* Gandalf stood his ground, shielding his mind as best he could against further attacks from Maladil. The wizard fought against a small, stinging knot of pain and pressure behind his eyes that sought a foothold there from which to grow and suffocate, spread and destroy. Surroundings blurred into ripples of shadow interspersed with drops of faraway noise run together, under the weight of bitter time that should not be relived. *
* With a sudden burst of resolve, Gandalf raised his softly-glowing staff. A bolt of lightning leapt from it, striking Maladil in the chest. Maladil staggered back, dropping his sword. Gandalf took a deep breath, thoughts clearing. *
* Things had been happening all around the two intent on their personal stand-off. The Orcs had run off, gnashing their putrid teeth about how their prey had left the range of dart and stone, spear and arrow. Cirgon, Guilin, Halblung, and Tiroedrath stood looking around aimlessly. *
* Maladil laughed hoarsely and hideously. * "So, they send an old man from the West to add insult to injury, do they? Guilin, Halblung, Tiroedrath ... slay this intruder, this Mithrandir!"
* Halblung and Tiroedrath, took a few slow uncertain steps towards the grey-cloaked figure, blades ready. Cirgon cried out, "No! He's from the West! Do not bring new curses upon us." A look from Maladil flung Cirgon to the ground whimpering. Halblung and Tiroedrath faltered, looking between Maladil and Cirgon, then looking for the Butler, who seemed to have vanished again. Guilin strode towards the grey-cloaked figure purposefully enough, but not for the purpose of battle. Instead, Guilin called out, "Tidings, Mithrandir! What tidings from outside?"
* Gandalf strode over to Cirgon and reached out a hand as though to help the ghost regain his feet. * "Walk with me," he beckoned to Guilin, and Halblung, and Tiroedrath, turning his back on Maladil. *
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Daerohil wanted to help. He shivered just looking at the shivering horse. "Hide-and-seek ... Calimiel ... come! Horses safe."
* Daerohil glided off at a light run through an entrance, leading his esteemed and honorable visitors on a merry chase through the Inner Courtyard, through a small door, through a corridor, through the Great Hall, up the South West staircase, shouting Calimiel's name as he ran ... *
[ February 25, 2003: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]
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