Stone-verse: The Dúnadan.




After http://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1sne6an

Meeting with Aragorn.

@Gyrfalconsheart @Boromir_Aesir @SilmarilNaro @SilmarilAndrast

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Anvari

The place was about half a mile outside of Wildfane Heights, where Anvari pointed Elennárë to halt their horses. Boromir was already there, led by one of the other young 'dead' dwarves. Anvari could see Kián ducked under an elm tree, watching their surroundings with the tension of someone who knew he was not safe terrain. He smiled at his childhood friend. "Can you go ahead and warn them ere we approach, Kián? You know how they get when we get too close to their dens."

Kián rose and shouldered his crossbow, pushing wild dark hair out his face. "No one needs to get close... push some casks of Orcish stone oil down one winter's night and throw a torch.... then run before the Orcs arrive to feast." He replied grimly. "I'll go Anvari, before Belakan gets antsy again... he really got tense when the name Kíli was mentioned. No love lost there." With that Kián ducked through the bushes following a hidden path deeper in.

Anvari stopped to help Elennárë dismount, his gaze went to Boromir. "Did anything go well?" he asked.


Boromir

"Better than we expected, I believe," Boromir answered as he moved to his sister's side. "I do not know how many I truly expected - perhaps a dozen, two dozen at best - but there are at least four different groups who came, some that are, from what Kíli has told me, make up the whole of their settlement," he related, remembering the quick lesson he had been given about the groups represented. "Erebor, the Grey Mountains, the Reach, and other clans besides the Longbeards, all of who do not wish to be under Erebor's rule any longer."


Elennárë

"That sounds like Kaz-Tarnûr will have a big influx, though if the Reach is shifting, they will likely take the upper peaks, and some of the Grey Mountains dwarves are perhaps the hermit arcane smiths not wanting Dáin pestering them, so they will find quiet remote places to set up workshops." Elennárë could not help but observe.


Anvari

Anvari ducked his head, feeling suddenly a bit apprehensive. With that much influx of proper dwarves it might get harder for the dead ones in Kaz-Tarnur. He exhaled slowly, there was always the chance to join the war and Gondor cared less about them being the dead ones. "Sounds like it will be a long trek down south," he replied. "but more dwarves, means ultimately more forges and most like more mines, which will result in more weapons..." He looked at Elennárë. "I think your brother's companions will be glad to hear their people are going South."


Boromir

"Companions?" Boromir did not understand for a moment, glancing between Elennárë and Anvari.


Elennárë

"We spoke to Aelin and he set up a meeting with Yarion, my eldest Elven brother," Elennárë explained in a low voice. "He has a couple of companions who are from the Reach originally. Skar, the brother of Dári who was a father to Kíli, and his son Fion. They will travel with Yarion but should Yarion come south with us, knowing the folk of the Reach will be in the White Mountains may be a comfort to them."


Boromir

Boromir nodded in understanding. "There were a few of the others who did not react very well to the Dead, but both Argáz and Dwalin have started organising to keep the peace, keep those who reacted the worst away," he added. "Though the worst we had was not directly at anyone from your folk, Anvari, but towards Kíli."


Anvari

Anvari looked up, an oddly shy expression in his eyes, betraying a vulnerability he usually hid well. "I guess they can forgive us, we are of no consequence, a few survivors of the worst battle in younger dwarven history and their ill-begotten sons... they probably can find it in their hearts to forgive us. But for Kíli... for Durin's true line, that's not something they will be taking easily. Not all of them." He knew a bit about that, anyone from Durin's blood who proved "weak" would meet twice the scorn.

"Anyway,", he said, steering the conversation elsewhere. "we found Elennárë's brother, and I think he might of some mind to come with us eventually. But... we also learned where her other surviving brother and sister are."


Boromir

Boromir watched as Elennárë immediately moved to Anvari, putting an arm around his shoulders to soothe that pain that had shown through his words. He could admit to himself there was a measure of truth in the young dwarf's words, that people judged harshly when it was their leaders.

Seeing Anvari's change of subject for what it is, he looked to Elennárë. "I know you have been considering heading west to search your sister out, I would guess you had some confirmation on where on the coast to head for?" He asked.


Elennárë

"Yes, and my thought was fairly true, she is in the islands off the coast of Forlindon," Elennárë confirmed. "Both Aelin and Yarion confirmed it, Aelin even made some work towards bring her home, though his crafting ended up unneeded... until I visited him." Her hand moved to the pouch the star crystal was in. "She is... busy right now, but Losá can make a sending that can seem as solid as if she was fully present. She did say she wished to offer you a proper greeting before we parted, so I hope whatever has her away is done soon."


Boromir

"If she may return then I would be pleased to meet her as well." Boromir said, trying to not stumble over his words in surprise at this turn of fortunes. He knew with the distance involved and the invisible barriers between the mortal world and the realm Valinor resided in, they had not truly expected Elennárë would ever have much more than the mind-talk she had with her star-sister before.


Anvari

Anvari smiled shyly at Elennárë, before straightening up. "I would go with Lady Elennárë when she heads west," he said. "I know the lay of the land right until the Shire, and from there it is not all that far. As a small group we will be faster and with luck we will catch up with you somewhere in the old dwarf roads."


Boromir

Boromir offered a smile. "I am glad to know that, while I know Lord Yarion is a legend, I will say you are the person I know better Anvari." He said, stepping closer to the dwarf. He had come to expect Elennárë would set her heart on Anvari and knew the time they would be traveling would give that more space to truly come about.

He caught a flicker of Elennárë's attention being drawn away and turned to scan the surrounds. He glanced towards his guide, Kián, who was also watching.


Elennárë

"That way," Elennárë nodded slightly westward, her voice low enough to be almost unheard. "He knows how to shield his spirit from most but it is not perfect."


Aragorn

Aragorn had been careful to approach the small clearing, warned or not, people who survived long enough in Eriador learned to shoot ask and look for the Orc after and Dwarves made a point of being distrustful.

He had heard rumours and one talk with Thirán, who certainly was to most level-headed dwarf he had ever encountered, had confirmed that change was coming. In a way Aragorn was not yet sure what to make of the rumours he kept hearing, especially of the Exiled Dwarves taking up with someone from Gondor. When he first had heard the rumour that claimed the Captain of Gondor had come North to recruit allies, Aragorn had believed it a story, a wild tale. But now... he had to believe there was more.

When he stepped out of the shadows and out into the clearing, at least one doubt was taken from his mind. The man Gondor sent was certainly no impostor. He reminded Aragorn all too vividly of Ecthelion... and of Denethor, to not be blood related. Much more surprising was the Lady with him... who held a vague, if painful resemblance of one of Dol Amroth's most radiant daughters. Their companions were Kián who had carried the message that they were here to talk in the usual short and less-than-friendly dwarven way, and Anvari... another one of the dead dwarves, the son of Thirán.

Anvari was the one who walked up to him. "Aragorn, the way you snuck up on us, one might you think you expected Orcs." he said, with a slight smile.


Boromir

Boromir had to clamp down on the inclination to snicker at that quip, though he did consider it fairly accurate, both of the Ranger's caution and as a measure of what he had come to understand of this land. He eyed the Man before him with a mix of both curiosity and critical assessment, knowing this was the same man his father referred to as Thorongil and frowned on the prospect of having any claim in Gondor.

"You keep some curious company Anvari, son of Thirán, and it bodes anyone well to be cautious when faced with one of such a noble family is near, word has traveled far, to more ears than may be wise."

"That may be true," Boromir answered, hoping to deflect things off too much obscure Ranger-speak right from the start. "But I would hope to remove my presence soon enough so that those unwanted ears will turn to listen to things away from these lands. Certainly the progress of the party heading south will draw attention enough."


Aragorn

There was a directness in this man that reminded Aragorn he was talking to a soldier, and not a fellow Ranger. "While I am sure that your journey will keep many a listening ear curious and occupied, your reason for coming North in the first place is certain to keep many more ears busy long after the next winter comes. Though I should hope that none of your curious ears did follow you up North." He replied, studying the other man. It was the strangest of meetings, and maybe he did feel hampered, because Boromir did remind him of Ecthelion... and of his own days in the southern kingdom long ago. "My name is Aragorn," he did introduce himself by his real name.


Boromir

"I am Boromir," The courtesy of a name deserved one in return, and if Aragorn was willing to offer his real name instead of one of any number of pseudonyms he would have, then Boromir would match it. "I would hope then that talk up here will stay occupied with the news of Thirán's people departing. As for the less noticeable reason..." he had to pause to formulate words to go on. "The situation in Gondor may be changing soon and ancient claims that may exist there may no longer be available."


Elennárë

"Not all those who wander may be lost, but the crownless may never be king if another worthy line is found to claim their inheritance." Elennárë's voice was deceptively low, sounding quiet but carrying well enough for the small group to hear.


Aragorn

Aragorn's shoulders tensed slightly. Denethor had never made the claim of knowing of another worthy line... but he had made it quite clear what he thought of the Northern blood. In a way this should not be a surprise that his son - and whoever the Lady was - stood with him in this. Deep down Aragorn wondered how many powers were pulling at the legacy he carried, from the stern words of his foster-father Elrond, over Gandalf's advise to the cool, if slightly derogatory regard his Easterling captors had once given him. He wondered what he could say, should say... at least they deserved a warning.

"I should not be surprised to hear those words from Denethor's son," he said calmly, observantly. "as he made his position on the matter utterly clear many years ago. And while I will always respect the Steward's obligation to chose which line is worthy, I feel I should give one warning. Years ago, when I was younger, a group of Easterling soldiers set a trap for me, they intended to break me, convert me and use me against Gondor. They did not really believe in my ancestry, that much I learned from their cruel Captain, but he thought I was "close enough" to be of use. I was lucky.... I got away ere they could make good on their plans. I do not know if they are still trying take this path. Whatever line you think you may find in the south - be careful that it proves not to be another trap by their hand."


Elennárë

"The line Meneldil, from a younger son, records hidden by a later king, either because of jealousy or to protect the line." Elennárë spoke before Boromir could respond. "There is one soul in Gondor who knows they still exist, but cannot tell who the current heirs are. I asked Faramir to research it and perhaps he has already found it, but any information would be buried in the most hidden archives."


Boromir

"There is no guarantee that whoever is the current heir will be an acceptable option. As you say, my father would be able to object to any candidate - Pelendur's Precedent would apply just as it would if you were to challenge for the throne." Boromir added, the thoughts he spoke being ones he and Elennárë had discussed more than a few times on the journey.

"If the heir of Meneldil came out to be someone that would not do Gondor good, I would be willing to speak in support of the line of Isildur, but even then you would have to make some show of helping Gondor for there to be enough support to not cause a rebellion. Even if that show was a handful of warriors, it would be ground enough."


Elennárë

"And if Meneldil's heir turned out to be acceptable, if the Dúnedain were seen to aid Gondor, then Gondor could turn to aid the Dúnedain in reclaiming land here in the north," Elennárë brought a hand to her head, as if it was hurting her. Something in this whole matter was touching something deeper in her, a sign she believed that they were at an important point in destiny, or fate.

"Even if you remained only a chieftain, with your people allied to Gondor, the line of Isildur may still return to Gondor in a generation or two, through marriage perhaps."


Aragorn

"The line of Meneldil?" Aragorn asked, for a moment the Ranger giving room to the student who had spent ample time under Elladan's scholarly care. "There was a letter in the archives of Rivendell, regarding a matter of the elves of Ithilien... I wondered why my father... I mean Lord Elrond accepted the stance of the letter so easily, for it seemed rather stern. But when I asked him he said, that the man who wrote this letter was of Meneldil's line, though he did not flaunt is lineage openly. I do not know what role he exactly played, only that his name was somewhat tied to Ithilien.... Halvaran, that was the name the letter was signed with." Aragorn realized he had been talking much and more than any of the others might care. He tried to pull back into the mask of a leader, hard thought it was.

"I wish I could promise you aid in your war," he said. "and I will try to see what my people can do. But for many a year we have been barely holding our own. Ask your friend here," he pointed to Anvari. "he knows well enough what life is in Eriador." It was as honest an answer as he could give, though deep down Aragorn wondered what Mithrandir might say about all that, he did not even dare to think of Arwen in this context.


Boromir

"Halvaran... that name..." Boromir trailed off, turning to look at Elennárë who was rubbing at her temples before looking back at Aragorn. "Much of the history of the House of Húrin is lost before Húrin of Emyn Arnen was chosen to serve as the first Steward, but one of the few names that remain of his forefathers was that of his grandfather, Halvaran."


Elennárë

"Lossornë did say the line was always close by," Elennárë murmured, pulling her hands away from her head with a thoughtful look on her face. "If Meneldil's line ended up as the Stewards, they would have always had someone in Minas Tirith, close to the White Tree to support him, even if the they never had the full bond."


Boromir

"Then Father would try to claim-" Boromir's words were cut short as Elennárë gave a pained yelp, falling to her knees.


Lossanárë

"Eleni!" Lossanárë's form was drawn by the odd pull she had felt a cross the bond, the pain it was causing her sister making her rush to reach her. "What is it Firetsar? What bothers you?" She murmured in Quenya, hoping their oldest tongue would get through more easily.


Elennárë

"War, dust, ash... Gorgoroth..." Elennárë muttered, trying to make sense of what she was sensing. "Denethor would not be the one who should take the throne..."


Lossanárë

"Let me see Firestar..." Lossanárë murmured as she reached into the part of the bond where Elennárë's vision was bright and seeing hints of a life elsewhere. Images passed between the both of them, jumbled, but they could work through them properly later on. Now she had to pull Elennárë back to this world and away from the Threads of Fate which had, for some reason, caught onto her.


Anvari

Seeing Elennárë in pain Anvari rushed to her side, regardless of Men and their debates on thrones, he was relieved her sister appeared with them Lossanárë would at least know what was happening, they had debated those visions back with Yarion. Very gently he reached for Elennárë's hand, he did not know if he could help or anchor her, but in a way he felt he had to... like there was something that might make it possible.

Aragorn cast a worried glance towards the collapsed woman, he knew a vision trance when he saw one, and as a healer he knew it better be left undisturbed, lest the mind take irreversible damage. The appearance of the second woman startled him deeply. What was she? A spirit? A fëa? He could not tell.

His glance went back to Boromir. Suddenly their positions had become even more complicated, for no matter what might be - they know were rivals for the throne. "We better make sure your Lady can rest," he said, the Healer taking precedence even over a potential King. "if she has a vision there is little enough we can do, and all that we can do might do more harm than good."


Boromir

Boromir let out a gusty breath and nodded to Aragorn's advice. "This is not the first she has had, but this one is far more violent than the previous one was." The redheaded woman was familiar as he recalled the vision in Kíli's forge, and with the way she had appeared from thin air could only be Lossanárë. He could trust that Elennárë's sister would know how to help her, and if Anvari could offer support, then all the better.


Aragorn

Aragorn cast the warrior an impatient glance, that said quite plainly that the man did not understand. Right now, between a living vision and this world, the young Lady was being drained by powers of tremendous force, her spirit was on one plane the body on the other, and the danger was for both. He still could not tell how any gift of the Numenorán lines could have drawn a fëa into this world... or did he see a manifestation of the powers legendarily attributed to all Elendil's descendants? He did not know.

He advanced, eyes locking with Anvari, the young dwarf might be stubborn but he was maybe more open to advice. "Help your friend to sit more comfortably," Aragorn told Anvari, "she needs to conserve her strength. I can offer little to help...."

Anvari looked up, his face focused and tense. "She has my strength... ours... best you give us some space, Strider." he said a bit more sharply.


Lossanárë

Though she was already halfway submerged in her sister's vision, Lossanárë was not so deep as to miss the trade. "You may be one of the Mariner's descendants but even you would be overwhelmed by one of the Dawnstar's visions," she spoke with gritted teeth as she slowly worked to draw Elennárë back. After the vision that built hers and her sister's bond, she had not realised Elennárë was still so unprepared to face a vision unaided.


Aragorn

Dawnstar... what a strange and beautiful name, and yet... it fit the Lady so very well. Aragorn retreated a few steps, heading the request to give them space. The healer in him protested against it, but he had no aid he could give and had been warned away.

He looked at Boromir... the son of Denethor and now maybe his bitter rival. Or did they have to be? Who knew what fate held in store for them?

Anvari remained on his knees beside Elennárë, one hand on her arm. There was something, a pull he could feel, something he could not explain, it felt cold, icy... and yet, he knew he might be able to give her strength, to be an anchor in the earth. Taking a deep breath he opened his senses for the Stone, calling on the Earth, hoping that he could help her.


Elennárë

Between the stable light of her sister and the solid presence Anvari called up, Elennárë felt she could pull back enough to make a modicum of sense of the vision. "Denethor may be a good Steward, but the throne needs one with a stronger outlook, a younger vision. Arnor needs to live again as well, whether the Dúnedain rule it, or it is ruled from Gondor."


Lossanárë

Picking up a thread of her sister's words, Lossanárë put in her own voice. "The Mariner's Son needs to let go or he will kill that which he has guarded so long..." she quickly switched into Quenya as she worked out what that meant. "I am going to have go speak to him, maybe even act as a bridge so he can rouse out his boy some time..."


Anvari

Anvari listened to their words, following as the went through the elven languages. The Mariner's son... she had called Aragorn that. His head was spinning a bit, compared to this the dwarven throne was easy. What boy?


Aragorn

Aragorn could hear their voices, and he understood enough of what they said. His shoulders tensed, it was not just pride that kept him stubbornly set, but also a hope... the one hope that would die, should he fail to regain the throne of his people. Yet, there also was irony in it. He and Denethor had been rivals... and if this vision was true, they both were destined to fail. "Why do I have the feeling that your father will like this even less than I do?" he asked, wanting to talk, to talk to someone sane, someone straightforward.


Boromir

Boromir gave a soft groan to Aragorn's question, one of sympathetic irritation. "Because he will," he answered. "As much as I respect him, my father can be overly prideful and he will, as I said before, think it his place to claim the throne first. When it comes down to it, I want what is best for Gondor, and perhaps Arnor as well, and I am willing to back down on some fronts if that is what is needed." A grin quirked his lips as he glanced his sister's way. "I cannot even say that view was one I came by naturally. Elennárë has talked me around on a number of issues, and Kíli on a few more. A lot of what I have previously believed has changed within the last year."


Aragorn

"Kíli?" Aragorn spoke the name carefully, with an echo of surprise. "I thought he was..." he stumbled over the words. "Forgive me, I probably mean a dwarf of similar name." For a moment, only a moment he remembered sneaking out into the night in Rivendell as a boy, to watch the Dwarf King and his nephews before the left on the journey from which they did not return.

"Your Lady Elennárë seems a wise... and special person though."


Boromir

"That she is, perhaps one of the most special people in the whole of Arda.." Boromir frowned thoughtfully for a moment, a hand moving to rub his chin. "Everyone knows her as my half-sister, but I will grant you one secret, that it is a story my brother spread through rumours to cover how special she truly is." He did not move his hand, remembering what Elennárë said about palantiri, that they could not hear sounds. "I have never seen her in a visible form until now, but I know Lady Lossanárë is her sister by birth. That alone may tell you more of how large a secret we keep hidden."

He paused for a moment before adding, "And it may not be a different dwarf that you know. Most people in the north believe him dead, and for the most part I believe he prefers if they keep thinking as much. Certainly the dwarves who have decided they can no longer stand Dáin Ironfoot's rule will cause waves with their departure, as they are now joining Thirán's people and heading for the White Mountains."


Aragorn

Aragorn's mind tried in vain to wrap itself around the full secret Boromir had hinted at. Maybe he was too tired, too distracted, too many things coming in at once. The sisters were one riddle he might need to solve at a later time, maybe hear his father's advice on it. The second part... was easier understood at least. "I never 'knew' Prince Kíli," he said honestly. "I only saw him once, when he, his brother and his Uncle crossed the mountains to face the dragon. I was a boy back then, sneaking out into the night to see Dwarf King. Later I heard stories that they all three fell in a terrible battle." He shook his head tiredly. As a boy he had not felt it so bad, better they all three died, then one living on without their Uncle or Father. "But if it is true that there is unrest in Dáin's domain, than I think you for the timely warning."


Boromir

"For that you are welcome," Boromir acknowledge the tanks "Thirán had intended to join us today but some minor incidents kept him back. He did want to let you know the caves his people have resided in, and the mine they were working, are yours and your people's to take over and do with what you will." He left it at that, thinking it would be politer not to bring some of the discussions Thirán had mentioned had happened about the Dúnedain defenses. "I hope one day we may stand together, but if the situation here in the north remains too troublesome, then one day I hope Gondor will be able to aid your people."


Aragorn

"I hope both lands survive," Aragorn said earnestly. "for the years are becoming darker... and I cannot see where our roads will lead. Maybe there is a dawn for both of our homelands, and I hope we both will live to see it, and meet again in better days."


Boromir

"I hope that as well, and will keep fighting in hopes we may see that dawn." He agreed before turning to see how his sister was doing. She seemed to finally recovered from the vision so he approached.

"Are you doing better Sister?" he asked softly as he knelt.


Elennárë

"Better now, though I do hope the Lord of Dreams will wait until I have more support next time he intends on sending me a message. As it is, I think Yarion may wonder what is keeping me." She moved to grip Boromir's hands. "You take care as you head south, Brother, issues of the throne notwithstanding, you will be important to the war. Confused as it was, this vision impressed that much upon me."


Lossanárë

"And before we part, I would like to say I am glad to be able to see you face-to-face as well," Lossanárë added quietly. "I have been grateful of the protection you have given my Firestar, both before and after you knew of her presence."


Boromir

"And I am glad to also meet you, Lady Lossanárë," Boromir returned, before offering Elennárë a hand as she rose to her feet.

"Anvari, I know you will take care of her, so I will wish you well."


Anvari

Anvari inclined his head slightly. "I will protect them, you have my word." he said solemnly. "May a light shine upon you path and protect you on the long journey home." It was a formal blessing but one he felt was needed. "Until we meet again."


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