Megloren's Study

[Megloren Istdale]

(Ignore Grima and Saruman, they're losers. Megloren's there now )

Here near the top of the tower is located Megloren's study/library. Filled with dim candles and scrolls of old, the room is a true symbol of her wisedom. Centered in the room stands a breastbone-high black column. On it is the Orthanc palantiri stone. Megloren uses this to spy on others, and consult with her masters in Aman, across the seas.

[Envin]

Megloren led Aragorn into her study, and though the air was filled with perfumed incense and soft voices in song, his will was stalwart and his purpose sure.

"Rather, my lady," began the High King, "I would have thou relate to me in thy words all the ills spoken of thee and thy reign. Evil thou art said to be - a witch, if I may say it. Threatened and taken control of my longtime ally hard by, Rohan, hast thou, and for alone I am wroth. But endeavours of conquer in the north of Middle-Earth thou art said to wage, attacks upon my kin and cousin Doren, dear to my heart. For this the Free Peoples of the World rise up against thee. To this, what hast thou to say?"

[Megloren Istdale]

Once in her familier study, she gazed around the room silently, and then walked to the balcony. Her gaze fell upon the mass of armies just outide her walls. Linnar was present. At her defence just like he pledged long ago...

"M'lord, things arent always as they appear. I admit to taking the life of Eomund and gaining control of Rohan, yes. But it was the spur of the moment. It was when our alliance was premature. When I trusted all of them.... I came to Middle-Earth with a palantir. I gave it to Morsereg. That was the beginning of our alliance. Soon after, we began to recruit the rest of the realms of darkness in Middle-Earth. We formed the alliance and began to plan an attack on Arnor. Morsereg claimed he wanted Annuminas. He was by far the leader of the plan, though I arranged the meeting here in Orthanc. We agreed to the attack, but it never fell through. This is the first time Ive seen an Angmar official here since my meeting here with Morsereg. That is all I have to say."

[Envin]

"My lady, he claims that 'twas thou who betrayed he and thy cohorts in some manner. Sayest thou that he'st lying again? Or did thou aught to offend him?"

Aragorn sat inside her study and gazed at her inquisitively as she stood upon the balcony, and they heard the war-chants of the hosts without the walls. He considered. This maiden did not seem evil, and though the Evil One wears many guises, in sooth frightened did she seem.

"But why wouldst thou ally thyself with Morsereg - with Angmar, one thou knowest to be evil, if to these Hither Lands thou came bearing a palantir? Surely they who dwell beyond the western seas would not entrust such a thing to an evil hand? Came thou here in peace? With a good heart? What dost thou now encircled in this sea of evil? What dost thou look to gain save the damnation of thy soul? For naught else shall come to thee. Art thou frightened, Lady Istalde?"

[Megloren Istdale]

"You ask many questions for a Ranger." She smiled. "I cannot say what happened. I gave the palantir to Morsereg because he was my friend. I didnt care what he was. I wasnt like this when I came here at first, and now there is nothing the Valar can do to get it back. Morsereg decieves. Like I said: We planned an attack on Arnor, and all of the sudden you arrive at my doorstep. You do not find it curious, that after Gondor begins to gather togther allies, Two rulers known t be evil drop out and join you? They are and always have been close allys, and cant be trusted. I made that mistake. I never betrayed him. As you see, I am the one being attacked right now. And, Lord Aragorn, I want peace. I cannot get frightened. But at the moment, I am worried." She thought for a moment. "I will give you Rohan, and my alliance, if you break this battle before it is too late. Angmar and Enedwith attack the innocent peoples of Rohan, aided by Doren."

[Envin]

"Give to my rule Rohan, thou sayest? And propoundest thee that betrayed are both thou and I by Angmar and Enedwaith? Evil, yea, but of honour have I e'er found Lord Dindaedel. But of sorrow much do I know. Long years lay upon my brows, though see them thou may not. And of repentance I know. Sorry art thou that ever cast in with Angmar was thy lot? Repentant of thy choices? I do not say that all done was not ill, but verily I do say that away from ill choices now must Isengard and her Lady turn. Accept thy allegiance I shall if given freely is it. And the rule of Rohan accept I shall as well. But from evil things thy thought must depart. Only too simple is it to fall prey to them, and difficult it is to escape their nets. But if thou wilt swear on all thou hold dear, then believe thy word I shall, and thou shalt come to Minas Tirith with me, where all the Rulers concerned shall hold council. What say ye to this?"

[Megloren Istdale]

She smiled. Her first real smile. "Your greatness is legend. I swear my alliance to Gondor, and to abandon the ways of dakness. I assure you Morsereg may be honorable, but that does not mean he can be trusted. I will come with you to Minas Tirith, but what will this meeting include?"

[Envin]

"I shall have all the Lords and Ladies involved i nthis affair meet, and there we will let all these things conflicting that I and my allies have heard be made plain. If Morsereg has given me false tryst, then he shall rue it. If Ilmare is in league against me, then she shall taste bitter the day. And I would hear the truth concerning Moria. My greatness is less than the mouths of men make it. I simply know more than many of sorrow and of repentance. Come, my Lady. If in honour thou sayest, then thou shalt be my ally, and I shall accept Rohan from thy hand. Shall we sojourn to the gates, and then to my City?"

[Megloren Istdale]

"Yes. We have much to explain. Let us go." She nodded and made her way out of the door.

((At the seige thread.))

[Valdrik]

((From sacking of Isengard thread))

Garland walked with Megloren untill they came to her study. When the door was shut and they were alone he asked her, "How is the alliance between yourself and Gondor holding up, Lady of Isengard. Do you benefit at all from this alliance? Why is your friend Aragorn not here now in your time of need?"

[Megloren Istdale]

"He is at war with Angmar, Garland." The woman explained calmly, pouring Garland and herself a drink.

[Valdrik]

Garland took the drink from her and sniffed it, not taking a sip. "Yes, at war with Angmar. Was that the case when Enedwaith attacked you not so long ago as well? Was he in the midst of a great battle and could not send any troops to help you?"

[Megloren Istdale]

The Istari smiled curtly, handing the glass of amber fluid to him. "In fact, yes. Gondor was in Ered Luin at the time. And Aragorn was in Harad with Lord Leafbow. And if you recal, he gave me my realm back after Ilmare was destroyed."

[Valdrik]

"Very well then. It seems you are perfectly happy in your allegience to King Aragorn, there is really nothing for us to talk about...." He turned to leave, glancing back and commenting, "It is a shame, you were once a promising ally." He headed towards the door.

[Megloren Istdale]

"Yes, Garland. A powerful ally indeed. But then you destroyed it by turning on me." She looked out the window. Her Dwarven ally was being attacked. Pointing her staff towards the door it slammed shut. "You arent going anywhere. Let us decide the fate of Angrenost now. In a battle. We are both of Maiar nature, are we not?"