RP 🎲 RP 36: Redemption

Hearing the truth in Turig's words, the company proceeded along the road, pushing the horses as much as possible in their condition. Barahir rode at Alfirin's side, keeping a wary eye on him. Worry etched his young features as he steadied his companion in the saddle. He hadn't seen Alfirin like this in a long while and it concerned him if it should happen during combat.

The others rode silently, each other lost in their own thoughts. Maedhros brooded as he contemplated his reception by Elrond and he shook himself, telling himself that it did no good to anticipate what Elrond might do.

It was late when the company finally reached Bruinen, the last few days had been a trial for them all. It had rained for three days straight, turning the road into a river of mud. Hard-going for Turig's hacks. And with the memory of Alfirin's prophecy casting a shadow over them as they made their way through the Trollshaws, tempers had been freyed and hot words spoken. Yet at first sight of the river the mood had lightened, and as the company set up camp for the night they laughed amongst themselves. For the House of Elrond was almost in sight.

Were almost there, I thought. The raining is non stop. Look at me, the great warrior, with dirty hands of blood because of the Kinslaying. I have taken part in countless battles against hordes of orcs, balrogs and yet I worry about what Elrond is going to say to me. I wonder what would my friend Fingon would think of me if he saw me like this.
I have fallen from the highest to the very bottom. We who lived in paradise and managed ourselves with honor and yet we killed inocents and our own kind.
I wonder if there is truly redemption for one such as I.

The ravines and small streams surronding Imladris had taken their toll on everyone, fraying their tempers. Herugurth's horse had taken a wrong step and fallen into one of the crevasses. Herugurth flung himself off it in time, and this did nothing to improve his mood. Refusing to ride double, he strode angrily along, glowering.

Up ahead, they could see a few scouts up in the pass watching them approach. Apprehensively the company rode up to closest of them and Maedhros greeted them, stating who he was. Arrows were instantly nocked and a sword was pointed at his heart. "You and these will come before Master Elrond." The Elf said in a cold voice. "Though were I you, I would not hope for welcome or aid."

(for the record, you're all completely phsyco )

The two days of uninterrupted travel had eased Alfirin's feaver, and he was becoming slightly agitated by the constant zig-zag of the company. He knew the shortest way to Imladris, and wished only that he had the strength to speak.

On they went, until at last they came upon a sentry of the lord Elrond. The sentry spoke, "Though were I you, I would not hope for welcome or aid.." There was a moment of silence. The elf from the sentry did not seem to recognize the high elves from the west.

Finally, a grunt of a response came from a figure atop a pony, who was encased in a large wool blanket.

The elf went over, lifted the blanked from the figure's head, and made a scoffing laugh. "Alfirin, it has been long since you last visited us. It looks as though someone has been taking it easy on you, yes? Last time you came you could not even ride a horse."

Alfirin's face was bruised, and there were great bags under his eyes; The company thought he still was rather ill looking, but there was a fire in his eyes, which gave him the strength to speak, "You, Uiloth, are just wrathful for but that Elrond holds me higher in his heart than thou."

At this, Uiloth turned with anger in his face, and shouted over his shoulder. "Come over here, to my men. You will all dis-arm yourselves, before you are allowed into the citadel."

Eve slipped off her horse, and fingered her sword. She let the hood of her cloak fall backwards as she slowly and reluctantly untied her sword from her waist. Humblely, she handed the sentry her sword, as well as her bow and arrows. Then, quickly, she leaped back in the saddle, feeling strange to not have her sword at her hip to bang mercilessly into her.

"Not all hold their place in Lord Elrond's heart as their highest achievement. Whether we think it justified or not, let us surrender our weapons and proceed; we will accomplish nothing otherwise." Barahir rode forward, handing his sword and bow to Uiloth, and waiting for the others to follow. "While I understand the welcome you have shown us, there is no need for it. Do you think Mandos would allow Maedhros leave to return to Middle Earth for violence? Afirin and myself are well known to you, and you know we bear no ill-will to Lord Elrond. Elrond is known for his wisdom, should you not let peaceful travelers ask for council?"

The Elven guard narrowed his eyes at the Ranger. "Your words are truly spoken, however this is a matter that hearkens back far beyond your time, Edain. Master Elrond will not be pleased to find that one of Feanor's mis-begotten sons is here within the confines of his realm. There is little, if any, love for this one ," he said contemptuously, nodding toward Maedhros, "in the heart of Elrond."

As he spoke, the other Elves with him moved cautiously toward the company and disarmed them, though for a moment it looked as though Turig might put up some resistance. Maedhros looked long at him and with an oath, Turig cast his weapons at the feet of the nearest Elf. Seeing that all were now disarmed, their guide turned and they passed swiftly up the road to the abode of Elrond.

Elrond remained impassive as his aid spoke to him.
"He has come unto my land, that curse unto the lands of Arda ever marred by the demon of the same fell cast as he himself. Bring him before me."

The company dis-armed. They all made their way down into the valley in complete silence. Maedhros looked off to the west, as though looking for aid or an answer to some abysmall question. The two Dunedain looked at home. They walked past crowded streets, for the elves were still numerous in these parts.

As they made their way tward the great fortress of Elrond, the companions began to take in their surroundings. The streets and shops were fair, although the looked as though they had seen better days. The people looked strange to the Elves from the west. They were a far cry from the splendor of Valinor. Dressed in their simple woodland garb, they almost took them for a mass of servants... but the looks that they gave the tall Maedhros were quick to rule that much out. Now the fallen elven lord was becomming angry, for the Feanor had been passed to all of the sons of Curufinwe, and not even Mandos could bid it depart from the soul of Maedhros. Maedhros thought... 'I shall not stand by and let this 'lord' of the eldar insult me and my heratige! He may be of the blood of Finwe, but I, sure as the Mountains of Valinor, am of the higher lineage! Why, he should bow unto me..."

And with these proud thoughts, Maedhros and the company entered the hall of Elrond.

Interesting I thought. A last remain of the beauty of the works of the Noldor. As we passed from the stone bridge, towards the upper porch of Elrond's house I could see the craftmanship of my people, although in lesser detail.
Elrond was waiting for us, in the east facing porch. It seems that he uses this place for meetings and reunions. He was sitting in the biggest chair in the place. Beside him, where two tall men, neither young nor old So much alike were they, the sons of Elrond, that few could tell them apart: dark-haired, grey-eyed, and their faces elven-fair, clad alike in bright mail beneath cloaks of silver-grey, which I guess would be his sons Elladan and Elrohir.
There were other elves there, the most distinguishable of those is one whose hair was of shining gold, his face fair and young and fearless and full of joy and who had a simbol of a golden flower. I had heard rumors of another elf that was granted permission to return to ME after having dwell in Mandos, can it be him!
And lastly, there was Elrond. He seemed neither old nor young, though in it was written the memory of many things both glad and sorrowful. His hair was dark as the shadows of twilight, and upon it was set a circlet of silver.
You have grown indeed Elrond, I'm pleased that you have grown as you have during the years. It's been a long time since the last time we met. I still remember the way Maglor used to play with you and your brother when you were little.
But this guards around us is unnecessary, I have not come from the Halls of Mandos to continue my ways of old. I have come here with one real purpose, but I will only reveal it to you alone.

Those of Maedhros' company drew nearer to him instinctively as Elrond's eyes narrowed slightly. The two looked at each other, weighing every word, every glance. Maedhros turned to the others and bade them wait for him as Elrond rose and walked to the railing over-looking the vale. Mountains rose in the distance and Maedhros shuddered involuntarily. Mountains nearly always meant Dragons. These mountains were to prove no exception...

Eve warily glanced between Maedhros and Elrond. The tension was clearly evident, and rather catching, and soon it seemed hard to breath, the air was so thick with it. Out of habit, Eve tried to lay her hand, for comfort, on the hilt of her sword which wasnt there. Malanna's muscles were hard underneath her as he picked up on his lady's tension.

When Maedhros looked to the moutains, Eve saw the look on his face. She wondered what he was thinking, and if her own thougths were the same. It seemed long ago that the Dragon had had its go at the small company, and she wondered how long it would be til they met again.

Elrond’s glance roamed over the vale, absorbing the cadence which rose from it as though it were a familiar pillar to support him. Ever slightly he turned, allowing every moment to unfurl into a blooming rose of uncertainty for Maedhros. Elrond nodded acknowledgment towards his words, and the guards did then depart, though unbeknownst to any but Elrond they remained very near at hand. As Maedhros spoke Elrond again roamed with sight about the vale, and then fully turned to face Maedhros. His wrath began to grow as that visage bore into his mind, and in it was conjoined to the unspeakable horrors of that which he, his siblings, and his father had wrought upon the face of Arda. He spoke, his voice void of emotion.
“Hail Maedhros, son of Feanor. This is a meet which I had not foreseen. When word had come unto my land that you were come, I thought it but apocryphal.” His candor was not unexpected by Maedhros, and the two seemed to engage in a duel of composure. “What do you wish. Speak son of Curufinwë." Elrond's glance bore down upon Maedhros with a fury lost unto all but him.

Eäritila stood near at hand, and watched all that passed between them with sadness and calm. Some might have thought that she, kin of Olwë of Alqualondë was herself due more honour than she attracted, but the thought did not even occur to her.

'There is no point, I deem, in saying aught in this matter,' she thought. 'For what will pass between them will pass, and whatever wisdom and nobility that these two great lords are graced with, will have to suffice. Both are counted mighty and wise: let us hope that reason will prevail.'

And she looked about, and perceived a power in that fair vale that was strange and beautiful, of time slowed, of change and fading halted, and it reminded her somewhat of Aman.

Nildadari and Caimare stood together uneasily. Never before had they witnessed in-fighting among the noble-born of their race and they both found it chilling. Master Elrond and Maedhros faced each other coolly, then Maedhros bowed his head briefly in acknowledgement of Elrond's words. He knew that he had to continue with his journey whether or not he had the support of Elrond, yet he was finding it more difficult than he had anticipated, confronting this kinsman that his family had so wronged.

Herugurth was becoming impatient and walked away to stand close to Eve, while Turig found himself fascinated with the beauty and serenity of the Last Homely House. A place such as this he had never known existed and, had things been different, he would have wished to remain for a time.

There was something about the Last Homely House that entranced the brigand. He could feel the power in the Vale of Rivendell, and he felt something too of the dream of Elrond - A refuge in a world of growing darkness, a place of healing and release from sorrow.

Yet it was Elrond himself who captured Turig's eye. Here was one among the mighty who understood the cares of men, not from him the pity shown by his elven companions, no this one was different. Somehow he had touched the world of men, he knew something of their grief, their pain, and Turig wondered much at it.

This is what really I have come for to Rivendell Elrond. It was not for safe passage, nor supplies but only for this. As Maedhros spoke, he took something out of his pocket, a gem which I called the Eldanyárë. It simbolizes hope after the war of the Silmarils. I made it myself, after I was released from the Halls of Awaitening. I remember that I made one such as this and gave it to my friend Fingon before our perversion and revolt in Aman.
I have done many evils Elrond. You yourself are a witness of that. I only ask of you that someday, you might find in your heart to forgive me and my brother for what we have done to you.
This place is beautiful, truly a worthy place made by the Noldor.
Having said that, I waited for Elrond's response.

Elrond let his gaze fall upon the gem which Maedhros held.
"You wish my forgiveness, and not succour? Your tongue is indeed gilded though that which is wrought within the confines of your mind. Am I to disregard the crimes which I and my kind have abhored for ages unto ages uncounted. Perchance the mind of he who dwells in Mandos thought it wise to release you from whence you were destined to endure the ages in lament for your crimes, though I deem it unwise to do so. Behold! you stand upon ground which was to be brought to ruin by the same power which you in your follies and misguided quests had ever boldened and strengthened. Am I to have credence to the words you speak to me now, Maedhros."

I may be lots of things Elrond, but a liar isn't one of them. I have held to my "perverted" oath throught the longs years in ME. I have killed many enemies and allies because of it, yet never have I deceived any of the people of the West.
I have always honored my word, to my last breath and against impossible odds. In my former life, I had lost many virtues, but my word I have always kept, to the most dire consequences. You have spoken, as I knew you would.
Yet, as much as I have dread this conversation among the long years I that I have spent in solitude, I dread more what is to come, and is not the dragon that I fear.