Reniolwaith

Chapter One - In the Company of Elves
Part One: The Council of Saeladriel

And so it began in Duillond, beneath the jewelled dome of the lower meeting place.

There stood Saeladriel of the Golden Dawn, Her face, pale as a frozen river and fair as the shining sea, showing no outward sign of emotion. Her hair caught in the evening breeze and flowed about her shoulders like a waterfall of molten gold. Only her green eyes, blazing with the wisdom and sorrow of the ages, betrayed the worries she felt in her soul,

She waited patiently to see who would answer the call for aid that she had sent forth to all the lands of the Free. As she stood soaking up the waning light of day, she thought to herself of all the terrible and noble things that had happened of late. The battles she had seen, the rising tide of the Orc hordes to the north. And the great bravery of her kin's men and women by whose side she had done battle with the enemy.

She cast her glance out to the east, it had been many weeks since she had last met with Esgaldin and together they had discussed the nature of these Black Riders that had been spotted throughout Breeland. He had departed to attempt to locate Mithrandir, or Radagast if he could not be found, to seek council as to the nature of these Riders. For tales from those who encountered them spoke of a terrible dread rising within, a dread that no normal man could inspire.

Restlessly her eyes probed the horizon, Esgaldin was a powerful Loremaster and she did not fear for his safety but it would not be long before the council began and in her heart she did not wish to face those who would gather alone, without more certain news. She felt the wind on her face and breathed the cool air that flowed up from the river. Duillond was indeed a haven in these dark times, still untouched by the strife that was brewing in the east. It was wise to choose this place for her meeting. The spies of the enemy could not reach them here.

At that moment her sharp elvish hearing made out the sounds of a group approaching. At least three pairs of elvish feet, though it was hard to tell as they walked in step, also the light patter of a hobbit's feet and a Man, heavily booted. Finally and almost missed was the sound of another, of the race of men no doubt, but most light footed and stealthy. It seemed the council was about to begin, Saeladriel closed her eyes and whispered to the wind for Esgaldin to hurry his steed for she would need him soon.



At Duillond a new wandering company is formed.
(on-stage) Esgaldin, Saeladriel (left to right) Haraldwine, Medriana, Llerieth, Awelion, Arilie, Lorethir

And so came forth the brave souls who had answered her call, though by choice or command was not yet clear. Saeladriel took up her place on the stage and looked over the gathering, her Golden Armour sparkling in the waning light of day. A mere 6 souls, she had hoped for more, and not a single Dwarf had come. A silent prayer rose in her mind that it would be enough for the deeds she had in mind.

Looking down at the gathered souls she smiled and spoke in musical tones "I am Saeladriel of the Greenwood of old, Steward and Champion of the Golden Dawn."
"I thank you all for coming, Please tell me of your names, and from where you have travelled"
She gazed piercingly at each in turn as they revealed their names, and so it was that Haraldwine captain of Rohan, Medriana, brave hobbit of the Shire, Llerieth a wise elf with much knowledge of ancient Lore, Aweilion and Lorethir Guardians of elven kind and Arielie the light footed human female, each spoke their names and the tale of the path that had brought them hither.

With introductions complete Saeladriel then revealed to the gathering that the Enemy was moving, that smoke was rising once more from Mount Doom and Orcs where marching against the men of the North. She explained many of her Kin where already engaged in battle with the Orcs and she had not the resources to investigate a new threat that seemed to have surfaced in Breeland.

That, she explained is the purpose of this council, to decide what can be done to discover the truth of the happenings within Breeland and all across Eriador. Most worrying of all is the presence of Riders dressed in black. Who have been spotted searching the lands.

"Oh I've seen one of them!" cried the perky little hobbit at the mention of these riders.
"Terrible it was, filled my heart with dread!.. Not that I was afraid!", the little hobbit claimed as she planted her hands firmly on her hips.
"Seemed to be after a Baggins they was!"

It was at this moment that the sound of hoof beats was heard and the mighty steed bearing Esgaldin came into view. Saelariel smiled as her friend dismounted and hurried into the council chamber. But his expression was most grave. Stepping aside for a moment Saeladriel and Esgaldin spoke in hushed whispers. Esgaldin explained he had been unable to find Mithrandir but that Radagast had confirmed that the Nazgul where abroad and that they had crossed the river Isen on Mid-summer's eve, disguised as riders in black.

End of part 1