centii's story blog

It's helping me get a little more into the characters, so I'm starting with my warden Elanorien, and I might try to write a little of the weekly rp group (with permission of course!!)

I hope anyone reading doesn't mind spontaneous adjustments to how I want to write as I write, as I'm not writing anything ahead of time, only pausing while I play to write things out.

Part 15: Forochel

At least Laerdan's temper earned her another short rest. Per Elrond's request, she waited for him to calm before seeking him out. He wished for Elanorien to learn his plans for leaving, while they both shared fears that Narmeleth might never recover.

Dread filled her heart when she entered the room. Something about the atmosphere was unsettling, though Laerdan turns to her with a serious expression tempered by a small but tense smile. "I do not believe that the rung dank with Arvedui in the Ice-bay of Forochel," he says. The Elf who had the other half would not have let it happen, he claimed. "I will myself return to Forochel and seek the ring. You may attend me if you wish."

While Elanorien didn't care for his tone, she didn't want him to recklessly run off, so she nodded, especially when he claimed the homely house felt like a prison to him, but he didn't want to leave in such a foul way. He tasked her to go ahead of him to Forochel, and while she was suspicious, she agreed and left.

When she arrived at the north side of the ice-bay at Sûri-kylä, she had to do several tasks to earn the chieftain Yrjänä's favor, to get the Lossoth's favor, to get aid in the harsh cold of the north. Elanorien was told that another, other than her or Laerdan, came asking for the ring whom she found to be Mordrambor when she followed Yrjänä. He requested Elanorien in exchange for friendship, which the chieftain refused, which of course the lieutenant didnt take well.

After the violent meeting, Yrjänä told her to seek out a seer on the other side of the Ice-bay, who had her seek out the 'sea monster' that sunk in the bay when the Elves came to rescue Arvedui. To her sorrow, the shade of Arvedui Last-King was at the wreck, who sent her after a book of heraldry in the dwarf mines he once hid in. After delivering it to Lothrandir in Sûri-kylä, she returned to Arvedui, who shared that another ship of Elves arrived but also crashed, with the Elves fleeing. She was sent back to Saija the seer to learn what happened, but had more tasks to complete to earn the information.

She shared how Arvedui tried to sail back to Fornost despite the warnings, just for his ship to crash, along with the Elf ship that was broken by storms before reaching land, with their bodies lost in an ice cave. She led Elanorien to the cave, but Mordrambor is already there, searching for Narchuil for his new master.

Saija questioned it, but dropped the subject, which caused Elanorien to give her a confused look before they continued through the cave. Eventually, Saija paused and told Elanorien to go on ahead to confront Mordrambor, who was trying to burn through an ice-blocked cave. He offered her to join him, but the Elf of course refused and flung a javelin at him for the offer.

After a short battle, he tried to flee again, offering for her to join him. Before she can reply, Saija walks in, seemingly annoyed with him calling himself the Champion of Angmar, and reveals herself as Amarthiel, and struck him for his treachery. They fought and ran further into the caves, so Elanorien grabbed the other half of Narchuil from the cave Mordrambor was at when she walked in, saying a quiet apology to the long-frozen bodies in the small space.

Part 14: Recovery

Elanorien only had a brief day's rest. With Laerdan's fitful sleep and him crying out odd things such as Narchuil being close, she returned to Carn Dûm to recover Narchuil. Now, she must venture back into the city to scout the Watching Stones for a trap. A note claimed the Watching Stones were silenced for Amarthiel, so she was quickly sent inside to retrieve Narchuil before the Champion could. Gwathryn sent a scout ahead of her, whom she found shortly after recovering half of Narchuil; the scout was regretfully dead. She buried him the best she could before returning.

She returned to Imladris with Narchuil, though she wished to have the whole ring rather than part. Elrond informed her that Laerdan had awoken and it was time for a council of the Elf-lords to discuss Narchuil.

They wanted the full tale of Narchuil from Laerdan, but he refused, until Elrond insisted. He claimed to have taken it from Amarthiel at Fornost, then broke it, which did not destroy its power. He had hoped to cure Narmeleth of its power, but failed, but the ring was still hidden, and he said he revealed the locations of the halves, the other of which with an Elf that died trying to rescue Arvedui. What concerned Elanorien was Laerdan's hope to have used the ring to help Narmeleth, and when he was told it wouldn't help him, he ranted at the Elf-lords, calling them soft, and swore and oath to not rest until he had Narmeleth again before he ran.

Elanorien didn't listen as they discussed his departure, instead watching him return inside, a hand over her heart. She had the eerie feeling that rest would still not come to Laerdan, and only felt pity for the Elf.

Part 13: Laerdan

Elanorien allowed herself only the briefest moment of despair before she shook herself from it and moved to unlock the door. But the lock was too far - and just in time, a scout that had been watching the ruins hurried in to free her, then told her to return with the news. She eventually made it back to Imladris to tell Elrond who, to her surprise and delight, reassured her the Enemy had not found Narchuil yet, as he was sure Amarthiel's servants were still searching.

He then had her return to Calenglad to recover Laerdan, both for his sake and to prevent anything he knew of Narchuil from being recovered by Amarthiel. She had hoped the Dúnedain would have had something for her, but she was instead sent off to search Annúminas for information again, and at least she quickly found orders that said Laerdan was useful and where he was. She followed Forchon to Barad Tironn, confronting Éin who was supposed to have Laerdan, but had instead been taken to Angmar.

With Laerdan confirmed alive, she had to run to Carn Dûm, a swift but tiring journey. She couldn't help but wonder, as she rode there, when this would be over so she could rest, or when she would have some aid instead of being sent off on her own to do this or that. Briefly, she thought of a friend in Lórien, and resolved to visit when this world-saving task was over.

With the new goal of entering Sammath Baul in Carn Dúm, Elanorien set out to thin the number of orcs and retrieve the key to get inside. After a lot of sneaking and culling, she returned to Gwathryn, who sent her inside, now was ready to find Laerdan.

Part 12: Narchuil

Despite her speed, Elanorien was stuck following the Angmarrim party as they entered the Trollshaws. When she spoke to an Elf at the bridge, she was able to point her to the south and to an Elf camp led by Candelleth, her sister.

Candelleth wanted answers on why the Angmarrim were there and tasked Elanorien with removing the scouts from the ruins they were exploring as she thought of where they might be able to find Narchuil. As said scouts were easily killed, Elanorien soon returned to Candelleth, who was able to direct her to two places to search for Narchuil: a ruin named Delossad, and a wood-troll den named Eryn Singor, but neither location was fruitful.

Candelleth noted that the Angmarrim seemed to be just as lost as to where Narchuil was as they were, and sent her to one more location: the burned-out remains of an old building, not far from Delossad. During her search she found an old, rotted diary in the rubble that was just legible and written by a Sara Oakheart. Idhreneth shared her excitement over a much needed clue, and Elanorien wasted no time going back up the cliff to Candelleth. The names were only initials, but led to the belief that Narchuil was within Delossad, once Sithad. It was broken somewhere in the courtyard, with cryptic directions that she followed to the buried box of broken keys. A jeweler in Imladris fixed the keys for a favor, so she was sent back to Delossad to search the ruins.

Though it was crawling with Angmarrim that she dispatched from the shadows, Elanorien soon entered the ruins finding that memories from long ago filled the halls with a sense of dread. She could almost see Laerdan leading an Elf-maiden inside, whom he called Narmeleth, which jogs her memory. Laerdan's daughter that she had lost track of!

In the visions, she also saw Laerdan speak with Sara, who had instructions to keep Narmeleth isolated from the outdoors, even as she had moments of cruelty, insisting she was Amarthiel. Though Elanorien didn't understand the source of the visions, the news of why Laerdan's daughter had vanished after Fornost only saddened her, now knowing her fate as Mordirith arrived, appealed to Amarthiel, and led her away. Laerdan had hoped to help his daughter, fearing the Eldar would not understand and would possibly harm Narmeleth instead.

Part 11: Loss

Calenglad was saddened by the news of Laerdan. The palantír was taken too late to prevent information on Narchuil and Laerdan was lost in the attempt. He refused to stop the fight, at least, holding on to hope that Amarthiel would eventually be defeated. He asked Elanorien to speak to several Dúnadan to be sure to keep an eye out for the movement of Amarthiel's servants. Only one of the scouts was willing to not jump into the fray should the enemy pass them, and when she returned to Calenglad, he said it was time to confront Mordrambor.

When they entered the Keep, there was a rumble, and when they ran up the stairs, they found Mordrambor was free, having burst free from his bindings after Tadan, sadly, gave him Tann Morgul. Having felt the pull of the Númenorean's words, Elanorien only had understanding as she knelt to try and tend to the Dúnadan's wounds, but found they're fatal, so instead opted to hold his hand as he passed, shushing him as he apologized. "It's not your fault," she whispered right before the light faded from his eyes, and Calenglad ran into the room, sorrowful with the events.

"Blame lays with Angmar and its cruel servants alone," he said, and Elanorien nodded as she stood. But Calenglad stated they cannot look for Narchuil now, not with the losses they faced due to Mordrambor. She agreed with the sentiment, again resolving to continue her hunt alone unless more help were to step in her path, and paused to help build cairns for the lives lost.

Part 10: Exhaustion

Laerdan easily saw how tired Elanorien was from her flitting around the city to defend it. He cautioned her against Mordrambor's words again. "My heart tells me that Mordrambor is delaying us for his mistress," he said, while telling her to be sure Tadan was alert of the prisoner's trickery.

Tadan is also bothered by the atmosphere of the room, and Elanorien wasn't happy to be called 'friend' by the servant as he bragged more about the defeat of the Dúnedain and a man named Guldurchir who had some powerful relic of Númenor, Tann Morgul. When she returned with it, Mordrambor crooned to her in a sweet voice to release him and give him the relic. Against her will, Elanorien felt her hand reaching out, and was startled from the reverie when Tadan cried out and pulled her back when her hand was inches from the bindings. Tadan claimed he was in a deep slumber of sorts when he saw her, and asked her to give him Tann Morgul to give to Calenglad. "I do not think it is wise for you to spend too much time in the company of Mordrambor," he said, and Elanorien gave him a strange look. "Did you have Forchon or Naethmunn take shifts like you wished?" She asked and Tadan waved a hand. "I'll be fine. I do not trust him, and neither should you. Laerdan did visit and told me of the location of Amarthiel's palantír. You should speak with him." As he said this, he glanced suspiciously at Mordrambor, who only smiled as Elanorien left, missing the exchange.

Laerdan mentioned that he recalled Amarthiel would be waiting for him at Barad Tironn, where the palantír had been kept according to various histories of Annúminas. He was certain that was where Amarthiel was now with her palantír, and to head to Gath Forthnír to get a safe means to carry it from Golodir.

Golodir admitted he had the cloth that had been used to cover the palantír when he had not been forced to look into it, and reminded her to only touch it with the cloth while asking her to bring well wishes and a warning of the enemy to Laerdan, especially as he saw something gnawing at his heart that he recognized in himself.

When Elanorien returned to Tinnundir, there was a note on the door: Laerdan was going to confront Amarthiel, alone, while saying this was his debt to pay and that he left so she could not dissuade him from going. She hurried to Tadan with the news, noting that he was still guarding Mordrambor, but admitted that he had let Laerdan guard Mordrambor for a time since he needed the air. Modrambor mocked her kindness and said all was going according to plan, that Amarthiel wanted Guldurchir dead for his desire to betray her. "Laerdan will not return from Barad Tironn!" He said with joy. "Or if he does, it will be in a form none shall recognize, twisted and evil." Mordrambor further claimed he still had one thing left to do, which he yelled at Elanorien as she hurried from the room.

Even outside the room, the air was less stifling than inside, and she took deep breaths to force back the foul air and atmosphere before she hurried to Calenglad.

Everything seemed to be against them and going wrong, but she refused to completely lose hope. The Enemy would not win, not while she still drew breath.

After speaking with Calenglad, a plan was quickly hatched, even with the Dúnadan's despair over Laerdan, now with an extra goal: steal the palantír and save Laerdan, if possible. However, she was pleasantly surprised to come across Laerdan inside, who was upset she was there, but content to distract Amarthiel so she can grab the palantír and flee, thus risking his own safety to retrieve the palantír.

Part 9: Annúminas

Calenglad looked relieved to see her when Elanorien arrived. "I will let you bring five of my men with you into Annúminas to search for Amarthiel. You must come back with information about her plans," he said after they briefly spoke of events. She wasted no time heading to the city with five Dúnedain.

Amarthiel was easily found not far into the city and spoke briefly of its history while stating she had brought the palantír to the city. "All shall look upon Amarthiel and despair!" She cried, claiming the city as hers and left a lieutenant to fight as she left to continue her takeover of the ruined city. Shortly after the brief battle, Calenglad arrived, worried and recognizing the fight was lost...for now.

There was, at least, fortunate timing, as Laerdan had deigned to come to Tinnundir to provide information about Amarthiel, asking for Elanorien personally. He presented her with the story of Amarthiel to read herself and bring to Calenglad, warning of the Champion of Angmar and the power she wielded with Narchuil, a lesser ring of power, before being defeated by an unnamed Elf and vanishing from history. Laerdan cautioned their focus should be the palantír, even if it cost Annúminas.

Elanorien didn't believe that to be a likely tak for the Dúnedain to take, and she only quietly questioned his 'overlong part' in the tale, but considering everyone expected her to act quickly, she returned to Calenglad with haste rather than say so aloud. She wasn't surprised by his vehement refusal when he read the letter. "We will save both the city and the Stone, or we will save neither! That is my decision!" He hissed, keeping his voice down, though soon he calmed and apologized for his anger. "She will fortify the old city if we don't depose her," Calenglad continued, which Elanorien agreed with. "The Shire, Trestlebridge, the North Downs. We're too close to Esteldín," Elanorien added, her voice low.

"Speak with Roselloth in Annúminas." He then pointed to an outpost on her map, and she was on her way once again.

The few Dúnedain she spoke to seemed optimistic with the control they had over parts of the city, even as she was sent off to seek orders on Angmarrim, then back to Calenglad when the optimism of the Dúnadain continued as they believed Amarthiel made a mistake. From what she remembered of the woman, Elanorien didn't think it likely, even as she followed the men to capture Mordrambor, one of Amarthiel's cruelest lieutenants. Though he seemed to be easily fooled and trapped, still she felt some sense of dread, as if things were going too smoothly.

Elanorien greeted the Ranger Tadan, who guarded Mordrambor, as she presented the orders found in the city; they were written in Black Speech. The servant taunted her with the words, speaking of emissaries to enemies that Elanorien quickly killed and returned with news of. Mordrambor was eager to brag to her about new battles while having her give a taunting message to Laerdan about Amarthiel. The Elf only cautioned her to not rise to the taunts and steel her mind against them. She somehow felt he would not follow that advice as she left and received news of where said fights would be, and shrugged off Calenglad's mentions of her looking ill. She would be fine, as there was still much to be done and not enough hands to do it.

Part 8: Another Hunt

Elanorien remembered nothing of her flight back to Gath Forthnír, with what felt like a thread pulling her back even as it felt like she would lose her way. She only had enough sense to not blindly run, moving stealthily when she is able, though she still found she was unbothered by many enemies in her path. Areneth, who stood guard at the entrance, was quick to offer the Elf some water, which she only sipped. "Thank you," she said softly, and ignored his questions as she stumbled into the cave to find Golodir and deliver the grim news. It could not wait for her heart to settle.

Though she was a warrior of old, had fought in many battles, had seen cities rise and fall, Amarthiel's return unsettled her deeply, but she had no time to ponder over how or why the Champion had returned to cause issue. That was for other minds to ponder and tell her what to do, as it was simply easier that way with her continuing lack of rest. The raspy voice lingered in her mind as she spoke to Golodir, who looked just as worried as she. After a few moments to think over the grim information she had delivered, Golodir finally spoke.

"We need to eliminate the threat of Mordirith's Men, these 'servants from the south'." He directed her to head south to seek out these Men, which gave her frazzled mind something new to focus on and resettle.

When she returned with news, Golodir this time told her to speak with Laerdan. "He knows much more about this woman than any other, it seems." He ignored her unsettled look and waved her along to hurry.

When Elanorien reached the Elf, he already seemed to know what she wanted to speak about. "I had believed her dead since the Battle of Fornost," he said, and she murmurs her agreement, having followed Círdan years before into that battle. "I believe she is heading to Evendim," he continued, "as the pedestal where once sat the palantír of Annúminas still stands. You should hurry to Evendim."

Part 7: Sara Oakheart

The dread only worsened as she approached the tower, and even though she was careful, she was still spotted by the Enemy on occasion. A few lesser grunts had to be killed before they struck her down, but others would look past her if she wasn't there. Golodir's words, that he didn't know why Sara didn't hide her movements, stuck in the back of her mind.

Her unease didn't lessen when she saw Sara outside waiting for her, an odd look on her face. "We have much to talk about," the old woman said, still looking up at Elanorien with that uncanny look that sapped her morale, especially as she wanted help entering the tower, claiming she couldn't make it on her own. The Elf had a feeling this little woman didn't need any help at all, but she followed anyway. The hope was a desperate lifeline in her heart, one small light even as the shadows grew around her in the tower.

"I do not think I could have made it on my own, being the frail old woman I am," Sara claimed as she hobbled further into the tower, even though they had been unbothered on the way. "I cannot begin to thank you for your services." Elanorien's mouth was too dry to respond, her gaze further ahead at the empty room, even as shades appeared nd tried to attack, Sara calling them fools as they soon disperse.

When Sara opened the door to the next room, Elanorien's dread is only multiplied at the sight of many Angmarrim and a Cargúl that refers to the old woman as 'My lady.' The Elf was frozen by the door as the Woman spoke. "I'll reveal to you who I really am," she said, soon surrounded by a whirlwind of power, and is soon replaced by a cloaked woman who claims to now serve in Mordirith's stead as Amarthiel, a name Elanorien had not heard in many a year since the Battle of Fornost, speaking to a voice she referred to as Sauron himself. Elanorien doesn't recognize his voice, but the power of it helped freeze her in place.

"I will send the Lords of Umbar to aid you, but learn your place, else you will earn my wrath," he said, causing Amarthiel to bow lower before him in thanks. When the voice faded, she turned to Elanorien, and the Elf could hear the smirk in the woman's voice, as her face was covered by a mask. "Now begone, fool. Once I have Narchuil, all hope for your pathetic people will be lost."

Part 6: Following the Trail

Elanorien returned to Imladris to report the success in the North in chasing away a powerful wraith, though the victory was sour. The victory felt incomplete, that feeling in the back of her mind saying there is still much to do in that regard.

Aragorn asked her to speak to Gandalf about the missing palantír, especially if it's something the old Woman could somehow control. Gandalf shared her concern when she spoke with him. "They have now become dangerous, for Sauron possesses the Ithil-stone, which he has certainly bent to his will," he said. This only strengthened Elanorien's resolve to find this woman, so when Gandalf sent her back to Golodir to search for her, she easily agreed. That thin thread of hope strengthened on her ride back, though it still felt as if he wouldn't take much to make it snap, especially with her growing exhaustion.

Part 5: Avenger of the West

With his gear returned, so too does Golodir's fire return. Elanorien is internally startled by the light of vengeance in his eyes, and chose to follow him on his charge against the False King at his request. While she admired his determination, she also worried the sudden fire will burn out the Ranger and get him killed in Carn Dûm.

But Golodir's long imprisonment seemingly makes it simple to sneak into the city, especially with the key Elanorien and Lorniel had acquired previously.

"Mordirith is a master of trickery and illusion," Golodir said during one pause. "Do not let him break your resolve! Keep to your hope and trust in our strength." Elanorien nodded at his words, that sense of dread returning that made her breath catch and hope threaten to waver.

The march to the throne room was tedious, with Mordirith mocking Golodir on their path with visions of fallen heroes that had failed against the Witch King previously.

However, when they reached the throne room, Mordirith taunted Golodir with visions of Lorniel, all telling him to give in and taunting the both of them with inevitable defeat. With only Golodir's reforged blade able to cause any pain to Mordirith, he fought the wraith as Elanorien supported and distracted to remove the visions, cheering his morale. Golodir eventually followed a winded Mordirith, with the Ranger claiming the light of his new blade, Dúnachar, will strike Mordirith down, but the wraith stunned them and fled, limping away to lick his wounds elsewhere, with the broken blade of Dúnachar still lodged in his chest.

Part 4: Finding New Hope

Golodir was bitter upon their return, especially considering they had to leave Lorniel behind in order to limp back to Gath Forthnír. She had no words for him as he tossed the key to her and told her to leave, saying it was her fault for her carelessness that Lorniel was dead. She couldn't help but agree, knowing that she should have had the chance to stop the woman from charging in, but did not due to her distraction. Elanorien was sure she would carry that guilt for a while.

She wasn't unused to such words, though; it was often easy to blame the living, who could continue to do wrong, than blame the dead, who could be utterly blameless in all things. But she didn't meekly accept his words, instead seeking out the other Elf she had seen in the cave: Laerdan.

Laerdan, whom she finally placed as being an Elf of Eregion, who had a daughter she had been unable to keep track of over the years amidst her wanderings, but considering the current state of the battered group in the cave, she thought it wasn't the right time to bring up such a topic.

He at least seemed to have an answer for how to help Golodir. "We must reforge Golodir's spirit, and I have a dim idea of how." He directed her to find emissaries of the Enemy in Barad Gúlaran, telling her the danger would be great, but she was determined to carry out the kills and recover Golodir's armor and sword from them. Even if the plan wasn't perfect, she agreed with him: reminding him that he was a warrior might help in aiding his recovery, or at least give him a new purpose.

Part 3: Carn Dûm

With Elanorien's return, Lorniel is ready. "I have received word from Raghnall that my father was being moved outside of Carn Dûm to Rhunendin," she said with hope in her eyes. Barely winded from her trip, Elanorien returned the hopeful look, at least in his rescue, though there was a feeling of dread over their conversation that she could not place.

She followed Lorniel to Carn Dûm, sneaking through the Enemy's line to Rhunendin, opening gates until they reached the Gate to Carn Dûm itself, revealing a cloaked figure dragging along Golodir, who he said to be watching them through a palantír. Elanorien immediately felt a moment of revulsion at knowing such an object was used by the Enemy, which gave her no chance to react as Lorniel charged the figure in rage.

The Elf can only watch as Lorniel was swiftly killed with one swing by the wraith, who then turned to attack Elanorien as Golodir sobs for his daughter where he lay on the ground. Though the fight is difficult; Elanorien fought with her own despair at the loss of a life to gain another, let alone it being daughter for father.

Eventually, though, Elanorien landed a lucky strike on the figure's side that she deemed to be a Cargúl of some kind, one that made the creature hiss and strike her to the ground, leaving her winded. "I have accomplished what I have set out to do!" He yelled as he fled, giving the Elf a chance to drag herself up, then help up Golodir as he continues to sob. "Mordirith was right...," he managed as she draped one of his arms over her shoulder, ignoring the ache in her side from her landing. So the figure had a name.

"All that time seeing through the palantír I thought I would see the victory..." Elanorien tried to gently shush him, considering they still had to leave the city unseen, on top of his wounds from whatever the Enemy had put him through and his mental anguish. "Golodir-," she began, but he interrupted, seeming to not hear her.

Part 2: The Hunt

Hearing that Golodir may still be alive didn't surprise her overmuch, considering what she knew of the enemy: helplessness and emotional pain were weapons they employed in earnest. Death was too swift, so Elanorien would have to be faster, if the Ranger was in fact alive. She didn't doubt the strong will of the Rangers, but after speaking with Braigiar, it had been several years since he had been taken, so who knew what kind of torment Golodir had suffered.

It didn't take much effort for her to sneak by the enemy Hillmen and Agmarrim to reach Raghnall, who quickly fled after handing her the note. It wasn't hard to recognize the Black Speech written on the note, but she didn't understand it. When she returned and told Lorniel of this, the Woman only shook her head. "Perhaps the Elf Laerdan may have some profiency in this writing. He's an old friend of my father's and is here in Gath Forthnír," she said before pointing Elanorien to another room. "Bring that to him, and see if the writing is a trick."