The Fourth Age (closed)

[queenclaire]

Eruve sat on her drake silently as Hanre and Dayrn talked. So Dayrn did know they were coming and why they were, but it was unclear at the moment if he would help. She looked to Uther for a second, wondering what they needed to do to get Dayrn to help them. It was clear these people still lived in fear of Kaan Dache, but seemed content at the moment to let him do what he wanted with Middle Earth so that they could live in peace. One thing was for sure, they needed to stop him or he would always be a threat to all that defied him.

She looked to Dayrn for a moment as he looked at the fire. “We may not belong here, but what we come to do would rid all of us of this…oppressor. We only wish to keep our lands and people safe, as I am sure many here would wish for as well. And yes, we need your guidance to do this.”

 

[KieranSoares]

"I know," he rose from his seat. "One moment..." He seemed quite tired, exhausted even in his mannerisms. He retreated into his hide tent and soon returned with a stone in his hands that was carved with all manner of symbols. That of Moria, Lorien, Rivendell, Gondor, Rohan, Mavanue the Shire, and the new symbol of Mordor. But the stone looked so old, and the symbols were worn smooth with time. He set the stone in Uther's hands, "This is your prophecy, all of you."

Upon closer inspection, they could see that the symbol of Moria was heavily scuffed and battered, Lorien's symbol had a deep puncture into the stone, Gondor was slashed awfully, and Rohan was nearly half-missing, while the remaining half was slashed just like Gondor. If prophetic stones were anything to go by, it seemed no one was going to escape damage here if they did survive.

 

[queenclaire]

Eruve was curious to where Dayrn was going. She really hoped he would help them. She did not even know where to start if he refused to. The group was strong, but their foe seemed stronger. She worried, of course, that they would fail this mission, but at least they would go down with a fight. None of them would leave until it was over.

She watched as he brought back the stone and gave it to Uther. She drew in a deep, but raged breath as he stated it was their prophecy. She looked at the symbols and the way they were scarred. She knew it meant that they would all suffer and some would not make it. But, she knew this going into it as well. She was willing to fight to the death to keep the people of Middle Earth safe.

She reached over and ran a finger over the deeply damaged symbol of Mavanue. It showed her that she was meant to be here no matter how much her father argued against it. She looked at Uther with a determined look and then to Dayrn, “This changes nothing for me.” It only made her worry more about Uther.

 

[KieranSoares]

"I supposed it wouldn't, but you all needed to know you would not leave Delnirith unscathed. I see one has already been lost among you, the Prince of Gondor. I do not know if you will succeed, but I do know that such warriors as you will do all you can to ensure his death and those of others will not be in vain. IF you can even weaken the Dark Elf, the Prince will not have died for nothing, for where there's weakness, there is a way to break him."

Dayrn motioned for them all to join him. "We cannot move til the cover of darkness into his lands. The sun has become his slave, as has the land itself."

 

[queenclaire]

Eruve hoped they could do more than just weaken the dark elf. She wanted him dead. And he was right, they would do all they could to make sure that none of the deaths would be in vain. They would die before that happened.

She furrowed her brow as he motioned for them to follow him. She peered at the sun for a moment and sighed. It seemed as if they could never catch a break in this land. Everything was against them. She did as he wanted. She followed and would wait for the cover of night to move.

 

[KieranSoares]

Dayrn was a wolf of few words, though he did aid Hanre in telling a few stories of happier times on the island to pass by the day. Aside from blunt honesty and an incredible lack of love for conversation, Dayrn was a fine host and saw that his new guests were well-cared for.

Come dusk, Dayrn had packed all his things away in a neat bundle on his own drake's back and he climbed into the saddle. "Come, warriors." He looked to the other two werewolves, "Return home, I will guide them from here. You are not meant to follow."

The two said their quiet goodbyes and they obeyed. Dayrn took the point, but insisted no one act as a scout or separate. Anyone who was by their lonesome would disappear and be lost to the group. Uther rode close beside Eruve again, feeling a bit of trepidation at Dayrn's words.

 

[queenclaire]

Eruve remained silent during the day. She listened to the stories, but also was deep in thought. She was worried. She had started the journey, not spending time with the group so that when one was lost she would not feel it too deeply. But now she was attach to the members of the group and knew that their loss would be hard to bare. Though, she was happy she had spent the time to get to know her companions.

She rode beside Uther, once they had left. She looked over at him, she could see the concern in his eyes over what they were about to face. She reached out and took his hand briefly, giving it a light squeeze. She smiled at him, wishing she could help him, but scared her own fear was showing in her eyes.

 

[KieranSoares]

Uther returned her smile, looking far less afraid on the outside than he was inside, and he lifted her hand to kiss it. "Nervous, love...?" He didn't care if the others saw his affection for her anymore. "Whatever happens... we'll make it through this together. I promise." With that, he leaned over to kiss her lips and didn't care who saw. Even Gimli didn't tease them about it.

 

[queenclaire]

Eruve knew when Uther asked if she was nervous, her fear was showing. She was not about to lie to him either. She nodded softly, “Entirely too much.” She feared, though she had been in battles before, that it had been too long since she last seen one and that lack of practice would hinder them all. Her thoughts kept drifting to the stone and how it was marred.

She kissed him back, hoping what he said was true. She smiled at him, “I am going to hold you to that promise, my love. If not, then I will come back and haunt you.” She gave him a teasing wink. She did not want to lose him or anyone in the group. But Uther held her heart and his death would bring about her own. She knew the fact she loved a human would not set well with her father, but she did not care. And they would only have to deal with if they survived this.

 

[KieranSoares]

Uther knew that they might die, but he knew that in the end, they'd be together in life or death. He certainly would not go on living much longer if she were to die, though if such an awful thing were to occur, he would attempt to finish their mission before he followed her, for her sake and his own and that of his homeland.

The group continued in general silence except for the occasional quiet banter between the elves and dwarves. Everyone was incredibly nervous and became more so as they entered a great valley that Dayrn said would lead them straight past the entrance to Kaan Dache's chamber. They stopped when the sun began to rise, and Dayrn settled before a small fire, playing a small panflute. Gimli thought he was crazy because it might attract things with the sound, but Dayrn paused, told him it would not, and continued.

 

[queenclaire]

Eruve sat uneasily with the group as the sun rose. She was wary of being this close to the entrance, as if he could find them easier now. The valley was not where she would have preferred to stop and “hide”, but perhaps he would not see or sense them there. She did her best to steady herself and remain unshaken, in appearance only. This foe was unlike any they had dealt with before and that stirred the uneasiness inside of her. Dark beings hold many secrets, but as Dayrn stated, if you can weaken him, then he can be defeated. She just really wish she knew how he could be weakened. Her mind was racing with so many different thoughts, she could not focus on much as she idly played with some grass by her feet.

 

[KieranSoares]

Uther sat at Eruve's side as he saw her struggling with so many thoughts, and he leaned over to kiss her, "It's a stupid question, but... are you alright, love?" He lifted one gentle, calloused hand to raise her chin so he might meet her eyes. Deep concern shone in his own. He'd been more concerned about her than just about anything else on this journey.

 

[queenclaire]

Eruve looked at Uther as he guided her eyes up to his own. She could see the concern in his eyes. She did not want him to worry about her. She offered him a half smile, she knew she could not hide her fear, nor should she. She needed to be honest with him. She shook her head slightly, “Nothing is ever a stupid question and no, I am not alright. I am scared.” She was scared that the stone meant they would lose each other in one way or another and that Middle Earth could not be saved. “Tell me how you stay calm.”

 

[KieranSoares]

"I'm not calm at all... I guess it's from years of having to appear calm for the sake of my men's morale." He leaned in and kissed her cheek, "We might be afraid... but courage is being terrified and pushing on anyway. With the others at our backs, we'll make our way through the fear and face Dache no matter what it takes."

 

[queenclaire]

Eruve did not know if she felt relieved that Uther was not calm or more nervous because he was not calm. They were all facing someone that was unlike any foe before. She was sure they were all scared deep down. She as he kissed her cheek. She leaned her head against his shoulder and wrapped her arms around him, taking some comfort in having him near her. “I know,” she said, responding to his words, “I just cannot shake this dreadful feeling.” She paused as she looked at him. “I just have so much to lose suddenly.”

 

[KieranSoares]

"As do I. But I intend to make any quiet moment we might have together count. We never know when we might have another." He settled at her side, drawing her into his lap to hold her. To anyone who looked upon them, Uther would look to be attempting to defend Eruve from the world. Uther only wished he could. He knew, even so soon, that he was going to ask her to marry him if they ever returned to Middle Earth.

Uther knew her father wouldn't be pleased, but he wanted to ask the elven lord for his daughter's hand to show the man he was respectful and worthy. But even if the lord said no, Uther would marry his love if she said yes.

So the two spent the day together resting and awaiting the night. It was the night after next that Dayrn stopped them in front of a large rock face in the valley. "Here it is." With that, he turned as if leaving.

"Oi! Wait!" Pippin called. "Where are you going!"

"To open the door, little hobbit, of course. You'd all best stand back." Dayrn stopped his drake and dismounted at the opposite wall. The party stepped away from the wall to allow plenty of space as Dayrn began muttering a spell in Lunar.

From the ground, a glowing white line suddenly extended high up the wall and split into the arching shape of two great doors. Other little lights carved vast, intricate patterns in the door and wall, including a long Lunar phrase which Dayrn spoke aloud in English: "I am the God of the Isle, soon the God of the Earth itself. Sauron trembled before me, the Witch-King collapsed in fear, and even the Great Saruman and Gandalf fled in terror. I am the God of the Underground, and you who enter my domain will either die at my hand, or leave in insanity and wish you'd never been born. I am Kaan Dache."

With that, the massive doors swung inward, and inside awaited a pitch blackness whose only illumination was a small cauldron of fire in its entrance with torch staffs laying beside it. Kaan Dache had k own they were coming, and welcomed them. But also around the fire bowl stood shadowy, motionless figures. Pippin, wary of them, tossed a rock at one, and the stone thudded off flesh. Ten pairs of white eyes opened, and beasts like undead orcs stumbled into the firelight, snarling and lifting heavy, ancient, and rusted swords.

Uther drew his own blade and made ready... but the things would not come into the sunlight. They stood at the edge of the doorway growling and flexing their long-unused rotting muscles, but they would not enter the sunbeam.

"What the bloody hell are those?!" Gimli growled.

"The Zeiboun, undead monsters formed from the pieces of dead orcs, elves, and drakes," Dayrn answered calmly. "They are Dache's defenders of choice underground. Elsewhere, he will use his wyverns and dark centaurs. You may yet see those below."

 

[queenclaire]

Eruve enjoyed the comfort that Uther gave her whenever he was near. She was able to relax and let go of some of her anxiety. He had the ability to ease her mind with just his presence. He was definitely the calm in the storm for her.

She stood back as Dayrn spoke the word to open the doors, though she took another step back as a disembodied voice rumble through the air. The voice was very sure of himself and she felt anger rise up in her at his words. She furrowed her brow as she watched Pippin throw the rock and the things beyond moved to the entrance. She gasped at the sight of them. They were hideous looking. She drew the blade from her back, knowing she would need it soon. “So, we kill them and head in,” she said rather flatly. She was not sure it was a good plan, but it seemed they would have to kill them to get in unless someone could charm them or lure them into the sun since they did not seem to like that.

 

[KieranSoares]

"Hold," Uther stopped her, "Let me try something..." He came close to the monsters, still standing in the sun, and the monsters were just out of sword range. Uther slowly, carefully reached out and took a torch and lit it, and the beasts growled and backed away. "Maybe it's not just sunlight... Any bright light."

Oswyn joined in, and one by one, so did the others til they'd formed a line of light. Uther guided them forward, and at every step they took, the monsters stepped away from them. But the moment they'd entered the cavern fully, the doors behind them slammed shut with a bang and a loud cry echoed out, making the monsters tense.

"Merry!" Pippin cried, "Merry!" Beside him, poor little Merry's hand had been crushed in the door and they were struggling to get him out.

"Stop pulling, lad!" Gimli warned, dashing back. "'Old on, 'old on, ye'll be a'right."

"My arm!" Merry cried.

"I know, lad, jus' let me-"

"No, look!" Merry tugged up his sleeve, and there even in the dim light they could see a blackness spreading over his skin.

"Get him out, Gimli! There's lantern oil in your pack!" Uther shouted, but as he did, the monsters forgot about the fire and charged the group. Gimli was rushing to pour the oil over Merry's arm to make him easier to pull away, while the others struggled to fend off the incredibly strong beasts before them.

 

[queenclaire]

Eruve walked in with the others, keeping the creatures at bay with the light. She looked back at the door slammed on Merry’s hand. She furrowed her brow as she saw the blackness spreading over his hand. She turned back as the creatures moved in to attack them. They were in more gruesome up close. She steadied herself as she kept her sword ready to fight, hoping they could get Merry freed of the doors.

She ducked as one swung at her. She could feel the rush of air move her hair as its arm barely missed her. She stood and spun, moving her sword with her, cutting the creature’s arm off. It roared as it narrowed its eyes on her. She was ready for its attack and once again swung her blade, serving its head. It was a good rule that most things could not survive without a head, and though this place did not follow the same rules it seemed, she was hoping this would stop the creatures. She yelled back, "Is he free yet?"

 

[KieranSoares]

"Almos'!" Gimli was trying his hardest without hurting Merry, but just when it seemed like the only option was for Merry to lose his hand, Dayrn stepped up. With just a touch to Merry's arm, the hobbit came free and the blackness retreated to just his crushed and bloody hand.

Uther, on the other hand, hatched up an idea. "Everyone get back! Oswyn, help me!" Both pulled on gloves and took hold of the fire bowl, heaving it forward. The fire went out, but the glowing embers remained. The monsters didn't fear them and tread on them, but their ancient, paper-like skin caught fire easily. The awful smell of burning, rotted flesh filled the air, but the trick worked to reduce the monsters to only three, which Legolas and Lexan shot down with ease. As calm settled, only Merry's pained cries, muffled by a cloth he'd shoved in his mouth to try to dull the noise, slightly echoed. Dayrn was setting and binding his hand. Merry was lucky, his fingers were fine, but his hand was broken across his palm. It wasn't as bad as it could've been. But the blackness remained, and Merry was terrified of it.

"Calm down, little hobbit," Dayrn told him, "it is only residual, it will fade away. There is no magic left."

 

[queenclaire]

Eruve covered her nose and mouth as the stench of the burning flesh hit her. She turned her attention to Merry as the other two elves took care of the rest standing. She felt for Merry. She stood silently as she watched Dayrn look at Merry’s hand. She was happy to hear the black would fade. She knelt down by Merry, “I can heal the bones, if you like.” She did not want him in pain. She hated to see any of them in pain. She looked at Merry with concern in her eyes. They all needed to be in good shape for the next obstacle.

 

[KieranSoares]

"Don' use your energy on broken bones," Merry told her despite the pain he was in, "Knowing this lot, you'll need it later fer somethin' much worse."

"Exactly," Dayrn nodded. "Reserve your magic for fatal wounds alone. You will need it."

"Let's move," Uther told them all, "I have a feeling if we sit still, we'll be cornered."

 

[queenclaire]

Eruve wanted to help Merry, but knew they were right. She would need her powers if they ran into something far worse. She was really wishing she was an older elf and had the stamina to use her powers more. She nodded and continued on with the group with her sword ready. She did not to be taken by surprise down here. Who knew what they would face next.

 

[KieranSoares]

As they ventured downward, the air cleared and became cool, but the oxygen was oddly plentiful according to the dwarves. As they went, the walls, ceiling, and floor began to smooth out until they could begin to see carvings and masonry. Before long, they found themselves in a torch-lit hall and the floor had turned to white marble and the walls to light grey stone. It was like a grand castle hallway. It certainly wasn't Minas Tirith or Moria, but it had its own beautiful charm, and sunlight came down through narrow holes in the ceiling over pools set into the floor. When the light hit the white marble, it filled the room and made everything lovely and bright.

Such a sinister master, yet the halls were beautiful as if they belonged to a lovely king or queen.

It wasn't much longer before they came across a single figure alone in the hallway, admiring some flowers that were growing in an earthen ring around one of the pools in the sunlight. It was a human woman, and she was beautiful as moonlight and roses. Her hair was ebony and cascaded down her shoulders like water. Her eyes were a soft shade of teal, and she was clad in blue-hued robes of a witch or sorceress. She glanced up, hearing the footsteps of the intruders, and she gasped, standing quickly. She looked terrified.

 

[queenclaire]

Eruve was taken back with the way the cave turned into something majestic. He was once an elf, so it should not have surprised her too much, but it did. She had heard that once an elf turns dark, that it’s love for beauty dies. Yet, here she could see that maybe it does not die…completely.

She paused at the sight of the lady. She furrowed her brow slightly. “What?” she barely said as all the possibilities ran through her head. Was she a prisoner here? A captive wife? Someone lost in the labyrinth? Was she here freely? Was someone they could trust or put there to mislead them? Or was she even real? She had to admit she was leaning towards not trusting anything or anyone down here since this was his lair. She put a hand on Uther’s shoulder, “Is it an act?” She was referring to the fear in the girl’s eyes.