Friends Of Nimrodel: Tapestry of Dreams, Part 2 RPG - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

mark12_30 · 01-21-2008, 06:57 PM

Jorje barked greeting repeatedly to the Elf and two men that they found under the outcropping.

"We greet you!" cried Ædegard. But then he marked that three of them were missing. With rising trepidation he asked, "Where are Raefindan, Aeron, and Indil?"

The three stood to meet Ædegard. Mellondu met Ædegard’s gaze, but did not speak. Erebemlin put his hand on Mellondu’s shoulder, and was also silent.

Bergil stepped forward, and his jaw worked. “The child, “he replied, “has been stolen. By Tharonwe. He took the little one.”

Ravion stepped forward, face ashen. “What would he want with the child? But—Aeron. Where is Aeron? And Raefindan?”

“Dead.”

“What—both? Ah, vile fiend!” Ravion snarled, his hand now on his hilt. “Foul villain and most vile!”

Erebemlin spoke. “Villain indeed; but he did not take Aeron’s life. Raefindan did that.”

Ravion stared.

Mellondu seemed to shake himself awake, and toward him faltered Mellonin, pale and wan. She paused beside Ravion, and placed a slender hand on his shoulder. Ravion started, Mellondu scowled, and Mellonin spoke.

“Friend, I grieve with thee. Alas for the boy. But who is this Raefindan? I see a red haired man, with a long past and deep pain. He was once thy friend as well?”

Ravion stared at her, his jaw working, but no speech came. Mellondu stepped to his sister.

“Mellonin.”

Mellonin met his gaze. “She is here.”

Mellondu’s jaw dropped. “Mellonin!”

Her eyes closed, and she swayed. Ravion started, and steadied her; Mellondu, a moment behind, took her shoulders, and barely heard her whisper, “Brother mine,” before she went limp. As she fell both men caught her, glaring at one another in baffled disbelief. Finally Mellondu cried out, “What have you done?”

Ravion snarled at him. “I would die for her; I did nothing to her. As you do, she bears an elven fea.”

Mellondu went silent, and clasped his sister to his breast. Ravion, torn between grief over Aeron and indignation at Mellondu, turned toward Bergil.

“Did you kill Raefindan? And what of the girl? You have tracked her and her captor? How far are they?”

*~*~*

Erebemlin's gaze seemed clouded, and Nethwador slid off of his big red
horse. The tall powerful elf stared down at the small slender Easterling,
and the boy looked up, waiting. Erebemlin touched the boy's mind.

Where is the king?
Asleep in prison.
I wish the blacksmith were kinder to him.
As do I.
I wish I could speak into his mind, as you speak into mine.
As do I.
Can you not speak to the blacksmith?

Erebemlin did not reply to the boy, and the boy wondered how many times Erebemlin had tried.

Mellondu called for water. Bella brought a water flask to the half-conscious Mellonin, and she drank.

Formendacil · 01-21-2008, 10:23 PM

“Did you kill Raefindan? And what of the girl? You have tracked her and her captor? How far are they?”

As Ravion turned to Bergil, the younger ranger felt a flush of mild guilt. Ravion, he knew, had been close to Aeron, and also had probably considered Raefindan a friend.

"We did not kill him," said Bergil. "It would not have brought Aeron back, and his sudden violence, though inexcusable, was too curious to merit such irrevocable justice. We sent him on alone, instead. Either he has joined Tharonwë or he has rescued Indil. The second seems unlikely, but it would be good fortune if he had."

"Or he is dead," said Ravion with little emotion, and with Bergil he turned to look over their path.

"Or he is dead," Bergil nodded solemnly. "We shall not know, I suppose, until we find Indil and the swamp-Elf. Unfortunately, their trail has become more difficult to follow with the ill weather that arose about when Raefindan departed. Indeed, I am glad you have caught up with us, for you have been a ranger for longer years that I, and I would fain have your help. I believe we are not far behind them, but much time could be lost seeking the remnants of their trail--and I would not lengthen Indil's captivity with that villain any longer than absolutely necessary. I fear greatly for her safety."

"And well you should," said Ravion, half to himself, remembering Gwyllion's brutal end, even as the new rush of anger at Aeron's passing returned in strength. "Mellondu? Erebemlin? Are we ready to depart?"

mark12_30 · 01-23-2008, 06:53 PM

Confound the Ranger! My sister lies weak and helpless in my arms, and he asks to move on?

Erebemlin raised an eyebrow. "I doubt your sister would deny his wish."

Mellondu had not expected Erebemlin to hear his thoughts, and he started, but scowled. Bella patiently gave Mellonin drop after drop of water.

"My sister has seen enough of that villain, " said Mellondu.

"Doubtless the same could be said of the child Indil," replied Erebemlin.

Mellondu lowered his head, laying his cheek against her forehead, and then kissing her brow. His head snapped up a moment later.

Friend.

"Who are you?"

Nay, that you know, or you once did. I sought the ancient starlit shores, but did not find them. I have returned.
The thoughts were soft and sad, but they held a mild rebuke.

"Why do you tell me this?"

I have returned, but you have not. Despite her dust-filled years of longing, she abides alone.

Mellondu went pale. "You know where she is."

Nay, my lord. But I know that she is. And that is less than she knows of you.

Bella started as Mellondu lurched to his feet, lifting Mellonin. Ravion turned, protest dying on his lips even as Erebemlin signaled a halt with his hand.

Mellondu gazed down at his sister as her eyelids fluttered open. "What is your name?"

They call me Avarien, the Unwilling. Yet I have come.

"Come to what?"

I have come to find my lady Nimrodel. Nor will my search end til she is found.
Erebemlin watched with baited breath as the rebuke settled into Mellondu's soul.

"My sister needs rest. When she is able, we will depart, " he said. Meeting Ravion's gaze, he lifted Mellonin into both arms.

A clear voice came from Mellonin's lips. "I am able now."

Ravion shook his head. "Willing, yes. Able, not yet. You must rest."

Mellonin's head lifted, and met the ranger's gaze. "Friend, I yield to your counsel, yet not without protest. I will rest in the saddle."

Ravion smiled, and shook his head. "When you have rested a little, I will allow it," he added. "We have much to do. There is a child in great danger."

The ranger took vigil beside Mellonin, as Mellondu rose and paced.

mark12_30 · 01-24-2008, 06:20 PM

Mellondu paced steadily as an hour passed, and then two.

Nethwador sat down, closed his eyes, and waited. As the twilight descended, he felt, rather than saw three tall golden haired elves shimmering under the stars.

One stood, quiet, with a strong hope. One lay resting, wearily determined. Deep within the third, what had long smouldered, now burned brightly.

Nethwador hugged his knees to his chest, and squeezed his eyes shut tighter. On the edge of his mind shimmered the golden joy Nethwador had long missed.

He opened his eyes, and looked over at Mellondu pacing. There he saw no change. But on the face of the tall golden elf, was a new peace.

He closed his eyes again. He would wait.

01-21-2008, 06:57 PM	#1
mark12_30 Stormdancer of Doom Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Elvish singing is not a thing to miss, in June under the stars Posts: 4,349	Jorje barked greeting repeatedly to the Elf and two men that they found under the outcropping. "We greet you!" cried Ædegard. But then he marked that three of them were missing. With rising trepidation he asked, "Where are Raefindan, Aeron, and Indil?" The three stood to meet Ædegard. Mellondu met Ædegard’s gaze, but did not speak. Erebemlin put his hand on Mellondu’s shoulder, and was also silent. Bergil stepped forward, and his jaw worked. “The child, “he replied, “has been stolen. By Tharonwe. He took the little one.” Ravion stepped forward, face ashen. “What would he want with the child? But—Aeron. Where is Aeron? And Raefindan?” “Dead.” “What—both? Ah, vile fiend!” Ravion snarled, his hand now on his hilt. “Foul villain and most vile!” Erebemlin spoke. “Villain indeed; but he did not take Aeron’s life. Raefindan did that.” Ravion stared. Mellondu seemed to shake himself awake, and toward him faltered Mellonin, pale and wan. She paused beside Ravion, and placed a slender hand on his shoulder. Ravion started, Mellondu scowled, and Mellonin spoke. “Friend, I grieve with thee. Alas for the boy. But who is this Raefindan? I see a red haired man, with a long past and deep pain. He was once thy friend as well?” Ravion stared at her, his jaw working, but no speech came. Mellondu stepped to his sister. “Mellonin.” Mellonin met his gaze. “She is here.” Mellondu’s jaw dropped. “Mellonin!” Her eyes closed, and she swayed. Ravion started, and steadied her; Mellondu, a moment behind, took her shoulders, and barely heard her whisper, “Brother mine,” before she went limp. As she fell both men caught her, glaring at one another in baffled disbelief. Finally Mellondu cried out, “What have you done?” Ravion snarled at him. “I would die for her; I did nothing to her. As you do, she bears an elven fea.” Mellondu went silent, and clasped his sister to his breast. Ravion, torn between grief over Aeron and indignation at Mellondu, turned toward Bergil. “Did you kill Raefindan? And what of the girl? You have tracked her and her captor? How far are they?” ~~* Erebemlin's gaze seemed clouded, and Nethwador slid off of his big red horse. The tall powerful elf stared down at the small slender Easterling, and the boy looked up, waiting. Erebemlin touched the boy's mind. Where is the king? Asleep in prison. I wish the blacksmith were kinder to him. As do I. I wish I could speak into his mind, as you speak into mine. As do I. Can you not speak to the blacksmith? Erebemlin did not reply to the boy, and the boy wondered how many times Erebemlin had tried. Mellondu called for water. Bella brought a water flask to the half-conscious Mellonin, and she drank. Last edited by mark12_30; 03-20-2008 at 06:12 PM. Reason: tucked in discussion between Erebemlin and Nethwador

01-21-2008, 10:23 PM	#2
Formendacil Dead Serious Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Perched on Thangorodrim's towers. Posts: 3,328	“Did you kill Raefindan? And what of the girl? You have tracked her and her captor? How far are they?” As Ravion turned to Bergil, the younger ranger felt a flush of mild guilt. Ravion, he knew, had been close to Aeron, and also had probably considered Raefindan a friend. "We did not kill him," said Bergil. "It would not have brought Aeron back, and his sudden violence, though inexcusable, was too curious to merit such irrevocable justice. We sent him on alone, instead. Either he has joined Tharonwë or he has rescued Indil. The second seems unlikely, but it would be good fortune if he had." "Or he is dead," said Ravion with little emotion, and with Bergil he turned to look over their path. "Or he is dead," Bergil nodded solemnly. "We shall not know, I suppose, until we find Indil and the swamp-Elf. Unfortunately, their trail has become more difficult to follow with the ill weather that arose about when Raefindan departed. Indeed, I am glad you have caught up with us, for you have been a ranger for longer years that I, and I would fain have your help. I believe we are not far behind them, but much time could be lost seeking the remnants of their trail--and I would not lengthen Indil's captivity with that villain any longer than absolutely necessary. I fear greatly for her safety." "And well you should," said Ravion, half to himself, remembering Gwyllion's brutal end, even as the new rush of anger at Aeron's passing returned in strength. "Mellondu? Erebemlin? Are we ready to depart?" Last edited by Formendacil; 01-21-2008 at 11:24 PM.

01-23-2008, 06:53 PM	#3
mark12_30 Stormdancer of Doom Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Elvish singing is not a thing to miss, in June under the stars Posts: 4,349	Confound the Ranger! My sister lies weak and helpless in my arms, and he asks to move on? Erebemlin raised an eyebrow. "I doubt your sister would deny his wish." Mellondu had not expected Erebemlin to hear his thoughts, and he started, but scowled. Bella patiently gave Mellonin drop after drop of water. "My sister has seen enough of that villain, " said Mellondu. "Doubtless the same could be said of the child Indil," replied Erebemlin. Mellondu lowered his head, laying his cheek against her forehead, and then kissing her brow. His head snapped up a moment later. Friend. "Who are you?" Nay, that you know, or you once did. I sought the ancient starlit shores, but did not find them. I have returned. The thoughts were soft and sad, but they held a mild rebuke. "Why do you tell me this?" I have returned, but you have not. Despite her dust-filled years of longing, she abides alone. Mellondu went pale. "You know where she is." Nay, my lord. But I know that she is. And that is less than she knows of you. Bella started as Mellondu lurched to his feet, lifting Mellonin. Ravion turned, protest dying on his lips even as Erebemlin signaled a halt with his hand. Mellondu gazed down at his sister as her eyelids fluttered open. "What is your name?" They call me Avarien, the Unwilling. Yet I have come. "Come to what?" I have come to find my lady Nimrodel. Nor will my search end til she is found. Erebemlin watched with baited breath as the rebuke settled into Mellondu's soul. "My sister needs rest. When she is able, we will depart, " he said. Meeting Ravion's gaze, he lifted Mellonin into both arms. A clear voice came from Mellonin's lips. "I am able now." Ravion shook his head. "Willing, yes. Able, not yet. You must rest." Mellonin's head lifted, and met the ranger's gaze. "Friend, I yield to your counsel, yet not without protest. I will rest in the saddle." Ravion smiled, and shook his head. "When you have rested a little, I will allow it," he added. "We have much to do. There is a child in great danger." The ranger took vigil beside Mellonin, as Mellondu rose and paced. Last edited by mark12_30; 01-23-2008 at 06:57 PM.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

01-24-2008, 06:20 PM	#4
mark12_30 Stormdancer of Doom Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Elvish singing is not a thing to miss, in June under the stars Posts: 4,349	Mellondu paced steadily as an hour passed, and then two. Nethwador sat down, closed his eyes, and waited. As the twilight descended, he felt, rather than saw three tall golden haired elves shimmering under the stars. One stood, quiet, with a strong hope. One lay resting, wearily determined. Deep within the third, what had long smouldered, now burned brightly. Nethwador hugged his knees to his chest, and squeezed his eyes shut tighter. On the edge of his mind shimmered the golden joy Nethwador had long missed. He opened his eyes, and looked over at Mellondu pacing. There he saw no change. But on the face of the tall golden elf, was a new peace. He closed his eyes again. He would wait.