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Written by: Nicodemus Phaulkon
Posted on: August 14th, 2002
Moriquendi Tears
Chapter II: The Helcarduin
Nicodemus strode through the fortress-keep of Qis. The journey to the island of Grans had been overlong for his taste and he had very much desired to have the earth passing beneath him once again. Now that they had arrived, he felt every moment passing until he could organize and put forth to aid the Kingdom’s defence. He tugged at his gauntlets and turned the corner into the Great Hall.
Elric stood in the midst of a small crowd of green and grey. Several of the more senior of the Elven Rangers were quietly giving answers to the pointed questions from the Champion of Grans. Nicodemus stopped short of the group, standing straight, remaining on the outside of the impromptu council. After several moments, Elric noticed him there and smiled broadly.
“Do the leathers feel far more comfortable than the plate, old friend?” he asked.
Nicodemus was clad in dark green leather armour, with dulled black gloves and cuirass. His feet, used to the ringing of spurs and metal, were outfitted with tall boots, constructed soft green-grey material… not quite leather, not quite fabric. His cloak was of a similar construction, again a grey-green hue.
“I’m certain that I’ll find sleeping in these bedclothes quite wonderful, milord,” Nico replied. “But I’ll reserve judgement on how protective they are for another time. However, Brother Aular certainly thinks highly of them… he claims it’s been decades since he’s seen me in green pants.”
Elric chuckled loudly. His ease and candour with this odd stranger seemed to be the only thing easing the tension that the other elves within the room held toward the paladin.
“Have you a group for me, then, milord?” Nicodemus asked.
Elric nodded, a wry grin on his face as he indicated a group of elven rangers seated or standing near the far wall. “The Helcarduin. Their Captain is Farantil, and they will be under your auspice.”
Nicodemus approached the elves. He gave a brief nod to Farantil and they shared a long look at each other. Farantil stood with an easy grace, but his body was tight with muscles like whipcords. His eyes were the grey of a storm morning and his hair was tied back in an intricate knot, well out of the way. His weapons, seemly on his body haphazardly, were in fact all bound to his frame for perfect stealth, ease of movement and instantaneous access. Nicodemus had spent far too many years on campaigns in too many environments to mistake the talent and experience of this Ranger.
Nicodemus flicked his gaze to the remaining elves, then back to Farantil. “A moment of their time, Captain?” he asked.
Whatever Farantil had decided on his impression of Nicodemus, he must have come to a similar conclusion. “They are your rangers, Herald-bearer. As am I.”
Nicodemus turned to the dozen remaining elves of the Helcarduin. They were dressed as he was (although they certainly wore the habit with a far greater grace). Each of them armed with a longbow and several knives. Quivers were slung over shoulders or off of hips. Nico immediately thought of a group of panthers. The feline sense of grace, ease and deadliness was unmistakable.
“Gentlemen”, he started, “We have an interesting situation. This is your homeland, and you know it far better than anyone else. We are hunting a foe that can move about with seeming impunity, and you find yourselves saddled with the burden of a clanking, head-strong paladin as your commander.”
Several of the elves smiled at that. “I won’t justify my being here with old tales or brute demonstration.” Nico continued, “I won’t validate my position as your Captain with harsh words, empty threats or eluding to some previous station.”
Nicodemus leaned in closer, making his speech more intimate to the group. “What I WILL do, however, is take heed of your knowledge… bear witness to your experience… and listen respectfully to your concerns. In exchange, I promise you this: I can make you faster… I can make you better… and I can make you a threat to Moriquendi sanity. I can heal your wounds and spirit. I can make the elements a deadly force. I can shield you against their weapons and their magic. Together, we shall make them lose sleep, watch over shoulders and cringe at every sound in the forest… because we’ll be out there, hunting them.”
“Now then,” Nico leaned back slightly, “shall we begin?”
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