The two men stood in the elaborately decorated room that only elven hands could have crafted, it felt warm and safe, it felt holy.
"You know the path you walk young hunter. Nor has it been an easy one, darkness has tried to stay your feet many times before. I know of the darkness that you believe taints your body, the pain and suffering you were put through. Trust my words dear child, the markings upon your body mean only what you make them. Do you wish for them to keep you down into the deepest pits of darkness where you will surely never come back from, or do you wish to make them your boon which will guide you in the steps of the light. The choice is yours and yours alone, I can only guide you in the right direction." The man spoke softly as he brought his hands together, looking at the young man before him.
His face wrought with both confusion and worry, his brows furled together as his mind raced with questions to ask. Never before had anyone known of his markings and treated him as such, especially by one of his kind. He had just traveled here along with Fairlain, not intended to be of much use. Cynraede pulled back his crimson hood and spoke softly.
"I am but a man! A mere man! I ventured here because I took an oath to protect those of the order whom fights the shadow just as I. I fight differently because I know where to hit them, I know where they hurt and how they bleed."
The young mans voice was soft and gentle, but sorrow and pain flowed with them. His grayish blue eyes stared at the man before him, whom dressed in fine robes and garmets. His hair long and and dark, his skin of the clouds. It was clear what he was, but even more what he was not. He spoke his kind and gentle words to the young man once more.
"Cynrahaede, hunter of man, of beast and of things not of this world. Whom bears the blood of the ancient men, men of renown!. Fear not the pathway before you even if it bears shadows. You must rise from these, and bear the light. The darkness already knows of you, it fears of what this order will become. Embrace the light upon your path young hunter and see your skill grow tenfold. Even now you slay your hundreds in protecting the order but embrace the light and you will slay your hundred thousands.You will not do it alone. This order has use of you and you need it."
The man stood tall, but even still Cynraede was taller by many inches. His voice fell silent as if he could not muster up the strength to speak, as if his voice had left his body. He opened his mouth, as his voice sounded with fear.
"And what if they will not have me? What happens when I take this venture and do not return? Or it is all for naught for the Angmarim have claimed these lands you speak of!"
Cynraede looked upon him, his brows furled together and his youthful face wrought with sadness. The man simply smiled and spoke softly.
"Take the leap of faith young one, for when you do you will grow into the man you so desire to become. Learn of the blood of your fathers and the fathers before them, venture to the ruins of Annuminas. There you will learn of your heritage and its meaning, but be warned. If you take this path, as your first step his the cobble. You will never be the same. Rise up and be not feared from the shadow, but be feared from the light. Go now, for we will watch over your friend."
The man rested a hand on his shoulder, offering a warm smile to the confused young man. Tears filled his eyes but dared not fall as he lowered his head, raising it once more to give a gentle nod. He did not speak a word, simply pulled his hood over his head once more. Whispering under his breath to the man.
"It has been long since I have felt the warm embrace of light, its open arms have stood open while I stayed in the shadowy darkness. I will leave at once on this missoin, and return when I am able. You have my word, Elf lord. They will fear the light, and they will know its burn."
