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Post by Wren on Oct 9, 2004 3:42:45 GMT -5
Ailinel threw open the door of the empty cottage, to find that her worst fear had been realized. The old nurse’s body, lay lifeless upon the floor. Her child was no where in sight. She sank to her knees, a cry of rage and fear escaping from her bloodless lips. She allowed herself a moment to grieve for the nurse who had been as a mother to her when she was but a child. A note was pinned to the plank table, held in place by a dagger that reeked of unsavory spells. She ripped the note free, leaving the dagger in place and began to read the words inked in blood.
Your child is being taken to Isenmouth. You will go there if you wish to see her alive again. Time is short make no delays for her life hangs by a very slender thread. There you may exchange your life for hers.
She crumpled up the paper as tears coursed down her cheeks. She stuffed the note into the pocket of her cloak. She gathered her sword, pack, and staff, and flew to the stable to saddle her horse Tar-menel. She mounted his back in one swift smooth motion and the two raced out of the stables. She never gave the cozy cottage a backward glance as they flew into the forest. The cottage had been her home for many years since before she had given birth to her daughter. The nurse who been her own caregiver had led her hear when her child was just newly conceived.
She bent low over the stallion’s velvety neck, trying to avoid the branches that grasped for her hair that flew out behind her. Her hood had blown off, and now her hair streamed behind her in long black waves. They rode until dark, when they had to stop, or lose their way under the moonless blackness. The forest hid even the stars from sight. Ailenel could never remember feeling so alone. She had always had someone with her. First there were her parents and her nurse not to mention the other servants who maintained the tower where she had been raised. Then there was her husband whom she had loved fiercely more than life itself. Afterwards there was the old nurse and her child, who meant the world to her, had given her life meaning once more.
She fell into a dream filled, chaotic sleep, and tossed and turned on the hard ground with only a rough blanket beneath her. Tar-menel grazed nearby on sparse grass that grew here and there along the forested floor. He would alert her to any kind of danger that should approach.
(ooc
This story takes place after the War of the Ring. My character is in a wooded area somewhere in Khand. Feel free to join as any character or race you would like to be. If you need more information just send me a pm.)
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Post by Red on Oct 17, 2004 21:27:37 GMT -5
Tadita walked through the woods, on a mission. His family was in trouble. His father was sick and he needed to get money for them. His family meant more to him that anything, they were all he had. His youngest sister was getting so thin.... He pushed these thoughts out of his head and kept on walking using his weapon a walking stick. His dark eyes glittered the light back. He moved with only a small rustle as he moved through the woods, he knew these wood well. He suddenly came upon a girl, and stopped dead. He hadn't expected this.
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Post by Wren on Oct 19, 2004 21:21:29 GMT -5
She awoke to feel a soft nose nuzzling her cheek. The sun hadn’t quite yet lifted above the horizon, but something was alerting Tar-menel. She sat up cautiously. She didn’t sense danger from her horse, only a state of attention. Looking around the makeshift camp in the dim light before dawn, she noticed a young man, armed with only a walking stick coming towards her.
He spoke in a low voice, “I’m surprised to see anyone else, here in these woods, especially a woman out by herself. But you need not fear me; I mean no harm, just seeking to satisfy my curiosity.” He looked down at her with a crooked grin.
“You speak as though you know these woods quite well. I too make my home in these woods. It lays a day’s journey to the east. You are welcome to join me for something to eat” She offered as she began to rummage through her pack. She pulled out a stale loaf of hard bread, some fresh apples, and a few pieces of jerky. “My name is Ailinel”. Not many people new I was living in these woods. I shared a small cabin with my daughter, and nurse.” She hesitated, not sure how much information she should share with this stranger.
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Post by Red on Oct 20, 2004 14:09:02 GMT -5
Tadita settled himself onto the ground, and nodded. He kept his long handled scythe nearby him, just in case.
"I'm still living at home with my family. I have four younger siblings, it gets a little crazy around there sometimes since the second eldest is 12. And I'm not hungry really, I ate in the evening before I set out. I ussually leave then because it's easier on my siblings to put them to bed then leave before they wake up."
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Post by Wren on Oct 23, 2004 3:34:03 GMT -5
The woman just nodded feeling a bit uncomfortable eating in front of the young man. She bit into the bread and chewed it for awhile before swallowing. She glanced over at Tadita, and decided she needed to take the young man into her confidence. “Last night my daughter was taken from. She was stolen from our home, and her nurse was killed. Her abductor left a note pinned with a dagger to my table. It was inked with blood.” She handed the note to Tadita so her peruse the ill news for himself. She waited for a few moments, and then the questions began. “Do you know who took her? Do you even know how to find her? How can you help her all by yourself?”<br> Ailinel sighed heavily, and nodded at the expected questions. “I do know who took her. It was my husband. Perhaps you are thinking that is not so bad for the child to be with her father. Perhaps you have heard of the blue wizards. My husband is the son of one of those blue wizards. When we were first married he was the kindest and most loving husband a woman could hope for. He didn’t change over night. It took me awhile to notice that he had become distant. After our daughter was born, he would disappear for months at a time. I never knew where he went. I would ask him, and he would just reply that he was investigating a rumor or some other such tale. Finally one night, I left my daughter with her nurse and followed him. We were living in Ashkenaz the capitol city of Khand. I followed from our home in a prestigious neighbor hood. He led me through the business district and across the river to the east side of town. The east side of town was known for its criminal element. I drew my cloak over my head and tried to disguise my footsteps even as I clung to the shadows, trailing my husband. This is no place for a woman, especially one unused to the area. He entered a run-down, seedy looking inn and went to sit at a far table. I possess a bit of magic myself, and was able to cloak myself in partial invisibility as I sat down in a shadowy corner at a table behind him. He was soon joined by three other dark characters. My ears are quite good, and I overheard everything they were telling him. They wanted him to bring me and our daughter to Isenmouth. They were telling him that his tower was ready, and it was time for him to take his place. He argued with them for awhile, telling them that I wasn’t ready for he had told me nothing of his mysterious secrets. But finally he gave in and agreed to meet them in one month with wife and daughter in tow. I never found out who was behind the building of the tower, or who had subverted my husband. I waited there in my corner until they had all gotten up, and left the inn. Then I hurried home. I went instead to my nurse’s sister, so she and I could conduct a reason for me not being home when my husband returned. We decided that I should say that she was ill, and needed my help during the night. So that is what we did, and when my husband checked out my story later that day, the kindly old woman played her part perfectly. The next day when my husband went out again as was his habit; I took my daughter, her nurse, and fled. We came here to these woods were we have been hiding for two years. I do not know why he wants our daughter, except to use her as a way to get to me. But I cannot see why he wants me. We have not been close for several years, and at the last were barely speaking to each other. There is someone else behind this that I have yet to discover.”<br> Ailenel fell silent letting her words sink in. She took a sip of water from her water skin, and sat back thinking about her journey ahead. She had no hope of catching up to her daughter. She remembered seeing a winged creature earlier. She had never before seen such a large creature with the power of flight. She could only assume that this creature was now bearing her daughter away. There could be no other explanation for its appearance. (ooc I may have deviated a little from what Tolkien had intended, but hopefully no Tolkienologists are reading this. lol just kidding. Hopefully no Tolkienologists will be offended.  ) |
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Post by Red on Oct 25, 2004 10:05:59 GMT -5
Tadita listened, and read the note with one sweep of his eyes. He stared at the ground as he listened, his dark eyes clouded over. The images put into but his mind were powerful, and when she was done speaking he was no longer seeing the little girl, Ailinel, or even the ground he was staring at. He was seeing the face of his little sister. He was the closest thing to a second parent she had. His mind reeled with all the information he had just taken in, but it always returned to his sister.
Like a flash, his mind made itself up, and he looked up at Ailinel, his eyes now bright, determined, and also sad.
"I'll help. We'll go get your daughter, and you'll both come out of there alive, No one should have to grow up without their mother if there's another way, take my word on that."
He got up, using his scythe to help him. His mind raced through a plan. He would go home and get the horse....give his family his saving in case he didn't come back....say goodbye and then he would be off.
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Post by Nightshine on Oct 25, 2004 15:56:09 GMT -5
((hi. I'd join now, but I wanna make sure of something. I wanted to join as my char, Vyrax, and have him be a man hired by your husband to make sure that you headed for Isenmouth. If you don't like that, I can just join as another char.))
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Post by Wren on Oct 26, 2004 17:30:51 GMT -5
She was exactly surprised when Tadita offered to go with her. She sees in him a strength of character that wasn’t often found in one so young. From his sharp eyes which have missed nothing since she met him just a short time ago, she senses a keen intelligence. Nevertheless, Ailinel is reluctant to accept his help. “I cannot ask you to risk your life for me or my daughter. However, I can see that you are a man, though young still. You are old enough to make up your own mind, and I would not be the one to take away another’s choice. I will ask one thing from you, my new friend. Please promise me to be careful and not take unnecessary risks. Now that there are two of us we need a plan. I had intended on walking boldly into Isenmouth, since I did have an invitation. But I think now we need something more subtle. Unfortunately I do not now the area. I was born and raised in the east, and I have never had a reason to leave until now. Perhaps we should try to find a guide, someone trustworthy, and able to hold their tongue.”<br> She looked quizzically at her new friend. “Unless you are more traveled than I have assumed?” She began to pace back and forth trying to think of a plan to get them unseen and unnoticed into Isenmouth. Nothing popped into her head, but there was no need to worry as of yet. There would be plenty of time to formulate something feasible by the time they reached the end of their long journey, providing they even got that far. (ooc You're welcome anytime, Nightshine.  |
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Post by Red on Oct 26, 2004 17:39:07 GMT -5
Tadita grinned at her, then quicly became seriuos. Deadly serious.
"If you want to know, my main reason is because my youngest sister can't be a year older than your daughter. And if I want to come home to her, then I can't take unneccasry risks. Speaking of which...do we have time to stop by my house? I want to tell my father. My village is southwest from here, not that far off our path, and once I get my horse we can make better time anyways. Plus there might be someone there to guide us."
His eyes were slightly pleading, and he looked a lot like the 17 year old he was. He needed to see his family. It wouldn't be fair to them. He kept on telling himself that, but he knew he needed to see them more than they probaly needed to see him.
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Post by Nightshine on Oct 26, 2004 17:45:23 GMT -5
Deep blue eyes watched them through the trees as Vyrax watched them intensely. He had been sent back by her husband, to make absolutely sure that she was heading for Isenmouth. He despised working under anyone, but he didn't want any of them to know who he was just yet. There was a chance that he may find out some information of the palantir, and he didn't want to blow his cover. His name and sword were known by many men, especially in relation to matters of the palantir.
He heard Ailenel speak of a guide, and instantly had an idea. He stepped through the trees slowly, trying not to startle them. "A guide, milady?" he asked quietly, putting on the friendly 'disguise' that he used all too often. "Why, I believe that I would fall into that category. Forgive me for intruding, but I overheard voices and came to investigate. It is not often I see anyone around here. When I heard the word 'guide' I had to step in." He bowed poliely and smiled at her. "I am Daliyac, and I know my way around theses parts quite well. I believe that I could help you get to... wherever you were going."
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Post by Wren on Oct 29, 2004 1:10:09 GMT -5
Ailenel looked at Tadita with wide eyes. Then she turned slowly. She heard twigs crackle, and the crush of dry leaves. Someone was approaching without stealth. Not knowing if it were friend or foe, she placed a cautious hand on the pommel of her sword.
The man who came out of the trees was a stranger to her, but his voice was kindly and he seemed friendly and sincere enough when he offered to be their guide. She nodded slightly in response to his words. “You are correct in your observations, sir. We are in need of a guide, but I would be a fool to blindly put my trust in that of a stranger, especially one whose purpose here is questionable. Let me not jump to conclusions. Before I accept you as guide, I would know your purpose in being here now, in these woods.”<br>
Giving the man a moment to formulate his answer, she whispered to Tadita, “Of course we can stop by your home. It will be a long enough journey that an extra day should be of no importance. Your horse would be welcome as well.”<br>
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Post by Nightshine on Oct 29, 2004 1:36:39 GMT -5
He smiled some more. "Milady, I am merely a traveler. As you can see from my armor, I was once in the service of the White City. But I suffered a near-fatal wound in battle that almost took my life. I fortunately recovered, but ever since, I've left that place. I now wander this area, patrolling for orcs and other fell creatures. I guess you might call me a ranger of some sort, though I am far from the skill of a ranger. I also give you my oath that I shall not harm you nor your comrade. Those are not my intentions, and I only wish to assist you." He bowed again and looked up at her, hoping that she would accept his help.
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Post by Red on Oct 29, 2004 10:08:06 GMT -5
Tadita wasn't so sure about this guy, but decided he was being overly catiuos. You'd never get anywhere if you didn't trust once in a while. He grinned from ear to ear, and said,
"Awright! We don't wanna waste much time though. So let's get goin'!"
He was slipping back into the slight accent of his village, forgetting to talk nice and proper like his mother had always said. She had said it would help make people not take one look at him and think him a simple farmer.
He got a good grip on a his sycthe, and they set off back through the woods.
After about a hours walk they neared the village, but Tadita veered off and went to a modest house set at the edge of a couple fields, and a small barn was set not too far off. Tadita was spotted when he was about twenty yards out, and two small girls hurtled from the house, and ran at him screaming his name in joy.
Tadita grinned, and went on one knee to hug them both when they came near. The girls giggled as he stood up, then gaped with wide eyes at the others. The smaller one, age four, tugged on Tadita's shirt saying,
"Is she your wife?"
Tadita turned bright red, and shook his head violently saying,
"For the last time no! Stop asking me that already!"
He urged them both back towards the house saying,
"Go tell dad I'm home."
The both ran back to the house, leaving one very exhasperated and blushing Tadita.
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Post by Wren on Nov 9, 2004 1:16:14 GMT -5
Following Tadita through the woods, he led them to his village. While she waited for Tadita to gather his things together and bid his family goodbye, Ailinel took the time to fill Daliyac in on the reason for their journey. “You may be wondering why I am in need of a guide”. When he nodded she continued. “My daughter was kindnapped only yesterday, and Tadita has agreed to help me find and rescue her.” Her voice broke as she mentioned her daughter.
My daughter is my only family. My heart breaks with the pain of our separation. I can only hope that she still lives. Sir, can you know how it is to loose your only child?
“Her name is Edana, and I have reason to believe she has been taken to Isenmouth in Mordor.” She hesitated revealing too much to this man until she could be sure of his intentions. She instinctively knew that Tadita was a man of his word, and could be counted on in time of need. She had not yet received conformation that this man bore the same qualities. Looking around, she lowered her voice to a whisper. “Have you heard of this place?” When he nodded again she decided to ask some pointed questions of their guide. “How familiar are you with the land of Mordor?
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Post by Red on Nov 9, 2004 17:48:09 GMT -5
Tadita left the two to gather up his things, and went into his room. His four younger siblings piled into his room after him and hung on his arms, asking him questions and trying to find out how long he was staying, and when he was leaving again. He finally scooped up the youngest, Eleanor, into his arms and said,
"Alright! I'm staying for maybe ten more minutes and I'm leaving as soon as I get my stuff together."
They nodded and all except Eleanor trudged out the room, dejected that he wasn't staying longer. Tadita pried up a floorboard with one hand, and reached into the gap and pulled out a small yet heavy pouch of money. He then replaced the floorboard and stood up, hugging Eleanor tightly.
"Now listen carefully. I have to go help a little girl who's not too far from your age. She got seperated from her mother, and I'm going to get them back together, ok? It might be dangerous."
Eleanor nodded cheerfully, not getting that dangerous meant danger to her older immortal brother. Tadita let her down, then walked into his fathers room and knelt by the older man's bed.
While he was sick and couldn't get up, Tadita's father had lost none of his pride. He laid a hand on his son's shoulder saying,
"The other told me your leaving soon."
Tadita nodded, opening his father's hand and pressing the money pouch into it.
"Yeah, I have to help someone. I need to take the horse. I'll be gone for a long time and I might not come back. So here's all my savings and when you need a horse use it to buy another. There's enough in there. It should keep you guys supported until either I get back or you get better in the event I don't."
HIs father nodded, and Tadita hugged him tightly then stood, and went outside to the barn. He quickly saddled up thier horse, Caleb. Caleb was a large strog horse, not as fast as some but an incredible endurance. Tadita filled up the saddbags with grain, a bed roll, then attached hit long handled scyth before looking around and saying,
"You guys can come out now."
All of his siblings materialized from random places in the barn, eyes wide. They had never seen him take the horse, which meant he must be going to some far off place. Tadita hugged each of them in turn, and whispered goodbye before cheerfully saying,
"You guys get back, we don't want Caleb stepping on you!"
They inched back, and Tadita led Caleb out and towards his friends, going slightly slow because he was reluctant to leave this place for maybe the last time.
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