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One More Lesson

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Post by Conleth Tue Dec 04, 2018 7:30 am

The wood and copper tubs were not large enough for 2 people. In fact, Aragorn dwarfed his and the tubs were separated by wood, paneled walls and no doors. There were paneled screens though and the water was hot and scented with rose petals and jasmine. He scrubbed the white sopa bar onto the cloth and began to scrub the dirt from his skin. The water that pooled around his hips was hot and he luxuriated in it for a time.

He could hear Vanya in her tub. Every once in a while the water would churn and he wondered what she was doing. If it were not so indecent, he’d have liked to watch her bathe. Just the thought made him touch his lower lip with his finger in remembrance of her lips upon his. He was out of his element here and thinking about what was likely to happen tonight made it difficult for him to relax. Elves were a private lot. Often they kept what they felt or thought deep inside of themselves. What they let others see of their emotions was usually by choice in some form of artistic expression. He didn’t know if Vanya was artistic or not and he wondered if she would have kissed him if he had not said anything. Then, why did she do it? Was she trying to obligate him in some way? He didn’t want to consider that, he hoped that she really had feelings for him.

Also he thought about what she knew about him. Not many people knew who he really was but she did. Up to now she seemed more concerned about that than anything else. Something that made him angry at times, especially when she would shove him away from danger or dive into a pit of vipers to ensure his safety. He didn’t ask for any of that and he didn’t want to be a King. That was being forced upon him and even as he thought about it he could feel his anger rising. That fact forced he and his mother into hiding. That fact made people treat him differently and it made him second guess the actions of others around him. He wished he could exclude Vanya in that lot but in his heart he knew he could not. Without thinking he stepped out of his tub and moved past the paneled wall to where she bathed. His brow was furled in irritated scowl and he stood before her. His body was still wet and glistened in the dim light of the oil lamps on the walls of her bathing chamber. He expected to perhaps see ‘something’ but he had not expected to see ‘everything’.

“Vanya I really want...to...a..sk…” He began but his eyes settled upon her naked form, she was standing washing her wound when he appeared. Were her legs really so long? And her body, with all the hardnesses and softnesses that made his throat go dry.



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Post by XslvrstarX Tue Dec 04, 2018 7:54 am

Vanya was relieved to have a tub to bathe in. She and Aragorn would find any running water they could for such purposes, but one couldn't relax in such an element as that. You were completely exposed and vulnerable. But here Vanya could truly relax and enjoy the experience. Though she didn't smell, she felt dirty and wanted to wash her wound.

She loosened her hair from its long braid and ran her fingers through it so it fell in soft waves down her back and around her shoulders. She then undressed and carefully laid her clothes aside on a chair before slipping into the hot water of the tub. Immediately, her muscles began to relax and she picked up a sponge to begin to wash away the dirt and dried blood from her body. Beside her, she heard Aragorn doing the same. She couldn't help but think about that kiss again and as she did she felt herself blush. It had been quite a good kiss at the end and she had left the door open to the possibility of more. Of course she wouldn't push Aragorn into anything. She was going to allow him to make that first move. They didn't have to rush into anything though. They had all night, and if it didn't happen then it didn't happen. She knew she hadn't said anything in response to what Aragorn had told her, but she hoped he had seen it in her eyes. She did care about him...greatly. It might even be love. She wasn't sure as she had never been in love before. But she knew she couldn't allow Aragorn to get too attached to her. He was destined not only for greatness, but for someone else...of that she was certain.

After giving her entire body a good scrub she stood and stepped out of the tub and began to clean her wound, which was healing quickly and thankfully had not taken any infection. She had been looking down, but heard Aragorn approach. She didn't quickly reach over to grab a towel and cover herself. She decided to just let him see her...all of her.

Vanya had long legs that were sculpted from long days of running and walking. Her stomach was flat, but Aragorn would see the indentations of muscles throughout her abdomen...a testament to how hard she worked. The wound on her side did not take away from how beautiful she truly was. Her skin was a creamy white and glistened from the droplets of water that still clung to her. Her breasts were not too small, nor too large and her nipples stood erect from the cold air. Here she was, in her entirety, before Aragorn. She was completely vulnerable and exposed to him and she hid nothing.

"...You wanted to ask me something?" she said softly.

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Post by Conleth Tue Dec 04, 2018 10:09 am

In her entirety, Vanya’s beauty had taken all thought and breath away from Aragorn. That and his desire for her, his need to ‘know’ her grew. Aragorn already had a few scars here and there about his body. Hard muscle and enough meat existed on his large frame to give him a dangerous, ruggedness that appealed to most women if his tall stature, handsome face and broad shoulders were not enough. However the seeds of what had always frustrated him seeped back into his thoughts. Instinctively he listened to make certain they were truly alone. It would not do to have those that might want him dead to know who he was so easy to hand.

“Why now Vanya? Why now, after all of this time?” He began and his mouth worked to find more words as his eyes continued to look at her. It was not easy to concentrate and harder still to keep the look of irritation on his face. “Do you think to obligate me? Do you think that I might become more pliable if you let me get closer to you?” He asked suspiciously. So many designs had been laid to herd him into a path that others thought he needed to travel it was difficult know what wasn’t some plot to guide him and and what wasn’t. Elves often acted as if he shouldn’t be let off such leading strings. A notion that infuriated him. He hated the fact that his life was not his own, something she had said to him many times which in many ways resembled the same thing except the leading strings were invisible. Why couldn’t he just be a man and she a woman and what happens just be what they wanted to happen without some ulterior motive? He didn’t know, not really.

“Do you really have feelings for me?” He asked finally. He didn’t think he could continue unless she did. He did not want her making love to him to satisfy some idle curiosity.



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Post by XslvrstarX Tue Dec 04, 2018 10:34 am

Vanya looked deeply into Aragorn’s eyes. She could get lost in his eyes. They seemed to pull her in and not let go. She felt comforted and loved looking into those eyes. She wished she could spend hours looking into their depths.

“Yes,” she replied without hesitation. “I have feelings for you…I’ve had them for some time now. I have tried to fight them, but I no longer can. I have denied myself happiness my entire life. I felt happiness would cloud my mind and prevent me from doing my duty. I felt that it would make me weak. But when I'm with you I do not feel weak. I feel stronger than I have ever felt. For a long time I protected you because it was my duty to do so, but now I do it because I love you." She paused a moment and looked deeper into his eyes. "I love you Aragorn."

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Post by Conleth Tue Dec 04, 2018 12:04 pm

“I love you Aragorn,” He heard her say in his head. Over and over it repeated and he doubted he could ever get tired of hearing it. Her voice was so sweet, so earnest, so inviting it made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. But where did he go from there? Where did they both go? Cairein taught him that one did not need to be married or even betrothed to have at one another. To make love to one another. Now that everything was out in the open it was unknown territory from here on out. He wanted to ask her how to make love but he decided that perhaps what to do would come to him. Instead of kissing her there and now he nodded and the look of irritation disappeared from his face.

“Well alright then, I’m happy we cleared that up,” He said and smiled at her. Nonchalantly he nodded her a small bow then turned and headed back to finish his bath. He washed then dried then put on clean underclothes, dark wool pants and a nice, thick blue cotton shirt. His boots sat just outside the door to their room. He had left them out to be cleaned and they had been returned already. He went inside and noticed that there was a wooden try on the small table, a bottle of wine upon it and 2 pewter goblets. He moved over to the window and looked out into the darkness. There was some light from the candles, torches and lanterns that sat or hung here and there about the town and from those that people carried. What he wouldn’t give to only have their concerns to contend with. He could be a blacksmith or farrier and just that if he had love in his life. But in his heart he knew that that was not going to happen. He could continue to run and remain what he is but deep down he knew the world would catch up with him eventually. Not yet though, not yet.

She entered while he poured the wine. A deep, red wine that smelled of plums and ash and other things he could not pick out. He held the cups as he turned to watch her settle herself.




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Post by XslvrstarX Tue Dec 04, 2018 1:29 pm

Vanya was somewhat surprised when Aragorn left to return to his bath. Clearly her words had affected him in a good way, and perhaps she had been expecting more to happen at that moment. However, she decided not to push the moment and to just let it happen naturally. She finished her bath and dried herself off. She then put on some clean clothes consisting of a pair of doe hide breeches and a long forest green tunic. She did not own a dress. Everything she carried with her needed to be practical and she had taught that to Aragorn early on.

As she re-entered their room she found Aragorn already there and had opened the wine. He was always handsome in her eyes, but when he was clean and fresh there seemed to be a glow about him. She was barefoot and had left her long hair down, which was unusual for her. She usually kept it pulled back to keep it from her face, but tonight she felt like leaving it down. She wondered what Aragorn would think of it and she wondered what the rest of the night would hold for them.

She took the goblet and as she did their hands briefly touched. She felt his hand linger on her own for a moment before he pulled it slowly away. Vanya's eyes looked into his again.

"It's alright if you want to touch me."

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Post by Conleth Tue Dec 04, 2018 2:00 pm

Aragorn’s eyes widened as Vanya entered their room. He had never seen her hair down and he smiled warmly at her as he handed her her cup. Intentionally he brushed the side of her hand with his outstretched fingers and he smiled again when she told him that he could touch her if he wanted. The tone of her voice was soft and he took a long drink of the wine in hopes that it would calm his nerves. If his hands shook right then he was afraid she might notice. He didn’t know why he was so nervous but he was. She smelled and tasted the wine then he took up her hand in his, it was much smaller than his, and led her over to come to sit next to him on the bed.

There was a thick, colorful quilt on top of the small bed but the bed felt soft underneath him. He held his cup in his right hand then shift to lean in toward her. She turned to face him and as he readied himself to kiss her he paused to look into her large, blue eyes. He smiled then kissed her so softly their lips barely touched. He smiled again as she smiled and he brought his left hand to brush against her pale cheek.

“I want to touch you,” He whispered and kissed her again. Then he drew his hand down to her jaw, the jawline and then her neck. Already his heart began to pound like a frightened rabbit in his chest but he managed to keep his hands from shaking. He tasted her mouth with his, a sweet fruit of the wine and also a wonderful taste that must of been just her. As he did he drew his hand down to her clavicle and then to her right breast. He could feel her breath quicken in his mouth and her nipple grew harder as he rubbed her there. Her clean, herbal scent mixed with the wine and the berries was driving him mad with desire yet he managed to stave off his haste. Aragorn had no real idea what he was doing only that he was doing what he felt like doing.

“Open your shirt for me,” He asked softly and paused in their kiss. He tilted his head back and took another sip of wine as he waited. His cheeks and neck were aflame with color in the asking but the color quickly faded too.

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Post by XslvrstarX Tue Dec 04, 2018 3:30 pm

Vanya sat next to Aragorn on the bed. It was small, but soft and inviting. She took another sip of her wine before sitting the goblet down on the beside table. She then turned to look at Aragorn and they gazed lovingly into one another's eyes for a moment before Aragorn leaned in to kiss her. His lips just barely touched her own and she smiled at him as she felt his left hand touch her cheek. She leaned into his touch and a shiver went down her spine at his statement. As she felt his hands gently move down her body, her heart began to beat a little harder in her chest. His hands were large, but gentle and loving as they explored her body. She closed her eyes and kissed him back as his lips sought her own, but she gasped softly as he rubbed her right nipple.

When he pulled back from the kiss she looked at him in anticipation and then smiled at his boldness of commanding her to open her shirt for him. She brushed her hair back over her shoulder before loosening the ties on the front of her long, forest green tunic and letting it fall open. She then did something bold herself. She moved and soon straddled his lap. She kissed him for a long moment as she took his goblet of wine and placed it beside her own. When his hands were free she reached down and gently tugged his shirt loose from his pants and then slipped it up and over his head...letting it fall onto the floor beside her.

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Post by Conleth Tue Dec 04, 2018 4:23 pm

He had thought that his hands upon her was wonderful but never guessed that hers upon his was even more so! He felt her warm flesh through the wool of his pants and hers as well. She kissed his lips, his face and his neck. He followed suit and she squirmed atop him as if it was all she could do to contain the passion that was rising a little higher every second.

Her hands, his hands, her lips and his. It was agony to feel her pull back to pull off her blouse. He took advantage of the separation and lowered his face down to take her left nipple into his hungry mouth. Her moans folded into his and he groaned with the bed to be free of his pants. He took hold of her hair and pulled her head back and assaulted her neck with his mouth and lips. Finally in one swift motion he felt her shove him back and they landed together on the bed. With wide smiles on their faces they inched back together further into the bed and as she went to his belt he went to hers.

It was an unspoken race between them to see who could get the others pants off. Do to her interference she came out the victor in that and as she crashed back into him he twisted to put her underneath him. His hands felt for her warm flesh and he lowered his head down again to have at her breasts once more. She seemed to like that and he liked how her nipples felt in his mouth.

His hands were not idle either. His right found her middle and he felt her legs spread apart so he could explore her.

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Post by XslvrstarX Tue Dec 04, 2018 4:42 pm

Over the next hour they explored one another's bodies and made love on that small bed. Each of them fought for control and it passed back and forth between them as they continued to switch positions. The feel of Aragorn's hands upon her bare flesh drove Vanya almost crazy with desire. She moaned and shivered with pleasure as she showed him what to do with his hands and mouth upon her. With his head between her legs she gripped his hair and cried out with pleasure. She in turn showed him how a woman could bring a man similar pleasure, which was nearly his undoing. Before she brought him over the brink she stopped and laid back on the bed and brought him atop her. Looking into his eyes, she guided him into herself and together they groaned in pleasure at the feeling. No words were spoken after that. There was just the moans and gasps of pleasure mixed with the steady creaking of the bed beneath them.

Aragorn lasted longer than Vanya expected for his first time and long enough for her to be brought over the brink of absolute pleasure before he succumbed himself. They now lay together in that bed...both of their bodies red and glistening from their amorous activities. Neither of them spoke for some time as they caught their breaths. The room was filled with a comfortable silence. Finally Vanya rolled over and rested herself up on one elbow as she faced Aragorn. She lightly ran the fingers of her other hand over his damp chest as a grin tugged at her lips.

"Well, I don't think there is anything more I can teach you."

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Post by Conleth Wed Dec 05, 2018 7:34 am

Aragorn would have never guessed that making love would feel so...wonderful. Though wonderful was hardly enough to describe it and her. He wanted to do it again and again and again but there was no need for him to be greedy. She wasn’t going anywhere right then. He brought up the quilt and draped it over her.

“Are you certain? I might need a bit more practice with this I think,” He said grinning. Aragorn was one of those men that did not let the troubles of the world and of his life keep him down or sullen for long. Vanya had certainly raised his spirits and the feeling of belonging to something and someone gave him hope and purpose.

“I don’t want tonight to end Vanya. I don’t want what we have together to end,” he said and the grin painted upon his face faded slightly. “I feel we can still do what we have to and not lose this,” he added. He didn’t want to say too much. Commitment was a slippery slope, especially to people like them. Especially Elves he thought. Elrond and perhaps, everyone else had ideals of what he was going to be and Aragorn could honestly say he wanted none of it. Saying it to them though, which he did often, was taken with a dismissive silence. More proof that either they knew something he did not or they had plans for him. He imagined that they’d all try to spring it upon him when the time was right and he hoped it would be something he could sidestep. But how can you sidestep a snare after its been sprung? He didn’t know but he hoped he wouldn’t have to chew his own foot off to escape that fate...that future.

“Do you have the gift of foresight Vanya?” he asked plainly and tilted his gaze to look at her face. She had such a beautiful face. Clean with nice cheeks and a mouth just right for her face.

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Post by XslvrstarX Wed Dec 05, 2018 7:46 am

Vanya grinned at Aragorn's statement that he might need more practice at making love. They were both feeling relaxed and playful. Having Aragorn know her true feelings had caused the weight she was carrying on her shoulders to lift...somewhat. She knew it was still her duty to protect him, with her life if necessary, and to convince him that Middle Earth was going to need him to step up and take the throne of Gondor. Aragorn was resistant to this...very resistant and so Vanya had backed off a little. She knew that Aragorn's future was there in Gondor...but she also knew that his future did not include her.

"I suppose I do a little," Vanya replied when Aragorn asked her if she had the gift of foresight. He might notice her smile had faded somewhat. "Let's not discuss the future Aragorn. Let's live in the here and now."

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Post by Conleth Wed Dec 05, 2018 8:10 am

He wanted to continue on that line, there was no question now in his mind that she was keeping things from him. But what good what it do to know that they would not be together in the end? Or he was going to die...or she was or they both were. None he decided and he cleared his mind of questions. He raised up to kiss her lips once more then laid back down. His smile returned and he traced a finger down her neck and down further between her breasts.

“I want to make love again,” He said plainly. His damp flesh was getting cold and he wanted to feel ‘that wonderful feeling’ again. Her eyes appeared to sparkle in the dim light to his words. He saw her shrug the quilt back and saw her eyes shift briefly to see if he was indeed ready. He needed a bit more encouragement but not much in fact.

After they fell asleep in one another’s arm though it was unclear how late it was when they eventually drifted off together. It was an errant creak on a wooden floorboard near the bed that alerted Vanya. Her ears came alive and in a moment she could hear the swish of cloth and leather. There were 2 people in the room with them, of that she was sure and though she had not yet opened her eyes they were coming closer slowly. How they managed to get their door open and get this far was a question for another time. Right now these two could be assassins and it was likely not her they were after. A small squeeze from Aragorn s hand on her hip was all she needed to tell her he had heard them too. They were both unarmed but their weapons were close and the quilt could be used to some advantage. That and she, at least, could see very well in the dark.

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Post by XslvrstarX Wed Dec 05, 2018 9:26 am

Vanya was glad when Aragorn did not question her any further on what she had seen in her visions. They had started out relatively cloudy, but overtime they had become clearer and clearer. She was going to die. This she knew. She was going to die in Aragorn's arms. But she knew her death would not be in vain. Her death was going to be what would spur him into the coming war and start him on the path to taking the throne of Gondor and reuniting the kingdoms of men. But he would not be alone...this she also knew. There would be another woman...one that he would love more than her...one that he would love more than any other woman. Vanya would not be his one true love...Nauriel would...and she would make him king.

Several hours later Vanya lay asleep in Aragorn's arms after making love again. They were strong and comforting around her and she felt protected and loved. She wanted it to be like this forever, but though she knew it would not be she knew that he was hers now and no one could take that away from her. She was partially awake, though her eyes remained closed and she did not move. It was a creak of the floorboards that brought her fully awake though. Someone...no 2 people were in their room. She did not know how they had managed to get into their room, but they had. Her weapons along with Aragorn's were on the floor near the bed. They were within arm's reach, but they would need a distraction to be able to grab them. She felt Aragorn's hand squeeze her left hip and she knew he had heard it too. He was laying on the outside of the bed and so she would need to create the distraction so he could grab his sword. She did not open her eyes, but used her keen sense of hearing instead. She wanted to wait until they were close, but not too close. Without appearing to at all, she untucked the quilt from their bodies and made sure it was free of anything that it might catch on. Finally, when she knew the moment was right she opened her eyes. she was horrified to see two Ringwraiths standing in their room. They were poised to strike Aragorn down. She grabbed the quilt and threw it up into their faces...temporarily blinding them and giving Aragorn enough time to grab his sword while she grabbed her long daggers from the side table.

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Post by Conleth Wed Dec 05, 2018 10:25 am

This world had changed much since they had last been here. Their defeat was all but ordained but not their return. The dark lord was defeated but his spirit prevailed. The ring was still whole and so their master’s spirit endured. It took years for their bodies to regenerate and it would take many more of their steeds to finish their…’transition’. Still, there were spies everywhere and it was by mere happenstance that word of Aragorn’s passing found their ears. It was the elf that made it easy to find him though, if it ‘was’ the man they sought in the first place. Rumors were unreliable but a chance was better than none and their master’s will gave them no opportunity to remain in the shadows. Of the nine only they were far enough along to be able to affect the physical world. That and they only had steel made by men. Their usual armaments were long in their making just as their other trappings. Still, thousands of years of skill and experience was more than enough to deal with these 2. Which is why the quilt flying up into their faces had surprised them.

With a roll Aragorn had snatched up his sword just under the stabbing blade of the tall man in black who thrusted downward into the bed where he had been. WIth a flick of his wrist his blade snapped to the side and its scabbard came free to clatter against the wall. Even as he shift onto his feet though the man had moved to face him. It was very dark here though there were 2 oil lamps turned down on either side of the bed on small tables next to their wine glasses. Vanya had also armed herself and in her nakedness her pale flesh was easily visible even in the dark.

“He belongs to us elf,” the one nearest to her hissed. For a moment aragorn felt a twinge of fear in his chest but it quickly molded into desperation and fury at the gall of someone trying to kill them in their sleep. Who were these men and why were they trying to kill them? He couldn’t say but he was determined to survive this night and many more nights to come. “Leave him to us and you can go,” he added though his tone sounded as if he were attempting to give her a chance to flee. So they were after him? And suddenly the reasoning of it all became clear in Aragorn’s mind. It did not waste words on telling her to go. He knew she wouldn’t. “Come then, I am no easy meat!” Aragorn said in a growl.

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Post by XslvrstarX Wed Dec 05, 2018 11:16 am

Vanya wished they weren’t in this small room, but there was nothing she could do about it. She just hoped she might be able to use the small space to her advantage. She grabbed her long daggers just in time to block the sword of the second Wraith before it was plunged into her chest. She knew from the look of the sword and it’s feel that it was ordinary steel and not a Morgul blade. She kicked the second Wraith back and looked over to be sure Aragorn was alright. She glared at both of the Wraiths when they demanded she turn Aragorn over to them. She glanced over and saw the oil lamp still sitting on the side table. In the blink of an eye she had it in her hand and she waved it at them to keep them back.

“Leave this place now! I know that you are not to full strength but we are!”

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Post by Conleth Wed Dec 05, 2018 11:43 am

The one nearest to Vanya did back away as she brandished the lamp. Oil sloshed around inside of the small, round basin and the flame flickered as splashes of oil made its way up over the top where the wick was. Aragorn saw the other lamp but the man dressed all in black was between him and it. He decided to test his foe with 3 quick strikes. The tall man deflected them easily it appeared and then attacked. As he did Vanya’s foe lurched forward and was met with a crash of breaking crockery and a flicker of light as he was engulfed in flames. It screeched a horrible, blood freezing sound and the Inn seemed to come alive with activity. Voices and loud thuds down the hall and below them resounded through the walls. Aragorn danced back and was forced to defend as his foe attacked all out. He grunted when its second strike hit home against his upper arm. It struck like a viper and even with the added illumination he knew he was at a grievous disadvantage. He could not see the man’s face but he could feel its lips peel back in a knowing sneer. In that moment Aragorn knew he was outmatched. He was good, very good with a sword but this man was better. Much better. The man that was on fire ran toward Vanya but he saw her roll out of his way and he leaped out of the window. The man before him pressed his advantage and after several more exchanges of steel, Aragorn now bled in 3 places. A shallow gash on his thigh and another on his forearm added to the first. “Time to die!” The man said in a hiss that made Aragorn’s bones chill like they were made of ice.

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Post by XslvrstarX Wed Dec 05, 2018 12:26 pm

Vanya just barely managed to get away before the Wraith that was on fire ran past her and leapt out of the window with a blood curdling screech. She could hear other guests of the inn yelling in fear and running down the hall to try and get out of the inn. Looking over at Aragorn, she could see that he was outmatched by the Wraith. Even without being at full strength they were still incredibly dangerous beings. She had not encountered one before, but she knew of them. Her mother had told her stories about them, which was how she knew that fire would deter them.

As Aragorn fought for his life, Vanya grabbed the second oil lamp. She knew she needed to act quickly otherwise the Wraith might actually kill Aragorn. Aragorn managed to kick the Wraith back and that is when Vanya reacted. She hurled the oil lamp at the Wraith and like the first it burst into flames with a bone chilling screech that was definitely not human. She grabbed Aragorn and pulled him out of the way as the Wraith leapt out of the window and followed after the first one. She then grabbed the quilt and used it to smother and extinguish the flames before the entire inn caught fire.

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Post by Conleth Wed Dec 05, 2018 12:38 pm

In the span of moments both windows were burst out and Aragorn hobbled over to the one nearest to him to look out into the night. To his shock he saw the two figures, still aflame run away from the building into the darkness. Below them on the street a hay cart that one of them had passed burst up into flames and illuminated the surrounding area. He saw people down there run in all directions. Most in their night clothes or less.

Seeing that Vanya staunched the fire Aragorn sank to the floor as if his bones had become like jelly. “What...who..?” He began but his mouth could not form the words. He knew now that whatever they were they were not human as he had thought. His wounds were not life threatening but if left untreated for long he’d soon fall unconscious to blood loss. He felt dazed and confused as he felt Vanya press something up to his legs. His eyes were really not seeing anything, the sudden brightness had taken away his night vision.

“They were after me?” He said in a whisper though he didn’t need her to tell him why was obvious. He was afraid and understandably so. He was afraid and still kept his wits and faced a wraith on his feet. Many men and elves before him could not say that much. More proof that Aragorn had come from good stock.

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Post by XslvrstarX Wed Dec 05, 2018 1:13 pm

Once Vanya knew the flames were out she immediately turned her attention to Aragorn. Though the cuts were not life threatening she did not want him to lose too much blood. She rushed over to his side and grabbed a sheet from the bed to use to staunch the blood flow. She pressed it against the cut on his leg, thankful the blade had not been tainted.

“They are the Nazgûl and they were once men, great Kong’s of men. Then Sauron the Deceiver gave to them nine rings of power. Blinded by their greed they took them without question. One by one they fell to darkness and his command. If they have risen that means they are seeking the One Ring of Power and they see you as a threat.”

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Post by Conleth Wed Dec 05, 2018 1:34 pm

Aragorn winced at the pressure on his cut but nothing more and shook his head. “Of me? Why? I’m just one man!” He said and bit back an oath. He was tired of hearing that! He grew a little pale upon hearing what else she said though. About the Nazgul. There was actually very little that anyone knew about the Nazgul. Their return ‘could’ mean that the dark lord’s influence upon the world is increasing and spawned their regeneration. Or it could mean that they simply took time to heal. There were only 2 of the 9. But that was information that needed to get to Imladris as soon as possible.

“Its like the world is changing Vanya. Smaug destroyed Dale before he was slain. The Dwarves returned to their mountain after Thorin Oakenshield died in the battle of 5 armies. And now these ringwraiths return? What does it all mean?” Aragorn asked, his face painted with deep concern. “I thought ‘he’ was defeated?” He asked plainly.

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Post by XslvrstarX Wed Dec 05, 2018 1:54 pm

Vanya kept steady pressure on the wound despite Aragorn’s wince. They were both still naked, but neither of them seemed to take notice of that. Their minds were preoccupied with dreaded thoughts. They would need to return to Imladris immediately to tell Lord Elrond of this news. Everything was happening more quickly than she would have liked.

“Sauron was defeated but the One Ring was not destroyed. As long as that ring remains intact Sauron is connected to it and is able to return.”

She sighed and was quiet a moment before speaking again. “Isildur, one of your ancestors, cut the ring from Sauron’s hand. He had the opportunity to throw the ring into the fires of Mount Doom, but he did not and he took the ring. He was later killed and the ring was seemingly lost. However, if Sauron has returned that means it remains in this world and we must find it before he does.”

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Post by Conleth Thu Dec 06, 2018 7:23 am

On her last mention of Sauron’s name a whisper rose in the room. A faint whisper that spoke a phrase in black speech. Aragorn’s eyes grew large at that and he looked over at Vanya for reassurance. His wounds were really not all that bad. They needed stitches but they were more or less superficial. After they were dressed and packed Aragorn decided to use the privy before their departure. When he came back he saw Vanya giving gold coins to the Innkeeper who looked quite bedraggled by the events of last night and lack of sleep as well. The word that was going around was that 2 drunkards forced their way into a room that wasn't theirs and knocked over an oil lamp. They both fell out the windows to avoid the flames and landed into a hay cart that caught fire. Where the men went was anybody's guess but no one had ever seen the like before and no one knew the two men responsible for the night’s happenings. It was past time that they got back on the road and made haste to Imladris. Long past time.

With his dark gray cloak that fluttered behind him Aragorn ran. Not a dead run but not a slow scuttle either. A pace Vanya could keep fairly easily though few humans could keep for any length of time. Not as fast as a horse but horses needed to rest from time to time where Aragorn did not seem to. After several hours they did slow down to a walk so they could eat. Dried sausage and cheese today.

“I wish I could have met Isildur,” Aragorn said as he chewed. Not exactly polite but it was difficult to hold a conversation while they were running. “I was told something about him but not many elves are willing to share that history with me. My history, I mean,” he amended. “I was told he was betrayed though by those that wanted the ring for themselves,” he said. “Do you know more about that?” he asked Vanya hopefully.

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Post by XslvrstarX Thu Dec 06, 2018 9:28 am

Vanya and Aragorn dressed and packed quickly. They knew they needed to leave this place and start towards Imladris immediately. It would take them a few days to get there and neither of them wanted to wait very long to get moving. The attack on Aragorn had left Vanya shaken and she knew that she had let her guard down too much. The rising of the Wraiths meant that Sauron was gaining strength and power and that they would need to be extremely vigilant from here on. She couldn't let another surprise attack happen. Aragorn was needed in this world. He needed to survive and help defeat Sauron...to do what his ancestor could not.

Vanya easily kept up with Aragorn as they ran. She had the long legs of the elves and also had much more energy and endurance than a human. Finally, though they slowed to a walk so they could eat a little something. She ate a little cheese as she walked next to Aragorn. They had not spoken about what had transpired between them last night before the attack, but it had changed them. Of that she was certain.

When Aragorn began to question her about Isildur she looked over at him slightly. When he was younger, she had kept such knowledge from him. But now he was a man and she felt he deserved the truth.

"I do not know much about Isildur, but I will tell you what I know. He was born in the year 3209 of the Second Age in Númenor, the first son of Elendil son of Amandil, the last Lord of Andúnië. He had four sons: Elendur, Aratan, Ciryon, and Valandil. Elendur was born in S.A. 3299 in Númenor; the others were born later, in Middle-earth. In Isildur's youth, Númenor's King Ar-Pharazôn was corrupted by Sauron, who urged that Nimloth the White Tree be cut down. Isildur went to the court of the king in disguise and stole a fruit of the tree. He was severely wounded in his escape, but his sacrifice was not in vain: Nimloth was cut down and burned shortly afterward, but the line of the White Tree continued. When Númenor was destroyed by Ilúvatar, Elendil's family escaped in nine ships.

The refugees from Númenor fled east to the continent of Middle-earth. Isildur's father Elendil landed in the north, founding the realm of Arnor, while Isildur and his brother Anárion landed in the south and established the realm of Gondor, which they ruled jointly until Anárion was killed in Mordor.

Isildur settled on the east bank of the Anduin and established the city of Minas Ithil, which would later be named Minas Morgul, as well as the province of Ithilien. His throne and his brother Anárion's stood side by side in the city of Osgiliath. However, in S.A. 3429 Sauron captured Minas Ithil and destroyed the White Tree. Isildur and his family escaped down the Anduin by boat, bearing with them a seedling of the tree. They sailed to Lindon, seeking the Elven High King Gil-galad and Elendil in Arnor. Anárion bought time for Gondor by defending Osgiliath and driving the Dark Lord back to the mountains, while Elendil and Gil-galad marshalled their forces.

Isildur returned with Elendil and Gil-galad in the Last Alliance of Elves and Men in 3434. After the Alliance was victorious over Sauron's host at the Battle of Dagorlad, they advanced into Mordor and laid siege to Barad-dûr. When Minas Ithil was recaptured, Isildur sent his younger sons Aratan and Ciryon to man that fortress, which would prevent Sauron and his forces from escaping that way. Isildur was accompanied throughout the war by his eldest son Elendur. The campaign in Mordor was long and bitter, and Anárion was slain by a stone from the Dark Tower.

Besieged in the Dark Tower for seven years, the enemy was all but defeated, and Sauron appeared to challenge the king. During the final battle on the slopes of Mount Doom, Elendil and Gil-galad were both slain in combat with the Dark Lord, but Sauron's mortal form was slain as well. The Second Age ended, and Isildur became High King of Arnor and Gondor. Isildur immediately took the hilt-shard of Elendil's sword, which had broken in the struggle against Sauron, and cut the One Ring from the hand of Sauron's mortal form. Despite the urging of Elrond and Círdan, Gil-galad's lieutenants, Isildur did not throw the Ring into the fires of Mount Doom. Isildur made a scroll with a description of the Ring and a copy of its fading inscription. This scroll was archived in Minas Anor and discovered by Gandalf nearly an Age later.

After the fall of Sauron, the greater part of the army of Arnor returned home while Isildur stayed in Gondor for a year, restoring order and defining its boundaries. He planted the seedling of the White Tree in Minas Anor in memory of Anárion. As his brother's helm had been crushed during his death at Barad-dûr, Isildur left his own helm as Gondor's crown. He installed Anárion's son Meneldil as King of Gondor, and returned north en route to Arnor with his three sons. He made first for Rivendell, where his wife and fourth son Valandil had stayed behind throughout the War of the Last Alliance.

At the Gladden Fields in the middle course of the Anduin, Isildur's party was ambushed by roaming Orcs of the Misty Mountains. It was the 5th of October in only the second year of Isildur's reign, and the second year of the Third Age. Isildur chose the route along the Anduin rather than the safer but longer North-South road. Sauron, however, had deployed an army of orcs east of the Misty Mountains to attack stragglers of the Last Alliance. The orcs did not show themselves when the armies of the Elves and Men passed by, but they were easily more than a match for Isildur's small company.

Isildur was assailed at sunset. Though the first orc sortie were beaten off, they regrouped and surrounded Isildur's party to prevent his escape. When nightfall came, the orcs assaulted him from all sides.

The Dúnedain were surrounded and outnumbered. Ciryon was slain and Aratan mortally wounded in a failed attempt to rescue Elendur, who urged his father to flee. Isildur put on the Ring, hoping to escape under the cover of invisibility. Fleeing to the Anduin, he cast off his armour and tried to swim to the other side of the river, but the Ring slipped from his finger. Isildur felt that the Ring was missing and was momentarily dismayed; but with the burden of the Ring removed he rallied and made for the opposite bank. Despite the darkness, the Elendilmir that he was wearing betrayed his position to orcs on the far bank, who were seeking survivors from the attack, and they killed him with their poisoned arrows. Isildur's squire, Ohtar, saved Elendil's sword from the enemy, fleeing into the valley before the orcs encircled Isildur's company. Estelmo, Elendur's squire, was found alive under his master's body, stunned by a club.

The Elves from Thranduil's kingdom quickly got word of the attack, although they were too late to save any of the Dúnedain. They organized a counter-attack, destroying the orcs before they could mutilate the bodies of Isildur's company."

Vanya then fell quiet for a few moments before looking at Aragorn again. "You are your own man Aragorn. Do not let Isildur's weakness become your own. Learn from his mistakes. Do not let them take over you. You are a strong, brave, great man with a pure heart and I am honored to walk beside you."

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