Birds, Beasts, and Bears: A Brief History

PART I

The Ancient Realm

 Have you ever looked up at a brilliantly blue sky, or a turbulent storm, and wished to be in it? Or, have you gazed at a wild beast crossing a great plain, or climbing rigid mountain slopes, and longed to walk a mile with him?

   I am almost certain every child, at some point or another, during the fancies of youth, has the mind to wonder and the heart to wish they could fly like a bird, or run like a horse, or climb like a lynx! How limitless would the world seem if we could bound over any barrier like a deer on the run, or escape in flight all that troubles us on this lowly earth?
   Here's a wonder, the more we observe in the majesty and magnificence of nature, the more we want to be a part of it. But, as youth gives way to the sage years, we experience the fading away of childish dreams and begin to realize that there is a real danger hidden beneath all that mystical beauty. There is a power in nature that is always moving and never seen...  Nature then, is a thing to be feared or shunned, and even in its smallest forms it begins to annoy and hinder our ways.

  Yet, for all the efforts of men to shun it and cast it off, this is the one truth Nature knows best - it can exist anywhere, even right among us... and we might never know.

Long ago, before the settlement of men in the land of Eriador, forests covered the western lands. Everything between the Misty Mountains in the east, to the great western Blue Mountains and beyond, was an untamed woodland, and the ancient home of the old beasts of Middle Earth.
   It is said that the trees themselves walked like men in those days, and the animals were far more peaceable and communicative than they are today. But, that was before the coming of shadow and men into these northern lands to build their ships, during an age they called prosperity.  During this time, the beasts were driven and hunted, scattered to the four corners of the realm, all while mankind expanded their territory and fought their great wars. 
  The forest was cut down, by acres and by miles, until only a minuscule fraction remained. Now only small scattered groves are left of what once was a massive woodland. The largest patches of which today are so insignificant that only two this side of the Misty Mountains are named; Eryn Vorn, and what is called by the smaller folk, the Old Forest.
  Of course it was not the desire of either side, man or beast, that they should become enemies and desolate one another, but as the woes of man suddenly befell them, it would seem they became blind and deaf to the woes of other forces in the land. While evil sent its ambassadors into the woodland, nature became confused with the enemy, some parts even giving in to it.
   As time passed, man was consumed by his own affairs and disputations, he was wrapped up in his own fears and passions. Evil brewed in secret, and while messages were sent in the forms of the birds and the beasts of prey, not many were heeded. Some creatures, such as the White Stag, brought tidings of great good to the eyes and ears of men, which were seldom disregarded. Others, however, came only as heralds of great evil, and were written into history as the ill omens that precede woe and misfortune throughout all of legend.

The truth remained that the beasts were succumbing to the influence of darkness. The animals began to prey on the children of men, and all innocence was smitten in the battle between the forces of good and evil.

The untamed wilderness became a savage, merciless land filled with cruel inhabitants; A realm where none could walk safely.

The Tree Herders themselves had been scattered with the destruction of their realm, and the animals relinquished their allegiance to the peoples of Middle Earth. Displaced in the land, they fought against one another. The need for fear and for food drove all, and the weak became the prey of the mighty, while those with greater strength entered in with evil to kill for killing's sake...

PART II

A More Recent History

Now, surely that is not the end of the tale, for not all creatures fell away and became the servants of evil. History, as we have seen, oft finds the tales of beasts entwined in the stories of men; Such as in the relations of Erebor, where the Dwarves knew the allegiance of the Ravens under Carc, the Raven King. And, before the Great Worm, even Smaug the Terrible, came from the mountains and desolated the lands surrounding the Dwarven kingdom, taking their palaces to be his own, the Thrushes of the woodland had already taught their speech to the Men of that land.

 So we see that the small beasts of the realm have had a great impact on the stories which are told of great evil being overthrown. It was so with Smaug when the Thrush knocked and the least suspected creature of all came walking unseen into his fortress: The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, was in the end the one who discovered the weakness in the dragon's armor, and by him was it made known to the Thrush, who in turn brought word to the arrow of Bard - and in fiery ruin the terrible worm was felled!

But Bilbo and the Dwarves of Thorin Oakenshield's company were often aided by such unusual means, and they would not likely have accomplished their quest if not for the help that came at the most needed time and from the most unlikely places - Unlikely it was indeed in the Great Beorn's time, that he would house thirteen dwarfs, one hobbit, and a wizard all in the same evening!

   Though Radagast the Brown was known to Beorn, and was friend to his house, it was the wizard Gandalf, then called the Grey, that led Oakenshield's company to the Great Hall to take refuge there. And, when the tale was cleverly unfolded, and later proved, the dwarves of Erebor knew the friendship of Beorn the Great for as long as he lived.

   Often in the succeeding years the dwarves of that company returned to Beorn's house again, and, even before in the Battle of Five Armies, did he play a significant part.  

Beorn later became a great chief of his people. Revered by all, and respected for generations of his line - many of whom inherited his valor, yet none were ever so great as he on the plain of battle. And, I shall be glad that it is of Beorn the Great Chief that I shall hereafter tell, for I am descended of him, and have walked in his hall when his son Grimborn the Old was chief of my kin!

  Though I shall not tell how bears and men came to walk together, for that is a tale to be sung of in the Hall of Beorn alone. Yet it was at the time of the great destruction and mustering of the shadows that my ancestors came over to inherit the white peaks in the eastern mountains, where there they dwelt for years unnumbered in the mountain country and no stories are had in the languages of men as to how their generations fared. But, after a time, the giants came to the mountains, and then came also the orcs and the goblins... thus it is. However, I shall not relate that tale, as the story of the great battles that were fought and the carnage reaped need not be spoken here - let it only be said that everlasting hatred was kindled at that time between my folk and the goblins of the Misty Mountains.

PART III

From the Past to the Present

Many things which Beorn lived and learned were passed on to his posterity. He taught his children how to plow fields, to reap the fruit of the trees, and of the earth. He taught them to craft weapons and to care for the animals of the land.  His people never knew fear in his days, and they grew numerous in the Vale of Anduin wherein his Hall was situated. They became a great people of the Vale, opening trade with their eastern neighbors, claiming the High Pass of the Misty Mountains and that of the Ford of Carrock, for the safe passage of the Free Peoples.

Beorn's line continued to grow through much of the latter Third Age. They settled in lands both near and far, making their homes abroad as well as in their age old homelands. Some returned to the mountains from whence we came, and others joined with the men in the lands of Dale, while others yet remained to inherit the Vale and aid in the reclamation of the Wood of Greenleaves, also called today Eryn Lasgalen by the elves of that realm.

 Thus the children of Beorn have grown great and numerous, having adapted to different ways. But whether they have returned to their origin in the wilderness, or have chosen to live amongst man, the presence of Beorn's children will always be felt, in whichever place they reside. And, perhaps, if you look very closely, you might even come to recognize them - be it in the forests and mountains, or the lively markets and homes of men.

~Ragnböurg

Assyle's silent thoughts

Day 3, since we received word..

The silence is alarming.. The ground seems to tremble in horror. Even the trees have fallen silent. There is danger lurking in the air. I find it daunting and harmful to all that I love and hold dear. My friends have taken flight from their homes.. I hope this will end. Very few have dared to question why, but the only word given in answer was to prepare quickly. I have found this errand challenging. However, I have continued without rest. My wish only, is to be ready in time to assist my kinship. We have faced many threats these past months, with some we have gained friendship and with others, enemies without faces.

Day 14 of training..

I ache from how sorely I have pushed myself to be ready in time. It feels as though the time to depart is growing increasingly nearer. The earth itself echos with it. I do not wish to fail in my errand. For many years I have watched my kinship members go to and fro, working hard to dispel evil and keep peace. I had no voice then.. Often I felt alone and left behind.. forgotten.. But this, I hope will not replicate that time. I continue to grow stronger and train myself, I will be ready.

Day 20..

 Our noble Leader spoke to me today.. He has chosen to reassign me to another group. Skalithor says there is reason in this. He reaffirms to me that I have not failed and I must continue readying myself. Though this has been disappointing, I feel he is right in this and I shall continue till I am ready.. Whenever I am needed.

World Transfer???

Attention Children Of The Fourth Age!

Urgent news, my dear fellows!
Turbine is apparently moving to a new server and only taking ten worlds with them, 5 US and 5 EU....

Vilya will not be one of them - Click Here! 

We will be required to transfer, though admittedly transfers will be free from what I can determine.

More Details Here!

Don't panic! The way Turbine describes it, this will be a very slow and careful process, but I do want us to be prepared. We need to get together and discuss which world we will be transferring to.

I vote Arkenstone!

~Hawkinz

Nilithion, The Rune-Hunter

My mind is a fog...

My vision is blurred...

My hand is unsteady, but still I must tell..

...Of the creature whose anger I've spurred...

Long has my kinship been in preparation for a journey into Moria. There is an evil that stirs below; one that has silenced the trees, and driven the animals mad with fear. We aim to stop it, though we know not what it is yet.. I know it is down there though, for I have felt it's malice each time I pass through the gates with my friend, Athrimn... It seeks him. 

...It lusts after his power.. The power he and Apostos share.. 

That ancient ability once used by Elven Smiths to craft the Rings Of Power: That of a Rune-Keeper.

But my kinship knows of this, for I have already told them. I write for other reasons; to alert them of a more present evil, lest I haven't the chance to speak of it to them myself.

**************

Dearest Friends, 

We have long known that something haunts the steps Athrimn has taken. It follows him wherever we travel, until we travel into Moria's depths, then it deviates and seeks the path trodden by Apostos instead. I can't pretend to be ignorant of the connection between this hunter and the evil that stirs below... I believe it sent her to capture the Rune-Keepers.

Recently, I have discovered the identity of this hunter, but through no easy means. 

I tried breaking from Athrimn's company and tracking her as she tracked him, but she was too illusive. Her steps have been light, and often she leaves the ground and goes on through the trees, or the river.. After speaking with Skalithor and all of you about it, I decided to try a different method-- To bait one's prey to you is a Hunter's last resort, because it is dangerous for all who are involved.. I know I have too often suggested it in previous ventures, when patience and wise planning from Skalithor made it unnecessary. This time, however, he was not there to caution me otherwise and I went ahead with it...

...Forgive me..

I left Athrimn in Moria, and beat his hunter back to Apostos' trail. I concealed hers and I set carefully a fraud path, then employed the boy Taivian to assist me. We were in Greenfields, near the road which leads to Evendim, and there Taivian replicated the energy a Rune-Keeper emits when they summon a rune.. The hunter was successfully fooled, and knowing Apostos is often alone, came into the open to retrieve her... I doubt either Taivian nor myself were truly prepared for what we saw, and we shall not soon forget it:

The beast is one of Ungoliant's dreaded offspring! 

A giant black spider, with blood red coloring on her legs and back! I could not believe something as horrifying as what we beheld had been roaming freely in the Shire, nimble enough as to have gone unnoticed for so long... Yet she was not as her predecessor, nor as her sister, Shelob. This spider was lithe, and moved as quickly as a regular sized arachnid.

She saw us while she was yet on the hill, but knew that if she turned, we would pursue her... It enraged her that she had been so easily deceived by an Elf and 14 year old boy. She cursed us our arrogance in interfering, and swore to devour us in a manner that was most unpleasant and does not bear repeating....

...In my defense should Tarvhos and Silverfeather ever find this, I had ordered Taivian home after he completed his spell. I could feel the monster's excitement, and knew she was coming quickly. If Taivian had listened to me, he would have been able to escape before she arrived... ...Yet it is to his credit, for though he refused, he was not frightened of her and stood with me, prepared to attack.

The details of this battle would take too long to write, and already the pen feels heavy in my hand. Let it suffice to say that between the two of us, we were able to drive her back, yet she did not leave without bestowing upon me a gift of parting. By then we had already wounded her badly, but before I could loose the arrow that would have finished it all, a sudden rage took her and renewed her strength. She tackled me to the ground and hissed her name into my face, swearing that in the final moments of my slow and painful death, I would remember it.. Then she struck me with her stinger.

I have no doubt that she was aiming for my heart, only thanks to Taivian, she penetrated my shoulder instead, and was forced to retreat with a lightning burn upon her back.. I tried to pursue her, but upon standing, my strength suddenly failed me. Quickly, and with yet more help from Taivian, I was able to clean and medicate the wound. Afterward, it healed surprisingly quickly, so we thought little more of it and sought to return to the Kinship House....

....I realize now that I have been poisoned, but the effects of that do not trouble me as greatly as the words the monster spoke during our battle:

She said she knew of us, and she had seen and watched us, all whom had ever spoken to the Rune-Keepers. She claimed she had followed a "drunken man" to where we live and reported it all to her back master. He knows the name of MountainZephyr and despises it.. Then, during her retreat, she swore her master had plans for our little kinship, and that she would yet see us destroyed....

...I know I have made a mistake, perhaps, in drawing this creature out. The time we have left is now slimmer than before, or will be when this vile monster returns again to Moria.. 

I am too weak to try and thwart her march, and have forbidden Taivian from doing so.. I discovered sometime later, during a battle in which I aided Orinmur and another in the defense of Gondamon, that the effects of the poison increase with my heart rate.. 

For now I am calm, and do not feel as ill, but I will not write anymore...

I say only this to my friends still travelling abroad in preparation of our journey:

Beware Nilithion, The Rune-Hunter... 

I do not know when she will choose to strike again.

P.S  Skalithor, I beg of you not to be angry with Taivian. I owe the boy my life..

..And as I know you are undoubtedly angry with me (and have every right to be)... Please do not lecture me until I am feeling better. I will not be able to hold my own against you the way I am feeling now.

Your (hopefully still) friend, and faithful idiot

~Hawkinz

The Mysterious Disappearance of Maeflower Tooke...

This record, had in the histories maintained by the Book-Keeper, whose duty it is to chronicle the times and events of the Mallorn Children, their comings and goings in the Fourth Age, and kept in his personal study for safekeeping, relates the recent occurrence of unexplained circumstances...

Miss Maeflower Tooke, with whom we have all been previously acquainted, who is known to come and go between the homes in the interest of upkeep and the caretaking of house, yard, and neighbor, was said to have left the homesteads in the company of two trusted guardians, Thannor and Ardonali, on the thirtieth day of the sixth month in the twenty-first* year of King Elessar.

The events prior to the sudden departure of our friend is recorded as the following:

Maeflower Tooke was met by Ardonali and Thannor of the Mallorn Guard in the yard of Miss Kimelly Bolger, where she was described as being "arms full" whilst transporting a large selection of necessities, (things, perhaps only a hobbit might have remembered to need.) At which time, the aforementioned Guardians offered to accompany Maeflower on whatever travels she was clearly setting out on, and were not declined.
The trio are reported to have set out on horseback in the late evening and to have ridden through the following locations; The Shire countryside, Breeland, the Lone-Land wilderness, and the upland woods of the Trollshaws. Coming to the Bruinen, the company then traveled south down the river and entered the land of Eregion, and began their trek to the land of Enedwaith.

Following an ambush by the unfriendly inhabitants of Eregion, the company took refuge in the ancient ruins of Mirobel, where they camped for a night. Setting out early the next day, they were once again attacked in the hills of Emyn Naer, and there, Miss Tooke was separated from her companions on the northern side of the river prior to coming over into Enedwaith.

In the land of Enedwaith, Thannor and Ardonali were also separated while searching for the lost hobbit. Thereafter, Skalithor MountainZephyr, who had some days been pursuing the company, met with Ardonali and began traveling north again in pursuit of the two lost companions.

Thannor was discovered in the northern regions of Eregion, but all signs to entail the whereabouts of Miss Tooke were, save for the passage of a pony near the river, absent in this part of the journey.

   'I will hereafter relate any details I recall of the events following: We arrived in the ancient ruins of the Noldor, called Gwingris, several days if not months* after the time this fateful journey began. Here, we took refuge to consider all that had transpired, and I bade Ardonali and Thannor to watch and rest, while I took my journey again in seeking what became of Miss Tooke.'
   'I was not, however, permitted to wander long, for near the Red Horn Pass of the western Eregion hills I discovered a set of tracks which I quickly identified as belonging to that of a heavy-laden pony. Hoping, perhaps, to find the creature and verify the fate of my friend, I followed these tracks. While thus engaged, I discovered them joined by two other sets that were unmistakably small horses.' 

  'What happened thereafter, I will not say, only that I was met by one of the three riders who knew of my coming, and had waited to inform me that Maeflower was both found and safe.'

'When I returned to Ardonali and Thannor, I do not doubt the heaviness of their hearts to learn that one of their companions, who they had last seen in peril, must now be left behind. And I fear it will be a great long while before we see that hobbit again, but we must suppose that Maeflower Tooke is now in the company of friends, and those who have undoubtedly never been far from her... '

Written for the archives of the Book-Keeper in the House of the Mellryn by
~Skalithor MountainZephyr.

Notes:
*The said year of this event is an estimated timeline, which may hereafter be subject to alteration as otherwise decided among the current participating individuals of the Mallorn Children of the Fourth Age.

Thannor's Thoughts

Of late, I have been thinking of taking up the habit of keeping a journal, and I suppose now is as good a time as any to start.

Today, I awoke well before dawn, though that is not so rare.  The dreams--nightmares--still plague my mind.  Once more, it was as if I relived that night near Bree.  I could all but feel it, the shadows coiling around me, the tree against my back, her invading my mind, seeking I know not what...  And once more, I was frozen, unable even to reach my sword's hilt or cry for the aid of Elbereth Gilthoniel.  Then that scene melted away, and I found myself within Mirkwood with my dear Merilwen once more.  She took my hand in hers as we made our way through the wood, and her green eyes shone...  Then I saw it all happen again before my very eyes, as I have so many times before.  The Orcs appeared as if from nowhere. And though some part of me knew that it was merely a dream, I dreaded what I knew would happen.  I awoke with a jolt--much relieved to find myself within my home once more--and could not return to sleep after such dreams.  These fell dreams are surely the work of the scar upon my mind, taunting me with my fears and weaknesses...  And yet, now more than ever, I must not lose hope.  I must not--cannot--give in to fear or to despair.  This foe must be faced, and I do not intend to let it best me.

Thankfully, I do not face this trial alone.  Speaking of such matters may not be easy, to say the least, but I am glad beyond words to have such kinsmen and friends supporting me in this time of need.  Truly, I am blessed to know them, and I trust them with my life.  Already, I have been given wise counsel and words of encouragement...  Skalithor, Tarvhos, and Hawkinz especially have offered support and wise words (though I must not forget the words of Assyle or Wavern).  I have found myself thinking upon their words of late...  Poor Hawkinz seemed to blame himself for what has befallen me when last we spoke, for meeting him that day in Duillond led to becoming a kinsman, and much has happened since I joined the kinship.  Unfortunately, not all of it has been pleasant...  But as I said to him, I do not blame him for what has happened--it was not his doing, and I daresay he could not have foreseen what would happen.  And Skalithor has given me wise advice, indeed--he told me that I must cherish the good memories of that short time spent with my darling, which I intend to do.  And he reminded me that our parting will not last forever.  Someday, I will sail into the West, and I pray that she is there to greet me upon the white sands of the Undying Lands.  But not yet, for there is still much to be done.  I am a Guardian, and I know my duty well.  Until that day, my shield and sword will be at the ready to serve my kinship and the Free Peoples.

Of late, my mind has also turned to something Tarvhos said during one of our most recent conversations.  I cannot remember his exact words, but he questioned why I had not often spoken of personal matters.  I trust my kinsmen with my life, in all truth.  But it is...difficult to speak of such things.  I have always been a quiet person, giving more to listening and learning, and often I have been reluctant to share my burdens with others for fear of causing them grief or worry.  I know such a thing is foolish...  And Merilwen told me that there is nothing wrong with unburdening your heart to others.  But I have been carrying much within me for some time, and at the start, I was not certain how to go about unloading it.  And yet, I have been getting better of late, I feel.  Even if certain things are painful to speak of, it is also a relief, as though there have been heavy loads lifted from my shoulders.

Today has been a quiet day, and has given me much time to think of such things...  A good part of the morning was spent in Michel Delving at the forge--Huck needed new horseshoes, and I crafted nails and the like.  It did my heart good to do so, I think.  I do not mind crafting tools of war when the need arises--I must admit, there is a sense of pride in forging a shield or a piece of armor or what have you--but I would forge more simple things if I had the choice.  It is calming, in a way.  The sound of the hammer striking blends with the beating of my own heart, and I am focused upon the work before me.  Such work brought back memories of time in the forge with Father--for after I had grown enough to swing the heavy hammer, he first taught me how to forge by crafting simple things such as nails, and that manner of work was what he first allowed me to do when I grew enough in skill to wield the smith's hammer by myself.  I could ask for no better teacher--he would explain all that he did and why, and oftentimes he would let me assist in the forging itself so I might learn by doing.  And even when I made mistakes (for while my folk may be graceful, we too can make foolish errors) he was patient with me.  Aye, there were more times than I care to recall where I burned myself or hammered my own hand by accident, I must admit, and there were certainly trips to Merilwen and her teacher so that they might apply soothing ointments or bandages.  Though I daresay a smile from her was enough to ease any pain (or wounded pride)...

After I returned from Michel Delving in the afternoon, I tended to Huck and took a short ride around the neighborhood--partly to give him some exercise and partly to see if all was well.  Thankfully, I have seen or heard nothing amiss lately.  Well, besides that Hobbit fellow I saw running atop the fence last night...  He seems a little odd, perhaps--calling himself the Night Runner or somesuch--but he appears to be quite harmless.  I went to the kinship house after my ride and made certain that all was well, as is my duty.  I am glad to report that there has been no trouble today. In fact, it was rather quiet, though that is certainly no bad thing.  I have not seen Dorus today, though that is not uncommon.  He seems to prefer to keep to himself, and I've no wish to disturb him.  If he does wish to speak to me, I suppose he will.

The sun is setting now, painting the whole neighborhood.  It looks like it will be a fine night...  Perhaps I will go visit some friends after supper, or perhaps I will go fishing tonight.  It is quiet and peaceful by the pier, and I could catch tomorrow's supper into the bargain.  Or perhaps I will go and listen to the trees, as Assyle showed me once.  They must have many tales to tell...  At any rate, I have nearly reached the end of this sheet of parchment--while there is more I wish to write about, it will have to wait until another time.

Unfinished Founders Painting

~ Dorus