Next up is their little quest to find the potion ingredients. Things don't exactly go according to plan…

On another note, I had someone PM me regarding the geography in my story. Lord of the Rings Online is of course based on Lord of the Rings, so most of the layout is the same, with some exceptions. As the zones of the game were 'released', they were filled in on the map. However, some areas are 'missing' as they are not playable, and therefore not quite accurate. Most if it is correct though. If you have questions, I can direct you to the wiki and the relevant maps; I certainly use them constantly while I write, and I pop into the game to scout the areas to make sure I am describing things correctly. Perhaps that's why Gwin likes to scout so much haha. Although I do make some things up to fit the narrative on occasion.

Anyway, after that novel of an author's note, enjoy!

Chapter 39

When I woke up, it was to the soft voices of the twins; they were speaking about something, but I was too comfortable to care. Once they noticed my eyes had cleared of reverie, Elladan gave my hand a squeeze, murmuring, "Arduil, muinthel nin (good morning, my sister)."

I felt warm inside; it felt nice being called "sister". I felt like I had a family again. I gave him a small smile and replied, "Arduil. How long was I asleep?"

Elladan shrugged, "I cannot tell time in this place, but suffice to say, you needed the rest."

"Hannon le," I whispered, snuggling into his chest. I felt safe with them by my side, and was glad they were with me on this quest. Was I behaving like an elfling? Perhaps, but I found I did not care, at least in this moment.

Eventually, I slowly sat up, and they both followed as I swung my legs over the side of the bed and gathered my clothes. "Is there a place I may wash up?" I asked.

"I am unsure, but I will inquire," Elrohir replied. He looked to Elladan, and likely mentally asked if he would stay with me. Elladan nodded.

"It is all right; you can go to your own quarters. I will be fine on my own," I said, trying to sound confident.

Elladan considered this, looking unsure. "Are you certain?" he asked.

I nodded. "I will wait for Elrohir to return and then ready myself for the day. Do not worry for me."

"If you insist," Elladan replied reluctantly.

Sure enough, it was only a short time before Elrohir returned and escorted me to an indoor hot spring! It was delightful, and I soaked in it as long as I deemed was acceptable before getting dressed and heading down to the main floor. The rest of our party was gathered there and eating. "Good morning Gwinthilnel," Calenglad said with a smile. "How did you sleep?"

Fixing a smile on my face, I replied, "Well enough, and yourself?"

He narrowed his eyes at me, and I wondered if he suspected I wasn't telling the truth. Thankfully he did not comment on it and answered, "The same. We were just discussing where to start looking for the ingredients Frithgeir asked for."

I frowned, "Why don't we just ask Frithgeir where he has gathered them from in the past?"

"We have not seen him this morning," Calenglad replied, looking puzzled. "There was already food and drink on the table when I came down here, and he has not emerged from wherever he might be."

"Hmm," I muttered. It was a bit strange. "Well, I guess it is up to us to try and discern the right places."

"I think that perhaps some of them might be found along the riverbank, a little further downstream where it is slightly warmer," Corunir suggested.

"We also may need to wander into hostile territory," Elladan said, looking a bit worried. "It would be wise to try and skirt their villages, but if the herbs are grown in the fields of those tribes, we will need to carefully gather them without being seen."

I nodded, "The nuts could be anywhere, but likely will be in a forested area on or near the trees." I rolled out a map I had been given by Nona back in Lhanuch. "There are two main areas I was thinking of. One is a thickly forested section on the south river bank, but inside of it are supposedly dangerous creatures, and Nona did not know what type they were. The other is by skirting around the villages and going somewhat further south, but it would take longer and I personally do not think we have that kind of time. The rest of the herbs are likely along the river bank or growing in the fields. What do you think?"

The rest of the group sat in thought for a minute, looking at the map and considering my words. Calenglad spoke first, "I think it would be best to stay as close to this hall as possible. As you say, we do not have the luxury of time on our side; Halbarad waits for our return, and the sooner we can get information from Nar, the better."

"I agree," the twins answered. Elrohir continued, "We are all fairly good at staying in the shadows and remaining unseen."

"Would it be wise to split up?" Corunir asked. "We could cover more ground, but if one of us is accosted by enemies, they would be less able to defend themselves."

"It makes me slightly uneasy, but I believe splitting up would be the best option," I replied. "I am used to traveling alone and am comfortable with it, but I understand if the rest of you are reluctant to do so."

Calenglad took it as a slight, "Are you suggesting we are not capable of defending ourselves?"

I prevented myself from rolling my eyes and said, "I am not saying that at all; I just wanted to emphasize that I have experience with this mode of traveling; I know all of you are just as capable, perhaps moreso." However, I was unsure of this. Calenglad rarely was alone in Evendim; many Dunedain lived there, and moved frequently in groups to and from the various outposts and cities. Corunir however had more experience on his own, traveling alone across large distances in Angmar. The twins had lived for many thousands of years, but were almost always together; they would likely pair up, no matter what we decided.

As if reading my mind, Elladan said, "Despite where we all live, we have been taught since we were young how to travel and defend ourselves alone. Do you not agree?" He looked around the group and everyone nodded confidently. He then turned to me and said, "What say you?"

Feeling pressured but knowing I needed to make the decision, I said, "Then we will split up. If we are all solo, we will cover more ground. This will be dangerous, but I believe we can do this."

"Aye," Corunir answered, and we all clinked glasses as we agreed.

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As I expected, the twins decided to stay together, but I did not begrudge them for it. I shouldered my pack, and noticed Elladan and Elrohir sidle up to me. "Will you be ok mellon nin?" Elladan asked.

I nodded and tried to smile, as I was unsure, but needed to maintain an air of confidence. Before I could speak, Elrohir squeezed my shoulder and said, "You cannot fool us Gwin, but we believe in you." He handed me a beryl he had infused with a soft light, and pulled out another just like it. "If you are in dire need and feel you cannot get out of something without aid, whisper 'Aiya' (help), holding the stone close to your face, and we will come find you," he said earnestly.

"How will you know where I am?" I asked, confused.

Looking a little smug, Elladan replied, "It will act as a directional beacon which will guide us in the right direction." I smirked at his expression and thanked him; it was very impressive but I did not want to stoke their egos any more than they already were.

After we were all prepared, Frithgeir finally emerged from somewhere and escorted us to the door, saying, "I am very grateful for your help. I wish you good luck, and hope to see you safe and sound once more."

"Hannon le master Frithgeir. Namarie," I replied. He looked perplexed, and I realized he had no idea what I meant, as it was Sindarin. "I said thank you, and farewell." He nodded, and we exited Zudrugund. The cold air hit me in the face like a slap, but thankfully it had stopped snowing and the wind had calmed. We were able to cross the bridge without difficulty, and made our way down part way before splitting up.

I had initially assumed we would be running into Candaith, but the directions we were going took us on other paths down the mountain, and it would be out of our ways to pass by his camp. I sighed, missing him more than ever, especially after my troubles overnight.

I had been tasked with sneaking into the forested area to look for the nuts, which were called Kibil-lawâz. They were bright yellow in color, which would hopefully make them easier to find. Perhaps the trees would be able to help me, although so far, none of them in Enedwaith had responded to my greetings.

Going slightly to the east, I crossed another bridge, this one being sturdier, to the other side of the river. Calenglad had gone with me, but would now be turning west to look on the south bank of the river. "Namarie Calenglad," I said, and he clasped me on the shoulder before heading out.

I carefully made my way into the trees, stepping as lightly as I could in my soft boots. It was somewhat dark, as the canopy was thick, but I was still able to see well enough. I only needed a handful of the nuts, but wanted to find the best ones to increase our chances of success.

Luck was with me, because I found two shortly after entering the forest. However, as sometimes happens, my luck ran out. I accidentally stepped into a nest of some kind, crushing a few eggs in the process. The eggs were quite large, and my stomach dropped as I recognized them as those of the great worms, found in many places but especially in the Misty Mountains. I remembered how large they were and how some eventually turned into ice drakes. Hopefully I have none of those on my tail.

Almost as if my careless step summoned it, a very large worm matron appeared. She hissed angrily, and her huge head moved forward to snap at me. I had jumped to my left just in time to avoid her sharp teeth, and she followed my movements. I knew she would not be able to reach me in the trees, but the branches were high and most of them too far to grasp. I kept dodging, as well as being more aware of where I was stepping; I wanted to avoid summoning another matron.

Because of her size, it slowed her down. I was able to create enough distance to pull out my bow, quickly dip an arrow in the oil I had, and use the friction of a rock to light it on fire. The worms were covered in ice, and by shooting it with a fire arrow, it would melt and burn the skin of the worm enough to kill it or at least incapacitate it enough to finish it off.

Sure enough, as the worm opened her mouth to snap at me again, I shot the arrow into it, and after a cry of anger and pain, it died. I was breathing hard, but feeling accomplished. I looked around and quickly gathered several more nuts, perhaps more than I needed, and stealthily retreated to where I knew the bridge was.

That is, until I heard a panicked yell on the river bank.

Racing west, I came upon a bone-chilling sight. Calenglad was being restrained by two Dunlendings, and his head was just above the river. They surely intended to dunk him under the water and therefore drown him, and I could not allow that.

Quickly but quietly making my way toward them, I came around the back side. I grabbed the throat of one of them, slitting it before he even knew what was happening, and pulled the other one back, causing him to release Calenglad. Thankfully the ranger was not so far over the bank that he was unable to get himself back onto the ground, and he helped me restrain the Dunlending, who was glaring at me as I sat on his back and held his arms tightly. He cursed in his own language, and I heard the words Elichthi and Duvodiad multiple times.

Calenglad came around and said firmly, "Stop yelling or you will end up like your friend here," and he motioned to his dead companion. "Do you speak Common?"

The Dunlending remained silent, but nodded. Calenglad continued, "What is your name?"

"Why would I tell you that, Duvodiad?" he hissed. "You will kill me anyway."

I did not know what to say to this; if we let him go, he would run to his village and tell them of our presence here. Yet, I felt like I could not kill him after he was no longer attempting to kill one of our own. Sometimes my compassion made things much too difficult; I am not sure all of my companions would do the same. I felt a little guilty for ending the life of the other Dunlending, but I knew it was necessary to rescue Calenglad from death.

"Perhaps, or perhaps not," Calenglad replied. "If you tell us your name and what tribe you come from, and give us information, we may let you go."

After a pause, the Dunlending said, "Gevorch is my name." I was going to reply, but he turned his head up towards me and spat in my face. Clearly negotiations were not going well.

Calenglad looked furious and seemed about to end Gevorch's life, but I said, "Peace my friend. Let us hear him out." Gevorch looked surprised, but his eyes still held mistrust and hatred.

"I am of the Draig-luth," he hissed. "Do you know of us?"

I hesitated; I had never heard of them, or of any other tribe than the Uch-luth who lived in Lhanuch. Instead, I answered his question with one of mine, "Are you loyal to Saruman the Deceiver?"

"The deceiver?" he asked, narrowing his eyes. "He is not that, but he is wise and generous. He gives us supplies and weapons, and promises he will defend us if we fight enemies."

"He lies," I said simply. At this, Gevorch looked angry and defiant. "He just wants your tribe for your armies. Once he gets what he needs and lets them die, he will cast the rest of you aside."

"You speak of lies?" Gevorch said angrily, "You are Elichthi, and your witchcraft would have me falling at your feet and doing whatever you wanted. I will not be tricked by your spells!"

I sighed; words would not convince him. Only if Saruman did as I claimed would his people know the truth, and if we let that happen, it would be too late for the people of Enedwaith to survive.

I opened my mouth to answer him, but was surprised by the elbow that caught me in the temple. Gevorch had freed his arm and attacked me. Disoriented and with stars before my eyes, I fell sideways, and he turned the tables on me, grabbing me around the chest with a knife to my throat. Through fuzzy eyes I could see Calenglad's furious expression. "Let her go or you will regret it," he ground out.

"Come near me Duvodiad and it will be you who will regret it," Gevorch replied, sounding confident.

We were at a standoff. If Calenglad attempted to free me, I would be dead before he could succeed. If he did not try, I would likely be dragged off to Gevorch's village, and who knows what would happen to me. I was breathing as deeply as I could with a knife against my throat, trying to stay calm and focused. Could I find a way to get out of this and escape?

"She is coming with me, Duvodiad, and you will let me take her, or you will have her death on your hands," Gevorch said calmly. It was unfortunate that his anger had faded and he was more focused.

I had an idea, but it was risky and might not work. I looked into Calenglad's eyes, trying to ask him to trust me. He furrowed his brow but nodded almost imperceptibly.

"Nátyë necindo…Ucarnet nin…" (You are insane…you betrayed me) I started chanting, as if I was speaking a spell. Of course, I had no skill in casting spells whatsoever, but if I could convince Gevorch that I was cursing him, it could get him to release me in fear. I knew Gevorch would not understand me, but making the words sound ominous would make it more believable. It was a handful of Quenya insults the twins had taught me, and I would put them to good use!

Gevorch started trembling slightly, "Be silent Elichthi!" he tried to yell, but it sounded strangled.

"Aica umbar! Eca, a mitta lambetya cendelessë orcova!" (Bad luck! Go away, and go kiss an orc!) I could see some amusement flickering in Calenglad's eyes, but he remained tense, and his eyes widened, as if afraid of what I was doing. "Stop! The curse may kill him and all in his village!"

I felt the tip of the knife starting to drop away from me, and Gevorch said, "You are insane!"

My voice became louder and more menacing as I 'finished the spell', "Istan quetë ya merin…ar lá hanyuvatyen!" (I can say what I wish, and you won't understand me!). Coincidentally, a gust of wind appeared, and Gevorch released me with a yelp, running away as fast as he could. I was reasonably confident he would not speak of this to his village, in his fear of my supposed curse coming true.

Calenglad clearly was trying not to laugh, but he let out a breath of relief. "If he knew what you said just now, I doubt he would be terrified."

"Yes, more likely he would be insulted," I replied. I looked at him with some puzzlement. "You understand Quenya?"

Calenglad shrugged, "Not really, but I have heard 'go kiss an orc' before." He let out a small chuckle, but then his eyes became serious, "I was afraid for you Gwinthilnel," he said, "I am glad you were able to think so quickly on your feet."

I let out a shaky breath, knowing how close I had been to dying, "I have been in serious, potentially deadly situations, and if you don't act quickly, things can go poorly." I straightened up and asked," Did you find the flowers you were looking for?"

Calenglad nodded, "It was easy enough. How about you? Did you find the nuts?"

"Yes, although I did have a little altercation with a giant worm, but I took care of it," I said nonchalantly, and Calenglad rolled his eyes. "Let us head back to Zudrugund; hopefully the rest of our group has returned, none the worse for wear." At this, we headed off towards the bridge and up to our destination.

Whew, Gwin escaped with some trickery. Those Dunlendings sure are afraid of Elves. The 'spell' is made up of Quenya phrases I found. Hopefully the others will return successful and unscathed.

Thanks for reading, and leave a review if you have a moment!