The Lingering Darkness Planning/Discussion Thread

[piosenniel]

Just keeping tabs here:

#265, 266,267, 268 sent to Nerindel

If you need to communicate with Nerindel - please email her, don't leave the message here on the Discussion thread.

If you don't have her email addy, PM me for it.

Thanks!

Pio

[Ealasaide]

Pio - I was wondering if you happened to catch my post at the bottom of the previous page. I wrote two back posts for Naiore. One of them I placed myself at the end of my post #256 (June 1).

The second post, I placed here on the discussion thread in the hopes that you might place it for me between Hilde's post #262 and Nerindel's #263.

Also, could you please transfer both to their proper places on the Fan-Fic page? Please! Please! (Sorry to complicate things so...)

[piosenniel]

All Done! Here and there . . .

[Ealasaide]

Many Thanks!

[piosenniel]

Nerindel - Vanwe:

added to #264

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Everdawn & Nerindel - I have mentioned in Rauthain's post that he left Avanill with the rangers, seeing as I couldn't see Amandur letting him slip off to enquire about Vanwe! So I guess that Avanill is on is own right now, somehow disengaging himself from the company of the rangers. Once a loner, always a loner I guess!

Everdawn - He wouldn't be backsliding now would he?!

[Everdawn]

No! Avanill has promised to be a good lad now. An usually he doesnt keep his promises but this time he is forced to isnt he? Besides, he doesnt know where Naiore is and what if she gets him??? I suppose he will go for a small wander and realise that he is doing the right thing!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Very good! Rauthain would also be much encouraged to see that he returned on his own without having been corralled! So his promises usually don't count for much, eh? Hmmm....

[Everdawn]

Originally Posted by Hilde Bracegirdle

Very good! Rauthain would be also be much encouraged to see that he returned on his own without having been corralled! So his promises usually don't count for much, eh? Hmmm....

He wouldnt have become the best black market trader in Middle Earth if they did.

[piosenniel]

It looks as if the Game’s deadline will not be met by July 31st – writers being away being the last roadblock.

Once Nerindel is back, I would like to see the posting pick up speed.

The Game Opened on 09/06/03 – I will extend the end date to 09/30/04. That is well over a year in play.

Once that final date is reached, I will close the game and send it to Elvenhome, regardless of it being finished or not.

-------------------------------------------------

From post #877 on the Discussion Thread: (when the 07/31/04 deadline was set)

Okay... what we have planned so far:
Lots of inter-relational developments in Imladris to set up subsequent action & motivations of characters. We are about in the middle of that phase. After that,

*Naiore makes her move
*Rauthain is killed
*Kaldir is killed
*Naiore takes off to the south with her hostage
*Hostage is freed, Barrold Ferny killed
*Naiore is captured & dealt with

Where are you in this outline?

What timeline needs to be kept to in order to meet the needs of your end-of-story outline?

Please get back to me on this.

Thanks!

~*~ Pio

[Ealasaide]

Will get back to you on a timeline. Thanks, Pio! You have been more than patient. We will be finished by 9/30.

Right now, we are on the second day in Rivendell. As far as I know, Rauthain and Kaldir need to finish their conversation. Then there will be a counsel meeting in the evening. Barrold and Naiore need to hook up at some point. (Everdawn - you never answered my PM. Any ideas?)

The third day is when the action picks up again: Naiore takes a hostage; Kaldir & Rauthain are killed; Naiore takes off toward the south.

If folks are diligent about posting, we can have this wrapped up BEFORE the new deadline.

I should have a post for Kaldir up by sometime this evening or tomorrow at the latest.

[piosenniel]

~*~ Thanks! ~*~

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

May I suggest that the counsel meeting take place in a post by one person (or maybe two) so that it does not take too long to finish up. Does this make sense? I do not think for instance that there is anything in Rauthain's mind that you all are not aware of so if perhaps you Ealasaide or Nerindel would like to put in a line or two for him.....

[Ealasaide]

Yes, I, too, would like to get through the counsel in three or four posts at the outside. Since we all pretty much already know what is going to be said, I don't see the need in stringing it out for a week or two. I'm very anxious to get on with the REAL action!

Here's how I see it:
Nerindel to open it
I will post with Kaldir
Everdawn - would you like to post with Avanill?
Nerindel closes it
Actually that is pretty lengthy. It really only needs to be done with a single post, as Hilde suggested, which Nerindel would be best placed to write.

****OR... sorry, Nerindel... we bypass dramatizing the counsel entirely since we all already know what is going to happen there. We all stipulate that the following happened (see below) and simply refer to it in flashback as we move on. I am in favor of this course of action. For everything we have planned, we don't really have much time and need to get on with it. If we fully dramatize the counsel - particularly what with Nerindel being gone roughly from now until the end of July, it will be August before we ever get out of Rivendell.****

WHAT DOES EVERYONE THINK OF THAT IDEA? I AM STRONGLY IN FAVOR OF IT! (Pio - do I need to e-mail these last couple of DT posts to Nerindel or have you been sending relevant DT posts to her already? Please let me know. She should be in on this.)

from Nerindel's post:

Rauthain and Avanill could rely their plans for Avanill's potions?
Kaldir could air his concerns regarding his earlier episode?
Léspheria could offer to help the bounty hunter with that problem?
Vanwe uninvited could walk in insisting that she too should go, stating her reasons for doing so?

In a bit of Irony the elven twins could counsell that they stand together, trusting in one anothers abilities, alone they would be vunrable to the elven ladies talents, but together they may just suceed?

Amandur listening carefully to all sides would then agree with the twins and decide a plan that would suit all, but involve them all staying together, he would also suggest that Benia and the two hobbits remain in Rivendell for their own safety.

Benia and Gilly would not be part of the counsell as they do not hunt Naiore, Dulrain will still be in the care of the healers, so he too would not be present and Toby wants no further part of the elven woman.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

I will follow whatever is decided, though I think perhaps we should have a limit on the amount time spent on the counsel if we go that route. Or set an end date, to post for that section. We could possibly go back and flesh it out more if we end tearlier than anticipated, and feel it is needed.

Flashback would probably be the fastest course, though.

[piosenniel]

Ealasaide

Please email Nerindel the DT posts.

I'll continue to do the Game posts.

Thanks!

~*~ Pio

[Ealasaide]

Okay - thanks, Pio!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

I e-mailed posts 970 thru 974 of the DT for her consideration this afternoon.

[Ealasaide]

Thanks, Hilde. I'll be looking forward to seeing her opinion.

[Ealasaide]

Everyone - aside from the counsel that is currently under discussion, what else needs to happen on the 2nd day? If there is nothing else, we can advance the time frame to evening or night.

In the nighttime of the second day, we have the counsel (however we decide to handle that.) Also, Naiore needs to hook up with Barrold.

Everdawn - After dark, I will have Naiore leave Imladris and find Barrold. Does he have Kaldir's horse? Is there anything else I need to know? Otherwise I will work off of your last post.

(Also, I can't help but wonder if you are no longer interested in writing Barrold. ??? If this is the case, please let me know & we can treat him as a carry-along character. We are going to need him with everything coming up so it would be helpful to know what your feelings are concerning ol' Barrold.)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

A time change is OK with me. Have not had word yet from Nerindel, but will send along an update of the discussion thread.

[Everdawn]

Originally Posted by Ealasaide

Everyone - aside from the counsel that is currently under discussion, what else needs to happen on the 2nd day? If there is nothing else, we can advance the time frame to evening or night.

In the nighttime of the second day, we have the counsel (however we decide to handle that.) Also, Naiore needs to hook up with Barrold.

Everdawn - After dark, I will have Naiore leave Imladris and find Barrold. Does he have Kaldir's horse? Is there anything else I need to know? Otherwise I will work off of your last post.

(Also, I can't help but wonder if you are no longer interested in writing Barrold. ??? If this is the case, please let me know & we can treat him as a carry-along character. We are going to need him with everything coming up so it would be helpful to know what your feelings are concerning ol' Barrold.)

Oh my goodness! I completely forgot about the PM! IM so sorry!

Its not that im not interested in Barrold anymore, its just that, well, I dont know where to go with him! but for the moment I think thats a good idea Ealasaide, I am completely flexible.

[Ealasaide]

Okay! Thanks, Everdawn! Barrold will henceforth be treated as a carry along character and may be manipulated by all of us as needed. I wil get to work on the post in which Naiore finds him again.

Everyone - how does this sound? Not having heard from Nerindel, we will go ahead and advance the timeframe to evening. We will act on the assumption that we will not be fully dramatizing the counsel, and will be handling it either in a single post from Nerindel or in flashback. I will put up a "save" for Nerindel's Counsel Post, which can be filled or deleted as needed.

We will assume that everything following the save takes place after the meeting of the counsel.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Viola! We have heard from Miss Nerindel. She has seen the save and asks that it be left in place for her to fill in.

Also be of good cheer, she has not been idle and has been working on posts for Dulrain and Amandur. Which I for one eagerly await, but which may not appear until Tuesday or so, when she will be able to get computer access.

[Ealasaide]

Great! Thanks, Hilde, & thanks, Nerindel!

Any idea when the two posts that she has been working on fit into the timeline? I'm now wondering if I should move that save. Of course, Pio can always insert Nerindel's posts wherever they happen to fit in. Oh, well, I guess I will find out soon enough!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

I do not know where Amandur's would go, (his might even be for the counsel itself but that is a guess). I would think that the save is conveniently placed so that she might be able to use it to cover a fairly broad space of time.

[piosenniel]

Hilde

This is horridly off topic (but I am the mod . . . )

Above you used the word, 'Viola', instead of the French 'Voilà' - have you by any chance read a small paperback children's book where 'Viola' is used in place of 'Voilà'?

I loved reading it with my daughter when she was a kidlet . . . but can't recall the name . . .

~*~ Pio, grasping at straws . . .

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

No, I'm afraid it is the result of haste and laziness on my part. I wish I could say that I had read the book! Is the story for the very, very young? As in, would an elven year old be embarrassed to have her mom bring it home?

And by the way, it is fun to see that someone else uses the word kidlet!

[Ealasaide]

I just put a "save" up for Naiore. I will try to fill it tonight, but it may be tomorrow evening before I finish. I'm having a tougher time with it than I expected. Sorry for the delay.

[Everdawn]

Originally Posted by Ealasaide

I just put a "save" up for Naiore. I will try to fill it tonight, but it may be tomorrow evening before I finish. I'm having a tougher time with it than I expected. Sorry for the delay.

oh, take your time!

[Ealasaide]

I have filled my SAVE. Naiore, Barrold, and Kaldir's horse are in a small clearing on the plateau above Imladris.

[Nerindel]

Hi Everyone!

I'm now on vacation but amazingly enough I have more access than I did before! YAY!

I plan to use the save Ealasaide kindly put up for the counsel to place several posts, the first being Dulrain's which I will put here now and plead with Eala to put up for me. The next will be Amandur's post which should lead nicely to the Counsel and ending with him and Lespheria going off together and Vanwe going to find out that her father is missing. Does this work for everyone?

Dúlrain

Dúlrain joined Benia's gentle laughter as she belatedly returned his greeting, he too only realising that she had not returned one. He gazed lovingly into her deep amber eyes, losing himself in the warmth of her smile. Knowing that his heart was now hers forever and always, he no longer struggled against it. Letting the warmth of his love returned infuse him with such joy and happiness that it cast aside any fears or doubts that he may still have been carrying. They loved each other and no matter what trails they may face in their life's that one truth would always remain strong and unyielding. This he knew with undying certainty as that held each other’s hands their love intertwined like the very fingers they clasped so tenderly together.

The door to the room opened again causing the two lovers to turn, breaking the spell that had been holding them so raptly under each other’s loving gaze. Swinging wide the open door admitted another elf, this one slightly shorter than the other, but with the same free flowing dark hair and the same cheerful glint to her grey eyes. The elf dipped a short curtsy, and then crossed the room to deposit the large silver tray she was carrying.

"Mistress Celebnariel thought that you might like some breakfast," she smiled again turning to them. "She also advises that master Dúlrain try to eat something and if you excuse me I tend to agree, Lady Lespheria is a wonderful healer, quite gifted, but her tonics for loss of appetite are ... shall we say far from pleasant." Then as though to emphasis the point the young elf's delicate features screwed up in disgust and Dulrain rather thought that she was indeed remembering the foul some taste. He looked at Benia and then with a smile of suppressed laughter he nodded saying that he would most defiantly try. The young elf content with his reply simple nodded then departed to attain other chores of the morning.

Slowly letting go of his hand Benia crossed the room to examine the contents of the tray. She lifted the lid of a tall silver teapot and the aroma of a sweet smelling herbal tea wafted across the room. "Hmm, that smells wonderful," He grinned inhaling deeply of the strong refreshing smell.

"There is enough here to satisfy even a hobbits veritable appetite," Benia laughed lightly lifting another lid. But even as she tried to hide it he caught the briefest glance to the open window and he knew she though of her hobbit friend.

"You think of Gilly, is she not here? He gently enquired.

"Oh, yes. She is here and well by all accounts, " she assured him. "But I have not spoken with her since our arrival and fear that I have failed in my duty as friend, I could not bring myself to leave you until I knew you were will." she added slightly abashed as she returned to his side.

"Well, you can see that I am well and I would not wish to keep you from your other duties," he smiled raising her hands to his lips and kissing them gently.

"I would not want Mrs Banks to think that I was holding you here to myself, she just might have a few things to say about that, " he winked jovially.

"I daresay she would," Benia laughed. "But if you are not so eager to be rid of me I will stay awhile longer at least to share in this delicious feast the elves have kindly prepared for us."

"Only a fool would be eager to rid himself of such radiant beauty," he answered pleased that she would not be leaving so soon.

After washing the pair shared breakfast and pleasant conversation, there was no mention of Naiore, Kaldir or even the journey that brought them to their present location. Instead they shared what fond memories they had to share. Dúlrain described to Benia the beauty of the sun rising over the sleepy hills of Evendim with it’s golden rays touching the calm waters of lake Nenuial in the lands north of the Shire that when he was not wandering he called home. Benia smiled warmly at his description delicately closing her eye as if recalling some distant memory. When she again opened them she described to him the shifting sands of her desert home, and how the moonlight glinted a silvery blue hue against the majestic peaks of the grey mountains to the west of Harad’s great desert. They continued to share these small intimate details about themselves and their lives until the door to the room again opened admitting the elven lady Léspheria. Benia remained and he felt her hand gentle squeeze his assuringly as the elven healer bade him good morning, then carefully removed his dressing. They both gasped with surprise the wound was all but fully closed scar tissue and extensive bruising the only clues that any real damage had been done.

“B...But I don’t understand it still feels like I have been hit by a mountain?” Dúlrain muttered shaking his head in confusion.

“That is to be expected,” Léspheria grinned. “There was some external damage that shall need a little longer to heal. While I can manipulated the bodies own restorative powers nature still demands that we keep a little bit of pain to remind us that we are not indestructible, but I can give you something to help lessen natures toll if you require it.”

“No that will not be necessary, but thank you. It will do me no harm to be reminded of my limits,” he laughed wryly.

“Perhaps,” Léspheria smiled “But you should rest, allow the healing to transpire.” She stressed with a gentle firmness. This news distressed him but Léspheria assured him it would not be for long and with Benia’s concerned gaze he relented. The Lady then left to attend the others of her halls leaving them again alone. The day was drawing on and short while later Benia also excused herself, “I too must leave, she is right you should rest. I Promise I will return as soon as I have seen that Gilly is well and we have spoken a little.”

“I will hold you to that promise,” he smiled. “But I would ask one favour,”

“Anything!” she grinned.

“I would know what has become of the others of my company, Kaldir, Amandur, Rauthain and even master Longholes.” He asked staring out of the window, wondering if they had already continued on without him.

“I will see what I can find out,” She smiled drawing him back from his thoughts, still holding her hand he pulled her gently forwards and kissed her tenderly, a long lingering kiss before letting her go. Alone again with nothing to do but stare at the ceiling he carefully replayed the events of the past few weeks in his head until sleep again took him.

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

Thanks to Pio and Hilde for keeping me up to date.

[Ealasaide]

Nerindel - Welcome back! I have placed your post & look forward to seeing the others you have in the chute. Looks like we are indeed on the move again!

[Ealasaide]

Does anyone else have anything that must happen in the evening? Nerindel, I know you have the counsel and your post for Amandur that leads into the counsel. Is there anything else besides those, which can be inserted into the slot with Dulrain?

If there is nothing else, I will make a brief post for Benia, then advance the timeframe into early morning of the third day.

Everyone - Please let me know if you are all clear with advancing the time frame! Thanks!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

All clear!

[Everdawn]

All Clear!!!

[Ealasaide]

I have inserted a post for Benia in #269, just after Dulrain. We are ready to advance into morning.

*** TIME FRAME IS NOW EARLY MORNING ON THE THIRD DAY IN IMLADRIS ***

[Everdawn]

Thanks Ealasaide! Ill be working on a post!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Let the fun begin!

[Nerindel]

Ealasaide here is Amandur and Léspheria's posts to edit into #269

NOTE: ALREADY MOVED TO GAME THREAD ~*~ Pio

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Amandur

Restless Amandur had risen early leaving both his charges to seemingly wander free. However Amandur was neither reckless or naïve, he had many friends among the elves of Rivendell who when need be would act as his eyes and ears. Neither Avanill nor Toby would even be aware that they were being watched until they tried to do something stupid like leave without him knowing. His frustrations at not yet capturing the treacherous Naiore Dannan weighed heavy on him, but as he paced the empty halls he knew that she was not his only concern, though ultimately the elf and her ties had become the main cause of his unrest. No matter how much he tried he could not ignore the fact that this elf he hunted in the name of the king; a woman that had brought so much pain and suffering to the free peoples of middle earth was cousin to the elven woman he loved. A kind and gentle spirit whose sole purpose in life was to see peace established and maintained throughout the lands. So opposite were they that it was almost inconceivable that they were of the same race let alone of the same blood, but there it was that one small tie that wormed a little fear and uncertainty into his mind.

From the beginning it had always crossed his mind that Naiore would not be one to come willingly to face the Kings judgement and even now with Avanill’s promise of a miraculous potion he was not entirely sure she would allow herself to be taken alive. He already felt Léspheria slowly slipping away from him as she closed her mind, hiding her emotions from the prying intrusiveness of her cousin. Distancing herself from the others, him more so of late so it seemed. That she saw their feelings for one another as a weakness pained him deeply, could she not see that without her his life had no meaning; no purpose, his time in Ammunias had shown him that. He had found no contentment in his position without her there to share it with him. Something had been missing and it had taken this journey to show him what it was and now he was to forget that and bury his feelings so Naiore could not use them against him. Already she was a wedge between them, weather she knew it or not. If he killed her he would loss Léspheria and if he did not he feared he would still loss her, at least the kind and emotional elven woman he fell in love with.

With a heavy sigh he looked up, only to realise that his restless wanderings had brought him to the halls of the healers. Looking around his gaze finally met a familiar face, not a healer but Celebnriel an attendant of the house and a confidant of the lady Léspheria, she gave him a almost knowing smile as she asked him if she could be of assistance.

“Good morning mistress Celebnriel,” he grinned back. “I would speak with Lady Léspheria if she is available.”

“Alas Master Amandur you call at such an early an hour, the lady and her guest still lay in silent slumber and should not be disturbed.” The elven attendant smiled sympathetically.

“Then I shall return later at a more respectable hour,” Amandur replied with a short nod of understanding.

“I shall inform the lady that you called, she will be most pleased to hear that you are well my Lord,” Celebnriel smiled playfully giving him the honouree title he refused to accept, then turned to resume her morning duties.

“My Lady I would ask one more question of you if you can spare me a moment,” he called after her. She stopped and slowly turning she bent her head in acquiescence to his request.

“I would hear of another guest of these halls, a ranger and friend, Master Dúlrain?” Amandur asked his brow furrowed in genuine concern for his comrade. “When last I saw him he was in a bad way, I would hear if his condition has improved.”

Casting a brief glimpse at the door she had just left the elven woman smiled warmly, “Then be at ease Master Ranger your friend is well and even now is awake. His fever broke in the night, he is still a little tended but he will live.”

“Ai, that is good news indeed,” he smiled his troubled brow relaxing slightly. “I would speak with him if the healers deem him well enough to do so?”

“Ah, alas my friend I must again be the one to refuse your request, as the young ranger is not alone. The healers have deemed that he not be troubled by to many guests at once, he still must rest.” She smiled regretfully, “But I shall inform him that you have called and to expect you later in the day.”

“Thank you Celebnriel,” he replied wistfully

“I am sorry I could be of no better help to you,” she smiled shaking her head.
“Not at all Mistress, That I know the lady Léspheria and Master Dulrain are well is service enough and I thank you.” He said returning her smile. Giving a short incline of her head in gratitude she turned and went back to her daily chores of attending the needs of Rivendell’s guests.

As he made his way to the feasting halls he pondered who the guests where that Celebnriel had mentioned but not named, he guessed that Léspheria’s guest had to be Vanwe, it only seemed logical that they would be together and that they would have had much to discuss. As to Dulrian’s guest that could be either Rauthain or Kaldir, he assumed that latter after the conversation they had shared the previous night.

He just reached the halls when he was approached by an elven messenger, “Master Amandur?” the elven lad asked catching his breath and slightly unsure if he was addressing the right man.

“I am he,” Amandur replied,

“My Lords Elohir and Elladan ask that you join them for breakfast.” The elf said having now caught his breath.

Nodding his assent Amandur followed the young elf through the long corridors to a fair sized study, within sat at an oval oak table were the Lords Elladan and Elohir. They were not alone to Elohir’s right sat Belegar the proud and stolid captain of Rivendell’s guard, then opposite him sat two tall and extremely lean fair headed elves, their garb and the delicately carved long bows that sat at their sides marked them as elves of the Galadrim. At the window looking out over the silent beauty of the valley and lost in thoughtfully recompense was Lord Celeborn.

“Come join us Amandur,” Elladan gestured indicating an empty seat next to Belegar, the table was laden with an assortment of fresh fruit, breads meats and refreshments. As he took his place Elohir introduced him to the others at the table.

“Captain Belegar you know,” the elven Lord said pausing to allowing the two men a moment to nod their greetings. “Across from you are the brothers Hallaer and Voronwer, along with our Lord Celeborn they are the last of the Galadrim left in Middle earth,” Elohir smiled with a slight look of regret and sadness crossing his grey eyes as he introduce each in turn.

“Now that introductions are out of the way we will begin!” Celeborn announced turning from the window and taking his place at the head of the table. “Belegar if you please,” he nodded to the elven captain.

“Yes my Lord, The orcs have retreated and no trace of them now remain from here to the forest of Rhudaur, we have burned the bodies and set guards at every entrance to the valley as a precaution, should the orcs think to be so bold again.” Belegar reported.

“And Naiore?” Celeborn asked as he filled his goblet, with the clear crystal waters of the mirrormere.

“We followed her trail through Rhudaur and nor-east toward Hithaeglir, but lost her at the edge of the wilds. It seems to us that defeated she fled with her orc ramble back to their dark holes in the mountains,” Voronwer reported, sneering at his own implication of the elven traitors association with their most foul-some enemies.

However Amandur remained unconvinced, he had discovered from Avanill that Naiore had sent Vanwe into Rivendell to retrieve Menecin and as far as he was aware she had not yet achieved this end, no she would not give up so easily, he thought shaking his head. “ She has not yet retrieved that, which she came for,” he spoke aloud seeing the perplexed stares of the others. “If I have learned anything of our quarry it is that she does not give up so easily, many years have the rangers hunted the Revennor of Mordor and many times she has given us the slip, but not before accomplishing her objective.”

“I assure you Master ranger that she shall not slip into this valley without us knowing it!” Captain Belegar announced defensively.

“Forgive me Captain I meant no offence, merely to point out the ladies determination. I have recently learned that Naiore’s goal was not to enter these halls but to have her daughter lure Lord Menecin from the safety of his protectors.” He added apologetically.

“So the orc were a diversion?” Hallaer cut in frowning with disdain at Naiore’s cunning.

“But she did not count on Vanwe strength to resist her compulsions and on meeting her father and seeing her mothers lies her daughter has forsaken her mothers request and Naiore has lost and will be forced to move on or risk being found!” Elladan announced with a satisfied grin. But Amandur again shook his head.

“No Grandson,” Celeborn said, turning to study Amandur’s troubled grey eyes” I do not believe she will move on until the last remnants of her elven past are completely erased. The elf we once knew is gone and only the shadow remains, twisted with hatred that she would stop at no ends to achieve her goal, this is what you believe is it not Captain Amandur?”

Amandur nodded that this was so, “But my Lord, if she mounts a second attack I do not know that we will be able to hold, we lost many a good elf in the first assault, that our numbers are to few too resist!” Captain Belegar frowned.

“No the orcs failed her once I do not think she will use them again,” Elohir put in his eyes narrowing in silent contemplation, “no if what Amandur says is true she will come herself.”

“This can not be allowed!” Celeborn announced fixing Amandur with his steady gaze, “Elven blood must not be allowed to be spilled in these hallowed grounds, it that was for this very reason that we agreed to allow King Elessar decide what was to be done with Naiore.” Amandur nodded understanding fully what was being asked of him.

“I will have the guards fall back a little to tighten the net that she may not slip through unnoticed,” Belegar said raising to his feet. He then looked uncomfortably between Amandur and his Elven Lords, as if unsure that he should speak of his other concern in front of the ranger.

“We are all friends here,” Elladan prompted.

“What of the bard?” Belegar whispered, “I do not have the elves to spare to search for him.”

Amandur started at this new revelation, “Menecin is missing, Naiore may already be here!” he exclaimed ready to jump from his seat and check that Lespheria and Vanwe where indeed still safe in their room as Celebnriel had informed him.

“At ease master ranger,” Celeborn said resting a reassuring hand on his shoulder, “As far as we know Naiore has not the bard, rather he has chosen to part our company and as yet I know not if this is for better or worse.” He sighed forlornly.

“We will use what skills we possess to locate the bard and try to convince him to return!” Hallaer and Voronwer offered together, as they rose from the table.

“Very well, but tread carefully, we know not to what end Menecin’s madness will drive him.” Celeborn warned.

“I will go with you!” Amandur said rising to his feet, the two elves looked at each other then smiled sympathetically understanding his need to act. “We thank you for your offer, but we will be quicker alone. We mean no offence but if we are force into a confrontation, what use will you be.” They said indicating his bound sword arm. Remembering his injury he nodded his understanding and sat back down as the elven brothers followed by the captain of the Guards left the room.

“You should have Léspheria look at that if you are to continue with your task,” Elladan said lifting a green apple from one of the bowls and rubbing it on his tunic. “You do intend to continue,” he asked stopping the apple inches from his mouth and turning to regard him.

“Off Course!” Amandur frowned defensively.

“But you still doubt yourself and your ability to lead,” Celeborn whispered.

“I have already lost one ranger and nearly a second,” he sighed heavily raising from his seat and turning towards the window, clasping his hands behind his back.

“Death has always been a part of the rangers way of life you know this, as did Maethor?” Elohir reminded him.

“It still does not make it any easier to bare, what if I cannot protect her?” he whispered betraying the truth of his fears. The three lords looked at each other then smiling Elladan and Elohir approached him.

“Do you forget the ambush of the pass my friend, when first we fought together?” Elladan grinned.

“No,” he answered not fully understanding.

“Then you will remember who it was that saved our hides.” Elohir said suppressing a wry grin.

Looking out over the valley Amandur remembered that they along with Lespheria’s brother, Lothaniel had been dispatch on an errand into Mirkwood when they had been ambushed by Goblins in the pass. They had managed to surround them and their prospects were looking grim, when Léspheria sensing her brothers danger had come to their aid, dispatching several orcs with her bow before they could make her position and in the confusion he and the elven lords had managed to take the offensive. He grinned despite himself as he remembered this.

“I understand what you are telling me my friends, but I can no longer control my feelings for her and fear that they cloud my judgement. For her safety I would have you command her to remain and pursue Naiore no more.” He sighed.

“But this is not your choice to make, Amandur. Léspheria also has her reasons for searching for Naiore, this you know!” Celeborn gently counselled him.

“Even if it means we loss her completely?” Amandur answered turning to face them.

“Yes, if it is to be so,” Celeborn whispered. Amandur could feel the sadness in the room as they each contemplated this possibility. The elves had done everything possible to prevent the encounter that was to come, but still it would find her it seemed the fates had deemed it so and no matter what they did it was inevitable that the two were meant to eventually meet.


“You should go to her and explain to her how you are feeling I am sure she will understand, if she does not already know, “ Elohir smiled encouragingly.

“We will call counsel tonight and decide what is to be done about Naiore, for now you need to get that arm mended and talk to Léspheria,” Elladan added.


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Amandur and Léspheria

It was late afternoon by the time he found the courage to return to the halls of the healers, he stopped by Dulrain’s room hoping to find the ranger awake but it was not to be and the healers quickly ushered him away saying that the ranger needed his rest. He was directed to a small office that opened out to an enclosed garden. There he found Léspheria sitting on a bench reading from the small journal they had discovered at the home of Tallas. He started as he realised that silver tears trickled from her delicate almond shape eyes, so intent was she in what she was reading she sensed not his approach. Reaching into the pocket of his tunic with his good hand he pulled out a clean handkerchief and gently offered it to her. Looking up she smiled, taking the kerchief and wiping the tears from her eyes.

“Are you alright?” Amandur asked, sitting beside her.

“I will be,” she smiled. “I was just reading my mother’s journal,” she told him holding the book up for him to see. “I think I now understand, they where childhood friends, my mother and Naiore. They grew and learned together, forming a bond that was hard to break. Like any loyal friend she could not believe that Naiore was lost to the shadow, but she was wrong and Naiore betrayed her tricking her into giving secrets that she relied to our enemies in Dul Guldor. After that my mother realised that the only way to save her cousin was to set her spirit free, so she pursued Naiore back to Mordor were too late she discovered that the flaw was Naiore’s alone, a flaw created in her thirst for knowledge.”

“And you, what do you believe?” Amandur asked cautiously taking her free hand in his. She was surprised by his question and for a moment lost for words, “I do not believe that there is anything left to save if that is what you mean, though I wish there was for Vanwe's sake,” she frowned.

“Forgive me I had to ask, you do know that it may be…” he began, but raising a delicate finger to his lips she silenced him.

“I do know,” she nodded. “I just ask that it be the last resort, if all else fails.”

Looking deep into her eyes he nodded, even if he did not understand her reasons he trusted her. Realising that he was staring he let go of her hand and looked away embarrassed that he had been so bold, when she had already request that he bury his feelings.

“I am sorry I can not do it, I can no more hide how I feel than I can prevent the sun from rising,” he sighed.

“No, my love it is I who should be apologising,” she exclaimed taking his hands. “I was wrong together we are stronger, I see that now.” She smiled hopefully.

“My love!” Amandur echoed “Are you sure?” he asked knowing what she would have to give up to bind herself to him.

“I am, I always have been, only I have been to blind to see it, can you forgive me.” She replied sadly.

Overcome with joy he pulled her gently into his arms, not even feeling the pain shooting up his arm as he held her tight, their lips met and he kissed her passionately with the longing of a thousand ages. There they remained in each other’s embrace until Léspheria remembered his injury.

“You should let me fix this,” she smiled affectionately. He nodded allowing her to remove his dressing and as she worked they discuss what they had both discovered since arriving in Rivendell, though for the moment he did not tell Léspheria of Menecin’s disappearance not wishing to worry her further.

As the first stars began to twinkle in the evening sky a bell rang to summon them to counsel, “What ever course you decide I will follow, but please I beg you do not ask me to remain,” Léspheria whispered taking his now fully healed arm.

“I promise you I will not,” he whispered nodding his head, then together they made there way to the council chambers of the Lords of Rivendell.

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Save: Counsel meeting

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