Nuptials of Darian and Byrda

[Horseman]

Preparations Dominic was not only willing to prepare a wedding feast, but very excited about it. Darian quickly learned that Dominic loved weddings and children. Dominic had been working for days on the preparations, he finally called Darian to the kitchen. Darian, we have been busy, for the main course we have wild boar, stag and sand crane. We will have a squash soup, roasted potatoes, oysters, salmon, and steamed clams. The primary drink will be honey mead. Is this satisfactory ? After going through the food Dominic seems a little uneasy. He fidgets before getting around to what is bothering him. Darian, I have just now found out you have not negotiated your wedding with Byrda's parents. They are waiting for you in the Library. The Norse take the negotiation very seriously. If you cannot convince them, you will not be married in the eyes of her family. Darian entered the library to see the room lined with greenery from the local forests, spruce boughs, winter moss, and bear grass. Standing looking out library window were a couple in their forties, Nordic in dress and features.

[Ildrahil]

Vardariannanur Vardariannanur's mouth actually starts to water as he enters the kitchens. The smell of so much well prepared food simply overwhelms him. Darian listens as Dominic lays out the repast he has planned for his marriage to Byrda. "Darian, we have been busy, for the main course we have wild boar, stag and sand crane. We will have a squash soup, roasted potatoes, oysters, salmon, and steamed clams. The primary drink will be honey mead." Darian nods his head in agreement and replies, "Excellent, excellent indeed. Just one thing, mayhap you have stewed lamprey? If not, 'tis of no concern. For the feast of which you speak is fine faire indeed. Thank you Master Dominic for you hard work and diligence." Then, Darian hears Dominic take on a different tone as he says, "Darian, I have just now found out you have not negotiated your wedding with Byrda's parents. They are waiting for you in the Library. The Norse take the negotiation very seriously. If you cannot convince them, you will not be married in the eyes of her family." A look of concern crosses Darian's face as he ponders this. He looks at Dominic and replies, "Well, surprised am I that Byrda told me of this not. It could be she failed to mention it because she forgot in the excitement of things, though unlikely. It could be that she failed to tell me of this because this is my last test ere I earn her hand in marriage. 'Tis possible but unlikely. Nay, most likely is she failed to inform me of this as a way to get even for me dumping snow down her back just yester morn." Darian smile. "Quite the she-witch will I have for wife. And every eve looking at her as she falls asleep and every morn as I see her when first she wakes the luckiest of men will I count myself." Darian takes a deep breath as he opens the door and there are Byrda's parent. He nods his head in greeting and begins, "I am Vardariannanur ar-Tampion Sir, Ma'am. Happy Yule to thee both. I have come to bargain for your daughter's hand in marriage."   Actions Move: N/A Free Action: Action: Converse Reaction:   Vardariannanur HP CHP AC 29 17 18 Rolls

[Horseman]

Haakon and Siv The man and woman turn around. A quick glance shows the man to be a warrior, but Vardariannanur is struck by the woman. In her mid forties, deep auburn hair, crystal blue eyes and freckles. She is lithe, or buxom, no she is mature human woman that has had children, but there is a strength in her eyes, not harsh, but solid. She appears friendly, but grounded in principle. The man is clearly a warrior, his beard is streaked with grey, his left shoulder is slumped from some great damage in the past. Vardariannanur can see his left collar bone is crooked, bent down instead of a slight arc up. Both are dressed well in blue coats, embroidered at the cuffs and collars, both wear fur cloaks. Haakon's left arm is slightly atrophied, while his right is strong and full. He has a short broadsword at his side, a scramasax and a hand axe in his belt. The pair size up Vardariannanur as he sizes them up. Haakon speaks first, addressing Darian fully, Vardariannanur Artampion, grandson of Ecthelion, Scion of the House of the Fountain. You seek to join the house of Haakon of Thisted. It is traditional to sit around the fire and negotiate this joining of families. Haakon motions with his good arm toward the small fireplace in the library. The three sit down, and Siv speaks immediately, I am not surprised Byrda did not warn you. She conveniently forgot that even though her parents are dead, she still has family she is responsible too. I trust that if we allow this marriage to go forward, you will not let her so easily forget her family or the customs of her people. There is no threat in her words, just honest certainty by Siv. Haakon reaches into a well worn bag near the fire and produces two drinking horns, each ornamented with fine silver work in Nordic patterns. He fills each with honey mead, passing one to Darian. Siv then speaks again, We are not fools, we have little say of what Byrda does, but we will demand that traditions be held. Then Haakon starts to lay out the family demands. You will have a sword and a ring to exchange with Byrda at the ceremony. The ceremony must be outside, and it must be on Frigga’s day. The feast may be held here, as we respect Master Dominic and his preparations. Mead will be served at the feast. Then he shifts toward other negotiation points We will offer you and Byrda a farmstead of 80 acres in ancestral lands. From those lands, a portion of your harvests shall go to the common good of the House of Haakon. Your house will supply 20 sheafs of elven arrows per year You will answer call to arms from House Haakon of Thisted and Bjorn Swiftaxe House Haakon of Thisted will answer call to arms by you Then Siv speaks again The marriage will bear at least 6 children, Byrda will be pregnant in the first 18 months The first born male will be named Arnfinnr, after Byrda's father. The children will be reared to fully know their Nordic heritage Thor must bless this union (you must have a priest of Thor presiding over the ceremony) Haakon looks at Darian, Are these terms acceptable ?

[Ildrahil]

Vardariannanur Vardariannanur immediately notes Siv's natural beauty and Haakon's warrior toughness. He nods to each as they introduce themselves as he walks towards the fireplace with them. He immediately notes that each of them have traits from the House of Bëor and the House of Hador, the first and third Houses of the first men of old. Both noble Houses who fought and suffered along with the Elves in the wars against The Great Enemy, and from whose loins eventually sprung the likes of Beren, Tuor, and Eärendil. Taking his seat, Darian listens as Haakon talks about sitting around a fire and negotiating terms of the marriage. Although by no means common, this happened even among the Elves, especially those who did not take the journey to Valinor and were of the more rustic, wild kind. His time spent around his Welsh friends, many of whom are now in their dotage, serves him well here. Though the terms offered to him matter not a lick, he would fight through the Halls of Mandos if need be for Byrda, he knows he will lose respect in her kin's eyes if he does not bargain. So, bargain he will. Then Darian hears Siv speak, "I am not surprised Byrda did not warn you. She conveniently forgot that even though her parents are dead, she still has family she is responsible too. I trust that if we allow this marriage to go forward, you will not let her so easily forget her family or the customs of her people." Darian accepts the mead offered by Haakon and drinks nearly half of it in one gulp, letting some spill into his beard and coat his mustache, again he leans on the experience gained from his time with the Welsh. He notes Siv's words are forthright and honest as she continues, "We are not fools, we have little say of what Byrda does, but we will demand that traditions be held." Darian wishes the fire was outside rather than in this hall...as his love of nature and the outdoors merits. He looks directly at both of them, first Haakon and then Siv as he replies to her, "There is naught as important as kith and kin to an Elf, Neither Byrda nor I will forget family nor customs, on this you have my word. And nay, a fool you are not, for without traditions we be naught but animals. We will follow all traditions...starting here, by this fire I wish was outside in the snow." Then Darian sits back, arms to his side signifying his openness and listens as first Haakon and then Siv lay out their first set of demands. He nods and starts laying out his own terms, "I accept all your terms for the holding of the ceremony and I expect much mead to be served," he finishes his mead in the next gulp as he says that. "Sword and ring I have and I expect Byrda to have the same." Darian offers his drinking horn to Haakon to refill and continues, "I accept the land and that a portion of the harvest shall go to the common good. What shall that portion be? I will not agree to some amount that leaves my family paupers. We will supply 8 sheafs of elven arrows per year rather than 20 and in return all my male children will be taught the Norse form of swordplay and all my female children will be taught the ways of a warrior or a healer, depending on their want. I would prefer you Haakon, and you Siv, be their teachers, if on this Earth you still reside. You are my kin and I will answer your call to arms and bring what men I can when the need arises." Holding his cup, Darian peers at the golden liquid for a butterfly's breath before he looks up at his future in-laws and begins again, "'Tis said of the Elves we bear not many children, though that was not always the case. For in the beginning of time, ere Humans and Dwarves awoke, there were but 144 of us. And we grew to many times that number. Our families were large in those days. I intend on carrying on that tradition. Six children is fine by me as long as Byrda's health is not at undue risk...and if my way I had 'twould be ten. As far as when Byrda comes with child, 18 beats of a Frost Giant's cold heart after the wedding would suit me just fine." Then, Darian sits back draws a deep breath, and continues, "But on one point I must insist, our first born son will be named a derivative of my Grandsire's name, a derivative of Ecthelion. No finer a hero and heritage could a lad wish. We Noldor and Sindar name not our children exactly as any other Elf, but a close match is acceptable. In place of the first born male I shall allow you to name our first born daughter a name of your choosing and our second son shall be named Arnfinnr, after Byrda's father. All of our children shall, of course, know the heritage of all of their ancestors. For in that heritage we shall all live on into eternity. I accept a priest of Thor presiding over the nuptuals." Drawing one more deep breath, Darian finishes by saying, "And this I vow, I shall love Byrda every day of our marriage. I shall protect her, in as far as she needs it, and our family with my last breath if need be. I shall respect her and always listen to her wishes...although I may not always concede to her wishes." He looks towards Haakon and Siv and await their response. He hopes he met their expectation and did not push too hard.   Actions Move: N/A Free Action: Action: Converse Reaction:   Vardariannanur HP CHP AC 29 17 18 Rolls

[Horseman]

House Haakon responds Haakon counters, We will settle for 12 sheafs of arrows You will give a portion of 1 in 5 from your harvests, as does every other member of House Haakon Then Siv responds, I appreciate the strength of your family heritage and the importance to you. And I believe you will hold Byrda dear. But you must understand that in the Dane Mark, the land is in need of men and future generations. We have been at war, and have been occupied by Halfgrim, and now Jotuns, if an heir is to take their rightful place, and have the confidence of the people and men he leads, he must have a traditonal name. I insist on Arnfinnr as the name of your first born male, he may have two names though, and recognize your heritage as well.

[Ildrahil]

Vardariannanur Vardariannanur contemplates his future in-laws proposal for a Dragon's breath before answering. He is sure he can get it down to 10 sheafs of arrows and begins to bargain again, but then thinks better of it. "Let them think they got the better of me this time," he thinks to himself. "Then it is done and a hard bargain thou drive, Haakon, Siv," as he looks at each in turn. "Since our children will be of two worlds then two names will they each have. Our firstborn son shall be both Arnfinnr and Naicelëathel. The Elvish comes from both the Noldor and Sindar tongues, since he, like me, is of both. Its meaning is sharp intent in the literal sense, but it means one who has purpose and drive. Is there a meaning attached to Arnfinnr?" Hoping he didn't give in too soon and lose their respect, Darian nonetheless holds his hand out to be gripped in the appropriate warrior manner. One way or another, his decision has been made. He expects that only a handshake is required to seal the deal and bring these negotiations to an end.   Actions Move: N/A Free Action: Action: Converse Reaction:   Vardariannanur HP CHP AC 29 17 18 Rolls

[Horseman]

An Agreement Siv seems pleased, Haakon shows little. An agreement we have, you shall take the hand of Byrda. Haakon grasps Vardariannanur's arm, he is strong and holds the lighter elven arm firm, but not so much to cause pain, but staying like this for long would cause numbness. Siv then says, It means Eagle of the Sámi Byrda's fathers, grandfather was of the Sámi, it is his name we honor as his name was Arnfinnr too. He taught Dankros Arveragus how to hunt, use a bow, and follow the ways of Ullr. He was known as the Elder of Arveragus. Drinking horns are raised, and emptied to seal the deal. Haakon then tells Darian, this is your drinking horn, keep it with you in your travels, and near your table at your home.

[Horseman]

Friggas Day Darian would be getting married the next day, finally able to take Byrda as his own. It was a happy thought. Haakon then told Vardariannanur, Your wedding will happen tonight, under the stars. Be ready with all your preparations, with a sword and ring to exchange. I will come get you before midnight. If you have one or two people you want there, bring them as well. Dress in dark clothes, nothing that shines Then he leaves

[Ildrahil]

Vardariannanur Vardariannanur feels the strength in Haakon's grip and knows he is not a man to be trifled with. As Haakon says, "An agreement we have, you shall take the hand of Byrda," Darian lets out the slightest of sighs. He has passed the test. Darian holds Haakon's forearm with his grip, though it is nowhere as firm as Haakon's grip. Darian listens as Siv explains the meaning of the name and history behind it, "It means Eagle of the Sámi. Byrda's fathers, grandfather was of the Sámi, it is his name we honor as his name was Arnfinnr too. He taught Dankros Arveragus how to hunt, use a bow, and follow the ways of Ullr. He was known as the Elder of Arveragus." Much liking what he hears, Darian nods to Siv, "Then two fine names Byrda's and my firstborn son shall have and I shall ask for your input for each of our children." Darian accepts the horn and realizes he little to gift to his new in-laws. But he has one fine weapon, a A master work stabbing spear +1 for hit and damagespear of some renown, which he offer to Haakon. "And this I gift to you, for you to defend House Haakon of Thisted. 'Tis a spear of Elven make and especially sharp is she. Her name is Nahtalanch, which means sharp or piercing bite, for her tip is especially sharp and thirsts to strike home when wielded and not thrown. Had I known more of these proceedings more would I have brought." Haakon then tells Darian, "Your wedding will happen tonight, under the stars. Be ready with all your preparations, with a sword and ring to exchange. I will come get you before midnight. If you have one or two people you want there, bring them as well. Dress in dark clothes, nothing that shines." Then, as abruptly as that Haakon and Siv leave. A smile creeps over Darian's face as he realizes that tonight he and Byrda shall be well and truly wed. Then a bit of a laugh escapes his lips when he realizes he must wear dark clothes. He is a ranger who stalks the night, who lives in shadow, uses it as the great cats of Aegyptus use the tall grasslands to to hide any trace of movement. Dark clothes are his tools as much as his bow or his swords. Darian leaves the library and first finds Dominic to let him know to continue with the feast for the negotiations are concluded and everything is agreed to. Then he heads back to the table to find Byrda, Ulric, and Laufey and tell him all that has transpired. He looks for Shaylyn too, for one other Elf must be in attendance to attest that all was done as is required and he would be honored if that was Shaylyn. When Darian finds Shaylyn he explains about the ceremony then says, "Shaylyn, I would be honored if you would be my witness in Noldorinastarmo at this ceremony. For I ken none would doubt your words when asked...I further doubt few would dare," he adds with a smile. "Dark clothes must you wear and naught that shines, which I think 'tis no issue for you like me."   Actions Move: N/A Free Action: Action: Converse Reaction:   Vardariannanur HP CHP AC 29 17 18 Rolls

[Tigra]

Shaylyn Shaylyn stops when Vardariannanur comes over to her and listens as he speaks of the ceremony. “I would be honored to be your astarmo,” she replies. “I am Rouko Lilt, none would dare question my word.” Vardariannanur had heard Vaerana mention Rouko Lilt once before but she never elaborated on it. He had never heard it ever come up again, until now. "I will be at the designated spot at the appointed hour."   Shaylyn HP CHP AC 51 -- 19 Notes   Ring of Cold Resistance: Takes 10 points of cold damage per attack. Sylvan Elf cloak of The Forest: The cloak grants +2 to hide rolls in natural surroundings, the cloak has a chameleon coloring ability and hides scent. Pale Blue Sapphire: Acts like a Brooches of shielding, protecting the wearer from 31 points of magic missile damage or lightning Crocodile Hide Buckler: +2 to AC, +2 to SA Fire

[Horseman]

Covert Meeting Quietly Dominic has sent his inn workers to get each of the participants, they are directed to go to Pig Whistle, Dominics private residence. They gather here, Haakon, Siv, Ulric, Shaylyn, Byrda, Geen, a norse priest no one knows and Darian. Both Darian and Byrda carry weapons wrapped in cloaks. Dominic has fresh spring water for them to drink and at Haakons nod, tells them the plan. We are going to a sacred grove for the wedding ceremony, it will be held under the stars at the start of Friggas Day. We are sneaking into Tinondel Grove. We will get there first by boat on the canal's that run under the city, we shall go west from here, to the Foreign Quarter, then north to the villa District where we will disembark. Then we will take hidden tunnels to the Arcane district where we will come up in Tinondale Grove at shrine to Maedhros. There we will hold the ceremony. It is illegal for us to be there. If we are caught, we will be sacrificed to the Dragon King Hoakr, we will be led to the top of the statue of Cadrachan, where we will be held down, our hearts cut from our chests, and then our heads cut from our bodies. So, follow my lead, and stay quiet. Dominic looks around to convey the seriousness of the task at hand. Then ends his instruction After the two are wed, we will return to the library for the great feast. Any questions ? Darian gazes upon Byrda who is freshly washed and has her hair done in complex braids, with small flowers stuck in the sides.

[Ildrahil]

Vardariannanur "We are going to a sacred grove for the wedding ceremony, it will be held under the stars at the start of Friggas Day. We are sneaking int..." Vardariannanur hears Dominic but isn't really listening. He looks at Byrda and the world all but slips away. Strange for an Elf with such keen senses. An Elf whose Grandsire and Granddame both lived under the light of the Two Trees, so a spark of that light resided within him. An Elf whose mother lived in the almost mystical realm of Gondolin ere the sack and whose father worked for Círdan the Shipwright himself. Círdan, born Nowë, was kin of both Elwë and Olwë, who is thought to be one of the original 144 Elves to wake. With such a lofty lineage how could he let his other senses fail to notice all that happened around him? And yet, there it was. Darian saw only Byrda. Her elaborately done hair. Her alluring figure. Her eyes that see into his soul. Her strength and intelligence. He saw it all and only. He heard only the beating of her heart as it raced slightly as she saw him watching her. The fragrance of the oils she bathed in was all his nose could sense. He longed for his other senses to take part in this experience, for him to taste her kisses and feel her body against his. They say Elves are cold, but nothing could be further from the truth. Elves felt and when they truly felt, as Darian did, they gave it their all. "Arcane district where we will come up in Tinondale Grove at shrine to Maedhros. There we will hold the ceremo..." Darian vaguely hears Dominic continue to drone on about where the ceremony would be held. "Why can't he simply finish so we can have done with it and Byrda can be my wife," he thinks to himself. "A wedding ceremony 'tis and naught more. For the love of Yavanna have done with it." Darian continues to look at Byrda, closing off the outside world, concentrating on her alone, "...where we will be held down, our hearts cut from our chests, and then our heads cut from our bodies. So, follow my lead, and stay quiet. After the two are wed, we will return to the library for the great feast. Any questions ?" At that, Darian's head shoots up. A look of embarrassment comes over his features as he prepares to ask Dominic to go over everything again. He sees Byrda smile at him and shake her head no ever so slightly, Just follow me, she mouths to him silently. Ahh, how beautiful her lips are as she says those words, how he wants to... "Stop it Darian," he thinks. Let us not die ere we wed. And with that thought, Darian becomes all business again. His senses alert and looking for threats and he himself moving as quietly as an owl in flight seeking its prey.   Actions Move: N/A Free Action: Action: Converse Reaction:   Vardariannanur HP CHP AC 29 17 18 Rolls

[Tigra]

Shaylyn Shaylyn was dressed in what looked to be some sort of ceremonial outfit. It was all black from the elaborate headdress to the clawed finger guards adorning her hands. The outfit is finely crafted and intricately detailed and was made specifically for her. It was beautiful and intimidating at the same time. She looked like she just stepped out from the shadows. She listens to what Dominic saying her face impassive as usual. Not even the threat of death seemed to faze her. She notices that Vardariannanur was so focused on Byrda that he more than likely did not hear a word Dominic had said.   Shaylyn HP CHP AC 51 -- 19 Notes   Ring of Cold Resistance: Takes 10 points of cold damage per attack. Sylvan Elf cloak of The Forest: The cloak grants +2 to hide rolls in natural surroundings, the cloak has a chameleon coloring ability and hides scent. Pale Blue Sapphire: Acts like a Brooches of shielding, protecting the wearer from 31 points of magic missile damage or lightning Crocodile Hide Buckler: +2 to AC, +2 to SA Fire

[Murdoch]

Ulric When Darian found Ulric and Laufy to tell them about the negotiations and when the ceremony would take place, Ulric tells him he and Laufy will be there. Shortly after that, they are summoned to Dominic's residence to hear the details of the ceremony. Ulric listens to Dominic and chuckles quietly to himself when he hears they have to sneak into a sacred grove for the wedding. Of course it has to be complicated, he thinks. When Dominic explains that they will be killed if they are caught, Ulric can't help but laugh out loud. He rest a hand on the shoulder of both Darian and Byrda. "That's fitting. A love formed in the heat of battle should be consecrated under the threat of death." Ulric sobers a little, but he still finds the humor in the situation. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm going prepared for battle to this wedding. Give me a few minutes to change and I will put my armor on. I will put a dark tunic on over it, since it is a light blue in color. I am happy to leave my axe behind, but sword and dagger I will carry. If we do manage to get caught, it won't be us dying in the grove." Ulric will head back tot he inn to change into his armor. He will wear a dark cloak over his clothes and keep it closed, so no metal from the handle of his sword or dagger will show.

[Horseman]

The Journey The wedding party was assembled. It included Darian, Byrda, Haakon, Siv, Ulric, Shaylyn, Ranamir, Laufey and Dominic guiding them. Dominic takes a quick look over everyone, making sure his instructions were followed. He pauses at Ulric, looking at all his weapons, Are we going to war or a wedding Swede ? He shakes his head. Dominic has a boat prepared, and it is filled with barrels. It's not clear if there is anything in the barrels, but the ruse was clear, they were simply transporting cargo. It was apparent that Dominic changed his appearance, he appeared as a younger Halfling merchant. Dominic steered the boat along the canal to the west, guiding the boat and passing a few other boats. Shaylyn notices a splash in the canal, there are fish in these canals. At this hour it was surprising the amount of activity in the canals below the main part of the city. It certainly wasn't rushed or packed, but not deserted either. There were still people working all night long here and there. Enough that it would be nearly impossible to pass through these canals and tunnels and not be noticed by someone. Dominic guides the boat to the Noble District or Villa District. There are several sets of stairs leading up to street level, Dominic moors the boat near the last set of stairs before the canal ends. Unlike the other districts, this district has guards leading up to the street level. Dominic hops off and goes to one of the guards. Handing a coin purse to the guard We are going to a wedding, a noble marries a commoner, and it must be kept quiet. The Lord is a high ranking Teuton, and it is her daughter. We ask to pass privately. The guard looks through the coin purse, satisfied, he lets them pass. Halfway up the stairs to ground level there is a landing, Dominic opens a secret door and leads the party through. The wedding party notes that Dominic moves about the city effortlessly, intimately understanding how everything operates. Now the wedding party is in rough hewn tunnels. Vardariannanur manages to take his eyes off Byrda so he can walk in the near complete blackness, he begins remembers these tunnels, he escaped the city from them decades ago. Captain Geen strikes up a torch to help illuminate the tunnel. The party moves on and the scent of stale musty air floods Shyla's nostrils with a hint of whale oil from Geen's torch. Ulric can see no recent tracks on the floor of the tunnel, no one has been here for years. The tunnel eventually slopes down, going deeper below the city, Shyla's keen hearing picks up the sound of water dripping in the distance, Ulric can feel the humidity level of the tunnel rise. After walking some distance the descent levels of and a pool of water can be seen, with water dripping down from above. Dominic looks up and says, We are now crossing under the Epona River. Then he enters the water and is soon up to mid chest wading across it, then he comments sarcastically as he pushes through, This is a new development. The party passes through the partially flooded portion, Ulric hardly gets wet, whereas Dominic is soaked to his armpits. Then the passage begins to rise, moving steadily up and starting to corkscrew in wide turns. Finally the party comes to a cut stone foundation. Anxiousness grows on Vardariannanur and Byrda, knowing they will soon be wed. Entering the stone foundation there Shyla can see that these are elven cut stones in beautiful intricate imitation of the roots of a great oak. The roots form an arch, inside are stone benches and a narrow set of stairs circling up. Dominic stops here, We are under the Shrine of Maedhros, I will stay here He then looks at the Priest of Thor that Geen has brought to officiate, Sceldwa The halfling points his mangled hand with only two fingers in a wave toward the stairs. Sceldwa moves to the front and commands the wedding party. Parents or if you stand in for a parent will pass first, then the observers, then marrying man, then the marrying woman. I will follow. Pause at me to be purified. The wedding party start to file forward, Sceldwa takes a jumiper branch from a bag and mumbles a praryer while holding a hammer symbol over the branch. The little purplish white berries begin to glow, then the branch is firmly smacked against the shoulder of each party member passing, Vardariannanur's face is stung by the branch, but he doesn't feel it. Moving up the passage are carved stone panels depicting different points in the life of Maedhros. The first is The Two Trees of Valinor, Telperion and Laurelin, the Silver Tree and the Gold Tree that brought Light to the Land of the Valar in ancient times. Then Maedhros taking the Oath Fëanor. Next the Kinslaying, with Fingon wielding his infamous sword, Kinslayer......... The capture of Maedhros by Morgoth, Thorondor the Eagle saving Maedhros, the March of Maedhros, on and on the panels went as they rose. The party emerges from a hidden door in the base of the Shrine of Maedhros. Vardariannanur had been here many times, sitting in silence looking into the still water of the small pool. The pool was now empty, desecrated with blood. Ranamir comments, That's Elven blood. Everything is overgrown, dried vines climb up the shrine, dead trees lay rotting in the Grove of Tinondel. Once the party has emerged the Sceldwa arranged everyone. The air is clear, Epona Falls can be heard roaring in the distance, making it's 200 foot fall to the Western Ocean. Few clouds intrude in a blanket of deep bluish black, lit by bright stars and new moon hovering overhead. The smell of raw nature assaults their senses. Sceldwa indicates for the couple to join hands and stand in front of the Shrine of Maedhros. The mother of the bride, Siv standing in and the father of the bridegroom, Ulric standing in, are urged forward by Sceldwa. Come forward and bless the marriage.