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| >> Campfire Creative >> Fiction >> Fantasy >> ID #1230259 |   |
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| [Introduction]
"Only one can unlock the deepest of secrets. Beware what you ask the Keeper to reveal." The Keeper of Secrets In Cardeluin, The City of Light, there lives The Keeper of Secrets. Travelers from distant lands come to meet the Keeper when a loved one in their family passes away. They come to her for she is the only one who knows their family's deepest and darkest secrets. But more than that, she is the only one who holds the fortunes and riches of those who die. All heirs who wish to see the money and jewels that they are supposed to inherit, go to see her. Though, showing up is not enough. You must also prove to her why you are worthy of your inheritance. Many travelers stay for years in Cardeluin trying to convince The Keeper of Secrets, but she is not so easily persuaded. None know her real name, nor do they know if she has any family. This has never bothered those who go to see her, that is, until...she, too, passed away. The Keeper’s death startled many. None knew how old she was, but she seemed older and wiser than even most wizards and elves. But was what most troubling to all, was that she did have one family member left. And in a note that she mysteriously wrote before her death, it states that he is the only one who can uncover the secrets or the whereabouts of family riches for all races. The Keeper, however, leaves very little information. No place to find her heir, not even what he looks like, just a name... * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * In this campfire, everyone must choose a race and a location. Depending on which race you choose, your character can be from one of the following cities: Amalith~ The woodland realm of Elves Duridaine~ The mountainous city of Dwarves Pheriannath~ The friendly village of Hobbits Meneldil~ The large kingdom of Humans Cardeluin~ The City of Lights (All races reside here)  For the Background section of your bio, keep in mind what secret your character may have to uncover [or something else that ties them to the tragedy of the original Seeker’s passing].Characters Amalith ~ Ahana Arrow-Dancer; Kai'it Duridaine ~ Quadriq Tekel-Shan; Shade Pheriannath ~ Asta Meiling Varro; Hobbit Meneldil ~ Raolo; Human/Elven Cardeluin ~ Aidan Kerregen; possibly Elven Other Characters:  Telsa Lobello, hobbit ~ Priestess to the Keeper Dalos Agnor, human ~ Merchant leader of the Circana Commerce CompanyTo see the characters' bio blocks & a rough map of the cities, go to...
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 Aiken4LOTRisMIA4now  Two thin lips pursed together carefully as the man contemplated the options before him. Rumors were of a fickle nature, rarely to ever be considered, and usually not worth further investigation. But this sweet little trifle was too important to overlook. He simply could not ignore the whispers that were spreading quickly across the lands. He ran his fingers over his newly shaven chin and face to show the tangle of thoughts he was inwardly wrestling. This common display of leadership was necessary for such a public figure as he. As the leader of the Circana Commerce Company, the leading merchant business, Dalos Agnor had to look his best and also had to appear busy at all times. With his raven hair elegantly pulled back and donning neatly pressed trousers and a fitted jacket, Dalos reeked of importance and exuded sheer confidence. He was always ready to make deals, whether they were agreed upon through persuasive negotiation or by brute force. Surprisingly, the former was his preference although he never minded resorting to the latter. “If what you say is true, then I believe we should send our condolences to a Miss Telsa Lobello,” Dalos said, trying to hold back the smile that crept onto his lips as he pictured the helpless hobbit that served as the Keeper’s priestess and friend. “I assume the loss has been quite hard on her, poor thing.” He quickly gave up, allowing a fine distinction of mockery to slip through his teeth. Dalos Agnor was a complicated man. On the surface he could appear friendly and charming, or he could have a more commanding and dominating demeanor. Either way, the true Dalos was hidden beneath the sly grins, nice clothes, and fancy words that society had come to know so well. Dalos was a driven, hard-working man, who was remarkably talented with both his words and his sword. Though his motivation in running the world of trade was far from noble, Dalos Agnor kept the economy of the lands in fine shape. And to his satisfaction, the Circana Company was richer than ever and held a monopoly over most of the land’s business. Dalos did everything he could to make things run as he wished. But there was one thing left that was out of his grasp. Knowing the secrets of others, knowing where all fortunes were hidden, and having the ability to control this knowledge: that was what Lord Agnor wanted most. The company had been in constant contact with the Keeper for years. Dalos personally wrote letters to her that had been filled with kind persuasion and subtle bribes to win her allegiance. But she never budged, and the merchant leader’s desires were repeatedly crushed. Then early this morning in the Circana castle at the edge of Menedil, he was informed of uncertain news that, if true, would have a definite effect on the future of the man’s central goal. “Lord Agnor, we have heard that the Keeper has passed away just hours ago before sunrise. They say her priestess was trying to keep the news quiet, but her attempts were futile.” Dalos’ reaction had been one of shock, worry and excitement. With the Keeper gone, did that mean all his hopes were dashed? What was to be of the vital knowledge she possessed? And then came news the human did not expect. “Sir, it is said that she has also named an heir.” And thus was the conflict that Dalos now faced. It was a dilemma of what move to make next. With a new Keeper in place, he could begin writing letters again. This would enable him to form a new relationship with a clean slate. Or, better yet, Dalos could resort to the latter option. For once, the merchant leader had a gut feeling that negotiation would be an unnecessary step. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ On a typical day, a thick fragrance of ever-replenishing cured meats, baked goods, and freshly-tapped beer reaches every corner and wafts throughout walls of The Golden Coin, Pheriannath’s friendliest and busiest tavern. This welcome aroma is generally accompanied by the abundant chatting, laughing and singing of the Halfing-kind. Today was different though, as the customers opted for a hurried and hushed whispering instead. “Ah, master Kerregen,” the bartender tried to greet warmly, his loud voice overwhelming the unusual quiet that had settled inside the tavern that morning. “What have ye on this lovely morn’?” Aidan bowed his head in greeting as he took a seat at the bar, lowering himself down to the height of those around him. Aidan often chose to visit Pheriannath because he enjoyed the friendly atmosphere there, but he could easily sense that something was out of place when he entered the tavern. The people he had grown to like most—hobbits were much more agreeable than other races—were suddenly gossiping and wore pained expressions on their faces. This was not the same pleasant town he had arrived at a fortnight ago. Clearly, something had happened to change all that the Halfing village was known for. “I fear I am heading out soon, so a good, full breakfast is in order,” Aidan replied as he glanced around the room. He watched the looks on the hobbits' faces as they discussed some news that had undoubtedly turned the relaxed and stress-free mood of the village upside down. “Observing the tragedy, I see,” Zeke spoke up as he set a plate of eggs and toast on the bar. Aidan quickly turned to the barman, taking a concerned notice at the hobbit’s choice of words. “You really haven’t heard yet, have you?” The halfing said in disbelief. He then lowered his voice and leaned up towards Aidan. “Word just broke that the sacred Keeper herself has passed away. It happened either late last night or very early this morning according to what I’ve heard.” “That’s terrible news,” Aidan responded. His words were a little empty as he did not know much about the Keeper. Sure, he had heard of her and the knowledge that was her gift to share with others. He had never fully understood the task she carried out, and didn’t see reason to as he never intended to visit her himself. “I have no special fortunes or secrets to be uncovered,” he would insist in conversation. “I am merely a humble traveler who goes from place to place in search of decent work and a good meal.” “I did not realize how much her passing would affect everyone.” He added weakly. At this, it was Zeke’s turn to look up abruptly. “Master Kerregen, the Keeper was vital to society. She had a hand in giving people knowledge that can change their lives. She empowered people, showed them what paths to take in life. Losing her means losing much of the culture of these here lands. Us Halfings thought highly of her, we did. Though, I am sad to say I had not yet met her. Now I suppose I never will.” “My apologies,” Aidan said simply as he began to eat some of the breakfast Zeke prepared for him. He never knew that his hobbit friends were so greatly invested in the legend and stories of the Keeper. If so many depended on her, Aidan worried what was to happen next. “Zeke, what do you suppose will happen now that she’s no longer with us?” He asked softly as he met the gaze of the small innkeeper. “Of course, you didn’t here the rest of the news,” Zeke continued with a roll of his eyes, his mood brightening slightly. “It was said that she left a note with a name on it, just a single name—the name of her heir, to be more exact. Dear old Telsa won’t reveal the name just yet, and she’s the only one that has seen the note so far. Though, she’s been through quite a bit. She’ll probably wait a while before revealing the name...” Aidan tried to listen as Zeke continued to talk, but he couldn’t help it when his thoughts distracted him. Of course she has an heir, Aidan thought to himself as he struggled with a tough piece of toast. If she knows all, then she’d certainly have everything set for when her time had come. For some strange reason, Aidan was very satisfied with this stream of thoughts that he had. How very fitting. And with that, the elf finished his last bit of breakfast and bid farewell to Zeke. It was time for the traveler at heart to be on his way. And as fate would have it, the City of Light was Aidan’s next stop. Quaddy The Palace of Secrets loomed over the great city of Cardeluin like a protective blanket, a security that lay in the back of all the citizen's minds. It had stood long enough that no one remembered when it had been built- even the immortals of the forests- but the more superstitious lot believed that it had been built by great gods long forgotten and dead. For those with a reason to fear the Keeper, an insurmountable dread coated their souls at the thought of stepping foot through the tall, gilded doors at the front of the palace; most, however, looked forward to the day that they might have the chance to prove themselves worthy to the great Keeper. She could share the greatest treasures, unveil the darkest secrets, heal ancient wounds, and see to the core of any man's soul. The Keeper was the center of everything, beloved by everything from the smallest hobbit to the oldest elf; she had always been there, always protecting the secrets of the land. And now she was dead. For the first time in living memory, the great doors of the Palace of Secrets were barred shut; no one entered or exited from the mighty crystal structure, though crowds of mourners had gathered at the gates to wail and toss tokens of their appreciation for the mighty Seeker's presence. Slow, dark, somber strains of keeling music whispered through those gathered as the people said goodbye to their beloved Keeper. It was a contained sadness; none of the wild distress of a headless chicken screaming for its lost appendage, or even the shrieking cries of an unhappy child. Rather, it was the dull ring of something lost that no one thought could ever leave; something that was permanent, that would always protect them from themsleves. It was a shocked pain, as if the people did not quite understand yet just how the Keeper could actually die. Inside the Palace, things were mirrored; no one was particularly shocked at the Keeper's death, but nor was there the somber standstill that existed outside. Acolytes were running around carrying on the preparations for the old woman's funeral, temple eunuchs guarded all the doors to the outside in order to prevent any information from leaking (though it was too late to prevent that now), and still others prepared for the arrival of the Keeper's Heir should he ever be found. Telsa had ensured that the name of the Lady Keeper's heir was unknown to any who didn't need to know it; the death was bad enough and the Palace didn't need imposters pounding on the doors demanding to know the Secrets. "Ahana," Telsa, all three feet of her pacing fervently before a woman who stood twice her height, whispered hoarsely, throwing her hands into her hair and sighing. She'd been running around all day ensuring that everything went according to the Keeper's final wishes. "You were one of the Keeper's Guardians. Now that we need to find her Heir, I think that your...Gifts...might be of special use. Aidan is out there somewhere, but no one knows where he is." The Priestess stopped pacing and looked up, bright blue eyes gazing intently into the strong-featured face of the woman in front of her. "The other Priestesses and I have decided that your ability to turn into animals and skill with a blade make you exceptionally capable to both find Aidan and be his personal guard." Bowing slightly, Ahana crossed her arms and allowed her palms to rest lightly on the hilts of her sai. "I would be proud to guard the new Seeker, my lady Telsa. My people have long hoped for such an honor; the elders will be pleased to hear of such a bestowance." Rising and tossing her head proudly, allowing her braids to fly from one shoulder to the other, Ahana allowed herself a small smile of satisfaction. Everything she had worked for in the five millennia of her life was coming to fruition; she would honor her people, herself, and stand by the side of the Keeper. "Good." Telsa smiled in return and reached up to take Ahana's hand. It took both of the hobbit's small hands to hold one of Ahana's long, graceful paw. Telsa's pale skin contrasted sharply with the Ahana's dark red, and the last few days especially had wreaked havoc on the little woman. "Ahana, the Keeper really appreciated your stalwart loyalty and honest words. I know she would've been happy to know that you were protecting her only son." Ahana finally allowed herself to grin fully and kneeled to give the little hobbitess a powerful hug. Telsa had proven a great friend during Ahana's time at the Keeper's palace, teaching her the few graces Ahana could say that she now knew. Until Telsa, Ahana hadn't even known what a hug was; the first time a priestess had tried, she'd ended up in the infirmary with a deadly sword wound to the stomache. She had died the next day. It was then that the Keeper had decided Ahana needed someone to teach her interpersonal skills; Telsa had volunteered and struggled to tutor Ahana in manners, physical signs of affection, and how to read social cues based on body language. Ahana knew when someone was trying to kill her, but not when someone was trying to show her affection. Only Telsa had bothered to teach her what the difference was. "Telsa, my friend...I am glad that you have chosen me. I will make you proud! And I will protect the Keeper from everyone and everything that might try to harm him." Telsa leaned over to kiss Ahana on the cheek. "Ah, Ahee...you are so bound to your duty. Remember, the new Keeper is a living being just as his mother was. He isn't just a figure; he has emotions, and fears, and yearnings just like any other living being. Remember to take care of these as well as his physical form." Ahana rose and nodded once more. "I will leave immediately." Smiling again, her intimidating features melting into an almost feminine beauty, Ahana bowed deeply and then turned, leaving the room with the dignified bearing of her forestdwelling people. She was as happy as she had ever been in her lifetime; finally, a chance to really prove herself worthy of the Arrow-Dancer name. At the side door, the head eunuch, Hurin, bowed and allowed her to pass. Telsa had alerted him to Ahana's imminent departure, probably before she had even told Ahana of her new position. Not that he would've stopped the warrior anyway if she really wanted to leave. Ahana's skill as a warrior was feared, but feared moreso was her notorious inability to differentiate between an attack and a friendly prank. No one who wanted to live would stand in front of the Kai'it warrior; even if she was a woman. It had taken time for the men of Cardeluin to realize how dangerous Ahana was, and she still ran into strangers who didn't know what kind of women the Kai'it raised. Many women had had to nurse their men back to health from serious wounds inflicted during an altercation with Ahana's weapons. Sidling through the mourners, all of whom stared at Ahana as if she could give them the answers they sought, Ahana walked into the sun. The weapons on her belt banged against the bare skin of her thighs, occasionally meeting instead with one of the strips of bear hide that made up her skirt and hung from the leather hip band that held the skirt together. As Ahana reached the walls of the city and the beginnings of the forest surrounding it, she stepped to a tree and began to strip herself of her clothing. First the knee-high moccasins, then the skirt and the rough, hand-stitched deerhide shirt that covered what it needed to and little more. Following next were the beads and feathers, armbands and bracelettes that she wore to honor her people. Last, and with a certain reverance, Ahana took off her weapon belt and collapsed her longbow, stuffing these and her clothing into the rabbitskin bag she had made for the occasion when she had to shift and travel. Standing naked at last, Ahana threw the bag over her shoulders and breathed in deeply, feeling the power of the earth beneath her bare feet and the breeze blowing over her skin. She turned inward then, feeling the great power given to her people by the gods, sensing it dancing at her core, waiting to be released. Ahana released the breath then and, with the release of her breath came the release of her power. She felt the power course through her veins, asking her what form it please her to shift to. Something swift, with a gift for tracking and stalking, something with a good sense of smell, but not so aggressive that its nature would overpower Ahana's need to find the Keeper's son. Ahana commanded her blood to shift, feeling the wish mingle with the power in her blood. The Shift began in earnest then, pulling at her muscles, crushing and reshaping her bones, forming supple lines and powerful haunches built for running. The black of her hair spread, shortening and sprouting as Ahana focused on the form she wished to take. Her jaw extended then, causing a momentary pain as her teeth expanded and grew, shredding the sensitive tissue of her gums. Ahana retreated into her core, allowing the rest of the Shift to take place without harming her mind. As it finished, she stretched out her consciousness, sinking into the body of the black panther she had chosen as her form. Scents exploded in her nose, whispers from miles away tickled her powerful ears, and the ground beneath her urged Ahana to run. She felt the bag on her back, knowing it had not shifted, but would remain on until she returned to human form and had to dress herself again. Mostly, Ahana felt the voice of the earth as it sang in her bones, the words of her ancestors bubbling in her blood. Where is the Seeker's son? she asked them, her voice the hard snarl of a panther. The current Seeker has not yet fathered a son, though it is his duty to do so before he may move on. Ahana sighed. The ancestors were bound and determined to be dense today. Where is Aidan Kerregen, the son of the recently deceased Keeper of the Secrets, heir to the power, now Keeper in his own right? Ahana felt the voices search, running from leaf to root to berry to branch everywhere the earth was pure and untainted. Aidan Kerregen is in the land of the Hobbits, Pheriannath, though he travels along the road to the City of Light. He is within a day's run and, if you run swift, you can reach him before it is night. The voices urged Ahana to the road, and she let loose the coiled tension in her joints, running alongside the busy thoroughfare. Aidan would have the smell of his mother on him, in his very blood, so Ahana kept her nose open as she ran. Ahana was near exhausted by the time she scented her quandry several hours outside of Pheriannath, and night was just about to set in. Aidan had stopped on the side of the road and set up camp, lighting a fire that burned Ahana's eyes something fierce. As she walked into the camp, Aidan looked up and jumped back, crying out in fear that a jaguar was walking into his camp. He pulled out a blade and threw it at Ahana, who jumped out of the way and dislodged her bag in the process. "Stop," she cried out, forgetting that he would only hear an angry jaguar growling at him. The only thing she could do was Shift, which would hopefully shock him long enough to keep herself safe. Gathering her power, Ahana willed herself back into human form, forcing her bones back into place and capturing the power back into her core. Finally, she stood before Aidan as a human. "Stop!" she cried again, her voice still harsh, but at least it was human at this point. "I'm not here to hurt you. I'm from the Palace of Secrets in Cardeluin. I was looking for you." "Ah..." Aidan looked up and down, unable to articulate anything he wanted to say. It was only then that Ahana remembered that she hadn't gotten redressed. She was standing in front of the new Keeper of Secrets, assigned to guard him for the rest of his days, and she was naked. Jason Simmons Quadriq walked along the roadside in a silent thought. It had been many days since he had last interacted with his people, the Shades. And it had not been a very pleasant interaction at all. Nor was it fun. For months now, he found himself at war with his brethren. But that was because most Shades had decided to join the forces of darkness, what few Shades were left. And Quadriq had decided to join those who raised him, the Dwarves, in staying with the forces of good and the Keeper. But now the Keeper was dead, and Quadriq was on his way to the Palace of Secrets in order to find out whatever information he could on her heir. He was a trusted ally of the Palace, but most felt him a threat. As it was, Quadriq had to go through Hobbit-land and the City of Lights to make his way to the Palace. It was at nightfall that he met up with an unusual party. An elf, who had just recently set up a campfire, and a jaguar that had just Shifted back into a Kai'it warrior. A woman that stood just over six feet tall. How interesting. And it seemed she was looking for this elf, whom she called Aidan. And she was from the Palace. Now Quadriq was getting somewhere. Hearing the rustle of Quadriq's approach, the Kai'it sent two daggers streaming toward him. She yelled out to him when she noticed his garb of a black cloak and boots. "Away, Shade! I will not let you harm the new Keeper!" The new Keeper? Quadriq thought to himself. So this elf was the new Keeper. Quariq quickly blocked the flying daggers with a fire shield. He knew who this Kai'it was. "Relax, Ahana. It is I, Quadriq Tekel-Shan, friend to the Palace of Secrets. I mean no harm to the new Keeper. In fact, I was just on my way to the Palace to obtain information." "If you truly are Quadriq, show me the symbol of you loyalty." Having remembered that to discern himself from other Shades, Quadriq had willingly gotten marked with the Palace Seal to prove his loyalty. This he now showed to Ahana. KC is a teacher now! Cardeluin, the City of Light. Asta could not stop staring. From all she'd heard of the magnificent city, she'd expected the hustle and bustle, the crowds and the mystery, but she hadn't expected the buildings. They were tall, they were short, there were big ones and little ones and new ones and old ones, elegant and classy next to humble and simple and above all, rising above the buildings, rose the Palace of Secrets, the home of the Keeper herself. "Wow!" Asta's uncle, Van chuckled and gave her a little push. "C'mon, young lass, move along now, we're blocking the gate." "Oh, Unkie! Why did you not tell me about the fantastic architecture?" The other hobbits of their group laughed as they maneuvered their donkeys and carts along the crowded streets. "Only you, little Candy," teased one of her cousins, "would see the buildings and nothing else!" "Come, come," said Van sternly, "lower your voices now, this is a city in mourning. We are here to study and then we shall be on our way." "Yeah, but there's always time for a little more," one of the boys whispered to Asta. She had no words to reply; she was too busy trying to stare in all directions at once. After a night's stay in an inn run by other hobbits, Asta and her cousins set off with their sketch books to draw parts of the city. This bridge they were going to build was an update to the current one, set between two sister-cities. One was older, with classical lines and symmetry. That had to be incorporated into the bridge and lead straight into the younger city, modern and smooth, with sharp corners instead of ornamentation and a complete lack of consistency in design. Somehow the new bridge had to be both new and old, classical and modern. Cardeluin had a little of both, but the best part, the part that Asta wanted to sketch, was the wide ramp and walkway into the Palace of Secrets. The Palace was kept secure and separate from the rest of the city by a wide river, one that came into the city from the north-west, circled the palace in a legendary moat, and then exited the city to the south-east. She dodged the morning traffic toward the center of the city and took up a perch along the river looking straight at the bridge. She stopped after a few minutes' sketching to stare at the building. The magnificent crystal structure itself seemed sad. Crowds of mourners gathered silently at the gates and the cobblestones of the bridge itself were filled with flowers and tokens. It was all so very sad. What secrets did the Keeper know about her family? Asta wondered. She could trace her lineage across a millenia, about as long as the former Keeper had been the Keeper. The rumors they'd heard in the inn over dinner said the Keeper had an heir. Who was he? Or she? Where was he? Would the knowledge really have been passed on? How? She nibbled her pencil and got back to work. They were only going to be here for a few days before they went to Neena. She wanted to get some good drawings of Cardeluin before they left. This new bridge would either be the best thing or the worst thing that could happen to her starting out. She was going to work her hardest to make sure it was the best. dance into the fire Cardeluin, the city of lights. A bright beacon, transcending time and race and at its heart the Palace of Secrets, the imposing crystal structure catching and reflecting the light of the dying evening and bathing the city in a holy glow. Whilst the Palace and its occupant are a saving light in the darkness, guiding the lost and dispossessed as a lighthouse would guide a ship at sea, for others it draws people in like a moth to the flame, with the same promises of fortunes realised and secrets uncovered. The seat of Cardeluin brought both joy and despair, raised and flattened hopes all subject to the actions of one. And now she was dead.From his vantage point at the top of the building, Raolo had a perfect view of the Palace of Secrets and the surrounding citizens and travellers. The death of the Keeper had done little to slow the tide of visitors as far as Raolo could tell, in fact the city seemed busy – busier than some memory that pecked at the edge of his senses. The caravan that had given him passage to Cardeluin was packed full of similar visitors, merchants who barely stopped to catch a breath between realising that grief also turned a profit and mourners who beneath their thin veneer of grief were already planning on an audience with the new Keeper, after the old one had denied them their inheritance. His days spent with the caravan had revealed the many motivations behind the travellers, from hushed whispers to boldly stated intention and a million shades in between. Those who took the time to listen and observe could discover their own share of secrets. Regardless, if the same power resided within the new Keeper as the old, then the petitioners would be sorely disappointed. Raolo took a step back away from the edge of the building and pulled his hood up, breathing in the sweet air that took the edge from the late evening sun. Something about the city, the Palace and its people tugged at his mind as though they were familiar. Sometimes a distant and detached feeling and sometimes so close it felt as though he could grab it. The answers lay within the walls of the Palace, of that he was sure. He was unsure of the role that the Keeper or his attendants would play in discovering exactly what the Palace would reveal to him of his past and his pain. The pain that constantly stung at his back and raked across his mind. Yes, in a short space of time the answers would be his and with answers would come choices and vengeance. Now belonged to the present and with it the opportunities that it provided. Entering the Palace was the challenge and so dictated his next course of action. It seemed that only a few people were able to gain access to the Palace at the moment, and he had no intention of becoming a Eunuch. There was however one person that he knew was not within the walls of the Palace, the very same person who needed to enter it. The Keeper. Perhaps he would be more instrumental than he had originally assumed. Aiken4LOTRisMIA4now With a constant eye on the horizon, Aidan steadily tracked the position of the sun. Realizing that dusk was soon to arrive, he slowly brought his horse to a stop near the side of the road to rest for the night. He chose a small clearing in the woods that sheltered over the road between Pheriannath and Cardeluin. There were several paths to choose from, but this one was considered fairly clear-cut and easy to follow. It was also known to be the safest route, remaining mostly untouched by the dangers of the elements and unfavorable strangers. “Here we are,” the young elf whispered gently to his spotted, grey mare, as he led her through the first small set of trees and into the clearing. He brought her to a halt and lowered himself off the weary horse. As he led her to a nearby tree, he carefully ran a hand down her neck, softly petting her mane in thanks for her endurance that day. He tied a long rope on the tree trunk and loosely slung the other end around her neck, ensuring she wouldn’t run off. She was a well-behaved horse, but she, too, had a love for the Halfing-city and always wanted to flee back to its warmth and comfort. Having traveled for most of his life, Aidan was used to wandering the roads between cities alone. He didn’t understand traveling with others in tow. Such an act would require more provisions, immense patience and a certain degree of trust. Aidan was, for the most part, a friendly individual, but he trusting others was a game here rarely took part in. His time was devoted to labor, moving from one task to the next in order to survive. The tasks he took on usually centered on labor of the earth, working with crops, wood, dirt, and stone. When a task was completed and his services were no longer needed, Aidan saw that as a sign to move on. He certainly enjoyed the company of others when visiting cities, but they gave him little reason to remain in one place. It wasn’t that he wished to explore the lands. He had seen enough of it to satisfy. “It’s ‘cause that’s all ye know,” Tromodor, an aged dwarf from Duridaine had once said while the elf was there, working in the mines. “Things like that change a person,” he had said, gasping between coughs of smoke. “Few could go without ever knowing their own mother. And losing their father as well? What else can you do but wander aimlessly in search of something more?” Aidan had nodded politely in agreement, though no words had passed between his lips. There wasn’t much he could say; it was true. At a young age, the situation life had dealt made him a nomad by trade. Aidan tried to not think of these things as the young sparks of a fire lurched into life before him. The flames crackled fiercely as they grew larger, emitting a comforting bursts of heat into the surrounding area. The Keeper smiled slightly, appreciating the work of his hands. He had just seated himself on the ground when he heard footsteps nearing his campsite. Looking up, his eyes stared at the massive form of a jaguar approaching and coming closer with every step. He swiftly was on his feet and threw a blade towards the animal. It growled in response, sending Aidan’s hands to instinctively reach for his bow and stash of arrows. His fingers finally clutched the slender form of the intricately carved wood, and he immediately turned to look at his target. But gone was the encroaching animal that had been there moments before. Instead, a tall, striking woman was in its place. Clearly, the jaguar had shifted into a person. Aidan had heard of things like this happening, he had just never witnessed them before. “Stop!” The woman cried out. "I'm not here to hurt you. I'm from the Palace of Secrets in Cardeluin. I was looking for you.” Aidan’s arms fell to his sides, with bow in hand, in both shock and relief. And suddenly, a sense of realization came over him. His dark brown gaze lowered from the woman’s surprisingly breezy and light, hazel eyes, to take in the unbelievable form in front of him. He heard a faint rustling elsewhere near the camp, but was a bit too preoccupied to bother with it. Fortunately, the woman’s long, straight black hair rested on her chest, covering it, though it did not hide much. Even though her skin was the color of the earth’s clay, the red shade appearing on the apples of her cheeks was unmistakable. Her hands quickly searched to cover the appropriate places. “Where’s my bag?” She asked firmly in a rushed tone. Aidan scanned for it and noticed that it had fallen near his horse, who for some reason, did not seem bothered by the situation. “Here,” he said, handing it to her, and then quickly backed away. She opened it and then cast a glance his way in waiting. Finally understanding, he turned to face away from the woman. When he felt a hand upon his shoulder, he knew it was safe to face the now-dressed woman. “My name is Ahana Arrow-Dancer,” she began to explain. “I am a Kai’it warrior and was sent to find you because, Aidan Kerregen, you are needed in the Palace of Secrets.” Aidan shrugged her hand off his shoulder and stepped back. “How do you know my name?” He asked cautiously. “I come from the Palace of Secrets,” she said matter-of-factly, “how do you think I know your name?” Aidan’s tense shoulders relaxed slightly, though he was not completely convinced. “I’m sorry,” he replied, a trace of doubt still detectable in his voice. “I’m not used to having visitors when I’m on the road. Your entrance was a bit unsettling. Is this how the Keeper used to summon someone to meet with her?” He paused, noticing the woman flinch slightly. “I apologize, I know everyone is in a time of mourning. But, why would the Palace would summon anyone during this time. They haven’t found the Keeper’s heir already, have they?” Ahana looked dumbfounded for a moment before regaining her strong, regal composure. “You know about the heir?” Her question received an immediate nod of the head. “Well, Master Kerregen, they actually have found the heir already—” Just then, Aidan heard a rustling noise again, and Ahana clearly had as well. Sending daggers through the air, she yelled at the newly-emerged figure. “Away Shade! I will not let you harm the new Keeper!” Aidan froze. Had he heard her correctly? Had she come because he was the Keeper’s heir? He shook his head, trying to make sense of the thoughts flying through his head. “Good to see you, Quadriq,” he heard Ahana say as the Shade lowered the sleeve of his cloak back over his arm. “I suppose you have obtained a bit of new information,” she said as she motioned towards Aidan. “Telsa sent me to find him, and having successfully done so, I am to bring him back to the palace. You are welcome to join us.” “Telsa? To the palace?” Aidan inquired in disbelief. Hearing he was the Keeper’s heir had been simple, but letting the concept sink in was difficult to handle. He lowered his head and stood silently for a moment, trying to control his breathing. The Kai’it woman came to his side, resting a reassuring hand on his shoulder. He finally took a deep breath and raised his head. “This can’t be happening. I was just heading to Cardeluin for another job, just something simple to get by. I didn’t mean for anything of this. I didn’t ask for any of this.” “We did not know that the Keeper would name an heir,” Ahana stated gently. “Nor did we predict her heir having no prior knowledge of his inheritance. Clearly, there is a reason for all this, and in time, it shall be known.” “How did the Keeper reveal her heir’s name?” Quadriq asked in wonder; it had been a question on several people’s minds. “Telsa said she found the Keeper’s body, cold and silent. And with her, in her hand, was a small piece of parchment. Aidan’s name was on it, and the priestesses knew, this was her heir.” Ahana stood tall, a sense of pride in her voice. “I was appointed with finding you and keeping you safe. I shall fulfill my duty, Master Kerregen. Now, we must return to the palace.” Quadriq seemed amused at seeing this young elf, standing dumbfounded, unsure of what to do. “Don’t worry,” he offered as he came to stand by Aidan, “The Keeper was a being of immense knowledge. I have a feeling she knew that you’d have a reluctant, somewhat confused response to all of this.” Aidan nodded, though there was little sign of any emotion on his face. “Hey, if it makes you feel any better, take note of this.” The Shade had quickly caught the young Keeper’s attention. “I don’t think it was mistake or coincidence that you were already on the road to the City of Lights. You see, these things happen for a reason.” Ahana stood silently, as if listening to silent voices in the air. “We must hurry,” she spoke suddenly. “And we must travel carefully. Cardeluin has many new visitors, and getting into the palace may prove a bit of a challenge.” “I have no other choice, do I?” Aidan said, a hint of anger in his voice, as he stood with his two new acquaintances. “This is the fate, the path chosen for me? I have no say in the matter?” Both seemed unsure of what words to offer the young elf. No one could have predicted the previous Keeper naming an unwilling successor as her heir. Aidan shook his head disappointedly as he walked over and untied his horse. He quickly mounted it and waited for further instruction. “Please,” he said a bit coldly, “lead the way.” _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Waves crashed against the rocks, sending a spray of sea mist into the air. Dalos Agnor breathed the scent in hungrily as he stood there on the trading docks, which were alive with men loading ships to be sent out. They were stocked with wood, animals, crops and other items to be shipped to the farthest forests of Amalith and to the distant valleys of Pheriannath. The Circana Company rarely sent anything to Duridaine and all shipments for business with Cardeluin was sent across land. The success of another day of making money always brought a slight smile to the merchant lord’s gaunt face. However, on this day, there were more important matters at hand. Rumors of a possible heir turned out to be true, and now whispers claimed that said heir had been found. The new Keeper, however, had not yet made it to the City of Lights according to the man’s most recent sources. “The streets of Cardeluin are overflowing,” Dalos said as the breeze swept up the tails of his dark brown cloak and caught wisps of his dark hair. “The Keeper will undoubtedly be accompanied by an escort, a guard of some sort. Keep an eye out for someone attempting to enter the palace. Someone of credibility and strength will be with the Keeper.” “But sir, how will we know who is the Keeper?” A weary, middle-aged man asked as he stood by his master’s side. He was one of the merchant leader’s assistants. He had been working dutifully, keeping constant track of the latest news concerning the Keeper. “There are numbers of people trying to get into the palace,” he continued skeptically. “How will we know for sure?” “How do you think you’ll know?” Dalos spat, his calm composure abruptly turning into a tone of complete disgust. “You will know it’s the Keeper because the Keeper is the only one who can bloody get in, that’s how!” The man shuddered at Lord Agnor’s outburst, but he knew better than to speak out. He waited patiently as Dalos took a deep breath and brushed back his hair. Sighing, the leader wrapped his cloak around him tightly and headed towards the castle. The poor, shaken servant followed behind, waiting for more instruction. “Take a team of men and keep your eyes peeled,” he continued as they walked. He was once more calm and still, as if his moment of anger never even occurred. “I want as detailed of a description as possible. Ask around, see if any know who this heir is, if they recognize him or not. I want to learn as much as possible before we contact him, before we make our next move.” “Sir, you said you weren’t planning on writing to this Keeper. What other methods of contact do we have?” The servant inquired, though he had an inkling of the response his master had in store for him. “What other methods?” Dalos repeated as guards pushed open the tall, heavy wooden doors of the castle. The leader paused to face his servant as a deep, dry laugh escaped his lips. “That is quite a useless question, now isn’t it?” Jason Simmons As Quadriq and Ahana stood guard around the new Keeper, Quadriq was able to discern a few things. First, that this was very dangerous, and that Ahana could use all the help she could get, regardless of her rejections otherwise.Second, that the new Keeper clearly had no idea what was going on. That was surprising to Quadriq. Usually the Keeper knew when he or she would be next ni line. And third, that they were being followed. It was only after he let all of this information sink in did he notice Ahana speaking to him. "So, how have been, Quadriq?" she asked. He looked at her and smiled. "Same old. I had another run-in with my Shade brethren the other day." "Which ones?" she smiled, knowing the extent of the civil war between the Shades. "The ones I don't get along with." She merely nodded. She understood enough about the Shade civil war to know when it was not a good time to discuss it. But for now, Quadriq needed to let her know they were being followed. "I know. How long?" "About an hour now." KC is a teacher now! After sketching for a few hours, Asta nibbled on the end of her pencil and stared up at the giant keep on the other side of the bridge. She'd gotten several sketches complete, but what she wanted now was to see the bridge from the other side. The cobbles were still thronged by people, seemingly encamped upon the bridge, so Asta climbed up along the stone guardrails and trotted along the expanse of the bridge, at a level with most of the folks now. To her, the narrow stone was a pleasant walkway and she had no fear of falling. She trotted across to the far side, seemingly unnoticed by the crowd, and tapped on the shoulder of one of the guards, standing to the side of the gates. "Hello," she said brightly. "I'm Asta Meiling Varro. I'm here to see my auntie, Telsa Lobello, do you know her?" "Little girl," started the guard. "I may be little," huffed Asta, "but I'm not a child. If you won't let me in, will you pass her a message?" "Um ...." Asta flashed him one of her most endearing smiles. "... Okay, I guess I can do that." "Yay! Okie, just a sec." Asta sat down upon the wall and ripped off a sheet of paper to hastily scrawl a note. This she passed to the guard to give to one of the pages. In the meantime, Asta kicked her feet lazily over the side of the wall and busied herself with her sketch pad once more. dance into the fire Despite the darkness of night, the Keeper and his motley followers made good time in their journey toward Cardeluin, although nowhere near as fast as Ahana would have done alone, something that the Kai'it warrior seemed only too aware of. Whilst she was still possessed of her feline grace and never slinked far from Aidan's side, a heavy air of impatience seemed to hang around her. The shade on the other hand seemed to have an air of nonchalance about him and whilst he too flanked Aidan's other side, he appeared more interested in the flora, fauna and contents of his mind rather than their current situation. The road was far from unkind, yet the new found urgency in his journey to Cardeluin made for an anxious experience. For Ahana and the Shade, Cardeluin meant safety and the fulfilment of their obligations. For Aidan, assuming that the warrior woman told the truth, it was the beginning of a whole new life.As the night gave way to the dawn, Cardeluin lay only a few more hours distance from the Keeper and his entourage. Winding his horse along the dirt track that passed as a road toward the city, the party came across a tavern that the young Keeper frequented in his days as a traveller, since they seemed to be coming to an end. Although Ahana resisted the idea at first, Aidan doggedly insisted that they stop there until she relented, something that the warrior woman had done rarely to a man. Quadriq decided to remain outside after the two exchanged looks and he quickly returned to the road as Aidan and Ahana entered the Inn. The tavern was warm and had a welcoming air to it and despite the hour of the morning, already had several patrons, none of which really paid Aidan and Ahana any mind. Many appeared to be travellers and appeared to have spent the whole night at tables, with their belongings littered along the walkways between tables. Some of the patrons slept where they sat, their heads resting on their folded arms upon tables or against the wall of the tavern, whilst the others spoke in hushed tones, leaning in toward each other, members from party exchanging their stories of the road with the waking members of another. In some ways it reminded Aidan of his time in the mines of Duridaine, in the lodge where the miners swapped pleasantries before falling into an exhausted sleep. “They must be travelling to see the Keeper.” Ahana said airily, her gaze tracing its way around the entire room. Aidan followed her gaze, noting each and every person, before making his way toward the bar at the back of the tavern, taking care to avoid the belongings of the other travellers, with Ahana close on his heel. As opposed to the tables in the Inn, the bar area was empty and Aidan had no trouble in ordering himself an ale. Ahana stood stoically to his side, always ready and aware even though her gaze rarely fell directly upon her ward, Despite being luke warm , the first sip of his ale tasted like heaven. “The Keeper did not drink.” With the clumsy way that Ahana wrapped her tongue around words, Aidan found it impossible to ascertain whether the Kai'it warrior was chiding him or merely making an abysmal attempt at small talk. Whichever it was, Aidan felt no urge to remind her that there was a new Keeper now. Nursing his drink for a while Aidan gently ran his finger around the rim of his tankard, lost in thought and the voices around him. “What was my mother like Ahana?” Aidan said in a soft voice, his eyes locked on the ale clasped in his hands. The warrior woman's eyes flickered over to Aidan before staring down at the bar. “The Keeper was a kind and generous woman.” “Any hobbit could have told me as much.” Aidan said, looking over at the Kai'it. “Tell me about her. What was she like?” Ahana frowned and slowly looked over at the Keeper, her eyes locking with his. “What did you wish to know?” “Anything.” Aidan said shrugging, his eyes quickly darting back to his ale. “What did she like to drink?” “I believe she liked to drink water and green tea, sometimes.” Ahana said, her frown quickly melting away. “You would have to ask Hurin if you want to know any more.” As the lull in conversation widened, Ahana frowned again. “He is the head eunuch and will see to your needs. Unless you wish to appoint another in his stead.” “No... no.” Aidan said, hunching over the bar and raising the tankard to his lips again. “I am sure that Hurin will be just fine.” As the morning began to fully take hold, some of the travellers began to gather their belongings and move out onward toward Cardeluin whilst others still decided to wait a while in the comfort of the tavern. As the sun started to rise ever further, one by one the tavern patrons began to rise toward it like flowers and go on their way. “I remember the Keeper used to sneak away every Summerhigh festival.” Ahana said with the barest beginnings of a wistful smile on her face. “Really?” Aidan said, turning to face her and dropping his arms to his side. “Where did she go?” “Amalith, I think.” Ahana said, turning ever so slightly toward Aidan. “The ancestors told me a little of her journey, to a point.” Nobody ever spoke of her leaving the Palace but everyone knew of it. “Telsa would always go to her chambers at the same time every day, even though she wasn't there. She would stay in there for a full hour, sometimes a few minutes longer or shorter and turn at the door and respectfully say goodbye.” “I thought that the Keeper was a focal point at the festival?” Aidan said, casually resting an arm on the bar. “She is.” Ahana said simply, turning a little further toward the Keeper, absently running a hand through her braids. “I always assumed that she used a double of some sort.” “It never occurred to you to ask about it?” Ahana tilted her head to the side, her braids falling down like a shield as she did so. “No.” The two gently pattered around conversation for a while, Ahana offering up as thorough a response as her nature dictated. With much of her life in service to the Palace or dedicated to training, the two had only the most passing of things in common. Recent events were the only thing that tied the two of them together and that always led the conversation back toward the Keeper and the Palace of Secrets. Whenever Cardeluin was mentioned, Ahana's eyes shot to the door and she almost seemed to flinch. After a short while talking of the road, the hobbits of Pheriannath and their journey so far, the two remembered Quadriq. “We should go and find him.” Ahana said, turning to leave as she said so. “You go.” Aidan said, standing stoically at the bar, casually rubbing his nose. Ahana stopped in her tracks and folded her arms, causing one of the few tavern patrons that remained to wilt away beneath her shadow. “I'll be fine here. I could do with a few moments of solitude.” “I was ordered to find you and return you safely to Cardeluin.” “I see.” Aidan said. “By whom?” Ahana's eyes narrowed and she turned her head away, as if to see through some illusion. “By Telsa.” “Then I would rather suspect that the wishes of the Keeper outstripped those of some hobbit, wouldn't you?” Although his voice was low, it was dark and tinged with scorn, his body statuesque , his back to the Kai'it woman. Ahana's eyes widened in shock, her arms unfolding and slowly returning to her side. With a stiff bow, she left and by the time that the Keeper looked over his shoulder, she had already gone in search of the Shade. Sighing to himself, Aidan slumped over the bar and gazed into his empty tankard. “Do not look around, do not speak. Do nothing to draw any attention to yourself.” Aidan had to fight the urge to turn to look at the owner of the soft feminine voice from his side. Having had many years to be impulsive, Aidan was disciplined enough to be able to read a voice as well as a face and he knew the request to be a serious one. “You are in more danger than you know, Keeper.” “How do...” “You have many enemies simply because of the blood that flows through your veins and there are others besides that would seek to exploit that. Cardeluin is far from the refuge that some would have you believe.” “Then what would you have me do?” With his eyes fixed on the bar and his mouth moving slowly, the barman went to move toward him but stopped short when he saw the grim look on Aidan's face. “You must contrive to meet with an associate of mine, without your companions.” “How will I do that?” “An event will be created. When the time comes, my associate, and the truth, will be revealed to you.” “But what should I look for? Who are you?” After a few moments of silence, Aidan slowly began to look around but for the second time that day, a woman had slipped away from him without his knowledge. Aidan returned to his tankard, trying to avoid the sea of strangers that laughed talked and surrounded him – as well as the two that waited for him outside. © Copyright 2007 Aiken4LOTRisMIA4now, Quaddy, Jason Simmons, KC is a teacher now!, dance into the fire, (known as GROUP). All rights reserved. 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