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1. Wind-Singers Prologue I: Ranyaro- Tales of the Wanderer; A story intended for a wider audience- divided into chapters
Topic Started: Nov 5 2013, 09:24 AM (682 Views)
Findekano

Flashback: The Battle of Tears Unnumbered of the First Age

"Are we prepared?"
"We are indeed."
"Good, Yucalwe. Good. You should return to your Master before we are cut-off."
"But my liege!"
"Listen to me, you must bring word to Maitimo Nelyafinwe, for I have these last words for him:

"My dearest brother and friend. We have fought well, and the memory of our battle will ever remain in song
as your father foretold. I greatly desire to return home with you. But the forces of Morgoth are strong. My
faithful beloved friend... my beloved brother...."

Tears started to flow from Findekano's eyes.

"... I love you... you must not do anything rash in the name of your father's Oath!
May we meet again... when the Stars are shining... when the Sun is rising... upon
the shores of our old home... for I believe I one day will be released from Mandos...
May we live again anew in Aman... For this is my Dream if I should die. Namarie!"

Yucalwe also was weeping. Findekano folded the missive upon which he wrote those fateful words.
Then he brought forth another missive. "For you, Yucalwe...
My dear brother and friend beloved... my second brother... yet no less loved than
my first... we have fought many battles together... Maitimo will understand... for
you both are brothers to each other... I will never understand why you do not
wish to be known in the pages of history, save honor..."

Still weeping, Findekano and Yucalwe embraced. "I would have you fight with me...
but you must live. You must live to fulfill your Vow... this is my Gift... that we may
meet again at last in Aman..."

After innumerable long moments of embrace and tears, they parted. Yucalwe surged away upon his steed. He made his way south of the battle, and prepared to return to Maitimo by another way. He would write and re-write Findekano's words for centuries.

But Findekano rallied his forces, and they charged into the Yrch that stood between him and Maitimo. The Yrch were many, but they fell easily. Victory seemed to be near. But the power of the Curse could not be undone. Great shadows sprung forth from the north, and burst into flame. Their shadows spread forth as wings. Fire came forth from their nostrils. One stood apart, larger and insidious, and Findekano found himself surrounded. He quickly climbed the large rocks nearby and pointed his sword in defiance.

His beautiful tresses of raven-colored hair woven with gold blew in the great hot winds. His majestic cloak streamed behind him. His banner streamed in glory. He planted his banner in a cleft in the rocks. It stood tall and blowing in the breeze. He drew forth his spear and tossed it. Gothmog accepted the challenge. Findekano girded his shield and stood ready with his sword. Out of the shadows came a whip of flame. Findekano slashed at it. A portion of the whip fell behind him. Then a great and fiery molten sword of flame came thrashing down out of the shadows. Findekano hid beneath his shield and the sword did not penetrate. But his shield was singed. Gothmog laughed in mockery.

He stood as if an ancient statue. A beauty and a legacy for all the Ages of the World to see. His selflessness and his courage were unparalleled. He stood upon the brink of honor. It is right and just that I fall upon this day... for I betrayed my kin and followed a mad-elf into shadows... I did it for my brother... of his love I do not repent... but of his deeds and mine... I wish they were not so... take me, oh Valar! Take me, Mandos! Yet as he was ready to leap upon Gothmog's chest... all seven molten swords of flame came crashing down at once.

Gothmog stomped upon the rock, and the banner of Findekano was mired in his blood. They all trod upon him.
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As Findekano awaited Mandos' call, another shadow appeared. It was Guldrambor. "Why, did you really believe that
I would allow you to so easily escape me? Your Guardian friend will suffer! And so shalt thee!"

Findekano became thrust down by powers he did not understand. He could not leave the vicinity of his tent wherein his ceremonial Staff was interred. He saw Guldrambor's physical form take the Staff. He was forced to follow.

And near the Staff he was ever forced to remain. For he was bound to Guldrambor's curse. Guldrambor ensured the Staff would find its way back to the Feanorians at the proper time. And it was preserved through the long and dark years. Celebrimbor brought it with him to Eregion. It was hidden in Minas Elendur. No one else possessed knowledge of the truth. For Findekano's presence was veiled in shadow. On the fateful day upon which Ranyaro and his companions entered, he finally broke his voice free from the curse, but his voice remained mental. Ranyaro thought he was being deceived by tricks or ancient memories. Thus Findekano remained entrapped to a Staff in Minas Elendur. And the long years of the Third Age of Arda passed him by.
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Yucalwe

Chapter IV: Impulsive Youth

Ranyaro remembered Findekano, but his memories returned to his hunt. Guldrambor had slipped away yet again. Ranyaro had lost him along the Riven Harnen. He had chased him south towards Umbar, and instead he found Abrazan.

Ranyaro returned into the present moment. He smiled at Abrazan and a day had come to an end.

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Meanwhile, a cruel foe was stirring. Abrazan set out to fish alone, but he was impulsive and longed for a time to roam free from Ranyaro. His ship carried him through the River Harnen, but then he felt a darkness near at hand. He steered the ship in reverse, but it was too late: Guldrambor had sensed him and his past. He wanted to draw Ranyaro out of hiding. And so it was that a lone Gondorian soldier had been ensnared on the southern marches. Guldrambor had tortured his mind and deluded him with lies. He would enter Minas Tirith and await new tidings.

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On the seventh level of Minas Tirith, young Boromir and Faramir were training. Their trainer was special and the protector of an important lineage. Ivordir had sneaked away from his father's desk with a relic with the sigil of Finwe. Ioristor had always told him the tale of the strange Elf wanderer who exchanged this token with his forefather in return for a horse at Cirith Ungol. He showed it to the trainer, who also was startled. And the spy of Guldrambor saw it all and reported it to his master.

Guldrambor designed a plot: He would slay Finduilas, wife of the Steward of Gondor, by poison. This would anguish the trainer, who was her chief attendant. The trainer was dear to Ranyaro, Guldrambor knew this: for he had fought her by the ruins of Barad-dur centuries earlier. Ranyaro would come out of hiding. Then Guldrambor would have his quarry. He would have his revenge and fulfill his oath to Morgoth. For his quarry was one of the last living Guardians of King Finwe of Aman, from the years of myth and legend in the tales of Men. Abrazan had unwittingly caused all of this.

Ranyaro scolded Abrazan for his recklessness. Fear began to grow within his heart.
Edited by Yucalwe, Jun 1 2014, 08:25 PM.
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Yucalwe

Flashback: The First Failure

As Yucalwe wondered of the nature of the calamity developing in the heart of Gondor, he began to reflect upon the past, to where it all began, in the Days of the Trees:

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"Mae govannen, Eldarle." A young child's voice spoke near his ear. The boy came closer, "My name is Amanuiron, what is your eposse?"

"That is rather forward of you," Yucalwe replied. Yucalwe was then very young. "You must not be familiar with our customs. Are you not Elvish?"

The child smiled, "I am a Maia."

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They sat beside a fair pool in the Gardens of Lorien. "Tell me, to which Vala are you apprenticed?"

Amanuiron laughed, "Why, Irmo, Lorien." Yucalwe smiled, "And what is he teaching you?"

Amanuiron smiled, "Behold, my friend, and I will show you." Amanuiron came closer to Yucalwe, and danced around, flickering his trailing, sparkling cloak in the breeze, and then he cast it over Yucalwe's head, and lifted it. Yucalwe no longer saw the Gardens of Lorien. He saw Tirion, the city of the Noldor. His eyes were filled with wonder.

"Amanuiron, is this real?"

Amanuiron shook his head, "Only within our minds, my friend. Watch this."

All of a sudden, Tirion vanished, and they were nigh Tanquetil instead, the Mountain of Manwe. Amanuiron smirked, "And this."
Then, they were on the shores of Cuivienen, with the stars sparkling above.

"What is this luminous place, Amanuiron?"

"It is where your people first awoke."

"I am not certain that I was meant to see this. How far do your powers extend into the past?"

"As a Maia of visions and dreams, I can behold the past, and the future. But the future is veiled, and I do not wish to search there. It is as if all history will come to an end nigh the conclusion of this age."

"This age will conclude???"

"I have spoken too much. Lord Irmo will not be pleased with me. But Ages always come and begun anew. It does not mean that all will not remain as it is."

"This is true."

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Several long centuries passed, and the Age blossomed. Yucalwe was entering into his young "adulthood," although he remained innocent in many ways. However, Melkor was released from Mandos, and the seeds of discord were being sewn throughout Aman. Yucalwe's outburst led to the exile of both he and his father from the Court of Finwe.

Sulking, Yucalwe remained by the same pool where he and Amanuiron had begun their first meeting. Amanuiron also appeared to be of similar age to Yucalwe, although as a spirit, he could assume nearly any form he desired. He sat down beside Yucalwe, "What happened?"

"Did you foresee what just occurred in the Court of Finwe?"

"Your exile was not your fault."

"How is it not my fault?"

Amanuiron's huge, billowing cloak glittered as if comprised of a million stars. He whipped its silken lining around Yucalwe, as if to comfort him, and then covered his head. They beheld a strange scene in the House of the Ainon Cundan:

"I knew it, the time has come at last. Yuale is gone," Alcarin gloated.

"I knew he detested me from the start. His House must not prevail," Alcon (who was to become Auruiron) concurred.

Yucalwe's anger fumed at the sight. And the vision vanished.

Amanuiron smiled an insidious grin, "You are right and correct to detest him, my friend."

Yucalwe then sensed that something was awry, in his own behavior, and in that of Amanuiron.

"No, it is not worth it."

Amanuiron strode away as if insulted, his cloak flapping wildly behind him.
Edited by Yucalwe, Jun 9 2014, 11:37 AM.
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Yucalwe

Flashback: The First Failure Part II


Yucalwe was walking toward the great festival of reunification, and Amanuiron joined him. Amanuiron outstretched his vast cloak over both of their shoulders, and they walked side by side.

"The age that I once spoke to you of is ending, my friend."

"Is it, Amanuiron? Your prediction appears to be correct. The divergent House of Finwe is being reunited!"

"I am gladdened by these tidings. Yucalwe, come with me. I want to show you something."

He led Yucalwe upon a high bluff overlooking the distance hills, and there were the Two Trees of Valinor, glistening with light. Then he wedged Yucalwe's head against his chest, and began to laugh in a tone that Yucalwe had never heard before. He felt Amanuiron draw something from a sheath, and Yucalwe kicked him back, drawing his new Feanorian sword. They fought to and fro upon the bluff.

"Why Yucalwe, you disappoint me! You should fight with more fury for your High-King!"

They continued to clash,

"Oh great war-master, have you not learned how to battle further? Come at me again!"

"Surely this is some trick or jest of yours, Amanuiron!"

"Why, never! For I am no longer Amanuiron!!"

His cloak flapped wildly, but became transfigured. Its many sparkles vanished as the cloak gradually turned into a dirtier black, as his robes changed in hue as well, and then Yucalwe was unable to move, as he leaped on him, and Amanuiron closed Yucalwe's eyes and kissed him on the cheek. But when Yucalwe opened his eyes, the fair young face of Amanuiron was gone, replaced by a hideous malice, a darker face, a rounder, bald, head, with an insidious grin.
Edited by Yucalwe, Jun 9 2014, 03:00 PM.
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Yucalwe

Flashback- The First Failure: Part III


And then he said to Yucalwe:

"Come, look yonder."

Yucalwe turned, and witnessed it all as it would happen in the distance: he saw Ungoliant drinking the Two Trees dry, and Melkor chopping them down. Then all was darkness. He no longer saw Amanuiron.

"Here my words, son of House Yualon, adhere closely,
For thou shalt know,
Amanuiron,
Is my name no longer,
For power shall come,
Into my fist,
I now serve Melkor!
And thou shalt hear,
As thou hath never heard,
Beneath the stars,
That thou hast cherished,
And ne'r before,
For I am Guldrambor!"

Guldrambor. The name that would haunt his dreams for thousands of years. The name that would crawl beneath his flesh as if to tear it off and leave his spirit bare and alone in the shadows of the night. Yucalwe ran in the direction of the feast, but then he thought to himself: the Silmarils. He is going after the Silmarils.
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Yucalwe

Flashback: The First Failure- Part IV


Yucalwe quickly found his horse and charged toward Formenos as fast as he could. He rode up the steep paths nigh the cliffs, and came at once to the fortress gates.

But it was too late, for Melkor had already invaded Formenos, slaying the High-King and fleeing with the Silmarils.
Edited by Yucalwe, Sep 26 2015, 08:42 PM.
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Yucalwe

Flashback: The First Failure- Part V


Yucalwe ran through Formenos. He beheld many slaughtered soldiers in several chambers. Then he saw a pale figure in the distance, robed in black.

And he heard a loud and hideous voice, that seemed to overlap as if many voices at once:

"Here I shalt take an Oath that none shall break,
Death to the day's ending,
So thou shalt be bound,
Banished from Aman forever,
With tears unnumbered,
I shalt make thee shed,
Thy cries lament,
Shalt render pitiless,
Every Guardian of Finwe King,
Every member of the great House,
And Houses of his many guards,
Shalt I slay before the end,
Of Time itself and of the world,
This I do for Melkor my Master,
Dark Lord to reign o'er the world,
So shalt thy fall."

Guldrambor vanished, and Yucalwe ran. He had attempted to run through many doors, and had seen each event as it was described. He knew what would occur, but knew not how nor when.
Edited by Yucalwe, Sep 26 2015, 08:42 PM.
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Yucalwe

Flashback: The First Failure- Part VI


Yucalwe rode as fast as he could. He saw a distant procession of torches entering into Tirion. By the time they reached the courtyard, Feanaro and his sons were preparing to gather.

Yucalwe rode into the city, but it was too late: The Oath of Feanor had been sworn. He had beheld the madness and fled to the east.


Edited by Yucalwe, Sep 26 2015, 08:44 PM.
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Yucalwe

Chapter V: The Company of the Silver Swan

One day, several men came into Yucalwe's cave, and Yucalwe and Abrazan submitted to their discovery. Yucalwe agreed, in exchange for goods, to teach the family of the Silver Swan various truths of history, provided that their secrecy was maintained. And so their standard of living was mutually increased. Yucalwe had known several swan-knights throughout the long years that passed. The House of the Silver Swan had favored Yucalwe, and he had always favored them.

It was now the year TA 3016.

In this House were named the following Knights:

Ballithor- He was so-named for the powerful gleam in his eye. He was the eldest. He is a strong man with a weathered, partly wrinkled face with a thinly-shaped head.
Baralinor- Son of Ballithor; named for a fiery gleam in his eye due to his youth. Confidence is in his eyes.
Brastor- Named for how his skin (and later, his armor) would shine white in the afternoon heat. He was albino. He is Ballithor's brother. His hair was beginning to grey before his time, his countenance was stern, and his eyes would glow with wrath.
Celegon- Named for how hasty his birth took place. He is Brastor's son. His hair is long and his face retains a youthful strength.
Morfinnor- Brother to Baralinor and Bainor, and son of Ballithor. He was named for his raven-colored hair.
Bainor- Brother of Baralinor and Morfinnor. He was named for his youthful features.
Glingaeron- Cousin to Brastor's children. And it is said the Sea did indeed gleam in his eyes.


Edited by Yucalwe, Oct 4 2015, 06:56 PM.
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Yucalwe

Flashback: The Kin-Strife and Castamir

Years earlier, from 1432 - 1447, Gondor had erupted in a civil war that resulted in the loss of a palantir and the ruination of Osgiliath. During this time, Dol Amroth attempted to remain neutral, but there were many in the city of pure Numenorean blood who opted to side with Castamir, as King Eldacar was infused with the blood of the now-non-existent Kingdom of Rhovanion. Castamir murdered Ornendil, son of Eldacar, and the King fled north into Rhovanion. During this decade, Castamir ruled Gondor ruthlessly.

None knew the true origins of the Silver Swan: a House that had served Castamir loyally, only to change sides near the last possible moment, even to the point of changing names.
Edited by Yucalwe, Sep 26 2015, 08:49 PM.
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Yucalwe

Chapter VI: A Long Time Coming

The House of the Silver Swan had learned the truth of Yucalwe's identity and his purpose. They took sacred words to keep silent in the presence of their lords. They would march and end this threat.

They sailed to Tolfalas, as is recounted in the tales of Baralinor in Ivordir's text, entitled, "The Final Quest," and Yucalwe and Abrazan survived through it all. But then Amarthon, son of Malnoron, poisoned their wine in secret, and they were parched, and they fell prey to the vile bile of Guldrambor. They sailed north along the coast, forced to endure long nights of dreaming they were enslaved in Umbar, resulting in the rising tides of madness. Ranyaro had lost himself. And Yucalwe's mind was overrun with horrid pride and insanity.
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