As you approach the gossiper his face shines up and he opens his mouth, but you notice no words come out of it. Then all of a sudden they start pouring out like an endless stream.

"Rumours my lord! From the east! Strange evil people broke through the defense of Caras Galdon! They plunged deeply into the heart of the city, slaugthering elves wherever they roamed.

"The defenders of the city quickly scrambled to protect the city, and in particular, the most noble citizens of Celeborn's Tree. They arrived just in time to see how the intruders prepared to attack the tree. After a furious battle the evil blue clad people were driven back. Yet this was but the beginning.

"Suddenly a second breach was made and the intruders once more roamed through the city, making the ground red with elvish blood. As the defenders met the intruders this time, they were facing not only blue clad monks, but also the fierce corsairs. This time the battle was even more furious but the noble defenders again managed to drive the enemy out. However the casualties were reported to be great, with many elves laying badly wounded or dead. A eerie calm sensation fell upon the city. But the defenders would not be easily fooled. They know the intruders would come back.

"Night came, and a flickering blue flame was seen in the darkness outside the city. Blue clad monks chanting songs emerged out from the darkness accompanied by the corsairs. The defenders did not seem to be the least afraid. They thought they were superior. Seldom before had such a great force been patrolling the city.

"Yet the night seemed to bring more power to the monks. The chanting made even the bravest warrior uneasy and the strange blue mist was growing more and more intense. Then there was a flash and the attack begun. The defenders were brave but this time it was not enough. The monks and the corsairs screamed and berzerk'd through the defending lines side by side. The remaining defenders fled and were soon scattered.

"That night it is said that a strange blue fire lit the top sections of the great tree. When morning came the intruders were gone, but the decayed corpses of the elves were left."

The gossiper grins at you and seems to expect something from you. You quickly give him a few coins and thank him for the story, but he is already heading for the bar and doesn't seem to take any notice of you.