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Old 11-18-2008, 12:18 PM   #270
Mithalwen
Pilgrim Soul
 
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Join Date: May 2004
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Mithalwen is lost in the dark paths of Moria.Mithalwen is lost in the dark paths of Moria.Mithalwen is lost in the dark paths of Moria.Mithalwen is lost in the dark paths of Moria.
Tathren had waited for what seemed to be an age in the Ulfing's hall, alone with the body of his master. His indignation was soon replaced with bewilderment. Whatever was going on here was beyond his experience and imagination but instinct told him that he should leave as soon as might be. Not tonight - he did not trust himself to find his way in the dark, though the horses might. And though Lachrandir had found his violent death in the full light of day, The night may encourage even Elvish minds to conjure horrors that even the stars of Elbereth might not dismiss. Though whatever might befall him on his journey he knew he must steel himself to face Caranthir.

He would depart at first light if possible. Somehow he must complete his Lachrandir's business if there be anyone left in this deserted place with authority to treat with him. And then there was the last service he must rend his master.

He looked at his lord's body. The spirit had long passed whether answering the call to Mandos or no, but the shell that remained must suffer no further indignity. Tathren few resources to draw on, death being an unnatural event for his people and not one he had previously experienced first hand. He had heard of the fallen being laid to rest beneath grass or stone but he had no idea if it must be so and neither seemed possible hear. He could not carry his master back to Caranthir but he was loathe to leave him alone in a strange land, uncertain if his grave would be defiled.

"Lachrandir, what should I do?", he asked silently. His master's name gave him an inkling and without knowledge of the correct rite and ritual he would follow his instinct.

A pyre seemed appropriate for the Feanorian and as a smith's son he knew how to build a fire to burn hot and strong enough that nothing but ash would remain.

Having decided, the need to act overruled his reluctance to leave his master unattended. He made a slight bow, then turned and left the hall to find what was required for his purpose.

Last edited by Mithalwen; 12-06-2008 at 03:59 PM.
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