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| 17. Wind-Singers Volume III.I: The Final Quest; Ivordir and Daerfalas journey into Gondor to face the Enemy and find tidings of Guldrambor | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Apr 5 2015, 04:14 PM (4,130 Views) | |
| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:40 PM Post #181 |
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Chapter CXLXI: To Catch a Traitor Arhbaineth shed tears of -joy-, "Yes..... thank you.......... you are wonderful.........." Sainion's heart beamed, "Wed at last.............. oh my beloved wife............." Arhbaineth girded her heart, "But first, we must contend with Amarthon and his brothers." Daerfalas whispered conspiratorially, "Do not let my mother know of this, she will make such a fuss to learn two have been wed without her knowledge." Ivordir nodded, "No one will know of this, I assure you.........." The twain nodded. Ivordir smiled, "It is a time of celebration. You are not to tell Amarthon what has transpired. But, you should befriend them closely. However...... Guldrambor normally works through a strange, black liquid.... many of his servants carry it, based on the tales I've heard....." Sainion's eyes blazed, "Why..... if he has it........ he could lace wine or water with it....." Arhbaineth smirked, "We bring our own wine. We bring our own glasses. We do not let them touch our glasses, or our wine, or take the bottle to a concealed location in their chamber....." Sainion smirked, "And better yet............. I have concocted a brilliant idea...... Let's take mollasses or some sort of darker substance with us in phials, and without saying anything, play a performance for our dear new friends......" Arbhaineth nodded, "Brilliant........ we shall pretend to be Amanuiron's allies............. Beren and Luthien attempted something along those lines, according to the old tales....." Sainion sighed, "Please do not compare us with them....." Arhbaineth sighed, "Is our love not as true?" Sainion shook his head, "Their marriage ended tragically." Arhbaineth smirked, "It was tragic only for the Elves. Its a happy ending, from our perspective. They grew old together in peace without any danger." Sainion nodded, "Very well. We shall pursue the play. Come, beloved wife.... let us dawn our robes of character." They arose and thanked Ivordir graciously again, and left the room. Ivordir cast his head down, "I hope I did not send them to their doom......" Daerfalas clasped Ivordir close. "You doubt too much. Their strengths will intermingle." Ivordir smiled, "They will......." |
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| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:40 PM Post #182 |
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Chapter CXLXII: Affection Auravon opened his eyes in Amarthon's room. He had slept on Amarthon's shoulder. Amarthon's eyes beamed down on him. Auravon suddenly stood, knelt before him, and bowed, "Forgive me....." Amarthon smiled, "No...... it was good.......... there is nothing to forgive, beloved brother mine......." He turned to look for Arancir. Arancir was the more slow to stir, yet he did finally; he draped a lazy arm over his forehead, and gazed up at Amarthon with happy eyes and a kind smile. "Such a rest!" he exclaimed softly. "But where is my brother...! There you are. And such dreams unfathomable!" Auravon rose on his feet, "Yes..... such dreams of beauty! Oh my Prince......... let me swoon in awe of your beauty......" He returned to Amarthon's side, returning to the beautiful folds of the cloak. He buried himself inside them, as if he found himself crawling through vast caverns of crystalline, silky beauty..... enraptured, he pressed his nose against the smooth, warm fabric, breathing-in its scent of beauty, all the while pressing ever deeply. The golden-red beauty interfused..... he felt warm inside, consoled, fulfilled............ he wondered if Arancir was sharing in this beauty. At Amarthon's other side, Arancir mirrored his brother's movements in utter adolation. The sunlight filtered into their room in fragmented prisms through glass, and the very air around them seemed to shimmer. Amarthon smiled deeply. He felt as if he could feel.... their ecstasy. He gathered his folds before him, mimicking their actions....... and he felt it, oh he felt as if he was wrapped with Amanuiron yet again....... he missed Amanuiron, but felt he would see him again...... Then Auravon clasped Amarthon deeply, embracing him, and showering his right-hand cheek with deep, brotherly, affectionate kisses.... and Amarthon returned the favor, resting in his embrace. But then he turned to Arancir as Auravon smirked. "What, brothers?" Arancir said, his voice silky smooth in a sleepy smile. "You look to me as accomplices..." He pressed an easy kiss to Amarthon's cheek. "What are our plans past this morn'?" Amarthon stood, "I do not yet know..... perhaps soon they will be revealed." |
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| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:41 PM Post #183 |
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Chapter CXLXIII: The Fauning Auravon fauned over him, draping the cloak in its beauty. Amarthon uplifted his arm, embracing Auravon yet again, folding the cloak around his shoulder, both resting beneath his wings. Auravon smirked, "Well...... there are those certain someone's from the ballroom to contend with....... you should process to them, that they may see your beauty in the cloak...." Amarthon smirked, "And then they would never trust us. I do not think so...." Amarthon smiled, "Come, Arancir..... you are very quiet this morn. How should we handle the certain individuals we met last night?" "Hmmmn..." Arancir hoisted himself up onto an elbow, and rested his chin within his hand. His lashes fanned across his cheeks as he thought with slowly blinking eyes. "I think a slow approach may be prudent. We should...talk to them. Get to know them. Smile. Laugh. Be kind, and pretend to beg for their attention as humble servants. That is the way to do things." Amarthon nodded, "I agree." Then he suddenly enveloped Arancir in a deep embrace, surging the left-hand folds of his cloak around him, kissing him deeply on the cheek. Amarthon smiled, "You are very wise, beloved brother mine........ yes, we shall do so." Arancir laughed, losing his balance and struggling playfully against the sudden siezure of his person. "...good!" he said breathlessly, "Good. Shall we rise then! Though I do not wish to..." Amarthon laughed, "Nor do I......." Auravon smirked, "I do not wish to see the cloak vanish yet again.......I want you to process before them..... all of them........... too long have we toiled through muck and mud, fern and fern........... wind and rain.......... I want you to process before them, unveiling your truest majesty....." Amarthon turned toward him, enveloping him completely in the cloak, burying their heads deep within the cloak, kissing his cheek deeply, deep within the cloak, whispering gently, "I know you love me so..... my beloved brother...... and I you, as a brother........ I must agree with Arancir, but....... we will reveal it again soon." Auravon kissed him in return, "Thank you...... very well, may it be....." He unclasped the cloak from Amarthon's shoulders. Deeply sighing, he kissed it solemnly, deeply, and then returned it to its hiding place. Amarthon sighed, "Let us preen ourselves in our normal attire." His stomach grumbled. Arancir climbed up from the bed, stretching out his limbs, and shaking out his hair. The sunlight grew brighter. There was a knock at the door. Auravon approached in wonder, opening it slowly. Arhbaineth smirked, "May we come in?" Amarthon sighed and nodded, "You may." |
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| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:42 PM Post #184 |
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Chapter CXLXIV: Before the King who May Yet Be Arhbaineth and Sainion smiled, "We know not where the other twain are. But here we are. Did you sleep well?" Amarthon nodded, "Yes......" Sainion smirked, "We wish to show you something." He suddenly whipped the dark, refulgent cloak from his pack, whipping it around himself and Arhbaineth, who in turn revealed black phials. Amarthon gazed at them stunned, "What......... but that cloak is the emblem of Yucalwe......" Sainion's eyes flashed, "Is it truly?" Auravon rubbed his eyes in wonder, "You..... you serve Amanuiron also?" "Quiet," Amarthon hissed. Arhbaineth smiled, "Indeed.........." Arancir let loose an involuntary breath from deep within his throat, and he quieted himself. Auravon smiled, "Then you know that Amarthon is to rule the West....... our High-King...... and that we have been deceived for so long........ he is the heir to the noble ascendancy of Ar-Pharazon and Castamir....... wrought from the line of Elros......... our Prince and future King...... Amanuiron has foreseen it......" The hair on the back of Sainion's neck brissled, but he smiled deeply, to hide his inner terror, "Yes........ and we have come to do him homage......." Arhbaineth nearly fainted, but controlled herself with her inner strength, "For truly, he is destined for great things........" She put the phials back into her pouch. She and Sainion both bowed deeply before Amarthon. Amarthon smiled, "Come then......... behold......" Auravon removed the cloak from hiding, clasping it on Amarthon's shoulders once more, as he seemed to rise in glory. Sainion lowered his bow. Arancir moved to stand beside his brother, and they were twin shadows behind Amarthon, beholden to his glory. Amarthon smiled as he felt the folds of his refulgent cloak of beauty rise to his left and right as if vast wings, glimmering in the sunlight, gleaming brightly. Sainion gazed in shock. He felt entranced. He felt good. He felt its beauty. And he began to wonder, if the flickering flame of Ivordir's vision, was a flame of goodness..... still present within the shadows that threatened to subdue it forever and evermore........ He impulsively reached for a fold of the cloak and kissed it deeply, feeling a surge of confidence welling-up inside himself. He nodded Arhbaineth, who gently repeated the gesture, and felt it as well. Doubts flickered inside her heart. She had felt similar emotions near the Elves.... even near Yucalwe himself........ |
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| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:42 PM Post #185 |
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Chapter CXLXV: Against Guldrambor Amarthon smiled, "Rise my friends. Come and sit by my side." Amarthon retreated to the bed, spreading his refulgent wings. Sainion smirked, "And now, my trap's unveiled. For the true cloak shall render the false cloak as naught but a withering shroud of dust." Auravon shouted, "No!" And tried to stop him, but it was too late. Before either brother could react, Sainion had leaped entirely on the bed, smothering Amarthon and his cloak with the cloak of Yucalwe. Amarthon toiled and fought, to no avail, as Sainion pressed Yucalwe's fabric deep into that of Amanuiron. Arancir smothered a scream, and grabbed onto his brother's shoulders. The light of their room dimmed, and brightened suddenly. Yucalwe's cloak overwhelmed. Then, he stopped. He whipped back his cloak. There the cloak of Amarthon remained, untarnished, still gleaming triumphantly in the light of the sun. Sainion gasped aghast, "It does not make sense................" Arhbaineth laughed, drawing a dagger from her hidden compartment, a dagger laden with elvish jewels: "Allow me....." Auravon tried to stand in her way, but she shoved him aside with her inner strength. She plunged her dagger into the fabric. The cloak of Amarthon remained unripped. Amarthon laughed, "Now do you see? Now do you believe me? You could have been my Queen, Arhbaineth........" Arhbaineth laughed in frustration, "I prefer my current station........" Amarthon sighted a ring on her finger, and gazing at Sainion's hand, saw its match. He laughed, "So now the twain are one......" He stood, as Arhbaineth retreated, intimidated, as Amarthon laughed, "Now thy attempts are all for naught.... and ye hath bravely fought. Surrender......... surrender to my beauty...... we may yet be friends, quite close...... I knew thy black phials were fake. I know the scent of molasses.....But these," Amarthon revealed a phial from his inner robe, "Shall calm you." Arhbaineth kept her dagger close, "You shall not force us........... that liquid is evil...... filled with malice......" |
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| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:43 PM Post #186 |
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Chapter CXLXVI: Confusion Amarthon laughed, "Only for the Eldar....... but I shall not force you. That would be too predictable, would it not? Tell me, why do you trust this Yucalwe so, this wretched, cursed, Doom-ridden Noldo, follower of cursed Feanaro?" Sainion did not bat an eye, "Why do you follow the cursed Guldrambor, fallen Maia of Irmo, servant of Morgoth?" Even Auravon shuddered at that name. Amarthon waved his hand in the air, "If he is so fallen....... why did he let me live?" Arancir clung to his twin brother. Arhbaineth answered in haste, "To kill Yucalwe...... the young Elf whom he had befriended, loved, and cherished...... and Melkor sowed jealously, within the heart of thy 'Master,' and he betrayed all within that malice......... he ensnared the spirit of the greatest of High-Kings, leaving him alone forever in a forsaken vault in a dark mountain......And what has he deluded you into believing, with that liquid? That poison....... you, a High-King? What else did he promise? If you were to rule the West, who would rule the rest of Arda?" Amarthon cast his head down low, "Annatar............... gravely misunderstood. His Orcs..... they fight the tainted servants of the wicked Eldar!" Arhbaineth roared, "You fool! Poor fool! The Eldar are not wicked.............." Amarthon balked, "They slew their own kin." Arhbaineth nodded, "And Guldrambor did not? How many Elves perished beneath his malice, how many men did he delude throughout the centuries, the Ages, in his vast hunt for Yucalwe? How many countless souls did he delude, poison, and abandon, as mere means to an end?" Auravon shook his head in disbelief, "And were all of those deluded men given similar cloaks?" |
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| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:44 PM Post #187 |
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Chapter CXLXVII: The Maia and the Wanderer Arhbaineth shook her head, "No........... Yucalwe told me they were robed in black, or otherwise, dressed plainly......." Amarthon retreated within his thoughts. He thought: Nay..... she lies. I am the King! I shalt reign..... and sit on the Throne of Tirion! I............Amanuiron............ you would not have deceived me, no, not Amanuiron...........Why would he.......... deceive me so............." He blinked, "I........... cannot believe you. The cloak remains...... his words are validated by the cloak............." Auravon shouted, "I will die before you steal my beloved King from his greatest destiny!" Arhbaineth deeply sighed, "Oh if only you had come north with us.... you would have seen......" Sainion muttered, "There is but one cure for this........... please work....." He leaped on Amarthon, suddenly enveloping him in a deep embrace, pressing the cloak of Yucalwe around him, forcing his head down into the deep, crimson folds, forcing his nose against those folds of beauty. Amarthon tried to fight, but found his arms fell lax. He sniffed the fabric. The fair, deep scent filled his lungs. He felt a similar feeling....... he felt as if he was in the cloak of Amanuiron...... he felt the Power.... it felt the same........ He muttered through the fabric, "I can see now......." Sainion withdrew the cloak. Amarthon breathed the fresh, clean air, "I cannot deny my destiny. But nor can I deny this........ there is something good in both Amanuiron and Yucalwe.... I know not why they contradict each other........" Sainion smiled, "Then let us be friends, for now, my Prince who may yet be King. Are you certain that you interpreted his words correctly?" Amarthon shook his head, "It was not words..... it was a vision of the West..... I ascended and mounted the Throne in Tirion....... many whom I knew were gathered around me...." Sainion laughed perspicaciously, "You know........... the West could signify the Eldar..... the Throne and Kingship could signify your part to play in all of this....... your friends are gathering around you now....... are you certain he intended a literal meaning?" Amarthon closed his eyes, "What do you think, Arancir, my beloved brother?" Arancir rose from where he had knelt by his brother. His gaze was unsure, yet his voice was unwavering as he spoke. "I follow you, Amarthon. You came unscathed, from the East, bearing these cloaks, and a vision of beauty. What you should decide, we will understand." |
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| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:45 PM Post #188 |
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Chapter CXLXVIII: A Noble Heart Arhbaineth's voice was soft and soothing, filled to the brim with compassion, "My poor lost friends........ consider what you are doing. The Orcs have slain many men.......... did you not sense any shadows at all near Amanuiron?" And then Amarthon admitted: "I did...... see a trailing shadow vanished into his cave, as we rode away....." Sainion stammered, "A servant of the Valar.... would never have borne such a shadow......" Arhbaineth interjected, "But let me comfort you with this thought.......... our Captain, Ivordir, was wrapped in enchanted cloaks, not unlike these gathered hither...... these strange, glorious cloaks, that have bound many in our company together.........And he envisioned a bright light in the East, nearly subdued by shadow, save for that of a flickering flame......... the flame was not silenced......." Amarthon nodded, "I still cannot deny his beauty..... everything he revealed to me....." Arhbaineth whispered, "And nor do I....... my beloved brother.............. I believe that his goodness towards you betrays him............." Sainion suddenly spoke in a prophetic tone of voice, wrapped as he was in the billowing cloak, "If he is slain, as the Dark Lord who deceived him, he shall pass into the Void....... and may yet return a threat at the end of days......... we must seek a final end to this evil....." Arhbaineth sighed, "You speak in riddles and mysteries, my husband." Amarthon sighed, "The only thing I can declare is this. While I will cease to detest or attempt to destroy Yucalwe, I shall not betray Amanuiron. I shall try to serve both......." Sainion turned, "No. You must serve Amanuiron. Serve him. Continue to take the liquid. Serve him.............. your service to him may be that one, narrow thread of hope, that keeps the flame alight." Amarthon smiled, "Then if he does truly command evil, I shall not obey his evil. But for the good elements of his command, I shall obey them. Still, I shall hope that he is not the vile evil you suppose he is." |
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| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:45 PM Post #189 |
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Chapter CXLXIX: Beneath His Wings Arhbaineth and Sainion sat together on the bed. Amarthon draped his cloak across all five of them. Its folds still gleamed and draped, with greater train to spare. It was a huge cloak. Arhbaineth and Sainion both snuggled closer to Amarthon. Arhbaineth leaned and kissed Amarthon on the cheek, and Sainion did likewise. The gestures were returned, and Amarthon smiled, "It is still a lovely thought..... the thought I may be King......." Sainion smirked, "Then let us view you as our King, at the very least....... so that you will have this, regardless." "King in the West..." Arancir whispered, and he set his forehead firmly against his brother's shoulder. Arhbaineth laughed and nodded, "Yes........ -a- King in our western hemisphere........ but if I were you, I would leave the Throne of Gondor...... most of those Kings have had tragic fates." Amarthon nodded, "They have........ I neither desire nor require the Throne of Gondor." Sainion smiled, "Tell us of Amanuiron..... tell us everything you saw........." Amarthon told them the entire tale, from his Lord-Father's cruelty to the wastes of Harondor, to his capture and subsequent agonizing journey, to the bright light he found in Rhun. Even Arhbaineth felt moved by his descriptions of Amanuiron's flowing cape maneuvers, the closeness of their bond........ When the tale was over, Sainion smiled, "Ivordir made him sound as if he was this cruel, deadly darkness....... but now I wonder........... for if he is, he may yet surprise himself....." |
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| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:46 PM Post #190 |
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Chapter CXLXX: Husband and Wife Arhbaineth muttered, "But Melkor and Annatar both performed such deceptions to equal fervor.......Even still............ it sounds different......... different from the others...... I wonder if his heart has thawed, even if a little..........." Amarthon nodded, "His heart felt as warm as the sun.........." And Arhbaineth kissed Sainion deeply, directly........ their warm, wet lips converging..... their hearts throbbing............ Amarthon smiled, "Yes....... I understand what you are attempting to say............. and very well. I will continue to love and serve him, but nothing evil........... I will love and serve Amanuiron, in the hope, that Guldrambor will be driven out of him............." Arhbaineth deeply smiled, "Good....... this is what we needed to hear." And the cloak appeared to glow even brighter in the sunlight. The Sun passed its highest point within the sky, and the room was dripped in soft, gentle shadows. Arancir stirred, and clasped Amarthon's arm. His unease dissipated, and he sighed. Amarthon turned and embraced Arancir deeply, "Beloved brother.........." Arancir in turn held him close. "We should seek the truth, shant we?" he whispered. |
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| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:46 PM Post #191 |
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Chapter CXLXXI: Terror And far across the eastern wastes, the shadow flickered. Amanuiron surged across the cavern floor, his cloak licking the stones behind him. He thought of Amarthon and that deep, tender urge within him, caused him to gasp in terror. He arose from the cavern in the sunlight. His thoughts raced across the sky, his cloak billowing luminously behind him. He saw within the vision of his mind, the western clouds take the form of Irmo, rising in his might. And the dark, shadowed, eastern clouds, formed Melkor's dark visage, framed by a burning, lidless Eye, wreathed within the circle of a golden Ring. The clouds of shadow strove with the clouds of light. He felt it within the shadow of his mind: The Staff of Findekano piercing his heart, his spirit lying down to die. Then he appeared to hear a voice, borne upon a wind, surging from the West: "You may yet be........" singing within his soul. But then, from the south, a power rose, he felt his iron grip surge round his throat. And Guldrambor laughed, his refulgent robes fading into shadow. And Amanuiron cried. |
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| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:47 PM Post #192 |
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Chapter CXLXXII: Dances of Cloaks Back in the chamber in Pelargir, Amarthon turned to Arancir, bathing his cheek in kisses, "My beloved brother........ the truth shall reveal itself to us in time........ for now, we must proceed on what we know...." And Sainion nodded, "Indeed, it must be so......... let me comfort your brothers." Sainion stood and came first to Auravon, who felt entranced before Yucalwe's cloak. Sainion enclosed him within it, embracing him. Auravon swooned in warmth and peace. Sainion beckoned to Arancir as Amarthon nodded. Arancir took the folds of the cloak offered to him, and he buried himself within it. It was as a gentle breeze in a warm summer's air. He exhaled softly, holding it close as a balm. It soothed and awoke him at once. And then Sainion turned, grabbing an extended fold of Amarthon's cloak, and did the same. He felt a similar effect. Sainion smiled, "Yes......... I do believe that we have found a great boon......" Arhbaineth laughed, "Now, do me a great favor, and sit down, all of you." She grabbed Sainion's cloak from him, "For I would dance for you...... my princes.... my King...." Sainion let go of the cloak, smirking, resuming his seat in Amarthon's billowing beauty. Arancir did likewise, and stilled, watching her through a half-lidded gaze. Arhbaineth billowed the cloak around herself as she stood in the middle of the room. She draped it downward, then flapped it upward, grabbing its folds, flying them as if wings. She spun them to and fro, flapping them, and then she spun herself, twirling, refulgent folds of raven and crimson shining brightly in the sunlight, rivers of light pouring down, and shifting, and changing, the cloak flying, as Amarthon gazed at her in awe, as Sainion swooned, and Auravon's eyes followed her entranced, her beauty shining. Then she suddenly paused, the light illuminating her draping wings, and then she leaped toward the bed, landing beside Sainion, enveloping him, showering him with deep, warm kisses. Sainion swooned and his heart throbbed deeply. Amarthon laughed mirthfully, applauding. Auravon laughed, joining their mirth. Arancir clapped his hands together, smiling widely, marveling. Then Amarthon stood, grasping the folds of his cloak, "A true Prince and King should serve his beloved friends......" And the cloak fanned-out beautifully behind him, flowing across the floor. Sainion and Arhbaineth moved-over, beside the twain brothers, Sainion flowing his cloak around them all. Amarthon's eyes gleamed, as if with an inner light, beaming, and he raised his arms, golden-crimson folds falling to the floor, his vast wings shining brightly, bathed in light, and then he began to spun, uplifting the cloak with his strength, as it surged around him in gigantic domes of golden light, rivers of light pouring and shifting throughout. Gold and crimson flew as Amarthon leaped into their midst, surrounding them all, the cloak landing over all their heads as laughter filled the room. Then Amarthon pulled it off their heads, letting it drape warmly around them. Amarthon emerged, "My heart is joyful from our mirth.......... are yours, my brothers?" Auravon nodded. Arancir nodded in unison. |
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| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:48 PM Post #193 |
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Chapter CXLXXIII: February Third They ate breakfast and Arhbaineth and Sainion made their appearance at Melimir's table. Ivordir did not wish to continue the drama of the night before. He gazed at Amarthon with suspicion across the table, but maintained his silence. He wished to be far from dramatic events. The day passed by peacefully, the members of the Company keeping to their small circles. They conversed for hours on smaller matters, the patterns of mercantile ships, and where they came from, and how the river would rise and fall near the harbors, for they were not far from the sea. And they heard tales of the Ship-Kings and the history of Pelargir. But they avoided the subject of Castamir. Ivordir also spent more time with Baralinor and Abrazan, as their bonds of friendship grew anew. He admired the cloak and embraced them deeply. And Baralinor partook in Ivordir's memories of Auruiron through his cloak. Baralinor gazed in awe at the brief, fleeting vision of the Eldar, as bright and fleeting as a passing dream. Yet the thoughts remained. But they did not speak of Amarthon. That late evening, Arhbaineth and Sainion turned down the hallway. Arhbaineth was wearing their cloak. The cloak billowed and flew behind her. Her head glanced behind as she smirked. She ran through the halls, the cloak flying, plumes of crimson billowing beneath the black. Sainion chased her. She turned when they reached the ballroom. She stretched her arms aloft, the wings of the cloak gliding gently to the floor, "Behold my deep sweet beauty!" She teased. Sainion leaped after her as she twirled the cloak, folds of beauty sawing through the air, brushing against his nose and cheeks as he chased her. She ducked back into the hallway and turned a corner. Sainion darted after her. He found her outstretching her wings again, "Behold my beauty!" Sainion leaped, but she darted aside. Then she enveloped him in the cloak as he pressed his nose against the fabric, breathing the rosy scent. She lowered him down onto their bed and they cuddled closely against each other. She billowed the cloak atop their heads, so that vast folds of it fell between them. He found himself in the warm darkness, as he peered through the vast, dark caverns, formed by the crests and ridges of the folds. He turned a silken corner, and another, winding his face through the cloaked caves, until he found her lips. Their hearts throbbed warmly, deeply, as they kissed, swooning. They emerged for air, gazing into each others' eyes. Sainion looked at the opened doorway. He rose, untangled himself, shut the door and locked it. They gazed deeply into each others' eyes. It was their final sight before they fell asleep. Edited by Ivordir, Oct 1 2015, 10:51 PM.
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| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:48 PM Post #194 |
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Chapter CXLXXIV: Into the Fourth in Midnight Hours Amarthon awoke. He felt cold. He looked down, to find his cloak was missing. Arancir was sleeping soundly. Auravon was missing. Amarthon yawned, stretching his arms. He groped toward the door, found a taper in the hallway. He sauntered down the halls. He knew he was heading toward the ballroom. Moonlight streamed through the windows. He saw his cloak, draped across the floor, rising toward hunched shoulders and the sound of weeping. He approached, side-stepping around the cloak. He knelt before Auravon and embraced him. "What is the matter?" Auravon sobbed, ".......you betrayed him...." Amarthon deeply sighed, 'You felt the cloak......... it felt the same as mine.....' Auravon wept, "He will kill you............" Amarthon spoke gently, "No he will not..... he will not kill me, his chosen Prince....." "What if..... if Yucalwe is as Amanuiron claimed he is........" "What if......... Amanuiron truly is the terror.........." Amarthon sadly replied. Auravon clasped onto Amarthon deeply. Edited by Ivordir, Oct 1 2015, 10:51 PM.
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| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:49 PM Post #195 |
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Chapter CXLXXV: The Eldar against the Maia Another stood in the distant shadows. His figure approached in the moonlight, his cloaks streaming behind him. A voice emerged, "What are you two doing hither in the ballroom at this late hour?" Amarthon watched as the moonlight illuminated Ivordir's face, beneath his eyes. 'My Captain....' Ivordir smiled, "Yes.... Arhbaineth and Sainion told me everything....... now come, for I must test you." "How?" Amarthon muttered. Ivordir branched his arms aloft, the cloaks streaming, "First.... you must behold the cloaks of the Eldar! Of Auruiron and Yucalwe." Amarthon nodded and stood, approaching him. Auravon arose, the cloak streaming. Amarthon and Auravon buried their heads in Ivordir's cloaks, as Ivordir raised their folds across his arm, as they fell glimmering toward the floor, gleaming in their refulgent folds. Their noses pierced the scent of roses, and suddenly, as if a sudden mist before their eyes, they felt they could see Auruiron and Yucalwe dimly, in the shared memories that flowed through the golden silk. Ivordir and Auravon, in turn, beheld Amanuiron as Amarthon had pierced him. The vision persisted only for a few moments. Then the mists were lifted from their minds. Then Ivordir said: "We must test your cloak. Amanuiron seemed beautiful, but I still have my doubts.... do you have a phial of that dark fluid with you?" |
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| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:50 PM Post #196 |
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Chapter CXLXXVII: Cloaks Aflame Amarthon nodded. He did not know why he had taken such a phial from his bedside earlier, but what transpired now began to stun him. He obeyed, willingly, and this frightened him. He poured the liquid down on the cloak Amanuiron had bestowed, as Ivordir held Auravon back, steady against Auravon's vain attempts to stop him. The liquid burned and sizzled on the cloak. Then Ivordir bade Amarthon to unclasp his golden cloak, laying it atop the cloak of Amanuiron, to apply more of the phial. Amarthon obeyed his Captain once again, his teeth chattering.The liquid burned anew, at war with the cloak of Auruiron. Amarthon had set the taper on the floor before he had approached Auravon. He reached for the taper, as Ivordir shouted the command, as he tossed the taper on the fluid, igniting the heap into flames. They stood further off in their terror, the flames burning, rising taller, bursting wider. Amarthon feared that they would behold Amanuiron's form and visage in the flames, reaching toward them in his unbearable wrath. Instead, he heard a Song. Ivordir gazed in awe, listening to the faint voice rise as if a chorus, as if a multiplicity of Auruiron's voice. Then the flames suddenly died down, and disappeared. The fluid was gone from the cloak of Auruiron. Ivordir lifted it. The cloak beneath was clean as well. Auravon suddenly turned, drawing a dagger, and plunged it into Amarthon's chest. Amarthon staggered, falling to the floor. |
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| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:51 PM Post #197 |
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Chapter CXLXXVIII: A Dying Man Ivordir pushed Auravon back. But Auravon tossed the dagger from his shaking hands, his shaking bloody hands, his eyes had plunged into shock. Ivordir grabbed the dagger and darted to find Echuidor. Auravon in his madness poured the black liquid, what was left of the phial, into Amarthon's wound as he screamed. Echuidor had been sleeping soundly. He awoke at the loud pounding on his door. He yawned, rubbing his eyes, slowly opening the door. Ivordir revealed the dagger, shouting, "We have a dying man....." Echuidor quickly grabbed his sack of herbs as Ivordir grabbed a torch from the hallway, the same torch that Echuidor had used on Sainion the night before. The servants had kept the torches aflame, ever adding oil to them. But now was not their shift. Auravon looked down at his hands. They were not bloody, for he had been quick to remove the dagger, but he saw them as bloody, as he gazed in shock. He turned and quickly covered Amarthon with the cloaks, his blood flowing into a barrier of silken crimson. Amarthon gasped, gazing at Auravon. Auravon wept anew. Ivordir and Echuidor reached the chamber. Ivordir thought solemnly, "At every turn on this Quest, someone gets imprisoned, tortured, or dies. Are we truly overdue another tragic loss, one day later?" Echuidor muttered, "Stand aside." Amarthon gazed sadly into Auravon's eyes. Amarthon's eyes were filled to the brim with pity. He uttered, mustering all of his strength, "I forgive you......" Then he felt his chest burning. Echuidor shoved Auravon aside, unveiling the wounds. |
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| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:52 PM Post #198 |
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Chapter CXLXXIX: The Cloak Redeemed And Amarthon had found himself on the cliffs of Rhun once more, the sea glittering blood-red in the sunset. And he beheld Amanuiron in all his beauty, his cloak streaming, billowing, shining in the wind. But then, the cloak had turned to dust, and Amanuiron's hair greyed and fell, his form became enshrouded in shadow, his visage a horror to behold. But then he faded out of the vision, as the cloaks were draped upon him. And when Echuidor pulled back Auruiron's cloak, he gasped in utter terror, as he beheld precisely a brief flash of vision, of what Amarthon was experiencing. He shook his head, regaining his senses, pulled back the cloak of Amanuiron, to find the wound was gone. Amarthon's skin was completely untarnished. Ivordir gazed down in wonder, awe filling his mind, joyfulness within his heart, as Auravon gazed in equal mirth and wonder. Ivordir declared, "Yes........" Tears were streaming down his cheeks. "I do believe our foe has a weakness........ I do believe we.....we have found our answer......" "Where did this cloak come from, if it was naught but evil, from Amanuiron's powers?" Amarthon muttered, "What was Amanuiron.... if he is truly such a horror now...... and how powerfully he concealed it....." Ivordir nodded, "Yucalwe told me that he was once as beautiful as you have perceived him..... in the Elder Days of the West........ when he was good........" Then it dawned in Ivordir's heart, "Wait......." |
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| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:53 PM Post #199 |
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Chapter CXLXXX: The Mystery's Salvation Ivordir continued, "If Amanuiron had fallen so........... it is possible this was his cloak, woven before his downfall.......... but why would he have saved it....... if goodness became repugnant to him......unless........ small love remained within his heart, for the same Elf he had come to loathe and betray......" And Amarthon uttered, "He could have saved it, to fuel his lust for vengeance, if this is truly what........" Ivordir nodded, "It must be..............." Auravon muttered, "Why would he have bestowed it on Amarthon?" Ivordir smiled, "Because Amarthon....... in his attempts to toy with you..... he could have been reminded of his former years of goodness............. yes. We have found his weakness. Small love he has for you........ and although he feigns such hatred for Yucalwe, I wonder.............." Amarthon smiled, "We may not know the answer yet......... he could have saved it in order to ensnare Yucalwe, a means to an end...... as he ensnared me......." Ivordir's eyes blazed, "You must continue on this path....." "What do you mean?" "Oh High King of the West, beloved Prince......... seek to be kingly, we will regard you as such, so as to preserve your life..........fear the Doom of Mandos of Yucalwe, which I still fear, although I love him........ and continue to take small drops of your phial." Auravon noted, his face still wet with tears, his eyes still stricken with shock, terror, and awe, "But if it is such poison...... and how can it be, that we...... have overcome its effects?" Ivordir pointed at the cloak, "It labors against such purpose. But if Guldrambor can sense you through the liquid, be certain to hide what you have learned from him..... this is not lying......" Amarthon nodded, girding himself, "I will......" |
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| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:53 PM Post #200 |
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Chapter CXLXXXI: The Healer He turned to Auravon, "My poor confused, beloved brother......... your dagger thrust may yet have spared all our lives......" Auravon muttered, "It was still terrible. I deserve to die!" Amarthon quickly enveloped him in the cloak, their warm chests cuddling against each other, as Amarthon deeply kissed his tear-laden cheeks, the salty taste wetting his lips, "My beloved brother......... your death would wound me most of all......." Auravon wept as Amarthon cradled him. Even Echuidor was touched to see such reconciliation. Echuidor turned to Ivordir, "It is clear to me, Captain.... that there is more to this Quest than meets the eye........ is this then the true purpose, not the schemes of Ballithor?" Ivordir nodded, "It is....." Echuidor smiled, 'Aye..... I believe ya.......... but now, it seems you no longer require my services......' Ivordir clasped him on the shoulders, "We cannot reveal these powers to any further in the Company. We cannot disrupt Gondor. Moreover........ I do not believe that these cloaks would heal many wounds......." Echuidor nodded, "Aye..... but it healed Arhbaineth and Sainion this past night......" Ivordir smiled, "I heard of that too...... but do not forget.... Arhbaineth had journeyed north, she was touched by the enchantments of the Eldar......." Echuidor nodded, understanding, "So..... these are only good for the supernatural eh?" Ivordir nodded, "I believe so.... the origins of all these wounds....' Echuidor smiled, "Have ya tried it on a regular man? I have a cut here....... its small, but haven't patched it yet..... was too tired, covered it with me hand as I fell asleep...." |
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12:43 AM Jul 11