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Child of the 7th Age · 06-28-2003, 07:00 PM

Child stood in his lodgings at the Inn, staring out the second floor window at the commonplace scenes of the marketplace and roadway that were spread out before him on the steet. Immediately below his window were all manner of folk hustling about on business. Peddlers, workmen, young appentices, and artisans, the whole variety of those who labor, streamed by in an unending parade. They were mostly hurrying to get home at the end of a long, tiring workday; a few had turned off towards the White Horse, intending to join the party there.

From the common room on the first floor, the smells and sounds of the celebration wafted up the stairwell. Child shook his head. He should definitely go downstairs to join the others. Bethberry had been gracious enough to put on this celebration to welcome him home to Rohan and to honor his new duties at the Inn. He hadn't been sure whether or not he should agree to coming here, but she had assured him they could take things a day at a time and see if the situation worked out for both of them. Bethberry had been so gentle and gracious that Child could not imagine saying no to her and bringing a frown to that kindly face.

But now he had received a letter from his brother, a letter that welcomed him back to Rohan and inquired how soon he would be able to ride out to their home, a wide expanse of grassland and manor house set far outside the city. For the tenth time he glanced down and reread the ending of the message:

Father wishes to meet with you and make amends for any misunderstandings that have occurred in the past. He has spoken with the steward in Theoden's court, and they have need of a Bard with your qualifications and talents. You would have a comfortable position in a setting that accords with our family's station in life. Father believes that you've always had a head for matters of statecraft and that, with your skills and the connections you have as a member of our family, you could easily rise to become one of the counselors in the King's court.

Think well on it before you answer. This would surely be a better situation than your present one at the White Horse, and something that father could understand and respect.

Your brother,

Baldor

Child sighed and set the letter down. This was not something he could decide in the space of a few minutes. It would take more reflection than that. Indeed, his answer to this missive could well determine what direction he would be heading for the rest of his life, and what his relations with his father and brothers would be. Best wait a few days before he responded to see how things developed at the Inn and to make sure that he chose his pathway with care.

He slipped on his clean breeches and embroidered doublet, slung the harp over his shoulder, walking down the hallway, descending the stairs, and stepping inside the common room to join the celebation.

[ June 28, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

06-28-2003, 07:00 PM	#51
Child of the 7th Age Spirit of the Lonely Star Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 5,133	Child stood in his lodgings at the Inn, staring out the second floor window at the commonplace scenes of the marketplace and roadway that were spread out before him on the steet. Immediately below his window were all manner of folk hustling about on business. Peddlers, workmen, young appentices, and artisans, the whole variety of those who labor, streamed by in an unending parade. They were mostly hurrying to get home at the end of a long, tiring workday; a few had turned off towards the White Horse, intending to join the party there. From the common room on the first floor, the smells and sounds of the celebration wafted up the stairwell. Child shook his head. He should definitely go downstairs to join the others. Bethberry had been gracious enough to put on this celebration to welcome him home to Rohan and to honor his new duties at the Inn. He hadn't been sure whether or not he should agree to coming here, but she had assured him they could take things a day at a time and see if the situation worked out for both of them. Bethberry had been so gentle and gracious that Child could not imagine saying no to her and bringing a frown to that kindly face. But now he had received a letter from his brother, a letter that welcomed him back to Rohan and inquired how soon he would be able to ride out to their home, a wide expanse of grassland and manor house set far outside the city. For the tenth time he glanced down and reread the ending of the message: Father wishes to meet with you and make amends for any misunderstandings that have occurred in the past. He has spoken with the steward in Theoden's court, and they have need of a Bard with your qualifications and talents. You would have a comfortable position in a setting that accords with our family's station in life. Father believes that you've always had a head for matters of statecraft and that, with your skills and the connections you have as a member of our family, you could easily rise to become one of the counselors in the King's court. Think well on it before you answer. This would surely be a better situation than your present one at the White Horse, and something that father could understand and respect. Your brother, Baldor Child sighed and set the letter down. This was not something he could decide in the space of a few minutes. It would take more reflection than that. Indeed, his answer to this missive could well determine what direction he would be heading for the rest of his life, and what his relations with his father and brothers would be. Best wait a few days before he responded to see how things developed at the Inn and to make sure that he chose his pathway with care. He slipped on his clean breeches and embroidered doublet, slung the harp over his shoulder, walking down the hallway, descending the stairs, and stepping inside the common room to join the celebation. [ June 28, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ] __________________ Multitasking women are never too busy to vote.