It had been three days since the shade of Etharian brought what remained of Xanir of Rivendell to his sisters. The House of Three Graces was still subdued, almost solemn, yet there was constant activity within its marble halls.
Finchley, with Hawke’s help, was planning the simple ceremony to lay Xanir to rest while also wracking her brain to remember anything that could be of use regarding her Grams for their return to Bree. For his part, Hawke was one of the few on the island who had known of Xanir, and had long held a secret hope to one day meet his Elf lady’s brother, yet now that hope was dashed and that avenue to better understanding Xanderian and Xandilif’s difficult childhood was lost to him. He felt odd and out of place, mourning a man he had never met…and so focused on his time with Finchley.
Xandilif with an almost manic energy had thrown herself into preparing the trip to Bree, and then laying the groundwork for a trip beyond that to Angmar to seek more information concerning Finchley’s birth, and hopefully confront the Guild of the Unseen on her behalf. She kept Nethrida and Eduwiges beside her much of the time, often sending them forth to find maps or bear messages, and both women were growing more and more concerned about her. Her squire Eduwiges knew well that the Champion of the Azure Faithful had eaten little and slept less these three days past and seemed to be subsisting on nothing but grog and rage.
While plans were being made around her, Addiela had remained alone and silent much of the time as was her wont, especially as recent events had simply compounded her guilt. However she was taking more comfort now in sitting and taking her meals with Nethrida again, even if the Captain spent much of her time worrying aloud about Xanderian and complaining about Xandilif. If she were honest with herself, Addie shared her friends concerns but did not feel brave enough yet to approach either of the difficult elven sisters.
Calidis had spent her time reading, researching more details of the crystal that called itself Hastaina and watching Xanderian from a distance, growing more and more afraid for her newly found friend. The day after Xanir’s death became known, she spent hours in whispered conversation overlooking the sea with the shieldmaiden Cyndwin, her oldest love. The crystal Hastaina had first been found by Cyndwin, and then rescued her from some unknown doom by sealing her away from more than a year before allowing her to return to the world. Even now the majority of the crystal remains in the pommel of the woman’s blade, called Warsong while the rest rested around Calidis’ own throat. Since Cyndwin’s return, out of fear of losing her again, Xanderian had done her best to keep her here on Tol Lochul, far from possible harm. That loving captivity had finally become more than the shieldmaiden could bear and as Calidis eavesdropped from the next room, she explained through tears that she could not remain on Tol Lochul and would return to Rohan and what remained of her kinsfolk for a time. She said she would always love and support Xanderian, and knew their fates were still entwined, but she had to risk harm and spread her wings again, and as she knew that Xanderian would not fully accept or understand that, she had to go. Cyndwyn knew this was a bad time, or perhaps the best time as Rian was surrounded by allies and lovers, and though grieving, would soon lose herself in these new quests against Mans and to aid Finchley. By the shieldmaiden’s somewhat self-deprecating logic, Xanderian would have little time now to miss her.
Calidis had listened as Xanderian accepted her lover’s reasoning, and admitted that her worry had caused her to over-react regarding the blonde woman’s safety…then she tenderly but with the reserved demeanor of the folk of Imladris, explained that she understood that Cyndwin had thought long and hard about this and wished her safe travels until they would meet again. At dawn that very morning, Cyndwin had led her horses onto the waiting ship and weeping, departed Tol Lochul and Xanderian’s company, bound for her family’s lands in Rohan.
From the balcony of The House of Three Graces, Calidis had watched Xanderian as she waved her farewells, then simply gazed after the departing ship. She then clearly heard Xanderian’s long wail of abject heartbreak once the vessel had borne Cyndwin too far away to hear her. Her own heart breaking in sympathy for both of them, Calidis then allowed Xan her privacy, and retreated to the Hall of Journeys to read amongst the maps.
She was still doing that some hours later when the great doors clanged open and Eduwiges, looking a bit worn, tromped in. Behind her was a stranger, a tall elven woman, looking even more travel stained and weary than Edu.
Eduwiges spied the dark-eyed Cal in the map covered chamber and waved. “Hullo, both of you! I have returned. And look what I found!' she gestured to the tall elf in the doorway.
Calidis jumped a little as the door opened so loudly and looked up towards Eduwiges and this newcomer, a bit confused. Both of them? Then she looked down and realized Xan was asleep on the rug at her feet, curled up like one of Hawke’s cats. Somehow she had not noticed her arrive. Xan was only wearing a pale yellow undergown that Cal’s precise eye realized seemed somewhat big on her and was not one of her normal shades. Then she noted the tiny green horseheads stitched along the neckline and bodice and realized it was one of Cyndwin’s gowns, obviously left behind by accident or design when she departed. The fact that Xan had chosen, perhaps unconsciously, to wear it made the older elf’s heart nearly break again for her friend, but she remained silent about the matter.
Calidis reached down and ran her fingers through Xan’s hair gently, not wanting to wake her. In lieu of standing and making a proper curtsey she inclined her head politely. "Welcome home, Eduwiges of Faldham. Who is your guest?"
The powerfully built woman seemed not one bit surprised to see Xan lying on the carpet, sleeping half dressed. She smiled at Calidis. “This is Asmalinde of Hollin…” she glanced at the Elleth and smiled, “And other places. I was off gathering something for the Banshee…a map of the foothills of Himbar in the Second age, of all things, when I saved her from ambush north of Minas Tirith. A good thing too. She is here to see you, so everything worked out perfectly.' She laughed at her good fortune, in her customarily boisterous way, and gestured proudly to the dark eyed elf. “Asmalinde, THIS is Calidis.”
Asmalinde bowed gently and formally. “How do you do”.
Xanderian opened her eyes and rolled partially open to look up, having heard a voice she did not know. Her eyes were red, cheeks still wet from a day spent weeping.
Calidis remained however as serene looking as ever, though something in her eyes lit up for a brief moment. "Hollin?..." She shook her head ever so slightly and bowed. "Well met, Asmalinde of Hollin. I am Calidis of... Well, Calidis will do for now. For what purpose have you sought me out, my lady?"
Asmalinde was muddy, her gear worn and torn in a few spots. The bandana that tied her hair back bandana was sweat stained and tattered but her sword and the shield on her back were perfectly maintained. In her arms she was carrying an elvish chest laced with mithril and covered in Quenyan runes.
The newcomer glances down at Xanderian on the floor and was a bit disconcerted but carried on. 'I am forty five days out of Mithlond. I have been sent here by Cirdan to bring you this.' She raised the chest up a bit to gesture to Calidis.
Xanderian saw the chest and her eyes grew wide with sudden horror.
Eudwiges shook her head, not noticing Xan's reaction, “I am still amazed that anyone could make that journey, that fast. Well, I'm going to take this damned map to Xandilif then I am going to get cleaned up and see about getting food for our guest and I.' She walked into the other room, calling for the cook already as if she had just arrived at the local barracks.
Once she had past, Xanderian rose in one smooth motion and stood between the chest and Calidis protectively, shaking her head slowly.
Calidis's dark eyes honed in on the chest and her mouth fell open slightly at the mention of Cirdan. "The lord of the Havens sent you? To me?... He is known to me but had more dealings with my father and Lord Celebrimbor." She looked to Xanderian and reached out her hand to calm her. "Has he also sent you with a message, Asmalinde?"
Asmalinde stepped back slightly on seeing Xanderian rise so quickly, unsure what caused such a reaction from the odd woman, but continued. “You may find this painful Lady Calidis. This chest contains an item that was made by your father. It was placed in Cirdan's keeping ere Eregion was sacked. He is hoping you may shed some light on what it is and why your father felt it needed to be sent out of Eregion for safe keeping.”
Calidis stood and smoothed out her skirts as she attempted to quell the thoughts that were now racing through her head. "... If that is the case, I can think of a few things. I was his apprentice and saw him bring forth many trinkets of power... But many he destroyed himself when Annatar's treachery was made known." She stepped around Xanderian, one hand still on her shoulder
Asmalinde balanced the chest on one hand, reaching up and pulling the bandana from her head, sighing with relief as her fair hair tumbled to her shoulders.
Turning to face Calidis, Xan hissed urgently, “Beware sweet Night eye...we know this creature not, nor what she bears, or who she bears it from...Where has Eduwiges gone, why did she not remain? Perhaps she did not depart of her own free will?'
Asmalinde frowned. She had not expected such a reaction, certainly not from one of the Sindar. "Do you not recognize the seal of your house upon the box in Mithril Lady Calidis?'
Xanderian touched her hip, finding that her sword Lovelorn was not there...she hissed again, frustrated that she was not armed and her voice growing even more disturbed. "What has this creature done with Eduwiges, if Eduwiges it truly was? What foul relic has she brought to bedevil us with?”
Calidis shook her head, trying to sooth her friend's mounting paranoia. "I recognize the marks on the chest, though it surprises me that my father had sent something away instead of destroying it with many of the others. However, many things were done in secret in that time to foil the Enemy's plans and I was certainly not informed of most of them." She squeezed Xan's hand reassuringly. "Eduwiges has gone to clean herself up and get food. But I will calm you fears." She extended one hand out to Asmalinde. "Set that aside for now and give me your hand."
Xanderian nearly sobbed in fear...."No…NO….Do not touch the creature, sweet one...". If she had had her sword she would surely have drawn it, as somewhere distant in the House Calidis could feel Heartbreaker crooning in unison with it’s mistress’ voice.
Asmalinde turned and sets the box on the large chair near at hand and faced Calidis. She held out her hand, clearly confused but willing to play along with the request. It had been a long trip and she was too weary to argue.
Calidis took Asmalinde's hand in a firm grip as she turned her head to look at Xanderian with a small smile. "It will be alright, you have my word." She looks back to Asma as her pendant begins to glow faintly. "I see you have more years than I. Know you the importance of oaths and the consequences of not keeping them?"
Xanderian watched Calidis in thin slipped silence...deeply unsure but gaining a bit more control. The newcomer however could not shake the feeling that one false move would cause the far younger woman to pounce upon her bare handed but with great savagery. The thought caused her some unease.
Asmalinde put all that aside and stared Calidis in the eye, 'Lady Calidis, I was there when Gondolin was destroyed. I was one of those who led the survivors away and protected them while Glorfindal received all due glory for fighting the Balrog, or so I have been told. Does this sufficiently answer your question?' she said, growing just a bit piqued.
Calidis nodded. "Forgive me then for asking on oath of you now. Recent events surrounding another delivery in a box have cast the shadow of horrible grief over this house, and the spirit of this woman, Xanderian. Swear to me now by Arien and Tilion, who bear the remaining fruits of the Trees across the sky, by what may remain of the Lamps before them, that you do indeed come from Cirdan and that you mean us no ill will."
Asmalinde looked at Xan, then back at Calidis, shaking her head as she understood a little more why things here felt so broken and strange. “Of course, I so swear, and will add Manwe if you would like.”
Calidis nodded her head as her pendant glowed brightly for a moment and then faded once more. "Then it is done and see sweet one, Hastaina agrees. I accept your oath, Asmalinde and will receive what you have brought to me."
Asmalinde nodded, 'Of course..” She picked the chest back up, and with a royal bow handed it to Calidis.'
Calidis only hesitated a little before taking the box into both of her hands. She looked to the crest upon it as a look of sadness crossed her face. "... Never have I thought I would see this symbol again. I have never thought to recreate it, even as the last of my house."
Asmalinde looked on sympathetically, “Cirdan was concerned you might be grieved at this. Never the less, the council has asked if you can shed light on the contents and whether or not it might help against the Enemy in any way.”
As Calidis examined the box, Asmalinde looked over at Xanderian appraisingly, 'So you are the Monk of Osgilliath, the “leader of this misfit band” as Cirdan put it?'
Xan met her gaze warily and shook her head. “I am the leader of nothing, not even my own destiny. Cirdan knows this and mocks me yet again.”
Asmalinde did not know what to do with this and fell silent, though the pain behind the other woman’s words was apparent.
Calidis's serene expression had broken at the mention of the Enemy and she clutched at the box a little tighter as her pendant glowed almost as brightly as the sun. She visibly struggled with something for a moment before she let out a sigh, pendant going dark once again. "... I am well acquainted with grief, my lady, and have walked hand in hand with it more often than not as of late." She looked to the box again and took a deep breath before running her elegant fingers over the runes, which began to shimmer as the box's clasp opened.
She carefully opened the lid as the runes ceased to shimmer. Upon seeing what was inside her mouth dropped open in shock. "... Circamírë!" She shook her head in utter disbelief as she reached in and pulled out an ornately craft ring set with an adamant, allowing it to rest upon her palm.
Asmalinde gasped at the beauty of the ring and its glow while Calidis was still gazing at the ring with disbelief. Within the adamant gem could be seen the faint glow reminiscent of stars; more specifically the sickle shape of Valacirca in the sky, though Men knew it as the Seven Stars or the Great Bear. "I had thought he destroyed this along with the others..."
Asmalinde whispered reverently, 'Do you mind if I ask its significance?'
Calidis turned the ring over in her hands. "It was one of my father's greatest works. Long had he labored over this. He captured the light of the stars set in the sky by the Lady of Stars as a challenge to Morgoth... He had finished it just before we were betrayed. I had thought that he had thrown it into the fires of the forge in the Guild House along with many other things..."
Asmalinde nodded, “I have not seen its like before. Even though I would not rem…”. Just then, Eduwiges bounded back in cutting off what the newcomer was about to say, smelling clean and looking shiny from her bath. “Well, what was all the fuss about getting that treasure here so quickly?” She smiled at Asmalinde, “In just the other room Asma, there is a bath drawn for you. Please feel free to use it, and there is a plate of food for you by there as well.''
Calidis shook her head and put the ring back into the box before shutting the lid once more. "Lord Cirdan would not find this of much use against the Enemy, for like all things that were made in Ost-in-Edhil, it could be one more pawn under control of the One... And I may ask to keep it myself. I had thought there was nothing left of what he made in these lands..."
Asmalinde smiled at Eduwiges, and looked at Calidis, 'I am glad it was able to find its way back to you Lady Calidis. By your leave, I would like to take advantage of that bath.'
Calidis nodded to Asmalinde and also to Eduwiges. "I thank you for bringing it to me, my lady. By all means, make yourself comfortable here. If there is anything I can do to reward you for this, you may ask it of me."
Asmalinde smiled and nodded, 'You are welcome' and walked out of the room.
Calidis held the box containing the ring close to herself, still looking to be in slight shock and disbelief. She seaed herself on the bench again, shaking her head slightly.
Eduwiges whistled low, still toweling her platinum hair dry. “That is one tough elf. I don't think I have ever seen anyone so fast. Even Lif, or Captain ass heart of the fancy Hounds. So that is from your father? I hope it was a better gift than the one my father left me.' She cackled, then looking at the expression on Xanderian’s face as she mentioned fathers, the laughter died in her throat. “I…I’m sorry…I didn’t mean…”.
Xan met Edu’s gaze, eyes hard and cold. “Are you certain she is not deceiving you in some way? Her tale seems very convenient....and just the sort to win confidence, from both of you.”
Eduwiges sighed, 'Xan, I understand you are nervous…but that one there is one of the high ones. They do not deceive. And when I say high, I really mean old. Like older than you, old.”
Looking at Xanderian sympathetically, Calidis caressed her shoulder again. “I know this ring very well. My father--... He was so proud of it. I was heartbroken when I thought he had destroyed it along with most everything he had made. But if he didn't, Lord Cirdan is one who is trustworthy to safekeep such things. Even Lord Celebrimbor considered--..."
The huntress cut them both off angrily. “There are countless things older then I....age does not indicate honesty, in fact quite often the opposite is true, you have seen this, Eduwiges. And that the ring the creature bore is truly that of your father cannot be denied if you know it to be so, Night Eye, but how do we know where she gained it? She could easily have taken it from the dead hands of the true messenger.”
Calidis wiped at her eyes. "She swore an oath. If she swore falsely, there will be consequences she cannot escape."
Xan snorted, still speaking in a flurry. “As for the Shipwright, he has never borne me or mine any love and I trust him little more than a servant of the shadow. If he sends you this ring, then he does so for his own reasons and not your health…or mine. If he told his messenger to deceive, she would. All consequences can be escaped by those who know how, and are willing to do what need be done.
Calidis shook her head again. "... Hastaina also bore witness. And you and I both know there is no escaping from its designs and plans." She let out a slightly bitter laugh as her pendant glimmered slightly as if in agreement.
Xanderian nodded softly and sat on the rug again, her knees tucked up against her breasts like a little girl...shoulders shaking.
Calidis reached out to Xan with her free hand. "Xanderian, did I not tell you before that I would never let any more harm come to you on my account? I meant it from the bottom of my heart. I will let no evil thing pass into this place if I can help it. Would that I could have spared you from that other delivery."
Xanderian looked away at the maps as she spoke. “Yes you have made me that promise Night Eye…others have promised me I would always know their care and love yet it was not to be…did they lie then, or did their hearts harden later? Shall yours harden, even if your words now are spoke as truth.” Her wild gaze flipped from Calidis to Eduwiges. “Can I believe ANY of you?”
Eduwiges stared at Xanderian, stunned by the outburst, her eyes wide as if she had been slapped. She was about to speak, to explain she had meant no harm and to defend herself when Cal put a hand on her arm, speaking softly. “Cyndwin has…left. Go see to our guest and bid her to remain as long as she might wish…I will speak to Rian.”
The taller woman nodded, looking at Xan as if she would do anything to ease her pain despite being overwhelmed with a feeling of helpessness…but did as Cal bid her and departed, leaving the two elven women alone in the Hall of Journeys, Xanderian staring up unseeing at a map of Angmar, one tear running down her cheek.
