Lilliandra's Darkness
Following the figure into darkness was a shadow unknown. The figure stopped, and turned, staring into the surrounding blackness. It did not see anything, yet it knew a presence was watching it. The figure shrugged and resumed its hunting. “Food, must find food”, the only though running through it’s crazed mind. “Crunch, crunch, snuffle” “Animal! Animal not as good as child, but still keep alive.” The figure crouched on all fours and then leapt upon the unsuspecting animal. Biting into the base of the animal’s neck the figure sucked the animal dry. Dropping its snack the figure found a hole nearby and laid down to wait for more prey.
The presence turned its mind from the figure its curiosity satisfied. “Good my little experiment worked. I have turned what was once and intelligent Dark Elf into a blood thirsty creature of the night.” The man beside her asked, “Is it still a Dark Elf, My lady?” “Only in its hate for those who walk in the light, it is now mostly a primitive being driven by its need for food. It will do whatever is commanded of it when the time to manipulate it is right. “She answered. The man stood admiring his Mistress. She was a strong woman with an evil heart. She knew what she wanted, and would do whatever it took to get it. That is what drew him to her, what made him lust after her. As she left the room he quieted his desires, now was not the time. Following behind her he made his way to their chambers, “My Lady, what are your plans for this creature?” She spun around, stared him straight in the eyes and said, “To wreak havoc and terror in the hearts of these people? To cause mothers to cry out in the night, to make fathers weep and clutch their hearts. To make the leaders of this land step closer to insanity. That is my purpose for this creature.” She pushed him to the bed and closed the door to the chambers.
The creature traveled through the night looking for food. To taste child was all it could think. That animal two nights ago did not suffice-must have child NOW! “What that ahead?? LIGHT? Where light, people, maybe even CHILD! It quietly scurried towards the light, which became a farmstead, “I can smell child.” (Growl)”Soon I will feed you, patience.” The creature waited crouched beneath the child’s window, he would wait until all was quiet to feast.
Reneu rolled over stretching and discovered he was alone. His Mistress must already be awake, probably watching her newest pet. He looked around the chamber smiling to himself, “Hmm, we had a rather rough night, might as well get up and see what she has planned for today.” As he was dressing Mawena walked into the chamber. She stood quietly for a moment; admiring her toy… he was a fine example of maleness. He was strong, lithe, his silver hair kept shoulder length framing a perfect elven face and ice blue eyes. He turned to find her standing there, staring at him and was instantly aroused, her long raven hair reaching the floor and covering her sheer silken gown. Her clear emerald eyes focusing on him, “Darling, it seems my little pet had his first meal last night.” She drawled approaching him with her sinuous walk. “My Lady, how pleased you must be, shall we celebrate?” Reneu said brushing against her. “Not yet, give him a few more days; meanwhile let us eat our own meal.” She replied biting his neck and throwing him on the bed.
Lilliandra sat in her friend’s comfortable home. “What brings you to us Lilli?” Sir Marcus Malkar asked.
“Marcus, my friend, I’ve come to Misted Hills because of some dreams I’ve been having and I wanted yours and Perremin’s thoughts on them.”
“As soon as Perrimen and Remle arrive we’ll discuss these dreams. Meanwhile why don’t you tell me what has happened in your own life since Sanliana Castle fell?”
Lilliandra told Marcus how after the disappearances of Mordekin, Dolfane and Fieraina, Lilli had decided to once again take to the road as a bard and healer. Lilli also visited with Marcus’ daughter. She missed her son, but his apprenticeship was going well, and she was glad to not expose him to the unknown dangers ahead. Perrimen and Remle arrived late in the evening, and after exchanging pleasantries the four sat down to discuss Lilliandra’s reason for calling on them.
“My Lords, “Lilli began, “I know you are anxious to be home in bed, but there is a matter that presses on my heart to share with you. As you well know, shortly before Sanliana fell I started dreaming of a coming darkness. I believed this to be the troubles that were brooding with Sanliana. Even after the fall I believed this, because the dreams stopped. I fear I was wrong in my assumptions. Two moons ago the dreams began again. This time they are very detailed.” Remle' asked, "What makes you think these are anymore than dreams?"
Lilli slowly and calmly pondered how best to explain her feelings,. She decided to use an actual example of what had happened. "Master Remle', one moon ago I dreamt of a darkness descending on a small village about three days journey from here. When this darkness left all of the infants and younglings were dead. A fortnight after this dream I came upon that village. When I walked into the village I could feel nothing but extreme grief. I went to the town healer and asked why this was so. The healer told me that two nights before I arrived in the town, the four younglings and two infants in the village had been found dead. He then told me that they each looked as if they were skins and nothing more. I asked if I could examine one of the younglings. My Lords, the child was limp, seemingly drained of life. When I examined the youngling’s body I discovered two marks at the base of the skull. After my examination I discovered the bodies seemed to have no bones. What I saw could not have been accomplished by any human, elf or race we know of. Neither is it like any beast I have seen. After helping the village bury their younglings and singing a prayer of peace and comfort over them I resumed my journey. I have continued to be plagued by dreams of this evil, and have stopped at two more villages and three farmsteads all with the same story. I do not know what to do, I have not slept since I left that village. All I could think was to get here and tell you about this, maybe we can work together to solve this."
Lilli collapsed into her chair, since leaving on this journey she had not allowed herself to be tire. She had been vigilant in watching for signs of this evil, as well as seeking guidance from Tuor Singollo, God of Light. "Lilli, why don't you retire for the night? We will discuss this more by the light of day." Perrimen said, gently placing a hand on Lilli's shoulder. With that Marcus called a servant and had her show Lillis to the guest quarters. Lilli relented and was glad to find fresh linens and a sleeping gown awaiting her.
It had been a month since Mawena's pet had been loosed. In that time he had worked through the surrounding villages killing the young children. Now he was moving in a circular pattern, with his circle of prey slowly getting smaller. Mawena chuckled. Before long the Baron of The Misted Hills would her of the "child-eater, as the locals had started calling her pet. Then what would happen? "They can't easily track it, it leaves no evidence of its existence, it's random in its attacks and my home is concealed."
"My lady you beckoned me?" Reneu said, rousing her from her thoughts.
"Yes, I am hungry, let's go into the village and have dinner."
"Yes, m'lady, they usual disguise?"
"Defiantly, maybe if all goes well, tonight we can have the celebration I promised you." she smiled.
"That would be wonderful, m'lady" Reneu smiled back, barely able to contain his desire.
"Jareth! Jareth!" Aulindal called, "Where could that child be, always wandering off before chores are finished." Aulindal mad her way to the stables, father would be upset if Jareth hadn't fed the guests horses before he went off. (Thump, scurry)" What is that? Jareth, is that you? “Aulindal walked into the last stall, “Father, Father come quick!" She screamed and then crumbled to the floor.
"Aulindal, my child, speak to me, what did you see?" Ferrick shook his daughter, but could not get a response. "Sir, look her." the stable hand said. Ferrick turned to look in the stall, "Jareth? What has happened? Quick boy, run into town and get the healer." The stable hand ran to Lancel's house. *knock, knock* Eli answered the door,” How can I help you Eric?" the apprentice asked. “Master Ferrick needs Mistress Lancel at the Inn, something terrible has happened." Eric responded. "I am sorry, but he was called out this morning to Mistress Shekinah's, there was a problem with her baby. I will send a messenger to him, and come to the inn myself." Eli sent the messenger to his mistress and accompanied Eric back to the inn.
"Master Ferrick, I brought Eli, Mistress Lancel is at another house.” Eric gently told his master. "Fine, fine. I think you should go get Master Remle. Tell him the situation, he will return with you." Ferrick replied, seeming to do all this automatically and with out feeling.
Eric ran as fast as he could to the De'Leon home. Lady De'Leon answered the door. "M'lady I am sorry to call on you this early, but I mast speak with Master De’Leon"
"I'm sorry, but he is not here. He never returned from Lord Malkars last night."
“Than you, m'lady" Eric called out as he ran to Lord Malkars. The more he thought as he ran the more he believed that Jareth did not die of natural causes, something was not right.
Mawena stood at her looking pool. Her little pet had done quite a bit of damage over the past month. He had wiped out the children in two villages and several farms. The people of this region were beginning to have a great fear, before long they would begin to panic. Her only concern was the healer-bard. She did not expect Lilliandra to be as strong mentally and emotionally as she had proven to be. Plus there was something different about this hear-bard. Lilliandra seemed to draw her strength and compassion from an unearthly source. "m'lady," Reneu said quietly,” Is something troubling you?"
"Reneu, I have a task for you," she said with an evil smile, “one that only you can perform." “You want me to use my talent, m'lady?" "Yes, Reneu to the fullest strength." Reneu smiled bowed and left to make preparations. He had not left Mawena's said in many a moon. It would be fun to practice his talent on the healer-bard.
"Marcus, I think I will stay in The Misted Hills for awhile. I no longer feel safe traveling alone, and something in my heart tells me I will be needed here very soon."
"Lilli, you are always welcome. I will have the guest quarter set up however it pleases you, or we could set you up at Lord and Lady Remle's. It is your choice." Lilliandra thanked her friend and left to go find a quiet place for prayer and reflection.
Lilliandra found a beautiful tree on Lord Marcus land. She sat down with her back to the tree, closed her eyes and started humming a prayer her mother had taught her. As she hummed she gradually began to relax. She could feel the presence of Tuor Singollo wash over her. "Lilliandra, my daughter, you are following the correct path. The Darkness will be pressing in. Do not let him deceive you. Even now his agents are planning your trap. Meditate on Me, focus on the truth and you will not fall. Follow My path and soon all will be clear." Lilli opened her eyes, sighed and smiled. It always felt good when she heard His voice. She had followed Him her entire life. Her parents had been simple farmers who knew that they were servants of Tuor Singollo. They had raised her to serve Him and see Him in everything. They had taught her to read and write so she could study His writings for herself. They taught her to ask questions, not just accept what others said. Lilli had shown an early talent for music. Before she could walk her parent’s could hear her singing in her cradle. When she was still very young, her mother Mariele had taught her that if she left her heart and open Tuor would show her more gifts and teach her to use them.
When Lilli was 60 both of her parents were killed by night creatures. When she awoke in the morning she was surrounded by dead creatures and her parents lay on the floor. Her father, Emiliad died sword in hand protecting her...
"Lilli, Lilliandra! Please come quick." Lady Malkar called. "There is a young man Marcus feels should talk to you.” Lilliandra stood up and walked back to the house. She walked into the main room to find Marcus, Remle and Perrimen sitting with a young man. "Lady Lilliandra, this is Eric. He is the stable hand at The Avalgor, our local in. I believe we should leave and go there. He has told us something we should investigate. Eric tells her your story." Remle requested. After Eric told his story they agreed that this was indeed connected to what Lilliandra had seen.
When they arrived at The Avalgor Eric took them straight to the stable. “Master Ferrick I have brought Lord De’Leon and a healer named Lady Lilliandra." Lilliandra bent down a gently took Jareth from Ferrick’s arms. “Sir, your son is dead; there is nothing I can do for him. Please let me tend to your daughter and then I will examine your son closer." Ferrick silently nodded his head. "M'Lords, please take the young lady to her bed, make her as comfortable as possible." Ferrick picked up his daughter, Marcus followed the many inside. Remle and Perrimen stayed with Lilliandra. "Remle I need this stable and surrounding area looked over. I need to know of unusual prints, anything found in the hay. Could you take care of that for me?" "Of course, Lilli, whatever is needed." The sheriff replied. Lilli turned to Perrimen,” Perrimen, could you assist me with the daughter? I believe she is suffering from shock." "Lilli, I am available to you. Eric, please run and fetch Lady De'Leon, Lady Malkar, and my wife. Tell them we are in need of their skills." Lord Perrimen requested then turned and walked with Lilli into the inn. Master De'Leon picked up young Jareth's body and carried it into the inn. At the door Ferrick gathered his son in his arms and carried him to a room to await Lilliandra.
Lilli and Perrimen entered into Aulindal’s room. Perrimen started by setting the white prayer candles around the room, while Lilliandra gently examined the girl. After finding no serious injuries, Lilli covered the young lady up. Perrimen stood on the other side of the bed, laid his hands on Aulindal's head. Lilli drew a vial of sweet smelling oil from her robes. She anointed Aulindal's head and feet and started to sing a prayer to release Aulindal from fear. Perrimen prayed a prayer of protection. When they finished they saw colors return to the young girl’s features, and could feel the presence of Guardians in the room. They left the room and returned to the inns common room.
There they found Marcus and a middle aged woman comforting Ferrick. Ferrick had closed the inn and sent his entire staff home. "Master Ferrick, your daughter will recover. As soon as the Ladies arrive I will have them sit with her until she awakes. Please keep prayers in your heart.” Lilliandra said.
"Thank you, m'lady" Ferrick whispered. The woman sitting with him stood and walked to Lilliandra. "My Lady, I am Lancel, the town healer. I just came from another house were an infant was found dead in it's cradle. I have looked at Jareth, he and the infant appear the same, as if they have no bones...what is causing this?" "Lady Lancel, come and examine Jareth with me, and then if you don't mind I would like to also see the infant." The ladies walked into the room were Jareth lay to examine him.
"Perrimen, we came, what do you need of us." lady Perrimen said, as the three woman walked in. "My wife, Ladies, please follow me upstairs. There is a young lady that needs your ladies prayers and protection." They walked upstairs and set up their watch over Aulindal.
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