Middle Earth Confidential

Fords of Isen

2012-01-09T20:57:00.001-05:00

We were able to hold the Fords of Isen, though at a high price. Prince Theodred, heir to the throne of Rohan has fallen in battle. We attempted a sortie against the Uruk-Hai force in Isengard, thinking to surprise them and thin their numbers. Alas, it was we who were surprised for Saruman had all along devised a snare for our host. Before we could be completely surrounded Theodred and his band won free and retreated back to the Fords. Unbeknownst to us though a second Uruk force had made it's way in secret behind the Host and met Theoden's riders, they were caught as in a vice. Grimbold and I cut our way through just in time to see the prince fall. We fought to the death to reach his side and would surely had perished alongside him but for the timely charge of Elfhelm from Helm's Deep who spied the advancing Uruks. Theodred was still alive, but barely. His dying wish: to be buried at the Fords along with his men to guard them until Eomer's return. I am resting briefly, a sense of doom has overtaken my heart. I must fight internally so I may defeat the despair that is clutching at me! We are teetering on the edge and must leave mourning for another time.

Betrayal

2012-01-08T21:00:00.001-05:00

I write with a heavy heart indeed. The Rangers and I had hoped to convince the Falcon Clan in Dunland to refuse Isengard's influence and stand with the Free Peoples against Saruman. I believed things were going well and I informed their leader of Orthanc's growing power in the hearts and minds of the Dunlanding clans. It seems this information tipped the scales in favor of Isengard and we were betrayed. Many of my comrades were killed and imprisoned, I was brought to Isengard itself.

I was brought before Saruman himself, who tried to get as much information from me regarding my Charge. He mentioned the Ring being in the hands of a halfling, and I secretly despaired but stood my ground. I was able to escape with the help of a man of Rohan and a servant of Saruman's who had fallen out of favor with the Wizard. I returned with the help of Prince Theodred, who has crossed the Isen with a small band of men to scout the situation in Dunland. I was able to free my comrades in the Falcon clan's strongholt and assist in their escape, our vengeance was incomplete but I will return to exact it once the larger War is done with. This I swear, I will return as flesh and blood or shade...but I shall return!

Dunland

2012-01-01T22:32:00.000-05:00

Where to begin? I've been scouting the lands of Enedwaith, just to the north of Dunland and Dunland itself. I've also been speaking to and fighting alongside the various clans who call these rugged lands home. It is a delicate affair since our aim is to pull these people away from the influence of Saruman, who has effectively declared his treason against the Powers who sent him to Middle Earth. Mithrandir is sorely missed by all of the Free Peoples in these perilous times. But enough of that, the "delicate" part of dealing with these clans is that although they have their differences and war amongst each other at times, they are united in their hatred of the Rohirrim, the Horselords who have ever been allies of the West. The Grey Company and I must choose our words and actions very carefully every second we are in contact with the men of Dunland, for one slip can bring everything crashing down into the hands of our enemy in Orthanc.

I leave this missive with a heavy heart and tired limbs (which is a feat for an Elf!). I will try to write more often and keep you abreast of the situation.

Savo 'lass a lalaith

A Summons, A Mustering!

2010-04-02T20:08:00.007-04:00

After a well deserved rest as well as several additional sorties to clean up the filth surrounding Dol Guldur, I received an urgent, yet cryptic message from Master Elrond in Rivendell. I am to travel back to the Last Homely House and speak with him regarding, I am sure, the Fellowship. Before returning to Rivendell, I returned to Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn bearing Sigileth's daggers, which she wished to be gifted to the Lord and Lady either when no more marks would fit or should she fall in battle. Lord Celeborn accepted one of the daggers and bade me keep the other to do as I wish with, it will slay more Orcs before it's laid to rest in Valinor, should I survive to take a ship into the Uttermost West.

My voyage back was arduous but relatively uneventful thankfully. Even my passage through Moria was heartening as the Dwarves are more than holding their own! Passed over Eregion and camped at several Elven outposts which were, to my pleasure, still standing.

Upon reaching Imladris I was met with some most unexpected news. Aragorn has somehow ended up in Rohan along with part of the Fellowship. It seems that they have dispersed and I was first dismayed at this news, but Lord Elrond put me at ease arguing that if evil had befallen the Bearer, the Powerful would have hint of it. In any case, the focus was on Lord Aragorn and starting the process of mustering his brethren, the Dunedain from their myriad locations into a force of reckoning, the Grey Company. Eladan and Elrohir were with him as well and we spoke at length of the best places to search out the Men of West in order to begin the fulfillment of their and their lord's destinies. The time has come when Men will either begin their dominion of Middle Earth or fall into thralldom should Sauron's designs come to fruition. It is a bitter-sweet thought, for either way, the time of the Elves is coming to an end in Middle Earth, the only home I have ever known.

I will take my leave now and rest, for my mind is swirling and the journey has been long.

Well Deserved End SPOILERS

2010-02-13T22:55:00.002-05:00

I can now shed some light into my recent, cryptic entries. We had captured an Orc general in Moria named Mazog, whom we used as barter to win the release of Broin and other Dwarves taken into captivity in the dungeons of Dol Guldur. It was all I could do to stop myself from beheading the maggot on several occassions. I nearly chose his life over Issuriel's but one of our Dwarf companions couldn't bare it and went searching for the rare ingredient to make another dose of the antidote to cure the poison killing her, only thus was her death averted. When the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien commissioned a force, the Malledhrin, to bring the fight to the Enemy's doorstep, the decision was made to also bring Mazog with a smaller force, the Hidden Guard, of which I was part. Good Elves and Dwarves risked all to bring this vermin alive to negotiate the release of our friends. But we were waylaid by Gorothul, the Angmarim who siezed Broin in Moria, as well a several Nazgul, there our leader Archador perished making time for us to make an escape.We were sure that our mission had failed that the sacrifices we've made were for naught. Mazog was taken into Dol Guldur and all we could do was flee for our lives. It wasn't until several days, when it was decided that the Malledhrim would seize the opportunity granted by our discovery of a secret way into the very foundations of Dol Guldur, that our mission was revived. The attack was a great success, although we lost many brothers and sisters in arms, including one of my Hidden Guard comrades, Sigileth, though I would not learn of her death until well after the battle. We liberated Broin, who recovered the mithril axe Zigilburk from Mazog and slew him with it, to the betterment of all Middle Earth, all Arda in fact.

We are at rest now, awaiting the Enemy's response. We have neither the time, energy, nor heart to celebrate our success, for we paid a heavy price for it. I will rest now, for there is unfinished business. Until my next entry, I remain Fingolthiir

Evil Forest, Evil Choices

2010-01-09T17:55:00.002-05:00

We've hit a stone wall at this point. I've mentioned my secret mission along with a branch of the Maledhrim incursion into Mirkwood. We've suffered one fatality and the one being that I most want to behead is the one being that I have sworn to protect, even with my life if necessary. My Noldorin heritage makes me want to strangle this...this abomination, but my Sindarin heritage cools my head in time.

Alas! One of my companions, who has grown in my heart, was gravely injured giving chase to our charge as he tried to escape, and I fear that an evil choice looms over our mission. For the ingredients to make the antiote that can cure the poison coursing within both their veins are rarely found and there may be just enough to save one, and not both. So the decision before us is this: save the aforementioned abomination and lose a most gracious and valiant Elfmaiden, or save the Elfmaiden and suffer the utter failure of our mission, and break our oaths to keep this vermin alive at all costs.

My heart is heavy, perhaps some rest will clear my mind.

Path to Open War!

2009-12-25T21:17:00.003-05:00

The path to open war with the Enemy has begun. The Elves of Lothlorien have begun a sortie into Southern Mirkwood, a mere swim across the Great River Anduin. The Golden Host, as they've been named, has been charged by Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn to bring war to Dol Guldor, where Sauron himself dwelt under the guise of the Necromancer, following his defeat at the foot of Mt. Doom. The White Council overthrew him and he fled once again, returning in time to Mordor. In his stead, the Nazgul came after a while and there, the Lord of the Nazgul himself ruled and gathered to himself an army of orcs in preparation for when his master would wage war anew against the Free Peoples of Middle Earth.

By declaring open war on Dol Guldor, the gaze of the Eye of Sauron would be diverted from the true threat. I for my part, have joined with a separate group within the Host on an errand which I will not utter here, though a foreboding has entered my heart about this errand of which I speak.

I must rest 'ere dawn comes. As I write these words, I am taking time to look up into the heavens and I caught a glimpse of Valacirca, Sickle of the Valar, amongst the clouds and hope is renewed in my heart.

Ancient Evils, Hope Rekindled

2009-08-29T12:27:00.001-04:00

I finally have some time to write down my thoughts. It has been an arduous journey, these past few months. On several occassions I have faced evil that I thought vanquished as far back as the War of Wrath! Though sired long after the Elder Days, I instinctively recognize the utter dread and revultion when in the presence of these lesser demons of Morgoth. We have discovered several points within Moria where portals of sort have been erected to allow these creatures to pass back into our world, luckily for the Free Peoples they were discovered in time and the demons were still in a weakened state and thus able to be vanquished by well orchestrated attacks. Had they grown to full power, Moria and Lorien beyond it would have been utterly overrun by these foul remnants of Morgoth's hordes. With the help of a group of Lorien Elves camped within the Shadowed Refuge, deep within Moria, my companions and I were able to find and destroy these portals. What if these portals were not discovered and these monsters grew to full power? I doubt not that the passage of the Company through Moria, and the arrival of the Dwarves soon afterwards, were blessings in disquise, alas we were also dealt a terrible blow alongside these blessingsl, with Gandalf's fall.

I came upon an Elf within Lothlorien who, although in mourning with the passing of Olorin, held a hope, a fool's hope perhaps, that the last chapter of Mithrandir's presence in Middle Earth had not been written. He told me of a dream he had of a great Eagle emerging from the Misty Mountains and flying West. His hope lit a small beacon within me and lifted my heart. Perhaps we should not despair yet! Shortly after speaking with this Elf, I met with the Lady Galadriel and mentioned this, she bade me speak to Gwaihir, the Winglord, who was on an errand in Lothlorien. He promised me that if there was any chance of recovering Gandalf, he would see it done and promptly bade farewell and flew off to the Misy Mountains in search of any clue as to the Grey Pilgrim's whereabouts.

Unity

2009-03-29T18:20:00.001-04:00

It has been a while since my last correspondence, but I've busier than usual as of late. I knew I'd have to prove my quality to the Elves of Lorien, but I didn't expect the long hours, nay, days labour winning their trust. They don't even trust their own anymore once they step out of the Golden Wood. My hard work paid off finally though, I gained their trust and was allowed into the Lothlorien proper and even met with my quarrie. The news of Gandalf's fall has darkened my thoughts, almost to the point of despair. My musings, after finding that burnt hat on that small charred island deep within the Misty Mountains, and the charred remains of what could only be a Balrog of the Elder Days were confirmed. Gandalf's last battle must have made the mountains tremble to their roots!

Frodo blames himself, but the solace he has found in Lorien has helped him greatly. I also spoke to Sam, bless his heart, always looking out for his master. The Fellowship made it to this point thanks to Gandalf's sacrifice as well as to Strider's leadership and guidance. I long to speak to him, but he has been unavailable up to this point. During a patrol with Legolas and Gimli, I was sent word of a visitor who wished to see me. It was old Bosi from Moria, he had grim tidings and wished to speak to Celeborn and Lady Galadriel urgently. I vouched for him and was made responsible for all of his actions within the Woods and before the Lady. I accepted, because I know Bosi is an admirable Dwarf and came only at the direst need.

We were brought into the presence of Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel and I was awestruck by her presence. I kneeled before her in reverence and I pleaded my case before them. Her voice drifted into my thoughts though her lips spoke other words or moved not. Though Celeborn seemed rash and almost angry at the presence of Bosi, Galadriel was more diplomatic and I believe saw this as an opportunity to bring the two races closer together, after ages of mutual mistrust and animosity. She bade me return to the mines in Gimli's stead and help reforge the past friendship with the Dwarves.

It is a task I will now attempt to the best of my ability.

Fresh Air

2009-03-06T13:36:00.001-05:00

It has been a long time since I last wrote, for I have been quite busy ridding Moria of the Orc hordes that inhabit it. How do these things multiply at such a rapid pace is beyond me, I will not even delve into that subject. The Dwarves within Moria have proven to be quite hardy and nobel, worthy of the name Durin's Folk. I have earned their trust and battled alongside them within the vast caverns, alley ways and sinkholes of Khazad Dum! I am heartened by their valour and perseverence in the face of such evil as still lurks there.

I sensed as well, that Durin's Bane, the Terror unleashed from within Moria's deepest mines, was decimated...somehow. While helping the dwarves I kept Lord Elrond's charge to me first and foremost and aye, my quarry had passed through and seems to have made it through (at least from what bare stone can tell). Hence I happened upon the borderlands of the heart of Elvendom on Middle Earth, Lothlorien. I was dismayed to see orc encampments along the road from Moria to the Golden Woods. As I entered the Lady's domain, I was confronted by archers, and was brought to their leader, Haldir. Haldir is marchwarden of Lorien's northern border and although he was respectful and even-tempered, he forbade me to go beyond that point, for they have grown suspicious of all who enter the Woods, even kinsmen as myself. He bade me go and help his brothers Rumil and Orophin, who were keeping watch on the grounds and I did as he asked. When I asked him about the Company, he stiffened and quickly changed the subject. He asked me for one more favor...to enter Moria again and seek out and give aid to a band of Elves from Lothlorien who ventured in some time ago and set up camp in the Shadowed Refuge, a place I had known and passed through.

For now, I must go back into the darkness and render what aid I may to the enemies of the Eye.

Hopefully my next installment will not delay as this one did.

A Long Darkness Indeed...

2008-12-18T09:33:00.000-05:00

Well, where shall I begin? After clearing the rubble and knocked down trees and such, we were ready to commence opening this Hollin Gate and enter Moria. Some of the dwarven workers were resting and throwing rocks into the lake behind us and this gave me pause. Before long, something seemed to be slithering beneath the surface and I bade the dwarves to stop throwing the rocks. But it was too late, something had been stirred from it's ancient slumber and before we knew what to do several extremely large tentacles burst forth and took several dwarves into the lake, never to be seen again. We fought and fought but to no avail. In the end we had to retreat. Our weapons were of no use against this ancient demon. I was handed a weapon of old found by one of the foremen and was tasked with getting it identified in Rivendell. I learned that it had been forged in the early Third Age and had several hidden qualities and almost had a life of it's own. It was forged anew and after learning to wield this weapon, I was able to help the dwarves drive back what they had hence named the Watcher. After assuring the creature was not stalking us, we proceeded to open the gate and enter. A simple password, so simple it was genius. Speak Friend and Enter said the runes on the door. With that one word, the gate opened and we entered, my eyes adjusted and once we reached hall named Durin's Threshold I knew I had been mistaken, but when I delved deeper into Moria I was amazed at the workmanship of the Dwarves. Whole cities built beneath the Misty Mountains, awe-inspiring indeed.

But there were also Orcs and Goblins and other creatures to be dealt with, and hanging over everyone's darkest thoughts was the Terror that was awakened so long ago, Durin's Bane they called it. I knew it's nature though I had never come face-to-face with a Balrog of Morgoth. I must follow the road of the Nine if they indeed passed through here. I will rest now and continue exploring these caverns at a later time.

Turning Point

2008-12-09T10:41:00.001-05:00

The lands of Eregion must have been aweinspiring before the Shadow destroyed everything in it's wake. I've met with several Elves at the new encampments dotting the landscape and have lent my aid. I've followed the tracks of Nine as best I could and cleared up a couple of hastily abandoned campsites and even battled with spies tracking them as well. I've also helped with several issues that have arisen, including what amounts to a worm nursery (I'm sure either the White Hand or Mordor are trying to grow these into dragons, curse them both). The Dunlandings are ever a problem with their jealousy of every sentient Race that crosses their paths. I've also waged battle against those who would despoil the lore and art of Eregion. Let's just say Eregion has not been a vacation, and it's definitely not a no-man's land anymore.

Back to my tracking of the expedition, I'm at a loss. I figured that making for the Gap of Rohan would be the logical route for them, but it is heavily watched by Crebain and Dunlanding forts keep watch over the road leading to the Gap. I back tracked and made my way to the Redhorn Pass, it is also heavily watched but there are side paths that if known, can get one stealthily past the fort the Halforcs have erected there. I'm sure Aragorn took the Company up these paths. Surely they scaled Caradhras and are making their way past the Misty Mountains as I write this, but no...I chanced upon a final campsite. Not far from there I also found the frozen remains of a Dwarf, though he did not match the description of the Dwarven component of the Company. Nevertheless, the path of Caradhras has been completely blocked by an avalanche and the mountain is extremely angry, I must make my way down before I join that poor Dwarf's fate.

I was hoping not to have to try this last route, for it has long been a place of unrelenting evil and terror. I had a premonition about entering a "long darkness", but it seems more and more clear that instead of passing over or around the Misty Mountains, some madness or extreme urgency caused the Nine to consider passing UNDER the Misty Mountains. Through the Mines of Moria, I shiver at the thought of them braving those dark caverns, however skilled the Dwarves of old may have been, I can't imagine anything more that shafts and soot-covered mines snaking here and there and, above all else, the Terror that resides within those mines which the dwarves, in their never-ending greed freed with their relentless search for wealth.

In any case, I chanced upon a company of Dwarves searching for the fabled Hollin Gate and helped them clear it once they had found it. I must now rest and prepare for tomorrow.

In The Footsteps of the Nine

2008-11-30T12:24:00.001-05:00

Lord Elrond has tasked me with following the route the Nine may have taken in order to assure that none follow them and learn of the Burden they carry. The route has taken me into Eregion. Once a place full of beauty and grace, Eregion is now a vast ruin laid waste by Sauron after his true identity was unvieled and the Elves went to war against him, but too late to stop the forging of the Rings of Power in order to enslave all Free Peoples. I've never travelled to this part of Middle Earth, but I hear now that Elves are trying to reclaim parts of it in preparation for the coming War. I will do my part to help secure the settlements.

Redemption (LOTRO Spoiler)

2008-11-30T12:07:00.002-05:00

Narchuil has been destroyed and both Mordrambor and Mordirith have been defeated at last. Narmeleth has joined her sire in the Halls of Mandos, having sacrificed herself for all Free Peoples. The fight was gruelling and without her selfless help, we would not have prevailed. I am sure she now stands beside Laerdan in a place of honor in the Halls. Glorfindel foretold that only by Narmeleth's hand would Amarthiel's evils be undone, and so it was. I must now journey back and report to Glorfindel and Elrond as well and bring the news of Narmeleth's demise.

Path to Redemption?

2008-11-19T22:57:00.005-05:00

Narmeleth's aid saved Esteldin and the Rangers of the North Downs from certain destruction. The spy was caught just as she was to enter Angmar and was dealt with. Upon returning to Rivendell, Glorfindel and I interrogated Narmeleth further and he found no lies coming from her words. He ordered her free to pursue Mordrambor and destroy Narchuil once and for all. Before parting, he made it clear that I would answer for any betrayal or mischief coming from Narmeleth, since I advocated on her behalf.

We are making preparations to head out to Angmar and destroy Mordrambor and the ring Narchuil and after much debate, I convinced Golodir to allow Narmeleth entrance to Gath Forthnir so she could undo the evils she had committed. She is now resting in what were her father's quarters during his long vigil at Gath Forthnir. I would rather face all nine Nazgul as well as the Enemy himself before facing Glorfindel's wrath should she betray us, but my heart tells me that all will be well.

Detour...Part II

2008-11-18T18:32:00.000-05:00

I have met with Glorfindel and he has informed me of my task and the gravity of the situation. He has bidden me to go and speak with Narmaleth and gather what information she may be able to share with regard to Angmar's strategy. He also warned me to not let her words sway me in any way for even he is not entirely convinced that Amarthiel's influence has been completely eradicated.

Once I reach her prison, she informs me of Angmar's plans to seek out and destroy the main Dunedain outpost of Esteldin somewhere in the North Downs. I know of the place, but will not divulge that information in this journal. She warns me that a spy was sent to infiltrate the outpost and return with it's coordinates to Angmar, which would then invade Esteldin and stomp out the main resistance to an Angmar-dominated North Downs. I must ride swiftly and investigate this alongside the leadership at Esteldin.

I must not tarry overlong, for I must reach our allies and warn them of their danger!

A Detour From Darkness Into Darkness

2008-11-18T18:08:00.001-05:00

My plans have changed since my last journal entry. Master Elrond has a task that cannot wait and I accept it freely, although with a little trepidation. He has asked me to speak to Lord Glorfindel regarding our most perilous prisoner, Amarthiel or Narmaleth as is her true name. Amarthiel's evil influence has, we believe, been finally ripped from her mind and heart, though at a great price with the loss of her father Laerdan, may he find the solace that eluded him for so long in the Halls of Mandos.

The Last Homely House

2008-11-17T12:30:00.000-05:00

As I stand here in Imladris, my adopted homeland since I first travelled here from Lindon so many centuries ago, I ponder what my contribution has been to Middle Earth and if it is worth saving at all. My ambivalence comes from dealings with the Numenoreans who escaped the cataclysm that sank their Westernmost isle, where it is said the Undying Lands were visible on a clear day. These Men have been given chance after chance and have failed miserably. I even sense a wavering of sorts in whom Master Elrond has confided to me as being the last great hope for Men, Aragorn Son of Arathorn.

I have had many conversations and even sparred with Aragorn and he has demonstrated an inner fire that burns brighter than any Man I have known or heard tell of since the days of Elendil. Yet I fear for him, for Isildur had such promise before he came into contact with the Enemy's weapon, his Bane, which consumed his will and in the end betrayed him to his death. Elendil's strength is present in Aragorn's bloodline, but so is Isildur's weakness in the face of temptation. He is now, as I write, on the most dangerous and important mission he has ever faced. I will not mention this mission here nor in any subsequent writings because to do so would be to betray all the Free Peoples of Middle Earth in our fight against Angmar, the Great Eye and as I have just come to learn, Orthanc.

I shall stay and do my part for Middle Earth, the shadow upon my heart is lifted as I enter the Gates of Imladris and I converse with Master Elrond as well as Gandalf the Grey. I was greatly surprised to have come across Glorfindel, an Elf Lord upon whom the Light of the Valar is still present. I was delighted to see him and converse with him at length since I marched under his banner at the Battle of Fornost. He has both great wisdom and strength and I learned much from him. That he caused the Nazgul to dread and run from him is a testament to his terrible wrath and might.

I am now going to prepare for a long and arduous journey where the strength and knowledge I have gained in my 2039 years of life will be put to the test. Suffice it to say that I face, along with my fellowship, a long darkness.