Tol-in-Gaurhoth revisited (aka Werewolf 2) - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Eomer of the Rohirrim · 05-22-2005, 07:26 AM

Poor Oddwen. We'll find the scoundrels who did this to you. And we shall be quick, yes.

Three of our own, but of whom do we have reason to suspect? Let us stare at each other with intensity; the guilty will crack before long.

Feanor of the Peredhil · 05-22-2005, 07:49 AM

The healer looked with intensity at all who were present. Poor, poor Oddwen, she thought. Who could have... She trailed off, sleepy still. It was far too early after a late night out to be thinking so critically. Who says that healers don't dance? she thought with an amused smile. But alas, that isn't the point... we've a bloody lot of werewolves on the loose, without a single clue as to who they are.

She glared more or less equally at almost everybody, glaring slightly more forebodingly at Anguirel. The two had quite a rocky past, though not everyone was aware. If he tries any of that funny business this time...

"Fordim," she said worriedly, "what gives you the idea that the phantom is not as pure and innocent as the wind driven snow? Or that Aina might be more than she seems. Why those two, do you pick?"

the phantom · 05-22-2005, 08:21 AM

The Phantom welcomed everyone into the common room and brought them drinks.

"I assure you, Mr. Hedgethistle, I had nothing whatsoever to do with my name. It was given to me by my parents. Though I have come to love my name- since it refers to me," he ended with a wink.

The Phantom then turned to The Barrow-Wight. "Werewolf, you say? Where did you come up with that? I never even thought about it- figured it was just a pack of regular old wolves. Are you versed in werewolf lore and know certain things to look for? If so, you'd better let us know what we are dealing with here."

The Phantom raised his voice for all to hear. "I think we should wait for a few more people to arrive before we start coming to any sort of conclusion. Everyone try to remember if they've seen anything funny the past few days and then tell about it. As my father used to say, 'nothing like a room full of smart people talkin' to fix a problem'."

"I'll be back in a bit, hon," he said quietly to Fea. "I'm going to take a walk around town and look for tracks and such."

Feanor of the Peredhil · 05-22-2005, 08:32 AM

Fea responded just as quietly. "I think I may join you. There is nothing worse than the first day when we have nothing, not even pointless accusations, to go on. There is no point in sitting t'home where I'll learn nothing for some time, when I could be out looking for answers. And besides... I heard that that lovely new couple in town is expecting. I should go see if they need any help.

dancing spawn of ungoliant · 05-22-2005, 09:06 AM

Dancing spawn was still shocked about the horrible deed that took place in her own village as she entered the Inn. Many had already gathered there but she didn't feel comfortable to sit down next to any other people. "Anyone here can be more than he or she claims to be", she muttered to herself.

Eomer stared disturbingly at every villager in the room and suffocative silence filled the otherwise cheery Inn. "The Barrow-Wight has gone off to build a gallows tree. I bet that poor Oddwen's death won't be the last one in this community", Dancing spawn sighed.

Son of Númenor · 05-22-2005, 09:37 AM

The already frantic murmur of the crowd turned into an audible gasp as I made my way into the square where the villagers had convened, outside of Oddwen’s house. I could feel my pale features growing flushed, my arms trembling. I should not, I decided, have come.

What’s he doing here? someone murmured, thinking himself out of the range of my ear.

I’ll bet he did it – him and his old mum, said another, bolder voice. I clenched my fists and drew a deep breath.

No coincidence, this: ‘im turnin’ up in public fer the first time in months, day after a murder’s be done.

I tried to redirect my attention; walking as composedly as my nerves would allow, I went and took a seat on a bench, next to an elderly man who I recognized: I’d built him a plain bureau for his wife a few months ago, a surprise for their anniversary. He nodded at me and smiled, I think somewhat gravely. My eyes were fixed downward on my feet, but I returned the nod.

"I’m only hear to listen, for the time being", I said, inexplicably compelled to explain myself to the old man.

That is as it should be, he replied. There was a pause. My wife thanks you for the bureau. It is quite sturdy.

I sat for awhile and listened to the villagers. To my surprise, one of the village elders called upon me to give my thoughts. I could feel the crowd’s gaze upon me, and knew that no answer I gave would be satisfactory. I also knew that my remaining silent could prove deadly in this panicked atmosphere.

"Well," I stammered, after some hesitation, "I noticed that Fordim was not only the first to speak, but the only to mention others’ names; was it perhaps a deflection of perceived suspicion? And then there was that old mason, planning the execution before it was decided who was to be executed; it seemed to me an overreaction, at the least." The crowd was visibly aghast at my audacity: me, the hermitic carpenter, making so bold as to name names.

There would be a time, I knew, ere the sun set this very day, when I would have to cast my vote for a hanging. With this in mind, I added, "Certainly now is not the time for rash judgement. I meant no hurt upon the characters of the men I named, if it be proved that my suspicions are unfounded."

Feanor of the Peredhil · 05-22-2005, 09:47 AM

As Fea and the phantom walked through the village, she whispered in his ear.

"M'lad, earlier you said

Quote:

I never even thought about it- figured it was just a pack of regular old wolves.

Did it not occur to you that the pretty lass was strung up to the ceiling? A pack of regular wolves can't tie knots. They sort of... um..." she thought for a moment, trying to put this delicately so that it might not be construed as suspicion so much as a somewhat affectionate correction. "M'boy, wolves lack the reach and the opposable thumbs."

Hearing a terrifyingly disembodied voice commanding them to return to the group, Fea and the phantom quickly followed orders.

As she looked around at the growing group of villagers, Fea began to post in a slightly different manner.

Fordim, I'd love for you to speak up and explain why you picked those two. Also, I'm very seriously considering dropping names like rabid ferrits (oh how I love this new phrase...

) just to see what people's reactions will be. Just to.. you know... spice things up a bit.

Fordim Hedgethistle · 05-22-2005, 12:07 PM

*Lighting his pipe and taking a contemplative puff upon it*

Well, Sono, if there’s no-one here as is willing to point fingers at others, we may as well just slit our own throats and do the Werewolves’ work for them! A very nice piece of reasoning you ‘ave there I must say. The first as speaks is the first to draw suspicion? What about the one who sits there with nary a word and an innocent smile upon her pretty face?

*Looks at Ainaserkwen*

The ol’ Barrow-Wight has the right idea there, I says. Let’s get up a gallows right quick and put it to use too! And I say let’s string up that there

++Phantom

Yea, yea – I hear you a-caterwauling for an explanation mistress Fea, and I aim to give it. It seems to me that if I were a Werewolf, and if I wanted to make sure I knew what was what about a town, I could do a lot worse that set myself up as the Innkeeper of that there town! What’s more, if I were a werewolf, and I wanted to have about me others as I could easily fool into trusting me, it seems I would want to be married. Of course, now that I think of it, seems to me that if I were a Werewolf, I might prefer the company of my own kind…

Now I just a-knows that there’s going to be some among you all who think that I’m a-trying to move the noose from around my own neck and onto another’s. Well, there’s not much I can say to that other than to say that I know I’m no Werewolf, but I can’t say that I know the same about that Phantom feller. The ways I see it is this – if we hang him there’s two results…

First, he’s a Werewolf and we’ve done right; then we’ll know that anyone who tried to save him, or who was mysteriously quiet in the matter, is probably one of those hairy beasts too!

Second, he’s not a Werewolf and we’ve done wrong, but then we can pretty much clear anyone who argued to save his life and begin to look a lot more closely at those who argued to hang him – and yes I know that if this happens, I’m sure to draw some people down on me: but if you do hang me, when my body stays as human as the day it came from out my mother, I hope that you’ll all remember my words here and feel sorry as to have turned against one who is trying to save this village!

05-22-2005, 07:26 AM	#1
Eomer of the Rohirrim Auspicious Wraith Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 4,859	Poor Oddwen. We'll find the scoundrels who did this to you. And we shall be quick, yes. Three of our own, but of whom do we have reason to suspect? Let us stare at each other with intensity; the guilty will crack before long. __________________ Los Ingobernables de Harlond Last edited by Eomer of the Rohirrim; 06-01-2005 at 08:02 AM.

05-22-2005, 07:49 AM	#2
Feanor of the Peredhil La Belle Dame sans Merci Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: perpetual uncertainty Posts: 5,517	The healer looked with intensity at all who were present. Poor, poor Oddwen, she thought. Who could have... She trailed off, sleepy still. It was far too early after a late night out to be thinking so critically. Who says that healers don't dance? she thought with an amused smile. But alas, that isn't the point... we've a bloody lot of werewolves on the loose, without a single clue as to who they are. She glared more or less equally at almost everybody, glaring slightly more forebodingly at Anguirel. The two had quite a rocky past, though not everyone was aware. If he tries any of that funny business this time... "Fordim," she said worriedly, "what gives you the idea that the phantom is not as pure and innocent as the wind driven snow? Or that Aina might be more than she seems. Why those two, do you pick?" __________________ peace

05-22-2005, 08:21 AM	#3
the phantom Beloved Shadow Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Stadium Posts: 5,971	The Phantom welcomed everyone into the common room and brought them drinks. "I assure you, Mr. Hedgethistle, I had nothing whatsoever to do with my name. It was given to me by my parents. Though I have come to love my name- since it refers to me," he ended with a wink. The Phantom then turned to The Barrow-Wight. "Werewolf, you say? Where did you come up with that? I never even thought about it- figured it was just a pack of regular old wolves. Are you versed in werewolf lore and know certain things to look for? If so, you'd better let us know what we are dealing with here." The Phantom raised his voice for all to hear. "I think we should wait for a few more people to arrive before we start coming to any sort of conclusion. Everyone try to remember if they've seen anything funny the past few days and then tell about it. As my father used to say, 'nothing like a room full of smart people talkin' to fix a problem'." "I'll be back in a bit, hon," he said quietly to Fea. "I'm going to take a walk around town and look for tracks and such." __________________ the phantom has posted. This thread is now important.

05-22-2005, 08:32 AM	#4
Feanor of the Peredhil La Belle Dame sans Merci Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: perpetual uncertainty Posts: 5,517	Fea responded just as quietly. "I think I may join you. There is nothing worse than the first day when we have nothing, not even pointless accusations, to go on. There is no point in sitting t'home where I'll learn nothing for some time, when I could be out looking for answers. And besides... I heard that that lovely new couple in town is expecting. I should go see if they need any help. __________________ peace

05-22-2005, 09:06 AM	#5
dancing spawn of ungoliant Mischievous Candle Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: So near to Russia, so far from Japan, quite a long way from Cairo, lots of miles from Vietnam. Posts: 1,234	Dancing spawn was still shocked about the horrible deed that took place in her own village as she entered the Inn. Many had already gathered there but she didn't feel comfortable to sit down next to any other people. "Anyone here can be more than he or she claims to be", she muttered to herself. Eomer stared disturbingly at every villager in the room and suffocative silence filled the otherwise cheery Inn. "The Barrow-Wight has gone off to build a gallows tree. I bet that poor Oddwen's death won't be the last one in this community", Dancing spawn sighed. __________________ Fenris Wolf

05-22-2005, 09:37 AM	#6
Son of Númenor A Shade of Westernesse Join Date: May 2004 Location: The last wave over Atalantë Posts: 515	The already frantic murmur of the crowd turned into an audible gasp as I made my way into the square where the villagers had convened, outside of Oddwen’s house. I could feel my pale features growing flushed, my arms trembling. I should not, I decided, have come. What’s he doing here? someone murmured, thinking himself out of the range of my ear. I’ll bet he did it – him and his old mum, said another, bolder voice. I clenched my fists and drew a deep breath. No coincidence, this: ‘im turnin’ up in public fer the first time in months, day after a murder’s be done. I tried to redirect my attention; walking as composedly as my nerves would allow, I went and took a seat on a bench, next to an elderly man who I recognized: I’d built him a plain bureau for his wife a few months ago, a surprise for their anniversary. He nodded at me and smiled, I think somewhat gravely. My eyes were fixed downward on my feet, but I returned the nod. "I’m only hear to listen, for the time being", I said, inexplicably compelled to explain myself to the old man. That is as it should be, he replied. There was a pause. My wife thanks you for the bureau. It is quite sturdy. I sat for awhile and listened to the villagers. To my surprise, one of the village elders called upon me to give my thoughts. I could feel the crowd’s gaze upon me, and knew that no answer I gave would be satisfactory. I also knew that my remaining silent could prove deadly in this panicked atmosphere. "Well," I stammered, after some hesitation, "I noticed that Fordim was not only the first to speak, but the only to mention others’ names; was it perhaps a deflection of perceived suspicion? And then there was that old mason, planning the execution before it was decided who was to be executed; it seemed to me an overreaction, at the least." The crowd was visibly aghast at my audacity: me, the hermitic carpenter, making so bold as to name names. There would be a time, I knew, ere the sun set this very day, when I would have to cast my vote for a hanging. With this in mind, I added, "Certainly now is not the time for rash judgement. I meant no hurt upon the characters of the men I named, if it be proved that my suspicions are unfounded." Last edited by Son of Númenor; 05-22-2005 at 09:43 AM. Reason: minor changes in wording

05-22-2005, 12:07 PM	#8
Fordim Hedgethistle Gibbering Gibbet Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Beyond cloud nine Posts: 1,844	Lighting his pipe and taking a contemplative puff upon it Well, Sono, if there’s no-one here as is willing to point fingers at others, we may as well just slit our own throats and do the Werewolves’ work for them! A very nice piece of reasoning you ‘ave there I must say. The first as speaks is the first to draw suspicion? What about the one who sits there with nary a word and an innocent smile upon her pretty face? Looks at Ainaserkwen The ol’ Barrow-Wight has the right idea there, I says. Let’s get up a gallows right quick and put it to use too! And I say let’s string up that there ++Phantom Yea, yea – I hear you a-caterwauling for an explanation mistress Fea, and I aim to give it. It seems to me that if I were a Werewolf, and if I wanted to make sure I knew what was what about a town, I could do a lot worse that set myself up as the Innkeeper of that there town! What’s more, if I were a werewolf, and I wanted to have about me others as I could easily fool into trusting me, it seems I would want to be married. Of course, now that I think of it, seems to me that if I were a Werewolf, I might prefer the company of my own kind… Now I just a-knows that there’s going to be some among you all who think that I’m a-trying to move the noose from around my own neck and onto another’s. Well, there’s not much I can say to that other than to say that I know I’m no Werewolf, but I can’t say that I know the same about that Phantom feller. The ways I see it is this – if we hang him there’s two results… First, he’s a Werewolf and we’ve done right; then we’ll know that anyone who tried to save him, or who was mysteriously quiet in the matter, is probably one of those hairy beasts too! Second, he’s not a Werewolf and we’ve done wrong, but then we can pretty much clear anyone who argued to save his life and begin to look a lot more closely at those who argued to hang him – and yes I know that if this happens, I’m sure to draw some people down on me: but if you do hang me, when my body stays as human as the day it came from out my mother, I hope that you’ll all remember my words here and feel sorry as to have turned against one who is trying to save this village!

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