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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 20, 2003 11:58
the day in the forges flew by, there was a tension in the air that Lainauriel could almost taste, alll day long they had been watched carefully by the wildman, Lainauriel had had a moment of panic where she thought they had been discovered until she realised that he had some vendetta against Eldaline.

not for long, she thought to herself, tonight we will be gone from this place. Lainauriel worked stedily but not hard, she no longer cared if she were lashed for not doing work.

later that night, the food arrived and again they split it up to take with them, Lainauriel bound it in some leather, taken from the forges and made a makeshift bag with wich to carry it.

she spent the evening with Artilion, holding his hand and communicating memories with him, although she knew it was stupid she wanted to keep hold of him, keep close to him for she knew this could very well be the last time they were together, and it saddened her.

later still, she watched as her husband got up and spoke to Eaniel. Lainauriel was worried for him, though he tried not to show it, he was worried about the escape, she knew that he would blame himself for any death or any elf left behind, and yet it was not his fault, she hoped she had a chance to tell him so, she hoped she would be among those who did escape.

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

Artilion sighed and regretfally let go of Lainauriels hand. walking slowly he made his way over to were Eaniel was sitting. she looked up at him with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness.

he didnt really need to speak, but he did anyway, it seemed right to. "its time, are you ready? are you sure you want to do this?" he spoke to eaniel.

Artilion turned and survayed the room most of the elves were looking now with keen eyed interest, that was good. he spoke quietly but with force.

"now is the time we make our bid for freedom, i do not ask you to join me, but i tell you this: it is probably the last chance any of us will ever have to leave this accursed place. time now grows short for all of us." he barely noticed as Lainauriel took his hand and stood with him "we have gathered weapons to us, and have made allience with dwarves and an easterling. now is our time, we can do this, we can be free"

artilion took a deep breath and survayed the elves, in most he saw the hope of freedom and a kind of wild excitement. he was pleased with what he saw. looking down at his wife he saw a single tear lay unnoticed on her cheek, he smiled sadly, kissing it away.

he knew what she thought of course, she was not able to hide it from him, she believed they woudl never see each ohter again. he couldnt believe that though, he didnt know what he would do without his wife, he would rather die protecting her than loose her.

at that moment he heard a click, one of the elves cried out, it could have been him he wasnt sure. the door was open.

eaniel then walked over to Morikelva, standing for a moment she then bent over the easterlings shackles, a minute or so later Morikelva was rubbing her ankles, Eaniel backed away a little, still worried about the easterling, who saw this and gave a dry chuckle.

"im not going to hurt you" she said, almost absently as she gathered the shackles together. Artilion watched as she seemed to test the metal for strength, grunting in what seemed like a satisfied way Morikelva held on to one of the chains and handed the other one to Artilion. he took it suprised by how heavy it was.

the other elves gathered together thier makeshift weapons, rocks and anything else they could lay thier hands on and waited.

eaniel stood back, motioning for him to lead the way. he took a hesitant step forward, lainauriel on one side and morikelva on the ohter, for a moment he paused in the doorway and then stepped out........

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

Lainauriel stepped out of the cell, hand in hand with her husband, this was it now, there was no turning back. she smiled to herself.

turning towards the forges she looked into the next door cell where the dwarves and elves lay waiting, she beckoned to them. "come now, we are leaving, are you still with us?"

Lainauriel, Artilion and the rest of the elves made their way down the corridor, in a small alcove they awaited the dwarves and elves in the ohter cell

[Edited on 20/1/2003 by k]

[Edited on 20/1/2003 by k]
Happy_Hobbit
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 20, 2003 01:09
Malathars sharp ears heard the click of the nearby door,

"They are moving." he wispered

"It is time."

Findley and Thalin joined him at the cell door carefully lifting it clear, meanwhile Eldaline gathered the food now tied into a piece of her frock material.

Findley was armed with his chain, Thalin with a wooden club and Malathar with a spear fashioned from the staff Findley had carved and the sharp blade Eldaline had brought from the forges. Eldaline herself had a sling and a pocket full of small sharp rock splinters.

Findley looked around the cell suddenly he decided to bring the filthy blanket with them, carefully folding it and tying it to his back.

"Right then he wispered his voice hardly above a whisper lets be away"

Eldaline reached out her hand suddenly afraid. Malathar found it and lifting it gently held it to his cheek befor tenderly kissing it, even to Findleys eyes Malathars love for Eldaline shone brighter. Freedom was but a step away.

Findley looked out of the cell, carefully surveying the corridor he could see the last of the elves trickling out of the other cell.

"Hmmmph no orc heads to bash" he muttered almost disappointedly,

"Well happen we'll find em soon enough . . . come on" he wispered beconing to the others. They made there way slowly each holding back the desire to run knowing they must tread quietly.

For the two Elves this was easy enough, for Thalin it was harder but for Findley with his chain it was near impossible. Findley slunk to the rear, his eyes fixed on the passage turning frequently to look behind them.

When Malathar halted, Eldailne stopped her heart thumping hard, Thalin stood just behind his breathing harsh in supressed anticipation of discovery and fight. Findley glancing behind didnt see they had stopped and bumped into Thalin almost dropping his chain. As it was he managed to hang on to it . . . just!.

Finally they came to a small alcove in which the others were hiding,

"Right then." Findleys voice almost sparkled

"Lets go . . . to the furnaces" the others seemed reluctant but Findley was certain

"If we go the other way we have guard quarters to pass, don't you remember them when we arrived, it seemed that they did not, well perhaps they were added since cos they are there now."

Findley was getting a little agitated

"We must keep moving." he growled

"We must go and go that way." he jabbed his finger down the steps towards the furnaces.
Gilraen
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 20, 2003 01:16
(a few minutes earlier)
Eaniel took her first step out of the cell, her first step without the whips of the orcs behind her. She joined Artalion and Lainauriel in waiting for the other Elves to file out. Her eyes flicked over their faces, seeing disbelief, relief, fear, hope, all mixed together to form one thing: courage. None of them would turn back now, even if they could.

Turning to say something to Artalion, she caught a strange expression on his face. Something was wrong. Turning to look at Lainauriel, Eaniel saw the same look in her eyes. What was it? Pushing away a sudden surge of dread, Eaniel saw that the last elf had left the cell. She pushed the door shut, and locked it again. "A pretty riddle that will set them!"

Following the line of elves down the stone hallway, she slipped the lock-pick into her belt, and drew her 'pointy stick'. She'd lost the other one somewhere in the forges, and hadn't dared to look for it. Eaniel carefully placed the crude knife against the palm of her hand, and saw the others similarly readying weapons.

The small band reached the forges, and stopped to wait for the other escapees. Soon, the sound of footsteps could be heard coming down the hall.
Sillende
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 20, 2003 01:26
Errandirien came out of the cell. Polgra was right behind her. They filed down to the forges. In her head were thoughts of freedom. She could feel strength and even more life in her again. Her eyes glowed with hope. She couldn't help but keep her hopes high as they came to the forges, hoping they wouldn't get caught. She could see that the others were also more alive and they had their heads raised a little higher as they waited for more to come.
Mhairi
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 21, 2003 03:49
The furnaces are hot and shadowy. Thankfully, they are also cluttered with broken equipment, crates and rubble, giving the escapees some cover.

Morikelva and the elves look to the dwarves now, with their underground skills, to guide them out through the deep tunnels of Angband.

Quietly, Thalin leads them on, creeping from one shadow to the next, away from the work areas and into the darker, abandoned parts of the furnace. The only exits they know of are the one through which they were first led after capture - which is well-guarded - and the one which leads back to the cells. Thalin, however, carries with him the grim determination of his race and their innate knowledge of underground dwellings.

"This place is so huge that two doors would never be enough", he whispers, his voice barely audible over the noise of the furnaces. "It must have taken an army to excavate it. They would have had work tunnels and big ones too, to remove all the unwanted rock. Look for broken arches, perhaps even metal tracks; anything that would suggest a doorway".

Artilion nods and passes this information to the other elves, who peer into the orange and black half-light with bright, sharp eyes.

Morikelva brings up the rear, her chain with it's heavy iron ankle restraint firmly in her grasp. She keeps a watch on the distant guards but thankfully, they are too involved in beating and whipping their new shift of slaves to notice the escapees.
Syriana
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 21, 2003 07:32
After Thalin´s request Polgara started to look around, searching for any indication of an archway they had not noticed before.In the very back of the furnaces there was a black hole she could not explain,when she walked over she saw it was some sort of old tunnel.At first sight it appear to lead further down the complex.

Not sure what to do exactly Polgara looked around and when she saw Thalin she walked over and told him of this tunnel.He followed her and started inspecting it.The tunnel was dark and wide,the sides were rough so it was possible that this tunnel was used to get rid of all the rocks.
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 21, 2003 09:52
Creeping down the second tunnel Findley began to marvel at the rock formation and the craftmanship,

"This was once solid rock some great power was needed to mine it," He let his hand trail gently over the tunnel wall. It was getting hotter.

Slowly they came to an entrance . . . looking out Thalin could see this was where the Balrog worked. The huge cavern glowed red. Within the cave large piles of wood lay, there were two huge Troll-Orcs some large barrels and the furnace.

On the far side through the heathaze the sharp eyes of the Elves could see steps leading up. It seems they had come down the fuel chute. Findley pondered on the problem. How could they pass through without either getting attacked by the Balrog or Troll orcs or being roasted in the heat.

He could feel the tension from the Elves, worried they had come the wrong way and now had no path forward.

Findley called quietly to Eldaline

"Use that sling of yours see if you can hit the Balrog."

Eldaline was confused "Small rocks wont kill that thing!" she hesitated holding the leather sling losely in her hand.

"Kill it who said anything about killing it? . . . I want you to annoy it"

Eldaline starred hard at Findley surely he was joking , she could tell by his determined look he was serious. Eldaline trusted Findley so even though she was reluctant she did as he asked.

Her first shot fell short but unheard above the furnace roar. Her next two shots hit home, the Balrog was starting to get angry. The heat in the tunnel was beginning to build. It was getting hard to breath.

The two Troll -Orcs didn't seem to notice much, tho one dipped his head into a barrel, shaking the water which hissed as it hit the filthy floor.

"Again" Findley ordered looking hard at the Balrog, the fierce heat burning his face,

"Get it really mad."

Behind him Elves muttered he was mad but they waited, some moving back up the tunnel away from the heat. Thalin now at the very back growled

"You wait Findley knows what hes about"

Eldalines next shots were also true and the Balrog was mad it roared and fumed and then stepped from the furnace. The tow Troll-Orcs were caught off guard, and perished in the Balrogs fire.

It still in a rage stomped off up the stairway, the heat of the furnace began to die. Before the hidden escapees lay another problem. The floor littlered with wood chippings was now alight.

Thalin could hear Orcs in the room above, they desperately needed to move or they would be trapped in the tunnel. Messages were sent forward the Orcs are coming.

Findley eyed the room in despair he had not expected the floor to catch fire. He handed his chain to Morikelva, his brow knotted in thought. Suddenly an idea came to him, calling to the nearest Elves,

"You must toss me."

"What??"

"You must toss me . . . over there into the barrel"

They seemed happy to do it, for a moment Findley wondered if they hoped to be rid of him and his mad ideas.

Up into the air he went then as he began to fall he rolled up into a ball Splashing into the barrel, as he had thought it was filled with water. The splash wave shot out and up then down upon the floor dousing the flames in a huge hiss.

Now the Elves could move forward but already behind them the Orcs were coming, a small band of ten had been sent (they were to torment the Balrog for allowing the Furnace to cool) but now the danger was they would discover the escape attempt.

In the Barrel Findley was struggling to surface

"Get me out!" he choked before going under again then

"I cant swim" before he disappeared once more.

The Orcs entered the tunnel . . .
KeeperofVilya
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 22, 2003 01:27
Eldaline stood at the door of their cell as Findley knocked loose the hinges and stepped out. Her hands began to tremble and fear griped her heart. Malathar took her hand and held it to his cheek kissing it gently. She looked up at him and spoke to his mind,
“I love you Malathar” she said as she held tightly to his hand.
“And I love you Eldaline” he said as they stepped out of the cell and into the corridor.

Malathar looked and saw the others beginning to make their way. Leading Eldaline, he followed them till they stopped, no one quite sure of where to go from there. Findley took the lead along with Thalin and they lead the way. Eldaline’s mind raced and she battled with herself. Her mind told her to turn around and go the other way. There was an exit there she knew it, the dwarves were leading them the wrong way. But in her heart she knew that the exit would lead them past the quarters of the guards and they would be caught for sure. She trusted Thalin and Findley; she trusted them to find the way out.

As they continued on, Eldaline kept her eyes alert and ears tuned to any sign of the guards. She had heard them farther down one of the corridors, dealing with the newest batch of slaves. Suddenly a thought entered her mind and it made her heart stop. It was not enough for them to just get out of their cells unnoticed. If Lublolo, Grimbald, or any of the guards found they were gone, the alarm would be raised and they would be found for sure. Malathar looked down at her and nodded, he had the same thought too. They had to get there before they were found out or it would be too late.

They continued on in silence as Findley lead them down the tunnel. As they neared the bottom, Eldaline feels a wave of heat flooding up the passage and engulfing them. The heat burns her eyes and the smell of smoke chokes her. Findley stops for a moment looks back at those behind him then continues on. As they reach the bottom, Eldaline feels the sweat running down her back from the heat.

She looked in fear and horor at the Balrog. Somehow they had to get by... but how? Hearing Findley's plan she stared at him and wondered if he had fianlly lost his mind. No he was dead serrious and Eldaline realized that it was the only way they were going to get past. Eldaline let the stones fly and watched as the Balrog turned to flee the annoying stones, killing the guards in it's firey steps as it headed up the stairs.

Glancing over at Findley she wondered what the next part of the plan was. Before them lay another problem. The floor littlered with wood chippings was now alight.

Malathar glanced at Eldaline as the color drained from his face. They could hear the sound of the orcs coming behind them as they approached. The sound of footsteps echoed through the cavern, they were coming.

Malathar saw the fear in the eyes of his companions. With sudden resolve he faced them. “We have not worked and suffered and planned all this time to give up now, not when we are so close ! We must face them when the time comes! We knew the time would come. Let us fight for something that is worth dying for – freedom ! !”

Malathar looked at his companions and saw a spark of hope come back into their eyes. Just then he turned to see Findley landing in the barrel and the water come pouring out onto the cavern floor, dousing out the flames with a deafening hiss and a cloud of steam. As they hurried on out of the cavern, Malathar looked down at Eldaline, and gently squeezed her hand. Malathar felt all fear leave him. It was replaced with a deep anger and hatred towards those who served Morgoth and a new determination to survive and be free.

Eldaline looked at the others as they quickly moved on. A few clubs, some makeshift spears and daggers, and some chain. What hope did they stand ? Not much maybe but they had hope and that was enough.


[Edited on 22/1/2003 by KeeperofVilya]
Sillende
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 22, 2003 01:28
Errandirien saw as Finley was thrown through the air and landed in the barre. With hiss as it hit the flames they went out. She looked behind her to see a band of orcs coming. She saw that Finley could not get out and was shouting from the barrel. She ran over quickly and reached her hand inside to grab Findley and pulled him out. He was sputtering and spitting out water. They quickly moved on.
k
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 22, 2003 12:58
Artailion could hear the footsteps behind, every instinct he possesed was telling him to stand and fight but he heard a clear and sweet voice in his head

"not yet, we arent far enough away yet" Lainauriel was communicating to him, throught thought

he frowned slightly, scanning the room for a way out, Findly the petty dwarf had already found one it seemed...

"the ones with weapons go to the back, the ohters.. go on follow the dwarves" there seemed to be a moment where all the elves just looked at him, he worried they had lost faith in him as a leader. "go on follow the dwarves" he repeated, pushing Lianuariel forward. they moved, slowly at first then hurrying up the stone passage.

artilion and the other elves with weapons hung back covering the rear and then ran quickly to catch up. he hoped that the orcs would be too confused about the balrog and dead troll to notice the noise the elves had made, he hoped that the orcs hadnt discovered their absence yet... they needed a head start or they were done for
SadisticYoda
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 22, 2003 01:25
Thalin aided Findley in leading the excaped inmates out of the complex. Thalin was only armed with a wooden club, but its size and weight, plus Thalin's brute strength could easy kill an Orc, but a Balrog and a Troll.. that was out of the question. That was the reason Thalin was so quiet, a state he normaly is not. The beardless dwarf looked to Findley, now soaked from being tossed into a barrel, but then hears Artailion speak.

"the ones with weapons go to the back, the others.. go on follow the dwarves"

Thalin nods to the statement and Speaks very softly, but it ends up coming fairly loud.

"Follow me!"

The group climbs into the stone passage and ventures through it. As they traveled through it, the sounds of a huge pyre could be heard from the other side, along with scurrying sounds of Orc footsteps. It sounded like a forge, a great place to grab some weapons for the unarmed, but probaly guarded very well. The excapees came to the end of the passage...
Gilraen
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 22, 2003 02:17
As they came to the end of the passage, Eaniel, at the back with the rest of those with weapon, took a deep breath to calm herself- and suddenly fell to her knees, coughing so hard she could hardly breathe. Evidently she had breathed in an airborne ember, or maybe the smoke had finally gotten to her, but whatever he reason, that wasn't the issue at the moment. Eaniel knew that the sound she was making would unfortunately most likely be heard by the orcs in the forges, but her lungs seemed hell-bent on keeping her coughing and gasping for breath. She couldn't stop.

Artalion turned around to see what was making the noise, and saw her kneeling on the ground. Falling back to stand beside her, he held out his hand and helped her struggle to her feet, and led her to another of the water barrels along the passage. Cupping some water in her hands, Eaniel managed to gulp some down, which helped a little- at least she could breathe now.

"Are you alright?" Artalion asked. He sounded worried.

She nodded in reply, not trusting herself to speak, and turned to rejoin the others.

Suddenly she became aware of something- not a sound, rather a lack thereof. The orc footsteps had silenced. Eaniel looked at Artalion.

"What does it mean?" She gasped out.
k
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 23, 2003 02:45
"what does it mean?" eaniel gasped. Artilion looked up suddenly a blast of heat hit him, making him draw an involetary breath.

a roar filled the tunnel, the balrog was up ahead. footsteps and yells of truimph sounded behind them, they were caught between the hammer and the anvil, a balrog ahead and orcs behind.

Artilion hesitataed for a moment, then beside him he heard Morkelva give a yell and start towards the orcs, tightening the chain around his fist he followed her, they couldnt fight a balrog they didnt have the resources, but they could fight orcs.

Morikelva was in the fray already, Artilion had time to note the orcs shocked looks before he too joined in, "good" he thought to himself, in those few moments "they cant have been looking for us"

Artilion could hear the other elves joining the fight, stones whisteled past his face, some finding their mark and angering the orcs, from the corner of his eye he saw one fall after being hit squarly between the eyes.

using his chain he aimed for the legs, to trip the orcs, the the elves with swrods would come and finish the job. a few minutes of furious fighting later, an eerie silence fell Artilion could only hear the rapid breathing of his companions.

he looked around, most of the elves had obtained scratchs bruises and cuts in the battle, but no one looked seriously injured.

"is everyone ok?" he asked, watching as they all nodded.

he caught movement in the corner of his eyes, comeing from the direction of the orcs, whirling round his hand went to lift the chain again, until he realised it was only Morikelva, searching through the orcs posessions... he realised what she was doing when she lifted a sword and tucked a dagger into her boot.

getting the idea, Artilion and some of the ohter elves began to pick through the group of orcs, gathering what they could for a weapon, there were only a few of them there but they got a few swords and daggers and one partucularly vicous looking short axe, which was given to Thalin. not all the elves were armed well, but Artilion had an idea that there would be plenty more chances before this escape was done.

Lainauriel had picked up a dagger, and Artilion was armed with a sword and chain.

but what to do about the balrog? thought Artilion, within minutes a scout party was sent out to look for it and see where it was going. they were in luck... it seemed the noise had driven him deeper into the tunnels.

Artilion wanted to lead the party in the other direction from the balrog, when Findley spoke up

"we should follow the balrog there. if we go the other direction then we to deal with enemies in front of us and behind us, but if we follow that balrog, he will deal with whats infont"

the elves looked at one another, then as one they followed Findley down the tunnel in the direction of the balrog.
Mhairi
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 23, 2003 04:02
Morikelva is now armed with a lethal dagger and round shield. As before, she brings up the rear of the escape party, turning frequently to look behind. The distant roar of the balrog and the echoing of their footsteps makes hearing any pursuers difficult but a sixth sense tells her they are still being followed. Sure enough, some moments later, as the leading members of the party disappear around a long-curving bend, a great howl is heard, which is answered by another and then another. The orcs had let loose wargs.

Morikelva stops and turns. Artilion, sensing that she is no longer behind him, pauses in his flight.

"Come on! We must follow the balrog!"

Morikelva shakes her head. "Go! Go with the others. I can handle the wargs".

Artilion opens his mouth to answer but the words catch in his throat as three great wargs, as large and sturdy as fell ponies, appear in the tunnel.

"Did you not hear what I said? Go! Follow Findley!"

By this time, some of the others have tracked back to where Artilion and Morikelva are stood.

"You cannot take on three wargs by yourself!".

"Most certainly I can! Now go!"

Before Artilion can argue, Morikelva sheathes the dagger she is carrying and begins to walk purposefully towards the wargs, who are snarling and slavering some distance away. The elves can hear her muttering under her breath in some dark, animal-like language. Slowly, the Easterling warrior holds out her arms, palms open and facing the wargs.

The largest animal ceases his snarling and suddenly, unexpectedly, lunges at Morikelva. The elves gasp and shrink back, fearing the worst, but Morikelva raises her voice to a commanding pitch, takes the shield from her back and deflects a lethal paw. With lightening reflexes, she vaults up onto the warg's hackled back and loops the chain around it's throat. Frenzied with anger, the huge animal bucks and snarls and throws itself against the walls of the cave. Morikelva sits grimly above, gripping with her strong legs and pulling the chain taut. The two struggle for several minutes, in which time the remaining wargs back away and watch from a distance.

Finally, after much fighting, in which the Easterling is nearly unseated, the warg wearies and falls onto it's side. Morikelva quickly dodges the animal's falling weight and removes the chain. Then, to the surprise of the elves, she kneels beside the breathless beast and commands it quietly to stand. The warg does so and Morikelva climbs back on board. Heavy footsteps can be heard higher up in the tunnel. She calls back down to her friends.

"Go, before you lose track of the balrog! Don't worry about me, I know more ways out of this place than you can ever imagine".

Then, with a strange cry, she turns the warg and they thunder away, the other smaller creatures following faithfully on behind.

The last the elves hear of their strange companion is a blood-curdling cry; half howl, half scream, and then a great snarling and clashing of metal.

Fearing the worst but needing to pursue the balrog, they turn and run. Down, down, down, into the very bowels of Angband.
Gilraen
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 23, 2003 09:58
Following the balrog, the others ran on. As they descended through the levels the air became cold, even with the heat of the balrog, and Eaniel's sweat was chill on her face and back. She had survived the swift battle with no more than a cut on her cheek, but even that stung horribly. With Morikelva gone, they have no guide other than the instincts of the dwarves.

Findley ran ahead of them now, guiding them through the twists and turns with an uncanny sense of direction underground. The crash and scream of metal rending rose around them in a fevered pitch, though none of them could guess what was making it.

A clamour of orcs could be heard ahead, but as they had thought, the balrog took care of them long before the others reached them. Pausing for a moment, to take the orcs' arms, the escapees found that while the last group they had fought had been well-armed, these orcs carried no weapons. Strange, but there was no time to find the answer to the riddle, and they ran on.

Suddenly, the group came to the head of a staircase, and hastened down it. The temperature dropped again, and when they reached the bottom

Findley stopped suddenly, and looked around as if struck by a sudden thought. Eaniel thought that she knew what he was thinking, and spoke up.

'Findley, where there is a staircase going down, shouldn't there also be one going up farther? Isn't it time we began to go up again? We can't keep running away forever, and I would rather not be cornered with a balrog at my back and orcs ahead. And maybe we will come up at a place where the orcs will not expect."
Ringhilwen
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 23, 2003 10:01
"Go, before you lose track of the balrog! Don't worry about me, I know more ways out of this place than you can ever imagine," the elves hear Morikelva scream, as she rides the warg back into the darkness.

Maethorwen mutters to herself, wondering if they still had a chance with the Easterling gone. She clutched the dagger she had taken from the orcs they had defeated and held it tightly, as if her life force was bound to that and the obsidian dagger she also possessed.

Artilion yells to Mae, breaking her thoughts, and commanding her to follow the group as Findley and Thalin lead them deeper and deeper into the caverns of Angband, following the fire demon ahead of them. Each of the elves looks weary from breathing the dank and oppressive air, but each still has the fire in their eyes, knowing that they have all succeeded in at least one part of their plan; having the willpower to escape.
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 24, 2003 06:11
the way was hard and long, Lainauriel could see the elves tiring, as turn after turn lead them to anohter stone passage way, the same as before, footsteps and voices always seemed just behind them but they had encountered no trouble since the wargs. she had long since lost all sense of direction and all the elves were now relying on the underground skills of findley and thalin.

gasping for breath the elves made thier way up a steep long tunnel, the temperarture was rising again as the ascended to the upper levels.

in front of her one of the elves stumbled and fell, we cannot go on in this heat much longer, she thought to herself. she made her way towards the back of her company where her husband Artilion was gaurding the rear.

he looked shocked to see her "lainauriel are you alright is everything ok, shouldnt you be up at the front"

"we cant carry on in this heat my love, the elves at the front are weakening, the heat the balrog is producing has no where to go in these tunnels"

she sat down against the wall as her husband called a halt to the company, many of the elves followed her lead and sat against the wall taking a welcome break, some of the rear gaurd remained standing with weapons drawn, on the look out from attacks from behind.

Artilion crouched and spoke to the two dwarves for some time, Lainauriel wondered what he was saying to them for many hand guestures were made and Artilions face was grave. eventually he stood and adressed the company.

"the dwarves say we are rising, we are now nearing the second level of angband, soon we will encouter larger numbers of orcs and other foul servents of morgoth. we must go carefully but we can no longer travel in the wake of the balrog.
you have probably noticed side tunnels as we have been walking, we will take the next one of these that goes upwards and trust to hope- it is the only thing we can do"

a breif murmer rose from the elves, but it soon subsided. after a brief rest and a drink of thier rapidly depleating water supplies, the company continued on thier way. ever vigilant for a side passage that may lead them out.
Gilraen
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 25, 2003 09:49
"the dwarves say we are rising, we are now nearing the second level of angband, soon we will encouter larger numbers of orcs and other foul servents of morgoth. we must go carefully but we can no longer travel in the wake of the balrog.
you have probably noticed side tunnels as we have been walking, we will take the next one of these that goes upwards and trust to hope- it is the only thing we can do"

Feeling revived after the brief rest, Eaniel continued on with the others, turning her head from side to side as they went, looking for an arch that led to a side tunnel. She saw one, and called to the others to hurry forward. When they reached the opening, though, she saw that the passageway led down, not up.

The next such opening, found around the next corner, proved more promising. Under a wide arch a passage led them straight and level for a few yards, then began spiraling in a wide, gently sloping circle upwards. The passage was lit by torches about every ten yards, which gave off a strange dark smoke that stung their eyes and obscured the path.

The floor was littered with debris- broken stone and such- which slowed their progress. The temperature continued to rise, and sweat dripped down Eaniel's back and ran down her forehead to sting her eyes.

As they continued up, Eaniel became aware of a new sound, different from the clang and grind of the forges and the scream of metal. There were cries and shouting up ahead- the sound of some sort of confrontation.
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 27, 2003 01:13
As they moved up in the tunnel sweat started running down Polgara´s back.She saw some of the other elves fall back,they were tired and the heat was getting to hard to handle.

The higher they got the clearer some sounds became,she saw Eaniel looking worridly around her,then she recognised the sounds as well.There was fighting up ahead,this could turn out bad for them.

What was going on in any way...there wasn´t suppose to be any fighting,unless it were the Orcs and Easterlings fighting among themselves.If so they could be lucky,then they would be able to sneak out without anyone noticing.The chance was small,but they had been lucky so far.

Polgara looked around in the tunnel,maybe there was a way around the fighting...she sneaks up ahead trying to find a way around.Artilion,Eaniel and the dwarves followed her.
When they looked around the corner they saw Orcs with their backs towards them,the cause of the sound was clear as well.They were trying to see who could wield a blade the best.

Polgara looked at Artilion and asked:
"Should we attack,or find a way aroud them?"she knew it was impossible to find a way around,but she needed to ask.

"Attack,"was his simple answer while he looked behind the others.
With the 5 of them they could easely handle the 3 Orcs.They sneaked up on them and were easely killed as they did not expect to be attacked from behind.The Orcs died without making a sound.

When Artilion went to get the others Polgara looked around in the small cave with Eaniel.In one of the corners they saw food,and it struck them that the Orcs they killed were there to protect the food.

With the other elves they gathered most of the food and were able to fill their water supplies with the barrels that were standing against the wall.

After eating and resting Artilion gave the sign that they were to move on.Thalin and Findley took the lead again and they moved on...
KeeperofVilya
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 27, 2003 05:29
Eldaline struggled on with the others at the front of the line. The heat from the Balrog was filling the passage and it was becoming unbearable. Sweat ran down her face and stung her eyes. The heat and smoke burned in her lungs, each breathe getting heavier. When Artalion called fro a brief halt, Eldaline sat down for a moment, leaning against the wall, Malathar beside her. As Artalion talked with the dwarfs, Malathar stood and joined them. Soon he returned and sat back down.

“We are going to leave the main passage, take one of the side tunnels and see where it leads. We must trust to hope that we can find another was out of the tunnels for we cannot last much longer in this heat.” Malathar looked down at Eldaline and gently brushed back a strand of hair from her face.

What seemed like all too soon to Eldaline, they stood and continued on, taking the next side tunnel that lead off the main one. On and on they continued along the twisting way, till Eldaline had lost all sense of direction. After some time they stopped again and Eldaline looked over at Malathar. Looking ahead she could see the passage way open into a small cavern, smaller than the other one. Her heart lifted somewhat till she heard it. It was a sound they all knew far too well – the sound of the evil laughter of orcs. He watched as Artalion and the others crept out and decided to take on the orcs. Soon the orcs lay dead on the hard floor of the cavern. The group quickly made their way to the store room.

They all stood there a moment in stunned silence.
“Oh Malathar...” Eldaline whispered softly.
Malathar was the first to step into the room. Bending down he picked up a loaf of bread from one of the baskets. She turned it over in his hands he broke it in half and smelled deeply the fresh aroma.
“It’s fresh... it’s actually fresh !” he said as he handed half to Artalion, a tear of sheer joy in his eyes.
Soon the small store was filled with the elves and dwarves as they began searching through the food. Eldaline began to stuff pieces of the dried fruit into her pockets. Artalion was putting the fresh fruit into the make shift bag he had slung over his shoulder. Malathar walked over to Eldaline with a large pack that he had taken off one of the orcs and began filling it with strips of meat. Lainauriel was the first to find the wine and began filling their empty water flasks with the sweet smelling wine. As they finished and started out towards the stairs, they nibbled on bits of the food they carried with them as they went, their pockets and bags filled. Eldaline fell back towards the rear with Malathar. Their hearts were lifted and they felt hope once again fill them.
“We will get out” Eldaline said to herself as they started up the stairs. “We will be free !”
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 28, 2003 11:22
Lublolo heard of the escape attempt, haa now was his chance to have some fun. He was tired of hearding Elves like sheep back and forth to the forges each day, at last he could kill and with good reason.

He pulled on his thick hide pants and the leather vest he had kept for a day like this. Over it he pulled a full set of thick iron plated armour, dang but he had forgotten how heavy it was. Still a good rumble should shake out stiff joints. Grinning he went to his weapon hoard.

Now which one of you beauties shall I reward he lifted each blade in turn finally picking a two bladed axe two throwing knives and wrapping it around his shoulder a thick hide whip.

Upon his head he placed a thick iron helm, few of the wild men had these Lublolos had been the orc Grishnaks but he no longer needed it. Upon his feet Iron boots pointed toes that could stab as well as any knife. One more check and he was ready.

The alarm sounded loud and long calling all Orcs, Wildmen and Easterlings to their stations, however Lublolo decided not to wait and stealing down to the cells he opened on containg six Elves by the time he came back out none remained alive.

"That stopped your escape attempt." he sneered. moving past the next cell that contained only men he went on along the line, soon in his wake Elves lay dead or dying, Lublolo was having fun.

What happened next he did not expect for he suddenly found himself face to face with a snarling Warg, even Morgoths most powerful guards knew to respect the ferocious Wargs.

Lublolo looked about him, he was alone and there seemed no hiding place slowly he unwound his whip hoping to get in a lucky blow that would send the beast whining back to its den.
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 28, 2003 11:41
Artilion couldnt help but feel happy, they were full of food and had water enough for the journey, and he could even smell fresh air- it was still corrupted with the smell of angband but it was fresher than they were used to down in hte cells.

they moved forward slowly, the dwarves often pulling ahead of the others to scout out what was up ahead. they were still travelling along corridors but there seemed to be movement behind some of the doors, Artilion was painfully aware that if someone came along they would have no choice but to fight, there was no where to hide along this stone passage way.

findley came running up, "we are reaching the end of our passage way so we are, there is a t junction up ahead, with a much wider passage looks more used, the stone is worn down"

Artilion nodded once and the group proceeded even more cautious, then they heard a sound like a horn, then bells were rung. it was loud, almost deafening with the echos, and hte elves looked at one another confused. then Artilion realised that it could only mean one thing. their escape attempt had been discovered.

before he could say anything he head running and the clanking of metal, a group of heavily armoured orcs ran along the corridor they were about to join, the elves shrunk back against the wall realising htat if an orc happend to look down thier way they would be caught, thankfully none did.

Artilion looked up at the group, "they have discovered our escape" he whispered, the elves nodded solemly knowing this already.

what are we going to do now? thought Artilion to himself
Gilraen
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 28, 2003 04:41
"What are we going to do now?" was also the thought in Eaniel's mind.

"We have trusted to luck so far, and it has not let us down, but my fear is that our luck will fail before we get out of here" she addresses the group, speaking softly in case any orcs are thereabout.

"If we are caught, there will be no chance of another escape, and we will most likely pay the ultimate price for our "insolence".

Eaniel finished, and bit her lip, not knowing what to do next. Now they had come to the last stroke, and their success stood on the edge of a knife. One mistake, and they were doomed.

These were the upper levels, of which none of them knew anything- except Morikelva. "If ever we needed her, this is the time." she thought. "Where is she?"

Suddenly another thought rose in her mind, free of anything else

You know what you can do next it said You can go forward, or you can go back. Do not worry about the path you will take if you go forward- it is already laid before your feet. You cannot falter now.

As she was thinking, Eaniel had leaned back against the wall of the chamber, gazing up at the ceiling beyond which stars msut still shine. Now she straightened up and spoke again.

" I know what I will do" she said "I will go on. If we go back the way that party of orcs came, we will be heading in a direction that they will apparently not expect. And if we come across any other group of guards, they will be caught at unawares, and we should be able to defeat them"
SadisticYoda
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 30, 2003 04:32
Thalin roamed these halls with little fear. He was very happy to be out of the cold cell he had been in for years, even if he was not too far from it.. yet.

After Thalin heard the idea of Gilraen, he speaks outloud.

"I like that idea elf! Let me take the lead! I want to crush those worthless Orcs!"

Thalin holds his club firmly in his hands and trots away. He wanted nothing less to kill all the denomic orcs that tortured him for so long, and most of all, he wanted to destroy Lublolo for good.
Ringhilwen
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 31, 2003 06:21
" I know what I will do" she said "I will go on. If we go back the way that party of orcs came, we will be heading in a direction that they will apparently not expect. And if we come across any other group of guards, they will be caught at unawares, and we should be able to defeat them"

Eaniel's words stirred something in Maethorwen, and she immediately perked up. Though it was partly due to the bits of food she had just eaten, she knew that the group had no choice but to continue on the best way they knew how, since turning back would only mean death for each and everyone of them.

The group moved on in the direction that Eaniel had suggested, since no one had any objections, and it seemed a reasonable plan. Mae couldn't help but feel nervous as to the whereabouts of Morikelva. The Easterling's presence made her feel safer for some reason, though deep in her heart, she would always distrust that race for the torture they had done the elves.

Mae and the others went along the tunnels, and Mae grasped her new weapons tightly, glad to finally have a sword. She longed to swing it in the tunnels as they walked, for the anger of her captivity was building up in her heart. She pitied the next creature they came upon, for Mae knew she would not be able to control her rage. She shuddered a bit, trying to control herself. Lainauriel noticed, and put her hand comfortingly on Mae's shoulder as they continued, and Mae let out a long sigh, just praying to see sunlight once again...
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 31, 2003 08:10
Findley had led the group down to the very depths of Angband then reading each tunnel wall, each rock face with the touch of his hands and fingers he brought them slowly by unused tunnels up two the second floor.

The finding of food had been a blessing, for loath as he was to admit it his legs ached and his mind drifted to thoughts of rest and sleep. They had move on and Findley was now happy to allow another to lead for here his skills were less useful the tunnels better used confused the signs of their making.

Along yet another tunnel they moved, Findley resting his hand upon the wall felt it dampness, such as would be found near water, yes . . . yes the air itself held a moisture. It was acid to taste so the water was foul . . . but foul water would not be held for any purpose that Findley could think of, so it must have a way out and if the water left this acursed place they too might leave.

With hopes rising he hurried forward to catch the others who had on their longer legs (curses) pulled ahead. he was still running when a sound caught his ears. He knew it at one and it froze him to the spot.

Wargs. . . he looked round fearfully for the beast, fear gripped him . . . Wargs he had lost his entire clan to them, they had fallen upon their dwellings and devoured them as cats would a nest of mice.

His mind raced with the memories . . . each slavering beast . . . each loved one lost. Friends collegues and family, his wife Veronwe and Heather his daughter. he could not stem the tears as he saw her little body tossed high in the air again and again her pittiful cries for help.

Curse them and the dark stranger who had chained him to a tree and forced him to watch. When he had begged for a reason a way to save them . . . his he had laughed we kill em cause its fun and more so for us to see you suffer knowing pleasure is our reason. Whether it was his anger, fear or a trick he would have sworn the voice was female.

Shaking himself he stalked ahead, fearful and determined both in equal mix. Rounding the corner he came to the group who stood hushed hanging against the wall and peering out into a wide alcove. Pushing forward he looked out into the dimly lit room.

The warg held Lublolo with its great paw trying to bite him but failing to catch the flailing limbs. Findley espied Lublolos axe.
It lay slightly apart from the affray tossed aside by the Warg as it sought to rip the squirming Lublolo. Forgotten and oh so tempting to a dwarf.

"An Axe!" his voice rich in emotion, he move to try reaching it but a hand upon his shoulder stopped him

"Let me go friend for my feet fall silent and I may reach it without their knowing." Malathar handing Findley his sword stepped slowly out.
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: January 31, 2003 11:41
Artilion and the elves made thier way along the backtrail of the orcs, walking with more speed now, it was haste they needed hiding along these corridors was no longer an option.

a growling could be heard up ahead, the elves had their weapons at the ready, tense but continuing, they rounded the corner.

Artilion stopped in shock. He had never seen a warg this big before, it took a moment to register that the person it was making to attack was no other than their old gaurd Lublolo. for a moment Artilion thought for a moment that they might be able to sneak past unnoticed, then he realised that wasnt likely. over the wargs back lublolo saw them and snarled.

the wild man seemed to be lookign desperately for a weapon, artilion wondered why he had none and then he heard thalin cry out

"an axe" looking over the wargs back Artilion saw it there, glittering on the floor, before he could do anything Thalin made as if to get it, Malthalar held him back.

"Let me go friend for my feet fall silent and I may reach it without their knowing." Malathar stepped out behind the warg, who was still growling deep in his throught and eyeing lublolo carefully.

Artilion watched frozen to the spot as Malathar stepped behind the warg and reached down for the axe...time stood still for a moment... the wargs nostrils flared and a huge paw reached out towards Malthalar.

a blur shot past artilion, and suddenly the warg gave a howl of rage, Artilion saw something that could only be Findley hanging off the wargs tail with one had and trying to stab it with a knife in the other.

noise and confusion filled the tunnel, the axe that malthalar had been trying to reach seemed to be in front of them now, the warg was spinning and bashing against the wall trying to remove the irritation of its tail, Malthalar was lying the floor curled up, and lublolo appeared to be frozen to the spot, unsure of weather to make an escape or try and attack the elves.

Artilion tightened his grip on his sword, for a moment he let the chain go, before he could use that the dwarf would have to be off of the warg, couldnt risk hurting him. with a yell artilion made for the warg, the other elves appeared to have the same idea, all making for the beast at once... they barely noticed findly pick up the axe and turn snarling at Lublolo.
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 01, 2003 04:35
Malathar followed the company along the winding passage ways. Just when he wondered if they would be walking for the rest of an age, he heard noise coming from up ahead. As the company stopped, Malathar’s heart sank. He knew that sound all too well – wargs. Standing there, his eyes fell on Findley and he saw the far off look in his eyes and to his utter amazement he could swear there were tears in the dwarf’s eyes. Findley took a few steps forward so he could see into the cavern, Malathar and Eldaline close behind him. What they saw made them all catch their breath.

There lay Lublolo pinned to the ground by the huge warg, which was trying desperately to tear into the Wildman. Lublolo was flailing about trying to escape. Findley’s eyes fell to Lublolo’s axe which lay on the ground a few feet from the warg. Malathar watched as a somewhat evil smile spread across the dwarf’s face and he took a step out into the cavern.
“No Findley” said Malathar quickly gently pushing him back.”Let me go friend for my feet fall silent and I may reach it without their knowing." Malathar handed his sword to Findley as Eldaline took his hand, pulling him back.
“Malathar... are you mad ? You can’t go out there !”
“I’ll be fine Eldaline.... don’t worry love” he said as he gently pulled her hand off his and stepped out into the cavern.

Keeping his eyes on the warg, Malathar slowly crept up beside it and bent down to pick up the axe. Casting his eyes to the ground just for a few seconds to the axe, he reached out his hand. Just as his fingers were about to grasp the handle, he heard a sickening cry and looked up, just in time to look right into the face of the warg as he bared his teeth, saliva dripping from it’s mouth. Then he heard a sound that sent chills to his very soul – the cry of the warg. Turing quick it lunged at Malathar. Backing up quickly his foot caught on a loose stone and he fell back, dropping the axe. Eldaline and the others watched in horror as the warg approached. It eyed Malathar as he stood and backed up till he was pressed flat, his back against the stone wall. In a flash the warg attacked with an ear piercing cry and Malathar felt it’s weight hit him and felt a sharp burning pain in his arm. At the same moment a cry was heard as Findley bolted into the cavern and grabbed the warg by the tail. As crazy as it was to do so, Findley’s actions probably saved Malathar’s life for the warg turned his attention away from Malathar for a moment focusing on the irritant on his tail. At the same time Artalion, Eldaline and the others all rushed into the cavern straight for the beats. They knew the only way they could bring it down was to attack it all at once.

The last thing Malathar remembered was seeing the warg charge and feeling a searing pain shoot through his shoulder and down his arm. He saw what at first looked like Findley charge at the warg... but it couldn’t be... Slowly he faded into darkness as he lay curled up on the floor. As shouts and cries echoed in the cavern, Malathar’s mind wandered.
“I never thought it would end like his” he thought as the pain took him. “I.... I never thought... I’d get this close to tasting freedom again, to fail now...”

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

The cavern was now quiet, the warg lay dead upon the cavern floor, a pool of blood forming around it. Artalion and Eldaline rushed over to Malathar.
“Malathar...” Eldaline whispered hoarsely, tears in her eyes, as she gently turned him over and brushed back the hair from his face.
She looked up at Artalion, fear in her eyes. Artalion’s gaze fell to Malathar’s arm. His shirt was ripped and great deep gashes ran from his shoulder to the upper part of his arm. “Oh no....” he whispered slightly as he knelt down beside Malathar.
Slowly Malathar’s eyes fluttered open and he looked to the ground where the warg lay dead. Slowly he struggled to his feet as his companions crowded around him.

“Oh Malathar...” Eldaline said gently as he ran a hand down her cheek.
“I’m ok Eldaline...” he said, his voice tight, trying to hide the pain. Tearing off a long strip of his shirt he wrapped his arm as best as he could. Reaching down he picked up his sword which lay at his feet.
Despite Artalion’s protest, Malathar insisted they continue on immediately. Just as he was about to turn and head across the cavern, something caught his ears. Indeed everyone heard it and turned toward the source.

“Well if isn’t this a pretty little mess you have gotten yourself into now....”
It was Findley. He stood over Lublolo, axe gripped in his hands. “For far too long you have had your fun and games at our pain and suffering.... now it is our time. The tide has changed and you are at my mercy !”
Malathar and the others watched as Findley stood there, one foot on Lublolo, holding him down, his hands gripping his axe tight. Eldaline could almost swear she saw fear in the wild man’s eyes but it was soon replaced by an evil sneer and a wicked laugh.
“You think it is over... you sad, sad dwarf. It has only begun. Morgoth is lord of Middle Earth... and all who do not bend to his will be destroyed. Every last dwarf and elf, from the old to the young, every man, woman and child, all who do not serve Morgoth will be destroyed. Morgoth is the all powerful one, not the Valar. Morgorth is lord – not Iluvatar !” Lublolo laughed wickedly, its sound echoing in the cavern. While Eldaline, Artalion and the others stood in stunned silence, shocked at Lublolo’s words, Malathar could contain his rage no more and bolted for Lublolo just as Findley raised his axe.


[Edited on 1/2/2003 by KeeperofVilya]
Happy_Hobbit
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 03, 2003 12:55
Findley watched, all he could see was the fine axe lying seemingly just out of reach, a Dwarves beard length away, if he could just reach it.

An axe . . . a bright new axe, what a Dwarf wouldn't give to have it in his hand. Malathar stepped slowly forward, he had been right, his steps fell silently. He was getting closer, Findley held his breath, hardly daring to blink case it would alert the two fighters to Malathars prescence.

His excitement was building as he silently willed the elf forward, each precious step one nearer to his prize. He ran his tongue over his lips, his mouth was dry and his palms sweaty. 'Keep going laddy' the voice in his head desperate now 'You can do it, do it for Findley . . . for us all.'

Then it happened the Warg somehow sensing Malathas's movements turned . . . growling deeply in its huge throat it turned its snarling face towards him saliva drooling into a pool upon the stone floor.

Things seemed to be happening in slow motion the Warg with its huge mouth lunging forward at the Elf, Malathar stepping back his foot catching on a rock, the rock causing him to fall, the huge beast swiping at his shoulder, the red traces of blood.

It was too much for Findley leaping forward he grabbed at the Warg, catching its tail he clung to it bringing the small Elven dagger down deep into its hip.

It did not seem to feel it so Findley struck again this time twisting the blade. With a howl the beasts great head swung round snapping in an effort to rid itself of the flea that bit it.

Findley could see the rage in its eyes as time and again it tried to reach, him snapping first on the right side then on the left. Each time Findley managing to swing from its tail out of harms way then swing back in to strike again.

Soon there were several streams of dark blood running down the back legs of the Warg. Findley grimmaced for the effort was beginning to tell, he had no idea how he was going to get away, if he let go the Warg would surely have him and he was now unsure how much longer he could hang on.

Help came though for the Elves could not stand idly by and watch, bringing what weapons they had they attacked and soon a deadly dance began.

The Elves light footed and agile leaping in to strike the darting away from jaws or claw. The Warg using all its great bulk to try to crush and maim lunging and snapping with great speed and enormous power.

Findley meantime had no option but to hang on, using both hands now he gritted his teeth against the dull aching of tired limbs praying someone would manage a fatal blow. His grip was weakening and with one last final desperate attempt Findley was shaken free.

The Warg turned at last it had the Flea. Its great jaws hung open above Findley is hot acidic breath so pungent it almost suffocated him. Its tongue rolled out and saliva dripped down onto his cheek Findley struggled to sit up determined to fight to the last moment.

"Okay ugly . . . this is one meal that bites back," Despite his own determined will power the dagger trembled in his hand as Findley stared death in the face.

But the beast did not attack, for the Elves had fought it to a standstill and now its last breath was drawn, with a huge groan it rolled to one side dead.

"Haaa!" Findleys voice uncommonly high pitched,

"Ya too scared to fight me eh?"

He grinned to the Elves and with a low bow acknowledged their efforts. He stood wiping the remaining drool from his face already his eyes sought the axe.

Hmmm where was it? His eyes searching the area soon fell upon Malathar

"Ohh No Laddie . . . Nooooo!" rushing over the small Dwarf fell to his knees grasping Malathars shirt.

"Dont ye dare die on us laddie . . . dont ye dare, I'll kill you if ya do do ye hear me?" tears ran freely down his face as he pleaded with the Elf to live, seeing the Elves come to help Findley stepped aside knowing they held greater healing powers than he.

"This is your fault" Findley he told himself

"You had to have that axe"

He picked it up feeling it weight in his hand, power surged through him chasing the ache from his tired limbs, Anger, rage, guilt, fear, all swam through his mind. Turning he faced Lublolo, his face dark his eyes ablaze with malice he stepped upon the Easterlings chest and swung the Axe upright.

Looking down upon the prone form his lip curled in an angry sneer. Then uttering a prayer to his forbears, and dedicating the kill to his lost family he prepared to bring the axe down.

Lublolo laughed, maybe he saw the delay as a weakness

***“You think it is over... you sad, sad dwarf. It has only begun. Morgoth is lord of Middle Earth... and all who do not bend to his will be destroyed. Every last dwarf and elf, from the old to the young, every man, woman and child, all who do not serve Morgoth will be destroyed.****

Findley lowered the axe, Lublolo sneered haaa he knew he was too weak and feeble, he wondered how Dwarf tasted, raw and fresh,staring back at Findley he continued,

***Morgoth is the all powerful one, not the Valar. Morgorth is lord – not Iluvatar !”*** Lublolo laughed wickedly

Findley raised his axe once more and brought it down cleaving the smile in two.
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 03, 2003 01:16
Lainauriel joined the fray, she had a short sword taken from an orc, it was all she could wield. The beast was moving fast and was still powerful despite the many stab wounds it had taken, the snarling and the smell of the beast were almost unbearable, she could see her fellow elves faces twisted in simelar discust.

her arms tired quickly, despite the food they had just had she had little energy for they had long been starved in the cells, just when she thought she could no longer lift the sword the beast gave a final snarl and fell heavily on its side.

the strength fell out of her legs and she let the sword drop, slumping to the ground breathing heavily, she was not used to fighting. her head snapped up when she heard a cry

"oh no laddie...nooooo" she heard the dwarf findly running towards what looked like a fallen elf, finding strength deep within herself she rose to her feet and moved towards her husband, who was already at thte elves side.

pushing through the crowd she glimpsed the would just before it was bandaged, her face fell, though she was a skilled healer she didnt think that she could do anything about this, malthalars body would have to repair on its own, if it could.

a hand touched her shoulder, looking up she saw her husband, his face grim but determined. for a moment she allowed herself to hug him, then she gathered her reamining strengh. picking up the sword she had let drop she followed the elves down the corridor. taking one final look back on the scene, a fallen warg, a dead wildman, and the dirt on the floor now mingled with blood of an elf, man and beast. one tear slipped down her cheek.... why did things have to come to this?

Lainauriel had lost all sense of direction as they walked, all that accompanied them now was the echo of footsteps and the rush of water as they made their way through the long stone passage ways of angband
Gilraen
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 04, 2003 04:24
Eaniel jogged along with the others, trembling with adrenaline and fear. She felt sick- they had come so close to losing Malathar. And though she knew that they were not true, the last words of Lublolo had frightened her terribly. What would such a fell being attempt if he truly believed that he were the most powerful? Nothing more than he already has, she thought ruefully. With her right hand she clutched her left shoulder, injured in the fight. The cut was not deep, but it was bleeding freely. When she pulled her hand away to glance at the wound, her hand was red. But it was not such a bad hurt as Malathar's, she thought, glancing back at the wounded elf. Lainauriel had always been the healer amongst them, but Eaniel had seen the look on her face when she had seen Malathar's wound.

Replaying the last moments of the fight in her mind, Eaniel suddenly remembered Findley's words to Malathar
"Dont ye dare die on us laddie . . . dont ye dare, I'll kill you if ya do do ye hear me?" And she would have sworn that the Dwarf had been weeping as he spoke. The realization brought her up short. A Dwarf- shedding tears for an elf? Maybe they had accomplished something, even if they all perished here. And Eaniel remembered something else as well- mixed with the anger and fear in Findley's eyes she had seen guilt. Did Findley blame himself for Malathar's injury?

Falling back so that she walked beside the Dwarf, Eaniel touched his shoulder with the back of her good hand.

"Findley? What happened to Malathar is not your fault. If it hadn't been for you distracting the warg, many more of us would have ben injured, perhaps to the death. There is no blame to be placed on what happened."
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 07, 2003 07:51
It was true Findley did feel it was his fault Malathar was hurt for if he had not desired the axe then it might not have happened. Still there was no time to dwell on what ifs. Comforted by Eaniel's words Findley soon forced his way back in front.

He was looking now for signs of a culvert, a drain taking the waste of Angband to the out side, slowly he led them through smaller and smaller tunnels till at last the Elves were forced to crawl almost. They were not happy at the indignity and how could they fight if they were almost on their knees.

The sound of water cheered them a little, but soon the hope in their faces was lost to one of deep disgust, for now the tunnels were filled with a strong stench, soon the Elves were gagging as it threatened to choke them where they stood.

Still Findley pressed forward until they came to the source of the stench, the channel was filled with a filthy brown sludge that seemed reluctant to flow slowly ebbing forward like a tide of thick glue.

Findley looked at the Elves somehow he had to persuade them into this channel they needed to pass throgh it to reach the outside. He offered to go last, he offered to go first but still they did not move.

Finally he jumped in. For Findley it was waist high, the smell was bad before but now it had been disturbed it was ten times worse. Wading along the channel he came to the wall to where the waste flowed out under a low arch the only way to pass it was to duck under the surface and pull yourself through.

Taking a deep breath Findley disappeared into the slime. The Elves waited, and waited, Findley did not reappear, Sadly some of the Elves shook their heads, there could be no way out and Findley was drowned. But then as if by magic a small sludge covered form waded back into view It did not speak but beckoned them urgently to follow.

And follow they must for all of Angband was searching for them, if they did not move and move soon they would be caught. In the cramped tunnel they had no room to fight they were sitting ducks.

Slowly the Elves entered the culvert what they did not know until they were in it was that the sludge burned. Those who had injuries felt it the worse but they endured it each waiting their turn to duck under the low outlet. Slowly they dwindled until only Eldaline and Malathar were left.

Findley had now rejoined them he persuaded Eldaline to go first then he climbed out and to Malathars amazement sat on the edge of the Channel, sitting beside him Malathar asked what troubled the small Dwarf.

Findley beckoned the Elf closer and as he leaned into Findley he was hit by a swift right hook to the jaw. The blow knocked Malathar out cold. Findley grinned, knowing the Elf would not have been able to endure the pain once he was in the culvert, this way Findley could drag him through without him screaming in agony.

He carefully pulled the Elf into the sludge and supporting his head dragged him to the wall. He stood for a moment watching the elf breath then when he saw him take a deep breath he submerged them both and began to haul him through.

Findley was strong but the Elf was a lot bigger and the sludge thick and viscous He tried with all his might to get Malathar through, his strength already depleated by the several passes he made previous. It seemed this time he would not succeed.

He could feel his lungs beginning to ache as the last of the air was used, his head began to swim and his eyes until now tightly shut flickered open, he could see nothing. Pain now coursed through his head. He struggled on and as he felt himself slipping deeper into the sludge he knew he had failed. This time he had not just injured Malathar but killed him.
KeeperofVilya
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 08, 2003 05:30

Eldaline struggled through the narrow passage ways almost crawling on her hands and knees as they followed Findley. Malathar was right behind her and she could hear his heavy breathing. Every so often he would stumble and she could hear him moan in pain as he jarred his shoulder sending pain shooting down his arm.
“How much longer can he go on like this ? How much longer can any of us go on ?” she wondered as they continued to follow Findley trusting in him to find the way out. Suddenly as they turned a corner for what seemed like the 100th time, a sickening smell hit them and Eldaline felt the breath get knocked out of her as she gagged. Malathar was coughing and sputtering behind her and the others were having trouble breathing as well. Soon she saw what was causing the foul smell. The channel was filled with a filthy brown sludge that seemed reluctant to flow slowly ebbing forward like a tide of thick glue.

Findley tried to persuade the elves that they had to go on through the sludge, that it was the only way out. No one moved or said a word, they just looked at Findley like he was even crazier than he normally was. Finally he jumped in. For Findley it was waist high, the smell was bad before but now it had been disturbed it was ten times worse. Wading along the channel he came to the wall to where the waste flowed out under a low arch the only way to pass it was to duck under the surface and pull yourself through. Taking a deep breath Findley disappeared into the slime. The Elves waited, and waited, Findley did not reappear. Eldaline felt fear grip her heart and Malathar shook his head sadly. Just then Findley reappeared covered in the sludge of the culvert. He beckoned them to follow and slowly each one passed under the arch and made their way.


Slowly they dwindled until only Eldaline and Malathar were left. As Findley motioned for Eldaline to come next she looked at Malathar. He nodded and gently squeezed her hand.
“You go on Eldaline, I will follow soon...” Malathar tried to hide the fear in voice. Eldaline held his hand tightly.
“I will be waiting for you on the other side Malathar...” With that she slipped into the sludge and made her way towards the wall. Taking one last look back at Malathar she ducked under.
After what seemed like an eternity to her, she finally came to the surface, gasping for breath. She felt a strong hand grab hers and pull her out. Standing with the others she looked around. Didn’t they make a pretty sight standing there, covered in sludge, looking less than their usually elegant selves.
“Well this is no time for pride” Eldaline thought to herself as she turned and looked towards the spot she had juts come from and waited for Malathar and Findley to come through.


Back on the other side, Findley sat down next to Malathar.
“What is troubling you Findely?” asked Malathar as he sat next to the dwarf.
“There is something that I must do, and it hurts me to do it...” Findley motioned for Malathar to lean closer. As he did Findley spoke. “Forgive me Malathar...” As he spoke Findley swung his fist and hit Malathar in the jaw. The punch knocked Malathar out cold. Gently Findley grabbed Malathar and drug him into the sludge. He stood for a moment watching the elf breath then when he saw him take a deep breath he submerged them both and began to haul him through. As he struggled through Findley felt his strength begin to fail. As he sank lower and lower in the sludge, he felt his head spin and everything grew dark and fuzzy.
“You really gone and done it this time Findley” he thought as his strength faded. “This time you aint just injured Malathar, you’ve gone and killed him...”


As Eldaline waited with the others, she began to grow worried when they did no appear. Leaving Artalion, she waded back into the sludge. Her hands moved towards the culvert they each had come out from. Just then her hands felt something. Her heart stopped and she began to pull. Breaking the surface she saw it was Malathar. Struggling to drag him through the sludge she made her way back to the others, not noticing for the moment, the dwarf who had also come up with Malathar. Artalion waded in and helped her drag the unconscious Malathar out.




Eldaline knelt there beside the limp body of Malathar.
“No Malathar... don’t you die on us... not now, not after all this... Pleas Malathar... please...”
Eldaline looked down at his face as tears filled her eyes. She brushed back the strands of hair, caked with goo and plastered to his face. Then Malathar started to cough and sputter and slowly his eyes opened. He looked up at her as tears of joy filled her eyes. Slowly as his mind began to clear and his senses came back, Malathar felt a searing burning pain in his shoulder, stronger and more intense than before. The sludge of the culvert burned more than the fires of the forges he had known for so long. Struggling to sit up he clutched his shoulder as the pain laid hold of him. Looking up at Eldaline he took her hand and said weakly “I told you I’d follow...”
Syriana
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 09, 2003 04:51
Polgara walked at the back of the group,trying to help some of the elves who were tired and could not go on anymore.The stenge in the tunnel was almost choking them all and the fact that they were almost down on their knees to move forward didn´t make it any better.

When they halted Polgara slowly walked to the front of the group.She saw Findley wade into a culvert filled with sludge.If he thought that she would go in that,Findley was mistaken.But there was no other way...

She waited with the others,for what seemed an eternity,on Findley´s return.When he was back,he signed to the elves that they had to go in.At this Polgara backed away...
"I cannot..."she said softly.
"There is no other way.We must do it."Lainauriel said behind her,while placing her hand on Polgara´s arm.

Polgara sighed and started wading in the sludge,before she went under Polgara looked back and saw Lainauriel smiling encouraging to her.She took on deep breath and dived in the sludge.She could hardly see anything and thought she would not have enough air to make it to the other side.Just when she started to panick she reached the surface again.Polgara grasped for fresh air and moved out of the way so the others could come through as well.

One by one they came,Eldaline as one of the lasts.Now only Malathar and Findley needed to come.Polgara saw Eldaline wade back in the sludge,she stood up and went over to her.When she got there she noticed Artilion and Eldaline dragging Malathar out of the sludge.Both not noticing findley coming after him.Polgara went back in the sludge and got Findley out.

"How is Malathar?"Findley asked Polgara.She noticed he was looking around like he didn´t know where to look.
"He is fine Findley."she replied,but in her thoughts she added..."for now he is fine,we need to get him somewhere he can rest and heal"...
Findley sighed relieved and waited till everyone was rested to move on...they were nearly out.

[Edited on 10/2/2003 by Syriana]
KeeperofVilya
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Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 11, 2003 04:58
Malathar had totally forgotten about Findley for the moment. When finally his mind was cleared and he struggled to his feet, he looked around.
“Where’s Findley ?’ he asked, fear suddenly gripping his heart.
Just then he turned and saw Polgara wading out of the sludge dragging something along with her. It was Findley. Rushing over, Malathar looked down at him as fear gripped his heart... he was dead, or at least he sure looked it. Slowly though, his eyes opened and he began to cough and sputter. After a few minutes Findley sat up and Malathar put a hand on his shoulder.

“How’s Malathar ?” he asked with a slightly confused and disoriented look on his face.
“Malathar’s fine Findley” said Plogara.
“Yes I am fine my friend” said Malathar. “And so are you... which is a good thing. I still have a bone to pick with you about that slug to the jaw you gave me” said Malathar as he rubbed his jaw.
Malathar smiled slightly, despite the pain in his shoulder, and Findley laughed slightly.



Soon they were back on their way, working down the tunnel, towards freedom.
“If we keep following this, it will lead us out”said Findley as he let Artalion take the lead.
Falling farther back, Findley found himself next to Malathar.
“How’s your shoulder?” he asked
“Fine” Malathar lied, trying to hide the pain in his voice.
“And your jaw” said Findley with a slight laugh.
“That ? That still hurts.”
“I am sorry my friend, but it had to be done.”
“Oh really?” said Malathar in mock horror and surprise.
‘Yes.. yes..” said Findley. “You would not have been able to stand the pain had you been awake... for that sludge burned like something terrible.”
“Oh don’t I know it” Malathar thought to himself.
“You were right Findley, and I thank you for it” said Malathar as he put a hand on the dwarfs shoulder.
“Any time Malathar.... any time” Findley said with a chuckle.


As they continued on, something was bothering Findley. They had to be getting close to the end of the tunnel. They should he out soon. Yet it was so dark inside the tunnel. Why was it so dark ?
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