*>SAY mirkwood

A shadow crosses Beorn's face.

Beorn says 'Mirkwood Forest... a sinister, dangerous place. But that huge'

Beorn says 'forest was not always so gloomy. Long ago, it was green, lush,'

Beorn says 'and wholesome. But then the evil settled in Dol Guldur, near the'

Beorn says 'south-western corner, and ever since it has spread all over,'

Beorn says 'poisoning its very roots.'

Beorn speaks slowly, as if trying to control himself.

Beorn says 'Mirkwood lies outstretched hundreds of miles to the north and'

Beorn says 'south, a day's ride eastwards from here. There are a few paths'

Beorn says 'that cut through it. The main forest road lies to the south, but'

Beorn says 'it is overgrown and disused, and leads into impassable marshes,'

Beorn says 'and the goblins roam it. But to the north opens another,'

Beorn says 'little-known pathway.'

Beorn nods to himself, almost imperceptibly.

Beorn says 'If you are considering entering Mirkwood, this advice I give you:'

Beorn says 'you must not leave the path, no matter the circumstances. Also,'

Beorn says 'you should lade yourself with abundant food and water. Inside,'

Beorn says 'the only edible thing you will find are nuts, and only during the'

Beorn says 'season. The wild things there are dark, queer, and savage, and I'

Beorn says 'doubt the meat from the beasts there would be wholesome.'

Beorn frowns in disgust and grunts loudly.

Beorn says 'There is one stream there, black and strong, which crosses the'

Beorn says 'northern path. That you should neither drink, nor bathe in; for I'

Beorn says 'have heard that it carries enchantment and a great drowsiness and'

Beorn says 'forgetfulness.'

Beorn raises one of his thick eyebrows, as if recollecting something.

Beorn says 'Little help you will find inside that dreadful place. In the east'

Beorn says 'live elves, but you are not likely to see them unless they want'

Beorn says 'you to.'

Beorn shrugs, stroking his beard.

Beorn says 'Good luck if you have to enter that ominous forest.'

Beorn falls silent for a while.

Beorn says 'One day I was heading back to my house after a long chase of the'

Beorn says 'big wargs further north.'

Beorn says 'I decided to wander the edges of Mirkwood, still hoping after all'

Beorn says 'these years, to find some sign of the old Greenwood.'

Beorn says 'I had just passed the old path that leads east when I noticed'

Beorn says 'something strange in the woods.'

Beorn says 'There was a large portion of the forest south of the trail, just'

Beorn says 'out of easy reach from the Vale. When I travelled there I could'

Beorn says 'sense the forest shift and turn, I could feel it trying to guide'

Beorn says 'my steps further into the heart of the forest.'

Beorn says 'Since I was on my way home, I did not let this hinder me, but to'

Beorn says 'this day, I still wonder what foul evil lies in wait that could'

Beorn says 'twist the forest so easily after its own will.'

Beorn says 'So, remember! Stay on the path!'