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Post by Brandybuck on Oct 16, 2005 19:54:52 GMT -5
~Aragorn~
As we began moving into the heart of the city, there are more Elves to be seen. I know all of them of course, having spent a good part of my life here. I will always have a very fond spot in my heart for Imladris..for many reasons. I nod and greet when necessary. Normally, I would stop to talk, but given the circumstances I do not think that they will feel any offense. They know why I am here. They know why we are all here. There is tension here where there usually is none. The Elves try not to dwell on the Ring, but like all of us, they cannot help what they feel. The fate of the Ring is the fate of us all.
Boromir continues to ask more questions. My explanation has only fueled his curiosity. Boromir is not to blame for that of course...curiosity is one of the causes of Man's downfall. Isildur...the One Ring...Isildur's Heir...destined to be King...*sighs*. I have so much on my mind at this moment. I continue to scan the trees and buildings for signs of Arwen. Perhaps she is with Frodo. I turn to Boromir to escape my own thoughts.
"Who can truly read a Nazgul's mind? They will slay anyone and anything that they feel is in their way. All that is still fair in this world is what they long to obliterate. They will not rest until their master has claimed his Prize. " I stop and glance at Boromir as I decide to mention the Ring. What is he feeling? He looks utterly tormented within his own mind. I suppose any mere mention of the Ring can do that to the sanest Man. "The Nazgul would have slayed me as well as the Halflings, make no mistake about that. I was very fortunate that I was able to repel them in time. We did not see them after..they proceeded to chase after the injured Frodo and...." I found that I could not say her name. I must see her to know that she is safe. Hopefully, what I have just said will quench Boromir's curiosity for the present. I need to think. I need to be reassured that Arwen is safe, and that Frodo still lives.
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Post by twilight on Oct 16, 2005 20:41:21 GMT -5
They are here. Aragorn and the Halflings have crossed safely into Imladris. Some of my people wandering near the boarders saw them arrive, and brought word back to us. They said that there was another with them, a man of Gondor, by the looks of him. He must be here for the Council that my father has arranged.
The Council. It will be one of the pivital points of our time, where things of great importance - and great peril - will be decided. The shadow of the Ring lays on this fair place; I know the enemy cannot yet reach us here, but I am afraid still, because I know the Elves' time is passing, and our power waning. We cannot stand boldly against Sauron in war, as my father did with Elendil and Gil-galad so many, many years ago. The Ring will not remain here for longer than it needs to; my father knows it must go elsewhere; he will not keep it and draw the wrath of the Dark Lord upon this place. Perhaps I should be glad that it will leave us and Sauron will seek elsewhere for a time, and give the Elves time to flee to the Havens, or, for I who will not sail to Aman, at least a little longer in my fair home. But I am not relieved. I do not look for an escape from Arda's darkness, or for a brief time of peace. The free peoples must fight the darkness and so vanquish it for all time. And among those people will be one whom I love and others for whom I care deeply. Wherever the Ring goes, even if it is far from Imladris, they will be in danger because of it.
Yet I know I must have hope, hope that Elrond and Aragorn and the representatives of the other free peoples - aye, even the hobbits - will find a way to end the fear and threat of this shadow.
They are approaching, and I am glad to see them safe, though weary. But my heart is only eased slightly because I know the coming danger that they will face is even greater than the ones they have already passed through. But still a smile spreads across my face, I have missed Estel so much!
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Post by Laurasia on Oct 16, 2005 20:54:40 GMT -5
~Boromir~
"His Prize...?" , Boromir's mind reels. The Ring! Boromirs' mind barely registered anything beyond that word. Slowly, his face showed signs of his distraction.
"So this Halfling, Frodo, must have the Ring. He has to be alright, he simply has to be. I cannot carry the Ring myself. I need him to carry it to Gondor with me. If I have to fight off an entire army of Nazgul to do it I must.", his mind continued to whir.
Boromir shook himself back to the present. He looked up at Strider to discern if he had noticed his distraction, but was unable to tell by his face. "I understand your worry. Surely your Elvish friends would have told you straight away if there was bad news. Come, let us see once & for all." He turned back towards the three Halflings behind them. "Come, little ones."
As they walked he noticed a beautiful Elvish maiden approaching them. He glanced at Strider to judge whether he knew this woman. It seemed as though Strider had not noticed her approaching yet.
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Post by Brandybuck on Oct 16, 2005 22:05:59 GMT -5
~Aragorn~
I snap my head up at the sound of Boromir's voice. Once again, I had been lost in my thoughts. "Yes, Boromir you are right. Indeed, if the news were very grave I already would have been notified. However I feel sorrow that the little one had to..." I look up as I continue ahead, and my words suddenly fail me. Arwen. There she is, looking as radiant as ever. The smile that I have seen in my dreams these past nights. The smile I thought I may never see again. My love...she is safe. As the realization hits me, I feel a heavy weight lift from my heart. I long to rush into her arms and forget that the Ring ever existed. Make myself believe that I am not bound to the fate which Isildur set down so many years ago. With Arwen, there would be no war, no danger...I shake my head of these thoughts. For I know that the opposite is true. If the Ring remains undestroyed, then the armies of Sauron will continue to grow, and soon no place on Middle-earth will be a Safe Haven.
I glance to Boromir. "That very maiden is the one whom brought Frodo here as quick as she could. Let us just hope that she was quick enough." As we approach, I can only stare into her eyes for what seems like an eternity. Finally, I find my voice. "Mae Govannen", I whisper as I bow " I am glad to see that you were not overcome by the Nazgul. We have not seen one single Nazgul since you took flight, therefore I must admit that I feared the worst. " I took a deep breath and swallowed before asking of Frodo. Please, I thought, let him be safe. "And what of Frodo? PLease tell me that it was not too late." I can feel the Hobbits tense up behind me as they too, await her reply. As I asked this question, I noticed that Boromir had also become very rigid. Interesting...could it be that he is wiser than I suspected, and he already knows that Frodo is the Ring-bearer? I feel that I will have to pay closer attention to his behavior henceforth.
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Post by Brandybuck on Oct 16, 2005 22:27:53 GMT -5
~Frodo~
The sweet smell of incense once again fills my nostrils. It is so inviting that I feel my mouth try to smile. However, my lips are too cracked to do so. I hear a moan escape from my throat. I hear no noise...wait..there is something. I hear ..yes, the wind! It sounds so beautiful. The wind is rustling through something...could it be trees? No, it sounds like fabric being stirred. I take this chance to try to open my eyes, if only a crack to try to catch a glimpse of the sound. As I slowly open my eyes, I come to a startling realization. My eyes no longer hurt! Granted, the light is still very bright, so I can not open my eyes wide yet.
I see shapes of what I take to be furniture. I open my eyes a little wider, and I see that I am indeed lying in a bed. A very large bed, at least by Hobbit standards. This is not the Shire, but it is very comfortable nevertheless. Across from me is a mantle...there is a cylinder-shaped pot on it from which the sweet-smelling incense is swirling into the air. I turn my head to the left, and I find that it is very stiff. How long have I been here in slumber? All I can make out is a large door of great craftsmanship. I try to turn my head around to the right, but the light is issuing from that direction, and it is too bright for my eyes. I thought that I saw a shape of a person in a sitting position, but I cannot be sure. I figure that if someone were indeed in here, they would have spoken to me by now.
I suddenly remember the man who spoke the calming Elvish tongue. I took it to be Sindarin, because I know that language fairly well. I wonder when he will return. This may very well be his fine place, and if it is, I would like to thank him for his hospitality. I try to rise up on my elbows, but I find that I cannot yet accomplish this..I am still too weak. It is then that I hear movement to my right. Aye, there is someone sitting there after all. I try to open my mouth to speak, but I cannot. I notice that all of this sudden movement has once again exhausted me. I no longer feel any pain, but maybe just a little more sleep would not harm. Maybe the next time I awaken, I will be able to see who the mysterious guardian is by my bedside.
I let my whole being fill with the scent of the incense...
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Post by twilight on Oct 16, 2005 23:24:14 GMT -5
"Mae Govannen, Dunadan." At last I greet him whom I have been waiting for! I can see he is as glad to see me as I, him; we have known each other since the day he learned he was the lord of the Dunedain, and during all those years he has wandered far from this fair home, and far from friendship and kinship. But always we have been in each others thoughts, and hearts. But worries lie heavily on his mind and he asks of the Hobbit, Frodo. I can almost hear the prayer behind his voice, the fear that he may have died or fallen irretrevable into the shadow, I had feared this, too. I can see the others' worry as well, even the man of Gondor, and I hasten my answer. "Frodo is alive, and will recover. He is resting still, for his wound was deep, and it was not easy to draw him back. But with the peace that Imladris can offer, he will surely mend quickly." I look at the Men and the Halflings, weatherstained and tired; Aragorn, and perhaps this man of Gondor, have been on journeys longer than this, but for the halflings, I know, such dangerous adventures are new. Knowing Bilbo, I know they are a hardy and resiliant race, but still I pity the ones I see before me. They are young, and have seen horrors that many Elves have never faced; they have wandered farther than almost any other of their kind, and in lands strange and unfriendly to them. I know they will want to see their friend, but they, too, must recover. "You must be weary, for you have come as far as your other companion, though without such a grave wound, and also through fear and danger. You will find rest and safety here, as long as you need. Frodo is resting, and perhaps you will wish to as well. Dunadan, welcome home." I turn to lead them up the path to my father's house.
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Post by Laurasia on Oct 17, 2005 0:09:38 GMT -5
~Gandalf~
Gandalf sat with his eyes open, sleeping peacefully, when he suddenly heard a stirring next to him. Immediately his mind returned to the present & Frodo.
Dear Frodo. He had not meant for this to happen. He had merely meant for the Hobbits to meet him in Bree, though what they would do once they had met he was unclear about now. Saruman's betrayal had thrown everything for a loop. Someone must continue on with the Ring. Someone must destroy it. But if even Saruman had fallen to the temptations of the Dark Lord...
There was a soft moan from Frodo. Gandalf waited to see if would finally awaken. He needed to let him knowthat he hadn't abandoned him. That he his plans had been diverted. That he hadn't meant for him to actually need to face the Nazgul. He trully needed to thank Aragorn for his assistance with the young Hobbits. They would surely all be dead now & the Ring recovered by Sauron if it hadn't been for him. Oh how it would be ideal for someone of Aragorn's character & strength to carry the Ring to its doom. Alas, Aragorn would never touch the Ring. Of this Gandalf was sure. He also knew that it was for the best. Because for all of his strengths & morals, the Ring would twist him as it had Isildur...as it would himself.
He sighed softly & watched a bit longer as Frodo stirred. When he realized that the young Hobbit was not yet ready to awaken he pulled out his pipe & quietly lit the pipeweed inside of it. He breathed in the sweet smoke deeply & allowed the welcome relaxation to wash over him. He began to drowse again, for he also had need of rest.
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Post by Brandybuck on Oct 17, 2005 14:49:55 GMT -5
~Pippin~
As we get closer to the citadel, I see a beautiful woman waiting anxiously for us to approach. Wait..I squint my eyes for a better look..yes! She is the Elf-lady who brought Frodo here! I feel my heart begin to pick up in my excitement. So, she has made it here...Frodo must have at least reached this place then! I feel a small laugh escape my throat. Merry, who was walking directly ahead of me, stopped and looked back. "It is allright Pip, I am sure Frodo is safe." He had mistaken my laugh for a sob. I am just about to correct him, when I realize that we have approached the Elf. I see Strider greet her as before, in the Elvish tongue. I can see that these two care about one another deeply. I wonder if I will ever experience this kind of love with anyone. It is then that I hear Strider ask of Frodo. My heart races faster from the anticipation of her answer.
Frodo is not dead! I feel the tears sting my eyes, as I look to Merry. His eyes have watered as well, though he tries to hide it. I know him too well...he is very happy. Sam began to sniffle, and looked down at his feet. Sam and Frodo are so close, like Merry and I. I have felt almost as bad for Sam as I have for Frodo. The man Boromir looks relieved as well. He must have a good heart to care about our friend, whom he has never met. After reassuring us, he rustles my hair. I find that I care deeply for this Man who I have only just met. Perhaps, Boromir and I are alike in that sense...we can both become attached quite easily, even to strangers. I cannot help but giggle when he announces that he is hungry as well. We are even more alike than I thought. I turn my attention to the Elf-lady, and realize that she is looking at me..not only me, but Merry and Sam as well. She looks at each of us, one after the other and then back again. She seems deep in thought, and smiles at us almost sadly. Just when I thought that she may indeed cry, she returns her gaze to Strider, and beckons us into the palace. Finally, we will be able to rest. I know that Frodo is safe...now what will satisfy me most of all is the growl in my stomach. We all begin to follow Strider with lighter hearts.
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Post by Brandybuck on Oct 17, 2005 15:07:43 GMT -5
~Aragorn~
I seem to hear Arwen's answer as if she were very far away. Her words seem to echo in my ears. "Frodo is alive, and will recover. He is resting still, for his wound was deep, and it was not easy to draw him back. But with the peace that Imladris can offer, he will surely mend quickly." I am silent for a moment as I let this good news sink in. She made it in time after all! I hear a collective sigh of relief from the Halflings behind me. I hear Sam beginning to cry, but it is out of joy. I feel a smile cross my face from my relief. I speak in the Elvish tongue. "I do not know how I will ever be able to repay you for what you have done Arwen. I already owe you and your kin so much, that I fear that I will never repay my debts . That it would take me many lifetimes to show how much I care about..." I trail off at these words. Even though my companions cannot understand what I speak, this is not the time . Everyone must be exhausted.
When I had finished speaking, Arwen began to study the Hobbits. I know what it is that she thinks, because I myself feel the same. I feel for the innocence that I fear that they will lose before this war is over. This especially rings true whan I glance to Merry and Pippin. However, I know that Hobbits have very strong vigilance. If they decide to continue with this quest, their strengths will be needed before the end. I know that the Council will ultimately determine what it is that shall be done, but like a dark cloud over my soul, I know that my closeness to the Ring will not be over. I feel that we all still have some part to play in this...I just do not know what it is. I need to speak to Gandalf as soon as I can. I can only hope that he is already here.
Arwen suddenly beckons us inside for a much needed rest. I glance to the Hobbits to make sure they follow. Boromir now seems to be in better spirits as well. I know that it is the news that the Ring-bearer has not perished that cheers his heart. For I am now convinced that Boromir has figured out as much regarding Frodo. We follow Arwen up the path to the entrance hall.
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Post by Laurasia on Oct 17, 2005 18:35:32 GMT -5
~Boromir~
As Strider asks the Elf-maiden about the condition of Frodo, Boromirs' heart semms to cease beating & his breath catches. "Frodo is alive & will recover...he will surely mend quickly." The words echo in his mind.
"This is wonderful news, for I do not know how much time we have. How long Faramir & his men will be able to hold out," he thought to himself. Faramir. Oh how he longed to return home. To see how his little brother was. To soften the blows that their father, daily, threw at his ego.
He turned to the Halflings & smiled. "Do you hear that? Your friend is fine & resting peacefully. Perhaps now would be a good time for all of us to find some food & rest for ourselves eh?" He messed the hair on top of little Pippin's head & chuckled before following Strider & the Elf-maid up to the house.
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Post by twilight on Oct 17, 2005 21:38:09 GMT -5
I am smiling, happy to have brought them such good news of Frodo. They are all clearly very relieved; the dear hobbits! they must have been so afraid for their friend. The fear that has been in their hearts will be allayed here; I am proud that my home still has the power to keep out the shadow, to give peace to us within it. But I sigh; walking up to the Last Homly House, I look around at my fair home. It's power will not last much longer. I have known, of course, for a long time that my people, my family, will forsake this place for the shores of Valinor, and I have known also, in my heart, that I will not go with them. I have lived many, many years longer than even the first Kings of Numenor, though I am still young in the eyes of my people; time for the Elves passes not as it does for Men, and my years seemed short, but now Time moves on quickly as the world changes. I look to the mountains in the East: there lies the forst of Lothlorien, the home of my mother's kin, but thither also lies the Shadow, and there the path of my loved one will lead. To the South is Gondor, whence this strange man came. I shall, if things go well, live there one day with Aragorn. I love him, but it will be a sad parting when my father leaves for the Blessed Realm, and when Imladris no longer holds the home, the haven, and the power of the Eldar. We have walked into the entrance hall. I try to smile again as I lead them to their rooms where we have prepared fresh clothes and water for the travellers, but I am afraid. I do not know how things will go at the Council, or what road each of these people will take, but I know that whatever happens, the time of my people is coming soon to an end; and that soon the Men will either triumph or fall against Sauron. We all have so little time! I feel like the World is moving too fast for me to stand without falling. "it would take me many lifetimes to show how much I care about..." he said. I know; he needs not to say anything. We love each other, and he is the light for me; he is the reason I have hope and my fear does not overwhelm me. Because I trust him, even with the fate of Men and Elves. He is the reason I will not leave Middle Earth, but he is the reason I can feel anything besides sorrow at the fading and sundring of my people. Oh! am I a traitor to my father? to the Valar? It cannot be. I find Aragorn's eyes, trying to tell him silently that I know how much he cares for me; without even a single word said aloud, I understand what he wanted to say. I show them to their rooms. "We have laid out fresh clothes for you and clean water for washing. Rest and recover; we can go to the feast when you are ready." I hope my fear and morose thoughts don't show in my eyes. We must be strong in this time of undertainy and danger. The little ones have already felt much fear, I would not want to worry them with my own cares.
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Post by Brandybuck on Oct 18, 2005 15:34:12 GMT -5
~Aragorn~
As we all follow Arwen into the Hall, I let myself once again fall into my own thoughts. The news of Frodo's recovery has greatly improved my spirits..however, Arwen does not look like herself. She is struggling with much inner sorrow. I would cast aside all of my own personal worries, if only to see her not suffer so. The years that she has dwelt in Middle-earth...only to see everything upon it threatened by the Shadow..even this place that has always been a safe haven. I have already seen much in my life, but the years of a Dunedan are but a blink in the eyes of an Elf.
Arwen stopped walking just inside of the corridor where we were all to get much needed rest. As I make to enter one of the rooms, Arwen's eyes find mine. I see in them all of the love that I know she has for me. I know that I love her, but can it llast? Even without the threat of the Shadow trying to divide us, could the love of a Man and an Elf-maiden prevail as it once had so long ago. I have walked many miles, embarking on many journeys with naught but the sweet, sad tale of Beren and Luthien repeating in my head. Oh, if only we could make it last! I would love nothing more than to live out the rest of my days with Arwen by my side, watching our children playing in the courtyard. But I feel that these are dreams only, and that they will never cross over into the waking world. I am also haunted by the will of Elrond. He loves me as a son, that is true..but I see the disapproval in his eyes when he sees us together. I feel no ill towards him...I never could. I will obey whatever wish that he demands of me. I owe him as much! I feel that Elrond will bid me release Arwen from our bond, so that she will not have to choose the love of a Man that is doomed over eternity with her own kind.
I find that I am now, indeed very tired. I bow once more to Arwen. I then proceed to my chambers with the intention of easing my troubled mind in slumber. There are difficult choices ahead, but for now I am allowed this escape.
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Post by Brandybuck on Oct 18, 2005 15:48:14 GMT -5
~Frodo~
I awaken once again to the smell of...that is not the same sweet scent of the incense that has thus kept me relaxed. No, this smell is much more...sweeter...familiar..no, it cannot be..Longbottom Leaf! My eyes have no hesitation this time...they open with an expectancy that only familiar things can do for someone who is so far away from home. I see the same room as before, save this time in a more profound way. This room is truly beautiful. The colors are all relaxing hues of purple and blue. I hear the rustling noise once again. It is to the right of me. Suddenly, I remember the shape that had been there. With some anxiety, I look to my right. Gandalf!! So, he is allright, and he has not deserted me. Deserted me? Why in the Shire would I ever think that about Gandalf? It is not in Gandalf's nature to abandon anyone once he makes an oath..especially an oath of protection. Something must have happened...
I wonder if he is asleep? His eyes are shut, and his hand loosely holds a pipe...so that is where the Longbottom Leaf is coming from. I feel a giggle rising in my throat. I put my hand over my mouth to prevent any sound from escaping it. Asleep or meditating? I tilt my head slightly as I begin to study him.
I realize that I no longer feel so fatigued. I long to get up, and look around this room better. However, perhaps waiting for Gandalf would be the wisest thing. I lean in closer. "Gandalf," I whisper.
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Post by Laurasia on Oct 18, 2005 20:50:16 GMT -5
~Boromir~
Boromir followed behind Strider & the Elf-maid as they strolled through the magnificent house, if you could call it that really. It was quite large with elaborate, rolling designs carved into the woodworking that seemed to enveloped them. As beautiful as this place was he still missed home. Nothing would ever be more beautiful to him than the White City.
He was not blind to the glances that were passed between Strider & this woman. Love. They were clearly in love with one another. There deep connection seemed only to remind Boromir of just how far from the front lines they really were. Who had time for such things? Who would dare plan for such things with so much uncertainty regarding the future? It wasn't that Boromir was a cold or unloving man, he was simply a soldier. Things such as love were not a part of his life during times of war & he knew exactly what type of war Middle-Earth was about to face, even if many of its inhabitants were still in denial of that fact.
When Strider finally took his leave into one of the empty rooms, Boromir assumeed that he was going to rest. Boromir had no thought of this right now. He had travelled long. And while it was true that he was rather tired, he was hungry first & foremost. That being the case, he approached the Elf-maid & bowed slightly.
"Milady I am Boromir of Gondor." He turned to the three Halflings behind him. "And this is Sam, Merry, & Pippin. We're all rather hungry & would greatly appreciate some food." He looked back at Sam, who was clearly more considered about the Halfling Frodo. He leaned in towards the Elf-maid so that only she would hear him. "Though I think that Sam may be more interested in Frodo at the moment," he said with a slight chuckle.
He stood straight up again. "So, I only ask that you direct us hungry folk to the nearest food. For even though we would normally want to bask in your beautiful presence...Well, men are better able to appreciate their surroundings on a full stomach," he finished with a smile & a laugh.
"Isn't that right men?" he asked of the Halflings.
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Post by Laurasia on Oct 18, 2005 21:02:37 GMT -5
~Gandalf~
Green. Green as far as one can see & to the right, the deepest blue filling the sea. The soft hum of living things. Not that anything was making a sound in particular, he could simply hear the sounds that come from deep within the machinations of living things.
He slowly raised his pipe to his lips & inhaled deeply, letting the warmth of the smoke wash over himself yet again.
"Gandalf."
The word had been barely audible to him. He opened his eyes just enough to check on the young Hobbit sleeping beside him & found that Frodo was in fact awake.
"Ah! Frodo. I am pleased to see that you have finally rejoined us completely." He put his hand up to still Frodo, who seemed to be trying to rise. "Not yet my dear Frodo. You must eat before you try to rise completely. You have been sleeping for quite a while & should find yourself quite hungry. Not to mention the ordeal that you've been through."
He smiled at Frodo with a twinkle of admiration in his eye. "Amazing indeed."
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