Away from Saruman’s immediate presence, Gandalf leads Tuiwen and Eldred through Orthanc’s echoing halls into a spare chamber of white stone. A single lamp burns beside clean water and healing herbs.
When Tuiwen’s cloak is loosened, the reopened shoulder wound is plain beneath its old scar. Darkened cloth clings to the injury, and fresh blood marks the bandage.
Gandalf
Sit, Tuiwen. The journey has taken more from you than haste allowed us to see. I will cleanse this wound before it worsens.
Eldred
She crossed half the wilds carrying the King’s warning. If the roads are watched, send word by more than one path.
Near the narrow window, Galadriel waits in stillness, her luminous gaze resting first on Tuiwen’s shoulder, then on the sealed routes marked across Gandalf’s map.
Galadriel
The Woodland Realm must hear what has passed here, but Saruman’s eyes may already reach toward its borders. Choose messengers who can travel unseen, and roads that do not announce their purpose.
Gandalf
The Great River offers one course, the Old Forest Road another. I can send trusted riders west and south, but the choice of which warning travels first must be yours.
“"I thank you for your care. There is some dark power in this wound that resists all healing. Lady Galadriel can advise me as to how I can best reach Lothlorien. I can cross the river there, and then Rhosgobel is no distance. Radagast and I am well acquainted. He can dispatch a swift bird to my father, and I myself can follow by forest paths well known to me."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Tuiwen
I thank you for your care. Dark power resists healing in this wound. Lady Galadriel, advise me how best to reach Lothlórien. I can cross the river there, then reach Rhosgobel by paths I know. Radagast and I are well acquainted; he can send a swift bird to my father.
Gandalf lays a cool cloth over the scarred shoulder, while Galadriel approaches the map. Her gaze follows the marked river, the forest roads, and the hidden crossings beyond Isengard.
Galadriel
Your course is sound. Follow the river south beneath cover, and seek the wardens of Lothlórien at the western bank. They will grant you passage.
Galadriel
From there, cross by the guarded paths and turn east toward Rhosgobel. Avoid the great roads. Saruman’s servants will watch those first.
Gandalf
I will see you supplied for the river crossing. Once Radagast receives your word, your father shall know you live and that the warning has reached the Council.
Eldred
I know some of the western approaches. I can guide you as far as the river, then keep to the lesser tracks while you pass into Lothlórien.
Galadriel marks a concealed ford and a safe woodland trail in silver ink. The route to Lothlórien is settled, and beyond it Rhosgobel waits as the next sure link to Thranduil.
✓ Quest Accepted
Reach Lothlórien safely
“"Eldred has been a faithful friend through many dangers, and the Woodland Realm has declared him an Elf Friend. May he safely pass with me through Lothlorien?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Tuiwen
Eldred has been a faithful friend through many dangers, and the Woodland Realm has declared him an Elf Friend. May he safely pass with me through Lothlórien?
Galadriel studies Eldred across the map, then lifts the silver-marked route toward the western bank. Her expression remains grave, but its severity softens.
Galadriel
He may. The wardens of Lothlórien will recognize the Woodland Realm’s declaration and admit Eldred beside you as an Elf Friend.
Galadriel
He must speak truthfully at the borders and bear no weapon against those who guard the Golden Wood. Under your protection, he shall pass safely.
Eldred
Then I will honor their trust as I have honored yours. I will cross only as your companion and the King’s sworn friend.
Gandalf adds Eldred’s name beneath Tuiwen’s on the travel writ, sealing it with a pale mark. The route now grants them both lawful passage into Lothlórien.
Gandalf
Carry this writ to the western wardens. No servant of Saruman may honestly contest the King’s declaration or Galadriel’s welcome.
“"I thank you. As much as I am flattered by this august company, I fear my presence here is now superfluous, and I would not linger under the shadow of Isengard."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Tuiwen
I thank you. As much as I am flattered by this august company, I fear my presence here is now superfluous, and I would not linger under the shadow of Isengard.
The chamber falls quiet. Tuiwen’s words carry neither discourtesy nor hesitation, and even the white stones seem to release their held breath.
Galadriel
You have spoken wisely. The shadow of Isengard is not a roof beneath which the faithful should linger. Go with my blessing.
Gandalf
Then you shall not linger. The writ, provisions, and river maps are ready. Eldred may accompany you, and the western wardens will be warned of your coming.
Gandalf closes the travel writ and places it in Tuiwen’s keeping. Galadriel adds a small silver token for the wardens of Lothlórien, its light cool against the chamber’s pall.
Eldred
I will see the first miles safely behind us. The river road will be quieter than these halls, and its shadows will belong to the trees.
Without further delay, Tuiwen and Eldred leave the spare chamber and pass into Orthanc’s descending halls. Behind them, Isengard’s white silence gives way to open air and the road south toward the Great River.
+ New Item Acquired
Travel writ
+ New Item Acquired
Silver token
+ New Item Acquired
River maps
+ New Item Acquired
Provisions
“"I appreciate your knowledge, but we cannot leave Isengard unnoticed, and Saruman's spies are sure to follow us. I suggest a detour through the Fangorn Forest. It is not far, and under those friendly boughs we can evade any pursuer."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +3)
Tuiwen
I appreciate your knowledge, but we cannot leave Isengard unnoticed. Saruman’s spies will follow us. Let us detour through Fangorn, where friendly boughs may hide our passage.
Gandalf studies the southern map, then the shadowed windows above. His expression sharpens as the wisdom of the proposal settles over the chamber.
Gandalf
A sound course, Tuiwen. Fangorn lies near enough to conceal your departure, and Saruman’s servants will search the roads before the ancient forest.
Galadriel
The trees may remember the footsteps of those who trespass, but they will not readily betray a daughter carrying a just warning. I approve this detour.
Eldred
Then we leave by the southern postern and turn east beneath the foothills. I know a banked stream that will hide our trail before Fangorn takes us in.
Gandalf draws a concealed track in charcoal, an old pilgrim’s way omitted from every current map. It reaches Fangorn’s western verge without passing any Isengard watchtower.
Gandalf
This path is your advantage. Take it now, before Saruman understands that the forest itself has become your shield.
“"I am in your debt." Without further ado, she bids them farewell.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Tuiwen
I am in your debt. Without further ado, I bid you farewell.
Tuiwen accepts the travel writ, silver token, provisions, and maps, securing them beneath her cloak. Her shoulder aches beneath its bandage, but she does not delay.
Gandalf
Go swiftly, then, and let the southern postern carry you beyond Saruman’s sight. May the trees shelter what stone would expose.
Galadriel
My blessing goes with you, Tuiwen. May Lothlórien’s wardens see the truth in your purpose before any shadow can speak against it.
Eldred
I will meet you at the postern. The stream and the forest await, and I would rather trust their silence than Isengard’s walls.
Tuiwen leaves the chamber without ceremony, Eldred falling into step beside her. They descend through Orthanc’s echoing halls and emerge beneath a darkening sky, turning toward the southern postern and the hidden way to Fangorn.