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Lirnna's travels
Posted: 08 Apr 2004 03:58 PM |
Lirnna sat in her favorite spot in the secret garden. She was enjoying the sights, the sounds, the scents. The feeling of the suns rays on her skin. She was at peace. Happiness welled up in her heart, and she began to hum softly to herself.
A man approached quietly, but she could tell he was not trying to go unseen. After a moment, Lirnna recognized him as Ronan Aesir. She still had trouble telling the humans apart, but she had spent some time with Ronan before. They had played hide and seek together, she remembered, smiling. His ability to track her light footfalls had very much impressed Lirnna, and he was so young, not even in his 40th year. Humans were amazing to her.
He listened to her soft humming and greeted her as “Lirnna Virvaniyon.” She smiled inwardly, she found his constant use of her full formal name somehow endearing, the way he said it, so different sounding in the speech of men.
They walked together some time, each learning of the others culture. Talk of far away places brought Lirnna’s wanderlust back, and the two found their way to the docks. Lirnna had always had a desire to see and experience new things, and it had gotten her into a bit of trouble before in Ferein. Now that she had come of age, she wanted to experience the lands of other races, and Ronan, she thought, was a good and capable guide… despite his few years, and apparent difficulty with maps he had shown the day before.
They boarded the boat together, and no sooner had they left the dock, than Ronan began to act oddly. “Isn’t the Sea lovely?” Lirnna said. “Lovely to look at… not so lovely for me to be on” Ronan replied. Lirnna wondered at this. “It is alive, the ocean, can you feel it?” She turned to Ronan, who had changed an odd color. Was this normal for Humans? He threw up on the deck and replied weakly “ye…yes… I feel it.” Lirnna looked concerned, “Oh! What’s wrong with you?” And so it went. Ronan was sick for the whole voyage, apparently this happens to some humans. Lirnna thought it was such a shame, his condition caused him to miss such a lovely voyage… though he did get to see the dolphins as he was leaning over the side of the ship groaning.
They reached Port Royale, Lirnna in high spirits, Ronan ragged, but relieved to be on land again. They passed thru the narrow alleys in the poor section of town, Lirnna fascinated by it all, but at the same time, appalled by the smell. Ronan became wary, looking about with his hands on the hilts of his blades. Lirnna turned to him “Nervous in the woods… in the city… where are you at peace Ronan? Life is always a risk, you may as well enjoy it!” Ronan thought on this and replied “As you say, better to be prepared though.” As he spoke, rain began to fall. The foul smell began to lessen, and Lirnna was glad for it. Lirnna began to dance about, the tiny silver bells she wore chiming merrily. “It’s fun Ronan!” she said, lifting his spirits. Ronan smiled at her, “You are a tinker and thief of hearts I think” he said, grinning. “A freer spirit this side of Sylvain woods I've not seen.”
They came to an Inn and entered. Ronan purchased enough dry food and rations to feed a family of Elves for many days. Lirnna looked on as Ronan loaded it all into his pack. “Is all that for you?” she enquired. “I’m a growing boy” he replied. Lirnna couldn’t imagine him getting even bigger, though he was very young, she considered.
Ronan led her to a table, and proceeded to take off his boots and pour out dirt and such from them. Lirnna stared, quite surprised. “Ah, much better now that I’ve got the stones out of my boots” Ronan said with satisfaction. Lirnna imagined walking with stones in her boots, and wondered how they would get there in the first place. “How would you get stones in your boots?” she asked. “From walking” came the reply. Lirnna looked at his boots trying to understand. “Oh! Do you have holes in your boots?” Ronan made a funny face, “Doesn’t everyone? I mean, it’s not like I’m made of golden coins.” Lirnna thought hard on this, but finally just said “You can’t walk around with stones in your boots!” Ronan looked at her and replied “That’s what I say.”
Lirnna began to realize… humans really were very different from Elves. “I’ve never met someone with stones in there shoes, or who could track so well, but gets lost so often!” Lirnna blurted out, not certain of what to say to all this. “I was not lost” Ronan replied, “It’s this map” and he took out the map and showed it to her. “Who needs a map silly? Maybe if you stopped looking at it so much, you would see where you were going!” she said, suddenly feeling very insightful. Ronan pondered her words and said “You spend too much time at Asashi I think.” “Really?” she replied, suddenly worried “I’ve only been there once. What happens if you spend too much time there?” Ronan turned to her, frustrated at the language barrier that was making this so difficult, “No no, that’s not what I meant. It’s just that… you said something wise and… oh… never mind.” Ronan thought a moment more and added “And you think I am strange and silly.” He frowned, and continued “And I think you are… neither.”
Lirnna’s innocent eyes met Ronan’s and she said “Am I not strange to you Ronan? Certainly I must not be like a human woman.” Ronan agreed “Certainly.” Lirnna nodded “So you do think me strange.” “No” Ronan replied “I think you are… something other.” Lirnna thought, “What other then? Odd? Biz…zz…ar.” She struggled with the alien word, and suddenly very much wished, for some unknown reason, that this human would like her. Ronan shook his head vigorously “No” and then softly “One of a kind.” Ronan looked down at the table, and his finger traced the pattern of the carvings there. Lirnna’s eyes followed his hand. Ronan’s eyes met hers again “I am honest. I think you are one of a kind. But I would not call you strange or bizarre, and this is true.” Lirnna felt a strange giddiness at his words, and after some time was able to reply softly “Yes, there is only one Lirnna Virvaniyon.” Ronan’s features became gentle and he repeated “Aaia, there is only one Lirnna Virvaniyon.”
Lirnna felt the warm giddiness in her becoming overwhelming. She needed time to understand this new sensation. She got to her feet. “I must rest now” she said, not knowing what else to say. Ronan nodded, it had been a long journey. They said their goodnights, Ronan watching her go, and she rented a room and slept her first night then, in a human city.
To be continued. |
Three sisters, born of the Sea
A sad fate t'was in store for thee
Oh Vaisha, Vahlah and Vallaesha |
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Re: Lirnna's travels
Posted: 19 May 2004 07:24 PM |
Lirnna stood at the summit of Gladden Hills with her companions, Ronan and Alarwen. They had slain all the Trolls and Ogres that dared face them. The three of them together had unleashed a storm of arrows that none of their foes could endure.
Alarwen called out, as the ground near her began to sparkle and quivers of arrows appeared from nothingness. Their thoughts turned to Lord Aros as they beheld the miracle, and then, the Lord himself appeared before them. Ronan and Lirnna fell to their knees in Awe, while Alarwen greeted the Lord with respectful familiarity. Lord Aros bid them rise and, after gifting them the arrows, brought them tidings.
Aros began "The allies of he who calls himself the Great Hunter begin to amass. Recently have groups of them been spotted along the great river. Be wary my friends." The Lord's gaze turned to Lirnna "Especially you. He will not seek the others out, for he considers them of taint, or worse. But you he might try to tempt and he can be quite convincing." To this Lirnna replied "I will not stray from your path Lord." and Alarwen added "We shall be each other's keepers." Lord Aros smiled a bit at Lirnna's words, but he replied "It is mortal to stray, and it is nigh divine to find the path back. The Hunter has corrupted fine elves before." Lirnna looked into Aros' eyes then and replied "yet you are my guide along the path Lord."
Aros looked at each and then said "Know you the tale of Daeron?" and none did. "Do you wish to hear it?" he asked, and each nodded. He considered then, "Are you against a bit of wind travel?" and Lirnna replied "take us where you will Lord" the others agreed. Lord Aros vanished from sight and the excitement and joy they each felt was visible in their faces as they looked amongst themselves. Ronan said "Did you see? Did you see? And he didn't frown on me. And called me *his rangers* with Alarwen!" Then their surrounding faded and they found themselves in the Mothers temple garden before her statue, and Lord Aros was there to greet them.
Lord Aros sat then, and bid them do the same. He began "Times are different now. The elves have on one hand become very careless about their ways." Aros looked sad for a moment, then looked at Ronan and said "On the other hand, the old way of utter reclusivity, is probably not for the best. There were times of lore, when very rarely, certain humans were bestowed the title of elf-friend. The deeds they did for this were tremendous. It was said that there heart beat elven" Both Lirnna and Alarwen looked to Ronan, who remained stoic and impassive in expression. Aros continued "That path is very difficult. Such is the way with elves. But now, many of our ways are lost, and it breaks my heart." To this Ronan replied "Not all is lost." Aros looked to him again "No, certainly not. The new princess of Ferein brings much hope. She is still very much hidden from view, though I know she wishes to meet the elves of the land"
Lord Aros turned next to Lirnna and he asked "what does it mean to you to be elven?" Lirnna returned his gaze and replied with conviction "it means we serve you Lord, the Mother.. and the land." Aros considered this and said "But, what does it mean to be an elf, other than to serve?" Ronan started to raise a hand then put it back down. Aros continued "Anyone may answer. Is there anything inherent to Elvendom?" Ronan said "I think it means grace and dignity, knowledge and woodcraft... and beauty." Lirnna, thoughts collected, then followed with "We are close to the land, and our fate is tied to the land." Aros accepted this and replied "It is true. To separate an elf from the land is quite a punishment. Elves can commune with the land in a way no other race can." Aros then placed his hands on the ground and closed his eyes. "If you sit quietly like this, and clear your mind, allowing the land to enter you, you shall commune with it. You can do this with other elves. Elves of strong spirit can do it over many, many miles.
Aros looked at each of them again. "An elf is a gateway to the arcane. A keeper of grace. There is a certain perfection and balance that must always be maintained. A certain...melodic quality in our moves, thoughts, expressions and voice." Aros paused, and Alarwen asked "Does that mean we are also closer to the weave?" And Aros said "Oh yes. Elves, of all the races, are the closest to the weave. Wizardry has always been foremost. If you note the elves who are not masters of the arcane, note the tremendous respect they have for those who are. This is like stonework or metalwork is to the dwarves. It is sacred. If an elf sees misuse of magic, it is sacrilege."
Aros paused, and then asked "What is the worst thing that can happen to an elf?" Alarwen answered "To fall under the spell of evil, my lord." Lirnna answered "To be corrupted and taken from us." and Ronan replied flatly "Bondage." Aros nodded to each of them. "All of these are horrid in their own right. What Ronan speaks is particularly true, because an elf who is imprisoned or in bondage, and cannot commune with those he or she loves, well, their spirit risks dieing, and when that occurs, The elf goes too." Lirnna whispered quietly "Calia." Aros continued "Death is far preferable to any form of imprisonment for an elf, but the greatest evil that can befall and elf, the greatest of all, is to become undead.” Ronan started at this, Alarwen shuddered, and Lirnna’s eyes grew wide at the thought of it. “This is why the elven elders abhor undead so, and why most elves will never set foot in a crypt, and the main reason why an elf should never be resurrected.” Alarwen reacted with surprise and Aros continued “In the days of lore, when a body was thought to be perhaps turned to undead, it was burned immediately. No elf should ever be raised from the dead, for fear they shall be contorted to the undead.” A troubled look came to Lirnna’s face, and Alarwen hung her head in shame. Aros said “I know not where the teachings went wrong.” Ronan gathered himself and quietly began “What am I to do if...she falls....” his voice then broke and trailed off. Aros looked then at Ronan and said “Do not let her fall.” Ronan tensed, then deliberately calmed and nodded slowly once. Aros looked over their troubled faces, “I do my best to aid fallen elves, As does Elbereth.”
Lord Aros continued “The old elves are gone. I fear Elven glory shall never return. The spirit is no longer in the land. The elves now in this land are not willing to gather together for their own cause. It has been demonstrated. Eventually, Ferein will fall because of this.” Ronan stood, shaking his head “Not while I stand.” he looked around, then sat back down. Alarwen shook her head “It cannot be too late, my lord.” Aros replied “I would wish it otherwise.” Lirnna raised her voice “we would have otherwise as well... command us Lord.” Alarwen nodded at the words, and Ronan asked Aros “what do you see?” Aros, eyes distant, said “The elves would have to return to their older ways, A certain amount of reclusivity must be kept for the sake of our culture.” On hearing this Lirnna looked down and in a small voice asked “What must be done?” knowing she was resigned to do anything her Lord would ask of her. Alarwen had questions as well “But can we not welcome others without endangering ourselves?” Ronan, resigned said simply “Perhaps not.” Aros looked to them and said “Its not a matter of a simple few things. The choices are yours to make. I do not rule Ferein.” and at that he laughed. Alarwen tried again “The strength of our spirit in not lessened in the sharing...” Ronan quietly stared off to the West. Aros continued “Forces grow on the Great River. The Humans of Aristi grow bolder each day. When the challenge comes to Ferein, who will answer? Will the answer be of welcome to pillage and plunder?” Alarwen asked “Then there is no avoiding the conflict?” Aros looked to her as a father to a child “My dear Alarwen, we fought a war amongst ourselves for one hundred years. Not one inch was gained in one century.”
Aros turned then to Ronan “You are a noble sort, of good intent, and I believe that you would die for Lirnna and a host of other elves. For that, I watch over you, but realize that you will always be an outsider in Ferein, even if you are one day made elf-friend. But that does not make you any less noble, Ronan. Be glad for what you have, and you have my thanks.” Ronan repeated softly “Your thanks?” Alarwen turned to Ronan with a look of deep respect shining in her eyes. Aros answered him “For your service to the elves, and to the woods. You will always have my ear Ronan.”
Lord Aros shifted, and said “Yes, so that brings me to the tale of Daeron, if you still desire to hear it.” he said with a chuckle. They each nodded they did wish to hear all the Lord would be willing to tell them. “He was one of the original elves. A companion of Neek. You know him, no?” Again they each nodded. “A great warrior was Daeron, with an exceptional heart. Skilled he was with both bow and blade, and with a store of arcane power as well. A ranger like Ronan and Alarwen. It was his strength and courage that was a large part of the reason why the elves were able to survive the arduous trek from Fangduin to Fenguul, and survive against the barbaric humans of the north who threatened them as they passed the icy lands. Daeron fought tremendously.”
Aros then turned and looked Lirnna in the eye “His intent was never evil. In Fenguul, he took to the hunt. It was during those times, that Tarik came to him, and corrupted him. But did so ever so subteltly. He spoke of pride in the skill of the ranger, of laying in wait, of studying one's prey, finding their weakness, of tactics, planning, strategy, of revelling in the hunt. The glory of the hunt, above all.” At that Ronan started to grin, the caught himself. Lord Aros looked to Ronan then “It sounds not so far from the Ranger's credo, no? With a few exceptions. Tarik cares nothing for the cause. He cares only for the hunt. The glory of it, the kill. The bigger the hunt, the bigger the kill, the better. He abhors Elbereth and her druids for their love of nature and dislike of hunting for hunting's sake. Rangers hunt for food. For clothing perhaps. If an animal threatens a community. But never for bloodsport. Tarik is a formidable foe, and while I believe each and every elf who says they shall remain true, his temptations are very tantalizing.” Aros stood, smoothing his cloak, and looked to each in turn “There, I am finished, at last. Give my regards to the princess if you see her.” he said, winking.
The three stood and Alarwen asked “What must we do to prepare for the coming threat, my lord?” Aros sighed, and Ronan replied simply “Prepare.” Aros looked to her “That is what you must do. Contact the other Elves, speak with them. Speak with the council of Ferein.” Lord Aros paused and considered. “I realize this will come across as offensive to two-thirds of you, but I often long for the days, when only Elves walked the Elven lands. There was something...simpler and more magical about it.” At this Alarwen bowed her head, Aros looked to her and said “But I sense a nigh pure Elven heart in Alarwen, and I believe the blood of the Elves runs in Ronan as well.” A tear formed in Alarwen’s eye and she replied, barely more than a whisper “Thank you my Lord.” Aros stood tall and said “May you all walk with the archer's grace.” Lirnna bowed “In your service Lord” Alarwen following with “We are ever in your service.” With that Lord Aros vanished in a flash, but they all felt his blessings upon them.
Lirnna closed her eyes, breathing slowly. after a few moments, she looked up at Ronan smiling. A complex pattern of sadness and joy ran across Alarwen’s face, finally she broke the silence “He leaves us much to think on.” Lirnna nodded “and... much to do.” Ronan chimed in “And much to do it with.” Lirnna and Alarwen smiled at that, and their moods lightened. They agreed they must immediately seek audience with the Council of Ferein, and Princess Sairalindë Nénharma to share Lord Aros’ words of warning.
To be continued. |
Three sisters, born of the Sea
A sad fate t'was in store for thee
Oh Vaisha, Vahlah and Vallaesha |
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Re: Lirnna's travels
Posted: 20 May 2004 03:31 PM |
Absolutely, fantastic read!
Well presented Kand, kudos to you.
-SQ |
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Re: Lirnna's travels
Posted: 20 May 2004 03:44 PM |
Very well done. :)
Thank you for writing this. A very enjoyable read. |
-Narenia
Main PC: Dina Islme |
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Re: Lirnna's travels
Posted: 20 May 2004 04:39 PM |
| A good read, well done Kandy. |
I'm The Cult of Personality. |
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Re: Lirnna's travels
Posted: 29 Jul 2004 03:36 PM |
Lirnna lay on her back in the leaves. She gazed up at the green canopy above her, and let the quiet sounds of her homeland soothe her. Her eyes followed two squirrels playing; first one chasing, and then the other, running up and down the tree trunks. She smiled and rolled onto her side, tiny silver bells tinkling merrily. Ronan smiled back, enjoying their time away from the cares and troubles that awaited them outside this magical place.
They had traveled deep into the forests of Ferein seeking peace, and for the past week, had enjoyed every moment of their time there. The two had shared many stories together, of their own lives before they met, and tales they had heard. They spoke fondly of friends they both knew, who were now gone, but still held dear in their hearts. They sang, and laughed, and they played. But most of all, they enjoyed the quiet times spent together. Time like they had seldom had since they had met that first day.
The days passed, and the wounds, left upon their hearts and minds from many ordeals, quickly faded and were forgotten. The two now, smiling, took each others hands and began the trek back. For they knew this ideal life could only be kept by defending what is good, and right in the world. Ferein faced many perils, and would need them to lend their bows, and their voices, to her cause. |
Three sisters, born of the Sea
A sad fate t'was in store for thee
Oh Vaisha, Vahlah and Vallaesha |
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Re: Lirnna's travels
Posted: 29 Jul 2004 03:59 PM |
great stuff Kand! Really enjoyed the read :D
- Ara |
Vives Screenshots!
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