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arwen_the_evenstar
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Post Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: October 03, 2005 12:49
Well this is a restart for Emotional Times. I started this thread a while ago but due to some circumstances members left and it died. Rather than try and revive it from where it ended I thought I would start over. The basic plot outline is on the OOC board here
http://councilofelrond.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=XForum&file=viewthread&tid=24200

Basically the idea for the thread is that it follows what happens in Minas Tirith after Aragorn dies. It follows what happens to his friends, family and people of his country. Many emotions are flying around, that is why it is called: Emotional Times! I will be playing Aregwyn, Aragorn's daughter, and possibly Arwen.

This is a free rpg, feel free to join but see OOC board for more details.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aregwyn stood silent by the window, letting the harsh breeze wash around her. Although the day was warm, and the sun was high in the sky there was a sense of sadness upon the city, a sense of dread, a sense of coldness. She gently flicked a strand of her wavy, chocolate brown hair behind her ear and looked out over the city. Buildings rose up, streets twisted around the shape of the town, white marble walls protected it and merchants were out, bartering and selling their products at the markets on the 5th level. Minas Tirith however laid in a state of waiting. Every citizen sensed something was happening, they did not know what but everyone felt it, as if they were all holding their breaths and waiting silently.

"Aregwyn, father wishes to see you." She spun around to face her brother, Eldarion, and managed a weak smile. He came over to his sister and gently rubbed her shoulder comfortingly, "Go on." he said and she drew in a breath and pushed open the door to her father's room. There her mother, Arwen, lay knelt down beside his bed, tears splashing down her face. She looked up sadly when she saw her daughter come in and uneasily got to her feet. She embraced Aragorn, who was lying upon the bed and sniffed and then left the room quietly.

"Ada?" said Aregwyn uneasily and her father smiled reassuringly and gestured for her to come. "This is it isn't it?"
He nodded, "I cannot be on this earth much longer. 'Tis best to go now and lay myself to rest. I grow uneasy of this world, and now is my time to depart it." He said, in a grave voice. She went beside him and knelt down, "Ada, why are you doing this? Naneth, she needs you. Eldarion needs you, I need you..." She whispered, shaking her head in disbelief.
"It is not a simple choice I made rashly, overnight, Aregwyn. Your mother has known that this time would come, and she knew it would come soon. She has tried to prepare herself for it, but alas, her grief won over." He explained, frowning, and took his daughter's pale hand. "But... she will need you in the weeks that follow. She is strong but I want you to make sure she does not give in to despair." He said, stroking the princess's pale hand comfortingly.
"But ada, why? We all need you here, the people need you. Your people..." She said, frowning slightly. He shook his head, "No...they will move on and your brother will make a fine King of Gondor. The only regrets I have is not seeing you and your siblings grow up. Eldarion is to be married, I will never see that and you, have yet to find love, and I won't be there when you do. And your sisters, well they haven't really grown up yet!" He joked and she managed a rather sad smile. "But you will be there for each other. I want you to go from this room, do not look back. I will not say do not cry...but just this: be strong, your family needs you, Aregwyn. I love you my daughter." He said and she shook silently, tears trickling down her face.
"Farewell, ada." She said and he took her in his arms and held her for a moment. "Be strong, my brave daughter." He whispered and she nodded, stood up, sniffed and then slowly walked out of the room, looking back sadly at her father. She knew this was really the last time that she would ever see him. She drew a rather shaky breath and pushed the door open and stepped out into the corridor where her siblings and mother were waiting...
Thalianost
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: October 04, 2005 09:05
(hey everybody, my character is Thalianost he is a lieutenant in the Royal guard)

Thalianost was standing guard outside the kings quarters. The king had been ill for many days now and it looked as if today would be the day of his death. The royal family were gathered together outside of the kings bed chamber and were going in one at a time to say their goodbyes. Presently Aregwyn was leaving the room after speaking to her father for the last time. She had tears streaming down her face though she tried to hide them.

Thalianost wanted to give her some comfort but he knew he could not. He was not to speak out of turn to any member of the royal family. He wished he could, though. He had loved Aregwyn since the moment he saw her but could never bring himself to speak with her.

He watched quietly and kept his post while the family comforted each other.

[Edited on 4/10/2005 by Thalianost]
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Inspiring_Addiction
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: October 04, 2005 11:32
((OOC: Good posts! I will be using Isabella who's in the char db, I will also use Legolas, and I suppose Gimli for now. But if anyone wants to use Gimli feel free to.))

Isabella had spent much time with her brother, but it had not been long before Thranduil had sent guards to escort her home. It had been one of his last wishes before he left Middle Earth. She had long goodbyes with Aragorn, and all of his family... Her true family. She had been halfway home when she had heard the news, and the words still burned painfully in her mind. A rider of Gondor had caught up with her slow moving party and had spoke between gasps as he had been riding almost non stop for days. "Isabella, it's King Aragorn. He's grown very ill since your departure. He will pass soon." Isabella had sent the gaurds she rode with to search out Legolas and Gimli and give them word of the terrible news.

She had turned from her journey and rode back towards Gondor. She had rode with all the speed she could manage, her long sandy brown hair flying around her wildly, but she felt her heart growing weary. She felt deep down that perhaps she was too late. As she arrived in Gondor she instantly felt a sadness among the normally happy people. Without stopping to speak to the guards she headed quickly to her brothers chambers. But she was stopped as she was met with the mourning faces of her brother's wife and children. Her eyes immediately flew to Arwen who was crying passionately. "Oh Arwen." She fell to her knees and wrapped her arms around the woman. No longer could she hold back her own tears.

------------

Legolas and Gimli had been doing all they could to help restore the devastated forests of the war-ravaged land. They had been making good progress, even in the absence of Thranduil, who had departed from Middle Earth. They where both eager to see Isabella again, and a smile broke out on both of their faces as they spotted the troops who had been sent for her riding closer to them. But Legolas' smile soon faded.

"What is it?" Gimli stood on his tip-toes, trying to see into the distance. But his eyes where no match for Legolas'.

"She does not ride with them." Legolas frowned, wondering if maybe something had happened to his good friend. After all it had been a long time since he had seen her. He walked forwards, finally meeting the guards who looked quite winded. "Where is Isabella?"

He quickly realized the guards had not had time to catch there breath, and he tapped his foot patiently as Gimli took a stand beside him. Finally one man found the breath to speak. "We where halfway through out journey when a rider of Gondor caught up to us. He brought word that King Aragorn had fell ill, and it wasn't looking to good for him. She turned back, and told us to find you, and relay this news to you."

Gimli looked up at Legolas trying to read his reaction, but his face was blank. He had known for a while that this time was coming. "Earane." Legolas' voice was strong as he approached a man setting in the middle of the group. "I must go to Gondor for a while. Until then I want you to guide the people." He looked back at the group of people standing behind them, watching curiously. Earane nodded and dismounted from his horse. "Come Gimli." Legolas climbed atop the horse, and pulled Gimli up behind them, and together the two set off for Gondor.
arwen_the_evenstar
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: October 08, 2005 04:25
Aregwyn staggered slightly and fell into her brother's strong arms. He held her tightly as tears dripped down her face, "Oh Eldarion! I..." He stroked her hair affectionately and shushed her as he held her close and comforted her. "Eldarion, he said I had to....t-o be strong for naneth, but why? Why did he have to go...why n-n-now?!" She sobbed as she burried her face against his shoulder. "Shhh... he wanted you to be strong. So you must be." He said firmly and held her at arm's length away from him, "Come on." He said and she nodded, dried her tears and then went over to where her mother was.

"Naneth..." said Aregwyn softly and Arwen looked up, her eyes glistening with tears. "iell nin..." She said as Aregwyn sat down beside her and embraced her comfortingly. There they sat for many minutes until they broke apart and looked around the room. Eldarion was standing, arms folded with a firm expression placed on his face, but everyone there could tell that he was being strong, for his sister's and mother's sake. She looked at him and he stared at her eyes until a sound of approaching footsteps was heard and in burst, Isabella, Aragorn's half sister and therefore Aregwyn's half-aunt. The elf cried,"Oh Arwen." and then she knelt down beside Arwen and wrapped her arms around the woman. She was crying too, Aregwyn noticed and she stepped towards her, "Isabella..." She said, sniffing slightly and the woman looked up at her...

OOC: Great posts everyone!
Ladyofthewood886
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: October 09, 2005 05:34
((Hello!))
Evenya was traveling near the edge of Gondor when she heard the news of Aragorn. Her first thought was of Aregwyn, one of her best friends. She rode swiftly to Minas Tirith. When she entered, she could feel the sadness, the dark dread, the feeling of hopelessness emanating from the people. She ran as fast as she could to the top level. By the time she reached the citadel, she was fighting back tears herself. Aragorn had always been so kind to her and the fact that he was passing on was unbelieveable to her. She went inside and looked for Aregwyn to see hoiw he was doing. She saw her talking to Isabella and stayed a respectful distance away and waited to talk to her.
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: October 10, 2005 04:12
Thalianost had been standing quietly at his post all the while. Finally another guard came to relieve him. Thalianost handed him his halbert and started to walk away, but then he stopped. He turned back to the Queen and her children. "I am sorry for your loss. He was truly a King among men." Though he ment to say this to the whole family, his eyes only looked at Aregwyn's face. He then turned and slowly walked back to his quarters.
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arwen_the_evenstar
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: October 11, 2005 04:28
As Isabella looked up Aregwyn sent her a small smile and the two embraced and then broke apart. Tears trickled down the young princess's face and splashed onto the floor. She sniffed and brushed them away lightly before looking up. Isabella sat with Arwen, trying to offer some comfort and Eldarion stood behind his mother, next to his other sisters. Then she heard a voice speak, "I am sorry for your loss. He was truly a King among men." She looked up to locate the source of the words and found one of the Royal guards looking at her. She looked into his eyes and for some reason found his words strangely comforting to her.

"Thank you." She had time to say, softly before he turned away and left, as his shift was over. She watched him go and then turned back to look at her mother. Just then she noticed someone standing out of the way, looking apprehensively at the family. "Evenya!" She cried out and smiled slightly as the girl came closer. "Oh Evenya!" said Aregwyn, hugging her...
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: October 11, 2005 07:26
Isabella was overwhelmed. This was her blood... The only real family she had ever met. And she felt as if she had tried to abandon them for her own selfish reasons. She looked up at Arwen and placed a soft hand on her cheek. She searched for words, but couldn't find the right ones. Arwen didn't need to hear anything though, she saw it all through Isabella's eyes. As Arwen nodded Isabella rose and looked around the room. She had to pull herself together. Quickly, she left. She walked away from the room and out into the fresh air. Many gaurds stared at her in curiousity but without a word she walked away, and she continued to walk until she thought she was alone.

Dropping to her knees she cried. Her head fell into her hands and she sobbed. "WHY? Why did you give me this life?" She looked upwards screaming. She had never known herself. Closing her eyes she sighed.

"You must be strong. You must be the one." Isabella's eyes shot open to see where the soft voice was coming from but there was no one in sight. She gasped as she realized that the voice she had first head when she was around 7, and had not heard in nearly 4 years, was now speaking. And it was all in her head, it had always been.

"But why?" She sighed, knowing she would get no answer.
Ladyofthewood886
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: October 11, 2005 02:25
Evenya hugged her back.
"I can't believe it! It doesn't seem real!" she whispered. "I came as soon as I heard, but I had hoped I heard wrong!"
She pulled back.
"How is he? How are you?" she asked. Her forest green eyes were filled with tears, but she fought them back.
arwen_the_evenstar
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: October 12, 2005 04:55
"How is he? How are you?" Evenya asked and Aregwyn sobbed quietly, "He is dead. Ada is dead..." She shook her head, "I am... I don't know I just...I can't seem to face it that he is dead...it doesn't seem...real!" She said, sniffing slightly as she looked into her friend's eyes. She could see that they too were filled with tears. "But it will be okay, ada said I have to be strong, for naneth's sake...so I will be. If that is what he wished of me then I will..." She nodded, gulped and stood up, drawing in a deep breath. "Will you excuse me, my dear friend?" She said hurriedly and when Evenya nodded she ran off down the corridor.

Aregwyn flung open the doors to the Citadel Courtyard. She glanced at the White Tree, it was her father who had found it. Found the sprig, after Sauron's defeat. He had found it, brought it back and so a new tree had sprung. But only because the rightful heir of Isildur had returned. But now...he was gone, and Eldarion would be King. She had to face the fact that he truly was gone, but she couldn't. She thought that if somehow if she didn't give in and accept the horrible truth, then maybe she would wake up and find it to be nothing more than a nightmare. But in her heart. she knew. She knew he was gone...gone...gone. She sniffed once more, her eyes glistening with tears and then she slowly knelt down before the White Tree and fell silent, just letting the hot tears run down her pale face and splash into a puddle on the floor.
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: October 12, 2005 02:42
Litheilian dashed up the levels until she saw Aregwyn kneeling before the White Tree. She knelt down beside her.
"I'm sorry Aregwyn about your father. Aragorn was a fine man. You can do this." Lith looked at her niece and sighed. "I'll help. You know I will. I'm here for you, my sister and my nephew."
After that she stayed silent, just waiting for Aregwyn to say something. She wrapped her arm around her niece's shoulders and silently cried with her.
arwen_the_evenstar
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: October 17, 2005 10:26
Aregwyn sniffed and sobbed as her aunt (OOC: right?) enveloped her in a warm embrace, "I know you will be here. But Litheilian...I am worried. About naneth...She is the one who will be hit the most by ada's passing. She loved him dearly and paid the price for it long ago. I wish I could do something to help her!" She cried, drying her tears on the sleeve of her dress. "I look a terrible state." She said as she smiled weakly at Litheilian and then stood up, looking at the White Tree. "It will bloom forevermore..." She mused, quietly to herself, half forgetting that she was behind her, "Ada found it you know? And it bloomed because he had returned to the throne. But now he is passed away, and Eldarion will be King...and then once he is long gone his son will rule over Gondor, and his son...until the ending of the time..." She sighed and turned back to Lithilian, "I will be strong." She said firmly, nodding and looking at the woman who stood before her. "For my family. He is gone, and nothing I can do can bring him back. No matter how many tears I cry...how many breakdowns I have..." She said, sighing heavily and shaking her head, "It is just..." She stopped, unable to go on. She just looked up at her aunt who stood before her.
Raea
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: October 18, 2005 04:49
Lith nodded. "I know my dear. I know all too well." She placed her hand on her niece's shoulder and smiled. "Come on, let's go back inside. I'm sure Arwen and everyone else is worried about you." She smiled once more as they both headed toward the palace. Lith stopped and looked back to the White Tree. A single tear fell from her eye. "I promise to watch over them, Aragorn, my friend." Then she turned back around and followed Aregwyn inside.
Sillende
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on: October 22, 2005 06:40
Kaen sat silently on his mud brown stallion, borrowed from a stable from a previous journey. His eyes looked up to the tall towers of Minas Tirith. It had been two years since he left. A cloud passed over the sun, creating a shadow over the land. He felt a chill go through him as he neared,though the day was warm and bright.

Of course, he had not heard of how the King was. Kaen had not bothered to listen to anything reminding him of this city or the royal family with in. He would not have been able to leave had he not tried to forget. His sister,Karay, had needed help and so his loyalty to her had taken him away. What a fool he had been to return now.

Kaen knew she was there in the palace, probably having moved on by now. He felt though, a longing in his heart to return, even if this was the last time to see that she was all right. With each step of his mount, he could sense that something was wrong. The city seemed silent, even the guards that stood at its gates seemed forlorn despite their straight posture and head held high.

He was let in through the gate after a brief stating of his buisinuess and who he was. The sounds of his horse's hooves hitting the cobbled streets echoed through out the city. It seemed eveyone else was muted today, he recied silent stare from others he passed. Something indeed was wrong.

Kaen's thoughts went back to the maner in which he had left. It had not been pleasant, an irate conversation and an exchange of hurtful words. He knew though that it would be better for her if he was gone. It would not be proper for a daughter of the king to be seen with a common man, let alone a thief. His ways had changed though since he had met her.

'What difference does it make now?' he wondered to himself.

He would have to find a place of rest. Kaen could not face anyone at the palace now.
Raea
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: October 23, 2005 01:54
Raina was walking toward the stables when she saw someone come in through the gates. She was trying to figure out who it was but he didn't seem famailar. She walked inside the stables and picked up a bucket of oats for the horse. She walked over and let the horse eat a bit.

"Are you visiting, m'lord?"
Sillende
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: October 23, 2005 02:54
Kaen had found an inn, unusually vacant now. He went to the stables first, thinking no one was there until he saw a young woman of dark hair striding towards him with a bucket of oats. He dismounted as the horse eagerly bent his head towards the fodder. The smell of hay and horses entered his nose, a familiar scent. He too, had once worked in a stables before he had found another occupation. Perhaps the stables would have been a better choice.

"Are you visiting, m'lord?"the woman asked.

She looked rather elven and perhaps she was. She seemed rather cautious around him, as if she feared he may jump at her.

"Me, a lord, oh you are quite wrong there miss,"he said flashing a grin,"My name is simply Kaen."

He patted the mane of the stallion,"And this one doesn't have a name yet, I wasn't planning on keeping him long but maybe I will,"Kaen paused a moment and sighed slightly."I don't know how long I'll be staying."

He took the horse by the reins and led him in to the stable, unsaddled him and brushed him down. The stallion's coat was soft and glossy even in the dim light.'Yes, perhaps I'll keep you after all,'he thought to himself.

"If you'll excuse me m'lady I have yet to find a room,"He turned to go and stopped,"What is your name?"
Raea
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: October 23, 2005 04:00
Raina laughed alittle at that and smiled. She set the bucket of oats down when the horse was finished. She looked at the man and noticed that look upon his face.

"I'm not an elf if that's what you think. My name's Raina. I'm the adopted sister to Boromir and Faramir. And it's a pleasure to meet you Kaen." She looked around the stables and sighed. Then she looked at the horse. "I think you should keep him. He looks like a mighty horse and one that fits your style."

She thought for a moment then remembered that all the inns here in Minas Tirith were getting ready to be full. "M'lord....I mean Kaen, I think the inn is getting ready to be full. If I were you I'd see if there was a room left. If not there's a spare room in the house I'm staying in. You are welcome there."

At that moment Kaen's horse started to nuzzle against Raina's arm and she smiled. "So, you've found out that I'm hiding soemthing sweet have you?" She smiled again before giving the horse a sugar cube.
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: October 24, 2005 09:39
Kaen nodded gratefully,"Then if there is no more room I will take that offer, Raina."He smiled softly as the horse smelled something sweet on the young woman,"Perhaps you could think of a proper name for him."

With that said he was off. Indeed Raina had been right only one room remained now in the inn. He stood in the door way of his small room, a small window allowing light to pass in. Kaen found that he could not rest, his mind was to full of thoughts. He dropped his pack just inside the door and locked the door behind him on his way out.

He left the inn, wandering the streets, again he noticed the emptiness though people were still going about their business. The warm breeze still seemed chilled somehow. This made him worry even more, unusual for him. He did not know how it came to be but his feet seemed to draw him to the palace.

He looked up at the doors leading in, guards standing at either side, stern and unmoving. His gaze went even higher, though he was not on the right side of the palace, Kaen remembered which room was hers.

"Aregwyn...,"he whispered softly to the breeze.

So many questions came to mind as he stood their silently. The guards seemed to think him no thread and made no move to keep him moving on. Kaen had been a fool to leave, he knew that now. His sister could have handled things on her own and she had known it.
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on: October 24, 2005 05:54
Raina watched as he left and smiled. Then she looked back at the horse and smiled again. "What to name you? I would name you Brego but that was the name of King Aragorn's horse." At the mention of her king and friend she stopped. She still could not believe that he was dead. She sighed as the horse just shook his mane and nuzzled her cheek. She smiled and petted his nose. "I think I may name you Athrun, but I'll have to make sure it's ok with your master, now won't I?" Again he shook his head and caused her to laugh. She hadn't laughed in so long, it felt good. The last time she laughed was before Boromir left for Rivendell. She left the stable after putting Kaen's horse in the last free spot. She walked to the palace and saw Kaen standing there. "I see that you've found an inn. So, are you going to stand here all day or go in and let them know that you're here." She looked at him with a questioning look on her face.
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on: October 25, 2005 02:55
Aregwyn sniffed slightly and looked around again at her family. They were all sat in silence, Aregwyn still held her mother's pale, shaking hand tight. It had really set it deep now, that Aragorn had passed away. His body was to be taken to the Tomb of Kings the next day and laid out and then it would be confirmed to the whole city that their King had indeed died. Not that they needed this confirmation, there was a deadly silence over the city, one of knowing. They knew that their King was gone already. Arwen looked at her daughter and said softly, "You are exhausted my child, as are we all. Why don't you all retire to your rooms?" She suggested and smiled weakly at Aregwyn. "But mother..." She protested but Arwen stopped her and urged her to stand up, "Go...I will be.....fine..." She sniffed and shook slightly. The Gondorian princess nodded and knelt to embrace her mother and then she walked off down the corridor, towards her room.

She flung the door open rather unceremoniously and walked inside and slammed it shut. She collapsed delicately down on the bed. Her mother was right, she was exhausted, not physically but mentally and emotionally. She quickly undressed and changed into the nightgown which a servant had laid out for her. She brushed her hair and then stood and went over to the window. Aregwyn stood as the wind whistled through the window and the moon rose high overhead. She thought she saw a familiar figure down in the Citadel but she shook her head and gazed further out into the city. She sighed heavily and rested her hands on the cold marble of the balcony. She closed her eyes and breathed in heavily, exhaling gently, letting the grief of the day go away.

When she opened her eyes she felt better and looked down at the courtyard once more. She saw the figure of a man and her eyes grew wide with shock. No...no...it couldn't be. No it couldn't be him, not after nearly...2 years! She squinted at the figure and though the night was setting in and the sky was dark she saw his face slightly, before the man turned and left. Then she heard the wind whistle around her. And was it just her mind playing tricks, or did she hear her name being softly called? She shook her head and gazed down at the courtyard once more, but she could not see the person anywhere now. Sighing deeply, she gave up and returned to the warmth and comfort of her bed, shutting the drapes to the window, before she crawled under the covers and fell into an uneasy sleep...
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on: October 25, 2005 06:18
Evening had come. Eldarion was sitting in his room near the window, but he did not watch the beautiful sunset behind the Mindolluin. He was tall and strong, but now his figure was bend down by the weight of grief and duty, the head rested on his hands. He was not crying, but his eyes were wet. Nothing bad or good he had experienced his nearly hundred years of live had prepared him for this day. Strands of his dark hair hung in front of his face, but he did not brush them back, as he usually would have done. His resistance to sadness was completely used up.

What should I do? he thought. Immediately Eldarion remembered the words: "Take care of your mother and your sisters, they will need you!" father said. But how am I supposed to give comfort, if I need it myself? "Be strong! You are strong, although you might not feel it now."

Eldarion sighed, stood up and put his hair back. It had no use. Again his mind became confused. Father would not want me to think too much of him, but to care for my family. I also have to prepare for tomorrow, when I will officially be called King of Gondor. But why does it have to be me to recieve all the duty? Thoughts about the tales of the old days he had read flashed through his mind: Elros and Elrond could choose! Why can't I go West and leave all the trouble behind? That would be treason to my family and my people! But... No more "but"s! I will do what I have to! I never was afraid of the future, why should I start it at the worst time to do so?

Using all strenght of mind, Eldarion pushed aside his grief again. He forced himself to remember the wonderful days he had had with his father as a little boy, he imagined the afternoons at Parth Galen with his sisters, he thought of his first own horse, that King Eomer himself had given him at his 10th birthday... But all these moments, which he had always loved to remember seemed far away. Suddenly feeling very tired, Eldarion went to bed.

~~*~~

It was dark in the room when he woke up, but Eldarion felt as awake as if he had slept for days. He got up and went over to the window. Pushing aside the curtains, he watched the stars and the bright moon. It must be around two hours before sunrise, he thought. The grief was still the same, but he was calm now. Eldarion breathed the fresh air of the night before laying down again. The next day would be hard, he needed all sleep he could get.

~~*~~

OOC: One might expect Eldarion to be younger, but 100 years should fit. I assumed that Eldarion was born twenty years after Aragorn's and Arwen's marriage (his birth date is not mentioned by Tolkien). Aragorn died at the age of 210 years, roughly 120 years after the war of the ring. Elros, the ancestor of the kings of Numenor, was 500 years old when he died (see Elrond's Library for detail). Marriage far after the age of 100 years was normal among the Numenorians. So Eldarion still feels quite young...
Sillende
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: October 25, 2005 12:00
Kaen turned to leave, knowing he could not stand there forever though knowing he would if he could. A shudder went through him, he had heard at the inn that the King was dying perhaps that was the moment of his passing. Tomorrow a funeral would be held, all would mourn for all of his subjects love him dearly.

"I see that you've found an inn. So, are you going to stand here all day or go in and let them know that you're here."

Kaen was startled to find Raina there. He smiled slightly, it was night now, what was she doing wandering the streets.

"No, it is not yet time to make my presence known,"Kaen sighed.

He started walking back to the Inn Raina beside them. He city was completely hushed now, the lights in the windows seemingly dimmed, no flames merrily dancing as it usually was at night. He let her lead, it wouldn't be right to allow her to walk to the home where she stayed alone though he hardly knew her.

When they at last reached it, it was not far from the inn he realize. He could have gotten a better room here but it was to late for that now.

"Well before I turn in, I don't suppose you came up with a name for that grand stallion of mine in the stables yet?"He asked curiously.
Raea
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: October 25, 2005 12:41
"I was thinking about Athrun, but I'm not sure. I'm not really good about coming up with names." She looked down at the ground and sighed. It was dark and she was still out. She looked up at him and smiled.

"Well, thank you for walking me home. Maybe we will see each other tomorrow. Good night." With that she walked inside her house and closed the door.
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: October 31, 2005 07:18
Aregwyn slowly opened her eyes to dim light pouring through the window. She rubbed her eyes and sat up wearily. 'It cannot be more than an hour before dawn, surely.' She thought to herself, sliding out of bed and putting her robe on. Her bare feet walked softly along the cold marble floor and she shivered slightly and drew the robe further around her body. She looked out the window and saw to her surprise that there was people, up and about, wandering through the city. She frowned and looked up at the sun, trying to determine the time of day. But it was blocked by a thick layer of black cloud, harsh and rugged in the distance. It loomed over the landscape, shielding the sun and keeping the warmth locked inside. A harsh but silent wind gushed around her, causing her hair to stream out behind her. She closed her eyes and let her thoughts take over. Aregwyn breathed in and out, deeply and then her eyes opened quickly in shock. It was her father's funeral today.

Aregwyn sighed and quickly rushed inside, shutting the drapes over the window. The strong wind still whipped at the curtains, causing them to billow out inside the room. She paid no attention and went over to her dressing table where the servant had laid out a black, mourning dress for her. 'So all the servants know now.' She thought, heaving a huge sigh as she looked at the dress. She looked down, sadly and then quickly went into the ajoining bathroom where she quickly washed and changed into the dress. She looked at her reflection in the mirror and sighed, the black velvet of the dress hanging gracefully over her shoulders. She bit her lip to stop herself from crying and then the princess went over to the door, slowly and silently opened it and then walked off swiftly down the corridor.

OOC: I will post as Arwen later. I don't think I have much time now.
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: October 31, 2005 03:19
Evenya was already up, walking through the forlorn city. The weather matched the mood of Minas Tirith. It was mostly quiet, save for the thin wail of a baby. She couldn't take it anymore. She made her way back to the top level. She saw several people dressed in black as she went passed. She stood by the white tree and gazed at it for a few minutes, lost in thought. She entered the citadel and saw Aregwen. She gave her a weak smile and walked over.
"Good morning," she greeted.
Sillende
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: November 02, 2005 10:32
Kaen woke at first light, an old habit which he wished he could get rid of. He rubbed his eyes and looked out the little window. The day was not bright, covered by dark clouds, casting the city in shadow. The perfect mood for the day.

He swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood, stretching,his spine cracking slightly. He felt cramped up, a walk would have to come soon. Kaen washed quick and got dressed, dark clothes apparently would be best for the day. He had known the king and respected him greatly, he would not disrespect him now.

He continued downstairs to meet a very somber room. Even those who were just visiting had caught the mood of the place. Kaen decided to get a quick breakfast and then roam the streets. He tried to deny it but he needed to see Aregwyn.
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: November 03, 2005 06:49
OOC: The second part of this post is a jp between myself and Thal.


BIC:

Aregwyn looked up sadly when she saw Evenya coming towards her. She sighed before answering the woman, "Yes good morning to you too, although it is a terrible day." She said sadly and sniffed. Her mother was standing beside her and the princess gently slipped her hand into her mother's to offer her some comfort. Arwen smiled slightly at her daughter, and squeezed her hand in thanks, but the smile did not reach her eyes, which were streaming silently with glistening tears.

Then some of the Royal guards came out and said something to Eldarion who looked at his mother and sisters for confirmation. Arwen shuddered, shaking and nodded slightly. And slowly the guards bore the King Elessar's body down the Silent Street, with all his family following behind. As she walked along, Aregwyn looked at the floor sadly, she could not bare to look up and see the citizens of Minas Tirith's faces as the body of their grand King was brought past them. She walked along, silently aware that hot, thick tears were welling up in her eyes.

~~~

Aregwyn watched as she saw her father’s body laid down upon the tomb. There he would lay, until the ending of time…silent. She shivered slightly and folded her cloak tighter around herself. Tears dripped from her face, splashing onto the stone floor, creating a puddle of water at her feet. She sobbed uncontrollably and shook as she heard her brother say goodbye properly and then she knelt down before her father’s body. “I’ll always remember what you said, ada.” She cried, sighing and then standing back up. Her brother placed his hand, soothingly on her shoulder and she nodded and they all turned to leave their mother alone in order for her to say goodbye privately.

“Aregwyn…” Eldarion muttered as soon as they were outside but she shook her head and tore away from his grip, running down the corridor. She couldn’t take it! She couldn’t accept any of it! Not when only several hours ago her father was talking to her, normally! She turned the corner and ran faster, her grief winning over and her sobs echoing along with her footsteps. She tore round another corner and bumped into something. But she felt something catch her arm to stop her falling and she looked up, tearfully at the person.

Thalianost was patroling the halls when Aragwyn came tearing around the corner and ran into him. He quickly caught her before she could fall to the ground. "Are you alright, my lady? Is there anything I can do?"

Aregwyn looked up at the speaker. One of the Royal Guards: Thalianost. "No, not unless you can bring my father back?" She said weakly, standing up straight again. She sniffed and more tears came trickling down her face. She trembled slightly and bit her lip as she looked at him, "I am sorry. I am just wasting your time." She said quietly, sobbing silently.

"No, my dear, you are not wasting my time. We all wish your father were still here. Sometimes it helps to speak of those we have lost. Come, let us sit and talk." Thalianost took Aregwyn by the hand and led her over to a nearby bench and sat her down before sitting next to her.

Aregwyn looked up at him and smiled, "Thank you." She said and softly brushed some of her tears away, "It's just it doesn't feel real." She admitted to him as he sat down beside her. "A day or so ago, ada, was talking to me, laughing with me. But we both knew that his time had ended. But then I still smiled, still laughed, even though in my heart I realised that it was different. And it kills me, that he is gone. I've never felt this way about anything before." She shook her head as more tears glistened in her eyes. "But he told me to be strong. But I can't keep it all bottled up inside." She cried, softly.

"I know it is hard, I have lost many friends and brothers in arms, and it never gets any easier. It is very sad that your father has passed on. But you should be joyful that he died in times of peace and in the comfort of his bed with his loving family nearby." Thalianost but his hand on Aregwyn's shoulder. "He may have told you to be strong, but that does not mean you have to hide your emotions. The only way to be strong is to let go. The question is how do you let go. We soldiers have our way of letting go when one of our friends dies. That method, however is probably not for you. You must find your own way to let go and you must only let go when you are ready."

She nodded, "I understand. But how can I let go?" She said, gazing off into the distance, a sad look upon her face, "I don't know how to. I want to be able to move on. I do...but...it is hard..." She sighed, and then the tears stopped coming. She smiled up at him, "Thank you." She said softly, a grateful smile on her face.

Thalianost took Aregwyns hand in his. "It is my pleasure, my lady" He kissed her hand and gazed in to her eyes and brushed a tear from her cheek. "Such a beautiful smile should not be dampened by such sad rain. Do not fear, you will find your way." He gazed at her for some time until he remembered he was still on duty. "I am sorry, my lady, but I must return to my duties. I will be relieved in one hour if you wish to talk again."

Aregwyn smiled as he kissed her hand and brushed a tear away. She nodded when he spoke and then silence enveloped them as he just sat and looked at her. She looked into his eyes, and he into hers and she smiled, the only real smile she had shown since before her father’s death.
"I am sorry, my lady, but I must return to my duties. I will be relieved in one hour if you wish to talk again." He said, standing up to leave.
“Of course.” She said, smiling happily, tears no longer in her eyes as she watched him leave. She felt strangely happy and what Thalianost had said had comforted her amazingly. “Strange…” She murmured quietly to herself, “Strange…”
Rochellon
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: November 03, 2005 01:33
Eldarion woke up as the dim light of the hour before sunrise fell into his room. He felt restless. He got up, but instead of his normal clothes he put on his armour. It was mostly like the citadel guards' uniform, but the tunic did not only show the white tree but the stars and the crown as well. Then he quietly left the room and climbed the stairs to the top of the white tower. Eldarion knew that he needed to feel the wind on his face before he could talk to his family.

When he stepped onto the platform on the top of the tower, the first thing he noticed was the rain. This was one of the few times he liked it. This was a soft rain, like the silver tears of Nienna. It was still rather dark, but he could see over the valley of the Anduin in the east and south and up the slopes of the Mindolluin in the west. Eldarion's face and hair became damp of the rain and he could smell the sea. He just stood there for quite a long time, lost in thoughts. Suddenly the bell rang, and he could feel the sun rising over the mountains in the east, although he could not see it behind the clouds. Eldarion remembers his fathers words: "There is hope beyond the borders of the world!"

~~*~~

When Eldarion came down, he saw his mother and Aregwyn standing in the hall. It seemed as if they were wondering what to do. Feeling their grief he wanted to say something to comfort them, but he could not. Eldarion looked into their faces. They seemed to understand. The guards came to ask Eldarion about some details how King Elessar should be taken to the Houses of the Dead. He gave the neccesary orders, but he felt terribly weak.

~~*~~

As the guards bore his father down to the Silent Street, Eldarion followed right after them. He did not think about the crying people but watched his fathers dead face. It was peaceful and showed all his power and wisdom. When he had been laid on his place, it was time for Eldarion. Only he, his mother and his sisters were there. Too soon, he thought. He stretched his back.

"Namarië, my father and king! May Eru bless you for all the good you've done to me and our people! I will miss you and try to do my best to continue your work for our people", Eldarion said. He bowed and did what only he could do. Carefully he took the crown from his father's head and lifted it as high as he could. "I call to you, Eru, Creator of the World, and Manwë, King of Arda! Please give me wisdom and power to do good to my people and all children of Eru!" Eldarion put the crown on his head.

He made a step backwards so that his sisters could say goodbye. Aregwyn knelt down, she was crying. “I’ll always remember what you said, ada.” After these words, she stood up again. Eldarion placed his hand on her shoulder. He wanted to let her feel that she was not alone. They left the house. “Aregwyn…” Eldarion wanted to call her out of her sad thoughts and give her comfort, but she did not want to listen. She ran away.

Eldarion would also have liked to be on his own, but he could not. When his mother had came out of the House of the Dead Kings, they slowly went up to the citadel together with the guards. "Hail, Eldarion, King of Gondor!" the people shouted, but there was much more grief then joy in their voices. Eldarion could not blame them for that. When they had reached the great hall, Eldarion took the other signs of the king: the szepter of Annúminas and Andúril, his father's sword.
Sillende
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: November 05, 2005 11:07
Kaen stood silently, the crowd of people surrounding him. His face was hiden from view, his dark hood casting a shadow over his face. His face was transformed form its merry self to an unusually sorrowful one. His eyes were focused on the royal family, who now suffered the most out of all those who stood there.

Eldarion spoke but Kaen seemed to tune him out, his eyes now carefullly watching Aregwyn. It seemed rain should fall because of the sadness in her eyes. He could tell even from this distance, she was trying not to cry. Kaen could not run to her, he could not utter so much as a sound to let her know it would be all right.

Eldarion was now crowned king and the family left and the crowd dispersed. Kaen followed mechanically after the crowd. He had come, sure nothing would have changed but now everything was different.
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: November 10, 2005 09:14
((Sillende, if you want, Kaen could see Aregwyn in the courtyard where she is now? And he could maybe talk to her there? Or if not at least see her? And she spots him or something? Whichever, I don't mind! ))

Aregwyn sat silently, eyes closed, mind blissfully blank. She shut out the whole world, sitting still, concentrating on only one thing. But in the back of her mind she knew, at this moment that Eldarion would be collecting the tokens of the King of Gondor and then he would be King. There would be so much sorrow and happiness all for one thing. Death was inevitable... something every man had to face, eventually. It was not death which was painful, but the aftermath. So much sorrow, over such a thing.

She mused on, thoughts swimming through her mind as she relaxed her breathing and stopped the tears finally. "Crying never gets you anywhere." She whispered, fondly remembering when her father had once said that. "Never makes things better." And she knew that, the princess knew that crying could not bring back her father. He wouldn't want to see her grieving for him but to see her living...laughing...loving. Some of which he wouldn't see. She'd never felt love, true love. But when she thought back she frowned. 'There was Kaen.' She thought, sadly, 'But he's gone. Gone from my life.' She frowned and bit her lip, looking over the walls of Minas Tirith. The city was still silent to her, unmoving but she could see the citizens milling around, all dressed, out of respect, in black. The scene didn't look right to her somehow...it just didn't look right...

((My apologies for the rubbish post. I wanted to post something but this sucks, doesn't it? Awww well I tried. ))
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: November 10, 2005 05:32
After Thalianost left the princes to get back to his patrol. He couldn't help but think about the princess. When he was finally relieved, he walked through the courtyard. He tried to act casual, like he was just strolling back to his quarters, but he was really looking to see if the princess was there. Sure enough, Aregwyn was there staring out at the city. He walked up behind her. "It is unusually quiet is it not?" He said, slightly starteling the princess. "I'm sorry if I scared you. I was just wondering if you wished to talk some more, now that I have the time that is."
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Sillende
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: November 10, 2005 05:48
It was a few hours later now, or so it seemed to Kaen. He had been passing the time strolling the streets but now he found himself yet again at the palace. He found his way easily to the courtyard, memories rushed back to him with every step. Did he dare to hope she might be there?

There she sat, tranquil among the flowers surrounding her, as he turned the corner. He stood silently for a moment, enjoying the scene. For a moment the sun seemed to shine through the clouds and land on her and she appeared to glow. He did not wish to ruin but at one point or another her eyes would open and see him standing there, nearly a stranger to her, it has been so long. He became concious of how he looked and realized that was a silly thing to worry about.

As he was about to speak another person came into his perfect scene. A palace guard of all people. He saw Aregwyn's eyes open and just for an instant they locked with Kaen's before he ducked behind the corner and listend to that gaurd.

At the guard's words, Kaen felt a pain in his heart. A pang of jealousy and sorrow mixed, but still he remained there listening. Perhaps the princess would find a way to get out of there and speak with him instead.
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: November 11, 2005 05:44
"It is unusually quiet is it not?" Aregwyn jumped slightly as she heard the voice from close behind her. She turned round, smiling slightly."I'm sorry if I scared you. I was just wondering if you wished to talk some more, now that I have the time that is." The royal guard said, smiling. "Thalianost..." She began, smiling up at him. Suddenly she spotted something, ducking behind the corner and she gasped. Was it really him? Were her eyes playing tricks on her? As Thalianost said something she could barely hear his voice, thinking of the person she'd just seen. She snapped out of it and looked back at Thal, "I'm terribly sorry, I was miles away then. Yes it is rather quite... too quite. I don't like it at all." She said, looking at him but in the corner of her eye, looking at the man who had just ducked out of the way. "Is it really him?" She murmured in a barely audible voice...
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: November 11, 2005 05:53
Thalianost noticed the princess was distracted by something. "Is this a bad time, my lady. I could return later or not at all if you perfer."
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Sillende
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Post RE: Emotional Times (free, see OOC board)
on: November 12, 2005 06:12
'Yes, leave you fool,'Kaen thought to himself.

He waited for the soft reply of Aregwyn. He peeked out around the corner for a second. The guard was much to close to her for his comfort but then again him and Aregwyn were not exactly together any more so why would it matter to him.

The guard's full attention was on the princess so Kaen did not need to worry about being spotted. The man seemed familiar, he had most likely seen him before in the palace before he had left.

"Aregwyn, please hurry up,"he whispered.
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