The Green Dragon Inn #11 - The Last Chapter [Archive] - Page 12

Nogrod

04-03-2006, 12:48 PM

Farael seemed to be agitated, mainly just trying a smile, patting Rían back to his arm. There clearly was something wrong here, but Rían didn’t want to go on pressing the matter further. A man in trouble trying to help another. That would certainly only lead to more trouble... Farael excused himself politely and turned to go. “Take care of yourself, my friend!” Rían called him. Farael nodded.

Rían turned to the desk and ordered two pints of the famous local brew called Qwuinnesh. It was creamy and almost black, and the pouring of it to the pints took a while. Just a good time have some thoughts arranged.

Now that he came to think of it from this perspective, there clearly was something in his childhood that just didn’t sit right. After they had been driven from their home in Mirkwood by the Owl’s eye and his companions, they had lived for a while up north, near the river. He had been too small then to have any clear memories, not to talk of understanding. For instance: who were they living there with? All he remembered, were the shabby conditions, and the old teethless man who smelled terrible and grinned very unamiably. He had feared that man almost as much as he feared the Owl’s eye. He remembered the old man now, pretty vividly. If he were to enter from the door right now, Rían would panic immediately.

Then they had been forced to leave that place too. He didn’t exactly know why. His father had really never given an account on that. But that had been the beginning of their wandering life. They were on the move constantly. As Rían looked at that part of his childhood from this perspective, it seemed, as they were some runaways: always avoiding public places at normal hours, coming in and getting out of towns during the night. And what about the people they lived with those couple of days at the time – or the meetings with all kinds of strangers! That was the time Rían learned to be invisible. He was not wanted anywhere, but his father still carried him with. He was totally ignored by others – and even by his father, when there were heated discussions. He learned to help that ignorance by ceasing to exist for times. That was also the time, he noted, that he wasn’t just one, but that there were a few of him indeed. They had talked about his ability to vanish from the world with his father sometimes at the later years, and he had been quite proud of his boy. But of the second matter he had never talked him about. He hadn’t talked about that to anyone.

Rían got the pints and paid for them. Then he got towards their table. Grimhorn seemed to be deep in his thoughts, puffing the pipe occasionally. How many things there are that I should remember? How much have I forgotten during my adult years as a performer in the southern lands? At least for now, some things from this childhood had appeared to him, come back to him as all that nightmarish stuff and those odd circumstances. It was frightful.

He came to the table and passed the other pint over to Grimhorn. Then he sat down. He raised the pint in the air, as to propose a toast. As Grimhorn reached out for his, Rían said in a low voice, so that just Grimhorn could hear it: “To the memories, even if they are quite painful at times.”

Undómë

04-03-2006, 01:20 PM

Tindomion

Tindo watched as Cook deftly searched out the boy's wounds and took care of them. And he saw the wry face the young man made as he followed Mistress Bunce's directions on the gargle she'd given him. Tindo could almost feel his mouth stinging as the poor fellow complied.

'Am I goi'g to be alrigh ?' Tim managed once the rinse was done.

Before Cook could answer, from the pouch that hung at his belt, Tindo drew out the small silvered flask he'd brought. The etched traceries of leaves upon its mirror surface winked in the soft light of the barn's lanterns. He unscrewed the little silver cap that also served as a small cup of sorts and let it hang from the flask's neck by the finely worked filigree chain.

He looked toward Cook and then at Tim, saying, 'Miruvor. A cordial of the Elves. Just a few drops have restorative properties for us. And I'm thinking your aches and pains might be eased by it.'

Tindo put a mere two drops of the clear, colorless liquid into the flask's cap and handed flask and cap over to Tim. A clean and pleasant fragrance suffused the air about the little group.

'Go ahead, put down your ice pack for a moment, and put the miruvor in your mouth. It won't hurt, I promise. And I think soon you will feel better . . .'

Lord of Nazgul

04-04-2006, 02:39 AM

Malerion Longleaf --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Malerion Longleaf had been travelling for over a year after the depature of the Shadow in the East , he travelled everywhere except in this strange Land of the Hobbits ,in which he had at last arrived , he had never seen hobbits before but he wanted a place to stay , so he entered this Inn called the Green Dragon.

He had given his horse to the stableboy who looked on the 6 foot elf wearing silver vambraces and a green cloack with awe. Malerion then stepped into Inn and was surprised to see some many people in the hall. Malerion had never seen so many people of different races together in one place chatting away happily.

Malerion was very hungry and weary from his travels so he had a meal of cram and bread with some soup and after driking some wine decided to chat with someone. He saw that there was a big party going on in the outer grounds and went outside.

Beside him there were some dwarves chatting happily, but Malerion mostly kept away from dwarves , 'Weird creatures they are' he thought. Then he looked towards the bar and saw that an elf was pouring Miruvor down a hobbit's throat who seemed injured , he decided to go and talk with the elf .....

Witch_Queen

04-05-2006, 01:42 AM

Cree could tell by the look on Fáinu's face that he was still in some pain. "Fáinu I believe that is enough about the journey for now. 'Tis getting late and before we know it one or both of us will be falling asleep. So I would say its about time to see someone about getting a couple of rooms for the night. The tale of our travels can wait until morning can't they?" Cree figured Avalon would still wish to hear about the "fabulous" travels of Fáinu and Cree, the cursed elves, but the crow would have to wait.

Cree remembered the silent wastelands that Fáinu had previously mentioned. Deep down inside she was terrified, even now after the fall of the dragon her bones were still colder than ice. Cree had followed Fáinu into the dragons land, she knew the risks and still she took them. Cree had made sure that the shields didn't shine at all. Everyone had agreed that even the faintess light hit "metal" of their shields there would be a shimmer. The group wasn't willing to take any chances.

Cree's sword Nehima was always faithful to her. The sword always seemed to find its mark in the right place. The dwarves had their axes in hand, hidden quite well behind their shields. Cree had never known dwarves to carry shields but she knew the company she was in at that time was not usual. Cree always felt that the dragon was close by but always when the journey came to turning a new corner or going around a new boulder, the dragon was never in sight. She figured the final confrontation with the dragon would've happened at day break. The time for the dragons death finally came... Finally when the sun shone on the back of their necks and was preparing to settle in its own bed for the remainder of the day did they find the gigantic fire breathing creature they hunted.

Cree suddenly realized that she had been talking to Fáinu and Avalon. What she thought was a memory was her dreaded flash back to what had happened. Instead of her staying quiet while she "relived" the past, she was telling Avalon more of what had happened. "Indeed it seems that the story must continue for I have kept the "tale telling" going."

Hookbill the Goomba

04-05-2006, 02:16 PM

Fáinu nodded his head, "I think that the tale must be told. I do not think that I shall sleep until it is done." he drained his mug and stared out of the window, wondering how to describe his feelings at the time.

"The horror of a Dragon's den is enough to make the blood turn cold, even that of the servants of Sauron, I would guess. Bones lay all around, the smoke of burning hovered ever in the air, and there was ever the reek of the Dragon. That smell would turn the hardiest men away, but we were a strange few, driven by powers, I suppose, beyond us. My sword felt heavy in my hand, and the dwarves seemed to be showing fear like I had never seen since the destruction of Dale.

"We halted about the centre of the basin and covered each other’s backs, I scanned the surroundings and could see a cave from which a light was emanating. Along with it, came smoke in great clouds, and the reek was even more potent there, seeming like the stench of death. So, slowly, we entered the cave, weapons poised and hearts heavy, thinking that this battle may end too swiftly.

"However, we found the source of the light and the smoke, it was a great bonfire surrounded by rotting bodies. It made Killi sick. It was a trap! Swiftly we dashed out of that place, but there at the entrance to the cave was the Dragon." Fáinu clenched his fist and shuddered, then with his other hand, removed the dirt-ridden bandage. The scar was white and smaller, but still visible and a marring on his otherwise fair elven skin.

"Tall and terrible that beast was! With eyes like a raging fire, wings like onto that of the fell beasts of the Nazgûl and teeth that made our swords seem blunt. Its scales were black and stronger than any weapon we possessed, and his belly was protected by a great armour plating. There was no hole in this armour, like that of Smaug the terrible, it seemed that he knew well that tale.

"'Hail, Fáinu, son of Háinu' he said, Háinu being the name given to my father by Elrond. 'Thou hast come for revenge, so I hear! Fool! Fool! Thrice a fool! get you gone, dost thou not know death?' he mocked us with many curses before blowing his terrible fire. Luckily the shields prevailed and Killi and Fundin dashed out, casting throwing axes at the great beast. It merely laughed at them.

"Orcs came then, from hiding places and deep holes. Yet Killi and Fundin slew them as they came nigh, until they began to come thick and great in number. I leaped into the battle and hewed the heads of many Orcs, before the Dragon wiped them out in an attempt to get to us. It cursed us again, and as it did so, Cree fired arrow after arrow at the creature's head, but to no avail.

"The creature rose into the air and made a swoop for our heads, but as it did so, Killi leaped upon it's back and began to dig his axe into the straps that held the Dragon's armour on. With an almighty crash, the plate fell off and landed in the centre of the Basin, yet in fury, the Dragon cast Killi away and he was impaled on a great spike. Then anger took hold of Fundin and he threw his great axe at the Dragon, yet his thrust was too hasty and went amiss. The dragon stuck him then with a mighty swoop of its arm and he fell next to his comrade.

"Summoning up all courage, Cree bent her bow and shot towards the Dragon's belly, and it indeed hit. Yet the Dragon seemed unmoved and unhindered by this strike. Horrified, Cree drew her sword and dared the Dragon to face her. This I knew was folly, and as the Dragon landed, I leaped upon its back and attempted to hack its head. In its fury, it struck Cree down and threw me off into some dead thorn bushes. Wasting no time, I rose and dashed towards the Dragon, but it stared me in the eyes and I was frozen.

"Too well I remember that time. Unable to move, even to lend aid to my hurt comrade, Cree. I cursed the Dragon thrice, yet it laughed and taunted me with its eyes, setting a ring of fire about it and me. The creature picked up Cree and threatened to break her before my eyes. I still could move not and my rage began to grow."

"Then help came unlooked for, as Fundin was not dead, and he cast with all his might, a single axe at the Dragon. It smote him in the eye and the freezing curse was lifted from me! I then leaped on top of the squirming dragon and plunged my sword deep into its heart. The flames it let fly must have been seen in Dale! Yet in its pain, I was thrown off and lay broken bonded, nigh to Cree. Yet, a madness took me in that hour, I wanted to make sure the beast was dead indeed. Though Cree awoke and attempted to aid me, I cast her away saying 'Get away from me! I need no ones help!' For this, I am most deeply sorry." Cree nodded, "So I took up the sword from the belly of the Dragon, and readied myself to thrust it through the other eye of the beast.

"Yet, in its dying moments it said onto me, 'with this deed, thou recovers from one curse, and receive another anew! Woe to you, Fáinu son of Háinu! Ever you shall wish for death and find it not. Mandos shall not take you, nor shall any ship bare you across the sea! And as for your friend, this Cree, ever know that because of thee, she indeed has a share in this Curse!' at these words, I hacked at the Dragon until it was utterly dead."

Fáinu looked at his hand and remembered what happened next with fonder memory. "The deed done," he continued, "the quest complete. I rose and removed the bandage, to see the cursed hand. I saw with my own eyes, the flesh being healed and the skin returning. The burn was gone and all that remained was a fell scar. Fundin came to me and aided me, for many of my bones were broken, I came to Cree and offered her aid, regretting my earlier words, for they were made in wroth."

Kath

04-05-2006, 02:46 PM

Astilwen had opened her mouth to apologise for bringing back even more painful memories to Tilionwen, but was cut off.

"How about you? Do you dance a lot? And, have you been stepped on too much ever in your life?"

Blushing the hobbit pointedly avoided answering the last question, as well as the knowing looks that Tiliowen was sending her way. Her history with Tom was very much history now, and she didn't relish bringing it up again. She knew it wasn't really fair to keep things from her new friend, as Tiliowen had shared so much already. She made a deal with herself, if Tiliowen brought it up again she would tell all, but if not she'd stay quiet. For now she'd answer the other, much safer, question.

"I dance quite a lot yes. Where we live, my family that is, there's usually a small party at least once a fortnight, and everyone living nearby is invited. We use the field behind our hole and eat and dance from dusk til dawn, or whenever we collapse! I've been teaching my little brothers how to dance recently, they tend just to fling themselves about and while that's fun they're getting too big to be able to do it safely!"

She wondered for a moment whether bringing up her family and her brothers would be hurtful to Tilionwen, but the woman didn't seem bothered by it at all. On the contrary, she seemed to be enjoying hearing about them, so Astilwen continued.

"Sam, that's my eldest little brother, he had only ever danced with other boys before and you know what boys are like, bashing into each other and yelling. At one of these parties he danced with our next door neighbours daughter, and knocked her over. She landed quite hard and had to go home, so my mother decided it was time he learnt to dance properly, and that's where I come in. Of course, he isn't exactly best pleased about it, and takes no small amount of pleasure in pretending to forget his steps and knock me over, but he's a good kid at heart and he is improving."

Astilwen hadn't noticed the smile that had spread over her face as she spoke about her family, or the light that had appeared in her eyes. Her memories were fond and she found that she very much enjoyed talking about them with someone, especially someone who was listening with such honest interest. She just hoped Tilionwen hadn't noticed her earlier evasion.

Folwren

04-07-2006, 11:16 AM

Tim slowly extended his hand and accepted the flask of Miruvor from Tindomion's hand. His eyes still fastened on the elf's face, he carefully lifted it to his lips, touching it as little as possible as he placed his mouth to edge, and allowed only a little bit of the liquid to trickle into his mouth and over his tongue. It had little taste, but it seemed to cool his burning tongue and calm the fierce pain that had begun to come back again after drinking the water. He lowered it and began to hand it back, but Tindomion wouldn't take it.

"Nay, lad, you'll need more than the tiny bit you took. Drink some more." Tim was hesitant, but he obeyed, and after taking another small sip, he handed it back, and this time the elf didn't refuse his own flask. He put it back at his belt and Tim thanked him slowly and carefully, the task being made difficult with his tongue.

Wren stood leaning with her back to the ladder watching the entire thing. She thought Tim lucky to get so much attention, and especially from the elf, but she didn't exactly envy his position. Hearing him talk convinced her that he must be very uncomfortable. There seemed to be a pause on the doctoring as Tim stood in involuntary silence and Cook put away her nursing kit, and Wren took advantage of it.

"Can we go to bed now?" she asked, impatient and tired now that the excitement appeared to be over.

Tim turned and looked at her. The idea was a good one, but there might be a problem. There was a girl still up there and he couldn't sleep in the loft so long as she was there. In a moment, he decided that he would sleep in one of the empty stalls, and that was a good solution to the problem.

"Yeh, you go up an' go to sleep. I'll sleep down here." She turned large eyes towards him.

"Why? Whatever for? There's still plenty of room up there." Tim just shook his head. It hurt to talk much. Wren didn't move an inch.

Dairym

04-07-2006, 01:17 PM

The tray displayed an array of good, homely food of all sorts, light ale, bread, soup and mutton garnished with--of course--plump brown mushrooms. The next few minutes they spent demolishing the food as only the young and hungry can.

Heather sipped from her mug, studying Ravennar over its smooth brown rim. He was nearly as tall as the rangers; his long legs stretched under the table. Intense blue eyes animated a face that might otherwise have been carved of stone. But when he smiled the stone had melted, if just a little. Heather decided he could look rather nice, if he wished.

He looked tired and dusty and travel-worn, but not so much as she’d expect from someone who’d just traveled halfway across the world. Maybe he owned a horse. She sighed at the thought of that luxury.

Heather smiled ruefully at Ravennar. “My feet are wishing Bree had a better cobbler. I suppose it’s a good thing my journey is halfway over.

Not if you change your mind, a small, teasing voice whispered in her head. Not if you go to Eryn Vorn. Heather twisted a brown curl around her finger. Hobbiton was the crossing of the ways. West led the road to the Tower Hills and the sea. And south… South lay her secret hope. She would have to choose by morning.

Witch_Queen

04-09-2006, 01:34 AM

Cree could remember the time in which she was being held by the dragon. But what Cree had done after the dragon's death was still a bit fuzzy. After the dragon had been slain Fáinu had walked over to check on Cree and offer her his help. "Fáinu and still to this day what I did next doesn't make any since to me." Cree could feel Avalon's stare on her. "I knew what had happened, Avalon, that is as far as the dragon being killed and everything. But when Fáinu offered his aid.. it was like something had taken control of me... Whether it was the curse or not I still do not know." Cree looked at her friend. She couldn't believe that she had attacked the only person that had seemed to care about her.

"Instead of letting Fáinu help me I attacked him. If it wasn't for the pain I was in I fear what would have happened. I'm sorry Fáinu, I didn't mean to attack you. Not then and not now." Cree's rage had never been like that before, but she knew deep down inside something had triggered the rage. "The journey back is still a bit fuzzy. All I know is that we traveled for a few days, being careful of the danger that still surrounded us. Yes we did spend some time mourning the death of Killi, but we had to be swift when it came to leaving the dark lands." All Cree knew was that she had fallen asleep in a dark place only to wake up and find herself in Rivendell surrounded by strange elves.. But no Fáinu.

Dimturiel

04-09-2006, 01:53 AM

At first, Ravennar dirrected all his attention to his plate. This was the first real meal he had in a long time. But it could have been worse, he knew that. He was lucky he did not lose his food, when he lost his horse. And lucky he had not lost something else also, he thought grimly.

He looked up when Heather had spoken and smiled again.

"So your journey is halfway over?"he asked. "Then I wish you good luck on your road, wherever that may be. But are you travelling alone? Why so? True, the roads are safer than they once were, but foreign paths are made to be trodden in company, not on one's own."

"And yet you went all the way from Dale on your own," a reproachful voice inside him said. True, and look what this did to him, he thought. Wherever Heather was going-and he did not feel like asking, he sensed he would bring her into a difficult position by doing so- she did not deserve to feel all the pain and frustration that he was feeling now. He doubted not that he himself deserved them fully, they were his punishment and he had no choice but to accept them. And now, the only thing he felt he had to do was warn others against repeating his mistake.

piosenniel

04-09-2006, 01:57 AM

~*~ GREEN DRAGON INN FACTS ~*~

The Green Dragon Inn is located in Bywater, just off the Great East-West Road.

It is the 4th Age, year 12. By the Shire Calendar it is year 1433 S.R. (Shire Reckoning).

King Elessar is on the throne of the Reunited Kingdom of Arnor and Gondor.

Mirkwood has been reclaimed by the Elves and is now called Eryn Lasgalen.

Paladdin Took, Pippin’s father, is Thain of the Shire. (Thain is an honorary title for the military leader of the Shire. The title has been held in the Took Family since the position was first established in 3rd Age 1979 with Bucca of the Marish as First Thain.) Paladdin Took dies in year 13, and will be succeeded by his son, Peregrin, ‘Pippin’, Took.

Samwise Gamgee is Mayor of the Shire, having succeeded Will Whitfoot in 1427 S.R.

The Innkeeper, in the Green Dragon Inn of this forum, is: Aman – a young woman from Rohan.

Before her, the Innkeeper was Piosenniel, and before her it was Dwarin, the Dwarf.

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Other ongoing characters in the Inn:

Ruby Brown, Hobbit – not married – server and maid

Buttercup Brownlock, Hobbit – not married – kitchen assistant and maid

Vinca Bunce, widowed, Inn Cook (character played by Piosenniel)

Derufin, General handyman/jack-of-all-trades round the Inn; Man from southwestern Gondor (played by Envinyatar) - AWAY AT PRESENT

Zimzi (Zimziran), wife to Derufin; a skilled potter from Lindon(played by Pio) - AWAY AT PRESENT

Meri - Stablemaster

Tim Woodlock - Stableboy; Wren - his younger sister: humans, originally from Breeland (characters played by Folwren)

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+

Ongoing characters from outside the Inn:

Halfred Whitfoot – local Shiriff from Bywater and Postmaster for this area of the Shire; his pony’s name is Dumpling.

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Please Note:

No 'SAVES' are allowed in the Inn (except for modifications needed to be made by the Moderators or Innkeeper).

With the exception of the Innkeeper and the Moderators, no OOC (Out Of Character) comments are allowed in the Inn.

Only the Innkeeper, Amanaduial, or the Moderators move the timeline for the Inn forward.

Visitors to the Inn will need to read the posts that come before theirs to get an idea of what time it is in the Shire, what the weather is like, and what is happening.

No violence is allowed in the Inn or on Inn grounds.

Please be familiar with the rules for the Inn and Games in The Red Book of Westmarch, the first topic in the Shire.

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About Elves in Shire RPG's:

Please use this description from Tolkien when crafting an Elf:

Return of the King – Appendix F: Tolkien’s description for the Quendi (The Speakers) – the name given to the Elves by themselves after they first awoke in Middle-earth.

“They were a race high and beautiful, the older Children of the world, and among them the Eldar were as Kings, who now are gone: the People of the Great Journey, the People of the Stars. They were tall, fair of skin and grey-eyed, though their locks were dark, save in the golden house of Finrod; and their voices had more melodies than any mortal voice that is now heard . . .”

Please use this as a guideline for describing your Elven character’s appearance.

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EVERYONE

Please be familiar with The Red Book of Westmarch (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=10581) which gives the rules for posting in the Shire RPG's and in The Green Dragon Inn.

Thanks!

Piosenniel, Shire Moderator

piosenniel

04-09-2006, 01:57 AM

TIME OF DAY

It is now a fair night in the Shire; the stars are out.

There is a large party in the Inn's front yard - tables are loaded with food, desserts, drinks. Several barrels of ale have been tapped, compliments of one of the Hobbit brewmasters.

There are tables and benches scattered over the front lawn. Twinkling little lanterns hang from the trees. To one side of the verandah there is a little stage set up for the musicians and a large area cleared for dancing.

Dairym

04-09-2006, 03:36 PM

Heather laughed. “These are hardly foreign roads. The Shirelings can be queer folk, to be sure, and their speech is odd, but they’re the same breed as our dear old Underhills and Haygirdles and all the little folk back home. As for traveling alone…” Heather shrugged, setting down her empty mug. “I came alone because only I had reason to come.”

It was her own journey, after all. She was choosing her own roads and making her way without direction from man or hobbit; it made a thrilling change from ordinary life. She had already seen more people and heard stranger tales than the plain farmgirl from Further Chetwood had ever imagined.

Hookbill the Goomba

04-10-2006, 11:39 AM

Fáinu bore on his left shoulder a small knife wound that Cree had made. He had said nothing to her of it, knowing that he himself had done worse things in his life, and even to closer family. He shuddered and sighed heavily. "The journey to Rivendel was hard. Not that there was peril, but that we passed by Thranduil's halls, where Cree had spent a lot of her time, as well I knew. But the elves were reluctant to welcome me, some, perhaps, blaming me for the coming of the Dragon. I know not the councils of my kindred elves. I think I have been away from them for too long. Too long."

His eyes drifted to the window, and he looked out west towards the sea. "The sea," he whispered, "not even thou shalt receive me. Not even if I called upon Ulmo himself and called him Lord." Avalon leaped up onto the window ledge, as if to awaken Fáinu from this trance he had put himself into.

"Yea, as we went through that land, ever my heart was heavy, for Cree grew weaker and more faint as we walked. Elrond alone could have helped us, so I deemed, but he is gone. Ellodan and Elrohir were the only hope I held still. We passed swiftly over the Mountains, even though the cold seemed to make Cree all the worse and we nearly lost her on several occasions.

"But Eru was merciful and we came to that valley with great joy! There we laied Cree under the care of Ellodan and Elrohir and i took such a rest as I had not had in long years, even as the Eldar account it. For that valley was my home, as I deemed it. Yet, I was visited by an Elf whose name was Arantâl, and he spoke to me concerning Cree, saying, 'Why do you linger here, awaiting her?'

"To which I answered, 'what can one do when his friend is in peril?'

"'You would do her more good by departing,' said he, 'if what I have heard of your quest is true, then it is your fate that makes her weak. The curse that lies upon you is passed to those who are around you, and she herself has a Dragon curse, and you have two. What ship will bare such a cursed one away? I know not. But Cirdan may have one or two.'

"'I cannot leave so hastily,' said I, 'I must seek out my brothers and then visit the grave of my parents. Not until I have done this will I seek for Aman.' then Arantâl grew sorrowful,

"'I must tell you something most grave,' he sighed and looked me in the eyes, 'your brothers are dead and are buried here in imladris. They fell fighting Orcs in the mountains. Your father and mother have no grave, but they are remembered here. I will show you to them.' When we came to that place, I could do nought but weep. I know not how long I was there, but I remember the Elves had written a song on the grave of my Mother:

"Throughout all the long ages that there have been
Seldom have stars been veiled or the moon unseen
Over the wide fields of sparking, golden Grass
Like the falling of crystal rain on silver glass
No more your laughter be heard for thou art free
Ever remembered, ever loved, dearest Lanté

"The Lords of Noldor, never have fled in fight
The House of Hélath ever stood tall with might
Arda will weep and ring out its fair horns
The tree will lament, the wide grassland morns
By the rivers, by the grass and by the Tree
Ever remembered, ever loved, dearest Lanté

"For Lanté was the name the Elves of Rivendel had given to her. I know not why, but ever it brings my heart joy. Hélath was the greatest of my kindred of old; I believe he fought in the War of Wrath.

"So, after this, I took my leave of Rivendel. Wondering if I should ever see it again. Yet I know now that I must ever linger here in this world, until I tire of ten thousand centuries and fade as a forgotten one. Perhaps I shall come to Mandos and see again my kindred. Who can say?"

Gird

04-10-2006, 03:36 PM

Ferry trotted down the road at a quick pace, as he was late for the party. He could hear the music from the inn already, and he cursed under his breath that he had taken too long a nap. But after unpacking from the move, he was fairly tired.

He rounded a turn and the Green Dragon Inn came into sight. His eyes brightened and his heart warmed at the sight of tables full of food and ale a plenty. Ferry noticed that there were several elves and men at the inn as well as hobbits. Ah, it's a sign of a good inn when several other races travel the road to it, no matter how far away from home it may be from them.

Ferry's smile was ear to ear, as he neared the festivities.

Witch_Queen

04-14-2006, 12:34 AM

He only left Rivendel to save my life??? Cree was a little stunned by Fáinu's words. All any one had ever done for her was cast her away into the mist to be forgotten with the sands of time. "Fáinu you'll always have me. You should know that." Cree had to keep from placing her hand on Fáinu's shoulder. She wasn't sure what he would have done. Fáinu had always been there for her and now was her turn to repay the loyalty. Cree could feel Avalon staring at her. "Yes Avalon I will now tell you of my struggle. I had thought I was only asleep stuck in a nightmare that was worse than the dragon itself. For some reason I was back in Eryn Lasgalen. My father was talking to a strange man. I had never seen him before, but his eyes were something I will never forget." Cree closed her eyes only to see the cold eyes of the stranger.

"It seemed only like a dream but the more time passed the more I began to realize this dream was actually memories. You see my father was a well loved elf. Everyone it seemed loved him, he nevered turned down a friend when they needed aid. Any way back to what I was talking about." Cree couldn't help but pause. Instead of fighting back anger this time she was fighting back tears.

"I had always wanted to know the truth about my father's death. Who was the person that killed him in cold blood? I know now that the person I have unknowingly hated all this time was the person I saw everytime I looked in a mirror. The person I was searching for was looking at me when I looked in the near by river. How could a person do something so horrible and not remember doing it? Evidently my "spells" was my mind trying to forget the memories of that night." Avalon could no longer hear the joy in Cree's voice. Cree's words suddenly seemed hollow.

I was hiding in the nearby bushes. I didn't know who the man was. Father had told me to stay at the house but I refused to listen. I was young and naive. My eyes were playing tricks on me. One moment my father would be standing with his back to me the next thing I knew him and the stranger had swapped places. Swords were drawn... All I had was my bow... "FATHER WATCH OUT!!!" "What have I done?" Cree seemed distanced almost like she was at the inn but not really there. Cree appeared to be looking at Fáinu but instead was looking past him at the window.

Hookbill the Goomba

04-14-2006, 02:46 AM

"Where is the once joyful song of the elves?" murmured Fáinu, "While the men wander and the Dwarf delves. We long for the joy we had in ages past, seeking to come to Valinor at the last. But what ship would bear such as us, Cree? All I have done is lost, even onto thee." His voice trailed off and he looked longingly to the west. "The sea." he whispered again.

He shook his head and looked Cree in the eyes, "I see that this business with your father has deeply heart you," he said, "Perhaps you cannot feel free until you tell of all you can recall. I see that you have chains upon your mind that prevent thee from seeing the whole truth. You may break these bonds, if you wish, for you have set these bonds yourself, but I say onto you, if you seek those deep memories, it may be what you do not wish to hear." Fáinu, it seemed, had guessed the truth of Cree’s past. He had seen it in her eyes when they first met, a deep founded fear, or was it a feeling of guilt? He knew not, and had not perused it.

Fáinu looked out at the party on the front garden and smiled, "See, the Hobbits are a happy breed of folk! I wish I could know their joy. They know not the trials of the world and can dance and sing while the world falls about them. There could be war and death all about and they would still talk of ale and food. Woe to the Eldar, who know nought but suffering in the long years of Middle Earth."

Glirdan

04-14-2006, 10:10 PM

"I'm fine. Now, would you please get out of my way!?" the Hobbit said rather rudely and he pushed his way past Gróin. "And here I thought that everyone in this country was nice and gentle like Lily. How very wrong I was..." he thought to himself as he made his way to the counter to check into a room for the night.

After getting his room number and key, he head along the dark passage to his room, still lost in thought. "That voice that I heard down at the Inn door. Could if have been Sarin? I'm so terribly confused. I really need to rest. After being on the road for so long, I deserve a rest. I think I'll stay here for a few days... Ahh! Here it is," he said as he reached his room. He put the key in the lock, unlocked the door and stepped into his room. It was like any other Hobbit room: Low roof (well, high for a Hobbit and Dwarf), circular window with green shutters, a cozy little bed, a bedside table with a candle and a fireplace. "Perfect!" Gróin said out loud. "Just the thing I need to relax." He stepped into his room and closed the door behind him. He lit the candle with the flint he carried around in his haversack and closed the shutter on the window. He made his way to the bed and sat on the edge, taking off his boots as he did. He slid into and thought "I wonder if she really is here? If she is, I'm definetly going to try and find her. I haven't seen her for so long and I really wish I..." and dozed off.

Lhunardawen

04-17-2006, 02:53 AM

It really surprised Tilionwen to find that she felt neither any recurring pain nor envy as she listened to Astilwen. All she could see was the blooming happiness in her friend's face, and that was more than enough to swallow any vestige of self-centered emotion she might possibly have. It was a pleasant sight, and one Tilionwen would do anything for if only she could keep it that way...

She was not sure if she was merely seeing things, but Tilionwen could bet that there was a hint of a blush on Astilwen's face earlier. It seemed to her an odd reaction to such innocent queries as hers were, and it made her feel unexplainably curious. So did she tell the hobbit through her eyes, but she missed it - or at least she pretended to. She had let it pass for that moment, not wanting to offend her, but this time -

You've already told her so much! Even if it were ethically wrong, you have the right.

That blush, that evasion - they had to be there for a reason. And whatever it is, you should respect it.

And so the debate went on inside her, until Tilionwen noticed that Astilwen was looking at her oddly. They had both fallen silent. With a reluctant wave of a white flag the two other voices soon followed suit.

"But you didn't answer me completely," Tilionwen finally said. She smiled sweetly, innocently, at Astilwen, and let her prodding eyes speak for themselves. Perhaps this time she'll get the message.

Diamond North Took

04-18-2006, 10:02 AM

Diamond was walking towards the Green Dragon inn she was new in this part of the Shire her own village was miles away from here it was in the north farthing but she was staying over with her aunt and uncle who were living in hobbiton her aunt told her to visit the inn to meet some new friends and so she did and left after dinner

She stepped inside with a smile on her face hoping it was nice here
she noticed several hobbits and a couple of elves seated on chairs ore dancing and drinking she grinned a little at the sight of that and walked towards the inn keeper she was a but thirsty and a nice cup of tea was what she was needing right now while walking she looked around her and saw many visitors looking at her strangely but she ignored the looks and walked towards the inn keeper and asked for her cup of tea. Hello miss may I have a cup of tea please and she waited

Cordelia Harrison

04-19-2006, 09:23 AM

A fair woman walked into the Inn, looking for rest and companionship after her long and weary journey. She wore a light blue cloak with the hood up in order to conceal her fair skin. She pulled the cloak down revealing soft red hair that cascaded from the release of the binding hood.

At her side she wore a sword. Simple, yet elegant. If someone was to inspect it more closely they would see that it had been used. Very used. The thought wasn't even a chilling one to the woman any more. She had seen her share of battle and wasn't afraid of it. Not any more, at least. She had been once. The day they had killed her father had changed that fear. Her thirst for vengenance created a pit of only death and blackness in her soul.

She had found the man and had sentenced him to his punishment, death by her sword. He had put up a fight, but he had underestimated her vast knowledge of swordmanship. With her mission in life done all that was left was go home. Yet, she just couldn't do it. She couldn't face her mother. Especially since she had left against her mother's wishes. She knew her mother would be worried about her, but there was something that she needed to learn - about herself and the world. That experience wasn't going to come from learning proper lady like manners. The only way she could learn what she desired to was to become a wanderer - a traveller. It was her vocation somehow.

Her soft leather boots made no sound as she crossed the wooden floor to an empty table in the corner. She sat down in the worn wooden chair and looked down at her hands. The scar from the battle shone angrily up at her, reminding her of what had happened on that day.

She loosened the cloak, finally allowing herself some kind of comfort. She stretched, trying to loosen the tension from her aching shoulders.

Crystal Heart

04-19-2006, 09:36 AM

Crystal Heart walked into the Inn that she had been in so very long ago. She sighed contently. There was something about this place that she just loved so dearly. She had met so many people that she had come to call as friends. So much had happened and now she was moving to the Shire. Permanently. The thought still amazed her.

She had lost everything. Her husband, her child, and even her soul. She had gone back to Rohan to live out her life with Arty, but nothing had turned out as she had always dreamed.

Arthur had caught a horrid wasting illness that no one could stop. His family had ensured that she stay away from him, for fear that the child that was growing in her would catch the illness. The precaution hadn't been necessary. At her daughter's birth they found that she was already dead, followed by her father.

She had nearly lost her mind then, but she had carried on. She had sold everything that wasn't precious to her. She had kept a few things and had decided to return to the Shire that she had come to love. Her in laws had wanted her to stay in Rohan, but she just couldn't. There was too much of Arty there.

She walked over to the bar and sat down.

Cordelia Harrison

04-19-2006, 10:42 AM

She noticed a woman of amazing beauty walked into the Inn as if she owned it. It was odd to see a human walk into an Inn so close to the Shire in such a fashion.

There was something beyond her dominanting stride that she thought that she had seen once before.

Could it be? Was it really she? Was that the woman that had fled Rohan in a blaze of pain?

She got up and went over to the bar. She sat down quietly in the chair next to the woman, turning slightly to look at her.

Yes, this was the woman that she had seen running away. She turned to the bartender.

"Finally done running Crystal?"

Crystal Heart

04-19-2006, 02:04 PM

Crystal looked over at the young woman that had talked to her. Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped as she realized who it was. How had she found her?!

Thoughts wheeled through her head about the last time they had spoken. The memories flooded her minds eye like a raging river. Each memory was more violent than the last.

She knew that the woman had seen her. She had looked right at her. She sighed inwardly at the prospect of what could be said.

"I wasn't running. You know that Cordelia. Or have you forgotten?" Crystal asked her pointedly. Her green eyes asking a deeper question.

Cordelia Harrison

04-19-2006, 03:17 PM

"I have selective memories, Crystal. You know how I feel about you. Don't make me duel it out here in the Shire. I swear that I will win the battle," Cordelia threatened, narrowing her soft blue eyes to slits.

Her fingers twitched painfully upon the countertop as if wanting to reach for her sword. There was only one thing stopping her. A vow that she had made to a man that she had held dear and to an unborn child that would have been hers.

"You killed him. You took away the child. You were the reason and I swear that if you ever step out of line once again I will be there to stop you. Mark my words, Crystal Heart. You will not do the same thing that you did to Arthur."

Crystal Heart

04-19-2006, 04:46 PM

"How many times do we have to go through this! Arthur came down with a strange illness. No one knew what it was. And the child was dead before it was born. I didn't kill it. I loved Mandra. She was my daughter!"

Crystal swiped at the tears that were starting to gather in her eyes. Memories of seeing her beautiful little girl dead haunted her every thought and movement. Then having to explain to Arthur that their child, whom he hadn't seen be born, had died in her womb was one of the hardest things that she had ever encountered.

"Arthur and I loved each other. Mandra was the proof of our love. She died long before her birth. How can you think that I would want to kill the one man I have ever loved and the child I was carrying? Couldn't you see how it had pushed me over the edge? I know he was your brother and that Mandra would have been your neice. I know that that is hard for you, but you aren't going through the same thing. I lost my entire little family. Within a month! You have no right to sit here and threaten me."

Crystal turned away.

"Please Cordelia. Just leave me alone," she said softly.

Cordelia Harrison

04-19-2006, 06:13 PM

Cordelia turned away from Crystal.

"You took an oath when you married Arthur. You vowed to love, honor, and cherish him. I don't want you gallavanting around looking for a lover to heal your wounds! You did that to him once. Don't think I have forgotten that. When you believed he was dead you came here and carried on a love affair with a hobbit! A halfling Crystal. That is what I am trying to prevent," she sneered at her.

She swallowed hard as she remembered the vow that she had made her brother. The vow to protect Crystal. Well she would be protecting her and ensuring that her brother's memory and name weren't tarnished any longer.

Crystal Heart

04-19-2006, 06:23 PM

Crystal spun around, her eyes narrowing in anger.

"Now you listen here Cordelia. When I met Arthur Brandybuck we were all under the impression that Arthur Harrison had been dead for years. Years. I had never even looked in another man's direction. I was still mourning for the loss of him when I arrived here. I did like him, but I always loved my husband. He was kind enough to make a place for me to live. We did start to fall for one another. We did have a relationship. However, we ended it because we realized it wouldn't work out. Months afterwards my husband returned miraculously, bringing back to me my very soul. I watched him die. He died in my arms. I know that I will never get him back again. I saw my child dead upon the table. I know that they are both never coming back. My tie to you and your family is severed. Permanently. And what I do with my life is my own. Who I see. Who I fall in love with. Whom I talk to. If that is what you are doing here. . . to protect your dear brother's reputation I assure you his reputation is safe. As is mine," Crystal hissed back.

Her breathing was heavy and fast as drops of anger, hatred, and grief washed through her.

How had their relationship gotten so frayed? Cordelia had been her best friend and sister. They had always been there for another. When Arthur had "died" the first time she had left Cordelia because it was just easier. At least that is what she had thought. Being back in Arthur's family and being with Cordelia in Rohan had been a blessing.

Now with Arthur really dead, something had occured between the two of them. It was as if Cordelia blamed her for the death of two people that she held dear.

"I didn't kill him Cordelia. You have to understand that. No one understood what he had. He was sick. For a long time. You and I both know that. Our child probably had it from the moment of conception. Why can't you just see past your own grief and see me. Your friend and sister in law. We use to mean so much to one another. And now . . . Please Cordelia. Stop being this way."

Cordelia Harrison

04-19-2006, 06:29 PM

Cordelia sighed deeply and looked down at her hands.

"What else am I suppose to think. The first time we all believed he was dead you ran away. Instantly nearly. You just fled. No one could find you. Now he is really dead, along with your daughter, and you just fled once more. Without a word you just took off on Arthur's mare and just left. Only I knew where you may come. Yet, I still didn't know exactly. If you didn't as you so claim then why do you keep running? Why is it that when there is trouble you run away?" Cordelia confronted. Her blue eyes darted to look into Crystal's eyes. Her lips were set in a firm line as if drawing a line in the dirt of the boundaries between them.

"He was my older brother. I am now the oldest. As oldest I protect my family and their reputation. That is what I am to do and I don't want everyone thinking he died of illness if really he was murdered," she said, slightly accusing.

Crystal Heart

04-19-2006, 06:41 PM

Crystal sighed.

"You know the reason why. You know what my father did to me. When things got to hard for me to handle any more I would hid. As I got older I would run away. Arthur was the only thing that had ever kept me in Rohan. You know that. When I ran away from Rohan it was because I had lost Arthur. There wasn't a thing left for me in Rohan. You were my best friend Cordelia, but I just couldn't stay. I am a widow and I had to bury a child. I can't handle the memories there," Crystal started.

She rubbed her face slowly, her hand shaking violently.

"You don't have the memories that I have. All the years of abuse. . . brutual abuse by the hands of man that should have loved me only because I was his daughter. Then having a little silver light come into your life for a short time and then it is ripped out of your grasp. What else do you do? Stay and be beaten? Wait for the death that your father will sentence you to? No. You run. You pray to live your life . . ."

Crystal swallowed hard and took a in a deep, jagged breath.

"You find a place that is so beautiful and peaceful. There is no one here to hurt you. People become friends. Friends soon turn to family. You begin to be known. To be loved. To have a purpose. You find love. You learn a new type of loss. One that doesn't hurt so. And then my silver light came back. You experience a joy that you never have known. One that surpasses any kind of magic. You go on adventures. You learn. You marry. Oh . . . that blessed day. . . . You go home. Father is dead. He can't hurt you any more. You create a life, a world. . . then you're pregnant. Oh that joy. I pray you'll know it one day Cordelia. The joy of knowing that there is a little someone inside of you that depends upon you and your love to care for them. To know that they are the product of your love. You begin to change. You can feel the child inside moving. You grow anxious to meet your little one. And then it stops moving, but people tell you that's normal. You think nothing of it. Being the new mother that you are. . . then your husband falls deathly ill. He lays, clinging to life. He keeps promising he'll survive the night just to see the daughter you carry. He keeps promising that tomorrow he'll be even better, even stronger. . ."

Crystal stopped and bit her bottom lip for a moment before continuing on.

"Then you give birth. Without him by your side. And in the moment that there should be the joyous screams of your child's life there is silence. Unearthly silence that kills your soul with each passing moment. Then they tell you that your daughter. . . is dead. You beg and scream and nearly die, but it doesn't bring your child back to life. Then you have to tell your dying husband that the child that he has loved so . . . has died in your very womb. The place where it should have been living and thriving! You barely hang on from the shock. From the grief. And then your husband gives up the fight and dies as well."

She licked her lips and looked back up in Cordelia's eyes.

"Wouldn't you run?! Wouldn't you want to go far away from everything?! Wouldn't you pray for death yourself?! I had to face you. Your family. To tell them once again that their son is dead - really dead and that their grand daughter died within me. Then have to live with the looks. The hatred. The way that they blame me for what happened. What would you have done?! Until you have walked my life. . . you shouldn't blame me for the occurances of the world."

Celuien

04-20-2006, 04:30 PM

Robin had been greatly enjoying the party. Such a celebration hadn't been held in the Shire for years. Not since the Hobbits had celebrated the appearance of the beautiful Mallorn that replaced the Party Tree after its destruction by long-dead 'Sharkey's' ruffians. At least, Robin hadn't been to as lovely a Party since then, though with his fondness for good times (and gift for finding where the best time was to be had), if he hadn't managed to find one to compare, there most likely hadn't been one.

Robin danced and danced, and refilled his mug of ale, and danced some more. And then, in good high spirits, he jumped onto the platform with the musicians.

"Watch where you're going there, lad!" cried a fiddler.

"Never you mind that," replied Robin. "You're playing some fine music, and no mistake, but it wants some singing."

And with that, he launched into song.

Cordelia Harrison

04-21-2006, 07:11 AM

Cordelia looked down at her hands. Never had she heard the story of her sister in law in such a way before. She had known bits and pieces of her life, but when put in that way . . . it was haunting.

"I am so sorry Crystal. I have been so striken with my own loss that I didn't even see yours. Yes, my parents dislike you. It is natural for them to be I guess. Seeing as they have lost not only their son, but their grandchild too. Please forgive me for all I have done. I shouldn't be blaming you for the occurances of this world. I shouldn't be blaming anyone at all. Especially when my life has been far easier than yours. Oh, Crystal! Can we put this aside and be friends once more?"

She looked up at the woman that she had once proudly called her sister and wondered at what she had done. Had she really beraded her to the point of near insanity? The wild look in Crystal's eyes suggested that she did.

Her heart ached at what she had done to the poor woman. She had followed her here to keep tabs on her when all Crystal wanted to do was live her life in peace, away from prying eyes. The Shire was beautiful and she had heard the stories of the kind people that she had met there. No wonder Crystal would retreat here.

Crystal Heart

04-23-2006, 06:22 PM

Crystal swallowed hard and nodded. Her mind whirled as the memories began to settle down. She sighed inwardly and wondered when would they stop haunting her every step. When would they disappear and allow her to start her life over again? Would she ever find another person to love and to marry? Would you ever find another person that she wanted to share her life with? The thought seemed hallow, empty, and unsure.

"Yes Cordelia. I forgive you and would like to be your friend once more. Just don't ask me ever again to relive memories. Not here. Not now. Not ever again. This is my home. That is why I have returned," Crystal told her, looking down at her hands.

The Sixth Wizard

04-24-2006, 03:54 PM

Cordelia Harrison

04-26-2006, 06:57 AM

Cordelia nodded her head. She placed her hand upon her Crystal's shoulder and gave it a friendly squeeze. Her heart broke at the sight of Crystal's downtrodden expression.

"I vow I will never ask you to relive anything. Now. . . let's put this behind us. Let's just celebrating finding this beautiful place and for our new found friendship," Cordelia suggested.

She reached into her pouch and pulled out the simple silver chain that Arthur had given to her before his first 'death.' She fingered it and then put it back in the pouch, remembering her brother at his happiest moments - with Crystal and his family. Yes, he was gone. That she would just have to live with, but Crystal was still alive. The woman that he had so cherished had seen yet another tragedy and it was her turn to help Crystal. Not the forests, or the Shire, or hobbits, or elves, or horses where to help her. It was her duty to Crystal and to Arthur to ensure that Crystal's life was able to be restored.

She only hoped that she hadn't destroyed all Crystal's hopes of getting away from the memories by what she had done. If it did then she would never be able to forgive herself for being so griefstricken and vengeful.

Thinlómien

04-26-2006, 01:41 PM

Rían walked slowly to the table. He seemed to be buried deep in his own thoughts. Quietly, the younger man raised his pint. Grimhorn raised his own in response. "To the memories, even if they are quite painful at times", Rían said in a low voice. Grimhorn just nodded. They drank in silence.

Grimhorn wondered if the young man could read minds. Memories... What else but memories had all the evening been about?

For a long while both men just sat and drank in silence. Grimhorn offered Rían his pipe back and he accepted it.

"We were talking about Radagast the Brown and Greäw the Pretender, right?" Grimhorn asked and turned his dark gaze to the readhead, waiting for him to take the floor.

Witch_Queen

04-27-2006, 10:20 AM

Adu's return

Rohan had always seemed busy to her... But when it came to the Shire Adu had always remembered the peaceful place where she had changed her life. Adu always thought she would just go back to what remained of her home in Eryn Lasgalen and make a life for herself. The only reason she had stayed in Rohan was for the man that now held her heart. The only problem Adu had seen was that she didn't know if her feelings were returned.

Hama was her General now, and Adu gladly followed him anytime duty called. She was the only female that served Rohan, in fact she was the only elf. Adu never cared what others thought, she only had to worry about what was going to be the next order she was given. She turned looking at the man beside her, "Hama shall we continue on?" Hama nodded his head in agreance.

Hama Of The Riddermark

04-27-2006, 03:13 PM

Hama nodded, looking up the road to the Green Dragon. It was good to be back. It seemed like so long ago that he had left for Rohan to take his post as General in Dorian Heart's stead. He now had a short, neatly trimmed beard to go with his long, flowing hair, and his armour was certainly of a superior quality to what he had been wearing the last time he entered the Tavern. His green cloak, embossed with the insignia of the company that he lead, the Wolfshead, fanned behind him in the breeze and he breathed deep, savouring the sweet Shire air that he had missed for so long.

"It's good to be back, Adu..." he said to the elf at his side. "Thank you for making me do this." he added with a smile, before stooping to open the door and taking a tentative step inside, careful to avoid hitting his head on the low rafters...

Formendacil

04-27-2006, 04:46 PM

A tall man, an older man, walked into the Green Dragon Inn, his shoulders stooped with tiredness. His face was weatherworn and hard, and could have been that of an aged farmer, were it not for the careful and wary way in which he moved and held himself, and for the saddened look in his eyes. He was dressed rather nondescriptly, if somewhat shabbily, having the look of one who had long since missed the cares and comforts of a home. A long, unadorned sword hung from his hip. He moved as if he knew well how to use it.

A slight limp impeded his walk as he made his way towards an open table along the wall, a limp just slight enough to be notable, and not quite enough to trouble him. Reaching the table, he eased himself into a sitting position, a long but quiet sigh slipping out. He had been on the road for a long time.

"Can I get you anything?" asked the Hobbit barmaid, catching sight of a new customer soon after he had seated himself.

"Something that will ease a man's mind, but not delude into foolishness," said the customer. The Hobbit raised an eyebrow.

"Ale, whatever the popular local brew is," he clarified. It was too late for riddles.

The barmaid smiled, and soon returned with a mug of frothy ale. The stranger handed her a copper in payment. A strange face was imprinted on it.

"Who is he?" asked the Hobbit.

"Araphant of Arthedain," replied the stranger. "He that was second-to-last King of this realm before the Fall of the North. It is an old enough coin, to be sure, but still the same currency as those pennies that bear the profile of Paladin son of Adalgrim."

The Hobbit maid might have responded, but a local customer was waving at her, and she hurried away. The stranger spared himself a slight smile as he raised his mug to his lips. None of the coins in his purse bore a more recent face than Araphant of Arthedain.

Of course there was a story behind that. But there were none present to ask Estahir son of Estagond what it was. And that troubled Estahir not in the least. He was tired and desired rest.

Crystal Heart

04-28-2006, 09:45 AM

Crystal smiled at Cordelia and gave her shoulder a squeeze. She looked around the place. It was very quiet. So unusual. She wondered where Aman was.

She turned in her chair and looked over the room. So many memories had been made here. She could still here Angry and his rough laugh, Adu telling her that she would gladly help her hide from her father, and Hama unsure of the happiness of Dorian's death.

She knew that Hama and Adu were in Rohan and that she would never see them again. Rohan was their home. Only a miracle beyond all miracles would occur if they showed up here in the Shire.

She turned back to the bar and remembered Aman. Aman's kindness had given her the strength to go on. If Aman hadn't treated her so nicely, she wasn't so sure that she would be alive today. Her thoughts had been dark and she had been sick. Aman's genuinely kind nature was one of the factors of her survival.

The memories flooded her. She looked down at her attire. She snorted inwardly. She had taken in Arty's riding slacks and riding shirt to fit her. Whatever had happened to her own she couldn't remember. The only thing that she was wearing was the green cloak, the same cloak she had on the first time she had been here in the Shire.

She turned back to Cordelia and smiled at her. She hoped that Cordelia would come to love the Shire as much as she did. "Are you going to be staying for a while? Or will you be heading back to Rohan?" She asked Cordelia softly.

Hookbill the Goomba

04-28-2006, 10:29 AM

"I do not doubt," muttered Fáinu, "that soon there will be a time of doom. I have seen strange things, in my sleep." Cree's eyes flashed as she looked at him. The elf was staring out of the window once again and his voice trailed into a whispered song.

Oh ye, who dwell in Aman blessed,
Shall these eyes see those trees?
Oh Land over the sea, far in the west
Golden is your early morning breeze!
Where shall I find rest on this shore?
Can we pay for our wrong with deeds?
With heart and death in bloody war?
Nay, for deep within me are black seeds
That ever stains this wretched form
From dawn till dusk every day I wait
Like onto Manwe's mighty war storm
I go soon to a deep and bounded fate.
And now I say, "where shall I find rest?"
Not even in there in blessed Aman,
Land far removed in the uttermost west.

His voice trailed and faded, until Cree was no longer sure if he had indeed spoken any words at all. For his mouth seemed to move, yet sound came not from him that she could hear, and she was unnerved.

Hama Of The Riddermark

04-28-2006, 04:41 PM

Hama took a deep gulp of the hobbit ale, putting down his cup and laughing his deep, rich laugh as the hobbits ran around him trying to get a look at this new stranger. His helm rested on the table, the gold adornments casting reflections onto his face. He smiled, turning his chair round to look for anyone he recognised. Crystal? No...she wouldn't still be here.

"Hobbit! Hobbit there!" he shouted loudly but good naturedly, "Let's have another tankard of this ale! I'd forgotten just how good it tastes! And for the love of the valar put it in a bigger glass!" The hobbit laughed with Hama as he filled up what to a hobbit must have seemed like a bucket with ale and placed it in front of him. He tipped the barman and chuckled warmly as he took the first sip of his huge tankard...

Formendacil

05-01-2006, 12:41 AM

Perhaps it was the late hour; perhaps it was the long road; perhaps it was the soothing ale, but regardless of which it was, Estahir found himself dozing off, mug in hand, face splayed on the table.

He was drifting, in memory, to those first events that had led him to carry coins of Araphant of Arthedain in his purse...

It had been soon after the coronation of King Elessar. Estahir had been recuperating on the Field of Cormallen, having taken a rather silly wound from a troll after surviving the Paths of the Dead and the Battle of the Pelennor. His leg smashed by the troll's great strength, he hobbled around on a crutch, his leg firmly bound up to heal.

He had been hobbling through the tents of the wounded, seeking to alleviate the boredom of his condition, when he came upon a dying man, his body covered in nasty looking wounds and cuts, who was unattended by any of the healers. The man was weakly calling out. Estahir hobbled over.

"Here!" the dying man thrust a dirty-looking rag into Estahir's hands. "Riches and glory awaits you!"

"What?" Estahir had inquired, but the dying man's breath was growing weaker, and he lacked the energy to say more. Only his eyes, burning with a feverish intensity, tried to explain. Estahir flattened out the cloth.

On the cloth, he soon saw, was a rough map, showing a piece of unidentified terrain, and some hastily written instructions in Westron: Here is hid the horde of Angelimir of Nenuial.

The name meant nothing to Estahir. But the dying man was fading fast, and he did not speak again ere he died. The man himself was something of a mystery. He was not Rohirric, nor of the Rangers. His clothes were nondescript, and he could have come from anywhere in Gondor. No one that saw his body ere he was buried knew him. The healers said that he had been found among the wounded from Lebennin, but that meant little.

In the events that followed, the awakening of the Ringbearer, and the return to Minas Tirith, and the coronation and wedding of the King Elessar, Estahir had little time to muse over the rag, little knowing that it would ultimately take him across Eriador, to the ruined hold of Carn Dûm, the northern shores of Lake Evendim, and into the Enedwaith and the depths of Drûwaith Iaur.

Estahir stirred from his dozing, someone having bumped his table in passing. Had he but known then what he knew now, he would likely have burned the rag as soon as he found it.

Cordelia Harrison

05-01-2006, 09:31 AM

Cordelia looked down at her hands before looking back up at Crystal. Her heart hoped that Crystal would accept her answer. If Crystal didn't she didn't know where she would reside. Perhaps in Gondor. She had heard that it was a wonderful place to live too. A little crowded perhaps, but beautiful all the same.

"Well if you don't mind, Crystal I would love to stay here in the Shire. Perhaps we can build our own home. You know, the two of us. There is something about the Shire that is just so amazing to me. I would love to stay around. As long as you didn't mind. I wouldn't want to take your home from you Crystal. I have done too much to you all ready," Cordelia answered.

She looked back down at her hands and pictured what it would be like to live in the Shire. She had this welcoming feeling. She now understood what Crystal had once told her.

Crystal Heart

05-01-2006, 09:43 AM

Crystal laughed brightly, the true love of life blossoming through her gentle laugh. How could Cordelia think that she wouldn't want her around? The thought of finally having someone around that was like a sister to her was one that thrilled her.

"Oh sweet, dear Cordelia. I would love it if you stayed in the Shire. The Shire is a beautiful, welcoming place. I hope that you find that same peace that I have always found here. Building a house with you would be a hysterical adventure, but one I am up to," Crystal replied gently.

She turned in her seat, to rest her back against the bar. She looked around the room and thought she saw a face that she recognized. Her heart stopped. Could it be? Was it really Hama? She got up and headed over there, her heart directing her more than her head.

"Hama? Is that you?" She asked the man, coming up behind him. She held her breath, hoping vainly that it was. She hadn't seen Hama in so long and she had missed him something terrible.

Phervasaion

05-01-2006, 01:17 PM

The doors of the inn swung open, and there stood a man, tall and slender, yet the hardiness he had gained from cold nights in the wilderness was noticable in his rugged appearance. He took three large strides into the inn, before stoping and looking around. The surroundings at the inn were particulary familliar, yet the faces he saw were not. It was as expected, and he also expected that no one there would recognise him, save maybe the bar tender if it were the same one as when he visited many moons ago.

"Aye.." he whispers quietly, so no one but himself heard. He gave a brisk nod, and made his way over to the bar leaving a trail of dry mud in his footsteps.

The worn man didnt mind the fact that he was to be unrecognised with others at the inn. That way he could rest up at the green dragon, and then continue on in his ventures across the lands of middle earth if need be. Though he did always have an interest in the well being of others, and would often lend a hand of aid if any were in need. Once again the man glanced around room. In particular, he noticed a man of the Riddermark that seemed to enter not long before he did. He watched and listened for a moment, yet said nothing.

Hama Of The Riddermark

05-01-2006, 03:56 PM

Hama started at the voice behind him, nearly choking on his mouthful of ale in a rather undignified way. After he had stopped his violent coughing, clearing the last of the beverage from his throat, he took a deep breath and turned around…

Crystal! It was Crystal!

Hama froze, his mouth slightly open and agape. He had never expected to see his former leader’s daughter again. Before long he realised that he was staring at her, and swiftly broke the gaze by blinking repeatedly and flushing slightly red, thankfully almost unnoticeable in the candlelight of the inn.

“Crystal…” he began, then stopped, totally unsure of what to say. He had been thinking about what he would like to say to Crystal for some time, months in fact, but had never put any deep thought into it, as he had never even considered it a possibility that they would meet again.

“Crystal…” he started again, then paused lengthily, adding, “You look….beautiful, as always…” before coughing and lowering his head in thought. “Yes…yes…I never thought that I’d see you again. If I’d thought you’d still be here…I thought that you’d have come back to Rohan after…” he checked himself violently here, with almost a visible twitch of the face. Mentioning Crystal’s father’s death in front of her would likely not be a good idea, despicable as he had been, and much as Crystal had loathed him, Hama considered discretion to be the better part of valour here, and started again. “I mean…How is life here? As joyous and carefree as ever?”

He coughed again, searching desperately for the right words but, as it always is, they simply refused to be found, and he stumbled again, this time staying silent, before looking back up at Crystal again. “Thank the Valar you’re here, Crystal…” he whispered softly, yet audibly, to her.

Crystal Heart

05-01-2006, 04:21 PM

Crystal sat down in the chair beside Hama and smiled. He looked so worn, so tired. It was obvious that he had not heard all the horrid things that had occured to her in the time that they had been away from one another. She placed her hand upon his and gave it a squeeze and gave him a teary smile.

"Oh Hama. I thought I'd never see you again. Oh how good it is to see your face. Thank you. I thought I look a mess. . . I did return, Hama. Arty was found. . . alive. We. . . got married. . . I couldn't find you. I sent messagers, but no one knew where you were. . . . I stayed there. For a while. But . . .Arty is really dead now. Really. Along with our child. . . they died of a strange illness. . . . and I've returned to the Shire to live. Forever. Oh Hama . . . He was so . . . ." Crystal stopped.

Hama had always been the one constant thing in her life. When she couldn't find him through all that had happened she had been shaken. Especially after Arty and her child had died.

She had thought long and hard of what she wanted to say to him, but she couldn't recall what she had wanted to say. All she could get out was her stuttering. She clear away her thoughts and cleared her throat softly.

"But that isn't relevant any more. I just got back. I don't know what's been happening in the Shire. You look. . . handsome as usual. You always did. . . " Crystal said, then looked away quickly. She had thought of him so much, so often. She swallowed hard and turned back to him.

"You can mention it you know; the death of my father. I forgive him for all he did. I only pray that he is in a good place. For his sake. It's all right. I thank you for being his second in command. If you weren't. . . . . nothing good could have come from my life, Hama," she said quietly.

She searched his eyes and found that there wasn't something completely right and happy with the man. She took a slow breath and she watched the turmoil swim in his eyes.

"I'm here Hama. What is it? What is wrong? You know you can always tell me," she whispered softly, so only Hama could hear. Her heart beat wildly at seeing him again. She had missed him so.

Witch_Queen

05-01-2006, 11:05 PM

Adu took Count on to the stables. Doing her best not to disturb the joyous party. She looked at her horse, "Count I'll be back in a few minutes. I'm going to go make sure Hama made it inside the inn safely." Adu placed Count in an empty stall and went back towards the inn. Everyone seemed so happy. Yet for some reason she wished the "group" was here together. Adu knew not why she was suddenly thinking of Crystal. She remembered when the girl was still little and running around like children do, without a care in the world. Times had changed and she knew the chance of her seeing Crystal again would be a miracle.

Carefully dodging drunk hobbits Adu made her way inside the inn. Everything was as she remembered it. The cares of the outside world never seemed to dampen the spirits of hobbits. The inn door opened just as Adu reached for the doorknob. "Excuse me." Adu looked down to see what appeared to be platters of food with feet. Hobbits... Adu walked inside only to see that in the corner almost hidden from site was Hama. But she didn't know who the other person was. Adu walked over to the table almost unnoticed. " General Dorian was not a very good man... You can pray all you want dear child but everyone knows... His life of torture has finally caught up with him....." Adu had heard alot and wished now that she hadn't heard anything at all. She knew not who was speaking on behalf of Dorian's soul."Hama, the horses are in the stable and they seem to be happy." Adu turned to look at the other person. "CRYSTAL?????"

Crystal Heart

05-02-2006, 01:00 AM

Crystal jumped, turned, and saw the last person that she ever expected would be back in the good Shire once more. She jumped up and hugged Adu tightly.

"Adu! Oh my gosh! Rumors told me of death . . . How have you been?" She asked her, motioning her to sit down next to her. More tears of joy filled her dark eyes. Her two friends where here, in the Shire! Of all places in the world! The thought thrilled her greatly. She only hoped that Adu hadn't heard what Crystal had said to Hama.

"Did anyone tell you what happened? With me?" She asked her, unsure of what Adu would know. When she had sent the messangers no one could find Adu or Hama. It had been with a heavy heart that she had gotten married without the two of them by her side. In retrospect she never should have married at all. She shook the thought away and concentrated on her friends.

piosenniel

05-02-2006, 01:42 AM

Hama Of The Riddermark

05-02-2006, 08:54 AM

Hama sat, looking at Crystal with the same mournful expresion on his face. "I'm sorry, Crystal...I know what it is like to lose the ones you love. When I came back from the war I found my home burnt, and everyone I loved dead. My son was just a boy, barely fourteen, and my daughter was growing into a beautiful woman. And they were both taken away...taken from me forever by raiders..."

He paused, the barest vestige of a tear forming in his eye. "I wish I could have done more for you, Crystal. I wish I had known..." he smiled weakly, a kind, fatherly sort of smile, taking a deep breath in through his nose. "I should have been there to help you..."

Witch_Queen

05-02-2006, 10:38 AM

"We both should have been there for her." Adu turned to look at Crystal. "I heard. "Tis sad that you should be going through this alone. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised of the rumors. Even after all this time there is still people that are loyal to Dorian." Adu could sense something between Crystal and Hama but she knew whatever the feeling was she was not concerned. Adu was happy to be back in the shire with all her friends.

Adu was known for very well for being unseen when the time called. She knew she should have made her presence known but the talk was serious and it was best she remained hidden. "Now Hama are you glad that you did come along with me. Or else you might have missed seeing Crystal."

Crystal Heart

05-02-2006, 11:11 AM

She patted Adu's wrist softly and shook her head. She didn't want her friends feeling responsible for what had happened. She shouldn't have married him. That she knew now.

"Do not blame yourselves for not being there. It was better that you weren't. You didn't have to see. . . . Arthur wasn't the same as you once knew him. As I once knew him. He had grown cold. Very cold. Tis better that he died. I loved our child, but he. . . . he would have grown to be his father. In that respect his short life was a blessing to himself," she replied softly, shaking away all the horrid memories.

Her eyes looked over at Hama's strong ones. It was clear that what he had seen had scarred him. She understood that scarring. "Oh Hama. I am so sorry for all that has happened. Your daughter and son were kind people. Very kind. Did your . . . .wife survive?" She asked, fearing the answer to that question.

Hama Of The Riddermark

05-02-2006, 02:39 PM

Hama shook his head mournfully, "No...she did not. Freya was killed with my children. I am the last of my family, and in that I have failed my father...all this...this ceremony and decoration...it counts for nothing if you are empty on the inside. Haleth did me proud though...when I found him, he had a bloody sword in his hand, and two raiders dead around him. He would have made a fine soldier...at it is some corfort to know that I did not raise a coward. He will be dining with the warriors of Rohan in the halls of paradise, and he would not be unworthy..."

"So often it is the common man who has the happier life. Riches, rank...even joy have no meaning unless you have someone to share it with. I hunted them down...I hunted down the raiders who killed my family and I killed them just as mercilessly...and yet I still felt empty. There was every chance that I had robbed fifteen wives and perhaps more children of their husbands and fathers...and still I felt no guilt...no sorrow, no emotion. I am a General of Rohan...and a General cannot allow himself to feel guilt for anything, for the second he does so he loses all power over his men and himself...and yet I wanted to pity the men that I had slain. But there was no revenge in killing them, revenge would have been to find another love...to sire children again. But for what? To have them killed in another raid some years hence?"

Hama choked on a lump in his throat, and took another deep gulp of ale to dislodge it somewhat, resting his head in one of his hands...

Hookbill the Goomba

05-02-2006, 02:53 PM

"Ah, don't mind me," said Fáinu, lifting his head. He seemed to smile; yet Cree felt a foreboding, almost like a heavy weight that kept her in her seat. Fáinu's face was cheerful, almost, yet she saw behind his smile, deep fear and regret.

"I must go now," he said, "Dwaline's house is near by. I will go there. Then I need to rest." he sighed, "yes... to rest." he got up and drained his mug. Cree grabbed his arm, but said nothing. "Worry not," said Fáinu, "Things will look better in the morning." Avalon the crow cocked her head and squawked as the Elf walked out of the inn, singing a little song in old quenya.

Crystal Heart

05-02-2006, 02:56 PM

Crystal just sat and listened, her heart breaking for him. She knew that pain too well. She lowered her face to look him in the eye, leaning in so he could hear her.

"I am sorry for all you have endured for your post as general of Rohan. I am sorry for the loss of your wife and children. I am sorry that the one battle your son had to fight was his last. I am sorry for it all. I understand that revenge. I understand what you are feeling. That total unremorse. I have felt it too. You know I have. As long as I have known you Hama you have given everything to Rohan, your home. But you don't have to any more. You can let it all go and live the remainder of your life in the Shire. Someone else can lead. You had done well for Rohan and its people. Now it is time for you to do well by yourself," she told him, her eyes studying his.

"You don't have to marry once more. You don't have to fall in love ever again. You don't have to sire children and be a leader and make a change in this world. You can just be Hama, the man that lives in the Shire. The man that learns to enjoy life. That is what you need, Hama. A life. A true life. One that doesn't take you away from the place that you love and the people you adore."

She stopped, wanting to say more. She wanted to plead to him to stay, to be here with her. She couldn't lose him again. She could see that she was.

"I am merely a woman. I have run away. I have been owned by men and by illness. I have learned true beauty in life. I have learned true despair. My life has been broken time and time again. The only place it hasn't been broken is here, the Shire. This tavern. . . . I don't know anything about constructing a house. I know nothing of protecting my land and being a farmer. I know little about cooking and making a house a home. Yet, I want to learn. Would you learn with me? Stay with me here in the Shire? You could learn to live life . . . learn how to appreciate small things. You wouldn't have to be a warrior, a general, a leader. You could just be Hama. . . the man that learned how to live," she stopped and swallowed hard.

She looked at his glass and swallowed hard. She knew that despair. She was feeling the same way. How could she go on? How could she marry and sire more children?

"I know where you are at and I know where you could go. Losing your family so brutually will only drive you to insanity if you keep being the General of Rohan. Listen to my words and hear them in your heart. There is good in you. There is life in you. Find it. For my sake. Please. . . I can't lose you too," she whispered, tears starting to flow down her cheeks.

piosenniel

05-02-2006, 03:02 PM

Just a reminder for everyone from the moderator, since this is a new page:

Per The Red Book of Westmarch topic in the Shire:

SERIAL POSTING

The Shire would like to encourage writers to take time to do more thoughtful and descriptive posts.

Serial posting between writers is discouraged, especially since it tends to become more dialog oriented than descriptive.

Two and a maximum of three well done posts is enough for one day for a writer to a game or the Inn.

Please try to keep to this request.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

More than 3 posts per day each between pairs of posters will be returned to the writers.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Witch_Queen

05-02-2006, 11:31 PM

PROPOSTERIOUS... INSANE....What is the child thinking.. Adu wanted to scream out no but something just wouldn't allow her to do that. "Hama go ahead stay here, forget about all the good you have done in Rohan. I can go back and let your king, our king know what you wish. Your service to Rohan will not be forgotten. Perhaps someday when everything is settled, I will return to the Shire to see how you and Crystal have done." Adu had always remained loyal to the life she had learned. She was a soldier, a warrior and when the time came perhaps she would be able to retire and make a life for herself.

"Revenge isn't worth risking your own life, even if you lost everything. I know Crystal that you will take care of yourself, you always were able to. Remember, a woman is not a slave to her husband. No marriage should be one sided. You are a woman of Rohan, be strong and stand down to no one. I have seen you grow from a little child into a woman, if your mother were still alive she would be proud of you. I know I am."

Adu turned to Hama. "Hama my general, my leader, my friend, your heart maybe broken but remember true love is never forgotten. Freya would have wanted you to move on with your life. A soul can only take so much mourning before it eventually becomes cold and bitter. Your life is short, take advantage of the moments you have. Love the life you have but more than anything, don't let the great things in life pass you by. You never know when fate may present you with your destined love. Nothing is forever.... well unless your an elf...." Adu couldnt' help but smile. "Come on the two of you cheer up, today is a joyous day."

Crystal Heart

05-03-2006, 07:11 AM

Crystal smiled at Adu. The elven woman was right. She was a woman of Rohan. It was about time she started acting like it. She straightened and laughed brightly.

"Oh Adu. How I have forgotten my roots. I allowed so much of my past to haunt my future. No more. I vow to you that I will never again be what I was. I shall always remember that I am a woman of Rohan. And thank you, my dear friend. I only wish I could have spent more time with you in my childhood. Also, thank you for your kind words. I only pray that my dear mother would have been proud of what I have become," she said brightly.

She clapped both of them on the shoulder and smiled brightly. Yes, Adu was right. It was a joyous time. They were together! In the Shire! What more could they have asked for. "Adu is right. Let us celebrate this time!"

Dimturiel

05-03-2006, 07:50 AM

Ravennar had listened to Heather with great attention. He could not help asking himself whether she really was journeying alone only because she was the only one that had a reason to be on that journey, or whether her solittude was not due- as was his- to some kind of pride. Maybe she did not even realise that it was so. But what was he to do? The best thing for both of them was for him to mind his own business and stop digging into other people's pasts. He had his own to worry about.

Ravennar looked arround him, inspecting all the happy and carefree faces that he saw, and listening to their meaningless and yet pleasant talk as if it was something new and fascinating to him. He smiled as he caught Heather's eye.

"Great place, this inn," he said, voicing his thoughts aloud. "One could hardly expect rash words to be spoken here. One could hardly think that one's life could change in a place like this. Such are the inns of my country, also-or so I thought them to be. Strange, is it not, how strife can find a home even in the most peaceful places?"

He stopped abruptly, realising that he had said more than he should have. This sounded too much like the beginning of some confession, and confessions were dangerous. He avoided Heather's eye, and thought uncomfortably of what her reaction to his words might be.

Formendacil

05-05-2006, 12:53 PM

Awakened by the bumping of his table, Estahir yawned, stretched somewhat, and looked around. It was still night. Noise still flowed in from the party outside the inn, and the inn was full of the cheerful babble that characterized inns everywhere.

Estahir rubbed his eyes, trying to shake the sleep out of his mind. If his dreams were merely going to rehash the past, there was little point to dreaming. He called the Hobbit barmaid over, and requested another drink.

Inevitably, though, once he had the drink in his hand, and with no one to occupy his attention, he began to doze again. He was conscious of it, even as it was happening, and it irked him. A Ranger of the North ought to be able to stay awake at need. But there was no need, for the heart of the Shire was as safe as any place, and his body cried for the rest it lacked.

Estahir began to doze...

The events following the coronation of Elessar had been exciting times for the Dúnedain of the north. After a millennium of quiet warding and hidden dwellings, they were suddenly again the centre of the Kingdom of Arnor, and with the King dwelling in Gondor, it fell on many of his kin to make ready the North for the re-establishment of the realm.

Estahir had been one of those who had been charged with re-establishing an Arnorian presence in Fornost. The old capital of Arthedain was not to be Elessar's seat, for he would sit in Annúminas, but the old Arnorian city was to rebuilt, regarrisoned, and resettled. It would be many years indeed before it was fully populated, with the sons of post-War Gondor seeking opportunity in the North, but in the meantime, it fell upon Estahir and a small company of Rangers to refurbish and occupy the Royal house in Fornost.

Among the many tasks that befell them in the process of restoring the home that had been defiled by the Witchking's presence was the cleaning and repair of the old monuments that had adorned the halls and courtyards of the Kings of Arthedain. Most were beyond repair, smashed during the last Angmarian war, or weathered by the years of a millennium gone by. Most had to be removed, and tossed out.

It was in the process of removing a rather large stone block that had once been the base of a long-gone statue, that Estahir discovered a familiar name. On the base of of the statue had been inscribed the words, in Quenya, that had read "Donated by Angelimir of Nenuial, in memory of his father Angbor".

"Angelimir of Nenuial?"

The name had seemed awfully familar to Estahir, and it echoed in his mind as he and his companions hauled the heavy block out of the courtyard and the city.

It continued to echo as the day went on, and was still bouncing around in his mind as he lay down to sleep- when it hit him.

The rag of the dying man from the Battle of the Morannon. In eager excitement, he began to hunt for the long-forgotten rag, finally finding it with an old cloak and tunic that he had worn on the ride to Gondor.

"The Horde of Angelimir of Nenuial" the rag had read. Who was Angelimir of Nenuial, and why had he had a horde?

Estahir's dream turned from recounting the events of yore, and turned to fancy. Hand on his mug, face on the table, his mind fly with the birds of the air while his body remained firmly in the Green Dragon Inn.

JennyHallu

05-05-2006, 01:20 PM

Lossë's quiet sobs finally calmed down, and she began to look around her once again. There were few people here in the common room of the Inn, especially with the sounds of merriment still drifting in from outdoors. Firmly, Lossë cast thoughts of the party (or just of Farael?) out of her mind, her fingers tingling with a familiar itch.

A tall man sat comfortably sprawled at a nearby booth. On silent feet, Lossë rose and carefully glided towards him. The sound of a soft, relaxed snore brought a smirk to the girl's pretty face. This was a strong and powerful man, to be sure. He reminded her of nothing so much as the glimpses she'd caught of Elessar and Prince Imrahil over the years in Minas Tirith...but he was asleep, and therefore completely vulnerable to her. She slid silently into the seat beside him, unaware that her youth and bloodlines made her look almost a daughter to the sleeping man, and gently looked inside his cloak. Ah. There.

She slipped a thin supple hand carefully around the man's waist, careful not to touch his body. His purse was tied to his belt just around the curve of his back with loose knots, easily undone. As she eased back, however, the man murmured and shifted in his sleep--onto Lossë's arm. She froze, staring up at his face, willing him to stay asleep.

This was not turning out to be a lucky day.

Formendacil

05-07-2006, 12:08 AM

Estahir's eyes snapped open.

Lossë was looking straight at him, arm trapped behind his back.

He straightened immediately, allowing her hand to slip out, but catching her arm instantly, and forcing her to sit at the table beside him.

"It's not wise to try and pick a Ranger's purse, young lady," said Estahir in a growl. "Though I'll indulge your pride and say that you would have gotten away with it, if the Valar hadn't given me the urge to move at that moment. I'll confess to being curious though. What's a daughter of Men- and one with blood of Númenor at that- doing picking pockets in the heart of the Shire?"

Estahir's strong grip prevented Lossë from moving anywhere. He peered at her intently, as if willing her to reveal her secrets.

"So stay and sit for a moment, and I'll let go, you young kitten! I'm old and lonely and you have the look of a girl who's somewhat lonely herself. And I'd like to indulge my curiosity, although..." Estahir's voice trailed off here. "... although that's gotten me into trouble in the past."

Trouble indeed! After finding the name of Angelimir of Nenuial on the broken statue's base, Estahir had been unable to put the matter of the rag out of his mind. Who was Angelimir of Nenuial? Why had he had a hoard? Where did the map on the rag lead? Why had it been hidden?

For three months, these questions had plagued him. He had scoured the old ruins of Fornost, hoping to find more clues to Angelimir's identity, but there was not a trace of him that Estahir found in the old city. After three months, however, Estahir was relieved as commander of the Fornost detachment, and given leave to return to the Angle to visit his family.

Instead, he had gone to Rivendell.

Estahir's wife Míriel had passed away ten years before, and their children, though young, were grown. Of greater priority to the ranger's mind was the name "Angelimir of Nenuial". And so he had gone to Rivendell, to seek the answers in the library there to his questions. For there had been deposited such records and books of learning as had survived the Fall of the North, and there also, by reason of its close connections to the Realm of Arnor, had been written and stored many other books of lore. And there, under the rule of the Lords Elladan and Elrohir, Estahir hoped to find some answers.

And he had found them, too...

Estahir shook his head, and looked at Lossë.

"I'm sorry, girl," he said, letting go of her hand somewhat more tenderly than he had first grabbed it. "You can go if you want. I'll not bother you. Enough evil has come of my curiosity." For a moment, Lossë did not move.

Nurumaiel

05-07-2006, 11:24 AM

Posco and Blanco sat rather uneasily together in the quiet Common Room. Blanco was pacing restlessly back and forth, while Posco watched him miserably from their table. It was obvious that Blanco was waiting for something... watching for something, that is, for he kept pausing at the window and peering out.

And suddenly Blanco gave a start. He saw Posco look up at him sharply, and he put on a casual smile that was very unconvincing. "I don't know why we're hanging about here doing nothing," he said. "I do believe I'll go out and dance. There are plenty of lovely hobbit lassies out there, Posco." There was a slight hesitation before he spoke again. "Why don't you come along with me?"

Because Blanco didn't want him to. That was one reason, but Posco didn't consider it a good one. What exactly had Blanco seen out there? He stood up and made his way to the window, but Blanco make a quick leap for the door. "I'll be out there if you want to come," he said quickly, and scampered outdoors.

Posco, watching from the window, could see him working his way through the merry crowds towards a table in the shadows. He lost him to view then, but he had no doubt of why Blanco had so suddenly left. It was to dance with the lassies, for hadn't he just passed them all by? No doubt he'd seen Lily. The eager look in his face could not be mistaken, despite his attempts to hide it. Posco sat down heavily by the window. He didn't have the courage to go chasing after Blanco and stop him from speaking with Lily. So he simply felt miserable.

Blanco basked in the lights as he worked his way slowly towards the table where Lily sat, doing his best not to jostle anyone but pausing to excuse himself when he did. Once or twice he looked over his shoulder, and saw to his satisfaction that Posco was not following him. The poor fellow was so distracted thinking about Lily that he hadn't realised why Blanco had left. Ah well, all the better for him.

There was a slight break in the dancers, and he took advantage of it, twisting and turning until he stood in the shadows. Yet he felt that all the lights were still upon him, for he felt a warmth spread all over them. There was Lily, looking up at him with her sweet little face, just as lovely as she had been the first time he met her. Though, was he only imagining it, but was she rather pale? He wondered briefly whether it was on account of Posco, and some of the warmth left. But he resolutely shoved that thought aside and approached the table. He was here, not Posco. He'd been given the first chance.

Smiling, he took her hand and shook it heartily. "Lily, how wonderful to see you!" he said, sitting down at her gesture, and observing nervously as he did so that her smile to him was slightly strained. "You gave me quite a start, appearing in that window like some phantom of the past. And..." He paused a moment, wondering if it was wise to bring up her worries, when they could very well be about Posco. But if that was what she wanted, it would come sooner or later.

"And I rather got the impression you wanted to talk to me," he said.

The Sixth Wizard

05-07-2006, 03:19 PM

<puff> <pant>

A visitor in light green dressing strode up the path. He leaned on a seemingly ordinary staff, yet you had to avert your eyes as you looked at for too long.
There was an Inn ahead, with a picture of a Green Dragon over the front door. A party was going on in the front lawn. The visitor was tired after his long absence and needed rest. Brushing away a group of hobbit children he made it to the door, where a beggar pulled his arm. The old man looked up at the visitor blindly.
The visitor bent down slowly and clasped his arm.
"Who's that then, eh?" mumbled the blind beggar.
"What is your name, brethren?"
"Ah, he he *cough*, my name might be Jon the Blind, it might."
"Be at peace, Jon," said the green stranger.
Jon stared up, or turned his head up, and it seemed that there was a light returning to the world and his eyes, though it was night.
"Who - Who are you?"
"The Sixth Wizard," stated the stranger simply. "Let us enter this building."

The inside of the building was warm, some people chatted around the place, and a barmaid, a hobbit, addressed them.
"How may I help you?" she said.
"A warm bed and some ale for this poor soul," answered The Wizard.
"Certainly sir," she said happily. "And your name?"
"I think I'll keep that information to myself, thank you."
Jon was baffled. Why had this stranger told him his name and not to the barmaid? Did he hold him in greater trust?
"Okay sir," continued the barmaid. "Welcome to the Green Dragon Inn! I'm Ruby, and I'll show you to your room."
The Wizard payed her with some of the money from his purse. Ruby walked them through a long hall to a room for the travellers...

The bed of the room was warm and soft. As Jon got in, he asked the Wizard, "Who are you? Where did you come from? And why have all the other wizards gone over the sea?"
"Patience my good man. I have forgotten my name, held for years under the torment of Sauron in Barad-dur. Here let me tell you..."

It all started the day I was sent from Aman. Curunir was sent first, the one called Saruman, and then Mithrandir and Pallando I believe, though maybe my memory has grown thin? I was sent with Radagast, anyway. Gandalf, Mithrandir, was really for the elves. Curunir was for Men. Pallando and Alatar were from the Sea, Radagast for the animals. But I was to be for the trees.

I was kept a secret from others, to be our secret weapon when the time came. Not even Galadriel knew of me. First I dwelt with the Ents, searching for their Entwives. But then I was taken.

Shot, grievously wounded, as I slept. Uruks drugged me and took me to their Mordor.

In the Dark Lord's Tower I found nothing. Nothing but pain. A day lasted a century, a night millenia. The other wizards did nothing, thinking I had gone to the East and never returned, like Alatar and Pallando, strayed from my path. But the Path was clear. All else grew dark, Sauron took great delight in destroying my memories of myself, and leaving those of others open. I had almost given up hope.

Then something happened. The Tower's foundations rumbled. Maybe, just maybe the Ring had been destroyed?

All was confusion. I was forgotten. Using the last of my power I managed to escape the ruin. But it was over. Sauron was finished.

"And I made my way back, stopping at the Ents of course. Their draughts have been what has restored me to health, though my power is all lost. I only now can bring relief to the sick, or restore, never fight. It is sad. Who will protect the trees? The Ents dwindle, Mithrandir travels oversea. I stay, but I can but hinder the trees Doom. It is the way of things in Arda Marred."

"But why do you trust me?" asked Jon.
"I see it in your eyes and heart. You must believe in these things."

Jon stared out of the window deep in thought.

Firefoot

05-07-2006, 04:13 PM

Lily felt both relieved and disappointed that Posco did not accompany Blanco, and apprehensive and uncomfortable at how heartily Blanco greeted her, and she wondered just how he felt towards her. Did he still envy Posco of her love? But perhaps that would not matter so much anymore, with Posco out here to find some other bride. She would never see either of them again.

"And I rather got the impression you wanted to talk to me," Blanco was saying.

“Perhaps so,” said Lily, briefly wondering if Blanco was really the one she ought to be talking to about this. But since she had no reason not to trust him, she clarified, “Yes. You see, I am quite confused, and I think that you are one who could clarify for me. All I want is a simple explanation.” Blanco nodded for her to go on. “And… I think it would be best if you did not tell Posco.” Again Blanco nodded, and she could tell that his curiosity was rising. “When I realized that my uncle was not sending the letters I wrote to Posco, I made up my mind to go to Buckland to find him, and I intended to stay. But upon reaching Buckland, I found that he was not at home; indeed, I was told that he had come here to find his bride.” The pain in her voice was faint but obvious. “Blanco, you must tell me whether this is true. I do not know how or why Posco would forget about me, and I do not want to know his excuses or explanations, which is why I am talking to you. So please, Blanco, just tell me the truth. Please tell me there was a mistake.”

Angel_Queen

05-07-2006, 10:13 PM

Ravon walked towards the inn. Even though the inn was down the road still a bit Ravon could hear the music from the party. It seems like everyone is having fun. Wonder what the occasion is? Wonder if Lewis will be there. He will be so happy when he hears the news. Ravon's mind was racing with thoughts. She had told Lewis to meet her at the Green Dragon but wasn't sure if he had made it there or not. The long walk did her some good. It gave her time for herself. Time for her to think about the world around her. Ravon and Lewis had returned to their home in the Shire only a few months ago. The had decided to go to Rohan and eventually to Eryn Lasgalen.

Ravon's mother and father wasn't to thrilled with the thought of Ravon getting married to a man of Rohan. But if only her parents knew what was going on now. Lewis' and Ravon's wedding was beautiful. She had Lewis and Lewis had her. Ravon didn't expect to see her parents at the wedding but was delighted when her father was the one to give-her-away. She had figured that Lewis' parents would have hated the fact of the two of them spending the rest of their lives together. But the world of men had changed. Her mother-in-law was wonderful. Everyday she spent with Lewis was wonderful.

Ravon approached the inn and the sound of the celebration became louder and louder. Ravon watched as people laughed and drank. Also as a few people danced around free from the troubles of the world. I hope Lewis remembered to meet me here. Ravon dodged drunk hobbits and what she thought was a couple of dwarves. Ravon opened the door to the inn. Inside she saw people sitting around tables talking. A hobbit walked up to her. "Ale for the lady?" Ravon looked down at the small creature. "No thank you but I will have a mug of your finest water. No ale for me tonight." The hobbit turned and ran off. Ravon wasn't sure if she was going to get that water or not. To her surprise a few seconds later the hobbit returned granting Ravon's request.

Ravon scanned the inn looking for her heart's desire. "Lewis where are you?" Ravon stood in the center of the inn with a mug full of water. She felt some one walk up behind her. Suddenly her vision was gone. "Guess who?" She knew the sound of the voice. She had woken up so many times to the sweet sound of that voice. Lewis took his hands off from over Ravon's eyes. Ravon turned around.

"Lewis... I was wondering where you was." She wrapped her arms around him hugging Lewis and gently kissing him on the cheek. "Come lets sit down." Ravon was so caught up in the bliss that she had forgotten about the mug of water she held in her hand. What was once full was now empty and its contents covering Lewis' back. "I am so sorry. I forgot. I guess I should have been more careful." Lewis looked at her. "Its okay Ravon. Its not like I've never had ale or whatever that was spilt on me." Ravon couldn't help but giggle.

"Come now let us find a table and have a seat. I have something to tell you that is very important." The couple found a table just as the hobbit Ravon met earlier walked by. "Can I help the two of you?" Lewis looked at the halfling. "Sure. Can I get a pint of your finest ale... Well make that two.." Ravon quickly cut Lewis off. "Make that just one. I'm afraid I spilt my water and it would be wonderful. Could you bring me another mug of water?" The hobbit looked at the elf and grinned. "Anything for you." The hobbit skipped away leaving Ravon and Lewis alone.

Ravon reached over and placed her hand on top of Lewis' hand. "Lewis, you know I haven't been feeling well here lately. I went to the doctor this morning." Lewis' expression went from joyful to concerned. Ravon knew he was no worried. She feared what Lewis might say next.

Nogrod

05-08-2006, 01:28 PM

“Funny how different names make things themselves look different. Have you ever noticed that?”, Rían asked Grimhorn after a moment of silence between them. Grimhorn’s expression looked calm, but Rían wasn’t sure, what he was thinking about. And that unnerved him even more. Anyhow, he knew now, what he was going to say.

“Yes, I have heard the name you just used, Grëaw the Pretender... yes, I remember. But for me he has always been Grëaw of the Colours, or just Grëaw the wise. I think neither of us has had any real chance to think about that man in other terms than those we have learned from our childhood.” Rían took a long pull from his pint, wiping the foam from his mouth with his left thumb. He took this pipe from the table, but realized simultaneously, that he had just smoked. Rían turned the pipe around in his hands for a while, and then put it back to the table, grinning mildly and shrugging his shoulders.

“I said my memories are painful. Yes they are, but they are also faint. I was so young back then, when we had to run and hide for our lives. After those days, I have lived far away from the land of the Beornings. So what happened to the other followers of Grëaw of the Colours? Were they murdered or exiled? Were they 'cleansed' away?”, Rían spelled the last words quite poignantly, letting his emotions come through. “Cleansed according to the purity-ideals of Owl’s eye and his followers, persecuted by fellow Beornings, just because they thought differently on some things?" Rían tried to cool himself down with some more ale, taking a very long draught indeed. Oh man, you’re going to need quite many of these tonight...

Witch_Queen

05-09-2006, 10:35 AM

Cree had a very concern look on her face. What was going on? Fáinu just got up and left. She knew he was going to speak with Dwaline. But still something didn’t seem right to her. She looked at Avalon, her one true companion in life. “Avalon do me a favor. Follow him and make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid.” The giant white crow bobbed its head up and then down before leaping into the air. Cree knew Avalon would watch over Fáinu.

The crow left the inn, flying through the air with such ease. Avalon flew closer to the ground making sure she didn't miss Fáinu. She spotted the elf walking down the dirt road. "Go back to the inn Avalon." Avalon didn't know how Fáinu knew she was there, but she better do as she was told. Avalon quickly turned around, she was concerned still but she could do nothing.

Cree sat at the table alone waiting the return of her friend. Cree was looking out the window when Avalon returned. Cree knew she couldn't comunicate with Avalon like she did with Fáinu, but she would do her best. "Avalon is Fáinu ok? Flap your right wing if he is and your left wing if he isn't..." The bird turned her head in confusion. "No that won't work.. Ok stomp one of your feet once if he is and twice if he's not." Avalon pick up her right leg and placed it back on the table. "Ok so Fáinu is alright. I'm still worried." Avalon hopped towards Cree, trying to get closer to the elf. Cree sensed Avalon's uneasiness. She stroked Avalons head, "Everything will be ok Avalon. Fáinu will come back in the morning."

Thinlómien

05-10-2006, 08:05 AM

"Funny how different names make things themselves look different. Have you ever noticed that?" Rían had asked, almost casually. Grimhorn had nodded silently, trying to control his feelings and his expressions. He had felt the anger growing inside him. The tiny voice of a woman long dead reminding him of his temper was not to be heard anymore. How does that brat dare to say that to me tonight, after all things he has said, and to say that so casually. Funny. Funny indeed! I'm dying of laughter! Oh funny, how Grimgor Bearhand and Grimgor the Owl's Eye sound different and make the things look different! He had gripped his axe, this time less unconsciously.

Grimhorn had forced himself to calm down. He was no fool, he knew he needed to talk this through. He also knew he couldn't beat the younger man or scare him away. In either case the hidden truths might be lost from him forever. He had forced his fingers to let go of the axe and take the pint instead.

Unfortunately for both of them, Rían continued the line that was making it more difficult for Grimhorn to control himself. Pointing out that Grimhorn might have learned his opinions, not formed themselves by himself, was not maybe the best thing to say to soothe his anger. Especially when he himself knew it was true.

Grimhorn kept silent, but he wanted to roar and throw the table on someone, preferably Rían. Rían Sundry. Son of the hermit Sundry. Son of the man who had made Grimhorn's father so mad that he had wanted to kill him and his family. If that characteristic ran in the Sundry family, I wouldn't wonder, Grimhorn thought. I wouldn't even accuse my father for wanting to kill them. Then despite of himself and his anger, he grinned. Oh boy, that characteristic of getting mad at Sundrys must run in the family as well, he thought.

Grimhorn's good mood, however, didn't last long. Quit that whining about painful memories, little boy! You are not the only one in this world who has them. It would be a wonder to pass my age, or even yours, without getting them, Grimhorn thought as Rían told about his memories.

And then, at the top of it, Rían Sundry rementioned the ethnic cleansing. This was enough for Grimhorn for this night. He rose up suddenly hitting the table with his enormous fist. "Quit that babbling! Grimgor Bearhand never was a leader of any ethnic cleansing!"

"Greäw the Pretender's followers either returned to normal society and started doing proper work or killed themselves or wandered off and never returned! Of those freaks, you can never tell. They should have killed themselves, though, that would have served them right!"

Rían was speechless. Whether he was thinking of what to say or too scared to say anything, Grimhorn didn't know. To tell the truth, at the moment he didn't even care. He forced himself to relax and sat down again. He took a sip from his pint. His hands were still trembling. Teasingly, a familiar woman's voice echoed from his memories: "See? You made yourself stupid, my bear. Adult people can control their anger. Little boys are the ones who don't."

Grimhorn let his eyes meet Rían's. He didn't pretend to be polite, or not angry. Instead, he asked bluntly: "That's enough for me. Tonight, you've continuosly insulted my father, without giving grounds to your accusation. I would be glad to hear, why are you accusing him of leading an ethnic cleansing?" He took another sip. "As far as I know, such thing never took place in the Beorning Lands."

Nurumaiel

05-11-2006, 02:54 PM

Blanco hesitated for some time before answering. He felt strongly that he must do what was right, but the strange emotions playing on him were telling him otherwise. It was useless to tell her a lie. Posco would sort it all out at the first chance he got, and Blanco would be made to look like a fool. Unless Lily left right away... and he could follow.

Could he not simply tell her that Posco was indeed looking for his bride? Obviously Lily thought that some other girl was meant by that phrase. The answer would not be a lie, for that was indeed why Posco was there. But she would take it differently, and then perhaps he could offer to escort her back home. And perhaps he could win her heart before then, and ask for her hand. And she, having no one else to turn to, would accept. And Posco would never know why. It was a bright picture.

But that was selfish. Did he honestly and truly love her? Honesty and truth forbade him from following that course. He would break Posco's heart, and would more than likely break Lily's heart, and all to satisfy his own selfish heart. Would he truly be happy living to the end of his days with Lily, knowing that she had married him only because he had thwarted her true dreams?

"Blanco..." said Lily, her eyes pleading. "Please... just the truth. You don't have to be afraid to tell the truth."

Blanco laughed in a strained fashion. "No, not for your sake," he said. "I'm not afraid for you. But I should be more afraid for myself if I told a lie. Lily, do you remember young Bingo, the hobbit who accompanied us the first time we were here? The good-natured one... always smiling, always helping?"

Lily nodded vaguely, looking at him in bewilderment.

"He told me once that emotions were fickle things, and not to be trusted. Your heart may tell you to do one thing, but the principles of your heart say another. He told me always to follow the principles, for they're sturdy, whilst the emotions are shaky and confused."

"What do you mean?" she asked, in a hesitating voice. "Is this about Posco?"

"Yes, it's about Posco," he said. He took a deep breath, and tried to look firm and resolved, though he only wished he were telling a lie. "Lily, Posco did come here to look for his bride. What you heard was entirely true."

She drew a rather sharp breath, and he saw the misery entering in her eyes. He quickly caught her hands.

"But, Lily, you misunderstood what was meant by that," he hurried on. "He did indeed come here to find his bride. And by that is meant that he came to find you."

Firefoot

05-11-2006, 05:31 PM

“He – he what?” Of all the possible explanations, Lily had never even suspected this. “But he – I was in Bree – why – what was he thinking?” she spluttered. A myriad of emotions displayed themselves across her face: relief, confusion, anger, joy.

He smiled at her, a strange smile. “He was too shy to go to you in Bree, and so came here instead with the wild hope of finding you.”

“But… that’s wonderful! Blanco, this is the best news I have heard all day!” She had leapt to her feet and now walked around the table to kiss him lightly on the cheek. Now she really did feel like dancing! Posco had come to find her, and here she had been hiding from him! But why he ever thought to come here to find her…!

“Thank you, Blanco,” she said, truly meaning it. “But I must go find Posco now.” And with that she fairly danced off, still reeling with shock. But as that started to recede into the violent tempest of her emotions, and others started to come through more prominently: bewilderment (why ever he had come here!), anger (how dare he cause me all this heartache!), annoyance (could he not have even written?), amusement (silly hobbit, trying to find me where I almost certainly would not be). Had she been thinking clearly, she in her current state probably would not have tried to approach Posco, because she would have remembered just how he would react if he thought she was angry with him; but none of this occurred to her in her overwhelming need to see him. It had been so long!

She flung open the door to the inn, and there he was. Her heart began to thud as she had forgotten it could. Smiling faintly, she walked up to him and declared, “Posco, I do believe you are the most absurd hobbit I have ever had the chance to meet, for in one day without ever seeing me you have made me both the most miserable and the most joyous hobbit in Middle-earth.” She laughed lightly. “I do not pretend to understand why you came here and not to Bree, but I am ever so glad I did not simply go home!” Then she faltered suddenly. Of course he would understand none of this, and how might he take it? And… what if Blanco had been wrong? Her waltzing in here like this! But she could think of nothing more to say that would explain rightly, and said nothing.

Glirdan

05-11-2006, 06:03 PM

Gróin suddenly woke up. He looked out the window and saw that it was still black. He rolled over and tried to get back to sleep. He was just about to fall back off to sleep when he heard something creaking.. He sat up straight in his bed, the blankets strewn all over the place. "Who-who's there?" he whispered hesitantly. No one answered. Must have been the wind against the window he thought to himself. He rolled back over and tried going back to sleep when he heard it again, outside his door. He got up, trembling as he made his way to the door.

He grabbed the doorknob and it turned it slowly and cautiously, making sure it didn't make a sound. He stuck his head out and peered into the dark hallway except for the little light coming from the Inn's bar. He looked first towards the light and then the opposite way. Nothing was there. Well, he thought, now that I'm up, I might as well go get a drink. He made his way groggily to the light when he heard it again. He stopped and turned around, peering into the darkness. "Show yourself!" he cried. "I know you're there!" No one answered but this time, he thought he could see a shape running quietly down the dark hallway...toward him. He ran towards the light and stumbled into the room where he saw Lily. "Lily! Lily!! Help! I think someone is after me!"

Dairym

05-15-2006, 05:05 PM

"Great place, this inn," Ravennar commented. "One could hardly expect rash words to be spoken here. One could hardly think that one's life could change in a place like this. Such are the inns of my country, also-or so I thought them to be. Strange, is it not, how strife can find a home even in the most peaceful places?"

“Aye, strange,” Heather sighed. “Trouble always finds a way to burrow in, doesn’t it?” She brushed a few crumbs from her skirt as an awkward silence fell between them. It was a sensation all too familiar to Heather.

The girl watched a tall elf stride out into the starlit darkness and sighed again, but this time it was a wistful sound. “Did you see fair folk when you lived in Dale? They always seem so tall and melancholy to me, on their way to the West and all. Someday they’ll all sail away from us. There has to be an end, I guess, even to them.” She shook herself and laughed. “Listen to me! But please, tell me about your elves of Mirkwood.”

Dimturiel

05-21-2006, 06:31 AM

Ravennar was amased by Heather's melancholic words. He had not expected that from her. He had always thought those from Bree as being too level-headed to mind such things too much."Next time," he told himself, "Do not judge people only by what travellers say of them." He took a deep breath and said to Heather:

"Many things are to be told of them and it would take more than a short life of Men to finish. But they are changing. We live so near to them, and you may think that we should now be accostumed to them, and in a way we are. Yet for the past few years, to me they seem to be growing distant, as if they no longer belong to this world. And maybe they do not. I doubt that the sons of my children will see them. I think they would only consider them a figment of our imagination."

Nurumaiel

05-21-2006, 01:15 PM

Posco was astounded beyond belief to see Lily standing in front of him, laughing and talking as though she were very pleased to see him. For a moment he couldn't speak. He had been so certain that Blanco had gone out to see Lily... and so why was she standing before him now, instead of sitting out there with Blanco, or perhaps dancing with him?

And then he realised, with a wave of guilty, that he had never given Lily any credit whatsoever. He had always looked on her as a lovely lassie whom he loved dearly and wanted to marry... and one he could never have because he was so shy and awkward. He had always looked at himself, and never at her. He had never considered the fact that she meant it when she said she loved him, and that she wouldn't reject him just because he thought she would. He had never considered all the worry she might be suffering because he had never gone to see her... he had always supposed that he wasn't worth worry, never that she didn't think so.

"Lily," he began, and he was bothered with how weak his voice sounded. "Lily," he said once again, and this time his voice was stronger. "I can't begin to say how sorry I am that I came here instead of Bree. I was shy of calling on you at your uncle's house, and I was afraid that you might have decided that... that you liked Tommy Banks more than me. I had no confidence in you at all, and I should have."

He paused for a moment, and Lily didn't say anything... bless her heart! She knew that he wanted to say what he must, without interruption. Bless her dear little heart!

"I'm a shy, awkward sort of hobbit who is afraid of everyone. I know you... you love me anyway, but I've been a miserable failure so far. You're so good and kind, Lily, you deserve much better." He saw how her expression darkened slightly, and he hurried on. "I don't mean that you ought to go marry Tommy Banks!" he cried. "I don't want you to do that! That is to say, as long as you don't want to. I'm not saying you deserve a better hobbit... but that deserve a better... well, a better Posco. One who doesn't let shyness be selfishness, and tries to see what's best for you."

And now what? Was there anything more to be said. No, he had apologised as well as he could. It sounded horribly awkward, but at least he was sincere. The only thing left to do was to put forth the plans for visiting her often over the next few months, until he felt he more thoughtful towards her... and ready to marry her and support her.

"Now, then," he began, taking a deep breath. "I have a proposal to make..."

Her eyes lit up, and he realised that he oughtn't to have used the word 'proposal.' He always was making mistakes. But it was at the moment he opened his mouth to explain that he didn't mean 'propose' just yet that Gróin came stumbling into the room, shouting Lily's name.

Firefoot

05-21-2006, 06:55 PM

Lily could hardly bear to listen to Posco going on about how he ought to have had faith in her, not when she had ridden the whole way here from Buckland convinced that he had come here to marry another lass. She let him continue, though; he would want to have it all out. There would be time for her own explanations later, if it came to that.

"Now, then," said Posco. "I have a proposal to make..." Lily’s breath caught in her throat; did he really mean…?

“Lily! Lily! Help! I think someone is after me!” Her head jerked unwillingly towards the sound, and she saw Gróin rushing towards her. Her spirit sank; No, go back to bed! she wanted to cry out. Let time backtrack five or ten seconds! No, Gróin, not now! She had not talked with Posco in months!

“What do you mean, someone is after you?” she asked, a trifle more harshly than she intended. He had interrupted them for this?

“Someone is after me!” he repeated breathlessly. “I heard footsteps in the hallway, so I went to have a look, and someone was running towards me!”

Lily glanced in the direction from which Gróin had come; she saw nothing but a dark and apparently empty hallway. “I don’t see anything… Are you sure it wasn’t just someone else going to their room? And why would someone be after you?” She refrained from saying what she really had in mind about him imagining things and simply going back to bed… like a child seeing ghosts. And truly, unless he had left something important out of his tale, why would anyone be chasing him? Nonsense, all of it. Now, that wasn't quite fair, Lily realized; she had been quite happy for a friend earlier in the evening. But Lily didn't feel like being fair, at least not in her mind. A pity that what she wanted and what she ought to do were so different!

Forest Elf

05-21-2006, 07:30 PM

Walking along the road, feeling down hearted after another long day of traveling and had seen no one else in the day, the young elf; Taima, heard the music off in the distance. She lifted her head and smiled, her worn and patched cape blowing gently around her in the breeze, her unrully brown curls catching the breeze, she cluched at her precious bag, her twinkling gray/blue eyes looked up the road and see's the crowd around the inn, taking notice of the latern's hung in the tree tops.

Taima walked up the road and read the sign, ~The Green Dragon Inn~. Surely this would be a good place to rest for the night, and maybe, just maybe, she could meet some new friends. Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the door and walked upto the desk, her bluish gray eyes sparkling with hope she asks, "Excuse me miss, is there any room in the inn? I've come a long way and it would be nice to have a cozy place to stay for the night. I am Taima Moore. I come from Linhir."

Glirdan

05-21-2006, 09:19 PM

Gróin looked up at Lily. She had an air of impatience about her. He looked over at the Hobbit she was with when he suddenly realised it. This must be the Hobbit she's in love with! Oh my! What bad timing! "I'm sorry my friend!! I don't know what got into me. I was sure someone was after me. I heard creaking outside my door. And before I came in, I heard a voic that sounded like Sarin's. I was sure that someone was following me."

He looked back and forth between the two, hopping they would believe him. "I swear to you I'm not insane! I need you to believe me! I think..." Should I tell them what I think? Should I say what's really going on in my head? Gróin took and deep breath to calm himself down before he went on. "I think that there may be two possiblities. Neither of them are probable, yet neither of them are that far-fetched either. I think that either Sarin is alive and is here but not letting me know, or someone is trying to make me look bad. Why, I don't quite know. But as I told you earlier Lily, Sarin disappeared and was never seen again. That's why neither of them are probable." He looked at them again. "Please. You have to believe me. I beg of you."

SonOfBombadil

05-21-2006, 10:46 PM

"Lewis, you know I haven't been feeling well here lately. I went to the doctor this morning." Lewis looked intently into Ravon's eyes, concern taking hold of his face.

Ravon had never been sick all the time that Lewis had known her and it troubled his mind and heart knowing that his Elven bride was ill. Lewis had initially thought that she was just exhausted from all the travelling they had been doing before and after their wedding. But they had been home for several weeks now, so that wasn't her ailment.

Lewis took both of Ravon's soft, delicate hands, in his rough blacksmith's hands, and gave them a gentle squeeze. "What did the doctor tell you?" he asked, trying not to sound too worried. But he was, he couldn't wait another second for her answer.

Forest Elf

05-22-2006, 08:50 PM

"Excuse me miss, is there any room in the inn? I've come a long way and it would be nice to have a cozy place to stay for the night. I am Taima Moore. I come from Linhir."

"We have several rooms open...Welcome to The Green Dragon Inn, enjoy your stay." said the Innkeeper with a smile.

"Thank you." Taima said, her heart lightened some.

Taima walks up to a counter. She takes a few deep breaths to help calm her nervous and excited butterflies going crazy in her stomach. She smells some chicken roasting over the fire and asks the cook, "Could I have some roasted chicken and a drink, if it's not too much trouble?"

Firefoot

05-23-2006, 03:59 PM

Lily’s glance darted to Posco, who had yet to say a word (not that this surprised her, especially with Gróin acting so excitable), and back to Gróin. She still found his claim strange and highly inconvenient, but it had been wrong of her to so instantly doubt him.

“Your pardon, Gróin,” she said. “It was wrong of me to doubt your story without waiting for an explanation. But I still do not see what it is I can do to help. I can try, but you seem to have a much better understanding of the situation than I do. Would it not be best to go and find this person – unless you think he – or she - might be out to hurt you?” she added doubtfully. "Surely he would still be nearby." Lily hesitated. She did not particularly want to be drawn into this, but... "Just tell me what you want help with."

Angel_Queen

05-23-2006, 11:02 PM

Despite how much Lewis tried to hide it, Ravon knew Lewis was worried. "Lewis, my love no reason to fret. What the doctor told me was wonderful news. To you it may not be all that wonderful but to me it is." Suddenly the expression on Lewis' face changed. Ravon had been tired from all the travel and now she was home, she had a chance to relax.

"Lewis you remember how we've been talking about adding onto the house. I think its time we go ahead and plan on the addition. We're going to need the extra room." Ravon paused, she knew the suspense was about to kill Lewis and she loved it.

Lewis looked at her, he couldn't keep from talking any longer. "It can't be? Does this mean that?"

Ravon looked at Lewis trying to keep from laughing. "Yes Lewis this means your going to be a father." Ravon had interrupted Lewis before he got a chance to say what he was really meaning.

"No... Does this mean that Jonathan... WHAT.... You, ME... I'M GOING TO BE A FATHER!!" Ravon couldn't refrain any longer. Her need to laugh was too much. Ravon nodded her head and couldn't speak another word.

JennyHallu

05-24-2006, 11:22 AM

Lossë cursed mentally. There was no way to pretend she had been attempting anything less than pickpocketing the man; her slim hands still gripped the leather of his purse, as his fierce blue-grey eyes bored intently into her. She froze, more out of frustration and caution than fear, and her grey eyes blazed.

"It's not wise to try and pick a Ranger's purse, young lady," the man growled at her. "Though I'll indulge your pride and say that you would have gotten away with it, if the Valar hadn't given me the urge to move at that moment. I'll confess to being curious though. What's a daughter of Men- and one with blood of Númenor at that- doing picking pockets in the heart of the Shire?"

Lossë tried to struggle against his arm, but her captor was far stronger than the slim girl. Her eyes cast about for a possible rescuer as she listened with half an ear to the man's gruff voice. She didn't dare say a word.

"So stay and sit for a moment, and I'll let go, you young kitten! I'm old and lonely and you have the look of a girl who's somewhat lonely herself. And I'd like to indulge my curiosity, although..." Estahir's voice trailed off here. "... although that's gotten me into trouble in the past."

Lossë's natural curiousity perked up at that, and when the man bid her leave if she please and released her arm, she stayed, folding her hands in front of her with a lady-like demur. "I'm Lossë, sir. I'm from Minas Tirith, out here so as to keep out of trouble I can't handle." A flash of grey eyes into sudden stormy blue gave the man a quick glimpse of the lass's true personality: fiery and vivid. "And I'm not sorry for trying to take your coin. I'm having a bad day: probably couldn't lift a trinket off a corpse if this luck holds."

Formendacil

05-25-2006, 08:20 PM

"I'm Lossë, sir. I'm from Minas Tirith, out here so as to keep out of trouble I can't handle." Estahir may have changed his mind over the years about the benefits of curiosity, but he was not yet above being curious. What Father, Mother, or Guardian sent their daughter to the Shire, of all places? It may have excelled at staying out of trouble, but their daughter would be like a horse among donkeys, and it was a terribly long way from Minas Tirith. Far easier to send a troublesome child to the country somewhere.

And then there were the rumours in Arnor that the King Elessar planned, someday, to forbid the travel of Men in the Shire. However, it seemed likely that such rumours were unheard in Minas Tirith. What concern was it to the Gondorians if the Shire were forbidden to Men? Before he could wonder any further, his attention snapped back to Lossë.

"And I'm not sorry for trying to take your coin. I'm having a bad day: probably couldn't lift a trinket off a corpse if this luck holds."

"And that would be such a bad thing?" Estahir raised his eyebrow. "I'll admit, girl, that I probably see things a bit differently than you. I'm no thief- although the Men of Bree would have told you differently about twenty years ago, before the War- and so can't really see it from your point of view. You're clearly well-born, what need have you got of money so badly that you steal?"

Estahir shook his head, thinking more of himself than the slip of a girl he was talking to. Would that he had heeded his own advice! What need had he had of the Horde of Angelimir?

But after it he had gone anyway...

Imladris had not disappointed Estahir at all. The Lord Elrond's library, left virtually intact for the benefit of the Northern Realm, had indeed yielded some information on Angelimir of Nenuial.

Angelimir, it had turned out, was a Councillor of the Realm during the reign of Arvedui. They were of an age, and it seemed that in his younger days, during the reign of Araphant, Angelimir had travelled far and wide. He had fought with Eärnil at the Battle of the Camp, routing the Easterlings, and had spoken as one of Arvedui's proponents to the Council of Gondor that had rejected Arvedui's claim as king. Angelimir had returned to Arthedain, and during the last years of Araphant's reign, had been Governor of Tharbad and Southern Cardolan. Despite very limited resources, strained by the war against Angmar, Angelimir had managed to do some exploration and cartography of the Enedwaith, the No-Man's Land between Arnor and Gondor.

During this time, it seemed, Angelimir had been entrusted with an extremely large sum of money, from the treasury in Fornost, which he was to build a new treasury for somewhere in southern Cardolan- where it would be further away from the battlefront and thus less vulnerable to enemy attacks. It was the fear of Araphant that Angmar would break through and take the north of Arnor, but he hoped to hold out in the south until reinforcements could be called from Gondor or the Elves.

The histories, Estahir had noted with irritation, had been very helpless on what had happened to the treasure thereafter. It seemed that about this time Araphant had passed away, and Arvedui had become king. The war had intensified, and no men could be spared to build or maintain a treasury near Tharbad. Angelimir had been recalled to Fornost to sit on the council.

Angelimir had been one of the lucky few to escape the sack of Fornost. He had been one of Arvedui's company on the retreat towards Fornobel, but had ended up being seperated with few companions, and retreating across the Lhûn. He had holed up in an old Dwarven mine until spring, when Prince Eärnur and his Gondorian army had arrived and destroyed Angmar for good.

After that, there were no records of Angelimir. Lord Elrond had kept only the barest of records concerning the Dúnedain of the North after the death of Arvedui. It seemed that he would likely have become one of the founding Rangers, with both his wide experience as a traveller and lord of the realm to draw on. He would likely have been one of the chief aides of the Heir of the North, Aranarth.

Estahir had no way to prove it, but he suspected that it was at this time that the money he had been entrusted with in Tharbad had been moved to it's final location, the map to which had finally ended up in his hands. It would have made sense for the treasury to have been hidden in trust for the Return of the King, just as the scepter, Elendilmir, and the shards of Narsil were entrusted to Elrond for safekeeping.

And so Estahir had begun to research more deeply Angelimir's earlier history, the lands he had travelled, and the places he had known, hoping to find a location that resembled the one portrayed on the rag of a map.

Thoughts of his quest in mind, Estahir shook his head and looked at Lossë.

"What's the harm of asking, if you truly need the money? It's less shameful than theft."- and wiser than treasure hunts, he thought.

piosenniel

05-26-2006, 04:57 PM

Closing the doors on The Green Dragon Inn

The Green Dragon Inn opened in November of 2002, under the guidance of Dwarin Thunderhammer. Since then it has undergone eleven incarnations and boasts well over 7,000 posts. In April of 2003, The Green Dragon Inn Part 3, a new Innkeeper was introduced, Amanaduial the archer (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=194817&postcount=323).

It has been an interesting and enjoyable four years, reading the posts of those who first cut their RPG-teeth, so to speak, in The Green Dragon. Hobbits, Elves, Dwarves, Men, Wargs, Orcs, and even a Balrog have passed through the Inn’s doors.

Now those doors are going to close on this last incarnation of The Green Dragon.

A new Innkeeper, Folwren, will offer the hospitality of a new inn – The Golden Perch in Stock, Eastfarthing, the Shire.

> - - - < ~*~ > - - - <

The Green Dragon will remain open until the end of this June. Please wrap up any storylines you have in progress (or perhaps think about working them into an independent RPG proposal along with your co-writers).

The Golden Perch Inn will be open on June 1st to take on players.

Its timeline will be much earlier than that of the present Green Dragon Inn. There will be a Discussion Thread to accompany the new inn. And each writer for the Golden Perch will need to submit a brief Character Description form to the Discussion Thread when they make their first post to the Inn thread

Please do give a look at the Discussion Thread (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=12878) for the new Inn. And think about designing a new character to come in and take part in the storyline when it opens.

Celuien

05-28-2006, 08:06 AM

"...And at the close of day 'tis sweet
To drink sweet brew and rest our feet."

Robin's song came to an end. Scattered cheers and applause greeted his performance, and after a quick bow, the hobbit hopped off the stage. The song was one of his own invention, and he was abashed by the attention. In his usual mood, Robin would never have dared to sing in front of such a large crowd - much less with lyrics he composed. He was astonished at the combined effects of good cheer and Fordogrim's brew on his willingness to be the center of attention. Most pleasantly astonished. It seemed that his talents were appreciated, and he would never have known without the party.

But the hour grew late, and the best of parties could not change that Robin had work to do in the morning. There were weeds to pull, fields to tend, and he had planting to finish. With a sigh, he called his farewells to the lingering revelers and stepped out of the Inn yard. Whistling a little tune - the same he sang at the party - he strolled down the road and headed for home.

JennyHallu

05-30-2006, 07:46 AM

Lossë sat back hard against the seat of the booth, an irritable expression on her dainty face. "Shameful?" What is it with all these prudes here? "It isn't shameful at all. It's skill and cunning makes me a good thief, and if foolishness and carelessness make a man a good mark, why should I pass up the opportunity to teach him his error!"

The man looked at her in surprise a moment, seeming to battle some inner amusement, which only further riled young Lossë. "And I'm no beggar, and shan't ask for anything I can get for myself," she said firmly, completely unaware of the oddities of her particular moral code.

Dairym

05-31-2006, 07:49 PM

Heather frowned, thinking over Ravennar's words. She slipped her hand into her pocket and fingered her treasured stone. The crystal’s cool hardness, a solid testament to memories past, reassured her. It had stood the test of time and forgetfulness.

“But we have our songs and tales; surely they will not be forgotten. As long as mothers and fathers tell their children, and those children tell their children, it will be remembered again and again. As long as there is truth in the world it will be remembered.” She blushed a little at this long speech, adding, “It’s what my mother taught me, with all the stories of her people.”

piosenniel

05-31-2006, 10:34 PM

Dimturiel

06-03-2006, 06:28 AM

Ravennar felt moved by Heather's speech. He sensed in it the anxiety of one that fears lest the things that one loves should be forgotten, yet not for the sake of oneself, but because they are things much too fair to pass unmourned into oblivion. He shook his head and said:

"True, tales wiil always be remembered. Thousand of years from now, maybe, one will sit by the fire listening to ancient lays, or discern in the yellowed pages of a book the days of yore, and be moved to laughter, or to tears by the tale of our times. But will it be believed, I wonder? Will it not be considered only a figment- fair, it is true,- of other people's imagination? Not oblivion worries me, but disbelief. Think, Heather, could you bear the thought of people talking of elves, or of King Elessar, or...or even of the Green Dragon, as if they had been only an untrue story? Could you bear the thought that there will come a time when those that fought and died in the Great War will no longer be shown reverence and gratitude?"

Ravennar fell silent. He looked arround him. The night was wearing on, he could see that, and soon he would have to be on the road again. Yet, where was his road? And how could he get there in time? He looked at Heather, pondering if he could trust her. But this could be his last chance, and he had to take it.

"I have to leave at daybreak." he told Heather. "Yet I am in difficulty and this may turn ill, not only for me, but for others also. Could...could you not help me?"

Hookbill the Goomba

06-03-2006, 11:51 AM

The grey beard of the stout fellow was almost completely white now, and his face was certainly set with a thousand griefs. The sign of the Green Dragon burrowed into his mind as he stood at the door, as he sighed and drew himself up. It had been a night of doom and of disaster, and he knew that it would not be over, not as long as the memory lasted in his ancient Dwarvish brain.

The Inn was slightly sad, as if the passing of something was taking place soon, almost as if some sensed the grief that lay on the little Dwarf's heart. Yet some were dancing and singing, drinking and eating, a merry band of hobbits, reminding Dwaline of why he loved The Shire.

Cree was sitting at a table, a half full mug of ale in front of here and a look of bewilderment in her face. Adu was near by; Dwaline knew that she had been the first to speak with fell Fáinu when he came to the Shire. The Dwarf put a hand on her arm and whispered in her ear, yet only she heard what he had said. He stepped back and spoke a little more loudly, "If you wish to hear the full tale, I shall tell it. Stand near by."

The Dwarf hobbled over to Cree's table and sat down with a thump and placed his head in his hands. "My lady," he began, "I bring news. Grief here is twinned with hope. Yes, hope for ye." He took out of his pack a long and smooth black pipe; it looked as if it had never been used. "I was told to give this onto you. He said you would understand." Cree nodded and took the pipe.

"I met Fáinu coming out from the inn," continued the Dwarf, "and we spoke a while on the road. He told me much of your adventures with the Dragon, though I already knew much of it. He seemed so distant and full of cares. I soon realised that our steps were going westwards and when he called upon a horse, I knew for certain that we were going to the Heavens. How we got there so fast I do not know, but we did.

"As we walked out on the pier, Fáinu stopped, staring out to the sea, and with tears in his eyes, he fell to the ground. He helped him up and he tried once again to approach the boat, yet he fell once again. His eyes were blind with streaming tears and he cried aloud 'Curse you! Curse you! Dragon! Worm! I hate thee! Thy curse hath been fore filled! Release me! Release me!' yet nothing happened. He threw his fist at the ground and wept all the more.

"After a while he rose and walked away from the Heavens. He walked up along the cliffs and ever looked west. He stumbled once, yet regained his balance and stood long on the cliff edge, looking out over the sea. I came to him and said we should go back to the Inn before it closes, yet he shook his head.

"'I am not going back to the Inn,' he said, 'not now, not ever!' his hands were clenched in a fist and he shook. 'Now I truly have nothing. Do you see? Nought but the clothes I here bare; yet I am content. Yes, content to live in this cursed Middle Earth. Yet, while I wish to remain, to be with my friends,' he laughed a cruel laugh, 'how amusing. I never had a friend in my life. I was a cruel person, full of hate and pitiless to the point to leading a trusted friend into a Dragons den. Do those sound like the actions of a friend? I was never anyone's friend.'

"I began to get worried and I stepped towards him, yet he drew his sword and threatened me, saying, 'come not nigh to me! This is the last hour! See, the west has rejected me and I must flee thither to escape the cursed Dragon! Since the sea will no bear me, I must go to Mandos!' he threw then the pipe at me, saying that you would understand." Cree looked at the pipe, and it seemed strange to her.

"He then turned to the west and looked out over the sea, crying, 'Mandos! If you keep Dragons in your halls, tell the so-called son of Smaug that his slayer is coming! And I curse him! I curse him to the end of Arda! Curse ye Dragon! Curse ye Middle Earth! And a curse on ye, oh fell Mandos!' with that, he took the blade and forced it into his own breast." Cree's eyes flashed and she seemed to stop breathing for a second.

"Yeah, I attempted to lend my aid, yet it was too late. Before I could come there, he had toppled over the edge and fallen among the rocks and the sea had taken him." both Adu and Cree listened in amazement, yet now it all made sense. It had been coming for a while, and Cree could now see why.

"He believes, maybe," continued Dwaline, "that since he has gone to Mandos, you can take the boat to Valinor. I know not the matters of the Elves. Yet now, I believe, the tale of fell Fáinu is over, for the Dragon curse has left and all may be made right in this matter." he rose from the table and closed his pack. "I must leave now. I will go to Rivendel and seek out the family of the accursed." he laid a hand on Cree's shoulder, "farewell, lady, we will not meet again." and with that, Dwaline the Dwarf left the Green Dragon Inn, forever.

Glirdan

06-03-2006, 12:06 PM

"Just tell me what you want help with." Gróin could tell that she was still quite aggravated with him yet still didn't want to ruin their knew friendship.

"No, there is nothing you could do now Lily. I was just in horrible fright and when I saw you, I yelled for you to help me because of that fright. I think I will go back to bed and leave you and your "friend" alone. And when I wake up, I'm off. But not to the Ered Luin. I shall be travelling, looking for the woman whom I love. I know she's still alive. I just know she is..." Gróin said, lost in thought. Yes. That's what I shall do. I shall go on a search for my love, Sarin. He turned back to look at Lily and Posco to say goodnight.

Dairym

06-04-2006, 09:43 PM

Ravennar straightened, as though at some unspoken decision. At last, it seemed, he had come to what troubled him. “I have to leave at daybreak,” he said. “Yet I am in difficulty and this may turn ill, not only for me, but for others also. Could…could you not help me?”

“I—I do not think I could be of much help to you…” Heather murmured. She could hardly imagine that such a traveler would need her help. What might a Breelander do that he couldn’t? Her fingers touched the hard stone through the fabric of her skirt, and a thrill of excitement warmed her. She looked up and smiled. “Whatever aid I can give, it is yours. Please…tell me of your ‘difficulty’.”

Dimturiel

06-05-2006, 12:36 PM

Ravennar stood for some moments silent, hesitating, as if he now regreted his plea for help. Presently, he took a deep breath and began:

"I think that I should start my tale from the beginning. It will explain my plight better, although it would also cast an ill reflection upon me. If this is so, and if you are no longer willing to help me, I will respect your choice.

"I like to travel, and for this reason I am always being sent on some errand or another. I had a friend, that would go with me, and the roads were shorter when I would tread them with him. But something terrible happened on one of our journeys. The path that we were treading was wild and untamed, and beneath us gaped dark a dark gulf. My friend slipped on a rock and.."

Ravennar stopped and shook his head. He remained silent for a while, as if he was mustering his thoughts.

"I tried to give him aid," he continued at lenght, "I really did, but...but there was nothing that I could do. I returned alone, and told my people what had happened but not all believed me. Some said that I had failed to rescue him on purpose. It was known to all that I had my eyes on the same maiden that he courted. That was true, and true was also the fact that she prefered him, and that I envied him; but I swear, Heather, I swear on what I hold most dear in this world that never had I thought of harming him. He was my friend.

"I recieved this accusation one night at our inn, and I had changed since then. I am always striving now to prove my worth to those that name me murderer. It is not that I am trying to make them renounce their belief, Iam just trying to prove to them that I can do deeds worth singing of. I have become arrogant in my pursuit for glorry. And this lead me to my greatest mistake.

"I was entrusted with an errand of great importance, an errand of which I may not say any more.I had to go to Anuminas. But I , in my arrogance and foly, refused to take any companion and set upon this road alone. The journey was hard. I lost my horse, and I lost my way also. I know not how to reach Anuminas from here. Will you not help me, Heather? Although, now that you know my true self, maybe you are not that willing to aid me."

Ravennar fell silent and looked at Heather expectantly. He hoped very much that he woul recieve help, not for himself as much as for the sake of his errand.

Firefoot

06-06-2006, 08:07 PM

That was my fault, said one half of Lily’s mind as Gróin said good night and left for his room. Nevertheless, she was puzzled; she had been completely genuine in her offer of help, but now Gróin seemed determined to simply ignore whatever it was that had gotten him in such a fright. Strange fellow, that one. Not unpleasant, but strange.

“I hope it wasn’t me that put him off,” Lily said to Posco. “He doesn’t think highly enough of himself and wouldn’t ever bother anyone with himself. But I suspect it was just that; a noise in the hallway that frightened him. If it really is something, I suppose we’ll hear more of it. I do hope he finds the one he’s looking for, though.” An awkward silence settled over the table. There seemed to be so many things she ought to say and no good way to say them. “It’s horrible to think you might not, you know… find the one you’re looking for, that is.” Yes, he ought to know. “For if you had no confidence in me, I had none in you, either. You see, when I was riding through Buckland, there was some lad there who told me you had come here to find your bride, and I thought you had come here for someone else.” It sounded absurd now, sitting with him here, but still she could not forget the horrible feelings of her ride here. But it would be all right. He still loved her… and it would be all right. Finally, something about this day made sense.

“And now perhaps we can both start fresh…”

Dairym

06-10-2006, 11:14 PM

Heather listened wide-eyed as his story unfolded. Here indeed was a tragedy of misunderstandings. Did love always lead to this? Was it the fate of affection to wound deeper than it healed? Heather remembered the grey, closed face of her father, laugh lines creased into frowns, his eyes haunted with the same hopeless question that shadowed this man of Dale. She brushed her hand across her eyes before the tears could gather.

“Will you not help me, Heather?” Ravennar finished. All signs of reserve had long gone. “Although, now that you know my true self, maybe you are not that willing to aid me.”

Heather sat up. She tried to sound indignant, though it came out rather choked. “Now that I know you, sir? What’re you meaning by that, may I ask? Ravennar,” Heather said slowly, “You speak to me with candor and humble yourself without need. It is a fading age indeed if men so lightly condemn one another.” She smiled. “Anyone could tell you that Annuminas is to the north, by Lake Nenuiel, at the very mouth of the Baranduin. Even on foot, it should only take a fortnight to get there.”

Dimturiel

06-12-2006, 11:33 AM

Ravennar looked up to catch a better glimpse of Heather when she began talking. The tone of her voice told him that there was something wrong with her. But what? Had he, unwillingly, touched upon things that brought her pain?

Ravennar started, when he heard how near he was to his destination. Was this really possible? Then that meant that he had not failed, after all. He would not return home in shame. He laughed, a clear, honest laugh, as he had not done for a long time.

"Well," he said, becoming serious again, "Now that I think of it, I realise that all this time I was trying to prove so high and mighty, I have been nothing but a great fool."

He smiled at Heather. Suddenly, he clasped her hand.

"I thank you," he told her, "For this and for everything else. I wish to repay you, somehow, and maybe I shall be able to do this some day. And one more thing. If by what I have told you this evening I brought back memories of your own that grieve you, forgive me. It was not my intent.

piosenniel

06-16-2006, 01:08 PM

Closing the doors on The Green Dragon Inn

The Green Dragon Inn opened in November of 2002, under the guidance of Dwarin Thunderhammer. Since then it has undergone eleven incarnations and boasts well over 7,000 posts. In April of 2003, The Green Dragon Inn Part 3, a new Innkeeper was introduced, Amanaduial the archer (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=194817&postcount=323).

It has been an interesting and enjoyable four years, reading the posts of those who first cut their RPG-teeth, so to speak, in The Green Dragon. Hobbits, Elves, Dwarves, Men, Wargs, Orcs, and even a Balrog have passed through the Inn’s doors.

Now those doors are going to close on this last incarnation of The Green Dragon.

A new Innkeeper, Folwren, will offer the hospitality of a new inn – The Golden Perch in Stock, Eastfarthing, the Shire.

> - - - < ~*~ > - - - <

The Golden Perch Inn is now open for posting..

Its timeline will be much earlier than that of the present Green Dragon Inn. There will be a Discussion Thread to accompany the new inn. And each writer for the Golden Perch will need to submit a brief Character Description form to the Discussion Thread when they make their first post to the Inn thread

Please do give a look at the Discussion Thread (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=12878) for the new Inn. And think about designing a new character to come in and take part in the storyline when it opens.

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If everyone is done posting to the Inn, I would like to close it at the end of next week - Saturday, June 24.

~*~ Pio

Dairym

06-18-2006, 07:53 PM

"Memories are good, Ravennar, even the sad ones," Heather smiled, quoting one of Maggie's endless proverbs. She looked around. The dancers had begun to wander off; the musicians one by one finished playing. The party was over. "Are you going to stay tonight? Your road is still a long one." Heather sighed quietly. To visit the shores of Nenuiel! She envied his luck. If only...

An obvious solution presented itself. She paused, examining it with unusual daring. Her father would not question her on her trip; he need never know. She had days and days before the harvest when she would truly be needed. As she stood up, the prism bumped against her leg, urging her on.

"Ravennar...would you... do you think I could go with you?" Heather hurried on before he could respond. "I mean I might be of help, you being from foriegn parts, and... and I've always dreamed of visiting Evendim."

Dimturiel

06-20-2006, 06:38 AM

Ravennar felt his eyes widen when he heard Heather's request. At first, he could not clearly understand what she wanted to say, so baffled he was. So fate had indeed decided to give him another chance. He tried to ignore the pang of uneasiness that he felt. Was he ready to return among people? Would that not lead him again to sorrow?

Ravennar shook his head. No, he should not think like this. Heather was right, she could help him. And he had grown fond of her, the first friendly face that he had seen in a long time.

He looked arround. Few now remained in the inn yard. The songs had stopped, and in the air the melancholic silence of the night was settling. The time had come for him to move on.

"Very well," he said to Heather, "we shall go. I am glad, Heather, glad that you stumbled upon me, and got me out of my dark brooding. I shall be glad to be your companion, also."

He smiled, gazing at the bright stars high above him. He felt confident, and happy, and young. What had happened in the past was to remain behind, and he would start out as a new person.

Kath

06-23-2006, 12:08 PM

Astilwen could see that Tilionwen had picked up on her little evasion and, after watching the war within for a few moments, had decided to question her on it.

"But you didn't answer me completely," Came the sly reply.

Sighing, Astilwen cast her mind back a few months, searching for a way to reply. She was still embarrassed about the whole incident, but after everything Tilionwen had told her that night, it was only fair to offer something in return.

"I met someone back in Hobbiton a while back and we, um, well we sort of got together."

Tilionwen's eyes lit up, and she leant forward. Astilwen followed suit, wanting to keep the conversation a little private, as it was quite possible that there were some people around her who knew her parents.

"We didn't really want anyone else to know you see, especially our parents, as they don't exactly get on, and we didn't want to be stuck in the middle of frosty silences on both sides. So we kept it quiet, and for a while it worked. We got on really well and had fun, but eventually his little brother found us out, and told his parents. We didn't know and kept on meeting up, and on one such occasion his parents and mine suddenly appeared. Well, we were in something of a compromising position and uh, they weren't exactly pleased. It wasn't long after that I decided to leave. My parents were really angry, but they did lecture me over finding someone more 'suitable'. I got fed up with it all and came out here."

Having finished a very shortened version of her tale Astilwen sat back again. Tilionwen's eyes spoke of her sympathy, but the upturned corners of her mouth let slip her amusement. Astilwen couldn't help but smile back. In retrospect the story was amusing, and had been told at quite a few family gatherings since, so she had learnt to laugh at it herself.

Night was so far on now that it was becoming light again. Tilionwen had told her that she would be leaving come morning, and Astilwen did not want to lose her new friend so soon. She knew though that the girl needed to go home, to find her father and sort out some issues, the least of which being learning her own name! Still, they had a couple more hours yet.

"So," she said turning to Tiliowen, "What would you like to do before you leave?"

Witch_Queen

06-23-2006, 08:33 PM

As shocked as she was Cree couldn't help but wonder what drove him to leave her the way he did. His death would not mean salvation for her. If ever she was alone she truly was now. He was her everything and now she had nothing. Avalon looked at Cree. The white crow could sense her friends hurting. She wished she could tell Cree everything would be alright, but she knew it wouldn't.

Cree felt something rolling down her cheek. She knew what it was. "Never did I shed a tear for my father, nor did I shed a tear for my fallen friends. But for Fáinu I shed only one tear. No matter how much I am hurting, I can't dwell for loosing him. I will mourn when the time calls but for now Avalon, I must go from these lands. Perhaps I will go back home. Back to the land I left so many years ago. But what will you do my friend. What will happen to the marvelous Avalon the last of her kind, the last of the white crows?"

Cree picked her bags up heading for the door of the Inn. This would be her last time in the shire. Perhaps she would head to Rohan instead? Right now she knew what she had to do. She would walk to the far away shores and make her monument for Fáinu. She would bury his pipe in the sands, where it would stay until the seas washed it away. Fáinu had given her everything she could have ever wanted. She received loyalty, friendship, kindness, and a caring touch, but the one thing she needed most of all she never received, Love. Cree left the Green Dragon Inn going for the shores and then she knew not where she would truly end up.

Child of the 7th Age

06-23-2006, 09:29 PM

Cami had slipped through the backdoor of the Inn when she was sure no one else was paying attention. The common room, usually so noisey and crowded, was nearly empty and eerily silent. She suspected that most of the Inn's former guests had migrated over to the Marrish or to other places in the Shire and Rohan.

Cami felt guilty about coming to the Dragon. She was not supposed to be gallivanting about the Shire. It had ceased to be her home several years before. The Innkeeper had a long list of rules tacked up on the wall and, as a hobbit who had mysteriously disappeared from the Fourth Age, she posed too many thorny issues of canon. Still, too much of her life had been played out here. So many faces had come and gone. She had to stop and pay her respects before the Green Dragon shuttered its doors forever.

Many of the staff had already departed; others were in the process of sweeping the floors, stripping the beds, and clearing out the pantries. How strange that when people moved out of a house or a building they made sure everything was left clean, even when they had not been particularly meticulous while they had actually lived there.

Cami glanced about the large room where the guests had eaten their meals and quaffed their drinks. Packing boxes were stacked up in the middle, each filled to overflowing with a medley of personal possessions. Who did all these memories belong to? Each box was labelled with a name. Cami supposed there would be a box with her own name on it. She wondered what was inside. Letting out a soft sigh, the middle-aged hobbit vigorously shook her head. There was no use going down that road. She was no elf to live in the past. The future, however uncertain, was good enough for her.

Yet she could not leave without saying something. Her small fingers curled tightly about the back of one of the hobbit-sized chairs as she whispered her quiet goodbyes. Her mind raced back to the earlier Innkeeper who had been an Elf and her close friend. Do you remember, Piosenniel? Aman, Regin, Bird, and Mithadan--we had some good times here. This is where I married my husband and I had such troubles with my boys. Do you remember when Hawthorne burned down the Inn, and we had to rebuild? How many newcomers strolled through those doors, some for a single night and others stopping for a long visit? How many celebrations did we have, with the place decked out with flowers and tables loaded with Cook's goodies? You did a good job keeping things in order, though with help from many others, of course. All the names and images melted together as Cami walked to the door and pushed it open for one last time. She was ready to set out on the road.

piosenniel

06-24-2006, 06:02 PM

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a87/Piosenniel/greendragon-1.jpg

Roads go ever ever on,
Over rock and under tree,
By caves where never sun has shone,
By streams that never find the sea;
Over snow by winter sown,
And through the merry flowers of June,
Over grass and over stone,
And under mountains in the moon.

Roads go ever ever on,
Under cloud and under star.
Yet feet that wandering have gone
Turn at last to home afar.
Eyes that fire and sword have seen,
And horror in the halls of stone
Look at last on meadows green,
And trees and hills they long have known.

The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way,
Where many paths and errands meet.

The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with weary feet,
Until it joins some larger way,
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.

The Road goes ever on and on
Out from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone.
Let others follow, if they can!
Let them a journety new begin.
But I at last with weary feet
Will turn towards the lighted inn,
My evening-rest and sleep to meet.

Still 'round the corner there may wait
A new road or secret gate;
And though I oft have passed them by,
A day will come at last when I
Shall take the hidden paths that run
West of the Moon, East of the Sun.

--- JRR Tolkien