Castle Maladil - RPG

[TheLadyAerowen]

The ghost stood in front of Aislan and Alearindu, and bowed cheerfully. Aislan
and Alearindu returned the gesture. Aislan looked on in astonishment as it tried
to pat the horses, to no avail. His hand vanished through Mornen’s black coat
and Eruntale’s muzzle. Whinny breathed with difficulty, and her steps faltered
with the wound to her thigh.

“Calimiel … know … herb?” the ghost had turned to Aislan and said. Alearindu
heard nothing, but could make out a kind of heat-wave form standing near the
horses. After the ghost had spoken, Aislan translated for Alearindu what she
could.

“Who is Calimiel? Whinny,” Aislan went to the horse and examined the wound.
“Whinny is poisoned in some way.” Aislan felt ridiculous. She was talking to a
ghost! Could he even hear her? Or did he hear her the way she heard him?

“Herbs…yes! We need to clean the wound. Can you help?" Alearindu wished she
could somehow see this ghost-form that Aislan was speaking with. It’d make it
that much easier for her to try to communicate with it. But instead, she relied on Aislan who could actually see the ghost better than she could.

Alearindu walked over to Mornen’s side, and put a hand on his neck. She then
whispered to Aislan, “If I had to guess, Calimiel would be another ghost around
this Castle that your ghost knows. What I figure, is that this ghost is at least
nice to us, so maybe this Calimiel would be; therefore Calimiel could help us
heal Whinny...” Alearindu shrugged and withrew her hand from the wound in her side that had been reopened by the Orc arrow. She frowned slightly, but figured it would heal a bit quicker since the wound had been reopened; but she would like to re-bandage and clean
it, if she could find the time.

"Calimiel ... knows ... herb lore," came the reply from the ghost. He looked
meaningfully at Whinny, and the horse grunted. They'd need to clean the wound.
Not only that, they'd have to do something about Alearindu's opened wound.
Aislan's thoughts were interrupted as she heard a gasp from Alearindu next to
Mornen.

"Aislan! Look! There," Alearindu pointed to a haystack, and it seemed the hay
had been freshly laid, as though the ghost stable lad expected new live horses
to visit. The haystack seemed ordinary in every way, except for the pitchfork
sticking out of the middle of the mound of hay. The pitchfork was firmly lodged
in the chest cavity of a complete skeleton.
Aislan looked to Alearindu, complete surprise covering her face. Then she
motioned towards the stable ghost they had met. Alearindu nodded.

"How-how old do you think it is?" Aislan wondered aloud, though her voice was a
barely audible whisper. The two women tiptoed closer to the haystack; as if they
were afraid moving loudly would cause it to go away. Daerohil still floated near
Whinny behind them. They came to the haystack, and kneeled down in front of the
pitchfork and skeleton.

Alearindu studied the bones with her eyes, and then to her dismay, got curious
as to how old it was. Aislan noted this, and handed Alearindu her dagger. Aislan
watched as Alearindu tapped the bones of the ribcage lightly. The part of the
bone that was touched turned to dust, falling into the spaces of the hay and
leaving a space from one edge of the rib to the other. Handing the dagger back
to Aislan, Alearindu stood back up and turned away from the bones.

"Well, I guess it's safe to say he died a long time ago," Aislan said weakly as
she stood back up. "Anyways, I can clean Whinny's wound, but she might be
poisoned and I need more than water, a cleaner and a rag to get poison out of a horse's bloodstream." Alearindu nodded, still thinking about the misfortune of the stable hand. She glanced towards the heat-wave form, which she guessed to be the ghost of the boy, and tears threatened to fall from her eyes. She bowed her head and sighed softly. So much mystery lied just in the stables. What would the rest of the castle be like? Aislan returned to stand next to Eruntale and the floating Daerohil, and could feel her stomach turn at the thought of the bones belonging to the ghost next to her. Poor thing, stabbed with a pitchfork. No wonder Maladil had called them marauders.

[ February 25, 2003: Message edited by: TheLadyAerowen ]

[Gandalf_theGrey]

* Gandalf stood his ground, shielding his mind as best he could against further attacks from Maladil. The wizard fought against a small, stinging knot of pain and pressure behind his eyes that sought a foothold there from which to grow and suffocate, spread and destroy. Surroundings blurred into ripples of shadow interspersed with drops of faraway noise run together, under the weight of bitter time that should not be relived. *

* With a sudden burst of resolve, Gandalf raised his softly-glowing staff. A bolt of lightning leapt from it, striking Maladil in the chest. Maladil staggered back, dropping his sword. Gandalf took a deep breath, thoughts clearing. *

* Things had been happening all around the two intent on their personal stand-off. The Orcs had run off, gnashing their putrid teeth about how their prey had left the range of dart and stone, spear and arrow. Cirgon, Guilin, Halblung, and Tiroedrath stood looking around aimlessly. *

* Maladil laughed hoarsely and hideously. * "So, they send an old man from the West to add insult to injury, do they? Guilin, Halblung, Tiroedrath ... slay this intruder, this Mithrandir!"

* Halblung and Tiroedrath, took a few slow uncertain steps towards the grey-cloaked figure, blades ready. Cirgon cried out, "No! He's from the West! Do not bring new curses upon us." A look from Maladil flung Cirgon to the ground whimpering. Halblung and Tiroedrath faltered, looking between Maladil and Cirgon, then looking for the Butler, who seemed to have vanished again. Guilin strode towards the grey-cloaked figure purposefully enough, but not for the purpose of battle. Instead, Guilin called out, "Tidings, Mithrandir! What tidings from outside?"

* Gandalf strode over to Cirgon and reached out a hand as though to help the ghost regain his feet. * "Walk with me," he beckoned to Guilin, and Halblung, and Tiroedrath, turning his back on Maladil. *

*******************************************

Daerohil wanted to help. He shivered just looking at the shivering horse. "Hide-and-seek ... Calimiel ... come! Horses safe."

* Daerohil glided off at a light run through an entrance, leading his esteemed and honorable visitors on a merry chase through the Inner Courtyard, through a small door, through a corridor, through the Great Hall, up the South West staircase, shouting Calimiel's name as he ran ... *

[ February 25, 2003: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Andreth had followed along behind Daerohil, beng very careful to stay out of sight. Neither the ghost or her companions from the road seemed to be aware of or acknowledge her presence. She glided easily along above the others, watching from afar as they took off on their merry chase through the central courtyard, round about, and up the southwest staircase. Andreth could hear and see Daerohil very clearly and couldn't figure out why the others couldn't do the same.

And just who or what was this Calimiel that the ghost kept mentioning? Was she perhaps some sort of horse doctor who would make sure that Whinney would be all right. Presently, Andreth had only one major concern. She was not thinking of Maladil or the deed to the castle or any of the other reasons she was supposed to be here. Her ony concern was her poor pony who seemed to be getting weaker.

If she could see and hear Daerohil, then perhaps he could do the same with her, and they could actually talk. She flitted quickly in front of the group and came slamming down on top of Daerohil, or rather floating down might be the better description. She placed herself at the very top of the staircase, hoping to block off his avenue of retreat so she could squeeze some information out of him.

"You there, Daerohil, I've had enough. Can you help my pony Whinney or not? Just where are you taking us? And who is this Calimiel of which you speak? And, finally, while we're at it, you wouldn't have happened to see a stray deed to the castle floating about now?

She set her hand on her hip and waited for an answer, wondering if one would come.

[Gandalf_theGrey]

* It was twenty-three minutes after midnight. Daerohil drew back at the unfamiliar spirit of the older girl before him, startled but not frightened. *

You are new? There were other new ones, they left. Saw them from the stables, tried to follow them. Might be an herb in the garden for Whinney, Calimiel will know. The little mistress of the Castle. Of deeds I know naught, I'm but a stable lad!

* Daerohil giggled with good humor. * Move now, or I'll run right through you! I'm finding Calimiel. Real hide-and-seek!

[Mithadan]

As the Orcs retreated, Nardol smiled grimly, then jumped down from the wall and raced across the courtyard. As he approached the castle he saw a startling sight. Maladil stood before Gandalf radiating a palpable menace. The wizard slumped a bit, as if affected by Maladil's projections of malice. Then he straightened and sent a glowing bolt from his staff into the chest of the shade.

As Nardol approached, Maladil hissed something inaudible and the other spirits advanced on Mithrandir. But they did not threaten him with their weapons. Instead, the wizard spoke to them and they turned together towards the gate. In doing so, Gandalf turned his back on Maladil, who, after a moment's hesitation seized his sword and raised it. Nardol leapt forward and stepped between the shade and the wizard, holding only his bow.

"Thou wouldst strike an opponent from behind?" Nardol shouted. "Look a kinsman in the eyes and then strike a blow if thy heart has turned so far from the ways of honour." With that, Nardol dropped his bow to the ground and spread his arms wide...

[Gandalf_theGrey]

"... quarrel ... not ... you, warrior. ... unreasonable foe ... measures ... bide time ... reason ... strike." * Maladil sheathed his blade, meeting Nardol's gaze with calm respect. *

* Gandalf turned slightly even as he continued slowly pacing away from Maladil's door. Catching Nardol's eye, he bowed unobtrusively, breathing a smile of gratitude and relief. Once out of reach of Maladil's sword, ... for the Lord of Laurëondo could not step beyond his door, Gandalf gestured with his staff towards the sack of gold. *

Soothly Maladil, the honor of which Nardol speaks applies as well to that alliance you've just now renewed in our hearing. You've seen Nardol's valiance, now show him yours. Your lands are ringed by Orcs who would beset us should we leave now. Thus you see Nardol and I here as seekers of a safe haven willing to fight alongside you, and not against you.

* It being 12:30 a.m., and Maladil enchained in ghastly habit, he scowled, then drifted into the Great Hall and stood before a fireplace. The Butler, bearing the basket of remaining bottles, followed his master. No bottles would remain for long. *

* Gandalf sat on a fragrantly-soft decaying downed log, surrounded by Cirgon, Guilin, Tiroedrath, and Halblung. Setting down the staff in his right hand, he absently reached over with his left hand to massage his right arm. He was bleeding from the Orc spear, and had forgotten until now. Rinsing the wound with water from a leather skin, then tightly wrapping the affected arm with the grey folds of his sleeve, Gandalf looked at Guilin. *

You wish for tidings? You shall have more! Tidings and freedom! Plenty of time to share tales when you reach Valinor. Help Nardol, myself, the rest of us. For 'tis said, "the key to unlock any door lies within your mind and heart." Then you will need not depend on us alone for news of the outside.

* Gandalf asked each ghost his name, then spoke of the doings at Lothlórien, and Rivendell, and Mirkwood ... and o, there were gasps all around from those troubled spirits of the Second Age just learning what had become of Greenwood. He then regaled them with the adventures befallen since setting out from the Prancing Pony with a baby oliphaunt in tow. *

* Gandalf masked the concern he felt now that Maladil had returned inside the Castle. But at least Cirgon, Guilin, Halblung, and Tiroedrath were safely outside the Castle while Menelduliniel, Estelarion, Hinura, Poppy, and Aislan, Alearindu and Andreth were within, looking for the deed that would lift the curse. He'd tell the ghost-warriors all the tidings they wanted. *

[ February 28, 2003: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]

[tangerine]

Hinura had hidden for a moment or two in a nook of the Great Hall, fearing that she had been seen by one of the more hostile ghosts. By the time she came out of her hiding spot, the two Elves and Poppy were nowhere to be seen.

Hinura cursed herself silently, angry and afraid. She had not wanted to be alone in this haunted place, and yet it seemed that she would now be exploring it with only her shadow to watch her back. It took all of her resolve not to bolt for the door to the outside, where she who be revealed. Taking slow, steady steps, she began to walk towards the stair in the northwest corner of the hall. Gripping the crumbling stone handrail, she ascended to the top and peered down a corridor that headed south. The faintest light came from a doorway on the right side of the hall, and Hinura moved gladly toward it. This place felt so close and musty to her, though the hallway itself was spacious and wide, and the ceilings were high in the hall down below. As she approached the door, Hinura felt a sharp pang of longing for the fresh forest air that she had only recently breathed, or the friendly, open feeling of a crowded inn. This was a dead place; the air itself seemed to have forsaken any sort of wholesome life.

The first thing she saw upon stepping over the threshold of the room was the large window facing the West; the light of the Moon and stars filled the room, which seemed rather large, with a soft light. There were bookshelves in the centre of this room; surely it must be a library of some sort. It occured to her that if there were any papers left to be found, that this would be the most logical place to start looking.

A chiil ran down her spine as she walked further into the room, and she looked nervously around, searching for prying eyes, clutching the little harp as if it were a talisman to ward off evil. Her other hand almost unconciously strayed to the hilt of her knife, fingers lightly brushing the handle to ensue her that it was still there if she might be needing it.

[VanimaEdhel]

Menelduliniel pushed against the Western Door. It would not budge. She tried again, to no avail. She looked around, but found no key. Estelarion and Poppy aided in her search, having no more success than she had.

Finally, Poppy slowly turned the nob to the birch door that stood to the East. It opened easily and quietly. Poppy swung the door open, only to behold a shimmering image sitting upon a bed. Kenelm sat, playing his harp.

When they entered, the spirit stopped and looked at them suspiciously.

Estelarion saw nothing but a shimmering, but saw enough in Menelduliniel's expression.

"What do you see?" he asked her.

"A shade," she whispered simply, "He was playing the harp, but he stopped upon our entrance."

Kenelm continued to give them suspicious glances as he rose and came towards them. He stopped a few paces from them.

"Who...you?" Poppy and Menelduliniel heard. Estelarion did not hear any of this sentence. The two women looked at each other, debating how to respond.

"I am Menelduliniel, an Elf," Menelduliniel finally said, "This is Poppy. And that," she pointed, "Is Estelarion. He cannot see you."

"...can?" Kenelm said, looking at them curiously.

"Yes," Menelduliniel said.

Estelarion looked at the conversationalists, only hearing Menelduliniel's words and a few of Kenelm's.

"What do you propose we do?" Menelduliniel said to Poppy.

"What brings...here?" Kenelm asked them.

"We are with Gandalf the Grey," Menelduliniel said. Kenelm nodded.

"...danger," he said. Menelduliniel, in turn nodded.

"Aye, so we found," she said.

Estelarion, thoroughly confused due to his lack of skill in communicating with these shades grew bored and began to look around the room a bit. Suddenly, Estelarion spotted the skeleton on the bed next to the shimmering "form", its mouth open in a hideous scream. Estelarion's entire body gave a jolt. Menelduliniel, who had already seen the skeleton, touched Estelarion's arm, as she did not really want Poppy to see it, if she had not already done so. She did not want to frighten the poor girl.

"We seek to help you," she continued, "We seek a deed. Do you know where it is?"

Kenelm looked at them sadly, "I cannot tell you anything," he said, "It is not allowable for me to do so."

Menelduliniel looked at the beautiful spirit and felt that she was going to cry. She yearned to know his story. Yet, somehow she knew that it would be futile to pry into Kenelm's life...or what could be deemed "existence" now, she supposed.

Kenelm looked at the three with interest. Menelduliniel wondered if he had seen living beings recently. She decided that they still had a mission to fulfill and, as Kenelm was not permitted to tell them anything, they should probably live.

"Well," she said finally, "I guess...I suppose...we must go."

Menelduliniel looked wistfully around the room, wishing she could stay but not wanting to disturm Kenelm anymore.

"I suppose we should leave?" Menelduliniel said to Poppy, who nodded, also seeming disappointed that they had to leave. Menelduliniel nodded to Estelarion and they moved back towards the doorway.

"We apologize for disturbing you," Poppy said as Kenelm immediately went back to his harp.

Out in the hallway, Menelduliniel looked at Estelarion and Poppy, depressed.

"I really wish he could have told us something," she said, mournfully, "And I wish we could get behind that Western door."

Menelduliniel trudged down the stairs, the other two following her. Menelduliniel sat near the bottom of the stairs and the other two followed her example.

The three sat on the stairs, regrouping and trying to figure out what their next plan should be. So far, both of their decisions had ended up harmless, yet useless. Menelduliniel was beginning to lose hope that they would indeed complete Gandalf's mission.

[ March 02, 2003: Message edited by: VanimaEdhel ]

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Aislan watched in astonishment as a second glimmer being floated in front of their guide at the top of the stairs. Another ghost! Was this new ghost Calimiel?

"What's happening? Why are we stopping?" Alearindu asked from beside Aislan. Aislan put a finger to her lips and listened carefully to the conversation between the two ghosts.

"Something about 'enough'. Then she says -I think it's a she- or maybe she asks something about Whinny. Umm, then something about this Calimiel we are looking for-I don't think she's Calimiel. And where we're going. Something to that extent," Alearindu's brows furrowed in question, and Aislan shrugged, not understanding much herself.

"It sounds like she knows Whinny..." Alearindu commented.

"Andreth!" Both women exclaimed, recalling their companion from the road. Whinny was Andreth's horse! Aislan smiled and then stopped, realizing that their stable friend had come up with an answer.

"Something about 'new ones' whatever that means. Then he says Herb, Calimiel, and Mistress. Lastly he speaks of deeds and stable lads," Aislan translated for Alearindu. Aislan listened for more, and the jolly Stable Lad did speak again. “Oh! He says ‘find’ and ‘Calimiel’! And…and Hide-seek! Does that make sense?” Alearindu shook her head in a definite ‘No’.

A strange, wail-like noise bounced off the dusty walls, and Aislan almost moved to cover her ears. Then, when she realized what it was, she nearly laughed herself. Alearindu and Aislan’s ghostly friend was giggling! Alearindu held an upset look, as though frustrated for not being able to hear much.

The Stable Lad had been friendly enough, certainly not hostile. What would happen when they met this Calimiel person? The Stable Lad was a giddy little spirit, but who were they to say that all the ghosts were like that? Maladil definitely didn’t seem to welcome the idea of live beings prancing about his castle.

Alearindu and Aislan were both anxious for the time when they could move on and find Calimiel. They could just run through the spirits, but then where would they go? They’d have to wait for the confrontation between the giggle-spirit and Andreth to blow over, then the two women could follow their friend.

[ March 03, 2003: Message edited by: Aylwen Dreamsong ]

[Susan Delgado]

Calimiel...

The word was a whisper in their minds, faint with distance and their own life, and it brought both girls to their feet with a leap. Why would Daerohil be calling to Calimiel? They ran to the edge of the roof and peered over, into the Inner Courtyard. They looked around for the stable boy, ignoring the living folk still milling around. They didn’t see him at first, then spotted him near the stables, with some living folk trailing behind. They watched as the group filed in through the Inner Entry and turned to each other.

“What does he want? Why is Daerohil calling me?” Calimiel asked, confused. She and Daerohil had rarely spoken, and even then it was little more than a nodded greeting. Maladil’s daughter had little to say to the boy who kept the stables.

“I don’t know.” Anna glanced back over the edge, but they had already gone into the castle and out of sight.

“Let’s go find him!” Calimiel started toward the door leading downstairs and ignored Anna’s calls of, “Wait!”

“What?” Calimiel snapped when Anna overtook her and grabbed her arm.

“We can’t just go rushing down without looking. What if Celumëomaryu is down there? She’ll put us back in the cell.”

Calimiel frowned. That certainly wasn’t what she wanted. “What do we do then?”

“Same thing we did coming up here. You have to tell me if we’re getting close to her.”

Calimiel made a face. For a moment, she looked as though she would argue, but all she did was sigh and close her eyes. She moved resolutely toward the door, Anna following in her wake.

Calimiel led the way down the stairs and back out through the secret door. When they reached the stairs leading down to the second floor, she paused for a moment and stood, as if listening. “Celumëomaryu isn’t down there, although...” She opened her eyes and frowned. “She isn’t down there, but Kenelm is, and I think there’s somebody else. I can’t tell who.” She shrugged, and glanced back at Anna as she started down the stairs.

They paused just before they got to the bottom and peered around cautiously. They saw nothing, though they heard voices coming from Kenelm’s quarters. They crept into the Library, careful to keep the stacks between themselves and Kenelm’s open door. When they approached the clear space between his door and the stairs, they paused, trying to decide how they’d get downstairs without being noticed. They could still hear Daerohil’s voice calling from somewhere downstairs, coming closer even as they waited.

[Gandalf_theGrey]

* Calimiel sniffled and sneezed at the dust-encaked tomes, brittle-cracking scrolls and age-warped cedar shelves in the darkened library. Sneezing was at once pleasant and annoying, for although it was an earthy physical sensation, it tickled and she couldn't stop it. * "Come on Anna, no use hiding from Celumëomaryu here, I'll only make too much noise." * Without waiting for an answer, Calimiel broke into a shuffling run in shoes extra heavy after hundreds of lifetimes of Men drifting airily in ghost form. Heedless she plowed down the staircase from which Daerohil's fair calling voice lilted up. *

* Hiding unnoticed in a far corner was Hinura, who allowed herself a small sigh of relief when the two strangers, one of whom was named Anna, retreated from the library. Wondering what her next move might be, Hinura's eyes caught a gentle gleaming. She followed the gleaming to its source: a statue. *

* The statue, mainly of golden granite atop a base of black marble, depicted two male Elves and two females of the race of Men: Fëanor, on the right, standing behind Maladil and placing a hand on Maladil's shoulder. Similarly, Haleth, on the left, standing behind Adela and placing a hand on Adela's' shoulder. Maladil's left hand held Adela's right hand. Maladil's right hand wielded a sword closely resembling OrcBane, the weapon being upraised. Adela's left hand brandished a large iron shield bearing the etched words HAVEN OF LAUREONDO. *

* It being 12:35 a.m., moonlight and starlight wafting through the Western window enabled Hinura to see softly-glowing bluish white ithildin moon rune letters: SING, ONE KEY. *

* Andreth found herself plowed into, but not by the cheery Daerohil. Wheeling around, she faced down two females, very much alive. That's when the small thudding clunk sound of a dropped book echoed. Calimiel bent down with eager hands and arms to pick up the prized book that had made the journey to Castle Maladil with Andreth ... red-bound with letters of gold whose cover bore the name "Laurëondo". An indignant gasp escaped the daughter of Maladil as she looked at / through Andreth's transparent form. * "Hey! My book ... our family book. How did you get hold of it? Well, no harm done, I'll reshelve it in the library, put it back where it belongs, after looking at it in my room for a bit. So long since I've read a book! Ai, but I forget. It's not safe here any longer." * Calimiel trailed off into a remembering mutter, then remembered herself and spoke to Daerohil. * "You called me? Why, stable lad? And who are these people?" * Calimiel looked appraisingly at Aislan, and at Alearindu. *

* Meanwhile, Menelduliniel sat dejectedly on the cold stone stairs. Estelarion stood nearby with arms crossed, tapping his foot. Poppy looked about with catlike curiosity, clinging tight to her lantern. Suddenly, a chill breath moved through the air and stopped directly in front of the group. With an enigmatic grin that nobody could figure out whether it was intended to frighten or reassure, the gaunt but elegant shimmering figure gave a half-bow. * " ... introduce myself ... Butler. Where ... going?"

[ March 06, 2003: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Andreth saw Calimiel grasping her cherished family book in her arms. For one instant, she thought to turn and wrench it out of her hands. But then she stopped and thought a minute. Perhaps she will put the book away and lead me to a place in the Castle where precious things are kept.

She tried to call over to Aisland and Alearindu to show that she was going to follow Calimiel into her chamber.

"Companions, I follow Calimiel who goes to look at my book, and then says she will store it in a safe place. I wish to see what this safe place is. Perhaps it will contain a clue for us."

Andreth flitted inside, and hid behind a pillar as Calimiel took out her precious book, turning the pages over, one-by-one. Then Calimiel stood up and began to walk to the shelves where she intended to shelve the volume. Andreth remained hidden. She wondered if she should talk to the girl, but decided against it. Perhaps, more could be seen through her actions rather than her words.

Andreth looked with amazement as Calimiel took the volume and came up to the bookshelf, intending to shelve it. Andreth sat quietly wondering what would happen next.

[tangerine]

"Sing, one key..."
Hinura pondered the meaning of these runes from her vantage point in the corner. It could be a riddle. Hadn't Bird said something aboutriddles earlier. It didn't matter now, Bird wasn't here, and riddles had never been one of her great strengths. She prefered to think in straight lines, not around corners
Thoughtfully, Hinura looked at her harp. Perhaps it was meant to be taken literally with a song as the key to something. It was an intriging idea, and worth a try.
Hinura rose slowly from the corner- she seemed to be spending alot of time hiding in corners since arriving here, she thought ruefully. Taking slow cautious steps towards the statue, she knelt down and gently ran her fingers over the moon runes. After a moment of studying the runes, she bowed her head and began to sing in a soft, low voice, so as not to attract the attention of any of the castle's inhabitants nearby:


Ill ù ill ò illean 's ò
Ill ù ill ò cha d'fhuair mi 'n cadal
Ill ù ill ò illean 's ò

'S ann air madainn mhoich Di Dòmhnaich
Dh'òrdaich mi bhi aig a' bhaile

Far am bitheadh na frolaigean sunndach
'S fir 'gan rùsgadh dol a shabaid

'Illean a chaidil an oidhche
Bithibh taingeil anns a' mhadainn

Mise seo a' dìreadh chrann
'S sibhse 'tarraing srann fon phlaididh

Nuair a théid mi Bhràigh na h-Aibhneadh
Bidh mo chuimhn' air oidhche Shathuirn'


Looking up again, Hinura looked around to see if her song had had any effect.

[VanimaEdhel]

Menelduliniel looked at the Butler, along with Poppy. Estelarion looked at the spot where he heard the word "Butler" spoken. He looked at Menelduliniel and Poppy, who mouthed, "Butler" at him. That was not very helpful, but he did not complain. The three of them arose and Menelduliniel approached the Butler.

"We look for deeds," she said to the Butler, who listened to them, "They-they will free you from the curse that holds you in these bitter walls. If-if you can help us find them...well...will you aid us? We only desire to aid you."

The Butler looked at them, an image of hope passing over his ghastly face. Then, it quickly changed to worry, and then a look of serious contemplation came over that transparent face. The three stood there with the shade for some time, awaiting a reply. Finally, Menelduliniel and Poppy saw him look up.

"I will try to help you," he said finally, "But you must promise me that you will never tell anyone. Never, never, never tell anyone that I aided you. Do not even tell Maladil. If you tell," he said, adding a hint of ferocity in his voice, "You shall have a dark future indeed. You should not break a vow to a spirit. If-"

"We will tell no one," Menelduliniel broke in, catching about every other word of what the Butler said. She knew that they needed to get moving if they were to break the curse. The Butler looked at the three closely, then, taking a risk and trusting them, he ran off into the Castle.

The Butler made a show of running into various rooms and rummaging through compartments. After a good while, all three became a little nervous.

"You do suppose he is leading us correctly and is not trying to trap us, right?" Poppy whispered.

"I think he would have trapped us already if he wanted to," Menelduliniel replied, "Anyway, we are helping him."

"But what if he does not trust us?" Poppy asked.

"We must take that risk," Estelarion hissed.

Suddenly, the Butler's shimmery image disappeared from Menelduliniel and Poppy's view. They spun around with concerned looks on their faces.

"Where did he go?" Poppy asked. Menelduliniel spun, her eyes wild.

"You cannot see him?" Estelarion said, a hint of desperation in his voice.

The three stood for some time, worried. Finally, the shimmery form of the Butler appeared through the wall, carrying some papers.

"I hope these might aid you," the Butler said, handing some papers to Menelduliniel. "I assumed you could read the letters, as you are of the Elven kindred. And that one there," he said, gesturing to Estelarion, "Cannot communicate with me. You seem to have a talent with speaking to the dead."

Menelduliniel smiled at the compliments this spirit gave her, "Yes, I can read it."

Menelduliniel looked at the papers and began to read them to herself...

[ March 07, 2003: Message edited by: VanimaEdhel ]

[Gandalf_theGrey]

* Andreth's eyes widened in astonishment as she watched Calimiel shelve the family book of Laurëondo next to an identical book ... an exact replica in every way except that this other book had a dark green cover with gold lettering. She could tell by looking at the spine of the dark green Laurëondo book that it had survived the long crush of years in good condition, and had in fact been carefully kept free from the conquering dust that lay heavy on the surrounding library shelves. *

* Andreth startled a bit at the sight of a solid form emerging from a corner hiding place. The form did not go anywhere near Calimiel, but instead strode over to a statue upon which the nightlights of moon and star played, reminiscent of the song about Night Lights they had earlier sung with Menelduliniel and Estelarion and Hinura outside the Castle gates. The lights were now gently etching letters on the statue. From the sound of singing that started next to the statue, Andreth finally recognized the form as the bard Hinura. *

* As the last notes of Hinura's song wove themselves into rippling patterns of light and air, the dark shield held in Adela's gold granite hand tilted upside-down with slow majesty, to reveal a key of solid gold. Hinura smiled in wonderment, reached out a tentative hand, encircled her palm around the key, picked it up, held it up next to the window where she could see better. ... *

* Calimiel's new eyes caught the sparkling key. Maladil's daughter flounced over on angry feet, unsteady with confusion, but then grasped Hinura's wrist firmly enough to be threatening. * Who are you, and why have you taken this key?

[ March 07, 2003: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]

[Gandalf_theGrey]

* Among the papers Menelduliniel read were the following:

* Ledgers having to do with accounting, purchases, pay for salaried castle servants and travelling providers of goods and services who supplied the needs of the castle.

* Records of family trees - genealogies for Maladil and Adela tracing back to the Houses of Fëanor and of Haleth respectively.

* Letters from friends, kin, allies at arms regarding visits and stays at the castle past, present, and intended. Some of the visits mentioned in the letters never came to pass, for the curse intervened.

* A letter from the Second Age penned by Elrond of Imladris warning of bands of retreating Orcs moving Southwards and attacking even as they fled.

* A note hinting at the location of the Deed to Laurëondo, and instructions for best getting at the deed without inadvertantly damaging the document or setting off a trap. The note read in part, "Within the green leather-bound book with gilt letters, locked, folded up, inside the back cover beneath an extra layer of green leather lies hid the deed.

"Careful not to rend the book
nor open without turning the key,
for who without permission look,
will end ungracefully."

[Child of the 7th Age]

Andreth flitted down beside where Hinura knelt with the key, laying a hand on her shoulder. Already, her hand was a little more solid and less ghostlike, yet it still slipped through Hinura's body. Thinking desperately of some way to divert Calamiel's attention, she could think of no better plan than telling her the truth.

Before she did, she turned to the other companions, hoping they could hear her. "Run fast. Get Gandalf. He will know what to do."

She stood directly before Calamiel, staring her straight in the eye. "Stop, Calamiel. Lay no hand on Hinura for he is a friend. I charge you this as your kinswoman, for I am Andreth, daughter of the house of Haleth. I am descended from Arthad, younger brother to Adela."

"On my honor as your kinswoman, I wish you and your family no harm. I have come here risking my own life to see if we could help you. This is no life here that you live. There is a place of goodness beyond, but you may not go there until this cursed spell is broken."

"Please help us to find the deed, and the path will be open to you to depart. I beg you for your help."

Calamiel looked at her skeptically. "How do I know you speak the truth?"

Andreth quickly spoke, "I will recite my family lineage to you." And the girl began reciting long lists of names.

"Stop!" Calamiel cried. "This may be some trick."

"Then I will show you something which is not a trick, but a family treasure and job." Andreth took a chain off from around her neck. And it was very ancient. She tossed it down to Calamiel. On the back of the golden pendent, it said thus, From Adela.....With love, to my brother Arthad. And it bore the date when Adela left home to wed with the Elf Maladil.

At that moment, Andreth became a little more solid, so that Calamiel could see her more clearly. She leaned over and put her hand over Calamiel's, "Please help us help you."

[TheLadyAerowen]

“You called me? Why, stable lad? And who are these people?" The living woman’s eyes bore down on Aislan and Alearindu. Was this Calimiel?

“She’s Calimiel. Why else would she have said that our friend had called her?” Alearindu pointed out to Aislan, in a hurried whisper.

“If she’s Calimiel, how would she know the Stable Lad had called her? She’s…alive…” Aislan’s voice trailed off.

While Aislan considered the situation, Alearindu realized something: if this Calimiel was living, she could communicate with her! She wouldn’t need Aislan as a translator! Things would go much more smoothly.

For the moment, though, Calimiel's attention was all taken up by the book that Andreth had brought with her to Castle Maladil.

****************************************

Andreth then went to hide behind a pillar, as she watched Calimiel closely; Alearindu and Aislan followed her.

"Companions, I follow Calimiel who goes to look at my book, and then says she will store it in a safe place. I wish to see what this safe place is. Perhaps it will contain a clue for us." Andreth spoke.

Andreth then looked with amazement as Calimiel took the volume and came up to the bookshelf, intending to shelve it. Andreth sat quietly wondering what would happen next. She then watched as Calimiel shelved the other book next to an identical one. Then, out of the corner of her eye, Andreth saw Hinura, the bard, standing near the statue upon which the nightlights of moon and star played, and Hinura sang a reminiscent of the song about the Night Lights. When Hinura was finished, the stone hand of Adela tilted upside-down, and Hinura reached out and picked up a key.

Calimiel then saw the key with her eyes. She quickly strode over to Hinura and grasped her wrist. “Who are you, and why have you taken this key?” She asked Hinura.

****************************************

With Andreth showing Calimiel the golden pendant engraved with the words "From Adela.....With love, to my brother Arthad," the ranger Alearindu felt it time to make another effort to speak to Calimiel as well.

Alearindu had watched as Calimiel angrily walked to Hinura, and then as Andreth followed Calmiel and tried to calm her. Alearindu also took action, and strode over to the three of them. She cautiously placed a hand on Calimiel's shoulder and began talking; "Calimiel.." she said slowly, not being entirely sure it was even Calimiel:

"Surely this key will help us more than hurt us..surely you know what it goes to..I know nothing of it, but I don't believe it's worth harming anyone over.." Alearindu ended, just trying to make sure nothing unnecessary happened. She glanced at Hinura and Andreth and wondered if either of them had a hint where the key could go.

“I’m Alearindu. This is Aislan,” Alearindu bowed and Aislan tried to curtsy, but wobbled clumsily.

“Our friend here, the stable lad-“

“Daerohil,” Calimiel supplied, interrupting Aislan.

“Yes, Daerohil. He said you would know if there was an herb that could help our poisoned horse. She’s in a lot of pain, from what I can see. Perhaps you could help us in some way? Or shall we go back to the Stately Stables and hope for a miracle for Whinny?” Aislan hoped that Calimiel would be able to help.

[Gandalf_theGrey]

* It was now 1:45 a.m. *

* Calimiel fingered the smooth golden pendant, pressing cold furls of chain into the warm palm of her hand. Cocking her head to one side, she tossed her newly-acquired raven tresses back out of her face over one shoulder. True, the raven tresses were gritty and tangled from dire imprisonment with the need to hide underneath those who had died in the same cell. The desperate attempt to escape detection had failed, of course. She rather missed her natural dark copper hair tending towards auburn. Still it was long full hair, Calimiel's hair now. *

* Calimiel glanced at the avenging sword poised in the hand of the eerie father-statue, then cast down her eyes to Alearindu's sword. *

Andreth, as we are kin, mae govannen, descended of Adela and Haleth ... But alas, that you are come hither! May you be able to depart more freely than I. * Calimiel released Hinura's wrist and curtsied, stiff and teetering. *

* Calimiel straightened, looking overlong at Aislan because she too was unsteady on her feet, then gazed at Alearindu. * Hail Hinura, Alearindu, Aislan. You come here as a beggar, as does Andreth, seeking my help. I can cure your horse, if I can reach the animal in time. But give you the Castle? I might be killed for it ... by Father, or the door-warden, or one of the men-at-arms. And even if I live, where would I be taken? Not to any place of light, I fear. But I will help your Whinny, Aislan, if I may ride this horse around the grounds.

******************************************

"Run fast. Get Gandalf. He will know what to do."

* Daerohil loved to run, loved going fast, loved playing hide-and-seek. So off he scurried, the stable lad. Smiling, that he'd found Calimiel so quick. Now he'd find Gandalf, whoever he was. And then it would be Daerohil's turn to hide again. Hide deep under the hay, so the Orcs couldn't find him. *

[ March 11, 2003: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]

[*Varda*]

Menelduliniel looked at the papers the Butler had given her, scanning down the pages, her face forming a look of shock as she came to a small piece of paper at the back. She bent down and passed them to Poppy, who quickly glanced through them. Most were family trees, and letters that appeared to bear no real importance, but soon she too saw what Menelduliniel had seen. She read it out for the benefit of Estelarion.

"Within the green leather-bound book with gilt letters, locked, folded up, inside the back cover beneath an extra layer of green leather lies hid the deed.”

"Careful not to rend the book
nor open without turning the key,
for who without permission look,
will end ungracefully."

“This is it!” the hobbit cried. “But where will we find the book?” Instinctively, her eyes started darting around the Great Hall, as though expecting the book to appear right before her eyes.

“Before finding the book,” Menelduliniel pointed out, “we must find the key.” Poppy’s face fell, reading over the note again, and realising the problem.
“But where could it be?” said Estelarion. “The place is big, and so small a thing could be hidden anywhere.”

“It’s possible that others have found it,” Menelduliniel answered. “If that be the case, we should not linger here. If we keep searching, we may at least come across the others, and can tell them of this. We have to show them this.”

“But which way should we go?” asked Poppy anxiously. “We have already been through there, and up the staircase. Perhaps we should try one of those doorways?” The three of them could see nothing beyond it but heavy darkness, but cautiously Poppy went towards the northern door, and stepped through. She screwed up her eyes to better see, and made out three solid steel doors directly ahead of her. She pushed against them, and tried to open one, but they were locked.

Looking westwards along the corridor, she saw nothing. Menelduliniel and Estelarion, who had followed her in, ventured eastwards down the corridor.

“Poppy,” Estelarion called. “The kitchen is through here, we’re going to look around.” They disappeared through the door, and Poppy, after looking around hopelessly for another room they could get into, followed after them.

[Belin]

Oddly, Celumëomaryu lingered by the gate where the intruders who'd opposed the Mewlips had gone out. Ignoring with a shudder a booming voice that she suspected was not Maladil's, she had heard the speech of these four in fragments and shreds, and had understood less than she'd heard, (though the name of Andreth was from the first a somehow tantalizingly familiar one to her). They spoke of the gold, that much was certain. Robbers? Likely enough, yes, but what business was it of hers? She was no guardian of the castle now. Nevertheless, she had hovered within earshot of them, listening with all her might. Ah, the relief of hearing people--robbers, gamblers, fools, or whatever they may have been-- speak of gold again! So it was that she'd still been considering and not deciding when they quietly took their leave.

She stared through the gate into the forest beyond. Until the day before, she hadn't been outside in what probably amounted to years,and not for years before her death had she looked out into the forest. Outside walked the living, she thought, probably far more often than she'd imagined, singing just as this group had.

How strange they were, she thought. Mortals at half the usual height, and that odd woman whose body seemed have as much fluidity, though of a different kind, as a spirit did. Something odd was happening. She was sure of it.

But she lingered by the gate. These were very sensible people, and they'd have none of whatever it was. And she... She was a prisoner here; she'd have to see it. But not yet. And not yet.

....Anna and Calimiel?....

With a sigh, she turned away from the gate, singing over again, slightly inaccurately, a few of the words she'd caught from the robbers. Why do you sit upon my grave, and will not let me sleep?

Sleep indeed. She had prisoners of her own to think of. Suppose the intruders had found them? Suppose they'd found the library? The thought of their gross living fingers picking up her broken seashells, pocketing her round blue gem, breaking her shard of pottery, looking through her window onto land that was probably some kind of a frivolous adventure to them, spurred her to action, and she sped back to the castle, cursing the Butler under her breath, and herself for treating with him as she had.

*****

She stared in at the library in shock and horror....and in fury.

[tangerine]

Hinura groaned inwardly. This Calimiel still did not understand their purpose in this place, not really. It was entirly understandable; All they had seen on the way here were robbers and pillagers, and the age-long isolation here in the castle could not encourage much trust, especially in strangers.
"Calamiel," she asked in low, firm voice. "We intend no ill in what we ask. This was a place filled with light once, and it has the potential to be so once more. This may release the shades of this place to their appointed places in the West."
A strong feeling of unease suddenly took her. Hinura turned slowly towards the doorway, where a figure shrouded in mist seemed to hover, radiating wrath. She glanced back at Calimiel who had turned as white as a sheet. This was obviously not a happy reunion. Hiding the key inside her fist, Hinura began to reach slowly for the last unburned rod that she carried.

[Mithadan]

Nardol stood uncertainly outside the Castle. The Orcs had been driven off for now though he could hear the sounds of scouts returning to the lands outside the Castle walls. Maladil had gone back into the Castle, so Gandalf was safe. Yet an assortment of shades lingered nearby, giving him pause.

He did not know where his comrades had gone and if he entered it might take some time to locate them. He was also reluctant to leave Gandalf alone against the event that Maladil returned. After some hesitation, he climbed the steps and stood within the arch of the gate, peering inside...

[Gandalf_theGrey]

* The quiet of the Castle seemed even more evil than the stormy raving shouts and crashes of Maladil's latest tantrum in by the fireplace at the Great Hall. Maladil crept up and spied on the people outside in the Inner Courtyard now, from a window at the Inner Entry, right beside the front door. Yes, he'd been weakened by the lightning bolt hurled by his enemy. But the Old Man of the West fared little better, for he appeared to be fighting off sleep, and was favoring an arm in a blood-stained sleeve ... and on top of everything appeared to have gone delirious, for here he was, juggling fireballs of purple, blue, and green. The juggling was choppy and uncertain, but worst of all was how his men ... HIS MEN ... were laughing and applauding the doddering old fool! There they were, the brave Tiroedrath, and Guilin, and Halblung, turned traitor. And the snivelling cook Cirgon with them, heating water in a shallow pan over a make-shift campfire of dried grasses, likely to tend the intruder's wounds. Well let him sail back West and recover there, not on the property of Maladil. Maladil was about to shriek out this piece of rage when he noticed a small form darting up alongside ... *

Stop! * Maladil hissed, straining to maintain a low voice the better to remain unnoticed. * What are you doing?

* Daerohil stopped in mid-stride, striking a comedic pose with bent arms, one flung forwards and the other back, ready to spring forth again to race with all his might, but now looking like the shadow of a statue firmly planted. * Playing hide-and-seek with Andreth and Calimiel and Gandalf.

* Maladil repeated all these three names, questioning in rising tones of shocked horror. *

Andreth ... * Daerohil described matter-of-factly, arms and legs remaining sprawled and frozen where he'd been told to "Stop!" * .... she's our kin, new but one of us. Had a book with her I made her drop. Calimiel I almost didn't know was herself, for her spirit is lost within a depth even when you find it now. Gandalf, I know not who he is, but I expect to find him all the same! Now let me go my way, Master. * With a good-natured laugh Daerohil took off running again ... *

* ... However, the ghostly stable lad only made it several paces beyond the door before being stricken to the ground by the iron strength and full brunt of Maladil's ill will. Daerohil dropped at the feet of the Elf-warrior Nardol and there the lad's spirit lay unmoving, scrunching up his eyes. *

* Dropping the colorful balls of flame, which vanished harmlessly as they hit the ground, Gandalf walked briskly and knelt at Daerohil's side, sheltering the small form within his arms and cloak, staff in hand beginning to glow a soft white. A dull ache hit him as he touched the lad, washing through the wizard's head like the tail end of a blasting wave. But then as Maladil strove to bear down again more fully, Gandalf increased his resistance, concentrated against the invasive pressure, measured his breathing. *

* Guilin, Tiroedrath, Halblung, Cirgon had seen enough. They moved as one to step in between the two prone forms on the ground and Lord Maladil. Daerohil and Gandalf suddenly grew more relaxed. *

* Gandalf nodded softly to Nardol, * Go in if you can.

********************************************

* Calimiel blanched at the sight of Celumëomaryu. The daughter of Maladil looked around at Aislan who offered a horse to ride, and at the bard who had the Key, and at her kinswoman Andreth, and at Alearindu with her sword. * Save Me! You can keep the Key, for all I care! And take your old Book! Please?

[ March 14, 2003: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]

[VanimaEdhel]

Menelduliniel and Estelarion walked into the kitchen. A few moments later, Poppy followed them, looking a bit startled at their sudden decision. The two women shivered a bit at the strewn bodies on the floor: an Elf, a Human, and an Orc. The fact that such enemies were forced to physically lay together for all eternity gave the room an uncomfortable feeling.

The two Elves looked around the kitchen, finding nothing of use. Estelarion longingly looked at one of the meat cleavers that was left in the kitchen, but Menelduliniel nodded that he should not touch it. He was reminded of the danger of touching various objects in the castle and decided that it would probably be best if he did not touch anything without purpose.

The three wandered around the kitchen, until they heard a noise outside in the Inner Courtyard. The three ran to the open doorway and made their way to the Inner Courtyard.

All of them gasped as they saw the scene in the Inner Courtyard. Poppy was about to run, but Estelarion pulled her back quickly.

"Do not interfere with Mithrandir. We can do nothing that he cannot. It would be best to stay here."

Menelduliniel looked at Estelarion with a puzzled expression. "We should aid him," she said, simply.

Estelarion looked at Menelduliniel and said, assuringly, "There is nothing we can do to help Mithrandir. This does not involve Orcs, Menelduliniel. It involves a force even beyond our ability. Although I cannot see them, I sense strong spiritual presence out there. And there is great anger too. I feel that we would only hinder Mithrandir if we were to step in. We were merely here to look for the deed. None of us know enough of what these shades can do to be able to combat them if need be. We are wholly dependant on their good will. I propose that we try to stay within their good graces, as we will be useless if they begin to feel scorn for us."

Menelduliniel looked down at Poppy, who nodded, sadly, the Estelarion made sense. The three quietly made their way back into the kitchen, praying to Eru that Mithrandir would have the strength to combat the spirits that seemed to have turned.

Once back inside the kitchen, Menelduliniel felt a tug at her sleeve.

"What shall we do now?" Poppy asked, looking up at the Elf.

Menelduliniel stood, debating in her mind for a minute, then, giving a jolt that startled her two companions, she spoke her mind.

"I cannot stay here. If Gandalf needs help, I will aid him," she said, giving Estelarion a look that dared him to contradict her decision. As he remained silent, she carried on, "Mithrandir asked us to come to aid him, and I intend to give him my assistance in any means possible. I will do it at any expense."

With that, Menelduliniel walked to the Inner Courtyard.

"No, Menelduliniel!" Estelarion hissed, pulling her back, but Menelduliniel struggled to go on. Suddenly, she froze. It seemed that those in the courtyard she could see not involved in the mental competition going on had spotted her. She wondered how they would be greeted.

Poppy came up beside the two Elves, as they wondered what would happen, now that they had been seen by a few...

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

“Save Me! You can keep the Key, for all I care! And take your old Book! Please?” Calimiel cried. Aislan blinked at her, and Alearindu was just as confused.

“What’s the matter with her?” Aislan whispered to Alearindu, and Calimiel paled by the second.

“It’s as if she’s seen a ghost…” Alearindu whispered, and Aislan grinned.

“I wouldn’t be surprised, if such was the case,” Aislan turned ever so slightly to face the doorway, where a glimmering ghost hovered inches above the ground. Why would Calimiel be so frightened by another one of the castle patrons?

“What is it?” Alearindu asked, and stared at the doorway.

“Another ghost…” Aislan replied.

“Please help!” Calimiel cried, stunning Aislan and Alearindu into action. Save her from another ghost? Or at least a fellow Castle being? Aislan was quite confused to begin with, and Alearindu seemed even more so.

“Where’ll we go to get away from a ghost?” Aislan wondered aloud, though to no one in particular.

“The stables? Outside? Somewhere!” Alearindu continued the thought.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Andreth stared at Calimiel. Of all those inside the castle, her heart reached out most to her.

Please help!....But how and against what?


Andreth's body was becoming firmer so that it was beginning to be much more difficult for her to see the ghosts. But she could still clearly see and here Calimiel.

"Please," Andreth begged, "Say what we must do to help you for I and my friends will surely try. Do you wish to go outside, as Alearindu said?"

[Gandalf_theGrey]

* Calimiel cast a shuddering gaze between Alearindu and Andreth. * The Stables, outside, yes!

* Grabbing them both by the hand so that Andreth was on her right and Alearindu on her left, Calimiel pulled her new companions into a run at breakneck speed, smack dab into ... and straight through ... the maliciously shimmering haze that formed Celumëomaryu. Calimiel screeched and shivered, dropping the hands of Alearindu and Andreth, for Celumëomaryu had sent out a blast of icy wrath straight to the heart of Calimiel. Calimiel staggered, bumped the door frame, continued her mad run. *

* The stairs carried Calimiel down as if in a nightmare. She sped around corner after corner. Finally the chill night air grasped her face. It was 2:00 a.m. by now. Father stood in the entrance, with four others of the household, and a small knot of strangers. Calimiel didn't care who anyone was at this point. Somehow she slipped past Father, whose mind seemed intent on other things, and found herself out the door. *

* Turning right, she headed for the Stables ... then stopped suddenly, heart beating, breathing labored. A black horse roamed unconcernedly about in front of the Stables, snorting disdainfully at tall brown stalks of dead grass. A majestic black horse, with no saddle, and on Father's property! Calimiel's horse, now. All hers. For this moment. Until Celumëomaryu, or Father, or Tiroedrath came to stop her, anyways. Time was precious. *

* Midnight backed away from the dishevelled, stumbling stranger. The woman, however, leapt a desperate lucky leap, landing far enough up the black war steed's side to cling tightly to his mane and pull herself astride. Midnight shrieked a ferocious, drawn-out neigh, launching into a spooked gallop. Rounding the corner and coming in view of the front entrance, Midnight saw the old grey-cloaked man laying on the ground, looking to be in distress. Midnight slowed, turning towards the familiar grey man, wanting to go to him ... and was soundly cuffed about the ears by the strange woman. *

* The woman wailed a whole bunch of things that Midnight could not understand, apart from the word "NOOOooooo!" What Midnight DID understand was that the stranger was pulling his mane, hard, as though to tear it from his neck by the roots ... and that she was stopping him from aiding the grey man. *

* Instead, she steered him towards a small gate in the wall. Midnight reared up on his hind legs, thinking to throw the woman. The woman dangled, hanging on by one arm for dear life. Another furious shake from Midnight, and the woman could hold on no longer. Thrown she was, into unyielding granite. Hair matted with blood, she sank down unmoving, lay still, breathed her last. Only some had eyes to see when moments later, the faint milky glimmering spirit of Calimiel rose up kneeling beside the prone and broken form, to bewail the cruelty of fate. *

[Mithadan]

As Nardol made ready to enter the Castle, Menelduliniel, Estelarion and Poppy emerged from that dark place and stood at the top of the steps leading down to the courtyard. Moments later, Andreth and Aislan emerged, accompanied by two others, one of whom dashed away towards the stables. The galloping of hoofs could be heard and Midnight came around the corner of the Castle bearing the stranger, but the fiery steed shied away from leaving the courtyard and threw his rider to the ground. The horse then approached Gandalf who had collapsed on the stone flags. The wizard appeared to be struggling against some unseen force emanating from Maladil.

Nardol clenched his teeth, then roared, "Enough!" He drew his sword and interposed himself between Gandalf and the shimmering shape that was Maladil. Nardol's scar writhed on his face as he raised the point of his sword towards where Maladil's face should be. The dire shade's attention shifted from the wizard to the Elf and it howled. If there were words in Maladil's screech, Nardol did not catch them.

The shade raised its blade and rushed at Nardol. As the swords clashed, Nardol had just enough time to hope that he had bought Gandalf a sufficient opportunity to recover before his opponent occupied the whole of his attention...

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Aislan rushed out of the castle after Calimiel, Andreth, and Alearindu, and came just in time to see Calimiel thrown from a rampaging Midnight. Aislan flinched as she saw Calimiel hit the ground with a loud thud and crack. Midnight, crazed with fear, galloped over to a fallen Gandalf.

Aislan was silent, and stricken with shock and fear. Not knowing where her uses would help anymore, Aislan did the only thing she thought she’d be able to do: Calm Midnight.

Rushing over to the frantic stallion, Aislan tried to comfort the horse. Calling out phrases like ‘Midnight, still! Everything is all right!’ and, ‘Stay calm, boy!’ seemed to do no good. The horse reared up on its hind legs and kicked the air with his front. Aislan lifted her arms to brace herself from a kick, but Midnight only brought his feet hard upon the ground. Lifting them again, he continued to paw at the air and bring his hooves to the ground with a great thump. The whites of his eyes could clearly be seen.

“What are you afraid of?” Aislan wondered aloud, and tried to calm the stallion. When Midnight finally stopped rearing, Aislan tried to calm him down and pat him, but the horse continued his deep, quick breathing and his head swayed.

As Nardol occupied himself with Maladil, Midnight began to breathe regularly again, but Aislan could feel the fear in the animal as she stood next to him. Aislan tried to see if Calimiel had brought any wounds to the horse, but Midnight was skittish and would turn his head and glare at Aislan any time she tried to see if he was all right.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Andreth brought her hands up to her brow and closed her eyes, trying to will the grisly scene of Calimiel's demise to go away. She could not understand why she felt so sad. The girl had died so long ago. There was no reason to mourn her death. It was simply a return to her natural state.

Yet still her shade glimmered in the night, trapped in time between death and life. Not one and not the other, but a grotesque parody of what should not be. Andreth felt the tears flooding down her cheeks, and, as she did so, felt her body turn solid again. The ghosts turned into tiny sparkling lights, whose words she could no longer understand.

Goodbye, Calimiel. Goodbye, my kinswoman........ The quiet words resounded in her head.

[ March 20, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Belin]

Celumëomaryu raced down the stairs, filled only with the thought of her escaping prey. She'd done nothing! All her icy rage and all her admittedly ghostly presence had not stopped even one of them; she was powerless and angry and she gave no thought to what else might have been happening in the castle.

She gave no thought to the stairs she was rushing down or the hall she was once again crossing, either, and suddenly found herself standing before the door. Even in her rage she was brought up short by the sounds coming from beyond it.

Battles again. Maladil, that fool, must he fight with everyone? Celumëomaryu had given up Anna, had given up the bodies, as any sensible person would do. It was only the intruders who had broken into her library, yes, hers, no matter what deals she had struck, and Calimiel the traitor that she sought. Maladil could take a hint, and she certainly had no intention of being drawn into his battle. None of that.

She looked past them quietly, not wanting to make a movement that might catch anyone's eye, thankful for the lack of a body that would surely have trembled with utter frustration and given her away. She was losing them. They were escaping. She resisted the urge to cry out in anger... there. They'd rounded the corner. The stables, then.

She turned, with all the grace native to a ghost and an elf, and navigated through the inner courtyard, around the shed, and to the stables, just in time to see the enviable body of the girl Calimiel had taken fly from a horse and smash against a wall, and Calimiel left it.

Celumëomaryu froze, staring.

She saw that strange girl, the one who might or might not have been living, take up the body, as if it had truly been Calimiel's, and as if they had been friends.

She saw one of the truly living rush up to the horse, as the other stood in a shock that seemed to mirror her own.

She saw Calimiel weeping over her ill-begotten body. The self-love of this foolish girl was quite beyond her tolerance. She lunged toward her, and missed, knocking her to the ground in a wailing heap more or less in passing. It was upon the half-living woman that her attack fell.

This woman (the Andreth they'd mentioned, it had to be) leapt up, startled but solid and unharmed, calling to her, though Celumëomaryu could not guess what, unless it might be "stop, stop." This time she did howl. The woman was so insenstive to ghosts that her attack had done nothing, nothing.... Infuriated, she kicked at Calimiel again, but the ridiculous brat had gotten to her feet, and ignored all of Celumëomaryu's assaults.

What is happening to me, what is happening to me,she thought frantically, no longer listening to the voice of the living girl, no longer concerned with the horse and its attendants, one of whom seemed to be coming forth to meet her.

What will happen to me?

[Gandalf_theGrey]

* The beginning of the end happened all at once. *

* Nardol parried Maladil's sword thrust, then slashed a slicing cut through Maladil's face, doing no hurt, but distracting the fey ghost from Mithrandir. Guilin drew his halberd while Tiroedrath and Halblung wielded their swords. It was Guilin who knocked OrcBane from Maladil's clutches to a spot on the lawn a safe distance beyond where the curse allowed Guilin's Master to reach. Tiroedrath and Halblung cheered. Cirgon applauded. Maladil silently fumed. *

* Midnight finally settled down under Aislan's words and on seeing the grey man stand up. Midnight softly nuzzled Aislan. *

* Gandalf looked about at all his companions streaming forth from the Castle. * "The Deed! Where's the Deed? It must be taken off the Castle grounds and read aloud with the declaration that Elrond and Galadriel are the new owners of the Castle, and that the Castle is to be no more, but rather transformed into a House of Healing open to all the Free Peoples of Middle Earth!"

* Alearindu carried the prized green Book with gold letters bearing the name of Laurëondo. Andreth carried her matching red book. Hinura followed, harp in one hand, Key in the other. Menelduliniel rushed up waving aloft the Note with its instructions on safely removing the Deed from its hiding place within the Book's spine. *

* All who wished followed Gandalf to the edge of the boundary line. The living members of the company stepped over the line outside the Castle grounds. The ghosts stayed just inside the line. *

* It was Menelduliniel who read the Note's instructions on how to proceed, Hinura who turned the Key in the Lock, Poppy who opened the Book, Alearindu who safely removed the precious parchment that was the Deed, Gandalf who read the words inked on the deed, Aislan who added the declarations about Elrond and Galadriel becoming the new owners of the Castle, and that as its stewards and caretakers, now declared that the Castle was no longer a Castle, but a House of Healing. *

* Maladil faded and faded, then vanished. *

* Gandalf, noticing the presence of three who had missed the fireworks display, waved over Celumëomaryu and Calimiel and Anna, bowing a greeting. *

* Daerohil picked himself up and ran through the grass to join the living company. Then, remembering, dashed back to the stables to bring out the horses to the guests. Whinny lay on her side. *

* Cirgon, Guilin, Tiroedrath,and Halblung joined the company wielding the weapons at their disposal against any potential Orc attack. *

* Come what may, the curse of Castle Maladil was now lifted. The Quest had succeeded! *

[ March 21, 2003: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]

[Susan Delgado]

After Calimiel had ignored her warnings to avoid the living folk, Anna had crouched out of sight among the library stacks, then crept downstairs after everyone had left, careful to avoid meeting anyone. She still didn't know exactly what was going on, but it seemed everyone had gone insane except her.

She fled to the garden, where she met Lasrain, one of the gardeners. After convincing him she was who she claimed, they walked together in the orchard listening to the sounds of battle.

After a while, the Inner Courtyard became silent and they felt a pull in that direction. Partway there, Lasrain stopped and slowly faded out, a very surprised look on his face. Anna watched, surprised, and looked at her own body, for it suddenly felt lighter. For a moment she'd expected to disappear like he had, but her solid body kept her on the ground. She continued on toward the courtyard.

The first thing she saw when she arrived were Calimiel and Celumeomaryu vanishing as Lasrain had. She approached the old man who was holding a parchment and stopped before him, not knowing what to say. She knew by now that the Curse had been lifted and she must be the last Ghost in the Castle and that it was only her stolen body that had kept her from returning to the Halls of Mandos and now she was unsure of how these genuine living people were going to accept her, or even if they would. She knew, however, that she would never leave the Castle, her home. She wasn't sure what was going to happen here, what plans they had, but she must be a part of it. She had been here too long; she suspected many more years had passed than she supected and that all her family was gone. There was no longer any home for her outside these walls.

[ March 31, 2003: Message edited by: Susan Delgado ]

[*Varda*]

Poppy hardly knew what to feel as they all streamed out of the castle, ecstatic and carefree. Standing outside the boundary, Poppy held the book out in her hands as Hinura cautiously turned the key, and Poppy slowly opened the book, watching it fall open in her small hands. Passing it to Alearindu to remove the deed, Poppy watched the proceedings, eyes round as she realised what the group had done. Together, they had lifted the curse on the castle.

As Aislan finished declaring the castle was now a House of Healing, Poppy turned and saw Maladil. He was fading, becoming fainter and fainter, until the hobbit could no longer see him at all. He was gone.

Poppy looked around the group that had gathered with a small smile on her face. It had been a truly wonderful journey, but she knew with heaviness growing on her heart it was almost time for her to leave. Time to return to the Shire, her parents. She still felt guilt for rushing off in the first place, only sending a scribbled note to them. Pushing these thoughts to the back of her mind, she stood with the others, celebrating the achievement.

[VanimaEdhel]

Menelduliniel held her breath as the others followed her instructions, praying that she had told them everything and that these directions were not laid out for them as a trap. She heard a click, then Maladil hazy shape faded before her eyes. She let out a big breath and looked around in the very brief silence that followed.

Suddenly, other members of the party came, prepared for battle as though it was eminent. Menelduliniel looked around, not seeing any immediate danger, but she drew her daggers nonetheless. Estelarion, however, did not draw any weapons. He looked very confused.

Menelduliniel realized then that he did not know what happened with the spirit of Maladil. He could not see anything that had happened. Everything that had occurred had been entirely invisible to the poor Elf.

"We are safe from the spirits. Maladil is gone. But we must be on guard in case there is a lesser, but still present, evil," Menelduliniel said quietly. Estelarion raised one eyebrow, but nodded.

Menelduliniel looked at Poppy, who was not prepared to fight either. She looked somewhat disappointed. Menelduliniel wondered what the Hobbit was going home to. She began to wonder what was to become of the company when they disbanded. Menelduliniel wondered of the hopes, dreams, lives, and families of the group. Then, as she so often had done in the past, Menelduliniel let her mind wander perilously into the world of dreams and fancy, forgetting the danger that possibly lurked for the group now that one obstacle was through.

**********

Estelarion saw everyone rejoice suddenly after he heard a click. He did not know what they rejoiced for, but he could sense that they had been in danger caused by the shades that haunted the place. Nearly everyone gave a jubilant shout and, although he had seen nothing that had occurred on the spirit end, Estelarion joined the sounds of merriment. Estelarion listened to quiet conversation of others, piecing together stories of what had occurred.

He turned and saw Menelduliniel with her daggers out.

"We are safe from the spirits. Maladil is gone. But we must be on guard in case there is a lesser, but still present, evil," Menelduliniel said quietly. Estelarion looked at the others who, although alert, were still relaxed and feeling merry.

Estelarion wondered when they would be leaving, for he realized it had been a while since he had been in the lovely bustle of an Inn. He suddenly felt lonely for Imladris and his home. He missed his family.

Estelarion looked at Menelduliniel, who was now off in her own world. Poppy, the Hobbit and now the Elves' companion and friend, appeared to be in a similar state of reflection. Estelarion took his two friends' leads and looked off into the dark, wondering what else was happening in the wide expanse of Middle Earth and how what the company accomplished would play into the history of the vast land, if it had any effect at all...

[ April 01, 2003: Message edited by: VanimaEdhel ]

[Gandalf_theGrey]

* Gandalf folded the deed to Laurëondo with a neat crisp crease, then placed the time-browned parchment for safekeeping into the same pouch that held Elrond's letter to Galadriel. *

* A bedraggled woman who yet carried herself with a drifting gracefulness strolled up. Introducing herself as Anna, she looked down, gazing at the impressions in the deep grass made by the many strange pairs of feet come to the Castle this fateful night. And what would be Anna's own fate? Pretending to be the rightful owner of the body of Linea, Linea of Bree, would be no use if someone asked her any questions beyond her name and town. Surely this old grey man looking as bedraggled as she did would not harm her? Though perhaps his fierce-featured Elvish companion might. Anna's gaze traveled from the old man rubbing absently at an injured arm to the fearsome warrior who'd come to stand up to Maladil, blade to blade. No Elf had ever drawn a weapon against Lord Maladil before, neither in life nor death. * "I will consent to your owning the Castle, if you will consent to my living in it."

"Done. I, Gandalf, consent on behalf of Elrond and Galadriel, and you will consent to their terms governing your life here. For though you are free of Maladil's curse, you remain here now as a captive of your own making. And yet as this place becomes a House of Healing, may you find healing here as well, Anna." * Gandalf reached out to Anna with a firm handshake to seal the deal. *

* Noticing Calimiel's newly-left body at the foot of the Castle wall, Gandalf motioned sadly to Estelarion and Nardol. Not long after, another grave joined the others recently dug out back. *

* In between tending to such necessarily somber duties, Gandalf shared with the company well-earned smiles of relief and accomplishment. The wizard beamed at the sight of Poppy hanging onto the Green Book of Laurëondo once again. "Why Ambassador, as the first one in an entire Age to set foot inside the Castle of your own will, you've made history! Keep now the Green Book, for you deserve a page of your own therein."

* Likewise, Gandalf urged Hinura to keep the Key which the sweetness of her bardic voice had led her to discover, and Menelduliniel to keep the Note with its well-chosen words to match the lyrics she'd chosen with such generous wisdom. He then spoke to the Company in general. * "Each one of you as a reward for your heroic labors on this successful quest is entitled to either a fair share in the sack of gold sent here by Elrond, or to one treasure from within the former Castle … though take nothing belonging to Anna."

* As for Gandalf, he strode through the Castle rooms, and for his treasure, settled on the small, battered tin Shire-watch he found perched atop the fireplace mantel of the Private Dining Room. It would make quite a curio for the mathom house at Michel Delving. Indeed, it was engraved with a "G" … and another letter as well, but the second letter had been blunted through the years into illegibility. *

* As he was pocketing his chosen item, the wizard noticed a familiar ethereal figure ... Kenelm, son of Maladil. Gandalf bowed. * "You are free to go into the West. To the Halls of Mandos, then Valinor."

* Kenelm bowed back, letting escape a sad sigh. * "Ah, Valinor! Such beauty there. But … Father would not approve."

"Your father is not here, Kenelm." * Gandalf's voice was as gentle as he could make it. * "Look first around the Castle if you wish. Then, you may take your leave when you are ready."

* Certain other ghosts had delayed their journey as well. Daerohil could be found in the stables, currying horses in between concerned glances at Whinny on the ground. Tiroedrath, Guilin, and Halblung remained standing on guard at the perimeter of the Castle grounds, weapons drawn, peering out into the night so as to keep any unseen surrounding Orcs at bay. *

* Gandalf came outside again and on seeing the ghostly warriors, approached Aislan, Alearindu, and Midnight. * "Aislan ... I wonder if you might see whether Midnight will wear a saddle again? Not to bear a rider, but an attached written message. Midnight knows where to find the Rangers in their hidden cabin near Sarn Ford.

" ... And Alearindu, I wonder if you too might seek out the Rangers there? You shall set out by one route, Midnight by another. You can start under cover of daylight, the better to avoid Orcs. Remember to keep alert for traps along the road! For the Company must guard Laurëondo now, relieve the warrior-ghosts of their long-endured task, until any Men who might be spared can come to help drive away the evil creatures who have too long crept close here. Otherwise, we risk this place becoming easy pickings for Orcs to plunder and set up a fastness of their own before a House of Healing can be established."

[ April 03, 2003: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Aislan nodded in reply, but said naught. Turning to Midnight, she smiled at the black stallion and led him back towards the stables. Such wondrous stables they were, and Aislan would always keep the sight of them in her memory.

Entering the stables, Aislan saw Whinny again. She felt a stab of guilt for leaving the helpless pony, and wondered what she would do without proper medicines to care for her. Cleaning the wound quickly but thoroughly, Aislan let Midnight wander about the Stables of Laurëondo. When she was done, Aislan went back to her original duty, hoping that Whinny was in fact, not poisoned. Aislan promised herself that she would look later for herbs for Whinny, since Calimiel’s untimely demise kept the captive of the castle from helping in any way.

“You don’t have to bear rider,” Aislan began, talking to the Midnight as she readied him to wear a saddle. “Only a saddle, and a written message. I know you can do that.”

Aislan easily lifted a saddle for Midnight, and gently placed it over the woolen blanket she had left on his back. Midnight grunted, as if to complain. Aislan rolled her eyes and then turned to face Midnight’s dark eyes.

“You’re a good boy, I’ll tell you that. No whining, you hear?” Aislan pat the horse she had become quite accustomed to on the forehead. “I’m sure Gandalf will want to give you the message pretty soon. Go ahead!” Aislan wrapped her arm around the horse’s neck one more time, patted him goodbye, and then turned back to the stables.

Looking around the great stables, Aislan could not help but want a memory of it. Didn’t Gandalf say we were allowed to have one treasure? She thought, and nodded to herself. Aislan decided to find something small, if only to remind her always of her adventure here. Gazing at everything, Aislan jumped to notice her ghost-friend Daerohil nearby. Grinning, Aislan waved. She had taken great humor in the ghost-boy, for he was a more kindly and upbeat spirit than his other housemates that Aislan had met.

There, left on the rail of one of the stalls, was a currycomb. Aislan went to pick it up. On the opposite side of the standard metal teeth, the handle was gold-colored. With what little Elvish Aislan could read, she made out the letter ‘L’ engraved into the comb. It was a small treasure, but one that Aislan hoped to keep forever, to remind her of her stay at Laurëondo.

A slight whimper from behind her brought Aislan back to reality. Now to help Whinny…Aislan thought. She wondered where she could find the herbs.

“Daerohil. Can you still hear me? Do you know where the herbs are?” Aislan asked the stable lad, and wondered how much he had understood.

[Child of the 7th Age]

As Andreth changed back from ghost to human, she found her body becoming more solid. She wandered back to the stables where Aislan was now tended to Whinney. Her poor, sweet pony. He'd served her well.

Andreth extended a hand of thanks to Aislan for the care she'd given her mount. The girl had little natural skill in seeing or hearing ghosts, or in bringing healing to injured ponies, but she offered to help Daerohil search for the herbs that would be needed to put Whinney at ease, if he could only show her what to look for.

[ April 05, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[VanimaEdhel]

Menelduliniel held the note gingerly, not sure what to do with it. She did not want to fold it, for fear of marring the letters. She finally took some cloth from her pack and, every so carefully, nestled the letter so that it was kept straight within the bag. She looked up at Estelarion, who had finished tending to Calimiel's body. He looked somber, but relieved. Estelarion, however, managed a smile when Menelduliniel looked up at him. Her look clearly asked what they should now do. Estelarion merely shrugged, remaining silent for a moment.

"Gandalf said that there was a bit of treasure that we could help ourselves to," Estelarion finally said, "Do you suppose we should...?"

"Take some of it?" Menelduliniel finished. She took a breath, and then continued, "I do not know. It does not feel right. We have never really taken gold. But I suppose we will need it at some point. We cannot live off of what money your family has."

Estelarion supposed that she was right. He figured they would only take what little they needed. It did not seem right to him either, for some reason, but it was true that they would soon run out of gold. What little they made was either from what Estelarion had brought when he left home or from what they made offering their services as musicians.

They set about getting a bit of gold. They looked around. Many of the others had gone about their own business. Poppy, however, still stood nearby. The two Elves crossed to the Hobbit.

"What do you suppose you shall do now?" Menelduliniel asked the Hobbit. Poppy gave a small start at the question, seeming to be in her own world previously.

"I-I don't know," Poppy said, shrugging.

"Well," Menelduliniel smiled, "If you are of a mind, you can always come along with us. You will not be an annoyance to us in any way."

"Thank you!" Poppy smiled. The three stood, truly smiling, finally, under the beautiful sky...