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Post by BEHIND YOU!!! on Jan 5, 2005 3:46:47 GMT -5
Shadow bowed slightly. "My appologies," she said dryly. "But I am protective of both mine and Lara'li's interests." She faced the--probably-- older elf. "You said something about settlement?"
She translated the brief conversation beween Caran and the other elves to Lara'li quickly in Huttese, then sighed, waiting for a reply.
Something didn't seem quite right here. It was distracting her from the complete inevitability of a painful contact, and she wanted to know what it was.
If the Force had been with her, it would've been different, but things were different now.
Things had changed so much.
***************************************
Traitor...
A'karon hadn't ever been certain this was a good idea. He still wasn't, in all honesty. Ennariel slept peacefully. Too peacefully, considering. He wondered what went through the middle-child's mind. What things she sensed through the complete always there power of the Force.
He wondered what Ariane was up to now.
Things confused him, now. It was as if everything had changed since he had taken the girl hostage under orders. What would happen now-- he wasn't sure at all.
But something was going on. He was certain of it.
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Post by Jandalf on Toast on Jan 5, 2005 14:12:16 GMT -5
((Ah...okay. Perhaps the first time she stretched out, she tried to use the Force, and then the second time she reverted to shadow without realising it. That would work, I suppose, seeing as she wasn't able to do anything with the Force anyway.))
Jandalf sat down on the sodden deck heavily beside Ariane. "No," she mumbled, even though she knew the other was unconscious. "Lowering the anchor...would make the situation worse...we'd be fixed to a certain point and the waves could overwhelm...besides, I have no idea how far down the seabed is here."
Sounds convincing enough, she thought, her mind whirling in exhaustion. Her arms were so tired...
Then she looked up. And mentally cursed and rejoiced, all at the same time.
Land?! How in Kessel am I going to be able to get there with Ariane? What if the ship strikes rock and starts sinking? We don't have any rowboats to lower, which would be suicide anyway. And I couldn't swim there with her in this weather even if I felt like a million.
One thing left to do, she knew.
[Padawan. Forget everything else for now. What rhymes with "land"?]
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Post by Tiana, eh? on Jan 5, 2005 23:35:43 GMT -5
((Master, I completely cracked up when I read that, you know...))
Tiana was suddenly wondering what in Kessel was going on in the other Realms. [Yes, Master,] she sent, thinking hard. [Hand, band, brand, sand, bland, Gand... that's all I can think of.]
She traced her finger tips across the ground beneath her, and prayed dearly to anything that could hear her that her Master was okay.
Lara'li blinked, completely startled by all this new development. "Anything you may have to add," she said in her stilted Elvish, "should be of interest to a Jedi, Caranduin. Please do... comment... on whatever it is you must settle."
She wondered what was going on.
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Post by Lady Maeggaladiel on Jan 6, 2005 11:59:18 GMT -5
“There is nothing else to tell,” Caranduin lied. “I am certain that you both have more pressing matters to think about than the problems of myself and Maeggaladiel.”
They stopped suddenly, and Caranduin gestured to their left.
“This is where I leave,” he said. “The Lady awaits you in there.” His hand rested gently on the hilt of a knife in his belt and he turned away, walking back in the direction they came from. His friends bowed to Lara’li and Shadow and went their own ways.
The Lady waits.
-----------
Caranduin stood outside her door, his fingers drumming on the hilt of the knife. He found he could neither enter nor leave, so he just stood outside, staring at the door. Could he do what he meant to do?
Yes, he thought determinedly, and opened the door. He blinked.
The room was empty. Maeggaladiel had left.
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Post by Tiana, eh? on Jan 11, 2005 0:22:14 GMT -5
Lara'li closed her eyes, sudden fear gripping her heart-- not just for herself, but for Maeggaladiel.
Maeg... wherever you are, I hope you get out of here now.
For a Jedi without the Force, the danger in this siduation was all too clear. And she was afraid.
"I suppose this is it," she murmured. "The truth... and everything depends on this moment." Lara'li glanced over at Shadow, who was frozen in place, it seemed. "The Force will be with you," she said, softly. "Always."
And she reached forwards, and pushed the door open, entering-- but not without a cloak of nervousness settling over her heart.
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Post by Lady Maeggaladiel on Jan 11, 2005 12:12:39 GMT -5
(Cool new sig, Eowyn!)
Galadriel nodded to the women as they entered the room. Celeborn stood slightly behind her, silent and still.
"I welcome you," she said.
You already know that which I must tell you, Shadowed Wanderer. You have risked much by returning here.
"You wish to know of your companion," she continued, looking at Lara'li. "I cannot lie to you: She has dissappeared. I entered the realm where she was held prisoner, but before I could reach her, she was drawn into a physical form. Who or what she has become, I do not know. Where she has gone, I cannot say. All I can tell you is that she still draws breath."
(Uh oh, I'll write more later. I hate when people read over my shoulder when I write.)
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Post by BEHIND YOU!!! on Jan 11, 2005 15:30:06 GMT -5
//Hah. Ditto. But my brother doesn't read too fast so he won't know what I'm saying... I type faster than a lot of people can read.//
Shadow bowed her head. "She will not perish," the Rogue elf murmured. I know what I risked in coming here, Lady, she sent in return. But what I risked, I risk for Tiana's sake-- and the life of a friend is something I place before even my own, now. Especially one such as her.
A faint smile touched her face. But you knew I would come, surely?
"If Tiana still draws breath, even if within another Mirror," Shadow said resolutely, "she can be found, and returned." Her voice was oddly calm, considering she was in the face of a possible death. "Jandalf found her before-- I have faith we can do it again."
She stared forwards, raising her eyes to meet that of the Lady's, and for once was completely serious in her goals. And I will risk anything I have to get her back.
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Post by Tiana, eh? on Jan 11, 2005 23:54:54 GMT -5
((Thanks!))
Lara'li bowed her head. "I feared it to be so," the Terran said softly. "That she was lost, somehow. It was in the eyes of the others, with powers of this realm..."
She blinked hard, fighting possible tears. Tiana had been lost before, and returned, as Shadow had stated.
She stared across, raising her eyes. "And then what of us?" Lara'li asked, raising a hand to the pendant at her throat. "Of me, of Maeggaladiel, of Almarien? What shall happen to us, milady?"
The Terran bit her lip, and only hoped her stilted Elvish had made some sense.
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Post by Lady Maeggaladiel on Jan 12, 2005 11:51:43 GMT -5
//Phew. Okay, I think I can write again. I was doing the last bit in my journalism classroom before class and everyone was reading over my shoulder. I hate that.//
The Lady's mouth was curved into the slightest of smiles but her voice remained emotionless.
"Perhaps," she agreed. "Such a rescue is beyond my knowledge, but I expect you know more about such things than I do."
Yes, I knew you would return. You have proven much. She did not ellaborate.
"As for you and your friends, you are welcome to remain here as long as you need. I believe these circumstances call for it. I do not know how to aid you in your search for your friend, but am willing to offer my assistance in any way I can. Your greater purpose will aid this realm. But tell me, how did Lady Jandalf free Tiana last time?" -----------------------------------------
The room was coated in a thick layer of gray dust. Maeg clicked her tongue in dissapointment. Nobody had been taking care of the place.
Walking across the room, she came to a wooden chest pressed against the wall. She knelt in the dust and ran her hand over its front, clearing away some of the fuzz. There was a lock on the front. She reached into her pocket and after a moment found a key within it. The lock opened and the lid was lifted with a flurry of dust that made Maeg sneeze.
At least the insides were relatively dust-free, she reflected to herself. The chest was filled with a variety of odd objects, from clothes to scrolls and books to a few jars of paint, long since dried and crusted over.
Maeg guessed she should have hired someone to look after her house while she was gone, but then again, she had never really expected to come back. It really wasn't "home" any more.
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Post by Jandalf on Toast on Jan 13, 2005 20:03:10 GMT -5
((
Heh heh...you know me... And I know what you mean about having people reading over your shoulder, Maeg. I hate it.
"Lady Jandalf"... *gets a kick out of that* Heh...she's no lady...))
Okay, Jandalf told herself. For once in your life, think!
She ran a tongue over her lips to wet them, then realised the ridiculousness of such a habitual exercise as another wave slammed against the ship's hull, sending spray everywhere, including all over her face. Blinking and spitting out the salt water, she took a deep breath. "Ummmm...Kibbles Tasting Bland, A Band on the Sand, Bring Me and Ariane Right To the Nearest Land."
[glow=orange,9,300]¤KAVAMM¤[/glow][/size]
In a flash of no light whatsoever, Jandalf suddenly found herself sitting on the tidal line upon the beach, just out of reach of the monstrous waves for at least another four hours. Even better, Ariane was still in the exact same position beside her
"Sweet," she said. "It worked. Hey...Ariane..." She shook the unconscious form. "Wakey wakey."
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Post by Tiana, eh? on Jan 14, 2005 0:35:59 GMT -5
((You really had faith in your own abilities, didn't you, Master? *grins stupidly* "Sweet. It worked". Sigh. You'll have to get used to people reading over your shoulder if you have me over in May, though... I do it all the time. And complain if you take forever to read a spot. It's habit from watching over mom's shoulder, really... I don't read books that often, just computer junk.))
Maeg... Jandalf and I actually haven't RPed far enough to save Tiana... we just know that she has to survive somehow. I'll just try to be as vaugely senseful as I can, without getting too confusing))
Ariane didn't know what had happened, but she did know that she wasn't dead yet.
She would've known, had she been pulled out of her mind, out of the unconscious body that held her.
Oh, word, my hair's going to be impossible to comb, she thought, then wondered once again-- why was she worried over her hair, when she didn't even know what was going to happen to her...
Something was shaking her.
Something?
Someone?
She felt gritty, and half drenched-- like someone had dropped her into a tub of sand, then neglected to wash her off completely. And tossed around.
This is NOT the result of a hangover, is it? she told herself, trying to figure out what was going on, and who was shaking her. "I'm sleeping," she mumbled. "Or I'm dead."
((Lady Jandalf... heh heh heh... just like my Master to deny herself as badly as Tiana does. Knight Tiana Skywalker... *shakes head* Lady Jandalf Kenobi... sigh. *pulls off formal bow* Get used to it*))
"The... siduation was rather different the previous time," Lara'li said, sticking to Basic, and hoping she was understandable. "This time, Tiana is physically still here, is she not?"
Her mind flashed back in time, to the two siduations that had trapped Tiana in the Shadows. Once was when Shadow had taken control of her mind... the other was the time she had attempted control of the Mirror.
It was to save Audreidi, she had to remind herself.
"Jan... Lady Jandalf," she corrected herself, "had to enter the Mirror after Tiana, the second time. And even still, it was not completely that that resuced Tiana, but a bond not even death could cut." Lara'li shuddered. She had not been there during the time that Tiana had been nearly completely dead.
From what she knew, of vauge details, it had not been easy on anyone. But she had been in another Realm at that time...
She shivered again, remembering the moment that control had shifted.
"I'm afraid we're on our own to rescue her, unless it would be possible to contact Master Jandalf, or someone else of the like."
Greater purpose...
"And," Lara'li chanced, switching to her stilted elvish, "if I may inquire, what 'greater purpose' is it that you refer to, milady?"
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Post by Lady Maeggaladiel on Jan 14, 2005 11:35:59 GMT -5
(Yeah, I just couldn't see Galadriel calling her "Jandalf." Somehow the "Lady" bit just seemed natural.)
(sorry for putting you on the spot to come up with memories of things that haven't happened yet. Heh.)
"There are many greater purposes in this life," she said cryptically. "But yours, for the moment, is linked to the Mirrors."
"I do not believe there is anything more I can do for you at this time. Unless..." She pondered something for a moment. "Unless you would care to look in the Mirror. Perhaps that would give you some idea of what lies ahead. Elsewise, I could have my assistants escort you back to your chambers, and you would be free to do as you please." She paused for a moment. "But I do not expect you will find your nearsighted companion there. I fear she has left."
--------------------------------------
Maeg's finger absently wrote her name in curling elvish script on the dusty floor while she looked through an ancient tome she resurected from the chest. These were books from her study, each recounting tales of elves with powers similar to her own.
Something in here had to explain what had just happened to her. It was as though the tiny stream from which she drew her powers had transformed into a mighty river, only to drain back into the trickle of a stream a moment later.
Her finger left the floor and went to her pocket, where her newly-found pendant lay. Perhaps... yes. Maybe that was it.
She drew the pendant from its hiding place. She had visited many worlds before, but only as a hitchhiker. Never by her own means. Some worlds she visited had strange effects on her mental powers. In the Caribbean, for example, her powers suddenly manifested themselves as strange voices that warned of danger. Creepy at first, and then just annoying. They disappeared as soon as she left that realm. Had her travels made her powers change in her own world?
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Post by Jandalf on Toast on Jan 14, 2005 15:29:13 GMT -5
((Heh heh...well...it DID work...
Oh, I wouldn't mind if you'd read over my shoulder, Padawan, because you'd know what's going on, likely. It's just when people start asking questions that I get annoyed. Because it's MY danged reading material, not THEIRS...rowr. Ffft.
Heh heh... "m'Lady Kenobi"... (grins and bows back) ))
"Don't be silly," Jandalf muttered. "You're still awake and alive—you're talking to me. Now stay with it. You owe me that much."
A loud splintering crack could be heard over the howling of the storm and pounding of the waves. Jandalf raised her head in time to see the doomed ship fall to pieces upon a massive rock at the entrance to the small bay, then looked back down upon Ariane. "Yeah, I would suppose you owe me your life. For whatever that may be worth at the moment to you, you've got to wake up." She stroked Ariane's tangled hair. "Come on."
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Post by Tiana, eh? on Jan 16, 2005 21:23:31 GMT -5
((Uhh... Master M'lady Jandalf Miss... Dude sir. Heh. *rolls eyes, and bows* Since when do we start worrying about rank, Master?
It's okay, Maeg. I couldn't do anything but... well... yeah. Heh.))
Lara'li paused. "The future is always in motion," the Terran Jedi quoted off of her head. "It does little help to know the future, but to confuse you more, I think." She bowed slightly. "If we can be of no more use-- unless you desire to speak with Shadow--"
Lara'li then wondered-- why had Shadow been so silent anyway?
"You're claiming life dept, are you?" Ariane muttered, forcing herself to sit up, and then wishing she hadn't. Her body fought the motion. She touched her head gingerly.
It stung, the salt water having aggravated her scars.
She wanted to collapse, but was fairly certain it wouldn't do her much good. The ship was gone, having splintered to pieces on the jagged rocks by the shoreline.
Ariane coughed, and spit out salty water. "Why'd you save me?" she mumbled, trying to regain her bearing.
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Post by Jandalf on Toast on Jan 16, 2005 22:40:36 GMT -5
((
*is immensely amused by this* The "heh" at the end...nice touch...HEEHEEHEE...))
Jandalf wondered if it would be a wise idea to try and drag Ariane farther up the beach. "Not claiming life debt. I'm just pointing out that the least you could do for me is try to stay conscious. Okay? I saved you because you still had a chance at life. And I'd get really peeved for that reason if you let yourself up and die on me."
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Post by Lady Maeggaladiel on Jan 17, 2005 0:12:51 GMT -5
Galadriel nodded in aknowledgement.
"Visions of tomorrow can indeed affect the happenings of today," she said. Her eyes flicked over to Shadow.
Do you wish to speak with me? she asked. I shall not ask you to stay if you would rather leave. Things between you and I have changed somewhat, due to recent events beyond our control. You need not fear death from me, for it shall not come.
------------------------------------
Caranduin frowned. How could Maeg have gotten away?
His eyes narrowed. He knew where she was.
------------------------------------
Maeg fingered the pendant for a moment. It sparked as it caught the rays of sun flitting through her window.
She put the book aside and dug through the wooden chest, pushing ancient dresses and tattered scrolls aside. At last her fingers curled around something delicate and cold. She drew it out slowly. A thin silver chain dangled between her fingertips. She dropped it into her lap, watching it pool like liquid mercury on the fabric of her dress. Onto this she strung the pendant and hung it around her neck. It felt cold and unusual at first, but gradually she got used to it hanging there.
Idly she glanced back into the chest. A pale silver-blue dress caught her eye, half buried under a green traveling cloak. She took it out and held it at arm's length. It was the dress worn by a student of the Lady Galadriel. Had it really been over a hundred years since she last wore it? The silken fabric felt so familiar. She held it up to herself. It looked as though it would still fit. She looked back into the chest, expecting to see the silver belt that she wore over it.
Instead her eyes fell upon a gown she had thought she buried much deeper. It was long and flowing, made of purest white silk. She had never had the chance to wear it.
Quickly she shoved the silver-blue dress down on top of it. She pressed it down forcefully.
"Stupid dress; I've never liked it anyway," she lied. She closed the lid of the chest and turned around. Her breath caught in her throat as she looked up into the stern face that loomed above her.
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Post by BEHIND YOU!!! on Jan 20, 2005 2:27:29 GMT -5
Shadow had remained silent the entire time, avoiding eye contact with anyone after her bold reply. It was true, she would risk what she had to save Tiana-- or any of the few people she had grown to trust; Jethine included, though it did not seem like the two would ever trust each other.
I will remain, m'lady, if you wish,[/b] Shadow replied softly. I fear not death, even if it should come at your hands. And I fear not to speak with you either.
Changed...
She left the thought unfinished, and shivered-- the memory of a Jedi Master burning in her mind's eye.
We've both changed, Shadow...
She felt cold, and yet the air about them was not chilled in the least.
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Post by Tiana, eh? on Jan 20, 2005 2:34:28 GMT -5
Lara'li glanced over to Shadow, but made no comment. The rogue elf seemed deep within her own thoughts. The Terran had no doubt that she would stay.
But a flighling of a bond in her mind flickered.
And she wondered where Maeggaladiel was...
Or is she in danger...
Somethings happening.
"Not going to die," Ariane mumbled. "Not unless you up and kill me, which you seem pretty likely to not do." She poked the side of her head lightly with nearly numb fingers, and was satisfied to get a rush of pain. At least her nerves were working right.
She attempted to rub the water out of her eyes so that she could see a bit clearer. It hurt like fire burning at the insides of her head. "Leastwise, not dead yet... darned non Force-sensitive planets." She glared at the taller Jedi Master. "And you had better not die either. Like it or not, we're going to have to work together to get out of this."
Ariane flopped back onto the sand, exhausted, and stared up at what sky she could see.
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Post by Jandalf on Toast on Jan 20, 2005 12:08:51 GMT -5
Jandalf jutted out her jaw in irritation. All this, and all Ariane could seem to do was wallow in despair. Well, that's it, she thought to herself, and lifted Ariane up a bit by the underarms, starting to drag her farther up the beach, all the while muttering about family traits.
"It's not over yet," she growled.
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Post by Lady Maeggaladiel on Jan 22, 2005 0:04:43 GMT -5
"I believe Shadow shall stay and converse with me," said Galadriel, "but you are free to go where you please, Lara'li of Terra." She frowned for a moment, her eyes growing distant. "I fear you shall find your room to be empty. Your friend Maeggaladiel has gone in search of answers. She may find more than what she seeks."
---------------------------------------------
Caranduin stared down at Maeggaladiel, his arms crossed. Maeg shook her head.
"Mighty Valar, Caranduin, you frightened me half to death," she complained. "How long have you been standing there?"
"You were not in your room," Caranduin said, ignoring her question. "I thought I might find you here. There is something I must say to you before you leave."
Maeg stood and brushed the dust from her knees.
"Before I leave?" she echoed. "Kicking us out already, are you?"
Caranduin stared down at his feet for a moment.
"I have come to ask you for your forgiveness," he said quietly. That threw Maeg off-guard. She blinked, unsure of how to respond.
"I have vented my anger and pain upon you." he continued, not letting her answer. "It was never your fault."
He took the knife he had been fiddling with earlier and laid it gently on the floor next to the pile of scrolls she had been studying.
"This was Galen's," he said. "It isn't much, I know, but he would have wanted you to have it. It may prove useful in your many travels."
Maeg opened her mouth, but Caranduin turned and quickly walked out the door.
"Um... okay," she said weakly after he had left. "Nice to talk to you too." She sank back down to the ground, suddenly unable to stand.
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