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Gazing
Jun 25, 2006 23:36:16 GMT -5
Post by estelarana on Jun 25, 2006 23:36:16 GMT -5
Sodriel stepped inside the glittering cave, her eyes adjusting to the dimly-lit space. Precious gems lined the cave, sparkling in the twilight. Stalactites' rocky fingers groped blindly from the ceiling, snagging her hood in places. She drew her cloak around her a little tighter; Sodri forgot how cold and damp the inside of a cave could be.
She did not hear anyone else pacing the dark path, and wondered if the King dwelled somewhere else at night. No, that couldn't be true; he probably sleeps in his precious cave with a pillow made of his glittering stones, on a bed of diamonds perhaps, she thought, smirking.
Sodri shook her head with disgust. Leave the mining to those filthy Dwarves, she thought contemptuously. Elves don't belong in caves, and then she stopped, struck with her own stupidity. Then what am I doing here? As she silently reprimanded herself for being so foolish, a shadow fell on her back, and she could hear the breath of another. She nearly jumped, but quickly composed herself and whirled around in the being's face, hand on her sword hilt. "What do you want?" she spat.
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Thranduil
Endórë
"There is no escape from my magic doors."
Posts: 7
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Gazing
Jun 26, 2006 5:27:16 GMT -5
Post by Thranduil on Jun 26, 2006 5:27:16 GMT -5
"To be fair my lady, I was to ask you the same: This is a little known entrance to the Caves of Thranduil..."
The guardian had seen the Elleth wandering and gazing at the beautiful rock and mineral formations. He hadn't the heart to stop her, but she had taken that one step too close to the secret entrance.
The guard took a pace backward away from her naked blade. He was a little startled but then he had other sentinels watching over the transaction from dark vantage points, throughout the cave.
"Well then... What do you want here? the penalty for no answer... as the lord would want... is death to the trespasser, how do you answer?"
The War of the Ring had begun and the Realm was closed to all but those with Thranduil's leave. The sentinels were charged with the maintenance of this decree
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Gazing
Jun 26, 2006 20:05:57 GMT -5
Post by estelarana on Jun 26, 2006 20:05:57 GMT -5
((Thranduil, check your pm and you'll understand)) Sodriel stared at the guard with impatience and sheathed her sword, saying, "It is a little-known entrance; isn't it? Well, I know of it, so it's not that secret." She paced back and forth in a small line, thinking of how to get past the guard. Her breath came out in puffs in the cool damp of the cave. "I need to see King Thranduil; I have a trade offer for His Majesty. He has accepted my offers before-" In a fluid movement, Sodriel produced a pouch from underneath her tunic, heavy with glittering stones. "I am sure he will not mind my intrusion?" she inquired with a hint of sarcasm. ((Sorry for such a short post; sadly, I have lost my inspiration for the moment, but I have hired a crew of super-sleuths to find it so it should be back soon ))
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Thranduil
Endórë
"There is no escape from my magic doors."
Posts: 7
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Gazing
Jun 27, 2006 9:19:20 GMT -5
Post by Thranduil on Jun 27, 2006 9:19:20 GMT -5
No sooner had the words passed her lips, than the message wended its way through tunnels and caves, to the attention of the Lord of the Realm. Thranduil was in his great entertainment hall, enjoying the exploits of a well traveled elven bard; the only thing that could grab his attention away from the stage floor would be the talk of white gems; and he knew very well Sodriel never ceased to impress.
"Let her pass. I have not laid eyes on Sodriel for an age; treat her well for she is my friend, I will not be long away."
Down in the glittering cave; the guards were glad to see her put the sword away, they did not want confrontation especially with another elf. The word came and quickly their hearts became warm again: The guard spoke courteously.
"You may pass, my lady. My name is Amolas 'lofty leaves', please follow Curandir up to the welcome of our lord."
Curandir 'the wandering bow', bowed as he revealed himself from his hiding place; he had taken the message personally; and with haste. He had seen the Elleth before and knew why she had come.
"Good to see you Sodriel, my lord is eager to catch up with you; follow me with good will and friendship."
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Gazing
Jun 27, 2006 15:01:26 GMT -5
Post by estelarana on Jun 27, 2006 15:01:26 GMT -5
Sodriel bowed in return, and greeted the elf, "Suilad, en polod valaina sisíl-dad bo cin." She followed the elf through the caves, ducking in places as the top of the cave brushed against her hood. She kept her satchet of pearls and stones tied on her waist, the stones jingling like coins in a pouch. Im maure an hir i heleth, she thought, wondering how the guards managed to stay so warm.
Sodriel watched Curandir as he walked several paces ahead of her, and she went forward, enjoying the deafening silence between the two, but, knowing she should be trying to be the polite guest, remarked, "Han gar-been far i anann lúme at-ni gar-cen-cín anta; mana gar-le tyárne ana cirith en anand?"
Translation: Suilad, en polod valaina sisíl-dad bo cin: Greetings, the light of the Valar shine down on you Han gar-been far i anann lúme since ni gar-cen-cín anta: It has been quite a long time since I have beheld your face mana gar-le tyárne ana cirith en anand?: what have you done to pass the time? Im maure an hir i heleth: I need to find a coat
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curandir
Minuial
"The eyes and ears of the Woodland Realm..."
Posts: 0
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Gazing
Jun 29, 2006 17:21:02 GMT -5
Post by curandir on Jun 29, 2006 17:21:02 GMT -5
The cavern was likened to a back door, or emergency escape route; the King of the woodland realm was clever in his designs. The caves themselves were built and maintained by the Edhil; the air was fresh and their halls filled with elfin song, unlike the delvings of the wicked Glamhoth or those of the bearded Naugrim.
"Indeed, a long time it has been Sodri. It seems since your last visit, the world has turned black; ever i watch these borders and ever i see darkness' approach. I must be more vigilant if I'm to fulfill my duty to the King..."
Curandir, stopped in his tracks; turning back to allow Sodriel a long belated look. It was good to see the wandering elleth return; she had always managed to pass the borders undetected, no matter how closely the sentinels kept their watch. He smiled: There was mirth hidden beneath his grave words.
"...and how fares Sodri? It must be hard for a lone traveler in these days of doubt."
The War of the Ring was at last upon Middle Earth. The time had come for all peoples to declare themselves and in their turn, trust to hope; for the eye of the Dark Enemy would be watching them all.
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Gazing
Jun 30, 2006 23:48:40 GMT -5
Post by estelarana on Jun 30, 2006 23:48:40 GMT -5
"No more troubled since the last time I have come," she replied shortly. Be nice... "It is comforting to see you again, when everything else seems to be spinning out of control, never constant, ever changing...but the caves of Thranduil have always remained the same," she ended awkwardly. Will it stay this way?
Sodriel had seen the villagers of Rohan fleeing for their lives as the Orcs burned their homes to the ground; she had seen two small children riding a horse to where, only Eru knew. She saw their mother, hiding from the Orcs' outstretched arms, killing all who they saw standing. Sodri watched, and did nothing...now her conscience plagued her; it had been some time since she could have a good night's rest. They were far too many of them, she rationalized. I never would have stood a chance...
There were far too many innocents that you let die. You killed them. It's all your fault. Sodriel screamed, "NO!" then covered her mouth instantly as the cave reverberated from her shout. "I am sorry..." she trailed off embarassedly.
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curandir
Minuial
"The eyes and ears of the Woodland Realm..."
Posts: 0
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Gazing
Jul 1, 2006 14:40:21 GMT -5
Post by curandir on Jul 1, 2006 14:40:21 GMT -5
"So you have seen the rise of turmoil also. Do not be fearful, for the halls of Thranduil are free, at least for the time being; and i shall see that the shadow's advance is met with peril. The elves of Eryn Galen are not beaten yet and there is a new hope..." Curandir realised he had said too much and his flow ended as was his gaze lowered from the eyes of the elleth.
He interjected before Sodri could press the point (if she so desired). "Come. I shall lead you to the Woodland king and you will be rested and take food as is your want, my lady." The hospitality of the Lords house was always guaranteed for such a guest as Sodriel, seldom seen; often hallowed unlooked for. She was respected though little known by most of the Woodland Realm's folk.
The wandering bow could understand her pain. Many a good sentinel had been lost and the horizon looked increasingly dim on the eve of tumult, prophesied by the wise Lords of the West. Thranduil had foreseen this war and dreaded the Dark Lord's return; for he had met the forces of Mordor before in the days of the last alliance, on the fields of Dagor and whence he lost Oropher his sire.
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Thranduil
Endórë
"There is no escape from my magic doors."
Posts: 7
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Gazing
Jul 9, 2006 6:40:27 GMT -5
Post by Thranduil on Jul 9, 2006 6:40:27 GMT -5
Thranduil now paced slowly up and down his Horde chamber, where only he and those of his invitation could wander; Sodri when she occasionally arrived was one such privileged person. There were guards posted outside the large door and the room lighted with the soft sheen of elven lamps; perfect light for reading and viewing gems!
Thranduil sat down in his chair by the table and was tempted to open up his satin bag of gems; a selection of choice favorites.
As he sat Thranduil was given reminder of last nights words with his son Legolas. He would be for a time on Errand to Esgaroth; alliances needed to be reaffirmed for the dark times ahead. Now deep in thought Thranduil was snapped out of his trance by a purposeful knock at the chamber door. He knew it to be Sodriel, for it was not the knock of the guards...
"Enter!" He didn't shout load to be rude or Kingly as such but the thickness of the door made it quite necessary.
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Gazing
Jul 9, 2006 17:46:03 GMT -5
Post by estelarana on Jul 9, 2006 17:46:03 GMT -5
Sodriel watched from a distance as the Orcs burned down the small village. She saw a woman in her late thirties stand in front of her home, watching as everything around her was burned to the ground. Tears flowed down the woman's cheeks as two small children rode on a horse, away from the destruction and death.
What have you done, you heartless wretch. She is most likely dead by now, along with all the others. You could have saved her, saved her family. Now they will lie in unmarked graves.
The Shadow affects us all.
That is no excuse for your cowardice!
Sodriel blinked rapidly and quickly wiped away a tear of guilt. Then she entered the room behind Curandir. "Suilad, Háran Thranduil." Sodriel bowed, her olive green cloak swirling around her feet. "En polod valaina sisíl-dad bo cin." She reverently stayed bowed on the cave floor, waiting for permission to rise.
Translation: Suilad, Háran Thranduil-Greetings, King Thranduil En polod valaina sisíl-dad bo cin-The light of the Valar shine down on you
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Thranduil
Endórë
"There is no escape from my magic doors."
Posts: 7
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Gazing
Jul 11, 2006 6:52:34 GMT -5
Post by Thranduil on Jul 11, 2006 6:52:34 GMT -5
"Ah, Sodri; it is my pleasure to see you once more wandering my halls... How are you? and what brings you to the Woodland Realm so late through Autumn?"
Thranduil made a gesture meaning leave us. Curandir obediently closed the door behind Sodri and went back to whatever it was he was meant to have been doing. He was curious as to Sodri's arrival also, yet he would not disobey the King...
King Thranduil stood up and pulled a comfortable chair out for Sodri to sit upon; at the wave of his hand the soft lighting grew more bright, at least to the sight of elves. He smiled at her; the wandering elf, he often wondered her lineage but did not have the discourteously to ask. He thought her too 'noble' perhaps to be a humble wood elf and she often spoke in forms of Elvish they would not fully understand... curious but more worried about what she may have in her gem collection this time round; the last she had offered him were some of the most beautiful in his collection: White gems as were his favorite.
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Gazing
Jul 11, 2006 12:58:28 GMT -5
Post by estelarana on Jul 11, 2006 12:58:28 GMT -5
Sodri sat down in the chair, thoughts still racing in her head.
Maybe if I went back to Rohan, there may still be some survivors...
There is no way you will make it back all that way on foot.
"What brings me is a pouch of jewels and such that I am disinterested in, but instead of discarding them, thought you may take interest, King Thranduil," she said mischeviously, then she took the pouch from her belt and emptied its contents on the table. Sodriel was not one to beat around the bush. One by one she picked them up, telling their names and where she found them. "The white lace agate stone, found in a cave at the foot of Carhadhras. A dark blue star sapphire with a six pointed white star at its center, found at the outskirts of Moria's ruins. A rare nugget of pure white platinum, found in the rich earth of Rivendell. And last, but definitely not least, a small chunk of white diamond." She did not say where she had found the diamond, and quickly moved on, standing up and putting the diamond closer to the light. My favorite part.
The diamond seemed to burst with color; a rainbow came from it and danced on the cave wall. The bright colors died as soon as she set it back on the table. "What is your offer, Thranduil King?" she asked slowly, letting him look at the precious stones again before he made his decision.
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curandir
Minuial
"The eyes and ears of the Woodland Realm..."
Posts: 0
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Gazing
Jul 12, 2006 8:06:51 GMT -5
Post by curandir on Jul 12, 2006 8:06:51 GMT -5
Sodriel seemed deep in thought about something before; I wonder if she needs help? The Wandering Bow returned to the cave entrance and sat in thought. He was getting tired of the same duties day in day out; but unfortunately they seemed of greater importance than ever...
Amolas spied him with distance embrace in his eyes;
"Whats wrong Cu; you look like you have something on your inner mind, is there anything I can do...?"
Curandir looked up from his daze and replied softly,
"I'm not sure my friend, its just I haven't seen her in a long time; I wonder sometimes how she survives this cruel world of Middle Earth alone. She must have a strength that is both deep and resourcful..."
Amolas just smiled and nodded. "I'm sure she needs no protection Curandir, she always returns safe after long times away; we must keep our minds on the task at hand. The Creatures of Dol-Guldur must be kept at bey..."
Curandir stood at last and followed Amolas back to the lower caves.
"I know you are right; but I worry sometimes, thats all..."
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Thranduil
Endórë
"There is no escape from my magic doors."
Posts: 7
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Gazing
Jul 13, 2006 5:44:58 GMT -5
Post by Thranduil on Jul 13, 2006 5:44:58 GMT -5
"As per usual my dear you have excelled yourself..." Thranduil waved his hand and the lamps dimmed so as to allow the full beauty of the diamond light show to be seen. These were four treasures the Woodland King could not let pass him by; the Diamond though rough in places would soon be finished and polished by the most respected of the Realms artisans...
He pondered the stones carefully and had fallen in love with two of them already and the other two had much potential; the white platinum could be used to detail a anything from a piece of jewelry to a suit of armour... very interesting.
"I will take them; but what would Sodriel care to receive in return for such a quarry? I will of course give you all the provisions you need and I have gold to pay you..." There were many precious things the King possessed but what the Elleth wanted was unknown to him. The value of the four items was indeed a princely ransom...
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Gazing
Jul 13, 2006 17:18:21 GMT -5
Post by estelarana on Jul 13, 2006 17:18:21 GMT -5
Ashes, flying in the wind.
Innocents falling at the feet of the Orcs, no time to beg for mercy.
All the horses slaughtered but one, leaving the rest of the villagers with no way to escape.
Horses.
Sodriel snapped out of her reverie and looked at the ceiling for a moment, then lowered her gaze to the face of King Thranduil. "I need a fast horse, a large sack of provisions and water, a bow, and a quiver of arrows." She honestly knew the stones she had brought were probably worth more, but she did not need anything more. She needed to get out of Mirkwood and go to Rohan, as fast as possible, if she expected to find any survivors.
Sodriel realized that the Orcs were probably still there, but she did not care. One living person rescued from that fiery hole would be worth it. Yet there could have been so many more if you had acted on your instincts instead of your fear the first time around... Sodri waited anxiously for Thranduil's answer.
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Thranduil
Endórë
"There is no escape from my magic doors."
Posts: 7
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Gazing
Jul 18, 2006 9:39:12 GMT -5
Post by Thranduil on Jul 18, 2006 9:39:12 GMT -5
Thranduil was curious and stroked his chin in thought.
"Of course you shall have these trifles, yet one might ask out of curiosity: Why so humble a payment? Are you in trouble and leave by the fastest road or is there a quest you seek...?"
The King would have been happy to pay the going rate for such a collection and knowing full well they were worth several times that, would feel embarrassed to have made such an unequal exchange... A horse would be easy to provide and the provisions usually complimentary as a gift in kind or expenses if you will. Does she have need to travel light he thought without the weight of gold?
Her motives were as yet hidden but it was obvious by her inner mind betrayed a hidden fear or regret; something worth more to her than all these precious works.
If Sodri need to cover distance at speed a fine horse he would give her but the curiosity remained...
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Gazing
Jul 19, 2006 10:44:44 GMT -5
Post by estelarana on Jul 19, 2006 10:44:44 GMT -5
Sodri's brain was filled with impatience and doubts about her sudden and risky plan. "My quest is a long one; all I can say is that I must leave as soon as possible." She knew she should be more respectful toward the King, but needed to leave right then. "Yes, I need to travel light," she said, answering Thranduil's unasked question. "Every minute I spend here is a minute wasted."
Sodri sighed, knowing she could not tell the King of what had happened, because he and his soldiers needed to stay behind in order to keep Mirkwood safe; telling them of attacks in Rohan would do nothing to help ease their anxiousness. She could feel the tenseness of the Elves here; many wanted to go and fight for Middle-Earth, but many others felt it was not their business, and that they should just stay and protect their own lands. And out of respect, the former stayed to appease the latter. No, she could not tell a soul.
Sodri knew of a way from Mirkwood to Rohan; she was thinking it over in her head as she waited for Thranduil's reply.
I knew you still had some sort of care and concern left in you... she thought, at least, concern for someone other than yourself.
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Thranduil
Endórë
"There is no escape from my magic doors."
Posts: 7
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Gazing
Jul 19, 2006 15:33:31 GMT -5
Post by Thranduil on Jul 19, 2006 15:33:31 GMT -5
"As you wish. I will not pry into what does not concern me and i shall give unto you what you need... but promise me that you will be ever watchful; it is no longer safe abroad."
The gaze of the King dropped sharply for he knew too well the irony of his words; for Sodri had wandered the far reaches of Middle Earth for scores, if not, hundreds of years.
"I..." He looked up. "...will make the necessary preparations and a fine horse indeed you shall have Sodriel!" His spirits seemed lifted again just speaking of her.
"I know just the beast; a Mare of maturity; and vigor enough for the many leagues ahead of you. Merethuil; a name full of hope for a most noble horse of my household, keen on the hunt and loyal to the last."
Thranduil smiled and not for the last time before showing Sodri to the door. The guards stood to attention outside as the door silently swung to its limit.
"Almroth (Elm-climber), ready Merethuil for a lengthy journey; Sodriel will depart as soon as can be arranged."
"It shall be done my King!" With that Almroth was gone.
The King placed a hand on Sodri's shoulder and said his goodbyes as Amolas arrived to lead her to the stables. Sodri would have to leave by the front gate; which would be unusual for her...
(OOC: The horses name Merethuil means '(late)Spring-feast', she was a hunting horse after all! But i leave the description of her to you...)
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Gazing
Jul 20, 2006 16:08:37 GMT -5
Post by estelarana on Jul 20, 2006 16:08:37 GMT -5
((I hope you don't mind that I PP'd Amolas a tiny bit )) Sodriel followed Amolas to the stables, almost breathless with anticipation. She paced between the mounds of fresh hay and opened the door to the horse's stall. She uttered a quick gasp of wonder; Merethuil was a fine beast indeed. Her dark brown mane rippled down her ebony black neck. She was the perfect horse; her eyes were a gentle brown, flecked with fiery red. She nickered as Sodriel approached her. Merethuil had a fine saddle on her, with the sacks of provisions on each side. First, Sodri took the finely crafted saddle off the horse and found an older, weather-worn one from a bale of hay in the corner. This must be the one she wore before, Sodri smirked. She returned Amolas's quizzical stare with a short statement, "She is used to the older one; she will ride faster with a saddle she knows." She tightened the straps and put the sacks back on the sides of the horse. Sodri swung herself up in the saddle without Amolas's offered assistance; she was too distracted to notice. "Víle, sui linta ve cín nessima telquis selma láv," Sodri whispered in Merethuil's ear. The horse promptly obeyed; they flew out of the stable and through the front gate of Mirkwood, toward what remained of the small village in Rohan. Translation- Víle, sui linta ve cín nessima telquis selma láv: Fly, as fast as your youthful legs will allow
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Thranduil
Endórë
"There is no escape from my magic doors."
Posts: 7
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Gazing
Jul 20, 2006 18:15:54 GMT -5
Post by Thranduil on Jul 20, 2006 18:15:54 GMT -5
Amolas watched as Sodri galloped through the Lord's gate, across Forest River bridge, down the avenue of trees and away into the wide world. Wonder if she will ever come back? He thought to himself. The leaves of the beech trees were starting to lose their leaves as Firith drew in; soon the avenue would be carpeted with golden brown... Amolas then heard the sound of laughter and the cheers of merry elves inside and headed back into the caves... In the Woodland king's sanctuary chambers, Thranduil was once again sat alone with his gems. The beautiful white stones he put in a small finely decorated box, lined with softest felt and wrapped the finished stones individually before placing them inside. Just as delicately he placed his Autumn crown, of red berries and mixed golden deciduous leaves, atop his head and stood from his chair... There would be a feast for iavas 'harvest' (late summer + early autumn) and it would be in Sodriel's name! Thranduil opened the chamber door and the guards snapped to attention. He smiled at them in with earnest grace and broke the silence playfully... " Tonight we feast under the stars! Send word that a banquet is to be held and we shall drink Dorwinion 'til mornings light..." " Yes Sire!" THE END
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