Subject: An elf walks into a bar... (Scripted)Keep
Happy_Hobbit
Huggable Hobbit
Registered: 5/21/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 12/28/2002 at 11:21 PM
Elnineth has never faced such torment before, all her strength seemed too little to stop the evil taking her. She fights it for she knows she must, but she is losing the battle.
Suddenly she hears a voice, not hers, a strong powerful voice deep, rich, Elven and she fights anew to return to it.
Sauron is not about to give up his newest prize, a fire wraith, long had he wished for such a creature, one that was free from the bane of fire. She would be his. He fought back tearing the mind and soul of the little form that burned like an ember.
Beleg's voice now stronger calls to a pledge he made for the little Maia / Hobbit . . .the strength of that pledge holds back the evil, keeping it from swallowing her.
She falls exhausted but Brago catches her before she hits the ground.
As the others settle to rest there seems to be a darkness gathering about them, should they fear it? Beleg senses no evil within it.
A loud clap of thunder and a flash of lightening are soon followed by a downpour. The rain beats down steadily upon them soaking all including Elnineth, thus the fire brand is for now fully extinguished her ordeal is finally over.
However she is not unscathed for she has no memory, she cast it away to prevent Sauron knowing the things she knew.
Crying she hold up her little arms in hope of being held safe.
Andaariel is the first to respond gently comforting the now child like Elnineth.
In time her thoughts and knowledge may come back, for the moment she is a child free of the pain of memories she has endured all her short life
[Edited on 28/12/2002 by Happy_Hobbit]
____________________ Gil-galad berio i rad padathach. (origional by dreamdancer)
KeeperofVilya
Banned
Registered: 5/7/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 12/29/2002 at 01:05 AM
Eldaline rode through the woods, tired and worn from hard travel and little food. Seated upon her horse Eruntale she fought off the fatuige that threatened to take her. As the sun began to sink in the western sky and darkness fell, she grew uneasy. Eruntale too was getting edgy, his ears constantly tuned to any sounds of danger. With the sun gone from the sky, the air grew old. Clouds of steam rose from Eldaline's mouth and she drew her cloak closer around her and shivered slightly as the wind began to blow. On and on she rode as the sky grew dark with clouds and the stars were blotted form the sky. The sounds of Eruntale's hoofs echoed in the stillness as they continued on, not quite sure of where they were heading.
After a good deal of travel the winds began to blow harder and thunder rumbled across the sky. Then a great clap of thunder sounded and a flash of lightning streaked across the sky. Eruntale halted and with a cry of fear reared up. As the rains began fall in torrents Eruntale took off down the trail weaving in and out of the treese coming dangerously close at times. Clinging tightly Eldaline tried to slow the frightened animal but to no avail. Leaning out slightly to try and grab the other rein, a branch hit Eldaline across the face, leaving a nasty scratch down her cheek. On the rode, fear driving them blindly. When she thought they would never stop, Eldaline caught a glimps of something ahead through the trees.
Eruntale ran on till she came to a clearning where he stoped. To her amazement Eldaline saw a group of horses tied up for the night. She sat there staring in wonder, trying to catch her breath. As she dismounted her eyes scanned the suroundings and caught site of a small group off in distance.
____________________ Certified Pervy Elf Fancier, Lucius Malfoy and Prof Snape Fan, Proud Member of the Europe Crew, Middle Earth Fanatic, All Around Nut and Weirdo, Resident Dierty Girl, And Proud of it ! !
Bragolath
Council Member
Registered: 11/4/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 12/29/2002 at 07:05 PM
Troubled thoughts swam through his mind. Why was this part hafling branded with the Hand of Sauron? How long until Sauron finally took possesion of his prize, for he now felt that was indeed what was happening to this now childlike hafling. He knew that the orcs who attacked earlier were but a large scouting party, and more would surely follow. But, next time they would not be alone, he was certain. Would the wraiths once again ride the land? And, how did Anda fit into this? He knew she had a destiny of her own, but how were the two related? He was grateful for Beleg's prescence, knowing that without the elf, the others would surely have been overcome long ago. He jolted out of his reverie quickly as the sound of hooves, muffled by the rain and wet ground, reached his sensitive ears. Quickly and utterly silently, he darted into the shadows, making his way back alongside the trail he felt the rider approaching on. Beleg must have noticed as well, for when he looked back to signal him of the intruder, the elf was nowhere to be seen. He crouched now, about a dozen yards from where the others were still encamped, awaiting the rider. When the rider was almost upon him, he quickly leapt out of hiding, onto the trail directly in front of the horse. Mithdhangir at the ready, he barked a challenge. "Halt!" The horse drew up short, rearing in suprise, but making no move to continue. "Make no move, or, friend or foe, you shall not live to make another." He saw the shadow move behind the rider and knew that Beleg had been thinking along the same lines as he. The hooded figure slowly raised its hands, showing no weapons in their grasp. The head turned slowly, taking notice of the elf behind, bow drawn and carefully aimed. Bragolath spoke again, saying "Now, kindly state your business here, and you may well live to ride again."
Vanalosswen
Council Member
Registered: 11/20/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 12/29/2002 at 09:17 PM
Vanalosswen jerked her head up at the rider's approach. Her hand flew automatically to her knife at her side, only to find that it had melted from the heat. Bitting her lip at the pain, she slowly drew herself up and walked, truelly, she staggered, over to the tree where her bow and quiver were proped. She bent her bow as she sat and pointed it at the rider, hearing Brago's order to the rider.
____________________ 'Take the wave now and know that you're free. Turn your back on the land, face the Sea. Face the wind now, so wild and so strong. When you think of me, wave to me and send me a song.'
"Were you no one, were you a serf off the streets, still, you are my friend and that is of ultimate value to me."
--Legolas, Exile
KeeperofVilya
Banned
Registered: 5/7/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 12/29/2002 at 09:50 PM
Eldaline raised her hands at the approach of Bragolath. Slowly she lowered her hands and pulled back her cloak to show that indeed she carried no weapons save for the small dagger at her belt. Lowering her hands she stood facing Bragolath, her eyes wandering over to Vanalosswen and the group a little farther off.
Bragolath took a step closer and spoke again.
"I ask you again state your business here"
"I am Eldaline of the elves of Imladris... it is by chance that I have stumbled across you this foul night." Eldaline felt something poke her back. Turning her head slowly she saw Beleg behind her, his arrow aimed and ready. She looked back to Bragolath and told of the events that had brought her there.
As she finished she looked at the elf standing before her. His eyes were cold and filled with doubt. Her heart sank - he did not believe her... She stood there silent and still, her eyes searching the small group and falling on the little hobbit lass. A look of sorrow and compassion spread over her face as she saw the little hobbit. Her attention was redirected to Bragolath as he spoke.
____________________ Certified Pervy Elf Fancier, Lucius Malfoy and Prof Snape Fan, Proud Member of the Europe Crew, Middle Earth Fanatic, All Around Nut and Weirdo, Resident Dierty Girl, And Proud of it ! !
Beleg_Strongbow
Master marksman, and ancestor to that Greenleaf kid
Registered: 12/6/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 12/29/2002 at 09:59 PM
(this post will be in past tense, since I'm leading up the most current event in the thread...aw..you know what I mean )
He left the small troupe for a time, after he had stopped Elnineth's burn. He knew that, for the moment, orcs were not near, and they were safe. He chose a tree and lept into its branches gracefully as a cat would upon a table, and let his mind drift... He could not stop himself from meditating on the mind-bending torture that claimed him for a moment as he had touched Elnineth. It was over and ceased for the most part, for Elnineth and for them, but it did not mean that the darkness of Orodruin was ceased.
He was there, for a moment, in the dungeons and tortures of Mordor, Angband, held in searing chains and feeling rough whips rip into his bare back. He heard the cries of those that were being beaten, or worse, and also of those who were losing and had lost hope and sanity. It frightened him, he would admit to himself, and to the others if they would ask - the lack of all hope. Physical pain paled in the comparison of spiritual deadness. He realized that Elnineth was spawned from this, or had seen it firsthand, and it grieved him sorely for such a gentle creature to have to experience such horrific conditions.
The burn upon her shoulder appalled him and infuriated him, and he found himself going face to face against the darkness that wanted to swallow her whole. He did not realize he held such power. But as he felt firsthand what Elnineth felt...he felt someone familiar, someone there with her, a person that she valued. He could not discern whom. He pushed his dark mood away, for a moment ruing the fact that he was born an Elf and felt so deeply, and descended the tree. He placed his hand upon its trunk and looked up to its branches, and sighed deeply. The trees were telling him the same as they did before...
He picked a leaf from one of the tree's branches, at it's pardon, and placed it upon the gash in his arm, letting the oils in the leaf protect and heal his wound and skin. Silently he stepped back to the troupe, and without word, for he knew none of them wished to speak for the time being. He took his place next to Andaariel, who was cradling the cleansed Elnineth in her arms and gazing into the fire.
"You will not sleep, Elfling?" He lifted a hand and gently ran his fingers across a bruise upon her cheekbone. "Elnineth does."
Andaariel chooses not to answer, whether out of fatigue, or emotions.
"...I see." He falls silent. "...forgive me, Andaariel...I did not mean for us to enter a battle-"
He hears something. Quickly he rises and disappears in the trees, and reappears behind the hooded rider, Belthronding and arrow taut in his hands. He makes eye contact with the Ranger, and then the newcomer. He steps towards her, weapon still readied. He is weary of anymore battle, spiritually moreso, and will have no more.
Yet as he sees the hood fall from the rider's head, he realizes it is another Lady Elf. His defenses falter, but only a little. He hears Bragolath question her.
____________________ "Pray, v.: To ask that the laws of the universe be annulled on behalf of a single petitioner confessedly unworthy." - Ambrose Bierce
"A poem is never finished, only abandoned."
- Paul Valery
Andaariel
CoE Party Planning Admin & Proud Mommy
Registered: 11/13/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 12/30/2002 at 01:01 AM
Andaariel chooses to remain silent for a while, which she figures comes as a great relief to the others. She smirks as she reminds herself she was right. Elnineth HAD needed water. And she was able to touch her. Why did no one listen to her? She was used to being given a certain amount of respect, but in the last day she was given nothing but the reminder of what it felt like to be a child...ignored, humoured, instructed.
She looks down at the little sleeping girl in her arms, and thinks again of her sister. She wonders where Stalissa is, and what she is doing. So much is going through her head that it aches.
She had been having a completely normal night. Then Strongbow showed up. The next thing she knows she's practically having a dinner party. After that, they're on the road and she's getting nothing but resistance from someone who was once her guest. Andaariel looks over at Vanalosswen. She pities the elf for the injury,but feels nothing otherwise.
She had awakened to orcs. Orcs! 'Good morning, beasts that butchered the family who raised me!' she thinks to herself. But oddly enough, she isn't angry. Her eyes fall on Bragolath. Another blast from the past...just what she needed. While she is somewhat comforted having him around, she would be just as happy to be back at home, feeding Chase and watering her garden. Or overwatering it. She could never grow anything, no matter how she tried.
Sighing, Anda looks down at Elnineth again. She knows not what the young halfling had been through, but something had been stirred inside of her...jolted, actually...and at that moment, as she brushes hair off of Elnineth's forehead, Anda vows to go with Elnineth wherever circumstances take her.
"I will not leave you," Anda whispers, surprising even herself with the overwhelming emotion she is feeling. "Unless you exile me from your presence, I am devoted to watching out for you."
Exhausted, Andaariel lets a tear slide down her cheek...but only one. She watches it fall onto Elnineth's arm before she can wipe it against her shoulder. Her mentor comes and sits beside her.
"You will not sleep Elfling?" he asks...and although Anda can hear him speaking and feel his slender fingers on her face, she does not acknowledge him.
"I cannot rest, even if I want to," Anda thinks, wishing she could voice what she was feeling. "I have too many thoughts-so many that I feel tormented. I do not know why I am here, in the midst of all of this, but I feel as though I am supposed to be. And I fear what my role may be, and the fear excites me, and the excitement makes me angry at myself because it seems dangerous to be excited by fear..."
"...forgive me, Andaariel...I did not mean for us to enter a battle..."
Still only in her mind, Anda answers that, too. "No matter, mentor. It brought Elnineth back, and had she gone through her ordeal alone, would she have survived? And Bragolath is here now as well...and someone else...on a horse...arriving now..."
Then Strongbow is gone. Anda sits, still silent, and watches her companions play guard to the newcomer. She has no desire to aid them, or to move, or to speak. Instead, she becomes a witness; the stubborn, fiery young woman exists only in the background of her mind.
Happy_Hobbit
Huggable Hobbit
Registered: 5/21/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 12/30/2002 at 01:53 AM
Andaariel reached down to Elnineth's outstretched arms and lifted her gently into an embrace, for a moment Elnineth surveys the Elfs troubled face then with a small smile of her own she snuggles against the Elfs shoulder and begins to sleep.
Exhausted by the battle and untroubled by her past Elnineth found a peace in Andaariels arms she had known only once before.
Her mother had cradled her as a small babe and it was this memory that flooded back as she slept, her mothers voice and the gentle rocking of loving arms. Realising that the rocking had stopped Elnineth opened her eyes, she was still half asleep when she heard the Eldar speak,
"You will not sleep Elfling?"
He asks gently. Anadaariel does not answer, Elnineh strains her ears but no words come, a memory stirs and she begins to tremble, although she does not yet know why.
Andaariel looks down. Elnineth is almost naked the fire had wasted what garb she had worn, a few smoulder laden torn rags hung about her. At least the brand looked cold. Andaariel did not touch it but brought her cape edge up and wrapped it tighty about Elnineth's shivery form.
Elnineth tried to sleep once more, a new dream came, this one was different somehow. The sky was not so bright and Elnineth felt frightened. Her mother would not answer Elnineth questions, even as Elnineth begged her to speak.
"Please mummy...please talk to me . . . I'll be good . . . I will, I promise, Mummy...Mummy?? Her mother had never spoken again. Elnineth twiched and grew restless in Andaariel's arms.
In the dream she grew to know her mother could no longer talk, and so Elnineth had become her voice. She would tell herself the things she thought her mother would say. Things like eat this, wash your face and don't.
Elnineth half awake heard Strongbow speak once more,
"...forgive me, Andaariel...I did not mean for us to enter a battle..."
"Its alright . . ." Elnineth whispered "I dont blame you my friend"
she gazed up into Andaariels face seeing the tear fall and feeling its wetness run down her arm. Now her own tears came, gently at first but soon she shook with great sobs, but before Andaariel could answer she whispered,
"Dont cry little one . . . dont cry . . .Oh mummy she mumbled to herself as the tiredness took her and she fell to sleep. once more.
[Edited on 30/12/2002 by Happy_Hobbit]
____________________ Gil-galad berio i rad padathach. (origional by dreamdancer)
Vanalosswen
Council Member
Registered: 11/20/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 12/30/2002 at 05:26 AM
Vanalosswen rested her head against the tree she sat againist, her mind whirling with all that had happened. Suddenly, she heard the conversation slightly to her right and in front of her. She listened intently, hearing what was not spoken. Suddenly, she felt something poking at her that she had not felt for a long time....her consience. She felt awful for the way she had treated Anda. She stood as the conversation ended and walked slowly to Anda's side. "Suilad." she said, her lips twisting into a smile of sorts. "We, didn't exactly start out on the right foot, did we?" Her blue eyes searched Anda's face, waiting for a response, any response.
____________________ 'Take the wave now and know that you're free. Turn your back on the land, face the Sea. Face the wind now, so wild and so strong. When you think of me, wave to me and send me a song.'
"Were you no one, were you a serf off the streets, still, you are my friend and that is of ultimate value to me."
--Legolas, Exile
Andaariel
CoE Party Planning Admin & Proud Mommy
Registered: 11/13/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 12/30/2002 at 09:00 PM
Andaariel looks over at Vanalosswen, not bothering to wipe the streak from her face that the tear left behind. She has great concern for little Elnineth...and wonders what the talking of her mother was about. Was she referring to Anda as her mother? Had Anda reminded Elnineth of her mother somehow? She begins to rock the little one again, despite the discomfort it causes to her injury.
Andaariel clears her throat, and looks into the fire. "No. I don't suppose that we have started out on the right foot. Though I don't normally start off well with anyone."
Vana sits beside Anda, hoping that it is alright.
"We should most likely make an effort not to rip each other's heads off,"Andaariel says. This is her attempt at being friendly. "If I may ask, what made you decide to come over here? Let me take a guess. You have that talent that elves sometimes have...you can read minds. You were over there hearing my thoughts." Without waiting for a reply, Anda continues. She laughs bitterly. "My mother had the tendancy to do that to me."
"Your mother...has she...?" Vanalosswen begins to ask.
"Oh no,"Anda replies, cutting her off,"She's still very much alive. I do not get on well with her. But I won't get into that. I don't much talk about it. I will tell you this though. She read my mind once. Only once. I told her that I considered that the worst invasion of privacy possible. If nothing else, my thoughts are all I have. I appreciate that you made the effort to get to know me that way, but I ask you not to do it again. If you want to know something, just ask. If I don't want to answer, there is a reason why."
Andaariel smiles at Vanalosswen now. "How are you feeling? Is your strength returning? You suffered a nasty burn. And what of the newcomer? Another ally I am guessing."
Tired of speech once again, Andaariel quiets. She waits for the elf to reply, and rocks the halfling that has awakened her heart...something that has been sleeping for quite some time.
Vanalosswen
Council Member
Registered: 11/20/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 12/30/2002 at 09:26 PM
Vanalosswen looked deep into Anda's face as she replied, "Anda, I do not have the power to read minds. I was taught many things, but never that. Every once in a while, however, I am allowed to hear what people are thinking. Almost never, though." She smiled. "So do not worry. Unless Elbereth sees it necessary, I can't read your mind."
Her mind turned to the other questions. She pulled the shards of her burned clothes tighter around her as she answered, "I am feeling much better now, thank you. All I needed was a little rest. Yes, my strength is returning rapidly, and no, I know nothing of this newcomer." Her blue eyes moved to the little hobbit in Anda's arms, and her heart melted, remembering that time...so long ago...
____________________ 'Take the wave now and know that you're free. Turn your back on the land, face the Sea. Face the wind now, so wild and so strong. When you think of me, wave to me and send me a song.'
"Were you no one, were you a serf off the streets, still, you are my friend and that is of ultimate value to me."
--Legolas, Exile
Happy_Hobbit
Huggable Hobbit
Registered: 5/21/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 12/31/2002 at 01:14 AM
Elnineth woke from her sleep, she gazed up at the newly breaking dawn. With a little giggle she jumped down from Andaariels arms and ran across to Brago.
Tugging on his sleeve she asks
"Is there food I am hungry" without waiting for a reply she says
"Quiet child you must wait"
"But Mummy I am hungry"she answers herself. Looking over to Andaariel she smiles then starts to walk towards the trees.
Andaariel suddenly realises Elnineth is almost naked.
"Elnineth come here" she calls gently.
She spoke? Elnineth suddenly felt panic as her mother was rushed from her, she spoke, she wasn't her mother, it wasnt her after all. Confused Elnineth begins to cry. Slowly it dawns on her that Andaariel wasnt her mother, that she had been mistaken.
Going over to Andaariel she holds her arms up, begging to be held.
"I'm hungry" she complains softly. Then in a whisper she says will you be my sister?
____________________ Gil-galad berio i rad padathach. (origional by dreamdancer)
Vanalosswen
Council Member
Registered: 11/20/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 12/31/2002 at 01:26 AM
Vanalosswen's blue eyes focused swiftly, hearing a little giggle. She lifted her head from Anda's shoulder where it had fallen sometime during the night. She stretched slightly, then blushed as she remembered last night and what it had done to her clothes. She moved silently to her horse, where her cloak was flung. She pulled it around herself as Anda called the little hobbit to her. Vana turned just in time to watch the touching little scene. Tears filled her blue eyes at the memories that brought forth, what could have been. She turned swiftly back to her horse and pretended to prepare her horse to cover her soft sobs.
____________________ 'Take the wave now and know that you're free. Turn your back on the land, face the Sea. Face the wind now, so wild and so strong. When you think of me, wave to me and send me a song.'
"Were you no one, were you a serf off the streets, still, you are my friend and that is of ultimate value to me."
--Legolas, Exile
Andaariel
CoE Party Planning Admin & Proud Mommy
Registered: 11/13/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 12/31/2002 at 02:41 AM
Andaariel watches happily as Elnineth practically skips away from her, her strength returned and her spirits apparently lifted. She hears the little one complain that she is hungry, and notices that she mentions her mother again. Anda's brow furrows as Elnineth smiles at her, then heads towards the trees. The poor thing is almost naked. Vanalosswen had made her way to her horse upon awakening. Anda was surprised that the elf had fallen asleep on her shoulder, and that she herself had been so at ease with it.
"Elnineth, come here," she called gently, figuring that Vana was seeing to her own charred attire.
To Anda's surprise and dismay, Elnineth looks confused, and then begins to cry. "So many memories and so much pain must be in her head," Anda thinks to herself, as she watches Elnineth come towards her. She stands and meets her halfway. Elnineth lifts up her arms, wanting to be held, and at that moment, she looks so frail and tiny...the happy little halfling from a moment ago is now gone once more.
Andaariel lifts Elnineth into her arms and holds her close. "I'm hungry," Elnineth says softly, then she adds, "Will you be my sister?"
Anda is stunned and touched deeply at the same time. She smiles through teary eyes. "Of course I will, Ella...I would be honoured." Sniffing away the tears that have not yet fallen, she smiles. "So you're hungry? I could use some breakfast myself! How about you go and sit by the fire...take my cloak to wrap yourself in. Someone around here should have water and something else for you to wear. I'll be right back."
She sets Elnineth down and walks over to Bragolath. Without asking, she takes his bow from him. When he opens his mouth to protest, she puts her finger against his lips, winks and says "I'll bring it right back." Then, she takes an arrow as well, and slips off into the trees.
She quickly finds what she was seeking...the doe is drinking from the creek closeby. Anda aims and whispers an apology--much to her surprise, in elvish. The doe looks up at her and limps in her direction. Andaariel smiles. She is injured anyway...if Anda doesn't take her, some predator will.
A few moments later, Anda emerges from the woods, dragging the doe behind her, the single arrow sticking from its neck. Her wound aches, but she is proud of herself. She tosses the bow back at Bragolath and carefully seats herself beside Elnineth...her new little sister.
"Can you keep a secret?" she whispers to Elnineth with a smile. "I have no clue how to go about cleaning one of these. I've never hunted a deer before!"
She and Elnineth giggle. She motions for the others to join them.
Happy_Hobbit
Huggable Hobbit
Registered: 5/21/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 12/31/2002 at 03:25 AM
Elnineth is now comforted in Andaariel's arms, she is warmed by the embrace and when Andaareil says she will beher sister Elnineth is happy.
She is wrapped in Andaariels cloak and sits by the fire watching the flames dance in the light breeze that is blowing through the camp. She is so entranced by the fire she forgets to ask for clothes or drink.
When Andaariel returns she brings a doe with her. She lays it by the fire. retrieving the arrow ready to return both bow and Arrow to their rightful owners.
Elnineth is facinated with the doe, she goes over to it and examines it carefully. As she runs her hands down a fore limb she stops and then reaches down to the hoof after a few minutes she holds up a sharp stone that had wedged between the two toes of the hoof.
Elnineth then rests her hand on the hinds abdomen she feels the prescence of a still life there and frowns. Moving her hand once more she places it on the Hinds rubbery nose sweeps it up the muzzle and down behind its ear to the neck.
The fur is soft and she finds great pleasure in touching it. From there she moves her fingers to where the fur was soiled and sticky, taking a finger she traced down a vein to the wounditself. All he mind is concentrated now as she pushes her finger into the wound.
She shivers a little as the breezes blows across he naked back, then if any were watching a small glow lay about her it was only for a few minutes and then was gone.
As Elnineth withdrew her finger the wound healed and suddenly the hind stood up. It nuzzled gently at Elnineths outstretched hand before springing away into the bush.
Elnineth smiled as she knew the new life also lived. She turned to see Bragolath scowl, he had just finished cleaning his knives in preparation to skin their meal.
As Brago was standing next to Andaariel, Elnineth fled in the opposite direction bumping into Eldaline who stood waiting to be invited to join the group.
Elnineth fell over grazing her knee, she clutched it with both hands and as it started to bleed she began to cry. Staring up at Eldaline she said simply
"It hurts . . . and I'm hungry."
____________________ Gil-galad berio i rad padathach. (origional by dreamdancer)
KeeperofVilya
Banned
Registered: 5/7/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 12/31/2002 at 03:56 AM
Eldaline was startled by the little hobbit. Dropping to her knees she took the little hobbit into her arms.
"Let's see what we can do about that shall we ?" she asked in a sweet friendly voice. Taking a cloth out of her pack she cleaned the scrape and wiped the tears from Elnineth's eyes. The little hobbit looked up at her and smiled.
"Better now ?" Eldaline asked. "Now about that rumble in your tummy... I think I have something that might hold you over till it is time." Looking in her pack again she pulled out a small box and opened it. Elnineth looked inside curriously and reached a hand in. Pulling her hand out her face brightened with a wide smile. In her hand was a small elvish cake. Eldaline smiled and nodded at Elnineth as she began to nibble at the cake.
Eldaline sat down on the grass as Elnineth sat beside her. She watched the others around the fire talking, and saw some of them staring at her questioningly. Just then she felt a tugg on her sleve. Looking down she saw Elnineth who looked up at her with deep blue eyes. Eldaline smiled and took the little hobbit into her lap where she snuggled down and smiled happily. Elnineth's fingers played with the necklace that hung around Eldaline's neck as the they waited. Eldaline felt somewhat akward sitting there,no one saying a word, being the stranger there she felt out of place. But that did not seem to bother Elnineth... who had fallen asleep in her lap.
____________________ Certified Pervy Elf Fancier, Lucius Malfoy and Prof Snape Fan, Proud Member of the Europe Crew, Middle Earth Fanatic, All Around Nut and Weirdo, Resident Dierty Girl, And Proud of it ! !
Vanalosswen
Council Member
Registered: 11/20/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 12/31/2002 at 04:25 AM
Vanalosswen limped painfully to Eldaline's side and sat beside her. "Suilad." she said, a small smile tugging at her mouth. "I am Vanalosswen. What is your name?"
____________________ 'Take the wave now and know that you're free. Turn your back on the land, face the Sea. Face the wind now, so wild and so strong. When you think of me, wave to me and send me a song.'
"Were you no one, were you a serf off the streets, still, you are my friend and that is of ultimate value to me."
--Legolas, Exile
Andaariel
CoE Party Planning Admin & Proud Mommy
Registered: 11/13/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 12/31/2002 at 04:26 AM
Andaariel watches carefully as Elnineth flees to the stranger.
"Way to go, Brag...scare her off!" Anda says, slapping his arm. "Good thing not everyone scares that easy or we may have never become friends."
"Excuse me, I believe I am the less scary one between the two of us, Anda!" he exclaims.
Anda snickers. "That's debatable...when was the last time you took a bath?" she asks, scrunching up her nose.
Bragolath raises an eyebrow. "Still completely harsh...you really haven't changed at all, have you?"
"Not a bit," Anda replies, still eyeing the newcomer. She sees her hand something to Elnineth. Her body tenses as Elnineth begins to nibble on something. "Hey...got an extra knife on you?"
"Oh, you're actually asking to borrow something this time?" Brag asks, amused.
"Just give me the knife, will you?" Anda asks, holding out her hand. She smiles over at Brag. "I'll give it back."
Brag sighs and hands her a dagger from his pack.
"Oh..."Anda says, looking down at the dagger. "You still have this?" Brag shrugs. "This can't be the same dagger...is this the one I--"
Bragolath nods. "The very one. You threw it at me when I tried to prevent you from leaving your mother's kingdom. Took off some of my hair, if I remember correctly. But you still left. Anyway, it's still yours. Feel free to keep it."
Anda smiles. "Thank you. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to check on my little sister."
Andaariel makes her way to where Elnineth has made herself comfortable with the newcomer.
"Greetings," she begins. "I see you have fed her. Why not join us by the fire?" She smiles as genuinely as possible. "And you wouldn't have anything else useful in that bag would you? Some clothing for our little friend, perhaps? Incase you didn't notice, she's practically naked." Anda waves the dagger nonchalantly as she talks. She smiles once more and begins to back away. "Please, do join us."
Bragolath
Council Member
Registered: 11/4/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 12/31/2002 at 05:04 AM
Lost in old memories, Bragolath is shocked back to his senses by a childlike giggle. Remembering the newcomer, he approaches her, trying to be less threatening. "Greetings, Eldaline. My name is Bragolath. Forgive the less than warm welcome earlier, but we had been set upon by orcs not long ago. You understand our caution, I hope." She smiled and nodded, still tending to the hafling. "I do understand, and there is nothing to forgive, really." Squatting beside the two, he turns his attention to the small figure, eating the elven cake. "And, what of you, little one?" he said with a slight smirk, "Do you still fear the gloomy, dark man?" She looked at him with a doe-eyed gaze and said "No, I am not afraid anymore." "But, I feel that there is something inside you that is still dark, an emptiness that you can't seem to fill." Narrowing his eyes, he lets the remark pass. Instead, he says "So, shall we see to a proper meal, or will you be sending it scampering off with the last one?" He winks at the halfling, letting a rare moment of humour ease the tension her revelation caused within him. Looking again to Eldaline, he asks "So, would you care to join me in a hunt? The others are exhausted and wounded, including our dear Beleg, though he would never allow that to get in his way..." Beleg, hearing his name, looks up sharply, then shakes his head slowly, realising he has just been teased. "Brago... *sigh* never mind." "You two get on your way. I will keep watch while you are gone."
Beleg_Strongbow
Master marksman, and ancestor to that Greenleaf kid
Registered: 12/6/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 12/31/2002 at 06:54 AM
He watches the Ranger leave with the Lady Elf in a hunt for food. He would let them all eat it, and take none for himself - he still had lembas in his bag and would satiate himself with those. Andaariel could try and coax him into eating, but would not succeed; this was no time for him to concentrate on feasting. He disappeares without word, knowing that the others would know he had decided to wander and hide himself, should any unwelcome guests invite themselves to their encampment, as he was wont to do lately.
The bravest warrior could stand the sight of many things, but not of a child and its caretaker. The sight of Fairsnow, Andaariel, and Elnineth resting in an aura of peace was too pure, too intimate for him to witness. Elnineth was a child, and free of any painful memories, and for that he was glad. And in both of her female companions she awoke something within them that slept for far too long. And the Strongbow was not excluded from it-- for a moment he felt his paternal instincts rising, instincts he was never given the chance to use, or to ever use.
He turns from them and enters the darkness of the forest, lifting his head and watching the moon rise again. He did not feel weary as Men could feel weary, but fatigued enough. He was nearing the fatigue he felt when he guided and watched over Turin son of Hurin, fosterson of Lord Thingol of Doriath...a simple Man he was, but as best a friend as an Elf could be. And his own death, he remembered...by Anglachel the black sword of the Dark Elf...
He closes his eyes and scolds himself for brooding over the past, and covers his face with his hands. His ears tingle as he hears a soft little giggle and leaves shudder. He must have been away for a time longer then he thought - for he hears soft female voices murmuring and calling out a name..."Ella?...Elnineth?"
They have awoken. And Elnineth was gone. He did not feel panic rise within him - for he knew that she had pattered near. And soon, as he sits upon the ground and leans against a tree, he looks into large, midnight blue eyes and sees a white, star-shaped scar above them.
He laughs softly. "Suildad, dearheart. You should go back. Females are worrisome - although I have but no room to speak so."
He rises and offers her his hand, and feels her cool, but firm grip. He leads her back to the encampment.
____________________ "Pray, v.: To ask that the laws of the universe be annulled on behalf of a single petitioner confessedly unworthy." - Ambrose Bierce
"A poem is never finished, only abandoned."
- Paul Valery
KeeperofVilya
Banned
Registered: 5/7/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 12/31/2002 at 12:23 PM
Eldaline smiled at Bragolath's invitaion. Gently picking up Elnineth she et her down on the grass and stood. She followed Bragolath as they headed through the company and into the woods. As they walked she looked at the Ranger. His deep dark eyes shone with life but there was a hint of saddness in them as well, as if they held some deep secret from the past.
As they walked, Bragolath broke the silence.
"How is it you came to find us ? Where were you heading to on so foul a night as this?"
Eldaline's eyes fell and her face clouded over somewhat. She was silenet for a moment as the memories flooded over her. Finally she looked up at the Ranger.
"My village had been attacked by an orc hunting party. Man were killed and the rest of us were taken captured... How long we were there in those dark cells I do not know, but finally I managed to escape, I escaped with my life, but I had nothing. Everything had been taken away from me, my home... my family. I had a young daughter, Ellesin, she was killed along with the rest of my family, I am the only one who survived and escaped." Eldaline stoped for a moment and wiped a tear from her eye, then continued to follow Bragolath.
"I was on my way home, to see what was left of my past, but now I fear that there is nothing left but the memories, it is all gone, it is all destroyed. I go now to find whatever path it is that has been laid out before me..."
Bragolath listened as they walked through the woods. Gently he put a hand on Eldaline's shoulder and looked into her deep blue eyes. "I am sorry...." he said simply.
____________________ Certified Pervy Elf Fancier, Lucius Malfoy and Prof Snape Fan, Proud Member of the Europe Crew, Middle Earth Fanatic, All Around Nut and Weirdo, Resident Dierty Girl, And Proud of it ! !
Happy_Hobbit
Huggable Hobbit
Registered: 5/21/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 12/31/2002 at 03:52 PM
Elnineth nibbled the Elf cake, its sweet taste was familiar to her, though she had as yet no knowledge why this should be.
Andaariel looking out for this childlike halfling comes over to Eldaline.
"And you wouldn't have anything else useful in that bag would you? Some clothing for our little friend, perhaps? Incase you didn't notice, she's practically naked."
Eldaline shakes her head
"I am sorry" she answers ". . .for I have nothing."
Andaariel senses a geat sadness but decides now is not the time to press for an explanation. Perhaps Beleg has something to dress the halfling.
Elnineth notices Beleg slipping away, she lets him go, then in a moment she decides to seek him believing it to be a game. She dances off into the woods.
Beleg's tracks soon fade and for a moment Elnineth feels lost and alone . . . but something catches her eye and she drops to the floor.
A small green caterpillar is walking along the pathway, looping its body in a high bow, it makes its way along. Elnineth sits facinated by this simple sight.
She shivers, she is still undressed and the cold wind easily chills her bones. Getting up she goes futher into the woods. Suddenly she glimpses Beleg and with a small giggle runs over to him.
Something in his manner draws her to him, some desire or hope? something he has lost hope of maybe. Her bright eyes survey his weather beaten face. She lifts her hand and gently touches it. A fleeting memory stirs and she shuts her eyes to keep it out. Then it is gone.
Beleg seeing the star upon her brow quickly realises it is no scar as he had first thought but a birthmark. He wonders at its significance but knows for the moment Elnineth cannot explain it.
As he takes her hand she feels more deeply the longing within him. Something else lurks in the shadows but she cannot discern it.
As they walk she begins to sing, a half remembered song. Elronds song of the moon and starlight echos through the wood borne on the air. Elnineth's small voice is soon joined by a deeper one.
[Edited on 31/12/2002 by Happy_Hobbit]
____________________ Gil-galad berio i rad padathach. (origional by dreamdancer)
Beleg_Strongbow
Master marksman, and ancestor to that Greenleaf kid
Registered: 12/6/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 12/31/2002 at 05:30 PM
He felt his spirits lift as he sang with Elnineth a song from Lord Elrond's house. He had visited Imladris only once, but it seemed like he stayed a lifetime, soaking in the warmth and beauty of the place and its people -- and the current issues at hand. He also remembered the wonder, awe, and fear he saw as they looked upon him - he was a legend, a mighty warrior of ages past...that had come back. He felt out of place and embarassed, even as Lord Elrond welcomed him and held a great feast for his coming to Imladris. But he reminded himself of why he had returned.
...He was in Mandos, and saw great tapestries cover its momumental halls- he saw one of a golden-haired warrior in green, and a black-haired one beside him...he felt out of himself, so to speak, and realized he was dead, dead to Arda...in a short moment he was face to face with the Illuvatar Himself. He balked, and bowed as low as he could, and heard a warm voice, but also the booming, unfathomable power behind it.
"You are a good servant, you who were once called the Strongbow. But your time is not yet finished. Turin son of Hurin must go his own way; you have influenced him all that you can. Yet there is more evil that will soon awake. You have your choice. You will leave these halls and join Me...or you will return to the living world, be called the Strongbow once more, and accomplish your part in destroying this newfound evil."
He only felt a moment of doubt, of fear of going back; he thought of the beautiful Luthien and her Beren. "I will return."
Instantly he opened his eyes, and felt gravity. He sat up, and was in a forest, an aged one. He was clothed in similar garments that he first wore, but had no bow. Instantly he selected a newly dead branch from a tree, and thanked it, and carved a new weapon, tying a bowstring on it fashioned from strands of his own hair. It was sleek, shiny, and would rival its predecessor. He would call it Belthronding as well. Later he would fashion a small curved blade on one end of it.
He realized he was in the forests of his beloved Doriath, as it was once called. He knew that even though he was with the Illuvatar for a few short moments, ages had passed when he came back. This was not the same earth. He did not feel the lightness in its youth as he grew up with it, but only heaviness, only dusk and nearing darkness.
He wandered until he entered a darker forest, and was ushered in by guards who were awestruck at his presence. He learned that he had entered Mirkwood, a kingdom of Elves similar to Sindar. There he had found a welcome and esteemed home for a time, advising the King Thranduil and being a mentor to his son Legolas, and teaching him his greatest secrets of archery. He saw promise in the prince, and knew he was destined for something great...fo having a hand inr the fate of Arda itself, perhaps. Although he did not realize all the treachery and planning that would soon go into it.
He comes back to the present, his hand holding Elnineth's, their arms swinging lightly and playfully; he looks down at her...and knew that she was a key player in that fate. He tells himself that he also has a part to accomplish in destroying the evil that threatens Arda; the Illuvatar said it was so.
...then so be it.
He prayed to the Illuvatar that his companions were fated the same sovereign way, and for their protection. Andaariel he could not help but favor more. He felt strength seeping into him, strength not his own. He felt his dark mood leaving, perhaps permanently, and returned to his companions at the firelit encampment.
Andaariel saw Elnineth rush back to her arms and snuggle against her, but not before seeing what she thought she'd never see again - a full smile gracing the face of the Strongbow.
[Edited on 31/12/2002 by Beleg_Strongbow]
____________________ "Pray, v.: To ask that the laws of the universe be annulled on behalf of a single petitioner confessedly unworthy." - Ambrose Bierce
"A poem is never finished, only abandoned."
- Paul Valery
Vanalosswen
Council Member
Registered: 11/20/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 1/1/2003 at 02:43 AM
Vanalosswen's blue eyes followed the Strongbow as he left the camp. She sighed and walked to Anda. "I have some extra clothes for the child." she said softly, reaching into her bag for the small set of clothes that she had slipped into it. She did not remember why she packed this set, as it was far too small for her. Perhaps this was why. She pulled it out and handed it to Anda, then pulled out the larger set she had brought, slipped behind a tree and changed into it.
____________________ 'Take the wave now and know that you're free. Turn your back on the land, face the Sea. Face the wind now, so wild and so strong. When you think of me, wave to me and send me a song.'
"Were you no one, were you a serf off the streets, still, you are my friend and that is of ultimate value to me."
--Legolas, Exile
Bragolath
Council Member
Registered: 11/4/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 1/1/2003 at 08:24 PM
They moved silently through the forest, searching for signs of game. Bragolath had briefly thought of tracking the doe which Anda had shot earlier, but changed his mind, realising that its fate must be something other than being their meal. Instead, he thought that perhaps they might find a hare or three, and with the wild roots and herbs to be found, a decent meal might yet be had. Spying a bolt-hole, he stooped to examine it further. It was indeed still in use, being clear of debris, and the musky odour of its occupant still emanating from it. Opening his pouch, he pulled out a length of silvery cord, from which he fashioned a snare. Whispering his request and thanks to the animal as he worked, he set the trap. Motioning to Eldaline to follow, the pair moved off from the hole. Further searching found 3 more recently dug lairs, and he set traps at them as well, each time silently thanking the animals for their sacrifice. They began to make their way back to the first hole, to await the hare's emergence. Preoccupied with the task at hand, they did not notice the shadow in the treeline behind them and to the side. A soft whistling sound cut the silence, followed by the sound of an arrow hitting it's mark. A grunt escaped Bragolath's lips as he turned to see the orc, still standing in firing position, a leer of demented pleasure on it's foul countenance. Bragolath felt a searing pain in his back, where the arrow had embedded. Fighting the pain and dizziness that threatened to overwhelm him, he thrust his bow and quiver into Eldaline's hands, then drew Mithdhangir, but it was too late. Another arrow sliced through the air, driving home deep into his shoulder. Stumbling backwards, he fought to maintain his balance, knowing that if he were to fall, it would be over for him. With his last ounce of strength, he let out a cry and charged the orc, Mithdhangir gleaming cruelly in the predawn mist. Its attention on the pain-maddened ranger, the orc forgot about the elf who had been standing beside the man who was now closing the distance between them. As it nocked and drew another arrow to dispatch the madman, two thrums of bowstring were heard, followed by sickening thunks as they connected deep in the orc's chest and throat. The arrow from the orc's bow flew wild, harmlessly coming to rest high in the boughs of a tree. Mortally wounded, the orc stumbled, falling as it entangled on its own bow, its cries reduced to a wet gurgling sound. Unable to stop his charge, Bragolath fell upon the orc, his sword thrust before him, driving it all the way through the fallen orc. Its eyes widened in suprise and pain as the cold mithril blade ran through, then it lay still, the look of shock forever frozen on its grotesque features. Having fallen upon the orc, the shaft that impaled Bragolath's shoulder was driven even deeper, stopped only by the bone of his shoulder blade. The exquisite pain was like fire within him, and he felt his hold on consciousness slipping as he rolled off the dead creature onto his side, Mithdhangir still jutting up from the body of the enemy. Eldaline ran to his side, calling his name, desperately loosening his tunic from around his neck to ease his breathing. "Brago! Stay with me! Don't you dare leave me!" Hearing the words as if from a great distance, he fought to regain his senses, but the pain clouded his mind. He was drawn to another time, when another had spoken almost those same words to him. Opening his eyes slightly, his clouded vision saw the face from long ago. "Anda..." he mumbled weakly. The face he saw before him wavered and changed, and he saw Eldaline. "You... must return... get... help..." his voice trailed off as he slipped back into unconsciousness, its dark embrace finally taking him.
KeeperofVilya
Banned
Registered: 5/7/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 1/1/2003 at 09:31 PM
Eldaline knelt there beside the fallen Ranger for a moment as fear gripped her heart. She looked has his eyes closed and the darkness of unconciousness took him. Slowly she stood and stared at Brago, the arrow in his back was broken off and the one in his shoulder was deeply embeded. Her mind was racing. Finally she turned and headed back towards the camp in the direction they had come from. But after going only a short ways she turned and ran back to Brago, the thought of leaving him there alone was too much.
Reaching down she pulled Mithdhangir from the body of the orc, wiped it on her cloak and held it. Then kneling down she pulled Brago up, draping his arm around her shoulder. As she stood, Brago groaned and opened his eyes slgihtly.
"Eldaline...." she said in a voice barely above a whisper. "Leave me... you must... go... on..."
"I am not going to leave you alone for the orc."
"They... they will find you... you... have to get back... to camp..."
"If they find us then they find us... I will not leave you."
With that she stood and gently shifting Brago's weight they turned and headed towards the camp. Eldaline's back ached with the weight of the ranger and each step grew harder and harder. Her eyes and ears were tuned to any sign of danger. A while later they reached the bottom of the hilll - Eldaline knew that once they got over the hill, it was only a short ways to the camp, but she did not have the strength to carry the ranger up the hill.
Setting Brago down as gently as she could she knelt beside him and tended his wounds as best as she could. As she sat there beside him, she kept her hand on the hilt of his sword as it rested on the ground beside her. She knew the orc that had attacked htem - it was one of the northern orcs, the same who had attacked her and killed her family. They never traveled alone. the one that attacked them was probably a scout and the others would be close. Every noise, ever rustle in the trees, every crunch of the leaves made her jump. Fianlly she could stand it no more.
Standing up she gently pulled Brago's arm around her shoulder and stood. Brago made not a sound and his body was heavy and limp.
"Come on Brago... don't give up on me.... we're almost there... you can make it... you can make it..." Eldaline said she they satrted the climb up the hill. Her back ached and her legs burned as she climbed. Finally they reached the top. With a slight sigh of releif, she continued on.
Back at the camp everyone was sitting around talking. They were begining to wonder what was taking Brago and Eldaline so long. Beleg was starting to get worried and walked a ways into the woods looking for them. Suddenly his eyes caught sight of something. Someone was approaching. Quickly he strung his bow and waited. As he did, his arm droped and he stared, twas no orc, as he had first thought.
"No" he cried softly as he ran forward. As he approached he saw that is was Eldaline and Bragolath. Running up to her he grabbed Brago's other arm around his shoulder.
"What happened ?" he cried as they ran towards the camp.
"An orc scout...." Eldaline said hoarsly, her breath coming in short gasps.
As they entered the camp, every one jumped to their feet, in a flurry of questions. Bragolath was taken and tended to. Eldaline sank to her knees alone, as the company crowded around Bragolath.
[Edited on 1/1/2003 by KeeperofVilya]
____________________ Certified Pervy Elf Fancier, Lucius Malfoy and Prof Snape Fan, Proud Member of the Europe Crew, Middle Earth Fanatic, All Around Nut and Weirdo, Resident Dierty Girl, And Proud of it ! !
Beleg_Strongbow
Master marksman, and ancestor to that Greenleaf kid
Registered: 12/6/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 1/1/2003 at 10:41 PM
He hovers over Bragolath after bidding him rest on his stomach, removing part of his cloak, coat, and tunic to reveal his bare back and the broken arrow shaft embedded deep within it. He leans over the Ranger and says soft words in his ear. Upon hearing no reply, he nods slightly, and his fingers gingerly prod the skin around the rough orc-arrow.
Instantly Andaariel is at his side, nearly knocking him out of his place. "...no...NO!" Bragolath, you idiot...!"
"Hush, child." the Strongbow replies softly, his fingers running over the remainder of the arrow shaft that protruded from the Ranger's back. "Do not speak loudly; orcs are near to us." He looks towards Eldaline, who had slipped into the background, and he knows she was retreated into her own inward world. "Eldaline. How many of them were there?"
Eldaline blinks, and meets his eyes with her own. "..Only one, Strongbow. But he is no more."
He doesn't reply, nor is he angry at himself for letting down his guard for the moment; he was focused on tending to his comrade the Ranger. He retrieves his satchel and procures a smaller leather bag, and withdraws some crushed herbs. He packs them around the inflamed, expanded flesh surrounding the arrowhead, places one hand firmly on Bragolath's back, and murmurs a soft request of forgiveness on the Ranger's part. And with one swift motion, he wraps the fingers of his other hand around the arrow shaft and forces it out.
The tightening of the Ranger's body and the painful groan tell them all that he was still concious. Andaariel moves closer to Bragolath and lifts his head into her lap, stroking his hair gently, and murmuring soft words to him. His hands are clasped tightly, grasping handfuls of her dress with a grip that only faltered as the pain begins to fade gradually.
The Strongbow had been examining the orc-arrow. His face did not show that the Ranger's injury was a simple shot to the shoulder. Upon feeling their eyes upon him, he says simply. "It is poisoned."
The silence that falls upon the small group is thick. They could do nothing; they were miles from civilization, and orcs were near. Too near. They look at each other.
He feels a presence next to him. Elnineth... she looks at the wound, and recoils as a child would to such a sight, and backs away. The Strongbow looks at her, in her eyes, and speaks to her with thoughts.
"You healed the doe, did you not, dearheart? ...could you heal a Man?"
He is given no response. She is a child; simple and happy, and devoid of her true memories. She doesn't have the same power. It has yet to return.
~~~~~~~~~~~
"But where will you take him? There are orcs near, you know this!" Andaariel follows him as he carries the Ranger into the clearing where their horses stood.
"There is nothing else to be done. He needs true medicine, and it cannot be found here." He shifts Bragolath onto the back of the Ranger's horse and leaps with ease into the saddle. Bragolath leans against him in his weakness. He murmurs words of comfort to the Ranger, if he can hear them, and slowly leads the horse out of the forest.
Andaariel follows them, her brow furrowed and her face reddened. "What if you get killed, Strongbow?!"
He turns to look at her, and the look in his eyes instantly quiets her exasperation. "I won't. Not again, Elfling. Not yet, perhaps." He leans towards her, his eyes growing intense. "Worry for yourselves; you carry the real prize with you. I would leave this forest as quickly as I can, and head for mountain country. I will return, and do not fear - I will find you."
With his soft word, the horse gains energy, shooting out of the forest and into the plains.
____________________ "Pray, v.: To ask that the laws of the universe be annulled on behalf of a single petitioner confessedly unworthy." - Ambrose Bierce
"A poem is never finished, only abandoned."
- Paul Valery
Andaariel
CoE Party Planning Admin & Proud Mommy
Registered: 11/13/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 1/2/2003 at 05:13 AM
Andaariel sighs, and turns back to the camp. She surveys all that is before her.
"That's just bloody lovely," she mumbles. "I have Eldaline who is so weak and shocked that she's barely doing more than staring into space. I have Vana, who has been looking like she's been crying, and who is still injured. And I have little Elnineth, who's still running around as if we're all playing some sort of game. How did I get elected den mother?" She moans. Her backside throbs a little, but it is subsiding. She once again thanks her elvish side for quick healing.
"Okay, we've got to get out of here," she says urgently, but calmly as not to cause a panic. "Pack up whatever you need to, and do it quickly." She grabs Eldaline's shoulder, startling her. "Come on, Eldaline...I need you coherent, here!"
Within minutes, everything is packed onto the horses. Naurneth whinnys quietly, sensing danger and worrying for Elnineth. It is then that Anda realizes that she must ride with her new sister...Elnineth is still far too young in her mind to know how to ride on her own.
Andaariel mounts Chase, and Vanalosswen hands Elnineth to her. Anda smiles thanks, and watches the other two mount their horses as well.
"Where are we going?" Elnineth asks, her voice full of innocence.
Anda stops herself from answering "I've no idea!" and instead replies,"We're going on a little trip into the mountains. It will be fun! Hang on tight, little sister, we're going to go very fast now!" She urges Chase on, and her companions ride along side her, leaving the orcs behind. While there wouldn't have been a whole army, even a handful of orcs would be more than she and the others could handle.
Anda quickly mapped out their location in her head. They'd begun in her cottage just outside of Bree. By her judgement, if they rode hard, they could be in the mountains by the following night, and perhaps they could find shelter with an old friend shortly after...
Anda had met Elrond only once, but it had been a good enough meeting that she had grown quite fond of him. When she left, she told him his elves were much more fun than the stuffy, stuck up elves like her mother. Elrond had tried not to laugh...
"We're heading to the mountains,"Andaariel tells her companions, "And then on to Rivendell."
Her thoughts stray to Strongbow and Bragolath, and then to the immense task of mothering Elnineth. With a sigh, she rides on.
Happy_Hobbit
Huggable Hobbit
Registered: 5/21/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 1/2/2003 at 10:22 AM
Elnineth finds herself dressed at last and mounted on chase with her 'sister' she is happy for a while playing at being a princess and then flying with her arms stuck out on either side.
Soon though she tires and then come the inevitable words
"Are we there yet?" closely followed by "I'm hungry" and "I need to go. . . "
Eldaline fashions a small doll from wood and hands it to Elnineth, she is quiet once more, playing some game lost in thoughts of the past.
"Elrond is nice" the words surprise Andaariel, was it a question or a statement.
"Have you met Lord Elrond before Elnineth?" she asks curiously
"Yes" says Elnineth brightly "He's my daddy"
____________________ Gil-galad berio i rad padathach. (origional by dreamdancer)
Andaariel
CoE Party Planning Admin & Proud Mommy
Registered: 11/13/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 1/3/2003 at 02:16 AM
"Yes," says Elnineth brightly,"He's my Daddy."
Andaariel nearly falls off of her horse. Her DADDY? Now there was a statement that needed some explanation.
"Oh, really?" Anda asks, slowing Chase down. "Well, you must be excited to see him then!"
Elnineth nods, then looks at Anda, holding her doll out. "She wants to stop now."
Anda smiles at Eldaline and Vanalosswen. "Does she? Well, then we had better stop. Besides, it looks safe here."
The group had been through the foothills and now where the hills had been grassy, the terrain was mostly rock. They stopped amongst some trees close to the mountainside. All along the face of the cliff were caves and holes. With the sky threatening rain as it was, the caves could provide some shelter, and though Anda had never liked caves, she liked sleeping in the rain less.
"Rivendell is still about a day's ride away," she says, dismounting her mare. "All in favour of camping here?"
Vana and Elda both nod, quickly scoping out their temporary home.
"We should check out those caves to be sure nothing is hiding in them," Eldaline says, quietly so as not to frighten Elnineth.
Anda nods. "Good idea. I could use a walk...my rear end is killing me. One of us should start a fire, and we will need to get some food. And I hope there's water nearby. Though I know I can bathe in Rivendell, I would much rather show up NOT looking like I've been run over by a horse stampede." She is thinking out loud more than trying to begin a conversation, but she welcomes the idea of one. None of them had talked much as they rode. Apparently all three of them have a lot on their minds. Elnineth had been the only one who chattered away. "The question is, is one of us staying behind, or do we all go to explore?"
Elnineth, standing by a tree and hugging her doll close, just sort of stares at the caves, which look like gaping mouths in the cliff, shrieking out silent screams...
She shudders and whines a little, coming over closer to where the three women are standing.
"It's dark over there. In those places. I don't want to go in there." Elnineth says, barely above a whisper.
The rain begins to fall, and thunder rumbles lazily.
"It doesn't appear we have much choice, little sister," Andaariel says, picking up Elnineth and heading for the caves.
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Gil-galad berio i rad padathach. 
(origional by dreamdancer) 
)