RP 19: Voyage to the Uttermost

[Dain Ironfoot]

Dain, one of the only Dwarves to trust horses, gets on his horse Dail and follows at a good ace behind the group.

Dain slowly aproches(sp) Jahrdur and wispers "So why don't you tell them..." in his ear.

"I, I, I, don't know what you mean!!!" He shot back all too quickly.

"Oh, but do you? does this remind you of anything??" Dain pulls out a madalion with 4 different stones in it. One blue, one green, one red, and in the middle there is a white stone, yet it was all color, and then none.

"W..Whe....Where did you get THAT???" He said in a shriek, crawling away trying to cover himself....

"T'was a gift from a friend, and bane to many....." He said with a laugh...

*They reach the center of the island, it is a swampy marsh and about a hundred yards away there is a jagged rock, gleaming with death. It was a black rock, it seemed to almost suck the light into it.........

[Morwen]

*The sword silently laughed at its cleverness, glowing wickedly in its maliciousness; yet it was slighty agitated that it felt some resentment at what it had done. It decided against the false course and swirled again, showing the true course to be a mile to the east.*

*Desert sands rolled through the dune-full desert of the center, creating a kaleidoscope of mirages and forbiding colors. The crew sowly crept from the protection of the forest, wondering if this inhospitable place could possibly hold their foe.

The desert sands suddenly parted so that the crew looked apon a new and wondrous sight; that of a rising white hall of.....trees. Baffled at the sight of towering white trees, the crew looked from one another in a amazement. Huge in size where these trees; the top most boughs forming the ceiling of the hall, and the hanging limbs forming the walls. Crystal roses plaited the trunks and larger limbs, and great columns of white lined the hall from front to back. Standing stolidly upon each of these columns were winged beauties with flowing white tresses and crimson eyes; each carried a carved staff in likeness to the one Morwen was offered.

In the center of the monstrous room awaited a blizzard dragon; a great white mountain with streaming horns of crystal wonder and great claws of the glacier. A silver plaited head moved comfortably from side to side, and a great belly rose in contentment.

An angel from the top-most column finally moved and spoke thus,"Welcome, crew of the lost One. For The Sword of Light you have come, no doubt; and be it thy luck, or the wishes of the One, that you would survive Lightingbane. None have defeated him; none could even begin; none could have succeeded. Be you wary, for many riddles dost he have. May the darkness never enter here or all be defeated!" She raised her glowing staff into the air and swiftly struck the column on which she stood. A chorus of deep voices sounded throughout the room and knocked the crew from the standing position.

A large, brilliant blue eye opened for the first time in many, many years.*

[Mithrandir]

Mithrandir folded the message up and put it close to his heart, he looked into the eyes of the crow once more,"You may go my frined, a job well done. I thank you." the crow fled away and Mithrandir turned to Beorn.
"Well friend the news I have is of good and bad. Morwen is no longer with us, she sacrificed herslef for Aerin. This is all I know, the full story will be brought to us later. The company heads for the center of the island. Are we to stay here and wait, or go to their aid. I know not what to do, please you have been here longer and no more of the quest, what are your thoughts......

[Ciryaher]

Ciryaher covered his eyes and made well sure not to look into the dragon's eye. He bends his mind towards the new stone-bearer and spoke faintly: Since you bear the Firststone, you must find out what to do...Beware of that dragon, it can't be trusted no matter who's side it claims to be on.

He gave Aerin a wary look and began whispering to Jahrdur...

[Eomer Dinmention]

*Eomer sees Dain pull out the stones. His eyes light up. But does nothing.

Eomer then sees Cir closing his eyes. Eomer knows Cir is communcating with Aerin.

But again does nothing

[Dain Ironfoot]

ooc: Who deleted mine tel's and Eomers posts????


***Ciryaher says: I did. You people are deviating from the Author's plot and until you learn to stop adding your own elements, expect your posts to get deleted.***

[Morwen]

*A noise of shattering ice filled the large hall as the mighty dragon rose from its peaceful rest. Sleek muscles rippled as it unfolded its wings, and startling blue eyes contrasted sharply with snow-white skin.
He was beautiful; truly a magnificent creature.

A glance at the crew and he began his killing saunter, not uttering a word , for words could not possibly strike as much fear into the heart as the confident and horrific leer of Lightingbane.*


*A mental warning flies across the sea to Ciryaher...BEWARE! This dragon is no fool. Though he will not speak, his power is great..... *

[Dain Ironfoot]

OOC:Morwen aproved this post.....

Out of shadows a black blur streaked acrose the dragons hide. *KLINK* a sword was shattered........

"What??? That was an Elven Rune blade of old!! how could your hide be so that it breaks even the strongest mithril???" Dain asked going white in the face....

Dain realized saw a red glare in the dragons eye.... he knew it from somewere..that it was no ordinary dragon!!! no, no.. it was a PYLEXIAREN Dragon the last of it's kind..... the last one die many a year ago..... her name was Thunwaiy.... she was Dains..... Mother. Thunwaiy, he could tell by the look in the dragons masive eyes..

Dain still awstruck gasps..."Tunwaiy....... m..m.my Mother????" Dain said with a lump rising in his throat....

The dragons head wipped around and the glare grew....

"No.... not my mother...yet.... very similar...." Dain knew this was the most powerful dragon left in ME.

*Dain neeled to one knee and took out his two daggers. one he got after the first deivil they had beaten, and the second he got from his father the last night he saw him in that dark cave... He held one in each hand and prayed with all his hope, compashion, and trust.... The daggers started to glow faintly...... then more rapidly the grew to a blasing(sp) blue hue...Dains cloths started to rip, scales grew where there was skin before, and his head twisted into a terible sight to behold..... He was a little smaller than the grand dragon that sat befor him, that did not stop him from charging head on into the mighty dragon....

"Tal use your dragon form!!!! go for the right!!!!!" Dain yelled with tears in his eyes......

[Talierin]

Talierin started from the shocked frozeness she had been in since the dragon appeared, and shouted a terrible word as she ran forward. Right before the company's eyes, she changed into a great golden dragon, burning like the sun and fiercely roaring. She charged the right side of the white dragon, catching it by surprise and raking her claws along its side, the sharp edges ripping the white scales off like no other weapon could.....

[Mithrandir]

Back at the ship Mithrandir stares in the direction of the company...

"My love, she fights. What is this, she is not the same, she has hate in her eyes, and a love for battle. I see, she has taken the form of a dragon. be careful Talierin you know the dangers of taking such a form......"

[Eomer Dinmention]

***I only followed the plot that Dain set out. I never added any of mine***

*Eomer's eyes start to darken. He too wants a battle. Long has he wanted to fight a dragon all anything. That will try to harm him

[Ciryaher]

Ciryaher and the smaller, non-scaled members of the group took cover from the imminent rampage of the dragons. He spoke to Aerin: That damnable dragon is stronger than our comrades think...but I do not believe he will kill them. We must be ready to take advantage of any opening that may arise. Also, have you any idea what it wants?

Having asked that question, the Emperor began channeling a small amount of power from the other Heliomancers to supplant his own. Speaking strange words, he closed his eyes and continued a soft, half-vocal, half-mental chant.

[Aerin]

Aerin heard Ciryaher's words, and then felt the pull as he began to draw his powers. She did not pay much heed to it because she was intent on staring at the dragon.
The dragon's icy blue eyes seemed a startling contrast to the rest of its body. She was taken aback at the malice and pure hatred that lay in the depths of those eyes; this was a killing machine with no remorse or feeling of any sort.

As she saw Talierin and Dain begin to fight the white dragon, she began to concentrate on the hulking beast. Tentatively reaching her thoughts out toward the malicious creature; she tried to discern from its thoughts what it wanted from the company.
Fierce images danced before Aerin's eyes as she probed the mind of the dragon. She tried to close her eyes to block out the horrendous images, but to no avail. Scenes of horror floated in her mind, showing her pain and suffering of beings in times long past.

Gasping, she retracted her mind and refocused her eyes just in time to see the dragon eye her for a brief moment before continuing fighting with its opponents. Aerin looked down at the ground, and realized that this foe was not merely powerful and intimidating; but it was also intelligent.

[Eomer Dinmention]

*Eomer takes out his bow.

He aimed the arrow at the Dragon's eye.

AS he was about to shoot, the Dragon wipped his tail at Eomer and Eomer shot into the sky.

On the boat, Mithrandir was looking into the forest. As Eomer was about to turn, an arrow landed straight in front of him.

*Mithrandir picked it up "This is Eomers arrow. OOOOh his lucky, if that hit me, i would turn him into an arrow and shoot him far across the sea"

[Lorien]

Lorien awed by the thundering dragons about starts circling warily looking for some opening to attack the white dragon.

[Mithrandir]

Back at the boat....

"This foe they face is great,"Mith. said as he concentrated on the battle,"I fear for all of them. I am going to their aid, if you wish to come Beorn yo may, but I am going now. Keep safe friend, until I return."

At that Mithrandir let out a whistle and a white steed came from the bushes. Mithrandir hoped on the beautiful horse and went off at a lightning fast speed......

[Morwen]

*A cloud of darkness suddenly materialized above the fighting dragons, hissing maliciously and bursting with bulbous rays of crimson light. White lightning weaved throughout the broiling mass, casting shadows upon the crew.

A finely cut sword suddenly dropped from the lugubrious chasm of the dark cloud, and landed with a roaring *clank* to the marble floor beneath. A voice whispered on the wind begged Lorien to grasp The Sword of Darkness; May the darkness never enter here or all shall be defeated!

The great white beast continued its lazy fight with the lesser dragons, a knowing smile growing in its eyes.*

[Talierin]

*Talierin in her form as the great golden dragon was quickly wearing out, from the strain of fighting and holding her shape. At first she had given the white dragon several serious wounds, but now her claws were barely scratching the white scales. Her breath came in ragged spurts of fire, and her tail got slower and slower at countering the white dragon's attacks. Finally, she gave a gasp and fell to the ground, coming out of dragon form in the process. She crawled weakly a few feet towards where the rest of the crew was, shuddered and cried out "Mithers!", and collapsed, completly spent and near death....*

[Lorien]

Lorien is startled by the voice which sounds beautiful yet horrifying and against his heart moves towards the sword cautiously twisting and leaping to avoid the dragons stomping about. When he reaches the sword he gingerly touches the hilt with his hand and waits in fear and expectations of pain....

[Morwen]

*A black claw of smoke and hell rises from the sword and firmly clasps Lorien's arm, bonding the arm and hand with its malicious metal. Pulses of extreme power radiated through Lorien, and thoughts were imparted from the sword.

Weild me willingly, Man of the Dark, and together we shall see this light perish.

The white dragon suddenly paused, eyes blinking. He lowered his silver plaited head and launched himself at the sword-bearer.*

[Ciryaher]

The Emperor saw his opportunity as the white dragon leap towards Lorien, who was still recovering his bearings. With a cry in the strange tongue of the heliomancers, Ciryaher stretched his palms towards the serpent. A glowing aura appeared in the air before his hands and grew to a blinding sphere. With another yell, Ciryaher threw the ball into the air where it promptly vanished.

As the dragon grew within striking distance of Lorien, it was surprised to see the small, dazed human-figure erupt with a red light and pour shadows from his eyes. There was a low, rumbling noise and a part of the hall's ceiling fell down, creating a small hole. Through this hole, and beam of light came; a beam so powerful that it burned the pale, white dragon like nothing it had ever experienced.

Ciryaher then called out to Lorien, "Strike swiftly, friend! He is weakened in the radiant force of the Sun!"

[Mithrandir]

Mithrandir busts through the halls disregarding everything he runs to Talierin
"No, My love, I did not come in time. The only hope is to fix my delay and stop death from coming. " He then closes his eyes and starts a low chant barely hearable. A soft glow begins too show up around Mith and Tal. Mith. puts his hand on Talierin's head and continues to chant, it getting louder all the time.

tal. begins to float in the air and the light get's brighter..........

[Lorien]

Lorien shifts quickly hearing the roar of the white dragon's pain and hears Cirhayer's call. He leaps swiftly in the air and strikes a heavy blow on the dragons head and feels a hard jolt run through his arm and he gives a cry of pain. As he hits the ground heavily he sees the dragon bleeding a fuming black blood in starkling contrast to it's pale, white skin from where he had struck him and the dragon lurches forward its feet heading for his head. Lorien dives forward and lands right under the belly of the beast. Seizing this opportunity he begins slashing wildly while screaming out aloud at the pain that ran thorugh his arm every time he struck a blow and soon he was covered in dark, scalding blood. and as the dragon fell to the ground he drove the Sword of Darkness for one last stroke as the dragon's heart impaled upon the sword and there was an earsplitting wail of pain from the startled dragon who had not ever experienced such pain from any dragon let alone a mortal and Lorien with his head ringing of the wail and the stench and burning of the dragons blood and his own scorched skin mercifully blacked out as he saw the dragon coming down upon him.

[Talierin]

Pain....dizziness....brightness....noise....dragon s....death....floating? Talierin's thoughts came in a jumble of words, feelings, images. She could not see. Her mind was so foggy and strange, the only things that seemed remotely familiar was a heavy warmth upon her forehead, and a low sound like a voice coming from somewhere above her. She strained to hear what it was, but could not make out any of the words, if words they were. She seemed to be floating above ground, then suddenly she felt something hard underneath her, and the sound ceased. Then more clearly than the sound, she heard a voice saying "I have done what I can. She needs to wander in the gardens of Estë..." Then a single word was spoken close to her ear, and she blanked out into the world of deep sleep.....

[Aerin]

Aerin had watched, horror-stricken, as Talierin was struck down and as Lorien slew the dragon.
Seeing that Mithers had taken charge of Tal, Aerin rushed over to the unconscious Lorien. Struggling to push the weight of the dead monster off of him, she called out for assistance. Finally, the massive bulk was moved and Lorien pulled out from beneath.

"We need to bind everyone's wounds. If someone can get basins, cloths and water, the sooner the wounded will be well."

Looking once more at the corpse of the dragon, Aerin wondered what force could have awoken such a horrible creation. She knew that whatever it was that was sending these forces against them would not stop until the quest was over.

[Ciryaher]

Ciryaher flung his arms upward, and the remainder of the roof of the hall wass blown up and outwards. His eyes adjusted instantly and he rummaged through his pack for bowls as he trotted towards a fountain. He pulled out a wooden bowl and dipped it in the trickle of water, tasting it to make sure that there was no poison in it. Satisfied, he filled every container he had and strode back to the company.

[Morwen]

*A rumbling echoed throughout the land as the last of the marble wall fell from its perch. The dust settled silently and swirled over the rubble; and the birds sang a game of silence with nature. The ethereal silence was unnerving to the crew. It seemed otherworldly and deviant; and the dust seemed to feel it also, occasionally striking up from the ground in clouds of shards and swords.

A low moan began...and grew till it was a chorus of deep voices. A block of marble shook violently and leapt up into the air, coming to a stop at its former resting place. The other slabs and blocks did the same, the dust swirling insanely. Soon the whole hall was again rebuilt, and the crew stood dumbfounded at the sight; but once the dust cleared, hope was found in the place of despair. A gleaming sword of white levitated in a beam of light in the center of the room; its finely made handle gleaming handsomely in the light, and its silver blade shone with strength and empathy.

A voice again whispered on the wind and beckoned Mithrandir to take the sword in his hand. You shall be its bearer and its wielder; and you shall use it to heal your beloved. It is yours to bear until it rests in the place of its desire. Bear it well, Man of Light.*

[Tarien]

Tarien, who ran away to avoid being stepped on, now returned.
"Elbereth! I leave and half the party is hurt." She says reproachfully. "I said I would try to protect them." She steps foreward. "And I did try ." She takes a pouch from her quiver and adds some powder to the water Ciryaher is carrying.

[Ciryaher]

Ciryaher looked disapprovingly at the self-rebuilt wall, but continued towards the group. Watching Tarien pour something in his water he asked, "What manner of substance is this? My eyes examine the particles, but I do not recognize it."

He came to the group and set down several bowls, a ewer, three silver flasks, and a leather bota. "Add that to all of the containers while I purify the water," he said, and then held his hands over the waters. There seemed to be no change, and seeing the questioning glances of severl in the party, he gestured to their light-colored garments; they were glowing.

[Mithrandir]

Mithrandir looked up from Talierin his eyes directly on the sword,"Yes, I understand,"he said very quietly.

He walked toward the sword slowly, yet with full confidence. When he reached the light he put his hand into the beam of light, as soon as his hand touched the hilt Mithrandir's body disappeared and what was left was a giant beam of light. In the next instant Mithrandir was back, sword in hand, and his eyes glowing a great, bright light.

He walked over to Talierin,"It is ok, my dear. I am here." He slowly put the sword into her hands and closed his hands over hers.

"Wake up now my beloved the time has come"........

[Tarien]

"It was never named. I grew it in my garden in Gondolin, where it was valued for it's beauty and scent. Only until my travels after my death did I discover it's use in medicine. It will aid in the healing of mind and body, and it's virtue is potent." Tarien explains. "Yet it's power is not limitless, and it cannot cure some wounds, nor bring back what is lost to us." She unconsiously brought her hand up to her cheek, then looked at it. She felt the side of her face with growing concern.
"What could.." she whispered. "Of course. Through death, the destruction of my form, it remained. It was a link, now gone because..." She notices people are staring at her, and pushes the ever-present lock behind her ear for the first time in a milenia. Odd, she thought. For so long she was ashamed by the mark, and wished it gone. Now she would do anything to have it back, because that would mean she was back.
"I'm fine."

[Ciryaher]

Ciryaher tilted his head to the side and lowered his hands. "Gondolin? Really?" he queried, "Hmm...that's interesting. Here, the water is ready, friends. Bath the wounds first, then each of you drink from the silver flasks."

Looking down upon Talierin he said solemnly, "Alas that you tried such a foe, but I say to you and those present: The Body is weak, but it will heal"

[Mithrandir]

"She will be fine my friend, thank you....

"Here my sweet, drink of the water".....

Mithrandir puts the water up to Talierins moutht leting the liquid slowly and smoothly go into her mouth.....

[Talierin]

The sensation of liquid going down her throat brought Talierin back from the strange world she wandered in, and she opened her eyes. She struggled to sit up, saying "Where....where am I?". The world was blurry, but she could see shapes moving in front of her.

A familiar voice spoke. "You have wandered long and in strange places, but you have returned to me, orë. We are on the second island of the quest, with our friends. Here, lean against me, love, for you are still weak." One of the shapes by her side moved to sit behind her, and she leaned against him, his arms wrapping around her.

"Mithers....what happened?"

"You collasped from the strain of holding dragon form while fighting a foe much greater than you in strength. But don't worry, he has been defeated at the last, and you will heal. The sword of light has made sure of that, along with Tarien's strange powder mixed in the water I gave you. You still need much sleep though, so close your eyes. The company will not move for many hours yet."

Talierin was obedient and shut her eyes, but spoke once more, "Mithers...."
"Hmm?"
"I love you" And with that, she was asleep.....




(okay, everyone say awwww!):D

[Ciryaher]

Ciryaher smiled softly at the couple, and then closed his eyes.

The Heliomancer let his mind's-eye soar through the vaulted ceiling of the hall. It rose high into the sky and met with the great Sun. There was little to be seen in the vast expanse of dunes, but a forest could be seen deep in the south, and a faint blue line on the horizon hinted at the eastern shore of the island.

The part of his mind that had left returned to the Emperor, and he opened his eyes. "We are ready for the next stage of the Quest. I will immerse my mind, and with friend Aerin, will attempt to see the next step to which we must traverse," he finished quietly and let his eyelids droop with inward travelling.

[Tarien]

Tarien stares at the ceiling. Before Aerin begins her mental search, Tarien strides over to her.
"If I may aid, I shall. You have my bow, and my skill, at your command. I shall see this quest completed." She says. "And I shall not leave the Company again."

[Morwen]

*The wind angrily rushes against the stationary crew, breezing its furry at their delay; for those who remain too long shall surely get bitten.*

[Eomer Dinmention]

*Eomer sat down. He starts to fiddle with his own necklace. As it starts to grow, he laughs.

"Such a beautiful necklace, my father and mother gave to me. How i wish they were alive"

[Aerin]

Aerin blinked her eyes, as if she was coming out of a slight trance. As she felt the wind on her face, she concentrated on the task at hand.
Immediately after she closed her eyes Aerin began to see part of the journey ahead of them. The aerial view of the path the company must take rushed by Aerin's eyes as she tried to discern what the destination of this journey would be.

Trees and bushes flitted by, turning into a green blur. Small streams and creeks wound about the trees, snaking their paths to unknown deltas that emptied into the sea.
Bringing her gaze from the trees to the horizon, Aerin noticed a dark storm cloud brewing in the distance. The more she studied the gloomy sky, the more unlike a raincloud it looked. The blackness of the low-hanging vapour seemed to permeate the air around it, sucking in any light that dared approach. The utter desolation and consumptive nature of the cloud became more oppressive the closer she came. Hope seemed to be replaced with desperation as the looming shape drew nearer.

Ciryaher, can you see what I see? What do you make this out to be?

[Eomer Dinmention]

*as Eomer was fiddling with his necklace. He felt some evil inside of his heart. He stood up and saw the Black Cloud. He went near Aerin.

"Lady Aerin, I have a feeling that this is not good. What is it?"

[Tarien]

Tarien's eyes widened at the sight, and she immediately threw both arms up, her palms facing the storm.
"This is beyond any of us. Together we could hold it back, for a time, before it grows and we weaken. But what good would it do? Why is it there, and what will controls it? What do they want?"

[Morwen]

*Despite the prowess of the crew in defeating or outrunning foes, this cloud of innumerable possibilities and evils approached quickly. Its bulbous mass of broiling darkness and sword swipes of white lightning enveloped the crew. The ground became dark, flowing vapors and the sky became sodden with crimson and black waves of energy. Action was present at all times; it seemed like time had leapt forward.

When the crew could no more feel solid ground beneath trembling legs, and the entire cloud enveloped them, did they begin to see legends. Manwe, Lord of the Eagles, majestically sat upon his omniscient throne; a darkness entered the land and sucked life from the trees of Light; Beleriand was swallowed by the storming seas; the one ring was forged; Turin slayed the dragon; Beren laid is sore eyes upon the lighting Luthien; Frodo set upon a quest; Morwen and her crew sailed into the Uttermost.
Each moment was vivid and alarming; each person seemed of flesh and not mirage; each emotion rang through the bodies in an echoing stream of might.

Suddenly, solid ground materialized beneath the stunned crew. The small but very flat ilse encompassed the entire scale of grey; changing from time to time to a different shade. At the far end was a huge, black gate carved of odd runes. It too changed color constantly; starting with the color of the first day of its completion, ranging throughout the years of its existence.
But within this swirling vortex of changing color was the steady glint of a sword. The sword, along with the island and gate, changed. From a brilliant and bright newly forged sword, it transformed to a rusted antiquity, then to a broken shard of a once magnificent weapon. Vines coated it one second, then bright crimson blood in another. It sang a different song with each transformation; but each song was united within time. Clouds rushed by in a traffic jam of time, and history repeated itself a thousand times over.

And soon the sword called to its appointed bearer; The Lady Kementari. Broken fragments of time revealed the Lady grasping the sword and steadily walking to the crew. Then all was still; time frozen into an eternal whiteness.

The tempest wailed and bashed against the sides of the ship, her crew desperately trying to control her. The three sword bearers, Lorien, Kem, and Mithers, all felt the anticipation of a great power gathering within their weapons. A smile crested upon each face; a smile of hope.*

[Tarien]

Tarien cries to the winds in some unintelligible tounge. Her voice rose above the howling like music, commanding the elements to obey her.

For a brief time, tranquility is restored. Then the storm grows and she faints, held in place by the rails she stood by, and her own force of will.

[Lorien]

Lorien wears a hopeful smile as all pain in his arm ceased and he instantly felt surges of energy coursing through his veins. He felt like he could take on any foe single handed even unarmed.

[Ciryaher]

Ciryaher ran to the prow of the ship and looked down into the turbulent waters below. It seemed to him that he could see something deep beneath...was it a city? But no, the image changed and there was the vision of mountains; this too changed.

The light whirled around like a great tempest, but out of nowhere, there was a deafening explosion, followed by a low, groaning noise. A steady point of light appeared and grew larger. As the light increased in size, the center seemed dimmer, and then it was obvious that it was a clear and stable window into some tunnel.

The Emperor's eyes widened with knowledge and he glanced at Aerin, sending a burst of thought: That is the final destination! The Altar is through there; should all of the company go through?

He stood before the tunnel and peered in, and then glanced back to await the decision.

[Mithrandir]

Mithrandir looks at the sword in his hands and sees the energy surging through it. He feels more power in his hand and sword than he has ever felt before. He looks down at Talierin,"Stay here my sweet, I will return, you shall be safe." Mithrandir gently puts Talerin down calling Eomer to her side, "Watch her and if danger comes promise me you will get her out of here. Thank you my friend." Mithrandir looks at the storm and lifts his sword into the air........

[Eomer Dinmention]

"oh what, I wanted to fight too. Oh well. Well Tal it looks like its just you and me."

*Eomer takes out his sword. And looks ahead

[Tarien]

Tarin follows, for the moment unnoticed and forgotten, hoping that she may somehow helpful.

After a while, nothing happens, and she sits on a ledge. Yet boredom was impossible, when the very air laden with Doom's heavy hand. It seemed to sap her strength, and she leaned back against the wall, closing her eyes.

[Dain Ironfoot]

Dain, staying in the shadow was scared beond reconing, he knew this cloud..........

[Tarien]

Tarien fell asleep, then woke with a start. What could be draining her like this? Elves, in fact no one, was just suddenly exhausted. She felt fine a minute ago.

[Ciryaher]

"Friend Aerin! We must make haste; shall we pass through this portal and seek its end?" Ciryaher shouted over the roaring of the turbulent waves of time.

[Aerin]

As Aerin looked at the roiling undulations of time, she calculated the risk the company would take by traveling through the whorl.

"Let's go, time grows short!" Aerin yelled back to Ciryaher.

She took a deep breath and hurled herself into the swirling mass of time.

[Cygnus]

ooc: Sorry about my absense. Can someone catch me up?

[Ciryaher]

Ciryaher beckoned to the sword-bearers, and then dove into the portal headfirst.

The tunnel resembled the throat of some glassy dragon, and twisted and turned and writhed about as the Emperor shot through it. There was a brief straight stretch, and he saw a blur-like Aerin there, but there were more turns and he lost her. A red light began to grow, and it seemed always just ahead of him in the center of the tube. It began as bright as the sun, and then everything went black...

[to be continued later]

[Lorien]

Lorien gulped nervously but gathered his courage and leaped in after Cir. As he entered the portal he felt as if the sword he was holding would be ripped from his grasp along with his arm and excruciating pain swept through his body racking him and he started convulsing and then he heard a voice seemingly sexless, neither male nor female, but it carried with it the malice, wrath and anger of a thousand dragons. The voice was at first slurred and indistinguishable but slowly it became clearer and the words it spoke were in the tongue of the Valinorian elves with whom he had spent his early days. It said, "Son, Brother, Friend give the sword to me. Free yourself of this pain and torture. Give up the sword and you will be safely returned to your home. ". Lorien thought, "Home. Angmar.". But then the voice gently said, "No, Child of Darkness. Your true home. Valinor. With your parents again. With your childhood love. Your true home, Valinor. All your deeds shall be forgiven. Home. Safe.". The single thought now running through Lorien's mind was, "Home, with my family. My love." Slowly Lorien felt an easing of pain as he tried releasing the sword and he felt it leaving his grasp. Then suddenly he thought of Morwen and the rest of the company and the duty, the oath he owed them. Then suddenly the voice came back stronger and grew more insisting, "Give me the sword. Home. Safe. " Lorien slowly shook his head and said in his mind, "No." The voice grew louder and angrier and soon it was a loud shrieking wail that kept repeating, "Give me the sword. Give me the sword. Give me the sword. Give me the...... " Lorien tightened his grip on the sword and felt as if his arm was to be ripped off and then suddenly he saw a pinpoint of darkness, darker than he had ever seen, the pinpoint grew steadily larger and then it enveloped him completely and seemed to pierce his mind. Then thankfully all went black.

[Mithrandir]

Mithrandir took the sword and jumped in to the timless spasm. As he hit the void everything arund him turned to a blinding light, all he could see was white light, everywhere, where was he to go? what was he to do? Lost in a void of light, suddenly the sword in his hand began to become a lage weight, hevier than anything he had ever held before...no, I must hold on, as he struggled and struggled, suddenly Mith. was one with the light, everyhing about him, disappeared, and he the light was gone, darkness.........

[Kementari]

Kem jumped into the tunnel quickly, having no time to think the situation over, and was startled at first because her vision was blurred from the light and she could not see Cir nor any of her friends near at hand. She calmed herself and became aware of a power growing and coming closer. As she bagan to get used to the tunnel she was suddenly enveloped in darkness and a great forboding came over her.

[Ciryaher]

Ciryaher opened his eyes and he found himself laying face down upon dark, smooth stone. Looking forward, he saw Aerin rising to her feet and staring about. He picked himself up just in time for Lorien, Mithrandir, and Kementari to "explode" out of thin air and hit the ground.

The Emperor helped Kem to her feet and made sure all were fine. "I believe we are underground," he said, stating the obvious. Looking around, they were in an hexagonal chamber about 20 feet across in all directions. Coming down in the exact center of the room was a triangular column. There was a clear space about 6 feet high between it and the floor, which had a triangle engraved into it in line with the column.

On each side of the column was the imprint of each of the key-swords held by Mithrandir, Lorien, and Kementari. All around could be heard a steady, rumbling noise; the fiery deeps of Arda.

[Lorien]

Lorien closed his eyes and shook his head as if hoping for this place to give way to something more normal. He just stared silently at the three sword imprints and felt his mind wander listening to the steady rumbling noise.

[Tarien]

ooc: Cir and company- I know this story is about you, but can Dain and I have something to do as well? Tell me if I'm just selfish; I won't be offended.

[Cygnus]

ooc: i'm going to leave this RPG. I'll do other things in the meanwhile. See ya

[Ciryaher]

ooc: k, cyg. Tarien, you and Dain can PM me if there is a specific idea you have in mind.

[Mithrandir]

Mithranir arises to his feet and slowly comes back to reality. What a rush! He slowly scopes out the room, and his eyes focus on th place where he knows for some reason his sword belongs. "Well Ciryaher, I believe you know what has to be done....."

[Eomer Dinmention]

*Eomer sits down next to Tal

*Tal suddenly wakes up, She tries to get up, but falls down

*Eomer catches her
"Tal, you must rest, the others have gone through some portal or tunnel of something. Here and rest i will try everything to take away the pain in yor body"

*Eomer raises his hand over Tal's body and started to hum words in Rohirrim language. He then stops after 3 minutes.

"I am sorry Tal, but i have taken half of the pain away. I have done all i can, and the only thing you need is rest. I foolishly used my powers on such little things that i did not need. My powers are little now, I am not strong enough to heal you properly."

*Eomer sits back down next to Tal. And starts to fiddle with his necklace

[Ciryaher]

Ciryaher nodded and pointed at the obelisk. "You all must stand on the appropriate area and place the keys in the corresponding 'lock'. Beyond that, I have only a vague idea of what this device is capable of...the only thing I can determine is that we are directly connected to the fiery heart of Arda itself," he created an image in the air representing Arda and her fiery depths as an aid in the thought.

[Lorien]

Lorien looked at Ciryaher's image and nodded. Then he spoke, "Do we all do it together or shall I go first?"

[Talierin]

"I will be fine, friend, but thanks. I shall just close my eyes till the company returns."

[Ciryaher]

"You may each insert your keys whenever you are ready, and then the stone-bearers--Aerin and I--will activate the lock."

[Mithrandir]

Mithrandir gently places his sword into the keywhole. It begins to glow faintly, he steps back and waits for the others.....

[Aerin]

As she watched Mithrandir put his sword in its appropriate lock, Aerin turned to Ciryaher.

"Do you know what will happen when the lock is opened? From our past experiences, I fear that something terrible might be released, and I wonder if we will be strong enough to fight it off if the need arise."

Aerin's fingertips reached up to brush the surface of the stone around her neck. With a start, she realized it was warm and had a faint glow about it. Ciryaher also noticed the stone he bore was alight.

Perhaps no evil will come of this after all, I only wish Morwen was here to guide us on the next step.... Aerin thought wistfully.

[Ciryaher]

Ciryaher seemed to be drifting on some other plane of thought when he shuddered with a gasp.

He then looked at Aerin. In a way, she is with us both; here--now. Whatever the thing does, it will be beyond all the power of Creation to stop. I tried tapping into the power force of this place, and I stopped myself just as I neared the field...It is unimaginable!

"Swordbearers, follow the example of Mithrandir!"

[Lorien]

Lorien stepped forward and placed his sword at the key and his hand was suddenly freed from the sword and dark fumes spewed from the lock. As Lorien stepped away he could feel the rumbling sound grow louder.

[Kementari]

Kem placed the thrid sword in its lock and the light began to grow...

[Ciryaher]

There was a noise like long, rolling thunder, and the obelisk sank down until the hilts of the keys were in under the floor of the chamber. At opposite ends of the chamber, two orbs of light appeared in the air: one shined with a piercing, white light; the other engulfed all light that came near it.

From all directions, a Voice entered the minds of Aerin and Ciryaher: Stonebearers, Soulkeepers; put forth thine visages and look into the spheres...

The Emperor unconsciously took a step towards the black orb, then looked up. None but he could see a small, deadly, red eye in the center of the darkness. He took three long steps and looked back at Aerin while he stood before the orb.

[Aerin]

Aerin's eyes turned the colour of liquid silver, flashing brightly in the chamber. Drifing closer to the white orb, she could barely discern in the bright light the image of a woman, garbed in white, flowing robes.

After several moments, Aerin was finally able to move her eyes away from the figure to look at Ciryaher.
Perhaps we are to use the stones to activate the orbs.

Aerin unclasped the stone from around her neck and looked back at the orb. Unwittingly, her feet began making their way toward the hovering orbs.

[Ciryaher]

Ciryaher unbound the necklace hanging from his neck and thrust it into the darkness. There was a noise like sharply drawn in breath and the sphere collapsed in around the Emperor's hand. There was a cracking noise, and then a low-pitched whine began to emanate from all directions.

[Aerin]

The whine continued to grow until the very floor was shaking and heaving. Those in the hall fell to the floor and clutched onto it, fearing they would somehow be swept away in the quake.
Aerin and Ciryaher were not affected by the upheaveals; it was as if the immediate surroundings of the orbs were protected by some charm.

The dark orb seemed to try to absorb all the light the brighter orb was emitting, but to no avail; the white orb was putting out too much light to be overcome. As the battle of the two spheres continued, each striving for dominion over the other, a new sound faintly broke through the noise of the battling orbs. It was a woman's voice that became stronger and more assured as the moments passed. Soon, the words of her song were heard clearly by the crew.

Through all the depths of my despair
Comes a light breaking like a lance the walls that veil my sight,
Through the darkness that eats at my soul
Comes silver rainfall, splashing the clouds with light

A figure began to emerge from the competition between light and dark. A figure with dark hair and pale skin, wearing robes that billowed in an unfelt wind. As her features became clear, everyone could see she was in agony. With each pulse of the orbs, spasms of pain crossed her face. Although her lips parted as if to cry, never a sound escaped her lips. Everyone felt as though they were frozen in their spots as they watched the tremendous battle waged betwixt the orbs and the stone bearers.

Suddenly, the orbs split, both shattering into millions of pieces. Aerin and Ciryaher were thrown against the walls of the cavern as the entire room split in two. A jagged crack appeared in the floor where it had been convulsing only moments before. A narrow span of stone was left across the chasm, directly below where the orbs had been.
On that bridge lay the body of the woman they had seen during the battle. She lay perfectly motionless, face down with her arms hanging loosely down.

After several moments, the rumbling in the grotto ceased. Cautiously, the group stood on unsteady feet as they surveyed the damage. Aside from the abyss in the middle of the floor, there were shatters of the orbs laying everywhere. When touched, they hissed and steamed evilly, leaving a small burn mark on the hand. The company looked one another, wondering what forces could have caused such events to take place.

[Ciryaher]

There was a silence...one so impenetrable, it was more fearful than the roar of every evil thing that ever was combined. Noiselessly, a window of light appeared over the abyss.

Ciryaher stepped lightly and picked up Morwen and moved her away from the abyss. A joy to me that you are not forever lost...but--

His thoughts were interrupted when there was a deafening blast, like lightning striking only feet away. The 'ground' rocked once more, and a fiery glow could be seen in the abyss, and a hellish reek came from the bowels of Arda.

"The portal! Go through the portal! Lorien, help me lift Morwen; we must leap true, though," he said urgently.

[Lorien]

As the company began to make their way towards the portal trying to keep their footing over the shaking ground, Lorien rushed towards Cir and Morwen and in an unspoken agreement both of them lifted her at the same time, Cir holding her upper body while Lorien held her legs. They somehow managed to make their way towards the portal and Lorien sent a thought towards Cir One of us should take Morwen as we make the leap. If we get seperated during the leap it could be disastrous for Morwen in her state.

[Aerin]

Aerin picked herself up from where she had been thrown against the wall. Seeing that Morwen was taken care of, she threw herself through the portal.
Once she reached the remainder of the company, she went over to Tal.

"Morwen has come back, but the power that brought her back is tearing the place apart. We must make ready to leave as soon as the last man comes through the gateway."

[Ciryaher]

Ciryaher looked at Morwen, then looked up at Lorien. I will take her.

He hefted her onto his shoulder and called to everyone else, "Haste! This place will soon be consumed!"

[Lorien]

Lorien nods at Cir as the last of the company made its way through the portal. Then he says to Cir, "You go first with Morwen, I'll come right behind you."

[Morwen]

*As Lorien leaps through the portal, the rest small island collapses unto itself in a great cloud of dust. An intolerable screaching sound reaches its menacing claw out towards the fleeing crew, hoping to snag its next victim; but fails, barely leaving Lorien alive.

Flying upon an unknown force, the crew heads to the last part of their journey in a white oblivion. As they slowly halt, Cir gently lifts Morwen from his shoulder and places her on her feet. She falls to her knees and coughs up blood from an internal wound. Gathering her breath again, she raises her throbbing head and smiles at the crew.

"Thank you, my friends. It is indeed good to see you. The final leg of our journey has been reached, and you have only now to reap the benefits of its end. Thank you."*

To be continued...

[Lorien]

Lorien tries getting up from the ground with a terrible pounding in his head that was threatening to knock him out but only succeeds in falling back down on the ground. Realizing the futility of trying to get up in his present state he lies on the ground and says to himself, "Yes, this does hurt." He smiles at Morwen and closes his eyes.

[Ciryaher]

The ship barely rocked on the eerily calm waters. Shining down with it's blinding light, Anar traversed the skies as slowly and normally as always. Ciryaher held his temple and seemed to wince in pain several times. After a few minutes of standing like this, he shouted to the sky, "JUST TELL ME!"

[Lorien]

Lorien from his position on the ground says, "Tell you what, Cir?"

[Aerin]

OOC: Just bringing this back up to the top....
Mor, you need to continue it!

[Ciryaher]

This is written by Morwen as the conclusion; I am posting it for her.

The shrill song of the sea bird surrounded the company and lifted their spirits, that they might again see the wonder of the sea. Morwen rose gracefully and passionately announced that the final stage of their journey had been reached. Her happy words drifted into the forming clouds, causing a wind to stir in their depths.
“Now we shall see what turmoil and pain have finally brought us!” she shouted towards the horizon, the wind taking on a distinctly harsher tone.
Before them, the clouds opened in tremolos of the colors of the setting sun. Below them surged the wild seas; and around stormed the clouds, full of ominous thunder and darkness. Rain began to shower from above. Morwen looked from the wild seas to the setting sun, rain dripping from her tangled tresses. Low words of magic she chanted softly, and closed her eyes.
“Heart of my heart, soul of my soul, birth of my birth. It is time for you to return thus, at the summoning of those who have traveled far and suffered much. Let the beat of wild hooves ring upon your soil once more!” said she; and as the last syllable passed from her parched lips, the sea answered in a roar of furry, and cast the crew into a moment of worry. But she calmed them with her outward calmness and stolid stature, and they turned again towards the panting sea.
Far below, in the depths of her blue smile, a light shone. And it grew; it grew till the crew was bathed in it, and as it parted the surface, it sucked from the clouds their energy and rain. Then silence stole the moment, settling on the hearts and minds of the stunned company.
Morwen slowly opened her eyes and gazed upon light with wonder in her grey eyes. Her lips parted as for a big speech, but only one word did she utter.
“Please...”
As if through some unspoken agreement, the light vanished beneath the surface, and a dark and boding shape replaced it---it was massive. It was beyond the scope of human vision; and it was rising steadily towards them. And as the peak of a mountain broke the surface, the gasps of the crew surrounded it, and welcomed it. Coral had plaited the cracks and crevices, and the rock broke here and there, softened from the brine. But as the great land rose, it slowly transformed. From devastated forests and overbearing coral, sprang new forests of oak, willow, pine, and dogwood; and from the cloven prairies rose golden grasses shaped from heaven; and from the weakened rock sprang hardened and ominous peaks and cliffs; and from the dried river beds sprang a new exuberance of flowing water; and from the devastation of the sea sprang new life. Grasses sprouted and lilies bloomed, and cattails released their seeds on currents of wind, and animals appeared out of hole and tree and cave. The monuments of old still remained upon the earth, and the evils of old still dwelt within the land; but it had come again; Beleriand had risen.

Then the world became dark and the crew lost track of time and space.

Rain dripped from the willow boughs and the drops rolled until they joined their kin in a nearby pond. The surface glistened happily as it watched over the sleeping bodies of several creatures. One, it noted, had unusually white hair. And her skin was ebony; it wondered at this. Golden runes crossed her face above her right cheek, steadily streaming unto the top of her left; and another larger one marked her upper left arm. The rest of the crew seemed relatively normal from its point of view, yet it new all had gone through tremendous trails to bring back its mother. It appreciated this, so when they awoke, it would allow them to drink from its cool depths. But it quieted its thoughts suddenly, for the odd one had opened her eyes.

Morwen opened her eyes slowly and happily peered at the branches surrounding her and the company. The rain streamed outside their shelter. A constant drizzle of life.
She rose and lurched forward weakly, trying to aim her unsteady feet towards the pool. After several tries, she managed such, took a breath, and peered into its depths. What she found there earned a smile, and a heart full of bittersweet singing. She nodded to her reflection, and to the pool, and walked from the shelter of the weeping boughs.
She greeted the rain with a cry of delight, and called into the wind for her companions. Ataag and Creshibon suddenly coalesced in the distance, and trotted affably towards her. She held up her hand and gently stroked Creshibon as he came to a halt by her side. Ataag she gave a genuine smile and a wink of acknowledgment.

She turned and mounted Creshibon, whispering softly to him to keep restraint whilst she said her goodbyes. The crew still slept, but she wished each happiness and new adventures aplenty. With a final look skyward, she gave Creshibon reign, and both disappeared into the encroaching mist. Ataag remained a moment longer to gaze upon the sleeping figures, then turned and followed the muddied tracks of his master.

The rain soon washed away the passing of Morwen, and the crew would wake to the smiling of the sunset far in the west.