EPILOGUE: Healing

[tomcat]

Days passed through the remainder of mid-summer. The lands east, and around the Dinvuld hills began to return to normal. The invaders had been driven out and their threat had been removed. Folks began to return to their homes and healing was finally able to begin. Not only for the Éothraim spirit, but for the many who had taken wounds in battle.

The Company returned once more to Thergas, taking up residence there for their own wounds to heal. Edrahil had come along very well, the Sindar recovering more quickly than the Men around him. Fengel and the others were also feeling much better and the Éothraim warrior spent many days with his sister. Gléowyn had finally come back to herself, though a shadow still haunted her eyes, but she was at last able to smile and laugh with her brother and his friends.

It was during these days that Durgil took note of the young, strong woman. She was beautiful. Her long flaxen hair hung down over her shoulders as she tended their wounds and sung softly in her native tongue. The young noble knew this woman had seen the darkest of days due to the Sagath, but still her spirit shined. She was a warrior above all others. Her's was a strength that could not be challenged. Still, at times Durgil could see her sitting alone and she would falter, her head would hang low and he could tell that she quietly sobbed.

He could not have been more moved.

Though the war had been won, it had not come without a toll. King Thuidmar was slowly failing. The bolt that had pierced him had been laced with poisons and the king had taken the wound too deep. He would not be leaving the old fortress ever again, save to join his fathers in their ancient Halls.

Too had come the word from Arthedain to Durgil. The messenger, Gloraglil, now waited patiently to hear word from the companions as to their course. Dirnhael sat before a large hearth in the common hall within Thergas' walls. They were down to four... maybe less. Fengel was now home. Would he leave these lands once more? Would he leave his sister?

The Dúnadan then thought of Ioreth far away. He needed to get home to her soon. The Company had left in the last few days of March, and now July would soon pass. Dirnhael could not hope to see his beloved before the leaves were fallen from the trees, and that would be if they left today.

He took a pull from the wooden cup of mead before him and wondered where Nain had made it to. The Company would soon need to take council as to what was to become of them.

The moon hung low over the plain below Cliffwall. Atop the steep cliff, a dreadful shadow sat upon a great black horse. His raimant was a mixture of both east and west - the former being part of his heritage. He had once been a great king in those lands until he had fallen to the Dark Lord, but now he was his slave. A powerful slave, and master of many, but a slave nonetheless.

Khamûl looked to the field once more where lay the broken remains of so many Easterlings, but only one concerned him most. The Nazgûl had spent a great deal of time with that one. He had even bestowed the Man with a servant far greater than Harizän could ever have hoped to be. And now both were dead, the one smashed under a building in Ilanin; the other slain on the field of battle below.

"I must find another of far sterner stuff, if I am to break these folk and drive them from this land," hissed the Nazgûl. He turned his mount to head back west, towards Mirkwood and the sorcerous tower of Dol Guldur. Many in the land of the Éothraim felt his passing, as cold fingers down the spine, and so doors were buttoned up tight and folk lay close to each other in their beds that night, hoping the shadow would pass.



[OOC:] You guys can give me some dialogue as you please to let me know where your PC's go from here. Also fill out the story a bit with what your characters have been doing over the last few weeks since the end of the conflict.

Matt, feel free to play on any of the stuff I wrote about Fengel's sister if you want.

All PC's (except Gloraglil - though he was given a heft XP reward so that I can keep him close to the others) have been awarded an Advancement. Feel free to post your picks with your narrative/dialogue.

This is where this part of our tale comes to an end. As always, I will need some time to lay the framework of a new story. It is about Durgil, of course, and maybe about the politics of Arthedain... not sure where I wanna take this one yet! 

[GandalfOfBorg]

The Company returned once more to Thergas, taking up residence there for their own wounds to heal. Edrahil had come along very well, the Sindar recovering more quickly than the Men around him. Fengel and the others were also feeling much better and the Éothraim warrior spent many days with his sister. Gléowyn had finally come back to herself, though a shadow still haunted her eyes, but she was at last able to smile and laugh with her brother and his friends.

It was during these days that Durgil took note of the young, strong woman. She was beautiful. Her long flaxen hair hung down over her shoulders as she tended their wounds and sung softly in her native tongue. The young noble knew this woman had seen the darkest of days due to the Sagath, but still her spirit shined. She was a warrior above all others. Her's was a strength that could not be challenged. Still, at times Durgil could see her sitting alone and she would falter, her head would hang low and he could tell that she quietly sobbed.

He could not have been more moved.

OOC: You gotta love parallels, JRRT's stuff was loaded with them

Like back in Ilanin, the flower of the plains had weathered much but its bloom remained vibrant yet dulled a bit from its ordeal.  At first he espied her from afar, catching brief glances of her from him and he the same in return.  When he finally plucked up enough nerve to speak to her, she was with her brother as she had been constantly since the Easterling invasion had been thwarted.  Fortunately he was on an errand for the ailing king.  "Fengel, your lords seeks your counsel."  He pauses, "If it is no trouble, I would ask for the company of Gleowyn.  A walk then maybe a ride?  I know Rochithuin misses the lady and her legs need to be stretched as well."

[sdrotar]

Dirnhael watched and listened to the world around him while in Thergas, saying little. Everything had changed - for him, everything was always changing.

Edrahil was hale once more, which pleased Dirnhael greatly, and he couldn't help but notice Durgil finding any excuse to be near Gleowyn. He supposed he couldn't blame him, and he laughed once at supper - confusing those around him - at the irony of the two of them finding reasons for their hearts to sing half a world away from one another. He chuckled to himself; perhaps Fengel might be more fortunate and find someone... local.

He looked for Thermon, but the rogue could not be found. He was told that he braved the passage and delivered the Company's message, which helped the Eothraim prepare for war. He had no doubt that the man was a survivor, and thought that perhaps their paths would cross once again someday. In his place, he reasoned that young Gloragil might join them. Durgil, who seemed so young to his eyes when they faced Scatha, seemed a wizened old man now in comparison to the eager herald.

He spent time with Fengel on many of the bright, sunny days. The King was passing, and though Dirnhael did not know how the Eothraim's rules of succession worked, he knew by the way the villagers looked at Fengel that his friend would become a very powerful and important man among his people, if he so wished.

"Ever-changing," he thought. Perhaps, in his heart, he had come to realize that he wouldn't have things any other way.

[tomcat]

"Fengel, your lords seeks your counsel."  He paused, "If it is no trouble, I would ask for the company of Gleowyn.  A walk then maybe a ride?  I know Rochithuin misses the lady and her legs need to be stretched as well."

Gléowyn could not help but note Durgil's glances. Today was not the first time she had caught him staring in her direction, a subtle smile upon his face. Part of her felt a pang of guilt to find pleasure in the man's notice, after all she was still a wife - but her husband was dead many moons now. Part of her felt fear. What she had endured from the Easterling had scarred her... shamed her. Why would this noble take interest?

She had to know.

When Fengel nodded at his friend and strode off, Gléowyn replied to Durgil's request. "A ride would be pleasant Lord Durgil... but why? Surely a man of the high blood would have better interests. Ladies of... quality." She looked down, "Someone more... deserving?"

The Dúnadan noticed her shame, and that she had not referred to herself as a lady. Of all those who had suffered wounds from the Sagath invaders, hers was perhaps the deepest and most irreparable.



[OOC:] Hey Paul, I need your input as to what Fengel wants to do. Is he going to stay with his friends? Settle in his homeland? Return to his land holdings that were awarded him in Arthedain? Maybe take his sister with him?

I leave it in your hands to write the next page for Fengel. If he stays, we can generate a new PC for you to bring into the game - with the understanding that Fengel is out there if ever he wants to come back into the story.

Give me your thoughts, and we will go from there. 

[GandalfOfBorg]

"We may not come of the same stock but your quality is no less and many times much more than those I've encountered in the courts and halls of my lord."  He takes her hand, "You are a woman of valor, a woman of worth... and in my eyes, that makes you a lady of the highest quality.  Yes, Gleowyn, you deserve much, and it is my sincerest desire that you receive it all."

[Palandil]

Sorry, I just haven't found the time post.

Fengel couldn't help feeling a little uneasy at Durgil's apparent interest in his sister, and with a protective glance back he noticed Durgil holding Gleowyn's hand.  He wasn't sure how he felt about that yet.  Nevertheless he strode off to meet with the lords of the Eothraim.

It was a heated discussion as some men thought themselves to be the rightful successor of Thuidmar's throne.  Fengel just sat quietly pondering all that had taken place in the past year.  As he did, the noise of the room had dissipated to nothing more than a bubbling brook.  Thoughts of the snow covered land of Arthedain, the fog of the lands of Angmar, and the beautiful home of Rivendell led him far from his homeland again.  He thought too of the many battles that he and his companions found themselves in.  And the strange creatures from dragons to werewolves that they had encountered and defeated.  He found himself with a smile upon his face as one of the other nobles grabbed him by the shoulder.  "What say you Fengel?" he said.
Fengel looked at him, "What say I to what?"
"To your nomination for ruler of your people, of course!"

Fengel looked around the room at all of his kin.  Some he could see were disgusted with the prospect, and yet others had a look of anticipation at his answer.  After a moments pause, Fengel stood and addressed them all.  "My brothers, I have been away a long time, and in truth I only came back to see my beloved Gleowyn.  Unfortunately our reunion was delayed by the easterling invasion.  After much bravery by our people we have succeeded, if for a time, in securing our homeland.  And our bond with the people of Ilanin has been made stronger.  A great number of men have made this possible.  I can not claim credit, for my part was merely taking revenge for my sisters pain and suffering, at the hands of Harizan.  This does not make me a leader of a people.  All I want now is to insure my sister can live the rest of her life safely and happily.  I respectfully decline any such nomination.  However, the one that you do choose must be a true man of valor and great bearing, for we have seen that a great darkness desires to bring our people to ruin.  I bid you well."  At that Fengel left the room sitting in dead silence.

[calavingian]

One night, when all wounds of the body were well mended and the thoughts of men could turn once again towards the far distant hills of home, Gloraglil, the Herald of Arthedain, called both Durgil of Arthedain and Daernhail of the lost kingdom to join him high on the battlements of the keep.

As stars glittered in the sky, Gloraglil judged sufficient time had passed for the dread nature of his news to be imparted.
"Noble lord, great captain. Oft it is said by the wise that ill-news may wait, yet in truth I have tarried perhaps over long in declaring the nature of the task which bore me hence. Though the message from the King was addressed soley to you, Lord Durgil, with your permission, I shall disclose the words of the King to you also, Dirnhael. For the news I bear is of some import to you also, as friend and future kinsman of a noble house."

He raises a hand, palm outword to forestall comment. "Before I speak, I must have an answer from Lord Durgil and much charge you, Captain Dirnhael, to take yourself elsewhere should Lord Durgil request it. For on my honour, though the message pertains to you both, it was to Durgil the King sent it. And it must be to Lord Durgil -and none other, without his permission- that I deliver it. Though I judge it was that you, as a future kinsman, hear it also from my lips."

ooc: Please assume this conversation occurs either a few days before - or a few days after- the other ongoing RP between Durgil and Gleowyn.

[GandalfOfBorg]

OOC: We'll assume before...

"I have nothing to hide, so, please, out with the message that took you hundreds of perilous leagues from home."

[sdrotar]

He raises a hand, palm outword to forestall comment. "Before I speak, I must have an answer from Lord Durgil and much charge you, Captain Dirnhael, to take yourself elsewhere should Lord Durgil request it. For on my honour, though the message pertains to you both, it was to Durgil the King sent it. And it must be to Lord Durgil -and none other, without his permission- that I deliver it. Though I judge it was that you, as a future kinsman, hear it also from my lips."

Dirnhael nodded politely, wondering what news could have led Durgil's father to send someone - alone - on such an errand.

[calavingian]

"Very well." The herald drew a long breath into his lungs, and could meet the eyes of enither man as he relayed his message in official tones.

"His Highness the King, bids me issue forth greetings to the warrior Durgil and charges me to speak as kindly as I may of ill news. At the kings command, I must express his great regret at the passing away of his great friend and Councillor, the Late Lord Gelmir, father of Durgil and Ioreth, laid to rest in state these many weeks past. The King commands that you return home immediately and promulgate your great lineage. For he has need of mighty men of strength of wisdom in his councils. And you have a sister in need of comfort. Thus speaks your king."

He falls silent for a moment, before placing a light hand upon his fellow noblemans shoulder.
"I am truly sorry, Lord Durgil. I too know what it is to be without a father."

Then, glancing from Dirnhael to the recipient of his sad news, Gloraglil bowed and made to withdraw, not wishing to intrude upon the grief of others.

"Should you have questions to ask of me, you may find me below." He nodded towards the stairway they had climbed to this lofty place.

[tomcat]

[OOC:] I will wait for Matt and Shawn to reply to Gloraglil, and then for Paul to finalize what it is that Fengel may wish to do (I think he did, but it is not 100% definitive). Once done, I will tie this chapter up with a final narrative and we can start setting our sites on the next Chronicle... so, feel free to give me character thoughts and feelings with your posts. I want to make sure that no one is tired of A) the game. B) the characters. C) my storytelling! LOL! And lastly, what you would like to see your characters do next. I mean, if you guys want to go dragon hunting in the north, we can do that. I don't want you all to feel I am pointing the directions to be taken. You guys can mount another army and go back to Angmar and kick the Witch-king's ass if you want. That would be fun! 

Anyway, keep up the great RP'ing and I will post as soon as I get the above.

[sdrotar]

Dirnhael looked to Durgil for a moment, and rested a hand upon his shoulder in sympathy, but he knew that the young noble was strong - he would perservere.

His thoughts ran instead to fair Ioreth, now alone in Fornost; her father dead, her brother far away and him... he hoped she missed him from time to time, but not on this day, when he was sure that so much sadness was in her heart.

"I never knew what it was like to have a father," Dirnhael said quietly. "I could not imagine what it would be like to lose one. I grieve for your loss, my friend."

Dirnhael left Durgil with a gentle pat on the back, knowing that the man, like himself, would likely rather be alone with his thoughts.

[GandalfOfBorg]

Before his friend left the room, Durgil spoke.  "Do not think of me, but of my sister.  I sadden at the loss of my father like any other would at the passing of another's life.  Yet my grief for him lies nowhere near as much as I am for my sister as she loved him much and he in return.  For me, he reserved not much more than contempt for the life I chose and the errands I took.  This might be callous, but be not overwrought with the absence of a father as I have wished for that very thing or least for a father with understanding and respect even if his love were placed elsewhere," and the young Dunadan hung his head in silence for a moment.

Then he stood, as almost a new man, before his friend.  "Dirnhael, though my new title lends me position above yours, I will not abide the formality until we have returned to our lands.  I have held you as my captain, my friend, and my brother since ere we left Arthedain and I shall follow you back to the country of our forefathers all the same."

Now a boyish smile came back to the face of Durgil.  "As to your intentions with my sister... you are fortunate to be in such good graces with the lord of her house.  Brother, I can read your heart even while to you attempt to hide it.  If you so choose and Ioreth agrees, you both have my blessing."

[GandalfOfBorg]

1. Out of expediency's sake (if you'd rather do this than take quite some time to do it Tomcat), I will state that during this down time, Durgil will pursue courting Gleowyn, sister of Fengel, and unless she spurns his advances, asks for her hand.  I figure this courtship and relationship to be quite similar to that of Faramir and Eowyn.
2. Durgil's current goal is to return home.  What happens after that (search for the dragon, follow up on his formation of the elite Ranger units, take up arms against Angmar, etc.), he doesn't want to discuss until then.
3. All hail Tomcat, king of Narrators!!!

[Palandil]

3. All hail Tomcat, king of Narrators!!!

Here, Here!

Fengel returns to his sisters side with a new purpose.  "Dear sister, I feel we have nothing left but bad memories in this, our homeland.  And so I have decided that we should move from here.  I have been granted some land to the west, and I believe we could make a new home, and a new start at happiness there.  We will also be closer to my friends, Dirnhael, Durgil and Edrahil which would give me much comfort.  I feel that our people, if they remain here, will suffer an even greater hatred, then at the hands of Harizan."  He hated to speak that name in her presence, but nevertheless the point needed to be made.

"My friends will be making the long trip home soon, please consider what I've said."  With that he held his sister in his arms yet again.