Following Isilme’s pronouncement that Finchley was dead, but not dead and back in Trestlebridge after her ordeals in Fornost (see Lights in Arnor), Xanderian knew she had to fly to your little sister’s side. With Calidis Merifindiel and Eduwiges of Faldham beside her, she departed Tol Lochul and tore through Gondor barely taking time to rest their horses as needed.
Out of necessity (see The Great Horse Rescue) they skirted Rohan and rode along the Great River until they game to the lush golden trees of Lothlorien. There, out of sheer exhaustion as the journey over the Misty Mountains beckoned, they paused and made proper camp to rest and recover themselves before continuing.
Eduwiges hummed to herself as she prepared a fire for cooking, looking around at the brilliant foliage. “It is so beautiful here...all the more so as it feels as if I have been sleeping in my saddle for ages. Proper sleep and a few hot meals then off again, yes Lethy?” Her question was met with silence. “Xanderian?” More silence as she rested her hand on her sword. “Xanderian?!!”
Calidis walked past the tall woman and put a hand on her arm. “There, there our ever-vigilant Eduwiges. I see her, she is off by herself brooding. Lothlorien always makes her…moody. I will go to her and coax her back to us as you prepare a repast.”
Edu nodded and relaxed. “Alright Cal…I don’t know why she always seems to strange in these woods. They are her people are they not…well…I know she is of Rivendell, but…you know what I mean…”
Calidis nodded her head as she moved away towards Xanderian. “I do know what you mean, Edu…and for one so young, she has a great deal of history…”
Putting water on to boil, Edu shook her head with a smile and muttered to herself. “One so young…250 years is so young? Well, maybe when you are 5,000 years old…”
Calidis approached her lover slowly, making sure that her footfalls were not silent. As she remembered from their last sojourn near the golden wood, Lothlorien made Xanderian nervous and watchful though she would not explain why.
Finally standing behind Xanderian Cal rested a hand on her's, looking around this way and that. There was a very faint line between her brows, belying her worry.
Xanderian turned as if suddenly coming awake, and smiled at Cal. "What bothers you Nighteye?
“What troubles me? Can you ask this in all seriousness as you stand here like the Argonoth, warning off the boughs of Caras Galahon?” Calidis laughed softly. 'It always feels like the calm before or after a storm here, all the more so since I have seen your reaction to its fabled peace.”
Xanderian rested her forehead against Cal’s then kissed her softly. “Do not let my somber mood color yours. Just think, so we will be riding through your beloved snow over the mountains.”
Calidis kissed her back and chuckled. “Yes, if we avoid the snowbeasts that come with it.”
At the cookfire, the light stew nearly ready, Eduwiges stared up at the trees and remembered her own headlong flight, a lifetime ago and the ambush. She shivered and turned her mind to the good times here that followed. The world seemed so much brighter then. She noticed the trepidations of the two elleths and called out. “Hey you two, bill and coo later and come and eat now. How you can ever think of such things after a week in the saddle is beyond me…”.
Xanderian walked over hand in hand with Calidis and petted Edu's cheek, feeling that she was pensive. "Do not let my own history disturb the peace of this place for either of you....we have a hard travel ahead still and we know not what we will find in Trestlebridge. We may need our strength when we arrive there, for Small Finchley's sake.
Eduwiges says, 'I know you wanted to avoid Rohan Lethy, but was this the wisest for you? Maybe they are no longer looking for us?' She sensed Calidis' concern and gave her a comforting look.
Calidis nodded at Edu’s statement and fidgeted with the small adamant ring in her hand. Hastaina glowed ever so faintly around her neck.
Xandeian shook her head. “It is not a matter of danger here, but simply discomfort....and Addie seems to think we are still fugitives in the Mark so I have no reason to disbelieve her. Even if we could prove our innocence, to do so would take time. I will not allow my childish angersto risk our delay and cause Small Finchley's harm'
Eduwiges noted the light at Cal’s throat. 'Why are we glowing Cal?' She cracked her knuckles and eyed the trees around he, wondering if she should unstrap her greatsword from Oenone's saddle just to be safe, but decided they are safe enough within the confines of Galadriel’s ward around Lorien.
Calidis smiled a bit at Edu and shook her head. "Merely worry. There is little that can be done to make me stop worrying, at least until we reach our friends in Trestlebridge."
Eduwiges nods, 'I am positive the three of us can handle anything in these forests, and then anything that could bother little sister. We will be fine. Besides, they love me mere!' She winked mischievously at Cal.
They all felt thr approach of visitors before the saw then, a cadre of guards in the livery of Caras Galahon, led by a Captain, in the service of Galadriel herself from his banner.
Eduwiges smiled and raised a hand in greeting. 'A mae g'ovannen!
Calidis looked up and around. "... It seems the Wardens are keeping a close watch."
Eduwiges chuckled, 'Don't they always? I am sure they have followed us as soon As we came to the Anduin.'
Calidis nodded, 'True. But usually they merely watch and do not approach.'
Xanderian felt the approach as well...and moved to see to everyone's baggage near the fire.
Calidis moved to stand in front of Xanderian slightly and made a proper curtsey, keeping her dark gaze down slightly.
The Captain raised his hand and returned Edu's courteous greeting. “Welcome, Eduwiges of Faldham and Calidis of the House of Aegrod....You are known to the House of Celeborn and are welcome in the safety of the Golden wood. Our business here does not concern either of you, save that we bear an invitation for you to attend up on the Lady in these difficult days. Especially you, Daughter of the Mirdain, as it would please her to speak with the child of her departed friend.”
Eduwiges crossed her right arm over her breasts and bowed her head in salute to the elves, 'We would be honored, but you made no mention of Lady Xanderian...'
Calidis nodded and took a slow breath in and let it out quietly, Hastaina still glowing. "If the Lady calls upon me then I will accept.. So long as I may bring Xanderian, who is a member of my house, with me for like Eduwiges I am also troubled by that which you do not say."
The Captain looked vexed, and his tone grew more stern. “She too shall attend up on the Lady of Light, for I bear formal writ for the arrest of Xanderian, Faradur, Daughter of Anerial the Vartando of Thangulhad. She who with her kin is known in these lands as Farea Nasto and the Harpies of Dol Gulder. The Lady requires that she be restrained and questioned. In honor of that service she gave unto the Malledhrim in Mirkwood in better days, she is asked to come peacefully.'
Eduwiges slid in between Xan and the Galadhrim, “I hope you brought lunch and a ladder master elf. Put a hand on her and you might not get it back.” Her face was flushed with anger as she remembered Lif's teaching about controlling her emotions and the many fights in the underground rings of Dol Amroth.
Calidis pulled Xanderian behind her, setting her bottomless gaze upon the Captain. "What are the charges? And there is no need for restraints. She is a member of my house and therefore, I will bear responsibility."
Xanderian herself tilted her head. "The acts of my father mean I could expect no welcome here, but I ask the same question as the Lady Calidis, what charges merit my arrest?”
The captain looked uncomfortable. "Some time has passed from the offense of the Gwerth-i-cuina...in which she trespassed uninvited and in the dead of night upon the Lady's private and most sacred ground and made use of a relic of dark magic. The Lady would question Xanderian regarding her sister's fall into shadow, and suspects that where one Farea Nasto has gone, the other will soon follow.'
Xanderian closed her eyes for a moment, whispering to herself..."What has the Banshee done...”, then opened her eyes and spoke directly to the Captain. “I know not of this offence you speak of, but my sister, Xandilif, Champion of the Azure Faithful and Liberator of Dul Guldar is no creature of shadow. I ask that you cease calling her Gwerth-i-cuina, "dead thing that lives". Call her by her proper name or titles, and I will gladly answer for any crimes she is accused of in her stead.'
Eduwiges grimaced and put her hand on the hilt of her sword, 'That is on the Banshee Lethy, I will distract them. You and Calidis ride away.' She remembered all too well what happened the last time one of their number was sent into prison.
Xanderian smiled at Edu. "No sweet Lynx, I will not have you harmed.
Eduwiges cracked her knuckles and smirked, Harmed?' she spread her arms wide, 'Its me!' She then eyed the wardens with a touch of malice.
Calidis's expression remained deadly calm but her fist clenched at her side and Hastaina glowed just a bit brighter. "/Xandilif/….When we rejoin you in Trestlebridge…." she muttered darkly under her breath. She glanced at Xanderian and held her hand, looking over at Eduwiges. "No, Eduwiges. That will go ill for us instead. You cannot outrun the Wardens." She glanced at the Captain. "If you must take her then I ask she remain in my keeping and company until the Lady sees fit to speak to her. There shall be no restraints. Any actions she takes will be my responsibility."
The captain was clearly unsure as he was well aware that Galadriel seemed to view Calidis as a person of special importance. He turned to one of the guards and whispered to him, before sending him off toward the city. “Whatever the decision is regarding her custody, it would not be wise to allow the Faradur free access to Caras Galadhon...many here remember all too well the blood on her and her father's hands and emotions could run raw.'
Calidis sighed. "Understood."
Eduwiges tilted her head and looked at Cal, whispering. “Faradur?”
Calidis whispered back, an ancient term, meaning Dark Hunter I believe. It seems to be what they call Rian here. It is not exactly an insult….but not very friendly.”
Edu looked back at the wardens, 'Now look here you, the “Faradur” said she would come along peacefully. By Bema I do not give a fig for what her father did, he is no longer here. I will not have her chained like some criminal.'
Xanderian patted Edu's hand...but to calm Edu or her own nerves was unclear as when she spoke her voice was steady and calm, if a bit annoyed. “My comrade speaks truly...my father's crimes are his own and I know not what blood you think I bear. The only blood shed in the incident in Dol Gulder which caused my departure from the service of the Malladhrim was my own...and my sister's. If we are the Farea Nasto...it is your commanders and their orders…and their negligence that made us so.'
The captain scowled but but back whatever response he was about to make as the guard returns and whispered to him.
Eduwiges clenched her fist, 'What are we supposed to do now…and what by bema does Farea Nasto mean?'
Calidis sighed, 'Stay calm, Eduwiges. Let us see what they have to say of our request…and I believe it means Beasts of Prey or Predators.'
Xan nodded softly. “It is what the Banshee and I were called by the Malladhrim during our service in Mirkwood.”
The tall woman nodded. “I assume that is another “almost” insult. I know what Harpies of Dol Gulder means…and that IS an insult.” She took a deep breath. “It will be all right Lethy. Calidis and I will take care of this.' She looked at the Nighteye seeking reassurance and Cal smiled thinly back to her.
The Captain cleared his throat for attention. "In honor of the great love she bore the Lady Calidis' father, the Lady of Light will allow you all to be conducted unto her now, as a group, so as to address this matter.However, we require the Arms of the Faradur'
Calidis nodded and curtseyed to the Captain. "Thank you for your swiftness in bringing an answer." However she raised an eyebrow concerning disarming Xanderian.
Eduwiges stared at the Captain, 'By bema bless you for your kindness, but Heartbreaker goes to none except the Lady Calidis or myself, It will not leave our posession...' Edu paused as she realized the bow was not across Xanderian’s back. Instead, the soft moaning of the bow could be heard faintly from inside Calidis's bed roll.
Xanderian slipped Lovelorn and her dagger from her belt. The captain took them and raised an eyebrow. "And the relic?'
Xan bowed slightly. 'I do not bear it upon me....'
The Captain looked and nodded. "Very well....then come, and remember, Durion...show respect unto the Lady this time and perhaps things will not go as amiss as the last time.”
Calidis gasped at the term Durion and Edu looked at her quizzically. “Durion means Dark or evil elf in an ancient dialect, and that is truly an insult…a very grave one. I have never heard it used so before….that is so unjust.” Calidis took Xan's hand in her own and squeezed it.
The Captain lef them into the city and along shaded, deserted paths. Clearly he was choosing those that would not be crowded. Finall they came to the steps down into Galadiel's garden, where the Lady herself and a further 6 guards, awaited them by her mirror.'
Calidis curtseyed deeply to the Lady Galadriel, still holding Xan's hand. She remained collected and impassive through sheer force of will alone.
Eduwiges followed Cal's lead and did an awkward curtsey, smitten a bit by the Lady's beauty. This was her first time in her presence having caught only glimpses of her when she lived here before.
Galadriel smiled. "Welcome to the peace of Lothlorien, Eduwiges of Faldham...it pleases us to see you again after so much fellowship and danger have bonded your fate with that of my folk…And Sweet Calidis, I see in your eyes the wisdom and temperance of your father, whose passing was a great loss to those who cherish knowledge and dignity in adversity. It will please me to speak to you privately, as I feel towards you as one of my own kinsfolk.'
Then she turned and looked at Xanderian...her gaze intense. 'As for you, Faradur....why whenever you are in my presence, do I feel nothing but anger towards your foolishness and stubbornness, when you should be an honored warrior of our folk?'
Xanderian narrowed her eyes slightly. "I would think such anger speaks of your own failings rather than my acts, Lady of Lothlorien.
Calidis squeezed Xan's hand hard and stepped in front of her again. "Perhaps you would be so kind as to inform us of the details of the charges you have brought against Xanderian."
Galadriel frowned. "It is not for you to criticize me, Huntress...." She calmed as she looked at Calidis and then continued, as if Xanderian were not there. "Her sister, the Gwerth-i-cuina, has opened a portal into deepest Shadow within this realm and endangered all within it (see Mirrors). A darkness entered here and has masked itself so I cannot easily find it...and I fear what it's purpose might be. She must be held accountable for this crime, as such deceit is within her very blood and has ever been so.'
Calidis raised a brow. "I believe it is the height of injustice to visit the crimes of a sister upon the other sister. And furthermore, when exactly did this take place, for Xanderian has not been parted from my company nor the company of our friends ever."
Galadriel rose to her full height, looking regal and stately and quite annoyed. 'The Gwerth-i-cuina violated this very spot some two months past, opening a portal to I know not where using dark sorceries and the Mirror of Twilight....the very tool that drove her cursed father mad. You are un-versed in the ways of the enemy, Lady Calidis, but we know from sad experience that the Farea Nasto may be two but often act as one...and are not to be trusted.'
Calidis frowned, 'Why then is Xanderian answering for those crimes? If you wish for someone to answer for them, then seek out the perpetrator. Even you understand the wrongness of visiting the crimes of others upon their family, having kinship with one who committed many crimes in the name of an Oath. I can also say with certainty from intimate knowledge that Xanderian and Xandilif are connected but are... /vastly/ different people.'
Eduwiges glanced over at Cal on that last comment and nearly blushed.
The Lady of Light paused…then nodded slowly. 'We will consider your requests, Calidis, but for now the Faradur will remain under guard at my pleasure....and if either of you, Eduwiges or Calidis, know of this Mirror of Twilight that the Gwerth-i-cuina made use of, then we will have your counsel to better understand the damage done. This audience is concluded.”
Turning to depart, Galadriel paused and looked at Calidis. "As for how intimately you know either sister...we must speak further regarding that, daughter of Aegrod. We have much to discuss.” And with a swirl of golden-white gown, the Lady of Light was gone.
As the Captain and his guard returned, Calidis sighed. “Well that won’t be uncomfortable at all…
