Rivendell 2: The Journey

[Haerodiel]

"I'd agree that we should take the pass over the mountains." Said Haerodiel as she looked at the maps.

[Lomadia]

"Well, Elemmiire: what do you say? You are our leader, and though we all seem to think the path through Lorien best, it is your decision in the end."

[Elemmiire]

"Yes," said Elemmire. "The way through Lorien would be best."

[Goblinglow]

Halaheru finished her meal and took a long, quiet sip of water. She folded her hands and pondered the situation. The sun rose ever higher, but equally as slow. Imladris began to light up in a soft, golden hue.

[Lomadia]

"Then," said Lomadia, rising, "if we are to pass over the mountains, perhaps we will not wish our load to be heavy. I shall speak with the kitchen for food, but we must decide what else we will bring. What weapons do we need? Do you wish, Elemmiire, that all our band be armed and trained? And will we be mounted or go on foot? Do we sleep in the open air or beneath tents?"

[Elemmiire]

"I believe everyone has a skill. Everyone should work hard to master it. And that is what we'll do, whether it is sword play, archery, cooking, or scouting. Though we should not rely on just one person for each. I think that maybe two people should team up in a different expertise such as tracking and fencing, or cooking and archery. We should have a two or three horses to carry our supplies, other than that we should be on foot. And I think it would cut down on things to carry if we slept in the open air," said Elemmire.

[[Aeria-Gloris]]

“I have devoted my life to the arts of the Rangers but in the end, I am only human. Whether tracking, path finding or hunting, I will be happy to teach any of you what I have learned in my short life and I am sure that with your sharper senses, you will surpass me in time. I recommend against us taking horses. We will not be travelling by the beaten path when we can help it and we will move faster with our kit on our backs. I sleep on the ground, always relying on my skills to provide me with a patch of earth protected from the tempest. I will be carrying only what I need to start a fire, my weapons and a whetstone to repair them. My sword, my spear and my shield across my back are a load I cannot spare. I trust my friends to fire the arrows for the party whenever I cannot reach our quarry with my spear and throwing arm. I would normally carry a box of spices and whatever dried supplies I might need, but I will not insult you all by cooking for you. I dare say there are people far more qualified than myself in that respect amongst us. In terms of my fighting ability, I do not pretend to come close to the most clumsy of elves with a bow, but I am capable of things that will benefit the party with my weapons of choice. I warn you all though, it won’t be delicate or refined in the way I have seen your brethren perform in battle. I fight as a Dúnedain. With instinct and brute power when necessary. When in combat against any of the enemy, fighting dirty has saved my life. I suggest you think about adopting a similar philosophy if I am to trust you to cover my back.”

[Lomadia]

Lomadia sniffed. "I am hardly learned in combat philosophy. If your experience has shown you that that sort of... aggression... has been helpful, then you should be free to act in such a manner. However, I am afraid that I have no skill in battle or scouting. I can cook, but haven't done so in many years.
"I think my greatest asset to the group will be the knowledge I have culled during my years of study here in Imladris. I can speak well in the tongues of the Elves, both in the East and the West, and Men, and have learned some Dwarvish, though as you know that race guards its language jealously from strangers. I can identify many plants and creatures, and can read the skies both for weather and navigation. If, however, you think it important that I be competant with a longbow or a sword, I will do my best to learn either of these skills."

[Haerodiel]

"Fighting isn't exacly my strong point either, but I would love to learn to use a bow and arrow. I can cook very well, though. I'm afraid I'm not much use for anything else, though."

[Elemmiire]

It is good that each of us has our own skill. It will be very helpful.

[Lomadia]

"Well," Lomadia said, "We depart two weeks hence. During that time, we can procure the supplies we will need and prepare for the journey. We shall make our way on foot to Lorien over the Redhorn pass.
"Haerodiel, since you are so eager to learn archery, perhaps Walsingham will be so kind as to teach you the basic skills during that week. When we reach Lothlorien, I am certain that my brother, who is one of the Galadhrim bowmen, would be glad to help you perfect that art.
"I will speak with Lord Elrond about provisions. Haerodiel, you will be our cook, and I will assist you. I will also be our group's interpreter, as I have already mentioned. Walsingham will hunt, scout, and bear his sword and spear, the Valar forbid our band have need of them.
"Elemmire and Halaheru, we three have our niches. Are there any specific responsibilities you wish to take on?"

[Elemmiire]

Elemmire thought for a moment and then said, "I have my sword and I know the lay of the land fairly well. I have also been taught to heal, which should be very helpful."

[Lomadia]

"Good, then. That will be useful," said Lomadia. "Halaheru, is there anything in particular that you would like to do?"

[Goblinglow]

"Well," she said, considering her options carefully, "my skill with a bow goes only as far as any Elf's, if but slightly. I have a hand in tracking and scouting, likely, but know that I will not hesitate to defend our party with all the skill I bear, should the need arise."
She nodded.