[Nerindel]

Kórpulfr

“Welcome, come, come, and sit!” Kórpulfr called warmly extending his hospitality and indicating the two empty chairs next to him. As the two men sat and wine was poured for them, Hasrim whispered in the Maenwaith tongue what had just passed outside. Giving no indication as to what was discussed he held his smile and nodded his understanding. He then turned back to his guests, “my house is yours for this evening, anything you wish shall be yours, now for some introductions,” he said airily.

“My cousin Hasrim you have already met and this is my advisor Asrim.” He said indicating the man sitting to his right who accordingly raised his goblet and nodded politely to the northern’s.

“And immediately to your left is another guest of our house this evening, my very good friend Tinar.” he continued gesturing to the young man who now stood beside Airefalas.

“So we met again!” Tinar laughed shaking Airefalas’ hand. Suddenly another bell rang interrupting the introductions, everyone rose and as Korpulfr excused himself and turned to address his kin, Tinar explained to their guests that they were about to give thanks to the spirits of their people for the bountiful meal prepared before them and the good fortunes of the day.

In the southern dialect of the desert clans, he delivered thanks and praise to the great hunter of the wolf clan. Several others also spoke giving thanks and praise to their respective clan spirits, all the while, he could hear Tinar translate for their guests, leaving out anything that would overly give hint to their true nature. After prayer, he again spoke in the common tongue formally introducing his guests to his gathered house, the Captain and his first mate nodded accordingly, and then Kórpulfr gestured for everyone to be seated and the meal began. The chatter began almost at once, Business, family and what ever else came to mind, this part of the evening always brought a smile to Korpulfr’s lip’s, watching his people come together and be at ease with one another was most gratifying , but he was forgetting his guests!

“How are you enjoying your stay in the city of the Corsairs?” he asked turning to Mithadan who was seated to his left.

“The food and the trade are good” the captain smiled evasively, indicating the varied selection of food before him, Korpulfr let the evasion pass he knew it would not be prudent for the Captain to speak ill of Lord Falasmir’s hospitality while still in the city.
While Tinar and a few other younger men of his clan asked about the lands to the north, Asrim and the Maenwaith traders quizzed the captain about Gondorian trade laws and customs. A few even enquired as to what types of merchandise they could procure trading with the north men. In return, they too spoke of the trade customs of the desert people. Moreover, how their ways differed from those of the Umbarian traders of the city.

“The Desert people are an honest and simple people, some travel to the city on occasion to ply their wares then disappear into the desert sands, like a mirage. It is said that if a desert man does not wish to be found he will not!” Korpulfr laughed heartily.

“But they are also easily offended!” Asrim warned, “It is yes or no, black or white, the Desert folk know no middle ground.”

“Except when it comes to a price!” another man cried, gaining the agreeing laughter of the other traders in the room.

“But are you not men of the desert?” Airefalas puzzled.

“Ah, yes that we are my friend, but like most who come to live in the city we have learned to adapt, although not all of us still walk the paths of our fathers we still hold to many of their values and beliefs.” Korpulfr answered honestly.

However, before he could continue another bell rang. “Ah it is the time for song and tales of old, will you join us?” However, before Mithadan and Airefalas could answer they where assailed by the youngest of his household. “How big is your ship? Is it bigger than the corsairs are? Is it fast? How fast can it go? Have you had many adventures, please tell us one?”

“Now, now little cubs let our guests first decide if they have the time to join us, “Korpulfr grinned to the expectant faces of the Maenwaith children.

“Awww! Please stay!” they begged.

“How can I refuse,” Mithadan laughed, the children then grabbed the two men and led them though the archway at the end of the hall, inside the room was light with many lamps and candles and the floor was littered with soft silk and velvet cushions, the children let go of their guests and ran to find their favourite cushions. As Korpulfr directed Mithadan and Airefalas to come and sit with him at the front of the room, the other diners began to filter into the room.

Once everyone was seated, a young woman stood up and began to sing, as she sang several dancers entered the room their movements echoing the emotions within the song. Korpulfr informed his guests that the song told the story of a tribe that refused to bow to the dark lord, even when the Lords of Umbar allied themselves to his lies. He also told them of the underlying forbidden love story between the simple warrior and the tribe leader’s daughter. As the song finished everyone clapped, the young woman curtsied then took her seat, as did the dancers.

“Now time for a story what would you like to hear tonight?” he grinned turning to the children eagerly huddled together.

“We want to hear about Captain Mithadan’s ship!” the children cried together. Korpulfr looked to the captain rather apologetically, “would you mind, even a short one would abate their curiosity?”