"I'm going ahead if you don't mind!", she bellowed out at Lhun as Iawen, who was now her trusty companion and mare, was galloping away towards Rivendell at a tremendous pace. Nocturne had to firmly grasp onto her sack of food because it would otherwise fall off and tip over and dust started to scratch her vividly bright eyes. She lightly nibbled her fresh apple and lowered her arm to touch nature's green as if every breath may be her last. As she arrived at her destination, Rivendell, she glanced behind her to see if Lhun was behind her, no sign of her yet.
As she slid off the midnight-toned horse - a tall, graceful elf was standing before her.
"Pedich i lam edhellen?", he politly asked.
"Mae, henion..."
He bowed before her and started to speak once more, his voice firm and proper, "Man eneth lín?".
Nocturne smoothly answered, "Nocturne i eneth nín, egor Galasriniel."
The elf explained that Lord Elrond Half-Elven had invited her to his council meeting and she would be informed of the time and place later on.
"Le hannon, navaer!", she replied thankfully.
The elf bowed once again and spoke, "Na-den pedim ad, híril nín.". He strolled away, leaving Nocturne standing there, taking it all in.
"Na vedui!", she whispered, her eyes filling up to the brim, her heels turning and she was slowly moving until she was officially in Rivendell...

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Avatar by lamiai

Luthien blushed at FaZ's compliment, "Haha, now I remember why I married you!" She smiled teasingly. "I wish that the AU family was true here, but won't the Elves think us a little odd? I mean, Gwen and Ellie certainly aren't old enough to have grandchildren!"

She admired the guy's armour, which made them look more like Elvish warriors and less like 21st century teenagers. "I feel like the kids did in Narnia, like this air here in Middle Earth makes me older and more like, well, I belong here."

(My dress http://www.rivendellbridal.com/luthienlarge.html

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Thanks Haldir and Gil!
"You said: I know that this will hurt, but if I don't break your heart then things will just get worse..."

[Anduril: that was Melda's comment, not mine about the amrour ]

Gwenneth, the same as Luthien, turned a shade of pink.
"Being a married 14 year old just seems wrong," she laughed. "But it's what they did in the Middle Ages..." she added, making a face.
She tried her best to look interested in the boys armour, but was finally feeling the weight of little sleep through all of their traveling.
Indeed she was feeling a bit hungry now that Ellie mentioned it...again! But Gwenneth laughed, shaking her head.
"Well," she said, linking arms with Elegost and Luthien mischeviously. "I suppose we must stop by the kitchen -- won't you join us FaZ?" She playfully mimicked a British accent.
Gwenneth was feeling strangely older and 'elven', as well.
[My dress: http://www.rivendellbridal.com/almarealarge.html ]

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^Thanks Gily!
<By Bubble Black

Riniel Aranel looked across the many hills dotted throughout hobbiton. Wearing her Middle-Earth style dress, she sadly walked up and down through the garden at Bag-End. A strange sickness had kept her in bed for the longest time - ten days, had it been now? - and she longed to be with Pandora and Gwenneth, who were probably in Rivendell by now.
"Would you care for some tea?" Riniel turned to face Frodo, who had just come out of the hobbit-hole.
“Thank you,” she said, accepting the drink. The hobbits had proved most hospitable during her stay. Especially Frodo; he had been working extra hard, since Bilbo left a couple days ago. Now Riniel had an extra worry. If what she remembered from the stories was true, then Bilbo had made his way to Rivendell. But did he have the ring or not? Riniel was almost sure that, without Gandalf there to convince him otherwise, Bilbo had taken his most prized possession with him. And then what would happen? If she hadn’t been in bed, Riniel would have tried harder to keep Bilbo at home until they could figure out exactly what was going on. She was sure that if another Ringer was here, or at least Gandalf, she could straighten things out. But none of them were here. Just her, alone, and confused.
Riniel headed back inside with Frodo. She had begun to feel better, which was why she was able to walk around outside. Now she had to worry about what to do next. Of course, she knew she needed to head for Rivendell, but Riniel didn’t feel she could leave Frodo and the other hobbits behind. Somehow, it was like her job to watch over them.

***

That night, Frodo and Riniel sat by the fire, talking.

“I haven’t heard much of your story, Riniel.” Frodo said. “Could you tell me how you found your way to Hobbiton?”
Riniel was caught off guard. Should she tell Frodo everything? Well, why not? Before she knew it, she was telling him her story.

“Well…I was online…oh wait, you don’t know what that is…anyway, I was…um…talking, and suddenly, I was just lying somewhere in a field, and, uh, I…”

Frodo gave her an entertained smile. This is not going well.

“Well, could you tell me where you are from?” the hobbit asked.

“Texas.” Riniel replied quickly. A blank stare was on Frodo’s face. “In the US.” Riniel said matter-of-factly. Oh. Wait. She tried to make sense.
“These are the names of lands I come from. To be honest, I don’t know what connection they have to middle-earth. A parallel universe, maybe.” Oh no. I’m being confusing again.
“We have heard of your lands in our stories, though. In fact…” Riniel sighed. Time to fess up. “We know your entire story. Even…” Should I be telling him this? “Even your future.” She whispered.
Now looking at the happy, innocent young hobbit across from her, Riniel felt sad thinking of his future.

Frodo was thoroughly confused. “What?”

“It had been written in books…and loved by many…we didn’t think you existed, you were just a story…but…now everything’s messed up! I don’t know what to do!” So much for keeping her poise.

“Everything’s all right,” said Frodo. “Perhaps you are not entirely well yet.”

“No! I’m fine,” said Riniel. She caught her breath. They were silent for a while, as Riniel contemplated her next move.

“Frodo…when Bilbo left, did he give you anything? Anything special, in particular?” By the Valar, say he left the ring…
“Well, just the house, of course, and everything in it.” Frodo frowned. “But he left me one special thing – in an envelope. It’s here, on the mantle.” He picked it up. Riniel grabbed it from him without thinking, leaving Frodo a bit upset.

“Oh my gosh…” she whispered. Could it be the one ring? In her hands? Riniel threw the envelope into the fire.

“What are you doing?!” Frodo cried.
“I know what I’m doing!” Riniel snapped. “Here,” she grabbed the ring out of the fire with some tongs and dropped it in Frodo’s hands.

She couldn’t help herself: “It’s quite cool.” This is quite cool.

“Wait…” said Frodo. “It is cool. And something is appearing on the ring.” He paused. “It’s some form of Elvish; I can’t read it.”

“That’s the black tongue of Mordor.” Riniel said. She sighed, thinking about Gandlaf’s speech to Frodo about the evils of the world. It looked like it was her turn. For the next hour or so, Riniel shared with Frodo all she knew about the Magic Rings, Sauron, the Ringwraiths, and other important information.

“When the Ringwraiths captured Gollum, they heard two words: ‘Shire’ and ‘Baggins’.” Riniel finally reached the end.

“But…that will lead them here!” Frodo cried. “Can you take it? You need to go to Rivendell, right?”

“I’d love to take this off your hands, Frodo…but…” Riniel sighed. “This is your task.”

Frodo lowered his head. “I know what I must do.”

***

Within minutes, the hobbit was packed and ready.

“We need to leave soon,” said Riniel. “Now.”
“Alright.” Said Frodo.

Wait! Riniel thought. Sam! Just then there was a rustle outside in the bushes. Riniel smiled.
“Samwise Gamgee, get out of there.”

Sam crawled out, looking very scared. “Didn’t mean to be upsettin’ no one, miss…wait, you aren’t any hobbit…are you that one they’ve been talking about? They say you’re an elf, miss…please forgive me, I wasn’t upsettin’ nothin’…”

Riniel laughed. “Calm down, Sam, I’m not going to hurt anyone.” She smiled. “How would you like to come with Mr. Frodo to see the elves?”

Sam’s eyes widened.

***

Riniel now stood in front of Bag End, she and the two hobbits ready to leave. Sam was holding on to Bill the Pony.

“You do know how to get to Rivendell, don’t you, Riniel?” Frodo asked.

“Um…” Riniel answered. She sort of remembered some maps. But she couldn’t possibly lead them there. Whoops. Hadn’t thought of that.
“Well, I think I could figure it out from Bree.” She said. “Do any of you know the way there?”

Sam smiled. “Meriadoc Brandybuck does! His relatives are close to Bree.”

Frodo frowned. “Would he want to come?”

Riniel smiled, thinking of traveling with Merry. “We could convince him.”

It didn’t take much convincing. A quick trip to Merry’s home, and he was in. He wanted the adventure. There was only one condition – Pippin came, too.

This is so cool, thought Riniel. Thus, she and the four hobbits started their trek through the Old Forest.

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<center> all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us


Thank you for five-plus wonderful years of obsession, friendship and fun

[just one more post...I'll stop then, I promise!]

Melda looked at all the others with their 'families' and envied them a little. She didn't know anyone particularly well and although it was amazing to be in Middle-Earth, she felt like an outsider. What on earth does Elrond think I can contribute? she thought doubtfully. Why am I here, anyway? I'm not any good with a weapon and I don't even know anyone. She tried to smile and shrug it off. "I want food! Lead the way, Elegost!

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Okay. The mods have been discussing this and have decided that we have a GOOD PROBLEM: It's still moving soooo fast, it's hard to keep track of the RPG. It's too fast to know what's what and keep up and know what you should post unless you're on all the time.
For this and other reasons, we have unanimously decided:

2 RPGs post in 24 hours per person.

Make the RPG post as long as you like. If you have something else to say, go back and edit it. Tulk and Miremiel have had success with this in their RPG forum, and we believe it will make this RPG more accessible and friendly to all AU members.

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As the last glimmer of sunlight fades from the western sky, a low, clear bell sounds summoning all to the council. The Elven musicians continue to play. In the council chamber the sound of singing and laughter can be heard faintly, creating a pleasant atmosphere.
Lord Elrond, however, as kind as summer though he may be, does not wear such a pleasant expression on his face. As the adventurers come into the chamber and are direct to their seats, they notice a shadow crossing his face, which seems to deepen as time wears on.

"Look at the Eyebrowlord!" One adventurer comments.

"You have my sword, Sir," another young man says as he enters the chamber and bows to Elrond.

Elrond, however, simply nods at him, seemingly preoccupied.
Finally, when all the Elven lords, the adventurers' guides, and all but one of the adventurers is seated, a tall blond elf, seated next to Elrond, stands.

Glorfindel: "Strangers and guests in the house of the Lord Elrond, friends from distant lands, and my lords, you have been summoned here by the will of the Lord Elrond. There have been strange rumors whispered abroad, whispers of a nameless fear, of a threat so great that it would destroy Middle-Earth as we know it."

He pauses, apparently for effect. Then suddenly he begins to speak again, seemingly endlessly...a monologue, if truth must be told. Some of his audience seems to fade, others start to talk among themselves.
A couple of the adventurers manage to catch on to the fact that in the midst of all these rumors, people---they, themselves!---suddenly began appearing out of nowhere, all over Middle-Earth, and all...

Elrohir (Elrond's son!): Unfortunately for you, the evidence only points towards you. Just as the news is noised abroad that the powers in the East are stirring, YOU appear. Are you spies?




Okay, here's the deal. You may try to prove you are not spies, you may all gang up and convince him you are not spies, you could have Galadriel's voice speak up in your behalf, whatever. Essentially, continue the council. One of you will have to arrive late. In the middle.
When each of you've posted 1x, the mods will reveal your mission-quest-thing.

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[I can arrive late, is that okay?]

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^Sig set made by me. PM for requests.

"I am he [she =P] that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."

Elenya tried to wait until Lothwen received an answer from Elrohir, but she couldn't make herself. She stood up suddenly.
"I'm not a spy, I swear. I just woke up on Weathertop one morning. I met up with Gandalf and some other girls I know after awhile. Gandalf can speak up for me, I'm sure. He knows I'm not a spy. I mean, I love Lord of the Rings! I wouldn't want to spy or be a bad guy or anything..." she trailed off. <i>Great job</i> she told herself sarcastically. <i>I'm sure that made a great impression-really convinced them your just a normal girl.</i>

Pandora sat next to Gandalf and Gwenneth in the council, she had drifted off towards the middle of Glofindel's speech. Not to some random butterfly but to the blonde haired Edhel himself, her A-U husband. She couldn't help but smile at him feeling as if she knew him better than the rest but truly she didn't....

Pandora continued to daydream until another voice filled her ears, it was of Elrohir. She could finally tell the difference between Elladan and Elrohir, the younger one had a small mark beside his left eye. Anyways it was when Elrohir said that one of them was a spy that her thoughts quickly came together and she shouted.

"A Spy!..." She was about to rant and rave when Gandalf placed a hand on her shoulder and stood up, his hand grasping his staff as he looked to the heads of the council.

"Ah my dear friends there may be a spy amoung us but this small group I can assure you is not." He pointed to Gwenneth, Pandora, Anduril, and Dark.

"I met them all in the Shire, in the house of Bilbo Baggins none-the-less. They had not arrived there but two minutes before I walked in and they have been with me ever since. I trust them, I may also add..." pointing to Melda, Elegost, and others who traveled with Gandalf, "...They were also with me for some time so I am sure they are no spies as well." Gandalf nodded to the council again before taking a seat and winking at Pandora with his signature smile.

"Thank you..." She mouthed before looking to Elrohir and the rest of the council.

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The waves that C R A S H E D upon
The R O C K S that you were trying to step along

And in my head I heard them play a S O N G

Elenriel sat in shocked silence for a moment before anger filled her. Although the elves mistrust of them were understandable, she was tired of the suspicions and the frustration of being unable to prove her innocence caused something in her to snap. “My lords, I am no spy…” she started, struggling to control her emotions. She was about to say more, when she felt a gentle pressure on her shoulder and Prince Legolas shook his head in her direction, his eyes commanding her to remain silent. With that he stood to address the council. “My brethren, I can also assert that Elenriel is no spy. She has been a most faithful traveling companion from Mirkwood, even forsaking her sanctuary during an orc attack to warn me of an enemy arrow. Had she been one of the enemy agents, she would have stood by and done naught in my moment of need. I respect and trust her.” he said before taking a seat. Elenriel exhaled softly and gave him an appreciative smile while mentally chastising herself for losing control of her emotions. “Thank you.” she mouthed before turning her attention back to the council.

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AWESOME set by the AMAZING Lembas!!!

(OOC: I am sorry that I have to jump in now, but I was with my father in the weekend and he doesn't have a pc.. So I will start in the council)

Lhunardaien sat quiet next to Nocturen, and she was listening to all the people who were saying that they were not spies. She was also thinking of how she could defend herself, how could she say that she wasn't a spy?
After a while, she heard several people speaking for an A-U member. But alas, she hadn't met someone from Middle-Earth, so she had no-one to defend herself.
But then she decided that she had nothing to loose, and she stood up. 'I don't have anyone to defend me,' Lhun said,' and I have no idea how I can tell you that I am no spy. I can only tell, that I was walking in a forest, and suddenly I fell, and when I stood up again, I was in Bree, and there I met my companion Nocturne. In Bree we bought clothes, food and horses with our jewellery and old clothes. From there we travelled to Weathertop, where we had our nightcamp. And this early morning we went to Rivendell, what we reached in the late afternoon. I can't tell you anymore, because I don't know what I can tell you more than this. I hope .. that you all are wise enough to believe me..' said Lhun, while she was talking softer and softer. At the end of her speech, she sat down again, and she saw some encouraging nods around here, from Legolas, Elenriel and Gandalf, who seemed to believe her. But what would Lord Elrond think?

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Gwenneth sat between Pandora and Lothwen. She pursed her lips, studying each member of the council, picking out the ones she recognized. Then a small gasp escaped her lips. Aragorn! her mind raced. For a few moments, her eyes could not leave the kingly, noble looking man. But over there -- it must be Legolas! There was a maiden sitting next to him, looking as much like an elf as he, though Gwenneth noticed her rounded ears.

She was listening carefully to Glorfindel's speech, but felt as though her stomach had tied itself in a knot when hearing Elrohir's accusation. Thinking of nothing to say, she sat there, dumbly. Even if I did explain, how could they believe me?
A wave of relief fell over her as Gandalf stood and explained for she and the other girls. Gwenneth sat straighter, trying to appear innocent as she felt the eyes of many flick their way. She, too, sent Gandalf a greatful smile. Now her only hope was that the other A-Uers would have someone to vouch for them.

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^Thanks Gily!
<By Bubble Black

[I think it may be best if I'm the one who arrives late, I haven't got to Rivendell yet. However, I shall try to rectify that now.
So, if you'll cast your mind back to my last post I was leaving Dale for the road through Mirkwood...]

Darrell glanced around again. He was sure he could... there it was again. Gripping the hilt of his sword he gave himself a stern talking to. Pull yourself together, you are getting paranoid now. But just because he is paranoid doesn't mean things aren't out to get him.^^

Darrell continued his trek through the forest his sword swinging at his side. Not being elf made it was rather heavy, and he found it an annoyance some of the time, but he did feel better in having it. At leaast he would have the means, if not the skill, to defend himself. The most he'd done of sword play was a bit of sparring with his friend Cian back in Dale.

~~~~~~~~~~~

After several hours of walking (this being days after he left Dale. Gotta get the time scale right folks ) he saw daylight ahead. He changed his pace up a bit and soon emerged from the forest, catching his breath as the clear day showed a fantastic veiw of the Anduin vale, with the Misty Mountains looming in the distance.

He turned back to face the forest see there was nothing following you, scaredy c... the reason the though cut short was because, emerging from the forest, was a large, ugly, hungry looking warg. Oh (insert expletive of choice here) was the only thought that crossed his mind as he quickly drew his sword. The warg began to close up and Darrell began swinging his blade, eyes fixed on the creature, realising how much it would suck if he died in Middle-earth before he could see most of it.

[This post is only half done. I shall return shortly to resume writing it, as I must abandon the computer temporarily. Please continue as normal, the ending of this post will not directly affect any one else. And hey, I left it on a nice cliffhanger for you ]

Nocturne next stood up, taking a deep gulp. Her heart started to thump heavily, she could feel herself shaking as well.
"Like Lhundarian, we have no one else to defend us - but I'm sure that some of you..", Nocturne hesitated, if she was wrong - she would be thought as a mad person, but she carried on, "The people who are the members of A-U, can ask me as many questions as possible about myself to assure you that I am no spy."
She then sat down with a pleased smirk and whispered to Lhun, "Where is Frodo?".

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Avatar by lamiai

[Darrell - I've already said that I'll arrive late, and I would kind of prefer not to change that, but you could do like Lhun did and just pretend you were there all along.]

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