The Shadows of Umbra RPG

[Elenna]

This is the actual role playing thread for Ainabeleth of Lothlorien's RPG, the Shadows of Umbra. Please ask her permission to join by posting in the discussion thread before posting here. Follow all of the Freestyle RPG Room rules, and have a good time!

--Elenna

[Ainabeleth of Lothlorien]

A tall, injured, Elf rode fast down a road leaving a cloud of dust trailing behind her. She had a stern look on her fair face and her hair was dirty matted. Blood ran down her cheek and her knuckles were white. She approached a large wooden gate, leading to the city of the Wood Elves. The gates creaked open for her and left puzzled guards scratching their heads as to who she was and why she was in such a hurry.
Nearby elves stood and watched as she went galloping to the King's palace. A tall blonde haired man stepped in her way.
"Away you fool, I stop for no one!" she called.
"Stop this horse immediately." he commmanded with a stern voice and stubbornly kept his position.
She pulled the reigns and the horse came to an abrupt stop right in front of the nobley dressed elf. The leather saddle strained and the woman slid down off of the saddle. The horse sighed into the mans face and he gave a sour look and stepped to the side. His lips parted ready to speak but she said,"What business do you have stopping me on my own personal business."
"I am the king of this forest and you are disturbing the peace," He said
mocking her rudeness, " Where is it you come from and why are you in such
haste?"

Ainabeleth, noticing her mistake in talking to him in such a way, bows and says," I am Ainabeleth Quelleur of Lothlorien and I...was in search of my brother
who disappeared into the Grey mountains 2 months ago. Please excuse my appearance, I had a small battle with a warg and I lost my direction. I believe this is the city of the wood elves...am I mistaken?"
"No you are not mistaken my lady. This is the city of the wood elves and you are tired and injured from your journey. Please come to my palace and my servants will clean you up and give you boarding for the night."
"Oh thankyou ma' lord. I am lucky to be in the hands of such a fine King." The king led Belle, as she liked to be called, to the great oak door of his home. She stepped onto the oak floors and gazed about in wonder at the amazing carpentry and the intricate corbals and mantels. The king gave a light whistle and servants scampered out into the great hall. He whispered to them and they looked up and smiled at Belle.

[Amanaduial the archer]

"Tallin! A stranger comes along this path! On horseback!"

Tallin Wolfsoul looked up from a small scroll she was studying as Jet came bounding towards the tall oak in which she sat. His muscles bunched under his thick black fur as he leapt into the tree beside her and the branch she was on rocked slightly.

"Woah! Jet, calm down- its a good thing this is a strong tree!" the elf replied to the wolf in her usual voice as his mind voice reached her head. "Its not like you to get excited over one stranger-"

"Not one stranger! Oropher is coming this way as well! With several other elves- they will meet about here." A female wolf had appeared beneath them silently; Obsidian, otherwise known as Dia. Jet leapt down and rubbed muzzled with his mate. With a sigh Tallin rolled up the scroll she had been reading and glared at them.
"And why does this bother me?" She demanded grumpily. The wolves exchanged a 'look' before Dia spoke.

"Well Tallin, we know how you love news of Oropher's cub... Dia said slyly before jumping out of reach of the elfs hand.

"Oh, what are you like you two!" Tallins tanned face flushed red though and she was glad the wolves couldnt read elven and human expressions. She glared at the wolves for a moment more, but as ever she couldnt match their hard yellow gazes. Inclining her head slightly she signalled for the two wolves to jump up beside her as she heard the sound of hooves approaching from both ends of the path.

She watched the stranger exchange words with Oropher, taking in the strangers ragged, injured appearance. Warg inflicted injuries. No way would the doctors at the palace be able to deal with them- later on someone would come looking for the "Wolf-woman." Still, she might as well make their job a bit easier and go to them- she was curious about this womans story. As the group on horseback set off at a more sedate pace, Tallin and her wolves followed, melding into the shadows with expertise borne of long experience.

[ November 03, 2002: Message edited by: Amanaduial the archer ]

[ August 18, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[VanimaEdhel]

"Hwestlaeriel! Sell nîn! Telo! (My daughter! Come!)" Fileglinniel yelled into the woods to Hwestlaeriel.

"I am coming, Mother!" Hwestlaeriel called back. She swung down from the tree and sprinted through the woods. She was, at the moment barefoot. The cool, moist earth felt good on her feet.

The mid-size cabin loomed up in front of her. Her mother was standing at the door.

"Hwestlaeriel!" Fileglinniel said, scoldingly, "You know that I need you here with me."

"Yes, naneth nîn (my mother)," Hwestlaeriel said.

"Well," Fileglinniel sighed, "Will you get started on dinner? I have other things to attend to."

"Yes, naneth," Hwestlaeriel said, sighing.

Fileglinniel held her daughter's chin, a comedic scene, as her daughter was about two inches taller than she, and looked into her eyes.

"Mel nîn (My love)," Fileglinniel said, softly, "One day you will leave. Your ernil (prince) will come and carry you away on his bright, shining horse."

"I do not ask for a prince, naneth," Hwestlaeriel sighed, "I just want a way out of here!"

"And you will find it, my beloved," Fileglinniel said, gently standing on her toes and kissing Hwestlaeriel. The beautiful Elfwife then bustled off, going about her business.

"Ai! If only it were that easy," Hwestlaeriel sighed to herself. She went over to the fire and began to prepare a dinner for her family.

"Ai, Dantilaision a Berethion, man garin si (Alas, Dantilaision and Berethion, who do I have now)?" Hwestlaeriel murmered to herself.

[ColletteTook]

T'was early eve as Faryn bustled about the halls, lighting the oil lanterns upon their silver brackets in all their glory and splendor as their carvings threw shadows upon the walls.
She was but a servant within these fair walls, working honestly in hopes of earning merit. She hoped in vain.
As she lit the last lantern upon the third hall, the King himself was escorting a ragged visitor down the hall.
Faryn automatically lowered her eyes to the floor. "Fiona!" he called at her, not knowing or caring or the servants' real name. "Please kindly escort Mistress Queller to a hot bath and comfortable room"
"Yes ma' lord" she said meekly, beckoning the decrepet-looking girl behind her.
The winding hall led to a room that was decored Crimson and Silver. "I shall send a medic for you Miss" she murmured before drawing her hot water in a gargantuan silver basin.
She started towards the door, but her curiosity over powered her. "Who are you?" was all she could ask.
Belle gave her a queer look before answering back just as curiously "I am tired, i am hungry and I am also dirty, pleased to meet you Fiona"
"Faryn" she said, and then disgracefully bit back her prideful tongue, and scuttered out of the room to summon an herbalist for the queer guest.

[Amanaduial the archer]

"Faryn."
Tallin heard the servant girl correct the stranger and smiled; she knew Faryn and knew of her irritation with the King getting it wrong all the time, let alone others being introduced to her by the wrong name.
"I mean...its Faryn ma'am." Faryn corrected herself quickly, realising she may have spoken too sharply to Oropher's guest. "Ill just go and get the healer..." She backed out of the door and jumped as she heard Tallins voice.
"No need." The elf smiled as Faryn whirled around wide eyed to see her leaning against a pillar as if shed always been there.
"How did you...Oh never mind." Like most of the inhabitants of the palace Faryn knew of the wolfwomans strange ways. "Will you-"
"Of course."
"She has-"
"Warg wounds. I know." Smiling at the servants bemused look Tallin walked into the room, her woles closely behind her.
As they got into the elegant and spacious guest room, Tallin nodded towards the curtains, already cast in shadow, providing a good hiding place for the dark wolves.
"Oh, Tallin-"
"Im sorry Dia. Shes been hurt in a fight with a warg; I dont think shell be all too comfortable with wolves." Tallin cut off her friend and the pair slunk into the shadows.
The healer heard the bath running and decided it would be easier to look at the strangers wounds when they were cleaner. Settling herself in a chair near the bathroom door, she settled down to wait.

[ August 18, 2003: Message edited by: Amanaduial the archer ]

[Ainabeleth of Lothlorien]

Belle sat in her new beautiful room and admired the stone carvings and wood crown molding. The gause dressings on her wounds made them itch, but the down comforter on the bed made her feel much better. She thought about the servant that had helped her, was Faryn her name? Well, it didn't matter, she thought about the way the girl had cringed and shyed away like a dog. (OOC no offense). It would be quite funny to see her go on an adventure and facing orcs, goblins, wargs, or whatever unknown creature that lived in the world. Belle fell asleep thinking and staring out at the moon and stars.
Belle awoke to whispering outside her room, she slipped out of the co ers and tiptoed across the smooth wood floors andacross the tightly woven rug and put her eyes to the keyhole and saw the servant, Faryn, speaking with one of the others.
"Do you think the woman will survive?"
"I don't know, but what I do know is that she will need much more help than we can offer, her wounds go deep."
"I know an elf who lives in the forest who could be of great help because of her knowledge of herbs and other medicines."
"Please, get her quickly, the kings foil won't last long."
"I will"

And with that, the two separated. Faryn started for Belle's door and Belle limped back to be and pretended to sleep. The servant entered the room and set a breakfast tray on the nightstand and started for the door again. Belle sat up, stretched, and yawned and said," What time is it?"
Faryn looked up and smiled a weak smile,"I believe it is 8 o'clock miss."

[Amanaduial the archer]

OCC: Youve kinda contradicted my post there Belle!

"8 O clock? My my, what a time for someone on such a mission to wake up."

The droll voice of Tallin made both of the others jump. The elf stepped out of the shadows, hoping Belle didnt see the wolves moving there.

"Who is this stranger?" Belle asked Faryn suspiciously- with reason Tallin supposed, as she had just melted from the corners of the room. Well, climbed in the window anyway. Same thing really...

"Tallin Wolfsoul, healer and strange wood woman who no doubt goes around eating children. Isnt that right Faryn?" The servant smiled but Belle looked perplexed but Tallin carried on. "And you are Ainabelleth Queller, from the Golden Wood. Am I right?" She smiled slyly as she sat down.

In a flash Belle was on her feet, her sword, whihc had been lying on the table in her hand with the blade hovering near Tallins throat, her look changing from perplexed to suspicious. The healer stared steadily back at her until a low growl emmitted from the corner. The woman looked up sharply then winced and sat down on the bed, holding her shoulder. Tallin saw the blood seeping through the elegant nightshirt and was by her side quickly.

"The quick movement has set the wound bleeding again." She said quietly to Belle, inspecting her shoulder. Another growl came from the corner and Tallin looked around sharply. "Jet!"

She turned back to Belle, who was wearing a perplexed look.
"I will tell you later, I need to dress these wounds n-" She started; she wasnt reay to introduce a woman badly hurt from a warg fight to pair of adult wolves, but the other elf interrupted.

"No! Whatever is in that corner is not human or elf and I fear it means harm. Show yourself!" The shadows stirred as the wolves started to come forward but stopped when Tallin glared at them, speaking furiously in mind to them. "Well Thankyou very much. I told you to remain hidden!"

"She was holding a sword to your throat."

"What sort of demons are they? Or are they...I hear there are wargs near here!" Belle exlaimed, starting to panic, reaching for her sword again. Tallin looked dead at the elf. "Youre sure you want to see them?"

"Yes!"

The healer sighed impatiently. "This is sooo not a good idea." She muttered. "Alright...Ainabelleth of Lothlorien, let me introduce to you Jet and Obsidian Lunia of Mirkwood."

The two wolves padded silently out of the shadows into full view of the others in the room. Belles eyes widened...

[Ainabeleth of Lothlorien]

ooc: oh sorry hehe i didnt see your post i was going to fast.

Belle's eyes widened. The wolves walked slowly to Tallin and sat by her side. Belle, realizing the animals' obedience, giggled to herself because she was so frightened. Belle sat down on the oak chest that lay at the foot of her bed and turned her arm to Tallin, silently signaling for Tallin to redress her wounds. Tallin sat petting her pets. "Cough cough" Belle said half jokingly. Tallin broke out of her trance and smiled but secretly laughed at Belle's arrogance.


ooc: Belle isnt really arrogant or stuck up, she is just a little spoiled from her recent help

[ColletteTook]

Faryn was seen puttering about the room later that evening, anally straightening and dusting things she had alrady dusted or straightened thrice ( three times ) before.
Miss Belle (As she had come to call her) sat amoungst her silken,fluffed (doubly by Faryn),pillows like a savage queen of the wilds , watching her doings with folded hands and a smirk.

CRASH!

"Rat Droppings!" Faryn cursed aloud,sweeping down to pick up the shards of prissed, painted porcelian that was once a tea cup full of scalding tea. Faryn was lost in her thoughts and had aimlessly grabbed the tray from out side the hall (with her elbow).
To her suprise, "Miss Belle" began to laugh aloud as she had neve done before. "On an adventure!" She laughed, clapping her hands.
Faryn had no idea what this outburst meant, but was sure it was some jest about herself. She straightened up, face red with humiliation but never the less, prideful and patronizing all the same. She quited at last, seeing as how the timid maiden's feelings had been burned for little or no reason of her knowing.
She finished cleaning up the tea mess and brought back a fresh cup, her usual meek but warm smile replaced with a frown that was not of her airy-fairy self.

[ November 05, 2002: Message edited by: ColletteTook ]

[VanimaEdhel]

Later that evening, Hwestlaeriel stood in front of her looking glass. She carefully untied her hair and let it flow down. It now reached just below her backside. She combed it out for a bit. The dusty blonde of her hair was nearly the same color of her skin.

She quickly slipped out of her gown and put on a robe. She licked her fingers and put out each lit candle in her room. She slipped through the cottage and out into the night.

She stood briefly under the stars, looking up. The stars glittered above her.

"Daemithroch!" Hwestlaeriel hissed into the night. A gentle clatter of hooves could be heard, then the misty-grey colored horse could be seen emerging from the night.

Hwestlaeriel carefully slipped up on top of Daemithroch. The horse cantered quietly into the dark. Trees slipped past Hwestlaeriel as she moved deeper into the woods.

Suddenly, the trees ended. Daemithroch stood still as Hwestlaeriel slipped off of him. She had reached her pond. It was only about twenty yards in diameter and, at deepest, was about seven feet. The moonlight glimmered on the water.

Hwestlaeriel slipped out of her robe and quietly climbed into the water.

**********

Hwestlaeriel swam for about an hour. She knew that her parents would probably look in her room at any moment to see how she was. She quickly climbed out, slipped back into her robe, and mounted Daemithroch. They silently cantered back to the cottage.

Hwestlaeriel dismounted. Dameithroch briefly nuzzled her, then trotted into the night. Hwestlaeriel slipped into the cottage and moved into her room.

She put her robe away and climbed silently into bed. She rested in the Elvish manner, with her eyes open, and let her thoughts drift.

Her mind drifted to fields and castles, heroes and maidens, romance and tragedy, and all other adventures that she had never experienced. She silently cursed that she had never been out of the forest or even more than a few miles away from her cottage.

She sighed and went back to her thoughts, allowing them to quench her desires for heroism for at least one more night...

[Amanaduial the archer]

The wolves sat at Tallins side, watching Belle curiously. The woman had given a small laugh when she saw them go directly to the healers side- strange.
"I thought you said she would be scared. That was why we were skulking in the shadows." Dias voice came reproachfully to Tallins mind.
"I know. Im sorry Dia, and Jet. Shes strange, even for an elf..." She looked up as the elf coughed jokingly and smiled as she returned to the world outside of her mind. Getting up she left the two wolves sitting by the chair. Jet looked around furtively then jumped onto the comfortable chair, but Dia remained in a sulk, watching the elf theyd know forever.
"We're true wolves. We dont skulk."
"Usually." Jet broke in, grinning. Dia turned her head and glared at him then commenced watching Belle.
"Shes a strange two legger. Almost arrogant, almost scared, almost violent...strange."
"Tallin trusts her Dee." He leant down, rubbing her muzzle with his own and she returned the gesture to her mate. "And you trust her dont you?"
"Of course Jet." She stood, watching the elves talk and laugh together. She sniffed and her ears perked up. She had smelt the lingering smell of the kitchens that floated around Faryn. Slyly she looked at her mate. Jet grinned again and nodded; the pair followed the servant to the kitchen, invisible almost in the shadows as she got a new cup.

[Brinniel]

In a small village outside of Mirkwood, there was a tavern. The tavern was quite ordinary. It was not large, but neither was it small. The tavern was not old, yet it had stood for many years. Business was slow that night, but the stormy weather was not the cause.
In the corner of the tavern, sat a dark, cloaked figure. The small figure did not appear intimidating, yet all avoided it. Slender hands held a pipe, which the cloaked figure smoked. This mysterious person sat there, as if waiting for something.

Several minutes later, a man dared to approach the figure. Though he was quite drunk, as he could not walk in a straight line, he seemed unusually focused and rather furious. He did not stop until he was ten feet from the figure. The figure leaned back, its arms crossed, showing no fear of this man.
"Take off your hood, fool," the man said. "And let me speak with you."
The figure stood up and pulled off its hood, revealing a woman. The woman was not beautiful, nor was she ugly. She had long fiery red hair, that would stand out for miles. Her skin was rough and tanned from spending many years in the sun. Her eyes were a brilliant green, but were also cold and piercing.
The woman, Raye she was called, gave the man a smirk and responded to his words, asking," And what is it you would like to speak to me about?"
"You know what I have to say," the man growled. "You cheated me on that last game of darts. I want my money back."

At this point, several of the others in the tavern had just begun noticing the man's confrontation with Raye. Many fled the building, afraid to see what was to happen to the man. Others sat in their seats, huddled together, speaking in soft whispers.

Raye paid no heed to the others, though. Her focus remained on the man.
"Oh, what a shame," she said, unmeaningfully. "If you had only told me that before I spent all your money for myself." Raye pulled out her dagger. The drunk man, whom Raye considered helpless, did not see the dagger which Raye concealed behind her back.
"But then again," she continued. "I suppose we could have a rematch. If you win, you get the remainder of my money and if I win, I get nothing." Raye began to walk towards the drunken fool. "You would like that, wouldn't you?" Raye and the man stood face to face, separated by only a few inches of air.
The man nodded, no longer furious with the young woman. "I would like that very much," he said.
Raye could see that the fool was completely ignorant of her lies and did not realize his fate. This satisfied Raye. This man would go down without a fight.
"Unfortunately," she told the man. "I don't do rematches with anyone." She thrusted the dagger into the man's stomach.
The man doubled over in pain, but Raye did not release the dagger. "Perhaps you will remember that next time you come across me."
The man was turning rather pale, but still he nodded.
"Good," Raye, said pulling the dagger from the man's stomach, using it to slice his throat. The man fell to the ground.
An easy kill she thought, staring a the dead man. By far the easiest yet.
She picked up her belongings and headed out of the tavern. The others who remained in the tavern cowered as she strode past them.

Outside of the tavern, Raye stood in the dark, rainy night pondering. For half her life, she had spent her days doing exactly what she had done moments ago. To her, killing was amusing and it did not do much harm, as the men she killed were nothing but drunken fools. But the fun was starting to wear off. Raye began to wonder if she could do something more with her life. She turned to her right, facing the path to Mirkwood.
Raye did not like people. But she knew that she couldn't spend the rest of her life avoiding them. If she had to communicate civily with anyone, it would be with the elves. At least the elves were smart and not so ignorant as the men. Raye did not want to go to Mirkwood, yet something told her that it was the right path to go. She shook her head, muttering nonsense to herself. And without further hesitation, Raye began to walk towards Mirkwood, unwillingly.

[dragoneyes]

A young woman sat in the corner of the tavern, she was one of the few who had stayed, her cloak was drawn around her and her hood was up, all that could be seen of her was her dark green eyes, highlighted by the burning fire. She looked at the body in disgust, she had seen people die before, but she had never seen anyone be killed. She walked outside and saw a shadow of a woman dissapear down the road towrds mirkwood, "You don't want to go down there young miss," said a loud voice behind her, Arrelle jumped and turned, the bartender, quite a large man, wearing a dirty apron, was standing right infront of her with a worried look on his face, "That's not the first person she's killed y'know, it's like a hobby o' hers." It was as though he had read her mind, she had been thinking of going and following the other lady, but now she wasn't so sure. She lowered her hood, letting her dark brown hair fall about her shoulders, she smiled "I wish to see the elves anyway, I was on my way there, when I stopped here."
"Elves? They're strange folk too y'know, don't live in the best places neither, Mirkwood is no place for a well-spoken young lady like yourself."
"You may have dissuaded me from following that person, but you cannot stop me from going into Mirkwood."
"As you wish miss. Now, if I may say so, night isn't the best time for goin' into Mirkwood."
"Very well, I will stay the rest of the night here. I'll leave at sunrise mind you."
"Very good, miss. I'll take you to your room now." He led her to her room and she handed the money over, the bar-man left and shut the door behind him. Arrelle took off her cloak, and lay on the bed thinking of her home back in Gondor.

[Amanaduial the archer]

"So your brother just...vanished?"

Tallin had been listening with rapture to Belles story. However she was beginning to see a few snags. Belle propped herself on an elbow on the bed, looking down at the other elf leaning against one of the bed legs with her legs crossed. Tallin shifted her position.

"You intend to go looking for your brother?"
Nod.
"In the grey mountains?"
Pause. Nod.
"And this is the bit that really gets me...you intend to go alone?"
Pause. Then Belle sighed.

"What else can I do? I must find my brother."

"Ever wonder why he went missing? Maybe he just settled down or something but other things inhabit those regions and those surrounding it."

"Things? Like what?" Belle was curious. Tallin frowned, closing her eyes. She had never been that far from Mirkwood, but the memories of the wolves work differently from those of men and elves. They had not at first trusted her; their memories pass on the tales and trusts of old generations and they knew of elves, but did not hold so much fear of the mirkwood elves as of others. Dark elves. She remembered the visions, the pictures, the tales Jet and Dia had told her.

Tallin did not tell this to Belle. "There are...there are others who live there." she said carefully. "I fear you would not stand a chance of passing through alone."

Belle remained silent, apparently thinking. Tallin grinned and looked up at her. "I really let myself into this one, didnt I?" She said sardonically. The other swung her legs down so she could look Tallin in the face properly. She stared at her for a moment uncertainly.

"You seriously mean..." She started quietly, continuing to stare at Tallin. The other held her gaze steadily, a small half smile on her face. Then she broke into a grin. "Really?"
Nod.
"Oh Tallin, thankyou so much!" Then she paused. "Will..." She stopped.

"What? Will the wolves be coming? Well of course. They are, in a way, my only family."

Belle looked up sharply. "Can you read my mind?"

"I am not reading your mind!" Tallin laughed. The other didnt seem to notice she hadnt directly answered her question. "However, methinks you still need a little more help than one elf and her wolves. Even though we are pretty fantastic." She added, grinning.

[ColletteTook]

Faryn poked her head around the door, from where she had been listening to the rolling mornful voice of Miss Belle tell her story.
she bustled with an aire of obliviousness, behind the clean linens that obscured her entire upper body, looking as though she were a floating heap of laundry.
Her face went slack and pensive as she silently let her nimble, skinny fingers toss old linen in a heap and spread the new, hands trembling in utter excitement.
The mere prospect of adventure, why- who wouldnt be excited.
Keep to you work Faryn, lass, Miss Belle's buisness is not our place she thought to herself, and re-fluffed the pillows (Again!).
Or is it? Tallin can take care of herself, but Miss Belle needs a bit of looking after so she doesnt hurt herself. Just may be our buisness.her head thought back at her.
Belle and Tallin witnessed the young maid's internal struggle quitley smirking at eachother, and fighting laughter.
Oh I'd dearly love to go if they would have me! Yet I fear that if I would ask they'd laugh at me, and my heart wont stand that she decided glumly, and folded over two quilts at the bottom of the bed.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Or is it? Tallin can take care of herself, but Miss Belle needs a bit of looking after so she doesnt hurt herself. Just may be our buisness.

Tallin sent the mind message as if it was one of Faryns own thoughts. She knew she probably shouldnt do it, but they needed all the help they could get.

Faryns forehead wrinkled slightly as she fought her inner battle 'with herself'. She didnt probe though, but winked at Belle, and began to speak loudly.

"Well, twould certainly be a quest for one noble and loyal."

"Indeed." After a pause Belle had caught on. "Though not only warriors can be of help. Kindness and other talents are also important."

Tallin stole a look at Faryn and tried not to grin. The servant had gone completly still, still bowed over the knots she was undoing, but her fingers werent moving. Tallin sighed elaboratly.

"And your brother lost in the Grey mountains. And not help can come to him except his own sister." She sighed again. "Its a pity we'll never be able to go."


"Oh no, why!?" Faryn burst out then gasped and covered her mouth. Belle spun around, a broad grin spread across her face as she started to laugh in delight. A small smile spread across Tallins lips as well as she stood in a fluid movement and stepped closer to Faryn.

"We do not have enough people; two elves, even with Jet and Dia, are not enough to go to the grey mountains. Every other person would help though...?" She tilted her head to one side inquiringly, a habit she picked up from the wolves, wating for Faryns answer...

[ColletteTook]

Faryn set down the sheets ungracefully and a new emotion washed over her as she heardd herself speak words she never dreamed would eminate from her lips.
"Take me with you! I will help if i can! I promise! On my honor, I promise!" and right then she bound herself to Miss Belle.
Belle smiled graciously and nodded a slight bow, and Tallin stood, hands on her hips in a heroic positon, knee deep in wolves.
"May I travel with you to find your brother?" she asked quietly then.
"We need al the help we can get"
Faryn tryed to express her uttermost emotions, but found she could not find the words, save few undiscernable elvish mutterings and a burst of tears and an "Oh Thank-" but was cut off in sobs for near no reason.
She nodded, wiping her tears "I shall finish my work, and relieve myself of duties tonight, at your leave Miss Belle" and bowed proudly.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Tallin stared after the door where Faryn had just marched proudly out for a moment. Then she gave a long low whistle.

"Well, Miss Quelluer, if we can get that reaction from a few more people, we're well on the road to the mountains!"

[dragoneyes]

Arrelle slept peacefully in her bed, it was very soft and hard to get out of, yet she had to, already the light of day was starting to peep over the horizon. Quikly she got up and dressed, packing everything away neatly. She went downstairs to the bar where alerady the bar-man was waiting.
"Hello," he said "Your horse is ready and waiting for you, but before you go, there is some freshly cooked bread here for your breakfast." He presented before her a plate of sliced bread, the aroma was delicious.
"Thankyou." said Arrelle graciously taking all of the bread, she ate one slice then wrapped the rest up and put it in her bag. She turned and walked out the door,
"Good luck!" said the bar-man Arrelle smiled and went round the back of the tavern and there was her horse, a piebald mare, tied up outside patiently waiting.
"Hello Lorran, how are you today?" said Arrelle stroking her horses smooth fur.
"We're travelling again today I'm afraid." she said, Lorran snorted in protest but let Arrelle climb on all the same,
"Come on then." she said gently urging her horse on, Lorran walked on, then broke out into a trot, up the road towards Mirkwood.

[VanimaEdhel]

Light streamed through the windows. Hwestlaeriel looked at the little windows and slid out of bed. She quietly got her robe on and went into the kitchen.

Suddenly, two hands came, easily lifting her up by her waist. She shrieked and struck at her "attacker".

"Daro (Stop)!" came the familiar voice, letting go, "It is all right! I am sorry! Calm yourself!"

Hwestlaeriel shrieked, turning around, "BERETHION!"

She jumped on the tall, handsome Elf, giving him a big hug.

"Muindor (brother)! You have returned!"

"Of course I have, Hwesta," Berethion said.

"But, where is Dantilaision?" she asked, looking around.

"You know him. He is on his own."

"You left him?" Hwestlaeriel asked, accusingly.

"No, it was the other way around, little sister, I assure you," Berethion said, the tall Elf smiling down at her. He was an even 6'7" while Dantilaision was 6'5". They both were as fair as their sister and had similar features, reflecting those of their parents.

"When will you leave again?" Hwestlaeriel asked.

"As soon as I may," Berethion said, grabbing some cheese from the table and preparing to eat it. Hwestlaeriel slapped his hand, "Ai! Why did you do that?"

"You know you have to wait for our parents!" she said, a gleam in her eye.

"Yes, yes, I know," he said, smiling. He continued, though he already knew what the response would be, "So, what do you propose we do?"

"I know not," she said, the gleam in her eye. Next thing he knew, she had pulled the dagger from where it was always tied to her thigh and it was pressed against his throat, "What do you think?"

In a flash, he easily pushed her not-too-strong arm down, and tackled her, pushing her out the door. She landed hard on her back, laughing.

"Now, little sister, we all know I am stronger than you, so, will you give up now?" Berethion knew the answer would be negative.

"But I am swifter, dear brother," she said. She brought her knee swiftly up into his stomach, causing him to roll off, and she rose to her feet. She ran through the forest, laughing. She heard him running behind her, laughing as well...

[dragoneyes]

Arrelle stood infront of the forest, it looked very forboding, she was much more of an open meadow person. Lorran walked on into the forest, at first it was dark, the trees and weeds battled for sunlight and nothing on the ground lived, but the path was well trodden and it was very hard to lose.

Before long the trees grew further apart and became a lot more welcoming. The first signs of civilisation began to appear, a well here, an old swing there and it wasn't long before the first of many dwellings could be seen. Arrelle trotted up the street, nodding to passing elves while admiring where they lived, their homes looked as though they were woven round the trees and had been lovingly made many years ago, it was like nothing she had ever seen before.

Arrelle continued, listening to the birds calling to one another, until she reached the town gates where two guards stood.
"State your name and business."
"I am Arrelle and I am just visiting this fair place and will move on soon."
the gaurd looked Arrelle up and down, he noted the lack of weapons, just a simple bow as far as he could see, then he looked at her face, a kindly face if ever he saw one. He smiled
"You may pass." he said as one of the gates opened,
"Thankyou." said Arrelle as she and her horse walked through.

The gate closed behind her, she looked around, somehow it was lovlier this side of the walls, she wouldn't have thought that was possible. She walked slowly on gazing around, lost in the beauty.

[ November 16, 2002: Message edited by: dragoneyes ]

[Ainabeleth of Lothlorien]

Belle decided to go wandering about the palace, afterall she had been in her quarters for the two days she had been there. She wandered out throught the dimly lit corridors and into the extravagant gardens. Finally, she spotted King Oropher. He seemed to have been walking around as well. "King Oropher," said Belle, relieved that she found him,"I have been meaning to ask you something. Faryn, one of your servants has been very kind to me, and I was wondering if I could take her with me on my journey. I will pay you if need be." Oropher thought to himself quietly and said,"I will give her to you for, lets say....thirty gold pieces." Belle nodded and pulled out a suede pouch and pulled out five ten-piece coins. She handed him the coins and said,"The extra twenty pieces is for the hospitality and kindness you have shown me." He nodded and Belle bowed and turned and headed back to her room. She couldn't wait to see the look on Faryn's face, for an adventure was just what that girl needed.
Belle pulled herself into her sheets and quickly fell into a deep sleep. The next morning they were leaving and she knew that she would not have a comfortable sleep in a long while.

In the morning:

Belle awoke to the rapping of Faryn on her door. "Come in," Belle said groggily. Faryn walked in and looked at Belle, waiting to hear about what Oropher had said. Belle smiled and nodded her head and Faryn jumped up and down with excitement. Faryn rushed out of the room to pack her things while Belle packed hers. After about an hour, Belle and Faryn met Tallin out in front of the stables. Belle unlocked the fence for her horse and quickly prepared the horse for departure. "Do you plan on bringing more people along with us?" asked Tallin. "Yes, but I can not wait much longer, I hope to meet more people on my way to the mountains. I have waisted enough time already." "Very well," said Tallin and she mounted her horse. Oropher lent Faryn one of his horses and she quickly mounted it with great excitement.

OOC: Sorry to powerplay sooo much, but this RPG needs to get on with the plot.

[ August 18, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

Tallin had not ridden a horse in years. A lot of years. She hadnt tried talking to one before either. She looked sceptically at the sleek stallion standing in front of her and hoped that its mind would work in approximately the same way as the wolves.

"Good morrow, fine Stallion." She tried tenatively. The horses ears straightened up and it shook its head, looking around for the animal that had talked to it.

"I tried to tell you Tall. Its a dumb beast." Jet was sitting some way behind Tallin with Dia. She had told them to stay hidden in case they scared the horse. Dia had commented that that would involve changing species. Tallin ignored them. She stepped towards the horse, laying a hand on its nose and looked into its liqid eyes.

"Friend, it is me who speaks. By what name can I address you?"

The horse looked in as close to astonishment as it could get. Then it nodded its head to her slowly. Its mind voice when it came was deep and mellow, like the soft warmth of the sun. "I am Delroth, stallion of Rohan."

"Of Rohan? Oropher has honoured us indeed!" It didnt hurt to use a little flattery. "I will remember you great status when , or if you give me permission to ride?"

Delroth looked a little taken a back. But of course mistress. And you may tell the large dogs to come out of the bushes now." There was a smile in his voice.

Tallin smiled back and whistled at the wolves before mounting Delroth. A shiver ran through her; they were off!

[ August 18, 2003: Message edited by: Amanaduial the archer ]

[dragoneyes]

ooc: I was kind of waiting for Raye but it doesn't really matter.

Arrelle wandered down the road, at quite a leisurely speed as the road was almost deserted. She rounded a corner and there were three travelling companions atop horses and walking next to them were two wolves. Two wolves? Waht were they doing here? Lorran was a bit jumpy, the old cart-horse in the stable next to her own used to talk of evil wolves when she was just a foal and so they naturally made her a little weary.
"Calm down Lorran, they can't be wild wolves, they won't hurt you, calm down now." said Arrelle in a soft voice, but Lorran couldn't help it, she just wasn't comfortable around wolves. Lorran started backing away,
"Lorran! Walk on!" said Arrelle starting to get angry
"Don't be stupid, walk forward!" Lorran walked forward a little, and as the group approached she pushed right up the opposite side of the road and tried to rush quickly past but she made eye contact with one of the wolves and she froze. Suddenly she reared up went spinning away in blind panic, Arrelle held on tight trying to calm Lorran down as well as trying to stay on. Lorran rose up once more and threw Arrelle off. Arrelle immediately sprund up and grabbed Lorrans reigns, despite her stinging side she just managed to get control of Lorran as the three travellers came running up, looking worried, the wolves were nowhere in sight.
"Are you alright?" asked an elf with brown hair and piercing blue eyes.
"Yes I'm fine," said Arrelle blushing,
"I've made such a spectacle of myself though." she added.

[ November 19, 2002: Message edited by: dragoneyes ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

OCC: Ok so Im not taking a back seat! Sorry about rushing you dragon.

Tallin saw the horse and its rider roound the corner in front of them and noticed the horses fear of the wolves immediately by its flattened ears and wild eyes. She looked down at the pair by her side.

"What?" Dia said reproachfully. "I didnt do anything! 'Scuse me one moment while I go and switch species." She added in a mutter. She had been stroppy with Tallin ever since shed been proved worng over the horse issue. Tallin sighed and gave a small smile, but she would have to sort it out later with Dia; right now there was one large frightened horse and an edgy and embarrased rider heading straight for her. The horses wild eyes were swivelling around looking for an escape and its rider was getting just as agitated trying to control it. She tried to steer past hastily but suddenly the horse froze, its eyes locked with one of the wolves, frozen in an endless moment. Then, breaking out of the trance the horse reared and bolted forward, throwing the rider off; however, the woman jumped up, whirling around and grabbing her steeds reins and holding on stubbornly until the horse calmed down. Her speed and skill impressed Tallin, who swiftly dismounted to greet the newcomer.

"Are you all right?" Belle called forward, before also dismounting. The woman looked up, her cheeks pink with embarrasment with a bashful smile.

"Yes Im fine. Ive made such a spectacle of myself though." She replied a little sheepishly. She glared, but rather dubiously at the wolves. Dia gave Tallin an injured look and lay down muttering and Jet followed suite.

Tallin smiled at the woman; she had made a similar entrance when she had first met Oropher, but with her it had been falling out of a tree. She stepped forward.

"I am sorry about that. My wolves, as they keep reminding me-" She glared at Dia. -"Cannot help their species. Im sorry for the upset though. My name is Tallin Wolfsoul." She held out a hand.

The woman took it, a look on her face as fif she almost recognised the name and smiled, but she looked a little puzzled.

"Your wolves."

Oh boy... "In a way yes. They are my family in a way." The woman looked astonished and considering this is the scale of things Tallin didnt blame her. Belle and Faryn saved her from explaining further as she too introduced themselves. "I am Ainabelleth Quelleur of Lorien. This is Faryn or Mirkwood." Faryn looked rather please at being given a title. "What brings you here to Mirkwood Arrelle?" She continued.

[ August 18, 2003: Message edited by: Amanaduial the archer ]

[Brinniel]

Raye had followed Arelle through the forest. She had spotted her the previous night, admiring her horse.
Raye's last horse had disappeared several months ago, and since then she had been in great need of another. Raye had many other chances to steal a horse, but they had all been somewhat a disgrace. But this horse- the horse this girl rode was perfect. She was a beautiful, strong horse, and Raye could see that she had traveled many miles before. If she could just dispose of the girl, the horse would be her's.

Unfortunately, Raye was closer to the city than she had thought. Through the trees, she could see the gates and the guards who stood there. Raye stopped and waited for the girl to pass. She dared not take another step; she did not wish to risk in giving herself away. She waited as the girl approached the guards.
"State your name and business," Raye heard one of the guards say.
"I am Arrelle and I am just visiting this fair place and will move on soon," the girl responded.
"You may pass." the guard said as one of the gates opened,
The girl, Arrelle walked her horse past the gates and disappeared.

Now was Raye's chance. She approached the guards calmly and steadily, her eyes focused on the gates. She was barely two feet from the guards before she stopped.
The guards looked at Raye warily; they sensed the danger of her presence.
"Let me pass," Raye said.
"You must tell us your name and state you business first," one of the guards responded.
"My business is none of your concern," she smirked.
Before either guard could bring up his sword, Raye had hit one hard against the head, leaving him unconscious. She grabbed the other guard, one hand tightening around his neck; the other held a dagger which threatened to penetrate his throat.
"Open the gates," Raye demanded. "Say that I may pass."
The guard nodded, turning pale. "You may pass," he gasped.
And to Raye's pleasure, one of the gates slowly opened.
"Thank you," she said, throwing the guard to the ground. She kicked him hard, and then he too went unconscious.

When Arrelle, the girl Raye had been following, came back into sight, Raye could see that she was off her horse and talking to others. Cautiously, Raye approached them, trying to avoid any chance of being seen. As the shapes of wolves came into view, Raye groaned. Instantly, she knew that they belonged to Tallin Wolfsoul.
Great, she thought. Just what I needed.
Though Raye had never spoken with Tallin, she had seen her many times and knew of her ways. Raye despised Tallin. So many times she had wanted to kill her, but Raye knew better than that. Tallin's wolves always watched and protected her, and Raye knew that they could be quite dangerous. Not until she had killed her wolf friends could Raye kill Tallin.
The others that stood with Tallin and spoke with Arrelle, Raye did not recognize. An elf and a servant, it appeared. Not much of a threat.
It appeared that Arrelle may join this strange company. Raye did not care. It was the girl's horse she was still after. Though it would be more difficult to steal a horse among a group, Raye would not give up so easily. She needed this horse desperately, and she would not let minor glitches in her plans ruin her chances. No, that horse would belong to her.
Raye grinned openly as she remained hidden in the shadows.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Tallin continued walking but she felt uneasy; it was as if someone was watching her. She glanced at the wolves but Dia was sulking and Jet was attempting to comfort his mate. She shook her head and told herself she was being silly, forcing herself to concentrate on the new woman.

Arrelle was very easy to get along with, smiling easily as she fitted into the group even after her original embarrassing start. She told them how she had come to Mirkwood, how she felt fate had led her down this path, a notion that seemed to entrance Faryn. Tallin nodded and smiled absently. She was sure she had seen something moving in the shadows, and the only thing that moved so silently through shadows was a predator...

She caught Jets eye. The wolf looked up gloomily, upset at Dias moodiness. Tallin smiled and put her hand lightly on his back to comfort him. "Jet, look in the shadows just over there." She said careful not to look. Jet sighed, walked forward sniffing carelessly at something then looked vaguely in the direction Tallin had indicated. His eyes widened slightly but he didnt react otherwise.

"I see it. And ideas?

Tallin glanced around, following a bird trail over the forest then let her eyes wander down to the shadows. Once again, just a faint movement, as slight as if it was almost not there. But it was the liquid movement of something confident and used to stalking other creatures...a predator...

"I dont know Jet. Tell Dia will you?"

"Definintely. Ill keep an eye on it dont worry." He slunk back to Dia. Tallin turned back to the three others, half joining in the conversation, trying to keep the sense of unease off as day turned to dusk...

[dragoneyes]

Arrelle walked next to Lorran, resting her hand on the horse's warm neck. Lorran was slowly getting used to the idea of working around wolves but Arrelle didn't want to try riding her until she was completely fine, it could take just one of the wolves to something unexpected and Lorran would bolt again.

"So, you've heard what brought me to Mirkwood. What brought you?" asked Arrelle,
"Well," said Faryn "I came here to work originally, but miss Belle turned up just the other day and she was injured badly and I felt I just had to come along with her." Arrelle turned to Belle, shocked,
"You were badly injured? You do not look as though you have been."
"Well, I had a good healer." She said simply, smiling and looking at Tallin, but Tallin wasn't listening and seemed to be in a world of her own.

"Where is it you are planning to go?" asked Arrelle, eager to find out where such a strange selection of people would be going.
"We're travelling to the Grey mountains, to find my brother," said Belle with a determined look on her face.
"Oh," said Arrelle but she didn't continue because Lorran was getting nervy. Arrelle shot a suspicious look back at the wolves but they were doing nothing out of the ordinary, but Lorran's ear were still twitching in all directions and her eyes were wide, as though she was trying to spot someone following her.

[Amanaduial the archer]

The daylight around the group was quickly turning to dusk. The sun was sinking down below the tree line, sending vibrant colours over the forest when Belle called for the group to stop.

As they made a campfire, Tallin noticed that she was not the only one who seemed uneasy. Loran, Arelles horse seemedw as uneasy as the wolves although, she reasoned, it could just be because of the wolves.

Stretching, she settled herself with her back against a tree with the wolves lying around her.

"Jet?" Tallin didnt open her eyes as she sent the message.

"Always watching Tal. Dont worry." He snuggled into his mate and gave a great sigh. Within in minutes, the makeshift camp was almost full of sleeping figures.

In the darkness, another smiled...

[ November 26, 2002: Message edited by: Amanaduial the archer ]

[Brinniel]

Though the sky was filled with stars, it was the time of the new moon, and therefore it was quite dark. Raye liked it that way. She liked the darkness. Unlike most humans, she had perfect vision during both day and night. Raye had hardly slept in the past few days. But that did not bother her. She could go for weeks barely sleeping at all.
Tonight Raye was more anxious than usual. She would finally get that horse. But Raye also knew that this theft would be dangerous, especially with those wolves. Raye did not usually steal from groups. But then again, she hadn't planned to; the one she planned to steal from started alone, after all.
There was a chance Raye could get caught, but she didn't believe it all too likely. Raye was a swift mover; she could come and go in the blink of an eye. She had never been caught stealing before. And she had never even come close to being defeated in a duel. She would not fail at this.

Raye waited until all were asleep. Even Tallin's wolves seemed to have drifted. Raye watched Arrelle's horse closely. She seemed to be rather uneasy. She already was growing suspicious of Raye's plans. Raye would have to come up behind the horse quickly. She would have to mount her and flee the scene before the horse was able to wake the others.
Raye smiled to herself. This couldn't be too hard at all. With elven rope in her left hand and a long knife in the right, Raye approached the horse swiftly and silently.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Tallin heard small sound, the sound of someone stubbing their toe. Her eyes flicked open but she remained still.

A tall, cloaked figure, the hood of its cloak thrown back to reveal long hair, its red gleam still visible in the light of the embers of the fire. Raye.

Tallin cursed inwardly; this was something she could do without. Not that she was feeling bad or anything, but Raye was always something she could do without...

The woman was creeping towards the horses, a rope in her slender hand. The hand that has killed many. For one rather unheroic moment she thought of just pretending to be asleep before mentally slapping herself. She knew Raye was not cruel to animals, or not as cruel as she was to humans and elves, but it was the principle of the thing. Her hand crept to her side, fingering one of the many throwing knives concealed on her person.

"Dia? Get up."

"Whuh? Ow, man, never bang your head on a tree branch first thing in the evening-"

Tallin winced at the noise and hushed furiously but the wold had already made more than enough noise to alert the murderess. She had frozen and slowly she turned to face the tree Tallin was leaning against.

"I know youre there, dog-tamer. You can stop hiding behind them now." She mocked softly, not waking the others but so her voice carried. Tallin gritted her teeth against the insult, standing.

"Whats a beautiful nightmare like you doing out here then Raye? Oh, sorry, I forgot your brief span as a Lady of the Night..." The elf countered. Raye stepped forward, a long knife gleaming in her hand.

"You'll regret that girl." She leapt, as smoothly as swift as a fox towards the elf and her wolves....

[ColletteTook]

<< ooc:many apologies, i have not been able to get to my computer for some time, but im back and i have read most.>>

bic: Faryn's heart was content, hovering over the merrily crackling fire making sure "Miss Belle" was warm enough, fussing over weather she had enough quilts or not, giving even her own to make sure she stayed warm until she insisted that she was being more of a hinderance than a help, was when she finally fell back to toasting bits of bread on a stick, when there was a sudden noise, and there was a whirl of happenings, and a knife appeared from somewhere, and in that instance , Faryn's sword was drawn and ready in her hand, and she hovered just behind Tallin, should she need any help, and just in front of Miss Belle, should she need protecting.

[Brinniel]

As Raye approached Tallin, she noticed another behind her. She paid no heed to this girl though; Raye could tell that she was just a servant girl. Her eyes remained focused on Tallin.
Raye pointed her long knife at the elf, who was slowly reaching for her own weapon.
"Tallin," the servant girl whimpered.
Raye couldn't help but smile. She loved it when others feared her.
"What is it you want?" Tallin asked.
"I simply wish to be left alone"
"Alone?" Tallin almost laughed at that. "You are the one who invaded our camp. Leave us alone!"
Raye moved her knife closer to Tallin. "If you shut up and let me do my business," she hissed. "Then perhaps you will see daylight again."
The wolf-tamer opened her mouth in response, but if anything came out, Raye would never know, for it was at that moment that one of Tallin's wolves lunged at her with a menacing growl.
Before the wolf had even reached her, Raye swung her long knife into its side. Unfortunately, the knife had penetrated the thick hide enough to only slightly injure the animal. As a result, the wolf gave a large howl, waking the rest of the camp.
Raye quickly glanced around at the other. Only having just awoken, they all looked quite dazed and confused in what was happening. It would not take them long to realize, though. When that happened, Raye would be outnumbered. As much as she wanted to kill them all, Raye had never fought this many at once before and did not yet wish to take the chance.
Dodging Tallin and the servant girl's swords, Raye fled from the two, her feet quick as lightening. She headed straight for Lorran, the horse Raye desired so much, and mounted her. The horse whinnied in fear, but Raye was able to calm her by whispering in elvish. Then she kicked Lorran hard, sending off the horse into a gallop. The two fled into the night, disappearing from the sight of the astonished company.

As Raye rode, she muttered to herself in disappointment. She had the horse, but she had not killed even one of the members of the group. This was not natural for Raye to do. Not once had she ever let one of her victims walk away alive. And she wouldn't.
Raye would be seeing this strange company again. She would bring them all to their death.

[dragoneyes]

By the time Arrelle had stood up and drawn her sword, Raye had jumped onto Lorran and galloped away.
"Lorran! Come back!" she cried running after her horse.
"Arrelle." Said Tallin, "You will not catch up with them, your horse is unfortunately a fast one." Arrelle turned back bewildered,
"But... but she has my horse. That's my horse she's got!." Arrelle was at a loss, she couldn't see why anyone would want to steal from her.

"Leave it Arrelle, it's not likely that we'll see her again" said Tallin plainly. Arrelle turned on her,
"You wouldn't say that about one of your wolves would you?"
"Well, no but-"
"No buts, she's been my travelling companion ever since she was a foal, I'm not going to give up on her now!"
"Look," Belle said, interrupting the dispute, "This is no way to get anything done is it? Now I say we should finish resting here and then continue on after Arrelle's horse."

[Amanaduial the archer]

Tallin gasped furiously as Dia howled in pain as the long knife scored a cut in her side. She dived forward at Obsidians assailant, but already the woman was on Lorran and galloping as fast as she could away. Drawing back her arm, Tallin threw one of her knives after her as hard as she could. The weapon only grazed Rayes arm though as she turned off the path into the forest.

Cursing, Tallin started walking back to the others, catching Arrelles arm as the distraught elf ran past her.

"Arrelle, You will not catch up with them, your horse is unfortunately a fast one."

Arrelle turned on her angrily."But... but she has my horse. That's my horse she's got!"

"Leave it Arrelle. Its not likely we'll see her again."

"But if we do..." Jet growled, licking his mates side. Tallin grinned grimly at him then turned back as Arrelle pushed her angrily.

"You wouldn't say that about one of your wolves would you? No buts, she's been my travelling companion ever since she was a foal, I'm not going to give up on her now!"

Tallin opened her mouth, then shut it, kneeling down to inspect Dia's side. She could feel Arrelles glare on her.

"Look," Belle said, interrupting the dispute, "This is no way to get anything done is it? Now I say we should finish resting here and then continue on after Arrelle's horse. We'll get her back. Dont worry, its only a horse."

Tallin winced at the last bit. Oh man, shouldnt have said that! Arrelle transfered her glare to Belle but Tallin cut in before she could say anything.

"Wait. We may carry on our original route-"

"But-"

"Like you said before Arrelle, no buts." Tallin attempted a smile. "Dont worry. We havent lost Raye yet."

"Raye? Oh you know her do you? Are you in league with her then, huh?-"

"What? Oh yes, shed really attack my wolves then wouldnt she." Tallin said, raising an eyebrow. She sighed and carried on more gently. "I know Raye through long and rather painful experience. She hates me, and the feeling is mutual."

"Why?" Arrelles voice was less angry now. Tallin didnt reply immediatly, pausing, remembering when she had first met Raye. She took a deep breath. "Lets just go. We want to reach the mountains before winter sets in dont we and at this rate, summer'll be gone in a flash."

Her wolves picked themselves up and followed Tallin as she set off. After a second the others followed.

[Brinniel]

It was mid-day when Raye saw the small company approach. She had been waiting for them, waiting to kill. It was a silly thing to do; sneaking up on them would be smarter. But Raye wanted to confront them. She was curious what would happen.
The company stopped a few several feet from Raye, their weapons drawn. Raye did not reach for her's.
"What is it you want?" she asked smoothly.
"My horse," the girl, Arrelle, cried out. "You stole her from me and I want her back."
Tallin didn't seem to happy about the girl's quick remark. She turned around and whispered something harsh to her.
"So," Raye said. "You want your horse back. And why is that? Where is this strange company here going?"
"To the Grey Mountains," the elf beside Tallin said. "I am in search of my missing brother."
"Oh, the Grey Mountains," Raye couldn't help but laugh. They were so foolish. "You will not come back alive then. No one has. There are dangers there that one could not even imagine."
"And how would you know that?" the servant girl asked, her eyes glaring.
"Why, servant girl," Raye replied. "I have been there myself. You won't find anyone who knows the Grey Mountains better than me." Raye smiled. "Say, how about this? If you let me keep the horse, I'll take you through the Grey Mountains. Deal? I mean, you don't have to accept my offer, and if you don't, you will get your horse back, girl. Unfortunately, without me, you would all likely die horrific deaths. Hmph. Not that I would care."
The others continued to glare at her, their looks skeptical.
"Choose quickly!" Raye demanded. "For I do not have all day."

[Amanaduial the archer]

I mean, you don't have to accept my offer, and if you don't, you will get your horse back, girl. Unfortunately, without me, you would all likely die horrific deaths. Hmph. Not that I would care."

Tallin forced herself not to smile as Jet performed the mind version of rolling her eyes. The girl was being melodramatic, something Tallin really couldny stand, but she was curious; why did such a one want to come? Tallin knew the woman knew much about the mountains... but the others, she couldnt expect the others to accept her offer, surely...

Belle appeared to be deep in thought, fighting with herself inside. Then she turned to Raye. "You proved to be sneaky, violent and a thief. You also tried to kill one of the wolves." She spoke carefully of Rayes bad points, but Tallin immediately knew with a sinking heart what was going to happen. "But you are a skilled fighter, and if you tell the truth of your knowledge....then I will accept you."

"WHAT?!" Jet and Dia yelped together outraged, then both started mindspeaking together.
"Tallin, you know of the ways of these strange elves, she must be jesting, surely-"Jet started to reason before Dia cut in.
"Tallin, tell her to take that back immediately. No, wait...if she comes, I will repay he for this cut. Oh, well said that elf-"[/i]

Tallin ignored them both, then slowly she smiled. Raye looked surprised at her reaction and glared at her.

"Well then. Welcome to our group." The wolf tamer murmered. She bowed mockingly to Raye then turned to the others as Belle spoke again. "Come then, we'll go." The elf seemed relieved that they hadnt been at each others throats straight away. "We have an elf to find!"

[dragoneyes]

Arrelle was glad at the wolves apparant shock at this, hoping that Tallin was going to follow their lead and reject her, but to Arrelle's dismay she accepted and everyone seemed to carry on as normal, Arrelle was outraged.
"YOU'RE LETTING HER KEEP MY HORSE?!" Arrelle yelled.
"Yes we are," said Tallin calmly "At least you can still see her, so stop complaining." Arrelle was fuming, she wanted to whip out her sword and strike Raye down where she sat, but she knew she wasn't good enough to and that she was the one more likely to get struck down, so instead she glared at Raye, who smiled triumphantly back.

"Do want to ride with me while you have no horse?" asked Faryn tentatively,
"Yes, thankyou." said Arrelle, trying to sound grateful, but sounding more angry than anything. She mounted behind Faryn, gritting her teeth and still glaring at Raye. She was putting her murderous hands all over Lorran, Arrelle would get her horse back, her mind was set on it.

[ December 01, 2002: Message edited by: dragoneyes ]

[ColletteTook]

"One weak link will easily break the chain with but a tug"
The words that her Grim and Gram had always said to her, now echoed through her head as she stared at the girl.
Raye glanced over. "What?!" she half-snarled, looking annoyed.
Faryn turned her head away with a shrug and carried on her uneasy thoughts to herself. She feared that Raye would cause distrust, and uneasiness in the company, and make a weak link in "the chain", and then become a merciless tugger upon them.
The tress rose dark around them, and the path wound ahead, deserted and yet to be trotted upon by their feet. She could see the sky through the tree tops, a deep azure, with a little puff cloud here or there...and then suddenly from no where Belle said "What lore do you know Faryn? Sing us a song!"
Faryn thought for a bashful moment and then giggled as she started:
"Troll sat alone on his seat of ston, and munched and mumbled a bare old bone;
For many a year he gnawed it near, for meat was hard to come by! Gum by!
In a cave in the hill he dwelled alone, and meat was hard to come by.
Up came tom with his big boots on. Said he to the Troll "Pray, what is yon? for it looks like the shin o' my old nuncle Tim, As should be a-lyin' in graveyard.
Caveyard!Paveyard!
This many a year has TIm been gone, and I thought he were lying in graveyard.
"My lad" said the Troll 'This bone I stole. BUt what be bones that lie in a hole? Thy nuncle was dead as a lump o' lead, afore I found his shinbone.
Tinbone! Thinbone!
He can spare a share for a poor old Troll, for he dont need his shinbone.'
Said Tom: 'I dont see why the likes o' thee without axin' leave with the shank or shin of my fathers kin, so hand the old bone over!
Rover!Trover!
Though dead he be, it belongs to he so hand the old bone over!
'For a couple of pins'' says the Troll and grins, 'i'll eat thee too, and gnaw thy shins. A bit o' fresh meat will go down sweet! I'll try my teeth on thee now!
Hee now! See now!
Im tired of gnawing old bones and skins, ive a mind to dine on thee now.
but just as he thought that dinner was caught,He found his hands had hold of naught. Before he could mind, Tom slipped behind and gave him the boot to larn him!
Warn him! Darn him!
A bump o' the boot on the seat, tom thought, would be the way to larn him.
But harder than stone is the flesh and bone of a Troll that site in the hills alone. As well set your boot to the mountains root, for the seat of a Troll dont feel it!
Peel it! Heal it!
Old Troll laughed, when he heard Tom groan, and he knew his toes could feel it.
Tom's leg is game, since home he came, and his bootless foot is lasting lame. but the Troll dont care, and he's still there with the bone he boned from it's owner!

There was an uproar of laughter from the rest of the company, even Faryn thought Raye to be smiling a bit from the corner of her eye, as they continued on, with lighter hearts.

[VanimaEdhel]

Hwestlaeriel shrieked as fingers pinched the skin on her waist.

"Daro!" she yelled at her brother, swiping at the intruding limb.

"Ai! Your nails are sharp!" Berethion said, pulling his hand away.

"Then do not touch me," Hwestlaeriel said.

Berethion sighed, "I pity your future husband. He has this to look forward to every time he touches you." He displayed the marks her nails left on his hand.

That comment got him a swift slap.

"What was that for?" Berethion said, "You never minded my comments before..."

"Yes, well, that was before Halmaethorion and Fileglinniel became fascinated with the prospect of my marriage," she sighed.

"Well, they have right to comment. You are about of the age when you should be married. What men do they have in mind?" Berethion said, matter-of-factly.

"I know not. I leave whenever they begin to discuss it," Hwestlaeriel sighed.

"You do not desire to marry?" Berethion said, furrowing his brow.

"It is not that, it is just...when I marry it should be for love. It should not matter my age."

"Well, men are hard to find around here," Berethion said, "And trust our parents' judgement. They are good people. They will know what is best for you."

"I guess so," Hwestlaeriel said, sighing, "All of the Elves they have spoken of came from good families. I will not be poor, no matter what Elf they choose."

"True, our parents do love wealth, do they not?" Berethion said, looking at the trinkets that lay around the small cottage that they obviously did not need and could not afford.

"You would think they could spend more on sensible objects. They have been around for a while, they should have better sense," Hwestlaeriel mused.

"They are acting a bit Dwarfish...or Human," Belethion said.

"A, well, it is not for us to judge, I suppose," Hwestlaeriel said, smiling and touching a necklace around her neck.

"True," Berethion laughed, touching the fairly ornate handle on his sword.

Hwestlaeriel turned to the fire, continuing to prepare a meal for the family.

"Berethion!" Fileglinniel called from outside.

"Well, that was a nice interlude. I hope we can continue sometime," Berethion said.

"Berethion!" came the voice again.

Berethion laughed and rolled his eyes, "Well, I must be off!"

Berethion left. Hwestlaeriel laughed to herself a bit and sighed, continuing to cook...

[Amanaduial the archer]

The small group had been wandering for some hours in almost silence. At the start, Faryn had tried to make a few attempts at conversation, but had given up when they were greeted by continuing sullen silence. The atmosphere would have caused a star to commit suicide.

Tallin of course didnt have to speak aloud to have a threeway conversation. Currently however, it was grating on her nerves and even on Jets as Dia pressed on with just how she was going to deal with Raye.

"No one takes a shot at Obsidian Lunalupus and gets away with it. Mind you, that sword wasnt great, but it still took at chunk out of my side-"

"Dia, you have a shallow cut."

"AND shes now riding high and mighty on that horse. Look at her, looking down at us, who does she think she is! Jet, Ill bet you, or Tallin, two rabbits that I could rip out her throat at ten paces? Huh, come on-"

"Obsidian, Id really rather you didnt." Tallin mind said wearily. The female wolf glared at her. "Oh I see, youre on her side are you now Tallin? Well-"

"Shh." Tallin spoke suddenly and aloud, surprising the others in the group as she held up her hand, as they of course didnt see anything to say 'shhh' about. They stopped and now the hooves werent making noise, they could hear what the wolfsoul had heard; angry elves voices, arguing heatedly, although it sounded decidedly like the male elf would prefer this arguement not to be happening. As Tallin dismounted, the voices became more subdued and friendly. When a shout came from somewhere near the first voices, all of the group jumped- it shouted a name; Berethion was it?

After a moment, said Berethion emerged from a rather well hidden small house. The tall rather handsome elf was obviously deep in his thoughts as he walked quickly towards the source of the call, when Tallin coughed politely. He looked up in surprise and then jumped back as Raye drew her sword. Tallin closed her eyes and counted to ten under her breath before refining her anger to a glare at the rogue. The woman stopped and had to grace to look slightly embarrased, if only for a moment before her arrogance returned and she glared back. Ignoring this, Tallin turned back, seeing another elf come out of the house, a beautiful woman. Tallin exchanged a glance with Belle before stepping forward.

"Good day friends." She found from experience that it was a good exercise when accompanied by two large black wolves to start with friends and sometimes 'We wont kill you, really.' "We are travellers through the forest."

"What are your names and from and to whence to you go?" the woman asked but not in an unfriendly way, especially considering the fact that still had her hand on her sword. The mans vague face, whicyh had looked like it was trying to remember however, split into a smile and Tallin returned this.

"Long time no see Berethion." She said quietly, smiling slightly.

"Wolfsoul." He nodded back, also smiling. As her smile grew, Tallin walked forward, shaking the elfs hand heartily, both of them beaming as old friends.

[VanimaEdhel]

Hwestlaeriel looked at Berethion.

"Hain istodh (You know them)?" she asked, surprised.

"Tallin istin (I know Tallin)," he said, gesturing to the woman that had greeted them.

"Oh," Hwestlaeriel said. She turned to the others.

"Mae govannen," she greeted. She looked a bit hard at Tallin, "I am Hwestlaeriel. Forgive me for being harsh before. We are not used to strangers in these woods."

"There is no need for formality, Hwestlaeriel," Berethion smiled. He turned to the travellers, "What brings you here?" he asked Tallin, in particular, "What new adventure?" He smiled adventurously at the last comment.

Hwestlaeriel was not completely sure she liked these new people, so she stood off to the side somewhat, and looked at them critically...

[ January 24, 2003: Message edited by: VanimaEdhel ]

[ColletteTook]

Faryn bowed her bushy head in respect and said nothing, allowing the other travelers to answer the inquires with gracious smiles. Meanwhile, her gaze had become fixed on the young elf girl, a tinge of sadness was what made her beauty resonate so, Faryn thought. Lost in her thoughts, her hopes mayhaps, yes that would be it.
"Faryn! Fair-In!!!!" Belle called up. Faryn jerked automatically up, and found Miss Belle offering her, her ration of water. Faryn shrugged it off and found Tallin and the young man chattering away and catching up on old memories.
She also was the first to notice Raye clutching onto the horse reins as if fighting her self, chewing her tongue and shooting a look so vindictive, that if it had been directed at a certain person, Faryn was sure they would melt if they looked into the now murderous eyes.
"Miss Belle! Miss Belle!" Faryn tried to mutter in a undertone, tugging her master's shirt like a young child with something to tell, but Belle too had gotten carried away with conversation.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Tallin noticed Hwestlaerins reproacful glances but tried to ignore them; she wasnt usually welcomed particularly. Berenthion had told her much about his younger sister and her looks at least had lived up to what he had told her; both herself and her brother were very good looking.-

"Berethion where are you?!"

-but she hadnt met their parents. The voice was becoming decidedly short tempered as it is. Hwesta rolled her eyes; she was obviously not currently on the best terms with her parents for some reason. She then glanced at the group again, especially Raye, her face arrogant and eyes wicked, Tallin, standing so close to her brother. Ai, she had to know that they were old friends, nothing more as it was- She seemed to make up her mind.

"He is coming, mother!" She called. "And we have...guests." Her voice was pleasant and she nodded to them politely as she started towards the voice.

Berethion laughed slightly. "Well, I didnt think Id be introducing you to my parents now Tal!"

Hwesta stiffened and looked sharply at her brother at this comment. Tallin smiled back at him as his sister turned away, but she was perplexed. She would of course stay away from Hwestas brother, especially at the time being. She stiffled a sigh; a foundling medicine-girl and wolf tamer never really had stood a chance with the tall, handsome, adventuring Berethion. He started walking after his sister briskly and he beckoned for them to follow. After a second, they did.

[VanimaEdhel]

Hwestalaeriel brought the visitors out back to her mother.

"Where is Berethion? He needs to chop wood."

"He is coming...with friends," she said in a quiet voice.

Berethion and the other came.

"Berethion! Are these your friends?" Hwesta's mother asked.

"Well, Tal here is," Berethion said.

Hwesta gave a gentle snort from where she stood.

"Well, company or not, you need to chop wood," the still-youthful looking matronly figure said, "Hwesta, show the company in, please."

Hwestlaeriel gave a brief startled look.

"I can chop wood," she offered quickly.

"No, go inside," her mother ordered.

She silently led them into the house.

"Do you want tea?" she asked them, "Can I get you anything? Do you desire something to eat?"

She was very careful to hide her mistrust of these new people...

[dragoneyes]

Arrelle was trying hard not to let her bad mood interfere with anyone else's. She refused any refreshment and instead sat alone, purposely away from everyone else. No one seemed to understand why Lorran meant so much to her and she felt as though everyone was against her. She knew who to blame for this though, it was Raye.

Outside she could see Raye fiddling mindlessly with Lorran's reigns, if only she could grab her horse and gallop back to Gondor, to her house and her home. Instead she was stuck here, as long as Raye had Lorran she would be stuck here. But still, in the meanwhile another horse would be welcome, perhaps she could buy one from the next town.

[ColletteTook]

Faryn sat down in one of the old cushioned chairs with wordless wonder. The house was of good size, and smelled of sweet cinnamon and apples.
A good house it was, but the feeling of the air, she did not like. It was a strict silent air, air that made her sullen and sad before long. Faryn attempted many times during that hour, small talk, but it was the air that snapped her mouth shut near everytime it was opened.
So they sat, akwardly(sp?) in the warm room, sipping tea and nibbling the bread given to them, wordless, though it was not a new thing to see Faryn shying away from a conversation, or the rarity of her starting the conversation, but to see Tallin or Belle sitting as meekly as their servant girl, was something as rare as Faryn bursting into song in the forest (I do suppose many a rare thing had already happened). But even more a discomfort, was the uneasy air, and the forboding that continued to bite at Faryn's leg until she would finally give in. "Is this silence always so in your house?" Faryn broke out, and immediatley blushed scarlet afterwards.

[ January 02, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[VanimaEdhel]

Hwestlaeriel looked at Faryn, with a gentle expression.

"Well, since my brothers have left, yes, it remains fairly quiet," Hwestlaeriel said. She turned with a hard look in her eye towards her brother's "friend". "We do not entertain company much, so pardon our lack of preparation. Well, that is also why I spend so much time out of doors. I cannot tolerate the pressing silence that has become part of the wood in the walls of this house since my brothers left. I, too, would like to leave, but it is not befitting of a lady."

She envied this friend of her brother. She could travel and see the world. Her distrust grew of this strange new woman.

"I," she said, "Sadly, will probably never travel. I may travel to another city when I find a husband, but, until that time, I am to stay at home, as an Elf maiden should do."

She turned back to the stove.

"Would any of you care to have more tea or more food?" she asked, hiding the small tear that she had felt start in her eye when she spoke of the closing walls she felt around her.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Tallin flinched mentally at Hwesta's words. Oh, ouch.

"I, too, would like to leave, but it is not befitting of a lady."

"Oh how badly is she asking for it?" Dia growled. Tallin put her hand on the she-wolfs head but didnt reprimand her.

" I, sadly, will probably never travel. I may travel to another city when I find a husband, but, until that time, I am to stay at home, as an Elf maiden should do."

Tallin was now gripping both wolves fur discreetly as they strained against her hands. Hwesta turned away and Tallin relaxed her grip on them with a warning glance. As she looked up again she caught Hwesta's eye, seeing the tear in it. Their gaze held.

Ah. Not hate, but envy. Resentment and envy.

The other elf turned away and Tallin decided to try and make ammends. She cleared her throat and began to improvise. "Well, we, erm, we have been on a- well, on a quest." She said hesitantly. "But we are short of people here. Another one with fighting skills would be useful, and I am the only oone with any knowledge of plants...?" She continued, recalling what Hwesta's brother had told her of his sister.

The tall female elf froze and her eyes flickered across Tallins. "What do you mean?" She said slowly.

The wolf tamer continued to hold Hwesta's eyes. "We would be very grateful." She said softly.

[VanimaEdhel]

Hwestlaeriel thought quickly. This was really her chance to go. She could leave this place and never come back if she so desired. But how would she be able to leave? Her parents would not let her. She knew plants, of course, but she was still but an Elf maiden...and a fairly young one at that.

"I would love to," she said, keeping a lofty demeanor, trying not to let her excitement and her disappointment show, "But it is not within my capabilities to leave this area. My parents would not let me leave, now that my brothers are gone."

[Brinniel]

"I am sure we could find a way to convince them," Tallin said.

Raye was standing at the doorway when she overheard the invitation. Quickly, she moved to Tallin's side.
"How many more do you plan to invite, Tallin?" she whispered. "This is a dangerous quest we go on, not some walking fest."
"Berethion and Hwesta may come of some use to us," Tallin responded. "It will be good to have them both at our side."
"I have been to the Grey Mountains. I know what dangers lie in our path. It would be better for us to reach the mountains unoticed by our enemies," Raye argued, gritting her teeth.
"You will lead us to the Grey Mountains, Raye, but you won't decide for us who comes and who doesn't," the wolf tamer said, pushing Raye away.
She turned back to Hwesta. "So, how about it?"
Hwesta shook her head. "It is impossible. You will never convince my parents to let me go with you, especially with my brothers gone."

Raye stood several feet away from Tallin, her hand fixed on one of her daggers. She stared at the wolf tamer with rage, no longer listening to the conversation. She knew Tallin would not give up in finding a way to bring both Berethion and Hwesta along, with their parents' permission or not.
Normally, Raye would've killed anyone who dared to argue with her. But something held her back. And it wasn't the fact that she was surrounded by several others.
Still, everything that did and did not happen in those last few moments did not matter to Raye. The murderess had plans of her own. She would find ways to eliminate those who traveled with her. It should be easy, as the treachery she claimed lies ahead is not so much a lie.

[ January 05, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

Tallin knew it was a mistake to aggravate Raye, but the murderess wasnt all that friendly herself and Tallin wasnt all that keen on anyone that tried to take a chunk out of her wolves. Besides, Hwesta's loftiness was getting to her.

"Hwesta, there are others in this group who advise me to let you stay. But do you want to stay, stay in this forest until you are marriagable, then stay as a wife forever?" She was trying to keep the impatience out of her voice.

"I do not think that, as a lady-"

"Is that what you want?" Tallin cut through, stepping closer to the other elf.

"Please Tal, if she says anything about being a lady again, please, please hit her!" Jet grumbled from her feet.

Hwesta, oblivious to this, stood, her head bowed for a moment before looking straight at Tallin. "No. No, its not." She said, her voice firm. The wolf tamer smiled. "Good."

"But my parents-"

"Will certainly not let you go if they know Hwesta." Berethion now interrupted. His sisters eyes widened but he held up a hand. "Dont worry. I have been away from Fileglinniel and Halmaethorion for long, sister." He smiled taking her hand. "We can do a swap maybe?"

[ColletteTook]

Faryn giggled to herself later that night as she saddled up the horses for the company, that would leave at the first tinge of dawn in the early morn (courtesy of Faryn's almost impatient exicted shaking roughly the others awake by the shoulders.)
Things had worked out so well so far, and yet, yet......the forboding air had yet to clear.She brushed it away, just that night and hoped to Eru that she would not regret it.
Through the night she sat in front of the quaint little residence, watching the moon sink lower into the distant rolling hills. Faryn was awake and readying herself for the longest, most anxious stretch of the journey: the beginning of the trek into the Blue Mountains.
She pulled her hair back, mail, tunic, vest, breeches, belt, boots, done.
The sun had not rose yet.

[Amanaduial the archer]

That night, about half an hour before the sun had risen, Tallin went outside. The darkness was so peaceful, cleansing. You didnt have to hide who you were in the darkness...

"Good morning Raye." She said as she felt the womans prescence. Raye muttered a curse under her breath before coming to stand beside Tallin. They stood in silence for a moment before Raye broke it.

"Its a bad idea to take the girl, Wolfsoul." Rayes voice was worried and Tallin didnt have to turn to know Rayes face was the same. The feelin of peace she felt eas evaporating.

"I know." She sighed, leaning against a tree, her ankles crossed casually. Flicking a knife out from her clothing she started to fiddle with it then looked at Raye. With slight bemusement she saw the woman had subtly stepped a few steps back. Tallin raised an eyebrow and was greeted with a glare. She stared at Raye for a few moments before breathing out sharply.

"Gods, Raye..." She murmered.

"What?" The other woman said sharply. Tallin met her angry gaze and realised that Raye didnt trust anyone, never had...or if she had the trust had been broken. Tallin had never really been alone, she had always had the mind link with her wolves at least, but Raye...the flood of understanding fitted into place. She couldnt say what she had been about to.

"Nothing I...no, nothing." She muttered vaguely. A few more moments passed in silence. "Ill go and get the others."

She looked into the distance the way they were going. "And then we shall be off." She murmered before walking back to get the others.

[Brinniel]

Tallin gathered the others quickly and they all did last minute preparations before setting off.

At the corner of her eye, Raye could see Berethion watching her from a distance. She glanced at him momentarily before getting back to work at adjusting her horse's saddle.

Tallin had also seen Berethion. Raye saw her look over at him again and again. It was obvious that the wolftamer felt very close a friend to Hwesta's brother. Perhaps even more.

Raye understood Tallin's feelings for Berethion. He was a very likable elf. No one, not even a murderess like Raye could hate him. In fact, Berethion was the only one Raye had ever trusted.

Raye was so deep in thought that she was startled when a hand gently touched her shoulder. She turned around to find herself face to face with Berethion.
"I must speak with you, Corrowyn," he said softly, motioning her away from the others.
Corrowyn. Raye's true name. Berethion was the only one who knew it. The only one living, at least.
Raye hesitated, looking at the others. Not one even bothered to take a glance at the two.
"All right," she said and followed the elf into the trees.

Berethion did not stop walking until he was out of sight from the others. Then he turned to speak to Raye.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"What do you mean?" was Raye's response.
Berethion chuckled. "I know you, Corrowyn. You don't do quests. Are you up to something?"
Raye smiled. "When am I not up to something?"
"It's not my business what you do, Corrowyn," the elf said, frowning. "But please do not harm Hwesta or anyone you are traveling with, at that."
"Why do you ask me of this when you plan to come yourself, Berethion?" she asked, politely.
Berethion folded his arms. "Who said I was coming?"
Raye couldn't help but laugh. "You wouldn't dare allow Hwesta to go into the Grey Mountains without your aid. You've been on the borders of those mountain yourself. You know what dangers lie within them. I myself almost died in those mountains. I'm surprised you let your sister come at all."
"I'm surprised that you agreed to back into those mountains. Why did you agree?"
"There's a horse in it for me. A good horse, at that. In fact, I haven't yet seen a better one. Besides, I could use another adventure. I do not fear the Grey Mountains or what's in them."
"Neither do I"
"You should not come. Go back into you house and take your sister with you."
Berethion shook his head. "I cannot hold Hwestlaeriel back any longer. And you cannot hold me back."
Raye sighed. "All right. And I suppose I'll be seeing you along the trail, then?"
"Look for me on the night of the seventh day. I will meet up with you then."
"Why not just come now?"
He smiled. "Because if you get into any sort of trouble, it's good to have someone watching your back."
"Trouble before the Grey Mountains? I doubt that."
"You never know. Anyways, don't tell the others I am coming. It is best that they not know."
"All right. I'll promise if you promise not to say a word about...about..." she trailed off.
Berethion nodded in understandment. "I promise, Corrowyn. Have I said a word before?"
Raye pressed her index finger into his chest. "That means you DO NOT call me Corrowyn!"
Berethion nodded, smiling. "All right. Good-bye, Raye." He looked at the murderess straight in the eyes. "Seven days. Do not forget."
"I won't."
And with that, Berethion disappeared into the trees, heading back to his family's cabin.

When Raye returned to the group, they were waiting for her.
"Where were you?" Faryn asked.
Raye only shook her head. Only Tallin seemed to know where Raye had disappeared to, as the wolftamer gave her a glare as murderous as her own.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Tallin swallowed the lump in her throat. The way they had gone off together, the look of companionship she hadnt seen before in Raye's eyes...but why did it have to be towards Berethion? The likeable elf was practically the only one who didnt treat her like an outcast. Like the ragged wood urchin that she was, she thought bitterly.

"Oh come on Tal, youre getting me depressed as well now." Dia practically rolled her eyes as she finished with a bone she had been gnawing. An animal was looking down on her...Tallin clenched her fists and didnt answer her friend, blocking her thoughts. If only she could block the lump in her throat as well.

She had Called a horse last night, summoning it by its True Name, Ohtar. Warrior. The magnificent stallion was as black as night all over and she swung herself onto its bare back. She had no need for a saddle. Ohtar shuffled slightly, feeling Tallins unease; he was an intelligent beast, one of the reasons Tallin had chosen him to summon.

"Calm Ohtar. Just emotions just elven emotions." She soothed him.

"Quite powerful emotions Tallin." Tallins eyes caught those of Jet, watching her. He tipped his head to the side slightly. "Wolves are not emotionless, sister, you know it. We feel less, but because of this you feel more. More than other petty humans and elves."

Tallin held his understanding gaze for a moment before looking away, not because she couldnt hold his gaze, but because she doubted a wolf could understand what she was feeling. "Like I said Jet, just emotions. Just petty elven emotions." She replied, trying to keep the bitterness from her voice.

Berethion knew her better than she had ever let anyone know her before. They had been close. Yet...yet he had gone to the murderess instead. As she started off with the rest of the group following, the wolves trotted beside her. Her strength was in them. Their lives seemed so much less complicated...

"Just petty elven emotions." She murmered bitterly to herself as she urged her horse into a trot. Hwesta's horse was just behind but she didnt care if the elf maid heard. Just as she know knew that that same elfs brother didnt care either...

[VanimaEdhel]

Hwestlaeriel heard Tallin's comments vaguely, but she was filled with too much euphoria at this new development to really notice. She was finally out of the house! She smiled and wondered what her parents would think when the awoke and read her letter. She hoped that they would not be too mad.

Maybe Tallin was not so bad. Maybe Hwestlaeriel just had to give her a chance. Maybe she would prover herself in the long run. Were there always this many maybe's in dealings with outsiders? Hwestlaeriel had never had to deal with those outside her own family but a few times, when people had briefly passed through. She wondered if she would have this many doubts all the time they were on the road with everyone she met...

[ January 14, 2003: Message edited by: VanimaEdhel ]

[Helkahothion]

It was near sundown and Dimithil wandered on in search for shelter. It would be tough to find one here. He was walking in the Moutains for about half a day now. He found an outsticking rock wich provided shelter enough and sat down. Something kept him from making fire. He did not know what. He had a feeling, a huncge if you may call it that, that it was not save to buildt a fire in these here area's.

"Well a pipe would not hurt anyone I guess" He tought for himself.

He took the pipe out of his backpack and lit it. Thin clouds of smoke roze up and the elv felt his worries slip of of him. For a while he sat there quitely until he heard a little noice.
*********************************************
It was getting late. Soon he could go home and rest from the long duty.

"What is keeping that Fernion so long. He darn well know's it's his duty." The nightelf said to his guard companion.

"My dear Aragilath, you know that he is always a little later than usual. He would even keep you, our leader waiting." The companion replied.

Aragilath muttered something to himslef when he heard a horn blowing. The sound came from the edge of there territory.

"Quickly, there is a trespasser in our lands." Aragilath shouted and he ran of.

He rushed himself over the tight ledge that provided the acces to the cave and reiched the cave.

"Open up you fools, I need to get over there." he shouted at the gate keepers.

But the gate opened before he could finish his sentence.
Fernion walked in with the trespasser. Aragilath could see that the trespasser came quitely and was not affraid since he was still smoking his pipe.

"I found this one outside on my way over here m'lord" Fernion said.

"What where you doing outside in the firsth place Fernion. Out on one of your strawls again?" Aragilath asked stricktly

"Yes m'lord, but I did found this trespasser out in the wild so I did not think it would matter and..."

"Silence!" Aragilath interrupted brutely," You where supposed to be on guard duty and not out hunting strangers. You know that all we want to have is to be leaved alone. Take him to a cell untill further notice and then report back to the tower. You will be hearing more about this."

Fernion gulped and did as he was ordered. He passed trought the gate and went to the tower. He sighted.

"This is going to be a long night" he said with a sad tone.
*********************************************
It was dark and Dimithil could not see a thing. Not a single window was placed in the cell. They took averything away from him except for his clothes and there he was: Locked away in a cell like some kind of animal. A guard entered the prison and went to his cell. He lit a torch and went over to Dimithil.

"Here is your food trespasser. Have a nice meal. Make yourself ready for tomorrow" He said.

"What will happen tomorrow?" Dimithil asked.

"Tommorow is your trial. You should be lucky that we found you trespassing and not the Mountain Orc's. They would have done a lot worse to you."

The guard went away and Dimithil ate the food and went to sleep.

The next day the guard came in again, but this time not with food. He carried shackels. He came into the cell and asked Dimithil if he would cooperate and allow him to chain him.

"I don't think that saying no will keep those of my body so I might as well cooperate." Dimithil answered.

The guard chained his ankels and his wrists and then guided Dimithil out trough the cave. They walked up a stairs and went trough a long hall. At the end of the hall was a large door and they went in. He could see a large stage with several of the elves sitting on it. Including the elv that got mad on his capturer at the gate. That elv sat on the bigest throne in the middle. Dimithil now realized that he was the leader.

"You have entered the lands of the Nightelves and for that you will be prosecuded. We are nothing like the evil Orc's and do not deliver the penalty of death. But for entering the cave you have lost your freedom. Will you give surrender to the merci of this court and take your punishment with honor?" The leader said formaly.

"I have entered your lands yes, but I did not have the intentions of going into your home m'lord. I will accept your punishment since I don't think I have another choice, but since my freedom has been taken away from me I would like not to stay in a jailcell, but to have a function within your service for I can not stand the tought of being locked away forever." Dimithil replied calmy.

The face of the man on the high chair changed and a smile came upon his face.

"You have chosen wisely tresspasser. You will be allowed to have a function, but we will need to find one within the communety wich will serve you right. I have to send you back for the moment, but will give you a accomadation that will suite a man of honor like yourself. THus is my ruling." The man said.

He slamed a hammer on the table in front of him.

"Guards, take him to an accomadation and lock the door. Treat him nicely and don't harm him. If anyone lays a finger on him without my or his permission he will have to answer to me." He shouted.

The guard that brought Dimithil came towords him and free'd him from his chains. Another guard came towords him and accompanied by these two guards he was taken to a room.

The room looked nice and had a window in it. There was a bed a chair and a little table in it. Dimithil was surprized when the guard brought him his stuff and laid them on the table.

"Compliments from out leader Aragilath tresspasser." The guard said and went away.

Aragilath, so this was the name of the leader. Dimithil took out his pipe and weed and smoked his pipe for a while.

"I hope that my sister will come looking for me, but till then I will have to wait and perform what is requested." He sad to himself. He finished his pipe and went to bed.
________
COLORADO DISPENSARIES (http://colorado.dispensaries.org/)

[Zohariel]

As the group continued, with Tallin's wolves trotting placidly for once, a dapple grey pong came galloping round the corner, too fast to stop. The whole company dived to one side and the mare stopped, just a few inches from a tree. Atop its grey back sat an obviously well to do woman, in a dark green skirt, thick cream jumper, black boots and a green bonnet. Definatley not from round here- the clothes were too unpractical.
She leapt down with a cheery grin on her face- a face that, they could now see, did not fit with the body. It was a young, round, childish face, with wide blue eyes full of naievity, and a mass of golden brown curls tumbling round her shoulders. She was short, but solid, slim yet robust, and hanging from her belt was a sword and heavy hammer, looking quite out of place.
The maiden stepped forward, offering a sweaty palm to Raye. And very fast, in a high, well bred voice, she said, "Hello! I'm Yenhofir Goudbenn- I'm from Gondor you know, but I was out here looking for adventure and my pony just sort of ran away with me- he's called Quintin, he's really rare and he was a fifteenth birthday present from my dad- I wasn't allowed to have one before then because he was scared I'd fall off, I'm not clumsy or anything though but you know fathers they are so overprotective and as I'm the youngest I bear the brunt of it but I don't really mind anyway can you tell me where I am please I'm sort of lost- my pony ran away with me, like I said who are you?"

[Brinniel]

Raye stared at the outstretched hand and did not accept it. Instead, she looked at Yenhofir, her shocking green eyes cold and hard.
"It is not your business who we are. You do not have any right to ask us."
The murderess's voice had a dangerous edge to it. The maiden quickly took note of it and dropped her hand, taking a step backwards.
"I'm sorry," she murmered. "I should have not been so quick to ask. But please tell me if you have seen my pony."
"We have traveled for three days straight and haven't seen a thing," Arrelle answered, shrugging. "Especially no ponies."
"If your pony came along this way, it won't stand a chance," Raye added. "And neither will you, considering what you're wearing. This is the border of the Grey Mountains we stand on. We are no longer on safe grounds."
"I am that far North?" Yenhofir asked, suddenly confused. "Well, if that is so, is there any chance I could join you? I don't think I'd like to venture these parts alone and if you could help me find Quintin, I'd really appreciate it."
Raye let out a terrible laugh that chilled the bone. "Foolish you are, Yenhofir. You no not even our names, yet you wish to travel with us as a free companion."
The murderess pulled out her dagger and pointed it at Yenhofir. The maiden's eyes grew wide as she took another step backwards.
"Perhaps next time you will learn to determine friends from enemies before you approach strangers. Never would I let someone so ignorant as you join our group. Now get out of my sight before I-"
It was then a hand squeezed Raye's shoulder, stopping her in midsentence. Raye turned around, expecting to see Tallin ready to argue, but to her own surprise, it was not the wolf tamer, but Belle who laid her hand on her shoulder.
"Do not be so unkind, Raye," the elf said sternly. "Put away your weapon and let me speak with Yenhofir. It is I, after all, who should determine if she comes with us or not."
Raye stared at Belle, gritting her teeth. More than ever, she wanted to kill them all at this very moment. But the murderess remembered her promise to Berethion. She wouldn't dare break it; not for Berethion. Not yet, at least. And so, though hesitantly, Raye put away her dagger and stormed off into the trees.

Raye watched from afar as Belle introduced herself and the others to Yenhofir. She then explained their quest and offered the maiden to join. To Raye's disgruntlement, Yenhofir accepted the offer gratefully. The last thing they needed was another ignorant fool.
Raye watched the others welcome this silly looking maiden. Belle, Faryn, Arrelle, Hwesta, and Tallin stood there, almost looking too happy. It was then the murderess noticed. Tallin's wolves were missing. Where were they?

Almost as if in answer to her question, the wolves suddenly appeared from the trees, running in the direction of Tallin. The wolf tamer turned to speak with the wolves. It was obvious that whatever the wolves were telling her, she did not like it, as her frown gradually grew larger.
Then, after what seemed to be a rather short conversation with the wolves, Tallin approached Raye, grim faced.
"They say there is a strange smell," the wolf tamer told her, pointing at her wolf friends. "Not a good smell, though. They sense danger. What do you think, Raye?"
"I think that is quite possible," Raye replied. "We should be on our way."
Tallin nodded. "You think it was a good idea to leave our horses behind?" she asked, suddenly.
That previous day, the group left their horses in the care of a stable boy in the last town they passed. Raye had insisted that they do this, for not one horse could possibly last in the mountains.
"A horse is at the bottom of the food chain in the Grey Mountains," Raye answered. "It was our only choice. Trust me."
"I know. But we could move at such a quicker pace if we were riding."
"Do not dwell on these things, wolf tamer. Let us go to the others now and inform them of our need to make immediate leave."
Raye and Tallin hardly took a step when an arrow whizzed past them, only inches from their faces, and landed in a tree. Raye pulled the arrow out of tree and studied it briefly.
"Night elves!" she said. The murderess cursed loudly as she threw down the arrow and pulled out her sword. "Not something I wanted to deal with."
"Well, I don't think we have much of a choice," Tallin said, smiling grimly. "I must warn the others."
And as the wolf tamer disappeared, the first of the night elves appeared out of nowhere. Raye smiled triumphantly as she raised her sword high. At last a challenge faced her for the first time in five years.

[ January 20, 2003: Message edited by: Brinniel ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

Tallin watched the girl in frank astonishment before a smile started over her face. The girl made a refreshing change.

"Tallin!" A yell of pain shot into the wolftamers mind like an arrow and she turned quickly to see both wolves coming towards her. A long cut had been added to the other wound on Dia's side...She gritted her teeth grimly and reached for a dagger.

"No time Tal." Jet reached her side, panting heavily. "Night elves. Coming...from the town. They...we..." He was gasping for breath and faded off.

Night elves...Tallin turned to the group, beckoning Raye and speaking quietly.

"You think it was a good idea to leave our horses behind?"

"We've been through this. theyre at the bottom of the food chain Tallin. Trust me."

"I know. But we could move at a quicker pace if we were riding."

"Do not dwell on these things, wolf tamer. Let us go to the others now and inform them of our need to make immediate leave-"

An arrow buried itself above Rayes head as Tallin pulled her down. "Immediately may not be soon enough."

"Night elves!" Raye cursed. "Not something I want to deal with."

"I dont think we have much of a choice!" Tallin smiled grimly. A thousand questions buzzed in her head; why were the night elves out here? And why so vicious? She hadnt thought the stories were true.

She ran to get the others. The wolves stood beside Raye, ready to leap and tear, and Raye with her sword held high.

"No!" Tallin yelled. "We have to get out of here Raye!"

The murderess glared at her but saw the reason in this. She kept her sword our though as she ran to Tallin and the pair of them sprinted to the others, dragging them up.

"Come on! Quickly!" The group started away through the trees, in order to be less obstructive. The round faced young girl hovered uncertainly, her eyes wide. Tallin took her in in a moment; there wasnt time to waste.

"Come, girl. Right now Im not worried about introductions." She said, stopping the girl from speaking as she opened her mouth. "Just about there actually being time for them, or anything else in this life..." She muttered as the ran after the others. This was not the last theyd see of the night elves, and she hated to run away. But no one who hurt her wolves was going to get away with that...

[Zohariel]

On hearing the murderess' harsh words, Yenhofir backed away, biting her lip. But thankfully, the others seemed to take to her.
Soon, they were forced to take flight. Night elves? What were they? Yen just followed after Tallin, hitching her skirts up and hoping to see Quintin soon.
Finally they found themselves a largish cave cut into the cliff. Here, they would rest. Just to prove she was no wet little girl, Yen offered to take first watch. She settled herself on a rock and began weaving the grasses into a mat, adding the occasional twig.
It was when she went to search for some flowers to add that Yen first saw the danger. Two large wolves, with stealthy tread and murderous expressions were slowly padding their way towards the cave. Running back as fast as she could, Yen only succeeded in tripping on her skirts and falling over. The wolves came right up close to the cave, apparantly not having seen her, and started inside. Yen did the only thing she though logical.
She stuck two fingers in her mouth and blew. A piercing, high sound came out and the wolves turned, startled. Yenhofir got up and screamed out
"WOLVES! At the cave entrance! RUN!"

[Brinniel]

It was not long before the night elves caught up with them. Raye glanced behind surprised to see so many night elves. Were they that desperate to have them captured?
Arrows flew past Raye, barely missing her and she knew the elves closing in on them. They were outnumbered by ten to one, but Raye knew they could not run forever.

She caught up with Tallin and grabbed her, nearly pulling her to the ground.
"This idea of yours to run is not going so well," Raye yelled at her. "We have to stand and fight!"
Tallin nodded and ordered the others to halt and reach for their weapons. The others did as told, each with a frightened look in their eyes.
"What are you waiting for?" the murderess screamed as they stood there. "Go! Attack!"
She charged forward, not bothering see if the others paid heed to her command, and struck out at every night elf that stood in her path. The first few went down easy, and Raye howled with a determined rage as she swung her sword and struck down another.

But soon Raye found herself in peril. She was surrounded by night elves without the aid of her companions, who were all busy fighting several feet to her right.
But the murderess did not give up. She brought down one elf after another, ignoring the small stabs of pain that penetrated her skin. The number of night elves reduced quickly with Raye's swift blade. There came time the murderess began to think that is was possible for the small group to defeat the night elves.

But then everything went horribly wrong when Raye took an unexpected blow to the head and everything went black.

[Helkahothion]

Aragilath was circling the room awaiting the return of Fernion. It was about a week since the trespasser came into his service and he heard more and more about his sister. Altough the trespasser tried to keep as much information about her hidden, he knew more than tolled. She was a determent woman and would sertainly come for her brother. That was not going to be a problem, but the group that she would be traveling with could be one. He never liked trespassers and the mere sight of them can lay his judging to a person. This new one was different tough. Different than the girl his patrole group faced 5 years ago. She was a furousious warrior and had a terrible personalety. She killed his friend. And if he met up with her he was going to punch her lights out.........
*********************************************
Fernion walked for a while and was beginning to get tired. He and his stupid walks. Aragilath said that he would be hearing more of this and so he got. Three day's ago he was called to Aragilath and he still remembered his words.

"You like walks outside and I can't blam you for that. You are still partly an Elf so you like nature. However, if you did not make that walk, the trespasser never found our realm. So thanks to you he will spend his life in a place that he doesn't like. I have heard about his sister and I am shure that she will come to get him. You can continue your walks. But not for fun. You will take the same route, only this time not alone. It will become a new patrol area. I don't know for how long. But until the sister is captured, you will patrol that route. I think she will come with a companion and I have a sudden feeling that "she" is coming back. If you see her, try to capture her. But only if you can take her from behind. If you face her head on, kill her."

Fernion walked on until he saw something moving behind a rock. As he walked closer, he saw that it was alive.

"Oh no, a wolv. Thinks just keep getting better and better," He muttered.

He decided to kill it, because it had not yet noticed the group. He gave his equipment to a companion and only took his knife with him. He sneaked over to the beast and saw that the wolve watching in the direction of the home. Walking around the wolve with a large curve he reached his back. He lifted his hand and was about to strike the beast down. But for some reason the wolve turned. Fernion's strike missed the wolve's head and strocke him in the flank. The wolve, damaged by the knife ran of in the other direction and bumped over Fernion in his way.

A feeling crept over Fernion that this was no ordenary wolve. It was not traveling in a group. It had a master and that master was here. He rushed back to the group, grabbed his equipment and ran towords the direction in wich the wolve had ran.

Following his trail he found the master of the wolve. But as he looked closer, he saw that she was not alone. "She" was with him. He remembered the words from Aragilath.

"If you see her, try to capture her. But only if you can take her from behind. If you face her head on, kill her."

He took his bow out of his quiver and staged an arrow on the string. Drawing it back slowly, he aimed at her head, going for a direct kill. Damned was his bad aim. The arrow flew away, but missed her head with only a hairlength. She stood up and drew her sword. The other one rushed away. The other one went of.

"Must be getting reinforcements." He said to the others.

As "she" drew her sword, two wolves came standing next to her. Fernion now noticed that one of the wolves had a two wounds on her flank. He rushed towords "her", but she went away in the same direction as the other one had. They rushed afther the girl and followed her into the night. Fernion could now see the group that she traveled with. He could see a woman that reminded him of the trespasser. As they approached them the group ran for it. They persued them for some short time, but then "she" turned around and charched the group. Many of his companion's did not reccond that they would be attacked. She slashed them without any guildt. Her dagger killed many good elves and her sword was cutting. Oh how Fernion hated this woman. But her anger ans stupid pride led her slashing into the middle of the group. She killed another one, but Fernion would not allow her killng spree to go on much longer. He had a chanse of taking her captive. He janked out his sword and knocked her on the head as hard as he could. The woman dropped at the firsth strike. By this time the others reiched the group. But Fernion did not want to spill more blood.

"Wait!!" He shouted. "Here me. We nightelves wish nobody no harm. We just want to be left alone. Will you not come quitely so that we can end this killing?" He asked kindy as intended.

A woman stepped forward.

[ January 20, 2003: Message edited by: Helkahothion ]
________
DIGITAL VAPORIZER (http://vaporshop.com)

[Amanaduial the archer]

Tallin stepped out from the shadows, her wolves flanking her and immediately felt at least a score of arrowheads pointed towards her. Dia and Jet stood on either side of her and she put a hand on each of their heads, drawing gasps from the dark elves. The sound of bowstrings tightening was audible.

"Yup, I can see how theyre entirely peaceful." Dia commented sardonically.

Tallin kept her eyes on the leaders face.

"You wish us to come...where?" She asked quietly, but her voice was heard all around.

The top elf paused, then it seemed he had ignored her question. Not a good sign. "We wish to be left alone."

"Ah, good to knwo we have similar interests then. However, we have reason to believe that- My wolves will not harm you then, as long as you do not harm us." Tallin had to say this louder as Dia started forward towards Raye, lying on the ground with a trickle of blood coming from her head. The night elves were talking fast together, and Tallin couldnt fully understand, but she understood when one of the elves raised his bow, aiming at Dia. "No! They dont mean you har-"

The arrow flew through the air and Jet leapt towards his mate, shoving them both out of the way. Silence fell on all present. Tallins eyes flashed damgerously. The arrow had only grazed Jets hindquarters, but that was both her wolves now hurt...

"I told you we meant no harm!" She spoke loudly.

"The creatures deserved it! And you, for treating them as if they were under your control! Be you a witch, elf?" Before the main elf could speak, the one who had fired had butted in. Tallin gritted her teeth. That was it. Raye, Dia, now Jet....

She had been weighing a knife up in her hand for a few minuted now and with a strong flick of her wrist, she sent it spinning in a blur towards the elf who had fired. It hit the tree behind him just beside his jugular vein, nicking the skin of his neck very slightly. It had been a warning, but it seemed that the night elves were too proud to let it pass. She ducked as another arrow shot by her head and took her long knife from its sheath on her back. Hwesta was now beside her, and Yenofir, to her surprise. Gritting her teeth, Tallin whirled into the mellee, standing over Raye. She saw an elf grab Yenofir and then something hit the side of her head. Hard. the wolf tamer went down beside Raye, fighting all the way...

[Helkahothion]

As he spoke out his words, Fernion feeled the treat going away. A woman stepped forward. The wolves where standing by her side. Fernion did not like those creatures and neither one of his companion's aswell.

"I say we shoot them down before they kill antoher one." One of the elves said.

"But the leader said we could only kill "her" if necesary." Another said.

"I don't think they mean us any harm, but those wolves are not to be trusted." Fernion said on his turn.

They all agreed that the wolves had to be taken out before they would charge. You can reason with people, but not with wolves. One of the elves raized his bow and took a shot at the foul beast. The arrow flew trough the sky and would have killed the wolve, but the other one jumped in front of him and got hit in his hindquarters. The wolve tamer did not like this at all. She trew a knife towords the archer. What ignorance! The nightelves had enough of these trespassers. As they charged the group did aswel. The nightelves fought fast, hitting them with the helt's of their swords. Within a couple of minutes they where all out cold.

They tied them on sticks and took them back to the camp. At the gate they where left in and the leader was waiting again.

"Put them into the same cell as the previous trespasser and try to avoid any contact between them." He ordered.

Fernion did as tolled. He locked them away in a cell. Some of the trespassers began to regain concience.

"There is enough food for you. Prepare yourself for tomorrow." Fernion said.

[ January 22, 2003: Message edited by: Helkahothion ]
________
List Of Engines (http://www.toyota-wiki.com/wiki/List_of_Subaru_engines)

[Brinniel]

Raye awoke abruptly with a throbbing pain at the side of her head. When she opened her eyes, she realized she sat alone in a dark cell, with both her hands bound to a large stick. The night elves had taken her. Again.

Raye did not take a moment to wonder what happened to the others. She never did care about them and did not care what happened to them. Instead, the murderess allowed memories to consume her.

She had been a captive of the night elves before. Five years ago, Raye had wandered aimlessly into the Grey Mountains, not knowing of its dangers. When the elves found her, the murderess put up a fight, but it was not enough. She lost the fight and was taken prisoner, accused of trespassing and murder. But no one could stop Raye. She proved that when she escaped two days later.

And now she had been captured again. Fool! Raye thought. Why did she ever agree to lead the others to the Grey Mountains? But the murderess did not panic. She would find a way to escape again and would've already planned it by now if her head did not throb so much.

Before Raye could put in another thought about escape, the cell door unlocked. In stepped three figures. Torches were lit and light filled the entire room. Raye immediately recognized the first face. It was Aragilath, a night elf she remembered clearly from her last stay in prison. He was the one who had captured her and visited her often, showing a particular hate for the murderess. She had killed his best friend, something the night elf still hadn't forgiven her for, seeing the look on his face now.
"Chain her to that post," Aragilath said to the others, pointing to a post that stood at the center of the room.
The two others, whom Raye only vaguely recognized, obeyed Aragilath's command silently and took hold of the murderess. The moment they touched her, Raye attacked. She kicked one in the stomach, causing him to double over and the other was hit hard in the face with the stick when she turned abrubtly on him. But in the end, Raye once again lost the fight and the night elves managed to drag her to the post. They chained her arms above her head to the post, then secured her legs. Aragilath ordered the two elves to leave and then he and Raye were alone.

Aragilath, who stood only a few feet away from the murderess, gave her a hateful glare. Raye returned it.
"I never thought you foolish enough to return to the mountains," the night elf said.
"Well, then you thought wrong," was her response.
"So, you want to cause more trouble, is that it?" Aragilath asked. "Seems so. You even brought friends to help."
"I have no friends," Raye lied.
"Then who are the others?"
"I was leading them into the mountains. One was in search of her brother. Another her pony. The rest came for whatever reason."
"Oh, really?"
"Yes. And I suppose you have the brother. And perhaps the pony, too."
Aragilath only smiled. "Why did you lead them here? You don't normally help ones find lost others, do you?"
"Their fate was in my hands. I know what other dangers lie in these mountains besides night elves. I can lead them to their deaths if I wish to, which I do."
Aragilath's smile faded. "Not anymore. Your companions' fates are in my hands now. And I will not kill them."
"Why not? Surely you have killed before."
"Because I am not some merciless monster!" Aragilath gritted his teeth in anger. "Why do you kill anyway, girl?"
Raye smiled, pleased to here this question. "It's entertaining. Why else? Also, it disposes useless beings; mortals and immortals."
"My men you killed out there weren't useless. Neither was my friend."
"Well, that's just a matter of perspective."
Aragilath cried out, angry by the fact that the murderess felt no sympathy for those she had killed. After calming down, he said, "Raye is your name, is it not?"
"It is not. But that is what I'm called, so you may call me that also. Or, you may call me Murderess, if you'd like, for that is what I'm also called." Raye grinned.
"Well, Raye, then, you will show pride no longer for your horrific acts, for now the fate you have given innocent victims will be turned back to you. You will stay in this cell with no food or water and my men will see that you do not remain comfortable. After the sixth day, if you are still alive, I will see to it that you are finished off."
"I thought you didn't like to kill, Aragilath."
"I don't. But I always see to it that those who kill for pleasure get a fair punishment. And you deserve to die."
Raye could take it no longer. She screamed and spat at the night elf, cursing him. In response, Aragilath hit her hard in the face, and cursed her back.
"I'm through with you," Aragilath said. He pulled out a knife and pressed it at Raye's neck, just enough to allow a trickle of blood to fall.
"Your fate that I told to you will come to pass," he continued. "Do not try to escape this time, for you will not succeed. The doors are well guarded and you are tightly bounded to this post. You will die here, I guarantee it. Do not waste you energy on thinking otherwise, for it will not happen."
Aragilath then picked up the last of the torches and walked out of the cell room, slamming and locking the door shut.

Once again, Raye was alone.

[ January 25, 2003: Message edited by: Brinniel ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

Tallin woke slowly. For a moment she was happy in that little moment between sleep and wakefulness...before the searing pain in her head caught up with her. Despite herself she winced then froze, her eyes still closed.

After a moment she opened one eye, then the other and sighed with relief. She was alone. Either that or there were some really unobservant guards, she thought, smiling slightly. Then her smile faded. No. The night elves were anything but unobservant...

Forcing herself with some difficulty onto her knees on the cold stone floor she looked around. The cell was cold and damp and completely dark except for one torch, flickering in its bracket, not doing much to dispel the darkness all around. Not a problem for one who had spent all her life with creatures of the night.. Tallins head began to throb and she lifted a hand to fell it- before dropping it with a clatter. Ah. Chained wrists however would cause a little bit of a problem...

She was alone in the cell and there was no sign of any guards; if there were any they would have surely looked in when they heard the slight rattle of her chains. But she didnt intend to stay so alone...

"Jet? Dia? Can you hear me?"

Nothing.

"JET? OBSIDIAN?!..."

Still silence. She tried contacting them one by one but the silence still remained. She shivered slightly. Nothing had happened, she told herself. Nothing had...happened...Please Eru, let nothing have happened...

Well, there was one other option open for a mindspeaker. One other option. She hadnt tried contacting another elf or human for a long time, but she had tried once.

And theres a reason for that isnt there Tallin? The nasty little voice nagged. Yes. The memory came back, the memory of a lonely child trying to contact the race that had abandoned her... She closed her eyes and tried to block it out.

No! She had to do this! Although she hated to say it, this was her only hope, and a slim one at that.

Concentrating, Tallin reached out her mind to find Rayes...

[VanimaEdhel]

Hwestlaeriel woke up alone. Her head really hurt and there were funny lights blinking in front of her eyes. On and off, on and off, on and off...they just kept flashing in her mind. She blinked and the lights stopped, leaving only her throbbing head. She put her hand to the painful spot, wincing as lights flashed again as she touched her head, and pulled her hand away. That hand was curiously wet. She brought her hand to her mouth. The wetness was most definitely blood. Hwestlaeriel looked around in the dark. She was alone in a little cell. What had happened? There were the Dark Elves and the arguing and the imprisonment, but what happened after that? She had been quickly knocked out, apparently, for she did not remember being abducted nor anything about being brought to this damp, dark room.

Hwestlaeriel tried to stand, but immediately got a spell of dizziness, forcing her to sit back down for a second. She slowly stood again, and felt her way to the wall. The wall was hard, stone apparently. She briefly leaned on the wall, trying to get her bearings in the pitch dark.

She felt around herself, trying to see what supplies she still had. She realized that nearly everything had been taken from her, leaving her only in what clothing she had under her cloak.

Berethion. Where was Berethion? He had not been with them, had he? Was he nearby? Could he hear her? He could save her; he always saved her when a crisis arose.

"Berethion!" Hwestlaeriel yelled. She doubled over, for the yell had caused another dizzy spell.

She listened for a time, but there was no answer. Hwestlaeriel began to shiver. It was cold here, was it not? There was no fire nearby, that was certain.

Hwestlaeriel slid down the wall, crying softly. Why could she not see? Why was it so dark? Why was Berethion not here to aid her now, when she needed him the most? Where was she? Where were the others?

Hwestlaeriel sat alone and frightened in the dark, wondering why she ever left her comfortable home.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Tallin leant her back against the wall, releasing her concentration. In the end she hadnt tried to speak to Raye. She had heard the end of the conversation between her and Araglith, who she presumed to be the top elf.

She stared reflectively at the ceiling. Raye really killed for fun? And so proud of it too it seemed...and why did the woman hate her so much? Well, perhaps not any more, but why had she...

Tallin dropped her head into her hands as she dropped into sitting position. So many thoughts spinning around were making her head ache even more. Well, it was a foolish attempt anyway; Raye was human, she probably wouldnt have been able to reply, even if she had wanted to.

Her head shot up. Hwesta! She still had that hope. And there was a slim chance, such a slim chance, that the elf would be able to reply, but it was still there.

"Hwesta?" She searched gently for the girls mind, repeating her name. Got it!

"Hwesta?" She felt the girl sit straight upright and grinned to herself.

"Who are you?" She cried, her voice still shaking with tears. Tallin could just hear her speaking aloud through her mind.

"Its me Tallin"

[dragoneyes]

Arrelle woke up, she was lying on a cold stone floor. She had obviously been there for a while, her cheek hurt where she'd been lying on it and she really needed to roll over. She went to sit but found her stomach hurt and stopped, oh yes, she remembered, she'd been gaurding her head with her hands so they'd hit her in her stomach to get her hands out of the way.

She pushed herself up with many 'ow's and gasps and sat, leaning against the wall.
"Are you alright?" Arrelle jumped, which did nothing for the pain.
"yes I-... No, I'm really not alright." she replied to the voice coming from a dark corner of the cell. "who are you?"
"I'm Yenhofir."
"Oh Yenhofir, I'm sorry, I didn't reconise your voice."
"That's fine, by the sound of things you have more on your mind." Well, she was right about that, her stomach wasn't bleeding but she could tell that it would be bruised if she looked at it. She wasn't feeling all too well either, at least she didn't have a headache, though there was a little throbbing at the back of her head.

"where are the others?" Arrelle asked
"I'm not sure," Replied Yenhofir, I've been watching the gaurds outside though, there are other cells out there."
"There are gaurds out there? Those elves are far too quiet."

[Amanaduial the archer]

"I- Hwesta? HWESTA?"

Tallin could no longer hear the other elf; she must have slipped into inconciousness or something. "Dammit!" Tallin cried out before remembering herself and shutting her mouth sharply. No sound came from outside the cell still. She leant her back against the wall, dropping her head back to stare at the ceiling.

Raye was even worse than Tallin had thought her to be.
Hwesta was quite probably unconcious.
The wolves were somewhere out there, maybe too far away for Tallin to be able to contact them maybe...no, keep optimistic.

Optimistic. By Eru, that word didnt come easily right now. Tallin could see a drip from the corner out of the corner of hey eye.

Drip.
Drip.
Drip.

Tallin gritted her teeth, trying to ignore the noise. There was Yenofir and Arrelle as well, she could try and contact them...

Drip.
Drip.
Drip.

...but that hadnt worked with the others, it probably wouldnt work with them.

Drip.

The sound of the dripping was getting mesmerizing now and it took Tallin until the third drip until and idea hit her. She sat straight up. Water! Of course! The water had to have a way of coming in, and if it did, Tallin might be able to use it as a way out.

Standing rather unsteadily, Tallin made her clanking way over to the source of the dripping...

[VanimaEdhel]

Hwestlaeriel heard the voice calling her. It was Tallin! Where was she? Hwestlaeriel sat upright, trying to figure out where the "voice" was coming from.

She realized that the voice was in her head! What skill did this Tallin possess?

In her enthusiasm, Hwestlaeriel tried to stand. She immediately knew that standing was a mistake. Before she could steady herself, she felt her body fall towards the stone wall. Her head hit the stone and she fell, unconscious, to the ground, her wound, which had mostly scabbed over, reopening and beginning to bleed again, in earnest.

[Helkahothion]

It was late and the yellow face was half way down when Fernion went downstairs to get the prisoners. He went to the cellar and called out the guards that had been watching them.

"How are they doing?" Fernion asked the head of the guard.

"Well one tried to stand up and fell. She's out cold now. The rest is doing fine. The wolf child has found the water and is probably working out some "master plan" to escape." The elv said.

"Hm, she is not the only one. According to Aragilath she has some sort of gift. He says she could contact all living things by mind. It is best to take her out first. Go get the prisoners." Fernion said.

The Guard's got the shackles and went into the doors. 10 minutes later they came back, accompanied by the group of trespassers. They led them to the courtroom and went in.

Aragilath was already waiting. The prisoners where guided to chairs and sat down.

"You have trespassed our borders and attacked the inhabitants. You have also been travelling with a criminal and killed some of our people. Normally you would have been sentenced to death. But you were not here to kill. You where here to find a person is it not?"

Ainabeleth gritted here teeth, but said nothing.

"Very well, here is my ruling. You will be imprisoned for life. You will be sharing the same cell, but will never come out of it again, unless you proof to be worth it. For mortals under you, this means you will die imprisoned. For the immortals among you, this will mean that you will stay imprisoned for at least 3000 years. Thus is my ruling. Guards, take them away." Aragilath said.

"Wait, wait! Oh noble lord! Where is Raye!? She is not with us! What will happen to her?!" Tallin shouted while being dragged away.

While her feet dragged over the floor she could just hear Aragilath say:

"She will be dead within 7 days."
________
Ford Five Hundred Picture (http://www.ford-wiki.com/wiki/Ford_Five_Hundred)

[Amanaduial the archer]

There was a grid at the top of Tallins cell, which was where the water was dripping from. Or more precisely, it was running along the ceiling and dripping, because the grid was in the middle of the room. Tallin sighed as she glared at it for a few seconds, wondering if she concentrated hard enough if she would be able to shift the grid along the roof to be nearer to her.

It didnt work.

Somehow she managed to twist her arms in front of her by pulling her legs through the loop and from there managed to get a grip on one of the torch brackets and, using a gap in the stone on the wall, she managed to climb up to be standing on the bracket. It creaked. Tallin wasnt at all heavy, but then, she wasnt a torch either. She balanced precariously. She could probably jump the distance. If she did, and if she swung her arms up far enough, she would be able to get a hold on the grid. Ok, after three. One, two, thr-

As Tallin was just about to jump, the door swung open. She started to jump, but was put off and halfway through turning in the direction of the door. With a clatter she landed less than gracefully, with her arms once again behind her

The night elf at the door stared at her, blinked a few times and then coughed nervously. Tallin glared at him as venomously as she had glared at the grid. He walked towards her and she struggled half up, to her knees, then to her feet as he yanked her up by an arms and marched out of the door.

"...cannot be natural, for one to be able to speak with animals. I think she must be at least part wolf to be-"

As Tallin was dragged into the room, the speaker stopped and turned to look at her, and the others as they were marched in behind her. He motioned for them to sit in the chairs and, although she would rather have stood, Tallin was pushed into the chair beside Ainabeleth. Now she turned her grid-hating gaze on the elf at the front of the room. His back was to her at the moment, but from his voice she thought he must be Aragilath. Now he turned to address them.

"You have trespassed our borders and attacked the inhabitants. You have also been travelling with a criminal and killed some of our people. Normally you would have been sentenced to death. But you were not here to kill. You where here to find a person is it not?" His voice was strong and stern, but Tallin knew that this man was not a cruel man. Although, she thought with a shudder, he really hated wolves... She glanced at Ainabeleth, but the elf said nothing. Aragilath continued. "Very well, here is my ruling. You will be imprisoned for life. You will be sharing the same cell, but will never come out of it again, unless you proove to be worth it. For mortals under you, this means you will die imprisoned. For the immortals among you, this will mean that you will stay imprisoned for at least 3000 years. Thus is my ruling. Guards, take them away."

he turned away again, looking out of the large window at the front of the room. Tallin decided pride wasnt really going to be of much use to her here, so what the heck. "Wait, wait! Oh...noble lord! Where is Raye!? She is not with us! What will happen to her?!" She called desperately, yet trying to be polite. Even Oropher would have been surprised to hear her call anyone "Oh Noble Lord." Aragliath paused and Tallin thought she heard him sigh. "She will be dead within 7 days."

Tallin struggled against the guard holding her, wrenching herself out of his grip and in the process falling to her knees. She decided to make the most of this. Her wolves were gone, she knew not where, she had none of her medicines any more...her life was gone. Yet others...

"Noble Aragilath, if you will but spare my human friends and let Ainabeleth at least see her brother, I...I will stay imprisoned. And I promise I will teach you all I know about medicines." She kept her head bent to face the floor, her hair falling abut her face, biting her lip nervously.

Aragilath paused. Then, slowly, he walked across to her. Her guard wrenched her to her feet again and he looked her in the eyes, his brown to her amber. A long moment passed. Then Aragilath opened his moth to speak...

...and didnt manage it. For that was the moment the window smashed inwards with the force of something large, heavy and very, very angry...

[ August 18, 2003: Message edited by: Amanaduial the archer ]

[Zohariel]

Yenhofir bit her lip. She wasn't going to cry.
Damn...should have realised this was a bad idea...now how do we escape?
She attempted to twist away, but the guard only laughed and held her tighter. In rage she sank her teeth deep into his arm. With a yell, he made a fist and Yen was knocked out.
***
When she came round, she was in a cell, dark and damp, with the others crowded in.
Ok. Not the best thing to do...

[Amanaduial the archer]

Tallin stared in horror at the huge thing that had burst through the window. Its massive bulk was half obscured by various vegetation, including what looked suspiciously like whole bushes, stopping her from seeing clearly what it actually was.

Behind her she heard the guard shout out as Yenhofir made a bid for her own freedom, biting him hard, before the girl was knocked unconcious. Tallin started towards them, angry at the elf who would strike down such a sweet girl before she heard the creature behind her bellow again.

Turning quickly, Tallin saw the massive troll like creature looming above her. Its club, or perhaps just a giant sized hand, was raised. It bellowed once again and Tallin flung herself to the side, knocking Aragilath and pulling him out of the way. A few seconds later the fist/club smashed down into the floor where they had been standing, splintering the wood....and two of the night elves. Tallin winced then turned back to the night elf leader who was struggling to his feet.

"Are you OK?" Tallin asked him, as she struggled to her knees; she still had the problem of tied arms. He stared at her and his face twisted into a wry grin for a moment; apparently the irony of this situation was not lost on him, before he realised that he was grinning at one of his cheif prisoners and it faded. "Aye." He replied shortly, and pulled her to her feet by her elbow. He looked at her for a moment, apparently confused, and Tallin looked back.

Some of the guards had driven off the creature, but as it lumbered away through the trees none of the guards seemed to keen to follow it. Aragilath turned Tallin around, cutting the ropes around her wrist with his sword. The wolfsoul was confused- this was too good to be true!- before he attached a thick shackle to each of her wrists from the front. Ah. That was too good to be true. Around the devastated room the others were being treated the same way, including the unconcious Yenhofir. As she was dragged away once again, Tallin mused on the confused expression she had seen on the night elf leaders face.

The others were flung in by the now moody guards and Tallin set about trying to wake up Yenhofir.

[Brinniel]

Raye stared into the darkness, waiting. She had been chained to the post for three days now and was already beginning to feel the presence of her approaching death.
Her stomach ached with hunger and her throat was cracked and dry. Twice a day night elves visited the murderess and beat her with sticks. The pain was unbearable, but Raye did not complain.
Aragilath took advantage of this. He tempted the murderess by telling her he would have mercy on her if she asked for it. But Raye refused to believe him. Even if the night elf was being honest, she would not lose her pride so easily.

Raye had given up hope long ago on any chance of escape. She quickly learned that Aragilath had been true to his word when he said escape was impossible. The chains that held her were fastened securely and for the first time in her life, the hook Raye had always concealed in her boot was useless. From day one, the murderess knew she would die here.

The fact she would die did not bother Raye. She had seen death too many times to fear it. It was the way she was to die that bothered the murderess. Though she had led Aragilath and the other night elves to believe she still had pride in herself, the truth was that she had lost it all. Raye was ashamed and embarrassed of what had happened to her. She was a murderess, and yet she allowed another being to kill her. She could not stand the thought of this.

Raye was still thinking about her own death when the cell door opened and then closed. She looked up, expecting Aragilath to be standing at the doorway with the usual smirk on his face, but instead she found herself staring at the reassuring face of Berethion.

The elf shook his head, almost smiling.
"Goodness, Corrowyn. What sort of trouble have you gotten yourself into this time?" he asked quietly.
"Berethion," Raye whispered, still unable to believe he was really there. "What are you doing here?"
Berethion smiled. "I promised to meet you on the night of the seventh day. Don't tell me you forgot about that, Corrowyn."
She had. During her stay in prison, Raye had lost track of how many days it had been since she left his cabin. Berethion was the last thing on her mind. But she would not admit this to the elf.
"How did you manage to get in here, Bereth?" the murderess asked.
"You're not the only one who can pick locks you know," Berethion responded, twirling a hook in hand.
"But there were guards."
"There were."
"And?"
"I killed them."
Raye frowned. "You don't kill, Berethion."
The elf shrugged his shoulders. "I do if it means saving another's life."
"I did not hear you fight them."
"I caught them by surprise."
Raye stared at the elf with a large frown on her face.
"Oh come now, Corrowyn," he said. "You must believe me. If I were lying, I wouldn't be here, would I?"
Raye nodded. She knew Berethion would never lie.
"Then if you truly came here to rescue me, why haven't you released me from these damn chains yet? I think I've been waiting long enough by now," she said rather impatiently.
But Berethion was quick to respond to Raye's request and got to work freeing her immediately.
Raye waited, trying to be a little more patient, still amazed that Berethion had saved her life for the second time.

Five years ago, Raye had managed to escape from the night elves without trouble. It was her attempt to escape the Grey Mountains where she was headed for disaster. The murderess had heard of the dreadful creatures that dwelled North. Unwilling to face whatever they were, she escaped from the night elves, and headed East.
The murderess quickly learned that heading East was a big mistake when she came across a swamp. It was the last thing Raye expected to see in the Grey Mountains, and the last place she wished to go. But by then, she had no other choice. She could not go back and face the night elves again. There was nowhere else to go but the swamp.
Raye had not been in the swamp long when she began to feel ill. Her head pounded and she felt nauseated. By the end of the day, the murderess had left the swamp, but the swamp sickness continued to feed on her strength. A fever raged inside her and by the time morning arrived, Raye was unconscious.
When she woke again, the murderess found herself lying in a bed inside a small cabin. An elf sat at her side, tending to her. He introduced himself as Berethion and told her he had found her on the borders of the Grey Mountains. The elf claimed that if he hadn't found her then, she would've died. Raye was too weak to disagree with what he said and allowed Berethion to care for her. She was surprised to find out the elf already knew much about her, as not only had he already heard of the murderess before, but he had listened to her crying out in her dreams. It amazed Raye that Berethion was still willing to care for her, despite the fact that she was a murderess. He did not fear her, but instead treated her like she were anyone else; something that no one had done before.
As Raye's strength slowly began to return, a trust for Berethion began to grow. She revealed to him her past and even her true name, which she had never told anyone before. By the time Raye had completely recovered, she and Berethion were close friends.
A month after Raye had awoken from her sickness, the two parted, going their separate ways. Since then, they had only occasionally seen each other, but did not have another actual conversation until that morning seven days ago.
And now, here was Berethion again, saving Raye's life unecessarily. The murderess owed so much to this elf, so much that she could not give him.

"There, all done," Berethion said as the last of Raye's chains were unfastened, freeing her arms.
Raye brought down her arms, sighing with relief. She felt so stiff and sore from lack of movement. The murderess knew she had become weak, but she did not realize how weak she had become until she tried to walk. The moment she took her first step, she collapsed in a heap into Berethion's arms. He sat Raye down for several moments, allowing her to regain her strength and energy before pulling her back up again. To much of Raye's delight, the elf then handed her lembas and a skin of water. She inhaled the lembas, washing it down with water, and felt much more refreshed when she finished and handed the skin back to her friend.
"We should go now," Berethion said suddenly. "We've lingered here too long. The night elves will begin to suspect something."
Raye nodded in agreement. "Which way do we go to get out of this nasty prison?" she asked.
"We're not leaving. Not yet."
"What?"
"We have to find the others first."
Raye crossed her arms, obviously unhappy. "The others?"
Berethion sighed. "Of course the others, Corrowyn. Why wouldn't we? Come now, I saved your life. The least you could do is save their's."
"It would be easier if only two of us escaped," Raye argued.
"I don't care, Corrowyn. I'm not leaving them behind! Especially not my sister. You can leave now if you want, but I'm getting the others, alone or not." Berethion opened the cell door and stepped outside the room.
"Well, that would be stupid," said Raye, following him out. "You'll get yourself killed without me."
Berethion grinned. "So, does that mean you're coming with me?"
"Yes, but...." Raye trailed off, realizing she had no weapons.
She scanned the dead bodies of the night elves, noting how well made their weapons were.
"Hold on," she told Berethion, wandering towards the bodies.
The murderess snatched a broadsword and every dagger she could find, claiming each of them as her own.
Raye was picking up the last dagger when she heard footsteps approaching, causing Berethion to signal urgently that it was time to go. Raye immediately obeyed the command and two of them ran opposite from the footsteps, turning into the left passageway in search of their lost companions.

[ February 01, 2003: Message edited by: Brinniel ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

Tallin fiddled with the locks, picking at the carefully with a thin dagger; the guards had taken most of their weapons, but most of Tallins knives and daggers were too well hidden. She heard in click once...twice...

"I need to see him! I need to know whether hes alive!"

Belle once more burst out randomly. Tallins hand slipped as she jerked in shock, cursing under her breath. She understood that the Lorien elf was worried, but it was driving her crazy. She took a deep breath and stuck the dagger point back in the lock. After a few wiggles and careful twists she heard the first click...the second...

Footsteps along the corridor made the wolftamer stop again, frustrated. She backed away from the door a few steps, then heard the feet stop. She slipped another dagger out of her clothes. If they were going to come in a try anything again, she was going to be ready...

Then she heard the lock click, once, twice, three times; not the sound of a key, but of wire or something. What the...The door was unlocked, but something was going on outside. A frantic whispered conversation made by two furious voices made Tallin creep forward. She looked through the lock and her eyes widened. "Berethion?!" She whispered incredulously.

A pause on the other side of the door, followed by the female voice. "Well now they know. We're never going to get out now."
"Corrowyn!"

Corrowyn? Tallin wondered about who that could be before Berethion opened then door, making Tallin stumble back down the steps sharply and, although her eyes couldnt believe it, Berethion was there. With Raye. Tallin was shocked at Rayes appearance, she was bruised all over and ragged. She stared, then smiled at Raye, but only recieved a venomous glare. Woah, calm Raye...or is it Corrowyn...

The others were now standing behind her, as surprised as Tallin had been. Hwesta ran past Tallin, flinging herself into her brothers arms, making him stumble back a few steps laughing. Raye only rolled her eyes.

"Well, are you coming or shall we lock you all back in?" She snapped. Tallin returned her glare and walked up the steps, followed by Arrelle, Faryn, Belle and Yenhofir. Tallin raised an eyebrow at Berethion as she saw the two dead guards lying outside, already stripped of their weapons. Said weapons were already being passed around.

"I was worried about you Tallin." He murmered, smiling slightly. Tallin didnt smile back. "Aye. Thats why you let the murdress out first." She replied sharply. He opened his mouth to reply, then shut it. Tallin looked away and turned back to business mode.

"Come. Lets go. The elves will no doubt know of our going soon."

[Helkahothion]

They where making it for the door when it suddenly opened. Hwesta got nerfuse.

"Caught! Now Berethion will be captured aswell." She taught.

They ran back to the cell. But there was no other exit. Only a wall. They all turned arround and drew their weapon's. But it was only one elf. He was walking carefully and made no sound. He went over to them. And when he saw them his face cheered up. Belle droped her sword and rushed towords the elf.

"Dimithil!" she cried.

Dimithil placed a finger over his mouth and Belle was quite.

"I don't know which of you did it but it has saved me a lot of time. Now my plan has some extra time." Dimithil said.

"Excuse me, your plan?" Raye snapped at Dimithil.

"Yes my plan. I have been studying the premises for quite a will and know the in's and out's of every corner. I just knew that you would come here Belle. I just did not know you would bring so many visitor's along with you. Who is this girl of yours. She look's pretty messed up."

[ February 01, 2003: Message edited by: Helkahothion ]
________
Vaporizer Shop (http://www.vaporshop.com/)

[Amanaduial the archer]

"Whos your girl? She looks pretty messed up."

Tallin gave a short laugh before she could stop herself, then tried to cover it up with a cough, covering her smile with her hand. Raye didnt find it funny though, and Berethion had obviously done something to really annoy her, heightened, no doubt, by the rest of the groups prescence. She shot Tallin a murderous look before turning it on the new elf. Tallin noticed the dagger in her hand and stepped hastily between the pair, in an attempt at peacemaking, while trying to restrain both her mirth and her anger at Dimithil.

"Messed up, you say? Well, I see you havent been doing at all badly for yourself, Master Dimithil." She looked pointedly at the clothes he was wearing, smart to say the least. Dimithil didnt, however, have the grace to look embarrassed.

"Indeed, but then, I havent just been sitting around in a cell have I? Nor did I attack the guards when I first came here." He smiled infuriatingly and Tallin put her hand on Rayes arm. She could practically hear her grinding her teeth with barely restrained anger. "No, you gave in without a fight then did you Dimithil?" Tallin replied evenly. As her brothers eyes flashed angrily, Belle now stepped in.

"Now, calm down everyone; Dimithils here to help us."
"Aye, well maybe its the kind of help we can do without then." Raye snarled. Tallin didnt disagree.

"Listen, are we going to go or not?" Dimithil was now impatient. "And am I ever going to be introduced?" Tallin didnt return his smile, but answered all the same.

"I am Tallin Wolfsoul. This is Yenhofir, Hwestalarion, Berethion, Arrelle and...Raye." Tallin paused, ever so slightly, before saying Raye, not Corrowyn.

"Fine. Lets go-" Berethion seemed to have no interest really and started to turn before he stopped, his hand up, motioning for them to be quiet. There was no need; they could all hear the sound of running footsteps and angry voices- the voices of the guards. Tallin cursed under her breath; they could have been already gone if it wasnt for the arrogance of Belles brother. She looked back down the corridor and could see torchlight on the walls, faintly; they were quite close. She looked back and saw Belle and Dimithil running down one corridor, fast, hand in hand. She smiled briefly; they were back together then. Then her smile vanished; Raye had started off down the third, remaining corridor. Berethion was also staring after her.

"Come on, are you going to wait for them to find you after all this trouble?" Raye snapped, and Tallin could sense the fear in her voice and thought of the bruises evident on Rayes skin. Berethion gave Tallin a long suffering look and sighed, before running after her. Tallin paused, torn, but she knew that, even if she had come with Belle, to find Dimithil, she would not follow two who had so selfishly run, alone. Nodding at Arrelle, Yenhofir and Hwesta, she inclined her head.

"Come, let us follow."
"Follow who?!" Yenhofir asked.
Tallin smiled. "Whoever you wish." With that she turned and sprinted away after Berethion and Raye, with Hwesta beside her. After only a very small moment, the others followed them. Tallin smiled to herself once again, but it seemed that they had now inadvertently made Raye even angrier.

"How do we get out?" Tallin asked Berethion, catching him up easily although he ran fast.

"Generally, if you run for long enough, youre bound to find some ends." He answered, smiling slightly. She punched him lightly on the arm. "Oh, great plan!" She replied, exasperated and recieved a grin before they sped up even further; the guards were close.

[Helkahothion]

Dimithil now ran up forward.

"Follow me, I know the way out." He yelled to the others.

They ran trough all kid of hallway's. Up stairs down stairs. Left right. The footstep's of the guards fainted and faded away. The where still running when Dimithil stopped.

"What's wrong? Lost directions?" Raye asked a little too happy.

Dimithil moved a wall curtain away. There was a stone wall behind it tough. But Dimithil took a shield of the wal and bashed it along with his body against the wall. The stones where now gone and so was Dimithil. They could see a path. they all went trough and Dimithil covered the hole with the curtain.

"You seriously tought I did nothing here? The hall leads passed the gate. They will not find out in a long time, since they are not using this part." Dimithil said proud.

"Arren't you glad that I am here now?" He sarcasticly said to Raye.

Raye controlled herslef and went on.

[ February 06, 2003: Message edited by: Helkahothion ]
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[VanimaEdhel]

Hwestlaeriel glowered a bit at Berethion and Tallin's "play". Not only did she not particularly like this Tallin girl, but the two were jesting whilst they were trying to find an exit from death! It was not the time for jovial behavior.

She perked up a bit at Dimithil's proclamation that he knew how to escape. Hwestlaeriel's head still throbbed horribly and she wanted to get out. She hoped that her head would not start bleeding again. Still feeling a little light-headed, she stumbled along the hallway a bit after the others.

*****

Berethion looked fairly indignantly at Dimithil. He wished he had been the one to get them out. If they had kept blundering around, they would have found the exit.

As he silently stewed in his jealous state, he forgot about his little sister and did not notice her falling farther behind...

[dragoneyes]

Arrellepushed onwards, her stomach still causing her pain and it throbbed horribly. Arrelle's life had not prepared her for this so she stumbled along, following blindly where ever she may be led. She could see Yenhofir dropping back, not used to this either, the elves were keeping up a fast pace. More surprizingly though, Hwesta was dropping behind. To Arrelle it seemed that Hwesta had been ready for anything, she'd been so eager to leave her home, a choice which Arrelle herself now regretted taking.

Hwesta was turning pale and she was stumbling more than was usual, especially for an elf. Arrelle moved over to her, and they stopped, she put her arm around Hwesta, steadying her while Arrelle herself tried regaining her breath. She called after the others who stopped, though some seemed reluctant to.

Berethion rushed to his sister's side berating himself for leaving his sister behind. Yenhofir was taking as much advantage of the rest as she could. The others, however, looked eager to get away and start running again, to get as far away from the guards and prison cells that they could.

[ February 07, 2003: Message edited by: dragoneyes ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

Tallin leant against one of the walls, breathing deeply. They had run for hours it seemed, in the darkness, following Dimithil, not knowing if he would give them up to those who had showed him kindness in the mountains, even if they hadnt to his sister and her companions; even for Tallin it was exhausting. Listening carefully she couldnt hear the guards apart from a few muffled clankings and voices far away and quite possibly on a different floor- steps didnt seem to be needed to change floors in this strange network of corridors in which they had been running. Whoever hsd designed it seemed not to know what normal places looked like and probably spent his time in a darkened room...

She pushed away from the wall to stand upright and looked back at where most of the group were gathered around Hwesta. All except herself...and Dimithil, Tallin realised. Well, she wasnt going to be acting the same as the stuck up elf! She began walking back to Hwesta, but slowly; the elf had taken against her, though she knew not why.

"Are you alright Hwesta?" She murmered softly as she came to them. A bit ofsearching her many pockets produced a small flattish parcel, wrapped in a large green leaf.

"Here." She held it out to Hwesta, but the elf only eyes it suspiciously. Tallin smiled slightly, but not mockingly. "Its lembas Hwesta. Its safe."

Reluctantly and with much cajoling from her brother, Hwesta took the lembas and grunted her thanks to Tallin. Well, maybe that would make her less hostile towards her...

As soon as Hwesta had finished eating, Dimithil insisted they carried on running and Tallin realised far more was at stake for him than for them. They set off again, and Tallin noticed the corridors getting lighter now, with daylight streaming in through windows that gradually got larger. Dimithil led them confidently, and Tallin even managed a little admiration for him; certainly all the corridors looked the same to her. He halted suddenly as they came to a small side corridor and walked through it, apparently counting the bricks on the wall under his breath; Tallin could just hear him.

"Twenty one, twenty two, twenty three...here!" He smiled and, tracing his finger down to the floor, he opened a trap door which had been practically invisible, even if you knew what you were looking for. The clear light of day shone could be seen, and greenery.

"This takes us right outside; there is a drop of about 6 feet to the ground. Once outside we can-" Dimithil was cut off by Raye.

"Be very careful, and very quiet." She said sharply. She lowered her voice. "There are things on the mountain far darker than the elves."

Dimithil gave her a 'look', obviously unimpressed with having his thunder stolen, and slipped feet first through the trapdoor, followed quickly by his sister. The others seemed happier by his nonchalence and followed, but Arrelle, Tallin and Berethion hesitated; they had taken heed of Rayes warning. Then they too followed and fell into the underbrush, none too gracefully it must be said, to find themselves on the side of the mountain, but in what seemed to be quite a thick forest. Now just to get away from the mountain itself...

[ February 08, 2003: Message edited by: Amanaduial the archer ]

[Brinniel]

The forest was so thick that it blocked the sun. It took some time before Raye was able to figure out what direction they faced. And it took her even more time to figure out what direction to take.

South was out of the question. If they head that way, they would run right into the night elves again. And Raye didn't even think about turning East. The thought of seeing that swamp again sent chills down her spine. The murderess wondered about heading North. She knew that the mysterious creature dwelled there, but she didn't believe it could be all that dangerous. Besides, it would be a good way to dispose of the weaker ones of the group. But Raye wanted to get out of the mountains, not further into them. Going West seemed to be the only option.

Raye glanced back at the others, who sat resting behind her. Her eyes fixed on Tallin and Berethion, who were in deep conversation. They spoke something about Tallin's missing wolves. The wolf tamer looked quite worried while the other elf reassured her. Raye turned away, disgusted. She would listen to that conversation no more.

Raye could not see how Berethion could befriend the wolf tamer, especially after what she had told him about her. It was Tallin whom the murderess wanted dead the most. Perhaps if she wasn't so fond of wolves and their ways, it would be different. But Wolfsoul was perhaps closer to wolves than humans or elves, and Raye knew she would never turn against them. Even if she knew the truth about them and what they had done to the murderess.
Only if there was some way to lure Tallin into the creature's lair and no one else.
Perhaps there is a way, Raye said to herself.
The murderess smiled to herself at thought that this idea could actually work. For once, perhaps something would go her way.

Raye stood up and turned to the others.
"We will head North West," she told them. "Follow me."

[Helkahothion]

Dimithil looked up when the woman finaly spoke. He did not trusted her one little bit. But did not let Belle notice. He had been following Raye for a while and noticed that she was not so much busy planning a route. SHe was thinking a lot harder. Maybe she would hurt someone. Well, that was not going to happen while Dimithil was in the picture. Dimithil made a promise to himself.
You will kill her if she tries anything funny. She has no good name Dimithil. No good name at all.

He stood up and walked afther Raye. He was not comfortable at all.

[ February 10, 2003: Message edited by: Helkahothion ]
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Ecigarette (http://vaporizer.org/)

[VanimaEdhel]

Hwestlaeriel looked at her brother in deep conversation with Tallin. Her original hatred was now moving more towards fear, jealousy, and curiosity. Yes, surprisingly Hwestlaeriel felt curious about this new woman and the respect she received. What was Tallin? What talent did she possess?


"We will head North West. Follow me," came the command. Hwestlaeriel quickly turned and followed everyone. She wondered where she was, as she had lost all bearing of where they were. She only knew direction via the sun and its movement.

She sighed and quietly followed again, looking at her surroundings and still feeling lost.

Finally, she moved towards an Elf, Dimithil, and asked him, "Do you know where we are? For I have lost all bearings..."

[Helkahothion]

Dimithil looked at the girl. He noticed a sertain change in her eyes. He could not describe it tough. He faced Raye for a moment and then looked back.

"We ar in the Grey Mountains. Not the best place to stick arround. Raye is leading us North West. With what intencions, I do ot know. To tel you the truth, I don't trust this girl. Who is she anyway? I get a nasty feeling when I'm close to her. There is a smell arround her. A smell of death."

Dimithil continued walking and watched Raye's every move. You watch your step Raye. I'm not in the mood to kill again. I hate it anyway.He tought for himself. He shurely did hate killing. Even the nightelves. He respected the life of every creature. Even as bad and rotten as Raye.
________
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[Amanaduial the archer]

Tallin also felt uneasy about Raye. She seemed almost nervous, constantly looking around, and it was so unlike her. But the wolftamer also couldnt stop thinking about that...thing...the massive, troll like beast that had burst through into the night elves chamber when they were there. She smiled wryly to herself, wondering what Aragilath thought of her after she saved him from the creature, pushing him out of the way. Ah well, it was a problem he wouldnt have to face; and if they were caught he would have all the more reason to lock them away for life...that thought was rather sobering and Tallin pressed onwards with a frown.

She heard a noise from the bushes to her right, like a dog sized animal was moving throught the bushes and turned, hopeful...

No. It was just the breeze probably. And still her wolves were nowhere to be seen. She sighed and looked around, her frown deepening. She hadnt really been paying attention to where they were, and this didnt seem right...a foul cmell came from somewhere and Raye seemed all the more nervous. Where were they?

[VanimaEdhel]

"We ar in the Grey Mountains. Not the best place to stick arround. Raye is leading us North West. With what intencions, I do ot know. To tel you the truth, I don't trust this girl. Who is she anyway? I get a nasty feeling when I'm close to her. There is a smell arround her. A smell of death."

Hwestlaeriel addressed Dimithil, then, "I do not know who Raye is. I know nothing of these people, except for my brother, of course, Berethion. He, however, seems to have more knowledge of some of these people." She paused for a second, then added, "Especially Tallin. As you have not expressed distrust for her, I wonder if you know anything of her? I feel a distrust for her, but I feel it may only be jealousy."

Hwestlaeriel looked at Dimithil, who replied simply, "She is trustworthy," before moving on and continuing to watch Raye with distrust. Hwestlaeriel sighed and walked over to where Berethion was following the group.

"Suilad, muindor," Hwestlaeriel greeted. Berethion gave a small grunt of return. Hwestlaeriel continued, "Dimithil was wondering if I knew anything about Raye. I said that no, I did not. I was curious if you had, at any point, had dealings with Raye? Can she be trusted?"

Berethion looked at Hwestlaeriel questioningly, indicating that he had no thoughts of mistrust for Raye and seemed to surprised at her mention of Dimithil's feelings. Hwestlaeriel took back the question, as her brother obviously did not have an answer, and the two continued on...

[ February 16, 2003: Message edited by: VanimaEdhel ]

[Brinniel]

Though the trees still covered the sun, Raye could tell it was setting, for the sky slowly began to darken.
She stopped in her tracks and observed her surroundings. The group stood at a clearing of the trees, a perfect place to camp. The foul stench had grown stronger than ever, coming from Raye's right. The entrance to the creature's lair was near. But the creature would not hurt them here; it only would if one of them got any closer to the lair. The murderess smiled. Yes, this was a perfect place to camp. She turned to the others.
"We will rest here, tonight," she announced.
There were several mutters and groans in response.
"Couldn't we walk a little bit further?" Faryn complained. "The smell is quite terrible here."
"Not if you do not wish to walk blindly in the dark," Raye snapped. "I do believe you would like to live another day, servant girl, especially after all that trouble escaping from the night elves."
Faryn did reply to her comment.

The group settled into their camp quickly, each heavily in a conversation with another, except for Raye, that is. Instead, she watched Tallin and Berethion, who were speaking to each other, looking too happy.
"Wolfsoul, we need firewood," the murderess said suddenly.
Tallin looked at Raye. "Yes, and why are you telling me this?" she responded.
"I want you to get me some."
"Me?!" the wolf tamer cried out. "Do it yourself, Raye. This is a forest, for goodness sake! It's not that hard."
"Excuse me? I have led you through the forest all day, and what have you done? Nothing!"
"Perhaps you should do as she says," Berethion whispered to Tallin, obviously not wanting the two to fight. "It won't take long."
The wolf tamer stood up angerly.
"There are plenty of broken branches over there," Raye observed, pointing to where the foul smell was coming from. "Perhaps you'll find even more if you go further in."
Tallin glared at the murderess.
"Unless you are too frightened by the smell."
Tallin had enough then. She stormed off in the direction Raye had pointed, muttering that she wasn't frightened by anything, especially some silly smell. Raye hoped it would be the last time she would see the wolf tamer.

"You know, you do not have to be so hostile towards Tallin," Berethion told Raye. "The two of you could get along quite well if you just gave her a chance."
"I can't give her a chance," Raye replied. "She is a wolf tamer and therefore I believe she is part wolf. You can't ever trust a wolf."
"What is it you've got against wolves, anyways?" Berethion asked. "Did they once hurt you in some way?"
Raye did not respond.

A half an hour had passed and Tallin had not returned. It was then Berethion made the decision to go after her.
"She has been gone too long," the elf declared. "Something is not right. I have to find her."
The others nodded in agreement, some offering to help find the wolf tamer, but Berethion turned down the offers, claiming he could find her alone. Raye was the only one who disagreed with Berethion's decision.
"Tallin is fine," she said. "She is probably just somewhere sulking."
What the murderess said was probably true, for she and no one else had heard any sign of the creature. She couldn't help but to wonder why it hadn't gotten her yet.
But despite what Raye had said, Berethion went after the wolf tamer.

Raye waited for the elves' return, hugging her knees and chewing on her nails. She now hoped that the creature wouldn't show and they would return safely. The murderess couldn't afford to have anything happen to Berethion. He had saved her life, after all. Twice.
Perhaps there was no creature, after all. Perhaps it was just an old smell and the creature was dead. This thought made Raye relax a little.

It was at that moment when a loud noise sounded from the direction the elves had disappeared. It was a strange noise, something the murderess had not heard before. But she knew what had made it and stood up immediately.
"What was that?" Dimithil asked, who now stood next to her.
Raye shook her head. She bit her lip hard, knowing her plan had backfired.
Before Dimithil could ask her another question, the murderess charged forward in the direction the creature had made the noise.

[ February 17, 2003: Message edited by: Brinniel ]

[Helkahothion]

"I knew it! I knew she was up to no good. She will probably try to kill Tallin if she escapes the danger she is in! Let's go! We must stop her!" Dimithil shouted.

He ran of in the same direction that Raye had went to. The smell got stronger as Dimithil ran. It was a horrible smel. A smel of death. It was the same oder that hung around Raye. Only 10 times stronger. She must have led the group here on pupose. Trying to take out Tallin. Dimithil feared that it was the cave of the monster that had attacked the nightelves a few times. And now Dimithil saw it again.

It was a big monster. Almost twice as big as Raye. It had struck down one of the group, but in the dark, Dimithil could not see wich it was. Suddenly he heared a crie in the dark.

"Berethion!"

It was Raye. The beast got Berethion. This was defenetly not Raye's intention. Dimithil charged at the sound that Raye had produced. He saw her silouet in the dark and leaped at it. Raye was cought of guard and struck the floor.

"I knew you where no good. You are a killer. I know you. I just did not remember it until now. You will pay for your deeds. You killed a friend of me in the Inn. I hope you will be treated poorly in the afther live. Do you have a last request lady death?" Dimithil said mad from anger.
________
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[Amanaduial the archer]

Tallin walked away from the group, especially from Raye, counting to ten under her breath very quickly. She had heard it was meant to calm you down; it wasnt working. Shed tried it four times then gave up, too busy with the stench which was ever getting stronger. Automatically she felt for the knife nearest to her hands and easiest to get to, one in a sheath along her lower arm, able to be easily slipped into the hand, and cursed silently as she realised the sheath was empty- the night elves had found that one then. Then she froze. A sound had attracted her attention, and sound that was awfully like...

No, dont be stupid Tallin. She silently reprimanded herself. She was making herself jumpy. But as she continued she found herself moving more slowly, and more quietly than before. Her feet made almost no noise, just a soft padding. She hoped it would be quiet enough to avoid the attention of whatever was in here-

No! There is nothing in here! Tallin forced herself to believe it and straightened up slightly, but still walking slowly. All around her was complete silence; the birds had stopped singing a way back, as if avoiding this area. There was a dark cave ahead and, forcing herself not to give in to Rayes jeering, she entered.

The elf was a few metres in when she once again heard the noise and froze against the wall, her almost lupine senses heightened even further by the sense of danger. There it was again. Oh Eru... The sound of breathing. Harsh, heavy breathing, as if from the mouth of a great beast. Tallin realised too late that she had grown to easy in Raye's prescence- the murderess was still trying to get rid of her.

Tallin cursed silently and edged forward a little more, to get her bearings in the darkness. Then a huge nightmarish shape moved across the entrance, momentarily blocking out what little light there was; a giant shape, like a massive moving boulder. Tallin stopped breathing. She was in a cave. Alone.

With a troll.

Something was being rolled across now, and Tallin realised it was a massive boulder, now half across the entrance. Panic overwhelmed her; she would be trapped in here with this creature. She stepped back the way she had come, towards the light a few steps when a large crunch emitted from her feet. In her haste Tallin had stepped on something and looking down she saw the object in question and her eyes widened. A bone, and not an animals bone either; either human or elven. She felt sick; bones had never really been a problem, but this was human...and she knew the thing had heard her. It turned slowly, its massive bulk turning towards Tallin and she saw a pair of red piggy eyes one and a half times her height again above her head.

And they saw her.

The thing gave a huge roar, shaking the cave and started lumbering towards her at an alarming pace. Tallin dived to the side, out of the way, and felt more bones crush beneath her, and gave a startled yell. Trying to form more sensible words, she took a deep breath and yelled again.

"Berethion! Arrelle! Dimithil! Hw-" She stopped and threw herself out of the way again as a massive fist swung at her. Or was that a club? With a start she realised this was the same thing that had attacked the night elves when Aragilath had addressed them. Her mind dragged up without any prompting the exact images of the several night elves who had fallen prey to the beast.

Drawing her sword, not a usual oocurence, she crouched low in a defensive position close to the ground; it would be harder for the creature to distinguish her from the rest of the rocks scattered around the floor. Unless its eyesight was good in the dark...

The troll started to sniff deeply and Tallin silently cursed again. Oh yeah, sense of smell was a runner as well. She took a swing at it as it lurched towards her, but didnt do much damage as she was equally absorbed in getting out of the way. She took another deep breath but there was no need- she wasnt alone any longer. She could see the figures at the entrance, silhouetted against the light. It was probably the rest of her companions, but right now she would be quite satisfied with the night elves...

[VanimaEdhel]

Hwestlaeriel quickly saw that the creature had not finished his job, and that her brother lay some twenty paces away to where she had run at the call of her brother's name. She ran to the handsome Elf's prostrate body. She also saw Dimithil strike down Raye. The cry Raye had given had seemed to be one of fright, not one of a malicious nature. Maybe the woman was trustworthy, as her brother believed...

"I knew you where no good. You are a killer. I know you. I just did not remember it until now. You will pay for your deeds. You killed a friend of me in the Inn. I hope you will be treated poorly in the afther live. Do you have a last request lady death?"

Hwestlaeriel, kneeling by Berethion, called over to Dimithil, "Deal with her later! I need your help!"

She could see that Berethion was growing pale. He was badly injured. Hwestlaeriel could see that, if they did not aid him, he would soon perish.

Dimithil did not move from where he stood over Raye. Hwestlaeriel looked up and saw a mental struggle going on between the two companions, now rivals. She remained quiet and wondered if Dimithil was going to slay the woman right then...

"Berethion! Arrelle! Dimithil! Hw-" came a faint, cut-off sound. Hwestlaeriel and the others looked around, trying to figure out who made the noise.

"Tallin!" Hwestlaeriel said, seeing that their companion was not with them. She rose to her feet, "Where has Tallin gone?"

She looked at Berethion, then to where the sound came from. She noted that Dimithil did not move. She figured that Berethion's corpse would be safe as long as Dimithil was there. Hwestlaeriel bolted through the woods. She went right to the source of the sound, and found herself right outside the mouth of the cave. Hwestlaeriel stopped and waited, as the others, minus only Dimithil and Raye, appeared around her. Hwestlaeriel looked at the others questioningly, wondering if they should enter.

They heard a scuffling within, and each member of the company quickly drew his or her respective weapon. Hwestlaeriel, oblivious to her actions, led the group into the cave.

Suddenly, Hwestlaeriel stopped, causing Arrelle, who was immediately behind her, to bump into her. Both made no noise, though, seeing what was ahead. They saw the troll and Tallin trapped.

Again, without thinking, Hwestlaeriel approached the troll, prepared to defend her companion and, up to this moment, rival...

[ February 17, 2003: Message edited by: VanimaEdhel ]

[Brinniel]

Raye was not out for long.
She awoke, rubbing the side of her head where her old wound had reopened. Raye groaned. Why did she ever believe elves were any better than men?

The murderess looked over where Berethion lay. He was unconcious, but alive. Barely. What had she done? She wanted to run to the elf and tend to him, so much, but she couldn't. Not yet.
The murderess glanced at the troll creature the others were fighting. Oh, how Raye wanted that thing dead. Even if it meant helping the others. Perhaps if she did help them, they wouldn't know that all this was her fault. But Dimithil knew.
Raye looked up and saw him standing there watching the others. He had his sword drawn, ready to kill the murderess, but he no longer paid attention to her. He didn't even notice she was concious.

In a flash, Raye pulled Dimithil to the ground with her, his sword now in her hands. The elf stared at the murderess with surprise and rage.
"What do you think you're doing?" Raye shouted at him. "Won't you even bother to help your companions? Your own sister?"
The murderess did not wait for Dimithil's response. She pushed his sword back into his hands, then unsheathed her own. Then Raye turned and ran toward the troll creature.

[Amanaduial the archer]

"Whats the matter with you?"

Tallin spun around as she heard Rayes angry voice and saw her standing above Dimithil with a sword in her hands. Her eyes widened and she started towards them before she heard Rayes next words. "What do you think you're doing? Won't you even bother to help your companions? Your own sister?"

Tallin stopped, confused. What? Raye was shouting at him for not helping them, who for all appearances she hated? She felt a breeze from above and with a yelp she dived to the side, but too late; the massive weapon of the troll still gave her a glancing blow, knocking her to the side, into the cave wall. She slid down, hitting the floor, winded and with the beginning of one heck of a bruise on her right arm and side, but with nothing more. She gritted her teeth and forced herself to realise how lucky she was, despite the aching in her right arm, now almost useless; she guessed it might actually be broken. Ah well, shed just have to fight southpaw. Getting her breath back she turned over away from the wall and pushed herself into a kneeling position. But as she did so, her sensitive injured arm brushed against something soft and warm. Ish. Looking down she gasped as she saw Berethion lying against the wall, thrown there in a similar way to Tallin herself. She knelt beside him, praying under her breath for him to be alive. She felt his face again and realised he wasnt as warm as she had thought; his usually brown face was unusually pale and cold. She cursed the night elves for taking her medicines bag and patted at her pockets desperately; no, she had nothing to help him.

"Get away from him!" Tallin turned as Raye snarled at her from behind. The woman still held her sword and the wolftamer moved back slightly from its swinging blade.

"Careful Raye."
"Around you?!"
"Im trying to help him! I thought he was your friend!"
"You? Help anyone? No wolf ever helped anyone!" Tallin opened her mouth to protest at that but Raye once again swung her sword at her head and ducked under it, then quickly ducked again as a dark object flew over her head and landed on the other side. Then a voice entered her mind.

"Get away from her, murderess!" The angry growl was heard out of Tallins mind as well and Raye backed away slightly. Tallin didnt need to be able to see the creature in the half light to recognise it, and she grinned incredulously.

"Jet?"
"Oh yeah, and me Tal!" Tallin spun and saw a second lupine shape; Dia. "And no one messes with my sister like that!"

The female wolf turned to Raye, her back up and fangs bared, causing Raye to back away with a look of disgust and...fear on her face. "Sister?" She murmered. "Sister?!" She repeated louder this time. "The beast calls you its sister?!"

Tallin opened her mouth then realised. "You heard?"

"Of course I heard, I can always hear the voices of these...things when they speak to you."

"What-" Tallin started then stopped as a huge bellow shook the cave again. She looked from Raye, to the troll, to Berethion, ten back to Raye. The woman nodded regretfully, readying her sword again and Tallin drew her own.

"Lets get this beast out of the way as quickly as possible." Rayes voice was hard, but Tallin heard the tremble in it; she was as worried about the wounded elf as Tallin. After a second, the wolf tamer nodded and returned to the fray.

[Helkahothion]

Tallin and Raye charged the Troll head on and smashed into it's legs while evading every strike of the beast. Dimithil had his sword ready and rushed to there aid. The cave was rugged, but had no places to clime on. Dimithil had his knife in his sleave and grabbed his sword now with both hands. With a large swing he struck the Troll in the back. The beast turned to him and with a powerfull swing he struck at Dimithil. He ducked away and the club struck the ground.

Raye now stabed the beast in the back of his leg, cousing it to let out a horrible scream. With his free hand the troll now grabbed Raye, but out of the dark came a wolf. The creature leaped at the hand and his mouth encountered the wrist. With a strong bite the wolf was attatched. Tallin now rushed to the creatures aid, chopping madly in his wrist. The hand could not take anymore and with a powerfull blow of Tallin, it was chopped of.

Dimithil now reiched for the knife and trew it with all he had. It was a nasty pitch, but it did strike the Troll in a nasty place: His neck. The huge monster was now gasping for breath and the company where was now complete. Chopping and bashing as if they where smashing down a tree.
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[VanimaEdhel]

Hwestlaeriel dove at the creature while the other two girls fought it. She hacked at it with the sword she carried. However, training without any true battle experience made her unable to truly fight as of yet. She found herself thrown against the stone wall. Hwestlaeriel charged back at the troll again, but this time got thrown back again. She hit her head on the stone wall and fell unconscious.

**********

Berethion, unconscious as well, lay on the ground, dreaming fitfully. He had dreams of Tallin and Hwestlaeriel, both. He also saw his parents again. Then, he thought he saw a hallway before him.

"You must wait here," he heard the voice command him, "You cannot pass through these Halls. No pure Elf can. You must wait here until the end of time...unless you are among the lucky...or unlucky...that return to Earth. Only Mandos and the All-Knowing will know that."

This was, of course, a dream. Berethion was not truly in the Halls of Mandos yet, but he could feel death approaching swiftly. He continued his fitful dreams, trapped in an unconscious state, unable to awake at that moment. His mind struggled to find its way back to its body, getting ever-closer to waking one last time before his soul would leave to forever dwell with his Elven kindred, awaiting the end of the world in the Halls of Mandos, unable to pass through to be where men dwelt...

[Amanaduial the archer]

Tallin swung at the beasts knees and was rewarded by a bellow from above, then had to duck once again, dragging Rayes head down as well, as the club once again swung distractedly at them; the troll was having a problem with having all of them around it. Raye jerked away though, slapping at Tallin's hand. The wolftamer shot her a bemused look before continuing on the things knees, woodsman style, at the creatures tough, gravelly skin. Well, woodswoman anyway. It just wouldnt give in, it was like chopping at a brick, and was damaging her sword...

A scream attracted Tallins attention, a cry of pain and fear. She looked up and saw the human girl, Yenhofir, cowering against the wall.

"Yenh-" She started to call, but too late as she was hit across the head with the trolls club. The wolftamer winced at the smack it made, and the resulting smack as Yenhofir was thrown against the wall. She looked at Raye, who nodded briefly, raising an eyebrow. "Nothing I cant handle, Tallin."

Good grief, was that a smile?! Tallin looked also at Dimithil, but the elf was busy himself. Ducking between the massive trolls legs, she ran towards Yenhofir, facing the wall, and crouched down beside her. She carefully rolled her over and winced again as she saw the huge bloom of blood still spreading across the side of the girls head and face. She didnt withdraw her hand though; she had seen many injured animals, and humans- the guards of Mirkwood after incidents with the spiders, or rogue travellers for instance...

She touched the head wound gently with her fingers and her heart sank as Yenhofir didnt respond at all. Damn, not you as well... The blood had covered much of what was there and as she wiped away from of it carefully, she saw how the trolls club had smashed part of the girls skull. A fracture must have gone into her brain- a quick death at least. The wolftamer bit her lip. Yenhofir was so young, even for the race of men. She closed the girls wide, staring eyes, making her young face look more peaceful, but there was nothing more she could do but murmer a blessing for quick passage to the Havens.

"Farewell, daughter of men." She finished, then felt the ground tremble. She turned quickly and saw the beast take another stagger sidewards, making Dimithil and Dia scuttle hastily out of the way. Tallin noticed the knife sticking out of the trolls neck, pushed in almost up to its hilt, and noticed the golden leaf patterns of Lorien under the blood on the hilt- Dimithils work then. Raye ran from beneath the trolls legs and threw herself to the side as it took another huge step, hunched over now, defeated looking. Then, to Tallins horror, it stood up straight again and gave a massive roar. Quickly, she drew her sword again and, balancing it in her hand, threw it like a spear into the beasts throat to join Dimithils dagger.

[Helkahothion]

Tallin's sword flew trough the air and struck the beasts mouth. The Troll cried out in pain and took a fast swing at Tallin. Tallin jumped aside and evaded the strike. The troll raized his arm again, but this time it was Raye that struck the Troll in the armpit. Another dagger was sticking out of the Troll. Now filled with anger, the Troll charged Arrelle.

The girl did not stand a chanse against the beast and found herself flying trough the air in no time. Arrelle smashed into a wall and did not stand up again. Dimithil cried out. He ran to the girl, trying to lend her some aid, but she was alright. Anger raized in Dimithil and he charged head on. The club of the troll did not discriminate tough and Dimithil was knocked back with increddible force.

He stood up and took a moment to check if everything was okay. He detected one broken rib, but it could not stop him from battle. He took up his sword and ran back to the battlefield.

[ February 19, 2003: Message edited by: Helkahothion ]
________
Honda Airwave Specifications (http://www.honda-wiki.org/wiki/Honda_Airwave)

[Brinniel]

Raye hacked furiously at the troll. She never even thought about what she was doing or if there was a better way to destroy the creature; she just did as what her companions did.
The troll was enraged by the fierceness of the others’ attack, and it thrashed around, striking down whoever it could. Hwesta had already gone down, now unconscious. Yenhofir was dead.
Faryn was next to go. The club swung down on her suddenly, and there was a flash of red. They heard her scream along with the sound of bones breaking, but this time not even Tallin came to her aid. It was no use. They all knew she was already dead.
Raye saw Arrelle go down, and though she seemed unharmed and conscious, she remained where she fell, dazed. Dimithil, who had at first rushed to Arrelle’s aid, now charged at the troll, but was knocked to the ground by the club. But almost immediately, he got back up and charged again.
Belle struck fiercely at the troll’s feet. The creature’s club continuously swung at her, but the elf somehow managed to dodge it each and every time.
Tallin, who was now swordless, hacked at the beast along beside Raye with a dagger, but she did not remain there for long. The club brushed against the wolf tamer’s already wounded side and she fell unconscious. The two wolves howled in fury at the sight of their friend unconscious, but they did not stop their attack on the beast.
Now there were only six of them left to fight the troll.

Raye swung her sword even harder into the troll. She would not give up, no matter how tired she was. The murderess screamed and cursed at the beast as she stabbed it until her voice grew hoarse. She pulled out her daggers with her spare hand and one by one, she threw each one of them at the creature. And then suddenly, without warning, the troll dropped its club, swaying. The creature had finally given in.
As it began to stumble, Raye backed away from it to avoid being crushed. The remaining other three and the wolves did the same, also pulling unconscious Tallin and Hwesta out of the way. The troll then fell, landing with a thud, only feet away from the now small group. All was silent except for the heavy breaths of the remaining four and the wolves.
Raye watched Belle bend over Faryn’s broken body, and examining it. Realizing that two of her company were now dead, the elf shook and collapsed in despair. Dimithil, her brother, was at her side immediately, hugging her and whispering comforting words in Elvish.
Not far from the two elves was Arrelle, who had gotten up from where she had fallen and was now knelt down beside Tallin and Hwesta, trying to wake them both. The wolves were beside her, whispering to Tallin with their mind speech.
Raye stared at them all in disbelief. I am the cause of all this, she realized. The murderess had killed many, but never before had she seen other grieve for the dead.

A moan, barely audible, interrupted her thoughts. Berethion! Raye thought and immediately turned around, running to him. How could she have forgotten him?
When Raye reached the elf, she knelt down beside him and saw what neither she nor Tallin and Hwesta saw before. Berethion’s chest was completely torn. It seemed nothing but a mass of flesh and blood. Yet somehow the elf remained alive.
Suddenly, Berethion’s eyes fluttered open and looked at Raye.
“Corrowyn,” he whispered. “Are you all right?”
“I am,” Raye nodded.
“What about Tallin? How is she?”
Raye looked over at Tallin, who was just coming to. “She is all right,” she answered.
“And what about Hwestlaeriel, my sister?”
Raye looked again in Tallin’s direction. Hwesta laid beside the wolf tamer, still unconscious, but alive.
“She will live.”
Berethion nodded. He opened his mouth to say something else, but instead coughed up blood.
Despair swept over Raye, as she realized she could not save her friend. Even if she were able to tend to him earlier, his wounds were too severe. He was dying and it was because of the murderess. Unable to hold back her tears, Raye collapsed over herself, burying her face into her arms and wept.
“Don’t cry,” Berethion said, his own voice shaking. In an attempt to console her, his hand reached out and stroked Raye’s hair.
“I’m sorry,” the murderess whispered, sobbing. “This is all my fault. The troll was meant for Tallin and only Tallin, and even for doing that I-I………Oh, I’m so sorry, Berethion.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself, Corrowyn,” Berethion told her, dropping his hand back at his side. “We all make mistakes. That is how we learn.”
Raye lifted her head and looked at him. “And what am I to learn, Berethion?”
“That friends are better than enemies. That in order to survive, you always need someone else on your side. You need a friend, Corrowyn. You must learn to trust another being, besides me. I won’t always be around for you to rely on, you know.”
The elf tried to smile at the murderess, but failed. His eyes then moved past Raye, and he lifted his head, staring at something else, but the murderess did not bother to turn and see what. Still looking away from Raye, Berethion opened his mouth to speak, but once again, nothing came out but blood.
Berethion laid his head back against the wall and closed his eyes. The elf was unconscious again.
Raye stared at the dying Berethion, tears streaming down her face. Blood still poured freely from the gash in his chest and she could see that breathing had become difficult for him. The color of his skin made Berethion already look dead. The elf suffered openly and Raye hated it. She knew Berethion would not give up so easily and he would live on until he bled to death. And though that would not be much longer, Raye could not stand to see her friend suffer anymore. She could not let him bear such pain.
Slowly, the murderess leaned over him, stopping only inches from his face. In a whisper barely audible, Raye spoke.
“She loved you, Berethion. Tallin loved you.” She paused before continuing. “And so did I.”
Then the murderess kissed the elf, drawing out all the life that was left in him. Berethion’s chest stopped moving, and suddenly the elf seemed at peace.
Raye took one look at the now dead Berethion and her emotions took hold of her. I killed him, I killed him, she kept telling herself, crying. For the first time, the murderess saw herself as others saw her; a monster.

Though she could hear nothing over her own weeping, Raye saw a glimpse of the others out of the corner of her blurred eyes. Then, there was a flash of a sword. Oh, great, she thought. They are going to kill me, now. And for once, the murderess no longer cared.
Raye held her breath as she felt the sword plunge into her side.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Tallin felt the pain finally overwhelm her as the troll's club hit her injured side and arm, and slipped, struggling all the way, into unconciousness.

* * *

The wolf tamer felt herself slowly coming around, how long afterwards she didnt know. Then the pain shot through her side again and she doubled up on the floor, clutching it. She felt the blood seeping through her fingers, and it felt like the red liquid must be liquid fire, not blood. She sat up carefully and looked around.

Hwesta lay beside her, and feeling the side of the elfs neck, Tallin was relieved to feel her pulse going steadily. Directly in front of them was the huge bulk of the troll. Tallin jumped back slightly, reaching for a knife, then realised how still the troll was. Dead at last.

"Uh huh, youre right about the last." Tallin didnt turn around, and a few seconds later she felt a wet nose nudge into the small of her back. Smiling she reached her hands out to either side and both wolves pushed their noses into one, a sign of friendship they had perfected over the years. She opened her mouth to reply but was hushed by Jets quiet voice. "No, don't reply now Tal. He needs you."

Tallin didnt need to ask who. Berethion. She could hear a quiet voice nearby, a quiet voice, murmering desperately, pleading almost. She stood slowly and climbed over the trolls body, landing silently on the other side, a few metres behind Raye...and Berethion.

“This is all my fault. The troll was meant for Tallin and only Tallin, and even for doing that I-I…Oh, I’m so sorry, Berethion.”
Meant for Tallin?! Tallins mind screamed at her outraged, but she didnt move, couldnt move.

"Don’t be so hard on yourself, Corrowyn," Berethion replied, and Tallins heart wrenched as she heard his voice sounding so weak. "We all make mistakes. That is how we learn."
"And what am I to learn, Berethion?"
"That friends are better than enemies. That in order to survive, you always need someone else on your side. You need a friend, Corrowyn. You must learn to trust another being, besides me. I won’t always be around for you to rely on, you know."

Tallin thought she could hear him smile, but it was as weak, she knew, as his voice. Tears started to slip down her cheeks, but she hardly noticed, as she felt her heart ripping in two.

"She loved you, Berethion. Tallin loved you." The wolf tamer looked up, surprised, and wondered if Raye had looked behind and seen her; but no. She was serious. The next words were even quieter, as Raye bent over Berethion. "And so did I." The womans head moved down, over Berethions pale face, and she kissed him. Tallin looked away, down at the ground, then dropped her head back, closing her eyes. Slowly she sank to the ground, and she felt the link she had with Berethion break as he slowly slipped into the clutches of death.

"No." She whispered, almost silently. She heard another run up behind Raye, but didnt move from her spot on the floor until she heard the horrified gasp, then the silver sound of a sword being drawn. Her eyes flicked open immediately and she saw Dimithil standing over Raye. The next few seconds seemed to almost be in slow motion; Dimithil drew back his sword, and thrust it into Rayes side, his face a contorted mask of anger. The woman fell sidewards without a noise, hitting the floor beside Berethion with a soft thump. Then she opened her tear stained eyes again and Tallin saw the spark of life there, the life of one who was prepared to live properly, without waste. Dimithil stepped over her.

"Murderess." That one word was enough, that hissed accusation. His eyes narrowed again and he held his sword up above his head in a two handed grip, as if about to make a sacrfice. "And may your soul never find peace."

The sword came down in a blur, down past Dimithils head, past his torso, down down down, towards Rayes prostrate body as she made no attempt to get away-

-before it stopped about an inch from her chest, the blade held in an iron like grip. Tallin winced, gritting her teeth against the pain as the double sided blade bit into her hands, but didnt take them away, holding the blade up, away from Rayes body. Dimithil looked at her, confusion mizxed with anger in his blue eyes. After a second he drew his sword back up, slicing Tallins hands even further, and she knew anger was winning.

"Why?" He murmered, then his frown deepened and his voice raised, almost to a shout. "Why? Why? Why would you protect the one who tried to kill you?!"

"We all make mistakes." Tallin echoed Berethions words, words from the grave, and saw Raye's eyes open slowly, the confusion evident in her tear stained eyes as well...and the pain that was a mirror of Tallins own.

"No! No, I deserve to die!" She said, her look wild, almost panicky. She reached up to Dimithil, reaching for his sword. "I deserve to die!" She repeated, her voice choked with tears. She caught the end of Dimithils sharp blade with her fingers, but he pulled it away from her, slicing her skin; he was looking from Tallin to Raye, confused. Raye seemed to relish the blood on her fingers, staring at it like the holy grail. Tallin crouched down in front of her and their eyes met...but Raye dropped hers immediately.
"I killed him."
Tallin took her hands carefully, looking at the blood on her fingers and the blood on her palms. Their hands spread up, like mirror images of each other, and their palms pressed together, the blood mingling.

"I deserve to die." Rayes voice didnt sound as convinced now. She looked back up at Tallin, before both of them looked at Berethion.

"I loved him." She continued. The wolf tamer nodded.
"Aye. Me too."

[Helkahothion]

Dimithil was confused. A target protecting his killer. He knew about forgiving, but this was insane. He figured that there was more to this girl than just a killer. Corrowin was her name. Atleast, that was what his elven ears had picked up. He tought that the name was better. It sounded a lot different than Raye. As he saw the tears and the despair in her eyes, he saw that she had changed somehow. She had killed her only companion. It does teach a person a lesson in a way.

Dimithil shoke the toughts of his mind and focused on something more important than Raye: Belle!. She was down for the count. He ran to his sister and lifted her head from the ground.

"My miire. I will never leave you again. Don't worry, I am here. Your uuvea sikil proved good in battle. It is sticking out of it's head. Don't worry, I'm here." Dimithil said between his tears.

His sister was badly wounded by the troll and there was a lot nessecary for Corrowin to regain Dimithil's trust. He hated Raye forver, Corrowin had a chanse tough. He manned his sister until she was good enough to stand on himself. He went back to see if anybody else needed his aid.
________
Dr platform (http://www.dodge-wiki.com/wiki/Chrysler_DR_platform)

[VanimaEdhel]

Hwestlaeriel's senses came back to her in a rush. Much like the wave of sights and sounds came the wave of nausea. The cut on Hwestlaeriel's head from the dungeon had obviously reopened. Hwestlaeriel looked up, and saw that she lay under stone. For a few seconds, Hwestlaeriel tried to figure out where she was.

Suddenly, the battle came back to her. That she was alive indicated that the others must have won, and that she was spared.

Berethion. That was the word that suddenly came back. He was wounded and seemed in a bad condition. Hwestlaeriel struggled to stand to look for her only friend and companion. She loved her other brother, Dantilaision, yes, but she had always been closest with her jovial sibling, Berethion. He had always allowed her to contribute as a male to any fighting or other such usually masculine activities. He treated her, his younger sister, as an equal. She wondered if he knew how much that meant to her.

Hwestlaeriel choked a bit as she arose, her nausea nearly overcoming her. She saw Dimithil solemnly come over and aid her in standing. She gratefully rose, thankful that Dimithil did not force her to remain on the ground, resting.

"Berethion," she said quietly, "How is Berethion?"

She expected an affirmation that, yes, Berethion was seriously wounded, but he, too would recover in a few minutes. Instead, she got only melancholy silence from all around her. Hwestlaeriel wrenched her arm out of Dimithil's grasp, away from his aid. She forgot all about her swimming head and quivering stomach that equalled the shakiness her legs now felt. She turned, looking for her brother.

"Where is he?" Hwestlaeriel asked, "I know he survived! Where is he?"

Hwestlaeriel's voice grew shrill as she spoke, and her voice cracked as she became more panicked in her search. Finally, her eyes landed on a still body. She looked for a sign of life from where she stood, but could see none.

Hwestlaeriel felt her entire body go numb. She tried to run to her brother's body, but her legs would not move. Her world closed around her. Berethion was the reason she awoke each morning: in the hopes that she would see him to bring joy into her life; in the hopes that he would come and change her world, as he always did, bringing excitement into her dull existence. Berethion was the only man Hwestlaeriel allowed herself to love openly. The Elves her parents pointed out meant nothing to Hwestlaeriel, and all those that Hwestlaeriel loved her parents scorned. Berethion, as her brother, was not only deserving of her love, but of her parents' approval as a playmate as well. Berethion represented Hwestlaeriel's heart, her joy, her very existence.

Hwestlaeriel's legs finally gave out. She managed to stumble over to her brother's body, then she sank to her knees over the corpse, her heart breaking inside her chest. She let out one scream, then collapsed, silently crying upon Berethion's lifeless form. Berethion was dead. Hwestlaeriel now may as well be dead. There was no point to her life anymore, she thought.

Those around her did not bother her, merely letting her grief take its due course. Dimithil tended to the other injured members of the company, and most of the uninjured busied themselves aiding Dimithil and preparing to set off.

Hwestlaeriel remained prostrate on the ground, crying as she had never had cause to cry before. In the back of her mind, she wondered if she would ever stop crying, if the others would come and aid her, or whether she would spend the rest of eternity mourning upon this spot, over her brother's dead body...

[Brinniel]

Raye allowed Tallin to comfort her, something she had not allowed anyone to do, save Berethion. She was surprised to see that the one whom she tried to kill was the one who saved her life. Raye had misjudged the wolf tamer. She wondered how many others she had done the same to.
The murderess had made so many mistakes during her life time. Berethion had told her that she must learn from them. But did she really have a chance to learn from all those mistakes? Raye hoped so. She deserved to die, but she wanted to live. She wanted a second chance. She wanted to prove that she was not a monster.

Raye opened her tear streaked eyes and looked at Tallin. But the wolf tamer was no longer focused on her but instead had her head turned at the now conscious Hwesta. Raye could tell by the look on her face that the elf had figured the fate of her brother. Unable to face her, the murderess turned her head away in guilt.
"We should move," she heard Tallin say.
The wolf tamer pulled her up with her uninjured arm and Raye did not resist. But once she was on her feet, Raye doubled over in pain and collapsed. The wound Dimithil had given her was deeper than she thought. Covered in Berethion's, Tallin's, and her own blood, the murderess suddenly felt battle worn. Her breathing was labored, and her entire side ached with pain.
Tallin noticed this, and tried to tend to her, but she stopped, grimacing in pain as she cradled her injured arm.
"Dimithil!" she cried out to the elf, who was tending his sister.
Immediately he was at the wolf tamer's side, offering help.
"Bind Raye's wound. Quick," Tallin ordered, gritting her teeth.
Dimithil looked at her then at Raye.
Raye looked at the elf, fresh tears blurring her vision. "Please," she whispered.
Dimithil hesitated a moment more before tearing cloth from his cloak to bind the murderess's wound.
Not far from them, Tallin sat, still cradling her arm watching helplessly as Hwesta grieved for her brother.
The wolf tamer then looked around the cave, searching.
"What is it?" Raye asked wearily.
Tallin looked over at the murderess, her face lined with worry.
"Arrelle is missing," she said.

[ February 20, 2003: Message edited by: Brinniel ]

[VanimaEdhel]

"Arrelle is missing," came the words Hwestlaeriel could hear in the back of her mind. That same part of her brain that processed those words tried to force Hwestlaeriel to stand up. It told her that she must search...she must aid her friends in finding this companion. Most of her mind, however, kept screaming to her that Berethion was dead.

She felt Dimithil's hands on her arm, hoisting her up. Hwestlaeriel locked her knees, allowing herself to stand. She looked around, and saw her weary companions preparing themselves for something. She wondered what was happening now.

"We must search for Arrelle," Dimithil said, seeming to read her mind and responding in a fairly gentle voice, "She is missing."

Hwestlaeriel looked at Dimithil for a second, then looked at her brother's body below her and wondered how long she had been crying. And what was she to do? She could not go home now, for her parents would probably not accept her back. They may even blame her for Berethion's death.

Hwestlaeriel gave a submissive sigh. Dimithil responded to her self-pity with reason.

"We must move on. Just because one member is lost, we must not forget the others. Arrelle is probably alive. We must keep hope and find her."

This made sense to Hwestlaeriel. She walked, still rather numbly, over to the others.

"Where shall we look?" Hwestlaeriel said in a hoarse voice.

"We should not travel alone," Tallin said, sensibly, "We do not know what is out there."

"I shall go with you," Hwestlaeriel said to Tallin, surprising even herself in this statement.

The group broke off and went searching for Arrelle. Hwestlaeriel desperately tried to keep her mind on her search and to keep it off of Berethion's demise, to almost no avail.

[dragoneyes]

Arrelle had tried to awaken Tallin and Hwesta, though in vain. She was Shakey and dazed still, the troll's club had dealt her a hard blow, harder than any other she'd ever experienced before. Her head ached from where it had smacked the wall, at first it had been a sharp pain but now it had subsided to a dull throb. Her chest, which had taken the brunt of the club, now caused her the most pain, she didn't know if anything was broken or not but she suspected that something was, it hurt everytime she took a breath.

Arrelle stood up and looked around the cave, past the trolls stinking carcass she could see Yenhofir, she had been such a happy soul, but now she was just another dead body. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked upon Faryn, then Hwesta and Tallin at her feet. Finally she looked over at Berethion, he was still breathing, though barely and even Arrelle could see that he wouldn't make it. Raye was watching him intently, waiting for any last words he may have. Arrelle was overwhelmed, she was just a simple girl from Gondor, not cut out for fighting or battles. All she had wanted was to travel and see new places before she settled down a got herself a husband like her sister. Tears began pouring soundlessly down her cheeks and she fled for the cave entrance, unwatched. Never had she known so much sadness and despair, the thought of it drove her away, she paused and turned to see Tallin slowly awaken and her wolves greet her. She was happy to see that they hadn't been separated but the air was still heavy with sorrow. She plunged off into the forest, her heart heavy with grief, grief for people she barely knew. She ran recklessly through the forest, desparate to get away from the accursed trees. Their presence had become suffocating and now all she wanted was the wide open fields of her home.

Suddenly she remebered her horse waiting patiently for her, she wanted more than ever to have her back again, and once they were together they'd get off strait home, no dallying in Mirkwood or Lothlorien or Rohan or wherever, home was where she wanted to be. Her foot caught on a tree root, snapping her back to reality as she landed on the hard soil. She groaned and rolled over, holding her chest as she sat up as it was searing with pain. tears of pain now mingled with those of sadness and ran with new vigour down her cheeks. She slowly got up, trying to find the least painful way but she didn't bother dusting herself down, she just continued walking in the direction she had been going in, whichever direction that was.

[Brinniel]

Tallin had come to the conclusion that she, Hwesta, Belle, and the wolf Jet would search for the missing Arrelle.
"What about me?" Dimithil asked urgently.
"You must stay here with Dia and keep watch over Corrowyn," Tallin answered.
Raye was too bothered by this comment to even notice the wolf tamer had used her true name. "Wait a minute," she said, struggling to stand up. "I'm not staying here. I want to help."
"Corrowyn, I don't think that's such a good idea," Tallin argued. "You are hurt."
"And so are you." Raye pointed to the splint on the wolf tamer's arm.
"But at least I can walk."
"And so can I. I'll just need a little help."
Tallin sighed. "All right, then. How about this? Instead of staying here, you, Dimithil, and Dia will also search for Arrelle. That way we will have two groups searching for her."
"What?!" Dimithil exclaimed. "You're making me go with her?"
"I need you to watch over her, Dimithil," Tallin said. "See that she does not harm herself."
"Harm herself?!" Dimithil was on the verge of shouting. "What about me? Raye is a murderess, or have you forgotten?"
"Raye will not harm you," Belle told her brother. "Please, Dimithil. Do as Tallin says."
Dimithil scowled at this, but agreed he would go with Raye.
"And what about me?" Raye heard Dia complain to Tallin. "That murderess stabbed me. I don't trust her."
"That was long ago, Dia," Tallin responded. "Didn't you hear a word Belle said? Corrowyn won't harm you."
"Corrowyn? Since when was the murderess's name Corrowyn?"
Tallin sighed. "Just do this for me, Dia. Please. I need you to watch Dimithil and Corrowyn and see that they do not try to kill each other."
"Fine, fine," Dia muttered. "But I can't guarantee you that I won't hurt the murderess."
And so the two groups parted, in search of Arrelle.

[ February 23, 2003: Message edited by: Brinniel ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

"You need to see she doesnt hurt herself." Tallin tried reasoning with the angry Dimithil, and hoping he wouldnt see the irony in the request, when he had recently attempted to kill her...

"Harm herself?!" Dimithil almost shouted, gesturing wildly at Raye. "What about me? Raye is a murderess, or have you forgotten?"

Ah, so he did see the irony...

"Raye will not harm you." Belle came in here, placing her hand lightly on her brothers forearm, trying to calm him down. Tallin smiled at her; they both knew he hadnt bee talking about Dimithil being harmed by Raye. But it seemed Dia was as upset as Dimithil, and in the same way as Belle had tried to soothe her brother, so Jet was trying to calm down Dia, but not to much avail.

After a brief conversation, in which Tallin could see Raye watching and reacting, Tallin glared at Dia.

"Obsidian..." She growled. The wolf gave in.
"Fine fine. But Im not guaranteeing I wont hurt the murderess."

Murderess. It seemed that was simply how Raye was branded. Tallin smiled slightly at Raye, trying to comfort her, but the woman looked away. Tallin didnt say anything- she knew how she felt, about Berethion...it still hadnt fully sunk in that he was dead it seemed. She had seen deaths before, but someone so close...

No. Keep busy, must keep busy...

"Come on, Hwesta, Belle, Jet. We wont lose another member of our group. Jet, you lead. Come here..." She had found a small necklace, of fine make, with a small, finely carved, horse centre piece and, knowing of Arrelles love of horses, she guessed it was hers. She hoped it would have enough of her scent on it. Dangling it in front of Jet, she let him pick up the scent and after a few moments of snuffling about, he nodded. "Got it. This way. Tell them to go the other way, she may have wandered."

Raye nodded. "Aye, good idea. Dimithil, we're going this way."

"Dont tell me what to do, murderess." He snapped back, but Tallin cut across before he even finished the last word, covering the space between them in a few quick steps until she was face to face with him.

"Dont call her that." She said quietly, her voice as dangerous as a wolfs growl. "She has a name. Dont ever call her that."

Dimithil was startled and lost his composure for a moment. Then he inclined his head sharply. "Fine." He said, just as sharply. Then he started off, not waiting for the other two with him. Tallin sighed, but she also had to go, and didnt have time to wonder about the others.

"Aye, we must go as well. Jet, lead the way."

[Brinniel]

When Raye, Dimithil, and Dia left the cave, it was still night. If there was any moon that night, Raye would never know, as the trees covered it.

The three searched through the darkness at a slow pace. But even a slow pace did not ease Raye's side. It throbbed at every step she took.

Finally, when they were not even a mile away from the cave, Raye collapsed, calling out to Dimithil.
"We have to rest," she told him. "I cannot go on tonight."
"I thought you told Tallin you would be all right," the elf replied.
"Well, I was wrong. At least we're away from that smell, for now at least."
"For now? What do you mean by that?"
"We have to go back and bury the dead. You don't expect us to leave their corpses to rot, do you?"
Dimithil shuddered at the very thought of going back into the cave, but he agreed with what Raye had said.

The two of them sat leaning against a tree and munched on lembas as Dia laid down and watched.
Raye chewed slowly as she thought of her last moments with Berethion. She missed that elf so much. Her guilt for his death still hung about her like a cloud.
Dimithil saw her pain for the loss of Berethion and immediately took pleasure in it.
"Why do you feel so bad about the death of Berethion?" he asked. "You've killed many others before and never felt guilty for their deaths. Why Berethion? What made you.....fall in love with him"
Raye did not respond.
Dimithil smirked. "Fine then. Don't answer. But in a way, I think Berethion's death is a good thing. Serves you right. You deserve to feel guilty for a change."
Raye slapped the elf hard in the face. "Remind me to tell you that when you try to kill me again and instead kill your sister," she yelled at him. "I've never met an elf as terrible as you."
Dimithil rubbed his face, restraining himself from hitting back.
"Raug," he cursed at the women, turning his back to her.
Raye glared at the elf with pure hate. She had enough of his cruelty. She would not let him go around calling her a demon.
"Auta miqula yrch," she challenged at him.
Dimithil turned around. Raye expected him to say something offensive in return, but instead his mouth dropped open.
"You know Elvish?" he asked, surprised.
"Of course I do. Why wouldn't I?" Raye laughed. "Did you expect me to be that ignorant?"
"I wouldn't go boasting about it, Raye," Dia commented. "Elvish sounds terrible when it comes out of your mouth."
"Shut up!" Raye hissed at Dia, angerly.
Dimithil stared at the woman, looking rather confused, as she had spoken aloud. Raye had the ability to hear mind speech, but she didn't know how to speak it herself.
"I didn't say anything," the elf told her.
"I wasn't speaking to you!" the woman snapped.
"Then who were you speaking to?"
"The damn wolf."
"Oh, don't you go cursing at me now," Dia said, threatening Raye.
Raye smirked. "Why shouldn't I? You creatures are no better than the dirt I walk on," she spat.
Dia growled, baring her teeth. Dimithil stared at the woman, suddenly realizing.
"Oh, no," he said. "Don't tell me you can talk to them too."
"Well, anyone can talk to wolves, you know," Raye answered. "It's the ability to hear them that I've been cursed with."

[Amanaduial the archer]

Jet sat down, shaking his head. Tallin stopped, waiting patiently- she could tell he was talking to his mate. Eventually he snorted and stood up again, walking ahead in the direction he hoped they had been going before.

"Jet?" She called after him, anxiously, running after him as he now started bounding. "Jet, whats wrong?"

"Dia. Shes..."he stopped and shook his head again, exasperated then restarted. "No, not Dia, Raye. She...she can hear us, Tal. And...it feels wierd. Its like shes always in my head. And I dont know why." His voice was almost a whine by the end. Tallin laid a hand gently on his head. She knew how he felt; it was strange to have someone almost invading the world they had had or themselves for so long.

"Tallin...Tallin, come look at this." Hwestas voice called urgently from a few metres away. Tallin stroked his head gently and followed her voice. She reached where the girl knelt, brushing aside some leaves..

"Arrelle." Tallin brushed the rest of the leaves hastily away from the womans face, then chest and was rewarded by a groan, as the feeble figure almost doubled up in pain. Tallin smiled grimly. "Well, at least we know youre alive."

Arrelle turned on her side, coughing and holding her ribs. Tallin felt the area and felt a bone crack under her fingers. Ah, broken bone. Arrelle had somehow managed to get this far, but she wouldnt be able to get much further without help. She lifted her carefully, and together she and Hwesta supported her. Tallin called to Dia with her mind, and got a grumpy reply.

"What?"
"Well, I am sorry! We're coming back. Go back to the cave."
"Oh joy, we get to be stuck in the cave with Raye now..."The wolf broke off with an angry mutter and a sigh. Tallin raised her eyebrows but, aware the others couldnt hear, continued back to the cave, holding Arrelle.

[VanimaEdhel]

Hwestlaeriel walked alongside Tallin and the weakened Arrelle. She felt somewhat helpless as she walked along, pretty much useless in this situation. She debated whether she should speak and admit the small skill she could boast of tending injuries. With her brothers, she especially knew how to treat broken bones. She debated with herself all the way back to camp. By this time, she was too late, for the others bustled around Arrelle, tending to her injuries. The others seemed skilled enough that Hwestlaeriel stepped back, watching their technique, making sure they did not make an error in their work. They were basically adept at their mending of the wound.

Hwestlaeriel wondered what they would do once Arrelle was healthy enough to travel again.

[Helkahothion]

Dimithil's eyes dropped and faced the floor. He had been harsh to Corrowyn. And he knew that she was in grief.

"Listen..... Corrowyn...."Dimithil said carefully.

Corrowyn turned around and faced Dimithil.

"Don't you ever call me that elf. You know my name!" She snapped at him."

"Raye was nothing more than a name you gave to your victims. Can't you see that? Raye has died with Berethion. Corrowyn came from his corpse. Eru has given you a message. Take the hint. Can't you see it is not to late to change? When Tallin stopped that blade with her own flesh and blood, it made me realize that there IS someone that does not want you dead. Yet, you refuse all help. You should give up this life of banditry while you still can. You have that chance now." Dimithil said to Corrowyn with tears in his eyes.

He turned around, not able to control himself much longer.

"Don't waste it." He added.
________
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[Brinniel]

"Why do you hate wolves so much anyways, Raye?" Dimithil asked. “Why did you want to kill Tallin?”
Raye looked at the elf and blinked. She was still surprised by his words earlier, the fact that he wanted her to use her true name. He did not understand that the name was something she could not yet accept. She felt she did not deserve such a name.
And now, Dimithil surprised Raye again by asking her such a personal question.
"Well, there has to be a reason why you hate them so much," he said. "What is it? I'm curious."
"Now that the elf mentions it, I'm kind of curious about that myself," Dia stated. "Why do you hate us so much?"
Raye looked at Dia, then back at Dimithil. Both stared at her intently.
The woman sighed. "Alright, then. You really want to hear this?" she asked.
Dimithil nodded. "Tell me. I want to know what you have against wolves."
Raye smiled. "I didn't always hate wolves, you know," she began. "Oh, no. It was actually the opposite of hate. I loved wolves, and all living things, for that matter. But that was long ago. I was only a child then."
Raye stopped and looked at both the elf and wolf, unsurely.
"Go on," Dimithil said, nodding.
"I was the daughter of two rangers," she continued. "I was born in the wild and spent my entire life in the wild. I do not know what a home is; I've never had one before.
"After I was born, my parents decided to travel less frequent, but to me that meant nothing. We still traveled often enough that I never really got to know another person. One night we would stay at an inn; two days later we were sleeping in the woods. The place that became closest to a home to me was Mirkwood, as we spent much of our time in those woods. And even then I never got an opportunity to speak with another. Elves would pass us by, sometimes with a hello, but that was all. The first time I communicated with another besides my parents, I was five. The first time I ever communicated with another besides my parents, I spoke to wolves.
"I remember the first time I heard the voices in my head. They had frightened me at first, and I began to wonder if I was going mad. But then one night I awoke to find a wolf beside me. She had discovered my gift, and had come to help me deal with it. The wolf, Ava she was called, who was the alpha's mate and had come to befriend me. I was introduced to her pack, and though it was a large pack of wolves, they did not intimidate me. They taught me everything; that if I listened hard enough, I could hear any living thing think or speak; even the trees. Almost every night I would sneak off to find the wolves and tell them my secrets. My parents never did discover my gift, but they took notice of my fondness for living things, especially wolves. They called me their "draug hín," and the name seemed fitting enough. The gift I had got me past the harshness of constant travel. I was no longer upset that I could not find a human or elven friend. I had the wolves and that satisfied me. But soon that all came to an end.
“It was my tenth winter that my childhood abruptly came to an end. It was a black winter that year; it never rained or snowed and it was the coldest winter I can remember. We stayed along the western borders of Mirkwood that winter and spent our time hunting whatever we could. Game was sparse that winter, and we nearly starved to death. I didn’t see much of my wolf friends that winter either, and I figured it was because they had as much trouble finding food as my parents and I. All those who remained in the wilderness of Mirkwood that winter went hungry, but I never realized how desperate the wolves would be. One night, they had come to the decision to attack our only two horses. By the time my father could stop them the horses were already dead. My father, outraged by this, shot arrows at the pack, hitting and killing only one; the alpha. The wolves had succeeded in killing our horses, but in the process, not only did they lose their leader, but they also never got the chance to get the meat off the horses.
“I was upset at my father for killing a wolf, but no more upset with him than I was with the wolves for killing our horses. Our horses were the quickest way of transportation and we also used them to carry some of our belongings. The winter would be even more difficult without them.
“For several days I sulked over this. Over that time period I realized how much I missed speaking with the wolves, and I could no longer stay mad at them. After all, they had only killed our horses to survive the winter. A hunter is always taught it is all right to kill as long it is for food and that is exactly what they had done. So, one night, I decided to seek them out. How foolish I was! Obviously, the wolves did not forgive so easily as I. Not long after I had left the camp, they attacked it, killing both my parents. With the ability of mind speech, I realized what they planned to do before it happened, but the warning was not soon enough, and I ran back to the camp just in time to witness my parents’ deaths.
“After that I never forgave those wolves for what they did. They stole me of my childhood and my parents. I ran deep into the woods that night and hid from the creatures as they searched for me. They called my name, telling me to come to them and they would care for me and make a better life for me than my parents could’ve ever given, but I never answered to those calls. From then on I made a promise to myself to never again associate with wolves.”
”And yet here you are, telling this story to me, a wolf,” Dia said.
Raye smiled grimly. “I know,” she said. “Ironic, isn’t it?”
Dimithil gave a large frown. “Wait,” he said. “You’ve explained why you dislike wolves, but what about Tallin? You are no different than her.”
"No Dimithil," the woman responded. “We both have the same gift, but that’s the only way we are alike. Tallin is different than I. She is who knows how old and is still ignorant of those who surround her. She is a mistaken elf who believes wolves can be trusted.”
”Perhaps you are the one that is mistaken, Raye,” Dia said. “You should not judge us like that. You were young when that happened.”
“And I am still young!” Raye snapped. “But that does not matter. That incident occurred only eleven years ago. I remember it as if it were yesterday.” She lowered her voice. “I know what I saw. Those wolves betrayed me. You cannot expect me to trust you or Jet after what happened; even if you took no part in it.”
“I’m still debating whether I should believe you, Raye,” Dimithil said, shaking his head. “You have fooled others many times. Why should I believe you?”
“Why would I make up a story like that?” Raye asked. “You should be satisfied that I told you this, as I have told no one before; not even Berethion.”
“You do realize you’ve become like the wolves you have described, don’t you?” the elf pressed. “A merciless killer.”
Raye lowered her head. “I know. But the wolves aren’t the reason for who I’ve become. That…is a different story.”
Dimithil looked at Raye curiously, but said nothing.

After several minutes of silence, Dia suddenly sat up.
”We have to go back to the cave,” she told Raye.
“I know,” Raye nodded, who had heard Dia’s conversation with Tallin. She looked over at Dimithil. “They have found Arrelle,” she said to him. “We are to go back to the cave.”
Dimithil nodded as he stood up slowly. Then, to Raye’s surprise, he reached out his hand and lifted her back on her feet as well. The woman clutched her side as the pain returned.
“Do you think you can make it back?” he asked.
Raye looked at him, raising her eyebrow. “Is there another option?”
Dimithil shrugged his shoulders. “Well, I suppose I could carry you.”
Raye shook her head in response. “No one carries me without a fight.”
“Well then, I don’t really feel like putting up a fight at the moment.”
“Good. Neither do I. Let’s go.”
And so the two, woman and elf, walked slowly, side-by-side in the direction they had come from with the wolf, Dia, in the lead.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Arrelle slipped in and out of conciousness, almost carried between Hwesta and Tallin. Tallin was cursing her good nature and broadcasting it to the world; the elf was heavier than she looked, and was practically a dead weight. Jet was getting fed up and so, no doubt was Raye, but Tallin was taking the view that if she was fed up, they could all be fed up as well.

They stumbled for the umpteenth time and Hwesta almost fell. Tallin caught her arm, behind Arrelles back, but too late and they both fell in a heap. Tallin couldnt help laughing and soon Hwesta started as well. Jet looked at the pile, sighed and sat down heavily.4

"Oh brilliant." He muttered, but loud enough for Tallin to hear. She mock glared at him before bursting out laughing again. It felt good to laugh after so much sobriety.

They stopped after a minute and Hwesta sighed. "It does feel good to laugh."
"You took the words right out of my mouth."
"Hmmm. Its just...I feel so..." Hwesta stopped, sighing, her smile fading. Tallin knew what she meant.

"Berethion." She said the word softly. His sister nodded.

"I was so much closer to him than to my other brothers, to any man, to anyone. And now..." She swallowed and looked away. Tallin placed a hand on her hand and smiled at her.

"Aye. Me too. I never knew anyone as well as I knew your brother. The time I spent with him seemed so short..." She took a deep breath, forcing the tears back. "I found him in trouble in Mirkwood one winter, a...a couple of years ago." She shrugged as if it didnt matter about the date, as if it didnt matter that she knew exactly how long it had been. Exactly how many decades and years. "He was being worried by a few wolves, almost starving in the harsh winter. Looking back, I dont know who was actually starving more, the wolves or your brother." She smiled at Hwesta and the girl smiled back through her tears. "With the help of my own wolves, I managed to get rid of the troublesome wolves. Im not entirely sure if Berethion was completely happy about this- he said it was wrong that an elf maiden had saved him. He was too weak to argue with me, so I was able to take him home. He was practically collapsing, so I just looked after him for a while. After that he stayed with me for a while again, until the end of the summer. We travelled around Mirkwood and the surrounding areas, and went to one of the human cities as well, Gondor, a place I hadn’t even heard much about from the thoughts of my wolves.”

“You pick up thoughts from them about places? Had they been?” Hwestas curiousity prompted her to ask.

“Nay, they hadn’t been. They are not much older than me- true wolves live long. Their memories work differently from ours; they pass their memories onto their young. That was why Dia and Jet were so reluctant to go to the Shadowmountains; the night elves have no fondness for wolves, a reason to dislike me as well. The same reason Raye has, I wager. She doesn’t like me because I am so close to wolves, yet…yet she can also talk to them.” She paused for a moment, musing on why exactly Raye did hate her so much when they shared their gift. “But I will tell you this…your brother had a closer link with my wolves that any who do not possess the gift of speaking to them with the mind. I think if he had wanted to, he would have been able to do that as well.”

“Do you think I would also?” Hwesta seemed to be trying to joke, but Tallin looked at her seriously, a slight smile on her face. “Maybe.” She said thoughtfully. “Maybe.”

Hwesta smiled at the other elf and squeezed her hand. They had both got their thoughts out and felt better, and easier with each other for doing so. Tallin stood and pulled the younger elf to her feet. Between them they pulled up Hwesta and got back to the cave, at almost the same time as Dimithil, Raye and Dia.

[Helkahothion]

Dimithil walked along Corrowyn and tried to withstand himself from trowing the girl on his shoulders. Being held captive had not been good for her health and that fight shurely had not improved it. He could see her suffer and started to feel sorry that he did not believed her earlier. Maybe she WAS trying to be Corrowin. All she had to do was lose that cursed pride. But for some reason he had to know.

"Wait up Corrowin." Dimithil said, evading a harsh look.

"Why did you become a killer. You said it was a different story. Now that you are so kind to share, wouldn't it be better to trow it all out?" Dimithil said kindly.
________
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[Brinniel]

Raye turned her head at Dimithil and stared at him. Was he actually trying to be nice to her? It was hard to believe, but the elf no longer looked at her with anger. Instead, he looked at her with curiosity and interest. Raye smiled at this. Obviously, she was not the only one who had changed of opinion.
Still, she hesitated before answering Dimithil’s question. The only other who knew why Raye had become a murderess was Berethion. And now he was dead.
In the end, Raye decided to tell Dimithil because for one, she had already told one secret of her past and to her it didn’t really matter if he heard another. And two, talking to Dimithil would help Raye take her mind off the pain, which now seared throughout her entire body.
She turned her head to Dia who was walking several feet ahead. If the wolf had anything to say, she didn’t say it. Raye turned back to Dimithil and nodded.
“Alright,” she said. “I will tell you why I am who I am as I believe you deserve to know.”
Dimithil nodded back at the woman, his eyes intent on her.

“As I told you before, the wolves were not the ones responsible for making me a murderess,” she began. “It was the people. I was young and homeless, and where I wandered were not friendly places. Where I wandered, no children and few women dwelled. The men were drunk and stupid. And they were never kind to some girl like me. I knew a little about hunting, but not nearly enough to survive. So I had to spend much of my time in small settlements where I learned to rely on stealing. At first, I hated to steal, but I quickly I learned that it was my only way to survive and I did it regularly. I became quite good at it and was not once caught…well, except for when I tried to steal Arrelle’s horse, but that’s a different story.
“The point is that I was hurt in my past. I was the only little girl these drunken fools ever saw and because I was different than anyone else, they took out all their drunken rage on me. These men would spit on me, curse at me; even physically attack me. I have the scars to prove it. It was because of me that there were less bar fights and less men killed. They picked on me because they knew I was too small and weak to fight back. Or so they thought.
“I was thirteen or so when I killed my first victim. The man was drunk; he had a few too many pints, and he wandered the roads aimlessly, looking for some ‘fun’ to do. That was when he found me, hidden off to the side of the road. I saw him come, and though I prayed he would not see me, I knew he already had. I expected him to come and say something vulgar, but instead the fool pulled a knife. Men had hit me several times before, sometimes even knocking me unconscious, but never before had one attempted to pull a knife. I knew that he was going to try to kill me and I knew I would have to fight back this time. It’s hard to say what happened next. One moment the man was walking towards me, the knife in his hand, the next moment he was dead with the knife jammed in his throat. I had killed the man and I realized that I was not as helpless as I had thought.
“I taught myself self defense and improved my fighting skills. Any man who would try to hurt me was a dead man. They quickly learned that I wasn’t so helpless and I was best off to be left alone. But I did not stop killing. By then I feared people and anyone who would approach me, whether it was to hurt me or not, I killed. It didn’t matter whether it was male or female, human or elf; I struck them down. Soon many learned to avoid me, and I was free to be left alone. But my hunger to avenge my past only grew.
“I began to find my own victims to murder and did it only for my own pleasure. Killing another boosted my self-esteem and told me that I was not completely helpless. I guess you could say that it became an addiction. Murder was something I did so regularly, I probably did it in my sleep. I hardly even looked at my victims. I did not care about their life; I only cared for their death."

“To tell the truth, I still do not care for my victims’ lives,” Raye finished.
“You don’t?” Dimithil repeated.
Raye gave a rueful smile. “I know it may sound strange,” she said. “But how can I feel sorry for my victims? Death is not so bad when you think about it and I made sure not to let my victims suffer. I’m not that cruel, you know. What ails me now is something I did not realize until after Berethion died. For every victim I killed, a loved one of that victim suffers. For every victim I killed, ten more suffer. For my own pleasure, I caused grief. And now that I myself have experienced this grief, I feel terrible. I killed who knows how many and never once realized what I was really doing. I hate myself for what I have done. And what I hate even more is the fact I can’t change it.”
“Don’t hate yourself, Corrowyn,” the elf told Raye. “What you did was wrong, but you’re right; you can’t erase your past. You must learn to forgive yourself. You have been given a second chance to life. Use it wisely.”
Raye shook her head. “I don’t know how, Dimithil. I don’t know how to live like you do. I don’t want to kill again. Honest. But I fear a repetition of my past. I don’t think I could bear that to happen.”
“Your past won’t be repeated,” Dimithil said. “Not if you don’t let it. Defend yourself if you must, but do not kill another needlessly.” The elf smiled. “And Corrowyn, I know you are not helpless. You proved that a long time ago.”
Raye smiled back at him and their eyes met.
“You keep calling me Corrowyn,” she said.
“I’m sorry. Do you still want me to call you Raye?” Dimithil responded rather bitterly.
Raye ignored his question. “You told me that my name, Raye, was nothing but a name I gave to my victims,” she continued. “But the name has stuck with me all these years. Should I really drop it? Do I really deserve a name like Corrowyn?”
“I think that if there is any name you don’t deserve, it’s Raye.” Dimithil shrugged his shoulders. “But that’s just my opinion. You may call yourself by whatever name you like.”
Raye closed her eyes to think on this, no longer watching where she stepped.
“Corrowyn,” she whispered to herself, almost smiling.
It was that moment when Corrowyn tripped over herself and stumbled. Dimithil managed to catch her just before she hit the ground. Corrowyn groaned in pain, her eyes still shut. She didn’t bother to remove herself from the elf’s arms. She no longer had the strength to.
“I’m not sure I can go on,” she mumbled, her voice barely audible.
“Well, you needn’t worry about that,” Dia responded somewhere behind the woman. “We’re already here.”
Corrowyn opened her eyes to find herself back at the entrance of the caves, and the foul stench returned to her.
At the same moment, Tallin, Belle, Hwesta, Arrelle, and Jet approached them.

[Helkahothion]

Dimithil did not care how they encountered. He was tired. He wanted to rest. He sat himself down and refused to move. The group pitched camp a little further and treated Arelle. Corrowyn came to Dimithil and sat down.

"Why are you nice to me? You where not so nice in the past." She asked.

"You have changed. Not only have you devided yourself of Raye, but you have realized the grief you have coused. That is not something to look over." Dimithil said back smiling.

Corrowyn looked into the nothingness for a while. Deep in thoughts she looked like she was drifting away from the world. Dimithil had a little time to consider what he was thinking about. He remembered the words of Corrowin clearly.I don?t know how, Dimithil. I don?t know how to live like you do. It was a hard decision. Dimithil feared that his sister would not like it, but he had to ask it.

"Corrowyn?" Dimithil asked carefully.

"Yes?" Corrowyn replied.

"You say you can't live a life like me. Let me help you with it. You have tried to come and rescue me. You did not want to, but that is not the point. Why don't you come with me when this is over? Life with me for a while? Well, what do you say?" Dimithil said.
________
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[VanimaEdhel]

Hwestlaeriel listened to the intense discussion going on around her, but all she could feel was her yearning for Berethion. She did not care who was a murderess or what happened, she just wanted to see her brother back alive and with her again. She could even tolerate Tallin if it would mean that her brother would return to her. She remained silently with the others, refusing to speak and barely eating when they stopped for food, nearly giving up on living all together. She did not know if the others saw this pattern, but she really did not care. Everyone seemed to have their own issues to sort out, and Hwestlaeriel did not want company in her thoughts, so she remained silent.

[Amanaduial the archer]

They had no choice really but to bury Berethion there, along with Yenhofir and Faryn. They had no way of carrying them back after all, as they no longer had any horses, having lost them when they were taken by the dark elves. A patch under the trees was the spot they had chosen, quite shaded, but pleasantly light, and far enough away from the trolls cave. As she placed the last stone on the small pile over his grave, Tallin stood up and stepped back, dusting the earth from her fingers. For a few moments longer than the others, Tallin, Raye and Hwesta stood silent, remembering their friend, but the grief was no longer as raw, just brooding.

Tallin looked at the other two with silent question, and they nodded slowly.

"Aye." Raye said, her voice quiet. "That is done, and whats done is done."

Tallin turned to Hwesta. The elf maid said nothing but she was less distraught than she had been earlier. Tallin squeezed her hand consolingly and the other smiled sadly at her. She took a deep breath, breathing the now sweet air, away from the stench of the troll, and the air of death around the cave.

"Come then, my friends. We will leave this place, and such memories grim of the troll. But never leave behind the memories that came with those who fell when we fought here, no matter how little, or how well, you knew them. Truly, they shall be missed." She sighed, then smiled, happier now that the burials had taken place and that they had been able to say goodbye to the trio, especially Berethion, properly. She turned to Dimithil and Ainabeleth, the two siblings hand in hand. "Will your kin give you shelter in Lorien?"

Dimithil nodded hastily. "Oh, yes. If they did not, they would not be fit to live in the forest of Lorien."

"Then to Lorien shall the journey go. You should reach it in a few days, not long really. The elves there are kind, they will give you shelter-"

"Wait a minute," Raye interrupted the wolf tamers gabble, smiling slightly, and Tallin was pleased to see it, for Raye had not had much reason to smile of late. "I notice a distinct mention of 'you', and a noticable lack of 'we'. You mean to say you will not travel to Lorien? After all that has happened and all we have been through together, especially in these last few days?"

Tallin smiled back at the group, but sadly this time. "Tis doubtful I would be accepted. Those in Lorien would not trust wolves, and I doubt they would trust one who was closely linked with them."

"Then that means I shall not be able to go either. For you know well Tallin that I as closely linked to wolves as you, whether for good or bad."

"I shall not go to Lorien either." Hwesta piped up here, and the group looked at her in surprise; she had been silent ever since they had returned to the cave. She blushed slightly, but turned to Tallin. "Tallin, when we met, you told me I had every chance to get out and see the world, that I didnt need to just stay at home, just become a wife, and never see the world outside. Well, Id like to take that chance. If it would be you, someone who my brother liked and trusted well, who took me. What do you think?" She smiled hopefully. Tallin stared at her incredulously, then smiled right back. "And to take such a beloved sister of such a one, making us, well, almost sisters...it would be a pleasure." Hwesta beamed back at her.

Tallin turned to the rest. "So myself and Hwesta will return to Mirkwood, then onto, well, who knows where? But the rest of you...where will you now travel to?"

[ March 08, 2003: Message edited by: Amanaduial the archer ]

[VanimaEdhel]

Hwestlaeriel smiled. She was finally leaving home. She would never have to return to that depressing solitude if she did not wish. She could travel with this new person, this Tallin.

Hwestlaeriel, listening to everyone else's plans, suddenly had a realization. She knew practically everything about Berethion's life that Tallin did not know, and vice versa, probably. She knew all about Berethion's youthful years, while Tallin knew what Berethion had been doing over the past few years. Hwestlaeriel suddenly felt a closeness to Tallin she had not felt before.

Hwestlaeriel smiled and almost cried again, this time in joy that Berethion would carry on through her...she made a difference: she and Tallin held the memory of Berethion, and could do so for all eternity, if they so desired. Hwestlaeriel began to hum a bit as they walked, happy for the first time in a little bit, to be alive...

dragoneyes post

Arrelle knew exactly where she was going once they left those accursed mountains. She was going home. The first settle ment she came to, she bought herself a new horse as Lorran was lost forever. She bade her final farewells to her companions and left them, riding away on her fine chestnut stallion.

She had been travelling for weeks now and she was coming to the end of her journey. She cantered down a beaten track, one that was very familiar to her as it was the track leading up to her own home. there was movement in the front garden, a woman, as she approached, Arrelle could see that it was her sister. Overjoyed, she dismounted before she had even dropped out of trot and ran the rest of the way, screaming her sister's name. Never again would she go traveling, nor would she venture outside her village more than need be. She was home and she was staying there.

[ March 09, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Brinniel]

"Ready to go?"

Corrowyn had been standing at Berethion's grave for nearly a half an hour and was startled at the sound of Dimithil's voice. Corrowyn turned around to find the elf standing there, a pack containing what little supplies they had thrown on his back. He smiled at her and she returned it.
"Aye, I am ready," she replied, nodding.

Corrowyn and Dimithil were the last ones to leave this peaceful spot in the Grey Mountains. Due to Corrowyn's injury, the two were forced to stay an extra week after the others had left. Corrowyn remembered the morning the others had left clearly.

***

Several days before even that, Dimithil invited her to live with him. Corrowyn disappointed the elf by turning him down.
"I am a ranger," she had told him. "I can change myself from being a murderess, but I cannot completely change who I am. As a ranger, every day for me is an adventure. My life is unpredictable and I like it like that. I don't think I could stand to live the same routine every day."
Corrowyn had seen the disappointment on Dimithil's face, but it was a matter of days before he spoke again on this subject.

It was the morning the others parted when Dimithil again approached Corrowyn.
Until then, the elf had planned to leave with the others and Corrowyn had already decided to stay behind and rest a bit longer.
But then Dimithil approached the woman and insisted that it was not good for her to stay behind alone in the condition she was in and decided to stay behind with her. What the elf offered next had surprised Corrowyn; he offered to travel with the woman as a companion.
"I have always been curious what a ranger's life is like," he had reasoned. "Why not experience it myself?"
Corrowyn had smiled at this and immediately accepted Dimithil's offer.

And so they bid the others farewell. Dimithil and his sister embraced and exchanged words. Corrowyn could see this parting from Belle would be difficult for Dimithil.

Tallin was the last she said good-bye to. The two exchanged no words, but simply smiled as they reached each other through their minds. Corrowyn had decided that a proper farewell was not needed between the two. She knew she would see the wolf tamer again.

***

And now Corrowyn and Dimithil stood together, ready to depart from the Grey Mountains themselves. Corrowyn could not feel any more ready. She had spent far too long in these mountains and longed to venture other lands.
Corrowyn glanced once more back at Berethion's grave. She no longer grieved, for she knew her friend's long journey was finally complete. She pictured him in her mind once more before turning away.
Then she walked over to where Dimithil stood, placing her hand on his shoulder.
"Let's go," she said and the elf nodded in response.

[ March 08, 2003: Message edited by: Brinniel ]

[Helkahothion]

Dimithil smiled when he felt the hand of Corrowyn. She really had changed. He took a last glance at the grave of Berethion before he started walking.

"I should not think it, but Berethion's death proved usefull. I hope his F?a is happy with the Valar." Dimithil softly said to Corrowyn.

He was unsertain and not shure of he should go on with this plan. But on the other hand, he had been living in the same place for 500 human years. The change would do him good. He just wandered if Corrowyn's past was not going to be here desteny.
________
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[Brinniel]

The two started west, walking side by side, and did not look back.