* Deep fluted calls of minstrel thrushes against a backdrop of trees content to keep silent gave way to the breezier tinkling notes of larks as Gandalf and Holly's path forked down the side road from close forest to open field. The closer they came to Castle Maladil, the more they saw healthy tall grasses weaving proudly under the wind's touch dissolve into brittle brown stubble, still tall, but hollow and mocking, or mourning, or just given up. Elegant delicate larks were replaced by struggling hardy sparrows, until finally only the presence of a stray cricket could be detected. After that, the sound of the wind alone, shuddering through the dead grass. *
* Gandalf strode on as though he saw or felt not the path, so intent was he on listening to the deepening silence. Holly strode alongside, sketchpad and ink-laden quill wielded as though they were shield and key. *
Remember now, * Gandalf said where the path became overgrown, * We'll be mapping not the perimeter of the buildings themselves, but the perimeter as outlined by where the farthest shadows fall, from wall or tower. For 'tis said that some of the castle ghosts have been seen walking over the castle grounds to this boundary of shadow, and never further. Thus Holly, you will mark the limits of our safety. Good to know, though we shall cross those limits soon enough.
[ January 25, 2003: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]
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