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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Hrothgar" data-source="post: 3558538" data-attributes="member: 22226">The Elven warriors standing guard ready their bows, but nod at Valurel's words.  Those who do not comply with our demands are not permitted entry into Erethor.  The Great Forest will decide their fate now.  The Heroes settle back once again, clearly on edge at this turn of events.As a gray morning dawns over Erethor and the stone glade, Luthorien approaches.  With a word, she dismisses the guards who stride down the glade and into the forest.  Our spy network has been in contact with Elaural.  We now know who you are.  Sit with me and eat.  Fresh fruit and bread with stone filtered water are provided near the base of the broken oak.  Luthorien is silent for a long time, looking up at the sky sadly. The clouds are here, always, but they never give what they promise.  The forest thirsts while the fires grow stronger in the east.  She looks up at the broken oak and sighs.  My people are nearly broken by Shadow onslaught and treachery.  She looks at the Heroes sincerely and nods once.  I apologize for our exchange yesterday.Within moments, another Elven female approaches, a beautiful Caransil dressed in doeskin breeches, leather boots, intricately woven shirt with a leather vest.  She smiles at the Heroes and nods shyly.  Well met, brave Heroes.  I am Ladriel and was sent to speak with you.  Luthorien nods at Ladriel.  Ladriel is gifted with the ability to speak with Erethor, more so than most Elves.  She is also a source of knowledge and Elven contact in this part of Erethor.  From Ladriel's contact with Elaural in Baden's Bluff, we know your story and the role Aislinn plays in your quest.  Luthorien waits for her words to take effect.  Since Elaural entrusted Aislinn to your charge, our knowledge should also be yours.Ladriel nods.  The Whisper mentioned the arrival of three elves and two humans several days near to where you entered Erethor.  From my communication with the Whisper, the group is travelled south through Erethor, skirting the Burning Line.  A Caransil patrol is moving to meet them at this very moment. Since the Elves in this renegade party can probably talk to the Whisper, our advantage of using the Whisper offsets that of those we pursue.  Our one advantage is me.  I have a much greater capacity to speak with the Whisper than most Elves.  Ladriel pauses and her face grows apprehensive.  Yet, the Whisper has changed, an almost angry independence around the renegades, as if they forest does not wish to speak with me.  Ladriel's voice trails off.Luthorien ends the silence.  As for who the Elves are, we do not know.  However, from information relayed to us by Elaural in Baden's Bluff, Ibor was an insurgent in that city and the old man Fallax journeyed south with you out of the north.  Regardless of who they are, you were lucky to escape.  Elaural claims that Merciful Mother of the Sisterhood of Tender Mercies Arwen the Raven and her orc assassin Darguun the Red-Handed are in Baden’s Bluff along with the Greater Legate Theiv the Black.   Luthorien laughs, Old man Cerano, the High Legate in charge of Baden’s Bluff, must be having a fit trying to please those two.  She gives a grim laugh, but her face hardens quickly. Make no mistake, two legates of that power would not be in Baden’s Bluff to enjoy the summer.  They are after the girl and that alone tells me there is something special about the child.  No doubt the Raven’s agents follow you as well.OOC: Ahem, any chance someone wants to look to look at that parchment found on the dead horse yet?Ladriel's face smiles once again.  News about the child has been carried by the Whisper and is spreading like wildfire through the forest.  Hope in our people is springing anew.  Can the gods be returning?  Is the Veil finally being lifted?  Is our salvation at hand?  May it be so.Luthorien takes in the Heroes.  The High Council has agreed to give you permission to seek out Aislinn in Erethor.  We are assembling a small strike team to assist you in recovering the girl from her abductors.  We must move quickly, else our worst fears will be realized.  The renegades are moving to the Darkening Wood.  What madness would drive them there is uncertain, but even the Elves of Erethor are loathe to tread in such a hateful place.OOC: What questions have you for the Elves?The Previous Night...The massive Wolf glares at Starhl and Mardo as its growls become deeper and louder.  From the shadow-covered plains below, low moans and the occassional shriek climb the forested hills to the Heroes ears.  On the plains below, figures stumble and burn in grand conflagration: the burning Fell arisen from ashen graves to stalk the night.  Already, the Fell stumble about the lower reaches of the burned forest's edge, blindly looking for the unfortunate to vent their anger.Peering down the hill at the Fell, the wolf turns and heads north, skirting the hillside rather than plunging deep into Erethor as did the Elven warrior.  Stopping at the edge of the glade, the Wolf looks back at Mardo and Starhl, growls with impatience, and plunges into the underbrush on a hidden trail...</blockquote>

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