**Birthday Party in the Barrow** (May, 2005) - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Assasin · 05-01-2005, 05:45 PM

A tall ghost came in through the door dressed in dark green cloak, black trousers, and a cream tunic with a dark vest over it. Her tall riding boots were covered in mud as if she had rode through the rain to come. She had medium length brown hair and blue-grey eyes. When she came in she put on a name tag that said "Lauren" for that was her middle name. She then proceded to talk to some friends who had arrived before her.

wilwarin538 · 05-01-2005, 05:47 PM

Wilwa noticed the new arrival and went over to great her. "Hello Lauren. You have the same name as my sister. Its nice to meet you."

Bêthberry · 05-01-2005, 06:30 PM

The sky was darkening, although none in the barrow party were in any state to observe the passing into the west of the substitute light of the sun. Few at first noticed a small brown bird winging its way to the barrow.

Wyrd it was, the faithful falcon of Bethberry, who was herself enmeshed in proceedings somewhat similar to those here, an annual rite of celebration for the passing of a year. Parties, as we all know, belong to the realm of fairie, where sometimes our heart's desire can be met and sometimes spurned and more often simply given some sort of shrift, either short or long, depending upon the particular nature of the inhabitants, be they fair or foul, incarnate or symbolic. So, there was Bethberry trapped in story, betwixt this real world of which the invitation spoke, and this ether world of barrow down. Who is to say which spoke of fictional treasure and which spoke of truth? It would take a davem to know, a Lalwende to acknowledge, and a Fordim to pronounce upon, even leading aside for consideration such possibilities as a littlemanpoet could rhyme upon, or a Kuruharan to barter, or a Lush to drink to, or a Squatter to fulminate upon, or a Rimbaud to pun with, or an Aman to plead with, or an Heren Istarion to dig up, or a Thenamir to theologise about, or a Mark to speak in tongues about. Hesty could always play as the vessal righted itself! Perhaps a Son of Numenor could write an ode to pineapple which would put the right spin on things. Well, there were many other ways to characterise Bethberry's cauldron of story, at least as many as there are Barrow Downers. Whether that is one or many, of course, the discussion about the trinitarian aspects of Eru had not yet decided, to say nothing about what Eomer wore under his kilts or Boromir blew upon, or how many pots went into making a SaucepanMan, or how many breakfasts would fill up Pimpiowyn or how many children would be the right number for a hobbit. Well, two hobbits, that is.

But this is to digress, in a manner most unfortunate for parties. But that is the nature of Bethberries, who seem to take most unfortunately a serious line to the interpretation thereof. Seriouser and seriouser!

To return to the party: Wyrd, his head low, wings outspread at a degree that would make a balrog envious whether he had any or not, flew in and out amonst and between the various party members, some of whom he recognised as denizens of Rohan, his mistress's current home in Middle-earth. At last he spied the table resplendent with gifts and the other laden with food.

Two baskets Wyrd held in his beak, and tired indeed he was. The first basket he let fall upon the gift table, where it was meant for the Barrow Wight. In it lay a letter--no, not one of Tolkien's letters for gaming, nor one of those foreign ones, but a real honest to goodness communication, with a map outlining a quest for the Wight on his journey west, and more particularly, outlining the way back, to ensure that no matter how interested he became in his next adventures, he would always be able to find his journey back to the barrow wence his fame first spread and where he still had many faithful admirers.

The second basket Wyrd let fall upon the table of delectables and comestibles. It held all manner of sweet confections, berries covered in chocolate, cereals mixed with marshmellows, licorices of many frostings. And a brief note,

"Fellow Downers,

Alas and alak and foresooth and welladay and--here the writing trailed off, as if someone had grabbed the sheet of parchment and insisted she desist and then it continued in a very different vein--

Oh, all right. I'm in a jam here and cannot get away. Have fun without me, as I'm sure you will."

the note was signed,

"Boysenberry and fried chicken our specialties"
Knott's Berry Farm,
Orange County, California"

The note fell under the table where Lalwende had first been hiding but was found the next day by Hesty the Hostess with the Mostest.

"Curiosier and curioser," she opined. "I think our Beth has fallen on adventures in some strange wonderland." Little did she know how much the Jabberwock lurked in the words of Rohan's moderator.

Fingolfin II · 05-01-2005, 06:43 PM

Fin II burst in late, as usual, carrying drinks and a big smile on his face. His shadow wound it's way through all the ghostly patrons even unto the centre of the Barrow-Wight's wight itself.

'Five years?' he proclaimed to the world (or the Wights) at large, with a smirk on his face. 'I've arrived four too late.'

Nevertheless, there was a spare chair at the Quiz-Roomer's table. As his tired and ethereal frame sunk into a comfortable mini-barrow, he was dimly aware of a name tag floating within arm's reach. He put it on and so became known as the frightening and dashing "A".

Ealasaide · 05-01-2005, 06:55 PM

Smelling food, Codijune's black nose instantly began to twitch. Watching the little Shelties being fed meat out of Firefoot's pocket, she let out a soft whine and trotted forward, a hopeful smile on her face. Just behind the two Shelties, Codi very deliberately sat down. It was her only trick.

"What a good girl!" exclaimed Ealasaide with a touch more enthusiasm than was really warranted, but as she did so, she flew forward and attached the leash she had had draped loosely around her own neck to Codi's collar. She gave the dog's thick coat a vigorous runching, then winked at Firefoot. "Thanks! For a minute there, I thought we were off to the races. And that wouldn't do at all - particularly since I am trying very hard to be unobtrusive."

Firefoot grinned and, with a great deal of effort, reached past her own dogs to give Codi a little bite of meat. Codijune stood up to eat her treat, but as soon as she had gulped it down, she sat again, giving her new benefactor a fresh, very earnest stare. Her plumy tail brushed the floor behind her.

"Now you've done it!" said Ealasaide cheerfully. "You've got a friend for life."

wilwarin538 · 05-01-2005, 06:55 PM

Wilwa noticed the time and was disappointed to find out it was time for her to return home. Sadly she hadn't gotten to see the Barrow Wight that night but she had school in the morning and it was late in her city. She gathered up her violin and looked in the direction of where her cake had been, it was completely eaten. She smiled and headed for the door, waving at those who noticed her quietly leave.

"Happy Birthday Barrow-Downs hope there's another five more to go." she said to anyone in hearing distance and she walked out of the barrow reflecting on how much fun she had had that day.

Hilde Bracegirdle · 05-01-2005, 07:10 PM

“Fortunately the chance of emus is only 60% today!” Hilde said rubbing the back of her head with one hand and turning unique sculpture of a rabbit holding an eggplant over in the other. “Half scale I should say, may a bit less,” she mused setting the thing down on the floor beside were she settled earlier to scribble a few paragraphs in her notebook. Standing up, she abandoning her half written post, and adjusting the large wooden barrette that had slipped down her straight graying brown hair walked about trying to find Cami. She could have sworn she’d heard her mention something about gin. That would be a welcome tonic to for this already stiff neck. But of course the after a sleepless night and hectic day one runs the risk of becoming a beaming yet breathing houseplant with such medicine.

Walking over to the table that held the nametags, she pulled off her tag, grabbed a flair and squeezed in ‘IN’ after the “G”. She was tempted to place it on her neck but settled for placing it on the other shoulder. Hoping for that to dispel the pain, she looked around and saw that Ealasaide had arrived. With a broad smile on her broader face she stood stiffly at attention and saluted both Ealasaide and Codijune, who seemed to be enjoying the gathering.

Shuffling over to the wall, Hilde leaned heavily against it and promptly began snoring even before she hit the floor. Goodnight, enjoy yourselves all you lovely wights!

littlemanpoet · 05-01-2005, 07:12 PM

LMP sauntered back in and passed Wilwa on her way out. He smiled. "Farewell and goodnight, Wilwa! I overheard your poem. Loved it!" She smiled in return and left.

LMP had returned with not only Eodwine tucked inside, but Falco, Harreld and Garreth too from the White Horse Inn, and therefore he had, of course, brought a keg of stout to help continue the loosening of various and sundry inhibitions, codifications, cerebriations, and so forth. And he even decided that if "that's not a real word", he'd start making them up on the spot just because.

He made his way up to the table, set down the keg for the best pouring, straightened his nametag, which still said the same thing as before, which was not entirely unsurprising, since frankly anything can happen in the ether of the barrowdowns (within magical reason and approval of mods of course!).

He reached into his vest pocket and pulled out a pint glass, and poured it full of the darkest, richest looking stout. He put it to his lips and sipped, and sure enough, it was the darkest, richest tasting as well. He was especially glad that things were turning out to be a lot bigger than first appearances might indicate, because that meant that his capacity for the stuff was certainly larger than in RL as well. Ah, it was going to be a great party for the remainder of the night. He sat down in a comfy and very big chair, and thought up more words that had never existed before.

05-01-2005, 05:45 PM	#1
Assasin Wight Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: In a desert. Posts: 142	A tall ghost came in through the door dressed in dark green cloak, black trousers, and a cream tunic with a dark vest over it. Her tall riding boots were covered in mud as if she had rode through the rain to come. She had medium length brown hair and blue-grey eyes. When she came in she put on a name tag that said "Lauren" for that was her middle name. She then proceded to talk to some friends who had arrived before her. __________________ Death is as light as a feather, duty is as heavy as a mountain.

05-01-2005, 05:47 PM	#2
wilwarin538 Fluttering Enchantment Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 2,508	Wilwa noticed the new arrival and went over to great her. "Hello Lauren. You have the same name as my sister. Its nice to meet you." __________________ Comme une étoile amarante Comme un papillon de nuit C'est la lumière qui m'attire La flamme qui m'éblouit Fenris Muffin

05-01-2005, 06:30 PM	#3
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 6,003	The sky was darkening, although none in the barrow party were in any state to observe the passing into the west of the substitute light of the sun. Few at first noticed a small brown bird winging its way to the barrow. Wyrd it was, the faithful falcon of Bethberry, who was herself enmeshed in proceedings somewhat similar to those here, an annual rite of celebration for the passing of a year. Parties, as we all know, belong to the realm of fairie, where sometimes our heart's desire can be met and sometimes spurned and more often simply given some sort of shrift, either short or long, depending upon the particular nature of the inhabitants, be they fair or foul, incarnate or symbolic. So, there was Bethberry trapped in story, betwixt this real world of which the invitation spoke, and this ether world of barrow down. Who is to say which spoke of fictional treasure and which spoke of truth? It would take a davem to know, a Lalwende to acknowledge, and a Fordim to pronounce upon, even leading aside for consideration such possibilities as a littlemanpoet could rhyme upon, or a Kuruharan to barter, or a Lush to drink to, or a Squatter to fulminate upon, or a Rimbaud to pun with, or an Aman to plead with, or an Heren Istarion to dig up, or a Thenamir to theologise about, or a Mark to speak in tongues about. Hesty could always play as the vessal righted itself! Perhaps a Son of Numenor could write an ode to pineapple which would put the right spin on things. Well, there were many other ways to characterise Bethberry's cauldron of story, at least as many as there are Barrow Downers. Whether that is one or many, of course, the discussion about the trinitarian aspects of Eru had not yet decided, to say nothing about what Eomer wore under his kilts or Boromir blew upon, or how many pots went into making a SaucepanMan, or how many breakfasts would fill up Pimpiowyn or how many children would be the right number for a hobbit. Well, two hobbits, that is. But this is to digress, in a manner most unfortunate for parties. But that is the nature of Bethberries, who seem to take most unfortunately a serious line to the interpretation thereof. Seriouser and seriouser! To return to the party: Wyrd, his head low, wings outspread at a degree that would make a balrog envious whether he had any or not, flew in and out amonst and between the various party members, some of whom he recognised as denizens of Rohan, his mistress's current home in Middle-earth. At last he spied the table resplendent with gifts and the other laden with food. Two baskets Wyrd held in his beak, and tired indeed he was. The first basket he let fall upon the gift table, where it was meant for the Barrow Wight. In it lay a letter--no, not one of Tolkien's letters for gaming, nor one of those foreign ones, but a real honest to goodness communication, with a map outlining a quest for the Wight on his journey west, and more particularly, outlining the way back, to ensure that no matter how interested he became in his next adventures, he would always be able to find his journey back to the barrow wence his fame first spread and where he still had many faithful admirers. The second basket Wyrd let fall upon the table of delectables and comestibles. It held all manner of sweet confections, berries covered in chocolate, cereals mixed with marshmellows, licorices of many frostings. And a brief note, "Fellow Downers, Alas and alak and foresooth and welladay and--here the writing trailed off, as if someone had grabbed the sheet of parchment and insisted she desist and then it continued in a very different vein-- Oh, all right. I'm in a jam here and cannot get away. Have fun without me, as I'm sure you will." the note was signed, "Boysenberry and fried chicken our specialties" Knott's Berry Farm, Orange County, California" The note fell under the table where Lalwende had first been hiding but was found the next day by Hesty the Hostess with the Mostest. "Curiosier and curioser," she opined. "I think our Beth has fallen on adventures in some strange wonderland." Little did she know how much the Jabberwock lurked in the words of Rohan's moderator. Last edited by Bêthberry; 05-01-2005 at 06:46 PM.

05-01-2005, 06:43 PM	#4
Fingolfin II Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Where you want me to be Posts: 1,036	Fin II burst in late, as usual, carrying drinks and a big smile on his face. His shadow wound it's way through all the ghostly patrons even unto the centre of the Barrow-Wight's wight itself. 'Five years?' he proclaimed to the world (or the Wights) at large, with a smirk on his face. 'I've arrived four too late.' Nevertheless, there was a spare chair at the Quiz-Roomer's table. As his tired and ethereal frame sunk into a comfortable mini-barrow, he was dimly aware of a name tag floating within arm's reach. He put it on and so became known as the frightening and dashing "A". __________________ Et Eärello Endorenna utúlien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta.

05-01-2005, 06:55 PM	#6
wilwarin538 Fluttering Enchantment Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 2,508	Wilwa noticed the time and was disappointed to find out it was time for her to return home. Sadly she hadn't gotten to see the Barrow Wight that night but she had school in the morning and it was late in her city. She gathered up her violin and looked in the direction of where her cake had been, it was completely eaten. She smiled and headed for the door, waving at those who noticed her quietly leave. "Happy Birthday Barrow-Downs hope there's another five more to go." she said to anyone in hearing distance and she walked out of the barrow reflecting on how much fun she had had that day. __________________ Comme une étoile amarante Comme un papillon de nuit C'est la lumière qui m'attire La flamme qui m'éblouit Fenris Muffin

05-01-2005, 06:55 PM	#5
Ealasaide Shadow of Tyrn Gorthad Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: The Fencing Lyst Posts: 810	Smelling food, Codijune's black nose instantly began to twitch. Watching the little Shelties being fed meat out of Firefoot's pocket, she let out a soft whine and trotted forward, a hopeful smile on her face. Just behind the two Shelties, Codi very deliberately sat down. It was her only trick. "What a good girl!" exclaimed Ealasaide with a touch more enthusiasm than was really warranted, but as she did so, she flew forward and attached the leash she had had draped loosely around her own neck to Codi's collar. She gave the dog's thick coat a vigorous runching, then winked at Firefoot. "Thanks! For a minute there, I thought we were off to the races. And that wouldn't do at all - particularly since I am trying very hard to be unobtrusive." Firefoot grinned and, with a great deal of effort, reached past her own dogs to give Codi a little bite of meat. Codijune stood up to eat her treat, but as soon as she had gulped it down, she sat again, giving her new benefactor a fresh, very earnest stare. Her plumy tail brushed the floor behind her. "Now you've done it!" said Ealasaide cheerfully. "You've got a friend for life."

05-01-2005, 07:10 PM	#7
Hilde Bracegirdle Relic of Wandering Days Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: You'll See Perpetual Change. Posts: 1,480	“Fortunately the chance of emus is only 60% today!” Hilde said rubbing the back of her head with one hand and turning unique sculpture of a rabbit holding an eggplant over in the other. “Half scale I should say, may a bit less,” she mused setting the thing down on the floor beside were she settled earlier to scribble a few paragraphs in her notebook. Standing up, she abandoning her half written post, and adjusting the large wooden barrette that had slipped down her straight graying brown hair walked about trying to find Cami. She could have sworn she’d heard her mention something about gin. That would be a welcome tonic to for this already stiff neck. But of course the after a sleepless night and hectic day one runs the risk of becoming a beaming yet breathing houseplant with such medicine. Walking over to the table that held the nametags, she pulled off her tag, grabbed a flair and squeezed in ‘IN’ after the “G”. She was tempted to place it on her neck but settled for placing it on the other shoulder. Hoping for that to dispel the pain, she looked around and saw that Ealasaide had arrived. With a broad smile on her broader face she stood stiffly at attention and saluted both Ealasaide and Codijune, who seemed to be enjoying the gathering. Shuffling over to the wall, Hilde leaned heavily against it and promptly began snoring even before she hit the floor. Goodnight, enjoy yourselves all you lovely wights! Last edited by Hilde Bracegirdle; 05-02-2005 at 03:38 AM.

05-01-2005, 07:12 PM	#8
littlemanpoet Itinerant Songster Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Edge of Faerie Posts: 7,066	LMP sauntered back in and passed Wilwa on her way out. He smiled. "Farewell and goodnight, Wilwa! I overheard your poem. Loved it!" She smiled in return and left. LMP had returned with not only Eodwine tucked inside, but Falco, Harreld and Garreth too from the White Horse Inn, and therefore he had, of course, brought a keg of stout to help continue the loosening of various and sundry inhibitions, codifications, cerebriations, and so forth. And he even decided that if "that's not a real word", he'd start making them up on the spot just because. He made his way up to the table, set down the keg for the best pouring, straightened his nametag, which still said the same thing as before, which was not entirely unsurprising, since frankly anything can happen in the ether of the barrowdowns (within magical reason and approval of mods of course!). He reached into his vest pocket and pulled out a pint glass, and poured it full of the darkest, richest looking stout. He put it to his lips and sipped, and sure enough, it was the darkest, richest tasting as well. He was especially glad that things were turning out to be a lot bigger than first appearances might indicate, because that meant that his capacity for the stuff was certainly larger than in RL as well. Ah, it was going to be a great party for the remainder of the night. He sat down in a comfy and very big chair, and thought up more words that had never existed before.

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