The chamber beneath the Elvenking's Halls rests in amber silence. Water murmurs somewhere beyond the carved stone, and lamplight gathers softly on the walls.
Tauriel
I brought healing herbs. Your shoulder has endured more than the court knows, and I doubt you will tell them.
Tauriel sets a shallow basin beside Tuiwen and kneels, mixing crushed leaves into warm water with careful fingers. Her usual battlefield certainty has given way to guarded concern.
Tauriel
The accusation has divided the court. Some believe Saruman because fear makes a convenient witness. Others believe you, but fear what belief may cost them.
Tauriel
She has faced darkness without yielding. Why does defending her here feel more perilous than any forest road?
Tauriel
Thranduil will accept truth, but he will demand it shaped into a defense he can carry before the court. Tell me what Radagast knows, and we will prepare the words together.
✓ Quest Accepted
Share Radagast's testimony with Tauriel
✓ Quest Accepted
Prepare a defense against Saruman's accusation
− Story Quest Removed
Prove Saruman's treachery to Thranduil
“„Thank you. My shoulder still pains me, but I believe the healing power of Athelas will set it aright. In brief, here is my account: I first took counsel with Radagast, but found my way blocked by a dark creature I learned was a forest warden corrupted by Saruman’s magic. With the help of the Brown Wizard, I was able to free him. I then approached Dol Guldur in the company of Radagast and the Woodman Eldred and was confronted by Saruman himself, who feigned friendship, but impeded me with traps and magic. I pushed on into Dol Guldur, where I found a heartstone that had been corrupted. I broke it to pieces, and the fortress began shaking. I managed to escape, but was pursued by hunters. I eluded them. Saruman then unmasked himself and said that the council was broken, and that I should follow him. I said that would be a betrayal, and after some further adventure, returned to the safety of Rhosgobel. I owe thanks to Radagast and also to Eldred, a true Elf Friend."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Tuiwen
Thank you. My shoulder still pains me, but I believe the athelas will set it aright.
Tuiwen
I first sought Radagast's counsel. A dark creature blocked my way, but I learned it was a forest warden corrupted by Saruman's magic. With the Brown Wizard's help, I freed him.
Tuiwen
Then Radagast, Eldred, and I approached Dol Guldur. Saruman confronted us, feigning friendship, while his traps and magic impeded me. Within the fortress, I found a corrupted heartstone and broke it to pieces.
The telling draws hard against Tuiwen's wounded shoulder. A fresh bloom of blood darkens the linen beneath Tauriel's fingers, but the captain does not interrupt.
Tuiwen
The fortress shook. I escaped and eluded its hunters. Saruman then unmasked himself, declared the Council broken, and urged me to follow him. I refused betrayal and returned to Rhosgobel.
Tuiwen
I owe Radagast my thanks, and Eldred as well. He is a true Elf Friend.
Tauriel
Then this is the defense we carry before the King: Radagast's testimony, Eldred's corroboration, the corrupted heartstone, and Saruman's own offer. Your shoulder may make the court doubt your strength, but it will not undo your account.
Tauriel
She gives me the truth plainly, even where it costs her. I will not let the court mistake that courage for guilt.
Quest Complete
Share Radagast's testimony with Tauriel
Quest Complete
Prepare a defense against Saruman's accusation