Varda
Vala, Council
Posts: 1,041
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Post by Varda on Apr 27, 2013 18:48:55 GMT -5
Fainan:
With surprise, Fainan spotted Auros heading into the library. How amusing. The moment she stepped out to find the weaponsmith expert and good-looking elf they needed, he popped right in to see Meren. How wonderful to find something going right for a change!
Pleased, she quietly walked back into the library, trying not to disturb the two that might be of greatest help to stopping the danger to Mirkwood. Wait! What did Auros just say?
As if she had not heard a thing, she made her bootsteps heavy enough to be audible in this soft place. "Ah, Auros! Just who we were looking for. We need your help in a matter of weaponsmith knowledge after the discoveries Loremaster Meren has made. How fortuitous to have both of you here to examine this thing. I don't want to touch it, personally. This object seems to be a riddle of the Enemy, like a sword that is not a sword., yet cuts at Mirkwood Perhaps we can work out the answer."
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ArPharazon
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King of the Land of the Star
Posts: 294
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Post by ArPharazon on Apr 28, 2013 11:30:24 GMT -5
Calion:
It was not too long after Fainan's departure that Calion finished going through yet another book. With any relevant information noted down, he put it aside, before staring in front of him in thought. It was all a puzzle, but most of the pieces were probably there now, and the image was getting a bit clearer; he needed some time to let it settle.
He stood up and said to Meren, who was still nose-deep in a pile of scrolls and books, "I too shall take a break for now. We might not have a lot of time before our next journey, and I simply cannot pass on an opportunity to study the surroundings of Imladris while we are here." And with a nod he headed for the exit of the library. In passing he ventured a brief smile at Auros, who had just entered. 'One more reason to be outside for a while,' he thought with a smirk, after making sure his face wasn't visible anymore. Silently greeting Fainan just outside the library, he headed into the open air.
Once outside, Calion took in the sights. It was nature, of a sort, but not as he knew it. There were trees, and grass, and animals, but it was all ordered and consistent. Perfect, one might say. So this was the "magic" of Lord Elrond. Of the Noldor. The treasures of the world, but built, managed and conserved in their own vision, in an ordered structure, seemingly controlled in every way by the people who lived there. He snorted. People who think they're better at nature than nature itself. Still, it felt welcoming and safe, which was fitting for the city, if it could be called that, and its reputation as a Homely House. So Calion decided not to let it bother him, as he strolled further into the valley, with the sun in his face, and a couple of interested squirrels trailing him.
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Post by Indis on Apr 28, 2013 14:17:50 GMT -5
Meren:
Meren looked up in suprise at Auros, wondering why he had no time for a few seconds of pleasantries, nor to provide a reason for his haste in demanding the sword.
"Of course you may have it; I am glad to be relieved of the burden, one I took on only out of what seemed to be necessity at the time. And a small amount of politeness would not be out of order nor a waste of time," she added with some sharpness.
"Please come with me to my quarters, where we will retrieve the item you so courteously....er...requested." She rose and gestured to Auros to follow her. "Fainan, you are welcome to join us as well."
Not dissatisfied to have an excuse to leave the library, she anticipated an opportunity to see something of Imladris and perhaps find a congenial lore-master or two to talk to.
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Eonwë
Vala, Council
Vala and proud member of the Valar Guild. A quarter century of Tolkien fun.
Posts: 1,322
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Post by Eonwë on Apr 28, 2013 23:25:46 GMT -5
Auros:
The Noldo ignored Meren's comments, fully aware that it was he who had charged her with the sword's keeping in the first place. He followed as Meren led him to the quarters she had been given for her stay in Imladris. He waited outside the door, turning his back to the wall and remaining outside the door as a guard while she went in.
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Post by Indis on Apr 29, 2013 18:04:22 GMT -5
Meren:
Meren emerged from her quarters carrying the sword, still wrapped well to prevent evil emanations. She handed it to Auros, saying, "Here is the sword. I hope you and your kin can learn something useful from it. In the meantime, I would like to see something of Imladris."
As she left Auros, she added, "Of course I will help if my skills and knowledge prove to be of use." With that she walked out of the building and began her exploration of a place she had dreamed of for a very long time.
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Varda
Vala, Council
Posts: 1,041
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Post by Varda on Apr 30, 2013 21:47:25 GMT -5
Fainan:
A bit stunned at the interchange, Fainan waved to Auros. "Good fortune with that. I'd be happy to never be in the same room with it again."
Fainan went exploring with Meren, glad to have a fellow Mirkwood elf to walk in the unnatural woods with her, and having no reason to stay in the musty library anymore. Her companion would be able to tell her more of the meaning behind the statuary and other things in a more understandable way than bits from scrolls. Also, this was a chance to ask questions.
"Meren, what did you learn about the sword? You seemed to be working your way along a trail of clues."
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Post by Indis on May 1, 2013 16:01:29 GMT -5
Meren:
Smiling at Fainan, Meren gave her a brief description of her findings so far, and some thoughts about how this might affect how they would proceed once they had left Imladris. Then she added, "I wonder if we could just enjoy the short time we have left here; it will be soon enough that we have to focus on the grim realities we will face."
Looking about enthusiastically, Meren observed all the artwork, cultivated plant life, and the wilder portions in the vicinity, which appeared entirely natural to her, except for the lack of dark-tainted enemies. Wildlife there was, some of which was clearly not friendly, but it was natural territoriality or fear, not the twisted hatred she had encountered in Mirkwood or on their travels. This was how a forest should be--not so safe that one forgot to pay attention, but also not a directed hostility.
As they walked about town, she made herself available to answer Fainan's questions--those she could answer, that is--about what they were seeing. At the same time, she kept her eyes open for elves who might be willing to share some of the Noldorin lore for which she was eager.
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Varda
Vala, Council
Posts: 1,041
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Post by Varda on May 1, 2013 19:52:31 GMT -5
Fainan:
"Thank you, Meren, for your patience with a youngling. It's been interesting, for me at least. But if you'd like to find some of the local lore-masters here, you might have better luck tracking them down in their native haunts back around the Hall of Fire and the library area. Perhaps Erestor or even Lord Elrond could give you some leads or even be available. I think I'll try out their archery range, meanwhile."
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Post by Indis on May 2, 2013 17:53:09 GMT -5
Meren:
"I'm sure you'll enjoy it far more than the library!" She winked, and waved Fainan on her way, making her own way to find some 'shop talk.'
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Eonwë
Vala, Council
Vala and proud member of the Valar Guild. A quarter century of Tolkien fun.
Posts: 1,322
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Post by Eonwë on May 6, 2013 1:42:23 GMT -5
Auros:
Auros received the sword and quickly concealed it beneath his cloak as Meren and Fainan went on their way. He then noticed Aldawë coming towards him.
"What was that about?" Aldawë asked. "Even from a distance I could tell that was not pleasant."
"The courtesy of Mirkwood has waned of late," replied Auros.
With a smirk, Aldawë retorted, "I'm sure you were your usual, charming self."
"Aldawë, you know me. I'm always polite."
"Of course you are,... But have you tried smiling?" Aldawë's grin spread wider.
***
Now once more at home, Auros cast his cloak across the nearby chair and went to his armory. Against the near wall, he opened an empty case. He ran his hand along the back until his fingers came to a hidden catch, and suddenly a board came loose where before all was seamless. Within this space he put the sword and returned the board to its place, once again leaving an empty case with no decoration or ornamentation of special note. He locked the room and left his house. He still had errands to run and preparations to make.
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Varda
Vala, Council
Posts: 1,041
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Post by Varda on Jun 27, 2013 9:53:22 GMT -5
Fainan:
Just one more target...
Fainan pulled the arrows out of the target again. The steady activity had settled her mind and she finally felt that she knew what she must do. Mirkwood needed to learn about and nullify the new threat from Angmar. They had enough trouble with Dol Guldur already. Whatever useful could be learned from this great repository of knowledge in Rivendell probably had been learned. The possessed Calaron already had a day, night, another day, and probably night to get ahead of their chase.
What were their assets? As she had checked on the way to the archery range, the requisitioned supplies for the trip were ready. The horses had finally all been shod for rocky ground: hoof armor.
They needed current information. She was a scout. Ergo, she should go find current information so the great ones could destroy the rising evil. If she could cause mischief to those threatening her home and still get the message out, she would do so.
But that was a long trip through unfamiliar country. She had memorized maps while in the library, appalled at their lack of detail. A companion with understanding of mountain travel would be a huge help: Frali. Calion, highly motivated to help his brother, would provide a melee fighter with an invaluable scouting ability using animals. Meren provided them not only with abilities that verged on magic to Fainan, but understanding of what they looked at so that their intel could be selected properly. Estarion's stealth as well as fighting ability would have been very useful, but she hadn't seen him since he had disappeared into Rivendell's woods, maybe still just being stealthy; perhaps he had already learned what he wanted and returned to his people. Auros' mission was done and he was probably settled back down in Rivendell, to be reassigned perhaps to this mysterious mission that Elrond seemed far more interested in, and that seemed to involve the Prince of Mirkwood too much for him to join the Angmar journey.
So she needed to find Frali, Meren, and Calion, give respectful thanks to Elrond, and leave in the morning.
She strode off and spotted Calion, perhaps about to avail himself of the practice grounds as well. "Calion, mae govannen! All packed for the trip?" she asked with a smile. "We may be leaving when Elwing enters the sky tomorrow."
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Post by arienv on Jun 30, 2013 17:39:47 GMT -5
The young dwarf stepped out into the fresh air and took a deep breath of the air in Imladris - so pure and clean but entirely strange to him. He laughed as a breeze ruffled his hair and marched off towards the smithies - if he was able to find them that was. The outlay of the place was utterly confusing for the warrior - caves and underground passages Frali could handle, but ever bending steps and stairs, a million arcades and palisades with hundreds of doors and windows including stairs up and down just drove him mad. Nonetheless he picked one path that he assumed lead into the right direction and followed its course, and followed it some more .. how long he didnt know, but it became fairly obvious to him that he was hopelessly lost pretty soon. Frustrated Frali retraced his steps and hoped he would bump into someone to show him the way to the forges.
As he wandered along the many pathways the young dwarf looked out for familiar faces or for any sort of face for that matter - nobody seemed to be around. Finally , however, Frali managed to make out buildings in the distance and he headed towards them.
As he approached them there were also more people about and he asked the nearest Elf for the way to the forges.
The elf smiled and nodded to the dwarf. "Come along then and learn from what you see, Master Dwarf."
His guide took the lead and after a few bends over a bridge they could hear the characteristic hammering of smiths at their work. Gimli and Gloin were already standing at one of the forges and deep in discussion with one of the smiths.
"Here are your kinsmen and the mastersmith." the Noldo announced. "When you want back, just ask for a guide." With a wink the Elf disappeared back to his post.
Frali happily waved at his kinsmen and joined them. Soon they were all four engrossed in a discussion about various techniques of building swords.
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Post by Indis on Jun 30, 2013 18:12:03 GMT -5
Meren:
Deep in discussions with her counterparts in Imladris, Meren thought little about departure, though of course it was in the back of her mind. She was delighted at the exchange of lore, history, and other knowledge, and she felt that the lore-masters with whom she was talking were also pleased to learn more of Mirkwood and their eastern cousins.
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ArPharazon
Member
King of the Land of the Star
Posts: 294
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Post by ArPharazon on Jul 7, 2013 20:14:02 GMT -5
Calion:
As he wandered for some time through the nature surrounding Rivendell, Calion let his mind wander as well, processing the information he'd learned. From what he had read, the Houseless would have been disembodied, rebellious Elves, working independently or alone under Morgoth's service, and would have a much more difficult time taking an unwilling Elven body than this one appeared to have. All this was much to take in already, for the secrets of the feär were not widely known in Mirkwood.
And yet... this one appeared different. This.. sorcerer, or necromancer, was in a position of authority, and not some pathetic spirit as the lowliest of Sauron's minions. He was arrogant, and powerful, having already shown a glimpse of the shadowy powers Angmar or Mordor must have given him. And something else; he had addressed members of the party as "Elf". The racial disdain made it clear that whatever he was before relocating his spirit, Elven origin was unlikely. As for Calaron communing with him, accepting him willingly? That seemed ridiculous. The ring played a part in that, perhaps. There was power in it, some sort of conduit for magical possession?
On a hunch, Calion had looked into any literature he could find, scarce though it was, on the Rings of Power. The great ones all seemed to be accounted for, or too important for Sauron to let some henchman use it, or risk it falling in Elven hands. But the lesser ones... there was little known of them. It was assumed that Sauron had seized many of them, and perhaps some of his servants were allowed to use them as tools for their own plans, or to further Sauron's own designs. The one on Calaron's hand would certainly fit that description.
So, Calion concluded, retrieving that ring was a valid objective of the mission. Even if it didn't help Calaron, keeping it safe or, if possible, destroying it, would help prevent this happening again, and perhaps remove even the slightest part of Sauron's power.
With this in mind, Calion finished his exploration of the wildlife. Turning back towards the halls of Imladris, his eye fell on a small but familiar figure sitting on a bench. It was certainly more wrinkled of skin and grey of hair than he remembered, but there was still the glint in his eye, hinting of a burglar who had managed to roam Thranduil's caves unseen for some time.
"Mr Baggins, correct?" he said as he sat next to the hobbit and smiled, and the birds and squirrels who had accompanied him on his walk settled in the nearby trees. "My name is Calion, son of Pharion, of the wardens of Mirkwood. You may not remember me now, since I'm sure you met many Elves when you visited our corner of the world, but we did talk once, riding back from the Lonely Mountain. You had caused quite a stir!"
Bilbo laughed. "I'm afraid I do not remember you, lad. I have no recollection of your name in the notes for my book, and my memory has been abandoning me of late. I am older than you, though undoubtedly you have lived for many more years than I have. But I am quick enough of eye and mind still. You are a member of Auros' party, are you not, having just arrived from the East? I hope your journey has gone well, and your business here is not too bad?"
"It has been eventful, Mr. Baggins. But our mission is classified, and I'm afraid I cannot be too generous with its details. But I will tell you, if you care to listen, that there is family of mine involved, and I worry." A thought struck Calion, and surely there was no risk here, now, in telling this hobbit? "And there is... a ring. Tell me, do you know anything about rings? I vaguely remember seeing you fiddle with one back on our shared journey, though likely it was just an ordinary one from your share of the treasure."
Upon hearing this, Bilbo frowned, and a shadow fell on his face. "I doubt it was anything like my ring, my friend." He looked up and winked. "But that too is classified, and I cannot share any more. So let us speak of happier things!"
And they talked and reminisced, and laughed, and shared tales of what had happened to them since the battle at Erebor so long ago. Calion enjoyed himself, and his worries were lightened for a short while.
Then Bilbo pointed to someone coming up the path from the direction of the nearby combat range. "Someone from your party is coming to find you, it seems." "Indeed," Calion replied. When Fainan arrived, he said "I'm sorry, I did not know it was time for departure already. And Mister Baggins here has been keeping my time occupied!" he added with a wink to the hobbit.
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Eonwë
Vala, Council
Vala and proud member of the Valar Guild. A quarter century of Tolkien fun.
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Post by Eonwë on Jul 12, 2013 3:31:07 GMT -5
Auros: Auros stood in a clearing amidst the trees, large enough for single combat. There was still light in the sky when he completed his tasks, and so he had come here. Only one path led out of this clearing, and his opponent barred the way. The sword came straight at him. Auros turned it aside with his buckler. Another attack, this time with the opponent's buckler. Auros stepped aside just in time and delivered an attack with his own buckler. The opponent leapt back, avoiding the blow. Auros pressed the attack, stepping forward and thrusting his sword towards his opponent. The opponent's buckler took the blow, then he brought down his own sword. Auros raised his buckler, and as the two met a loud *crack* sounded in the clearing. The battle stopped. Malril looked at his wooden sword, split from the impact. "You broke my sword!" Auros examined the notch on the top edge of the wooden buckler. " You broke your sword. You were swinging it hard enough." He placed the sword and buckler next to a rack of various wooden weapons, meant for training and sparring. Malril tossed his to the side. "You say that, and yet you don't look the worse for wear. Time for the next round." Maril walked over to a separate weapon rack and drew forth a wooden weapon in the shape of a poleaxe. Eying his options, Auros considered first a pair of longswords, then a two-handed sword, weighing both intently before settling on a spear of length slightly less than the poleaxe. Returning to the worn ring at the center of the clearing, he prepared for combat. Malril didn't give a moment's hesitation, charging into the ring and immediately thrusting the poleaxe toward Auros, who dodged it then brought the spear down on Marlril. Malril drew back in time and swung the poleaxe wide. Auros blocked the attack with the spear shaft. Back and forth the went, attack, dodge, and sometimes a connect that would've been worse is not for the light armour, the make of the weapons, and the control exercised by the wielders. The fight continued, and would've continued longer, had two red blurs not suddenly flown towards the two combatants. Auros thrust the spear towards one blur, and Malril swung his poleaxe toward the other aimed at him. "I don't know about you," Aldawë said as he rubbed an apple on his sleeve, "but I could use a break from watching you two fight." Auros pulled the apple off the speartip and took a bite. Malril's had been split in half and lost in the grass or to the trees. Chuckling, Aldawë tossed him another. Sitting on a bench eating the apple, Auros smiled. "This brings back memories." Malril smiled. "Curulin, or Farothel?" Auros, smiling a little wider, said "Both, now that you mention it, but mostly Curulin. Not a week into our training, he's barely put his hand to a sword, and he gets the idea that the best way to perfect his technique is to have apples thrown at him until he can cut them." Aldawë smiled. "He didn't follow that plan for long." Malril chuckled, "He switched to oranges." *** The three emerging from the seclusion of the sparring ground, they rejoined a branching path, where Aldawë parted ways with Malril and Auros. The two then went on towards the center of the grounds to rejoin the main path from the training grounds.
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