Post new topic   Reply to topic    Khuzd Belkur Forum Index -> Plot Corner
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Dagdalin
Officer

user avatar

Joined: 01 Apr 2015
Posts: 74

Send private message
Reply with quote

re: Threat of the White Wizard

0

As many of you may already know, we've engaged in a new plot wherein Saruman is planning to invade the Blue Mountains through orcish and goblin forces. Here's the information as it stands.

 

As Dagdalin journeyed homeward with his party from the ordeal in Forochel, he received word from Rohan that a dear elven friend of his was in need of his aid. Releasing the others to journey home as they saw fit, he hastened to Rohan as fast as his goat could take him. Once there, he learned that Aridana, the elven lass he'd befriended years before in Lothlorien, was in Snowbourn and resting from grave injuries. Dag travelled to Rohan to find her in the care of Dathromar, a Rohirrim of some note. 

During the next few days, as Ardana recovered from her injuries, she spoke of how she came by them and the information she had gained thereby. She had been investigating Orthanc, on personal business, when she discovered plans being devised by Saruman to invade Ered Luin to establish a stronghold there. After a short time, the Wizard discovered her and put her in a dungeon like prison where she was tortured. During her time there, she met Dathromar, who was also imprisoned within Orthanc. Together, they effected an escape and found their way to Snowbourn, at which time Dathromar sent a letter to Dag at Aridana's request. 

 

As Aridana continued to heal, she and Dag discussed what to do with this information. It was decided that thy must go to Thorin's Hall and convene the councils of old and defend the Mountains from the impending attack. Once she was well enough to travel, the trio made their way to Ered Luin, sending word ahead that they were on the way with dire news. The journey was long and the road dangerous, but they were not deterred and hurried onward as best they could.

 

Once in Thorin's Hall, Dag called the Council of the Mighty (just kinda made that up on the fly, we can change it later if needed), and gave them the news of what had transpired both in Forochel and in Rohan. A follow up meeting was held a few days later, where Aridana was introduced to the dwarves and a plan of action devised. She would take a party of dwarves and a few elven companions that had joined her and Dag along the way at the behest of her mother, Nialwen. Grotnir and his cousin went to Gondamon to shore up the defenses and train the troops there. Dag himself would command the troop at Thorin's Hall in seeing that the defenses were bolstered and the forces there well trained.

((Will post a follow up to this once I talk to Aridana's player again to make sure I have the latest portion of details correct.))

Dagdalin
Officer

user avatar

Joined: 01 Apr 2015
Posts: 74

Send private message
Reply with quote

re: White Wizrd's Threat, part two

0

Here's the continuation I promised. Feel free to let me know if I have this wrong or if you'd like to clarify or add anything.

The scouts that went eastward (Aridana, Dathromar, Tornstenn, Ulreck and Casmuss) wound up in the North Downs searching for any sign of the enemy. Winding up in Dol Dinen, where an Uruk by the name of Jarshuk was rumored by the Rangers to reside. Wanting to gather more information, Aridana and Dathromar went in, followed by the dwarves and a small group of Galladhrim elves that were with them. They came across a group of goblins who cried "Kasakgurz" and fled in terror. Aridana later explained that it was their name for her, meaning 'Fanged Terror' because of her lynx companion, Meoinur.  After finding the information they were after, they regrouped at the nearby Ranger camp, at which time Tornstenn, Ulreck and Casmuss headed back to Thorin's Hall to give their report as Aridana and Dathromar went on to Angmar in hopes of finding further information or even the approaching army. 

While waiting for word from the scouting parties, Dagdalin and Zeldi worked to prepare Thorin's Hall for the expected onslaught. Zeldi looked after the Hundred Hammers and such other matters as were under his command. Dagdalin commissioned new stonework from the Mason's Guild and began to train himself in earnest under the tutelage of his lieutenant and longtime friend Hansil. grandson of Olmandis. Dagdalin began to buckle under the pressure of his duties and knowing how much was at risk should he fail or the news of Saruman prove false. Few, however saw the effects this had on the normally jovial and optimistic dwarf. Few, that is, save for Zeldi and Dwalin themselves, who saw the raggedness in Dag's face and the increased bouts of drinking and near-rages starting to happen again. 

 

Dagdalin
Officer

user avatar

Joined: 01 Apr 2015
Posts: 74

Send private message
Reply with quote

re: The Vale in Chaos

0

There's a couple elven scouts accompanied by a handful of dwarves of your own men arriving entirely out of breath, they're starting to shout. "Hear ye, hear ye! We've made contact: They're here!" The elves explain to whoever asks: "The Captain wen to check on the reports-you can find here in the northeastern part of the Vale."

Dagdalin welcomes the scouts, looking concerned. "Let's gather the lads and go meet the captain."
Grotnir puts his lute down and exchanges a dark glance with Olfori before looking to Dagdalin.
Dagdalin looks to Grotnir and Olfori. "I hope we're not too late."

Dagdalin nods to the dwarves with him, speaking urgently. "Let's not keep the Captain waiting."
Zeldi nods onces with a grunt and hoists up onto his large goat.
Grotnir nods to Dagdalin. "At your lead, Master Dagdalin. Gondamon is well prepared."
Dagdalin gestures to the great doors. "Let us press on then." He motions for the company to ride out.
The group is led to the Captain by three of the least tired dwarves and three of the elven scouts.

As the party approaches, they see the ground is littered with twenty or more dead elves and dwarves, all brutally murdered. Each has the distinctive arrows of Uruks sticking out from them and appear as though the party was ambushed and tried to flee to warn the Halls.

Atop the ridge, the Uruk-hai leader, Jarshuk, sneers down at the gathered. Nialwne sits astride her horse, at her side are three dozen archers and two handful of bladesmen, glares up at the show of force on the ridge. "If it's true what you said, that march would have taken you straight into the icy regions of Forochel. Nothing can survive out there!"

Zeldi holds up a hand to his companions at the carnage as the scen before them becomes apparent. "Hold!" He hushes, his goat stopping in a covered place. Dagdalin stips, looking at the scene before them. Grotnir looks at the scene of carnage with horror. "Durin's Beard. Linnar, watch over your folk."

Grotnir looks up, noticing the enemy formation, having been focused on the sight of the ambush. "Have they spotted us?" Zeldi growls. "Let's hope not...How many do you reckon are up there?" Dagdalin nods. "That's one of the leaders, if the reports I have are correct." He looks at Grotnir. "I don't think they have." He whispers.

Jarshuk spreads his arms to the impressive array of warriors to his left and right. An assortment of Uruk-hai, Orc and Goblins, archers and bladesmen could be seen. Some trolls carried heavy machinery on their backs, no doubt mobile catapults. The Uruk turned to speak to one of the others to his right and some of the orcs turn and move back through the ranks. "I didn't come here to pose, elf. I came here to show you what happens if you do not submit. I brought you a present."

Grotnir shakes his head. "I couldn't say. More than I'd like to meet up close, having the low ground. We should withdraw to our fortified positions." Zeldi's eye widens. "Hammer and tongs. look at 'em all. He quickly turns to Dagdalin, "We have to do something." Grotnir readies his hammer, looking to Zeldi for orders.

Nialwen stares up, shouting. "Save your breath. Threats and insults won't change our mind. Nor will any fabricated 'proof'. But by all means-go ahead! We're ready for you and those following your orders!" This last bit sounded like a challenge, though Nialwen was rather certain the Uruk wouldn't act hastily. Not now, afer they had come /this/ far.

Dagdalin shakes his head. "That elf is a dear friend of mine and I won't leave her to fight alone." He makes his way forward, trying not to be seen by the uruks. Zeldi hisses after Dagdalin. "DAMMIT LAD! GET BACK-" He freezes and glances quickly to Grotnir. Grotnir glanced back at Zeldi, and then kicked his goat into a canter behind Dagdalin. Dagdalin turns to Zeldi, using Iglishmek (the dwarven sign language). "I'll be alright, just cover me for now." Zeldi growls under his breath and sneaks among rock cover on his goat, keeping some distance between his two companions.

Moments pass in which the elves and dwarves in their position of disadvantage stare up at the uruk and his forces. Jarshuk himself grinned toothily down at the small force gathered. As the orc returns, Jarshuk reaches at something he was carrying and holding it up, presenting it to the gathered. He shouts, "See your little spy, Defenders of the Hall! She doesn't prove a problem, nor will you." What he held up, dangling in his grip, looked like Aridana's limp, dead body.

Zeldi halts his advance and stares up-frozen at the sight and sighs roughly before hanging his head. Grotnir bears hsi teeth beneath his mask in anger, as a multitude of whispers sound up from the Defenders.

Nialwen looks with narrowed eyes at the body the uruk was still holding by the neck. The clothes looked like her daughters, stained with blood but from this distance and the angle of the head, she wasn't sure if it was Aridana.

"Silence!" Nialwen commands, looking back up at Jarshuk, shouting. "What makes you think any of us recognizes whoever it is you brought with you?"

Dagdalin pale, doing all he could not to charge the orck in his outrage at what the orc carries.

Jarshuk sneers at her. "Go look for yourself and find your puny little Aridana,  Wench of the Elves and Failure of the Dwarves. This time she didn't escape!" He tosses the body down the cliff. On its way down, it smacks multiple times against the mountainside until it comes to an abrupt stop as the cloak is caught on a sharp spike of rock shortly before hitting the ground, the body swaying left and right, red drops of blood staining the snow below it. A silence hung over the scene and even Nialwen wasn't moving. If that /was/...-She glard up at the gathered enemies atop the ridge, trying to judge their chances if one side made a wrong move now.

Zeldi stares grimly at the sight-his expression stone cold, yet cracks of despair threatened to gain ground. Grotnir looked down from the seen on the ridge back to the arrow riddled bodies littering the ground around him. The realization in his ming that within any moment they too could be struck by a wave of enemy arrows. He thinks of the Garrison at Gondamon. Dagdalin watches the body in horror, hardly daring to thi of his friend as he eases closer to get a better look.

Grotnir looks back to Zeldi. "This is madness, they are luring us into a foolhardy assault on the ridge. We should withdrwa to better ground." Zeldi breaks his gaze from the scene and looks wildly to Dagdalin-did the dwarf have a deathwish? He looks to Grotnir and nods. "Aye." He harshly responds. Dagdalin hears Grotnir and Zeldi's words and cautiously makes his way back to them.

Nialwen ever so slowly raises an arm, pointing at a couple of elves. "You. Get that..body." She swallows, but otherwise seems in control as her gaze waners bak to Jarshuk, who yells down: "You have not chance of winning this fight. She  fell!" He points down the cliff. "So will all of you if you do not surrender."

Zeldi mutters to his kinsmen. "We're on goats. I reckon they're not. We can make about the ridge and pop up for a better look." He spoke as calmly as he could with dead dwarves and elves about the place. Dagdalin whispers. "That elf is my friend, I will not leave her to fight the uruks alone. No more than I would either of you. If it means my death, so be it. I will not see our beloved mountains overtaken by such filth as these /things/." Grotnir looks to his dwarven companions. "If we pull back, we stand a chance of being reinforced from Gondamon or Thorin's. Here will be our graves if we atack."

Nialwen, eyes blazing with anger, shouts bac. "Saruman is gone, Uruk. You have no support, only the few you brought with you. In what world do you believe there aren't already more soldiers on their way here?" Meanwhile the elves cut the body loose and start hurrying back, carrying the body by hands and feet.

Zeldi agrees with Grotnir, nodding some, yet halting- looking to Dagdalin. Grotnir speaks again, "Any moment, we, too, will look like Uruk pincushions if we don't do something." Zeldi hisses. "YOu don't think I worry? Tornstenn was with that dead elf! We have our own kin to see to.." He winces some after saying such, yet hides it well. He looks to Grotnir again.

Jarshuk starts laughing, then an orc falls in, then another...Undtil the ridgeline  reverberates with the laughter of dozens of throats. With a gesture of his arm held up, Jarshuk extinguishes it. "You have until tomorrow morning, Elf. I suggest you convince the dwarves you cam to aid that surrender is the only chance to save their families." Slowly the enemy force moves out of sight, moving over the cliff. Nialwen looks over at the body arriving in front of her. "Pull that hood back!"

Dagdalin gives Zeldi a hard look. "Aye, I know that very well, Uzbad. We do have our own kin to see to, but that elf has done much for me and for our kin." He glares at Grotnir. "That is bery true, lad, and I mean to do something about it." He turns to make his way toward Nialwen. Zeldi reaches his hand out to Dagdalin as he makes off, yet catches the words in his throat-looking to the foul force departing in awe. Grotnir spits in the snow and cautiously advances to join the dwarven and elven defenders.

Zeldi growls, waiting another moment or two, staring at the ridge berof he proceeds carefully through the maze of dead eldar and khazad. Grotnir dismounts and begins sorting through the dwarven fallen. Zeldi glances up to the elf and then over his shoulder. His expression is grim-one any who had Zeldi in such dire circumstances would know.

Nialwen eyes the body as one of the elves pulls back the hood. Silken black hair covering a face. Nialwen takes a deep breath, holding it as the elf on the ground shoves the strands of hair out of the body's face-revealing an unknown woman of perhaps twenty years. She rests her face in her hands, exhaling sharply.

Zeldi slowly dismounts his goat and lands on the ground with a thud. He begins to look over the dead as well. Grotnir sobs deeply, recognizing many friends among the fallen. he sits down in the snow in grief.

Zeldi walks amongst the rows of dead, grimmly looking upon the faces - some of which he knows. A fire begins to burn in his single eye.
Nialwen says: "Bury her with honors". Then she dismounts her horse´, handing the reigns to one of her men. Only now she realizes that the others must have arrived here in the midst of that conversation. "I...need a moment." She walks a few steps away, on hand on her hip, the other on her forehead.

Grotnir looks to Nialwen. "are there any from the look out left alive?"

Dagdalin looks about the field of slaughter, seeming relieved that the hooded figure was not his friend. He dismounts Dunkster, who backs away a few paces. After a moment or two, he begins to sing a song in Khuzdul, one that seems to be of grief and mourning.

Grotnir lays a hand on one of the bodies sitting beside him. "Go to the Halls of your ancestors Dirthand." He lifts the fallen dwarfs helm and closes the eyes respectfully.

Zeldi stoops down a particular dwarf, he closes his eye and exhales roughly again and again - as if holding back a torrent of rage.
Nialwen gestures to the three that had let them here apparently. Then she continues walking until coming to a halt next to the garrison building, staring into the distance, getting herself back in check after the shock. She turns around, looking the scene over.

Zeldi breaks the uruk arrow off from the dead dwarf's chest and hurls it to his side, "Banathmi zâmhilihu! ZU!!!" He falls to his knees and roars again, punching at the ground once - one could swear they felt the earth shake at it from the roars of his rage alone.

Dagdalin spots a dwarf with a purple helm as he sings. Within a moment, Dag leaps from the rock and runs to the dwarf, barely holding back his rage. "Oh no...Not you, too. I had hoped you'd find peace, but not this way." He places a gentle kiss on the dwarf's forhead as he closes the dead dwarf's eyes and claims the fiddle Raudek had been so fond of keeping with him.

The Elves sheath their swords and shoulder their bows, starting to move in between the dead, helping to gather them all in one spot to take count - and the grim business of spotting faces they had worked alongside, called friends or even family. One young archer breaks with a cry down next to a dead elf.

Zeldi kneels before the young dwarf's body. The mane of hair about the dwarf lord's head hung all about his face as he hung his head, breathing heavily.
Grotnir gets up suddenly and removes his helm. his face is twisted in a snarl. "We must prepare for all out war. Every moment we remain here is a moment longer our folk go un warned."

Grotnir says, 'every bell in every station should be ringing to clear the countryside'

Zeldi kneels in the snow before the body still, his broad shoulders rising and falling - a rage building from his toes up.
N
ialwen sighs softly, then walks back to let her gaze wander over the faces of the dead as well. Only now she felt composed enough to withstand any grim discovery that would be made. He gaze wanders from Grotnir to Zeldi and from Zeldi To Dagdalin. "We came too late to help them. They shot them to bait us here, into a disavantageous positions...to spew their demands."

Grotnir runs a hand over his head as he paces in the snow. "even now the Dourhands still hold Khedule. If they have sided with these Urukai, more could come by ship down the Lune. We've chained off the river, but that could only delapy them."

Dagdalin looks at Grotnir. "Aye, but first we must see to our dead." He is shaking, his hand repeatedly going to his axe as he looks over the carnage about them.

Zeldi closes an armored fist tight and begins to darkly mutter, "What is the point of elven eyes..." He jolts up and points to Nialwen, "IF THEY CANNOT SPOT AN ARMY!?"

Grotnir looks down gloomily. "I knew many of these Dwarvs. some of them I grew up with. We do not have time to bury them, though to say it shames me."

Nialwen glances at Zeldi at his outbreak. "Look around. My people died here /together/ with yours. Blaming each other will only play into Jarshuks hands, M'Lord."

Grotnir walks away from the party and mounts his Goat.

Zeldi motions wide about him, "Would have your gaze been KEENER if you were in Lothlorien!? Would've you seen this by then!?" He begins to thud forward some.

Dagdalin glares at Zeldi. "Elves may be blessed with greater sight than most, but they cannot see everything." He snarls at Zeldi. "This party of elves made just as great a sacrifice as our own people, Uzbad. Now is not the time for the old arguments." He draws his axe and throws it at a nearby tree with all the force he can muster, cursing to himself in his rage and grief.

Nialwen puts a hand on the shoulder of the still crying Elf kneeling next to the dead one. After a few quiet words in Sindarin, the woman gets back onto her feet, drying her tears and walking off while Nialwens eyes find Zeldis once more. "We came to help, our blood was spilled here today, too. The answer to your question is...-" she falls silent as Dag starts talking.

Grotnir spits in the snow. "The elf is right, now is not the time for us to be divided! I am going to sound the alarm. By tonight every fighting Dwarf in the Vale will be at arms. He turns abruptly and kicks his coat into a run down the slopes."

Zeldi begins to violently shake for a moment before pointing behind him to the dwarf who he fell before, "MY WIFE'S /BROTHER/ LIES DEAD HERE!"

Zeldi throws out his hands, "And I will not waste any more time awaiting the words of ELVEN SPIES and SCOUTS to tell us when our enemy is here!" He points to Grotnir, "Grotnir! Alert Gondamon! With all due haste!"

Grotnir rides through the assembled force of Elves to the lookout. He enters, and moments later the pass echos with the mournfull sound of the alarm bell coming from the stations tower. Before long the sound of many other bells can be heard from down in the Vale.

Nialwen replies calmly meeting Dags gaze: "And /her/ father." She nods at the woman that she had just talked to. She sighs hearing the rage, the hurt and the decision made on the spot. "While speed is essential, we cannot risk making mistakes. The Uruk said until tomorrow morning we would have time - I do not doubt they /will/ attack by then."

Dagdalin gestures to the dwarf near him. "As does Raudek, my former lover, Zeldi." He points to another, younger looking dwarf. "That lad yonder was my nephew, Dagrida."

Grotnir re-emerges from the lonesom lookout and nods to Zeldi. "Aye, Lord Zeldi. Baruk Khazad!"

Zeldi curses, "You would trust an orc's word?" He shakes his head and turns about, making for his brother-in-law's body. Heaving the dwarf's body up, he whistles to his goat and begins to place the body upon the back. "I have Lord Dwalin to speak to... and my wife." He fastens the body to the back of the goat tightly.

The vale of Thrain is in chaos, and dwarven families flee at the sound of the alarm bells, most heading for the saftey of Thorin's Hall.

Zeldi says, 'War came sooner than the 'wisdom' of the elves supposed! Family, of our kind and her's now lie dead...'

Zeldi fastens the body on tight as can be and rests a hand upon his fallen family for a moment.

Nialwen gazes at the couple remaining dwarves. "You can blame us for decades to come, Lord Zeldi, but we /will/ stand with you! My men will help where and how they can." She turns looking over her shoulder, commanding the archers to help escort civilians back to the halls. The swordsmen stay as her guard.

Nialwen stares at both of them for a moment. "We can argue and be at each others throat later. When this is all over." Then she turns to get back onto her horse again.

Dagdalin goes to reclaim his axe, muttering to himself in Khuzdul. "I don't expect you to trust anyone, Uzbad. I certainly do not trust the word of an orc. We must now see to the defenses of the Halls." He gives Zeldi a hard stare. "As the Lord of Khuzd Belkur and the Overseer, it falls to us to work with Nialwen to defend our beloved mountains and our kin."

Zeldi heaves up onto the goat silently and trots up to the elf, looks her dead in the eye, "Your steel is welcome..." That is all he said. Slowly he looked to Dagdalin, "Send word to the bridge... Tell them to keep an eye for my uncle." He kicks into his goat and begins to trot away.

Nialwen speaks some sentences in Sindarin to the 12 remaining elven soldiers - all swordsmen from the look of it. They nod after she is finished, splitting up and moving six each - to the dwarves. "Consider them your guards. They will follow your orders - even in battle." She adds after that with a hint of steel in her voice: "Treat them well."

Dagdalin places his axe back into it's place on his belt. "I certainly will, Zeldi."

Zeldi looks to the elves warrily, and nods finally, "Right... To Gondamon with you. Aid Grotnir with all that he needs." He glances to Nialwen once more and then makes off with his brother-in-law's body.

Dagdalin finally turns to Nialwen, speaking crossly but gently enough for the moment. "They will be well treated, dear lady, on my word and honor as Seneschal and friend."

Olfori rides up the hill panting, his face aghast at the sudden sight of carnage."

Zeldi glances to Olfori as he leaves.

Olfori looks to the remaining party. "My cousin sent me, to aid however I can. The Vale is in panic."

Nialwen watches him leave, her face unreadable. Turning to Dag, she says: "I have to prepare my men, send them to their designated defenses. We shall talk later - hopefully." She nods at him, givens the new arrival a short nod and after a long look at the unknown woman turns her horse around to ride back to their camp.

Dagdalin glares at Olfori. "Fine timing, lad. We've come to late to help these, yet perhaps you may be of some use yet, Olfori. Gather a party and see to the burial of the dead."

Olfori nods. "I couldn't do that Master Dagdalin. Every Dwarf is locked in at Gondamon, though ill lend my own two hands."

Dagdalin curses loudly, drawing his axe again, starting to charge Olfori. After taking a few steps, he halts and instead just glares at Olfori and keeps quiet.

Olfori aims his massive ancient crossbow at dagdalin in respons, but lowers it once Dagdalin regains control of himself. "I carry no authority. Grotnir has ordered Gondamon locked. The roads are crowded with refugees headed West."

Dagdalin continues glaring at Olfori, still clutching his axe. "You think I don't know that? I was the one who gave Grotnir his authority, and he reports to me."

Nialwen rides off, but after a short time reigns her horse to a stop, looking back at the way up to the garrison, the path that had been littered with the dead - all for one reason: To lure them here, to discourage them, seed distrust and anger. Make them weak. Her lips a thin line, she watched an Owl sail past on silent wings. "Where are you, Aridana? We need you. /I/ need you."  As she starts riding off again, this time she doesn't stop to look back.

Olfori spits and eyes Dagdalin. "That may be so, but he is not here right now to be ordered." He kicks the ground. "This groumd is frozen solid. "These Dwarves need to be carted down. It could take days, oxen, all of which are in the city. If this is your wish you must convey it to Grotnir yourself."

Olfori shakes his head. "I'm sorry for your loss, but now cool heads must prevail."

Dagdalin watches Olfori ride off, a cold look in his eyes. "That may be, but I am still in command here. Off with you, go back to your garrison." He sheathes his axe and rides off to the Halls in search of Nialwen.

Olfori turns and rides off without another word.

Dagdalin
Officer

user avatar

Joined: 01 Apr 2015
Posts: 74

Send private message
Reply with quote

re: Discussions in the Dark...

0

((Picking this up mid-conversation, a few hours after the events with Nialwen and Jarshuk. It's just past midnight, and morning is still hours off.))

*A chill midnight breeze beats down upon the Dwarven party of Throin's Hall as they pass the long road East. As they crest the ridge the Fortress of Khedule can be seen before them, silhoetted in pale moonlight. From a distance it can be seen that the Parapet is lined with Dwarves, and a strange hush hangs over the usually dinful fortress. The Gates are sealed tight, and before +

 Olmandis: *an old, dwarf made hunting cart rolls across the cobbelstones, into the light. It's bearing furs and a bed ridden dwarf, as well as another pushing the sorry sight along.*

Grotnir: the perimiter a ring of torches burned. Dagdalin's party had not made it much further than the ring of light in the midnight darkness before shouts could be heard from the Walls, and the Fortress suddenly seemed to Bristle with Spears and bows upon the Western Wall.

Olmandis: *Tornstenn hisses* "Why do am I the bedridden one?" Olmandis "Because you complain so much I assume you were hobbled under the weight of your own drama."

Grotnir: *Dorrie, clad in clumsy armor hails the party at the Westernmost archway. "Declare yourself, or we will open fire!"*

Olmandis: Torn hisses "Damn you, quill pusher." Olmandis "Bite my beard, rustbones!"

*Dagdalin turns with surprise at the approaching cart, noting the bedridden fellow in particular. He almost smiles as he hears the two elders speak. Turning back to the fortress, he calls out. "Dagdalin, his party and a pair of whitebeards. Open in the name of Dwalin and Khuzd Belkur!"

Grotnir: *The Fortress hushes a moment, before a storm of conversation and then cheering rises into the midnight air. With a metallic whine the Gate lurches upward and open, allowing Free passage to Dagdalins party. A sense of relife is almost palpable around the fortress. Moniter Grotnir Stands in the gateway ready to greet them, clad in full plate.*

Olmandis: Tor: "Push me long, dear. Get a move on." Olm "I could easily let it go and watch you crash into a ditch. I feel sorry for the ditch, having to deal with your belly aching."

*Dagdalin nods a bit, and motions his party forward, greeting those he knows by name as he waits for the cart to reach him.

Olmandis: *A sorry looking affair, old furs, old dwarves. Keeping up appearences.*

*Dagdalin chuckles slightly* "Glad you two could come back this way, uncles." He gives Olmandis a coy wink but does not let on yet that he recognizes the pair of elders.

Olmandis: *Olmandis, clothed in old hides, peers about, sniffs, and pushes the cart along laboriously.

*Dagdalin offers help as he limps along beside the whitebeard*

 Olmandis: Olmandis makes light of this burden, he's just hamming it up.*

Olmandis: * pushes the cart off to the side.

Ulreck: *follows along, grumbling as he goes*

Olmandis: *Tornstenn harrumphs, throwing old skins of his equally old hide. "Tell me again why this ruse was necessary?"

Grotnir: *As the party comes up the Hill towards the Western gate of the fortress, they feel the heavy gaze of the city's defenders upon them. Where it not for Dagdalin's leadership, not one would be allowed in without questioning. Yet the party was allowed into the courtyard without further delay."

Zeldi: As Dagdalin's company finally enters the fortress, a dwarven horn bellows - lonely amidst the cold night...

 Olmandis: Olmandis "It wasn't entirely so. I assume we're under watch and if I have to be interacing with your old hide, other old hides offset your ugliness."

Olmandis: *Olmandis extends a hand to Torn and helps him out of the cart and dusts him off as the two old farts hen peck and compose themselves.*

*Dagdalin shakes his head as they pass through the gate* "Some things never change..." *He approaches Grotnir, weary, pale and clearly still grieving and angry.*

 *Grotnir looks to Dagdalin with a heavy glance, about to speak when the sound of the Horn Cracks the night air. Again the Fortress falls to silence, and the Gates are rammed shut. Along the wall arrows are knocked and every eye is opein into the inky blackness of the night*
*Olmandis nods as Torn whispers in his ears and heads off to a meeting. He gives his brother a wink, a pat on the shoulder, and he himself joins the throng as Torn head ups the steps to the keep*

Zeldi: Around the hill to the west comes a force - one grim and clad in dwarven metal. A force of some 40 dwarves, almost all atop armored goats, comes toward the fortress of Gondamon. At the head of this force is an impressive and brutal engine of dwarf engineering - a chariot. Mighty and deadly, it is pulled by two large ironclad aurochs. Four crossbowmen stand on its sides at the center of the chariot stands its master, Zeldi Aurochfist. His terrible horned helm dawned, with a long crest of auroch tail hair blowing in the night wind. He's a grim and imposing figure atop the death machine as the force draws ever closer to Gondamon.

*Even in pedestrian garb, layered in old furs, Olmandis stands up ram rod straight when it counts and walks over to his fellows.
Olmandis says, 'Gentlemen.'

Grotnir: *The guardsmen of the City catch a briefe glimps of the host and their banner in the moonlight, and soon the anticipation of conflict within the city turns to jubliation. A chant rises from some. "Zeldi!" Grotnir shouts to the guardsmen. "Open the Gates, you fools. Lord Zeldi has come and we shall bleed the enemy raw!"

Grotnir: *As Zeldi's party approaches, all the degenders along the wall cheer and brandish their weapons in their air. The glint of spears can be seen in the moonlight*

Olmandis: *adjusting his specs.* "That's quite a showing.

Zeldi rolls up to the gate, he stands nigh 10 feet off the ground atop a mountain of cold steel. The goatriders tighten their formation as they grow closer to the gate. Zeldi cooly looks over the cheering dwarves atop the walls in silence.
*Dagdalin looks at the commotion from the north, a grim expression on his face.* "Aye, it is." *He looks at Olmandis for a moment.* "We have much to discuss and to do before dawn comes."

Grotnir: *Nods to Dagdalin, but says nothing. he steps foreward to greet the newly arrived host of the Hundred Hammers.*

*Olmandis nods* "Indeed. By your leave."
Olmandis places his hand upon Dagdalin's shoulder for a moment and leans in.

*Dag turns to the new arrivals and leands in as Olmandis whispers to him.*

Zeldi looks down to Grotnir and speaks, his deep voice muffled by his battle mask. "Forty of the finest goatriders the Hammers have to offer. And my steel..." He lifts his warhammer to Grotnir.
Zeldi his*

Grotnir grins toothily behind his mask, a whisp of breath coming from his face mask. "Then here we shall bleed the pass red, and see no foe reaches the Vale of our kinsmen. Hail Lord Zeldi, and welcome to Gondamon. The Fortress is at your command." He gestures to for the party to enter the fortifications and eyes the distant horizon suspicously.

Olmandis raises his beard to Zeldi and his entourage.

Dagdalin nods as Olmandis speaks, though he glares at Zeldi for a moment.

Dagdalin whispers in return to Olmandis briefly before approaching Zeldi and Grotnir.

Zeldi nods curtly to Grotnir and motions to a crossbowman at his side, "CLEAR THE WAY!!!" The bowman bellows. The massive chariot makes its way into the fortress, goatriders following - a path parts among the many dwarves for the impressive force.

Ulreck mumbles, "Show off."

Grotnir: *The gate of the city slams shut as the last goat rider passes the Threshold*

Dagdalin shakes his head as Zeldi and his riders pass by without a word. Holding a hand up, he calls out. "We must hold council and decide our course of action. This is our most urgent hour, gentlemen, and our need is dire."

Olmandis says, 'Aye, and I'm in poor attire for it, but maybe clothes do not,in fact, make the man.'

Zeldi dismounts the chariot and hits the ground with a loud thud. He motions to the goatriders as they fall into nigh mechanical ranks about the stables, "Binikhribi!! Baimniti!" He bellows to the dwarves, who soon begin to dismount and gather their bearings. Zeldi looks to Dagdalin as he calls out, thudding toward the young dwarf, he yanks his helm off and stares down -

Grotnir spits on the cobbles of the Fortress courtyard, and eyes Dagdalin through his helm. "let us go to the Ramparts, that we might discuss our options with a good survey of the land."

Zeldi and speaks grimly, "Then let us hold council, Overseer." He looks to
Grotnir, helm under his arm, "How many man the fortress?"

Dagdalin nods grimly. "To the ramparts, then, so that all may see the land we seek to defend and remember what is at stake here." He is clearly still grieving and angry, though he is, for the moment in command of himself.

Grotnir looks back to Zeldi. "60 trained warriors between Hulfi's Band and Mathi Stoutheart's Garrison, plus some of the local folks who have come to offer their hand in defense. Not including of course the Hammers. I reckon with you men we have just over one hundred, and rations for two weeks."

Olmandis strokes his beard.

Ulreck says, 'We must hope the enemy is not prepared for a long siege.'

Olmandis says, 'Due diligance, sir. Rations will be in order, and we have to prepare. Hmm...where I them, that is exactly what I would be planning for.'

Zeldi nods firmly and pats Grotnir firmly on the shoulder with a clank. He looks to Olmandis and his uncle and nods - yet no smile graces his face this night. He then turns his attention to the talk of seige and rations before halting it.'To the ramparts then... We'll speak there.'

Zeldi nods to Grotnir and makes for the stairs.
Grotnir turns to follow.

Olmandis tosses off the old skins, but he folds them and lays them down gently, handing them to dwarf to make use of them.

Zeldi looks to Grotnir, "Dours the lot of what you've seen so far?"

Dagdalin nods quietly to Olmandis and makes his way to the ramparts.

Ulreck says, 'What of siege-breaking forces? From the Firebeards, the Broadbeams, Thorin's Hall? Has the city hope of any aid?'
Grotnir looks off to the frozen peeks shining in the moonlight. "So far, with the exception of what we saw this evening at the Guardpost. The roads have been eerily quiet."

Olmandis says, 'Perhaps we can take this time to ascetain, to the best of our abilities, exactly what we're up against.'

Dagdalin pauses for a moment. "The Braodbeams are under Grotnir's command and I know not if they will come to our aid. I have not heard from the Firebeards, alas."

Zeldi tightens one of his gauntlets and lets his gaze look out as well, "Then we scout out best we can and strike the dours before they can organize with whatever orc filth is here already."

Olmandis says, 'As fine as it is to have our cousins aid us, as cosmopolitan as Longbeard interests are, we barrow a specific currency if we cannot police our own lands.'

Ulreck says, 'From the looks of things over the past few years, it would seem you cannot.'

Zeldi glares at Ulreck for a moment before looking back to Grotnir.

Olmandis says, 'In a number of years upon your hand, I've made hammers number in the 100's, and our trade interests are diverse.'
Grotnir nods to Zeldi before turning to Dagdalin and Omandis with anger in his eyes. "You are guests in these lands, and it is you who are coming to ours."

Olmandis peers at Grotnir...not in anger. His brow raises, and he leans in.

Dagdalin nods. "Indeed. Yet, we can use all the allies we can muster. Jarshuk and his forces will devastate us if they can." He gives Zeldi and Grotnir a stony look before replying. "That may be, but without the support of Thorin's Hall and the Longbeards, Gondamon would not have survived to make such a fine fortress as it is."

Olmandis says, 'I know now is hardly the time to become engrossed in...naunced discussions, but can you elaborate?'

Zeldi speaks up at the snapping at eachother, "Idribî! ... We've had elves fail us once today, let us not fail eachother. Bickering on what is who's own alone will render it none of our's...'
Zeldi says, 'But dourhand or worse - orc filth.'

Olmandis says, 'If we do not have the foundations of trust, our alliances are shakey, but that will not matter in the grander scheme.'

Zeldi spits off the rampart.

Grotnir looks to the two, his gaze lingering in anger a moment at Dagdalin, before regaining his composure. He nods. "Aye, Lord Zeldi is right. we can discuss nuances after the battle, if any yet live to do so."

Olmandis says, 'We need to ascertain what we're dealing with.'

Zeldi looks to Olmandis down the line. Zeldi motions to the old dwarf.

Olmandis says, 'We're arming the ramparts, preparing for land invasion. We consider unusual methods, the docks. If we're facing an army, it will not appear out of thin air.'

Grotnir spits and looks to Olmandis. "Durin's Beard, what we're dealing with is an enemy port. So long as it stands, they can be resupllied and reinforced in a matter of perhaps days. And there is next to a jar of piss we can do about it without leaving our fortresses exposed."

Dagdalin nods. "That we do. Threats from Kheledul along with this ultimatum from Jarshuk." He looks off toward Kheledul, the anger rising in him.

Olmandis says, 'Lovely, then why are we preparing for land invasions?'
Olmandis says, 'How did we attain this information?'
Olmandis says, 'I can only advise as well as I know the details.'
Olmandis says, 'Thus, I suggest, we start at our foundation and build.'
Olmandis says, 'And then, when i show up this young man...'
Olmandis points at Grotnir.
Olmandis says, 'It will have more meaning.'

Zeldi pulls his gaze from Olmandis, taking in what he had to say. He motions to Tornstenn and Ulreck, "What of you two? Did you not scout in search of information? You are here - do you have some?"

Dagdalin looks to Olmandis, with a faint look of despair that only he might recognize. "Here is what we know so far, aside from whatever Tornstenn and the others may be able to tell us."

Grotnir Grins at Olmandis. "Show me up?"

Olmandis says, 'Let us start at our foundation: Master Dagdalin, I believe, will provide us with information. The information I provide will fill in details.'
Olmandis says, 'It won't be difficult, dear.'

Grotnir strokes his beard, intending to seem calm, though the violence of it gives his anger away.

Olmandis says, 'As it stands, we've all, in our various far flung endeavours, heard the call to come back to the mother land.'

Grotnir says, 'Say what you know old fool and enlighten us. Not a week ago my scouts inform us of two Dour ships arriving at Khedule with fourty of their warriors. Dagdalin and I marched a much smaller force from here to face them, and decimated at least that number, while having chains dragged across the river. If you where in my shoes, could you have done better?'

Zeldi shoves Grotnir briefly and firmly on the shoulder and growls, "Respect..." He looks to Olmandis and nods, "Tell us, Olmandis."

Dagdalin rests his hand on his axe, his anger and frustration clear in his voice and movements. "He could have, aye. Olmandis has forgotten more of war than the likes of you will ever learn."

Olmandis says, 'If it takes the lot of us to square off and get something done, to be it. This information is indeed, pertinant, and thus, OUR FOUNDATIONS. We have dropped our all efforts, our pretenses, our exploits, to heed this call. We must work with one another to know what we're up against.'

Zeldi looks on and listen to the elder dwarf.

Olmandis says, 'We are far flung, our prosperity growing, and that is far removed from these threats.'

Grotnir tightens his fist at his side. "I have told you all I know. If you have better council, then teach us."

Dagdalin nods, pacing a bit angrily. "That we have, and given up much, the lot of us, to come to the defense of our homeland."

Olmandis says, 'No, in fact, you haven't told us, until just now. My point entirely. We...are sadly ill informed.'

Grotnir shakes his head. "It would seem you are not so well informed after all. There where many witnesses, Dagdalin here among them. Word was sent to Zeldi and his Hammers, as well as Thorin's Hall."

Ulreck coughs politely, "I think Tornstenn and I might be able to shed a little more light on all this."

Zeldi looks to Ulreck - he'd glare if not for mention of his uncle. He glances to Olmandis then back to Ulreck.

Dagdalin looks to Olmandis. "To my shame." He glares at Grotnir. "I have sent word to those I could, and even among those who were present when I first brought word of Saruman's threat not all believed me."

Olmandis says, 'As I've said. We all seem to be ill informed. We can take this time to become informed.'

Olmandis looks utterly calm. His hands rest on his beltbuckle. He peers out across the ramparts.

Zeldi throws a hand up as if to halt everyone's own tangent.
Zeldi says, 'Dagdalin...Start at the beginning...'

Grotnir looks Olmandis up and down before shaking of his previous state of insult.

Zeldi motions to Olm, Torn, and Ulreck before turning away for a moment.

Dagdalin harrumphs and looks each of his kinsmen in the eye before beginning.
Dagdalin sighs heavily.

Zeldi looks toward the Treasure Fields, his lone eye narrowing toward it as he reads the terrain.

Tornstenn shifts slightly, looking to his nephew and then to Olmandis. He's quite out of the loop as well since heading off with Ulreck.

Dagdalin peers out at the landscape, a faint look of desperation and grief on his face, though it's likely only Olmandis and Zeldi would see the true measure of the dwarf's feeling. "This is what I can tell you. As you lot know, I only recently returned from an unexpected sojourn in Rohan. While there, I learned of a scheme out of Orthanc in Isengard to overtake our beloved mountains. I helped Aridana heal as best I could before we travelled this way in haste. Upon our arrival, I made my report to Dwalin and called our Council of old. It was at that council that the full tale of Aridana's capture by Saruman and her eventual escape witht the aid of Dathromar, a Rohirric knight.'

Dagdalin shoots a look at Grotnir briefly before continuing. "I, for one, believe the tale they tell. I know not everyone has, but with the arrival of this Jarshuk, little doubt can remain that some force is aimed at us and means us ill."

Dagdalin rests a hand on Grotnir's shoulder, smiling faintly. "Tis alright, cousin. It is a hard tale to believe. I would not have believed it myself had I not seen Saruman's handiwork for myself and know Aridana as well as I do." He glances across the valley briefly. "It was decided by the Council to send out scouts to learn what we could about his forces abroad."

Zeldi glances over his broad shoulder at Dagdalin for a moment before looking back out to the mountains - alone with his thoughts.

Grotnir nods, following Dagdalins gaze, though it was clear his mind was at work by the look in his eyes.

Olmandis says, 'There's something to just...standing back, having a smoke with your fellows, and taking in the iew.'

Dagdalin nods to Zeldi briefly before continuing. "It was an urgent message from Nialwen asking for help that led us out into the Vale only a few hours ago, where we found her confronting Jarshuk amid a field of murdered dwarves and elves, among whom several folk precious to us were found. Before he escaped us, he gave an ultimatum: Surrender at dawn or fight and die."

Dagdalin looks to Olmandis, nodding in agreement.

Ulreck says, 'Then they must be prepared already. Any action taken against Kheledul now would be like closing the stable door after the goat has left.'
Olmandis brows furrows hearing Dagdalin. His hand moves to his beard, stroking his locks.
Dagdalin nods. "Agreed, Ulreck."

Grotnir looks to Ulreck. "My point made in better words."

Zeldi turns about finally and speaks up, "Now you are up to speed..." He moves forward some toward Olmandis, Ulreck, and Tornstenn. "My wife weeps for her slain brother as we speak, no doubt... So tell me what you know Olmandis, so that justice for our dead may be HAD." He nigh growls that last word.

Olmandis says, 'Low ground, easy to keep an eye on, but there's tunnels, oh my, yes!'

Zeldi glances to Ulreck and then to Tornstenn as well after this.

Ulreck says, 'If I may ask, do you have any idea how the Dwarves and Elves were slain?'

Grotnir listens to Ulreck and shakes his head sorrowfuly. "Without mercy."

Olmandis says, 'I've toy with the message,and my message remains the same: my translation is lacking. We need others. I will broker that deal/'

Ulreck says, 'A field filled with corpses must have taken some doing. And I doubt that it was an accident that so many of them were familiar to you.'

Zeldi blinks some and looks about, "Translation? Translation of what, Olm? Uncle, what is he talking about?" He speaks quickly.

Olmandis says, 'If we want to keep this to the people, I can recommend others, in fact, I've sent words on ravens' wing, but it remains...they will not tell us much.'

Dagdalin looks to Ulreck. "All I can tell you is that they knew no mercy as they drew their last breaths, lad."

Olmandis says, 'The message brought to me was in the Black Speech. I've done what I've could. Others could do more. My expertise in the tongue of the filth...is lacking.'

Zeldi looks to Tornstenn and Ulreck, "So... You did find something."
Olmandis says, 'We know they're reaching out to the dourhands. No surprise, they've fallen low.' Zeldi straightens up as the information begins - hanging to every word.
Olmandis says, 'They speak of tunnels beneath the vale, but they remain in contact with one another.'

Ulreck says, 'Do they speak of where these tunnels begin?'

Grotnir shakes his head. "My ancestors built many mines in this land. I'd not be surpirsed if forgotten shafts lay planted beneath our very feet."
Dagdalin says, 'And that the filth would make use of them.'

Grotnir says, 'If they should find them, there is not telling where they could access.'

Zeldi 's eyes begins to widen as all of the dwarves speak. Yet he says nothing just yet...

Olmandis says, 'We can assume, and the tunnels are, in conservatives terms, not well maintained. My estimates, I've recorded, based on current trade roads.'

Ulreck says, 'If they plan on using the tunnels then I believe subterfuge and espionage may be the best way to safeguard the Vale, not merely force of arms.'
Olmandis says, 'Oh, we've delved into the old records. Quietly.'

Dagdalin replies, 'Gondamon, Thorin's Hall, the Homesteads. All of our holdings are at risk.'

Olmandis says, 'Hell, Camuss has seen to collapsings some old tunnels.'

Grotnir nods. "Even Linnar's folk have forgotten them. Yet if anything of them remain..."

Olmandis says, 'If they are, in fact, devling, we've known the signs. Were I them...that's the route I would go. I'd draw our eye elsewhere, and delve. Our enemy does not want to fight dwarves. We give no inch.'

Ulreck says, 'We could use that to our advantage if we only knew where to look for their tunnels.'

Dagdalin nods. "That may be their plan, but we must still deal with Jarshuk and his threat."

Zeldi motions toward Olmandis, "What of their main force though? Do we know where it comes from?"

Olmandis says, 'Our enemy does not want to fight elves. Topside.'

Olmandis says, 'Underground, they fight dwarves on our terms...but their numbers.'
Olmandis shakes his head. 'They will send more. And conventional means will not deter them, they will move unseen, they will delve. This is how I would war were I them.'

Zeldi lifts a finger up, "Then those docks are perhaps what we shouldn't have so many eyes on!" Zeldi points to the west. 'I'd have my eye on that ancient hall...'

Olmandis strokes his beard.
Grotnir nods in agreement. "Tis a point i've often voiced in this council."

Olmandis says, 'We shall watch, I think, Lord Zeldi, but that is far too obvious, too simple a target.'

Zeldi looks to Olmandis, "You reckon they'll come from multiple openings?"
Olmandis says, 'Step forward, Master Grotnir. Be heard.'
Dagdalin nods. "Indeed, speak on, Grotnir."
Zeldi turns about to looks toward Grotnir.

Grotnir looks over the old ruins, his eyes finnaly resting on Sarnur. "It has long been spoken among us that we know not where those tunnels lead to. Not anymore. And it is known that they are likewise infested with the most foul creature that fled our ancestors and went to breed in filth. If there are indeed tunnels of my folk, I've no doubt that is a forgotten connection."

Olmandis says, 'Aye. I've of the same mind, it will take time to clear out, and there are things in the depths that won't feed from the palm of the White Hand.'

Zeldi grimly looks to the west for a moment before returning his gaze to his kinsmen.

Olmandis says, 'Our allies won't have neither eyes nor sights below ground, hah, hell, they won't see it coming..'

Dagdalin nods. "We must see to it that we have eyes on the tunnels also.

Zeldi mutters lowly, "And that is why they did not see them coming..." He nigh said it just for himself - his gaze grows distant for a moment. As if regret was there.
Olmandis says, 'I've taken some liberties..of researching the old trade routes.'

Dagdalin glances to Zeldi for a moment, his gaze softening briefly, though his grief and desperation would still be apparent.

Zeldi snaps out of it and looks to Olmandis, "What have you found?"

Olmandis says, 'Highlighted every route entrance, every path noted. This is speculation, though. I can provide times to unearth tunnel, I've seen some few forces to venture in them, without arousing suspician. In fact, this was done before hand, when the Dourhands become a threat.'
Olmandis leans in, adjusting his specs.

Zeldi tugs at his beard in thought, his gaze shifted down as he thinks.
Zeldi says, 'Gondamon is at risk...'
Olmandis says, 'No matter the army, we can lock down the above ground routes, I assure you, this is dirty pool.'

Zeldi he looks to Grotnir, "Easily surrounded..."

Dagdalin nods. "Tis as I suspected." He looks at Zeldi. "All of Ered Luin is at risk."

Ulreck says, 'We must destroy these tunnels. But how?'

Olmandis says, 'There's quite the kill zone to our own Thorin's but it will stiffle trade.'

Zeldi says, 'Gondamon sits at the DEAD CENTER of this whole vale! If orcs are to start popping out of the hills, this fortress will be consumed. Surrounded.'

Grotnir spits over the edge of the rampart. "I've spared every eye and every copper I have to supply and defend this position. There is no telling what may come tomarrow. We have no time."
Olmandis says, 'We have to ascertain them first, master Ulreck. If Gondamon is a point of pride our enemy might know it.'

Zeldi tugs at his beard again, giving a brief growl. He does not know what to do on this exact matter.

Olmandis says, 'As it stands, our enemy knows where we are. The benefit of their kind. Gondamon, I admit, is difficult to fortify. I believe we here can gird her.'

Dagdalin nods, looking somehow more weary and pale. "And likely to know what we are doing."

Olmandis says, 'To what end?'

Grotnir looks to Olmandis. "You propose abandoning the fort?" A look of disbelife is in his eyes.

Zeldi looks to Olmandis and then Grotnir - he weighed the option as well.

Olmandis says, 'Hmmm..we have to prepare for that. I would, in fact, use her well.'
Zeldi says, 'We should not abandon... Yet be ready for a tractical retreat to the hall, if need be...'
Olmandis nods.

Zeldi says, 'We can't let fear move our hand too hasty...'
Olmandis says, 'The commander who does not prepare for retreat is, frankly...an asshole.'
Zeldi perks a brow and slowly look to Olmandis.

Grotnir nods to the older Dwarves. "Thorin's Hall is our strongest positon, it is also our last. Has the countryside beyond the Fortress evacuated?"
Olmandis holds up a finger, then points it to Grotnir.

Olmandis says, 'This is of above all important.'
Ulreck says, 'What of Noglond? Or Raith Teraig? Will we abandon so easily what we have faught so long for?'

Zeldi looks to Grotnir and nods some, "Nearly. Some at the far end have yet to arrive..." He then looks to Ulreck.

Olmandis says, 'My suggestion is if it comes to this, we put up a front in each area.'
Zeldi agrees with Olmandis.

Olmandis says, 'We make them bleed for every inch, even while we are not there to confront them directly.'
Grotnir looks to Olmandis. "And if Gondamon falls, how many will we lose taking it
back... if that day comes?"
Olmandis says, 'If we are ever, in a day forth, able to consider taking her back, we've weathered this storm, cousin. My efforts are not offensive.'

Grotnir nods his head low. "Then the plight of our people is ever present."

Zeldi nods firmly, "Then it is settled... Olmandis. Dagdalin. Can you see to the fortification of Noglond?"

Olmandis says, 'If, I am hale and hearty, I would love to capitolize upon our what we've done.'

Dagdalin looks to his kinsmen, after nearly losing himself in thought. "Indeed. I've already ordered fortifications there, and will hasten the efforts."

Zeldi says, 'Make it hardy enough to house a retreating force from Gondamon.'
Olmandis says, 'So far, as it stands my mind is defensive. I would....love...to let us excel and plan for our offensive ventures.'

Grotnir looks up at the Dwarves gathered around. "I ask you retrieve the Dwarves you need. I will remain here with what remains of Linnars folk to the very end.In that, you have your front. Go with honor to weather the storm."

Olmandis says, 'My trade ventures are a very wrought of a very fine thread.'

Ulreck says, 'You are all fooling yourselves if you think a retreat from Gondamon is possible. If the enemy possesses a network of tunnels, they could be around every corner, appearing and disappearing at will. They would massacre us all on the road.'

Olmandis says, 'The hundred hammer are meant to scare the piss of out orcs.'

Zeldi thuds forward toward Ulfeck, looking down at the dwarf. "Aye... That's why we have the Hammers."

Dagdalin looks at Ulreck. "They will massacre us all if we do nothing, cousin. What choice have we but to act?"

Olmandis says, 'The Hammers...are a thinly veiled security force.'

Zeldi growls darkly, "I have faith in my folk, Ulreck... Can you say the same?"

Ulreck says, 'No. I do not have faith in your folk.'

Olmandis says, 'The Hammers are security forces. Yes. We know better.'

Zeldi glares at Ulreck and motions his head to the north gate, "There's the door... Your choice."


Olmandis says, 'The moment they are used as a military force we won't be quite so welcome into the jurisdiction of others.'
Grotnir grits his teeth and motions to a handful of senteries. Within moments 10 Dwarves stand ready to break up a fight.

Zeldi glares cooly down at Ulreck, the air from his nostrils akin to that of a bull in the cold air.

Ulreck says, 'All I did was point out the impossibility of retreat.'

Grotnir tugs at his beard. "Withdrawl."

Ulreck says, 'I do not have faith that any force, be they the vaunted Hammers or a dozen Hobbits, would be able to fight off an army that can appear and vanish at will.'

Dagdalin gives Ulreck a look. "Tis no retreat to go and look to the defenses of those less gaurded."

Olmandis says, 'And so, Master Ulreck, what will you do?'

Ulreck looks over at Dagdalin, "Withdraw to Thorin's Hall, then, if you insist on semantics."

Zeldi glares down at Ulreck still, awaiting his answer to Olmandis' question.
Grotnir nods to Ulreck. "Let the Longbeards go defend what is theirs."
Olmandis says, 'Sanctions, then.'
Ulreck says, 'I only wished to point out that we must hold this city. There is no option of falling back to the Halls if the battle goes poorly.'
Ulreck says, 'If you want tactical advice, though, I would not consult a simple tailor like myself.'
Dagdalin nods. "That may be true, but we can at least send word to our kinsmen to bolster their defenses. If the battle goes poorly in the Vale, all the Mountains are lost."
Grotnir snuffs his pipe out harshly with a mail clad thumb. "This fortress will not fal. The fewer defenders, the longer our supplies last. It is a citadel of stone. Do not think these past weeks have been wasted."
Olmandis says, 'Hmm.'
Zeldi looks to Dagdalin, "Establish another front along the Thrushstones. The tailor is right... in part. One point of retreat between here and the halls is suicide."
Ulreck says, 'You can send word. But do not hope that your kinsmen will receive it.'
Olmandis raises a brow.
Dagdalin eyes Zeldi, nodding. "Consider it done, Uzbad." He looks at Ulreck with suspicion. "Why would you say that?"
Olmandis says, 'Master Ulreck...if you've a message, now's the time.'

Zeldi slowly glares back to Ulreck - he has half a mind to punch the dwarf square in the face, yet he's grown past that way of thinking... mostly.
Ulreck says, 'Nay. But doubtless the roads are watched. The Enemy will not let a messenger slip through.'
Olmandis says, 'So noted.'
Grotnir turns away from the group towards the road. "They are as blind underground as we are."
Zeldi looks to Grotnir.

Dagdalin smirks slightly. "Yet, if they do not know the messenger is a messenger, they will let it through." He makes an odd 'hoot' sound and an owl glides over to land on his shoulder.
Zeldi looks to the bird and nods some, "Right... Let us hope that the Wizard's birds are about as well."
Zeldi are not about*
Grotnir frowns. "I doubt a withdrawl would see any harrasment. Tomarrow, an orc or a Dourhand will come and offer terms for the surrender of this fortress. it is best you longberads go back to your Hall and prepare for the same."
Dagdalin nods. "Indeed...Daven here was a gift from some elves I encountered on the way to Rohan. He is not known in these parts, but he can find his way easily enough."
Zeldi takes a step forward toward Grotnir.
Dagdalin looks to Grotnir. "A wise idea perhaps, but I have one question for you. Will you stand and be true, or surrender?"
Zeldi glares to Dagdalin, "I think you know that answer."
Zeldi says, 'Grotnir is as true a Broadbeam as I've ever met... He will hold as long as he can.'
Grotnir turns to Dagdalin. "I will do what I can to hold the pass. If it only gains time, then remmber us."
Dagdalin glares back at Zeldi. "You think I don't know that by now, Zeldi? I've served alongside him and Hrasvelg both over the years and I know them both to be true. I also know what war and death does to folk, as do you." He bows his beard a mite to Grotnir. "You will be remembered for many generations, Grotnir, not only by my self and my family but by all of us."
You say, 'Though I don't believe it is time for the Maker to call you to the Halls of Waiting just yet.'
Olmandis says, 'Who, me?'
Olmandis puts a hand to his ear.
Zeldi glares at Dagdalin for a moment before looking to Grotnir and nodding his head to him, "Galkhishmêr..." He turns about and makes for Olmandis, patting the dwarf on the shoulder and dragging him a tad, "Come. We have Noglond to attend to."
Olmandis says, 'At your service.'
Grotnir rubs his beard. "The future may tell. I ask you take my cousin with you to Thorin's Hall. Should we fall, then the Brynar clan will no be lost if he is with you. and besides... He is drinking all of our ale rations."

Dagdalin glares at Zeldi again, unfazed by his lord's apparent anger. "Uzbad, what ever may happen in the next few days, you still have my loyalty and service, as you have since the day I joined the Order. My thought lies only with defending the Mountains and our people just now. Take that as you will, and do with me what you please when this is over."
Dagdalin nods to Grotnir. "He will be secure in our halls, cousin."

Zeldi halts in his leave and slowly turns about to look at, he grimly mutters back, "Let us see it stays that way..." He grunts at Olmandis for him to follow and makes down the stairs.
Olmandis bows is beard
Olmandis says, 'Gentlemen.'
Grotnir watches Zeldi leave, nods at Dagdalin, and returns to command the ramparts
Olmandis says, 'Hmmm.'
Grotnir begins to smoke.
Zeldi roars up to the goatriders, "Irmishi d'akhrub mulum!!" They respond with a thunderous echo and begins to ready themselves. Zeldi glances to Olmandis as he 'hmms'. "What's that supposed to mean?" He takes a few steps down the stairs.
Dagdalin points at Zeldi, calling out loudly. "My loyalty is to you, to the Order and our folk wherever they reside, Uzbad. My record of service proves that, and that my loyalties are unshakable stone. Doubt me at your peril, Zeldi!"
Olmandis says, 'It means, you can rant and rave all you wish, but without a foe to target, you're left to me and my intel.'

Olmandis says, 'I had not be considering this. I've been working in Rohan, In Gondor.'
Olmandis says, 'Of course, I am yours, but...I need time to consider all of this.'

Olmandis fans his hands about.
Zeldi halts, glancing up to the yelling dwarf. He bellows over Olmandis' words, "Threats will gain you no fair favor with me, Dagdalin! Watch your words carefully..." He turns back to the goatriders and then to Olmandis, "You'll be with me."

Grotnir looks over to Dagdalin as he watches the Hammers depart.
Olmandis says, 'Hmmm.'
Zeldi steps up onto the chariot, a crossbowman on the side offers a hand to help Olmandis up.
Olmandis says, 'You're a fine commander, Master Zeldi. You war well.'
Ulreck says, 'I'm going to turn in. Just because we'll all be massacred at dawn doesn't mean we can't get some rest first.'
Dagdalin calls out again. "That was no threat, Zeldi, and whether I have your favor or not, there is still much I can do for our folk." He draws his cloak tightly about him as he watches them leave.
Olmandis says, 'Most the time, we are not in war.'

Zeldi glances to Olmandis and then darkly looks ahead, a grunt being given.

Grotnir shoves Dagdalin on the shoulder and looks him in the eye. "Is it true that you drew a weapon on my kin?"
Ulreck has gone offline.

Zeldi takes up the reigns of the chariot and glances to the mounted goat rider force now, "Mahignigi!!" He starts his chariot ahead and makes a large loop through the courtyard, making toward the opening Western gate.
Olmandis perks up.
Dagdalin looks Grotnir in the eye, and nods. "Aye, it is, and I am truly sorry for that. It is not like me to do such things, as you know."
Olmandis says, 'I will keep the peace.'

Grotnir takes a step back and scratches his beard. "You will appologise to him, if you respect my house. And I will forgive you, because I respect yourse. I was on that field with you. I know what you felt."
Olmandis leans in to Zeldi
Zeldi keeps his helm off, his mane of hair being jostled in the night breeze. He glances to Olmandis.
Dagdalin nods. "I will gladly do so, and make whatever amends he asks of me, so long as it is within my power to do so."
Zeldi glances back to the ramparts and nods some. He bellows back to Dag and Grot, "HOLD TO YOUR TASKS!" He mutters the last thing to himself and Olmandis, "Bicker later..."

Grotnir nods to Dagdalin before raising a hammer to Zeldi. "Baruk Khazad!"
Dagdalin shouts down to Zeldi. "Du bekar! We'll hold to our tasks and the Khazad will see a brighter and more glorious future by all our efforts!'
Dagdalin shouts down to Zeldi. "Du bekar! We'll hold to our tasks and the Khazad will see a brighter and more glorious future by all our efforts!'

Grotnir sighs at Dagdalin.
Dagdalin nods. "We have much to do, cousin. I must turn in and rest for a short time before heading back toward Thorin's."
Grotnir nods. "Go and make your preperations. We few Broadbeams will do what we can to hold the Road."
Grotnir begins dancing with Dagdalin.
Dagdalin bows his beard a mite. "I know you will and you have my thanks."

Sometime later that night in Noglond...

Olmandis says, 'We shall endure.'
Zeldi says, 'Not if we don't get a defense ready...'
Zeldi casually points to the hall behind Olm, "Think you can get these locals organized toward building defenses?"
Olmandis says, 'We cannot be lax.'
Olmandis says, 'Oi, I'm a compelling sort.'
Olmandis adjusts his specs.

Dagdalin approaches wearily, his goat trodding heavily on the snow covered cobblestones. Battered and clearly at the end of his endurance, he slips off Dunkster and watches the pair talk.

Olmandis hails Dagdalin.
Olmandis says, 'Pardon, sir.'
Olmandis says, 'Oi!'
Zeldi glances to Olmandis and then Dagdalin.
Olmandis seems to produce and carrot out of nowhere for Dunkster.
Dagdalin smiles faintly. "Thankee, Olmandis." He pats Dunkster on the nose, allowing the stablemaster to tend the goat.
Olmandis grins, and the old man seems to brighten up seeing Dagdalin.
Olmandis says, 'Pardon, Master Zeldi'
Dagdalin brightens a bit, but his exhaustion and desperation can still be seen.
Zeldi pulls his gaze from the assorted Hammers moving about the space to Dagdalin and her perks his brow.
Olmandis gives Dagdalin a hard stare down.
Olmandis says, 'You...look like death warmed over.'
Dagdalin leans heavily on the now-battered cane, and gazes back at Olmandis. "I'm sure I do, it's been a trying few months, Olmandis, as you well know by now."
Zeldi speaks up in his deep voice, "With no sign of stopping..." He bluntly states.
Olmandis says, 'Indeed.'
Dagdalin coughs a bit, the sound rattling through his chest. "Aye, this may be the death of me."
Olmandis says, 'Oh, poor dear, what're you, 75?'
Olmandis puts a hand to his ear
Zeldi smirks at Olmandis for a moment.
Olmandis says, 'The violins are playing.'
Dagdalin eyes Olmandis. "Nigh on to 80 now." He chuckles after a moment.
Olmandis says, 'The three of us are the most influential dwarfs on the surface and we talk about our ails.'
Olmandis says, 'We can surely do more.'
Zeldi motions firmly, "That's why we best get to work..."
Dagdalin wipes at his face. "Yet we know that we three can rely on each other...we can do more, and the sooner we start the sooner we'll be better defended."
Olmandis says, 'My sources are akimbo, can't tell me what's what.'
Olmandis grins
Olmandis says, 'Master Dagdalin.'
Dagdalin arches a brow. "Aye?
Zeldi glances between the two and thuds off toward the hall, fagging down a Hammer or two as he goes. He mutters to them in Khuzdul assorted orders.
Zeldi FLAGGING* LORD
Olmandis says, 'I've taught you as best I've could, but when it comes to the whims of trade lords...'
Olmandis says, 'We've graduated to a whole new game.'
Zeldi talks with Grímkell Stonebearer.
Dagdalin nods. "Very much so, Olmandis."
Olmandis says, 'Thus, our efforts to gird Thorin's Hall are...monumental.'
Zeldi tells a story to Grímkell Stonebearer.
Zeldi thanks Grímkell Stonebearer heartily for his help!
Zeldi hails Geitir.
Olmandis says, 'At that, you look exhausted.'
Zeldi talks with Geitir.
Dagdalin watches Zeldi for a moment. "Indeed, this will likely be my legacy, you know." He sighs. "I am exhausted, Father. It's been a trial for me.
Olmandis says, 'My advice, is do not feel as if you're alone in this venture.'
Dagdalin places a hand on Olmandis' shoulder, it feels warm and the touch is gentle. "I know I am not alone, I have you and your family, as well as Zeldi and the others."
Zeldi motions Geitir toward a number of Hammers and talks with him further on it.
Dagdalin smiles. "As you have me, my family, and I'm sure that Rothaine will aid us as soon as he's able to get here.

Sturm76
Recruit



Joined: 23 Feb 2018
Posts: 9

Send private message
Reply with quote

re: Meanwhile (non RP, just story to go along with the RP)

0

To spice things up a bit and to give some entertainment for those reading these things, here's what Aridana, Dathromar and Meoinur are up to meanwhile...

The sun was setting on the horizon and its last rays dyed the surrounding terrain in a deep, bloody red color. Dathromar, riding next to Aridana, glanced over at the elven woman. Ever since the two of them had managed to escape Orthanc, he had this almost unbearable urge to protect her. Granted, he was certain about his own feelings, but hers? Not so much. She was passionate about almost all things more or less, but when it came to his person, she grew cold whenever there was even a single sentence said that hinted at the subject. Dathromar sighed softly, turning his gaze back to the landscape ahead and keeping an eye for trouble. At least of that - there was no shortage. And being entirely honest to himself, Aridana was the last person who needed protection right now. The three of them had found and killed three of Jarshuks Lieutenants. The elf and her Lynx had wreaked havoc on the enemy forces, sending those few Jarshuk had left behind to disperse in fear of her anger.

While her own gaze was on the map she held in her hands, guiding her horse with her legs essentially as she learned during her time in Rohan, Aridana was well aware of Dathromars gaze. While it was flattering, they had more important matters to think of. 'Besides', she reminded herself in her mind, 'the last thing I need is a relationship of the kind he wants. That life isn't meant for me.'.

"Do you think it'll slow Jarshuk down?", Dathromar asked just then, which instantly put her back to the here and now. She pursed her lips, folding the map and putting it back into the saddlebag as she replied: "I sure hope so. Though Velnas escaped and I dread to think what carnage he can cause if he makes it to their army before we can get back." She glanced over at the Rohirrim, smiling faintly: "I think we'll have to take the risk and ride the night through. Think you can manage?", she asked with a look at his arm.

Following her gaze, he nodded firmly. "I'll be fine. It's just a bruise, Aridana. Nothing time won't fix." He grimassed. "And your vile potions..."

She chuckled lightly. "If medicine tastes well, there's a chance the patient will stay sick just to get more of it. Stop complaining Dathromar. Besides, time is the one thing we don't have."

And with that she urged her horse into a gallop. Meo rawred complaining about the running for probably the tenth time but Aridana just smiled down at the Lynx. He'd be alright. Despite his often voiced complains, the animal was loyal beyond belief and had reserves Aridana herself was surprised by time and again. Leaning close over the neck of her horse, her thoughts went back to the Defenders of the Halls and she prayed they'd get back in time to help! She grit her teeth. Although Dathromar said he'd be fine and able to manage, she herself started to feel a tad bit tired by now.

Dathromar shook his head, smiling to himself as she sped up. With a move of his own legs he gave his own horse the signal that it was time to run and the stallion beneath him was all to eager to follow his command. He caught up with Aridanas horse easily. The two riders shared a glance at each other, then turned their gaze towards the horizon where the sun had just went down.

The blanket of night was draped over the surrounding landscape and although it was a risk, Dathromar was sure the Lynx would warn them in time before they'd run into trouble. He eyed the mountains in the not too far distance - this would be a long, exhausting ride. But Aridana was right: If Velnas made it to the Halls, there was no telling how many would die. As one of Jarshuks Lieutenants the beast wielded powers that no ordinary man could hope to withstand.

He threw a look over his shoulder: The packhorse following them still rolled its eyes because of the unwanted guest it was carrying. The small, entirely in robe and hood covered creature was hopping up and down the horses back without a single complain. Dathromar grit his teeth. Sometimes Aridanas ideas simply didn't seem worth the risks involved - this time however he had to admit it could be the nail in the coffin for the enemy forces. If Aridana and himself were able to convince the Dwarves of their plan...which still required them to reach the Halls in time. Dathromar turned his head back to the road and the uneven fellowship kept going in silence, the only sound the hooves of the horses hammering the sand beneath.

Dagdalin
Officer

user avatar

Joined: 01 Apr 2015
Posts: 74

Send private message
Reply with quote

re: A Surprising Arrival...

0

The roads are eerily silent this night. Abandoned houses and patrolling soldiers, elves and dwarves alike, are among the only things moving - aside the occassional goat. As you approach Noglond, horses in the stables hint at the presence of elves and atop the tower a lonely figure stands staring toward Sarnur...

Zeldi stands amidst about a dozen or so other dwarves on the bridge. A light defense has been set up across the bridge, complete with a series of barricades. Now Zeldi currently looked toward Sarnur.

Zeldi mutters to a dwarf at his side in passing, "Akhshami uduhu..." He pats the soldier on the arm and nods as he moves on.

The soldier grunts in response back to Zeldi as he moves on, "Ajbilabi..." He gives a hard look at Dagdalin before making toward Noglond. Zeldi remains looking to an entrance of Sarnur.

Dagdalin approaches Zeldi and the others from the northern end of the bridge. He greets the soldier kindly, almost as if he doesn't recognize the hard look.
Zeldi turns about, his armor shifting. He looks over Dagdalin, "Dagdalin..." It was as if to say 'oh. you're here.'

Dagdalin bows his beard slightly. "Lord Zeldi." He replies, a bit stiffly though it's apparent there's something on his mind.

Dagdalin looks northward. "The Thrushstones are well defended. Captain Hansil has the command there now and will do honorably should there be trouble."

Smoke rises to the sky from a series of campfires at Sarnur. Undoubtedly the enemy had moved forced into positions there. Quietly and unnoticed - until tonight where the moon was lighting the area in its silvery shine, reflected thousands of times by the snow crystals covering everything. Clouds in the east told of an approaching storm, but that likely wouldn't hit before dawn.

Zeldi nods firmly, "Good. As was my command..." He moves across the bridge to the other side and looks to Sarnur.

Dagdalin leans heavily on the now-battered and once sparkling cane he'd carried with him for so long. Where it had been the hours previous, only he knew. "Aye, and have I ever shunned your orders, Zeldi?" He glances up at Zeldi, trying to read his lord's mood.

Zeldi narrows an eye at Orodost before responding - taking his time in doing such. "Not as of yet..." He turns to Dagdalin, the heavy gaze of Aurochfist's eye upon him.

Turning her gaze towards the north, above the moutain that obscured her view to the mountain range in the distance, the sky also showed signs of campfires. A smart Uruk was a dangerous Uruk and from little they had seen and heard of this one - he was smart. Turning to the east, Nialwen hoped the detachment of archers would help keep the garrison safe. She continued her watch.

Dagdalin turns to face Zeldi more directly. "And I never shall, Zeldi." He meets Zeldi's gaze with a steely look of his own. "I know that I spoke hastily a few hours ago, but my loyalty has never changed, nor will it ever. That elf is still my friend, however, and she and her daughter have done much to help us. I wasn't going to abandon them."

Zeldi thuds forward some, his form beginning to loom over Dagdalin as it grows closer. He mutters lowly, "Word of your clever tongue has shifted quickly among the ranks, lad... Loyal or not it stirs trouble." He huffs once, like a bull.

Dagdalin gazes up at Zeldi, unfazed by the looming figure. "That it has, I'm sure. That is why I'm here, in fact." He calls out a bit more loudly. "I spoke in haste, and meant not what I said. We are all under stress and grieve for our losses. I mean to make what amends I may."
Zeldi lifts his chin some - he's listening.
Dagdalin looks about the assembled before gazing out over the vale. "There is likely not much I may do before the battle falls, yet you have my word that my insolent tongue is more in check than it was, Lord. I am sorry for my words."

Nialwen purses her lips, her gaze wandering over the mountains all around them. Down in the courtyard of Noglond, a number of archers awaited their orders. Eventually deciding where to put them, she told their Lieutenant next to her. The woman saluted and headed off. With the contingent leaving towards the east to set up positions on the ledge towards Sarnur to ambush the enemy.

Dagdalin glances up toward Noglond. "We should go check in on the Old Man and see how his preparations are going."

"So much terrain to cover and only so few to defend it...", she whispered to herself in her mothertongue staring into the distance in the hopes of catching even a glimpse of enemy movements. But thus far, even her sharp eyes couldn't pick up anything out of the ordinary wildlife or patrols moving about.

Zeldi nods some, however hesitant. He jabs a fist firmly at Dagdalin's shoulder - more or less a reassuring gesture. He grunts and inclines his head toward Noglond, "Aye..." He nods to a dwarf on the bridge as he moves forward, "Igrib ‘b-bekâr d’zu... Just in case."

Dagdalin smiles faintly, joining Zeldi and seeming relieved. "Let us make haste."
Zeldi glances, unnatural to an extent, toward Orodost.

Dagdalin speaks with the dwarves briefly, showing a bit of remorse at his hasty words some hours before. Nodding some, he turns to the elves, asking after Nialwen. He looks up as he is directed to the top of the buildings nearby.

Zeldi converses with Geitner, paying little mind to the elves. He speaks lowly, "The Orodost entrance does not yet seem too grim... I may be able to slip in with a few others and see what we're dealing with."

Dagdalin arches a brow at hearing mention of Orodost, and limps over to his lord.
Zeldi glances past Dagdalin and to Orodost before looking back to Geitir. Again, his voice is low, "It looks no more than it was before the war at the moment... enough to slip past. Something is afoot there."

Dagdalin nods. "Aye? We'll have to investigate it, then."
Zeldi turns about to Dagdalin, "Aye... I intend to. Myself and a select few while a force distracts the majority of the fortress."

Zeldi says, 'Scouts tell it's simply goblins and a handful of dours... for the moment.'

Nialwen's gaze is drawn into the distance as she spots movement in the clear, cold air of the night. Wings extended and barely moving, a snowy owl headed towards her. No doubt a messenger from Gondamon, but what news would the message carried by it bring? She glances back down at the dwarves, frowning slightly unaware of their conversation.

Zeldi says, 'I wish to get a peak before the population turns more sour.'
Dagdalin stroke his beard. "If there is anything I can do, I am here, of course, Zeldi."

Zeldi takes a step forward and slaps the dwarf's arm, "You're welcome to cover myself..." He glances slowly up to Nialwen, "Her elves would make a lovely distraction while we sneak in..."

As the owl lands at her feet a moments later, Nialwen bends down to detach the tiny piece of paper attached to one of its feet. She gets up unfolding it and reading it over, the frown on her face easing. Nodding to the couple elves at her side, she makes for the courtyard.' She walks to the dwarves conversing and, upon being noticed, hands Dagdalin the message. "You should read this." Then she turns and heads to her horse, rumaging through one of the saddlebags.

Zeldi shoots his eye to the elf handing off the note to Dagdalin. He quickly looks back to Dag and motions at the paper, "What's this then?" He growls a bit. Dagdalin smiles. "I would gladly do so, Zeldi, as you know." He looks at Nialwen as she apporaches. "They would mae a fine distraction, should the opportunity come." He takes the message, reading it after a moment.

Dagdalin pales for a brief moment, nearly losing his balance as he reads it. Looking to Zeldi with relief, he relays the message to Zeldi. "Aridana is still alive, as is Dathromar. It seems as though they arrived in Gondamon not long ago."

Nialwen says over her shoulder in Sindarin to the elves awaiting her orders: "I want you two to start letting everyone know. It may be a boost of morale to our people, and perhaps to some of those dwarves knowing her as well. But - quietly! Go." The two men nod firmly once, then leave on their horses to spread the news at once.

Zeldi blinks for a moment and nods, "With luck they'll have some information that is of use... Moonglow!" He looks over to Nialwen and called up.
Dagdalin glances toward Nialwen for a moment before speaking quietly to Zeldi. "It seems as though there is someone with them. I know not who, however."

Nialwen mounts her horse, attaching the helmet to the saddle so her hands can grip the reigns. Turning her horse around at Lord Zeldis voice, she archs an eyebrow at him.

Zeldi motions the elf over yet speaks up at once, "I'm looking to get inside Sarnur. Can you aid us in entering unseen? Your elves would be of great use in distracting the rabble currently there." He rests a hand on his belt.

Nialwen nudges her horse closer with a move of her legs. Tilting her head, she replies: "I have a number of archers covering that ledge over there to ambush any enemy that decides to show itself from there." She gestures to a ledge then looks back at him. "I am curious though: Why would you risk your own life to scout that location? The amount of campfires is greater than usual..."

Zeldi has a flash of unease go over his lone eye - not fear. Zeldi rarely showed that. This was something odd. Yet the expression was fleeting and he lifted his chin to the elf, "My scouts say it is nothing more than a goblin rabble at the moment... I thought an elf could sneak past such?"

Dagdalin listens quietly for the time being, though he remains alert to the goings on in the vale. He eyes Nialwen for a moment. "We've had troubles with fell things out of Sarnur in the past, my dear. Tis one of the reasons we keep watch on it."

Nialwen looks at the Lord of Khuzd Belkur calmly. "Past goblins, yes." Then her gaze turns into the direction of Sarnur. "But the amount of smoke tells of many more campfires than usual according to some of your kinsmen." Turning back to look at him, she adds: "And you're important to your people. I would suggest against a scouting mission into Sarnur, though it's your decision."

Zeldi keeps his chin raised some to the elf, not speaking on the matter any more. He shifts to something else as he looks to the horse, "And where are you off to?" He looks back up to her.

Nialwen replies in the same calm voice: "My presence was requested in Gondamon, though I do not wish to leave my post here." She sounds thougtful and although her inner voice told her to follow that request to ride to Gondamon, her sense of duty told her to stay where she was.

Zeldi perks a bushy eyebrow and motions to the note in Dagdalin's hand, "Who in Gondamon sent for you? Your daughter?"

Nialwen nods. "It would seem so."

Dagdalin looks to Nialwen. "It may have been her that prompted the message, aye."
Zeldi nods, "Right..." He glances to Dag then back to the elf, "We won't keep you then."

Nialwen gazes at Dag. "Granted. Either way - my post is here and my duty is to keep watch....", she says looking at the couple dwarves.

Dagdalin looks to Zeldi. "We should go with her, Zeldi, or on her behalf. Nialwen and our folk here can keep the post for a few hours more. Aridana may have new information for us, and I'd like to know more about that unexpected guest.''

Zeldi glances to Orodost silently, lost in thought for a moment as Dagdalin speaks. He juts his lower jaw out some and nods, "Right..."

Nialwen bites her lip momentarily. Probably the only true emotion they had seen her display since she arrived. "I'd be...grateful should you decide go in my stead to...prove the validity of the message." Carefully putting her words.

Zeldi rips his gaze from Orodost and nods firmly once, "I have need to check the fortications there. This errand may piggyback off the former." He motions sharply to a few dwarves, "Irmish d'akhrub mulum!!" They rush off to Zeldi's chariot and begin to ready it.

Dagdalin eyes Nialwen for a moment. "I, at least, will go." He turns to Zeldi. "That it may indeed. You'll be coming with me, then"

Nialwen gaze follows Lord Zeldi, then turns to Dag and lowering her voice she says: "I'll send scouts to Sarnur as he wished. Though I think it foolish to risk giving our awareness away perhaps." She looks at Zeldi again as she turns her horse, then adds to Dag once more quietly: "But it is the wish of the Lord. I will abide by it. This time." She rides off towards one of the outposts.
Zeldi glares up at Nialwen and clarrifies, "I only need to know what is in there... if only a faint idea." With that he thuds over to his chariot which is now having the duel aurochs hitched.

Dagdalin nods. "You have my thanks, dear Lady. I will find a way to repay you and yours for all you've done on our behalf."

Zeldi pipes up, "Dag! C'mon!" He clamors up to the 'driver's seat' and motions for Dagdalin. "Far safer on this than a goat..." He whistles loudly and two dwarf spearmen and two crossbowmen begin to mount up on the chariot. Dagdalin eyes the chariot for a moment before hauling himself up. "Aye, I suppose it is, though I don't care to think of what may happen if it loses a wheel." He settles himself near Zeldi and waits for the order to depart. Zeldi bellows up "Baishfit!!" and with that the crowd clears and the chariot blazes forward.

Zeldi and Dagdalin atop the massive chariot enter into the courtyard of Gondamon, the crowds clearing around them.

When they arrive at Gondamon, they were immediately be aware of quite the commotion going on inside. Though the walls are manned by elven archers and dwarves patrolling them, there's a large group of angry dwarves AND elves toward Mathis house atop. Angry shouts and threats can be heard. There's no sign of Aridana, Dathromar OR Meo even from the entrance.

Zeldi clambers down and lands on the stone with a loud thunk. He looks about to the commotion and bellows up, "What is going on here!?

Although no one pays them immediate attention, one dwarf turns around, saying: "Haven't ya heard? That she-elf is a traitor! And Mathi's protectin' her! We want her gone - or better yet: Dead!"

Zeldi furrows his brow and without another word begins to push through the crowds toward Mathi's station. "C'mon, Dag!" He barks above the uproar of the crowd.

Once atop Mathis station, they'd see a wall of heavily armed and armored dwarvs protecting part of the station from the angry crowd. "Get lost! They're under Lord Mathis protection! Move" - An elf in the crowd shouts in broken commen tongue: "Give us the enemy they brought into our midst!"

Zeldi barks in response to a dwarf demanding blood, "If she's a true traitor there will be! Yet if Mathi stands between this mob and her I trust the lord!" He shoves off the dwarf and moves onward through the crowd.

Dagdalin looks at Zeldi, his face paling, though he shoves his way through the crowd alongside his lord. Zeldi glances back to make sure Dagdalin is able to make it through the crowds behind him as well.

Zeldi moves his arm curtly and shoves off a dwarf yelling at him. He bellows over the roar of the crowd, "What is the meaning of all this chaos!?" He towers a solid head or two above mostly dwarven crowd.

Dagdalin bashes another dwarf, catching him on the chin with the sharp edge of his gauntlet and nearly killing him.

As they move through the crowd in front of the guards, they'll spot Aridana and Meo ready to defend themself in front of a packhorse with a small, entirely covered in robe and hood creature behind the guards. "We're over here!" Meo rawrs spotting Dag. - Tiaruviel shouts from somewhere to the left: "Let them through! It is Lord Zeldi and the Overseer! Make way!"

Zeldi snarls at Dagdalin and yanks the younger dwarf after him by the shoulder, "I stand on the side of truth! So what is it?" He eyes the figure on the horse warily before looking to Tiaruviel and Mathi. Dagdalin follows Zeldi, grumbling at being yanked forward.

Dagdalin draws out a small piece of jerky, tossing it to Meo quietly and muttering a few words to the lynx. "I'm glad to see you alive, Aridana, but what is all this about? And who is that stranger with you?"

Mathis booming voice yells: "Darn it you knuckleheads! Let 'em pass or do I have to bash ya heads to make ya heed ma orders? Make way!" - Aridana eyes the crowd warily, then turns her gaze to Zeldi and Dag. "It would seem that my arrival has stirred the crowd somewhat..." She smiles sadly. "Though I should've known this would not go along with many."

Zeldi bows his head to Mathi before looking to Aridana, "Lass. You have little time to explain yourself to this mob. What is happening? Who is THIS?" He strongly gestures to the figure.

Aridana throws a look over her shoulder at the horse and the rider it carries. It just looked like a child to her considering the size. She sighed, turning her head to the couple dwarves. "I promise you I will explain everything, but...it might be best if we were to leave this place /first/ before I do."

Zeldi looks to the uproar from the crowd at this comment before sharply looking back, "And where would YOU suggest?" He trusted Mathi's judgement on this matter - yet his patience was already drawn thin.

Dagdalin eyes the figure on the horse briefly. "Aye, yet we do need to calm the crowd before leaving. A brief explanation should suffice."

Zeldi turns about to another roar of the crowd and roars back, "SHUT IT! Lalâkh!!" This dies the rage down, if only for a moment.

Aridana turns her gaze to the floor for a moment, closing her eyes with a heavy sigh. "Above and beyond...", she whispers. Raising her gaze again, the staff in her hand lights up brightly and she smashes the end onto the floor once. "Hear me! I brought no enemy to Gondamon, but a chance for beating the odds that are stacked against us by Jarshuk!" She reaches back and above to remove+
Aridana the hood of the creature on the horse - it was a goblin! He stared around the crowd calling for his death calmly, with a hint of despair in his eyes. Aridana turned to the crowd, adding: "He knows of things the enemy would use against us, but he will help us - if you let him!"

Zeldi reaches for his axe yet does not draw it at the unveiling of the goblin.
Zeldi stares at the goblin, flabergasted.

Dagdalin glares at Aridana. "Why on earth would you bring him /here/? You know that you'd be stirring the hornet's nest by doing so." He rests a hand on his own axe, growling at the goblin briefly.
Aridana gaze wanders over the faces of the angry dwarves and elves alike. "Make no mistake - he is under /my/ protection! His knowledge might give us the edge we need to pull through whatever Jarshuk has in store for us." She looks at Dag, saying: "Because keeping it a secret would just breed more rumors, more secrets, more problems."

Zeldi slowly turns to Aridana, "Do you know NOTHING of the treachery of his kind?"
Zeldi motions back to the crowd, "I understand such CHAOS now!" The crowd roars at this in agreement yet Zeldi waves it off furiously, "You're still acting LIKE goblins yourselves! EASE!"
Zeldi slowly turns, as if his temper is cooling. Yet there is a wild fire in his gaze still.

Dagdalin continues to glare at Aridana. "That may be, but he still should not have been brought here so openly." He looks to Zeldi, his face pale and gaunt, clearly worried about what this might mean for his own fate once this was over.

The goblin picks this moment to speak up in his tiny voice: "Me not enemy! Agreed to help. Jarshuk slaughters my kind. No love for him, will help /you/ instead. Kill Jarshuk. Kill army." He nods feverishly. Aridana holds up a hand then takes a step towards Zeldi, for once her eyes hart as obsidian. "You want to save the Halls, the lifes entrusted to you? Then I suggest you listen to Garshin well, before you cut off his head and lose a valuable ally!" As Zeldis anger seems to flare up yet again, she adds: "Don't throw a gift away, my Lord. He might be annoying, but he /will/ help. Out of his free will."

Zeldi's jaw slacks as the goblin speaks, his gaze then shifting swiftly to Aridana.
Then I suggest you listen to Garshin well, before you cut off his head and lose a valuable ally!" As Zeldis anger seems to flare up yet again, she adds: "Don't throw a gift away, my Lord. He might be annoying, but he /will/ help. Out of his free will." He looks flabergasted for a moment, as if frozen up like a stuck machine. He looks between the elf and the goblin for what seems like forever before bellowing up, "ALRIGHT! ... I'll listen to it. Yet if I don't like what it has to say it's head comes OFF!" He unhooks his axe and points it firmly at Garshin.

Dagdalin looks resentfully at Garshin, folding his arms across his chest over his beard. "We'll listen and if he does help us in our cause, then we will have mercy on him when all is over. Less than that, and his death will be long and painful."

A voice in the crowd shouts: "Treacherous elf! Traitor I say!" The rest of the crowd picks it up and Mathi booms: "Shut up! Get back to your posts! I don't like it either - but let us judge /after/ they told what they had to offer! Now disperse you lot!"

Zeldi glares back at the crowd and then glares even worse to the goblin.
Zeldi growls, "Bring it out back..."
Zeldi thuds off.

Mathi's guards move as one pushing the crowd back off the station to the lower levels. Despite complains they only cause some bruises and a few broken bones while doing so. Mathi says over the shoulder to Aridana and the others: "I hope this is worth it - otherwise I'll have a part of that creature hangign in my trophy chamber after this!" He moves after his guards, yelling.

Zeldi glares at Aridana and then the goblin before incling his head for them to follow. "Bring it..."

With the crowd pushed back, the light of Athalas slowly fades an Aridana sighs heavily, nodding at Zeldi. She motions the goblin to dismount and they follow Zeldi.

Dagdalin pales again, and follows Zeldi.
Zeldi glances back at Dagdalin, "You have any rope? Chain? I don't want this thing unbound..."

As they follow Zeldi, Dathromar appears out of the crowd with an angry look upon his face. His hand on the hilt of his sword, the warrior glares momentarily at Aridana. "I told you this was a bad idea, damn it!" With that he follows them keeping an eye out for trouble. Aridana glares at Zeldi. "Garshin won't harm anyone, nor flee. Leave him be and listen to him."

Dagdalin places himself between Zeldi and Aridana. Nodding briefly, he takes a coil of light, silver-colored rope that shmmers in the firelight. It is clearly elven-make, though where Dag had gotten it was unknown. "We'll leave him unbound for now, though any wrong move and he'll be trussed like a Yuletide turkey."

Zeldi points firmly to Aridana, "That is not YOUR'S to decide! Dag." He looks again to the dwarf. Growlong some, he points his axe to a corner, "Then his back to the wall..."

Aridana moves the Goblin behind her standing in front of the creature. Dathromar remarks rolling his eyes: "Ah here we go /again/..." - The goblin says from behind her: "Garshin no here to make trouble. Garshin not part of Clan from here. Came to help. Will help. You'll like help."

Zeldi points the axe firmly to the corner again, "AGAINST THE WALL. NOW." He commands.
Dagdalin growls at Garshin. "Good, see that you /do/ help and we'll be merciful with you, creature. Tell us what you know and we may even let you live."

The goblin peeks around Aridana, then pats her hand and heeds Zeldis call. Dathromar, though clearly not happy about it, stands next to the Goblin in the corner, saying: "Either of you touches him, there's gonna be bloodshed. And I'd really /hate/ to do that!"

Zeldi growls at the man, "Now's not the day to make threats toward me, lad..." He points his axe at the goblin, "Speak up, cur."

Despite the serverity of the situation, Aridana says calmly to the goblin: "Tell them. And be precise!" Then she watches, observing only.

The goblin wrings its hands backed off entirely into the corner they told him to stand in. He nods at Ari, then starts to speak trying to follow her advice: "Me not from land here. I come from further. Dark Lord ordered Orcs to make us slaves and they did. Served wizard some time then, working forges. No kill!" He shakes his head trying to make that a point. "We no kill!"

Dagdalin looks at Garshin pointedly. "You may not have killed, but your work helped those who did. Speak on and be quick about it!" Zeldi is unphased, simply listening as for now.

He goes on: "Then Wizard -poof!- gone one day. We flee. But big Uruk and Orcs following caught us. Slaves once more. They say to us 'Do as told - you live!' - so we do."
Aridana interjects: "Get to the point. These dwarves won't listen to your lifestory, little one. Just...tell them the important part." The goblin nods. "Mhm."

Dagdalin nods to Aridana. Though the dwarf is clearly pleased to see her alive, he is just as angry about goblin.

The goblin says, while gesturing: "This - your lands. You know. But not know tunnels. Old, very old tunnels. Dourhands know about. Put packages that go boom in tunnels. Jarshuk will make them boom - will kill your kin. Family." He holds up a finger. "But I can help. Make them go boom to kill Orcs and the otheres!" He nods enthusiastically.

Zeldi drly growls, "How can we believe a word you say..."

Aridana says: "To make it clear: There are some very ancient tunnels underneath the Vale that reach up to the Halls and nearly back to Gondamon. If Jarshuk had them mined with explosives, he could collapse the entirety of the Vale below our feet."

Dagdalin glares at Aridana. "We know that if the tunnels collapse that the Vale would be destroyed. What news is that?"

Although already at the wall, the Goblin tries to make himself as tiny as possible and Dathromars hand rests on the axe as he says: "I /really/ don't want bloodshed here - I'd rather kill Uruks and Orcs." The goblin squeeks: "Map! Gave Elf Map!"

Zeldi turns sharply to Aridana, "This true?

Aridana looks at the goblin as he talks then nods to Zeldi, producing a hastily scribbled map on a piece of leather from under her belt. "It is."

Dagdalin glares at Aridana. "Why did you not speak of this sooner?"

Zeldi takes the map and begins to look it over in silence. After a moment, he slowly looks up from the map and glares at the goblin, "What's your angle?"

Aridana replies with a hint of steel in her voice: "Because I couldn't be sure back then. Now, however..." She glances shortly at Dathromar who remarks: "...after three Lieutenants that it took to convince you." - She smirks shortly, then adds to the dwarves: "That's not all. We'll need him to do just as he said. To kill Jarshuks primary Lieutenant..."

Zeldi bluntly askes, "Who's that?"
Dathromar runs a hand over his face. "This is the part where I wished this would be over already..."
Dagdalin gives Dathromar a hard look. "Something amiss, lad? You haven't betrayed us, have you?'
Aridana eyes Zeldi for a while. "Velnas" she replies. "Sadly, he escaped me, well us, when we learned of where he hid. By now, he's surely reached Jarshuk again - and will tell him that we're alive and his home destroyed." The goblin stares at Aridana: "Kasakgurz!" She looks at him. "Yes. I am."

The knight blinks at Dag: "Don't be ridiculous, Overseer! Changed sides...tsk!" He shakes his head, apparently offended by the thought already.
Zeldi speaks up, growing impatient. "What is he then! Orc?Man?Troll? Spit it out."

Zeldi says, 'I can't kill a name.'

Dagdalin smirks at Dathromar. "Tis trying times when friend suspects friend, yet I can ill afford to trust overmuch."

Aridana replies getting a bit impatient with the rude, yet understandable anger of the dwarves: "He is...neither. He's a beast of a different sort. One of the Dark Lords former favored and one of the few remaining evils that still walk Middle-Earth."
Zeldi growls and deflates a bit, "Lovely..." He mutters.

Dagdalin stows his axe again, then paces a bit. "What does he want with us/"

Aridana shrugs lightly: "He can be slain. Shakatrog and his brother Ashthrok didn't defeat us, they fell after a hard fight. So did Ulkharn. But Velnas...is a sly, devious one that relies more on cunning. And from what information we found, he is the primary force behind Jarshuks army. Probably plotting to take the Uruks place no less."

Zeldi lifts up his axe and picks the blade, "How big is he... How many heads? What manner of beast do we speak of?
Dagdalin nods, stroking his beard. "Fell creatures indeed."
Dathromar throws in: "According to the others Jarshuk is the voice, but the deciding factor is Velnas. We kill him, we might cause Jarshuks force to falter entirely. Disperse into the winds."
Aridana nods at his words.

Aridana purses her lips, a gesture like the arching of a brow so entirely her mother, that even Dathromar can't help but smirk for a moment. Aridana says: "One head. But yes, like Dagdalin already mentioned: A Fell beast. As such he's huge and no mere mortal will stand a chance against him. There are possibilities however. They involve his help." She points to the Goblin.

Zeldi perks a bushy eyebrow at the goblin - curiosity is more present in his visage now than hate, though the latter still stews beneath the surface. "How can such a wretched thing bring down ancient evil?"
Dagdalin watches the goblin warily. He seems uneasy, but listens to Zeldi and Aridana for the moment.
Aridana looks over that sorry creature staring at her with newfound fear after realizing who she was. "Provided none of you kills him? I can keep Velnas occupied, wound him even - then we collapse the Vale at a time of /our/ choosing to seal his fate." She turns to look at Zeldi, well aware of the audacity of the plan.

Zeldi blinks firmly and takes a step forward, "Isn't collapsing the vale what we DON'T want to happen!?"
Dagdalin nods. "Aye...We'll not kill him, so long as you can keep him under control and aiding us." He looks to the Vale beyond.

Aridana looks down at Zeldi returning his gaze with confidence. "I've had enough time to think about options on our way back here, Lord Zeldi. I haven't found another way though I'm open to suggestions."
Zeldi lets his hand fall as he exhales roughly. He looks out across the hills of Ered Luin and shakes his head. After a moment he looks back to Aridana, "Remind me WHAT a fell beast looks like? A rather VAGUE description, wouldn't you say? How big is the bastard? What does it take to kill it?"

Zeldi points sharply to the goblin, "Does the WEE quivering twat in the corner happen to know?"
Aridana raises her left hand to massage her temples as she replies: "He'd barely fit into the entrance hall of Thorins Halls, he shrugs off arrows and blades alike and..." she lets her hand fall. "And he has a very potent ability. He can see the future - short glimpses of it that is. That, aside is affinity for fire makes him a potent, dangerous foe."

The goblin is muttering to himself entirely curled up in the corner keeping a wary eye on Aridana through the gap of his arms covering his face. Dathromars stands in front of the creature to foil any sudden attempts at his life.
Zeldi blinks slowly and is still for a moment before breaking and looking to Dagdalin, "Well that's just LOVELY! We have our own Smaug on our hands! My father got his when he was far younger, lucky him!" He snarls and turns his back to the group, hands rested on his side, his head cast down.
Zeldi sighs.

Dagdalin arches a brow. "An affinity for fire, you say? Bah, I've my own affinity in that regard." He nods to Zeldi. "Aye, that may be, but we've got a fair number more allies than they did."

Aridana adds: "True. But that is why I suggested to collapse the Vale to seal his fate. If, and I stress the /if/ here, he sees us doing that, it'll also prevent him likely from even going there, thus staying way int he back - where Meo, Dathromar and me would be able to take care of him in that case."

Zeldi turns about, "Orcs. Trolls. Men. Dwarves. I can kill the LOT if I have to but a damned monster that would hit its head on the hall door? MAKER'S HAMMER! What is this!?" He blinks as he listens to the suggestion of collapsing the vale, "The vale? The whole vale? I think not! If anything we'd blow just a portion of it. This land may just be land to you yet this is our home, elf."

Aridana looks at Zeldi for a good while. "It's your choice. I do believe I can take him, but not if his attention is on me. It is your choice. But if Velnas is allowed to live - nothing between him and the Halls will stop the beast. That, I am sure of."

Dagdalin lumbers over to Zeldi, resting a hand on his shoulder. "I don't think it will be necessary to collapse the whole vale. Perhaps if we could lure him near the old Silverkeep mine and collapse only that protion.
Zeldi perks up slowly, "Or better yet..." A light is in his eye.

Zeldi looks to Dagdalin slowly, "Skorgrim's tomb..."
Zeldi looks to Aridana quickly, "Do you know of it? Could it suffice?"

Dagdalin nods, understanding his lord's thought immediately. "That would work very well, aye."
Aridana says watching them: "The choice is yours, my friends. If you decide you'd be better off without our help" she gestures at Dathromar, the goblin and Meo, "just say so. But I'd rather get a chance to remove that evil from the face of Middle-Earth and save the Halls in the progress, than letting him roam unattended and wreaking havoc."

Aridana nods. "I do know of it. It's too small for the purpose. He wouldn't even fit into the entrance!"
Aridana exclaims: "Understand that this thing is taller than this chamber put twice above each other. He towers high, he wields immense power and he is deadly to most."

Dagdalin pales. "Still, we must do something."
Zeldi exhales roughly and shakes his head, dismayed some. He looks down in thought before glancing to the goblin and muttering, "The shit you lookin' at you daft-" He snarls and turns about again, pacing about and speaking aloud, "Dwalin and Mathi will have to be consulted. Never would they allow a WIDESPREAD collapse of the Vale."

Zeldi points to Aridana, "Nor would I! This bastard is not as big as the Vale so we don't need a Vale-sized hole for him."
Aridana sighs softly. "It is the /only/ way I can think of that would work. It'll either keep him away so I can tend to him without putting anyone else into harms way, /or/ he'll walk into the trap and gets blown up."

Dagdalin perks up. "There is a large cavern not far from the entrance to Sarnur that has doors near the size of Thorin's."
Zeldi looks to Dagdalin as he speaks up.

Dathromar, though having stayed quiet for most of the ongoing conversation asks astonished: "With respect, but did you listen to Aridana? That.../thing/ won't be alone if he walks into the vale! You wouldn't be blowing it up because of one enemy, but of hundreds!"
Aridana raises her hand at him. "Calm, friend. They listened, it is their lands we are talking about however. Eomer wouldn't react differently if I were to suggest to blow up a part of Rohan."
Dagdalin glances at zeldi for a moment before continuing. "That may be, Dathromar, yet the biggest danger is this Velnas. Kill him and his followers will fall to our axes far easier.

Zeldi watches Dagdalin as he speaks, obviously tired. He slowly looks to the goblin who's name he has already forgotten and glares for a moment. He was finding less and less reason to keep hating him strongly and it angered the dwarf lord.

Dathromar replies: "That is /if/ you get a chance at him! I've seen first hand what the other Lieutenants were capable! A lot of free folk died so we could kill them. I'll not stand idly by watching you sacrifice the same amount here!" He turns, grabs the goblin at its collar and is about to move off - as Meo steps into his way.

Aridana sighs heavily. "It's their land, Dathromar. Their decision. Let them make it."
Dagdalin growls at Dathromar. "That may be, Horse-Lord, yet this is /our/ land we speak of. The sacrifices are ours to make, and ours to choose as we will. I say that we try to imprison this Velnas in the chamber near Sarnur, or perhaps make use of the hills round Rath Teraig."

The knight glares at Meo. "That may be so, but I won't let people die in vain just because those in charge aren't able to /make/ those decisions!" - Aridana puts a hand on the mans shoulder, saying calmly: "You know that they will make their decision. We still have a little time. Trust them." She squeezes his shoulder once, letting go of him.
Zeldi takes a firm step forward, raising his chin to the man.
Dagdalin glares at Dathromar before turning to Zeldi. "I daresay it's wiser to use either Rath Teraig or the chamber just south of Sarnur.

Zeldi stares at Dathromar as he speaks, "I'd say I agree with Dag's council... Though it is not our's only to decide. Both Lord Dwalin and Mathi must agree on such actions."

Dathromar returns Zeldis glare, Meo still blocking his way growling warningly, while the goblin stares wide-eyed at Aridana still. "You do that, Dwarf! But hear this: If anything, /anything/, happens to Aridana because of either of your being negligent about the dangers involved, despite warnings..." - Hearing this, Aridana says with steel in her voice: "Enough! This waste of time spent argueing isn't going to bring us closer to /any/ solution!" She glares at the knight, then shakes her head. "Their land, their choice. Accept it."

Zeldi looks to Dagdalin, "You speak with Mathi of the matter... You and these folk..." He even looks to the goblin during this, despite sneering a bit when his eye fell upon him. "As for me... I'll make for Dwalin. Tell him what was said here and offer what council I may."

Dagdalin nods. "Of course, Zeldi. I've long had Mathi's ear and I'm sure that he'll heed my words."
Aridana nods, removing her gaze from the knight and turning it to Zeldi. "And we will make for my mothers camp. I heard from Tiaruviel she's close to the Halls. That might be the best place for us right now."

Zeldi looks to the goblin and narrows his eye, "And what of him?" The dwarf didn't refer to the goblin as "it" so that was progress.
Dathromar lets the goblin drop to the ground, where it lands right in front of Meo. The Lynx eyes are fixed on the tiny creature and it licks his fangs as it takes one step closer. Caught in between the knight, the elf that he now knew was Kasakgurz herself and the angry Dwarfs, the creature bows down touching the ground with its head, repeatedly saying: "Will help! No kill!"
Aridana watches the scene, replying with her eyes fixed on the Lynx: "He'll come with me. I'd better keep an eye on him."

Zeldi nods some, "Right... Keep to that. I know his lot. Do whatever serves him best."

Dagdalin limps forward, grabbing the goblin by the neck. "Then make sure he stays within your sight at all times, mellon." He shoves the goblin toward Aridana.
Aridana replies thoughtfully: "I doubt he'll betray us. He's as much reason to despise Jarshuk and his army as we have. He'll do his part. If not him, trust /me/ on that."

Aridana puts a hand on the goblins shoulder as Dag shoves him towards her. Meo stepping in front of the scared creature it squints its eyes shut, shivering violently. "Relax! No ones gonna hurt you as long as you keep your word", she says.
Zeldi nods firmly, "It's settled then... I'll make for the halls and be back by noon tomorrow." He lowers his gaze for a moment, "I have to see my boys... even if they sleep."
Dagdalin softens his look at the mention of Zeldi's children.

Dathromar throws his hands into the air and walks outside. "I need some air. Sometimes you drive me mad with the kind of plans you devise, woman!" - Aridana smiles lightly to herself, then turns her gaze to the dwarves once more. "So, it's decided then?"

Zeldi steps forward more, "Dag and I are decided... The other lords are not yet. Yet soon they shall... I hope."

Aridana nods slowly. "I am sorry we weren't able to catch Velnas before he headed off, but alas...three other Lieutenants died instead. Personally, I think a trade-off worth the risk."

Dagdalin nods. "Agreed. At least there is only the one now."
Zeldi waves a hand up, "Such things are beyond me until they sit before me on a field of battle... Ancient evils and he like. I've seen deadmen walk once and that was enough."

Aridana regards him with a gaze that is unlike any Dag had seen for a long time from her. She says: "Let us hope your resolve lasts, Lord Zeldi. I fear we haven't seen the worst of this yet."

Zeldi stares at Aridana for a moment before nodding, far less overtly strong than he often is. He thuds over to Dag and pats the dwarf firmly on the shoulder and mutters in khuzdul, <K>"Not only you misspoke... But I..." He pats Dag on the shoulder again and makes off.

Dathromar walking back in, hands on his hips, remarks: "Tell that to the six elves that died fighting Shaka-something."

Dagdalin watches Zeldi walk off. "We'll survive this, Zeldi and settle all that later."

Aridana eyes him. "That wasn't fair." - He gestures. "I know. That was unfair. I'm sorry." - Aridana nods. "Apology accepted." Then she walks past him, saying to Meo: "Tolo a nin, Meo."

Sturm76
Recruit



Joined: 23 Feb 2018
Posts: 9

Send private message
Reply with quote

re: Arriving at Camp

0

NOTE: This is just another try to "spice up" the happenings. In this one, Raxsis a very dear friend of Dag and mine, gets to play a pivotal role in the revealing history of something that'll be interesting to know OOCly and will get mention ICly in time, too. There will be no "power-RP" coming forth from these revealings so this is purely story-enhancing. For your reading pleasure one could say - so...enjoy! :) // Storm

 

Dismouting their horses and Dathromar immediately bringing the cloth-covered Goblin into a tent he had been pointed at, Aridana faces her mother watching her calmly from a distance. She walks over to her, smiling lightly. "Mother", she greets the Captain of the Galadhrim stationed in Ered Luin to help with the defense of the Halls.

Her mother replies with her usual calm, controlled voice: "I'm glad that you've returned, Aridana. Dawn is close and the enemy warned us their attack would come then."

Walking up and standing next to her mother, Aridana says thoughtfully: "I doubt that will happen. Regrettably, I am the bearer of grave news."

Nialwen archs a brow at her daughter, demanding: "Speak then. Let us not waste time. What ill news to you bring?"

Looking into the direction of the tent that had been assigned to her, she sees Dathromar reappearing out of it and Meo taking up guard at the entrance. The horselord spotting them and making his way over to them, Aridana replies: "While in Angmar looking for more information, we learned of a number of Lieutenants that help Jarshuk. Three of which we were able to get rid of. But the fourth one, the most important one..." at this point she turns to look at her mother. "He escaped us. By now I am sure he has rejoined the enemy here."

Her mother turns her gaze away from Aridana, staring into the east and at the clouds that would bring a heavy snowstorm, if not even a blizzard. "Who...or what is he?"

"His name's Velnas, mother. One of the fell creatures that broke out of the Rift long ago. But he's also a Seer, able to look into the near future", Aridana said.

Nialwen glanced at her daugther. She was strong. Certainly stronger than expected and hearing her report now, she remembered something that Raxsis, one of the eldest Eldar still present, told her so long ago. 'When the time comes, she has to learn about the Staff. Don't leave anything out. She will need all the help she can get!'.

Nialwens gaze went back to the east, but her daughter had seen her thoughtful gaze resting on her. She asked: "What is it, mother? You look troubled."

"Come with me. There are things I need to talk with you about and they cannot wait considering what news you brought." She nodded shortly at Dathromar. "You , too. Follow me." She led them towards her own tent, ordering the guards outside to not let anyone disturb them until they were finished.

Aridana and Dathromar shared a look with each other, the horselord shrugged and said: "Better not keep her waiting, come on." He made his way through the snow into the tent, holding up the cloth at the entrance for Aridana.

Once they were all inside and her daugther as well as the horselord seated, Nialwen said: "When you were born, one of our esteemed elders came to me. She said she had foreseen a day that would be chiseled into your future. She didn't give much details then and both your father and I disregarded it as one of her ramblings - without consequence." She shrugged lightly. "Little did we know back then. Later, when you brought those...relicts back to our woods and had them shown to Raxsis, she vanished for months. As you remember, she reappeared later with the very Staff you've been wielding since then. She called it the 'Sun of Lorién - Athalas' as you remember."

Aridana nodded, frowning. "I...do remember all of this, yes. But what has any of that to do with our current situation, mother? Surely you do not believe what she said back then would relate to today?", she asked doubtfully.

Her mother held up a hand momentarily. "What I believe is that she has more insight than she leads on to, dear. Even the White Lady had many a conversation with Raxsis whenever she was looking for advice." Nialwen shrugged lightly. "Far be it from me to judge either, but there's one thing that I -do- know: As...odd, weird and distant she seems at those times she emerges from her self-proclaimed exile - we all do well to listen to her carefully."

"I still don't understand what that has to do with us being here in this situation now, mother."Aridana replied. "Even if...-"

Nialwen raised her voice just as much to make her daughter fall silent again. "What I am about to tell you, will not leave this tent, understood?"

Her eyes seemingly tore straight into Aridanas soul. Swallowing hard, she eventually nodded slowly. "I..understand, mother."

Dathromar bowed his head: "By my ancestors graves - I swear to keep this confidential."

Nodding satisfied at them, Nialwen took a sip from her glass. "I will make this as short as I can, but I ask for your patience still. Let me finish, before you ask questions. Now...where do I start?" She tipped her chin thoughtfully, then went on: "When your father died, Aridana, many asked why him. To this day, many still do as a matter of fact. The uncomfortable truth is buried in legends, stories and...a couple incidents that took place long before you were born, child."

She got up, starting to walk up and down in the roomy tent. One hand behind her back as was usual for her when doing this sort of thing, the older holding the crystal goblet. The story she told Aridana and Dathromar circled around her husband and Aridanas father, Ferendir. Who had been saved not once, but twice even, by a rather large Firegrim! As unbelievable as this sounded, the story became even more interesting when they learned that said Grim was looking out to help travellers.

From what Aridana could discern later, the creature had been one of their eldest dwelling on Middle-Earth. Having seen so many cycles pass, it eventually remebered whence it came from: A Maiar. And it remembered what it had been doing before it had been lured to the darkness - deeds of good. For centuries it fought with itself, until such time where it was finally able to shed the darkness and return to its true, angelic ways. Through the struggle and pain, it re-envisioned itself, became as whole as it was able to - bound in the form it had. It had been around that time, when it stumbled upon Aridanas father, gravely wounded, praying he'd be re-united with his family in the afterlife - but Athalas, the true name of the Maiar, decided to test his newfound resolve - and healed Ferendir of his wounds.

Having not shown himself to the elf, Ferendir believed for years it had a stroke of fate that had pulled him back into life an healed him. But 200 years later, the very same elf fell into an old forgotten mineshaft breaking his legs! With no one hearing his shouts for help, immobile and not able to climb, he would've died. This time, Athalas chose to show himself and talk with the man. A conversation that not much is known about, since Ferendir only mentioned small snippets of it to his wife, Nialwen, upon returning. But as little as what was known, the important part was that a pact had been forged. How, for what price, or to what end - was unknown.

Aridana interrupted her mother just then: "Wait up - what has any of this to do with me, mother? We're wasting time, it will soon be dawn and I-"

Once more her mother said: "Patience, child. I was getting to that." She returned to her walking up and down, and continued: "This last bit is blurry to me and I lack most of what and how, but...when Raxsis had handed you that staff", she pointed at it resting in her daughters hands laying over her knees, "the essence of Athalas is what gives the weapon its power, Aridana! He is literally bound into that staff. And you must summon him", she said stopping in her tracks, looking directly at Aridana.

Her daugther stared at the staff on her knees, holding it upright now and placing the end onto the ground. "You're saying...Athalas, the name the staff bears, is not just a name...it's an ancient soul bound into the wood?" Aridana was taken aback. She had at times felt as if there was...something...trying to reach out to her. But she had never been able to pinpoint the location it came from, much less from what and had eventually tried to block it out. Now, she believed she knew from where it had been eminating from at those times. And from whom.

Dathromar stared at Aridana with eyes wide and she returned the gaze with one that was full of surprise and various thoughts that went visibly over her face. Sorrow, worry, fear, but also happyness, relieve.

"You -have- to summon him, Aridana. This situation warrants me telling you the invocation needed to do so." She pointed at the staff. "Have you never wondered about the intricate carvings at the top?"

Her daughters gaze followed her gesture. "I have, but I was never able to decipher these. They..seemingly are a mixture of dwarven and elven runes, but..." She shrugged, her finger running over the runes absently. They felt warm to the touch and she immediately retracted her hand! Was this story they just had been told true? Any of it? All of it?

Her mother went to a table, picking up a silver box from it. She reached for her neck, then held out her hand: "Your necklace, dear." Her daughter reluctantly removed it. It had been a gift from the White Lady for her services in protecting, guarding the woods in a time of need. She never thought it was anything more... Nialwen held the two necklaces together, and they shimmered, forming a key that she used to open the box. "Another one of Raxsis' gifts", she exclaimed handing Aridana her part of the necklace back.

She opened the box and removed a piece of parchment, bound and sealed with the mastercrafters sign. "This is the invocation you need. You have to talk to Athalas - the sooner the better! Do not waste too much time! If this Velnas is here - you will need all the help you can get!"

Aridana stared at the scroll in her hand, then at her mother, then the staff, then Dathromar. Swallowing, she eventually nodded. Nialwens words had been a dismissal and she and the horselord left the tent, with him saying once outside: "What more proof do you need that your destiny isn't what you imagine?" He put a hand on her arm shortly, giving it a gentle, encouraging squeeze and with that he walked back to their tent and vanished inside to check on the goblin.

In front of her mothers tent, the first snowflakes from the upcoming storm starting to fall just as the ray of sunlight was blocked out by the dark clouds, Aridana stared at the staff as she firmly gribbed the scroll and followed Dathromar. Even Meoinur seemingly looked curious as he watched her pass by...

Sturm76
Recruit



Joined: 23 Feb 2018
Posts: 9

Send private message
Reply with quote

re: Threat of the White Wizard

0

NOTE: Addition to the post prior to this one.

 

 


As soon as Aridana entered their tent, she walked to a field bed and just lumped down onto it. Placing the staff carefully next to her on the bed, she buried her face in her hands without saying anything.

Dathromar looked up from his chair on the other side of the room. He had been watching the goblin thankfully drink from a waterskin while the creature had been sitting on some pillows guards had provided them with. Even in the ordered enviroment of a tent, the goblin apparently had a liking for clutter. It had caused the horselord to smirk. Now he tilted his head looking at Aridana sitting on the bed like she did.

"Aren't you the least bit curious, Ari?", he asked. Somehow, the man had taken a liking to shorten her name like that over the past couple months they had journeyed together.

Aridana looked up, resting her arms on her knees. "Curious?" She shook her head, grimassing. "There is too much information that I'm trying to process already, Dathromar."

She sighed, running a hand over her face, then reaching back to unbind her black hair and letting it fall down her back. "I was just being given a likely reason why my farther was murdered. Not to mention that this Staff is a lot more than I assumed...and its story intertwined with my farthers." She glanced over at the horselord sitting in the chair. Her eyes flickered to the Goblin shortly, then she said well-aware of the creature being present: "And all along it seems my mother knew. Something that I have to wrap my head around -after- I get some answers!" She looked at the Staff on the bed, grabbed it and said getting up: "Let's get this over with..."

"Alright", Dathromar replied about to get up himself.

Aridana gestured at him. "No! This is something I have to do alone, my friend." She nodded at the Goblin. "Garshin might need something, or not. But he certainly is better off being watched by you than anyone else." She motioned for Meo to follow her and left the tent without waiting for a reply.

Inside, Dathromar fell back down into the chair, rubbing his chin. "If that is your wish, Aridana...", he whispered with a thoughtful glance at Garshin. "Well, it would seem we're stuck with each other for a while longer, so why don't you start telling me some more details about those...tunnels and how they are rigged?", he said directed at the Goblin.

The storm outside had been getting worse by the hour and after what seemed an enternity, the entrance to the tent was lifted aside and Aridana walked back inside. Covered in snow, her hair full of ice-crystals and snow alike, she closed the tent and after placing the staff on the bed, walked straight to one of the coal beziers holding her hands towards it, rubbing them. Her expression was hard to read, neither happy nor sad. Not angry, nor solemn. If anything, it was thoughfully blank. She shivered slightly, no doubt because of the cold outside still.

When the elf had walked back inside, Garshin had just been explaining how the explosives had been tied to cause a chain reaction. If one piece on either side was detonated, it would cause all the others pieces to blow up after a time, too. Sadly, probably because the Goblin wasn't exactly well-versed in Westron, Dathromar had not been able to determine what the mentioned time in between one explosion and the next was supposed to be. Eventually, he had given up, asking the creature about his own intentions now and when this was all over without much interest - just to have something to talk about.

Interestingly to Dathromar, he had learned that the Goblin, despite everything he had seen over the course of the ongoing war, held on to some form of communal understanding with others of his kind. What had been most surprising to the horselord, was Garshins wish to retreat to some place where he and the others of his tribe would be able to live in peace and without any interaction with the other races. Despite his disgust for the goblin, Dathromar could understand any creatures wish to be left in peace - and in terms of this guy here, he started to hope that the upcoming fight wouldn't cost him his life.

Dathromar lifted his gaze from the Goblin, looking at the elf he had been travelling with for so long now. He handed Garshin the waterskin once more and got up to walk over to her. "How'd it go?", he asked quietly coming to a halt slightly to her right and behind her.

She didn't answer at first and Dathromar thought she didn't hear him, but then she replied as quietly: "I've learned what I wanted to learn. And then some." She turned to glance at him and suddenly rested her head against his chest, adding: "I'm so tired, Dathromar. I wished I could just sleep."

The horselord blinked in surprise to her reaction, then started to rub her arms. "I'm sure a few hours of rest would do wonders for you. Go on, lay down. I can take Garshin with me and-"

She put a finger over his lips looking up, then walked to the other side of the tent and reached up. Only now Dathromar noticed the thick layers of cloth rolled up against the roof of their tent. Aridana loosened them piece by piece, thus splitting the tent into two halves of the same size inside. She peeked around the last layer of the makeshift-curtain when she was done, saying: "If anything happens..."

He smiled, waving her off. "Then I'm sure Meo will wake you, yes. Rest, Ari." He held up a finger before she could move off, adding: "But I expect you to tell me...later. Alright?"

She nodded slowly, then she pulled the last part of the 'curtain' down and vanished behind it. It was dyed in a deep blue, a rather heavy cloth at that. Obviously one couldn't see through it, but the light given by the braziers was still making shadows visible and Dathromars gaze lingered on Aridanas for a moment watching her undress and laying down, until Garshin said: "Have to remember..tricky elves. Even carry-around-house can make two out of one room." The Goblin nodded to himself looking at the cloth-curtain seperating the tents halves. "Tricky elves...", he said again. Then he spread out on the pillows, pulled his hood over his face and closed his eyes.

Dathromar looked down at Meoinur who was sitting next to him licking one of his paws. "Well, my fanged friend. It would seem the two of us just volunteered to take the first watch." He chuckled lightly, reaching down to pet the Lynx in a moment of stupidity, but the warning gaze Meo shot him made him think twice.

"Right. I'll be in my chair...", he said instead. He picked up a blanket and draped it over his legs, the Lynx settling down between in front of the Goblins already snoring form, the two hang after their own thoughts during their watch while the storm outside threatened to bury them in snow and ice.

Sturm76
Recruit



Joined: 23 Feb 2018
Posts: 9

Send private message
Reply with quote

re: Threat of the White Wizard

0

// That conversation mentioned in this post between Aridana and the Council is an RP coming up shortly if you guys are around. It'll drive the plot further ahead towards the battle. I encourage those who like to take part in that, to make themself available for it. I'll be on daily this weekend in hopes we can nail that down.

 

The storm outside had died down in strength over the past hours, but it was still snowing heavily and visibility was limited. Standing outside, talking quietly with the guard for a moment, Dathromar sighed. It was the perfect weather to move unseen into positions, yet they waited. Did the enemy? He couldn't tell,  but his gut told him it was a mistake to sit her doing nothing, waiting out the storm. The horselord shook his head annoyed about the weather and went back inside the tent.

Garshin, the Goblin, was still asleep on his bed of pillows and Meoinur, Aridanas Lynx companion, was resting close to the creature. His head on his paws but his golden eyes followed every move Dathromar made. 'Ever watchful', the horselord thought to himself and threw a glance to the makeshift curtain that seperated the tent from Aridanas half. It must have been noon by now, though the light outside made it hard to tell. It could just as well be afternoon or evening - he wasn't able to tell. But the guard had firmly said noon.

Looking at the Lynx, he nodded to the curtain. "You should wake her, Meo. There are some things I need to talk about with her. Before...nevermind. Can you wake her?", he asked the animal. Like a Mearas the animal seemingly understood his words, got up and snuck underneath the curtain to his mistress. From the other side Aridanas sleepy voice said: "I'm awake." And after a moment: "What time is it?"

From his side of the tent, Dathromar replied: "The guard assured me it's about noon."

"You should have woken me earlier!"

A complain - good! She felt better. Smirking, his hand reached for the curtain, stopping momentarily he asked politely: "May I pass, M'Lady?"

Aridana rubbed sleep out of her eyes, then clutching the blanket close to her chest, making sure all necessary was covered properly, she said: "You may, M'Lord."

Dathromar stepped through the curtain, finding Meo laying on the footend of the bed, in which Ari sat upright, leaning against the wooden frame in her back, the blanket clutched to her chest, leaving only her shoulders visible. His eyes wandered over her, then he said: "The storm has died down, but the snowing goes on. It's annoying, but as annoying as it may be, it is also dangerous. The perfect weather to move about unseen."

Aridana looked up at him, her eyes noticing the signs of weariness in his face, the barely visible sunken shoulders. The man was tired and yet he had kept watch while she rested. She replied clearing her throat: "Undoubtedly so. But those are Orcs and Uruks out there. They follow because Velnas tells Jarshuk and Jarshuk tells them." With an absent gesture of one hand, she made the coals in the breziers glow hotter again and added: "However, now that I'm awake again it is best I get back to business immediately."

"And what business would that be, Ari? Do you plan to take Meo and me to the enemy encampment and politely ask them to leave?"

Sarcasmn? From him no less? He had to be more tired than he was willing to admit and it showed now. After these month travelling together, she knew him pretty well and this was him being worried, not angry. She stiffled a yawn and said calmly: "Nothing that drastic, dear friend."

He stepped closer, standing now at the end of the bed resting his hands on the frame and leaning forward, saying vehemently: "We are twiddling our thumbs, while we could be out there and deal them blow after blow. Your people are practically invisible in this weather, Ari! Use that, I beg you!" Meo glared up at him, reminding him that the animal would protect the elf even against him should he decide to be foolish enough to let his temper get the better of him.

"May I remind M'lord that it was you who suggested that I should rest? Do not blame me now for a suggestion that was made by you!" The steel in her voice along with the angry spark in her gaze caused him to back off, standing back upright with hands raised shortly. He ran a hand over his face and she added calmer once more: "Meo and I will go talk to Dwalin and Zeldi. Hopefully Dagdalin will be around as well."

"And what is it that you need to talk about with the Dwarves, Ari? They are hesitating to act. Debating, wether it is necessary to do what was suggested, rather than trusting a hand reaching out to them in a time of need, offering help. What good will talking do?", he asked. Dathromar grew tired of talking. Thinking of Lord Zeldis reaction last time they met, he understood the Dwarf - he, too, was wanting to use his sword and cut every last one of the filth outside down! Soak the vale with the blood of Sarumans henchmen and...-

"...are you listening to me? Dathromar!" Aridana looked at him, waving a hand while holding the blanket to her chest with the other. "You're phasing out." She pointed at the curtain. "I need to get dressed", she said.

"O-of course", he said a bit confused for a moment. Then his cheeks reddened somewhat and he turned around to pass through the curtain back to the other side of the tent. "Forgive me, Ari. Perhaps you are right and I am just tired", he said after the curtain obscured her view.

Aridana replied while getting out of the bed: "Do not apologize. Though I will say that you could've rested all this time as well. Meo wouldn't have minded, I assure you." She opened the chest that housed her items, looking them over then her gaze fell upon the box that had been resting next to it untouched. She opened it, finding a folded parchment atop the things resting in it. Aridana took the parchment and read to herself: "May these garments be a reminder of the friendship between our people - wear them proudly. Mastersmiths Borobuk Brimstone and Illoreth Veiar."

She put the parchment aside, taking out the items from the box placing them on the bed and looking them over. A smile formed on her face and she nodded slowly. "I wonder who came up with this idea, but no matter who you are - it's perfect!" It took her awhile to put on the extremely light-weight, yet still ample protective armor. The sturdyness of dwarfen-forged armor coupled with the beauty of elvish ceremonial armor, relflecting the light in gold, white and blue in various shades. Once done, she said towards the curtain: "You can come back now."

Dathromar shoved a part of the curtain aside and held his breath. Aridana was looking every inch like a princess! And the coloration chosen was probably a signal to everyone of their group of resistance fighters to remind them they were fighting with, not against each other here. "You look...amazing", he eventually said after his eyes took in the details of the armor.

Sharing him a smile, she replied picking up the staff from her bed: "Good! I do not know who I have to thank for coming up with the idea, but I do know who worked on it!" She waved the note that came with the armor in hand, then stashed it in a pouch. "Perhaps this will be of some significance when I go speak with the Lords of the Halls now."

"Wait - what?" he asked. "I thought..."

"You thought what, Dathromar? That I'd sit and wait until the storm clears up entirely? No. With what I learned, this cannot wait. Stay here, rest some yourself and let me do what needs to be done."

"What needs to be done, Ari? More debates, more wasted time?" He was getting angry again.

To his surprise, she walked close to him, put a hand on his shoulder looking up to him and said: "Rest, Dathromar." She nodded to her bed without breaking eye contact with him. "Take my bed, it is already warmed up."

His face showed surprise mixed in with anger, but he eventually relented and nodded, not able to withstand her gaze. Aridana let her hand slide off his shoulder, resting it on his chest for a moment. She said quietly: "What will happen, will happen Dathromar. But in this battle, I need you to stay close to Lord Zeldi. Protect him with all your might, with your life! Like you would protect me. If he falls, all will be lost."

"What?", he said taking a step back. "I will not leave your side in this battle, Ari! No way you're running off on your own!"

"Listen to me!" she said quickly closing in again, taking his hand. "This is important, Dathromar! We cannot risk failure because our feelings get in the way of what must be done. We have been through much together and I'm asking you to trust me on this, too. I have never failed you before and you do trust me, yes?"

"With my life, Aridana! You know I do. But this..." he rubbed his forehead. "Why would you have me stay away from you? In this battle? You will have no one guarding your back..."

She sighed, smiling sadly. "I will present the Council with yet another decision they will have to make. And I doubt it is one they will be happy about. In fact, I assume it will worry them greatly, although they won't admit it." She removed her hand from his chest and grabbed the staff from her bed. "Trust me, Dathromar. I promise you when this is all over we will have that conversation you were trying to have for so long already." With a last smile at the Lynx, she said: "Guard them, my friend. I have work to do."

Dathromars gaze followed her as she left the tent into the snowstorm outside, asking himself why he was willing to accept her orders. And orders they were, despite her asking him to do something. Sighing, he then slumped down onto the bed, kicked off his boots, undressed to his underwear and pulled the blanket up to his chin. With the smell of her hair on the pillow, laying down in the already warmed bed, the horselord drifted quickly over to sleep.

Meo watched the human going to sleep in Aridanas bed. His ears picked up movement and his head immediately turned to see the goblin dragging pillows from the other side of the tent to this one, placing them next to the bed. Wondering what the creature was doing, the Lynx had his claws only retract again the moment the Goblin settled down on the pillows, going back to sleep. With both of them in his sight, Meo could rest some himself. The animal closed its eyes, turned his frontpaws underneath its body and purred ever so sligthly.

Sturm76
Recruit



Joined: 23 Feb 2018
Posts: 9

Send private message
Reply with quote

re: Chatlog RP - Another Council Meeting

0

Chat Capture: RP Chan 03/16 05:11 AM ###

Torbor sits down.
Torbor relaxes in the library, feet up on a table, gazing over an old bbok.

Dagdalin limps toward the entrance, clearly in pain though he tries to hide it. "Come on in, Aridana. I don't think Urd has quite gotten the idea that you're welcome to come and go as you please here."

Zeldi pays little mind to the opening of the door, he's too tired for that. He looks to his wife and speaks lowly, "Akhshami uduzi... Latunsi e." Dinlia shakes her head some and sighs, responding softly, "Aktibi..." The two look into eachother's eyes - there is a sorrow there.

Torbor tosses the book on the table and wanders into the main room. He smiles gently at the sight of his cousins family.

Aridana looks Dag over, her gaze lingering a moment on his leg. "It's getting worse, isn't it? Especially with this weather." She pauses eyeing her friend of many decades. "I'd be glad to get a look at it later, though the reason for my presence here is a different one." She walks inside, the staff clicking onto the floor every couple steps she takes, the top glowing dimly.

Zeldi glances to the elf, as does Dinlia, "Akhashâm?" She lowly askes her husband. Zeldi grimly responds, "Ma'rakhihu..."

Dagdalin would appear to Aridana to be more tired and grief stricken than when she last saw him, though she'd see that he's trying to hide something. "It is, aye, but tis of little importance now. I yet live, and have more pressing things to deal with, as you know."

Aridana puts her free hand momentarilly on his shoulder, giving it a gently squeeze and sharing him an encouraging, yet somewhat worried smile. Then she walks past him, towards Lord Aurochfist...

Dagdalin pats her hand gently, his strength clear yet somehow seeming less than it was. He sighs and turns to follow.

Zeldi , his arms full of two sleeping dwarf toddles, and his wife burdened with one, look to the elf as she approaches. Zeldi lifts his chin some.

Torbor raises an eyebrow as the Elf wanders in.

Dagdalin beckons to Torbor, though he leans heavily on a battered cane that Torbor may not have seen before. "Come, join us. This concerns ye too."

Torbor scowls slightly. "More problems." He mutters quietly.

Aridana gives the unknown dwarf a corteous nod, then smiles lightly at the Lords family, eventually settling her gaze upon Zeldi himself. As the smile leaves her face, she says: "My Lord, there is a matter that needs your attention." With a glance to the children, she adds: "Unless you'd like me to speak to Dwalin myself."

Dagdalin shakes his head. "Here is fine, Aridana. Lady Dinlia has lost her brother, and the boys their uncle."

Zeldi looks to his wife then nods some, "My attention is good enough. Let me put these lads to bed..." He nods to Torbor and makes off to the smials with Dinlia and the triplets.

Aridana sideglances to Dag, then says looking over at Zeldi and his family: "And I'm greatly sorry for the lives lost." Her gaze follows Zeldi as he walks off.

Dagdalin nods, though he pales and nearly bursts into tears.

Dagdalin says, 'As am I...We've lost so many...'

Zeldi tries to bring down a ruckus from the other room, a distinctly female voice (Dinlia's) pipes up, "Inbul-hibir fundhamâd-ublag! Lu madimi ushnâkh ni dûmmâ? Sagl mabekh!" Zeldi can be heard lowly trying to calm her, yet it does little. In time, she is heard to lower her voice - saddened.

Torbor glances in the direction of the raised voices and looks away. He adjust his belt, trying to distract himself.

Zeldi tightly embraces Dinlia, "Inkik dê... Therek ikhlit." He kisses her on the cheek and the two part. The lord enters the main hall.

Zeldi says, 'What is it?'

Dagdalin looks at Torbor, beckoning to him.

Aridana eyes rest on Dag. Although calm on the outside, she felt as if she was asking too much of these people. Her thoughts went to what was going on outside as the staffs glow flickered shortly. Hearing Zeldis voice again, she turns to face the Lord of the Clan again.

Aridana says with sorrow present in her voice: "Once more, my condolences to you for the suffered loss of loved ones. Yet, I came here to ask even more of you I'm afraid. There is a decision that awaits you and I fear you won't like it."

Dagdalin turns to Zeldi, leaning heavily on the battered cane that once bore many gems. His grief would be apparent though he tries to hide it.

Zeldi crosses his arms, his tattooed hands and wrists popping out from his casual robe. He raises his chin some - he is listening.

Dagdalin gives Aridana a wary look. "On with it then, lass. I have a feeling that whatever it is, we don't have much time."

Aridana bites her lip, then she says looking straight at Zeldi: "Right now, with the storm outside, I'm almost certain that those scouts that didn't return, are either snowed in on their posts - or dead, too. As many suggested, it is the perfect opportunity for the enemy hoardes to move their assets into position. Since Velnas is somewhere out there as well, this begs the question: Where do you want me, my Lord? As mentioned before, I am certain that I can keep Velnas occupied, but I would need to focus on him alone. Which means the decision you have to make is deciding if you want me to help your soldiers...or focus on Velnas?" She pauses. "In the latter case, that would mean staying hidden, not participating in the fight, so he won't know where I am."

Zeldi lets his chin fall as Aridana finishes, he paces slowly to the table and rests a rough hand upon it.

Dagdalin considers for a moment. "That would mean that we'd have need of the Captain's troop as well as what's left of our own, should we ask you to face this...thing on your own."

Zeldi speaks lowly in his rough voice, "I know little of ancient monsters and dread spirits..." He begins. "Yet I know the stock of my people..." He looks to the elf, "We've had hall uncounted taken and defiled. Countless brother and sister cut down by foul folk or by the harsh wilderness..."

Aridana replies quietly: "I can help your soldiers, perhaps even save some more lifes...but it would make me vulnerable to attacks from Velnas. I'd do what I can...but I'm uncertain of the outcome" She pauses, then goes on: "But if I was to hide...likely many more lifes would be lost. Though once Velnas appears I will be able to occupy him until everything is in place to deal with him."

Zeldi takes a step forward, blazing forth with his own point instead of halting on behalf of the elf's comment. "We are no strangers to loss... The Maker denied us though to wither away so easily." He points a finger up some, "Tell me - how doe we KILL this thing and what must we sacrafice to do it? For if it lives? Then what was this all for?"

Torbor takes a step back, startled by Zeldis' outburst.

Dagdalin begins to pace anxiously, looking up at Zeldi's comment. "Peace, Uzbad. We've lost much, yet much still is at risk. Would you lose Dinlia and the boys?"

Aridana regards the dwarf with a calm, yet worried look. Apparently unsure without her Lynx or the horselord around. She replies after a moment of contemplation: "Dathromar spoke with Garshin at length. According to the Goblin, the situation is difficult. You see, once the first charge goes up, the others will time-delayed as well."

Zeldi glares at Dagdalin for a moment for his comment before slowly ripping his gaze back to Aridana, "Difficult how?"

Dagdalin returns Zeldi's glare, the rage in his eyes burning brightly for a moment.

Aridana goes on: "For one, we do not know just /how/ much time is between those charges going off. And while Garshin assures me he is able to set them off from /our/ end here...there is a chance that plan fails entirely still." She takes a deep breath. "Garshin also mentioned Jarshuk positioned Dwarves of the Dourhands in at least four points in those tunnels..."

Zeldi speaks up, "And would you still suggest we blow the floor out from our Vale?"

Torbor frowns. "To destroy our own home to defeat an enemy....."

Dagdalin holds up a hand. "Uzbad. I have suggested that we do not blow the whole Vale, only a portion of it. Chiefly the areas around Rath Teraig and Sarnur."

Aridana shakes her head slowly. "Not the entire Vale, no. I suggest choosing a place between here and Noglond. I have a feeling that area would be the best."

Zeldi perks his brow, "A main road? That would hinder our halls deathly so." He motions gruffly to Dagdalin, "That place we have no use of... Why not that?"

Dagdalin nods. "Aye, that might just work. It's sufficiently away from our main population, yet near enough to the road that we can easily draw him in."

Aridana asks: "If I may ask...how /do/ you plan to lure Velnas to wherever you want him to be?" She tilts her head at them.

Zeldi roars up for a moment, "DID I NOT JUST SAY I KNOW NOTHING OF BLOODY ANCIENT MONSTERS!" In a swift and brutal motion, Zeldi grabbed hold of the chair and flung it across the room, it clattering against the far wall. "Why have ELVES around if they can't combat such things!?"

Dagdalin clears his throat. "I mean to draw him out myself. As you know, Aridana, I have skill with the Runes of Power and no small talent with fire." He glowers at Zeldi for a moment before continuing. "While I am no warrior, I can perhaps draw his attention to my presence with such things."

Torbor watches the chair fly and scowls. "Elves don't know all, My Lord."

Aridana eyes rest on the remains of the shattered chair, saying: "I can occupy him my Lord. But his ability is too powerful to overcome by one person alone." Her eyes go back to Zeldi, looking down at him. "There is a...technique I might be able to employ, but even that won't fool him long. No, alone I stand no chance against him. In the end he would overpower me - sooner or later."

Zeldi takes another step forward, gazing straight up at Aridana, "Then what do you need to kill it? Help? I know two dozen dwarves off the top of my red head that would volunteer for monster killing. Speak! For our time is short."

Torbor scratches his beard for a moment. "Aye. Give the word, My Lord."

Aridana glances reluctantly over at Dagdalin, closing her eyes momentarily, praying quietly for forgiveness. As she opens them, she says with a sad smile: "Dagdalin is the best bet. If we can...somehow lure him in between him and me, then collapse the chose part of terrain around him..." She glances at Zeldi again.

Zeldi perks a brow, "Yet you need something to draw him there?"

Dagdalin harrumphs and goes to fill his tankard, his limp worsening. Pausing, he turns to Aridana. "You have my runes, of course, Aridana." Looking to Zeldi. "For my part, I will need someone to watch over me while I do my work, and a fair amount of kindling and parchments."

Torbor grins slightly. "Give me a small force and I'll watch over Dagdalin, My Lord."

Zeldi snaps and points back to Torbor, "Make it so." He speaks to Aridana now, "Could goat riders pull the bastard there?"

Aridana replies: "I have a feeling, he would like to enact vengeance upon me for killing the other Lieutenants. Though I can't be sure, it is very unlikely he would ignore such a threat."

Torbor takes out some parchment and a charcoal stick and starts scribbling names on it.

Dagdalin lumbers toward Torbor, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Thankee, cousin. I must caution you, though, do not be afraid of what you may see from me when the time comes."

Torbor pats the Dwarfs hand and smiles. "I shall remain steadfast as your guard, Overseer."

Zeldi grunts, "Well, Moonglow. Goatriders. If we strap them with proper bait could we bring the monster to you?"

Dagdalin smiles wanly. "Thankee, Torbor. It means much to me to have you at my side. Zeldi and Weldulf chose well."

Aridana || The Door flies open and lets in five out-of-breath dwarves - scouts from the clan. A few with bloody bandages, their leader says: "Mylord! The storm...it's clearing up. And...and the Vale is full of enemies! Orcs, Uruks...Gondamon...I saw smoke from there." He leans heavily on his axe as his fellowers just lump down where they stand, trying to catch their breath.

Zeldi turns swiftly to the dwarves, his eye wide. He's dead silent for a moment, his mouth ajar. "They strike already!? MUSTER THE DEFENCE! Empty the barracks and send word to Dwalin!"

Aridana turns her head to scouts, then back to Zeldi. "Whatever you decide, it will be /your/ call, Zeldi Aurochfist. For better or worse, I'll adhere to your wish."

Aridana glances at Dag, trying to apologize with a look only.

Dagdalin turns to the door in alarm. "Hankzi! Urd! See to these lads." Turning to the others. "It is time, friends. What say we?"

Zeldi looks to Aridana, "Seems this plan is our only one..." He then looks to Torb and Dag, "I cannot be there with you... My place is with the warriors. On the field."

Torbor bellows down the hallway. "To the armory! To the walls! INVADERS IN THE VALE!"

Dagdalin looks at Aridana, nodding almost imperceptibly. "My dear, I've long known that such things lie in my road. Be not sorry for me, I do this of my own will, whatever the outcome may be."

Aridana nods slowly at Dag, then turns to ask the scouts sternly: "No trolls? You didn't see any trolls?"

Zeldi glances one last time to the elf, "Let us see if elf and dwarf can win the day as they did in old songs... READY MY ARMOR!" With that he thuds off, punching his cousin firmly on the shoulder as he passes. Dwarves all about the hall are darting about.

Torbor slams his fist into his palm. "TIme to crush some orcs, boys!"

Dagdalin lumbers off to his chambers, clearly in pain yet carrying on as he always had.

Aridana || They shake their heads. "We...are not sure." - Aridana glances to Dag. "Something is amiss here..." She closes her eyes, the air in front of her flickering and eventually a ghostly figure taking shape. "Get Garshin and Dathromar and come to the Halls. Tell my mother her scouts are all dead and she should move - now!" The figure nods once and vanishes.
Dagdalin turns before entering his chambers. "That it is, we'll see what it is soon enough."

Aridana shouts after him: "I'll head to the Gates, await the arrival of Dathromar and Garshin."

Sturm76
Recruit



Joined: 23 Feb 2018
Posts: 9

Send private message
Reply with quote

re: Battle beckons!

0


The sounds of armor and weapons being readied and put on becomes the ambient noise in the Camp of the Elves in Edhelion. As soon as Nialwen had been notified, she gave the orders to immediately ready their force and march towards the Halls. Striding with long steps towards the tent her daughters companions took shelter within, she passed a guarding Meoinur that followed her inside.

"Lord Dathro-", she began to say.

"I know. I...had a messenger", he looked slightly pale. Reaching for his swordbelt, he added: "That apparition..."

"Spirit", Nialwen corrected absently. Her gaze wandering around in the tent, it lingered a moment longer on the bed the man obviously had been sleeping in. The other one, on the opposite side, with things that clearly belonged to him - was untouched.

"Whatever. I suppose you can't explain it to me?", Dathromar asked as he checked the fit once the belt was attached.

The Captain of the Galadhrim shook her head looking at the man again. "It's not my place, nor the time, horselord. Hurry now." She smiled toothily. "We don't want to keep the filth waiting."

Dathromar nodded, placing the helmet on he returned the smile. "Truely. We wouldn't want them to get bored." He turned to look at the Goblin who stood hooded up entirely again in the middle of the tent looking from one to the other. "Come on, Garshin. Let's get you to where you'll be most useful..." The Goblin followed him suit outside where he was put on the packhorse. Although the animal rolled its eyes uncomfortably, it had been carrying the Goblin before and was the only one that didn't freak out.

"Head straight for the halls, I will join Lord Aurochfist and his soldier before the Gates in the meantime with my men. Go!" Nialwen gave Dathromars horse a pat on the back and watched them disappear down the road. Dirt and snow alike was thrown into the air by the hooves of the horses. Aridanas Lynx ran alongside the horses, easily keeping up with them.

Nialwens gaze went over the encampment. Spotting Tiaruviel, she commanded: "No more delays. We ride now, give the signal!" Then she strode over to her horse and once in the saddle said to the gathered Elves: "Remember - we are here to make sure that these Halls remain in the hands of the Dwarves. They are our allies. The filth wants to take this place over and establish an outpost. Let's make sure that doesn't happen! Move out!"

With that, she tipped her horse slightly with her armored boots and shouted: "Ride with me, Galadhrim! Into battle!" Her horse took up speed and nearly a hundred swordsmen and archers followed her atop their horses...

Sturm76
Recruit



Joined: 23 Feb 2018
Posts: 9

Send private message
Reply with quote

re: Threat of the White Wizard

0

//Dag asked me to clear things up a bit perhaps, so this is to do just that. Also, I'm sorry 'bout my absence. Dag knows about it however, so if there are questions, please turn to her for the time being. Thanks! (For understanding and to those that still stick with the plot!)

 

The first who saw the gathered enemies after their short conversation, were Dathromar accompanied by Garshin the Goblin and Aridanas Lynx: Meoinur. Without stopping, the horselord steered his own steed with the packhorse following towards the huge gates, past grim looking dwarven guards in full armor with their weapons ready. Once inside he reigned the horses to a halt and jumped off his own before it fully stopped. Stumbling, getting his footing, he quickly moved to Garshins horse helping the hooded figure atop down.

"Go, find your mistress Meo. I'll guard our guest." Although it probably had been a trick of light, Dathromar later could've sworn the animal nodded before running off.

A light tuck on his hauberk and Dathromar looked down into the shadows of Garshins hood. "Only need someone bring me to entrance of tunnel. I go rest alone. Will keep promise", he said.

Only a moment of hesitation passed, then Dathromar answered: "I know you will. We will get you there. But we must wait for -"

"Kasakgurz", Garshin finished his sentence matter-of-factly.

Nodding slowly, still taken aback by the obvious respect and fear with whom the little fella spoke that name that Aridana was known as among many enemies by now. "Aye. For the Lady", he whispered into his beard.

Their conversation died after that as Garshin patiently waited for the arrival of the Elf, while Dathromar watched with a trained eye soldiers readying, rushing past them to the outside, taking defensive positions in the halls and moving barricades into predetermined spots. He had seen much of this in Rohan, too much for his liking. Dagdalin, Aridana and himself had seen entire villages destroyed. Burned to the ground, their inhabitants defiled, chopped to pieces or just hanged. Shuddering he pressed his lips tightly together, having them form only a thin line as he kept his eye out for Lord Aurochfist and Lady Moonglow. The first he was supposed to guard, the latter was a wish of his heart to see before the fight ensued - to memorize her face.

----

When the Galadhrim with Nialwen at the front, came over the hill, commands were shouted and the archers quickly left the path to climb a hill that would give them a better view from the left side of the gate, essentially on the southern front, looking north. Nialwen hoped, they'd be able to provide some much needed rain of arrows when things would get dirty.

The swordsmen and women she brought to the gates, awaiting Lord Aurochfist and Overseer Dagdalin to join them. Although her daughter was briefly on her mind as well, she shoved the thought of her away with a slightly annoyed shake of her head. Nialwen would have her hands full to keep herself and those around her alive. And looking over the gathered forces there certainly wasn't any shortage of enemies that sought to kill them shortly.

While her eyes wandered over the enemy, loosely holding some form of order, she noticed that there were no trolls, no Dourhands...only Orcs, Urukhai and Goblins. Did Jarshuks army break up before the fighting even started? Probably not, but then...where -were- those units?

----

Jarshuk watched the movement in the Vale and nodded. "It is time. We shall crush their puny defenses and you will sit in the warm halls before dawn."

The vision in the pool of water vanished as Velnas' eyeless face turned. "You and your army will. I...have other matters to attend to. Leave me now, Jarshuk."

"You will not accompany us?", the Urukhai asked suspiciously. "Why? Is your personal vendetta more important than -" The rest of the sentence was swallowed by groans of pain as Velnas smashed the Urukhai into a nearby wall with one of his palms.

The face of the fellcreature, the single eye covered by some dirty, worn, old rag, right before Jarshuks face, Velnas said: "Your single purpose of still being alive is to lead those frightened brethren of yours in this battle. Hold them together, order them to kill, conquer the halls. That, and only that, is the reason you're still alive, Jarshuk!"

The Urukhai struggled in Velnas' grip, but the creature only tigthtened its grip in return at which point Jarshuk suddenly realized it was probably better to go along with everything that would follow and not question the beast any further.

Velnas added already turning away and letting the Urukhai fall to the ground like a foul apple: "Do not be so foolish to believe your task is my wish. It simply suits my needs. Now leave and tend to your soldiers!"

Jarshuk considered answering, but instead just stumbled onto his feet and out of the cave. Outside he mounted the waiting Warg and then rode quickly to join his army. HIS army. HE would break the dwarfs, take their precious Hall from them...and then Velnas would realize he underestimated him. Jarshuk grinned as he joined the ranks of his army.




Sturm76
Recruit



Joined: 23 Feb 2018
Posts: 9

Send private message
Reply with quote

re: The Final Battle of the Vale (Part I)

0

Summary:

 

Back at the Halls, a battle-worn Dagdalin stumbles into the Halls. Making his way past lane after lane of wounded and dead alike, until he spots Dathromar, the horselord, on a fieldbed towards the forges. He groans settling down on ground at one side of the mans bed, taking his time to draw his breaths. The Overseer was exhausted, tired, drained actually was more fitting. That last fight had taken everything from him and he hadn't assumed to survive it truth be told. But instead, he was still breathing, while many others were not. Unwanted tears rolled down his chins and he wiped them away, annoyed more than anything. There would be a time to mourn their dead - later.

 

Dagdalin turned his gaze to Dathromar, who layed there, with eye half-opened only watching him. The man swalloed, then asked: "Is it over yet?"

 

The Overseer nodded. "It is, Horselord. It is over." He nodded, as if to make sure the man would understand him. Or perhaps to convince himself that it was, truely, over.

 

"Ari..Aridana?" Dathromar asked with a raspy sounding voice.

 

Dag averted his gaze. He couldn't stand it, yet someone had to tell the man. He forced himself to look at Dathromar, meet his gaze, replying: "We do not know. But...there isn't much hope."

 

Dathromar turned his face to the other side, sorrow heavily audible in his voice as he said: "Thank you. For being honest. I'd...like to be alone now."

 

Placing a hand shortly on the wounded mans arm, Dag got up slowly. "Of course, my friend." About to turn away, the horselords voice said: "Will you tell me what happened?"

 

The weak Runekeeper turned aroun to glance down at the man, nodding slowly after a while and sitting once more down next to him. Then he span the tale of what would later be recalled as the "Battle of the Vale" for the wounded warrior...

 

### Chat Log: General 04/05 05:19 PM ###

Zeldi: The forces which had sailed out in an attempt to save Gondamon returns under the archway to Frerin's Court-bloodied and battered. Nigh a quarter of the original force which had gone out had not returned. Wounded and dying are hauled in, the din of their moans and cries a grim chorus. AFter this grim parade has flown in for some time, Zeldi's chariot roll through the sluggishly parting crowds, its metal frame covered in the blood and guts of the enemy. A number of severly wounded dwarves lay all over it for transport. Zeldi has a gash on his forehead and his face is covered in blood. He grimly looks to Olfori who stands on the lower part of the chariot.

Aridana frowns deeply as she watches their attacking force return bringing wounded and dead back. Her face scans the group for those she knows and a sigh of relief escapes her spotting Lord Aurochfist and Dathromar. "So many already..." Her gaze goes to the smoke rising up in the starlit, clear, night.

[Fellowship] Zeldi: Zeldi's chariot halts in the court and he dismounts roughly, flagging down some dwarf women and elders, "Help me!" He heaves a dwarf over his shoulder with a grunt.

Dagdalin gazes out at the square, his face pale and lined with worry and pain. "Aye, yet my folk are used to such things, Aridana, as you know. Even so, it pains me to see them."

Olfori begins to smoke.

Aridana moves over immediately. She looks over the wounded, moving here and there looking them over, sometimes touching a limb to get a better look. Sometimes, she shakes her head barely visible to the other healers which then mark that soldier with a red X on the armor. Those - they couldn't save.

Zeldi heaves another dwarf over his shoulder, one over each. He glares through a bloody mess toward Aridana and Dagdalin and barks at them, "Don't just gawk! Help get the wounded inside!" He spits blood to the side and thuds toward the stairs. Countless other dwarves are helping wounded toward the halls.

Aridana shortly looks up at him from her work, then she nods at the other healers and moves over to the Lord. "What about you? Are you injured?" - Dathromar helps laying down an elf whose leg is half missing. "There's too many! How do we stand a chance against those numbers, Ari?" he shouts over the yelling and moaning that dominates the camp.

Olfori Grotnir steps down from the Chariot wearily, his own face and beard matted with blood. Some his own, some the black blood of others. He leans for a moment on his Ancient crossbow, and sees his quiver empty of bolts. He digs deep for the energy to help those wounded among the Hammers, though his own streanth is barley enough.

Dagdalin nods, limping his way over to lend what aid he could. He carries a small glowing orb with him, and speaks quietly with those that Aridana marked, comforting them as best he could. As he does so, he calls for a fire, water and kettles with which to begin making teas and cleaning wounds. He looks up. "Aye, how are you faring, Uzbad?"

Zeldi winces hard as the screams of a dwarf women ring out over the mangled body of her spouse in the court. A young dwarf topples down upon the steps about the statue of Thorin, his hands burried in his hands as he weeps. All about is sorrow and anguish.

Zeldi glances roughly behind him at Dagdalin, two wounded dwarves over his broad shoulders, "How could any fare this day?"

Olfori looks up to Zeldi. "Lord Zeldi, we need to ready the defence. They could be here behind us any moment."

Dagdalin winces at the screaming and goes to see to the fallen dwarf. "Not well, Zeldi, not well. Yet we have more to do yet, and I stand ready to do my part though it may mean my death."

Aridana glances to Dag. She didn't have an answer. She whispers to Dag: "And no sign of Velnas yet! If he doesn't show up soon, we may not have another choice but to help with the fight, Dag. I for one can't justify sitting here waiting while /this/ goes on!" She hands a bottle of water to a Dwarv with several cuts over his chest.

Zeldi looks blankly for a moment, his face still covered in blood. He begins to nod slowly at Olfori's words. Two decently hale soldiers offer to take the wounded over Zeldi's shoulders, he grunts as their weight is taken from him. He raggedly begins to move forward, slowly looking over all the anguish about him - it is all hitting now.

Dagdalin nods slightly. "Aye, and you know I will do all I can to help, no matter what happens." He replies in a near whisper.

Olfori shakes his head wearily and looks East thinking of his cousin. "We must make our stand here. I have little hope for Gondamon."

Aridana tosses him a bottle of water. "Drink. You look like you need it, MLord." She turns back to Dag, her gaze going down to his leg. "Enough of this!" She puts a hand on his shoulder, murmuring some words in Sindarin, causing the pain in Dags leg to fade. "It's only temporary though." She looks to Zeldi and Olfori. "What's the situation out there really?"

Olfori sits with Zeldi.

Zeldi 's mouth gasps for the words for a moment, his lone eye growing wet and yet not tear falls. He turns his gaze from the ruin and to the elf, "Trolls! Poured down from Sarnur and smashed into our ranks.. BLACK-BLOODED BASTARDS!" He roars in anguish and hurls his helmet over to the snows.

Aridana || Behind them, another unit of heavily armored dwarves rides past them on goats covered in armor as well. They swing their axes high and roar as they ride through the gates towards the fighting.

Olfori looks from Zeldi to Aridana. "They came in great numbers and overwhelmed us. There was naught even the Hammers could do to slow the tide."

Dagdalin stands a bit straighter, his will strengthening some. "Thank you for that, at least. It may make the difference between life and death for me." He cringes at Zeldi's outburst.

Zeldi shakes his bloody head grimly, turning back to Dagdalin and Aridana. "Of our force that road out... Mahal... I know not how many lie dead." He spits more blood out harshly. He shakes his head and raggedly moves toward the center of the court to watch the riders rush out.

Zeldi rode out*

Aridana nods solemly. "So that's where they went. Sarnur." She slams the end of her staff into the ground. "I'm growing tired of this waiting and baiting. Where's Garshin by the way?" - Dathromar looks up wearily from his place next to Zeldi. "He went into the tunnels when we left to try and force our way through the enemy lines. Haven't seen him since then."

Olfori wipes blood from his beard. "We have no word from Gondamon, wether it still holds. Noglond was soon surrounded and the road cut off."

Aridana glances to Zeldi, her face a mixture of anger and frustration. Clearly, she wants to do more but feels rather helpless herself. Her gaze wanders to Olfori: "Perhaps blowing up portion of the Vale isn't that bad of an idea now afterall..."

Dagdalin prepares tea in the kettles as the others talk, issuing orders to the gathered women and elders. "I feared as much. We need to make our move soon, Aridana, we cannot wait."

Zeldi slowly thuds up to the young weeping dwarf on the stairs, he places a hand on the lad's shoulder and stares at the gate.

Aridana gaze wanders around, then she suddenly freezes. A moment later, she runs over to the wounded elves, kneeling down next to a woman that was barely recognizable as one anymore.

Olfori looks at Aridana wide eyed. "Grotnir would not give up the fortress easily. If we could regroup and resupply...." he trails off, feeling futiile.

Zeldi says, ' Ancient Khazad and kin of Nogrond and Belegost... of Khazad-Dum and of Erebor. Did they feel such dread before their gates at the end?'

Zeldi muttered the words to himself darkly.

Olfori remains silent, leaning on his ancient crossbow. A dark and determined look enteres his eyes. "I did not come here all they way from the Grey Mountains to see this Vale fall."

Zeldi turns about to Olfori, his hand leaving the shoulder of the young dwarf.

Dagdalin nods, whispering. "I'm sure they did, Zeldi, but they held on as long as they could, as must we. Have faith, Zeldi, we will endure, as the sons of the Seven Fathers always have."

Olfori spits. "How many generations of Linnar's Folk must suffer the same fate."

Aridana holds her head low for a moment, her free hand resting on the bloody mess of the chest of the woman. Removing her hand, looking down on it and seing the blood, she raises her head to the Elves still standing, yelling in Sindarin: "Avo dhavo am môr. Boe am môr eithro gwannad i aur 'wain tôl." Turning around, she says in common: "Enough have died! We -have- to find Velnas, Dag!"

Zeldi looks to Aridana as she yells.

Aridana || Dathromar walks over looking at the body Aridana stands before. "Tiaruviel. Find peace." He pulls the blanket over the body, soon soaked with her blood. Then he walks back to Zeldi. "My sword will stay at your side until this is over - whether you want it or not." His face is grim.

Olfori looks up to Zeldi. "We must ready a defence. With Lord Dwalin's aid we may yet stand a chance. What are your orders?"

Dagdalin looks to Olfori. "With any luck, that ends soon." He nods to Aridana. "Aye, we must and so we shall." He calls out to an elf that none recognized, though they would recognize the name. "Barnybys, my satchel!"

Zeldi looks grimly back at the horse lord before slowly nodding, "Any sword in this hour is welcome... we may yet see eye-to-eye before this is over." He straightens up and looks to Olfori, wiping some blood from his head. "My orders..." He softly repeats.

Aridana || While their conversation carries on, tiny black spots in the sky grow bigger. A soldier yells out: "Incoming! They bombard us!" He tackles Olfori out of the way of one such stone and gets buried beneath it!

Olfori Olforie falls to the ground, stunned by the suddeness of the attack. "What in Linnar's Name?"

[To Fellowship] (Barnybys is Dag's elven rune-teacher, btw, he's been in the Halls for a few months, though not actively a part of this.)

[To Fellowship] (He's been helping Dag prepare himself for the fight with Velnas is all, you guys won't see him again for a long time.)

Zeldi turns about quickly and his eye widens.

Aridana || Soldiers rush out of the way, leading horses and goats aside and trying to get the wounded out of the impact zone. Many they are able to rescue, but a good number of the stones crush healthy and wounded alike! Shortly after - the ground shakes and with a deafening sound a fireball rises up in the far towards Noglond!

Olfori raises from the ground, his eyes skyward. "Get me more Bolts! Someone get me more bolts!"

Zeldi leaps from the courtyard platform, grabbing the young dwarf as he does and narrowly dodging a crashing rock.

Olfori hefts his crossbow with futility, anticipating annother attack any moment.

[Fellowship] Olfori: (Olf is out of ammo from the fight at Noglond)

Dagdalin looks up, nearly in a panic. "Everyone, get as many out of the courtyard as you can! Make for the pass!" He takes his satchel from Barnybys, sending him back to the halls with a warning of the attack. He turns to look for Aridana.

Aridana stares wide-eyed at the fireball. "What the..." she drags Dag with her out of the way of another hail of stones sailing over the walls into the courtyard. "Take cover" she yells. Another explosion shakes she ground, further away this time it seems. Yet the fireball is widely visible in the sky together with a thick black cloud of smoke. Aridana looks at Dag and nods slowly.

Zeldi bellows up, "GET THE WOUNDED TO THE HALLS!" He heaves the young dwarf up fom the ground and pats him firmly, "Nê binizrinî!" He stuffs a blade into the lad's hand and points onward, "ANY WHO HOLD HOME DEAR, TO ME! TO THE PASS!"

Dagdalin grunts as he's dragged from where he stands. "What the devil?"

Olfori finds a grimly wounded dwarf, and without a word takes a satchel of Crossbow bolts from his side. He turns to follow Zeldi with a sudden burst of renewed energry

Aridana shrugs, out of breath. "Either Garshin set off the explosives, or....Velnas just starts participating in the fighting."

Zeldi charges forth, rallying all who may stand and fight, "DU BEKAR! Innikhî dê!!"

Aridana || The Dwarves hurry to head Zeldis orders, carrying woudned and dead alike up the stairs towards the safety of the Halls themself. The remaining soldiers, follow the Lords battlecry rushing through the gate.

Dagdalin straigtens himself, making sure that he still has his satchel and runes. "So it begins, one way or another." He looks at Aridana grimly. "It is time."

Zeldi ll Roughly organized dwarven phalanxs begin to rally to Zeldi, pushing forward with a bolstered number from the hall as well.

Aridana nods slowly. "It would seem so. Be...careful, old friend." With that she, too, moves towards the battlezone, avoiding stones raining from the sky.

Zeldi lll The phalanxs begin to form up and Zeldi bellows up, "Ifridîzun!!" The warriors bellow in unison after this, "Mahishmikhi!!"

Dagdalin smiles thinly. "And you, my dear." He follows closely behind her, beginning a song in Khuzdul and bringing out his runestones.

Zeldi roars up, "Nê binizrinî! Nê igridî! Nê binikrî adjân!!" His eye is caught by Dagdalin rushing into the fray.

Aridana stares out to the battlefield. In the distance fires burn and light the sky. Smoke trails into the sky, giving the scene an unearthly, hazy overlay. The sound of the wardrums in the Vale is barely overshadowed by battlecries and the clash of weapons in the distance. As the ground shakes again violently, a portion of a hill towards Rath Teraigh explodes in a shower of stones and earth. The war had reached Ered Luin!

Zeldi spits some blood to the side and roars a command, "Ifridî bekâr!! Mahignini!!" The dwarves roar up, "Mahignigi!!!!" The formations begin to march forward now - phalanxs in front, archers and a gaggle of goat-riders in the back.

Olfori reloads and grins, seeing his first felled foe since their retreat.

Aridana || As the allied dwarven-elven forces rush out behind Zeldi and Olfori, the first lines of enemies point at them and yell to their comrades. The frontlines sort themself and they raise pikes and sword towards the approaching. ((Now we go battleorder pls))

Zeldi roars up, "MAHAL MAHAL!!!" The formations bellow after this, "Mahihsîmâ! Mahihsîmâ!" A hail of crossbow bolts launch out over the heads of the shield wall and toward the enemies.

[Fellowship] Zeldi: (More or less led a chant: AULE AID US.))

[To Fellowship] (Grot, your turn, have at it.)

Olfori Searches the enemy line, seeking an enemy commander. He finds a tall Urak-Hai in the first line, and taking careful aim lets loose with the rest of the phalanx. It strikes the Orc square in the chest, puncturing its armor with surprising efficinecy.

Zeldi let's loose a sharp and mocking laugh as he sees uruks and foul folk fall to the bolts, "Ikhfihu!!" He bellows.

Dagdalin chants along with the other dwarves for a moment, then continues his own song. Few would recognize the words, as it was an ancient mode of Sindarin, and his runes begin to glow fiercely. The dwarf seems weakened and those around him can feel his will growing like wildfire.

Aridana shouts: "Av-'osto! Avo dhavo! Dago din!" She moves forwards, Meo at her side, the staff in her hand starting its subtle glowing as she walks with her eyes locked on the enemy formations ahead that their friends would clash into within the next few moments. (Don't be afraid! Don't yield! Kill them!))

Zeldi roars loudly, "Idrifî sullu, nê kayul!!!" He braces for the impact, gritting his teeth.

Aridana || Jarshuk sneers at the allied forces rushing out of the Halls gates. "Come then! Meet your end at our blades and provide us with a feast!" A number of trolls turn their attention to the goatriders, throwing stones now at them instead at the courtyard.

Olfori takes another shot into the enemy lines, his bolt striking an orc in the face, and passing through the back of its skull, strikes a second in the neck. Black blood shoots out upon the orcs around them, who roar out in fury.

[Fellowship] Zeldi: (Tell us when the forces clash)

Dagdalin looks up briefly, though he breaks neither his song nor his focus. The stones in his hands begin to glow a hazy blue and Dagdalin weakens further.

Aridana touches Meo with one hand while walking determined towards the battle. His fur seems to be laced with a glow for a few moments, then the animal roars loudly, the muscles in his shoulder working as the big cat glares at the Orcs and Uruks ahead, licking its lips. "Meo...dago din!", Aridana says releasing the animal into the fray. Meo lose, he runs straight into the enemy formation as both armies clash! Blood, screams and the clash of weapons is deafening.

[Fellowship] Aridana: (there you go - have at it boys!)

Zeldi like clockwork, the dwarven phalanx is pushed back every so often before charging back with even more mad fury. Smashing into the attackers again and again in a bloody dance of war.

Zeldi roars "Balb ai-mênu!!" The dwarves on either end of the path begin to shield-bash and funnel attackers over the edge and toppling into the icy ponds below.

Olfori takes up his position with the archers behind the fighting line, fireing bolt after bolt in rapid succesion. one after another foes fall, only to be replaced with more. He spits with renewed fury, knowing he will again run out of ammunition brefore long.

Dagdalin sees Meo charging into the fray. His song intensifies as he strides toward the battle. With a sudden shout in Khuzdul from him, a flash of light is seen and a ball of fire can be seen hurling toward the enemy forces. After the fireball leaves him, Dagdalin stumbles and falls forward, though he can still be heard singing.

Aridana || Meo runs past a fighting dwarf, jumping over the head of another straight towards an Uruk, tearing his throat out with his teeth. He thrusts himself off, becoming a deadly whirling devil of claws against the Orcs that try to kill this pest before the dwarfs would catch up. Meo jumps aside as the fireball from Dag incinerates the Orcs that had circled him. He runs back looking for victims.

Zeldi ll A roar comes up from the dwarven ranks after Dagdalin's 'elf magic'. Zeldi cackles and roars into the faces of his enemies, "Urus ai-mênu!!!" He jabs his spear into the gut of an uruk-hai. The phalanx holds firm against the terrible tide of iron and flesh.

Aridana just keeps walking. There's no magic, no words leaving her lips, as she draws her blade getting closer.

Olfori fires his last bolt before throwing his precious crossbow to the ground. He draws his axe and approaches the line with a look of black hatred in his eyes.

Aridana || Jarshuk grins toothily cutting an elven swordsman nearly in half with the huge two-handed sword he is wielding. "Yeees" he sneers. "Come to me, bring me more meat!" He kills a dwarf that was too slow to raise his shield. As a number of Olforis men spot him, it is too late as the wall of Orcs before him closes again, leaving his laughter in the air as he moves about the battlefield

Zeldi roars a command, "Ifridî bekâr!!" And just like that the phalanx gives one final bash forward before breaking from the shieldwall formation and engaging in fercious combat with sword, axe, hammer, and mattock.

Zeldi charges forward, roaring louder than some trolls can before smashing back a gaggle of goblins with his hammer.

Olfori lunges foreward with the phalanx, and swings his saex in a fluid motion accross an orcs throat, its black blood spattering Olfori's face. Slowly the battle fury rises in the young dwarf, and he begins to swing more furiously, any fear for his own life leaving him.

Aridana || Confronted with the ferocious assault of the dwarves that now not only aim to push the enemy back, but to slaughter them all at the same time, Orc after Orc, Uruk after Uruk is evetnually overwhelmed. Many of the alliances warriors fall, but another takes their place immediately like a well-oiled machinery the allied forces push and claw their way into the enemy lines. - Until the moment where not one, but five heavily armored wartrolls push their way through their own ranks. "Trolls!" The Elves yell and a rain of arrows takes tó the sky. The ground starts to rumble beneath their feet...something was afoot beyond the visible.

Dagdalin sits up, shaking his head a bit as he continues his song. In his weakened state, he cannot rise on his own. Torbor, who had been in the midst of the phalanx, sees Dag struggling to rise and rushes to help him up. The pair make their way to the others at a grim and determined pace.

Dagdalin calls out to Aridana. "That must be Velnas! We must get to Sarnur before it's too late!"

Zeldi glares to the trolls and snarls, he readies his hammer and roars.

Zeldi says, 'YOUR FAT HEADS'LL HANG IN THE HALL OF MY CHILDREN!!!'

Aridana nods to him. "Fight harder!" she shouts. Then she slams the end of the staff into the ground and the earth beneath the trolls feet opens, spitting fire at them for a few moments. She follows up with a ball of whirling flame that sets fire to the first trolls armor. Yet, despite this effort, the trolls keep coming. Jarshuks voice can be heard: "Kill them. Kill them ALL!"

Olfori wanders out in front of the phalanx swinging his blade wildly. Orcs fall before him like a ready crop. He lifts his blade roaring triumphantly, when a black flethed arrow drives deep into his shoulder. he snaps the shaft and drives on with even greater fury.

Zeldi charges forward ahead of his forces some, hammer raised behind him before swinging upwards and cracking a lunging troll across the jaw - jagged and flow teeth clink upon the armor of uruk-hai.

Zeldi and foul*

Zeldi says, 'CAN THE WHITE WIZARD NOT BREED TRUE TROLLS LIKE HIS MASTER!? EH!?'

Zeldi jumps back from a swing of the troll's club.

Olfori finds himself besides Zeldi, the two alone ahead of their line. He grins at the Dwarf Lord, his face splattered in gore. "For Linnar's FOlk!" He drives his axe down hard into an Orc's helmet, cleveing it in two.

Aridana || Dathromar grits his teeth as Zeldi charges ahead. "You're insane!" he shouts cutting down an approaching Orc and blocking a strike from an Uruk. Olfori kills the Uruk and the horselord nods his thanks. Then he kills the Orc running up to them, saving Olfori in return, grinning. "We're even again." He follows Zeldi.

Dagdalin looks on for a moment, his voice gone still. The runestones in his hands glow a brighter blue now, and with a shout Dagdalin throws one of them at the trolls. A flash of light is seen coming from above as a stroke of lightning strikes three of them, felling two and several orcs that were standing near.

Zeldi roars to a few dwarves with shields, "Zadkh gash! Zadkh gash!!" The dwarves bash back their current foes and quickly arrange their two shields into hopping-off points. Zeldi tosses his hammer behind him and draws his two axes.

Aridana || Meo runs between their legs, slashing with claws and using his fangs and superior agility to wreak havoc on those that try to fight the dwarves and elves engaging them. As lightning crackles into the Trolls, Meo jumps back throwing an angry glance back to where Ari and Dag move from.

Zeldi charges forward, his axes drawn, "GRAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!" He hops on the first shield, then the second, then launches himself forward, planting his axes into the skull of a troll and hangs there as the great beast sputters and flails about.

Olfori spits on the ground angily at the Horse Lord's remark. "Even? We'll be even when you sons of Fram have returned our Fortune!" He drives harder into the Orcs, determined not to be out done by the Rhorim.

Aridana || The enemies frontlines seemingly weakened, Lord Aurochfist seizes the opportunity in an all-out attack once more! His loyal warriors, Olfori and Dathromar at his sides, the dwarven phalanx once more gather their reserves and charge even deeper into the enemies ranks. "Fight, maggots! No retreat!" Jarshuk yells cutting down his own that try to flee past him.

Zeldi swings back and forth as the troll wriths. Zeldi yanks one of the axes out before swinging it once more into the troll's head - a sickly crack is heard and the beast falls backwards, crushing a rank of orcs. Zeldi laughs like mad as he yanks his axes out and begins to chop at the orcs about him - his feet planted on the highground of the troll corpse.

Grimmod lets out a mighty Roar as he pulls his hammer into hand and charges into the fray, slaying orcs and goblins on his way too Zeldi's side

Olfori follows Zeldi's lead into the pulsing mass of the enemy front. He drives his axe deep into the chest of an Uruk, when the blade snaps into pieces. He trows the broken shard from his hand into the face of another orc, and begins searching the ground for a new weapon among the slaughtered.

Aridana || The last remaining troll watching his brother fall, raises the huge two-handed club and bringing it down, crushing 3 of the attackers into a mess of blood and gore flying to all sides. As the club is raised again, with the remains of a dwarf still hanging from it, another hail of arrows hits the troll, causing it to stumble.

Zeldi chops down orc after orc with his duel axes as he stands atop the dead troll, he looks to Grimm. "GRIMM! You live yet! HA HA!" He kicks back a ruffian man with a roar.

Grimmod calls out "Of Course Cousin! I have life yet too live, and orcs yet too Kill!"

Dagdalin pales as he sees the dwarf still clinging to the troll's club. He begins to chant, this time in Khuzdul and draws out another runestone, having lost the one he'd thrown.

Olfori raises up with a bloody axe from a fallen comrade. He looks up to Grimmod with a grin and a nod.

Grimmod charges the stumbling troll and hits it in the knee with his hammer, a sickly crack can be heard as the troll falls too one knee

Zeldi roars back to his lieutenant, "GLORY TO MAHAL IS A BLOODY AXE!" He slices an uruk-hai across the neck and is splashed with black blood.

Aridana stops in her tracks, closing her eyes momentarily, her mouth moving saying words unheard. The she raises her staff to the sky and points at the enemy lines. Vicious lightning strikes run down in a line into the enemy, electrocuting a handful of Orcs. As Meo follows up the attack by attacking the next Orc the word "Kasakgurz" can be heard here an there.

Jarshuk voice shouts from somewhere ahead: "Now Lord!"

Olfori suddenly begins to feel weak, when he realizes the arrow that had struck him was likely poisoned. Olfori staggers a moment, his battle fury checked by a new sickening feeling.

Dagdalin calls out to Olfori. "Cousin! To me!"

Aridana || In the distance, another explosion topples a number of attackers and defenders alike, sending many more skywards even! Making no difference on the side their on. A gaping hole in the ground tells tales of what that was - one of the charges Garshin had mentioned just went off! Didn't the Goblin say the other charges would follow after one was lit?

Zeldi looks on with a wild lone eye to the explosion in the distance.

Olfori looks to Dagdalin upon hearing his call, when his attention is suddenly torn back towards the explosion. His hand reaches up to the broken shaft of the arrow in his left shoulder, and he is only now aware of the pain for the first time. "Poison? That is no way to die!" He ignors Dagdalin and charges headlong into the raging hoard, using all that remains of his streanth to kill.

Zeldi roars loudly and with him the front line rallies, chopping out at the ranks of uruk and orc.

Dagdalin shakes his head, charging forward into the fray, stumbling as he limps along.

Olfori drops his axe on a final foe before dropping into the churned mud and blood on the ground, finnaly overcome by the poisoned arrow.

Olfori faints dead away.

Grimmod charges too the side of the trolls club, undaunted by the explosion, he lunges at the troll swinging his hammer at it's head, a sickening crack ripples across the battle field as the trolls head flies from it's shoulders across and hits the mountainside, the trolls body falls back unto several goblins crushing them, grimmod stands aloft the troll and sings a tune as he swings--

Zeldi smacks back an orc and slashes down at another, looking quickly to the forces behind him.

Dagdalin rushes to Olfori's side, looking him over and whispering a few words in Khuzdul. He pales when he notices the black-fletched arrow in the dwarf's shoulder. "I'm not sure if I can help him here." He yanks on the shaft, trying to pull out what remains of it.

Aridana turns to look at Dag. "We have to get past this filth, Dag. Let us try at least while our friends keep their attention." She whistles for Meo who comes running back after complaining with a number of roars. Meanwhile Dathromar fights next to Zeldi, blocking blows meant for the dwarf and killing attackers as fast as he is able to leaving himself open for attack. One such riposte strikes home.

[Fellowship] Olfori: ((Guys Olfori is out of the order untill rescued, or not rescued. I'll be here reading and enjoying.))

Aridana || As Dathromar falls to his knees, blood pouring from his leg, the Uruk before him sneers and raises his blade to behead the horselord. - Another explosion in the distance sends a rain of stones of all sizes into the fighting forces, bouncing off armors and knocking friend and foe unconscious. The ground shakes violently as another part of the Vale gets blown skyhigh.

Dagdalin nods. "Aye, we do." He calls for one of the soldiers to see to binding the wound and presses a few athelas leaves into it as the soldier approaches.

Zeldi looks to the horselord falling to his knees and roars out, "Dathromar!" He throws himself at the uruk-hai and tackles the filth to the ground before raising up his axes and chopping down maddly at the beast.

Grimmod runs infront of Zeldi smashing through orcs in his wake and defends Zeldi while he is caught in his rage, he yells "Cousin, do not loose focus!"

Dagdalin struggles to his feet and approaches Aridana. "We must get to Velnas, mellon, the lads can keep this lot busy for now."

Zeldi rips himself off the mangled uruk-hai and turns back to Dathromar. He slumps down and grabs the man, dragging him further back from the front.

Aridana nods grimly, moving past fighting Orcs, Uruks and their own people. Here and there they get the attention of a group that Dag, Meo and herself get rid off. But it slowed them down. The fires in the distance grow bigger, the smoke hanging over the battlefield starts to impact vision. + (posting for NPc)

Aridana || Dathromar barely gets to his feet, picking up his dropped sword, moving backwards with Zeldis help. "Thanks" he presses through clenched teeth, one hand over the nasty cut on his left leg. - Jarshuks voice can be heard calling commands in the black speech of mordor and the enemy is starting to pull back through the gate ahead to reform. The allied troops seize the opportunity pursueing and cutting down Orcs and Uruks alike, as they get into reach.

Zeldi looks on to the front before giving one last look to Dathromar. He nods firmly to the man and puts a hand on his arm before rushing back to the front, "Dê!! DU BEKAR!!" The dwarven forces roar in response and charge after the withdrawing enemy.

Grimmod charges the fleeing orcs basing in skulls and breaking bones as his hammer becomes feared by the orcs, he rushes too Zeldi's side with haste

Grimmod lets off his warhorn

Dagdalin looks to Aridana, fear shining in his eyes. "To Velnas with all haste! I'll be right behind you."

Zeldi looks over his shoulder and bellows loudly, "SEND IN THE GOATS!!!" He points to Grimmod with his axe to sound the command via horn.

Aridana nods once, then she starts running. "Meo, tolo a nin! Tolo a nin!" The Lynx runs next to them, ready to jump at any enemy that may turn its attention to them. (NPC post now+)

Aridana || The retreating forces build a wall outside the first gate once more, but still moving backwards. Out in the Vale fires burn seemingly everywhere and the smell of burned wood and flesh is only too obvious in their noses. More trolls in the distance can be seen with the weird apparatus on their backs being loading with stones. "It's a trap!" some elf yells, charging forward and getting riddled with arrows after taking only a couple steps.

Zeldi holds his hand up swiftly to Grimmod as the arrows riddle the elf, "HOLD! Tâti nesakh!" He roars again, "Tâti nesakh!!! IT'S A TRAP! HOLD TO THE PASS!!"

Grimmod Spots a weak spot in the walls off the cliff caused by the explosion, he smashes into with his hammer, causing the rocks too fall. Several large boulders fall upon the wall crushing it and several orcs as he hears his cousin yells, he returns quickly too his side

Dagdalin nods a bit as the other dwarves stay back and fight to hold the pass. He turns to Aridana. "Let us press on then, carefully. Velnas must be nearby, the hour of doom is upon us!"

Aridana || The goatriders reign their goats to a skiddering stop at Zeldis command, looking usure from one to another. The trolls in the distance cower down and the arms of the machines on their back swing forward - sending burning flasks of oil into the air with a high arc. "Disperse!" one of the dwarf shouts gesturing at the incoming fire. - Aridana keeps running, saying: "Run then!"

Dagdalin nods, running along behind her and clutching his rune-satchel.

Zeldi ll Dwarves at the front line scatter and those with shields raise them up. Some leap behind rocks and assorted stony cover.

Aridana squints her eyes shut for a second hearing the screams behind her as the flasks hit the ground, spilling their inside and setting the pass aflame. The flames rise high, figures burning stumble within it, screaming, crying, breaking down and burning to ashes. Right in front of Zeldis forces!

Grimmod leaps infront of Zeldi, his hammer in hand, he turns around revealing the large shield under his coat, built into the back of his armour he pulls zeldi too his knees, too make sure he is covered.



Last edited by Sturm76 on Fri Apr 06, 2018 6:50 am; edited 1 time in total
Sturm76
Recruit



Joined: 23 Feb 2018
Posts: 9

Send private message
Reply with quote

re: The Final Battle of the Vale (Part II)

0

 

Zeldi yanks a young warrior back who's face seered with burning agony. Dwarf and elf alike writh and dance in agony about the flames. The flames leap past Grimm's shield on the sides, Zeldi and a few others behind being spared the infero's blast.

Dagdalin pales some at the flames, though he draws out another set of runestones, having lost the ones from earlier. Singing in Khuzdul, he keeps close to Aridana. After a few moments, the stones begin to glow a fierce red, almost as if they bear a fire of their own.

Aridana stops leaning at the side of the gate in cover for a moment, catching her breath. "May the gods have mercy!" she says looking at the inferno in the pass behind them. Her fear for Dathromar pushed aside, she peeks around the corner, down into the Vale. "They just wait for us. We go out there now, alone and we won't achieve anything Dag." She leans against the wall in her back.

Dagdalin nods, not interrupting his song and mirrors her movements. The runestones seem to actually be on fire now, though the flame does not burn him.

Aridana || Jarshuk laughs behind his soldiers. "Reload! Quickly, send them another greeting. I like my dwarven thighs seered!" The Goblins start gathering more flask to reload the troll catapults. But then another voice booms over the battlefield. "I told you to conquer them, not play with them. You're supposed to kill them - not sit and watch them burn!" - Velnas has arrived!

Zeldi ll While elves wilt in the flames far quicker - the dwarves and their battle masks and broad shields endure - not all - yet many. Like dragon fire of old, they endured through it.

Aridana || As hot as the fire in the pass burned, it doesn't last long. The last flames fizzle to small located fires here and there, the alliance is free to push on.

Grimmod turns his hammer in hand, he lets out a mighty roar as he charges through the breach, smashing into several orcs with a single swing

Aridana || Jarshuk grits his teeth at the annoying scolding. He slowly turns to the towering figure approaching from behind. "Perhaps you want to slay the prisoner then instead of keeping them for your amusement?" - An explosion shakes the ground, followed by a booming: "Take that as a reminder that you're expendable. Now move your army forward - not backwards. /Before/ they do!"

Zeldi and the dwarven forces push onward, ready at a moment's notice to withdraw if the bombardment returns.

Dagdalin gives Aridana a look, pleading with her to let him move ahead with his eyes, though he continues his song. He is obviously weakened greatly, though grimly determined to see the battle through.

Aridana || The goatriders spur their goats to speed up and charge forward. - Jarshuk paniccing at the sight of the approaching army yells: "Load faster you maggots! Burn them alive!" - Aridana meanwhile returns Dags nod and the two start running again.

Zeldi roars as the dwarves lock into formation, "Nê binizrin!!! Mahignin!!!" He points forward with an axe and the dwarves charge forward into the orc ranks, smashing into it like a boulder.

Grimmod charges ahead swinging into the forces he finds himself trapped nearby too the troll catapaults, yet holding his position, killing any orcs who come near, they begin too fear him and less and less approach.

Zeldi spins like a damned cyclone for a moment, hewing limbs and slashing torsos of orc-filth to ruin.

Grimmod strikes more orcs down as he yells too his cousin "Zeldi, I may be in trouble!!"

Aridana || As the Alliance slams into the front ranks of the enemy once more, the Trolls release the load of their catapults - it sails harmlessly over their heads into the pass once again. "You idiots! Aim at them, not the pass!" Jarshuks yells furiously. - Velnas voice adds: "Ah, two flies approach. Come then. I knew you'd challenge me here."

Dagdalin stumbles slightly and the runes dim for a moment. He looks grimly at Velnas and Jarshuk, renewing his song as the runes catch fire again.

Zeldi looks to Grimmod and roars, "Foolhearty bastard!" He growls and begins to chop forward, the advance into the main ranks continuing.

Grimmod swings his hammer furiously, moving foward as much as he can, too not be stuck in spot, orcs corpses begin too pile up on the field behind him

Aridana || Dathromar appears through the smoke and fire behind them, his leg bandaged, limping into the fight again with his sword ready. "You didn't think one cut would stop me, did you Lord Zeldi?" He asks teasingly as he strikes down a goblin. The arrow that sticks out of his shoulder right after he struck down the goblin is seemingly not even noticed by him, as he swings his sword against the next attacker. Adrenaline was a hell of an anesthetic!

Zeldi grins with a wild fire at the man at his side, "I underestimated the might of the horselords!" He roars and hacks an uruk-hai across the face before cutting down a goblin at his side with the other axe.

Aridana grits her teeth, glancing to Dag. "Let's end this here and now." She glances to the two armies clashing. "Our friends won't be able to keep this up for much longer."

Dagdalin strides forward, his song growing louder and the dwarf seems to be engulfed in flame. "Aye, let's end this now." He replies with a growl.

Zeldi headbutts an orc to the ground and stomps it's head in while roaring to the heavens. He then slashes back at uruk and orc alike, keeping them at pay and hewing them as if he were the plow and they the soil.

Aridana || If they share the mountain side a look, they'd spot Dagdalin, Aridana and her pet climbing the side of the mountain pass, sneaking past the fighting in the pass. - Down there, Jarshuk suddenly pushes the Orc in front of him aside. "Out of my way, I'll filet that Dwarven pest myself!" He charges at Zeldi, flanked by 5 more Uruk-hai. "Come here, you snack-sized maggot!"

Zeldi kicks back an orc, "Baruk khazâd!" He slashes down a goblin and his eye quickly rises to Jarshuk advancing, "FINALLY!" He spits some blood to the side and spins one of his axes about, readying himself.

Aridana || Jarshuk and two of his Uruk-hai go for Zeldi, the other couple start to circle Grimmod. "I'll rip your lips off you and roast 'em!" Jarshuk sneers, taking a step to one side, but slashing at the Dwarf to the opposite side - proving that he is certainly better than the adequate Uruk.

Grimmod strikes foward, an aura begins surround him as he roars furiously as he stikes down one of the trolls in a single blow and turns too the next troll, but is interuptted by the Uruks he takes a step back as he readies himself, these are clearly larger uruks and far more skilled

Zeldi ducks down and back, dodging Jarshuk's swing. Yet he is assailed by one of the general's other uruk-hai, this one, a burly berseker charges him with a massive two-handed sword. Axe and sword clash a collection of times before Zeldi slashes at the brute's leg and then across its neck.

Dagdalin takes up his song again, though he is clearly exhausted and in great pain. He awaits a signal from Aridana to begin his attack.

Aridana || Jarshuk sees the deadly blow coming to his battle brother, holding his own one handed sword low and aiming for the side of the Dwarf, while raising his shield ready to block any riposte. The two Uruks that circle Grimmod are joined by an Orc, that slowly draws his bow back, the arrow tip pointing at Grimmods chest...

Aridana || From behind the corner of the path ahead, Velnas steps into the fire-lit pass. His single eye covered by the piece of cloth still, his hulking figure towering nearly as high as Dag and Ari climbed the mountain. "I'll allow you the first try. Then I'll eradicate you from destiny and destroy what's left of this uprising against my rule."

Zeldi is slashed on the side as he finishes off the berseker, he lets out a sharp snarl and hurls himself shoulder-first into the second battle brother of Jarshuk, sending the uruk-hai spilling over himself. Zeldi slashes down at the beast, non-fatally, and takes another step back. His lone eye keen and watching the uruk general's stance - anticipating the next move.

Grimmod ducks as one of the Uruks swings at him with a large axe, he sweeps his feet out from underneath him, he notices an Uruk with a bow and quickly flings one of his throwing axes at his head, striking true too its mark, he brings his hammer down upon the chest of the Uruk now on his back

Aridana || As the throwing axe leaves Grimmods hand, so does the arrow leave the bow. As the axe slams into the Orc, and Grimmods hammer into the Uruk that he turned towards, he can feel the "thud" of an impact into his shoulder. (now for zeldi+)

Aridana || Jarshuk sneers. "Die already, you half-wit!" He brings his sword down on Zeldis back as the dwarf hurls himself at his other battle brother, intending to follow up with a shieldstrike in case the dwarf would whirl around. (now ari / dag)

Dagdalin growls. "Don't make me laugh, Thing. You will be sent back to the void from whence you came. Come for me if you will! Baraburk is thirsty!" With that, the dwarf draws his axe and places his runestones in a hidden socket in the axe's handle with a swift series of movements. They are far faster than one would expect for Dagdalin's condition.

[To Fellowship] ((Baraburk is Dag's axe, by the way, Aridana, it's what he takes his surname from.))

Aridana glances to Dag, nodding once at him and getting some space in between them. Better not to offer Velnas both of them as a single target after all. The staff in her hand starts glowing brighter as she moves up even higher. Velnas reacts, saying: "Ah. Overconfidence. Refreshing. I await your action to follow your words, Dwarf."

Zeldi 's lone eye widens and his two axes swiftly go behind him - locking Jarshuk's sword between them. It was close. Really close. In fact the back of Zeldi's head got a bit of a shave. With the uruk-hai's blade locked in his axes, Zeldi yanks the blade out of Jarshuk's hands and spins about like a corkscrew. He roars wildly and slashes one of his axes out at Jarshuk.

Grimmod takes his hammed and with the handle breaks the arrow from his shoulder, he lets out a mighty Battle Cry "Khazad-Ei-Menu!" loud enough too be head across the battle field, he swings his hammer downwards upon one of the Uruks skulls, seemingly squashing his head completely

Dagdalin smiles grimly. "Than you shall have it, Thing!" He strides forward, his body surrounded by flame now, and the blade of his axe shining brightly with a blue glow. "Back to the Void with you!" He charges at Velnas with all the strength remaining to him, an ancient elven song ringing out from his throat.

Aridana || Jarhuks face is a mask of sadistic amusement. He takes a hit from Zeldis axe, rushing forward and smashing his shield into the dwarfs face sending him sprawling out on the floor. "And now what, mighty hairball? More curses in your despicable language?" He bends down to pick up his sword, not taking his eyes off Zeldi... ((now for Grimmod+))

Zeldi topples back, his nose broken and blood spilling from it, he lets loose of his axes and they clamor to the ground. He leans near the body of a slain elf, his vision blury and dazed.

Zeldi sits down.

Aridana || Grimmod reaches back with the hammer to swing it against the Uruks skull, but as he brings it down, he notices to his utter surprise that the Uruk avoided the blow with his sword, blocking the hammer from reaching its target. A fist slams into Grimmods face causing him to see stars for a moment. "I will bury you, Dwarf!" the Uruk sneers as he raises his blade over his head...

Grimmod takes the swing too his face "RHAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGHHHH" he yells as he swings his hammer around him in a full 360 a dozen times in quick succesion, a raging torrent

Aridana || Velnas doesn't move. His form just stands there, seemingly watching the enraged Dwarf approach. He says: "Ah. More overconfidence. You cannot beat me, Dwarf. Surrender and I may grant you your life. Though I will take that of everyone else still." Aridana watches the scene from above, pointing her staff at the towering figure. A ball of flame forms at its top, sailing at him.

Aridana || Jarshuk stares down at Zeldi laying on the ground, bleeding. "I will grant you a quick death. Because you annoy me and I'm growing tired of playing with you." He raises his sword to kill off Zeldi for good... ((posting for Grims enemy now+))

Aridana || Grim starts spinning around, the hammer hitting /something/ as the sound of "Oof" proves. Obviously he won a few vital moments to get his bearings again...

[Fellowship] Aridana: ((your turns gents))

Zeldi 's vision begins to return to him, first thing he notices is a lopsided elven spear lying next to the fallen eldar beside him. He turns from it up to Jarshuk who is about to bring down his blade! As the uruk-hai lunges forward, Zeldi topples to the side in a sloppy motion, grabs hold of the elven spear, and rams it upward toward Jarshuk.

Dagdalin barks out a laugh. "Me surrender? Hardly! I am one of the Khuzd Belkur, and Runekeeper of the Line of Eld!" The flames surrounding the dwarf focuses into a ball and

Grimmod gains his barings and lunges towards the largest of the Uruks ahead o him, swinging his hammer towards his chest, only a moment after throwing the last of his throwing axes towards Zeldi's foe, aiming for his leg "COUSIN" he lets out in a mighty voice!

Aridana || As Zeldi thrusts the spear upwards, it lodges deeply into chest of the entirely surprised Jarshuk, staring down at it. Dathromars voice says sounding intoxicated: "Damn...poison...you prick!" He swings his sword stumbling forward and the helpless Uruk, stuck on the spear, gets beheaded. Then the horselord blacks out over Zeldis legs with a grin on his face as his eyes roll up.

Aridana || Right after the spear strikes home into Jarhuks chest, Grimmods axe smacks into his back - not exactly what Grim intended, but that worked too. The horselord beheading the Uruk was just a formality after that. His hammer cracks the chest of the Uruk, another swing to the side fells the tiny goblin sending it flying a few feet away. The remaining Orcs and Uruks stare at them.

Zeldi lets go of the spear and gasps for a moment, collecting himself and looking to Dathomar's slumped body. Quickly, his attention turns about him - a few dwarves battle about him, keeping any orcs who'd attack at bay.

Aridana || The fireball from Aridanas staff hits Velnas, but the figures face just twists into what seemed like a smile. As Dagdalins fireballs hits, the creatures asks calmly: "By all means, is that /all/ you can manage? If that is the case you're no more than a couple of annoying flies indeed."

Grimmod lets out a mighty roar as he kills one of the Uruks he swings his hammer foward Only too nitce the remaining too scared too approach, he laughs as he yells for Zeldi "Are you alright Cousin? did my axe find it's mark?"

Zeldi lays the horselord down gently and grabs up the head of Jarshuk by its ratty hair. He lifts it high and roars, "BLADE OF MAN, SPEAR OF ELF, AND ARM OF DWARF KILLED YOUR 'GENERAL'! FLEE BEFORE OUR MIGHT!!!" He roars like mad.

Aridana || The Orcs and Uruks stare unsure at Zeldi holding up the head of Jarshuk. Grimmod next to him looking like a walking bloodbag but still standing being dangerous didn't help. They are about to turn tail, but Velnas voice booms across the Valley: "Fight! Kill them! Or you face /me/, filth!" - After that, they grab their weapons with new resolve and form battle formations again.

Zeldi snarls and roughly ties the hair to his belt, taking up his axes and charging into the ranks once more, "THEN DIE AS HE DID!!" He begins to hack and chop like a piece of farming equipment - it's horrifying.

Dagdalin growls. "You haven't seen my best yet, Thing!" He swings his axe again before tossing it into the air with a shout. "Elbereth! Gilthoniel!" The axe flies toward Velnas' head, exploding into fiery shards and blasts of lightning as the dwarf charges Velnas.

Aridana || Laughter hangs in the air as Dags axe finds its mark. The air shimmers, Velnas disappears. And Dag, Aridana and everyone else - watches in horror as the form of Captain Nialwen slowly falls to the ground - with Dags axe buried in her chest! "Fools! Did you think I wouldn't be able to break you? Perhaps killing your own will do the trick...."

Grimmod charges foward Blood pouring from his shoulder and face he feels weakened and his swings no longer so strong as too shake the earth, he stumbled a few more steps ahead before falling too the ground

Grimmod faints dead away.

Grimmod clammers too his feet, but is hunched over, he pulls a small hand axe from his belt and drops his hammer, no longer able too hold it's weight

Aridana || The mountain next to Aridana explodes as Velnas /real/ figure appears from a ditch that was apparently hidden beyond a snow-drift! The elf is picked up into the air and thrown into the side of the mountain on the opposite side of the pass! Crackling, rocks tumble down, burying her under half a mountain of rocks, while Velnas turns towards Dagdalin. "Now, as for you murder of friends..."

Zeldi growls roughly and cuts toward Grimmod, "PROTECT THAT DWARF!" He points onward with an axe and soldiers rally about him, charging toward where Grimmod lays and beginning to fight back orc and uruk all about the body. Zeldi's face is drenched in blood - his own and of orcs.

Dagdalin pales as he sees Nialwen fall to the ground. He straightens as Velnas speaks to him. "Murder is not a new crime for me, Thing! She may be dead by my hand, but her death will not be in vain if by my life or death I can end you! Come for me!"

Grimmod stumbles foward to Zeldi's side his axe in hand "We fight together cousin! I can't let you have all the glory, he begins swinging his axe towards the orcs

Aridana || As Zeldi and his cousin team up, the remaining goat-riders slowly move up to their sides. "At your word, Lord Aurochfist! Enough friends died tonight. Let us end this!"

Zeldi scoffs at Grimm, "You MAD bastard! Let us make the red snow FALL!" He looks to the goat-riders, "Right! CHARGE THEM DOWN! DRIVE THEM BACK!!!"

Zeldi charges forward and slashes down orc after orc before the goat-riders blast forward through the dwarven ranks ahead of Grimm and Zeldi.

Aridana || Velnas nods at Dag. "Brave. But foolish nonetheless." He starts throwing fireballs at the Runekeeper, incinerating the ground beneath his feet, and overall becoming a fiery adversary. In return he swats away anything Dag throws at him. The majority of lightning strikes seem to have /some/ effect, but if so, one not stopping him as he advances towards Dag...

Grimmod swings his axe vicously like a raging torrent "Come cousin, let us end this!"

Aridana || The alliances remaining forces, all that are able to make it this far, ready up for one...final...charge. So does the enemy. And the last three trolls. These were heavily armored, not equipped with catapults. And the maces in their huge hands looking menacing.

Dagdalin stumbles about, narrowly avoiding most of the fireballs. His cloak, hat and hauberk go up in flames and his beard starts to melt. Dag begins to sing in Khuzdul, drawing out one last set of runes, which glow green and seem to rouse one last reserve of strength. Setting the stones down, he takes a vial from beneath his melted beard.

Zeldi points his axe forward as he runs forward, "DU BEKAAAAARR!!!" The goats smash into the front line of the enemy and then so does Zeldi. He spin-hacks an uruk-hai across the face and the rest of the forces smash into the front line behind him.

[20:47] Aridana: A voice speaking inside Dags head. "Wait for it! When he moves closer...I will give you a portion of what I have left. What I can...spare. Use it. Kill that abomination!"

[20:48] Dagdalin: "Aye, I will."

Zeldi heaves up a banner of Khuzd Belkur and fights on while wielding it, it's fabric caught in the howling mountain wind as he paints the snow red.

Aridana || Velnas walks over the field littered with dead and dying, stepping on the wounded without caring, his only aim Dag apparently. The air crackles with fireballs and lightning strikes back and forth. "Any last words?" Velnas asks merely 20 feet away now. His body being aflame, the heat felt by Dag.

Grimmod charges fowards into the fray alone eagre too end the fighting, he cuts at one of the trolls ankles where there is no armour he cuts down several orcs in his way

Dagdalin looks into Velnas' eye, his strength seemingly starting to fail. "Only this: Your reign of terror ends today. I willingly give all I have left to me to end you, Thing. Come for me!"

Aridana || The Dwarves and remaining elves clash into the remainder of the enemy forces. Their last reserves called upon, a horn sound can be heard. Gondamon! Reinforcements! Or...more enemies?

Zeldi roars and hurls the spear-banner of Khuzd Belkur at a troll - ramming into it's face and causing it to roar in agony. The dwarf lord stands straight, alert, at the sound of the horn. His lone eye wide.

Aridana || Velnas moves forward. "So be it then. Die!" A steady stream of fire emerges from his hands pointing at the Runekeeper who doesn't move. The fire engulfs Dagdalin....

[20:53] Aridana: The voice yells: "NOW!"

Dagdalin faces the fire, standing still until the last moment, then charges Velnas, shoving the vial he holds into the ghostly form. "Elbereth! Gilthoniel! By all that is holy!"

Aridana || A rain of arrows appear in the sky - above the enemy. Sinkning down felling many of the suprised enemies. Gondamon came to help! They survived! The horn sounds once more as goat riders and Elves atop their horses come around the corner lead by Leader of Gondamons defenders!

Zeldi lifts high his axe, "THE DAYS IS OUR'S! BARUK KHAZAD! LEAVE NONE ALIVE!!" He charges forward, slashing into the ranks with newfound ire and energy.

[To Fellowship] ((My god, what an epic night this has turned out to be.))

Dagdalin assaults Velnas with all his strength, seemingly aided by a force unseen by the others.

Grimmod climbs the trolls armour and strikes furiously at the neck of the troll he cuts his head from his shoulder and punts it into a fleeing orcs back, he corner of the Ologs helmet pierces its back, killing it

Aridana || Despite the fire engulfing the Runekeeper, his voice is clearly heard from inside of the inferno. Then the thrown vial explodes sending it's contenst all over Velnas. For a split moment no sound can be heard, all is silent. Then a rumbling start shaking the ground - followed by a bright flash of light as Velnas figure first shrinks, then expands and explodes into a myriad of colors! Smoking, his coat still covered with licking flames, the Runekeeper of Khuzd Belkur stands amidst an entirely burned to Obsidian patch of path!

Grimmod then jumps off the trolls body just before it hits the ground cutting down an orc infront of Zeldi, he gives Zeldi a grin blood covering him head too toe "Come cousin, let us end

Dagdalin stands still for a moment, hardly believing his eyes. After looking about for a moment, he slumps to the ground.

[21:01] Aridana: The voice speaks up once more: "I suggest you take care of your friends. I cannot keep them alive for much longer." Then the voice vanishes after an added: "You did well! Be proud of yourself, Dwarf-Lord!"

[21:03] Dagdalin: "I will, and thank you for everything, friend.", he replies as the voice fades.

Grimmod sounds off his warhorn and lets out a mighty rage filled laugh as he cuts down orcs with ease

Dagdalin is concious still, but barely so. "Aridana, are you still there, my dear?" His voice is barely a whisper now, and the dwarf is weak and in pain.

Aridana || With the reinforcements having arrived, the remainder of the enemy forces is quickly dealt with. Nialwens body with Dags Axe buried in her chest lies in the distance on the ground - surprisingly her chest is still moving - she was breathing despite the horrible wound. Looking around, Aridana was buried under half-a-mountain of rubble. It was doubtful, she or her pet survived.

Grimmod cuts down the last few orcs then rushes for Dagdalin

Grimyir has come online.

Grimmod throws his axe down and clams too his knees grabbing Dagdalins hand "COUSIN!!!!!!!, it will be alright, we will get you some pork and ale, and sing a song in your honour!"

Dagdalin rouses a bit at Grimmod's voice. "Tell me, does Zeldi live? What of the others?"

Aridana || Some of the elves take care of Dathromar, waking him up and taking care of his wound and the poison running through his bloodstream. He mumbles "Ari...where is Ari?" as they carry him away towards the Halls. Some Dwarves and Elves rush to Nialwen shouting:" She's alive! How can that be? Healer! We need a healer!" The survivors start scouring the field of battle for more survivors.

Grimmod laughs at the sound of his cousins voice, he places his cloak over him too keep him warm "Indeed, Zeldi lives the battle was Terrible, but we survived!"

Aridana || One of the sturdy dwarven commanders points to the dead trolls: "Gather and burn that filth. Bad enough it litters our land - but I'll be damned if I let their stench rotting taint our air, too! Burn it all, gents!" He moves on to the Halls stopping here and there spending words of encouragement or helping a soldier onto his or her feet.

Dagdalin appears near death, he is fading quickly. Burns cover most of his body and his cloak, hauberk, gauntlets and hat have all been burned away. All that remains on his body is his trousers and boots and he shivers in the cold. Coughing, he replies weakly. "I'm glad he lives. What of the elves?

Dagdalin looks at Grimmod, pleading. "And what of the Horse-Lord?"

Dagdalin draws Grimmod's cloak about him, just realizing that it had been placed around his shoulders. He winces at pain from the burns.

Grimmod looks upon his dying cousin and he pulls a small vial from his belt in a steel pouch, he uncorks it and puts it too Dagdalins lips

Grimmod says, 'Drink Cousin, these are Elbareth's tears, they will heal you too an extend'

Dagdalin instinctively takes a drink, nodding his thanks. "Thank you, I do in fact feel a bit better." He rises, and looks about the field. "We did it, we finally beat that Thing." Tears fill his eyes. "Yet this is not quite over yet. We have our dead to see to and I wish to know how Nialwen, Aridana and Dathromar are. We owe them much, cousin.'

Aridana || A battered and blood-covered Dwarf of apparently young age, kneels down next to Dag and Grimmod, presenting Dags axe balanced on his palms up to him. "Overseer. We...recovered your axe."

Grimmod says, 'they will be fine, Im sure, take it easy, they will be fine'

Dagdalin 's eyes widen. "Baraburk! I thought I'd lost it for good. Bless you, lad, thank you." He takes the axe and sheathes it, placing a hand on the dwarf's shoulder. "Lad, get yourself seen to. We'll talk again when your hurts have been healed. From now on, you are to be counted as part of my household."

Dagdalin looks to Grimmod, the weariness etching lines on his face. "That may be, but I cannot rest until I know."

Aridana || The young dwarf slowly gets up, nodding solemly. "Thank you." He glances about. "Many others weren't as lucky." Then he walks off to continue helping his unit.

Dagdalin nods. "Aye. We will honor their memory and sacrifice, of course."

Grimmod says, 'Aridana and the Horse lord is fine'

Grimmod says, 'Nialwen will recover in time'

Grimmod says, 'You must trust me cousin, the draught I gave you will sustain you for a time, but you need a healer too tend too you'

Dagdalin nods, drawing the cloak about him again. His strength seems to be slowly returning to him. "Aye, but I'd like to see them myself as soon as I can. There will be healers at Thorin's and I'm sure a few are already on their way here."

Grimmod says, 'Indeed, I have ordered for an aurochos pulled cart to bring you and some of the other wounded back too the Halls'

Grimmod says, 'When you are well enough we will have too return too our mountain halls and feast!'

Dagdalin smiles. "Thank you, and we certainly will! For now, I'd like to see if I can find Aridana."

Grimmod sings out loudly "Aridana, are you still here?!"

Grimmod looks around and spots her across the valley he takes Dagdalins arm and puts in on

Dagdalin nods. "I'll go check on her."

Aridana || There was no sign of the elven woman, nor her pet. The field of batlle was littered with the dead, dying and wounded of both side, yet down at the other side of the pass a huge rockslide had gone done, likely having buried whoever was in the vicinity for good. It would take at least a couple days to move the rubble away in order to check for any bodies buried underneath.

 

//Important note: Please do not yet continue to the aftermath, I'd like us all to be present for that, as there are a few things I'd like to add to that. Thank you!

 

The situation after the battle:

- a major part of the approaching army has been effectively wiped out (both my the alliances forces, as well little Garshins helpful intervention - and by friendly fire)

 

- any remaining forces scattered, making the are likely dangerous for a good while into the future, until all fleeing elements have been found and dealt with

 

- The Vale shows now 3 craters that are several hundred feet deep into the earth, with a diameter of approximately 150ft across (one side to the other). At least one of which could be sealed up with enough work an material used and workforce provided. These craters are located: 1 near Noglond, 1 near where the road turns north towards the Halls, north of Noglon, and 1 far to the south towards Rath Teraig.

 

- It is unknown currently if all charges went off, or only part of those in existance, nor if any more explosion could occur

 

- over the whole range between the Halls and Noglond and Sarnur, the dead litter the ground an villages, houses and outpost have been raized to the ground and burned.

 

- Noglond is barely standing anymore as it is, it had been overrun, with many dead, defiled bodies hanged or speared for terror all around the place

 

- Gondamon has been successfully defended - with a higher than expected amount of casualties

 

- of the 300 elves that were brought to the fight, only 21 survived unscathed or with minor bruises, another 47 are wounded, but will make a recovery in time, the rest gave their lifes over the course of the battle - this includes the losses of Nialwen and Aridana Moonglow (As stated in the report delivered detailing this)

 

- the amount of casualties of the dwarves is yet to be determined (I'm putting this into your hand, remember the 2:1 outnumber rule, but also how the fighting went when considering this)

 

- presumed KIA:1 (+1 animal companion)

 

- Fun Fact: The entire plotline spans over 25 pages (Arial, Size 10) with all chatlogs combined, including the additions in story-form provided by yours truely on the forum posts. => Bonus points for magnitude, I guess! :D

 

Posts from:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Khuzd Belkur Forum Index -> Plot Corner All times are GMT - 6 Hours
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum