IC time is: Dawn < About 5:17 AM >
IC day is: Orbelain <Valar-day>
IC date is: 44 Ethuil <Spring>
Moon phase: First Quarter <HIDDEN>
Earendil: Gil-Estel shines brightly barely above the horizon in the
eastern sky.
IC year is: Loa 17 o Yen 22, Nelandran o Endor <TA 3041>
RL time: Wed Jun 27 18:45:49 2007
Elrond's Hall
This is a large hall, filled with many broad tables and plenty of seats for each. The fine woodwork of the tables, chairs, and beams of the ceiling is elegantly carven with scrollwork and flourishes. Against a wall, at the end of one of the larger tables, is a dais with three especially large chairs slightly raised above the others. The central one is presumably for Elrond, and the other two for other dignitaries. Several other smaller dais are placed around the hall. Intricate tapestries woven with elven calligraphy hang on the walls and dais platforms. In the south wall is a large window overlooking the gardens and the Bruinen river beyond.
Contents:
Silaire
Sidhel
Indinnas
Nusiriel
Curanolas
Tirloth
Nauthcel
Mirodhel
Elrond
Thileithel's Corpse
Obvious exits:
North leads to Entrance Hall, West.
[Elrond(#7440)] The room is quiet. As yet few have gathered for the funeral. But the ready state of the room declares preparations complete, so a crowd is only a matter of time.
[Mirodhel(#24329)]
Mirodhel has no shield and no sword as he enters the Hall of Elrond. He is followed by various members of the Tirith, most of whom are recognizeable as Sindar of ancient bearing. One of them does bear a shield, but no sword. All have downcast eyes as they walk in step and form up at one side of the bier.
[Curanolas(#20967)] With a shuffle of footsteps, the Glirieth Curanolas takes a place among those of her house but stands toward the back. She folds her hands into her heavily belled sleeves and waits.
Tirloth quietly joins the line of Tirith, dark cloak fluttering like a bird's wing: her eyes are red and fixed upon the ground.
Nusiriel follows this somber crowd at a distance and claims a vacant spot with enough visibility to keep her dark, steady gaze on the figure atop the bier.
[Indinnas(#30364)]
The form of the green clad Indinnas is amongst the other numbers that somberly make their way into the Hall of Elrond. The golden strands of her hair are caught in an its usual twist, but resting upon her head is a filmy veil caught beneath the simple circlet, flowing down her back to glide and rest along the delicate cut of her dress. Bowing her head a moment, it is then her chin lifts, eyes sliding to those of the Tirith that have entered, silently studying them.
Elrond enters the hall after many others have entered, and crosses to the bier.
As he enters, a choir begins to sing.
[Indinnas(#30364)]
The melody lifts in a twining run, like a weaving brook that forever continues it's flow. Indinnas soon joins as an aria extends overtop the main harmonies, contrasting in the deeper alto, warmth and comfort in its hold, but also lament. Her jade gaze watches the entrance of Elrond, lips forming the words of the song that fills the hall, covering what space the firstborn's do not take.
Elrond pauses at the bier, beside the Tirith member with the shield. He waits, letting the singing swell and continue, as it seems half the elves of the valley join their voices in song to honor Thileithel's life.
[Nusiriel(#24083)]
A handful of others from the Linnorath step forward from the crowd to join in the light, opening chords of the hymn. Nusiriel is among these; next to her, a pair of Quendi in alternating shades of moss-green and ashen grey join her. Together they add to what has morphed from mere sound into words:
"Slip silently and sink
Into the peace of unending rest
Softly
Silently
While you fade, fast, and leave us floundering
Wondering
Bemoaning your loss in lonely lament
Here to sing and sigh as you soar
Among the heroes, hastening to hearken to Mandos' call,"
they sing in various vocal groupings.
(Sidhel)
Sidhel is among those who have not yet raised their voices. Instead he stands at the bier's front end with a stern look upon his face. The fair face and his silver circlet are the only contrast to otherwise black attire and black hair.
(Haldir)
Through the doors slips another Elf, even as the voices lift in their solemn hymm, but this one is not of the Valley. He is regaled in the garb of a guard, but it is not of the Tirith. Haldir watches, stepping to the side, up against a wall.
[Elrond(#7440)]
Near the wall, Rhunedhel is seated, but he is not singing. Instead he plays a flute, that rises and sours like a soul passing over the landscape as it provides counterpoint to the singers' voices.
[Tirloth(#14756)]
There are those that grieve still in silence. Tirloth stares hard at the clean-swept floors, eyes steady, hands trembling.
[Sidhel(#27059)]
While viewing the Gweithir's body, Sidhel holds the banner of Talroch in his hand, but at the end of the staff it does not fly freely, instead it is rolled up and covered in black.
[Elrond(#7440)]
Now the song rises and falls, and reaches a climax, followed by a silence as profound as the deepest waters of the deepest cavern. All stand for a moment with head bowed, Elrond among them.
[Indinnas(#30364)]
As her lips now find themselves empty, Indinnas closes her eyes and slowly does her head bow, hands resting against the soft fabric of her dress. Her breathing is the only sound that indicates movement of her, for she shares in the grief of those that have come to give respect.
(Nusiriel)
Nusiriel seems to shrink into herself now that the power of the song has dissipated. She staggers backwards a step or two, righting herself and finding her balance as she is walled in on either side by a member of House Forodren.
[Curanolas(#20967)]
Looking towards the still figure, the Glirieth of Narthanaer bows her head in respect and waits, silent and thoughtful.
[Sulriel(#24654)]
Silently, trembling, does Sulriel slip into the room, to pay her own respects. She stares wordlessly at the body, her eyes wide, the light faded from them.
(Elrond)
Elrond takes a slow breath and nods to the Tirith officer with the shield, who stands at attention in a sharp motion, as it it were a signal. All the other members of the honor guard beside him also come to attention, and the leader of them says, "We shall bear Thileithel north, for he wished to be buried on the moors. But before we bear him away, it is time for all who knew him to speak of him, for we shall see him no more until we ourselves sit in Mandos' hall, or walk among the gardens of Lorien in the west."
[Mirodhel(#24329)]
Mirodhel comes to attention as well and listens and waits, solemn patience written across his face as he looks straight ahead.
(Haldir)
Haldir remains yet silent, watching and observing the proceedings.
(Curanolas)
Curanolas opens her mouth to speak, but is not able. She swallows and tries again...This time, with a short song:
Light in his eyes.
For this he fought
Those he loved,
Those he taught.
He was more than friend.
And...now,
For our lives,
For our love
He sacrificed.
He was brother.
May we never forget.
The last note quavers on the edge of a soft sob.
[Sidhel(#27059)]
"I shall speak then," says Sidhel in the ancient Grey Elven tongue of Doriath. "Of Thileithel Durhaelion, who saw the realms of Beleriand with his own eyes. Of Thileithel, who served Elwe Singollo under Mablung the Heavyhanded and Beleg Strongbow. Of Thileithel who saw the ruin of his home and the slaying of his beloved wife Nenduiel. And of Thileithel who led Elwing to safety in Talroch's entourage."
[Mirodhel(#24329)]
Mirodhel listens and remains quiet to see what others wish to say...
[Sulriel(#24654)]
Sulriel lifts her head and glances about, her eyes not really seeing. "A shield in time of conflict, a light in the dark, a shelter against the storm. So he was, galant and true." Her voice is clear, but unsteady. "How many more?" she asks, shaking her head. "How many more? In the West, in the West shall we meet again and find peace, find peace aye, but be for ever torn from our homes and the lands of our birth. Abandoned, the East is abandoned. Are the Valar much less cruel than the Shadow?"
[Mirodhel(#24329)]
Mirodhel gives Sulriel a sharp look, but his words are soft, "Question not the Valar. The nature of the Eldar was conceived by Eru Himself before Time began and deeds such as this are notes in the Great Song."
[Tirloth(#14756)]
"Of the gweithir of this Age," offers Tirloth slowly, voice catching and sinking to a quiet murmur, "who spent countless days in the fields and marches, and ended thus...."
(Sidhel)
Sidhel nods once at this, whether at Mirodhel's comment or Tirloth's - or at both? It remains unclear.
[Nusiriel(#24083)]
Extricating herself from the general melee and stepping towards the bier with long, purposeful strides, Nusiriel reveals a small bouquet from beneath the many layers of her dark mourning attire. A carefully bound arrangement of full-bloomed crimson poppies laced with sprigs of rosemary, the smell of which can be faintly detected wafting among the clumps of elves and other visitors, is this. As Tirloth's words give way to a deafening silence the parvasson lays the flowers atop the platform, bending over the still form on its flat, hard surface and murmurs a few words that are audible to no living soul but herself. She steps away from the bier, eyes grazing the crowd and resting upon Sulriel and Mirodhel respectively as she settles into an empty space in the shadow of a large column.
[Indinnas(#30364)]
No words can she offer, only her presence. In silence does Indinnas remain, listening with gravity to the words of the others. Bowing her head once again as the flowers are offered by Nusiriel, there is a gentle hum from the singer, barely heard, only the gently draw of breath announcing that she is shifting at all.
[Sulriel(#24654)]
Sulriel's eyes darken, but she does not answer. Instead she closes her eyes, and then begins to sing a wordless lament, mingling with Indinnas' humming, the notes high-pitched, like the calls of gulls on distant shores.
[Silaire(#9802)]
Remaining off to one side next to a wall, Silaire looks on, placid, head slightly bowed. She simply observes the rites and observances, the offerings and rememberances, making no effort on her own part to join in, or even offer song or verse. She does rouse herself somewhat upon hearing Sulriel's lament, her eyes coming much more alive upon the sounds while the slightest of what could be taken as a smile comes to her lips.
(Elrond)
Elrond takes a deep breath, and nods to the honor guard. They take up the bier.
"Come now," Elrond says at last, his voice clear as a bell. "Let us bear Thileithel's body to its final home."
[Mirodhel(#24329)]
The honor guard, preceded by the Elf with the shield, take up Thileithel's body. At the rear is Mirodhel. All fall in to follow Elrond on their somber journey.
Entrance Hall, West
The Entry Hall is quite broad, and broadens out further to the east into a great open space. A stairway going up can be seen in that direction. The great doors lie propped against the inner walls here, and there are many carvings and decorations on both these and the walls themselves. Lanterns glowing with a steady light hang near the ceiling, but they don't seem to produce any smoke. There are many other things hanging on the walls, including tapestries depicting ancient heroes and ancient but functional weapons. Two large doorways lead into great halls here. One to the north and one to the south.
<OOC> +inspect/list for a list of inspectable details.
Contents:
Curanolas
Tirloth
Nusiriel
Elrond
Imbtharbad
Arglin
Obvious exits:
East leads to Entrance Hall, East.
West leads to Front Porch.
Southern Door leads to Elrond's Hall.
Northern Door leads to Hall of Fire.
[Elrond(#7440)]
The procession bearing Thileithel's corpse passes out of Elrond's hall and walk still-faced through the hall.
[Mirodhel(#24329)]
Even Thileithel's old enemy Arglin stands at attention... A worthy foe has passed on...
(Sidhel)
Sidhel has taken the furled banner and follows right behind the bier. Behind him walk the member of Nos Narthanaer.
[Nusiriel(#24083)] The strange strains of a quiet song follow the party making its way through the halls. Long, low, mournful notes are strewn here and there like petals tossed to the mercy of the wind.
(Curanolas)
Curanolas weeps softly, stepping close behind Sidhel.
(Haldir)
Haldir walks alone -- if such a thing can be said for the many that pass along the way.
Front Porch
The porch runs the whole breadth of the house and is a good 20 feet wide. Graceful white marble columns support the roof. The floor of the porch is built from large slabs of the same marble, while the walls of the house itself are of more ordinary granite. An intricately forged railing about three feet high runs between the columns, except where a broad stair leads down to the front yard. A few chairs and benches are scattered about, though they have no cushions. The light from the hearth in the Hall of Fire flickers in the doorway. The gentle breezes of spring drift down the porch, bringing with them the scent of the meadows and forests.The great double doors of the house stand open, and from within can be heard the strains of song, or the music of elven voices speaking.
Contents:
Tirloth
Nusiriel
Elrond
Obvious exits:
Yard leads to Front Yard.
House leads to Entrance Hall, West.
[Halbarad(#30370)]
There are those who leave the hall behind the fallen elf; and there are those who await him without; among these is Halbarad, head bared, and he follows the procession as it goes.
[Mirodhel(#24329)]
Mirodhel spies Halbarad and he walks up to the Dunadan. From inside his cloak, the Elf produces a pipe and a sack. "Sir, I belive the gweithir owed you some of this leaf and the pipe is Galrohad's again. Would you see that it is returned to him?"
(Lominhur)
Lominhur, too, is among the mourners outside. Beside his Captain, the younger Ranger watches the proceedings with a solemn gaze.
[Sidhel(#27059)] Those who await their former Host Lord outside are the Tirith Imladhrim. Two long files of elven guards open a way in the yard that leads toward the pasture.
Front Yard
A few trees stand here, just in front of the Last Homely House. A pleasant meadow filled with gaily colored wild flowers stretches off to the north and west. Not far behind the house the trees close in to form a pleasant wood. The grass near the house is not very high, perhaps because of being trodden on so often, but some higher tufts grow around the nearby trees. Hosts of flickering fireflies in the meadow to the north and west seem to be trying to replace the temporarily hidden stars. Two paths lead away from the house, one southwest and one north. Down the steep bank to the south is the shore of the Bruinen.
Contents:
Elrond
Obvious exits:
North leads to Open Meadow - Crossroads.
Front Porch leads to Front Porch.
Southwest leads to The Valley Shore.
(Elrond)
Elrond walks at the head of the procession off the porch. At a gesture, a song is taken up again, a long lament suitable for a long walk. For indeed, Thileithel's resting place is not to be found within the Vale of Imladris.
(Nusiriel)
Nusiriel pauses on the threshold of the House as though hit with the sudden realization that this elf which they bear will no longer pass through its doors. As the crowd moves on, so too does she, though reluctantly.
[Tirloth(#14756)]
Silently, treading heavily upon the multicolored wildflowers which litter the lawn, Tirloth breaks away from the mourners behind the bier and falls into the ranks of the Tirith Imladhrim.
[Halbarad(#30370)]
Mirodhel's approach, and his words, and the proffered items draw an arched from from Halbarad. His eyes flicker to the figure of the fallen, and fall back upon the living elf--
--and his lips soften into a smile. He nods, and accepts them. "I shall. And I will smoke it only in his memory."
(Haldir)
Haldir yet walks apart from any distinguishable section of the Imladhrim -- indeed, it might seem that he walks closer to the Dunedain than the Elves, for so indeed does his slow path carry him. He says naught.
[Mirodhel(#24329)]
Mirodhel nods and smiles in return before taking back his place following up the fallen Elf.
[Elrond(#7440)]
Now the procession proceeds north up the path to the meadow, turning into a long, snaking line. It is rare that all the elves of the Valley are gathered in one place, as for this ceremony, and so it is revealed that still they are many -- but so few, so far fewer, than living memory even of the Dunedain will recall.
Open Meadow - Crossroads
This is a broad meadow, carpeted with grass. A huge oak stands in the midst of the meadow, a path passing close under its branches. The old oak looks like a pleasant place to pause and rest. The path itself is hard packed earth, clear of stones. Off to the north the meadow merges into fertile fields and pastures, and to there a path branches off from the east-west way. To the south is the House, and southwest is the bridge. In the west a stand of birches grow on the slopes before the cliffs. Gentle breezes drift through the countryside, and the calls of birds can be heard. The gentle greens of spring colour the thick grass carpeting the meadow, and the riot colours of wildflowers speckle the green. In the clearings of the forest to the north, more green grass and wildflowers are apparent.
Contents:
Mirodhel
Elrond
Huge Oak
Obvious exits:
North leads to Pasture.
East leads to Open Meadow - Valley Path.
South leads to Front Yard.
West leads to Meadow Path.
[Lominhur(#19187)]
Ere long, the Galadhrim's stride takes him closest to Lominhur, and with a glance back toward Halbarad and Mirodhel he then steps to walk alongside Haldir. "A tragic loss," he says in little more than a whisper to the fair-haired elf.
(Elrond)
Elrond walks with a steady stride, not too fast ... for they have some ways to go on this trek, and soon they will be climbing.
But behind him a voice is raised in song, a song well-known ... and then abruptly, as if in conspiracy all voices fall silent, and the spectacle of elves traversing the landscape in utter silence is afforded to the world.
[Nusiriel(#24083)]
Though it was only a whisper and meant, surely, for one or two ears alone, Nusiriel's ears hearken to Lominhur's voice and almost-conversational tone. She blinks once or twice in his direction, neither condemning nor condoning--though to do either would not be her place--before continuing on at a slightly slower pace than before.
[Halbarad(#30370)]
And the Dunedan Captain follows as well, his strides long, his steps slow.
[Curanolas(#20967)] Stumbling forward, the Glirieth Curanolas almost bumps into Sidhel. "Sorry," she whispers, shakily, as tears sream from her eyes.
(Haldir)
Naught murmurs the visiting Elf of the Galadhrim in reply, slackening long stride somewhat to match that of the Dunadan. Haldir looks over to the human, inclines his head, and then gazes forward.
[Mirodhel(#24329)]
Mirodhel walks along as well. It may be noticed that beneath his cloak, the Elf is brightly armored and armed for battle. Though Thileithel will be placed in a place of relative safety, the Lord of Rivendell goes not beyond the rim unescorted.
[Sidhel(#27059)]
"It is naught, mellon," replies Sidhel softly. "But watch your steps on the cliffs." Then he walks on, directing his gaze westward.
(Sulriel)
Sulriel's eyes are free of tears, free of any real expression. She walks slowly, beginning to lag behind, and her head is bowed, so that mostly she looks at the ground beneath her feet.
Meadow Path
The path runs through the meadows from the artisan halls that gather before the verdant cliffs to the west and the great Oak that rises against the sky in the east. Groves of trees are scattered more thickly nearer to the rocky walls of the vale, becoming forests to the north, smoothing out into fallow pastures and fertile meadows.
Contents:
Curanolas
Nusiriel
Elrond
Obvious exits:
East leads to Open Meadow - Crossroads.
West leads to Breezeway.
Steep Trail leads to Rock Spire.
[Elrond(#7440)]
And now there is less song, more intervals of silence, as the procession begins to climb up, approaching the spire path. Elrond has not spoken in all this time.
(Curanolas)
Curanolas nods to Sidhel as she follows behind him. She whispers once more, "I'm not sure if my feet wish to follow or retreat." She shakes her head, dabs her eyes, and watches where she is going.
[Mirodhel(#24329)]
Mirodhel looks to the path ahead and gives an order. The Tirith respond and the strongest each take an end while the others form up to lead single file up the narrow path that looms.
[Lominhur(#19187)]
Catching the glance sent his way by both Haldir and Nusiriel, Lominhur appears to grasp the mood of the elves better, and bows his head anew as he walks. Silence reigns once more over him as well as the others, and he follows the procession along the path
[Halbarad(#30370)]
Sharp eyes follow the fallen, 'tis true -- but they flicker as well to Mirodhel and the Tirith. A brow arches -- a silent offer.
(Nusiriel)
Nusiriel's step quickens as she makes her way over to where Lominhur trods. As she passes and joins the ranks of those farther along in the march she lets her hand graze his back in what must be meant as a friendly, encouraging touch.
[Tirloth(#14756)]
Tirloth follows the line of Tirith: feet carelessly brush the grass, crushed flowers are ignored, eyes are wide and bright and unaware.
Rock Spire
It is only in places like this, high above the canyon floor, that one can understand the secret of Imladris' long and successful resistance to siege during the latter Second Age. To all intents and purposes, this place looks like a mere bare rock spire standing out from the main mass of the canyon wall, connected to the rim of the canyon by a narrow and treacherous ridge. But here, beyond an outsider's view, it is clear that this is no mere rock spire, but a carefully constructed fortress against which armies would break like water: high ramparts, from which archers could rain arrows on anyone trying to cross the ridge, its own spring for drinking supplies, and chambers dug into the rock behind the ramparts.
From here watchers can see practically the entire northern and western side of the canyon and the lands beyond, and from this secret redoubt it is easy for patrols to slip unseen along the ridgecrest trail into the wild lands north of the valley.
Contents:
Curanolas
Sulriel
Elrond
Obvious exits:
Path Down leads to Meadow Path.
[Mirodhel(#24329)]
Mirodhel looks to Halbarad and silently offers him a place carrying Thileithel.
(Curanolas)
Curanolas shakes her head as the tears fall and retreats back toward the house.
[Elrond(#7440)]
Now even if they wish to sing, there is little breath for song. This is a hard climb in the best of times, yet climb it they have.
Elrond is still at the head of the line, his face serene yet stern, his breathing untroubled.
[Halbarad(#30370)]
And Halbarad silently acceptes -- there is a grateful smile in his eyes as he joins the Tirith in hefting the bier.
(Nusiriel)
Nusiriel catches Curanolas' retreat out of the corner of her eye and turns about herself. Murmuring a blessing for the fallen elf atop the platform even now being bourne uphill, she treds quickly in the opposite direction. At a certain point she seems almost to be sprinting as though no distance could be enough to dispell the sorrow that follows the funeral party.
(Sidhel)
Sidhel watches with a wry look as the ellith leave the procession. Yet he still walks on in the line of mourners.
[Sulriel(#24654)]
Sulriel follows along, now nearly at the hind end of the procession. She stumbles and falls to her knees, then rises once again, her eyes clear for a brief moment. She glances about, then sighs softly and continues along the way, a silent elleth clad in bedraggled black.
(Elrond)
Elrond pauses at the top, allowing those following a chance to catch their breath, before gesturing again to the honor guard to follow him along the ridgetop trail.
Northern High Moors
Desc to be set. The exits named Eastward Route and Canyon Route Route are to be set dark and given geographic names based on the desc. North is actually aliased to all points of the compass, so that the uninformed will always be dumped out away from Imladris.
This rocky land looks like it has been crumpled by a giant hand, then flattened. Narrow valleys wind between low but steep-sided hills in paths that run their jagged courses into the sliding rockfall of frequent dead ends. Other than the line of the mountains to the east and a greater frequency of rocky outcroppings toward the south, no one direction seems any more distinct, or direct, than the next.
Contents:
Sulriel
Halbarad
Elrond
Obvious exits:
Canyon, Eastward Route, and North
[Mirodhel(#24329)]
Mirodhel looks back once the party has topped the path and moved out from the spire. The Elf smiles despite the occasion as he notes it is difficult to impossible to tell one has just left an inhabited valley.
(Haldir)
Haldir still follows in the procession. But, as he leaves the Valley, careful, keen, and curious glance is lent to the surroundings, noting and marking.
[Lominhur(#19187)]
Lominhur also grows a little more alert as they withdraw from the hidden wonder of Imladris; eyeing the surrounding countryside with a warier eye than before.
[Sidhel(#27059)] As the reach the High Moors, Sidhel let's the Tirith walk past him and offers the banner to Tirloth. "I have to carry another thing now," he says. "Take this for me, Arphedil."
[Halbarad(#30370)]
Halbarad, too, crests the rises -- and if the burden he helps bear weighs on him, solemn, he shows it not.
[Elrond(#7440)]
This is a long and hard trek. The honor-guard are clearly getting tired, and yet the march is not over. Bands of Tirith move ahead through the tangled landscape, clearly to make sure that the funeral is not interrupted.
[Tirloth(#14756)]
Stretching out a gloved hand, Tirloth takes the black-wrapped banner with a firm nod, but the staff shakes as she holds it. Narthanaer's symbol continues on.
[Sidhel(#27059)] And Sidhel proceeds to the bier, where he replaces one of the Tirith.
[Sulriel(#24654)]
As they walk further from the valley, Sulriel trembles, and her gaze flicks back and forth, as if she is searching for something. She shivers, and wraps her light mantle more closely about herself.
[Elrond(#7440)]
And still they continue on, a long line of grey stretched out across the moors, winding ever north.
Northern High Moors
Desc to be set. The exits named Eastern Route and Southward Route Route are to be set dark and given geographic names based ont he desc. North is actually aliased to all points of the compass, so that the uninformed will always be dumped out away from Imladris.
Contents:
Tirloth
Elrond
Obvious exits:
North, Eastward Route, and Southward Route
[Sidhel(#27059)]
From afar, the High Moors seem vast, empty, deserted. Yet eventually the procession reaches a small hollow. Here, four slabs of stone have been arranged to form a chest and a fifth one is laying beside them. Only now it may become apparent, that this dip has been carved out of the land to a greater extension than natural. The excess soil is piled up to the right and left of the stone case.
[Mirodhel(#24329)]
Following behind the body is Mirodhel, steady and stately as he goes. The wastes around are largely ignored to those who look, but the Elf is well aware of his surroundings.
[Sulriel(#24654)]
Sulriel lifts her head, glancing about, biting at her lip. She takes a few steps away from the group, then tilts her head, listening. She folds her hands before her, remaining silent.
[Halbarad(#30370)]
And Halbarad trains his eyes on the moor, and on the destination. A grim look takes it in as he places foot after foot and matches his stride to the Tirith who carry their friend.
[Tirloth(#14756)]
Tirloth dares not let the banner touch the dusty ground: she holds it with both hands, comes to a rest with the other Tirith, and waits.
(Haldir)
Haldir still follows, but gaze is less and less cast upon the bier and more and more upon the surroundings: attentive and watchful.
[Lominhur(#19187)]
Moving to the side of Halbarad, Lominhur waits in silence ere at length he asks, "Is that the brave departed's wife, I wonder?" He nods towards Sulriel, indicating her.
[Sidhel(#27059)]
"Not so," replies Sidhel as the carrier set their burden on the ground. "In fact he and her are now united in the halls of Mandos." He turns to face the others and slowly he declares: "It is here, that Thileithel's body shall be laid to rest. Ere that is done, I ask all of you to speak a last word if you so wish."
[Sulriel(#24654)]
"And may their reunion be joyous, and may their grief.... and their pain... and their..." Sulriel swallows hard. "May they, reunited, be reborn and live in light and peace. May he know our gratitude for his sacrifice. Farewell, Thileithel."
[Tirloth(#14756)]
"It has been long," murmurs Tirloth, a small voice even smaller in the empty lands. The hirvaethor moves the banner-staff to hide her face, whispering, "Now he finds peace."
[Halbarad(#30370)]
Halbarad has no chance to answer, nor could he as well as Sidhel; he cants his head to that elf's reply as he bends to lower the fallen to the ground.
"No word could I speak," he intones then, solemnly. "That would express my esteem and honor for him."
[Mirodhel(#24329)]
Is it night and the stars shine bright over the twisted moors. At this invitation, Mirodhel suddenly raises his voice, clear and bright and melodious as only an Elf's voice can be:
"A Elbereth Gilthoniel,
silivren penna miriel
o menel aglar elenath!
Na-chaered palan-diriel
O galadhremmin ennorath,
Fanuilos, le linnathon
nef aear, si nef aearon!
"He is gone west, but not forgotten! Do not grieve overly much, brethren, for our friend may very well look upon the beauty of Elentari long before we do! We must make due with her stars and be at peace here in the Great Lands!"
[Lominhur(#19187)]
Lending his own voice to echo Halbarad's sentiment, Lominhur nods, "I knew him but briefly, and scarcely, yet he shall have my high regard for as long as I shall breathe." As Mirodhel speaks then he seems to brighten, and looks to each of the Firstborn to catch their reaction to his words.
(Haldir)
"My sentiments are the same," voices Haldir, finally breaking his vigil of silence, "for what brief time I saw him, it was only as an advisor and counselor, not as a warrior. So shall he be remembered."
[Sidhel(#27059)] "Long might it be till we meet again, friend," says Sidhel. "Until Arda is undone by chance - only Mandos knows this and he will not tell us. Rest now in his halls and find Nenuien, your meltha. Find those who departed before you and share your memories of old."
From underneath his robe he produces a precious book, bound in a new cover and embossed with gold. "Not only a warrior and counselor was he, but also a writer of history." With that he places the book next to the flowers on the bier.
[Sulriel(#24654)]
"Down from the sky a star he came
On a horse made of song he came riding
And saw the darkness that covered all
And the free folk in fear abiding,
He said, "For you I will shine my light
And drive away the endless Night."
And with a song the star took flight
Into the gloaming passing...."
Sulriel's voice lifts, sudden and clear, her unbound hair blowing about her in the wind. Her head is raised and she looks to the West, and for a brief, fleeting moment there is a smile on her lips.
"Against the Darkness on a wind-swept hill
The bright star shone defiant
And sent the challenge to his ancient foe
Who answered though unvaliant
And in the Night the star he fell,
And whither then no tale does tell,
But evil could not his spirit quell
In the sky he shines unconquered...."
(Elrond)
Elrond stands all this time watching quietly.
[Lominhur(#19187)]
Perhaps missing the meaning of Sulriel's words, Lominhur seems a little confused by the song. But the beauty in her voice is not to be denied and all the while he smiles. He too glances to the west for a moment, following her gaze before looking back to the others.
[Mirodhel(#24329)]
In the silence that follows, the body is placed in its final position and a mound is quickly raised by the Tirith who have brought the appropriate tools in place of their arms. Thileithel's body is soon hidden from sight as the Elves back away, their duty to their former comrade complete.
[Halbarad(#30370)]
Halbarad also listens, his head cocked to the song -- and to the night air, and the other creatures that sing on the moor. And as the cairn is built, he bows his head.
(Elrond)
Elrond sighs then, and speaks slow words,
Here let him lie
Time under sky
Passing unseen
Till Mandos' voice
Grant him choice
To walk under star
Again.
And he turns, walking back along the southward route without another word.
[Sidhel(#27059)]
At last a single, unhewn stone is rolled up on the mound and placed there - and the knowing would read in the runes of Daeron: "Thileithel Durhaelion".
With a sigh, Sidhel looks upon this new grave. "Tomorrow we will unveil his gem at the monument," he says, then he retreives the banner from Tirloth.
[Sulriel(#24654)]
Sulriel remains where she is, as if caught in the music, or something else. Still smiling vaguely, she remains near the grave, lost in thought.
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