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Post by zyphan on Jul 24, 2007 16:47:36 GMT -5
Nin nodded at Manadhon's last few words. "Yeah, you're right. I shouldn't let first appearances judge all."
She followed her friend in readying Mishka for the night, then went to sit by the small fire.
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Post by Artorius on Jul 25, 2007 3:59:41 GMT -5
Artorius nodded to the pair.
"Aye, you have a right to be cautious, these lands are full of strangers and dark foul folk. I would of been worried if you didn't show any sign of uneasyness, now I know your not fools I would be happy to join you - but let me get something first."
With that Artorius slipped out of the cave and returned almost a minute later with his fresh kill. A large doe, though quite skinny, it was clear there was enough meat for all 3 of them to give them a very satisfying meal. As he approached the cave he was softly singing as if on a leisurely stroll, though it was not in any tongue heard in that part of the world before...
"Ûrîn dubudi azra-dalad. Lômin nakhi. Urîdim kalubim zâinane. Ar-Zimranimirun, Arûn an'Adûn ugruada yadda. Nithil n'Khibil, Inzil n'Manô! Batânaki izindâ idô lôkhâ, Thânin an'Amân dâurad dubda. Manôki burôda, Banâth an'Nilû? Obrôthun n'balîk pharazôn, adûnada ukallaba, azûlô unakhi - zâiraki zirânada burôdâ minil-dalad."
(Lyris were in Aduniac - English translation 'The sun falls under the sea. Night approaches. The mountains lean on our lands. King Elfstone, king of the west passed into the shadow. Girl of Summer, Flower of the Spirit! Bent is your straight road now. The Lords of the West fell into the gloom. Is your soul heavy, o Wife of the Moon? Golden is the fore-cutting water of the ships, westwards they went, from the East they approach - your longing for your beloved is heavy under the heavens.' )
"I hope your hungry, I've been tracking this beastie for a couple of days now, I got tired of waybread and needed some meat...Ah good you got a fire going!"
It was hard to guess what exactly Artorius was, he was a tall man, and when he pulled his cloaks hood back his face matched his rugged look. He had long brown hair, curly and supporting a number of braids. His face looked the age of around 34 but something felt alot older about him. His eyes were a mix of blue and green, though sometimes appeared grey if you were looking in the right way. The most noticable feature on his face was the 5 inch scar that spanned acrossed his left eye, though seemlingly not actually impairing the mans vision at all. He had a small goatee and clothing similar to Nin, though much more weathered and clearly had crude repair jobs throughout the time it had been worn by him.
His longbow, now laying to the side with his quiver was of unusal make, and his arrows looked like they had been made by the man out of any wood he could find. Other weapons which hung at his side was a couple of knives, mainly for use as tools. He also carried an old longsword which, while looking very nicked and in need of sharpening, could proably have cleaved an orc in two. Finally an unusual blade was in the side of his boot, it appeared to be of elvish make though was unsure to the people in the outcrop.
"Well, while this is cooking I guess you be wanting to know who I am and why im here..."
he said, his voice sounded very perculiar. It was a nothern accent but had very faint sounds of that of the old sounds of the west men from Numénor.
"Well, as ye know I am called Artorius... A simple woodsman, thats my trade." He was choosing his words carefully. "I was around the area looking for some materials to repair me arrows with, as ye can tell they look a bit rough."
As he carried on talking, it was clear he was no simple woodsman. The pair thought to themselves, who would greet complete strangers in an Elvish tongue which sounded like it was his common language? More questions surrounded this man, how did he know some Rhorric? Why was he in such an unusal place, clearly keeping hidden. Was he following them or was he just a chance encounter?
The male of the pair, distrusted him. Artorius liked that fact, he never liked the feeling of being at ease with someone you have only just met and he looked to the pair of them as if waiting for them to grab him by the throat and yell at him... "NOW TELL US THE TRUTH".
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Post by zyphan on Jul 25, 2007 10:49:17 GMT -5
Nin's eyes widened at the sight of the doe. "Wow. You caught that yourself? And drug it here? You must be quite the woodsman, then..." She began building up the fire in preparation for cooking the meat. Sitting back, allowing the smell of the cooking venison to wash over her, Nilyn decided to take a closer study of this new person- and she was fully aware of being the only female in the group.
"You say you travel a lot? That I can tell, but where to? You seem the very cautious type, and of all the people I've met, none have been so mysterious as you." The shortsword she held in her lap gleamed in the firelight, and she was done sharpening it a bit ago. Nin kept it out in case this stranger decided to pull a trick on them.
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Post by Saturn on Jul 25, 2007 15:49:40 GMT -5
Manadhon's skin prickled around this man. He knew elvish far to well to be just a simple woodsman unless he had numerous dealings with them, but he found it doubtful that the elves would let a simple human into there realm to hunt or cut wood. However, his mind was slightly wandering. Especially considering that the storm had not died down. If anything, it had gotten worse, almost as if it was angry that it had not claimed any victims. He was not liking this one bit.
"Artorious, you seemed to be pretty skilled to drag that think around with you," he said gesturing to the deer after taking a seat on the side of the fire Nilyn was sitting," You want some help preparing it for the fire?"
He really could care less about this man, but his skin kept telling him that there was more to him than just a woodsman, but that was his business. He would tell them if he wanted to, but if he caused trouble...well Manadhon had a few tricks himself or to more precise Sleipnir did....
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Post by Artorius on Jul 26, 2007 3:46:33 GMT -5
Artorius had now setteled himself into the a small dry part of the outcrop and began oiling his bow.
"Aye Manadhon, your knives seem pretty sharp, though not as sharp as your caution" he jested ".. please, I dont know what bits of meat your kinsmen eat so prepare it in a way you see fit. Ill be happy with just a leg joint."
As the time passed on Artorius, though unknownling to the group, was studying them. He knew the female was a Ranger, she was young but her eyes burned furiously with some dertimination for life, though was she of Dunédain blood? And the Rider of the Westmarch... His bold eyes and way with his horse whispered something of a greatness, most probably seen as one of the elite in his own realm. Not forgetting the two horses who seemed more intelligent than some of the Advisors of great courts Artorius had seen on his travels.
For the first time in his life, the man felt compelled to lower his guard, he knew not why and had no idea of the two's agenda - however instinct gnawed at him to tell the couple the truth, as he could see that if his concious was clear, they would lower thiers...
"You must forgive me." His voice had significantly changed, it sounded alot more noble and stronger "I....I am not just a woodsman. I have been on the road now for many years, and it seems that no matter what a man does, darkness follows."
Artorius stood up and moved closer to the fire, gazing deep into it as if recalling up memory that he had wished he had forgotten. He eyes now were of a deep bluey grey, hes rough face somehow took a form of authority but one of deep respect for those around him.
"My real name is Arphenion, I am... I was a Ranger, but no more..." His eyes darkened still watching the flames dancing on the wood "Back in the third age I was there, on the plain before the great black gate, I was there with my Cheiftain and a whole host of free peoples. It was a bloody battle, but we won. From that day on I thought the blood of Numénor would be welcomed and celebrated, I had hidden myself for many years for fear of persacutuion as a Ranger, as Nin will know, they were hunted liked dogs by the enemy and peoples loyal to him. With the fall of the Ring, I thought the days of being hunted were long gone.... How wrong I was."
The looked up at both of the pair, his eyes appearing hurt and showing no lies in the words he was speaking.
"A couple of years after the war of the Ring, I was out with the grey company. We were on an errand to the Dale lands to speak of good tidings and peace from the King. However, on the road a large number of men, clearly loyal to the foul darkness of the world, hungering to be at its right side, attacked my company and my men. It was a slaughter and I lost many friends on that bloody road. It was my fault entirly, I was not as cautious and kepted no look outs on duty. I failed so from that day on I renouced my heritage, my blood is tainted by my failing as their captain and I cost them there lives - I am no longer a Ranger anymore... I am Arphenion no longer, I am Artorius - please use that name as its safer for us."
He turned back and went to sat back down before realising there was more to say...
"O yes, my business here. Well you see, I was raised in the realm of Mirkwood over 70 years ago when I was a child and recently I needed advice during my sorrow from great libraies of Rivendell which I have visited many times before, though of late I have heard whispers of a dark secret kept by the elves and wondered what it was about. I thought it would be best to wait around until I could ask an Elf about this though not many come and go anymore... so hence why I was tracking your footprints hoping you may know something."
The fire now was blazing brightly and was perfect for roasting venison. The three began to quickly skin the deer and cook the parts they had a taste for, Artorius opting for a leg and a couple of ribs.
"Now you know of who I am, why I am here and what meat I like. Now I wonder, what brings a Ranger and a great Rider to these parts, followed by an unholy storm... Clearly your looking for something and whatever it is, you must know this.... You have my Bow..." He smiled and slightly bowed before the couple and listend carefully to their following words....
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Post by zyphan on Jul 26, 2007 11:10:26 GMT -5
Nilyn nodded at the mention of the Ranger hunt. She wasn't old enough to truly be thought as a Ranger at the time, an so she was left by any parties that stumbled upon her. The young girl stayed silent for a while, watching the meat cook and pondering all Artorius had just said to them. Obviously, for him to open up like this was a great risk to himself, and she wondered, Why us? Does he really feel that safe here in this cave with us?
Shrugging to herself, she went on staring at the fire, and also at the two men sitting with her. The news Artorius brought didn't bother her much. Then again, she wasn't one to show much of a reaction to something like that. She turned to Manadhon, "When do you think this storm will be over? Cause I don't want to be stuck in here for more than a few days."
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Post by Saturn on Jul 26, 2007 13:17:55 GMT -5
Manadhon spoke before he could even think. He was thinking, looking into the fire. A voice was whispering to him now, one that he knew. It was speaking with him of what Artorious had said.
"No need to worry," he said, slightly distracted,"I don't think the elves will permit a storm like this to continue only a little ways fro their doorstep."
He knew the elves had powerful magic, thus he had no problem stating a fact. However, that doesn't mean he didn't like it. Either the elves or magic.
Manadhon had retrieved a leg himself and promptly finished it off before he spoke to Artorious.
"I know nothing of this ranger hunt or of anything that is occurring within the land. All I know is that the Council of Gondor called me before them and REQUESTED," he still said it with a sneer knowing he had still been ordered,"That I go to the elves to retrieve of tome of some sort. I believe it had something to do with some weapons that were supposedly created around the first age."
He took the last bite of the deer before he finished,"I have no idea why they would want something like that."
On those last words, the wind and rain outside started to die down,but for some reason, it sent a chill down Manadhon's spine...
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Post by Artorius on Jul 27, 2007 5:01:09 GMT -5
'Ah, A tome of old' Artorius said without showing any emotion. He lit his pipe and lamented...
'Only a little bit of weed left' and he with those words he took a long drag and breathed out a small smoke circle and stated 'Sweet Galenas - The weed of Kings!'
He turned back to the pair.
'I know little of Magic, though I do know alot of the weather and it should not be doing this. Normally rain like this dies slowly, this stopped very swiftly as if commanded... I reckonmend we think about moving on. You wish to get to the Elven lands... I know of a way which should be usable for you and your horses. It is quite a flat path so no need to fear rocks or falling down ravines' He glanced breifly at Slepnir as if he known about his fall 'Also it is a quick ride. The road does lead in a twisting path which is both an advantage and a hinder. You see I have no horse with me, though I can quickly travel cross country while you have to take the roads which will take a little time but we should meet up with each other at roughly the same time.'
He produced a map from his pack and stabbed his finger into a grove that was just about a league from Rivendell...
'We shall meet up here and then we can plan what to do next, be it sleep, or move on that is up to you...' He nodded to Manadhon 'Your are the leader are you not?'
Artorius then took the last few puffs on his pipe and began to pack his belongs into his pack. He looked to Nilyn and told her.
'Do not fear, the road is a safe one and as long as you keep sharp you should be fine.' he turned to Manadhon 'and Rider, I can still sense some tension with you... trust me, it will make the journey easier, I know of these lands far better than you and though I cant prove I am an ally, I assure you I am here to help, if I wasnt you would probably of been dead by now' he replied grimly 'Also whatever you feel about Elves just ensure to keep them hidden.. Their a proud folk and also very cautious around strangers, especially ones asking for tomes such as this.'
Artorius smiled and readied his pack, waiting for the others he stood outside of the outcrop and smelled the air, though as he took it in clearly there was a foul taste in it.
'I suggest we move fast, one nearer Rivendell I feel this weather will back off.'
He turned around and gazed towards there destination. It would be a 4 hour run for him and a long twisty road for the riders...
(For Audience Purpose Only - FAPO - There is a very faint brass section of instuments in the background playing a similar theme to the Fellowship Theme) (I thought having a kind of out of RP musical kind of thing be nice, just to give the story some mood - will take it off if unliked)
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Post by zyphan on Jul 27, 2007 19:59:54 GMT -5
"well..." Nilyn didn't understand quite what Artorius was telling her. "Mishka and I are quite used to traveling cross-country, so we wouldnt' have to split up, but..." She looked to Manadhon next to her. "It's not up to me to choose the route we take. What do you say, Manadhon?"
Behind her, Mishka stirred from her standing sleep, and looked to where Nin sat around the fire. She nickered softly, then moved nearer to Sleipnir for warmth- the air was still chilly, even though it had risen a few degrees from the heat of the fire.
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Post by Saturn on Jul 31, 2007 15:42:23 GMT -5
Sleipnir seemed to come aware of Mishka's presence and just moved closer to her, for warmth as well. The two seemed to be getting along rather well, especially after only knowing each other for a little while. However, Manadhon was not paying attention to them. His mind elsewhere.
"This could be a good path," he said remembering what he saw," Plus, we cannot stay here. If a storm like that awakens again, I fear that this outcropping might just collapse."
However, he really didn't feel he could trust the man, something about him made his hackles rise and it only added to his irritation. However, they had little choice.
"Nilyn, let's go. We can't stay here," he said moving towards Sleipnir as he moved to stand,"I'll let you lead seeing as you have been here before..."
It wasn't long in getting Sleipnir saddled again, and he seemed very eager to be moving once more....
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Post by Artorius on Aug 1, 2007 4:42:13 GMT -5
Artorius looked annoyed with the pair. He knew that the road was the best path for them with horses. He would have hoped the female would understand as she was on horseback and could travel with her companion instead of leaving him on a trail he could get easily lost on.
'Well Nin, I said you should take the road because you are on horseback and so is your Rhorric friend, now why you want to lead a battlehorse from Rohan over ground that even a ranger horse would find difficulty traversing... I suggested for you to accompany him and help him find the way. He doesnt want to listen to me and will probably end up falling off a cliff again...'
He glared at the Rider, he had no idea how foolish the people of Rohan could be when it came to knowing a friend from a foe.
'Now you better listen again as I am leaving in a moment, follow the path I showed you and meet me in this groove... If you don't want my assitance then take a different route and I shall leave you alone as clearly I am a diguised orc trying to disrupted your quest. But be warned, soon youll be in unknown territory and without a proper guide you might as well give up. You may be proud and think you wont need my help but be that on your heads... it was certainly on the others...'
With those final words he ran off into the forest, melting in as soon as he hit the trees... As soon as he was gone they heard a shout.
'I hope you like pheasant because I see dinner about 60 yards away' there was another twang of arrows, a couple of loud sqwuaks and then the soft sound of footsteps padding off into the distance.'
A voice could be heard of the wind...
'The Road goes ever on and on Out from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, Let others follow it who can! Let them a journey new begin, But I at last with weary feet Will turn towards the lighted inn, My evening-rest and sleep to meet.'
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Post by zyphan on Aug 1, 2007 10:41:34 GMT -5
Nilyn glared at the man's retreating back until he was out of sight. "The nerve of some people..." She muttered, turning to saddle up Mishka. "Shall we go then? Might as well see if he's right." The young girl glanced at Manadhon a few times, but couldn't tell what he was thinking.
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Post by Saturn on Aug 1, 2007 15:37:19 GMT -5
"Let's move," was all he said as he led Sleipnir away from the rock face and into the humid air outside. He mounted Sleipnir and waited for Nilyn to soon follow so they could get to Rivendell.
"I'll be glad to get that book and back to the Plains," he said to Sleipnir in a whisper as he check to make sure the reins were set properly.
He had expected a reaction, but not what he got. Sleipnir moved as if he was going to buck him off, but only so. It was a statement.
'You may be ready to go but I'm not,' was what he was telling him.
"Sleipnir..." he almost couldn't finish the sentence as it dawned on him that he might like Mishka more than he was letting her know.
"I see," was the last of what he said and then fell silent looking into the direction of Rivendell. Ever now and then he glanced back to look to see if Nilyn was ready,at least that's what he told himself.....
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Post by Artorius on Aug 2, 2007 6:02:38 GMT -5
It had been a couple of hours since Artorius had set off. He had been travelling through the forest, with the phesants slung across his back, packed in leaves to protect them from dirt and other poisons from the trees.
He did not know if the others were going to take his advice, he hoped that they would and not be foolish enough to wander off alone. Looking at the sky, he could tell the foul clouds would be returning soon, it would be hailing in about 20 minutes and if he could not find a suitable path the forests would bog him down and he would be stuck and maybe drown in mud. Doubling his efforts he began to run towards his destination, hoping that he would get there before the rains started.
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Post by zyphan on Aug 2, 2007 11:24:01 GMT -5
Nilyn drew her mare up beside Manadhon before mounting. Looking out, her spirits went down a little- all she saw were rain clouds and grey shadow. She looked at Manadhon, and paused a moment, thinking over her words carefully.
"I don't remember all the different paths in this section of land, so please don't get mad at me if we get lost." She thought back to when she found herself lying in the grass with young Mishka by her side. Nin was about nine years old at the time. "It's been a while since I've come this way....But I'll try my best."
Grinning, Nilyn moved Mishka off down the slope, though the horse seemed reluctant to go. The mare whickered to her new friend as she trotted past, and her eyes seemed to twinkle.
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