RP 🎲 RP 36: Redemption

At Maedhros words, a sense of premonition came over Nildadari and she drew her cloak around her as she had grown suddenly cold, very cold. Why would he mention the Dragon? Could it be that the silver-scaled creature preyed upon his mind? Did he perhaps hold in his heart a sense of his own fate?

Maedhros turned from Elrond, his countenance darkened by anger and regret. He bade his companions to make ready, that that very hour they would depart Imladris and only return should he complete his search for the brothers. Elrond glowered, his face grim with tightly controlled emotion. He felt tainted by the presence of Maedhros and his followers and he would offer no resistance to their swift departure.

Barahir bowed his head, sick at heart. Many thoughts flew through his head. "This is what Morgoth loves best, when two who should be united against him fight amongst themselves. Should we bow to his will, to he who the Valar cast out three ages agp? We think he is gone, but we allow him to live by allowing ourselves to be corrupted by pride or power. Elrond has reason for anger, but why will he not trust the Valar? Surely he does not think Maedhros could fool Mandos into freeing him for a dubious cause. Melkors malice works on in the form of the dragon, which no doubt has been haunting Maedhros' path, trying to thwart his aim. I thought Elrond, renowned for his wisdom, would be able to put aside his grievances and forgive. Hate is long in dying. All my life I have served Elrond, but now our paths must part. I have given my word to Maedhros, and I, like him, will not break my word."

Barahir spoke, "Lord Elrond, if you do not grant forgiveness to this lord to whom I have sworn alleigence, our ways part. I have been honored to be in your following all my life, and am grieved to leave this fair island or peace, but my spoken word, as that of Maedhros, will not be broken. If Eru wills it, may our paths meet again before you leave this land. If we are to depart, may we reclaim our weapons? Or do you now not trust any who will forgive an old enemy who has forsaken evil?" He paused, "I do not wish to appear impudent by my words, lord. I only wish we would not repeat the past by dividing our forces when the foe aproaches. I have a measure of the forsight of my people, at times; this dragon is not the worst enemy you shall find disturbing the peace of Imladris. Another spirit of Morgoth walks this land, one who seeks the death of more than one elf-lord returned from Mandos. Imladris will not be safe from his malice. Unless all who denounce the Darkness join together, no Light shall survive."

With this, Barahir walked quickly from the room, seeking his weapons and horse. He had hoped for rest and peace for a while, at least, but Imladris was to be a refuge for him no longer.

(edited to add more dialogue)

Elrond frowned at the words of the Ranger and he was deeply disturbed by the unlookedfor return of his kin's slayer. Unable to bear their presence any longer, he had their weapons returned to them and they were escorted without ceremony to the eastern border of Imladris.

Maedhros was saddened, yet his resolve remained firm. He would return the sons of Dior to their kin, or should they be found to have died he would return with proof of their demise. The company was sibdued, sensing the Elf's grief and the weight of his burden. Herugurth came forward and laid a hand on Maedhros' shoulder. There was nothing to be done save go forward or admit defeat. Defeat had never been an option.

Alfirin walked up behind the company, who had not noticed his absense. "I have been visiting old friends in the vale," he explained. "They have given me- no, us, gifts for our journey. We have elven waybread, although I must say, the waybread from Lothlorien is much it's better. They have also supplied myself with a new weapon, and given arrows enough to fill everyone's quiver." He paused, and began to hand out things from a leather sachel he was carrying.

After everything was passed and rationed, he pulled one last thing from the pack. It was a white cloth, folded many times. He handed it to Maedhros, saying "This was given t' me annonymously. But I will tell you that 'twas a maiden who has sewn her heart into 't."

Meadhros took it, and felt it's softness in his hands. He unfolded it, and let is flow like a tapestry down toward the ground. It blew slightly in the breeze before the few in the company who could recognize it's symbol did.

The company now rode under the Banner of the sons of Feanor.

Eve stared at the Banner, and letting it sink in. She sat atop her horse once again, her bow and sword back in her possesion. It felt strange to her that she should be so uncomfortable without her weapons. Perhaps she was truly becoming harden by the life she was living. Always out on adventures, allowing her feelings to stay bottled up inside her...Was that right?

Thoughtfully, the Elf allowed her eyes to gaze at her companions. Soon, they settled on Herugurth, her loyal friend. Always, since they met, he had been by her side. Protecting her, keeping her company...being her friend. She was slowly becoming aware of what his companionship meant to her, and how glad she was to have him in her company. There was a slight smile on her lips that was also in her eyes, as she thought about him. Eve would always be glad he was with her on this trip.

After a bit, they settled on her siblings. It was taking time, but she felt she was once again strengthening the ties that existed between her and her kin. Slightfully ashamed, now, she began to think how long she had let her anger sit inside her, and how it had morphed into to distrust and grudges. She could not let that happen again, for the bond between sisters and brothers is unlike any other, unique and strong.

And finally, she let her eyes rest on Maedhros. Was she ready to forgive and forget what he had done? No, not yet anyway. Maybe, someday, in time...

Eve took a moment to clear her thoughts, before finally saying out loud, "Maedhros, we should not go on, as planned. My heart is darkened by the thought of going that way. We must go on, with a different route than that. This is what my heart tells me."

It had recently come to the attention of Magnus, through various and sundry means, that the company of Maedhros had taken a short respite in Imladris. They now appeared to be heading his way, toward the Misty Mountains. As he lay sunning on an exposed rock-face, he began to contemplate their future. This Elf was stubborn as he remembered all the sons of Feanor to be and therefore a worthy adversary. Perhaps it was time to renew an old acquaintance? Yes!

Stretching his claws with pleasure, Magnus lept off the mountain-side and glided away in search of an ancient friend...

Herugurth paused as he surveyed the magnificence in open abound before his eyes. It seemed as if the lifetime of the Edain had passed since their departure from Valinor. In this place, beauty still thrived, yet it paled in comparision.

Waiting for the great leader to speak, Herugurth knelt and slowly fell forward, until his eyes could be persuaded to live no more, and he passed into a series of darkening dreams, awaking in but a second, though the dreams seemed to go for hours. For long days he would speak of it to no one, yet a time would come when lips can longer be binded, and words will spill, and dreams be told. Now was not this time, and Herugurth's heart was unsteady not knowing of who to confide.

Nildadari and Caimare had remained silent for much of the stay in Imladris. Both of them were deeply disturbed by Elrond's seeming callousness. Nildadari in particular was irritated both by the off-hand manner with which Maedhros had been treated and by the coolness that Turig evinced toward her. Thus confused, she rode on ahead, ranging out apart from the rest, lost in thought.

Turig was finding it hard to keep up with the company. The lands about were treacherous and unforgiving, and as they drew nearer to the foothills of the Misty Mountains the going did not get any easier. The brigand was a poor horseman and the company showed him no sympathy, keeping a strong, steady pace - all of them eager to leave the disappointments of Rivendell behind them. But that suited him well enough, he had a lot to think on.

Ever his eye was drawn to the banner fluttering proudly in the hands of Alfirin - who had taken upon himself the task of standard-bearer; and beside the Dúnadan, the Elf-lord, Maedhros: the subject of the brigand's thoughts. He remembered well the sympathy the Elf had shown him when he was dragged to judgement after his capture. At the time it had amazed him, but now, he felt an understanding - if Turig's hands were stained with blood, then Maedhros' hands were black with it. Yet how could that be? The elf-lord had a noble soul, that much was plain; what could drive a man to commit such unspeakable deeds that six thousand years were not sufficient to wash him clean?

Even though our enemy of ancient times is gone, I still feel his presence in this world. As we begin leaving Elrond's dwelling, my memories haunt me. The oath still follows me, even after all these years the effects are still there. I wonder if the twins are found, how will they react to me, Maedhros, the one who killed their father and company. I still remember with grief that day, it was winter and he attacked them at unawares. There was Dior slain and his wife Nimloth too. I remember the death of my brothers Celegorn, Curufin and Caranthir. What had happened to us? I had not seen that the servants of Celegorn had taken the children to die in the forest until it was too late. It was not supposed to be this way. What happened to my brothers, what happened to me.
As soon as I knew, a feeling of dread was over me and I went to search for them in the woods of Doriath, yet it was to no avail because I could not find them, no matter where I looked.
If Elrond received me thus, what hope I have of finding the twins and taking them back to Valinor.

Nildadari and Caimare, you have heard what Eve have said, I will trust your judgement in the route that is to be followed, but know that sooner or later the dragon will come back, and the time to settle old scores will be once again here.

As they journeyed east from Imladris, the company each found themselves lost in their own thoughts. Maedhros remained morose, dwelling on the task before him. So lost in his dark meanderings was he, that he failed to watch the skies closely. Nildadari saw as it were, a great shadow skimming across the face of one of the largest mountains.

Clutching Maedhros' arm, she pointed. "Lord, the Dragon! Has he seen us, do you think?" A great dread fell upon her heart and she drew her cloak more closely about her. Caimare walked next to her, aware of her growing fear.

Travelling up from the depths of the Misty Mountains a somewhat ugly figure came grumbling all the while. Why did that dragon have to be so big. It cannot get to a chamber close to my Throne room. It was of course the ruler of the Orcs of the Misty Mountains, called by some of the less-well informed "The Great Goblin". Magnus had sent message to him that they needed to meet and the scorch marks on the back of the messenger hinted that it was urgent.

He entered the back of the large cave in which Magnus waited.

Well old friend, why have you have dragged me from my comfortable throne room all the way up here. What is so important. And more importantly, just What is in it for me???

Magnus took no notice of the Goblin King's foul mood, in fact, he was rather pleased with himself at having stirred the old goblin's curoiusity enough to make him put in an appearance.

"Greetings, friend goblin! I bring you news that I believe you will find intriguing. An ancient foe of mine is heading in your direction, one Maedhros by name. He along with his "noble" brothers wrought havoc among your noble kin long ago and now he has returned, seeking two of his own kin. I need your assistance in delaying him from his task, as I believe I am near to finding those whom he so doggedly seeks."

Upon hearing the name of Maedhros, the Goblin King's face grew red with anger. Magnus rumbled in amusement. "I have in my hoard a certain gem, one coveted by the dwarves...this shall be yours if you catch but one of the party which accompanies him. I care not what you do with it, but Maedhros himself is to suffer no harm, mark me!" Magnus lashed his tail for emphasis knocking several underlings to the ground. "Come, are you ready for a little sport?"

Barahir looked up at the sky.
"I have not the sight of the elves, but I too feel the evil presence. We would do well to get as far from this place as possible before stopping. Maedhros, will you tell us where we are headed? I may be able to help us find hidden paths the dragon or his minions do not know." With another glance at the sky, "I do not know much of dragons; does darkness dim their senses? Or are they as keen as wraiths? Travelling by night may be necessary."

Despite his rage at the mention of the name Maedhros. The Goblin Kings eyes lit up at the thought of the gem Magnus offered.

So You want him delayed but not harmed?
I hope you have a good reason and a suitable end in mind since you want me to let him go......

Very well. I will have one or two of his companians captured and brought into the mountain. At the least they will provide some enertainment for a week or so. He grinned. And that cursed Elf can spend a month searching the caverns of the mountains. He will find no more than the echo of their screams to keep him happy. Do you know what path they are taking over the mountains?

"Maedhros' company appears to be only a day or two's march off from your front door. He is wily and sharp of eye. I have no doubt that he knows I am in the vicinity, therefore I believe I shall send him your way more swiftly. Besides, I grow tired of terrorizing the Men of Dale. That lesser wurm Smaug dislikes it immensely when I encroach upon his territory." Magnus looked westward, extending his sight in the fadiing light. It looked as though his quarry had gone to ground and his claws itched as his hunting instinct was aroused.

"Watch the foot-hills carefully. I know that they will attempt to enter one of the passes close by here as unnoticed as possible, so be wary!" With that he scattered rocks in his wake as he flew into the western sky.

Maedhros looked at both Nildadari and Caimarë. Yes, the dragon has seen us. He has been keeping an eye on us for a long time. This time he has wandered to close, he must have something wicked in mind for us. We must be doubly careful, for I sense the foul smell of orcs around these Mountains.
We shold look for a swift and safe way across these mountains, and try to avoid those orcs. We are not enough to withstand a massive attack from them. I wonder, if these are the same orcs that attacked us before we reached Rivendell.
As to where are we going Barahir, we are going east. Exactly where, I do not not, but we must be careful, because Magnus will lead us to his lair and I fear that he has already found or is very close in finding the twins.
A dragon senses are not dull by darkness. They were bred by Morgoth Bauglir in the foul caverns of Angband. Darkness is a part of them.

Nildadari and Caimare went on ahead of the others, while Herugurth and Eve took up the rear-guard. Maedhros was concerned for Earitila, it seemed as though she hadn't spoken in days and her face was wan. He sought to engage her in conversation, but she only shook her head and pulled her cloak more tightly around her.

As night began to fall the Elves searched the skies as each of them began to feel more and more oppressed by thoughts that the Dragon was out there somewhere, searching tirelessly for Dior's sons. They could see that soon they would reach the mountains and that there their cover would run out. Bedding down for the night, Nildadari, who was too edgy to sleep, took first watch. Little did she know that the Dragon would soon be the least of her worries.

The Goblin King watched as Magnus flew off. He then turned and went back into the mountain and his throne-room. He gave orders for the mountain-sides to be watched for Maedhros and his band. Within a very few hours orcs were all over the mountain seeming to squeeze out of the very rocks themselves. There was no part or path that did not have at least half a dozen watchers.

The Goblin King sat and waited for news of just where Maedhros and his party were.

Awakened by some instinct, Barahir stood up and walked silently to Nildadari.
"We are not safe here. Some evil stalks us. We must awake and continue our journey. I know not what my heart warns me against, but my mind fears orcs, stirred up by the dragon which pursues Maedhros. Help me wake the others."
Within moments all traces of the camp were gone, and the company was moving eastward, following paths unknown to orcs.