Not alone in the Dark
Thendryt walked calmly up the stairs in Delossad. His torch lit up the path like a ghostly trail in the darkness. As he arrived at the special cell he took out a keyring. He suddenly stopped. He inhaled through his nostrils, slowly, as he covered his face with his mask. He turned around and faced the darkness.
“I advise you” He said slowly, while unsheathing a dagger. “To step into the light. Before you never see it again.”
Silence. He took a step towards the dark as he heard a sword being drawn. Something growled at him. Suddenly he was blinded by a strong light slightly to his left. He dropped his dagger and drew his sword, as he made out the figure of a female Elf.
“You have ten seconds, Elf.” He spewed. ”To state your business.” He advanced, sword in hand. “Before I…” He stopped. The Elf wore the Warband crest. Apparently the Elf seemed to notice his at the same time and seemed to lower her guard.
“Well, there you go. My embarrassing moment of the week.” She said, sheathing her sword. “Stand down, Norn.” Behind her was a large Bog-Guardian.
“You’re the second member of the Warband to find me in these halls.” Thendryt said, as he put his sword back into his scabbard.
“Is this a favorite haunt of yours then?”
“Recently joining the Warband only mean I won’t kill you, Elf. What are you doing here?” Thendryt replied, sharply.
The Elf lifted her chin, obviously annoyed.
“I wasn’t aware that you’d been given writ of ownership. I do as I please.” The Elf turned to the Bog and lowered her voice slightly. “Wouldn’t bother putting a stick up his arse, Norn. He already has one.” She furrowed her brow. “I’ve seen you about, now that I think upon it.”
“Most have, a Man in Rivendell has a hard time blending in.” Thendryt replied, taking off his mask.
“Even among Men, I’d suspect you’d stand out.” She said. “I’m Lilleduil.” She raised her hand towards the Bog-Guardian. “This is Norngaladh.” Lilleduil bowed deeply before Thendryt.
“Thendryt, Morson.” He replied, raising an eyebrow towards the Elf’s bow. “How long have you sneaked around in these ruins?”
Lilleduil shrugged. “A while. Since I could do it safely. Since Norn came back.” The Elf seemed merry. Thendryt was not. “I was out checking the Bog-Guardians today, and I just decided to take the scenic tour.”
Thendryt’s eyes darkened. He walked up to Lilleduil, stared into her eyes and loudly growled. “What have you found?” The Elf looked at him, seeming puzzled. “Here, or on the river?”
Thendryt’s eyes lightened again. She hadn’t found anything in Delossad. He smiled and backed off.
“And what do you think of the scenery?” He said, changing the subject. Lilleduil didn’t seem to mind.
“It is much as it has been. My concerns were not so much with scenery as signs of corruption. I’ve seen the Bog-Guardians in the Lone Lands. I check from time to time to make sure ours are well. My fear is that one of those will travel up here.”
“Then I am surprised I have not encountered you before.” Thendryt said, coldly. “No animals come into these ruins, something scares them away.”
“I’ve noticed. Norn isn’t happy about it, but he can’t tell me why.” Lilleduil said, looking at the Bog.
“Maybe it’s the smell.” Thendryt said, hiding a sinister smile. If she only knew about all the hidden things all around her in these halls…
“I was about to leave when I saw you.” The Elf continued. “But this place makes no sense!”
“It’s existence, or the fact that some cells aren’t as crumble as they should be?” Thendryt replied, his smile barely visible.
“Both, honestly.” Lilleduil replied. “I was going back to Candelleth’s camp, would you come along?”
“I don’t mind joining you and traveling to the camp.” Thendryt said. “And don’t worry about the cells. I’m sure there’s an… Explanation, for all of those.” He continued, coldly.
“Undoubtedly. But puzzles bother me until they’re solved.” Lilleduil snorted. “This place is entirely too depressing!”
Thendryt held his torch up and began to walk back towards the exit. He stopped, turned his head slightly and said; “Some puzzles you don’t want to know the answer to.”
