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Post by Galuwen on Aug 30, 2006 1:12:56 GMT -6
[glow=red,2,300]Please keep all comments in the comment board. I should be the only one to post here. Or if I have you help me write.[/glow]
Chapter one: In Darkness
Smoke filled the air as death consumed the Woodland realm. The Golden hall lay in ruins. Elven blood painted the once green meadows. Even the party from Lothlorien could not believe their elven eyes. When the news arrived that Mirkwood was under attack, Linwelos, Haldir, and the half-woodfairy, Alasse, took charge, gathering their best archers and warriors and readying them for battle. But as they drew near to the woodland realm, they were attacked.
As Linwelos looked at what was left of her homeland, she understood. They had arrived too late - just as the enemy wanted.
They had come without warning just after sunrise, while the dew fell from the trees. Orc horns in the distance broke the silence of the new day. Prince Legolas stood atop the steps of the palace, eyes peering into the distance as Nienna Greycloak came running toward him wearing a brown and green loose-fitting tunic that helped her blend in with the trees.
Known as the silent assassin, her gift of melting into the forest had caused the others to become busy when she asked them to play a hiding game in the woods with her. But this time she stayed hidden as she was passed by what seemed to be thousands of orcs and Uruk-Hai. The ground rumbled under their marching feet. That alone made Nienna tremble. But she had to remain as still as she could until it was clear.
Her dark blue eyes shone terror as marble veins shot out from her irises. Her brown hair, tied back, shone in the light of day from the blond highlights.
"Orqu!" Legloas called. "Have the archers ready for the first attack! I want all warriors and guards ready."
Neianna left without a word. Her mind set on the task at hand - to gather the elves for battle.
Lady Elianna walked toward Legolas just as Nienna left. Her long blue dress made her seem to glow. The look on her husband's face said everything at once, and yet nothing at all. It was the face she knew all too well. That place he went to in his mind before battle. No regret; no remorse. Just the job at hand. The battle came for most.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
He simply turned, and with no emotion replied before leaving, "Mirkwood is under attack."
A mix of emotions hit Elianna one by one. First disbelief, then doubt; then fear, then anger.
Galuwen heard commotion just outside her window. Her long red hair looked like spun gold under the sun. Her long black and red dress made her look taller then she was. She only caught bits and pieces - 'war' and 'orcs' was all she needed to hear. She turned from her window just as Elianna entered her room, holding Galuwen's quiver.
"Mirkwood's under attack. Orcs will break upon us like water on rock," Elianna said as she threw the quiver at Galuwen and watched as she caught it with one hand. She caught a stare from Elianna as she strapped it over her dress.
"I never did like tunics," Galuwen said with a smile.
A small party from Rohan and The White City, that were visiting Mirkwood and their newly made friends, began to take arms and ready for battle as well. Faramir and Eomer were amongst the visitors. It was an even more poignant trip for Eomer. It was the first time his wife had returned to her homeland since their wedding.
Faramir stood just outside of the stables. He had readied his horse. An image of a white tree shone proudly upon his chest plate. He watched the elves and found he was the only one standing still. Ranks of horses were starting to form as the horns grew louder.
A push from behind made Faramir turn to see a she-elf, wearing a black and red dress, stumble backwards. "I am sorry, Faramir. I should be more careful," Galuwen said.
"It was I who was in your way, milady,"He replied.
Galuwen smiled, "I just get nervous. The points of my arrows will spill blood soon."
"Orc blood. Blood spawned from evil. Blood your arrows were meant to release."
Galuwen looked deep into a gray storm within his eyes. "I only wish elven blood - as well as mortal - will not spill. I have never been this afraid of a battle before." Looking down at her hands, she saw them shaking as a tear fell from her eye. "My hands show my fear."
She suddenly felt the gentle touch of Faramir's hands around hers. "There are brave, skilled warriors in the woodland realm. Ones that will protect. Including you. I have seen you, and you are very deadly behind that bow. It will be the enemy that suffers. Death to the foe of the elves." Faramir's voice was calming like waves of the ocean. But even with his kind words, Galuwen could not push back her fears.
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Post by Galuwen on Aug 30, 2006 2:10:59 GMT -6
A sea of orcs appeared through the trees as the elves were waiting. It was as if they had planned on and practiced for this battle for months. They were posted in ranks along the city borders, some on horseback and others on foot. Those who could not fight were sent to the underground part of the palace.
Galuwen, Elianna, now in a blue and green tunic, Nienna and Legolas stood atop the palace stairs, their bows pulled and an arrow in place. Faramir, Eomer and the other men were on horseback toward the entrance. Silence befell Mirkwood, as the orcs were now in plain sight.
A figure began to emerge from the rows of Uruk-Hai; an elf. One who stood tall among the ranks. His spiked white hair shone against the brown skins of the orcs. His face showed no kindness or remorse. Wearing a long dark overcoat, a mithril vest just peaking underneath. He was called the Revenant Shadow.
"Stay in your ranks," the dark elf commanded, as orcs gathered around him. He did not bear a sword but kept his hand open as if he held a handle.
He kept his mind on the task at hand, for that was all he had left. Orders, jobs, tasks - he did what he was commanded to do. He was good at battle tactics and it was he who sent a large party of orcs to intercept any backup from Lothlorien, enough to keep them busy. "Take out the archers first and ready your swords."
Everyone was in place as a red sun hung overhead.
"Dartho!" Legolas said to his archers who where lined at the top of the place steps.
The orc began to chant as Shadow eyed the elves before him. "Ready archers. Release Arrows!"
The orc arrows found some of their marks, hitting eleven archers. Several even fell off of the steps from the force of the hit. Orcs with crossbows shot up at the archers, hitting elves and men on horseback.
Legolas commended,"Hado i philinn!" as the elven archers came to life.
Shadow watched patiently, standing his ground, even when the orc next to him had fallen from an arrow that had just missed him. "And so it begins. Ready swords!"
Orcs rushed Mirkwood. No green could be seen between orc feet.
Many of the archers drew swords and charged into the fray. One was a she-elf, Nimthoron Greywings. Her hair was a dark rich brown covered by dirt. She wore a worn grey tunic, black leggings, thigh-high boots, a black belt with various things hanging from it, a pouch, throwing daggers, two fox tails (one white, one black) and a dagger at the back. A traveler for the most part, but a hunter and warrior for hire. She had arrived in Mirkwood just before word had spread of the oncoming danger.
The orc charged Nim and swung it's sword horizontally toward her abdomen. However she jumped back before the blade cut across her stomach. Nim's sword cut into it's flesh. But it felt no pain. The hit only drove it harder into battle. The two fought hard, swords clanging like thunder. Landing a strong uppercut to the jaw of the orc, it fell to the ground, which gave Nim a chance to drive her sword through the neck of her foe. There was not time for celebration, for another attacked her in it's place.
Elianna blocked each blow the Uruk-Hai rained upon her and swiftly swung the right blade, of her twin Elvin blades, to the left and spun out of the way of an oncoming punch, retaliating with a diagonal slice from it's left side with both swords. She spun again, this time with her right blade extended, and made a deep gash into the Uruk's abdomen and followed through in a motion almost mimicking a lasso with each of the blades. While Elianna held the creature's attention, Legolas twirled his two long blades in his hands, crossed his arms at elbow level forming an X, and swiftly sliced outwards.
And that is how it started. All exploded into death and fire as the orcs began to burn the trees.
Lady Lily stood just at the entrance to the underground portion of the hall of Mirkwood, which was little more then a large mound of grass covered hill with a door attached to it.
The door was wide open as Lily watched the trees, the trees she loved all her life, go up in flames. Pacing back and forth she felt trapped. She wanted to be out there, fighting alongside her friends. Helping to save the place she loved so much.
But this time she wouldn't be just putting her own life on the line. Placing a hand upon her swollen stomach she thought of Eomer's words to her as he ran to battle. "Stay underground. I will return to you both," he said, touching the pregnant elf's stomach before kissing her and fading in the crowd of elven warriors.
Lily's light green eyes danced of flames from the burning woods around her. She was pale, a sure sign she was with child. And her straight brown hair was a contrast to that. She wore a simple white dress of elven lace and velvet that flowed over her pregnant form. It was hard to imagine, even for her friends, her wearing anything other then something colorful.
"Arwenamih!" A female voice called from behind. "Arwenamih!" A she-elf wearing a light green dress came running up the hall. "Mankoi, naa lee sinome?" she asked. "You should take shelter."
"I feel like I am letting them down by doing nothing," Lily replied, as she looked out through the smoke. "I can't just stand here and let my friends die."
~Dartho: hold ~Mankoi, naa lee sinome: why are you here
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Post by Galuwen on Aug 31, 2006 1:10:21 GMT -6
"We have strong warriors that will protect our land. But right now you have the most important job of all."
She paused, then continued. "Protect your child. Protect your family, and protect Eomer's heart. That which no sword could ever cut."
Lily smiled. It was all she could do to keep from crying. Never taking her eyes off the trees, she closed the door.
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Post by Galuwen on Sept 2, 2006 18:55:33 GMT -6
Blocking and parrying the strikes her opponent brought upon her, Nienna inflicted upon the Uruk-Hai a few wounds of her own. In a flash, she misread its plan of attack and tried to dodge the path of its blade. Jumping back suddenly, a sharp pain filled her abdomen as she looked at the wound created by it's sword. Crying out in pain with one hand pressed over the wound, she began to fight as best she could once more.
During the fight more orcs appeared. Galuwen fought off one orc who carried a crow-bow at the bottom of the steps, while Nienna and Faramir fought near by with chaos reigning around them. In one smooth move, Galuwen stabbed one Uruk with an arrow, then shot the same arrow at another. A move Legolas had taught her.
Elianna and Nim continue to fight off the orcs on the open field in front of the hall. Nim slices an orc through the chest as Elianna gets one in the belly. But there were too many, and they were being overwhelmed. All seemed lost, but they continued on with all they had.
The Revenant Shadow moved like a leaf in the wind. Elves align by just his thoughts. One man thought he saw a ghostly image of a sword in the dark elf's hands. With a smile, an elf's head fell from it's body. And once again he kept his mind on the task at hand, as he heard a voice in his head.
"Yes, master, It is time," he said to what seemed to be himself. Turning his attention to the closest Uruk-Hai he ordered, "Give me room. Nothing must disturb the ritual. Kill all who get close." The Uruk-Hai roared as he turned to pass the order down the ranks.
Now came the hard part - who?
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Post by Galuwen on Sept 4, 2006 2:30:41 GMT -6
Searching the surviving elves, his eyes spotted a glimpse of red hair.
"Sweet dreams are made of these," he whispered, as his eyes focused on what had caught his attention. A she-elf wearing a black and red dress, her long red hair matted dark red where orc blood had splatter upon her.
"Perfect."
Both elves and a few men fell at his feet, gutted and dismembered, all without touching them, as he made his way to her.
"Gal! Behind you!" Nienna yelled. It was just like magic as The Revenant Shadow appeared behind her so suddenly, knocking her to the ground. Quickly orcs and Uruk-Hai surrounded them.
The instant her body hit the ground, bolts of pain surged through her, causing her to scream in agony. Trying to rise from the ground, her legs buckled beneath her, sending her back to the grass.
Faramir quickly ran to her, but was stopped short as four more orcs blocked his path. For every orc they took down, it seemed like three more were waiting to get him. Even Elianna and the others tried to push their way to Galuwen but their efforts were pointless.
"You should be honored. Your body is being given so the Master can live." Shadow bent down to the she-elf, looking her over. "Lost souls seek for a way." Standing once more, holding his hands outward, Galuwen was lifted off the ground and back onto her feet. "N'tess gothamin."
Galuwen stood still, her head bespelled and her body weak as power surged from Shadow like mist. Those who were strong enough in Middle Earth could feel it hit their skin like needles.
*N'tess gothamin- hold person
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Post by Galuwen on Sept 4, 2006 2:33:42 GMT -6
He moved forward to her, stopping only inches from her. They looked like lovers ready to embrace. His eyes looked deep within hers. All sound faded away, including the terrifying screams coming from her friends, who were somewhere held tightly by Uruk-Hai, and being forced to watch in some sick mockery. One who looked on in horror was Nienna. She was too weak to fight back from the large wound on her abdomen and heavy blood loss.
The Revenant Shadow began to speak a tongue never heard to elven ears. Translated he chanted.
Why won't you die? Your blood in mine… We'll be fine… Then your body will be mine So many words Can't describe my face This feeling's evolved So soon to break out I can't relate to a happy state Feeling the blood run inside
Wake up, Wake up Take this shell, feed upon the servant.
A large cut appeared on his inner arm. As the crimson began to fall, he placed it to her mouth. Her lips parted as she took in the blood. Moving his arm from her, he took a step back. With a smile he replied, "Now all you have to do is die!." Suddenly a sword appeared in his hand, as he thrust it forward through her chest.
Everything happed at once. As Galuwen fell the sword disappeared, as did Shadow. All the remaining orcs disbanded and left. Some elves followed but soon lost them in fog and mist that appeared out of nowhere. Silence befell Mirkwood once more.
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Post by Galuwen on Sept 6, 2006 17:59:04 GMT -6
Linwelos dropped her sword in horror, as others from Lothlorien looked on in disbelief. Some were unable to move from fear. Alasse looked out as far as she could, past a vast sea of bodies. She whispered softly, "Hiro hyn hidh ab 'wanath."
Hearing a voice call to them brought their attention to the steps of the Great Hall. Elianna, Nienna, Nim, Eomer, and Legolas stood together looking down. Elianna's tears reflected in the sun. As they could closer, Faramir sat upon the ground beside a fallen elf.
"NOOOOOOOOO!," Linwelos screamed in horror when she looked down. Running she almost pushed Nim out of the way. Falling to the ground next to lifeless elf. "Mellon nin! Mellon nin!."
Linwelos and Galuwen had grown up together in the Woodland Realm. They were inseparable. They had shared many adventurers together - even the wedding of Haldir and Linwelos, which some would thought would never happen. But it was Galuwen who pulled it all together at the last minute.
Placing a shaky hand upon Galuwen's forehead she closed her eyes. "Telin le thaed. Lasto beth nin, tolo dan galad."
"She's covered in darkness," Alasse replied.
"No! I can't give up. She can't be dead," Linwelos cried, almost unable to accept the truth. "Telin le thaed. Lasto beth nin, tolo dan galad."
"We have tried. She is beyond elvish medicine. Even the powers of Elrond have failed. Powerful dark magic took her life." It was all Elianna could do to hold back the tears.
Nienna's body, once she had stopped moving and from the emotional drain, remembered her own wounds on her abdomen, as she doubled over in pain.
"Tend to the wounded. Save as many as you can!" Legolas ordered. Bring the focus on what must be done. And the tasks at hand. We must rebuild the realm, and it's people."
Elianna and Alasse grabbed Nienna for support. Sadness grew throughout the group as Faramir stood and picked Galuwen from the ground as tears still fell from his eyes.
End of Chapter 1
*Hiro hyn hidh ab 'wanath - [Let] find they [masc.] peace after death'
*Telin le thaed. Lasto beth nin, tolo dan galad- I come to help. Listen to my word, come back to the light.
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Post by Galuwen on Sept 12, 2006 2:28:35 GMT -6
Chapter 2: Eutula tuulo' i'ba
Night had come all too quickly for the elves of the Woodland Realm. Picking up the pieces of what was left of their home would not be easy. Much work lay ahead.
The healing house of Mirkwood was not as large or as well known as Imladirs. It was, for the most part, known for the large garden just behind the house that boasted a spectacular view. It was the only thing, besides her friends, that Nienna took comfort in. Now she looked at the garden through a window from a bed. She nearly escaped death once more, but just barely. The sword had missed anything vital by mere inches. Elvish medicine kept the pain from becoming unbearable. Yet all the medicine in Middle Earth could not ease another pain. A pain felt by all; grief.
Being unable to attend Galuwen's funeral hurt the most. Linwelos told her it was beautiful under the setting sun. That was all she could get out of her after her return. She mainly stayed busy with the wounded, using her skills of magic and medicine for aid.
Galuwen was dressed in a long black dress with a golden chain belt that matched Legolas' sliver crown. Her arms were crossed at the wrist as the long sleeves of her dress covered most of her hands. Her long red hair fanned out above her head, as she lay upon an ornately carved table.
Some of the women as well as young girls took turns placing flowers in her hair. Lady Lily placed a small blue flower as she whispered, "I will share our adventures with my child. And when it gets older I'll tell them the rest." She smiled. " You will remain in our hearts."
Linwleos, who was known for her bravery, could not control her emotions. This was the first time for many that they had seen her cry. Trying to regain herself, Linwelos walked up to what was once her closest friend. She held Galuwen's bow tightly in her hand.
She remembered her brother's first archery lessons to Galuwen and the many windows in the great hall that suffered. Over time Galuwen became just as good as her teacher, always finding her mark. That memory brought a smile to her face, as she placed the bow in her friend's hand and closed the lifeless fingers around it.
"Muinthel." Linwelos heard the soft familiar voice of her brother behind her. And felt the warm touch on her shoulder. A wave of emotions hit as memories assaulted her. Quickly tunning into Legolas' embrace, tears filled her eyes. Slowly he guided her back toward the crowd and to the waiting arms of Haldir.
Faramir stood next to Lily and Eomer, who's right arm was bandaged and held in a cloth sling. He was uncertain and not really sure if he should move forward.
"I have never been this afraid of a battle before," he heard Galuwen say remembering their conversation just before everything broke loose.
Faramir did have feelings for Galuwen. Ones he wished he could have shared with her.
Just then an image filled his mind.
An image of several birds flying over the White Tree of Gondor, as a couple standing just under it's strong branches became husband and wife. And in that instant he knew that image would haunt him for the rest of his life.
Elianna's hands were shaking and her hair matted to her face from tears. Taking a deep breath she began to sing a lament as six eleven archers lifted the table, slowly moving her body to its last resting place; a large mound covered in red flowers. Linwelos, Lily, Elianna, and Faramir could not watch the door being sealed. Dirt was piled up until the door disappeared.
*Muinthel - Sister
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Post by Galuwen on Sept 12, 2006 11:53:33 GMT -6
"Looks like some nasty got a taste of you," a male voice said, pulling Nienna back to the here and now. She realized that she must have been too deep in thought, for she did not hear anyone approach.
A tall dark man stood by her bedside. His long black hair was wavy and unkempt. His ears barley peaked through his hair. They were more rounded then a normal elf's. And his cheeks were fuller; more like man then elf. He wore a worn and tattered long black coat that looked as though it had seen better days, and a simple brown tunic could be seen underneath. Brown pants and black boats competed his ragtag look.
"Names Eruvilui. Eru if ya like." he said with a smile. "Just lending a hand around here. Saw you. Wanted to check on a fellow warrior."
Nienna replied, "I've never needed anyone's help before and I don't need anyone's help now. Don't get all excited. I'm fine
"Oh, right. Stuck in a corner bed diggin' up past uglies, while your friends try to rebuild their lives, 'cause you're fine." Eru said with a smirk.
"You know nothing of my past." Nieanna replied. "I've been through and seen things that make the fires of Mordor look like the meadows of the Shire."
"Ah Mordor; lovely place to vist."
"Look, were you born this big a pain in the rear?."
"I am just saying no use dwelling on your past when the future of Mirkwood lay in ruins." Eru bend down looking Nienna face to face. "Beside I know you. You'll take a good brawl any day. But it sad really when the so called great warrior you are gets shishcabobbed by a small brained orc."
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Post by Galuwen on Sept 13, 2006 13:41:01 GMT -6
(Spell check is not working right now. Read at your own risk!)
Nienna had just about had enough of this Eru when Alassë Minyatur entered the small room. Her light blue tunic almost looked white, which gave her a glow. Her hair was done in wavy, strawberry-blonde curls.
"We are supost to heal here, not bother,"Alassë said in a playful way.
"I was just leaving anyway," Eru replied as he walked past Alassë and disapeared through the door.
"Sorry about him. Nienna, it's been too long. Wish our reuion could be a better one." Alassë said, as she made her way towards her bedside.
"As do I." Nienna replied. "Who was that?" Nienna could not believe she had asked that. He was rude, and uncaring. Yet for some reason he knew her, which scaried her most of all.
"Eruvilui, half elf. Choose a mortel life - even going so far as to cut the points from his ears. He disregards his elven past, lived in Edoras for most of his life. Some even go so far as to say he can read thoughts," Alassë explained.
It was the thought of him invading that last sacred part of her that she had left that sent shakes through her.
Seeing her shake Alassë looked at the bandage on her stomach. "Let's have a look at you. How are you feeling?"
"Now, not so good." That had more to do with Eru then the large wound. How could he?
"Let me see if we still have some pink leaves in the storeroom. It will help with the healing. Has anyone done magic upon you?"
"Linwelos did a pain spell. And worked on stopping the blood flow. But that was all." Nienna replied.
Her mind was elsewhere - a race of thoughts.
"I'll see what I can do for you. I will return with the leaves." Alassë smiled and exited.
Nienna thought of what she would say to him, when next they met. Then she had a better idea, one that would invovle the tip of her sword.
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Post by Galuwen on Sept 14, 2006 2:35:42 GMT -6
Legolas and Haldir traveled to Rivendell just after Galuwen's funeral. They would meet with Elrond to plan better ways of guarding their borders, as well as a course of action for this attack.
Elianna and Linwelos watched as the party depart for an emergency meeting. It was the first time Linwelos had stood still since the funeral. More elves would be buried the next day. Some of the captains were to be sent out on boats which would be lit as funeral pyres.
And much work still needed to be done. It gave her a chance to not to think of the losses. But she felt drained, both physically from battle, emotionally from losing her friend, and mentally as well as from the magic of healing she has done.
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Post by Galuwen on Sept 23, 2006 17:10:17 GMT -6
"Is there any hope in fighting?" Elianna asked. "Everyone that I've cared about has left. I've got nothing left but an empty heart. I am a warrior wounded, with nothing left to fight for." Elianna was overwhelmed. "Somewhere in the distance a voice calls to me to be strong tonight. Yet I can barely hear it anymore. Will darkness ever leave our shores? Is there any hope in fighting?" She repeated.
Linwelos could not answer that. She was warrior and one of the bravest, but in her heart, somewhere deep, Linwelos agreed. She placed her arm around Elianna's shoulders, giving her a gentle squeeze. No words were spoken then but at that moment they both understood what fears were to come.
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Post by Galuwen on Sept 25, 2006 0:22:43 GMT -6
Darkness moved in smoke, guided by the wind from its prison of a small box. The intricately decorated box held high in the hands of Revenant Shadow.
He hated death and despised killing even more. Long ago he had given up hope after his wife was found dead. The elven council refused to find who had taken her life. And even Galadriel and his home of Lothlorien only looked at her death as unfortunate. Nothing was done to ease his pain. He lived now only to survive - even if it meant becoming what he hated: a murderer.
The smoke moved like a snake in the air, until it reached it's destination: a mound of dirt and flowers of crimson.
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Post by Galuwen on Oct 5, 2006 23:36:01 GMT -6
Power ripped throughout the land like a sound wave. Alasse and Linwelos were the first to sense it as their eyes flung open from a sound sleep.
Yet with all that could be felt, the night remained cal. Nim pulled lightly on the reins of her white steed. She liked being alone and enjoyed the feel of the wind as she rode. No wonder that, almost all of her life, Nim loved to travel whenever possible.
With more help arriving from Lothlorien and Rivendell, Mirkwood was starting to fill up. Being none too found of large groups, she took the opportunity to be one of the ones on watch that night. However, she kept feeling as if she was not alone. Her elven eyes were ever watchful.
Reaching an open meadow just outside the forest border, as she dismounted from her horse she sensed trouble.
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Post by Galuwen on Oct 6, 2006 0:39:47 GMT -6
(This next post was co-written by my husband, Jr. wail we were in Columbus,OH)
Without warning the wind she loved so much turned against her. She gasped as she saw the spirit rushing at her, disappearing as fast as it appeared. Only then to turn and see the snarling cougar leaping at her from behind, knocking her to the ground, it's large black paws digging into her shoulders.
"Steady Mahki." a female voice called. Being sure not to move or jerk suddenly, Nim lifted her head just enough to look pass the cougar's jagged teeth to see the point end of an arrow.
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