Welcome Guest 

Register

Forum Home » Roleplaying » TT Archives » A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
<< First34567Last >>
Author Topic:
Happy_Hobbit
Huggable Hobbit
Posts: 1027
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 12, 2003 01:42
He struggled on and as he felt himself slipping deeper into the sludge he knew he had failed.

His eyes could see nothing, Findley didnt know which way was up to the surface and which way was down to the depths. He was tired, so very tired and he hurt more than he ever had. he began to drift away,


He was fettered now a huge metal collar bit into his skin, it was heavy and the edges had been left purposely sharp,

"Move you lug," the voice was cold and bitter, "Move or you'll feel the point of my sword."

Findley resisted but a swift yank on the chain attached to the collar brought him forward despite his best effort to resist. He pulled back against it, it bit into his throat, he could feel the warmth of his blood trickling down on his cold flesh.

She pulled again this time suspending him above the ground.

"Dance for me!" she laughed as she watched Findley kicking as he fought to free himself, as he tried to gasp one more breath of air, the darkness came . . .

He was in a dark wood there were sounds . . . sounds of a dark voice laughing as he was beaten. He was lying in the mud . . . the same voice, he knew it now, she was the one the one who had chained him to the tree, it was her . . . she had made him watch as the wargs had attacked.

He saw her laugh as his wife tried to defend their daughter Heather. He saw his little girl tossed into the air crying for him to help her, he heard her voice getting weaker and finally she lay with no sound at all.

He had begged the dark one for death, he had run at her hoping she would slay him too, but though she had him beaten she made sure he lived. He had vowed to kill her . . .

The darkness closed about him again . . .

He was held, but this time the arms were gentle, his mother was holding him, he felt a great ache within him as he looked beyond his mother he knew why, for there on the ground his beloved father lay.

A mining accident they said, it had taken them four days to did him out now he lay upon the cold ground staring blankly at the sky . . . Daddy daddy he could hardly get the words out he was choking in grief, drowning in sorrow, drowning . . . drowning . . .

He was being lifted up. They would place him in the stone coffin, his struggle was over now, he would journey to meet his loved ones. Finally he would see Heather and his beloved wife Veronwe again . . .

He was being lifted up but there was no stone coffin only the hard stone of the culvert. Findley began to come back, his head thumping he could hear his heart beating in his chest as it struggled to pushed his blood through tightend arteries.

He hurt, he had been holding something, but his hands were empty he tried to think as he started to cough bringing up a mouthful of the vile sludge, he had been in the culvert with Malathar, but where was he?

“How’s Malathar ?” he asked feeling slightly confused. damm it was so dark he could not see him.

“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.

Findley laughed slightly. But he was still confused for he remembered it had seemed lighter this side of the wall now it was black, hmm it must be nightfall. Curse Morgoth even the darkness was deeper here.

After a few moments he got to his feet feeling about him he found the wall and his fingers sought the tell tale signs that led him towards the exit.

He was a little surprised at the ease with which the others moved. Ha he thought trust the Elves, of course they would have no trouble moving in the dark, he almost wished it was them stubbing a toe or grazing a knee as he stumbled forwards.

Findley could smell the air getting fresher, he cursed as once again he stumbled over a broken rock, he felt Malathars hand lift him.

"I am alright." he murmered as he passed his hand across his eyes, still there was no light.

"You go on Laddie I'll bring up the rear, with a bit of luck I might just find an orc to test my blade on."
Findley let the others pass, he was worried now for even though they were almost out it was still pitch dark.

Finally the whisper reached him

"We are out . . . We are Free!"

Findley felt his heart leap they had done it they were out, he stepped forward not realising there was a drop he fell out and landed face down in the dirt.

Strong hands lifted him to his feet

Thalin lifted Findley and set him upright.

"Lead em for a while I need to catch me breath a mo."

Findley waited soon he could no longer hear them. he passed his hand across his eyes once more. . . he could feel the days warmth, the day . . . then the realisation came to Findley it had only been dark to him, the Elves had not stumbled for they could see where they were going but but he could not . . . he was Blind . . .

[Edited on 12/2/2003 by Happy_Hobbit]
Gilraen
Renaissance Elf
Posts: 188
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 12, 2003 02:30
Eaniel paused outside the door, blinking in the sudden sunlight. Though the air was chill, the sun warmed her bare hands and face, and the sting of the sludge began to fade. They were free. They had many miles still to go, but now they would travel in the open, under light of sun and moon and star.

She turned to Findley, ho had sat down beside her to catch his breath, to thank him for his help. But she stopped at the look on his face. Though it was light out he was looking wildly around as if he could not see.

"Findley?" she said.

Findley looked at her, only he did not, his eyes focusing a few inches to one side of her.

"What's wrong? she asked, her heart sinking.
SadisticYoda
Danger to Mankind
Posts: 342
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 14, 2003 05:22
Thalin was extremely happy because of the excape. He was hopping up and down, waving his club around, and looking at his friends that excaped with him. He breathed the freash mountain air, and stared into the beautiful mountains. Without looking at Findley, he speaks to him.

"Hey Findley! Look, The great mountians are before us!"

Without an instant response, Thalin looks at Findley, and stares into his eyes, noticing that he was not staring directly back. Thalin Speaks to him.

"Findley, what is wrong? Are you alright?"
k
Cavegirl
Posts: 1572
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 14, 2003 05:56
Lainauriel rushed forward, part of her was haveing a desperate urge to run to the wood for cover, part of her wanted to see what the commotion was and another part was still rejoicing at the fresh air.

she bent and looked at findley. "whats wrong?"

"nothing lass,nothing i just got a bit overcome from swimming through all that" Findley nods towards the sludge they just swam through.

Lainauriel nodded looking relieved, the other elves relaxed a little as well. she stood when artilions arm fell on her shoulder and looked him in the eyes.

"the dwarf is ok?" he enquired.
"yes, just tired i think"
"then we must make haste and hide. our escape from the cells is already known, it will not be long until they realise we are no longer in the confines of angband."

she grimaced and looked around, despite the quiet of their conversation the other elves had heard.

lainauriel looked once more at the dwarf " you can move?"

"aye lass, just give me a breather minute" he waved his hand impatienly, "go on then theres a deep elvsih looking forest just waiting for you, im well concealed among these rocks until i get some strength back"

she looked doubtfully down at the dwarf and then seemed to shrug inside. turning to malthalar she says:

" and you can move, to the trees at least?"

"yes im fine" he says with a small smile, while Eldaline helped him up.

Lainauriel nods satisfied, it would be nice to get to the woods, they looked cool and dark and they may even find a stream to wash the filth off of them.

taking artilions hand she began to move towards the woods
KeeperofVilya
Council Member
Posts: 122
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 14, 2003 02:16
As they continued on through the tunnel. Their sprits were lifted. Walking towards the front of the group, Eldaline smelled it first, fresh air, free from the stench of the forges and cells they had known for so long. Malathar felt his heart lighten as he breathed in the fresh air. Up ahead he could see light... they were almost there.... almost there....

A few minutes later they stumbled out into the open air under a blue sky in the warm rays of the sun. As he stumbled out, Malathar was blinded by the sunlight and had to shield his eyes. As they adjusted to the light he looked around. There was blue sky. How long had it been since he had seen blue sky above his head ? He felt the breeze in his hair and for the first time in what seemed like ages, he heard the song of a bird, off in the distance. As he gazed about him, eyes filling with tears of joy, he felt someone’s hand grab his. Looking over he saw Eldaline standing next to him. He held her close as they stood in silence for a moment, trying to make them selves believe that they were really free.

Soon they were on their way again, for though they were out, they were not yet free from danger. Heading out again, Malathar found himself towards the back of the group. He watched as Findley stumbled and fell yet again and Thalin helped him to his feet. Findley had been having a lot of trouble ever since he had been saved in the culvert. Malathar watched as Thalin took the lead and lead them on through the snow which was knee high on the elves. Helping Malathar to his feet, Eldaline put his arm around her shoulder as they followed after the others. AS they went, Malathar glanced over his shoulder back at Findley who was still seated on the rocks. Following the path the others had made through the snow they followed. As they walked on the pain in Malathar’s shoulder grew steadily worse and his mind began to wander. How long they had been walking he did not know, all Malathar knew was he was tired and needed a rest soon. Finally they reached the edge of the woods. Looking back however, Malathar’s face fell – Findley was still where they had left him, he had not moved at all.

“Something is wrong” said Malathar
Happy_Hobbit
Huggable Hobbit
Posts: 1027
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 14, 2003 04:01
Findley sighed finally he had convinced the Elves to let him rest on the rock, he tried once more closing his eyes then rubbing them, as he opened them the same blackness filled him and he knew he was truely blind.

Findley sighed again, he had to let them go on, a blind dwarf could only slow them down. Yet in his heart he cried in anger and frustration for he had so yearned to be free. Now he would be a prisoner not only in Angband for he knew it would not take long for him to be caught but also a prisoner to the blindness.

Findley heard a noise behind him and instinctively crouched down, lying tight against the rock he could feel the dark presence standing above him. His ears sharper now could hear the clicking of her jaws. Slowly he counted her steps eight there are he thought, and another, this a softer sound, sort of dragging on the ground.

Findley felt about and soon his hand felt it, a soft strong rope, she would be heading for the woods, for the Elves, Malathar Eldaline and the others.

"No" Findley muttered "No you wont have them!"

Picking up the thread in his hand he tried hauling her back, she moved forward again for a moment the thread went taut then she let out more of the silken thread and it slackened. Findley stumbled groaning as his knee hit a rock.

She wasnt going to have them. Findley would rather die than let her reach them. Standing he grasped the thread and hauled with all his strength. The silk went tight and then it slackened only this time he felt his face brushed by the hairs on one of her legs.

Findley swallowed hard, fighting back the fear and the urge to run. In his right hand he held her silk line in his left a small dagger would that it had been the axe but Thalin now bore that. Still he mused he would not be able to wield it for you need two hands and a keen eye to throw an axe well.

The clicking grew louder, she was closing in on him, she would be lowering her head soon he could feel the poison dripping from her fangs splashing on the ground close by. Small splashes upon his breeches were soon replaced by larger ones. He could feel her now standing over him.

He would with luck get one swift blow in before the end,

"May Aule grant that my aim be true and strong"

Findley readied himself. This would be his last moment, he was ready to die if it meant the Elves would be spared.
Ringhilwen
Ilúvatar's Designer & Haldir\'s Little Squirrel
Posts: 1203
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 15, 2003 11:37
Tired and weary, Maethorwen finally came to the tunnel's opening, and looked upon the country of Angband for the first time in many years. Her breath caught in her throat as she felt the sun on her face, and though it was cold, the wind on her face felt magnificent. She could feel the tears welling up in her eyes as she looked at the others, all with smiles on their faces.

All except for Findley.

The dwarf seemed to be looking everywhere, yet at nothing in particular. She saw several of the others walk up to him, and speak to him, so it did not occur to her that something may have been wrong. Her main concern now was getting off the mountains and finding shelter in the forest nearby. She longed to put as much distance between her former prison and herself.

As the group walked through the snow, Mae picked up a handful of snow and used it to wash some of the dirt out of her wounds. The snow turned black in her hands as she washed her skin, the dirt and grime of many years finally coming off. They reached the edge of the woods, and Mae took the opportunity to sit down on a nearby rock. Thalin joined her, letting out a long sigh as he did so.

"Doesn't look so bad from out here," he said jokingly, nodding toward the mountain.

"I long to get away from that place," Mae responded. "I hope to never look upon it again, nor live in any mountain...." her voice trailed off as she finished.

Mae turned, about to say something to Malathar about shelter for the night, but stopped when she saw the look on his face. Following his gaze, she looked back to the tunnel's entrance on the mountain, where Findley remained. The others soon noticed. As they talked about what they should do, Mae saw movement on the mountain out of the corner of her eye. She turned quickly, expecting to see a troop of orcs on the mountain, but as she comprehended what the movement really was, she felt her stomach give a huge lurch.

A spider, larger than the ones she had heard about in tales, was climbing along the mountainside towards where the dwarf was sitting. Mae screamed, causing the others to look and see. Grabbing her sword, Mae took off running, not caring what the others would do. Findley had led them to freedom. Without him, there would have been no escape. She couldn't let him die.

Mae heard the others running behind her, and Artalion came up running beside her, weapons ready....
Syriana
Queen Of Rain
Posts: 263
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 16, 2003 03:36
Polgara turned around in wonder at Mae´s scream,she saw the spider move towards Findley.Together with the other elves she ran back to Findley who was trying to hold the spider back.Although there were only few of them with swords they might be able to handle the spider and get findley out of there unharmed.

Polgara looked around and saw 9 others standing around her.When Malathar came closer,grasping his shoulder.She knew he wanted to help,but somehow she also knew Findley would not want it.
"No Malathar"Polgara said "I know you want to help,but you need to rest with that shoulder."
She hoped he would understand and when they looked at eachother he nodded to her.

With the 10 of them they attacked the spider.Mae and another elf tried to keep the spider´s attention so that the others could attack the legs.If they were able to cut them off,they would have a fair chance of getting away with Findley.
She moved to Artilion who was trying to find a way towards the dwarve.One of the spider´s legs was moving towards him;Polgara tried to cut the leg off,but the skin was too hard so only after 3 hits it fell of.In the meantime the other elves under lead of Lainauriel were doing the same on the other side.

Polgara sighed releaved when she saw that Artilion had reached Findley and came running back with him.She let them pass and started to head back herself.It was the relif that made her less thoughtfull of her surrounding and for that reason Maethorwen´s scream came too late.Polgara was hit in the back by one of the spider´s bloody stumps.The force in it was still surprising and knocked her to a wall.She lost consciousness for a few moments,she regained it when she felt that she was being dragged back by Maethorwen...
"Thank you."Polgara said softly...
Happy_Hobbit
Huggable Hobbit
Posts: 1027
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 18, 2003 12:27
Raugnath woken from sleep stood swaying as the orders to seek out those that had escaped and bring them back alive were given. She had no time for the Orcs but the thrill of a hunt stirred her into action.

She tested her weapons, the great net, the sharp daggers Yes she was ready. She moved quickly along the tunnels laughing as she watched the Orcs scurrying from her, so brave she thought sarcastically as she walked by.

She came to the great wall and carefully mesuring its height cast a long rope up. Soon she was scaling the wall taking delight in the climb, for she had been cramped in her lair for far too long.

She reached the top and there she paused gazing out over the snow covered landscape, she hated snow, cold did not suit her, beyond the snow the forest lay, its canopy wearing its winter colours. See looked surveyig the panoramic veiw until small movements caught her attention, haaa there they were.

Hauling up the rope she threw it over the wall and using another as a safety line began the decent, she did not hurry for she hoped to make the hunt a good one and for that she needed them to move away.

As she landed on the ground she tested he weapons once more. Sure that she was ready she stepped out, the cold made her hiss and she swore at it as she felt it bite at her bare feet. She took another step forward.

Soon she was moving towards the Elves for her eyes spied them. She cursed, they moved so slowly she would have them in no time maybe she could scare them into fleeing.

Raugnaur thought for a moment, as the did she clicked her weapons together, the sound rythmic sending her into an almost trance like state. She would let them see her then run ahead to spread her nets between the trees when she returned she would kill one and send the rest panic stricken into the ready waiting webs.

She was about to move off when something tugged on her rope, something small and feeble trying to haul her backwards. What cheek they had, these children of Eru, she would teach them. she would dine on this one.

She turned, but at first she could not see it. Swaying on her great legs she tried refocussing her great eyes, again the tug came on her silk rope. She hissed.

"Where are you?" Her great eyes scanning the ground until she saw Findley standing with her silk in one hand and what was that She almost fell over laughing as she realised it was his weapon.

"What do you think you can do with that?" she sniggered

"Imputant bug I will kill you with one nip . . .haaa I could crush you with one squeeze of my jaws."

Laughing she lowered her head gauging carefully the distance.

"You did not run as many would foolish bug, prepare to meet your doom. When I feast upon you you can think of your stupidity."

She was drooling thinking of the succulent bugs juices refreshing her dry throat. She was preparing the venom for the strike when she felt the Elves attack.

Raugnath had been so engrossed in Findley she had not heard the stealthy Elves approach, now they attacked her hacking at her legs.

She tried snaring them in her webbing but they dodged it easily enough, so she tried showering them with poisoned hairs from her abdomen. She tried to stomp on them and to stab them with her jaws.

"Grrrrrr!" she snarled as she felt one leg give way its bloody stump knocking down the attacker.

"You'll do!" she hissed as she lowered her jaws to pierce the Elf's skin but her blow never fell for another stabbed her in the eye.

Pain shot through her causing her to convulse, her legs thrashing in all directions as venom squirted unaimed from her fangs. She shook herself and for a moment she felt recovered, she moved to attack from a different angle but another leg was lost as she turned.

Damm them for their speed and damm the snow for chilling her and making her so sluggish. The tide was beginning to turn, she had not considered she might actually be beaten but now as another leg fell away she began to fear she called a long shrill shriek calling to her brood if they could reach her she may yest be saved

An Axe in her belly opened a deep wound she could feel her life juices dribbling out she sagged at her knees lowering her body to where it could easily be attacked now she was in grave danger. She shrieked again sending another volley of poisoned hairs towards the Elves, but the effort opened further the gash is he abdomen and she sank in bitter agony to the ground.

They rained their blows upon her until she felt only the agony of her bodies death no matter she thought for more are coming and my great webs will have you yet. With one last effort she lifted her head and sprayed her venom at the Elves then slowly each eye faded until finally Raugnath was no more.



**Raugnath . . . Demon web**
Gilraen
Renaissance Elf
Posts: 188
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 19, 2003 03:47
Eaniel lowered her sword, panting from the exertion of the short though fierce battle. She stumbled away from the carcasse of the spider and sat down in the snow, and followed Mae's example, using snow to clean wounds and dirt. Looking around at the surrounding forest, she guessed that she could see many spider-nets, no doubt waiting for the spider's potential quarry- them. Well, another danger was past, and they had all survived together.

That still left Findley, though. Perhaps he would regain his sight, perhaps he would not, but all Eaniel knew was that none of them would abandon the dwarf- not after all they had gone through together. Glancing around again, Eaniel spotted a stream, half-frozen, gurgling though the trees.

"Findley?" she called, raising her voice to get his attention. He turned toward the sound of her voice, a helplessness in his eyes that smote her heart. The proud, independant, blustering Findley- now become a prisoner of his own eyes. "Come over here, Findley" she said, guiding him with a hand laid on his shoulder.

"Let's see if we can't wash the sting of that sludge out of your eyes". She led him to the stream, and helped him rinse out his eyes in the icy water. The dwarf spluttered at the cold, and Eaniel chuckled in spite of herself at his antics.

"Och, lass, don't you go laughing at me now!" Findley chided her, and Eaniel just laughed harder. It felt so good to laugh! Suddenly she became serious again. The Dwarf had finally finished rinsing out his eyes.

"How is that?" she asked, half-frightened of the answer.

I wish we had some of the herbs the elves use for healing she thought. That's what most of our skills as healers depends on.
KeeperofVilya
Council Member
Posts: 122
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 21, 2003 05:56
Eldaline stood with the others, hands on her knees bending over breathing hard, trying to catch her breath. The giant spider lay dead and glancing around she saw they all had made it, including Findley. Quickly they all left the rocky mountains and made their way back to the woods. Once they were cross the borders of the woods they stopped to rest.

Eaniel took Findley and carefuly lead him to the small stream that was flowing near by. As Eaniel helped Findley try and wash some of the grime from his eyes, Eldaline searched around for Malathar, he had disapeared again.... then she saw him. He was seated underneath one of the great trees. He had unwraped his shoulder and was trying to wash it out with some of the snow that lay in patches on the forest floor around them. She could see him wince in pain as he brought the snow to his shoulder and he bit his lip. Eldaline stood and walked over and sat down next to him.

"Malathar..." she said softly as she put a hand on his shoulder.
"I'm ok" he said gruffly, trying to hide the pain that was etched into his voice.
"Oh Malathar.... you always try to be so tough"she thought to herself. "It's no shame to ask for help.... or to feel weak."
Malathar looked up at her as if he had heard her thouhgts, which he actually had. He looked into her eyes and took her hand. That was all, nothing more, but it was enough.

Leaning his head back against the smooth bark of the tree, Malathar took hold of Eldaline's hand as she brought her other hand up to his shoulder. As the icy coldness touched his shoulder, a sharp pain shot through his arm. Gritting his teeth and griping her hand tight he fought back the tears that stung his eyes. As hard as he tried, he could not hold them back and a tear ran silently down his face.

The snow in Eldaline's hand turned black with the filth and grime. After some time the wound was cleaned as best as it could be. As she finished she took Malathar's hand and kissed it and gently ran a finger down his cheek to wipe away the tear. He smiled at her weakly. He was about to say something when Artilion walked up to them.

"We really need to keep moving, it is best if we can get further into the woods and find some kind of shelter for the night. I am sorry Malathar, but we must move on."
"No need for appology" he said as he staggred to his feet.
With Eldlaine's arm around him they turned and followed Artilion.
Happy_Hobbit
Huggable Hobbit
Posts: 1027
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 22, 2003 11:34
Findley was led from the spiders corpse into the woods,his mind racing he followed meekly enough, but he knew they were heading into danger.

Who would listen to a blind Dwarf? Perhaps they see things you cannot Findley.

As he washed his eyes a small spark of hope sprang up within him

"Of course you know we are going the wrong way."

"We are? How come ?" Eaniel's voice asked wearily.

"There are more spiders coming." Findley rubbed his eyes covering them completely

"You know this? How?"

Eaniel could not keep the doubt from her voice,

"You certainly did not see them and I heard no sound of them." She looked over to the others, a questioning look on her face, but they too shook their heads.

"Damm you I felt them . . . I felt it in her thread, they are comming I tell you,"

Findley removed his hands. Nothing, he could still see nothing. He sighed, his whole body slumped as if all his strength had left him.

"Why would you believe me?" He whispered.

"Have you a rope?" he asked holding out a hand. groping the air in front of himself.

Polgara sitting nearby handed out a short piece of rope. Findley felt it but threw it to one side.

"Too short." he grunted, "Who has my collar?"

Artalion brought it and watched in disbelief as the dwarf fastened it about his throat.

"Well you can lead me." he said the sadness in his face heartbreaking, he had seemed so strong only hours ago now he looked beaten, all hope lost.

It was Maethorwen who saw them first, long tendril like legs appearing from the tunnels. Spiders!! Findley was right, and they were in the forests, the home of the spiders, they would have little chance to escape them here.


The Elves began to talk each trying to be heard each trying to suggest a different route until they all fell silent, watching with horror as first one spider then another and finally a third crawled forward.

"Whats happening?" Findleys voice broke the silence,

"The Spiders are comming." Eldaline answered her voice conveying the fear the group felt.

"Are we to die here?" she asked

Malathar turned to look at Findley, the Dwarf still hunched upon the ground, going to him he took hold of his hand.

"My Friend . . ." he began " Tell me what council would you give us now?"

Findley smiled despite it all Malathar was still stronger than most


"If we wish to be rid of these spiders we need to head for the mountains." Findley knew that this would be hard on the sick Malathar but he knew too that the cold would slow the spiders and eventually kill them.

With a sigh Findley lifted the chain,

"If one of you would be kind enough to lead. I think its time we made for the mountains."
Ringhilwen
Ilúvatar's Designer & Haldir\'s Little Squirrel
Posts: 1203
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 23, 2003 04:20
"If one of you would be kind enough to lead. I think its time we made for the mountains," said Findley wearily.

Maethorwen looked up at the towering heights of Thangorodrim, seeing with her Elvish sight the spiders exiting the dark tunnels. She knew they had to move quickly, and she was already working out Findley's suggestion, that they head for the mountains, in her head.

"Maethorwen," she heard someone behind her call. It was Thalin. "I heard you speaking back in the tunnels about how you'd studied the geography of northern Beleriand when living in Ossiriand. Know you where we ought to head?"

Mae sighed, and went over what she knew in her head, looking off to the horizon, and at the land masses in the distance.

"Come," Mae signalled to the group. "We cannot waste time while I think. I shall explain as we walk."

The group got up, some more slowly than others. Mae looked worringly at Malathar, helped up by Eldaline. Findley was guided by Eaniel, after she had washed his eyes, and Artalion. Mae motioned for them to follow her off to the southwest, and Thalin walked at Mae's side, wanting to hear her plan.

"If we must head for the mountains, the Ered Wethrim is our only choice," Mae said to the dwarf as they walked.

"The Shadow Mountains..." Thalin muttered, more a thought than a question.

"It's our only choice, and you must know that," said Mae. "Heading south towards Dorthonion would only lead us to Ered Gorgoroth, and into the dwellings of more spiders. I for one want to avoid that at all costs. Ered Wethrim offers us the protection of the cold, where spiders cannot travel, or would be killed if they tried to do so. If we move south along that chain, we can meet the River Sirion..."

There was a hint of optimism in Mae's voice as she finished saying this. Just the words of the River she had known well made her heart leap slightly. Thalin turned to her, a look of concern on his face.

"Well then, that is the way we must go," he said, then moved closer to Mae to whisper. "But what about - "

"No need to worry about that until we get there, Thalin," Mae said, interupting him. "Our only concern now is to get to the mountains and away from the threat of the spiders."

Mae and Thalin looked back at the group behind them, trudging through the snow, and Mae felt her heart sink as she realized the number of dangers ahead of them still...

[Edited on 24/2/2003 by Ringhilwen]
KeeperofVilya
Council Member
Posts: 122
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 25, 2003 05:40
As they turned and headed towards the mountains they all were talking among themselves. Only Findley remained silent as he was lead along on the chain. Eldaline’s heart broke at the state Findley was in. Once so proud and outgoing,,,, he was the reason they were free. Yet now he was a prisoner to the darkness that held him and he was reduced to being lead along like a dog.

On and on they marched. As they made their way to the mountains the air grew colder and the snow deeper. Walking proved difficult, for at times they were waist deep in the snow. Eldaline was puzzled by this at first.
“We’re elves.... what happened to walking on the snow ?” she thought to herself as they walked on. Then she realized why. “We’ve been prisoners fro so long. The hard tones of the cells and forges in the mountain are all we have felt beneath our feet for so long.... we have forgotten how to thread lightly on the snow. And we have felt the first and heat of the forges for so long, the cold chill of winter is all the stronger and more deadly to us now... We have lost those skills.”

Continuing on, Eldaline began to tire and Malathar could tell this so he took arm from around her shoulder and started walking some on his own. He fared well at first. But as they continued on and the winds blew harder and the air grew colder, he began to fall farther and farther behind. As he struggled on his thoughts were a blur and he couldn’t think straight, his thoughts were all jumbled. He stopped for a moment and looked at those a little ways ahead of him. For a moment Malathar could not, for the life of him, remember where he was, who they were, or why he was there. Then he remembered.... the forges... the escape... Findley and Eldaline.... the mountain. Shaking his head and blinking hard, he forced himself o keep moving as fear griped his heart. What was happening to him ?

After what seemed like ages, Malathar stopped unable to go any further. Sinking to his knees in the snow he stared ahead at the company, though his mind was blank and his eyes blurred. Just then Eldaline and Artalion turned at the same time to see Malathar was not with them. Fear gripping her heart Eldaline looked and she saw him, a little ways behind the company, slumped over in the snow.
“Malathar” she cried out as she ran towards him, Artalion close behind.
As they reached him, Malathar looked up at them and fear hit their hearts like a dagger. His eyes were glassy and empty, they held no expression and it was as if he did not even see them. Eldaline looked over at Artalion, fear written on her face.

“Come on Malathar... we got to keep moving before the spiders come” said Artalion as he took hold of Malathar’s arm and gently pulled him up out of the snow and to his feet.
“No... they won’t find us.... not here...” muttered Malathar his vice somewhat slurred.
Eldaline took Malathar’s other arm and put it around her shoulder as she looked over at Artalion. She saw fear in his eyes as well.
“We have to find shelter” she said. “We have to stop soon... or he’ll never make it !”
Artalion nodded grimly in agreement as they struggled on and joined the others.

As they rejoined the company everyone’s mood was dimmed by the state of Malathar. He had been in bad shape earlier but he had seemed to have rebound and was doing better but now he was back to barely being able to stand. They began to discuss what should be done. Findley’s ears picked up bits of the different conversations going on.
“What is it ?” he asked.
“It’s Malathar...” said a voice beside him. “He’s..... he’s not doing well at all...”
“No.... Laddie...” Findley muttered as they continued on.
Syriana
Queen Of Rain
Posts: 263
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 25, 2003 11:02
The spider was dead and the group started to make its way to the mountains. Polgara walked at the end. Her head hurted after being knocked against the wall. When they passed through the forest she wondered if there would be any willows. She remembered that willow sap could be used to ease pain. Just as she thought that there were none, she spotted one in the distance. She would fall behind on the group, but the sap might even help Malathar so it was worth it.

She left the group and went to the tree, cutting in the bark with the orc blade she held. Polgara caught the sap in her empty water flask and drank some of it. She shuddered at the taste, she would never get used to it.

After this she followed the group up on the mountainside. Even she was sometimes deep in the snow, though she had not been imprisoned as long as the others. She saw Artilion and Eldaline help Malathar and her heart was troubled, he could not give up now. Mae and Thalin led the group in a cave so they could rest for a few moments.

Polgara walked in as last one and started to make her way towards Malathar. She sat down beside him and Eldaline.
“Malathar…”she said. “Drink this, it will ease your pain.”
Polgara handed him her water flask, he took it but looked strange at her. He drank it, but the look on his face told her what he thought of the taste.
“I’m sorry about the taste. It’s willow sap.” She explained him. “It will ease the pain and give some strength, but it will do no more then that.”
After saying this, she closed her eyes and rested her head against the wall behind her.
k
Cavegirl
Posts: 1572
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 26, 2003 10:30
Lainauriel no longer knew what to do. it shouldnt be this hard she thought to herself we are free, why can they not just let us be, then she scolded herself for her thoughts, of course melkor would never let them free, he would hunt them down until they were all slain. a tear slipped down her cheek, that was all she would allow herself she had to remian strong for the others.

she walked to her husband who was sat cross legged silently watching Malathar and placed her hands on his shoulders. in his eyes she could read hopelessness, and self blame and a touch of fear. it saddened her to see.

"i should have had more foresight, why didnt we bring more blankets or take more hides from the orcs" Artilion spoke, bitterness and self loathing in his voice. " look all the elves are so cold and weary and malathar..." his voice trailed off, he looked once again at Malathar.

Lainauriel didnt know what to say, he was right, the elves had little warmth and Malathar... well they all knew he was beyond thier aid, the painkilling properties of the willow had helped but soon they would be too high to find more of those trees and then what, they had no herbs to heal and their strength was diminished, Lainauriel knew that he had gone beyond her powers of healing.

"come artilion" she took his hand leading him away from the sleeping figure. " you must stop this, your right we have no blankets and not much to keep us warm, but there is nothing we can do, we will have to go on as best we can. we did not escape the horror of angband to be outdone by a bit of snow"
her words were strong but inside her heart she was despairing, a bit of snow she thought to herself, its a little more than a bit.

Artilion and Lainauriel had walked aimlessly and were now at the entrance of the cave, suddenly Lainauriel gasped "look" she breathed to her husband.
the beauty of the night was overwhelming. the forest tops awash with soft pale light of the full moon, as tilion the steersman of the moon made his way across the sky. the starts too shone out glittering above the land, filling lainauriels heart with happiness.
Lainauriel felt her husband take her hand. she looked up into his eyes, they relected the beauty of the night, another tear slipped down her face but this time one of joy, despite the situation they were in, findley blinded, malathar dying and the rest of the elves cold and weary.. despite all this they still had one another and they were still free...the couple watched in silence as the moon faded behind the mountains.
KeeperofVilya
Council Member
Posts: 122
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 26, 2003 10:59
Malathar staggered along with the others, falling further and further behind. His head spun and his vision went blurry. Blinking hard and shaking his head he continued on, struggling to keep up. He could not think straight, his thoughts were blurred and confused. His left arm hung limp at his side, he had lost the use of it some time ago, yet a searing pain still flowed down his arm and through the rest of his body. After what seemed like an eternity the came across a small cave. Artalion called for a halt and they entered and though the cave was cold and damp they were at least out of the snow. Starting a fire proved difficult with the wet wood but finally a small fire was lit and it began to give off some heat.

As soon as he had entered the cave, Malathar had staggered over to the wall and sank to the ground. Leaning his head back against the wall he felt his strength fall out of him. He was shivering with cold, yet his brow was wet with sweat. He closed his eyes tight and sat there fighting the pain that seemed to be racing through his entire body. Feeling a hand on his he opened his eyes and looked up to see Eldaline sitting next to him, concern written on her face.

“Malathar..” she whispered softly as she felt his head with the back of her hand and tried to hide the fear that gripped her heart.
“I’ll... be ok Eldaline...” he said hoarsely. “I just... need to rest...” slowly his eyes closed and he rested his head against the wall.
Eldaline took his hand, kissed it, then laid it down, still gazing at his face, pale and thin and wet with sweat.

A little ways off Lainauriel and Artalion stood talking, concerned looks on both their faces.
“I fear for him... I fear for Malathar...” said Artalion casting a glance at Malathar then back at his wife. “He has not eaten for several days and can keep nothing down... he is wasting away... is there nothing at all that can be done for him ?”
“You know as well as I do there is nothing that can be done. No herbs have we here in this barren land, and the wound is serious and my skills unable to aid him. No... there is nothing we can do, but to make him as comfortable as we can..”
“Will he...” Artalion could not bring himself to finish, as he looked at his wife.
“Unless some outside force comes to our aid, we are going to loose Malathar...”


Later that night as Artalion took his watch, Eldaline found a rare moment of sleep as Malathar slept fitfully, moaning slightly in pain. He shivered with cold, yet his clothes were wet with sweat, and he was burning with fever. The infection was now spreading through his body, and was taking over. As he slept, tormented by pain, he finally fell into the blessed release of unconsciousness and he found himself back at a time long ago....



“You have learned well my son, yet you still have much to learn before you can follow your brothers and join the fight against Morgoth.”
Malathar could see himself again, as a young elf back home with his father and brothers. He wore his favorite breeches and green shirt, and his brown leather vest. His hair, long and as black as a moonless night, blew in the wind. He looked at his father then back at the sword in his hands.
“Why must Talavar and Elestar go and fight, Father ?”
“Because Malathar” he said sadly. “The orcs of Morgoth have been terrorizing our lands for far too long now. They go to help protect our people.”
“I want to help protect our people, Father !” he said, determination in his eyes. “I will drive the orcs out of our lands for good !” he said as he slashed his sword at an unseen foe.

“So you shall my son... in due time, when you are better prepared. You are still young and have much still to learn, but you are strong and wise beyond your years Malathar. You will do great things in life my son. You are of the Noldor, a great power and legacy lies within you, and a great path has been laid out before you. I know not where that path will lead or the joys or trials you shall face along the way.... but I do know that you will do great things my son.”

Slowly father and son turned and faded into the distance, their arms around each other. Malathar’s dream turned from the peaceful memories of childhood to the terrifying memories of battle.



He saw himself on the battle field again. He was surrounded by those of his kin as well as the minions of Morgoth – orcs and Easterlings. He saw himself there, young and frightened his sword in his hand, his armor covered in the blood of orcs. Malathar stood beside his eldest brother, Talavar as yet another wave of orcs attacked. Swords clashed, shields gleamed in the sun light, and the air was filled with the cries of battle. As they stood there fighting along side each other, brother with brother, something whizzed by them, missing Malathar’s head by mere inches.

“The archers!” cried Talavar as he glanced down at the arrow that lay broken on the ground a short ways away. Just then a shower of arrows rained down around them, felling elven warriors all around them. As they fought Malathar witnessed in slow motion again as one of the arrows whizzed past him, hitting with a sickening thud, sinking deep into Talavar’s chest. Running to his brother, Malathar caught him as he fell, limp in his arms. As small as he was, Malatahr managed to drag his brother away from the fighting and laid him down, propping him up against the rocks.

“Malathar...” he gasped weakly trying to sit up.
“Be still Talavar” Malathar said hoarsely trying to fight back the fear in his heart. Reaching up he gripped the arrow, ready to remove it, but Talavar took his hand a pulled it away.
“Leave it” he said, his voice coming in short ragged gasps. “It’s no use... It is over Malathar....”
“No Talavar... no...” said Malathar as he fought back the tears that stung his eyes.
“Malathar” he said in a voice barely above a whisper “You must carry on now. Father and Elestar are gone, and my time.... is now over. You, little brother.... must carry on our name. Father was right, you will come to do great things....” Reaching out his hand Malathar held it tightly as he looked at his brother. “I am glad to have been able to call you... my brother Malathar... Be strong Malathar. Never give up... never... give up....”
Malathar watched, tears in his eyes, as Talavar’s eyes grew distant and his hand fell limp in his. His brother was gone....



Eldaline awoke from her light sleep, aroused by Malathar’s moans which had gotten steadily louder. He lay there, moaning in pain, his clothes wet with sweat and he was shaking as if with a great chill. Eldaline laid her hand on his head and fear griped her heart for he still burned with fever. She looked down at Malathar tears in her eyes as fear griped her heart. She could not loose him... she would not....
Ringhilwen
Ilúvatar's Designer & Haldir\'s Little Squirrel
Posts: 1203
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 27, 2003 12:55
The chill breeze blew across Maethorwen's face as she stood at the cave's entrance. She had volunteered to take first watch while the others slept for a short time. The elf did not feel tired, but she could feel her heart getting heavier. Mae had been crazy to think the lives of the companions would improve as soon as they were free from Angband, but clearly she had been wrong...

Mae looked up at the stars, twirling her sword in her hands, her senses strained to pick up any movement or anything out of place. She realized, as she scanned the mountain side, that her senses were not what they used to be before her imprisonment.

Hearing a cough behind her, Mae turned to see Malathar stirring restlessly in his sleep. Mae met Eldaline's eyes, which were full of sadness.

"It must be hard for her," Mae thought, looking at the way Eldaline put her hand reassuringly on Malathar's arm. "To have come this far and face the possibility of losing one she loves so much...."

"See anything?" a voice next to her said, breaking Mae's train of thought.

It was Thalin, rubbing his eyes with sleepiness.

"Nothing," Mae said, sighing as she looked back out across the mountain side. "Nothing but a barren wasteland I see no hope of ever leaving."

"Maybe it will look better when the sun rises," said the dwarf, sitting down at the cave entrance. "Well, if there was any sun in this accursed country. Now, your watch is up. Get some rest while you can..."

Mae objected at first, thinking she could go without a light rest for a short while longer. However, a few minutes later, weariness overcame her, and she relented. Walking back to a far corner of the cave she laid down on the cold ground, trying her best to keep warm...
Happy_Hobbit
Huggable Hobbit
Posts: 1027
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: February 27, 2003 01:10
Findley, having spent most of the day on his hands and feet was ready for a rest, in fact he was more than ready. Sitting down he removed the hated collar placing it at arms length, he sighed wearily. Dwarves are use to crawling about on all fours but he was tired none the less. It wasn't so much the effort that had tired him, more it was the humiliation.

He felt it deeply, but even this did not trouble him as much as the half heard rumours of Malathars health. He crossed the floor of the cave, picking his way through the rubble to find the spot where the stricken Elf lay. He barely needed to touch him to feel the heat of the fever,

"We need to cool him" he muttered as he started to explore the cave floor more thoroughly. His hand sweeping over the ground searching. 'Hazel Juice, Huh!' he thought not much hope in that working, but if he could find it he knew of something that could help.

Finally he found it, a small damp squelchy place, where the dripping melt water fell, it was not the icy water he sought, but the mud itself, this thick icy sludge would cool the skin much longer than any wet cloth.

Grabbing a hand full he retraced his way back to Malathar and despite the Elves protests he smeared the mud on to the Malathar's face. Back and forth he went, each time bringing a handfull of the thick mud to plaster on the elf's neck face and chest.

He took great care to make sure every inch was covered, all but the fateful wound which he left open.

"If only I could see it." he murmered

"It should be opened to let the infection out. Dammm it!"

He continued to swear, to the embarrassment of the Elves, but in truth they understood his frustration and so did not hold it against him.

Later when the wind picked up the snow began to blow into the cave, the Elves huddled at the back trying to keep what little heat there was in their bodies, Findley however crawlled forward and for a while remained near the entrance. At first they could not tell what the Petty Dwarf was doing but gradually they saw he was building a wall.

From the wind blown snow and the deep drift he was forming an ice wall slowl, sealing in the caves entrance. The Elves became allarmed thinking they would be shut in and die from suffocation. Findley however was not about to let them tear down his hard work.

"Fools!" he cried "If we dont seal the cave we will all be frozen by the morning, this wind is a death wind, we need to keep it out, theres enough air within this cave for twenty Dwarves so as long as you Elves dont breath too much there's plenty of air to last."

Gradually other hands joined in and soon the wall was too high for Findley to reach. He crawled to the back of the cave, by now completely exhausted, curling up he was soon asleep and it was not long before his snores resonated through the gave,

Though the Elves glared at him and muttered under their breaths they knew his wisdom had saved them, for no spider could remain alive in such a storm, whether it be one of Morgoths or not.
Happy_Hobbit
Huggable Hobbit
Posts: 1027
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: March 02, 2003 12:02
The Spiders spewed out of Angband reaching the place where their fallen mother lay, carefully they examined her tentatively with their long legs, none daring to get to near to her in case she should pounce.

As with all of their kind they knew the risk she might feed on them only too well. Some lifted her limbs examining them with their palps, then seemingly tasting along their length to determine what had attacked her. She hissed, but her warning was hollow for it was soon obvious to them that she was imobilised.

They swarmed aroud her each looking to move in and make the first strikel but none willing to be too eager for they themselves might fall victim to a feeding frenzie. Sllowly as they realised that they were all of the same mind the fell upon her. Each sinking its fangs through her tough skin to the fluids that lay beneath. The drank greedily as she continued to hiss her palps drumming her anger and pain upon the dirt.

As their abdomens grew round and bloated so her huge body began to lose its shape. Slowly, like a deflating balloon, it collapsed until unable to hold their weight any longer it split spilling the rest of the contents on the floor. Those that were sated crawlled away leaving a few smaller ones to finish. As the hissing died she gave one last tap of her palps before all life left her.

They then began the hunt, the larger ones seemingly commanding their younger siblings with hisses and clicks. Soon they were swarming through the woods, the little ones across the tree tops and the larger ones upon the ground. They planed for the small ones to lay web traps, as the larger ones drove the escapees into them. But they were foiled for the Elves had forsaken the woods and the Spiders found none.

Returning to the black empty shell they set about searching for the Elves tracks. Every now and again one of them would lift a leg and taste its hairy tip. From this it would learn the direction the Elves had moved. Slowly they found the trail and began to follow it. The small ones came first easily out running the bigger ones, perhaps they were hungrier or perhaps the older bigger ones were wiser. Whatever the reason the small ones were the first to feel the effects of the snow.

It chilled them and as it did they found their movements began to get more jerky and unco-ordinated, gradually their legs failed and they fell to the ground. Upon the ground they stood no chance for their hairy bodies froze to the icy paths. Trapped they soon became food for the bigger spiders that followed. Until even the juices inside began to form ice crystals then the bigger spiders abandoned them and returned to tracking the Elves.

Slowly these bigger spiders began to close in upon the Elves but they never made it to the cave the Elves were hiding. During the night a death wind blew, this wind the coldest of all winds froze them where they stood, then as the intensity grew it lifted them and dashed them to the foot of the mountain.

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

Inside the cave the air grew steadily warmer, though it was still bitterly cold outside. Now that the cave was sealed the temperature rose, not much but enough to keep the Elves from freezing to death. Occassionally one of the Elves would break open the Ice wall just a little but the icy blast soon had it sealed again. Finally they gave up and settled to sleep each hoping the night would not be their last.

Findley woke early it was pitch black in the cave for the small fire was now out. Of course for Findley it was dark all the time, he scrabbled his way across to the melt water pool. It was still unfrozen, dipping his hand into its icy depths, he washed his face once more, then drying it with his beard he moved over to the ice wall

He touched it, feeling for one spot in particular, he had put it there on purpose, a small thin section, it would be their doorway. Finally he found it, he braced himself against a nearby rock and then he kicked it with both feet.

At first it did not seem to move but Findley kept at it and little by little the block was forced outwards. Once the block had moved enough fFindley dived in to the short tunnel and began to dig, after a few moments he returned.

Swearing loudly that his hands were cold he rested for a few moments.Thalin joined Findley and soon they took it in turns to dig. As one dug the other had his hands rubbed warm by the Elves.

Findley could feel their aprehension as it dawned on them that so much snow had fallen their cave entrance was now burried under the snow. Some became afraid for Elves are not cave dwellers and it occurred to them they might not get out, that the roof might cave in or worse.

Good naturedly Findley explained that they snow was soft and the two Dwarves would soon be through it. Once they reached the surface things would be easier as they would have more room and they would then dig side by side to widen the opening for the Elves to follow.

It was Findley who reached the surface first, he felt the snow crumble in his hand then with a small push he was through. Poking his head through he was blinded by the brightness of the light, blinking several times it suddenly dawned on him that he could see. At that moment his knees would no longer hold him and he sank down the hole to lie prone on the floor.

At first the Elves semmed unsure what to do, could it be that a spider had been waiting outside and had struck Findley? They waited a moment or two. Thalin grabbing the Axe entered the tunnel ready to defend those inside.

It was Polgara who knelt down to tend the stricken Dwarf as she touched him she felt him crying. Huge tears rolled down Findleys face. The Elves feared the worse, they were trapped Findley had not been able to get them out.

"Its alright Findley." she said softly, hoping to calm him.

"Alright!!!" He yelled "Alright its bloody fantastic."

What is ? asked Lainaurel puzzled by Findley who was now beaming at her, for even though the cave was dark she could see his teeth shining in the half light.

"I can see." he laughed grabbing Eldaline and dancing wildly with her till he tripped and fell.

"I meant to do that," Findley said blushing bright red, tho no one saw.

The elves helped him to his feet their voices high with delight and emotion,

"He can see." they murmered "Hes okay."

Dusting himself off he returned once more to the tunnel, about an hour later the Elves saw the bluest of morning skies.
Gilraen
Renaissance Elf
Posts: 188
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: March 02, 2003 02:21
"Alright!!!! It's bloody fantastic. I can see!"

Eaniel heard the ecstatic words of the dwarf and a slow smile crept across her face. They were still cold, hungry, wounded, and leagues from home or haven, but this small victory was enough- for now.

"Well?" she said to Findley.

"Well what, lass?" came the reply

"Are you going to lead us out of this ice cube, or, now that you can see, are you going to stay here in the dark?

"Courtesy of the elves. Hah!" Eaniel heard him mutter before picking himself up and walking to the hole he and Thalin had broken through the ice and snow.

"Just up and out through here!" he said, indicating the hole, then scrambling out of it himself. Eaniel and some of the elves followed him, and stood blinking in the brilliant sunlight. The light mirrored off the snow burned their eyes, and Eaniel had to squint her eyes almost closed just so she could see. Her heart sank again. The brilliant light might prove as dangerous as the darkness.

She turned back and went down into the cave again, and began to look for the source of the mud that Findley had smeared on Malathar the night before. She had to wait several minutes before her eyes adjusted to the darkness again. Finding the mud, she scooped some of it up and smeared it below her eyes. It was an old trick, but it would cut down on the snow-glare.

Noticing the questioning looks she was getting from some of the others, Eaniel explained.

"It's so bright outside that there's a good chance of going snowblind" she explained. "The dark part under your eyes, made by the mud, will absorb much of the glare coming off of the snow, and will allow you to keep your sight"
KeeperofVilya
Council Member
Posts: 122
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: March 03, 2003 09:10
As the first light of morning sneaked into the cave, Malathar seemed to be somewhat better, though he was still a mess. He was able to sit up and with the help of Eldaline and Artilion, was able to stand and walk. Eldaline was the first to crawl up the snowy tunnel. Reaching back down she helped Malathar as he struggled out. As one by one the others crawled out they looked around them – everything was covered in a thick white cold blanket. It seemed calm and peaceful but Eldaline knew it also held its dangers as well.

Soon they were heading back out into the cold, trudging their way through the deep drifts. After some time Artalion called for a brief halt. As weak as he was the effort it took to walk, even with the aid of Eldaline and Artalion had completely drained him. As Malathar sat and rested he motioned for Findley to come closer.
“Findley... I want you and Artalion to take Eldaline and the others and go... leave me. I am doing nothing but holding you back. If you keep loosing time like this they will find you and.... and all that you have suffered for... will be lost. I am nothing more... than a hindrance now... I want you to leave me and go on....”
Findley looked at Malathar like he had lost his mind.
“I will do no such thing laddie and you know that well enough. We will leave no one behind.... you would not leave me, and I sure am not gonna leave you.”
“But Findley...”
“No buts laddie.... I can be just as stubborn as you. No one is going to be left behind... no one...”
Malathar smiled sadly at the small dwarf, knowing it was useless to argue and feeling deep in his heart a spark of hope- they still wanted and needed him....

Before they headed back out, Findley went a little ways away from the group, his axe in his hand.
“It’s time to put you to some good use – after all the troubles we went through to get you” he said as he walked away. His eyes searched the trees nearby. Small and gnarled he knew it would be almost impossible to find what he was looking for, yet he had to try. Finally he spied what he was looking for – two saplings, tall and straight. Grinning broadly he raised his axe and soon the small trees lay on the ground. Working quickly he soon had the branches stripped and the trees cut into two nice long poles. Putting them up on his shoulder, Findley turned and headed back towards the company.

As he returned, Eldaline looked up at him in surprise. When she had seen him leaving she figured he was going to try and find some more wood for the fire. She looked at him questioningly as he set the poles down in front of her a broad smile on his face.
“This is how we are gonna get Malathar so he will not have to walk”
“Findley... what are you talking about ?” Malathar asked weakly.
Smiling the dwarf asked Eldaline for the blanket she had taken from the cell when they had made their escape. Handing to him, still having no idea what he was up to, Eldaline watched him. Findley called for Artalion to come and help him. As he approached Artalion’s face broke into a smile as he had an idea as to what the dwarf had in mind. Together they laid out the two wooden poles and stretched the blanket over them and attached it firmly. As they worked, Eldaline and Malathar watched, and smiles broke across their faces.

“And there you have it” said Findley as he stood and faced them. “Malathar will not have to walk anymore, we can carry him...”
“Oh Findley....” said Eldaline and without a word or a second thought she hugged the dwarf.
“Findley my friend” said Malathar putting a hand on the dwarf’s shoulder. “Thank you...”
Those few words and simple gestures meant more to Findley than they could know.
k
Cavegirl
Posts: 1572
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: March 03, 2003 11:31
Artilion realised what the dwarf had in mind and smiled, soon the contraption was strapped together and looking pretty sturdy, the other elves had caught on to what it was and the whole party were beaming.

the last few days had been hard on the company, but now with findleys vision back, and a way to carry malathar their sprits were up.

the elves and dwarves walked long that day, but not to the point of exhaustion, they shared jokes and dreams.. believeing once more that real freedom was within thier grasp. the glare of the sun on the snow sometimes made seeing where they were going hard, espeically when the mud dried up and flaked off of their faces, but no one seemed too worried it was strange how you got used to the whiteness... white snow with a white sky streching all the way to the horizon.

as dusk fell the wind dropped. artilion was unable to find a cave for them to shelter in, instead a crack in the rocks was the only shelter they could find, they used the few threadbare blankets they had to fashion a kind of tent in the rocks and slept fitfully.

the next day was even brighter, Artilion winced as he looked out of the shelter, it was painful now to look at the snow and the sky, he found it difficult to make out the faces of his fellow elves, Lainauriel he could see was the same way. Artilion and the elves walked again the whole day, taking it in turns to carry malathar... he was worsening now and could not walk even for short periods. Artilion wondered what they could do.. they would be no good if none of them could see- perhaps travelling at night would be best but then night was full of morgoths servants, he sighed and trudged on thinking and wondering what to do



KeeperofVilya
Council Member
Posts: 122
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: March 08, 2003 03:42
In the middle of the night, as the cold winds blew fiercely, they sat huddled in their make shift shelter, shivering with cold. Few of them slept that night and those that did slept fitfully. As the hours passes slowly, Eldaline sat with Malathar, their backs against the hard stone wall. Malathar was tormented by almost constant pain and coughing fits witch robbed him of any all sleep he had hoped to get. Eldaline had her arm gently around Malathar as he laid his head over on her shoulder. As she gently ran her fingers down his thick black hair, she heard ragged breaths and moans, and her heart was troubled. It seemed that every time sleep seemed to find Malathar he would be awoken by the pain or a coughing fit. After one such fit, Malathar sighed and took Eldaline’s hand in his and he laid his head on her shoulder.
“I can’t... deny it any longer Eldaline” he said in a hoarse ragged voice. “My time has come to and end.... hope had gone. I have accepted it... there is no way to change it.”
He looked up at Eldaline and she saw tears in his eyes. She looked at him as tears filled her own eyes. His hair hung in tangled mats and his clothes hung loosely on him. His eyes were empty and hallow his face thin and pale.
“Malathar... what nonsense is this you speak ?” She hoped her voice did not betray the deep fear she felt. She knew he very well my be right, she knew in her heart that time was running out for Malathar. She knew this. Yet she could not bring herself to believe it, she could not believe it. She had to be strong, for her, and for Malathar. “You cannot give up Malathar.... and you will not. There are too many who still need you. I still need you. I have not given up hope, and neither will you.”
Gently she took his hand and kissed it as they stared into each others eyes. Squeezing her hand he ran a finger gently down her face.
“I love you Eldaline...” he whispered softly.
“And I love you Malathar...” she said, choking on the tears.





The next morning, Eldaline staggered from out of their shelter, her body sore and tired and stiff from the cold. Her heart was heavy and her mind troubled. She had not slept that night and Malathar had just slipped into the escape of sleep as the sun’s first lights began to shine over the mountain. As she stood there, shielding her eyes, she squinted out into the light as the sun’s glare reflected off the snow and blinded her. Slowly, as her eyes adjusted, she peered out into the distance. White, it was all she could see, white snow on the ground and a white sky above them. A cold wind blew and she shivered and pulled the thread bear cloak tighter around her shoulders. Within the hour they were on their way out – out into the snow, out into the wind, out into the cold, out into danger. As they trudged along, Eldaline fell to the back of the group. Walking slowly, step by step, her mind wandered. Suddenly she felt someone reach out and gently touch her arm. Looking over she saw Findley trudging along beside her. She looked down at the dwarf and tried to force a smile, but failed miserably.
“You are worried about him aren’t you lass... worried about Malathar ?”
“Yes” she said hoarsely, fighting back the tears that had been threatening to fall. She looked up towards the rest of the group, to where Malathar was being carried between Artalion and Lainauriel. The tears brimmed in her eyes as she replayed what he had said in the night.
“Yes.... I am worried about him.”
“Do not fear lass. Malathar is strong... he will fight it.”
“No dear Findley” Eldaline said sadly. “I fear he has given up... he has lost the will to fight. He... he told me during the night, that he was ready.... he has accepted his fate... and that he was ready...”
Eldaline’s voice trailed off as a tear slid down her cheek. Findley looked at her then up towards Malathar.
“No... laddie....”
Happy_Hobbit
Huggable Hobbit
Posts: 1027
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: March 08, 2003 07:29
Findley was not about to give in to despair, he would not allow Malathar to die and that was that. All the same he had to find someway to keep the weakenig Elf alive. If only they could find some food on this acursed mountain.

As they kept walking Findley scanned the ground hoping to find some tracks that would lead to a rabbit perhaps, or better still a deer. The ground was hard and for the most part snow covered and the ground seemed undisturbed in this last age.

They were moving lower now by using the stretcher they could make better progress. Tho the others were soon wearied by the effort to carry Malathar none complained. It was whilst in the wooded copse that Findley saw the first sign of life, he didnt tell the Elves in case it proved to be a false hope.

He felt guilty that he was unable to bear the stretcher as his shortness would have tipped Malathar off. Still he thought if he could find food they would all be better for it. he moved slowly keeping his eyes upon the faint track, slowly he moved away from the others although such was his concentration he did not notice they were a little way behind him now.

He found some droppings, these were fresh , he lifted one and sniffed, mmm it was a familiar odour, goat, his heart leaped for he knew goats ran in herds maybe he'd have a chance to catch one.

A small bleat caught his ears and carefull searching led him to a newborn kid, just the bait Findley needed, if he could draw the mother from her hiding place they would have fresh goat, but wait . . better still keep her alive and they'd have fresh milk each day, Spurred by the thought Findley lifted the kid and tucked it into his shirt.

At first it struggled it weak bleats ringing out but it soon tired and the warmth of Findleys body lulled it to sleep. Findley was worried for he had expected its mother to come running but this proved not to be the case.

Puzzled for a moment, the thought then occurred that perhaps she was giving birth to another somewhwere close by. He set to tracking again and soon found her trail, it was obvious that something had scared her for Findley could see clearly her hastened tracks far more obvious than the carefully ones she had set previously.

"Dammit I must have scared her." Findley's hope sank a little. he was hurrying, hoping to catch a glimpse of her when a root sticking from the ground caught his foot. He stumbled, Shaking the small kid awake.

"Neeeh" Its weak voice sounded and was answered by a much stronger more desperate one. She was close! The hunt was on again. Taking time to gauge the direction Findley was soon headed into a deeper part of the wood, here there was less light, a relief after the brightness of the snow.

It was difficult to see clearly, but it was not hard to find the she goat for her desperate cries came often and it was obvious to Findley that she was caught, maybe she had snared herself in a thorn patch?

When he found her he saw it was not a thorny bush that held her but a web, so Morgoths minions had unwittingly aided the escapees. Findley chuckled as first he tied a length of rope to the goat and then set about releasing the goat from the silken web.

This proved to be no easy task, as the webs fibres fought the knifes attack their silkyness refusing purchase to the blade, but Findley was determined and with much tugging and struggle the goat was slowly being freed.
Beleg_Strongbow
Master marksman, and ancestor to that Greenleaf kid
Posts: 148
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: March 08, 2003 08:17

The goat is soon freed, and the dwarf busies himself by tying a loose leash around its neck, also while keeping its kid from struggling too much. He murmurs under his breath, "All of this here struggle had better make Malathar return to good health, or I'll hunt the web-maker myself!"

The leash tied, and the kid under one arm, Findley turns to return to his group, before they realize that he is not with them. Yet he cannot move, for he is frozen; the clicking of fangs reach his ears.

A lone spider stands before him, eyes blinking, its abdomen sagging. A slow hiss escapes it - a hiss of anger, for it is the lone survivor of the troupe of Raugnath that was sent to track down the escaped group from Angband. The other spiders did not survive the snow, but this one was wily - it took another road, and made a trap. And waited.

Findley cursed himself. And the spider. "Blast you and your kind! Leave us be!" Releasing the goat and her kid, he lifted his knife and slashed the air threateningly, trying to daunt the spider. "If you're having lunch, it will be me! You won't have all of us!"

In what seems only a moment, Findley finds himself upside down, suspended by silk fibers from the spider. He is dizzy from the struggle, disoriented from the rush of blood to his head, yet fear courses through his veins as all he can see are dark, shiny eyes, and clacking, dripping fangs. He clinches his eyes shut.

Yet he hears a light voice, far away, as if in the trees. "Ihingril! Ihingril!"

Findley feels a light wind pass his cheek, two times, and the awful, pain-filled hiss of the spider. He feels the spider's presence back away, and opens his eyes -- watching, upside-down, two slender figures battle the haggard creature.

"A fine shot, Strongbow!"

"Hanad."

Findley's vision clears...he sees elves, two of them, clad in full dress, and in finery. He realizes they are not from his troupe. The two elves take turns firing arrow upon arrow into the spider, each leaping from here to there, light of foot, quick with arrows. The dwarf watches as the spider flings venom at one elf, who leaps into the air, ricochets off of a tree with his feet, and lands to the ground. Standing stock still he pulls back his large, black bow- and ends the spider's life with and arrow between its two front eyes. The spider's body collapses, its legs giving out, and it releases one final, fading hiss.

Findley closes his eyes and relaxes, muttering prayers of thanks. Then suddenly he meets the ground, as the elves cut him free from his silken bonds.

He sits up. "Och! You think you would warn someone before you release him! The ground is a hard thing, I would know."

One elf grins at the other. "Our most sincere apologizes, Master Dwarf."

He does not help Findley up. He is tall and slender, as all elves are, and his golden hair wafted gently about his shoulders as a breeze passed through the trees. His tunic is protective leather, he bears a brooch with a nightengale on it; his cloak is gray. "Would you mind telling us what you were doing in our forests? And what business you have bringing spiders with you?"

Findley bristles. "I did no such thing! They followed us from Angband."

The two elves blanche. The Elf looks him up and down and nods. "Yes...no proud free dwarf would wear such rags. Whence came you? How long have you been free? Speak!"

Findley's brow furrows with anger, sarcasm dripping in his tone. "Interrogate me later, sir Elf, if you please. I have others with me that are in dire need of attention." He wouldn't beg, despite the urgency of Malathar. This elf awoke his pride again.

The Elf manages to elegantly grimace. "....more of....you?"

"Let down your judgement, blasted Eldar! They are blessed elves, just like yourself. But they're dirty, I warn you. Eru forbid the fact that you would have dirt upon your soft, pale hands."

The Elf's eyes darken. He steps forward to adress Findley, but the other Elf, dressed similar to him, puts out a hand. "No, Strongbow. Leave it in peace for now. Let us tend to the others he speaks of."

"Tis but a lie, I would wager. Lord Thingol wouldn't allow any such as him into the Hidden Kingdom, let alone the Girdle of Melian."

"Melian would delight in speaking with one such as him. Give him heed, Cuthalion." the other Elf pleaded softly.

Cuthalion uncrossed his arms and sighed. "Yes, good Mablung. Yet this one I will keep my eye on." His pointed glare was upon Findley, who glared straight back.

"Lead us, Master Dwarf," Mablung urged.

Findley nodded, keeping silent lest he say something to make the marchwardens change their minds. "Follow me."
Gilraen
Renaissance Elf
Posts: 188
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: March 09, 2003 06:03
Eaniel heard Findley's returning footsteps. The group had noticed that the Dwarf had been missing, and a few of the Elves had split up to look for him, afraid lest some unkown evil should befall him. Polgara and Eaniel had gone together, and had not gone far before they saw the tracks of the giant spider. Polgara sighed bitterly.

"I thought that we had lost them"

Eaniel just shook her head sadly. But she knew that the tracks could lead them to Findley, for the spider would probably be able to sense her potential prey far better than the elves could sense their friend. But what they found when they finally reched Findley would be another matter- he could be alive, or they might only find what was left of him.

After walking a fair distance, dread growing in their hearts with every step, the sound of approaching footsteps reachedd the elves' ears. Together, Polgara and Eaniel melted behind a tree, fearful and unknowing of what was approaching them. Soon, Findley's voice could be heard- but he seemed to be speaking to someone.

"Follow me"

Eaniel's heart raced. What was this? A trap set by Findley? Was he leading an enemy to the elves? But then she heard another voice, soft and elven-fair, speaking in the old tongue, which Eaniel had not heard since she had run away from Gondolin. Slowly she eased her head out round the bole of the trees to see who was with Findley. Her eyes widened with surprise and she gasped. The stranger elf turned toward the sound, in time to see two Elves, dirty and wayworn, step out from behind a tree.

Findley muttrered under his breath,

"See? I told you they were Elves. And as dirty and ragged as myself. Are you still going to help them?"

One of the Elves turned to reply to Findley, and they could see his crest- that of Beleg Cuthalion- the Strongbow.

"Yes, we will help them. But you seemed to speak of more than two. "

He raised his head to look at the elven women. "Are you the only ones?"

Polgara replied, "No, there are others. All are weary and hungry, some are injured and one is near to death. Will you not help us?"
Syriana
Queen Of Rain
Posts: 263
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: March 10, 2003 12:05
As the group walked on they did not notice immediatly Findley was missing,in fact most of the elves onlynoticed when Eldaline said: "Where is Findley?"
They easily spotted Findley´s tracks leading away from the group and some decided to go looking for him. Polgara and Eaniel went together and stumbled across the spider tracks.

'Not again...' Polgara thought as she and Eaniel followed the tracks,both holding their orc blades close.When they reached the copse they heard Findley´s footsteps,but they suddenly frose...

"Follow me."

Eaniel´s face went white and several thoughts raced through Polgara´s mind.He could not have betrayed them...or could he?They hid behind some trees,but when they heard elven voices they came out,looking surprised in the face of two elves who were standing by Findley.

Polgara couldn´t believe it...one of the elves was Beleg Cuthalion.Were they this close to Beleriand?

"Yes, we will help them. But you seemed to speak of more than two. Are you the only ones?"

"No, there are others. All are weary and hungry, some are injured and one is near to death. Will you not help us?" Polgara replied Beleg´s question.

"Where are they?"

Polgara looked at Eaniel and Eaniel replied, "They are further up the mountains;we came to look for Findley,the dwarf that is standing with you.He helped us escape Angband.If you follow us we will bring you to the others."

The two elves nodded and followed them out of the copse.Mablung and Beleg had to adjust their speed,for Eaniel and Polgara were not walking on the snow as they were.

"Master Dwarf," Mablung suddenly said."Why don´t see if you can find that goat again."

Findley nodded and turned back to search for the goat.

After a few moments they saw the group,but they had also seen them and feared that they were cought and to be brought back to Angband.It was Artilion who recognised two elves with Polgara and Eaniel.
"Put down your weapons!It are friends!" he said happily while taking Lainauriel in his arms.

Beleg and Mablung scanned the group and suddenly spotted Malathar.Beleg hurried over to him and examined his wound.

"I cannot fully heal him,but I can help him for now,"he said,taking some leaves out of his pocket and places them after breaking on the wound.

Just as Beleg and Mablung were giving the elves and Thalin some Lembas Findley returned to camp with the goat.All the way he was muthering something,but they could only make out the last part of what he said.

"...oh trust an elf to send a dwarf to do the fetching,like I´m not gonna mind hauling a filthy goat back to camp.Better me than they should dirty their pretty clothes."

Before Beleg or Mablung could say anything Lainauriel went over to him and took over the goat with a broad smile...
k
Cavegirl
Posts: 1572
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: March 10, 2003 11:48
Artilion watched as the two elves moved away from the group, he was loathe to send such a small party out in search of Findley, but the more poeple they sent the greater risk there was of being discovered... he still feared for an attack from Morgoth, for Morgoth must now have realised that the spiders hadnt been able to apprehend them.

he sat and watched as Lainauriel and Eladine tended to Malthalar, wondering what was to be done with him. Malthalar was dying, how much longer could they carry him through the trecherous mountain paths with the pursuit of angband behind them.... he feared there would soon come a point when they would have to abandon Malathar, but abandon him to what? a lonely death on a cold mountain side, or worse, leave him to the torment of thier pursuers the servernts of Morgoth... to die tormented by those he risked his life to escape. Artilion could not bear the thought- something will come up, he told himeself, perhaps we shall find a herb that Lainauriel can use to heal him, perhaps his fever will abate- he tried to decieve himself with such thoughts but knew in his heart a decisiion would soon have to be made.

brooding and thoughtful he didnt notice the change in atmosphere at first. the elves around him were standing up with hands on thier weapons... at first Artilion didnt understand what could have alarmed them and then he heard it.... a male voice the party he had sent out were two females and though his elven hearing may not have been as clear as it once was, but he could still tell the voice of a dwarf and the voice he was hearing was most certainly not findleys.

he lept to his feet and grabbed his sword, checking once quickly behind him he noted Lainauriel had her dagger drawn and was standing with Eldaline, protecting the prone body of Malthalar. having assured himself his wife was ok, he truned his attention back to the voices, coming near to them now.

drawing himself up in height and stepping forward he made ready to attack as best he could, the elves flanking him did the same, as the voices came around the corner..

for a moment he thought it some trick of morgoth and prepared to strike, for here standing in front of him were elves, elves who lived under the protection of hte girdle of Melien, elves from his home of long ago, it must be some kind of hallucination or mind trick. and then his mind cleared- he percieved no thread from the "strangers" and halted his sword before it could do damage.

Lainauriel too had recognised the elves and was already running forward in joy.

"Put down your weapons! these are friends" he cried to the other elves.

beside him Lainauriels eyes were shining and wet with tears, he swept her up into a breif hug and then moved forward to meet the elves.

"you are very well met" Artilion bowed his head for a moment, almost formally. Mablung and Beleg returned the greeting, then all three broke into smiles. Artilion noticed Beleg wince and turned to see what had caught his attention, malthalar was no longer shielded by Eldaline and Artilion saw how Beleg must be seeing him... wounded and barely concious he was not a nice site to behold

Beleg and Mablung quickly made thier way over to Malthalar and began to apply herbs to his wound, they were watched over nerviously by Eldaline.

Artilion watched from a distance and was about to draw eldaline away from Malathar to let the pair do their work, when he heard a laugh from Lainauriel, she had caught sight of Findley dragging a goat almost his own size up the hill and with the head of a baby goat sticking out of his shirt.. she let go of his arm and ran towards Findley helping him bring the mother goat over to the rest of the elves... Artilion couldnt help but notice the grace returned to her step, and how at some points she seemed to be walking on snow again instead of sinking into it, perhaps, he thought to himself, we are learning to be proper elves again the arrival of Mablung and Beleg is much welcomed.

[Edited on 11/3/2003 by k]
Beleg_Strongbow
Master marksman, and ancestor to that Greenleaf kid
Posts: 148
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: March 12, 2003 10:24
His heart quails as he sees the two Lady Elves speak with him. They are bruised and dirty - yet still beautiful even in their filth. The Petty Dwarf did not lie; only Angband could dampen Elven spirits. He glances at Mablung, whose reluctant expression matches his own...they were wary of what they were to walk upon. How many more were there that were weakened such as these? And what if they were worse off?

Soon he meets and joins hands with a leader elf, his name Artilion. Though weakened he is, he still stands erect and proud, hope and determination shining in his eyes, especially at the Strongbow's arrival with Mablung. They smile at each other, Artilion moreso as relief lits upon his countenance and soul. He hugs his wife tightly and kisses her.

Yet soon the Strongbow's heart breaks -- upon seeing a Noldor leaning against a tree, withered and faint, with a golden haired Lady Elf clutching his hand and stroking his hair. He leaves the leader Elf's side and quickly makes way to the Noldor, stooping next to him and reaching into his leather satchel.

"I cannot fully heal him,but I can help him for now."

Without word, the Lady Elf retreats slightly in complete understanding. Mablung hands him herbs and he breaks them into several pieces, speaking to the Noldor to keep him concious.

"You are Noldor, are you not? With hair as dark as night you could be nothing else."

Mablung hands him a long cloth bandage as the Noldor responds. " ...unh......yes...I am Noldor."

The Strongbow grins, using the broken herbs to make a paste. "Yes, even in weakness you are proud. Definitely Noldorin. Now stay with me, hear my voice. Tell me, what is your name?"

The Sindar takes his arm, applies the paste to his wound and wraps it tightly. The Noldor hisses in pain from the herbal paste and winces weakly; so much pain he has felt, and he is too weak to express it. Yet this pain is different - it is of a healing power, of herbs eating away at the infection in his wound. His mind, for moment, reaches clarity, reaches hope again.

The Noldor lifts his good arm and taps at the tarnished brooch he wears, emblazoned with stars. "My name is Malathar....son of High King of the Noldor, Lord Fingolfin."

The Strongbow furrows his brow, and glances upon Mablung, who gazes at the Noldor, wide-eyed; he is just as surprised. He rises, and speaks to Artilion. "Indeed...we do not know you have a prince in your keeping."

Leaving Mablung to tend to the others' wounds and hurts, the Strongbow walks a few yards away to speak with Artilion, Lainauriel close at his side. Idly he runs his hands up and down his bow Belthronding as he listens to the couple recount their experiences - of the cells of Angband, of working for their most hated enemy, of seeing those of their kind being beaten, or worse. He shudders.

Artilion also speaks of the group forming together, escaping from their tormentors and traveling through the very annals of Angband, escaping by means, that in some cases, would put the proudest elf to shame. Yet true freedom knows no shame. Artilion also spoke of their savior, the one who kept their hopes high and showed them a plausible way to freedom - the Petty Dwarf known as Findley.

The Strongbow keeps his opinions of the dwarf to himself. He notices the other dwarf - Thalin, he learned - and of course has his reservations. But surely he wasn't nearly as surly as the one called Findley.

As Artilion finishes, Mablung walks up to the Strongbow, having fed the others lembas and water. "There are ten in all. I have spoken with the others-- they are tired, weary, but grateful to look upon daylight again. Yet the Noldor is in dire need of attention. I believe those are Warg marks upon his shoulder. He will die soon, despite your attentions, Cuthalion."

The Strongbow nods; his eyes dark and solemn. Artilion looked upon the two sentries; he could feel the urgency between them. He asked not with words, but with his owns eyes.

"We do not fear just for the Noldor, sir Elf," the Strongbow explains. "We are not near the Girdle of Melian by any means. It was by blessed providence that we spied the spider and thus you. You and your charges are not protected by what else may be lurking about."

The dark mood is broken as they hear the soft laugh of Lainauriel, and they gaze upon what she sees. It is Findley, burdened with carrying two goats. She rushes to help him, and Artilion smiles fully upon the dwarf. "Take a rest, good Findley. You have done much for us - now we have been sent help from the outside."

Findley grumbled slightly. "Yes...hopefully they won't forget us simple dwarves."

The Strongbow clenches his jaw, opening his mouth as if to speak. What was it within this stunted being that awoke such levels of pride that he put away once he became a cloaked marchwarden? He is nudged slightly; the blue eyes of Mablung bear a silent warning. He refrains from speaking.

"We will not, you have our promise, sir Dwarf," Mablung says in soft consenting tones. He hands Findley two lembas. "Waybread - to restore your strength."

The petty Dwarf stomps off with Lainauriel and the goats, mashing the lembas into his mouth, muttering about dwarves never running out of strength. The Strongbow realizes that he holds Belthronding in tightly clenched hands. He relaxes them and speaks once again to Artilion. "We know of a healer nearby. Her name is Heliana. With much coaxing, we can convince her to open her home to all of you."

He turns to leave; Mablung knows he is off to rest in a tree and think. "When you are ready, we will lead you there."
KeeperofVilya
Council Member
Posts: 122
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: March 12, 2003 04:08
As she watched the two leave the company and head out in search of Findley. Eldaline remained by Malathar’s side. She knew there was little that could be done for him, yet she could not bear to leave his side. In her heart she knew that thoughts that were running through Artilion’s mind, for they were also in her mind, and she fought back the tears that threatened to fall. She would not abandon Malathar... she could not and she would not. They would find some way.

Just then she heard voices coming towards the group. Looking around she saw the others standing to their feet weapons drawn. Standing she took out the small orc blade she carried, and strained her ear to hear the voices that were approaching.

As they came into view she gasped slightly – there were Polgara and Eaniel, yet with them were two strange elves, and where was Findley ? Was this a trap ? had Findley been used as bait and now they all had been found ? Glancing over her shoulder to where Malathar lay, propped up against the tree, she turned and griped the blade tighter determined that they were not going to be prisoners again.

She saw Artilion step out to meet them and breathed a sigh of relief, they were friends. Turning back to Malathar she knelt down and took his hand, gently brushing back the strands of hair. Suddenly she sensed someone standing before her. Looking up she saw one of the strange elves, his long blond hair blowing in the gentle breeze, his deep blue eye, starting at Malathar. Her eyes fell to his crest and she knew... this was Beleg, the Strongbow. Eldaline felt hope flood her heart once again.

Beleg and his companion knelt down and slowly Eldaline stood and backed away, giving them room to work, but staying close enough to see and hear what was happening.






Malathar’s mind drifted in and out of darkness... Soon however he was aware of someone standing over him. He did not recognize the face looking down on him, and he realized Eldaline was no longer holding his hand. As the strange elf knelt down and spoke, Malathar felt no fear, he knew they were friends.

"You are Noldor, are you not? With hair as dark as night you could be nothing else."
Malathar heard the words and tried to make them register in his mind. Slowly he managed a reply.
“Yes... I am Noldor...”

The elf gently took Malathar’s arm and applied a paste made from the crushed leaves of herbs. As he applied it Malathar winced slightly in pain. Tired and weak that he was he had not the strength to struggle or resist. Pain shot through his arm, yet this pain was different.... somehow. Malathar felt his mind begin to clear somewhat, things were not as dark as before.
“Yes, even in weakness you are proud. Definitely Noldorin...” said the elf. “Tell me, what is your name?"
Malathar lifted his good arm and taped weakly at the tarnished brooch he wears, etched with stars. "My name is Malathar....son of High King of the Noldor, Lord Fingolfin..."

Malathar watched as he elves before him exchanged puzzled looks – little wonder he though faintly... this is not a normal state one would find one of the Noldori in.
Slowly they turned and tended to the others in the group and Eldaline returned to Malathar’s side. Gently she laid her hand on his head and a smile spread over her face, for the first time in many days, he was cool to the touch, the fever had left him.

Though the attention of the Strongbow had helped, Malathar was still very weak.... They all knew this, yet the also knew they were far from any safety or protection. Unless Beleg and his companion were able to guide them to safety, they all were doomed.
Ringhilwen
Ilúvatar's Designer & Haldir\'s Little Squirrel
Posts: 1203
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: March 13, 2003 09:12
Maethorwen and Thalin had left the cave earlier in order to scout out their surrounding area. Thalin had led the elf higher up on the mountain side, and seemed to smirk slightly that he still had the power to scale rocks better than the elf.

As they both stood on top of a large ridge, they were able to see far, and Mae felt her breath catch in her throat once again.

"Beleriand," she managed to say. "Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever set foot into that land again. The mere sight lightens my spirits."

"Well, this cold air is chilling mine," the dwarf said beside her. "We ought to be heading back to the others."

As the two walked back to the rest of the group, Mae learned to use her spear as a walking stick, helping her get down the rocks more gracefully. Graceful for an elf imprisoned in Angband for countless years, that is. As they reached the vicinity of the others, Mae stopped, hearing strange voices on the wind.

"Shhh," she whispered to Thalin ahead of her. "Strange voices with the others."

"Servants of Morgoth?" Thalin asked angrily.

"No, there is no anger or strife in the voices," Mae thought, confused. "Come, we must hurry."

As the two came within sight of their companions, Mae halted suddenly, as Thalin did, when they spied two strangers amongst the group.

"More elves?" Thalin muttered beside her. At that moment, Mae saw Eaniel look up and see the two companions, and waved to them, beckoning them forward.
Happy_Hobbit
Huggable Hobbit
Posts: 1027
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: March 13, 2003 10:05
Angband shuddered, within its confines Morgoth had learned of the Elves escape. He learned too that his spider hoard had all but been destroyed and this had sent him into a black rage.

Many perished as he rampaged through the halls of the dark tower venting his anger upon any unfortunate enough to cross his path. Those that were wise hid themselves from his wrath and waited until the fury had died to malice.

Finally it was time for Grimbald to hold council with the Dark One. Great as he believed himself to be he crawled in to Morgoths chamber humbling himself lest he should anger his master.

Morgoths huge dark form towered high above him his eyes blazing as the very fires of doom.

"Worm he bellowed why do you trouble me, have you come to beg my forgiveness . . you will recieve none."

He hurled a dark bolt across the room, it struck a table turning it to ash. Grimbald swallowed hard as he knelt looking up into the face of pure evil.

"I come to ask to lead a hunt for those who have escaped M'Lord. I will fetch them back for you if you so command me."

Grimbald felt the dark eyes peering through him, he could feel Morgoth as if he was standing within him, every nerve screamed in pain as the Dark Lord searched his soul.

"You will bring me the she Elf, as for the rest bring them here I will have them hang from my ceiling."

"The she Elf M'Lord, which one do you desire?"

Grimbalds mind raced trying to think clearly whilst fighting the intense pain of the Dark Lords prescence within him.

"The one who carries the Orcling, she holds the key to a new perfect breed. Bring her to me alive, you may do with the others as you will, torture them, but they will hang in my hall or it will be your carcass ill feast on."

It was then that Grinbald noticed them, several skeletons looking down, Hanging by chains around their waist. Some without limbs some without heads, he shuddered as the thought they might have been alive when they first graced the Dark Lords ceiling.

Now they hung tattered rags hanging from their wasted forms empty sockets staring hopelessly down, those with heads screaming silently for help that never came.

A cold hand gripped Grimbald's heart and hauled him to his feet.

"You will not disappoint me for I have ways to punish you that have no end. You will bring her or you will learn what agony is."

Grimbald left the Dark Lords chamber, it had gone well he was still alive and he had the chance to hunt.

Better still he could have her and then take her to Morgoth, he had said alive he did not say unspoiled. Grimbald grinned satisfied he would soon have the Elf he desired, he would torture him until she begged to be his,and then make Malathar watch.

He went to his cave, here he prepared himself going through the ritual blod letting that signalled the start of the hunt. The knifes blade he passed over his tongue tasting the saltyness of his blood. He thought, soon it will be the rich blood of the elves that graces your pallet Grimbald.

He could not help the almost joyful longing in his heart, too long he had been cooped up in the tower, too long his only pleasure had been the torture of pathetic thralls. Now at last he had a real hunt.

He thrilled at the excitement of the forthcomming chase. Not once doubting its successful outcome. He shut his eyes, he could smell her, taste her feel her soft skin next to his, he closed his hand to grip her slender waist, empty, Opening his eyes for a moment a wave of dispair wracked him then the realisation that it was a taste of the pleasure to come.

Grunting to himself he took out his hunting garb and began to dress, each item he held before the dark window asking for a blessing , to make its wearer invincible, when finally he was fully dressed he headed for the armoury to take his choice of weapons.



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


Findley was about to become lunch for the hideous spider, darn and just as he was about to come good and bring the Elves some real hope. She stood clicking her jaws, turning to face her Findley felt himself pale for she was huge, towering above him at least six times his height. Venom dripped from her fangs, on reluctant legs Findley tried to back away.

Setting Down the kid Findley lifts his small blade,

"Blast you and your kind! Leave us be!" slashing the air threateningly, trying to daunt the spider. "If you're having lunch, it will be me! You won't have all of us!"

He was no real threat still he drew her attention, maybe he could give the others enough time to escape, yet he knew it was a vain hope, still in these last moments he still believed he could make a difference no matter how small.

Findley soon found himself upside down, suspended by silk fibers from the spider, dizzy from the struggle, disorientated from the rush of blood to his head, he had not even managed to land one blow, his blade being knocked from his hand.

Now fear courses through his veins as all he can see are dark, shiny eyes, and clacking, dripping fangs. He closes his eyes and whispers a prayer to the Valar.

"Take me if you must but spare the others, let their pain not be in vain as mine has proven to be."

As he waits his final doom he hears a light voice, far away, as if in the trees. "Ihingril! Ihingril!"

Findley twice feels a light wind pass his cheek, followed by the awful, pain-filled hiss of the spider. He feels the spider's presence back away, and opens his eyes -- watching, upside-down, two slender figures battle the haggard creature.

For a moment he is bewildered but then calls out

"Thats it laddies sock it to her good n hard," Then thinking,

"Hey cut me lose that I might also join the fun."

Sadly for Findley they do not heed his cry but finish the brute off before turning to the Dwarf. Before Findley has a chance to realise they cut the webbing that held him dropping him to the ground.

"Och! You think you would warn someone before you release him! The ground is a hard thing, I would know."

One elf grins at the other. "Our most sincere apologizes, Master Dwarf."

Findley eyed them suspiciously, "Yea yea!" He thought fuming under his beard, he was even more angered when they dared to suggest he had brought the spiders.

Findley bristles. "I did no such thing! They followed us from Angband."

The reply obviously stunned the elves.

"Yes...no proud free dwarf would wear such rags. Whence came you? How long have you been free? Speak!"


"Speak ! If you would hold your tongues then i will tell you, Findley could barely hold his temper.


"I have others with me that are in dire need of attention." He wouldn't beg, despite the urgency of Malathar. This elf awoke his pride again.

The Elf looks surprised "....more of....you?"

"Let down your judgement, blasted Eldar! They are blessed elves, just like yourself. But they're dirty, I warn you. Eru forbid the fact that you would have dirt upon your soft, pale hands."

Findley stood contemplating the two Elves, so clean in their fine gear. So high and mighty theyare oblivious to the worth of this small Dwarf. What would they think to the ragged bunch he was with, still I'd take any one of them over the two of you he thought as he began to collect the small blade he'd lost. It suddenly occured to him that they might yet hold the key to saving Malathars life.

He cursed himself inwardly, you would risk your friend for your own selfish pride? he shook his head,

"Come he said I will take you to them."

He had not gone far when they met Polgara and Eaniel, these had set to tracking Findley once they realised he was missing, at first they hid expecting only trouble but when they realised it was their own kind that approached they joyfully greated the two new Elves.

Findley scowled, but it was only when the Elf called Strongbow directed him to fetch the goat that Findley realised he was jealous. Until now he had felt needed now, he was only fit to fetch and carry. Sadly he turned to retrieve his hard won prize. A least Malatar and Eldaline would be thankful of the gift he brought.

So it was that Findley returned to the others, hauling the reluctant goat he appeared long after the Elves had reached the group.
SadisticYoda
Danger to Mankind
Posts: 342
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: March 13, 2003 09:32
Thalin, slowly getting back to his stubborn dwarf self, muttered some odd words when his eyes met Findley, and the elves. He contiunes to mumble, but this banter seems to be more logical and can be interpeted:

"Well, just what we need more elves.. and the goat.. well at least they will be happy... hmm, Findley's back."

Thalin steped forward to his approaching allies. He spoke to Findley as he walked.

"Well it is nice of you to return to us! and you bring us Elves and a goat?"

Thalin mumbles a few more words and steps back, making way for those who approached.
Andaariel
CoE Party Planning Admin & Proud Mommy
Posts: 176
Send Message
Avatar
Post RE: A Way to Freedom (scripted) Keep
on: March 14, 2003 01:16
Heliana hummed to herself as she bustled in her kitchen. A pot was bubbling on the fire, almost singing along with her tune. She wiped her hands on her apron and pushed a few red curls from her face. Stubborn as usual, they bounced back, tickling her pink cheeks and forehead. As she set to chopping herbs into fine pieces, a breeze blew through the open window, cooling her and drying the sweat on her brow.

Heliana glanced around her home. It was comfortable. She was glad she'd closed much of it off, as she was the only one residing there since her brothers and son had left. Her youngest brother had moved to farm with his new bride, and needed her son to help tend the land. Heliana did not mind. Indeed, she was a solitary creature by nature, and could take care of the house and gardens alone.

The cottage was large, nestled in amongst the trees. She scarcely remembered when the whole family lived there, all of them under one roof. Her father had long ago joined her mother in passing, and shortly thereafter her brothers all left, one by one, the three of them finding homes and plots of land of their own. The closest brother, the one who had taken Joshua with him, was still a week's travel away. The last time he had come to visit, her son was a young man, with broader shoulders and a deepened voice. He had aided her in closing off the upstairs. Heliana did not need the four bedrooms. She now slept in the room off of the kitchen.

Her humming turned into singing. She cared not if she was not pleasing to the ear, for who would hear her? She bottled the herbs, and picked them up, taking them to the large pantry. She smiled with satifsfaction. Her pantry was stocked so full, she wondered if she would ever eat all of the food, or use all of the healing herbs and potions. She'd only had the need to use any of her healing abilities once in the last year, and that was when she'd clumsily burned her finger on a pot of stew. Almost all of the food in the pantry, she'd grown herself. Joshua had always teased her that rather than having a green thumb, she had a green arm. The shelves were jammed full of preserves, cured meats, breads, and vegetables. Heliana grew things even in the cold months, covering the plants at night to keep the cold out, and opening them to the sunlight during the day.

Heliana looked down at her dress and laughed at herself. She was covered in dirt and stains, somehow managing to soil her dress more than the apron. Her brothers always said she had a contageous laugh. As she went into her bedroom to change, she wondered if that was still true, and moreso, wondered if she'd get the chance to find out anytime soon.
<< First34567Last >>
Members Online
Print Friendly, PDF & Email