Xandilif cleared her throat...and continued to stare at Hawke. "Whatever you got in yer bag, you better dump it now, Gwaelion.....Where'd you go...and what is this about a witch?"
Hawke lifted his head and gave Lif a dark, challenging look, though he was surprised she had used his Gondorian name. Then he turned his face until he met Finchley's tearful eyes. "...I went to Angmar. It seemed to take ages, but I..."
Finchley's brows knitted together. "You went to Angmar..." She shook her head a few times and looked as if she might shake him again but instead took both of his hands in her own, unable to say anything more but wanting to know what he had to say, even if it might hurt even more.
Xandilif just watched Hawke, eyes level and cold, standing behind Finchley....while Xan stepped forward beside Hawke, supporting him as he searched for words, staring down her sister.
The silence dragged out, a tension seeming to build between the quartet in the middle of the room as their companions watched, all attention on Hawke and his disturbing revelation about Finchley’s adopted grandmother.
Eduwiges suddenly interrupted, her voice filled with wonder and surprise as she stepped forward towards Hawke. “You were able to make such a journey? You were fully recovered? That is excellent!” The woman’s outburst broke the moment, as Nethrida put a hand on her shoulder and drew her back again.
Hawke had let Finchley take his hands, but his arms were loose, as if he were exhausted. It had indeed been a long journey that he had just returned from, and a difficult one as he wasn’t fully recovered from his recent ordeal...and he'd never traveled alone before. Edu's comment had made a bitter smile appear on his lips. Had she not known he was gone? But lo, he had done something, even alone, and that filled him with a fierce pride in his new found skills and renewed confidence. Setting his jaw, and keeping his eyes on Finchley’s he continued, ignoring the two elven sister’s hovering. "I did go to Angmar. I had arranged to meet the Ranger who stormed Kheledul with Xanderian when I was held prisoner there, and he guided me to the camp of the Hill-men. When I asked my questions there, they chased me away. So I kept searching, and found a tribe near a set of caves used by slaves that had revolted against their masters twenty years ago."
Calidis frowned as she reached up to take her adamant pendant in hand. The light went dim again and her cold, angry expression at the mention of a slave revolt melted, leaving behind only sadness and compassion.
Finchley squeezed Hawk's hands as if to reassure herself that he's was indeed there and hale. "Revolted... that's somethin' that can be done there? I've read a few things in the library and... it'd be a hard thing to do."
Hawke swallowed. "The Guild of the Unsealed and the Iron Crown did track most of them down and recaptured them...or slaughtered them. The leader of the revolt was a Bree-ish woman, they said, the bravest and the last to surrender."
Eduwiges frowned to hear the story. She had known none of this, she had been out in the field protecting travelers around Minas Tirith and Dol Amroth but she listened quietly now, trusting in Xanderian and Xandilif to sort it out.
Beside her. Nethrida tilted her head to the right, a puzzled look in her eyes. "You say the last to surrender? Does this mean the Guild is either unaware of Finch, or presume her deceased as well?"
Hawke glanced at Nethrida and shrugged. “I can’t say, all this was twenty years ago...” His gaze returned to Finchley, looking into her eyes. “The woman...Finch...I think she was your mother.”
Eduwiges gasped at Hawke's statement and Nethrida 's eyes widened in shock once again, both looking to Finch in concern. Xandilif simply nodded however as if not surprised. Her eyes flashed for a moment and for a second she looked at her sister Xanderian. Some unspoken communication passed between them…they both knew too much of the slavers of Angmar and the tribes of Hillmen who opposed them.
Finchley at first couldn’t help but look a little heartened at the thought of, at least, some slaves escaping but the information about the revolt’s leader left her looking sad and confused. "My mother?... I had a mother?" She stared about the room a bit as if in a daze then seemed to abandon the idea of her Mother as too much to deal with right now. "... What of my Grams? A witch? Do you think she knew anythin' at all? What had she done... I want to forgive her but what'm I forgivin' her for?"
Hawke squeezed Finch's hands again to steady her, or to reel her back in, he wasn't sure. "The hill-men remember a witch, a traitor banished from her people...some say she ferried slave children with her when she fled Angmar. Others say she ate them…but, Hillmen are like that."
Xanderian spoke at last, her voice soft. “Remember Small Finchley, the word “witch” to the Trév Gállorg, the Hillmen as Gwaelion calls them, has many meanings…not all of them negative.”
Addiela's gaze drifted back down to the ground as she listened and she turned her body once more to lean her back up against the wall, deep in thought.
Finchley looked pained and released one of Hawke's hands to run her fingers through her hair in slight frustration. "... Well I don’t know what they mean by callin’ her a witch, but she never ate no one while I was with her." She smiled for a brief second at the thought but then nodded to herself, as if deciding something. "So much I didn't know. But I need to know it. All of it. You understand, she was my Grams. I loved her." She looked about the room again until she looked back over her shoulder and her gaze settled on the Banshee for a moment. "I need to go see her grave."
Everyone seemed startled at the sudden resolve in the woman…everyone save for Xandilif.
The Champion of the Azure Faithful nodded. “SEE her grave? We need ta go dig up her feckin’ grave...No telling what we might find.”
Finchley sighed and stuck her tongue out at Lif. "I need to go lay flowers there like I promised her. Even if I'm upset with her, a promise is a promise. And besides... someone where we lived had to know. Maybe our neighbor what helped Grams out a few times. She knew everyone's business."
Eduwiges grimaced at the thought of digging up a grave but walked over to stand beside Lif, like a good squire.
Smiling for a second at Eduwiges, Xandilif turned to look at Hawke again. “Gwaelion...this tribe says the witch fled...did they know WHY she fled, and why she took kids other then as snacks for the road?'
Hawke looked away, he clearly didn't want to say any more. Finch had resolved herself to visit her "grandmother's" grave, and there hardly seemed a point to speak of what had been rumors and whispers, at least not to everyone.
Addiela's crystal blue eyes turn to Hawke, perhaps knowing there might be more to this.
Xandilif also watched Hawke silence himself, but let it go, guessing his reasons....and looked at Finch. "OK, the rest of this can wait for pillowtalk, ya crazy feckin’ kids....As for the rest of you lot, if Babygirl wants ta go to Bree, we go ta gordamned BREE, with whoever wants ta come help me trash the Pony,”
Calidis tilted her head a bit, looking a bit intrigued. She had never been to Bree. Eduwiges for her part cracked her knuckles and grinned, looking around at the others in excitement, the dark thoughts of slaves and Angmar washed out of her mind by the new plan. “There are a few I owe in Bree. It will be nice to see them again”.
Nethrida nodded to Eduwiges. "I'll have to ask for leave but I'll come with you... With or without permission. This is a matter of family."
Xan also knew that Hawke was being discrete…and smiled approvingly to herself at the thought of it. Another example of the strides he had been making. She drew Finchley slightly to the side as the others were already making travel plans. "It does seem Bree would be our best bet, my sweet sister...'
Finchley looked up at Xan and smiled sadly. "Yes, but…I'm sorry. I'm sorry I didn't tell you." She looked about the room. "All of you. I'm so sorry. I just-... It was hard. I don't think it really sunk in fully for a while. I was just tryin' to be helpful instead."
With a snort Xandilif pulled the woman into a hug and rubbed her knuckles against her scalp. “Ya don’t owe no one apologies, Sweetmeat...it's yer business, ya share it as you see fit, when ya see fit...bunch a damn busybodies hereabouts ta think otherwise.”
Finchley smiled a bit at Xandilif. She then turned to look at Addie for a moment and strode up to her, releasing Hawk's other hand. Addiela immediately straightened up as Finch walked her way and her gaze shot from Hawk's eyes back to the ground.
Finchley smiled gently at the blonde woman, 'Addie. Are you upset? With me or with yourself?'
Addiela couldn't bring herself to look up toward Finch. "You need not worry over me, it seems there are much more important matters that require your attention."
Finchley shook her head. "Well that's too bad. If you call me a friend then I'll worry over you, simple as that."
“There's no need to add any gray hairs to one's head over me, Finchley.” Addiela explained sternly, but smiled a bit at the younger woman earnestness none the less.
Finchley pulled one of her short locks over her eyes and smirked. "I dunno, it still looks pretty black to me so I got worry to spare." Finchley suddenly leaned closer to Addie, her voice dropping to a gentle whisper. "My forgiveness still stands. You were not at fault for my pain."
Addie gasped and looked away again, moved. In the back of her mind she had scattered memories of Finchley embracing her on the floor of the Thirsty Seer, as she and Hawke protected Addie from her own foolishness. That was a debt she would be hard-pressed to repay. She shook her head sadly. "I was responsible for having Rath bring the dagger here, Finchley. That action alone caused you to be in pain. That was poor repayment for your kindness."
"It wouldn't have caused me pain if the one who branded me didn't hex my brand. None of us knew and that ain’t your fault." Finchley was adamant and would have hugged Addie if she had let her.
Their conversation was interrupted by a sound In the distance, a sudden pounding could be heard on the doors of the House of Three Graces. Four deep, metallic booms as someone used the knocker, then another four booms..like the tolling of a mournful bell.
Seeing everyone was still busy discussing these new developments, and Xanderian was conferring, well, arguing it seemed, with her sister Xandilif off to one side, Hawke shrugged and went through the house to the massive front doors. As usual, when anything practical had to be done it seemed to fall to him. He grumbled to himself as he made his way through the halls to the door.
He set his feet and opened the heavy door and was surprised to find an elf standing there in the faded heraldry of the Guard of Imladris, bearing an oak and onyx box. The elf was arrayed for war, but his gear seemed aged and worn.
Hawke was still wearing his traveling gear and weapons having barely returned from Angmar, and his hand hovered near the hilt of the sword on his hip as he noticed the strangers arms. These days, you couldn’t be too careful. "...Yes?" He asked brusquely and glanced down at the fancy box. From his brief stays in Rivendell he recognized what seemed like the Seal of Elrond on the catch.
The elf cleared his throat, and when he spoke his voice was rough and hoarse, as if he had not spoken in some time. "I bear a gift unto the Daughters of Anerial from one who holds them deep in his thoughts....he sends them his best wishes and a promise of a speedy reunion, and hopes this gift makes clear his ardent resolve on the matter.'
The elf glanced dismissively at Hawke and continued, his voice growing stronger with use. "Be you their manservant? If so convey this to them so my duty may be resolved at last.'
Hawke belatedly remembered a semblance of manners and inclined his head to the elf. He mentioned the Daughters of Anerial...he was pretty sure that meant Xan and Lif, he remembered their father was named something like that. At the mention of being their servant, too tired to bother to argue, he simply nodded. "I will give them the message..and the box." He held his hands out to take the object.
The elf nodded and handed the heavy box to Hawke. "My thanks...tell them that Etharian of Imladris has finally completed that which he promised himself he would one day do, even as he lay dying from the cowardly blows of their cursed father. Finally my last breathe may be released as my revenge takes wing.”
Hawke felt the weight of the box settle into his arms and was already turning to go back inside with the package when he frowned as the message suddenly turned sinister. "What? Wait--"
The elf continued ignoring Hawke, his gaze growing cold and empty and the flesh of his face beginning to flake and decay before Hawke’s very eyes, his worn elven hauberk suddenly soaked in fresh blood which was rapidly aging into black, viscous stains. “May the curse they so richly deserve finally be delivered unto the Abominations, as earned by their monstrous father. Tell them we are legion… and we have waited long for this moment...when our revenge begins at last.”
The shade of Etharian was dissipating in the moonlight, fading into dust and twilight, yet his voice still echoed hollow in the suddenly cold air..."Those slain by the Madman Anerial are many...and our vengeance begins today, praise he who gives us the power to strike at last.”
A final, gasping rasp echoed, “The death of their line is at hand…” and then the elf was gone. All that remained of him was the box. Hawke would have dropped the coffer as if it were a snake, only he didn't want to risk breaking it and unleashing whatever evil might be inside.
Xandilif had moved unnoticed into the antechamber behind Hawke...."Hamster?” The young man nearly jumped out of his skin at the sudden voice. Instead he slammed the door shut as if an army were coming up the path.
The Champion raised an eyebrow. "Was someone here?”
Hawke struggled to find his voice, finally saying “Etharian...from Imladris…he was looking for you and Lethril.”
Lif seemed unimpressed. “What the feck is an Etharian...and what ya got there?”
"He said he brought a curse for the daughters of Anerial...". Hawke’s voice seemed far away as he tried to make sense of the visitor, but he clutched the box more tightly. He pressed his back against the door, not wanting Lif to open the chest.
Xandilif went pale....and moved forward, one hand on SilverWand. Her voice raised into a shout. “RIAN???”
The cry brought the others into the antechamber, looking confused and wary at the sudden shout. Xan moved to Hawke, concerned by his expression. "My urchin....were you harmed? What concerns the Banshee so?'
Xandilif looked at her sister, answering for Hawke. “Gwaelion says some bastard named Etharian came around talking about curses and Anerial.”
Calidis looked at Lif and then back to the box in Hawke’s arms. "A curse?...your father? Did this Etharian give you that chest?" She held out her hands. "If so you should not hold it. The girl Finchley wants you safe after all, as do we all." The pendant about her neck seemed to pulse with light a few times.
Addiela frowned at hearing of a curse and she almost stepped forward to take it herself, but stopped short of actually doing so.
Nethrida drew her sword, just in case, staying out of the Antechamber. She held the blade in one hand, down on her side. "I know not what this is all about... But it is best you stay behind me, Finchley... In case it is something foul" She spoke with a relatively calm tone.
Finchley peered over Neth's shoulder and bit her lip. "But Hawk... And Xan..." She shook her head and pulling her dagger from under her tunic she pushed past Neth to go towards the door. No way she was gonna stay back after she heard Lif yell like that. Nethrida sighed and followed after with her sword at the ready, albeit held in one hand.
As Finchley froze in the middle of the room, soon joined by Eduwiges, Hawke still clutched the ornate coffer with bloodless fingers, unwilling to risk letting any of them take it. What if it exploded, or contained poison, or... He shook his head. "He said this was his vengeance…that your line will end.” His eyes met Xanderian’s as the elleth gasped, a look showing that the threat held some hidden meaning relevant to them both.
Lif stepped forward. "Give it here, Gwaelion.'
Hawke shook his head. "No...it was some kind of ghost. He said it was his last revenge, called you abominations. Whatever it is, you shouldn't look. Just cast it over the cliffs.” Hawke would have taken it to the depths himself. He would hold it at the bottom of the ocean if it meant no one else was going to get hurt.
Calidis moved forward and placed a comforting hand on Hawke’s shoulder and looked at Xanderian. "I agree. Neither of you should open it as it was clearly meant for yourselves."
Xandilif tilted her head....and sighed. "Gwaelion....whatever it is, the box is the least of it. We are gonna have to know what this is all about. Give it to me.”
His dark eyes flickered back and forth between Xandilif and Xanderian…to Finchley then back to Lif. "...Fine. You want it open, suit yourself, Banshee." He found the latch and wrenched open the lid himself, breaking the wax seal of Elrond before turning the box so that the contents were facing him alone.
Everyone froze with a gasp..waiting for a cataclysm, but there were no explosions, no bursts of dark magic, no screaming curses....simply something within the chest, wrapped in a fading banner of Rivendell, about the size of a large melon.
Finchley breathed out a small sigh of relief but stood on her tiptoes a little to try and see into the box from where she stood.
Calidis raised a brow and tilted her head a little as Xan moved forward and spoke to Hawke."Gwaelion, be careful....'
In the middle of the Antechamber, both Nethrida and Eduwiges had their swords drawn, half at the ready to strike.
Xandilif looked around then smirked at at Hawke...one eyebrow raised...."Well, ya ain't dead...so that's good, ain’t it. What’s in the damn box?”
His fears easing, Hawke reached into the box and unfolded the Rivendell banner, faded and cracking with age, and uncovered the object nestled within.
A head looked up at Hawke...the bone structure and long dark hair reminded him of Xan, but on second glance it was clearly male. The eyes were blank, just empty sockets...hacked away none too gently. The mouth was wide open, as if in the midst of a final scream. The face was covered in the tell tale marks of torture and agonizing death, blood painted in long streaks down each pale cheek, elvish characters cut into dead skin. The end had not been quick, nor pretty.
As the group crowded forward, Eduwiges cursed under her breathe and pulled Finchley away from the box after catching a glimpse, 'Turn around Finch, you do not need to see this.'
Finchley's eyes went wide and she even struggled to turn back. "What is it? What's in the box?"
Nethrida's grip on her sword failed and it fell on the ground with a clatter, an utterly mortified look washing over her face upon such a grizzly sight. She too attempted to turn Finch away. "Believe me.... 'tis something you do not wish to see...whoever the poor bastard is…"
Addiela stayed well back, the reactions enough to tell her that more tragedy had befallen the small group.
As shock and confusion rolled through the room, Xan met Hawke’s horrified eyes and stepped forward to see inside the box, then made a soft, strangled sound in the back of her throat, staggering back against the door.
Xandilif looked at her sister, then back at Hawke.... and in a burst of rage moved forward abruptly and looked into the open box. She then closed her eyes and nodded.
Finchley frowned and finding herself unable to turn back around with two strong women pushing her to do the opposite, she turned her head and called over her shoulder. "Lif? Xan? Hawk? What is it? Someone tell me what's in the box…."
Hawke looked as if years had washed over him, leaving him hollow. He folded the decaying banner over the severed head and let the lid fall shut again with a soft click.
Xandilif turned away from the now closed box and answered Finchley, her voice forced and tight. “It’s Xanir…our younger brother….
Slumped against the door, Xanderian’s broken, whispered voice would seem to bring time to a sudden halt. “….No....He WAS our younger brother.”
