The Lingering Darkness Planning/Discussion Thread

[Ealasaide]

Great stuff, Nerindel!

...and thanks, Pio! Wow, that was quick!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Hi folks! Just wanted to apologize for the save. I am rather deeply involved in something in the RL that can’t be avoided at the moment, and hope to fill in as soon as I can. The post is already under way.

[Ealasaide]

Everyone - I have put up a save as well, following Hilde's, for other characters' responses to Menecin. Please feel free to carry on with the rest of the action. Please let me know if you need to use my save. It is for whoever needs it.

I am beginning to work on a post that involves Benia and Kaldir. I hope to have it up at some point in the next couple of days.

(Hilde - Good luck with your RL situation! Come back when you can! )

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Thanks Ealasaide. I have filled in the save now with a rather short post.

[Ealasaide]

Yikes! That was quick, Hilde! Looks like Naiore's up. I'll put Benia & Kaldir on the back burner for a minute and try to get something written for her today if at all possible.

LATER.
Since Hilde was able to post in such a timely fashion after all, I have removed my earlier save and gone ahead with a post for Naiore. Let's carry on!

[Nerindel]

Ok, I have put a save up for Vanwe!
I return home tomorrow, however my own computer problems are still not fixed. But I will make every effort to try and put up a post on monday.

I have not forgotten about the counsel it is in the works but to keep us going I will make it a secondary priority, is that ok with everyone?

[Ealasaide]

Sounds good, Nerindel!

Yes, let's try to keep things rolling as much as possible. We have a lot that has to happen before we get to end of our fine saga... and I would HATE to get shut down before we get there!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Ealasaide When I come up with Menecin's post is it Ok to tack it on to Naiore's? I was too late for a save!

[Ealasaide]

Hilde - of course!

[Everdawn]

ill fill in my save for Avanill a.s.a.p !

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Thanks Ealasaide, I realize it was not on the agenda.

It is fine with me if the counsel is scene shows up later, Nerindel. Looking forward to your post and Everdawn's!

[Everdawn]

Ive had an Idea all of a sudden. Since he left the 'dark side' Avanill hasnt had a chance to 'catch up' with Toby has he? Is it allright if they have a little chat?

[Nerindel]

My save is filled and Vanwe and Léspheria have gone of in search of the bard, Ealasaide, Hilde let me know when you are ready for them to find the bard and I will have them run into Amandur before actually finding the bard, ok?

Everdawn, thats fine with me, but I think we should keep it short. Toby has no more interest in Naiore and her misdoings, Gilly has convinced him that he would do well to return to the shire and live a quite and peaceful life free of trouble.

[Nerindel]

Ok Hilde, Ealasaide Amandur has joined the ladies and is heading your way!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Thanks Nerindel! The collaborative efforts of Ealasaide and I are now posted for Menecin (and Naiore !)

[Ealasaide]

Thanks Hilde and Nerindel!

I have thrown in a save for Benia's fateful conversation with Kaldir. I hope to have it filled by the weekend.

[Ealasaide]

SORRY for holding things up this week. I had some unexpected personal problems to deal with that I hope will be sorted out soon. I will do my best to fill my Save ASAP.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

No problem Ealasaide. How about you Nerindel, are you planning a post for Vanwe? Or should I think about posting another for Menecin?

And Everdawn! Wow, I hadn't even realized that you had filled in your save! I will have to read it ASAP.

[Everdawn]

Originally Posted by Hilde Bracegirdle

And Everdawn! Wow, I hadn't even realized that you had filled in your save! I will have to read it ASAP.

Oh yeah, I forgot to say didnt I?

[Nerindel]

Oh dear I quite forgot about Vanwe, I will put up a save and try to fill it ASAP!
I've been struggling a bit over Sorona's post in Dragons and want to get that post finished first.

Great post Ealasaide! Poor Benia!

[Nerindel]

Save #280 is filled, I posted for both Vanwe and Léspheria.

Ealasaide do not worry about the whole moving ahead their plans thing, it will still take them sometime to ready to leave keeping them out the way while Naiore makes her move, a move none of them will be expecting I'm sure as they concentrate on protecting Vanwe and Menecin!

I am also going to have Amandur speak with Dulrain as you will see by my new save!

[Ealasaide]

Great post Ealasaide! Poor Benia!

Thanks, Nerindel! Thanks also for the explanation regarding "moving plans ahead." That did have me raising an eyebrow at first.

I plan to wait for Hilde to post with Gilly before I post again with Benia and/or Naiore. Let's keep the momentum flowing!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

To quote a famous train "I think I can, I think I can..."

[Ealasaide]

I just wanted to mention that I live somewhat in the track of an oncoming catagory 2 (possibly catagory 3 by landfall) hurricane. I don't know if or how much that will affect my internet access over the next several days, but if I disappear for a little while that is why. Hopefully it will not affect Orlando too much! I hope, I hope...

Since the eye of Hurricane Charley is likely to pass to the west of me, I expect to miss the worst of the destruction, but, as I said, I don't know what the storm will do to internet access, or power and phone connections in the area. Since we are on the "leading edge" of the storm they are predicting tornadoes and heavy wind and rain in my location.

Wish me luck!

[Nerindel]

Oh my!
Good luck Ealasaide, hope Charley isn't to rough with you!

[piosenniel]

Batten the hatches! Head inland!!!

Seriously --- I hope it doesn't even graze you!

~*~ Pio

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

May your roof and Internet access both remain intact! Good luck and I hope it doesn't get too spooky.

[Everdawn]

If things get dire, A matress over the bathtub should give you some protection. Jeebus, a cyclone can just ruin your whole day!

Good luck.

[Ealasaide]

Thanks, everyone, for your kind thoughts and well wishes. As it turns out the storm made a direct hit over Orlando. The metro area is a mess - lots of power & phone outages, structure damage & trees down - but I made it through okay.

Thanks again for all of your kind wishes!

[piosenniel]

A quick question - game post 269: Are you still planning to put something in there at the last of it in the section called "Council Meeting"?

Thanks!

~*~ Pio

[Nerindel]

I do intend to fill that save, it's just finding the time!
And keeping the the story moving to meet our deadline.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Gilly's save is now filled in and I am currently working on a post for Menecin. I hope to have the new save filled in shortly, (trying hard to have it done by sometime tomorrow.)


And Nerindel

Location: Sailing on a sea of idea's, endlessly searching for the perfect ending!

I'm rather partial to "and they lived happy ever after to the end of their days".

EDIT: Very happy to announce that the save for Menecin is now filled too! I hope that it was all right to stop before any dialogue with Lespheria and Amandur, but hoped that I got across that Menecin was going to be closed lipped. If you all think more is needed, I could always add to it!

[Nerindel]

I'm rather partial to "and they lived happy ever after to the end of their days".

Aye, as every hobbit should dear lady,
But pray tell, whence cometh thy happy ending without first tasting of life’s bitter recompense,
Out of sorrow doth cometh love and loyalty so tender and true,
That she doth fire the soul and give shape to thy loves design!

Ah! But not is thy subject love,
Rather my reach for thy perfect ending,
In this my minds sea of endless idea’s,
Perfection as unattainable as grasping the stars from the sky,
That I may admire their endless beauty for all time.
Perfection attained leaves not else to fire thy soul nor spark thy imagination!

But is it not with all things that we happy players should reach beyond the attainable,
And seek to surpass our mortal bonds,
If not yet but for an instance to attain the heights of our passion,
To be immortalised in written word
And remembered for all time!

~Nerindel

Dear mistress pio,
I pray thee no implore thee, to forgive this humble players off topic ramblings.
I could but not resist the sudden spark of inspiration!

Edit: Back on topic,
Hilde lovely posts, menecins post is fine. I will try to have Amandur and Dulrains conversation wraped up some time today.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Wow Nerindel! That was beautiful as well as inspiring! I think we have an elf in our midst.

[Nerindel]

Ah! but you are to kind dear lady.

I have of late been considering poor master longholes and find myself at a momentary loss, it was my intent to have him run into dear Mrs banks, and now find myself asking if it Would be to much trouble to ask that he and the lady find each other in the great hall, if only so that our reforming hobbit is not lost and forgotten in the ensueing chaos that is about to follow?

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Yes, that would be fine, but a bit tricky. I will write you a note about it.

[piosenniel]

As one of my very old Hobbit character's might comment, a wizened old lady from Hobbiton, as she taps her stick irritably on the ground:

"Now what's all this going on about bitter recompense and love and loyalty springing out of sorrow.

Elf blather!

The world don't need perfection, s'what I say. It needs more couplings and fat-cheeked, smiling babies. That and good gardens. And beehives . . . a bit of honey, as my own gran said, will get you past any bitterness."

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

Seriously, Nerindel - nicely put.

But I could just see my dear Amaranthas wanting to tell the Elf to quit being so airy-faerie. She's an irritable old dear with definite opinions and a stout blackthorn walking stick.

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

And btw - I, too, am exceedingly fond of 'happily ever afters . . .'

[Nerindel]

Ha ha, I can just picture it pio! Léspheria still remembers the dear ladies sharp reprimands at elves who do not eat enough!

But back on topic I have filled my save for Dúlrain and Amandur's little talk.

[Ealasaide]

Sorry I am holding things up again. I had hoped to post with Naiore last night but got caught up in some RL complications. The post is about half-written. With a little luck, I can finish it today and set things back into motion.

[Nerindel]

Ok! at last here is the finished post for the Counsel of Rivendell.

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

The Counsel of Rivendell

Once all were assembled the Lords of Rivendell rose and silence settled on the room, “Welcome friends, we are gathered here this evening to discuss a matter of grave concern!” Elladan Announced.

“For too long has the lady of the swan been allowed to roam free in our lands, her crimes against the free peoples of middle earth left unpunished?” Elohir added taking in the steady gaze of all those gathered.

“But no longer, you are gathered here this evening all connected in one way or another to the ladies crimes, together you possess the knowledge and skill to put an end to the ladies reign of terror!” Elladan concluded gesturing for Amandur to speak.

“It is the decree of King Elessar that this criminal is brought to Minas Tirith to face the Justice of Gondor and their Allies,” Amandur informed the counsel pulling a worn parchment from his vest and passing it about for all to see.

“And just how do you propose we do that?” Kaldir asked dryly looking over the kings orders.

“That is what we are here to discuss!” Amandur answered patiently.

“Even if you do manage to capture her, how long do you think you can keep her?” Kaldir hmpf’d shaking is head. “Even in bonds she will find ways to manipulate and toy with our minds setting us against each other for her own twisted pleasure!” he hissed through grated teeth.

“That eventuality has been brought to our attention already and my young friend here thinks he has a solution!” Rauthain put in, gesturing for Avanill to rise and submit his idea.

“I have some skill in appocrathy and have concocted a potion that will subdue the mind of its victim without ardently affecting the victim’s motor functions!” Avanill grinned, confident in his work.

“And just how do you intend to administer this potion, you just can not walk up to the Revennor of Mordor and demand that she drink!” Kaldir demanded sceptically, his pale eyes narrowing in distrust.

“Darts!” Avanill replied his gaze coldly meeting Kaldir distrust. “It is the only way!”

“There is a surer way!” Kaldir retorted, his hand patting the hilt of his sword.

“No!” Lespheria interceded rising to her feet, drawing the looks of the others. “What I mean is that it should be our last resort and only if all else fails,” she explained.

“Bringing the Revennor to Minas Tirith will serve to strengthen Gondors alliances and aid in securing peace with the south lands,” She informed the gathering.

“So your interest is merely political!” Kaldir growled, Amandur made to rise in Léspheria’s defence but she patiently raised a hand to stopped him.

“No, Master Kaldir, that is but one reason for pursuing the lady, like you I too have every reason to pursue the lady and demand vengeance, but that is not the way! I will keep no secrets from you Naiore killed my mother and that they were cousins was of no consequence to her as it is not to me! She stated firmly.

“We need not become like her to beat her!” Léspheria said her voice softening to a gentle whisper. Kaldir stared for a moment then reluctantly nodded his understanding.

As Léspheria again took her seat Amandur rose, “Then it is set we will track our criminal dispatching any resistance she may set against us, Avanill will administer his drug then we will return to Gondor our prisoner in tow,” he refreshed. “Kaldir you and Rauthain shall take point, Lespheria and Avanill will be with me, when the lady is within sight we will regroup and pen her in that Avanill can take his shot!” He concluded.

The others nodded their agreement, while Kaldir lowered his head contemplating his own recently perceived weakness. “Is there a problem Kaldir?” Amandur asked seeing the ranger’s pensive look.

“Down by the river…” Kaldir began reluctantly, still struggling with sharing this weakness, but realising that if he was to be again accepted by his brethren he would have to gain their trust. “I caught a brief glimpse of Naiore, but this is not what vexes me,” he continued looking directly at Amandur, carefully avoiding the gaze of Rauthain and the others. “I had her in my sight but I froze unable to move as the memories of my previous encounter with the lady assaulted my mind, If it had not been for the courage of Mrs Banks I would not be here now!” he admitted grudgingly.

“My Cousin has that affect on all who have had the unhappy misfortune to have survived her encounter and some who have not!” Léspheria sadly admitted, drawing the gaze of the tortured ranger. “But I can help, I can teach you how to gather up these memories and lock them away behind a wall that even my cousin with her formidable skills can not penetrate!” she smiled sympathetically, “I have been teaching this skill to Vanwe and can teach it to you if you are willing to learn.”

Kaldir looked at her sceptically his eyes narrowing as he contemplated her offer. Reading his doubt Léspheria continued, “I too like my cousin can read the emotions of others, but unlike her I do not toy with or manipulate these emotion but as a healer I have learned how to use positive emotions to lock up those that others would use against us to hurt us or change us! I can teach you how to defend yourself from Naiore’s invasiveness! ”

Kaldir stared for a moment in silent disbelief, then nodded, “I thank you my Lady and will be grateful for any assistance you can offer in this matter.” he courteously replied.

“Then it is settled, we will leave tomorrow under the cover of darkness!” Amandur announced.

“But what of the others, Benia, Mrs Banks, Vanwe and Master Longholes,” Rauthain asked

“It will be too dangerous for them to continue on with us, they would be safer here if my lords will permit it?” Amandur stated, turning to Elladan and Elohir for their consent.

“Indeed the ladies and master Longholes are welcome to remain our guests until your return,” Elohir graciously assented.

“We believe it best if Lady Vanwe remains here with us, there is much she does not know and more that she yet must learn. It is now clear to us that if given the chance Naiore would harm both Lord Menecin and her daughter and any other of her house who would get in the way!” Elladan added his concerned gaze falling pointedly on Léspheria, who nodded, fully understanding his warning.

“Then it looks like you are decided, we wish you all…”Elohir began, but was cut short by a cry from the stairs.

“No Wait!” They all turned to see Vanwe breathlessly enter the room from the stairs, she started at the sight of both Kaldir and Avanill, the bounty hunter she thought was sent to return her to her desert prison and the insidious mercenary hired by her mother to aid in her villainous plans. However, she quickly composed herself and spoke.

“You must let me come with you, I would know what is to become of my Mother!” she announced flatly, her gaze turning to Léspheria for support.

“It would be safer for you to remain here where we can protect you and your father,” Elohir gently pressed.

“I thank you my Lords for you kindness and your protection, but she is my mother and no matter her crimes that will not change!” she replied turning to address the lords of Rivendell.

“I don’t Condone the things she is accused of doing nor do I believe she should go unpunished," she continued turning to face the rangers.

“But I must be permitted to come with you, if for no other reason than to see this nightmare to its end!” she ended again facing Léspheria her eyes pleading, hoping that she at least would understand.

Léspheria turned to her lords expectantly, the same pleading in her eyes, she did understand Vanwes need, she too harboured the same need if not for the same reason.

Reluctantly the Lords of Rivendell conceded stressing that Vanwe was now Léspheria’s responsibility, the elven healer nodded her understanding gesturing for Vanwe to take a seat beside her while they waited for the decision of the rangers after all the capture of Naiore was their task! But moved by her determination and strength of words the rangers eventually agreed to her inclusion.

“Then all is set,” Elohir began anew smiling in Vanwes direction, “We wish you success and pray that the Valar keep you safe and guide you in this arduous task,” His brother finish, marking the end of the counsel of Rivendell.


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

Pio, Ealasaide can you hold off posting it to the Rpg thread until everyone has had a chance to look at it, that way if any changes are needed I can do them before it goes to the thread.

Thanks,
~Nerindel

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

Nerindel

Just put a message on the Discussion Thread when it's ready to go.

~*~

Everyone Else

Please post on the Discussion Thread that you've read the post.

~*~ Pio