The road from Breeland to Imladris had not seemed overly long nor especially taxing, perhaps due to the company’s long familiarity with one another. Carneryn, the newest member of the band stayed close to Nethrida, keeping her thoughts and misgivings to herself but the rest seemed to be off on a pleasant outing, despite the large amont of weaponry and grim purpose of their mission. They sought to clear the name of Addiela and Rathvald, investigate the murder of Xanir and gather information regarding Finchley’s past if possible. Despite all that the group had seemed light hearted to a great degree…until they entered the Valley of Imladris itself. From that point, it was clear they were being watched. That had been expected, but as Xanderian slowed her horse to ride alongside her sister who was on rear guard, both were clearly on edge.
“You feel them?” She asked, glancing up at the heavily armored champion.
Xandilif spat into the underbrush and nodded. “Course I feel ‘em…a blink of an eye in the past we could a been one of em…what’s weird is….”
The huntress completed her thought. “…There are too many of them…far too many.”
Eduwiges called from the front of the company her voice echoing. “Lethy!!…coming up on the sentries.”
Xandilif gestured with her head that Xanderian should ride forward. “Showtime…go on, Edu is callin’ ya “Lethy”…now lets see if your new blackeyed girlfriend has really got the blade to cut this ice.”
Rian gave her a harsh look, knowing there was still a strange tension between Xandilif and Calidis she didn’t understand, but letting it go for that moment. She trotted her horse forward, a mare named Rain. The steed reminded her of Hawke, who she often loaned her to..and caused her heart to ache for a moment, hoping he knew what he was doing staying back in Bree. Thoughts of Bree caused her to think of golden haired Cyndwin again, and to wonder how she was faring in Rohan. Shaking the errant thoughts away, she spurred forward and nodded to her friends as she passed. Nethrida riding beside Ryn, while ahead of them Addiela seemed lost in her own tensions about the meetings to come. Next, Finchley seemed excited and wide eyed to be seeing Rivendell again, despite the sad memories it held for her. In front of her in the saddle was what looked to be a child, wrapped against any possible injury. Only the gleaming yellow eyes betrayed that this was no child, and whatever it was, it was keeping a careful eye out for threats to the girl.
She finally arrived at the front of the party, where Eduwiges stood stoically by while Calidis spoke in low tones to a Sentry of Imladris. After a few moments, the sentry nodded and gestured that they may ride forward.
Slipping her horse next to Calidis, Xanderian smiled as they rode along the switchback trail into the heart of Imladris. “So that is all there is to it? My congratulations sweet Nighteye, your favor truly is a panacea.“ Leaning over she kissed the woman’s cheek softly.
Calidis blushed despite herself. “Thus far…he said we would be met by a more official delegation along the road. I do not like the sound of that…we are clearly expected. Beyond that, the weight of so many watchful eyes is oppressive.”
“…and confusing.” Xan agreed softly, lowering her voice. “It leads me to a strange conclusion….that we are being observed by more than one force, but as for who else might wish to keep watch over the paths of Imladris other that the forces of Lord Elrond, I know not. Yet I cannot help but think this must have something to do with Xanir's death, if my visions be true.”
Xanderian closed her eyes, remembering for a moment that vision while battling the Archpriest of the Unsealed, seeing the world through her brother's eyes before they went dark and the pain began, clearly noting that though he was blinded and in the cold darkness, his fate befell him here in Imladris, as shocking as that may be to some. Could all this strange behavior and the sense of being watched be connected with that grim fate...was more at work behind his death then the hatred of Mans?
After riding some time in silence, as the party approached the Bridge of Rivendell the official welcome was waiting for them. A full squad of 12 Guardsmen as well as a Captain of Imladris. Beside the Captain, one step back, was a robed and hooded scholar, bearing the markings of Elrond’s Council. the Guard of Imladris would quietly surround you. As she noted the hooded figure, Xanderian raised an eyebrow in surprise…and some trepidation.
Noting their reception committee, Addiela began to get very nervous now; her breathing intensified and her face paled even more. She slowed her horse to remain closer to Nethrida, as the two exchanged looks. Neth patted the hilt of her sword and smiled at her friend, and Addie seemed to ease somewhat.
The Captain stepped forward, one hand on the hilt of his sword. "Calidis of Eregion?'
Calidis slid gracefully from her horse and gave the Captain a dignified curtsey. "I am she."
The Captain bowed in turn, all courtesies were being performed properly. “The Lord Elrond Half-Elven, Master of Imladris has heeded your request for audience....he has felt your coming from afar and awaits you and your...comrades. However, as there are matters that can be only decided by his wisdom after hearing their excuses…” The woman behind him cleared her throat and the Captain paused, then amended his words. “after hearing…their…testimony, it is required that they be disarmed before entering the Last Homely House.”
This caused a small commotion in the company, and Eduwiges’s features took on that “muley” look as Xandilif called it. She recognized several of the guardsmen as soldiers she had raided with the last time they had been in Imladris. 'What is going on?' she demanded.
Calidis stared at the Captain for a moment and then looked to her company, expression unreadable, but she met Edu’s eyes, willing her to remain calm. She then turned back to the Captain and inclined her head, just on the edge of unspoken mockery. "And what of myself?"
The woman beside him made a small sound which may have been a soft laugh as the Captain squared his shoulders. “Out of deference to your birth and status, Daughter of Ancient Eregion, you may keep your equipment....however, the last born amongst you may not, nor may the Kinslayer Spawn, of course.”
The term and the venom behind it caused Calidis’ heart to sink…this was going badly, and the Captain clearly had an animus against Xanderian and Xandilif to use that term so openly. She was about to speak when Addie rode forward again, her head thrown back as she slid out of her saddle. "If I may be so bold, sir..."
The Captain looked at Addiela, much the way one would look at a talking dog. "You have a question? Was I in some way unclear?'
Addiela gave Cal an apologetic look before continuing. "No…I have a request, sir, if you would be so merciful to permit it... I would ask that we be allowed to deposit our arms safely at the residence of Calidis." Addie dipped her head politely and hushed.
As the Captain considered the request, Eduwiges dropped off her horse. 'Look you, I have fought and bled with many of you! There is no need, nor do you have the right to ask such a thing. You may have Lord Elrond march out her and ask us himself then. I'll not surrender weapons that have saved elvish lives for anyone, certainly not some prating coxcomb like yourself.'
The Captain glared and reached for his sword as Addiela's eyes went wide in dismay, muttering to herself “Rohir pride and stubbornness at its best”.
Nethrida slid off her horse and came up behind Edu "Outbursts and proclamations like that do not aid our cause right now, Edu" She huffed. She was hoping her closeness would calm the woman or if things went worse, she was in better position to fight beside her.
However, Calidis stepped immediately over to Edu and gripped her arm tightly, but not unkindly, whispering, "The situation here has changed since what occurred in the White City, Eduwiges. Have a care for your words so that I might use mine." She turned back to the smirking Captain, her expression calm but resolute. "I am willing to keep their weapons at my residence. I ask that you forgive the harsh words of my companion in light of her past aid to those here."'
Feeling an example was needed, Nethrida unfastened the belts that held her sword to her back and slowly swung it around to hold the scabbard in both hands in a way where she could not quickly draw the weapon. Ryn looked at her nervously, and then noticed that Xanderian and Xandilif were both still on horseback, silent…as if passively waiting to see the outcome of all this. In fact, she would marvel especially at Xandilif’s unaccustomed silence, until she realized her attention as well as Xanderian’s was not on the discussion, but on the cliffs to either side of them, as if watching something only they could see. What were they looking for?
The woman in robes leaned close to the Captain and whispered...after which he reluctantly released the hilt of his sword and looked away from Eduwiges.'
Following Neth’s example, Addiela unfastened her staff from her horse, Lily to show that she would hand it over if the agreement was reached
The Captain cleared his throat again. “The Lady Selunae states that she will bear those arms unto the Lady Calidis' residence...if that is suitable to you, Daughter of Aegrod.'
After a pause, the woman whispered again....and a short argument ensured which the woman would appear to win.
The Captain looked away, staring daggers at the hooded woman but addressed the party. “The Revenant may retain her blade, but should it be drawn, no mercy would be shown to her fellows.”
Calidis looked back in confusion, unclear who he meant, and met Xanderian’s eye. The huntress was clearly shocked by hearing that name here, and looked at her sister meaningfully. In response, Xandilif spat and cast a deadly eye on the Captain. “Junior here means me….and fine. I’ll play nice.” Noting that Xandilif was going to stay armed for some reason, Finchley seemed to calm and surrendered her blades as well, but kept close to the Champion.
The bracelets about Calidis’ wrists seem to glow faintly for a moment and then grow dim. "That is acceptable. Lady…Selunae you said, will be allowed to store them there but must swiftly leave again."
Finally easing down off her horse, Xanderian slipped Heartbreaker off her shoulder, and met Selunae's eyes...a few whispered words between them...and Selunae wrapped the bow in a silken cloth before touching it.
Nethrida circled past Cali to present her sword. She bowed her head. "Please, this blade has passed down many generations, and is very dear to me. I would request it be treated kindly."
Eduwiges decided to follow the lead of the others and coldly unstrapped her greatsword and handed it hilt first to the woman with Nethrida’s. 'By bema! This is a fecking splendid way to inspire loyalty in people who have bled for you eh Selunae? Thanks for nothing!'
Calidis bowed her head apologetically to Lady Selunae for good measure on Edu's behalf as Nethrida spoke to her friend. 'Edu, they have already agreed to deliver our weapons to Calidis' residence. There is no need for further aggression...one Banshee is enough.'
Ryn was about to turn her weapons over as well when the Captain held out his hand. "YOU…you are not accused...you may go your way in peace, stranger.”
Carneryn looked a little confused, still not sure what anyone was actually accused of but shrugged, happy to keep her sword.
The Captain watched Selunae withdraw, a guardsman helping her carry the vast amount of steel, and nodded, satisfied...."The Lord Elrond most kindly has agreed to hear the Lady Calidis’ pleas and render justice unto this matter...any attempt to subvert his mercy will be dealt with harshly. The Lady Calidis and her company, as well as the Kinslayer Spawn will follow, in silence. The Guard will stable your mounts.'
Addiela gave Xan and Lif a sympathetic look as the Champion moved closer to her. muttering under her breath, "Either we really chapped Elrond's arse this time, or something fishy is goin’ on...if things get nasty, you take Babygirl and get the hell out.’
Addiela's looked back to the Banshee and nodded to show that she fully agreed with the assessment and felt the same way…something was not right here.
Calidis followed the Captain silently, keeping her head held high. The only sign of her unease was apparent to only those who knew her well: the slight quiver of her hands.
Eduwiges had a grim look on her face. Coldly furious, she channeled it the way Lif had taught her to and moved close to Xanderian. 'Xan, I am guessing the messenger has not arrived... She would have stopped this...'
Rian reached out and squeezed Edu’s hand firmly. ”Something is at work here that may be beyond Asmalinde the Messenger's ken...stay alert..and if matters take a turn, see to the others.”
Following the carefully tended path, Addiela looked around at the waterfalls, but this time she could not enjoy the view, feeling as if she were walking to her own execution. Her eyes continued to flit about, uneasy, feeling as if she were being watched. Looking up she noticed an elf watching her from beside the path, his face apparently concealed by a strange silver mask. She blinked, and on second glance saw it had just been a trick of the light, the man was unmasked, just a resident of the Valley curious about the strange procession…but the moment left Addiela feeling shaken.
Behind her, Carneryn leaned close to Neth "Th-This is off..." she said with an uneasy smile. Nethrida simply nodded, her smile reassuring but tight, her eye vigilant.
Reaching the stairs into the Last Homely House, Calidis found a familiar face waiting for her, her one real friend in Imladris, the craftswoman Merilos.
The two embraced, but Merilos spoke urgently. “Dear Calidis…we must speak, there is much you do not understand. When you have finished your audience with Lord Elrond I need but a moment of your time, to open your eyes to the danger you are in.”
Calidis was shocked by the clear passion and tension behind the woman’s words and she nodded silently, watching the woman move quickly away. Something in her manner felt, wrong to Calidis, unexpected. The woman’s words so distracted her she bumped into a figure coming out through the door. Looking up to apologize, Calidis gasped to see for an instant, a silver mask gazing back at her. Then her vision seemed to clear and the elf she had bumped excused herself and continued on her way, no mask in sight.
The Captain led the party swiftly through the great courtyard of Rivendell, ancient statuary looking down upon them with cold gazes, finally opening the great doors to the East Terrace. Moving quickly to catch up with them, Selunae joined the party just as they stepped out into the soft sunlight of the terrace, with Elrond Half-Elven awaited them, facing outward, admiring the view of the falls.
The Lord of Rivendell turned to them as Calidis curtsied low and the others bowed to varying degrees. He cleared his throat and nodded as the Captain closed the doors behind them.
When he spoke, Elrond’s voice was tight with anger. “You were expected some time past, Lady of Eregion...I do not care what delayed you, but only that you are at last here with your cohort. What is it you think you can say to spare these so called friends of yours and Rivendell, the justice they so richly deserve for crimes against all?'
