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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
Topic Started: Apr 5 2015, 04:14 PM (4,133 Views)
Ivordir

Chapter CXXV: Winds of the Isle

Baralinor smiled,
"The winds began to switcheroo,
As the tides pushed us toward the isle,
Its daunting peak piercing above the dark, grey,
Swirling clouds.
I held the emblem of my House
Abreast,
As I turned to see my lord-father
Standing proudly, defiantly, on the bow.
One ad hockery after another, a spin of the wheel this way
And that way, it all failed, temporary solutions, for the ship continued
To sail; we feared that it would crash on the rocky shore.
Our efforts were inutile, useless.
Our fates seemed as butyraceous as butter, carved and spread on leavened bread.
Carved and spread by our foe, before him,
To be devoured by a voracious demon.
Yes, that was pickwickian of me,
A strange metaphor, not a normal application.
Our force was demassified before the power that opposed us,
Our homogenous unit broke into boats,
Trying to save themselves in whatever ways appealed to them,
Against my lord-father's orders.
His inutile orders flew over their heads,
Barely heard because of high winds,
Yucalwe's cloak flapped and surged around him,
Although sopping wet.
He surged right over my head, lapping my head gently
Within its darkness.
I wanted to stay there,
But the winds lapped it back.
And now here we sit, we glitterati.
But let's continue the tale, shall we?"

Sainion smiled, "Yes, do continue."
Edited by Ivordir, Jun 11 2015, 08:33 PM.
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Ivordir

Chapter CXXVI: Yucalwe's Effulgence

Baralinor sighed,

"All of these factors were not good augurs,
They did not bode well for us.
Then Yucalwe fled doggo; he left our sight.
Then, suddenly, my eyes found him, standing on the bow.
His cloak was effulgent, suddenly, despite the shadows.
An inner light awoke within him. A light I long to see again.
He was radiant. A true thaumaturge to my eyes, almost a magician.
Or a sorcerer.
The sight of him ballasted my heart,
Gave me steadiness.
I heard my Lord-Father calling to me,
I jumped into a boat
And was lowered off the ship.
Yucalwe was suddenly with me,
But he did not draw me close,
As my Lord-Father was watching me.
Knowing Yucalwe.... a polymathy of knowledge.....
He knew nearly everything, of encyclopedic quantity....."

Abrazan smiled, "If I may offer some details."

Baralinor nodded.
Edited by Ivordir, Jun 11 2015, 08:35 PM.
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Ivordir

Chapter CXXVII: Abrazan's Tale

Abrazan nodded,
"The ship had not capsized.
We had anchored it before he reached the rocks.
I do not belie your story,
For many of us were afraid of collapsing.
Nor would it contradict
Yucalwe's words on the matter.
Now, many men began in sternutation,"

Sainion laughed, for he knew what it meant: everyone started sneezing.
One of the few commensal things of humankind, aside from eating at the same table.

Abrazan smiled,
"Ballithor, as ever, tried to peacock his actions,
His strident boots marking the wet sand on the shore.
Baralinor, in all due respect, seemed glazed, solipsistic in his eyes;
As if he was epistolizing to himself, writing letters."

Baralinor laughed mirthfully, for he knew that it was true.
Edited by Ivordir, Jun 11 2015, 08:37 PM.
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Ivordir

Chapter CXXVIII: Nightfall at the Canyon's Edge

Abrazan continued,
"The tenebrific clouds produced great darkness
Prevented succorance, no hope of seeking affectionate solace.
Our courage held by a thread, winnowed from our cowardice,
Though I can't speak for the others who were there.
The isle was huge.
Our foe seemed nonsuch compared to us,
A paragon without equal.
The skies themselves communed
How he comminated against us in his wrath.
No one can indemnify evil; for it does not deserve
Compensation for damages.
Our sodality, our comradeship,
Became strong,
Despite our troubled differences.
I forgot that the Corsairs would often
Cabotage aloud these shores,
To find refuge from the fleets of Gondor,
Or to launch skirmishes against the coast of Belfalas.
We found the dalles of a small river that flowed through a canyon that approached
The mountain.
There were leagues of forest to traverse.
I subrogated my own fears with courage,
For I had known what these foes could do.
I was still afraid, but said nothing.
Some men didn't care a fiddlestick for what
We were about to face.
Or at least, that is what their eyes
Spoke to me.
We alighted in a spot, set our camp,
To rest, as night approached.
One man, a railbird, self-styling his critique, railed against the whole mission,
And Ballithor beheaded him,
Tossing his head and corpse in the river,
As horror struck our eyes.
He sought out Baralinor,
I don't know what they said together."
Edited by Ivordir, Jun 11 2015, 08:37 PM.
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Ivordir

Chapter CXXIX: That Cold Look

Baralinor sighed,
"He told me to be wary of Yucalwe,
With that cold look in his eyes."

Sainion nodded,
"When does he not have that cold look in his eyes?"

Baralinor bowed morosely,
"He did not have it... before my mother died... before she was poisoned........"

His voice trailed off sadly, but Baralinor struggled to continue again,
"We found her dead, as if by a curse, when we reached Dol Amroth."

Abrazan's eyes slowly shed a tear,
"So that is partly why you were angered..... did you blame Yucalwe for it?"

Baralinor nodded,
"He came into our lives.... he brought this foe within our lives.... but now I realize,
I recognize, I see...... it would not have mattered....."

Sainion nodded, "Continue, Abrazan. We should not linger long in grief, lest it disturb our senses back toward
Things that we forgot after this early afternoon."

Baralinor nodded, "Yes, continue."
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Ivordir

Chapter CXXX: Twilight of Midnight

Abrazan nodded,
"I bet Baralinor heard Yucalwe muttering in some Babelism.
Babel, you see, was a mythic tower in Hildorien in the East,
Long ago. We Southrons believed we were divided into tribes
With different dialects then.
In any case, I knew it was Quenya.... it was a prayer to the Valar...
My hopes had grown, pyrophoric, as if they could have burst into flames in air,
Burning fires of courage.
I felt afflated, inspired,
Watching Yucalwe stand in the distance by the canyon.
Ballithor had fallen asleep in his war-tent,
The tents were already stored on the rowboats
When we escaped from the ship.
But I saw the two of you, standing there, by the edge of the canyon,
And most of the other men had retired for the night,
Eager to flee from the mud and rain.
And I deeply smiled,
Because I knew then,
That something special
Had not been destroyed.
I watched you carefully
Ever since we left Dol Amroth,
Baralinor.
My heart was astir with hope,
I was the internuncial,
The messenger who would re-connect
Our lives. I felt it then, I know it now."
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Ivordir

Chapter CXXXII: The Bond of Sainion

As Abrazan spoke, Sainion felt as if he was churning in the wine-dark sea. He felt the winds turning to and fro. He felt the roof of the sky open in teeming rain. He felt the muck and the mud and the cries and calls of anguished men. He felt their lethargy, their sadness, and their doughty courage. He heard the sounds of sickness, coughing and belching. He heard the sounds of throats hurling. He heard the neighing of the horses, that were brought to shore long ago, horses that roamed the surface of the isle if they escaped their masters, till they were caught. He heard the surging of the river in the rain. He felt the dampness of the cavern, the muddy ground where their tents were pitched, some makeshift and some refined, according to their perceived merit in the eyes of Ballithor. He wanted to hide. He was afraid of where the story would go. But then he turned to see Baralinor sitting by his side, and on an impulse, he felt himself suddenly lurch into his arms, burying his face in his cloak.

He buried his face in silken thread, submerging it within crimson folds. The cloak was warm to the touch, and smooth, and it still possessed the same scent of roses. He began to feel renewed, and there was still a chasm, an fold of the cloak that folded around as if a cylinder, granting a portal to the air in the room above. He was able to breathe.

But then he felt something he did not expect: gentle hands gently stroking his hair smoothy, gentle in their touch, as Baralinor warmly welcomed Sainion's embrace. Baralinor smiled, understanding the exact nature of their predicament: Sainion was never there. He had never encountered the foe that they had faced, and would likely face again. It was the first time that Sainion was hearing the real, truer story, of what their foe was like, beyond oblique terms, the sort that Ivordir might have placed their foe within in order to comfort him.

Baralinor smiled, as Abrazan paused, admitting to himself that he was likely as afraid as Sainion was. He took comfort in this. He had never been close to his own brothers, not Baralinor. His brothers loathed how their father groomed Baralinor to be the Heir. What would they, brothers of the Silver Swan, hope to receive? And Baralinor knew that his brothers loathed him, how he was the Heir and they were not the Heir, and they loathed him all the more when they had heard tale of how Yucalwe had preened Baralinor in such refulgence. And so they worked, tirelessly, to grow closer to their lord-father, in the hope that one of them might be chosen to be Heir to the Silver Swan in Baralinor's place. Baralinor had overheard them in their room, breathing softly and quietly beside the wall nigh their door, out of sight. He knew it and it made him feel even more depraved. He thought of his brothers now, as he stared at Sainion, and he vowed to himself that he would love Sainion, as Baralinor wished his own brothers could have loved him. He would protect Sainion with his life. Sainion had lectured him on despair, when all seemed at mirth and peace. Baralinor smiled, I will try to return the favor... oh Sainion... if only I could have stopped my 'lord-father' from doing what he did to yours.................. and you, brothers........ I'd gladly give you my 'title' if I could, if it made you so happy...... so very happy...... if that is the price of your happiness, I would give it to you, my happy brothers....... oh yes, I'll make you feel very happy..... yes, yes, yes............... I'll appease you......... oh Ranyaro, what wisdom did you see or seek, in sighting such a horrid House as mine? What did you seek to find in this wreck of kith and kin, where kin inspireth each other to mutual slaughter?

The answer struck Baralinor like a thunderbolt. Sainion felt Baralinor's muscles tense, as Sainion peered upward from the shelter of their cloaks, his head still bathed in its crimson, his eyes penetrating beyond the fabrics' rim. His eyes could have communed his thoughts in an instance of time: What has happened.... have I done something to offend you?

But Baralinor gazed down and smiled, "Nothing is wrong," as if he had read his brother's thoughts, nay, his eyes, "I was wondering... why Ranyaro would have chosen such a vile House as mine......... thinking of how my family is at odds with itself, discord and chaos, which I fear may lead to slaughter, between kith and kin..... and"

Sainion's eyes beamed, as Abrazan's gleamed soulfully. Sainion nodded, not another word was necessary. They breathed and smiled at each other deeply. The former Kinslayer, Noldo of the First Age, had come to save them from plunging into the same abyss..... and Sainion thought, Yucalwe may not be the villain he thinks he is....
Edited by Ivordir, Jun 13 2015, 08:05 PM.
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Ivordir

Chapter CXXXIII: The Island Highlands

Abrazan smiled as he gazed at Sainion and Baralinor. He felt at home for the first time since Eriador. And as he saw them embracing, he remembered the tale that Ioristion had told them: of Rostor, Finlos, and the Last Alliance. I will not permit your death, my brothers... it will not happen again. Ah, yes, Tolfalas...

Abrazan smirked, "My brothers... my dear, beloved brothers... today is a good day. Shall we continue?"

Baralinor nodded, as Sainion re-surfaced from the cloak, all the while nodding.

They all smiled deeply at each other. Then, Baralinor began,

"Yucalwe and I did speak at length,
I would not know if one could call his words a 'prayer,'
An intonation, an invocation, as the Elves are oft to do
Within their songs, they are the same regardless.
Yes, he warned me of my Lord-Father; I took offense
And our conversation ended. But then I began to cling
To him, in actions that perplexed me. I could not understand
How I could both love and loathe
At once.

Our embrace was deep,
And then I returned to my tent,
That the men had set-up for me.
But dawn did not come, that day.
For we were within the interior of the Isle,
And the storm continued to rage."

And Abrazan:
"We miserably broke-camp
And began our trek
Into the highlands of the Isle,
Nigh the mountain peaks at its heart.
There, atop one of the lower peaks,
Still below the tree-line,
Stood a solitary tower.
As we journeyed past where
Men should have been stationed,
The lower guard-walls were bereft
Of forces.

There were men, hanging in the trees,
With blood-ridden necks,
As if they had been tortured.
We raised our swords and shields,
Pressing in-land."
Edited by Ivordir, Jun 14 2015, 10:53 AM.
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Ivordir

Chapter CXXXIV: The Corsairs of Umbar

Abrazan continued:
"Then I caught the sounds of
Southron dialects,
Dialects I had remembered
From my youth.
I crept ahead of the men,
And found a country of boulders
As the highlands rose higher.
I caught the scent of flint,
As if men had attempted to
Lite fires in a break in the rain."

And Baralinor:
"My Lord-Father commanded the men
To halt, as we formed a wall of shields,
The White Tree blazing in the lightning.
Suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck
Several of our troops at once...
Some form of foul sorcery..."

And Abrazan:
"Although the Elves claim
That lightning can strike metal,
For the Storms and metallic objects
Detest each other,
Another fruit of the
Seed of discord.

It was then that the Corsairs attacked,
Cries and calls echoing amongst the highland stones,
As archers peered over tops of boulders,
And swathy men of Umbar poured from either side
Out of the fog."
Edited by Ivordir, Jun 14 2015, 10:53 AM.
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Ivordir

Chapter CXXXV: Kinslayer of the Second Born

Baralinor smiled, "I will never forget it....... but it was a terrible moment for me.

For when our men formed-up with their line of shields,
Despite the lightning and the rain,
Which killed several number of our ranks,
We cut hard into the Corsairs,
Metal against metal,
Steel on steel,
As our forces stabbed and stammered,
Many falling before us,
Many of us falling...

Yucalwe's cloak flowed, billowing in rough winds,
He seemed a great and powerful being...
His blades cut through the Corsairs
As if a scythe in the grass....
As if he was reliving..."

Abrazan nodded,

"The Battle of Tears Unnumbered...
Nirnaeth Arneodiad, in the Elven tongue...
When he fought for his Prince, Maedhros,
Against Uldor and Ulfang and their Easterling traitors..."
Edited by Ivordir, Jun 15 2015, 08:43 PM.
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Ivordir

Chapter CXXXVI: The Darkness of Guldrambor

Baralinor nodded grimly,
"No one would have known... there were more
Than these several hundred men,
Closing their ranks behind us.
There was still the Tower
And we pressed forward,
My Lord-Father and Yucalwe leading...
And we charged up the last steppes of the highlands,
Entering onto the long, winding road.
Here, Yucalwe bade us to watch our rear.
And as we fended-off more Corsairs, I watched Yucalwe...
I sneaked behind him...
Abrazan was beside me,
My Lord-Father also...
What misgivings he had,
He must've silenced them...
And Brastor was there,
And my brothers,
And few others...
And as we reached the pinnacle,
The Tower Gates swung open...
I....I....will never....."

Sainion nodded, clinging once again to Baralinor.

Abrazan nodded grimly,

"His was a hideous shape.... like that of a mortal man...
But more powerful... more terrible.....
He gazed at us with a withered, elderly face,
As if a stately nobleman, whom we had disturbed,
His dark cloak swirling around him,
As enigmatic as Yucalwe...

He stared at us with his dark, cold, gleaming eyes,
That chilled our souls...
And then Yucalwe scowled,
Claiming he was naught but an imposter.
But he drew his sword
And they dueled across the floor
Of the entrance of the Tower,
Their blades flashing in the lightning,
And then, suddenly,
The form fell backward
As we stared at his decaying remains.
He seemed as if an old Southron,
As a vile, black substance poured from his
Body.

Yucalwe bade us to stand back,
As he demanded a pot,
We built a fire when the rain stopped swiftly.
He crushed the herbs and threw them in the pot,
And a fair scent filled the air.
The black bile evaporated in the smoke of the fire,
And ceased to be.
And the corpse received a burial at sea.
It was then Yucalwe and I decided to sail away...
To face our foe another day..."

Baralinor frowned,
"And my Lord-Father spat and wished you would never return...
For my part, I am glad you did...."

Sainion smiled, "As am I.... bu-but.... if this foe was an imposter,
Capable of such..... malice, to even affect the weather...
How much more powerful is the real one?"

Abrazan nodded, "I do not know.... only Yucalwe does......
But see how the cloak bloomed for us.... as if a rose into many petals....
Take courage, Sainion............ take courage......."
Edited by Ivordir, Jun 16 2015, 09:41 PM.
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Ivordir

Chapter CXXXVII: A Playful Moment

They paused and sighed in silence for quite some time. They did not know how much time had passed. But the sun had set by the time their tales were done.

Sainion suddenly smiled, laughing, "I have finally assented.... to my own advice about despair."

The twain laughed beside him. Abrazan laughed hard, "Well, I suppose that is a wise thing to do!"

Baralinor nearly laughed backward on the bed, "Why, I dare suggest its incessant acquiescence!"

Sainion suddenly whipped his cloak around him, billowing in its red, refulgent folds, as the sunlight from the window illuminated its train of vales, mountains, and plains, all inter-laden with refulgent streams, surging rivers, glimmering lakes and pools, all made of light... all flowing in their splendour...

Baralinor and Abrazan laughed, Baralinor repeating the action, flipping his cloak high into the air as the sun caught its fluttering beauty, till it landed softly on his head. Abrazan laughed aloud, spinning his cloak around himself and over his head, hiding beneath a hood. Sainion flapped his cloak to and fro as if a dragon's wing, as Baralinor tickled him. Abrazan laughed and smiled, huddling with them both.

Baralinor had seldom experienced such mirth in all his life. They laughed and embraced, feeling renewed within their purpose.

Then, there was a knock at the door. And they swiftly comported themselves, tossing their cloaks beneath the bed.

Sainion sighed, maneuvering toward the door.
Edited by Ivordir, Jun 16 2015, 10:57 PM.
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Ivordir

Chapter CXXXVIII: Arhbaineth's Beauty

She appeared bejeweled before their eyes, her grey eyes glimmering in their deep pupils, her azure dress billowing to the floor. She was clad in a green, velvet cloak. Her luxurious lips puffed closely against each other. And there was the scent of perfume about her.

She had met Ivordir in Pelargir, and journeyed toward Dol Amroth, following him on another ship. She caught wind of his plans through her friends, who knew the House of Rolanir. She disguised herself in rags and slipped aboard the fishing-boat, stowing away with the cargo till her presence was revealed. Ivordir did not like her chicanery. And she did not desire to be imprisoned in society forever. She boldly took one of her close friends with her, who shared in her desires. Both were forced to mend the nets and wash the deck of the ship. When the storm hit, they abandoned-ship, and were washed ashore. Boldly, they followed the Elves in secret, or so they believed. They were welcomed into the House. But there was friction with Ivordir. And they eventually came beneath the Golden Bough.

In time, Arhbaineth had bonded with Yucalwe and others, and in many ways, she reminded him of Celendil. Yucalwe was glad to have such a daughter-figure in his life, even if for a brief time. And she traveled with Ivordir and the others back, clothed in elven finery of her own. This time, the women did little of the work. But Ivordir revealed his plans for them, and she scowled at him for it. In Dol Amroth, after Ivordir became wary of Lord Ballithor, Arhbaineth and Raedwyn were commanded to depart at once for Pelargir, with Silver-Swan protection, on main roads. They did not know the mind of Ballithor, the Silver Swan. Returning to their noble houses, they were sorely missed by their closest kin, but only their clothing spoke as evidence for their fanciful tales.

When Arhbaineth learned that the company had reached Pelargir, she paused. For she was angered at Ivordir's incessant disregard for her. Days passed, but she finally worked-up the courage. And now she had come, at last, beneath the roof of Melimir. She was welcomed graciously. And she learned everything. She smirked, "Are you three gentlemen finished hiding?"
Edited by Ivordir, Jun 16 2015, 09:40 PM.
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Ivordir

Chapter CXXXIX: Love-Struck

Arhbaineth felt her heart pounding as her gaze fell on Sainion. Sainion strangely felt likewise as he gazed at her. The feeling frightened him. For he was used to studying his mind, rather than matters of courtly love. Arhbaineth smiled at them, "May I join you?"

Abrazan smirked, "Yes, please, come in."

Baralinor stammered, "You do so at your own peril... you might come-out engaged for marriage!"

Sainion smiled, "He does have a point..."

Arhbaineth slapped Baralinor, "Do you take me for an alley-wench who doesn't know when to keep her face away from unwanted marriages? I can tell when I am, or when I am not in danger, of that! In truth, I've stood listening to the lot of you, this entire time. Abrazan did not forget me, haven't you, Abrazan? You remember that I was there, too, beneath the Golden Bough with you. Ah, I felt as if I was a princess... an elvish princess, shrouded in great beauty..."

These descriptions made Sainion's heart flutter.

Her gaze fell upon him again,
"Now, now... do not be bashful before me, my dear. Why, you have just come of age, haven't you? What is your name?"

"S...Sainion."

"Well then, S...Sainion... have you anything to say?"

Sainion shook his head.

Arhbaineth smirked, "I can tell when a man is hiding something from me.... do I disturb you?"

Sainion shook his head again.

Arhbaineth sighed, "I know what you are feeling... what do they call this? Love at first glance? I always believed they were part of faerie-tales... I suppose I am in danger of an engagement now," she smirked, this time, with a tone of seriousness in her face.

Sainion smirked, "And so did I, but... this is all far too sudden."

Arhbaineth laughed lightly, "Yes. We have only just met, after all. Besides, have you not passed through a multitude of life-changes, over the past few hours, when it would have taken wiser minds -years- to accomplish such feats of bonding and brotherhood? My, my, time certainly flies. And this has been quite entertaining. A murderer to begin, a despairing, depressed soul, then a miraculous conversion??? Cloaks dividing from one into three, elvish powers in a Gondorian guest-apartment? And now you three are brothers? Let us see... the son of a dejected lord, the son of a powerful lord, who would have executed his own heir if he learned what he was up to, and... a Southron in disguise as a man of Gondor. Three brothers. Oh yes, quite entertaining."

Even Baralinor began laughing. He knew that she was right... these feelings and movements of feeling were most unnatural for most men.
Edited by Ivordir, Jun 15 2015, 11:06 PM.
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Ivordir

Chapter CL: Witty Banter

Baralinor shook his head, "I admit it... it baffles even me, even now..... how should a normal mind make sense of it?"

Arhbaineth smirked at him sarcastically, "Yes... oh yes... well, I suppose normal minds are not welcome hither now, are they, son of the traitor Ballithor? Now, now, do not grow so angry..."

She suddenly sat down beside him,
"How, oh how, in the world will you ever prove your trust?"

Baralinor smirked, "I have ideas..."

Arhbaineth slapped him again, "For shame... you think to wed me?"

Baralinor rubbed his cheek, "No, no... you misunderstand."

"Do I?" Arhbaineth raised her arm, but Baralinor grabbed it.

Baralinor laughed, "No, no, 'do not grow so angry...'"

Arhbaineth sulked, "Murderers should be slapped, on principle, including the penitent ones... especially the penitent ones... why, you'll sire an entire lineage!"

Baralinor shook his head, "My Lord-Father is a traitor, and I accept it. What would you have me do? I'll refuse to marry anyone, thereby, exterminating the lineage that has caused so much grief of late. Does that not satisfy you?"

Arhbaineth nodded, "You won't do it. I know you won't. And do you know why? Because... my dear... no man ever lasts long without his wife."

Baralinor smirked, "And I suppose that you, an unwed noble woman, are an expert of such matters?"

Arhbaineth stuck out her tongue playfully, "Far more than an unwed, noble man... but come now, we have a score to settle. My elven father is also your elven father now.... That means I'm your sister...."

Baralinor laughed, "I've already gained two brothers, in just one morning. I might as well gain one sister in the afternoon..."

There was a second knock at the door.
Edited by Ivordir, Jun 15 2015, 11:03 PM.
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Ivordir

Chapter CLI: Raedwyn

Sainion opened the door. Another woman stood, staring straight into his eyes.

Hesitantly Raedwyn stepped into the room, her eyes darting back and forth between its occupants; she seemed nervous, as though she feared she were intruding. "Greetings
gentlemen," she said, clearing her throat. "Arhbaineth. You look...comfortable." She raised her brows, wondering at her proximity to Baralinor. She coughed, and sipped her
wine loudly. "Already making a fuss?"

"Enlaced with wine as usual?" Arhbaineth smirked. "I suppose the rest of you would not mind, if my childhood friend joins us."

Abrazan threw back his head and laughed, nodding. He was still uncomfortable around women, due to his sheltered life beside his father.

Raedwyn scoffed, and rolled her eyes. "As per usual," she teased back, before looking over at Sainion, still holding the door open for her. A shy one, she thought, and she
grinned at him. "I am Raedwyn, and worry not; I have Lady Melimir's assurance that I am welcomed anywhere within these Halls."

Baralinor nodded, "You are welcome."

Raedwyn looked to Baralinor, her eyes shrewd. When Ivordir had spoken of him, she tried her best not to judge a Man she knew so little of, and looking at him now, he
seemed content, at peace within their company. "Many thanks," she replied, and, gathering her robes about her, she swept further into the room. "So. A clandestine meeting
between brothers in the deep of night? I must know all." She came to stand near Arhbaineth, at ease beside her.

Arhbaineth smiled, "I am very curious..... where are you suddenly hiding them, brother? Raedwyn, do you know who this is? Baralinor, the same our dear Yucalwe was worrying
himself over so much."

Baralinor smirked, then kneeled on the floor, pulling the cloaks out from under the bed.

Raedwyn took a step back, her free hand fluttering to her chest over her heart. "The very same! And you have the cloak! Three now, from the looks of it!" Her lips pursed
in a mighty pout, and she tilted her head, full of questions. "Ivordir did mention...but this is strange! I have not witnessed such magic since our time...our time beneath
the Boughs..." she trailed off into a whisper. "If my eyes do not lie, then it is true...as you are, Baralinor. Forgive me, I thought to doubt you."

Baralinor deeply smiled, "Thank you... my Lady...."
Edited by Ivordir, Jun 16 2015, 10:13 PM.
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Ivordir

Chapter CLII: A Silken Touch

Sainion slipped his cloak on. Abrazan smiled, grasping his own. Sainion gestured to Arhbaineth, "Do you want to feel it?"

Arhbaineth giggled and reached out to touch it.
It reminded of her of the cloaks of Yucalwe and Auruiron. She nodded to Raedwyn, to feel it as well.

Upon the offer, Raedwyn stepped forward and brushed the tips of her fingers against the cloth; she let out a sigh, gentle and heavy with nostalgia, and let her hand fall
to her side limply. "Just as I remember it," she said softly, taking another drink of her wine to soothe her frolicking heart.

Sainion gazed at Arhbaineth as if his eyes were stars, "Come, sit beside me...."

Arhbaineth moved over, also making room for Raedwyn to sit next to Baralinor on the bed.

Abrazan merely sat in a chair nearby, watching them perplexed.

Sainion instinctively draped the left fold of his cloak around Arhbaineth. She smelt the roses, and stretched herself soothingly, undoing her green velvet cloak and
letting it fall to the floor.

In turn, Raedwyn sat beside Baralinor, taking care not to spill from her cup, which she held firmly between two hands. "Even the scent is familiar," she exclaimed, for now
it permeated the room, and she could all but see the great gardens of the Elves that they had rested in.

Arhbaineth felt trapped between discomfort and restfulness. Sainion's cloak was pleasant, she longed for rest.... but she knew she did not know Sainion. But she longed to.
She naturally leaned softly against his shoulder, as he reclined on the pillows behind him.
She smirked, "Sainion.... you are one, brave boy....."

Sainion looked down at her. He did not touch her in any inappropriate ways. He maintained his composure, his heart throbbing as it was. "What is it....?"

She looked up at him, "I heard members of my House whispering...... things that disturbed me...."

Baralinor's eyes suddenly blazed wide.

A tear draped down Arhbaineth's left cheek, "My Lord Father..... he means to have all of you killed........... my heart had sided with him, due to my anger at 'Captain
Ivordir's' arrogance...... but now I see how arrogant I was.........."

Abrazan nodded deeply, "And.........?"

Arhbaineth sighed, "I should have known my Lord-Father was one of Ballithor's crooked friends. I........I...... do not know what to do....... I am of the Silver
Fist......"
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Ivordir

Chapter CLIII: Daughter of the Silver Fist

Baralinor's eyes were opened. He remembered that little girl he once saw, back when he and his Lord-Father visited the Silver Fist. He remembered watching her grow.....
but now, she had changed..... something was different...... He turned to Raedwyn, "....you say 'the scent is familiar'.... were the two of you with Ivordir, when he
journeyed north?"

In silence Raedwyn sat, plucking at the edge of her goblet and staring at Baralinor from beneath a hooded stare. "He was not happy that we followed him...he bade us to
return here to Pelargir...please, do not be startled! We did not speak of what we have seen. Yet when we heard that he had returned, why, how could we not come here?"

Baralinor nodded, "How much did you tell your Lord-Father, Arhbaineth?"

Arhbaineth suddenly wept, "Everything........ he did not believe me, aside from my new clothes......."

Baralinor sighed, "Your Lord-Father was at Ost Anglebed. He likely knows everything, and will act on my Lord-Father's behalf.............."

Sainion suddenly smiled, "My brothers, it is not yet over. I believe we may yet procure a strategy......... how well does your Lord-Father know Lord Ballithor,
Arhbaineth?"

He gently stroked her hair.

Arhbaineth smiled, "They were childhood friends.........."

Sainion nodded, "Then, we have come to a crossroads. You must prove to us that we should trust you. We must find a way to sway your Lord-Father against Lord
Ballithor....."

Baralinor smiled, "I wholeheartedly agree. How?"

Sainion snickered, "Through marriage. The best way in which to solve the problem, is, precisely, for Arhbaineth's Lord-Father to side with mine."

Raedwyn lifted a brow, sitting up and perking. "An intresting proposition, I should say."

Arhbaineth's heart nearly stopped cold. I was not merely jesting to myself..... was I? She thought to herself. And I...I..... She felt her heart throbbing. No, no. Love at
first glance is dangerous. Yet.... it would spare me from an arranged marriage that I would loathe and hate.......... She deeply smiled, "I accept your proposal, my
love....... this feels unnatural, and yet..... It feels far more natural than any political marriage that we might detest. I........... I feel as if I have known you longer than......"

Sainion's left eye shed a tear, "I..... feel the same way."
Edited by Ivordir, Jun 16 2015, 10:13 PM.
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Ivordir

Chapter CLIX: Love Blooms

Baralinor snickered, "These Elven cloaks have some magic, do they not? Bonds of brotherhood, now wedding engagements. What will they bestow next? Crowns upon our heads,
thrones beneath our rears?"

They all spontaneously laughed, the air of mirth filling the entire room.

Raedwyn lifted her glass into the air. "To your impending marriage, Arhbaineth! May there be much wine and celebration...and perhaps I should like to smack Ivordir and
Daerfalas a little less now..."

Arhbaineth laughed, "And don't you worry, sister. You'll find yours- I'll see to it. I won't be the only woman in Gondor who managed to avoid any unwanted marriages."

Sainion laughed, "I still feel we will need to learn more of each other. For example,...."

Arhbaineth smiled, "I know that you are a book-reader. I can always tell....... and you will learn of my House soon enough. In fact, they are holding a Ball within two
days."

Sainion sighed, "Not enough time, I fear, to fetch my Lord-Father from his forced-coerced duties alongside Ballithor. But then again.... he did tell me that he would
approve any marriage to a noble Lady."

Arhbaineth nodded, "This should be enough, my new, charming love. Now, I believe we shall need more wine...."

Raedwyn stood, as was her cue. "I shall fetch the servants to bring us more."
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Ivordir

Chapter CLX: Echoes of the Past

As Raedwyn sought for the servants, Arhbaineth rested comfortably at Sainion's side. She felt exhilarated. She could breathe. The warm air filled her lungs as she inhaled. She found herself embracing Sainion, as they both swam in the folds of his refulgent cloak that swirled around them, binding them together.
She gazed into his beaming eyes. He gazed into hers, a deep smile widening on his face. By now, the tears on her cheeks had dried. She bathed her head beneath the folds, resting against Sainion's left shoulder. He was still struck with awe.

In the days of his younger youth, Sainon had taken his son with him on errands to Pelargir, to learn the ways of politics at an early age.
He was taught manners, decorum, and all manner of formal proceedings. How to receive a Lord, how to be received by a Lord, how to bow, how to kneel, how to display his esteem.... But on quieter days, he was permitted to play with the sons and daughters of other noble houses, if they were gathered together in close proximity.
And young, ten-year-old Sainion, had been star-struck as he gazed at the girl playing across the plaza, on the other side of the fountain.
He had stepped toward her, in awe. She smiled bashfully. She even splashed water on his new robes from the fountain. He splashed her in turn.
Sainon had scolded him later, but he did not whip him, as Ballithor would have whipped Baralinor.
Neither father nor son knew the fate of the girl.

But Arhbaineth remembered his features, as she had passed into Baralinor's room. She remembered her predilections.... her feelings that he would one day be important in her life. As a young girl, she did not know how she had these feelings. But she remembered.
And so did he.

Sainion sighed, as if they were reading each others' minds, "Arhbaineth........ what did your Lord-Father do to you, after our Lord-Fathers both caught us by the fountain?"

Arhbaineth was dumb-struck. For she had been remembering the same event within their lives. She nodded, "He rebuked me, slapped me around, mother had to stop him...."
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