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| 15. Wind-Singers Volume I: The Hunt; Cellindien and Ioristion search for artifacts in ruins across Eriador | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: May 23 2014, 08:00 PM (1,304 Views) | |
| Ioristion | Mar 21 2015, 08:46 PM Post #121 |
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Chapter CXXXII: The Cage of a Lady Rostoriel nodded, "I remember...... seeing the practices from afar, many different pairings..... but I think it best if we not dwell hither for too long." "Yes..... of course." Cellindien straightened and carefully wrapped her fingers about the glass, bringing it to her lips, and remembered better times. She took a deep draught, allowing the warmth and deep flavors to bring her into the present. "...This is indeed warmer than tea." Rostoriel deeply smiled, "It is always helpful." There was a moment of silence and Cellindien seemed thoughtful and distant once again. She ran her fingers along the carvings of the table. "I know that you... do not wish to dwell on these thoughts.... but how old were you, Rostoriel? When Gondolin fell?" Rostoriel closed her eyes, "I am of your age. I was born with one of whom we should not speak." She sipped the wine again, the waves of pleasure nullifying the tides of pain. Cellindien felt a pang as she realized the meaning of the response, but as Rostoriel sipped again she frowned. She closed her eyes, hesitantly accepting the memories that rose in her thoughts. There had been many elleth of that age, but she had rarely spoken to them. Luingil had not encouraged it. But she had watched and wondered.... until the teasing of the other trainees had sent her into a state of practiced indifference. She drew on those memories now, and not the practices and restraints of the current age. She hesitantly drew her chair nearer to Rostoriel and laid one hand on her arm, using the other to gently slip the wine away from her. "Do not.... do not drink because of pain." Rostoriel sighed, "Very well... you are right. I remember.... many things of those days. All of the suitors calling for me....., individually of course, and never more than one at any point in time. Alas, my parents were obsessed with preserving our 'noble lineage.' Even so, I was forced by my parents to live the life of a 'Lady'.... how droll....... Nothing but dancing, servants styling my hair, drinking, dining, and speaking........ and I would watch the trainees and wish I could do more....... But the pains of exile wore me down. I no longer sought adventure after that......but it was never the same. Still, I would take my husband's madness over such memories." "Of course." Cellindien sighed, but a slightly mischievous light rose in her eyes and though she turned her head to her glass, her eyes looked sideways back at Rostoriel. "...Forgive me.... you watched the trainees?" |
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| Ioristion | Mar 21 2015, 08:47 PM Post #122 |
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Chapter CXXXIII: Carelessness Rostoriel nodded. Cellindien chuckled. Rostoriel's eye-brows raised slightly, "What is so humorous?" Cellindien reached for her glass and took a sip. "Ah... it is just that... your presence... was very appreciated. I simply would not have pictured you as one of the spectators. That is all." Rostoriel nodded in understanding, a smile growing on her lips. "I was teased," Cellindien admitted. "I never understood why the other trainees felt a need to fight so hard when there were ellith present..." Rostoriel sighed, waving at the air in dismissal, "Oh those would-be suitors....." Cellindien looked at her, a surprisingly mischievous grin on her face. "...Their fervour made them careless, of course..." Rostoriel grinned mischievously in return, "Those ellon...... I remember another young ellon sparring with you at times. Who was he?" "Another ellon? I trained with many..." Cellindien trailed off. "Sararwa, perhaps. He was somewhat like you. He wished for adventure, and to prove himself in battle." Rostoriel smiled, "....a mutual loved one of ours spoke of him. Yes, I can imagine." She sipped her wine, no longer fighting pain. Suddenly, Alcano burst into the room, "Come quickly!" Rostoriel sighed, "Not again! What has happened!" Cellindien smiled and fell into silence, enjoying the moment. Second later she nearly overturned her glass as Alcano appeared. She followed him, instantly returning to her role as Cellindien, Guardian of Ioristion. They ran to the chamber where Ioristion was resting. His mouth rambled in strange words. And yet, he seemed unconscious. |
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| Ioristion | Mar 21 2015, 08:48 PM Post #123 |
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Chapter CXXXIV: Temptations Alcano gazed in terror, "Should I seek a healer?" Rostoriel sighed, her fears growing, "I...I do not know..... My husband? What has happened with that orb...." Cellindien bent over Ioristion, resting on hand on his shoulder and the other on his forehead. "Ioristion! It is I, Cellindien. Do you hear me?" Inside Ioristion's mind, he wandered in a place he had never seen before. The realm before him was ethereal. Yet the leaves and plants of the surrounding garden seemed real. A being approached him. He heard a distant voice, calling to him. The being was ravishing to behold in his ecstasy. He was robed from neck to toe in dazzling clothes of many colors, great silks, and a massive cloak. His hair was long and vibrant, raven in its hue. But something then struck Ioristion's heart with terror. He reminded him of Annatar. Alcano suddenly, by impulse, placed the Staff beneath Ioristion's bed. His heart cried. The spirit was present, but unseen. Ioristion felt a hand on his shoulder, a hand pulling him back, strong and tender, as his mind was dragged forth from the dream. It was as if he was drowning in a turbulent sea, the hand of a saviour pulling the victim out onto the deck. Ioristion heard a voice, a gentle whisper, "It was naught but a dream... and nothing more. Leave them untouched for now." Cellindien could feel the tension of Ioristion's body as his heart beat rapidly, but then it seemed to ease and she continued her efforts to wake him, hoping that Alcano's action with the staff had brought about the change. Ioristion opened his eyes. "Brother..." Cellindien sagged with relief and she sat heavily on the edge of the bed. Ioristion rubbed his eyes slowly, "...sister?" |
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| Ioristion | Mar 21 2015, 08:49 PM Post #124 |
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Chapter CXXXV: The Queen of Virtues Alcano helped him to sit-up while Rostoriel felt his pulse. It was normal. Ioristion sighed, "What have I done........ what madness possessed me....... how could such artifacts pass into this realm unnoticed, if they were ill?" He felt a thought inside his mind, Not ill.... but now rendered false. It is a false image, a tragic vision... of what once was, before darkness conquered.... Ioristion slowly shook his head and stared down at the marble tiles of the floor. "Perhaps they are only of danger to those already mad," Cellindien snapped angrily, but she sighed and ran a hand through her hair wearily. "This must stop, Ioristion. It must. You cannot continue this foolishness... you do not know what you are dealing with." Rostoriel snapped equally, "She is right, my love. You are meddling in powers beyond your keen." Ioristion nodded sadly, "He was beautiful.... his eyes of sapphire, his many-coloured robes.... his long, vibrant hair...... the smile on his face............... a false image.......an image of what once was.........." A tear fell down his cheek. "I pity him." |
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| Ioristion | Mar 21 2015, 08:50 PM Post #125 |
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Chapter CXXXVI: A New Horizon Cellindien shook her head, at a loss for words. Rostoriel sighed, "Yes..... I understand....... but do not dwell there again. We have endured too many..... troubles, of late, from delving into the ancient past." Cellindien nodded. "How do you feel? Before, when we brought you up from the basement, you seemed in a daze. Is your mind clearing?" Ioristion blinked, "I feel..... better, although strange....... nothing to worry about." He slowly smiled. "Good." Cellindien inhaled and stood up, fixing him with a glare. "Please, try to clear it from your mind. I cannot have you interrupting my rest in this house with your incessant episodes of madness." Ioristion laughed, "Madness is ever more interesting than boredom, but I agree." Ioristion closed his eyes, analyzing her words. He suddenly realized it. "My sister...." He embraced her warmly. Rostoriel warmly smiled, nodding in agreement. Cellindien laughed as he recognized what she had said and returned the embrace. "I am here, brother. There is no more need to plan ridiculous escapades to bring me back. Rest for now. Heal, for us all." Ioristion nodded and sat back down on the bed. Alcano laughed, "What.... he did not plan those 'ridiculous escapades!'" Rostoriel gave him a stern look. Cellindien did the same, raising an eyebrow. "He is your father. I would not put anything past him." Alcano playfully stammered, "No credit!" And marched out of the room. Ioristion laughed, "You had best reach the pantry before he finishes all the wine." With this, he stretched himself back on the bed and began to rest. Cellindien sighed dramatically. "Rostoriel, perhaps it would be best if you kept an eye on my brother... I shall tend to the wine pantry." Rostoriel nodded, remaining by her husband's side. |
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| Ioristion | Mar 21 2015, 08:50 PM Post #126 |
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Chapter CXXXVII: Beneath the Visage of Youth Cellindien hurried out of the room in pursuit of Alcano. Alcano remembered the discipline. His antics were a facade formed from the pangs of nervousness. He wearily sighed and took a glass, pouring the wine carefully. Cellindien found him near the pantry, but though Ioristion was now resting in the care of his wife, it seemed his son was not faring as well. "Alcano?" Alcano wearily sat down, "Forgive me....... I do not wish to seem a fool...... I may be young, but I am not incorrigible....." He smiled widely, "Shall we rest?" "Forgive you...? Have you done something else that I do not know of, sapling?" Cellindien sat down beside him. "Your actions with the staff were well-thought." Alcano nodded, "He is not bound to the staff. I am relieved the gesture worked." He slowly sipped the wine. Cellindien watched him closely. "You should rest as well..." Alcano seemed so carefree, but perhaps fear for Ioristion was taking a toll on him after all. "I believe that your father will be well now." Alcano widely smiled, "I believe he will be." |
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| Ioristion | Jul 9 2015, 11:34 AM Post #127 |
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Chapter CXXXVIII: Epilogue The warm, velvety liquid poured down Alcano's throat. He stood, and deeply embraced Cellindien, "Beloved Cellindien..........I am your sapling..........let me be a son to you........" Then he sat down, pouring the wine in a second glass. He did not hear her response. He had already cast her in his mind. And the months passed gently, as Rostoriel continued to hide the artifacts from Ioristion, who often searched for them. And Rostoriel's heart was deeply glad, to have such a valiant sister as Cellindien. They bonded as closely as Cellindien had with Ioristion throughout the months. And she often watched her train, or train other Elves. TA 3016 waned, the leaves turning bright-orange in the midst of autumn. Winter was near. This did not dampen their spirits. And Alcano was trained, even better, with the sword. The hours were long and rough, he suffered many bruises. He continued to grow in strength and courage. And his bond with Cellindien was strong. He would have sworn an oath to protect her with his life forever. But he knew the perils of oath-taking and his history. He still felt it. And Ioristion remained close to her. And the family respected her personal space, whenever she needed to be alone. And there were many days of mirth and splendor, and happiness. And even Alcano felt, somewhere, far away, Rostor saw them and smiled, deeply, the Noldor who had fallen with him standing at his side. Ioristion dreamed. There, on Tol Eressea, Rostor stood, his cloak of crimson billowing behind him in the wind, as he stared eastward across the sea from a pleasant balcony. And there at his side stood an elven maiden of the Vanyar, Elenestel, mother of Auruiron. And by their sides sat several of Rostor's closest friends, who had fallen in battle beside him. And the Maia re-appeared. He was a Maia of Irmo, a brave servant. But he did not reveal his name. "What tidings of my son?" Elenestel turned. The Maia smiled and replied, "Herein these words from Mandos. While Doom condemns, pity shall yet save. A halfling shall stand tall, a Ring within his hand. Alatariel shalt be tempted. By her own free will, she shalt reject the Ring. Then shalt the stream of endless tears of woe transfigure unto tears of joy. The Pardon remains for all the penitent. The One hath spoken. The Harpists shalt cross the sea together, and "come to their own in peace," the Oath of Doom resolved at the breaking of the World (The Silmarillion). Then shalt their voices sing. And they shalt guide the wayward spirits home." And Elenestel's eyes watered with tears of joy, as the Maia smiled. The Maia turned to Rostor, "And they hath granted unto thee, a special dispensation. Would you like to see her again?" Rostor nodded. The Maia continued, "From the West, you cannot return in physical form. But you may see them from afar, granting them hope and courage. Behold!" A great mist flooded across Rostor's eyes. The mists flowed and surged around him. They slowly cleared, as he perceived himself standing on solid ground. He stared confused. He found himself on the threshold of a house in the vale of Imladris. He sighted Findekano, but remained unseen, even by the spirit. Yet Findekano's eyes were moved as he smiled, for he felt that something of the West was nigh. And he flew through the doors, and he found Cellindien resting with Alcano. Rostor gazed, his heart beaming, into Alcano's eyes. And he leaned-in, kissing Finlos, his lips passing through hers. He turned, "How long am I permitted?" He heard the voice of the Maia, "It is a dream in which you walk. A vision that mirrors reality. You may enter or withdrew as you wish. Simply pour the waters in the dish." Rostor found himself back on Tol Eressea, breathing the fine sea-air, as the winds blew his shining hair. A dish sat by his side, a basin, and beside it sat a flask, filled to brim from waters of the Gardens of Lorien. Then the Maia spoke unto Elenestel, "Hear then finally these words. A brother of mine now wanders in the shadows. Wicked is his heart, save for one narrow shaft of love. This shaft remained, even during his years of dark service. If that shaft vanisheth into shadow, so also shalt thy son. If that shaft groweth, then some must die." The Maia turned and vanished. Elenestel clenched her heart in sorrow. She stood morosely beside Rostor, staring across the sea unto the East. And then, inside his walls within Imladris, Ioristion found a hidden artifact. Edited by Ioristion, Mar 28 2016, 06:30 PM.
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12:43 AM Jul 11