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Post by Daughter of Almost-Evil on Dec 18, 2003 12:58:19 GMT -5
"I'm definately coming" Said Aspen, brushing a strand of her black hair behind one of her pointed elf ears.
ooc: caught Milla's mind block!
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Post by Lady Disdain on Dec 19, 2003 2:03:01 GMT -5
Katalyn shifted in her chair. What a farce. They all behaved as if they were going to battle instead of being called on as messengers. And what a group to go to battle.
Two young shire-folk, who were probably more familiar with their kitchen than an armory. The redheaded woman, so frail and delicate looking she could only be a noblewoman - and so probably less use than the halflings. A tree. A talking tree. Probably a wonderful attraction for a festival or fun fair, but hardly a formidable warrior. The man might be worth something in a fight, but he was only one.
And Elves. Of course elves were supposed to be great in battle, but this lot looked as though they'd perish if separated from their looking glasses for very long.
It was just as well they were only delivering a message.
She cast a sidelong glance at the man who had so eagerly - so presumptuously - come to her aid. She noticed he had not volunteered himself.
Finally she spoke. "So many, for so small a message? Then the passage must be perilous indeed. I wonder that you would not take it upon yourself, Lord of Rivendell. Is this the legacy of Rivendell? Sending others into dangers you would not face yourself? Why should we run your errand?"
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Post by tancred on Dec 19, 2003 17:06:47 GMT -5
Almost everyone shifted in their seats at the questioning of the new woman, Katalyn. Elrond felt rather offended. And in his own house, too! The human was obviously rough around the edges. The Elf-Lord was about to speak, when Tancred arose.
"Why should we go," he asked. "For adventure, if that is what pleases you. The opportunity to see new places, and meet new people, if this is enjoyable to you. To have the grattitude of all Elves for helping them out. And this is no small thing; it could come in useful in the future. And perhaps most importantly, because it is the right thing to do. I believe Master Elrond has properly set forth the plight all of Middle-earth is in due to this Necromancer. Yea, Eriador is a good distance from Mirkwood. But if the shadow that dwells in the forest is seeking to dominate the neighboring lands (as it indeed seems to want to do), then for how long will our homes remain distant? It is a threat to us all. If by delivering this message, small task though it seem, we can help thwart this evil, then I say it is a most worthwhile and important undertaking."
Tancred looked at Katalyn, and spoke pointedly, "Besides, perhaps if you come along, you might be able to come across two things you seem to be lacking: friends and manners!"
Katalyn huffed in protest, but Tancred continued on, "For what it is worth, Lord Elrond, I will take up this task along with the others that have volunteered."
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Post by Lady Disdain on Dec 19, 2003 21:37:09 GMT -5
At his words, Katalyn stood her eyes blazing.
"Perhaps you could learn from your own lesson sir. I am no child for you to correct, and no servant for you to command. I do not know why you saw fit to bring me here, but as I am here I will reserve the right to question what is being asked of me. None of you have the right to demand my obediance. And if you did, unthinking obediance is a disservice to both parties."
She turned and began to leave, but his voice stopped her.
"I suppose I should have left you to Elrond's guards then? Let you talk your way out? With such subtlety in questioning I'm sure you would have only been imprisoned a few years. You forget your debts madam."
"I asked not for your help, you forced it on me. If you sought to place me in your debt you presumed too much."
With that she turned and stalked out of the chamber.
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Post by Athena on Dec 19, 2003 21:58:40 GMT -5
In the silence that followed; each person in the council seemed stunned. And none more so then Lord Elrond and Sir Tancred. Isotta was sure that never in all his years had Elrond ever been privy to a scene such as this; walking out of the Great Hall of Rivendell, why it was almost unheard of. And the knight; Tancred. Isotta felt rather sorry for him. No doubt his words had not intended to cause such a scene as they did. He stood their a bit stunned looking after the departed Katalyn. Finally he stirred and spoke,
"I er, suppose I should go after her then..."
A slight grin crossed Isotta's face at his obvious confusion but then it was gone as she stood from her chair; "Nay allow me to go talk to her, somehow I suspect that she might not appreciate a knight such as you talking to her".
Before further arguments could happen, Isotta strode from the room in the direction of where Katalyn had left.
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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 19, 2003 22:18:50 GMT -5
Amrod gazed silently at the figure walking away, and he stood up to speak, "Elrond, you know where my allegience lie, I will go."
Lord Elrond nodded, "To those who are still present here, let me repeat my words, this is indeed a perilous journey, and I force none of you to take up this task."
Amrod walked up to him and whispered, "Lord Elrond, what about Katalyn?"
Elrond smiled, "She is new here, I suppose she does not have the same trust towards all of you as I do, for I know most of you here, I have heard many a battles being fought by each of these elves, though they might not even know it" he replied.
Amrod looked about the gathered Council, each with a determined look on their faces.
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Post by tancred on Dec 21, 2003 12:34:21 GMT -5
Even as Isotta left the chamber to speak with Katalyn, Tancred ran after her. "Isotta," he called.
The maiden stalled, and turned about. "Yes," she asked.
"If," replied Tancred, "Katalyn didn't even want to be helped out with the guards by me, she probably won't want to be bothered now, either. If she doesn't want to go, there's nothing we can do about it. Go if you feel you must, but please hurry back."
"I will," said Isotta with a smile. "Don't worry. Anything I miss out on, I'll just have you inform me of later." She waved, and walked away. Tancred turned on his heel, and made his way back to the council.
Elrond was speaking once again. "For those of you who go," he said, "Glorfindel and I have mapped out your quickest and safest route." He had a map spread out before him on a table. Everyone gathered around, and Elrond traced his long fingers over the map as he spoke. "The group will travel south of Rivendell, and follow the line of the Misty Mountains. Travel through the ruined and desolate land of Hollin, and make for the pass over Caradhras. Once that is crossed, you will be in the Dimrill Dale. Follow the Silverlode down to Lothlorien. There, you will meet with the Lord and Lady of the Wood. They will know of your journey, and will provide you with shelter and aid."
"After that, you shall have to travel north again. North and east to the Anduin River. Follow its line until you come across the ford that crosses it from the great East-West Road. There will be more north-east travel until you reach Mirkwood Forest. At the western eaves, there is an Elf path to use. It will bring you all the way to Thranduil's realm in the eastern forest. You are fortunate, for you have both Elves of Lorien and Mirkwood going along. They know the paths and routes well, and are in no danger of becoming lost."
Tancred heaved a heavy sigh; that was quite a trek! He only hoped he'd be able to return in time before his leave from the Arthedain Army was up.
Elrond continued, "The company shall depart in five days' time. My household shall see to your supplies. All you need to do is rest. Use the time wisely, for it will be a long journey."
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Aladrien
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"I love this guy. He's crazy!"
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Post by Aladrien on Dec 24, 2003 20:35:06 GMT -5
And with his very last words, the council broke into a sea of muttering and planning. Imthoron held her ground as Arratil stood and stretched. "So, you wanted adventure, here it is!" he laughed.
Usually, Imthoron would be delighted at such a task, but this time she wasn't so sure. Something told her this was going to be much more of an adventure--oh yes--much more.
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Post by Lady Disdain on Dec 27, 2003 12:24:22 GMT -5
Once out of the council chamber Katalyn slowed down and attempted to get her breathing under control. She was so angry she could hardly see straight, which would do her more a disservice than the anger could assist her in the face of danger.
Not that she anticipated any physical danger here. After all, that could lead to the terrors of bloodstains on one's impeccable clothing.
Funny. She never had actually slapped anyone. A slap was a poor defense when one's life was in danger. But oh how she had wanted to slap that man. She wished now that she had done it.
"My lady?"
The voice was soft and low, and unmistakably female. A pity, she would almost have relished another encounter with that swaggering peacock. Turning she found herself facing at the other woman from the council. The noblewoman.
"You mistake me for another. I am but a commoner."
Katalyn made no attempt to disguise the bitterness in her voice. This woman had never known hunger. She had never spent her nights freezing under the meager shelter of a copse of trees because a Male patron had wanted the inn's last room. The room she herself had already purchased. Men of breeding - the very men who had so often been a danger to Katalyn - would fall over themselves to make sure this woman was safe.
The woman smiled, looking for all the world as if she had heard and dismissed Katalyn's unspoken thoughts.
"No guest of Lord Elrond's is 'but a commoner.' No member of his council, is less than a lady."
"Perhaps, but I have no right to be either a guest or a council member."
"It is not a question of what you deserve. It is enough that he offers."
But he didn't offer, thought Katalyn with some exhasperation, that self important knight did. She still could not think why he had done so. Who in their right mind would invite an utter stranger to a secret council? And what had possessed the others to let her stay? She said as much.
The woman hesitated, but when she spoke again it was with the same quiet authority. "My lord Tancred thought to do you a service in his interference at the gates, however ill advised such interference might have been, and however little you desired his assistance. As to why he brought you to the council, he had claimed that Lord Elrond was expecting you. Had he not taken you to Elrond, the guards would have been suspicious. The idea was perhaps ill thought out, but I believe he was well meaning."
Katalyn made to speak here, but the woman held up one hand to silence her. "I am not done." Her imperious tone was almost as insufferable as the Knight's had been, but then the woman seemed to catch herself, and shook her head as though reminding herself of something. "I cry you mercy," she continued. "It is no more my place to command you than it was theirs. But I will ask if I might complete my thought before you interject. I think I am begining to work something out."
Somewhat surprized by the apology, Katalyn nodded her acceptace.
"I thank you. I do not know why Lord Elrond agreed to have you stay at the council, any more than I know why I or the shirelings were invited. But they say Lord Elrond," the woman seemed to struggle for words "they say he, he knows something of the future. If he had us stay it was not without a reason."
Katalyn frowned. "Lady, are you suggesting that this journey is fated?"
"I know not. But Lord Elrond might."
The woman smiled, then seemed to take in for the first time Katalyn's dusty, travel stained garments, and the fatigue in her eyes.
"I see you have not yet rested from your journey," she said tactfully. Calling a passing handmaiden she inquired after quarters for the guest, once again displaying an imperiousness that had them brought to a pleasant guest room within minutes.
"I will leave you to your rest, lady. If you should wish to see me, just inquire for Isotta." she turned to go, and then seemed to catch herself. "Lady, I know you might not think so, but I believe you were brought here for a reason. I would that you would at least consider joining us."
She waited for no response, but swept off down the hallway, leaving Katalyn with a lot to think over.
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Post by Athena on Dec 27, 2003 14:13:18 GMT -5
Isotta went in the direction of the gardens. She didn't feel that much else would be discussed at the Council, and Sir Tancred had promised to tell her all she had missed. She had quite a bit to think over. Outside the sun was slowly setting, highlighting the grand turrets and unique architecture of Rivendell. A flowery fragrance was about her, and a riot of color was everwhere. Misty shadows and a light breeze blew. Rivendell, home of the elves was certainly unique to any other place on Middle Earth.
Isotta gently leaned her head against a wall, the cool brick felt good against her skin flushed skin. As a passing thought she wondered if she was coming down with something, she felt constantly hot and uncomfortable around the others, most especially the knight.
Shaking her head she brough herself back to the present. Katalyn, she was quite a strongwilled women. Isotta hoped she would join the group who was planning on traveling to Lothorien. Isotta thought she would be quite an asset, she seemed a fighter and one who knows the way of the road and its travelers. A knight, Ranger, man, Ent, and the elves, they too seemed to be quite helpful on this journey. One of the elves was even from Lothorien. And they all seemed well able to handle a blade.
Isotta was not all reasured by the conversation she had with Katalyn. Indeed perhaps Lord Elrond had some sort of plan in mind by gathering this motley group of people to Rivendell. If so it must be quite a peculier plan. More worrying was how quickely Isotta had sunk into the old habit of being a princess. For a moment Isotta had almost thought of Katalyn as one of her courtiers. She made a mental note to be more careful next time she spoke. It wouldn't do for others to learn about her past, nothing good can come of it.
Isotta could think of no purpose of why she was here in Rivendell, or the two hobbits for that matter. She turned her head to face the sinking sun, the lightest of breezes slowly caressed her face. Well she was here and that was it. She had escaped from Gondor, and survived on her own for a time. She missed her family terribly, even her father. But she dared not go back, if she did she would be facing an empty life once more as a princess and perhaps as a wife.
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Post by tancred on Dec 29, 2003 18:30:21 GMT -5
Elrond spoke for a while longer. He told of supplies, routes, goals, and rewards. "Perhaps," said the Elf Lord, "there are some of you who might need other incentive to go. I know not. Still, should you all return from a successful mission, I deem some compensation will be in order. It would depend upon the manner of your return and degree of your success. But rest now. In five days' time, you shall set off."
Tancred walked from the room. One thing that had bothered him was that Elrond had not named a leader for the company. One of the Lothlorien or Mirkwood Elves seemed a good choice, as it would be they who would know the paths that need be taken. He wasn't sure though; he'd have to take it up with Elrond later. For now, he had to find Isotta, and fill her in on the last part of the council.
After following the instructions of an Elven maidservant, Tancred finally did find Isotta in the expansive and lush garden of Imaldris. She stood with her back against the wall, looking out towards the sunset. The wind played with her reddish hair, and it contrasted nicely with the green frame of trees and bushes behind. Isotta seemed at peace. She reminded Tancred of....
Tancred cleared his throat, and walked into the garden. Isotta stirred, turned to him, and smiled. "Is it alright with you if I sit beside you and talk," asked Tancred.
"Of course," replied Isotta. "I did, after all, wish that you inform me of the remainder of the council. What else was said?"
Tancred seated himself across from Isotta on a little moss-covered bench. After telling her of what had transpired after she had left, Isotta sighed. "Five days," she questioned with eyes wide. "It seems like such a short time. And almost as if I've only just arrived here. Such a peaceful place this Imaldris is. And now, I must leave it." She frowned a little.
Tancred smiled and in an effort at comfort said, "Worry not, Isotta. Five days is still a bit of time. It is better than nothing. And, I'm beginning to think that one day in the House of Elrond is far sweeter and relaxing than thirty in any other house. Perhaps we can find something to do that would take our minds off of our adventure and make the time all the more pleasant? This garden is quite lovely and peaceful. I imagine the wooded vale along the river would be even more so. It would please me if perhaps you would deign to walk with me along those paths. If it be your will?"
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Post by Athena on Dec 29, 2003 22:42:48 GMT -5
Isotta inclined her head gracefully, nodding her ascent. As they both got up, Tancred held his arm out, after hesitating for a moment Isotta took it, and together they began walking. Isotta swallowed with her suddenly dry throat, her palms were sweaty and clammy. Wrinkling her nose in distaste she wiped her hands off discreetly on the inside of her dress. Oh why am I suddenly so nervous she thought, her eye upon Tancred's figure.It’s not like this is a first meeting between us. And it’s not like I am overly fond of him, which of course I’m not! I mean, simply because he is rather handsome and kind, and helped rescue me…. well that does not make us more than friends. And I certainly have no cause to be as nervous as I am at the moment. He, he was simply being kind in doing his duty in telling me what I missed at the council. I may not be a princess anymore but I am not some half-baked noblewomen who does not even know her own mind, I simply have NO reason to feel like this.. She squared her shoulders more and held her head up high proudly, her blue eyes snapping. Tancred turned to look at her, his eyes looking concerned, his voice gentle and full of concern he spoke,
"Is everything all right?"
Isotta smiled briefly at him and then turned away, "Indeed. I er, suppose I never properly thanked you for saving me when I was so close to exhaustion."
Tancred made a move as if to say it was nothing but she held out her hand to stop him,
"No it was something. And I simply wish to say, thank you for your kindness, I understand you didn't have to do that." she stopped, not sure of what else to say. Suddenly uncomfortable with the silence that ensued she began walking faster, and looking everywhere but at him.
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Aladrien
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Post by Aladrien on Dec 30, 2003 1:05:48 GMT -5
Imthoron followed Arratil to an open space, probably a garden. They spoke for quite a time about many things, from their quest to their pasts. The sun was overhead and many people had left to their own areas of the property. Imthoron was happy when a few elves passed, knowing that things were still up and running around them and time had not stood still.
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Post by Niphredil on Dec 30, 2003 14:38:00 GMT -5
After the council was dismissed, Violet and Andy wandered off to see the rest of the Hobbit survivors from the village who had been brought to Rivendell.
There they saw Jack Peterson, the Hobbit who had come with Violet and Andy. He seemed to be healing quite well, and he had been reunited with his family and some of his friends. To thank the Elves for their hospitality, he decided that he was going to write, produce, and direct a play for their entertainment... but he wasn't sure of what the plot should be; maybe something where a young being (he hadn't yet decided whether it should be an Elf, a Dwarf, a Hobbit, or what) has to go on a journey somewhere to destroy something (maybe an evil trinket of some sort); but he quickly scratched that plan as it was greeted only with laughter from the other Hobbits and some of the Elves present, who all insisted that such an idea was preposterous.
Violet and Andy were also reunited with their families, all of whom thought that they were insane for wanting to go on such a journey (and they questioned the sanity of one Lord Elrond for letting them go). Violet's parents, especially, were upset by the news that their only daughter should be embarking on a quest that could prove to be dangerous, but Violet insisted that she go. She told them that she would be needed; she didn't yet know how she would be needed, but she could feel it. Her parents let it go for the time being, deciding that since there were still five days before the company would be leaving, they had time to convince Violet otherwise.
That evening there was a feast, to which all in Rivendell were invited, from the tall Enting Imthoron down to the littlest Hobbit refugee. There was abundant food and drink, and after the meal was over everyone went to the Hall of Fire, where there was much singing and story-telling to be heard. After awhile Carnësirion, one of the first Elves that Violet had met, stood up and said, "Let us hear a song from one of the Hobbit folk!" There were sounds of clapping and cheering from the other Elves present. The Hobbits looked about at one another, not quite knowing what to do. "How about a song from young Violet?" said Carnësirion. Violet blushed a little, and stood.
"This is a poem that I began making up when I first saw Rivendell," Violet said, "and I made up a tune for it." Then she began to sing in a clear, soft voice:
"I see the sun rising in the sky, Peeking o'er the valley's walls, Her rays gleaming on the waterfalls. And as she rises yet more high, Birds greet her with melodious calls.
I listen to the river swift; The scent of jasmine fills the air; And as I stand without a care, The morning mists begin to lift, Revealing so much beauty there.
The lovely carvings on the bridge, Crafted by some skilled Elves' hands, Tall and majestic yet humble it stands, Echoing the carvings of the House on the ridge Made by some Elves' loving hands.
Though for my own home I long, For it's simplistic ebb and flow From whence I thought I'd never go, Yet find I peace like some sweet song Here in Rivendell's warm glow."
When she finished, there was a great sound of clapping and cheering, and even some shouts of "Encore! Encore!" but Violet sat down quickly, blushing red, and shaking her head; and the singing and chatting continued long into the night.
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Post by tancred on Jan 1, 2004 3:23:17 GMT -5
Tancred looked in awe as Isotta ran away from him. "This has certainly happened before," he laughed wryly to himself. In those times past, the knight had always stayed behind, taking the hint. Yet this time, something caused him to pursue. "Lady Isotta," he called. "Why do you flee? If something is wrong, I wish to help. Or if I have said anything improper, I terribly regret it."
Suddenly realizing that her flight could cause more suspicion than she desired, Isotta stopped. "I am sorry," she said. "I do not know what came over me. I felt uneasy all of a sudden." She put the back of her hand to her brow, and rubbed it as if trying to shake some emotion or feeling away.
"Please," said Tancred, catching up with her. "Be at ease with me. I am a fairly straightforward man, and desire only your companionship and conversation as we walk."
Isotta nodded her head, and the two walked side by side along the paths of Rivendell. They crossed the bridge that spanned the river, and plunged into the trees on the other side. They sat down in the very spot where Tancred had first spotted Katalyn earlier in the day. As they sat there with their legs dangling over a low ridge, they spoke of their meeting at the Forsaken Inn and their adventure with the Orcs, and of Rivendell itself.
"Isotta," Tancred said thoughtfully. "It amazes me that while we have known each other for almost a week now, have been through some harrowing experiences together, and seem to have developed some sort of report that I do not know much about you. Where are you from? What is your family like?"
Isotta gulped, and looked away uneasily. The knight was curious. Too curious for her comfort. What would she say? She tried to be as truthful as she could. "Well," Isotta began slowly. "I am from a far away land. I can't say how far, as I'm terribly unsure as to where Rivendell is and even how I found myself in the Trollshaws. I was lost." She blushed.
"But your family," continued Tancred. "Surely they are great and of some stature? You came from the wild, and were worn and ragged from your journey. Yet, in your manners, the way you hold yourself, your use of speech, you seem to well educated and from the upper classes. You seem much like myself in manner and speaking. You remind me of my parents and grandparents. In fact, you remind me most of the people at the court in Fornost Erain, especially the King, Queen, and the Princes and Princesses of Arthedain."
At the mention of royalty (her own distant relatives at that!), and how she reminded Tancred of them, Isotta blanched. She had left that part of her life behind her, and would not have it known to anyone. She finally spoke, trying to answer Tancred's questions truthfully yet vaguely, and to assauge his curiosity. "I have not heard from my family in some time. I am unsure as to their fates. I wish them well, yet I also wish to not speak of it anymore."
"As you wish, m'lady," said Tancred in slight embarrassment.
Isotta smiled once more. "Come," she said enthusiastically. "I hear the sounds of merriment coming from the great house in the distance. The Hobbits are singing! I would not miss it!" Isotta lept to her feet, and began walking back down the path. A mesmerized and thoughtful Tancred followed.
Far off, a large, black bird watched.
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