[maikafanawen]

Finally Kementurien came out of her half-trance and focused on the elf in front of her.

“Now, child, what is it you want know. You must pay first, this time, understand?” said the earth master. Ani Dao nodded and began to tell her of her situation. She explained to her of the danger of Erebor and the people of the company. The assassin didn’t leave out the part about the bandits, and the suspicions, though she did not share them, of Kaldon and Hogar. Kementurien nodded, ‘mhmm’-ed and ‘I see’-ed at just the right spots. When Ani Dao was done with her story, Kementurien sat back in her cedar rocking chair.

“And what can I do?” asked the earth master. Ani looked around the room at all the jars of herbs and poultices displayed on shelves around the apothecary.

“This is my first adventure in where I travel with other people. I will undoubtedly get close with some of them, if not all of them. I do not know if I can handle them perhaps, dying. I haven’t experienced death at all yet.”

“But the dwarves, Ani Dao. They died in Moria when you were there,” the pharmacist began labeling her herb jars again. The elf stood up and walked to the wall behind the counter leaning against the rough wood, her head pressed against the partition from the outside.

“Yes, but they were natural deaths. Deaths that were expected, and celebrated, not brutal passings into Mandos’ hall! I’m taking about killings and murders—”

“You kill and murder child—”

“I mean friends!!” The assassin rounded on Kementurien annoyed with her placid comments. The earth master laid down her pen and stood up. Walking over to where the elf-maiden stood in desperation, she put her hand on Ani Dao’s head softly.

“Ani Dao, do you think you have stumbled upon something too quick. You have assumed to great a responsibility? Are you too weak to accomplish anything of use in this mission?” The gray eyes of the woman stared boldly into the fiery elves own blue eyes. Tears of frustration brimmed the latter’s eyes. Kementurien put her hand under Ani Dao’s chin and lifted it proudly.

“You are strong, Ani Dao. You will succeed, I feel it.” She brought forth a pouch containing three placid stones of different colors, and dumped them into her little palm. “These are river stones I have received from different peoples on my comings to Bree from Umbar. I have boiled them in herbs, and smothered them with song. This one,” she said, holding up a dark blue one, “was given to me by the dwarves of the ancient mountain to which you travel now. It will bring your company hope and courage.” She replaced it in the leather pouch and pulled forth now a light green one. “This I received from Thranduil, your native king. It will bring you stealth and secrecy.” Nestling that one besides the blue one, she pulled forth a gold one. “This one is most precious for it was said to have been wrought by Elbereth Githoniel herself. And it will bring you wisdom. Using this stone will help you decide what to do in a tough situation.” Putting all three stones in the bag and tying it shut, she handed it over to Ani Dao. “These, are gifts, for they are priceless. I have no use for them, so take them and use them wisely. They will serve whoever holds them, so if they are stolen, they could be worked against you. Be wary child.” Kementurien patted the elf’s cheek and scurried back to her counter. Remembering something suddenly she looked up again, "Oh yes, child. Remember this also: The stones may only be used one time each. Then their magic fades." Ani Dao was baffled that a woman whom she had known for only two months would give such precious gifts. She did not even know why this woman had been given these stones. Why would the dwarves, elves, or whoever gave her the third stone part with such dear an item? Deciding that time was not on her side, she kept her questions to herself and tucked the pouch inside her tunic, and hung the leather strap around her neck, nestling it besides her beloved feather pendant.

“Alright, now you can buy the herbs, spices, and medicines that will also help you on your journey.” Kementurien packed all the necessities that Ani Dao would need. Among them were medicines that would suck out poison, poultices that would cease bleeding, and herbs that would calm restless spirits. Placing all in a bag and clasping it shut, the earth master handed it over to Ani Dao, who paid generously in gold. The two friends embraced one last time, then the assassin slung the pack over her shoulder and left the apothecary.


*********************************************


She came face to face with Arlome recovering from a fight with Kaldon as he rode off. The assassin thought to go after him, but decided better of it. Instead she hurried to see if Arlome needed help. He stood up as if unscathed and re-sheathed his knife. Turning towards the apothecary he greeted her.

“What happened?” asked the elf bewildered.

“Kaldon has betrayed us. I saw him conversing with another man at the Prancing Pony and reported it to Bali. He realized that I had discovered him out and fled. On his way out, I guess, he decided to avenge my actions. We fought, but the guard was coming so he left,” the dunedain stopped to catch his breath which was just coming back to him after the kick. His determined strength and extensive training served his recovery well. He informed the guard of Kaldon’s status and half went after him, while the other returned to the Prancing Pony to check on Bali and the others.

As the elf and dunedain spoke, a man named Belfalod approached them.

“Hail ranger!” said he, coming towards Arlome. After the swift attack, Arlome was cautious. His hand went to his bow, but Ani Dao stopped him. The man realized the tension and asked,

“What happened?” realizing that the two didn’t know who he was he introduced himself, “I apologize, my name is Belfalod, I have been recruited by Bali to join his company, in which you are part of I assume by your nature?” Arlome relaxed and stepped forward, extending his hand.

“Well met, Ranger Belfalod,” the two shook hands. “I am Arlome, and this is my companion Ani Dao.” Ani Dao bowed in the fashion of the elves. “We are indeed part of Bali’s company.” The guard returned without Kaldon and headed back towards the Inn. Ani Dao watched them.

“We better reunite with the company. I have a feeling our stay will be shorter than planned.” Ani Dao untied Uesse, placing the sack of medicines in the saddle bag and the three walked back towards the Prancing Pony.

[ March 02, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

[ March 08, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]