The dark elf stood erect and met the Elvenking’s gaze. He pitied Tinuiel’s fate, he had not wholly agreed to Thranduil’s sentence, yet he saw the wisdom in it. He would have executed Mornovarion after extracting information from him, should he had been in the Elvenking’s place. But this was his realm, and his ways were far different from what Rûdhchamion was born to.
Rûdhchamion began his tale.
“I am called Rûdhchamion, O’ Elvenking. I was once among those who roamed the eaves of Eryn Galen near the Great River. We were not many in number and our needs were few, the land was bountiful. We hunted but a few game, taking care not to trespass Thy fair woods. Thus it was many seasons after the last great battle with the Enemy.”
He hesitated a moment then continued, the bitterness could be heard in his words.
“Alas, for now those beloved to me are no more. We had stayed last near sight of Leog Ningloron, called Gladden Fields, and it was there that all but a handful of my people survived the treachery of man.
My mother’s kin had pitied two weary travelers, or so they seemed at that time. While we were feasting that night, we were attacked by foul orcs and their allies. The two men were among those who killed my family. We fought as well as we could, but our weapons were no match of those made of iron. They made use of poison darts and arrows. We were over powered.”
The dark elf stopped and tried to relax. His fists were clenched in silent rage, his whole being had gone tensed as the memories of that day he had kept hidden burst forth. He lowered his gaze a moment and breathed deeply. When he meet Thranduil’s gaze, his eyes reflected his turmoil and rage.
“I had watched helpless as my father was cut down as he tried to aid my mother who had been hit by an arrow. I was able to escape death when my twin sister, Pennnauriel took the poison dart that had been aimed at me. As I held her … she... she died in my arms, the light in her eyes were no more. Pennauriel, my half, who was to wed soon Annunsèw, a young hunter… as I held her I had been hit then from behind and knew no more.
When I awoke, only a few remained. All left were carrying wounds unfelt, for our grief was deeper and greater. Our womenfolk and children were not spared. Their bodies were left strewn with arrows.
After taking care of our dead, I left the last remnant of my people. I swore I would hunt down the orc and their allies. I was tracking the men from the east when they were waylaid by your son’s patrol. I was hoping they would lead me to the orcs. For long have I searched for the ones responsible for the slaying of my kin. Those that I have slain did not have the mark as the ones who had slaughtered my family.”
The Elvenking stayed silent as Rûdhchamion ended his tale. His face was void of emotion, and the dark elf knew not his thoughts.
[ May 02, 2002: Message edited by: Thalionyulma ]
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