'I have been reading some of those books you brought me, ${PLAYER}, but I have to confess that this bench is not the most secluded of spots, and I have overheard a number of interesting conversations from this perch! It appears that the Elves have begun to mount an offensive on an evil stronghold in Mirkwood, and even now they begin to seize footholds on the other side of the river.

'Now, I am not keen on participating in any battles, but I do believe that it is my authorial responsibility to see the inside of Mirkwood if my book is to be complete. I spoke with an Elf named Calengoth at the docks, but he refused my request that I be allowed across the river! He said he would not be responsible for my safety. Can you believe that?

'Well, I have had a capital idea! If we can prove that I am not afraid of Orcs, Calengoth will have no choice but to recognize that I deserve to cross the river! I have heard that Orcs have invaded an area in the north-western reaches of the Golden Wood, and that an Elf named Faelleron needs help to combat them. Let us find him and volunteer to help!'

You have agreed to fight the Orcs in Fanuidhol, north-west of Lothlórien, for Faelleron.

Objectives

• Defeat Orcs or goblins in Fanuidhol (0/8)

Faelleron is south-east of Fanuidhol, on the border of Lothlórien.

You have defeated some of the Orcs that threaten the Golden Wood, and should now return to Faelleron.

Objectives

• Talk to Faelleron

Bingo is south-east of Fanuidhol, on the border of Lothlórien, with Faelleron.

You have defeated some of the Orcs that threaten the Golden Wood, and should now return to Bingo.

Objectives

• Talk to Bingo Boffin

Calengoth is at the docks of Lothlórien, west of Imlad Lalaith.

You have attained the permission to fight the enemies of Lothlórien for which Bingo hoped, and now he wants you to show it to Calengoth at the docks.

Objectives

Bingo has obtained permission to follow the Golden Host into Mirkwood. Now you should gain access to Mirkwood by completing 'Book 9, Foreword: The Dark Shore' by speaking to Calengoth at the docks in Lothlórien and completing his quest chain through 'Hilltop Assault.'

Objectives

• Gain access to Mirkwood by completing 'Book 9, Foreword: The Dark Shore' by speaking to Calengoth and completing his quest chain through 'Hilltop Assault.'

Bingo has arrived in Mirkwood, and he has naturally gone to the first tavern he could find: the Haunted Inn of the Dourstocks, west of Audaghaim.

Objectives

• Talk to Bingo Boffin

Bingo has asked you to find a number of locations near the Haunted Inn and look at them closely to help him learn about the area.

Objectives

Bingo is by the fire inside the Haunted Inn, in the Dourstocks.

Objectives

• Talk to Bingo Boffin