(I'm sure you can do it Rhav )

Naerwen listened to Morfindien intently, surprised at how open he had become in the short moments she and Evelyn had been in the room with him. From what Rhavaniel had said, it was rare for Morfindien to open up. Naerwen wondered how long these feelings had lay dorman within Morfindien. Were they, perhaps, the reason for his cool demeanor, she wondered. Her hand raised in dismissal as the wine was offered. She urged him to continue. "King Thranduil has not always been this way. I fear there is someone whispering in his ear. A worm..." Her eyes narrowed as she pondered this possibility. Was King Thranduil walking in the same foot steps as King Theoden once had? In that case they would have to be a powerful sorceror to break down King Thranduil's defences. What was there goal? To alienise the King or his followers? Make his followers feel as though he had turned his back on them and force them to turn against him. Naerwen's eyes widened.

Tentatively, Naerwen crossed over to Morfindien. "Please my lord. We cannot hope to figure this out on our own. Strange things, indeed, are happening in this world. I only hope we are not too late to put a stop to them..." Her eyes wavered and were drawn to Osgiliath. Was that smoke? Naerwen shuddered slightly as the remnants of her nightmares flashed before her eyes. A second look told her that Osgiliath was not burning. Not yet. She took a step back as Morfindien turned to face Evelyn and herself. "Everyone wishes to speak with you my lord," she said, skimming over the question of Rhavaniel. Naerwen thought it best for the two of them to speak alone. Her eyes met his. "We must gather and decide on a strategy. I do not think I am alone in asking for your help, either." She spoke softly, but urgently with a hint of determination.

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Hmm... Not sure. I guess Legolas should find out what his father did or said... But seeing as his father seems to be a bit, well, grouchy at the mo... Not even sure what he said- He should probably take his son's side on the matter though What do you think?

Mwaha I shall tackle the DSL the Intel and any other 'tel' I may come across- Hopefully leaving the telephone wiring unharmed...

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Rhavaniel smiled, her cool resolve breaking away at her friends sorrow. How could the anybody be thinking about politics when matters of the heart were at stake. To her surprise she felt no more sorrow. There were no tears that rolled down her cheeks- Nor had there been since she had heard of her fiancé's demise. She was shattered, yes, and very badly hurt, but deep in her heart she had always doubted that she could love again. She had met many men on her travels, elves and men alike, but she had never felt the rush she had felt with Locien with any other. Not even with Ruscien. And here was the princess, sobbing her heart out in a way she had once been able to; Completely lost to her emotions, her heart in her eyes, mouth and face- Screaming of the sorrow she felt.
"Ai, mellonamin," she soothed gently, wrapping her arms around the elf she had learnt to love as a sister "Every wound with cauterize and bruise. Even this. You will not feel this way forever. Now hush those tears. Your father will have me by the neck if he hears you!"
A kind smile played about her features, softening her haughty demeanor and smoothing out the anger from her face. She seemed completely different. The duke's sister knew she could not play the part set forth for her by Morfindien. Perhaps she had not loved Ruscien as much as she had thought, perhaps she was over-tired and over-worked as of late, but she knew in her heart that her duty was to see to it that Nostariel healed from this deep wound inflicted on her by either her own grandfather or the man she had chosen to love.

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"We have all been whispering in Thranduil's ear as of late, my lady. Even I, when he let me. Together we could have rebuilt Greenwood the Great! Ai, to hear the trees singing again- Not to fear spiders and wraiths in the night. Yet there is bad blood between us, I doubt he will ever reach a peace with me to liken to that between Oropher and my father."

He let an amused smile play out across his angular face as Naerwen moved closer. His eyes met Evelyn's for the briefest of moments before he fixed his icy eyes on her companion again. He liked the way her brown hair seemed to do what it liked, curling towards her face and yet straight at the back. He knew she had suffered. It was hard not to look at a woman and not know it. Emerion had told him she had been stationed at Osgiliath at the time it had come under attack. He wondered if it was the first time she had seen battle.

"If the young prince wishes to see me, I must say that he knows very well where I am," the duke continued lazily "And as to everyone wanting to speak with me- My dear lady, I am sure that they wish only to hear of me. My people await to find out how exactly I have taken this new set back. Badly, of course," he added with a sly look in his eyes "But without his most royal highness' answer I cannot act openly. It would be most unseemly," he took a step forward coming up to his full height. He was taller than most elves- something that his siblings where not, but he relished his height. It made him stand out more. He did not need a crown to garner attention. "But," he smiled, leaning forwards "if my help is required, then my help you shall have. Begrudgingly, of course. I do not give advice kindly. Most likely it will be twisted and misrepresented to others," the beginnings of a self-satisfied laugh started in his voice, yet he hid the emotion quickly "I do have a reputation to uphold, you know."

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. O r b i s N o n S u f f i c i t .

Let me tell you, sweet maidens, the woods of Eryn Galen are growing darker even now, with the Dark Lord vanquished. One can only wonder," he leant forward slightly and offered the two women his goblet "Where the true evil of this world lies. It used to be that things were easier to discern. I fear for my liege. His ways grow ever stranger- he bargains and pressures and gifts me with all I wish; Then he takes it all away to leave me stripped and resourceless in this new Age of Man," he lowered his arm slowly and considered for a moment "When the damms broke that had been keeping Sauron's evil in Dol Goldur, when Thranduil needed his counselors- I was there. I sent my finest warriors, mothers, fathers, all of them, to his aid. To aid his people- Our people. I promise you, Eve," he gave a sulky smile "Had I known him to be so two faced, Illuvatar is my witness, I would have spared them their pain. Mirkwood would be kingless and I would be a good deal better of..."

Evelyn remaind silent, pondering. Again, another example of someone who was confused, somone who didn't know what was going on. It seemd like no one did. All the same, an idea came into Evelyn's head, but she kept it at bay for the moment. It was not the right moment to mention it. And she was pulled back into reality by her pet name. Eve. I have not heard that name for a very long time...

She met his eyes strongly as they flickerd her way, then waited for him to finish speaking to her companion. "All, the same." Evelyn jumped in smoothly, "All the same, my Lord, you should not blame such things on Prince Legolas - nor his daughter. Nostariel wishes to see you - along with her other companions." She paused, then looked from Narwen, back to him. "Is she not distraught as well?" Evelyn asked gently. She ment that not only was he upset, but Narwen and Rhavaniel, and nearly everyone else. She men't to bring his attention to it - she knew that there was nothing to make you forget your own troubles like that of attending to the troubles of others. It softend the hearts of all - mortals and immortals alike.

(Sorry for the vauge post...trying to keep up with homework at the moment )

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Let me tell you, sweet maidens, the woods of Eryn Galen are growing darker even now, with the Dark Lord vanquished. One can only wonder," he leant forward slightly and offered the two women his goblet "Where the true evil of this world lies. It used to be that things were easier to discern. I fear for my liege. His ways grow ever stranger- he bargains and pressures and gifts me with all I wish; Then he takes it all away to leave me stripped and resourceless in this new Age of Man," he lowered his arm slowly and considered for a moment "When the damms broke that had been keeping Sauron's evil in Dol Goldur, when Thranduil needed his counselors- I was there. I sent my finest warriors, mothers, fathers, all of them, to his aid. To aid his people- Our people. I promise you, Eve," he gave a sulky smile "Had I known him to be so two faced, Illuvatar is my witness, I would have spared them their pain. Mirkwood would be kingless and I would be a good deal better of..."

Evelyn remaind silent, pondering. Again, another example of someone who was confused, somone who didn't know what was going on. It seemd like no one did. All the same, an idea came into Evelyn's head, but she kept it at bay for the moment. It was not the right moment to mention it. And she was pulled back into reality by her pet name. Eve. I have not heard that name for a very long time...

She met his eyes strongly as they flickerd her way, then waited for him to finish speaking to her companion. "All, the same." Evelyn jumped in smoothly, "All the same, my Lord, you should not blame such things on Prince Legolas - nor his daughter. Nostariel wishes to see you - along with her other companions." She paused, then looked from Narwen, back to him. "Is she not distraught as well?" Evelyn asked gently. She ment that not only was he upset, but Narwen and Rhavaniel, and nearly everyone else. She men't to bring his attention to it - she knew that there was nothing to make you forget your own troubles like that of attending to the troubles of others. It softend the hearts of all - mortals and immortals alike.

(Sorry for the vauge post...trying to keep up with homework at the moment )

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(Hey, Rhav, don't zap yourself!
Uhhhhh...why should Thranduil take the side of his son on...oh crap! I hate blonde moments, but I guess they kind of come with the territory; I have no clue what the topic is! )

Finally Nostariel's tears died away and she pulled back from Rhavaniel's embrace. She gave a slightly embarrassed laugh before swiping away the moisture from her cheeks. The sun emerged from behind the clouds and Nostariel knew deep in her heart that she would weep no more for Ruscien; he had made his choice and she hers. She would dwell no more on the past, but rather look forwards with hope...if hope still dwelt in these forsaken lands.
"Thank you." She whispered, smiling at Rhavaniel and she meant it.

(Not so keen on a zombie Ruscien; have you seen those creepy "turn-yourself-into-a-zombie" aps? How about he was turned into a wraith who can take on human form? Just a thought. Or maybe he is really a cat and has nine lives....Just kidding about that one. )

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Zirakzigil ai menu Duzhuk! Zirakzigil, at your service!
[~^!?]

"We have all been whispering in Thranduil's ear as of late, my lady. Even I, when he let me. Together we could have rebuilt Greenwood the Great! Ai, to hear the trees singing again- Not to fear spiders and wraiths in the night. Yet there is bad blood between us, I doubt he will ever reach a peace with me to liken to that between Oropher and my father." Morfindien had said.

"My lord it is clear to me that King Thranduil is not himself at the moment. Please do not burn bridges with him yet. Wait, my lord, until you know more about what is happening. Everything that has happened, as of late, has not been in King Thranduil's nature. I am sure if he knew what he was doing and the pain he was causing you he would not do it." Naerwen raised her hand as though to lay it upon Morfindien's shoulder, but instead twirled her hair around her finger almost nervously. "I would not give up hope of peace between yourself and Thranduil."

"With regards to Prince Legolas, I can only imagine he has taken this just as badly as you have." Naerwen glanced back at Evelyn. "As my companion has said, I am sure Legolas does not know what is going on either and is probably just as confused as we all are."

Naerwen's eyes widened briefly as she took in Morfindien's full height. She cleared her throat. "I am glad you have decided to help us all." Naerwen bowed her head respectfully to him.

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Back!
Well, no zap-page as off yet and it all seems to be working But the cat got way to interested in my pendant- Scared me half to death it did, pouncing on me while I was kneeling on the floor...
What if Ruscien only appeared to be dead? I.e. comatose or something? Then some evil persona could cure him and lie to him/ exaggerate what happend to 'turn' him... Possibly into a wraith? I know the first orcs where tortured elves.. It could be the next step up- Keep as much of the elf as possible
So Thranduil is going down the Denethor/Theoden road? I thought he might take Legolas' side since he is his son and heir, but if he doesn't then he must be under someone's influence...

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"Mellonamin," Rhavaniel smiled, her eyes twinkling "There is nothing to thank me for. It is I who should be thanking you. You have held yourself steadfast against everything so far- I was afraid you might fade. May I ask," she let her arms drop and folded her hands neatly in front of her- A sure sign she was about to attack a topic she had been warned off "How much have you heard from back home?"

There were thin white scars that criss-crossed her left hand- Remnants of a long forgotten age where it was not uncommon that elves had fallen in battle or near their borders. She remembered too much of her life, or so it seemed to her. The dungeons of Angmar were as clear to her now as they had been so very many years ago- The grey port of Mithlond still swam before her eyes if she dared to think back to when her parents had still walked this earth. She had waved goodbye to her mother as she had departed for the Undying Lands with their father whose immortal life was ebbing away in the wake of the Last Battle. They had stood there for hours, her to brothers on either side of her and all three not daring to speak. Morfindien was to be Duke, Sadron to follow in his brother's footsteps becoming a counselor and Rhavaniel... No one had mentioned her duties. Her marriage to Locien and his subsequent treachery hung over the family like a black fog and it was decided she was to lay low until Thranduil had mourned his father.
She and the then prince of Mirkwood had been great friends, and even after Sauron's first defeat he had not been unkind to her; He spoke many long conversations with her, assuring her that it was not her fault, but Locien's and the circumstances they had been barreled into. Once Thranduil became king he still inquired after her company and they remained friends- It was only once Morfindien had requested his sister travel to the Dwarven kingdom of Moria to secure the mithril trade that they had lost touch. As the Dukedom became richer and more powerful, shielded from the growing evil in the south by Thranduil's palace, the ties between the two families became ever weaker.

Somewhere in the city below a bell began chiming and the elf turned her face to the window with a lazy smile. No danger, merely a sound to mark the middle of the day. She turned back to Nostariel and kept her smile on her face. The princess was being introduced to advanced elvish politics and Rhavaniel had a mind to keep her peace with Legolas and his daughter. Thranduil had always been a short tempered elf- Having thrown a party of travelling dwarves into his dungeons on what had seemed to her like whim and dislike of their species. He easily rivaled Morfindien in his moods- Something that he had luckily not passed on to his son or his granddaughter.

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"Are we not all distraught?" Morfindien answered quickly, fixing Evelyn with a beady eyed stare"My sister has lived through tragedy before- This," he paused and waved his hand loosely trying to find the correct word to use "this unfortunate incident is nothing more than a glitch. Rhavaniel has been the cause of much greater troubles indeed. As you well know, Eve. She spent long years hiding herself away at the court of Galadriel."
He moved towards the door and opened it, then stood there smoothing his hair "If that delicate flower of a princess cannot face the reality of her grandfather's intrigues, I shall have to be of assistance to her. I'm sure Legolas would be most proud to see me working towards the good of our kingdom," Morfindien's eyes were glittering with something akin to mischief, his angular features seeming at once attractive and dangerous as the noon-day sun shone through his window"Come, ladies, let us away to the rescue!"

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. O r b i s N o n S u f f i c i t .

~ Okay guys, I'm going to post a bio of Durion. If you think something doesn't sound right, just let me know and I'll change it. You can also feel free to play him if you like.
~ Name: Durion Noraus
Age: Looks to be about 25, but is indeed much older than that.
Height: Very tall for an elf - about 6 foot 5
Appearance: Durion, has long black hair. He rarely bothers to tie it back. His eyes are a light blue/grey colour. He loves to wear extravagant clothes whenever he can. Around his neck is a thick silver chain, carrying a splinter of the sword of Narsil upon it. On his left hand there is a gold ring.
Personality: As a child Durion was very pleasant. His mother had done the best job she could raising him as a single parent. However Durion had never gone without wishing for a father. In his journey to find his father he became twisted. He started to see things from his father's point of view and slowly became the shadow of his father. Dark, twisted and evil.
History: To be found out
Weapons: Before his journey to destruction, Durion was very talented with a bow and arrow. He also used a mace and long sword. He is now becoming talented in the power of the Maiar.

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Naerwen's eyes flickered to Evelyn, her expression appologetic. There was also a question in her features, wondering if she was about to speak out of turn when she said: "My lord, Morfindien, I do not believe Evelyn meant it like that. She did not mean to diminish your pain, or indeed, anyone elses' for that matter." Naerwen spoke soothingly, her only desire to move into action and get to the bottom of all of this. Naerwen crossed over to the door and stepped over the threshold. "Let us be quick," she murmured as she fixed Morfindien with a curious stare. There was something not so sincere about his comment. Naerwen tried to read his features, but thought better of it. Naerwen took off down the steps at a swift pace. Once outside she raised her hood over her features, once more, while she made her way over to the Houses of Healing. She found Nostariel's room with ease and knocked on the door.

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~ Okay guys, I'm going to post a bio of Durion. If you think something doesn't sound right, just let me know and I'll change it. You can also feel free to play him if you like.
~ Name: Durion Noraus
Age: Looks to be about 25, but is indeed much older than that.
Height: Very tall for an elf - about 6 foot 5
Appearance: Durion, has long black hair. He rarely bothers to tie it back. His eyes are a light blue/grey colour. He loves to wear extravagant clothes whenever he can. Around his neck is a thick silver chain, carrying a splinter of the sword of Narsil upon it. On his left hand there is a gold ring.
Personality: As a child Durion was very pleasant. His mother had done the best job she could raising him as a single parent. However Durion had never gone without wishing for a father. In his journey to find his father he became twisted. He started to see things from his father's point of view and slowly became the shadow of his father. Dark, twisted and evil.
History: To be found out
Weapons: Before his journey to destruction, Durion was very talented with a bow and arrow. He also used a mace and long sword. He is now becoming talented in the power of the Maiar.

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Naerwen's eyes flickered to Evelyn, her expression appologetic. There was also a question in her features, wondering if she was about to speak out of turn when she said: "My lord, Morfindien, I do not believe Evelyn meant it like that. She did not mean to diminish your pain, or indeed, anyone elses' for that matter." Naerwen spoke soothingly, her only desire to move into action and get to the bottom of all of this. Naerwen crossed over to the door and stepped over the threshold. "Let us be quick," she murmured as she fixed Morfindien with a curious stare. There was something not so sincere about his comment. Naerwen tried to read his features, but thought better of it. Naerwen took off down the steps at a swift pace. Once outside she raised her hood over her features, once more, while she made her way over to the Houses of Healing. She found Nostariel's room with ease and knocked on the door.

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(YAY for Ny CSIand Blue Bloods premiere! Okay, back on topic. Ooooh! I like that idea for Ruscien, high five, Rhav!)

"How much have you heard from back home?" Rhavaniel asked. Nostariel frowned, trying to remember what little she had heard.
"Practically nothing." She replied honestly. Somewhere below a bell tolled, signalling midday; all was well in Minas Tirith...or so it seemed.
A sudden knock on the chamber door slightly startled her, but she soon realized that it must be the rest of the party.
"Enter."

_________________
Zirakzigil ai menu Duzhuk! Zirakzigil, at your service!
[~^!?]

~What's Blue Blood about? If it's anything like CSDI i'm sure i'd love it. Which CSI do you prefer?


"Enter" said Nostariel. Her voice sounded lighter, better than the last time Naerwen had heard it. She opened the door and peaked inside. "I have brought some guests to see you," she grinned and flashed Nostariel a wink. Naerwen stepped inside, allowing room for the others to step inside behind her. The door was closed once everyone was inside. Naerwen was grateful that Nostariel had been given the largest room in the Houses of Healing. There was too much tension and emotion to be couped up in a small room. Naerwen crossed over to her companion and took her hand in hers. "Nin mellon! Tell me, how are you feeling?" Concern flashed across Naerwen's eyes briefly.

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In the land of Mordor, there was busy action. The Black Gate had been erected and put in place, spreading from the mountain of Ered Lithui to Ethel Duath. Orcs swarmed the grounds in an angry buzz as they resurrected the black lands into it's former glory. Durion walked around a broad smile spreading across his face. "Oh Locien..." He sighed. "This is going to be spectacular. Father will be so proud!" He laughed menacingly.

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((Laesneniel and Rhavaniel, i agree with your ideas What i ment by 'zombie Ruscian' was that he was dead (or not quite) and turned 'wrath like' or else like Rhav said, he wasn't quite dead, and was put under a spell or something. My idea was that when he was attacked eariler, (when he and Rhavaniel got seperated,) he was pierced by a similar arrow as Nostariel, a cursed one. The idea being that if Nostariel had gotten any sicker, she would have turned wrath like as well. So is that a vote for a wraith like Ruscian? Oh, and i got a humerous image of the duke walking down the hall with Narwen and Evelyn on eather arm ^_^))


Evelyn gazed at Morfindien with fire and flint in her eyes. She looked greatfully at Narwen. "Thank you." she said. She spoke still to Narwen, but looked at Morfindien "But it is alright. I know what he ment. He was making a testimony of integrity for his sister, whom he loves very much." she said, slight emotion seeping through her voice. Her eyes bored into him as if to remind him 'i can still see through you.' She looked back at Narwen. "You go ahead. I will follow shortly." she smiled at Narwen, then slipped away from the other two and Morfindien's tower. She made her way to a close by abandond balcony and leand against it, exhailing emotionally. They way he glared at her. He still hated her.

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((Sorry for the long wait guys! Its all a bit crazy here at the mo. Per chance I am not the gifted technician I thought myself to be... High-fives all around! I'm sure we can come to some sort of mish-mash of the two ideas. I think they're both pretty good. Perhaps the poison was designed to warp the elvishness out of them and the magic was needed to complete the transformation ^^
And yes, that does sound like Morfy! ))


Locien gave his companion a small smile, his teeth as white and perfect as pearls. He had not been home for so long, he missed the smell of the woods and the taste of oak in the air. Every now and again, when he was set to work building for a better tomorrow his arms would forsake the heavy iron he was working with and remember longingly the soft embrace of his wife. It had been a good thing to leave her, he reasoned. She would not have understood his needs any more- But now he could show her the majesty of his work. She would be the emotion in his logically driven world. And now she would see that the petty squabbles between her family and Thranduil's were pointless. King Oropher was dead, the Final Battle only just won, the Ring destroyed- and yet evil was still growing. There was no beating it. Long hours of torture and heated discussions with veiled men had enlightened the blond elf to the truth: One cannot win against evil, one must join with it and fashion a better world.
And no matter what his new master claimed, he would make his wife his queen. She could preside over any land she wished. He was so close to winning her back. By truly destroying he could begin a new life with her.

"When it is over," Locien halted a moment, fixing a group of Uruks with a challenging stare then lashing out at them in their own language "When we have made a better world," his steely grey eyes misted over and he was content to bask in the memories of his old life: weak and beaten down for sacrificing everything for his raven-headed bride. A true hero.
Master had explained all to him. He had been with the Master for decades, serving him through Sauron's rise and fall; always in the shadows, secretly working in the dark and the damp. Master had told him he was vital, that he was to be rewarded so soon.
He could make Greenwood great again. He could depose the monarchy that had driven him away after he had succumbed to madness. What was once poison could now be a cure. With the Master's guidance they could reshape Arda.

The blond elf turned to Durion with a funny little smile: "Soon we shall go home."


_____________________________________________________________________________________________________



Morfindien watched Evelyn go with dark eyes and took a moment to compose himself. He knew she prided herself in being able to see through his games, but he enjoyed playing them too much to simply stop. They had spent many a year together before they had gone their separate ways. He was very young compared to the other High Elves that shared his station and still delighted in elleths, never having found a wife and quite the desirable undesirable. His eyes glittered as he answered her with a smirk:"Follow on then, my love."
The emotionally charged comment seemed cynical and his angular features, although composed in angelic serenity seemed devilish. He took Naerwen's arm in his and steered her away towards the Houses of Healing.

Rhavaniel knew who was about to follow her friend in before she had even knocked. She had had no time to prepare the young princess for the oncoming storm that was her older brother. Morfindien slipped through the doorway behind Naerwen with elvish grace and arranged himself to look down upon the women gathered in the small chamber. Rhavaniel took a step forward to face the Duke and his cold stare slipped to her.
"Sister," he drawled, ignoring the princess before him "You never answered my summons. I was beginning to think you were ill."
The dark-haired elf cocked her head sideways momentarily and then smiled wolfishly:"You lost mylady Evelyn on the way, I presume? Such a pity, brother, I had begun to hope you might reconcile yourselves. And even more so that you are here I might add."
"Walk the line, sister." Morfindien snapped, pulling at his cuffs.
"We've sailed right passed it," came the instant response.

The Duke sniffed and raised his eyebrows. His icy gaze landed on Nostariel and he bowed so deep it seemed far ruder than irony:"Mylady," he began "I am simply thrilled to hear you are well! Indeed, I had hoped that the original antidote I had concocted for you would have cured you, but alas," his face smoothed from courtly grace to passive detachment "At any rate, since I have been called here I have come. I bring you news of my intense discomfort that you saw fit to become engaged to Mylord Ruscien. I have sent word to your Grandfather and await his pleasure. I expect," the Duke paused momentarily, drawing himself up to his full height "I expect an apology. My court is in jeopardy. I will not stand for this humiliation- As I'm sure mylady Naerwen here agrees."
He had thrown the last comment in for his own amusement. The elleth had seemed to want to sharpen her claws and he felt the need to catapult her onto the playing table.

Rhavaniel cast her gaze on Legolas' daughter and prayed she would stand her own. Here was the news she had wanted to break to Nostariel before any courtier could get near her: The Duke was out for royal blood.

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. O r b i s N o n S u f f i c i t .

(Blue Bloods is a cop show with Tom Selleck playing the Police Comissioner. It is AWESOME! I think NY CSI is my favourite although I do really like the Miami one. Which one is your favourite?)

"I am well, Naerwen, le hannon!" Nostariel embraced her friend gently before turning her attention to the conversation between the dark stranger and his sister. It was quite rude for the Duke--what was his name...Morfindien--to act as if she was not evenin the room, but she ignored the slight. He finally turned her way and she gave him a bright smile.

The Duke sniffed and raised his eyebrows. His icy gaze landed on Nostariel and he bowed so deep it seemed far ruder than irony:"Mylady," he began "I am simply thrilled to hear you are well! Indeed, I had hoped that the original antidote I had concocted for you would have cured you, but alas," his face smoothed from courtly grace to passive detachment "At any rate, since I have been called here I have come. I bring you news of my intense discomfort that you saw fit to become engaged to Mylord Ruscien. I have sent word to your Grandfather and await his pleasure. I expect," the Duke paused momentarily, drawing himself up to his full height "I expect an apology. My court is in jeopardy. I will not stand for this humiliation- As I'm sure mylady Naerwen here agrees."

As he went on and on every insult driving daggers into her already fragile heart, she just kept her smile in place, acting as if he had just given her the most wonderful compliment in Middle Earth. Many people saw her as a delicate flower without a brain, but underneath the "flower facade" was a quick wit and even quicker temper. She was glad for once that she had let one of the attendants help her into a detested midnight blue dress; she sighed inwardly, too bad he was not a human who could be easily sidetracked by her shapely form. No matter, she would think of something. When he stopped his tirade, she gave him a small curtsy and began.

"M'lord Duke, I was not aware that your heealing arts failed to revive me. Lady Evelyn assured me that it was your hand that brought me back from the Halls of Mandos. You have my deepest gratitude for attempting such a brave and valourous deed." At this point she stopped for a moment before curtsying again and continuing on.
"As for my engagement to Lord Ruscien, I regret that my Grandfather did not inform you of the transaction seeing as my Father did inform the King the very day that it transpired. I can hardly be blamed for something My Lord the King forgot to tell you and if you are in search of an apology I would start with his royal highness instead of a lowly princess like myself." At that, her blue eyes spouted fire.
"If indeed your court is in jepardy as you say, perhaps my Grandfather might be persuaded to give you my hand in marriage. I am sure that our union would have an even greater effect on both of the courts than your sister and my cousin Ruscien's ever could."
I would make your life a living hell, her eyes screamed at him. Nostariel was not a vengeful maiden, but something about this noble elf intrigued and angered her and she was not about to lick the boots of any man, even such a lord as Morfindien. She hoped that she had not offended Rhavaniel, but that could not be helped at the moment for her blood was up and there was no resemblance in manners between the Duke and his sister.

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Zirakzigil ai menu Duzhuk! Zirakzigil, at your service!
[~^!?]

~Might give Blue Blood a wee looksie! My favourite is NY too. I do love Miami, but i've fallen behind on it

Durion smirked at his companion. His eyes burned with excitement as he witnessed his dream being built around him. His father would indeed be proud of him. He was sure of it. He straightened his black cuffs casually. "My friend, it will be a long time before it is over. We have much to do, but I assure you it will be worth it in the end. It will be worth all the strain when the power comes to it's rightful owner." Durion flexed his fingers, glancing at a band of orcs that seemed to be listening in on their conversation. Their eyes widened as they bustled out of their lords way. This made Durion grin. "We must make sure that the elves do not sway. I understand that the new world will frighten them. They must be convinced. King Thranduil is doing well to coax them into our view though. He must be commended for his work indeed." He laid a hand on Locien's shoulder. "Yes!" He exclaimed. "Soon, this will be home!"

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Naerwen returned Nostariel's embrace, keeping in mind to be gentle, Nostariel was still healing. She flashed her companion a bright smile before returning to Morfindien's side. Her eyes flashed with sorrow as she witnessed the cold exchange between Morfindien and Rhaveniel. A pang of guilt ran through her. Perhaps both parties emotions were too raw as yet to be dealt with. Naerwen laid a cautionary hand upon Morfindien's arm. Her eyes slid from his face to Rhavaniel's. "I think Evelyn needed a moment to herself. I am sure she shall join us shortly." Naerwen bit her lip tightly as she felt the tension in the room raise when Morfindien addressed Nostariel. The Duke paused momentarily, drawing himself up to his full height "I expect an apology. My court is in jeopardy. I will not stand for this humiliation- As I'm sure mylady Naerwen here agrees." Her eyes widened as she looked round at Morfindien, her grip tightening on his arm. "My lord Morfindien! No one is more sorry for your discomfort than I and I do not doubt there has been foul play. However I do not believe that blame lies on Nostariel's shoulders or indeed Legolas' shoulders. No offence against your grandfather, Nostariel," she added swiftly, glancing at her appologetically. Her eyes returned, swiftly, to Morfindien, trying to read his expression.

Naerwen was further surprised when Nostariel held her own. Naerwen had assumed that it was not in her nature, she seemed so gentle. A small smile spread across her lips as her eyes appraised Nostariel. A strange feeling ran through her when Nostariel suggested marriage between herself and the Duke. Naerwen marvelled at it, her brow furrowing. However, it would have to be dealt with later, they were getting off track. "Ladies and gentlemen please! I do not labour under the assumption that we are all not hurting. I know we all desire answers, but we will not get them this way."

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Morfindien flinched as Naerwen put her hand on his arm, but seeing his sister's expression he put his hand over hers and held it there firmly. He was a talented courtier and knew what would be going through Rhavaniel's mind. His eyebrow stayed firmly raised as Nostariel spoke and could not control the words that shot out of his mouth as she offered herself as a token of peace.

"I would not sully my family's blood any more than it has been already. I have no use for broken goods."

Rhavaniel flinched as if struck. Her blood froze in her veins then seemed to grow piping hot. Locien had not been royalty or from a rich family, but the son of a border guard who had worked his way into King Oropher's favour. He had not wanted to be a warrior, but a minstrel. Once his father had passed he had been coerced into a different lifestyle.
She knew Locien's treachery had been a sore blow to stomach, but he had always been a welcome guest at the Duke's lodgings. Morfindien and her husband had been good friends, working and laughing together for years- How could he not understand that the torture that they had suffered in Angmar was not to be taken lightly? She herself still had delicate scars down her back. Locien had sacrificed himself for the good of the company- They had all been forgiven.

Morfindien opened his mouth, but before he could speak Rhavaniel turned on her heel and stalked out. The door slammed loudly as she did so, causing plaster to rain down from the ceiling.

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Locien looked at Durion from the corner of his eye "Commended or not, even he must step aside when the time comes," he turned and adjusted his heavy black cloak,"As to our kin- If they will not be schooled, well, they shall be removed."


((Sorry for the short post! More next time ))

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