[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Cartil had walked past the Laurel trees with eyes full of interest. The lovely and breath taking sight of the archway was the next thing that sent his eyes wide. The swans on the edges of the roof looked as if they were just about to take flight. Cartil and the rest of the followers were led into the house, and their gear was whisked away by fair maidens as Laurel went to find her grandmother.

The hall was filled with old and historical items, and Cartil marveled at the old swords that were mounted on the wall. They were polished clean but were obviously quite old. Cartil had lifted his hand to run a finger along the blade, but he was stopped as a middle-aged woman came and asked the travelers to choose a room. Once room arrangements had been taken care of, the group was led towards the room of the Swan Lady.

The group passed by several doorways to bedrooms and portraits and hangings as they walked through the hallway. Cartil could hear children behind one door talking in hushed whispers and could hear the creaking of a bed; perhaps one child had decided to jump on the beds. Once in the Swan Lady's chamber, they were met by Laurel and presumably the Swan Lady.

The Swan Lady spoke, and Cartil tried to hide a grimace as she spoke of placing her trust and hope in the strangers. Cartil was mystified by the place he was in, but could not help but feel extreme sympathy for the Lady and her people. When the Swan Lady had finished her speech, there was a moment of awkward silence that even Cartil could not bear. Cartil bowed respectfully to the Swan Lady.

"Milady," he began, and the Swan Lady smiled a kindly smile, which reminded Cartil of his own grandmother. Cartil had been sent from Gondor to deliver tidings of support from the King, but at that point, he was speechless and dumbfounded in front of the Lady. "My - My family is from Tarnost, north of the Dor-en-Ernil. I cannot help but think and worry that if these...barbarians get through the Swan Woods, they will continue on until they are stopped. I have to wonder where they will go next if they are not stopped now. It hurts to know that this house is full of children who became orphans thanks to wild men, and I don't know what I would do if my family were threatened. I will help your people to any extent necessary to stop the murderers that are harming your people and kin."

With that, Cartil bowed again, and turned to face Laurel. "Milady, if you still have the notice from Gondor that I gave to you on our first meeting, I believe Lady Taralphiel would like to see it."

~*~

Jess stood near the center of Alphirion, her eyes focused on the skies, with billowing clouds and the greying color threatening rain. Jess held a chubby little boy in her left arm, his weight supported on her hip, and a little girl held her right hand. Sparrow had not been allowed to go with Cartil to the Swan Lady's home, so he was stuck with the little sister.

"It is going to rain soon, why don't you go home and find your daddy or mommy?" Jess cooed, gently squeezing the little girl's hand and hugging the boy. The girl let out a sob, and Jess' brows furrowed with confusion.

"We don't have a daddy!" The girl wailed, and Jess sighed. "The wild men got him!"

"Well, want me to walk you home to your mommy? I'm sure she can make everything better!" Jess reasoned, trying to sound strong for the children. With the girl's directions, Jess was able to navigate Alphirion and find the children's home. The children scurried inside when their mother opened the door.

"I trust they were good little children while they were out?" The woman asked, wiping floury hands on a dirty apron. She had bags under her eyes and her forhead was wrinkled with worry, but Jess could see that underneath the woman was probably only about five years older than her.

"Of course," Jess replied warmly and smiled at the woman. Before Jess could say anything else, a loud cracking noise and a huge booming sound thundered over Alphirion.

"Well, it isn't every day that the children get to meet someone who can actually wield a sword. All of you warriors coming is a blessing. Our husbands are...or were...good men, but most of them couldn't hold a sword or bow without hurting themselves with them. Child, it is going to storm soon, would you like to come inside?"

"No, thank you. I need to see to my brother's horse. It was nice meeting you," Jess replied, and then had second thoughts just before the woman nodded and closed the door. "Wait! Ma'am, if you would, I think it would be a good idea for you to try and find a safe hiding place in your home. Even better, find a place near a window."

The woman didn't even have to ask why. The wild men were unpredictable. If they came at unawares during a storm, few would survive. They might even torch the buildings. The woman nodded, suggested that Jess take shelter as well, and went inside. Jess turned away from the door just in time to feel raindrops fall from the sky.

Jess wandered over to Sparrow, and the horse grunted at the sight of the girl. He whinnied, and snorted at her. Jess didn't care, and put her right arm over Sparrow's whithers. Then she spoke aloud to no one in particular.

"We know our enermy, we don't know why they are our enemy. But when they come, we will fight. Not for some glorious cause, but to survive. We have no time to prepare, but once the Wild men are upon us, the ferocity of battle will determine the fate of the Swan Wood." Jess stood out in the rain nervously, waiting for something or someone to pierce through the calm sprinkle of rain.

[ May 25, 2003: Message edited by: Aylwen Dreamsong ]