After a good night's rest, the company of wood-maidens, elves, Bardings, a hobbit, and a Beorning gathered around the great fire in Rhosgobel's hall for breakfast on the 2nd of April. They discussed their options: to hunt this Beast of Mirkwood, seek out the source of these orcs, or follow Radagast's urgent plea to go to Thranduil of the Elves. Your company chose the last idea, and readied themselves for a trip to the north. After gathering needed supplies, you took your leave of the village to the farewells and raised hands of those you had come to know since the year before. Rhosgobel had become a sanctuary to you, a place of refuge and cheer in an uncertain world.
The company marched into the Western Eaves, following trails to the north that led to Woodmen-Town, 4 days journey away. That night, as it grew dark, Dulindaer decided it was time for finding camp, and sent Avina and the Raven to scout out a good spot. Eilif and Bain crafted a cleverly concealed trap next to the campsite entrance in case of intruders, and everyone enjoyed a good supper cooked by Sweetpea. That night while you slept, a nightingale was heard during the watches. You were also surprised by the sound of someone caught in your deer snare. Upon lighting a torch, you discovered that it was Heva from Rhosgobel who had followed you. After things calmed down, you were able to learn that she wanted to join your company and adventure, as Rhosgobel held nothing of value to her since becoming an orphan.
On the morning of April the 3rd, the company continued on north in single file through the green forest, with Heva in the middle. Throughout the day, you looked out for any signs of trouble, but sensed none. That night you camped in a hide-out... a little dell ringed by a bramble patch. During the night, the Raven and Avina heard a crashing through the woods nearby that continued on past them. By following carefully, the Wood-maidens were able to see that it was a Fagwyrm, a Basilisk and ancient monster which was thankfully rare in Mirkwood. Wisely deciding to not fight it, the two returned to the company and reported what they had seen. Later, Eilif heard the nightingale and realized with her ear for bird-speech that it was a message from Radagast, that a Wood-maiden was missing, and that there was a beast hunting them.
Finally after some sleep, the companions started off on an early trek through the woods towards the Town (April 4th). The Basilisk was spotted again, heading south. All of the company passed their fatigue test. That night you camped in a clearing, straining your ears for any nightly noises. Thankfully your sleep was undisturbed, but taking no chances, the elves encourage everyone to walk at a strenuous pace the next day.
During April 5th, clouds gathered above you and the day darkened. After midday, rain began to fall. There were signs of the basilisk's trail criss-crossing the path, but not the monster itself. As you saw a large clearing ahead, you emerged from the trees to see the last glimmer of the sunlight on the Great Hall of Woodmen-Town above all the other buildings. The settlement.was enclosed by a high palisade and hedge.
In a last burst of strength, your company hurried forward on the path to the entrance of Woodmen-Town, watched by two guards who welcomed you in before blowing their horns and closing the gate behind them. You were escorted through the Town to the inner palisade and the Great Hall of Balthi, which you entered. There you were greeted by the council of elders and asked about your business. In turn, you were able to ask questions about their Lamp. The Lamp of Balthi hung high above, It was ancient. Somehow it was taken by the Shadow in the past to Dol Guldur. In T.A. 2063, Galdalf braved that fortress with the boy Balthi at his side and brought out the Lamp from its dark cellars, giving the Lamp into Balthi's keeping to help the Northmen. The elders don't know where it came from before Dol Guldur, just that it shines with a bright blue light that is never extinguished and never needs to be replenished... perhaps the carvings at Woodland Hall could be studied to learn the answers. At this moment, one of the people in the shadows stepped forward into the firelight to reveal the features of a grizzled warrior, Ragnarr of Dale, a friend of Eilif the Barding and former leader of the Rangers of Rhovanion who fought at the Battle of the Five Armies. He welcomed the company, and shared the revelation that the Beast of Mirkwood which Radagast had hinted at was not the despised basilisk, but was actually a dreaded Werewolf. That night, after dinner, the companions were given a guest house where they could stay and speak in privacy. Everyone was glad to have arrived at this sanctuary of the Woodmen.
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