RP 🎲 RP 36: Redemption

Redemption #36

This will be a serious RPG and hopefully we'll be able to keep the
OOC's to a minimum. It was co-authored by chrysophalax, Maedhros, and
last but never least YayGollum.

We will be needing 2 more players, either Elves or Men at present
to travel with Maedhros. Keep your eyes open for "casting-calls" as
we progress and we'll be asking certain people to make cameo appearances from time-to-time. That being said, let's begin...

REDEMPTION #36
(preface)

I am Maedhros, son of Feanor, mightiest of the Noldor. Long was I in the Halls of Mandos grieving ever for my part in the Kinslaying and for one deed in particular of which I cannot speak.
Seeing that I truly repented of my Oath and suffered greatly, Manwe was moved to pity and coming before Mandos, he petitioned him for my release to set at naught the evil I had committed.
Being brought before him he said unto me, "Maedhros, Manwe hath brought before me thy pain and sorrow and in pity hath begged for thy release into the world that thou mayest right the grievous deed that eats at thine heart.
It is my will that thou shalt restore to their kinsmen those whom thou hst thought dead at the hands of thy brother's servants. Go thou therefore and find the sons of Dior, Elured and Elurin for indeed they still live.
Few will be thine allies and fearsome thy foes, but great shall be thy reward if thou dost succeed."
Great was my joy and a fire burned within me at these words, "I thank thee, Great Lord and vow before you to accomplish this task no matter the cost."
With a high heart I then departed for the ship that Manwe had ordered held in readiness...

Eäritila was of the Teleri, and sailed a small white ship. Her heart yearned for the long voyage, and the open seas, and to see the Grey Havens of Cirdan but few now sailed that way.

But even amongst the Teleri she was counted fair, and she was not strong in build. And thus her father, who was descended from Olwe of Aqualonde spoke ever against her sailing, and bade her not to sail beyond sight of the Blessed Realm. Ever did she speak against this, but he would not be gainsaid, and so she hardened her heart. She resolved that, one day, she would go, whether he agreed or not. So in secret over the long years she learnt what she could from those elves who had walked in the wide lands of Middle Earth. And she learnt of the perils, and taught herself archery, and sword skills. And though she was slight of build, she was lithe and quick and could best many strong elf warriors.

There came a day when the herald of Manwe came to Aqualonde, saying 'Who amongst the Mariners is willing to sail unto Middle Earth?'

And the Teleri were eager to help, yet strange did this request seem to them. And Olwe their lord spoke saying: 'Who doth thou bid us to carry thence?'

The Herald said: 'Maedhros, son of Feanor. For he must put the evils of his House aright! For such purpose of penance has he been released from the Halls of Mandos!'

And Olwe spoke in anger: 'Yet what of the Kin-Slaying? How shall this be put aright? Never shall our ships carry the sons of Feanor, nor any of his House. So say I for all the Teleri. Not lightly do I go against the will of Manwe, yet to this will I hold.'

'So be it!' replied the herald and departed.

Yet as he did, Eäritila did approach him, saying softly: 'Let it not be said that all the Teleri withhold their ships. For I, Eäritila, will sail, yet my ship is but small. Not gladly will I carry this Noldorin lord, yet shall I do so for the chance of a long voyage.'

And the Herald replied saying: 'Manwe shall hear this.' And he departed.

So lately came Maedhros to the quays of Aqualonde, where Eäritila awaited.

Before I left the Halls, I went to seek my father for advice and he told me: "Son, in thou all the hope of our house shall rest. For this journey I perceive that thou shall need the sword called "Aerie", made by myself, which can harm any enemy and an armour of silvery mithril, made by your brother Curufin the crafty, that can stand heavy blows and very high temperatures. Alas, these two treasures of our house had been lost, find them before thou begin thy quest. My son, find also the jewel called "Oiosir" , which I made in my youth. It’s properties thou will learn once thou gain possesion of it."

"Go now to the hills in our house in Formenos , there in my forge room there are swords and armor which will serve thee in your road. A horn I made also, in times of need, it will cause great fears among thy enemies, and remember; strange folk thou shall meet in your journeys, but there will be allies in places when thou least expect. Good luck my son."

"I shall not fail thee". I said.
"I know thou won’t". Having said that he left.

I left the Halls and went straight to our house in Formenos, there in the forge room I found a suitable array of swords and armors. I took one of each and was ready to leave when I saw the emerald horn and a cloak. It was the most beautiful cloak I have ever seen. As I noted it’s texture I knew that it was made by my grandmother Míriel Serindë, for her hands were more skilled to fineness than any hands even among the Noldor. As I took the road of to the coasts of Elendë I met an elf waiting for me.

Hail my lady, I’m looking for an elf called Eäritila can thou tell me where I can find her, for I seek passage to the Havens of Middle Earth.

'Indeed?' said the elf-maiden, laughing lightly. 'Then you have found her. But who are who?'

'My name is Maedhros. I am told that you have a ship that can carry me to the shores of Middle Earth.' he replied. Then he added doubtfully: 'If one so fair will risk this perillous crossing.'

'Canst thou swim the sundering seas, son of Feanor?' asked Eäritila. 'I have all the sea-craft of my people, and more. I can wield a sword at need too, for I have prepared for a journey such of this for all the long years of empty joy. There will be no other boat to take you, and you may be grateful for my small ship. For my people have never forgotten the deeds of your House, and if they see us leaving, then shall they pursue us I doubt not. But my ship will outrun them at need, for she is swift.'

So saying she led the way down to the Quays of Aqualonde. Dusk it was and the scarlet sunset turned the waters red, recalling fell deeds of ages past when Maedhros last trod this way. He drew his hood over his head and walked silently in anguish. But the grey elves of the great harbour hindered them not, as they sat singing gently under great lamps of crystal, and their singing seemed to find blissful harmony with the lapping of the waves against the stone of the port walls. There were moored many ships, white and tall and proud.

Past them all Eäritila led the way until they came to a small ship. White she was too as all the Teleri ships were, but with a design of a small silver bird, and in green letter was the name of that ship, Lintaiwë.

An elf approached them. 'Quick!' whispered Eäritila. 'Get onto the ship, and go below.' Maedhros made his way quickly, leaping onto the deck, and slipping through the small hatch.

'Greetings Eäritila!' cried the approaching elf.

'Well met, Artalassë!' replied Eäritila.

'What brings you to your ship so late. Surely it is time for making merry? And who was that who went aboard your ship?'

Thinking quickly, Eäritila replied with a wink: 'Tell not my father, for perhaps I am making merry in my own way! Just a short turn along the shores this evening, and time for some quiet talk.'

Artalassë laughed merrily, 'Your secret is safe, for now at least. I see you do not wish me to know who has the pleasure of your company. I shall look for such good fortune elsewhere! Good night!' And he continued on his way.

Eäritila let out a sigh of relief, and untied the moorings and boarded the ship. 'Stay below for now Maedhros,' she called softly. 'At least until we are far from the shore.'

Then she unfurled the green and silver sail, the ship passed like a glimmer out to sea.

Havens

As we were traversing the seas, I noticed her ship, made in the likeness of swans, with beaks and eyes of gold such as the ones we stole long ago, but of smaller stature. I felt the cool wind in my face and thought of how beautiful and calm were the coasts of Valinor; then it truly downed on me the our deeds in Alqualondë and in my heart my resolve hardened to see this quest through and bring peace back to my house.

We reached the Havens by morning and were greeted by Círdan the shipbuilder (He already knew of my quest for he was informed by a messenger of Valinor). He said: "Long is thy road and many perils thou will face, but thrust in thy inner strength and those whom thou will meet in thy way".

With that, I thank him and began to take my first steps toward my journey, I noticed that Eäritila stood with me still. I said to her: "Thank thee noble lady, I am forever in your debt, is there is anything that I can do for thee I shall".

Eäritila spoke saying: 'My heart tells me thou shalt not accomplish thine tasks alone Maedhros. And now, in taking you thus far I am sundered from mine own people. Never shall I tarry in peace on the shores of Aqualonde, until thou hast cleansed the name of the House of Feanor. For only then shall the Lord of the Teleri see that this great issue may be put to rest. The debt is greater than you can afford.

'Therefore I shall go with you, wheresoever you shall go. Your task shall be my task. And I will not have peace until it is accomplished, nor yet shall I let you turn from it. Even my life I will give to its end, yet shall I say this too: your life too Maedhros, shall be forfeit to its completion. Turn aside, and I shall slay you for your treachery, yea and gladly knowing the ills you have done. This do I swear in the name of all the peoples of the Teleri, and in the name of Manwe, Lord of the Blessed Isle, and I hold all the Valar in witness. For such a terrible oath thou spoke once before, and so I take this one for the undoing of its evil.

'Let us go, whither this journey shall take us. In this you cannot gainsay me.'

I see that thou dost not comprehend all of the perils that lie ahead, yet if that is thy wish so be it. But know this: Thou shalt be under my protection, I will not wholly repair the evils of my house if in my attempt one of the fairest of the ladies of the Teleri is slain.

I shalt tell you my plans. First I plan to seek the former House of my brothers Curufin and Celegorn in ancient Himlad for in there in treasuries hidden deep in the earth, lies the best sword and armour ever devised by an elf. One was made by my father and the other by my brother Curufin. These, I shalt require in order to face the perils before me.

As we began our journey going east, I noticed that the lands had changed from my previous time in Middle Earth. One night, as we were walking I had the feeling that we were being followed. I had the sense that it was not evil so I let it get closer to us. As I perceived that the distance between our shadow follower was close enough, I muttered my challenge.

"Who art thee, and what dost thou want. Dost thou think that thou canst hid from someone who has seen the light of the trees. Speak now O Sindar Elf".

A lite chuckle whispered down from the trees.
"Tis curiousity, my Lord, that bids me follow you." Came a clear, musical voice. "The winds whisper to me of a warrior, a legend even, come to my shores."
There was a quiet thump as the Elf dropped lightly from the trees. She rose slowly her eyes never leaving him as she smiled slightly.
She was of average height, with a slight build. Her body was encased in gray leather and a black cloak whispered from her shoulders.
"Maedhros, son of Feanor." she breathed, an air of awe invading her tone. "Long have I hoped we would one day meet." she stared at him for a long silent moment, and then grinned. "Nildadari at your service, Milord. How may I serve you?"

Quest

At my service thou sayest. Dost thee even knows what that means. We are beginning a difficult journey, which will be a long perilous one. To join us, would mean imminent danger and risk. I would bid you leave us and return to your home.
But as I see this land, I notice that much has changed since I last was here. We seek my brother’s Curufin and Celegorn household, which in my time was called Himland.

Will thou show us the way so that we can begin our quest. I have much to atone for and I am eager to regain these treasures of my house. I can find my way once I have a direction to follow. Then return to your home so that my heart can rest at peace knowing that such a noble lady as thee Nildadari is safe from harm.

Nildadari waves a dismissive hand.
"Battles I have seen, battles I have fought and won, countless time throughout my life. Something of a rebel I suppose you could call me, I walk these lands alone. And I can see it has been too many years since you have walked my shores, for the land you seek no longer exists. Deep below the tides does Himland now lie, would be a feat indeed to travel there."
Nildadari put a finger to her lips in a "shushing" guesture and grinned.
"But I will tell you this, I am without a doubt the best guide in this land that you could hope to meet, though not many know it for I choose not to lead idiots about my land. But for you My Lord I do believe I would be honored to guide you wherever you need go."
She reached behind her back, with a wicked grin, and pulled out a pair of short swords.
"Danger you speak of, grave battles and long journeys across my land. You bid me not to join you and I laugh. Will you find your way without me? What do you seek in Himland, Maedhros? Treasure? Weapons perhaps? Or glory? None of that will you find there now, but I may know where you can find these things. Maybe your companion knows of these things that I speak, though I doubt it. I do not know her, nor does she know my lands." She grinned again and turned away. "But what do I know?" Nildadari shrugged slightly.

A silver dragon circled lazily in the sky far overhead. He saw below
him a small band of people and, his natural curiosity being what it was, he flew to nearby hill-top to watch their approach.

As they came nearer, talking amongst themselves, something stirred in his ancient memory. The tall Elf who walked with them, he seemed somehow familiar, something in his bearing perhaps...he strained his ears to hear what they were saying but to no avail. He crouched lower
knowing how the sun tended to reflect off his scales.

"What is it about these Elves that stirs my memory? There is no one
save Old Cirdan who lives here,therefore why would they come to THIS
deserted place?" He narrowed his eyes in sudden suspicion. "Could they
somehow have found my resting place? Are they warriors in search of dragons to slay? At last! Something to lessen the boredom of this life
in Middle Earth! Ah! This recalls to me great battles that my sire led us on in the West." He watched their approach with relish. "Come ahead
Elves! Too long has it been since I dined on such sweet flesh!"

"If that is your wish, then be our guide Nildadari."

"I seek the ancient treasures of my house, a sword made by Fëanor my father and an armour made by my brother Curufin. I will need those in order to fufill my quest and find Eluréd and Elurín, who were seized by the cruel servants of Celegorm and left them to starve in the woods of Doriath. I searched for them long in the woods but it was unavailing and their unknown fate eats at my heart."

As we were ready to depart, I had a feeling of strange dread. It has been a long time since I have felt that way. The last time was in the battle of Nirnaeth Arnoediad, when we faced orcs, balrogs and dragons. Yes, that must be it, then I looked into the sky an I saw in the distance a winged creature, that could only be a dragon. For a moment it seemed to me that our eyes locked and I knew that this was not a chance encounter.
Lead the way, Nildadari.

Nildadari grinned broadly.
"I shall not fail you, My Lord. Come, I know where to find what you seek. Tis a few days journey but it will not be hard."

As we began to move onward I noticed Maedhros had fallen very silent, he seemed distracted as if watching something from the corner of his eye. I scanned our surroundings with my own keen senses but could detect nothing unusual. I shrugged and continued on, though I did keep my swords clear in their scabbards.
After several long moments I tried to strike up a conversation.

"Do tell me, My Lord, more about this quest that brings you to my shores. I should like to be able to assist you as best I can."

'Well met, Nildadari. I too am companion of Maedhros in this task. Eäritila of Acqualonde is my name. Great joy does it bring me to meet at last one of my kindred that tarried in Middle Earth and came not West. You must tell me of these wide lands, for I have longed to see them through unending years.'

Then she shivered, with a fear that was little known to her. Not since the host of Ar-Pharazoan had sailed had she felt dread. Then she knew that the safety of the Blessed Land was truly behind her. She trembled. With excitement and fear together.

She whispered: 'Something perilous watches. Don't you feel its malice?'

She fitted an arrow to her bow, staring about her.

As Nildadari explained to me, we were heading north toward Ered Luin, also known as the Blue Montains. She thinks therein we shall find clues about the ancient treasure of my house in ME. We needed to cross the river Lune to reach our destination. When we were walking we always took the same formation, Nildadari in front, followed by Eäritila and me in the back. I chose these formation because I fear that something will happen to Eäritila. As we walked, I often told them stories of my former life. When Middle Earth was not yet populated and we went with Oromë into the woods of ME to hunt the creatures of Morgoth.

As we camped one night, we were eating some lembas that Nildadari provided, I noticed a strange noise and so did my companions. We were attacked by a band of men, they had strange paintings in their bodies. Nildadari dispatched 2 with her bow, I slew 3 with my sword and as I tried to help Eäritila, she killed the one that assaulted her. These strangers, seeing how we killed 6 of their own dispatched so quickly, they left us. Strange I thought, there was something in these men that I could pierce with my eyes. Yes they were afraid of us, but I caught a glimpse of something more.

I asked both of them if they were all right. They nodded. I cheered Eäritila, saying "you have proven yourself in battle, you are a warrior now." "In two days, we will have reached our destination, what do you say Nildadari?"

Magnus watched the engagement with interest from atop his vantage point. These Elves could fight! And well! He narrowed his eyes in thought and suddenly it came to him....Maedhros! Incredible! But how?
It had to be though for he had seen him in action before,long ago.

He growled deeply in anticipation. It had been many years since anyone had dared come near this particular lair and the fact that his ancient foe was walking into his claws caused him to snarl evilly.

Seeing the Men running across the fields, he felt a surge of blood-lust flow through his veins. Like a silver avalanche he hurtled off the mountain and roaring loudly he flew into the Men,scattering them like chaff. Magnus savagely ripped them to pieces.

As he gulped down several large chunks he thought, "Behold your enemy Maedhros! Turn not from your path, for it will delight me greatly to destroy you!"

Nildadari suddenly stopped short and put up a hand in a silencing motion. She ****ed her head to the side listening intently. It had been nearly a day and a half since their run-in with the strange painted attackers, and they now stood at the base of a great moutains. In the distance large carved stone chunks could be seen dotting the landscape, remnants, ruins of a once grand location.

Maedhros stepped closer to her, his eyes searching their surroundings. He glanced at Nildadari who again motioned for complete silence.
Finally she spoke.
"Did you hear that?" She asked in a whisper.
Maedhros nodded grimly.
"Screaming." Earitila whispered simply.
Nildadari nodded.
"Aye, much pain." She shook her head sadly and looked back at Maedhros. "We must be cautious, someone or something has taken care of the rest of the strangers who attacked us. It did not sound pleasant."
Maedhros simply nodded, the image of the huge beast he had glimpsed flying overhead days before haunted him still.

Nildadari beckoned to them.
"Come. We leave the path, it would be safer I think to keep completely concealed till we are able to determine what is following us."
She slipped into the trees without and sound.

Eäritila followed soundlessly. She knew they were nearing the land of the dwarves of old. Dwarves! She had never met one before. Unlovely grasping creatures she had heard, yet great craftsmen. But no friends of elves. She recalled the tale of the sacking of Doriath.

The smell of the sea breezes through the lush damp lands filled her senses, but she treaded warily now. The threat in her mind grew ever more powerfully as she followed Nildadari. Maedhros was close behind. She felt his presence, and at times his restless thoughts.

Suddenly Nildadari stopped, staring. They saw what seemed a stone block by the path ahead, and it was shaped like a statue of a short bearded man, sitting with an axe in front of him, grey in face and beard and mail. A likeness of one of the Naugrim! Eäritila thought. She started to go towards it.

Nildadari looked at her with a warning in her eyes. 'He breathes!' she said, her voice barely a whisper in the grass.

I advanced quickly towards the dwarf. I went quickly to see if I could save him, but he told me that his time had come. His name was Thronin, descendant of Durin of Old and ruler of a forgotten realm. When he saw me, he told me that he was waiting for me, as was said to him in a prophecy.

It was told that when all hope was lost, an elf with fire in his eyes and one hand would come and regain the jewel of our kindom, the Oiosir, which will help cleanse of lands of the evil dragon Magnus. When I began to question him about this prophecy, he told me that it was told to him by a man in blue robes, wise beyond years.

He looked in my eyes and saw my confusion and said: "He was your friend". With that, he died in my arms and I was resolute to carry on. I found in a bag of his a scroll containing a map of the Mountain and the history of his people.

"Dragons!" Nildadari hissed through clenched teeth. "That must be what disposed of our foes, only a Dragon could cause such destruction!"
I clenched my swords tighter and glanced around uneasily. There was an odd scent on the wind and the air seemed to have gone foul. I looked to Earitila and saw her gripping her weapons anxiously as well, the only one among us that seemed at ease with the present situation was Maedhros. He stood tall, his eyes fixed on something yet unseen to Earitila and I, his expression calm, but set with deadly certainty. I moved to stand beside him, transfixed by his composure, my eyes followed his to see what he saw.....and I froze with a gasp.
"What?!" Earitila asked in an urgent whisper, and I could only voice one word....

"Magnus."