Finchley stepped out of the house in Rivendell, her knapsack over one shoulder jauntily, a letter held in between the thumb and forefinger of her bandaged hand.
In the yard, there was a small amount chaos as companions and horses were all making ready to depart from Imladris once more. An urgent message from Nethrida’s sister had to be investigated, and it had been made clear to all that the sooner they left Elrond’s lands for the time being, the better. The Guard of Imladris was busily rounding up the last of the Masked throughout Rivendell, their power broken after the sudden disappearance of their Mistress and though there were many answers still needed, now was not the time for more questions.
Carneryn raised a brow as she tightened a saddle strap, looking to Finch "Another letter?" she paused sighing "Oh boy..."
Finchley looked up and smiled, though it was a bit more dim than her usual. "Eh? This one's just come from Miss Cesistya."
Coming around a corner just in time to overhear her, Xanderian embraced the girl tenderly. “Hail Small Finchley. What says the watchful one?'
Finchley looked at the letter again. "Well, she says she's glad we made it here safely and that winter is startin' to creep into Breeland. Uh... she's worried about you, Ryn. And..." She sighed and shook her head, stuffing the letter into her tunic. "Just expressin' her concern is all. Is Calidis with you?"
Xanderian raised an eyebrow at her little sister’s sudden reticence...."NO…she wishes to have a few words with the Lord Elrond if possible and will meet us the Pass of Imladris. The Watchful One was concerned over what sweet one?
Carneryn furrowed her brow a bit "I-I... Appreciate her concern... But yes, was there anything specific?"
Looking to her toes, Finchley smiled. "Ah, well, you know. Just that where we're goin' is probably gonna be filled with danger and such. A bit about adventures bein' generally dangerous. And just wanting you to be alright, Ryn. It's just... a reminder of what she and I talked of afore we left Bree-town. Don't worry about it."
Xanderian nodded, starting to sort her quiver once again, “The Watchful One is very..well..she and I have disagreed often concerning what is right and proper...If it was the Watchful Ones normal conversation, then you and she discussed impending doom.'
Finchley stayed quiet for a bit, still looking to her toes. "... No..not really…She had questions for me. Some I couldn't or wouldn't answer. But I tried my best. But, it's fine, don't worry about it." Finchley grinned again. "I'm happy to be on the move again! I've been wantin' to feel the road under my feet for days!"
Carneryn narrowed her eyes and looks at Finch with an expression of happiness and concern. "I-It'll be nice to leave, aye... I-I still haven't felt right here since the first time."
Nethrida came around the side of the horse and took Ryn's hand. "I agree... It'll be nice to head home... Even if the news is dire...."
Finchley smiled at Neth and nodded in understanding. "Well... If you want, I've got LOTS of good road songs. Destiny tested and Destiny somewhat-approved."
Xanderian looked impressed. “Destiny sings as well? Truly an amazing steed. Beyond that it seems to be a day of letters, a note was delivered to the Banshee earlier, connected to our destination, though without the grave tidings of that which Nethrida received. It read as follows..."Maiden, What do you know of Linhir, and what does Linhir know of you? SC, Vanguard.'
Nethrida furrowed her brow. "Maiden...? Did... Someone actually call -Lif- a maiden...?" She deadpanned before tilting her head to the right. 'I know not what the initials SC stand for... but "Vanguard" sounds... Like the Company name...'
Finchley smiled a bit. "Maiden...as in Maiden of Madness. I don't like the name but... eh."
Xanderian just shrugged, “It is a common name for Lif amongst the companies'
Finchley crossed her arms stubbornly. "It's not a very nice one, common or no."
Carneryn sighed softly "I-I'm sure she does herself no favours on that matter Finch." she said squeezing Neths hand.
Rian considered the brief letter again, 'I know of SC...this would be Septimal Caine of Elendil's Vanguard. It would seem to show that this matter is not personal to your family, Nethrida, if it has come to the attention of a Company of the White City...but then...why SHOULD a matter in Western Gondor concern the Vanguard? Though it also tells us that in our visit to your home some time ago...the Banshee made herself memorable'
Finchley nodded, 'I can't say much on Neth's sister but... if she asked her to come home right away like that... Maybe it's both personal and…something big?'
Nethrida thought for a moment, 'Few names among Men carry as much weight as Elendil's and Elendil's Vanguard is very well regarded...despite their captain still being new to his post...'
Carneryn grimaced feeling Neths concern "It would seem that the matter is much larger than us... As per usual if our venture here is anything to go on."
Coming out of the house, Xandilif would go to her horse, slapping Ryn in the Back of the head as she goes. “Suck it up, Scarface, remember you wanted to come. The world don’t wait for you to grow up to meet it…and it don’t care if ya do or not."'
Finchley gigglesnorts and hugged the banshee from behind. "Aye, I figured you’d say something like that."
Carneryn rubbed the back of her head awkwardly and scowled at Xandilif. "I of all people know that..." she says considering her past.
Nethrida pursed her lips and attempted to make sense of things. "Whatever has happened... Must've been more dire than the letter let on..... We must also still remember the office of the Steward may be corrupt... You do recall they sent the Hounds of Anarion to retrieve Hawke...'
Finchley scowled a bit at the mention of that and crossed her arms again.
Xanderian also looked a bit faraway at the mention of Hawke, hoping they would see him soon on Tol Lochul. 'Indeed...” she patted Nethrida’s shoulder. “...and though I expect Sindya and its wielder Mans played a part in that, we still do not know the full truth of it'
Nethrida nodded calmly. "I do not for a moment believe that the Vanguard of all the Companies would be suspect to this corruption. For like the Hounds their name carries much weight... To tarnish the name of Elendil himself..."
Finchley shook her head, '... Well this Vanguard be nice to both Neth and Lif. If they aren't I'll... raid their private pantries or somethin'. They're fancy folks, they've probably got some somewhere."'
Nethrida snickered at Finch "Fear not Finch... I doubt they even know who I am. Or if they do I'll just be some lowly guardsman from Dol Amroth" She nodded with a smile.
Finchley smiled. "You ain't just a lowly guardsman to us, Neth."
Carneryn chuckled softly and squeezed Neth’s hand "You never know... Maybe they'll see you as the hero I do..."
Finchley hopped up and down, 'Aye! Didn't you tell Ryn 'bout the monument and such the last time we were there?"'
"Aye she did..." Ryn poked Neths side with her free hand.
Nethrida cringed a bit at the thought before looking at Finch and smiled. "I did. But it celebrates the heroism and sacrifice of our company. Those who gave their all in defense of their home.'
Finchley pointed at Neth. "You included."
Carneryn continued prodding Neth "You stood with them...led them... Remember what I said before?"
Nethrida deflated a bit and frowned but had no arguments against either point. 'I... Do not like being called a hero...'
Finchley leaned her head against Lif’s shoulder, 'If it means anythin', Neth... That you fought with and for me back in Breeland - that's pretty heroic to me.'
Carneryn pulled Neth into a tight hug "Well... You are a hero... Like it or not."
Nethrida smiled a bit as she was hugged. "We followed our orders... And of course I did, Finch... We're friends. Friends look out for one another."
For a moment Finchley looked like she was about to cry, but moment was broken by the clatter of hooves as Eduwiges's warhorse pound ed up the path and reared up in a flourish.
Addiela who had been half hidden on a garden bench, her preparations finished long before, looked up from her letter writing as she heard the horse hooves thundering down the path and watched as Edu flew by. She rose joined the others, curious.
Finchley wiped her eyes and patted the neck of the big horse, smiling. "Hi, Edu."
Eduwiges tossed the reigns of Oenone and jumped down off the horse. Her armor was dusty and bloodstained and tied on the back the horse was a female elf trussed up like a hog for the slaughter. She was wearing a guard’s uniform and had a mask on her face.
Stepping around her own steed, Xandilif smirked..."Oh look, Edu found a bride.'
Eduwiges looked over at her friends and untied the elf from the horse. She carried her over and dumped her unceremoniously on the ground in front of the others.
Addiela had been about to say something about running over people in a quiet neighborhood, but closed her mouth and her eyes went wide upon seeing the 'captive' "What..?!"
Nethrida blinked a few times. Her eyebrows shot way up "What... Is this...?" she asked with genuine confusion.
Eduwiges snarled angrily, 'Look what I found in a camp of Angamrim scouts...just outside the valley.' The elf on the ground struggled trying to move and attempted to get circulation going in her limbs.
Xanderian tilted her head, looking a bit like when someone’s cat left a mouse in the middle of the bedspread in pride.
Carneryn clenched her free hand into a fist "What?" as Finchley froze and looked between Edu and the captive. "... Angmarim scouts? So close?" as Addiela unfastened her staff from her back and got it ready to knock the elf out if needed.
Eduwiges shrugged, 'Not SO close, out towards the gorge.. Dont worry Addie, This one isnt going anywhere anytime soon.' She nudged the captive with the toe of her boot, 'Are ya honey?' I needed some air in my hair. So I took out for an early morning ride. The guards have all been held in by Elrond. One of the guard captains told me they had sited a small group of scouts, so I decided to take care of it myself. And I found this little thing.' She booted the elf again. 'Did you enjoy the ride?'
The elf continued to struggle on the ground and tried to screech through the gag Eduwiges had forced in her mouth under the mask.
Addiela raised a brow at the story. "Though I do not doubt your ability, Eduwiges.. Was it really wise to go to a camp by yourself?" Her gaze stayed on the elf as she spoke.
Eduwiges looked at Addie and shrugged again, the reached in her tunic and removed a bound scroll. She handed it to Xanderian. ''It was on her person. I was not very gentle in removing it. I could not read the language it was in. Wait till you see who we have.'
Xanderian took the note...glanced at it, then handed it to Xandilif.
The champion looked it over. "Yeah, this is in Angmarim Cant alright, more Black Speech than anything else, not surprised ya couldn’t read it. 'It says "Inform Zariach the Vessel departs for the Stone Land....demand usual price...."
Eduwiges leans down and cut the woman’s gag off. The elf stared venomously at the group through her mask. Hatred spilled out of her eyes.
Lif asked "Greyhound, you bring any of the Angmarim or just Little Miss Personaility here?'
Finchley just stared at Xandilif for a moment and then nodded once, expression curiously blank. "Edu... If you didn't bring any of 'em here, did you kill them then?"
Eduwiges bristled, 'I killed all the red robes Lif... I found nothing in their camp worth anything.'
Xandilif nodded..."Yeah, but it would have been nice to get a look at their markings...but don’t much matter I spose...this is proof the masked Bastards were mixed up with the Guilds of Angmar,,,,likely the Guild of the Unknown'
'It also means that they're keeping a close eye on Finchley' Addiela watched the captive elf closely, 'Do you know this Zariach, Xandilif?'
The Banshee shook her head. “Nope...but from the sound of it, it is a taken name,,,which means it is likely our Archpriest, the one that sent the bastards in Bree...or at least one of their council.”
Addiela nodded slowly in understanding and contemplation of those words.
Eduwiges leaned down and puts her face close to the captive. 'You thought you were going to have me trapped didn't you? You set me up! Was I to be taken captive or killed?' she removed the mask from the elf's face. Moriaith, one of the captains of the Night Guard of Imladris stared back, fury and fear mingled on her face.
Addiela casually reached over for the mask and hid it away..she had been looking for one since Elrond’s forces had swept in and hadn’t been able to find one unattended.
Lif looked at the captive and laughed..."Oh, Lord Fancypants is going to have kittens...'
Finchley looked down at the bound elf. "”The Vessel”…that’s what tha crazy man in Bree called me, the one that…that nearly killed Nik. So, does that mean this one was watchin' me and tellin' them everythin' the entire time we were here?"
Xanderian rested a hand on Finch's shoulder..."Possibly...but the comment about the fee indicates they may have simply been told to inform if you left Imladris, and to what destination. They still seem far more interested in tracking you than harming you....”
Moriath hissed at Edu, spittle flying from her mouth. 'You have not seen the end!' She looked at at Ryn and Finch. 'The master will have the two of you back! No one escapes! No one! And as for the Stranded sisters, the two of you will be scrubbing blood from the bricks of Carn Dum! Slaves! Slaves you will be!' She got control of herself with effort.
An angry caw echoeed from the top of the holly tree and a thoroughly put out Galvra glared down at the elf before descending. The Raven landed atop Moriath's head and started pecking her about her forehead. Hard.
Addiela fought back laughter as she could understand the raven's words and agreed with them. Xandilif just shook her head. “Fecking bird….”
Finchley bit her lip and shook her head. "Galvra, that's enough. Stop it. Everyone just... stop. Turn her in if you want. No point doin' all this." Galvra gave Moriath one last peck right on the nose and then flew up to perch atop Finchley's head, still looking incredibly annoyed.
Moriath’s eyes meet Nethrida. She smiled sweetly and sneers, 'And you do not think you or your family have been forgotten Gondorian, there is something special planned.''
Nethrida looked down at the rambling elf with nothing but contempt... “Save your deranged breath. I've no interest in hearing the ramblings of a lunatic" but she could not mask the concern in her face fully.
Finchley turned away so she didn’t have to look at Moriath anymore and closed her eyes, willing herself to be okay for the time being.
Eduwiges looked concerned. “I did not hit her that hard, Finchley. I pulled my blow, I wanted her alive.'
Carneryn grunts a bit feeling Neths concern as she turns her hard gaze back onto the elf "What do we do with this one then?"
Addiela 's crystal blues locked with the elf's eyes and she studied her for a long moment. "Even if you did, Eduwiges.. one like this only threatens and speaks false words because they can do nothing more." She kept her attention on the elf to see what kind of reaction that bot.
The captive heard Addie's voice and says, 'Let us not forget the summoner. You are honored Lady Addiela. There is a special place in the heart of the Manslayer for you and he cannot wait to be reunited with you.' A lopsided grin comes over her as her face twisted in madness.'
Finchley bristled and then glanced over her shoulder, expression decidedly angry now. "Hey! If you can't say anythin' that's true or of worth, you should just be quiet! You're just askin' for it!"
Eduwiges drew out her dagger and squatted down in front of the maddened elf, she stuck the point of it near her face, 'If there is anything you want to know Banshee, ask her now!' she twisted the knife a little to get her attention.
Lif just laugh..."She is just trying to get a rise out of us now so that we kill her...leave her for Elrond. They got ways to drain her head dry and then leave her drooling, and she is hot to avoid that. We got other matters to deal with...'
Finchley looked between Edu and the elf and looked absolutely horrified. "Edu, stop. Please."
Xanderian nodded slowly and put a hand on Eduwige’s arm 'It is true, my lynx....I can feel her terror at being turned over to the Lord of Imladris....we should leave her to her fate.'
Turning, Finchley just buried her face in Xan's shoulder. She didn’t want to look at any more of this.
Eduwiges finally put the dagger away, 'This one has betrayed her own kind and me. I would keep all of you safe.'
Several Guards of Imladris approached, having been told that a madwoman on what must have been a griffin had been seen riding through the area with an elf tied to the saddle, terrifying small children as Addiela nodded at Edu. "I know that your heart is pure in wanting to protect those you care about. Perhaps the Lord Elrond can get more answers out of her than we can."
It did not take the company long to inform the guards of the situation....one of them asked, "Where is her cursed mask?"
Xandilif looked innocent. "Oh, it was lost when our friend here captured her after killing three Angmarim...tell Lord Fanc.....umm..Lord Elrond they were likely Priests of the Guild of the Unknown.'
Eduwiges looked up at the guards and stood. “You may have this one...Take her before I end her...' She slipped the dagger into its sheath and crossed her arms. 'Meriath, you better hope we do not cross paths again.' She then put her hand on Addie's shoulder, 'Thank you.' she said quietly. 'At least I got the bloody scouts. They'll not harm anyone ever again.
Addiela nodded. "That is good, but please promise that you shall not go off alone like that again."
Lif shrugged, swinging up onto her horse..."The priests would a been more useful than this little morsal...ya gotta learn ta play more gently with yer toys, Greyhound.'
Finchley lifted her head from Xan's shoulder and sighed, watching Xandilif mount up. "We can leave now, aye? I don't wanna see this anymore. I don't want to let 'em have my good memories in this place too."
Addiela stepped back now as everyone prepared to depart.
Eduwiges looked at Addie and moved back to her warhorse, 'It was not wise perhaps. But I promised you all I would do my best to keep you safe. Angmarim here could only mean one thing.' She looked over at Finch and Ryn, her eyes grave as Addie nodded again.
The Guards gathered the captive up and dragged her away...yet she was still shouting curses...then started begging. "Eduwiges....in the name of whatever gods the horselord's worship...slay me...take vengeance for how I hated you...I ALWAYS hated you....filthy Last born....YOUR FATHER SERVED MY MASTERS WELL, AND SO SHALL YOU!!!'
Addiela's eyes widened as the elf shouted that last thing and she looked back to Edu. "Lies.. Do not listen to her."
Finchley nodded and ran a hand through her hair, still somewhat agitated. She looked up, as if she heard something and then stepped away from the others a bit. She put her hands over her mouth and called out. "Destinyyyy!" A snort and a whinny was heard before the horse (well, it looked like a horse at least) came prancing over down the path, half-followed by a confused and out-of-breath stablehand who gave up when he sees the beast had found her owner anyway.
Carneryn looked a little confused and concerned. "F-Finch?"
Finchley just smiled and ran over to her horse, leaping up into the air and landing on the saddle, hugging the beast about her neck and burying her face in her mane. "You knew somethin' was up and came to protect me, huh?... Good girl." Destiny nickered softly and then turned haughty eyes on the rest of the group, snorting loudly.
Xandilif trotted her Warhorse slowly away from Calidis’ haven towards the point they had agreed to meet the ring-sage and then onward to Linhir, shaking her head at Destiny…”Feckin' horse….”
