The Green Dragon Inn - Part 3 [Archive] - Page 2 - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Iarbarion

04-06-2003, 10:04 PM

A small elf walked into the Green Dragon and smiled at all the new faces. He had never been there before and had stumbled upon it while on his way home to Mirkwood. He walked curiously over to the bar and looked at the hobbit behind the counter. "Small lookin' fella' aren't ya'?" he commented. "I see that you're new here." The elf replied "How'd you guess?" The hobbit turned her head and shrugged her shoulders knowingly. "I am Larefile of the Mirkwood realm." The hobbit replied quickly "How'd you come across the Shire?" "Long story." "Well sit down, have a pint, and take as long as you need."

Larefile sat down and sipped his ale. "Well I was on the way to Osgiliath with some of my race and we were ambushed by a large army of Uruk-hai." The hobbit suddenly became more interested. The story went on about how the elves were killed off one by one and Larefile escaped by throwing his elvish cloak over his body at the last minute.

"I have attempted to journey home to Mirkwood alone but have obviously gotten off course. Where am I?" "Welcome to the Shire" said a large crowd that had gathered around the elf as he told his story. "Friendly half-lings. What do you call yourselves?" "Hobbits" said the same group of curly-haired hobbits. "Interesting." laughed Larefile.
"Well I best be off." and the elf drained the last bit of his pint and walked jauntily out the door of the Green Dragon.

[ April 07, 2003: Message edited by: Iarbarion ]

Envinyatar

04-07-2003, 12:50 AM

He could see her, still leaning on the sill, looking east, as he walked to the springhouse. The angle of the sun threw parts of her face into shadow, for a moment reminding him of a face whose features were etched behind his eyes. His breath caught in his throat, and he closed his eyes against the vision of her face. He blinked his eyes, hard, willing the memory of that waiting woman away.

Pio had withdrawn from the window. The congruence of her features and the one he remembered slid apart, granting him the grace to carry on. Derufin forced his feet to continue on their errand, coming at last to where the block of ice was kept. He chipped at it methodically, dropping slivers from it carefully into her glass of tea. If Piosenniel wanted tea with ice, then that is what he would bring her.

His steps carried him back to the Inn. The cold of the glass sweated in the warmth of the day – it puddled on the table as he placed it before her. She smiled, lifting the glass to her mouth. ‘Well worth the wait,’ she said, taking a long drink. ‘Just what I wanted.’

He smiled, too, taking up the easy fiction. ‘Then I’m glad I was here to bring it to you.’

Annalaliath

04-07-2003, 01:27 PM

Noticing Larefile walk into the inn, Annalaliath flipped to a new page and started to draw a portrate of the interesting elfe. her eyes alternated betweeen the charcoal on the page to Larfile sitting at his table talking to the small hobbit. She was intent on the wonderfull drawing.

Now and again she would stop and take a sip of the ale, that lay seemingly forgotten at her side, leaving black smudges of fingerprints on the tankard. she continued to draw. But still she thaught.

[ April 08, 2003: Message edited by: Annalaliath ]

Sophia the Thunder Mistress

04-07-2003, 01:32 PM

Morwyn leaned forward and smiled, anxious to hear what Nahai had to say. She had seen her companion's suppressed smile and realized that she must have seemed fairly silly telling her story so eagerly. But it was still fresh in her mind and her delight at meeting the elves was still new.

If Nahai had been acquainted with elves Morwyn was certain it must be a good tale. "Please, Lady Nahai, do go on..." she said, and leaned back in her chair, eyes closed, to listen.

Celandine03

04-07-2003, 02:12 PM

Celandine sighed. She looked around the room and saw two hobbits eating and talking merrily.

She was a pretty shy hobbit, but gathering a little courage she walked up to Aleia and Wilmac. "Hullo! Mind if I sit with ya?"

[ April 07, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

piosenniel

04-07-2003, 02:54 PM

They sat in companionable silence for a while, until all the ice had melted in her drink, and all trace of it and the sweet tea were gone. The sound of some youngsters playing in the Inn yard as their father relaxed on the veranda with a mug of ale brought a smile to her face.

‘Do you remember Nárello, and the drawing that he did?’ He turned his face to her, brow furrowed in thought. ‘Yes,’ he said hesitantly, ‘and you did some drawings for him, and told him a story as I recall.’

‘I was not the only one who told him a story, Derufin. I remember yours – of the men from Ringló Vale who came to aid Gondor in her time of need. And I have often wondered . . .’

He turned his head from her and looked out the window at the children’s pleasant game of tag. ‘You wondered what, m’lady?’

She reached across the table and put her hand on his arm, drawing his attention back to her.

‘Of the five who remained, the ones who returned to Ethring - there two who left, one to the arms of the wide sea, and the other to a life of rootless wandering. Which one were you, Derufin?’

[ April 07, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Iarbarion

04-07-2003, 03:51 PM

The door of the Green Dragon swung open and a tall man walked in. He passed the small tables of hobbits and other creatures on his way to the back. He glanced out of his hood and spotted Flirean. He walked suspicously towards him and sat down without a word.

"Do you have the message?" asked Flirean. "The soldiers are dead." Blirean replied. "How are you so sure?" said Flirean. "Do not question my words Flirean, for I am your brother. My speech comes from the mouth of the king of Gondor himself."

Flirean sat wordlessly. "Do not be ashamed for you are my kin and 'tis my job to lecture you." said Blirean. "Well if that is all then I will be on my way to tell Berillean." He kissed his brother on the forehead and left the Green Dragon without another word.

[ April 07, 2003: Message edited by: Iarbarion ]

Arawethiel

04-07-2003, 05:02 PM

Arawethiel sighed as she finished the meal she had ordered. After eating and resting for a while she found she was not as weary as before. She began to feel more optimistic about traveling again. After all, Arawethiel thought, it could not be as bad as my trip to the Shire all the time.

Finding that she was not quite so eager to go to her room, Arawethiel began scanning the Green Dragon for someone to talk to. As she was plucking out some more leaves and twigs from her hair, she noticed a group of hobbits conversing together jollily. Perhaps they would be good enough to let her join them as well, Arawethiel thought.

After ordering another ale, she tried to fix her hair one last time and crossed the room to the trio. She politely asked "Do you mind if one of the Big Folk joins you?"

Kates Frodo Temp

04-07-2003, 06:23 PM

Kate,

Please see my p.m.

Out-of character comment returned for you to send as a private message.

Cami, Shire Mod

[ April 08, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Rochelle

04-07-2003, 08:33 PM

The hobbit turned from Aleia as two new beings made their presence known. He smiled a toothy smile and nodded "Why of course, it would be rude of us to turn away friendly company." He chuckled then noticed an empty table. "Perhaps we should move to a place where there is space for all."

He took yet another half-pint and made his way to an empty seat, the others right behind him. "So tell me, what names do you both go by?"

Carlas

04-07-2003, 08:55 PM

Myrtle Burrows walked into the small inn, taking in the scent of ale. She smiled and walked across towards the bar. She had been here not to long ago, sneaking away from her house to have some fun, she had done this again today.

As she pulled herself up onto a stool at the bar she ordered a small drink from the innkeeper, she had never really liked to drink much, but a little never mattered. She nodded her thanks and walked over to a small table by the fire. At the table she took out a small pad of paper, and flipped through the pages of sketches and paintings. She loved art, and would draw anything, today it was the fire place and mantle. Her long strokes rushed across the page and slowly formed the distinct silhouait of the fireplace. After looking over her drawing, Myrtle took a deep draught of her ale and went back to shetching the mantle.

Horse-Maiden of the Shire

04-07-2003, 09:29 PM

Aleia grinned at the young female hobbit. Hopping off her stool, she swept a ridiculously low bow. "Aleia at your service, miss!" Wilmac and the hobbit laughed as she straightened up with a silly grin on her face. "And to answer your question, Wilmac, I am of the wandering kind. My full name is Aleia Took, proud member and full-fledged mischief-maker." She said this last with a devious smile on her face. Aleia dearly loved playing practical jokes on people.

Feeling giddily happy with the excitement of meeting new people, she ordered another pint and another bit of cheese. Chewing a large bite, she turned to the newcomer and said, "So sorry for interrupting you, miss. What do you go by?"

Arawethiel

04-07-2003, 11:15 PM

Arawethiel laughed heartily at Aleia'a grand bow just like the hobbit lass beside her. Smiling at the hobbits she replied to the brown haired hobbit's question. "It is a pleasure to meet you all and I would like to know your names as well. I am Arawethiel daughter of Lamund. I hail from the village of Bree."

Still smiling Arawethiel turned and spoke to Aleia with a look of fascination on her face. "I never imagined on my first trip to the Shire I would meet one of the wandering hobbits, and a Took besides! Indeed I am glad I went on this trip after all! I do hope you won't mind telling me a tale or two about your travels?" She asked, her eyes shining with curiosity at the bright, cheery hobbit.

Everdawn

04-08-2003, 01:12 AM

Aeryn had heard the words of Gondor spoken. She turned from her stool and looked to see who had uttered them, two men sat talking close by, and then one left.

Aeryn decided to go over to the man called Flirean and talk, as it had been so long since she had seen another from her homeland.

She appeoached trying to dust off her tunic. "you are of gondor?" she said. "My name is Aeryn, I am an apprentice in the houses of healing."

Annalaliath

04-08-2003, 09:35 AM

Annalaliath got frustrated, as all do with the drawing, she then stoped and leaned her head aaginst the wall and just watched the people, hobbits and all wondering at the sight of it all.

" I wonder, " she mummbled to herself as she watched the Inn, " what goes on behind those eyes." And still she watched, and wondered; the drawing forgotten in her lap.

Then suddenly she sat up saying aloud, " I smell irises." Indeed there outside the window she saw the purple flowers. She loved these wonders and got up to look at them.

[ April 08, 2003: Message edited by: Annalaliath ]

Celandine03

04-08-2003, 01:38 PM

"My name is Celandine Greenhands." she said while sitting down next to Aleia. Her food came to her, and after taking a bite of stew and bread, she continued.

"I am from Hobbiton, very near here. I am traveling to far off, but this storm kept me from going, so I came here. So who are you, and where are you from?" she asked.

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

Celandine - Please check your Private Messages

[ April 08, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Maegaladiel

04-08-2003, 04:16 PM

Nahai ordered a cup of tea. She took a slow sip, organizing her memories the best she could. Having done this, she placed the cup back on the bar and took a deep breath.

"It was several years ago. I had just moved into my own home inside the borders of Mirkwood. It was a peaceful place, green and quiet, save the sounds of the birds singing.

"One evening, I was out for a walk in the woods when I heard the sounds of a fierce battle nearby. To my left, somewhere in the trees, I could hear wargs growling. I would have left immediately if I had not caught traces of Elvish battle-cries among the growls.

"Curious, I went to investigate. It was not long until I found the source of the noises. There in a clearing, a lone elf, bloodied and battered, was fighting four full grown wargs! One warg lie dead at his feet, and he weilded his sword with great skill, but he was visibly tiring.

"I leapt to his aid in bear form. At first, both elf and warg seemed wary of my presence, but soon realized that I was most definately fighting on the elf's side.

"Together we defeated the last three wargs, but the elf was badly wounded. He probably thought he was hallucinating when he saw me change into my human form and bring him to my house.

"He stayed in my house for many days, healing. He told me his name was Celecu, and we two became good friends. It was he who taught me to weild the sword.

"Soon I realized that he was more than just my friend. I loved him dearly, and he loved me in return. Even after he had healed and returned home, he visited me regularly.

"For once, I felt as though I was somebody. I had never been happier in my life. Before I met Celecu, I didn't think Beornings could exist with the other races.

"Shall I continue, or do I bore you?"

Sophia the Thunder Mistress

04-08-2003, 05:27 PM

"Continue," Morwyn urged, anxious to hear the rest of Nahai's tale. She had seen the expression on her face as she spoke of her love, Celecu, and wondered why they weren't together now. Morwyn sighed, thinking of her own love. She was somehow saddened by Nahai's tale, though there had been no sorrow in it.

All roads lead through suffering at last... she told herself, fiercely. I wouldn't be here with this friend listening to this tale if Alric was alive... She lifted her head and waited for Nahai to continue her story.

Horse-Maiden of the Shire

04-08-2003, 09:00 PM

Aleia smiled again. Turning from one hobbit to the other, she said, "No, of course I wouldn't mind! And I used to live in the Shire, before I became a traveler." Then she turned to Will with a gleam in her eye and said, "So, Wilmac...how do you feel about travelling?"

Will caught on and backed away in a mock defensive gesture. "Oh no...there is no way that you are getting me to go on an 'adventure'. I'll stay right here in the Shire, thank you very much."

Aleia stuck her tongue out at him and grinned again. "So, would you like to hear one of my traveler's tales? There was this one time, when I was riding on my pony Skeet through Rohan, and then I saw a black shape on the ground..."

Envinyatar

04-09-2003, 02:55 AM

His voice was quiet, and he kept his eyes to the scene in the yard as he spoke. ‘I was twenty-five years old when I fought beside my friends and neighbors on the Pellenor Fields. None of us had ever faced such wickedness before. And we had talked often on our way to Minas Tirith of what good our small band could do.’

He turned his gaze to her, his finger tracing the whorls in the table’s top. ‘Often we had said to one another how it would be better for us to stay at home, to take care of our own little part of this world. Let others take care of theirs. But our captain rallied us to a greater purpose and we made our way to where the White City stood. We marched along, brave men with brave words. Our steps were strong and our eyes were clear.’

‘It was when we reached the Pellenor that we realized the depth of horror arrayed against the world of Man. That if we did not stop it here, then it would roll westward, like the greasy black smoke from the funeral pyres of the fallen Orcs and smother all in its path.’

‘We fought beside men who would never know who we were. And little it mattered then, against the onslaught of shadow. We thought we would all die, that hope had abandoned us. But there in the midst of despair and darkness a flame sprang up, and the bravery of good men won through. Then was hope renewed and the day won.’

He took her hand and held it lightly in his own, as if it were a tether that held him to this place and time for just this moment.

‘There were three hundred of us from Ringló Vale and the surrounds who fought beside the other sons of Men that day. Farmers and fishermen, hunters and traders. Husbands and fathers and sons.’

His voice had fallen to a whisper. Across the grey fields of this eyes marched the shades of those who had fallen and would not return to the arms of their loved ones.

‘I was twenty six when I returned to Ethring with the last four of my companions. Footstep methodically following footstep. No more were there brave words as we trudged wearily home.’

A grim smile pulled at the corners of his mouth. ‘And yet, even then, there was hope and some rejoicing as we sat round the fire at night talking softly of those who awaited us. Precious memories drew us on, and pushed back the remembrance of those who fell in battle. Our footsteps quickened as we neared our home.’

‘We did not come soon enough. Shadow had reached its bony fingers out to us and taken what we held most dear.’

He turned away, for a moment, his eyes red with grief . . .

Annalaliath

04-09-2003, 07:26 AM

Annalaliath straitedened up from the window sil. She, then, walked to the bar, wiping the charcoal on her hands off on to her,now dry, mud spattered traviling clothes. But as it always is with charcoal, there were smudges on her face and hands. There was even one on her nose that she knew nothing about but suspected its presence anyway. Standing at the small bar she ordered some coffee.

Annalaliath walked back to her corner table. She then watched the people a little more, listening to the fragments of speach that floated her way. She did this and sipped her coffee,wonering at all of the wonderous stories to be told.

Annalaliath, face smiling now, just as it always has, living up to her name sake. Only her eyes seemed to be wells that held a saddness, the deep blue grey that they were, mabe it was the want of home mabe just the saddness that many see in the eyes of the elves. Her hair falling around her shoulders now and then like a flowing mantil of gold and the brown of honey. Her face and this mantle a reminder that this was an elf woman, of an age, not just the mudd spattered traviler sitting in a corner table of this inn.

She sighed, and thaught of all the things still left to do before... "But enough of that," she mumbled and went back to sipping coffee and watching that other patrins.

[ April 09, 2003: Message edited by: Annalaliath ]

piosenniel

04-09-2003, 10:20 AM

‘We did not come soon enough. Shadow had reached its bony fingers out to us and taken what we held most dear.’

Derufin’s face was set hard against the raw emotions his words had recalled to him. The muscles of his jaw worked to push them away, and she watched as his drew in measured breaths to calm the threatening storm.

When, at last, he had mastered himself, and the mask of calmness was restored, she took the hand he still held and cradled it against her cheek. ‘Come sit with me in my front room, Derufin. My back is aching from this unyielding chair,’ she said, giving him room to be solicitous of her comfort as she offered a space away from prying eyes.

He stood and offered her a hand up, nodding acceptance of her offer. ‘Thank you, m’lady,’ he mouthed as she rose. Calling to a passing server, she asked that Ruby be told she was retiring for a while, and would she please handle the Inn business for now.

‘Bring me a little more tea, if you would,’ she asked as she settled herself into the soft chair before the window, her legs propped on the stool before it. ‘And get yourself something, too, if you wish.’ He gave her a half smile and a brief bow.

‘I do wish to hear the rest of your story, Derufin.’ Her grey eyes regarded his face as he turned back to her from the door . . .

Maegaladiel

04-09-2003, 12:30 PM

Nahai suddenly felt more confident, happy to have such an interested audience. Taking another sip of her tea, she continued.

"Celecu and I spent many joyful months together. The day he asked me to be his wife was the happiest day of my life. I felt as though I was getting a place where I belonged in life. That love really could conquer all."

She reached to her neck, and tugged on a mithril chain halfway tucked inside her shirt. Hanging on the chain was a silver ring, decorated with silver leaves and vines. In the exact center, nestled among the sparkling foliage, was a single green stone, the same vibrant hue as her eyes.

"The day he gave me this was exactly one week before we were to be wed. He and several other elves were being called away to defend the forest from an orc attack. He promised me he would return within a fortnight, and that we would be married apon the moment of his arrival."

She was silent for a moment, fingering the ring.

"He never returned," she said softly. "I waited three years for him to come back." She turned her attention to the ring momentarily, running her fingertip across the delicate leaves. When she looked back at Morwyn, her eyes were sparkling with tears that were barely held back.

"He never returned," she repeated. "And I am once again alone. Even if he survived, he has probably forgotten me and crossed over to the Gray Havens by now." She tucked the ring back inside her shirt.

"I wear this ring here, because it and the elf who gave it to me are always close to my heart." She said, as though she had never mentioned the possibility of him forgetting her, and the greater chance of his death.

"Well, there you have it, the story of Nahai and her stupid belief that love conquers all." She gave a sad smile. "Even death."

Annalaliath

04-09-2003, 02:20 PM

Annalaliath's attention was suddenly taken, by the mention of the Grey Havens, to Nahai. Annalaliath stared intently at her seeing the distress in her face, hearing the last bit of Nahai's narative.

Annalaliath got to her feet and walked over to the table, bringing the beloved coffee and her belongings, and sat down quetly. Only if to hear anything said.

[ April 09, 2003: Message edited by: Annalaliath ]

Maegaladiel

04-09-2003, 03:56 PM

Nahai looked up at the beautiful maiden who had joined them. Quickly she dabbed the moisture from her eyes, suddenly embarrassed about her outburst of emotion over something--someONE-- that had died many years ago.

"Welcome, friend!" she said as cheerilly as she could. Friend. That was a word she rarely used. Ever since she entered the Green Dragon, it seemed as though everyone was a friend. It surprised her, but she didn't feel quite as separated from everone else as she usually did.

Nahai wondered how much of her love tale this fair woman had heard. Not that it really mattered, it was no longer a secret. In fact, talking about Celecu actually made her feel better than she had in years.

She looked at Morwyn and the elf, waiting for someone else to speak.

Annalaliath

04-09-2003, 04:14 PM

Annalaliath looked at her. " You said something about the Grey Havens." she said looking at the person before her," And something about death and love."

She looked at the others at the table and wondered, sipping her coffee. "I loved once." she whispered into the cup," a while ago."

Looking up again she laughed. A clear laugh that rang in the buzzing inn. " And I shall do so again." Then looking at the table and to nobody she asked, "But any way what is love? I have seen it but is this feeling that one gets or the action one takes? Next time in Lorian I may ask THe Lady of this."

She looked back to the woman, " I have forgotten my name is Annalaliath. What is yours?"

[ April 09, 2003: Message edited by: Annalaliath ]

[ April 16, 2003: Message edited by: Annalaliath ]

Rochelle

04-09-2003, 04:14 PM

He paused midswallow as her name was revealed...he should have known. Ever since Frodo had returned, the hobbits had gotten a mind to take their own adventures. Not him however, everything he could ever want was in the shire.

He shook his head adamently in protest to a mention of an adventure, and Aleia laughed. However, he was interested in hearing about her adventure.

"I s'pose it would be interesting to learn of your tales. I always did love a good storytime." He smiled and leaned back in his wooden seat, arms crossing merrily over his chest.

[ April 15, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Silmarien

04-09-2003, 08:40 PM

“I want to hear your tale only if you can tell it to me fully, and without embellishment." Silmarien was quiet for a long time. “Without embellishment?” she mused. “It shall be so.”

She paused again. “In fact I do not truly know the beginning myself”. She shifted took a sip of her ale and began her tale. “My real parents whoever they are, were either killed or forced to abandon me when their village was attacked by Wainriders. I was picked up by a woman who was unable to have children of her own. This is what she has told me. She and her husband brought me up and I came to call them mother and father. They brought me up to fight, for the women of the wainriders fight with the men.”

“The only thing I have from my birth parents is a small dagger found with me at birth.” She produced the weapon and showed Elhor. “There is writing on it but I do not know what it says. Can you read it?”

Aeden

04-10-2003, 02:51 AM

Éden sat watching the fire as Aeryn had gone off to change her clothes. Hw saw her go up the stairs, and LO! she had met with an elf. Or he supposed it was an elf, but this elf looked the same as Aeryn. Could it be? The Everdawn, the Lady vizier of Dol Amroth?

He watched with some intrest as their conversation took place, Aeryn looked folorn and had gone to the bar and now approached a stranger. He walked after her and grabed her arm. "Who was that old friend? is she your kin?"

Envinyatar

04-10-2003, 02:53 AM

‘I do wish to hear the rest of your story, Derufin.’ Piosenniel’s grey eyes regarded his face as he turned back to her from the door.

What could he do but acquiesce. He returned to the kitchen and from there to the springhouse for yet another glass of the iced tea for her. From behind the bar, he grabbed a tall bottle of Southron wine. Rich, and red as blood spilled on a battlefield.

‘Your drink, m’lady,’ he said setting the sweating glass on the small table to the side of her chair. He pulled up another chair to the open window and propped his booted feet on the window’s sill. The cork slid easily from the bottle neck, and he made a small ceremony of pouring the wine into his glass, admiring it with eye, nose, and tongue. He held the glass aloft, the crisp clink of glass on glass breaking the silence of the ritual.

‘To my companions at Pellenor!’ He took a small sip of the wine, then raised it once again. ‘And to you, m’lady and your wee bairns.’ This time he took a longer drink, then set down the near empty glass on the tabletop between the chairs.

He crossed his ankles, still propped on the sill, and sat with his fingers laced across his midriff, staring out through the window. His eyes were not focused on what lay beyond, but rather his sight turned inward, bringing from past to present in one small leap, the freshened memories of that return home. He gathered in his breath quietly, and gave a soft, weighty sigh.

‘Now, where shall I begin . . .’

Luinfang

04-10-2003, 06:03 AM

The door opened for probably the thousanth time as Faruom walked in, his dark blond hair sticked to his forehead, accompagnied by a rush of biting rain. In the semi-darkness of the porch he chook out his raincoat and hung it over his arm. A swift smile ran over his face when he entered the great tap-room: he hadn’t expected so many people. The question if he would still have a place to sleep, started to rise in his mind but he suppressed it. Time enough to find a solution. First he should try to get dry again. Dripping and well he made his way to a table near the fire place that was still free and ordered a pint.

Faruom was perfectly happy for a moment or two. Warmth came back into his frozen body from the outside, and the glorious feeling of the beer that runned down his throat was able to shut him up for a while, but at last he banged down the pint and walked over to the bar.

“I am looking for someone,” he announced.
The man next to him looked up. “And what kind of person might that be? A Dwarf perhaps, to prevent your knees from shaking?”

“It is not the kind that interests me, my friend. To be honest, I’m looking for someone with a little courage, and a little manners too, if possible. But it seems to me that one of those cannot be found in you.” The man frowned at him maliciously, but he kept silence. Faruom turned around on his heels with a huge smile and clapped in his hands to get the attention.

“People! I have a little announcement to do: I am looking for some brave, pleasant people – age, gender, race are not important – to accompany me! I have to get in Esgaroth before summer, but I am afraid the Mountains aren’t safe for a lonely traveller. The payment is good, the company even better!” he said. Some people laughed. “I’m not saying the trip will be easy. Anyhow, I will depart the day after tomorrow, at sunrise.”

[ April 10, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Horse-Maiden of the Shire

04-10-2003, 03:35 PM

"...and so I finally escaped from the prison, and stealing my pony back from the stable, I galloped off into the forest." Aleia sat back in her chair, satisfied with the others' reactions. All was silent for a moment, and then Celandine spoke up. "Did...did that really happen?"

Aleia hesitated and said, "Well...part of it did." The others laughed and Aleia grinned sheepishly. Then she tossed back her hair and laughed as well. Turning to everyone else, she said, "Well, that is enough about me. Tell me about yourselves!"

Annalaliath

04-10-2003, 04:30 PM

Annalaliath, slitly distractable from long travle and ale, looked up from her conversation at the newcommer at the door. She laughed. A jubliant thing, full of mirth. Her eyes the same deep blue grey pools of her sarrows now mixed with the lighness of her heart.

She leaned back in her chair and finished her coffee. And turned back to the people at her table. " Do not fear if this love of yours went to the Grey Havens and then to Valinor," she said, " For he may still return if Osse is not satisfied." then she leaned in of the table, " But if he did die, and his soul is in the halls of the dead, you may eventually meet him there. But at any rate so not despair."

The smile faded from her face and the light faded from her eyes, " For there are things that thrive in the dark that live on your dispaire. They drink it up like a fine wine and savore it. Do not give them satifaction!"

[ April 10, 2003: Message edited by: Annalaliath ]

[ April 16, 2003: Message edited by: Annalaliath ]

Meoshi

04-10-2003, 04:36 PM

Daethaur noticed that there was a great deal of despair coming from a corner of the room. There an elf was weeping, something about a lost love. There were so many stories being told here that it was hard to follow any of them.

He considered drinking some of the despair wafting across the room, but hesitated; It was Elvish despair, and would probably make him sick. Besides, the drink he had just had was far better. Nevertheless, it was good that the barkeep had refused to prepare another; one could not drink two of something so high-quality in one sitting. He sat down at one of the empty tables, and concentrated on listening to the stories around him. There was much to be heard.

Celandine03

04-10-2003, 05:34 PM

Celandine smiled. She had heard many tales of this sort from Mr. Bilbo and it was nice to hear one again. "Well" she said, "unlike yourself I have never had any adventures like that. I am quite like Wilmac here, I like to stay in the comforts of home. But I have been missing Mr. Bilbo terribly since he left, he was like family to me. We've been writing back and forth, but I wish to see him again. So this shall be my first real adventure."

She smiled and took a sip of her tea. Her life seemed so dull in comparision to Aleia's. But maybe this would be her chance, to have an adventure all her own, and be able to tell her story like Aleia had and be marveled about. Well, she thought, we'll just see.

After taking a bite of stew she said, "So what of you Wilmac? Has anything interesting or exciting ever happened to you? Where are you from, if I may know?"

Annalaliath

04-10-2003, 05:41 PM

Annalaliath still serious, turned and looked at Daethaur. Her blue grey eyes peircing the haze of the room. " And yet they come." she murmered under her breath.

She ordered some water at the bar and taking her seat she then took her sward from its sheath and began to sharpen it with her wetstone. Looking at the others at her table she said ," This is Annungalad. It was made for me by an old freind."She paused for a momnet and looked up a queer look on her face," That was a whlile agot too." and then she went back to her notched sword.

[ April 16, 2003: Message edited by: Annalaliath ]

piosenniel

04-11-2003, 01:44 AM

Piosenniel settled back in her chair. The twins for once were quiet, and she could breathe easily if she sat just so. Derufin sat silent, his face cast in shadow. Only the occasional clink of the wine bottle against the glass broke the silence surrounding his still form. She could sense his hesitancy, though below it ran a thin desire to open the wound, let out the poisons that festered there.

Comfort prolonged was too much to hope for. The babies were awake and a sharp kick to the already sore spot on her ribs made her gasp. Derufin, roused from his darkling study, looked over at her with concern. He came beside her chair and knelt down, asking what he might do for her.

She smiled and rubbed her side, chiding him gently. ‘There is nothing to worry about.’

‘May I?’ He reached out his hand and placed it firmly against her. There was a vigorous thump against his palm. ‘The girl.’ she said, moving his hand then to the opposite side. A flutter of taps thrilled against his open hand. ‘Her brother.’ he said, grinning. He closed his eyes, and focused on the new lives waiting to meet the world. ‘Keep them safe, Piosenniel.’ he said quietly to her, drawing back his hand. He sat back down in his chair, and raised his glass of wine to her.

‘Let them be safe from shadow, and free from sorrows. For a little while, at least.’

Rochelle

04-11-2003, 12:26 PM

He shook his head at Aleia "You truly are a brave hobbit-lass, or a brainless one." He chuckled softly before answering the other hobbit's questions. "My life is incomparible to the amount of excitement dear Aleia has had. I am from right here in Hobbiton. The most exciting thing I see is the occasional party."

He shrugged. "To some it seems dull, but it suits me just fine. I'm sure my courage would be immeasurable when faced with an easterling or an orc, and though I've heard marvelous tales of the elves, I'm not sure how I'd act around one in their natural habitats."

[ April 15, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Sophia the Thunder Mistress

04-11-2003, 04:09 PM

Morwyn sat, listening to the tale of Nahai's lost love. Her eyes glazed over, as her mind wandered to her own tale. The elf, Annalaliath, had joined the conversation breifly, but now seemed to be immersed in the conversation with the dark creature who sat in the corner sipping a steaming drink.

She looked up at Nahai, whose eyes were still glittering faintly, with tears.

"Your tale is terrible." she said softly, reaching across the table to touch the back of Nahai's hand with sympathy. "Shall I tell you of my own love?" her voice broke. "it was not too long ago... and I lost all." She sighed heavily, both dreading to speak of her dead, and longing for the release it would bring. It had been long since she shared stories with another.

Drawing a deep breath, and not waiting for Nahai's response, she began: "My father was called Anborn, a man of Rohan he bred horses for a living. My mother was of Gondor, the daughter of a captain in the guard, her name was Finduinan. Though the family lived in Rohan I spent much of my early life in Gondor with my mother, who was constantly homesick. My many journeys back and forth accustomed me to travel and hardship, and my father made sure I was well trained with the bow and the short sword for self defense.

When I was 14 Finduinan, my mother, died, but I continued to travel because I loved both the learning and lore of my mother’s people and the pride and independence of my father’s people. My travels stopped however, I met and married Alric Eorwine, one of my father’s friends." Morwyn paused, her eyes filled up with tears as she spoke. "Alric was an ambitious young man who, like my father, bred horses. His reputation was rapidly spreading because of the quality of the horses he bred, and soon we had all we could ask for.

Alric gave me a magnificent war horse on our first anniversary, I named him Leófa-- beloved in the tongue of Rohan, for he was a gift from my beloved. He is my greatest treasure.

My daughter was born when we had been married for two years. My Freya." Morwyn licked her lips, tasting the tears that were already trickling down her face. "Shortly after Freya was born, word came to me that Alric had been thrown. He was training a young stallion at the time, one that proved difficult to manage. He always loved challenges, it was the cause of his success. Would that he had bred ordinary horses and lived!" she sighed, "but he did not, and his bravery was what I loved in him. I ran to him in the field that day, but he was dying. He died in my arms."

Morwyn bent her head in an attempt to hide her tears, but she knew Nahai had seen them. She had to tell the rest, Nahai had trusted her, it was due. She dashed the tears from her eyes and tried to collect her thoughts before she continued.

Annalaliath

04-11-2003, 04:51 PM

Annalaliath finished with her sward and put it away. She listened to the story wonding why her own was never told. And then with a start; that shocked her she realized, hers was not of the love they spoke of, but that between mother and child. And child and mother and all that is between.

And any way the sufferings that these shared were too deep and secret for her to break with her stupid little tale. So she listened and tried to comfort when possible ever watchfull of the dark creature at the other table.

[ April 12, 2003: Message edited by: Annalaliath ]

[ April 16, 2003: Message edited by: Annalaliath ]

Everdawn

04-12-2003, 01:51 AM

Aeryn's face grew dim. "It was my mother. She is leaving and now, I am free to do what I wish for the rest of the while".

She smiled. "That means that I am going to have the biggest adventure of my life!" She paused. "...and that is all very well, apart from the face that I have no idea where I want to go."

[ April 13, 2003: Message edited by: Everdawn ]

Amanaduial the archer

04-12-2003, 08:17 AM

Aman sighed with relief as she came to the gates of Bree. She had travelled from Rohan, not a short or easy journey by any means. Knocking on the door with her oak staff, she shivered slightly in the rain, pulling her grey cloak a little tighter around her slim body. After a second, a flap in the gates snapped back to reveal part of the pudgy watchmans face inside.

"What is your business here, young missus?" His homely voice asked routinely. Aman smiled. The watchmen didnt change much, even over all the years since she had last visited this part of the woods.

"My name is Aman. I am travelling to the Shire to see an old friends and, quite possibly, some new ones as well." Aman smiled as she said this. Pio was indeed an old friend, the pair had known each other for a long time, and the Innkeeper had sent a message to Aman when she had been in Rohan, telling her of her pregnancy. She had anticipated her calling on her some time in the future and so had set out towards the Shire some time ago, in a rather slow and rambling way. The gatekeeper eyed the young woman once more, trying to see her face more clearly under the grey hood which Aman had pulled up against the rain. After a second he nodded.

"Alright then, miss. If you're looking for a place to stay, the Pony is still as excellent a place as ever to stay." The gate door swung open and she walked in. The rain chose this moment to start coming down full pelt, forcing Aman to run, clutching at her staff in one hand and keeping her hood up with the other. She made her way through the slippery, cobbled streets by memory, stopping outside an old building. Glancing up against the onslaught, she was relieved to see the sign of the Prancing Pony being battered by the wind and the rain. Sighing with relief, the young woman pushed open the door of the Inn with her staff and stepped inside, lowering her grey hood to let out a mass of nut brown hair and reveal bright green eyes, set in a pale, slim face.

"Butterbur, could I have a room for a few nights please?" She inquired at the desk. The homely looking old innkeeper squinted through his glasses at her for a moment, then recognised her.

"Aman! Aye, of course, anything for an old aquaintance. How many nights may I ask?"

A cheer from the other side of the bar caught Aman's attention, and she saw a young hobbit climb precariously onto a table, supported by a few friends. His righted himself cleared his throat, using his mug of beer to gesture wildly as he spoke.

"I would like to make a toast!" He called out over the room. The men and hobbits alike cheered wildly at this, all generally happy. Aman was curious; it was evident there had already been an announcement of some kind in the bar that night, for the merrymakers had to have been here for a while to get so red faced. The hobbit seemed encouraged by this cheer and, beaming, he went on. "I would like to make this toast to the good lady Piosenniel of the Green Dragon in the Shire!"

More wild cheering, quieted down by the hobbit. Aman smiled; she knew what was coming next. "For, as you have all heard earlier....Pio is expecting! Twins, no less!"

This time the cheering was almost deafening. The hobbit raised his mug in the air, spilling half the contents in the process and called over the cheers, "To the lady innkeeper of the Dragon and her twins!"

"I will heartily second that," Aman murmered, before turning her attention back to Butterbur, still waiting expectantly for her answer. "Could I have a room for, ooh, three nights?"

"You can, Aman. Just along the corridor, turn right-"

"-And its the second door on your left." Aman finished, grinning, and took the key from the innkeeper. "Just one more thing please Butterbur: could you send a message to Piosenniel of the Dragon, telling her I'm here?"

"Can do, Miss, can do. Anything else?"

"No, thankyou, that will be everything. I think I'll just retire to bed, I think. Goodnight." Smiling once more at the innkeeper, Aman took a candle offered by the innkeeper, and went to her room, still smiling. Looking out of the window in the direction of the Shire through the dark night, she fancied she could see the lights of the Green Dragon there. She nodded in a small salute and sighed.

"Sleep well, Pio. Soon I will come to you." She murmered, before retiring to bed.

piosenniel

04-12-2003, 09:25 AM

smilies/smile.gif smilies/smile.gif PLEASE NOTE - ALL POSTERS - NEW CHANGE IN INNKEEPER WILL BE COMING UP smilies/smile.gif smilies/smile.gif

Over the next week, please follow my posts concerning the new Character who is on her way to the Inn.

Amanaduial the Archer will be taking the position of Assistant Innkeeper in the Shire, starting Monday the 21st. The present Innkeeper character, Piosenniel, will be retiring after she posts the birth of her twins.

However, the real life Piosenniel will be very much in presence, though more behind the scenes, continuing as Moderator, as will Cami (Child of the 7th Age).

Thanks! ~~ Pio, who will occasionally stop in at the Inn for a pint . . . or two . . .

[ April 15, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

04-12-2003, 12:59 PM

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ smilies/smile.gif NOTICE OF NEW GAME OPENING smilies/smile.gif ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Discussion Thread for *~* In the Footsteps of the Grey Company *~* has opened up to take on characters.

Please read the Characters Needed list carefully and make up a good character for the Game, then post it on the discussion thread for the Game.

Players who have never been in a game on the Barrow Downs will have first priority.

Find the Discussion Thread HERE (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=19&t=000054#000005)

[ April 12, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Horse-Maiden of the Shire

04-12-2003, 01:11 PM

Aleia nodded and said slyly, "Well, the best way to find out is to try it." But Will was firm in his ways. "No, no, no. I absolutely refuse to go on an 'adventure', as you call it. Should be called death-traps."

Aleia sighed and rolled her eyes. No matter how much she tried, Will was not going to agree to going on an adventure. Some hobbits were just like that. As she shifted her weight on the chair, her bow and quiver slid over to the right, revealing themselves to her comerades. Will noticed and said, "What weapons do you carry, lass?"

Placing her things back in their former locations, Aleia answered, "A simple bow and a quiver of arrows. My trademark is dark blue, as you can see." She pulled out an arrow and showed them the feathers at the end.

They all nodded. Aleia remarked, "My, we do nod a lot," producing chuckles from her tablemates. Turning to Arawethiel, she said, "We have heard my tale, and also Wilmac's and Celandine's. What of yours, lady?"

[ April 12, 2003: Message edited by: Horse-Maiden of the Shire ]

Envinyatar

04-12-2003, 03:50 PM

Pio moved uncomfortably in her chair. ‘Shall we walk a little?’ he offered, extending his hand to her. The night was warm, and there was no need for her to have her cloak on. He linked his arm in hers as they left the Inn – to steady her on the unlit path, he thought to himself; though he knew her eyes would have no problem with the darkness.

He enjoyed the nearness of her. It set his mind thinking fondly of Lothronien and the nights they had walked under the stars. His children had been lively, too, in the womb, and often the only way for her to be comfortable. Lost in dreams, he did not hear her question at first.

‘Pardon, m’lady?’ He saw her smile as her face turned to him, and the starlight reflected merrily in her eyes. ‘Lothronien,’ she repeated. Her brow furrowed for a moment, ‘And Meldë and Dirgan. Who are they that you recall them with such happiness.’

‘My wife, m’lady. Lothronien.’ His voice faltered, and he drew a ragged breath. ‘And my children. Meldë, my daughter, and Dirgan, my son.’

She said nothing, only held his arm a little tighter, knowing that he would speak when he could. Silence claimed them as they passed down the path, then he spoke again, quietly.

‘We made our way home, once the fighting was done, and Aragorn was assured his Kingship. To the outskirts of Ethring, we returned.’ He paused in his stride, his voice now very low. Returned, only to find our own homes burned, our families slain. A roving band of Orcs had swept through this area, destroying land, life, and dwelling as they passed under cover of darkness.’

‘My wife was slain, as was my daughter. Their bodies burnt. I found only the charred bones in the ashes of our house. I held the small skull of my son in my hands. I found it near the bones of Lothronien. He was not yet born, when I left. This was the first and only time that I held him.’

Derufin’s voice faltered and grew quiet again. ‘Three of us who returned stayed, to rebuild their lives there. The two others left, one to the arms of the wide sea, and the other to a life of rootless wandering.’ He stopped, and turned to look at her.

‘It was I who was the wanderer. Outrunning memories that shadowed each step.’

Everdawn

04-13-2003, 01:37 AM

Umbria returned down the stairs, she placed her bag on the floor. Alaemas and Dolemar were waiting.

"Are you ready lady?" Alaemas said taking her bag. "Nearly, there is something I must do." she went over to the barperson and placed a bag full of gold coins down. "This is to cover all my fees, plus some. I want you to say goodbye to Pio for me next time you may see her, and to say this for me, may the Valar shine apon her new born children when they come."

She nodded and returned to the door of the Inn. Outside, there were three horses, one for each of the travellers. Dolenmar and Alaemas were mounted. Umbria mounted her horse. She looked back only once, and though of the memories the Shire had brought her. And with the flick of the horse's tails, they were on their way back to Dol Amroth.

piosenniel

04-13-2003, 03:19 AM

‘It was I who was the wanderer. Outrunning memories that shadowed each step.’

Pio took his arm once again and turned back toward the Inn. They had come far from it, and she was growing weary. Derufin had grown silent once more, withdrawing deeper into his thoughts with each step. He almost missed her question as he probed at the soreness of these newly brought up memories.

‘M’lady,’ he said inclining his head toward her as they walked along. ‘Did you just say something?’

‘It was a selfish question, Derufin. Nothing worth repeating. I have grown fond of your company and am loth to lose it.’ A small night breeze had come up as they neared the Inn, and she leaned closer against his arm, seeking warmth.

‘Ask me, I will answer as I can.’

She shivered against the cool air, and the uncertainty of his answer. ‘Is the need still there to run from the memories . . . or, will you stay this time?’

Annalaliath

04-13-2003, 07:52 AM

Annalaliath continued to listin to the stories as she tok out the battered book and This time she braught out ink. This ink was differnt from the plain black ink that was ued every where; this was colored inks. Green, blue, black, red, of course purpel, and black. This was the ink of artists and scribes. She was now stting at a tabke and felt comfortalbe setting up.

She started to draw a scene from her memory. This was the start of her realease. The portrate of a child started to take shape. And still she listened, bloting the paper no and again. Her pens scratcinh away as she sat there in silnce, listening.

Her blond hair did fall in the ususal manner as she bent over that papaer. it also was dipped ito wt ink now and agin, turingit black in these places, but still she worked and litend.

[ April 16, 2003: Message edited by: Annalaliath ]

Novhloke

04-13-2003, 12:08 PM

Sleep came over Novhloke's eyes while listening to the stories, he began to image how it would be if he could tell a story.

Suddenly he fell asleep. He awoke after hearing a hoarse laughter from the circle of storytellers."Must have dosed off, i should stop ordering more ale" he thought.
"Mr. Novhloke, you really do snore while you sleep, why you scared us silly when you awoke with that loudsnort. Would you be needing more ale?" the keeper asked to change the subject.
"No thank you, i think i have had enough,i dont want to be dozing off and scareing you again."
He took out his pipe and some weed, and began to puff small smoke circles and listening to the stories again. "better get to sleep, im quite tired and it sure is as dark as the color black outside"

piosenniel

04-13-2003, 02:02 PM

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*WANTED!*+*+*+*+*+*EVIL CREATURES*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

CHARACTERS NEEDED FOR NEW RPG - to harass a group of Dwarves and Humans seeking to find a treasure; part time posters accepted.

If you are interested, please click HERE (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=19&t=000054).

Read the storyline description and see the section on Characters Needed, then fill out the Character Description form found there, and post your character to the Discussion Thread.

In the Footsteps of the Grey Company, owned by Meoshi should be a fun game to try out an evil character in. Give it a try!

piosenniel

04-14-2003, 03:47 AM

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*DWARVES NEEDED*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Try your character writing skills for Meoshi's exciting and dangerous hunt for mysterious treasure!

See the Discussion Thread for: In the Footsteps of the Grey Company

Click HERE (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=19&t=000054).

Rochelle

04-14-2003, 08:02 AM

The lady from Bree seemed hesitant to talk and so his eyes drifted once more to the bow and arrow that accompanied Aleia. "Who taught you to shoot that there thing?" His hand went to play with his chin.

Weapons were a very intriguing thing for Will, and he had not seen many of them. Not for a long time at least. Danger was not present much in the Shire, so use of protection wasn't necessary.

[ April 15, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Carrûn

04-14-2003, 09:03 AM

A small man, short and stocky in build approached the Inn from side door closest to the stables. He coughed several times and blinked rapidly. The dust from the road had left his throat and eyes incredibly dry. Fortunately it was cold outside and the latter half of his journey had not been under the blazing heat of the Sun. He stretched and everything cracked. He paused, as if surprised at how uncomfortable his joints were. Grinning to himself at the sounds coming from the Inn he opened the door and walked in.

It was a fairly pleasent sight that greeted his eyes. Many were stitting by the fire, others at tables or the stools near the bar. Choosing the last of the three locations for himself, he sat down with a somewhat exaggerated groan and ordered "the largest thing you've got." He sat back and attempted to relax. He was on his way to Bree, but hoped to deliver a message as well as get a good nights sleep in the process.

Maegaladiel

04-14-2003, 12:43 PM

Nahai bowed her head to the elf woman.

"Forgive me for not answering you immediately, lady Annalalaith. How rude of me. My name is Nahai, of... of the Beornings." It was the first time she had ever introduced herself as such, and it felt rather strange. She rarely told anyone of her heratage, and here she was, blabbing it out to anyone who so much as looked in her general direction. But she felt she could trust Annalalaith. She had such an understanding face and a musical laughter that seemed to put everyone who heard it in a lighter mood.

"Thank you for your consolations, milady." she said. "you give me hope, even if it is a small hope, of ever seeing my beloved Celecu again." Then she turned to Morwyn. Nahai dearly wanted to comfort Morywn, but her people skills were somewhat lacking. She couldn't imagine how terrible it must have been to lose both husband and child, leaving nothing but her horse and her memories. Suddenly, she felt as though she knew what she should do. She removed a long, thin bag from her swordbelt, gingerly placing its precious contents on the bar. It was a wooden flute, beautifully carved with the images of leaves and vines, birds and deer, and scripted elvish runes. She held the instrument in her hands as though it was some priceless jewel.

"Music hath charms to sooth the savage beast in man and nature," she said. "When I feel that all hope is lost, I play this. It..It helps relieve the pain." She placed the flute in Morwyn's hand. "I'd like you to have it. I hope it will help you as it did me." she said. Red tinged the apples of her cheeks. That sounded very lame. Dear Valar, her gift of speech was about as great as an orc's gift of beauty. Averting her eyes, she hoped Morwyn didn't think her to be a complete idiot.

Annalaliath

04-14-2003, 01:41 PM

Annalaliath looked up from the drawing and smiled, a sad smile, but still as comforting as a sad smile could be. But still this new drawing was done. It was a childs face but it looked as though it were looing from the surface a mirror.

She looked at the other lady at the table and said," the loss of a child is hard to beare. And equally the loss of a husband is almost as bad." The she straitened and narrowed her eyes, " But the halls of Mandos the spirits of the dead meet, although i donot know where the spirits of men and other go. But take heart."

SHe then looked at the both of them and a;ughed, " I have a story but, it is not lioke yours, " she looked away at them and then revealed the drawing, quetly.

[ April 16, 2003: Message edited by: Annalaliath ]

Novhloke

04-14-2003, 03:14 PM

Novhloke's sweaty hands quickly ran to the hilt of his elvish sword, as if startled from a black dream. 'Hearing of Balrogs, The Nazgul and Black things from the land of shadow is not a bedtime story.' he told himself.
He looked up, and as he did the storyteller was seemingly finishing his story, a sad and black one, but non the less entertaining.'Quite entertaining for the orcs in Minas Ithil!' chuckled Novhloke
With that note he grasped for his pipe and some weed, he seached and searched for his matches. He found none.'Oy!' he said, and smacked himself 'were did my matches go? clumsy me!'
'ey, you have a match i can use, i seem to have forgotten mine.'
'Why sure Mr. Novhloke!' said a hobbit in the usual hobbit way.
'Thanks a bunch, you might not be needin' weed? would you, i got plenty'
'Why no tanks kind sir, we have a bunch, and we have more at home, sitting in the garden growing, growing, and growing, soon were going to smoke them in here, listening to wonderfull tales of these folk from all over the place!'
'Well nice seeing you, good-bye' Novhloke ended the discussion.
He lit the match and smoked the pipe.

Then a strange man walked in.

Sophia the Thunder Mistress

04-14-2003, 03:38 PM

Morwyn took the wooden flute in her hand, running her fingers over the grain. She glanced up graefully at Nahai, through eyes that were red and beginning to puff.

"Thank you, my friend." She she said softly, "your gift means much to me." She shook her head ruefully, with a crooked smile, "I know not how to play..." her words trailed off. She didn't want to offend Nahai who offered her such a gift, it looked old.

Nahai reached a hand hesitantly across the table and pushed to flute back toward Morwyn, as she tried to give it back. "Keep it." she said gently, "you will learn to play in time. Mimic the birds..." Morwyn smiled at her friend's words and clutched the flute to her chest.

The elf girl, Annalaliath, had finished and was now drawing, a portrait of a child in colored inks. Morwyn had been crying too hard to notice when the girl rejoined the group, but she had heard her kind words to Nahai, and she turned to her. "Thank you, also." she said with a slight smile.

"Now," she continued, "the time for tears is ended!" She wiped her eyes clean with the heel of her hand, and called out to a server who was passing, "Another drink for me, and for my companions!" She knew that the others could see that her gaity was false, but there was a limit to how much of her grief Morwyn could expose to the world. It was threatening to overwhelm her.

The drinks were brought, and the three women sat and sipped them reflectively, despite Morwyn's call for mirth. After finishing her drink Morwyn excused herself from the table, in desperate need of solitude.

Leaving the inn she made for the stable, pressing her face into the warm neck of her horse. She drew strength from him, as she always did, going about the everyday tasks of caring for him. Even though the inn's staff fed Leofa while she stayed, she went through the motions of checking his water, running her hands over his legs, picking the knots from his glossy tail.

When she finished she remembered Nahai's flute. It was tucked down the the side of her skirt. She pulled it out and looked at it carefully. The delicate elven carvings all over were deeply shadowed in the dim light of the stable. She breathed in deeply, smiling at the kindness of the woman who had given it to her. Putting it to her lips she blew it softly. A clear note emerged. Shifting the position of her fingers she blew again. A different tone, piercing and lovely, greeted her. She smiled again, this time broadly. She would learn to play.

Nerindel

04-14-2003, 09:23 PM

A Stranger enters the inn, the race and gender of this stranger is hidden by a very weather stained dark cloak. The stranger is holding his/her right hand over his/her left shoulder, in the left hand is a short bow with the string broken.

The stranger takes a quick glance around the room then walks straight up to the innkeeper and whispers "I am Fawian Nimsul, a ranger of the north and I require a room, some hot water and fresh bandages". The innkeeper nods and directs her to her room.

Fawian enters the room, she is suprised to see that the water and bandages are already there. She removes her cloak and taking some galenas leaf from her pouch and proceeded to bathe and dress her wound.

With this done she decides it's time for a drink and a hot meal, So she heads back down stairs.She orders a bottle of wine and a bowl of hot stew, then finds a table so she can listen to the many song and tales that are being told.

Arawethiel

04-14-2003, 09:24 PM

Arawethiel yawned after listening to the tales the hobbits had told of themselves. She began to feel very weary and it seemed her journey had finally caught up with her. Arawethiel was so drowsy she missed Aleia's kind question to find out more about her past.

She blinked and found she could not keep her eyelids from drooping. Aleia was about to answer Wilmac's question about her bow and arrows when she noticed Arawethiel nodding off. "Arawethiel, it seems you are getting weary, perhaps you should go up to your room and get some sleep." Arawethiel could not help but agree and said "I thank you for your companionship. I regret not being able to continue our talk because I love hearing all of your tales. However, my body demands I retire. I hope I shall be able to speak to you all again before I depart."

Arawethiel tottered to her feet and gave a curtsy to the hobbits at the table. Celandine, Wilmac, and Aleia all bid her farewell and a good night's rest. She waved good-bye and then climbed up the stairs to her room. She barely shut the door behind her before she collapsed on the bed exhausted having a dreamless sleep.

[ April 14, 2003: Message edited by: Arawethiel ]

Beruthiel

04-15-2003, 02:04 AM

Carnefeniel woke suddenly from deep sleep. She was lying on the ground in the stable with her horse."Oh gosh I fell asleep in a stable!" she mumbled to herself. She got up slowly rubbing her grey eyes and yawning. Her hair and clothes were covered with straw and hay. She stood up and dusted it all off, and adjusted her white dress.

She patted her horse again and walked back towards the inn. She pushed open the door and was surprised by all the newcomers inside."You must have slept for ages!" she thought to herself. It was lovely and warm and Carne walked over to the bar and ordered a drink. She sat down and watched and listened to the people talk while she waited.

Annalaliath

04-15-2003, 09:58 AM

Annalaliath in a postion to see the door watches as Fawian Nimsul walks in. Annalaliath watches the epesode and looks over to Morwen as she left to the stables. " Well, what is there to speak about that won't brind tears?"

She got up and went out into the court yard and looked at the sky. Wondering at the beuty of it all, and thinking of the things lost, and found. She yearned above all else to be back in the safty of the trees and libraries of her home.

She was now wrapedin her mudd spattered cloak, now dark in the night. Her face still had the smudges of charcoal on them and her hair still had a few locks now black with ink. Her skin seemed lumanecent in the moon light and her eyes were still grey blue but full of memory and saddness. She could think of nothing that was light hearted at the moment, and it showed on her face. She looked up at the stars and moon, her brows knitt, and on silver tear rolled down her cheak.

She wiped it away furiusly and walked back into the inn and back to the bar. She sat with Nahi and was silent. She looked at her drink and just stared at it.

[ April 16, 2003: Message edited by: Annalaliath ]

piosenniel

04-15-2003, 10:40 AM

piosenniel

04-15-2003, 10:41 AM

Luinfang

04-15-2003, 01:18 PM

“Excuse me, ladies,” Faruom spoke to Morwyn en Nahai, “for overhearing your private conversation. But I think this is an important matter. First of all I wish to express my sympathy. Second comes the reason why I decided to barge in the conversation. You spoke of a man called Anborn, didn’t you? Living in the plains of Rohan? The reason why I ask this is rather simple: some months ago I departed from Minas Tirith, where I had lived the last ten years of my life. On my trip I slept in many places, and I passed through Rohan too. There it was an elder man accommodated me.”

“his name was Anrod. He didn’t tell me much, and I did not ask either. I don’t know if he had a daughter that left the country as soon as her husband died. But I know of a story about a certain Alric, that was told in the neighbourhood. It is strange to hear it again here, over five hundred miles to the north.”

Faruom made a clumsy gesture. “I am sorry if this offended you in any way,” he said. “anyways, can I take a seat?”

Maegaladiel

04-15-2003, 02:08 PM

Nahai watched Morwyn leave, started to follow her, and then thought better of it. The woman needed solitude.

Instead Nahai turned to Annalalaith. She looked with great wonder at the drawing of the child she held.

"It's beautiful," she said. "You are very talented, milady." Then Nahai smiled, almost apologetically.

"Forgive me, you have been trying to tell us a story, and we've done nothing but talk of our own misfortunes. Please, tell us your tale." She leaned forwards in her seat, eager to hear the mysterious elf maiden's story.

piosenniel

04-15-2003, 05:18 PM

NEW INNKEEPER STORYLINE

Amanaduial's post:

Aman sighed with relief as she came to the gates of Bree. She had travelled from Rohan, not a short or easy journey by any means. Knocking on the door with her oak staff, she shivered slightly in the rain, pulling her grey cloak a little tighter around her slim body. After a second, a flap in the gates snapped back to reveal part of the pudgy watchmans face inside.

"What is your business here, young missus?" His homely voice asked routinely. Aman smiled. The watchmen didnt change much, even over all the years since she had last visited this part of the woods.

"My name is Aman. I am travelling to the Shire to see an old friends and, quite possibly, some new ones as well." Aman smiled as she said this. Pio was indeed an old friend, the pair had known each other for a long time, and the Innkeeper had sent a message to Aman when she had been in Rohan, telling her of her pregnancy. She had anticipated her calling on her some time in the future and so had set out towards the Shire some time ago, in a rather slow and rambling way. The gatekeeper eyed the young woman once more, trying to see her face more clearly under the grey hood which Aman had pulled up against the rain. After a second he nodded.

"Alright then, miss. If you're looking for a place to stay, the Pony is still as excellent a place as ever to stay." The gate door swung open and she walked in. The rain chose this moment to start coming down full pelt, forcing Aman to run, clutching at her staff in one hand and keeping her hood up with the other. She made her way through the slippery, cobbled streets by memory, stopping outside an old building. Glancing up against the onslaught, she was relieved to see the sign of the Prancing Pony being battered by the wind and the rain. Sighing with relief, the young woman pushed open the door of the Inn with her staff and stepped inside, lowering her grey hood to let out a mass of nut brown hair and reveal bright green eyes, set in a pale, slim face.

"Butterbur, could I have a room for a few nights please?" She inquired at the desk. The homely looking old innkeeper squinted through his glasses at her for a moment, then recognised her.

"Aman! Aye, of course, anything for an old aquaintance. How many nights may I ask?"

A cheer from the other side of the bar caught Aman's attention, and she saw a young hobbit climb precariously onto a table, supported by a few friends. His righted himself cleared his throat, using his mug of beer to gesture wildly as he spoke.

"I would like to make a toast!" He called out over the room. The men and hobbits alike cheered wildly at this, all generally happy. Aman was curious; it was evident there had already been an announcement of some kind in the bar that night, for the merrymakers had to have been here for a while to get so red faced. The hobbit seemed encouraged by this cheer and, beaming, he went on. "I would like to make this toast to the good lady Piosenniel of the Green Dragon in the Shire!"

More wild cheering, quieted down by the hobbit. Aman smiled; she knew what was coming next. "For, as you have all heard earlier....Pio is expecting! Twins, no less!"

This time the cheering was almost deafening. The hobbit raised his mug in the air, spilling half the contents in the process and called over the cheers, "To the lady innkeeper of the Dragon and her twins!"

"I will heartily second that," Aman murmered, before turning her attention back to Butterbur, still waiting expectantly for her answer. "Could I have a room for, ooh, three nights?"

"You can, Aman. Just along the corridor, turn right-"

"-And its the second door on your left." Aman finished, grinning, and took the key from the innkeeper. "Just one more thing please Butterbur: could you send a message to Piosenniel of the Dragon, telling her I'm here?"

"Can do, Miss, can do. Anything else?"

"No, thankyou, that will be everything. I think I'll just retire to bed, I think. Goodnight." Smiling once more at the innkeeper, Aman took a candle offered by the innkeeper, and went to her room, still smiling. Looking out of the window in the direction of the Shire through the dark night, she fancied she could see the lights of the Green Dragon there. She nodded in a small salute and sighed.

"Sleep well, Pio. Soon I will come to you." She murmured, before retiring to bed.

piosenniel

04-15-2003, 05:20 PM

NEW INNKEEPER STORYLINE

Derufin had not answered Pio's question as yet, and she did not push him. She considered the fact that he had not said he must leave soon a good sign. And when they had reached the Inn and gone in, she bade him good night and a good rest, and hoped that she would see him tomorrow.

She returned to her rooms and the comfort of her chair by the window. A thick shawl lay across the back of the chair, and she pulled it round her shoulders. The night’s breeze was still cool, coming from the east. It brought in a myriad of summer scents, daphne and the cool scent of The Water the strongest.

Pio let her mind drift out. Mithadan was near! He was sleeping and would be here by tomorrow. She longed to wake him, but thought better of it. Let him sleep, and come early to me.

Smiling, she settled down further into the folds of the chair. Just on the verge of falling asleep, another line of thought came through. Her eyes flew open, and she sat up grinning from ear to ear. ‘By the One!’

Sleep well, Pio. Soon I will come to you. And that followed by a laugh, and the brief glimpse of bright green eyes and long, nut brown hair.

Aman! Her old friend was close to the Shire, and only a few days behind Mithadan. So, she had received her message about the birth of the twins. ‘I wonder if she also received the one about the Green Dragon needing a new Innkeeper once the babies are here?’

Pio wrapped the shawl closer about her and thought how long it had been since she had seen her. Another lifetime ago, she thought, before she had met Mithadan and Cami and sailed on the Lonely Star. Before time had twisted for her, and brought them backward and then forward.

She remembered the young woman fondly. Garulf, the one who had given her Rochfalmar, had introduced them on one of Pio’s stays in the Riddermark. She thought on the first time she had seen her. Garulf had pointed out a figure riding toward them across the fields.

Horse and rider seemed one. The young woman rode without a saddle or bridle. Pio’s eyebrows had risen as she considered the familiarity of the animal and the girl, for that is how she thought of her then. They are so close, she thought, that each can read the other’s moves and moods, their thoughts and wishes.

Pio was surprised when the girl halted her horse before them, hailed Garulf and dismounted. She was tiny! About 5 feet 3 inches, but very strong. Aman was introduced to her, and she found it interesting that the girl did not have that awe of Elves so common to the Mannish races. Instead, she felt a certain level of curiosity come from her and the sense that Aman would be willing to accept her on whatever level she presented herself. She had, too, an amusing side to her. And during the course of the conversation with Garulf, the girl made many wisecracks, nearly driving the man to distraction as he tried to keep up with her nimble mind.

In frustration, Garulf had foisted Aman on Pio, making the excuse that he had business to attend to, and would Aman like to show Pio the new foals in the stable. Aman had laughed as had Pio at his discomfiture, and said he need not worry about them they would get on well without him.

And get on well, they did. Over the next few days they became fast friends, finding much in common. Both had a dry sense of humor which others often took amiss, and both were strong-willed. Luckily, they had not come to blows during any of their disagreements – one or the other would lift the gravity of the situation or discussion with a humorously pointed remark and the other would respond in kind. Most of their battles, ended in laughter and were washed away with a pint of ale from the White Horse.

And now her old friend was bound for Bywater! Pio reached out to her, touching her dreams.

And you Aman, sleep well also. I will be here, waiting.

[ April 15, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

piosenniel

04-15-2003, 05:29 PM

NEW INKEEPER STORYLINE

During this week, I will be introducing Amanaduial the Archer's character, 'Aman', who is coming on next Monday as The Green Dragon's new Assistant Innkeeper.

Aman is gone on vacation this week, so she left me that first post and a character description:

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Profile for Aman, Asst. Innkeeper

Name: Aman

Age: 27
Race: human

Description: Aman is an old friend of Piosenniel. When she recieved word of
Piosenniel's pregnancy, she started travelling in a rather rambling way to the Shire from her home in Rohan, anticipating her friend would soon call on her. Sure enough, when she was staying in Bree, she received word that the owner of the Green Dragon was expecting twins and would soon give birth, leaving no one in the place of Innkeeper. So she started towards the Inn at a quicker pace.

Aman is quite short, about 5ft 3 but strong, from her many travels. Brilliant green eyes, long, nut brown hair. She is quick to laugh and to make a joke, and very approachable, and quite easy to talk to. She tells little about herself, her past being known by Pio, but by few others, but this doesn’t mean she isn’t curious about other peoples, but not to the extent of being incredibly nosy.

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Piosenniel, the present Innkeeper, will be having her twins and will not be as present in the Inn (except when her trusty sword of Deletion is required! smilies/biggrin.gif)

Aman will be a great addition to the Shire Staff, and will prove a wonderful resource to Gamers of all levels of ability.

Nerindel

04-15-2003, 07:04 PM

Fawian finnished her stew and listened to the merriment around her, she smiled and fills her cup.Sits back to enjoy the evening and rest her weary bones

She looks around for someone to talk to. Maybe other rangers, it has been long since she has had good company.

Nurumaiel

04-15-2003, 08:03 PM

Nurumaiel slowed Menethon to a walk and quickly dismounted. A smile on her face, she half-ran to the door of the inn. It had been too long, she thought, though it had only been a few months since she had left. Pushing open the door, she wondered which one of her friends were still her. Belladonna, a hobbit woman... Rie, the red-headed young woman with a wonderful personality... Donnamira, or Don, the hobbit girl she had befriended, and, along with Rie, hidden from her angry aunt. Pio, the innkeeper, there was as well. Nuru could well remember helping her in the kitchen when she saw how busy the Elf was. Had she had her twins yet? And there were others besides them whose names had slipped from her mind. The Green Dragon had always been a place to make new friends and find old ones.

Nurumaiel Firithbor was tall and slender with light brown hair that fell to her waist and bright blue eyes. She was an Elf from Rivendell, but for some reason she didn't yet understand, she was often mistaken for a Man rather than an Elf. She didn't know much about her past, if you could say that. Perhaps it would be more appropriate to say nothing of her birth was known. She had been raised in Lothlorien by an Elf named Rinnanwen, but she had been told that she was not born there. She had a longing for adventure and so she had traveled from Rivendell often. To Rohan and Lothlorien, and she went to the Shire as much as she possibly could. She had met a young hobbit named Robin Brandybuck once when the lass had gone to Rivendell. An odd thing for a hobbit to do, but Robin was much like herself. She had always wanted to see Imladris, and so one day she got up, packed, and went there. Now Nuru often traveled to the Shire to visit Robin and her friend- no, her husband Dinodas. She hadn't seen Robin and Dinodas in a long while now and from what she had heard they had three children and another one was on the way.

Nuru cast back the dark hood she was wearing as she entered the inn and glanced quickly around the busy room, trying to locate any of her friends. There was a redhead sitting at the table. Nuru hurried forward with a soft call of, "Rie?" The redhead turned and Nuru saw that it was not Rie, but a man. Yet he looked almost exactly like her. "Please accept my apologies," said Nuru with a little bow. "I mistook you for an old friend of mine."

"Did you say the name Rie?" the man asked eagerly. Too eagerly, Nuru thought. There must be something concerning him and Rie. He obviously knew her, and he looked so much like her…

"Yes, I did," the Elf replied. "I met her a few months back here, and you looked so much like her that I thought for a moment you were her. Of course when you turned around I saw - "

"Of course," the man interrupted. "Tell me… is Rie here?"

"How should I know if she's still here?" Nuru demanded. "I haven't been here for months, remember, and I haven't seen her at Rivendell, most certainly." She paused for a moment, debating whether she should ask the question that was most on her mind. "Why do you care? Are you a friend of Rie's?"

"Do I look like a friend?" the man asked with a laugh. "It seems as though 'are you a relative' would be more appropriate. I'm Rie's twin brother."

"Oh, I see," said Nuru, backing up a few paces, resisting the urge to put her hand to her mouth. She knew she had said too much. The last thing Rie wanted was for her twin brother to find her. "Well, maybe she's still around… now I have to go get something to eat… I've had a long journey… and…"

"I understand completely," said the man with an amused smile. "If you see Rie around, let me know at once?"

"I… suppose…" Nuru gave a quick nod and retreated to the counter, hoping she could find Pio there. After all, she thought, the nod was only a nod of parting, not of an agreement. I won't betray Rie, of course. But I wish I could find her…

Orual

04-15-2003, 09:01 PM

When the Elf left, Talômi slouched in his chair with a frustrated sigh. She didn't trust him. He had been too eager. He laughed bitterly. Come to think of it, he wouldn't have trusted him, the way he had acted.

Months ago. Rie might have left months ago. He buried his face in his hands, his elbows propped up on the table. He should just leave. But he couldn't. He had to find his sister.

***

Rie wiped her eyes and fixed her hair. It had grown over the months, and was far enough past her shoulders that she could pull it into a braid. Just to look nice, she tucked a sprig of wildflowers that Don had at the foot of her bed into the ribbon that tied it off. She was going downstairs. She would get some water, and if Talômi was there and saw her, so be it. She'd be seen, and she would have to deal with it.

She couldn't help avoiding the common room, though, and slipped into the kitchen to get a glass of water. But while she was in there, she saw a young Elven maiden with light brown hair, a tall Elf, and her eyes were blue...

Rie's own green eyes widened to the size of saucers, and she nearly dropped the glass. Still full, she set it in the sink carefully and bolted out of the kitchen.

Without announcing her presence, the young redhead flung her arms around her old friend's neck. "Nuru!" she cried, but her voice was hoarse with emotion. "Valar help me, Nuru, but you don't know how much I've missed you! You're back! I'm so glad you're back!"

Sophia the Thunder Mistress

04-15-2003, 11:40 PM

Morwyn made her way back into the inn slowly, rubbing her hands on her skirt at the sides. Seeing Nahai still seated at the table she walked over, feeling a little hesitant after the rudeness of her sudden departure.

When she reached the table she laid the flute down, and said, "I must run to my room." She laughed ruefully, "I have been in the stable, and I'm afraid my hands are filthy and I smell like a horse." She held up palms rimmed with dirt as evidence. Nahai laughed, "Lady Morwyn! You are filthy!" she exclaimed. Nodding emphatically Morwyn climbed the stairs to her room.

When she got there she brushed the dark hair from her clothes as best as she could, and rinsed her hands and face in the basin. The dirt from Leofa's legs didn't come off with rinsing, so she took the brown soap from the table and scrubbed. When she was clean she went to her pack. She rummaged inside it. She had few things of beauty or value; no rings, no wooden flutes. She gently touched the silver locket on her neck. It contained hair from Alric and Freya. It was truly the only thing of value she had. Frustrated she flung the pack back on the bed. She knew Nahai didn't expect a gift in return, but Morwyn had been touched by the music of the flute, and desperately wanted to give something back.

As the pack hit the bed she heard the clank of metal inside it. Morwyn gazed at it, puzzled. What was in there that still clanged? She looked at the former contents of the pack strewed out around the room. Everything metal she owned was somewhere on the floor. She reached inside the pack, carefully. Pushing her fingers to the very deepest corner she found cold metal embedded in the lining. Digging with her fingers she pulled it out. Bells, a small garland of silver bells, came out of the lining of her pack. Morwyn stared at them as they lay in her hand. They must have slipped through a hole in the lining.

Morwyn closed her fist around the bells, and pressed them to her lips. They'd been Freya's, Morwyn had entertained her with the flashing silver and the jingling noises. She smiled, against the cool metal. A gift of music for Nahai...

She descended the stairs two at a time in her hurry to return to her friend. She arrived in the common room flushed and breathing heavily. Nahai gave her a startled glance as she approached the table. Morwyn smiled and inwardly chided herself on her juvenile behavior, smoothing and straightening her hair.

"All clean?" Nahai enquired, jokingly. Morwyn held up her palms for inspection. Nahai nodded, like a stern parent. "You may eat then."

Becoming serious, Morwyn glanced up at Nahai. The other woman caught the change in tone and looked at her enquiringly. "I have brought you a gift of music..." she smiled awkwardly, not knowing how to continue, "the silver sound of laughter..." Freya's pudgy pink cheeks and laughing mouth flashed through her memory. She pushed the bells across the table toward Nahai. The wooden surface muted their tinkling.

"To remind you, that frienship must not always bring loss."

Maegaladiel

04-16-2003, 12:31 PM

Nahai looked at Morwyn, touched. She had a sneaking suspicion that these bells held great sentimental value to Morwyn.

"You did not need to give me anything in return," she said. "The flute was a gift."

"As is this," Morwyn replied stoutly, not allowing room for further arguement. "A gift among friends." Their eyes met, and for a moment, it looked as though the Beorning would once again weep. But these tears would not have been of sadness. She was truly touched by this act of friendship.

Slowly her fingers closed around the sparkling garland of bells, their musical tones slightly muffled by her hand. She raised them to her heart, the sunlight dancing merrily across their silver surfaces. A dangling bell chimed once, then twice, it's light, joyous sound ringing loud and clear above the rest of the bar's noise. She smiled again, her eyes faintly glistening. She opened her mouth to speak, then closed it as the words never came. She gave a short laugh.

"Words fail to express how thankful I am, Lady Morwyn." she said. Then she was once again serious. "Your gift means much to me." Only one other person had ever presented her with such a gift, and that was Celecu. Before he had given her the silver ring, he left her a wonderful and magical gift, a wooden flute. One she played to remember him by, and passed on to someone who needed it more than she.

Nahai wrapped the bells around her left wrist, creating a kind of makeshift bracelet that sang in a joyous chorus of laughter every time she moved her hand. The gift of music was great indeed.

Nurumaiel

04-16-2003, 01:34 PM

"Valar help me, Nuru, but you don't know how much I've missed you! You're back! I'm so glad you're back!"

Nuru suppressed a scream of surprise and took Rie's arms off her neck, holding the woman back at arm's length. Then a wide smile slowly came to her face and she embraced Rie, saying, "Oh, Rie, you're still here? When I arrived I was certain you had left!" Then the smile disappeared and was replaced with a deep frown. "Rie, I saw your twin brother. I'm afraid I told him a little too much before I found out who he was… he knows that you might be here."

"Talômi?" Rie nodded. "Yes, I know he's here. Don told me."

"What are you doing down here, then? Shouldn't you be back in your room, where he can't find you?" Nuru was greatly concerned. She didn't know what type of man Talômi was, but the last thing she wanted was to see Rie dragged home against her will.

"He could find me in my room," said Rie. "All he would have to do is ask Pio for me. The three of us -you, Don, and myself- are the only ones that know I'm hiding from him. So Don took me up to her room to hide."

Nuru nodded approvingly. "She's a clever lass, isn't she?" Then she stopped, her eyes wide. She saw Talômi walking in their direction. "I think we were a little too loud, Rie," she said. "You go right back up to Don's room and I'll try to stop him for awhile." She slipped through the kitchen and came out behind Talômi. Taking his arm, she said, "Excuse me, I need to talk to you."

He turned a little startled. "Oh, it's you?" He put a smile on his face, determined to be more casual this time and see what he could get out of her. After all, if she were a friend of Rie's, wouldn't she want to help him? Unless Rie had said something… I don't care what she said to anyone, he thought. I have to find her. As he greeted the Elf kindly, he felt rather guilty, being friendly to her just to find Rie's whereabouts. No, that's not true. If she is a friend of Rie's, then I'm more than eager to meet her and befriend her.

"Well," said Nuru smilingly, trying hard to keep from looking at Rie, who was still standing there, watching the two, "I think I might be able to help you find Rie."

"That's very kind of you," said Talômi. "But first wouldn't you like to get a drink? I'm sure you're very tired from your journey. After all, Rivendell is a long way away."

"Hannad le," Nuru replied with a smile. "That would be wonderful." As he brought her to his table she smiled. If he thought he could find out where Rie was from her, he was much mistaken. But to sit at his table and have a drink with him would give Rie even more time to go back up to Don's room and think things over.

"I just wanted to tell you that I spoke with Pio about Rie," said Nuru, unashamed of her lie, "and she says that your sister is still here. What's more, she gave me her room number."

"Oh? What is it?" Talômi tried to hide the eagerness in his voice.

Nuru pretended to think for a moment, and then she shook her head. "I can't seem to remember. Maybe it will come back to me after a cool drink. But at least we know Rie is here."

"Yes, at least we know that much." He offered her a chair. As she sat down, she glanced over her shoulder and saw that Rie was still there. She gave a quick motion with her hand, hoping that Rie would go back to Don's room. Then she turned back to Talômi, praying that in the conversation that was to come she wouldn't say anything she didn't mean to. I won't betray Rie…

Fixing a smile on her face, she began. "Talômi, what makes you so anxious to find Rie?"

Annalaliath

04-16-2003, 01:46 PM

annalaliath looked up from her study of her drink, " My Tale is not like yours." she started ," I grew up in Lorien. My father was a watchman on the borders and my mother was an Elf from Rivendell.

"My mother travled alot between the two places. So when i was born it was on the road between. This was differnt. When the time of my nameing took place my father named me Annalaliath. He named me this because i braught laugheter to those around me. I tended to go with my mother on her trips so i came accostued to the beuties of both places. But my heart was truly in Lorien. There were not many other children there to play with so i spent my time learning. When I went to Rivendell there was, of course, a few children there to share my time with. Those were happy days. The mirrors and pools of Lorien helped me in my growth, and the Libraries and children in Rivendell helped me learn.

On one of these trips Mother and I came back to Lorien only to find my father had gone missing. My mother in her greif left me in the care of the Lady and went to serch for him. None have seen her sence. So this is my fate, I hace decided, to find out what happend to them."

Annalaliath looked up from the wood of the table she had been staring at, " The child is me."

She braught forth her sword once again, " this is Annungalad, I said it was made by an old freind." she smiled, " He was realy my first love, but as things go youthful passion wears away. But we stayed freinds, now he is even wed. I am gla for him." she sighed , " And now shall we speak of lighter things?"

She looked up to Morwen, as she had come over, " And now we will speak on music." Annalaliath braught forth her own small flute and played a delightful melody on the small silver thing. The notes pouring forth like tiny silver raindrops.

[ April 16, 2003: Message edited by: Annalaliath ]

Orual

04-16-2003, 02:01 PM

Rie watched as Nuru sat down with her brother, then slipped away back upstairs. She closed the door quietly behind her. She didn't know why she bothered, there was no way that Talômi could hear her from downstairs. She laughed at herself. Even if he had heard, why would it matter? She could just see her brother bolting upright in his chair, with a knowing smile on his face: "Aha! That door slamming was my sister!"

Her grin slipped off of her face. She was always running. Always running. Maybe for once she should just go and face her fears.

But it was so much easier not to.

***

"Talômi, what makes you so anxious to find Rie?"

The young man ran his fingers through his red hair, and sighed. "Well, Miss--I don't think I caught your name." Way to stall, he thought.

"Nurumaiel Firithbor," the Elf said, unwilling to be deterred. Her patient blue gaze told him that if he took all night to answer her question, she'd sit and wait for it.

"As you know, Rie's my twin," he continued. He was struggling to find the right words. "Everything we did as children, we did together. I was like her bodyguard, only she did all the guarding. She was the stronger twin, with all the ideas and ambition and incentive. I was the one who kept her from killing herself. Maybe I wasn't as much fun as she, but I was like her shadow. She didn't go anywhere without me, and I wouldn't have known where to go without her, even if I wanted to do something without her.

"But I guess that it really changed when we turned eighteen. I'm sure she's told you about how all of us are Rangers." Nuru nodded, and Talômi found himself surprised by how much he was opening up to this Elf. He was not much of a talker, but from the way he was going on now no one could have told. "When I was eighteen, I was accepted as a Ranger. My training was complete. And I started to go with my father when he went away. I think that Rie really resented it. I mean, it was bad enough when Father and Talormé and Analai would leave her home, but now her own twin was leaving her.

"I don't think that she left to punish me for leaving her," Talômi said, but his voice was uncertain. "I think she just supposed that I had made my own life away from her, and it was her turn to leave. But she didn't understand. I didn't like being away from home without her any more than she liked staying home. So when I came home one day and she was gone, I was shattered. I didn't know why she had gone, but I knew that I was going to do the same thing that I always do: follow her.

"But I guess she didn't want to be followed," he laughed bitterly, and took a quick drink. Then he sighed. "But I guess you didn't need to hear all of that. You know Rie better than I do, but I'm guessing that she doesn't want to be found. A clean break and all. I don't want to reopen old wounds for her, but I miss her so much." Realizing how much he had said, he stopped short, and looked sheepishly into his mug.

Nurumaiel

04-16-2003, 02:29 PM

Nuru found herself looking with gentle pity at the man. He wasn't at all like she thought he was. When she had first seen him, he appeared to her a man wanting nothing but to take his sister and drag her back home, just out of spite. A man who didn't care that she had her own path in life. A selfish, greedy, unfeeling man. But he wasn't that way at all. He was a man who missed his twin sister and just wanted to see her again. He didn't want to hurt her in any way, though, if he took her back home, he might do so without intending to. Nuru wouldn't betray Rie, of course, but she'd never look at this man the same way. She became serious as she looked at him. She wasn't playing with him anymore to give Rie more time. Every question she asked she would ask because she did want to know, not because it was the first thing that came to her mind.

"Tell me, sir," she said, hesitating a moment. She wouldn't betray Rie, but she had to know the answer to this question before she went to Don's room to talk to her friend. "If you found Rie, what exactly would you do with her?" An odd question, but, yes, she had to know the answer. Maybe Rie could stop hiding from her brother but stay where she was... maybe everyone could be made happy. All that depended on what her brother's answer would be.

Galenlasdur

04-16-2003, 05:29 PM

((OOC- Hrm.... I hope you don't mind, I'm introducing my charry in paragraph form....all the information is there, if you read it, I swear. And also, I haven't read of the earlier post,I plan on saving that when I have a lot of time...*glances at all 9 pages nerviously*))BIC:
The slender elven pressed her way through the Inn, eyes of bottle green as sharp as a mithril blade sweeping the Inn, her view slightly obstructed my a thin strand of silvery white hair that wagged in her pale face. Her boney shoulders tensed withing the heavy woolen shirt she wore, along with a tough high collared vest that swept down to her hips where a lighter leather took over the form of leggings followed by soft shoes that made no sound upon the hard Inn floor.

She had begun to panic again, there were too many people around...'You armed,'She reminded herself. 'If need be you could escape.' Smooth yet strong hands reached back to touch the quiver and bow on her back, the uncrannied wood calming her at least for the moment. She trusted her arrows more then the silver dagger at her hip. Being an elf of 2,323 Elven Years she could nail someone in the forehead from many a yard away, and it wasn't hard to find the enemy, if they were hiding. Her sharp eyes and ears were better then mosts, not to mention her swift feet.

Speaking of which, Isil found herself before an empty table. She slowly bent down, siting on the hard chair, her legs making their approval know as she rested from her journey here. She orginated from Northern Mirkwood and so the walk here was a long one. Home...memorys drifted back to her, the soft forest breeze waving her hair every which way, combing it gently. She remembered the birds, their soft chirps always letting her know she had someone to speak to, besides her mother and father, that is. Her past was pretty standard, she desided, almost perfect. And that was why she was here, to get away from the utopia, to have an adventure. Just then a loud drunken voice roared withing the Inn, bringing Isil crashing back to Middle-Earth from her day-dreams. She would need a pillow to rest her head on, she reminded herself, keen eyes searching the mob of people for the Inn Keeper...

Sword Maiden Of The Shire

04-16-2003, 05:34 PM

Two small figures burst into The Dragon. They looked like two young Hobbit boys in their clothing, but in fact, one was a girl; Piper, and her cousin Rorey. Both extreamely dirty: the kness of their pants, covered with dirt, their feet scratched by twigs (most likely from running from their latest pursuer over something they'd done), and leaves and sitcks in ther curly heads.

They surveyed the many faces and ran noisily to the stools and hopped up. Piper didn't notice the many embarrassed glares the elders gave her "Look at the girl's clothes...disgraceful!" they'd often gossip to one another "And that Rorey boy she assiciates with....no wonder the whole of Hobbiton is on constant watch on them".

Yes, it was true. They (much to their own pleasure,) were two of the most mischievious truoble-makers from The Hill to Bywater. Piper pulled twigs out of her flammig red hair while Rorey looked around for the Inkeeper...

[ April 16, 2003: Message edited by: Sword Maiden Of The Shire ]

Annalaliath

04-16-2003, 06:01 PM

Annalaliath lowwered he flute and laughed at the sight of the two Hobbit children. " That reminds me she said looking at the other two women sitting with her, " I was very mischievious when i was young." The light in her eyes came back, " And still am to a point."

Her face was still sudged with the charcoal and her hair fell down around her shoulders. She laughed again, " I do hope to find my parents or at least news of them." she said, " but it is scenes like these that fill my heart with joy."

She put her silver flute to her lips and again played a song, this one joy full and made for dancing. she looked at Nahai and said, " My father gave me this." she continues to play.

Orual

04-16-2003, 08:43 PM

"Tell me, sir. If you found Rie, what exactly would you do with her?"

Talômi was startled by the question. He looked up at Nurumaiel. She seemed to really mean the question.

"Do with her? Nobody can ever do anything with Rie. I guess I'd just want to talk to her, try to understand why she left. Really understand, I mean, not just my guesses. And, I mean..." He broke off, clutching the handle of his mug tightly. He didn't want to be angry, but thinking about this made him angry. "I'd ask her why she abandoned me, after I did all that I could not to leave her," he finished haltingly, and though he tried, he could not take the bite out of his voice, or the bitterness out of his words. He flinched a little as he heard himself characterize Rie as the one who was abandoning him, while all he ever did was "leave" her. He bit his lip and felt a warm flush rise into his cheeks. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. It just hurts still."

He rubbed the back of his neck and felt the tight muscles. "I don't know what she thinks I want to do, but I just want to know the truth. It'll hurt, I know that, to hear her say whatever she has to say, but then my own wounds might close. But if she doesn't want to talk, I'll just leave."

There was a pause, and he laughed. "No, I guess I don't mean that. I'd probably stay here and hope that she changed her mind. I've always been like that with Rie, you understand? I don't like to leave her. I'm the younger twin, and I was never the stronger twin, but I always feel like she needs me to be whole. Kind--" He stopped and a full blush came into his face. "That was about to sound stupid. I'll stop now."

Nurumaiel

04-16-2003, 08:50 PM

Nuru sat for a few minutes, a puzzled frown on her face. Then she stood. She knew what she had to do now. That was quite clear to her. "I hope you won't mistake me for being rude, but I've finished and I'd like to go get a little rest from my journey."

"Of course," said the man. But what she really means is that all my talk bores her. "Do you have a room yet?"

"No, but I'm planning on staying with a young hobbit friend of mine who's here. Thank you for the drink," she said with a smile. "After a little sleep I'm sure I'll be quite refreshed." And then she hastily retreated.

Oh yes, she knew what she had to do. She had to tell Rie all that had been said by her twin, and leave Rie to decide. It wasn't anybody's choice but hers. She could choose to continue hiding, or she could come out and make herself known. But whatever Rie's decision was, Nuru thought as she hurried up the stairs, she knew that there was only one place she was going... and that was to bed.

Don studied Rie carefully as she sat down on the bed with a little sigh. Something unusual was up, more unusual than it had been before. Don was determined to find out what it was, so she set her jaw and stepped forward, tapping Rie on the knee. "Hello, Don," was the answer, but Rie remained with her head bowed, not even looking at the little hobbit girl standing patiently in front of her. Or impatiently. Don tapped Rie's knee even harder and said loudly, "I need to talk to you, now."

Rie looked up with a little smile. "All right, Don, go ahead. What is it you want to say?"

"I just wanted to ask you something... what's wrong? And what's so good? You looked happy and worried at the same time. Did you see something out there?"

[ April 17, 2003: Message edited by: Nurumaiel ]

Sword Maiden Of The Shire

04-17-2003, 06:25 PM

Rorey swung his dangling feet impatiently. The two of them couldn't sit in one place for more than a minute. "Well?..." he said turning to Piper with mock-seriousness "What?" she said staring at him the same way. "Do you think we otta go tell Maggot that it was us who took his bucket of black berries?"

"Of course not!" she replied loudly "He clearly didn't want them back if he set his dogs after us!" Rorey grinned evily "Yes, that would make a cheery visit: Hello Farmer Maggot! We're just here to tell you that we are the ones who stole your black berries which it must have taken you hours to gather..." Piper burst out laughing "Yes, and if our reletives found out....mind you they would have to dig us up first because Maggot would have killed us"...

Nurumaiel

04-17-2003, 08:23 PM

There was the sound of loud laughter right behind the two children. As they turned in surprise Dinodas Green smiled at them and apologized. "I'm sorry," he said. "But when you said your relatives would have to dig you up first, I just couldn't help it. So you stole blackberries from him?"

The two children nodded, uncertain if they should speak to him or not. After all, he was a stranger.

"My name is Dinodas Green," he introduced himself. "I live here in Bywater. What are your names, young rascals?"

Everdawn

04-18-2003, 03:37 AM

Aeryn glanced up in time to see another elf at the table beside her, Isil. "You must be from Mirkwood." she smiled.

"Perhaps you would like to join us here?" she guestured to Éden and the empty space. "My name is Aeryn of Golden and this is my old friend Éden."

Nerindel

04-18-2003, 01:56 PM

Fawian now warmed by the sweet wine, leans back and softly sings:

Gil-galad was an Elven-king.
of him the harpers sadly sing:
the last whose realm was fair and free
between the mountain and the sea.

His sword was long, his lance was keen,
his shining helm afar was seen;
the countless stars of heaven's field
were mirrored in his silver shield.

But long ago he rode away,
and where he dwelleth none can say;
for into darkness fell his star
in mordor where the shadows are.

a single tear runs down her cheek, as she remembers the Elf who taught her that lay.
She suddenly remembers where she is, she lowers her head and blushes.

Orual

04-18-2003, 08:44 PM

"I just wanted to ask you something... what's wrong? And what's so good? You looked happy and worried at the same time. Did you see something out there?"

Don looked inquisitively at Rie, her brown eyes meeting Rie's green. The young woman smoothed her dress over her knees and sighed. "Everything's happening at once tonight, Don," Rie said, and, putting her hands behind her neck, fell back onto the bed.

"What do you mean?" Don asked, stretching herself out on the bed, propping herself up on her elbows.

"Well, Nurumaiel's back, for one thing. I mean it! She's tired and she'll probably be in bed by now, but Talômi almost caught me, and she distracted him so I could come up here. But when I came up here, I can't understand why I am up here. I'm running away from my twin, and I want to be done with it, and I just..." Rie groaned loudly and covered her face with her hands. "It's been the most confusing night of my life. And I don't think it's over yet."

***

Talômi went to the innkeeper and softly asked for a room. Once he got the key he went upstairs, unlocked the room, and quietly began to unpack. He had taken next to nothing, but he carefully folded each item of clothes and put it in the drawer. In that way he and his twin were opposites; he could only imagine what Rie's room looked like.

"Like a tornado hit it, I imagine," he laughed to himself. His laugh trailed off into a little smile, and he sighed and went to the bed. He was exhausted.

He had made some progress tonight, though. That Nurumaiel seemed like she might be able to help. And even if she can't, I've made a friend, he told himself. Her kind blue eyes made him feel at ease, and her patience had loosened his tongue so much...he could not remember speaking that much to anybody but Rie in years. If ever.

He pulled off his boots and crawled in under the sheets. If Rie was at the Inn tonight, she'd be there in the morning, and he was about to fall asleep on his feet. With the smile still on his face, he drifted off into a restful slumber.

Sword Maiden Of The Shire

04-18-2003, 09:00 PM

Piper and Rorey grinned at Dinodas. "I'm Rorey Millbanks and this is my cousin". He said, and nudged Piper in the side. "Piper Greenhand" she said.

"We're both from Woody End" said Piper spinning on her chair and then facing Dinodas agian. They both could still taste the blackberries. They were even sweeter when you didnt have to pick them yourself...

Nurumaiel

04-18-2003, 09:04 PM

Dinodas smiled at them. "Good for you on stealing Maggot's blackberries," he said with a nod. "That's quite a challenging thing. I'm going to be reproached by my wife for telling you that, but it's true, and I know how it feels to be young."

There was a little tap on his shoulder and he turned to see a barmaid standing here. "Excuse me, sir, but are you Mr. Dinodas Green?" At his nod, she continued, "Well, Mrs. Green is asking for you."

"Thank you," said Dinodas, and stood up. "Please excuse me." He fished around in his pocket and drew out two coins, giving one to each child. "Buy yourself a treat, and good luck on your next adventure..." He paused, and then added, "But I'd advise you not to try Maggot again. You can rob from him once or twice, and if you're lucky even three times, but then he'll catch you and Mr. Maggot is too good with a stick." Then he took his leave of them.

He found Robin sitting in their room, one hand on her belly, her eyes on the sleeping children. "Are you all right, Robin-bird?" he asked with a frown.

"I'm fine," she said, waving him off. "But I saw, whether you believe me or not, Nuru go walking by. Do you think you could watch the children so I could....?"

"Of course," said Dinodas, but he frowned still. "You know, Robin, you don't look too well. I think you should rest. Maybe we should even go home."

Robin shook her head stubbornly, her lips set. "I have to find Nuru, Dinodas." Then she sighed. "I'd love to go home, but you know we can't right now, what with renting it out. You know we're not rich, Dinodas, and the price of a room here is cheaper than living in our hole at the moment. We're being paid while by the boarders." With Dinodas' help, she got to her feet. Seeing that he still looked worried, she laughed. "Don't worry, Dinodas. The baby won't come for awhile more. Not until a few months after our innkeeper's."

"She'll be leaving soon, more's the pity," said Dinodas. "She's a wonderful person. I've no doubts that the next innkeeper will be just as wonderful, but I've gotten so accustomed to Pio, though I've only been here for a short while. Last time we were here Dwarin was innkeeper."

Robin nodded. "Ah well, Dinodas, Pio'll be back. With her twins, too. Even if she stayed here and had her babies at the inn, she would have to have someone come take over. She can't do both at the same time, can she?"

Robin walked towards the door. "I'll be back as soon as I talk to Nuru."

"And then you'll rest, do you here me? There's always such a thing as the baby coming earlier than expected."

"Not this early, Dinodas." As Robin walked down the long hall he just barely caught her final remark. "You needn't worry, Dinodas. The baby won't come until we're all safe back in our hole. You'll see."

Nuru pushed open the door to Don's room, struggling to keep her eyes open. A few minutes ago she had been determined to tell Rie everything no matter what stood in her way, but halfway up the stairs she wished she could leave it all till morning. But she knew Rie would want to hear, and she knew she had to tell. It will probably give Rie one horrible night with no sleep, Nuru thought, but the sooner she decides the better... better for Talômi and herself.

"Hullo, Don," Nuru said, smiling sleepily at the little hobbit girl, who grinned happily but did nothing more. If it had been Rie who had arrived at the Dragon again after a long absence the lass certainly would have rushed to her and flung her arms about her, but with Nuru Don wasn't as friendly. Rie was her special friend, and while Nuru was her friend, she wasn't as important to Don as Rie was.

"Rie, I need to talk to you." Nuru stumbled over to the bed and sat down next to Rie. "It's about your brother, Talômi. We had a little talk together and I need to tell you everything he said." So she did, and when she had finished she paused for a few minutes to let Rie digest it all, then continued, "Now, Rie, you have to decide him you're going to continue hiding from him or if you're going to let him know where you are... that you're here. Don't ask my advice, don't ask Don's advice, don't as Pio's advice, don't ask..." She paused, searching through her foggy brain for any other friends of Rie. "Well, just don't ask anyone for advice on what you should do, because nobody will give it to you.... it's your decision and you have to decide, and now I'm going to sleep." She lay back on the bed and was instantly fast asleep.

"We don't need to wake her up," said Don quickly. She climbed up onto the bed and stealthily reached into Nuru's dress pocket, bringing out with satisfaction a littl key. "You can just sleep in her room tonight, and I'll sleep in yours. We'll be all mixed up, but that way your brother won't be able to find you." She passed the key to Rie, and took the woman's in return. They left the room together and travelled down the hallway, coming to Rie's room first. Don opened the door and began to walk in, then paused and said over her shoulder, very softly, "Rie, I wish I were in your place. The chance to see my twin brother again... for him to find me and me to find him." Then with a murmured, "Good night," she went into the room, leaving Rie with her thoughts.

Rie stood there a few moments, wondering what to think, and then she turned to go to Nuru's room. She found herself face to face with a hobbit, obviously pregnant, observing her. "Excuse me," she said politely. "I'm Mrs. Robin Green. I won't keep you long, for I can see you'll be wanting to go to bed, but I was wondering if you're a friend of Nuru's?"

[ April 18, 2003: Message edited by: Nurumaiel ]

Lyra Greenleaf

04-19-2003, 03:47 AM

Ellie listened to Drago's tale in silence. It was so sad that as he went on she felt any anget towards him melt away, if in truth she had ever been angry and not just annoyed that he didn't rattle on as she did. Maybe she'd just wanted to be the centre of attention the way she used to be. Guilt filled her as she realised that she'd just been looking at Drago as a sort of replacement for her family and not thinking of him and his problems. Selfish, selfish girl! she told herself. Here's one of the nicest Hobbits you've ever met, and all you can think of is yourself. He needs help, and friendship more than you. He saw one of his friends die... she shuddered, then with a start remembered that she hadn't replied to Drago. From the look on his face she could tell that he was worried she would run away or something, just like those Orgy and Borgy or whatever they were called. If I ever get my hands on them they'll wish they didn't leave Drago to fend for himself! she thought grimly.

With a sob she almost literally threw herself at a very startled Drago, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Oh you poor, poor boy!" she said with a sniff, forgetting he was older than her. "Don't worry, I'll take care of you now"

Sword Maiden Of The Shire

04-19-2003, 09:35 AM

"Thank you sir!" said Rorey grinning excitedly. This was quite unexpected; an adult rewarding them for their mischievious pranks! They were both rather awe-struck.

Piper watched him leave "What a nice fellow!" she said smiling broadly. "Now, what d'you think we otta use his generous gifts for?" said Rorey. "Yes it'd be a shame to let 'em go to waste!" said Piper laughing. Both of them were in dire need of a cool drink after all that running. "Strawberry coridal for me!" said Piper silding her coin across the table. "Me as well!" added Rorey. In a few moments, both were sitting happily drinking down ice cold coridal...

excheeto

04-19-2003, 09:45 PM

Merin removed his chain-mail and left his axe at the door with the guard.He wasn't used to traveling much beyond his home territory,and though other guests could be seen with scabbards and staffs laying by thier seats,he wanted to be as polite and inconspicious as possible,besides,if he wanted to fight,he might do more harm than good with an axe.

He had found bandages for his hands the morning after he had hunted the house.By now,the pain had lessened,and much of the blisters and skin were peeling.He needed a healer,and a place to stay.He had travelled all the way from the outskirts of Rohan,but with no money,nothing to trade,and not much of a chance to improve on what was now,rather grimy looks.

Of course his nightly habits now worked against him.

Merin walked in,blue eyes darting,quickly sizing up each customer and giving a nearby window a glance before taking a seat by the fire.His wiry shoulders hung in a sigh of relief.Wrapping his stained,grey,leather cloak around him,he tucked his hands in the folds of his oversized,white tunic and rested,to the point of lightly dozing.

This place may have strange,short people,as well as humans and elves,but the air felt safe and comforting.He was short for a 21 year old human,only 5'5,and very thin,but wiry.His thick,dusty-grey hair hung to his shoulders and hid part of his face.

Dozing as he was,he was listening with acute attention to everything around him.

[ April 20, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Galenlasdur

04-20-2003, 02:44 PM

Isil glanced at the other two elves, Aeryn and Éden an embarassed smile sweeping her pale face, what little panic that was left behind now swept clean from her soul.

"Is it that obvious?" She quentioned, dark eyebrows knitting together.She didn't find that she screamed Mirkwood...well, maybe just a little, she confessed looking over her dirt covered hands.
"Anyway," She said, taking the seat next to Aeyrn. "It is nice to meet you, Aeyrn." She paused, nodding to Aeyrn then to Éden. "Éden. I am Isil."

Orual

04-20-2003, 02:56 PM

Rie fingered the key, leaning on the wall just outside of Don's room. She was still a little stunned by what Nuru had told her; had she been away from Talômi for that long? Did she understand him that little now? Tears stung her eyes, and she wiped them away fiercely. This was no time to cry. She had decisions to make.

And what an idiot she had been, worrying Don with this whole business. That was where the tears truly came from. This girl wanted nothing more than to see her own twin again, and her was Rie's twin, and of all the stupid things, the redhead was hiding! Hiding from her own brother!

Hiding from responsibility, likely, though she would never admit that. Talômi had always depended on her. He still did, if what he had told Nurumaiel was true. And she had up and run off. Some sister she was. She rubbed her face again, then turned to go to Nurumaiel's room.

She jumped a little when she saw that someone had been watching her. A hobbit, and very pregnant. Rie stood there dumbly for a moment, blinking, and the hobbit said, "Excuse me. I'm Mrs. Robin Green. I won't keep you long, for I can see you'll be wanting to go to bed, but I was wondering if you're a friend of Nuru's?"

Rie ran her fingers through her dark hair and nodded. "Yes, ma'am. Nuru and I go way back, since I first got here. My name is Talmérië. Can I help you with anything?"

Amanaduial the archer

04-20-2003, 03:42 PM

Pio's post

NEW INNKEEPER STORYLINE

The next day did indeed see the arrival of Mithadan. He was dirty and scruffy, the ride north from the crossing at Sarn Ford had been a long one and the way held its own perils despite the peace ordered by King Elessar.

He was delighted to see Piosenniel, and their reunion was a joyous one. He had many stories to tell her of his time spent refitting the Lonely Star, and he spoke to her of the new King and his hopes for the future.

Pio in turn spoke of her time in the Shire – all the wonderful people she had met as the Innkeeper in her time at the Green Dragon, all the help she had received. In a way she was sorry to be leaving, she told him.

‘But not sorry enough that you would not wish to return to your husband and children I hope,’ he said laughing, taking her hand and pulling her down next to him. ‘Only two days, is it not, and then our son and daughter will be here.’

She sat up, her brow furrowed. ‘I do still need to find a replacement as Innkeeper.’

‘And have you thought who that might be?’ Mithadan sat up beside her and poured a cup of wine for himself.

‘I have actually. Do you remember the old friend I spoke of, the woman from Rohan. Aman.’ Mithadan nodded his head ‘yes’, wondering where this line of thought was going. ‘She is on her way to the Shire, and should be here day after tomorrow. She is coming to help me.’

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

Aman's post

Aman walked slowly up the path towards the comforting and homely lights of the Green Dragon, twirling her staff slightly in her fingers, and dwawdling more than a little. She wasnt putting it off, she told herself, it was just that it had been so long since she had talked to Pio...

No, not strictly true. She half smiled to herself as she remembered how she had reacted when Pio had replied to her message, which she hadnt even realised she had sent out. When she heard the voice in her head, she almost leapt back from the windowsill, so shocked was she. Pio was the one who had showed her this strange way of communication, and the only one she had ever used it with. Well, the only person at any rate...

She found herself almost at the door of the Inn. She knew Pio would recieve her with open arms, but she still cursed her incredible ability to put things off for so long; as a result she hadnt spoken to Piosenniel for a lifetime, and so much could have happened. Taking a deep breath, the woman rapped twice on the door of the Dragon with her staff, then stepped in.

She blinked against the sudden light, and the warmth of the firelight hit her like a barrier. As her green eyes adjusted to the light in the room, she looked around her, taking in everything she could in a few seconds.

"Excuse me."

The voice made her turn and saw a man behind her, thin and wiry, his eyes slitted as if he was only just waking up, and half his face hidden by a curtain of hair. Shaking this back slightly, he stood, and Aman was surprised to see that the young man was only a few inches taller than her, and about her age.

I'm Merin," he continued, then looked her up and down, not in a leering way, merely like checking her, and looked back to the door from whence she had come. "From what I hear, you're the Innkeeper, Aman."

"From what I hear, you're the Innkeeper, Aman." The words made Aman raise her eyebrows, and the man went on quickly as if worried she might say something or attempt to throw him out on the spot.

"I don't have anything,but I'll gladly work off the price for a few hot ciders." He finished. His eyes were wider now, and contained an almost anxious look. The woman wasnt sure what to say; she had recieved one message from Piosenniel, telling her of the twins, but the words 'new Innkeeper' hadnt come into this anywhere.

"From what you hear....Im sorry, from what you hear you seem to know more about this than I do. I-"

"Aman!"

The second voice, a female voice, laced with joy and relief, made Aman once more turn. As she caught sight of the owner of the voice, her slim face broke into a wide grin as she spread her arms to envelop Pio in a huge, but, considering her present condition, careful hug. Releasing her, her grin almost splitting her face in two, she took in once more the rest of the Inn, and looked up and down her old friend, who was beaming with pleasure as widely as Amanaduial herself. Although she had certainly never been here in her life, she felt more at home than she had in a long time.

[ April 20, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[ April 21, 2003: Message edited by: Amanaduial the archer ]

Sword Maiden Of The Shire

04-20-2003, 04:33 PM

Piper and Rorey had finnished their coridal and shoved the mugs back across the table, much to the barman's/barmaid's annoyance. Shuffling on their stools, they looked around the Inn at the many faces.

They felt rather board and remembered a song that they had heard once. It was dreadfully absurd, but entertaining to them. Though their relitives had told them it was foolish to sing it, they proceeded to.

Piper began. Her fair-sounding voice ringing through the Inn:

There is an inn, a merry old inn
beneath an old grey hill,
And there they brew a beer so brown
That the Man in the Moon himself came down
one night to drink his fill.

They saw some of the guests lookup, interested. So Rorey stood up on the table. His clear Hobbit-voice drifting through the air:

The ostler has a tipsy cat
that plays a five-stringed fiddle;
And up and down he runs his bow,
Now squeaking high, now purring low,
now sawing in the middle.

The landlord keeps a little dog
that is mighty fond of jokes;
When there's good cheer among the guests,
He cocks an ear at all the jests
and laughs until he chokes.

Piper too stood up on the table, seeing the eyes of the Inn turn to them:

They also keep a hornéd cow
as proud as any queen;
But music turns her head like ale,
And makes her wave her tufted tail
and dance upon the green.

And O! the rows of silver dishes
and the store of silver spoons!
For Sunday there's a special pair,
And these they polish up with care
on Saturday afternoons.

The Man in the Moon was drinking deep,
and the cat began to wail;
A dish and a spoon on the table danced,
The cow in the garden madly pranced,
and the little dog chased his tail.

Many were laughing now, much to their own pleasure. Piper sang again:

The Man in the Moon took another mug,
and rolled beneath his chair;
And there he dozed and dreamed of ale,
Till in the sky the stars were pale,
and dawn was in the air.

Then the ostler said to his tipsy cat:
"The white horses of the Moon,
They neigh and champ their silver bits;
But their master's been and drowned his wits,
and the Sun'll be rising soon!"

So the cat on his fiddle played hey-diddle-diddle,
a jig that would wake the dead:
He squeaked and sawed and quickened the tune,
While the landlord shook the Man in the Moon:
"It's after three!" he said.

They rolled the Man slowly up the hill
and bundled him into the Moon,
While his horses galloped up in rear,
And the cow came capering like a deer,
and a dish ran up with the spoon.

Rorey began as well:

Now quicker the fiddle went deedle-dum-diddle;
the dog began to roar,
The cow and the horses stood on their heads;
The guests all bounded from their beds
and danced upon the floor.

With a ping and a pang the fiddle-strings broke!
the cow jumped over the Moon,
And the little dog laughed to see such fun,
And the Saturday dish went off at a run
with the silver Sunday spoon.

The round Moon rolled behind the hill,
as the Sun raised up her head.
She hardly believed her fiery eyes;
For though it was day, to her suprise
they all went back to bed.

They stumbled to and end laughing and grinning happily to the crowd. They leapt down from he table and bagan to go towards the counter...

[ April 21, 2003: Message edited by: Sword Maiden Of The Shire ]

excheeto

04-20-2003, 07:33 PM

Merin gave a small grin,watching the two friends embrace."I may have made a mistake,I haven't been here long".He gave a look towards the hobbit and grinned,"I've heard there was happy news about"eyeing her swollen belly,he replied,"am I wrong on assuming your a part of all the commotion?,oh,and by the way,could you direct me towards a sink and-"

He stopped eyeing the window once again.Surely he hadn't been drowsing that long?"it's getting late,how do I get a room?"he hung his head,wrapping his hands more tightly in the folds of his shirt,"I umm,I don't get out much"he mumbled.

He peered up to see the two listening carefully."Well"he thought,"I have to admit I've come off as worse than a bumpkin to many others,but it is getting late...".

Nurumaiel

04-20-2003, 08:51 PM

"Yes," said Robin with a smile. "I was wondering what room Nuru is staying in. And now that I see you're a friend of Nuru's, I'd like to say I'm very pleased to meet you. I heard about you through Don, a young hobbit lass. Any assistance you could give me would be wonderful."

Nuru's eyes slowly opened and she found herself in a strange room. Don's room.... but why wasn't she in her own room? Oh, that's right. She had fallen asleep. Then where were Don and Rie?

Nuru's eyes flew wide open and she came to the realization that it was late in the night of the 20th... and that Pio would be leaving tomorrow. "I have to say goodbye to her," the Elf muttered sleepily, trying to pull herself out of bed.

A few minutes later she was stumbling across the common room to where Pio was standing. "Pio.... Pio?" Nuru murmured, tapping the Elf on the shoulder. "I'm Nurumaiel... I helped you out in the kitchen a few months back, along with Rie. I don't know if you remember. I know you're leaving tomorrow and I'd just like to say you'll be missed around here. I'm sure the new innkeeper will be wonderful, but nobody could ever match you. Good luck with your twins, Pio, and goodbye."

Child of the 7th Age

04-20-2003, 09:06 PM

Cami bustled in to the Inn, and gave a courteous nod to Merin. She pulled back gently on his arm. "Best leave the Elf and woman to themselves for a minute. They've not seen each other in many a day, and will have a heap of stories to catch up on over the next hour or so."

She smiled over at him, "Man of Rohan, perhaps I can help a little. My name is Cami Goodchild. Some know me better as Cami Zara-gamba, or Oldbuck in Westron, but that's a tale that will bear waiting for another day."

"I'm in and out of these parts, and come by way of Greenwood from another time and place. I am a good friend to Pio and have come to welcome the birth of her twins."

"I don't carry enough clout to secure you a position here, but the staff still carry enough memories of me to slip you into a chamber for one night with no questions asked."

Cami slid behind the desk, and pulled out a key for one of the rooms set aside for the comfort of the big folk. "Give the two of them a bit of time. Miz Pio hasn't even explained things yet to Aman. After that, you may indeed want to approach the woman to ask about work, if that is your desire. We are always looking for folk to help with the mounts in the stables. And, being from Rohan will stand you in good stead."

Then she bade good day to Merin and suggested he wash up in his room, providing him with a supply of cloths to help tend his wounds.

[ April 20, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

piosenniel

04-20-2003, 09:21 PM

*+*+*+*+*+* WELCOME TO OUR NEW INNKEEPER!! *+*+*+*+*+*

Amanaduial the Archer is the Assistant Innkeeper starting Monday, April 21st.

Please come by and say hello to her. Ale, wine, cider, and tea will be on the house (as will be the ‘specialty’ drinks – though Balrogs need to limit themselves to one drink only, ingredients are scarce.)

Say hello also to Pio and the twins - sign up to babysit. smilies/biggrin.gif

Everdawn

04-21-2003, 12:41 AM

"Not really"Aeryn smiled. "I can usually tell where an elf has come from, just by the stitching on their clothes usually, but anyone can overlook that." She pushed her snow hair over her shoulder.

"Now that's sorted." Aeryn laughed. She galnced at Éden who still was wearing his grubby cloak. "Éden, you never change, take that flithy thing off." she scolded.

"Now Isil, tell us about yourself!" A new round of ale had been brought to the table with a cry, "drinks on the house." Aeryn paused as she pushed the drinks to the middle of the table. "hello..." she said, "looks like we have a new inn keeper!"

Aeden

04-21-2003, 01:26 AM

Éden laughed. "its a pleasure to meet you Isil." he smiled and sat, when Aery told him to remove his cloak.

"You call this cloak filthy? No my dear Aeryn, it has seen me through many hard times, and times of glory." He removed his cloak, revealing for the first time in a long while, his curly blonde hair. "As you see now, i am not an elf... thought that is an easy mistke to make, i am from Enedwaith it is west of Rohan.

He galnced at the new innkeeper. "Which is where I speculate our new friend, the inn keeper is from."

Nerindel

04-21-2003, 02:22 AM

Fawain watched the two hobbits with delight,
when they had finnished she stood up and clapped profusely with the rest of the crowd.
Smiling she sat back down and looked into her empty mug, she considered going to the bar to get another, when a she realised she was yawning."ah time for bed" she raises and heads for bed.

As she is leaving the door to the inn opens, she turns to see who this new traveller might be, a short woman with long nut brown hair enters the common room, then she see's an elven woman making her way towards the newcomer, the elf is very heavy with child.That must be Pio the innkeeper she has heard so much about. she watches the pair embrace wondering if this is to be the new innkeeper once pio's babies are born, not wishing to interrupt the happy reunion she smiles and leaves to go to bed. she reaches her room and flops down on her bed, happy she falls asleep.

piosenniel

04-21-2003, 02:36 AM

NEW INNKEEPER STORYLINE

‘So, are you going to introduce me to your friend?’ A tall man, dressed in black came round Pio and smiled at the new arrival. Grey eyed, hair dark as midnight and shot through with silver, he looked at Pio expectantly. The introductions were made and Mithadan invited Aman to sit with him at a table while Pio saw to getting a room ready for her. By the time Pio returned, there was much laughter, and as she approached the pair, the laughter stopped. Aman looked guiltily at her, and Mithadan’s face bore an expression of feigned surprise, his eyebrows raised.

‘Well, I see my old friend has been telling tales again!’ An impish gleam came into Pio’s eyes as she sat down with them. She poured another mug of wine for Mithadan and Aman, then settled back carefully in her chair.

‘Now,’ she said, nodding innocently at her friend, ‘let me tell you the story of the time we drank half an èored under the table in The White Horse, and Aman danced the Crossed Swords’ dance, blindfolded , on the table . . .’

The evening was a raucous one, and Mithadan was privy to yet another set of stories in which Pio and a close friend moved in and out of wild scrapes and dangerous situations adroitly and most times with humor. By the end of the evening, both Aman and Pio were tired, the wine jug was dry, and even Mithadan was beginning to yawn. They parted company, promising to see each other for breakfast. Buttercup, one of the Inn’s server’s, showed the flagging Aman up to her room and bid her good-night.

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

Early the following morning, Loëndë, Pio woke Mithadan just as the sun climbed above the rim of the world. ‘Get up,’ she said in a low, strained voice. ‘Go down to the kitchen and tell Cook it is time. Have her send Hob for the midwife.’

Mithadan pulled on his boots and stood up rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He grinned then, kissed her on the forehead, and ran to the kitchen.

The labor was short, and while Pio did not escape the normal pain that comes with bringing children into the world, still it was tolerable and soon forgotten. Mother, Father, and babies welcomed visitors for most of the day, then Pio grew tired and asked them all to leave, saying they were all welcome to come back tomorrow.

Aman, a noted late-sleeper, was the last to show up. Still rubbing the sleep from her eyes she made her way down to Pio and Mithadan’s quarters behind the bar, grabbing a half pint of ale on her way in the door. She didn’t knock, just strode on in. Looking at Pio she grinned, saying, ‘How typical! I see you’ve gone and had them without waiting for me to arrive.’

She put her empty tankard down on the table just inside the door, and drew closer to the sleeping babies. ‘Nice and quiet!’ she remarked. ‘Just like I like them.’

As if to refute her remark, the babies began to cry . . .

Annalaliath

04-21-2003, 07:50 AM

Annalaliath stopped playing and looked around the room. She spotted Isil. Annalaliath watched this person. Wondering about the stories that could be hidden behind those eyes.

Annalaliath put away this silver instrament of hers and leaving her sketch book where it was she sarted to walk around just to do so. Her energy was only matched or excceed by that of the two young Hobbits. She paced back and forth back and forth. Her mud spattered cloak flowing behind her as her caked boots(uncommon for her race to wear) flaked as she walked. She was not bord just agitated. Her eyes were still the blue grey pools they had always been and her hair the dirty blond that was falling around her shoulders and trailing after her. She just kept walking. What was this place.... that she had found and what was wrong with her? And she continued to pace.

With the arrival of the new innkeep Annalaliath retreated to her seat at the bar and she sat back down to the rest of her drink and a bit of thinking.

[ April 21, 2003: Message edited by: Annalaliath ]

[ April 21, 2003: Message edited by: Annalaliath ]

Horse-Maiden of the Shire

04-21-2003, 02:42 PM

Returned for revision

[ April 22, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Sword Maiden Of The Shire

04-21-2003, 03:13 PM

Rorey and Piper peered around at the many empty chairs in the Dragon and the people going up to their rooms. Piper stifled a yawn and Rorey rubbed his eyes.

They got off of their chairs, looked around once for Dinodas to say good-bye, and squeezed through the small crowd near the door and walked out into the cool night air. The air renewed their vigor and they raced across The Water Bridge towards their home.

The Ruling Ring

04-21-2003, 03:26 PM

Drago stumbled back slightly as Ellie embraced him compassionately. It was mostly from nervousness, from an inability to believe that anyone could react so kindly to anything he said. Between his mother, Ojo, Beoluin, and all the others he'd encountered on the road, there had been a lot of negativity. But now, it seemed that maybe it was at an end.

"Th-thank you," he stumbled, putting his arm delicately around her in a returning hug, patting her shoulder a bit. "It's nice to hear, I can tell you."

Galenlasdur

04-21-2003, 05:58 PM

Save for revised post.

[ April 22, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Sophia the Thunder Mistress

04-21-2003, 11:57 PM

Both Morwyn and Nahai looked up as the woman, Aman, entered the room. They could hardly help it, for the room was so full of the voices of the two women, Pio and Aman, laughing and greeting each other. Overhearing Pio mention on the house drinks, Morwyn promptly ordered a large mug of spiced cider, and Nahai followed suit.
After the emotional conversation that had come earlier, the two found themselves sharing funny stories about their childhood.

Nahai's childhood, Morwyn quickly gathered, had seen few happy moments, so the woman of Rohan carried the main brunt of the storytelling. After a particularly humorous tale, in which Morwyn and another girl, Hilde, had escaped their chores and hidden in the hills only to be trapped by Hilde's older brother who convinced them he was a ghost and forced them to bring him a pie in order to escape a death curse; the two women were convulsed, laughing so hard that tears ran down their faces.

"What happened when the pie went missing?" Nahai asked between fits of giggles. Morwyn rubbed the tears out of her eyes with the heels of her hands and took a quick drink of cider to compose herself.

"Hilde's mother was so furious!" Morwyn rolled her eyes, "but when Cadfael came home with berry-stains on his mouth..." The woman snorted into her drink, remembering the look on the boy's face.

Nahai collapsed into another fit of laughter, hiccupping as she intoned in a hollow voice, "I am not Cadfael! I am the ghost of Aldor!" lapsing into her normal tone, "boys..." she shook her head.

Morwyn sighed, swirling the last of the cider around the bottom of her mug. Sides aching with laughter she rested her elbows on the table and shot Nahai a glance. "Your turn." she said.

Everdawn

04-22-2003, 05:24 AM

"How can you tell if she is from Rohan Éden?" Aeryn asked looking towards the new Innkeeper.

"They say she has been appointed by Pio." Aeryn added. "My mother was of Lothlorien" she said quickly to Isil and turned back to Éden. "Pio helped my mother a while ago, so any friend of Pio is friend enough for us."

arelendil

04-22-2003, 07:02 AM

Nothing had happen at the corner table for a very long time. It was as if the company there had fallen under a spell. They sat in quiet wonder, watching the pastings of the inn flow around them.

Elwen sighed as she shook her head. she missed her friends that she had made but all were now off on adventures in the wide world.

She turned to Nostawen. "What strange twist of fate leaves us stuck at this table?" she sighed. "i think that, though the company numbers is lessened, there is no reason that we should not remain merry. Is that not true?"

Nostawen seemed to nod but her movements were very slight. Elwen was used to that. Nostawen did not need to move to get her point of view across.

"Very well then!" beamed Elwen jumping to her feet and tucking loose hair behind her delicately pointed ears. "A drink is in order!"

Child of the 7th Age

04-22-2003, 09:05 AM

Pio was taking a much deserved rest, and Aman had gone off for a bit to serve the needs of the visitors at the Inn. That left Mithadan to keep an eye on his son and daughter, helped out by their Auntie Cami who had made sure to come in and get a nose-to-nose look at both twins.

Mithadan was changing the boy's diaper with a gentle and efficient hand that seemed to suggest he had considerable experience with such things, perhaps from taking care of his many nieces and nephews. Cami gently cradled a squawling bundle in her arms, crooning to the girl with reassuring words that her mother would soon awaken. Cami took a moment to swaddle the little one in a blanket, then seated herself in the rocker until its gentle motion left the girl with eyes closed and head softly drooping down onto her shoulder. Carefully, she padded over to the cradle and laid the babe down to rest.

Then, Cami turned and fixed a sharp eye on the Man. "Mithadan, I can't keep calling her 'baby' forever. Haven't you two come up with any names for these children? They can't go through life as 'boy' and 'girl'!"

Several times, she nudged him for a response, but he only looked back at her with that irritatingly mysterious smile. Whether the couple had jointly chosen the names and were waiting to tell their friends, or whether Pio had kept the whole matter a secret until the moment when she chose to discuss it, Cami could not tell. But she had to admit she was a bit curious about what the children would be called. In all the months of pregnancy, in all their discussions and preparations, Pio had never said a word to her friend on the names she and Mithadan had chosen for their son and daughter.

piosenniel

04-22-2003, 10:12 AM

NEW INNKEEPER STORYLINE

She was accustomed to sleeping lightly, from all those months when the twins had pummeled and prodded her awake at night. She heard Cami's question to Mithadan, and smiling, went into the nursery where Cami stood, looking expectantly at the Man.

Pio grinned widely and shook her head at the ever curious Hobbit. 'There is a custom among the Eldar for the naming of children. It is the right of the Father to give the child their first name, and it is done in a ceremony called Essecarmë. This is done with much thought on the Father's part, and becomes the child's first true name. The second true name will come when they are older and choose a name of their own devising.'

'Mothers also give their children names, and they are called the 'names of insight or foresight (essi tercenyë or apacenyë. These, too, will be the true names for the children.'

'Soon, we will have the ceremony, until then, your terms of endearment will be enough.' She picked up her son from Mithadan's arms and placed him in Cami's. 'He does already know you, Cami. And not by your name, but by your strong and gentle spirit.'

Cami snorted at the stiff-necked Elf and her Elvish customs, but nonetheless fell to cooing at the curious little face that looked up at her.

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

Some time later, Pio reminded Mithadan that their new dwelling was ready for them. It would be a temporary one, until Pio and the twins were able to travel back to Minas Anor, to their home there, and to their ship, the Lonely Star.

Cami and the crew of the Inn packed up what few items were left to take and piled them in the Inn wagon. Mithadan, Pio, the twins wrapped up in their little quilts, climbed aboard. Faithful Nettle, the Inn pony, drew the wagon along slowly, taking care not to jostle the precious cargo, as a host of people from the Inn followed along.

Aman was there already, and had just opened the windows to let in some fresh air, when they arrived. Soon the family was settled in their new dwelling. The babies were sleeping soundly, and Mithadan and Pio spoke briefly to their friends, thanking them for all their help, promising a big party for the Naming Day.

Cami and Aman were the last to go. Pio gave her two friends generous hugs. 'Cami, there's a rocking chair with your name on it in the nursery - please come anytime. In fact, if you come tomorrow, we can put The Quilt up on the wall where the twins can see it. Never too young to start learning the history of the Lonely Star and its crew.'

Pio leaned down and gave Aman a kiss on the cheek. 'Thank you for taking over for me. Best you get back to the Inn soon, though. People will want their ale and wine, and I know they're itching to hear your stories. Come visit us any time.'

Cami and Aman walked down the path toward the Inn, pausing once to turn and wave back at the couple who stood watching them go.

'Treat you to a pint of stout, Cami,' offered Aman as she took the stairs to the Inn's verandah in a single stride. She threw open the door with a flourish, and stood hands on hips, surveying the Common Room.

'Drinks on the house!' she shouted. And with a welcoming grin on her face, she strode to the bar and took her place behind it . . .

Nerindel

04-22-2003, 11:32 AM

Fawain awoke to hustle and bustle outside her door. She slowly got up, and wiping the sleep from her eyes opened her door to see what was going on.

Fawain saw a hobbit and a few of the inn's staff hurrying backwards and forwards with what looked like the contains of someones room. 'Excuse me but what is going on?', A very excited hobbit turned and answered 'oh I'm sorry if we woke you, but Pio's twins have been born and we are moving their things to their new home.' 'oh glad tidings!' I exclaimed 'And when shall they be leaving?' 'very soon' the hobbit replied 'If you'll excuse me I really must get these things loaded on the cart' I nodded and the hobbit bounded away.

She returned to her room to wash and change into an elven green dress (that her elven friend Lespheria had given her for such occasions),she tied her long dark brown hair back with a simple Emerald clasp and ran down the stairs to join the well wishers outside.

After Pio and her family had left, she followed the rest of the well wishers into the inn. she took a seat by the bar and waited for someone to take her order.

Maegaladiel

04-22-2003, 12:46 PM

Nahai cast a thoughful glance at the ceiling. She took a swig of her cider, but a moment later images of Morwyn's story popped into her head, threatening to force her into another peal of laughter. She tried to hold back her giggles, her cider halfway swallowed.

"Laugh now and that will come out your nose," Morwyn said with great amusement. This only pushed Nahai farther towards the brink of laughter, but she managed to swallow without choking. Her face red from contained chuckles, she flapped her hand in front of her face.

"Sorry," she said. "My story isn't quite as funny, but it was particularly embarassing for me." Taking a drink of her cider (sucessfully, this time) she began her tale.

"As I've said earlier, I spent most of my childhood living at my uncle Beorn's house. He is usually a loner, caring more for his wonderful animal friends than the dealings of elves and men, so I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been for him to suddenly have another human in the house. But he was always very protective of me, and underneath his gruff exterior, he held a soft spot for the little child that had been dropped on his doorstep one night.

"Aside from his sheep, horses, and dogs, Beorn kept a great many bees. Not normal bees, mind you, these were giant things, twice the size of your thumb. Honey made up a great part of our diet in those days, and almost every day, Uncle Beorn would go and collect some honey from their hive.

"One day, I was out playing in the fields. It was late afternoon, but not late enough for the evening meal. I was getting hungry, so I decided to eat some honey instead of trying to sneak something from the pantry.

"In bear's form I went to the bee field, as I could not reach the opening to the wooden bee-house Beorn built as a human child. I reached into the box, and had almost achieved my goal, when one of the worker bees decided I was clearly unwelcome and stung me! Surprised, I jerked back quickly, lost my balance, and fell into the side of the bee house! The box toppled over, spilling honey everywhere. By this time, many of the bees in the field had noticed that something was amiss. I was sitting on the ground in the middle of the mess, alternating between licking honey off my paws and licking my bee sting. That was all the evidence the drones needed to chase me all the way back to the house."

Nahai laughed to herself, remembering the incident.

"Of course, it wasn't funny at the time. After I went inside, uncle Beorn was furious to discover that I had upset his bees and nearly destroyed the wooden bee house, not to mention ruined a month's worth of honey. I wouldn't go back into that field for weeks, for fear that the bees would have their revenge upon me!"

They both laughed.

"Breakage and entry!" Morwyn feigned a gasp of shock. "Nahai, you are a naughty bear!"

Nahai grinned. "At least I don't go stealing pies for ghosts!"

"No," retorted Morwyn, "You are a home-wrecker instead!" They both burst into laughter.

Nahai could not remember a time when she had a conversation like this. She felt like a couple of girls giggling over a game of truth-or-dare. It felt good, almost as though she was making up for all the social time she missed as a child. If only it could always be like this.

"Did you like that story?" She asked, her laughter now at a point where it was safe to take another drink. She waited for the woman to reply.

Sophia the Thunder Mistress

04-22-2003, 01:17 PM

Morwyn had giggled so hard at the image of the bear-Nahai sitting stunned in the middle of the broken beehive that she almost couldn't answer.

"Aye, it's been years since I've had such fun!" she laughed. Her voice felt funny for it had been so long since she'd used it for shrieks of laughter. She rubbed her temples with her fingertips as she tried to move her face muscles out of the mischievous grin that seemed to be stuck there.

Every time Nahai had moved her arm during the story the bells around her wrist had jingled merrily. That had been often, considering how the woman had flung her arms about in demonstrating gestures. Morwyn was sure that most of the other patrons had cast them sidelong glances, but she didn't care.

"Another cider?" she asked Nahai, who grinned and nodded, holding out her empty mug. Morwyn picked up the mugs and walked over to the bar where Aman the new inkeeper was chatting with a Cami and a few other people.

"More ciders..." Morwyn said to the woman behind the bar. Refilling the mugs, Aman pushed them across the counter then held out her hand. "I'm Aman."

"I'm Morwyn, from Rohan." she answered with a smile, shaking Aman's hand briefly before collecting the mugs.

"We heard you laughing," the new inkeeper said with a grin and a glance in Nahai's direction. "Having a pleasant evening?"

"Aye, the best." Morwyn laughed again, and walked back to her table. Passing one drink to Nahai she sipped at hers and relaxed.

Amanaduial the archer

04-22-2003, 03:10 PM

Amanaduial looked up as she heard an unladylike snort of laughter come from nearby. Looking over, she saw two women, both in fits of laughter and one of whom was apparently making a valiant effort to snort cider through her nose. She raised her eyebrows, wondering what had made them so cheerful, but turned back to Cami; she had seen how low their drinks were, and had no doubt that they would come over to replenish their drinks soon enough.

Sure enough, a few moments later, one of the came to the bar. Aman dragged herself away from the conversation to serve her, rather reluctantly, for Cami was excellent company. She had of course known Pio over the years in which Aman and Pio had been out of contact, and had been telling her much of the linking tales of these years; mainly about the Lonely Star, the strange crew who were involved, and the mysterious Mithadan. Aman smiled when she thought of Mithadan- it was evident how much he and Pio loved each other, and the night before they had drunk together while Aman shocked him with tales of Pio's adventures. Aman wasnt entirely sure whether Cami was having her on when she spoke about Birdland, a woman who could change her form into that of the ghastly neekerbreeker, but as the woman came up to the bar bearing the two empty mugs, she excused herself from the conversation and turned to the woman across the bar.

"More ciders..." She trailed off, not sure how to address Aman. As the innkeeper pushed the drinks back across the bar, she smiled, offering a hand.

"I'm Aman."

"Morwyn, from Rohan." The other replied, taking Amans hand then taking the ciders. Rohan? Is coincidence the word? Aman wondered. Ah well, now seemed as good a time as any to engage with the patrons of the bar.

"We heard you laughing," She grinned, taking in both Morwyn and Nahai in her bright green gaze. "Having a good time?"

"Aye, the best." Morwyn answered, laughing, giving one of the ciders to her friend.

Aman grinned back. "I can see. Nothing else would make someone so desperately attempt to snort cider through their nose." She nodded at Nahai at the point, grinning even wider, then continued, smiling companionably. "So, what brings you to the Shire? Its no easy, or short, journey from Rohan. I should know."

Annalaliath

04-22-2003, 06:06 PM

Annalaliath looked up at the two luaghing. " Oh," she said, I drifted off. Did I miss anything?" Annalaliath was shocked to find the two Morwen and Nahi laughing even harder at this. " Oh," she said," Are you shure you want more cider?"

With this she took out her silver flute and played a delightfull and silly tune to their laugheter and then she smiled, " Indeed you have chased away the night and despair!" She looked at the two women and wondered if they had even heard her words through their laughter.

[ April 22, 2003: Message edited by: Annalaliath ]

[ April 22, 2003: Message edited by: Annalaliath ]

excheeto

04-22-2003, 06:54 PM

Merin paced restlessly,occasionally sitting in front of the window,watching the moon set.

The first flames of yellow showed up on the horizon,followed by a dark red.Grabbing a drape in his jaws,he clumsily pulled it across the window.His body felt as if it were stretching out,and his paws were getting heavy.He looked around the room,blinking,as his eyes were now less adjusted to the dark.

Many things in the room had been knocked over and torn in his restlessness.He pulled the drapes back,fumbled for matches,and lit the lamp before straightening the room the best he could.

Downstairs,a small party started,celebrating the birth of the innkeepers twins.Merin washed up,ordered a cider on the house,and listened to the stories going around.

A familiar voice gave a tale that sent the crowd roaring.Merin chuckled,he had already heard it severel times,but even then,it WAS funny.

"You've forgotton part of it Nahai!"he said,shouting over the laughter,"Uncle Beorn was a loner,but you wern't his only visitor!".He made his way closer to his cousin,"It's been years!I didn't recognize you,or are you some other foolish bear?"he added with a wide grin.

Mithadan

04-22-2003, 06:56 PM

Halfred the Shirriff trotted into the Green Dragon bearing an armful of scrolls. With an imperious look at the patrons of the Inn, he proceeded to the end of the bar where he tacked one of the scrolls to the wall. Then, in a loud voice, which woke some of the less sober patrons, he cried, "You all might want to read this! Its IMPORTANT!"

Several customers leaped to their feet and rushed to read the scroll. Soon there was a fair sized crowd assembled at the end of the bar. Even those who could not read caught the sense of excitement from the babble of their friends. The scroll read:
----------------------

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BARROW-DOWNS!

On May 1, 2003, the forums at the Barrow-Downs will reach the ripe old age of THREE! While the site itself is a bit older, the third anniversary of the opening of the forums is a cause to CELEBRATE!!!!! Therefore, we will have a PARTY in celebration of the third birthday (uh, death day?) of the Barrow-Downs forums and all members are invited!!!!!

This year’s party will include the presentation of the first Barrow-Downs Awards, known far and wide as the Downies. The celebration will begin with a red carpet entrance before guests enter the Grand Hall where the ceremonies will take place. Come in costume and in character assuming the proper flourishes and airs of the Barrow-Downs elite and don’t forget to strike a pose before the paparazzi; this may be your 15 minutes of fame. But remember, there may never again be so many Administrators, Moderators and Assistants assembled in one place at the same time again, so while the party will be fun and funny, don’t forget to maintain some slight sense of decorum.

PLACE: The Grand Hall of Minas Anor (the Gondor RPG forum in a thread to be opened there).

TIME: Thursday, May 1, 2003 beginning at 9:00am EDT until????

DRESS: Formal Middle Earth Wear.

There will be an open bar, and meals will served by our polite wait staff.

COME CELEBRATE THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE BARROW-WIGHT AND THE BARROW-DOWNS!

RSVP

Horse-Maiden of the Shire

04-22-2003, 07:01 PM

Aleia sighed. "Oh, a group of friends I chanced upon in the forest," she answered. "But it is not important." She sipped some more of her ale and leaned back in her chair in contentment. She scratched her pointed ear and thought for a minute. Then she yawned and decided to do the same thing as Arawethiel.

"My dear friends, the time has now come for sleep! Take care, and I might see you in a while after I am more refreshed." The other two nodded and bid her goodnight as Aleia rose and trudged up the stairs to her room.

piosenniel

04-23-2003, 03:02 AM

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ NOTICE OF NEW GAME OPENING ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

*+*+*+*+*+* Arvedui III invites you play his new RPG: Truth in a Dark Place *+*+*+*+*+*

~*~*~*~ smilies/smile.gif Come check it out; invent an interesting character; and have fun playing! smilies/smile.gif ~*~*~*~

Find the discussion thread for the game
HERE (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=19&t=000057).

[ April 23, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

arelendil

04-23-2003, 06:12 AM

Elwen started to walk across the room, none to steady on her feet. she indeed had been sat to long in silence. it was odd that she should have trouble, she normal adjusted well but this was different. She felt stiff and...well what ever that feeling was.

"It's nothing." Elwen whispered to herself. "Just been thinking too long. you'll snap out of it." Elwen smiled to no one in particular. She was happy to be on her feet again and gave a dance steps to prove it. "That's better!" She giggled to herself.

Elwen danced through the crowded inn to the bar, weaving in and out of the crowds of people that seemed to hang about like vapour over a lake. "Something about drink that draws people in, and seems to hold them there." Elwen laughed out loud dismissing her strange mood and thoughts.

Annalaliath

04-23-2003, 11:21 AM

Annalaliath watched the mirth and then she remembered something that made her laugh. It always did, usually to tears. This memory was of her father. Many see elves as beutifull and full of grace. This time he wasn't. He was coming down the steps from thier home in the trees and missed a step. He fell the rest and when he reached the bottum he got up brushed himself off and kept walking. Until he was behind a tree beside her and then he started laugh. Of course he didn't know she was there, until she started to snort and laugh. He was embarrased to no end.

Annalaliath laughed till tears at this. She wondered if Morwen and Nahi would like to hear it. She continued to laugh at the memory snorting in the same way that she had done so long ago, when she earned her name.....

[ April 23, 2003: Message edited by: Annalaliath ]

Orual

04-23-2003, 01:52 PM

Rie rubbed the back of her neck as she struggled through her sleepiness to remember which room Nurumaiel was in. "That one down there," she said finally. "It's really Don's room, but we're mixing up tonight. It's harder to find us that way."

She flushed suddenly, realizing what she had said. "I mean, we're not in hiding or anything...except for me, and I'm just hiding from my brother, who's downstairs, I think. Nuru and Don are just helping me out. And, I, uh..." She trailed off helplessly, shrugging. Her face burned with embarrassment, and she rubbed her neck more. "But she's down there."

Celandine03

04-24-2003, 01:43 PM

Celandine watched Aleia leave. Before she left, Celandine said, "I am afraid that we may not get to see each other again. If the weather is fair tomorrow, then I shall continue on my journey." They hugged and Aleia went on to her room.

Then she turned to the others and did the same. She went to her own room and slept until sunrise. She then ate breakfast, and walking out the door, continued on her journey to Rivendell.

[ April 28, 2003: Message edited by: Celandine03 ]

Lady Alasse

04-24-2003, 03:48 PM

Quietly Alasse slipped into the inn, drawing her grey cloak tightly about her slim form. My! How boisterous it was. What could all the excitement be about, she wondered.

" Pardon me sir" she said as she tapped a old hobbit on the shoulder," could you tell me what all the excitement is about?"

" Why certainly young miss." the hobbit answered quickly, " I'm suprised you aint heard already. Ther'se to be a party in just one week, and no ordinary party at that. Why miss there haint been such a party as this since old Bilbo's eleventy first such merriment as ther'll be at this'un." he chuckled. The hobbit proceeded to give a discription of all the many doings at that very famous birthday of old Bilbo, for as you all know hobbits never miss the oppertunity for a good yarn.

[ April 24, 2003: Message edited by: Lady Alasse ]

Sophia the Thunder Mistress

04-24-2003, 08:26 PM

Flustered by her question, Morwyn looked up at Aman. "Rohan." She smiled "I have not been there in several years. I left in search of new friends and different places, and that's what I've found here." she lifted her glass toward Nahai, who obviously didn't hear the whole conversation, but raised her mug in return anyway.

"Are you from Rohan as well?" she asked smilingly, looking over the new inkeeper. Though she was very petite she looked confident and her eyes were piercingly green. Morwyn waited for Aman to answer, hoping to hear the accent of Rohan in her words. She'd love to have a friend from her homeland.

Nahai came up and joined her at the bar, leaning her elbows on the counter. Morwyn nodded her head toward her friend. "This is Nahai, she comes from the wild, on the borders of Mirkwood."

Amanaduial the archer

04-25-2003, 04:43 AM

"Glad to meet both of you." Aman inclined her head to both of the women. "Aye, I am from Rohan. Im surprised you couldnt hear it from the accent!" She laughed.

Morwyn grinned at her, pleased that she was right. Aman went on, looking at Nahai now. "And you are from Mirkwood? Once more, not a very easy distance. You have a look of one of the beornings, am I right?"

Nahai's eyebrows went up in surprise, then she too laughed, a little incredulously. "Indeed I am, Aman, although it is not often I am recognised so quickly. Are you familiar with Beorn?"

Aman shrugged. "Nay, I haven't been priveledged with that honour. Hey, maybe it was just a lucky guess." She winked, her green eyes mysterious and inpenetrable. Nahai's brow wrinkled slightly, and she looked as if she was going to ask another question, but Aman's gaze had strayed to elsewhere in the room. "Look here, we have a newcomer."

She caught Alasse's eye without much difficulty and smiled at her, inclining her head in an invitation to join them. Alasse smiled back, slightly nervously, and began to make her way across to them. Aman made a quick calculation of what she might like, then pulled her a cider and slid it over the bar towards her, still smiling warmly.

piosenniel

04-25-2003, 10:01 AM

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+* PLAYERS NEEDED! *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+

EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY FOR GAMERS WANTING TO PRACTICE THEIR HAND AT BEING ROHIRRIM.

~ * ~ Riders of the Mark can be either male characters or shield-maidens of Rohan ~ * ~

Put your character description up at the discussion thread for 'Truth in a Dark Place'.

Hurry!! Offer ends soon!!!

Sophia the Thunder Mistress

04-25-2003, 04:03 PM

Morwyn and Nahai exchanged glances as Aman quickly identified Nahai's race. Her friend shrugged and smiled, and asked Aman if she'd met Beorn.

Aman must have had contact with the Beornings somewhere, to have recognized Nahai that quickly. Morwyn shook her head, the accent of Rohan was definately in Aman's voice. When she listened she could hear it, though she thought the inkeeper must have travelled some too, if she knew Beornings.

She smiled at Alasse as Aman pushed a cider across the counter to her. As the newcomer took the drink Morwyn introduced herself. "I'm Morwyn, from Rohan. Where do you hail from, friend?"

Nerindel

04-25-2003, 05:09 PM

Fawain was still sitting at the end of the bar nursing a fresh drink, when an old hobbit entered the inn and hung a scroll on the wall next to her. She hadn't noticed him enter or speak, but he must have, the rest of the common room was watching him and many where crowding round to read the scroll.

Fawain read the scroll with the others. Her thoughts went immediately to her elven friend Léspheria and her twin brother Löthaniel, who always loved a good party.
Fawain turned back to her drink, grinning remembering the time a very drunk Löthaniel had fallen off a table he was dancing on, very undignafied and very un-elf like, she recalled thinking at the time.

Fawain's thoughts were interrupted by snorts of laughter coming from a near by table. As she looked up, one of the women at the table was raising and heading to the bar,the new innkeeper served her,they made introductions and a minute later the second woman joined them at the bar. As a third woman joined them, Fawain decided to inconspicuously listen to their conversation, she was sure it would be intresting.

Everdawn

04-26-2003, 05:47 AM

Aeryn looked over at the table where Fawain was sitting. She nodded to Éden and Isil and then asked.

"You look like you need some company... come join us, we are all friends here!" Aeryn gave her most warming smile. "and... why! youre an elf! where are you from? you must tell us!"

Nerindel

04-26-2003, 01:42 PM

Fawain suddenly felt someone watching her. As she turned around, she saw Two white haired elven woman and a young man,one of the women then spoke,
"You look like you need some company... come join us, we are all friends here!"
The woman smiled warmly. "and... why! your an elf! where are you from? you must tell us!"

This compliment suprised Fawain, then she remembered she was wearing her emerald elven dress and that her dark brown hair covered her ears, ' I may look a little like the elves of Rivendell' she thought to herself

She then rose from her seat returning the warm smile,saying "nay lady I am not of the fair folk, Although I have lived for a time in Rivendell with friends." Fawain then picked up her drink and walk over to their table and took a seat. "My name is Fawain Isilmeleo and I am from Ithilien" She sipped slowly at her wine waiting for the trio to introduce themselves.

[ April 26, 2003: Message edited by: Nerindel ]

Everdawn

04-27-2003, 01:55 AM

Aeryn laughed... turning to Isil. "or not by the stitching on their clothes. By that i suppose that way you can only tell where the garment is form!" she laughed and welcomed Fawain

"Then we are neighbours! I too must make a confession, my mother was elven, my father was a man of Gondor. I am but eighteen years old. I have never been to Lothlorien, the home of my mother. But that is where I am going, to meet her in a few months." She smiled.

"I was tought by my mother in the ways of the elves. But i was born in Dol Amroth and raised in Minas Tirith. I am a healer." she laughed again.

"let me introduce the table." She turned to the blonde haired young man. "this is Éden, he is a man of Enedwaith. And this is Isil, from the kindred of Mirkwood. Tell us, how come you to the shire?"

The Inebriated Surat

04-27-2003, 09:41 AM

Posco Boffin of Frogmorton walked in the inn to have a pint and was run over by a croud of angry men running to get their ale. He was a robust, cheery little fellow.

Posco growled in anger and stormed after the men. He wasn't about to say anything, him being only a poor little hobbit but he shook his fist at the men when they were not looking. Posco had his pint.

Child of the 7th Age

04-27-2003, 12:50 PM

***********Players Needed***********

"Hunt for the Dragon" -- This game is still looking for five dwarves and one Man from Long Lake to join them on their adventure.

Here is your chance to win fame and fortune. See "Hunt for the Dragon" discussion thread....

Cami Goodchild, Shire Moderator

[ April 27, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Envinyatar

04-27-2003, 02:21 PM

Derufin spied the newcomer sitting alone at the table. The Innkeeper was busy, attempting to unravel someone's complaints about too many Big Folk in a Shire Inn. He watched as she drained the tankard and set it down with a satisfying thunk on the table.

'I wonder who she might be,' he thought to himself, drawing two foaming half pints from the tap.

A welcoming smile on his face, he approached her table and placed one on the table before her. Without invitation, he sat down, raising his mug to her as he did so.

'Welcome to the Inn. I'm Derufin,' he said in introduction, then raised his eyebrows at her, questioningly. 'And who might you be, and from where do you hale?' He sat back comfortably in his chair and took a large pull at his tankard.

After a moment she spoke . . .

[ April 27, 2003: Message edited by: Envinyatar ]

Nerindel

04-27-2003, 06:54 PM

Fawain put down her glass and looked to the group "ah that is a long story, where to start", "hmm yes the beginning I think would be best" she took another sip of her drink then began.

"I was brought up in Henneth Annûn by my mother, I knew nothing of my father save his name and that he was a Dunedáin ranger of the north. My mother hardly spoke of him and when she did it seemed to me that her heart would break, so I never pressed the issue with her. My Mother was a ranger of Ithilien and I rode often with her and the other rangers, although they would never let me ride with them into Ephel Dûath, where they scoured for the evil creatures that hid there."

Fawain paused to take another sip of her drink before continuing "My mother also rode often alone into the woods of Ithilien and spent much time with the woodelves that began dwelling there"

Fawain looked at Isil and said "I do believe they were of your kin in mirkwood, they say that they came with Legolas Greenleaf, but this I do not know for sure" she smiled and continued her story.

"One Spring night as my mother returned from one of these visits, she stumbled apon a band of orcs that had choosen this night to flee from Ephel Dûath,she fought valiantly I was told, when she was found eight orcs lay dead at her feet." Fawain choked back the tears threating to over whelm her, she gritted her teeth and added " the cowards had killed her from behind." " off course we went after them, we being myself, those of the rangers that could be spared and some of the elves that were close to my mother. we persued them though the brown lands and across Rhovanion. The Elves of Mirkwood were a great help here and we managed to kill half of the orc band, but the other half managed to make it to the misty mountains.The Orcs knowing the mountains better than us laid an ambush and some how in the battle that ensued I got seperated from my companions. Not knowing these mountains I soon was lost, I had no horse and no provisions, only the clothes I had on,my sword at my side and my bow on my back,and all my arrows spent. I wandered for days before I found what I now know to be the high pass. by this time exhaustion and hunger were taking there toll, and luck was still not with me for in the pass lurked three rogue goblins as I approached, they came ot of nowhere, I was to weak to even lift my sword let alone try to swing it. I felt a sharp pain in my shoulder and fell to the ground. I suddenly heard the thundering of hooves I tried to look up but all I saw was the gleam of two swords one short and one long and the foul smell of goblin blood, then I passed out."

"I awoke a week later in Rivendell, and standing over me, were to Tall, dark haired elves Identical in every way with the exception that one was female and the other was male. they introduced themselves as Léspheria and Lóthaniel Denfëa. I spent many years in Rivendell and had many adventures with the twins before I returned to Ithilien.

A few months ago I received a strange message from Lóthaniel to meet him here, that he had something of great importance to discuss with me?" Fawain shrugged her shoulders "so here I am"

she smiled at the companions. Noticing that their drinks where finnished she said " Let me order another round, and then you can tell me how it comes that a woodelf and two people of the south are this far north." she then got up and went to the bar to order another round and hurry's back to the table. setting the drinks down she relaxed back into her seat.

[ April 27, 2003: Message edited by: Nerindel ]

Nurumaiel

04-28-2003, 11:04 AM

Robin smiled pleasantly when she saw how embarrassed Rie was. "Thank you," she said. "That's most helpful." She paused, and then added, "I suppose you must be the redhead that Don was looking for awhile back?"

"Yes, I suppose I must be," said Rie.

"I won't keep you any longer, because you must be sleepy," said Robin. "But I'm pleased to meet you, and I hope I'll see more of you. I can't help but be friends with Nuru's friends. That's how I met Nicrabanwen." She smiled in apologize. "I won't go rambling on about that, though," she said. "Good night."

"Good night," Rie replied, and stumbled sleepily to her room, still pondering over Nuru's words, while Robin made her way down the hall and knocked softly on Nuru's (or, in this case, Don's) door.

Amanaduial the archer

04-28-2003, 01:25 PM

Aman looked up as the newcomer came in, serving her and pulling her a drink. She was about to start a conversation with the slightly glum looking woman, before she felt a pull on her elbow and looked down. At this, a righteous looking hobbit began his arguement about Big People in the Shire.

"Excepting yerself, of course madam, and the lovely Pio- lovely innkeeper that she is- but these Big Folk in the Shire...oh, I dont know, its not natural, them always lookin' down on us and that, causing all sorts of trouble..."

Aman nodded mildly at the hobbit, glad that she had apparently been cleared of such charges, but wondering when humans and elves had been "causin' all sorts of trouble"...

Another man had now moved over to the young woman, so she wasnt left on her own. Aman smiled at him, and recognised him as she did so- Derufin, one of the Inn's regulars, and a good friend of Piosenniel, as she had introduced him personally. She made a note to thank him personally later. For now she turned back to the indignant hobbit and his views on 'The Big Folk.' Finally, she butted it, and pushed a drink across to the hobbit, telling him it was on the house with a smile. He was so chuffed that he beamed back, breaking off his lecture and completely forgetting that all drinks were on the house and trotted off to his friends.

Glancing out the window, Aman saw that it was getting dark outside. She stifled a yawn. Despite her lie in this morning- she was notorious for her lie ins- she was already feeling tired. But as she surveyed the room, she felt herself start smiling again, for no other reason than she was completely satisfied.

Joanne

04-28-2003, 04:31 PM

The door of the Green Dragon Inn swings open as MoonFlower enters. Taking in her new surroundings, she decides to stay here. FInding an empty table she sits herself down and orders an ale.

As she looks around, she notices all new faces. "Ahh a brand new start!" she thought to herself. After finishing her ale, she tries to find someone who could help her find a stable for her horse.

elven maiden Earwen

04-28-2003, 10:13 PM

The door the the Green Dragon opened once again. Iris walked in. She had long curly hair. She gazed around the inn. It was very crowded. Iris had just come from Bree and she was quite tired. I think I'll ask the inkeeper for a room.

Iris headed for the first person she saw.
"Hello, I'm new around here and I was wondering if you by chance new where the innkeeper was."
She took another look around the room. Everyone seemed quite friendly. Maybe I will come out here and talk a little once I take a nap and bath.

[ April 29, 2003: Message edited by: elven maiden Earwen ]

cerinel

04-29-2003, 09:46 AM

a tall slender elf walks into the inn. she carries a swird four daggers and a bow awiht a quiver of arrows. she looks around the inn anad begins looking for a spot to sit and to think about her father, who she has not seen for many years.

looks around at the others in the inn and doesn't even blink. her long blonde hair lies upon her shoulders and as she throws the hood of her cloak back.

[ April 29, 2003: Message edited by: cerinel ]

Elora

04-29-2003, 02:07 PM

Giving her hair a last precautionary smooth over, Vanwe stepped onto the verandah of the inn and peeked warily through the door. Her journey northwards had been littered with lessons of what could come from stepping carelessly into an inn. There came to her hearing the buzz of many voices and laughter, a tapestry of sound that seemed at ease. Her shoulders relaxed somewhat beneath her thin cloak and she took her first step into the Green Dragon on small and light feet.

Vanwe stood by the door, wide eyes carefully inspecting the common-room. No uniformed soldiers, which was a good sign. Her hand rose to hover by the hood of her cloak as she completed her review. Her other hand fingered the meagre coppers that remained guarded in the pouch that hung from her belt. She nibbled a full lower lip as she considered, her decision evident when she pushed her hood back and unlatched the clasp at her throat. She turned to review the system of coat pgs by the door which inhabited the wall behind her.

Just in case she was mistaken, Vanwe selected a peg that would enable her to quickly grab her cloak should she need to leave at speed. The road from Khand had been an adventure for the young elven maiden that had offered her more than a few lessons in life. It was not to be wondered at, given her mother and father, however it had taken her by surprise. Vanwe had encountered more than a few inns. Mostly, their kitchens where she would work, sometimes the commonroom when she could afford a proper meal, and the stables as beds and rooms were beyond her purse. But also, Vanwe had learnt how important it can be to make a quick escape when a soldier saw her mother in her young face or a fellow traveller looked hard enough to realise that she was too young to be on the road alone. That invariably brought her more attention than Vanwe was accustomed to, particularly in the southern realms where her mother had been particularly infamous.

Vanwe was simply clad. She had little protection against the elements in the plain periwinkle dress she wore. Her cloak was the difference between a bearable night spent under a hedge and a miserable one. Her cloak safely stowed, she turned back to the room and searched out a table. Careful to keep her gaze averted until she had more time to examine the inn's guests, Vanwe found tables and chairs were at a premium.

People gathered in clusters that she wove through, walking through fragments of their tales as she passed until at last she came to the counter. Behind it worked a very capable woman whose face held no ire in it. Given the poor state of Vanwe's finances, it boded well. Perhaps she would see if there was something she could do a little later, once she was sure.

For now, Vanwe dug into her purse and withdrew a copper that she fingered. One wide blue eye on the innkeeper and another on the room, she waited patiently for a chance to attract the innkeeper's attention. As the woman moved along the bar in her direction, Vanwe leant forward. A fall of pale blonde hair fell over her shoulder and onto the bar counter, which she hastily tucked back behind her ear.

"Excuse me, good Lady Innkeep. Might I trouble you for a glass of watered wine, please?" Vanwe held her copper forward, for she had found that sometimes innkeepers took one look at her and doubted her limited means extended even to watered wine. With a polite, hopeful smile, Vanwe made sure the innkeeper could see she was not entirely insolvent.

As she waited, Vanwe ran through her plan. It was a vague plan, but it was the best she could come up with knowing so little about the way of the world. First the wine, then a chair, then perhaps see if she could offer her services. When she had a few more coppers, then she could continue her search for her mother and her father's grave. Problem was, coppers went so quickly. Especially when the roads were so empty and she was alone with only a belt knife and what little she had learnt in the small village in Khand.

Vanwe was tired of sleeping in trees and running from bandits who kept possession of her coppers. She was also tired of soldiers mistaking her for her mother, but they possibly could give her clues. So that meant she had to go to inns where soldiers sometimes gathered. It was her only way of learning of the emerald eyed elven woman of Finarfin's House without venturing into garrisons. A vague plan, a belt knife and 3 coppers. It wasn't much, but it all Vanwe had. Hopefully, she could add a glass of watered wine to that tally and at least warm herself.

[ April 29, 2003: Message edited by: Elora ]

[ April 29, 2003: Message edited by: Elora ]

Maegaladiel

04-29-2003, 02:22 PM

Nahai was genuinely surprised. How had the lady Aman known that she was of the Beornings? Aman had said that she had never met Beorn, and there certainly wasn't a great number of Nahai's kind running around. Nahai herself had only met three other Beornings; her mother, father, and uncle. Did this mean that she was not as alone as she thought?

She looked at Morwyn. She and the new inkeep had a common homeland, Rohan. Nahai wasn't sure if Morwyn looked glad to see someone from her old home, or if it made her sad. Perhaps both.

Finally she turned to Annalalaith. The elf's flute sang gleefully, showering the air with it's silvery rain of music. Annalalaith... Nahai struggled to recall the elvish lessons Celecu had tried to give her. Anna..Lalaith.. 'Gift of Laughter'? That sounded about right. It was a good name, and it suited her well. The elf's song ended, and she laughed as she put down the instrument. The name suited her very well.

Amanaduial the archer

04-29-2003, 03:32 PM

Amanaduial tilted her head to one side as the copper was offered to her. The woman on the other side of the bar gave an anxious, hopeful smile in return, and brushed a strand of heair behind her ear nervously, then placed the coin on the bar between them.

"Watered wine, please." She repeated, even more politely, her voice quiet. This was a woman who was evidently used to being turned down.

Aman pushed the coin back over the bar. The woman's face immediately fell, and she took her coin and turned to go. Aman leant over and caught her shoulder. At this she spun around, as if thinking she would be caught. "No, nothing like that!" Aman laughed, quick to explain. "No, not that either. Drinks are on the house, have been all day."

"Free?" The woman inquired quietly, as if not sure of the word. Aman laughed again and nodded.

"Aye. Tis my first day of work- the Innkeeper Pio left earlier today after the birth of her twins, and I'm standing in. Can I get you anything? Not watered wine," She added hastily. "How about a cider? Or a pint? Anything you wish, and it is free, honestly."

The woman here regarded her with a look of suspicion, as if she was about to turn around and renounce it all. Then, slowly, she smiled back. "Well...well then, can I have a wine. White, please."

Aman smiled and got the requested beverage. She gave it to the woman, then offered her hand. "Shall we start again? Aman, not an ogerish innkeeper, not about to turn you out, and quite ready to give you a room for the night."

The elf smiled bashfully and took her hand. "My name is Vanwe." She replied.

As she did so, another came in. Aman caught her out of the corner of her eye and smiled to see another newcomer. She inclined her head to a hobbit who was near the newcomer and nodded at his inquiring look. The woman saw the hobbit now and walked up to him, a small, polite smile on her face.

"Hello, I'm new around here and I was wondering if you by chance new where the innkeeper was." Aman picked up the words from across the room, quiet as they were. The hobbit smiled, and obligingly pointed in the direction of Aman, and said a few words Aman didnt quite catch. The newcomer looked over, caught Aman's eye, then nodded to and thanked the hobbit, before beginning to make her way over.

"A friend of yours?" Vanwe inquired, getting a little bolder now she was grasping that she was welcome.

"Nay, few around her would be. I am from Rohan, a pretty distance from this neck of the woods. Where is it you hail from?"

elven maiden Earwen

04-29-2003, 06:21 PM

"Thank you" Iris said. She headed over to where the hobbit had said the innkeeper was. Rember the innkeeper's name is Aman she reminded herself.
"Hello, I'm Iris Brockhouse. I just arrived from Bree and I'm quite tired. Would I by any chance be able to get a room." Iris said nevously.
"Yes certinly" Aman said in a cherry voice that made her feal better. Yes I will come back down after a bath she thought.
"Your room will be ready soon".
"Thank you".

Iris walked over to a hobbit.
"Hello my name is Iris."
"Hullo I'm Moonflower,"Iris looked around. THere were so many people here. Everyone seemed so friendly. It wasn't like back home where there were al those big folk.
"Are you from the Shire" Iris asked timidly. She wasn't good at making friends.

Elora

04-29-2003, 06:56 PM

Vanwe's shoulders slowly unknitted as she found the friendly welcome of Aman given to her as freely as the wine. Truly, the young woman was astonished. Never had such a thing, free refreshments for whomever asked, she encountered. She held her glass of white wine, unwatered being a further marvel, and examined it as though she was half expecting it to all vanish in a puff of smoke. When it proved amenable to remaining solid in her grip, Vanwe sipped at it and ventured her question of Aman.

Her surprise at her own boldness was in the slight widening of her eyes as the words tumbled out. Only one sip of unwatered wine and such a question! Vanwe studied Aman and saw no reproach in her face. She easily replied, the musical name of Rohan falling easily into the conversation. Again, Vanwe's eyes widened, but it was not surprise at her forwardness. She fingered the stem of her glass in a brief and fleeting habit that led her to drum her fingers when thinking quickly.

A simple question, she reasoned, with no harm meant by it. Yet Aman was from Rohan and in Rohan Vanwe knew her mother remained wanted for crimes too henious to be credited. Indeed, most had passed into legend and been attributed to some demon rather the woman who had abandoned Vanwe at the age of 4. Aman's brow lightly furrowed at the slight delay in Vanwe's response, and she rushed to fill the breach.

"I come from Khand, A- Aman," Vanwe stumbled, unsure of the proper title and not wishing to make herself more unusual in doing so. "Surely it is different to Rohan, but such is my home." Aman absorbed the clumsy reply. Vanwe raised her glass. "And neither in Khand, nor Rohan, nor at any place upon the road I have travelled along have I encountered such generosity! My thanks, Aman!" Youthful exuberance lit her face as she smiled disarmingly.

Again she sipped at the wine, more moderately so as not to completely befuddle her wits. But Vanwe's thoughts were filled with a voice that sounded a lot like the Village Elder from her erstwhile home in Khand. The voice was not a happy one. Khand and Rohan had never been easy allies. She may have soured any chance of a roof or a meal with blurting out that. Worse, the puzzle of an obviously elven woman hailing from a village in Khand was bound to be curious at the least for anyone that may see fit to listen.

"Khand? A long journey to make no mistake, Vanwe!" came Aman's reply. Vanwe could not be sure if it was surprise, doubt or something else that she heard in Aman's voice. She had always found it a little difficult to properly understand the Edain, and the fact that the people she tried to understand were foreign to her experience did not make it any easier. Vanwe bobbed a curtsy, a habit she had learnt when something or another she had or had neglected to do earnt the displeasure of the Elders. The movement, smooth and elven in character by her very heritage, emphasised further the oddity of an elf, from Khand.

Whilst Vanwe made awkwardness seem like an art form, a hobbit passed her by in search of a table. Hobbits, where Vanwe hailed from, were rarities and she was still trying to school herself from fascinated and delighted study of hobbits when she encountered them now. Hobbits were none to fond of strange elves staring at them as a general rule. She smiled at Iris as the hobbit passed her by and looked back to Aman.

"Yes, a very long way, but I am glad to come to this place. Perhaps, when it is a little quieter and I would be delaying you, I could speak further with you?" Two sips of wine and the easy manner of Aman had thoroughly disarmed Vanwe. She had the presence of mind to gawk inwardly at her boldness. Aman gracefully smiled, "Of course you may, Vanwe." Vanwe, having pressed her luck far harder than it had ever proved wise to do so since leaving Khand, gratefully bobbed again and turned back to the crowd with her glass in hand.

The bright music had ended, a marvel in sound most unlike the music she was accustomed to. In fact, everything was not like what she was accustomed to. Vanwe carefully made her way to a vacant chair and folded herself into it. Setting her glass of precious free wine on the table, she withdrew from the small pouch at her belt a piece of folded paper and a pencil, another new thing she had discovered.

As ever, she guiltily glanced around as she brought the pencil out. She had "found" it after a particularly noisy barroom melee and was waiting for it's owner to pop up again. Such things a pencils were surely not common. When noone shouted a challenge to her ownership, Vanwe the pencil thief, review what she had written on the now unfolded paper. When she spoke again to Aman, she wanted to be sure to use her opportunity well.

In the congenial blur of noise, Vanwe was soon marking down additional notes to the ones made along the road. Relaxing, she no longer heeded protecting the top of the page where she had made a heading. The name of Naiore Dannan, Lady of the Swan and Terror of Mordor, was clearly marked in her flowing handwriting. No matter what, at least she owned her mother's name. Now she could perhaps learn more of the woman. Maybe she could even learn enough to find her, or her father.

Slowly, Vanwe drained her glass as she wrote and read and amended. She had a list, of what she knew, what she needed to know, and it looked possible that she might be able to add to the former and cross something out of the latter. Her face relaxed into a smile that had been all too rare in recent days as she warmed in her chair.

Child of the 7th Age

04-30-2003, 07:10 AM

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+NOTICE*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+

See the Hunt for the Dragon discussion thread. Come chase after a live cold-drake who has been kidnapping helpless Dwarves and Elves.

Wonderful opportunity for posters to play a dwarf or a male human. Do your profile and first post and give it a try. Game runs for about 2 months.

Also, a rare opportunity to play a female dwarf masquerading as a male.

Cami Goodchild, Shire Moderator

[ April 30, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Annalaliath

04-30-2003, 11:42 AM

Annalaliath looked at Nashi and smiled, " My father gave me this name." She looked at the Breoring, " do you winder why?" looking at her, Annalaliath looked at them and started in again...

"Many see elves as beautiful and full of grace. My father was usually very graceful, but this time he wasn't. He was coming down the steps from their home in the trees and missed a step. He fell the rest and when he reached the bottom he got up brushed himself off and kept walking. Until he was behind a tree beside her and then he started laugh. Of course he didn't know she was there, until she started to snort and laugh. He was embarrassed to no end.
I laughed till tears at this." she looked at Nashi and Morwen and started to laugh at the memory snorting in the same way that she had done so long ago, when she earned her name....

" Now you know, and if you want to understand I was still a very young child. But my father falling down the stairs like that was just hilarious."

Maegaladiel

04-30-2003, 12:23 PM

Nahai laughed as Annalalaith finished her tale. She tried to picture an elf, a race that seemed to float as they walked, falling down a flight of stairs onto his face. It proved to be quite an amusing image. She could almost hear Annalalaith's silvery laughter echoing through the trees at her father's slip.

"Aye, I can see why he chose to name you Gift of Laughter." Nahai said. "Elven names are truly beautiful. I can understand very little elvish, but it sounds so magical. I'm always afraid to speak it because my clumsy tongue would ruin it!" She thought of the language of the Beornings, a strange tongue that sounded like animal noises turned into talk. Elvish was the sound of silver bells, and Beorning was that of rocks hitting an iron pail.

Elven names always had beautiful meanings, too. Annalalaith: Gift of Laughter. Celecu: Silver Bow. Morwyn: Dark Maiden. She didn't think 'Nahai' meant anything. It was probably just a pretty word someone thought up when she was born. Something that both bears and men could pronounce. Maybe someday she would pick an elven nickname for herself. Something beautiful and flowing.

"What are you doing so far from an elf city?" Nahai asked Annalalaith suddenly. "I don't mean to pry," she added quickly, and somewhat apologetically. She wanted to know her story.

Sophia the Thunder Mistress

04-30-2003, 01:19 PM

Morwyn listened to Annalalaith's tale too, her laughter rising to the surface again as she pictured the elf and her father dissolving into giggles together.

"The elvish languages are lovely." she said with a smile. "My mother was from Gondor, her name was Finduinan, which means long flowing hair." She smiled fondly at the memory of her mother, whose lovely hair she had not inherited.

"Where is your mother now?" asked Annalalaith. Nahai winced at the question, but Morwyn was unfazed. "She died. She wasn't a young woman when I was born. She died when I was a teenager." Annalalaith looked sober. Morwyn briefly wondered what the elves thought of mortality, but the thought was passing.

"Come now!" she scolded the elf, "our 'Gift-of-Laughter' can't be sad..." She tipped her head to the side and smiled at Annalalaith, whose eyes twinkled mischievously.

Nahai looked between the two of them, a grin spreading over her face. Morwyn glanced up at her, her grin becoming wicked. "Anyone feel like mischief tonight?"

Orual

04-30-2003, 01:46 PM

He couldn't sleep. Talômi went downstairs and took a seat in the common room, tracing the rim of his glass of water with a finger. His dark hair was tousled, and light rings were around his eyes from his lack of sleep. He just couldn't relax enough. Maybe a few songs would help him.

He saw several new faces in the Inn, new even since he had gone upstairs. Two young Elven maidens, one talking with Aman, the new innkeeper. People moved like a river through this place. It was altogether possible that Rie had left.

He leaned back and ran a hand through his hair. Somehow he didn't think that that was the case. From what the young hobbit lass and Nurumaiel had said, he strongly suspected that his sister was still here. It was only a matter of time before he found her, and they could settle things.

A few minutes passed, and the low hum of talk continued in the room. The lights were a little dimmer than they were during the day, giving it a comforting atmosphere. Talômi looked up at the staircase, and smiled.

"Hello," he said in a soft voice. "It's been a long time."

***

Rie smoothed her green skirts, though she didn't need to. She returned her brother's smile, though hers was more shy. "I know," she said, taking a hesitant step forwards. She rubbed her neck again, and her eyes drifted to the floor. She couldn't face Talômi yet. Why had she done this now? It was such a mistake.

"Care to take a seat?" Talômi asked, pushing a chair out for her. She smiled again and went over to sit.

He was just like she remembered. His gentle voice, his sparkling eyes, his strong features, just like her father's. His messy hair that would never sit right no matter what their mother did to it. His large, calloused hands, and the little scar right below his elbow from that time he had fallen off an old wall that she had decided to climb on. "I missed you," she said quietly.

"Did you?" She looked up, and saw Talômi's eyes sparkling in an altogether different way. He was angry, and hurt. "You didn't seem too eager to see me."

"I was afraid it would be like this," Rie said tensely. "I don't want you to be angry at me. I didn't leave because of you. I didn't--"

"You didn't even tell me," Talômi said, his voice tight. "You didn't give me any hints. I didn't know where you'd gone. Mother thinks you're dead."

"I didn't think I was going to go through with it until I left," Rie protested. "I'm sorry, Talômi. I never meant to hurt you," she added, in a whisper.

Talômi's face relaxed, and he smiled. It was the smile that she remembered. He put his left hand over Rie's right. "And I don't mean to hurt you, Rie. I didn't come here to take you away. I came here so that you could take me back. I want to stay here with you, if that's what you want to do. Stay, I mean."

Rie's green eyes widened. "I thought you wanted to bring me back home, just when I'd found somewhere I belonged."

Talômi laughed, but he sounded offended. "You really thought that? How could you think that? Rie, I'd never do that without your consent. Not that I could. Honestly, I thought you knew me...both of us...better than that."

Rie laughed with him, though hers was held no more mirth. She was ashamed at having misjudged her brother like that. A tear slid down her cheek, and Talômi reached over the table to catch it with his finger. "Don't cry," he said. "Forgive and forget. I told Mother and Father that if I found you, I'd send them a letter. I'm going to stay with you, Rie. I think I'll like it here."

Rie rubbed her face with her hands. "Forgive and forget," she echoed. She looked up, and Talômi was smiling--really smiling, like he was happy--and she leaned over the table to embrace him, not noticing the water that she spilled. "I missed you," she whispered into his shoulder.

He did not respond, but let her cry for a little while. The whole fiasco was finally over.

[ April 30, 2003: Message edited by: Orual ]

Annalaliath

04-30-2003, 02:06 PM

Annalaliath looked at Nahai, " I am serching for any sign of my parents." she said. Annalaliath wondered if the truth behind her convictions could be seen in her eyes, but all the same she was looking for signs of her parents.

She looked twards her new found compnaions wondering if they trused her and if they could be trusted. Then remembering Morwen she said, " We have both lost parents. But in the way of Elves and mortality, we know a bit about it but not in the ways of sickness. Some more than most." She sighed and looked down to the bord.

" But let us put away such dark things and cast some light onto our hearts." she looked up as she said this and noticed a new face amoung all the others (cerinel) and motions her to come join them.

Elora

04-30-2003, 06:02 PM

Vanwe was absorbed in her work and had lapsed in her characteristic cataloging of all who normally entered a room. She found her glass was empty, it dawned upon her how much time had passed and she oblivious to it. Her head bounced up and she swept the room. Again, no uniformed coats. The table where the three women chatted merrily was familiar. New guests had arrived that she had not noticed. She would not get very much further if she failed to be alert.

She set her pencil down as she looked about, her eyes snagging on a table where two such guests now sat. A man and a woman, who shared a bond that she could sense from the other side of the room. It was in how they sat, their faces as they looked at each other, their smiles that flitted over their expressions. It looked to be one of comfort. To Vanwe it looked rather nice and idly wound strands of blonde hair around her fingers as she watched on.

Perhaps belatedly it occured to the young elf that staring at people she did not know in a commonroom was perhaps not a wise thing to do. She reluctantly dropped her gaze back to her paper. The questions column was too long for her to be happy with. Where had her mother last been sighted? The possible answers had been entered and scratched out already. Some had Harad. Some pointed her to Dol Amroth. A trail of place names that lead across Gondor and through Rohan, weaving northwards. Noone had been able to venture a possibility when she asked of her father though. That was blank.

Vanwe folded the paper and stowed it back into her pouch along with her appropriated pencil and looked around the room again. This was a nice place. It was nicer than many of the places she had been. If she started asking questions now about the Terror of Mordor, she'd promptly be tossed out. People did not like to discuss Naiore Dannan under any circumstances. She looked back to the table where the man and woman sat. Were they related, she wondered. It must be nice to have family.

Her decision made, Vanwe got to her feet with her empty glass and returned to the bar and Mistress Aman. She had a ready smile prepared for the innkeeper when Aman looked in her direction. "May I have more wine, please Aman? It is so crisp and refreshing." Beside her, patrons were discussing a cold-drake in the north preying on hapless Elves and Dwarves. Yes, she liked where she was very much for the time being. It was much better than a hedge, or a cold-drake. Her questions could keep a little longer.

********************************
OOC: Aman, I am hesitant to write dialogue for your character as in my experience I need to be more familiar with their lexicon and rhythm of speaking as well as their character to do it proper justice. You seem more than adept with writing Vanwe's dialogue though, so please don't think I object to you including it. I will delay a little further before including Aman's replies until I have a proper grasp of her "style". I say this lest it be seen as reluctance to interact. I am doing what I can to not step on toes or overtly intrude smilies/smile.gif

Meoshi

04-30-2003, 06:23 PM

Daethaur had heard many things in only a few hours. There were many tales being told and plans being made; A dragon was burning some distant land in the East(near Helcar, from the sound of it), The Naugrim were planning an expedition to a place called Dwimorberg, and there were rumors of a Seer in the far south. Not to mention whispers about a Dark Lord(not Melkor, he was now sure) and the mention of a distant land called Khand.

He had many questions, and there was sure to be someone knowledgable here, of all places. So Daethaur rose from his chair and walked to the table with the three female Moriquendi. "Can you tell me what year, or month, or Age it is, and what is going on in the world?", he asked the one called Nahai.

(OOC: Please excuse my character's First Age wording, he's been hiding under a mountain for ten thousand years)

Nurumaiel

04-30-2003, 06:42 PM

Nuru's eyes fluttered open as she heard a soft knock on the door. Groaning, she slithered forward, trying to get her head under her pillow. The knock sounded again, and she sat up, her eyes flashing angrily. "I'll show Don not to wake me up in the middle of the night," she muttered dangerously, advancing silently forward. Turning the key in the lock, she flung open the door and glared angrily at the hobbit before her. "Well, what have you to say for yourself? I was trying to get some sleep." She stopped, and tried to make her eyes focus. Something was different about Don. "You look... bigger?"

"I should expect so," the hobbit said. "I'm expecting my fourth child."

Don, expecting her fourth child? What was this all about? "Then how long have I been sleeping?"

"I don't really know, but I can't talk long, because Dinodas is with the other three and he needs to get some sleep."

"Dinodas? Oh!" Nuru stopped, grinned, and opened the door wider. "Come in, Robin, and sit down somewhere... anywhere. The bed is rather a nice place to sit... more comfortable. I thought you were Don, playing some prank on me."

Robin smiled and went in, plopping down on the bed. She watched as Nuru closed and locked the door, and stopped for a moment before turning around, trying to smooth her wild, tangled hair with her fingers. How long had it been since they had last seen each other? A few months? No, it must have been at least ten years, because Nuru hadn't seen any of the children yet.

"How are you, Nuru?" she asked hesitantly. How did someone who hadn't seen her friend for over ten years start a conversation, anyway?

"I'm doing all right," said Nuru, sitting down next to Robin. "I was here for a month or two and I just came back after a little absence. What about your children? How are they?" An odd question to ask. Nuru had never seen Robin's children before.

"Wonderful," said Robin. There was an uncomfortable silence. Robin played with the little ribbon tied around her right wrist, twisting it and untwisting it, watching Nuru from the corner of her eye, who was looking at the ground.

"Er.... what's Rivendell like?" A groan nearly escaped Robin's lips as soon as she had uttered that question. What a silly thing to ask! She knew perfectly well what Rivendell was like. She'd been there before. It wasn't like it was the kind of place that changed often because they rearranged things or fires happened or the like.

"Oh, just the same."

"And what's that like?" You know perfectly well, Robin Brandybuck, the tortured hobbit thought, forgetting once again that she was now Robin Green. Was talking with one of your best friends ever so miserable? I'll try again tomorrow, she thought firmly. Nuru is tired and my poor Dinodas. She sighed with a little smile, then stood up. "I'm sorry I have to go now, Nuru, but Dinodas will be wanting to go to bed."

"Yes, of course, I'm sorry," said Nuru quickly. "I am so sorry."

"Oh, for goodness' sake, don't apologize!" said Robin in exasperation. "Listen, Nuru, we got off to a bad start because we're sleepy and all. My head is in a horrible muddle. But tomorrow we'll go have breakfast together and you can meet the children and we'll start all over again... and really act like old friends."

The idea seemed wonderful to Nuru, so she bade Robin good night and climbed back into bed. What was Rie doing? That question played in her mind over and over again, keeping her from falling asleep. I hope whatever she did, it's for the best. Knowing Rie, I think it will be. Still trying to comfort herself, she at last fell into a troubled sleep, filled with fitful dreams.

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: Nurumaiel ]

Amanaduial the archer

05-01-2003, 02:35 PM

OCC: Elora, Cerinel, check your PMs

Maegaladiel

05-02-2003, 11:29 AM

Nahai nodded to Annalalaith, her eyes distant. She wished she had the hope of finding her own parents, alive and well, somewhere. But they were dead. She witnessed their murder, so there was no hope of ever finding them among the realm of the living. Everyone she ever loved, save her uncle, now resided in in the same place: the halls of the dead.

Pushing such thoughts deep into the recesses of her mind, she smiled and turned to Morwyn. Morwyn glanced up at her, her grin becoming wicked. "Anyone feel like mischief tonight?" Nahai leaned forward, interested.

"Aye, what sort of mischief do you have in mind?" The twinkle in her eyes showed that she was ready for anything Morwyn could suggest. But she waited for her reply anyway.

She was startled by a male's voice behind her. Turning, she saw he was addressing her.

"Forgive me, sir," she said "But I do not pay attention to passing time. It is yet another restriction, and I try not to limit myself to time's boundries." She grinned amiably at the stranger. "But perhaps one of my friends here knows. I am Nahai of Mirkwood, and these are my companions Lady Morwyn and Lady Annalalaith. Please join us in our merrymaking!" And without waiting for his reply, Nahai of the Beornings swiftly ordered another spiced cider and slid it down the bar to the stranger.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Maegaladiel ]

Laiquendi

05-02-2003, 12:58 PM

A cloaked figure wanded through the doors of the inn, she had a quiver slung over her back and a bow of Mirkwood origin. She stopped briefly and looked around, her face still covered by her dark green hood. She took her hand of her sword hilt and walked furthur into the warm inn.

She sighed, as she looked for a spare seat, she was tired after traveling for days. She was an Elven exile and lived with the Dunedain, she sometimes dissapeared for months at a time, but that was always expected. She looked around again for some friendly faces.

The Daughter of Gollum and Shelob

05-02-2003, 01:08 PM

Returned for revisions

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Amanaduial the archer

05-02-2003, 01:55 PM

Aman saw the odd figure come in and a frown crept over her face, her eyes widening as the woman spoke to Nahai. She tried to catch the eye of the strange elf, before giving up and speaking, as the elf was now approaching another and, as she had already accused the gentle Nahai of murder, she dreaded to think what was next.

"Welcome to the Green Dragon. Can I get you anything to drink?" She asked, perhaps a little overly cheerfully, in a bid to distract the woman.

The Daughter of Gollum and Shelob

05-02-2003, 03:05 PM

"No! How would I want something to drink?" the weird elvess was filled with rage.

"Perhaps I shall explain the story to you... my name is Nannaliel. I was born to great parents... terrible but great. I never knew my mother. She died when I was only a baby. My father was a fool; but a brave one. He was killed in a most horrible way. This Nahai, her beloved hobbit friend pushed my papa off a rock... he fell into darkness... flames..."

Nannaliel began to cry.
"Outside... is the man... who will help me get my own back... I need to know the origins of this cursed halfling..."

With these words, Nannaliel grabbed a man's ale and gulped it down in one go.

[ May 06, 2003: Message edited by: The Daughter of Gollum and Shelob ]

Meoshi

05-02-2003, 03:33 PM

Daethaur smiled a wry little smile, though no one could see his features right. Despite his horrendously bad encounters with Elves in the past, these were quite kind. Perhaps it was that they were female. Any male Elf would have drawn a sword on him in a moment.

He sipped at the cider. It would seem scaldingly hot to most, but he enjoyed it. Not quite as strong as the last drink he had had.

Just then his new theory about Elven behavior was shattered. Daethaur looked over his shoulder, and saw a (relatively)young female elf shouting about Nahai. "You, my dear, are responsible for the murder of my father!"

Laiquendi

05-03-2003, 07:20 AM

She smiled at Arman, though her face was still hidden, "What do you serve? Something warm please", she spoke in a fair voice, almost musical. She looked around and sat at a nearby table. It had been years since she had been in these parts, and everything had changed.

She looked over at the elf who was shouting at Nahai. There were argument everywhere it seemed, in these days.

Amanaduial the archer

05-03-2003, 09:53 AM

"What do you serve? Something hot please."

Aman nodded and relaxed. The woman seemed friendly. Aman shook her head; she had just been worried because of the very odd woman who had come in, but had now stormed out again, and the quiver the woman was wearing hardly did anything to soothe her fears. There were too many weapons which appeared to be bristling inside this Inn, but the mood, now Nannaliel had gone, was calm and merry again. A hot beverage....

"Hot chocolate, or coffee? Or maybe something stronger?"

When the cloaked figure, her face still obscured, answered, Aman could hear a gratefull smile in her voice. "Maybe...maybe something a little stronger?"

Aman nodded, and turned to where she had been heating some wine, for outside the weather had taken a turn for the worse. She frowned slightly- snow, at this time of year? Pouring out some of the thick, heated wine, she came around the bar to give it to the woman, who smiled and took it, although she still didnt lower her hood. Strange, but then, people have a right to privacy, she supposed.

Laiquendi

05-03-2003, 11:23 AM

Lalaith took the drink, grateful for the warmth. She had spent to much time among humans, the cold was starting to affect her.
"Thank you" she told the innkeeper. She opened her mouth to say something else but decided against it. Instead she followed Aman's gaze to the window.
"Snow, tis going to make traveling hard tonight if it stay's put"

She was glad to have someone friendly to talk to. She decided she liked Aman and that she was trustworthy. She smiled again, glad of that. Her fears were dashed as she sat back and drank some of the hot wine. Feeling the warmth of it down her throat, and warming her up.

She turned back to Aman and seeing her anxious face looking at her weapons.
"Do not worry, i'm not looking for trouble in these parts"
She smiled again seeing her face relaxe.

The Daughter of Gollum and Shelob

05-03-2003, 12:36 PM

Suddenly, the gentle Lalaith felt a hand on her shoulder. It was Nannaliel, the strange elvess from before, who had returned.

"Please," she said. "Have you seen Nahai? I need to talk to her. I was forced out of here before, but I must have a word with her."

Nannaliel pointed outside. "Tell her I am waiting for her there."

Laiquendi

05-03-2003, 12:54 PM

She turned, and frowned beneth her hood. She put down her drink.

"I'm sorry, I have not been here long, as of yet I am the only one I know here. I wouldn't know of anyone called Nahai, but if i hear of her i'll be sure to pass on the message. Your name?"

"Nannaliel" she answered, "and thank you"

Lalaith nodded in reply.

"I will keep my eyes open for her, Nannaliel"

Nannaliel stepped back and retreated outside. Lalaith turned back to her drink, in deep thought.

Annalaliath

05-03-2003, 04:10 PM

Annalalaith looked at Nahi, " what is going on?" she whispered as Nahi moved to talk woith the strange man. Then as Nahi introducied the strange man to them she raised her hand in greeting and smiled sheepishly. She still wondered what was going on when suddenly she heard two women talking as she sat thinkig:
"Please," she said. "Have you seen Nahai? I need to talk to her. I was forced out of here before, but I must have a word with her."

"Tell her I am waiting for her there."

"I'm sorry, I have not been here long, as of yet I am the only one I know here. I wouldn't know of anyone called Nahai, but if i hear of her i'll be sure to pass on the message. Your name?"

"Nannaliel" she answered, "and thank you"

"I will keep my eyes open for her, Nannaliel"

As Annalalaith heard this she grew slightly alarmed. Is this a good thing, she wondered. Annalalaith slid down the bar, " Nahi someone is talking about you." she whispered.

She felt nervious. This kind of thing always made her feel nervous. She started to tap her fingers on the bar rapidly. She wondered why anyone would try to even pick a fight with Nahi. Annalalaith stoped her tapping and stood up, without waiting for Nahi to reply she went outside into the dark.

The Daughter of Gollum and Shelob

05-04-2003, 07:45 AM

Suddenly, Nahi felt a hand embracing her. The sound of a drunken laugh tickled her ears.

"Don't worry, old mate! It's me, Nannaliel. Call me Nanna. Sorry for scaring you before... was just rather tired from me trip..."

Nanna hickupped. She took a sip from her ale.

"I don't want to scare you or anything. Just tell me... do you know the current location of your friend Odo Draggins? He is a nasty, foul little murderer..."

Laiquendi

05-04-2003, 08:18 AM

She started to listen around the inn, her elven ears hearing more than any human.

"I don't want to scare you or anything. Just tell me... do you know the current location of your friend Odo Draggins? He is a nasty, foul little murderer..."

She refrained from turning around to see who spoke. Quietly she sipped her drink, not wanting to bring trouble to the inn.

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: Laiquendi ]

Maegaladiel

05-04-2003, 11:11 AM

Nahai looked at the elven maiden in suprise and confusion. Odo Draggins? Murder?

"Odo Draggins?" she repeated, "I fear you may have mistaken me for someone else, milady. I have never met anyone by that name. I feel for you and the loss of your father, as my own parents have been stolen from me, but I am afraid there is little I can do to help you." She smiled, somewhat mischeiviously. "Don't worry about paying for the cider, by the way, it's on the house today. You can thank the new inkeeper for that." She took a sip of her own drink, relishing its flavor on her tongue and thinking about what the elf had told her.

"Perhaps if you tell me more about this Odo Draggins, I may be able to offer you some assistance. I have known very few people in my life, but maybe one of them might be able to help." She leaned forward, waiting for her to reply.

Beside her, Annalalaith drummed her delicate fingers on the hard wooden bar nervously. Probably fearing a fight would break out, the elf retreated outside. Nahai watched her sadly, wishing she could do the same. She hated to lose her new elven friend without saying goodbye, but didn't want to get her into trouble, either. She hoped she would return once this whole issue had been settled. If it could be settled without Nahai and this elf woman killing each other.

On her other side, the dwarf sipped his cider and looked very uncomfortable, probably on account of all the elves in the bar. Nahai herself felt somewhat out of place among all the beautiful elves in the Dragon, and they reminded her all too much of her long-dead elven love, Celecu. Which of course made her even more uncomfortable.

Dismissing his fair face from her mind, she forced herself to look back at the elf maiden and waited for her reply.

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: Maegaladiel ]

Sophia the Thunder Mistress

05-04-2003, 11:23 AM

Morwyn had listened to this whole conversation silently, the thoughts of mischief driven from her head for now. Nahai had handled the woman's accusations remarkably well, but she was shaking. Annalaliath looked worried as well.

Morwyn took a deep drink of her latest mug of cider and gazed around the common room warily. How was it that Nahai, who trusted no-one until recently, was so well known to these people?

"Perhaps we should retire for the evening?" suggested Morwyn quietly to Nahai and Annalaliath. "Things may quiet down by morning..."

Maegaladiel

05-04-2003, 11:43 AM

Nahai felt herself nod to Morwyn, but, realizing what she was doing, quickly shook it in disagreement.

"Perhaps you two should retire," she replied softly, "I don't want any harm to befall you two on my account." Morwyn looked unsure.

"Wouldn't it be best for you to leave?" she asked the Beorning. Once again, Nahai shook her head.

"I have never met any of these people in my life," Nahai whispered back, "and yet this elf knows my name, and connects me to her father's murder. I want to know what is going on. Maybe I can help her. Maybe not. I just want to know." Morwyn looked skeptical, but Nahai seemed to know what she was doing.

"I'll be fine," she assured the woman, "I seriously doubt that this will end in fighting, as it's not allowed here. And even if it does, don't think I've never had to stand up for myself before. And if this is to be my last drink of cider, at least I'll see my family and love again in the halls of the dead." She added the last part as a joke to frighten Morwyn, taking a big sip of her cider to make a point. She laughed, showing her that it was all in jest.

Amanaduial the archer

05-04-2003, 11:51 AM

Aman's gaze turned once more to the newcomer, and she briefly wondered whether she could throw her out. No, it was snowing, she wouldnt throw anyone out into the snow just for this. She just hoped the elf was just tired, and would calm down.

She caught Morwyn's eye, and the latter nodded slightly- Aman didn't want there to be trouble in her Inn, and Morwyn didn't want her friend to get involved with any trouble with murders. The gentle Beorning had already been accused of murder, and all of them could see it had hit her hard, as would be expected. Morwyn turned to Nahai and Annalalaith.

"Perhaps we should retire for the evening?" She suggested quietly to both of them. Annalalaith nodded quickly, and the shaking Nahai also agreed.

"Good night, Aman." Morwyn nodded to the young Innkeeper as she passed, and the other two followed.

"Yes, good night Aman."
"Aye, see you in the morning."
"Sleep well, all of you." Aman smiled to them as they passed and put down the glass she had been cleaning with a small clink. Then she looked back up to the elf Nanna who wandered the room. She steeled herself and went to talk to her.

"Do you intend to stay the night, Nannaliel?" She asked politely. The elf turned, then sighed and shook her head.

"Nay, I think not. I will continue my search for Odo Draggins, I think."

"We do not wish for any trouble in these parts." Aman's voice had a slight edge to it now. The elf looked sharply at her, then inclined her head.

"Good night, Innkeeper." Aman nodded back, then the elf turned and went back out of the Inn, putting on her cloak from where it had hung on the door. She smiled her odd smile at Aman briefly, then left into the snow.

Aman watched her go, then had to force herself not to sigh with relief. She didnt want someone like that stirring up trouble with talk of murders and murderers, especially not when she had accused one of the other customers of being such. Turning back into the room, she surveyed the room's thinning population- it was getting dark and as it did so many of the people staying in the Inn were retiring to bed and others were leaving the other dwellings nearby before it got too late. She hoped they wouldn't have trouble on the road, for the snow was getting heavier now. Aman dismissed it though- it was unlikely to get too heavy.

"One hour and those not staying may like to get off to wherever else they're staying before it gets to dark and too snowy." She announced to the room at large. Her announcement was greeted by a few murmerings and looks in her way, and a few vague smiles by some of those in the Inn who had obviously had a few too many. Looking around, she saw the woman who had come in earlier, her cloak still up over her head, still alone at an isolated table. She had taken a liking to the woman, mysterious as she may have seemed, and Aman decided to go and talk to her. Keeping herself to herself was fine, but it was likely that she might have a few tales of her own to tell, and there was nothing better for a wet night.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

OCC: TDoGaS- you have been sent a PM, which you didnt respond to. Your character was not really suitable, but you are welcome to return to the Inn with a different one.

Hapman

05-04-2003, 12:25 PM

A tall man with laughing blue eyes strolled casually into the pub and leant onto the counter. He smiled widely and snapped his fingers to get the barperson’s attention.

“Good sir. One pint of your strongest ale, please.” When he had his drink he walked to a table and sat down, leaning against the comfy seatback.

He took a look around. The pub was packed. All manner of people were crowded inside, sipping drinks, talking, arguing and just sitting looking hostile. Especially young, ‘amazingly beautiful’ female elves. They didn’t seem a very happy bunch.

“Ahh well,” sighed he as he surveyed the scene. You always got a multitude of supposedly dangerous types, glaring out from under their hoods, fingering their blades and generally trying to look mysterious. He didn’t go in for that. He wouldn’t say his name until someone asked, but he’d start a conversation. Hmm, who looked most unapproachable? He picked up his half drunk ale and went over to a young elf of unknown gender.

“Mind if I sit with you?” he inquired cheerily. He got a glare that could melt steel, but sat down anyway, extending a hand.

“Come here often do you?” he asked, knowing he would get a snub as an answer, but trying anyhoo.
_____________________________________________

*Is this ok as my first post? I'm making a point that over half the people here seem to be young, extraordinarily beautiful elves, looking hostile and supposedly evil. I'm too cheery for that so i had to be controversial! Didn't mean to offend anyone though. Hurry and post back!*

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Amanaduial the archer

05-04-2003, 12:32 PM

The man snapped his fingers to get Aman's attention, something she strongly resented, but she turned to see a pair of likeable, cornflower blue eyes looking around, although they only skimmed her.

"Good sir. One pint of your strongest ale, please."

"Sir? Miss, Madam, Ma'am or Aman I will take, but please, not sir." Aman smiled, then started to pull a drink for him. Meanwhile the man was looking around, before his eyes fixed on a lone elf, and he resolutely walked towards her, his step jaunty. Aman grinned slightly as he began to talk to her, before walking over with his drink.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
OCC: Thats fine, welcome Hapman.

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: Amanaduial the archer ]

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: Amanaduial the archer ]

Hapman

05-04-2003, 01:05 PM

Getting no reply to his cheery question, he smiled all the more and asked "So what's your name?"

"None of your business," snapped back the girl, rather rudely.

"What's not my business I make my business. What's your name?"

Feeling slightly unsure of the confusing speech the stranger had just made, she answered "Laiquendi. What's yours?"

"Tundil." he answered. "Call me Hapman."

"That's a jester's name" she sniggered.

"So I'm a joker. What's life without laughter?" Tundil asked. He slurped up the rest of his ale and went for a refill.

"So...Aman, was it? Do you know that girl? The one who's a prickly as a black bramble."

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Laiquendi

05-04-2003, 01:41 PM

((i'm not that evil am i?????????))

She nodded to Hapman (???) in greeting.
"Please call me Lalaith"
She made a gesture to Aman, inviting her to sit and join in their conversation.
"Please, i would very much like to hear about what has been happening around here. It's been a good few years since i have been in these parts"
Aman nodded and smiled as she sat down.
"Gladly" She still glanced nervously at her weapons.

Lalaith smiled again.
"As i said before i am not looking for trouble here. I would take them off but..."
She faultered, seeing she had already said too much.

She watched Hapman get up for a refil, slightly suspisious.

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: Laiquendi ]

Nerindel

05-04-2003, 04:09 PM

Fawain had been sitting with Isil, Aeryn and Edén, drinking wine, conversing merrily and listening to the passing conversations taking place in the inn. Her two new friends looked tired so she politly excused herself and headed to the bar to get another wine.

As she reached the bar she noticed that Aman was not there, she looked around and saw her sitting at a table with a young girl, a tall man and a mysterious... Elf??? (she assumed noting the intricate design on her quiver).

An intresting group, I think I'll join them she thought to herself. So she got up and walked towards them " Hi my name is Fawain Isilmeleo from Ithilien" she smiled, not waiting for them to answer she took a seat.

Aman turned to her saying "I was just going to get drinks would you like anything?"
Still smiling Fawain replyed "A White wine please" Aman nodded and went to get their drinks. I hope she joins us I would much like to get to know the new innkeeper aswell she thought to herself.

piosenniel

05-04-2003, 05:06 PM

ALL NEW POSTERS TO THE INN, PLEASE NOTE:

The Rules for posting in the Shire are contained in The Red Book of Westmarch - please be familiar with them before you post here.

All posts not meeting the minimum standard of 2 paragraphs minimum per post in the Shire's games or Inn and 2 sentences minimum to each paragaph will be sent back to the poster to be reworked.

All chat style posts or posts which encourage only dialog between players is forbidden and will be sent back to the poster to be reworked.

Posts may also be sent back by the moderator if it is felt the writer needs to deepen the descriptions in the post.

NO CHAT ABBREVIATIONS ARE ALLOWED IN THE SHIRE - NOT IN GAMES, DISCUSSION THREADS, OR IN THE INN.

If you wish to chat with a friend - take it to PM (Private Message) or to the Barrow Downs' Chat room.

The Inn is the place where you show us how well you write, so that when games come along we can recommend you.

Thank you!

Piosenniel, Shire Moderator

piosenniel

05-04-2003, 06:19 PM

Please note the above post, as well as this one:

I want to see posts that are much more descriptive than most of the ones I have been reading. Many rely too much on dialog for any substance.

Also - please check your posts for Capitalization, Spelling, Punctuation, and of course Paragraphs (which are done by DOUBLE SPACING between them so they show up distinctly).

I will be sending posts back to Inn posters who do not seem to be taking care with their writing. I will save your post's space for you to re-place your re-worked post as necessary.

Thanks! ~~ Piosenniel, Shire Moderator

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Tinuviel of Denton

05-04-2003, 10:45 PM

A young woman of indeterminate race, cloaked and hooded, entered the common room. She glanced around shyly, hoping that someone, anyone would look at her, or speak to her, or even welcome her. It had never happened anywhere else. She didn't expect it here, though there was something gentle about this place. Something homelike, about this land called the Shire.

Everyone seemed to be in a group. Except for a lone elf with a writing pad. She seemed to be observing everyone, even as she sipped her wine. Perhaps this person could be a friend. Except the woman knew that if this elf were to meet her, the elf would turn away like all the others did. No one wanted any part of someone who didn't even know her own name. If she could find her name, perhaps someone would want to know her.

The woman started to approach the elf, then thought better of it. This elf was probably like every other person the woman had ever met. Still, she could try. Now decided, the woman stepped farther into the room.

----------------
I hope this is okay. I've never done this before.

Child of the 7th Age

05-04-2003, 11:06 PM

The hobbit cut in and reached out her hand to the newcomer. "Tinuviel, you're doing just fine. I'm Cami Goodchild, one of the moderators in the Shire. I'm in and out of the Inn on occasion, keeping an eye on what goes on here."

"As you can see, I'm a hobbit. My father is a Harfoot, and my mother a Fallohide. I'm a friend of Piosenniel and also of Aman who is our other assistant Innkeeper."

"Come pull your chair by the hearth and tell us something about yourself. From what part of Arda do you hail? And tell us something of your kindred and lineage. What brings you here to this distant land?"

Cami bustled over and took a flagon of ale, setting it down on the table in front of her new friend, wondering if she would open up and share any tales with her.

Everdawn

05-05-2003, 01:49 AM

Aeryn had been thinking for a long time. "I think, I will travel now to fair Lothlorien, where the leaves fall ever golden" she said to the others.

And then to Éden "I trust that you will go with me? You have been so quiet now, and I know that you would never let me go alone old friend." She turned her cold stone-grey eyes to the window, "And I think I will leave in the morning."

[ May 05, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Hapman

05-05-2003, 06:46 AM

"Well, hello, Fawain Isilmeleo from Ithilien," grinned Hapman. "I am Tundil- you can call me Hapman, most people do. This is Laiquendi..and this is the good lady innkeeper, Aman. How do?"

He extended a long arm and gave Fawain a firm handshake, which vibrated up her arm. Then he turned back to Aman.

"So, how about that ale?" he asked cheerily. None of the three girls could work out how he could be so happy all the time. "Fawain. What brings you here? Especially in such weather." Hapman slurped his fresh beer and indicated the pouring rain. "You must be a traveller. Am I right?"

Laiquendi

05-05-2003, 06:55 AM

She lowered her head in a friendly bow. And before answering she glanced around the inn again.
"Greetings, Fawain Isilmeleo. How are the lands of fair Ithilien? Tis been awhile since I ventured there. My name is Lalaith"

Again Lalaith felt she had spoken too much, even though she felt she liked these people there were still many that could not be trusted. Even in these parts. She returned to her silent mysterious self and sipped at her warm wine. Listening carefully to those around her. She hoped that she would find news of these parts, as none now came out into the strange lands of mirkwood and furthur deep to the east.

[ May 05, 2003: Message edited by: Laiquendi ]

Sophia the Thunder Mistress

05-05-2003, 11:25 AM

Morwyn returned down the stairs slowly, recalling the events of the night before. She wondered where Nahai was and how she'd been doing. She was still a little shaken and wandered over to the bar quietly. Taking a quick glance around the room she didn't see Nahai anywhere. She must still be asleep. Morwyn sighed and placed her elbows on the table, resting her cheek against her hand.

Aman came over to where Morwyn was sitting and passed her a large cup of hot coffee. "You look like you could use this." she said kindly. Morwyn smiled. Could she ever. She hadn't slept much the night before and knew it was obvious. She touched the bags under her eyes with her fingertips before answering.

"I must look as bad as I feel. Thanks for taking care of that mess, has Nahai been down?" Morwyn carefully added sugar to her coffee, sipping experimentally to check the sweetness. She poured just a little more in and stirred. Aman shook her head.

"She hasn't been here yet." the woman answered. Morwyn sighed. It had been a long night.

Annalaliath

05-05-2003, 11:55 AM

Annalaliath sighed and went back inside . After a while she decided to retire. She didn't sleep but paced back and forth back and forth, running her fingers through her thick blond hair.

Annalaliath paced like this all night. Then an impuls caught her she rushed to the common room and found the inkeeper, " do you by any chance know a barber?" she asked. Her face shown with her confidence. Her blue-grey eyses showing with this light.

Amanaduial the archer

05-05-2003, 12:09 PM

Aman was down early in the morning, and saw that it had indeed snowed heavily the previous night, but the sun was now shining, not strongly enough to melt the snow, but enough to make it glint off it like there were ten thousand jewels embedded in the earth all around the Inn. She descended to the main bar before the Inn's customers, which meant rising early. This was certainly one of the things Pio had not warned her about; the half-elf knew just as well as Aman herself that the woman was awful at rising early. Stifling a yawn, she entered the bar, flung open the doors to air the main room, for it was warm enough, despite having a slight chill which did not in any case pervade the Inn's cosy main room, and got down to the morning's business.

Not long afterwards, Aman heard the sound of more footsteps on the stairs, slowly and light footed.

"Morning Morwyn." Aman guessed who it was before she saw the elf, then turned to see an anxious and tired looking Morywn entering the room. The elf didnt seem to notice, she looked that tired, almost falling down into a seat and resting her cheek against her hand as she leant on the table, and started to brew some strong coffee. A few moments later she approached the other, passing her a large mug of the strong, dark and overall, caffeine-filled liquid.

"You look like you could use this."

Morwyn smiled and touched the bags under her eyes as she took the coffee, sipping it then adding a little more sugar. "I must look as bad as I feel. Thanks for taking care of that mess, has Nahai been down?"

"She hasn't been here yet." Aman answered, shaking her head, releasing a sigh from Morwyn, then a sigh. Before she knew it, Aman was yawning as well, before Morwyn broke off, laughing, despite her anviety. Aman smiled back sheepishly. "I'm not really a morning person. And all that business las night...well, it doesnt really make easy dreams for the night."

Morwyn nodded, indicating her own tired eyes. "Oh, tell me about it." She took another grateful sip at her coffee.

"Goooood morning!"

The cheery voice shook the mornings quiet hush, making Aman look around like a scalded cat. Morwyn winced at the cheeriness, before also turning. Aman smiled when she saw who it was though- the omni-cheerful Hapman. He had spoken with many of the Inn's customers throughout the night, and was a cheerful and likeable character, but his way of being so interested and happy towards everyone had meant he had left it until too late to leave, so he had stayed the night in the Inn.

She inclined her head to him. "Good morning, Hapman. Good night's sleep?"

Laiquendi

05-05-2003, 12:24 PM

Lalaith walked through the inn door. Closing it quickly as not to let in any of the cold. She still had her hood drawn over her face and was covered in snow.
She smiled at Aman. "Good morning" she call as she walked over to the bar.

"Good morning", Aman replied as she passed Lalaith a cup of hot coffee.

"I trust you all had a good night" Lalaith said as she sat down.

"Yes thank you" Hapman replied.

Aman frowned at her. "Don't tell me you stayed out all night!"

Lalaith smiled and nodded. She didn't wish to bring any trouble to the inn and she had feared that if she had slept there, trouble would have found her.
She glanced over at Dreran, who was still asleep on a chair in the corner, where Lalaith had left her the night before.

Amanaduial the archer

05-05-2003, 12:43 PM

Aman frowned as Lalaith didnt answer, turning to look at Dreran. Hapman wandered away and Aman leant over the bar the the mysterious elf.

"Lalaith, is there something still bothering you? I do not endorse trouble in this Inn," here Lalaith looked stricken, but Aman continued. "and therefore no trouble will find you here, I promise you that. You need not sleep out all night when there is a place that will give you glad refuge!" She smiled encouragingly.

Laiquendi

05-05-2003, 12:57 PM

Lalaith smiled at Aman.
"I thank you, and I will gladly take up your offer tonight. Last night I had certain, tasks to carry out."
She meerly smiled when Aman looked at her confused.

Getting sick of her wet cloak, Lalaith pulled back her hood and unfastened the clasp so she could take it fully off. She tucked a piece of braided auburn hair behind a slightly pointed ear. She looked young but her eyes showed that she had wandered this Earth a few thousand years. She wore slightly travel stained clothes of a green and brown colour. She smiled again, this time they could all see her friendly and gracious face.

Glofin

05-05-2003, 01:07 PM

I am a wandering Elf, Glofin is my name. I walk the way from Rivendell to the Grey Havens singing songs of old with silver harp in hand. I seek adventure in the wilds of Middle Earth.

You can find me often at the in at Bree. If any one is in need of an companion, please send me a message. Or blow three times on a Silver horn.

[ May 05, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Eruantalon

05-05-2003, 02:16 PM

Tighersome and heavy from his weary travel. Erulon sees the sign of the Green Dragon inn. Its been so long since I had a good pint of ale there. I'll have to stop in there. Traveling is such a lonely job. it'll be nice to see some famliar faces there.

Now with a smile on his face the tall dark haired stranger makes his way to the door.

Maegaladiel

05-05-2003, 02:23 PM

Nahai wobbled down the staircase, only half awake. The Inn seemed to be quiet this morning, and for that Nahai was glad. She had just gotten over a very emotional night, and was in no mood to deal with much more grief.

"Goodmorning, all," she called timidly as she entered the room. She wasn't sure how they would all react to her presence after last night. She smiled as she saw her friends Annalalath and Morwyn, already awake (somewhat) and eating breakfast.

"How did you sleep?" asked Morwyn, the bags beneath her eyes hinting at little rest. Nahai merely shrugged. The dark circles under her own eyes spoke loudly of an ill-spent night. Restless, she had wasted many hours pacing her floor like a caged animal. She had almost felt at home here in the Dragon, where people seemed to care about her as a person, not as a Beorning. The murder convictions of last night forced reality back to her like a troll's fist in the gut: she was still one of a feared race, and she could never truly be accepted among elves and men.

The night had also brought forth further memories of the last time she had allowed the hate of others to bring her to tears. It was before Celecu dissapeared. She had fallen into his arms, weeping long and hard, her forehead pressed against his shoulder. She could still feel his strong arms around her, hear his liquid voice comforting her. She had seen his face in her mind, felt the gentle caress of his hand against her cheek, wiping away her tears. She had drawn strength from, allowing him to soothe her emotional wounds. That was the last time she had a shoulder to cry on. Times like these made her long for him even more.

Three times she had reached to her belt for his wooden flute, forgetting that she no longer possessed it. So instead, she played with the silver strand of bells around her wrist, each one giving forth a sound that no longer laughter as much as they did silver teardrops.

"Coffee?" asked Aman, pulling her from her thoughts. She nodded, hoping the drink would wake her from her weariness and push yesterday from her mind.

Laiquendi

05-05-2003, 02:28 PM

Lalaith walked over to a coat hook and hung her wet cloak on a spare hook. She returned to the bar.
"You don't happen to have anymore of that warm wine do you. I've taken a liking to it." She asked Aman.

"Sure" replied Aman, returning with a mug of fresh hot wine.

Lalaith turned to see someone coming down the stairs.
"Coffee?" Aman said to her. Lalaith studies her carefully, she had a worried look in her eyes as she turned to face Lalaith, who nodded a greeting. She tucked a loose braid behind her ear again. She seemed to be having trouble with that piece and made a mental note to re-do her hair later, when she had a spare moment.

She lent forward and spoke quietly to Nahai, "You're called Nahai are you not? Someone by the name of Nannaliel was looking for you last night."
Lalaith looked at her eyes widen, she started to look even more worried. Lalaith smiled reasuringly.
"Do not worry" she looked and nodded to Aman, "You're well protected here"
Even so, Lalaith loosened the lock on her sword's sheath.

[ May 05, 2003: Message edited by: Laiquendi ]

[ May 05, 2003: Message edited by: Laiquendi ]

Orual

05-05-2003, 02:34 PM

Rie and Talômi sat in front of the fire, talking about the experiences they had had while apart. Talômi had to concede that Rie's had been the more interesting, though his own had not always been boring.

He smiled at his sister, who was now curled up and resting her head on his lap. Her hair was fanned out, and she was talking softly, though seemingly without pausing to breathe. He responded to her questions, and gave his own descriptions of his adventures, but he was hardly paying any attention. He was finally back with Rie.

Suddenly her eyes snapped wide open, and she leaped away from him towards the door. A man with dark hair had just entered. Talômi did not recognize him, but obviously Rie did.

***

Forgetting that she had been having a conversation with her long-lost brother, Rie flung herself at her old friend. "Erulon!" she said, embracing him tightly. He seemed startled, at first, but then he recognized her. "Where have you been? You were gone so long. Talômi, get over here! This is Eruantalon. You can call him Erulon. He can, can't he, Erulon? This is my brother, Talômi." She took a breath, and smiled brightly. "I missed you. Could you tell?"

Sophia the Thunder Mistress

05-05-2003, 02:35 PM

Morwyn smiled at Nahai with relief as she headed downstairs. She knew last night's events would have upset her friend, and she hoped that Nahai would be able to handle it well. Aside from looking slightly puffy around the eyes Nahai seemed only little worse for her sleepless night.

She shook the bells around her wrist as she sat down and Aman pushed her a cup of coffee as well. Morwyn's eyes were drooping. Perhaps she should go back to bed, but no, she wanted to stay down here for at least a little while longer. Aman refilled her coffee without being asked and Morwyn smiled at the inkeepers considerateness. She was glad Aman had come, not that she hadn't liked Pio, but she enjoyed having the other human woman there. And that was beside their common bond of homeland.

Attempting to sip her coffee reflectively, Morwyn scalded her tongue. Her look of self irritation brought a small laugh from Nahai, but when Morwyn looked at her the Beorning looked positively miserable. Morwyn put a hand on her shoulder as she sipped her coffee more carefully, her eyes never leaving her friend.

Amanaduial the archer

05-05-2003, 02:50 PM

Aman passed the hot wine to Lalaith with a smiled, then offered Morwyn another coffee, doing the same for Nahai. After handing out the drinks, she made a mental note to keep one of the small cauldrons of the wine heating over the fire. Hot or mulled wine was always popular, and it looked like the Green Dragon wouldnt be an exception to the rule. But her mind already felt that it was going to overflow with mental notes....

She clicked her fingers as the thought hit her. The Innkeeper's notice board, of course! It had not be largely used in Pio's time, for the elf had an excellent memory, but Aman had decided to put it to good use for any long term memos, just until she had got them right into her head.

Walking over the the board, on the right side of the bar, the same side as her room, she scribbled the note on a piece of paper in her characteristic spidery writing with a pencil she had borrowed from Vanwe. The elf had looked positively terrified when she asked for the pencil until Aman assured her that she was going to bring it back- if you had her and Lalaith in a room, no doubt it would be very good company, but the nerves there would be stretched so tight, you would be able to play it like a banjo.

However, as Aman was doing so, she saw another piece of paper on the board, folded, with her name on the front of it written in curly, comfortable writing which Aman guessed was Cami's. Pulling it from the board, Aman read the note.

"'Look out for the host of dishwashers!'?" She murmered, puzzled.

Child of the 7th Age

05-05-2003, 02:56 PM

Cami stared at the familiar figure who was now rushing forward to embrace Rie and meet his brother. Her eyes widened with surprise as she took in his easy grace and courtesy, qualities that were too often absent in the Big Folk. She had indeed missed Erulon. His cheerful messages and presence in the Inn had brought a smile to her face on more than one occasion.

She walked over towards Erulon and halted, hesitent to interrupt the spirited conversation of the three Inn visitors now seated at the table. Cami went up to the bar and hoisted up a tray with several flagons of the Inn's finest ale. Then she set it down in front of them and smiled, "This indeed calls for a celebration." Cami nodded in Erulon's direction. "I will speak with you later, for I hope you will linger a bit in the Shire. But for now enjoy these drinks, as they are certainly on the house."

With that, she curtsied and turned back to her other duties, thinking that she needed to speak further with Aman concerning the dishwashers who would soon be pouring into the kitchens.

[ May 05, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Laiquendi

05-05-2003, 02:57 PM

As Aman brought the piece of paper back to the bar, Lalaith could clearly see what was written on it.
"Ah!" she said, and laughed, the sound of her voice fair and musical. "Yes, from the party, it was very, um, entertaining"
Aman nodded, glad for the helping hands she would be getting.

Lalaith drank some more of the wine, recalling the momories of the previous night.
"Oh, and congratulations on your award."
Aman blushed slightly. "Oh, why thank you" she replied, unable to hide her proud smile.

Nerindel

05-05-2003, 03:19 PM

Fawain had spent most of the previous night with the delightfully cheerful Hapman and the Mysterious Lailith, Sharing tales and fine wines. She had went to bed more than a little tipsy and this morning she was paying the price, with a massive hangover.

She slowly made her way down stairs, "Mornin' Aman can I have a strong black coffee please" she ask groggily. Looking about she saw that Hapman and Lailath where already up. She waved to them, smiling weakly.

Suddenly the events of the previous night came flooding back to her, she had told them about being a Ranger of Ithilien and that she was here to meet with her friends Lóthaniel and Léspheria Denfëa the twins of Rivendell. She couldn't believe she had drink so much wine and that she had been so open with complete strangers, but with one look at Hapman she realised that his cheery demeanour had made her totally relaxed.

"A good night then" Aman laughed as she handed Fawain her coffee,"yes very" she smiled sipping at her hot drink.

Meoshi

05-05-2003, 03:58 PM

Daethaur turned to Morwyn; Nahai seemed to have too many people trying to talk to her. This place was complicated, very complicated.

"Can you tell me what year, or age this is? And something about what is going on in Arda? I have been behind, a great deal behind, on events."

Sophia the Thunder Mistress

05-05-2003, 09:48 PM

Morwyn looked in surprise at the creature that spoke to her. She was uncertain as to exactly what kind of a thing it was. Dark in color, and not what men would call beautiful. She was a little frightened of it and pulled back as it spoke to her. But it only asked her the date and the age of the world.

A very difficult question. Morwyn mulled it over in her mind. This inn was the strangest place she'd ever been in in that respect. "Well, my friend, this is Nahai." she gestured lamely toward her friend, not sure what point she was trying to get across, "And as she lived with her uncle Beorn in her childhood, it seems that it must be the late third or early fourth age now." She stuttered a bit, for her calculations were far from exact. News from the King Aragorn flowed through the inn regularly, but nor was it unusual to see someone hailing from Lindon with news from the King Gil-galad. Time here was, well, different.

"And as for the time of day..." she was flustered on this one too, for it seemed that she and Nahai had gone for months without sleeping, yet she was quite certain it was morning now. She took another experimental sip of her coffee to make sure it was still hot. It was, so that much time couldn't have passed since morning. Fairly confident now she answered, "and it's midmorning here at the Green Dragon." She gave the creature Daethaur a small smile.

It looked puzzled, but Morwyn didn't know how to explain. She also recalled hearing that Pio's twins would be born on Midsummer's day, and they hadn't been born very long ago; but only this morning Aman had noticed the snow glittering on the hills of the Shire. She shook her head in abject confusion and finished off lamely, "I just don't think about it. Perhaps Aman would know?" Feeling silly she turned her attention back to her coffee cup, studying it intently.

[ May 06, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Tinuviel of Denton

05-06-2003, 09:07 AM

Still unsure of her welcome, the young woman took the hand that was offered her and smiled shyly. She pushed back her hood, revealing the round ears of the human folk, thick mahogany hair tied back with a strip of leather, and sad blue eyes. "You can call me--Niniel. I don't really have a homeland, I just wander."

Then she stopped, surprised at herself. Never had she volunteered information so quickly. Maybe it was the fact that a hobbit was so small that she couldn't pose any threat. Maybe it was that Niniel needed someone to trust. Maybe it was just a crack in her shell. Since the hobbit seemed to be waiting expectantly, Niniel took a deep breath to steady herself and continued. "I don't remember anything before my sixteenth year. All I know is what I can do, not who I am."

Eruantalon

05-06-2003, 11:09 AM

Walking through the door. He was met by a face he remembered. The red headed girl from his first visit here.

"Rie you have either been here a long time or chance has happened that we got here at the same time. I have lots of storys to tell. So be ready later for some fun!!"

Cami smiled at Erulon and gave him the drinks on her tray. He smiled and thanked her. She was always a proper and good hostess. But this time the Ale was free witch was a nice change for the light moneyed stranger.

"Thank you Cami its quit nice to see you again. I'll be shure we get that talk later."

"Yes of course he can call me Erulon Rie. Hes your brother!! So nice to see friendly faces again."

Erulon sat down at the table that he had first recieved in the in at his first visit. Looking around he saw the welcoming bustle of the inn he remembered so fondly.

Its nice to be here again. Nice to talk to friends again. Strange to think this is the second time I have come back from an errond for the dwarf lord here!! Ha ha. But sometimes fate is strange and life is stranger.

He drank the best ale he had in quit some time there. It was good and refeshing to his parched lips.

"Mmmmmmm I really missed this." He said with a widening grin.

[ May 06, 2003: Message edited by: Eruantalon ]

The Daughter of Gollum and Shelob

05-06-2003, 12:11 PM

At that instant, a strange female elf burst into the inn. It was good old Nannaliel (Nanna for short).

She looked around, then approached the innkeeper and asked her for a drink. "I'd like a Shire Vodka on the rocks please."

For some reason, many heads turned towards Nanna and eyed her suspiciously.

Amanaduial the archer

05-06-2003, 12:47 PM

The door flew open and in burst a strange elf, who practically swaggered across the room.

"I'd like a Shire vodka on the rocks please." She asked, confident but polite,.

Aman raised an eyebrow at the request, but she knew how to make one, of course. It had been a while since she had done so though....a bizarre request, especially from an elf...

The Daughter of Gollum and Shelob

05-06-2003, 01:15 PM

Nanna was confused that people reacted so strangely. Shire Vodka on the rocks was her second favourite drink, after all (knocked off the top spot by Rohan Baileys).

"What? What's so strange, eh?" she asked. Aman was still peeping at her under her raised eyebrow.

"Hey, aren't you Amanaduial, the weird archer? I know you! YOU're the one who..."

Laiquendi

05-06-2003, 01:45 PM

Lalaith turned as the elf barged into the inn. She grinned as she heard the drink Shire Vodka, it was a nice drink, but nothing could top off Sauron Slammers - not many people knew how to make them though. A popular drink with young elves.

As the bar felt a little crowded Lalaith decided to sneak away to a corner table by the fire. She curled her legs under her as she drew out a small book, covered with what suspisiously looked like orc blood.

The Daughter of Gollum and Shelob

05-06-2003, 01:48 PM

"Mhmh, orc blood!" Lalaith unexpectedly heard Nanna's voice behind her. "Ooh, would you mind pouring some in my Vodka? I love orc blood, you know..."

Nanna held her glass of Vodka towards Lalaith, expecting her to reply. Well, even more heads turned now...

Laiquendi

05-06-2003, 01:54 PM

Lalaith meerly raised her eyebrows as she replied.

"It's dried, these orcs died thousands of years ago. I sugest you leave me alone and go and find some that may be willing to help you with that drink"

She was normally tollerant with others but the passed weeks lay heavy on her. She restrained herself to say anymore, as she had promised Aman that she would bring no trouble to the inn.
She frowned. The female was an elf like herself. Unlike herself she acted strangely, like the young boys in Gondor who continuasly boasted about orcs they said they had killed.

((ooc: sorry, i'm not normally this mean.... just give me a few moments to get my happy self back))

piosenniel

05-06-2003, 02:07 PM

Please pay note to a previous request of the Shire Moderator:

I want to see posts that are more substantial and less chat/dialog oriented.

I don't mind dialog between characters meeting in the Inn, but I want to see more use of descriptive prose along with that dialog.

Short, chat-style posts run the risk of being sent back to the writer for revision.

Piosenniel, Shire Moderator

Amanaduial the archer

05-06-2003, 02:09 PM

(Thankyou)

Meoshi

05-06-2003, 03:05 PM

Daethaur listened intently. Morwyn seemed confused. He couldn't blame her, so was he. If all of the tales told here were true, this land must be run by at least two dozen kings, half of them calling it "Arnor" and half calling it the "Reunited Kingdom". "it's midmorning here at the Green Dragon", she finally finished. Well, he could tell that.

He grinned, in an odd way, and started, "Well, I wasn't always so behind on things. Back in the old days, I always seemed to be where things were happening, though they were not events you would have wanted to witness."

"When Feanor was slain, I was there. When Hurin was captured, I was there. When Gondolin fell, I was there too. But I did not see the battle that toppled Melkor, and only heard about it much later; I fled from that struggle before it began."

Tinuviel of Denton

05-06-2003, 06:11 PM

Niniel watched the strange elf who'd said that she loved orc blood warily. Strange taste. She couldn't understand how everyone in the Inn could be so welcoming, even of someone so--different. She was a stranger here, though hopefully not as strange as that elf. That hobbit, Cami?, had pulled her into the group, made her one of them. There were no distrustful glances out of the corners of eyes here. No hostility. For the first time in almost nine years of wandering, Niniel felt at ease.

She thought about asking the innkeeper, who she'd heard referred to as Aman, for something to drink other than ale, but didn't want to seem ungrateful to the hobbit who had been so kind. Nervously, she tugged at her hair. She wanted to meet some of these people. Perhaps especially the one called Hapman. He was entirely foreign to her experience with his incessant cheerfulness. She liked the change. Still, she was hesitant to approach any of the other customers. The thought of simply walking up to a total stranger terrified her.

As she slowly became more comfortable, the hardness in her face disappeared. She appeared younger, more vulnerable than before, though her eyes remained sad. Indeed, it appeared that at any moment, tears could well up gently and silently spill down her cheeks.

She had good reason. Sometimes, she could almost remember a father, who'd taught her her trade. Sometimes, she had nightmares about fire in the night and screams and a sense of losing everything. Those were the only indications of her past. Niniel had no idea how she knew what Elvish that she did, nor how she'd heard the stories of the ancient heroes. She liked the sad ones. Like the tale of Turin Turambar and his sister, Nienor. She'd always felt strangely akin to Nienor, who'd lost her memories, too. Except Nienor hadn't been a thief.

Annalaliath

05-06-2003, 06:17 PM

Annalaliath looked at Aman again. She was still standing in the large common room of the Inn. Morwen had already come down and was sipping (or attempting to sip) a cup of coffee. Annalaliath asked Aman , " Do you know someone who can cut hair?" then she added, " or do I have to barrow a pair of shears and do it myself?"

Annalaliath, although an elf, looked haggard and tired, but still she was awake. She ran her fingers through her long hair. And still she wanted to hack it all off. Start new and clean, not old and worn. Yes this change was drastic and it would take a long time for her hair to grow out again, but she had grown tired of having it. Annalaliath’s hair however beautiful was a minis to her, even though it fell about her shoulders in the fashion of a mantle, it tangled and needed fixing. It would get into the ink and was hard to clean, and was just plain annoying.

Glofin

05-06-2003, 06:55 PM

It was a fine May evening at the Green Dragon of Bywater. But there was talk of an odd stranger who had stopped at the Prancing Pony in Bree. Though the news had just reached the Shire it had been the talk of Bree for the last week.

Every one was gathered around two adventurous Tooks who had actually been to Bree and had brought back the tidings. “He was taller that all of the other men at Bree.” said one of the Tooks. And he had a red cloak that came down to his ankles, but it was his broach that was so strange.” Here the Hobbit paused to take a sip of the ale. “ The broach looked liked it was made of silver, but it shown like a star on a clear winter night”. The young Took stopped again to finish his ale. “It’s all a bunch of lies if you ask me”. Said a dark haired Hobbit who was sneering at the two young Tooks. But no one was listening any more. A hush had fallen on the room. For there standing in the doorway was a tall figure in a russet red cloak.

As he stepped forward the light caught upon the broach he was wearing. It appeared to be fashioned of silver in the likeness of a star. And indeed it shown bright a star. Then he raised his hand and pulled back his hood revelling his long flowing gold hair and slightly pointed ears. And for those who looked close they could see his eyes, which were deep blue, and if you looked close enough you could see a light set within them. Like something shining far away but clear. Then he said, “My name is Glofin. I seek only to replenish my supplies, for I have a long rode ahead of me, little ones. And I cannot stay the night.

Amanaduial the archer

05-07-2003, 01:30 AM

"Do you know someone who can cut hair?" The elf paused, then added, "or do I have to barrow a pair of shears and do it myself?"

Aman stared at the elven woman's beautiful mass of hair. "You want to cut it all off?" She exclaimed, incredulously.

The woman ran her fingers through the hair in question, sighed, and nodded. Aman regarded her once more, then couldnt contain herself. "Why?!"

The woman swatted her hand at the words. "A number of reasons you know, just.....is there any way you can help me here?"

Well, Aman thought, I'm blowed if I'm going to sit here and let her make a mess of it... She steeled herself before answering once more- it had been a long time since she had last done what she was about to offer to do.

"I....I have a little experience cutting hair." Annalalaith's eyes lit up at this. Aman smiled back, if a little sheepishly- she didnt want to be thought of as just a hairdresser really. She went on,"I've no mind to chop it all of, just to let you know beforehand, but...well, I think I can probably make a better job of it than you can just hacking at it with some shears!"

Annalalaith smiled, relieved and grateful despite her weariness. Aman looked around the bar; ah well, she could just do it in the corner. She pulled up a chair for the elf to sit on and draped a spare apron around her clothes. Then, pulling a pair of wickedly sharp scissors from beneath the bar, she approached, feeling, well, a little apprehensive. Placing herself behind Anna, she measured up with her eyes about where she would cut to. Say an inch or so above her shoulders? She snipped experimentally with the scissors a few times, then gave Annalalaith one last chance.

"Now...are you sure you want me to do this?"

Nerindel

05-07-2003, 03:42 AM

Fawain looked up from her drink at the elf named Annalaliath, "do you know someone who can cut hair?" she had said to Aman. Fawain shook her head in utter disbelief An elf that drinks orc blood and now an elf the wants to cut her hair, these are strange times indeed she thought to herself.

She decided to take her coffee and sit nearer the warmth of the fire and nurse her hangover. She sat staring at the flames dancing about the fire, hoping that her friends would arrive soon and wondering what was so important that they had wanted to meet her here?

Nerindel

05-07-2003, 05:21 AM

Léspheria and Lóthaniel Denfëa sat on their cart shielding their eyes from the incessant snow fall. "Snow this soon after midsummer how odd" Léspheria whispered, pulling her silvery grey cloak tighter around her. She looked to her brother, he hadn't seemed to have heard her words, but he looked worried and lost in thought. He had been like that since they had recieved word from the rangers of the north, that Halwain a close friend of theirs was being held captive by Skaikrish the maimer, The leader of a rather nasty band of orcs who had escaped from mordor and took up residence in the blue mountains.

She remembered that right after recieving this message her brother had request to take this shipment of Miruvor to the green dragon, he had also sent a message to Fawain Isilmeleo in Ithilien asking her to meet them in there. She looked round at the twenty casks of Miruvor that were a gift from the lords Elladan and Elrohir to celebrate the birth of Pio's twins. "for the nameing ceremony I assume " she said trying again to gain her brothers attention, but still he hadn't heard her. She stared at him concern creeping over her.

Lóthaniel Felt his sisters grey eyes watching him, trying to figure what was going on in his head. He turned to her trying to put on his best reassuring smile. "Oh no you don't" she scolded, with a slight frown on her face "there is something you are not telling me" she said. Her voice softened with genuine concern as she continued " Please Lóthaniel I may be able to help". "Halwain is Fawains father" he blurted out, Léspheria's eyes went wide with suprise, " how long have you know this" she asked. " I always have" he replyed. Léspheria was hurt that he had kept this from her but she tryed not to let it show.

The rest of the journey continued in an uncomfortable silence until Lóthaniel suddenly turned to his sister saying "He didn't want me to tell her and if I had told you would you have been able to keep it from her", Lesperia sighed he was right she wouldn't have, so she shook her head saying so to her brother.

As she looked up at him she saw still a great saddness in his eyes, Oh, Eru I think he loves her she thought to herself. She then looked ahead, without even realising it they had arrived at the court yard of the Green Dragon Inn. They dismounted handing the riegns to the stable hand waiting to take them. Lóthaniel told the hand to get help to take the casks into the inn and informed him that they were a gift from Rivendell. The lad smiled and ran to get help.

Léspheria looked to her brother " Are you ready" she asked softly, he nodded. Taking a deep breath he entered the inn beside her. It took a few seconds for their eyes to adjust to the bright lights of the inn, there was a sign by the door saying "Please remove your weapons before entering the common room." They both looked around for somewhere to leave their weapons, they saw a small alcove lined with various weapons "do you think they'll be safe " Léspheria asked Lóthaniel, he just shrugged and unfastened his sword belt and placed his Elven long sword in an empty space. Lésperia followed his lead and put her Elven short sword next to his, then they both removed their long bows and quivers. Lesperia looked down to her belt knife, " yes I think we can keep them on " Lóthaniel chuckled seeing his sisters obvious discomfort at having to disguard her weapons.

They opened the door to the common room and walked gracefully in, they both unclasped their cloaks and hung them on the pegs by the door. Their long dark hair had amazingly managed to stay dry under their hoods and now tumbled down about their shoulders. The only way anyone could tell these two apart was the simple fact that one was female and the other was male.Today Lóthaniel was dressed in black leather pants, a white shirt and a silvery blue tunic. Léspheria was wearing a matching Long silvery blue Travelling dress.

Lóthaniel turned to his sister and said "I'll find Fawain and you find the Innkeeper, tell her about the Miruvor and get us a room for the night". " So we will be staying tonight then" she smiled at him. They nodded to each other and went to find their quarries.

Hapman

05-07-2003, 09:52 AM

Hapman surveyed the young girl in the corner. She seemed to be relaxing gradually, afraid of letting herself go. She was glancing at him quickly, then looking down at her drink.

Right Hapman, time to do your stuff he thought, and picked up his drink, the everlasting grin on his boyish face.

"How do?" he smiled. "May I sit here?" He placed himself beside the girl. "Noticed you looking at me. I'm Hapman. Who're you?"

arelendil

05-07-2003, 10:33 AM

Across the room elwen saw someone she thought she had once known.

"Greetings" smiled Elwen moving quickly across the crowded room to a table. But he did not speak nor move. "are you then but a deception of a clouded mind? Or have i, unknown to myself, done you some injustice?"

He turned to Elwen, his eyes darkening with pain.

Elwen sighed. "Though i can not say how it is obvious that i have hurt you in some way to make you withdraw the hand of friendship. i hold you blameless for my part. Mayhaps one day i may once more call you friend. till then Fair well, may the star spirits guide you. Nai vardo eleni ilye lumenn' enomentielvo siluvar!" elwen ended with a bow before turning and gliding back to the corneer table.

Elwen's heart was racing. she hoped he would understand.

"someday.."Elwen smiled playing with a silver ring about her slender finger.

Annalaliath

05-07-2003, 10:47 AM

Annalaliath smiled, " I am sure." She looked up at Aman, " Thanks. But as you are doing this notice the ink that is still caked in my hair." Then she laughed, " You should see my friend, Myrddin, she had some one shop it all off. She is a bit strange though." She straitened up and looked strait ahead, " She was the only one that accepted me for who I was. So in the Elfin lands we were the two misfits that raided the libraries and ran laughing and playing ticks on the inhabitance of them. " She thought of the good times. " But for some reason we all change, even Elves." Then frustrated she said, " Here I go rambling on just cut it will you?" Annalaliath tapped her fingers on the chair and her knee bounced with an energy that nothing could quell, even exhaustion. She wanted to get this over with as fast as she could, before she changed her mind.

And a piece of golden hair fell to the floor. She almost whimpered, but she knew it was for the best. The next fell on the apron in font of her and Annalaliath looked at it, it was covered in ink, black ink. She was almost glad, but still she was a bit sad. Her knee bounced hyperactively as she sat there...

Amanaduial the archer

05-07-2003, 11:17 AM

"Here I go, rambling on- just cut it will you?" Annalaliath almost snapped, but Aman didnt comment- by the gods, someone this tense just about a hair cut!

Aman let the elf's beautiful hair out of its braid, letting it run gently over her fingers for a moment. The ink was caught in the hair, making patches of it blue or indigo, like a dark river running through golden sands. Sands as fine as the finest spun gold...Taking a breath, she began to cut, letting strands of it fall onto the floor and also onto the apron which had been draped over Annalaliath. As a piece fell onto the elf's lap, Aman felt her stiffen, then she straightened, and seemed to relax slightly, but not much; Aman noticed that all the time as she was sitting there, her knee was jiggling up and down frantically. Once more, the Innkeeper didnt comment, but carried on cutting, smiling slightly as she thought of how Pio was laugh if she saw the bold and daring Aman cutting hair.

Aman's hands worked fast with the scissors, and after five minutes she withdrew.

"Done." She said, pulling the apron from Anna's shoulders and letting the golden hair tumble to the floor. The girl's hair was now cut to just about an inch beneath her ears, at the point where her jaw began. Aman fetched a broom and a small mirror which sat behind the bar- goodness knows why- and held the mirror out to the elf, smiling encouragingly. Anna looked at her, smiling slightly nervously, then took the mirror...

Annalaliath

05-07-2003, 11:30 AM

Annalaliath stood up shaking her hair to let any loose strands fall to the floor. Taking the mirror she looked at her hair, " Thank you," she said with a smile and then without thinking she stooped down ad picked up a piece of the hair putting it in a folded piece of paper. Then reaching inside a pocket she retrieved a wooden pen with a silver nib, " here use this in your books," she held it out for Aman, " I have other and I feel I ought to give you this. It will come useful."

After this Annalaliath sat with Morwen and Nahi. " So what was all that about, " she asked Nahi," all that happening last night?" Annnalaliath's knee was bouncing again. She pushed her hair behind her ears. Her eyes were blue and tired, but bright. All the while her knee bounced, letting a secret out (for those who noticed) about her boundless energy. She could hardly sit still for more than a few seconds, without movement of some kind.

Laiquendi

05-07-2003, 12:03 PM

"When Feanor was slain, I was there. When Hurin was captured, I was there. When Gondolin fell, I was there too. But I did not see the battle that toppled Melkor, and only heard about it much later; I fled from that struggle before it began."

Lalaith looked up as she heard these words. All familier to her. She smiled remembering. But a saddness passed as she remembered how Gondolin fell, and the lives that were lost in the battle that saw the end of Melkor.

"Master Balrog" she called across the room, "I hear that you are a creature of old, somewhat like myself. Tis a shame you missed the battle, true it was a great loss to the elven kingdom as many died, but the glory when Melkor finally fell. Though your views may somewhat differ to my own."

She stood and bowed to him, when she looked up a faint silver star apeared upon her forehead but dissapered just as quickly, leaving those who saw it wondering whether they had imagined it.

She smiled again, though slightly apprehensive that she had revealed that much of herself to strangers. But it wasn't everyday that you met one of your first age kin.

She sat back down as Hapman approached her. She nodded a welcome.

"How do?" he smiled. "May I sit here?" He placed himself beside the girl. "Noticed you looking at me. I'm Hapman. Who're you?"

"You may sit if you wish", she surved him as he sat, wondering if he would be of any harm to her. Even though all in the inn seemed friendly you still had to be careful.

"I am Lalaith, and I was merely glancing at you, like the others in this inn. You are?"

[ May 07, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[ May 07, 2003: Message edited by: Laiquendi ]

Amanaduial the archer

05-07-2003, 12:18 PM

Aman took the pen, surprised and grateful. It was wooden, carved a little at the end farthest from the nib, which was silver and, as yet, unstained. "Thankyou, Annalaliath."

Slipping the pen into her own pocket, Aman swept the last of the hair into a dustpan and went to the bar, where there was a bin, tipping the golden hair into it like a inkstained fall of snow. Looking up once more she saw Hapman walk over to a newcomer, his ever friendly smile on his merry face, and was about to join him, before she was intercepted by a young woman intercepted her.

"Excuse me, am I right in saying you are the new Innkeeper here?" She asked, her voice quiet, polite and musical. Aman glanced at Hapman and the woman, hovered for a moment, then decided Hapman would make fine company until she could spare a moment.

"Aye, thats right." She held out a hand. "Aman of Rohan."

The woman took it. "My name is Léspheria. I am here with my brother, Lóthaniel. We have...a small gift, from the lords Elladan and Elrohir - for the naming ceremony of the children of Piosenniel and Mithadan." Aman looked at her with questioning eyes, and the woman allowed herself a small grin. "Twenty casks of Miruvor."

Aman's eyes widened at this, and she had to forcibly stop her mouth from dropping open. She managed to regain control of her voice box. "Tw-" She stopped herself, gaining control of her voice rather than letting it stay as the squeaky, surprised noise it had been then. "Twenty casks? Of Miruvor? Well I...well." She finished, still gobsmacked, before adding, "Thankyou indeed!"

Léspheria smiled once more. "We asked the stable hand to get help with carrying them inside."

An image of the stable boy flashed past Aman's mind's eye. A well-meaning lad, very good with horses certainly, but otherwise a little awkward. And with that much fine wine... "I'll go and check up on him now then." She said hastily, but didnt go immediately, not wanting this kind guest to be left standing here. "Is there anything else I can get you beforehand?"

"Yes please, Aman. Would it be possible to get a room please?"

The stablehand just went on the list of things Aman had to do. She went back to the bar, beckoning the other to follow. From behind the bar, she retrieved a room key, with a wooden keyring bearing a carved dragon on it, and gave it to the woman. "First floor, just a few doors along to the right when you get up there. If you don't intend to go up immediately, would you like something to drink, both you and your brother?"

The Daughter of Gollum and Shelob

05-07-2003, 01:57 PM

"Aman? I'd like a room please, too. I finally decided to stay."

Nannaliel was beaming at Aman. She was back, with a heavy pack behind her shoulder. She had decided to stay, to explore the Shire, and to try and find this Odo Draggins.

"Put me in one of the Elves' rooms, please..." she added. Aman looked startled.

piosenniel

05-07-2003, 03:05 PM

Aman looked startled and almost dropped the small crate of miruvor she had brought in to stack behind the bar. She felt a hand on her elbow, as Cook reached out to steady her.

‘Here, now! You be careful with that cordial. Miz Pio will be wanting to serve it up when Naming Day comes for the twins.’

Cook placed the platter of wild mushroom pasties on the bar and helped the new Innkeeper to set her load securely on the small table behind the bar.

Vinca Bunce, affectionately know as Cook to the regulars at the Green Dragon, was a Brandybuck on her mother’s side, and somewhere back in her family history, a drop of the Took blood had crept in. She was tall for a Hobbit, and built big and sturdy, with an air of command about her that hearkened back to Bullroarer.

She was an accomplished cook – having to meet the needs of the ever expanding roster of visitors to the Inn, and she ran the kitchen with an iron hand. Gentle when need be, she had an eye to detail and was not above telling the Innkeepers who came and went what was ‘done’ in the Inn and what was not.

It was, in fact, often her promptings which set Miz Pio on the ‘right track’. And Pio had long ago learned to rely on her sense of what needed a bit of spicing up or toning down when it came to dealing with the heavy traffic in the Green Dragon.

She set Aman to unloading the crate and turned to answer the person who had posed the request for the room. Hands on hips, she eyed her up and down.

‘So, you’ld be wanting a room then, miss?’ Cook waved one of the maids over as she hurried by with an armload of freshly washed and folded linens.

‘Ruby, show this young woman up to the corner room. Miss Gilly and Miss Rose have moved out, and it would suit her I think.’ She turned back to the visitor. ‘Has two nice windows – one faces west, the other north. You can keep an eye on things that way.’ Ruby stood by patiently as Cook leaned on the bar and addressed the traveler again.

‘That’ll be 5 silver pennies a week. Payable in advance. Meals included. You pay separate for your drinks.’ She raised her brows at the would-be guest.

‘Now, what was your name, and where do you come from? I’ll just put that down here in the Inn Log.’ She dipped the quill in the inkwell at the side of the log book, wiped it carefully once, and waited . . .

Snowdog

05-07-2003, 03:24 PM

The chill wind blew the wet early-season snow about him as he rode; the white flakes quickly melting as they stuck to Blackveil his horse. It surely would be colder in the hills of Evendim this day though it was more seasonable when he passed through. The long days of Midsummer past made his trek in the far North quite profitable this year, and now a new path he took out of the Evendim hills and he looked for a place to dry off and warm.

There had been so many inns he would make his first stop at when returning from his treks north... the Skarlet, the Forest, the ever popular Prancing Pony in Bree, and the seedy Forsaken to the east. But this time he had wandered farther west, and the sign of the Green Dragon swung dimly in the flickering lamplight ahead.

Silvanis dismounted in front and tethered Blackveil to the tree that grew nearby the road, and as the wet snow struggled from becoming icy rain, he gave her strokes on the nose as he looked at the activity of much supply unloading from a cart. Silvanis paid it no further mind and pushed the door of the Inn open and stepped inside.

The heavily wet dark fur cloak dripped out as Silvanis looked around the Inn. One, it appeared to be the Innkeeper was getting a key for what appeared to be the one with the supply outside, and some others were talking amongst themselves at the tables. The firelight flickered its hue about the room as the flames danced with the varying draft, and the slight woodsmoke in the air gave soft haze to the lamplight. It seemed a good inn, and even if it was not, it would surely be a better sleep with a soft mat under oneself.

Sliding his hand over his head pushing the wet hood back, he stepped toward the nearest end of the bar. Leaning forward, he motioned his arm to gain attention if the Innkeeper who was rather occupied with business with a supplier, but she politly paused for a moment to tend to him.

'An ale and a room please.'

was all Silvanis said to the innnkeeper as his blue/grey eyes stared hollow at her. His wild and unkempt look was somewhat intimidating yet he was gentlmanly, and without further word, a tankard of ale was before him. The innkeeper spoke apologeticly to him, seemingly worried about the care her wine supply was getting.

"Can I get you a room after i tend to some very important business?"

Silvanis sipped the ale and nodded, and she was again off to insure all is well with her supply.

Silvanis turned and leaned on the bar, watching all that was going on, and if she didn't get to giving him a room, the roof overhead and fire of the common room was good enough.

It was a bit before she got all settled, and he listened as she spoke the rates to the woman who requested the room. He thought to hmself 'a well-ordered Inn this is' and he dug for payment for the ale and room...

[ May 07, 2003: Message edited by: Snowdog ]

Annalaliath

05-07-2003, 03:35 PM

Annalaliath turned as the door to the Inn opened and the man stepped in. Pushing her now shorter hair back behind her pointed ears she watched him as he went to the bar. As he ordered his room and ale, Annalaliath got up room her chair, excusing herself for the moment, and went to the bar.

Talking to the Cook she tapped her fingers nervously on the table. " Can I have a cup of coffee, no wait, " she said, " make that a pot, I'll take back to the table with me, Nahi looks like she would use it. I would also like four breakfast, if it is no trouble, three for us at the table and one for that man at the end of the bar there." she smiled at this cook and waited as the cook got her the coffee.

Thanking the Cook she said, " I will be at my table when the food is ready just call me and I will get it." She took the coffee and the extra mug over to her seat and set it down in the middle of the table, " here you are people drink up, but please lets not over do ourselves."

Ainaserkewen

05-07-2003, 04:32 PM

Dearest mother and dearest sister,
It is too late; I have left to find my destiny.
I am to become a ranger like my brothers and my father before me
so to make a place for myself in this world.

Do not weep for me mother,
I am happier now than I ever have been,
Confined in our village.
Dear sister, it is to be hoped that my decision will inspire you to follow me and not to become a bearer of children, but a hero in Middle-Earth.

Please do not look for me, I am already far away, I search for the leader of the Dunedain, to help me on my quest. I will try to come home, but I will always remember you.
Your son and brother,
Dônevel

A tear rolled down the cold cheek of Dalomy. She sat on an old stump in the Old forest near the Shire. She read the letter again and then stowed it away before It could be kissed by the new falling rain. She wiped her tear, reading her brother’s letter gave her the strength to stand and then continue down the path. Picking up the pace on the trail, she stumbled often, and fell in the mud.
I must reach the Shire if I am to live out the night.
She felt the injury on her right arm, a gash from the teeth of a wolf she had encountered leaving Bree, however, the wolf would not follow her into the forest.
Staggering for 2 more hours along the uncertain path, she was stopped at once by a hedge.
The Shire!
A tip from a traveller, Dalomy headed for an inn called the Green Dragon, which was known far and wide as a place where travellers could find rest and the egger could find their adventures.
When she finally saw the lights of the inn, she was near exhaustion, hungry and dehydrated from her long and first journey. A journey with one soul purpose, to bring her brother home.
Pushing open the inn door was almost impossible. Her gash was infected and she was close to fainting, but she knew if she did, she would die.
Light flooded out of the inn and she took a shaky step inside. She fell sideways against a wall and people looked up at her.
Everything was going dark but she managed to breath,
“Help me.” before sliding down to the inn floor.

[ May 07, 2003: Message edited by: Ainaserkewen ]

[ May 07, 2003: Message edited by: Ainaserkewen ]

piosenniel

05-07-2003, 04:47 PM

Aman was still busy with the shipment of miruvor, and nodded her head to Cook. ‘See to him, if you please.’

‘I’ll take that, Sir!’ Cook swiped the coins from the traveler’s hand, and set a tankard of the Dragon’s nut brown ale before him. ‘Ruby will show you to your room when your ready.’ She nodded to the young hobbit running up the steps to freshen up the other guest’s room. Asking his name, she wrote it, Silvanis, in the Log, noting where he was from after it.

‘Drink your ale and warm your feet by the fire. She’ll be back in a bit and then you can go up.’ She pointed out a table near the fireplace and waved him off to it with a promise of mid-day meal to be soon served.

Cook leaned across the bar and took Annalaliath’s chin in her hand, turning the Elf’s head from side to side. ‘Nice haircut! Suits you!’ She passed a tray with a carafe of hot coffee and four cups across the bar. ‘Here’s the coffee, miss. But we’re a little short handed today – most of the staff has gone off to visit Miz Pio and her babies.’ She pointed to the door of the kitchen. ‘If it’s breakfast you’re wanting, I’d suggest you come in and see what you can find for you and your friends. The only requirement is that you clean up after yourselves when you’re done.’

Buttercup, the lone kitchen assistant, came out to retrieve Cook from the Common Room. ‘I need help getting the sandwiches done,’ she said plaintively. ‘I can’t stir the soup and cut meat, cheese, and bread, too.’

Cook followed her back through the swinging door, swiping a bottle of miruvor from the shelf as she passed by. ‘Always wanted to try this,’ she thought to herself. She held the bottle up to the light, marveling at the clear light filled liquid within.

The faint cry of ‘Help me . . .’ assailed her just as the door swung closed behind her. Cook opened the door a crack and peered out.

‘Well, if that don’t beat all!’ She called for Buttercup to bring the smelling salts. ‘Some woman’s gone and fainted dead away by the front door . . .’

[ May 08, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Nerindel

05-07-2003, 04:51 PM

"First floor, just a few doors along to the right when you get up there. If you don't intend to go up immediately, would you like something to drink, both you and your brother?"

"oh that would be lovely" she smiled "three mulled wines if you please, we will be joining a guest here named Fawain Isilmeleo" Aman pushes the drinks across the bar, Léspheria Thanked Aman and politely excused herself and headed over to where her brother and friend where seated.

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

Fawain had been staring into the fire, when suddenly she heard the unmistakably fair voice of her dear friend Lóthaniel. She jumped up from her seat,looking around and there he was almost right behind her, his shining face smiling at her. "Lóthaniel" she cried happily, almost crushing him as she grabbed him and hugged him tight, as she pulled away she looked around him frowning "No Léspheria? I thought you where joined at the hip" she jested with a mischevious smile on he face. "Don't worry she is here" he laughed, "she is getting us a room and hopefully something to drink".

Lóthaniel suddenly remembered why he was here. Sighing heavily he gently guided Fawain to a quiet table in the corner of the room.They sat down and Fawain looked at him wondering what was wrong. There was a moments silence which Fawain broke by asking softly "what is it Lóth" to which he replied "Do you remember us talking about a Ranger named Halwain" Fawain nodded remembering the name vaguely. Lóthaniel looked at her soft happy features that he loved so much and continued hesitantly "He is your Father". Fawain sat there frozen for a moment she couldn't believe what she was hearing, "n..no he can't be, m..my father is dead, how can this be" she stammered. Lothaniel put his hand on her shoulder to comfort her "There is more, he is being held by Skaikrish" At the Name of her mothers killer, a flash of anger crossed her face "how did this happen" she asked. " you must understand that your father loved your mother very much and when he heard of her death he set out to look for her killer, Hal has single handedly been responsable for the death of many of Skaikrish's orcs" he told her. Fawain looked slightly confused " so why does he not kill him " he said sensing the source of her confusion, she nodded confirming that that was exactly what she was thinking, "It's not Hal that he's after" he paused looking at her again "It's you".

"What!!! Why!!!" she cried, Lóthaniel sighed "it seems the orc you killed in the misty mountains, before we found you was Skaikrish's mate" Fawain thought on this for a while recounting that battle, suddenly she knew what she must do. She looked up at Lóthaniel amazingly calm considering all she had just learnt and said " We must help him, when do we leave" Lóthaniel smiled at her courage "we leave tomorrow at first light". Fawain smiled weakly "tell me more of my Father" she asked. Lóthaniel leaned back in his chair and took out his long white pipe and packed it with a sweet smelling weed and lit it up, taking a few puffs he answered "hmm, now where would you like me to start" he grinned.

just then Lésperia joined them placing down the three mulled wines she was carrying, "ah the pipe is out are we in for a long night of story telling then" she said smiling mischeviously. "Fawain wishes to know more of her father" He smiled back to her. Léspheria looks between the two, glad that things had seemed gone well, "Oh, well continue then brother" she laughed pushing the drinks to them.

Tinuviel of Denton

05-07-2003, 07:40 PM

Niniel, confused, looked at Hapman, then at Lalaith. She wasn't sure if the evercheerful man had been talking to her, or to Lalaith. Either way, he was close enough that she felt she could risk at least talking to him. Maybe even asking him where he was from. She took a deep breath and clasped the hem of her cloak.

"Um, Hapman? I'm--I'm--well, you can call me Niniel. Would you--would you like to--to join me?" She bit her lip. She had sounded so stupid, and how could she make a good impression on people if she stuttered?

piosenniel

05-08-2003, 12:49 AM

Cook and Buttercup rushed past the other customers in the Inn. So engrossed were the others in their conversations and their food and drink that they had not noticed the plight of the poor downed traveler who lay in a heap near the door.

‘She’s breathing,’ said Cook, much relieved. She popped open the top to the smelling salts and waved them underneath the woman’s nose, while Buttercup chafed her wrists. Soon a soft moan emanated from the fallen figure, and her eyes fluttered open.

‘Make way!’ shouted the two Hobbits, as they assisted the woman to her feet and settled her quickly in a chair. Cook wrapped a warm quilt round her shoulders, and sent Buttercup to fetch her a mug of hot tea. Sipping the warm liquid revived her somewhat, and she managed to splutter a thank-you to her two rescuers.

‘Don’t think a thing of it, Miss,’ said Cook gently, patting her hand. She looked kindly at the young woman. ‘Now tell us who you are, Miss. And what’s brought you to such a state, if you will . . .’

The Daughter of Gollum and Shelob

05-08-2003, 01:52 AM

Nanna watched the incident. Yes, she is evil, but she has a good side, you know. She rushed to the Inn keeper and ordered a glass of water.

"Please," she said. "I - I mean her - desparately needs a glass of water."

That was instantly delivered to her. She took it, and ran to the woman who was helped by the Hobbits.

"Here you go, old mate," Nanna said, and gave her the glass.

Nerindel

05-08-2003, 06:20 AM

Fawain had sat for hours listening to Lóthaniel recount the deeds of her father and the story of why he had not remained in Ithilien with her mother. It seems that her father had made many enemies during his time as a ranger and most of them beared grudges for some reason or other, so when she was born he had decided to leave to keep his family safe. He also told her the reason why her mother often rode with the elves of Ithilien, The wood-elves provided them with a secret place where they could safely meet and where he could find out how is daughter was doing.

Fawain smiled contently, the thought of her Father secretly looking out for her warmed her heart. And now I can repay his guardianship by aiding him in his hour of need she thought to herself. Although she knew she would be walking into a trap and that Skaikrish probably kill her father weather she went or not, she was contented, after all the twins would be going with her and they would also have the aid of the rangers of Annúminas. she was confident that they would prevail or she would die trying.

She found herself staring deep into Lóthaniel's sparkling grey eyes, eyes full of wisdom and again she was glad that he would be going with her. He smiled at her then turned to Lésperia saying "how was the gift taken, was twenty enough". Léspheria burst out laughing remembering the look on the innkeepers face, the other two looked at her waiting for her to continues still chuckling she said " yes, I think twenty was more than enough, I thought the innkeeper jaw was going to hit the floor when I told her the amount of casks we brought" at that Fawains jaw dropped "tw-twenty" she stammered, sending Léspheria again into fits of musical laughter. "yes exactly like that" she laughed pointing to the almost identical look on her friends face. "the lords have most certainly out done themselves this time" she said joining in with the laughter. Laughing also Lóthaniel put in " it has been a good year for the draught in Rivendell".

Suddenly their laughter was interruped by a fair haired messenger bursting into the inn shouting out Lespheria's name, Looking up she raised her hand calling the messenger over to their table. He ran over gasping for breath waving a scroll infront of her, she took the scroll and bade the elf to sit, pushed her drink to him and untying the scroll she began to read.

To miss Léspheria Denfëa
From Lord Elladan

We have urgent buisness in Gondor with King Elessar and will not be able to attend the naming ceremony of Piosenniel and Mithadan's children as planned. We would be most greatful if you could once again act as a representitive from Rivendell, and offer any aid that is required in prepartion.

yours Thankfully
Lords Elladan and Elrohir.

Léspheria let out a long sigh as she finnished reading, "It looks like I shall not be going with you after all" she said handing the parchhment to her brother. Lóthaniel and Fawain both read the parchment and burst out laughing, Lésperia looked at them a little puzzled and a little cross. Still laughing Lóthaniel explained "I think you are getting the better deal my dear sister, a party and the notability. do not try to pretent that you would rather be fighting orcs in the blue mountains, we know you better than that" Lesperia huffed but she never could stay mad at her brother for long.

She turned to the messenger asking him if he would be joining them for their mid-day meal, he shook his head in refusal saying that he was to return at once with her reply, " then I will give it" she replyed "tell the lords that I would be most honoured to act in their stead, Also inform them that I shall remain in the inn till my brother returns from his current task and have someone from my house deliver clothing and such" the mesenger smiled a mischeviously and replied "the lords have already seen to you trunk it has been taken to your room". "oh have they now" she laughed. With that the messenger finnished his drink gave a quick bow and left them.

Lésperia rose from her seat saying to Fawain and her brother "now it seems that once again I must look for the good lady innkeeper and inform her that I will be staying longer, you never know she may even have some work for me, to pass the time while I wait for you to return." Fawain smiled at her saying "I do not doubt that the innkeeper has seemed a little shorthanded these past few days." So with a quick nod to her brother and friend she left to find Aman.

Tinuviel of Denton

05-08-2003, 08:54 AM

Niniel heard the commotion and instantly forgot about Hapman, the ale, and her nervousness. She reached into her belt pouch for the herbs that she always carried in case of emergency. Too many people solved a theft with a knife for her not to know something of first aid.

"Um, excuse me? I--I have some herbs that might help." She offered the dried leaves hesitantly, wondering if her help would be accepted. That gash looked very bad and had a putrid smell that Niniel associated with infection. Since no one waved her away, but neither did they seem to hear her, Niniel approached the innkeeper and asked for some hot water and clean cloths, which Aman gladly gave her. Niniel steeped the leaves in the water and bathed a cloth in the now sweetsmelling liquid. Once again she approached the hobbits and the stranger, this time carrying her treated water with her. She offered the soaked cloth to the taller hobbit and retreated to her corner. She watched the proceedings and prayed that the woman would be all right.

Ainaserkewen

05-08-2003, 09:41 AM

Dalomy cuddled under her quilt.

"A thousand thank yous." She said quietly. She sipped her drink and with it gained new energy.

"My name is Dalomy, I am a traveler from the north." She reached for her bag that had been taken off and put in a corner. A hobbit ran and fetched it. Inside she found her brother's letter and read it aloud to them and after reading it she could sit up under her own power again.

"Dônevel is my brother. I search for him."
She said with more strength.
"Have you seen him? He is 19 years of age, dark hair and tall." she asked hopefully, but all heads frowned no.
"I didn't think he would come this way." she said wistfully, and went into silent thought for a moment.

"Tell us your story miss!" said one of her caretakers.

"My story? I don't have a story...well, now...I guess I do." She took a long draught from her mug.
"Like I have already told you, I come from the north, from a small village where myself, my mother and Dônevel lived peacefully. But my brother was a unrest and lusted for the wide world. My mother forbade him to leave, him being so young. But 4 months ago, we found this letter and my brother gone. My mother, despite his letter weeped for days until sending me out to find him. I have been searching ever since." She bowed her head remembering the toil of her journey.

"I've never been out of my village before and had no intention to go. I my heart is stilled for the moment."

"Where is your father?" someone asked, putting their hand on her shoulder.

"Dead, as are my two older brothers. Killed by wolves, or orcs or trolls in the wild.
For I am of the race of the Dunedain and my father and brothers were aides in the fight against the dark powers. It was a noble death." A tear rolled down her cheek.

"If I could," she asked wiping the tear away.
"A kettle a hot water to bathe my wound? And a room, I shall rest for a few days and hope the infection leaves me."

All noticed the gash on her arm, she told them of the wolf who gave it too her.

"You are very brave to look for your brother by yourself."

Dalomy shook her head.
"I do not search for my brother now, I search for the leader of the Dunedain, for my brother seeks him."

"Of course, of course." They helped her to her feet and a hobbit with a lattern led her to a room close to the common room, encase she needed anything.

"Thank you again." Dalomy said again. She asked not be troubled for three days, as she needed only rest and a plate of food set quietly by her bed three times a day.

The hobbit closed the door and went back to the group.

[ May 08, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[ May 08, 2003: Message edited by: Ainaserkewen ]