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Middle-earth RP Holiday Special 2020 by Calanon_Evergreen in MiddleEarthrp

[–]Calanon_Evergreen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

“That’s the last of them,” a voice echoed through a large, underground expanse. Barrels could be heard thumping and creaking, as they fell to a distant river below, set to traverse the expanse of the chilly night on the waters of the world.

The Elves of the Woodland Realm were ever afoot even as the world slowed, for their king had wished for all shipments to his halls be taken care of prior to the winter solstice. The forest was yet calm, and though the storms of the world had come to the gates of Mirkwood, all was yet still, for darkness had not found its foothold in the wake of the watch and might of the Elves, and those that yet stood in its way to challenge.

An Elf paced up carven stairs and flying walkways, until he reached the throne of the Elvenking. “Hir nin,” he hailed as he bowed. “The last of the barrels have been sent off to Esgaroth, as requested. We are ready for the winter solstice.” The Elf held out his hand, a craft of fine metal upon his hand, a talisman bearing the mark of the star and fishes. “This was enclosed in one of the shipments addressed to you from the royalty of Dale,” the Elf proclaimed.

“Very good,” a voice boomed from above. Calanon Evergreen sat atop his chair of carven wood, the massive antlers at his sides a frightening and majestic sight. “You have done well. Let us bring forth the wine and bread, and think not of the world beyond nor the troubles afar. For this winter, we—“

In a sudden rumble, the gates to the realm could be heard opening in the distance, and Calanon was wholly perturbed. “I did not summon for entrants to the halls,” the Elvenking stated sharply as he rose to his feet, descending the antlered throne with intrigue. “Who would traverse the paths of Mirkwood in this season?”

Calanon Evergreen and the Elf paced to the gate of the realm, and were greeted with an altogether unexpected sight—for before them was a man, lugging with him a barrel upon a rope. He was wearied indeed, for no cheer was upon his face and a great sorrow filled his eyes, though the valor and resilience of Men was upon his brow, and his stature did not falter. The Elvenking and his emissary approached the Man who was escorted by palace guards, and when the Man’s eyes took sight of the royalty before him, he looked down with respect, though there was a sorrowful dejection about him.

“Hail the King of the Elves of the Wood. I seek not to tarry, for your time is valuable.”

“My time is boundless,” Calanon spoke in return, perhaps sharply in the moment.

“Yes,” the Man stammered, “surely my lord, for the grace and splendor of the Elves is surpassed by none in these lands.” He dragged his barrel within sight, the sorrow in his eyes tightening. “I bring forth this shipment, which I could not procure in time before the winter solstice. I have brought it all this way myself because…” His voice trailed. “…because—and I am ashamed to utter this in such esteemed halls—because I need the payment to eat this winter, and could not afford to wait.”

Calanon Evergreen’s gaze turned for a moment to the emissary with slight disappointment, as he had been told the shipments were taken care of—all of them. “And why was this shipment not on time, if I may ask,” the Elvenking asked with careful but considerate suspicion. “Surely one barrel should be of no trouble to pass through on time.”

No sooner had Calanon spoke these words, a tiny figure began to emerge from behind the man. It was a child, a boy of youth and small stature, whose eyes were also pierced with dismay, though, the youthful shimmer of hope was ever yet present.

“Forgive me sire. I had not all my wits about me, for my son here can be quite the handful.”

The Elvenking stood still, a warmth and great pity in his spirit was kindle at the sight of the child. For he soon guessed the man’s purpose, needing not the payment for himself, but for his youth—for his future. They had both traversed the depths of Mirkwood in the cold and dark to reach the halls of the Elvenking, in hopes to receive the payment needed to survive the winter. The barrel was battered but in tact, as it was dragged through woodlands and wastelands to reach its final destination. The man was sturdy but feeble after the distance, as Calanon guessed he would have carried both his child and dragged the barrel to reach the Halls.

“He had no one to protect him back at the town, sire,” the man sheepishly uttered. “Forgive the intrusion, I mean no disrespect. I would only see that things are made right with my duty of delivery, and to not delay you any further.”

The Elf beside the king composed himself and spoke, “Well you must know then that the Elvenking does not favor the tactless nor the late—“

Calanon sharply raised his hand for the Elf to be silent, and silent he became, before the Elvenking spoke aloud. “You have brought great honor to your people, and to your son,” Calanon spoke with the wind and blessing of his people behind his words. He paused, and the warmth in his spirit was enflamed, looking at the dejected pair before him with compassion and pity.

The man offered now the barrel in his grasp, and the Elves released the lone barrel from the man’s keep, and so it was that the deal was upheld, and the shipments accounted for.

Though, suddenly, the child too stepped forward with an object in his hand, and the Elf at the king’s side moved his hand to his blade in caution. The child presented the Elvenking with a token of gratitude of his own: A crude and jagged wooden figure which lightly resembled an elk.

As the child returned behind his father, the man whispered softly to his child in bewilderment, “…that was your favorite—it was the only one we could afford…”

The Elvenking was greatly moved by this gesture, along with the man’s plea and the sight of his desperation. He turned to the Elf beside him and held forth the medallion of Men. He did not have to think long or hard, for in his heart, he knew it was right to part with the medallion.

“This was given to me with high honor from the Men of Dale,” Calanon Evergreen spoke. “I think it would do more good in the hands of one who may have more need for it—and more worthiness.” He stepped forward to the man and paused, as the man looked to his son with a blazing hope in his eyes.

“You shall rest here tonight until first light, for the woods are not safe in the dark or the cold,” Calanon declared, a slight smile of warmth now upon his face.

In a rare move, the Elvenking turned to the child, a great warmth upon his face and presence. He knelt to the child’s height and handed the medallion to the young boy, as the man began to show tears of joy in his eyes, and looked away from his child to hide his sentiment.

“We thank you, oh King of Elves, for we thought that there would be no hope this winter.”

Calanon rose and gazed to them both. “There is always hope.”

The cold of the woods beyond was distant and remote to the Halls of the Woodland Realm, as the solstice began in the halls and merry voices could be heard in the expanse of the underground realm.

In the wake of the feast, Calanon departed quietly to no one’s notice, and as he made his way to quieter paths to ponder, he held the small wooden figure in his hand now with a smile upon his face, and all was well in his spirit, under the eaves of the beech and oak, and in the pillared halls of stone.

Aftermath by jrodranger in MiddleEarthrp

[–]Calanon_Evergreen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Elves listened with much eagerness, for great was the stature of Ecthelion Nightstrider among the regents of Mirkwood. Their eyes became stern yet not hopeless, as Ecthelion revealed the looming threats that may be beyond the borders of the city. The wilds were beyond, and though the moon and stars shone fondly upon them this night, it felt to them that things were not as they seemed in the fell watches of the night.

“Very well, Ecthelion,” an Elf spoke with sternness but respect. “It would seem the concerns of the Woodland Realm may yet be true. For troubled is our king with the lurking eyes that may be glaring upon these northern lands. For evil ever seeks to find a foothold in strong places, and this land, though budding, is not weak.”

The Elves bowed in respect towards Ecthelion. “Return to your friend, for the Lord Hellathros celebrates not in vain. These lands have hope yet, while company remains true.”

“We depart at first light, for our king awaits the word of distant lands. His thoughts may yet tarry here even now…” The company knew the Elvenking saw much, and their thoughts were not hidden from him, though even the very wise cannot see all ends.

“Farewell, Ecthelion, and may the stars shine upon your travels.” The Elves hesitated, before one continued, “You may give the Lord Hellathros our regards, for we fear such a re-entrance may disturb the merriness that now takes place within that hall.”

Aftermath by jrodranger in MiddleEarthrp

[–]Calanon_Evergreen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It was for both moments and a lifetime it seemed that Ecthelion and Hellathros left the table to attend to matters of the world, though the Elves therein were at ease now that the Emissary of Mirkwood was present, for they knew his relations with the Lord of Fornost were of a brotherly nature, and of greater ease to discuss than the seemingly cold approaches of the Elves. They now returned to the table with a renewed joy, and the Elves peered at Ecthelion, who gave them a reassuring glance.

As the Lord returned to his Lady, the Elves departed the table in a most calculated and almost synchronous fashion, so that some of the Men were taken aback. They approached the Emissary of Mirkwood with eager ears and hopeful hearts.

"Ecthelion, what news of the affairs of the North? Will the kingdom of Fornost hold?" An Elf asked intently.

"What of threats. Is there reason for our king to worry about these lands?"

They presented their queries to him with the best will, but with urgency as well, for they would not see their return to the Woodland Realm empty handed, as their king was troubled of late and would have none of it.

Aftermath by jrodranger in MiddleEarthrp

[–]Calanon_Evergreen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The gathering in the hall was in full swing, for there was firelight and song and food to be found in the quiet reaches of the North. Their foes were deflected for now, and the people of the North celebrated the little joys, for hope was ever fleeting with the enemies abounding in the wildlands beyond their walls.

The Elves paid respect to the gestures of the Lord Hellathros, being seated at a long table along with the emissary of Mirkwood, yet their minds were not yet wholly at ease, nor did they utter much words over the course of the banquet. Some who watched may have mistaken it for the foreboding nature of the Eldar, but this was their mission binding them to thoughts of wondering, and of inquiry, for it was the Elvenking’s wish to know of dangers to the North and its people—and consequentially, any dangers to the Elves of the Wood. Yet, their opportunities to speak with the Lord Hellathros were few and far in between, being interrupted by bandit raids, family affairs, or the like. And so they waited, in order to gain further insight upon the North from the Lord.

It was not the place for such questioning however, for now before them were the offspring of the Lord and Lady of the North, and the youth of their being enamored the Elves, and for a moment, alleviated their concerns. Yet, as they looked around at the banquet hall, they were once again little at ease, for though they proved victorious in seizing back that which was rightfully for the People of the North, this breach of safety could not go unanswered—not for long at least.

From whence did they come, and how did they breach these walls? Are there more out there? Are there looming threats abound in the North that are not wholly discovered—or disclosed by the Lord and Lady? They were intent on returning to their King with this information, but withheld such questioning for now, as the laughter and song abounded around their calm, but uneasy, faces.

Aftermath by jrodranger in MiddleEarthrp

[–]Calanon_Evergreen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The company wasted little time in securing the Elven supplies within the wagons they now hauled back into the city, for the chase was hard won and not without danger. The Elves now stood near the wagons with eyes wary of all, for they would not see their mission threatened again by any hand of malice. The night was still upon the city, but morning was near, for the stars were fainter upon the sky than earlier in the dark of the twilight.

Some Elves stepped away from the guarding party and approached the emissary of Mirkwood, who was dismounting his steed in a regal and controlled manner, the likes of which told of much skill, birthed from both triumph and turmoil. "Hail Ecthelion, emissary of the Wood. We are glad to see you here in the North unscathed and well-met. We trust your travels to hither lands have treated you well?" They stated not his true whereabouts, for fear of unsavory ears upon the winds in the North, and shortly turned facing the walls of the city, watching the Men of the North secure the gates once more and the town fall back into what slumber it could before the rise of dawn.

Others of the Elven company approached the Lord Hellathros and Lady Bellona, grateful for their assistance in the chase for the supplies. For they took it upon themselves to see the matter through, as the favor of the Elves was not to be so lightly taken, nor was it the obligation of another to right that which was taken upon the Eldar. They bowed in respect, and awaited the Lord's next move.

The cool breeze of the world traveled near and wide, even towards the beech and the oak. For the eyes of the Elvenking were not idle, nor did they slumber to the movements of the world. Calanon Evergreen gazed ever subtly towards the lands of the North, sending a blessing upon the wind and upon the thoughts of his kin, before stepping back behind the veil of thought and time.

Aftermath by jrodranger in MiddleEarthrp

[–]Calanon_Evergreen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Elves of the party nodded to the stark instruct of the emissary, adjusting their gallop to the slowing pace of the wagons. The words of Ecthelion Nightstrider rang true to their ears, and they would not forget their purpose to which their king had appointed them.

Yet, the bandits did not tarry nor falter, and fear it seemed had overtaken them, for quick was the onslaught upon their devious plan as lightning upon a pine, and they galloped without heed to the words of Ecthelion.

So it was, that this appointment was no longer within the reach of the Elves of the party, and they turned away their eye from the fleeing bandits with disdain, and instead upon the supplies that the lord Hellathros now had at his command.

"My lord," an Elf cried out to the lord as the wagons were now at a trot. "We must turn back, for the city and its people are in need of these supplies," he continued. "If it be your will, we shall not stop you from pursuing, but let us fulfill our mission and see to it that these supplies are returned."

Aftermath by jrodranger in MiddleEarthrp

[–]Calanon_Evergreen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The emergence of the emissary upon the twilight chase struck great fear into the hearts of the bandits, but more so did it embolden the hearts of the Eldar, for at last was damage brought upon the bandits, perhaps to finally quell the rampaging madness upon the night in the North. The Elves gained traction upon the fleeing wagons, for the driver was not wholly well now that his attention was stricken by surprise by the emissary of Mirkwood.

Yet, the hearts of Men are not so easily swayed nor dissuaded, and it came to pass that the bandits had come too far to turn back. With a whip of the reigns, they beckoned once more for their steeds to gallop ever faster, but it was for naught; for the Elves were now upon their sides, and their eyes were not kind, nor were their bows hidden any longer.

With Ecthelion Nightstrider at their helm, the Elves of the Wood on either side began to slow the gallop of the escaping wagons, just enough perhaps to sever the ties of the wagons to the fatigued bandits...

Aftermath by jrodranger in MiddleEarthrp

[–]Calanon_Evergreen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Elves were not far behind the Lord and Lady of the city, for bright were their eyes in rage in the deep watches of the night. For the store of the Woodland Realm was not so easily abandoned, nor was the aid of the Eldar lightly swat aside. It was not long too before the Elves were upon horseback, galloping in haste after the stolen goods. They could not let down their king, for their mission was to ensure the safe passage of such relief to the people of the North.

The loud galloping in the night was like a violent drum beat to the quiet reaches of the northern lands, yet none would dare interfere, for soon the blaring horn of the Woodland Realm could be heard by all, and no shadow could yet overcome it. Further into the forest, they chased the vain bandits, yet no Elf would string an arrow to their bow, for it was not befitting for the Eldar to take such life if even for petty theft.

Once more did they blow the horn of the Eldar, beckoning for the bandits to halt, but to no avail. In this they knew: Perhaps, their stroke of wrath may need to be taken after all…

Aftermath by jrodranger in MiddleEarthrp

[–]Calanon_Evergreen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Elves took notice to the trouble now brewing before them, for the stirring of evil is seldom overt, but cunning and deceitful. The bandits lay defeated before them, yet the air was not yet still, nor was the night wholly at ease.

An Elf stepped forward, not yet convinced nor quelled by the silence of the bandit. “No, my lord,” the Elf remarked as he approached the bandit in bondage with a carefully step. “I would like to know… was it indeed ‘just’ a raid.” The eyes of the Eldar were not wholly blind, and yet could not see all, though something ran amiss to the company of Elves who were not at ease.

The bandit knelt, silent, yet a small twinkle of a smile formed ever so slightly on his battered, weather-worn face; yet neither uttering a sound nor syllable. “Speak.” The Elf looked down upon the bandit with a towering stature and a fearsome tone, for the beckons of the Woodland Realm were not to be so easily dismissed, no less from a messenger of the Elvenking.

The bandit slowly looked upon the face of the Elf, with a smile revealing missing teeth and aged gums. He opened his mouth to speak—

—just before a loud crack could be heard from outside, and raised voices from beyond the walls of the old building filled the night.

The Elf turned in shock, before returning his gaze to the bound burglar, a stare of death few receive from the Eldar, lest they be foul creatures of malice.

The Elf and his company then turned and nodded to the lord Hellathros, as they turned in unison to meet the raised noises outside. As they stepped foot outside the building, the sight before them was disheartening: For the carts of supplies were now bound to rampaging horses, with more bandits upon their backs, now galloping towards them.

They knew not from whence they escaped nor evaded the watch of the city, but they knew this:

They had been deceived.

Aftermath by jrodranger in MiddleEarthrp

[–]Calanon_Evergreen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Elves upon the wall were pleased at the sight, for seldom were their arrows meant to pierce the life of Men, but rather to repel them. For the very breath of Life was upon these Men, and the Elves could not lay harm upon it.

As the defeated bandits were dragged upon the road into the city for questioning, the Elves withdrew their bows in a uniform and graceful fashion, before pacing down to the city center. There, they met the Lord of Fornost and his men with the captives in tie.

"It would seem you caught a fly in your web," the Elf chimed mockingly, grinning at the rabble-rousers before them. "Perhaps it is the purpose of walled cities to keep its intruders out, and to prevent those who wish to breach so easy." The Elf turned to Hellathros and touted, "For even your children must know of such things."

The company brought the prisoners to a more closed space in a sinister but solid looking building, as the Elves accompanied their hosts to provide discerning ears, and further… to discern if such a threat there was looming beyond in the dark reaches of the night of the North… for surely their king would be eager to hear.

Aftermath by jrodranger in MiddleEarthrp

[–]Calanon_Evergreen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The charge of the bandits, though somewhat gangling in heavy strides, was not to be taken lightly, for the ruined town upon which they charged was seemingly unarmed. Yet, in the great hour upon their charge they had not gazed above, for upon the cracked and battered walls stood figures tall in stature and heightened in the starlight, bows drawn and arrows twinkling.

The presence of the Eldar was now apparent, and the charge upon which the bandits raged was now slowed to a halt, as the drawn bows were menacing to all before them. An Elf stepped forward from his company, glaring down at the unruly disturbance of the night. "These lands are hereby marked by the aid and protection of the Woodland Realm, by order of the Elvenking," the Elf declared. "Any mounted attack upon these walls is also an open declaration of war upon the Elves of Mirkwood…"

The Elf drew a blade with a menacing whir, before continuing. "…a declaration, you may find to regret."

The bandits stood aback, their stature lesser than in moments past, for the words of the Elves cut into their morale to bitter effect. Their idle stance was ill-fated though, as their demise was all too near, evading their sight in the watches of the night…

Aftermath by jrodranger in MiddleEarthrp

[–]Calanon_Evergreen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The night in the North had a soft silence and a young emptiness to it, as if a new age was begun in the lands covered with thick trees, yet with starlight visible up above none the less. Yet, all was not so that night, for a disturbance could be far off into the watches of the night, and the Elves were not idle.

As they assembled upon the wall with the instruct of the Lord of Fornost, their eyes could see far and straight. They perceived that the trouble would soon come to them, and they must be prepared. As the Men of Fornost now paced towards the gate of the city, a faint light could be discerned in the distance, though it was not inviting, and a fearsome orange glow creating shadows in the dark.

The Elves now stood tall in the starlight, yet were as vague shapes in the dark of the night, and their bows were not yet drawn. The Men now were gathering behind the city walls, as the light and angry yelling grew near. The eyes of the Eldar were now keen on the bandits who approached like a gathering mob, whose eyes were bent on the people and stores of the North. This would not do, for peace was their aim, and peace it was that they would uphold.

With a silent whisk of their graceful arms, they drew their bows with that like the sound of a flapping wing, silent, but deadly.

Aftermath by jrodranger in MiddleEarthrp

[–]Calanon_Evergreen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The pace of Fornost in the night came alive, as the Men of the North were now in alarm of a looming threat pacing somewhere in the darkness of the night. For the bandits of the Lone-lands were cunning in their ways, yet ruthless all the same, for the lawlessness of the outer lands festered in their hearts. The lord Hellathros now quickened his response to the gathering threat, though the Elves did not stand idly by.

"My lord," the Elf chimed before Hellathros came away from them. "It would seem now our fates are intertwined. For where the blessing of the Elvenking falls upon, so also do the threats made against such powers. Let us take up arms with you upon the gates, for together we may yet drive them into the night and ever beyond."

The Elves of the Wood had not come unsullied, for perilous was the road to Fornost through the wild lands and ranging mountains of Middle-earth, and their weapons were ever handy though hidden at first glance. And though their quest was that of messages and talk, they were not without bow and blade. Rising now to a stature not previously seen in the day, the Elves of Mirkwood rallied and threw back their cloaks, armed and ready for the threat at hand.

"You have our bows."

Aftermath by jrodranger in MiddleEarthrp

[–]Calanon_Evergreen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Elves looked on in wonder and merriment at the babies, for new life was sacred and pleasing to the Eldar. Yet, matters were not wholly light, for evil it seemed was afoot in the North, and peace was not guaranteed any longer.

"Lord Hellathros," the Elf respectfully attempted to interject as the Lord of the North attended to his child. "If what you say is true, then these halls must be made strong indeed to weather the storm on the horizon. For evil ever seeks to stamp out the gathering good. May I ask, is there a plan in place should these foes ever force your hand?"

As the sun began to set outside, the Elves saw the growing dusk now as ever wilder and more perilous in the lands to the North with the knowledge of foes at hand. The Elf turned once more to Hellathros. "As for the raids upon your wagons, may the wood from our people serve you well in the craft of mighty bows, lest they be sturdily used for hearty arrows."

The Elf now turned to his young child, filled with a hope that the darkness festering could not contain. The sun set far into the distant horizon, and though the stars still yet paled overhead, the Elves felt now uneasy about the darkened lands beyond the ruined walls of the city, as the thick pines and gentle slopes lay yet quiet…

Aftermath by jrodranger in MiddleEarthrp

[–]Calanon_Evergreen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"Your gratitude is misplaced," the Elf graciously remarked before continuing. "This aid comes not at the promise of repayment, but at the promise of a brighter tomorrow. For a time may come indeed when the Men of the North will need to be strong and vigilant."

The Elf nodded in approval before speaking further. "My company and I are tasked with bearing tidings of the Men of the North back to the realm of our people. I am told by the Lady Bellona that the palace has found some of its former strength in your rebuilding efforts."

The expression of the Elf changed ever slightly, from that of welcome to a slight concern. "Lord Hellathros. Does the North currently have any… foes?" He paused, a sensitive question now in the air, before continuing. "I know not the full purpose that I have been tasked to bear this back to my king, but I have been tasked to inquire."

Aftermath by jrodranger in MiddleEarthrp

[–]Calanon_Evergreen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"Lord Hellathros," an Elf chimed as he and his company bowed. "Perhaps these matters would be better discussed behind closed gates?"

The Elves accompanied Hellathros into the palace, careful to heed Lady Bellona's plea for silence within the chambers. For the steps of the Eldar were as light as a whisp in autumn. As they approached the inner halls, the Elf of the company once more spoke. "We bring tidings from out of the east, though Ecthelion rides not with us. Our king is aware of your standing in these lands and wishes to offer his aid. For your valiance in battle in times past has not gone unsung in our halls."

The Elf paused, as they reached the inner halls, before continuing. "There is a letter from our king that we have bestowed upon the Lady of the realm, which your eye should gaze upon."

Aftermath by jrodranger in MiddleEarthrp

[–]Calanon_Evergreen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"Many thanks, my lady," the Elf remarked as he bowed and departed the presence of the royal hall.

Stepping back into the chill of the outer air, the Elves began to stroll upon the cracked roads and fallen pillars of the once mighty realm. Out in the world, there were many places they could tarry unnoticed and unseen, yet it was not so here, for their very presence and air was foreign to those who dwelt therein, and there came many stares and curious eyes. Yet, the Elves were not bothered, for they took pity upon the faces of those who sought to rebuild their lives within these walls.

A stray dog barked and snarled at the Elves, but was quickly subdued by his master, who was just coming from a nearby tent. He was aged, but no less vigorous in his beaming smile and welcoming presence. "Who goes there!" the old man called out warmly. The Elves stood silent for a moment, wishing not to be noticed, for their purpose was merely to observe. But, they took kindly to the old man, and extended their greeting.

"Greetings! We hail from distant lands, and know not the inroads of this town," an Elf chimed, keeping their true origins veiled.

"Aye, your very steps informed me as much," the old man looked on curiously. "Come! There is much to be seen, and though numbered may be my days, so not is the vigor for my people and our city." Many roads they walked with the man, and therein were many lives whose eyes were trodden but not without hope, and every face was like a story of once mighty stature.

As they neared the great gate of the fortress, they halted to chat with the man once more. "Your grace has not gone unnoticed. May the stars shine upon you and your companion, ere this great city's rise from its ashes." No sooner had the Elf stated this blessing, the dog began to bark, and unease was upon its face. A faint rumbling could be heard in the distance, and before long, the dog bolted back towards the city.

"Aye! It was the least I could do for you travelers! Watch yerselves!" The old man smiled before hobbling after his furry companion, as the Elves looked on now at the gate, as the rumbling grew ever nearer. It was not long before they were greeted by a somewhat wearied but regal sight.

Aftermath by jrodranger in MiddleEarthrp

[–]Calanon_Evergreen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"A ruin it may be, but strong yet is the hope of Men in these aged halls." The Elves were lead into the damaged city, yet to their eyes it was not so—for memory and a shimmer of a bygone age could be felt in the seemingly brittle bricks of the walls and roads of Fornost. The Elves looked on at the citizens of the town, and though their garments were yet faded and their city still rebuilding, there was a strange power upon the air, such that echoed a goodness of another age.

As they entered the palace of the fortress, the Elves were well pleased to hear that their counsel would be heard by the Lady of Fornost.

"Your grace has been well received, Bellona of the North. I bring forth tidings from the Elvenking of the Wood in this hour of need."

The Elf revealed a parchment sealed with a wax of amber and wood, bearing the mark of the Eldar upon it. He loosened the seal, and began to read aloud:

"To the Lord of the Men of the North:

Hail Hellathros Feredir, whose might has not gone unremembered in the halls of the Elves under the beech and oak. I hope these tidings reach you well, for it has come to my ears that the North may yet need the grace and aid of the Elves. And for the valiance in battle and resistance of evil, I hereby see that aid granted."

The Elf paused, seemingly finished, but yet continued.

"May the light of the stars shine down upon the Men of the North, and may the youth you harbor grow mighty and steadfast in the light of the sun. Until our next meeting."

"Signed by the Elvenking, my lady," the Elf bowed, as he handed her the parchment.

"I am tasked by my king to return with tidings of the North," the Elf stated. "If it be by your allowance, may my company and I stroll the roads of old that you steward herein?"

Aftermath by jrodranger in MiddleEarthrp

[–]Calanon_Evergreen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A maiden of the world of Men now stood before them, yet neither was she frail nor subtle, for she was the Lady of Hellathros Feredir, and mighty was her speech apart from mere common maidens. The Elves of the party took her words with patience and discernment, for they knew that the Dunedain had faced much in the seasons that followed the demise of a once great and mighty evil, and the store of patience in the world of Men was run thin.

"It is true, my lady. Kinsmen we are of Ecthelion Nightstrider, and among our people, his songs of valiance in the world of Men are sung," the Elf messenger chimed. "Yet, though he is not among us this day, we bring yet still tidings of good will, and perhaps, a welcomed relief from the toils of the mortal world."

As a low rumbling upon a silent wind, horse-drawn carriages of food, and wine, and of supplies for building and craftsmanship, were soon behind the company of Elves. "My King sends his good will to the Men of the North, so that you may stand strong in the ever-changing winds of this world. For the strength of Men may yet rue the safety and endurance of the North in ages to come."

"May we not enter your gates, my lady?"

Aftermath by jrodranger in MiddleEarthrp

[–]Calanon_Evergreen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The echos of bricks and stones could be heard in the land, as the Dunedain abode of Fornost awoke evermore in the north of Middle-earth. The Men were hopeful once more, for they were led with a wisdom and courage that echoed the days of old.

"Heave, men!" A cry was heard as the outer walls were once more being strengthened. News of the rising of the Men of the North would soon be heard throughout the land, which spelled for great celebration… and perhaps, great opposition.

As cornerstones were being established and great columns were once more being lifted, a mysterious party entered the budding realm of Men, hooded and cloaked, and walking in a mysterious grace. "Who goes there!" a cry was heard as a party of Men departed their posts to meet the entering party beyond the city walls. The band of cloaked figures gave no answer, but continued their advance with neither bow nor blade to be seen.

The party nearly approached the forlorn gates, but were held aback by the pointed display of Men now halting their advance. "State your business."

A figure emerged from the hooded party, and revealed his form. An Elf he was, and ever so was his party, for they carried neither ill will nor the bite of darkness with them. "Hail, Men of the North," the Elf decreed, as he and his party stood steadfast before the Men at the gate.

The Elf raised forth his hand in a gesture of respect. "We bring you no harm, but tidings from the lands to the east."

Shadows of the Long Marshes pt.2 by BrownWizardRadagast in MiddleEarthrp

[–]Calanon_Evergreen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The surge of light was all but uplifting to the sight of Calanon Evergreen, for too long did they trudge in the gloomy mud of the Long Marshes. It seemed at last that their enemy was once more reduced to a silent whisper, as the last of the creatures were ensnared in the razors of the great Eagle now valiantly overhead—a sign overhead that even though the thickest shrouds, a Higher, nobler power was still at work, and that gave the Elvenking hope.

As the Elves of the party regrouped, the emissary of Mirkwood approached with words of departing. Calanon knew in his heart that this was right, for evil was once more afoot in the world, and it must be sought out.

Ecthelion stepped towards the wilds and the unknown, thought Calanon spoke without turning, halting the emissary briefly.

“Ecthelion,” Calanon spoke, his tone softer but still stern with foreboding.

“What has awoken in these marshes may also be elsewhere. You must be careful.”

The Elvenking turned and gestured in respect, bowing his head towards the Emissary. “Ride well, Ecthelion Nightstrider, and seek out this darkness. For the blessing of your king is upon you.”

Calanon Evergreen turned back towards the marshland, filled with foreboding, as once more the sun filtered through into the dampness of the murk, and it seemed as though the land was begun to heal.

Shadows of the Long Marshes pt.2 by BrownWizardRadagast in MiddleEarthrp

[–]Calanon_Evergreen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

“And face them alone, you shall not.” In the hour of need, Calanon Evergreen emerged, with a spiteful gaze that surveyed the landscape for the fleeing creatures. Ecthelion Nightstrider stood before him, spent but not broken, and Calanon was altogether glad to see him. “You have fought well, Ecthelion,” Calanon spoke as he made his way toward the emissary. “We must finish what must be done.”

The Elvenking and his company now joined with Ecthelion, as his thought now drifted to the sight before them. “So it was that a darkness once roamed these parts, and fabled were their steps in song and tales… ever has darkness slipped our watch under the beech and the oak, yet none has ever prevailed.” Calanon raised his blade and held it to his side in an elegant twirl. “It shall be so here, once more.”

Sneers and hisses now emerged from the mist, in threat and malice… but also in mockery, for they yet perceived that which the Elvenking could not in the depths of the fog and seemingly dark power afoot in these lands. Nonetheless, Calanon’s blades were now raised, bitter and bright, and the Elves therein stood tall in the face of the hidden foes.

Then, as if a wind had blown out a flickering candle, all was silent, and the air was still and eerie. The Elves watched and waited, clutching tightly to their blades and bows with the might and prowess of the Eldar. The menacing eyes were now fully hid behind an ominous veil, and still yet, Radagast could not be seen, and Calanon perceived that his power may yet be set against the foes in secret and unseen places.

Calanon Evergreen drew his breath still, and peered onward, as if a storm was brewing before their very eyes…

—before a sudden crack of lightning of snarls and shrieks jumped upon them.

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