[piosenniel]

Maikafanawen’s character:

NAME: Ihwestaieleva i-linte-er Lauriëlas (Daughter of the Breeze, the swift one, Goldenleaf) Called Ihwesta by all who can’t remember her full name

AGE: 1000+

Race: Silvan

GENDER: female

WEAPONS: For range combat she uses a rich reddish coloured bow that is 1 ½ meters tall. Gold rose-vine patterns explode from the grip and run up the top and bottom of the bow, fading gradually. Arrows made by her mother—an arrow-smith and a bowyer—are of the same reddish wood with soft brown and white feathers and are tucked in her belt/back quiver combination. (Quiver has reversible straps enabling it to be wore on the back or hung from the belt—able to hold up to fifty arrows). Ihwesta also owns two slender long knives that hang in sheathes on both sides of her belt. The handles are also made of the rich reddish wood with identical gold rose-vine patterns. Elvish script that says Ihwestaieleva i-linte-er Lauriëlas runs down the blades, interwoven with gold lines. Ihwesta owns a sorrel overo with equal amounts of sorrel and white splotches. Her name is Lintequesse.

APPERENCE: Ihwesta is tall (5’ 10”) and slender. Her skin is a bronzish colour free of scars or blemishes of any kind; proof to her renowned swiftness. She has straight light brown hair. She has an oval face with sharp features. Her nose is narrow and slightly aquiline, and thin eyebrows arch slantingly above almond shaped, dark blue eyes. Altogether she is exceptionally plain. She refrains as much as possible from the garb of hunters and trackers. Instead she dons skirts from mid-calf to ankle length, in greens and grays with gold embroidery, and matching tunics that tie at the shoulders and belt around the waist. In her hair she wears decorative feathers and leather straps, and on festive occasions, even adds tiny bells. Around her neck, ankles, and wrists she’ll sport jewelry that reflects her dedication to the natural earth. The ornaments consist mostly of interweaving leather and reeds, with the occasional feather stuck in here and there. When her feet aren’t bare—which they usually are—she’ll slip on a pair of flat-footed, light brown shoes.


PERSONALITY/STRENGHTS/WEEKNESSESS: Has the ability to blend immediately into her surroundings, or flee in the literal blink of an eye. Ihwesta’s rapidity is almost magical. She is also an excellent tracker. Ihwesta can read signs left upon the ground by those who walk upon it, discerning how quickly they passed or whether they carried burdens. She can also listen to the ground to hear the movement of groups of men or orcs (since Elves and Hobbits make no sound when they walk) at a great distance. The Elf also has great weather-sense. She can determine what turns it may take or how much time will pass before a storm arrives. Ihwesta is sharp-eyed, keen-eared, observational, and a quick analytical thinker. Around common people, or strangers she is headstrong and argumentative. Though she is not of noble blood, nor any connection with the guards, she is respected and well liked by her friends and popular among the Silvan Elves. An exotic dancer, Ihwesta passes most of her time entertaining at celebrations and singing self-made ballads for renowned Sindar Elves in their homes. Ihwesta is not known for her skill in battle. She is very good with the bow, but nothing extraordinary
.
HISTORY: Ihwestaieleva I-linte-er Lauriëlas was born to Minyahiniwen Curu-ech-lúva Legolas (her mother) and Rildëoreion Lissi-lammen Lauriëlas (her father). Rildëoreion is a brilliant speaker and works in the palace of Thranduil as a scholar, educating other Elves and keeping record of the Elves’ library, and their history. Minyahiniwen is a fantastic bowyer (and arrow smith) who owns a successful shop just outside of the halls, where many of the guard come to purchase their fine weapons and replenish their arrows. Ihwesta’s older brother, Orodhîn linte-cham Lauriëlas, is learning the art of bow making and hopes to travel to Lórien with his skill. Ihwesta learned a bit from her father on the lore of the Elves, but was more concerned with the world about her. She picked up as much information as she could from the trackers and hunters of Greenwood. From them she learned weather-sense, tracking, herb lore, and how to use long-knives. Without a solid purpose or profession, Ihwesta roams the woods, thinking up new ballads, and drawing pictures of different trees and plants for her father to use in his books. Then the shadow began to spread. Orodhîn’s friend Ceros, a warrior for Thranduil, spoke of going out and discovering the source of the shadow, and conquering it. Though Orodhîn had obligations home with Minyahiniwen in their shop, Ihwesta offered to help in any way she could.

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Maikafanawen’s post

She didn’t want it. It was drab and strident which wouldn’t help her dance at all. But the Elf was smiling and he looked sincere. Ihwesta extended her hand, accepting the pair of bell-adorned anklets from Ghiorden.

“Ah, thanks, Ghio, thanks a lot. They’re very—well you’re very thoughtful.” She smiled up at him tucking the anklets into one of the deep pockets in her skirt. Ghiorden was very kind, and Ihwesta had enjoyed his company a lot, though he was two thousand years her senior, while she was learning to arch, but lately he was growing into a bit of a nuisance, and she couldn’t piece it together.

“Are you dancing soon?” he asked eagerly.

“I have no events scheduled requiring entertainment from me as of now. I’m taking a break, but when I practice I-I’ll wear them.” She forced a slight smile, her mind buzzing for some excuse to get away.

The day had been long and hot. Ihwesta was forced now to take extra caution as she journeyed further from the palace walls, which meant going slow and studying carefully her surroundings. One of her brown hide shoes was ripping down the back and she lacked the tools to mend it now, and doubted returning home soon with Ghiorden drilling her with pointless conversation. When she thought all hope of repairing her shoe and getting to the Council on time, she was rescued.

“Ihwestaieleva,” said a voice behind her. The Elf turned to see [Elf #3] coming her way, probably on his way to the Council. “They are expecting us. If you’ll excuse us Ghiorden.” The older Elf nodded, disappointment slightly lining his face.

“See you later then, Ihwesta.” He bowed and retreated gracefully down the hall again. The she-Elf slumped her shoulders and confided in the guard Elf.
“I feel so nasty. But, there’s something peculiar about him and I don’t trust him at all.” [Elf #3] stopped and tossed a glance over his shoulder then looked down at the she-Elf beside him.

“Yes, he is eerie, I’ll give you that.” Ihwesta absently rubbed at the button on the side of her tunic.

“I know he wants to work with Minyahiniwen at the shop but, well, she’s picky about her work and only Orodhîn knows how to fletch or polish just the way she wants it. I wonder how long he’ll be at it.” They entered the Council hall where Elves were already seated, waiting for Thranduil to address their purpose for gathering.

The king spoke of the disappearances of the Elves in recent weeks and of the growing shadow that seemed to weave its way through the ancient trees taking the merry forest creatures and beautiful shrubbery with it. Then he called for action, action that would discover the perilous enigma that was soon to envelope the entity of the Woodland Elves’ home. Bravest among them was Ceros. He was first to speak.

“Friends of old, I know what must be done. A company of nine shall patrol to the depths of the wood to unveil this mystery that consumes our realm. I propose that—”

“Hold a moment! This is dangerous!” protested [Elf #4, brief description]. Madness to explore something we know so little about. No one who has met this peril has lived. It is insanity to risk the lives of yet more people.” His/her brow furrowed in disturbance as he glanced around the room for support. Another came to his aide.

“I agree with [Elf #4],” offered [Elf #5, brief description]. “No one would take up with you, Ceros, except the foolhardy and novice blinded with a false sense of honor towards the realm.” Ihwesta shook her head and stood also, asking permission to speak.

Thranduil nodded and she began, “I disagree with both of you and will follow Ceros. I do not mean to sing my own praises, but I am a decent tracker and if this power is not supernatural, the best among us could stand against it, I am sure.” [Elf #4, and Elf #5] shook their heads, retaking their seats. A few moments of silent echoed silently in the air. Ihwesta was one of the youngest there and felt awkward searching the gatherings’ faces for replies. Then, another spoke up, agreeing to take up with Ceros.

“I may be how you say ‘blinded with honor’, but to me that is a credit in itself,” stated [Elf #3]. “And I am neither foolhardy nor is my reasoning for reverence false. You have everything I can offer,” he said, bowing low to Thranduil and then looking towards Ceros. “I will go.”

“Have you no concern for your safety, [Elf #3]?” another interrogated. “You, Ihwesta, your mother needs you in her shop? Yes?” [Elf #6] leaned forward in his seat, honest trepidation for the young she-Elf impressed lightly on his face. Orodhîn spoke but did not stand.

“I help Minyahiniwen in the bowyer shop. Ihwesta is free to do as she chooses.” [Elf #6] scowled slightly.

“We need skilled warriors,” Ceros pointed out. “Our troupe will not be complete without many of you. [Elf #4], please reconsider.” The first to depress the idea stared down the Elf who stood by Thranduil before standing slowly.

“I shall go. [Elf #5]?” He stood beside his friend.

“Yes, I will join thy company,” he answered. After what was a short time to Elves, though truly two plus hours, a company of nine was ready to do the king’s bidding.
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Note: The #'s will be filled in with names once the players are chosen for the game.