Open Post

[stonebird]

I. The sun is hot - swelteringly so - but there is an impressive spread under an ornate tent, waiting for a party to begin. Brightly clothed ladies and lords are wandering about like so many colorful birds, speaking of topics that are both light-hearted and threatening. Do not be fooled by the finery around you; this is a jungle filled to the brim with predators. In fact, lions, tigers and panthers might be kinder! At least they are more straight-forward. These are political predators and they take no prisoners.

On the fringes of the party, there stands a tall young woman with hair of auburn. She is looking towards the bay, her focus reaching across the water to somewhere else; somewhere better. Will you take your chances with the party or seek an escape with her?

II. Winter winds blow stinging crystals of ice against the faces, hands and any other uncovered body part of anyone standing outside of the dark castle. There are lights in the windows - a welcoming, alluring warmth - and the front gate is unlatched. Are you daring enough to enter?

III. The mountain is staggeringly high and the air is thin. Yet, at a seemingly impossible height, there is a fortress. Within the walls of said fortress, there is far too much silence. Your footsteps echo against the stone walls and floor - an empty, lonely sound. In the distance, a door creaks and your footsteps are not alone. Do you hide or confront the stranger?

IV. Create your own!

Comments

[bythewaves]

He was not expecting to be able to see her again, but that the doors open for her as well does not displease him. He is not his brother, but he means to keep her safe.

Still, a homeless wanderer is no place for one such as her - he decides quickly to take her to Gondor.

"The journey will be long, Sansa - and not terribly easy, I fear. But we will pass a few places along the way - you have heard the tales, and now you will see them! Is there anywhere you wish to tarry?"

[stonebird]

She had left the city with a heavy heart and knots in her stomach. Returning to Westeros meant returning to a life where she must lie and pretend to be Alayne Stone; not Sansa Stark. All of the progress she had made under the loving care of Maedhros, Maglor, Fingon and so many more would need to be erased or hidden. But she would keep them in her heart and her memories to help her stay strong when the walls threatened to close around her.

Her hands were gripping her skirt, her knuckles white, when her vision cleared and she found herself not in Westeros, but somewhere new. His voice was one of the most welcoming she could hear and she shook from head to toe, rushing to embrace him.

"I th-thought - " oh no, it didn't matter! She beamed at him. "Yes, I wish to tarry near you! I was convinced I would never see you again!"

[bythewaves]

"Ssh." He wraps his arms around her fondly. "We risked it, and we have succeeded. You need never go back to that place and those folk again. Here, you will be safe. I will keep you so."

[stonebird]

She nestles into the contact, feeling relief that is far more potent than any drug. Her cheeks hurt from her bright smile, but it does not fade.

"I fear nothing traveling at your side!" but now her brow furrows quizzically, "You wish to take me to Gondor? Will you be allowed to stay?"

[bythewaves]

He smiles down at her. "I do not know. But the life of a wanderer is not for you, my little firehair. You will do better in a city, and ... well. Men do not easily dwell in elven lands, and Thranduil's Silvan folk are very much wilder than anything you are used to. It does not harm to try."

[stonebird]

"I can learn..." she is a lady and she knows she will long for a house of her own, but it is a testament to her love for him that she is willing to forget her nature, "He was kind in his own way, though. Except..." she touches his cheek, "He would not welcome you. I cannot stay there."

[bythewaves]

"You could - but Maedhros would never forgive me if I allowed it." He says fondly.

"No." He sighs softly. "But in Gondor... or even here in Arnor, maybe - but I think you will do better in the White City."

[stonebird]

"He would be glad we have one another no matter if we travel or find a place to rest." she smiles at his forethought, "Is it possible for us to visit Rivendell on the way?"

Because of the scars on his hand, she embraces his arm instead.

[bythewaves]

"He would." Maglor smiles back at her and falters briefly.

"I... yes, I suppose... it will be very empty, by now, but Elladan and Elrohir still rule there, what few of their folk remain..."

[stonebird]

"Does it make you uncomfortable?" she peers at his face inquisitively, "I do not mind seeing it from afar. I heard it had a waterfall and I have never seen one..."

[bythewaves]

"No." He smiles at her fondly. "Just a little sad. I would have liked you to see it at it's best. But the Elves are Sailing - it is the Age of Men."

[stonebird]

"You will be lonely." she knows that without needing to question it. He has been lonely. Even if he is surrounded by Elves, he will be alone if none are his kin or those who love him.

"I will not stay in any house if you do not visit often."

[bythewaves]

"I am used to lonely." He shrugs and smiles at her. "But if you are here, I will not be, true?"

[stonebird]

"I think...I became that way in Westeros." she frowns at his smile, "Yes. I will stave off your loneliness with all I can give."

[bythewaves]

"Ahhh, no frowns my little hawk." He reaches over to tug her hair lightly

"Tis a new start for you, hm? Hopefully, a better life." He will see that it is so.

[stonebird]

"I want to give you what I am being given, Uncle." she hesitates before pulling his hair in revenge, "Infinitely so. I am with you!"

[bythewaves]

He squeaks in mock consternation at her when she does, promptly retaliating.

"I wish Maedhros could be here as well, but I will keep you safe."

[castintofire]

"Go retrieve the daughter of your heart. Call for us when you have her, or have chosen to remain with her."

Last words rang in Maedhros' ear as he found himself standing before a cold and dark land covered in snow and ice. He wrapped his cloak around him tightly, finding he had both hands even here and cast a thought of gratitude to Eru for his mercy. From what Sansa had told him, this could well be her home.

Lights in the windows. The Elf pulled his hood down low and he pushed the door open to begin his search. Hoping his daughter's memories of him remained.

<3 <3 <3

[stonebird]

The moment he stepped into the courtyard, the hunting dogs bayed, catching his scent. They were housed in a warm, solid shelter and though some of them looked underfed, they were faring far better than they had under a certain Bolton. If Maedhros looked close enough, he would see that they had food and water waiting for them when they were ready to fill their bellies. Starvation was not an easy thing to overcome - even when food was reintroduced, but Sansa - now the Lady of Winterfell - was determined to see the canines in top shape.

That was what her father - both of them (though she felt half-mad when she remembered Maedhros) - would have wanted. The household - what was left of them - was surprised at their lady's strength and serenity. It was like she had matured within, learning lessons that Westeros had failed to teach many - and she had, in truth, though she kept her secrets in an iron grip.

The sound of the dogs was...odd. She was writing a letter by candlelight in a room that overlooked the kennel. Rising from a chair, she moved to the window and saw a large figure making his way into the keep. There were large knights - the Mountain for example and the Hound - but this one was even bigger. Taller, rather, and slender despite his garb.

Atar. Her heart sang and her feet were light as she retrieved a lantern and hurried down the well-known stairs, barely breathing. She should cross paths with him around the next corner...

It was unfortunate that a maid encountered him first. She heard the shriek and picked up her skirts, running in earnest.

"Silence!" she hissed, jumping to cover the woman's mouth with her hand. All it took was a quick glance at Maedhros for her to know she had not been mistaken. Her gaze softened in joy and apology.

"He is a friend. You needn't raise the alarm." Sansa saw how unconvinced the woman looked and she added, in a stronger voice, "I do not give you orders, do I? We work together in Winterfell and I ask you, as a friend, to trust me."

The maid faltered and gave Sansa a quick, hard embrace. "I will be close by, my lady! If you need anything..." she left the hall, eyeing Maedhros with more curiosity than fear.

Sansa then turned and beamed. "Atar... How have you managed this?"

:3

[castintofire]

Underfed, perhaps, but Maedhros could see the care and love they were receiving, and knew it was only a matter of time before they were back in top form. A detail he felt sure he recognized as Sansa's hand, her love was in each stone he saw. He made no attempt to go further in, waiting patiently as he knew someone had to come at the noise.

Well, one did, though the shriek she gave was not what he was hoping. He drew in a breath to try and explain himself, then found it was also unnecessary as the very person he'd come to find ran into view and he could only smile softly. He'd not drawn any weapon, had no reason or intention either. And now he certainly had only a reason if Sansa were attacked.

When the maid was dismissed, he swept his daughter up in a fierce embrace, joy shining in pale eyes. "I am here by the grace of Eru Himself, yenya. He has gifted me with either remaining here with you, or bring you home with me."

[stonebird]

She would not see any creature suffer and the idea that dogs hunted better on empty stomachs was not only foolish but dangerous. Man's best friend could turn on him if they were hungry enough and she could not blame them for doing so to a cruel master.

Sansa trusted the maid to hold her tongue - the servants of Winterfell were few and they were family. But any concerns flew far from her when she felt his embrace and heard his voice. Oh she had felt mad for remembering him - for missing him so much it hurt - yet now that all made perfect sense. He was wonderful and she clung to him.

"I - " she looked around her, remembering her fierce love for Winterfell, yet that was due to what it had been. Now it was big, drafty and far too empty. She and her half-brother had reclaimed it, yes, but for how long? There would be other battles; more strife. Her enemies in the South would catch up with her; it was only a matter of time.

"I love Winterfell." but her answer was...easy. Easier than it should have been if her life hadn't been a chaotic mixture of perfection and horror. "I will go with you and thank Eru personally for this blessing."

Eru existed; he listened to his follower's prayers. That was more than she could say for the Seven and the Old Gods combined.

[castintofire]

Sansa Stark had learned too much to be so foolish. Maedhros had seen the change, watched her blossom, just in the time he'd known her. He was intensely proud of her, and equally grateful he wouldn't be parted from her despite all his evils. He was better, he'd been told, his light and fire reawakened but tempered.

He could go home.

Gentle fingers fondly ran over her long hair and he smiled warmly down at her, waiting for her choice. He'd accept either, though a selfish part of him hoped she would leave the world which had treated her so ill.

He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "You always will," he accepted. Then a bright smile answered her choice and he hugged her close. "Then you had best make your farewells, for I think you will not return."

[stonebird]

He was most of the reason for the change! The thousand kindnesses he had done for her had melted the ice that had formed around her heart. With his constant support and protection, she had been able to test her wings again - as a young woman and an adult instead of as a naive child. Each time she faltered or fell, he had caught her, brushed her off and encouraged her to try again.

The tension she always carried with her in Westeros - a habit nowadays and not wholly necessary- melted under his touch. She kept her arms firmly around his waist, unwilling to let go just in case he disappeared into the icy night.

"I will love what it used to be." she amended, "I am often lonely here and there is no guarantee for a brighter tomorrow. We must always fight; always stay wary. Must I spend my whole life defending a castle? With one battle, I could lose it."

Besides, her home was in his arms and she would never force him to stay in such a cruel world - though she knew he would for her. No, his voice was...joyful. Her eyes widened as she suddenly realized the cause of it.

"Have you been allowed to return to your family?" her cheeks flushed with happy color and she smiled tearily.

[castintofire]

Just as Sansa was a large part of why Maedhros had healed so well. She'd encouraged him, shown him life was still worth living, and reminded him of precious things to focus on. And Eru and all the Valar knew it, for even if they had been unaware, Maedhros had spoken of his time in Ruby City and they'd learned his heart and how aware of it he'd become.

He held her close, affectionate touch to her hair not pausing. "That is as it should be. I will never forget how Aman once was, though it will never be the same." He would stay as close to her as she'd allow now, wherever they were. Though not too close, if she found a worthy partner!

"I cannot promise it will always be peaceful on Arda, but I have more reason than ever to have faith in Eru's love."

A shake of his head. "I spent only the time meant for me in Lord Mandos' Halls, then was brought before the Valar before I was sent here to find you. But they will be there waiting when we arrive, I am sure."

[stonebird]

His hands were warm and comforting. They reminded her of their home in the forest with the wolves and the deer. She missed Ruby City and she had been sorry to leave it. But she felt that Arda would be even better. Any world that could produce such kind, wise beings surely had to be better than Westeros.

"Will you tell me of it?" Sansa had no desire for a 'worthy partner' as of yet. That might change give a year or two - but right now, she was happy to be with the father of her heart.

"I have seen the very worst of Men. There is not much that would shock me, Atar, and I will feel safe if you are near regardless." she stood on her toes and kissed his cheek, "Have faith in my love too."

Sansa fussed over her appearance at his warning, smoothing over her skirt. "Should I change? I want to look my best for them. They have done us such a kindness."