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Hanasian

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Fog of Osgiliath
on: December 16, 2013 07:27

Khaloch looked with fire in his eyes at Merenor.

”What would you have done? This deception will not succeed for long.”

Merenor said as he turned to run. Khaloch had not the time to explain, for too much was happening in these few breaths. He leaned close to Lady Scarlett and as he pushed her to the side of the street into the edge of the crowd that was gathering around the dead soldier, he said to her,

”Miss Scar, pardon my deception and I hope you forgive me. If you wish to remain free and not go back to Minas Tirith with these soldiers, you need to flee now. Maybe Raegan and Freya will help you escape.”

He paused as he watched two of the elite soldiers run by in pursuit of Merenor. The commander and the tall soldier he had talked to had spotted him with his sword out and were running up quickly. He sheathed the sword as he looked into Lady Scarlett’s eyes and said,

”I need to delay these men as I did once before. It is likely I will not see you again here. But I will see you again one day. Now Run!”

He turned and stepped back into the street and hoped there were enough people to shroud Lady Scarlett’s movement. He went forward a couple steps as the tall soldier grabbed him. The commander stepped up to him and said,

”So you did know where our commander’s daughter was!”

“No sir, I did not.”

Khaloch said. The commander spat on the ground and said,

“I think you have misled us since we sent word to Minas Tirith to stop the boats and search for Commander Seth’s daughter there. Yet she is here.”

Khaloch tried to shake his arm loose, but he was held tight. Khaloch said,

“No, she is no longer. Did you not hear what I said?”

The commander said immediately,

”Yet the man who was seen killing this soldier ran off alone. You we have, and you know more than what you say. You will come with us.’

The tall soldier wasted no time in shackling Khaloch’s wrists, and as he began to turn Khaloch around to lead him back toward the bridge, The commander looked over the crowd of people. A squad of the City Guard had marched up from the side street, and seeing the dead man, two went to attend to him while the others started dispersing the crowd. Six of the meaner-looking ones ran down the street that Merenor was last seen running down.

Looking briefly back, Khaloch thought he saw a flicker of green eyes shrouded by a cloak-hood before they turned and retreated into the crowd. May Lady Scarlett be well, until they met again one day. For Khaloch, he was now a prisoner of Gondor…

[Edited on 12/17/2013 by Arveleg]

Eighth King of Arthedain - It was in battle that I come into this Kingship, and it will be in Battle when I leave it. There is no peace for the Realm of Arnor. Read the last stand of Arthedain in the Darkest of Days.

findemaxam48

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on: December 17, 2013 02:16

Raegan appriciated the help of the other girl, but then saw soldiers swarming around Khaloch. All she heard from him were his words to Scar:
”I need to delay these men as I did once before. It is likely I will not see you again here. But I will see you again one day. Now Run!”

Raegan seized the girl who had run into her by the arm, and then she ran to Scar and Freya. "Hurry up!" She hissed at the two of them. Raegan grabbed Scar's hand, just like Scar had done to her when Raegan was in trouble at the tavern. "Over here!"

We were one in the same, running like moths to the flame. You'd hang on every word I'd say, but now they only ricochet.

Eldarion

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on: December 18, 2013 12:41

A slight adjustment of the linen sailcloth caught the wind at a perfect angle to send the fishing yawl gently alongside a heavily weathered pier. The man aboard it leaned out over the edge and wrapped a thick hemp rope around one of the wooden posts before expertly knotting it through an iron loop fixed to the rail. Only the soft sloshing of water and the sounds of distant revelry could be heard from the town of Osgiliath as he gathered a small satchel and slung it over his shoulder. The sky was a dark meld of purple and amber, casting just enough light to allow the newly arrived fisherman to see without a lantern.

"A few coins to spare?" came a gravelly voice from the dark. The man's sea-grey hues soon found a rag-clad figure nestled alongside an unattended whiskey barrel.

"Not a one," he replied as his stomach growled. It had been an unfruitful day on the river; over fishing had become quite an issue as of late. Small, one man operations such as his own were hardly able to keep pace with the large teams of men who had established themselves long before, during the rebuilding of the city. "Good luck to you." A curt nod of his head was all he had spared.

In actuality, a few coins had rested at the bottom of his satchel, just hardly enough to purchase a room for the evening. Going back to Ithilien was out of the question until some profit had been made. Assur had no intention of returning empty handed which left but more fishing on the morrow.

His worn leather boots carried him down the narrow path that ran behind partially restored residential units, a series of post-mounted lanterns lighting the way. The sounds of taverns began to draw closer along with several loud, distraught cries. Assur found himself undeniably curious as he skipped down a few adjacent alleyways and into a wide cobblestone lane where a crowd had gathered. Armored guardsmen, an upgrade from the usual lightly armored patrolmen, were attempting to disperse the townsfolk as a pair of elite soldiers apprehended a man and forced him away. Assur found the source of distress: the body of a slain guardsman slumped against a stone wall opposite himself.

"A right shame," lamented a few citizens at his flank as they mumbled and grumbled back to their haunts. Assur acknowledged none of them as his steely hues found a group of ladies, two of them appearing to be relatively young, huddled in an alcove just off to the side near an alleyway. They seemed rather shaken, unlike most of the relatively indifferent townsfolk. He approached them cautiously.

"What has happened here?" Assur inquired gently with a gesture towards the rapidly thinning crowd and the handful of town lawmen searching through them for, unbeknownst to him, the red-haired woman before him.

wolfbladequeen

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on: December 18, 2013 06:48

Raegan was leading them away, and she had taken Scar's hand, so this time Fay took her other hand, so as not to be left behind. At first she only lightly placed her hand next to hers, but then Raegan smiled, and she tightened her grip.

She hoped that they were going to somewhere quieter and less busy. Somewhere safer, with no soldiers searching the streets. She also hoped there would only be the four of them, her, Scar, Raegan, and the stranger Khaloch. But the woman who had knocked Raegan over had seen the murder, and should probably come with them so it could be accertained that she would not inform the soldiers of their whereabouts. Also, she deserved to be told the reasons behind it.
As do I, Fay thought. She knew more than the woman, but still hardly anything.

"Will you come? Or can you train yourself to forget? This is not a thing which should be remembered by those not involved. Does your curiosity outweigh your fear?" she asked.

If anyone had happened to look out of a window on the east side of the palace, they might have noticed two figures in the darkness, dancing in a square bordered by living plants, out of time with the dancers inside but perfectly in time with each other.

HuldahMaria

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on: December 18, 2013 07:20

Aliyah followed Raegan without much thought. She was in trouble for having been there and she knew it. It would have been easier to disappear by herself, but at this time of night, she did not want to be alone on the streets. Another man approached them and she tensed, could this one be trusted?

"Will you come? Or can you train yourself to forget? This is not a thing which should be remembered by those not involved. Does your curiosity outweigh your fear?"

Train herself to forget? She could not do this, nor would she likely ever see strangers the same way again. She had been so abruptly shown that violent men can be anywhere and are capable of doing anything to anyone. She would stay, perhaps there was some safety in numbers.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

And I will live to carry Your compassion, to love a world that's broken, to be Your hands and feet, and I will give with the life that I've been given, and go beyond religion to see the world be changed by the power of Your name. ~Lincoln Brewster

Ella

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on: December 18, 2013 08:11

”Miss Scar, pardon my deception and I hope you forgive me. If you wish to remain free and not go back to Minas Tirith with these soldiers, you need to flee now. Maybe Raegan and Freya will help you escape.”

Scarlett was still crying and tried to hold his hand. It would be almost impossible for him to escape if he would be arrested. It was too late for her to undo her mistakes and to take back Khaloch. Yet, she didn’t want to let him go.

“Please, come with me.” She stopped and quickly whispered “Wait for the twilight to escape. There is a man, a tall, dark haired with a weak presence that will not notice you. Then, do not go throw the stairs. Go on the great corridor that will lead you to the entrance of the Palantir. There, turn right, and you will be free. Wait for the night to run to the gates. However, you should wait, at least, one week to try. There is no way you cannot escape.”

”I need to delay these men as I did once before. It is likely I will not see you again here. But I will see you again one day. Now Run!”

There was no way to turn the events back, so she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him lightly on his cheek. Looking at his eyes she said “I am waiting for you return.”

Then, everything happened too fast. Raegan took her hand and began to run. Freya and the other woman were following them. With the crowd movement, she dropped the letter she had written before. They stopped when the woman was asked if she wanted to go with them. She looked behind, looking at Khaloch getting arrested. Please, return. She thought. As the woman asked where they were going, Scar answered.

“Away.”

Suddenly, a man, who looked like a poor fisherman, appeared, asking what happened. Scar found her chance for freedom. She looked for a small bag with some silver coins.

“I have no time to explain you, sir. Yet, if you have a boat, I can give you this, and I will tell you everything in our way to the north.”

Scar handed him the bag. It wasn’t the only coins she had, yet it would look like he was going to accept.

findemaxam48

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on: December 18, 2013 01:52

“I have no time to explain you, sir. Yet, if you have a boat, I can give you this, and I will tell you everything in our way to the north.”

Raegan stared darkly at the new stranger, who accepted the coins that Scar held out. She had a distrust of strangers regardless- most people, in fact. she felt as if she knew Freya from watching her over the years. And Scar and Khaloch had helped her in the inn. It was such a short time ago that she recived that injury, but it was all too recent. And now, Khaloch, in the hands of the Gondorian guard...how could they arrest a soldier of their own? And Merenor...how easily his blade had slipped into that man. How rapidly his ghost began to wander. It followed them now, eager to haunt the last living people he had seen. Ghost Guard.

This new man weighed the pouch in hs hand and seemed to like the weight. Without a further word, he turned and let them to the harbor.

We were one in the same, running like moths to the flame. You'd hang on every word I'd say, but now they only ricochet.

Eldarion

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on: December 18, 2013 08:37

A small sum was produced by the most likely of the group to even possess coin, judging by her garb. Assur eyed the woman cautiously as she held out the silver filled leather pouch. It was no paltry sum for a starved sailor and it would provide an honest task. 'Or dishonest' he mused with a short glance to the guardsmen attending one of their fallen. A strange coincidence?

"You'll have my services for the same amount given upon destination," Assur had quickly negotiated as he pocketed the offered sum. "Follow." He surveyed the scene one last time before slipping back into the shadows of the alleyway with his new passengers in tow. It made for a short walk seeing as they were quite clearly in a hurry. A sentiment he also shared seeing as whatever they had been a part of, he was now an accessory too.

"There is another addition to our party, one I had not intended

The sun had dipped entirely below the horizon as the group came upon Assur's fishing yawl. Although no corsair, the vessel was ample for five of them to travel comfortably, perhaps even with an addition or two. "Make yourselves at ease below," he instructed with a brief gesture to the cabin. With practiced ease he loosed the rope anchoring them to the pier and rolled it neatly around the railing running the perimeter of the vessel. The soft current of the Anduin had already caught them, tugging them gently downriver.

As the forward sail was being unfurled Assur noticed an odd character coming into the glow of a lantern. An elf of hair as dark as the night which had enveloped her. It was unusual to see many elves in Osgiliath. They seemed to rarely roam far from Ithilien where many, including himself, lived in the splendor of their work. "Miss, if you are looking for passage you must be quick! We go South...now!" Assur had shouted, quite amused as the boat had slowly begun to slip away from the pier.

[Edited on 12/19/2013 by Eldarion]

[Edited on 12/19/2013 by Eldarion]

Ithilwen Tindomerel

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on: December 18, 2013 09:07

A cool breeze swept into the harbor, filling the white sails of the many boats moored there. Gulls flew to and fro, calling to one another in plaintive voices. Everywhere, there was the sound of hurrying feet, conversation, and turning wheels along the road which ran along the river. The harbors teemed with activity even at night, with fishermen pulling in their fresh catch to be sold in market the next morning and merchant ships docking at various wharves along the river.

The fresh wind ruffled the unruly black locks of a slender figure cloaked in the grey of Lórien, standing in a pool of lantern-light beside an inn. Giving an exasperated sigh, it brought a fair-skinned hand up to push the hood back, revealing the grey eyes and distinctive features of Elf-kind. The elleth shook her head slightly and her thick hair tumbled over one shoulder. She pulled out a worn parchment from a doeskin satchel slung at her side, perusing it carefully. The whole of Ennor stretched out on the map before her, and she marveled at the tiny dot indicating her current location, the prosperous trading city of Osgiliath. Tracing a finger toward Minas Tirith, she wondered where the next few years would lead her.

While her mother’s sister Míriel had recently extended her an invitation to stay in Minas Tirith and further her studies, she had already visited the city once, on the occasion of King Elessar’s coronation. Though awed by its magnificence and reserves of well-preserved manuscripts, she had already seen as much as she wished of the documents, and the massive stone buildings were too cloying of an atmosphere to one used to the serene woods and greenswards of Lórien. Her parents seemed to share these sentiments, as they were currently staying in Ithilien, now ruled by Prince Legolas of the Woodland Realm.

Yet more and more of her people were passing to the West, leaving the shores of Ennor forever. Her heart panged as she thought of her parents, who had long desired to sail West over sea. They wished for her to go with them, and were presently discussing the formation of a travel party with some of their kin in Ithilien. But she had firmly declined, citing the preservation of her father’s manuscripts and works in favor of her staying behind. Her father had been a renowned lore-master and scholar in the court of Lord Elrond, earning the name Celebtegil “Silver-pen” from his kin and colleagues. After the Great War, he had resigned his post in Imladris to live with his wife and her kin in Ithilien. Tracing a slender finger over the vast regions to the north and west of Osgiliath, she wondered at the various peoples and languages spoken there. Surely there was so much to explore in the world, so much more to learn and experience, before she must pass beyond the circles of Arda. And there was her father’s work, a tome of history currently gathering dust in the archives of Imladris. She now had her own notes to add to it, and hoped to gather more on the peoples of Ennor in her travels. But where to? She had come to Osgiliath since it was a hub of trade, and one could travel almost in any direction from there. At this point, she only desired to go further from this city and out to seek adventure and knowledge in the outside world.

A rough shout from the harbor roused her from her reverie.

"Miss, if you are looking for passage you must be quick! We go South...now!"

A sailor, hailing from Dol Amroth by the look of his garb and complexion, was casting off his boat from the pier. Already it was beginning to slip away from its moorings. Making up her mind, the elleth sprang with light step off the pier and onto the retreating boat.

“Thank you, kind sir, for your offer. What sum do you demand for my passage?” She reached for her satchel, thanking the Valar that she had more than enough silver for her travels.

~~ Translations/ Notes on Language ~~
Míriel - Quenya 'jewel-daughter', mother of Fëanor
Ennor - Sindarin name for Middle-earth

[Edited on 12/19/2013 by Ithilwen Tindomerel]

[Edited on 12/19/2013 by Ithilwen Tindomerel]

[Edited on 12/22/2013 by Ithilwen Tindomerel]

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Ithilwen Tindomerel

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on: December 18, 2013 11:41

(Sorry, I accidentally posted an OOC comment here. It has been moved)

[Edited on 12/19/2013 by Ithilwen Tindomerel]

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Hanasian

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on: December 19, 2013 06:22

(OOC: I hate it when that happens. Been guilty of that myself too many times)

The two soldiers that escorted Khaloch were the two he had talked to in the street… the snide one, and the sympathetic tall one. But now they did not speak a word to him. The snide one took pleasure in knocking him in the head a couple times with his shield when he tried to talk to them. It only took twice for Khaloch to decide to keep his mouth shut. Instead Khaloch tried to think of how he would get himself out of this. His head was somewhat foggy, and his mind turned to the feel of the velvet touch of Lady Scarlett’s lips on his left cheekbone. Just below his eye, above the rough stubble that had grown out of his face about as long as his hair… black and thick. He also could hear her voice and her words… most of them anyway.

”I am waiting for your return”

She said. She wanted him to run with her, but that would only have led to capture of Lady Scarlett, and most likely Raegan and Freya just for being in her presence. Yes, going straight to the soldiers was the right move, as it likely gave her time to get away. Khaloch would be alright, even if whatever crime they brought against him would require him to serve another contract.

There had only a few of the elite soldiers from Minas Tirith that he had seen in the city. Five of them. The rest of the soldiers he had seen were the local Osgiliath City Guard, and they seemed more interested in finding the one who killed one of their comrades. Yet the man who was slain had recognised Lady Scarlett. He must have served in Minas Tirith at some time and had seen her at one time. It was something for Khaloch to consider as they trudged through the streets of West Osgiliath.

His mind considered the day, his first in the heart of the Kingdom of Minas Tirith. His path came across Lady Scarlett by chance in a tavern by the markets near the well in the noonday heat of this late summer day. In the humidity of the night, they had parted in a chaotic scene where a soldier of Minas Tirith was murdered. She was high born, and had made a break to free herself from the stifled protocol and routine of her noble life. Khaloch knew he had no right talking to her, even if she and her father, Commander Seth of Minas Tirith, were to review the Ninth Gondorian Southern Guard with he in his finest dress attire lined up for inspection. That would have been the best he could have hoped for in fact. How would an impressed soldier, a contracted mercenary, and now due to his service, a citizen of Gondor, ever meet a woman such as Lady Scarlett? He was a simple mixed-heritage boy born to a serving girl in Pelargir who did not know who his father was. She was a highborn daughter of a prominent commander of Minas Tirith. It was by chance their paths crossed this day, and it would be best if he just forgot about her. But he knew he wouldn’t. nor could he, even if he wanted to. He could see her bright emerald eyes, feel her caring hand in his, her soft lips touching his cheek, hear the sound of her voice in his ear. A gentle soul she had… caring, a heart of a healer. How would this day in the world outside her sheltered life in Minas Tirith affect her? The stabbing of the soldier in front of her may have been the first man she ever saw killed. He thought back to when he saw the first man killed in front of him. He was nine. But the age does not matter, for it is something one does not merely forget. They may bury it, but it will never be forgotten. How would this day affect Lady Scarlett? He could not know. At their parting, what was her string of words she whispered hurriedly in his ear? It was so noisy and he did not hear clearly…

…twilight…dark-haired man… stairs… corridor… turn right… wait weeks… run through the gates… you cannot escape…

… what’s a palantir he asked himself. He would have to ponder her last words to him and work out the puzzle. Meanwhile, he cherished the touch on his left cheek.

It was dusk and early evening when the trouble started outside the inn. It was well near midnight when they reached the soldier’s encampment outside the city gates. He was taken directly to a lavish tent and made to stand outside. The commander stepped in and in a low voice said,

’Sir, we have found one …. think he knows … whereabouts.. ninth…”

Khaloch couldn’t make out all the words. They then started talking in a high language he didn’t understand. When the commander came out, he had the tall soldier unlock the shackles. He said,

”It seems our Commander wants to talk to you.”

He escorted Khaloch in and gave a bow. Khaloch considered this ever so briefly before he too bowed. The High Commander stood and gave a slight bow of acknowledgement. He said to Khaloch,

”I am Commander Tallis of Minas Tirith, second to High Commander Seth. My commander here says you have seen Commander Seth’s daughter?”

"Who would that be, sir?”

Khaloch replied, standing at parade rest and using his best Gondorian military protocol. Commander Tallis smirked, able to read Khaloch’s deflection. He looked at a parchment he had in his hand. He then said,

”Let’s not kid ourselves. You would know if you have seen her.”

“So I was told before.”

Khaloch snapped back. Commander Tallis ignored him and went on,

”So you are Khaloch of the Ninth?”

‘Formerly, of the Ninth.”

Khaloch added, correcting the Commander. Again, Tallis ignored him. He looked up and leaned over, looking Khaloch hard in the eyes, saying,

”I too served in the Ninth. Commander Raiben is quite the able officer even if he drinks too much. There is no better man to have commanded the southern reach.”

“I would agree with you sir.... that he is the finest field commander. He drank just enough to keep his edge.”

Khaloch replied, remaining steady. Tallin looked again at the parchment. He said,

”You know Commander Raiben is presently in Minas Tirith?”

Khaloch hesitated, then said,

”No sir. I did not know that.”

Commander Tallin walked around his table and stood in front of Khaloch, and after several moments of uncomfortable silence, he said,

”I know you have met Lady Scarlett. Some of my men have seen her in the shadows. Yet when they go to look for her, she is nowhere to be found. Is it by chance you have aided her in whatever sense of adventure she has considered?”

He paused, watching Khaloch’s reaction. There was none visible outwardly, but inside he was again trying to hear her words. Khaloch finally said,

"I know not what you mean, sir. If talking to someone over a drink at a tavern about the west and the north and the south is aiding someone, then I would plead guilty. But last I heard, King Elessar has not ruled that one cannot do this...."

Commander Tallin just shook his head and went on,

”I had said to Commander Seth that if they didn’t loosen their hold on the young woman, that something like this would happen. But being merely the second and not of the high family, I was politely told to not concern myself with family matters. Now I'm here with twenty men searching for a runaway daughter.”

Khaloch still held his military protocol stance, and said,

”If Commander Seth’s daughter meant so much to him, why is it he sends his second and does not come himself?”

“And I will say to you, Sergeant, that you need not concern yourself with his family matters.”

Commander Tallin snapped back. But Khaloch could see in his face that he had the same thought. The commander set the parchment down on his table and turned and said,

”You will be escorted to Minas Tirith. Commander Raiben, among others, want to see and talk to you. Now your choice is this. You can come freely, or in chains.”

“Can I walk away from here freely and not go?”

Khaloch asked knowing the answer already. Commander didn’t say a word, but shook his head to the side. Khaloch then said,

”Then you must take me in chains since it is not where I choose freely to go.”

“Very well then. We depart at dawn.”

Commander Tallin said, and in a moment, the tall soldier had stepped in and shackled Khaloch and led him out.

Despite being chained in a sitting position to a buried spear, Khaloch slept hard. He was too used to hardship, and the need for sleep in the worst of times had taught him to adapt. It was barely daylight when he was roused. They would set out early for this day promised to be as hot as the day before.

[Edited on 12/19/2013 by Arveleg]

HuldahMaria

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on: December 19, 2013 07:59

Aliyah climbed in the boat with the others. She was nervous and somewhat confused. Everything had turned upside down since this morning, when she set out once again to look for work. Now she was fleeing the city with people she didn't know, from what she was not altogether certain, and going she had no idea where. She thought of home for a moment, but was it really home? Her father did not care about her anymore or he would have provided something for her to meet her basic needs. It was his fault after all that she had lost her possition and could not earn her own bread. No, this was not really home anymore. She wondered if there would be better opportunities where they were going, someone willing to give her a chance.

At least Lady Scarlett had some money and seemed quite willing to pay for everyone's passage. Aliyah hoped she would not expect repayment anytime soon. She didn't have even a penny to contribute to this or their food and she didn't even know these people. Would they really care about her enough to help her? or just leave her stranded when they no longer wanted her? She found her way to a corner and sat down out of everyone's way. She needed to find out what was going on, but she was afraid she might cause more trouble for herself if she said the wrong thing.

Ithilwen Tindomerel

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on: December 19, 2013 10:14

Once she had paid the captain, the elleth turned to survey the rest of the boat. Four other passengers were gathered on the other side of the fishing-boat’s deck. Her gaze strayed to the passenger closest to her, a petite brown-haired woman, likely of the working class judging by her clothes and habit. Beside this woman stood a girl with wild blonde hair and piercing grey eyes, with a kind and thoughtful face which deserved better than to be dressed in the rags she wore. Interesting - were they fleeing some common threat together, or merely strangers thrown together by chance? Circumstances certainly pointed to the former, but only further investigation would reveal the truth.

Standing by the prow of the skiff was a regal woman with striking auburn tresses peeking out from beneath her hood. She seemed to be of noble descent, and if the patterns on her clothing were anything to go by, hailed from Minas Tirith. A waif-thin girl, with hair of flame like the noble woman, clung to her hand as if for support. Her appearance roused a memory in the elleth’s mind - of a hale young prince holding a chubby child with flaming hair. Perhaps this was not a coincidence - yet many years of Men had passed since she was in Minas Tirith, though to her they seemed as the blink of an eye. Turning from her thoughts, she saw that the shortest member of the company was looking unsettledly around, as if she did not quite know what to do. Approaching the girl, the elleth extended a hand towards her.

“Well met, fellow traveler,” she said in Common Speech, “I am Morfinniel of Ithillien, formerly of Lórien. Would you mind telling me where you are travelling? I have joined rather at the last minute, and am afraid I am the least informed member of your company here.” She smiled wryly at the girl, grey eyes sparkling.

~~ Notes ~~
Morfinniel - Sindarin for 'dark-haired daughter' is Ithilwen's preferred name when traveling, as it does not give away much of her identity.

[Edited on 12/19/2013 by Ithilwen Tindomerel]

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Ella

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on: December 19, 2013 11:00

The images of Khaloch being arrested seemed too close in her memory. She truly wanted he was there with them. In her arms there was still the touch of his chest and in her lips his cheek. Scarlett was sad and hoped he could escape from the prison. Maybe when they stopped near Minas Tirith, he could be there. She sighed.

The night was dark as a tall dark haired woman stopped near the boat few time after they entered it. She was not a human for sure and her appearance seemed familiar to her, strangely familiar. Scarlett looked at Reagan and smiled grabbing her hand. She was lost and she was afraid, even if she wasn’t showing in her expression.

As the new traveler spoke, Scar remembered hearing about that name. She tried not to make eye contact with her and said.

“I am Scar. We are travelling South. Maybe we should stop near Minas Tirith before continuing.”

Her voice was clearly wary. She stopped talking as she thought. Passing near the White City could be dangerous to her. By now, they all knew she was Captain Seth’s daughter, except the noble elf. She mustn’t discover that until they were far from her home.

Ithilwen Tindomerel

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on: December 19, 2013 12:07

"Greetings, Scar. I have indeed been planning to travel to Minas Tirith, so it is indeed fortunate that we are traveling there."

Morfinniel brushed away a stray lock of hair from her face and peered closely at the face of the young noblewoman who had just addressed her. Surely there was more than a casual resemblance in the curve of her lips, and the deep green of her eyes. The same features had adorned the face of her friend, the Lady Stella, but that was decades ago in the reckoning of Men. Perhaps this young woman was family? Nonetheless, Morfinniel resolved not to probe further for information, as Scar seemed wary of strangers and distrust glinted in her emerald eyes. Yet there was also pain, the sorrowful remembrance of a recent loss, written plainly on her countenance.

Reaching for the small harp slung over her shoulder, the elleth turned and cast a quiet smile towards Scar. Her eyes glinted with understanding - she knew what it was to be sundered from a loved one, or to lose a dear friend. Had her father not been away in Imladris ever since she was a child? In truth, she had only seen him infrequently while she lived in Lórien, and only when the War of the Ring ended was he reunited with her.

"Fellow travelers, it seems a long night before we reach Minas Tirith. I trust some music will sweeten the long hours of our travel?" So saying, she took out a harp, inlaid with silver and wood of mallorn, sturdily but deftly carved. As her fingers played over the strings, a gentle strain began to sound forth, pleading and sincere. After a few moments, she gazed up at the starry sky and began to sing in the grey-Elven tongue. Though the words were foreign to her listeners, their singer knew they would be understood, for the words of Elven song fashion themselves into whatever manner the listener understands. Thus it was that each of the travelers heard this song, each in his or her own tongue:

O Elbereth, unfolding now a mantle dark and deep
Enrobing fields of June in slumber still,
Come bring the summer's rest to every hill
As June's evening is clothed with velvet darkness and with sleep.

Bring forth thy choicest jewels, each a peerless, fiery gem.
Though in the West the sunlight quickly fades,
The East sparkles in myriad shades
Of stars opening like jeweled flowers upon a diadem.

Fair Star-Kindler! May this be first of many more
Evenings of purest, breathless wonderment
Where each new starry thrill from thee is sent -
Bright largesse strewn from thy own hand's lavish and jeweled store.

[Edited on 12/19/2013 by Ithilwen Tindomerel]

[Edited on 12/19/2013 by Ithilwen Tindomerel]

~ Member Of the Realm of Varda ~

wolfbladequeen

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on: December 19, 2013 12:47

Fay stared at the newest member of the party. An elf! She longed to ask her questions of the world beyond Osgiliath, but did not want to appear impolite. Surely this stranger would not trouble herself with a young peasant like her, anyway.

They were far too many on the boat for her liking. Would they all travel together, or would the elf and perhaps the woman whose name she did not know disembark elsewhere?

The elf began to play on a harp, and sing. It was a beautiful song, but it also seemed to be sad and full of longing. It seemed to echo her heart. Beautiful music always seemed like this to her... or maybe it was that her heart began to echo the music.

Fay went over to the young woman whose name she did not know. She seemed nervous.

"Greetings. My name is Freya. And what name might be bestowed upon yourself? It must be a very beautiful name, to be worthy to adorn someone with such kindness in her face."

Fay only wished to make her feel more at ease, but the woman drew back nervously.

Ithilwen Tindomerel

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on: December 19, 2013 01:01

Still wrapped in the fading chords of the song, the elleth drew back with a start when she sensed a presence near her. Looking up from her harp, she beheld the young woman with wild, golden hair from before. Standing to her feet, she gently cradled the harp in her hands and turned to address the girl before her.

"Many thanks for your golden words, mellon. Yet my name is no more remarkable than yours, in truth. For I am called Morfinniel, which in the tongue of my people is 'daughter of dark tresses.' But you can see that these tresses only manage to give me trouble - Ai! I have never met any of the Eldar with hair as stubborn as mine," she said as a grin spread over her face.

Setting down the harp, she shook her hair free of its bindings and began carding through it with a wooden brush procured from her satchel. The thick locks had tangled somewhat, and combined with the humidity of the evening, had begun to curl. She saw that the flaxen-haired girl was regarding her with interest and continued,

"It is a pleasure to meet one so kind as yourself, Freya. Are you also bound for the White City as I am?"

~ Member Of the Realm of Varda ~

findemaxam48

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on: December 19, 2013 02:04

"It is a pleasure to meet one so kind as yourself, Freya. Are you also bound for the White City as I am?"

Raegan thought that this Elf asked too many questions. She had never seen an elf before, though, and was curious herself. But, she restrained her voice, instead smiling up at Scar, who gripped her hand. Raegan was unsure of why. At first she thought that Scar held her so tightly because Raegan was scared, but now she knew that Scar was terrified. And rightly so. A man had just been murdered before their eyes, Khaloch had been captured, and now they sat in a boat with three strangers: a small, quiet girl, the shiphand, and a singing Elf. Joy.

Raegan, though, felt compassion for the smaller girl. She saw herself in that position, quiet and afraid. Well, she was beginning to loose the quiet, and the afraid was leaving, too. "Hello," She said cautiously. "My name is Raegan. I saw you with that man Merenor. Where did you come from?"

We were one in the same, running like moths to the flame. You'd hang on every word I'd say, but now they only ricochet.

HuldahMaria

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on: December 19, 2013 04:03

Aliyah was surprised by the elf's greeting. "I do not know where we are going". She answered. And the elf moved on to enquire of another. Lady Scarlett answered, and this was welcomed knowledge for Aliyah. Minas Tirith was a large city, perhaps she would have better luck there. At least she would not be known, would be able to get away from stain of her fathers reputation.

The elf began singing a beautiful song that calmed her. Here was someone who could make the best of any situation. Aliyah hoped to learn to do the same. The elf was interrupted by Freya. Aliyah watched them both closely but discreetly as they conversed, tucking away bits of what they said. The elf seemed very open, she was more or less comfortable with their situation it seemed.

The other girl who followed Lady Scarlet so closely came and introduced herself.
"Hello," She said cautiously. "My name is Raegan. I saw you with that man Merenor. Where did you come from?"

"My name is Aliyah" she answered. I come from Osgiliath, from the other side of town. I do not know Merenor, or anyone else here. I have nothing with me, not even a few coins. I hope Lady Scarlett does not expect repayment soon," she said with a sinking feeling. It would be just her luck to find herself owing a some that would take her weeks to earn, after found a job in the first place.

Eldarion

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on: December 19, 2013 06:15

Rather unexpectedly, the she-elf had taken his offer in stride, with an elegant hop from the pier to his departing vessel. She reached carefully into her satchel to produce a sum of coin for her trip, but he quickly shook his head. "Your payment is not needed," Assur had reassured the raven-haired elleth. "The fare has been secured and more by one of my passengers already. They are below." He gestured towards the cabin before resuming his duties to ensure their smooth sailing.

The foremost sail was properly adjusted and the mizzen sail angled so as to catch the breeze at just the angle to pull them gently downstream at a pace faster than the current alone allowed. Osgiliath sank behind them, the long leagues of Pelennor stretching out before them to meet the foot of the White Mountains. A beautiful sight to behold in the pale starlight.

Assur checked their course once more before descending to the cabin where the others were being serenaded by their elven passenger. A beautiful ballad that brought memories of his days hunting in Anorien flooding back. A strange sensation of melancholy and nostalgia overtook him, though quickly shaken; he rarely enjoyed recalling his past. The last few notes of her harp rang out softly and seemed to resonate through oaken hull of the boat and into the deep waters of the Anduin, just as they reverberated through Assur and left him quite eager for more. The elleth had stowed the harp, however, and Assur made no request for more. He simply returned to the deck to resume his watch as his charges mingled, packing his worn pipe with a healthy pinch of tobacco for smoking and star gazing.

[Edited on 12/20/2013 by Eldarion]

[Edited on 12/20/2013 by Eldarion]

wolfbladequeen

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on: December 20, 2013 05:20

Morfinniel. A beautiful name, although the elf did not seem to think so. And her hair may have been troublesome, but at least she had the time to trouble with it. Fay only owned a small, broken brush, and this she used rarely.

"Are you also bound for the White City as I am?"

"I do not know my destination. Indeed, I should be at work now, though I doubt they will miss me much. I know little of the people with whom I travel, yet it is for them that I am here. But I am not sorry for the chance to see places I have only ever heard of, and experience an adventure, such as this journey may be."

findemaxam48

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on: December 20, 2013 09:24

"Hello, Aliyah," Raegan said softly to the girl. She smiled. "Im glad you have joined us. She turned to the Elf, and said, "We may be bound for the White City. So as long as it offers safety.

Raegan looked out at the night. It was beautiful. She was so glad to have embarked on this journey. She was just about to say so out loud when she saw a ghost wielding a deadly looking sword cross her line of vision.

"Look out!" She screamed.

We were one in the same, running like moths to the flame. You'd hang on every word I'd say, but now they only ricochet.

HuldahMaria

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on: December 20, 2013 10:42

Aliyah looked where Raegan was looking when she shouted. She was startled, but saw nothing. What was out there? She looked at Raegan closely, something was a bit odd about her.

"What is it?" She whispered to Raegan while crouching as tightly as she could in the corner, just in case. She looked at the others to see what their reactions were.

wolfbladequeen

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on: December 20, 2013 10:57

Fay tensed when she heard the scream. She whirled around, then saw that is was Raegan who had cried out. She could not see what has caused the disturbance. It might have been one of Raegan's ghosts, but it might not have, and that was not a risk she could afford to take.

She had no weapon, so she grabbed a length of rope lying on the deck. It was heavy, and she almost stumbled. She thought she might use it to tie up a soy, or distract a wild beast, or if the boat was damaged, to help secure it. She stood there, waiting to see what everyone else would do. Their courses of action were likely to be far more practical and experienced than hers. The short woman, however, was hiding herself in a corner. Somehow, this reassured Fay, because she did not feel so helpless, and she knew she was not the only one to be alarmed, and more than a bit afraid.

Hanasian

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on: December 20, 2013 04:14

The ride to Minas Tirith seemed longer than it really was. Maybe it was because the wagon he was in seemed to find every rut along the way, jarring him around with each bump. Khaloch was just happy they had left so early. The day was already starting to warm. It would be another hot one for this far north. Unable to see anything, he listened. and what he heard was a lot of coughing. He was sure he heard one of the men puke. Something was mumbled about the man seeing the physician when they got to Minas Tirith. Khaloch shrugged it off. So far, he hadn't felt ill, not like he did when he got sick in the far south. But he could tell he was battling something. If this were what they had dealt with in the south a few years ago, it would go ill for Gondor. Maybe if the old man at the Osgiliath market was right and this coming winter was far colder than any in recent years, it would check this disease. But then, it may only make it worse.

It was mid-morning when the wagon came to rest. The sound had changed once they had entered the gates of the White City. Khaloch sat patiently and waited for the wagon to stop. When the canvas was rolled up, he blinked at the morning sun. The tall soldier pulled him out of the wagon. It was good to stand again. He looked about at the tall city walls and noted the levels. This first level near the gate had the White Tree Inn. Khaloch made note of that, for should he get a chance, he'd have a beer there before he left.

His observations were interrupted when the tall soldier said to him as he held the chain of his shackles,

”Come, we go to the House of Healing.”

Khaloch nodded and he followed the soldier a pace behind. Why would they go to the House of Healing? Khaloch was not in any position to ask these questions. He just followed along.

Arriving there, Khaloch looked about. There were many sick people there. It had the early sign of the epidemic that he had witnessed and was a part of in the far reaches of Gondor near the estuary of Ormel. The swamps, the bugs, the silence. It was what death sounded like to Khaloch. Bzzzzz…. The silence broken by the sound of flies and mosquitos. It was that way before sudden battle swept around you there. The sound of steel and cries of anger and pain, only to end suddenly, the air reclaimed by the flies and mosquitoes…. Bzzzzzzz…. The sound of death. Here in Minas Tirith, the sound of bugs could be heard in this summer heat, but the silence was broken by coughing, not battle. Still, Khaloch knew it as the sound of death.

”Why do we go to the House of Healing?”

Khaloch asked. The tall soldier, who was now sweating rather hard, said,

”There is where those who wish to see you are.”

They were sick? Commander Raiben? They paused and Commander Tallin stepped in front of him. He said,

”Do you wish to walk into the Houses of Healing in chains, or will you freely walk in?”

“I will go freely. Now that I am here, I wish to go see my former commander.”

Khaloch let the tall soldier remove the shackles, and rubbing his wrists, Khaloch walked forth with Tallin by his side. Coming through the doors, they could see that many were there, coughing and puking. Khaloch looked around and could see there was not enough. He turned to Tallin who led him to a private room. There, two high commanders stood with their backs to them. A beautiful woman lay nearby seemingly asleep, but the maiden that tended to her dabbed a cloth on her forehead. Khaloch said with little thought to protocol,

”She needs water… lots of water. Cool clean water. Make her drink it, even if she wishes not.”

The two commanders turned at the sound of his voice. One was Commander Raiben, the other looked noble, but he did not know him. Raiben said,

”Sergeant Khaloch, it is good to see you well.”

Khaloch shuffled nervously under the eyes of his former commander and the one he stood with. Raiben said something he couldn’t hear to the high commander and he nodded and waved forth another maiden. She brought water to the woman lying on the bed. Raiben motioned Khaloch and Tallin to come forth into an adjoining room. The high commander said,

”It is good to meet you Sergeant.”

Khaloch bowed slightly and said,

”Did not Commander Raiben tell you I am no longer under tenure or under contract? I am not a Sergeant. I am simply Khaloch of Pelargir.”

“Very well… Khaloch of Pelargir.”

The High Commander said. He motioned for Raiben and Tallin to bring forth some stained parchments and a couple of new ones.

”I am Commander Seth. I believe you may have heard about me? I have certainly heard about you.

Khaloch swallowed and glanced over at the woman before looking back. Lady Scarlett’s father! And her mother has taken ill! Did Lady Scarlett know this? If so, she would surely come to tend her. He stood while Tallin brought a crumpled mud-stained parchment to Seth, saying,

”Sir, we found this in the street in East Osgiliath, near the docklands. You… may want to read it sir.”

Seth took the parchment and shook it to get some of the mud off. Freshly written in a hand he knew well, yet it had been well trampled.

“Captain Seth,
I am truly aware the consequences of leaving home can be severe, yet I had to. You always told me when I grew up I would succeeded my mother in the Houses of Healing, even against my will. Although you gave me theoretic education, you never allowed me to know the world besides the books and maps; you never asked me what I wanted to become. You are always going away and returning and I felt too many times I was going to lose you. You never cared about how I felt. I always wanted to go with you, to be like you. You did not watch me truly growing. Yet, above all those things, I wanted to have a father, who could give me a legacy and who could have helped me in all sorts of ways. Now, I have grown up and the road is waiting for me. Do not fear. At least you taught me the basics of combat and survival.
Those are the main reasons I left. However, I will return and I will make you proud of me. And I do not know if you ever noticed I love you.
Tell mother I love her and not to worry about me. I can take care of myself.
With love,
Scarlett”

He squinted, maybe trying not to show any emotion. He obviously read it a second time. He mumbled to himself,

”So she has gone when healing hands were needed here evermore…”

He shook his head and then turned to Khaloch and said,

”Sergeant, I need you to do something for me.”

“I am no longer…”

Khaloch tried to say but was quickly cut off by Seth..

”Yeah, you said. But we have your contract here. You should have read it closer before signing it.”

Seth pointed out a clause near the end…. It was a standard one in all the mercenary contracts….

’This contract can be extended by one year at any time by order of the King. This clause remains in effect up to the 4th year after date of leaving the King’s service….’

The reserve clause. He had forgotten about that, being there was little chance of war here. The steaming jungles of the Ormel delta were so far away to the south. He just wanted to get out then. He wondered what part Raiben had in this… the only good Khaloch could see in this was after this one year; he would be free from the contract completely. He guessed the next rolled parchment with three wax seals on it was the King’s order…

[Edited on 12/21/2013 by Arveleg]

findemaxam48

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on: December 20, 2013 04:19

Raegan watched as Aliyah threw herself into the corner of the boat. Good, the girl would be protected. Freya immediately tensed up and then seized a length of rope. Raegan wanted to yell at her, but then tried to hold herself back. The words came anyway. "Freya! You won't do any damage to a ghost with rope!"

Scar, the Elf Morfinniel, and the ships owner all stared at her curiously. Raegan slumped to the ground and ran a hand through her matted hair, disturbing the wound she had recived at the tavern. "Ow!" She burst out, and a few tears of pain and frustraiojn ran down ehr face. "Don't you see?" She blubbered. "Don't you see? It's the one Merenor killed, and he keeps following us. Don't you see?"

We were one in the same, running like moths to the flame. You'd hang on every word I'd say, but now they only ricochet.

HuldahMaria

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on: December 20, 2013 05:35

Aliyah watched Freya's reaction and Raegan's responce. Ghost? Raegan was seeing ghosts? She wondered for a moment if this was real. She rather doubted it, she hadn't seen or felt anything at all. The girl was obviously distressed and hurt in some way. Aliyah crawled over to her. "I don't see anything, Raegan, where are you looking?" she asked. "And what happened to your head?"

Aliyah noticed how matted Raegan's hair was and wondered what the reason for it was. Did she not have a comb or brush? If not, why not? Perhaps she was homeless, she thought. Aliyah had neither brush nor comb with her either now. It would be very tedious to try to keep her hair tidy with just her fingers to work out the tangles.

Ella

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on: December 20, 2013 06:30

A beautiful music filled the small boat as they kept going. Scarlett was lost deep on her thoughts, yet she couldn’t calm down. Maybe it had been a mistake abandoning home. She didn’t want to cause any trouble to her father, or her mother. And Khaloch was probably on his way to the White City, to meet the wrath of her father, whom she hopped not to be imprudent. The last thing she wanted was to make him suffer in the hands of her family. She sighed.

As the girl, who named herself Aliyah, said she couldn’t pay, Scar smiled and said “Do not worry, miss. I will not ask you to repay in coins. I wish you can recover for the evil you just witnessed.”

As the song ended, she saw the man going to the deck again as he started to smoke. She followed him.

“I am sorry for this inconvenience. I am Scarlett, from Minas Tirith, I am willing to pay you more, if you lead us first to the White City, maybe on the other side of the river in Ithilien, and then South. I have to thank you, sir.”

As she went back to the others, Reagan screamed, scaring Scar. What happened? She saw the other women scared. She had only seen one of her ghosts. She sighed, trying not to look like skeptical. When the girl burst in tears and in pain, Scarlett ran to her, kneeled near her and settled the girl’s head on her lap.

“My dear friend, “ She whispered calmly. “His soul will soon rest among the greatest. Do not fear.”

She took some clean pieces of cloth, a flask with clear water mixed with medicinal herbs. As she started to clean and treat her wound again, Raegan twitched in pain. Scar was being as gentle as she could, yet it was normal to hurt.

“Shh… It will pass soon.” She comforted her with a sweet tone.

As she finished, she leaned against a barrel, with the girl still with the head lying on her lap. She gently caressed her red hair. Looking at the sky, she saw it was dawning.

findemaxam48

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on: December 21, 2013 01:54

"I don't see anything, Raegan, where are you looking?" Aliyah asked. "And what happened to your head?"

Of course Aliyah didn't see any of the spirits. Only Raegan could. They were her ghosts.

"I was struck at a tavern," Raegan said, explaining her wound, struggling to wipe the tears off of her face.

Scar rushed over and placed Raegan's head in her lap. “My dear friend, His soul will soon rest among the greatest. Do not fear,” she said in a gentle, soothing tone. It brought some relief to Raegan, though it did not completely calm her. This man was here,now, though truthfully, Raegan was scared of who she would see next.

Raegan closed her eyes as Scar began to re-treat her wound. The herbs stung, and Raegan kept flinching as they seeped into her skin. Aliyah reached over and tentatively took her hand. Could the new girl identify with Raegan's pain, or did she just feel compassion?

"Shh...it will pass soon," Scar said softly, then turned her face to the sky. Dawn was breaking and now Raegan was able to clearly see the waters around her. They were a dark, bold, black, both beautiful and comforting at the same time.

Trying not to move her head and disturb her wound, Raegan said quietly, "Do you think Khaloch will return soon, Scar?"

We were one in the same, running like moths to the flame. You'd hang on every word I'd say, but now they only ricochet.

Eldarion

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on: December 21, 2013 08:38

A blanket of stars rolled overhead in a wide, spectacular view from from their position deep within the divided fields of Pelennor and continuing southward in a great bend towards the port of Minas Tirith. The Anduin was calm and quite cooperative, providing little to no resistance as the night breeze tugged the yawl downriver. Assur kept a steady watch, however, making minor adjustments to the sail simply to occupy himself in the stillness that enveloped him. The cabin below was relatively quiet during what he assumed was a long string of introductions. A formality he had chosen to avoid to enjoy the evening.

"Look out!" came the piercing cry from below, startling Assur to the point of nearly dropping his pipe. He pocketed it and hurried downstairs in time to catch a bit about ghosts and a fellow by the name of Merenor. The name did not register with him in the slightest. He noted that it did, however, seem to strike a chord with four of them; Ithilwen looked to be unphased. Assur turned to leave, but turned sharply as the youngest burst into tears.

"Will she be okay?" he inquired as Reagan cradled her head and what looked to be a relatively fresh wound. The affirmation came as Scarlett took the girl into her lap to clean and dress the lesion. Assur had nodded gratefully for her intervention and climbed the stairs to the deck where the first rays of sunlight began to spread across the lands. They were nigh on the port of Minas Tirith and he had no idea as to what danger they might be sailing into.

Alongside the river the road was busier than usual. Traffic consisted almost entirely of merchant carts on a normal basis, a stark contrast to the small platoons of armed guards passing intermittently on their way to Osgiliath. 'War was far away in the South' Assur mused as the sunlight glinted off their steel helmets. He decided to make no mention of the guards to his passengers; they had seemed worried enough.

The port came into view as the river curved around a wide expanse of barren land. His steely hues found it to be entirely unwelcoming. A slew of guards were posted along the piers, ever vigilant. Less than half the usual number of ships were moored there; also quite unusual. He pulled down the aft sail and tied it tightly around the mizzen mast with practiced ease. The main sail and foreward most sail soon followed suit as they fishing yawl drifted easily into it's moorings. Assur was just grasping the robe to tie them down when a trio of guardsmen approaced the vessel.

"State your business!" one had demanded quite abruptly.

"I am a merchant and a fisherman. As such my business varies from visit to visit. Since when do the guard inquire about the business of every individual ship?" came Assur's sharp response.

"We are to be searching for a missing person. You come downriver by way of Osgiliath no doubt. That is her last known location."

Assur found himself hesistant to comply and his calloused hand reached deftly back to the pouch hanging at his belt full of silver. "I'm sure you could be persuaded?" He maintained his facade, knowing full well that whatever business his passengers from Osgiliath were on it was undoubtedly frowned upon by the law.

His offer was met with silence as the three guardsmen consulted each other silently. "A moment, if you will." Assur excused himself and returned calmly to the cabin and five sheltered within. "We have a welcoming committee. They're asking about a missing woman. Would any of you be familiar with this situation?"

[Edited on 12/22/2013 by Eldarion]

Ithilwen Tindomerel

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on: December 21, 2013 09:55

“No, sir, as I have only recently traveled to this region I know naught of this missing woman,” Morfinniel replied courteously. “Though she must be someone of great importance if even the guard of the White City have been enlisted to find her.”

She turned away and busied herself with reviewing the contents of her satchel. As she shifted her arm to reach further into the doeskin bag, her hand brushed against a soft, woolen material. It was her grey cloak woven in Lórien, which had the special property of concealing its wearer from unwelcome eyes. Given to her by the mother of her mother before she left Lórien, it had weathered the days of travel and proven its worth in more than several instances. Yet it was not her only safeguard against hazards; a carved quiver, filled with a lithe bow carved from yew wood and a host of swift-shafted arrows was slung across her back. As with many of her kin, she was proficient in use of the bow, but delighted not in the slaying of any being. Few were the times she had to draw the bow in defense of herself, but in such times her aim was sure.

Assured that all her belongings were in place, Morfinniel secured her harp in her satchel and turned to Scar.

“I have no plans of leaving here; as we have embarked together, let us travel together. For I wish to see more of this wide world and am but a simple traveler, as you are. I offer you and my comrades my bow in times of need, and my harp in times of rest. We travellers, if not bound for anywhere in particular, will be much safer as a company, will we not?” She smiled warmly at Scar.

“Will you at least consider my proposal, mellon? For I mean you and your comrades no harm, truly.”

~ Member Of the Realm of Varda ~

wolfbladequeen

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on: December 22, 2013 03:12

This was her last chance to go back, Fay thought. She should not be here, she should be working, for those who relied upon her. She was not a traveler.

"What am I doing here?" she muttered to herself. "I have work to do. My father will wonder where I am. I should not be bothering myself with thoughts of adventures. How am I to find work on the journey, that I may have money for bread?"

Hanasian

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on: December 22, 2013 06:32

”I am free to go?”

Khaloch asked the three before him. High Commander Seth nodded, and his second, Tallin, nodded slightly as he shrugged. His old commander Raiben didn’t do anything. Khaloch, not ever wanting to waste an opportunity, turned and started to walk toward the door. He paused before leaving, turning and asking,

”So I can pick two to accompany me?”

“Yes.”

Seth said as Raiben started to walk toward the door. Khaloch immediately said,

”Then I pick the two who I’ve dealt with the most since yesterday morning. The tall one who enjoyed shackling me, and the other with him who took joy in giving me a hard time. I think they both could use a temporary duty assignment.”

Seth nodded and motioned to Tallin to write up their orders. So it was that Khaloch, sergeant in rank and not affiliated with any unit, had his own squad of sorts….if two other men could be called a squad. Khaloch had a task to perform, and he had to answer to High Commander Seth and his contact, Commander Tallin. Unfortunately he would be watched, and any who had the chosen word at the right time could give or take instruction. Khaloch hadn’t yet worked out how he would manage this to his benefit, but considering his other options at this time, this was better than he had hoped.

Khaloch cleaned himself up and though he dressed in his same old clothes though cleaned, he noticed a new emblem sewn on to his vest. There was still no doubt that he served in the Ninth, but nobody knew what this new one was. It was some symbol to alert others that Commander Seth had in place apparently. Khaloch would have to work around that.

When he headed out, Commander Reiban stopped him in the hallway. He looked grim. Khaloch noted some of the features and the words whispered to him by Lady Scarlett made sense now. Reiban’s words brought Khaloch back…..

”Khaloch, do not let this go to your head. It was the best I could do for you.”

“should I thank you, sir?’

Khaloch replied. Reiban looked around, then said,

”They wanted me to give reasons to execute you. Anything. I said there was nothing I could say to that, but if they wanted a stalwart man who would do anything, you would be my choice. Apparently Commander Seth took me literally, and now you are sworn to him, at least to late summer next year.”

Khaloch started to walk out to the door. He said,

“”Then I thank you, sir. Now if you will excuse me, I have an operation to conduct for my new commander.”

He gave a slight bow to Reiban and walked outside. There were the two soldiers standing, both seemingly confused. Khaloch handed each a small scroll, and said,

”you two should have been content merely searching for a runaway daughter in the streets of Osgiliath. You’re with me now, working directly for High Commander Seth on a special mission.”

They both looked at their orders, and pocketed them. Khaloch started to walk on, and after looking at each other, they both shrugged and set off after him. They were heading for the river quay…

Ella

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Posts: 515
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on: December 22, 2013 02:09

"Do you think Khaloch will return soon, Scar?"

Scarlett didn’t take the eyes of the sky when Reagan asked her that question. She thought for a while. There was, indeed, the possibility that he didn’t return. However, she remembered the way he helped her out in all of the situations. She remembered how safe she felt touching his hand and how happy she was feeling his skin with her lips.

“I know he will, sooner or later.” She answered without a doubt. Yet, in her heart remained the possibility of never seeing him again.

The boat stopped and she heard Assur talking to someone in the dock. She was too near to Minas Tirith to feel safe. She knew she could get caught

"We have a welcoming committee. They're asking about a missing woman. Would any of you be familiar with this situation?"

Scarlett had two options now. She knew three of them knew who she was. The man and the mighty elf didn’t. She could just pretend to be a simple traveler, or she could tell them the truth. If she did, they could help her, but they could hand her to the guards.

“I have no plans of leaving here; as we have embarked together, let us travel together. For I wish to see more of this wide world and am but a simple traveler, as you are. I offer you and my comrades my bow in times of need, and my harp in times of rest. We travellers, if not bound for anywhere in particular, will be much safer as a company, will we not?” Will you at least consider my proposal, mellon? For I mean you and your comrades no harm, truly.”

She listened carefully the beautiful elf who was smiling warmly to her. She took a deep breath and made a decision.

“I thank thee, Morfinniel. I am Scarlett, daughter of Captain Seth of Minas TIrith. However, I just want to be seen as a mere traveler, so I am asking for your help.” She looked to the man, with a mighty, yet humble and beggar expression.

Then, she turned to the elf. She had heard of her, so she probably knew her parents, or even King Elessar, her great-great father.

Ithilwen Tindomerel

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on: December 22, 2013 04:12

"Well met at last, my Lady Scarlett. I knew your mother years ago in Minas Tirith, when you were but an infant. She was an admirable young woman, and you have much of her spirit." Here she paused and shrugged off her grey cloak.

"I do not question your motives for wanting to be unrecognized, but if you so wish it you may have my cloak for now. It was woven by my mother's kin in Lórien, and will protect you from unwelcome eyes." So saying, she handed the folded grey cloak to Scarlett, indicating that she should exchange her forest green cloak and hood for the Elven cloak in her hand.

~ Member Of the Realm of Varda ~

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