Chapter II: Out of Fangorn

"Umph!" Latriel sighed as he fell into a slimy puddle.

"Latriel, get up. Stop wasting time." Toron said as he turned back to look at his muddy companion.

"I'm not wasting time! These trees have minds of their own!" Latriel said as he stood, mud dripping from his Elven sash.

"Come Latriel, we are nearly out of here." Toron commanded as he turned and began to jog.

"Coming, sir." Latriel picked up the knife that had slipped from his belt, and ran after Toron. "How long until Mirkwood?"

"At least two days." Toron answered as he ducked under a low branch. Latriel let out a sigh, and jogged after him. They passed through many trees, and light was dim. The trees stood, mangled and uneven as they were, like straight poles attempting to hold them in from every side.

"It's almost as if the trees were against us!" Latriel shouted to Toron, who was far ahead.

"They might be. You know the songs of old - 'The Ents' they called them. You remember, surely!"

"Yes, I do. How much farther to the edge of the forest?"

"Only a few more minutes, then we'll be out of this forest just east of the Misty Mountains."

"And from there, we go straight to Mirkwood?"

"Yes. Unless some unseen evil befalls us. I don't like those goblins we met last night."

"It unsettles my mind as well."

"It should. Be on your guard," He stopped and pointed at a faint light far ahead. "Do not be burdened, brother, we have reached the edge of Fangorn!" He said as he sprinted forwards.

"It certainly took us long enough," Latriel sighed and noticed Toron was far ahead. "Wait for me!" He yelled and ran after.

They exited the thick walls of the trees of Fangorn, and stopped. "Finally," Toron sighed as he took a deep breath of fresh air. "It is refreshing to have clean air inside, is it not?"

"I agree," replied Latriel. "I prefer this over Fangorn anytime."

Toron took a step forward and placed his foot on a rock, looking at the massive mountains that loomed over them to their left. "Behold, the beautiful Misty Mountains." The Mountains loomed beautifully, their caps standing tall and proud, with freshly fallen snow scattered about their tops. "Come, let us be on our way!"

They walked together, over the vast fields, and rocky ravines that accompanied the beauty of the mountains. Latriel lifted his head and looked to the tallest mountain, which could hardly be seen from where they were. He pointed and asked Toron, "What is that?"

Toron raised his eyes, and recognized the mountain. "That is the mountain which has the pass of Caradhras at it's highest peak.

"Caradhras.." Latriel whispered to himself.

"Yes, I have long wanted to climb it's peak - but never had the opportunity."

"Then let us go there!" Latriel said, slapping Toron on the back and beginning to run off. Toron grabbed his arm.

"That would delay our journey several days. We shall not take that road." He said sternly. Latriel looked at Toron and relaxed. "Come, let us go. We shall make camp there," He said, pointing to the base of Caradhras.

They ran off, and made their way to Caradhras.