[hmm, ok, I take it that it shall not be noticed I am absent. Not to worry ]

As the sun sank below the trees, Darrell prepared to leave Rivendell and follow those who had left without him. After a long, hard day he was finally confident enough to set out. He was, however, apprehensive about riding for day on end, as he had never ridden before, and had collected many bumps, scrapes and bruises throughout the day.

He thanked the Lord Arthion for his patient tutelage, and was bidden fair winds and safe passage for his journey, along with good fortune to find his companions swiftly. And after this exchange he urged his horse into a quick trot and headed out along the path in the direction taken by the others.

He rode on steadily for a couple of hours, watching the sun set slowly and darkness engulf the landscape...

Larael pulled back so that she would be able to stay with the group. Ellie and FaZ had gone on ahead, but she could now see that they had dismounted and were edging toward a bush with bows ready.
"Something's happening up ahead with the men... best for us to be careful," Larael said drawing an arrow and pointing it toward the ground ready to fire should the need arise.

The ladies had no stopped for a mild break. Gwenneth had swiftly dismounted and removed her horse's saddle. After giving him a drink from the small river, she tied his reins to a tree.
She saw Larael, who seemed to be eyeing something ahead. Gwenneth came and stood next to her, and before she could ask what was up, Larael spoke. Gwen pursed her lips, wondering if there really was something wrong.

_________________

^Thanks Gily!
<By Bubble Black

FaZ was - very carefully - approaching towards the smoke. Suddenly, he noticed a goblin body, with two arrows in his chest. The body was lying on a sword - but that for sure wasn't a sword made by goblins!
"Ellie will for sure know origin of this blade." thought FaZiovsky.
When he came closer, he noticed source of the smoke - a dimming camp fire. Whole goblins' camp was abandoned. Seemed that creatures living there had left that place in a tearing hurry.
"Okay, There is no danger!" FaZ shouted to Ellie and Caunion "But come here, i've found something strange!"

[Haha, quite tragic drift ]

Caunion hastened towards FaZ with his curved sword drawn and said, "Goblins, they are around here somewhere." He gripped his sword tighter. He walked slowly towards the abanoned game, pausing only to say to FaZ, "Cover me, I'm going in."

_________________

I was cured all right.

Gwen didn't say anything and Larael kept quiet also waiting for the men to bring back news. FaZ was now shouting at Ellie and Caunion but what he said she could not hear. Figuring there really wasn't any danger Larael unstrung the bow and put it away.

Realising all the other women had unmounted she did also walking her horse around to cool it off.

Elenriel quickly dismounted and led her mare to the river to get a drink. Then she quickly tied the reins to a tree and gently stroked the horse's neck. From the distance, she could hear shouting but the voices held no tone of alarm. Contented that they were safe for at the moment, she stood and waited for the men to return with news.

_________________


AWESOME set by the AMAZING Lembas!!!

A sense of dread began to grow in Larael's stomach as she continued to glance nervously at the three speck's that were the men down the road. They were all grouped together until one stepped forward and out of sight.
Oh no, she thought, something's wrong... I can feel it.

Elenriel watched the three men from the distance. What could be going on? she wondered. Could we be in more danger than I originally feared? With that she approached Larael. "What do you suppose is happening? Do you think we are lingering here too long?" she whispered, sensing the other woman's unease.

_________________


AWESOME set by the AMAZING Lembas!!!

"Let's try not to make too big of a scene," Gwen muttered to Elenriel and Larael. "We don't want the others to worry. I think they can handle it, anyway."
With that, she retreated to her horse to ease her twisting stomach. Get a grip, there's nothing wrong she told herself. Gwen sighed and leaned against the dark, warm, sturdy body.

_________________

^Thanks Gily!
<By Bubble Black

"Right," Larael said in reply to Gwen's comment," Let's just lay low till they come back, I'm sure everything's fine."
Despite the words of comfort she was trying to tell herself the knot in her stomach would not go away. Elenriel stood by her side in silence as Larael continued to watch the men from afar.

Melda watched the others talk in low voices, frowning a little. "Is something wrong?" she asked Luthien, slightly worried. "Why does everyone look so anxious?" She carefully dismounted, feeling pleased with herself, and dug into on of her saddlebags for a drink.

_________________

Elenriel nodded at Gwen's words. They are strong. They will be fine. she told herself, trying to regain control of her nerves. Taking a deep breath, she walked over to where the other ladies stood.

_________________


AWESOME set by the AMAZING Lembas!!!

Luthien sat on her horse for a little longer than the others, trying to use the higher position to her advantage. When she realized that she could see about the same distance on the ground, she dismounted and looped the reins around a nearby branch. The guys were definitely acting strangely, and the smoke clouds were definitely mysterious.

"I don't know, Melda, but I believe the men have found something, I can only hope it is not trouble." Looking around at the group, she discovered that something was out of place. "Darren! We forgot Darren back in Imladris! Why didn't anyone wait for him? Or, wait, was it Darrell?" She turned to check the trail behind them for his horse, but it was to no avail.

((Poor Darrell, everyone forgot about you! There ya go ))

_________________


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..."

Elenriel turned at the sound of Luthien's voice. She thought she heard her mention a name, but it made no sense to her. Then suddenly, the realization dawned upon her. Searching the group she found that Darrell was not among their company. How could I have forgotten about him? she thought, angry with herself for forgetting a friend. I hope he finds us soon she thought as she looked back for signs of a lone rider.

_________________


AWESOME set by the AMAZING Lembas!!!

[Many thanks Luth *feels loved now* ]

After a short break Darrell continued with his ride, he emerged from the trees which had previously surrounded him and found that it was actually still light, and the sun was still just above the horizon, though it had been hidden inside the vale where Rivendell was situated. He looked up the path, and, as expected, he did not see anyone on the path ahead. Sighing, he pulled his horse to a stop, and selected a spot to make his lonely camp for the night. He had not expected to catch them up soon, but he had hoped. And he did not want to spend too long on his own, now there were others he could be travelling with.