This page chronicles the adventures of the 2 Elvish rangers Empirius and Valandil.

[ObsidianFlame99] = Empirius

[Mal Reynolds] = Valandil

The grass crunched beneath his feet, it was a cold winter morning and Valandil was walking back to the camp to wake his friend Empirius. As he reached the camp he walked over and kicked Empirius softly.

Empirius had been sleeping deeply when he felt something nudging his shoulder, rousing him from his slumber. He grumbled and turned over, away from whatever the disturbance was, and pulled his ragged blanket further over him. It was only when the thing nudged him a second time -- this time harder -- that he actually bothered to open his eyes. His companion, Valandil, was standing over him.

"For the Fates' sake, can't you see I'm sleeping here?" Empirius grumbled.

"its time to get up, you've been asleep for almost 10 hours now! if we are to reach Bree by nightfall we have to start moving!" said Valandil

Empirius chuckled dryly. "What, don't tell me you're afraid of the dark now? And if we did encounter any orcs, then all the better. My sword is in need of a little bloodstaining." As if to emphasize the point, Empirius reached for an object lying beside him. He removed the cloth it was wrapped in to reveal a sheathed longsword. Pulling the sword halfway out of its scabbard, Empirius motioned to the shining silver blade. "Not nearly enough honourless vermin have been slain with this."

"and honourless vermin slay good men if they are foolish and seek out foes who outnumber them! I am not afraid of the night, it s what moves in the shadows that troubles me." exclaimed Valandil

Empirius stared at Valandil for a long moment. Then his mouth broke into a broad grin. "Of course, my friend, you're right. There are times to fight and times when not to, and to seek battle after nightfall is to invite death itself."

He flung his blanket off him before rising to his feet and beginning to pack away his gear in preparation for the long ride ahead. Once he had done so, he picked up his sword and tied its strap around his waist, allowing the weapon to hang at its proper place by his side. Then he picked up his pack and affixed it to his horse's saddle before mounting the pitch-black steed.

He turned Valandil and grinned. "Well, Valandil, you have the compass. Point the way."

"we travel North" said Valandil as he lightly jumped on his light brown horse. "Beredian knows the way!" he patted the horse.

"Excellent," Empirius said. "Lead on!" And with that, he snapped the reins of his horse and followed Valandil deeper into the forest.

As they galloped along the rough trail between the trees, Empirius said, "So tell me. What do you know of Bree?"

"its a nice quiet settlement, no danger or fighting just a nice place to rest properley and dine like kings, or so Barliman Butterbur would have us believe. Though nothing beats the company of Hobbits when they start their singing. to the inn of the prancing pony we ride!" shouted Valandil as they shot off into the forest.

"The inn of the Prancing Pony indeed," Empirius mused as they rode. "Was that not the first stop of Mr. Frodo Baggins during the last great war against Sauron? Aragorn was but a mere ranger then -- back before Saruman the White betrayed us all to darkness..."

Valandil read Empirium's mind. "indeed, Aragorn was a mere Ranger! but still a great man! and now he has the title he deserves. At least Gondor is in capable hands. Unlike that ruly steward who sat beneath the throne before his coming."

Empirius snorted. "An honourless coward who should have been removed from power long before he almost killed his son! Gondor lost nothing from that steward's death, that's for sure."

"agreed, though wishing death is a little farfetched." laughed Valandil

Empirius nodded. "I suppose it is. Though I for one feel far safer now that one of the great nations of man has a proper leader instead of a power-craving lunatic on the throne."

"tis a shame that a great King of a man like Theoden would fall in battle, i still remember him as a young man" said Valandil sadly.

"I'm afraid I never knew him," Empirius replied. "But I've heard much about his exploits. And the men I've spoken to all agree that he was a great leader, and a great warrior. It is a shame there are not more like him on Middle-earth. Maybe if there were, Sauron would not have risen a second time..."

"to be sure!" said Valandil. "He led his troops to victory in Helms Deep not to mention saving Gondor from ruin on the fields of the Pelennor." Valandil saw the sun was slowly rising. "It is a great day for riding, we may make it to Bree before nightfall"

Empirius smiled. It was certainly set out to be a fine day as the sun appeared from over the horizon, casting burning yellow-and-orange rays out in all directions. The beams cut through the trees, illuminating the trail Empirius and Valandil rode along as they galloped ever closer to Bree.

It wasn't long before the riders left the forest behind and found themselves on open heathland. The hilly ground stretched out before them, dotted with rocky scars and the occsasional patch of purple heather. It went on for as far as the eye could see, and it would take some tireless riding if Empirius and Valandil were to traverse it before the sun set again.

Empirius snapped his horse's reins and urged the steed onward. Its hooved thundered over the short grass, which glistened with the morning dew. Other than the sounds made by the horses and their riders, nothing except the whistling of the wind across the wide-open space could be heard for miles around.

they had been riding for about an hour when Valandil spoke up. "I am famished!" He pointed towards a small dip beside some woods. "lets have some breakfast there, we've made good time already"

Empirius nodded, and they set off in that direction. Soon enough, they had dismounted and had tied their horses to two trees on the edge of the woods. Empirius removed from his pack what little food they had to last them their long journey, handed some of it to Valandil, then found a convenient rock to sit on while he ate.

He couldn't help but frown as he looked into the deep blackness of the woods next to them. While this was as good a place as any to stop for a morning meal -- it was sheltered and safe from the windswept heathland -- neither Empirius nor Valandil knew what lay in the darkness between the trees.

It was when a crunching cound came from within the woods that Empirius's pointed ears pricked up. Immediately he rose, and reached for the sword at his side.

"There's something in there," he muttered to Valandil, his voice a half-growl.

Valandil stood up and gazed into the forest, his Elvish eyes picking out the details. "you are indeed correct! but stay where you are and stay your hand! those creatures cannot move in sunlight, they have just been on the prowl and have retreated to their woodland home since daybreak. come relax! and eat food fit for a king!" said Valandil with a smile.

Empirius shot Valandil a sceptical look. " 'Fit for a king'? I think that's exaggerating our mere rations just a fraction." Empirius looked at the small chunk of bread, piece of fruit, and canteen of water that made up his breakfast. "Either that, my good friend," he added jokingly, "or your eyesight is not what it once was." 

"believe me my eyesights fine! And less of your cheek! without me you'd starve..." protested Valandil

Empirius chuckled, then took a swig from his canteen. He still never took his eyes off the forest in front of him. Day-fearing creatures or not, there was always the possibility that there was something in there that could move in sunlight, and Empirius knew to always be on his guard. He and Valandil hadn't survived this long by being complacent, and he wasn't about to start being that way now.

"Ah well," Empirius said, "it may not be a meal for royalty, but it's good enough for me." He took a bite out of his bread chunk, savouring the dry taste and washing it down with another drink of water. "But we mustn't get too comfortable or stay in the same place too long. The orcs we encountered the other day might be feeling daring, and may try to ambush us before we reach Bree. We can only be sure we've shaken them once we're within Bree's gates. They won't dare attack the town."

"true, it would have to be a highly organized attack to take Bree. and fear not, even if we were to encounter orcs i'm sure they would not be a problem" Valandil said chuckling.

Empirius smiled wryly. "Not at all. It isn't like we haven't fought them before. I would have thought they'd be tired of losing to us by now." He patted his trusty sword. "But all the same, best not to become complacent."

"indeed" replied Valandil. "and you know Orcs, better to live by the sword than die by it. Although more often than not they do actually die by it."

Empirius laughed. "That couldn't be more true," he said. "It's one of their most irritating traits, not dying like any normal creature would. You can run them through, and still they'll come after you. It's highly annoying, especially when you have other places to be."

"inconsiderable wretches! can't they see we are doing them a favour" said Valandil, laughing slightly

Empirius smiled. "Orcs never know when anyone's doing them a favour. All brawn and no brains is what they are. Perhaps that's why they always attack in groups -- they can only achieve victory through strength of numbers rather than skill in battle."

"even then they lose!" chuckled Valandil. The two rangers finnished up their food and packed away whatever was needed. "together we ride!" and they kicked off on the trail once more.

Despite Bree being a full day's ride away, the time passed swiftly and it didn't seem long before Empirius and Valandil arrived at the high gates of the human settlement. Night was falling, and several burning lanterns cast their fiery orange glow into the darkness. Silently, Empirius and Valandil dismounted their horses and Empirius knocked on the closed gateway.

Immediately, the guardsman inside the village slid open a small shutter, about head height on the gate, and looked out at the two rangers sternly. "What's your business here?" he growled impatiently.

"allow me to handle this" Valandil whipsered to Empirius. "we come to stay at the inn of the prancing pony, we are two rangers of the North and mean the settlers no harm"

The guardsman seemed to ponder this for a moment before conversing in hushed tones with someone Empirius couldn't see on the other side of the gate. Finally, he turned back to the two rangers. "All right, you two can enter, on the condition that you don't give us any trouble. If we find you causing a disturbance, then you'll be out of here before you can regret it." The guardsman's unsmiling expression told Empirius and Valandil that he meant it.

A few seconds later, there was a loud creaking as the gates were opened and the rangers were allowed to lead their horses inside. Empirius looked to the guardsman and the second man he had been conversing with and inclined his head. "Thank you," he said curtly.

"You can tie your horses outside the stables," the guard said gruffly. "Just down that lane." He pointed down the cobbled road.

"We bid you good evening" said Valandil nodding to the guard. They slowly walked down the cobbled road eventually they came to the in "the stables are around the corner of the Prancing Pony, lead our horses while i make arrangements with the cheery Butterbur fellow"

Empirius nodded and led the horses round the back to the stables, where he tied them securely. Then he rounded the building and entered through the main door. He quickly spotted Valandil, who was conversing with the slightly portly owner of the inn over the bar, making arrangements for their stay in Bree. They needed lodgings for the night, and the inn was as good a place as any.

"I have a room for you my friend! nicely decorated, four poster bed!" advertised Barliman. "low cost too!"

"ok we'll take it" laughed Valandil "Empirius just go into the bar and get a tab on the drinks. I'll meet you in"

"Wait a minute," Empirius said before frowning and turning to the man named Barliman. "You said 'four-poster bed.' Singular, not plural. I hope that was a slip of the tongue."

Barliman laughed heartily, clutching his ample belly. "Yes, my friend, I confess it was. There are, in fact, two four-poster beds, so you need not worry."

"That's good," said Empirius, nodding. "I just wanted to clarify that."

Barliman laughed again. "Understandable. I would want to do the same."

Empirius nodded again, then turned to Valandil. "Now, I'll go arrange that bar tab." With that, he strode into the crowded adjacent room and approached the bar, conversing briefly with the man working the taps. A moment or so later, the barman placed a large glass of ale in front of Empirius, and the ranger took a long swig.

Valandil walked into the bar and sat with Empirius. "ah good man! great ale!" and with that Valandil took a hearty drink. "nothing finer than a good pint and Hobbits for company!"

Empirius smiled and raised his glass. "Hear, hear," he said, then downed another mouthful of his beverage.

The sudden sound of singing in a corner caused him to turn his head, and he saw two halflings -- both of whom looked exceedingly drunk -- starting to dance around a heavy wooden table.

Empirius laughed. "Hobbits know how to have a good time, that's for sure."

"you don't get this kind of entertainment in an Elvish paradise!" agreed Valandil

The Hobbits were singing a tune which all the locals joined in:
"back in the valley where the mead does grow,
and the Hobbits dance merrily to and fro,
sit down and have a pint, you'll never want to go!
down in the Shires green Meadow!"
Then the pub burst into laughter.

Valandil looked down at his tankard and smiled at Empirius, "I'll fetch two more shall I?" he said laughing.

Empirius downed the last of his ale and put the empty glass down on the bar. "Please do," he said with a chuckle. "It's rare that I've come across an ale as good as this -- and as the saying goes, you can't have too much of a good thing." Then he added with a shrug, "Well, until it goes to your head, of course. Then that's a little too much."

"and no one can forget your methods of behaviour in the seasons change celebration!" added Valandil, standing up. "you single handedly proved to much of a good thing can turn into a bad one"

Empirius smiled wryly. "An...unfortunate incident," he replied with a wry smile. "But not entirely my fault. After all, can I truly be blamed for enjoying ale that was that good to the fullest extent?" Of course, he knew he could, but that was beside the point.

"that kind of Vulgar langauge hadn't even been discovered yet by those poor folk!" chuckled Valandil."I'll fetch more drink!"

Empirius smiled wryly. "Indeed, more drink, good sir! We may as well enjoy it while we can. We might not be back here for many a day."

As Valandil ordered more drinks from the barman, a burly looking human man deposited himself to Empirius's left. There he sat, staring at Empirius with a decidedly distasteful sneer.

When, after a few long moments, the man didn't turn away, Empirius turned to face him. "Something I can do for you?" Empirius asked, frowning.

The man continued sneering. "I just want to know why you're here," he said. "Why aren't you in Rivendell or Lothlorien with the rest of your pointy-eared kind? What brings you to our oh-so-humble town and this oh-so-humble bar?"

"An Elf can travel, can he not?" Empirius said rhetorically.

"Oh yes," the man said with a disturbing smile. "But Elves should also be careful that they don't travel to places where they are not wanted."

"We've received nothing but a warm welcome so far," Empirius said, now twisting in his stool so he was looking directly at the human, face to face. "Perhaps it is just you who does not want us here. In which case, why don't you take your racial prejudice and bury it. We're not looking for trouble, but we'll return it if we get it."

The man rose sharply from his stool, his face turning red. He seemed slightly unsteady on his feet, and Empirius didn't know if he'd already been drinking. But the sheer rage that contorted his expression was enough to tell Empirius that, drunk or not, this human was looking for a fight.

"You arrogant Elves," he boomed. "Always thinking you're better than us! Well, let's see if you really are, eh?"

But instead of rising to meet the human's challenge, Empirius just chuckled and turned away, back to the bar, leaving the man to stew. "Why bother?" Empirius said. "You're drunk and stupid. You're bound to lose. So why waste our time?"

The next few moments were nothing but a blur. Empirius heard the man roar, then a stool come whistling through the air toward his head. He barely had time to dodge out the way before the wooden seat slammed into the bar in front of him, slicing through the air where his head had been a split-second ago. Jumping to his feet, Empirius whirled around to face the enraged human, who still wielded the stool, before drawing his sword.

"I suggest," Empirius said, his voice low and dangerous, "that you not try that again - unless you like the feel of live steel through your spleen."

But a blow from the side knocked the sword out of Empirius's hand as a second human joined the quickly escalating dispute.

"And let's see how you fare against two of us, Elf," the new arrival said, a sinister smile on his face.

Valandil brought the bottle down on the ruffians head, a satisfying smash took the man down. "know lets see how you fare against two of us, human"

Empirius looked at the fallen man and the shattered glass of the bottle that littered the floor, then at the first human, the one who had initiated the brawl. The man stood there, jaw hanging open, staring in disbelief at his unconscious comrade.

"A shame, isn't it, when you think you have superior numbers and then suddenly you're on the back foot," Empirius said with a dangerous smile. "I suppose now would be a good time for you to leave -- unless, like your friend, you'd like to sleep on the floor also."

"your friend seems to find the floor comfy, so any moves and i'm sure you can join him." said Valandil with a threatening flash in his eyes.

The man's beady eyes smouldered as they flitted from Empirius to Valandil and back again, and his podgy face looked redder than ever. For a moment, Empirius thought the man might abandon his wits and attack despite being outnumbered, but to the human's credit he did not. "I have business to attend to," he said finally, his voice a barely audible growl.

Empirius inclined his head, though the smirk never left his face. "Then we'll leave you to it in peace," he said magnanimously. "However, please take your friend with you. I'm afraid he doesn't match the decor."

slowly Empirius and Valandil went back to the table, the life in the bar was suddenly roused once again and life was back to like nothing had happened. But the fight had made Valandil realise he was completely worn out. "We have business to discuss in the morning, but for now I take my leave." He bid Empirius goodnight and went up to the room.

Empirius stayed in the tavern a while longer, finishing his tankard of ale and enjoying the jovial environment of the room. After talking with a few Halflings about various trivia, he also decided it was time to get some sleep. It had been a full day's ride to get to Bree, and the journey had been exhausting. After depositing a few coins on the bar top to pay for his and Valandil's drinks, Empirius headed to the room he and Valandil had been billeted for the night.

continue onwards to page 2:
Rangers2