April 8 - Arwen and... anyone really Who?: Arwen, Legolas What?: Arwen's Arrival When?: April 8, Morning Where?: Redhorn Gate -> The Mansion Rating?: PG Status? Open
The ominous rumbles were the first sign of trouble. The fright of the others in the travelling party was almost palpable, a bitter taste in Arwen's mouth. She kept her thoughts well-hidden, her face calm, but her hand strayed to the hilt of her sword. Caradhras was treacherous at the best of times but today the mountain was exuding a steady, dark nastiness that neared outright hatred. She half expected the mountain to reveal itself as a balrog. Still, the party of elves continued onward.
Then came the cries of alarm from the scouts, scant moments before Arwen heard the sliding crash of snow falling from its place at the mountaintop. She yelled to the others behind to take cover. There would be no time to run- the snow was almost upon them, a rushing tide of white, unstoppable and inescapable. There was nothing but hope.
Arwen took a deep breath and shielded herself as best she could, pressing close against the rock of Caradhras until the stones bit into her hands and cheek as the wall of ice, rocks and snow came crashing down around her and she closed her eyes. The roar was terrible, blocking all thought- even her own scream was lost amid the tumult. Her thoughts flew to her father, sitting in a garden in Imladris and then… there was the soft sound of falling water and the terrible pressure and darkness seemed first lighter and then were gone entirely.
Arwen's gray eyes opened and she found herself pressed not against the dark mountain but against warm wood- a door. She pushed herself away from the door and turned, finding that she was no longer outside but in a bright room, her feet standing on smooth flooring instead of a mountain path. Before her was a fountain the like of which she had not seen, flanked by two curving stairs guarded by statues… and above, where the roof would be there were glass tiles letting in the light of day.
"Oh," was all the elf maid could muster for several long minutes. When she could remember to breathe again she looked around once more, hoping for some flash of recognition but the otherness of the structure was unsettling. She tried the door and found that it opened to reveal… Arwen gasped. Outside there was… not a mountain. A frown furrowing her brow, she let the door close and turned back to the room. Was this a dream? She did not hear—wait. There was something here, she could hear footsteps, voices… Arwen took a step to the side of the doorway and put her hand on her sword hilt and waited.