Red Flows the Sirannon Planning/Discussion Thread

[Folwren]

Arry and Pio,

I'm working on a post that tells about the huge gathering in the Stonecut Halls. I thought it was a great idea and think it'll be fun to write, but I'm not sure what all the Dwarves would do. I've considered it a little bit today...different things they might do. I was wondering what you two thought would be Dwarven type things to do.

I was thinking that some sort of dancing would be fun. I don't know what sort of dancing they do, and if they could even do it with so few women. I only know English Country Dancing (which I don't really see Dwarves doing) and Square Dancing, which is even less likely for Dwarves to do, seeing as it's an American version, pretty much. But that's really a minor detail.

There is a lot of mentioning of songs in Tolkien's work, and probably story telling of some sorts.

But what sort of games do you think? The first thing that came to my mind was Scottish Games...seeing who could pick up and carry the rediculously heavy boulder the farthest, who could toss the treee trunk farthest (I don't see how they could do that in the halls, though), possibly even a sort of randition of tug of war. If 'capture the ledge' that Arry mentioned in one of his earlier posts is a real game, or if it's something you just made up the title for the fun of it, explain it to me. It sounded cool to me, seeing as Riv got an awesome throwing arm and excellent aim from it. ;)

So, really, all I want is some input and thoughts from you two. I'll be writing and thinking on my own to be sure, but whatever you all think will be nice to know, too.

Until then,

-- Folwren

[Arry]

Folwren

When I starting thinking about the Dwarves and dancing, I thought about another group of people who are traditionally mountain dwellers (though not under the mountains, but in the wooded hollows among the hillsides) - the folk who settled along the Appalachian Mountain range. They were a hard working, resourceful people with close knit communities who drew deeply on their Ango-Celtic roots. They brewed their own drink, 'moonshine', and made some of the most energetic, sweetest, toe tapping music I've had the pleasure to play and dance to.

Some dancing styles included both men and women, but many were individual dances or dances done in little groups of the same sex, mostly male. Some of the dances were little competitions between the males, showing off for the women or just plain trying to outdo each other.

Here's an example of the kind of music I'm speaking about (you can scan down the pages to where the music files are): The Camp Creek Boys (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000012EY/ref=m_art_li_1/002-3594824-0855217?v=glance&s=music) - The Fuzzy Mountain String Band (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000003NT/ref=pd_sim_music_2/002-3594824-0855217?v=glance&s=music)

The kind of dancing I had in mind is called Buck Dancing - one of the variants of Clogging (http://www.satisfied-mind.com/lessons/clogging.htm).

Just because I enjoy it so much I'll throw in this short history of Appalachian traditional music (http://www.mustrad.org.uk/articles/appalach.htm), too. :)

Now I can just see the Dwarf men in their hard-soled boots, dressed in their best breeches, their eyes glinting as they try to outdo each other in their energetic, rhythmic, clogging. A little 'likkered' up on home brewed ale - they could set the great hall ringing with the beat of their feet on the hard stone floor.

Perhaps that is more than you wanted to know :D . . . but you did ask . . . ;)

-- Arry

[piosenniel]

From the article on 'Appalachian Trafitional Music'


Appalachian music is mostly based upon anglo-celtic folk ballads and instrumental dance tunes. The former were almost always sung unaccompanied, and usually by women, fulfilling roles as keepers of the families' cultural heritages . . .

Now that would be interesting - one of the women, her clear, pure voice rising in the great hall - singing something of Skald's (I do recall one his talents is composing poems concerned with clan history!) . . . and perhaps Bror's harp could do the accompaniment?

Riv, of course, will not sing unless he is well into his cups -- though he sings with great gusto, his voice is somewhat off key. He can however keep excellent time with the banging of his mug on the oaken table. :)

I do agree with you folwren - I don't think the Stonecut halls are big enough for some thing like The Highland Games - though that would be interesting to pursue in another RPG - where all the Dwarf clans could come together to compete. There could be some fiery brawls in that competition, and what thick-hided creature could they get to referee? :D

Food and drink, laughter, music and dancing as Arry suggested . . . and stories as the party dies down a little . . . that's what I see for the scenario

~*~ Pio

[Folwren]

Excellent! Thanks you very much, both of you. I don't have time to read any of the links you sent me, but I will sometime, Arry. I'll keep everything in mind and try to write it out tomorrow. And I don't have to write all of it. I can just have the first beginning part if you two would like to do stuff there. Whatever you want. I was just wondering what all they'd be doing so I could set the scene and get things going. I don't know how long you want it to last or anything...

Gotta be running. I'll try to have that done tomorrow.

- Folwren

[Folwren]

Pio

Here's the post to go after Riv's offer of truce. I hope it is good enough.

Still working on the other post.

- Folwren

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

POST PLACED ON GAME ~*~ Pio


‘That sounds good,’ Bror said, looking up for the first time since Riv arrived. ‘At least I won’t have to worry about it for a while.’ He looked with a deal of chagrin at Riv. His older brother was composed, but something in his face told Bror that he was still in some pain. The white bandage and cast around his shoulder made him wince and he looked back down at his half eaten breakfast. ‘I ought to be going. Jollin will be expecting me soon.’ He pushed back his chair and got up slowly, as though he were tired from his rather exciting night. He paused with his hand on the back of his chair and looked again at Riv. ‘I’m sorry, Riv,’ he finally said. ‘It wouldn’t have happened like it had it gone my way.’ A small smile came to Riv’s face.

‘No, I dare say it didn’t happen like you wanted it. I would have much rather have seen Skald up there than myself. But, ah well, it can’t be helped. Until later, little brother.’

Bror turned and went out. His spirit lifted and he actually smiled again.

‘You actually got out of there unscathed,’ he murmured to himself, turning his feet in the direction of work. ‘But it won’t last like that for too long, don’t expect it to,’ he added quickly. ‘Until Riv is better and Unna is her old sunny self.’ He smiled even broader. ‘By that time, I may have been able to invent something not quite so dangerous, but as equally fun! Every Dwarf for himself, he said. That joins him in the game.’

But then a voice from the other side of his head replied. ‘That meant you, Bror,’ it said. ‘He’s not going to show the least amount of kindness when it comes to luring you into some sort of trap. You can expect something rather uncomfortable.’

However that may be, Bror could feel no worry about it at the time being. There were many weeks between now and when Riv said the white flags would come down and until then, Bror put it out of his mind.

[Folwren]

Arry and Pio

My post is written. If anything needs changing, tell me and I’ll do so.

I’ve left a lot of the evening open. In fact, most of the fun is still before whoever wishes to write it. I didn’t do much with the dancing, however I started it. You, Arry, seem mighty interested in the subject, so I figured you might like to write about it. You know more than I do concerning it. I love dancing, to be sure, but haven’t done much research on the matter as you appear to have done. :)

– Folwren

[Durelin]

Everyone in the city will soon know that there is an army of at least 20,000 waiting to pulverize them all. They will tell everyone that they should evacuate the city to outlying lands in the West.

This is where the action in Eregion starts picking up. Those who can fight or refuse to leave the city (well, or both) can stick around and prepare for the worst. Others can evacuate...perhaps someone is going to try and make this organized, as Celebrimbor is incapable of doing so himself? Maybe someone will get together as many people as they can find, or everyone they know and get out with them? Most likely everyone will gravitate to a certain area to the West of the city, gathering in the woodlands.

Alcarillo, Nurumaiel, Mithalwen, and Esgallhugwen (who I think we have definitely lost) - It has probably seemed like a boring and pointless game for you so far. I am sorry for that. But now the action begins in Eregion, so now is the time when we need all of your characters to add to the action and give us their various perspectives. And...it's just time to really have fun.

Arestevana and Seth Cotton - It's been a while since we've heard from Seth, and less since we've heard from Arestevana, but I hope you're both still able to play. The fighting is going to begin soon, and we need someone representing our Lorien cohort.

Pio, Arry, and Folwren - Keep doing your own thing. :D

Encaitare, Kath, and Firefoot - You keep doing your own thing, too...you'll get action soon enough, I promise.

Evinyatar and Orofaniel - The Lindon forces are of course still unable to reach Eregion very soon. When you do, though, be prepared for chaos...

Speaking of chaos...I think my entire post was a prime example of that. ;)

Thanks everyone for making this game so awesome!

-Durelin

[Folwren]

Originally posted by Durelin:
Pio, Arry, and Folwren - Keep doing your own thing. :D

lol! Yes, we do seem to be having fun doing our own thing, don't we? :rolleyes:

And directed mostly towards Durelin and Aman:

I'm sorry to complain - your guys's posts have been awesome, well written, and everything - but Celebrimbor just seems too wimpy to me. I mean, sure, I know he's under a lot right now, but I don't think he's takinig it quite as well as he would have. But, then, I could be very wrong. I haven't read anything that Tolkein wrote about this history - I know nothing about Celibrimbor. But considering who he is, forger of the Rings, and master of the city and all that, I've a feeling he would have been stronger.

Just my thoughts. Otherwise, your posts are great, and I love both your characters. :D

- Folwren

[Amanaduial the archer]

Fair enough. Everyone is entitled to have their own opinion. If they must. ;)

Like you, Folwren, I haven't really read any of the histories, and what little I have read (which consists entirely of the Silmarillion - yup, that's it) I must admit, I don't remember in great detail, so Tolkien's version of Celebrimbor is pretty much a closed book to me. However, as far as I am aware, that particular character is not really described in so much detail as far as his feelings are concerned - which is a good thing, as it gives the RPGers a rather freer rein as to how he is played. He isn't my character, certainly, and even Durelin has said that she wouldn't exactly claim him as her own, her main character being Maegisil, obviously - and this allows us yet more freedom. In a game, it's all about perception, I suppose - there are rules that govern us, rules about Canon, rules about RPG etiquette towards other players and their characters...but when they don't apply, as in this case, it may kind of come to being a first-come, first-served basis: this is how Durelin and I have chosen to percieve him.

That having been said, I actually don't consider Celebrimbor to be 'wimpy' as you put it; remember, in these posts, he is with his closest advisors, so he is more likely to show his true feelings rather than simply acting as a leader; these are the few people who he can be more...free with. And faced with twenty thousand orcs at short notice, wouldn't you be maybe a little despairing? And besides, to an extent, we are going on what is written about Celebrimbor: he knew about the danger the rings were going to cause for over a century, and he did nothing. Does this really imply a strong and decisive leader? I actually really liked Durelin/Maegisil's way of phrasing it: "You spent one hundred years wallowing in self-pity."

And yes, it is a different take on a historical Tolkien character - but there are strong leaders a-plenty, and this seemed a rather interesting, not to mention rather fitting, twist to the character. And it is a take that I am rather enjoying playing with, really. :)

[Durelin]

I'm sorry to complain - your guys's posts have been awesome, well written, and everything - but Celebrimbor just seems too wimpy to me. I mean, sure, I know he's under a lot right now, but I don't think he's takinig it quite as well as he would have. But, then, I could be very wrong. I haven't read anything that Tolkein wrote about this history - I know nothing about Celibrimbor. But considering who he is, forger of the Rings, and master of the city and all that, I've a feeling he would have been stronger.When faced with the circumstances such as they are, I think it's safe to say that no matter how strong Celebrimbor was in the past, the events concerning the Rings and the destruction of Eregion could easily have broken the strength of anyone, particularly the one who is in many ways the 'most responsible' for what happened.

Also, in my experimenting with Celebrimbor as a character (not my character, but Tolkien's character who I really have hijacked.... *shifty eye movement), I felt some innate desire to stay away from the more traditional elf-lord, who would act with perhaps more strength and better judgement than Celebrimbor. And in that sense, I see Celebrimbor's failure to see whatever Gil-galad saw in 'Annatar' as a sign that he is quite different...not necessarily weak, just different. And thus, his actions and how he receives the fact that his city is about to be destroyed are going to be different.

Those are just my feelings, though. This has all just been an interpretation of Celebrimbor's character.

-Durelin

EDIT: Hehe...cross-posted with Aman...

[Folwren]

Alright, that works for me. Your explanations make sense. It wasn’t terrible, or anything, you understand, just at some parts that how I perceived him. But it’s all good. :)

Hope I didn’t offend either of you at all in saying what I did. :(

- Folwren

[Alcarillo]

Alcarillo, Nurumaiel, Mithalwen, and Esgallhugwen (who I think we have definitely lost) - It has probably seemed like a boring and pointless game for you so far. I am sorry for that. But now the action begins in Eregion, so now is the time when we need all of your characters to add to the action and give us their various perspectives. And...it's just time to really have fun.

Boring and pointless! Absolutely not! And I have posted a save and I will get Cainenyo's point-of-view in tomorrow. :)

EDIT: or the next day. Be patient!

[Mithalwen]

I hope I haven't seemed bored :( It is just that I chose a low key character as a contrast to my high powered one in Fall of the North since I was going to be an elf woman again so there is a limit to how many general background posts I felt I could make. I made Losrian, Narisiel's apprentice to give some interraction and I have a lot planned for when the battle proper starts (as I said before I created the extended family for a reason.....). Actually knowing it would be a slow start was a crucial factor in me joining this RPG since I knew I had other commitments.

Few posts shouldn't be taken as a lack of commitment in this case. I hope Esgallhugwen returns - I haven't seen much of her recently at all....

[Nurumaiel]

Durelin, don't think for an instant that you've bored me with this game! I'm not bored in the least. I've been reading along with the game and planning for my characters every spare moment. Time constraints keep me from posting more than I should like... certainly not boredom!

Don't even think of apologising, dearie. It's I who ought to apologise for being so inactive. I shall certainly try to post more often... I put up a post written on Sunday, and I have more yet to give.

[Mithalwen]

As for Celebrimbor ... I would say that it is often the case that people who are creative geniuses - and Celebrimbor was probably second only to his Grandfather in this respect - are often lacking in other areas and fail to see the potential for evil. Einstein, I am sure, was not motivated by the desire to kill the biggest number of people in the most time efficient way. I think Terry Pratchett's Leonard of Quirm is a very clever characterisation in this respect ...

Inventors often need less creative but more worldly wise associates to protect them from exploitation.

Gil Galad is a soldier a doer rather than a thinker - more inclined to suspect the worst... I think Celebrimbor was neither particularly weak nor stupid - just motivated by craft above all.

[piosenniel]

~*~ NOTICE ~*~

Let it be known that

Fordim Hedgethistle

known to those in the Shire as Master Hearpwine, and etc . . .
has now had his name engraved on the iron plaque that bears the list of the story-tellers of Gondor.

Huzzah!

Let all come to The Inn of the Seventh Star (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?p=413867#post413867) in Minas Tirith and raise a glass of cheer to Fordim.

** And for those wondering, drink and food are free on this occasion. And all are most welcome **

~*~ http://forum.barrowdowns.com/ubb/icons/icon13.gif ~*~

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

Seriously, everyone is welcome to come to the Inn in Gondor, in whatever character you'd like.

Give a word of congrats to Fordim and knock back a drink or two. I'm there, playing darts . . . challenge, anyone? . . . :cool: ;)

[Envinyatar]

I've brought the force from Lindon near to Ost-in-edhil . . . a vague distance away . . . so that we can show up, but too late, of course.

Have not seen Oro lately on the site or heard from her. I fear she may be another casualty of the game.

- E -

[Folwren]

Save filled. Go ahead, Pio.

- Folwren

[Durelin]

Sorry, everyone. It has been a busy week, and I will be gone most of this weekend. I will get my post up, with Celebrimbor's announcement, very soon, to follow up Aman's wonderful post.

Just wanted to let you know before I ran away for a very long day. ;)

[piosenniel]

Dwarves

The King has called for counsel about the events that have just occurred.

Feel free to offer up advice to him both as your own character and perhaps taking on the mantle of some of the other families gathered in the Hall.

Some Dwarves, I'm sure will want revenge, some will say 'leave the Elves to see to their own safety', some will want to play it safe, etc.

Let's hear a little of all those thoughts.

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

Elves

I've had a messenger from Celebrimbor killed, along with two of the Dwarves who attempted to save him, as he was bringing a request for aid to King Durin III.

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

Orcs and other baddies

I've had some of you kill an Elven messenger on his way to the Dwarves and two of the Dwarves who attempted to hold you off while the others escaped into the mountain. (firmly shutting the door against you, of course!)

I'm sure you can do something Orcishly foul to the fallen . . . if you wish . . . :eek:


~*~ Pio

[Child of the 7th Age]

I have also been out of town for several days with limited computer access but should be able to post again by Monday.

[Folwren]

I've posted yet another reply for the council of Dwarves, this time using Viss Stonecut. Hope I didn't cut in front of you, Pio, or anything in writing it...Arry's post from the Glitterfists got me so riled up, I couldn't sit still until I'd written a reply. (An hours late in getting to school...)

Anyhow, I had Viss work with the pride issue that Dwarves always seem to have. It always struck me that Dwarves couldn't stand being called names from outsiders, and this may stir them to some sort of action.

-- Folwren

[piosenniel]

That was great, Folwren. A little loud debate among the Dwarves is a good thing. :cool:

Now the King will poll his subjects and make his own decision on their course of action . . . after he or that is I return from work, that is . . .

~*~ Pio :)

[Amanaduial the archer]

Durelin - will you be making the momentous announcement from Celebrimbor? Just checking to get it straight :)

[Durelin]

Hopefully, and hopefully very soon. :D Sorry to cut the last post off before the announcement, but I figured some people might have a little something to say...

I am afraid I will not do its momentousness justice, though. :rolleyes: ;)

[Amanaduial the archer]

Good lady, you do wrong your [typing] hands too much ;) Lovely new avatar, by the way.

[Child of the 7th Age]

CaptainofDespair aka Dark Master,

Are you still going ahead with the post you discussed in your pm? I've been holding off on posting till you put Sauron's activities up. Or have you decided not to do it? If so, should I go ahead on my own with general troop preparations?

Your not so humble servant.

[CaptainofDespair]

CaptainofDespair aka Dark Master,

Are you still going ahead with the post you discussed in your pm? I've been holding off on posting till you put Sauron's activities up. Or have you decided not to do it? If so, should I go ahead on my own with general troop preparations?

Your not so humble servant.

I will indeed be posting it, hopefully soon. It was intended for earlier, but it shall be put off momentarily, at the request of Durelin. Feel free to post your own preparations, and I will keep up with that as well. :D

[Child of the 7th Age]

Slight change of plans..... Because of the uncertain weather conditions, we have decided to evacuate to a friend who lives further inland. We leave tomorrow unless there's a drastic change in the forecast.

I hope to have computer access once I reach my destination. Captain of Despair -- please feel free to use my character as needed until I manage to post again.

[Durelin]

God bless you, Child! I hope everything turns out okay.

And I'm very sorry everyone for being scarce lately, I've been having some family issues. I will have my post up tomorrow, with Celebrimbor's great announcement...

[Firefoot]

I'm also sorry for being scarce... I've been really busy with school and soccer, and there's a huge English project that I'm scrambling to get done for next week. I will have a post up this weekend, though. Unless someone else intends to do so, I can put in the slaying of the Elvish messenger etc. that the Dwarves have mentioned.

[Encaitare]

My apologies as well. You may have noticed that I haven't posted very much anywhere recently; senior year is busier than I had ever expected. :eek: I'll try to post over the weekend, really I will.

[CaptainofDespair]

Slight change of plans..... Because of the uncertain weather conditions, we have decided to evacuate to a friend who lives further inland. We leave tomorrow unless there's a drastic change in the forecast.

I hope to have computer access once I reach my destination. Captain of Despair -- please feel free to use my character as needed until I manage to post again.

Good luck, Child! Stay safe!

I will post something (hopefully) soon. I really need to put those nasty orcs to work. ;)

[Folwren]

I hope and pray everything's going well with you, Child. I've heard some pretty bad stuff about the evacuations...at least in Texas. Don't know where you are, though.

-- Folwren

[Durelin]

My post is posted, as promised. And now we are really moving, I hope...

I believe CaptainofDespair is posting as I speak, and as you will see, there are a number of surprises for us all... ;)

Sorry to be jumping the gun in a way, but...things are supposed to be a little chaotic, aren't they? :p

[Arry]

Folwren & Pio

I've done a general 'Dwarves are readied for war' post.

Would one of you like to be on patrol with a small group of Dwarves and spy the 2 emissaries from Mordor being taken into the Elven city?

You won't of course know what's going on, but at least the Dwarves will have some idea of what's going on.

-- Arry

[Folwren]

Bror's really too young to go off and do something like that. They'd pick more experienced people, like Riv. My dwarf will stay at home, therefore, and put his love of weapon making to work.

-- Folwren

[Arry]

I moved my 'preparing for war post' after Firefoot's - it seems to work better that way.

-- Arry

[Folwren]

That's fine with me.

Arry, please check your PMs.

-- Folwren

[Folwren]

Pio,

The post I just posted should probably go before the one that you put a save up for, seeing as it evidently happens just a little while after the vote is cast. If you could fix that up, that'd be great. :)

-- Folwren

[piosenniel]

Will do!

I'll just move mine.

~*~ Pio

[Durelin]

Aman - Gorgeous, gorgeous post. Just one problem: Celebrimbor said his speech from atop the stairs of the palace, rather than doing the traditional balcony thing. Think "Friends, Romans, countrymen" and perhaps you can picture it better, since I had a hard time describing the scene, really.

Also, I mentioned in my most recent post that Maegisil sent a guard to find Narisiel and inform her of the arrival of Angoroth. Unfortunately, though, the meeting turns out to be shorter than Maegisil expected, as the *dark one* has decided to depart before Narisiel can make it to the palace. Sorry...it's as *the dark one* wanted. :rolleyes: ;)

So either the message can reach you too late, or I can get rid of the mention of it in my post. It's up to you.

[CaptainofDespair]

Alrighty-o. I have posted, yet again. The parley was kept short, so as not to slow things down with the tediousness of a Celebrimbor-Angoroth back and forth battle of...wits?

Do inform me of any changes that should be made, as I have typed this with a sense of tiredness upon me. So, it may not be all that coherent. ;)

[Amanaduial the archer]

I will put it into a second post when I am able to write one. Likewise the edits.

[Folwren]

I'm unsure on the course of things at present. Well, not the course of things just now, but what they will be shortly - concerning the Dwarves.

We've set it up in our Halls that we're going to be escourting the women and children out through the mountain. But if that's the case, I'm thinking that we're going to have to start doing that as soon as possible. We don't want to wait until the black army is surrounding the place and they're under siege. That's not very logical.

Another question - is our mission going to work, or is everyone going to be killed? I understand that somehwere in all this, Elrond is coming in, but at the same time, he's going to be too late for the city.

As you can probably tell, I'm completely confused. Pio can probably answers best, seeing as she's taking care of a Dwarf, too. Can you explain, for the Dwarves part?

-- Folwren

[Arry]

Folwren

I've left Skald getting drunk in the kitchen . . . if you wish, little brother can come in and ask what the heck's going on.

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

I'm not too sure what the Dwarves are supposed to be doing. I do know that when Elrond arrives, the forces of Sauron have almost destroyed the city and that a great number of them turn on Elrond's forces and attack. The Dwarves rush out of Khazad-dum and attack Sauron's forces from behind.

This gives Elrond and his group time to gather what refugees there are and make for the area that will be Rivendell. the Dwarves battle Sauron's army and retreat as they do so back into the mountain, firmly shutting the Gate against any intrusion of Sauron's men and creatures.

What does anyone else think?

[piosenniel]

Durelin

What do you want the Dwarves to be doing at this point?

We're pretty much down to the grand battle, aren't we? Shall we be plunging into that soon?

~*~ Pio

EDIT - from a previous post of mine to this thread:

Elrond is chosen to aid the Elvensmiths in 1695. For what ever reasons, it will take the Lindon Elves until 1697 to come near Eregion. Sauron sends his troops against them and they are unable to enter Eregion at all, despite the additional aid they receive from a group of Lorien Elves led by Celeborn. Eregion is destroyed, Ost-in-Edhil in ruins.

Elrond and Celeborn's troops are nearly destroyed by Sauron and company - when King Durin III of Moria sends some Dwarven troops along with another group of Lorien Elves against Sauron's troops from the rear.

Sauron's army turns its focus on the Dwarves and Lorien Elves, driving them back to Moria - the West-gate, which faces Eregion, is then shut tightly against Sauron's troops and none can enter.

Elrond takes advantage of the changed focus of the enemy and with what remains of his men, along with some refugees from Eregion that he picks up along the way, he retreast northeast to the hidden valley where he will establish Imladris.

Sauron, in the meantime, sweeps east over Eriador, heading toward Lindon.

[Folwren]

Arry

Ha! That's exactly what I thought when I read your post. That really cracks me up. Poor Skald...

Pio

What you said was what I had in mind, but I thought that we might be doing something slightly different. That's fine, though. :)

I may get a post up sometime this evening.

-- Folwren

[piosenniel]

Well, I do think we Dwarves are ferrying Lorien Elves through the mines. At some point we will take Celeborn and a group to the city. and then there should be a final group of lorien Elves that will attack from the rear with us.

~*~ Pio

[Firefoot]

Grimkul's pretty intent on leaving army life forever - someone better stop him, quick! ;)

[Durelin]

Sorry everyone. But here I am.

What do you want the Dwarves to be doing at this point?

We're pretty much down to the grand battle, aren't we? Shall we be plunging into that soon?First I will answer your second question. We're plunging into the battle as soon as everyone's ready. My post says that the army is preparing to attack before dawn, and I have set it as late evening in Eregion. As long as this does not ruin plans of the Orcs or anyone else, this will stay, and we will be starting the battle as soon as possible.

As to the Dwarves...is it settled that the Dwarves will be the 'double too late' rescue party, that frees up the Elves enough to make a retreat? Or is that perhaps too complicated? It could become quite messy, with two different rescue parties. It could also work quite well, though. I'd like the Dwarves to continue having full reign over what they do, so please let me know what you think. :)

EDIT: Looking at the timeline of events again, I realize that the Dwarves 'rescue' is definitely after Ost-in-edhil is already in ruins. So, here's a possiblity: After Ost-in-edhil has been destroyed, those who have escaped will hide in the small surrounding woodlands, and Maegisil will start to take a bit of command, gathering the survivors up as best he can, hopefully with the help of Narisiel, Cainenyo, and anyone else. The Lindon and Lorien Elves, and the Dwarves, would continue fighting to drive back Sauron's forces. Then our Eregion survivors could be picked up.

What does everyone think?

Perhaps for the Dwarves could have King Durin III asking of his people whether or not they should help the Elves against Sauron...or something of that nature...

[piosenniel]

The Dwarves have 2 things to accomplish as far as what Tolkien wrote.

1.) Celeborn and a party of Lorien Elves need to get to where Elrond's army is. Celeborn and Elrond should make a joint stab at attacking the invading troops but they will be pushed back even as Ost-in-Edhil falls. I thought that Celeborn and his warriors would come through the mines - hateful as that might be to Celeborn (Dwarves disgust him because some of them slew Thingol for the Nauglamir). The Dwarves will see him safe to where Elrond is.

2.) Then the only thing left is for the Dwarves to attack Sauron's army from the rear as they push back Elrond and Celeborn's troops. They draw off much of the attack against Elrond and he and Celeborn, I suppose, are able to start their retreat toward what will be Rivendell.

If some of the Dwarves stay to fight with Elrond and Celeborn's troops - they won't be able to re-enter the West gate - it will have been firmly closed against Sauron's armies as the main body of Dwarves retreats and draws off the Orcs and such.

They'd have to retreat with Elrond and make their way back to Khazad-dum by the East Gate.

Do the other Dwarves want to do this?

Riv will want to go back to Khazad-dum to stay near his wife and children.

What about Skald and Bror - what do Folwren and Arry see them doing?

[Arry]

I'm not sure . . . Folwren what do you see Bror doing?

[Folwren]

Well, that's hard to say. Will, at that point in time, everyone see that it's a lost cause and all they can do is retreat?

If that's the case...I think that the sensible thing would be to retreat to Khazad-dum. The Dwarves really have nothing further to do. Nothing else holds them. They don't have any reasons or obligations, so to speak, to stay and fight for the elves any longer.

So, I can see Bror going back. But, then, he being still young and reckless and perhaps wanting to fight more against the orcs, he decides to stay. I really don't know. Does the decision have to made just yet?

I'm going to go off and see what's been posted since my last bit of writing...assuming that something new has happened.

-- Folwren

[Child of the 7th Age]

Save filled. The baddies are having a little fun of their own while waiting for the good guys to get things together. Encaitare and Firefox - the ball is in your camp.

Cami

[Encaitare]

Thanks for the heads-up, Child. I'm about to go to bed, so I'll fill in my save in the morning. :)

[Encaitare]

Save filled. Child and Firefoot, I've left it open for you to respond. Glûtkask is grudgingly about to make negotiations with Ulrung, and Grimkul and Ulwakh are having another run-in with Kharn... lots of fun for everybody. :)

[Arry]

I've filled in my SAVE.

Feel free to carry it on, Folwren.

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

Envinyatar

I've established that a group of Elves, led by Celeborn will be joining your troops. I left it vague enough that they/we can get there when they're needed.

-- Arry

[Child of the 7th Age]

Thanks Encaitare . Ulrung is a nasty, evil man but he is not raving mad, which is apparently what most of the "deformed" Maia were. And the nasty Ulrung smells a new age coming around the bend, and he likes what he smells!

[Firefoot]

My goodness, it's getting hard to write posts consistent with Grimkul's character that leave some feasible way of allowing my characters to get out alive... ;)

[Folwren]

Alright, I've finally written a post.

Pio, I brought you back into the action. Hope you don't mind.

Arry...I used your character a bit. If you don't like what I had him say, or would like to re-write what he said, feel free to say so.

And about the Dwarves helping the elves...well, I figured that if they're going to be taking Celeborn and his elves all the way to Elrond, they'll want quite a number of Dwarves, in case of attack. Things are dangerous now. So I didn't have the Stonecuts be put in charge of it. If you think that's how it should be, tell me so. I wasn't sure.

-- Folwren

[piosenniel]

Folwren

Before I write a post - I'm not sure how it got to be evening time.

Riv originally came home very early in the morning; had the talk with Skald; left with Unna. Bror came in a little while later; Skald was in the midst of getting drunk; Bror and Skald had a talk. Then Viss comes in while the two younger brothers are joking about.

So, perhaps it's near noonish?

~*~ Pio

[Folwren]

Ah, yes...time. I was confused on that matter, as you can probably tell. I was actually imagining it to be a very late night at the time being, because I know that Riv got back late. I wasn't patching things together quite right or else I should have realized that it was going to be morning sometime.

I don't think, however, that it's quite noon yet. Probably more mid-morning...around ten, at latest. Hows that sound?

Sorry about getting all messed up. It's entirely my fault. I'll edit my post.

-- Folwren

[piosenniel]

Folwren

Thanks for the edit! :)

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

Durelin

Once I have my SAVE filled in, everyone will be in position for the battle, won't they?

Shall we get that going soon?

I was hoping to have this game wrapped up by the end of October. Would that be a possibility?


~*~ Pio

[Durelin]

Once I have my SAVE filled in, everyone will be in position for the battle, won't they?

Shall we get that going soon?

I was hoping to have this game wrapped up by the end of October. Would that be a possibility?
As long as the Orcs are ready to start the battle, then we can start that as soon as possible. Getting this game finished by the end of October sounds good. My next post will be getting the battle started. Orcs - let me know if you need to make any more posts. I'll put a Save up before my post beginning the battle, if need be.

My post should be up by tomorrow, at the latest.

-Durelin

[Mithalwen]

So what is going to happen to the elves in Ost in Edhil ..... ? Bit confused is flight still and option or is it fighting only?

[Durelin]

The citizens were told to evacuate...but too late. In a very fluid timeframe, Celebrimbor made his announcement, and now my next post will be early the next morning, even before dawn, when the army attacks. Most of the Elves that intended to flee have not had the chance to. So, they're trapped. If you post about your character fleeing during the day, then you may. Or you can have her be among those trapped. It's up to you, even though I don't yet have any specific plans for any evacuees.

[Mithalwen]

The citizens were told to evacuate...but too late. In a very fluid timeframe, Celebrimbor made his announcement, and now my next post will be early the next morning, even before dawn, when the army attacks. Most of the Elves that intended to flee have not had the chance to. So, they're trapped. If you post about your character fleeing during the day, then you may. Or you can have her be among those trapped. It's up to you, even though I don't yet have any specific plans for any evacuees.

Trapped works better ... Okies.....

[Folwren]

This is depressing.

[CaptainofDespair]

This is depressing.

Depressing things can be morbidly amusing. ;)

On another note, I will have a post prepared soon enough, and then it will be...posted. I'll tie some things up that I wanted to (if they can be fit in coherently), and then I'll bring Angoroth and the Army up to speed on the commencement of the siege/battle.

[Durelin]

Alcarillo

I'm afraid that during the writing of my post I came up with an idea for pulling your character into the story with Maegisil, through placing him as getting stuck with 'guard duty' outside Celebrimbor's chambers. Yes, Celebrimbor is going crazy. Of course, I can change this very easily, just thought it might be fun. Is that okay with you, or would you like me to change it?

[Firefoot]

I've written up a post to be put into the general save.

~*~*~*~

Evening was nearing by the time Kharn almost literally shoved Grimkul and Ulwakh out of his tent. “Get out of my tent, you foul mountain vermin!” he snarled. Grimkul spared him a slight victorious smile, fury and the need for vengeance still gleaming in his yellow eyes. Kharn quailed under that look for a moment before swinging his whip at the two now-retreating forms.

Ulwakh led the way, threading his way quickly through the camp to put as much distance as possible between them and the captains, mostly Kharn. He wasted no time in cutting with a dagger the rope binding him to Grimkul, then the rope around Grimkul’s hands. Though Grimkul seemed hardly to mind, Ulwakh could not help but notice the way Grimkul’s bloodied legs hardly supported his weight, nearly giving out numerous times. Clearly, his fury still fueled him, but what about when that grew less hot? Battle loomed – Grimkul could hardly fight in such a condition.

Before too long, Ulwakh started looking around for a promising bit of space in the crowded camp. He dared not go too close to the periphery lest Grimkul get any more idiot ideas into his head. When he finally did find one, he sat down carefully, looking around as if worried about taking another Orc’s area. No one immediately disputed the claim and he relaxed somewhat. Grimkul removed his pack and dropped it carelessly on the ground before collapsing beside it, all the while saying not a word. Ulwakh sat uneasily, fearing for the outburst that he feared would surely come.

But it never did. The fading afternoon light faded into dusk, but still Grimkul sat unmoving, staring broodingly into space. Ulwakh grew hungry and tentatively dug into Grimkul’s pack for some dried meat, yet Grimkul still seemed not to notice. Occasionally his hand strayed to his sword hilt, or he might mouth some words Ulwakh couldn’t make out. The muscles in his face were taut, strained. Ulwakh finally tired and laid down to sleep, but Grimkul stared on into the night. The fire of hatred showed clearly in his eyes, not the fickle hatred for a meddlesome or irritating Orc, or for a fool of a commander, or for the Elves and Dwarves against whom he so fiercely fought, but hatred born of long taunting and torment – undying, burning hatred.

Ulwakh wished Grimkul would yell and rage.

[Alcarillo]

Alcarillo

I'm afraid that during the writing of my post I came up with an idea for pulling your character into the story with Maegisil, through placing him as getting stuck with 'guard duty' outside Celebrimbor's chambers. Yes, Celebrimbor is going crazy. Of course, I can change this very easily, just thought it might be fun. Is that okay with you, or would you like me to change it?

Um, could you change it? I just had a different scenario for Cainenyo before the battle in my head. Perhaps Maegisil and Cainenyo can meet when the fighting starts? Or perhaps during the battle Cainenyo runs into the palace - burning in places and badly hurt by those catapults - and finds Maegisil? Or something else, maybe? One finds the other wounded in the streets? Perhaps there are roving bands of warriors in the streets, chasing orcs and trying to escape the city, and Maegisil and Cainenyo happen to join together?

[Durelin]

Firefoot - Posted. :)

Alcarillo - Edited. :)

Arestevana - (If you're still around) I now ask the same question I asked Alcarillo: may Gilduin have been recruited to guard crazy Celebrimbor's chambers, and perhaps hang with Maegisil a bit?

[piosenniel]

Folwren, Arry

I filled my original save.

In the new one, I'll get us and Celeborn's warriors to Elrond's troops. Once we're there what does everyone want to do?

I think I'll have Riv hurry back to Khazad-dum. He'll be one of the Dwarves that comes out with King Durin and attacks Sauron's troops from the rear, giving elrond and his people time to gather up what refugees they can and head for the area that will become Rivendell.

Do either of you want to stay with Elrond's guys and fight on that front?

~*~ Pio

[piosenniel]

OK - I've filled my second SAVE and gotten us to Lord Elrond's camp.

Riv's going back with some of the other Dwarves - he's left the question open for Skald and Bror about what they'll decide to do.

[Mithalwen]

This is depressing.

You're depressed? I am about one post away from killing "my" family ... actually I can't wait ;)

This part of the plot was never going to be cheering.....

[Envinyatar]

Alright - it has been mentioned that the Dwarves have been invited to join with the Elves for battle if they wish.

- E -

[Folwren]

Originally posted by Mithalwen:
You're depressed? I am about one post away from killing "my" family ... actually I can't wait ;)

This part of the plot was never going to be cheering.....

No, I'm not depressed, but the story itself is depressing. I might be depressed after I read everybody's posts about terror and destruction, but I'm not sad yet. :)

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

Pio and Arry,

Speaking as a little brother - I'll stay if Skald does. :D

Actually, Arry, even though that's the case, I think we may be able to be in a lot of excitement if we keep our Dwarves with the elves and the fighting. So, I would like to stay. But I don't want to be there all by myself.

-- Folwren

[Arry]

I'd like it if Skald stays to fight with Bror.

But, Folwren - can you write about how you want to stay first? Then Arry can have an angsty moment, torn between his little brother and his older.

-- Arry :eek:

[Folwren]

But, Folwren - can you write about how you want to stay first? Then Arry can have an angsty moment, torn between his little brother and his older. - Arry

Yeah, I can do that. :) Will have it up shortly...

EDIT: Okay, it's done. Clumsily handled, I'm afraid. I didn't know how to put all the emotions that were passing through his head into words. I wish I were a better writer. It was all very vivid in my mind, you know? Oh well. There you go, Arry. I'm looking forward to seeing your post.

-- Folwren

[Nurumaiel]

Quick note... my SAVE of 10/14 is filled in.

And excellent writing thus far, everyone! :)

[Folwren]

Great post, Arry!

Envinyatar,

How long are the elves and dwarves going to sit in that one place? Are they staying there that night, or continuing on? How far is it until they come to the black army? They never reach it to the city, do they?

And, in time reference to the beginning of the siege against the city, where are we? Is it the evening before the beginning that Durelin and the Captain have written about? Or is it later that day? Or is it some other time?

If you don't know all these answers, perhaps Durelin or Pio will know. :)

-- Folwren

[Envinyatar]

Once there is a post that the city is attacked - then we can post, say, one post . . . one vague-ish sort of post, of the now combined forces moving toward the city.

I've made it a nebulous X number of days that we are now from the Jewelsmiths.

We won't actually join the fight until the city is overrun by Sauron's army and and what refugees there are are fleeing.

I'm hoping that either CaptainofDespair or Durelin will let us know here on the Discussion thread that this has happened - then we'll launch our attack against Sauron's forces as they turn to destroy us.

At that point, Riv and Dwarven King and all should attack from the rear and draw off the atack against us.

[CaptainofDespair]

I'm hoping that either CaptainofDespair or Durelin will let us know here on the Discussion thread that this has happened - then we'll launch our attack against Sauron's forces as they turn to destroy us.


Well, I've begun the first moments of the siege. This will, in a few days (to give all a chance to post reactions and such), lead to another post of mine, in which the city's core elements will be overrun.

[Envinyatar]

Folwren

Lord Elrond has paid you a visit! ;)

-----

I have shamelessly plundered this description of Elrond written by Tolkien. My apologies to the author. I just couldn't do much better than he.


The face of Elrond was ageless, neither old nor young, though in it was written the memory of many things both glad and sorrowful. His hair was dark as the shadows of twilight, and upon it was set a circlet of silver; his eyes were grey as a clear evening, and in them was a light like the light of stars. Venerable he seemed as a king crowned with many winters, and yet hale as a tried warrior in the fulness of his strength. He was the Lord of Rivendell and mighty among both Elves and Men.

-- 'Many Meetings'; The Fellowship of the Ring

[Folwren]

Goodness gracious. Thanks for letting Elrond be nice, Envinyatar.

As for you, Arry......what am I supposed to do now? Skald demands an explanation out of Bror, Bror's still shocked and possibly scared at being addressed by Elrond and then seeing his brother wake up hours too soon...what's he supposed to say?

'Uh...nothing, Skald...just go back to sleep.' :rolleyes:

I'll have to think about this one.

-- Folwren

[Amanaduial the archer]

Nice posts there starting the seige - and the dwarves keeping up an admirable commentary by terms serious and silly, as ever. I am sorry I haven't made a post for a while, longer than I would have intended - I will join in the seige as soon as I can; homework has me snowed under at the moment. Thursday if I can! Sorry, and thanks for your patience :)

[Encaitare]

Hey, Firefoot, nice post as usual. :)

I've decided you have my permission to have Grimkul kill Kharn at some point... he really deserves his revenge. Just let me know when you're going to do it, maybe we could work out a fight... :D

[Firefoot]

Sure thing. I'm thinking we let it get into the heart of battle, like when they get to the point of actually invading the city. I'd imagine that would be a lot less ordered, as far as the army goes.

[Arry]

I've filled my SAVE.

It will be interesting to see how Bror takes what Skald has said.

I implied in it that we would soon be facing the enemy - so Envinyatar, I guess we'll follow along when you make your post where Elrond's forces attempt to get close to Ost-in-edhil.

-- Arry

[Folwren]

Well, I don't know that Bror's taken it particularly well. I've written my post. Hope it's to your satisfaction. :)

-- Folwren

[CaptainofDespair]

Okey doke.

I've posted my post of rallying the troops for the charge, and the beginnings of the skirmish at the gates. Since Angoroth isn't directly part of that action, I've left it up to those character involved in it to detail it.

Soon (within a day or two, I hope), I'll also post an 'after the gate battle, and the city is overrun post'. That'll leave everyone else to flee, die, or continue the streetfighting. Angoroth will have some 'business' to attend to. ;)

[Firefoot]

Hey, Alcarillo - you want to work out some kind of fight sequence? If you wanted to start something at the end of your post, I could finish it up (or not, depending...). I don't think either of us wants our characters killed yet, but they can always be separated by the tides of battle.

If so, both Grimkul and Ulwakh would be wielding their scimitars, though other weapons are always at the ready if the need so arises.

[Alcarillo]

Hey, Alcarillo - you want to work out some kind of fight sequence? If you wanted to start something at the end of your post, I could finish it up (or not, depending...). I don't think either of us wants our characters killed yet, but they can always be separated by the tides of battle.
Great idea! I'll fill in my save as soon as possible. And no, I'm not quite ready to let Cainenyo bite the dust. You wouldn't mind, though, if, say, Grimkul got a nasty cut down his arm? Or if Ulwakh got a bloody nose? You may do the same to Cainenyo if you wish.

[Firefoot]

You wouldn't mind, though, if, say, Grimkul got a nasty cut down his arm? Or if Ulwakh got bloodied nose? You may do the same to Cainenyo if you wish. Go right ahead. :D

[Kath]

I am so very sorry that I have been so uninvolved in this. I've been quite ill recently and have just not had the energy to think up posts but that's no real excuse. I am even more sorry though that I'm going to miss the battle because it looks like it will be great! If anyone wants to kill off Ugburz they have free rein to do so in any way they like.

[Encaitare]

Whew. Erbar Telemarth is over at last, and I can put my energies back into this game!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Encaitare,

Angoroth has told me to keep an eye on your character.... Any chance of the two of us having a little encounter sometime before the end of this tale? Please pm or post on this thread.

CaptainofDespair....

The gate is just beginning to go. I leave the rest up to you with your greater talents and nastiness.

Child

[CaptainofDespair]

Well done, Child!

I have a post ready, which I will be, of course, posting soon. I have to check up on a few things first, but then I will place it on the game thread.

I've decided to skip the actual destruction of the gate, and I've jumped it slightly ahead. Ulrung and the orcs, if they wish, can detail it if they must. I'll be sending Angoroth into the city, with a contingent of guards, where he'll he run into Maegisil. From there, well...you'll see. ;)

[Encaitare]

Angoroth has told me to keep an eye on your character.... Any chance of the two of us having a little encounter sometime before the end of this tale? Please pm or post on this thread.

Most certainly. What do you have in mind?

[Mithalwen]

One down... three to go.....

[Durelin]

Okay, I think I'm going to adjust things a bit.

As long as no one minds, and particularly the Dwarves and Elves of Lindon, what do you think of this: we basically end the game right after the destruction of the city. The end of the game basically occurs with the Elves of Lindon arriving at Ost-in-edhil to find it in ruins. Then, the Dwarves and/or Elves of Lindon can write an epilogue(s) that tells how they finally drove back Sauron's army, but too late for Eregion.

What does everyone think? I'm mainly worried about the Dwarves and Elves of Lindon, if they feel that this is cutting them out of the plot too much. Just let me know, we can continue on as planned, and just try to be quick about it. I certainly haven't been helping with the quickness of things, and for that I apologize.

-Durelin

[Folwren]

Little (or no) opinion. If you ask me, you'll find that I think that any time the game ends will be melencholly. I love my dwarf...he's quite fun to work with. But I guess all things must come to an end.

Actually, I was kind of looking forward to a battle with the Dwarves in it. Skald and Bror would make an excellent team, especially if one of them got wounded. Arry's the better writer, so I think it'd be great if I had a chance to wound or...well, I don't want to kill him...Bror and then see a reaction. On the other hand, it would also be really cool to be able to write something like that for Bror.

So, I guess my opinion is that we let the Dwarves fight...at least some.

-- Folwren

[Mithalwen]

I have to say I am quite anti this. I think that the Ost in Edhil elves have waited a long time for things to get going for them and now it seems it has been for nothing. Personally speaking I have at least 75% of my posting and backstory as preparation for the refugee stage.

I mean it is your game and up to you but if this is going to happen I may as well kill off my char now and cut my losses time-wise.

[Durelin]

I am very sorry my game has been a waste of your time, Mithalwen.

So be it, we continue.

I apologize ahead of time for what will undoubtedly be continued rather sporadic posting from myself.

-Durelin

[piosenniel]

First, let me clarify something - Sauron's army is not driven back by the Dwarves and Elves. The Dwarves in Khazad-dum will rush out to keep Sauron's army from overpowering the Elves from Lindon. Sauron's army turns and chases/battles the Khazad Dwarves back to the West Gate, where the Dwarves retreat beneath the mountain and shut the doors against intrusion.

I would expect that this (when Sauron's army's eye is turned away from them and toward the Khazad Dwarves) is when Elrond et al will pick up what refugees they can find and make for a safe haven. (which will turn out to be the hidden valley that will become Imladris).

I would like to have a battle scene for my character, Riv.

So, it seems to me any Elves of Ost-in-edhil who want to die off can certainly do that. The Dwarves and Lindon representative can then probably finish off their part of the game in their own manner.

How does that sound?

[Envinyatar]

I've been wondering all this while how Elrond (who hadn't resided in the area he's presently in) would know to head toward the Imladris site.

Do you think that one of the refugees his troops pick up can be the prompt for them heading in that direction? Mithalwen - that could be one of your characters, yes?!

Once the Khazad Dwarves have drawn off Sauron's army's attack on the Lindon Elves, there will need to be a quick decision made on where to go. Elrond's forces might also need to be alerted to other places where refugees from the city have gone to hide themselves away - perhaps along the way?

Sauron's forces, it seems to me, will not chase after the refugees but continue their leader's course in wanting to overrun, destroy, control Eriador (Sauron is bent on defeating and destroying the Lindon Elves, too). As I recall, it is only when Tar-Minastir send troops led by Admiral Ciryatur from Numenor that Sauron's army is defeated and he retreats to Mordor.

So, I'll go with piosenniel's suggestion - the Elves who wish to die in the batlle for the city of Ost-in-edhil can certainly do so, but I'd like a chance to get the refugees together and started toward Elrond's new digs. It shouldn't take us too long to accomplish this.

Opinions - anyone else?

[Folwren]

Um...I can't speak for Arry, but I'm thinking that we Dwarves aren't going to be wanting to tromp all the way to Imladris with all you elves. We'll stick with you elves once the ocrs have left everyone alone and we have the refugees fairly safe. Then I think that the Dwarves will leave. However, I'm only a little, young Dwarf, after all, so don't take the correctness of this assumption for granted.

And, Envinyatar - I think we're waiting on you to begin the march. :)

-- Folwren

[Envinyatar]

I had hoped not to have any "march" posts; that is, unless you want some "march" time for your character to develop something.

I was hoping to wait just until the city had fallen and do a short post of how the Lindon and Dwarf forces had arrived at the battle scene and attempted to repulse Sauron's forces. (We are presently at a nebulous time and distance from the battle.)

We could then have a few battle posts in which we are pushed back.

Then the Khazad Dwarves could stream from the West Gate and draw off Sauron's forces from us. At that point we can actually go into where the city was - it will be levelled and either pick up refugees there or retreat to some other site where we will run into refugees.

The Dwarves can then elect to leave at that point or continue with us back toward the mountains - you won't be able to get back in the West Gate, I think. you'll need to go over the mountains and in through the East Gate.

Does this sound OK?

[Alcarillo]

Firefoot, I've finally filled in my save. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting for so long!
Child's post should happen before mine in actual time, but it's not a big deal.

[Folwren]

Alrighty. That's fine. I just didn't know what you were planning and I only knew I was waiting for you. If you don't mind, then, I'm going to post a camp post...I don't think we need a marching post. Just for the sake of writing, understand. I'm assuming that we are near enough to at least see the smoke from the burning, are we not? Which direction, do you know, are we from the city? And we are planning on continuing on that next morning, right? So, if I write, it would not be out of place to be getting ready to go.

I won't be posting anything until later tonight, if today at all.

-- Folwren

[Firefoot]

My save is also filled. Cainenyo has escaped a very unhappy Grimkul, who is now on the hunt for Kharn...

[Envinyatar]

We're at least a full day's march from the city. As I said, our timeline is vague, so that as the city falls at the end of the battle we can coordinate it with that event.

We are south of the city. And sure - we can continue on the next morning . . .

[Mithalwen]

I am very sorry my game has been a waste of your time, Mithalwen.
-Durelin

That is not what I said. But certainly I will have wasted time unnecessarily if the game is curtailed. And yes I do find that annoying since it will give me a 100% record of my RPG games here being aborted. I really hoped this one would work.

Envinyatar That would be great. I had planned for a fire blast to have killed the rest of Losrian's family save the baby nephew. I have a post prepared for that .... how I am going to get them out of the city plausibly is something I haven't quite worked out. But I can either be vague or work something out if you want to meet her outside the city.....

[Envinyatar]

Mithalwen

So, Losrian and the baby will be alive . . .

Once Sauron's army is pulled away from the Lindon Elves we'll head into the city and then north and east toward the mountain range

Map of area here (http://www.xs4all.nl/~wimeeder/maps/LOTR%20maps/atlas_bcover_1st.jpg)

maybe toward the Hollin Ridge. I was thinking of borrowing a couple of Dwarves (NPC's) who could lead us there.

Maybe we could find your characters in a wooded area just north of the city? A place where her family might have gotten wood for crafting and the shafts your character might have used to fit her arrow points to . . . just a thought. There might be some shelters there built and used by the Elves if their wood harvesting took longer than a day's time.

Just a thought . . . we can go with whatever you think up.

- E -

[Mithalwen]

THank you for the map - most helpful..

I think I can work with that scenario :D .....

Time to kill off the rest of the folks then ;)

[Kath]

Since I reappeared before the battle was over I thought I'd post. But I'm a little confused as to whats happening now, is the RPG going to end when the city has been destroyed? And, though this might seem an odd question, how do we know when that will have happened? Will a person with an in charge character announce it somehow so that characters with ongoing or related storylines can wrap them up?

[Encaitare]

My save is filled. Firefoot, Kharn has realized Grimkul's murderous intentions. :eek:

[Durelin]

The city has been overrun. It is essentially destroyed.

All survivors will be making their way to the surrounding countryside to the West of the city. Anyone who wishes may have their character run into Maegisil and Sairien. Maegisil will be holding on to his sanity enough to be gathering up the survivors as best he can. He will tell them that there is still hope in Lindon, and perhaps even in the Dwarves and Lorien, even if he does not really believe it...

[CaptainofDespair]

And now, Celebrimbor has been slain. However, Angoroth has fled the city, and slain himself in the cold north sometime later.

I now leave the command of the hordes to Ulrung, Child. ;)

[Firefoot]

Encai - I won't be having a chance to post much this weekend, so I'm going to be writing something up when I get home from school which will include Kharn's demise. So if you want to get something in before that, please do. If you put up a Save, I'll be vague at the start of my post to accomodate for that. :)

[Encaitare]

Firefoot, it's fine if you just get right to it, since Kharn is as good as dead with the way Grimkul's acting. :eek: Plus, I've been somewhat neglecting Glutkask, so I'd like to get back to him. Speaking of which: Child, do you still want there to be some interaction between Glutkask and Ulrung?

[Envinyatar]

I've brought the Lindon troops and their Dwarf allies to just about 3 miles from the burning city.

Sauron's troops have started toward us as we advance toward the city. Let's put up a good fight against them, though we will be beaten back from our advance.

Orcs and other baddies feel free to post your attack against us if you wish.

[Firefoot]

Okay, I'd say Grimkul is officially mad. :eek: I haven't decided if he's going to die yet or not, but for now, he's engaged in battle with the Dwarves.

Oh, and Ulwakh... not sure what's going on with him at the moment. Last I left him he was wandering around the city somewhere. Later this weekend I'll put up a post dealing with him. Like Grimkul, I haven't decided whether he's going to live or die...

[Mithalwen]

I have filled my save and got Losrian plus small child to the wood somewhat implausibly but the kid needed a break.... and her life will be so much more difficult having to cope with the spoilt little brat ;) . I do hope to tidy it up a bit but I wanted to get it basically sorted since I dunno if I will be able ot post again or much before Wednesday - I am off to Barcelona on Sunday for a couple of days on a work junket.

Envinyatar - do with Losrian what you will if it suits your purpose :p short of killing her or selling her to a passing orc.

[Folwren]

What a dratted time to loose internet at home...right when it starts getting interesting again!

I may or may not be able to post until Tuesday, I'm not sure. Until then, Arry - use my character as necessary.

Pio, will you please tell those in the Numenorian thread that I'm missing until later? I don't have time now.

-- Folwren

****************

Done. This is Child but I managed to get here before Pio! Good luck with your internet, Folwren.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Envinyatar,

I have placed a post right under yours describing Ulrung's response to the news that there are new visitors about to camp on his doorstep. The baddies are now rushing out to meet you. Feel free to engage.

Sauron's troops are not in the best shape. As you say, some are fanning out over the plane on their own, not any kind of an organized force. I think some are still looting on the back streets of the city and don't give a hoot who is coming. Even Ulrung's so-called organized solidiers are pretty haphazard. A great many of the horses and battle chariots are laden down with booty which should make them slower and less adept.

While Ulrung hates Elves, he has a grudging respect for Dwarves.....

Cami

[Envinyatar]

Can someone place this in Arry's first save?

FYI: there are 20 Dwarves fighting, 100 Elves from Lorien with Celeborn, and 500, as I recall, Lindon Elves.

I was thinking that the battle would be fairly short in the writing. And in fact, Pio, you could soon have King Durin and his troops from under the mountain swarm out soon and draw off those attacking Elrond's troops.

Does this sound alright with everyone?

We can then get on to the gathering up of the refugees, the quick passage toward Rivendell, the return of the Dwarves who fought with the Lindon Elves to Khazad-dum and then whatever wind-up posts are needed for the game.

Thoughts?

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

Envinyatar’s post

The black tide swarmed against the Elven troops. At first Lord Elrond’s lines held and perhaps even advanced in small increments. Sauron’s troops, though, were relentless and more numerous than the Lindon scouts had reported. The Orcs and Men were fueled by their victory against the city and the blood of their foes that had already bathed their blades.

Elrond’s warriors fanned out; the warriors on each wing pushing forward as far as they were able, extending their formation like the horns on a great bull’s head. Their foes were funneled in and toward the grouping of Dwarves and Celeborn’s Elves that stood firm against them and then fell back slowly.

It was Lord Elrond’s intent to catch the foe between the pincer like extensions of his own troops and squeeze in on them, killing as many of them as he could. For a brief while, his strategy worked. And it might have continued so save for the fact that the Orc and Mannish ranks swelled again and again as their captains pushed them from their looting of the city and against the new threat.

‘Regroup!’ he ordered his captains.

The thinned out lines of Lindon troops pulled back into a tighter formation from which they charged again and again in smaller groups, throwing panic into their foe as their great horses trampled through their unorganized ranks.

----------

Orëmir’s ranks of bowmen sent a storm of arrows hurtling against Sauron’s army felling as many as they could. As the lines of Orcs and Men drew close, half the bowmen drew their swords and charged against them; while the remaining bowmen fell back a little and rapidly firing arrow after arrow continued to pick off individual targets.

Heaps of dead and dying Orcs and Men dotted the plain before the Lindon Elves and the Dwarves. But it was not enough. There were too many of the foul warriors. Lord Elrond and Lord Celeborn’s troops fell back slowly against the onslaught.

[Arry]

OK . . . Envinyatar, I've placed your post in my old SAVE.

Firefoot

I'm going to post that you've killed a Dwarf near my character. Bror and I will go after you. I was thinking we'd give you a heavy whack to the head with the flat of our axe blade.

You can either die in your own post or rally and I'll leave a SAVE then for Folwren so her character can do you in.

Just let me know.

-- Arry

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

Edit --- post is filled. Grimkul's been given a mighty whack to his head. Bror (Folwren's character) is still there - you can have another go at him if you like ro have your character die a glorious Orcish death. :D

Skald's gone on toward the Easterlings, ready to cut off a few at the knees! :p

[piosenniel]

Envinyatar and others

I'll wait for a day or so, to see who wants to post in the present battle scene; then, I'll have King Durin rush out with a large army of Dwarves from from the Western Gate and assail Sauron's army from the rear, drawing them off from Elrond and Celeborn's troops.

[Firefoot]

Arry, looks good. I'll have a post up later today. (To kill or not to kill...?)

[Folwren]

Well, I'm back - for the time being.

I'm still thinking about what I should write if I post.

Firefoot - you've left Grimkul just lying there. Does that mean that Bror can go ahead an finish him off?

Arry, were you wanting anything to happen to Bror at the time, or would it be just as well for you if at least I made it through pretty much unscathed?

-- Folwren

[Folwren]

I've written a post. . .Firefoot, if you don't want Grimkul killed (I don't see how he's going to survive), then I can change that first paragraph to make it not sound like I just killed him, but rather killed another orc. :)

If anyone else (Arry, particularly) wants me to write or change anything in that post, just say.

-- Folwren

[Firefoot]

Folwren - I didn't intend for him to die quite yet. I wanted to write another post which would include his death - I didn't have enough time when I wrote up the post for Ulwakh.

[Folwren]

Okay, that's fine. I'll go back and have Bror leave Grimkul, and then, whenever you have time, you can have another Dwarf of Elf kill him. . .or whatever you plan to do. :)

Alright, then, post Edited. Does that work for you, Firefoot? I can change it again, if need be, you know.

-- Folwren

[piosenniel]

King Durin's troops are harassing Sauron's troops from the rear. Pulling them away from the Lindon Elves and the other Dwarves who stayed with them.

I would say it is at least a day later than Skald and Bror's present encounters . . . so the Lindon Elves and the Dwarves with them should be somewhat exhausted by now.

Anyway - you should be able to get out of your tight spot and head a little north west of the fallen city to avoid Sauron's troops for the most part and hopefully to hook up with some refugees.

~*~ Pio

[Envinyatar]

Does anyone else wish to post before I pull the Lindon/Lorien Elves and the Dwarves away from the present battle?

The Orcs and Easterlings should have turned now to go after the large Dwarven force that has come at them from behind.

We will head north, bypassing the fallen city a little to the west and then begin to pick up refugees.

[Envinyatar]

My SAVE is filled. Elrond and troops are headed to the north of the city - a wooded area as he described it, hoping to find some refugees.

[Arry]

My SAVE is filled.

The Dwarves are helping to find any refugees that might have been hiding on the western outskirts of the city. I think we probably won't look there long as Sauron's troops that are still in the city should be moving westward as Envinyatar said.

So - this is an opportunity for an Elf or elves to be found and taken along.

Or did you want us to find you further north? If so - I can emend my post to move us along to there.

Let me know.

- Arry

[Envinyatar]

Yes -- if any of the Elf writers can let us know where you want to be found, then either I or Arry or Folwren can bring us to that area and leave a lead in for you to make contact with us.

- E -

[Mithalwen]

Well things seem to be coming together now for the home straight.

Does anyone know if any other elves intend to join the party?

[Alcarillo]

Cainenyo intends to join the party! Dwarves, you can find him sleeping in some bushes beyond a stone bridge, north of the city.

[Mithalwen]

Cainenyo intends to join the party! Dwarves, you can find him sleeping in some bushes beyond a stone bridge, north of the city.

Oh I knew about you .... I saw the save - what about your nearest and dearest?

[Arry]

Folwren

Let's say the Dwarves have fanned out a bit in their search. Do you want to have Bror stumble across Alcarillo's character at the bridge and bring him to the clearing where Skald is at the huts?

--Arry

[Alcarillo]

Oh I knew about you .... I saw the save - what about your nearest and dearest?
She could be anywhere, actually. She went off with a bunch of other women and children and a cart full of baggage. Cainenyo really doesn't know if his familly's alive or not, actually, he just followed some wheel tracks in the road and across the bridge . . . so they're probably further in the wilderness, beyond the huts, maybe?

And I've deleted that save. I'll let the dwarves find me first.

[Folwren]

Arry and Alcarillo,

Sure, I can find Alcarillo's character! I see I have a deal of reading to do. Fun stuff. Not just now, though.

Later, folks.

-- Folwren

[Folwren]

Save filled. Alcarillo, if you want anything changed in the meeting, I can do that.

-- Folwren

[Alcarillo]

But, while a knife did become tangled in his chainmail at the shoulder, it did not cut Cainenyo's flesh. Cainenyo did, however, suffer a cut across his cheek, and I expect it would've oozed some blood, if you want to include that.

[Folwren]

Hm. I though that the knife would have cut his shoulder as well as get entangled in his armor. I'll wait to edit it until you say.

But, yeah, I had forgotten about his cheek being cut. I'll put that in, since I did mention his face being turned towards Bror. Excellent.

-- Folwren

[Envinyatar]

My SAVE is filled.

[Folwren]

My post is edited.

[Mithalwen]

Does anyone know if further refugees are likely to surface at this stage?

Also, is the valley of Rivendell something that the refugees are going to discover by happy chance or is it something known off rumoured among the elves? Would the high pass be known of for example... If anyone has any ideas please say since Losrian has found herself in the role of guide and so....

Otherwise I will aim to pass the end of hollin ridge as we go north since that will save the waggons a climb. :D.

BTW.....Alcarillo, I wondered if the woman with baby daughter in the waggon might be Mrs Cainenyo? I left it very open in case you wanted her to be......

[Envinyatar]

I think the location for Imladris will be found by happenstance. But perhaps among the Elves of Ost-in-Edhil there could be a fiew stories of the River Bruinen, the dells near the mountains that none have accessed as yet - since the descent to them is on a steep slope. I think as long as we land the Last Homely House in the right location, we're fairly free to make up how it might be found.

And I'll echo Mithalwen's question - are any more of the city Elves going to come along?

- E -

[Durelin]

Maegisil will be joining you along with Sairien and a small group of refugees. He will skirt around any questions as to how he escaped from the palace.

And just as a note: unfortunately, Nurumaiel cannot continue to participate at all in the RPG (unless there's a lovely miracle), and she apologizes for her lack of activity, though no apologies are necessary.

[Folwren]

What time is it now in the game? I'm unsure in that matter.

Oh, and another question - a little child elf isn't going to know her regular elvish and also a common tongue, is she?

-- Folwren

[Envinyatar]

I'm thinking it will be a little after noon now.

The search parties will continue for a a few more hours, then regroup for the night. Guards will be set along the perimeter of the group; the wounded cared for. Then early the next morning the now swollen group will set off - heading north and east.

The Orcs will most likely not be following after. Sauron's plan was to push westward from Eregion toward Lindon, destroying what he could along the way.

That's not to say there won't be a minor skirmish of some sort . . .

- E -

[Folwren]

The search parties will continue for a a few more hours, then regroup for the night. Guards will be set along the perimeter of the group; the wounded cared for. Then early the next morning the now swollen group will set off - heading north and east.


Do I need to fix my post, then? I don't particularly wish to, but if it's necessary, then I can. I thought, from your post, that we were going to be leaving, but if not. . .I can go back and change what the elf said to Bror.

-- Folwren

[Arry]

Folwren

Just leave your post as is -- I'll have Skald tell you that the elf misspoke - that he was acting on information that had since changed.

How's that sound?

-- Arry

[Folwren]

Sounds good to me, as long as you or Envinyatar don't mind. I am generally alright with changing posts. . .but yesterday's just wasn't working well for me and I didn't want to have to mess with it again. Thanks a lot. :)

-- Folwren

[Mithalwen]

A change of plan works for me to since Losrian prepared for a move that doesn't seem to have happened .... but maybe I need to take another look..

[Arry]

My SAVE is filled.

[Durelin]

If it's not too much trouble, could someone have one of the search parties pick up Maegisil and the refugees he has gathered. They could have run into Maegisil and the scouts, and they would have taken them back to take the refugees with them... Elrond (or someone) can wish to speak with Maegisil, or they can simply grab him and run. Either way.

If it would be better/easier if I simply did a post with the above happening, just let me know.

[piosenniel]

Durelin

3 Lorien Elves have found Maegisil and his party. They have been brought to the encampment of Elves and Dwarves - met there by Celeborn.

Go ahead and take it from there.

~*~ Pio

[Mithalwen]

Save filled

Mith

[Envinyatar]

SAVE filled.

Can someone(s) get the watch going and an unevenful night passed. Then maybe some other(s) can get us on our way north?

[Arry]

OK - my SAVE is filled in. The First Watch is under way.

Who would like to wind it up and get us to the next morning and ready to move out?

I did leave a SAVE in case anyone needs to do a post pre-Watch.

-- Arry

[Envinyatar]

It seems as if we're nearing the end of the game. How do the remaining players want to handle it?

Shall we just have us setting out for Imladris-to-be? And then perhaps each write a final epilog for our character(s) as to what occured with them?

Or . . .?

- E -

[Nurumaiel]

As Durelin says, I really don't think I'm going to be able to participate in the RPG any more. I've enjoyed it immensely, but of late I've found that I'm having a terrible writer's block that simply won't go away. I'm going to be taking a break from all RPG games, and lightly play about with my own little stories and work on getting my creativity back properly.

Thank you to all the players in the game, and to Durelin for starting it up and allowing me to play. And temporary farewells! I'll be reading along as often as I have the time.

[Mithalwen]

It seems as if we're nearing the end of the game. How do the remaining players want to handle it?

Shall we just have us setting out for Imladris-to-be? And then perhaps each write a final epilog for our character(s) as to what occured with them?

Or . . .?

- E -

Realistically, I don't see much prospect of anyone returning who hasn't posted fairly recently (IE who hasn't at least got their char out of the city). My suggestion would be that we get the survivors a little further on to a point where it is felt safe for the Dwarves and Lorien elves to leave them (I assume they weren't planning on going all the way to the yet unknown destination .. unless they were to return home via the high pass, which seems improbable and circuitous especially if it hasn't actually been widely discovered yet....) and then go for the epilogues.

Sorry as I will be to say goodbye to some of the marvellous characters that have appeared in the telling of this tale, it is clear that the main action is now over and that there is likely to be limited appetite for too many journey posts - however a final skirmish might be fun if everyone is up for it .. a small rogue band of Orcs perhaps? Anyway..I will fit in with everyone else.. I know what happens to Losrian more or less - it is the others I am curious about. Although the fates of some I guess we will now never know.

I had hoped to make a post tonight but due to connection problems it will probably have to be a "save" now - tomorrow...and tomorrow and tomorrow..

[Durelin]

Arry, could you please place this post in your Save for anyone needing to post before the first watch?

POST PLACED ~*~ Pio

__________________

“We are glad that you have been found safe, Counselor. Come, bring your people to our healers. Then you and I should speak with Elrond whom Gil-galad has sent.”

Maegisil bowed to Celeborn, though he kept it at simple respect, and made it clear that he would not bow to the Lorien Lord as if her were royalty. He had enough of lords and their titles, the formalities and the hours of idle talk and what they considered to be important and careful planning, wasting the time of the entire people they governed. The use of his own title pained him. He could hear Celebrimbor’s voice again in his head, but he shook the memories off.

“Thank you, my lord,” he muttered. Hopefully the bitterness in his voice would be taken for grief. Turning to Sairien, who he had made sure stood beside him, and whispered to her, and she led the survivors they had brought with them toward the center of the camp. He then walked with Celeborn behind them, and spoke more.

“So Gil-galad’s men did arrive?” he asked the elf-lord.

“Yes. Their many delays are obvious, the dangers and the miles were enough to hold them back for far too long, and they do grieve it. But such was the risk the Lord Celebrimbor knew he was taking when he ventured so far from Lindon.”

“I doubt that he knew it,” Maegisil said, barely separating his clenched teeth as he spoke. Celeborn eyed him, but left the topic be. That was more nonsense that would be debated over for hours in some counsel hall in Lindon. If they wished for the Counselor Maegisil’s presence at such a meeting, though, they would not receive it. Anything concerning the former Lord of Eregion that the King and his lords did not already know would remain a secret to them.

After a short silence, Celeborn spoke again, his voice even softer than before. “There is no chance that your lord lived, Counselor?”

Maegisil sighed. “Please, my lord. I am Maegisil, and I am no Counselor.” Running a hand through his hair, he licked his lips and watched the ground pass beneath his feet. “And no, my lord. I can tell you with all certainty that Celebrimbor died with his city.”

___________________

Thank you.

And as for the end, however everyone would like it, I will be preparing an Epilogue to wrap things up.

[Folwren]

Well. . .I would like to get back to the Dwarven halls and meet Riv again, if he survived. Or if he didn't survive, I'd still like Bror to get back and hear of it. After that, I should be ready to end. :)

-- Folwren

[Arry]

I've leaped us along a few weeks - getting us around the Hollin Ridge a bit.

It's evening - the Dwarves are discussing leaving the company in the morning and heading back to Khazad-dum.

[Envinyatar]

My SAVE is filled.

Mithalwen

I've left a hook for you if Losrian will allow overly-formal-with-the-ladies-at-times Ondomirë to walk along with her . . .

-----

Durelin

Will you go ahead and handle Elrond's response to you in your post? Or did you want me to write for Elrond? Either way is fine with me.

- E -

[Mithalwen]

Yes, I think she will ..

[Durelin]

I was going to go ahead and handle it myself, unless you would rather take on the role. I don't want to place any extra work on you, but then again you might want to continue playing a bit as Elrond. Either way is fine with me. Just working out the end of Maegisil's little storyline as the game itself works to an end...

[Envinyatar]

Durelin

Go ahead and write for Elrond - that way he can work into Maegisil's storyline the way he needs to.

[Folwren]

If Elrond and Maegisil are in a heated debate. . .how are the Dwarves supposed make their approach? Will an elf step into the tent and say that we've got something to say, or will he just tell us that Elrond's busy and can't be disturbed?

Awaiting a reply. . .

--Folwren

[Arry]

Why don't we just have an unnamed Elf let us know that Elrond is busy at the moment and to come back later. The delegation can have the Elf pass a message onto Elrond that they would like to see him sometime this evening.

How does that sound?

-- Arry

[Folwren]

Fine by me. . .but I will be unable to write that until tomorrow.

That's how it'll be, then. I won't repeat it - just read Arry's post. :)

-- Folwren

[Durelin]

Sorry those two are still debating. Should get a post up tonight...

[Folwren]

Save filled, though poorly, I'm afraid. Tell me if it's not acceptable and I'll try it again.

-- Folwren

[piosenniel]

Folwren

:D

I liked your post. Funny!!!

~*~ Pio

[piosenniel]

I've given the doughty Dwarves and keen-eyed Elves a last battle.

I put up a SAVE, in case someone needs to post something pre-Troll. Just leave your posts as needed for the SAVE here on the Discussion Thread and I'll slot them in.

Perhaps, once the battle is done, and the necessary wrapping up the aftermath of it, we can move the game toward it's end. Someone can jump the Dwarves to their return to Khazad-dum; some other of the Elven characters can jump ahead to Imladris.

Everyone can do their last summing up posts.

And then Durelin can write her last post for the game.

How does this sound?

I do want to wrap this game up by the end of the year. And I'd like to invite any or all of you think about submitting game proposals for the upcoming year.

Thanks!

~*~ Pio

[Envinyatar]

Pio

You certainly know how to ruin a fervent, romantic moment! :rolleyes:

Of course the lady hasn't said 'yes' as yet - so perhaps it's just as well. Who know, she might dump the lout! Ondomirë can return to what he knows best - ordering his troops and fighting. . . . and drown his sorrows in wine at a later date . . . ;) :p

[Mithalwen]

Yes I shall certainly need the save ... sorry for keeping you in suspense but I had a prior engagement :p last night. But Ondomire shall get his answer tonight unless the trolls interrupt before Losrian gathers her wits

[Mithalwen]

Post placed ~*~ Pio

Mithalwen's post

Losrian felt as if she had been hit by a thunderbolt, though she was unsure which had the most impact his words or his touch - the gentle strength in the hands that cradled her face, the fleeting tenderness of his kiss or the unexpected proposal. She gasped in amazement and could not speak, only look into those deep grey eyes seeking for some confirmation that this was not some dream. It had never occurred to her that her feelings were reciprocated. That his reserve might be because she was as disturbing to his equilibrium as he was to hers. A few hours ago she was convinced of his indifference but had she not also concealed her feelings? She might think it impossible that he should want her .... but the kiss had been real enough. Perhaps she could trust his judgement even if if she could not believe herself worthy. Indeed the trust was the hard part.

And now Galmir was crying for his mother in his sleep .... "Hush Gally, you're safe.. I'm here ... " she forced herself to turn from Ondomirë, though it caused an almost physical pain, and tend to the child, stroking his hair away from his face. As she knelt over him she remembered Ondomirë's words of earlier in the evening as he had watched the children play:
"They are ....accepting little creatures, are they not? Nothing need be proved to them......" Why am I making this so difficult ? she thought. I love him and it seems he loves me. He has spent an age of the world alone and has asked me to marry him and now he probably thinks I am rejecting him.

She was aware that Ondomirë now stood with his back turned and head lowered. Another gasp of horror and her voice softened as she relaxed having resolved her own mind. "We are here Galmir, you are safe...". It seemed the child quietened immediately and she rose to her feet and placed her hand on Ondomirë's shoulder.

"My lord, will you receive my answer?". Ondomirë turned to her and as he did so she slipped her arms around his neck rising to tiptoe so that she was nearly on the same level. She studied his face for a moment then, tilting her head slightly, tentatively kissed his mouth. Then she spoke, her voice grave but her eyes full of love.

" I shall trust in hope, and in you - I fear no fate, for you are my fate, my love, my 'Mirë. And, if it truly is your will, I shall be your spouse, your helpmate in your endeavours, and I will dwell with you wherever they may take us"

[Arry]

http://forum.barrowdowns.com/ubb/icons/icon6.gif

Ondo and lossie sittin' in a tree
-- K-i-s-s-i-n-g --
First comes love,
Then comes marriage,
Then comes Lossie with a baby carriage!

:p

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

Back to the battle -----

Folwren

You want to take down the next Troll?

[Mithalwen]

I think she has enough babies on her hands for the moment :rolleyes: especially for a girl who ain't actually married yet... at this rate they will end up like an elvish von Trapp family wandering around the mountains singing..... :p

I hope pio doesn't mind me pasting in this excellent reference material she provided on Troll killing for "The fall of the North" 's Troll episode.... I seem to be a troll magnet...

"There are six types of Troll written by Tolkien: See HERE. Only the Stone trolls encountered by Bilbo and the Dwarves were mentioned to be turned to stone with the sun's light.

I would imagine that if cleverly knocked down, a nice sharp stave/spear could be rammed in between the scales of the troll's hide (An armpit would be good - puncture the lung, and if shoved far enough and at a downward angle, the heart would be pierced). Or one right through the ear hole into the brain would do it. And of course there are always the eyes . . .

~*~ Pio, the bloodthirsty"

[Folwren]

I have to say, when Ondo and Lossi first met, I didn't see this proposal happening. ;)

----------

Yeah, Arry, I can work on helping taking down another troll.

And I'm terribly sorry I've been so scarce lately, but I have good news - we might be getting internet at home soon. On the other hand, there's bad news. . .it's going to be limited time. And even worse news, if we don't get this said internet before next week, I'm not going to be here at all the last week of December.

-- Folwren

[Mithalwen]

No she did rather fall on her feet there.... :D....

[Folwren]

Save filled.

Arry, I've had an idea. I had one troll killed, and then mentioned that there were two left. However, five trolls originally attacked the camp. Another one could have been killed, true, but I was thinking that we could work with Pio's Troll that seemed to really dislike the Dwarves. If he came around to where the main group of Dwarves were staying, he could be out of sight until he's quite ready to pounce on them. Then there could be a short fight between him and the Dwarves while all the Elven archers and spearmen are off fighting the other two who are set on causing havoc on the rest of the camp.

Anyway, just a suggestion that I thought you might be interested in hearing, if you wanted to do something with it. :)

-- Folwren

[Arry]

Folwren

I'll see what I can devise - do you want me to do the whole scene? Or leave some for you to write about killing the Troll?

[Folwren]

Do whatever you want, Arry. I don't necessarily want any part in the scene, it was just an interesting idea that you might like. . .but that I didn't want to write. If you want to give me the last of it, then that's fine, but please at least begin it, somehow. Or you can just write all about the battle and the trolls death and then give me a place to hop in after it all - provided you manage to do that before Thursday, because I won't be here after that, likely. :)

-- Folwren

[Arry]

I had the Dwarves finish off the fifth Troll.

The last two of the five are being harried by the Elves as they attempt to get into the center of the camp where the supply wagons are.

Up to you, now, Mithalwen and Envinyatar to deal the death blow somehow to those last nasty varmints!

[Folwren]

Arry,

Bror's beginning to think of the people at home. Thoughts that don't necessarily make sense or don't meet exactly right at the end are spinning around in his head. If Skald's any wiser, he can say something to help Bror out, or he can just let it rest pretty much where it is.

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

Everyone -

It looks like I'm not going to be able to get on again (after today's working hours) until something like January 3rd. But there is a chance (though it is a very slim one) that I might find a computer between tomorrow and then. Actually, the fact is, I very possibly may be able to get on once. . .something like Tuesday the 27th.

Anyway, the upshot of the matter is - my character is going to have to be carried along as necessary (likely by Arry), and I hope that the game doesn't end until sometime when I can participate. However. . .if it does end before I return, then that's how it is, and I won't compalin (too much) and everyone will be happy.

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

Pio,

You said And I'd like to invite any or all of you think about submitting game proposals for the upcoming year.

And I'd like to say I'd love to, and will do my best to think of something or other. . .though I might warn you and say that though I've been thinking really hard for a long time, I've not come up with anything, and the chances of me actually inventing something are small. But we'll have to see. :)

Yours,

-- Folwren

P.S. Oh, look, I just had a thought. If it turns out that the game does come to a close before I have a chance to return, mayhap someone would be able to put a save up for me? P'raps. . .maybe. . .:)

[Envinyatar]

Once this battle is done and the camp back in order - would someone like to move us to the next day? We can have the Dwarves leaving and heading back to Khazad-dum; the Elves can start on toward what will be Imladris.

What would everyone say to calling a halt to the game at that point? Those of us still writing for the Elves can each do an epilog for our characters - 'having reached Imladris, etc, etc.' It could be set whenever each of us would like. The Dwarves can do one from the perspective of having got back to Khazad-dum.

And then Durelin can of course end the entire game with her final post.

Someone can leave a SAVE for Folwren. And I'm sure Pio will hold the game in the Shire until Folwren has time to write her post.

How does this sound to everyone? Any other ideas for bringing the game to a satisfactory close?

[Arry]

That sounds fine with me. I can respond to Folwren's last post, then bring us to the next day and we Dwarves setting out to go home.

[Mithalwen]

Okies. I will fill in my battle save then think about an epilogue.... well I have already thought a bit but of course Losrian's fate is now bound with Ondomire's unless he has had a change of heart ...or kills himself off :(

[Envinyatar]

This is not the time of year for depressing RPG posts.

Ondo's moving to Elrond's neghborhood and enjoying a few good years with wife and family. He will no doubt be killed off later in the Battle of Dagorlad . . . being too creaky by half at his advanced age to bend his bow with any effectiveness . . . sigh . . . :p

[Mithalwen]

This is not the time of year for depressing RPG posts.

Ondo's moving to Elrond's neghborhood and enjoying a few good years with wife and family. He will no doubt be killed off later in the Battle of Dagorlad . . . being too creaky by half at his advanced age to bend his bow with any effectiveness . . . sigh . . . :p


Nah you have to stick it out with Elrond to the end and sail with the ring bearers.... ;) Not getting away fom her so quickly.... however much a few years peace in Mandos might appeal ;) ... seriously it is up to you of course...

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hey...I'm sorry about my absence, I've now apologised for this too much, I'm...well, I'm sorry, there is an accumulation of reasons none of which I particularly want to share on a public thread. I hate the fact that I abandoned this thread, and the character, after putting in so much work to her development at the beginning of the game. But that being as it is - may I have an epilogue? Just a summing up of Narisiel's eventual fate - it'll be suitably juicy, promise ;) Give me a few days, please?

[Mithalwen]

Aman, I would have begged you to let me at least know her fate so if you can manage a epilogue that would be good.

[piosenniel]

~*~ Announcement ~*~

You are all invited to post in The Yule Log (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=12478) in Rohan. Just read Bêthberry’s introductory post and join in at The Green Man Free House for the next few weeks.

Come share a story of ghosties, and ghoulies, and sharp toothed goblins for the days of the Winter’s Yule while the fire burns bright and warm and the drink flows freely.


~*~ Pio

[Arry]

My SAVE is filled in.

I'm afraid Skald has said some harsh things to Bror.

The Dwarves are on their way home. And I've also had the Elves setting out . . .

[Amanaduial the archer]

Well, I'm done. :)

[Arry]

:eek: Poor Unna! :(

Well, now I've got to think how Skald will take the news and step up as Riv asked him.

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

Folwren

I've left a SAVE for you when you get back. :)

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

Nicely written, Aman!


-- Arry

[Mithalwen]

I think Losrian would like to say goodbye ot Skald so I will use that save I think Pio.. tidy htat up befor her wind up post..

[piosenniel]

Sounds good!

~*~ Pio :)

[Mithalwen]

POSTED TO RPG ~*~ PIO

Mithalwen's post

No one had slept much for what remained of the night. "All in all it has been quite a day" Losrian thought wryly. Ondomirë had not let her sleep because of her head wound, and instead, as they watched over the the children (who they had eventually managed to settle after all the excitement), Losrian had discovered that the Osanwë-Kenta was actually quite easy if you had the right motivation. Aside from the precious details she was learning about her meldisse, she learnt that the dwarves would depart at first light and knew that she wanted to make her farewell to Skald at least.

As the glow of dawn first coloured the mountain tops, Ondomirë went to resume his duties and Losrian, sporting an extremely colourful black eye but as clear headed as a maid so newly and deeply in love could be, roused the children and led them over to where Skald was making up his pack.

"I did not want you to leave without us saying goodbye, Skald, and without thanking you" she said softly. The dwarf turned and looked up at her. Her silver hair was gilded by the new sun and, despite her injury, a light was in her face that gave her somewhat solemn features a serene beauty. She had come along way from the grimy and careworn girl who they had found in the hut a fortnight ago he thought and he knew the transformation wasn't down to a few hot meals, a wash and a change of clothes. The relationship between the refugee girl and the Captain of Archers was second only to troll attack as subject of discussion in camp and there was no point in denying it even if she could conceal her joy.

" Thank me? I should be congratulating you - you have got a good man there, even if he is a st...."

"Stuffy elf? " Losrian completed the phrase for him for she had heard the dwarves jest while sharing their watch but she grinned for she could understand it. Ondomirë felt so much and showed so little.

"Still waters run deep" she said thinking of the moment of their reunion last night He had made no dramatic gesture of sweeping her into his arms but had conveyed intense emotion with a simple clasp of her hand in his.

Then she added mischievously "And I am so very glad I didn't shoot him - but really I must thank you, your advice was good as was your example ." She smiled down at Galmir who was taking a final chance to indulge his fascination with dwarvish beards. "Maybe things would have been otherwise, if I hadn't learned to look outward." In other words " if you hadn't made me realise how selfish I was" she thought and winced.

"I do not know if the fates of the world will allow us to meet again, for our path takes us ever further from Khazad-dum and the halls of Durin, but I would give you this as a token of our friendship and my gratitude". She placed in his hand her own cloak pin, a garland of flowers and leaves.

"It is unworthy as a remembrance of the Mirdain for it is but an apprentice piece - yet it was the best my craft could manage at the time and my later skill was devoted alas to the implements of war." Losrian sighed, then smiled "I wanted so much to be a mirdan and now the only jewels I care for are Ondomirë and Galmir. "

"If our paths cross again I hope I may give you a finer example of our craft - as it is this serves only to prove how the dwarves surpass the Noldor in metalwork." She grinned again. "But I do not expect to have much time for smithying for a while - other than what is necessary to help in the building of our new dwellings. These living treasures are far more appealing than metal and stone." She smiled at Galmir and Isilmë who were now in the arms of Skald and Bror respectively. Bror she knew had found the little girl by her mother's body.

"And maybe you will add a few more treasures to your collection once you're wedded" Skald added mischievous in his turn.

Losrian blushed and mumured "These two will keep me busy enough to start with," but the accompanying smile confirmed that the thought had already occured to her .

And then it was time for them to depart and Losrian gathered up the children and took her leave of Skald and his brother. "I hope you return safely and find all your kin safe and sound.... my nephew will miss you but yours will be glad to have you back...."

The trio stood and waved until the dwarves were out of sight. And so ended the closest association of the Firstborn and the Children of Aulë that ever existed in Middle Earth.

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


There you go... hope it will be ok by Arry - I will amend if not. Cheers.... I will do a final post ... but I am not certain tobe online for a day or so - sinusitis etc :(

Mith

[Arry]

Great post, Mithalwen!

I suppose now I should get busy on mine -- :rolleyes:

[Arry]

Alright! The first of it is finished - the two brothers have returned to their family hall.

Folwren, let me know if you want anything I've done using Bror edited.

-----

Tomorrow, perhaps, I'll wrap up Skald's little story.

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

This has been an extraordinarily fun game to participate in. You are all such good writers and gamers, it has been a real pleasure.

Thanks, in advance of the closing addendum to my game post, Durelin, for allowing me the opportunity to play a Dwarf. The Stonecut family has become quite dear to me.

Can't wait to see how the Elves conclude their participation.

-- Arry

[Mithalwen]

Thanks Arry, the praise of the praiseworthy..... :D

Well I am still debating exactly which point to leave Losrian. It is hard now to say goodbye although I find the happy stuff really hard to do without feeling I should atttempt a "Thrills and Swoon" novella... Of course I could wait to follow Envinyatar's lead but that is such a hard act to follow.....

[Envinyatar]

Ladies first! :D

Actually, I was waiting to follow your lead, Mithalwen :p

I'll work around whatever you write for Losrian. It needn't be the 'thrill and swoon' stuff. Turning their new piece of real estate in Imladris should require a lot of hard work, I should think. The Captain of the Archers will have to callous his hands with some manual labor, sweat of the brow, and all that. And perhaps Losrian, who is one of the few surviving of the Mirdain, will help direct the establishment of a small craftsman's hall and have her own forge.

We should/could, of course, manage to work in a child or two - at your discretion. ;) Elven women, I'm given to understand, have complete control of that choice.

- E -

[Firefoot]

I know my characters have been out of the picture for quite some time now, but I realized I never said how much I enjoyed playing in this game with you all. There was fantastic writing on all fronts - this has been a most excellent RPG which I enjoyed very much. I look forward to seeing how the rest of you finish it up. :)

[Mithalwen]

You may well live to regret that. Could be an unexpectedly modern marriage with Ondo as a house husband.... Yes they will be quite busy but I may have to yield to a little schmaltz ....give the girl a chance to wear a pretty frock for a change... and once she has built her nest she will definitely want at least one chick of her own - she is already somewhat broody....

"Elven women, I'm given to understand, have complete control of that choice. " - well a certain amount of cooperation on the part of the good captain I am sure is necessary :p


Anyway ... I will sort something out in the next few days ... will give me something to daydream about at work

[Arry]

OK - I finished the last of my wrap-up post.

Again, let me say what a great game this has been! Hope to see you all in another one!

-- Arry

[Folwren]

I'm back. And a rather upsetting state things are in, too, I might add. I wish I had been here last week. Especially since. . .since Riv died. :( I am so depresed.

Thanks for putting a save up for me, Arry. I'll be thinking about what to write and try to fill it sometime in the next day or two. I'm somewhat at a loss. I envy Skald, he's got Unna and two kids and now he's got another one (or two) coming. But, I guess Bror's still a bit young for that, isn't he? What about those stollen kises, though, in a hidden alcove? ;) . . . I'll think about it.

Ah, and this -

My SAVE is filled in.

I'm afraid Skald has said some harsh things to Bror.


Pity I wasn't here to write a reply. Those were rather harsh words, and I'm sure Bror wouldn't have liked them. But it's just as well that it was left resting.

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

This has been an excellent game. I don't suppose I could have had a better first game.

Arry and Pio. . .golly, I don't know what to say. You two were awesome big brothers and I'll miss both Skald and Riv very much, once I finish.

Oh well, better get moving along.

-- Folwren

[Arry]

Folwren

It was fun having Bror as Skald's impious little brother!

Since no one as written after my last post - why don't you go ahead and put up a SAVE under your own name.Then, I'll remove mine.

Looking forward to seeing what Bror is doing with himself :D

-- Arry

[Durelin]

Whenever everyone feels that they have things wrapped up, just say the word. I'll also leave a Save up before I post my final post.

I must beg one final thing, especially of the Shire mods: that I be given a little bit longer to get my epilogue post written; two papers have just sprung on me that I need to get under control first, unfortunately.

Everyone please feel free to write whatever kind of epilogue they wish. An epilogue from every single character even is certainly fine, and would be wonderful! In this game, some fantastic characters were created and developed. I know I enjoyed all of them, and wish I had more time in the past couple months in order to keep Maegisil more involved. Perhaps it was best for his character that I was not, though. Thank you, everyone, for all the time and energy you put into this game. This will be the last game I run on the Downs for a very very long time, and I do think that I will take a long break from RPing. I'll miss everyone. :)

Thanks again. The story this game told was amazing. And thank you so much for putting up with me. I can be a hassle, in many ways.

A special thanks to Pio, who always makes these games possible, and who helps me far more than I deserve! ;)

*hugs everyone*

*the RPer in her perks up for a moment* Perhaps a sequel could be better than the original? :p

-Durelin

[Folwren]

Arry

Taken your advise and added my own post. Thanks for the Save anyway. :)

As for what Bror's been doing these last five years. . .well, it was kind of hard to put into a last post all the thoughts and emotions I had for him, but oh well. :) Hope all's well.

My computer's about to shut down. So long!

- - Folly

[Mithalwen]

Sorry for the delay - will put up Losrians last post soon (ie over weekend) Having only just been well enough to get back to work but not much energy for serious posting ... I don't want to bodge the last one.

[Durelin]

I have posted the last post for the game. I hope I have all the lore correct...

I placed a save before my post for anyone who needs it. Just put a post on the discussion thread whenever you can, Mithalwen, and either I or Pio will take care of it, I'm sure. :)

It was wonderful playing with all of you! Thank you so much for making this game so successful. And a thousand thank yous to Pio for your patience.

I loved this game. :D

-Durelin

[Encaitare]

Great game and nice writing to everyone, and cheers to Durelin! :)

[piosenniel]

I've closed the RPG thread to posting.

Mithalwen & Envinyatar

Just place your posts here on the Discussion thread, and I'll transfer them to the game thread for you.

~*~ Pio

[Mithalwen]

POSTED TO THE GAME ~*~ PIO


Spring SA 1705

Losrian woke to the now familiar sounds of Imladris but it seemed as if the world had been cast anew. She looked across at the one who slept peacefully next to her and smiled. She had not thought such happiness was possible. It had been hard bought but still she felt it undeserved.

Fifteen years earlier, not yet of age she had left Lindon and her parents and gone to seek what she thought to be her destiny in Ost-in Edhil. The fate was not as expected but, given that she could not return the dead to life, she would not exchange it. She looked up at the carved beams of her ceiling and laughed inwardly to think what Ferin would have said had he known how much of her time had been spent at working wood since the day when the Army of Elrond and the refugees of Eregion had come across the hidden valley of Rivendell. So few of the craftsmen had survived that even an apprentice such as herself had increased status and while she still loved metalwork most, in Imladris it seemed natural to shape the buildings to be in harmony with their environment and even the metal work took organic form.

It would be long before the work would be completed but once the essentials of shelter had been met, the natural inclination of the Eldar and the Noldor in particular to marry beauty with function had surfaced. Naturally Losrian had not neglected her own dwelling. Less affected by the loss of Ost in Edhil itself than many of those who had lived there longer, she approached the task of building the refuge with great enthusiasm, fuelled by her own happiness. Before they had met, Losrian had imagined marriage as somthing that would stifle her but Ondomirë's love had increased her self confidence and her creativity had flowered.She remembered the moment she had first seen the valley, and the rush of joy that had seized her, knowing instantly that their wandering was over, that this would be her home with Ondomirë.

A little time had been spared from essentials in those early days for her to craft with the more expert help of Cainenyo two slender bands of silver and the formal betrothal of Losrian and Ondomirë. was the first celebration held at Imladris. Losrian had worn the dress crafted for her coming of age by Laswen which had somehow survived months in a bag in a cart along with the few non-essential possessions that she had brought out from the ruin of Eregion. It was she thought, probably the first time Ondomirë had seen her in a dress.

The next time was at their wedding a year later. She had joked that the only reason she did not resent the customary delay was the need to sew her wedding gown and had hoped that the other elf women would take pity on her as Laswen had, especially since she worked long hours at forge and lathe in the common good. However to her surprise, with their guidance she found that her needle flew and she realised that as with the osanwë-kenta motivation was all. She wanted the dress to be as fair as possible as an expression of her love for Ondomirë and her will seemed to mould her skill. Though by the time of their wedding, their happiness was tempered by the knowledge that the valley was an isolated island in a sea of evil they trusted in "estel" that it would not always be so. Lying safe in her husband's embrace, their hair mingled raven and silver on the pillow Losrian found it easy to have faith.

In the early days the deepest shadow on Losrian's heart was a bittersweet one. As she had predicted some of the farming folk of Eregion had taken refuge in the foothills of the mountains; scouts had found them and guided them to Imladris. Among them had been Isilmë's maternal grandparents. Although Losrian had always spoken the proviso that she would care for the little girl unless her kin could be found the likelihood that this would happen seemed so remote that she had ceased to think it, and had started to think of the girl as part of her family. Although the child would dwell in Rivendell and she would see her daily, yielding the lass to her own delighted family had caused her an exquisite pain that she managed to conceal from most. Not from Ondomirë in whose tender arms she had wept long in private and not from Elrond who saw many things. He had stood at her side and watched with her as Galmir and Isilmë played together. His voice reached her mind "I think in the long term it will be better that those twain are not raised as brother and sister" . Losrian caught his meaning and was comforted. He added "and you will have more children in your house in time". "But not in time of war" she answered. "Wars do not last forever Losrian" he said before leaving her to her thoughts.

Galmir grew, thrived and treated the valley as a giant playground. While Losrian and Ondomirë worked hard they devoted as much time as they could to him and little boy who had been delighted when he realised that the wedding meant that they would live together "like ada and ammë" and had called Ondomirë, Ada-mirë.

Elrond had been right. Sauron's hold over had been short lived. The king of Numenor had sent a great army to the aid of Middle Earth and in 1701 the Dark Lord had been driven back to Mordor and the Westlands would have peace for many years.

As Galmir grew he began to show more traits in face and personality to his parents and grandparents. While he provided such fair remembrance of her lost kin, Losrian felt an increased yearning for another child, one who would reflect the likeness of her beloved Ondomirë and his kin, mingled with her own. In Coirë a year ago, all three of them had gone for a walk in the woods that lined the valley. Ondomirë and she had sat on a fallen trunk and watched Galmir attempt to climb a beech. Noting his lengthening limbs and increasing confidence, Ondomirë had commented that he would soon teach the lad archery and commented that he wasn't a baby any more. He had been surprised by his wife's wistful sigh at his remark. "What is the matter, melda? " he asked silently " You have seemed restless lately..... do you wish to go to Lindon to see your parents .... now that it is safe? " "No! - I mean yes I would love to see them again but .... that is not it " and she opened her mind to reveal the one thing she had tried to conceal from him since their marriage.

Understanding her he had laughed but asked why she had not spoken before knowing how much he loved Galmir. "I thought you would think we should wait a while longer ... but I do not want to wait any more" she said gazing at her feet.
"If you are ready, I am ready " he said and drew her to him, resting his head against hers in the same gesture he had made when she had accepted him nearly eight years before.

In the spring, Losrian conceived and it seemed to her that the changes in her body mimicked nature as it softened and swelled while the flowers budded and blossomed. The plants however rushed to full ripeness and in the autumn while they yielded their harvest, Losrian felt the first stirring of the new life within herself . Unable to express her joy in craft she took up her lute again and made music as long as she could accomodate the roundness of the intrument's belly against her own. In her happiness she lost her shyness and cared not who heard her as she sang and played. Ondomirë was as loving and attentive as she could wish and Galmir, to her relief was looking forward to the arrival of the child that would link them all. "Would you like it to be a boy or a girl?" she had asked him as he rested his little hands on her feeling for the movement of the unborn child with a rapt expression on his face. "Both " he replied. "Well I am fairly certain there is just one in there - you will have to make do with one or the other and hope we don't get the same again next time" she had answered. "Already you think about next time?" asked Ondomirë, and she had seen no reason not to, her pregnancy had given her much joy and little trouble at least until her labour had started.

Now as she lay back on her pillows, little more than a day later, those memories were already fading, overwhelmed by the love she felt for her firstborn, her husband and Galmir the child of her heart. The baby woke and holding the child against her Losrian wondered at the perfection of its tiny limbs and gazed into grey eyes which were so like Ondomirë's.

As if in answer to the thought he arrived with Galmir and she passed the baby to its father while she embraced the little boy, reassuring him that he was loved no less than the new arrival.

The infant seemed even tinier cradled in Ondomirë's arms and watching them with Galmir at her side, she committed the image to her memory, whatever the future brought, this moment would sustain her trust in days when it was harder to believe in Estel. But this was not the time to think of such things. It was a time for joy, for celebration. She smiled at Ondomirë

"So, have you chosen a name?"

[Mithalwen]

Sorry for the delay - please can you give me a day's grace before you post this to the thread? I have no time to check this now but I can't keep Ondo waiting any longer for the plot. I will make no material changes.

Thanks

Mith

Well I guess I will leave it there........

[piosenniel]

Post placed, Mithalwen . . .

And now, Envinyatar, you lazy git! You'll have to start writing yours - :p

~*~ Pio

[Envinyatar]

Tomorrow - I hope!

& in the words of the game founder as written on another game discussion thread:


. . . believe it or not, all people here have lives other than BD

:p


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

EDIT 1/12/06

I received your PM. Your epilog is up! :)

~*~ Pio

[Mithalwen]

Not fair Pio! I did keep him waiting (female prerogative? :p ).... but naturally intrigued.......

Nevertheless thank you once again for all your hard work modding as well as dwarfing..... .

[Envinyatar]

Yes -- and thanks, Pio.

Well, that's it -- thanks to Arry for lending me Skald for a bit and for the assistance with the song.

Hope you like it! :)

The babies have both been named, by the way. ;)

It's been a great game - hope we can all write together in another one.

- E -

[Durelin]

Thanks everyone!!!

*hugs*

-Durelin :D

[Mithalwen]

Thanks everyone!!!




Seconded!

I don't know if I will think of Elrond in the same way again now that the dwarves have "convinced" me he has a delicate stomach...

PS I was so pleased that Envinyatar linked up with Skald (even if he left Losrian with two tinies for so long :rolleyes: ).... it was something I considered but did not pursue when the post threatened to get completely out of hand -so hit the cutting room floor......

Also glad that Durelin's powerful & ending made it easier to give Losrian such an upbeat ending. Well she had been through enough death and destruction... seemed only fair to let her be happy

[piosenniel]

----------- Finis -----------

~*~ To Elvenhome ~*~