**The Barrow-Downs Birthday Mailbag - May 2006** - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Hookbill the Goomba · 05-01-2006, 01:55 AM

"To our Lord Wight,

Six Years, eh? Well I never. Feels like six thousand, but then again, being dead, time is not really our strong point. One day runs into another and before you know it ten thousand centuries have passed by.

We've seen running jokes, driving Mountains, Werewolves, Bombadill and Balrogs. I'm sure old Professor Tolkien would give you a big pat on the back and a fill of his tobacco. Well done, Lord Wight of the Barrow Downs.

The ever un-inebriated,
Hookbill the Goomba. "

And now a pictorial concoction.

Taralphiel · 05-01-2006, 04:43 AM

The next card, hand-drawn with a good deal of care, showed a simple greeting on its cover.

Inside, the card read -

" To the Great Lord Wight,

Many a warm return on your sixth birthday! Though I was not around for the moment of its 'death', I have been a lurker for many a day after. Just shy over four years I have roleplayed, quizzed and been quizzed, and sometimes even discussed things pertaining to this great Middle Earth.

I give you thanks for a wonderful haven. Though dead, I have enjoyed living every day here! I hope there are many more for you, and for the wonderful capers on The Downs.

Sincerely,

Taralphiel

"

Feanor of the Peredhil · 05-01-2006, 07:32 AM

A mere letter contained the following in a flowing script most definately not belonging to the usually illegible Fea; it was obvious that she had dictated it's composition so that the illustrius Barrow-Wight would actually be able to read it:

In seeing how this lovely barrow has grown and flourished under your supervision, I suspect that you are either exceptionally proud, like a many-children'd father rather early in the day before he becomes exhausted by them, or a bit nervous, like a many-inmate'd prison warden rather late in the day, long after he's become resigned to them.

May this birthday of your creation amuse you, and may the day, with or without affectionate letters, be one full of adventure and good drink and good friends, as all good days are wont to include.

Regards,
Feanor of the Peredhil

Hilde Bracegirdle · 05-01-2006, 10:59 AM

A parcel lay among the many cards and notes. It was wrapped carefully in the yellowed remnants of a bird watcher’s field guide, who, along with its owner, had gone astray some many years ago. And now the eye of a finch stared fixedly through the shifting contents of the mail bag.

Inside the box, in a plastic sack, was what appeared to be a slice of cake, its sweet green icing caking the bag quite thoroughly. And beside this tribute lay a Polaroid photo as well a note written in a lacy script. The photo was dim, but if one squinted as they held it under a strong light, the cake intact could be seen, lit by a solitary candle. A smiling and matronly hobbit was seated primly behind it, (dressed in the appropriate white and with golden circlet about her head). Behind the hobbit the very faintest pallor of a wight could be seen in the gloom, solemnly holding aloft a gleaming blade over the green delicacy.

The enclosed note read thusly:

“Cake for the great and august Barrow-Wight, in celebration and honor of this, the anniversary of six glorious years on-line!

And with deeply felt gratitude for the construction of this Virtual Hall, in which all the wights, young and old, that are scattered to the four corners of Arda, may meet and ponder former days.

Best wishes for many years to come!

Yours humbly,
Hilde Bracegirdle and company”

Farael · 05-01-2006, 11:09 AM

Just a few months ago I stumbled, tired and road-weary into your domains. The sun was a high sphere held in mid-air and the stone of your barrow was fresh, cool to the touch. As most people tend to do in such situations, I fell asleep, only to wake up inside the barrow. You know, the usual proceedure, then I figured I'd sing a little tune and some old man with crazy coloured clothing would come to the rescue. Yet the barrow was dark, warm and snug and the first thing I realized was that this place seemed to be a gathering ground for those with similar interests as me. Well... to be honest, the first thing I realized (and was rather disapointed by) was that I was not dressed in fancy clothing nor I had an elven dagger. But after that, I pulled up a chair to where other barrow-residents were talking and jumped into the conversation.

Since then, I have argued literature, some rather philosophical points as well as middle-earth science (why don't elves sink in snow? is it possible for a man running fast to run on snow making very little imprint of his steps?). Then I found myself in a village infested by werewolves, or was it heroes the first time around? Not to mention giving birth to two rather lovely fellows who have plenty of stories to tell. All of that would not have been possible without the 'downs and for that I thank thee.

Finally, I would like to congratulate you on not only producing a top-notch forum and for being able to lure in and keep the best group of posters I have seen. Here's for the Barrow Downs, the Barrow Wight, the group of Mods and last but not least, the posters without whom this site would only be an empty shell.

For six times six more years!!!

Celuien · 05-01-2006, 03:30 PM

A new card slipped out of the Barrow-Downs letter pile:

The front cover was a simple photo and caption:

"The Road Goes Ever On and On..."

The card opened to reveal a greeting to the mighty Barrow-Wight in celebration of his site.

Greetings, Barrow-Wight! Congratulations on six wonderful years on the Downs. I have been here for only one year (one year today, as a matter of fact!), but what a wonderful year it has been.

Thank you for running a truly wonderful site. Thanks as well to the excellent mods who help keep the boards organized and troll-free.

As the Road goes on, may the years go on as well, filled with more fellowship and discussion. And may it never end!

With all best wishes,
Celuien

Kath · 05-01-2006, 04:25 PM

Another letter slid out of the pile. Once it had been carefully sealed, but time had taken it's toll, and the wax holding it had all but come off, causing the paper to unfold as it moved.

"To our esteemed Lord Wight,

Greetings and salutations on this, the sixth birthday of the Barrowdowns. Your contribution to the world we all live in has gone unnoticed by nobody here, and we are all exceedingly grateful for the place you have built for us to dwell in at peace, or at least relative quiet when certain ghouls aren't at each others throats.

May many more years of this wonderful haven be forthcoming!

Fondest regards,
Kath"

Glirdan · 05-01-2006, 04:39 PM

A letter written rather hastily was next to arrive in the on-going chain of letters being sent to the Barrow-Downs. Unfortunately, there was no beautiful hand-drawn photo or another picture of some sorts. Just a plain, badly written letter.

Dear Mr. Barrow-Wight,

Congratualations on this 6th year anniversary. I myself have only been here for one of those years, yet it has been an enjoyable one filled with pleasent and not so pleasent memories. A year filled with laughter and tears. A year filled with joy and pain. Yet in the end, all of these emotions lead back to a great year and it's all thanks to you.

May this wonderful place continue to grow and prosper with many more memories that are filled with laughter, joy and all those other memories.

With many wishes,
Glirdan

05-01-2006, 01:55 AM	#1
Hookbill the Goomba Alive without breath Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: On A Cold Wind To Valhalla Posts: 5,912	A toast! To... erm... Toast! "To our Lord Wight, Six Years, eh? Well I never. Feels like six thousand, but then again, being dead, time is not really our strong point. One day runs into another and before you know it ten thousand centuries have passed by. We've seen running jokes, driving Mountains, Werewolves, Bombadill and Balrogs. I'm sure old Professor Tolkien would give you a big pat on the back and a fill of his tobacco. Well done, Lord Wight of the Barrow Downs. The ever un-inebriated, Hookbill the Goomba. " And now a pictorial concoction. __________________ I think that if you want facts, then The Downer Newspaper is probably the place to go. I know! I read it once. THE PHANTOM AND ALIEN: The Legend of the Golden Bus Ticket...

05-01-2006, 04:43 AM	#2
Taralphiel Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Swan Wood Posts: 649	The next card, hand-drawn with a good deal of care, showed a simple greeting on its cover. Inside, the card read - " To the Great Lord Wight, Many a warm return on your sixth birthday! Though I was not around for the moment of its 'death', I have been a lurker for many a day after. Just shy over four years I have roleplayed, quizzed and been quizzed, and sometimes even discussed things pertaining to this great Middle Earth. I give you thanks for a wonderful haven. Though dead, I have enjoyed living every day here! I hope there are many more for you, and for the wonderful capers on The Downs. Sincerely, Taralphiel " Last edited by Taralphiel; 05-01-2006 at 08:46 PM.

05-01-2006, 07:32 AM	#3
Feanor of the Peredhil La Belle Dame sans Merci Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: perpetual uncertainty Posts: 5,517	A mere letter contained the following in a flowing script most definately not belonging to the usually illegible Fea; it was obvious that she had dictated it's composition so that the illustrius Barrow-Wight would actually be able to read it: In seeing how this lovely barrow has grown and flourished under your supervision, I suspect that you are either exceptionally proud, like a many-children'd father rather early in the day before he becomes exhausted by them, or a bit nervous, like a many-inmate'd prison warden rather late in the day, long after he's become resigned to them. May this birthday of your creation amuse you, and may the day, with or without affectionate letters, be one full of adventure and good drink and good friends, as all good days are wont to include. Regards, Feanor of the Peredhil __________________ peace

05-01-2006, 10:59 AM	#4
Hilde Bracegirdle Relic of Wandering Days Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: You'll See Perpetual Change. Posts: 1,480	A parcel lay among the many cards and notes. It was wrapped carefully in the yellowed remnants of a bird watcher’s field guide, who, along with its owner, had gone astray some many years ago. And now the eye of a finch stared fixedly through the shifting contents of the mail bag. Inside the box, in a plastic sack, was what appeared to be a slice of cake, its sweet green icing caking the bag quite thoroughly. And beside this tribute lay a Polaroid photo as well a note written in a lacy script. The photo was dim, but if one squinted as they held it under a strong light, the cake intact could be seen, lit by a solitary candle. A smiling and matronly hobbit was seated primly behind it, (dressed in the appropriate white and with golden circlet about her head). Behind the hobbit the very faintest pallor of a wight could be seen in the gloom, solemnly holding aloft a gleaming blade over the green delicacy. The enclosed note read thusly: “Cake for the great and august Barrow-Wight, in celebration and honor of this, the anniversary of six glorious years on-line! And with deeply felt gratitude for the construction of this Virtual Hall, in which all the wights, young and old, that are scattered to the four corners of Arda, may meet and ponder former days. Best wishes for many years to come! Yours humbly, Hilde Bracegirdle and company” Last edited by Hilde Bracegirdle; 05-02-2006 at 04:11 AM.

05-01-2006, 11:09 AM	#5
Farael Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: In hospitals, call rooms and (rarely) my apartment. Posts: 1,538	To my esteemed Mr. Barrow Wight Just a few months ago I stumbled, tired and road-weary into your domains. The sun was a high sphere held in mid-air and the stone of your barrow was fresh, cool to the touch. As most people tend to do in such situations, I fell asleep, only to wake up inside the barrow. You know, the usual proceedure, then I figured I'd sing a little tune and some old man with crazy coloured clothing would come to the rescue. Yet the barrow was dark, warm and snug and the first thing I realized was that this place seemed to be a gathering ground for those with similar interests as me. Well... to be honest, the first thing I realized (and was rather disapointed by) was that I was not dressed in fancy clothing nor I had an elven dagger. But after that, I pulled up a chair to where other barrow-residents were talking and jumped into the conversation. Since then, I have argued literature, some rather philosophical points as well as middle-earth science (why don't elves sink in snow? is it possible for a man running fast to run on snow making very little imprint of his steps?). Then I found myself in a village infested by werewolves, or was it heroes the first time around? Not to mention giving birth to two rather lovely fellows who have plenty of stories to tell. All of that would not have been possible without the 'downs and for that I thank thee. Finally, I would like to congratulate you on not only producing a top-notch forum and for being able to lure in and keep the best group of posters I have seen. Here's for the Barrow Downs, the Barrow Wight, the group of Mods and last but not least, the posters without whom this site would only be an empty shell. For six times six more years!!! __________________ I prepared Explosive Runes this morning.

05-01-2006, 03:30 PM	#6
Celuien Riveting Ribbiter Join Date: May 2005 Location: Assigned to Mordor Posts: 1,767	A new card slipped out of the Barrow-Downs letter pile: The front cover was a simple photo and caption: "The Road Goes Ever On and On..." The card opened to reveal a greeting to the mighty Barrow-Wight in celebration of his site. Greetings, Barrow-Wight! Congratulations on six wonderful years on the Downs. I have been here for only one year (one year today, as a matter of fact!), but what a wonderful year it has been. Thank you for running a truly wonderful site. Thanks as well to the excellent mods who help keep the boards organized and troll-free. As the Road goes on, may the years go on as well, filled with more fellowship and discussion. And may it never end! With all best wishes, Celuien __________________ People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect. But actually, from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint, it's more like a big ball of wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey... stuff. Last edited by Celuien; 05-01-2006 at 07:34 PM.

05-01-2006, 04:25 PM	#7
Kath Everlasting Whiteness Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Perusing the laminated book of dreams Posts: 4,533	Another letter slid out of the pile. Once it had been carefully sealed, but time had taken it's toll, and the wax holding it had all but come off, causing the paper to unfold as it moved. "To our esteemed Lord Wight, Greetings and salutations on this, the sixth birthday of the Barrowdowns. Your contribution to the world we all live in has gone unnoticed by nobody here, and we are all exceedingly grateful for the place you have built for us to dwell in at peace, or at least relative quiet when certain ghouls aren't at each others throats. May many more years of this wonderful haven be forthcoming! Fondest regards, Kath" __________________ “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”

05-01-2006, 04:39 PM	#8
Glirdan Energetic Essence Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Where Lark Nor Eagle Ever Flew Posts: 3,285	A letter written rather hastily was next to arrive in the on-going chain of letters being sent to the Barrow-Downs. Unfortunately, there was no beautiful hand-drawn photo or another picture of some sorts. Just a plain, badly written letter. Dear Mr. Barrow-Wight, Congratualations on this 6th year anniversary. I myself have only been here for one of those years, yet it has been an enjoyable one filled with pleasent and not so pleasent memories. A year filled with laughter and tears. A year filled with joy and pain. Yet in the end, all of these emotions lead back to a great year and it's all thanks to you. May this wonderful place continue to grow and prosper with many more memories that are filled with laughter, joy and all those other memories. With many wishes, Glirdan __________________ *I'm going to buy you a kitty, I'm going to let you fall in love with the kitty, and one cold, winter night, I'm going to steal into your house and punch you in the face!* Fenris Wolf