The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - The Lonely Star -- Chapter 4

mark12_30 · 10-23-2002, 05:53 AM

The main cavern was filled with men and hobbits. It was lit only by a dozen or so candles, half of which went out on a regular basis amid cheering, clapping and shouts of encouragement.

Loremaster led Mithadan, Azra, and Nitir carefully around the main cavern, via side caverns and tunnels that interconnected. The game provided a reasonable distraction, and the four passed almost unnoticed. Only Phura locked eyes with Loremaster briefly, and then his gaze flickered across the three companions, and his eyes burned. But he did not stir from his spectator's seat, and quickly looked back towards the game.

"We mustn't distract Gamba, " Loremaster muttered to the three companions. "He's not nearly as steady as he would like to think. He knows you are coming, and if he sees you he will lose his concentration, and everyone will look where he is looking. Softly now." They waited on Loremaster's lead, Mith smiling, Nitir and Azra trying not to strain for a glimpse of what was going on.

"Glorified target practice, " Loremaster whispered. "Gamba will be late for the meeting, and so will anybody else that makes it to the finals. Phura may be late as well, if Azraph is in the finals. The meeting will begin with the elders. Come." He led them to the tombs.

Phura sat through the rest of the game as if on pins and needles. Nitir and Azra! He had seen them, finally, and would meet them soon. His heart raced, and his eyes glassed over, remembering that quick view of them. Ordinary little hobbits they looked, dripping from their swim, stepping stealthily along, as quiet as any hobbit could ask to be. He wondered about the grim-looking man with them.

Would the game never end?

Normally he would have been saddened by Azraph's early disqualification, but this time he consoled her gently, and whispered that he had to go.

She glared at him. "I knew you couldn't leave while I was in the running."

"You missed on purpose?"

She nodded. "Go."

He kissed her hand, and melted into the shadows.

[ October 23, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

10-23-2002, 05:53 AM	#256
mark12_30 Stormdancer of Doom Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Elvish singing is not a thing to miss, in June under the stars Posts: 4,349	The main cavern was filled with men and hobbits. It was lit only by a dozen or so candles, half of which went out on a regular basis amid cheering, clapping and shouts of encouragement. Loremaster led Mithadan, Azra, and Nitir carefully around the main cavern, via side caverns and tunnels that interconnected. The game provided a reasonable distraction, and the four passed almost unnoticed. Only Phura locked eyes with Loremaster briefly, and then his gaze flickered across the three companions, and his eyes burned. But he did not stir from his spectator's seat, and quickly looked back towards the game. "We mustn't distract Gamba, " Loremaster muttered to the three companions. "He's not nearly as steady as he would like to think. He knows you are coming, and if he sees you he will lose his concentration, and everyone will look where he is looking. Softly now." They waited on Loremaster's lead, Mith smiling, Nitir and Azra trying not to strain for a glimpse of what was going on. "Glorified target practice, " Loremaster whispered. "Gamba will be late for the meeting, and so will anybody else that makes it to the finals. Phura may be late as well, if Azraph is in the finals. The meeting will begin with the elders. Come." He led them to the tombs. Phura sat through the rest of the game as if on pins and needles. Nitir and Azra! He had seen them, finally, and would meet them soon. His heart raced, and his eyes glassed over, remembering that quick view of them. Ordinary little hobbits they looked, dripping from their swim, stepping stealthily along, as quiet as any hobbit could ask to be. He wondered about the grim-looking man with them. Would the game never end? Normally he would have been saddened by Azraph's early disqualification, but this time he consoled her gently, and whispered that he had to go. She glared at him. "I knew you couldn't leave while I was in the running." "You missed on purpose?" She nodded. "Go." He kissed her hand, and melted into the shadows. [ October 23, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ] __________________ ...down to the water to see the elves dance and sing upon the midsummer's eve.