The Road to Erebor RPG

[maikafanawen]

Bali was leaving. The elven messenger informed her, not long after she and Ahret Ban returned to their quarters. She couldn’t believe it. They had not arrived but a few hours ago. She thought to argue, but thought better of it, and instead went to tell Ahret Ban.

“You’re coming with us!” Declared Ani Dao, blocking the doorway of Ahret Ban’s quarters. The elder assassin looked threateningly at her. They had been arguing constantly and repetitively on the same topic.

“Who will protect the king if it go?”

“Who is going to harm the king?” The two stared at each other challengingly for a minute before Ahret Ban spoke.

“I am not needed there Ani Dao. It is not my place.” He approached her gently and stroked her cheek. “You will return, and we will speak more. This is just an elf-walking party if you will. Come back for tea tomorrow morning won’t you?” He dropped his hand and walked over to his desk. “That is what you always used to say to me ‘…an adventure could happen before or after breakfast and I’d still have tea…’ Has so much changed Ani?” Tears made the she-elf’s eyes look like glass and they began to slide down her cheeks slowly. Ahret Ban nodded. “Mmm, yes. New emotions. You always had confidence in yourself.” In two large strides he was before her again and clutched her hands firmly. “Have confidence in yourself again Ani! Do not fail. You will not fail!” Infuriated, she wrenched her hands free and between gritted teeth she said:

“I have never failed. You are not my father—”

“No! I am your teacher.” Ani Dao collapsed into the arms of her mentor and sobbed heavily.

*****

The next morning, Ani Dao walked out of Mirkwood forest, and further away from her teacher, and friend. At her throat she gripped the feather pendant, which so long ago that it was beyond her memory had been given to her. Sobs had racked her body the night before, and she shook still. Burzdol noticed.

“Are you alright?” She nodded, and firmly changed the look on her face from sadness to determination.

“Just anxious to reach Erebor.” He looked uncertainly at her, but said nothing.

“We’ll be there soon. Two days.” They walked side-by-side the rest of the day.

*****

Upon their arrival at Erebor, they were met with an onslaught of orcs. Defeating them rather easily, they were shown inside the mountain. The scene caught Ani Dao hard by the throat. A beautiful kingdom had been built inside the depths of the mountain. Gigantic columns carved in great decoration and detail held up the ceilings. But what really caught Ani Dao’s attention was all the gold: gold, silver, diamonds, gems, jewels, and mithril. Memories of her days as a corsair flooded back to her. She was not proud of her conquests and vanquishes, but they were still there. She smiled wickedly to herself. If only they could see me now. Surrounded by all this treasure. Ha! How jealous they’d be!! Burzdol clapped her on the back, bringing her back to reality. Suddenly ashamed at her zealous thoughts, Ani Dao followed Burzdol to the walls to get the complete overview of the battlements.

[ April 12, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]