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alaklondewen · 02-14-2004, 09:22 PM

The call of a horn was heard inside the old healer’s tent. Collothion, who had been diligently recording one of his recent findings at a small table covered with jars of varied colors and sizes, raised his head and uncovered one ear by pushing his thick red hair to the side. The horn was blown twice more, and after quickly shuffling his papers, Collothion stepped from the shelter with his heart beating anxiously and his eyes gleaming with pride. The time had come!

As he hurried toward the center of the settlement, he shaded his eyes with one long hand trying to get a better view of the competitors. It had been against his better judgment to allow Cuilad to join the men, but the boy had been so persistent. Cuilad looked so much like his mother when he wanted something badly that Collothion found it difficult to disappoint those fiery green eyes. He would put his trust in the Ithilien ranger who had promised to keep an eye on the lad. Trying to catch his son’s eye, the healer waved to the boy.

Cuilad held himself high in his seat with his chest out and chin up as the crowd’s cheer rose. Searching the crowd he found his father waving to him and a broad smile instantly formed on both of their faces.

Collothion approached his son and nervously laid his hand on the steed’s mane. “Are you sure you want to do this?” He asked quietly, not wanting the Calumdril to hear him giving Cuilad a chance to step out of the competition. Cuilad answered clearly by knotting the corner of his mouth, raising one eyebrow, and nodding slowly. “I thought as much, but you can’t blame me for trying, son. Stay close to Calumdril, and…” Here the old healer looked down as his feet and pushed his hair behind his ear. He wanted to tell his son to run and hide if he saw any of the hillmen, but he changed his mind and continued with, “if you see any new flora, be sure to bring me a sample.”

Looking up Collothion met Cuilad’s eyes which first were serious but then relaxed and full of laughter. The son knew his father well enough to know the healer’s curiosity of new herbs and plants would not be curbed by his own absence in the competition. Collothion patted the horse once more, and then his son’s knee. Turning his back on Cuilad, the father raised his head to meet Calumdril's eye. The men nodded in silent respect and understanding and Collothion stepped back to blend in with the rest of the crowd praying his son would be kept from harm’s way and the hunt would successfully bring the settlement much needed food.

02-14-2004, 09:22 PM	#90
alaklondewen Song of Seregon Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Following the road less traveled Posts: 1,193	Settlers The call of a horn was heard inside the old healer’s tent. Collothion, who had been diligently recording one of his recent findings at a small table covered with jars of varied colors and sizes, raised his head and uncovered one ear by pushing his thick red hair to the side. The horn was blown twice more, and after quickly shuffling his papers, Collothion stepped from the shelter with his heart beating anxiously and his eyes gleaming with pride. The time had come! As he hurried toward the center of the settlement, he shaded his eyes with one long hand trying to get a better view of the competitors. It had been against his better judgment to allow Cuilad to join the men, but the boy had been so persistent. Cuilad looked so much like his mother when he wanted something badly that Collothion found it difficult to disappoint those fiery green eyes. He would put his trust in the Ithilien ranger who had promised to keep an eye on the lad. Trying to catch his son’s eye, the healer waved to the boy. Cuilad held himself high in his seat with his chest out and chin up as the crowd’s cheer rose. Searching the crowd he found his father waving to him and a broad smile instantly formed on both of their faces. Collothion approached his son and nervously laid his hand on the steed’s mane. “Are you sure you want to do this?” He asked quietly, not wanting the Calumdril to hear him giving Cuilad a chance to step out of the competition. Cuilad answered clearly by knotting the corner of his mouth, raising one eyebrow, and nodding slowly. “I thought as much, but you can’t blame me for trying, son. Stay close to Calumdril, and…” Here the old healer looked down as his feet and pushed his hair behind his ear. He wanted to tell his son to run and hide if he saw any of the hillmen, but he changed his mind and continued with, “if you see any new flora, be sure to bring me a sample.” Looking up Collothion met Cuilad’s eyes which first were serious but then relaxed and full of laughter. The son knew his father well enough to know the healer’s curiosity of new herbs and plants would not be curbed by his own absence in the competition. Collothion patted the horse once more, and then his son’s knee. Turning his back on Cuilad, the father raised his head to meet Calumdril's eye. The men nodded in silent respect and understanding and Collothion stepped back to blend in with the rest of the crowd praying his son would be kept from harm’s way and the hunt would successfully bring the settlement much needed food.