Who says the general mayhem needs clearing up? 
Elrohir offers Ghân the following items and advice. “We cannot help you as much as you hoped but I think Radagast might be able to.”
You get the Elven Cloak and all that implies which also gives +1 AC and saves.
They offer you an enchanted bit of Barkskin a gift from a dying Ent. You use it when casting and it keeps the spell up for hours instead of rounds and if the caster uses it on self double that. (This will let the spell be up 20 hours for others and 40 for you.)
In place of the Scarab, they give you “The Queen’s Comb”. It will greatly enhance your Summon Insect spell and other insect spells. For summon insects it effectively triples the effect, duration, damage and range. They also move 3x faster.
The next morning Thoroncir picks some pretty white flowers that Mirwen tells him are a type of forget-me-nots. They have just a hint of lavender to the edges.
Elfstan is practicing with Miron who is trying out his new swords as Curunuath work on Elfstan’s swords.
As Deor volunteered the smiths find him work to do.
Elfstan and Mulligan only get into a little trouble and then discover that Mulligan’s brother Ponto Took arrived the night before. He is a Fighter/Thief and not as accomplished a thief as Mulligan. He is the first to arrive but their Cousin Faramir Took the Thain is leading another 80 Hobbits to aid the Elves and Dwarves in some big war in the mountains.
Ghân is most grateful for the items (especially exchanging his Scarab for the Queen’s Comb).
He will cast Barkskin every day on his Jerkin.
He asks politely what the benefits of an Elven Cloak are (of course some of the party can also tell him).
To show how pleased he is, Ghân essays some Wose humour: "A Wose cloak keeps you warmer and looks good.
It can magically ‘Predict Weather’:
- if the cloak is wet, it is raining
- if the cloak is warm, it’s sunny
- if you can’t see the cloak, it’s foggy!"
Elven Cloaks with keep you warm in weather cold enough for snow and yet are comfortable to wear in the heat of an Umbar summer. They shed water very well of course.
They allow you to blend into most surroundings even in bright sunlight. For Thief types it specifically adds a +50% to Hide in Shadows. The also foil Infravision (a rare ability in Middle-Earth) for what they cover.
That is some serious shootage right there. The bow deserves a name, Lindorn, that is “Treesong” in the language of men. I’ll acquire some dyes to work into the wood and pattern it with something suitably silvan-themed. Woven around these will be an account of the making of the bow and the names of all who helped, including Ghân who aided in the harvesting of the wood.
Since Elfstan wants to improve his Elvish, I’ll make it a habit not to address him in any other language (except in emergencies). And if he wishes to accompany me to the Hall of Fire, he will hear much story and song which, if too hard for him to follow, will certainly familiarise him with the cadences of Elf-speech.
Mulligan, Celeborn might like to see that galvorn coat. It is an even more remarkable antique than Elfstan’s mithril armour, and a poignant reminder of the ancient days in Gondolin and Doriath. The smiths would be fascinated by it too, all the more since the secret of its making died with its maker.
When Thoroncir brings the flowers to Gilraen and asks about visiting her Grandmother’s grave she looks confused at first. “My Grandmother was buried far from here. She went back to her parents lands near to Lake Evendim.”
She pauses a moment but continues, “Thank you for the thoughtful idea Thoroncir. I’m sorry we have seen much of each other the last week. I’ve been very busy with Elrohir and some of the other healers of Rivendell. Have you met Glorfindel yet? I am on my way to see him now. He has some instruction for me in Ringwraiths and slavewraiths lore. He has perhaps some insights into Kkósal that will benefit us.”
I trust she meant to include the word “not” in that sentence.
See the control thread for an explanation of the knight-errant’s mixup below.
Now it is Thoroncir’s turn to look confused. “I beg your pardon, my lady. I had been told some time ago, I now forget by whom, that the King’s mother died and was buried here in Rivendell. It appears I was… misinformed.” He coughs awkwardly. He would offer her the flowers to keep, but is unsure if that would appropriate, as they symbolize mourning and remembrance, or so Mirwen the Elf-maiden said.
He holds the flowers behind his back and hurries on, “As to Glorfindel, yes, I have spoken with him since our arrival here, my lady, but only briefly. I would be glad to accompany you and speak further with him now.”
Glorfindel is very tall in person. He must stand nearly 6’ 10". He is surprisingly soft spoken especially to Gilraen. He provides much instruction in the Lore of the Undead and the slaying of them.
Though very tall and very old it is at times hard to recall this gentle elf fought and killed a Balrog and drove the Witch King from Angmar and indeed chased the Ringwraiths into a torrential flood that destroyed their temporary forms.
His hair is as golden as the sun and occasionally Thoroncir sees it glow as he talks more passionately about some old enemy faces. He is pleased the Curunauth is now safe. “Though renounced Curunauth is the most direct heir to Finwë in Middle-Earth and it has always been my way to protect Finwë’s house. Though of course Gilraen is the child of the line of my own sworn King, Turgon ‘the Wise’”.
As to Kkósal Glorfindel finds Thoroncir’s guess shrewd. “It is likely that Kkósal is indeed the Mouth of Sauron. If so he is no wraith to be driven forth by the likes of myself or Gilraen with her foremothers’ gifts. He is a powerful sorcerer in his own right and well may be as powerful as the Witch King.”
The session goes long as morning turns to late afternoon. Glorfindel finishes up, “Now my children, let us eat and speak of other things that approach.”
He leads them to a small outside vine laden terrace where most of the party, an older Dwarf, a Hobbit stranger and both Elladan and Elrohir have gathered. The meal is excellent as always and the conversation light as the rest of the party and several more Elves arrive including Farofind.
The Hobbit is one Ponto Took, brother of Mulligan. The Dwarf is no less a Dwarf than Bofur here in Rivendell Representing King Thorin III Stonehelm of Erebor.
As dinner is finishing up, Bofur speaks up, “I thank you sons of Elrond for your grace and hospitality. It should be known that the Last Homely House has not diminished in generosity or wisdom despite its master leaving. It was many long years ago when I first visited Rivendell and I have only had the joy of visiting a few more times since. Now this time like the first I am here asking for help and seeking aid.” He pauses and drains his ale. "It is war and war near your own valley and war that threatens the trade that King Elessar both desires and needs for Arnor to grow strong again. The Orcs of Goblin Gate and the nearby Kingdoms grow bold again. Gundabad is plotting some mischief is already known.” He pauses, “NO MORE!” as he pounds the table. “This time we shall carry war to them. Into their warrens and throughout their lairs. Goblin Gate will be cleared and then we shall reduce the lesser strongholds. The passes will be safe for decades to come if not forever from goblin ambush The men of Eriador and the Anduin Valley shall have a chance to prosper.”
He takes a longer pause, fumbles for his empty ale and then smiles as Panto grinning hands him a fresh mug.
“In this mission, an army of Dwarves from Ered Luin with at least 40 Hobbits archers and burglars approach and several hundred more Dwarves will meet us in the East. The Beornings and the Woodmen are aiding us and even a company of Thranduil’s people will be assisting. Now Elrohir has indicated that at least he and Elladan shall help us and that your party may well be willing. I ask for as much help as Rivendell can muster and I ask if any or all of you would be willing to aid us. We especially will need those trained in tunnel warfare and healing and magic. I understand that your group has experience in such battles. I warn you though; this is not a battle for the faint of heart. These Goblins have been pillaging and plundering and raping for far too long. They are to be exterminated. They are evil for evil sake and when one Goblin King falls another pops up that seems to want to find new worse way to prove his worth to his followers. The only mercy we will show is that of swift steel”. Another pause, “Are any of you willing to help?”
Glorfindel speaks first, “I plan to go and I speak for 30 Elven Archers. We will support the Chieftains of the House of Elrond. This menace needs to be stopped, but I also ask a favor in return. There has been a growing army of well organized and well equipped Orcs in the North in Angmar. We have groups exploring and scouting as we are speak. When Goblin Gate is cleared, can I count on support from the Long Beards to help us against Angmar in next year’s campaign?”
Bofur speaks again, “Aye, we will help in any reasonable way. A blow to Angmar is a huge blow to Gundabad. When enough Goblins realms are destroyed perhaps then we can think about Khazad-Dum.”
Farofind speaks up, “I can pledge a dozen swift archers mounted on Elven Horses.”
Elladan speaks up, “Indeed, in all over 100 Elven Archers will be following us but we still have need of independent groups that can work as a team and have a variety of skills. I hope Gilraen and her friends are willing to help as they are an ideal team.”
Panto, “It is Faramir himself, our greatest warrior since Meridoc the Magnificent that leads the Hobbit army. He is pledged to help as a representative to the King himself. This time let the annals record our presence. We bring our best. Sister, please persuade your friends to help.”
Bofur, “Thank you, thank you all. This is indeed the news I hoped for.” He looks expectantly to the members of the party. …
Sir Thoroncir stands and says, “When glory and honor call, my lords, a knight-errant of Gondor will always answer. You may count on me, of course. Curunauth and Gwaelur having now so skillfully reforged my sword, Cirist, it needs a proper tempering in battle. And with such a mighty host of the Free Peoples arrayed against the horde of Goblin Gate, it can only be a matter of time before that accursed place merits a new name! I perforce speak only for myself, although I think I know what my friends and comrades will say…”
Feeling quite good about himself after a few days with his new Fireball spell and more than a few cups of the potent wine served at the Elves’ tables, Deor is ready to agree to anything. “Men of the South have never shied away from service to others, and I don’t propose to start. I’ll count it an honor to serve with the Elves, Dwarves, and Hobbits of the North against the forces of evil that remain in the world. Your hospitality here has been well appreciated, and I intend to repay it at the earliest opportunity!”
That is a good idea. I will ask if Celeborn could spare me an afternoon to se the galvorn mail and if he perhaps knows any of the history surrounding it.
How could I not answer such a call to stand forth. I would be honoured to be part of this and I am honoured you would consider me to be part.
My friends and companions, would you be prepared to answer the call and lend our aid to this worthy cause?
Mulligan thinks to herself. “Ask them to help, the hard part will be holding them back to leave some alive for the rest.” 
Ghân answers the call. “I have learnt much about Middle Earth since I left my beloved forest. Good people must stand together against evil.
I offer my services, such as they are.”
Ghân makes a note to check with Deor about the range and area of this spell. He reassures himself that he was casting Protection from Fire on himself anyway!
When his turn comes, Elfstan says, “I would be proud to serve the needs of the North and honored to join the rest of you.”
Inside he wonders if the company is getting side tracked. They came north because of rumors that the Elves of Imladris could use their skills. On the way they were given (and accepted) a commission from the spirits of the safe haven they found. This task seems like neither of those, but then, how could they possibly refuse?
Indeed there are few now - and were few ever - wiser and more learned than Celeborn, but I thought simply that it would give him pleasure to see something that was made when he was young.
Glorfindel may know more about it; the piece has some ties with Gondolin, which was no more than rumour to Celeborn for most of its existence, but which Glorfindel remembers well.
Tall and stately he may be, incidentally, but according to legend King Elwe Singollo, or Elu Thingol, surpassed him as grandly as Glorfindel surpasses me. But of this Celeborn indeed could give accurate report, who was a lesser lord when Thingol was the King of Doriath and knew him well for many centuries.
Oh, and as to the proposed mission, I shall be glad to come and sing a little tree-music to the orc-kind. I understand that for these foes we cannot negotiate terms, and by the same token we will hold out no false hope of mercy.
Sit idly by when I could be riding out with Glorfindel himself? That would be like Pippin Took turning down a ride to Gondor as Gandalf’s passenger.
While we’re in Imladris and my credit balance is healthy, I’d like to find out if there is any miruvor to be had. It’s been on my shopping list for a while. Some good-quality fletching tools wouldn’t go amiss either.
Good idea. Thoroncir, too, would not be averse to buying or obtaining a trail-worthy flask of miruvor.
Then I will have to see if Glorfindel would be interested in seeing it. After all, it was probably forged in Gondolin. The question is who for, as I doubt many of these pieces would have been made, probably for an elf-child and not a hobbit.
Miron, “I shall be happy to help as healer, tracker and goblin hunter. Besides I can probably see better in poorly lit tunnels than even Dwarves and Goblins.”
Gilraen, “My uncles ask, I shall of course help however they wish, but I feel if you are sending my friends into danger I need to go with them and not stay outside strictly as a healer.”
A few little issues while we wait on Gwaelur’s reply, though we already know the general idea I believe.
As the discussion continues, Mulligan actually gets a chance to ask Glorfindel about her armor. She sees a look of amazement in his eyes. “Little lass that armor was made for no less a person than Eärendil himself. It was made by the one that would have killed him. Dark Maeglin, the worst traitor in our history.” Seeing a slight look of fear on Mulligan’s face he continues, “Don’t fear, the armor was made without ill-intent and no malice of thought of its maker is buried into it. Not all that Maeglin did was evil and he never had the ability to give intelligence to his items as Eöl the Dark Elf did.”
As to miruvor, no fear. It shall be provided.
Wow. Be sure to wave in the direction of the Evening Star next time there’s a clear dusk, Mulligan.
Splendid - I’ve thought a few times it would have been useful to have some about us. I’m willing to pay for it though, some future travellers may need the help.
**
Hey guys, I only have a few minutes of net time right now, so I haven’t caught up on the last day and a half yet. I should be able to grab a little more time today and get caught up and put in whatever actions I need to, then I will likely be away until Monday. **