Secrets of Thranduil Hall (Open....Please Join!)

[Lothiel]

((OOC: and another looooong post... ))

Ithilwen and Glorfindel walked into the Imladris complex, then into the Great Hall, chatting comfortably. Ithilwen was still feeling odd--it was one thing to behave in her normal manner around a fellow scout and good friend, but a completely different one when that Elf ended up being her designated escort for an evening of wretched formalities! At least it's Glorfindel, she thought idly as the pair traveled through the corridors, and not some rank-happy and unknown Elf-lord...

"Oh!" Ithilwen abruptly exclaimed, stopping suddenly in the hall.
"What is it, 'Thil?" Glorfindel said, looking at her intently, slight concern showing on his fair face.
"I forgot about the Ladies from Mirkwood--Galadwen and Linniel! They will not know where to go..."

Glorfindel smiled in relief. "That's all?" he grinned, "tis easy enough to fix--we'll simply go and get them."

Ithilwen nodded and she led the way back through other halls to the two Ladies' chambers. Nodding politely to Glorfindel, she removed her good arm from his and rapped on the door. Galadwen opened it, a smile lighting her face as she recognized Ithilwen.

"Ithilwen!" Lady Galadwen exclaimed, "You must be here to show us the way to the feast?"

Ithilwen nodded, smiling. "I see you have found everything to your liking?"

"That we have--the kindness here at Rivendell is wonderful."
"Then let us go to the feast."

Galadwen and her sister stepped out into the Hall and closed the door behind them. Glorfindel bowed to the two ladies, murmuring something about being a very lucky Elf to be in the company of such fine ladies. Ithilwen shot him a look and his blue eyes simply twinkled back at her while compliments were being passed back and forth between the three Elf-ladies. Glorfindel then proceeded to lead the way back to the main Hall, stopping before a great carved door.

Just as he offered his arm once again to Ithilwen, Lord Elrond's sons, Elladan and Elrohir, stepped forward to escort the ladies Linniel and Galadwen into the feast.

[Pippin]

Mikau held the letter tightly in his left hand, he passed a few corridors and soon got lost.

"I never get this halls correct, must have turned left rather than right on the last 'crossroad' of halls." he muttered to himself.

He was about to turn when he caught sight of Ithilwen, Galadwen, Linniel, and Lord Glorifindel. It's my chance, I probably won't get to see Elrond tonight and this might be urgent...

He then ran towards them, as there was a big difference between them when he reached them he was out of breath.

"Excuse me, but..." he tried to caught of with his breath. "Ithilwen, could you please deliver this to Lord Elrond? Tell him that Faxe found it."

Ellohir and Elladan suddenly arrived startling Mikau. They always tease him because he is younger than them and because he is the only Man staying at Imladris at the time being.

"Faxe?" asked Ellohir, or Elladan; you could not tell. "Who's that?"

"Your father knows, and if he hasn't told you, then he doesn't think you should know and neither should I tell you." Mikau replied.

"Whether it be another of your 'important missions for our Father', don't try to fool him and think you can get away." replied one of the twins.

"I'm just doing as he told me to. Ithilwen, please; deliver this to Lord Elrond. Hope you enjoy yourselves."

He bowed at them and silently walked away into another corridor.

[Galadwen]

Galadwen and Linniel had walked behind Lord Glorfindel, not knowing where they were going, except that they were to be at a feast.

To thier surprise, they were to have two escorts as well. Elrohir and Elladan, Lord Elrond's sons. Galadwen couldn't help but to blush at the sight of both of them. She had heard so many good things about Elrohir and Elladan, she never thought she would ever get to meet them in person...let alone being escorted by them.

Galadwen looked to her sister, who was also blushing. The looking back to them, bowed in humble adoration.

"Mae Govannen, Hir nin. It is a honor to meet you." Galadwen said to Elrohir. Linniel did that same for Elladan.

Elrohir smiled and bowed.

"It is my pleasure to meet thee as well. May I have the honor of escorting you to the feast?"

"It would honor me so, if you would do so." Galadwen said.

Galadwen looked to her sister and noticed that Elladan had asked the same thing.

"May I have the honor of escorting you to this feast, that is in thy honor, hiril nin?"

Linniel blushed again and Galadwen smiled.

"I would be honored if you did so, Hir nin." Linniel replied.

Elrohir held out his arm to Galadwen, who accepted it honorably. Elladan did the same for Linniel.

As soon as they were ready the guardelves opened the big wooden doors to the feasting hall.

[Lothiel]

Glorfindel escorted Ithilwen into the Hall, and she turned beet red at the sight of all who were there, for they rose to their feet in salute. Glorfindel patted her hand and led her to her place at the head table, pulling out a chair for her and seating her in it like a perfect gentleman. She cocked an eye at him, curious about this sudden change--the Glorfindel she knew was a scout, and like most scouts, not big on formalities or proper manners. Now he was acting like a suave and debonnaire Lord who'd been brought up in the highest houses and knew everything about ettiquette, and it was unsettling to her.

Glorfindel simply smiled at her, his blue eyes twinkling--He can probably guess my thoughts already and finds them terribly amusing.

Ithilwen turned and made the appropriate introductions, and then the feast started. Elven minstrels played beautiful music on a platform near the balcony, and the fare was delicious. Ithilwen ate hungrily; it had been a while since she'd had such good food at her disposal. Most of the time it was simply what she could forage or kill in the woods when she was on duty.

Ithilwen felt someone's eyes on her and glanced up, finding Glorfindel (who was sitting across from her) looking at her in amusement. Ithilwen grinned back at him. Are my thoughts so easily read? she wondered to herself as she continued eating.

Soon it would be time for dessert...

[Lothiel]

The feast had gone well, when Lord Elrond rose and gestured to two Elven guards on the side of the feasting hall to open some beautifully carved doors. A festive dance-hall was revealed, and one by one, couples rose from their places and gravitated to the dance floor. The Minstrels had split up, half playing dance music in the new hall, the other half providing the atmosphere music to those still eating.

Ithilwen had finished eating and was watching the Elves around her with mild interest when she felt a gentle tap on her shoulder. Startled, she turned and looked up, finding Glorfindel standing behind her.

"May I ask you for a dance?" he said suavely, his blue eyes twinkling. Ithilwen blushed hotly (Why am I so flustered? I'm never like this when starting down a host of yrch--why am I nervous around my friend?), and softly murmured an affirmative answer. Gracefully, she rose, and taking Glorfindel's arm, followed him into the dance hall.

"I'm afraid I don't dance that well," Ithilwen said apologetically as she turned to face Glorfindel.
"That is alright, 'Thil. Simply follow my lead," he said, deftly swinging her out onto the dance floor and in time with the music. After a few minutes he smiled at her. "See? It's not that hard."
"You make it seem so easy though--"
"It is easy when I have such a graceful partner."

Ithilwen blushed.

[Pippin]

((If this post makes no sense then blame the dizzyness. Just woke up and I'm as dizzy as this smilie can be ---> ))

Mikau sat on the garden's flower bed. He stared at the sky and his green leaf eyes seem to turn blue by the inmense dark sky above him.

Those two Elf Ladies...were captives of those creatures. said Mikau's voice inside his head.

He stared around for a while in thought.

Yes, we already know that. But why did those creatures want to take them captives, as in precisely?

"I do not know...maybe Lord Elrond does. And if he does--" he stopped, feeling the sudden urge to sneeze.

He sneezed.

"I always forget I'm alergic to flowers." He stood up and started walking away. Suddenly the answer to his question came to his mind. He made haste to reach to the Feast Hall. How he would get inside? He didn't know. But he had to talk with Elrond.

It's just a guess...a silly guess perhaps. But I could be right.

[Lothiel]

((OOC: Loooooong post alert, looooooong post alert! ))

He sure is dashing, Ithilwen thought to herself as she glanced across the quiet balcony at Glorfindel. I never would have guessed... Her arm throbbed and Ithilwen frowned, closing her eyes against the momentary pain. Ai Iluvatar, I will be so glad to have full use of my arm in a couple weeks.... I want to be back in the mountains...

"Are you alright, 'Thil?" Glorfindel asked softly.
"Yes--it's just my arm, and I was thinking. I'll be fine."

The dance music from the hall behind them lulled for a moment, then started again.

"What were you thinking about?"
"I just want to be back in the mountains. I hate being 'cooped up' here, unable to do anything because of my injury." She smiled wryly at him.
"I know how you feel, 'Thil. I don't like being cooped up either. Don't get me wrong, I love Imladris--I just... the wilderness is my home."
"But, you are an Elf-Lord!"
"That does not mean anything--you are an Elf-Lady."
"I'm no Lady, Glorfindel. I'm a Rochvess."

Glorfindel laughed quietly to himself, shaking his head. His blue eyes caught her pale green ones and he smiled.

"You truly are one of a kind, 'Thil." He paused. "Do you want to continue dancing, or would you rather take a walk to the stables and back? I know how you miss your Súlvor."
Ithilwen grinned. "You know me too well, Glorfindel. Let us walk to the stables."

Glorfindel nodded and offered his arm to her once again, before escorting her down a back way into the courtyard. Ithilwen giggled (a rare thing for her--she was usually so serious), and in response to Glorfindel's questioning look, she whispered in his ear, "I'm sneaking out just like my brother would do!" Glorfindel snickered and made a mock-serious shushing motion before the two totally dissolved in laughter as they walked.

Soon, Ithilwen discerned the homey shape of the stables through the trees and she stepped faster. Dropping Glorfindel's arm, she opened the doors wide and stepped in, a smile lighting her face. She whistled softly, and hearing Súlvor's answering nicker, walked confidently to his stall. She spent a few minutes with her horse, before noticing that Glorfindel hadn't moved from where he leaned against the doorframe. Ithilwen leaned around Súlvor's head and called to him.

"Glorfindel? Why don't you come in--they are more your stables than mine since I am rarely here..." She heard him chuckle, then saw him casually straighten up before striding slowly down the corridor to where she stood.
"I was simply watching you--you have changed much since I last saw you."
"And you have changed much as well, Glorfindel. But I suspect you have something on your mind..."

((OOC: oooOOO! Cliff-hanger!!!   At least this way I get to decide what I reeeeelly want to do here... ))

[Pippin]

((Lol Loey.))

Mikau reached the corridor that took him to the doors of the Feast Hall. He opened the door slightly trying to make no sound, he was lucky the music was playing and everyone was dancing so they didn't notice him opening the door.

He peeked around. Elrond is not on the table. He looked over to where some Elves were dancing. There he is! ...but I can't just interrupt him just like that. And there are the Elf Ladies from Mirkwood, dancing with Ellohir and Elladan.

He then sneaked in and sat on one of the empty chairs. He couldn't go back and wait for the end of the Feast to speak with Elrond. What if this is one of those feasts that last two days?..no, you're silly. Those things only happen in your dreams.

He didn't notice but Falasion just sat next to him.

"Mikau!"
"Hey!" Mikau was startled and literally jumped from his seat.
"Food?" said Falasion while showing a plate with several fruits and meats to Mikau.
"Not now...I've got to speak with Elrond." as he said this he took an orange and started peeling it.
"Look at you, you are about to eat an orange and you said..." Falasion coughs and says trying to imitate Mikau's voice; "..'not now.' Ha, you can't fool me."
"No, I can't." Mikau smiled at how cunning and observative his young friend was.

Mikau looked around. There were a few Elves talking with one another, but not one. One was sitting on a seat far from the others.

"Who's that?" He asked Falasion pointing at the strange Elf, or was it an Elf?
"I guest I suppose. He's weird isn't he? I've noticed it too and asked Lord Elrond but he would say nothing. I think the wine got to his head alright."
"Don't say such thing of Lord Elrond."

Falasion looked at the stranger and so did Mikau. Finally Falasion said.

"You're going to talk to Lord Elrond with something concerning to the Elf Ladies of Mirkwood and perhaps about him?"
"Yes...though I hope I talk to him soon."

[Galadwen]

((OOC...sorry it took so long...and a longggggg post for me ))

The feast was the most beautiful thing Galadwen had ever seen. She hadn't been to one in ages, because there wasn't much to celebrate in Mirkwood. Linniel was enjoying herself too, especially with having Elladan as her escort.

Galadwen on the other hand wasn't to sure about Elrohir. He was nice enough, but there was a feeling around him.

He's quite handsome, I won't deny that. she thought.

Elrohir kept staring at her while she ate though, which made her uneasy. He didn't say a word.

Finally after a lovely dessert, Elrohir got up from his seat and went over to talk with Lord Elrond. Elladan looked at his brother leave, with almost a shocked look upon his face.

Galadwen looked over at Elrohir and then turned to look at Elladan, who only shook his head; not knowing why his brother left the table.

Galadwen sighed and looked down at her plate. "This evening was becoming less and less to be desired."she thought.

Then she heard footsteps behind her and then a tap on the shoulder. Galadwen looked up to see Elrohir looking down at her, smiling.

"Hiril nin, would you care to dance?" he said as he bowed.

Galadwen blushed and nodded.

"I would be honored to dance with you, Hir nin."

Elrohir gave her a cocky smile and took her arm. He slowly led her onto the beautiful dance floor. Galadwen couldn't tell if Elladan had done the same, as they were spinning around the floor.

Galadwen loved to dance, with the chagrine of her father and her brother. She didn't know why they objected. That's probably the reason she hadn't seen her brother at the feast. Not that she really cared.

After a long night of dancing, Galadwen was sensing tiredness from Elrohir and from herself. When one of the songs finished playing, he took her to the side of the room and out onto the balcony.

The stars were shining brightly and the air crisp. After a quiet few minutes, Elrohir leaned over and looked into Galadwen's eyes.

"Would you escort me to the gardens? They are beautiful this time of night and a perfect place for beautiful ladies."

Galadwen again blushed and agreed.

Elrohir escorted her down the balcony stairs and led her into the garden. He was right, of course, the garden was beautiful this time of night.

Settling down on on the benches, Elrohir put his gentle arm around Galadwen. Galadwen didn't seem to care, for she edged her way closer to him and laid her head on his shoulder.

After a brisk few minutes, Galadwen felt Elrohir moving closer to her. As she looked up, he met her eyes. Closer and closer they got until thier lips almost touched.

But before they could get closer, chaos erupted......

((OOC...ooooOOOOOOOOOooooooooooo....Cliff....Cliff...Don't fall off! ))

[Lothiel]

((eeeh, I'm such a sappy and completely hopeless romantic... ))

"Indeed, you read me like a trail in the forest, 'Thil," Glorfindel stated, chuckling to himself as he walked over to where she stood with her horse. When Ithilwen cocked an eye at him, he nodded and cleared his throat.

"One, I am extremely curious to know about your ordeal and the rescue of the two Royal Ladies from Mirkwood. That sort of thing is quite strange to my knowledge of the Mirkwood forests."

Ithilwen nodded, "I will tell you all when I can sort it all out myself..."
"I know you will," and Glorfindel smiled. "You never were one to keep your fellow Scouts in the dark." He paused, and shifted his feet uncomfortably. Ithilwen raised an eyebrow at him, waiting for him to continue.

"And two, I want you to know I--" He stopped abruptly, lost for words. Ithilwen stepped away from Súlvor a moment; she was really confused by Glorfindel's strange behavior.

"What are you trying to say?"

Glorfindel looked down and slowly took her free hand in his, raising it to his lips and placing a gentle kiss on it. Ithilwen suddenly understood, and for the first time in her life, she was afflicted with a severe case of butterflies. She looked up into Glorfindel's eyes and smiled.

"I was so worried when heard your party had gone astray," he whispered, his voice faint. "There were rumours of an attack, but no definite news came... I was afraid of losing you even though I had not spoken..."

His voice faded out, and Ithilwen was compelled to hug him. Instead, she linked her fingers of her good hand through his and squeezed reassuringly. When she spoke, she was surprised by the gentle sound of her normally imperious and aggressive voice.

"I knew you were a friend of mine from the start, but I never dreamed of this...."
“You will never know the pride which filled my heart when I heard of your return, and your success. I longed to shout your praises to the sky, to sing of your skill to the trees…”
“Dear Glorfindel, you speak to highly of me. You,” and Ithilwen poked him gently in the chest with a finger, “are a high-ranking Elf-Lord. You deserve a true Lady, one who will uphold your own status—not an Elf-maid who works in a man’s job and fights like a warrior.”
Glorfindel’s deep blue eyes were intense as he stared back into Ithilwen’s pale green ones.
“Don’t you understand? I do not want an Elf-princess or an Elf-lady. I do not want a woman with a high societal standing to match my own rank--”

She cut him off short. “Then what do you want?”

But Glorfindel never had a chance to say before sounds of chaos ripped through the nighttime silence. Ithilwen and Glorfindel looked at each other for a split second before dashing to the door of the stable and out into the stabling yard. At that moment, their scout training took over and they crept silently as like shadows off the path and through the glade separating the stables from the main courtyard and gardens. Stealthily they moved like mist, elusive and silent, moving without sound before one could even note their presence. The sounds grew louder as they approached the main courtyard, but they were not prepared for what they saw next...

[Pippin]

The sounds reached to the ears of Mikau. He was startled and stood from his chair.

"Where does those sounds come from?" He wasn't the only one to notice, every one else on the Feast Hall stopped whatever they were doing and wondered where the sounds came from and who or what made them.

"Falasion, whatever that may be, promise me not to get into trouble. Your mother and your sister would probably kill me if something would happen to you." He revealed the hilt of his sword which was unseen by his brown cloak.
"If you have to fight, I want to fight as well!" Falasion replied not thinking what he was saying.

"Wait--" Mikau looked back to where the strange person was sitting, and he saw no one. He looked all over the Hall and didn't see him. Should have spoken with Elrond before. And then he saw Elrond hurrying to them.

"Lord Elrond--"
"Don't say a word, Ithilwen handed me the letter. A spy has indeed been among us this night, and for ill." Elrond spoke switly. "I want you to get all the Riders and warriors of Rivendell as you can find on your way, Mikau. And Falasion, get this people to their rooms, they will be save there."

"Where are the Elf Ladies from Mirkwood? I only see one over there with Elladan." said Mikau.
"I fear the worst. Seek for Glorifindel and Ithilwen, and make haste!" Mikau was a bit confused, he didn't understand what was happening. "We will talk when everyone is safe from danger. Go now!"

Ulunn...? What does that mean in normal language? Many were screaming ulunn and Mikau, not knowing much Elvish wondered what it meant. ..monsters? I must hurry now.

[Lothiel]

((Golly, I am loooooooong winded! I feel like I'm writing a novel every time I post! ))

Ithilwen and Glorfindel were stunned when they saw the ulunn prowling in the courtyard. Ithilwen's fighting spirit rose. Impulsively she picked up a stout branch from the glade floor and made to leap into the courtyard but Glorfindel's firm hand on her shoulder halted her.

"What?! You dare to keep me from my duty?" she hissed, anger shining in her eyes at being prevented from defending the home of her kin.

"Yes, I do. You are injured, remember? I do not doubt your abilities, 'Thil, but I will not have you risking your life in a brash and ill-thought-out course of action," Glorfindel said calmly, while gently removing the branch from her grasp. "Lord Elrond will be calling for us soon enough--if anything, we must return to the stables and arm ourselves in case all goes ill. You do keep a weapons cache there, do you not?"
"What do you take me for? Some greenhorn scout? Of course I keep a weapons cache."
"Good," he said, his intense eyes shining brightly as he clasped her free hand firmly in his own and led her back to the stables. He entered, then released her hand reluctantly. "Now, show me where you keep them."

Ithilwen nodded, and swiftly stepped to the far corner, her skirts swishing around her ankles. Deftly she pried up a board and shifted it aside, disclosing her small weapons cache to Glorfindel. He nodded his thanks, and Ithilwen stepped back, letting him choose what he would. Seeing how he was so absorbed in choosing a proper weapon, Ithilwen snuck back upstairs to her quarters and changed back into her scouts gear. She cautiously removed her arm from its sling and flexed it experimentally. It works, she thought, though it is a little sore. Spinning around, she grabbed her bolas and Gildhae before returning to the stable area. Her appearance caught Glorfindel's attention and he frowned.

"You are not fighting tonight. Your arm has yet to heal and I'll not have you crippling yourself--you are the best tracker Imladris has and Lord Elrond will need your talents yet this night. But," and he wagged a finger at her, "You'll not be fighting tonight."

Ithilwen caught his finger with her good hand and held his eyes in a resolute stare. "And I am not standing by like a helpless invalid while my family's home is destroyed!"

Glorfindel sighed. I will never dissuade her with a will like that, he concluded, but said aloud, "I understand. Only fight if in need to defend yourself, though. Your first duty is to report to Lord Elrond."

"And what is your first duty?"
"To protect you, of course."

Ithilwen rolled her eyes at him as the pair exited the stables and disappeared into the glade like shadows in the night.
---------------------------------

Meanwhile, Falasion was rounding up people and escorting them to their rooms. Many were scared, or flustered, and asked too many questions.

"For the last time, I do not know!" Falasion shouted, losing his patience with a pushy Elder.
"But your sister is one of the Rechyn..."
"And I haven't seen her since this morning!" Oooh, why am I here? I need to find my sister, Falasion worried. I also need to find my mother, but what about those ulunn who are prowling around... I do not want to fight, I am not a warrior; I am a smith-apprentice...

Rapidly he beckoned to two Elf-maidens and ushered them into the flow of people who moved down the corridors which led deeper into the Imladris complex. And where did Mikau disappear to? Falasion fought the urge to go and find him. He would return soon enough...

[Galadwen]

Elrohir looked past Galadwen and into the courtyard, something was moving amongst the bushes. Reaching down he put his finger to Galadwen's lips, so she would not make a sound.

Slowly and surely he reached for his sword, which was conveniently placed, hidden beneath his tunic.

Galadwen looked around, becoming very frightened that those monsters that had captured her and Linniel had returned.

Elrohir grabbed her hand and slowly made his way back to the courtyard, in hopes of getting past whatever was lurking out there.

Eyes darted to and fro from tree to tree. The darkness was piercing, no light would be found except from the Hall.

Galadwen could see glowing eyes, looking straight at her. She quickly got closer to Elrohir for her own protection. Who knew what they were planning.

[Lothiel]

((Yay, a short post at last! ))

Ithilwen and Glorfindel were hidden in the glade near the courtyard. Glorfindel tested the sword he chose and smiled grimly--it would work well. He turned to Ithilwen.

"Remember what I said, 'Thil. Do not fight unless it is necessary for your own protection--I'll not have you crippling yourself."

Ithilwen nodded, against her own wishes; she wanted to fight!

"And," Glorfindel continued, "I will try and create a diversion so you can get into the complex to report to Lord Elrond. There may not be much time, so you'll have to move fast."

Ithilwen nodded once again, her mind already working out the particulars of her own plan to get entrance into Imladris.

"And finally, I wish you luck," Glorfindel said, clasping her hand in his own strong one. "I will see you once again when this is all over." He swiftly kissed her on the cheek before dashing out of the trees to engage in combat and give Ithilwen the best chance to gain entry into Rivendell.

Here goes nothing, Ithilwen thought to herself as she timed her dash from the grove of trees and into the Great Hall of Imladris.

[Pippin]

Mikau was hurrying to find Ithilwen and Glorifindel and other warriors of Imladris. Isn't Imladris protected by Elvish powers? Maybe I got the tale wrong... He then saw some of the riders that rode on Elrond's party to search for the Ladies of Mirkwood.

"Elrond calls for you, make haste now!" He told them and they immediately started looking for Elrond. What's really going on, and why? Then he caught sight of Ithilwen making haste.

"Ithilwen! Elrond calls for your aid." Mikau told her.
"I'm looking for him at this moment."
"Have you seen Glorifindel? Lord Elrond wants to take quick council with him to see what can be done to protect Imladris from this devilry."
"Glorifindel...is fighting against the ulunn." Ithilwen replied.

Suddenly they heard someone coming at them. It was an ulunn. Ithilwen wished to fight with it but Mikau stopped her, he knew about her wound and guessed why Glorifindel sent her away from the battle. With a swift blow of his sword he killed the creature.

"Its blood is foul." said Mikau as the black blood of the ulunn filled the floor. Falasion suddenly reached to them and seemed to be scared.

"Sister! ...Mikau! I can't find Lady Galadwen!"
"Galadwen..she was with Elrohir." Ithilwen told her brother.
"In the garden..." said Mikau speaking his thought.
"They might be in danger!" Ithilwen replied.
"But you've got to go to where Elrond is!" Mikau said in vain as Ithilwen had already started running to the gardens.
"Are you staying or are you coming Falasion?" said Mikau.
"I...I.. --" another ulunn crept behind them and nearly wounded Falasion but missed, for Mikau had taken the blow instead which hit his neck and he slew the fell creature.

"It's not safe here.." Mikau gasped wondering how deep his wound was.
"Mikau, but..you're wounded." Falasion looked concerned at his friend.
"Never mind that, come with me and dont leave my side!"

And so they went behind Ithilwen's tracks.