A/N: Now for all you fans of the movies who are wondering if you are ever going to see one of the characters you know so well, this is the chapter. We see two new characters that featured in the movies (and from the title, I don't think it will be difficult to work out who they are). These won't be the only characters from the movies that will be making an appearance. I think it would be very likely that you will get at least a glimpse of many of your favourite elves sometime in this story, and you might even get an appearance of Aragorn near the end. No promises though, I cant be sure at this stage. Now without furthur ado, let the show begin!

Disclaimer: I am not Tolkien (most unfourtunately), and therefore do not own his works, his world, or his characters. So don't make any accusations!!!

The Istari

Tharbad was not a large town. Everyone knew everyone. As a result of this, everyone knew when there was someone new in town. In this case, five new and rather unusual characters had entered the quiet riverside town.

No one had any idea where they came from. The names they used were strange and unfarmiliar, and while they were obviously men, they spoke very differently to the rough, casual language of the small fishing town. Added to that, it also seemed like an odd thing for a group of such old men were travelling as such as they were, with simple cloaks, a few small packs, and twisted wooden staffs. However if any of these peculiarities were bothering anyone, it wasn't showing. One of the golden rules in a small town such as Tharbad was to keep to yourself. Oh have acquaintances, of course, but mind your own business, and so will everyone else. Hopefully, an outsider would do the same, and could pass through without any trouble. The town was hoping that these particular strangers would do the same. They didn't need that sort around there.

The barman looked nervously at his most recent customers. The five old men had walked in barely two minutes ago, pleasantly asked for a table, and when directed to one, had very nicely thanked him and had been chatting contently between themselves ever since. Despite their overall innocent appearance, there was something perculiar about the group that the barman couldn't quite place. They were polite enough, certainly, but still… when any of them spoke, he felt as though a wave of authority and control radiated from them… it was a queer feeling, and caught the barman quite of guard each time, even now when he'd come to expect it. And when they talked… it was as though the came from a different world. Despite their pleasant and innocent appearance, their mere presence made him feel insecure and unsettled. He'd heard they were moving on tomorrow. He couldn't say he was sorry about the fact.

Gandalf twirled his staff between his fingers, examining the knots in the wood. His companions continued to talk merrily and sip their pints. To all appearances they were just an ordinary group of travellers. But underneath the rim of the old pointy hat and the locks of matted hair, Gandalf's eyes swept across the room, missing nothing. The two blue orbs gleamed with a light of intelligence and calm. After several minutes, he perceived that no-one was too interested in them, and helped himself to his own evening drink. They were leaving tomorrow, moving south along the coast towards the land of Gondor. He couldn't say he'd miss this town. Not exactly the friendliest of places.

The Istari, or the Scorcers, had come across the seas from Valinor to Middle Earth, to guide and protect the people after it was deemed by the Valar that the land should not be abandoned totally. The five Maiar were charged to work from within to bring the people of Middle Earth to good, and protect them from the many evils that existed in the land. And above all, they were to keep out a watch for, and if necessary, fight against, the enemy of the free people's of the world, Sauron. The Istari were planning to travel Middle Earth, learn the ways of its peoples and the fate of its enemies, and then to separate into the different corners of middle earth to achieve their task. They had been chosen very carefully by their masters. Throwing five powerful Maiar into the treacherous lands of the east was no small deal. Their task was not to rule, but to serve, and watch over, and it was not a task that should be given to just anyone. On this basis were the Istari chosen. First was Curunir, or Saruman, the wise. He had better grasp of the nature and essence of evil than many, and was capable of taming and subduing it. Second was Mithrandir, or Gandalf. Olorin he was called of old, and he was great among the Maiar, very wise and powerful, but also compassionate and merciful. Third was Radagast, the brown one, who was a tamer of beasts and a lover of the woods. And finally, Alatar and Pollando, the blue. They were the most mysterious of the group, able to see visions. They were also the masters of riddles and spells.

Alone, each one of them was far from perfect. Together, they were a wise and powerful force, and more than capable of carrying out the task given to them.

"So next we go South," said Radagast, breaking the short silence.

"I think that would be our best bet," agreed Gandalf. "If there has been any activity in Mordor since the Great Battle, Gondor will know."

"Agreed," declared Saruman. "We shall travel south towards Osgiliath, and then from there we shall enter Mordor ourselves. From there, the path is unsure, though I believe it would be wise to investigate the other civilisations of Men in the east. They were troubled, no doubt, by the wars of Sauron, and if any of the free peoples need our guidance, it would be them."

"It would certainly be prudent," said Alatar, "though I think it would be best to alert the elves of our presence in Middle Earth. Embarking on our quest without their aid would, I believe, be an unwise move."

"We shall approach the elves in due course," said Saruman with a glance in Alatar's direction, but I believe our first priority is to enter Gondor. If they have no knowledge of the activities of Sauron, then they may have knowledge of the location or the possible locations of the ring. This matter is of deep importance, as we all know, and as Isildur took the ring, and then lost it before he crossed the boarder, I think the Gondorians would know more of this than the elves."

Alatar bowed his head, conceding the point.

"To Gondor it is then," agreed Gandalf. The others all nodded their confirmation as their meal arrived. As they ate, they discussed more of the possibilities for the later stages of the journey, and the possible allies they could gain, and the most prudent places of residence once they had sufficiently explored Middle Earth.

"Well, after that most delightful meal, I feel ready to rest myself," announced Gandalf. The others nodded and affirmed that they would be joining him soon. Gandalf rose to leave, and felt his back muscles moan in protest. Gandalf grunted.

Why did the Valar send me here in this feeble human form, prone to every mortal ache and pain?

The following morning the five prepared to leave, packing their small array of belongings, thanking the innkeeper, and wearing their long billowing cloaks. As they exited the town, staffs in hand, walking purposefully towards the hazy shadow of the White Mountains in the distance, they were not unobserved. A cloaked figure watched from the shelter of the shadows of nearby woods, Blending into the darkness of the trees. And as the five travellers made south for the country of Gondor, Akorahil slipped between the shadows and began to follow.

A/N: Well? What's the verdict? I enjoyed throwing the Istari into this chapter, they are important in parts of this story and I think this was a good way to introduce them. Hope you enjoyed it! Reviews would be appreciated!