| Princess_Greenleaf |
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| Electra |
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| Arwen_Undómiel22 |
 RE: At the Edge of a Knife (see OOC to join)
on: November 06, 2004 01:59
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[size=1]((Hey everyone - alright I am extremely sorry for the long delay for this post (see OOC) but here's what elfgirl and I have put together so far - thanks for some great writing and I'm looking forward to continuing this :love: Enjoy!))[/size]
Raen kept drifting in and out of consciousness as his horse carried him along. He was slumped in the saddle, holding onto the reins and mane tightly to keep himself in the saddle. Fortunately he had stolen a warrior's horse from Gondor and so the horse was accustomed to carrying wounded soldiers carefully and bringing them back safely. The usually flighty and wild stallion now stepped cautiously and moved as quickly as possible without causing his rider to lose his balance.
Every limb in Raen's body screamed in pain and he struggled to keep his eyes open. It felt like he had been travelling for days. He looked down at himself and through blurred vision all he could see was blood. He swallowed and glanced ahead, trying to clear his dark vision; he did not want to even think about his wounds. His clothes were soaked with blood and clung to his skin, his hair too was matted and plastered to his head. Visions flashed before his eyes of his brother as he began to relive every moment of their fight.
Suddenly his horse let out a neigh, causing Raen to jolt in surprise. After a few seconds he heard another horse answering faintly in the distance. The stallion picked up his pace a little at this and continued on, his ears pricked forward listening intently. A sigh escaped Raen's cut lips, as he knew that he was not far off from the company. Grabbing on tightly and taking a deep breath, he kicked his horse sharply and urged it into a gallop. He wanted to reach the company as quickly as possible. His knuckles turned white as he held on with all his strength, determined to stay astride his horse although it was proving very difficult.
Invisible branches hit him in the face and tried to pull him off the saddle as he past, but he clung on. Apart from it being night, it did not help matters that Raen could barely see and so he only hoped his horse knew where to go. Feeling the wind rushing at his face and his horse picking up speed he knew he was clear of Fangorn and galloping over the open plain towards Lothlórien. He knew that the company must be near the border of the fair forest by now.
After what felt like an eternity, his horse began to slow and finally came to a stop. Weakened by his blood loss and the gruelling ride, Raen slid from the saddle and fell to the ground. He groaned in pain and lay still for several moments, in too much pain to move. Closing his eyes, his thoughts flashed briefly to Levi’s figure and he knew he had to reach the company. Gritting his teeth, he rose to his feet. His horse had clearly gone ahead without him, delighted to be reunited with his companions and satisfied that he had brought his rider far enough. He stood unsteadily as everything began to spin around him. Once he was confident that he could stand still for at least a few seconds, he tried to determine where he was. Through his hazy vision, he caught sight of a few larger darker shapes and the odd flash of silver from the horses’ tack.
Staggering forward, he could make out that they were standing still; obviously they had stopped briefly when his horse had reached them. Stumbling, he slowly gained on them, falling as he went. His sharp hearing was not affected in the slightest luckily and so he could pick up the sounds of the horses and the rushing of water. He was able to work out that they were at the eastern edge of Lórien since the Anduin was the only river beside the Golden Wood. The cooling water sounded extremely tempting to him, however he knew he had to make his presence known first. Approaching the company he attempted to clear his vision by wiping his eyes and spoke to them awkwardly; he didn‘t really have much to say to them. “How is Lady Altariel?” Without waiting for a response he continued, “I suggest you enter Lórien now as swiftly as possible. The elves will already know of your presence and you will encounter them quickly. I will follow you presently…” his voice trailed off at the end, knowing he would have to think of a way in. He was standing some distance back from the group, using the darkness to conceal most of his wounds, apart from the moonlight, which shone upon his blood despite the fact that he was standing in the shadows.
His eyes swiftly searched for Ari and Sila, however in such darkness and with such poor vision he could not identify one individual from the next. Turning away from the company, knowing that Evethire would bring the company into Lórien at once, he walked as best as he could towards the sound of the Anduin. Every step was a struggle for him; he was still weak and longed to simply collapse right where he was however he would not give in until he was alone.
Ari's heart caught in her throat as she saw Raen staggering up to their group, speaking few words. She started to go to him, but something held her back. The fear of what she might find, the state he could be in. She didn't know what had been going on since she had last seen him, but he looked terrible. She didn't want to see him like that, didn't know if she could see him like that, but she knew she couldn't just leave him like that.
He tried to leave the group. She didn't know where he was going, but she knew she didn't want him to leave again. She didn't want to let him out of her sight again. She slid off her horse lightly, landing flat-footed on the ground, and sent her horse walking along with the others. She stepped lightly across the ground, trying to let Raen know of her presence but not crowd him. She didn't know if it was a good time for him, and she didn't want to get too close. She was sure this was him right? Not Levi? She didn't know why, but she didn't want to see Levi when he was in a foul mood. Maybe because he was so disagreeable even in a good mood.
She saw his unsteady walk, his limp, his uneven steps. He looked as if with every step he took, he was wilting to the ground as he went. She rushed up behind him and caught him as he stumbled over the uneven ground, and they fell to the ground as she fell under his weight.
From up close he looked even worse. His eyes were bloodshot, and he was more dirty and ragged than she had ever seen him before. She kneeled beside him, folding up his cloak and putting it under his head to cushion it against the hard ground. Her blond hair fell over her face, catching the moonlight and she saw how bad off she was. She wasn't as badly wounded as he, certainly, but she was travel stained and exhausted.
"I'm here," she said softly, as he looked up at her, a slight smile returning to her face. The same gesture was mirrored in his own. She had questions, so many questions, so many things she had to know, that she needed to know. Now just didn't seem like the right time. She thought of Sila's anxiety as they left, and tried to connect that to his present state but her mind was drawing a blank. She was so frustrated at being left in the dark but yet so worried at the same time.
Raen staggered as best he could, concentrating solely on staying on his feet and reaching the water. He thought he heard footsteps behind him however he didn't stop to listen again as he feared he wouldn't make it any further if he did. Just then he stumbled over something and fell towards the ground. As he fell he felt someone catch him and tumble down with him. He winced in pain and opened his eyes to see who it was.
Looking up, he made out Ari's beautiful face gazing down at him. He lay helpless for a few moments as he felt her take his cloak and put it beneath his head to support it from the ground. He listened to her soothing voice as she spoke and tried to smile in response. He didn't want her to see him like this, so weak and defeated. He felt an anger burning inside against his brother and against himself for allowing everything to get out of hand and that he was in such a condition. Never before had he found himself so beaten up and he knew that Levi was the only person capable of doing such a thing, as was he to Levi.
He tried to rise, but felt her delicate hand pushing him gently yet firmly back towards the ground. For once he didn't object, feeling the weariness wash over him, yet he still needed to get to the river to wash away the blood and hopefully some of the shame. His cloudy eyes gazed up into Ari's and he mumbled softly, "I'm sorry Ari," his voice dropped to barely a whisper, "I'm sorry." He looked away briefly into the darkness, his heavy eyelids closing. He felt smothered, suffocated by the darkness, like it was thick smoke choking him, getting thicker and heavier with every breath.
Ari shushed him, putting a finger to his lips in an effort to silence him, not wanting him to hurt himself by attempting to talk. As far as she could tell he was talking nonsense, about being sorry for something. She brushed his hair back to from his face, touching her fingers to her lips and then pressing them down gently on his forehead. She sighed lightly, wondering what she was going to do with him out here, separated from the group.
A flash of something, perhaps anger, or sorrow, or doubt, as she realized that she would be no help to him. Something inside was tormenting him, clawing to get out, and he seemed less than willing to share with her. Her shoulders slumped with fatigue, the last few days weighing her down. Her eyes were heavy as she stared off into the distance, trying to stay awake for his sake but exhausted all the same.
Raen felt Ari trying to hush him yet he only remained silent for a few moments, merely to gather enough strength to speak once more. He felt that he had to talk to her; there were things he had to let her know, yet he didn't know how. He felt himself falling into endless dark once again and struggled desperately to remain conscious, fearing that he might not have the strength to reawaken... he was so weary. "I love you Ari," he whispered, "Never forget that..." he began to drift off once more and he grew limp.
Suddenly he managed to pull himself together amidst his whirling thoughts. He was not prepared to just lie here and let Levi win. He was not going to leave Ari like this or his infamous life either for that matter. He would not be bettered by his brother. Whether Levi was still alive or dead he would not give him that satisfaction. With a weak yet hard glint of determination, he opened his eyes and did the only thing he knew that would bring him back to his senses quick enough. He sat up and began to rise from the ground. The painful tug at his wounds send sharp jolts right through him, causing him to bite his lip extremely hard to silence his cry.
Sitting upright he looked over at Ari and although he could not yet see clearly, he was able to make out that she was not in the best of condition and he could see by her figure she was weary. Softly he murmured, "It is time for you to rest my love...do not fear for me any longer, I shall be alright…but I must..." he trailed off into slurred speech and stuttered "water," at the end. He reached out with a shaking hand in the direction of her face and felt her hand clasp his. He smiled faintly and gripped it tightly before dropping it once more.
Knowing he could not walk, he began to crawl towards the sound of the water. He was still burning a consuming fire of rage inside at his helplessness and it only became worse with every step. Cursing as he went, he felt the dirt mix into his wounds and sting furiously. Finally in one last cry of anger, he yelled as loud as his lungs would allow and collapsed for a few moments, too angry and tired to go any further. This was not supposed to happen. He was never born to be the defeated peasant and never found himself in such a position in his entire life. It was obviously not settling with him well either as he wasted his energy in anger instead of survival. He thought he heard Ari come near him and quickly made an effort to speak as loud as possible, "No! I must do this alone Ari! You need to rest and recover your own strength. I shall not stoop to the level of one too helpless to do anything but breathe!"
Gritting his teeth he toiled on and heard the sound of water grow louder. Raen's proud and arrogant streak had come through now where he would refuse any help, his mind switched into the serious train of thought of an assassin. Those who cannot do things for themselves don't deserve to live and let others work for them. If they are not fit for life, life is not fit for them. Labouring on, he felt the ground turn damp beneath his palms and with one last surge of energy made it to the cool water at last.
Ari bowed her head as he commanded her to stay back. She respected his need for space and to do this alone for the time being, but she was still worried about how he would be holding up. Knowing Raen, it would not be unlikely for him to be in great pain, and just not be willing to show it on the outside. He could be next to death for all she knew, and the reigning doubt of Levi's whereabouts was still close to her mind. She couldn't figure out why Raen hadn't been more worried about his brother being missing.
She hoped Sila was okay, that the others were taking good care of her. She had seemed so distraught, so hopeless and Ari had no idea why. It bothered her that something was that wrong and she had no clue as to what it was. So many things in this peculiar situation were not adding up and no one seemed willing to explain to her. She wanted some answers.
She glanced up as Raen collapsed by the side of the water. His elbows gave out and he fell, face forward, as she let out a cry and took several steps towards him. Once again he called out for her to stop, although quietly, weakly, this time. She had no clue what he was thinking in his present state and just wanted to be able to talk to him. That seemed a big request for the present situation.
Raen felt himself immersed in cool water as he collapsed and lay motionless for several moments, too weary to care if he drowned or not. The icy water washed over his wounds, the cold stinging yet cleaning them all the same. He lay there hoping to wash away not only the blood and dirt, but his guilt and shame also. He felt so defeated, like a beaten puppy in the streets yet still unwilling to admit defeat. He heard Ari behind him and protested once again though his voice was cracked and barely a whisper.
He could feel Ari's frustration at being left in the dark about everything and concern from behind him and sighed, knowing he would have to talk to her. He owed it to her, whether he liked it or not. He was only trying to protect her, yet he began to realise it was beginning to have an opposite effect and was only upsetting her. He lay back in the water for a while longer, trying to clear his head and forget about his pain. Once he felt he was able to gather enough strength to sit up, he rose slowing into a sitting position, wincing as he did so. Feeling dizzy, he put his hands firmly on the ground to steady himself and swallowed in determination.
Glancing behind him, he motioned for Ari to come closer to the water. She reached his side quickly, obviously relieved that he was no longer ignoring her assistance. However he made no attempt to move and just sat silently, staring into the darkness in silence. Everything that had happened was just a blur and he needed to straighten things out in his own head before he even attempted speaking to Ari. Reaching out with a shaking hand he grasped her's and gave a weak smile, his drained pale face studying hers for a few moments before glancing ahead once again.
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| Rosie_Gamgee |
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| Nifredil |
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| Vende |
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| GreenEyedElf |
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| Princess_Greenleaf |
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| GreenEyedElf |
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| Princess_Greenleaf |
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| Arwen_Undómiel22 |
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| Princess_Greenleaf |
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| Vende |
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| GreenEyedElf |
RE: At the Edge of a Knife (see OOC to join)
on: January 03, 2005 02:59
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(This a combined post from Electra and I. Hope you like it! Sorry we kinda moved ahead a little! )
Ëorlas was glad that Evethire complied with his offer to remain here with Altariel while he went to search for their noble companions. A smile of satisfaction spread on his lips. It surprised him how easily Evethire submitted to his request, but somehow Ëorlas knew it was for the good. He didn't know how long the search could take and what if Altariel woke up without Evethire there to comfort her. Surely, he could not replace his cousin in such a strong bond of friendship.
"Maybe someone could go with you." After a pause, "Thank you." Evethire gave an encouraging smile and then left to talk to Rovan. Ëorlas nodded and watched him disappear into darkness where Rovan stood with his horse. For the first time he realized how quiet the woods had grown with the dead of night upon them, though it wasn't a maddening silence, more of a peaceful slumber. His keen ears struggled to find the slightest bit of noise that might hint to the direction of their comrades, but there was nothing. Over the soft moss and gravel pathway Ëorlas walked toward Aireon where she stood holding her arm with the opposite hand. She gave him a pretty smile when he stopped in front of her, but it soon faded to a worried expression which he could tell she tried to hide.
Catching Ëorlas’ glance she turned toward him. Watching Ëorlas walk toward her, she rested one hand on her elbow. Smiling prettily as he stood in front of her, however the smile washed away into a troubled expression. Biting her lower lip, she tried desperately to hide the fact, but his blue star penetrated her own.
"Now, now...." Ëorlas mumbled in a low comforting tone that had a hint of sarcasm in it. "I've known you far to long to be oblivious to that look in your eye." He watched her glance rest on the ground as she sighed, crimson hair falling into her face. Ëorlas grew more serious and he knew she was not in the mood for any sarcastic remarks. "I know you're worried about Altariel Aireon, but she'll be fine. Evethire is going to be right by her side the whole night and I told him that I would look for the others."
“I know,” she replied softly. Lifting her head, she pushed a lock of crimson hair from her creamy face. Losing herself in his eyes once more, finally the last piece of his words ran through her mind again, ‘I would look for the others.’
He paused when she looked up into his eyes. "Would you come with me? Don't feel that you must though, it is merely an offer."
For a moment her gaze faltered, something lay in the depths of his eyes. A shard of black scattered across the blue abyss. “Aireon?” his tentative voice shattered her conscience. Her warm gaze narrowed, and her nose crinkled with disapproval, “No!” she spoke drawing back. Then turning her face toward the ground she shook her head. Crimson curls swishing about, “I’m sorry,” the harsh tone was entirely drained from her voice.
Ëorlas's breath caught abruptly in his troat as he saw the emotions Aireon could no longer control. A confused and concernd look crossed his brow when she forced herself to look up once more.
Peering up at him again there lay tears in her azure eyes, threatening to fall, but she would not let them. Pausing she inhaled a deep sigh, brightness returning in her face. “They will return, don’t worry,” a small reassuring smile crept over her scarlet lips. Laying a delicate hand on his shoulder she finished, “Please don’t go tonight.” Ëorlas opened his mouth a few times like a gaping fish. Starting three times with three different beginnings but couldn’t refuse her. Sweet laughter issued from her mouth like a song bird’s chortle, “Can you not speak now?” grasping his hand she said light-heartedly, “Come on I want to show you something.” However Ëorlas for a moment stayed still, entirely taken aback from her stern refusal to go search for the others. Aireon felt something sticky beneath her hand. Twirling back around, she glanced downward. Removing her fingers she saw blood upon them. “Now you absolutely won’t go looking for them until I fix your hand.”
“Aireon- it’s fine, truly,” he protested as she grabbed his other hand and pulled him along toward the houses of healing.
“No it’s not,” Aireon gave her rebuttal. Ëorlas gave a small sigh muttering something such as, ‘Women,’ under his breath.
“Ah the lovely Aireon,” spoke an elven man dressed in regal silver garments, “Returned again I see.”
“Yes,” she spoke forwardly with a matter-of-fact tone, “The gentlemen’s hand needs tending to. Would you happen to have any spare supplies?” The he-elf glanced from Ëorlas to Aireon momentarily suggesting that he heal Ëorlas but decided against mentioning for the young lady seemed quite capable. “Here you are Miss,” the tall he-elf answered handing her a bowl filled with steaming water smelling strongly of herbs, clean bandages and other knickknacks. “Thank you,” replied Aireon, leading Ëorlas outside.
With bowl under one arm, and cloths under the other Aireon let go of her dear friend’s hand. Guiding him down a dirt pathway through a thicket Ëorlas followed in good humor, asking “Where are we going?” out of curiosity.
“We are heading, here.” Finished Aireon, halting in a grove of trees. Turning around she smiled sweetly. Glancing upward at light filtering through the ash colored trees. “Isn’t it beautiful,” Aireon mentioned setting down the supplies and spinning around with her arms stretched wide, her hair the color of a blood red sunset whirled about her. Stopping Aireon weaved slightly but regained her balance quickly. “You should try spinning, it’s very invigorating,” she told him with a laugh. A teasing smile played upon her lips as she locked eyes with him again. The golden light glimmering within his deep blue orbs gleaming like a perfect blue sky. Ëorlas could only laugh and smile back at her merriment. Clearing her throat Aireon broke the gaze. Kneeling down, she picked up the supplies. “Please be seated,” she offered, holding out a hand toward a rock.
Lifting his hand, she let the wound soak in the seaming herb bath. As he rested his hand the the water it started to bubble slightly, turning a thick milky color. Ëorlas raised and eyebrow and looked on with uncertain eyes. He had never seen such a remedy. “This is just a slight cut. Aireon you really don’t need to do this.”
“Yes, and you may just get a slight infection if I don’t. While you left me on your travels I met a man who lost his entire left hand to a rose thorn in his thumb,” she contradicted with a sarcastic grin, knowing she could always win in their arguments.
Opening a small blue bottle, pouring the essence onto a clean cloth, “This may sting a bit,” she commented lifting his hand from the solution, and dabbing the wound gently with the cloth. His cut hissed and foamed slightly as Ëorlas gritted his teeth determined not to let the pain show, “Sorry, maybe a bit more than I expected.” Rapidly opening an amber bottle she emptied a watery solution over his blazing cut. Ëorlas then let out a sigh of relief as Aireon wrapped his hand with a clean cloth. “There you are, should be good as new by morning.” Looking into his eyes once more Aireon blinked repeatedly feeling weariness wash over her again. Yawning she spoke softly, “Please don’t go tonight. If they do not return by day break we will surely search for them,” with a grin she added, “You may wake me as soon as the sun shines over the mountain peek,” Lowering herself onto the soft mossy ground, she finished. “Come lie with me, the stars are most glorious tonight. And I dare say I doubt to get a wink of sleep.” They stared up at the stars, as Ëorlas spoke to her, pointing out constellations to her.
Long ebony lashes fluttered, as her lids slowly lowered. Aireon soon fell into a deep slumber. Dreams flooding her mind:
Colors flashed before her eyes. At first calm, muted creams, yellows, and placid goldens. The heavy reds, dark stone greys, and shards of black. Then everything suddenly became pitch black. Slowly color arose, as if from a spiraling hole. The golden creamy color. A honey hue spiraled about with a steely blue.
A marmalade sky lay out before her...then wait there was blue steel lines running through the beauteous sky. They were bars. Was she caged? Trapped in something? Aireon tossed in her sleep turning over, thrashing at the ground.
The dream came back again, white this time. She couldn’t see anything. And then, something. There was a misty blue wavering like water. Black shards appeared, like the unclear blackness within Ëorlas’ blue eyes. Then wait, the black objects molded into forms. Aireon saw black birds flying upward, about a larger black figure. The figure was a person. But who? The person was falling, collapsing. No! It couldn’t be! Aireon’s mind panicked as the name she knew so well rang out in her head. The name she loved and cared for so dearly: Ëorlas.
Aireon sat bolt upright. Cold sweat beads glittered upon her face and arms. Her chest heaving, as her eyes blinked growing accustom the bright daylight arising. Dawn had come. Whipping the sweat from her brow, Aireon rose.
“Are you alright Aireon,” Ëorlas asked, concern evident in his low voice, still weak from sleep. His voice startled her as his hand touched her cold arm. “Your freezing.”
“I’m fine,” she replied gulping. “Have the others returned?”
“I have not yet checked, I only just woke. Are you sure you’re alright,” Ëorlas’ eyes lingered on her pallid face, drained of color.
“Yes,” continued Aireon, “We must find them.” Grasping his hand not bandaged she raced through the trees toward the clearing. Ëorlas jolted forward and ran with her back to the healing house.
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| Princess_Greenleaf |
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| Arwen_Undómiel22 |
RE: At the Edge of a Knife (see OOC to join)
on: January 27, 2005 03:44
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[size=1]((Okay huge thanks to Electra for Cara and Aireon's parts in this :love: It was great to write with you again! Now I believe that at last we are ready to continue on with this...))[/size]
Raen's eyelids flickered groggily open before quickly shutting tight against the blinding sunlight once again. Adjusting to the bright light, he opened them once more and found himself staring straight up at the branches of a tree, high above his head. A loud groan escaped his dry lips as he felt the stinging pains all over his body and the throbbing in his head. He rolled over and stopped with a wince, forgetting entirely about his wounds. He very slowly and carefully sat up and took in the area around him, trying to think of just where he was.
With a rush, the previous night's events came flooding back into his mind, causing his head to throb even more. A sinking feeling filled his stomach as he thought of Levi and felt a wave of anxiety flood through him when he realized he didn't know where Ari or Sila were. However after a few moments, once he had worked out exactly where he was, he realized that they were inside the forest being well cared for. He then remembered Altariel's poor condition and knew that the rest of the company bar Levi was in Lórien too.
Sighing deeply he knew he was going to have to find a way into Lórien and join them soon. He had a feeling he would be alright since there were very few elves left however he could not be too sure that a few wouldn't recognize him. Deciding that he needed a drink to quench his parched mouth first, he rose stiffly and made his way very slowly down to the river again. The ale had cleaned out the wounds from any possible infection from all the dirt however they did not make the healing process any easier and so with a great deal of pain he managed to walk unsteadily over to the river.
Splashing some water on his face and drinking the cool liquid from his cupped hands, he sat on the bank and wondered how on earth he had managed to get himself into such a mess. He couldn't walk far that was certain and he felt weaker than he had ever done. Being a very impatient person he knew that he wouldn't find it easy to allow his wounds to heal. Besides he didn’t have time to sit around doing nothing when he didn't know exactly what had become of his brother... whether he was dead or alive.
Suddenly he heard a twig snap. Cursing his stupidity for not listening out for anyone as he normally did, he quickly reached for a dagger and rose to his feet as best and swiftly as he could. He did not know who was there but he was not about to give them the impression he was weak and vulnerable, friend or foe. The dagger shook in his hand slightly under the strain and he called out in a cracked voice, "Show yourself!"
A brown leather boot stepped first from the underbrush. Raen tried to stand as calmly and still as he could, not afraid of who might emerge from the bushes, but wondering how much strength he could muster to fight them with if needs be. However much to his surprise, a tall woman emerged from low hanging branches, light ginger hair cascading over her shoulders instead of a threatening foe.
“Cärendil why do you insist on hearing things, when you hear nothing at all. You do calculate the factor which you are human and not an elf” called a male voice behind her. Pushing back the branches a he-elf surprisingly almost fell over a root protruding from the ground, as his startled eyes set upon Raen’s crumpled figure quivering with dagger in hand exclaiming a small “Oh” in exasperation.
“I hear nothing do I?” repeated Cärendil mockingly, her sweet voice playing amongst the trees. The elf only grumbled in response. Advancing on Raen slowly without a weapon unsheathed, the girl's light green eyes flickered over his many wounds.
“Cara, you silly girl don’t go near it, you’ll surly provoke it to strike,” stated the elf standing back skittishly.
Raen listened in silence to the male elf and the maiden argue and watched them with suspicion, however he was too weary and weak to even bother answering the elf back, when he was addressed as an 'it'. He did not really care what they wanted, he just wanted to be on his way to rejoin the others and to make sure that Ari and Sila were safe.
“He is a human, not a thing,” retorted the maiden irritably. Stopping abruptly before him, early dawn rays played amongst her appearance clad in doe colored riding pants, and a fitted rusty colored blouse, with an overlying green vest bringing out the unique spring green of her eyes. Kneeling a few feet from Raen she seemed unafraid of his wobbling dagger pointed directly toward her chest. “Are you alright?” she asked calmly.
Raen did not respond, but neither did he remove his weapon. He was quickly debating in his mind whether he should try and make an escape or if he should remain where he was and see who these people were and whether he could use them as an excuse to get into Lórien. His gaze flickered back toward the elf before fixing his eyes on the female in front of him once more, trying to remain as steady as he could in his condition.
“I will not harm you, Sir. What is your name?” her tone sounded soothing and sweet, however Raen still would not answer, but shook violently under the weight of his small dagger. Her crimson lips pursed in thought patiently awaiting an answer, yet nothing came. Not leaving his intense gaze she informed the he-elf, “Alert the other two, this man is badly injured and must see to aid.”
“But, he may be vicious. At least he looks vicious,” replied the he-elf.
Raen would have laughed at this, however his injured and weary mind was still registering everything that was going on and he wasn't so sure he wanted to stick around for whoever these 'other two' were. He had by now worked out that they must be guards of the woods, however although they were no threat so far, he did not want to be surrounded by guards. He took a wary step back and narrowed his eyes. Now that the tables were turned and he was the injured one, he was instinctively acting cautious and distrustful of everyone and everything around him. He couldn't afford to take any chances.
For a split second Cärendil whirled her head around, “Go!” she repeated. The he-elf jumped at her command, running off through the thicket.
Raen took his chance, lashing out he uttered a single word, “No!” He would not be taken for a weak or helpless man. Charity was never something he took lightly, or if he could help it, something he took at all. He prided himself in being a rogue and an accomplished assassin, depending on nobody but himself and whoever's lives he took that paid him, for all of his own crooked and unpredictable life. He thrust his dagger forward towards her, yet it was only half-heartedly done and more of a warning than anything else. He may be a rogue, but unless he was paid to kill a maiden, he was a gentleman towards them most of the time.
The dagger flew at her chest. Nimble fingers caught Raen’s wrist before reaching her. Stiffly taking the dagger from his grasp she wrestled with him, keeping him from hurting himself more than her. “Hold still. I won’t hurt you. Your injuries need tending to.”
“I am not going anywhere. My wounds have been tended to already and I need no further help," Raen answered stubbornly in a cracked voice. He felt her take the dagger from his fingers, yet he did not have the strength to protest too much, already he was growing dizzy yet again.
“You will if I have anything to do with it,” voiced Cärendil, “I don’t care who you are or what your name is, I’m not letting anyone die on my watch, a valiant man or villain. That is for Lórien’s council to decide,” she told him, applying only enough force to hold him back (which wasn’t much considering his condition). Letting his fists drop limply, she grasped about his waist. Picking him up as lightly as an elf, she slung him over her shoulder. Carrying Raen through underbrush, twigs and branches was an ordeal in itself. Raen squirmed and attempted to free himself as much as he could.
To his utmost shock, Raen suddenly found himself being carried by the woman on her shoulder. He knew he was very skinny and light being a poor ruffian, but still, he was being carried by a woman. He struggled to get away, however it was then that he finally realized how undermined his strength had become because of his wounds. The ferocious energy and anger in his mind just wasn't being transferred into his actions. Blood loss and pain made him weak and slow minded. He focused on one aspiration: freeing himself, although it wasn't exactly going to plan.
Vaulting Raen onto a golden mare, the maiden mounted the horse with ease, seating herself behind him. Giving up the struggle he realized this girl might just be his salvation and solution for entering Lórien without conflict.
Slipping a slender arm gently around the man’s waist she lightly held him upright, not wishing to further his injuries, although kept a cautious eye on his movements.
“Who is he?” one of the guards asked as Raen’s head began slumping.
“I don’t know,” she replied. The girl’s voice was the last words he heard, as Raen drifted into unconsciousness yet again.
Upon waking his black eyes narrowed, he heard elvish morning songs. Brilliant golden light glittered over the trees. The dark earth littered with fallen leaves glowing like a golden stream. The four on horseback entered through a glade. Only then did Raen realize they passed through Lórien’s thorny edge. Evethire, Rovan, Ëorlas and Aireon welcomed them at the clearing.
~*~
Aireon halted beside Evethire glancing about franticly for a sign. ‘Had the others returned?’ she thought desperately. Soon her question was answered as the weary stragglers entered. Aidem’s horse clomped heavily, followed closely by Ari and Sila. Obviously Sila collapsed on Ari’s horse, her head bowed low, as her figure weaved astride the steed. The group rushed toward them, helping each from their equally tired animals. Kindly elves guided the rest of their company toward the healing houses. The four followed closely behind, making sure each was carefully looked at before leaving them alone to rest. As they exited Aireon noticed Raen was not with them. “Where is Raen?” she asked seeing as a few hours passed from whence the company regrouped.
Again her answer swiftly bounded through the trees. A sturdy golden mare broke through the thick foliage. Her blazing blue eyes veered directly at the slumped figure. “Raen!” she gasped breathlessly. Leaping from her spot, Aireon hurtled toward the guards. Evethire, Rovan and Ëorlas strung along behind. “Is he alright?” asked Aireon frantically.
“He will be quite fine I believe,” replied a sweet voice melodically. Gazing upward, the figure steering the magnificent horse came into view. As the beautiful maiden’s ginger hair flowed about her lightly tanned face with glittering green eyes, Aireon noticed Ëorlas was not in fact staring at the horses rippling muscles but instead enthralled with the girl. Clenching her teeth, Aireon smiled politely hiding her jealousy. ‘Why should I feel this way? He is my friend...just my good friend, she compromised. “Pardon my manners, I am Cärendil,” the maiden shook hands with Aireon and the others. Hearing noise from atop the horse, they all realized Raen finally woke. “He must see to a doctor right away,” she informed them.
Raen spent the rest of the journey drifting in and out of oblivion and soon he could not determine what was real and what was a dream. There were voices in his head, some were distant and some almost too loud. Images flashed before his eyes, both ugly and beautiful. Finally he felt the horse come to a halt and he glanced up wearily. He saw familiar faces and after a few moments he recognized them as to the other members of the company. Sitting up straight he tried to look much better off than he was and give the impression that he was just fine. Turning back towards the woman who had brought him into Lórien, her name just slipping his mind he replied, "I am just fine now and I do not need to see any healers. I thank you but you have done enough and I do not need any further assistance." He had now brightened up slightly, but it was just enough for him to regain his stubborn streak and he wasn't going to go anywhere without an argument.
Cärendil chuckled, “As your friends may have noticed you may be stubborn and quite strong but your audaciousness will not save you from blood loss. And if I may say, your own bandages are wilting, no mater how carefully done Raen,” her brows furrowed hoping she caught the correct name from the red-head, feeling slightly nervous around the numerous beings, who obviously knew this man. Dismounting her mare, she offered Raen a hand, which he deliberately refused still squandering his rebuttal. “They will show you to the healing house,” the maiden motioned to two he-elves draped in flowing white attire. Taking the reins of her horse she started strolling away, steering her horse toward the stables; thinking this man must have been of some importance being welcomed by so many. However his cautious reactions toward her help stuck in the back of her mind; never something a noble would have done. Hearing footsteps coming up behind along the walkway she turned around...
Extremely disgruntled by his whole situation, Raen dismounted from the horse as swiftly and painlessly as he could, ignoring any attempts of assistance. Glaring at the guards, he reluctantly followed them, still without any intentions of going to any healer. However, he knew that he had to tread carefully within these trees and draw as little extra attention to himself as possible.
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| Electra |
RE: At the Edge of a Knife (see OOC to join)
on: October 23, 2005 09:10
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(Surprise!!!!!! Hello everyone, I, Electra am back and ready to write! Hope none of you missed me…too much, hehehe. Thank you for supporting poor, frustrated Aireon and the wandering Cara, while my minor disappearance took place. Suppose we should get this celebration started…and my characters up-to-date, From Arwen’s accusation: “sunlight that streamed through the room,” I am only assuming it is the subsequent day. Wonderful posts everyone!!!!:love
Cara stroked a stiff bristled brush through her mare’s now shining golden coat. Proudly standing back, the human beamed at her work, as the horse chomped contentedly on long grass. With tangled hair, a mud speckled shirt previously unblemished, and soaked riding pants, Cara appeared quite disheveled. Although her success was much more appraising. After heaving a bushel of oats before the horse, Cara exited the stables. While brushing her hands on her pant legs and humming lightly, Cara came upon a curious sight. Noticing the human she plucked from the forest border the preceding night, Cara raised an eyebrow at his chosen attire: black pants. Clearly he cared not for the elvish wear, but then again, neither did Cara, for the most part. She preferred riding attired from her home Arnor, consisting much of earthen colors, soft cotton, and leather material. Or clothing her brother brought, which he imported from various foreign lands, usually consisting of exotic silks and odd bobbles.
Casting a sideways glance at the door from whence Raen came, she saw two guards conversing animatedly in quivering voices. Approaching them quietly she slapped a soiled hand on each back saying, “What have you two found,” giggling at their jumping figures. They rounded on her, both seething with irritation.
“Never do that again Cärendil Mortesen!” One elleth scolded in a hushed elvish tongue. Lowering her eyes, Cara knew when the elves acknowledged her by full name, she tread dangerous ground. It was then that she saw their focus. Gasping, a hand flew to her mouth seeing the pallid faces. Retreating a few steps, Cara’s sorrowful eyes turned toward the guards, asking in a whisper, “What happened?”
“We don’t know,” the elleths stony expression softened apprehending her mournful face, “Do not trouble yourself with such things young one,” a slight reassuring smile rose in his blue eyes. “There will soon be a celebration welcoming our visitors. And might I say, my child, those cloths are not quite fitting for the ceremony.”
Breaking away from the fretful sight, Cara glanced down at her own soiled clothing. “Yes, Sir,” Giving a slight bow she hurried quickly away from the scene. Starting at a brisk walk, Cara hastened her pass. Accelerating, she blindly ran toward a building, a friendly face, anything that might shatter the feeling which crept through her veins, as if her blood had chilled. Cara’s one weakness was death. More capable of death than the elven company generally surrounding her, Cara deeply feared this fact. Customarily she could barely stand being around those in morning and the deceased. This became quite complicated when faced with danger, which made her profession as a guard all the more ironic, and absurd. Occasionally Cara wondering if this fear aspired from her father’s death resulting in the grief, and poverty brought upon her family.
‘A small child with wind swept ginger hair, dressed in a formal black dress clutching a white flower in one hand and her elder brother’s calloused palm in the other,’ flashed before her eyes, ‘The child’s unusually faint green eyes stared vacantly out at the sea, watching the dark waves constantly undulating, as her soft hollow voice lifted, in song toward the misty blue sky,’ the vision swept away as the real world came crashing back. Ramming sidelong into an elleth, she flew backwards, smacking against the ground heavily. Cara let out a small yell of pain, although she wasn’t quite sure if it accounted more for the memory or the aching sensation at the back of her head.
“Are you alright?” asked a concerned voice, as blue eyes gazed over her figure awkwardly sprawled on the ground.
“I’m fine, I’m fine,” she answered, roughly shaking off his helping hand. Clumsily brushing herself off, she stuffed her shaking hands in the pockets of her pants, wishing that she was not as frightened by such an inevitable occurrence. ‘We all must die someday! Why are you so scared of death?!’ she mentally chided herself as the elf asked again, worry expressed in his eyes, as her nose crinkled in irritation. “Yes, quite,” she remarked crisply, then remembering her manner, as she rose. Realizing that she bumped into him, Cara fumbled for apologetic words, “Sorry, I…uerr…bumped into you. I wasn’t looking were I was going,” gazing about her surroundings she added absentmindedly, “Or knew were I was going.” Her rich voice possessed an odd lilting accent, unlike the elves in the woods, and much different than the humans who accompanied this visiting group. The second elleth stayed motionless, staring at her as if in a fog. As a pretty girl’s warm brown eyes shot wildly from Cara to the grey-eyed elleth blankly starring at her. The young lady’s rich brown locks dun-up in an extravagant fashion, and dainty figure adorned in a lavish dress looked quite perturbed by the one sided starring contest.
An odd nervous sensation prickled in her stomach, as Cara’s cheeks flushed a soft scarlet. The elleth’s grey eyes were quite captivating themselves, as lustrous shinned silver, and his features sharp as stone, gave his striking appearance character. Unlocking his gaze Cara continued awkwardly, “Welcome to the Golden Wood,” she added with a slight bow, “We hope you will stay long, as there is a celebration held in your honor,” glancing down at her grimy cloths she added with a small laugh, “later that is.” With that Cara gave another curtsy and whirled around running off in the other direction.
Finally reaching her own abode, Cara sprinted up the white marbled staircase bursting open the double doors. Other elves glanced up in horror and disgust at her rude entry. “Sorry,” she whispered apologetically whisking quickly through the sitting room before bounding up another flight of stairs. Cara lived in a sanctuary of sorts. The elves residing there spent time reading or meditating on events or thoughts. Most made their profession as healers, or historians. As an interloper, Cara kept her distance and tried her best to keep quiet. Intrigued by their history and healing methods Cara sought knowledge from the elves. Although at times most elves relinquished at her request reluctantly, however over time, they soon caved because of her sweet nature. Readily journeying into distant cities and towns needing her aid, the elves grew accustom to her nomadic lifestyle and always welcomed her return. Recently traveling away for months at a time, Cara easily forgot the humble manners which the elves bestowed upon her. This time the residing company in her own building did not greet her as pleasantly.
Grasping the brass doorknob, she wrenched the sticky door free. The battered oak door creaked open revealing a quaint room with a large circular window facing the doorway. Through the window a small balcony twinned of white silver could be seen with small golden flowers peeking over the edge as the vibrant green vine weaved throughout the balcony fence. Shuffling into the small room, she accidentally slammed the door behind her. Fatigued, the human then flopped onto the white linen, newly lain across her cot. Pulling off her dirty boots, she sighed with relief flexing her sore toes. Striping her soiled clothing, and throwing them on the floor beside her cedar dresser, Cara delightedly crossed the room toward a welcoming drawn bath. Sinking into the bath filled to the brim with steaming hot water she lay there letting the billowing steam caress her face and fingertips become creased before remembering the celebration. After washing, she clambered from the bath hastily scrounging in her almost empty drawers for proper attire before noticing a silky dress hung on her four poster bed. Plucking the soft dress from the post she slipped the gown unskillfully over her head. Glancing down at a pair of jeweled shoes which looked fit for a princess, a grimiest erupted on Cara’s pleasant face. Giving a disapproving snort Cara turned to long lost black boots tucked away in a corner. Smiling at her find, Cara tugged at the laces. After wrestling with the boots which were now too small the disappointed human tossed them aside and turned once again on the menacing decorative beauties. She glared at them as if they were a dangerous bug which needed to be smashed immediately. Pulling them carelessly on Cara rose haughtily clomping across the room heading straight for the door. As she reached her hand out, the door came swinging back in her face.
“Arg!” yelped Cara, rubbing her nose in pain as she stumbled backwards a few feet. A pale hand grasped her arm, before she toppled over.
“Pardon me Cärendil,” a surprisingly short she elf gave a gasp as her doe brown eyes fixed on the human’s tangled locks, “But oh-my! Dear, you wouldn’t want to go to the ball without doing your hair,” the petit young lady exclaimed closing the door and blocking the escape route with her tinny frame.
“Oh but I really would,” Cara replied trying to edge past her friend, Lhûneth. Some elves made fun of Lhûneth because of her large protuberant eyes for an elf and the way she became exasperated over everything, calling her Lhûny Lhûna. Cara always defended Lhûna in ever case, but in some instances, like now, she thought their comments were right on pare.
“No, no, no, come sit!” the girl demanded dragging Cara away from the door and forcing her onto the bed.
“Truly its fine,” continued Cara, resisting her help and rising again, only to be pushed back down in a seated position.
“Your hair is simply a mess, but not that you can help it,” added the she-elf waltzing toward the open window, returning with a handful of golden flowers. Cara sat grinding her teeth, as she watched Lhûna’s perfect silky blond hair swishing back and forth. Not only was Lhûna’s helpfulness annoying, but rubbing in her human imperfections wasn’t something she had in mind as a relaxing return to the Golden Wood. So what if she was blond and beautiful, at least she’s short and has big eyes. Although Cara fated having large eyes as well, and gave a great remorseful sigh as Lhûna set to work on her temperamental hair.
“Your hair is too short, and quite impossible if you ask me,” Lhûna commented finally after putting the last touches on her hair, which was now pulled up in very small elaborate braids which made an elegant zigzagging effect and was strewn with flowers, almost creating a crown or halo. “There now you are the image of a princess.” She added splendidly, folding her hair tools and vacating the room once more after Cara mustered the most truthful Thankfulness she could muster.
“I didn’t want to look like a princess,” muttered Cara rising from the bed once more, “I would have much preferred a clean pair of breeches and a nice…silk shirt…” as she had crossed her room, the reflection in the full length mirror made her pause. An unexpected smile broke over her stony face at the remarkable difference. Proudly she noticed the dress hung exquisitely on her slight frame, obscuring the fact that she lacked a more feminine chest than most, at least comparatively to her rather biggish hips, which she despised. The sea-foam green dress matched her eyes, dipping low exposing her backside, which gave a short train, rippling to the ground resembling a mermaid’s tail. Excitedly bounding out her door, she practically leaped down the stairs. Walking into the open air filling with music, and chatter as delicious aromas wafted towards her, Cara took an inhalation before starting toward the growing crowd.
(Hope this is alright, sorry it wasn’t my best but will have to do. Also please pardon the length I got a bit carried away, hehehe, but hopefully now we can set aside the straining tension for a while and bring a few laughs. Although I don’t mean to press the celebration by any means, only trying to move this story along. Please feel free to change, add or edit anything if misread prior posts. For accuracy the three elves are Evethire, Eorlas and Altariel. Cara crashed into Eorlas, only because I thought Evethire would be too speechless to say anything…actually I wasn’t sure what you would have him do Leafy, sorry if I took the wrong emphasis…you may alter it in whatever way you prefer!!Aireon is not lost, she will come back later.)
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| Tasar_Took_Nualda |
RE: At the Edge of a Knife (see OOC to join)
on: November 20, 2005 12:58
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(monster post courtesy of Arwen and myself  enjoy!)
Levi crouched by the riverbank and washed the blood off his hands. The cold, hard glare in his eye looking up and casting a swift glance around every now and then. Wiping his daggers clean also, he replaced them in his belt before rising to his feet somewhat stiffly, although he was not going to let that hinder him. It was evident that he had been wounded, Raen having distributed his fair share of injuries to his brother also, however Levi already being highly skilled in healing, had clearly done a very good job of looking after them and so they were healing fast. He looked much the same despite his injuries, however if one who knew him was to look him deep in the eyes, they could see that it was pure evil that reflected back at them and not Levi.
He cast another glance around, perhaps somewhat paranoid before taking his horse’s reins and walking swiftly away from the river. He stopped briefly and looked down on the ground, catching sight of tracks on the ground. Studying them closer he recognised them as several horses’ prints, but branching off them was a bloodstained trail. His lips curled into a wicked smile, as he knew they must belong to Raen. He was certain that his brother would have received his ‘message’ by now and so he knew it was time for him to lie low for a while and wait until he either received some form of reply from Raen or it was time to prey upon another victim as a warning.
Mounting his horse he kicked it sharply into a gallop and left dusty tracks behind him. Putting some distance between himself and Lórien, he slowed his horse down to a walk and rolled his shoulders gently to try and ease the pain. Catching sight of some trees ahead he decided it would serve as a good place for him to rest in and so rode towards it.
Malli had just covered the fire, she did not want to attract _any_ attention to where they had camped. That was not true she guessed but she did not want anyone knowing they were there before she had time to decide whether they looked friendly or not. The girl sat down on the ground next to Avylan, pulling up close to him. "That was a fine stew Kitten." The dwarf said, letting out a soft groan as he shifted and wrapped one of his arms around her shoulders, pulling her close.
She tucked her head under Avylan's chin, closing her eyes, though she relaxed little in this usually comforting position. She could feel he had a fever, something she had never even heard of occuring in a dwarf. She wished again that she knew what to do to help the wound upon his leg. There was some foulness in that wolf bite and if something did not change soon- - Malli could not even think of what might happen.
The girl closed her eyes yet tighter, to try and stop frightened tears from flowing and then she heard something that had her sitting up. "Do you hear that?" she asked scurrying to her feet. "Avylan do you hear?" she said more quietly as who ever was making those distant hoofbeats could hear her as well.
"What is it Malli?" he said, drawing one of his axes and holding it down at his side.
"I do not know..." Malli said taking up her quiver and stringing her bow. She looked at the dwarf out in the open and looked around trying to guess how long it would take her to drag his bulk into better cover. "I will be right back." And she was taking off to one of the more densely branched trees in the little copse.
Whoever it was, was approaching quickly, at a gallop and she hurried to climb up the tree. She got herself into a well covered position where she see the horse and rider coming. She knotched an arrow and tracked him upon the horse and called out, "Stop! Stop or I will bury this arrow in your neck!" Her voice quivered just a bit. It was not that she did not mean what she said, or could not follow through with her threat but she was frightened and tired and Avylan's condition had worn heavily upon her.
Levi pulled his horse to an abrupt halt and almost gave a low growl as he glared ahead of him, trying to locate his attacker. Cursing harshly to himself, he knew he should have been more careful and although he was anxious to get on his way and dispose of whoever got in his way, he was at the disadvantge in this situation and had no choice but to wait until his attacker revealed themself to him,
"Show yourself then! If you intend to threaten me, face me, not hidden like a coward," he shot back at where he presumed the voice came from.
"No!" Malli shouted, and even though she was hidden she shook her head. "A coward would have shot you without word, or shivered here under cover to await your passing. Cautious, is what I am, sir."
The girl swallowed and though her aim was steady she felt as though the rest of her was trembling. "I need assistance. My companion is hurt, ill from a wound. Either pass along..." there was a slight pause as she hoped he would not. No, she knew nothing about him but she could hope he would be able to help. "Pass along or please help us."
Levi could recognise the voice belonged to a female and could not deny that she seemed capable of looking after herself and was indeed clever enough not to show herself to someone who would have no problem finishing her off quickly. He remained silent for a few moments, his cruel eyes still searching her out before replying, "I shall do whatever I please and no mere maiden with a bow and arrow will stop me. Please do tell me, give me one good reason why I should help you? For someone in trouble you have an unusual way of asking for help."
"He who will do as he pleases should understand a girl being wary." Malli said, quietly as she could shifting her position. It meant lowering her arrow but if they kept talking he would be far more certain to have a good idea where she was.
Once she was settled again and had aim she continued, "I can make it worth your while. We have food and..." oh it was difficult to offer such a thing but she said it, "money, jewels specifically. I promise you will not find them on your own and wounded as my companion is he is still fully capable with his axe. We have come upon much trouble in our travel and I think you can understand that we are a little hard to trusting. But again I beg of you, if you can help, please do."
Levi thought this over briefly. He did not have much need for jewels or money, though a rogue he prided himself in never having the need to beg. He would steal if he was bored but never as a necessity and kill maybe, but that at least paid well. His supercilious nature naturally caused him to think of himself as almost royalty amoung the other criminals to be found. Never willing to help anyone unless there was something in it for himself, he began to think if there was anyway he could use this to his advantage.
It was then that he began to think of a way that these hidden strangers may indeed help him. "What direction are you travelling in?" He asked, ignoring her plea for a few moments until he had made his mind up.
"Avylan and I are traveling, home, to the Lonely Mountain." She said watching the stranger closely. "Avylan is an influencial smith." Malli hoped maybe that might sway the dark haired man into helping them.
Levi tried to suppress a grin from creeping across his face. The Lonely Mountain? They could prove very useful indeed as he knew he would need an alibi for his absence when he rejoined the others. He gave his horse a slight nudge and began to walk closer. "Alright I will help you. Bring me to your companion."
Malli let out a sigh and hopped suddenly down from the tree, her golden curls bounding and bouncing all over when she landed. "Thank you." She said looking up at him her big blue eyes bright with her gratitude. Now she was down on the ground and putting her arrow back into its quiver she took on more of her usual demeanor, that of an excitable and very young woman, likely only fresh out of her teens.
"He is this way." she said trotting off at once, "I have been so worried. The wound seems not to be stitching properly. It was a wolf bite, we lost our remaining companions to the attack. I have been keeping it clean with water but I know nothing of healing. I make jewelry."
Levi glanced down at the young woman as she ran ahead of him and sighed, doing his best to keep his temper under control and his false mask of benevolence safely hiding the wicked beast beneath. He realised just how much he would need this maiden and her companion if he wanted to convince the rest of the group where he was, or else he knew all too well that events could turn... ugly.
His horse caught up with her with a few long, easy strides. "Not something you want to mix together, the healing of wounds and crafting of jewellery," he smirked. "As long as it has not contracted any disease I'm sure your companion will make a full recovery, however let us see the wound before I make such a statement."
Sarcasm was not a thing the girl often encountered so it went beyond her completely as she wondered why someone who constructed jewelry should really consider taking up healing. She decided that he simply did not know what he was talking about since whenever she was anyplace where she worked there were healers around so she did not need to know any of it herself. Now if he had said that traveling was something one should mis together with healing, then she could have agreed with him.
Avylan frowned deeply from under his beard as he saw them approaching. His axe in his hand he gripped at the ready even though Malli looked not distressed. "Who is this you have brought here?" he asked and when she gave him a small blank look he remembered how naive she could be. She had not even asked the name of the person she was bringing into their camp. Why had she brought him? He thought he knew why but had she even _asked_ if he was a capable healer or had any useful knowledge at all.
"I- - I brought him to help Papa." She said, knowing well that small look of disappointment in his eyes. "We need help." She looked up at the stranger on his horse. "You will help him, please?"
Levi caught sight of the dwarf and gave an inward groan. Any previous encounters he had had with this stubborn race had never been particularly pleasant. He raised his eyebrows in slight surprise when she called him 'Papa', however was wise enough to remain expressionless and sat on his horse in silence. When the girl turned to him once again, he stared back coldly for a few moments, his dislike for dwarves briefly struggling to make him change his mind, however he brushed it aside and dismounted. He knew he would not be presented with another oppertunity like this to rejoin the others without arousing suspicions.
"Fortunately for you, I happen to be quite a skilled healer," he answered, conviniently leaving out that he murdered a healer in Gondor's fine Healing Houses in order to take his place for a 'job' and so resulted in picking up such skills. He turned to his horse and began to pull out what he knew he would need for a wolf bite. Turning back he looked to the girl again, "Right then, let's get this over with for everyone's sake."
Malli nodded an expression of relief flooding her features. She nearly scrambled over to Avylan, coming to her hands and knees as she got close to the dwarf. She paused and looked up into the dwarf's face. She was so happy that they had found someone, a healer that she wanted to kiss him but his eyes flicked to the stranger, whose name they still knew not and the girl let out a soft huff of breath and turned to his leg a small pout on her pretty lips.
At any other time the dwarf might have laughed at the look on her face but right now he just kept his eyes on the man she had brought into their camp. He was always leary of men around Malli. She was still young and in many ways naive. In their home there was never any trouble, the girl was never bothered at all because there was not a dwarf in the mountain that did not know about them, and visitors would soon find out.
"I would know the name of the man helping me." Avylan said his grey eyes not completely devoid of suspicion as he held to the handle of his axe still.
Levi's harsh glare fell upon the dwarf and he replied coldly, "My name is Levi."
He could see the suspicion in the dwarf's eyes, but ignored it. Suspicion was something that he regulary encountered amoung strangers, and they were right to keep their guard about him too.
Walking over he crouched down to examine the wound and check for any infection.
Malli pulled Avylan's trouser leg up to reveal the wound. It was an angry color and looked as if it had been reopened more than once because they had been forced to travel without resting or tending it. "I- - I have not known what to do, we had to escape the wolves but everytime we move without resting it seems to get worse and I just do not know what to do. And he is stubborn and difficult to keep on his back." she said tossing Avylan a frustrated look.
"I never want to go from the Mountain again if this is the sort of thing that happens."
"I have had worse and come out on top before." Avylan said, shifting and frowning deeply under his beard. It was the fever he was worried for, he thought that perhaps with the forced rest the wound was doing better but the fever had him feeling weak and tired a thing that concerned the hearty dwarf much.
Levi's brow furrowed as he looked at the wound. It was raging and he could see that the dwarf clearly must be in great pain. To have to travel with a wound such as that, which had not been taken care of... well he would be lucky if even Levi himself could tend to it properly.
"You are very forutunate that he is not delirious with the fever he has contracted." He stated before glancing briefly at the girl. "I am going to need some hot water to clean this if you could please see to it."
Malli nodded and dashed off, grabbing one of their pots and heading for the spring at the side of the hill. In her hurry she forgot to even bring her bow with her, something that did not escape Avylan's notice, "Girl!" he called after her but she was already away. As soon as she was out of view however the dwarf sank down into himself a bit. It was obvious he was trying to keep the extent of his troubles from his companion.
"Impetuous creature." He grumbled and decided that he likely could not have well weilded the axe he held so it was not a sign of trust but vunerability when he laid it aside.
Malli returned shortly hefting the pot full of water towards the fire. Once she got it there she stoked their fire and then came back beside the two. "Is there anything else?" she asked with an eagerness to help all she could.
Levi handed her a few bandages, "Once the water is boiled pour half of it into a separate pot and soak these." He pulled out a small pouch from his belt and handed it to her also, "Put these herbs into the water also, it will speed up the healing process and protect it from any further infection."
He turned back to look at the wound once again, catching sight of the dwarf's face as he did so.He could see that although tough and determined, he was weakening steadily.
Malli took to her tasks quickly, in her haste giving herself a burn on one of her hands but she felt it mattered little. So with a slight hiss she just continued on putting the bandages into a smaller pot and doing as she was instructed with the herbs. As the air filled with their aroma she glanced back at Avylan and gave him a smile.
"She is always happiest when doing what she is told." The dwarf remarked with more than a little fondness in his voice. "Tell me, what has been offered you in exchange for your services. I would know my debts so I may repay them quickly and fully."
Levi glanced between the two of them, and wondered at their relationship with each other. He confessed that he found it difficult to work out; it was unusual enough to find a dwarf and a human as companions.
He remained silent for a few moments, thinking over the offer he had been made of jewels. He was debating whether to mention this or not, as though he liked to make the best of a situation and take what he could from it, he knew that jewels were not what he really wanted from these two unlikely companions.
"I was made an offer of jewels..." he began slowly, ".... although I do not have any current need for them and I will not ask you to part from your treasures." He paused, thinking of how he would phrase his request. "I believe the best way for you to pay your debt would be for you to allow me to accompany you both on your journey to the Lonely Mountain, my companions also once they join us. We are travelling in the same direction and I think it is also in your best interest as I will be there to look after your wound and travelling alone, injured is not a good idea for either of you. You will reach the Lonely Mountain in safety and one piece if you stay with me." He gave a small smile, giving a kind and concerned look, while inside he was smiling knowing that he had made it sound as if it was _he_ who was doing them the favour and not the other way around.
The dwarf looked at the man, raising one heavy eyebrow in question, "Tis not often one of your ilk turns down riches." He turned his head and waved Malli over to him. "You have offered this man some of our jewels and he has turned you down. He wishes us only to remain as his travel companions. What do you think of that?"
As he spoke he reached up and brushed the girl's curls back so that Levi could see clearly the saphire collar she wore. "Is that not generous of him?" He was watching the man's eyes, he did not trust such philanthropic things and he was looking for any deceit or that little spark of greed, either at the intricate necklace, or worse perhaps in regards to his Malli.
The girl however was utterly clueless as to what the dwarf was doing. She turned her big blue eyes at Levi and smiled, "I think that is just wonderful."
Levi looked at the beautiful sapphire collar, and while it sparkled in the light, causing most men to instinctively reach for it, he kept his face blank and still. He could not deny that he would usually happily take something so fine off their hands, however he knew he was being tested and so he was sure not to fail. "It is a superb piece of craftmanship," he leant forward to make a closer study then quite simply turned to look at the pots.
"Is that water ready?" He inquired, changing the subject. He made sure to appear as friendly as he could, knowing he needed to convince them, although underneath and foul mood was silently bubbling, waiting to explode.
Malli smiled brightly at the man, "Papa made it for me, it is my most prized of all my treasures." she said and then looked over at the water and was scrambling to her feet to go over to it. "Yes... oh yes it is." She said giving a hiss as she again reached for the pot's handle without the cloth to protect her hand. "Everything is all boiled. But, how are you going to use such hot things without further hurting Avylan?" she wondered.
The dwarf was pleased with the compliment and that he had seen none but a passing interest in the man's eyes. He had not the skill of some to read into another's intent in their eyes but any dwarf could recognize greed.
"Well unfortunately I am afraid I cannot deny that this will not cause him some pain, however I will do my best to make this as pain free as possible," he replied, "I need the water to be as hot as possible to help kill off any infection. The bandages I can allow to cool slightly before I use them. Boiling them was to ensure that they were clean and to infuse the herbs into the material."
While he said this, he began to take the bandages out of the water, grimacing as his hands came in contact with the boiling water. Draping the bandages over the side of the pot, the air began to fill with steam as they were exposed to the air.
Next he turned to the pot of water and took yet another small pouch from his belt containing a different herb. Emptying it into the pot, he rose and returned to where he tied his horse and fetched some strips of cloth. Walking back he dumped them into the hot water and rolled up the sleeves of his tattered shirt. He pulled out a strip of cloth and turned back to the wound. Glancing up at the dwarf he commented, "You may want something to grip onto to help ease the pain while I clean this, as I warn you it will not be pleasant, this is an angry wound you have."
He gave the dwarf a few moments before bringing the boiling cloth to his skin and proceding to clean the wound of dirt. "The herbs will help with the healing and help to dull the pain somewhat while this heals," he commented. Remembering that it was easier for patients to deal with the pain (and the healer to get on with what they are doing too) if they were distracted he asked, "So is crafting jewellery your profession?"
Alyvan's face was set in a grimace and he was stoic through the process because the look on Malli's face was too much to bear as it was. She came and sat next to him holding his shoulder and looking extraordinarily worried. "Aye, I work mostly with stones but I am proficient in design and execution. Kitten here- - Malli," he said having not intended to use his pet name for the girl but despite his sturdiness, it did not feel good. "She is the true jeweler. She has an eye for detail and a copacity for delicacy that I have not."
The girl blushed at the compliments and he was pleased to see her smile. If it had been Levi's intention to distract _him_ from the pain it was the dwarf's to distract Malli.
Levi glanced up every now and then with a look of interest and nodded, "Well I am sure you both work very well together then and I would imagine your trade is very good. Many greedy men would almost kill another for jewellery such as that," he motioned towards the sapphire collar on the girl's neck.
He stole another glance at them both, the dwarf's slip of a pet name had no gone unnoticed by Levi and he raised his eyebrow at this. By now, Levi had cleaned the wound as much as was possible and so he began to retrieve a fine needle and some thread to stitch it up. Threading the needle on his third attempt, the lighting being very poor, he bent over the wound and slowly began to stitch the wound closed.
"Where do you originate from? The Lonely Mountain?" He inquired as his skilled hands threaded the needle through the dwarf's skin.
"Yes, I was but young when the Lonely Mountain was taken from Smaug, may that worm rot forever at the bottom of the lake. I found little Malli, when she was but a small child on my travels between the Mountain and Rohan. This eventful trip has been our first journey together since I first took her back to my home." Alyvan winced but made no sound at the needle being threaded through his skin.
"My mother had been killed and he took me in and raised me." Malli said giving a small sigh and twisting a small lock of the dwarf's thick hair around her finger. Why they were allowed to speak of this now she did not know, for before with their other companions she was always to be introduced as his apprentice and ward, no details even when asked. But she liked talking about it, she was almost able to forget the danger they had been in or that Avylan was still not well, though they had received help.
"I have lived all my life that I remember in the Mountain. It is a place full of wonders. Tunnels and vast treasures and the sound of hammers on anvils all the time like rain on bells. I love our home." The girl said giving Levi a bright smile, "If you are coming with us, then I would love to show you all of its wonders once we arrive."
Levi smiled, "I would be greatly interested, that is most kind of you. It has been a long time since I have travelled up near the north."
He finished stitching the wound and secured it before putting his needle away once again to be sure not to lose it. He had a feeling he would need it again in the future. Reaching for the bandages which had now cooled down and were just warm, he began to wrap them firmly around the wound, ensuring that they were not too tight, but firm enough to stay in place. Once he was finished he stood back and gave a bright smile, though his eyes were still empty of any emotion. "There you are, that should keep your leg secure and give it a proper chance to heal. Though of course I do not need to tell you that you must use it as little as possible."
He watched as the girl twirled a lock of the dwarf's hair around her finger, again questioning just exactly what their relationship was with one another. Looking at Malli he asked, "Do you have any burns from the pots that you need taken care of? I couldn't help but notice your hisses of pain," the corners of his mouth curled into a small smile.
Malli's cheeks flushed and she looked down at her hands. "It is not really that bad... I- -" she turned her eyes up to look into his and gave a half shrug, "I have been so worried that having someone here to actually help us, I got excited." But she scooted down closer to Levi and held out her hand, "See it is just little, one here," and she pointed to a place on the inside of one of her wrists, "and here." to the tips of a couple of her fingers.
"And I know very well to be careful around hot things. I swear that I have _never_ burned myself during a casting." Avylan let out a long sigh. He wanted to keep his eyes open, if only to keep an eye on this stranger. However, the relief his body felt and perhaps also the effects of the herbs had him wanting very badly to sleep.
Before Levi could tend to the minor burns on the girl she turned and grabbed the dwarf's blanket and covered him, having seen him lying back a bit from the corner of her eye. "You sleep Papa, I will have some more food ready for when you wake up. Everything is going to be fine now." And then when he did close his eyes her attention returned to Levi.
"You can have no idea how grateful I am you came along." She said coming closer to him again. "And, really, I am sorry for threatening to shoot you, but I had to be careful."
He gave her a charming smile and answered, "I would be worried if you didn't threaten me. You can never trust strangers, especially lone ones, for you have no idea who they are. And if there was a disreputable man around who happened to catch sight of a young beauty such as yourself..." he broke off before finishing, "...this really is a dangerous world you're living in,my lady. You can never be too careful."
He gave her a reassuring smile, almost as if to convince her that he was nothing of the sort and moved on. "Now let me look at your burns." He took one of her hands in his warm, strong ones and looked at it closely. Reaching for the supplies he had taken from his horse he produced a small ointment and rubbed it gently onto the burn on her wrist first.
The girl returned his first smile, giving a small giggle when he called her a 'beauty', Usually it was only Avylan who said such things to her... little did she know it was all out of fear of the dwarf's axe.However circumstances what they currently were he had not had time to have his usual 'chat' with this man. Dwarves are a greedy lot, it is a thing burned deeply into their souls and for Avylan that greed included Malli.
She let out a small sigh, "That does feel good." she said, looking up into his eyes again. They were such a deep and unfathomable black color that she was for a moment just drawn to look into them. They seemed deep, like some bottomless pit and she gave a slight shiver before looking back down at her tended wrist. "Thank you."
Levi stared straight back into her brilliant blue eyes for a few moments, as they sparkled just as much as the sapphire collar did around her neck. He drew his gaze back down to her burns once again as he felt her shiver transfer to him through her hands.
"It is no problem," he replied quietly, continuing to put the ointment on the rest of her burns.
Malli squirmed a little because the dabs of ointment when put on the tips of her fingers tickled a little. She tried hard to hold still and to take her mind from it she asked, "You are not from Rohan?" she shook her head her blonde curls bouncing this way and that, "You look very different from the men that live in Dale, though truly I have seen few. And you certainly do not look like our companions from Rohan did."
She could not stifle a giggle, "At least they had beards." she said, since of course dwarven folk being her standard Levi looked amazingly smooth and devoid of hair and honestly it seemed more than a little bizzare to her. Was not a nice thick, well cared for beard a sign of health? And yet he did not look sickly either, just through the contact of their hands she could feel he was strong enough.
Levi grinned and tightened his grip slightly as she squirmed. "No I am not from Rohan, although I spent a considerable amount of my childhood on the streets there." He laughed at her comment about beards, his own face fairly clean shaven with only black stubble creeping across since they had been travelling."I believe I am originally from Gondor somewhere, or at least I presume my parent's were. I was left on the streets you see," he explained, "Abandoned, forgotten or lost I do not know nor do I have any desire to." His thoughts flashed to Asgar sitting in Minas Tirth, the only one who knew about him and his brother and seemingly their past he presumed. If Asgar knew that he had a twin and he didn't, then he knew that was not all the crook knew.
Setting the ointment down he released her and finished, "There you are. Try not to do too much work with your hands and let the ointment sink in."
"Oh..." Malli did not even really hear what he had said about the ointment because she was too wrapped up in what Levi had said about how he had grown up. "I am sorry to hear such a thing." She smiled at him brightly though and only just barely keeping herself from giving him a sympathetic embrace. She knew what it was to not have proper parents, but at least she had Avylan to care for her.
"You seem to have turned out well enough on your own. You certainly are tall and big, so you must have found a way to manage on your own." She sighed and looked down at her fingers, "How long do you think this will take to soak in... I should make more food, Avylan will be hungry when he wakes up." she gave Levi another small smile, "He is always hungry."
"Indeed, I am very capable of surviving and living alone. I feel growing up as I did gave me a better knowledge of this world we live in and an insight of my fellow race's minds and thoughts. I am very hard to beat in a fight." He laughed, "It won't take long, you wouldn't want him to starve now would you?" He glanced around, "Have you got food here or are you going in search of some?"
"We have very little with us still. But I found where there is a warren of rabbits down the hill a way off." Malli explained pointing off in that direction. "And there are some plants here I use with the rabbit to make stew."
The girl wrinkled her nose and sighed sinking down fully onto the ground, "I am so very sick of rabbit stew. I _never_ want to even look at an other rabbit again."
"You have to survive on what you can when you travel unfortunately. However, if you travel through Greenwood you can be certain to obtain something different."
He shifted slightly where he was sitting and his eyes narrowed as he felt his shoulder burning beneath his shirt. Growing restless he stood up, "I will catch some rabbits for you; your hands should be alright by then."
Flipping out a knife he began to walk away, his brow heavily furrowed as he felt the heat radiating across his back, his eyes growing dull.
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The posts so far are jaw dropping quality,meaning they are amazing and thank you...the new characetr is wonderful Electra ))
