VoyForums
[ Show ]
Support VoyForums
[ Shrink ]
VoyForums Announcement: Programming and providing support for this service has been a labor of love since 1997. We are one of the few services online who values our users' privacy, and have never sold your information. We have even fought hard to defend your privacy in legal cases; however, we've done it with almost no financial support -- paying out of pocket to continue providing the service. Due to the issues imposed on us by advertisers, we also stopped hosting most ads on the forums many years ago. We hope you appreciate our efforts.

Show your support by donating any amount. (Note: We are still technically a for-profit company, so your contribution is not tax-deductible.) PayPal Acct: Feedback:

Donate to VoyForums (PayPal):

[ Login ] [ Contact Forum Admin ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time | Archives: 1, 2, [3] ]

[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Date Posted: 19:50:32 03/13/03 Thu
Author: All characters
Subject: The first day... Part II
In reply to: All characters 's message, "The Challerain Episode" on 19:38:06 03/13/03 Thu

Adaron sat upon the top step, quietly conversing with the King. He still wore his own scarlet cloak, Elven Armor underneath. A slight glance was given to those that entered but his attention remained focused upon the High King. Fair hair draped passed his shoulders, and a herringbone braid held the top part of his hair back. He had not taken the meal with the others and had been with the High King since after the conversation with Hrosmarshal Vidron.

As young Prince Igon waited to be noted and summoned, her murmured softly. "On the throne sits my sire, and as you know, whom he converses with is Lord Adaron of your Elvenhome.

The High King, though he was seated, looked afar to be a Man of middling height. One of his eyes was covered by a scarlet patch, the result of a blinding wound taken in his youth during an expedition against the Rovers of Kistan. Because of the patch, many villagers called him Aurion Redeye; and he was much loved, for though his spirit was bold, his hand was gentle. Although silver locks fell from his head, it was said that his grip was stronger than that of most Men. He was dressed in scarlet, much the same as Igon, but trimmed in gold. The King looked up, and his face broke into a smile. "Igon, my son!" He called, and beckoned the youth to him.

"Come." said Igon to the foursome, and he led them down the steps and across the center floor to the foot of the throne dais, where he stopped and bowed. "Sire. I present to you Princess Astariel of The Eternal Elvenhome and Prince Elomir of the Forest of the Silverbirds. Also, I introduce Captain Leila, formerly of distant Aragon and one of Lord Adaron's lieutenants, Talarin Steel-Ring." For that is what the Elf's name translated to. Had he known the others, he would have done the same.

Elomir bowed politely when he was introduced. "Majesty," he said.

She leaned over to Talar and spoke, though words were in her own tongue, so she kenw he wouldn't understand them, but she felt the need to say them anyway. "Meu Adaron é muito considerável esta noite," a playful smile given to her Elven brother before they were led down and introduced to the King. A hand was placed above her heart and she gave a deep bow to him.

An arched brow was given to the Edainme Captain but he remained silent. For not knowing what she said, he could not respond to her. So he silently followed Igon, a shake of his head the only nonverbal response Leila would get from him.

Fingers came to intertwine with each other before her as she stood tall. She wondered why she was given the title of Princess but she didn't question it aloud. A glowing smile came to rest on her serene visage as she regarded the king, her head bowing in respect.

As Talarin was announced he bowed very deeply to the High King before he righted himself, a glance to Adaron before crystalline blues returned to Aurion Redeye.

"Lady Astariel." Breathed King Aurion, rising to his feet to bow lightly in greeting to her. Another light bow was given to the Elven Prince at her side. He had heard of the other yet his relationship with Elomir's father was not as close as it had been with Lord Mallorn. Then to all he spoke. "Welcome, though I would that times were better." His voice was firm, and his one eye glittered blue and clear.

"It is an honor," he told the King. "I have only heard good things of you from my father."

"Many greetings and well wishes I pass to you from my father." Her words came clear and carried no echo. Her eyes rose to the King, a rosy smile of fondness offered.

Leila looked around the great hall. Everything was so magnificent here. A soft laugh was allowed to escape her lips before her head was bowed once more, her hands resting upon her womb. A few months ago she could not have imagined her life taking such a turn as this. From crafting weapons to being named a Captain in the army to fight against a force that could destroy the realm was quite a change of pace. Amber and green eyes lifted once more, her shoulders pulled back to straighten herself. Her head inclined just so as she regarded Adaron then.

A soft smile was given to the female laughter but his words were to Astariel. "I would hear of how he fares sometime, My Lady." His eye shifted to the Elven Prince. "Grim news am I to pass onto you, Prince Elomir. The Everdark marches down the Grimwall Mountains, the abode of ancient enemies, freeing them from High Adon's Ban. Even now Celebdulin lies deep in Winternight, and the 'Dark stalks south. On the far side of the Grimwall, it sweeps along the margins of Riamon." Now he seemed to be informing all the others. "I fear Drego has a mind to strike Celebdulin and perhaps even Taure Galion, for this he must do ere plunging into Valon, and beyond to Pellar." Now his gaze focused upon Elomir once more. "You know that you have my leave to go, for I deem that your heart calls you to rush to the aid of your Kith."

Adaron stood then, stepping to the Kings side, his gaze upon Mallorn’s daughter. "Know too that he has also given the Elven Company leave, for snow falls in Elvenhome...an act that has happened only once before in all our history. Yet I and the company will stay, for here can we best serve Midland, at Aurion’s side. It is a choice between love of home and duty to the Realm. Both weight heavy on the heart."

Elomir's face of stone melted into sheer panic and fear, something to never have been seen on his sculpted face before. He felt his knees buckle, and for a long moment he thought he would wretch everything that he had just eaten within the mess hall. The Prince opened his mouth to speak, but it was to no avail; no words could be heard. A long moment had passed before the prince said anything. "I.. I see," he said quietly, weakly, his words trembling. At the same time, ashamed to show his weakness.

The High King almost felt the distress of the Elven Prince and he sypathized. "You will keep all your honor if home is where you choose to battle."

The Prince quickly shook his head. He thought of his brothers, his sisters.. his friends, his father, his mother.. again, he thought he would vomit. "I.. I do not feel well, my Lord. Please excuse me," a quick bow was given and he rushed towards the doors, trying as best he could to keep his composure. He burst outside and bent over, retching into the snow. He thought he would black out.

Lashes pressed to her cheeks as she listened to the news that bore down upon them. She only imagined Elomir's state and she felt for him. When Adaron spoke, she opened her eyes once more, gazing on quietly. She gave no outward reaction, but Adaron would know how her mind was collecting and piecing things together in attempt to find a solution. Her gaze was distracted with the abrupt leave of the Prince and she sighed quietly.

A black brow rose smoothly, but that was really the only outward change as she watched the prince rush from the room. "King Aurion," she began then, "Do you intend to have the armies stay here and guard Challerain Keep, or would you that they rode out and met with the enemy head on?" Leila was not the type to stand by and wait for death to come, and fear was creeping into her mind worrying her that death indeed would be the outcome for her.

He waited for the Prince to exit, quietly. His eye shifted to the dark beauty, Captain Leila, was it? She was bright, and he saw an inner fire to her. "Even now, Captain, my eldest son Gelan rides within the Everdark. No word have we received from him as to the numbers of the horde. The Horde would not pass by the keep and so we wait for them here, and when they arrive, we shall ride out to meet them upon our land. Five walls ring this Keep, as I am sure you all saw. It is a formidable defense and indestructible when the entire Host protects it." He paused. "And that brings me to more dire news....Many a herald did we send, but few nations received our first summons, though here and there now the muster begins. We are reduced to playing a sham at night, to make our forces appear larger than they are, though whether or not the Enemy is deceived I cannot say. We will know that we have succeeded if we are given enough time for our armies to come ere the storm strikes."

Leila gave a nod then, satisfied with his answer. "I wish that I could offer you more help, as gypsies are known to be skilled for their power to fool the eye," a soft sigh given then. "If anything is required, King Aurion, please do not hesitate to ask me. I will do all that I can to protect this realm and the people within it."

He was impressed by her boldness to speak out and did not comment on her heritage. "I will remember your offer, Captian Leila." He assumed that she knew that all captains met with the War-council, so he saw no reason that he should inform her. Never did it cross his mind that she was a Captain of the Gypsies...and...there were no Gypsies at Challerain Keep...and so...she was Captain of herself....

At least she could hold her dinner down, so apparently she was Captain of her digestive system as well. A bow was given then to the king and she stepped back, folding her hands once more upon her hips as she turned her attention to the walls, losing herself for now in thought. Scheming.

Yes well, at least he was Captain over people other than himself. The Prince had calmed somewhat as he stood in the King's presence, though he was visibly shaken.

Now his attention turned to the Elfess, for this next matter concerned her greatly. "Yet it is not only armies we await at the Keep. Wagons have been summoned to bear our loved ones to safe haven, most, whether or not they desire to go. It is my royal edict that this thing be done, for I cannot wage a War where the helpless and innocent are caught in the midst of raging combat. I cannot have my warriors battling with one eye on the foe....and the other upon their loved ones, for that is a road to death. I greatly request that you accompany this wagon train, Lady Astariel. For I would not have Lord Mallorn’s only daughter by chance fall into the hands of Drego."

"Your reverence humbles me, Highness. Though I will lead your people into safety, I go not because I fear to stand and battle here; for though I wear no armor or speak in tongues of war, I am skilled enough to best even dear Talar with the bow." A chiding glance was given to the silent elf before she continued. "So mark, I go to protect as I may, not to be protected."

Talarin's eyes widened as slowly his head tilted to the side and turned to look at Lady Astariel. He did not believe it. There was no way. And quite content with his belief he returned his gaze to the High King, though a small smirk did grace closed lips. Suddenly he spoke up. "Sire, perhaps there should be one that accompanies Lady Astariel, so that she be not among strangers." He had seen Astariel and Elomir speak on occasion and deemed them close enough for he would not elect himself, for he was one of Adaron's lieutenants. "Perhaps Lord Elomir...."

His attention turned towards Talarin, he snapped out of his dazed state. "Yes.. I shall go."

"But your homeland?" She interjected.

"They are the best of warriors," he said through clenched teeth. "My place is with you."

Leila looked at Elomir then, and she couldn't hide her smile. A mental 'awww'. She thought it was almost unbearably romantic and sweet that he was so obviously taken with Mallorn's daughter.

Aurion spoke up then, a smile upon his face, white teeth showing. "Your presence will buoy up the hearts of and spirits of those you travel with...even in this time of great distress and darkness. Yet this I will do, though it goes 'gainst my better judgment: You may delay your departure till the very last caravan, but then you must leave with it, for again, I would have neither of you fall into the Enemy's clutch. But now, my friends, you must excuse my son and myself, for, you see, this is the final market day, the last before all are evacuated from the city--if the dratted wagons will ever get here, that is. We twain must needs make an appearance at the bazaar, for tis' our duty." His grin widened from ear to ear. "The folk expect to see their good King Aurion Redeye, and the handsome Prince..." He seemed to be lost in a thought, for he wondered if the Lady Astariel should accompany them. He decided against it, for she had traveled far and he assumed she was weary. "Lady Astariel, Prince Elomir, you will have rooms here in the Old Fortress." The other had the barracks.

"Many thanks." Astariel again dipped her head to him, golden beams of light from the beloved sun dancing upon her silken crown.

He still watched Astariel.. and the faintest of smiles played on his lips.

~*~


Patiently Talar waited, sitting to the right of Adaron who took his meal as well. A word had been spoken with...someone....earlier on and they had told him they would see to his need. The stew was spooned into his mouth, light conversation drifted to his pointed ears, a casual glance given to the woman who sat across from him.

Leila's spoon swirled in her stew creating ripples in the surface. She seemed lost in thought between the soup that was placed in her mouth and swallowed. Finally the spoon was released to rest on the side of her bowl.

Adaron glanced at the untouched meal. Her bread not broken.

"Elendil..." Talarin began reprimandingly, but his words were cut off as his eyes caught sight of a young man entering the barracks.

Adaron's eyes, too, turned to gaze upon the young Prince of the Realm. It was Igon. Adaron's hands gently placed upon the tabletop and he rose from his seat, a light smile of greeting given to the lad.

Questioningly, Talar gazed from the Prince to the Elf, before shrugging his shoulders to Leila, though he had an idea of what was going on. The person he had spoken to earlier concerning her armor was Adaron. Perhaps he had taken care of it all ready.

She was brought back from her thoughts by Talar's voice and she knew why he had called her back as well, but fortunately now that Igon was entering it would be a subject that would more than likely be left alone at least for tonight anyway. As Adaron stood she watched him for a moment and the smile that touched his lips, her eyes averted after that, her head bowed to hide a smile of her own disguised with a cough that was only half-faked.

Adaron placed a hand upon Talar's shoulder as returned to his seated position and his stew.

Beaming, Steel-Ring gained his feet, a wink given to Igon. "Leila, come, there is something that we have for you."

Adaron sat as though he knew nothing of it.

Leila gave a nod then and stood from her seat, walking around the table to where she would join Talar. Out of habit, her hands rested upon her hips as she waited to either be led somewhere or given directions as she seemed to do one or the other more often than not.

"Follow me, please." It was Igon who spoke up and turned, leading them from the barracks mess hall and out onto the Kingsgrounds, for unlike most of the other barracks, there had been within the inner circle of the fifth wall. The crescent moon was high. He led them towards a thick oak side door of the Old Fortress. The corridor was black and a candle was picked up and lit. From here he guided them along the corridor and towards a flight of stairs. Up and up he took them, around in circles he took them before coming to a door that he opened and took them through. The candle was extinguished as now lamps hung from the ceiling. How along carpeted hall they strode and it was plainly obvious, as they passed door upon door, that they strode along the Royals’ private chambers.

"Where are we going?" she asked as they wound up the stairs and then finally into that carpeted hall which was far warmer than the outside and that provided comfort, for the Elven barracks were not so warm as they were not affected by the temperatures like the edainme.

"I do not know." He replied honestly. He only knew that his request had been granted. He did not know in what way it had.

Igon turned lightly as they came to a door, his hand upon it. "This is Gelan's chamber. Of course, he does not occupy it for he rides in the Everdark." And with that the door was gently shoved open silently. And in through the portal they stepped, Igon directly crossing the room to light the candelabra that sat upon a polished pine table. It fully lit the room.

She looked about in amazement and then turned to look at Igon. "Why have you lead us here?"

"To give you a choice, Lady Leila." He informed her. Over to a closet long strides carried him and the door was throw ajar with care. Inside the closet was a corselet of light chain mail. It was made of Silveron, amber gems inset among the links, with a bejeweled belt, beryl and jade, to be clasped about the waist. On the floor on a stand was a simple iron and leather helm. "This is the armor of the warrior Princelings of the Royal House of Aurion. The silver that you are to wear, Lady Leila, if from Aurion's own childhood, passed down to Gelan. Silveron it is, and precious, said to be of Drimmen-deeve work of old. Aurion wore it in his youth and then Gelan....and Gelan still wore his when my time came, so I was made my own." He chuckled light, the tender built Prince. "Mine would fit you." His laughter grew. "Yet I am in need of it. Gelan was once built like I, though he grew out of it years ago and no longer has a need for this mail."Lightly he scratched at his brown locks. "I suppose you don't have a choice. Unless you'd rather mine?"

Leila just smiled then and clasped her hands before her. She then turned to face the young prince and smiled with a light shake of her head. Black locks that had dried into soft curls falling to her mid back swayed softly in the motion. "I am beyond words for my gratitude, Prince Igon," she said. It was almost like the story of Cinderella, except Cinderella never went to war.

Talarin was behind her and was impressed by the mail before him. "Why do not you try it on, elendil? Check the weight of it." He already knew it would be light enough. Adaron had certainly taken care of everything. His grin was wide and given to Igon, giving his thanks as well.

"I am glad that you like it. I only ask that you wear it well." Igon replied, pearl white teeth flashing to her before he nodded in agreeance to Steel-Ring's comment. "Yes, please do put it on."

She nodded softly before moving forward, a finger tracing down the line of the mail for a moment. Her bodice was unlaced, as it would be far less comfortable to leave it on, but the cream undershirt came down to the waist of her pants so there was no worry about indecency. Carefully she donned the corselet shifting until it fit comfortably upon her. The belt then clasped and she turned to face the two once more. The armor could not have been more of a perfect fit upon the young gypsy.

Igon took a step back to take her in, a finger scratching his cheek as if he were not sure. Then suddenly he beamed a smile and his arms lifted and then dropped to lightly slap at his thighs. "Perfect. Is it too heavy for you?"

"My lord Igon, I once crafted weapons as my livelihood, 'tis not a bit too heavy. In fact, it is perfect," she turned to Talar then with a certain smile. "You know the question in my mind, simply answer yes or no." Meaning whether or not Adaron would like it.

Clear ringing laughter slipped from his throat, his head shaking, though not as an answer. "Lle maa quel, elendil." He sobered some to a light chuckle. "It fits you well." Though that was not the translation.

The young prince arched a brow at what appeared to be a joke shared by the two. And when Talarin had spoken in the common tongue, he assumed that he had translated the Elvish spoken.

She looked at herself in the mirror than and laughed, turning to look at the back of it and then to the other side. "I agree," a wink to Talar before she turned to the prince and clasped his forearms. "Thank you, Igon. I swear to you that I shall wear this well. No one will be disappointed--I shall see to it."

[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Replies:

[ Contact Forum Admin ]

Forum timezone: GMT-8
VF Version: 3.00b, ConfDB:
Before posting please read our privacy policy.
VoyForums(tm) is a Free Service from Voyager Info-Systems.
Copyright © 1998-2019 Voyager Info-Systems. All Rights Reserved.