Originally, I was going to have everyone in this one, but it was getting quite long. We will see what Parthekos and Mermacil have been up to next time!
Tar-Palantir was by far the best King I ever served under. I know it is treasonous for me to write these words, but they are true regardless. Ar-Gimilzôr was a brute, who cared for no one and nothing but himself, not even the country he was supposed to serve. He bullied those who wouldn't listen to him, and abused those who did. The scribe who I replaced, Artherus, was a replacement for a scribe named Reagain, who had replaced Ar-Gimilzor's original court scribe, Elerdain. Ar-Gimilzôr tended to go through servants quickly, no matter what they did or who they were. I was only able to survive by relaying my work through others. Ar-Gimilzôr, uncharacteristically approved of my work and promoted first to Executive court scribe, then to Prefect court scribe, to Assistant Steward, and finally, when Steward Gimilzain, one of my few friends in the palace, sadly passed away, to Steward.
As you may have guessed, I did not like Ar-Gimilzôr much, and I avoided him as best I could. We were forced to interact during the occasional Council meeting, but back then those happened far less frequently and were much smaller affairs. However, I did get to know his family quite well. His wife, Inzilbêth was a lovely person, one of the finest that I've ever met. Her marriage to Ar-Gimilzôr was entirely political, or so I assume, since the two of them never got along well on the few occasions I saw them together and they had no common interests. A few sources of mine even claimed that she was one of the Faithful.
His eldest son would one day inherit the throne and take the name Tar-Palantir. He was very much like his mother, although he did have quite a temper that he inherited from his father. People say they always found him to be very calm, but I know that he was just very good at controlling that inner rage that destroyed his father. I loved Tar-Palantir because he was always so driven to not be like his father. He came very close to openly supporting the Faithful, and removed many of the acts that Ar-Gimilzôr had instated declaring all members of the faithful traitors. It was an honor to serve under him, and unlike his father I wished to be with him as often as possible.
His other son, Gimilkhâd, on the other hand, was just like his father, if not worse. He was often away from home, however, because he was an admiral in the Númenorean Navy and was often in Endor, fighting against the peoples there. He did not have much of an impact on this world, but his son, Pharazôn, did. He forced Tar-Palantir's daughter, Ar-Zimraphel into marriage as soon as he died and became King. Surprisingly, I almost like Ar-Pharazôn. He has a cunning intellect and appreciation for others that his father and grandfather lacked. Serving under him shall be interesting indeed.
-From the Abridged Journals of Arnuzîr
By now, everyone at the cabin had fallen into a routine. By day, they worked to gather food and other essential items they would need. At night, they would gather around the fire or dinner table and listen to Aulenmir's fascinating stories. He had taken a break from telling the tale of Aldarion and Erendis and switched to telling them an epic cycle of myths passed down from generation to generation via oral tradition. The stories were told by the Tsareal people of what is now Ithilien. The Tsareal lived there over 5000 years ago, but for some reason they headed east and never returned. Aulenmir had learned some of their myths from a few Gondorians with Tsareal blood and relished telling people of this exotic culture that once populated present-day Gondor.
Tonight, however, Aulenmir decided to switch back to Aldarion and Erendis. Their tale was long, and he wanted to be sure he finished it before Telimperion came back. After all, he had many more stories to tell. Tonight, he started early so that he would indeed have plenty of time.
"Are we going to learn more about Kaji-Jaki tonight, Uncle?" said Peladin. Kaji-Jaki was a villain from one of the myths. Aulenmir had told the kids there was more to him than met the eye and ever since they had wanted to know more about him. However, Aulenmir decided to keep them in suspense for a few more nights.
"No, tonight we will resume Aldarion and Erendis," he declared.
"Awww, I liked the other stories you were telling us," complained Sirilfa.
"But didn't you like Aldarion too?" Aulenmir asked.
"I guess," she said.
"Good. Then it's settled. I suggest you two get comfortable; we will be going a bit longer tonight."
"Why?" asked Peladin.
"I don't know how much time we have left together, and I don't want to finish the story before anything urgent requires my attention. Plus, I also want to tell you the story of how our family lineage connects to Aldarion, which will take quite some time. Now, no more interruptions! It's time to begin!"
Aldarion was, of course, upset to learn that Erendis had left, but wasn't terribly surprised. No one else was really, and most of the people in Armenelos went on to say that it was all Aldarion's fault. Tar-Meneldur couldn't help but be smug at his son's reaction, for it served his cause, but Altariel was upset to see her son likewise upset. She counseled her son to seek Erendis and ask for her hand in marriage, but Aldarion was far too proud to do that. Also, the many things that he had neglected in his long absence distracted him. The harbors and fleets were in states of disrepair and the many once proud forests of Númenor had had timber taken from them with forethought for the future of those forests. Aldarion set about to repair these ills. He put his new titles to good work, utilizing them to give him control over the forestry industry in Númenor. He hoped the new orders he enacted would be able to repair the damage. Aldarion attempted to oversee the enactment of these orders as much as he could; he wanted nothing to go wrong.
One day, as he was riding through the woods, inspecting how much damage had been dealt to Númenor's once thriving ecosystem, he spotted a beautiful woman walking through the woods. She had hair far darker than most Númenoreans and wore a green cloak with a bejeweled clasp. At first he mistook her for one of the Eldar, so great was her austere majesty. However, as the woman approached he saw that he had mistaken her and she was in fact Erendis. Erendis, upon seeing him, began to leave in haste.
As she did so, Aldarion called to her, saying, "Please, Erendis, my love! I know that I have deserted you and made you look a fool for pining for me. But please, accept my sincerest apology. I will ask for your hand and stray never from your side again!"
And Erendis, finding it in her heart to forgive him, rode with him to her father's house. There, Aldarion once more made clear his desire to wed Erendis.
However, Erendis became hesitant to wed him. For, though she was more than of age to marry, and though she indeed desire Aldarion, and though he had promised himself to her, she worried still that the Sea would yet claim Aldarion's heart and soul, and she would lose him once more. And Erendis, being in many ways as proud and noble as Aldarion, refused to gamble so desperately; she would either take all or risk nothing. She decided that she would both have Aldarion completely and defeat the Sea utterly, at once ending the felling of the trees that were her own love, or she would move on from Aldarion at last.
Aldarion was quite persuasive, and talked to her with sweet words that would have moved Manwë himself. Erendis became his utmost concern; where she would go he would follow. Often, she would turn and face him, mockingly saying that he should return to the ocean he loved so much. But Aldarion pressed on, neglecting his havens and ships, his guild and the business of forestry, except in ensuring that trees were planted. Aldarion was truly love struck, and now that he cared for Erendis but could still not have her, she became his sole desire.
Sirilfa suddenly interrupted Aulenmir's smooth narrative. "Unca, why didn't Erendis stop Aldarion?"
Aulenmir was puzzled; no one had ever asked him this question before. "What do you mean by that, Sirilfa?"
Sirilfa paused, carefully choosing her words. "Well, if Aldarion was bugging Erendis so much, why didn't she make him stop? Like, find some soldiers and have them keep him away."
"Well, I doubt any soldiers would have been able to stop their crown prince."
Sirilfa stomped her foot. "That's not the point!"
"Well, to be honest, the Númenorean society wasn't really concerned by this sort of behavior. They probably thought it was normal behavior."
"That's not nice."
Aulenmir thought for a while. "No, I suppose not."
Peladin took advantage of the momentary lull in narrative to ask a question that had long been puzzling him. Peladin was very interested in world history; less so in romance. He did not yet see how in this world the two were often closely related. He took a deep breath and gathered his courage. "Uncle?" he queried hesitantly.
"Yes?"
"What was happening in the world at this time?"
"Your question is a somewhat difficult one to answer. This was in the year-" Aulenmir paused and grabbed a book from his bookshelf, flipping through the pages. "-844, I believe. In the regions of Western Endor, very little was happening. In the lands of Harad, a rare moment of stability, usually only achieved when the Dark Lord or the Nine exerted their influence over that land, was occurring. That region reached a temporary moment of prosperity, accompanied by fortune climate and excellent harvests. The only remaining effects of this time are the city Besapah and the grand ruins located nearby. It is theorized that these ruins were once temples.
In the eastern regions of Endor, the city-states were growing in power, aided by Númenorean trade. The coastal areas grew especially quickly, but the cities in the desert rose to power as well. In the plains, the Rochanach began cutting out a large empire for themselves, which still survives today in the form of the Râch Empire. The Avari culture stayed largely the same, as the Elves are slow to change. Somehow, despite no new innovations and changes in leadership (or anything really), they remained a dominating power in that section of the world.
As for the rest of the world, little is known, for those regions remain unexplored even today. Like I said, a rather dull moment in our history. Things in the Second Age only start to get really interesting with the invention of the Rings of Power."
Hearing a mention of the Rings, Peladin grew even more focused. "Can we talk about those?" he asked excitedly.
Aulenmir chuckled. "Maybe someday," he said. "Now, let us return to the story. We still have quite a bit to cover."
At last, perhaps only to get him to stop, Erendis agreed to accompany Aldarion on a voyage around Númenor in his ship Eämbar. It was the hundredth anniversary of the founding of the Guild of Ventures, and Aldarion wished to take Erendis to all the festivities that would be taking place in the many harbors of Númenor. Although it went against the very core of her being, Erendis agreed indeed, not showing her disgust to Aldarion, and left with him from Rómenna.
They came to Andúnië, where Valandil, Aldarion's close cousin and ancestor of great men such as Amandil, Elendil, and Anarion, lived. He held a great feast in honor of Erendis, and the men there all praised, and held a toast to her. They called her Uinéniel, which means quite literally, Daughter of Uinen, Lady of the Sea.
Erendis was enraged by the toast, and she rose to her feet, proclaiming loudly. "Say no such things of me. I am no daughter of the sea hag; rather I am her greatest foe."
Once more, doubts of Aldarion's true loyalty attacked Erendis, and she became once again opposed to marriage. This was not helped by the fact that Aldarion, upon returning to Rómenna, began building there a great sea wall, a built a great light tower upon the isle of Tol Uinen. This tower was called Calmindon, which, rather pointless, means Light-tower.
However, once this was done Aldarion returned to Erendis and again asked for her hand in marriage. Erendis decided to stall for time and test his loyalty. She said that she had made her travel with him upon the roaring seas and that it was now his turn. "If you are true, you will accompany me on a voyage around the place I love: this island. This serves you well, for in order to become a great King you most know the place you rule well."
Aldarion, seeing little choice in the matter, consented to travel with Erendis as she had traveled with him. They traveled together to the calm grasslands of Emerië, where shepherds raised their flocks and farmers grew their grain, and together they listened to the calming wind and they bleating of many, many sheep. Erendis declared that she could be quite comfortable in such lands.
"And in these lands you may live, and in luxuries fair houses, if you are the wife of the King's Heir, or the King's Queen."
"When you at last become King, I shall be quite old. Until then, where will you dwell?"
"With you of course," replied Aldarion, "Should I be on this island, unless you share with me my work."
Erendis at once turned cold. "I shall not 'share' you with the 'Lady' Uinen," she stated.
"That is an unfair remark, my love," said Aldarion. "I might as well say that I cannot live with you, for I have no wish to share you with Oromë, he who his lord of the forests, for you love the forests of Númenor as I love its seas."
However, Erendis purposely missed his point, as he missed hers, and replied, "Certainly not. Not if you continue to cut down my Lord's trees for your Lady."
"Name a tree that you love, and it shall remain untouched until it should die naturally," promised Aldarion, desperate to win Erendis. However, Erendis was unmoved, and responded,
"I love all trees that are upon Arda." After that, an awkward silence reigned between them, and they parted, each returning to the houses of their parents. Erendis spoke to her mother about what had occurred between herself and Aldarion.
Núneth, her mother, had plenty of advice that wasn't much to Erendis's liking. "You must be satisfied with something less than all, my child. The Prince is a great man, and is of a great rank, and I can tell that despite your misgivings you love him very much. To tear this man out of your heart would pain you more than you or I could bear. Therefore, you must be able to accept that he has work and cannot be always just with you, nor can he fully dedicate himself to you.
"You must be able to share in his work in order to fully be with him. I suspect that you will not take this counsel of mine though. You were always a stubborn child. Still, I had hoped to find you wed by this time, for you are well of age. Indeed, I had hoped that you were bearing me beautiful grandchildren, and it wouldn't hurt to have these grandchildren raised in a grand palace."
As Núneth predicted, her words could not change the mind of Erendis. However, the heart is a strange organ, and cares little for what the mind thinks it wants. Were people truly ruled by theirs minds and not their wants, I suspect this world would be in better shape. Anyway, despite what she thought, she felt as though she spent the following days empty. This feeling was made stronger by the fact that Aldarion was always on the island, and yet they never saw one another.
Almarian and Núneth, although they otherwise would probably have never even known of one another, were bound by common circumstances and found plenty of time to communicate with each other. Almarian soon found out that Erendis had refused the advances of Aldarion and feared that he would once more depart into the willing refuge of the sea. She at last grew desperate enough that she herself reached out to Erendis and begged that she return to Armenelos.
There, great efforts by Almarian (I am, in some ways, convinced that she is the true hero of this story), Erendis and Aldarion were finally brought together. In the spring of that year, despite everyone's misgivings, they ascended, along with the rest of the King's retinue, to the very peak of Meneltarma, the holy mountain upon which the Númenoreans praised Eru. Then, the others descended and Aldarion and Erendis remained.
And up there they gazed over the world, for from Meneltarma nearly all of the world could be glimpsed. They saw Númenor in all its verdant glory spread out before them, and glimpsed Tol Erressëa out in the far West. Beyond that, visible as a dim blur, were the mighty Pelóri that marked the border of Valinor and Araman.
As they descended, blissful and happy, Erendis asked, "Do you not love your island greatly, for it is the most beautiful thing in this world?"
And Aldarion replied, "Indeed, I love it, but also I think of what it might become, and how it could be improved. Also, I think that you doubt because of this, because you do not think it should change."
Erendis denied his charge, saying, "The gifts that Eru gives us are not ours to barter away as we will, but rather are ours to cherish and love forever. We, the Edain, are mortal, and it is our place to dwell on what is, not on what may be. That is the province of the Valar." To prove her point, Erendis ripped her precious clasp from her cloak and asked, "Would you change this say that it might become better? Do you think of what I might become?"
"No," said Aldarion, "but you cannot say that your clasp is perfect, or that you will never change. You demean yourself, however, by comparing yourself to the clasp." And with that said he kissed her upon her eyes, and they put aside their unease and fear, and pledged themselves to one another.
When they fully descended, Aldarion presented Erendis to his father, Tar-Meneldur, as his betrothed, and there was much rejoicing, by both the King and the people.
As a betrothal gift, Erendis was given her promised land and house in Emerië. Aldarion said that he would give her many jewels. However, Erendis spurned this gift, saying she would wear only the diamond that had been given to her much earlier by him. She had this diamond set in a silver fillet, which he then bound to her head. From then on, until she removed the fillet, she was known as Tar-Elestirnë, which means Queen Star-brow.
At last, Númenor experienced a full period of peace, with no squabbling or discontent in the royal family. The trading that Aldarion had set up continued to reward Númenor richly, even if he was no longer active. It is said that the summer of that year, which was 858, was especially fruitful.
Aulenmir paused there, deciding that it made a fighting stopping point. Sirilfa was very excited about what had happened. "Yaay, they finally got together!" she cried. Peladin, however, had a feeling that things weren't over yet.
"Didn't you say there was more to come?" he asked.
"Very astute, Peladin," said Aulenmir. "Indeed, there is more to come, and it may be yet revealed that all ain't quite so well after all. However, we will found out on a different night. Now, it is time for bed!"
It turned out to be very good that Aulenmir had started early, for it was quite late. Aulenmir sensed that waking the two up early tomorrow wouldn't go so smoothly unless he really convinced them. It just so happened he had just the perfect activity in mind. He tucked the children in and was soon sound asleep himself.
Telimperion and Immortal set a quick pace, for they both new that it was of utmost importance in many ways that they reach Minas Tirith as soon as possible. Having lived in these mountains for longer than any other being (except for those truly ancient beings of awe that dwell still at the roots of those mountains), he knew many of the shortcuts that would take them there are all the quicker.
"You see," he said conversationally one day as they were brewing tea before once more starting up, "When Minas Tirith was created they cut it right out of the Ered Nimrais, creating all sorts of paths and mines and caves. Over time, several of the native men of the area widened these paths so that if there was ever a need they could seek refuge in Minas Tirith. These are the paths we shall take."
Over the week that they traveled, they continued to talk and talk. Immortal, despite not having had much human contact in recent years, was quite a conversationalist, and excelled at being charming at all things. Telimperion felt herself opening up to him. For the first time, she had found someone to talk to about the mess that was her family. Immortal agreed with her point of view, of course.
In turn, Immortal found himself, now that he actually had contact with a human, interacting with Telimperion as much as possible. He hadn't had a real friend for most of his long, sad life, and he was glad to have one now. Despite their many differences, they shared several things, such as their love of tea, adventure, and family.
At last, after a week of journeying, they came to the last step before they reached Minas Tirith.
"This is the shortest mine between here and Minas Tirith," he explained. "However, it is still quite dangerous."
Telimperion was worried. "How?" she asked.
"Any number of things could go wrong. The mine could collapse, killing us or sealing us in. One of the wild things in there could attack us. Hell, there could even be some kind of trap in there!"
"If it will get us to Minas Tirith," she said calmly, "I am willing to risk it."
"As you wish," he replied.
They made surprisingly quick progress. Immortal, used to climbing about, helped Telimperion get through the mines. Telimperion helped ensure that the mine wasn't about the come crumbling down on them. Several times, they almost lost their way, but luckily they found it again. There were beginning to run low on supplies when Telimperion felt fresh air. She hadn't realized how stale the air in the mine had been.
"I think we are almost there!" she cried out.
"Good! Keep going!" he replied.
Finally, they came out of the mine and got their first look at the city of Minas Tirith. The city was an absolutely stunning site to behold. However had built that plans for the city must have been divinely inspired, for no other genius could have created a work so fabulous. The city was made of beautiful white marble that gleamed in the noon sunlight. The city was a monument to cleanliness and purity.
Throughout the city were seven walls, carving an intricate and delicate pattern into the mound that the city was built atop. Threaded through the many shops and homes that clustered about the walls was a magnificent wide road, thronged with bustling city-life. At the center of it all was the White Tower.
The White Tower rose out from the top of the mound like a mountain crest reaching for the sky. It defied belief with its immense height, which Immortal claimed rivaled that of Isengard. It was here that decisions that determined the fate of the world were made.
Dizzy at the sight of it all, Telimperion had to sit down. Immortal soon joined her. "It's…it's so beautiful!"
"And so big," he added. Seeing that Telimperion was in no condition to continue after the harrowing hike through the mine, he said, "How about we stop here and hike down to the Great Gates so that we may properly enter the city?"
Telimperion yawned. "Sounds good to me." They quickly set up camp and were soon fast asleep.
Altariel woke up early and fixed herself a strong cup of tea. Today, she had decided, was the day she would visit both Mayor Samwise and Arvegil. Tensions were rising at an alarming rate, and it was her responsibility to crush them. She wasn't entirely sure why things were boiling over like this. Everything she had heard growing up indicated that hobbits were largely reasonable (especially the middle-aged ones, the young ones tended to cause a ruckus everywhere and the elderly could be unreasonably stubborn) and very lazy. Not at all the sort of folks who would cause trouble of this sort.
From the men of Eriador, Altariel might have expected it. Many of them were Dunlendings, and Altariel didn't trust men (or anyone, really) of that stock. Even the rangers, usually prone to enforcing the law, chafed under the restrictions that came with once again being part of a kingdom, and refused to listen to many of them.
However, the cause of all this trouble seemed to have come from both sides. Altariel couldn't quite determine what the precise cause was, however. Her real goal with meeting with the two leaders was in part to see how she could settle this dispute, but was really to learn who and what had caused, and why.
Most outsiders would have thought that the hobbits were behind the chaos, as found as they were of jests and japes. Indeed, before doing a bit more research Altariel had fallen into this trap as well. However, she quickly realized that the hobbits would never go this far, and that something else must be causing all this trouble. However, aside from the aforementioned fanpeople, Dunlendings, and rangers, there weren't really all that many men interested in causing trouble with the hobbits.
Altariel was writing all these things done; she believed in recording almost everything. If something happened to her, Mara would be able to take over. Speaking of which…
"Mara!" snapped Altariel.
"Y-yes, L-lady Altariel?" Mara stammered.
"I'm going out on personal business. If anyone comes in asking for me, tell them I am gone and will not be back for a few hours. If it is Steward Arvegil, tell him I will come see him once I am back."
"Of course, Lady Altariel."
Her words went unheard, for Altariel had already left. Outside of the government building it was raining quite fiercely, and Altariel was beginning to wish that she had brought a cloak. She walked quickly to Bree and stepped into one of its less-than-famous inns, the Silver Wyrm. Yes, the naming was not accidental.
It was here that she had agreed to secretly meet with Mayor Samwise Gamgee to discuss the problems occurring. In the note he had sent her, he told her that he would be waiting for her inside. She stepped into the dark, odd-smelling tavern, not seeing the Mayor.
A low voice called out to her. "Over here, miss!" She turned and saw that seated at one of the hobbit tables was the man she was looking for. She quickly hurried over.
"You understand why I am here, of course," she said in an undertone.
"Yes, I'm afraid I do, Lady Altariel, miss," Sam said, speaking in a more normal tone. "You wants to know why these tensions are suddenly occurring."
She nodded urgently.
"Well, I can't do much, but I can try my best, miss. Until about a month ago, thing were just fine. Sure, there was some folks who just couldn't keep to their side of the bargain, and some folks who abused theirs, but that was to be expected when Strider set up this thing.
"Strider?" Altariel interrupted.
The Mayor blushed. "Oh dear. I keep forgettin' to call him by his other name now. Elessar, that's it." Ignoring Altariel's slack-jawed look at this revelation (she knew that the Mayor knew the King, but not how well), he pressed on. "Anyways, things were moving along fine. We had another beautiful harvest this year, accompanied by some absolutely splendid fall colors, if I do say so myself. However, something horrible began happening. We were finding dead hobbits lying about outside on the road. Not just dead from old age either; they were brutally murdered!"
Altariel frowned. "How have I not heard of this?"
"Er…well, the thing is the Thain thought it was best if we kept this an internal affair until the Sheriffs figured things out, until…" he trailed off.
"Until hobbits began blaming and attack Men," she finished for him.
"Exactly, miss. Some of the untrustworthy and unruly hobbits have begun to speak out, you see. They complain that things were much better before the War. Why, I even heard some folks who out to be ashamed of themselves say that we were better off under Sharky than Elessar!"
Altariel was similarly shocked. She didn't realize that there were some hobbits that didn't like being a protectorate of the Reunited Kingdom. She guessed there were some folks who just weren't used to having to serve a King again.
"So, now you've come to see me, hoping that I can help mend things," guessed Altariel.
Mayor Samwise nodded. "That's my way of thinkin'. In fact, I was thinking about letting you come in and help with the investigation, but willing circumventing the decree wouldn't be a smart idea at this time, if you catch my meaning. So, instead I will keep you periodically updated and ask for your input."
Altariel nodded. "Well, thanks for seeing me, Sir."
Sam beamed uncomfortably. "Please, just call me Sam."
When Altariel got back, an anxious Mara was waiting for her. "Umm, the S-steward came by. Seems he thought it was urgent that he talk with you." Altariel scowled crossly; she had hoped to think Sam's case over before seeing Arvegil. However, she definitely couldn't risk snubbing the Steward; without his cooperation solving this mystery would become a lot more difficult. Thinking she had done something wrong, Mara stepped closer and said, "I'm sorry, Lady Altariel, I didn't mean-"
Altariel cut her off. "Don't worry, Mara. It's not your fault. I don't understand why King Elessar assigned him to this position; he's just not the right man."
Encouraged by Altariel, Mara spoke again. "I think he's some kind of distant relative, my Lady."
That got Altariel interested. "Is he now? I wonder…. Well, I best not keep him waiting!" She hurried out again, this time grabbing a cloak. The rain had worsened.
Liriel stood up and brushed the dirt from her hands. So far, this most recent lead seemed very promising; the soil had every feature that she had come to expect. She walked back over to the tent where Pazij and Guband had set up their tent. The two women were arguing furiously with each other when she arrived.
"I am telling you, there is no way that the eruption could have occurred that year! The Matropathi records strongly indicate that they built a city near the mountain just that year" Pazij yelled.
"Then how do you explain the annals of the Gurul, which describe, in explicit detail how the eruption destroyed their western farmland and-" Guband broke off when Liriel entered the tent.
"I think we found a site. I guess we'll soon find out whether or not that's a good thing." From the looks on their faces, Pazij and Guband did not seem to think that it would turn out to be good.
"I'll go and tell the soldiers that we may need them soon," said Pazij, all arguments put on the backburner.
Guband nodded her acknowledgement. "And I will inform our fellow excavators that we will start digging-when exactly?" she asked.
Liriel glanced at the sun and at the looming clouds in the horizon. "Tell both the soldiers and the excavators that we will wait until tomorrow and see what the weather brings. I will go about bringing our stuff inside and putting on the WW protections. Let's go." At her command, they split up to carry out their duties.
Liriel had left before any of the others had, the third night after the fight. She had guessed, based on some of their discussions, where everyone would head. Parthekos had always had an inner loving of Eastern culture. Liriel guessed that he would head east, although he probably wouldn't realize it at first. She knew that Altariel tended to be somewhat lazy, and would want to experience the bliss of the Shire. Aulenmir had already pretty much outright stated his desire to remove himself from society, and Telimperion with her commanding attitude had claimed the farm. Mermacil had been the only unknown, but she had guessed he wouldn't head south, so that is where she went.
In Haradwaith, everything had been united into one main country (conveniently called Harad) by Sauron in his armies. However, once his influence vanished, Harad began to split. Some of the new kingdoms (but nowhere near all of them) were Harondor, Khand, the city-state of Umbar, the Kirish Empire, Basings, Freljar, Sundartan, and the Barish Empire. Harondor and Khand had quickly been absorbed into the Reunited Kingdom, but the others remained independent.
When she arrived in Madagai, the capitol of the Kirish Empire, she found it in a state of absolute chaos. It seemed that everything that could go wrong had happened there. The crops had failed, many rulers had fallen, civil war reigned, and the weather seemed almost malevolent in its destructiveness. The city soon collapsed under the unrelenting weight of these problems. Shortly afterwards, the Kirish Empire shattered into several doomed city-states.
She relocated to Darusaj, a nearby city in the Barish Empire. It was there that she discovered what the problem was. Swarms of wraiths, ghosts, and other undead had been attacking the city-state, ending in its utter destruction. They had been moving northward from the very depths of Southern Haradwaith, leaving nothing in their wake, swallowing entire civilizations.
The people of Haradwaith became desperate to figure what was behind the Swarm, as it was called, and end it. Liriel was also concerned, both because she didn't want her new refuge to be destroyed and because she was worried for Gondor. She knew that the Swarm must be ended as soon as possible; for it grew using the bodies of those it killed.
While almost no one had answers, a few intellectuals had suspicions behind the cause of the Swarm. They suspected that the cause lay in a set of ruins know as the Swazverai. Very little was known about these ruins, save that they were magical in origin. Liriel volunteered to join a team of archeologists and anthropologists that was helping to excavate the ruins.
While gathering information in a nearby village, she learned that all the soil of places where the Swarm had been had shown some unique traits, i.e., things not seen in any other soils. Liriel hypothesized that if one of the Swazverai had soil like this, it might contain an answer. It appeared that they had found their lead, although it remained to be seen if it would pay off.