How Long Shall We Mourn in the Dark: A Fantasy Grand Crossover

Starting to think that posting an update with an hour long mortarium an hour before an important judicial decision dropped might not have been the best plan lmao.
 
[X] Rushed forwards, through the slowly closing doors of the Last Homely House. Lord Elrond had a need of envoys, and she need for adventure. He would take her on as his envoy, she would be sure of it. (1.5x votes, Fëanorith proc)

We have to do a no growth so that when we do have character development it'll be a nice pay off.
 
[X]Said a few words to her father and friend before searching out Glorfindel in the crowd. Lord Elrond had been scarce with real information, but her teacher would be able to both tell her more and push her as an envoy.

We got a teacher for a reason, right?
 
[X]Said a few words to her father and friend before searching out Glorfindel in the crowd. Lord Elrond had been scarce with real information, but her teacher would be able to both tell her more and push her as an envoy.
 
[X]Said a few words to her father and friend before searching out Glorfindel in the crowd. Lord Elrond had been scarce with real information, but her teacher would be able to both tell her more and push her as an envoy
 
[X]Said a few words to her father and friend before searching out Glorfindel in the crowd. Lord Elrond had been scarce with real information, but her teacher would be able to both tell her more and push her as an envoy.
 
[X] Rushed forwards, through the slowly closing doors of the Last Homely House. Lord Elrond had a need of envoys, and she need for adventure. He would take her on as his envoy, she would be sure of it. (1.5x votes, Fëanorith proc)
 
I am very interested in this quest because we are to getting the chance to have a bunch of different kinds of Elves interact and that should be a ton of fun.

[X]Said a few words to her father and friend before searching out Glorfindel in the crowd. Lord Elrond had been scarce with real information, but her teacher would be able to both tell her more and push her as an envoy.
 
[X]Said a few words to her father and friend before searching out Glorfindel in the crowd. Lord Elrond had been scarce with real information, but her teacher would be able to both tell her more and push her as an envoy.
I like this quest. It's interesting that the original who created the elves as a fantasy stamp is so different from the typical fantasy elves. I will wait for new posts
 
[X]Said a few words to her father and friend before searching out Glorfindel in the crowd. Lord Elrond had been scarce with real information, but her teacher would be able to both tell her more and push her as an envoy.

We want this, but we should also rely on our friends and mentor to support us, not burn all our bridges to get it. Learn the right lesson from our precursor's worst moments.

Glorfy boy will know what to do and if we're ready.
 
[X]Said a few words to her father and friend before searching out Glorfindel in the crowd. Lord Elrond had been scarce with real information, but her teacher would be able to both tell her more and push her as an envoy.
I like this quest. It's interesting that the original who created the elves as a fantasy stamp is so different from the typical fantasy elves. I will wait for new posts

While I would argue things like other worldly grace and agelessness have been characteristics of the Faey Folk in stories long before Tolkien wrote his books I agree he created a frame work for how they could appear in a fantasy story.
 
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While a strong part of her soul pulled at her to leap at the chance to see the wider world, Elenien mastered herself and soothed that burning fire in her heart. Running forwards now to tug on Elrond's sleeve like an impudent child would do naught but give others a chance to heap scorn and ridicule upon her. She was known throughout Imladris, yes, but that did not give her the right to so boldly and rudely demand the attention of the Lord of the Last Homely House. It would be an insult to him, as well as a black mark against her manners and mind.

Instead Elenien had other ways to reach into the council's of the Wise. She watches Glorfindel, her old mentor, begin to speak to a group of concerned warrior elves on the side of the long porch of the Last Homely House. Instead of making a fool of herself in public by asking for something that many would not think she deserved to have, instead Elenien could play her detractors for fools by convincing Glorfindel to intercede on her behalf. It was a fool proof plan, the only risks were that he might say no for some unknown reasons, and she believed that was very unlikely.

So the elf-maid turns back to her father and best friend as they talked about the announcement. Orthoron was fond of Hennethben on the rare occasions that they got to talk to the Naen one on one and the two were chatting amiably along.

"It would make the most sense to send the messenger to Lothlorien first, I think. They're the closest to us and the quickest to respond to our summons. Ideally the messengers could then use Gladriel's court as a jumping off point for making the journey further afield to Thranduil or Gondor." Hennethben says.

"I agree, that would make the most sense. I assume that Lord Elrond will also send the messengers to the Dunedain, the Dwarves of the Blue Mountains and our cousins in Lindon as a group. These are dangerous lands and evil has been stirring in Angmar as of late, so the safest option would be to seek strength in numbers. The most difficult question will be what to do about the messengers heading south. Moving along the Misty Mountains in any capacity will be dangerous no matter what side you are on. The messengers to Orthanc and Rohan should move by as a group, but I do not know if the Gondorian one should go with them or stay on their own." Her father replies.

Elenien rolls her eyes as she steps forwards. "It would be for the best to have the Gondorian go with the Rohan bound group until the Entwash. On the way back they could meet up again at Rauros Falls and head north to Lothlorien, and then over the mountain passes back home."

"Back with us after drifting off into thought, Ele?" Henneth says with a teasing smirk, getting a haughty huff out of the raven haired elf.

"Yes yes, I am back. I got a little distracted, that is all." She shrugs. "Anyways, I wonder who the messengers are going to be."

Orthoron strokes his chin. "Lord Elrond will likely be pulling from the warrior elves for the journey, maybe even some of the Dunedain. I'm sure that his sons will be agitating to be sent somewhere, though I doubt he will allow them to do so."

"I'll be heading to Lindon I suppose. Mayhap I can bring you back a souvenir from the swan ports. A bolt of silk for weaving, perhaps?" Elenien's happy expression turns sour as she hears Ravondir's voice.

The rivalry between the two black haired elves was a well known bit of dramatics in Imladris. Both were prominent swords-elves, powerful in the mock training battles the older warriors put their young wards through. Before testing each other in battle neither had been defeated, and even many years after their first clash the two had an equal number of wins and losses to the other. They both considered the other a prideful, ignorant fool who they would one day triumph over. For her part Elenien considered Ravondir a boastful boor who thought that he was Eru's gift to the Eldar for being both male and having some small talent with the blade. She had heard that Ravondir typically liked to refer to her as a violent shrew who cared only for her own pride. Both hated the other and the Dunedain kept betting pools on if they would kill or kiss each other one day.

"It is rude to get a present you wish for yourself with the knowledge that the receiver will return it to you in a few days, Ravondir. When I pass through Círdan's court I will pick up any weaving materials you so desire."

Her rival rolls his eyes. "I am sure that Lord Elrond will prefer to send someone a little more experienced and less impetuous to carry out such an important task. I would suggest going home and leaving this to those who haven't gotten covered in stinging nettles because they were running so fast they didn't see the oncoming cliff."

Elenien's hackles rise but Hennethben steps in before she says something she may regret. "What do you want Ravondir? If you came just to mock and jeer I'd prefer you continue on. These are dark times already, there is no need to cause more anger and agitation."

Ravondir steps back as Hennethben approaches him and then coughs, schooling his face. "I...You are correct, Hennethben. It has been a long night and I lost control of myself." He turns and bows to a frowning Orthoron. "I apologize, lord of Amon Aglar. I hope that my jests did not inspire undune unhappiness in you or your daughter."

Orthoron sighs and waves off the comment. "Do not worry, young Ravondir. As you said it has been a long and painful night for us all. Word are quick like fire among the youth, and as your elder it is my job to reprimand your folly but also remember that I too once spoke without thinking."

"Thank you, Lord." Ravondir turns back to the two friends. His eyes focus on Hennethben, who cringes back at his intense gaze. "You are feeling well, Hennethben? I hope that tonight has not caused you undue stress or harm." His tone is stiff and formal when speaking to the Naen, words sounding strange and almost forced.

Hennethben shifts uneasily on their feet before shrugging. "I am well. My parents kept my safely ensconced within our home."

Ravondir nods. "Good, that is good. I would not like if anything ill fortuned happened to you." He shakes himself out of whatever state he is in and looks at the group. "I must be going. I wish you a good night, Lord Orthoron." He bows to her father. "Good tidings and a good morrow to you, Hennethben." His bow is stiff. "And good luck on conniving your way into a messenger position, Elenien. It would be boring if you couldn't come along." A bit of emotion creeps back into his voice as he gives her a mocking grin before he stands and leaves.

Henneth watches him go before shuddering. "Ugh, did you say the way he was looking at me. Most people here have the decency to at least pretend that I'm not some twisted oddity."

Elenien sighs and brings Hennethben into a side hug. "I know, hes a fool. A jealous one at that. He probably envies that Eru took out some of his brains and put them in your head."

"Please, I'm really not that smart Ele." But even as they say that a small smile flashes onto their face and they hug Elenien back fiercely.

"I'm sure he meant no harm by his gaze. Ravondir is just ill suited to matters off of the practice field. When I spoke to his father a fortnight ago he said that his son had nothing but praises for you, Hennethben." He thinks for a moment and snorts. "The same can not be said of you, daughter."

Elenien rolls her eyes and unlatches from Hennethben. "Well, he was right on one thing. I do want to be chosen as a messenger." She turns over and shes that Glorfindel is free of petitioners. "Would you not mind, father and Henneth, if I spoke to my mentor."

Hesitation flares up on her father's face. "I...Am unsure if I want you to go out of the valley, daughter. Speak to lord Glorfindel, but your mother and I would want to discuss this before any decision is made."

Hennethben for their part just nods. "You had better hurry before he either goes back into the House or is pulled into a conversation."

"Of course father, it would be only sensible to have a family discussion about this." Elenien says while knowing full well that she would be leaving Imlardis soon no matter what her parents thought. So she kisses both Henneth and her father on the cheek and jogs over to Glorfindel.

Her mentor looks up and gives Elenien a casual grin as she approaches. "Ah, Elenien, it is good to see you. I had worried that you may have attempted to slay the gale in pitched combat and gotten a few broken ribs for your troubles."

"Why does everyone keep on assuming I would even think about doing something so foolish?" She whines, fixing him with a haughty look.

"Because I remember twelve years ago when you got so annoyed at a brown bear blocking your path you attempted to fight it with your fists."

"I almost won!"

"You were in the healer's halls for a week."

"That still doesn't mean I did not almost win!"

The two are silent for a second before they burst out in laughter.

"It is good to see that you are well, Elenien. I doubt that even the strongest of winds could have harmed you, but it is good nonetheless to see that you are fine." His grin has widened and they begin to walk along the long porch overlooking the great falls of Imladris.

"And I feel the same of you. With the important distinction that you apparently tried to challenge the storm." She grins at him even as her voice turns deadpan. "And failed."

Glorfindel shrugs. "It was a powerful storm, if it was a proper storm at all. I have not seen its like since the Valar turned their full might against Morgoth, and I hope to never see its like again." He stops and turns out to look over the valley and up at the night sky. "Merriness aside, I am worried, Elenein."

She is quiet and after a few moments of silence he continues. "The air itself is wrong. I cannot taste the sweet winds of Valinor anymore, even as dispersed as they are when they blow off the Straight Road. I…" his voice quiets for a moment, "I worry that we are cut off from Valinor."


Elenien stares out at the water for a while before she sighs. "Well, if we are, then we must make do with what we have here, on Arda." She looks up at the unfamiliar sky and scowls. "If we ever truly are on Arda." She turns and looks at her mentor, who is deep in thought. "...I do not believe that this is the work of the Enemy."

Glorfindel shakes his head. "No. When I look towards the east with all my heart I sense fear and uncertainty. I cannot explain it, but I am close to certain that Sauron is as confused and frightened by the sudden change as we are. Small comfort I suppose, that even one of Morgoth's lieutenants can be shaken by such strange happenings."

Elenien stands up straight. "I had the same thought! I do not want to huddle in Imladris like a terrified child, scared of my own shadow due to the howling of some winds! I wish to go out and help rally the Free Peoples, to finally leave Rivendell and see the world! If I stay here I worry that I will drift away from everything, become nothing more than curiosity in the scholar's books, if even that."

The ancient elf sighs. "Would that be so bad? To live a regular life? I am a hero twice over two different lives, Elenien. I can assure you that to be featured in songs and legends has its great share of pain and suffering."

Elenien stands firm, hands clenched at her sides. "You know my thoughts on this."

He groans. "I do, I do." With a grimace he stands up and rolls his shoulders. "Fine. I agree that you should go. Both because I hope a journey disabuses you of some of the sheen adventure seems to have, and because we are short on elves competent to to send as a messenger who are not needed to defend Imladris if Sauron does decide to try some tickery."

Elenien grins and pulls in her mentor for a hug, one that he reciprocates after a moment's hesitation. "I knew you would agree! I will not fail you or Lord Elrond, I promise that!"

"It is not a done deal yet, and it will be many days before you know for sure. But I will lend my counsel to Elrond's ears, and that may yet be enough to secure you a place."


Several days do pass and life returns to normal in Rivendell. Birds spent between the elven camps in the Trollshaws and on the high moors of Eregion report back that the great gales had occurred there as well, and that things had been quiet since then. Even the movement of orcs and goblins through the mountains had slowed down to a crawl, the foul creatures clearly not eager to return to the surface for fear of another great storm. Within Imlardis itself patrols were intensified and the winds and the oncoming choice of messengers and the council that would follow it were on everyone's lips, but life slowly returned to normal.

Elenien waited impatiently, sparring every day and only returning home to fall into a deep sleep when her body was sore and the sun was almost fully dipped below the mountains, before she is given a letter with the seal of Elrond upon it. Her heart leaps onto her throat as she reads that she has been chosen as…

[]A Western Messenger: To Bree and Amon Sul first, and then off across Eriador to Thrain's Halls and Mithlond.

[]A Eastern Messenger: Crossing first the Misty Mountains and stopping in Lothlorien before continuing east to the Woodland Realm and then to Erebor and Dale.

[]A Southern Messenger: Going south towards the Gap of Rohan to speak to Orthanc and Edoras before going even further south to Gondor, and perhaps even beyond.



So, about the lack of updates. I wrote 1-1 and then a few days later I had to leave my parent's house under less than desirable circumstances. I am fine and things are slowly getting better, but for a long while I both had a terrible set up for writing anything of any substantial length and was in, to put it mildly, a rather funky mood. Now I have a proper place to write and things are picking up for me, so updates should be more frequent. I don't know if I'll reach the goal of one a week that I set out for in the start of the thread, but we'll see.
 
I'm torn between meeting the other elves on the eastern road or going south principally to talk to Saruman and Gondor.
 
[X]A Eastern Messenger: Crossing first the Misty Mountains and stopping in Lothlorien before continuing east to the Woodland Realm and then to Erebor and Dale.
 
[X]A Southern Messenger: Going south towards the Gap of Rohan to speak to Orthanc and Edoras before going even further south to Gondor, and perhaps even beyond.
 
I'm torn between meeting the other elves on the eastern road or going south principally to talk to Saruman and Gondor.
It is honestly difficult.

Seeing the other elves would be both familiar and foreign. And I would be interested in gaining Elenien's impressions on them. We may even meet Galadreil. Which in of itself should be quite the fun meeting. On the other hand, going south would well and truly introduce her to the world. See the sights and wonders of the realms of men. And, of course, talk with Saruman. Which, I will admit, is more tempting than talking to the other elves.

Imagine being impudent enough to match wits with Saruman the wise :V
 
[X] A Eastern Messenger: Crossing first the Misty Mountains and stopping in Lothlorien before continuing east to the Woodland Realm and then to Erebor and Dale.

Far over the misty mountains cold...
 
[X] A Eastern Messenger: Crossing first the Misty Mountains and stopping in Lothlorien before continuing east to the Woodland Realm and then to Erebor and Dale.

It is honestly difficult.

Seeing the other elves would be both familiar and foreign. And I would be interested in gaining Elenien's impressions on them. We may even meet Galadreil. Which in of itself should be quite the fun meeting. On the other hand, going south would well and truly introduce her to the world. See the sights and wonders of the realms of men. And, of course, talk with Saruman. Which, I will admit, is more tempting than talking to the other elves.

Imagine being impudent enough to match wits with Saruman the wise :V

He is powerful but I do not think wise is the right word for Saruman especially when with the worlds being thrown together there is even more possibilities to tempt his lust for power. He is the most dangerous member of the Allies we could speak to and I would prefer not to draw his attention. Plus going to the other Elves means she is more likely to meet and be unprepared for interacting with the Elves of the other worlds because she has spent time with very similar ones to her's. Also Lady Galadriel is always fun to read and she unlike Elrond for all his power is maybe the greatest true Elf in Middle Earth so meeting her should be something to awe our girl who wants to see the world.
 
X]A Southern Messenger: Going south towards the Gap of Rohan to speak to Orthanc and Edoras before going even further south to Gondor, and perhaps even beyond.
 
He is powerful but I do not think wise is the right word for Saruman especially when with the worlds being thrown together there is even more possibilities to tempt his lust for power. He is the most dangerous member of the Allies we could speak to and I would prefer not to draw his attention. Plus going to the other Elves means she is more likely to meet and be unprepared for interacting with the Elves of the other worlds because she has spent time with very similar ones to her's. Also Lady Galadriel is always fun to read and she unlike Elrond for all his power is maybe the greatest true Elf in Middle Earth so meeting her should be something to awe our girl who wants to see the world.
I'll admit, seeing Elenien experience firsthand the majesty and otherworldliness of Galadriel would be quite something. But I am also incredibly interested to see what Saruman would make of this.

Hm.

[X]A Southern Messenger: Going south towards the Gap of Rohan to speak to Orthanc and Edoras before going even further south to Gondor, and perhaps even beyond.
 
[X] A Southern Messenger: Going south towards the Gap of Rohan to speak to Orthanc and Edoras before going even further south to Gondor, and perhaps even beyond.
 
[X] A Eastern Messenger: Crossing first the Misty Mountains and stopping in Lothlorien before continuing east to the Woodland Realm and then to Erebor and Dale.
 
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