Ost Galadh Dialogues

In the center of Ost Galadh, Agorin, Fuirgam, and Lomdognir can be found discussing the progress of the campaign of the Malledhrim in Mirkwood.

Conversation 1: Purpose of the Golden Host

Fuirgam says, "We must complete our planning today, lest some ploy of the Enemy throws us astray."

Fuirgam says, "Lomdognir, is this camp now safe from prying eyes?"

Lomdognir says, "Do not speak overloud, but yes, we have secured these ruins."

Lomdognir says, "While some goblins yet lurk about, the guard is sufficient to keep them at bay."

Fuirgam says, "Very well."

Fuirgam says, "As I speak, our assault on the encampment of Gathbúrz is beginning on the slopes above us."

Fuirgam says, "These are the outer barracks of Dol Guldur and poorly protected compared to the tower itself."

Agorin says, "And the assault on the tower itself? When shall it begin?"

Fuirgam says, "There will be no such assault, save for a feint to draw the eyes of the tower and keep their gates sealed."

Fuirgam says, "Our main goal is to destroy the barracks at Gathbúrz."

Agorin says, "But... but why? Why risk so many brave Elves for just this? All those who died at the landing..."

Fuirgam says, "They will not have been in vain, Agorin."

Fuirgam says, "Forgive me, in the rush you were not made privy to Lord Celeborn's counsel."

Fuirgam says, "Lomdognir, if you would?"

Lomdognir says, "Of course... My lady Agorin, I shall relate his mind to you, as I know it."

Lomdognir says, "Lord Celeborn has bidden us cross the Anduin in order to lay siege to Dol Guldur and forestall the Enemy's assault."

Agorin says, "So I was made to understand, but you now say otherwise and confuse my purpose!"

Lomdognir says, "Our actual goal is the destruction of the barracks at Gathbúrz, where a great many Orcs might be housed and supplied."

Lomdognir says, "We have neither the force nor the equipment to reduce the tower itself, even with just the garrison defending it."

Agorin says, "I am not of militant upbringing, but this seems folly to me."

Agorin says, "Why do we expose our forces in this way when we could hold the advantage of the river between us?"

Fuirgam says, "Normally I would agree with you, Agorin..."

Fuirgam says, "But the Lady has espied a great army gathering in the East. Even now it marches through Mirkwood."

Fuirgam says, "Its numbers dwarf the garrison of Dol Guldur, and there is little doubt that it shall march on Lórien."

Lomdognir says, "Celeborn holds that with the destruction of Gathbúrz, we shall buy precious time and confound the Enemy's plans to assault us."

Lomdognir says, "The loss of supplies, barracks, and the engines of war they had prepared will weaken them when they attempt the Anduin."

Agorin says, "Yet our losses here shall weaken us, while the Enemy's numbers only grow!"

Fuirgam says, "It is a gamble true enough, and there may be more to it than any here know..."

Lomdognir says, "What is this, Fuirgam? What do you mean by that? You have said nothing of this before now."

Fuirgam says, "I have known Lord Celeborn for many years, and there was hesitation in his eyes as he gave me these orders."

Fuirgam says, "Not the hesitation of fear or uncertainty, but that of words which could not be spoken."

Agorin says, "What do you mean by this? Speak clearly, if you may."

Fuirgam says, "I believe there is another goal to our assault, known to the Lord and Lady alone."

Fuirgam says, "A matter of such import that they could not tell us of it."

Agorin says, "What matter could possibly possess more importance than the defence of Lórien?"

Lomdognir says, "Indeed Fuirgam, what secret purpose do we fight for if not our home?"

Fuirgam says, "I cannot be sure, but more than once Lord Celeborn spoke of drawing the eyes of the tower with this assault."

Fuirgam says, "I think he meant the Nazgûl within. At least two have been spotted, upon dread flying beasts."

Fuirgam says, "But such a feint suggests that there is something that one does not wish one's opponents to see."

Fuirgam says, "What that is, I do not know."

Agorin says, "I think I can guess that -- Our visitors of late, who have had council with the Lord and Lady..."

Fuirgam says, "Your perceptions are keen, Agorin, but I think we now discuss matters which are best left unexplored."

Lomdognir says, "Agreed. Had Lord Celeborn wished us to know his mind in these matters, he would have spoken clearly."

Fuirgam says, "Then let us speak of it no more. Now, back to mundane matters..."

Conversation 2: Progress of the Assault

Fuirgam says, "The assault proceeds beneath the banner of Rodelleth, Champion of the Malledhrim."

Agorin says, "Rodelleth? Her reputation precedes her, but she seems an indelicate choice."

Fuirgam says, "These are indelicate times, Agorin. We have a need for thunder and fury upon that hill."

Fuirgam says, "Capacities in which our dear Rodelleth is eminently qualified."

Fuirgam says, "Besides, these may well be our last great battles in Middle-earth..."

Fuirgam says, "It would hardly seem fair to deny her this opportunity."

Lomdognir says, "Putting jests to the side, Fuirgam, Rodelleth may be a brilliant warrior, but she will bear the weight of no leash."

Lomdognir says, "She may take it into her mind to assault Dol Guldur directly..."

Lomdognir says, "Even if she commanded nothing save her own two hands and a sword between them."

Agorin says, "Is she as mad as stories say, then? I have heard many, and not all of them kind."

Fuirgam says, "It is said she is of striking, though distant, descent of he who stood in challenge before the very gates of our ancient Enemy and fell there alone."

Lomdognir says, "It would seem then that she takes his example to heart."

Lomdognir says, "Our plan calls for a retreat to the safety of Lórien before the main host of the Enemy arrives."

Lomdognir says, "How will you restrain our fire-blooded Champion then, Fuirgam?"

Fuirgam says, "Rodelleth is not mad -- though it is true that her pride could likely support all the boughs of Lórien."

Fuirgam says, "Yet calm Handelen stands at her side as tactician."

Fuirgam says, "He shall advise her in the goals of Lórien when her heat blinds her."

Fuirgam says, "My command she might disregard as the buzzing of a summer fly, but not her brother's words."

Fuirgam says, "When it comes time, he will see to it that she withdraws in good order."

Agorin says, "And if Handelen should fall to an unlucky arrow? What then?"

Fuirgam says, "..."

Fuirgam says, "I imagine that she would strive to set Dol Guldur aflame if she had to place every tree of Lórien about its base as a bonfire to do so."

Fuirgam says, "But let us not dwell on unfortunate possibilities."

Fuirgam says, "Fate has been kind to us thus far, let us not tempt it further."

Fuirgam says, "Agorin, you have been in contact with Ivorel recently, have you not?"

Agorin says, "Yes. At the moment she and several of her scouts range through the Scuttledells to the north."

Agorin says, "A few more of her people are south of here, keeping an eye upon the Orcs in Taur Morvith."

Fuirgam says, "Does she have anything to report?"

Agorin says, "Little, I am afraid. The Scuttledells are even more difficult to navigate than she feared..."

Agorin says, "Though the Orcs likewise seem loathe to venture there."

Agorin says, "The spiders that infest the area do not care who their prey might be."

Fuirgam says, "And Taur Morvith?"

Agorin says, "The Orcs there are disorganized and bereft of leadership from Dol Guldur."

Agorin says, "They seem intent on defending their camps, but no more for the time being."

Agorin says, "We have no report from the scouts that have crept south of the river yet."

Lomdognir says, "What of that strange tower on the slope above us? Our soldiers have been unable to enter it."

Lomdognir says, "You have been studying that since we arrived, have you not?"

Agorin says, "Some evil sorcery is clearly at work within Minas Gil, but I do not yet know enough of its nature."

Agorin says, "We must find some way to put an end to it soon, or it will likely be turned against us."

Fuirgam says, "I am counting on you, Agorin. You are the wisest among us when it comes to the sorceries of the Enemy."

Agorin says, "I have some hope that I will soon unravel its mysteries."

Agorin says, "I will let you know when I have solved this riddle."