After the Rings (RPG Thread)

[LadyDernhelm]

OOC: If you want to join, go PM me. If you have joined, post your profile here..... (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10178)

The sun was strong, glaring sharply off of the rapidly moving water of the River Anduin. It cut through the gold-tinged autumn leaves like a lance, casting beams of yellow light about the forest floor. In one such pool of light she rested, her back against a solid oak tree, feeling the warmth of the autumn sun. She became aware that her the right side of her face stung; when she touched her fingers to it they drew away, stained in blood. Picking a dry leaf from the ground beside her, she crushed it methodically in rage and grief.

What have I done?

A sword lay beside her, silver, worked with fine lettering. She fingered it idly, leaving points of red upon the gleaming hilt where her bloodied finger touched it. She wondered how long it would be that she lay thus - would it perhaps be until her death came at last, mercifully relieving her of the guilt that plagued her without ceasing? Or would she find within her the strength to go on, to bring to her Northern kindred the message that she bore?

With a trembling hand, she reached for a leaf-wrapped lembas and took a small bite. Warmth flooded through her, that was not of the sun alone - such warmth as she had not felt in many days. She thought of sleeping, marshaling the strength that was left in her. The lembas slipped from her grasp, and her eyes closed, but before she fell into sleep she was startled by the unmistakable sound, soft as it was, of approaching footsteps.

[Celebthôl]

A tall elve turned the corner, he was dressed in a white cloak, soft white shoes and wore a shirt of Mithril, a sword hung from his belt and the scubbard was made of gold studded and made of leather, there was a very bright light eminating from him, his long blonde hair was flailing in the wind and his blue eyes pierced the maiden lieing (sp) by the oak tree, he strode over to her and knelt by her side...
"Hail fair maiden, how art thou injured? and why dost thou lie as if on the brink of sleep in such a dangerous area? Thou must certainly need the escort of an elve from The Undying lands! I will guard thee whilst thou sleepeth. I am named Celebthôl i have been on a long journey, i will tell you more on it after you rest, be at peace while you can, i feel there is some evil in the world again".
He pulled out his bow and fixed an arrow to the string.
As she slept, he cleaned and dressed her wound...

OOC: how was that?

[LadyDernhelm]

OOC: That was great ,Celebthol! (I need to look up that accent...*makes a face*)

IC:

When she awoke, the pain in her cheek had abated. When she lifted her hand to the wound, her fingertips met a soft bandage, and there was no sting to the touch. She pushed herself up into a sitting position, looking around her in confusion.

Alkárin her sword had been lain at her side, and the stain of blood had been cleansed from the silver hilt. Her pack, too, with what provisions remained within it, had been moved near her, the contents tidily restored inside it. Across the clearing from her waited a tall Elf, robed in white, a bow ready in his hand. He was gazing past her, into the dense forest, but as she stirred he stood quickly and started toward her.

[Celebthôl]

He crossed the glade and knelt by her again and took up her hand.
"you have slept long, how do you feel today?"
He brought a small silver studded bottle out from under his tunic and removed the cap and gently poured the clear liquid into her mouth.
"drink this it will make you stronger"
He put his bow back into his quiver and stood up and began to talk...
"So who are you? why do you lie here unguarded, and if i am no mistaken you are an Elve that has seen the undying lands?! I am named Celebthôl, i have traveled (sp) far a wide, i am on a quest to find an Elve maiden with knowledge and great power named "Nuryávië", and i believe my quest has ended, are you not the very person i seek?"
He looked into her eyes and read her mind,
"I can see that you are troubled, even as you slept, and a weight has been growing on my mind, it is good that i have found you"...

[Dáin Ironfoot I]

An Eagle flew overhead, surveying the vast plain for her prey. She could see naught but a black shadow, traveling silently and quickly with delicate care. Her gizzard waiting to be filled, she let out a screech of excitement, and dove into the night air, her talons outstretched and glimmering in the faint starlight. But as she neared her victim, she realized it was a Dwarf; nimble and stealthy as a snake. She vainly tried to pull up, but the Dwarf impaled her with his black spear; her wings trashed in a last attempt to free herself from the terrible pain.

Falim Stealthspear chuckled to himself in the darkness of night. The first day he had tried to leave the comforting dark of Moria, he was attacked by some beast with wings and claws. He was tempted to turn back and burrow himself into his secret tunnels and passageways in Khazad-dum, but he could not. He was on a quest, to find his kin or what was left of them after the ransack of the mines.

He sheathed his spear, and sped away into the darkness, leaving no trail of his prescence.

[LadyDernhelm]

She smiled and looked up at him, shielding her eyes from the splendor of the sun with one hand.

"I am indeed Nuryávië," she replied, her voice strained as though from great labor. "I have journeyed to the Undying Lands, and chosen to return to this World of Men. I thank you, Celebthôl, for coming to my aid, for I have experienced much in the past two nights..."

She grew silent, gazing past him into the patch of blue sky that could be seen from within the clearing. Suddenly, she spoke, though she did not look at Celebthôl but still past him into the sky.

"There is a Shadow growing in the South," she said. "I have long felt its approach, and now it is growing to power, though what or where it is I know not. Orcs and other fell creatures roam the land once more, as they have not done since the days when the Dark Lord Sauron was cast down and his Ring forever destroyed. I and - I was set upon by many Orcs and other beings I cannot name, two nights ago, and managed to escape with my life and little more. My . . ." She stopped, and green fire awoke within her eyes.

"I was with two others," she continued in a moment, her voice forcedly calm. "I am the only survivor."

[Celebthôl]

He looked into the darkness of the trees.
"these are evil tidings, but it is as i have feared and felt, i am not sure how to address this situation, not until it is known what this new evil is, I have dwelt in the undying lands and i have seen the light of the trees, it lives still within me and i was sent as an emisary by the great Manwe, are you sure you companions were killed and not taken?"
He looked at her with a sadness in his eyes.
"This world has seen to many battles and this may well be its last before...before the great dread...the evilness of Morgoth enters the world again...that is partly the reason why i was sent, do you have a stead hereabouts? mine is in a near Glade we must make haste, we have to get to Rivendell within a month for there will be held another council to the like of old, representitves of all the Free people shall be there and i have heard news of at least one on his way there now the dwarve named Falim Stealthspear, he is on an erand in Khazad-dum, i shall tell more on the way"
He whisled and a magnificant white horse cantered up,
"This my horse named "Narfea" (firespirit), if you have your own then you must ride it, if not you will have to ride with me"
He mounted Narfea and awaited for her to answer...

[LadyDernhelm]

"I am not sure that my companions were killed," she answered clearly, pushing slowly to her feet. Her dark hair, loose and windswept, hung about her shoulders as she steadied herself against the oak tree before retrieving the silver sword from the ground at her feet and buckling it onto the silver belt that girded her waist.

"But I fear it is too much to hope that they have survived," she continued heavily. "There were many Orcs that set upon us. I bore no wound but this -" she touched her bandaged cheek delicately - "Yet the blade which inflicted it was poisoned and caused more harm than an ordinary thrust. My companions were in the midst of the battle more than I, and I saw them not after a time, and so I took to the woods. My message must be borne to the Lady who dwells yet in Imladris, for it is She who must give to us her council and advise us what course to follow." She drew a deep breath and shouldered her pack. "If they had lived, it would be a cause of deep rejoicing within my heart. For I traveled with two, and one was my beloved."

She stopped, eyeing the ground before continuing. Her fingers traced the pattern on Ankárin's hilt as she did so, idly.

"No, I have no stead nearby. I am of the South, near Gondor of the Men, and have not oft made my way into the Mountains or to Rivendell. Let us go, then, to your own, that we may set out toward Rivendell with greater haste.

"Nor have I any steed, for I and my companions followed the river-course until we were set upon by the Orcs. I have nothing but my feet, and I fear they can hold me only so long. I battled long before I fled from my companions, and it was at great cost." Nuryávië turned her gaze suddenly to Celebthôl, her grieving eyes flecked with green. "Let us go, then."

[Celebthôl]

He gazed at her again,
"hope is all that has saved Middle Earth in the passed, we have to believe still in it"
He leaned (sp) forward and lifted her onto Narfea and bolted away at a speed only rivaled by Shadowfax of old,
"we must make haste, are the mistymountains still a place of much fear and danger? that would make our journey short"
"are you sure you dont want to have a look around where you last saw them? they may still be there!"
He pulled Narfea to a stop and awaited her decision...

[YayGollum]

*while he's waiting for that, he might have noticed a wagon coming towards them from the north, when it's superly close, it stops and a black corsair of Umbar looking guy, a huge hulk of a human, and a very simple looking Dwarf pile out and walk over*

the corsair looking guy ---> "Greetings, elves! What, may I ask, are you two doing alone out here?" *notices that the elf lady's looking like she just got fixed up by the guy* "Were you attacked by someone? We are far from civilization. Anything we can do to help? Maybe drive you somewhere in our wagon?"

[Celebthôl]

He looks round at them,
"it is up to the maiden, we are in need of haste, but we shall see what she has to say"
he looks down at her and awaited her reply

[LadyDernhelm]

OOC: Oh thaaaaaanks, leave it all up to me...LOL...

IC:

Nuryávië hesitated a moment before sliding carefully from Narfea's back and nodding in the direction of the Umbar. "To whom do you owe allegiance? I am Nuryávië of the Southern Elves, and I journey to Rivendell to bring a message of great import to its Lady." She placed a hand upon the hilt of her sword, her fingers gripping it slightly. "There is a Shadow arising in the South. If you do not serve this Shadow, I can see no harm in your accompaniment." Nuryávië glanced at Celebthôl, still astride Narfea, and then back at the corsair. "It would not be unwise if we were to have an extra horse or two."

[Celebthôl]

"indeed we would, but would you like to search for your beloved? or is it strait on to Rivendell, though we cannot take a wgon over the misty mountains, so we shall have to go round, which is delay, when we are in need of haste"
Celethôl looked at the sky,
"I believe we could make it to Rivendell in this manner, though i think my self and Nuryávië must ride on Narfea at top speed, and you must follow in you wagon..."
He looked down at the Corsair,
"who do you serve? the shadow or the free peoples?"

[YayGollum]

*the corsair and Dwarf's eyes light up at the name Rivendell* the corsair, holding his hands up placatingly ---> "Woah! Don't jump to conclusions, fellow travellers! We have no allegiances. We are peddlers and will trade with most anyone! Is there some danger nearby that we do not know about? Well, if you must be off to this Rivendell place so quickly, I will not stop you, though I would ask if we could follow now that you know us to be trustworthy."

*the Dwarf makes his way up to the lady, looking superly awed by her* tugging on whatever she's wearing ---> "Excuse me, miss! Could I come along with you if I brought my pony? I've always wanted to go to Rivendell, but it's very well hidden."

[LadyDernhelm]

OCC: Please, no more participants besides Dáin Ironfoot I, Pippin, Celebthôl, YayGollum and myself for the moment. We have enough POVs going to last until we get to Rivendell . . . but characters in Rivendell and characters to go on the journey back South are much needed still!

Nuryávië stared into the dense wood behind Celebthôl, her eyes dark and inscrutable. After a long pause, she shook her head, and her face was full of pain.

"We shall press on to Rivendell," she said, her voice tight and full of emotion. "Though I wish to seek my companions, I must bring my word to the Lady in Rivendell. Orcs may still patrol the banks, and I would not risk the lives of others until my quest is finished and my message laid before the inhabitants of Imladris." She turned away from the forest, and her face was white.

As she turned to the Dwarf her eyes lightened and she gave a small smile. "You may journey with us to Rivendell by all means," she said. "Whether or not your pony shall keep pace with Narfea must yet be determined. Either way, you shall come to the haven of the Elves as you wish to, master Dwarf."

With one last look behind her, she remounted behind Celebthôl.

[YayGollum]

*the corsair and the huge guy head back to their wagon after the corsair bows, then looks a little cheated since the Dwarf gets to go with the elves alone, the Dwarf gets a pack of food and whatever else is smart to put in a pack when you're off on a journey, then unties his pony from the back of the wagon*

"Thanks for letting me come with you, miss. I'll try not to be any trouble. Pooftop here was given to me by elves, but I don't think he'll be able to keep up with an elven horse. We'll try, though!"

[LadyDernhelm]

Nuryávië glanced back as the dwarf clambered astride Pooftop the pony and laughed.

"I did not think that Dwarves relished the company of Elves," she said, "Yet you claim that your pony was a gift. How is this, then?"

[Celebthôl]

"i appologise for my haste fair maiden, but we mus go at once, the road is long and we shall have time to chat about the lighter side of matters when we are a good way to Imaladris"
He looked to the dwarve
"you shall have to be fast"
he then turned to the other two strangers,
"if you can follow as best you can you may follow, but there is no guaranatee that you will keep up"
"hold tight Nuryávië"
With that he spured the horse and sped off like a bolt of lightening, off out of the woods and into the plains of Rhovanion...

[LadyDernhelm]

Narfea's pace was so great that Nuryávië hardly felt the movement of the ground beneath her. "Which road is it, that we pursue to Rivendell?" she asked of Celebthôl after they were well upon their way. "Although I had planned to make for the Gap of Rohan I fear the onset of the Orcs has set me off of my course. Perhaps you, better than I, know what road to follow."

[YayGollum]

OOC: Yikes! Slow computer over here!

*the wagon is already off to the widest pass through the mountains they know of, the Dwarf sits on Pooftop and stares in the direction of the elves, wondering what really is so dangerous and hoping he'll be able to track them to Rivendell all by himself*

[Celebthôl]

"we are making for the pass of Caradhras in the north, as it is the quickest i can think of in a pinch, and i think it is wide enough for a wagon to get through, if they are able to follow us"...

[LadyDernhelm]

"Then we shall pass through Caradhras," said Nuryávië. "It is wisely decided, Celebthôl. I only hope it will take us with enough speed to Rivendell that we might be present at the Council which shall be held there."

She was silent for a time after that, as the ground flew away beneath the shining hooves of Narfea. The land sped by beside her, now dense forest, now open plain.

"I have not asked you why you came," she said to her companion after much time has passed in silence. "You say that you have sought me, and that you wish to be a part of the great council at Rivendell, but you have not told me what called you from the Undying Lands to come back to this world of Men. It is oftener than not a cold, harsh place, as I have found more times than one."

[Dáin Ironfoot I]

Falim crept slowly through the sparse thickets, the White Mountains of Caradhras loomed to his right. Falim had only heard of them in stories, or in books, but he had never imagined that such a great thing could exist in Middle-earth. Alas! he had a ways to go yet, but he was nearing Imaldris with every passing moment. Soon he would reach that Elf haven, and discuss what had been troubling him with the wise woman there.

Hearing a twig snap, Falim dove into the thorny bushes, brandishing his spear silently and poised to attack. A lone Dwarf strolled through the countryside, whistling and humming a familiar tune. The tune his mother would sing to him softly in the dark of Moria, before he saw her decapitated by the Orc with one eye. Falim started to work himself into a rage, but the tune quickly simmered him down, and he emerged from the thicket, prodding the traveler with his spear.

"Who are you, and why are you travelling this forgotten path?" Falim demanded, his white beard rigid and sharp.

[Aulë]

The dwarf jumped back in surprise as the spear was thrust in his face, and gave a discontented grunt when he saw who the attacker was. As he regained his balance, he stared into Falim's cold blue eyes.
"Since when do Dwarves attack their own kind in these peaceful mountains?" he grumbled, "And what could you possibly gain from killing me."
Falim just stared at him in response, as if he were thinking of whether it would be profitable to kill the wandering dwarf; but before he could come up with a response, the dwarf quickly jumped out of the spear's range and pulled out his bearded axe. He was clearly infuriated by the cowardly attack, and his eyes gleamed with fury.
"I am Chokang son of Dwalin of the Iron Hills!" he yelled, "I am delivering a message of importance, and I have no time to fight with wild Dwarves such as yourself. State your business now, or I shall be forced to cleave Dwarf-neck!"

[Celebthôl]

He glanced back at her,
"yes if fortune serves us and we pass through Caradhras unhindered we my make it to Rivendell within a month, that is my aim"
He looked on in silence for a minute or two,
"I have told you part of the reaso why i have come, i was sent by Manwe for i before anyone else in the Undying Lands sensed that Evil was sturing again in Middle Earth, Manwe also made it clear to me (in secret known only to me the rest of the Valar and the mighty Ingwe) that the watch over Morgoth has lessened and grown weary and Manwe believes this for the time of Morgoths arise again, and that it why i have been sent, more i shall revial at the council in Imladris"
He turned back and galloped on into the fading light...

[LadyDernhelm]

Nuryávië again was silent, listening intently to the whispers carried on the breeze as they sped through the surrounding land and on toward the Pass of Caradhras. She sat lightly upon Narfea, hardly needing to hold to Celebthôl in order to remain mounted. The power of the white steed was incredible, and she reveled in the speed they made.

One hand rested on the hilt of Ankárin, tracing the engravings thereon.

"Shall we pass through the old forest of Laurelindorenan, the Golden Wood of Lorien, in our way?" she asked suddenly of Celebthôl.

[Celebthôl]

"We may if you would like, though we cannot linger there long if you wish to look around, we are making good time so it can be allowed though it was not my original plan"
He pulled Narfea to a stop and turned him towards Lorien,
"Onward Narfea"
The great horse sped off again,
"we shall stop and spend the night in Lorien, but that is still a far journey, if you need rest before hand just say..."

[LadyDernhelm]

Nuryávië thanked him. "Long have I wished to see the Golden Wood," she said, "Though it is not now in its first splendor, and there are few who still inhabit the place. I thank you, Celebthôl of the Undying Lands."

They lapsed into silence again as the sun grew lower in the sky. The Dwarf and his pony had passed from her sight some time before, but now Nuryávië became aware of a dust rising in the distance behind them.

"Celebthôl, halt!" she cried aloud, and gestured to the approaching dust-cloud. "What is that?"

OOC: No, I am not sure exactly what it is, so feel free to invent something, Celebthôl . . .

[Celebthôl]

Celebthôl set his sights on the dust, and recoiled in horror, he turned to Narfea and yelled at him to go on with top speed, there was terror even in the eyes of the Elve from the undying lands
"FORWARD NARFEA DO NOT STOP FOR THE WORLD!!!"
He looked back again but did not stop,
"we must leave this place at once there is terror on our tails that i cannot stop alone even in my full wrath, i shall explain when we are safer and away from this place"
He looked forward and hurtled away
"May the Valar protect the dwarve and those other two..."

[LadyDernhelm]

"What is this new evil?" Nuryávië cried, her eyes flashing with green fire. "A shadow has been growing in my mind from the moment I first glimpsed that which approaches, a threat I cannot name. These are dark days, Celebthôl, and they shall grow darker if we cannot make Rivendell."

Celebthôl spurred Narfea to even greater speed, and they flew along the ground as if born on wings. Yet that which followed remained in sight, and Nuryávië felt such terror as she had not felt in years beyond memory. She turned her gaze forward as Narfea sped along, and waited for Celebthôl to explain.

[Celebthôl]

Celethôl looked round dismayed
"3 balrogs of Morgoth, lead by the Mighty one who at the last we thought was destroyed in the Dark tower the mightiest balrog that hath ever lived, save only Gothmog, They are flying towards us on a great pace, i fear we must hasten to the mountains without stopping at Lorien...for now. The two of us cannot make it on Narfea together, you must ride onto the mountains, alone, i shall have to improvise, Narfea is swifter with just one passenger, and you are needed in Middle Earth far more than me, Fair thee well...for the time being fair maiden, i shall make haste to the mountains by ways i can"!
He slid off Narfea's back and looked back at the gathering dust...

[Dáin Ironfoot I]

Falim nodded in approval of the fierce Dwarf, the very Dwarf he had thought was a coward and even a Petty one at that. But it was not so, for he was born of the Lord Dwalin of whom Falim remembered from his youth.

"I am sorry, comrade. I was taken aback by the tune you were a' hummin'. It reminded me of my mother, but perhaps we shall discuss these matters as we travel. From your tone of urgency, I assume you are traveling to Rivendell, but you seem like you could not have found your way through the Hobbit land to the West," Falim said, his spear relaxing to his side. Before Chokang could respond, Falim was flitting through the shadows, naught but his white beard shone in the darkness.

Chokang had no choice but to follow him.

[LadyDernhelm]

Nuryávië guided Narfea swiftly along in the direction of the mountains. She hardly dared to look back at Celebthôl - she did so only once, to see him standing tall and proud to meet the oncoming foe. Could it indeed be the demons of Morgoth come again?

"Morë ré, (Dark Days*)" she whispered. "These are fell days indeed, if the evils of Morgoth have come again into the waking day." A cold fear clutched her heart, and she wondered what would befall Celebthôl. She wondered, too, after the corsair and his companions - she knew not whether they were of strength enough to face the ancient pursuers.

Celebthôl had spoken truly, for Narfea now sped along the ground at a rate faster than any before. Nuryávië pressed on through the night-time and the dawn of the next day before slowing the gleaming horse and sliding from Narfea's back. She was aware again of her own physical weakness and sank to the ground. Narfea gave a gentle snort and nudged the elf-maiden, urging her to rise and ride again to Rivendell. Instead, Nuryávië closed her eyes, seeking strength. Her hand traced her bandaged cheek softly as, for the first time in days, she remembered the events that had brought her to such a pass.

---
*I hope that this is correct. I do not speak Quenya, I used a dictionary to look up "dark" and "days", so . . .

[LadyDernhelm]

*Flashback*

The sun was strong on the River Anduin as the elven-craft slipped noiselessly up the current. Nuryávië rowed silently, reveling in the beauty of the afternoon. Beside her, Dûrathiel who was called the Fair took the other oar while her brother, Estariol, rested and kept their watch. Dûrathiel and Estariol had been selected by the Lord of the Southern Elves to accompany Nuryávië on her journey to Rivendell and protect the message that the elf-maiden carried with her.

They were silent, together in the elven-boat, for no words needed to be spoken among the three. Since she had left the Undying Lands to return to the world of Men Nuryávië had known Estariol and his sister, and they both were dear friends. Between herself and Estariol there was a vow, sworn to be kept when they returned South at the end of their journey. Nuryávië's heart swelled at the thought, and she smiled into the sun.

Her peace was shattered in the space of a moment as black-feathered arrows rained upon them suddenly from the east bank. Nuryávië and her companions dropped to the floor of the craft quickly, readying their own bows to fend off their unseen assailants as they did so. After a moment, when no more arrows came, Nuryávië sat quickly and rowed to shore.

They were undisturbed for the rest of the day, and through unspoken agreement the attempted attack was not mentioned. That night as they lay to sleep Estariol was set to keep the first night-watch, lest their pursuers return. Yet sleep was far from Nuryávië, and she watched intently for any unusualness in their surroundings. At last she grew weary and shut her eyes.

She was awoken roughly by Estariol some time later, with one whispered word that galvanized both herself and Dûrathiel into immediate action.

"Yrch!"
---
More *Flashback* to follow...

[Celebthôl]

*are we still waiting for the rest of your flashback?*

[LadyDernhelm]

*Flashback (cont'd)*

Nuryávië scrambled to her feet, drawing Ankárin in one fluid movement as she did so. As Dûrathiel rose, nocking an arrow to her mallorn-bow, a black-feathered Orc shaft imbedded itself in the ground directly beside Nuryávië. With a shrill cry, Orcs in great numbers fell upon them from all sides, their onslaught so fierce that soon Nuryávië had been parted from Estariol and his sister, who fought at the other end of the clearing.

She battled fiercely for the greater part of an hour, but the flow of Orcs was not stayed. Suddenly she heard a cry that was not an Orc-cry, and spun around to see a sturdy mail-clad Orc plunge a wicked black blade into Dûrathiel's shoulder. The elven-maid fell and was lost to Nuryávië's sight. Stifling a cry of her own, Nuryávië fought her way to Estariol and the place Dûrathiel had been.

When she had drawn near, Estariol caught sight of her and waved her away frantically.

"Go," he cried in a voice both fell and beautiful, "And take your message to Rivendell."

"Avammë! (I will not!)" Nuryávië replied. "I will not leave you here!"

"Go!" Estariol repeated, his voice raised in steely command. "I will come back to you if I may! Rima ten'ta! (Run for it!)"

"Lye nuquernuva sen e dagor (We will defeat them)," Nuryávië said. "I will not leave you!"

"Go!" cried Estariol a third time, and with a sob of rage Nuryávië fought free of their attackers and fled the battle.

*End Flashback*
---
Again, I do not speak Quenya fluently. All of my phrases/translations come from Here (http://groups.msn.com/TheElvenRealmofMirkwood/elvishphrases.msnw) or Here (http://www.ask.com/main/metaAnswer.asp?t=ai&s=a&MetaEngine=directhit&en=te&eo=2&o=0&frames=True&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egeocities%2Ecom%2FArea51%2F Shadowlands%2F4101%2Fe%2Dq%2Ehtml&ac=4&adcat=trvl&pt=English+Quenya+Dictionary&dm=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egeocities%2Ecom%2FArea51%2FS hadowlands%2F4101%2Fe%2Dq%2Ehtml&io=1&qid=71F286813FC2BC45993A2EF1A0F135AA&back=ask%3DEnglish%2BTo%2BQuenya%26qsrc%3D6&ask=English+To+Quenya&dt=021230090236&amt=&pg=1&qsrc=6), and I looked them up expressly for this purpose. If my dialogue isn't perfect, please don't hurt me . . .

[Celebthôl]

Celebthôl turned around and awaited the onslaught, the cloud of dust had settled now as the Balrogs had reached a grassy plain and they were in plain view no more than 1 mile off...and they were closing fast.
He drew Narkal (his sword) and tightened his grip on the handle, he looked up and yelled,
"Oh Manwe lord of Arda, send help so that i may stay these fiends!"
As he shouted this a cloud burst above and it started to rain fiercely,
"This is a fine turn of fortune" he whispered to himself, "thnk you Manwe"
He looked up at the approching Demons and took a deep breath....

[LadyDernhelm]

Nuryávië's sleep was restless that night, her dreams invaded by visions of Celebthôl beset by the demons of Morgoth. Such visions would then give way to her last memory of Estariol, battling hopelessly through the onslaught of Orcs as he sent her on her way to Rivendell. Twice, now, she had betrayed her companions to certain death, and she wondered as she slept if her tidings were indeed important enough for such sacrifice.

When the red dawn came she remounted Narfea, her face to the West. Tears unshed burned upon her heart, but she resolved to continue on with her quest...

As she began toward the Pass of Caradhras, a rain began to fall.
-----
OOC: Celeb - please answer my PM posthaste, so I can figure out what to do.

[YayGollum]

*after the elves left him and he decided that he wouldn't be able to catch up, Boffin made his way back to the wagon and his friends, whereever these balrogs are supposed to be, the group never got there because they decided to make their camp when it started to rain, I wouldn't be surprised if they heard something, though, and decided to hide* :rolleyes:

[Celebthôl]

Celebthôl wiped his brow to remove the raindrops from his forehead, as the balrogs approached their fires got extinguished by the rain, he let lose his wrath and burned with a bright, white light that radiated the darkness, as the first balrog approached it recoiled, Celebthôl took up a stance and watched, the other two joined the first and advanced, their fires were still extinguished but they were almost as fearsom, as they lunged forward Celebthôl srpung up and hewd at their limbs with Narkal...
"not even the mightiest Elven warrior ever can defeat 3 balrogs at once" he thought,
he darted up to the head of one of them and started hewing it with Narkal! 11 times he struck the balrogs head and 11 times he let out a bellow of pain and anger!
At the last the balrog fell to the turf defeated and lifeless, the first of the balrogs was slain but two more were ready and waiting...

[LadyDernhelm]

As the sun rose higher in the sky, Nuryávië rode hard for the Pass of Caradhras. She was consumed with memories, and again and again she saw Dûrathiel the Fair fall beneath an onslaught of warrior-Orcs, saw Estariol whom she loved as he thrice commanded her to flee - she saw Celebthôl's face grim and determined as he told her of the approach of the Balrogs of Morgoth.

A resolution rose in her heart, and she whispered a command to Narfea. The horse spun around as smoothly as she ran and sped back in the direction of the direction of the rising sun.

~*~*~*~

She rode for hours, urging Narfea to speed that she had previously thought to be impossible. The ground flew from beneath the horse's hooves so swiftly that she could make little of her surroundings, yet Narfea seemed untired though she had run for days with little rest. Nuryávië leaned into the flowing opal mane, whispering gentle words in the elder tongues. Narfea seemed to obey her thought and not her word; she carried Nuryávië as willingly as she had carried Celebthôl before her.

At last they came to the treeless plain beyond the forest. Rain, cold and grey, pounded upon them but neither horse nor rider paid any mind. Nuryávië's gaze was drawn to the horizon, where flame and blinding light danced before her gaze.

"Noro lim, Narfea!(Ride fast, Narfea!)" She drew her sword Ankárim and held it aloft, the silver blade glittering white with flame.

And then they flew, so that any who saw them would have seen only a blurred shape, great and terrible, weilding white fire in its hands as it thundered along the ground toward the battle raging in the distance.

She reached Celebthôl, beset by two shadow-demons, and slid from Narfea's back and into the fray, crying aloud "A Elbereth! Gilthoniel!" White fire from the hilt of Ankárin ran down her arm and glowed in her being, like a star come to the earth. With a cry, she sprang forward and smote the second Balrog.

[YayGollum]

*Trahald, Boffin, and Tolir are having all kinds of fun with eating their supper about that time, but Boffin's ears perk up just as he's about to take a huge bite out of a meat pie* "What did I just hear? Did anybody else hear some shouted elvish?"

*Boffin uncharacteristically drops his food, jumps out of the back of the wagon, mounts Pooftop, then starts riding north, towards the noises, Trahald and Tolir sit in the wagon, wondering what just happened, but drive the wagon after him*

[Celebthôl]

Celebthôl was shining brighter than ever though he was right at the last strain of his energy, he noticed a bright shape flickering to his left and saw a much needed sight, Nuryávië was charging the rear of the two balrogs and was slashing down with much power.
Celebthôl drove strait for the larger of the two and thrust his sword deep into its belly, it moaned allowed and smott him with its firey sword, it rent a deep pit in the earth that smouldered, Narkal came crashing down on the balrogs sword and it shattered into flames, on seeing the new Elve maiden approach and revealed in all her wrath as from the Undying lands, the balrogs were dismayed, they would have stayed and surely would have won, but dawn was coming and this was too much for them, so they turned and flew towards Mordor.
Celebthôl stood up strait and looked first at the rising sun and then to Nuryávië,
"Thank you fair maiden, without you i was surely deteated..."
He breathed heavily, and looked about the ground, there was a giant circle almost 100 meters in radius of burnt and destroyed land where the battle had been faught, he walked towards Narfea and strocked her nose...

[YayGollum]

*Boffin sees the big, bad, and superly scary things flying in his direction, but when they just pass overhead, he notices the elves not too far ahead and rides up to them, Trahald and Tolir come up a little later, looking just a little bit wary about having anything to do with these elves right about now* Boffin ---> "Are you two okay? My boss has little things for healing in the wagon if you need them. Were those what I thought they were? You need a little more help if that's what you were running from when I met you."

[LadyDernhelm]

Nuryávië sheathed Ankárin, still glowing faintly white.

"No, Master Dwarf, it is not from these demons that I fled," she said to Boffin. "Indeed I fled from naught, but only hastened toward the Elven haven of Rivendell. I bear a message of great import to its Lady."

She sighed, and the white light went out of her and she seemed greatly wearied by her ordeal. "I am unhurt, though Celebthôl my companion is perhaps harmed."

She turned to Celebthôl, standing by Narfea. "Do you desire the contents of this man's cart?"

[Celebthôl]

"Nay, i am unhurt, only i require some rest, i have faught all night and must get a few hours of sleep before i go on"
He looked towards the balrogs,
"my more imediate thought however, is where did those balrogs come from and who sent them, my second thought is what information fair lady do you hold, if they send 3 balrogs after you, for i am sure they were not after me as up till now the enemy had no idea that i was here. If indeed the information you hold is of utter most importants then we must go now, we have lost a days travel and we cannot lose another, not if evil is as great as what just happened, and i feel that our path wherever it leads is now filled with perill. The quick we move the quicker we get to Imladris..."

[LadyDernhelm]

Nuryávië moved forward to stroke Narfea as well.

"Nay," she said gently, "Rest the night, my lord. It is better to make Imladris alive, though perhaps the hour be late."

She turned to the Dwarf and his companions.

"If you desire to part from our company now, you may do so." She gave them a grave look. "It is a dangerous road, that I follow." She looked also at Celebthôl, saying, "Neither must you follow me.

"I hold little information, and of what I know you have been told the greater part. Yet there are those who would rather I not deliver my message. Whither or no these demons were of them, I know not. Perhaps they sought me, perhaps not.

"I must make haste to Rivendell," she continued. "I shall begin at sunup of tomorrow-day, for I do not deem it safe to travel at night any longer. Who shall join me on my way?"

[Celebthôl]

Celebthôl looked grave,
"Well you are in need of my horse, but even if you had yours i should not leave you! You have yourself a bodyguard, and so long as i draw breath i shall protect you! There is also the fact that i am to make for Rivendell aswell, it is better to have a companion on the dark road, but for now i must sleep, though i do no require masses of it, wake me 15 minutes before you wish to leave"
He lay down and at once driffted into a deep sleep...

[LadyDernhelm]

"Fumë, mellonamin, (Sleep, my friend)," Nuryávië said softly and then turned to Boffin and his companions.

"There are few such like him in this world of Men," she said gravely. "He is truly of the Undying Lands.

"What shall your own choice be?" she continued. "If you choose to turn back I shall not say you nay, nor shall I hold you any the less for it. This is not your quest, and it shall be fraught with dangers.

"Yet if you so choose to follow my course to Rivendell, I shall gladly welcome you, as I think shall the Lady of that place. For this Council concerns all the Free Peoples of Middle-Earth, amont them yourselves.

"It is now up to you to decide. Which path shall you take?"

[YayGollum]

Boffin, superly quickly and eagerly ---> "I would love to help, miss! My friends and I weren't doing anything interesting anyways. just the usual bartering from town to town." *he looks back and the two humans who have just gotten out of the wagon* "What do you think, guys?"

*the corsair looking dude steps forward and bows* "I don't believe that we have introduced ourselves, my lady. I am Trahald and that is Tolir. You already know Boffin here. We would be honored to join you in your quest. Now unless you would prefer to only tell it once,when we get to Rivendell, would you mind telling us exactly what this quest will entail?"

*Tolir watches the sleeping elf, then nods and waves at the elf lady*

[LadyDernhelm]

Nuryávië nodded gravely. "I thank you, Master Trahald, for your gracious pronouncement. I am Nuryávië of the Southern Lands, and I shall gladly tell of my quest, though it is by no means joyous news.

"I and those of my kin have long sensed a new Shadow arising in the South, and just lately has the Shadow begun to take form. There have been lands outlying Gondor ravaged, lives taken for no purpose. Orcs once more roam freely where they will, and as you have yourself seen, the valaraukur are abroad. They are spirit-demons of Morgoth, corrupted in the First Age of Arda.

"I go now to bring word to the Lady of Rivendell concerning the Power in the South, and that which I know or guess of its origin. Of this I may not disclose all until I am reached my destination.

"I do not hide from you, nor do I try, the fact that it shall be a hard journey and an unsafe one. I admire your bravery and thank you gravely for the kindness you bestow upon me. Yet you must know that this Quest has claimed two lives and may yet devour my own."

Nuryávië sighed and glanced to Celebthôl, sleeping peacefully.

"We must ready ourselves to leave at tomorrow's first light. Rest yourselves, and then we shall continue upon our way."

[YayGollum]

*Trahald steps back, just a little bit surprised at the information, wonders why he hasn't heard anything about this before, decides that it must have happened superly suddenly, then just nods and heads back to the wagon to calm down and hide some fear*

*Boffin doesn't* "Yikes! If what I saw was just a taste of things to come, I hope that other people know about this Lady at Rivendell! Too scary! I'm just a useless Dwarf! Will other Dwarves be there?"

*Tolir leans on his huge axe and decides that he wouldn't mind if this quest ended up letting him rejoin his family (they're dead)*

[LadyDernhelm]

"I know not whether there shall be Dwarves in this, Master Boffin," Nuryávië replied. "Although I suspect that the Lady would have called together representatives of all the Free Peoples.

"You have not heard of it for this evil is just beginning; there are few who have. The Queen of my people in the South has long sensed evil growing, and she has determined that something must be done." The elf-maid stopped suddenly, and gave the appearance of changing the subject.

"I fear that indeed more harm may befall us. Yet we may withstand it, by the power that is vested in us all by Iluvatar."

[Aulë]

After Chokang caught up to Falim, the two Dwarves did not speak for several hours. Finally, Chokang spoke up and broke the silence.
"So what are you doing in these parts...uhh, I believe that you have not introduced yourself yet Master Dwarf," Chokang queried, "and where are you heading?"

[YayGollum]

"Okay. I was just wondering about the Dwarves because they would be very useful in a battle against fire demons. I would probably just run the other way since my skin is unnaturally sensitive for a Dwarf." *hangs head in shame*

*Trahald comes back out of the wagon and gets Tolir to start making a fire* "Since we're resting, why don't we have supper here? The ground is still wet, but we can bring something out to sit on. In the meantime, I'd love to hear about this queen of yours. I'm not familiar with any kingdom of elves that far to the south."

[LadyDernhelm]

"I know not whether any Dwarves shall be present," Nuryávië repeated. "Yet I think it likely. Have you fear, Master Boffin. You will find your time of courage, and you will prove yourself well."

She turned to Trahald and thanked him. "I would very much enjoy a meal, for it is long since I have sat in the company of friends to eat."

She paused, as if searching for words. "There are many secrets concerning the Lady of my people," she said hesitantly. "She has long felt a shadow rising near. I go to the Council at Rivendell to speak on her behalf."

She seemed loathe to speak further, yet welcomed Trahald's provisions gratefully.

"You must rest this night," she said then. "Tomorrow the pace shall be hard." She looked at the sleeping form of Celebthôl and gave a soft laugh. "I fear that my companion shall push to great speed, for he is impatient to reach Imladris.

"I too, feel a sense of urgency growing on me. And yet I am not entirely willing to leave your band to wander unescorted through the pass of Caradhras, Trahald Wanderer; it is a treacherous path and even more treacherous when traversed alone.

"We shall see in the morning what the lord Celebthôl says."

[YayGollum]

*Boffin beams at the compliment and heads over to Tolir, to whom he relates it, both dig into whatever superly yummiful thing Trahald made for them all*

*Trahald superly uncharacteristically feels safe enough not to worry about these elves killing him and his companions and running off with his wagon in the middle of the night, but tells Tolir to take the first watch anyways :rolleyes: * before he and Boffin go off to sleep ---> "I look forward to hearing about your queen and your people. Perhaps when we reach Rivendell. If we do start to slow you down later, I hope that will you at least make a map for us. I have been through the pass you're thinking of with my wagon before and doubt that we could keep up with his horse."

*after those two leave, Tolir finishes up his supper and warms his hands at the fire, keeping his huge axe superly close and his eyes up to watch for whatever's likely to be after them*

[LadyDernhelm]

Nuryávië sat, looking meditatively into the glowing embers of the fire. The sun was beginning to sink lower into the sky - the battle with the Balrogs had lasted well into the day. She wondered, greatly disturbed, what it could have been that had sent the ancient demons after them.

The evening air was warm, balmy after the recent rain. She sat alone, her green skirt spread about her, with Ankárin upon her lap. Her fingers traced the familiar patterns along its hilt absently as she watched the flickering flames.

*Flashback*

Her dreams of late had been full of shadows and lurking dangers, and so she slept little. This night she wandered alone through the forest, hearing the faraway song of the stream that ran down into the wood. It was a clear night, and cold, and she was glad for the elven-cloak draped about her shoulders.

She was startled by the approach of Dûrathiel the Fair, her fair hair loose and windswept. Serenity flowed from her like a calming river; she had ever been a support to Nuryávië.

"You wander long, my lady," Dûrathiel said quietly. "What trouble is it that you see?"

Nuryávië looked down at the lush grass beneath her feet, her eyes troubled. "There is a shadow growing in my mind, mellonamin (my friend)," she said, and her voice was low. "Long have the forces of the Dark slept - too long. Now there is some reawakening of the old powers, and I fear for the safety of my people."

"Be at peace," Dûrathiel had said. "It can do you no good to worry over such matters now. We must sometime pass into the West; concerns of this world cannot matter to us."

"No, Dûrathiel, mellonamin, my advisor. I cannot stand by to see the destruction of this world which I hold dear."

"May the light of Elbereth guide you," Dûrathiel whispered. "I shall leave you in peace."

*End Flashback*

It was not long after that she had departed with Dûrathiel and her brother to journey to Imladris. Resolution grew in her as she thought again that she would not leave this world - her world - to destruction and doom. It was true, as Dûrathiel had said, that she could not forever remain here, yet as she did so she would not forsake her people.

She drew a deep breath and settled down to wait out the night.

[YayGollum]

OOC: I have no idea how to put those evil little accent thingys above letters. sorry.

IC: *Tolir watches the lady brood, then get settled and decides that he knows what she's doing* "Missing your friends, Nuryavie? I do, too, most nights. Well, from what Boffin tells me of your religion, you will meet them again. I can only hope that men have the same blessing."

[LadyDernhelm]

OOC: Ah, it's fine, Yay. If you really want to know how, here's a little key: ...use only the number pad, and make sure numlock is on! and you don't have to use them if you don't want to...

ë = 'alt' and 0235

á = 'alt' and 0225

ô = 'alt' and 0244

Also, what "religion"? Are you speaking of Elvendom? Never heard such described as "religion" before...lol...

IC:

Nuryávië did not look up as she answered.

"Yes, indeed. There were many dear to me whose fates I know not, and may never know. There were many who gave up what they could for my sake and that of the word I carry to Rivendell with me.

"It is a heavy burden," she said with a sigh. "Yet there are heavier burdens still that I need not carry.

"What is your story, Tolir, that you too should lie awake and miss that which is lost to you?"

[YayGollum]

OOC: Yes, by religion, I meant ---> stuff in The Sil. Mythology for elves. I doubt that all humans in Middle Earth believe in it. oh well.

IC: *keeps watch while talking* "Oh, my story? Boffin could tell you and make it sound more interesting, but back when we first met, I was just coming back from an apprenticeship with the local Dwarves and found that my home town had been destroyed by goblins. My parents, my friends, and even my wife and four year old son were killed. I was able to avenge their deaths many times over in the battles that followed, but still have dreams about not being able to save them. Trahald does make a potion that helps me sleep soundly, but I find that keeping watch for as long as I can is peaceful enough. Maybe I can get some of that potion for you tomorrow if you need it. That would at least help ease the pain while you sleep."

[LadyDernhelm]

Nuryávië smiled at the large man's concern and shook her head.

"I have little need of rest; to look at the stars is enough for me. And ever does my quest drive me to impatience so I cannot sleep. Besides, I have no wish to forget my friends.

"They were valiant, and I loved them. I hope some day to return and to seek them out if they are alive, or to avenge them if they are not." She paused. "I am not sure that either chance will be given me. There are some . . . who would stop me on this quest, even of my own kind."

She was silent then for a while, before continuing.

"Your story is tragic, Master Tolir. Yet all too often have I heard it in the past months. It is a sign of the evil growing in this land, as it must inevitably do."

The elf-maid lapsed into thought for a while longer before smiling at Tolir across the fire and bidding him sleep.

"Mine own eyes are watch enough, and you are mortal and have need of rest. Sleep, friend, for it will be hard going tomorrow."

[YayGollum]

*Tolir gets a little offended when the lady implies that he wants to forget his friends, but decides not to worry about it when she offers to let him sleep* "No, that's all right, miss. I can always sleep in the wagon tomorrow afternoon. If you ever want to talk about the elves you miss, either of my friends can say that I'm a good listener. What elves would try to stop you from delivering this message of yours, though? Only ones concerned about you, I hope!"

[LadyDernhelm]

Nuryávië smiled slightly. "Very well then, you have your way," she said. "But of the other matter - yes, I do hope that those preventing me would do it out of concern." She sighed, and her face darkened slightly. "However, at times friendly concern is as ill-timed as deliberate evil."

She glanced at the sky, which was tinged with grey. "We have talked long, friend Tolir. Before long it shall be time to wake the others.

"Yet I wonder still - how is it that you came to be apprenticed to the Dwarven-kind? I was not aware than Men and Dwarves had formed a great bond."

[YayGollum]

*Tolir yawns and stretches superly hugely, looks forward to the sun coming up, then wonders why some elf would stop another elf from helping elves* "Well, you come from the south. I grew up in a small northern town with Dwarves living close by. It is true that they don't accept every human that wishes to be apprenticed, but they made an exception in my case. I make all of the weapons and armour in the wagon that we don't get from trading, but my boss likes to say that Boffin makes them. Which makes sense to me. Dwarves are known for their talents in smithing."

superly not wanting to give up and curious ---> "Why would any elf, no matter how concerned for your safety, want to stop you from saving your entire race? If they're so concerned about your safety, I would think that they'd just come with you. Ah, well. I don't know how the typical elf thinks."

[LadyDernhelm]

"Do you not feel slighted if the credit for your work is given away?" Nuryávië asked. "I had thought it the wont of humans to prize their craftmanship above all else. Indeed it is the wont of many, Elves among them."

Then she smiled, and followed Tolir's gaze toward the rapidly lightening sky. "Those that tried to keep me from it were very dear to me," she said softly. "They would have had me send another in my stead. Yet in the end, they threw in their lot with me and we journeyed together toward Rivendell. I have betrayed them," she said with sudden feeling. "For it was I who said that they should follow, and they did. There will be many who weep now, for they were much loved among my people.

"It is not only the Elves who are threatened by this presence," she continued after a moment. "Men, too, and Dwarves, and all manner of Free Peoples who dwell under the light of Anor. You, Tolir, and those who you follow, and the Dwarves to whom you were apprenticed, and the people of Gondor who owe alleigance to their king. No, this doom shall be shared by all if it should come to pass."

She looked again at the sky, tinged now with the pale colors of sunrise. In silence she watched as the colors grew in intensity, until at last the flaming sun broke over the horizon to shower the world with light. Nuryávië stood and faced the light, and it caught in her dark hair and flamed copper. Yet the face of the Elf was clouded and dark, and a moment later she turned back to Tolir.

"Wake your companions," she instructed. "It is time that we must press on. We must ride now, or we shall never make it unmolested to Imladris."

Then turning toward the white Narfea she called to Celebthôl to rise, and her voice was strong and clear as a prism in the dawnlight.

"Awake," she cried, "For the Shadows pursue us, and the Mountains mock us, and we must press forward with due haste. Awake, messenger of the Undying Lands, that we may ride from this place."

[Celebthôl]

Celebthôl awoke with a start,
"Thank you Nuryávië, know this, you have betryed noone, and in my heart i feel that your companions are not altogether gone yet.
I hear the travelers wish to join us, we can go at a slower pace for them now, the darkness in my heart has subsided, as i believe it was the balrogs that arose it. But we still must go swiftly, we are a day behind"
He rose and walked about a stretched his limbs.
"It is a fine morning after such a dreadful night..."
He looked on in slience as in sorrow and sadness,
"Not many have done what i have done...I have slain a Maia of Ilúvatar, i shall not recieve forgiveness for that action, not unless i can make it back to the Undying Lands and beg it from Manwe..."
He walked out onto the plains, the air about him was sad and could not bring himself to smile not now at least...

[LadyDernhelm]

OOC: Funny, Thôl, that you were ASLEEP and yet heard all my secret confidings to Tolir...*laughs*...SuperElf...

IC:

"Take hope," Nuryávië said. "For in this dark time it is all that will stay the onset of evil. The creature that you slew was utterly corrupt, and would have slain you and many others had it lived. It is by the power of Eru that you did this deed, Celebthôl of Valinor."

She bent down to retrieve the sheathed Ankárin, her dark hair falling forward like a dark river. "Fear not," she said as she stood once more. "You shall find forgiveness."

As she buckled the silver sword round her waist she turned to Trahald and his companions. "Make ready to leave," she said. "Though we are safe now, this cannot last."

[YayGollum]

*when Tolir wakes Trahald up, the guy just grumbles and orders him to start driving the wagon so he can get himself up when he feels like it, then grab a few things for breakfast,

when Tolir wakes Boffin up, the guy is superly perky and an annoying morning person* "Oh, come on, Trahald! Wake up! I'm hungry!

Hey, Tolir! Why did you keep watch all night? You could have woke me up! I wanted to talk to the elf lady, too! Did you have a nice talk? I bet she told you all kinds of stories! Can I take the first watch tonight? I hope so!"

*jumps out of the wagon and wakes his pony Pooftop up* "Up, Pooftop! Time for breakfast!" *unties the pony from the back of the wagon and lets him walk around for grass or whatever while he hikes his way back into the wagon to get him some treats*

from inside, to the elves ---> "Are we leaving soon? I wonder how far we'll get today. Can't wait to see Rivendell! My dad went there once, but he didn't like it. He said that they made fun of his beard! Do you think that's true?"

[Celebthôl]

OOC: oh yeah we can hear in our sleep ;)

IC:

Celebthôl looks more distressed than ever,
"you do not understand fair maiden, I have recieved a prophecy from Mandos, i shall revial more when we get to Imladris, but serficed to say all of the prophecy so far has come true, where to find you, slayin a balrog, there are three more things to happen, but i will not say them...not yet"
He looked at the new companions,
"well it may not be power but lets say it was fate that slew the balrog"
He jumped up onto Narfea and pulled up Nuryávië,
"we must leave now, follow us if you can companions"
With that he trottd off lightly but swiftly so as the companions could keep up but not so they were lost...

[YayGollum]

*Boffin, superly surprised that they're leaving without sitting down for breakfast, hops back out of the wagon to tie Pooftop back up, when that's done and he's given him some carrots and stuff, he climbs back in and wishes he had a horse*

*by this time, Trahald is fully awake and passing out food for Boffin and Tolir, he notices the elves already heading out* "Argh! Selfless elves! I can't wait for us to get to Rivendell!"

*Boffin and Tolir look back at their boss and hope that he isn't planning on doing anything evil*

[LadyDernhelm]

Nuryávië tossed a leaf-wrapped package of Elven waybread toward the irate Trahald.

"It goes well on the road, and the taste is sweet," she said laughingly. "And it will absolve your hunger."

[YayGollum]

OOC: Woah! Excuse me for assuming that the horse was pretty far ahead of the wagon! I got that impression from the Celebthol person's post. Whoops! Trahald wouldn't have said that stuff if he thought some elf could hear him. oh well.

IC: *Trahald catches whatever it is the elf lady just threw to him and hands it to Boffin* to the elf lady ---> "Thank you, Lady Nuryávië. We'll try to keep up." to Boffin ---> "You can have that. I'll stick to my own food."

*as soon as Boffin gets the stuff, he starts going on about how great it is and how that lady must know some elf in charge of lots of other elves to have gotten it*

[LadyDernhelm]

OOC: Ha ha, sorry, I didn't realize that we were supposedly ahead already. Never crossed my mind. Oh well, it was funnier that way...

IC:

Nuryávië laughed and hurried after Celebthôl to swing astride Narfea behind the tall Elf. Trahald and his small company packed themselves into their cart and the band started off, toward the snow-capped peaks looming in the distance.

[Celebthôl]

They didnt stop all day, and in this way they covered 50 miles, when Celebthôl decided to stop for the night they were on the eaves of Lothlórien,
"I said you could visit, you have the whole night...if you are not wiery, I am not and i have long desired to look upon the land that was closest to the forest of Lórien in Valinor".
He clomed of Narfea and strode off into the forest, and wasnt seen again by any of the company all night....

[LadyDernhelm]

Nuryávië walked among the faded golden mallorn-trees, her quiet footfalls loud in the utter stillness. The fabled mallorn-trees rose whitely all around her, spiraling into the blue arc of the sky.

Long had she desired to look upon Lothlorien, this Golden Wood of which she had heard much. It was said to bear resemblence to Valinor over all places of Middle-Earth, and as she traversed the old paths she was overwhelmed with memory.

*Flashback*

The moon shone upon Valinor, where she had come to speak with the lord Manwë and put before him her troubled thoughts. She stood alone in a garden created by the gentle hand of Yavanna, an embodiment of the beauty of the Undying Lands.

She was startled by the sound of soft, Elven footsteps and turned to find Estariol her friend had come into the garden. He strode wordlessly to her side and looked out upon the garden in silence for a moment before speaking.

"You are troubled," he said softly. "Can you find no peace here, in these Havens of the Elves?"

Nuryávië looked away. "There is much peace to be found here, for all," she said.

"You avoid my query," Estariol said with a hint of laughter in his quiet tones. "Is it so bad, then, to be at peace?"

"No," Nuryávië replied in a whisper. "It is not bad."

He took her hand. "We begin a new life, Nuryávië, under the stars. Ours is not the way of Men. To Men, now, must be left their own."

She was silent, looking out at the clear stars set in the deep velvet of the night-sky.

"Last of all the Elves you left Middle-Earth," Estariol said reflectively. "And it would seem that you came with a measure of unwillingness."

"It is beautiful here," Nuryávië whispered. "Yet I cannot forget that which was created in the East. Great Cities, and great ties between the races - is this now to be split asunder?"

"It is the design of Eru," Estariol replied measuredly.

Nuryávië did not look at him. "It is not what I would do," she said.

*End Flashback*

Estariol had lapsed into silence then, and soon after left her.

She had spoken to the great Manwë not long after her conversation with Estariol, and laid before him her feelings. She had told him that Men would fail left to themselves, that surely Iluvatar would not leave them without guidance.

"To Men is given the power to rise greater than any other," he had said. "To the Firstborn is given the grace to leave the strife of the Mortal Lands after a time, and dwell in peace."

"I do not desire that peace," Nuryávië had said. "I long for the home that I have made for myself, for the guardianship I held then. Would you deny this of me?"

He had studied her long before saying with infinite sadness, "Then you would leave this place." She had nodded and looked away, nearly ashamed of her harsh words.

"Is it not given to me to choose my path?" she had asked.

"To each that right is given," Manwë had told her. "What choice will you make?"

She had not answered, but had left him then and went to her own people.

For many months she lived, ill at rest in the peace of the Havens, as a whisper of dissent grew in her heart. She thought that Iluvatar confined her within the boundaries of this world, and decided of herself to depart across the sea and return to the Mortal world. Quietly she sowed a seed of doubt among her people, until there were many with her. She had gone then back to Valinor and confronted Manwë, saying that she would depart and return East with his blessing or not. She had feared his anger, but found only his sadness as he spoke his last words to her.

"Go then, Child of Eru, and turn from the bright way which is before you. Yet hearken to this - until you have learned the folly of your action, you cannot walk again under the untainted stars of the West." She had defied him, feeling but little pain, and left with her people across the sea.

That had been long ago, and as she walked in the golden shadows of Lorien her heart was seized by a great longing for the lands of peace which she had forsaken. She had not been alone in her defiance, yet she felt responsible, and wondered if this quest was to be her doom for defying the designs of Iluvatar.

With a sigh she turned from the heart of the wood and made her way slowly back to where she expected her companions to be waiting, that they might strike out again for Caradhras and then Rivendell.

[Celebthôl]

The morning loomed bright with a light mist in the air, as Celebthôl made his way back to Narfea,
"good-morning, we may yet make it over Caradhras todat and be in Eriador by nightfall...or sooner",
He climbed up onto Narfea and lifted Nuryávië on aswell,
"i hope you have enjoyed your visit here, i havs traveled far in the night and came at last to Caras Galadhon, there i discovered good news though i will not say more untill we reach Rivendell",
He led on Narfea and made for the pass of Caradhras...

[YayGollum]

OOC: Ack! Boffin missed Lothlorien? oh well.

IC: *while Trahald drives the wagon after the superly annoyingly fast elf horse, Boffin watches Lothlorien get smaller and smaller in the distance, Tolir looks up from his breakfast and wonders what Boffin thinks is so great about some forest, but decides not to worry about it*

Trahald, to the elves that I'm guessing aren't so far away now :rolleyes: ---> "I've heard that this Rivendell place we're going to is somewhere west of the Misty Mountains and north of the pass we'll be using. How many days would you say this would take? And will we be stopping anywhere else on the way? I know of a few settlements in these mountains."

[LadyDernhelm]

"It is my wish to reach it as soon as may be," said Nuryávië. "If we make such a pace as we made yesterday, it shall be a matter of days. Yet the mountain pass is a treacherous one, so I cannot say.

"Although I wish to be off without pause, you will need to rest," she said. "I shall honor your wishes, as I hope will Celebthol. We may indeed rest as often as you find a need to do."

[YayGollum]

Trahald, trying to hide sarcasm ---> "I thank you for your understanding. How could two humans and a Dwarf ever seem useful to elves such as yourself?" :rolleyes:

*Boffin stares at the leaf he brought with him, misses the sarcasm, and wonders the answer to that question himself*

*Tolir yawns and rolls his eyes at the both of them, looking forward to getting back to the colder climate that he's used to*

[LadyDernhelm]

The journey over Caradhras was slow yet uneventful. Nuryávië and Celebthôl ran lightly atop the mounded snow, going slowly to help the traveler's wagon through the deeper drifts. They were a day in the passing, and rested a night afterward for the journey was taxing upon their waning strengths.

The next morning they rose early, invigorated, and rode hard through that day and the next. On the morning of the third day, the sun rose above the sight they had longed most to see: the Elven village of Rivendell.

~*~*~*~

OOC: There, the journey in two paragraphs.

Tomorrow (or today if we're lucky) I'm going to start into the Rivendell chapter. Please do not post until I do so that we can ensure that all our Rivendell people are completely ready for the Council.

[Dáin Ironfoot I]

Falim knew that Chokang was talking to him, but he didn't care. He just walked on in silence, feeling the quiet air embracing him in her warm and comforting bosom. After three days of silent travel, Chokang got used to talking to himself to keep sane.

After the fourth night, for Falim would only walk amongst the shadows, the Dwarves spotted the fair haven of Rivendell. Chokang raced for the city, but Falim lingered behind in quiet fear. He had never been in another civilization outside of Moria, and knew not what was waiting for him. He could barely remember the images of tall fair skinned beings from his youth, and they scared him. But he would have to see for himself what was going on in Middle-Earth; for Moria.

[LadyDernhelm]

OOC Note: Please refer to the Discussion Thread if you want to post arrival in Rivendell / reaction before Sunday, when we'll hold the Council.

IC:

The sun broke free of the horizon, flooding the Elven village with light. Nuryávië stood outside of the sleeping-house where she had passed the night, watching the golden display. The wind whispered gently around her dark hair, picked delicately at the folds of her skirt. Such a wind might have been unwelcome elsewhere, but in this final Haven of the Elves even the gales were calm, and bore wisdom in their soft voices.

She had slept ill the previous night, although the accomadations were superior to all that she had experienced since her leave-taking from the South. Worry pressed heavily upon her, and even in the hallowed land of Imladris, that which was by Men still known as the Last Homely House, she could find no peace. Instead, she longed to be again away, for such rest gave her mind too much leisure for loathsome recollections.

The following day there was to be held a great Council, the likes of which had not been known since the days of Elrond and Frodo Nine-Fingers; Elves, and Men, and Dwarves from the far reaches of Middle-Earth would represent their kindreds in the great deciding. The lady Erinwen, Queen of the Elves of Rivendell and wise like unto the long-departed Galadriel of Lorien, had summoned all of hte Free People to this Council.

It was there that Nuryávië would speak of her journey, and there it would be decided what should be done. Turning her face from the blinding sun, Nuryávië returned inside.

The breeze followed her, whipping softly through her hair.

Tomorrow, it whispered.

Tomorrow.

[Celebthôl]

Celebthôl didnt sleep all night, he was up reading in the hall of fire, he couldnt find time to sleep, but it was not required often for the mighty Elve.
He walked about the giant house ceaslessly during the morning, he took no breakfast but explored every nook and cranny.
As the morning drew on he grew ancious (sp) to get the mighty council started...

[Aulë]

Chokang and Falin walked up the entrance of the mystical Elven city of Rivendell.
"So here we are at last," mumbled Chokang, who had picked up a habit of talking to himself since he met Falim. "Since I'm sure that we are now going seperate ways, I bid you farewell, and good luck for when ever you travel."
Chokang shook his head as he walked away from Falim, and walked through the Gate of Rivendell.

Four Elvish guards walked up to him as he entered, but let him through once they saw Thorin II Stonehelm's seal on the message that he was delivering.
"Has Nuryávië arrived yet?" he asked one of the guards, who responded with a nod of his head.
"Very well, could you direct me to her then? I have a message of extreme importance for her from Thorin of Erebor" Chokang asked. One of the Elvish guards then proceeded to walk towards the guest-houses.
Whilst Chokang followed behind him, he gazed at the stone work of the great buildings, especially that of Erinwin's palace. He had been through Rivendell many times before, but it never ceased to capture his heart.

After a short trek, the guard pointed to a small hut underneath a large tree, before heading back to his post. Chokang walked up the hut's door, and knocked on it four times, no more no less, and waited for Nuryávië's response. When she answered, Chokang bowed, and presented her with the letter,
"Chokang, at your service m'lady" he announced.

[LadyDernhelm]

Nuryávië took the letter from the hands of the Dwarf and bade him sit as she read it. He obliged, and she opened the letter in light of the window.

Quickly she scanned the contents. The Dwarven-king wrote that he had heard of her quest and the Council at Rivendell, and added that once more the fates of Dwarves and Elves would have to combine.

I send you a representative of the Dwarven kindred, the letter read. Though he bears little liking for Elves of any kind, he is of a valiant heart and may well serve in this dark hour.

Nuryávië glanced up at the impatient Dwarf, hiding a smile. Then she folded the message and laid it on the desktop, turning back to the messenger.

"So you have come for the Council, then," she said gravely. "I bid you welcome, on my behalf and that of the Lady Erinwen."

[The-Elf-Herself]

Earmaiwen paced restlessly through the gardens of Rivendell. Clad in worn traveling clothes, with brown hair bound tightly away from her face, and an equally tight expression on her face, the elf both looked and felt out of place amidst the fair haven. The scarcely detectable sound of foot steps behind her caused Earmaiwen to turn around to face the being. She smiled slightly as she recognized her business partner Lirraum, though the grave expression on his face did little to ease her tension.

"So, has the Queen told you why she has summoned me here?" she asked.

"They are going to hold a council tomorrow to discuss the growing shadow," he replied. "As a high advisor, I will be in attendence-"

"Naturally," Earmaiwen interrupted impatiently.

"-and so shall you," Lirraum finished.

"What could I possibly have to offer in such a meeting? Queen Erinwen knows that my information always comes at a price, albeit a price greatly lessened for other elves." Ear paused. "Unless..."

She didn't finish her statement, but Lirraum knew what she referred to.

"Yes," he confirmed. "She wishes you to use your...talent while there."

"Yet other elves would know I was there," Earmaiwen commented thoughtfully. "However, the mortal races attending-"

"Would not," he finished. "You would be free to observe their reations without notice. However, the Queen requests that you inform her of whatever conclusions you draw. Free of charge."

She considered this opportunity for a moment, then nodded.

"Very well."

Lirraum departed to tell the Queen of her decision. Long ago the friends had determined that any contact with High elves would go through him, as Earmaiwen found it difficult to speak with them, due to her estrangement. She wandered out of the gardens, trying futilely to find something to do while she waited for the start of this council.

[YayGollum]

*by this time, Trahald is running around, looking for his partners, hoping that they're not late for whatever little meeting these people seem to be planning, Boffin's having all kinds of fun with listening to stuff in the that hall of fire place, Tolir's back with the wagon, feeding and brushing his horse and Boffin's pony, Trahald runs into the Lirraum person who's running off to whatever queen's supposed to be here* "Greetings, my good elf! Excuse me, but do you know when and where this meeting is to be held? I seem to have lost the elves that led me here."

[The-Elf-Herself]

Lirraum studied Trahald's face for a second before answering.

"It begins two days from now and is to be held in the morning in the council chamber near the Hall of Fire."

After nodding politely, he continued on his way.

[YayGollum]

*Trahald notices the look and wonders if he's not talking nice enough or if these elves just love to judge by appeances, but strides off to tell Boffin and Tolir what's going on*

OOC: Not much else I can say, is there? Oh, no, nevermind. I got something. It's sickening, though. Because elves are boring, but Boffin likes them just so he can be original.

IC: *Boffin has all kinds of fun with entertaining elves in that hall of fire place by letting them hear some of their mythology coming out of a Dwarf's mouth*

[Dáin Ironfoot I]

Falim gaped in awe at the Elvish archways, richly embroidered with living plants and lush vines. The buildings were domes and round in shape, yet they reminded Falim of the white gems found deep in Moria. There he stood like a Dwarf child that had stumbled upon his father's treasury; his eyes glittered like the gold coins that were found therein.

"Why do you look, Dwarf, at our haven like it is one of your own possessions? This is Imaldris, the last fair dwelling of the Elven kindred West of the Misty Mountains. Do not think you can fashion anything of such beauty, and upmost splender, in your dark halls. For I can tell from your raiment and your cold eyes that you have lived your lonely life away from the Sun and Her people," spoke a voice from Falim's rear. He turned, and there stood an Elvish woman of great beauty and hidden power. Her face was rigid and white, like a marble stone set in the earth for eternity; perfect and without flaw. Her raiment was rich and radiated with the essence of wisdom and long years of life underneath the eternal canopies of Imaldris.

"Long have you lived indeed, Falim Stealthspear, and I have known of your coming for quite some time. The darkness in Khazad-dum has been disturbed; the peaceful requiem of mining and crafting has been jarred, like a rock from the pinnacle of Zirak Zigil. You come for answers; you come to prevent this disaster before it begins. Your questions of fear and doubt shall be answered at the council, much to your grief and satisfaction."

Falim did not know how to reply to this fair daughter of Illuvatar; he only wished to hide in humility at the sight of this Elvish Queen. She spoke with wisdom and seemed to know Falim more than he knew himself.

Falim bowed slightly, his black plate mail was like a unfurnished diamond in her shining dress.

"Come, my friend. We shall go to this council together. Long have I feared and despised the folk of Durin; but you and I shall be proof that the two kindreds of Aman shall be brought together to combat this raging storm as one!" she said, her voice filling with confidence and pride. The two strode to the Hall of Fire; like the light and the darkness they were, the day and the night, the star and the pitch black of the sky. Together they walked; opposites in all accounts, yet together.

[LadyDernhelm]

OOC: Man, do I feel stupid. I was SURE I'd posted this last night and wondered why no one replied, but I guess not....

IC:

Nuryávië slipped softly into the council chamber and took her seat, her face cast into deep shadow by the flickering firelight. Erinwen of Imladris, who had been likened unto the Lady Galadriel, stood solemnly surveying the small assemblage. She saw two Dwarves present, one recognizable as the messenger Chokang who had brought Thorin’s letter to her. Also in attendance were several Elves – among them Celebthôl of Valinor, with whom she had traveled North – and a scattering of Men as well.

All the Free Peoples, the Lady had said. And her words had not been in vain.

When the talk had quieted Erinwen stood, her porcelain features cast into relief by the fiery shadows.

“My friends,” she said, and her voice was light upon the heavy air, dispelling with it some of the gloom and solemnity which pervaded the council chamber. Yet there was gravity also in her tones, and all present knew that it was no small matter for which they had been called to Council.

“We gather here to speak of a Shadow,” the Lady continued. “For there is a new threat arising in the South, which must be dealt with lest it devour our lands.

“Not long ago I received from the Lady of the Southern Elves a message detailing disturbing events near the human realm of Gondor, which had raised much fear among Elves and Men alike. It is to absolve this fear that we gather now, ere we wake to find ourselves beseiged by evil as our forefathers were under the shadow of Morgoth, or of Sauron.

“Through great peril and with great grief she has now come, the Lady Nuryávië of our Southern kindred. It is for her that we gather, and let us now hear what she will say.”

Erinwen motioned toward Nuryávië, and the Elf-maid stood. The silver-linked girdle she wore clinked softly as she began.

“I have lived near Gondor, at the borders of Mordor, since first I and those who followed returned from the Undying Lands to seek our fates among Men, rebelling against the order established by Iluvatar and carried out by Manwë of Valinor. With me have dwelt many valiant and bold in heart, and also many wise and gentle in spirit. And among all of my people has been felt an unease of late, a growing threat upon our minds.

“Of late there have been Orcs roaming freely about all the lands of Middle-Earth, and with them evil Men and demons the likes of which have not been seen since the final War of the Ring. The vaularaukur, the great Balrogs of Morgoth, too, are abroad once more as they have not been for all the ages of Men and Elves since Morgoth reigned in his terror. Thrice on my journey was there evidence of evil pursuit upon my Quest, and those with whom I set out from Gondor were slain by marauding Orcs by the banks of the Anduin.

“The need for an alliance of the Free Peoples is urgent. I have come to Imladris, which is the last Haven of the Elves in Middle-Earth, to bear my message. In today week I shall depart South once more, with any who would go along. I will bring word to those ruling in Gondor of this threat, that action might be taken.”

Abruptly, Nuryávië sat, and the Lady Erinwen arose once more. Her face was graver even than before.

“This is dire news which to us is brought,” she said solemnly. “What are the thoughts of those gathered here?”

[Celebthôl]

Celebthôl now stood...

"I can concure with this, and i fear it also. It links in with why i am present in Middle Earth. That part of the tail is not for now...i shall explain it after this part, but i must press all of you to form an alliance, if you wish to save Middle Earth from total enihilation then you must join together! There is no other alternative...I shall do what i can, and i will asure you that my being here is not in vain, you shall be glad of my presence here soon after..."

He takes his seat again and watches on awaiting the next speeker...

[The-Elf-Herself]

Lirraum began to speak, though without standing.

"This rising evil has pervaded the land far deeper than those here are aware of. Even now those among men that once served Sauron have begun their evil ways anew. I cannot speak more of this information, nor how I have learned it. Is there perhaps another who now sits in this council that could further illuminate us?"

With this remark he turned and gazed at Erinwen, asking a silent question. After a moment she looked over to where Earmaiwen stood against a wall and made a tiny gesture with her hand. The elf concentrated for a moment, closing her eyes. The next moment, the mortal members of the council were astonished to see a maiden standing where before no one had been seen by their eyes. Earmaiwen stepped forward, her eyes meeting no one's glance.

"What he speaks is true. In my trade I hold acquaintance with many of the race of man, from all regions of Middle Earth. As of late I have noticed that some who were under Sauron's thrall have returned to their odious deeds. Others have noted increased danger on roads and in town that once were peaceful. They fear this unknown evil and many have fled to safer locations, only to find them equally disturbed. Whatever this council decides, let it be known that I will endeavor to aid them in defeating this evil. I cannot afford the lives that it will cost should it be allowed to continue."

She bowed her head slightly, stepping back again, and trying to hide her frustration. Were she not trapped within this meeting, she would be able to check on her informants and attempt to give them what help she could. As it was, she has no choice but to remain and, brushing aside those thoughts, Earmaiwen focused on the next person to speak...

[Dáin Ironfoot I]

"Long have I lived in Khazad-dûm, exposed to naught but darkness and death. All here speak of rumours, impending doom, and whispers of a darkness arising. Well I tell you, it is here, and is very real," Falim spoke, his voice strong and confident. The fair folk about him gave no expression to his words, save the Queen alone.

"Friend, you speak as if you know something we do not. What is taking place in the dark, in the deepest places of the earth that none save you know of?" her voice was calm and emotionless, and was shrouded in doubt.

To her question, Falim stood and addressed the entire council. "Khazad-dûm has been taken by my kin, it's silent halls have been purged of the rahkâs that infested them. But something lurks deep below, more terrible than Durin's bane and more vile than Azog the ruhks-baraz, or the Red Orc in the common tongue," Falim's face twisted and contorted in fear, "A demon of fire and shadow that sleeps naught, and broods silently in the dark. I have seen it: an Uzbar-baraz; a Red Queen of the vaularaukur."

At his words came a cry of shock and fear from the council. The Lady's face tilted to the ground, contemplating Falim's information. Finally, she stood, and the council was quieted once again; the tension hung in the air like a heavy blanket, prepared to smother the people underneath it.

"Stealthspear, Dwarf of the Dark: you are proposing that in the deepest places of the earth there lies a Balrog queen; slowly nursing more demons of flame and licking her wounds?" she asked.

"That is exactly what I am telling you lady. Khazad-dûm shall be a kingdom of flame and death in a short matter of time," Falim replied, his voice cold and harsh, like the ring of cold steel clashing against an iron forge. The council erupted with cries of blasphemy and outrage, demanding to know if this black-clad Dwarf was sane.

"This is most unfortunate indeed," she spoke, her voice grim and foreboding, "For I have looked within this Dwarf, and he speaks naught but the truth." She slowly sat down in her regal chair, her slim form trembling slightly in fear and doubt.

The council was quiet.

[LadyDernhelm]

"This fire has already begun," Nuryávië cried out. "For upon my Quest I was pursued at once by three of these fiery demons, and their might was indeed greater than any I have experienced in long years.

"All day was the battle upon that plain waged, between the demons of Morgoth and Celebthôl and I, and if any had seen the fire and smoke which went up from that place the Battle of the Plain should be sung as a ballad for generations hence.

"This is a threat none of us can ignore."

[The-Elf-Herself]

"That is clear," Earmaiwen replied. "Yet what of it? Do any here have any plans?"

[Celebthôl]

Celebthôl stood up

"I have plans already, i know what must be done, i will soon tell my part of the story, and thenwe shall see what you all wish to do from there..."

*He took his seat and again and surveyed the audiance....*

[Dáin Ironfoot I]

Falim stood up in rage and protest.

"Speak Elf! If you know something that could help save Khazad-dum, then you have every obligation to tell us of it now!" Falim shouted, his face full of anger. "I say we strike the heart of the Balrogs, by slaying their Queen, the uzbar-baraz! Only then will the flames of hatred be quenched!" Falim's cold blue eyes pierced the Elf like blades of ice.

Celebthol shifted in his seat uncomfortably, all eyes were upon him.

[LadyDernhelm]

Erinwen rose and reached a hand toward the angry Dwarf.

"We must meet in peace if we are to avert war," she said. "We are all anxious, Falim Stealthspear, to save our lands. As much as Khazad-dûm would fall with the rest, so will it be won from the vaularukur which haunt it.

"Yet," she said, turning to Celebthôl, "In this time of need, a message born by one who comes to us from Manwë himself is greatly needed. Speak, for your words may yet change the plans and the fate of all present."

[Celebthôl]

Celebthôl rose again for the third time

"Indeed fair maiden, the tydings i carry are both fell and beneficial, firstly i will open with the fell:"

He looked grave and there was no other emotion other than seriousness in his face!

"The watch on the great void has failed, Morgoth HAS re-enterd Arda, it was known that this day would come, but the exhaulted Manwe is still not sure where Morgoth retreated to! It is believed that he came and settled in the deep vastness of *his voice lowered to a deep throb* Khazad-dûm, I was sent to bring word and before the war is over you shall all be greatfull of the word of Manwe, you must unite, you must pull together and you must above all else keep your friends closer!!! *his voice grew to a deep shout*"

With that he shone with a light brighter than any that had been seen in Middle Earth before save when the Valar came and captured Morgoth before the firstborn were awakened! All the company had to shield their eyes from the shear brightness and when it had died down they all looked with awe at who stood before them! For it was not Celebthôl anymore, it was an Elven King of much higher and more powerful stance!

"Did i not tell ye that ye shall be gratefull of the word of Manwe, for I am indeed Fingolfin High King of the Noldor! Most fierd and Hated by Morgoth himself! And it is due to the mighty words of Ilúvatar that I am brought forward from my place of rest in the halls of Mandos! To aid the free people of Middle Earth!"

He grasped at the hilt of his sword Ringil and drew it forth!

"This is indeed the only weapon ever to wound the Dark Lord, now for futher plans on this war!..."

He stood now and did not sit, but he looked mighty and had now grown tall and he looked upon all the member of the council, none could hold his gaze, and he percieved the thoughts of all there.

"Do not be troubled friend Falim, Khazad-dum shall not be lost...not again! Now what does the counsil sayeth?"

[The-Elf-Herself]

*Earmaiwen shrugged in the ensuing silence. This was wonderful: first Morgoth returns, then returns the High King as well. Her eyes flicked impatiently around the room. She did not have the peace to endure this sort of council, yet she saw no way to escape it. Earmaiwen started to glow faintly, unnoticeable compared to Fingolfin, yet dangerous in it's own way, for it was not borne of glory but of pain. With difficulty she maintained a cool, impassive expression, trying not to lose control. The last thing she needed was a relapse.

[LadyDernhelm]

Erinwen rose and inclined her head toward the figure of the High King.

"What then, would you advise we do?" she asked, her face and her tones impassive.

"If you are indeed come from Manwë then we must needs hear the plan which thou and he have crafted in the Lands Undying, that it might be our salvation in this darkest hour." It was Nuryávië now who spoke, and there was wonder in her voice as she gazed upon the unfamiliar face of the one with whom she had gone far.

[Celebthôl]

Fingolfin looked grave...

"You MUST band together, you must form an alliance, not only of just Men and Elves, but also including all the houses of the Dwarves aswell, you must strike fast, though now i think it may be to late to hold back the tide, though it can be stayed, it WILL happen"

He looked at the company again

"Our first plan i believe is to rid Khazad-dum of these new evils, i cannot do this alone and i will need help, I will not fight unless there is dyer need, you must muster all available troops now or it will never happen, you shall not get another chance, what is the contingent that can be raised within 1 week?"

He pulled his cloak back and the emblam of the house of Fingolfin shon forth from his Mithril armour

"You have seen a part of what i have to offer you SHALL be the more happier when the time has come for the final twist i have in all this!"

He awaited for the answers of Erinwen...

[LadyDernhelm]

OOC: Thank you, Celeb. Well-done editing there.

IC:

Erinwen nodded gravely, her white face drawn with fatigue and grief of the day.

"You have heard the words the High King has spoken," she addressed the Council.

Nuryávië stood.

"I shall return to Gondor," she said, "For my people have need of me in this time, and I must go to the King of that land as I had first purposed. Perhaps when my own journey is done I may return with my own contingent to Khazad-dûm, that the strength of the Southern Elves may be lent to that of the rest in this perilous hour."

Erinwen nodded. "So be it, then," she said.

"Who will undertake the journey to Khazad-dûm, and who will return with the Lady Nuryávë to Gondor?"

OOC: Celeb, realize: you are basically in charge of the Khazad-dûm half of the next bit, since you WON'T communicate any plans....

[Celebthôl]

Fingolfin took council deep within himself,

"Here is what i suggest, that I half the Men of Eriador and all the Dwarves from Ered Luin head for Khazad-dum, from there we shall retake it and cleanse it of all fell things, after that we shall exit the eastern door and head south via Lórien meet up with the Lake Men and the Dwarves of Erabor and head down to Gondor from the norht to meet up with you again...

In the mean time all the Elves and the other half of the Men head for Gondor, via the Gap of Roahn, they shall stop off at Edoras and repenish their forces from there then head to Gondor from the west there should be little resistance until you come to the horse lords plains, this is to be the biggest movement of troops ever seen in Arda, we must empty all the strongholds and castles, we must pull down all the troops that there are and send them by any means possible to Gondor, and it must be done within the week!"

He grew is stature and his vioce grew deep and commanding again!

"What say the council?"

[LadyDernhelm]

OOC: Celeb, watch the numbers here, okay? You're creating a need for more people every time you get reinforcements. ;-)

IC:

Erinwen spread her hands wide, in a gesture to the Council.

"Who will follow?"

[Mablung]

The two Dunedain who had been sitting in on the council spoke for the first time. They both looked extremely grim with no hope in their faces. Naris shook his head slowly unconvinced "The last time a darkness came upon our land it was driven by the Maiar Sauron. Barely did we defeat him with great losses taken by qall the Free Peoples of Middle Earth. How can we expect to defeat something so much more powerful such as Morgoth?"

Caradun took over from the end of this grim statement and stood before everyone in the council. "However inaction is a decision that cannot be made. It seems we have no other choice, so we will follow Fingolfin to the end for better or worse."

[Dáin Ironfoot I]

"I shall follow to protect Khazad-dum, and slay the Queen of Balrogs, the uzbar-baraz,as she shall be henceforth called. Remeber that name, for she shall haunt your dreams forever as she has done to me. I shall go as far as my home, and purge its halls, but it is there that I must end my journey. I care not for the cities of men and elves in my old age; I wish only to rest in the silent night of Khazad-dum," spoke Falim, his voice wearied with old age and need of rest.

"There is naught more to discuss here, I am growing older just sitting here."

[The-Elf-Herself]

"I will join Lady Nuryavië on her journey to the south," Lirraum stated simply.

[LadyDernhelm]

OK, we are going to move this over to the other board. Sorry for the delay!!!!!

Check for it to be there tonight (Tuesday, Apr 22)