Darker Days RPG

[The Sixth Wizard]

Garnae staggered against a wall. He was dimly aware of Cordelia speaking to him and the battle being won around him, and no others being wounded, but the colours began to fade and crumple. The blood continued to flow as he held on to conciousness but he wondered how long he could last. No! I can't die now! What have I fought for? What have I gained? He sagged to the ground and closed his eyes.

It seemed that he opened them again and was looking at a shadow that threatened to engulf him. The shadow grew, but another side was kindled, a fire that would not be stifled, but the shadow was winning. It suddenly surged in power and malice against the other and Garnae started to lose control.

But then a hand gripped his and he woke. Cordelia was next to him and was leading his horse to him. She mouthed something, but he couldn't ... hear ... With a last burst of strength he strained for conciousness and heard the words "...don't die. I love you." The woman I know I love and the horse that bore me thus far. The Darker Days are over. It is time for rest and peace.

And with that he fell into unconciousness. But it wasn't a bad kind. It was peace.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia watched as Garnae fell to the ground. She caught him, but ended up falling with him too. He had lost too much blood to remain conscious.

"Elfride! He's hurt! And may be dying!" She called. She managed to get him upon his back. She tapped his face lightly.

"Garnae please live. Don't leave me. Oh please. Please live. I love you. Oh please," she cried frantically. He was the one person that she had ever loved and he was seemingly on the brink of death.

[Dimturiel]

The battle was over. As far as Edhener could see, they had reached their goal, and that without as much sacrifice as he had first thought would be necessarry. At least most of his companions he could see alive and standing, he himself being among them. Even if he was hurt, he was still able to think clearly and to recognise the things around him. But he did not care much for his situation. There would be no dark oblivion for him, no sleep which would take him, at least only for a litttle while, away from the pain and sorrow of his world.

Edhener moved away from the wall on which he had been leaning, desperate to hear a human voice talking to him again, and wanting to be rid of the dreadful weight that had descended upon him due to the slaying of two of his kin. He tried to tell himself that he had had no choice, yet how could he know that for certain. He knew the madness that had possesed him during the battle. What if his opponents had actually asked for mercy, and he, instead of offering it to them, had killed them?

Suddenly, Edhener stumbled over something. Bending to see what it was, he caught sight of Leoflic, lying on the ground with his eyes closed. At first Edhener felt a shudder pass through him, thinking that, after all, there had been a great price to pay for their quest, but, when he bent closer, he saw that his companion was alive and did not seem much hurt.

Edhener's first thought was to call Elfride to help him, but he saw that she was more needed in other places. Therefore, he had no chioce but to try and revive his companion himself. He still had some water with him, not much, and not as cool as he wanted it to be, but he had to make do with it. He poured his water over Leoflic's face, and gave a sigh of relief when he saw his companion's eyelids flicker open. He smiled to him.

"The battle is over,"he said,"and soon we will be returning to our homes. Are you much hurt? Can you walk?"

And saying this, he extended his healthy hand to Leoflic in order to help him up.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette hurried over to Cordelia's side where Garnae lay wounded and unconscious. She pulled out the smelling salts that she had packed in case Sandrina was unconscious. She waved it under neath his nose. His eyes flickered opened.

"He's alive, but we have to stop the bleeding. He's just faint from all the loss of blood. He'll be fine," she said, examing his side. It was only a small cut that ran the length of his side. It wasn't deep enough to have done any real damage.

She ripped Garnae's sleeves and pressed them to his side. She handed one to Cordelia, who looked up at her like she had no idea what was going on.

"Come on Cordelia! Get with it! You want him to live? Then hold this against his side tightly. If we can get the bleeding to stop then he has a chance," she ordered. What had come over the woman she had no idea. Cordelia had never been the type of girl that lost her head at the site of blood.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia nodded and took the sleeve that Mayonette was handing her. She held against the rest of Garnae's wound tightly. She then started to pray.

Please spirits. Please anybody. Save this man. I love him. Does that mean nothing? She continued to press the wound with Mayonette's help. She only hoped that this attempt would be enough.

After several moments Mayonette motioned for her to check her side of the wound. She did and saw that it was no longer bleeding. She waited a little bit to ensure that it wasn't just slowing down, but indeed it was done bleeding. Mayonette checked her side of the wound and found the same thing.

She leaned over and kissed Garnae softly. She stroked his cheek gently.

"Hang on Garnae. I shall take of you. I promise. Just don't leave. Hear my words and come back to me. I love you," she whispered. She hoped that her words of love would save him.

[Glirdan]

Léoflic had been wandering aimlessly in his dreams, troublsome dreams at that. He had seen his mother and father, lying there dead along with all of his new found friends.

Suddenly, something cold splashed his face. He opened his eyes and saw Edhener leaning over him.

"The battle is over," he said,"and soon we will be returning to our homes. Are you much hurt? Can you walk?"

He extended his hands to aid Léoflic in rising. Léoflic grasped it firmly and smiled weakly. "I knew I could count on you having my back my friend."

He rose slowly to his feet, looking around as he did. He saw Nikolai lying dead some few feet away and other men lying around. Then he saw Elfride and breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of her and another woman who he assumed to be Sandrina. Then he saw Thomas standing near Mayonnette and Cordelia leaning over a figure that looked horribly like Garnae.

"What happened? Will he be alright?" he asked slowly, still breathing heavily.

[The Sixth Wizard]

The shadow passed and Garnae slept. But he was alive. He had not passed yet to the beyond, where the final veil of darkness lifts forever and Men wait until the world is renewed. He had too much to be, too much to do. There was more to do yet.

Garnae opened his eyes. It was later in the day now, he was lying upon a makeshift bed. He tried moving his arms, they resisted a little in the blanket folds around him. I feel pain, he thought suddenly as his side twinged. The sky was bright above him. He tried shouting. Not enough strength for that yet. He tried humming. A dry, cracked noise came out.

Suddenly Garnae noticed the frying pan among his other belongings. Crean nudged his side. "Anyone for fried coney?" he yelled with a burst of strength, wondering who to. He smiled.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia couldn't stay still. Garnae hadn't woken. He had slid in and out of consciousness, but had never acknowledged anything. They had made him a makeshift bed. Elfride had said that they shouldn't move him. Not until he had woken up fully and felt like he could make it to Mayonette's estate.

She had offered to cook everyone a nice meal, since she needed to do something. She then had set to work making a very large meal while Elfride tended to Garnae and Leoflic. Sandrina was resting peacefully. She couldn't blame her for that. She had been through such a horrid ordeal.

And now her heart was going through a terrible ordeal. Garnae seemed to hang in a tender balance. As much as Elfride had reassured her that things would be fine she couldn't convince herself that she was right. So she just went on cooking, trying to soothe her fears.

"Anyone for fried coney?" A familiar male voice yelled. She spun around and saw that Garnae was fully awake and smiling. She dropped what she was doing and ran over to him. She knelt down, her heart racing so much that she had to catch her breath.

"Garnae. Oh Garnae you made it," she breathed, tears gathered in her eyes. She didn't dare hug him for the gash in his side. Instead she settled for a tender, loving kiss.

"How are you feeling?" She asked, stroking his hair away from his face. She studied his now awake face. She had never believed she would see his handsome eyes again. Tears fell quickly down her face in relief.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette was dozing lightly against Thomas. The hours had flew by, she could bearly remember. After the fighting and assessing all of the wounds they had decided to create camp outside. They didn't want to stay inside with all the blood and the bodies and they couldn't move Garnae just yet.

She opened one of her eyes and saw that Cordelia was just running around doing everything and anything that her stressed mind could come up with. She felt so sad for her friend.

As long as Mayonette had known her Cordelia had never been the kind of woman that worried. She had been strong and logical. She was a rock. It was a fact that had scared many suitors away. Until Garnae.

She had been watching and she could see that he really did care deeply for her friend. Perhaps even loved Cordelia, but she couldn't be very sure on that. Yet there was some spark there. She could see it in their eyes.

She hoped, for Cordelia's sake, that he would pull through. Elfride had said that he should be fine, but she could tell that there was some uncertainty about that. He had lost a lot of blood.

"Anyone for fried coney?" She heard Garnae exclaim. It caused the entire camp to perk up. Mayonette smiled as Cordelia raced over to check on him. She looked up at Thomas and he smiled, giving her shoulder's a squeeze.

[Glirdan]

Léoflic rolled over and saw Cordelia rushing over to Garnae's bed. He had awoken at last.

He smiled and sat up slowly. Even though he hadn't been seriously injured, Elfride had forced him to rest and relaxation. He had over exerted himself in his fight against Nikolai and had been sleeping for quite sometime.

He looked around and saw that everyone was up and about. "So, when can we get going?" he asked out loud to the room.

[Mithalwen]

"Soon now Garnae is awake - if he feels up to it riding - I do not particularly wish to spend another night here if we can help it" . It was ironic that Sandrina had been fit to ride and Garnae and Leoflic hadn't but they were lucky to all be alive."I am sure that Hama will be here ere long". She guessed that he had reached Meduseld too late to set out last night and would have left at first light. Though the sun had not yet reached it's highest point and she knew that Hama would have wasted no more time. " If he is not able to ride then the soldiers can form a stretcher party to get him out of the forest and we can send for a wain from the village." However she did not think that would be necessary. Garnae seemed so much stronger.

Elfride had dressed wounds with myrtle leaves and made an infusion of nettles to treat blood loss . For the others she had made a tisane of valerian and other soothing herbs. With no immediate threat she sat down and sipped the brew, watching the horses graze peacefully. She knew that they would sense riders approaching long before their owners did.

[Dimturiel]

Edhener lay on his back staring at the cealing. His hand had been taken care of, and, due to drink that Elfride had made for them all, he felt calmer. He had been worried about Garnae and Leoflic, but now he was glad to see that they were as well as they could have been under the circumstances.

Strange, but that was not how he had imagined the end of his adventure. He had expected himself to feel exhilarated and proud of what he had done. Instead, there was nothing inside him save emptiness and a strange calm. He had longed to go home to see his beloved's reaction at his quest. He had imagined what she would say, how she would smile, how her eyes would shine when hearing him and knowing that it had all been for her. But now all this was gone. He still loved her, but he no longer wanted to impress her, no longer wanted to tame her pride. It had not been all for her, what he had done. There had been other reasons, hidden deep inside his soul where he had not yet learned to search.

Edhener got up and went to look outside. Everything was so quiet, so still. It was as if they were the only live beings in a deserted world.

[Crystal Heart]

Thomas smiled as he heard Garnae speak. He was glad, mostly for Cordelia. He was sure that if Garnae hadn't pulled through then they would lose Cordelia. It was an odd sight to see. Cordelia had never been the kind of woman that cried. Yet, he had seen her cry several times on this journey. I've been gone far too long, he thought to himself.

He turned to look at Mayonette. The words she had spoken to him felt like eons ago instead of only a couple of days. She loved him and they were to be married. The thought thrilled his heart.

"Mayonette. I want to marry you as soon as we get back and everyone is settled. Would that suite you my fair lady?" He asked her. Mayonette looked over at him, smiling brightly.

"Oh Thomas. Yes, that would suite me. I don't want to live without you any more," she replied breathlessly. He stroked her cheek gently.

"You'll never have to," he vowed. He kissed her gently, finally content with his life.

[The Sixth Wizard]

"I can ride. It's not far after all," said Garnae. "I will not burden you any longer. And Mayonette, what was all that about a money reward? Is the task over yet? Or do we need to escort your sister further?"

We should go back to the Inn where this started. I can decide what to do there. Settle down? Or can I live off the land, just travel? We could go on forever...

"I made it. But who cares. Let's go."

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia was taken aback. He hadn't even registered her kiss, nor her love for him. He seemed so angry to be alive. What in the world had changed? She got up slowly, helped him up - which he shrugged off, and went over to pack things up.

Tears continued to fall down her cheeks, but at a much faster speed. Her heart felt like it was ripping out of chest. She tried to push back her hurt and helped Mayonette and the rest pack up.

"Are you alright Cordelia?" Mayonette asked her softly. She stopped and looked at the woman that she had come to know as a sister more than a friend.

"Yeah. I'm fine. I've realized that no one in the world will ever care for me. Every man I met I cause them to run away. I'm just that kind of woman. One that's ment to be alone and unloved. Be thankful, Mayonette, that you have Thomas. I wish I had someone as wonderful as he in my life," she replied to her friend.

As soon as the company was set she got onto her horse and looked at Garnae. He had helped sullenly. Yes, she knew that this was the end. This was the end of the road for them. It was clear by the way he was completely ignoring her.

Anger bubbled up inside of her. He had kissed her! He had told her that he had cared for her. He had led her on! She slid off her horse and stalked over to him. She stood in front of him, shaking.

"You are a horrid person Garnae! Do you not realize how worried sick I was for you? I begged Elfride to save your life out fear that you would die! Could you even comprehend why?! Ooh! I want to thank you Garnae. You've taught my heart an excellent lesson to never ever trust a man. I thank you for that. I hope the money you earned will give you the life you want," she spat, tears once again flowing down her cheeks. She pushed them away hastily. She turned away and called over to Mayonette.

"I shall not be joining you at your estate, Mayonette. I have more pressing matters to attend to." She started to head over to her horse.

[Crystal Heart]

She was surprised by the way that Garnae was acting. He seemed so angry, so unsure. What in the world had changed in him? She noticed that Cordelia was sobbing. She was taken back. Her friend had been such a strong woman!

"Are you alright Cordelia?" She asked her softly, placing her hand upon her shoulder. She watched as her eyes turned to her, nearly dead. There was no unique spark of life that they usually held.

"Yeah. I'm fine. I've realized that no one in the world will ever care for me. Every man I met I cause them to run away. I'm just that kind of woman. One that's ment to be alone and unloved. Be thankful, Mayonette, that you have Thomas. I wish I had someone as wonderful as he in my life," Cordelia replied. Mayonette blinked and went to try to say something of comfort, but she moved away quickly. She watched as her friend started packing as if her life depended on it.

She heard Garnae ask about money. She had forgotten about it and was surprised that he, out of the entire company, would ask about it. She spun around and looked at him cooly.

"Yes Garnae. You will get your reward. I haven't got it on me. You'll have to come back to my estate if you want it," she replied. She turned and shook her head. She had believed that he was different. He had presented himself different. Now he had hurt her best friend and was demanding to know where his reward was. She sighed and packed her things.

[Glirdan]

Léoflic looked at Garnae in surprise. He had not expected this from Garnae at all. "What has gotten into the man?" he asked himself slowly. "Can't he see what he is doing to Cordelia!?"

He turned away from the scene playing out before him and saw Elfride. His mind raced. "Perhaps this is the time to tell her?" he thought to himself. He walked over to her slowly and tapped her shoulder. "Could I speak with you before we leave?"

[Mithalwen]

"Yes, of course, I remember there was something before wasn't there", Elfride replied, distracted by what she discerned was going with Garnae - maybe he wasn't as recovered aas he thought .. her certainly seemed changed. As she spoke she had continued to gather her things - the medicinal herbs and dressings she had used to treat the injured, as well as her personal possessions - and pack them into her saddlebags.

"I need to get Leif ready and the others seem set to leave soon... do you want to give me a hand ?". She gestured towards where the great grey horse was tethered in the shade of the trees, idly flicking flies away with his tail. His saddle was propped against a trunk under a cloth. She stood with a weary elegance , picked up her saddlebags and let Léoflic fall into step beside her as she walked over to her horse.

[The Sixth Wizard]

Garnae realised he had messed up with the first woman he had really liked. Oh no, I am so bad at this... it seems like there is one last blow for the shadow to strike, lest I ruin my one chance at happiness.

Garnae summoned up his courage, and walked over. He bowed and felt himself shaking. "Cordelia, please - please accept a humble man's apology. I am not perfect, I have no real experience in these matters. No woman has ever showed me the kindness you have, none cared when I was hurt and poor and scared. Yes scared! I was a fool, I have - wronged, I was dazed, but that is no excuse. Nothing have I to offer you but my heart, my spirit and my few and scattered possessions which are of no value in my position.

"If I am denied at this, the last gasp, the final challenge of my journey, I will leave a broken man, a shadowy wreck knowing I have destroyed two hopes in a shrill moment of folly and pride, and shall no doubt never know true happiness again. Oh, and keep Sandrina's reward. I am not worthy." Garnae finished. He rose. He turned away.

[Witch_Queen]

Thomas was glad the fight hadn't cost him Mayonette. Deep down inside he had dreaded what would happen if he would have lost her to the tip of Samuel's sword. He had figured that should wouldn't object to a wedding as soon as possible. He had seen too many times that life was short and that you can't always say "I'll do it tomorrow". After all the past few years had showed him so much. One moment he would be laughing with his friends in Gondor and the next day he would wake to find that his friends he had been with the night before was dead, murdered in their sleep. He loved Mayonette with all his heart and would die to protect her.

Thomas was surprised that Garnae had told them not to worry about the reward. The journey had tested the very wits of even the bravest of men. "Mayonette, worry not. If any one asks about the reward, I will take care of it. You gave me your heart and I gave you mine. Now it's time for me to repay your trust and your love. Don't be stubborn either, for you know when I say I'm going to do something I will do it. Never before have I let you down and I don't plan on beginning that anytime soon." Chianna was ready to get back to Rohan, ready to get back to the easy life. A nice warm stable, fresh hay and evening rides. Plus her sweetheart was waiting on her back at home.

For love Thomas would do anything for Mayonette. I have known Mayonette all my life and I know she will not hurt Thomas. Same goes for Thomas. He would lay down his sword if she asked him. Thomas would jump into the highest and hottest flames if to spare Mayonette. Chianna knew the adventure was almost over but truly life was fixing to begin, for her, for Mayonette, but more than anything life was giving Thomas another chance of not messing up.

[Glirdan]

Léoflic started helping Elfride with her stuff. "Yes, there was something I needed to tell you," he said carefully, not knowing how to say this properly.

"Elfride, I'm going to tell you that I am not good at what I am about to tell you. Over the past few days, I've opened up to you like I've opened up to no one. And you listened. For me, this was amazing. And you actually had enough trust in me to open up as well."

He hesitated, not quite sure how to go on. Finally, he decided to say it. "Elfride, I l-love you. Everytime I see you, you make me smile and make me forget about my worries and everything that's happened. You brighten my day with your smile."

Here he stopped, waiting patiently. He knew this would take her by surprise. Before she could answer, he went on to say, "If you do not have the same feelings, do not worry. I'll move on. I just need to know."

[Mithalwen]

Elfride stood stock still. Thoughts and emotions swept over her as waves crashing onto a beach. First astonishment, then amusement which had to be surpressed for the brown eyes that searched her face were earnest . Earnest enough to dispel her next thought that the only interest the young man could have in a woman seven years his senior was her property. Earnest enough to demand kindness and honesty, she thought as she examined what she could recall of her behaviour to see if there was anything she had done to encourage him. Heavy of heart she began to speak:

"Léoflic, I believe youare sincere in what you say but I also believe that you are mistaken" , she quelled his protest with a gesture, "listen to me, you have lost much and so have I but shared experience is the basis of friendship not love. While I glady offer you my friendship I can give you nothing more. I cannot replace those who you have lost ...and for myself, I have not thought to ... perhaps some day I shall .... but now all I know is that I must go to my son, to Gondor - that is the only desire of my heart - look not so downcast, you told me that you were an adventurer, a wanderer - and I am by nature a stay at home. I am sure that you will find someone who can give you their whole heart, which is what you deserve, but that someone cannot be me for part of my heart lies forever buried in a far land. I am sorry". She turned sadly and led her horse back towards the group.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette wrapped her arms around Thomas and kissed him gently, sighing softly. She loved him more than anything in the world and he was the one that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. She was so thankful that they had made the journey together and that they were still together in order to fulfill the dreams that they had been dreaming for some time.

"I shall not be stubborn my love. I know that you would never let me down. You never have before. Let's go home. I just want to go home and be with you," she whispered.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia slid off her horse and stood there, watching his retreating form. He had had a hard life too. She ran after him, spun him around, and kissed him passionately.

"I love you Garnae. I love you with all my heart. I accept your apology. I know you have had a hard life. As have I. But don't shut me out or push me away. I need you. Can't you tell that?" She asked. She rested her forehead against his.

Her heart seemed to be beating faster than her horse could travel. She closed her eyes and tried to slow it to a normal speed. She held onto his arms lightly. She opened her eyes slowly and looked up at him.

[The Sixth Wizard]

Garnae was at peace. He had fulfilled his mission, he was whole, without shame or passion. He held on to Cordela tightly, and said, "It is over. The Dark Days have ended, for us. It is time for a new life."

The clearing they were in was suddenly beautiful in its twilight. He thought it would be perfect if it all ended right then, in the midst of bliss, before the woes of Men caught up with them. He kissed her again.

I wonder if I should ask it, he thought. Shall I go that far? "Er, Cordelia, can I ask you something?" he said. She nodded and looked up, eyes gleaming. "Yes?!"

"It would be great if my story ended right now. Will you ride into the sunset with me?" he asked.

[Glirdan]

Léoflic felt no pain as Elfride rejected him. Yes, rejected, he thought sadly. But that does not mean I can still not be her friend, as she has done with me. Perhaps she is right. Maybe I was trying to forget my sorrow...

No more shall I do so! He said to himself, suddenly fierce. I shall go on, being an adventurer lending help where needed.

He looked over at Edhener who seemed slightly outcasted. A sudden thought appeared in his head. Hmmm, I wonder...

Léoflic walked over to him slowly. "Edhener, I would like to ask you something. We have gained a great friendship in this journey and I trust you like I have trusted no man before. Could I come and stay with you for awhile? Until I get restless once again and need to go wandering that is. And maybe you would be interested in joining me on those journeys? For I could use a friend on my lonely travels and I can see any use in the money that Mayonnette is offering us. I am an adventuerer and will forever remain that way." He said this last part partially to himself, for he had finally discovered who he truly is.

He came out of his reverie and remembered what he had just asked of his new found friend. He looked at Edhener waiting for his reply.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia smiled and giggled. She nodded joyfully and kissed him gently.

"Yes. I would be honored to ride into the sunset with you in a new beginning. Not an ending. This not an ending. Just merely a beautiful beginning," she replied softly. She looked over at Mayonette and her sister Sandrina. They had come and done their job. Now their lives would take them on new adventures and she was all to happy to begin it.

[Crystal Heart]

Sandrina came over and gave Mayonette a hug. She smiled and patted her face. She then turned to Thomas and gave him a hug.

"Thank you for coming and looking for me. Let's go back home," Sandrina said softly. Mayonette nodded. Indeed it was time to go back home. She looked over at Thomas and took his hand gently, a bigger smile formed upon her face. It thrilled her to know that she wasn't going back home alone. That she would never be alone ever again.

The company jumped onto their horses and looked at one another. She had come to know these people as her friends and she knew that she would miss them all dearly. She smiled. Leoflic and Edhener were now the best of friends and seemed to be very settled in their new lives. Cordelia and Garnae were smiling like school children and holding hands. Elfride was smiling at her softly.

"You are all welcome to follow us home and get your reward that I had promised. You have all deserved the money for the time and effort that you put into saving my sister. Please know that my home is open to any of you at any time. If you need me, or Thomas, you can find us at my father's estate. Thank you. I shall miss the ones that go on adventure and I know I'll see the rest that stay here in Rohan. Come, let us go and have our celebration of life and a new beginning. The dark days are over!" Mayonette exclaimed.

She spun her horse around and they rode off together towards her estate to celebrate, talk, and just bask in the new friendship that they had found. Mayonette smiled. Yes, the dark days were over and new light ones were up ahead.


Darker Days

[piosenniel]

~*~ Finis ~*~

[piosenniel]

~*~ To Elvenhome ~*~