The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - THE LONELY STAR (Contd. from BD birthday party)

Child of the 7th Age · 08-13-2002, 07:13 PM

Despite the earlier warning that the hobbits immediately return to work, the Orcs ignored the prisoners for the entire day, drowning themselves in ale and blood sports. Once the initial shock of the deaths had been endured, hobbits began poking their noses out of burrows to seek consolation and companionship with others. Members of the community fell into one another's arms, grieving over the deaths of Lily and Pongo. Some went to pay condolence calls on the families whose children had been lost. Others crowded into the Workhouse to hold and hug their own children or those of friends and neighbors.

Within a few moments of Ancalimon's arrival, news of his coming had spread over the entire camp. A few children crept down to Maura's house peering through the cracks in the wood and putting up their ears to the door. Ancalimon had promptly come out on the doorstep with a broom and threatened the scamps with a hiding. As they scampered away, he promised to come down and see the children in the Workhouse later that evening.

Maura and Ancalimon spoke together for some time, discussing the hardships and lessons of recent months. Step by painful step, they traced out the tale of the morning. Ancalimon listened without comment, a look of pain and compassion etched on his face. Whatever passed between them, I do not know. But, by the time their conversation ended, Maura's eyes held a little less strain and fear and a little more hope.

The two agreed that Ancalimon needed to go and speak privately with the families whose children had been slain, as well as with the boy who had provided the original information about the weapons to the Orcs.

Then Ancalimon turned to Maura. "And there is one more I must speak with before I leave: your friend who tends the children, the strange one who speaks of other times and places and dreams of the Lady of Compassion. For her heart must be heavy with grief."

The two agreed the peddler would go speak with each of the three families, and also with Nitir at the Workhouse. Maura promised h would gather the children and their parents so they might sing to Ancalimon and listen to the tales he would tell.

[ August 14, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

08-13-2002, 07:13 PM	#510
Child of the 7th Age Spirit of the Lonely Star Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 5,133	Despite the earlier warning that the hobbits immediately return to work, the Orcs ignored the prisoners for the entire day, drowning themselves in ale and blood sports. Once the initial shock of the deaths had been endured, hobbits began poking their noses out of burrows to seek consolation and companionship with others. Members of the community fell into one another's arms, grieving over the deaths of Lily and Pongo. Some went to pay condolence calls on the families whose children had been lost. Others crowded into the Workhouse to hold and hug their own children or those of friends and neighbors. Within a few moments of Ancalimon's arrival, news of his coming had spread over the entire camp. A few children crept down to Maura's house peering through the cracks in the wood and putting up their ears to the door. Ancalimon had promptly come out on the doorstep with a broom and threatened the scamps with a hiding. As they scampered away, he promised to come down and see the children in the Workhouse later that evening. Maura and Ancalimon spoke together for some time, discussing the hardships and lessons of recent months. Step by painful step, they traced out the tale of the morning. Ancalimon listened without comment, a look of pain and compassion etched on his face. Whatever passed between them, I do not know. But, by the time their conversation ended, Maura's eyes held a little less strain and fear and a little more hope. The two agreed that Ancalimon needed to go and speak privately with the families whose children had been slain, as well as with the boy who had provided the original information about the weapons to the Orcs. Then Ancalimon turned to Maura. "And there is one more I must speak with before I leave: your friend who tends the children, the strange one who speaks of other times and places and dreams of the Lady of Compassion. For her heart must be heavy with grief." The two agreed the peddler would go speak with each of the three families, and also with Nitir at the Workhouse. Maura promised h would gather the children and their parents so they might sing to Ancalimon and listen to the tales he would tell. [ August 14, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ] __________________ Multitasking women are never too busy to vote.