Land of Darkness RPG

[CaptainofDespair]

With an obviously hostile dwarf standing above him, and with the animosity between the two races already embedded in both minds, Morgoroth knew he must watch himself, for he walked a very fine line. Raeis however, did not seem to see it this way, as she rose to protect her comrade. With blade in hand, she came forth like a serpent, ready to strike. The young Dwarf did not notice her at first, and by the time her voice had made her presence known to him, he would have had his head splattered on the walls and cobblestone floor of the courtyard. But Morgoroth could see the fiery intent in Raeis’ eyes, and he rose quickly to stop her. “No!” he spoke as he grabbed her forearm, keeping the blade just out of reach of the dwarf’s head. “Our quarrel is not with each other. We have more important matters to attend to.” He let forth a heavy sigh as he pushed his way past the trio of dwarves.

Raeis was still in shock as she began to follow her immortal compatriot. His willingness to protect those that had threatened him startled her, as well those in the vicinity of the occurrence. Even the dwarves had expected that he would have allowed for their brethren’s death. Yet, even with this showing of kindness, or mercy, neither party still wished to associate with the other, and they went their separate ways. Raeis soon managed to catch up with Morgoroth, as he made his way back into the darkness of the Tower. Yet following her this time, was the slave Jordo, who had not wanted to be left alone in the courtyard. He watched the elves move with their naturally imbued grace and elegance, and was entranced by it, drawn into their world for a fleeting moment.

The pair of elves, followed by Jordo, who still kept to the darkness that pervaded the corridors, slowly meandered their way through the Tower. Morgoroth had the look about him that he was searching for something long lost. After futilely searching a few dark, empty rooms, The Elves began to make their way back to the courtyard. As they neared the doorway, the immortal male gave a passing glance at the stairs.

The dark Silvan suddenly stopped at the base of the stairwell, and he turned to meet the gaze of his female companion, who wondered why he had stopped. “We will rest here for a few moments. The stairs will be a task to climb when we are still so weak from our imprisonment.” As Raeis moved to take a seat on the stairs behind him, Morgoroth noticed the newly freed slave lurking in the shadows. He knew the boy would not understand his own native Sindarin, so he refrained from using it. In place of it, he used the Common Tongue, which he spoke with equal fluency. “Come forth from the shadows which conceal you, young one.” Jordo was quick to obey, though he did not fully know why he did. As he stepped out into the shadows, his freckled face was revealed to the Elf, who stood stone-still, scanning the now freed slave’s face. “Tell me your name,” the Silvan demanded. “Jordo,” came the reply from the man-child. “Do not be frightened. Come, rest with us. There is a long, harsh road ahead of us.” Jordo walked towards the stairs hesitantly, still wary of the Elves, and still quite dumbstruck that they had granted him a seat by their side, let alone see him in the shadows of the Tower. But finally, with a hint of suspicion still glazed on his mind, he sat down next to the female Silvan.

Raeis continued to wonder for a few minutes why he had decided to head up the stairs, when the courtyard would prove a more bountiful search for more wares. Finally, she gathered up her thoughts, and sought to inquire to this. “Why must we go up the stairs? Out there . . . ” she pointed out past the heavy, wooden doors leading to the courtyard. “It is easier to acquire what we need out there.” Morgoroth stared at her for a moment, deciding upon an explanation of actions. “When I was first captured, I had with me a special set of weapons. Two long knives and a sword crafted of the finest elven steel are what was taken from me.” He paused to take a breath, and then continued with his answer. “When I was transferred from Cirith Gorgor, those were shipped to Cirith Ungol as well. I am hoping, however unlikely it may seem, that they are still contained within this place, somewhere.” He motioned to the stairs. It is time we set off now. The Elf stood up quickly, as his short rest had revitalized both his body and spirit. He reached out his hand to Raeis, to help her up off the narrow stairs. She held back a moment, unsure of the Silvan’s intent, but finally, she took his hand, and took to standing once more. Jordo had not been resting like the elves, for he was invigorated by his new freedom, and could not contain his energy while sitting down. But nevertheless, the party was readied, and they began their climb up the stairs.