Terrible Discoveries at Gaerond

At the small encampment called Gaerond -- mostly Elves of the Trollshaws, but also a few Men who had the look of Dúnedain -- the group made inquiries. Unfortunately, the horse-mistress reported one of her beasts had fallen sick with no cause apparent, and while hir Branalph stood watch for any unusual activity, the others moved to inspect some freshly delivered provisions. Arradril halved an apple to inspect it, while Glorfingwë, who had long experience working with reagents and metals, smelled sulfur among the fruits and vegetables. But was that the problem, or was the fine yellow dust masking a different, more evil smell? At last Carethril unearthed an onion that, like the other plant, seemed fair on the outside but had blackened from the inside first.

This was grim news, and Gaelhadhir agreed with Arradril that some other supplier of provisions must be found at once, perhaps farther from the river. Carethril requested leave to return to Imladris and report back. Arradril, though she was loath to part from hir Branalph, offered to scout southward to a small village of farmers. All realized the scope of the problem: before they could begin to ask what sword had dealt the wound, they must first stop the bleeding.