The russet hedge parts beneath a mounted Woodland courier, a young adult elf man in a dark green cloak, ash-blond hair braided close, and rain-bright eyes. He carries two sealed packets beneath his mantle.
the Woodland courier
I am Calion, bearing King Thranduil’s response to Radagast’s report, and a second packet for Tuiwen herself.
He dismounts and kneels beside the waiting maps. The gathered Woodmen close around the table, while Radagast receives both packets and breaks the king’s seal beneath lamps burning low.
Radagast the Brown
Thranduil has heard the danger clearly. Let us learn whether his hand reaches the southern settlements before Saruman’s shadow does.
Radagast unfolds the reply before the Woodmen. It grants provisions from the Woodland Realm, escorts for the hidden crossings, and protection for families nearest Caras Amarth, subject to the captains’ immediate dispatch.
Radagast the Brown
Your king will send grain, healers, and guarded wagons. Woodland escorts will meet the scouts at the western ridge, while the southern settlements are placed under royal protection.
Relief passes through the Woodmen, though the second packet remains unopened beside Tuiwen’s hand. Its dark green cord bears Thranduil’s personal seal, and every waiting face turns toward her.
✓ Quest Accepted
Ensure Thranduil’s promised aid reaches the threatened Woodmen
“"Wait a moment, please. There may be a reply," she tells the courier and then opens her packet.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +1)
Tuiwen
Wait a moment, please. There may be a reply.
Tuiwen takes the packet from Radagast’s open hand. Her fingers break Thranduil’s personal seal cleanly, and the folded reply slides free beneath the lamplight.
The letter bears Thranduil’s precise hand. He approves the appeal to the White Council, confirms provisions and escorts for the southern settlements, and commands Tuiwen to keep the hidden routes from becoming a single point of failure.
Radagast the Brown
There is his answer, and more than a royal courtesy. Your father understands that the Woodmen must remain defended even while the Council is summoned.
The Woodmen bend closer as Tuiwen reads the final lines: Thranduil will send further word to the captains, but trusts her judgment on which paths may safely carry aid.
Calion
The king told me the second packet was to reach your hands unopened by any other. I have fulfilled that charge.
✓ Quest Accepted
Have the Woodmen accept Thranduil’s protection
+ New Item Acquired
Thranduil’s reply
“"Is this plan acceptable to you all?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Tuiwen
Is this plan acceptable to you all?
The Woodmen look from the sealed royal reply to Radagast, while Calion stands ready beside the maps. No one answers lightly; the decision will bind their settlements to the wider defense.
One Woodman
It is acceptable. Aid for our families, guarded crossings, and a summons to the Council give us a chance to stand rather than scatter.
Radagast the Brown
It is sound, Tuiwen. The Woodmen are heard, Thranduil is committed, and the Council will receive a plain account of what must be done.
Radagast places his hand over the map’s marked routes. The Woodmen’s agreement is secured, but their eyes remain on Tuiwen, measuring whether the royal promise has a personal keeper.
Radagast the Brown
There is a cost, child. They will hold you as the living guarantor of this pledge, and expect you to help judge the first aid route when their scouts return.
One Woodman
If you stand behind the pledge, Princess, then we accept it fully. We will prepare the scouts and keep our families ready.
Quest Complete
Have the Woodmen accept Thranduil’s protection