The One Ring to Rule them All

[Sereméla]

Seremela waited in the private family area of the Palace, where her brother would be returning at any moment. They had grown up close, but in the years of the War, small fights broke out between them. After it was over though, they had let the tension ease once more. But then, after their family left for the Grey Havens, her brother had set out for his own adventuring. He had sent word home that he would make it back today.

She sat excited, though somewhat nervous, hoping it would be a good return home.

[Erestor Ciryatan]

Erestor, out of habit, confidently and stealthily entered the family area of the Palace. He entered so stealthily, in fact, that he accidently surprised his older sister, Seremela. Looking at her with an air of amusement, he said, "Did I scare you, sis?"

[Sereméla]

"No more than you usually do," she said with a sigh. She stood up, rolling her eyes at Erestor. "Long time no see, brother."

[Erestor Ciryatan]

"What's that supposed to mean?" he said with a grin. He looked around the palace. It brought back a lot of memories. Memories of good things...but there was also the things that made him run away...he jarred himself out of his reveire and said, "What's happened since I left? I havn't been keeping touch."

[Sereméla]

"Not much...around here." She frowned. "But Middle Earth is definitely stirring. The peace after the War of the Ring has not lasted long. A wizard named Incanus has turned to evil, just as Saruman had. She is making many strange creatures for her own army. Safety is lessening." Seremela sighed and sat down. "I have called the favor of our Elvish friends of Mirkwood and Rivendell. They are both here as guests. The alliance is with them, and of course Gondor as well, as long as we have Arwen there. But, let's not speak of evil much longer. Where have you been?"

[Erestor Ciryatan]

Erestor sat down next to Seremela, "My travels took me to the west," he said, "After going through the Mines of Moria, I managed to make it to Rivendell, and stayed there for about a month. Then I left for Bree. I didn't stay there long, though, the race of men has a peculiar smell to them. Then I departed to the Shire, where I met with Gandalf, and he asked me to help him watch over Frodo. I helped fight off the Riders during their pursuit of the Hobbits. After the Hobbits made it safely to Rivendell, I wandered the Western Lands, seeing many sights and honing my combat skills. After hearing of the Ring's destruction, I decided to check up on my family, because I knew that they couldn't just sit by and let four Hobbits, two men, a wizard, an elf, and a dwarf carry the weight of Middle Earth alone. And I have a feeling that you and others were greatly involved in the War of the Ring." He looked at his sister, "Well?"

[Sereméla]

Seremela smiled. She didn't know her brother had played such an important role. They, of course had not, though she had seen the fellowship. "I also got to see this strange party," she said, waving her hand off at the thought. "But did not much more than hospitality as they stayed here for a while. Then, we had many go to War. I fought myself with very few other Elvish woman at Pelennor Fields." She looked down sadly. "I was the only of us to make it back alive."

[Erestor Ciryatan]

"I'm sorry," Erestor said. He hated to see his sister so sad, but he couldn't think of anthing else to say.

[Sereméla]

She looked back up again, almost defiantly. "But, it's over now. We must not dwell on the past. We are needed now. And what has been in your head brother, not coming back sooner?"

[Erestor Ciryatan]

"I didn't feel any need to," he said, "things seem to get done faster out there." He waved his hand toward the west, "Less talk, more action, and you of all people should know that I'm a rare breed: an impatient elf."

[Sereméla]

"You always were the one for the behind the scenes action only," she said, smiling and shaking her head. "Whereas I'm here to take care of our people and fight with them if necessary. I guess I more of the politics breed. Except an honest politician. Imagine that!"

[Erestor Ciryatan]

Erestor smiled, "I've seen enough men that make a mockery of that profession to know exactly what you're talking about."

[Sereméla]

Seremela smiled and shook her head. "If there were more of both of us in this world, then we wouldn't have the problems we do."

[Erestor Ciryatan]

"Well, there arn't," said Erestor, "and that brings us back to the problems. What can I do to make up for my absence in these turbulent times?"

[Sereméla]

"Well, for one, we have a prisoner. A wizard friend that was in love with Incanus that came to us. He is technically free to leave at any time. But...if he so chooses so, I would really like to see if his allegiance is where he says it is. With us."