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| 11. Estel va Atalante: Chapter III- The Shining Blades of Feanor; 'The Hope of the Downfallen' ; Chapter III of the Estel va Atalante storyline; Participants: Auruiron and Makalaure | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Mar 21 2012, 08:24 AM (998 Views) | |
| Auruiron | Mar 21 2012, 08:24 AM Post #1 |
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(Words belonging to characters who are not my own are thus credited to the correct author.) Auruiron walked over to his mirror, and stared. He gazed in shock, for he saw his young face, Alcon as he was so long ago. He saw something upon his side, a black mark, formed over a cursed wound. He thought back to Nenuial, and remembered Guldrambor had raised his hand briefly in their altercation. Now he knew. He was a victim of black sorcery of the Dark Lord. He had no time to wonder of how Guldrambor would have come to possess such powers. The mark began to pain him. 'Why now?', he wondered. Auruiron walked faster, and went down from his high chamber, and so came onto the same level as Makalaure's room. He ran into the door, and placed his hand upon his forehead once more. Makalaure slept gracefully. Auruiron then thought, "No, never. Guldrambor, you may hunt me, you may hurt me, you may destroy me. But you will never hurt my friend, and nor shall I! Not so long as I draw breath!" The mark burned, and he ran screaming throughout the Tower. Others emerged from their chambers, including Makalaure. Edited by Auruiron, Dec 6 2017, 05:48 PM.
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| Macalaure | Apr 4 2012, 08:11 PM Post #2 |
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Beachcomber
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From a distance a cry like no other startled Makalaure awake. The comforting dreams of Tirion in his youth were blinked away in an instant. All that had happened while under the influence of the healing herbs passed before his eyes like a cold wave over the worn rocks of his mind. Awareness flooded in, and concern. Something was not right. Who was screaming? He sat up swiftly and threw off the covers. "Guldrambor?" He had a vision of Guldrambor, the nemesis of his friend and from what he had been told, also his own. "Auruiron! AURUIRON!" Makalaure recalled what Auruiron had said to him as they traveled from Forochel. He knew this Guldrambor would make his lies sweet or might offer comfort until the sting of betrayal cornered him, destroyed him. Had Guldrambor found them? He could feel the fear of Auruiron and the untruths that lay about him. It made him leap to his feet, take his leather scabbard from a chair and draw his sword. He leaned over the curved stone sill to see if the enemy was attacking outside but he saw nothing. The sound of hurrying feet and shouts greeted Makalaure from within the tower. He prepared to face what might burst through the door. With a wry smile he realized he stood there with his weapon at hand in his sleeping shirt. Where was his mail or at least something more presentable? There! Swiftly he changed into his riding leathers then spied the beautiful cloak Auruiron had given him laying over a chair. The cloak he flung over his shoulders and ran out the door. "Auruiron nassë nalyë? Nanyë sinomë antië tulwë lenna!" (( Auruiron where are you? I am here to support you!)) Swiftly he moved across the room and out the door to face an empty commons room. The agonizing scream was heard once more. It was not a cry for help but of terrible pain. He took the circular stairs down to the living area three at a time then just as swiftly he stopped before the open door. There stood Annunon with others he did not recognize at first. "Where is Auruiron?" |
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| Annunon | Apr 5 2012, 08:31 AM Post #3 |
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"Sir, we are just trying to figure that out. We heard a loud screaming and many footsteps. Something smells rotten tonight. My lord Makalaure, this place is a large citadel. There are many hidden passages in this tower, and cellars also, where he stores his vats for producing medicine." Annunon spreads a large map on the table before them "Study this quickly." -The map is astounding- Map text, clearly in Auruiron's hand: "This was built in the aftermath of Beleriand's Fall. It was modeled after my birthplace in Aman. Minas Noldorion consists of four wings, and each in several directions. Each wing consists of two levels. Each level consists of one main common room, and two circular anti-chambers. One of the chambers contains a spiral staircase leading to another chamber above. These Wings are connected to the Storage Chamber in the cellars on the bottom level, to the Hall of Tirion on the middle level, and to the Library, on the final level, before the Tower climbs upward for seven more flights from it, by L-shaped hallways. The Wings are vertical, and the common rooms as well, so that both the Hall of Tirion and the common rooms would both be vertical and not horizontal. All of these wings connect to one main great hall. Behind the Throne, in the Hall of Tirion, there is another gate, leading to another spiral staircase. This one connects to an upper level, which is also connected with the northern sections of the west and east wings. The Tower continues upward to the chamber of Auruiron, which is circular as the floors beneath it. There are windows, and from which, the Sea can be seen in one direction, and in the distance, the Hall of Laurelin in another. These windows open up onto large marble balconies. Extending on top of the Hall of Tirion is a great library, rectangular as the chamber beneath it, and thousands of texts are stored there. The two northern wings are used for resting, and the two southern wings, which extend from the sides of the rectangular Hall of Tirion closer to the main entrance-way, are for different purposes. In one is a dining hall, and in another, a chamber where scrolls are produced. Between the wings are several hallways, and on both levels. Beneath the Hall of Tirion is a large series of cellars, which have a layout similar to the floors above, but only on one floor beneath. The cellars have four wings and a main chamber. Here is where animal hides are pressed into parchment, and reeds are broken into scrolls. This is the southwestern wing. In the southeastern wing, there is the place where the hides and reeds are dried.In the northwestern wing, great vats are stored, where medicines are brewed. In the northeastern wing, vast shelves containing numerous forms of flora and herbs are stored.In the middle chamber, beneath the Hall of Tirion, is a maze of various supplies and barrels in storage of many things from armor and tapestries to wine and other commodities. Such is the lay-out of Minas Noldorion's interior. Outside the windows are many balconies, and outside of the main gates of the Tower, is a great marble courtyard. There is a larger balcony extending over the courtyard from the Library. Another similar balcony is on the other side, and overlooking the Sea and shorelines. There are columned passage ways alongside the courtyard, with two levels and platforms on either side, and from this courtyard extends a path leading to the greater roads in the settlement of Noldalad. Such are the blueprints of Minas Noldorion." -Annunon and the others study the map carefully, but quickly- Annunon then speaks, "Now listen." Annunon points to the northwestern wing, and first floor of Minas Noldorion, to a common room. Makalaure's chamber is visible to the left of it, and complete with the stone sill and balcony, but one level above it. The hallway Makalaure's room connects with also connects to the staircase of the central Tower. "We are here. The screams came from the Tower itself, but we do not know where he is running toward." "Everyone, wait. We need order! Melimwe, search the east wing. Astarseron, my brother, check the roof of the Tower! Aurgalad, I know you do not feel safe among us, but pray, danger is at hand! The same loyalty I saw you show in Eregion, show now here. Search the cellars! Take guards with you! Scour the premises in order to find a Foe!" Annunon then ponders, The time for quick thought is at hand. "My lord Makalaure, did you notice anything strange about my liege these past few days, that we may have missed? Stranger than normal, I mean. He is a peculiar lord. But pray tell, I wonder, what could possibly cause him to run screaming throughout the night? Is there something he has kept secret from us regarding his journey to find you?" "For he only spoke to us of his finding of you. He did not tell us what happened beforehand. He told us to keep watch for one 'Guldrambor', we gathered he is a Black Numenorian, but we do not know anything further, nor why he should seek for us." "Haste is needed! Well, what are the rest of you, except my lord Makalaure, standing here for? Move out!" The other Elves began. their search. "My lord, why does Auruiron suffer so, and what could be the cause?" Edited by Annunon, Jul 8 2012, 11:59 AM.
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| Macalaure | Apr 6 2012, 02:23 PM Post #4 |
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Beachcomber
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With only Annunion standing before him and the question between them, Makalaure did not take his eyes off the map. He tried very hard to envision the building as it was shown to him but he could make no sense of it with the passageways marked and lines here and there. His head swam trying to follow divisions of the rooms. He had never been in the tower before, it was a mystery. Knowing the layout would take much more time and not help him find his friend quickly, other means must be taken. His ears were keen and if additional sound was heard he could depend on them now that he was awake. An idea formed in his mind. His eyes lifted to search the eyes of Annunon before he spoke. "Auruiron is in dire need. We could waylay the cause if we knew it yet I know not what it is!" Makalaure's eyes cast about the room before returning to hold the gaze of Annunion. "A power has hold of him in some way," he tried to explain. "I cannot fathom what this might be but there is a great weight upon him. I saw such despair within him when he found me in Forochel along the shore. I knew it was he who needed healing and not I. This creature he speaks of, Guldrambor. This Guldrambor may be the malefactor but I believe it is something more. I believe Auruiron himself may be the foundation of what he most fears." Suddenly Makalaure held up his hand and shut his eyes. He was trembling. Low in his throat he produced a hum of no particular melody but powerful in its emotion. It traversed the room and echoed back to the center of the hall. Of a sudden a breeze blew unexplained bringing with it the faint scent of carnage. Makalaure's song grew in strength and suddenly the stench of blood seemed to surround him, it's metallic copper essence distinct. The hum continued unabated. It was clear Makalaure was having some difficulty yet his voice strengthened. Now there were familiar yet otherworldly sounds that filled the room; the pleading of the dying for the mercy of a quick death, horses neighing in distress and struggle, leather snapping from the strain put upon harnesses, screams of retreat were cut short, the clash of metal upon metal, the moan of those succumbing to their wounds. It was then his heart was seized with such profound grief even he could not understand it at the time. Then all sound was swept aside as a great evil arose of such proportions it halted the very hum that conceived it. Makalaure gripped the map table with whitened fingers to keep from falling, his weakness was apparent. His eyes opened but stared unseeing as he considered all that had manifested itself within his song. The great battle had confounded him at first for he thought it was the third and last kin-slaying at the havens. It was Auruiron's presence that had confused him. No, this battle was not among the ones Makalaure had participated. Auruiron was there. He had somehow brought forth the experiences of his friend until he was forced away. "Annunion," he said, his voice weak and faint. "Annunion, I know not where Auruiron is now but I know..." he wiped the sweat that had appeared upon his forehead with his arm. "I know the terrible pressure and evil he has experienced and below that a sorrow implacable. Of this he suffers." |
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| Auruiron | Apr 6 2012, 05:24 PM Post #5 |
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Auruiron wandered throughout the halls, yet he cannot see them, for before his eyes, dreams merge with reality. He saw more visions, and the intensity of the pain of the Mark increases ere he runs. He was standing on a battlefield. Before him, the smell of smoke filled the air, and flames could be seen in the distance. Lord Celeborn's horses came charging back behind the walls. Many were wounded, and some were wretching in their death-throes. He turned to his side, and saw Annunon, Ancalimo, and Melimwe. He saw battlements and towers. Clearly, this was Barad Morlas. He began to feel aware, though still he wrung in pain from the Mark, and yet also, he felt the coldness of the garb of the Ainon Cundan, of Eregion also, amidst his shoulders and back. He turned forward. There stood Lord Celeborn, the sweat upon his face, and Elrond Halfelven steadfast against the foes marching before them. On the hill opposite them stood Guldrambor. Then Guldrambor laughed and yelled."Thy Oath is vain! Didst thou think as to pity me! Come to me, anger of Feanaro, strike me down!" Auruiron's Phalanx formed beside Auruiron.Guldrambor's form transformed. There in his iron grasp is the spear with Celebrimbor upon it. A voice erupted into a horrific speech:"Ash nazg durbatulûk, ash nazg gimbatul, Ash nazg thrakatulûk, agh burzum-ishi krimpatul!"Guldrambor had once more taken the form of Annatar Sauron. Guldrambor's own voice erupted. "Die Auruiron!" "Thunder and lightning!", Auruiron yelled at the top of his lungs, and began to charge in Feanorian wrath and rage into the Orquinnar before him. Auruiron charged down the halls in some area within Minas Noldorion. Battles shifted as he charged. In one moment, he was gloriously charging into Magor's Gap in the Dagor Aglareb. In another, he beheld the Balrogs in the Battle of Unnumbered Tears, and on a third, the wailing pain and death in Sirion. Yet always, no matter how Guldrambor tortured him, he returned to Eregion. Eregion, the Bane of his existence. But this time, the others did not hold him back. Auruiron fought. Ancalima Calimmacil va Cano was singing. Orquinnar fall at his feet around him, and a blaze awakens within his heart. He charges even further. Neither Troll nor Orc can stop him now. He would even have challenged all the Nine Nazgul at once if they had been present. But then something seemed wrong to him. He was winning, and he knew he should not win. He cleaved his way to where Guldrambor, now Sauron, was standing. The One Ring glinted on Sauron's finger. It called to him. A voice awoke inside his head. "Auruiron, High King of the Noldor! Your Majesty! I await thy hand! Let me touch thy finger, and Makalaure will be redeemed! You will be honored before all ages, and made Emissary of the One!" Then Auruiron halted. The temptation was strong, but his side still ached him tremendously. "If the One wished me to be his 'Emissary', it would have been so! You are nothing more than the petty heir of the jail-crow of Mandos!" Sauron then raised his spear high above Auruiron's head. Celebrimbor awoke on the spear, "Auruiron? Why did you abandon me?" Edited by Auruiron, Jul 8 2012, 11:41 AM.
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| Annunon | Apr 6 2012, 05:38 PM Post #6 |
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"This does not make any sense." Annunon then thought, Why would he be the cause of this? "For over three thousand years, I have watched over him." "He has never behaved in this way! Annunon thought once more, Aside from his remembrances of... Eregion is on the tip of his tongue. "You say you heard battle-sounds? Lord Makalaure, did you hear anything else besides them, voices, or something? Wait... Did I just hear? Is there knocking at the Gates?" Edited by Annunon, Jul 8 2012, 11:59 AM.
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| Ancalimo | Apr 7 2012, 03:14 PM Post #7 |
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Makalaure, Makalaure, Makalaure... Ancalimo thought as he violently slammed open the metal gate, knocking it off one of its hinges, and raced over the flagstone courtyard. Makalaure, Makalaure, Makalaure... A sound of a door screeching open and a quick running brought Ancalimo into the room. His hair was unbound and looking as if a bird nested upon his head. He wore no shoes. His clothing was barely enough to be decent in company and it too was disheveled. The musician carried no weapon save for his beloved flute. He visibly relaxed and slowed as he saw Makalaure and Annunion in the room. With hand gestures and facial expressions Ancalimo pointed toward the floor and to the west. His hands flew about him with different actions of long practice and use. Makalaure nodded his head several times but kept silent as he watched. Finally the hands slowed and the facial expressions turned to a stoic regard for Makalaure that signaled he was done. Patiently he awaited some response or indication he was understood. |
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| Annunon | Apr 7 2012, 03:32 PM Post #8 |
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"Ancalimo? I have not seen you since Eregion." Annunon ponders to himself, He points to the floor, and to the west. Towards the Tower? But why would he go... "What is it? Why are you disheveled?" Annunon thinks to himself, Down, west. Bottom floor...southwestern wing. The cellars. He is in the hide and scroll chamber! "Or is he? Ancalimo, did I read you correctly?" Edited by Annunon, Jul 8 2012, 12:01 PM.
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| Macalaure | Apr 7 2012, 05:53 PM Post #9 |
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Beachcomber
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"Ancalimo!" Makalaure stifled his surprise at Ancalimo's unkempt appearance yet his voice did raise reflecting his consternation over more than just Ancalimo's words. It was obvious that something had caused the usually impeccable Elf to come to this point "So you have seen Lord Auruiron!" Makalaure stated quietly, trying not to alarm Annunion by this news. It seemed however that Annunion had understood some of the communication. Ancalimo had seen Auruiron beneath the southwest wing in the cellars, in fact more than that had occurred. Ancalimo was clearly shaken by his contact. Something seemed to have happened to him to cause this normally calm and organized friend to change so. Makalaure looked closer and saw an open wound to Ancalimo's left arm unwrapped and raw. There were several rents in his right sleeve and upon the seam. The wound would wait but the actions of Ancalimo indicated an intruder or worse, Auruiron himself, had attacked him. "Quickly! To this Scroll Chamber! Lead me there, something is amiss." Makalaure gripped the jeweled hilt of his sword and drew it once again in the event Ancalimo's attacker had followed him. He looked to Ancalimo to show the way. With a nod the Elf turned and went back out the door and down the winding stairs with Makalaure close on his heels. |
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| Melimwe | Apr 7 2012, 06:14 PM Post #10 |
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Melimwe wandered through the eastern wings. He cannot find Auruiron. He opens one of the windows, and hopes to call his voice out loud for aid. Auruiron told us of a healer, named Laurefinde, who dwells at Laurelin. I should sing upon the wind, for clearly we are in need of one After having sung, Melimwe swiftly ran back to the living room in the southwestern wing, and down the spiral staircase. Melimwe runs bursting in behind them. "Nothing in the eastern wing, Annunion Alcano. Ancalimo! Who wounded you!" Edited by Melimwe, Jul 8 2012, 12:41 PM.
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| The Doom of Nenuial | Apr 7 2012, 07:14 PM Post #11 |
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"Thou are a Kinslayer now, Auruiron. Thy blade hath pierced Elvish blood!" Auruiron then replied, "You liar!" Guldrambor and Auruiron fought. They became lost in a strange Void of battles. Auruiron could see Barad-dur in one direction, and Angband in another. He lost himself in the midst of his internal chaos. All he could think was, Strike him down, pity him, but place him out of misery. It was if all of his memories, the world he had come to know, collided into one vast torrent of a whirlpool of despair. His dreams, to save Makalaure from the Oath, to bring Order to chaos, to restore all that had been lost to the Noldor, haunted him. He feared all, save one. "Oh if only you could know the measure of thy pity and compassion ere thou stabbed thy close friend!", speaks Guldrambor. Auruiron then replied in haste, "I would...never do such a thing!" "Oh but thou hath done so, and much more!", thus replied Guldrambor. Guldrambor and Auruiron fought. Auruiron doves and stabbed, but Guldrambor parried. Their weapons flashed as lightning and fire across the cosmos ere their blades clashed as if in fast motion. The intensity in their eyes grew larger, and anger swelled in the heart of Auruiron. Auruiron lifted high his arms to finish his foe, but then Guldrambor wounded Auruiron on his left arm and his side. "See? Now thou hast felt it!", yelled Guldrambor. Auruiron replied in pain, "What have you...what have I..."Guldrambor transformed into Ancalimo, gasping with similar wounds in his side. Auruiron then yelled, "Ai! Ai! Ai!" Auruiron then spoke, "What are you? Are you simply in my mind, a result of this poison, or are you really conscious of this!" "I am thy worst nightmare. Why doth should I dare to tell thee who I am? Ha! The powers of the Dark Lord are great. They invade the minds of foolish hearts as your own. Against the will of the Valar you have dared to love one who is cursed by them, and to join him thus, for all eternity!", spoke Guldrambor. Auruiron then replied, "Ah ha! You are a pure liar! No Truth can come from thy wicked mouth! The Dark Lord is a liar! You are the discord in the Song, the interruption, not the main theme! Yucalwe you have lost yourself, deceived by the Enemy's foul words, I see the hand of his Mouth in all of this now. Why else would I see the Dark Lord in so many visions? You are exposed." Then Auruiron began to think amidst his pain and woe. We Eldar can see in both worlds, the temporal, and the spiritual. The world of the Wraiths we can see. The Eye has not yet found us, and yet clearly has found me. How can this be? What poison could, other than... "The Darkness. It links us. It binds us. It exposes thee naked before the Lidless Eye, and I as well. There is no escape. The Darkness shalt poison thy heart, and remove thee forever from the temporal world. For my weapon was forged in the Darkness. It breaths the Darkness. Thy Oath art vain. Thy Doom hath come". Guldrambor laughed. "Yet why me?", replied Auruiron. "Thy torture of me shalt not go unpunished! Yet I know something thou canst not fathom! The Dark Lord desires that all threats to his domination of Arda be extinguished. Thy precious Son of Feanaro was a thorn into our master's side for an Age! Even the smallest flicker of a flame must be stamped out.", replied Guldrambor. "There are plenty of others who pose a greater threat than us!", replied Auruiron. "No matter... For I have a far worse fate... for you...", replied Guldrambor. Guldrambor reached out for Auruiron. Auruiron resisted, but found himself constrained. Guldrambor drew close to him, and he felt imprisoned. Now he was sitting in a prison cell in Tinnudir, alongside lake Nenuial, and the Dunedain left the room. Guldrambor stood before him, unchained, and armed with Ancalima Calimmacil va Cano. Guldrambor then laughed darkly. "Now, I am thy Doom. Fear it." Guldrambor began to slowly mock and stab at Auruiron's arms. Auruiron screamed at the top of his lungs, one of the loudest screams he could ever muster in his life, in pain and desolation. "Nienna, save us!" Edited by The Doom of Nenuial, Jul 8 2012, 12:35 PM.
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| Annunon | Apr 9 2012, 04:36 PM Post #12 |
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"This is not looking good, Melimwe. Lord Makalaure suspects there is an intruder in this Tower. We need to hurry, and fast!", yells Annunion. Annunon leads Makalaure, Ancalimo, and Melimwe down spiraling staircase. It is dark at the bottom. Annunon had brought a torch from above. The shadows were dark upon the walls as they traveled silently and on the watch. The Scroll Chamber was huge, and filled with blank reed-scrolls as well as some parchment. Ancalimo's blood was seen in drops from where he had fled. "Now where would he go!", speaks Annunion. "Let us be silent, and listen.", he says. Edited by Annunon, Jul 8 2012, 12:04 PM.
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| Laurefinde | Apr 9 2012, 08:24 PM Post #13 |
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...and so the strength of these scrolls is in speaking their words to those around you. They will add much to the strength of the company and may avoid defeat if... Laurefinde stopped reading and looked out the opened window toward the sea, his head tilted as if he was listening. Something is not right, he thought as he carefully set the silk marker on his page and closed the book. He grabbed his staff leaning against the desk. When his hand touched it the gems lit up in response to his energy and perceptions. Malo lay at his feat but was up in an instant ready for action. "Come Malo, we are needed!" He stopped by the door of his study to gather a few tied sacks of ready mixtures, unusual items hidden within, and carefully placed them in his satchel. Down the staircase he went. No others seemed present so he grabbed his gray cloak on a hook by the door and headed for the stables. His whistle brought an answering nicker and Malfinneth appeared from beyond some trees. The morning light glinted off her full tail and flowing mane looking the exact color of Laurefinde's own hair. Needing no saddle he gracefully leapt upon her back and with Malo at her heels urged her south toward the tidewater. At first Laurefinde did not know where he was going. He followed his intuition, this a sense he had enjoyed since his early days in Beleriand. He did not understand it and did not question it yet not all elves were graced with the ability. The closer he drew to Auruiron's abode the more urgent seemed his need to go there. He urged Malfinneth faster and she complied. The wind rushed through his unbound hair and brought tears to the corners of his eyes, he leaned forward. Malo growled as he ran beside them. There at Auruiron's tower was a black denseness before the ground floor near the door that chilled his heart and slowed his horse. This did not look good. Soon he was just outside the gate and the cloud had gotten darker and more menacing. Laurefinde left Malfinneth in the field they had just rushed over with instructions to get behind the trees on their left and wait for his call. She ran swiftly away, her fear obvious in her eyes. Malo growled again but stood steadfast. With a sign and a snap of his staff upon the ground Laurefinde moved forward to confront the apparition or whatever it might prove to be. "Away with you from this place!" Laurefinde's voice carried well, strong, deep and commanding. Malo had disappeared and was stalking to the flank of this strangeness. It was evil, there was no doubt of that and it did not belong here. "You have no power here! Begone!" he said as he stood tall and readied himself for anything that might happen next. |
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| Gloros | Apr 10 2012, 10:59 AM Post #14 |
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The Awesome!
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Gloros was beyond the barn sharpening his weapons at the nearby forge when he heard a sharp whistle and Laurefinde's mare galloped by the open door. Loremasters, he thought, so mysterious and going about their business unexplained. His hand brought the whetstone lightly across his sword edge and his mind went back to the task at hand. In a few days he had plans of joining Oldtusk for some troll killing. |
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| Macalaure | Apr 10 2012, 07:21 PM Post #15 |
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Beachcomber
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"Listen! Just ahead!" Macalaure held up his left hand and slowed on the stairs. " It is Auruiron calling upon Nienna!" Ancalimo made a motion with the fingers of his right hand in a wavy gesture. "Yes Ancalimo, the air seems thicker down here, was it so when you came this way before?" Ancalimo shook his head NO and continued down the stairs. Soon they were stopped before a heavy oak door. All the while the air had gotten hotter and harder to breathe. Ancalimo pointed beyond the closed door and reached for the brass latch. "You have no power here! Begone!" The strong voice of Laurefinde came clearly to them. "It seems Laurefinde will help too," Macalaure stated with some joy in his voice, "and it is possible he may be dealing with whatever it is by his words." Ancalimo motioned toward the passageway leading to the main door with a question mark. "No, let me sing Laurefinde to us." Macalaure took a breath and coughed, the dry heat hampered his throat. Finally he sang forth a beautiful melody in Quenya. Immediately they heard an answering call from Laurefinde. Then they heard Laurefinde give an order to his cat then his sudden words once again rang out. "Leave us! Go back to where you belong foul creature!" |
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| The Doom of Nenuial | Apr 10 2012, 07:47 PM Post #16 |
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Auruiron then found himself in his Tower, but something was horribly wrong. He could see Guldrambor marshaling some dark power, and standing before the Gates, but on the inside. He could hear Laurefinde's voice beyond. He turned to look at the Mark. The Mark of Guldrambor had grown in size, and darkness surrounded the soul of Auruiron. The darkness Makalaure had sensed within him in Forochel was now unleashed in the form of Guldrambor. The scene then shifts once more. He found himself in Forochel atop the cliffs. "Leap, as thou should hath done!", Guldrambor commanded. Yet Auruiron heard a voice upon the wind in Quenya. It is Makalaure calling Laurefinde, yet it brought to memory his own experience of hearing his voice in Forochel once more. Namo the Elder, Mandos, now stood next to him. "Ye shalt leap, and be lost forevermore to the Everlasting Dark!" "I know you have changed your form once more, Guldrambor", replied Auruiron. "Once more, I pity you." Guldrambor scratched his head. "Thou foolish one, why would thou dare to pity thy Doom?" "My will compels me. My Oath commands me. My heart motivates me.", replied Auruiron. "For even the most wretched of them all was once good, long ago, beyond all time and space." Guldrambor then retorted, "Pity me then. Thy friends shalt fall to my hand!" Edited by The Doom of Nenuial, Jul 8 2012, 12:37 PM.
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| Annunon | Apr 10 2012, 08:20 PM Post #17 |
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"Thy Song is as fair as it was in Aman", speaks Annunion. "Melimwe, we cannot be certain in this darkness where our liege may be, or if he even still lives. Cover the rear in defensive position!" Melimwe moves into position behind Makalaure and Ancalimo. Annunion then speaks, "I will guard the front. Laurefinde may need to catch up to us. Lord Makalaure, from which direction came Lord Auruiron's cry for Nienna?" Edited by Annunon, Jul 8 2012, 12:06 PM.
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| Laurefinde | Apr 11 2012, 11:21 AM Post #18 |
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The blackness dissipated as Laurefinde spoke his command but he was wise enough to know it was not his words or presence that caused the darkness to climb the walls of the foremost tower and fade. He knew there were strange forces at work here, something of which he was unfamiliar. With his staff at the fore Laurefinde clasped the iron latch and opened the door. Malo went in, unseen as usual, and turned right into a corridor. His throaty meow alerted him there were friends ahead rather than an enemy. Makalaure, Ancalimo, Annunon and several of Auruiron's guard stood at another door. He told them about the darkness he had encountered outside and that it had gone into the tower above them. "Let me send Malo in first," he suggested as he noticed Ancalimo's hand on the latch. He will remain unseen and report to us. Makalaure stopped Ancalimo before the latch was lifted. "That is a good idea Lord Laurefinde but I fear we are in a hurry. Ancalimo was struck with a weapon and fought with whatever we may find within. Auruiron too is inside. We must protect him from this danger." Laurefinde stepped in front of the door to stop all forward movement. "Stay! Valar be praised, I feel the danger is somehow controlled by or within Lord Auruiron himself. If he is unmanageable we must secure him without injury to ourselves. This is what Malo will find out. Let us follow him rather than wait for his report, time is short!" Laurefinde let Ancalimo continue opening the oak door. It creaked on its hinges with alarm. Beyond were circular stairs leading up into darkness but the heat that had been in the corridor had lessened. Laurefinde spoke some words, his staff glowed and there came a change in the air to that of the open sea. The loremaster held out his arm to prevent Ancalimo from leading the party within as Malo padded up the stairs. "Now let us go and be not afraid. A friend needs our help and this we will manage." Laurefinde led the way up the stairs at a slow pace and it seemed as if he was listening for some sign. Suddenly his face changed to one of serious contemplation and he stopped. "Indeed Auruiron is near, this Malo has confirmed." |
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| Macalaure | Apr 15 2012, 11:02 AM Post #19 |
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Beachcomber
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Now that Laurefinde had shown up Makalaure breathed a sigh of relief. Ever had Laurefinde supported him in some of his darkest hours and now he was once again ready and able to support Auruiron as well. As they went up the stairs Makalaure's hopes were high that this was nothing more than one of Auruiron's dreams. He recalled his own dreams from earlier days and shuddered at how dark they were. He vowed to help Auruiron in this, Auruiron's own time of darkness just as Laurefinde helped him. He glanced behind him at the others, all supportive of Auruiron, friends through the years. He has all this, he will overcome whatever it is that drags him into darkness. Near the top of the stairs after Laurefinde spoke of Malo's findings Makalaure pushed past the loremaster and entered the uppermost chamber of the tower. There was a haze within the room which made vision almost useless. He thought he saw a flicker which designated the area where Malo stood. He felt his friend Auruiron close but could not see him. "Auruiron! Come show yourself! You are in trouble and I wish to help you!" It was hard to keep the fear Makalaure had for his friend out of his voice. He did what he always did in such situations where despair seemed to be growing. He tried to transform it with his own restored strength and change it to hope. "Veiled in velvet mist, I am here! Hearken, I lift up my voice The time is nigh, make your choice You must surface from your vile lair Thy portion of darkness we shall share! Eclipse of your heart, disappear! Such bitter poison I do dispel, To replace it with thine own Estel. Come to me through this cruel hour I bring my song within your tower" Behind him Ancalimo played a simple flute tune to go with his song. The flute kept his words true, giving Makalaure the energy it took to give power to the song, to make it able to help with removing despair without consuming his own hope. |
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| Auruiron | Apr 15 2012, 08:35 PM Post #20 |
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The Blackness beyond the Door in which Makalaure and his friends now stood dissipated, and condensed around the form of Auruiron, who is standing in the moonlight on the balcony in the distance, yet enshrouded by the shadow of the poison. The dim light of a starry night sky could be seen in the distance. The chamber, the place of Auruiron's primary contemplation, was as lofty as the Hall of Tirion below it. It was long and wide. Great shelves filled with his legacy as a historian, surrounded by red drapes, and marble tables, covered with maps and unlit candles, could be seen in the gloom save by a pale reflection. Auruiron alone could defeat his own guilt. Yet what Power, can now exist in Arda, to defeat the amassed grief and rage of eight thousand years of misery and chaos? It is with this question that Lord Irmo watched the vision intently from afar. The darkness of the poison swirled around him in the world of wraiths as the shadow of his form stood on the vague balcony in the distance. The balcony itself was large and wide, circular as it extended outward, and the horizon of the Sea was barely noticeable in the background. Yet, in the distance, Auruiron could hear the Song of Makalaure and Ancalimo through his vision. Then the Shade, in the visage of Guldrambor, of Auruiron's eight thousand years of grief and despair, drew itself closer to Auruiron. Yet the poison swirled around Auruiron in reality, and through this, the voice of his foe now spoke. The shadowy figure of Auruiron rose in the distance, yet his body was covered in the darkness of the poison, and his eyes glowed with the hatred of his own guilt. Ancalima Calimmacil va Cano gleamed in the moonlight, and yet ready to strike. Auruiron's voice arose in torment across the actual library, and speaks in a darker tone, as the poison dominates his body, and manifests itself in his voice. Auruiron stood in his vision to hear words from Guldrambor's mouth, and perceived not that they are for yet another audience. Auruiron stood in his vision, and awaited the coming onslaught of Guldrambor upon the balcony on which he now stood. The Shade of Auruiron stood in reality, and beckons to he who now stood on the opposite side of the chamber. The Shade in reality, and Guldrambor in vision, spoke simultaneously: "I Guldrambor hath dared to victor over thy friend! Come forth and meet thy Doom, Oath-breaker! For I am the Everlasting Dark... I wilt shallow thee and thy friend both, by the Doom of Mandos! Justice hath come to strike down the mighty Noldor at long last! I dareth thee to approach thy final Doom! What is the matter with you, Makalaure, brother to my former Master Maitimo? Are you not surprised to see me? Perhaps it has been too long. Regardless, I like the many 'thees' and 'thous' the servants of the Enemy taught me. They shalt serve my purpose. What purpose could that be? Why would an Elf seek such darkness upon another? Do you not know? I am a servant of the Valar. I have escaped the servants of the Enemy, as I escaped my former master Morgoth so long ago. But now, I shall finish what Mandos began with his curse. All that you have strove to accomplish has been for naught. Now, the Kinslayers shalt be kin-slain, and none shall ever know of it. " Then Auruiron sang at the top of his lungs, from within the vision, in the hope that Makalaure would hear him. He sung of the domination thus inflicted upon his being. He sang for aid. And tensions rose in the air, and the darkness hissed. Such was the depth of the Shadow that now surrounded him in the world of wraiths. Doubtless the real Guldrambor mocked him from afar, safe aboard his ship, still trapped in Forochel. Yet a greater foe than he was here. Auruiron was now a soul divided: his Virtue against his sin, and the latter was winning, for it now challenged Makalaure in a battle to the death. For many felt the pain he did throughout these thousands of years. Yet there was something he had always wished, his ultimate flaw, which now had come to haunt and desecrate him, unleashed by the poison emitting from the Mark of Guldrambor. Auruiron, for all of his life, had longed for power, and for glory. His pride awoke and fueled Guldrambor's will-power over him. The roof was not cylindrical, nor arching, but straight as a rectangle, and surrounding by marble railings along its edges. The Sea roared not far below in the distance. Auruiron turned. Do not let me fall, do not let me fall. "I will not", his heart replied. What have I become. Kin-slayer, Affirmation-breaker.What am I? Who am I? I am now no different from......Makalaure.......Long did I serve him, and yet he had the gall to persist in Kin-slayings! Now I too have spilt Elvish blood! Who am I!!!!! Why? Thou fools! Why didst I not dare to challenge Morgoth himself! Why didst I run away, when I could have slain Annatar, Sauron, and taken his Ring for my own Power! The Silmarils....the Ring......all mine! My precious! They stole it from us.........glory.......those thieves! I am High King of the Noldor! Better that I should have sworn the Oath of Feanaro, and not he! Yet here we are....I powerless.....he Oath-bound........and for what? Are you content, Mandos!!!!!!!!!! He is my friend, Morgoth was our Enemy, and you Valar dared to defy our right! Such were the raging thoughts of Auruiron. And then a voice awoke within his heart. It was silent as if a whisper. In the vision, Auruiron hid his face in his cloak. The voice was unfamiliar to him. He did not know if it was his conscience or some higher Power. You are none of these things. You are as you were created to be. Reject now this discord. Sing. Auruiron drew forth Ancalima Calimmacil va Cano, and awaited the coming of his pride as Guldrambor, the coming of his destiny. And thus it was, for the first time in thousands of years, Auruiron emitted from his heart a pure love, unbiased by his own interests, selfless, and willing to give everything, including his life. Auruiron then spoke, "I see thee, myself. I know thee, my foe. You have dared to claim me, to nearly ruin my Oath, and to prevent me from being selfless and good! I am not a High King! I am not a Balrog-slayer! I am but a minor role in history! And you....are nothing! Estel (Hope) be my guide! Estel guide my path! Estel let me lose myself in you!" Auruiron swung his blade, and the battle began. Alcano ran up behind the others in the spiral staircase. "No sign of him Almareon!" Almareon replied, "He is in here, Alcano Astarseron. Makalaure, can you see...? Where is he?" Edited by Auruiron, Mar 28 2013, 03:59 PM.
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12:43 AM Jul 11