Year 2949-50: Sentinel of the North

[Vladim]

Celebros stood, transfixed at first, as the humming of the song rolled through him. Each verse of the song was a pulse of something electric and wondrous. He could not help but stare at the three-peaked mountain in the distance. Not once did he blink, nor did he need to. This was a dream, after all. A small part of him was aware of it.

But that did not mean he was in control fully. When the song ended, he realized immediately that he was caught between two sudden presences now; one obvious— a dark figure standing on the precipice of falling — and another which was somewhere behind him, unseen. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end and the elf frowned to himself, eyes darting from the dark figure in front and then to his side, as if he could somehow catch glimpse of the presence behind.

With a slight nod, Celebros made his decision. Stepping lightly, soundlessly, he moved to join the dark figure at the edge of the roof and stood beside them. He was brave, but he had not the courage yet gathered to look down. Instead, he turned to study the figure and asked:

"What do you see?"

[Vladim]

Annungil listened as the others spoke about this Mab and the other events in the north. To say he was concerned by the rumors and stories about Viglund. Even more concerning was the response to the possibility that Viglund was using looted Dwarven gold. That would be a war if he refused to return the treasure. That would be disastrous, both for the North and the Free Cottars. Dwarves were honorable and would not harm the Cottars, but by the sound of it, the same could not be said for Viglund. And in time, it would crash against the Beornings and other folks of the Anduin Vale.

But in time, he slept. And soon he was overtaken by sleep and another dream. This one was similar to the last. He saw the tower from afar and the desperate urge to reach it, and reach it quickly. He marched as quick as he could but he did not remember the movement of the landscape, except now he was atop the tower. A song had risen up from the ground, however, as if from the land itself. A song about ancient days and a Dwarven king.

But more urgently, someone was on the edge of the tower. And more concerningly, he felt the presence of someone behind him. Something eerie. Behind him, perhaps at his back. An instinctive part of himself wanted to turn and look, but he would never let himself be ruled by fear. He was a man of Gondor, he had served the White City.

The White City. A city of high towers and great walls. Where everyone had to be alert for children playing too close to the wall's edge. That was enough. It prompted him forward and he ran forward to the edge of the wall, trying to call out a warning.

[Vladim]

As soon as Nori moved towards the lone figure, the fleeting feeling of the presence behind him disappeared, as if no such thing had ever existed or been felt. But also, simultaneously, the dream began to become blurred and dim, the images quickly becoming less sharp. The dwarf knew instinctively that soon he would wake up, and the dream would be left unfinished. Moreover, the figure seemed to be approaching the edge; a sense of urgency spurred the dwarf on, but he was not quick enough, and his eyes not keen.

As Nori tried to close the distance, the stranger turned towards his direction, as if searching for something for a brief moment, but seemed unable to hear or see the dwarf. He was a Man, judging by his height and build, but Nori could not distinguish his features. The last thing he witnessed was the figure taking a final step off the roof, instantly disappearing from view.

Then he awoke.

(OOC: In your next post, Nori will have woken up. But please wait a bit before making it, as Diofant and Yelik still need to let me know about their actions.)

---

As soon as Barin moved towards the lone figure, the fleeting feeling of the presence behind him disappeared, as if no such thing had ever existed or been felt. But also, simultaneously, the dream began to become blurred and dim, the images quickly becoming less sharp. The dwarf knew instinctively that soon he would wake up, and the dream would be left unfinished. Moreover, the figure seemed to be approaching the edge; a sense of urgency spurred the dwarf on, but he was not quick enough, and his eyes not keen.

As Barin tried to close the distance, the stranger turned towards his direction, as if searching for something for a brief moment, but seemed unable to hear or see the dwarf. He was a Man, judging by his height and build, but Barin could not distinguish his features. The last thing he witnessed was the figure taking a final step off the roof, instantly disappearing from view.

Then he awoke.

(OOC: In your next post, Barin will have woken up. But please wait a bit before making it, as Diofant and Yelik still need to let me know about their actions.)

---

As soon as Dahr-Ol moved towards the lone figure, the fleeting feeling of the presence behind him disappeared, as if no such thing had ever existed or been felt. But also, simultaneously, the dream began to become blurred and dim, the images quickly becoming less sharp. He knew instinctively that soon he would wake up, and the dream would be left unfinished. Moreover, the figure seemed to be approaching the edge; a sense of urgency spurred Dahr-Ol on, but he was not quick enough, and his eyes not keen.

As Dahr-Ol tried to close the distance, the stranger turned towards his direction, as if searching for something for a brief moment, but seemed unable to hear or see him. He was a Man, judging by his height and build, but Dahr-Ol could not distinguish his features. The last thing he witnessed was the figure taking a final step off the roof, instantly disappearing from view.

Then he awoke.

(OOC: In your next post, Dahr-Ol will have woken up. But please wait a bit before making it, as Diofant and Yelik still need to let me know about their actions.)

---

As soon as Celebros moved towards the lone figure, the fleeting feeling of the presence behind him disappeared, as if no such thing had ever existed or been felt. But also, simultaneously, the dream began to become blurred and dim, the images quickly becoming less sharp. He knew instinctively that soon he would wake up, and the dream would be left unfinished. Moreover, the figure seemed to be approaching the edge; a sense of urgency spurred the elf onwards, but he was not quick enough, for the march to the tower had made him weary.

But the eyes of the elves are keen. As he tried to close the distance, the stranger turned towards his direction, as if searching for something or someone for a brief moment, but seemed unable to hear or see the elf. It was enough for Celebros to catch a fleeting glimpse, but that was all he needed: this was a man, old and grizzled, bearded and long of hair, his eyes tired and red-rimmed. He did not know who this man was, but whoever this was, he was drawn into the dream just like the elf.

The last thing Celebros witnessed was the figure taking a final step off the roof, instantly disappearing from view.

Then he awoke.

(OOC: In your next post, Celebros will have woken up. But please wait a bit before making it, as Diofant and Yelik still need to let me know about their actions.)

[Vladim]

Annungil rushed towards the edge of the tower and ignoring the feeling that someone was right behind him. He couldn't make out the details yet of who or what was there, but he called out anyway. "Wait! Wary of the edge!"

[Vladim]

As soon as Annungil moved towards the lone figure and spoke, the fleeting feeling of the presence behind him evaporated, as if no such thing had ever existed or been felt. At the same time, the dream began to become blurred and dim, the images quickly losing focus. He knew instinctively that he would soon wake up, and the dream would be gone. As the figure seemed to be approaching the edge, a sense of urgency spurred Annungil onwards, but he was not quick enough...

...and yet his eyes were keen. As he tried to close the distance, the stranger turned towards his direction, as if searching for something or someone for a brief moment, but seemed unable to find it. It was as if Annungil was invisible to the man, shrouded by some strange spell. That fleeting moment was enough for Annungil to catch a short glimpse: this was a man, old and grizzled, bearded and long of hair, his eyes tired and red-rimmed. He did not recognize him, for he had never seen him before, and yet something about him reminded Annungil the grim men of Rohan, who were steadfast and longstanding allies of Gondor against the Shadow. Whoever this was, he was drawn into the dream just like Annungil.

The last thing Annungil witnessed was the figure taking a final step off the roof, instantly disappearing from view.

Then he awoke.

(OOC: In your next post, Annungil will have woken up. But please wait a bit before making it, as Diofant and Yelik still need to let me know about their actions.)

[Vladim]

Gramtyng eventually nodded off - the fire had been simply far too comforting for him to resist any longer. A long and hard road lay ahead of them - what better way to prepare than to sleep, given Heva's hospitality? As soon as sleep took him, however, he was once more there - in the place that was the same but different from his last dream. He could almost hear that same lament, flowing among the trees. He felt oddly awake, but its not as if he could have been taken there...? It was winter, after all, and here - here everything was in bloom! Gramtyng felt as if he'd spend ages simply walking here - the forest had been so welcoming, so warm - but the tower... The tower beckoned him. His feet carried him towards it, first at a casual pace, eventually breaking into a run; a sense of urgency overcame him, as if he HAD to be there.

In but a few odd, distorted moments, he was at the pinnacle of the tower - he knew time had passed, for it was now night - and what an amazing night sky! The view was truly breathtaking, up here, looking up into the endless canvas painted for him. But something else drew his gaze away from the beauty of the heavens, and towards a menacing, broken mountain with three peaks. A song once more resounded, coming from the very earth around him - a distinctly different verse from what he'd heard before, given its flow... But it had still been sad, one of loss, but also pride - at least, thats how it sounded to him. It had been beautiful, if different, and he felt he would have to learn it one day... At the same time, his attention was forced once more - a dark figure stood, close to the edge of the roof; he couldnt see nor tell who the figure had been, and it seemed the stranger was ignorant that he'd been here. Just as he'd been considering how to approach this - he'd not seen people he could interact with in the previous dream, after all, and what if his movement cause the figure to jump? - a sudden chill that swept across the back of his neck informed him that someone had been watching him.

...But that was impossible. He also stood near the edge - how could there be anyone or anything beyond? He felt a cold sweat, but grit his teeth and dashed forward. He could practically feel the hand of the shadow of Harrowdale on his shoulder, countless hands trying to make him turn, pulling at him, but the bard continued running. Did ha have his sword? He fell asleep with it. Maybe it was here! He felt the familiar, almost welcome rush as the battle-maddness rushed through his veins, the excited groan of his muscled as they anticipated combat, the forced grin as his mouth began to tug upward...! Yes, he decided. No matter who - or what - was behind him, he stood a better chance in the middle, with the stranger on his side. "You there! There's something behind me, and it doesnt seem friendly - have you a weapon?!" No matter what - no matter how - the road lead ever, ever on - and it had NEVER twisted to go back, and it never would. What was behind him was a mad king, the scorn of his father, and the shadow of Harrowdale. He didnt need them!

[Vladim]

As soon as Gramtyng moved towards the lone figure, the fleeting feeling of the presence behind him evaporated, as if no such thing had ever existed or been felt. At the same time, the dream began to become blurred and dim, the images quickly losing focus. He knew instinctively that he would soon wake up, and the dream would be gone. As the figure seemed to be approaching the edge, a sense of urgency spurred Gramtyng onwards.

As he ran, the stranger turned towards his direction, as if searching for something or someone for a brief moment, and it was then that their eyes met. This was someone Gramtyng had met before: old and grizzled, bearded and long of hair, his eyes tired and red-rimmed. Gramtyng recalled his name: Heruthain, son of Fulgrim, his countryman and a fellow exile, and the former captain of king Fengel's guards. He remembered the ill-mannered, gruff old guard-turned-sellsword from the folk-moot of the Woodmen, more than a year ago.

Heruthain seemed just as shocked and surprised as Gramtyng was to see him here, and he did not answer his question, though his sword-hand went to a hilt at his belt, and that was answer enough. 'You! What are you doing here?' he could only cry out, confused, as the dream faded, and reality replaced it.

Gramtyng was awake.

(OOC: In your next post, Gram will have woken up. But please wait a bit before making it, as Yelik still needs to let me know about her actions. It will probably come tonight.

If you need a reminder about Heruthain, you can find it starting from here (link); Gram should be able to remember all this stuff.)

[Vladim]

As soon as Ingi moved towards the lone figure, the fleeting feeling of the presence behind him evaporated, as if no such thing had ever existed or been felt. At the same time, the dream began to become blurred and dim, the images quickly losing focus. He knew instinctively that he would soon wake up, and the dream would be gone. As the figure seemed to be approaching the edge, a sense of urgency spurred Ingi onwards.

As he ran, the stranger turned towards his direction, as if searching for something or someone for a brief moment, and it was then that their eyes met. This was someone Ingi had seen before, however briefly: old and grizzled, bearded and long of hair, his eyes tired and red-rimmed. He remembered him from the folk-moot of the Woodmen, more than a year ago, as one of Ceawin's trusted allies - his bodyguard.

The man seemed just as shocked and surprised as Ingi was to see him here, and he did not answer his question, though his sword-hand went to a hilt at his belt. 'You! What are you doing here?' he could only cry out, confused, as the dream faded, and reality replaced it.

Ingi was awake.

(OOC: In your next post, Ingi will have woken up.)

[Vladim]

(After the dream)

When the companions awake, one by one, but within just minutes from each other, the fire in the hearth was long-gone. In its place were orange, glowing embers, and the smell of burned wood - a pleasant one, in a way - filled the room. It was dark outside - past midnight, by their guess or reckoning, and yet still a few hours away from dawn. Nothing else stirred, and all was quiet outside. Even the wind had given a brief respite.

It was a familiar scene, reminiscent of their night at the Easterly Inn, when they had awakened from similar dreams in the middle of the night.

(OOC: Sorry for the long wait - but now, you can, if you want, share your dreams and what you learned. I forgot to mention in the previous dream, but all your little NPC helpers, like Belgo or Núr, are also having similar dreams - though not the ravens or other animals.)

[Vladim]

Annungil sat upright, breathing deep and searching the gloom for... someone. The man had jumped. But no, that was not what happened. It had been a dream. A continuation of his last dream at Easterly Inn, almost. At least, that was what it felt like. What were they trying to say? Where were they coming from? Did it relate to the problem with Viglund and the far north?

He took a deep breath and rubbed his forehead, not wanting to wake any of the others. Who was the man on the tower? Why had he gone off the edge of the tower?

"If only I had but half the wisdom and lore of the wise men of Minas Tirith," Annungil grumbed to himself, "I might be able to understand what these mean, but I do not."

He was awake now, anyways, and sat contemplating what he had seen and felt in the dream as he stared into the fire.

[Vladim]

Dahr-Ol roused himself with a start from his dream. He sat up, bumped his head on a chair, and groaned loudly.

"Ohhh these dreams... If this is what sorcery amounts to, I never want anything to do with it. Oh. Annungil, did I wake you with my complaining?"

[Vladim]

Nori's eyes open wide when his dream ends, the dwarf looking up towards the roof of the hut and seeing not much beyond darkness and the few details the small fire illuminates. At first, his mind focuses on the dream - trying to recall the details of what he saw while they were still fresh in his memory. As hard as he tried to focus, the details seemed fleeting - like a man trying to grab flies out of the air before they flew away.

It's then he hears the grumblings of Annungil and Dahr-Ol. His mind comes back to the present, knowing they must have shared in the experience like before. Without turning his head, still staring up at the ceiling, Nori asks them as if to verify they were all still connected with this dream, "You saw the tower too? And the man on the roof?" His voice seems irritated by the dream - uncertain to why it is coming to them. But he doesn't seem enraged or overly angry, just perplexed as to why this is happening to them... and not having a great many answers from the dream itself.

[Vladim]

"Master Barin, master Barin" ... Barin was awakened by the rough shaking of his shoulder by Núr, his ward. "Master Barin, did y- did you see it? The mountain? The..."

"... man on the tower?" Barin completed the sentence. "Aye laddie, I did, and I daresay so did everyone else within our company this past night looking at the faces of those already up." With a nod of the head, he acknowledged Nori, Dahr-Ol and Annungil.

"I have no clue what these dreams mean, nor who may be sending them, but this one has stayed with me far clearer than the previous one.

"The tower sits in the shadow of Gundabad, that much is clear, that that is where we must go. That much I am now convinced of. But what relevance the song of Durin to the tower, and the man perched upon it's edge? I really do not know. In my minds-eye I could make out no features below his cowl, nor did he utter a sound to me - just looked at- no, through me, and then stepped off the precipice.

"Does it signify that someone, Viglund mayhap, is in danger? or does it signify we wander blindly towards our own doom?"

[Vladim]

After the questions of the children of the house on top of the hardships of the journey Ingi had fallen into a deep sleep. The dream however caused Ingi to stir, half awake and half mumbling - "where is this place and what are you doing here ?"

Faltering for a moment, caught between the reality of the dream and that of the homestead, Ingi begain to regain his sense of place. While the road and strange lodging are always hard enough to do so the reality of the dream made this task even more eerie and unnnerving. Finally the scent of the surrounding, the feel of Vefs fur and Munirs feathers, the glow of the embers and the low murmurings of his companions Ingi was reassured that this was at least the usual world that he inhabited.

Speaking up he asked "All again the same dream ? The tower, the song and the horse lord at the edge ?" pausing he continued "did you also have the sense of someone behind you, watching you ? - I did not turn for the figure at the edge seemed to urge the greater speed but..." trailing off he let his mind wonder towards the things unseen in his dream.

[Vladim]

"It was a tower, and I had that same feeling of another watching. But what makes you think he was a horse lord? I could not draw close enough to have a sense of him in my dream."