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"Oh, truly the naive nature of mortals at work.... Hah! A short few years indeed! But truly the endorsement of the elven maiden was entirely to much! Ignorance must surely be bliss. I care not for whom bears the burden of the rings, so long as I not touch them. I had feared their corruption would surely be my undoing, but here I see that a great representative of Gondor so easily swayed by but the mere sight of the damned things! Tell me, how does it feel to make a wondrous ass of yourself and your people?"
His voice, it's trademark echoed whisper, rang out from seemingly nowhere. All but the keenest of eyes could spot his dark figure among the long, trailing shadows of the forest.
"Oh my, it seams I must introduce myself. Valinor, Son of Caslion, Captain of the 9nth brigade Arnorian Alliance, Commander of the fortress of Minas Ithil.... Or rather 'Ex-Commander', although there are quite a few interesting nicknames I've earned over the Age."
Verza watched as the demon showed himself. that Gondorian man was not the enemy. But this old ancient one seemed like one. Verza however knew of Shades, they were bound in spirit to a promise they made in life. Verza quaked inside when he heard the name. 'The ghost of Gondor.' Verza ran through his mind.
Verza put his hand on his long hunting knife, he had a sword, but he didn't know how to properly use it. only the measly dagger that was more of a knife than anything. He was scared but he couldn't show it. "The ghost of Gondor...." Verza said trailing off. "You wish to make up your mistakes, don't you?" Verza asked still hand on knife.
The young hobbit had thought that he had simply stated his opinion. Though apparently he had done something much more eventful as it seemed to have gotten the others a bit more anxious. Was it because he touched the ring or was it because he thought it was just a trinket. Now they were deciding whether or not he would carry the thing! Carry it though but not wear it. Why though? He thought that it was perhaps a royal signet. Yes, that must be it. Must not where the ring of an Elven lord so not to anger them. He thought reassuring himself.
Gale took out some string from his pocket and walked over to the shiniest of rings. "I will take up to this task of carrying this ring. Thank you kindly Verza. As for your sword I must decline, though I would much rather have your company." He said with a smile to Slanu as he tied the the ring to the string and hanged it around his neck. It was odd. With that ring around his neck he felt a small bit of energy in his chest. He figured that it must have been the adrenaline from the situation. He looked at the rest of the party with a grin. "So! How about you guys get the other two and we can get on our way."
Verza smiled back at her with a warmth. "I believe you to be right." Verza answered Nienna. Verza seemed to be quite the leader in this group, Nienna was quite comfortable with that.
"I think this hobbit here, our friend Master Gale should carry a ring. All opposed speak now. We shall also discus rotations after. I think it to be wise to rotate between two people with one ring. But I will continue that further later." Verza said. Nienna agreed that the Hobbit Gale was indeed the best candidate to bear the ring. A hobbit wasn’t a force to be reckoned with physically or magically, and they were pure people. Wickedness had to fight a long and tiresome battle to overcome such purity in a being. Hobbits carried a will strong in its simplicity, unlike humans who desire elevation Hobbits could care less about status.
Verza once again looked at lady Nienna. Verza bowed his head to her out of respect and service. "M'Lady." He said to Nienna.
Nienna bowed elegantly in response to Verza. “Sir Verza.” Nienna seemed to glow as the human addressed her. She had seen her share of humans in her time but few have stood out to her enough to make her blush. Nienna was so used to the solitude of the forest, she would see humans that seemed brash and rough around the edges. Most humans were afraid of her die to her reputation as a witch of dark power. She has had to bring curses down upon a few but even when the land deemed it fit to punish a being, Nienna showed at least a small measure of mercy. It was nice to have a human gentleman not cower in fear at her presence.
Liliana smiled at Nienna speaking in elfish again. "He seems to have taken a liking to you." She says looking at her with a playful gaze and smile. Verza, at the sight of Nienna and Liliana’s chatting, seemed to have smiled even more. Verza just smiled to them with his now rosy and warm cheeks.
Nienna smiled sheepishly, “To finally feel a speck of Lady Arwen’s liking for a human… it’s quite an interesting feeling. Like falling in love with a flower, yes they are impermanent, but they are beautiful and the value they bring to the land in priceless, so full of life and strength. I do love flowers… so I suppose I could admire a human as well.” Nienna giggled slightly. Nienna thought to herself ‘If it is that human… ‘
A vile laughter filled the air, of a mocking nature it was. Valinor cackled on. Nienna could feel his darkness of aura a soul filled disdain for the living. "Oh, truly the naive nature of mortals at work.... Hah! A short few years indeed! But truly the endorsement of the elven maiden was entirely to much! Ignorance must surely be bliss. I care not for whom bears the burden of the rings, so long as I not touch them. I had feared their corruption would surely be my undoing, but here I see that a great representative of Gondor so easily swayed by but the mere sight of the damned things! Tell me, how does it feel to make a wondrous ass of yourself and your people?"
Valinor’s voice, it's trademark echoed whisper, rang out from seemingly nowhere. All but the keenest of eyes could spot his dark figure among the long, trailing shadows of the forest. "Oh my, it seams I must introduce myself. Valinor, Son of Caslion, Captain of the 9nth brigade Arnorian Alliance, Commander of the fortress of Minas Ithil.... Or rather 'Ex-Commander', although there are quite a few interesting nicknames I've earned over the Age. The Ghost of Gondor, if you prefer.... Or perhaps 'Naerrandir, to you elves. Hmmm?"
Nienna replied calmly as she gazed upon Valinor stoically. “I know of who you are. A walking curse, the trees shudder when you are in their midst.”
"The ghost of Gondor...." Verza said trailing off. "You wish to make up your mistakes, don't you?" Verza asked his hand on his knife.
Slanu then responded to Valinor, "I have heard your name. In my homeland of Rohan, that name haunts the dreams of our children. They tell your story when warning children of the consequences of their actions. I was told the story, myself, when I was just the height of a young sapling." Nienna knew what it felt like to be feared, to have been referred to by peasants as a wrathful being who harms those who step into the forest. It wasn’t a pleasant feeling.
Slanu continued, "I agree with all that the man has said," he gestured again to Verza. "Is it not time to set aside our differences?" He said this pointedly towards the Gondorian and Haarith. He turned his gaze onto Gale, who he already had a great respect for. "My sir, if you do wish to take upon the task of carrying a ring, I would like to offer you not only the luck of the Rohirrim, but also my sword. After all," he spoke to the rest of the group aloud, "None of us were meant to do this alone, nor should we be expected to."
Gale, the Hobbit, took out some string from his pocket and walked over to the shiniest of rings. "I will take up to this task of carrying this ring. Thank you kindly Verza. As for your sword I must decline, though I would much rather have your company." He said with a smile to Verza as he tied the the ring to the string and hanged it around his neck.
Nienna felt relieved to see the ring in the safest of hands. She wondered who would the next two rings pass to. Nienna pondered if she herself should carry one of the rings. She knew that she could resist the power of the ring for a time, but that time would not be as long as that of a Hobbits resistance. Once corrupted Nienna could do great damage with the rings’ power. She was already blessed with a great task and power by the Maiar.
Nienna spoke to the group, “The ring is in good hands with you Sir Gale. As for the other two rings, I was appointed as a guardian not a ring bearer, I feel it may not be wise for one such as I to carry a wicked ring for too long. If the fellowship wills it, I shall take upon the burden for as long as grace permits me. However, only as a last resort.”
Haarith looked around the fellowship again. Then he looked at the ghost. He had seen his share of strange things in the world. However this was definately out of the ordinary, even for him. He had never seen a wraith in armor before, sure he had seen the dark riders far away in the distance back in Harad, but this however was different. This one felt more powerful. More deadly.
He looked at the horseman. That man might not be the tallest of men but what he said gave more meaning than he had heard from most people. He believed that although this rohirrim wasn't deadly, not listening to him and fighting with each other could prove more deadly for all of them.
Haarith started taking off the headwear and revealed his face. His long dark hair was hanging flowing behind him when he moved and his skin was darker than the skin of western men, as it was usual for men of Harad. He walked over to the hobbit and measured him. He might very well be one of the smallest of things he have ever seen, but he had taken up the ring without a seconds hesitation and it seemed like it didn't effect him. "Master hobbit, I am facinated by your courage to carry one of the rings. I shall travel with you if you want it or I shall leave this fellowship so you shall not risk anymore fights if that is what you want. Whatever you decide then i shall respect that decision." He then looked around the fellowship. "Maybe I have not lived long, but however i have experienced much. I have heard the mouth speak, I have fought in countless battles, but i must say. I have never met any people, human, elf, dwarf or hobbit. As brave as any of you. You all have my deepest of respect." he said to the group, but tried as much as possible to avoid the gondorian.
It was the tenth day of travel in the Trollshaws for Golin: good thing he preapared himself for such a journey.
He crossed the Ford of Bruinen by foot with the pony's bridle in hand.Then,before crossing the Moors separating him from Rivendale,he mounted up and quickly ran through them,knowing that his destination was close.
After entering in a vale,he peered in the Horizon: green woods and heights alternated themselves,giving an exceptional view of the place.
Golin moved slower,as he followed the brown road that would lead him to Rivendale.
Several times he stopped and several times he watched the nature around himself: untouched and pure.
Trees of untold ages stood before him,crowning his passage.
Looking at his right,the roofs of the Elven Last Homely Home was visible: every detail and particles: thought Golin considers Elven buildings horrible in appearance,he had to admit that the size was impressive.
As he descended the sound of falling water was like music in a legendary scene.
Then Golin had a disgusting revolt in his stomach: Elves! This IS the Last Homely House! Domain of Elves! EVERYTHING IS ELF-MADE!
Golin sighed,proceeding on the bridge,ignoring any greetings,if there were any.
Once crossed the bridge, he dismounted and carried the bridles of the Pony with him,believing that the elves may make an exquisite stew.
The first being that wasn't elf was a man,black-haired and with the back against Golin.
Then,an armored being: Golin had few chills,deciding to move his eyes toward another man,and two shorter men.
Then...a dwarf! Another fellow dwarf! Now Golin knew to have some good company and time.
He Discarded the theory of another dwarf in the adventure,but now...someone to discuss about Metallurgy!
Golin walked toward the group,slowly with a bag on his back.
"Greetings! It is good to see someone not elf here! Am Golin Gravelmine,At your services,for I see you are handling things of pretty importance." Golin nearly spitted these words out: his face moved along his short beard few times.
However,most of the times his accepts were right.
"I don't trust you,You neither! let's don't talk about that guy in the black armor! Brrrr,where am I!?" Golin was making a mental selection while waiting the group to act.
Verza smiled at this. He could understand almost every language except for orc. though he couldn't speak any but the human tongue, he could understand them being spoken and he could read and write in them. His intellect allowed him to learnelvish in a short year and dwarvish in a little longer year and a half. He smirked at Nienna and liliana. "You realize I am not daft to your words?" he joked.
Verza once again looked at the trapped soul. He had come to the conclusion that he was only here to help. Verza relaxed a little and took his hand off his dagger. Then he heard another approaching. he turned around as the dwarf passed him. 'Another brute. good we could use a little power for our front lines.' Verza told himself his mind beginning to fall into it's usual tactician area where his conciousness usually resided. "Welcome master dwarf." Verza said with a slight bow. "I am Verza of Bree, at your service." Verza said again for about the twentieth time today. It was getting kind of redundant.
Verza then looked around again. His eyes kept falling upon the Shade. He shook his mind and continued on. His natural curiosity would have to wait. He had no idea who else would be a ring bearer. Verza himself thought of him. But he knew he wouldn't be able to carry it for more than half a day before it corrupted him and the tables switched. His eyes fell upon the remaining rings and they didn't beckon to him quite as loud as earlier. He felt maybe he could. but he didn't want to for fear of how he would change.
Verza then looked at the Beoring. "You master giant. what of you? You have been quite solemn." Verza asked him.
Gunvald moved himself closer to his fellow dwarf. After all, one dwarf was a force to be reckoned with, a pair back to back should be unstoppable. Making no real attempt to truly whisper, he still went through the motion to speak in Golin's ear. "The lot of 'em seem ta think a dwarf can't carry a simple ring without goin' made for the wealth. But between yeh and meself, there's hardly enough gold between the remaining two for a full coin." He didn't feel the need to comment about elvish jewelry to a fellow dwarf so he dove straight into a crude joke.
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"I am... Hallvard, son of Havardr" he said, his voice was a deep and hollow sound, subdued so that others may have had to listen carefully to catch his words. It was almost as if he was uncertain in them.
Fleetingly, his eyes flashed about their faces, judging expressions, catching on the newcomer, and then the curious sight of Valinor. His dark brow furrowed intentfully at the Shade, but he remained silent to him, and forced his attention to land again on Verza.
"The rings... I will carry one if it is asked of me."
A Wraith, an Oath-Breaker, a Shade of a Dark past.
The creature introduced himself and Branur calmed himself for a moment before stepping forward. A hand on the hilt of his blade. But suddenly a massive white wing came between the two and loud screeching noise filled the room. The screeching of an agitated Eagle. "We shall have none of this! You are comrades!" The massive bird spoke with a deep northern accent, a chilling charismatic noise even for an animal.
"He challenged my people and my honor! Even when he has none himself!" Branur argued but was stopped again by the large white avian.
"I do not care... You have had your say, and you are surely a wrong choice to bear this rings." Branur gave an indignant glare before finally seceding, walking past the Haradrim to stand near the other end of the room.
The eagle searched about the room until its massive eyes came upon Verza. "This one speaks with a wise tongue, but can we really trust him... A rotation of the rings would only circulate greed amongst ourselves... No... We need one bearer for each ring, as the Elves bore them before. But the ones to carry them must be stout of heart and mind and care deeply for this world a being within it. That is my peace." The eagle moved back to its perch and watched the group again.
Branur on the otherhand was standing near the door. "Whatever is to be decided must be done with haste." He uttered in a semi-defeated fashion, obviously nursing a wounded pride as he stared at both the Wraith and Haradrim with a hate know only uon battlefields, a hate between soldiers.
And then, someone else volunteered to take a ring. "The rings... I will carry one if it is asked of me." He heard the voice come from the large man who had not spoken much. Slanu thought that he would be as good as a fit for a ring as any other, but he did not state his opinion; he felt that should be left to the rest of the group instead. However, there was still one ring left, and someone needed to take it. Slanu dug deep inside himself; did he feel that he had the self-control to carry one of these powerful rings? Could he resist its temptations for long? Although he liked to believe that he could, there was no way to be sure. But, looking around at the faces, he realized that all of these men, elves, dwarves, and others still had much life, youth, and happiness abound. These rings would have the power to replace that happiness with self-loathing, greed, and hate. He would never wish that upon another being; and he did still deserve punishment for a deed that he had committed long past. 'Could this be the redemption that Gandalf spoke of? Sacrificing my soul's health to spare these others of the burden?' Yes; this was what Gandalf had meant when he said that Slanu would have the chance to redeem his wrongs.
"I will take a ring," Slanu's voice rumbled softly as he stepped forward. "If you will allow me. All I ask is that, if I should become corrupt and do anyone harm or become more of a burden than a help to the group, someone take my life immediately." He would rather be dead than a harm to these good folk. "I do not know if I have the strength, but I do know that I have the will to carry one."
"You wish to make up your mistakes, don't you?"
The last part was a flat out lie, but with his hollow voice and lack of a face, no man would ever tell differently. The usual fear of the living was what he'd come to expect by now, but there was a resolve here which impressed him. Hands were on hilts, but not a single sign of true fear. Not one shuddered or trembled, let alone fled in sheer panic like most he'd encountered. Though some things always remain the same. Their words were as cold as ever, though Valinor was nothing if not thick skinned from the centuries. That was until the elven maiden spoke....
Her words, above all, tore through Valinor like arrows piercing flesh. To feel such a sting from one who shared such a similar reputation as an evil or malevolent being. No, it was more than that. Why exactly had her words burned so deeply? All the Shade could do was stare at her with a semblance of disappointment.
Though it seamed not all would be content with simply throwing out a few accusations, as Valinor's attention was quickly returned to the Gondorian whom he addressed earlier. This one was not a simple man of words it would seem, with his hand beginning to draw his weapon. Valinor had begun to unsheathe his in defense, when that damned bird got in the way of things. A great, white wing shot between the two, breaking up the conflict. The Eagle spoke out against their actions as if he were some great mediator of peace.
While he was displeased with the eagle sticking his beak where it was not welcomed, the swift strike to the ego of this man of Gondor left a smirk on Valinor's face. That smirk was fleeting, soon replaced by sheer bewilderment. The source of this was the Hobbit, who simply fiddled with the ring with no fear, caution, or concern. The dark aura of the rings almost seamed to screech at his touch, calling out for a different bearer. The hobbit's aura was as clean as fresh fallen snow, with only fleeting specks of gluttonous hunger and slothful laziness. Nothing, absolutely nothing for the rings to take hold of and twist. No promise of power would tempt one that bore no interest in it. While the creature was small and rather pathetic looking in it's simplistic ways, Valinor could not dispute that this one should bear one of the rings.
The one he believed was called Ver.... Ver.... Ver-something-or-other. Of Bree. Anyways, this one spoke with a voice of one who believed he could command. He was wrong entirely. Valinor could scarcely see why any of these beings would heed the words of some bumpkin Lord of a backwater village. Nevertheless, he suggested giving one of the rings to the giant of a man. This one, a quiet and imposing figure. His spirit emitted many shades of light and darkness, though the dark being more of a haunting memory than any wicked deed. But that wasn't what made him interesting. Through those eyes of his, Valinor could almost see a sort of primal shimmer to him. He tried peering deeper into the barbarian's soul, only to have what appeared to be an enormous beast slash at him with it's powerful claws. Taken aback by this, Valinor tried to understand what he was seeing. Standing there, in the place of this giant was no longer the spirit of a man but the spirit of a....... bear?
Then came upon them the discussion of who would bear the last ring, until the shortest of fellows stood up for the task. A Man was easily corrupted, but this one..... this one was different. His aura was light, blotted in darkness. This was a tearing, nagging shadow. One that haunted his every thought. One that he feared would never leave him. One that Valinor knew quite well himself. This was guilt. This man sought redemption with a fire and drive not seen in most mortal men. He would willingly sacrifice his very being to take on such a hefty burden, and Valinor knew that this kind of guilt would insure that Slanu would be torn to pieces in agony before he ever succumbed to the rings taint. Power was not what this one desired, and that which he did long for was something the ring could not promise. Valinor's finger stretched out, pointing to Slanu.
"I'm not sayin' I should be one o' the folks to carry these things but methinks that this should be proof enough to qualify as a second." He took a couple steps back so everyone could examine his work, after all the more resources at the group's disposal the better. "This be an easy trick, granted one that I've yet to find a wizard imitate. Furthermore if memory serves, yer Elf rings only cover Fire, Water and Air. Earth is something beyond their influence, because it has a will and mind o' its own. Earth loves its secrets but once more, if yeh've got a strong enough will then yeh can get it to speak but tis an element that will never be mastered." After he finished speaking all of his earlier solemnity and serious disappeared.
"But since we're on the matter, I'm with the ghost. Let the man take the ring, I'll be yer support. Besides I'm sure those of yeh who're sensitive to this magic type stuff have noticed. These things can't call to yeh through stone." This wasn't something Gunvald could sense himself, more of a reassurance that the stone gave him. Granted there was no claim of total silence, there was a reassurance of some very good muffling. After all, Earth does not lie or exaggerate...but it's prone to speaking very literally.
"Happy to have met you,Gunvald!" Golin said: the presence of a dwarf mitigated Golin's fidget.Atleast he has someone to share opinions and,sincerely,Golin trusted Gunvald more than the others around him.
"And Greetings to Verza aswell!" Golin said,trying to imitate the enthusiasm that before overwhelmed him: to hide that Golin has some preferences.
Then,Gunvald walked to get closer to Golin.Instinctively,Golin leaned on his right,to hear Gunvald's thin voice.
"The lot of 'em seem ta think a dwarf can't carry a simple ring without goin' made for the wealth. But between yeh and meself, there's hardly enough gold between the remaining two for a full coin."
Golin smiled,before making a short,but noticeable nod:"Hehe! Reasonin' like this we'd sell more than ten o' them for a mere three or four coins!"
As he pronounced these words,another voice ruled over the others,from above it hailed coming down fast:
" "We shall have none of this! You are comrades!"
It was a powerful voice,of a great eagle.
Golin looked around."Perhaps,I've missed a great scene!" Golin said.
Then,Golin observed and heard how the conversation evolved: matter of seconds to the dwarf to understand that there wasn't such a strong tie from member to member.Maybe it's the first day,he said.
There was so much expression in the argue,that Golin made out that it has an half hour or one entire hour....wasted on one matter.
"Who will carry the ring?" For Golin,everyone could bear a ring,if they wanted to.
Then Gunvald decided to intervene by apparently enclose the ring inside a stone that he carried along.Golin found the idea exceptional mainly because Gunvald idealized it and that it comprehended the Stone element.
"Now,the man carries the ring enclosed in the stone: are we good to go or we'll waste our existance chattin' over the lightest matter on these lands?" Golin protested,bored of so many words and few actions.
Verza couldn't stand this man opposing him all the time. but that was the best way to have a democracy, one person in charge, but he had advisors who saw opposite to him or her so that he would get more than one point of view when he made decisions. It was always good to have an alternative say. Even if it was from a shade.
Verza was scanning the group again and his eyes fell upon once again the elven maiden Nienna. He stared for a couple seconds, his eyes prying like hungry wolves trying to find out the secrets of this woman. He then tore his eyes off of her. 'this woman is going to be harder to resist than the rings.' He told himself. man may be weak to power, but he was also weak to women.
With that matter being settled in his own head, he stepped forward and grabbed the ring that was encased in stone.. 'I'll be a rotten orc's bum before I lose one of these rings,' He thought to himself as he picked the ring up. Even though the stone encasing was not particularly bulgy, the combination still seemed rather heavy; as if it were not a ring at all, but a being all of its own. He supposed that, in a way, it was. He untied the knot on the back of his necklace, taking the stone that was already in the necklace out and slipping it into his pocket. He then wrapped the stone into the many knots of the necklace, enough so that it would take a good chisel or knife to hack through the many twisting ropes, and then firmly secured the back of it once more. The weight was immediately apparent, but in a way it was comforting; he felt a more pressing need for redemption, as if this was some sort of reminder that he would never be rid of until his task was done. Yes, he was satisfied with this, indeed. He stepped backwards to the spot he had been standing, his arms falling to his sides, and waited for someone to pick up the last ring bare ring.
To Valinor's promise, he simply replied, "Let us hope that your words will not be necessary." Indeed, Slanu hoped that none of the ring-bearers would be corrupted by the forces of these powerful entities.
Nienna was a bit taken aback. She had not met many humans that spoke and understood the Elvish language. Her cheeks turned a tad rosey in complextion. “My apologies Sir Verza.” Nienna placed a hand over her chest in surprise. She didn’t intent to be rude, she liked Verza and found him interesting. She last of all wanted to offend him. He, to Nienna’s relief, seemed more relieved than offended.
Valinor, in response to Nienna’s previous statement, replied in a seemingly hurt manner. "A Walking Curse...... I expected different from you, to not side with the mortals in their foolish mindset. Do the peasants and merchants not tell the same exaggerated and fearful tales of you, oh Witch of the Black Forest? Or is this simply the Pot calling the Kettle black?"
His words caused conviction deep in Nienna’s heart. She had passed judgement on Valinor before she herself could evaluate him for who he truly was. True the trees shuddered when the spirits of those passed and at unrest were near. However it did not necessarily mean that the spirit was an evil one. Nienna should most definitely had known better. True, Valinor seemed quite callous and slightly arrogant but perhaps those were simply defenses to protect him-self. Nienna tended to handle her negative reputation by expressing the utmost gentleness to those she encountered.
Nienna bowed deeply and apologized to Valinor, “Indeed they do. I was chastised for carrying out the will of the land on those that disrespected her. I have rushed to judgment regarding you Lord Valinor, and for that I am truly apologetic. You are correct, I should have known better than to treat another in that manner.” Nienna wanted to show her sincerity but that was something that would have to come with time.
Gunvald, the Dwarf, spoke "This be an easy trick, granted one that I've yet to find a wizard imitate. Furthermore if memory serves, yer Elf rings only cover Fire, Water and Air. Earth is something beyond their influence, because it has a will and mind o' its own. Earth loves its secrets but once more, if yeh've got a strong enough will then yeh can get it to speak but tis an element that will never be mastered." After he finished speaking all of his earlier solemnity and serious disappeared.
Nienna heard this and thought of herself. She just might be needed to carry a ring. She was connected with the Earth. She was highly skilled in Earth element magic. Perhaps her will was strong enough to bear one of the three rings. However, this could also mean that she should not because of that very connection with the Earth. If Nienna turned, the Earth itself would suffer as a result. Trees would cease to glow lustrously, harvests would lack, Mirkwood would fall to the negative energy that threatened it. Nienna thought to herself wondering what she should do.
Slanu accepted the ring incased in stone. He was indeed a brave man. Nienna closed her eyes and clasped her hands together as if she was praying. She spoke quietly, “It was ring gifted to the Elves, thus an Elf shall carry the last ring. The Lady of Greenwood shall step forward and showcase the grace of her people. It is for the sake of the Earth that I pick up this wicked ring. Should grace fail, I shall diminish and sail to the undying lands, if it would have me.”
With that, Nienna stepped forward and picked up the last ring and placed it in her pale hand. It was beautiful however it was indeed a heavy thing. Nienna felt as if she were carrying stone labs. Nienna then took out an Elvan chain and had that carry the ring. She then closed her eyes and began to pray audibly in Elvish. “Oh Great Moon, Middle Earth, I bear this weight in accordance with your will. May the grace given to me be sufficient, may it be blessed so that it would go before me allowing me to carry this burden. May the will of Earth be, for it is my will as well.” Nienna let out a sigh and concluded her prayer. There was a white glow about her. Grace was protecting her from the brunt of the ring’s wickedness for now. She now felt closer to her usual self and not so weighed down by the ring’s force.
Nienna now turned her attention to the group. “It is done. Shall we proceed?” Nienna said calmly. She stepped away from the peadastool and stood beside Verza, awaiting the command to depart.
Verza could feel it. He was now the leader. it always seemed he came out that way. He honestly didn't know why. It just happened. Maybe it was his need for order. Verza hated disorder. Even when he was a small child playing a game of manhunt, he always seemed to become a leader and coordinate the teams.
Verza looked around. Once again he would like to hear a say. "Who will oppose these decisions?" Verza asked. He once shot a look to Valinor expecting a couple words of complaint.
Haarith looked at the ringbearers. He couldn't let go the feeling of that if they were caught by the eye, terrible things would happen to them. He also knew that if he were to carry a ring, he would fall to it's corruption faster than anyone else in the group.
"I believe that this fellowship needs a leader. A person to guide us, so we wouldn't be going against each other. However the leader chosen should also be able to listen to the response of each other person and listen for good ideas, aswell as find our differences and weaknesses to better counter our enemies." He said.
"And therefor I think we shall vote for one. If none have anything against this, then i personally would nominate Verza here for it. He speaks both the human language and the elvish, which can be effective should we move through elvish land." He said while looking at Verza. Then he stepped longer into the shadows of the room, to get as far away from the gondorian as possible.
"Great! Now we have the volounteers to carry the rings: I believe these carriers have will stronger than mithril,since as much as I know these rings are tempting.Oooh! I agree with the black-haired to nominate Verza as leader,since I do no good in leadin'!" Golin said,in an approving tone.
However,later he scanned the candidate chosen by Golin.
Tall,dark-haired with a dagger hanging from his belt.What convinced him that Verza was a born leader was how he watches and looks: careful to every detail.Apparently just by the look,he can determine how to do something hopefully,good and fast.
He seemed smart,atleast smarter than Golin and far more precise,clear and clean...comparing Golin's tunic and Verza's clothes,it is clearly visible that the tunic appears to be older and more ruined.
Then,the first time Golin spit out an order during an assault to his fellows, the poor returned in a miserable state.
Because Golin wasn't precise enough and couldn't foresee the enemy's movement.
"Who I really don't want on the commanding place is that guy clad in armor: Instead of unifying he would probably dismantle a group already dismantled" Golin thought: whenever he lays his eyes on Valinor,something unnatural crosses his nerves...a chill? Whatever it is,it gives a strange feeling to Golin.
Maybe,Valinor was a great leader but....not for Golin.
"What'cha say,Gunvald?" Golin posed the head of the hammer on the floor and leaned against the long handle: the head was heavy enough to sustain Golin's weight.
Most of the group was speaking over a leader since the ring bearers have all been accounted for. Branur seemed too cocky for leadership, he did not think Valinor was much of a peoples person, Verza was the best bet. After all he knew the man personally so Gale knew the party would fair well with him in charge. "I Ot or Ersa!" Gale said with a mouthful of cheese.
A familiar feeling crept over Valinor, the chilling feel of malicious eyes peering from unknown areas. Any soul who's ever walked the field of battle knew this sensation, this was the feeling known to most fallen soldiers, the feeling of paranoia before the ambush. The tree's own life force emitted an annoying amount of light as Valinor tried to spot anything beyond them, blocking his spectral vision. A single dark blot appeared, marking it's presence with an arrow bouncing off of his helmet. Several other arrows followed suit, all in a faster repetition than any single orc could fire. Thirteen or fourteen arrows, impacting Valinor's upper body with enough force to plant him smartly on his back while knocking his helm off. An orc screeched from the trees above, dropping down for the killing blow. Upon landing on Valinor, orc became confused with why the armor appeared empty, only to have the surprise of it's now-shortened life. A black mist bellowed from the neck of the armor, enveloping the creatures face in the ethereal darkness as Valinor impaled the orc with his blade.
The assault on this gathering had begun, as many a lightly armed orc scrambled to the battle. One such minor cretin leaped at him with it's crudely made machete, though years of encounters with these foul beasts allowed Valinor to easily parry the blow. A step to the side and a swift strike to the back of the creature's blade forced the orc to over-swing it's attack, leaving it wide open to the counter attack. A precise slash across the spine did the job efficiently, having no need to embellish the attack for such a gathering. Using the tip of his sword to retrieve his helm, Valinor flicked his headpiece back in back, held there by his ghostly form. Now with the orcish advantage exhausted, he strode to meet his foes. Flicks and wisps of shadow wafted from under his cloak and his black, formless face. Few things were truly so dreadful as to freeze an orc in place, and Valinor quickly became one of them. His mere gaze was enough to instill terror into the loathsome cretins, causing them to stall their charge upon him. Of course, that just meant the first attack was his to claim. And he did so with all the wrath this fallen Gondorian had withheld throughout the Age.
A quick flick of his wrist caused his bastard sword to nip the forearm of his attackers, building momentum for his strikes to follow. Valinor brought his sword tip across the belly of the wounded orc, before spinning for the slash at it's companion's throat. Arcing his sword arm wide around, bring it up forcefully and sending yet another orc's rended body flailing through the air. Now flaunting a fair bit of his skill, Valinor spun his back towards the next charging enemy, flipping his sword backwards into an "ice pick" style and stabbing the orc through it's gut. Mid-stab, Valinor kicked a sneering beasty at his front while his dislodged his sword. He loomed over the now-panicking creatures, blade in hand and sinister grin on his ephemeral face. Valinor brought the blade up wood-chopping style, but before he could end the orc, an arrow shot straight through the side of it's head. His shadows flaring angrily for being denied his kill, it didn't take long to spot the source. Liliana, dispatching several more orcs in a similar fashion, bore only a smirk in Valinor's general direction.
His movements were quick. He crouched down into a stealthy and hard-to-hit creeping position, putting a hand on the small throwing daggers (his weapons of choice) that were attached to the belt on his waist. He pulled the first of them out, just in time to use the dagger's blade to deflect an arrow that had been directed at his chest. To counter, Slanu aimed at the orc who had shot the arrow (this orc was also now rushing at him with full force) and, with a powerful flick of his wrist, found that the dagger reached the orc's throat. The enemy fell almost immediately and began to nurse its wound; Slanu figured the poor beast didn't have more than a minute to live, so he left the beast to die in terror. However, Slanu had been so distracted by this orc that he dumbly forgot to pay attention to the arrows that were shooting all around them; one knicked the upper part of his shoulder. He winced sharply, but the pain subsided and he found that his light armor had been enough to prevent any blood from being spilled; he would have a nasty bruise, though. With speed and stealth comparable to that of a fox hunting its prey, Slanu leapt into the nearest, somewhat short tree and found a branch that allowed for a good vantage point. Now that he was directly out of the line of arrows, he had some time to collect his thoughts.
Well, sort of. Arrows still whisked away around him, so he made sure to keep aware. But, from this position, he could find targets more easily for his daggers. He saw an orc approaching one of the members of the group from behind (one of the men, he couldn't be sure which one) so he swiftly drew a dagger and threw it into the base of the orc's spine. The beast was now paralyzed from the waist down and in pain, though not quite dead. That would not do; and Slanu didn't relish the idea of spending another dagger on this beast. He released a sharp whistle into the air, which had both a positive and negative consequence. The positive was that, as he suspected, Afon galloped to just beneath the tree, within jumping distance. The negative was that he had now made himself aware to the archers of the orcs and had many a bow pointing in his direction. So, without wasting any time to think, he jumped from the tree and landed squarely on Afon's back. Just in time, too; he watched as an arrow pierced the spot on the tree where his head had been just seconds before. "That's my girl," he proudly growled, then lightly kicked at her flank to let her know that she could go. She stamped forward into the throng of orcs, just in front of the one who Slanu had paralyzed a moment before. He reached to his sword, which did not find itself used often and was glad to get some fresh blood on it, and quickly beheaded the orc below him to end its suffering.
Afon released a shrill cry, and reared onto her hind legs; an arrow had skimmed the top of her back. Slanu found his eyes searching -enraged- for the perpetrator. An orc stood a few feet away with a crossbow in his arms, grinning evilly and with purpose. "No one shoots my horse!" He yelled angrily, in a baritone voice that did not usually escape him. He swung his sword forcefully at the orc; the orc dodged to the left quickly, the blade singing softly by its ear. The orc tried to get another shot in, but before he could Slanu smacked the crossbow out of his hand with the hilt of his sword. The orc gulped. With one final thrust, Slanu laid his sword deep into the orc's gullet, causing the beast to fall over, dead. From there on, Slanu made sure to keep himself on the move; he dismounted from Afon, instead choosing to sneak around on foot. Afon ran to just beyond the edge of the trees, safely away from the fighting for the moment. With his daggers out, Slanu made occasional slashes at the knees of orcs who were facing away from him, causing them to utter cries of despair as the fell. A few times an orc would notice him and try to attack him, but Slanu would usually go into a series of quick movements that would dismantle the orc's defenses and slay, or more often disable, the foe. He encountered a few bruises and a nasty cut on the back of his hand, but otherwise Slanu had managed to remain somewhat unscathed.
Gale stepped back automatically as a horde of goblins rolled in. Valinor was fighting them first and the hobbit noticed something odd about the horde's movement. The galloped with their legs instead of running. They also made large, full rounds when turning. That made him curious though he had little time to ponder as two goblin came straight for him. Taking out his short sword he took sidestep to his left combined with a roll to get behind one. The goblin tried to stop in a sloppy fashion to turn around but Gale stabbed him in the lungs. As it fell the other came to too fast for him to dodge.
The goblin struck it's blades relentlessly at Gale but he blocked or dodged each one. Finally it made a risky stab at his side and he cut it's arm off before stabbing it in it's side. The halfling put away his sword to quickly take at his crossbow. He quickly ran into a bush for cover, hunched over, and stuck out the crossbow. He shot a goblin who was running at Branur. The bolt hit it's eye and it fell down in an awkward position. He tried to look out for anything else that may come his way.
"Gunvald!, Hallvard!, Golin!, Valinor! Make a perimeter!" Verza yelled. He hoped they would have enough sense to make a square around him and the others. "Everyone else get behing them! Pick them off with whatever you have!" Verza yelled. He then looked at the men he had called to the front lines. "Gunvald!, Hallvard!, Golin!, Valinor! Keep their attention on you, make them angry. We can handle the killing!" Verza called to them setting up his plan.
"Everyone els..." Verza was cut of as an arrow caught in his leasther and studded steel armor. The head had hit a stud and glanced off leaving a cut in his armor. 'Damn.' Verza thought. He drew his dagger and prepared for the first couple orcs. Verza had been watching Valinor fight, well, like a demon. Verza barely relized the orc climing a rock behing him and jumping on his back. Verza felt the bite of steel in his shoulder, it was only minor due to his armor and the dulled orcish blade. Verza thanked his gods.
Before the wretch could stabb again verza shook him off by running abckwards into the rock it had leaped off of. He could feel the orc go limp. Verza turned quickly as it's limp body fell off of his back. Verza observed it and saw that it had stabbed it's self with it's own dagger when Verza had rammed it into the wall. "Get your backs to the boulder!" Verza yelled re thinking his plan. "Keep an eye upward." He warned them.
Nienna also thought back to the council of the rings, when she had decided that she would take on the task of carrying Vilya, the Elvan ring once entrusted to Elrond. Nienna thought on the reaction by the others present, none seemed surprised at this happening. Verza had even smiled as he saw Nienna take the third ring. "I think this is a good choice my lady." He said to her as she stood next to him trying to handle the new and slightly troubling sensation the ring bestowed upon her. She thought to herself, ‘if he feels that it is a good idea, perhaps I should trust that fate is trying to give me peace in my decision.’
As Nienna gracefully stepped through the forest in the company of the fellowship she could feel that something was quite wrong. The forest was still as if the trees were holding their breath in fear of something. The homes of the creatures lay abandoned and vacant. The bundle of enchanted leaves in Nienna's hands began to flutter with signs of warning. She looked down at them with stern eyes. There was a serious disturbance here. Dark beings were causing the forests light to flee in fear. Nienna looked around trying to see the darkness she felt that was ever present in the forest.
Then arrows were launched. Valinor was the first to react to the assault. Orcs were attacking the fellowship. Nienna gasped, “Vile demons… they dare to come this close to Rivendale?! Darkness is truly attempting to swallow up the land.”
Verza seemed to quickly formulate a plan. "Gunvald!, Hallvard!, Golin!, Valinor! Make a perimeter! Everyone else get behing them! Pick them off with whatever you have! Gunvald!, Hallvard!, Golin!, Valinor! Keep their attention on you, make them angry. We can handle the killing!" Verza yelled. Slanu and Valinor seemed to quickly take heed and take action. Gale and Liliana sprung into action readily. Nienna was impressed with the valor of her companions. They were fearless and capable in their own ways. Verza then came under attack, "Everyone els..." Verza was cut of as an arrow caught in his leasther and studded steel armor. "Get your backs to the boulder! Keep an eye upward." He warned them.
It was time for Nienna to take action as well. Nienna remained in the center of the group. She, with the wave of her hand summoned her Elvan bow and arrows into her possession. She carefully took aim as the orcs fired on the group from above. With the quick and precise pluck of her bow, Nienna shot down a few orcs, one of them with their aim on Verza. This Orc came plummeting from the tall tree from which it once stood. Nienna wondered how much of a warrior Verza was. He was brave and indeed a tactician, but Nienna could feel where his will was strong, his body was slightly afraid. During Nienna track of thought, another Orc launched an arrow that Nienna couldn’t quite dodge and the arrow grazed her right cheek slightly. “Oh!!” She gasped.
Nienna then refocused her attention to the trees. She whispered an incantation in Elvish and her bow and arrows became her enchanted staff. Nienna continued to chant silently and then her volume increased she glowed of a pale green aura. The threes began to shake and their vines constricted a few orcs. Those caught in the tree’s grasp were clutched so tightly that their bones began to break and the vines began to dig into their flesh. The other orcs that fired from the trees stopped firing arrows momentarily and looked at their comrades in terror. They, in fear leaped from the tree branches to the ground. Nienna shouted to the group, “They are now land bound! Their lives shall now be easier to claim.”
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