Legacy of Traitors RPG

[Kransha]

Idruil’s head lowered as he saw Roryn emerge from the woods alone. As far as he now knew, the others were all dead, lost somewhere behind on the roadside as they prey of foul bandits. He could feel no true pain for their passing, no real sting in his heart at this symbol of their loss. He looked to Crystal, who was obviously crying beneath her hood. He almost wanted to shed a tear, but found he could not for the life of him. It would be pathetic to try, so he merely let his stony face remain cold and unemotional. No new expression of supreme sorrow soured his gait and he merely sat there in the saddle, motionless and calm.

There was an unsettling silence that had descended over them all. It was getting to Idruil as well, though his face remained straight and lacking of any hint of sadness. He wheeled Ecthelion around slowly and carefully, surveying the shroud that covered him and his companions. He took a deep breath, composing himself as a saddened look crept across his features. He began speaking in rhythm, at first under his breath, but later just loud enough to be heard. His gruff vocalizations became smoother as the verse slowly formed within him.

“The empty ruin of warriors felled
Now left, untouched, by life
Spirits mighty may ascend
To halls that bear no strife

The tears we shed for comrades slain
Their lofty biers we bear
Are needed not by those who fell
For peace at last is theirs

The sun may rise, the sun may set
Each day may come and go
But they shall see the sun eternal
And golden rivers flow”

He halted at last, the song fading gently into the bristling wind. He took another solemn breath, and spoke again in a tranquil whisper, “By the grace of Illuvatar, may any valiant soul who met their doom this day find peace in the timeless halls and be remembered in what way they wished. Bring them safely to your domain and let their rest be a sound and peaceful one, undisturbed by war and death.” He said, lowering his head again. His calmer voice faded and, as he finished the utterance, it returned to its stronger, sterner self.

Idruil’s cold eyes looked up again from the barren ground, looking first to Crystal, then to Carathir, then to Maen, and finally to Roryn, who still sat atop his horse scanning the area in the opposite direction. He could not fathom whatever Roryn was doing, but he couldn’t find it within himself to care anyway. From what had been indicated, Atharen, Ferethor, and Delphinious had all been slain by those ruffians and nothing could be done about it. No sense in deluding oneself, he thought. When the time came they would all return to the mission at hand and this incident's stabbing pain would evaporate. The dead were dead and naught could be done to undo that state. Idruil didn't plan on getting lost in misery. He had lost dear friends, his parents, most of the people dear to him. He barely knew Atharen, Ferethor, or Del so it would be insulting to pretend that he was heartbroken about their passing.