Withces in the Lone-lands - 1. Meeting on the road

The hills of Lone-lands began to turn blue in light as the sun sets beyond the horizon. It would be dark soon, and the road ahead seemed to disappear in the distance. A travelling woman had stopped to peer at the darkening landscape, and from somewhere along the road comes a man running her way.

Catrena waves to Faldrid.

Catrena says, 'Where are you headed, traveler?'

Faldrid gestures toward the Forsaken Inn

Faldrid says, 'The Inn'

Catrena says, 'Oh... well are you in a terrible rush?'

Faldrid says, 'Aye, the hour grows late, and strange things lurk in this land'

Catrena says, 'Hmm.. of that you are likely correct. I am looking for a place to camp myself. Maybe you can point me to some corner nearby, but not the inn?'

Faldrid says, Are you a messenger?'

Catrena says, 'No, not a messenger exactly. More like an investigator, or a scout'

Faldrid scratches his chin

Faldrid says, 'If you must avoid the inn, I believe there is a camp in this direction'

Faldrid points something out.

Catrena says, 'Just that way?'

Faldrid peers into the darkness

Faldrid says, 'It seems a bit dangerous, if you ask me'

Catrena says, 'It does that to me too. And there are those things that lurk in the night, liek you said...'

Faldrid says, 'I can't say for sure. I am not as familiar with these lands'

Catrena says, 'Oh? Well then pardon me for hindering your way...I did not mean to, I am just a little uncertain myself'

Faldrid says, 'There is Ost Guruth'

Catrena says, 'Ost Guruth seems a little far.'

Faldrid says, 'Aye, tis a way's ride from here.'

Catrena says, 'Do you know if the root of Weathertop is safe to linger?'

Faldrid says, 'Gah, Orcs nest nearby...but I might know a safe route. If you trust me'

Catrena shrugs "Well enough, I suppose. Be feel to lead on and I'll follow"

 

The hooded man begins to lead the hooded woman off the road, as the shade of the night deepends towards late hours.

 

Faldrid says, 'I discovered this path not long ago'

Catrena says, 'Ghastly birds...'

Faldrid says, 'Nearly there.'

The lowered path curved around the raising hillside, secluding the pair from any views of the land or anyone spying on their moves from afar.

Vicious Shattertusk threatens to attack!

Finally they step onto a paved pathway, under some sheltering pillars that lean against the cliffside.

Faldrid stretches his arm, and winces

 

Catrena says, 'Everythign alright?'

Faldrid says, 'Here we are, at the base of Weathertop. The Orcs don't like that way, for some reason.'

Catrena says, 'You deem this a safe place? True, I did not spot one orc on our way here.'

Faldrid nods, "Aye, but I wouldn't venture far."

Catrena says, 'Have you been to the top of the hill?'

Catrena dismounts and lets her horse wander on it's own

Faldrid shakes his head 'I n'ver have.'

Catrena says, 'Are you then a messenger yourself? Just running through..'

Faldrid says, 'Aye, of a sort. 'I have been living with the Eglain for some time now, here in these lands.'

 

Faldrid rubs his hands together, pulling his cloak around his shoulders. Catrena takes her chance, before the ‘messenger’ would once again disappear into the night.

 

Catrena says, 'Have you by any chanse heard anything about witches in these lands?'

Faldrid takes a deep breath

Faldrid says, 'There are rumors, you hear, sometimes from strange folk at the Forsaken Inn'

Catrena nods "I think these are the rumors that I have heard too. And they are what I am investigating. If you can eloborate, I woudl be grateful.  My name is Catrena, by the way...I work for my own merchantile business, aswell as a house or Bar-en-Acharn. This witch craft issue is a bit of a concern..."'

Faldrid rubs his chin with a gloved hand, a skeptical look over his face 'I know not of any craft by witch.'

Catrena smiles "Oh, I did not mean....that you would be a witch yourself. But you have heard of such things? What kind of things have you heard?"

Faldrid says, 'The Eglain in these lands talk of a strange place to the south east. They have given warning about a magic in that land'

Catrena looks thoughtful "I see. Does the land or area have a name or definition?"

Faldrid shakes his head with uncertainty, "Harloeg, they call it"

Faldrid looks towards Weathertop, then back at the stranger, "But, the Eglain are not all trustworthy"

Catrena seems to take a mental note on the name. "That is good news.... or alarming news, but good to me. Somewhere to start looking...." she then cants her head at his latest reply, and lowers her voice as if expecting someoen to hear her. "Why are they not trustworthy?"

Faldrid says, 'Forgive me, your name again? Catrena from Bar en-Acharn?'

Catrena says, 'Catrena Fendey. Enterpreneuer, at your service.'

You curtsey politely.

Faldrid says, 'I am Faldrid. I don't meet many enterpreneuers in the Lone Lands.'

Catrena smiles "You are the first messenger that I have met too. I was sent to scout the way through the lone-lands to prepare my business for a hefty delivery to the east. But I faced some difficulties...and these rumors of the witches that made me reason to investigate."

Faldrid says, 'As for the Eglain. They are like all Men. Some have motives that are maligned'

Catrena says, 'I see. Well that is somewhat a relief, I suppose. Men are easier to deal with than, say...orcs..'

Faldrid says, 'These witches you speak of, they are certainly a threat?'

Catrena glances about again, seeming a little wary of her speaking.

Catrena says, 'I am not certian if they are or not. But these rumors had me worried. I have heard a mention of them from so many mouths, and there seem to be some clear clues of ritualistic magics performed in this land… Bree-land is quite depending on this road to the east. If there is hinderance to my business or that of others, we might all be trapped'

Faldrid says, 'What goods do you deal in?'

Faldrid tends to the fire

Catrena says, 'Mostly food. Sausages... I have esteblished a bit of a way to turn Bree-boar into a profitable form. And you? Do you still work for the Eglain, even you do not quite trust them?'

Faldrid says, 'Only the Innkeepers.'

Catrena says, 'Oh I see. Bless them, and their perseverance'

Faldrid says, 'So then your, trade route takes your goods through this land? To the land of the Trollshaws beyond?'

Catrena says, 'yes. It is the only way to connect Free People's of Eriador and the rest of Middle-earth...And yes, the road takes through Trollshaws. Have you been that far?'

Faldrid shakes his head, "Only once, a long time ago, my memory fades"

Catrena smiles "I hear that there is a town in northern Trollshaws, that may be needing supplies. It is my ultimate destination for this spring. But...that area too may be bewitched. You see..." she looks around

Faldrid looks quickly to the east, then back to Catrena

Catrena says, 'Trollshaws and Lone-lands have that in common ,that they used to be all the kingdom of Rhudaur. Much like Barrow-downs south fo Bree used to be kingdom of Cardolan.'

Faldrid says, 'Were they all part of the northern kingdoms?'

Catrena says, 'Yes they were, as far as I am aware. I am no scholar however, but.... Cardolan has already been bewitched with horrible magic of the Witch King. That much we know, and thus we do not go there. Who says that the Witch King would not intent to take over the old Rhudaur aswell, with similar evil?'

Faldrid says, 'I think you are correct. You can sense it growing.'

Catrena says, 'And if that happens.. Then Bree-land is pocketed and trapped from the rest of the world, surrounded by evil forces altogether.'

Faldrid says, 'An ominous prediction that may come true.'

Catrena says, 'I may be worrying a little too much but....reason enough to investigate what is happening here'

Faldrid says, 'Do you require any assistance in what you seek? Or, does your company have need of any caravan escorts?'

Catrena smiles "Oh, I am certain you could be of some aid, if you so wish. Especially if you are familiar with the Eglain. They do not know me at all. Might shoot me as a spy….What is your name?'

Faldrid bows his head, "Faldrid"

Catrena says, 'Pleased to make your aquaitance Faldrid. And thankyou again for showing me this post. I will likely stay here for the night atleast and likely tomorrow, to look around a little. So you may deliver your message without hinderance'

Faldrid looks towards the summit of Weathertop, "Aye, my pleasure."

 

…And the night went on peacefully. The darkness enclosed the campfire tightly, but nothing came from beyond the ring of light to disturb the travelers.