[piosenniel]

Taralphiel's post

Lotar looked upon the mayor slowly before he began. He could feel all the eyes of Bree on him, and the scorn of a few as well. But putting this into the back of his mind, he spoke:

'You say you are but farmers and simple folk. Then you understand that we are of common thread. But our times became dark and we were not able to live such a happy life. We have run and gone far in search of that life again, and we sought to find it here. I now understand that we went about it the wrong way. We came with raised hand when it should have been open. But none could have seen before I think, and so now I will seek to undo what it is that has been done.'

'I ask of you only what you can spare us. We are no longer thieves, and we repay our debts to you in kind. All we ask is a place to settle ourselves and start anew, tools for building, seeds and means to start farms and sow crops. Once we are well established in a place we will work to show our honour.'

Lotar looked out the corner of his eye at his son, who was smiling at his fathers words. He knew he would later hear the jests about the miraculous way Lotar held his composure. Lotar did not smile back, but kept his eye on the Mayor.

His face was stern, but he saw compassion. He knew that what Lotar had said rang true. In any other circumstance, they might have been good friends, fellow farmers enjoying the happy life the land brings to ones so fortunate. Lotar hoped with all his heart that one day that may be a reality.

Holding is breath a slight, he waited for the response of the Mayor.