I held a jewel in my fingers

@aneleth

Aradir took a deep breath as he inhaled the fresh forest air. Right now, this time in the morning, it was impossible to think that only a few hours before, they had been laying siege to a town- a town he had helped to build with his own hands- and killed one of Aesirae’s most feared soldiers.

Yes, it was hard to think that.

Their camp was well hidden by magic and impossible to enter unless the shields were taken down from the inside. They were so close to the citadel that it loomed ominously above them every night, but Aesirae’s patrols had never noticed them. Aradir’s scouts said that they were currently searching the other side of the mountains, because that would have been the first place Aradir would have led his people in such a situation. As it was, he had had to improvise, and now they were in a large forest clearing with few geographical defences. Still, it had worked so far.

Her clothes were still slightly damp, but they would soon dry she thought as she changed back in them. Old worn belts she wore across her hips, not to hold the dress, but as a tool, using them to bind herself in a tree when she wanted to sleep high up in the canape, away from dangers that lurked on the ground. She tied her hair up, starting from a few braids and curling it up into one big braid, held together by a piece of leather string.

Her boots were dark from the damp and took some time to put on, she wiggled her toes and with a grunt managed to get into them. Ignoring that her feet were now stained with mud and dust.

That night she hardly slept, consious of those surrounding her. And when her mind would wander a little, she would quickly wake to a cough or laugh from one sitting outside to guard.

The sun shone early the next morning, and was as welcome for her as the sound of the first spring birds. She had kept her clothes on, even her boots and now looked to the armour that was provided her.

Not much skill should be needed one would assume to clad yourself in the protection that was provided, but nothing less was the case for Aneleth. After five and ten minutes she seemed not much further in getting into the materials than she was when she awoke.

@aneleth

Aradir took a deep breath as he inhaled the fresh forest air. Right now, this time in the morning, it was impossible to think that only a few hours before, they had been laying siege to a town- a town he had helped to build with his own hands- and killed one of Aesirae’s most feared soldiers.

Yes, it was hard to think that.

Their camp was well hidden by magic and impossible to enter unless the shields were taken down from the inside. They were so close to the citadel that it loomed ominously above them every night, but Aesirae’s patrols had never noticed them. Aradir’s scouts said that they were currently searching the other side of the mountains, because that would have been the first place Aradir would have led his people in such a situation. As it was, he had had to improvise, and now they were in a large forest clearing with few geographical defences. Still, it had worked so far.

Her clothes were still slightly damp, but they would soon dry she thought as she changed back in them. Old worn belts she wore across her hips, not to hold the dress, but as a tool, using them to bind herself in a tree when she wanted to sleep high up in the canape, away from dangers that lurked on the ground. She tied her hair up, starting from a few braids and curling it up into one big braid, held together by a piece of leather string.

Her boots were dark from the damp and took some time to put on, she wiggled her toes and with a grunt managed to get into them. Ignoring that her feet were now stained with mud and dust.

@aneleth

Aradir took a deep breath as he inhaled the fresh forest air. Right now, this time in the morning, it was impossible to think that only a few hours before, they had been laying siege to a town- a town he had helped to build with his own hands- and killed one of Aesirae’s most feared soldiers.

Yes, it was hard to think that.

Their camp was well hidden by magic and impossible to enter unless the shields were taken down from the inside. They were so close to the citadel that it loomed ominously above them every night, but Aesirae’s patrols had never noticed them. Aradir’s scouts said that they were currently searching the other side of the mountains, because that would have been the first place Aradir would have led his people in such a situation. As it was, he had had to improvise, and now they were in a large forest clearing with few geographical defences. Still, it had worked so far.

‘You saw me earlier near the water, both my own body, but one I had just traveled in as well… the bird you see, had held my mind. I can, at wish, control it’s body with my mind. As well as many other animals.’ Shifting a little in her chair she continued, there was naught but silence at the table making her a little uneasy ‘For the hunt I either lend the agile and soaring body of a bird-of-prey. But I can roam the lands just as freely in the body of a wolf or mountain lion. Only the very small and fragile cannot survive the invasion. Butterflies and moths… so delecate and light, succomb at the heavyness of the experience’. She remembered the afternoon, all that was left was the poudery wings that quickly fell to dust.

“How does this magic work? I have not heard of anything like it?”

‘There is a full moon tonight, and the sun is nearly set. I have heard an owl last night when I was getting ready for the night. I should be able to easily find it, and through it scower the sky. An owl can see far and wide and none will think of it when in ventures in areas that are not his common hunting grounds’

@aneleth

Aradir took a deep breath as he inhaled the fresh forest air. Right now, this time in the morning, it was impossible to think that only a few hours before, they had been laying siege to a town- a town he had helped to build with his own hands- and killed one of Aesirae’s most feared soldiers.

Yes, it was hard to think that.

Their camp was well hidden by magic and impossible to enter unless the shields were taken down from the inside. They were so close to the citadel that it loomed ominously above them every night, but Aesirae’s patrols had never noticed them. Aradir’s scouts said that they were currently searching the other side of the mountains, because that would have been the first place Aradir would have led his people in such a situation. As it was, he had had to improvise, and now they were in a large forest clearing with few geographical defences. Still, it had worked so far.

‘You saw me earlier near the water, both my own body, but one I had just traveled in as well… the bird you see, had held my mind. I can, at wish, control it’s body with my mind. As well as many other animals.’ Shifting a little in her chair she continued, there was naught but silence at the table making her a little uneasy ‘For the hunt I either lend the agile and soaring body of a bird-of-prey. But I can roam the lands just as freely in the body of a wolf or mountain lion. Only the very small and fragile cannot survive the invasion. Butterflies and moths… so delecate and light, succomb at the heavyness of the experience’. She remembered the afternoon, all that was left was the poudery wings that quickly fell to dust.

“How does this magic work? I have not heard of anything like it?”

‘There is a full moon tonight, and the sun is nearly set. I have heard an owl last night when I was getting ready for the night. I should be able to easily find it, and through it scower the sky. An owl can see far and wide and none will think of it when in ventures in areas that are not his common hunting grounds’

@aneleth

Aradir took a deep breath as he inhaled the fresh forest air. Right now, this time in the morning, it was impossible to think that only a few hours before, they had been laying siege to a town- a town he had helped to build with his own hands- and killed one of Aesirae’s most feared soldiers.

Yes, it was hard to think that.

Their camp was well hidden by magic and impossible to enter unless the shields were taken down from the inside. They were so close to the citadel that it loomed ominously above them every night, but Aesirae’s patrols had never noticed them. Aradir’s scouts said that they were currently searching the other side of the mountains, because that would have been the first place Aradir would have led his people in such a situation. As it was, he had had to improvise, and now they were in a large forest clearing with few geographical defences. Still, it had worked so far.

‘You saw me earlier near the water, both my own body, but one I had just traveled in as well... the bird you see, had held my mind. I can, at wish, control it’s body with my mind. As well as many other animals.’ Shifting a little in her chair she continued, there was naught but silence at the table making her a little uneasy ‘For the hunt I either lend the agile and soaring body of a bird-of-prey. But I can roam the lands just as freely in the body of a wolf or mountain lion. Only the very small and fragile cannot survive the invasion. Butterflies and moths... so delecate and light, succomb at the heavyness of the experience’. She remembered the afternoon, all that was left was the poudery wings that quickly fell to dust.

❛ Something draws near. I can feel it. ❜

❛ You shall not pass! ❜

❛ All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. ❜

❛ What about second breakfast? ❜

❛ What about elevenses? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? ❜

❛ Gentlemen, we do not stop ‘til nightfall. ❜

❛ Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. ❜

❛ A wizard is never late, _____. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to. ❜

❛ Nobody tosses a Dwarf. ❜

❛ The world is changed. I feel it in the water. I feel it in the earth. I smell it in the air. ❜

❛ One does not simply walk into Mordor. ❜

❛ Do you remember when we first met? ❜

❛ I thought I had wandered into a dream. ❜

❛ I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone. ❜

❛ One small bite is enough to fill the stomach of a grown man! ❜

❛ Fly, you fools! ❜

❛ If I take one more step, it’ll be the farthest away from home I’ve ever been. ❜

❛ It’s a dangerous business, _____, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to. ❜

❛ Not the beard! ❜

❛ I know what it is you saw, for it is also in my mind. ❜

❛ I know what I must do, it’s just that… I’m afraid to do it. ❜

❛ Even the smallest person can change the course of the future. ❜

❛ Keep it secret. Keep it safe. ❜

❛ I don’t know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ❜

❛ Anyways, you need people of intelligence on this sort of… mission… quest… thing. ❜

❛ Whatever you did, you’ve been officially labeled a disturber of the peace. ❜

❛ It is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing. ❜

❛ Men? Men are weak. ❜

❛ I suppose you think that was terribly clever. ❜

❛ Oh… That’s nice. Ash on my tomatoes! ❜

❛ If you’re referring to the incident with the Dragon, I was barely involved. ❜

❛ I can avoid being seen if I wish, but to disappear entirely, that is a rare gift. ❜

❛ I spent all my life pretending I was off somewhere else. Off with you, on one of your adventures. But my own adventure turned out to be quite different. ❜

❛ This, my friend, is a pint. ❜

❛ It comes in pints? ❜

❛ Oh, it’s quite simple. If you are a friend, you speak the password, and the doors will open. ❜

❛ I’ve thought of an ending for my book - 'And he lived happily ever after… to the end of his days.’ ❜

❛ You cannot hide. I see you. There is no life in the void. Only death. ❜

❛ My own… my love… my precious… ❜

❛ I think I’ve broken something. ❜

❛ Have you ran out of those nice shiny daggers? ❜

❛ There’s an eye-opener, and no mistake. ❜

❛ I’m sorry that… you must carry this burden. I’m sorry for everything. ❜

❛ We must move on. We cannot linger. ❜

❛ But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. ❜

❛ I cannot jump the distance, you’ll have to toss me. ❜

❛ What we need is a few good taters. ❜

❛ I wonder if we’ll ever be put into songs or tales. ❜

❛ He was twitching because he’s got my axe EMBEDDED IN HIS NERVOUS SYSTEM! ❜

❛ You don’t have any friends; nobody likes you! ❜

❛ A red sun rises, blood has been spilled this night. ❜

❛ No parent should have to bury their child. ❜

❛ Looks like meat’s back on the menu, boys. ❜

❛ I did not pass through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm. ❜

❛ What do trees have to talk about, hmm… except the consistency of squirrel droppings? ❜

❛ You could have picked a better spot. ❜

❛ You have some skill with a blade. ❜

❛ I fear neither death nor pain. ❜

❛ Stupid, fat hobbit. ❜

❛ Once it takes hold of us it never lets go. ❜

❛ You’re late. ❜

❛ You look terrible. ❜

❛ Leave me alone, snake! ❜

❛ Your words are poison. ❜

❛ Bring your pretty face to my axe. ❜

❛ So much death. What can men do against such reckless hate? ❜

❛ But that one counts as mine! ❜

❛ In one thing you haven’t changed, my friend - you still speak in riddles. ❜

❛ And this in turn has given rise to the belief that there are no Dwarf-women, and that Dwarves just spring out of holes in the ground! ❜

❛ You’ll find more cheer in a graveyard. ❜

❛ A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day. ❜

❛ I didn’t think it would end this way. ❜

❛ End? No, the journey doesn’t end here. Death is just another path… One that we all must take. ❜

❛ Certainty of death. Small chance of success. What are we waiting for? ❜

❛ I will not say 'Do not weep’, for not all tears are an evil. ❜

❛ I am no man. ❜

❛ I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you. ❜

❛ There never was much hope. Just a fool’s hope. ❜

❛ I’m glad to be with you, ______, here at the end of all things. ❜

❛ What are you waiting for? Just let it go! ❜

❛ I have wished you joy since first I saw you. ❜

@aneleth

Aradir took a deep breath as he inhaled the fresh forest air. Right now, this time in the morning, it was impossible to think that only a few hours before, they had been laying siege to a town- a town he had helped to build with his own hands- and killed one of Aesirae’s most feared soldiers.

Yes, it was hard to think that.

Their camp was well hidden by magic and impossible to enter unless the shields were taken down from the inside. They were so close to the citadel that it loomed ominously above them every night, but Aesirae’s patrols had never noticed them. Aradir’s scouts said that they were currently searching the other side of the mountains, because that would have been the first place Aradir would have led his people in such a situation. As it was, he had had to improvise, and now they were in a large forest clearing with few geographical defences. Still, it had worked so far.

‘I am sorry for your loss today. Though I am but a mere traveller, I may be of use these coming days. I am an agile hunter, and these lands are bountiful. I am also skilled in skinning and working the hides of animals. The nights are still cold. Perhaps I can be of use to your people.’

“And what would you have in return?” He asked, frowning slightly, “You have sworn no oath to me, unlike the rest of those here,” He peered at her suspiciously, and the winged elf next to him put an arm on his shoulder, although he said nothing.

‘I have had this question many a time... tis strange that kindness is something that needs defending. But I suppose tis so, and will be so untill end of times’ she said as she poked the food in her bowl.

‘Many years have I been wandering, and I feel myself to be a more than average judge of people. My life has been lined by sunsets and sunrises, strange and intriguing creatures crossing my path.’ From the edge of the room a single ray of light entered, making her eyes more intensely blue and illuminating the curls that had come undone.

@aneleth

Aradir took a deep breath as he inhaled the fresh forest air. Right now, this time in the morning, it was impossible to think that only a few hours before, they had been laying siege to a town- a town he had helped to build with his own hands- and killed one of Aesirae’s most feared soldiers.

Yes, it was hard to think that.

Their camp was well hidden by magic and impossible to enter unless the shields were taken down from the inside. They were so close to the citadel that it loomed ominously above them every night, but Aesirae’s patrols had never noticed them. Aradir’s scouts said that they were currently searching the other side of the mountains, because that would have been the first place Aradir would have led his people in such a situation. As it was, he had had to improvise, and now they were in a large forest clearing with few geographical defences. Still, it had worked so far.

‘I am sorry for your loss today. Though I am but a mere traveller, I may be of use these coming days. I am an agile hunter, and these lands are bountiful. I am also skilled in skinning and working the hides of animals. The nights are still cold. Perhaps I can be of use to your people.’

@aneleth

Aradir took a deep breath as he inhaled the fresh forest air. Right now, this time in the morning, it was impossible to think that only a few hours before, they had been laying siege to a town- a town he had helped to build with his own hands- and killed one of Aesirae’s most feared soldiers.

Yes, it was hard to think that.

Their camp was well hidden by magic and impossible to enter unless the shields were taken down from the inside. They were so close to the citadel that it loomed ominously above them every night, but Aesirae’s patrols had never noticed them. Aradir’s scouts said that they were currently searching the other side of the mountains, because that would have been the first place Aradir would have led his people in such a situation. As it was, he had had to improvise, and now they were in a large forest clearing with few geographical defences. Still, it had worked so far.

Aneleth extended her hand, catching the moth in her palm. In mere seconds the tiny animal fell into dust. Just a breath and there was barely anything left to remember this beautiful animal by.

She rose opening the tent and looking if there was anyone near, the feeling of regret, the memory of war vivid in her mind. If there was anything she could do, she would. The grief she saw was real. And being here should have meaning, was her honest believe.

@aneleth

Aradir took a deep breath as he inhaled the fresh forest air. Right now, this time in the morning, it was impossible to think that only a few hours before, they had been laying siege to a town- a town he had helped to build with his own hands- and killed one of Aesirae’s most feared soldiers.

Yes, it was hard to think that.

Their camp was well hidden by magic and impossible to enter unless the shields were taken down from the inside. They were so close to the citadel that it loomed ominously above them every night, but Aesirae’s patrols had never noticed them. Aradir’s scouts said that they were currently searching the other side of the mountains, because that would have been the first place Aradir would have led his people in such a situation. As it was, he had had to improvise, and now they were in a large forest clearing with few geographical defences. Still, it had worked so far.

Aneleth extended her hand, catching the moth in her palm. In mere seconds the tiny animal fell into dust. Just a breath and there was barely anything left to remember this beautiful animal by.

She rose opening the tent and looking if there was anyone near, the feeling of regret, the memory of war vivid in her mind. If there was anything she could do, she would. The grief she saw was real. And being here should have meaning, was her honest believe.

@aneleth

Aradir took a deep breath as he inhaled the fresh forest air. Right now, this time in the morning, it was impossible to think that only a few hours before, they had been laying siege to a town- a town he had helped to build with his own hands- and killed one of Aesirae’s most feared soldiers.

Yes, it was hard to think that.

Their camp was well hidden by magic and impossible to enter unless the shields were taken down from the inside. They were so close to the citadel that it loomed ominously above them every night, but Aesirae’s patrols had never noticed them. Aradir’s scouts said that they were currently searching the other side of the mountains, because that would have been the first place Aradir would have led his people in such a situation. As it was, he had had to improvise, and now they were in a large forest clearing with few geographical defences. Still, it had worked so far.

The dress in the tent was not exactly her size, yet with some adjustments she made with one of the many belts she had Aneleth could make it work. She shivered once more as the dry cloth touched her skin that was red with the cold of the water.

Without thinking much, she ate some bread, trying to peek out of a crack in the fabric of the tent… perhaps, if there were horses, she could start a disturbance and distract these people.

A frown came across her brow. What if there was no malice intented, and merely the circumstance that had made them treat her such a way. For now she was safe, dry and fed. Which was something to take into consideration.

She looked at where the woman had gestured and knew if she pretended to sleep, she could indeed make an effort to slip into a creature in her surrounding. Perhaps even scouting the fields.

She quickly gathered this was a light animal, carried by the wind and wings and yet no bird. A sad feeling came over Aneleth, as she was well aware that the smallest of animals had nothing left when she left their bodies. The skale of her mindcontrol would overrun their very essence.

@aneleth

Aradir took a deep breath as he inhaled the fresh forest air. Right now, this time in the morning, it was impossible to think that only a few hours before, they had been laying siege to a town- a town he had helped to build with his own hands- and killed one of Aesirae’s most feared soldiers.

Yes, it was hard to think that.

Their camp was well hidden by magic and impossible to enter unless the shields were taken down from the inside. They were so close to the citadel that it loomed ominously above them every night, but Aesirae’s patrols had never noticed them. Aradir’s scouts said that they were currently searching the other side of the mountains, because that would have been the first place Aradir would have led his people in such a situation. As it was, he had had to improvise, and now they were in a large forest clearing with few geographical defences. Still, it had worked so far.

The dress in the tent was not exactly her size, yet with some adjustments she made with one of the many belts she had Aneleth could make it work. She shivered once more as the dry cloth touched her skin that was red with the cold of the water.

Without thinking much, she ate some bread, trying to peek out of a crack in the fabric of the tent… perhaps, if there were horses, she could start a disturbance and distract these people.

A frown came across her brow. What if there was no malice intented, and merely the circumstance that had made them treat her such a way. For now she was safe, dry and fed. Which was something to take into consideration.

She looked at where the woman had gestured and knew if she pretended to sleep, she could indeed make an effort to slip into a creature in her surrounding. Perhaps even scouting the fields.

@aneleth

Aradir took a deep breath as he inhaled the fresh forest air. Right now, this time in the morning, it was impossible to think that only a few hours before, they had been laying siege to a town- a town he had helped to build with his own hands- and killed one of Aesirae’s most feared soldiers.

Yes, it was hard to think that.

Their camp was well hidden by magic and impossible to enter unless the shields were taken down from the inside. They were so close to the citadel that it loomed ominously above them every night, but Aesirae’s patrols had never noticed them. Aradir’s scouts said that they were currently searching the other side of the mountains, because that would have been the first place Aradir would have led his people in such a situation. As it was, he had had to improvise, and now they were in a large forest clearing with few geographical defences. Still, it had worked so far.

The dress in the tent was not exactly her size, yet with some adjustments she made with one of the many belts she had Aneleth could make it work. She shivered once more as the dry cloth touched her skin that was red with the cold of the water.

Without thinking much, she ate some bread, trying to peek out of a crack in the fabric of the tent... perhaps, if there were horses, she could start a disturbance and distract these people.

A frown came across her brow. What if there was no malice intented, and merely the circumstance that had made them treat her such a way. For now she was safe, dry and fed. Which was something to take into consideration.