[maikafanawen]

“An elf maiden ran through the woods, her layered dress billowing behind her, threatening to slow her down. Spiders were on her trail, and her weapons were lost. Her feet were covered protectively in cow-hid boots, although the soles were soaked and coated with mud. A howl up ahead told the elf that the wargs had detected her trail, and her enemies were upon her from both sides. The feather pendant at her throat was pulsing with a steady supply of magic. The silver began to glow. In a flourish of desperate panic, she wrenched it from its hanging place on a the black chord around her neck, and held it above her, reaching towards the steely gray sky. Bolts of magic and twines of steel erupted about her as the veins on the feather expanded past her fingers, creating a protective shield between the elf and her pursuers.

“Lunging at her like rabid dogs, spiders and wargs struck the shield in a bone crushing madness. Strength was seeping continuously from her body and the elf’s brilliant blue eyes were misting over. A voice sounded then, breaking through the sudden barrir. The elf cried out in frustration as strong arms wrapped protectively around her as she faded from consciousness. Vague outlines of spiders and wargs were cowering away from the figure who stood there, holding the limp she-elf’s body. It was a man, probably a wizard, his silver hair flowing around his face, receding from the confinements of his death black cowl.

“A loud booming sound echoed from under the wizard’s feet. He began to run. The elf’s body was folded into his arms, her head pressed against his chest. Fire engulfed the valley, and the man lashed out, a blue mist issuing from his fingertips, counteracting the flames. Another rumble shook the earth then, almost throwing the man off-balance. He ran again, forcing back the fire, and other enemies.

“Finally the two broke through the forest boundaries and entered the base of the Misty Mountains. The entrance to the unknown caverns of the desolate range were half a mile away. Summonging his magic around him, the wizard cloaked them defensively and quickened his sprint across the plain. Sweltering fire came after them, revealing its source. An ancient demon of Morgoth, both shadow and flame, a Balrog of the old world. It shrieked in fury as it closed in on the fugitives. Spiders and wargs were far behind, either scared off or killed by the monster.

“The door loomed just up ahead, only a few more steps and they were safe. The Balrog was right on their tale, but his bulky figure would not be able to pass through the entrance way. Shadow crept up over the two as they neared the arch. Finally, the wizard leapt into protection of the caves, cradling the elf girl. He did not stop there though, he continued to run away from the immense heat of the Balrog. The man came upon a pool, deep in some forgotten crevice of the mountain. Its water was black and placid, like the stomach of some sleeping dragon. On the far side were jagged rocks, forbidding access to the ominous pond. He laid the elf at its shore and settled himself in his robes, watching as the ceremony took place.

“He waited for an hour or so, until the water began to churn, green mist entwining with the black pool. Corporeal forms rose from the surface, dancing their way across the lake to the sleeping girl. The largest form, and most foreboding of the spirits, reached out with one frail, transparent hand. The moment the fingertips of the wraith made contact with the cheek of the elf, the entire cavern erupted in lightening, silver smoke issuing from every niche and crevice the mountains ever had. It disappeared as soon as it had come and the elf sat rigid, and by herself, her eyes open and staring at the death-plagued lake. In her small, frozen hand, was the feather pendant. Its pearlescent silver shiny from the sweat of her hand.”

Ani Dao concluded her story and looked mischievously at Serello who was staring wide eyed and amazed at the she-elf. The hobbit began to digest her story. They were seated in the dining room and had begun to talk while Hogar was being convinced by the other dwarves that elf food was not so bad, even for a dwarf. Ani Dao had spotted Serello half eating, half watching the scene. She had walked over to him and struck up a conversation with the hobbit. Not long after, she had offered to tell him the story of her feather pendant. Since she wasn’t sure of the real tale, she decided to make one up instead. After a while of thinking the little hobbit raised one eyebrow and said,

“You made that up!” Ani Dao shrugged,

“So? You liked it didn’t you?” The hobbit laughed and walked away to join Hogar who had finally conceded to eat elvish food. The elf stood up with a sigh, I thought it was good, she wandered then outside to enjoy the rest of the day before the company had to leave again. And if we don't go soon I'll go mad just wandering around with nothing to do!

[ March 21, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]