War of the Jewels

[Silmeriel]

"Cuma is the reason I'm still alive- and the reason my life has been ruined." Silmeriel said cryptically. She sighed. "Many years ago, when I was younger, I fell in love with a wanderer who traveled through here. My older sister, Maltariel, did not approve of this man. It caused a deep division between us. The man and I were in love, until he went out wandering once more. When he came back, he was changed. I was weaving myself a new cloak when he entered my cottage, dagger drawn. I fought him, though I had no weapon. I was wounded badly, and was about to be struck down when Maltariel entered. She fought Cuma as well. She was more than a match for him, but as he left, he turned and threw his dagger at me. Maltariel jumped in front of me, and took the dagger instead. She died in my lap minutes later. And so I stay here to avenge my sister."

[KiaraSiladhiel]

Kiara bowed her head. "Thats horrible! im so sorry"

[IdrilFalastari]

Melarë woke up with a start. Something dark was approaching. Blinking fast to clear her senses, Melarë sat up and backed away, preparing to run from whatever it was. A cold grasp stopped her, like iron. A dark hooded figure pulled her back and she looked unwillingly. She thought she saw the glimmer of eyes amid the hood, but could distinguish no features.

Some dark hunter had found his way into the girdle of Melian. But of what value am I? Melarë thought frantically. Her tormenter held up a knife, gleaming in the sun, to her neck, for seconds that seemed like eternity. Then he released her abruptly with a bitter laugh, and she fell hard on the ground. The hooded figure vanished into the foliage.

Melarë stood for a few moments, panting, looking around fearfully, then ran through the woods wildly.

[Corwin]

Corwin turned without a word. I must tell Thingol of this intrusion. Evil has entered Doriath. He reached out around him with his mind, trying to sense the retreating man. He found him, but he touched a soul so consumed by evil that he shuddered. This man is owned by Morgoth. He ran faster in the direction of Menegroth.

[IdrilFalastari]

Melarë didn't stop running until she had reached the doors of Menegroth. Even then she went in with great haste. A guard in gold livery, holding a spear, stopped her with a concerned face. It was Bragol, she knew him well. "Melarë, what is wrong?"

"In the forest... dark hunter... threatened me! And I'm... not... coming... out... again!" she panted.

Bragol shook his head slightly in disbelief, with wide eyes. "A defenseless maiden as you, threatened? In our very woods?" He looked the way Melarë came. "Does he pursue you?"

"No, but he's there, still there..."

[KiaraSiladhiel]

i must tell my master! she thought franticly, and fled after Corwin.

[IdrilFalastari]

*pssst! has this poor RPG been forgotten?*

[Corwin]

The Guards only stopped Corwin for a second before they took him before the throne. The King of Doriath sat in a diamond encrusted throne, a gift from the Dwarves. His Hair was silver and his eyes were wise. Beside him sat the Lady of the Maia, wise and powerful beyond all others. Off to the side, among the Lords and Ladies of Doriath, sat Galadriel of the Noldor. Her beauty was surpassing. She wore a white gown and her golden hair was tied back behind her shoulders.
Corwin dropped to one knee with a flourish.
"Hail Thingol, Lord of Doriath. I bring you fateful news. The Girdle must be weakening. One possessed by Morgoth has entered your realm."
Thingol sat up from his throne. "Are you certain Corwin?" Melian stood by his side.
"I sense no lie within him. He is telling the truth. But how has this thing come to pass?" She said quietly.
" I have no idea, Lady Melian. I but found out three hours hence. As soon as I sensed his presence, I came here to warn you." Corwin stood up and shifted his sword on his belt.
Melian's brow furrowed in thought. "This cannot be allowed." Her eyes turned to Corwin. " I know what you are Corwin. Can I trust your abilities?"
Corwin dropped again to one knee. " I am at thy service."
Melian smiled. " I therefore charge you with bringing this dark one to death. Kill him before he returns to the enemy. He must not know of the weakening of Doriath or the querrels of the Sons of Feanor, of which he has undoubtly heard word."
Corwin lifted his head a little. " May I speak my lady?"
"Of course Corwin."
" This task may be better suited to a group. May I be accompanied."
Melian considered this for a moment before turning to her husband. "What do you think , Lord Thingol?"
Thingol turned his grey eyes upon Corwin. He strood forward to where he knelt and bid him rise.
" My decree is this: Let Corwin choose 7 companions from among our peoples. No more, no less. These shall be bound to hunt down this Dark friend and slay him. Who will join him?" Thingol's eyes ranged the assembled peoples.

[Silmeriel]

"My lord," Silmeriel began. "I have a personal measure with the evil one who has entered this realm. Might I join the quest to rid the land of his taint?"

[Corwin]

"Very well." Thingol said it with a note of descisiveness.
"Is there anyone else?"
"Excuse my, Lord Thingol. May I make a suggestion?" Corwin looked toward the king.
"Of course."
"There is a man who is a friend of mine. His name is Fourin and he is of the elf-friends."
"As you see fit." Thingol nodded.

[IdrilFalastari]

Melarë quietly entered the king's hall, and sat down before her harp. She had taken care to change her ripped dress for one of pale autumn orange, with silver lining. Her hair was pulled back a little, but the rest flowed free. Near her sat Daeron, dark-haired, and dark-eyed, greatest of Thingol's minstrels. He seemed to be looking for someone, and Melarë guessed who. But many sighed for Lùthien Tinùviel.

[KiaraSiladhiel]

"i will go with Corwin." Kiara said from the shadows. no one had seen her enter. she bowed her head to King Thingol, knowing he would not recognise her, but making eye contact with Galadriel she knew that the High Elf would remember. she stood next to Corwin her silver eyes gleaming.

[IdrilFalastari]

Melarë, in looking at Daeron, accidentally tapped a string, the fair waves of melody spreading over the hall. A tall captain ran in, his tunic and cloak swishing as he moved. "My lord!" he cried. "Murder!"

Instantly Thranduil sprang to his feet. Fear was in his eyes. "Where is Lùthien?" His words echoed across the room. The guards at the front of the hall moved aside once more, and the Lady Lùthien came walking in, like quiet rain of surpassing beauty, led by a guard. Immediately the horrific shadow that had descended lifted, and one forgot the news to look on her with wonder. The guard bowed at his lord's feet and departed. Thranduil sat down and passed a hand over his eyes. "Come here, my child." Lùthien sat down by her father. My most precious possession, my greatest weakness, he thought, grasping his daughter's hand as if ensuring her safety. "Tell me of this murder."

"Out of the doors of your lordship's halls, a young maiden was found dead." Gasps echoed through the room. "It was knife-work... a slow death, for so fair a flower."

[KiaraSiladhiel]

Her silver eyes flashed with a malevolance as she heard. she tensed and listened closely.

[Corwin]

Slayings on the very verge of Menegroth... Corwin felt the evil touch his mind again.
" He is near!" Corwin sprang away like a deer. He shot out of the halls of Menegroth like a bow from an arrow. His speed matched that of the fair deer of that kingdom. He cannot be too far ahead...