From the writings of Shaxell Bloodreign.

An interesting encounter came to me a recent time ago as I was gathering in Lothlorian.  I was taking some time to myself.  I had just traveled from the inner dungeon of Skumfil in moria.  It was a rough journey.  Trolls, Orcs, Big Bugs…But we brought down the Leaders of Skumfil and clensed the region for the dwarves to resume command.

My friends and I had parted ways for a time, only to regroup in the near future.  One close friend of mine, Belrialan of Rivendell had traveled to the vinyards of Lothlorian for some social time and rest.  I decided to gather materials for some of the Elves of the area as well as take in the down time of battle.  I believe I had thought to soon.

As I was gathering some flowers I looked down the hill to see a band of Orc scouts and Smiths chasing a young girl.  she was clearly unarmed and I knew it was my duty to help.  I sprinted down sword drawn, shield ready.  As I passed the girl she fell to the earth and I knew if i didnt draw the orc’s attention the would cut her down savagely.  I yelled a challenge at the top of my lungs bashing my shield with my sword. “Come to my blade you smelly beasts!”

My training failed me not.  As the 6 orcs surrounded me, every bit of skill and training i had recieved ensured my survival against the idiocracy that is an orc.  One by one they fell to my steel sword, Eneleth.  As the last one let out his final breath, I stood and turned towards the young girl.  An elf.  full of dread, tears of fear falling from her eyes.  I sheithed my sword to show her i mean her no harm.  “Are you hurt young Elf?” I asked her as to show her further I am a friend of elves.  I reached out my hand to help her up. she retracted some.  It was then i realised the intimidation of my appearence.  She could not see my face due to my helm, My armor, the armor of durin’s guard, and Iron arm. a gift from the dwarves of moria for cutting down the leaders of the moria dungeons.  I removed my helm and told the young elf my name.  “I am shaxell. Guardian of Gondor, Warrior of Lothlorian. The title bestowed upon me by Lady Galadriel. I am a friend. Do not fear me or my aid young elf.”  She replied to me with her name, “I am Orenia. I am not hurt, just winded, Thank you kind Guardian for your aid. You saved my life.”  I gave her my water satchel to help regain her strength and walked with her.  “why are you out here so close to the orc camps, Orenia?”

“I was enjoying the forrest and stopped to get some water.” she said.  “I didnt think I was too close.”

I sat her up on my horse for the walk as she was still weak and shaken from the encounter.  Soon we arrived at the gates to Nimrodel which were carefully guarded by the elves.  Haldir was off his post and was nearby eating some lembas and came up to me. “Shaxell old friend, what do you have here? this young one looks as pale as death.”

“I found this young maiden running from the orcs up north.  And as you know, I dont take kindly to innocent bloodshed.” I replied.

“I know, friend.” Haldir stated with a smile on his face.  “Thank you for caring for my lost Kin.”

“Orenia,” I said, “This is haldir, Warden of Lothlorian. If you can trust anyone to take care of you, it is him. He will watch over you.”

“Shaxell,” she said with a new sense of hope in her eyes. “You have shown me kindness I have not seen in all my days.  If you permit me, I wish to help my people, and the people of middle earth.  I wish to rid the world of this hate. If you and Haldir allow it, I wish to help.”  I looked at Haldir, and he at me with a smile.

“very well, but how will you help us?  what skills do you posess to help break middle earth of this evil?”

“I have a valuble but rare skill of reading runes and dealing with the magic of elves. I have learned in secret to summon fire and lightning to my aid with the help of these.”

I looked down and saw her pull a pair of extremely rare stones from her satchel.  Rune stones from what i could see.

“I have not yet mastered these skills and cannot currently rely on them.” she stated sadly.

I smiled. “do not dispair, Orenia.  I know who can help you master these skills.  If you wish it, I will take you on this journey west, as well as help you master these weapons you posess.”

She smiled with more hope then I could ever have.

“haldir my friend,” I said with my hand on his shoulder and his on mine. “Thank you for all your kindness, we shall meet again,  but for now, business call for us west.”

I took the reigns and gave my horse a tug.  Another journey has begun. We head west, for Rivendell awaits us…

To be continued