The Advent Of The Ring

An elder man in grey robes, a long beard, and a worn walking staff was calmly making his way through the streets via wagon. He was smoking from a pipe as he came ever closer to his destination; a modest house. He brought the Wagon to a stop as he arrived.

He collected the walking staff, and carefully climbed down from the Wagon. He then approached the door of the house, knocking twice, keeping a reasonable strength, so as not to sound hostile, but to make his presence known.

Footsteps can be heard drawing closer to the door, and then the sounds of a few locks being unlocked, the door is pulled open by a Gondorian Woman. She smiles, as if seeing a friend that was away for a long time.

Gandalf. It's rare for you to visit. What brings you here on this day?

"Well, we have many things to discuss. But it is nice to visit a friend once in awhile."

Oh, of course. Come in.

The Woman stepped over, pulling the door open a little more and allowing him to enter. Gandalf complied by walking in at a calm pace. She closed the door and locked it after he entered. Gandalf continued pace to the chairs.

"I hope you don't mind if I sit a moment."

Not at all. You came here to discuss something?

She asked as she made her way over, taking a seat as Gandalf does.

"Yes. The Magic Ring that your Father left to you. Do you still have it?"

The Woman nods.

Yes. I kept it in the bag, and locked it in a chest in my room. I keep the keys to the room and the chest on hand at all times.

"Good. Would you bring the Ring here?"

She nods once more, standing and making her way to her room. Unlocking the door, and then pulling the small chest from it's clever hiding spot, she unlocked it with yet another key, and then pulled out the bag that contained the Ring. She stands and makes her way back to the room with Gandalf.

Here it is.

She stated as she handed the bag to Gandalf. He accepted it, and then stood up as he made his way over to the fireplace. He took out the Ring and casually tossed it into the on-going fire. The Woman flinched slightly in surprise, but waited patiently. Gandalf took hold of the fire tongs, and then pulled the Ring out of the fire with them.

He examined the Ring for a moment. Glowing Runes appearing on the Ring as he began to read them aloud.

"One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them."

The Woman took a seat as she pondered over what that meant. He brought the Ring over, allowing her to look at it.

Is this... Elvish?

"No. The Black Speech of Mordor. This single Ring is the very same that belonged to Sauron."

T-... Then you should take it, somewhere safe.

"I cannot. The power of the Ring tempts even me. However, you have shown some resistance to it's influences. And you have trained with the sword."

True... But what are you suggesting?

"Take the Ring to Rivendell. But do not go alone, bring reliable allies. As long as one accompanies you, you will be safe."

Gandalf placed the One Ring back into the bag and handed it to the woman.

"Eteridith. One more thing, should you take your eyes off of it for a moment, it can slip away. And do not be tempted by the power it holds."

Okay... I'll be careful.

"I shall remain for awhile, until you are prepared, and then I must be off to Rivendell. I'll await you there."

Eteridith nods, making her way back to her room, she began changing out of her basic clothes and into some leather armor, she then took up a shield and her sword, making sure all of her equipment was properly placed on her person.

She steps out of the room and gathers some supplies for the travel. But she still needed to find someone to travel with. Her concentration was interrupted.

"Well, it seems you are ready to defend yourself. You should have the time to find your Allies and make way to Rivendell. I'll be off now."

Gandalf began making his way out of the house. Eteridith gave a calm wave as he left. She then exited her house soon after. She checked the bag that had the One Ring, making sure that it would not be easily stolen without her realizing it.

She stretched a moment, what a start to her day... She began walking to the Prancing Pony Inn. That was as good a place to start as any to find her friends.

A rather powerful Woman was there, drinking a bit.

Eteridith approaches a group of Mercenaries that stayed at the Inn.

How much combat experience do you have?

"Enough to make an Uruk-Hai Regiment shit their pants."

Really? Then what's your price?

"Five Hundred Silver."

Outrageous.

"Not for experienced Mercenaries like us."

Two armored men approach this woman, seemingly with bad intent.

"You ripped us off, we want our money back."

The Woman smirks.

"No refunds."

The two men unsheath their swords.

"I said we want our money back."

"And I told you. No refunds."

The two men attack, the Woman grabs one man and easily lifts him, throwing him out of the window, she then grabs the other man and bites down on his neck, dropping him to the floor.

The woman then glances at Eteridith and the Mercinaries.

"...Oh, Im sorry, did I intterupt?"

Eteridith looked over at the fight that just took place, and then smiled.

... Tell you what, I'll pay you the five hundred silver, if you beat her in a fight.

"........ Shit. After what she just did to those two? We'll pass. I don't know who you are to require Mercenaries like that..."

Eteridith continued to smirk, and stepped over to the woman.

I need to get to Rivendell, and I need some strong protection. Are you interested?

The Woman smirks.

Im always interested in such things. I accept.

Excellent, we'll have to be leaving soon. I can't exactly share all of the information in public, but an important package needs to be delivered.

Alright, I'll be here in the Prancing Pony Inn. When you're ready, just let me know.

My name is Eteridith. I come from Gondor.

Eteridith replied as she gave a 'casual' salute, as if greeting herself to another Soldier.

Nice to meet you.

Silvia shakes her hand.

Eteridith returned the handshake.

Likewise. If you'll need help preparing, don't hesitate to ask. I can arrange for a Wagon if it will help our travels.

Alright. If you can recommend anyone else to travel with us, I'll accept their help. I have a feeling this is going to be the most dangerous travel of our lives.

Ah well. The two of us should be fine, we're only going to Rivendell.

Right.

Silvia exits, going to gather her things

Silvia puts on a special amulet that lets her walk in full sunlight, she then gathers the rest of her things and goes back to the Prancing Pony

Alright then, let's go. I have a map, so we won't get lost on our way to Rivendell. We just have to be mindful of the Elves, I don't think they are very friendly to Man recently.

Let's not go on a killing spree, though. Rivendell is controlled by the Elves. We need to make it clear that we're not hostile. It's not them I'm worried about when it comes to what might try to kill us.