(OOC: wait, is he bluffing there? There is no one around Morwen at this point.)

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Reasons I love England #217:
I saw "whilst" on a traffic sign

(OOC: Indeed. I will wait to see what this is about before posting more...)
*A signal from Sen, a simple nod to Raelun, and the walls of the storm closed together, forming a barrier across the pass that neither the Rohirrim nor Argo's forces could pass. Once the Phantoms were well enough away, the Storm would follow them. Yet now, it was a waiting game...*

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"True Evil cannot be reckoned with. Only Defeated." - Sen L I Starfire

(Banner thanks to Imlosiel the Lost! )

ok note to self dont' use plot twists...yes Argo is bluffing but Deawen doesn't know where morwen is (it's not like they can text each other....) and while im at it...i'll explain this just in case. Ok the argo Sen is talking to is a fake to keep Sen From interfering with The real Argo's meeting with Deawen. )

Deawen frowned in thought she had no way of proving or disproving Argo's words for all she knew they were true but Deawen learned her lesson on believeing the enemy " I cannot take your terms " Deawen said at length Argo took a deep breath " this offer will not come again....next time we meet you will be with me willingly or not!" he growled but Deawen only stared with a cool expression " I think not. no power on this earth will make me bend knee to a man... " Deawen said Argo raised his hand up as if to strike her but wavered " you think you have all the peices to the game? i have a trick up my sleeve as well...soon Dear Deawen soon.." Argo said and walked to his horse and rode away. Deawen stood and shivered as a cold wind blew Drad and Hilam came up beside her " we should get moving lady Deawen " Drad Said Deawen nodded. soon they were riding north. Deawen lost in her thoughts paid little attention that they began crossing a river her mortal enemy water.
" He knew I saw through his plan so he does not have Morwen or Eston...he is gone for now but not for long i think. a day? or a week?"

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Lips, ripe as the berries in June
Red the rose, red the rose
Skin, pale as the light of the moon
Gently as she goes

as always a hero comes home

(OOC: BTW, the Rohirrim are following Morwen, and are no longer present at the standoff.)
Morwen now set her mind to Eston. She had no idea where he ended up. To the east she could just make out the windy hills of the Wold; to the right she could just make out the dark mass of Fangorn. She sighed, the loneliness of the winter plain baring down on her.

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Reasons I love England #217:
I saw "whilst" on a traffic sign

Eston rode along side the entwash for a time, before gently cascading down the slope into the frigid waters below. it was not long beofre Eston Had picked up Morwen tracks. ahead was a lonely cold desert far ahead was fangorn. to the far side Was the Phantoms proudly galloping away with their banners held high. Eston longed to drift with them but Morwen was still out here and did not want to leave her. So he continued on following morwen tracks.

Meanwhile Argo's forces began shifting forming what they thought would be the best way to defend and attack if needed, they were feeling threatened now they may have been under Argo's leadership but they still held on to Deawen's tactics. they formed a half circle and waited.

Deawen and the phantoms rode hard north. Deawen glanced back at her riders and noticed the grim looks of her men. They felt humilated and beaten for retreating she felt it too she resented the move. hours passed and the sun began to set they had covered nearly 29 miles that day. in Deawen's eyes not far enough Argo could ride through the night and catch up but her riders were tired not to mention the huge herd of horses following suit. they camped behing a hill and kept limited fires.

_________________
Lips, ripe as the berries in June
Red the rose, red the rose
Skin, pale as the light of the moon
Gently as she goes

as always a hero comes home

Morwen decided to stop and wait. She had seen Eston branch off her course at almost due East, which meant he would have crossed the Entwash downstream. She stopped on top of a hill and sparked a small fire to keep warm. She watched the sun set and listened to the wind flying through the grass towards the Wold.

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Reasons I love England #217:
I saw "whilst" on a traffic sign

*It was nearly time for the Storm to be going, and the night was getting dark. Behind the wall of shields, the Storm was quiet, waiting for the single order that would send them back on course. Sen looked around. It should be dark enough... He called over Raelun, and whispered the orders in his ear.*
Take half the men, and be on your way to Lothlorien. Tell them to take the packs of the men who are staying behind; we will be having to carry two shields, and we do not need to burden ourselves down more. At my signal, go through the shadows.
*Raelun nodded in reply. Though he wished he was the one who was staying, and not young Captain Sen, he would follow the orders.*
I will tell you when the men are ready.
*Raelun said, and made his way down the line.*

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"True Evil cannot be reckoned with. Only Defeated." - Sen L I Starfire

(Banner thanks to Imlosiel the Lost! )

Deawen sat on a small knoll over looking the plains. the moon was out making the snow glow with an eire light. Hilam Deawen's squire sat at the hills base with a small fire, keeping watch when he was joined by Drad. Drad Ruffled the boys Hair before sitting down " how goes the night little lad?" Drad asked with a deep voice Hilam brightened up and offer Drad some of the cooked meat that was sitting near the fire. " no thank you " Drad refused " everything goes well...Lady Deawen has perched herself on the hill...she hasn't eaten nor slept since i've been here" Hilam announced Drad frowned slightly " ahh she'l come round...Deawen's got herself into so much trouble she's starting to wonder if this is all worth it!" Drad exclaimed Hilam frowned " is it worth it?" Hilam asked " Of course it is lad! It's better to live the life ye love than one that you loath!" Drad boomed Hilam smiled " Deawen loves battle she loves the thrill but will not serve under a mans' banner than her own nor be a vassal to a King.."
Drad explained "as we all are we are mercenaries we are paid to kill and that suits Deawen just fine but she can't stand the limits set on her. She fights and rides like a man but still cannot meauser to a man only a woman . Almost every kingdom knows who she is and either hates her or wants to hire her Even the Elves Hat'er. she can have all the riches in the world and she still wouldn't have what she really wants.." Drad sighed at the end Hilam frowned again " what is it?" but Drad did not answer for Deawen came down the snowy hill she didn't stop but kept going towards her tent. when she disipeared Drad sighed Again " Darn the Lass and her Pride!" Drad cursed hilam looked up at drad surprised " whats wrong?" Hilam asked Drad shook his head " She won't admit it but shes worried Sick about Him..." Drad said " Is that bad?" " No, Not Bad but she won't show it shes scared afriad something will happen to him " Who?" " Lord Sen Starfire of course where have you been lad?" Drad laughed Hilam looked puzzled but didnt' say anything. silence passed before Drad broke the silence again. " arh She's sick at the heart and worry eats away her
mind..."
At Dawn The Phantoms were already gone only cold fires and tracks remained.

_________________
Lips, ripe as the berries in June
Red the rose, red the rose
Skin, pale as the light of the moon
Gently as she goes

as always a hero comes home

Just as darkness fell completely, she heard the soft clip-clop of hooves in the grass. She called aloud, "Eston, glad to see you!" He grunted and dismounted. "You shouldn't have lit a fire. If the Rohirrim were still after you, they could see it," he said. Morwen rolled her eyes and countered, "Well, first, if I hadn't lit a fire, then you wouldn't have been able to find me. Second, the Rohirrim have left me. They 'couldn't' cross the Entwash in such a large force." Eston scoffed and sat down. "Fine. What have you got cooking?" Smiling sweetly, Morwen answered, "Stew." Eston had heard stories of her stews (well, mostly lies and exaggerations, but none the less...). Morwen saw the look on his face and laughed, "You shouldn't listen to Deawen. She has something against stew in general. Try it." Eston gingerly took a sip, than began to eat in earnest. "Well," Morwen said, shaking her head, "there it is. Riding hard is hungry work."

After Eston finished eating, he went straight to sleep. Morwen lay out on an extra saddle blanket, resting her head on her saddle, and looked at the stars. Cam-Ria was grazing just inside the circle of light form the fire, his saddle blanket drying just next to the embers. Morwen smiled, admiring her new gift. THus posed, she drifted off to sleep.

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Reasons I love England #217:
I saw "whilst" on a traffic sign

" if you didnt' know any better you would swear the valar were raining down thier wrath right now!" Drad muttered to Hilam it was still dark on the road Drad could barely see Deawen right in front of him. He knew by the way she sat in her saddle she was in a foul mood. Deawen turned in her saddle glaring but didnt' say anything. Drad and Hilam snickered softly " shes still cooling down at being dismissed from Lord Sen...a love sick filly she is.." Drad whispered Deawen wheeled around again ' I AM NOT!" Deawen growled and Drad laughed.

_________________
Lips, ripe as the berries in June
Red the rose, red the rose
Skin, pale as the light of the moon
Gently as she goes

as always a hero comes home

*The morning dawned, cool and pale. A sentry from Adrod's forces looked out over the shield wall, and counted helms. Some were missing. Many were missing... He shouted, and ran to the nearest person over him he could find.*
Sir! The Storm! Half of them are gone!
*The leader spit out the stew, some of it dribbling down his beard.*
The sneaks must have left during the night! Spooks they may be, but they must be hit by arrows! Men, rank up and give them a volley! Don't stop; there aint no Phantoms around for us to worry about hitting. Aim for the black fellow if you can!
*Sen looked at the flurry of activity, and knew it was time to go. A few hours past, Raelun had left with half the Storm; now it was their turn.*
Men of the North! Pack up! We leave now!
*There was a rumbling as the shields were quickly unhooked and plucked from the ground, clipping into the shaped back armor of the Storm. They began to run, as the sky filled with dark arrows. All bounced harmlessly off the shields, and Sen's armor was easily strong enough to ward off these volley shots. All that is, except one. The leader had raised a heavy crossbow to his shoulder, a barbed bolt slid into the run.*
Cheeky *beep*.
*He said, and aimed straight for Sen's back. Just at the moment he fired, Sen swung around, sword drawn, and cut through one of the volleyed arrows that he felt was going to hit the thin spot in the armor where helm met neck. That was a mistake though, as the solid metal bolt from the crossbow sunk deep into his chest. He hissed in pain, as one Storm turned for him.*
Captain! You are wounded!
*Sen waved him off, as they were able to jump into the shadows, and were out of range and out of sight. One of the members of Argo's forces let out a low whistle, and spit on the ground.*
Bloody spooks.
*The leader smiled, however.*
They aren't spooks enough.

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"True Evil cannot be reckoned with. Only Defeated." - Sen L I Starfire

(Banner thanks to Imlosiel the Lost! )

Eston slept through most of the night but it was a light sleep just in case. his blue roan stamped and snorted as a rabbit passed. Eston slid open an eyelid Cam-ria began to snort and stamp as well Eston sat up listening. snow crunched nearby Eston reached for his sword when someone grabbed him and flung him backwards He yelled to wake Morwen. Eston's vision cleared and saw at least twenty of Argo's forces in thier small camp. a knife was placed under his chin he stopped moveing but did not totaly give in.

Deawen called for a short rest at the forest of fangorn but warned them not to build fires. Deawen felt her medallion flare and felt the dull pain in her chest she frowned and turned to the path they had come. the phantoms were quiet so near the forest the horses stamped and snorted uneasily. Drad came up beside hilam who was tending Bredol " the horses uneasy and the men quiet Bad Omen I tell you. " Drad Said some of the phantoms stopped in the middle of a task to listen. " You see years ago about ten summers a group of rohirric riders set out to destroy a band of orcs and the night before thier horses were uneasy as if the call of Orome's horn had sounded them to battle and the Lady Eowyn's father was cut down by orcs in the next days battle!" Drad explained to his eager audience Hilam sat wide-eyed the Phantoms like the rohirrim lived by their horses so if a horse was uneasy it was wise to take heed.
Deawen wasn't listening instead she was deep into her mind..
Sen stood before her in the chamber of fire his fist clenched white hot flame formed around his fists. Black wings proturded from his back giving him a Dark angel look Deawen stood as she stood when defient she too had wings but her's were flowing and almost transparent she wasn't afriad she wasn't angry she was sad that he could not leave her. Now he could not see why she didn't want to leave him...

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Lips, ripe as the berries in June
Red the rose, red the rose
Skin, pale as the light of the moon
Gently as she goes

as always a hero comes home

Morwen awoke as cold little snow flakes started hitting her face. It was just before dawn, the stars just beginning to fade into a pink oblivion. She got up, grabbed her bow, and went hunting for any possibilities for breakfast.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
By the time she had caught 2 small grouse, there was a crunchy layer of snow on the ground. From behind the adjacent hill to their camp, she could hear the ominous jingling of bridles and armour. She crept up the hill and sat, just anble to see what was happening to Eston. He was gagged and bound, slung over a saddle. The leader of the band was rummaging through her saddlebag, looking for valuables. This brought a rosy blush of rage to come to her cheeks. Without thinking, she let off an arrow right into his stomach. He fell with a groan, one of her rings clutched in his gloved hand. She cursed her stupidity. As the other men caught on, she had fired 3 more arrows, each hitting a target. The men raised their shields and ran at her hiding spot. She sprinted as quickly as possible to the other side of the next hill. She left plenty of tracks, but was able to fire another 5 arrows at the men, who had seen her by now. She dropped her bow and drew her sword and her hatchet. When the men saw that she was a woman, they gained confidence and charged. Several choice words ran through her mind as she fought for her freedom. Before strong arms pinned her to the ground, 3 more were dead, 1 fatally wounded, and another 2 with nasty slashes on their limbs. When she continued to struggle, the pommel of a sword was smashed into her head, and blackness overtook her.

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Reasons I love England #217:
I saw "whilst" on a traffic sign

and the plot thickens..dun dun dunnnn!)

Deawen pressed on as if the very hounds of mordor were chasing them! Drad began to wonder if Deawen was begining to lose her mind, she had not slept nor eaten since the morning before she was aggitated. several times she lashed out at young Hilam for a mistake or comment saved from certain death by Drad who was not afraid to put Deawen back into her place. The phantoms were silent and stayed out of Deawen's way.
Drad convinced Deawen had to stop they had covered over 20 miles in less than two hours the men and horses were exausted they had to rest for the day! when the stopped Drad cornered Deawen into telling him what was the matter Deawen broke down and told him...she was frightened of going into lothlorien, Eston and morwen Had not returned nor anysign of them following. Argo's threats they all came crushing down on her. Drad knew she would not sleep nor rest Drad got up with a heavy sigh he vanished for awhile before coming back with a flask he handed it to her she took a sip without question. Deawen sighed and went to take a step before swaying Drad caught her and scooped her up. the phantoms had Deawen tent set up already Drad laid Deawen on her cot covered her warmly then left to sleep as well. as he passed Hilam he stoped the boy " when she wakes up best to stay away she'll be like a dragoness." hilam nodded. Drad loved Deawen like a father would his daughter and seeing Deawen drive herself to the very limits was painful. they were now only 50 miles from lothlorien. Drad Sent a dove out to Lord Sen Bearing this message
Lord Sen,
the Phantoms are appraoching the southern edge of Lothlorien and plan to move out at dawn... Lady Deawen plans to enter Lothlorien alone not wishing to risk the capture of the phantoms.
~Drad

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Lips, ripe as the berries in June
Red the rose, red the rose
Skin, pale as the light of the moon
Gently as she goes

as always a hero comes home

When Morwen awoke, she found herself uncomfortably slung over Cam-ria. Her hands were bound and her mouth was gagged, but otherwise she seemed unharmed. She strained to look about her, but her head was throbbing; if it weren't for Cam-ria's smoothe gait, she felt she would have died. After a while, she was able to look up. She saw that Eston was slung over his own saddle. He was also awake, and made eye contact with Morwen. He looked at his hands, and shrugged as best he could. Morwen looked down again and began to struggle to free her hands. It was a lost cause. She tried to find a more comfortable condition, but there wasn't one. She watched the ground pass by, listening to her thoughts: This is so boring...I never thought being a captive would be so dull...I don't like it...how to get out...think, think...I'm hungry...no, concentrate...What has happened...I was struck on the head, gagged, bound, and slung disgracefully over my own horse...Ha! That's it! She began to gnaw furiously at the rag in her mouth. Bleh, she thought, they used wool! Once it was loose enough, she whispered to Eston, "Psst! Are you alright?" He knodded. "Can you loosen your bonds?" she asked. He looked at his hands and showed an already weakened knot. "Good. I'll work on mine. I have a plan."

They travelled for another hour at an easy trot before stopping to water the horses. By the time the remaining 18 soldiers had dismounted and sat down next to the stream, both she and Eston were ready. Stupidly, they were left on their horses as the horses drank. The men unanimously decided to take a nap, and threw Morwen and Eston next to each other by the stream. They worked furiously to untie the final knots, then waited until all the men (sans the Sentry) were asleep. They crept like snakes into a rabbit's nest into the mass of sleeping men. Eston crept behind the sentry and stunned him with two clasped fists. Morwen located her sword on one of the other horses, and collected the rest of her stolen belongings. Just as they were ready to head back to their horses, one of the pack mules let out a terrible brey. The men woke instantly, assessed the situation, and leapt up to prevent them from escaping. The Phantom and the Captain ran for their lives to the horses. They jumped into the saddle and spurred their horses through the snow into the North as fast as humanly possible. Only one arrow struck the shield on Morwen's back before they were out of range. They were free, for now.

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Reasons I love England #217:
I saw "whilst" on a traffic sign

*Sen ran on; he didn't want to yank the arrow out, for any blood tracks or the arrow itself could show Argo's forces the way they were headed. It was starting to burn though, and Sen stepped out from the shadowy realm they had been travelling in, and stood there for a second, gasping. He could already feel the Phoenix beginning to do its work; he was not dead, for one, and the pain had lessened. It was then that he heard the dove circling overhead, and called it down to him. He read the message, and set the dove loose with the reply; Raelun should be there soon, and he was on his way.*
I will mark his face, that is for sure.
*Sen muttered to himself, and ran on, catching up in a few seconds. Raelun and the first half of the Storm had arrived at the Phantom's camp, and stepped out of the shadows a ways away so as to not alarm them. Raelun immediately began to seek Deawen out.*

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"True Evil cannot be reckoned with. Only Defeated." - Sen L I Starfire

(Banner thanks to Imlosiel the Lost! )