Not So Comforting Welcome

ooc Note: this scene was so long, I split it into two parts. 

Dark Citadel - Steps
The spirals of the Dark Citadel's towers ascend into the sky to a dizzying height. The black stones that form the walls seem to draw the light in, replacing hope with despair. A great marble stairway runs up to the monstrous doorway of this temple, strange umber stains upon the steps that appear to be dried blood. Within the shadowed recesses of shuttered windows hundred of feet up, black ravens crouch in eery silence.

In front of the Citadel doors stand the Citadel Guard, more than simply an honorary title by the looks of these watchers, requiring those entering or exiting to pass under their scrutiny. As well, the Guard serves to protect the donation box, a twisted monstrosity of black steel, resting beside the temple's entrance.
 
People stream in and out of the Citadel doors, seeking solace and spiritual comfort within the temple's walls. The guards outside the Citadel's massive double doors actively scan the crowds, at constant vigil.

Contents:
Sindri
Donation Box
Citadel Guards
Obvious exits:
Citadel Doors and Rath Bad-Nez

[+TIME] Middle-earth time is:
Mid Morning on Sterday, 2nd Yule.
Execute the +TIMEFRAME command for year information.

Real time is: 18:27:59 MDT on Thu Jan 21 2010.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
Even the light of the mid morning sun does not brighten the facade of the towering black structure of the Dark Citadel a slightly gloomy and foreboding place it seems, with the usual raven birds perched in the high window sills, dark aura, and intimidating guards. But nevertheless it is a place of rest, comfort, and worship for those believers of the Eye, and the early morning sees people of all walks of life climbing toward its entrance.

One of these approaching is a young girl, appearing barely fifteen years in age. A red headscarf she wears, and a black dress that seems to fade into and merge with the jet walls of the Citadel. Up the steps Tasnim heads, manuevering through the crowd as more and more of the city trickle by.

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri is actually moving down the flight of stairs a few steps, he's already been within the Citadel, giving his thanks to the Dark Lord of Mordor. Indeed, the stench of blood still hangs around him, and the smell of burnt flesh marks him as having perhaps performed some duties of a priest. Like any good priest, he also holds a bottle in hand, sipping deeply from it, watching those who pass by, perhaps, for those unworthy to be here, or perhaps, those whom will next be on the slab and their innards ripped out.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
About halfway up the marble stairs, Tasnim stops, dark eyes flickering upward briefly to behold the spires of this Holy Place that stretch upward to dizzying heights. But then a slight frown mars her expression, and she wrinkles her nose a tiny bit, gaze dropping to peer around for the sourse of the smell. What the girl sees however, is the nearby form of Sindri, and the eyes glance him over curiously but saying nothing for the moment.

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri isn't really aware of any one staring at him, he's taking another slug from the bottle, and forming a grimace. "I still can not acquire a taste for this grog!" He snarls out, like some one near by should have a cure for why he can't appreciate grog like a Corsair does.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
"I do not think continuing to drink it will soon fix that, sir," the girl finally speaks, moving to the side in order to not hinder the flow of incoming city dwellers. "I see you have paid your respects already?" She asks, taking a sniff again. "I..." Tasnim hesitates for a second, "have decided to do likewise. My family used to Hero Worship, but...have chosen to convert. Is burning oneself what showing our thanks for the Dark One entails?"

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri's eyes drift towards the speaker, and he stares at her, with out blinking, as if he's trying to flay her soul for a transgression. "I partake in the sacrifices, I know enough to be of aid to the order of priests." He says quietly, finally blinking after an uncomfortable period of time. "I do not have to burn my own flesh and blood to gain the favour of The Eye." he says, firmly.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
The unnatural staring does not seem to bother her greatly, though it is a time before she replies. "I see," Tasnim nods, regard shifting a little to look beyond at the great entrance. "I am sure there are priests or others who can aid me in proper rituals then. I would not want to seem ungrateful to Him, by performing them wrongly."

A pause. "You appear to be knowledgable in the Citadel, if you do not mind me saying so. Do you know if they are in need of any scribes, perchance?"

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri's fingers recork the bottle, to hide it back under his vestments as he turns to begin walking up the stairs, beckoning her to follow. "Lady Mara will be the one to answer that, for she is the High Priestess of The Eye. I do not doubt they may require some scribes, and I for one, would suspect if any thing else, you could scrub floors for a living." He says with a joking cant to his voice. "Besides, Mid Day approaches, soon the streets will sound with men hawking their wares, prostitutes trying to seduce corsairs, and broken voices yelling at each other for imagined slights."

[Tasnim(#16424)]
This earns a grin from the young girl, oddly enough. "Much quieter inside, no doubt," she says, making to follow the man into the building. "Yes, even scrubbing floors is a better occupation than naught at all. I will not complain if it offers a way of income."

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri's hands go to pull open the Citadel Doors, holding them open for her, and others to stream in, once she passes through, he too shall follow. "A scribe shouldn't need to fall to such a level.." he says as they ring shut behind them.

Sindri climbs the steps and enters into the Dark Citadel.
Sindri has left.

At the top of the stairs, you reach a set of large red double doors, fitted with small Eye-shaped windows. The door opens easily and emits a long low-pitched squeak.

Dark Citadel - Central Chamber
The worship area is very dark and cast in dim shades of red and black. It is difficult to see far in this place, and what can be seen is made possible only by the glowing red light emitting from a deep and menacing pit, and small clusters of candles throughout the cavernous temple.

The ceiling above must be several hundred feet high at its peak. While standing still, the sounds of bats above can faintly be heard. Through the flickering, several protrusions from the walls can barely be made out. They may be balconies of some sort, but then again, there is no way to tell for sure.

The floor is of deepest black marble, covered in some places by a thick, plush red carpet to form aisles leading to the glow of the pit. Near the pit, the faint outline of what must be an altar can be seen.

 
Contents:
Sindri
Mara
Glowing Pit
Oak Chest
Obvious exits:
Antechamber , Library , Priest's Alcove , and Out

[Tasnim(#16424)]
Stepping into this place is like treading into a world of perpetual darkness, illumnated by strange displays of red light that dance out from the depths of a large pit fixated nigh the middle of the room. Above, the high ceiling disappears into shadow, and it is toward this that Tasnim's gaze looks toward first as she enters, ere the girl's dark eyes are cast about to lay sight on the surroundings. Her head turns, and halts for a moment toward the distant altar.

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri seems quite at home here, perhaps because it is home here. "I will send word to Lady Mara you wish to speak to her, in the mean time, you may seek the blessings of the Dark Lord of Mordor." he says, moving towards the Altar, to intercept an attendant whom is milling about, exchanging hushed words with the young lad, whom rushes off to deliver word to Lady Mara one hopes he does, or he might end up upsetting Sindri for being lazy.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
Simple awe, or perhaps fear of seeming disrespectful stills her tongue, and Tasnim offers a voiceless nod to Sindri's words, watching as he paces ahead to the altar. But toward that slab of cold stone the young girl ventures no further at first, and instead she settles herself a little closer than halfway through the vast temple room. Lowering to kneel upon the red carpet that spreads in rows across the floor, Tasnim bows her head, eyes closed tight as soft mutterings part her lips. The crimson headscarf she wears begins to fall slightly from one shoulder, but she pays no heed to it, hands clasped firmly together over her chest.

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri doesn't pay her much mind as he moves to one side, to watch those who approach the altar, seeing whom is more devout, whom seems to only pay lip services to the Eye, besides, he has little to do with the scribe, at least, not unless he suddenly decides he should bother to learn more about her..

[Mara(#22296)] An acolyte comes out from the high priestess's room and quivering a bit, comes over to Sindri and Tasnim. "Your pardon, but the High Priestess is preparing for a meeting with the Lady Seaward at the moment. She would be happy to meet with you afterwards."

Eruphel enters from outside.
Eruphel has arrived.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
Dark eyes open once more to note the arrival of the acolyte, and at last Tasnim pauses to break her silence. "That is well," answers the prospective scribe. "I will gladly await her return. I shall be here a while thank you," she gives a new nod, ere resuming her muted prayer.

Mara pulls on the shimmering golden handles of the heavy oak door and enters the Dark Citadel - Antechamber.
Mara has left.

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri lightly inclines his head to the Acolyte. "Of course, this matter is relatively trivial, I wouldn't wish to disturb her." He says before moving to sit near the scribe, now he has to wait, and thats arguably, quite boring.

[Eruphel(#20109)]
The doors to the citadel open, and a group of blue-clad people, warriors and scribes and others enter together. The lady among them, the one the others seem to flock around, pauses to press some coins into a box before she continues in. Some of the others in her party, but not all, follow suit. Once properly advanced into the chamber, the woman, Lady Eruphel of Seaward, pauses to look about. "I wish to see the High Priestess." she announces.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
Prayer ended, Tasnim looks toward Sindri as he takes a seat beside her. "You are not a priest or student here?" the girl inquires. "You are clothed in similar vestments."

But then the doors open and the Seaward group enter, and Tasnim turns her head to watch. "The Acolyte mentioned the Lady Mara was in her chambers, preparing for a meeting, I believe," she says, inclining her head toward the Lady of Seaward.

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri stands suddenly when Lady Eruphel enters, and he gives a mocking bow, he hasn't learned his lesson yet. "It is as this one says, she is in the chamber yonder." He says, extending a hand to show the way, and then he returns to speaking with the young scribe. "I was raised with in these chambers, with in these halls." He explains.

[Eruphel(#20109)]
This sight of Sindri brings recognition to Eruphel's eyes. But for Tasnim, her expression is blank. She nods to them both. "Thank you. Come Suniti..." she says needlessly as she continues inward to the High Priestess's chambers.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
"Raised here?" Tasnim throws her gaze around as the Seaward Haradrim pass: the dark walls, candles, firepit, altar, and faint fluttering noises of bats not seeming as much what she would consider home. "You must have seen much. Forgive me, but I do not think I could do the same. There is an aura about this place...it is welcoming and yet uncomfortable. Inticing, and yet intimidating. Foreboding almost."

Eruphel pulls on the shimmering golden handles of the heavy oak door and enters the Dark Citadel - Antechamber.
Eruphel has left.

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri inclines his head a bit at the question, to confirm, he was indeed, raised here. "Lady Mara helped raise me, if you can believe such a thing, I am her nephew, in a fashion." he explains to the scribe with a pleasent grin on his features.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
"That must have been an honor indeed," remarks the other, her grin indicating that she does in fact belief her companion's word, "to be raised by the High Priestess." Tasnim falls silent, peering absentmindedly toward the distant altar. "What is your desire for your future, if you are not destined for the priesthood?"

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri's eyebrow raises at this, showing it's thinness as he does so. "To Serve my Father, the Dark Lord of Mordor." He says, before letting his voice slip into the Dark Tongue as he says this with a chilling smile, madness dancing in his brown eyes.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
If there was awe upon her entry into this temple, it is nothing compared to the utter look of surprise the young Haradrim gives to Sindri as he answers. For a passing minute she watches him blankly, uncertain if it is a joke she is supposed to laugh at. "Father.." she repeats softly to herself. "The Dark Lord is the mighty hand over us all, for all of us to seek to serve in one way or another." Tasnim's eyes study the man's face as she speaks slowly. "He is my Master, and likewise I could perhaps reason to say that I am a Daughter under his following."

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri lightly inclines his head, moving to rest his chin in his palm, legs drawn in, he looks amused by her. "I was raised in his graces, and I know no other father." He murmurs to the scribe, his eyes becoming half lidded as he observes her.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
Tasmin offers a nod, easing herself into a more comfortable position than her previous kneeling. "If you have been blessed by His graces, then I do not doubt a fair and profitable future lays before you, provided you maintain faith. He is a giver of great things for those who believe, they say, but harsh to those who rebuke and arose His anger." Her hands stray to fiddle with one of the pendants around her neck, and through the dim lighting it might be glimpsed the carving of the red Eye upon the stone circle. "As I mentioned before, I have left the practice of Hero Worship, and I hope to serve Him as best as I may."

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri's eyes dance with mirth, biting back a cheeky remark to her. "Be careful scribe, he is known for a humor that isn't always enjoyable, especially in the dark pits, where your body might be broken to breed a dark army." she should note, there is no joking tone in his voice, at all, he seems quite serious.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
The eyes that regard the man widen perceptively, and the scribe swallows ere speaking. "All the more reason to not fail His expectations, nor threaten His power." Tasnim's sight flickers to the cruel stone of the altar. "They are taken there, aren't they?" the girl breathes, whispering almost. "The ones who are faithless, and who have upset Him? Sacrifices?"

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri's gaze dances over towards the stones and he nods his head a bit. "Knives flash, and blood is spilled in his name, for his delight." He says, a shame there isn't a load of slaves destined for such acts for her to witness. "Lady Mara will indoctrinate you better then I shall." he informs her in a conversational tone, his moods are apparently..sporadic.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
The returning casual tone is missed for the instant, as the scribe is still quite occuppied digesting the images of the dreadful dancing knives and blood that they spill to adorn the stone slab and floor. "Lady Mara," says Tasnim at last, "what is she like? I have heard stories, but have yet to meet her in person." The girl bites her lip, perhaps wondering whether the High Priestess is as intimidating as the temple she influences.

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri laughs at this question, for he is the last one to ask how she will act to another. "Scribe, I can walk up to her, and embrace her, do you think I have a normal relationship with her? Corsairs rumor, I am her son, and perhaps, I am, perhaps, I am not, but we are family in some fashion, thus, my words will carry a bias." He says, explaining why he chooses not to answer the question so quickly.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
"I understand," replies the other, sighing a little. "I am sorry...I have been too curious for my own good, and have bombarded you with questions while not allowing you the same opportunity. If there is anything you would ask of me, I shall try and answer it."

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri lightly rolls his shoulders at this statement. "There isn't much for me to do, Lady Mara is busy, and the vessel Lady Eruphel said I will serve upon has not yet called for me to embark upon it." He says, stretching his legs briefly.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
"Do you aspire to become a Corsair?" Tasnim grins, hand still sliding the beads of her necklaces through her fingers. "It is an honorable and esteemed position. A harsh life, but rewarding to those who are hardy enough to take up their home at sea, and raid our enemies." A second hand drops lower to play idly against the rough surface of the red rug beneath.

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri's arms cross over his chest, he looks haughty at this question. "Hmph, I'll never become some lowly corsair, my goals are merely to some day captain a Vessel, to raid and conquer the coasts in the name of The Eye, for I've had visions of an Elven Greatship, debased and remade to his images and fell designs." He says to the scribe, madness glittering in his eyes.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
"Indeed," says the scribe, a smirk rising to form on her tanned features as she listens. "I should like to see that--a great fabled ship of myth turned into such fell make. It would knock the Eldar Race from its pedestal, make a mockery of their craft. I hope you succeed in that plan, should this vision come to pass."

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri removes that bottle again, to take a small sip from it as they discuss. "I believe I can motivate any crew to sail that far, a chance to plunder ancient Elven treasures, and take their maidens to slack masculine thrists?" He says, believing this rheotorical question will answer many things.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
"You are very confident in your ability," ponders the girl, and her eyes take note of the bottle that reappears. "That could be both a good thing and a bad thing."

Curiousity knows no bounds this day it seems. "I do not know much about the Elven folk. How far would you have to sail? Stories say their race wanes there are not many of them left."

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri places the bottle on the ground next to him, and gently massages his chin in thought. "If the current and winds favour a Corsair vessel, it could take around a month to sight the Havens, the battle would be swift, for from all accounts, the Elves do wane, and have never truly guarded the Haven to my knowledge." he says to her, he seems to have thought this out, or truly, had a vision from The Eye.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
"Though a battle might be swift, and a defense of these Havens lacking, it would still be wise to not neglect bringing along a full crew," says Tasnim, the clinking of the beads growing more audible as she twists them in thought. "For surely, returning aboard such a splendid ship will draw unwanted attention as it comes back to harbor. I do not think the Stonelanders would let it pass without a say--and they are likely to draw swords in negotiation than lone words."

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri's gaze shows some lively hood again, she's questioning his plan! "I am aware of whom will oppose such a vessel's passage, but we will bring more then a full crew, I wish to see a Corsair squadron sweep upon the Gray Haven, and break every elf therein, on the surf." he says, actually cackling at the visage of carnage.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
"It is a bold plan, but clever," another smirk lights her countenance, looking oddly contrasted to the otherwise youthful innocence that is usual in its place. "Steal and reshape one of their vessels of legend, while at the same time expediting their peoples' diminishment. I think you will have done the Eye well, if this is accomplished. Perhaps then the wretched Stonelanders will learn to fear us more."

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri lightly inclines his head at her, he's warming up to her. "The Corsairs will then have a vessel to rally behind, and perhaps, the Gondor navy will be crushed under boot heel and we will rule the coast unopposed."

[Tasnim(#16424)]
"And retake the lands to the north that should be Umbar's," continues the girl, the unpleasant grin retaining a sickly excitement. "Drive them out of their forest nigh the Crossings, and herd them into their holes in their City." Tasnim takes a breath then, seeming to calm slightly, though the gleam in her eyes remains.

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri raises an eyebrow again, perhaps amused she shows such fanaticism in her thoughts. "Here I thought you were a scribe, perhaps you'd be better serving in the way of a blade in the back of some poor Gondor sentry, or seducing a magistrate and slitting his throat." he says, grinning a bit, he does indeed, like her.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
"Perhaps," replies Tasnim, and she sighs. "But firstly the issue for me to consider if a fairly reliable source of income. Afterward...who knows?" She smiles, though this time it is not quite as fanatically pronounced. Indeed it has resumed its almost normal contortion. "I cannot picture myself upon the high seas." She rubs her forehead a moment, tiredly, sparing a glance toward the gold handled door into which the Lady of Seaward vanished.

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri follows her gaze, and then looks back at her through his half lidded eyes. "Oh yes, by all means, go right on in, let your impatience show, but I think your interview would be short, before they threw you to the Altar." he says, it sounds serious enough of a tone.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
The hands stops, and drops limp into the scribe's lap as she reverts her attention to the man next to her. "I cannot hazard a look at the door?" Tasnim quirks an eyebrow. But then her voice grows quieter once more. "I would not dare do that--to disturb such an important meeting." She trails off into silence, eyeing the altar looming in the corner nevertheless.

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri coughs lightly when she looks at the Altar. "First, we bind them down..and begin to chant the mantras, and then I like to start cutting the eye into their belly." he says, as if explaining part of the ritual to her. "Tis better if they scream for mercy, for I'll almost give them hope, then slice open their skin, to let them see their own entrails."

[Tasnim(#16424)]
A small shudder passes through her body, though whether it is due to fear, disgust, or that same curiousity remains unclear. Perhaps it is a combination of all these emotions. "Cutting the eye into their belly? What do you mean? How can one cut an eye into his victim, unless you mean filling them with the terror of the Great One..." Tasnim's stare does not leave the stone slab as she inquires, and the grimace would suggest she is not expecting a pleasant answer to such a disturbing topic.

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri's fingers move and a dagger is produced, and she suddenly feels the cold steel against her robe, over her belly. "Like this." he says, tracing, but not cutting, the Eye into her skin, a very cruel reminder of where she is, and whom she serves, and it might confirm, Sindri isn't right in the head, the way he almost cuts her though, has a sensual quality to it, and his look is that of a young and charming rogue.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
There is a sharp intake of breath, and an involuntary flinch as the chill blade touches again, the scribe shivers, though she makes no attempt to move away from the foul dagger. It is not so much the weapon that steals the words from Tasnim's mouth, but rather the slightly mad look that she has seen in the other's eyes. She exhales slowly, carefully, as if expecting the sutble action's motion to draw the sharp tip of the dagger lower--whether by fate or its wielder's intention. The girl waits, frozen in place, eyes still fixated upon that haunted stone of death beyond.

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri slowly withdraws the dagger and snickers a bit. "Scribe, if ever you become with child, I shall place the Eye upon your womb, so your child forever be blessed by the Fell energies." he says, judging from his tone of voice, he actually thinks such a ceremony is a good idea.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
And as the dagger disappears, the scribe relaxes, although Tasnim's eyes linger upon the hand that replaced it. Her breath comes more naturally again, and for a moment she tilts her head in evident contemplation. "It would be an honor, and a blessing," she responds after a length. "I know you have expressed otherwise more than once during our conversation, but you would make a fine priest. Your soul and actions seem to burn with His flame...the fire that consumes all."

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri snickers and removes his fingers from her and picks up that bottle, to sip from it. "I do his bidding at the behest of Lady Mara, should she ask, I can perform ceremonies, just as I can put a blade between a man's shoulders, as readily as I can cook for her guests." he explains.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
"Only cooking /for/ them?" the girl asks. "Leave the word 'for' out...do the priests ever burn the sacrifices upon the altar?" She turns her head back in that direction, as if to search more closely for scorch marks on the stone surface, or what little of it she can see in the dim lighting of the room.

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri lightly cants his head at the question. "Well, not on the altar..persay, but the pit, yes." he says, though the pit has no end to his knowledge. "Some have volunteered to be such a sacrifice, and I've consumed some of their blood and flesh."

[Tasnim(#16424)]
"I can't imagine that would taste very wonderful," Tasnim wrinkles her nose at the thought. "That is an involving ritual then, to require the performer to devour his victim's life blood. The Eye is a merciless god to those whom He deems worthy of His punishment."

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri lightly licks his lips at the question of taste. "Man flesh has..certain flavours, similiar to pork, except much more tender." He says, grinning a bit. "Perhaps you'll dine with me over it some time?"

[Tasnim(#16424)]
"Um..." Tasnim risks a peer around, but none of the other passing Citadel students or worshipers are paying any attention to the pair upon the floor, nor their discussion. "I would rather pass, but..." she admits, and then shakes her head a little. "Did you not get sick the first time you did such? It is not usual dietary food, at least none that I have eaten."

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri's eyebrows furrow a bit, he's trying to remember. "Those who raised me, did such things, it is natural for the priestly order, isn't it?" he asks, trying to remember if he had ever been made ill by this.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
"I would not know whether it is natural or not," says the scribe. "But I will take your word on it, as you would know better than me. In any case," she attempts to alter the subject, "the pit--does one simply toss the victim in, and be done with it? The hole looks extremely deep, but by the glow there must be that fire at the bottom of it."

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri looks towards the pit when asked these questions. "Some times, they are tossed in, other times, organs are burned one by one, and I..do not think the fires are natural." he admits to her.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
"No," agrees the other, "but it does not surprise me. This entire place seems to possess an eerie quality, unearthly, almost. There might be some sort of mixture or potion that can create flames of such make, or perhaps it is something more...beyond."

Tasnim looks upward toward the invisible ceiling veiled in darkness, and the equally black colored walls. "There are shadows everywhere," she whispers, eyes widening once more, "and they feel as if they press down on one's shoulders: a crushing pressure, driven by a might that threatens to smother all..." her head returns to face Sindri. "...and yet I am just as drawn to it as I am afraid."

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri lightly extends fingers to show them to encompass all with in the Citadel. "This is what the bastion of a true god should feel like. The Eye is the seat of all that feels of strength, we find unity in the worship of The Eye, and it is his Fell creations that safeguard our freedoms." he says, eyes dancing with prophetic madness.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
The scribe watches her companion, and the religious insanity he displays mesmerizes her, appearing to overpower any traces of rational fear she should otherwise be showing. "Trolls and Orcs are His creations, and they are wretched, as much as they are useful to His will. And in Umbar He has even more followers, not as pitiful or lowly as those ilk. May He continue to reward those who serve and trust in Him faithfully." Tasnim nods toward the man. "You have the Dark One's blessing, I am certain of it from the way you speak. Pretenders would have backed down, but you have slain in His name, and consumed the flesh of His condemned without hesitation."

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri's eyes dance with mirth, he enjoys how delicately she plays his ego, it's a rush of power as it were. "Some Corsairs, whisper I am birthed of fell blood, for I am not of their blood, I harken to some thing darker, far more noble, some think perhaps, I do not belong in this realm." He says, recounting rumors spread by the uneducated.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
"A demon-child..." the scribe frowns, trying to recall something. "I thought I had heard one of the peasants mentioning a title similar to thus one day. Of course most of the bystanders dismissed it as foolish babbling of a madman. Perhaps they are not simple mindless rumors, afterall." She narrows her eyes, scrutinizing Sindri's expression carefully. "If it is indeed more true than some believe, then you have been most blessed...to call yourself a Son of the Eye, and to mean it verily not only a saying or expression used by the priests to convey unity in their god."

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri's almost preening, she's stroking his ego quite well, if he does hold clout with Lady mara, she'll soon be a scribe, no doubts of this. "The peasent might have still been half mad from the ingestion of too much rum or grog." He says, always seeking to sow chaos concerning rumors like this, the less people truly know of him, the more fearful they become.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
"True," agrees the girl, "and it is percisely that element of uncertainty that can trouble people, and set their minds at unease. Was the poor peasant true, or not? Lies or truths?" Tasnim grins, cupping her chin in one palm while the other resumes its playful fidgetting with the necklace. "It is the mystery that sows doubt, and fear as well. The Dark Lord must know this as well, for His servants obey Him because of their terror of dark unknown punishments, as well as obeying Him out of loyalty."

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri leans back a bit, stretching his legs again. "We are dead, only in victory are we brought before the Eye, and only the eye can give us life. Victory is life." he says, it sounds like a mantra at any rate, or at least, he could pass it off as one.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
The scribe is silent for a while as she ponders this new statement. "Victory brings us before the Eye, who alone can give life, which in turn is that same victory which brought us there," repeats Tasnim, tilting her head to the side. "It is like a never ending cycle, or a paradox even. Again the mystery element comes into play."

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri lightly balls his powerful hand into a fist. "Those fools of Gondor, preach lies, they claim The Eye perverted forms of men and elves, and that he introduced evil into this world. I defy them, to say, there is no darkness in their heart, a pety notion to fight admist them selves, over table scraps. Do we men of The Eye not have peace admist each other, for we entrust our selves to his Benefices? They are the monsters, unwilling to unify behind One God, One Master. Their fears, their barbarism has given form to what they call orcs, and trolls." He says with a strong confidence.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
"You are saying that the men of Gondor and the like have created trolls and such monsters, if I understand you right?" Tasnim arches a brow, as if in amusement. "Did not the Eye Himself devise these tools of His evil?"

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri lightly inclines his head to her question. "The Eye gave them life, to punish those who would seek to destroy unity, they are visages of dream stuff, that he knew would strike fear into them." he says.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
"Ahh, I think I see now," nods the girl. "It is the fault of the Stonelanders' that such monstrousities walk the earth, since the Dark One knew their terror, and thus twisted it to further His goal. He brought their fear to life, shaping it to the forms of the orcs and trolls."

The hand clamps tightly, angrily against the beads near her neck. "If the Stonelanders wish disunity, then we shall give them disunity--they shall flee before us some day in fright, and they will be like sheep scattered before wolves. Separated they will fall to Umbar's blades, as well as their own Men's traitorous swords when they turn on one another in mad desperation."

Sindri seems very pleased with her sudden convictions, very pleased indeed. "You see Scribe? It is these things you must lay to paper, so that all the true believers, will hear them for all eternity." He says to her, soothingly.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
Tasnim blinks, staring blankly up at the taller human, her eyes seeing but not seeing. Then she sighs, and indeed appears to calm at the words. "Yes, writing them down will also make me feel better, I think. Above all, though, I will be the happiest to know that any rants I may have are recorded for the benefit of those who have the ability and desire to read them. Endure them even, I should say." She grins.

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri lightly inclines his head at her words. "Who knows, the way you speak, you may find a desire to lead men to battle, and that would be an amusing sight, a Warrior Scribe." He says with a flash of amusement on his features.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
"Yes, it would be a strange sight," the Haradrim youth laughs openly for the first time this day. She glances about suspiciously. "The way rumors start and spread around here, I would not be surprised if I hear mutterings of such an odd thing within a few nights. Maybe it will come from another babbling peasant, or more amusingly, through the woman who was whispering 'demon-child'."

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri gives her a slight wink when she thinks this place is a rumor mill. "One must learn the nature of rumors, some are spread, to benefit certain people, others are rumors, and I suspect, some are truthful." he points out, but he doesn't offer insight to which rumors are which.

[Tasnim(#16424)]
"And yet hiding in the midst of the possible truthful ones," adds Tasnim, "there are false rumors bred for foul purposes lies woven to demean one's enemy in the eye of the pubic, or even to falsly accuse him for a crime in order to gain benefit for oneself." She still meddles innocently with her pendants. Certainly this child seems to know more than she should. "I have an elder brother who is a scholar," she explains. "I often hear such 'proverb' advice or warnings from him."

[Sindri(#16447)] Sindri listens to her words, likely, they are close of age, both 'children' compared to those who wield power here like a blunt instrument. "He's wise then, perhaps he should work for the Citadel also." He says to her in a quiet murmur.