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Post by Athena on Dec 5, 2003 20:38:57 GMT -5
.Isotta waited toward the back of the group. She to stared in wonder at the scene spread before her. The great and majestic Rivendell, home of the elves was every great as big and grand as she had hoped. With tears in her eyes she stared in awe at the trees and landscape.
“It’s so beautiful” she murmured half to herself
From up above on a balconey, she thought that she caught a flurry of movement from some source. Isotta breathed in deeply, the air seemed different, scented from some source. In all her life she had never breathed air so sweet. One of the elves –Elrond- came toward their little group. He and Tancred spoke words to each other in elvish. Isotta thought sadly yet one more skill that it was not proper for a princess to learn. They way the words came out of their mouths sounded like music, and Elrond seemed to speak with a strange accent. Suddenly their conversation stopped and Elrond turned to look at her. When he spoke, he spoke in common tongue, partly as a courtesy to her and for the other’s of their group who didn’t know the language of the elves. During introductions, Isotta kept her head down, but she seemed to feel Elrond’s eyes staring at her, though each time she looked up, he was not staring at her. And yet, Isotta could feel him staring at her, he seemed so full of wisdom and compassion. When the introductions were through, the group disbanded, each to freshen up. Soon they would appear before Elrond and other elves for a council, but at the moment they could relax.
Isotta couldn’t get rid of the unsettling feeling of a darkness, an evil blight spreading over the land. Trying unsuscefully to shake off her feelings, Isotta followed a elf maid who lead her to her room. The elf maiden bowed and left Isotta in silence. Gratefully Isotta slipped out of her travel stained clothes and washed. After her wash, she stepped out and upon a ornately carved chair hung some new clothes that were clearly meant for her to wear. Sighing a bit in relief, Isotta put them on. She smiled in delight at the luxury the silks felt against her skin. They were distinctly elven in their style, nothing like the heavy cumbersome clothes she usually wore as a princess. They were a sky blue color that matched her eyes and offset the red of her hair. For her hair she would normally she would have it pinned up in an elegant disdainful style, but she decided to leave it down for once. All down her back her hair fell in large auburn waves.
Finally she decided that she was ready. Giving her room a last glance, she stepped out holding her head high. She heard the murmers of voices and figured out that the meeting must have started, she followed the sound of the voices, listening as they got louder and louder.
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Summer Sparrow
Captain Phoenix
"Pervy Pirate Fancier" Donut Count Today : 0 Glasses of Coke Today : 0
Posts: 805
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Post by Summer Sparrow on Dec 8, 2003 20:18:36 GMT -5
The voices were not of the meeting, rather it was the sound of the remaining hobbits from Trollshaw, arriving in carts to Rivendell main gates, led by Aranel and Aspen. There were around six carts, each led by a couple of elves, and they were large enough to carry them all.
Aranel jumped down and went into the House, "Healers, and Maids of the House, you are needed outside, take these Hobbits to their Rooms."
As elves rushed in and out of the House to lead the hobbits families inside, the other travellers looked on from their balcony in relief.
Elrond and Glorfindel came out to greet them.
"What news from Trollshaw, Aranel?" asked Elrond.
"It is ruined, nothing is left..." she replied slowly, looking about as the hobbits were led inside.
"Lord Elrond, the orcs have retreated, but I fear they may return with greater force, they are heading north east." said Aspen.
"And if we hurry we might catch them in time!" said a voice from behind.
"Mynawen! How long has it been! And not one second too late." greeted Aspen. "Yes! Where have you been all this time? Are you here for the Council?" asked Aranel, and they proceeded to banter in Elvish.
"No I'm not, I just felt like returning... home." she replied, looking at them with a smile.
"Its a good thing, we need our forces here, and I shall decide what has to be done in the Council, you are all to be present." said Elrond and walked away.
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Post by Lady Disdain on Dec 9, 2003 1:21:42 GMT -5
The wind, still carrying winter's bite caught at Katalyn's cloak, whipping back the hood, and rending the covering useless. She cursed quietly and eloquently. Bye all normal reckoning it should be spring now, but the unseasonable wind persisted.
Why had she chosen to travel east? If she'd taken the south road she would probably be setting happily at a game right about now, with a mug of ale and a good bowl of stew. But no, she'd headed east.
At the time it had made sense. She made it a point not to hiit the same inns too frequently, and she'd been in the south only that fall, and the west even more recently. So she had figured heading towards the trollshaws before turning back made sense.
That had been before she'd seen the burned villages. Before the orcs had begun to wander the road in the open. And they were making their way west. She was no fool, she pulled off the road. But there was no going west now, and no easy way south.
So she'd continued in to the east, hoping to hit some sign of life, a tavern, or better yet, an inn. She needed to find something soon, her food was getting dangerously low as it was, and her coins did her no good when there was nowhere to spend them.
Such were her thoughts when she came upon the valley. It was too fancy. Like many a manor house it looked more like a painting than a place for real folk - its owner probably spent more decorating it than on taking care of his household - but it was in good repair.
She made her way toward it. They'd probably turn their noses up at her, but with any luck she'd get a good meal out of it before they sent her on her way.
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Aladrien
Mate
"I love this guy. He's crazy!"
Posts: 47
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Post by Aladrien on Dec 11, 2003 15:51:36 GMT -5
Imthoron was being lead down a long hall before she knew it. A guard had allowed her to speak to her dear friend, Arratil.
She arrived at his quarters soon enough, only to see him looking better than ever. "Why, you look stunning, absolutely new!"
"The elves work wonders!" Arratil lept to his feet.
An elf in the room glared at him as if to tell him to get back in bed, but Arratil opposed.
"I have heard talk about a council. If you don't mind, I would love to hear more about it!" Arratil handed the elf his only gold coin, rested his hands on his shoulders and said, "You've been a hero! Excuse me!"
Arratil lead Imthoron down the wide passages. "Well, aren't you lucky that elves make their hallways large!"
"I'm ever so grateful!" Imthron was pleased.
The two friends made it outside to the council area to find the place astir with strangers conversing with other strangers. They all halted and gazed at fairly small ent. Unknowingly, their eyes penetrated into Imthron's heart. She felt like Gimp again. Her brances lowered in shame, as if becoming smaller would move the attention from her. Her bark went red and she felt hot tears sting her eyes. How she wished to fit in.
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Summer Sparrow
Captain Phoenix
"Pervy Pirate Fancier" Donut Count Today : 0 Glasses of Coke Today : 0
Posts: 805
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Post by Summer Sparrow on Dec 11, 2003 22:19:13 GMT -5
Aranel stayed behind at the courtyard, where some hobbits were sitting and chatting amongst themselves, the Council had not yet started and so it was perfectly alright for them to be there, although they would have to go to their Rooms, once it does start, but of course they can still be there if Lord Elrond wished for them to be stay. She was holding a few maps in her arms for Lord Elrond had wished fot them to be present during the Council, and placed them on a small table beside Lord Elrond's seat, which seemed to be carved out of glimmering marble, it was positioned inside a circular ring of seats, where the rest of the Council attenders would sit during once the Council takes place. She gazed at the seat beside his, I wonder who shall sit there.... She smiled to herself and made her way back in when she spotted the Ent, Imthoron and the stranger accompanying her, walking towards the courtyard, and immediately there were hushed whispers from the Hobbits. Aranel saw that this made Imp uncomfortable, Aranel rushed toward her, "Imp, are you alright? Don't mind them, they have never seen an Ent before, we are always afraid of things we do not understand, be brave my little walking-tree..." ********************* Amrod made his way into his room, and looked around the spotless bes, and in turn looked to himself, he's covered with mud! I should get myself ready for the Council! And he preceeded to change his clothes.
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Aladrien
Mate
"I love this guy. He's crazy!"
Posts: 47
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Post by Aladrien on Dec 12, 2003 17:30:17 GMT -5
Imthoron was overjoyed to see someone speak to her. She followed her friend to her seat, Arratil following. He sat in the chair assigned to her, for she was not small enough. She simply stood behind him and lsitened to the active conversations around her.
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Post by tancred on Dec 13, 2003 17:18:16 GMT -5
Tancred walked away from the council chamber. Elrond called after him, "Sir Knight! It is near time for the council. And it seems everyone is here now or arriving." He looked to Calen and Caran as they entered. "So please, five minutes, and we shall start. With or without you."
Tancred nodded his head, and walked away. He soon found himself outside of the Last Homely House, across the bridge, and sitting on the riverbank. He knew not why he had come out here. He sat in the shade, and listened to the birds.
Presently, there was another sound. Tancred turned to look down the road. There, walking rather casually down the road, was a figure. From the way it walked, Tancred figured it to be a woman. She was now within twenty feet of him.
Suddenly, three figures emerged from the trees, figures Tancred had neither seen nor heard earlier. They were Elven guards. With weapons drawn, they waylaid the traveller. While two of them grabbed the woman by the arms, the third pointed his sword to within a foot of her heart, and said in a stern tone, "Halt! Who goes there, so nigh to Rivendell, and unexpected? These lands are guarded, and we allow none to pass without leave of the Lord of the House!"
The woman, who's hood had been drawn backwards by the Elves so that they could make out who the person was, was taken by surprise, and almost seemed frightened. Her brown hair flew in the wind, her eyes were wild, and she struggled against her captors. It was only after she was ordered to speak again, that she finally did so. Her words came haltingly. "My name is Katalyn. I am from nowhere in particular. I merely stumbled upon this valley, and meant no harm."
"You are from nowhere," scoffed the guard. "That is not good enough. You are lucky we did not slay you upon sight. But as it is, we must at least detain you."
Noting the woman's discomfort, Tancred decided to act. He jumped up from his seated position, and calmly walked over to the guards. "Ah, Katalyn," he said with a smile. "So good to see you finally here. I've been waiting for you."
The guards, who knew Tancred had been admitted to the House already and had leave to go as he wished, did not stop him. "You know this woman," asked the lead guard.
"Yes," answered Tancred. "She is a friend from our youth. We were supposed to have met at the Forsaken Inn, but she was late. I left message with her to proceed eastward to catch up with me. I spoke with Elrond earlier, and he said she would be welcome as my guest and friend."
Katalyn looked at the knight with a rather shocked and disbelieving look. Tancred winked at her in signal to just go along with everything. Katalyn then portrayed a straight face, and went along with everything. "If the Lord of the House discovers you have waylaid a welcome guest," she said, "I would hate to have to face him. Rivendell is noted for its hospitality, I've heard. This would be a tarnish upon that good name. Poor Elrond!"
The guards sputtered. "Terribly sorry, m'lady," said the lead guard with urgency. "Please forgive us in this moment of heightened tension. You and Sir Tancred may now pass along to the House. Goodday!"
Tancred offered Katalyn his arm, she took it, and both walked through the guards all smiles.
Once they had passed over the bridge again, Katalyn whispered, "Thank you."
The two entered the house, and Tancred led the woman back to the council chamber. Everyone was there and seated. Elrond stood up and said, "Now we can start. Once you've introduced us to your friend, Knight of Arthedain."
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Post by ~Kawaii~ on Dec 13, 2003 17:46:29 GMT -5
"Myna!" Glorfindel called, to Mynawen his voiced seemed agitated.
"What is it?!" Myna asked him as he rushed around to corner to her.
"You are needed. The council, you are the only one from Lothlorien here and Lord Elrond wishes you there to speak on behalf of the Lady of the wood" As he spoke he grabbed her arm and tried to oull her in the direction of the council chamber.
Myna just laughed "Oh do not be so ridiculous! What do I know about what Lady Galadriel thinks? What do I know about worldly things in general? Nothing Glofindel, and so you have the wrong person, and so I will not be attending this council."
"The Lord Elrond has summoned you there, and you will go. And now you are late so we must hurry". With that he directed his friend to the council chamber. When they arrived everyone was already seated and someone who Myna did not recognise was addressing the council. She sat in the seat assigned to her and blushed. Mynawen felt out of her depth.
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Post by tancred on Dec 14, 2003 12:40:48 GMT -5
Sitting at the head of the council was Lord Elrond. Those present sat in a circle from his left to his right. They were Glorfindel, Mynawen, Andy, Violet, Tancred, Katalyn, Isotta, Aspen, Calen, Caran, Imrothon, Arratil, Phoenix, Amrod, and Arenel.
"All of you have now arrived," said Elrond in a deep and commanding voice. "Some of you by invitation, and others by seeming chance." Elrond looked about him almost in disgust, for noone was really paying attention; almost everyone had fixed their gaze upon Imrothon the Entwife. Only Elrond and Glorfindel had seen an Ent before, and even that was so long ago as to have been in the First Age. Everyone else had never seen one, and seemed enchanted by the little Ent. She hoomed and blushed uncomfortably.
"Please take heed to my words," said Elrond. "This is of great importance!" Having finally garnered everyone's attention, Elrond cleared his throat as if he were to start.
Glorfindel turned to Mynawen and whispered, "Get ready. Here it comes. We'll be here for awhile!"
"I heard that," said Elrond with a raised eyebrow. Glorfindel and Mynawen tensed up and blushed slightly. "But no," continued the Lord of the House. "I shall not be long-winded this day. For time is short. Our hour is grave. I'll make my point in short order."
"As some of you may know, a shadow has fallen upon Greenwood the Great. So much so, that it is now called Mirkwood by most. Where once the forest was bright and green, it is now dark and gloomy. Paths through it shift or lead to dead ends now, trapping the hapless travellers who dare tread them. Beasts of unknown origins and appearances haunt the eaves. Wargs howl, Orcs prowl, and even worse things dwell there now. Mirkwood is no longer safe. Even the lands nigh the forest have grown dangerous, for the dark shapes that make their abode in the forest also venture out with murderous intentions. Only to the north and east where the Wood Elves of King Thranduil rule is the forest safe. Strong is Thranduil, yet yearly his boundaries decrease."
"What is the cause of all of this, do you think," asked Aspen.
"Noone is certain," continued Elrond. "Yet, we have our suspicions. In the south and west of Mirkwood is a great hill, Amon Lanc. Yet, it now bears a new name, Dol Guldur, the Hill of Dark Sorcery. The name is not a good one. Nor, I deem is the one who now dwells there. Noone is sure of how this lord of power is. Rumor only speaks of the Necromancer. That name, also, is an ill one, and implies one who has dark powers and is in league with the dead."
"It is certain, however, that something must be done about this Necromancer. I have the desire to speak with my Elven bretheren, Galadriel, Celeborn, and Thranduil. The Lord and Lady of Lorien know my counsels, and share them for the most part. Yet Thranduil has proved reluctant to hold common counsel. It is my wish that we all meet here in Rivendell with those counted among the Wise, so as to decide what to do about the Shadow in Mirkwood."
"That is why I have asked you all here. Some of you are adventurers and warriors by trade, and others are not. Still, those who are not, might just have the will to be so. I need a party to travel to Lorien, to Thranduil's halls in Mirkwood, and then back. To deliver a message and my counsel to Galadriel and Celeborn, to then carry it on to Thranduil, and to return with word from all if they will attend. Perhaps even better if you were to return with they themselves in your pressence."
"None of you are obliged to go. Anyone who goes may go their own way at any time. The important thing is that I need a party of faithful and determined people who will go the entire way. So I now ask, who is willing to take up this dangerous yet urgent and good task?"
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Post by Niphredil on Dec 14, 2003 15:22:09 GMT -5
The members of the council sat in silence for a few moments. This choice was a big one; a journey from Rivendell over to Lorien and then up to Mirkwood and back would indeed be a long journey, and from the tidings of Elrond of wargs and orcs and other fell things lurking in Mirkwood and abroad, it would no doubt be a dangerous journey.
"Well, I'll go," said Violet, with a big smile and a chipper tone in her voice. "I've always wanted to travel."
"What!" said Andy suddenly. "You can't go! It's too dangerous! There will be Orcs and other horrible things!"
"I've already survived one Orc attack, what's a few more?" she said. The two of them yammered on for several minutes in this fashion. Elrond cleared his throat, trying to get their attention, but to no avail.
"I'm going," said Violet stubbornly, as she crossed her arms.
"Fine! Then I'm going with you!" Andy said, just as stubbornly.
"Fine," she said nonchalantly.
"Well," said Elrond, "That means we have two. Are there any others?"
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Post by Athena on Dec 14, 2003 18:23:36 GMT -5
As Elrond spoke, Isotta fancied that she could feel a breathe of coldness swept the room. She closed her eyes for a moment and she could almost see the blight spreading over the land. She thought of the people of Gondor, blissfully going about their every day duties, none of them aware of anything that might disrupt their life. She bit her lip; something, something had called to her, asking her to come to Rivendell. Once their she had relaxed, certain of her freedom in her new status as a person. Not a noble; a princess, when people saw her they didn't see the high born women that she was, they only saw her as she was, what she showed herself to them. Here, among these seemingly strangers was she truly at ease. Without knowing of her, or her past they had accepted her, protected her from harm. When Violet had said that she would dare the journey, Isotta looked upon the hobbit lass with new eyes. She was a small thing, and perhaps the least trained of all of them, the least prepared to go. And yet; she immiaditatly voluntered. Isotta bent her head; her red hair falling into her lap. She was the brooch of Gondor; the one that her brother had given her and she clenched it tight. He would have gone in an instant, he would have gone to protect those who needed his help. Isotta fancied that the eyes of the council were upon her; awaiting her descion. Almost qualing at her bravado she stood up, she had but one question, and she stared Elrond directly in the eye. When she spoke her voice shivered a bit but then grew firm.
"Lord Elrond I have but one question"
Elrond bowed his head in asent for her question to proceed.
"This blight; this Necromancer, as you call him. His powers are they truly that great, could they sweep the breathe of Middle Earth. Could they touch lands as far away as, say, the great Gondor?"
The others grew silent, they to had been wondering to what extent this fell person's power's were. For a moment; Elrond truly looked his years. He seemed older, far far older, and when he spoke, his voice was quiet, so that the others had to strain to hear him.
"My child, this Necromancer has powers of the old, powers that we have never even dreamed of. Powers that can stretch across the land to faraway places. Even places as far away as Gondor”
Those who were assembled at the Council sagged; each imagining their home and family destroyed.
“Then, then there is not really a choice is it?” asked Isotta, she looked wildly around the room, her vivid blue eyes resting upon each and every person’s face before resting on the familier face of the knight; Tancred, “We have to do all we can, we must tell others of this evil, we, we must fight no matter our strengths or weakness’s. I, I will go to Lothorien even if none else dare to venture their but me and the two halfling’s, we will find our way!”
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Post by Mrs Dan Hawkins on Dec 14, 2003 21:13:26 GMT -5
"I shall go" Calen said , standing up
"as shall i" Caran added
Elrond nodded in their direction" now we have five"
"i believe we will be of use when travelling through Mirkwood" Calen added
silence took over once more as the council waited
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Post by ~Kawaii~ on Dec 15, 2003 2:55:23 GMT -5
"Lorien is my home and Mirkwood the home of my kin. I will join you on this quest." Myna stood.
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Aladrien
Mate
"I love this guy. He's crazy!"
Posts: 47
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Post by Aladrien on Dec 15, 2003 15:54:47 GMT -5
Imthoron's head swirled. How could such a force occur under the noses of the public? She shifted her branches, and the council gazed her way. She fumble with her leaves and spoke in the tiniest voice, "May I go?"
Elrond, who just barely heard her words, sighed, "How may an ent such as yourself stand any chance out in the world?"
"Well...I made it all the way here, didn't I? Through your guards?"
Elrond was shocked. He gazed around to hear any objection, but none came. He nodded, "Very well."
Imthoron didn't know what she was getting herself in to. Arratil gazed up at her, into her longing eyes and he spoke, "I must stay by my many limbéd friend. I will also accompany her and help her if needed."
Imthoron blushed. She had never been helped before, and when Elrond agreed, she smiled with joy, no matter how many people stared at her.
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Mi11@/9h03nix™
Boatswain
Did someone mention Jack? Huh? Legolas. And Halidir?? *drools*
Posts: 57
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Post by Mi11@/9h03nix™ on Dec 16, 2003 22:42:25 GMT -5
Phoenix's heart sank as soon as Elrond mentioned Greenwood the Great. Her homeland, the very place where she felt most at home and the only place where she could not go. She glanced across to Elrond as he spoke, he caught her eye for a second, the usual emotionless exterior melting for a nano-second to reveal a worried look.
Phoenix watched as eight others spoke up, all offering to go along. Phoenix wanted to, she really did. The longing to go home had been niggling away at her for a while now but she knew that she couldn't. Thranduil would never allow it and Phoenix risked her life returning there. So Phoenix remained quiet, straing at the smooth stone floor and playing with her long brown hair.
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