Eorling Mead Hall - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Esgallhugwen · 01-26-2006, 01:38 PM

Gudryn was just finishing her meal when the young man, Gárwine, began to speak with her. He stretched his arms up behind him and then relaxed.

"So, you are Eodwine's daughter?" He asked.

She nodded, chewing a mouthful of bread. She then pushed her empty plate slightly away from herself as Gárwine paused in contemplation.

"And Saeryn, what is her relation to Eodwine? She is not your sister, is she?" He took a bite of bread. "And I saw, as I entered, a maiden, arms piled high with laundry, pass by that door. Who was she?"

Gudryn's eyes widened with surprise, Saeryn her sister?, she shook her head and giggled. "Aside from our auburn locks good sir, Saeryn and I have little else in common besides friendship. She is also a good friend of my Father as well, but I suppose we could all be considered family".

"And the young maiden you saw bustling by goes by the name of Æðelhild. I'm afraid I don't know her all that well, I'm hoping that will change in a few days"

Gudryn smiled again his way thinking that the young man still looked hungry. Of course his journey must have been long indeed like so many others that had recently arrived.

Gudryn was glad that others had the resolve to change their fates as well, very much like she had so many weeks ago. Arriving in Edoras only to meekly thud against the oaken door of the Inn as she collapsed from cold and fatigue.

The thin girl stood taking up her plate and smiling, "would you like another helping sir Gárwine? I'm sure there's plenty more back in the kitchen". Before he could answer however, Gudryn had already taken his plate and was halfway back to the kitchen when she turned and called back "and when I return you may ask me more questions if it pleases you, I will do my best to sate your stomach and mind". She winked and continued on her way.

Folwren · 01-26-2006, 02:54 PM

“Now let’s not get our hopes up and jump to conclusions,” Thornden said, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise. He looked at the young woman who address Eodwine of the Gap and smiled at her. “My lord Eodwine has said neither yea or nay towards my stewardship.”

“He hasn’t answered you yet!” Saeryn said, looking surprised herself. “What have your heads been together so long about then?”

“Why, to come to some end of that purpose, no doubt, but we haven’t yet arrived to it. He was greeting anther young man who came in after me. That one, waiting for you to pay some attention to him.” He nodded his head in the direction of Léofric, “and beyond that, our heads haven’t been too close together anyway."

Saeryn turned and looked, catching sight of Léofric for the first time. She’d left him something of a lurch, it appeared, and he stood looking after her and at a loss with what to do with himself. Thornden bent closer to Saeryn and said quietly in her ear, “He’s in desperate need of breakfast, and Eodwine sent him to ask you for it. . ."

Firefoot · 01-26-2006, 04:56 PM

Léof found himself at a slight loss when he had started to head over to the woman called Saeryn, only to have her and another woman walk right past him to the place he had just been. He would certainly seem foolish to simply turn around and go back. When he saw her turn and glance at him, though, he supposed she would be coming to him soon, and he had already waited this long for a really good meal; a little bit longer wouldn’t kill him. He could not deny that the promising scent of good food did not make his mouth water, though. Good food, kind, lordly people, a job - Léof could hardly believe this place was for real.

His mind turned again to Eodwine’s offer. The job was his! Or, at least it would be in a month, and this chance – a very fair one, at that – was all Léof could ask for. After having been turned down so many times.... Well, now that his position seemed stable, he could start thinking about the future.

His thoughts were interrupted when Saeryn approached him and introduced herself. “It’s breakfast you’re wanting, then? Please, sit down and I can get you a plate.” Léof could not help but feel at ease with her cheery manner, and he smiled and nodded. “Thank you very much.”

She went off to the kitchen, and he wandered over to the table now occupied by only one man - he thought he had seen a woman leave before. He smiled tentatively. “Um… Do you mind if I sit here? My name is Léofric, though more people just call me Léof…”

Feanor of the Peredhil · 01-26-2006, 05:29 PM

Saeryn left Kara to Eodwine with a comforting squeeze on her shoulder. As she bustled about the kitchen, fetching the poor lad a big breakfast (he certainly looked in need of it) with extra butter and honey for his bread, she hummed happily.

As long as Eodwine agreed, and she would talk to him privately on the matter once he was less busy, it seemed that Saeryn had found a well-fit niche for herself. She just hoped that she'd not have to trade her comfortable breeches for skirts and an apron. She rolled her eyes at the thought as she hefted the loaded tray and carried it back to the hall.

"Here you are, Master Lèof, and my sincerest apologies for the delay. As you saw, I had yonder lass to attend to and did not realize that Eodwine had sent you to me. I hope you will accept this as a token of my sorrow." She pointed to a rich looking bit of dessert that made the lad's eyes open wide.

"With breakfast?!" he managed to sputter.

"Unless you're not hungry. In that case, I'll just take--"

"No ma'am." He stopped her quickly. "I mean no disrespect... I was just surprised at--"

Saeryn smiled reassurance.

"Don't tell Eodwine." she grinned. "He'll fuss over need for healthy food. But if you'll look, there's all kinds of fodder quite good for a growing lad. The dainty's just a wee bit of extra. Make sure to eat it last, now."

He nodded and eagerly began to eat.

"There's quite enough for you, as well, m'lord." She nodded politely to the man also at the table and he thanked her as she walked away.

She disappeared toward the rooms to make certain there were plenty enough blankets and clean linens for each room needed. While she never doubted Bethberry's care over the situation, she felt that she ought to make sure.

littlemanpoet · 01-26-2006, 05:55 PM

Eodwine had asked his open ended question of Thornden on purpose. Leave a big enough opening for the young man to walk into with that which is real about him ... unless he be a deceiver, which is most doubtful of a king's man. Thornden's reply did not displease him. His kindly thoughts for the lad's health boded well. Nor did Eodwine doubt that Thornden could be firm at need. However, he wanted to hear more about the man's thought as to the role of steward that he had described to him. He was just about to ask him when Særyn came and introduced the lass Kara, and boldly described to him a job she saw that needed doing, and her intentions to do it, so it please him. It did, though she needn't know that just yet.

Eodwine smiled to himself. There was much more about that lass than met the eye, to be sure. There had been a tone almost of command, and Thornden had noticed it as well, though it had surprised him, taking it as being beyond her place. Eodwine wondered if it truly was beyond her place, or was she now taking a place that was beneath her? He would keep an eye on that now and then, for no other reason than to please his own curiosity.

"A moment more, Thornden," Eodwine said and was about to turn to the lass Kara when he glanced at the table where sat his foster daughter, Gudryn. She seemed very happy this morning, and that pleased him. The young man, Gárwine, who broke his fast with her, was trading words with her, and she was smiling. Sudden thoughts of suitors and betrothals flitted through his head and he felt almost ill with the prospect of such matters. With a mental shake of his head he put it out of his mind and turned to Kara, standing before him somewhat ill at ease. He smiled kindly.

"Good greeting, Kara. Særyn speaks on your behalf. What work would you do here if given the choice?"

Nerindel · 01-26-2006, 05:58 PM

Sat on a low wooden stool , with her sleeves rolled up past her elbows over a large basin filled with warm soapy water Æðelhild pulled the last of the linens up and down the well used wash board. She hummed as she worked, then as she rose carrying the dripping linens to the wrangle and thinking herself quite alone she began to sing.

My Lord the Sun is bright,
so bright!
Shall I open the back gate and hang out the laundry.
Washing makes white,
starching makes whiter,

The fun-loving maid makes
a lousy wife.
A long pipe dangles from her mouth
and she holds eight cards in her hand.
If she wins, she buys flowers to pin to her dress.
If she loses, she flies into a terrible rage.

My Lady the sun is bright,
so bright!
Shall I Open the back gate and hang out the laundry.
Washing makes white,
starching makes whiter,

but a man too free with his money makes
a lousy husband.
He loves to drink liquor and he loves to play cards.
He builds a big pile of pies and cakes
and brown flour biscuits - two silver shillings apiece.

But right next door, old Wybert’s third son
knows how to live well.
His boots are green,
his hat is green,
his robe is green
and he wears a green jacket.

But the washing is good
And the drying is better
So if you make me a wife
I’ll make ye a husband
And another can take out the laundry!

By the time she had finished her tune the linens where wrung and she was pegging the last on a crudely constructed line, her steps where light as she danced over to empty out the soapy tub, the sun was warm and for the first time in a long time Æðelhild felt that she had somehow managed to escape the recent horrors of her past.

She could not go back to who she was, but perhaps here she could at least start anew. Eodwine and his daughter seemed nice enough and if she was careful her past might never catch up to her. Contented she stowed away both the wash tub and board, deciding that she would break fast in the main hall before turning to the task of sweeping the floors.

Alcarillo · 01-26-2006, 07:01 PM

Gárwine had happily greeted Léof to his table and they both began to talk. Gárwine told him of his father's service as a rider under Éomer during the war, and how he was slain near the Entwood fighting orcs from Isengard.

"That was when I decided to become a warrior, but the opportunity would not come while living with my Uncle Wilfrid, who was quite a sluggish brute. So some days ago I left him and I rode for days to reach Edoras, where the King, just earlier this morning, assigned me to be a soldier-at-arms at this very inn."

He ended just as Saeryn approached, and she served the two young men more breakfast, along with sweet desserts that were not to be spoken of to Eodwine. She smiled and hurried off. Gárwine began the second course of his berakfast, musing over the meaning of the desserts. It was obvious that she liked at least one of the two, but if one, which? She had teased Léof playfully, and addressed Gárwine as "my lord" . . . And what of Gudryn's winking and smiling? And as he thought about this Gárwine's hunger was now waning, and he no longer took as large bites or ate as quickly as he did, but he always had room in his stomach for one more bite of Saeryn's and Gudryn's cooking. He still cleaned his plate; it only took longer.

Gárwine wanted to speak more with Léofric. "So, friend Léof, tell me what business brings you here to this inn. Are you a carpenter, perhaps?"

"Oh, no. I am an ostler. Eodwine has given me one month here to prove myself."

Gárwine nodded approvingly. Léof would take good care of Herefola .

Kath · 01-27-2006, 10:44 AM

"Good greeting, Kara. Særyn speaks on your behalf. What work would you do here if given the choice?"

Listening to Saeryn talk to this seemingly mild-mannered man had put Kara a little more at ease, though she would not relax properly until she knew whether she was certain of a place here.

"I would do anything that is offered, sir. I cook well enough to suit simple tastes and have had experience with serving both food and drink. I can feed and brush down horses, well, those I can reach to the top of anyway! Cleaning and tidying, showing people to their rooms - please just tell me what it is you need and I'm sure I can fill some gap."

Lapsing into silence she waited apprehensively to hear what her future was to be. Eodwine looked as though he had thought of something for her, but she wasn't about to get her hopes up just for them to be dashed by a refusal.

01-26-2006, 01:38 PM	#1
Esgallhugwen Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Where the Moon cries against the snow Posts: 526	Gudryn was just finishing her meal when the young man, Gárwine, began to speak with her. He stretched his arms up behind him and then relaxed. "So, you are Eodwine's daughter?" He asked. She nodded, chewing a mouthful of bread. She then pushed her empty plate slightly away from herself as Gárwine paused in contemplation. "And Saeryn, what is her relation to Eodwine? She is not your sister, is she?" He took a bite of bread. "And I saw, as I entered, a maiden, arms piled high with laundry, pass by that door. Who was she?" Gudryn's eyes widened with surprise, Saeryn her sister?, she shook her head and giggled. "Aside from our auburn locks good sir, Saeryn and I have little else in common besides friendship. She is also a good friend of my Father as well, but I suppose we could all be considered family". "And the young maiden you saw bustling by goes by the name of Æðelhild. I'm afraid I don't know her all that well, I'm hoping that will change in a few days" Gudryn smiled again his way thinking that the young man still looked hungry. Of course his journey must have been long indeed like so many others that had recently arrived. Gudryn was glad that others had the resolve to change their fates as well, very much like she had so many weeks ago. Arriving in Edoras only to meekly thud against the oaken door of the Inn as she collapsed from cold and fatigue. The thin girl stood taking up her plate and smiling, "would you like another helping sir Gárwine? I'm sure there's plenty more back in the kitchen". Before he could answer however, Gudryn had already taken his plate and was halfway back to the kitchen when she turned and called back "and when I return you may ask me more questions if it pleases you, I will do my best to sate your stomach and mind". She winked and continued on her way. Last edited by Esgallhugwen; 01-26-2006 at 01:46 PM.

01-26-2006, 04:56 PM	#3
Firefoot Illusionary Holbytla Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 7,547	Léof found himself at a slight loss when he had started to head over to the woman called Saeryn, only to have her and another woman walk right past him to the place he had just been. He would certainly seem foolish to simply turn around and go back. When he saw her turn and glance at him, though, he supposed she would be coming to him soon, and he had already waited this long for a really good meal; a little bit longer wouldn’t kill him. He could not deny that the promising scent of good food did not make his mouth water, though. Good food, kind, lordly people, a job - Léof could hardly believe this place was for real. His mind turned again to Eodwine’s offer. The job was his! Or, at least it would be in a month, and this chance – a very fair one, at that – was all Léof could ask for. After having been turned down so many times.... Well, now that his position seemed stable, he could start thinking about the future. His thoughts were interrupted when Saeryn approached him and introduced herself. “It’s breakfast you’re wanting, then? Please, sit down and I can get you a plate.” Léof could not help but feel at ease with her cheery manner, and he smiled and nodded. “Thank you very much.” She went off to the kitchen, and he wandered over to the table now occupied by only one man - he thought he had seen a woman leave before. He smiled tentatively. “Um… Do you mind if I sit here? My name is Léofric, though more people just call me Léof…” Last edited by Firefoot; 01-26-2006 at 06:49 PM.

01-26-2006, 05:58 PM	#6
Nerindel Spirited Weaver of Fates Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: In an endless sea of dreams! Posts: 827	Sat on a low wooden stool , with her sleeves rolled up past her elbows over a large basin filled with warm soapy water Æðelhild pulled the last of the linens up and down the well used wash board. She hummed as she worked, then as she rose carrying the dripping linens to the wrangle and thinking herself quite alone she began to sing. My Lord the Sun is bright, so bright! Shall I open the back gate and hang out the laundry. Washing makes white, starching makes whiter, The fun-loving maid makes a lousy wife. A long pipe dangles from her mouth and she holds eight cards in her hand. If she wins, she buys flowers to pin to her dress. If she loses, she flies into a terrible rage. My Lady the sun is bright, so bright! Shall I Open the back gate and hang out the laundry. Washing makes white, starching makes whiter, but a man too free with his money makes a lousy husband. He loves to drink liquor and he loves to play cards. He builds a big pile of pies and cakes and brown flour biscuits - two silver shillings apiece. But right next door, old Wybert’s third son knows how to live well. His boots are green, his hat is green, his robe is green and he wears a green jacket. But the washing is good And the drying is better So if you make me a wife I’ll make ye a husband And another can take out the laundry! By the time she had finished her tune the linens where wrung and she was pegging the last on a crudely constructed line, her steps where light as she danced over to empty out the soapy tub, the sun was warm and for the first time in a long time Æðelhild felt that she had somehow managed to escape the recent horrors of her past. She could not go back to who she was, but perhaps here she could at least start anew. Eodwine and his daughter seemed nice enough and if she was careful her past might never catch up to her. Contented she stowed away both the wash tub and board, deciding that she would break fast in the main hall before turning to the task of sweeping the floors. Last edited by Nerindel; 01-26-2006 at 06:04 PM.

01-26-2006, 07:01 PM	#7
Alcarillo Shadow of the Past Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Minas Mor-go Posts: 1,007	Gárwine had happily greeted Léof to his table and they both began to talk. Gárwine told him of his father's service as a rider under Éomer during the war, and how he was slain near the Entwood fighting orcs from Isengard. "That was when I decided to become a warrior, but the opportunity would not come while living with my Uncle Wilfrid, who was quite a sluggish brute. So some days ago I left him and I rode for days to reach Edoras, where the King, just earlier this morning, assigned me to be a soldier-at-arms at this very inn." He ended just as Saeryn approached, and she served the two young men more breakfast, along with sweet desserts that were not to be spoken of to Eodwine. She smiled and hurried off. Gárwine began the second course of his berakfast, musing over the meaning of the desserts. It was obvious that she liked at least one of the two, but if one, which? She had teased Léof playfully, and addressed Gárwine as "my lord" . . . And what of Gudryn's winking and smiling? And as he thought about this Gárwine's hunger was now waning, and he no longer took as large bites or ate as quickly as he did, but he always had room in his stomach for one more bite of Saeryn's and Gudryn's cooking. He still cleaned his plate; it only took longer. Gárwine wanted to speak more with Léofric. "So, friend Léof, tell me what business brings you here to this inn. Are you a carpenter, perhaps?" "Oh, no. I am an ostler. Eodwine has given me one month here to prove myself." Gárwine nodded approvingly. Léof would take good care of Herefola . Last edited by Alcarillo; 01-27-2006 at 01:41 PM.

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01-26-2006, 02:54 PM	#2
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	“Now let’s not get our hopes up and jump to conclusions,” Thornden said, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise. He looked at the young woman who address Eodwine of the Gap and smiled at her. “My lord Eodwine has said neither yea or nay towards my stewardship.” “He hasn’t answered you yet!” Saeryn said, looking surprised herself. “What have your heads been together so long about then?” “Why, to come to some end of that purpose, no doubt, but we haven’t yet arrived to it. He was greeting anther young man who came in after me. That one, waiting for you to pay some attention to him.” He nodded his head in the direction of Léofric, “and beyond that, our heads haven’t been too close together anyway." Saeryn turned and looked, catching sight of Léofric for the first time. She’d left him something of a lurch, it appeared, and he stood looking after her and at a loss with what to do with himself. Thornden bent closer to Saeryn and said quietly in her ear, “He’s in desperate need of breakfast, and Eodwine sent him to ask you for it. . ."

01-26-2006, 05:29 PM	#4
Feanor of the Peredhil La Belle Dame sans Merci Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: perpetual uncertainty Posts: 5,517	Saeryn left Kara to Eodwine with a comforting squeeze on her shoulder. As she bustled about the kitchen, fetching the poor lad a big breakfast (he certainly looked in need of it) with extra butter and honey for his bread, she hummed happily. As long as Eodwine agreed, and she would talk to him privately on the matter once he was less busy, it seemed that Saeryn had found a well-fit niche for herself. She just hoped that she'd not have to trade her comfortable breeches for skirts and an apron. She rolled her eyes at the thought as she hefted the loaded tray and carried it back to the hall. "Here you are, Master Lèof, and my sincerest apologies for the delay. As you saw, I had yonder lass to attend to and did not realize that Eodwine had sent you to me. I hope you will accept this as a token of my sorrow." She pointed to a rich looking bit of dessert that made the lad's eyes open wide. "With breakfast?!" he managed to sputter. "Unless you're not hungry. In that case, I'll just take--" "No ma'am." He stopped her quickly. "I mean no disrespect... I was just surprised at--" Saeryn smiled reassurance. "Don't tell Eodwine." she grinned. "He'll fuss over need for healthy food. But if you'll look, there's all kinds of fodder quite good for a growing lad. The dainty's just a wee bit of extra. Make sure to eat it last, now." He nodded and eagerly began to eat. "There's quite enough for you, as well, m'lord." She nodded politely to the man also at the table and he thanked her as she walked away. She disappeared toward the rooms to make certain there were plenty enough blankets and clean linens for each room needed. While she never doubted Bethberry's care over the situation, she felt that she ought to make sure.

01-26-2006, 05:55 PM	#5
littlemanpoet Itinerant Songster Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Edge of Faerie Posts: 7,066	Eodwine had asked his open ended question of Thornden on purpose. Leave a big enough opening for the young man to walk into with that which is real about him ... unless he be a deceiver, which is most doubtful of a king's man. Thornden's reply did not displease him. His kindly thoughts for the lad's health boded well. Nor did Eodwine doubt that Thornden could be firm at need. However, he wanted to hear more about the man's thought as to the role of steward that he had described to him. He was just about to ask him when Særyn came and introduced the lass Kara, and boldly described to him a job she saw that needed doing, and her intentions to do it, so it please him. It did, though she needn't know that just yet. Eodwine smiled to himself. There was much more about that lass than met the eye, to be sure. There had been a tone almost of command, and Thornden had noticed it as well, though it had surprised him, taking it as being beyond her place. Eodwine wondered if it truly was beyond her place, or was she now taking a place that was beneath her? He would keep an eye on that now and then, for no other reason than to please his own curiosity. "A moment more, Thornden," Eodwine said and was about to turn to the lass Kara when he glanced at the table where sat his foster daughter, Gudryn. She seemed very happy this morning, and that pleased him. The young man, Gárwine, who broke his fast with her, was trading words with her, and she was smiling. Sudden thoughts of suitors and betrothals flitted through his head and he felt almost ill with the prospect of such matters. With a mental shake of his head he put it out of his mind and turned to Kara, standing before him somewhat ill at ease. He smiled kindly. "Good greeting, Kara. Særyn speaks on your behalf. What work would you do here if given the choice?"

01-27-2006, 10:44 AM	#8
Kath Everlasting Whiteness Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Perusing the laminated book of dreams Posts: 4,533	"Good greeting, Kara. Særyn speaks on your behalf. What work would you do here if given the choice?" Listening to Saeryn talk to this seemingly mild-mannered man had put Kara a little more at ease, though she would not relax properly until she knew whether she was certain of a place here. "I would do anything that is offered, sir. I cook well enough to suit simple tastes and have had experience with serving both food and drink. I can feed and brush down horses, well, those I can reach to the top of anyway! Cleaning and tidying, showing people to their rooms - please just tell me what it is you need and I'm sure I can fill some gap." Lapsing into silence she waited apprehensively to hear what her future was to be. Eodwine looked as though he had thought of something for her, but she wasn't about to get her hopes up just for them to be dashed by a refusal.