Eärwen Hurries to Olwë

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Canelle Nightfire

The Lady Earwen is seated at her mirror brushing out her silvery locks when a messenger discreetly knocks and enters the chamber.
"Greetings my Lady, I have a message for your eyes alone," whispers her faithful companion.

"What is it, my friend?"

"My Lady, a great swan has appeared from the skies and landed on the terrace below bearing this parchment."

Receiving the parchment from her friend, and breaking open the mark of her father King Olwe,  Earwen gazes intently at the quickly penned words then looks up in alarm. "A message has come from the sailor Nole asking me to hurry to my father in Alqualonde. I fear 'tis grave news! His message is of a very urgent nature - insisting that I attend as quickly as possible as my father needs all those who love him to be around him at this time."

Earwen gazes worriedly at her companion. "Nole says my father is not entirely well. I wonder what has befallen him. Please, my friend, gather a few belongings together, I must make haste across the ocean to my father's side."

Making her way to her husband's study, she knocks discreetly and enters with a whisp of her pale sea-coloured gown. Finarfin, her husband, looks up and smiles as she gracefully floats towards him. "I have grave news, Beloved. My father's faithful mariner, Nole, has sent an urgent message for me to attend my father with all haste. It seems he is unwell. I fear it must be serious, or my father would have written to me in his own hand."

Gazing with concern at the pale beauty beside him, Finarfin smiles, stands up, and reaches a hand to her shoulder. "You must go with all haste my love - though I will greatly miss your presence. Your father needs you - therefore it shall be done. I will have my mariners ready our fastest ship, and you shall leave within the hour." Pulling her gently into his embrace, he whispers, "Hurry back my love. I know the Valar will watch over you as they always have."

Smiling up at her husband, she hugs him close, then turns to face this unexpected interruption to their peaceful existence.

Before she takes her leave, she quickly returns to her chamber and pens a note to the faithful Nole, begging him to tell her father she is on her way to him. With all haste she gracefully makes her way to the terrace below and, seeing the swan still waiting, as she knew it would, she ties her parchment about it for the return journey.

"May the ocean winds speed you on your way," she whispers to the graceful creature. Standing back she smiles as she watches the great white bird set off on its return home to the sheltered haven from whence it had flown.

Within the hour, Earwen hurries to the dockside of the great city in which she has lived for as long as she can remember. Whispering farewell to its great white walls, she climbs aboard the craft, which has been hastily prepared for her by her husband's mariners. The mariners cast off and set sail across the seas to Alqualonde.

As they leave the safe waters of the harbour, Earwen hears the call of the sea for which she is named. She revels in the feel of the currents seething beneath her feet. As a child of the Teleri, she is most at home riding this elemental force which has oft guided the destiny of her people. Standing at the mast, remembering the gifts sent to her as a child from the great sea lord Ulmo, she calls to the mighty Valar for aid in making favourable the tides and winds to hasten her on her way towards her father's side.

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Nolë Writes to Eärwen

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Shawn Daysleeper

Following his discussion with Elenwe, Nole returned to his home to carry out his king's command. He approached his desk, covered with astrological star charts and maps of the various coasts and islands of the world. These maps show his favourite and most efficent sea routes  that he discovered long ago in the mortal world. Arrows cris-cross the maps, notated with Nole's fair hand alongside symbols that the sailor, alone, perhaps could interpret.

As he sat down, one map in particular caught his attention. This old map illustrated the coast of the Undying lands, and the parchment clearly showed the love and care of many years of use. Tol Eressea was the focal point, along with Alqualonde, further north on the mainland coast. His thoughts strayed briefly to his childhood, when these places defined the limit of his knowledge of the world, and this map was always in his pocket or in his hand. But now, to him, the world was much larger and... dangerous. On the western edge of this map is the city Tirion upon Tuna. He smiled as he pushed the outdated map aside and began to write a message on a clean piece of parchment:

"Earwen, I write on behalf of my king, your loving father. He requests you come to Alqualonde. The situation is very urgent, and I am afraid he is not entirely well. He desperately needs you... as well as everyone who is close to him and who loves him. Let us stand by his side, fair Earwen. May the Valar guide you safely and quickly to his side. Your loving friend, Nole"

He rolled the parchment and sealed it with the mark of Olwe. He went out into the night and selected a swan from the group outside the swanry. Speaking the lovely language of the Teleri, he whispered to the swan as he secured the parchment to the bird. He smiled as the swan departed in a graceful arc, beginning the long journey westwards.

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Olwë: Memories

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AelKennyr Rhiano

Restless, ever restless, Olwe padded across the bedroom floor and gazed out of one of the windows over his beloved Swanhaven, Alqualonde, once the chief city of the Teleri on the shores of Valinor, now an island in the world of mortals. Outside his window, the snow had finally stopped, though the bitter coldness seeped through the glass.  He exhaled, and the glass fogged from the warmth of his breath.  For a few moments, he watched, fascinated, as the glass cooled again and all traces of his breath were erased.  He crossed his arms and hugged himself as he pointedly ignored the cooing, caressing voice that, over and over again, sang to him of his own death. 

Olwe looked up at the stars, up at the moon and stared upon the celestial orb....for how long, he could not tell.  Time was melting away for him.  He went from moment to moment, each torment to each torment.  To think beyond the present moment was to tempt a madness he was afraid he would not ever overcome.  He was tempted to leave his chambers and descend to one of the verandas, from which he could better see the moon, but someone would be guarding his door and would follow him, and Olwe wanted solitude. 

"Tilion."  He mouthed the name and fogged the glass again.  He closed his eyes as the voice within took up the name and chanted it over and over ... "Tilion, Tilion, Tilion."  Then those invisible claws lashed out and slashed at his mind, at his soul.  He stiffled a cry and wrapped his arms tighter around his stomach and chest.  Swaying, he fell forward and threw out an arm to catch himself by bracing against the wall.  He was able to remain standing, panting, for several moments, the pain ripping through muscles, skin, and the inner chambers of his being.  He drew in ragged breaths and slowly opened his eyes. The first thing he focused on was the wall, then his arm which was bracing him.  There was blood on the sleeve.  He pushed himself upright and unwrapped his other arm from around his stomach...Blood!  Looking down, he saw claw marks on his skin, on his stomach, blood oozing.  Shaken, he gasped. and stumbled to his couch.

The bedchamber of the Lord of the Teleri was sparse, as it had always been, for he sought little in the way of personal comfort.  Here was the couch where he would rock and croon to his daughter, Earwen, all those restless nights, so very long ago, when the infant was teething.  Here was the couch where he and Tilion would sit together, talking, holding each other.  Breathing in, the smell of moonbeams and starlight that was Tilion's own scent filled Olwe's nostrils, and he gave a tired small smile.  There, in the center of the room was the rug upon which he and his daughter had many a meal and formal tea with her stuffed dolls. And in the center of the room, on that same, very important rug, was Olwe's cunningly crafted wooden bed.

Olwe looked over, now, at the bed, and while the bleeding slowed, memories unfolded.  This was the bed that his dear friend, Celebrimbor, carved for him, when they first arrived in the Shining Lands.  There is where he made love to Earwen's mother, and together they created his most beautiful daughter. To that bed, would he bring his infant daughter to her mother to look upon, though she did so less and less frequently, until she, one day, bade Olwe to not bring the tiny Teleri princess in anymore.

And soon after, Olwe was both mother and father to Earwen.

In that bed little Earwen would creep, after escaping the most vigilant of nursemaids, to tug at her father's arm and said, "Papa, Papa, Papa, wake up."  Then when he rewarded her efforts with a bleary eye, she would ask in her solemn musical child voice, "Papa, were you asleep?  I can't sleep?  Can you sleep?  Papa, I had nightmares.  I want to sleep with you." 

And he would argue, "No, no, Earwen, you are a big girl. You have your own bed, and Sairalinde will be looking for you."  But he never won the argument.  One look at her tear filled eyes, one heavy heave of her shoulders, one glance at her trembling lips, and Olwe would pull back the covers and bid her to crawl beneath them.  Obedient, then, she would snuggle against her father and with her small hand, pat his chest as she lay her head against his shoulder. Then he would pull the covers up around them both and hold her tight, falling asleep with the sweet smell of her hair, the sound of her breath lulling him to the dreams of Lord Irmo.

Upon that bed they both sat and talked of so many things that were so important to his daughter as the years transformed her from child to woman.  First it was imaginary playmates, and trinkets that Osse and Unien, and even the Great Valar Ulmo would leave upon the shore for the little Teleri Princess to find.  Then the talk shifted to pointed questions about her missing mother, which he dodged and hedged around.  Then onto little crushes and confessions of undying affections which seemed to change with the new moon...until finally came the day that Earwen asked her father to sit beside her on that same bed and told him that she was content to marry Finarfin, the third and youngest son of Finwe.  Olwe stared at the bed and once again saw his beloved Earwen. "Papa, I believe we could bond and grow to love each other in time to come."  She looked at him, her face so calm, so serene. "He reminds me of you, Papa.  I want this marriage.  I truly do."

Olwe bowed his head, remembering how once, he, too, said he was content to take someone as his life companion.  Remembering how once, he thought he could grow to love her, that she would grow to love him, that the bond that so many teleri had with each other would, one day, be  theirs, too.  But it was not to be. The voice rose in volume, stirred by the mention of Earwen's mother, by the emotions that memories of her still stirred in the Lord of the Teleri.

"Lies, lies, lies, " it chanted.  "She wanted a crown, not a soft hearted elf, " it purred.  "She needed, wanted more than you could ever give.  She needed someone..."

"Be still," murmured Olwe.  "Be still, dark one."

 "Someone with fire, someone with spark, someone who wasn't afraid to go out into the woods with her and..." the voice paused, and continued, the silky, oily voice sliding around his head and then digging in, like sharp talons. "Oh, but you saw, didn't you?  You saw what she really needed?"

"BE STILL," Olwe hissed back. 'Be still. Be still.  It is the past.  It is long in the past." 

"Oh yes, oh yes, in the past, in the past...ashes, ashes, ashes." The voice purred in his mind.  "Wise you are, not to tell the child about the mother."

Upon his arrival here at Alqualonde, after  leaving Sylvahara,  Olwe remembered commanding that a swan be sent to Earwen, telling her of her father's request she come to Alqualonde.  She was a grown woman, now, with grown children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren.  The line of Olwe has continued and grown.  "No matter what you do," he whispered to the Voice."I will survive you.  I will live through my daughter and her children and her children's children.  Down through all the ages."

The voice roared with laughter.  "Foolish, foolish Olwe," it rebuted him.  "Do you not know...do you not yet realized? Children die all the time...Mothers die all the time....Daughters die all the time......

"So do Princesses, Queens and foolish Kings!"

Olwe would have liked to have scream his rage and defiance at the voice, but darkness enveloped him, and he slumped, unconscious on the couch.

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Elwing Explores 2

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Cinnamon Raymaker

Elwing wandered back to the beach where Linfea had gently placed her on her arrival in this land. The waves lapped at the sandy shore and lulled Elwing into a sense of calm. She sat on a rock and looked out over the sea from whence she had come, wondering how her Uncle fared.

Almost dozing off, she opened her eyes when she heard the chattering of several excited seabirds as they circled around above her. Instinctively, she tuned in to their chattering and picked out some pieces of information, which they were chattering over and over again.

"Fur ... magic ... darkness ... dark."

Astonished and feeling somewhat overwhelmed and concerned, Elwing looked up and saw the birds flying out of sight around the cliff face. She quickly got to her feet and made her way carefully around the bottom of the cliff face. What she saw around the other side was amazing - a hidden pathway. which brought her to yet another beach oasis. Obviously the people here enjoyed their food, and their campfires were always well-tended. However, she was beginning to wonder just exactly who these people were! Having seen only one inhabitant so far, and now hearing the bird's repeated words, Elwing worried that the darkness which had taken her from the sky may have had something to do with avian warning concerning Princess Fur.

Passing by the campfire, Elwing wandered further around the small cove in which she found herself. Standing on the sandy beach she happened to look skywards to see her friends, the seabirds, circling on high. She craned her neck to try and discover where they were headed. Way above her head she noted gigantic rocks piled up together into a strange overhanging structure. She wondered if that was one of the high skylets which Princess Fur had warned her about. Its menacing shape made her shudder uneasily. She carefully skirted the rocks scattered around the beach and climbed up to the top of some larger mounds, which appeared to have fallen from above eons ago. The action of the seawater, wind, and waves had started to render them smooth rather than the jagged rocks from more recent falls.

As she scaled the mound, she came across a waterfall that dropped gracefully from a great height above her. Remembering the falls near Menegroth, her childhood home, Elwing decided to venture further to see if there was a pass behind the falls. Taking a deep breath of air into her lungs, she jumped into the stream and made her way through the rushing falls, finding herself in a deep underwater cavern. She looked around instinctively and pushed herself from the bottom of the water up to the surface, emerging into a dark hall with runed columns reaching up from under the water. Beams of light shone through from cracks in the ceiling above. She spied a platform onto which she pulled herself and sat, legs dangling over the edge, wondering what to do now. Just then she spied a ramp scaling the walls of this deep black cavernous building. She carefully negotiated her way around the platform and across the columns, noticing a small shelf that would keep her dry as she walked across to the ramp. Slowly and carefully she walked up the ramp, pausing for a few moments to check the runes on the closest column. Some of them seemed a little familiar but others looked strange to her and were from unknown origins.

Elwing reached the top of the first ramp and checked around the platform on which it ceased. She looked back across the massive expanse that marked out this building and realised that the shafts of light she had seen were not beams of sunlight at all but came from some unseen source around that central platform. That, indeed, was eerie, and the blackness of the stone in this building weighed heavily on her mind. She continued up a small ramp and found herself in the blackest room she had ever had the misfortune to enter. Black crackled marble columns held up the heavy stone from crashing in on her. Elwing suddenly felt that sense of crushing dread which she had experienced both times she had been thwarted from achieving her goal of reaching the vessel Vingilot. It was so disturbing that she had to close the thought from her mind or she would not even think of moving on through this place.

Steeling her nerves, she walked into the centre of the hall in which she found herself. To her left she saw two large heavy metal doors. In front of her were two braziers filled with glowing flames which added at least some light to the end of the hall. To her horror, she saw between the braziers a throne covered in red - as if it had been doused in blood. The whole throne area was covered in layers of spiders' webs, almost caressingly encasing the area for protection.

Elwing gathered herself yet again and continued to walk towards this terrifying vision. The sense of menace resurfaced the closer she got to that red throne. It impinged on her senses and affected her breathing so badly that she panicked and had to turn away. In doing so, she again caught a glimpse of those huge doors and hurried towards them. The feel of the cold metal under her hands brought her back to reality. She pushed at the doors, and thankfully they gave way and opened. Elwing caught her breath as she saw more webs lining the cavern into which the door opened. Then recoiled in horror as she realised what was below her. It resembled a huge white crystalised egg, cradled by the roots of giant trees, which dug deep under the ground of this isle. What else lay in wait for her she could not tell until she again ventured down the ramp in front of her.

Reaching the bottom, Elwing looked into the tree roots, seeing that the egg was cradled lovingly. She peered carefully inside it and noticed something very strange. She thought it might have been a sword standing with the blade pointing upwards, gently piercing the egg as if to gather something dripping from its inner surface.

The sense of darkness was at its highest in that egg. It almost felt like a living entity trying to penetrate her mind and body. However, she felt the most urgent need to touch and soothe its presence. It was as if a child was calling out to its mother - just for the feeling of touch and security. Elwing walked out onto a small stone shelf in front of the egg and reached out her hand to touch it.

Suddenly, she heard the sound of malevolent laughter ringing around the cavern and recoiled as though she had been hit by a bolt of lightning. Hearing the wild chirping of the seabirds she looked up from her intentions as though a spell had been broken.

"What are you trying to tell me my friends?" she whispered.

Hurriedly she moved back to the platform and scurried up the ramp from whence she had come. Feeling a sense of impending doom was hovering around her, she searched frantically for the waterfall and ran towards it, launching herself into the air and through the wall of water, praying her wings would appear.

"Thanks be to blessed Illuvatar!" she prayed, as she gently floated down to the beach below and scurried away to retrace her steps to the tree fort and safety.

> Next

Talia's Dawn to Dusk

> Previous Dalish       

Faerie Princess Aynad Adored was enjoying the company of her fae sisters in the glade, dancing in the air around an ancient oak tree. A dozen small oak saplings had just sprouted under the tree. It had been a long year, tending the acorns, making them little depressions in the moist earth guarding just these few from the squirrels and other rodents until the tender shoots came forth, and there was much rejoicing. There was one fae for each of the new trees, and they all had parts in the music, whether playing reeds, or just singing their sweet songs.

The Dalish queen,Taila Saechi, made her way through the forest, listening as the sounds of singing and laughter grew louder. She smiled, knowing she would soon join her daughter, Aynad, at the fae celebration. This was the first time she had been to a fae gathering, and she was keen to share it with Aynad.

Aynad was especially happy this year, as she had recently been adopted by the head couple of the Dalish Clan, and they had bestowed on her a title of Princess. Seeing her mother approaching, Aynad stole away to greet her.

Emerging from the shade into the glade, Taila waved as she saw Princess Aynad coming to greet her.

“Mother! What a great joy to see you here!” Aynad exclaimed as she rushed to hug her mother. Aynad hugged her mother with both of her arms, and both of her wings.

Taila laughed as she experienced the arms and wings enveloping her."My dear! I'm so happy to see you! Thank you so much for inviting me to your celebration," she said in greeting.

Pulling Taila to the center of the fae, Aynad pointed to the saplings. “Mother, aren't these the sweetest little oak trees you have ever seen?” she said as she turned an excited face to Taila.

"Dear daughter, yes, they are quite lovely." Taila smiled at the young fae's enthusiasm.

“So tiny, and bright green, and full of life!”

"Aye, love, quite lively."

Pointing to one sapling, Aynad stated proudly, "And this one is my little baby!! Each of us is assigned to do what we can to foster them to maturity.”

Taila looked closely at the tiny sapling. "Oh, this is your baby? How did you foster it, dear?"

“I watched the squirrel as it carried it *just* far enough away from its parent tree, then I tickled it to make it drop the acorn,” said Aynad with a giggle. “Then I pushed it into that little dip in the ground, formed by a deer hoof. I funneled a goodly amount of rain water into the depression. Then, I put a clump of deer droppings over it, to hide it from the other animals, and help it escape its shell. And it was *so* hungry when it popped out!”

Taila laughed at her daughter's evident delight as she described how she tended the seed. Her heart was warmed by this young fae, the joy of her and Ozzhead's life, and the daughter they had long desired.

Taila hugs Aynad. "You took very good care of your baby, my dear. And you are celebrating the saplings with other fae, dear?"

“Oh yes,” replied Aynad. “Isn't the Song of Birth sweet, Mother?”

Taila feels a familiar tightness in her throat at the mention of birth. Trying to smile at Aynad, she says, "Oh, aye, 'tis. Would that I had been given the chance to hear it for meself. But I am so glad you are in my life as my daughter, my dear."

Just then, a brief draft of cold air brushed Aynad's tiny wings, causing her to shiver slightly. Taila noted Aynad's shivering and asked, "Is all well, dear?"

Looking uncertain, Aynad replied, “Umm, I think it was just a breeze from the brook over the hill, but it seemed very cold for a bit. I also felt something inside my mind going dark for a short time. But it has passed.”

Taila looked in the direction Aynad indicated. "Did you indeed? I thought I felt something similar while I was walking through the forest."

“I don't have any idea what may have caused it,” Aynad murmured.

"Nor do I. I do not care for the darkness, though. 'tis a while since your Papa ventured out. I hope all is well with him." She looked at Aynad. “Was he well when you left him to join the fae celebration?”

“Yes, Mother, he should be back home in our village very soon.” The chill still troubled Aynad, and she noticed that the other fae seem to have been affected by the cold breeze as well. “Oh, look, my sister and brother fae have stopped their music. But we were almost done anyways.”

Taila follwed Aynad's gaze and saw the fae celebration had halted completely.

“I think we must now go back to tending the little saplings, Mother.”

"Of course, my dear. You have worked hard. You must see your little baby through."

“I will be finished soon, Mother. Please tell Father that i will be home soon.”

Aynad thrilled at being able to use those words—“Mother” and “Father.”

"I will, precious daughter. Kiss me goodbye, then, love, and I will go back to the village."

Aynad embraced her mother with great love. Taila hugged her daughter and leaned down to kiss Aynad's cheek. As she looked in Aynad’s eyes, she saw that Aynad was clearly still troubled by the cold wind she had felt. Not wanting to cause unhappiness at a celebration, Taila did not bring up the darkness again. Looking deeply into Taila’s eyes, Aynad saw the care and affection that had filled her life with great joy. It comforted Aynad, and she went back to the fae gathering and prayed for Eru's safety for all her loved ones, trees, and elven, and fae.

Taila waved goodbye and retraced her path through the forest, pondering Aynad's words about cold wind and darkness. Looking around at the trees, she felt troubled in her heart, as well. She continued on her path homeward, wondering what the source of this cold and darkness could be.

Taila was still distracted as she stepped onto the familiar path that led to the Dalish village. Only when she heard what sounded like screams and shouts coming from the village did she look up in alarm. She broke into a run, suddenly fearful of some unknown danger. Before Taila had gone very far down the path, she suddenly saw the village burning and heard the echoes of screams of pain which was followed by an erie silence. Taila moved to get to the village as fast as she could carry herself, just as she was getting to the entrance of the village she suddenly feels a sharp pain strike her in the back of her head. she tries to turn to see her assailant, but as she turns she falls to the ground and blacks out after only catching a glimpse of a shadowy figure.

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Nolë, Elenwë and the Morning Star

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Shawn Daysleeper

After witnessing the breakdown of Olwe, Lord of Alqualonde, on the deck of the swanship as it moored, Nole and Elenwe ushered Olwe to his castle. Nole, the Wisest of Sailors, left his king in trusted hands as he returned home. Nole and Elenwe, faithful swordmaiden to King Olwe, trudged out of the meeting hall and into the open air of Alqualonde.

After a time of walking from the castle, Nole looks upward. Night had fallen long ago, and the eastern sky was beginning to turn to the slightly rosy colour as that of blushed cheeks. He kept looking upwards and around, as if something was amiss.

Elenwe heaves a sigh, grateful to have arrived home, but heavily burdened with all that had transpired since their departure. King Olwe was not the same mighty king who had stood confidently on the deck of the swanship as it departed Alqualonde. She notices Nole searching for someone or something. "My friend, what seek you? Is someone to meet us?"

"Nay dear friend" Nole begins. After looking at the eastern sky once more, he pointed to bright objects in the sky, naming aloud. "Carnil the red star of war, Alcarinque the Glorious and brilliant, Lumbar the Cloudy star, Luinil the Blue, and Nenar the star of water. I learned all these when I was an elf in my tweens. But now, I think I realize what is missing: one of these stars, a gift to us from Varda, the Star Kindler."

Elenwe recognized the names that Nole has patiently taught her as she learned about celestial navigation. She furrows her brow. "Missing? Are you sure it is not concealed by the clouds?"

"I would consider your concern dear friend, but this is now the fourth night I have not seen the beauty of the Morning Star, Earendil. Even now, he should be there." He points to the rosy horizon. "It has been too long. I wonder, what could have befallen him."

Looking to the sky where Nole points, Elenwe thinks about the passing days. "That is indeed strange, just as all that our king has suffered is strange. These are troubling times, my friend."

"Yes, perhaps their fates are intertwined. Olwe's light burns bright in my heart, just as the creations of Varda." Tears come to his eyes. "But now, will we lose the beacon of hope in the sky, as well as our hearts?"

Elenwe puts a hand on Lord Nole's arm in reassurance, wishing she felt reassured herself. "Could such a power exist to both drive our noble king to madness and erase the starship from the horizon?"

Nole takes Elenwe's arm. "I do not know, but evil has indeed grown great, if it can conquer the Morning Star. I only hope the Grace of the Valar is with Olwe when it comes time for.. it to happen."

"Yes, that grace will be what can save our king from...." her voice trails off. She can hardly think of events to come, much less say the words aloud. Returning to the Morning Star's disappearance, she asks, "But if the star is indeed gone for whatever reason, what does that mean? What might happen?"

"That star means, to me, hope. I do not know what it means to have it vanished." He wipes away tears. "But we must not lose hope: our King needs us to be strong in these dark times."

She has become much stronger in the time she has spent in Alqualonde, learning the ways of the sword and protecting her valiant king. "Yes, my friend," she replies, pretending not to see the tears slipping down Nole's cheek. "No matter what is to come, the grace and power of the Valar will continue to strengthen us. Perhaps it was for such a time as this that we met in the port. It seems so long ago now."

Nole nods, smiles a little. "Yes, perhaps this is why we met. It was indeed long ago, but we have learned much of the new world. We must have faith in our King."

Remembering the names that Olwe uttered on the deck of the swanship, Elenwe ponders a moment. Our king prayed to Eru and Illuvtar, I believe. He seems to believe that all power comes from Eru. We must trust in that same power and benevolence to see King Olwe through.... through......" Elenwe can't finish the sentence, and knows that Nole understands the thought. As they prepare to go their separate ways for the time being, Elenwe looks at her friend Nole. "We'll have the strength to do what we must, " she tells him.

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Elwing Explores

< Previous

Cinnamon Raymaker

Elwing the White got up from her spot near the fire and wandered over to the edge of the skylet. Looking across the land, she saw the sea glinting in the moonlight and many treetops marking the way back to the ocean. The moon shining on the water gave off its silvery light of hope - as did the stars twinkling like precious silmarils in the dark sky above.

'Twas at the dark of night she did her best thinking and planning - usually before going out to meet her beloved. At the thought of her beloved's disappearance, Elwing felt a sharp pain through her heart, like a knife was cutting her asunder. She was stuck in this new land - nothing she could do at the moment - except trust in the Ainur Linfea to take her message to Lord Ulmo and the High King Manwe. Hopefully they would intervene with the other Ainu to help save her uncle, of whom she had had no tidings since before her last meeting with that dark force.

Funnily enough, her heart soon felt more sure and confident within this strange new land, a land she was sure held magic and mystery, just as Princess Fur herself. With the friendly beams of moonlight filling her face with silvery light, Elwing moved back to lay on the soft grass on the high platform and fell asleep dreaming of the fountain showering her birth with starlight.

*************************************

A few hours later, feeling cold and cramped, Elwing moved her limbs towards the dying fire as the rosy skies of dawn broke through her sleep. She wandered over to the nearby pool of cold fresh water which was soon to be found between a small group of rocks on the skylet. She slaked her thirst and washed her face, feeling much refreshed. She combed her fingers through her tousled hair and renewed the plait which kept it semi-tidy before heading off to explore and find some food to appease her hunger. She found some bread-like morsels which she tasted and found somewhat sickly sweet but decided that she needed to eat as her body still craved nourishment after her ordeal. Devouring two of the round sweet morsels, she felt the hunger pangs somewhat appeased and decided to explore further.

Looking around, Elwing found this skylet to be isolated from the rest so she decided to venture back the way she had come with her hostess Princess Fur. Climbing back up the small ladder, she reached up towards the red ruby above her head, touching it carefully, and found herself back in the tree fort. She scurried down the ladder, remembering the trunk in the room below. She opened the trunk and carefully peered inside, finding a treasure trove of fabrics. Carefully lifting the fabrics out of the chest, she noted the bright hues and fine textures of the pieces. She then realised these were very much like the fine elven gowns of old. They had somehow been spirited away here. Perhaps other elven folk had been shipwrecked here in the past?

Searching carefully through the clothing, Elwing found a very serviceable white leather outfit that would allow her to explore this place with some protection for her feet and hands. She also found a gown that she really liked, pink and white, which might be wonderful for day-to-day use and for wandering the tree fort. Her favourite, however, was the beautiful white formal gown, which had Sindar princess written all over it. It was a beautifully crafted gown of richly embroidered silks, something to save for a reunion or a special meeting with family or royalty. Having fulfilled her wish for something to wear for a variety of occasions, Elwing donned the white leather outfit and boots she had discovered and set off on her mission to explore this new land further.

Walking through the door and down the first ramp, she came upon a very strange sight. The rest of this isle was bathed in Autumn's warmth but the hills in front of her were covered in snow. Alarmed at the difference she started to wonder what forces might be at work here. When she had reached two or three landings further down, Elwing looked upwards, and she was able to see more of the skylets Princess Fur had mentioned. Again those warm autumn colours assailed her senses and she drank them in loving the feeling of warmth.

Reaching the edge of the platform, Elwing climbed down the rope that had taken her to her refuge for the night and looked around her breathing in the freshness of a new day. She wandered back to the campfire and shelter where she had started her adventures in this land and began to climb a grassy track up a hillside. Looking across the land she noted a steep valley with a swampy area dividing the land like a cut through its centre. As she moved onwards up the track, she looked ahead and noted the drop becoming steeper and the water becoming a darker blue. Sure signs that this was somewhere she would need to take great care as she wandered. She rounded a large tree and came across a large rocky outcrop which traversed the water below creating a dark tunnel from which the waters emerged. Twas peaceful and quiet with little bird song and lots of chirping insects.

As she continued upwards, she came across a circle of ancient stones surrounding a large roaring fire. Sunbeams danced through the trees and the birds were again singing their cheerful songs in the warmth of the sun. Elwing thought back to her talk with Princess Fur and remembered that she had warned her to stay clear of the mountain top. She wondered if this was the place she had meant, but then decided that such a lovely place could not be dangers, something she had been most comfortable with for as long as she could remember.

The Lady Elwing could tell that the fae princess had sung recently to the woods as there were still pink flowers in bloom across the forest. The warmth of an autumn afternoon was still in the air as Elwing turned to descend back down the now more familiar pathway to the valley floor. As she turned, she noticed how high the mountains danger of which she had spoken could be found. In that moment, she also remembered that the Princess had mentioned the high skylets being dangerous as well. Hmmm, if only there was someone with whom she could speak in order to find out further information.

Deciding she had seen enough for one day, she made her way back to the campfire and shelter in order to again appease her hunger.

> Next

Nolë's Nightmare

< Previous

Shawn Daysleeper

Nole Eambar suddenly wakes. Sweat covers his brow, his heart beating fast, his very skin trembeling. His dagger was drawn, fire in his eyes. He feels the soft bedsheets under his other hand. Looking around, he sees he is safe at home. “A dream,” he whispers to himself.

But he could not relax. The dream is all too clear. Fire rings his vision; a red ambient light was all around. He is in a forest, trees burning, the stars above veiled by floating ash. His king, beloved friend and ever handsome, lay on the ground, blood on his beautiful face. His friends, Feamahtar and Elenwe, are hurt but both stand steadfast before a dark malevolence. The enemy wields a feiry sword in one hand, a whip of living flame in the other. Nole charges forward, ecstacy in his mind, screaming the names of his friends whom he has come to love…

Nole wrenches his thoughts from the nightmare. He rises and goes outside. Nodding towards the castle with its dark windows, he senses the calmness within. Nole’s home is high on a cliff, amongst the firs and flowering trees. Here the sea breeze blows in, relaxing his body and mind. He decends the cliff towards the sea, seeking further meditation and solace.

Nole dips his hands into the sea, smiling finally. Memories both young and old flash through his mind. “Haha,” he laughs aloud as he remembers one particular long voyage in the Mortal World long ago, one where he indeed got lost.

Sailing for a long time along serpentine coastlines and the many islands, he looks up, seeing strange stars and confusing patterns. He felt lost, fearful, and anxious. He then remembers a kind voice guiding him, a voice coming from the water. A kind male voice, Nole wished he could have looked upon the face to whom the voice belonged. The voice told him that he had sailed far to the south, below the Girdle of Arda. “Here you will see new stars and patterns, ones that can not be seen from fair Alqualonde to the north.”

Nole seeks comfort in that voice, wishing he could hear it again sometime.

> Next      

The Morning Star

< Previous Morning Star

After inspecting the dark flowers, Daza discovers that the dark flowers have claimed yet more victims.  Linwe and Ghason as well as Tal have been added to the list.  But most disturbing of all has been Olwe, high king of the Teleri.  As he inspects the flowers and the sign that was posted near them, he feels their power bite into him. And yet the ring on his left hand glows and protects him from their enchantments and voices.  A discussion ensues about how to be rid of the Nightmare's tears and several alternatives are bantered about.


Rhianne Daffyd: “So, unlikely any of our native species?”

Malakyte Thorne sighs and yawns wearily.  “I should prepare another wall?”

Daza Mistwalker breathes deeply, thinking intently. "It will come at GREAT cost...the cure to rid them?”

Rhianne Daffyd: “It already has Daza.... and we faced it at the cleansing? And we will face it again.”

Daza Mistwalker: “That was just to cure us who were affected...the flowers themselves.......? I fear they feed on the Hoon itself.” Rhianne Daffyd chills at this thought

Malakyte Thorne blinks. “ This would not be a good thing.”

Yilix Nyn: “What leads you to that conclusion, Daza?”

Rhianne Daffyd: “Has the hoon been in its present location all along or was it brought here?

Yilix Nyn: “And which hoon?”

Daza Mistwalker sighs. "I know the cost they extract for a simple cure. To be rid of them would cost no less, and they are bound to the essence of the land they inhabit and draw their strength from an unseen portal of majik?”  Daza Mistwalker waves tiredly. "I have been with these accursed things since they appeared in Lomendor.”

Malakyte Thorne: “Indeed, Daza.”

Rhianne Daffyd: “I must head to Vana now. Fair winds.” Malakyte Thorne nods to Rhianna. Daza Mistwalker waves to Rhianne as she departs.

Juniper Roxley: “Fair skies Rhianne.”

Malakyte Thorne yawns. “Perhaps we should discuss the flowers at the tavern, a place to relax?”  Juniper Roxley watches the sun glint off the ice hanging from the trees. “Yes, and dance?

Yilix Nyn: “Sounds like a refreshing idea, Mala.”
Daza Mistwalker looks up at the early morning sky and furrows his brow.  Malakyte Thorne nods but looks at Daza.  “What is it?” Malakyte asks.

Daza Mistwalker: “EEhh.....I will meet you there if you don't mind...I have something to check out first.”

Juniper Roxley looks to Daza, hoping he's not going to get himself into trouble.”

Malakyte Thorne nods to Daza. “As you wish.”

Juniper Roxley: “Do you need an escort, Daza, to keep you out of trouble?”

Malakyte Thorne, knowing she can do nothing about the flowers, takes flight. Daza Mistwalker half mumbles to himself. "I need to check something at the observatory.  Perhaps it is nothing."

Yilix Nyn: “Still a better warning here might be in order, especially for travelers not familiar?”

Juniper Roxley eyes Daza curiously.

SnowBlind Infinity: “Perhaps. I have learned that the sign only draws more victims, so that is no good.”

Daza Mistwalker: “Hopefully it's nothing.”

SnowBlind Infinity: “See you all soon.”

MelonyStargazer Resident nudges yilix. “What’s going on?” she whispered.

Yilix Nyn: “Maybe a fence then, Snow?”

Daza Mistwalker becomes more distracted and draws forth his portal. Juniper Roxley watches Snow fly off.  Daza Mistwalker waves. "Be well, all!"

Daza departs through his portal and reappears in the plaza and quickly runs up the steps toward the highest of towers in the realm.  He had suspected as much but tried to ignore it.  However as his elven feet carried him up the steps, he could feel the sweat forming on his brow.  It was more than exertion: it was anxiety from what he saw in the early morning sky...or failed to see.

Like all mages, Daza was a student of all disciplines scientific, historic and magical.  And he had a special interest in one particular star in the sky as the scrolls indicated that he should best follow it toward Alqualonde when the time came for him to go there.  He figured he would do the calculations, fix his portal to that star in time and space, and he would arrive with no problems.

But as he looked up into the clear sky, the star was gone.

He flew up the stars until he finally reached the top to the telescope, probably one of the best kept secrets and most stunning of Sylvhara's scientific treasures.  He peered through the lens. He grimaced and blinked before cranking the crank to turn the telescope to a given location, based on new calculations.  Again he peered.  All through the night and day, he worked the telescope's focus and cranked furiously.

The morning star, the one of the elven legends of  Vingilot and the keeper of the last of the Silmarils....it simply was not there.  Daza is stunned with disbelief.  He scribbles more calculations and peers and cranks the levers, turning the telescope and elevating and lowering it. But he knows where the star is supposed to be, yet it is not there.  As the light grows into day, after working through an entire night and again during the morning, he sighs and drops the parchment and quill.  It simply is not there.  Gone.  He finally and wearily stands and picks up the scroll and quill and begins new calculations.  He will simply go ahead and try to portal, based on the last known good location of the star.  He can always portal back if he is mistaken.  What could go wrong?

> Next Sylvhara       > Next Morning Star

Olwë Comes Home

< Previous Olwë & Teleri     < Previous Irmo & Nienna

Irmo and Nienna, now in disguise as musicians of the Teleri, arrive in Alqualondë in a secluded valley near the outskirts of the city. Snow falls down among them as they spy a ship approaching the harbor.  Estilin checks himself, paying close attention to his bodily motions, as he walks through the snow towards the harbor, accompanied by his sister.
“Do you see it, brother?” asks Apakenwë.  “It looks like one of the swan ships?”  They move on through the edges of town, past the eerily deserted market beside the docks. 

Estelin nods. "Aye," he says, speaking carefully, making sure his voice mimics that of the Teleri. "It seems so. The design is beautiful, and its craftsmanship is surely that of the Teleri."  Estelin follows his sister further through the market: the cold and snow does not affect him whatsoever.

From his seat on the deck of Nolë's swan ship, Olwë beholds the docks of his beloved Alqualondë the Swanhaven.  As always, when returning home, a familiar lump forms in his throat.  But this time, unlike any other, a sick feeling grips his stomach.  This may be the last time he beholds this view of his beloved home. Olwë stands up, and shivers, not from the cold.  Snow has blanketed his beloved Alqualondë in his absence, and the brilliance of the snow, reflecting the sun’s rays cause his eyes to water and squint. Olwë's eyes fasten upon the familar sights, the smell of the sea water, and the sharpness of the chill air.  The voice slides and scratches at the corner of his mind as he tries with all his might to keep his mind upon this ...what may be his last view of Alqualondë this way.

At the harbor, Apakenwë carefully maneuvers up the stairs -- stairs are tricky -- and finds a spot on at the railing from which to watch the ship.  Estelin stands beside his sister, and sees Teleri on the deck of the swanship.  He smiles. "I think we chose our disguise well," he whispers to his sister.  Apakenwë responds, “I hope so. But what do we do now?  Musicians would not just walk up to a ship docking, would they?”

"I do not know, sister. I would suspect that kin would welcome others home. Perhaps we should approach."

“Kin ... I haven't seen anyone at all."

Estelin looks around the empty city. "Aye, there seems to be no one else here."

Apakenwë nods to the suggestion of approaching -- a bit nervously.  Now is the time when the plan will succeed or fail.

Nolë moves smoothly from one task to another, bringing the ship, and its passengers, safe again to the docks of the Swanhaven.  Olwë casts a look down...spiders were crawling everywhere...over his boots, on his tunic. He felt them on shoulders.  He jumps and brushes at his clothes, at the arachnids no one else can see.  No, he thinks, I will not be denied this one last look of my home.  And he ignores the feel of legs upon his body, the laughter of the voice to drink it the sigh of his home.  The sound of a gangplank being pushed into place captures Olwë's attention, and he springs, lithe as a young sailor, to help Nolë steady the plank and moor the ship.  They work together in a grim silence.  There are no words, now, for what each Teleri felt, thought.  They are home, and yet, for all its glittering beauty, it seems that the Swanhaven is, too, waiting in wary and fearful anticipation, grim and determined to face what must be.  Olwë is the first to disembark.  Elenwe was somewhere below, gathering up belongings, potions that the healers of Sylvahara had sent to keep Olwë as comfortable as possible.  The voice slithered and slid around Olwë's mind. "Welcome home," it hissed."

Estelin descends to the quay, sees a tall noble Teleri standing there, and two others. He sighs deeply,, whispers Eru's name silently, and then approaches. Apakenwë follows Estelin down to the dock. Olwë waits upon the docks for his companions, slapping at the spiders and packing.  Looking up he see two Teleri approaching.  He peers at them, curiously.  Olwë stares frankly at them and at first cocks his head, as though hearing a voice.  He shakes his head.  "No, they are not here to kill me...not yet."

Apakenwë responds. “Kill you, Lord?  No one wants to kill you.”  She looks around. “But are there none to welcome you?”

Estelin stutters a greeting, looking upon the tall one. His actions seemed unusual, different from the other two.

Olwë looks up.  "You heard it?  The voice?  It speaks, but no one hears save me."  Nolël 

looks up, wide-eyed at seeing two others on the dock. He silently watches.

"No, Lord, I heard no voice."  Apakenwë looks keenly at him, but it is forbidden to pry into his mind beyond what he wishes to make known.

Olwë picks up his foot and brings his boot down, as though he was squashing something beneath his feet.  "There, you will trouble me no more."  He looks up sidewise at the two strangers.  "Do I...do I know you?”  He looks back, hapless, at Nolë and Elenwe, as if to ask the identity of the two before him.

“I think not, Lord.  We are newly arrived in this city -- travelling musicians,” answers Apakenwë.  Estelin looks briefly at his sister, before answering, hoping they connect.  "We are... musicians, Lord. Our ship just landed not long ago," he said, at nearly the same instant as his sister.

Nolë disembarks, standing by his king. He opens his mouth to speak, but no words come forth.  Olwë looks back at the slender Teleri beauty before him and then at her brother. He clenches and unclenches his hands and lowers his gaze, closing his eyes and knitting his brow in concentration.  When he next spoke, his words were calmer but still he pace restlessly. "I would you had found us before, my friends.  For Alqualondë once breathed music as it did the very air.  But that was long ago, long ago. Now there is the silence and the killing, and the dying.  Now there are only grim stories such as would make grown elves weep."

Apakenwë nods to her brother.  "Then we have come at exactly the right time.  This is a city that needs our music."

Estelin added, "Lord, we have been away. Perhaps we could provide your company with music to lessen the cold, and bring life to the silence."

Olwë throws his head back, flings out his arms and twirls, laughing.  "Yes, music, yes.  Let Alqualondë ring with music.  Perhaps the birds may learn a new tune."  Apakenwë looks at her brother again, this time doubtfully.  This lord seems rather unbalanced.  Olwë claps Nolë on the shoulder, and his expression is with an odd glee.  "Perhaps we can drink and dance one more time, eh, my friend?  One last time before..."his voice trails off, and he looks back at the musicians.  "Welcome to Alqualondë.  We shall have plenty of room for you, good minstrels, if you would play to an empty crowd."  He shakes his head.  "For only ghosts walk here now.  Perhaps soon one more to add."

Nolë reaches out to his King's arm, and tried to steady him. He smiles as he claps him o the shoulder. "Yes, my king, let us drink and dance."

Estelin smiles.  “We would be happy to play before your company.

Olwë smiles indulgently at the beloved merchant and squeezes his shoulder for a moment.  Then he drops his hand away and walks up to the two musicians.  Before he reaches them, he shakes his head and pauses.  A serious look, much different comes over his face, and he drops to one knee.  Bowing his head, Olwë says softly, with great feeling. "Blessed Eru, hear this, your child, come home again.  Please and keep my people, wherever they are this night.  Keep them safe, keep them close.  Bring them home, I beg you.  I submit to all that will come and ask only this,only this.  Spare the Teleri.  Take me.  Let your will be mine to obey, but bring them home, I pray."  He looks up and squints at them but then shakes his head and slowly rises.

Apakenwë whispers to the sailor, "Is this indeed King Olwë of the Teleri?"  Nolë nods. "His actions have changed much since our events in Sylvhara, but no matter what happens, he is my King."

Apakenwë is touched by the king's prayer.  "Have no doubt, King, that Eru hears."

Estelin reaches forward for the tall Teleri's hand. "Lord.. er King," he stammers, "let us assist you to some place warm, and out of the wind." Olwë grabs the arm of Estelin by the wrist and pulls him in to whisper to him.  "There is a great darkness come, bard.  A hard and terrible darkness.  All around me think i am mad, possessed, crazed.  And they are right.." he pauses. "But never doubt that it is coming."

"Coming... Coming my King" using the same words Nolë used for Olwë. "What is coming?" Estelin asks urgently, looking into Olwë's eyes.

"Look you, for the morning star, for it is gone, Apakenwë.  The voice told me it would disappear." He drops his voice and answers Estelin.  "A dark time, friend.  A dark time.  The rise of an Enemy of all the Children of Illuvatar.  And he claims I am his...but I will die as I have lived.   A child of Eru."  Olwë continues talking, almost to himself. "Or is it a she?"  He pauses.  "In truth, the voice is a voice is a voice.  I have never seen what owns it."

Estelin: turns to his sister "an Enemy of all the Children." A darkness clouds his face. "Eru will protect you, and he hears your prayer. "

Olwë leans forward. "Do you  think Manwe will save me? That the Valar will not turn their face from me?" There is the look of one lost. "For it says, that th Valar shall abandon me.  But I would know if they came, would I not?  They would not leave me so?"  He looks deep into Estelin's eyes.

Beralai Levee presents himself to the group of elves and smiles briskly," I have been sent as aid from my Ilharess. Do with me whatever you desire." He tossed his hair over his right eye, his irises flickering to scan each person separately

Olwë's eyes take in the stranger , and Olwë raises a hand, his voice loud, commanding and angry. "Who are you?" he roars.  "You are not one of my people.  How came you here?"

"The valar will never abandon one of their Children... " Estelin stops speaking, looking up from Olwë to the new stranger.

“The Valar have not forgotten.  Eru has not forgotten.  Have confidence,” reassures his sister, before turning to see what had attracted her brother’s attention.

Olwë gentles for a moment, at their reassurances and murmurs, "The will of the Valar be done.  So long as I have breath."

Beralai Levee holds his hands up feebly, his palms turned up to show he had no weapons. The childishly innocent smile that played across his face rang of assurance as his honey sweet voice flickered through the air," Your dark cousin from the caves sends her love."

“What matter of being are you?" Estelin demands to the stranger.  Olwë grabs Estelin's arm. "There was a dark skinned elf maiden.  She heard the voice, but it tormented her not."  Louder, he asks," Be you from she?"

Beralai Levee gives the man a gentle glance, before pointing to himself. " Usstan drow. I am of the dark maiden. I come as aid." His lips moved slowly, his pink tongue ringing true with every word as it moved behind his bright teeth. He smiled again, his eyes twinkling with a look of mischief.  Estelin  looks confused, trying to understand the significance of dark skinned elves.  Olwë strides forward.  "I did see her.  I did.  In a cave.  She was not illusion!"

“Are you saying one of their kind is tormenting you, good KIng?" asks Estelin.
Beralai Levee lays his palm open to the man, holding it out as if offering himself to be touched. "I come bearing no ill will, I am no illusion or harmful spirit."

Olwë grabs the drow by the shoulder and peers intently into his face.  Dropping his voice to whisper, he asks." And she still hears the Voice.  It still torments her as it does me?  Has she seen the morning star blotted from the sky?  Do spiders still dog her steps as they do mine?"  He squeezes the drow's shoulder, cocks his head, as though to listen to an unseen voice."

Apakenwë looks at her brother in confusion.  Estelin catches his sister's look, but his gaze remains focused on the situation before them.

Olwë turns to Apakenwë. His face grows gentle and sad, and his eyes look into hers.  "I have come home to surrender my life,  sweet musician."  He reaches as though to take her hand. "I have failed my people, and I have failed the Valar.   And about me is all darkness."

Beralai Levee raises his hand and lays it gingerly on the man's shoulder, his fingers splaying over the shoulder piece gently. His eyes widened compassionately, his smile shortening into a more formal and concerned look," She complains nightly, however the sky is not visible from our loft." He gives a gentle smile, cringing unnoticeably as he spoke," I have never slain so many spiders as last night...."


"You wish to surrender your life?  How can this be?" asks Apakenwë. Surely this is more evidence that the king has lost his mind.

Estelin nods curtly at the stranger before them. "What aid do you intend to provide.?"

Olwë turns at Beralai's words and nods.  "They have grown in number and strength.  Ungoliant’s little descendants.  The voice commands them."  He turns to the others on the dock.  "Now, do you believe me?" He looks at the fair musician. "No, by Blessed Eru, I wish to live near as much as I wish to behold the one who holds my heart once more.  But a mad king cannot be allowed to live.  And I cannot hear or touch or see the Valar as once I did.  I am blind and deaf to them all.  And though I have beseeched the Lord of the West to hear me, only a silent cold wind answers."  Olwë brushes at his clothes, muttering angrily, "No, no, they will not leave me in darkness.  I don't believe you."

Beralai Levee holds his hands up in shock: his eyes going wide as he spoke in rapid succession." No! I was sent to help silence the voice! I have been given medicines from my Illharess that will ease your suffering!" He scrambles through a pocket on his leather breeches before narrowing his eye brows." If I may be excused for a moment, I believe I left them in my satchel."

Only Blessed Eru and his faithful Valar may save me, now, my friend."  Olwë turns gently.  "Your dark skinned sweet maid needs them more than I."

"Have confidence, King," Apakenwë repeats.  "Eru hears you.  The Valar hear."
Olwë looks over  and, this time, does take her hand and gently squeezes. "I wish i could feel his love and warmth once more."

Beralai Levee shakes his head," She has doses of her own! She would be quite angry if I were to deny her ally all the aid I can afford." He smiled for a moment, a reassuring smile the pulled his dark lips tight with the effort. He turned, the bounded away as he ran off to collect his satchel.

Nolë steps up to the head of the quay, protecting the king.   Olwë turns to Nolë.  For a moment, a clearheaded Olwë asks, "How did he find us, Nolë?"

"My King, I do not know. I am sure he was not on board. I know my ship."

Apakenwë added, “We saw no one when we arrived."

Beralai Levee struggles back, carrying a heavy brown sack full of innumerable objects. He sighed, sitting the large brown bag on the ground. He ruffles through it before drawing out a slender blade, ceremonial and embellished as well as a slim vial of liquid. Within the liquid floated a single flower petal, dancing gently with the sway of his hand. Olwë backs up...eying the liquid. "No, no, no more potions, no more draughts, no more 'cures.'”

Beralai Levee gives the man a wide-eyed look and drops the dagger accidently. He dances out of the way as it plummets, blade down, almost stabbing him in the foot. He cries out instantly," Sorry! Sorry! I was told by the Ilharess that you were in desperate need of this potion. Something about a dream and a location and the potion and the blood markings. It was a huge quick speech and then BAM! I was out of the cave and up here in the harsh light!"

This catches Apakenwë's attention.  She was not aware any of the Children could travel without their physical bodies.  Or was that what he meant?  Estelin maintains his gaze on the dark-skinned elf, looking for answers.  Beralai Levee rubs the back of his head slowly, as if he had received a recent blow to the nape of his neck. " You have no idea how difficult it was to get here! And the sunlight! It’s so bright! As if someone were lighting the entire world on fire!"

Olwë gives the drow a long look, chewing his bottom lip for a moment, weighing his words.  "I thank you, but I am in Eru's hands now."  He frowns at Beralai's words.  "How did you find Alqualondë?"  Apakenwë wonders to herself if there are any besides the slaves of Melkor bothered by sunlight?

Beralai Levee bites his lip, giving them a gentle look," To be honest it was all a big blur. She was shouting at me, and then poof! I went through a cloud of purple and landed over there!" He points off into the distance, tossing his snow white hair lightly. Laughing lightly he adds," The satchel actually landed on top of me when I arrived!"
"Olwë is in Eru's hands, stranger. Your aid is not needed." Estelin found he has taken a disliking to the stranger and is becoming worried about Olwë's condition in the cold.

Beralai Levee frowns at what he assumed was a female surfacer," Well I can't very well go back! My hide will be torn for my incompetence at helping the male, but I can't really change your minds.. That wasn't part of the job last time I checked... Just a messenger."

Olwë watches the dark-skinned elf, his pacing increasing.  He pauses to stomp at the plank, now and again, muttering to himself. He looks back at Nolë and the others.  "Perhaps our dark-skinned cousin should stay here, for the moment."  Olwë turns to Estelin. "It is odd how the dark elves love not the light of Arien nor the moon of Tilion but prefer the darkness of caverns and caves, as though to secret themselves away."

Beralai Levee leans down and stashes the ceremonial blade back in the brown satchel in case he was asked to aid the male later. “Never know with these surfacers,” he thinks to himself, pouting lightly as he cinches up the brown bag.  Olwë continues to talk.  "But if you can travel so, perhaps it is by the will of the Valar, and to them you should be conveyed, to give unto Manwe a report of your dark elf maid and her torments."

Beralai Levee smiles and nods," I am actually beloved by my Illharess for my skills with oration." He pulls the brown bag over his shoulder and waits to be pointed in whichever direction he was to travel.  Apakenwë knows the Valar have nothing to do with this transportation, but she can hardly say so under present circumstances.  Olwë paces, and wraps his arms around himself, hugging himself tightly.  He cocks his head and answers  questions no one can hear. "No, I won't submit.  I won't bow to you.  I won't drink the dark elf's potion.  A sip was what cause this....why should I take another? " He pauses and continues.  "I tell you, I will remain a child of Eru, Dark One."  Olwë looks at the drow.  "I'm cold, and wet, and the musicians promised to play.  You should go or stay."

Beralai Levee frowns, a worried look crossing his face as if he had some insight into the male's thoughts. He had seen the voice of chaos before, heard of its inner workings and how it drove men and elves to madness. He also knew how easily the potion could prevent this. He shuddered slightly, his thoughts still on the 'disease' the male had as he nodded vigorously," I will stay."

He waves a hand and turns to Apakenwë.  "Would you like to see the palace?" he asks, smiling shyly.  His eyes are too white, too wild.  “Yes,” she answers.  “Let us go to the palace.”

"King Olwë, you will forever remain a Child of Illuvatar. " Estelin says reassuringly. Turning to the dark-skinned elf, he says, "Will you stay here, in this sun lit world, and hear the music we are about to play, and drink an dbe merry with us this day."

Olwë turns to Estelin and smiles.  "I shall.  Please remember that always."

Nolë helps his king stand steadily.  Beralai Levee nods vigorously, not quite sure of what a palace was. He shrugged it off, ready to tackle this giant ball of bright flames one place at a time.  Olwë smiles at Apakenwë and gently takes her hand and tucks it un under his elbow and on his arm.  He claps a hand on Nolë's shoulder and squeezes.  "Yes, please. I feel very tired.  Very tired."

“Yes, I am weary as well.” Estelin tries to mimic this with his bodily functions. "Let us go to the palace."

Beralai Levee stands to the side, wondering which way they would head.  Olwë blushes and for a moment, he wrinkles his nose. "Hard tack and water from different sources play hard upon the body, my friend."  He pauses and looks at Estelin.  "You are well, I hope?"

Estelin smiles and feels a warm feeling on his cheeks. "Yes, my king." He tries to figure out what this feeling is. "I am well."

Olwë looks at them both, brother and sister.  "You must always heat the water thoroughly before you drink from any stream or cook."   Apakenwë listens attentively, to directions on how one is supposed to eat and cook.  She hopes not much of that will be required.

Nolë leads the group to the palace, anxious to get out of the cold and wet.  Olwë walks away with Nolë and Apakenwë then pauses.....He turns to Nolë.   Beralai Levee remains quiet, his facial features relaxing as he gently closed his eyes. He thought deeply, his pupils flickering left and right behind his eyelids. He pinches his lips lightly, wondering how his Illharess is fairing.

"Nolë?"

“Yes, my King?”

"You must now send a swan to Eärwen.  She must prepare to come to Alqualondë."  His voice is quiet, and his eyes moist. "I want to live.  By Blessed Eru, I want to live.  I want to see and touch and be with Tilion once more. I want my people restored."  He tightens his grip on Nolë's shoulder.  "But I must also steel myself to let my will be the Valar's and Eru's...not this dark voice."

Beralai Levee pouts, knowing the aid the man desperately needed he would not accept. His eyes cast to the ground, wondering if the man would come to his senses before chaos drove him into permanent darkness.

"If that means all I am, then all I am, I will give.  But to Eru, not this Dark One.  Tell..." he takes a deep breath."  Tell Tilion that I loved him with my last breath, if it comes to that."

Nolë listens attentively, then with one last clasp on Olwë's shoulder before he goes to the Swanry to deliver the message.

> Next      

Jillian Dreams More

> Prev  Tearmann      > Prev  Jillian

December 11, 2010

Jillian Newey

Jillian is now seeing new faces in her dreams. More elves but they seem to be doing things. She does not understand what is going on in her dreams. All she can see now is the ones responsibility for this nightmare.  Not knowing why or what, all she knows is the nightmare is back.
With Hondo ill from the spider bite, she cannot  rely on him for the support she needs.

Cold rules the land. She cannot sleep: for her time is now watching over Hondo. Where is the help the elven female had promised? Now she needs more help then she will ever know.

She has a young elf here who does not know how he got here or how to get home.

She has a human here who she is not sure he is all he says he is.

Hondo is now infected with venom from a spider, a very large spider.

New-found fae from other lands who knew to come to Tearmann  arrived to help find Hondo. But how did they know to come?

A seelie came and died, helping save Hondo.

Now the nightmares start again.

Hondo is Found

> Prev  Tearmann      > Prev  Jillian      > Prev  Hondo

December 8, 2010

Nimros does not know how long he has been weaving in and out of the trees, silently tracking the slender fae he had heard, watching her cautiously, carefully, hoping that in some way to find out what has happened to him, where he is, and more importantly to the young Teleri elf, what he is doing in this land of ice and snow.

Jillian Newey feels rested after the potion that the Lady Echuir gave her, and some color has come back to the fae. But her wings are still not as they used to be. The dreams may not haunt her at night, but they still do while she is awake. Hondo is still missing. She has talked with the Tas to see if he can find anyone to help hunt for her love. Snuggled up with her furry friends she waits till she can gather up strength to start looking for the tracks she found the other day. She dozes and see the King of the Teleri again and wakes with a start.  "Leave me alone," she scream. Looking up, she sees a young elf in front of her.

He lost sight of her for a while as he tracked her, sometimes going by smell, tracking the delicate scent of her, and by the sound of her footsteps, until he comes to a clearing...not a beach, and there she was, atop a large rabbit.  She appeared to be asleep, her chest rising and falling in a steady pattern, and so he cautiously approached her.  Her eyes flutter open and he takes a step back.

"Who are you, elf?"

Nimros steps back, finding himself staring boldly into her eyes.  He blushes a little and stammers as he steps back again.  "I...I..elf...yes.  My name is Teleri...no, I am Teleri. I mean.... My name is Nimros, of the Teleri elves of Alqualonde."

Jillian Newey tilts her head. "I have heard that name before. You are Teleri?"

Nimros blinks and looks puzzled at her.  "The name Ninros? In truth?"  His boyish face flushes a little.  He nods once he understands her meaning and then hurriedly sketches a bow.  "Indeed, my Lady, I am Teleri...from the Swanhaven, Alqualonde."

Jillian Newey walks up to the elf and looks closer at him.  "A very young elf."

Nimros does not hide the curious look he gives to her wings, and a delighted, open smile lights up his youthful face.  "I have never seen wings on a person before," he blurts out, and then flushes again.  "Pardon me, my Lady, but my mother is always admonishing me about being so quick to speak my thoughts."  Then he looks down and takes in her bare feet.  He gasps and hurriedly sweeps off his cloak to offer it to the fae before him.  "Blessed Eru!  You must be freezing ...unshod as you are."  He extends the cloak to her.  Nimros drops his gaze, his face scarlet at her "young elf."  He murmurs, sounding a little petulant.  "I am not THAT young."

"But you are," she answers, giggling. Jillian Newey shakes her head at his offer of his cloak.. "I do not feel this cold, young one. I am a fae." Then her expression turned troubled, and there was a pleading in her eyes. "Were you sent from your homeland to help me?  I was told that someone would come."

Nimros looks back up at her words, his arm still extended, and repeated, making it a question, "Fae?"

"Yes....a faery have you not heard of us?" Jillian Newey is taken aback to this as she has not known that there has never been fae. Slowly, he looks her over, an open curiosity on his face, and a boyish smile as he does so.  "No, no, my lady.  How beautiful you are!  Like an Ainu."  His words pick up speed.  "I have seen one, you know.....two, I think...maybe three...yes, three.  And you look much like them." He pauses. "But you smell of spring and warm breezes, not winter and snow."

 Jillian Newey lowers her head. "But I feel like winter and snow, young one. I am very tired and weak, and I need help in finding my husband.  I am even trusting humans to help." She shakes her head to clear it again.  "Did the elven queen send you to help me?"

Nimros tries to follow her words, and looks a little confused as she talks. Carefull he refastens his cloak and shakes his head.  "I know of no elven queen, my Lady.  In Alqualonde reigns Olwe, King of the Teleri.  But we do not have a queen."  Nimros then speaks again, after some thought.  "Your husband is missing, my Lady?  And pardon me, but the Atani are here? Children of men?"

Jillian Newey jerks her head up of the name of the king, Olwe. "Your King is Olwe?" Now she remembers.  Nimros nods with a broad smile and puffs out his chest a little in the way that young men do when they feel the self importance of the young.  "Indeed, my Lady, Olwe the Compassionate, we call him. "  Then his body language loses that self possession, and his face falls.  "At least that is my last memory....."   his voice trails off. Nimros sucks in his bottom lip and chews on it for a second, his face very serious before he answers her.  "I saw him walk through the city, where my home is...where I live with Mother and Father.  He seemed as always, kind and so friendly. He even challenged me to shoot archery with him the next day."  He pauses. "but the next day never came."

Jillian Newey shakes her head. " You have not seen him?" She decides to say nothing to this young one about her dreams.  "I do need your help to find my missing husband."

Nimros looks up and at the fae in front of him.  "It is my pleasure to be of service, my Lady." Jillian Newey nods and takes a deep breath to slow her heart beat down and her breathing so she can think clearly again. "My young Lord, I do need thy help My husband Hondo, an elf, has been missing he was tracking a ....a beast. Tas, the human, was the last to see of him. He will know of where he went.  I do not and.....I am to weak to fight off one such as this beast is alone."

Nimros nods, listening carefully to her words, his youthful demeanor suddenly still and serious.  "I saw tracks in the woods...very odd tracks...I have seen no beast that slithtered or walked upon four legs leave such a track.  Was this the trail your mate was backtracking?"

Jillian Newey nods slowly . "Yes, that would be them, and I, too, was looking for them."

Nimros nods as he digests the information.  "I have never encountered a human, so I cannot speak to his ability, my Lady.  The tracks were erased, in part by new fallen snow.  Of what clan is your Beloved, my Lady? How was he dressed?"

"Clan? I do not know it is something we do not speak of. He was wearing? I do not remember. I was not myself when he left.I am sorry." Jillian Newey puts her face in her hands. Nimros looks at her for a moment, a surprised look rushing over his youthful face before he masks it and remembers the task at hand.  "It is understandable, my lady." He reaches out and touches her arm.  "Please do not dispair."  His hand tightens at the approach of the others, then relaxes as she greets the strangers approaching as though they were known and friendly to her. She turns to them.  "Greetings, Durzo and Tas."

Durzo bows. "Greetings, Jillian."  Tas smiles slightly as he approaches the Guardian. Jillian turns to the two others.  "Greetings, brother and sister fae."

Carleen Luckstone smiles. "Greetings, dear lady."  The male fae spoke as well.  "Greetings, you are Jillian?"

She nods.  "I am Jillian."  She looks over at the human.  "Tas, thank you for finding others to help look for Hondo."  Jillian Newey looks to the fae wondering how they knew to come.

"They found me."  To his response, Jillian gave a surprised, "Oh?"

Tell us what you know, Jillian, please."  This came from Durzo.

"He is missing, in search of a beast. I do not know where he was last seen but Tas does.  Was it by the entrance of the catacombs,Tas?"

As he has been instructed by his own king, Nimros steps up boldly beside her and places himeself between the fae Lady and the gathering crowd, placeing his body between hers and the stranger bluish person.  he glances about openly, taking in each person there, studying them carefully and with a frank expression.

Jillian explains to the young elf. "Hondo was last seen by Tas." Tas Darkmatter: watches the elf postion himself.

Impatient, Durzo turns to Tas. "Tell us all that you know, Tas, so that we may find him."  Tas looks at Durzo. "Hondo approached me the other day, saying he need to take matters into his own hands." He had a brief flash of sadness on his face.  "I know the journey may be dangerous, but please be careful for I think we have to enter the caves."

Nimros peers closely at the person addressed as Tas.  "You are of the race of Man?" he asks, not rudely, but with a curiosity.  "This is the first time I have met one of the Atani."

Tas looks at the young elf. "Atani?"  I have never heard that term before."

Nimros nods a little and then gives a small bow, placing his hand over his heart.  "It is the word my people have for the race of men...it is no insult, my lord.  I am just awed that I have finally encountered you."  He stepped forward.  "I am Ninros, of Alqualonde."

Tas Darkmatter: :smiles. " I can see you are one of honor, and and no insult was taken."

Durzo asks, "Where are these caves?  We must hasten, for each moment that passes..." he shakes his head.  "Please, let us move quickly."

Jillian Newey studies the new faces again. "Who are you all? I know not these fae who stand before me."

Nimros gives a boyish smile of open friendliness. Shawn Daysleeper smiles at the elf's smile.  "I am Shawn, a winter fae from the far northern lands."

Carleen Luckstone: "Dear lady, I am Carleen. I wandered to your land and met these as they spoke outside the tavern."   Jillian Newey bows her head.

Nimros regards the blue being in front of him, and asks in a low voice.."Are you always blue?"

 "Ummm... most of the time..."  Nimros grins with delight and whispers, "I have never seen anyone with such remarkable blue skin.   I envy you, friend Shawn." Shawn Daysleeper smiles at being called friend by the elf and blushes, turning a deeper blue.   Jillian Newey giggles at the young elf's funny coments.  Nimros smiles back, but his eyes stray to the one called Durzo, watching carefully at the manner of his pacing.

Durzo smiles. "As you know, Jillian. I am Durzo, warrior of the Seelie court. I was sent here to help you in your lands"

Jillian Newey whispers, "I thought since we would be together on this quest we should know who we may be fighting beside."


Tas speaks, returning to the grim matter at hand.  "We may be able to encounter the spider without loss of life. "  He casts a brief glance at Durzo.

Nirmos responded with a startled: "Spider?"  He casts a questioning look at the human.

"Yeah, one of the larger-than-normal variety."

Jillian Newey shivers again at the mention of the beast.  Nimros's brow furrows at the answer.  "But we are seeking the lady's husband. What has the spider to do with this quest?"

Durzo interjects. "I think he implies that Hondo went looking for the spider......"

Tas adds, "The spider maybe standing between us and Hondo."  Jillian says, "Young one, that is what the beast is in our land, yes. Iif any of you wish to not come, it is all right."

Durzo smiles softly. "I shall come aid you, Jillian."  Tas, too, speaks. " I am here for you."  He pauses.  "And Hondo."

Jillian Newey gentaly places a hand on the young elf's arm.  Nimros eyes lights up and he glances over at Jillian.  "Ah, forgive me, my lady.  When you said 'beast,' I thought warmblooded."  He pauses to think a moment. "But if those tracks were made by a spider....Blessed Eru!  That would be ...it could be more dangerous than you realize. We have stories of the great spider Ugoliant and her children...Giant spiders of great intelligence and viciousness."

Tas listens to Nimros.  "This species is a bit...not as bright as some."  He smiles. Shawn was quick to speak up. "I have heard of large spiders, ones so great the chills of winter can not kill them."

Nimros nods at Shawn's words. "I fear we speak of the same creature, mayhap, if it is active in deep winter, as it appears to be here.  But friend Tas, why say you it is not 'bright?'"

Tas continues speaking, though, heedless of the young elf's question.  "We may be able to distract it."

Jillian Newey wings start twitching as she is becoming anxious to find her mate.

Tas addresses the group.  "But we do need to but some actions to our words, for if Hondo is there, we will need to retreive him quickly."

Nimros nods slightly, listening.  "Has anyone tracked it..watched it, knows of its habits?"

Durzo snapped. "We do not have time to watch it simply..... we must act.... and soon." But Tas nods. "I know where it will be resting."

Jillian Newey looks to the elf.  'That is what my love was doing, I fear." 

"As my king would say..action without thought brings rash result."  He pauses, hearing the fear in her voice.  "Lady, he has been gone a long time?"

"Please follow me, " says Tas and starts walking away.  Jillian Newey looks after the others. "Yes, for me it seems forever."

 Nimros nods, and gestures..."Then Lady, allow me to follow and protect you as we see what can be done.  I shall protect thee with my life, if it needs be."

Shawn Daysleeper waits for the the elf and Jillian and thinks they are wiser than the ones that rashly left.  Nimros closely follows the lady, alert for signs of the giant spider. Confused, at one point Jillian stops.  Nimros waits patiently while she gets her bearings, watching warily, alert.

"The caves are on the other side of the mansion. It is tricky to move over this snow."

"Lead the way, " commands Jillian.  Shawn flies around the structure and comes back to say, "I did not notice any spiders."

Durzo asks, "Where is the cave?"  Jillian draws her bow.  Nimros whispers to the blue fae, "The human is reckless."  His eyes constantly scan the surroundings.  Nimroe looks around and keeps himself at her side and behind her. Shawn gives the elf a slight nod. 

"We will need to get alittle wet.  We must pass through the waterfall," warns Tas.

Durzo takes flight and goes throught the waterfall.  He lands in the cave and looks about, scanning the area around.  He sees nothing.  The others make their way through the waterfall. "Come, let us go."

Tas Darkmatter falls into the water, is caught in the current, and struggles to get to land.  Shawn Daysleeper enjoyed the cold icy waters.  Jillian Newey keeps her bow ready.  Nimros slips into the ice cold water and hisses as the body heat is sucked out of him.. He makes his way up and back to Jillian's side, clothes dripping wet.

Heedless of any others but themselves, Tas asks Durzo, "If I am correct, how good are you with a sword?"

Durzo pulls his sword, swinging it in an arc carefully, the sword whistling as it cuts through the air. He grins. "I am well enough."

 "I think that you will be the one to distract the creature.  Just keep you eyes on it.  We will take care of Hondo."

Jillian Newey wonders to herself why Hondo would come in here alone? Nimros hears the  human's plans. He shakes his head..."That makes no sense, Tas."  But the human pointedly ignores the young elf.

Tas looks around.  "I think it is this way. It has been awhile since I have been down here."

Durzo nods. "I shall do so.  Perhaps, I shall teach it to stay in it's caves."

They walk away, and Jillian follows, the elf and the fae close behind.  The caves twist and turn back on themselves several times. Finally, Tas, who was in the lead, holds his hand up.  Nimros catches Jillian's arm and whispers, earnest, "I am unarmed...alow me to distract the creature...it makes more sense."

"I am afraid," she said.

"Allow me, Lady. Then you shall have two armed fighters to fend it off should it turn.  Friend Shawn can help you carry your love to safety."

But Jillian whisper, "No, here is my dagger."  The elf takes her answer as no.  Durzo whispers, "Let me distract it.  I shall keep it distracted longer than the rest of you."  Shawn nods.

Tas points and says in a quiet voice. "It seems that Hondo is alive, but he is laying on the ground."  Nimros nods and drops back to guard Jillian once more, but she breaks into a run for her mate, and he runs after her.

"Be careful," cautions Tas to Durzo.  Durzo grins.  "Of course."

Jillian takes a breath to cry out, but Durzo hushes her.  "Shhhhh.  It sleeps for now. Be quiet."

"Let me go to him, " she begs.  Tas watches Durzo plan his attack and slowly moves toward Hondo, to attempt to drag him away from the spider. Knowning his own youthful strength, Nimros moves up toward the human to assist, but the human motions the elf back.  Jillian's wings start twitching.  Durzo stands in front of the rest, sword at the ready.  He watches as the spider starts to stir. He looks back. "Grab him quickly!  I shall take it from here." He flies to the other side of the spider and stab it's big abdomen. Tas Darkmatter reaches toward Hondo and pulls him away from the water. 

Durzo yells, "Go, quickly!" He continues to fight the creature, his wounds bleeding freely.  Nimros rushes to assist the human.  "We must go...quickly. This is no dumb beast.."

Jillian Newey cries out,  "He lives!  We need to move him now!. There is many sacks of .......her food.... please, let's get him from this place....NOW!"

Tas Darkmatter nods to Nimoros to grab the other arm and both carry Hondo.  Nimros nods back, and heaves, taking an arm and wrapping it around the unconcious elf's waist and shoulders part of the body weight. Tas casts a quick glance at Durzo's desperate battle with the spider, as if he has seen this before.

Durzo jumps out of the water as the spider chases after him.  He goes down another corridor.  "Hurry!,"He yells.

The slender winter fae steps forward. Together, Tas and Nimroe help the fae cradle the unconscious Hondo in his arms.  With the additional dead weight, he struggles to lift off the ground in the crowded confines of the cave.  Jillian, numb with fear as she watched, rouses herself to command Tas." Tas, lead us out."

Quickly, they turn as a group and flee.  Nimros stays behind, gesturing wildly for Shawn to flee.  Shawn waits for his elf friend to follow.  They come running, flying wildly, out of the cave and through the waterfall.   Shawn gently places Hondo on the ground once he lands.  Nimros runs out behind Shawn and stops just behind him.  eyeing the entrance as others have turned their back to the watefall.

Durzo yells as he is bitten reapetedly, his wounds becoming too great. He loses consciousness.  The spider delivers the killing bite and drags his body away down a dark corridor.  Nimros' elven ears can hear, despite the cascading waterfall, the sounds of the spider digesting her meal.

Jillian Newey sobs for her healing is limited to what she can do for a spider bite. Tas, panting, announces, "Durzo was killed by the spider."

Jillian Newey sobs.  She cannot help anyone, she feels. Nimros nods, briefly.  "We must not stop here...we must move.."

"Hondo," whispers Jillian to her love, "can you hear me?" Tas looks down at Hondo.  "How is he?"

"Alive.  That is all I know.  We do need to move him to the healer's house." Tas nods.

Shawn Daysleeper nods. "That spider may come out and he needs a healer."

"Shawn?" asks Jillian.  "May I ask that you carry him again to the healer's house?" The winter fae nods.

Tas shakes his head.  "Durzo did not die in vain.  The spider was fatally struck."

But Nimroe does not believe the words.  He continues to watch the waterfall warily.

Jillian was speaking. "I will fly.  Follow if you can. I must meet you there. Nimros, please follow also."  Nimros bows his head and nods. Jillian Newey takes to the air, fearful for all that are on the ground.  Nimros takes up the rear.

Once they are there, Shawn and Jillian immediately enters.  Tas pauses and gestures for Nimros to proceed him into the hall, but the young elf, demurs. "Nay, my friend.  Please, I shall follow. I have sworn to protect the lady."

Upstairs as all enter, Shawn gently places Hondo on the bed in the room.  Jillian Newey looks at her husband, praying all will be well when he awakes.  Nimros moves to the windows and keeps a watch out.  Tas looks out over the land, out the window.  His eyes settle on the graveyard.  He turns to where Hondo lays on the bed.  "Seems you cheated death, this time."

 Jillian Newey leans over and removes the sword from Hondo and openly cries.  She lays the sword by the bed.   Tas gently places his hand on her shoulder, looking down at Hondo.  Shawn stands by the bed, deep in thought.
There is a crystal on the bed, by the unconscious elf.  Jillian speaks.

"The crystal grows brighter as it draws the poisons from him, but I fear it is not enough, and I do not know what to do." 

Tas turns to Shawn and looks as if to say, "thank you."  Jillian twists her husband's hair in her fingers, trying to call him back to this world.  Hondo stirs slightly, then lays still again.  A soft moan escapes his lips.  Jillian's heart leaps for joy, for ever this small sound from her mate. "Sleep well, my Heartsong."  She starts to sing a song her father sang to her in a tongue that must be elven.  Nimros stands stock still at the window.  Tas, hearing the song, steps back while she sings. 

Shawn Daysleeper smiles, realizes there is a patch of ground out there without any snow on it. He decides to take care of it, wisking away with a smile and waves. 

Jillian speaks to Tas.  "Tas, we need to help our young elven friend to find his way home."

Tas looks puzzled. "How did he get here?"  Nimroe remains gazing out at the window.

"Young elven Lord, you have helped me much, but how did you get here?"

Nimros blushes, even as he looks out the window.  "Please, Lady, among my people, I am but a fisher."  He bows his head and speaks quietly. "In truth, I know not how I came to be here nor where 'here' is."  He presses his head against the cold window pane. "One moment I was in Alqualonde...the next...here."

Tas smiles, his voice faintly states,"I know how you feel."  Jillian shudders at the name of the elf's home, as it is also the home of King Olwe.  She wants to ask questions but says nothing.

Nimros turns and briefly meets Tas' eyes.  "The skies went black...then I woke here, in the forest.  I know nothing of what befell my home...my parents...my...my king...Eru keep him."

"Hondo will rest.  Let us go down and sit. I will make some tea." Jillian Newey wings begin to twitch again. Tas Darkmatter walks over to Hondo, lightly puts his hand on his shoulder, "Rest, my friend." Nimros looks out at the snow and nods, waiting for the others.

"I will fix some tea for I need to get warm. May I get thee some also?"

Tas Darkmatter turns to Nimros. "I am sorry to hear of your loss, but we can hope all is well."

Nimros smiles a little, but his expression is troubled.

Jillian asks the elf, "What troubles thee, young one?"

Nimros looks up. "You have a descendant of Ugoliant in that cave...perhaps it is not as quick of wit as her first offspring, but certainly as deadly. I worry for thee, lady, and for thy lord.  For if such a one exists, it is a dark forbodding."  He takes a deep breath and continually gazes outside the window. "I worry also for my homeland, my kith, kin, and king.  I must return, my lady. Please, where is this land? "

Jillian Newey looks confused. "I know not where we are. We were summoned her to heal this land and we came. Tis an island, but I do not leave it it as I am the guardian."

 Nimros nods and chews on his bottom lip, his youthful face intent upon his thoughts.  "Yet, the creature had to come from somewhere...."

Tas listens as they talk. "I think there may be something in the caves that could explain some of these strange events."

"She had to come here from somewhere..Unless this was once part of a larger mass of land," muses the young elf.

"This may be true, but it has been this way since we have been here," answers Jillian.  Ninroe continues

"But only my King, who is one of the Firstborn, only he would have some inkling of her age or shed more light upon her presence....perhaps."  Nimros blushes.  "I am not old enough."

Jillian, with a sad expression, says, "I know of your king."

Nimros whirls around, forgetting the window, the snow, the smell in the room forgetting all but her words.  "You know?  Of King Olwe?"  He steps forward.  "What, Lady, what?"

Tas turns and looks out the window for a moment, then says quickly, " I must tend to something.  Jillian, I will return later to check on Hondo." To Nimros, he says, "I am glad to have meet you. I do hope you find your home and I." He leaves. Nimros gives a slight bow of the head.

 Jillian Newey, startled by this elf's reaction, steps back and fears to answer. She leans down and kisses Hondo's cheek it is cold to the touch . She covers him up and pushes everyone out the room.  Nimros follows, watching her body language and expression carefully. His youthful face drawn with concern.  What does she know about my king, he wonders.  How do I get home?

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