Belegos stared into the fire. The flames danced in front of him as they always did, though he did not pay any heed to them this time. He had returned to the valley only a day ago and now stood, as he had done many times before, in the Hall of Fire. In front, and slightly to the left of him was his friend, Estarfin, a warrior of the Hammers. He was dressed all in black and nursed a burned hand from his recent work at the forges. The last time Belegos and Estarfin had met over three weeks ago, Estarfin had left the Hall in a fit of rage and now it seemed to Belegos that there was a slight tension between them and it saddened him, but slowly over the course over the course of the night (aided by Blind Troll Stout and wine from about the Isen), the past events seemed to be laid aside and the two elves were brothers once again.To Belegos' right, chatting away in one of the many alcoves of the Hall, were another two elves; Danel and Rainith. Both members of the House of Vanimar, and friends to Estarfin and Belegos. They had removed themselves shortly before to talk of a private matter, but Belegos barely noticed they had gone. Unbeknownst to him, he started muttering to himself and then singing softly under his breath. Estarfin watched him closely and tilted his head in confusion, for at first the words that left Belegos' mouth sounded strange to him. Slowly, he realised that the elf was singing in Sindarin, a tongue used seldom amongst their kin.
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A Word in Sogadan's Ear
Submitted by Belegos on November 13th, 2012
"Gwaithrim bein dortha nuin galadhad,
Ban barant as cast Gwaethad,
Ni erin tó nant bar,
Dae i ulgu tulant denna."
Estarfin raised his hand and gently placed it on Belegos' shoulder. He had not seen his friend like this before. Oft times when the name of Gondolin was mentioned, Belegos would retreat into distant memories of old and become sad and melancholy. But this was not sadness. "My friend, what have been your travels of late?" Estarfin asked him in a kindly voice. Belegos continued to stare at the fire until he wrenched himself away.
"Tell me, Estarfin. What do you know of the Enemy?" Replied Belegos. Estarfin looked at him almost quizzically.
"The Old Enemy, the New Enemy. It is much the same. But speak true to me, what have you seen?" He asked the hunter. Belegos' face was drawn in the firelight and Estarfin though that he looked tired. He sighed, and turned to face Estarfin square on. "I have sworn to aid the Lord and Lady of the Galadhrim. In doing so, I have journeyed into Mirkwood and even to the very gates of Dol Guldur!" He said. Estarfin frowned for a moment until he remembered the name. His eyes widened. "Dol Guldur? What madness has driven you there?" He asked.
"There was an errand that needed to be carried out, and I offered myself as one willing to go. I did not pass the gates, but I have seen them, Estarfin!" His voice was strained now, and there was an urgency in it. "Three of them! The Nazghûl!" The warrior scowled at the mention of the name, but he did not speak. "They were there, and I am shamed, for I was rooted in fear." Continued Belegos, compulsively shaking his head.
"But you have seen many evils in your past, my friend? Are they not simply the ghosts of men?" Estarfin said.
"They are naught but simple," Belegos explained, "each one is a mighty warrior or powerful sorcerer in their own right. But I have seen them for who they are. Wraiths, cloaked in black they appear to men, but I have seen their corruption, how the will of the Dark Lord has twisted their spirit and enslaved their mind. Balrogs I have faced in the long past, and terrible demons of the Elder Days, but I have never felt fear like it." Belegos checked himself.
"I have not seen them for myself," Estarfin started, "yet if they truly are as mighty as you say, then may it be fated that I stand with you and face them together." Belegos nodded at him in solemn gratitude and let out a sigh of relief. In that moment it seemed to Estarfin that much care fell from him. Belegos suddenly raised his hand, "Enough!" He said, "Tell me of your works. You seem content at the forges now. And this sword for Danel, it must be something of great beauty!" Estarfin's cheeks flushed red, ever so slightly.
"It is naught but a trifle, forged for an apology," he said.
"Then my friend, I should argue with you more often if I am to receive such gifts!" Said Belegos. The pair laughed together but were abruptly cut off by the reappearance of Danel, and the sight of Rainith storming over to Sogadan, the vintner.
Rainith was visibly angry and spoke harsh, hushed words to the trader. Rainith and Sogadan had long held each other in contempt, Sogadan because he felt that Rainith was ill-mannered and Rainith because Sogadan had a habit of hiding things from her which she needed. The three elves watched the exchange with interest and saw as Rainith flung out her arm in a wide gesture, knocking over a bottle of wine onto the table and Sogadan's clothes. A red stain could be seen, even from a distance on his green velvet juniper. Outraged, Rainith returned to the group, red faced.
All the others fell silent, not wishing to give Rainith cause to release her anger on them. Finally, she spoke. "I apologise for that. But Sogadan has some..." she paused, finding an appropriate word, "incorrect, information about me that I wish him not to repeat." The others' eyes darted amongst each other, not sure what to say. Estarfin turned slowly in the direction of the vintner and began a purposeful walk towards him. The three elves watched him as he placed a firm hand on the shoulder of Sogadan and pushed him back into his seat as he tried to rise. Sogadan looked frightened. Once he had finished talking, Estarfin placed four of Sogadan's goblets onto a fine, silver tray and opened a fresh bottle of Dorwinion Red. He poured it into the goblets so that the bottle was drained, and shoved the bottle forcefully into Sogadan's lap. Estarfin picked up the tray, taking care not to spill any wine, and brought it over to the other three elves.
"On the house," he said, with a smile.
