Son of Gondor ~In the Beginning...One~

[DoF Archive]

Date: 11/6/1998 4:08 PM Central Daylight Time
From: EldrionKoG

( I apologise for this being so late in coming, but I wanted to get Eld and Kart's past out of the way before starting on the present. Criticizm, good and bad, is greatly appreciated.)-In the Beginning...OneMirkwood had always been a dreary place for Aragorn, even though the evil had been banished from this wood by Mithrandir himself. Today, however, it seemed unusually dark and dreadful. It seemed as though the forest had eyes, and was watching him and his son's every movement. Of course, the Ranger learns to be cautious in all of their surroundings. But the air was so chill and...."Wha' do ye think o this spot, father?"Eldarion. His seven year old son had already grown faster than his eyes could believe. "Before I know it, he'll be a man" Aragorn thought to himself, striding over to a small patch of shrubs in which his son was hiding. It was a good day to take Eldarion hunting after all."Aye, indeed, my son. Tis good enough to keep us from the eye o any deer."His son smiled at him, proud of his choice. Aragorn always thought Eldarion had his mother's skin and ears..but those eyes and stern face...those were his father's qualities. Already, Eldarion had learned much from his father...his swordmanship was improving and he could track almost as good as any Ranger...hand to hand dueling, however, that was a completely different story...Even though he was a lad of seven, he could strike with a power that wouldknock any man, even Strider, to the ground. He was quick and agile, much like his father. Although he had yet to beat Aragorn, he had come close many times...and often Aragorn would find himself winded afterwards...but his son was still full of vigor, ready to battle again."When the time is right, my son" he thought "ye will accompany me to the Outback... but no matter what, I will always be very proud of yo....""Down father! Didn't ye hear that? From over there?" Eldarion pointed to a cluster of bushes about 100 feet off. Maybe Strider's hearing was going in his old age...He ducked quietly behind the shrubs and peered out through the leaves. Indeed, the branches of the bushes were quivering...however, something wasn't right...he couldn't see any movement of an animal or anything near the bushes...then why were the branches quivering...he looked silently around, and the branches, even the very leaves,on the trees beside them were quivering fiercely...The wood had not been touched by some passing animal...it was scared...in fact, it was terrified...

[DoF Archive]

Date: 11/6/1998 4:12 PM Central Daylight Time
From: EldrionKoG

- In the Beginning...TwoPeace.Something the Ranger knew little of until recently. Ever since he had *received* custody of his son, Eldarion, his ex-wife had given him hell. At first, she cared not about custody... since she realized Eldarion would not aid her in obtaining the throne... What was it she said: "He has too much of his *father's* blood in him." When she first heard about Aragorn raising Eldarion, there was no trouble...Until she saw how happy Aragorn was with his son...The past few months there had been nothing but threatening letters...claiming of attacks against Gondor if Aragorn did not return *her* son... she knew, as well as the Ranger, that her forces had been all but annihilated...but still her threats persued...He replied to her sincerely...stating that if she was willing to talk with Aragorn he would try and settle this peacefully...but that didn't work....A few orcs had been caught, by the Rangers around the Gondor countryside, trying to spy on the King and his son...Aragorn released them telling them to end this foolishness..."Tis my son, now...he does nay wish to be with the mother that abandoned him" he said.The Orcs did return to their master's domain, and apparently told her of this news...then the threats ceased...at first, Aragorn thought the worst of this sign and went himself with a few of his Rangers to the outskirts of her land...No activity was to be seen...no armies, which he thought would be on their way to attack Gondor right now, were found marching...all was quiet on the northern front...A month went by and still he heard no word from Elessar...it seemed that finally she had given up the struggle...it seemed that her son He has too much of his father's blood in himwas just not worth the effort.It was in the middle of the fall season. Aragorn had a few days free from duties and decided to take his son hunting. He remembered giving his son the elvish bow Elrond had given Aragorn when the King was but Eldarion's age...his son took to the gift more than Aragorn had himself...bows being the primary weapon of most elves...It was early in the morning when they left... Aragorn on Shadowfax, a gift Mithrandir had given him before the Istari had left, and Eldarion on Windflint, one of Elrond's old mare's...They smiled and waved to the few commoners they passed by, who were setting up shops and wares for another day of selling and haggling...the commoners replied in the merriest tune they could muster for such an hour "Long live the King and his Son!"...It was the last they would see of their King...Aragorn, Son of Arathorn...

[DoF Archive]

Date: 11/6/1998 4:15 PM Central Daylight Time
From: EldrionKoG

- In the Beginning...ThreeOrcs.Right in front of them, through the bushes he and his son were looking at, Orcs suddenly filled their vision. Like a wave of terror and hatred they came, crying out their blood-freezing battle chants. Arrows began to fly over their heads like a black rain...Gods! There must be at least twenty...Aragorn was hesitant...his mind thrown off balance for fear of his son's life...but Eldarion did not wait a second...already two were felled, arrows from Eldarion's bow were still vibrating in their chests...No more did Aragorn wait...Anduril was unsheathed in a flash of blinding light...the time for battle had come once again...and for a moment, seeing Aragorn in all his splendor as a King and warrior, his emerald eyes blazing in fury...the Orcs paused..."Fly my son! Fly! Save yourself!""No, father! I do nay wish to leave! I want to fight by your side! You cannot take them alone!""Do NOT argue with me, son! Fly! Leave as fast as you may! Now!!! Fly!!!" He turned and pushed his son away......Eldarion ran...In the distance, he could hear the fight raging on...his father clashing against the wave...He could hear "Elbereth!!!" exclamed loudly through the blood-songs of the Orcs......Eldarion stopped...He could not stand it...his father facing doom alone by the hands of those lothesome Orcs... He flung his bow to the ground and unsheathed the short sword his father had made him... he could feel his blood turn to fire, and a dark mist haze over his eyes...rage, for the first time, seized Eldarion......and he liked it...He ran with all the speed and power his elvish-Numenor legs could take him...the battle coming closer was almost quiet...the scream of an Orc filled the air, then deminished... and then all was silent......And to Eldarion...that was the worst sound of all...

[DoF Archive]

Date: 11/6/1998 4:20 PM Central Daylight Time
From: EldrionKoG

- In the Beginning...FourThump..thump....Thump..thump....Eldarion dashed through the remaining twenty yards towards the clearing, his heart raging beneath his chest and his eyes reflecting that insanity within. Fear gripped around his soul as he approached..."Please father! Don't fail me" he repeated over and over again in his mind as he flew through the silence...The bodies of slain Orcs lay strewn about everywhere, as if they had been tossed about by some malevolent wind and then slammed to their final resting place. Blood was splatered about the woodland, shimmering sickeningly in the mid-day sun. Then, he saw Aragorn...His father lay on his back, his head and shoulders propped up against a tree. Two foul arrows protruded from his chest and stomach. Eldarion burst towards his father, his sword dropped and forgotten..."Father! Please do nay fail on me!" The Ranger's son threw his arms about the Numenor, holding him tight, but careful enough to cause pain. Tears were streaming down his cheeks, and his eyes.Aragorn looked up at his son and managed a grimaced smile...although the grin was genuine, his emerald eyes were dim as if some imaginably dark cloud had passed over the light within..."i'm...alrigh *cough*...my son....i*cough* i'm alright.." Pause..."you..*cough* you've ...come so far....my son *cough*" Longer pause..."you've always....always been my *cough* my greatest *cough*....acheivement* pause..."i hav...*cough* have and...*cough* and always will be pr-proud of you...Eldarion" pause...Aragorn, despite all of the agony coursing through his body, leaned forward to his son and kissed his brow. Eldarion's clothes began to feel like wet rags from the blood..."here son...*cough* tak---take this...*cough* wear it an--and be proud..."Aragorn slowly pulled off the emerald ring he always wore on his right ring finger and closed it into his son's palm. He then gently pushed Eldarion's hair out of his face and smiled... this time a real smile...a father's smile to his son..."i'll...al---ways...*cough* love y---ou you...son...and i'll *cough* i'll always ... be there... *cough* there .... for yo...."...then Aragorn spoke no more."no...no...no...no...no...NO!!!" Eldarion screamed at the top of his lungs, hoping his head would explode...hoping the gods would hear him...hoping....Despite the cry that ensued, nothing could bring back Eldarion's father. Aragorn lay there in his son's lap...that smile on his face so many had seen before...whether good or bad times, whether to a lover or a friend...that smile and gleam stayed with him...however, despite the glow in his emeralds...Aragorn...son of Arathorn, King of Gondor...lover, friend, and father...saw no more...

[DoF Archive]

Date: 11/6/1998 4:26 PM Central Daylight Time
From: EldrionKoG

- In the Beginning...FiveThe intensity of the heat was the last thing on Eldarion's mind as he walked through the golden wood of Lothlorien. In fact, nothing was on his mind...nothing at all... He has too much of his father's blood in him.....except for mabye one... Father! Please do nay fail on me!....small thing.... He's of no use to me now....Eldarion had been walking straight for three days and nights now...oblivious to the outside world. Sweat poured from every part of his body...his black hair was drenched...his clothing was wet, stained, and reaking. He walked in slow, very paced steps sagging side to side almost as if in a trance. Gnats swarmed about him, creating a small, black cloud; yet he didn't notice them. He didn't notice anything...his eyes just stared straight ahead, notseeing, not caring...But he did not cry.He had come to a clearing when he finally just stopped all of a sudden. His zombie-like state continued as he just stood there for a time unreckoned, his eyes frozen ahead looking at everything and seeing nothing. Finally, Shadowfax, the forgotten horse he had been leading all this time, set his muzzle into his back and nudged trying to wake him.At first, he just rolled with the blow, swaying gently back and forth...then slowly his eyelids began to flutter...light invading his peaceful darkness. Despite his son's horrid appearance, Aragorn was clean and flushed. No arrow showed from his body, and all signs of death ceased to exist on his face. He sat proudly on Shadowfax, his crown resting high on his brow. Eldarion looked sadly up to his father...the last true Numenorian.But he did not cry.Eldarion carefully led Shadowfax up the main hill in the center of Lothlorien. He stopped on the top of the plateaued peak, and dropped to his knees. He knelt there for a long time, just staring into the sky, watching the birds fly about randomly...life going on around him..."WHY?!?!"He screamed as loudly as he could into the sky, letting the entire expanse of air leave his lungs before quitting...asking everyone, everything, and yet nothing at the same time. The birds fluttered away harshly, startled nearly to death from the breaking of the peace which had been over this land for years.But he did not cry.Finally, he raised his fist and plunged it into the tender earth, digging with his bare hands.It took hours, and the once mid-day sun was setting, by the time he had dug a hole just two feet deep and six and a half feet long. His hands ached terribly, and blood was streaming from his knuckles and fingernails...two of which were missing. His hair was tattered and covered with soil, and his face was smuged with the dirt. But he noticed neither the pain nor the weariness.And he did not cry.He stood and cradled his father, then gently set him down in the crude grave. He set his father's arms crossing over his chest...his hands joining at the waist. His crown rested in his hands, and his brow was adorned with a circlet of emeralds. A small, peaceful smile stayed on his face as his son brushed a few stray strands of his father's hair behind his ears. Eldarion looked upon his father for the last time...with love, hate, pride, remorse, andfear all weighing on his soul...But he did not cry.He turned away and pushed the dirt on top of his father, gently covering him with the soil that once was his home...the best home he could have ever had. Then, once he had covered him he took out a box that Mithrandir had given him before the Istari had left, and took out a silver seed which lay inside of it. He placed it in the soil on top of his father, and then knelt and covered his hands over it. He sang an old elvish chant which cannot be repeated nor ever will...that is solely for the ears of father and son. Then, after his last moments with his father, he turned and led Shadowfax down the hill. He mounted the great steed, and unsheathed Anduril. He looked at the blade for a long time, listening to the song it sang, and letting it calm his soul.But he did not look back.Then, he turned and left Lothlorien, his elven home, never to lay eyes on the golden wood again in his days on Middle-Earth...And he did not cry...And he did not look back...

[DoF Archive]

Date: 11/6/1998 4:28 PM Central Daylight Time
From: EldrionKoG

Elen. (Reference, Tolkien: Star)The stars were indeed shining brightly on this night. The weather had started to turn from the heat of autumn to the chill of winter. But Eldarion didn't seem to notice...He had been riding for five days, following the trail, the scent, of the remainder of Orcs which had murdered his father. He paused only for a few minutes each day, allowing himself to comsume only the smallest bit of food and to quinch the little bit of thirst he had with the water.. Don't drink the water.....from his father's wineskin. Shadowfax was steaming; his sweat was pouring from his body and the chill air was sending shivers through the steed....then again, perhaps it wasn't the air that was causing the horse's restlessness...but the fact that a small band of Orcs sat only fifty yards away. Eldarion squatted beside the animal, his emerald eyes gleaming darkly in the moonlight. Blood was streaked across his face from the veins of his father. His clothes were in even worse condition since that day at Lothlorien. His hair was just one mat of dirt and.. There's blood in the water.....blood. Anduril was drawn. One hand was wrapped so tightly around the hilt that his knuckles were bone-white. The other slid across the edge, causing blood to glint the edges of his father's blade. "So...this is what it is like to feel...rage...hatred...insanity...nothing..." His thoughts were but whispers compared to the pounding that thrashed throughout his brain. Pure rage.. Don't drink the water.....streamed through his veins...all the hatred a soul could ever conceive towards another was pounding in his blood. He lifted his hand, the one that had so recently ran against the edge of Anduril (and caressed his dead father's face), to his face and smeared his blood all over his features.. All Hail the Crimson King.....yet no pain did he feel from the cut that ran to the bone...just rage...pure... water...rage...The most terrifing scream one could ever hear through mortal ears...even for Orcs...was the only warning to the party by the fireside. The harbinger of death had arrived...they were in the court of the crimson king, and there would be no escape...Eldarion dashed head-long into the Orc party wielding Anduril; the sword sung a dark tale of revenge in the darkness...it's edges gleaming crimson. The first two Orcs didn't know what hit them, they were decapitated a split second after their souls shook with terror from the inhuman scream.The rest were not as lucky. The seven year old boy, living only off the hatred and rage which ravaged his soul, ran around the fire encampment...and where the child ran, blood followed.One Orc after the other was felled...most not even having time to pick up a weapon before their throats were slit. Yet still the howlings of the boy rang in their ears...the song of the insane...The party of the Orcs didn't late one minute...but Eldarion continued to dance around the flames, spilling the blood of the dead Orcs, covering himself in it...his scream still piercing the darkness...Eldarion drank the water...And he liked it...

[DoF Archive]

Date: 11/6/1998 4:29 PM Central Daylight Time
From: EldrionKoG

Normally, on the late afternoon in the town of Gondor, the city would be bustling with activity. People of all kinds would be busy either closing up shops, opening up bars, or settling in for the night. However, this afternoon happened to be slightly different than the norm.The past couple of days, Gondor had been trying to survive a small amount of rain. Nothing serious that would cause flooding...but the hazy kind of rain that blankets everything with a fine mist...creating more beauty than removing it. Although there were clouds overhead, they were the type of clouds that would allows small amounts of sunlight through. This, combining with the gentle (Tears)rain made Gondor look like a pearl-laced wonder. Although the streets were all but empty, the pubs were as crowded as ever...perhaps even more so. People, nobles and peasants alike, were gathered together singing and rejoicing. This kind of weather did wonders for the spirits of the people; not only was it beautiful and rare, but it also provided them an excuse for a few days rest off of work. At first, they didn't hear the call of alert. Hell...they could barely hear themselves think because of all the noise and merry-making going on. They didn't miss it the second time. The warning bell on the front wall of the city rang clearly out...and for a moment silence blanketed the city. "The king has returned!" a guard called out clearly and joyously. Although the higher people had started to worry about their lord, lengthened hunting trips like this one were not foreign. They assumed that Aragorn had taken his son, perhaps, to the withering elven land near the Misty Mountains...or perhaps to see (death)those hobbit friends of his. Nothing more."Wait! Only one form approaches! Where is his son?" They assumed it was their king for Eldarion would not be wielding Anduril...which this figure still held in his right hand, although the great sword was at his side. It was too early to tell the height, build, and condition of the rider...but still, there was only one form where there should have been two."Open the gates!" The head guard called out, his voice ringing with fear and alarm. The huge, mithril doors slowly swung open, letting the rider pass through. The people who were previously in their pubs and houses rejoicing their fortune to miss work were now crowded around the sides of the streets, watching the oncomer with anticipation."It is Eldarion! The king's son approaches!" ... but was it? The form, although the same height and build of the king's son, was covered in mud, sweat, and blood. His sour smell ran around the streets...so strong it was that those closes to him (about 10 feet away) had to cover their noses. The child's face could not clearly be seen through the mud and blood which covered it, but the rider's features were distinctly (dead)elvish. The eyelids of the rider ontop of the great steed, Shadowfax, were nearly closed. However, they were open enough to see that the eyes within that head were filled with death, hatred, nothing...The form slowly made his way through the town to the top of the city where the Great Hall of Gondor awaited...the people, which was now almost everyone in Gondor, spoke not a word. They merely looked on with eyes and hearts filled with anguish, fear, and pity. Finally, after what seemed like a lifetime, the form reached the enterance to the Hall. The mellon tree, silver in all it's greatness, seemed somewhat saddened...drooping as if bowing with remorse before the child. The rain, however, continued...nature crying for the lost soul.With almost mechanical movements, Eldarion slid off of the steed and slowly walked towards the doors of the Hall...each step echoing into his memory...shattering his mind with pain. The great sword, Anduril, still remained cluched in his hand, and its tip was dragging along the cobblestone...dried blood was slowly being washed from its still silver, pristine edges.He more leaned than pushed against the doors of the Hall...and slowly they gave way to the seven year old. Aids and members of the High Council of Gondor started forward expecting their king...then they threw themselves back agast from the sight of the poisoned soul."Wh-where is Ara-...aragorn...the king?" one hesitantly called out...but Eldarion didn't answer...in fact, he didn't even hear it. He heard nothing except for the ear-shattering noise of his steps against the stone lining the floor of the hallway. He strode straight along the red carpet...passing the large, marble pillars which held up the massive roof some distance overhead. He approached and stepped up the three steps before the single throne in the room. At last, he flung Anduril away from his sight and memory. He fell to his knees at the foot of the throne. For a very long time, he just knelt there...his half-closed eyes staring forward and seeing nothing; he slowly swayed from side to side...as if flowing with the wind. "Wh-what happened?....where is the king?" another voice quietly called out...but again silence was his answer...then, after another few moments of silence, Eldarion fell against the throne, covering his head with his arms.Then, Eldarion, King of Gondor and last of the Numenor,cried.

[DoF Archive]

Date: 11/6/1998 4:32 PM Central Daylight Time
From: EldrionKoG

- Departure...One"M'lord. Ye cannae depart from the city. Tis your home...ye cannae turn your back on the people. They need ye as much as the city itself does. Ye are the rightful king, and ye need to accept the responsibilites that come along with the throne."It had been two weeks since the return of Gondor's new heir to the throne. To Eldarion, it felt like ten years. His days were filled with remorse...his nights filled with terror of these nightmares...only since he had returned to Gondor had they filled and dominated his nights. He would wake up, his sheets and bedclothes covered in sweat. His heart would be racing and his breathing would be moving at a faster rate.He couldn't stay in this damned kingdom any longer"Don't tell me what I can and cannae do, Asteroth. Ye know me better than anyone else, and ye know that I need to relieve myself o the past. If I stay, me mind will nae survive the effects o it...me sanity is at stake."After all, he had started to hear a seperate voice in his mind, hadn't he?...as if there was someone, something up there with its own intelligence. Wasn't it the same voice he had heard whispering to him when his father died... *Revenge*the same voice that shouted to him when he finally came upon the Orcs... *Rage*the same voice which howled in his ears when he danced around the court of the crimson king... *Hate*and his dreams were only making this voice stronger. He needed to leave...to depart...he needed to survive."I know, my lord....Eldarion...but how shall we survive?...without a successor to the throne, how shall we run the kingdom? The people are already frightened...the death of the promised king was nae a good sign...and now ye leaving?...the people do nae like this.""Ye have nae a thing to worry about, friend. I am appointing ye the ruler in my place until my return. Ye are, after all, the rightful heir to the throne after my departure...ye have much more experience at ruling and running a country than meself...and the people love ye. I feel that they think...nae blame me for me father's death...I cannae rule with that hanging over my people's heads."*That's right, Eld...your fault...it's all your fault. If you had not run from the Orcs like a coward, then Aragorn might be alive...it's all your fault...all your fau*"Get out of MY HEAD!!!!"Eldarion grabbed the sides of his head, shaking it wildly about...screaming at himself. Perhaps, from this, Asteroth finally understood."Very well, m'lord. Your word is my command. Just...take care o yourself, Eld." "I always do, friend...I always do."They exchanged a quick hug...although Eld had to stand on his toes. Eld was already quite tall for his age, but Asteroth, being a grown man and almost as tall as Aragorn, had Eldarion beat by far...for the time being.Eldarion mounted Shadowfax, and led him out to the gate. The streets of the great city were clear...no one came to see their greatest king's son off...Eld was already forgotten by the city which gave him no credit...after all, he was the blood (He has too much of his father's blood in him)of his father's murderer....how good could he possibly be?So, he left the great city...went down the great path...leading through the great gates...and although thousands of eyes were watching him from darken windows within the walls...he did not look back.

[DoF Archive]

Date: 11/6/1998 5:42 PM Central Daylight Time
From: EldrionKoG

- Arrival...OneDeserted.That's just the way he wanted his father's childhood home. Imladris, or better known in the common tounge as Rivendell, was completely vacant...the elves had departed for the Undying Lands some time ago, but still some had stayed behind, hobbits and rangers and such, to keep the place up...a reminder of their inhabitance. Now, however, it was all but forgotten...and nature was not helping. Already it was circling around the elvenhome...threatening its existance...cornering it...like a cat does to its prey. The great house was still in perfect condition besides the vines and shrubs which were trying to cover it. So far, it had survived nature's trials...but that wouldn't last for long.Eldarion planned to thwart natures plans of usurping his father's childhood, and he wasted no time getting started. The work did two things for him...it built him into the figure of a fighter and a surviver, and it took his *mind* off other things...and that proved best for him after all he'd been through...Now...there's something that needs to be said about the passage of time in this land. The elves which dwelled here once upon a time were nearly as old as the land...and although the land knew about the loss of Aragorn, and held great remorse for his son...their keepers were gone, and the land, which had lost its one companion (Father! Do nae fail me!)wished to be forgotten.Time here held little meaning...day...week...month...year...all held little significance to the land surrounding the homely house. It wanted to be forgotten...and the best way to do that would be to become lost. The quicker time passed, the faster nature would grow around it, and the sooner it would become forgotten.Then, along came the son of the prodigal king...and although it had wanted to become lost, it found new hope in the last remainant of the elvish race. Time still held no meaning here...but the land embraced Eldarion as best as anyone could have. It raised him in silence, and saw him to manhood. It learned to love one more time...the one...the only thing that could have saved the near insane.Years passed in what would be considered months, and Eldarion soon came of age...he learned all he needed to know from the voice of his father...which resided in his heart. He had become a man...he was indeed still young, but a man nonetheless.And as for good or bad...it was still too soon to tell. He had learned to love the land which embraced him and taught him how to keep a control over that voice...but could he love the race which all but banished him?...It was too soon to tell...

[DoF Archive]

Date: 11/6/1998 6:02 PM Central Daylight Time
From: EldrionKoG

- Departure...Two*Well, Eld...this is it. You are finally a man...and although it pains me to say it, you have grown well. Much has changed since that first day when we came here; do you remember? Of course you do...how could you possibly forget?...we were new to each other, and did not see 'eye to eye'. And now, we still don't see 'eye to eye' ::slight laugh:: ...hell we hardly agree on anything, but we have at least accepted each other.*Ya speak well mind...an' ay' I've accept'd ya at las'...an' may'aps we can start ta liv' in peace. Gods...it feels lik' I've been a par' o this lan' fer ages, yet time pass's so oddly here. I guess tha' suits me, tho'. This wood 'as been good ta me...us in fact...an' I shall miss it almos' as much as me own fath'r...An' tha' is th' greates' chang'...I've accept'd th' loss an' am ready ta mov' on...I shall always miss an' love him, indeed...bu' I hav' learn'd control o'er th' remorse which 'as strik'n me all these years.*Indeed, Eld. You have done well in controlling the rage which I know courses through your veins. Better than I would have ever thought...but you still have so far to go in life. What of your feelings towards everyone else?...those who abandoned you...those who turned their backs on you and all but cast you out of their kingdom?...and your mother...you still have nightmares about her and that fateful day...what of everyone else?*One thing at a tim'...mind...one thing at a tim'. My people, I believe, will be all bu' hateful ta see my return, bu' they will get by. Time will pass, an' they will accep' me as they did me fath'r...As fer me moth'r...I kno' me feelin's towards 'er will no' e'er change. An' so do ya. No' only did she rejec' me (He has too much of his father's blood in him.)bu' she end'd me fath'r's life...Tha' is somethin' I don' think anyon' can e'er forgiv'...nor forget.*I feel that you are right, Eld...and you cannot lie to me. But, as with everything in life, time will tell.*This is one thing tim' 'as no' any control o'er...The sun was just now rising over the mountains as silence gripped his mind. Damn, it had always caused him to shut up and just relish in the beauty of nature...but he had begun to notice something strange about him. He started to dislike the sun...not that he didn't think it beautiful, but there was something that caused him to draw back from it...instinctively...But right now, that was one of the furthest things from his mind...he would allow the uncomfortable feeling this time since it would be the last time his eyes would grace the sun rising over the Misty Mountains, or so he thought...The sun hit his back, and instantly he both cringed and warmed from the strange kiss that touched him. He turned, squinting slightly, brushing a few stray black strands of his now long and uncut hair, and gazed up at the snow-covered, sun-streaked peaks. The yellow-gold light pranced playfully about the peaks...casting white-gold shades of light on the leaves of the trees around Rivendell.The land knew he was leaving...and although it had a feeling he'd be back, it wanted to give him an image he'd remember...something that he could recollect if things were going bad... something he could return to. He mounted the already packed Shadowfax...time seemed to have no effect on the age old steed as well. His hair whipped about his shirtless body as he rose quickly then fell on the saddled animal. He rubbed the horse's mane a few times, then raised and looked about to take one last, long glance at the land that had been home for him for so long...then the horse started to trot and he crossed the river, Rauros...and he left his father's home for thelong ride back to Gondor...and he did not look back...

[DoF Archive]

Date: 11/6/1998 6:09 PM Central Daylight Time
From: EldrionKoG

- Arrival...TwoThe ride was uneventful and quick. Little happened on his trek back to Gondor, save a few odd looks on the faces of those he passed by on the road. Glances which could be read as What is that man up to?or Who rides upon that tall steed?or Why has *he* come back?*See Eld! The people still hold you in comtempt and blame you for your father's death. Are you sure you wish to return to a society which might very well cast you out again?*"Everythin's worth a secon' chance, mind."That caused a queer look to issue forth from a wagon driver now passing him. He had been so used to being alone that he had become accustomed to talking and arguing outloud with his mind. Something which he needed to fix and fast less he would want the whole country to think he had gone mad....Gondor was always a breath-taking sight no matter how many times one had seen it from afar. One moment, there seems to be nothing...however, once one clears a slight hillock on the road, the great kingdom seems to issue forth from the once naked mountain. Its seven white walls and numerous towers flowing with the vast, lush landscape. The road was as busy as ever...commoners coming and going with their daily chores and cares. He paused for a moment...only a moment...to take in the view before making that long ascent into the kingdom.At first, the people either did not notice or ignored the odd accomplice on the dirt-covered trail. Then, a child looked up to her mother, inquiring as to who the stranger riding the silver steed was.The woman glanced up rather hastily, being behind on her chores she had no time for a foolish child's questions...Then, she paused...Her face looked like something one would see in an ad for a product which supposedly would do "wonders for your household". A mixed expression of awe, suprise, and ... perhaps relief? ... yes that could be read..."E-eld...-Eldarion?..." Her strained, quiet voice questioned."Yup...'is me...yer promis'd son 'as return'd." Simple...no questions, no doubts.Suddenly, the quiet woman's voice got quite loud...almost as loud as the alarm bells that were rung on the towers of Gondor."He's returned!!! M'lord Eldarion has returned!!! Hail the promised king!!!"For the few minutes that immediately followed that cry, a few things happened...one was a rush of people towards the man on the steed. Those within hearing distance...which didn't leave many out...made a blind rush to see the shirtless, shaggy rider, but whether it was out of relief or disbelief, one couldn't tell...Another thing that happened was a fury of both questions and comments...some asking where he had been, what he had been doing...one even was if he was single. Others were stating that they were relieved that he had returned and not completely turned his back on them...but some were doubtful. They needed proof that he was who he claimed he was...All this in just a few minutes after he had been discovered...all these questions and comments...all these people crowding him...surrounding him...already demanding him take charge and do something...*That's right Eld...you haven't been back five minutes, and already they are making demands. Are you sure you want to rule this mob?*This mob is part of my blood...and they would not be asking these questions if they did not miss me or want me back.*But what about Asteroth...he will not be happy. You gave him power, and now you are going to strip him of it. That would drive any man crazy...or woman (Elessar)for that matter.*Eldarion's mind was right. How would Asteroth, once his best friend and highest council, react to Eldarion's return?...and why are the people so ready to re-crown the king they banished just a few years ago?...These questions and more flooded in with the sea of inquires surrounding him right now. But, he just continued on with his path, riding up the road that lead to (The court of the Crimson King)the court of Gondor. Could he be as good a king as his father?...It was too soon to tell...

[DoF Archive]

Date: 11/6/1998 6:12 PM Central Daylight Time
From: EldrionKoG

- Confrontation...One"M-mm....h-h-h...h-ee's...""Well...spill it ye fool!""E-E-Eldarion....h-he's ret-t-turned.."The shadowed figure that sat gracefully on the throne of Gondor folded those fingers beneath a smooth chin...an evil grin passing over features like a dark cloud..."So...the prodigal son returns to *my* kingdom. Well...let's show him all the grace he diserves."----------------------------------------------------Eldarion waded through the sea of people now crowding him. News had always spread fast through the city, but this was amazing...there must have been a few thousand or more heads crowding the streets...and yet hundreds more had their heads out windows watching the ongoing rush. Yet, unlike down in the country, all was quiet. Simple eyes watched with a simple silence...It was an unusual...erie silence however...one that tends to precede impendingdoom...Eld didn't like it...not one bit...

[DoF Archive]

Date: 11/6/1998 6:14 PM Central Daylight Time
From: EldrionKoG

- Confrontation...TwoStanding here...Eldarion dismounted Shadowfax before the great hall of Gondor...shirtless and all. He landed gently and stood straight, stretching for a moment. The crowd had allowed him travel the last twenty yards alone. They stood watching him, however, outside of the brickyard, surrounding the Hall...it seemed they feared setting foot inside the white-bricked seal of Gondor.before these crowded streets...He stood there for a moment, his eyes closed...letting the sun wash over him. He felt that discomfort which came from being out in sunlight, but once again it was far from his conscious mind. It had been too long since he last let the city's sun hit his body.here stood his Dreaming Tree...He then took a long look-over of the crowd...his dark, emerald eyes a set stone without feeling...calm. He didn't like the silent air which surrounded them...it was fearful...pitiful.below it we would sit...He then turned slowly and made his way across to the center of the courtyard which stood before the giant double doors of the Hall. A great, fountain pool here existed, and in the center stood a Mellorn...a great, many-rooted tree that spired tall towards the sky. It's wood was the shade of mithril, or pure silver...only one now existed and that was here in the heart of the city.for hours at a time...He reached down into the pool and splashed some of the cool, sweet water on his face. Then...he looked up...now progress takes away...Dead.what forever took to find...It was dead...wilted...soured...all but invisible...all but forgotten...Daddy come quick...The symbol for heart and soul of Gondor...what lived off of the heart and soul of Gondor, this single tree...this dreaming tree...which once held the hopes, desires, and dreams of the people...was now blackened. It had wilted to the ground, laying sickly on the dirt it's trunk was bent so far that a crack had split to the very core.the Dreaming Tree has died...His eyes grew panicy as he jumped into the water and made his way desperately to the center island where the pathetic-looking thing laid.the air is growing thick...He fell to the ground, on his hands and knees, beside it. He reached out and gently lifted up with both arms...it laid limp, slumping across them...it laid dead...the hopes and dreams of the people...the very symbol that graced the flags that flew over the gates...had vanquished. a Fear I cannot hide...He could remember his father sitting under the Mellorn, his elvish pipe jutting oddly out of the corner of his mouth, writing on some parchment about various things. He could see the smile gracing his father's features as Aragorn looked up and saw his son rushing towards him, hoping to catch a few moments with his father for play...the Dreaming Tree had died...Now...all that faded with the destroyed Mellorn. A memory he had held dear to him throughout his stay at Rivendell was now dead with the symbol. He turned and strode harshly towards the great hall, his now flaming (partly crimson) eyes turned to the people questioning...How could ya le' this happ'n?..They only lowered their heads...

[DoF Archive]

Date: 11/6/1998 6:17 PM Central Daylight Time
From: EldrionKoG

- Confrontation...ThreeI've this creeping...The oaken doors leading to the Hall of Gondor flew asunder from the wrath of the young, enraged man. A gust of air, as if the Hall were a tomb or catacomb just now opened after centuries, rushed throughout the length of stone causing everyone to raise an arm...everyone except the figure on the throne...Suspicion that things here are not as they seem...The boy/man strode down the pillared walkway with all the determination and fury the son of a Numenorian could muster. Those few advisors and slaves littered among the shadows around the hall stood aghast...knowing not what to do; bow or curse...Reassure me...Eldarion approached the small length of red carpet unwaivering in his stature. His keen eyes only vaguely took in recognition of his familar surroundings...the crest of Gondor above the throne...the royal guards on the edges of shadows, still as death but ready to flash out on first command...the musk smell...the dim lighting...an air of aristrocracy...Why do I feel as if I'm in too deep...Yet this air felt different somehow...corrupted...tainted with evil...I've been praying...Finally, he stopped as suddenly as he started...standing like a stone monolith before the throne...his now adjusted eyes gazing upon a familar face...yet that face was now aged and thinning... almost as if drained...For some way to show them..."Well...well...the prodigal son returns! I was wondering how long it would take you to muster up the courage to face the town you turned your back on. And now, here you are! In all of your glory to take back what you had given me...what was rightfully *mine* in the first place. So, Eldarion...do you confront me to steal my title?"I'm not what they see me...Asteroth sat lazily on the large throne...the crown laid on a tangled mat of white hair. His face and body seemed sunken in...bones protruded even through the thick rags he now sported for clothing. A long-fingered hand sat under his chin as if to hold his head up from falling off...*Something's wrong...I don't like this Eld...let's go...now...this is not good...bad...need to get away...*Yes I have done wrong..."Yes, Asteroth...I 'ave come fer th' titl' promis'd ta me by me fath'r...by me birthrigh'...or do ya so readily forget th' promis'd King tha' brough' peace and hope ta this land?""I would so readily forget anything proposed and upheld by a King who left such a son in charge of his kingdom...Gondor has suffered because of his selfless reign and if you inherit the throne I feel you will take us down that selfless, ungaining path once again...there's too much of your father's blood in you..."But what I did I felt needed be done...Eldarion faultered...although it was just a slight bit, he did so...those words, so familar...but no...it couldn't be...no...never..."Sound familar, does it?...it should...or would you so readily forget the words spoken by another whom was close to you?...and speaking of, allow me to introduce to you my wife..."Unholy day...no..."Queen of Gondor..."couldn't..."and ruler of Middle Earth"be..."Elessar the beautiful..."If I leave now I might get away...A shadowed presence, that even Eldarion's keen eyes didn't view at first glance, emerged from the corners of the darkness into the light surrounding the edges of the throne...the elvish figure was almost girlish in youth and form...hair as red and wild as fire...eyes as cold as mithril...a smile as dark and sharp as death graced the edges of her mouth...this of all things cut straight through Eldarion...that fact that she knew all along and hadplayed everything...This weighs on me..."Welcome...my son...to *my* court....the Court of the Crimson....Queen..."That smile just increased in size and pain as she lithely took Asteroth's side...hand in hand...As heavy and deep as my soul may go...

[DoF Archive]

Date: 11/6/1998 6:18 PM Central Daylight Time
From: EldrionKoG

- A Friend In NeedEld...is that you?Two minutes before the prodigal son made his unfortunate appearance, a simple guard of the high council of Gondor focused all his wits on keeping his eyelids from falling. It was always so damn boring...the Hall shift. Just standing there in the shadows of the throne, watching the *king* and that bitch of a *queen* take turns sitting in that now corrupted chair.Gods...what happened to you?Karteran was the youngest ever to 'graduate', as they call it, from the training of the high guard. But it was expected from those who knew his blood. He was the only remaining elf in the land of Middle-Earth...but then again, he wasn't...exactly. He was known as a dark elf...one of the breed that didn't believe in the traditions that followed elven kinship. His own parents cast him out of the city of Lothlorien when he was seven. Yet anotherexample being made out of those who do not follow conformity.For a while, he lived off the land...taking what he needed and giving only what he could spare...and continued on rather well. He chanced upon a wandering cloaked man, one day, apparently lost...easy pickings.He leaped easily from the tree, that provided a nice hiding spot, intending to knock out his prey before the wanderer even realized he was being attacked. Then...something happened. Kart never really knew what, but when he came around he saw the stranger sitting across from him, his back to the elf, looking through a pack of sorts. A fire was all that separated the night between them. Kart thought about trying his move again...but even before he could raise a finger on that thought the stranger spoke."Hungry?...ye must be, friend. That stomach has a voice even my old ears can hear."Kart slowly sat up straight, realizing that all attempts at an attack would have been in vain due to the pounding in his head. He rolled his body forward, and using the strength he had left in his arms, he moved closer to the fire. He had to admit he was taken somewhat offguard by the man's words. Here was a complete stranger, who he had every intention of robbing from, offering food. This required a further investigation.Damn...you shouldn't have returned, my friend...all is lost...The dark elf watched as Eldarion made his way down the hall...the stones that echoed from his footsteps seemed to ring of impending doom. He wanted to leap out and either embrace the friend he hadn't seen in years...or knock him out and carry him away from the chaos that were entombed in these walls.But all he could do was watch...Yer not going to like this, Eld...not one little bit...