Book 5: Act 1 - Those Who Tarry No Longer

[TetNak]

"Wait," Aerth says, snapping out of the daze and shakes his head. "I -- I cannot." He turns back to Finn as everything comes to him at once. "I should stay with them," he says, seeming resigned to his fate of longing and loneliness. "They need me, and I won't abandon them." Aerth shakes his head, "I apologies my lords." Taking a deep breath he steps back and rejoins his companions silently.

[Vardaen]

The twins looks saddened by the turn of Aerth's words. "You are welcome to come any time Aertherinondur, perhaps when your duty to Radagast is finished. Now then we must away before we delay any longer."

Irime moves from companion to companion and places her hands on your shoulders, gazing into your eyes. "Remember the dangers we have faced, and be strong, you are an Elf-friend now and that means much. Go to Radagast and tell him of our trouble. Farewell friend."

Then she joins Elladan and Elrohir and with the others of their company they head up the pass, and soon are lost to sight from the winding and twisting ways.

You feel sad for some reason at her passing, like a great joy has left the world and shall never be replaced. For a long time the company stands in silence just watching up the mountain pass hoping to catch a final glimpse of her. You are rewarded for it, for right at the peak, where the horizon and the sky meet you see a pure white form of a figure, hand raised up in farewell. The sun glints off her hair, then she plunges down the far side, and you know you will never her light again on Middle-earth.

[Trogdor]

"Fare thee well," Pipkin says to the elves as they leave. "We shall bring word to Radagast, as you ask." He then watches them as they disappear through the mountain pass, savoring every glimpse of the fair folk.

[Blubbo_Baggins]

Finn longs to follow the Elves, at least to Rivendell. He purposes in his heart he will make the journey there again, and spend a year rather than two weeks. If he could never see Irime again, at least he would see the same light in the eyes of other Firstborn.

"To Radagast," he says.

[Muskrat]

Varuthil silently watches Irime rides away. When the elves of Rivendell has disappeared, she turns to Aerth and says, "That was a hard and noble choice you made. If I had been invited to Rivendell, I do not know if I would have had the will to turn down the opportunity."

[shipwreck]

Rathar has been lingering behind his companions, observing quietly. He is not sure of what to say, for many of the elves he has encountered in Mirkwood were playful, if not a bit cruel. These elves are far different, like Varuthil. Sad and yet joyful at the same time.

When one of the brothers (he cannot tell them apart for love or money) calls him by name, he starts as if awoken from another dream. Saying nothing, he takes the spear, enjoys its weight, wondering at it. The Wood-goer gives a little bow of thanks, not knowing what else to do.

When they depart, he feels a greater longing than ever to be close to Mirkwood again, but Aerth's stoutness of heart would drive him to shame for leaving. Instead, he looks forward to perhaps seeing the Brown Wizard.

As the morning continues and they gather their things, Rathar draws near to Finn. Smiling weakly, he says, 'I thank you for speaking up. This is a good weapon and will serve use well.'

[Shurijo]

Borir comments off-hand that, "For a lady-elf, she wasn't as crazy as the others." It's the best compliment the dwarf has given an elf since they've traveled together.

"Ah," He says as he pats Aerth on the back, unable to reach the man-elf's shoulder. "We're better company than a bunch of elfwits. Better travels, better adventures, and where else can you have Hobbit cooked meals?"

[Blubbo_Baggins]

"Well," replies Finn, "You lost your weapons. I figured the Elves would have something of quality."

[TetNak]

Aertherinondur's eyes follow the elves depart; he looked on with longing and sadness. "I believe another halfwit must go."

The half-elf turns and looks at this companions. "I am sorry. They have something. Well, they know something that I need to know. I need to experience." Aertherinondur frowns, "I must find out who I am. What I am."

With a step backward, he bows, "Stay safe. I hope I shall see you again." Finally, without another word of goodbye, the 'man' know as Aerth to you turns and follows the departing elves at a fast walk.

[Blubbo_Baggins]

"Go with the Will of the West behind you."

Finn sighs. Aerth had gone back and forth and was clearly very conflicted. Time in Rivendell would do him well, he thought, and could bring healing in time.

OOC

Now V just has to set up the appropriate time when we're all about to die, and suddenly Aerth 2.0 shows up!