97 for the lost company :D
97. Reunion yeah this is fine i'm fine emotionally
Braigiar is first with the news. He and Bainfuir had managed to stick together the longest, sheltering with this outpost of dwarves and helping bolster their provisions when they might. Game was hard to procure in a land so poisoned by the machinations of the Witch King, but they were making the best of it.
So when news came across the Rammas, they made themselves ready.
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Nethraw was next. He stood up to his neck in mystery, trying if he might to untangle the web of history woven in this forgotten place. Not, certainly, forgotten by all who dwell here, but perhaps... unremembered. Unmarked-upon. Great were the songs and tales of warlords past. He had heard many and strove to put pen to them, to preserve them if the Iron Crown silenced the singers at last.
Someone had crossed that wall of death. Of songs and swords, this tale would not be lost.
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Esteldin heard after. Not one raven but two now stood in the survivor's ranks, with word of Corunir at least. Helegdir and Muiladan and Gwathryn stand ready, well before the order is given. Daervunn and Halbarad exchange a grimace, but now there is no stopping what's to come. There is a great need in Angmar, a need that involves more of their kin than the ones already trapped there.
The Rammas is breached, and the forces of the Iron Crown march across Eriador.
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Gath Forthnir is far to the north. There are a great many of the Lost Company- of Golodir's Company- therein, and they ache for news of their kin. They are given much in news and less in details, but it is clear that the time is coming. Their exile nears the end, but their duty still asks much of them.
Lorniel stands ready to break into Carn Dum, and with the power of the Watchers lessened, nothing will stand in her way.
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Areneth has the distinct privilege of greeting them first. Braigiar he picks up and strives to crush bone, for he knows how amusing it will be. Bainfuir gets a less... enthusiastic embrace, mainly so he's free to laugh.
Old Nethraw is warmly met, and far too much time is spent in the hearing of tales for his liking.
Muiladan surprises Areneth as the first back, and he has to fling his sword aside to avoid stabbing the kinsman that barrels into him like a charging bull. He's nearly knocked over, and Muiladan clings like a leech.
Corunir is next. Areneth's heart is heavy, leaden, in his chest. But the biggest hearts may be led by love to folly, and Areneth will bear him no judgement. His duty is to the door, and to the people within. Corunir is of their Company and permitted to pass. Still, the love of a kinsman found is not easily banished, and Areneth squeezes his hand tightly.
Lorniel's return snaps his heart like dried kindling. It writhes in the flame cast by the enemy and he is given no time, no information. Areneth guards the door and opens it hurriedly. Golodir, he almost does not recognize.
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Golodir returns once more a changed man. He mounts the hill with measured steps, but lighter than he had last been. There are words he should like to say to all within. There are words he dares not attempt.
But his door-warden helps steel him, as he always had. Areneth is steadfast, immovable, yet moved to duty and aid as he might. His embrace bolsters, and Golodir enters Gath Forthnir.
Braigiar has always been loud, and he is loud in rejoicing today. He has things to say about Golodir's looks, his facial hair, his dress sense, and Bainfuir coves a laugh when Golodir tells him his own hair is plenty grey.
Nethraw is always free with his opinion, and he is freely glad to see Golodir alive. Theirs is a longer meeting than Golodir wishes, if mostly for the way tears spring unexpectedly to his eyes. Nethraw, of all of them.
Muiladan and Gwathryn have letters and questions and stern words all mixed in between them. Golodir ruffles Muiladan's hair as he was once expected to, and they are at peace.
Corunir. If Nethraw was all joy, Corunir is all anguish. Guilt could be tolerated. Regret borne. But his heart will not accept the fear and he surges forward. Corunir will always be like a son to him. If he will stand by his choice to leave, he can not rage at Corunir for his choice to stay. The years have been too hard on them both.
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Lorniel is last by necessity. She is unimpressed her own reunion is forestalled, but she won't begrudge her father even a single day. She opens her arms. Her father must come to her, but he would come. They are together again.
