch tied to her belt she took a few leaves and scattered them into the flames. She closed her eyes and drew in the scent of the smoke.
Down below on the shoreline the boat grated against the gravel and the passengers stepped out, one tall with broad set shoulders, cloaked in green, the other slightly smaller but also cloaked in green.
Filrean sat patiently by the fire her hand slightly by her dagger, just in case. She knew others were wandering amongst these woods and it never paid to be complacent, not when she was given the reason for this watch. It was not long before she heard the footsteps, though carefully placed the rocky cliff sides did not lend much to quiet walking. Moving from her seated position into a readied crouch, she slipped the dagger from it's sheaf into her hand, at the last moment she spun on her heal and faced the person coming up from behind. Her hand lowered and a smile showed for a short moment, she did not need to see the face of the cloaked man to know who it was.
" I expect you saw our approach." Amlarad said, she nodded and took in the sight of him, their meetings were becoming a rare occurance. Too rare.
"Your friend can come out now." The other man had stayed back beside the tree, waiting to be called forward.
Amlarad introduced her to him, " This is Filrean a very close and old friend of mine."
"Less of the old." she replied jovily as she looked at the newcomer.
"My name is Adunzil, it is a pleasure to meet you." He greeted her with bow of his head. Filrean smiled, a Dunedan she had not yet met, though she had grown used to Amlarad being the main introduction to her of others of their kinfolk.
"He offered his services in finding you." spoke Amlarad, she quirked a brow at this, he had come to find her?
"You needed help in finding me? " She questioned, already knowing the answer.
"I wished to be of service." Adunzil put in.
They spoke then for a short time of why she was there and about some rumour of giants in the upper hills. Filrean said it was true as she had seen tracks on previous days. It was then decided they should all take a look as although she had seen the tracks she had not ventured closer to the area. Picking up her bow, quiver and sword they set out up the slopes of the steep hills; Filrean in front, followed by Amlarad and Adunzil bringing up the rear. They worked their way towards the river, avoiding as much as possible the wandering guaradan that lived in the area. She lead them to where she had last seen a sign of the giant's passing, there had not been any rain the previous night so the track should of remained undisturbed. They reached the waters edged and Filrean looked for a place narrow enough to cross, taking a few steps back she leapt over the water in a long stride, closely followed by Amlarad. Adunzil had decided to take a more circuitous route and crossed at a fallen tree. Ignoring the man's decision to cross elsewhere she stooped at the track found previously and pointed it out to Amlarad.
"I believe the second print would of landed there amongst the gravel stones, on it's way to drink from the river." She said, nodding towards below where they had crossed. Amlarad agreed silently.
"They are further up there." She pointed through the trees towards a stone building set higher on the hillside.
Slowly they worked their way up the steep hill to get a closer look at the Giant's encampment. It was heavily guarded with posts looking out on all side, they had to use every bit of tree cover not to be seen. Reaching some mossy covered boulders they crept forwards and were able to see inside part of the area the Giants occupied. They made a count of the numbers and retreated back to a safe distance. Clearly there were too many for any kind of assault on the position and without knowledge of why they were there it did not make sense to launch an attack. Amlarad decided they should head back down to Filrean's campsite and form some plan of action about the possible threat.
Not long after reaching the campsite they were approached by another Ranger, Oldgrove. He had noted the fire and went to see who was taking watch over the lake. He brought with him news of a battle heading towards the wardens keep and any offers of aid were welcome. Both men agreed they would go to help, before they left Filrean requested to speak with Amlarad. She watched as Adunzil and Oldgrove retreated down the side of the hill towards the river crossing.
"It is unlike you to come looking for me?" She looked to him, the question in her eyes.
"I was concerned and heard that you had taken watch here." he replied.
"I was given the watch, incase those invading would pass this way instead, I did not want to say anything earlier."
".. Dunisthil." Amlarad said suddenly. "When did you last see him?"
" Some time ago in Imladris, he was looking for a manuscript in the library there. I can not be certain but he may of left by now.
" Dunisthil holds some heirlooms of mine and armour that had been bestowed upon me. I deem this battle will require me to wear something stronger."
"I wish that I could be at your side in this, and not here watching from a distance." Filrean said sadly.
"It is safer for you to be here, not in a battle holding ground."
"Am I not as good a warrior?" She looked at him sternly.
He looked back at her, holding her gaze until her shoulder's dropped in resignition.
"It is not that Filrean, you are already more than any man's worth. You are too important to suffer the fate of men in battle." His eyes softened, replaced by a careworn look.
She lowered her eyes. "I will not rest well until I see you again, either at this shore or the other one. But I will hold my watch here and wait for word to come to me." She stepped closer and placed her gloveless hand against his face. He allowed her a smile, a small insight of his own internal struggle. She moved her hand to place it against his chest, then in turn her own.
"May the strength of our people keep you safe." She slowly stepped away, her inner thoughts tearing at her.
"I will look to you when this is over, but my time has finally come to make true my oath and defend our ancestral homelands." He wrapped his cloak about himself, looked at her a final time and made his way to the others on the shoreline.
Filrean took a deep breath and composed herself before turning to watch the boat making its way back across the river, carrying three men of the faithful.
