Mordor

The three friends and the dozens of other Warriors might have just encountered Shelob but the joy and glory of having no casualties did not last lore. Almost immediately after they left Shelob's Lair they found themselves in the unending darkness of Mordor once again. And their next step would be Agarnaith. As they moved through Dor Amarth, they met with two other groups and raided not only the orc encampment of Fushaum Tum but several more other encampments of the minions of the Enemy.

This expedition has lead to some treasure! It was not easy to get inside Durthang, and getting out of it proved even more difficult. This fortress of old still harbours orc-filth, hiding away in its halls. I risked being found out the further I went. I thought I could sneak passed the guards in the main hall, hoping to get to the room I wished would hold any record of Sauron's secrets, but upon trying to reach the doors to the lower levels I was nearly discovered and I jumped behind a brazier just in time.

Crossing the dusty planes of Udûn was no easy task, even after the battle that was waged before the Black Gate not long ago. The Men of Gondor that I met there used no words too few to try and dissuade me from my cause and I understand now why. This land is still filled with peril, and the peril most apparent is the lack of living things; no shrubberies carrying berries, no clear water streams or game to hunt.

The King has commanded me to find forgotten secrets in Mordor, mostly surrounding the ring-lore of Sauron. While I wish not to defy my Lord he demands a great many things, and it weighs heavily upon me. I have fought alongside the Longbeards quite recently and personally spoken with King Dain II Ironfoot prior to his death before the gates of Erebor, where also the last of my family fell. His son, Thorin III is now king of Durin's Folk, and I pledged my allegiance to his house the day we broke the siege and drove the Easterlings from our lands.

A herald of the Firebeard King comes before the doors of Stouthammer Hall, the residence of Nyr son of Norr, Amrazu Uzal and Keeper of the Great Drum of Akladubeshek, the Great Adventurer of the Firebeards.

Herald: Hail Nyr, son of Norr. Your presence at court is requested by the King. He bids you not to tarry.

Nyr is surprised by the urgency behind the herald's words, but he knows better than to inquire after it.

Nyr: If the King summons me, I will answer.

As the three friends entered Mordor, an uncomfortable feeling passed through them, but they all ignored it. They kept moving through Cirith Gorgor, defeating any orcs in their path, and they passed through Carach Angren. If they all weren't immune to fear, a wave of dread would have taken over their minds - but with the presence of two Eldar, the shadow of Mordor was nothing to them.

After that fearful dream, Ornessar and Calaerneth stood up and went to the baths of the guest-hall to clean themselves and get refreshed - after all, a large feast was waiting for them. When they exited the baths they returned to their room and took care of each other's long, majestic hair and they wore formal and royal clothes, for the feast.