Remember The Hunters
Frankly Ranger appreciates the kid giving him time to himself last week. It'd been good to just have a bath, a few naps and generally recover. He wasn't getting any younger and chasing down that Maeglin fellow had been tiring.
Still, now that week was past, and Ranger was itching to do something. So, when the kid grabbed him one morning and gave him one of the most insane tasks he'd ever heard, he was willing to hear him out.
"So let me get this straight." Ranger says. "Ya want me to take over the job of runnin' this huntin' interdic… interruption, for ya. While ya talk to the crazy Dalish lady that thinks ya're an apostate."
"Actually, it would be more accurate to say that I wish you to use your expertise to fine tune how much we interdict Lanaya's clan's hunting efforts." The kid replies, emphasising the weird word he used. "Ideally we would use this time to back off slightly, part apology and part refutation of the arguments of those who currently enjoy my hospitality."
"Jus' call them prisoners, kid. It's more honest." Ranger replied absently, his mind elsewhere.
The kid did that weird mind reading thing, and just fell silent letting Ranger square his thoughts away. Nervously he rubbed his eyes, feeling old and tired.
"I do not wish to place a burden beyond what you can bear upon you." The kid says quietly. "There are others I can entrust this task to, should you decline."
"But they're not as good as me right?" Ranger asks.
"Within this forest, your skills are singular." The kid agrees.
"Ya're spendin' too much time with the nobles kid." Ranger sighs. "I'll do it. Dunno how likely they are to listen to me though."
"You underestimate yourself." The kid states. "Many of these warriors are used to your command, as they defer to you in hunting. Even if they are not, you shall speak with my authority."
Ranger nods. The kid's words are intended to bolster him, and he'd be lying if he said they fail. Still, his throat is dry and his heart flutters. He doesn't feel ready, and for just a moment he feels as though he is falling uncontrollably.
Then the kid smiles and thanks him, and Ranger stiffens his resolve. He's not going to let himself fail.
Ranger has never fought in an army. He was too young to fight against the invasion, and too old to fight the rebellion[1]. Being a werewolf barely counts, even if the Lady and Witherfang had managed to coerce some kind of organisation out of them. So standing here in a tent with armed warriors all looking to him for direction isn't exactly something he's used to.
"Right. So. Thank ya all for comin'." Ranger begins awkwardly. "Kid says we're lookin' to roll back some of what we're doin', let up the pressure so they don't take an eye out in the struggle."
He gets some strange looks, and he coughs. "Sorry. Wolf thing. We don't want them to do anythin' stupid cause they feel they've got no choice. So how much huntin's goin' on."
Fortunately nobody seems bothered by his little slip and he gets a surprisingly detailed report on what the Dalish have been up to.
"Ya mean they haven't even tried anythin' since?" Ranger says with a frown.
"No, sir." Anneth replies. "Best we can tell they see our warriors, and they pull back. Last week's engagement has made them skittish."
Ranger frowns, looking over the surprisingly well made map. A clan of that size can't have much in the way of food stores. The forest's a big place, so they could have just moved, but that feels wrong, it'd mean abandoning too many of their own.
"They likely believe that we are responsible for last week's escalation." The blonde Dalish from the other group says. "Nobody escaped to tell the tale, so they likely assume we're killing everyone who tries to hunt."
Ranger nods slowly. That makes sense.
"Alright. Here's what we'll do." He says. "We're goin' to pull back everythin'."
Immediately the room descends into chaos.
"You are wanting to abandon work! To leave at the, at the…" The Chasind man's words disappear into angry sputtering.
That knight lady who hasn't introduced herself frowns. "I have to admit this seems unwise. Surely now is the time to press harder, given our recent victory."
An old Chasind woman nods. "I am agreeing with Velkind, is now not the time to press goodness of victory?"
"Hang on, are ya ignorin' the knight lady?" Ranger asks, confused.
The knight lady's attempt to introduce herself is interrupted by the Chasind loudly and fervently denying the presence of any of the 'iron men'. It smells of complicated politics, and Ranger displays his finely honed survival instincts by abandoning the conversation entirely.
Unfortunately, that brings the protests back to the forefront, and the knight's scepticism. Anneth doesn't say anything but the frown on her face clearly shows that she's trying to work out why he wants to do this. Trust is keeping her silent for now, but he suspects she agrees with the protests.
However, the blonde elf looks almost relieved, in fact most of the Dalish are relaxing somewhat. That's probably Ranger's best bet actually. Anneth trusts him enough to hear him out and the elves know him from the hunting. He's not alone in this and h can probably get them to help him.
"I understand ya're all worried. But listen, I ain't makin' this up and I ain't goin' to ruin ya hard work. Anneth, ya know what I do right?" Ranger turns to the human.
The warrior nods. "Yes, you're the head forester. You're in charge of all hunting that happens within."
"That's actually an honorary title, it doesn't have any authority…" The knight lady says.
Everybody ignores her.
"So ya can agree that I know what I'm talkin' about." Ranger asks.
"If she does not, I will." The blonde elf says. "Despite being a shem'len, you are a hunter with few peers. I'm willing to hear you out if nothing else."
All eyes turn to the elf. He meets their gaze impassively.
After Ranger recovers his wits, he smiles. "Thanks blondy, I appreciate the vote of confidence."
"The name is Tamlen, shem. I have told you several times now." Tamlen (apparently) growls.
Anneth coughs and interjects. "I can also attest to Ranger's experience. Few know hunting in general as well as he does, and this forest in specific has been his domain for some time."
"I did end up bouncing from one lord of the forest to a lady and then the current lord, didn't I." Ranger muses.
The two Chasind share a look. "Fine. We listen to crazy plan."
"Right, well here's the thing. I don't think they're beaten yet." Ranger explains. "Thing is though, if uhh, blondy's right…"
"Tamlen!" Said elf exclaims.
"Right, Tamlen, if he's right about them thinkin' we killed the other lot, then they're in a corner." Ranger explains. "They can't support most of the folk they got in that clan with us interferin' in their huntin'. Normally they might leave, but we've got their keeper, and they can't leave her behind."
"How certain are we of that? Everyone knows the Dalish are shifty and lawless individuals, surely they would be willing to leave behind a small percentage of their people if their own survival was on the line?" The knight asks.
Tamlen glares at the Ferelden woman, before turning away. "You are neglecting the warriors. With nearly one hundred of their hunters gone, their ability to bring in food has been reduced more than the reduction of mouths to feed can compensate for."
"Excellent point blondy." Ranger says. "So here's what we do. We give them the field. Let them come back. We turn this into a permitter of picket fences and just watch out for them leavin' their usual grounds."
"I have to admit, that sounds rather like we're giving up." The knight notes.
"All I am hearing is that we are giving up." Velkind says.
Ranger takes a moment to deal with the weirdness of the Chasind's interactions with the knight.
"I think ya're lookin' at it wrong." He explains when he recovers. "We ain't pullin' out, we're pullin' back. We let them back here but we keep watchin' them. We hang around so they know we're watchin' and if they step out of line, we can come back down on them."
"Ah, Fabian strategy." The knight lady nods with a smile.
This time nobody responds because they don't understand what she said.
Easy as it was to say 'pull back to a predetermined line and keep an eye on the hunting areas, it was another thing to do it. Firstly, they had to spend hours going over where everyone would go, how they'd organise the watch. Would pickets be better or should they keep the whole force in readiness? Ok, they're using pickets, how are they going to communicate? How much distance is needed? If the animals detect people they're just not going to show up.
Everyone had to pool their experience. Ranger knew the area best, but the Chasind had as good if not a better grasp on typical animal behaviour. Anneth and the knight lady knew a great deal about people, sight radii and strategy. The Dalish contributed to both, with cultural and local knowledge that was at once too specialised for general use, and often relevant to this situation. Each had to speak and be heard in turn.
Then they had to actually put the whole thing into practice, and sweet Maker was Ranger glad he had other people here to take care of that. There were briefings, and maps and lists of landmarks, all of which took yet more time. Despite this people still got lost. Ranger could only see one part of the operation, and he had to send messengers to find a group who'd gone to the wrong place and still found people trickling in nearly an hour after they were supposed to.
Still, it only took them the better part of the first day to get the line pulled back. Pickets were posted to warn them of what the Dalish were up to. Frankly, the only thing to do now was wait. Frankly Ranger didn't expect any action for a couple of weeks. All the traffic had spooked more than a few animals, and though they were creatures of habit, they were not stupid.
So it came as a great surprise when at about noon on the third day a messenger came rushing in to inform him of a delegation from the Dalish.
Ranger, the two Chasind leaders, the knight lady and Anneth all enter the clearing. Personally, Ranger wonders if it's the best idea to have all the leaders gathered together like this. However both Chasind and blondy had assured him it would be rude otherwise, and that they'd bring plenty of guards.
That doesn't strictly make him feel better when he sees the, uh, other Dalish. They are armed to the teeth, with armour heavier than what their warriors typically wear. Shields, swords and bows all of the finest quality, and the helmets on their heads lend their tattoos an air of greater than usual intimidation.
The two parties stop in a clearing maybe ten paces from each other. The Dalish are slightly outnumbered, but not enough to make Ranger feel relaxed. He takes a deep breath to steady his nerves. He's in charge so he has to start this thing off.
When he's certain his voice won't give anything away, he says, "Alright, what do ya want?"
In a manner that seems preprepared, the oldest elf steps forward. "I am Hahren Dilana. We have come to ask for your terms for the release of our Keeper and our other hostages."
"Can't do it." Ranger replies without thinking.
"Bastard! If you have slain our Keeper, then we shall have our vengeance upon you, even if we must drown this forest in blood!" Another elf yells.
"Peace Yevras." The Hahren says. "Tell us, why can you not release our Keeper."
Ranger fidgets nervously, but fortunately Anneth steps forward to take over. "It is not that we can't or won't, but more that none hear have the authority to decide to do so."
"Is that so?" The Hahren asked. "Are the Sabrae now the dogs of the Shem that they do exactly as they say."
Blondy quirks an eyebrow at her. "I took no part in the battle that secured the prisoners, nor was I aware that Keeper Lanaya was among them. As such, I had no ability to sway where they might go. If you wish their release, you must speak to Nelyafinwë."
There were glances at each other and a set of firm resolve came over them. "Then we have nothing further to say. Our truce shall remain until dusk?"
"As is tradition." Lady knight replies.
Ranger can't help but feel like an opportunity was missed here as the Dalish vanish into the trees they came from.
Eldarin Kinstrife
Endataurëo does not have a prison, but it does have a number of large storerooms with thick doors. By the same token, you do not have any chains, but rope is always useful and, if necessary, can be made from the materials in Brecilian. Thus, you have a great deal on hand and do not need much time to have enough for the hundred odd prisoners you took last week.
The injured are held closer to the healers while Lanaya has a room all her own. Merrill had made it out of a pantry while you were in Denerim. The walls are covered in sigils and runes, some on paper and others carved into the very stone of the walls.
Entering the room is eerie. Faint light, of a pale green cast, illuminates the otherwise completely dark room. The very air is still and dead in a way that is entirely alien to Thedas and would likely have been considered an evil sign in Arda. Needless to say, it creates an atmosphere that has you on edge even before you account for the bound and gagged woman by the wall.
Lanaya's eyes meet yours, drawn by the light from the open door. Her gaze is defiant, and you can tell from how dishevelled she looks that she has not ceased her attempts to escape.
You stride into the room, not bothering to close the door behind you. This proves a mistake, as Lanaya starts to gather a spell that you have to crush with your will. It seems whatever has prevented her casting a spell is tied to the door being closed.
With a sigh, you crouch down. "Lanaya, it is time you and I had a talk."
You reach out and pull the gag from her mouth.
Immediately the Dalish spits at you. Following that she starts to spew insults and profanities your way. You wait patiently until at last her stream of words stumbles to a halt and she merely glares at you, chest heaving.
"Most of my brothers would have killed you for even one of those words, let along the spitting." You note idly.
"Straight to the threats then? Not even going to try playing the 'kind and understanding friend' first?" Lanaya asks scornfully.
"Merely an observation on your rudeness." You reply calmly. "I see little point in threatening you."
Lanaya is obviously taken aback by your words but rallies quickly. "Good, because there isn't. I'm not going to break, no matter what torture you think up."
For a few moments you toy with the idea of asking why she thinks you would want to break her in the first place, but you discard the idea as a distraction. Perhaps that is even the plan on her end, to direct and control the conversation. No, you have a more pertinent question.
"How has it come to this?" You ask Lanaya.
Lanaya looks at you in utter confusion. "What?"
"Why are we fighting?" You explain. "What has brought use to conflict? What have I done that has caused such hate in your heart?"
"You dare?" Lanaya whispers, then exclaims. "After everything you have done, you have the gall to ask why I fight you!?"
"You have never told me what you believe I have done." You point out. "You have sprouted wild accusations that I am some kind of blood mage, or possible an abomination, yet I do not know why you believe it, nor what specifically I have done that makes me a danger to you."
"I thought you shem considered blood magic reason enough." Lanaya replies distractedly.
"There is at least one blood mage within this forest as we speak, and you are not hunting him, so I doubt that was the cause." You state calmly.
Lanaya stares at you, apparently oblivious to your reply. She seems to be searching for something in your face, but not finding it.
"I don't believe you." She whispers at last. "You're lying!"
You sigh once again. "Why would I lie at this point? You are very much at my mercy. As I said, most of my brothers would have killed you for any one of the many insults you have levelled at me, leaving aside the attempt on my life. My father would not even have waited that long."
"I thought you said you weren't going to threaten me." Lanaya spits at you.
"I am not." You reply, meeting her gaze. "I am emphasising how unusually patient I am being with you. I did not have to be, I still do not have to be. I am choosing to."
Lanaya holds the stare for a time, defiance still clear in her expression. Though you do not wield any of the Light, nor the overwhelming presence you could, eventually she drops her eyes away from yours.
"Just tell me what you want or get out of here." She spits.
"What I want, Keeper Lanaya?" You pause for a moment. "I want peace. I want an end to this pointless violence. Though I do not wish to cause undue offence, in the simplest terms I want you to leave me alone."
You stop and sigh, then whisper, more to yourself than Lanaya, "I have no desire to be part of another Kinslaying."
"We are not related." Lanaya hisses.
"Oh, you heard that did you?" You ask, mildly surprised. "I suppose your hearing is keener than I expected. Regardless, in this case kinslaying refers to the act of killing your own kind."
A small, dark smile tugs at the corner of your lip. "Elf killing elf if you prefer."
She glowers up at you. "You are not an elf."
"I am certainly not the same as you are." You agree amiably. "You are perequendi at best, while I am a prince of the Noldor, a calaquendi from the years of the trees. It matters not, as even if we agree that I am not close enough kin to count, Merrill very much is."
"Yet it was you who turned her against me, you who roused the Sabrae to fight. For someone who claims to not want a 'kinslaying' you certainly seem to be starting one." Lanaya spits.
"As I recall, you were the one who attacked me, not the other way around." You reply evenly.
"Just because you do not charge at us waving a sword doesn't mean you aren't attacking us." Lanaya sneers. "You think your methods are new? The whispers among humans: heretics, bandits, monsters. I will admit you are the first person to spread them among the clans, but then again you are the first shem to be trusted enough to learn any of our secret lore."
"Is that what you believe I have done?" You ask. "My question from earlier stands unanswered. What have I done to earn your enmity?"
Lanaya glares at you. "Have you not listened to anything I have said?"
"I have, and I do not understand. Why do you bear me such enmity? How have I set about to cause kinstrife?" You press.
"You have been a persistent thorn in my side. Sticking your nose in where you aren't wanted, ferreting out secrets. Then you deceived the Sabrae into believing you had the secret to immortality. It is painfully obvious. You seek our hidden knowledge, you have taken over Zathrien's work and continue it to extract all the secrets you can." Lanaya snarls.
"To what end exactly?" You ask.
"To make us your little puppets, obviously." The Keeper sneers at you. "I have seen you, keeping those city dwelling boot lickers around like pets. How you collect those with talent and magic. Did you think nobody would notice you making your own little kingdom in the forest?"
You rock back to sit on your heels. "I suppose I see why you might think that. You are wrong of course, but fortunately proving that has nothing to do with this current conversation."
Lanya laughs disbelievingly. "You were the one who pushed and pushed to know my reason why, now you say it has nothing to do with this conversation? Make up your mind."
"I did not say your answer had nothing to do with this conversation, it is proving you wrong that is unnecessary." You state.
Lanaya gives you a disbelieving look, so you continue. "It is simple, what I want is for you to leave me alone, and I am more than happy to return the favour. Thereby proving that I have no interest in your clan."
"Sure. Fine, whatever. Let me go and we'll live and let live." Lanaya says sarcastically.
You consider a number of approaches. You could extend the hand of friendship, but that has been slapped away several times now, so it would be foolish. Then there are outright threats, but again, she seems to be committed to a war with you, so what more could you threaten her with. Intimidation seems, well, it seems as though it would feed into her persecution complex.
"So is this the new tactic? Silent staring?" Lanaya asks.
Perhaps, not exactly intimidation…
"Lanaya, I have been extraordinarily patient with you." You state. "I have stood for insults, I have taken no hostile actions towards you, and I have even taken great pains to preserve life when you have actively been trying to kill me."
"Oh yes you are the very soul of mercy." Lanaya sneers.
You reach out and close her mouth with your hand. Her eyes widen as you grip her by the chin and force her to look you in the eyes.
"This has left you with the mistaken belief that I cannot do anything to you." You say, voice low with menace. "Understand Lanaya, if I wanted this forest, I could have it. Now. Right now. I could kill you where you stand and lead a force of knights into the heart of your clan and this forest would burn as Doriath before it!"
You allow your leashed might to fill the room. Lanaya struggles wildly, but your grip is iron, and you do not let her escape. Perhaps it is your imagination, but you think you can see flames reflected in her eyes.
Then you leash it once more, release Lanaya and sag back once again.
"But I am tired. Tired of war, and I have no desire to take part in any more kinslaying. So instead, I want you to leave me alone. Just go, and never return." You say quietly.
Lanaya also sags, fight finally draining out of her. "Fine."
You pause, wondering if perhaps some insurance would be wise.
You are tempted, incredibly so. The simple truth is that you do not trust Lanaya. She has proven that she will take any opportunity granted her and use it in ways that will only harm those you protect. You get so far as sketching up a rather solid plan to keep hostages with the Sabrae, when you stop yourself.
So far, everything that has happened has been driven by suspicion and fear. Two old weapons of the Enemy. Admittedly, it has been Lanaya's suspicion and fear rather than yours and is rather more mundane in nature than the Enemy of the World. Still, already you can see the results of these actions, more suspicion, more fear. Could this be the straw that drives Lanaya to action once more?
Then again, are you perhaps being too timid? Perhaps you are yielding before a foe that will only see it as weakness. The fact that you do not trust her has not changed, and some insurance is not uncalled for. Are you now being swayed by fear in another direction?
Then again, are the Dalish not nomads? Surely taking hostages will limit their ability to move, making the relative threat greater than is due. Already, your mind is spinning up options, not the least of which is simply letting the Sabrae bring the hostages to them once they leave the forest.
With a sigh you reach out and untie Lanaya. This is all too complex, too many moving parts and unknowns. Best to simply leave this here and move on.
"Come, we will gather your warriors and you can return to your clan. Send your merchants to collect your arms and armour as soon as you can." You say, standing in a single motion.
Lanaya rubs at her wrists and legs and anywhere else the ropes had pressed against her. Then she follows you to the door, where you pause and turn back to face her.
"One last thing." You state firmly. "This is the last time I will extend mercy towards you. The next time you bring war to my home, I shall return the favour. Leave us alone. I will not ask again."
Elwing.
Return the Silmaril.
I will not ask again.
Maedhros
Lanaya grimaces, but nods. From there you oversee her gathering her warriors. There is a moment, after they are all assembled, where she sees how many she has, and how few you do where you can see her thoughts stray to betrayal. In response you pull your cloak back to expose your sword hilt.
Lanaya makes no attempt to overtake Endataurëo. She and her warriors leave unarmed and without trouble. You watch them follow the road that leads to their home until you can no longer see them.
The monster's eyes haunted her long after she was sure they were out of sight. Lanay was all but certain he was still watching, even though that fortress of his had faded into the distance. It sent a chill running through her, the memory of dark eyes glowing with eldritch light, the sound of screams and the flickering of fire…
"What next Keeper? How're we going to get him?" One of her more loyal followers asks. "I don't know if we can take them in the open. Not if Merrill can take you with magic."
"What next?" Lanaya asks, more to herself than in response. "What now indeed?"
A few of the nearby followers glance at each other, causing the young Keeper to sigh. This was going to be annoying, maybe she should just leave.
"I think it is best if we let the dragon rest for now." She says louder. "If the last month has proven anything, it's that we can't take him on without care."
And, unless she misses her guess, Nelyafinwë is much more experienced in this kind of fight then they are. Con artist is better than mass murderer. Besides, it is clear the Merrill has chosen her side. Leave the Sabrae to their fate.
Perhaps she should just pick up and leave… No. The council that she had helped form was still centred in this area. She hadn't quite given up on uniting her people to reclaim the Dales. It was just a little harder now.
Far behind her, beyond her sight, Maedhros the tall would turn back and walk inside, hoping this would be the end.
[1] Biologically Ranger is in his late sixties, maybe early seventies. Chronologically he's nearly ninety, but being a werewolf comes with some impressive healing abilities, and he was much too useful for the Lady to let die.