The Barracks

[Tinaldor]

Tinaldor smiled slightly.
"You are good, young elf, not many soldiers last as long as you have against me. You have my respect. Put your sword away, training is over young elf, I dotn want to risk hurting you anymore. You have just jumped three high hurdles in sword fighting: You learnt to gather rage and channel it, make your blade part of you, and you kept on your feet, until i kicked them from underneath you. A soldier like you would be most welcome in my army, there is a lot of promise in you."
He grinned.
"And the anger.... now the power that gives you, is beyond any you can imagine. remember that."
He sheathed his sword, and saluted the young warrior. He liked the way she fought. Walking over to Aerianeth, a suprised look rose to his face.
"Not many of her stature last so long against me! She deserves respect that one.... I reckon she should be more then just a soldier."

[Élraina LÓminís]

Élra watched Tinaldor carefully as he slide his sword in to its sheath; only once his had pulled away from it did she follow his orders and replace her weapon to her side. She listened as he praised her efforts even still she could not help but feel cheated. She had wanted to kill him so badly, had drawn so much anger from that thought she felt empty and drained when he snatched the chance from her hands. As a mark for respect she returned his salute with one of her own. As he turned away she shot a look at Hadril who had stood watching the pair spar with a big grin on his face. “You think you could have done better” she snapped under her breath while she waited for the lady of the valley to give her orders

[Tinaldor]

Tinaldor grinned, and watched and waited for Aeri to give orders. Meanwhile he sent a thought to the young She-elf Elraina
'Inside you, you can feel the power of anger, and hatred. That is the power a Dark Elf weilds. Your master herself is a Dark Elf... one who served me once upon a time, she weilds the same power. However, if you wish to train more with your sword, and in the ways of the Dark Elven, come to Mordor and I shall show you more of the ways of sword fighting.... and of the ways of bringing chaos'

[Aerianeth]

Aeri smirked. This one had the skills, the strength and the courage that she hoped all her soldiers had. She walked over to Elraina and smiled. "You have impressed me young one. Not many elves last long against Tinaldor. Trust me on that one," she said before winking. She smiled, hoping it would be infectious enough to pass onto Elraina. She turned to Tinaldor and sent him a thought.
This one...there's something different about her. Something stronger. I might send her your way for further training, she has learnt all she can here at the barracks. Maybe there is more I can teach her before I send her to you?
As she circled Elraina, she stopped in front of her and smiled.
"You are too good to be just a soldier. Consider yourself my new Sergeant," she placed a hard hand on her shoulder. The bone and muscle didn't move, but stayed strong, unlike other soldiers she had encountered.
"You are invited for a celebratory drink at the Inn. We have much to talk about there." She smiled and turned to a younger soldier beside her.
"Get this soldier a steed. One of my own. Turgon. He will be a perfect choice."
He nodded before running off. Aerianeth smirked again before glancing quickly at Tinaldor. She had a feeling this one would bring much victory.

[Élraina LÓminís]

Élraina moved over towards Hadril and turned back to face Lady Aeri, await for her words as if they would comfort the ache and emptiness she felt after her sparing with Tinaldor. It was not a physical pain but a throbbing in her soul that she could not ignore. Suddenly a pain seared across her temples and she flinched, her eyes drawn instantly back to the dark lord in her mind his voice ran out clearer than if her had stood face to face with her, she had no choice but to listen as he tempted her with promises of power and status unlike anything she had considered... and then it was gone and with it the throbbing in her head..

She stared at him from where she stood and could almost see the hint of a confident grin on his face. She would never leave her beloved home for the evilness of Mordor… well at least not forever. She eyed the lady of the valley in a new light, if one so beautiful and so seemingly pure to pass in to the darkness and return maybe it was possible... she stopped herself mid thought.. cursing her lack of resistance, she was being sucked in to his way of thinking even as she tried to back away from it she was falling deeper… maybe the future was inevitable .. Maybe she had already past the point of no return…

She was dragged from her thoughts by the strong hand of Lady Aerianeth on her shoulder. Élra stood proud as she was given a promotion to sergeant... and she could not help but blush as the lady’s offer of a horse from those in her own stable... she saluted Aeri “thank you m’lady... it will be my honour to join you in the Inn, my throat is dry from the sparing and I could defiantly do with a drink” she grinned.

[Tinaldor]

Tinaldor sent a thought back to Aerianeth.
'Yes, this one seems to have qualities far greater then the usual soldier, and far greater then one of her stature. However, she is unlikely to recieve my training, as she still has a mind resistant against evil. I deem the power she has just weilded has scared her. I believe you can train her more in the power we Dark Elves weild, and she will be more receptive to you. If you feel the need for her to train with me and my Dark Elves, just send her to Mordor, and I will go through training with her. '

[Aerianeth]

I will think about her training, let me get to know her. I will be able to decide better then. Aeri replied.
Knowing that Tinaldor's and her own silence was confusing Elraina, she smiled proudly before glancing behind her. The young elf soldier had arrived, Turgon held close to him, the reins slightly slack as the mighty steed was obedient.
"Thank you soldier," Aeri said while taking the reins from him. She patted Turgon's neck lightly. He was a dark grey colour, with a black mane and tail. This one had been trained for war, and had seen a few. Although young, he was a strong and obedient horse. Perfect for her new sergeant.
"Here, this one will serve you well I'm sure. Just make sure he knows who's boss."
She handed Elraina the reins and smiled.

[Tinaldor]

Tinaldor watched from the background, his face showing no emotion, except for a slight curl of the left corner of his lips. The seeds of evil had been planted. Elraina would soon belong to the Dark Elven ranks.

[Aerianeth]

Aerianeth knew Tinaldor too well. Don't get too ahead of yourself Tinaldor, she's still in my army.
She smirked at him before turning back to Elraina.

[Tinaldor]

I dont plan on her taking her from you friend... just corrupting her... he smirked himself... things would get fun.

[Telarath]

Telarath stood back, all the whilst watching the duel that had taken place. He had known there was something different about this elf and what he had just seen had only gone to strengthen that. He slowly and methodically walked over to Lady Aeri. "M'lady, t'would seem that we are beginning to swell in soldiers whom will be a much needed asset. I only hope that we see this for many years.....and together as well."

[Aerianeth]

Aerianeth smiled and scanned the armies. She breathed in the mild air and glanced at Telerath.
"Our soldiers have good training and are strong, courageous. But that is not all they need. They have high spirits. I never dreamed of having such a magnificent army, they will certainly be put to good use. Let's hope we will live this next battle, for I can see quite a future ahead of us, Lord Telerath."
She smiled at him, before turning her gaze back to the army.

[Aerianeth]

A few days later:
4:22am

Aerianeth slowed as she reached the large gates leading into Rivendell's barracks. The air was cool and crisp, but just warm enough to leave you feeling refreshed and awake. Galdor slowed to a trot as the guards stood from their posts and opened the gates for the Lady. She nodded to them in thanks and continued through the gates to the dusty training ground. The first thing she noticed was the lone figure stood, observing the barracks. "Right on time," she thought to herself. With the sound of Galdor's hooves made the soldier turn to face Aeri and her steed. In the lonely light of fire, she noticed the slight smile that covered his lips. She walked Galdor over to a manger and dismounted. She slapped him on his neck before tying the stallion to a nearby post. The elf began to walk over to her and as he did, hairs pricked up on the back of Aeri's neck. She hadn't spared in so long, so much to do, she had been so busy. Finally, time to fight, to practice, to gather back that skill that might had faded. She walked towards him and they met, no four feet from where they had started. "Elendil Meneldur, it has been too long." He chuckled and embraced her. "Too true, my friend." They broke away from each other and smiled. "So are you ready to begin?" he asked her, a smirk etched into his features. She chuckled and replied, "Oh, definately." Not a moment after her last syllable, Elendil pulled out his sword and swung at Aerianeth. Her quick thinking, and swift movement led to a dodge and a quick reply in the form of her two short swords. He laughed heartily, "You certainly have improved from when you were just a youngun." She smiled. "Well, you know me." He ran towards her, the glint of his blade bright. She gripped her swords tighter, and as he approached, she held one up to his. A loud clang filled the air, and as she swung under the blades towards his stomach, she heard the familiar sound of cloth ripping. He jumped back from her, and quickly observed his wound. "That was new." She chuckled and ran aside him, swinging her blades. He dodged and fought, as best as he could before finally slitting a large swift cut along her forearm. She winced as blood begin to seep through the wound, staining her beige cloth training shirt. "Well done," she said, trying to hide her annoyance. Maybe she was a little too thingyy for her own good. He bowed jokily, sending a smile to her face, one she really didn't want to show. She quickly exchanged her short swords for her long sword and waited readily for her opponent to attack. She had spared with this elf so many times, she liked to think he was predictable. She swallowed the lump in her throat and gripped the long sword tighter. She loved the feeling of the cold metal hilt against her skin. It reminded her of so many good times, and good wars, if there ever were such a thing. Before she got lost in her own thoughts, Galdor neighed, causing her to wake up and realise Elendil was heading towards her, blade upright, aimed for her. She chuckled. Too predictable. She threw her blade into the air, just in time for his sword to hit hers, the loud noise of metal hitting metal throwing a smile on her face. She held her strength in her and continued to try and fight him off. Her arm muscles grew tighter and tighter as he kept pushing. She began to feel weakness and knew this was her only chance. She smiled and pulled a small dagger from her belt, slicing at Elendil's arm, causing enough cuts for him to back away. "I could call that cheating." She smirked. "Do you really think rules have ever stopped me before?" He held up his hand to her, stop. She put her sword back into her belt and walked over to him. "That wasn't as long as I had hoped." He put away his sword. "I'm not as young as I used to be, my lady." She smiled and clapped him on the shoulder. "When you're ready, we shall try again." She winked at him, before walking over to Galdor. She took her bottle of water, took a few sips and stretched her shoulder and neck muscles, a series of clicks telling her all was well. "Let's try that again now shall we?" she said to Elendil with a smirk.

[Targuhl Dawneater]

Targuhl, who had crept passed the guards and despatched the sentinal on the walls of the barracks with his bow, (the hunter had long since learned that all life is cheap, unless it be his own) stepped out of the shadows and approached the Lord Telerath.
Lord! I have come the Enchanted Vale in hope of finding an elf-smith still alive in Middle-Earth who could help me to reimburse my, er, little armoury, I had to leave a large amount of armour and weaponry buried under a tree in the brown lands, payment for a spell that the long-forgotten ent-wives that hide there had given me. Now, as I have tried the gates of Moria, which are shut, and I know that the lore of the smiths of Nan Elmoth lies more in the forging of magic and charms, I need from you or your kin armour such as would befit a prince of the Eldar. What sya you to his request?

[Telarath]

Telarath began to let his eyes wonder, as his keen sense of hearing detected someone approaching. He watched as Targuhl made his way over. The noble Elf lord listened as the young one began to speak. He, then began to speak.[/i] "Whilst I do have compassion for your plight, I think that you already have a debt to pay. You owe for the slaying of my kinsmen. Once this debt has been repaid, only then will I consider your request."