Facing The Path of Nightmares - Caethir - LOTRO FanFiction

Facing the Path of Nightmares - Caethir - LOTRO FanFiction

“Ugh, what a horrific night’s supposed sleep!” Reggie groaned forcing himself to sit, shivering as he did so.

Faeladar had been awake for a short while already, but the sense of dread threatening to make him vomit, had been plaguing him since he awoke.

“Can’t disagree with that. This wasn’t exactly my plan for this week.” he nodded.

Throughout the night, the howls of Barghests roaming the Barrow-Downs along with bodiless, terrifying cries had echoed through their camp. Faeladar had faced such creatures of course, but that had not made him immune to the horrors.

“I would be happier with Hana here, she’s seen off many more of these creatures than I”, the Dùnedan muttered.
“Which one?” Reggie asked
“Hmm?”
“Which Hana?” he clarified.
“Now there’s a question,” Faeladar mused.

As they fell silent they were aware of talking outside their tent.

“I hope they’re not at it again!” Reggie complained, “I can’t stand another day of their bickering. I thought Elves were supposed to be nice! Sorry, my Captain, I know your family is close to some Elves, but still…”

Faeladar laughed.

“It can be difficult for Men to understand the Elves have the full range of feelings. Including irritability. They are not without imperfections.”


A Surprising Unity

A short while later, the haggard pair exited their tent and shuffled towards the campfire. The welcoming scent of freshly-cooking meat began to awaken their senses.

“Morning friends,” Caethir pleasantly greeted, “I’d say good morning, but the only thing that’s good for you is breakfast!”
“Food cooked by anyone but me definitely makes this a good morning,” Reggie smiled.
“Hey, hey, hey now!” Faeladar jested, “I do sometimes make our wild meals!”

Herynglas, they noted, was unusually quiet and seemed more tired than the previous day.

“Did neither of you sleep?” Faeladar asked, frowning.
“There are more important things in life than sleep,” Herynglas quietly asserted.

Reggie was about to give an inappropriate observation when Caethir held up a hand.

“Faeladar, Reggie…I’d like you to meet my mother.” he said gesturing towards the lady.

Reggie’s mouth was still open, his joke lost on the air. He snapped his jaw shut, quite unable to process the revelation.

“My lady,” Faeladar bowed, “it is my pleasure to make your acquaintance, for the first time?” he asked

Herynglas nodded weakly.

“And you. I’m really sorry about yesterday.” she apologised, holding his gaze.
“There are more important things in life than holding onto yesterday’s hurts, my lady” the Dùnedan smiled, before kneeling by the fire and turning the spit of meat.
“Such as… breakfast!” Caethir laughed.


He reached for his knife and began to cut chunks of the wolf-meat, handing portions to each member of the company. He had managed to gather some large leaves before the Men had emerged, to ensure hands were not burned. Glancing across to Herynglas, he cut a larger portion and placed it in her hands.

“You must eat now, the only path we can take is the one forward.”

His mother hesitated before nodding and accepting the proffered meat.

“I’m more hungry than I realised. Thank you.”


An Encouraging Word

An hour later their camp was more-or-less tidied away. Caethir had retrieved some dirt and twigs to restore the patches of ground the Men had slept on. Some local treasure-hunters and historians were also very grateful to be allowed what remained of the wolf-carcass. The campsite was still very dark, despite dawn having broken, which seemed to unsettle a few of their number.

“We’re lucky to find wild berries to eat here,” one had explain forlornly, “My Pa used to say I should learn to hunt, but I hated weapons. Twenty years later I realised he had been correct.”


Caethir had placed an encouraging hand on his shoulder, “it’s not too late to learn. Visit the Hunting Lodge in Bree – they should be able to help. Not all wildlife is friendly, and the unfriendly sort make excellent meals!”

They all had packs loaded and even Herynglas had accepted a small satchel of provisions.

“How do you carry all that weight and still manage to reach your sword, Faeladar?” she asked.
“My lady,” he explained gently, “if we are traversing the Barrow-Downs, you will want to keep your weapon in your hand.”

The Path of Nightmares

At the mention of the Barrows, the small company fell silent and the laughter of the morning quickly faded away. As one, they turned to the opening in the trees, each willing desperately that another would take the first step. The discomfort was broken by the appearance of Herynglas’ black-and-red Eagle who landed on the path in front of them and stared inquisitively at each member of the Company.


She impatiently scratched the floor with her talons before lifting off and flying towards the Barrows.

The path of nightmares was just beginning and all four Company members knew a long and trying day lay ahead.

“We had best not keep Gwathruin waiting,” Herynglas grumbled.

So it was that the Elf-lady led the party into mists of the haunted Barrow-Downs.

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About the Author

Fibro Jedi
Fibro Jedi

I have been playing MMOs for about ten years and began writing guides to The Lord of the Rings Online in 2017. I've only been creating content about Final Fantasy XIV since 2022, but I am glad for the mix. My current games include LOTRO, FFXIV and the occasional Palia session too.

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