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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 (4,129 Views) | |
| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:54 PM Post #201 |
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Chapter CXLXXXII: Elven Powers Ivordir grabbed a corner of the vast cloak, pressing it to Echuidor's arm. He removed it, nothing had changed. He sighed, "Yes...... the miraculous is finicky...." Echuidor laughed, "Well then, glad to know. I'll patch it up....... and I won't breathe a word of this to the other men. They'd think we're madmen......" Ivordir laughed, "Indeed they would. Very good then. Go, patch yer wound, and take yer rest." Echuidor muttered, "If I was touched by elven powers, and Arhbaineth was, why'd the cloak heal her and not me?" Ivordir smiled, "She received far more than a brief cloak-touch......... she found powers in the north best unsaid......" Echuidor nodded, "Gotcha. The other men should not know. But I should ask you, if a man was dying, would you not try, in order to spare his life?" Ivordir nodded, "If necessary, I would..... even still, I would prevent rumors of elven chanted sorcerers from spreading across the whole of Gondor..... I don't want to stand before the Steward's Seat on trial....." Echuidor nodded, "Aye...... I'll go then." Ivordir smiled, "Rest well. I will see to these two......." Auravon was still embracing Amarthon with enthusiasm. Amarthon smiled, "Come.... let us rise...." Ivordir smiled, "I have an idea........ have you heard of cloak-dancing?" Amarthon smiled, "Yes.... I did it often.... with...A..Amanuiron..... I mean, Guldrambor...." The mere utterance of that name filled his mouth with disgust. Ivordir nodded, "I want the two of you to dance with me...... as Auruiron taught me... and his son, Ioristion...... I want the two of you to turn your feigned benefactor's methods against him...." |
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| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:54 PM Post #202 |
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Chapter CXLXXXIII: To Rest in Peace Amarthon muttered, "Evil cannot be used in order to create good....." But Ivordir smiled, "Even still, accidents can happen....." Auravon suddenly arose. All three of them billowed their cloaks, gliding them across the room in a great rush. The cloaks twirled and spun and billowed, gleaming gently in the moonlight, cold and smooth. The flaps of the folds brushed coldly, soothingly against their faces. They spun and ran and twirled with greater fervor, as if dancing in a great ball. And they moved so fast, they felt as if they were flying, gliding across the floor. And the tears of Auravon were dried by the haste of their speed, as his heart throbbed. And all traces of despair and terror were chased away. And Amarthon enveloped Auravon deeply, "Now feel forgiven.... it is over now. Let us begin anew....." And Auravon teared once more, this time, joyfully, "As you command, my beloved Prince...." Ivordir embraced them both. They held each other tightly, girding themselves. Then they lifted their cloaks, folding them on their arms, and Ivordir walked them back to their room. The twain returned to bed and resumed their positions, draping the cloak gently across Arancir as well, careful not to awaken him. And then they fell asleep, peace welling in their gleaming eyes. Ivordir returned to his chamber, wrapped himself gently in the cloaks, and smiling, he closed his eyes, "Thank you.... Powers of the West...... now I can lead these men, against our foe....." |
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| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:55 PM Post #203 |
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Chapter CXLXXXIV: The Third Witness Light streamed gently through the windows as Amarthon awoke. The events of the previous night seemed as if a dream... a nightmare transfigured into a miracle. Auravon slept at his side. He gazed down at his smiling face. He smiled. He looked at Arancir, still resting peacefully. Amarthon shuddered, thinking: "Oh no....... he does not know..... how to break this to him...." Arancir stirred, the soft movements of the bed's other occupants rousing him from the gentle lull of early morning sleep. He turned onto his side, and stretched; sated from his deep slumber, he cracked an eye open, and looked fondly upon his brothers. Auravon gazed at his brother sadly, "We have something to tell you..." Amarthon nodded, "Come close to me, my beloved brothers.... cuddle close to me beneath the cloak...." "What is it?" Arancir sat up, propping himself onto one elbow. The smoothness of his countenance strained with lines of worry; he could see that whatever news they might give him could be grave. "Yes, brother," he said with a nod, and he embraced Amarthon, his stomach churning, yet calming in the presence of those he loved most. The cloak flowed around them, glimmering in the sunlight. Amarthon smiled, "Now..... something happened last night..... I awoke to find Auravon had taken the cloak. I found...." Auravon embraced Amarthon closely, "He found me weeping......... and then Captain Ivordir found us." Arancir struggled to contain his frown. "The Captain? What did he say? What has happened?" Auravon began to cry again, "He revealed his cloaks of the Eldar to us... we felt them..... and then he...he experimented. Amarthon...." Amarthon sighed, "I emptied the contents of the phial on both cloaks on the floor. We heard a Song in the flames..... and the liquids vanished. There is power in the Elf-lord's cloak...... and in the one in which we are resting...... the cloak itself is good...... but he who gave the cloak..... Auravon muttered, "I........I stabbed Amarthon....." |
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| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:56 PM Post #204 |
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Chapter CXLXXXV: The Captain's Orders Amarthon motioned before Arancir could speak, "But I forgave him....... and I was healed by the combined power of the cloaks...." Arancir jerked, and he looked hastily to his brother. "What! But...why? No, please, continue...you are here Amarthon, so surely all is well now...I..." his shocked was plain upon his face, and he gazed at Amarthon in wonder. "My beloved Arancir....... yes, Auravon poured the black liquid into my wound, but it was no healing balm........ I saw a vision of Amanuiron.... and he transformed into the horror, Guldrambor, before my eyes...... we are deceived, but you must listen....His small love for me, reflected in his small love for Yucalwe, a love he likely greatly fears......... this cloak was woven in the West, before Amanuiron fell............He sought to use me. He hath revealed his gravest weakness in doing so......Ivordir commanded me to continue to conduct myself as Heir to the West. We are to continue to take the drops of the liquid.... the cloak protects us from its effects. It is not a lie. We must be sincere.........fearing the Doom that Yucalwe strove with, and loving the West...... Guldrambor cannot know that we hath learned the truth. And in between, when the liquid hath finished its course, we may love the Eldar......Be not afraid, beloved brother." Amarthon leaned over, kissing Arancir deeply on the cheek. Nervously Arancir fidgeted, rubbing the edge of the cloak between his plucking fingers. Amarthon's embrace greatly relieved him, and he nodded hesitantly. "I...cannot understand fully what you have shared with me now. But I see that you live, that you are well and whole. These cloaks...I have seen what they can do, have felt what they can do! And so, I will do as you say, brother. But I am afraid. What if this...Guldrambor should learn of our deceit?" Amarthon nodded, "I do not know.... let us avoid such fear for now. For now, let us be grateful for our allies.... Guldrambor likely already knows. But, orders are orders....." Again Arancir nodded. "Then we will continue as we were, but with great care." His look became thoughtful, and he pressed his nose to Amarthon's arm. "In the meantime. It is so strange, how quickly our plans alter, how loyalties shift...yet I will always follow you, my brothers." Amarthon smiled, "I believed in a great destiny.... I still do..... and I am honored beyond words, to have such brothers as you....... our destinies are great.... even if, in not the ways we initially expected...... what else could I have done? The elven cloaks did not deceive us.....And do not hold anything against Auravon..... he was confused, and I suspect, the liquid influenced him....." "I do not question what you have done, Amarthon. Nor you, Auravon...you would not harm our brother for any small reason. I too suspect an outside influence, for I know you both well." Arancir tugged the cloak closer, nestled within its comforting depths. "I suppose now we should carry on as usual." He inhaled deeply. "For now, today...what shall we do?" Amarthon smiled, "We shall join Sainion, Ivordir, and the others..." |
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| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:57 PM Post #205 |
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Chapter CXLXXXVI: A Hidden Meeting There was a knock at the door. Arhbaineth and Sainion entered the room bemused. Arhbaineth smiled, "We heard what happened..... and are relieved....." Amarthon smiled, "As am I....." Then there was another knock. Abrazan and Baralinor entered. Abrazan's eyes gleamed, "We heard everything...." Arancir sat straight, and looked upon the visitors with a welcoming gesture. "Does news travel so fast?" They were followed by Ivordir and Daerfalas. Ivordir smiled, "Indeed it does, but only to our small few..... we want all of this kept quiet. Do not let others in the Company know, aside from we who are gathered here....All of us present have been graced with these remarkable gifts...... but do not let others become aware of this. We do not want a panic in the city, or charges of sorcery levied against us....." Baralinor smiled, "I agree." Arhbaineth frowned, "Oh.... I should have sent for Raedwyn also...." Yet another knock sounded at the door, and when it opened, Raedwyn stuck her head in; she appeared flustered and out of breath. "There you are!" she said to Arhbaineth. "It is very difficult to follow you, I will have you know, when you are trying to make it difficult to be followed...ah, good morning," she greeted the others belatedly with a quick bow. Ivordir smiled, "We were stating how we should keep all matters of these cloaks a secret, save amongst ourselves...." Raedwyn nodded her assent quickly. "Well said." Amarthon smiled, "Very well. They are likely our first line of defense against our foe...." Auravon nodded, "They are......." |
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| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:58 PM Post #206 |
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Chapter CXLXXXVII: The Need for Secrecy Abrazan smirked, "We shall maintain our subterfuge....... it is good we have found this weakness....." Baralinor sighed, "We cannot trust that they will protect us from the contrivances of men...... like my Lord-Father....." Sainion nodded, "Captain..... tell us everything that transpired in the north...." And Ivordir told them everything, Arhbaineth and certain others contributing where necessary. Then Amarthon spoke of his Lord-Father, of his capture, and of how Amanuiron wove his webs around him. And everything to the present. He stood and prostrated himself on the ground before Abrazan, "I have caused you and your father such pain and grief..........." Abrazan's eyes gleamed, "I am happy that you have seen the truth. Rise, I forgive you.... and I suspect Yucalwe shall as well...." Amarthon arose, "Very well...." Ivordir smiled, "I am going to visit our other men at the Barracks, and see how they fare." Daerfalas crossed his arms over his chest. "They should be well rested by now, though I am certain they will have many questions as to what we have been doing these last few nights." Ivordir nodded, "Planning our course...... it is the truth." Amarthon smiled, "Have we thought of what we shall do, once we leave this city?" |
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| Ivordir | Jul 6 2015, 08:58 PM Post #207 |
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Chapter CXLXXXVIII: The Plans Prepared Ivordir bowed, "We shall press through the rest of Lebennin and Lossarnach, and there seek passage across the Anduin, into Emyn Arnen....But we are still caught in the web of Ballithor's allies." Arhbaineth smirked, "Raedwyn and I can infiltrate our household..... feed what rumors or facts we can find." Baralinor nodded, "Amarthon and his brothers.... and Abrazan, Sainion, and I.... can attempt to spy on their movements at nightfall." Amarthon nodded, "I agree." Ivordir nodded, "Very good. We need to find Malgelir........" Daerfalas frowned. "He seems to be a slippery creature. I still think it strange that we have not noticed his presence until now...even as he travelled within the company, he has spoke no word until that night." Ivordir frowned, "And we will need to trust Melimir to maintain watch over those of our Company who remain within this manor. Yes........... it is most strange. I do not trust Malgelir.....Nor do I know if we can trust the soldiers in the barracks..... I will need to probe them, with you by my side." Sainion raised his hand, "I do not know if Lady Melimir would be amenable to these plans..... might I suggest we trust her spies?" Ivordir nodded, "For today, yes. But I must still visit our men, at least." Baralinor nodded, "We will practice our coordination for now......... moving together, sneaking through the manor, before we take to the streets and walls themselves....." Auravon smiled, "Yes......" Ivordir nodded, "Very good. Come, Daerfalas.... it is time to inform your Lady-Mother. May the West shine with fortune upon us all." Daerfalas inclined his head to the others. "Gentlemen. Ladies." Edited by Ivordir, Jul 6 2015, 08:58 PM.
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| Ivordir | Jul 13 2015, 07:51 PM Post #208 |
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Chapter CXLXXXIX: Loyal Twins After Ivordir and the others left, Amarthon sighed, "I suppose I should go see Sainion and Arhbaineth..... to discuss this subterfuge in detail. You two stay here for now. The cloak is yours in the interim." Amarthon had dressed himself in a typical Gondorian noble velvet robe, sea-blue, and he strode out the door. Auravon turned toward Arancir in shame, "What have I done........ and he is so forgiving.... so beautiful....." Arancir approached his brother immediately, and pulled him into a fierce embrace. "What you did was not the result of any choice of yours...would you ever think to hurt me? Of course not. These cloaks...all that we have seen...they inspire us to do that which we would not normally do, under great passions we would not normally feel...he has forgiven you and so have I." Auravon returned the embrace, "It was not the cloaks..... it was the liquid.... the poison........it is the cloak that protects us from its effects.... I was not wearing the cloak when.....when...." Auravon impulsively turned, grabbing the cloak off the bed, billowing it around them. Then Auravon hid his head within the cloak, resting against Arancir's chest, hiding within the folds, "......I am terrified......." His face rested gently in the crimson folds beneath the gold. Arancir placed an open palm firmly against his twin's chest. "You misunderstand me...I do not put any blame on these cloaks, for they have given me nothing but peace and clarity of mind now...hush..." he wrapped the other arm around Auravon's shoulder. "Merely that we are very much outside of the realm of our experiences thus far...do not despair, my dearest of kin..." Auravon lifted his head from the folds, kissing his brother on the cheek, "Thank you..... my beloved brother........ I feel strengthened...." Arancir laughed at the gentle brush of lips upon his face, and he gripped the cloak around them with wonder and reverence. "I feel...so very honored. How our lives have changed, brother." Auravon deeply smiled, "As do I......" |
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| Ivordir | Jul 13 2015, 07:54 PM Post #209 |
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Chapter CLI: The Return to the Barracks Ivordir girded his heart as they marched through the winding city streets, marble stairways and plazas, stained with the grim and dirt of many passing boots. They reached the barracks back in the western Quarter of the city. They entered. Gwainoth the young approached Ivordir and Daerfalas first, with a bright and welcoming smile. "Captain!" he said, and the barracks ceased in all sound and movement - save for the steps of two Men, emerging from the shadows in which they had sat, whispering to one another. They were Naitheg and Thalathond, and Gwainoth the builder stepped aside to make way from them, nervously glancing between their two towering figures. "Captain," Naitheg said. He was tall and broad, and his long brown hair was plaited. His face was stern. "Captain," Thalathond said. He was taller, and broader, and his face was impassive, his armour immaculate. They stood as though immovable. Gwainoth cleared his throat. "We have been wondering at when you would join us, Captain," he said, "and what news you would bring us." Ivordir bowed, "I had business with the nobles of this city. Tell me your names." Naitheg looked over his shoulder to the men that were assembled further within the barracks. "He asks us our names," he said, and his smile was a sharp thing. "Very well. I am Naitheg, son of Hurineg. This is Thalathond, and I will speak for him...after all, his tongue is not so very adept, Captain," he repeated the title with furrow of his worn brow. "I hope the nobles have welcomed the rest of our company with courtesy and respect for their long travels and tedious journies." He eyed the way Daerfalas crossed his arms, and mirrored the motion, standing firm. "We have had little of the same extended our way. The ale, for example. It is swill." To the side, Gwainoth blanched, and looked down at his feet. Ivordir snapped, "You had your choice......... you did not have to stay at the barracks. You are free to any tavern you wish...." "I did not journey across Gondor to visit a tavern of Pelargir," Naitheg returned smoothly, unfaltering at Ivordir's flare of anger. He was older, and feared little. "And yet we tarry, and for what? To wait upon the word of a Captain that does not know our names." Ivordir laughed, "I know you did not journey seeking a tavern. You sought something else. It remains to be seen........ now attend the truth. Why did Lord Ballithor recruit you? How?" Naitheg smirked, unafraid. "Lord Ballithor recruited us, aye. What shame or secrecy is there in that? We have sworn to carry out our duty, and to keep our allegiance strong. It is well known that our Lord accepts the hearts and minds of those whom will serve him...and whom he shall reward." Ivordir glanced at Daerfalas. "So you seek rewards, do you?" Daerfalas answered, and his expression was grim. "Our aim is not to serve Lord Ballithor directly. What we do, we do in the name of Gondor, in its protection, in its name, for the very survival of our people. Riches are not our goals. If it is yours, perhaps your grievances hold less account than you think they do." |
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| Ivordir | Jul 13 2015, 07:55 PM Post #210 |
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Chapter CLII: The Stains of Envy Naitheg laughed. "Well spoken. Daerfalas, is it? Yes. I know your name. It is well known in this city, apparently. How easy it is, to speak from upon a pedastal such as yours. Daerfalas, son of a rich merchant lord, who has no need for coin, glory, or honor." He made to spit, but from behind, Thalathond rested a heavy hand upon his shoulder. He silenced himself, though his glare was no less potent. Then Ivordir felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned around. Malgelir stood with a grin on his face. He was flanked by several men. He declared: "And in the name of the wealthy Lord of the Silver Fist, I, Malgelir of Dol Amroth, arrest you, under charges of conspiracy and sorcery. Take them." |
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| Ivordir | Jul 13 2015, 07:56 PM Post #211 |
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Chapter CLIII: Within the Manor Amarthon knocked at Arhbaineth and Sainion's doorway. "Come in," he heard a wistful, feminine reply. Arhbaineth smiled, "Now we can be friends, now that we may no longer fear arranged marriages." "Have you spoken with your Lord-Father?" "Eventually........ I would rather not think about it." Sainion smiled, "You are without your cloak." Amarthon nodded, "I decided to trust in other powers." Sainion nodded, "What did Abrazan and Baralinor mean, I wonder..." Arhbaineth smirked, "I know what they meant. I've sneaked around many times myself.... quite often..." Amarthon stared at them, "May I feel it again? Please...." He started to gag. They rushed to him. Sainion stammered, "How much of the liquid did you take?" "The normal dosage," Amarthon gasped. Sainion enveloped him quickly, burying Amarthon's head in the cloak of Yucalwe. The convulsions slowly calmed. They ceased. Sainion sat Amarthon down, "You will need greater protection..... did you leave the other cloak for your brothers?" Amarthon nodded. "Then they are safe. The three of you will need it. But we will practice now." "How can the three of us maneuver through the city in a cloak of bright gold in the dead of night? They will see us." Arhbaineth smiled, "Try in pairs instead. Abrazan and Arancir. Baralinor and Sainion. Auravon and you." "Sensible..." Sainion muttered. "But our coordination will be off-kilter.... we need some of us to be able to maneuver freely..." Amarthon laughed, "Won't they find it strange to see three of us trying to maneuver through the streets in the same cloak?" A servant knocked at the door. They ducked to the side, save Arhbaineth, who came to the door. The servant spoke solemnly, morosely, "Ivordir has been arrested by one Malgelir and the Silver Fist." |
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| Ivordir | Jul 13 2015, 08:04 PM Post #212 |
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Chapter CLIV: A Defeated March Ivordir marched with his head downcast. Daerfalas marched beside him. Their hands were bound. And the air was filled with the sound of rain plunging into metal as they marched. The air stank. The gulls were crying. Men and women marched to and fro on their daily business. And they marched toward the northernwestern quarter, where the Lord they had seen in Anglebed awaited them. He gave them one chance and said, "Take them to the dark cells, where they shall await my judgment." They were thrust through a basement doorway and marched down into dark, damp cells. The air smelt of rats, they could hear them scurrying along the walls. The cell doors thrust shut with a clang, the sound of keys turning echoing in the darkness. Then the dungeon doors were shut. All went dark. Ivordir could not speak. |
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| Ivordir | Jul 13 2015, 08:06 PM Post #213 |
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Chapter CLV: Lost in Shadows The sound of the guard's retreating footsteps finally gave way to silence, and Daerfalas let loose a shuddering breath. He could feel his heart thudding in his chest, and it seemed to be all he could hear, a tumultuous and faltering rhythm that sung in counterpoint with the breath of Ivordir beside him. "Captain?" he spoke, and his voice was small in the darkness. For the first time since their journey had begun, he felt true fear. "Ivodir, brother..." he said again, and he reached his bound hands out into the air, grasped nothing. "Please, seek my voice...I cannot stand this darkness alone, I..." he closed his eyes, briefly shamed at the rising alarm thickly lacing his words. Think of the Elves, he thought to himself, think of their light, they would not falter, not even now. He stood, as straight as he could, closed his eyes and imagined that he could feel the whisper of the cloak against his skin. Ivordir gasped, "We should have listened to your mother...............at least we know we have allies, brother...." Daerfalas followed the sound of Ivordir's voice, navigating the darkness with little ease. He stumbled upon his last few steps yet finally he felt the warmth of Ivordir's body close beside him. He signed deeply in his relief, and shook his head; a useless gesture, for Ivordir would not see it. "She has her spies, yes, and I've little doubt she will hear of our imprisonment soon enough. What she will do with such information, I do not know. Under what right are we entombed? Malgelir must have far reaching hand to have placed us here." Ivordir gasped, "The hand is Ballithor's. I can see this now........ but why would they arrest us at this point...... unless Malgelir deceived us into thinking that he was one of Ballithor's opposers...." "Yet what should Ballithor gain for arresting us? And why choose this very moment? We have been in Pelargir for days...he could have had us thrown into these cells the moment we arrived at its gates. Yet he did not. We have had time to whisper amongst ourselves, to strategize, to find allies...Ivordir, I do not know what to think..." Carefully, minding his restrained hands, he took hold of Ivordir's arm and pulled him close to rest his forehead against his shoulder. "Think. What should we do? Is there anything we can do, in here, but wait?" Ivordir looked around, "We can consider what to do when they come for us...He was waiting for evidence of treachery. Malgelir served him.... he posed as an opponent to get us to speak..... and in the end, we did....... he could not arrest us directly, due to your mother's influence.... and why am I comprehending this now....." He had remembered Malgelir's words clearly.... "What is it?" Daerfalas whispered. "My memory is not as yours...what were his exact words? He demanded Baralinor's execution. You refused it." Ivordir bowed, "You are forgetting something........ he referred to me as 'another Castamiran traitor,' and I replied, 'No he is not!' Then he thanked me, desiring to speak in better terms on the morrow, and left..... he never came....." Daerfalas bit back a curse. "Always it goes back to the Castamirans! Has it not been obvious from the start where our true loyalties lie? War is coming upon us, and here we are...stuck in the mire, swords sheathed. Shall we march with the emblem of Castamir upon our breasts? Would that soothe their anger?" he growled in frustration into the dark. He paused, and closed his eyes with a tug into his innermost strength, for his thoughts raced and he was angry. "Forgive me. I should not lose my head, not now." Ivordir sighed, "Nothing to forgive.... my ire is raised.... I wish I could inform my father, gain allies in Minas Tirith itself..... and here we are, trapped in the shadows..... forced to trust in men who until quite recently, opposed us and served the darkness, unwittingly or not....." The chains around his hands rattled as Daerfalas held Ivordir close. "Trust we must. There is little else we can do. When the guards come, we should not move against them. Let Ballithor grasp at straws. We should give him no reason, no proofs of our moving against him." Ivordir sighed, "I agree......" |
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| Ivordir | Jul 13 2015, 08:08 PM Post #214 |
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Chapter CLVI: Seething Within the Hall of Melimir the sconces burned low and the shadows were cast high upon the tapestried walls. Upon her great chair the Lady of the House sat straight and proud. Thunder was her expression, and fire was in her eyes. The servants had all been dismissed, and the rooms were silent. In the middle of the ornately tiled floor stood Sainon, Arhbaineth, Raedwyn, Baralinor, and Abrazan. The Lady looked down at them, her noble robes settled carefully against her figure, and she was very still for many long moments, peering at each of their countenances. "My sons," she began finally, "have spoken highly of each of you. They trust you. And so shall I, upon this dark hour. Hear me then, and steel yourselves. Captain Ivordir and Daerfalas have been arrested, in secret, with no explanation and little pageantry. I would not have known of it, had it not been for a young Mason of your company, that delivered this news to me not one hour past. He has sworn the truth of this with his life, and so I shall take his word for now. But for this, I know little more. As all of you know, Lord Ballithor..." she stood, and there was a seething anger in her visage, "has proved himself an enemy to my sons and those loyal to him. And so I think that all of you are in danger now." Descending the steps, she closed the distance between her and her audience. "What I shall say henceforth will not leave this room. Do all of you understand?" They nodded. Melimir's smile was a sharp, dangerous thing. "Good. Now, of course, I have known of Ivordir's and Daerfalas' arrest from the moment it happened. I do not trust the occupants of this city that are not in my employment, and so I had my sons followed. They did not know of this, of course. I am sure they would have objected. Of course," she waved a dismissive hand, "now I know where the loyalties of the Men in your company mostly lie. The young Mason, Gwainoth, was the only one to bring me warning. So either the rest of the Men did not witness the confrontation, or they did not care to report it here." She cirlced around them, tapping her lower lip. "Now then. They were taken by a Man named Malgelir. I know little of him, save that he came to Ivordir and demanded Baralinor's execution. This was surely a ploy." She turned to Baralinor. "He could not execute you. Ivordir refused. And yet he let slip of his own loyalties in the same moment." Baralinor nodded, "Malgelir is of the Silver Fist, among the strongest of my father's supporters in this city. Beneath the gaze of Tol Ciryarani, yet influential nonetheless. Ballithor of the Silver Swan works beneath Prince Imrahil's notice similarly. He maintains the secrecy of his influence from the highest powers of rule. And yet, even Minas Tirith is compromised." Arhbaineth nodded, "Departing from this city will be difficult. We need to plan this with our Captain's escape. If we return him and your son hither, we will be surrounded. I have heard rumors that the Silver Fist is hosting a ball within the next two days... yet every second your sons remain imprisoned is terrible........ yet we must ensure that the lords of the Silver Fist are distracted when we the escape does occur....We do not want this to escalate to a civil war within the streets. We do not wish to involve the Lord of Pelargir or his family. It would compromise everything, and render our departure impossible....And then, if word spread, Ballithor would hear of it.... he would send riders to Minas Tirith itself.... we cannot afford graver calamities such as this......" Edited by Ivordir, Jul 19 2015, 05:59 PM.
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| Ivordir | Jul 13 2015, 08:13 PM Post #215 |
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Chapter CLVII: A Prudent Strategy Melimir inclined her head, "And so, we move under the cover of darkness, and in secret. My sons are strong. They will endure what they must, as we must give them hope. I have already placed Men loyal to me close to Malgelir." She stilled herself. "It will be difficult for you all, once you have departed the city. You must remain two steps ahead of Ballithor." Baralinor nodded, "If you can prevent or delay word from reaching him at Dol Amroth.... it would work to our advantage." "This I can do. Riders will be sent to watch the roads. Any passage of those bearing the crest of those loyal to Ballithor will be obstructed." She shrugged smoothly. "I am but a Widow, and dotting Mother. Harmless, and foolish, as Women ought to be." She smiled to Raedwyn and Arhbaineth. "A Mother should appear in public. She would be...grieved at the disappearance of her son, of course. But such a son, for he was reckless and did not respect his betters, he questioned the legitimacy of Castamir and was disloyal to his Lord Ballithor's cause. What may a Mother do? Attend a ball, of course. Also in attendance will be the Men who followed Ivordir reluctantly. They too will attend the ball. They will be convincing to the Castamarins of their loyalty. And during this time, my Men, these guards who work for me, they will set free your Captain and his most stringent follower. A tragic escape, of course. Does this sound agreeable?" Baralinor nodded, "We thank you for your graciousness. We had discussed a route.... north and then east.... we will take that route. If my father's allies can be somehow derailed from the northeastern gate across the Celos.... we can vanish in the forests nigh the river. But there are other concerns.... for example, Dol Amroth was attacked by a band of corsairs before we departed from the city........ is there any word of corsair activity in the Bay?" Lady Melimir shook her head solemnly. "I have had no word on outright attacks against our people. However, I would employ caution all the same. I think it shall not hinder our efforts. Not for the time being." She added, "Still I think it prudent for you all to follow through on your original plan. Distractions are needed for this to work soundly." Sainion nodded, "Even so.......... keep your servants' ears listening..... if word comes of any dangers at all from the coast, it would likely ease your son's mind if you made for Minas Tirith..... Baralinor nodded, "Ivordir's father is a renowned scholar on the sixth level. I have little doubt that he would see to arrangements if you appeared, if it proved necessary...." Arhbaineth frowned, "And I would fear Ballithor's allies more than corsairs......... and if we gathered our strength in the White City, we could combat any influence of Ballithor's there....." Raedwyn spoke hesitantly, "Minas Tirith is still very far from here. We must focus on the problem at hand first, I think. Did we not agree that the Men should play at being merchants and leave the City thusly? We have already brought Amarthon and the twins that follow him to our cause. Gwainoth we know we can trust, thanks to you, Lady Melimir. I would rather worry of happenings in Minas Tirith while we are on the road there." She wrung her hands anxiously. Arhbaineth bowed, "My point is mainly....... we cannot march with Ivordir into the wilderness. We are ladies of court, not rugged travelers.... we would only hinder him on the road, and nor can we stay here, and nor can we twain travel alone, and they would see us on the roads.....While true, we have experienced wilderness before, in Eriador.... we had Elves and other protectors there.... not here...." Lady Melimir approached Arhbaineth. She regarded her gravely, and with respect. "Might you have a suggestion, then, that will solve this problem?" Arhbaineth nodded, "Sainion..... Amarthon and his brothers..... my sister, our family, and you and yours..... should make for Minas Tirith on main roads, distracting Ballithor's attention away from your sons.... my brothers....It would require leaving Pelargir to Ballithor's allies........ but it would also place us in a bastion of greatest strength.... near the Seat of the Steward himself.......And it would allow us time to rout Minas Tirith of Ballithor's allies before Ivordir, Daerfalas, and the company returns......And if some corsair raid does happen......... let Ballithor's allies be forced to fight them, while we have reached safety...." Sainion nodded, "A sound plan, but......... is not the Black Land even more dangerous?" |
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| Ivordir | Jul 13 2015, 08:17 PM Post #216 |
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Chapter CLVIII: Anor Bound Melimir considered her words carefully. "That is a rather ingenious plan. I will admit this. But I'm afraid I would not be easily swayed to leave this city. It is my home. I fear no dangers abroad, but to abandon Pelargir? I shall have to think on it." Arhbaineth shook her head, "'Abandon?' Nay.... I did not mean to abandon...... merely to temporarily depart from........ for from Minas Tirith, we could labor to an end to Ballithor's power, that you may return hither victorious and in triumph......As for the Black Land, they have not yet crossed the River........ the garrison of Osgiliath, the Rammas Echor, the entire Pelennor.... and then seven strong gates, the first of which has never been broken......... Pelargir could dream of such defenses.......I love this city. I love my household. I was born and raised here............... but when given the choice between my manor, all its conveniences..... and the life of Sainion....... whom I love....... if choosing these stone harbors meant poisoned drops drowning him to his grave.......I would leave it for now without question. And I believe he will die if I allow him to remain here............. what of your sons? What of Daerfalas? Would you remain here, if it meant..... that he had died in Minas Tirith on his return, or that Ballithor had captured and tortured him in some dark crevice? We can prevent this.......... and there is only one way to do it......" Melimir raised her hand, beckoning for silence. "Your point is made. I will concede to it. Daerfalas has his path to follow. Apparently mine own shall run parallel to it." Arhbaineth nodded, "Forgive me, my Lady, if I spoke too bold........I am most grateful........ if I may make another suggestion......." The Lady of the House laughed. "Truth may be a bold thing, but I shall never fault one for stating it. No forgiveness is necessary. Carry on..." ".....send the letter now, addressed to Lord Ioristor....... informing him that his son is alive, but in grave peril, as is that of your son........ that the peril lies within the hearts of certain men......." Arhbaineth added, "And to ensure there is room in his storehouses for your Houses' greatest treasures and heirlooms..... and that he will be richly rewarded for his generosity......" |
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| Ivordir | Jul 13 2015, 08:19 PM Post #217 |
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Chapter CLIX: The Threats Abroad Baralinor nodded, "I know of Lord Ioristor..... he is a kind and honorable man...... he will likely accept, longing for word of his son, whom he has not seen for far too long....I agree. I can provide you with a list of names.... all of the names of my father's allies. He drilled me to know them all by memory, and that shall be his undoing...... of course, one can never tell if allegiances have changed or not...... without careful inspection and observation....Regardless, if war is indeed brewing in the East, and the Osgiliath front is in grave peril...... we do not want my Lord-Father's spies and allies running around the White City freely..... the men will need to be unified in their purpose against the shadow. It also means that this plan could backfire, gravely, Arhbaineth, and Minas Tirith could find itself surrounded by forces worse than my Lord-Father's allies......" Arhbaineth rebutted, "But the defenses-" Baralinor cut her off, "Can be sundered. Even the strongest.........If the Lord of Morgul himself came forth, what would happen?" Arhbaineth nodded, "Gondor is not without her allies." "Which allies?" Baralinor retorted. "Rohan? I have heard its King, Theoden, has become weak, unable to rise from his seat of Meduseld, hiding within his mead-hall......... while the fields and plains are overrun with strange Orcs and worse....." He scoffed, "And I should also remind you, that our only good Captain, our only true Captain, true in name and title, Boromir son of our Steward, Lord Denethor II, was sent on a hidden quest and departed from the realm last year." Melimir sighed as she resumed her circling around the room. It seemed her state of anxiety suddenly seemed to grow, yet she listened to the debate with great care. Arhbaineth waved her hand whimsically, "I know who he is. Have you no confidence in Captain Faramir, also son of Lord Denethor II, Steward of Gondor, in his labors in Captain Boromir's stead?" Baralinor sighed, "Our Steward has little confidence in him... who should know him better than his own Lord-Father?" Arhbaineth smirked, "Well, your own Lord-Father did not find a hint of treason in you, that is plain..... and Lord Denethor, it is rumored, was ever cruel to Faramir........" Baralinor sighed, "This debate is pointless. I concede nonetheless. But what are you afraid of, here in Pelargir?" Arhbaineth frowned, "I fear an attempt by Ballithor to seize the southern fiefdoms from within..... I also fear that if the Shadow does invade, the Black Land's allies of old will come as well...... and that includes the Corsairs of Umbar. And what defenses does this city have, truly, against a large fleet of Corsairs?" Baralinor nodded, "If the fleet outnumbered our ships at port......... it could prove disastrous. And there is little room for ship maneuvers in the river." Arhbaineth smiled, "Exactly. So, let them fight the Silver Fist, if this occurs, rather than us. We will be far safer with Lord Ioristor, six levels above the ground, than here......." Baralinor smirked, "How is it that you are so certain that a massive Corsair fleet is going to invade Pelargir?" Sainion laughed, "Because she knows her history! The two port-cities have ever been rivals........ why, allies of the East or not, the moment the Black Land invades, the Corsairs will seize the advantage in any case....... they always have." Baralinor nodded, "Yes.... this is true. Very well. Do be certain that your vast wealth has been maneuvered safely to the White City. And you will need protectors to fight against ruffians and thieves.....And to keep the crowds away as you are ascending six levels...." Abrazan smiled, "And I will follow Ivordir as far as I am able......but I would be mistaken for the Enemy, in such a war......I will think on it......." |
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| Ivordir | Jul 13 2015, 08:22 PM Post #218 |
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Chapter CLX: Cloaked Precision Arhbaineth and Sainion returned to Amarthon, who had taken counsel with his brothers. Amarthon smiled, "Come. I have asked for a time of privacy in the ballroom. Let us go...... we shall need to focus our efforts." Arhbaineth smiled, "First, let me tell you our decision." And she relayed the plans to them. Amarthon and Auravon smiled. Sainion smiled, "Well, one question has been answered. Ivordir and Daerfalas' cloaks are likely within their rooms. We will need to use them on this venture. First, we have to determine where they are keeping Ivordir......" Amarthon muttered, "Likely at the Silver Fist......" They ran down the hallway toward the rooms, the cloak hidden beneath Amarthon's robe. They reached the rooms and found the cloaks, gleaming. They made the switch. Sainion gently tucked Ivordir's cloaks beneath Amarthon's robes. Amarthon smiled, "I feel safe...... and that we will succeed.... but why all of this secrecy? The Lady knows of this in any case. And the servants likely have strict orders." Sainion sighed and unveiled the cloaks, streaming them down Amarthon's back. He smiled, "Very well. We plan our coordination." The ballroom had been emptied for instruction. No servants were permitted to enter. Arancir was taking a rest, but Auravon entered with Amarthon's cloak. Amarthon sighed and turned back to their room. He gently draped Yucalwe's crimson around a sleeping Arancir, smiling at his innocent face. "He can join us later," Amarthon whispered. Then they marched back into the ballroom. Sainion and Arhbaineth smiled. Arhbaineth smirked, "Well, then.... Ivordir is strong. We have to do this right....... tell me, how much combat experience have either of you had?" Auravon shook his head, but Amarthon nodded, "I learned something." Arhbaineth laughed, "This must be done correctly. Now then, I learned some self-defensive maneuvers, in case our manor was invaded by thugs. So, here is how to do it. Flow gently, as if water, softness against strength. She took Sainion's cloak, black and crimson fanning across the floor. She draped it, tying portions of it around herself, controlling the billows, so that she would blend into the shadows without being seen. "This will need to be done at nightfall," she whispered. They closed the shutters, darkening the ballroom, so that light was minimal as the sunlight flowed through narrow crevices between the shutters and the walls. Arhbaineth nodded, "It is comparable to the moonlight.... let us hope that the skies will not be cloudy tonight. Now, this is little different from our playing earlier, but movements must be precise, not flying across the room into a soldier's sword, or dagger. Come, let me demonstrate..." Edited by Ivordir, Jul 13 2015, 08:23 PM.
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| Ivordir | Jul 13 2015, 08:25 PM Post #219 |
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Chapter CLXI: Stealth Amarthon strode into the center of the room. Arhbaineth sneaked into the shadows, her voice echoing, "Approach." Amarthon wandered into the shadows, he felt a tingling feeling as a wisp of fabric whipped past him, then he felt himself caressed, as if by a lover, only to feel cold steel against his throat. He felt these movements in only one second, as fast as a sudden rush of wind on the cliffs. He gasped, "Brilliant....." Arhbaineth smiled, "You may still need to travel in pairs, and to conceal each other if need be. Where is Auravon?" Auravon approached them cautiously. Arhbaineth suddenly rushed over to him, kissing him deeply on the cheeks, "Do not fear for your Prince...... you will serve him well." Auravon girded himself, nodding, returning the kisses. Then he caressed Amarthon deeply. Amarthon smirked, "Calm down, all of that from the previous night is over." Auravon turned and pointed at the center of the room, "The place is marked..." Amarthon smiled, "But the present conquers. Come, let us practice." |
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| Ivordir | Jul 13 2015, 08:26 PM Post #220 |
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Chapter CLXII: Flamboyance Tamed Auravon draped the cloak across Amarthon's shoulders, following his instructions with care, to ensure there would be enough fabric for both of them. Then Amarthon turned, doing the same for him. The fabric hung loose between them, so that they could maneuver. There were several meters in between them as they stood apart, the cloak stretching straight between them. Then they converged, and worked on tieing the cloak hither and there, to prevent tripping, or a fold of cloak falling visible into the moonlight. Yet there was still enough cloak to conceal both of them fully, including their heads. Arhbaineth nodded, "My beloved husband... come hither." Sainion came, bringing his cloak, attaching it in a similar way. When it was spread across their shoulders, Arhbaineth smiled, "Now..... we have to move as one. It is impractical, until precision is established. Then, many things can be done. First, we must walk in synch." They practiced walking to and fro across the floor, conscious of each others' movements. Both pairings did this. Then Arhbaineth said, "Now.... try to run in this way." They ran to and fro across the floor, tripping and falling many times at first, at times laughing, but eventually they knew how to control the movements of the cloaks. They found where to grasp and clutch the folds with one hand, and how high, so their feet could move. The cloaks whipped quicker, less flamboyantly. They curved around their tunics with ease. Edited by Ivordir, Jul 13 2015, 08:26 PM.
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