[Taralphiel]

Laurel set her green eyes around the square. Many had gathered here, and the town seemed almost alive. But her call to the crowd, even for a brief moment, fell in the death that was this place.

Quickly, people filed forward to offer greetings, and she looked straight into their faces with the depth of her skill. Laurel had learnt to look into the souls of those she meets through their eyes, a trick of Taralphiel, and this was no better time to use it. First a woman of Gondor came forward. Her black hair shone around her shoulders, and her youthful grin drew attention from all standing there. She bowed low, and offered her sword in the custom of old, then said: “I am Jesslyn Stone. I hail from the town of Tarnost, just south of here. I offer my sword to any attempt to rid Dor-En-Ernil of raiders and such barbarians. Long has my family and village stood by, not knowing what to do, and now that we gather here to destroy the force that threatens us, we know what we must do. We must defend our land and people. Not many of us residents of the forest have gone without losing a family member to the raiders, and I am here to avenge their deaths and prevent more.” Laurel felt great comfort in her words.

As she was speaking, a roar came from the crowd “Jess!” Laurel watched as a young man made his way through the crowd and embraced Jesslyn. He had the same flowing dark hair and cheerful eyes. He produced a parchment, and offered many pardons: “Forgive me! I have not introduced myself! I am Cartil Stone; I come here as a representative of the King Elessar and his Reunited Kingdom, especially Minas Tirith. I bring greetings and well wishes from the King,” Cartil spoke in a stately voice and handed the parchment to her. It was elegantly rolled and tied with string. Looking gratefully at the man, she gave quick thanks. ‘They are of Dor-en-ernil, they are true, I have little to doubt’ she thought.


Next came forward another woman of Gondor; beautiful, dark haired, and sprite eyed. The woman spoke cheerfully “Greeting, Lady of Alphirion. My name is Leena Midthun, priestess of the Weeping Goddess. Rumors of your plight have reached the ear of one of Nienna’s servants. Her heart was greatly troubled, and she ordered her followers to assist you in any way you need. I will be the first to admit that I am not militant by nature, but I will aid you in any way possible.” Laurel set her eyes on hers, and saw naught. Next came her companion. His neatly tied black hair swayed with his cape, and she watched him carefully. He spoke: “And I, Lady Laurel, am Sir Thagon Kestner of the Order of the Black Rose. The priestess has ordered me to aid you in your quest along with Lady Midthun. By the will of Namo, my blade will aid you in the protection of your home.” His grey eyes were full of the same. Laurel mused quietly to herself ‘They are masking their motives, and I cannot trust that. Order of the Rose? Nienna’s Priesthood? I must ask grandmother of this.’ He simply stood aside, and it seemed to her that he too, was observing her.

Another man, who had kept to himself, now spoke. Garbed in the black of the White Tower Guard, his eyes were full of pride and seriousness, and an air of honour showed her she had naught to fear “I am Annunfuin and come too from Minas Tirith. Our high King Elessar sent me here and these are his words: 'Do not loose hope for Gondor has not forgotten ye!’” Again the customs of Gondor were shown to her before he spoke again. "So here is my sword that has faithfully served the King - may it now serve the Lady of Alphirion and her people!" She nodded and smiled, and told him to rise. ‘Thankyou’ she breathed.

Then came the Elves. Some wind seemed to blow through the town, for a different air flowed around the clothes of these ethereal beings. First, was a she-elf: "Lady, my name is Lanaey and my services are yours for the time being." Her greeting was brief, but a royal glow was in her eyes, royal and sorrowful. ‘She has the air of my grandmother’ smiled Laurel. Scanning the crowd, she spotted an Elf out of the way. He was dark and fey, and made Laurel shudder ‘why is he here?’ she thought. Then out of the crowd came another she-elf, but this one was of a commanding air. All stood silent as she spoke, and none moved: “I am Annanoldowen of Rivendell.” She said. At the sound of the name, Laurel jerked. Her grandmother had mentioned it once. ‘She is a great Elf, and wise, I have only met her once, but she is one of the great’ Laurel smiled in recognition “A messenger came to me two nights ago during my studies, informing me of this gathering. I arrived immediately.” At that a horse of great beauty stood beside her and many that had skill in them gasped at the sight of it “I am familiar with your grandmother, Laurel, and would be honored to be of some help. My skill in fighting is not my strongest point, therefore I would like to offer my knowledge.” Laurel saw the glow of Elfinesse around her, and thought to bow, but considered otherwise. She replied simply ‘I thank you deeply for it. Though my grandmother has changed in times past, she will remember thee, and be glad to have you on our quest’

As she had done so, she turned to see a cavalry of hardy travel worn horses come into the square. The rumble lifted her ochre-coloured hair off her shoulders, and she shielded her eyes from the dust. Three men deftly dismounted their horses and stepped forward. The first man of Rohan was tall and strong, and his yellow eyes seemed to take her to plains and Golden halls. He flashed a smile at Leena, who flushed, then turned and proudly spoke: “Greetings my friends and future companions, I am Herebrand son of Halador, the leader of this Rohirrim patrol. We are here today to give this message to the people of Swan-wood that was spoken by King Eomer himself: ‘the people of Rohan have not forgotten their promise. We will readily aid you so that your peaceful realm shall not perish for generations to come.’ My men and I pledge our lives to assist your people in ridding your home of raiders and marauders. We are an elite patrol commissioned by Prince Elfwine the Fair to perform special assignments for the Marshals of the Mark, and we will not leave until our job is done!” People broke out in praise at his gallant speech. Thagon was quiet; a sour look spread on his face. Smiling widely, Laurel nodded to him. He quickly retreated to his sortie, before turning back and saying: “Also may I introduce you to Ohtaredan, my second-in-command, and Ilisit Scron, a new addition to my patrol, but nevertheless an expert tracker and warrior.”

His two companions stepped forward and bowed their heads. The first was Ohtaredan "I wish only to be of aid," He was a similar stanced man, but his eyes told much more ‘He may not want to be here, but his heart is going through much change. He will yet prove true’. Ilisit too stepped forward and gruffly gave his name. ‘This man is tormented’ Laurel mused ‘The pools of Feanwe may ease his hearts pain, who knows’. At that the horses of Rohan stepped back. Laurel still marveled at their sight. They reminded her of her grandfather, and of them, most Herebrand. Her heart ached to see her family, as they once were in bliss, now so few.

She then moved forward and said: ‘I thank you all from the depths of my heart for coming here, whatever other motives may have drives you’ At that Ohtaredan shifted uncomfortably, as did quite a few of the others. She continued ‘But that will soon change. Alphirion is a sight to behold I assure thee. You have not seen it, but your kings and queens have thus their summons of you. You will see it in much of its glory, though it is fast fading. And with it, fades its lady’ At that Laurels face turned to stone for a moment, and its seemed to them her eyes went from the depths of their enchanting green, to an abysmal dark. Many stared at this, others, such as Thagon, were stiff and cold..

Soon she spoke again with effort ‘For matters at hand, we shall camp here for the day and night. Doubtless many have just arrived and are fatigued. And others will welcome the quiet’ she smiled sadly ‘Tonight, I will hold word with each of your companies, by your leave, and shall let you all talk with another. It is a simple plan, ride straight to the Swan Village on the outskirts of Alphirion without delay. May the wings of those graceful birds give us speed’ with that she fell silent and walked away.

She had arrived around midday, now dusk was blanketing over the quiet town. Fires of the different camps lit up, and standards flew limply, glowing in yellow light and glory. The pride of men and Elves drifted around the flames and ebbed through everyone’s hearts. But the Maid of the Swan was nowhere to be found. She was standing on the hill by the end of the town, the cold night air stabbing at her. Her riding gear had been replaced by a pale dress of grey and silver with a short train of pale silk, which to all must have seemed strange. Though this was a thing of right. As nobles once did, Laurel addressed the Eve, and turned toward the direction of her village, the lights of small towns flickered and lit her eyes, but little more was to be seen. The low hills took away the Sea, her heart aching to see it. There she whispered her vigil ‘Swan give me flight. Vali of goodness give me strength of my patron, give me the light to soar, and give my Lady grace and will to serve. Keep her safe, and guide me to her, and-’ she paused and thought on her last phrase ‘free my heart from the shadow, and let it bask in the light of the moon’. She looked out and gave a small smile. ‘You pray as the queens of old Milady’ a voice whispered, cutting the silence. She spun around to face the figure, out of the light, she could not see him, but supposed him one of the companies of Men ‘Show yourself’ she hissed. He stepped forward and spoke…