1: Onward to Oron-D-Narr

As Lac with Ssinjin, riding on Lightning followed by Alrick on Walnut and Tiphereth, followed the dwarf with the wolves spread out front and back. Lac whispered softly, so no other could hear, in Ssinjin's ear .... "Satsaeisanaejarlinnar renestmaeeldmirborestaren vinestanirglinethnelcalev istisir ar maeeldaarthalae branevsortar sataeldaraevinestada curorlisdel annirday wynhirethnay lorevansiltyn estaxavpernestcirutynevdil. Tirhiemarttae maeeldaarthalae wilistilislir boretha silethrelvaeethda tinhalisasat Ith sarwinevaartharin toros yaossauthae." (TRANSLATION: Ssinjin remember vengence is a meal best served cold and when least expected. That meal will be served this I swear to you. . They continued up the path as the snow fell heavier and wind grew stronger. Glancing back over his shoulder Lac could see the skies grow darker, as the black clouds of the Dark Lord marched forward towards them.

Jin heard the soft words spoken by Lac and felt the warmth of his breath on her sensitive ear, even beneath her hood. The words he spoke were true, no doubt, but vengeance burned in her heart hotter than any flame she had ever felt before. Closing her eyes, she clenched her jaw and tried to swallow down the hatred she felt for the one person she wanted dead more than any other right now. Opening her eyes, she swallowed hard and spoke softly to Lac in her native tongue knowing he would understand most of what she was saying.

“Usstan zhaun, Elg'hasek. Lu'Usstan zhaun dos orn xun jal dos shlu'ta ulu morfeth zhaunus nindel kyarrin. Jhal nindel anika'vrine'winith nindol flamgra'in plithut Usstan satiir wund uns'aa ditronw nin. Nindel inthuul gotar d'nar'hethi dos telanth bauth orn tlu l'er'griff klez nindel orn extinguish nindol chath Usstan tlun tejmook'cinkjuu jhal ol shlubnaut doer qee z'lonzic whol uns'aa. Tangis'd'elezz Usstan zhaun patience z'klaen tlu practiced ditronw nin.”
(I know, Ranger. And I know you will do all you can to make sure that happens. But that does not stop this burning hatred I feel within me right now. That cold meal of vengeance you talk about will be the only thing that will extinguish this flame I am feeling but it cannot come fast enough for me. Even though I know patience must be practiced right now.)

Sighing softly Jin cast her eyes skyward to see the snow steady falling and being whipped about by the wind currents blowing over the mountains. Feeling the chill deep within her bones, she seemed to huddle closer to Lac as she spoke in common now.

“Perhaps then I shall be able to move on with this new, strange life I am forced to live now. Changes in weather is something I am not used to. I find this cold to be bone chilling and I long for the warmth of my underground home. Not to mention the fact I have no idea where I belong now. I am alone. It is as harsh a reality to me as this bitter cold wind and snow that whips across my skin like tiny needles piercing my skin.”

Now was not the time for her to feel sorry for herself, even though she really didn’t know what that meant. Sighing again, she pushed back that feeling of desolation and sat up a little straighter but still letting herself lean back against Lac for the added warmth.

“Nau selg'tarn. Usstan tlun Ssinjin Dalhar K'Nyan. Usstan tlun naut pi'rescho g'jahallus.” (No matter. I am Ssinjin Dalhar K’Nyan. I am not easily defeated.)

Lac listened, then spoke softly again, as he pulles Ssinjin closer and wraped his furlined cloak around her tighter "Yoroluthae artruneth narothtar athlorothnoresta Saysatithnirjaeinnel." ( TRANSLATION: You are not alone Ssinjin. )

In the past, Jin would have shirked off the offer of a warm cloak but not now. Things had changed, drastically. While she was a Drow, she was no longer a part of their world. And because of her heritage, proud as she was of it, she would never be fully accepted into the surface world. While she knew Lac was trying to offer her support in more than one way with both his actions and his words, she knew deep down his efforts would most likely be futile. It was just the fact of the way things were now.

Still, Jin wasn’t going to let the harsh reality of her situation make her just lie down and let fate shake her around like a rag doll. Oh no. She was determined to make her own fate as much as she could. Unfortunately, now there were others involved in this disgusting matter. If she could have somehow faced this darkness on her own, she would have, but, as much as it pained her to admit, she needed these peoples help. Even the stranger Tiphereth. He hailed from another world and yet, he knew of the fight that was to take place. How was it something could touch more than one plane of existence?

What ever the answer was, Jin would have to wait to discover it. She was, in a word, exhausted now. Keeping watch over the others as they rested and slept then facing off against the Orcs left her drained. And now, with Lac’s warmth surrounding her, she felt the tug of rest pull upon her as well. With a heavy sigh, Jin closed her eyes and allowed herself to relax and meditate in her reverie. While she didn’t sleep as others did, she did require the time to allow her body to regain some of the strength it had used over the past day or so. And since she was wrapped warmly in Lac’s fur lined cloak, she decided to take advantage of the opportunity she didn’t have to worry about being attacked. Or so she hoped.

Lac felt the increased pressure against his chest as Jin relaxed completely against his warm body and drifted off into her reverie.

Cursing the wind weather he rides on noting his mount is only slightly apprehensive of the wolves that seem to be keeping their distance. Pulling on his long dark bead he notes to mention to the group to ensure they wolves do not stray to close to the ram after all it would be a shame to lose one of them.

Watch closing the rims and for any sign of disturbance in the winds he plods on leaving talk for later when the surrounding are in their favor and the winds are not howling so.

His heart desire a long drink from the skin in his pack but one can not risk a dulling of the senses when crossing the peak of a mountain. Keeping a good lead he fells no need to soil his ears with the empty chatter of a mage.

He ponders just what this group has planned as they look so small Spackled on the mountain side.

Ssinjin’s rest was cut short. Way short. The voice that drifted over the wind pierced her mind like a needle that entered in one temple and was forced out the other. Instantly she sat up and screamed at the top of her lungs. The horrific scream that burst free from her lips caused the wolves to take notice and pause their forward movement. Shape even joined in with a mournful howl. Lac even wrapped his one arm around her waist to prevent her from falling off Lightning as her hands quickly snapped to her head and she tried to massage away the pain. Even the horses and the Dwarf’s ram pulled to a sudden halt as the Drowess’ vocal chords hit octaves no one knew she could, including herself.

When the scream was done and the creatures began to calm, the unmistakable sound of a deep rumbling could be heard over everything. Jin’s almond shaped eyes were wide with pain and fright as she looked around to find out what had happened. Even as her mind began to process what the voice had spoken.

Jin’s lips began to move silently as she repeated the words over and over to herself. As she translated the words spoken in her mind, she realized, with a sickening clarity, her disowned brother was still trying to kill the only remaining person who could prevent him from claiming that he wanted most of all.

Turning her fright filled gaze to Lac, Jin could barely choke out the words to him.

“He means to crush us under the heavy snow coming at us from the mountain slope over us. We have to find a place to hide! Please! Hurry!!!! We have precious few seconds before we’re buried under the snow!!!!”

The thunderous rumble of the fast descending snow and ice closed about the groups as sure as would the snow unless they were able to seek shelter in time. Quickly they sought a suitable place that might offer defense against the frozen wave but one among them remained calm and relaxed. Tiphereth, stood still, observing the others then raising his chin toward the approaching avalanche feeling the preceding spray of snow on his face.

The power to manipulate the falling snow fell into his realm of magic. If the need arose, the Deithir would stand against the avalanche but such an act was no small task so he would follow his companions wherever they could find shelter.

Hearing the roar almost without thought he looks feverishly for a spot the group may take shelter and he ponders if those who his likes so little can use their magics to shift the snow even a few inches. Not completed sure but he thinks he spots a small alcove on the far side of the pass.

Screaming death threats to the one who has caused this he points to the spot and hope lac sees and follows. Pushing his ram hard he heads and reaches for his dwarven hammer. After a few tries he gets the elvish words correct and the hammer takes on a glow. Holding it high he heads steadfastly to the spot he hopes is their salvation.

The avalanche nearly upon them, Tiphereth decided to trust in the Dwarf's knowledge of this unknown land to avoid the crushing snow. His glowing hammer a bright beacon, he rode toward an alcove in the side of the mountain.

Skipping atop the snow and striding over rocks, the Phaerie quickly caught and kept pace with the ram and nearing their destination could see that it was not only an inlet in the rock but a cavern. How deep it went he could not tell, but as the entire side of the mountain raged down upon them he hoped only that it was deep enough to save them from being buried alive.

Lac wheeled Lightning around, as he saw the Dwarft's glowing hammer and Tiphereth advancing towards it and followed them into the cavern, with Walnut and the young wizard close behind.
Suddenly a wall of rock, fallen trees and snow desended over the opening of the cave sealing it shut and plunging them into the soft glow of the dwarf's hammer. Lac dismounted quickly, walked over and dislodged a pine branch from the snow and plucked a large pine cone from it. Withdrawing an elven dagger from his belt he sharpened the end of the branch, replaced the dager in his belt and impelled the pine cone upon it. Passing his hand over the cone he softly said the words " Artasata Lirosraedil othfar Osrelolnar_Day_Naranartrae Ith athasilkey tynhinetha bearrilethaathatilhir orfar dilrinangulolnelsay tarossa gilisavirelda uthsir liristagolhiemtil. ..... Brisilingr." (Translation: As Lord of Oron_D_Naar I ask the breath of dragons to give us light The pine cone began to glow the burst into flame bathing the cavern in a soft amber glow. Quickly drawing his sword, Lac looked around the cavern.

Tiphereth swung his long locks, shaking free the snow that had sprayed through the mouth from the collapse. By the glow of the Dwarven hammer the cavern was revealed to his blackened Deithir eyes in amber and crimson hues. Seeing that all were safe, he skipped to the center of the chamber and spied a dark passage descending deep into the mountain. He looked back to the Dwarf not knowing whether or not his eyes could see into the blackness as his could and behold the two ancient columns that flanked the hand carved passage. There was a flash of light then, forcing the Phaerie to squint until his eyes adjusted to the increased light from Lac'Nala's torch.

Bounding further ahead into the shadows, Tiphereth examined the columns and recognized the architecture to be Dwarven and touching them he could feel the ages of time that flowed through them. Hearing the approach of his companions he turned and said, "These columns are very old."

Tiphereth's eyes then settled briefly upon the Dwarf thinking that he may be able to provide a clue as to where the ancient passage went. His eyes then rose to Lac'Nala for guidance.

Lac sheathed his sword and stepped foward and the glow from his torch illumuinated the great collums and the massive stone gates of Khazad-Dum . Along both sides and across the top of the gates were ancient runes. Lac read them slowly aloud in a subdued voice, "Boreldhirorlonday hiretharenethimnay linistaev tynhaletha Huranlaelaysay Orfal Kayhurartzorandil-dilunemae .......... Silpirethaathkarn tirhiemeld wynorreldaysae ossafor fayrelithevanordaysarhiemimpal astranordel estaneltirevrae istanae perevastracurueth tayor tayhiresta renethaarthlinmin olfae Dayuthrenisanae Lorothraedil ossafal Karnarthazatharthada-daunemae" He then translated so all understood what he had read "Behold herein lie the Halls Of Khazad-dum ....... Speak the words of friendship and enter in pece to the realm of Durin Lord of Kazad-dum."

Lac then fell to one knee and bowed his head respectfully and said but one word "MELLON".
The great gates began to glow a soft phosphorecent green and slowly parted swinging out to reveal the great Halls of Kazad-dum illuminated by caldrons of burning rocks and a soft phosphorecent twightlight glow.

Lac rose, glanced at the others and led Lightning through the gates and into the erily quiet great hall.

Following Lac'Nala down the columned passageway, Tiphereth observed that the ranger had seemed to know where he was going, as if he had been in this place before. He had then lead them before an enormous stone gateway adorned with runic writings and spoke a single word in a language, the Phaerie did not know.

When the gates parted, Tiphereth stood in awe at the grandeur before him and saw in the face of the Dwarf a look of pride. By the glow of dim braziers through out the hall, his eyes could see all before them and the Deithir slowly scanned the massive chamber for any movement.

He had never known the land of his people, but there the sun never shone. Long ago the Aelaeydium had forced them to dwell in a land of darkness if only to learn the lesson of humility, and learn it they had. It was of no surprise then that the Deithir felt comfortable to the shadowy Dwarven halls, enshrouding him in a soothing cloak of darkness.

Hearing Lac'Nala speak the word with such reverence cause what might pass as a smile on his lips. Slowly he enters the hall and reflects on the fine workmanship.

With deep heart felt peace he is glad to be back in a place of kinship. Seeing others with light he lets his hammer glow fade and feels the smooth stone and ponders the quiet.

Aloud he speaks, "We can not trust these halls as they are not truly my home. A passage might exist thought to a safer place. Speak now if any have extensive knowledge of the p[passages in this place.

Lac stepped forward towards the three sentries that stood like stone before them. As he came closer he stopped and gripped the hilt of his sword. The sentries stood like stone because they were stone. Or rather Dwarves that had been turned to stone, thier battle axes still held across thier chests. As Lac looked beyond them he could see weapons strewn across the marbled floor and the bodies of many fallen dwarven fallen soldiers. Turning he looked at the others of thier party.

"Be on gaurd there is something foul about this place, it has the stench of death." he said, turning back towards the carnage before him a distant clatter of steel on steel. the fall of may scurrieing feet and the occasional thud of heavy footfall could be heard.

"Orch!" Lac shouted as he drew his bow and fitted and arrow.

Jin clutched the pummel of the saddle on Lightning’s back and cowered to ready herself for the impact of the snow to her, the horse and Lac. When Lightning lunged forward it caught her by surprise. Daring to peer out and see what was happening, she was surprised when they ended up in a dark, warm cavern.

Immediately she was flooded with memories of her long time, underground home. The darkness. The ceiling overhead protecting giving her a feeling of protectiveness. The earthy smells that she caught. The slight bit of dampness that made her dry, parched skin soak it up like a sponge. Her eyes adjusted quickly to the darkness and she soon found herself able to see for quite a few leagues. Now here is where she was in her element and it felt good to be back into familiar surroundings once more.

As Lac and the others moved forward to explore their new surroundings, Jin stayed astride Lightning’s back. Even Alrick, the young wizard, remained on Walnut as his eyes grew wide to see what was before them after Lac lit the torch. The large gates that loomed before them were absolutely beautiful in their architecture, but it didn’t take a wizened mage to know that closed, locked gates should not be opened. However, a wizened mage was not faced with life or death staring at closed gates.

Slowly easing off Lighting and walking over to Alrick and looking up at him, Jin tried to offer words of encouragement but who exactly they were for could be any ones guess.

“At least it is warmer in here and we are not in danger of falling snow burying us alive, young wizard.”

Alrick blinked and looked down at Jin.

“Something tells me we’d have been better off to take our chances with the falling snow.”

Jin heard Lac’s voice then and as he interpreted the words on the gates, she slowly walked over to where he and the others stood. When the word “MELLON” was spoken and the gates began to move open, Jin felt a prickle of warning slide the length of her spine. As the air from the other side of the gates slowly washed over them, she could smell death and fear on the currents. As the group started to slowly ease their way into the world beyond the gates, she pushed the hood of her cloak off her head and looked around as she once more pulled her bow from her cloak and prepared.

“It is too eerily quiet in here. There should at least be the scurrying of rats and other vermin as we move into their domain.”

About the time Lac heard the sound of others approaching, Jin did as well. As the Ranger brought up his bow, the Drowess did as well and as the first group of Orcs came rounding the corner, the Elves let loose a volley of arrows, striking the Orcs as they ran forward. The only problem was there were many Orcs and only a few of them. They needed something to help even the odds. As the Orcs advanced even more, she yelled over the din of their battle cries.

“Have I ever told any of you how much I detest Orcs?”

As the Orcs emerged from the shadows, it became quickly apparent that the bulk of them were what people loosely termed as Goblins. They were a diminutive species of Orc, the lot of them barely exceeding four feet in height and unlike their taller cousins they seemed to scurry along the ground and their eyes were like pools of inky black. Armed with swords and shields they charged those who dared enter their realm and as they screamed maniacally, Goblin archers sent a volley of their own black arrows toward the companions.

Tiphereth stretched out his arm and extending from his hand appeared his long bladed spear, glimmering magically in the dim light. He could see the arrows streaming toward him as if time had slowed, but in fact his eyes were merely able to track what was normally imperceptible. Then with blinding speed he dodged and batted the missiles out of the air before engaging a horde of Orcs in melee.

The Deithir sprinted toward his opponents and laid his boot into the face of a Goblin rendering the creature unconscious before it hit the ground. He then slashed the throat of a taller Orc who would never learn how to use his shield properly and expertly parried two wildly slashing swords bearing down on him.

The great columned hall was vast and the Goblins spilled it into like an army of ants springing from every crack and dark shadowy hole. They were greatly out numbered but that hardly discouraged the others who apparently enjoyed having the odds against them as far as Tiphereth could tell.

Stabbing and slashing his way through the hordes, Tiphereth soon found himself surrounded by a sea of the small Orcs, their eerie dark eyes as black as his own. He wasn't sure if any of the others had a plan, but he knew that they would eventually be overwhelmed if someone did not take the initiative and guide them to safety.

As Lac loosed a volley of arrows, he said to Ssinjin "You have shown no love for these roaches." He then looked around for an escape of at the least a better place to make a stand, as Tiphereth waded into the horde. Looking to his left then to his right he saw an antechamber with massive wooden gates, one partially open a few hundred yards to their right. "Quickly!" he shouted "Follow me!"

They ran towards the antechamber and through the gap in the gates. Kayrak, Tiphereth and he slowly pushed the gate shut and lowered a massive beam across it to secure it as arrows stuck in the gates and they shook from the onslaught of the Goblins and Orc. The antechamber was dimly lit from a shaft of light thru an airshaft in the wall. The shaft of light fell upon a tomb of ornately carved stone with Dwarven Runes across a shield laying on the top. Lac walked over to the tomb and read, translating as he did, "Here lies Durin, Lord of Kazad-dum ...... One of the last to fall .... May he find........" the inscription ended there abruptly.

Just as suddenly the screaching of the Orch and Gobblins stopped as a heavy footfall fell and a thunderous blow struck the gates, causing them to creak and shake on their hinges and the beam that bared it to jump. Then from behind a well to the left of the tomb, the sound of a bucket falling to the floor could be heard.

Brianna didn't like being underground, but she liked the orcs and goblins even less. How she knew how to open the gate to the tunnels and caves, she wasn't sure, but she was glad she did. Exploring for a short time, she found trinkets and such from the bodies of the decaying dwarves that would bring her some coin. With each one she took from the bodies, she whispered, "Rest easy, my friend and I thank you for allowing me to have something of yours."

Her ears pick up noises. Footsteps, light, sounded like a horse and others. People maybe. Then, she hears the heavier footsteps of the orcs and her breathing picks up. Running, she finds the tomb and enters it, hiding behind the well when she hears the others enter. As Brianna slowly rises to peek over the well at the intruders, she bumps the bucket, sending it falling into the deep pit of the well. I sounds as if something is exploding as it falls. She whirls around and crouches down behind the well, hoping that they wouldn't have noticed, but knowing that that was more than likely impossible. "Please don't walk over here, please don't walk over here", she whispers over and over. Most of the intruders were male and she had no use for males. They frightened her and she'd just as soon run from them or gut them then look at them.

Jin was ones of the first ones in the antechamber after setting Lightning and Walnut on their own paths, hopefully away from the Goblins and Orcs. As the hoard of Goblins rushed the door, she shot her hand forward and uttered words in her native tongue as a bolt of negative energy rushed from her fingertips and into the closest Goblins causing them to scream in pain as they were killed by the blast.

Thankfully the door had closed just in time to prevent the volley of arrows that had been let go to reach them. From inside the antechamber the sound of many small thuds into the wooden door told her they wouldn’t have been so lucky to survive that. Of course the sound of the large foot steps followed by the earth shaking blow to the thick, wooden gates told her it was only a matter of time before they were over run by the disgusting beasts again.

She was still backing up when she heard the bucket falling into the well. Spinning on her heel, she was like a shadow darting into the inky blackness beyond the sliver of light from the ceiling. As silent as a staling leopard, she was upon the person crouched behind the well faster than the others cold imagine possible. Since her Darksight allowed her to see in the darkness just as well as the others could see in the light of day, she was able to see the crouched form easily and pounce before it had time to move.

Brianna would feel the unmistakable cold that only a small but sharp steel blade could give pressed against the jugular in her neck and soft words hissed in her ear in a language and accent she would not recognize.

“Abbil xor mua? Dos yikss nin.” (didn’t translate on purpose)

As Brianna hesitated, Jin was about to slit her throat when she heard Lac’s voice bark at her.

“JIN!”

Snapping her head up to see Lac’Nala standing on the other side of the crouched figure, Jin stilled her hand.

“This is no Goblin or Orc. Remove your blade and make sure this is a friend or foe before you decide for them.”

Jin glared at Lac but slowly removed her blade from Brianna’s throat before slithering away from the figure. Another thunderous blow to the door brought the Drowess’ attention back to the more pressing issue at hand as she heard the first tell tale cracks in the door letting all know its integrity wouldn’t last long. Letting her enhanced vision search the antechamber a little more as she spoke.

“Fine. You figure out what this is. In the meantime, we have to find a way out. But right now, it appears as though the only way for us to go is…..”

Her eyes settled on the well before she leveled her gaze to Lac’s then slowly let her gaze slide down into the well.

“Down. Unless you have a better idea, of course.”

There was a hint of sarcasm in her voice as she spoke now and the look she gave Lac was one that told him she didn’t really like the fact he interrupted her just a moment ago, but she also knew he was right. Regardless of what she thought right now.

Brianna sat very still, feeling the cold blade against her throat. She said nothing, didn't even swallow, her forest green eyes just stared ahead. She jumped when she heard the man bellow at whomever had the knife to her throat.

As the woman released her, she did a quick back-peddle, away from the others, before standing, her hand instantly drawing her dagger. Speaking in Elvish, she says, "I am Brianna Red Fox of the Dunedain, raised by the Rohirrim. Who are you?"

She jumps again when she hears the heavy thudding against the chamber doors. "Oh, Gods."

"Isti almae kurunayonwinnar arsor Lorastricuray'Nelarthulonatha othfin Orrilonnir_Del_Naearanrae, isafae yinothuth winimsirham tynor lirinavinest Im satauthaegalgalethasartyn yinothune finothlonlaeothwis Sirsorisanarjemistnae arthanaedel taehamest ontarhiemevrensil delolwennar tarhalelda wiseldalonlor. Tirhirest golastritarevsil welimlorlon norostir hinothlisdel" (TRANSLATION: I am known as Lac'Nala of Oron_D_Naar, if you wish to live I suggest you follow Ssinjin and the others down the well. The gates will not hold ) Lac said hurriedly and a massive hammer crashed through the gates, shattering the beam like a toothpick. In stepped a cave troll and a flurry of arrows followed by shieking goblins and orc . Lac turned towards the troll notching a bolt and pulling the string back. "GO NOW!" he shouted as he loosed the arrow striking the Troll in the neck, drew another and loosed it. He quickly slung his bow across his back and drew his sword ducking a flurry of arrows as he stepped back closer to the well.

There was little time for introductions before the cave troll crashed through the old wooden doors, swinging it's great club before it, occasionally sweeping away an Orc or Goblin that ventured too close to the beast.

While Lac'Nala, loosed his arrows, the Dwarf sat atop an ancient sarcophagus and goaded his enemies to venture within his striking range. Tiphereth, leapt back as a wave of Goblins swarmed him, and with an extended swing of his spear the gleaming blade sliced through the breasts of the first three. He catches, Jin's eyes and gestures toward the well, acknowledging her plan to use it to escape.

His arrows spent, Lac'Nala moved to the well, shouting for everyone to retreat into its dark depths. The woman who had called herself, Brianna, strikes the Troll in the eye in that moment causing the creature to howl in pain. Enraged, it seeks to crush that one that stung it so and lumbers toward the well, smashing though everything in it's path. Brianna leaps into the well, robbing the monster of it's vengeance but it turns on those who yet remain, seeking to rob of them of their escape. Raising its club high, the Troll prepares to crush the well but before it can swing, the Phaerie's spear slices though the air and penetrates the creature's forearm. The Troll's hide is thick, and it's bones strong, so the spear only serves as a distraction, but it provides the extra time needed for all them to escape.

Kicking a Goblin aside, Tiphereth leaps away and flies through the air. At the height of his arch, he calls to his spear and it vanishes from where it had been stuck in the Troll and reappears on his own forearm as a talisquetric symbol. Entering the well, he has no idea how deep it may be, but he decides to free-fall until he is sure to be out of range of the goblin arrows before slowing his descent and hovering.