Xanderian sat in the window seat of her chambers in the Prancing Pony, mostly concealed by the homespun drape as she looked down into the bustling courtyard. Even from this distance she could hear her sister Xandilif’s raucous laughter as she prepared to ride out towards weeping, ever-bereft Trestlebridge and then into the dead lands surrounded Fornost. Her crimson armor made her easy enough to spot in the courtyard, and beside her, the rigid, iron-clad figure of Nethrida, in expression and bearing looking as if she rode to her own funeral. Xandilif suddenly glanced up, to catch Xanderian’s eye, and nodded to her softly. Rian smiled. Her elder sister was also aware of the fragility beneath Nethrida’s military calm and would not let the newest Knight Bachelor of Elendil’s Vanguard stand alone, even if her deadliest foe stalked her from within her own mind.
Between the two women, Small Finchley struggled to find enough pockets to hide her provisions away from her apparently endless number of pets. She smiled widely as she looked around, as if departing with her guardians on a merry holiday, but in her eye, Xanderian could see that she realized all too well the deadly import of their journey. She knew from their talks long into the night that the young woman had both been longing for and dreading this moment, to face her destiny head-on at last, to perhaps finally learn if her beloved Grams was truly a wise mentor, or a blood covered monster…or worse, both at once. Long ago, Xanderian had taken the woman as her bond sister in the face of shared grief, and now her heart broke for her and the weight she had to bear…but she knew that The Champion of the Azure Faithful would protect her far better than she herself could, as in another life she had protected Xanderian herself. Somehow, against all odds, simple, gentle Finchley of Breeland had taken a place in Xandilif’s world only rivaled (at times) by her sister Xanderian and the princess Lothiriel of Dol Amroth. Finchley had become the sun that lit the shadow strewn path of the Maiden of Madness. Smiling grimly, Rian knew that Finchley would return from Fornost safely, even if it required that Xandilif did not. She had not a shred of doubt on that point.
Next Xanderian’s eye fell on the trio she did not know. The strange, caustic Catalinna the Red and her two companions, whose names the elleth had only caught in passing as Gwyn and Dar. Finchley said she had spoken with Catalinna and come to some accord with her, so Xanderian had to place her trust in Finchley's winning nature, but she could not say she fully trusted Catalinna the Red. In fact, she did not trust her at all…but the spirit of Moyna of Aughaire had been quite clear. To discover the Chalice Without Mercy that they required to save Finchley and destroy the last remnants of Aganalu, both Finchley herself, and Catalinna or her missing sister were required.
Yet Xanderian’s mind kept coming back to one question…a dangerous journey, with an uncertain, cryptic goal which could very well require Catalinna’s own blood to be resolved. Why then would she, who so proudly made clear in word and action she had never done anything for anyone save herself, agree to ride into perhaps the most dangerous region of Eriador on this fool’s mission for someone else? Why, why, why? The huntress feared what that answer might be, having long ago lost faith in sudden bursts of altruism. However, they simply had no choice…and she could only hope that she was anxious without reason and that Catalinna the Red would surprise her, as Xandilif seemed to think she would. However, if her hopes were dashed and Xandilif's faith had been misplaced...if Catalinna the Red betrayed them or endangered Small Finchley by action or inaction, then she knew her sister would do what was needed, however Finchley may bemoan it.
Catalinna’s companions too raised doubts in Xanderian’s heart. The man of the wilds, called Dar, seemed earnest enough, but she suspected the tests that awaited him could prove too much for his calm, stoic nature. The woman, Gwyn, wore dark secrets like a twilight cloak and from her shifting eyes and furtive stance clearly was following another path than Catalinna was. What agenda, what goals did she pursue…Xanderian could not guess but she felt the rage and despair that this Gwyn held in her heart. The huntress was not used to having so many doubts about those in whom she entrusted her loved ones, and that fact alone made clear the desperation of the hour.
A gentle touch on her shoulder, a soft word in her ear as Calidis slipped up beside her, her ebony robes brushing the hemp rugs soundlessly. “Are you certain that we should not ride with them, my love? It is wise to split our strength?”
Rian nodded softly and reached up to take the other elleth’s hand. “I am certain, the more I reflect on this, the more I see our best chance lies in speed and at least a measure of stealth." When both Addie and Ryn stated that they would stay in Bree for a time pursuing private projects, and it became clear that the ordeal she faced in Arnach had left Elsa without the strength to take more for the time being, Xan had seen that their original plan to assault Fornost in full force must be set aside. “Sister Addie with Leon in her wake, Unhooded Ryn and dear Elsa will remain in Bree to be close should they be needed, and we will return to Tol Lochul along with Edu and Daedre. To be honest I am not sure it is wise to have left Nimlindir alone for so long, with none save the trees and apparently Isilme for company.”
Calidis nodded softly and glanced back to where Eduwiges sat at Daedre’s bedside. The older woman still slept, recovering form the venom of the Ungoledain and Edu caressed her brow with a cool towel almost reverently. “Do you think the partial tale the thief told is true? Is she actually Eduwiges’ mother? Is that possible?”
“I have found that most everything is possible, one way or another.” Xanderian sighed ruefully and kissed Cal softly. “...but be it truth or simply another fable, our beloved lynx needs us now. She is not prepared to leave Daedre the Shadowslip’s side right now…therefore we shall not leave hers. Beyond, there is much we still must learn of what happened, and of what may lie ahead.”
Calidis nodded again firmly, her inky black eyes sparking with determination. Just a year ago, every day was just as uneventful and alone as the previous, stretching back thousands of years, her hands and heart frozen in the “haven” of Imladris. Now, after being coaxed to leave the valley of Elrond after an age and more, she had finally found purpose and passion, dear companions, and yes, even love. Suddenly, the future loomed larger in her heart then a tragic past and she was frozen no longer. There was nothing she would not do to preserve that. At times her steps still faltered, some nights she still lost herself in the moonlight, but she knew now that she would never do so alone again.
“I promised Ryn that before we departed I would aid her in something, but once that is complete my love, I am yours to command….ah, they depart.” Calidis drew Rian’s attention back to the window, watching the horses walk slowly out of the courtyard towards the open road. Xandilif glanced back and met her baby sister’s eye again. Unspoken words passed between them…and then the Banshee turned back to the task at hand.
Xanderian closed her eyes, whispering to herself. “Godspeed Gawad….Godspeed my sisters.” Then she turned away from the window, drawing Calidis with her to attend upon Eduwiges, who looked at them gratefully, her cheeks stained with tears again. There would be time for dark tidings and fragile hopes later…for now, healing, fellowship and love held sway if only for a heartbeat before fresh challenges arrived.
