Elendor
Elves and Dwarves
King Thranduil pays another visit to the dwarven camp.
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Edge of Mirkwood
Description: [Thari(#31038)]
The caravan has been here for a few weeks now, long enough for the camp to have become more homelike. The firepit before Thari's wagon has become well dug out, very neat and lined with stones, and an evening's fire is laid out, crackling merrily. Thari is seated on a log beside it, mending. Yes, plying needle and thread with furrowed brow and a cross expression as dusk turns toward evening.
Ranol makes his way to the small Barazin campsite slowly, his chain shirt ringing and his sword rattling as he approaches. He must not be on duty, because he has no other arms. "Thari.. do you have a moment?" The huskarl asks in a quiet tone.
[Thari(#31038)]
"Eh?" Thari looks up, squinting at Ranol, but the furrow in her brow eases. "Good evening, Ranol," she says with a nod, as gruff as her husband ever is. "Aye, seat yourself then."
Ranol nods, moving to sit down on the log next to her. He tugs at the end of his beard, not saying anything as he struggles to sort out his thoughts. Finally, before she has a chance to yell at him for not stating his business he asks in a lame voice, "What are you doing?"
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari has begun folding the cloth in her hands. "Mending," she answers briskly. "Of course, the trouble with dusk is you keep on doing something that you haven't properly the light to do. What are you doing?"
The dwarf nods absently, since it was rather obvious what his cousin is about. "I.. " Ranol hesitates, "I wanted to talk. Thari, the last time we talked, I wasn't as considerate as I should have been. I'm sorry about that." The huskarl says in a slow, quiet fashion, his gaze wandering.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari's head ducks down while Ranol speaks, watching the fire, beard rustling in the movement. There's an awkward clearing of the throat. "Well, I thank you for that, cousin. Very kind of you to say so."
The two dwarves are seated before a low campfire, which is in turn laid before a wagon.
Ranol nods. "I never intended to offend you, or belittle your feelings." He adds, standing up. "I know we don't agree on things, but.. I hope we can still talk. I don't have enough family to push them all away." The khazad says, frowning.
[Thari(#31038)]
"Say no more of it," Thari responds gruffly. The dwarven healer stands then and bows deeply toward Ranol. "And don't trouble yourself anymore. I'd no idea that you were even thinking of it still!"
[Thranduil(#5440)]
The night is interrupted by a flickering torch, as it approaches the low fire. It is held high aloft, higher than any of the dwarf-folk might hold a light and the face it illuminates is fair, fine-boned, and bereft of a beard.
"Aye. I have been. And.. the closer we are to the danger of Mirkwood, the more I worried for letting heavy feelings sit between us, cousin." Ranol reaches to rest a hand on the smaller dwarf's shoulder for a moment. He doesn't get a chance to elaborate because the approaching torch-bearer draws his attention. The huskarl lets his hand slip away and watches the figure in silence.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari straightens from the bow and looks up at the approaching light with a squint. There's a bit of a pause, and then, "Oh," the dwarf says in a very forced neutral-over-loathing sort of tone. "It's an elf."
[Thranduil(#5440)]
It is not one, but a trio of elves, the first, bearing the light of the torch, and two who follow, one with a heavy platter, full of spring fruits, and sweet breads, the second bearing a small barrel.
It is the first also who speaks, the King of the wood's voice is clear, "Let it not be said that when even the Naugrim come to call upon my folk, that they are not welcomed with the bounty of the forest."
Ranol recognizes Thranduil from his first meeting when the elf draws near, and the khazad bows deeply. "Good evening, my lord Thranduil." He greets as he straightens. "Your generosity is most kind, your highness." The huskarl hesitates for a moment, then gestures to the smaller dwarf next to him. "This is my cousin, Thari." He offers in introduction.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari is giving everyone the eye: first the elves but then, longer, the other dwarf. Still, a deep bow is given after the introduction. "Good evening." A pause, another bit of a bow, and the shorter dwarf steps forward to reach for the heavy platter. "Very kind of you, yes."
[Thranduil(#5440)] As the first of the Duinedhrim passes the platter to the dwarf, he promptly retreats, vanishing into the darkness. Another appears, bearing a low stool, and a clutter of heavy goblets.
Thranduil is swiftly seated upon the stool, and the remaining elves break open the wine-cask. "It is rare, that your folk seek us here rather than in the town on the lake, or the city of the Bardings in the shadow of the Mountain," the King says, "And if it is but a message that is to be delivered, then it would seem that Ironfoot has many messengers."
Ranol looks over at Thari, some worry on his face before he looks back to the elven king. "I cannot say that I know the entirety of the situation, but I know that my kin deeply wish to impress upon you our dedication to pushing back the evils of Mirkwood.. together." The dwarf speaks in a careful tone, obviously wary of what he is saying.
[Thari(#31038)]
"Well, we're mainly here for the trading. You might want to look at our wares-- we've many a pretty bit of gemstone set in gold!" This is said by Thari nearly overlaying what Ranol says. The shorter dwarf looks over at the taller with brows raised in obvious surprise over the heavy platter.
[Thranduil(#5440)]
The King's attention, however, remains upon the first dwarf to speak, "Indeed," he says, after a long pause, absently accepting the first of the goblets, newly filled with a wine of deep red hue, "We would welcome aid in such matters though I wonder what has brought this to the fore of Dain's mind as it is ever present in both our thoughts, and our deeds, beneath the wood. The old forest road has grown dangerous for solitary travellers, in these days, but it remains clear."
Ranol rubs his hands together in a nervous fashion, glancing to his cousin again before looking back to the king. He takes a slow breath, then attempts to explain. "Lord Gimli first spoke with me many months ago about the increasing dangers of Mirkwood. We had all traveled along the road on a trip together before and we were plagued every step of the way by goblins, trolls, and darker, sinister creatures."
The huskarl pauses, reflecting for a moment, "There are orcs that walk in the daylight now, and the numbers of the evil forces ever increase. If something is not done, it will only grow worse. We feel that if we all act together now, we might be able to make the road safe again for travel."
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari frowns deeply and turns away as if to set the platter upon the wagon's tongue-- but another thought strikes. The dwarf moves around the campfire to the elven king and quietly offers the food to him.
[Thranduil(#5440)]
"The son of Gloin's concern is compelling indeed," the King says, "And yet many months indeed have passed, for he spent those months within my realm, and voiced none of these grave concerns. Instead, a feast was proposed, and again, many months passed," the King muses, his rich voice growing distant.
The King waves a hand, "But I shall say again, the dark hours of the night are not the time to discuss the workings of the Enemy." Turning his attention to the second Dwarf, he raises his cup to his lips, "We have always sought trade, of course, as well. Along this very river, barrels are floated, bearing both wine and .. various other goods, to and from the Men of the Lake. The riches of Erebor are famed indeed, but what do the dwarf-folk seek gold for gold?" he waves a hand dismissively.
[Thari(#31038)]
"Gold for jewels," Thari responds at once, pulling away the food with the frown yet deepening. The dwarf turns again towards the wagon. "It seems that we are to defend Mirkwood -for- the elves," Thari grumbles to Ranol.
Ranol frowns, reaching up to run an hand through his short-cropped hair. "King Thranduil.. Lord Gimli sought to bring together a council for the khazad, the men of Beorning and Dale, and your own people. It was there that this was to be discussed, in hopes of building alliance as all of our people have in the past," he repeats with some emphasis, "on the anniversary of that past alliance."
The huskarl again looks to his kin, nervousness in his gaze before he continues. "You speak of waiting until daylight, but then complain that time was allowed to slip away. The evil that lurks around us all does not wait, my lord. It grows and spreads every moment, as I am sure you know."
[Thranduil(#5440)]
The King's frown turns more severe, as he fixes his gaze now upon Ranol, "And while I speak, my own folk are about in the wood, watching over the road, and guarding against such things, that your folk wish to .. speak of. You speak of a council, then perhaps you should have been sent, in your good Lord's stead, for he did not speak of any such thing his request was as frivolous as his travel through the wood with so small a party was foolhardy. And you, son of Ranor, are you Ironfoot's voice in these matters, that you would treat with me?"
[Thari(#31038)]
The tray is dropped onto the wagon's tongue with a clink. "There's no call talking about Gimli's actions when he's not here to say what he'd actually said, is there?" Thari asks and then gives half of a bow. "My lord?"
[Thranduil(#5440)]
"Your companion, perhaps," The King offers, "Would make a wiser voice. Heed this advice, before such subjects are entertained, before gifts are met with accusations."
Ranol listens attentively to the king, his face calm and patient. The dwarf still looks nervous, but it doesn't seem to be related to the topic at hand. He turns to give Thari a long look, his brows narrowing in silent appeal for a moment before he shifts his gaze back to the elf. "I am Huskarl of Clan Bundazanul. Lord Gimli and I first discussed the idea, as I said. Thane Braldor assigned me to represent my clan and I spoke before King Dain of our support. Lord Gimli was sent as the representative to invite the leaders of the people to the council, in an effort to build a more friendly base to speak of such troubling matters."
The khazad once more pauses to gather his thoughts, then continues in a soft, but passionate fashion. "I do not know how interactions between yourself and Lord Gimli went, but I know that he cares as deeply as I do about erradicating the enemy, and the more time that pauses, the more difficult that battle becomes.. for everyone."
[Thranduil(#5440)]
The King's gaze remains focused, he does not follow the Dwarf's gaze, "Then Huskarl, what do you propose, that you would speak of this evening, under the dark of night, when the Enemy is most watchful, when his power is at its greatest? How will your folk defeat an evil, when the trees themselves would swallow you up, but for the presence of my folk even upon the road?"
"Or would you not bow to the wisdom of the folk who have against such evils, as your kin come and go from these lands, cast out, only to return, bringing an army out of the Mines of Moria upon your heels, and no end of trouble to these Wilderlands?"
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari's eyes reflect firelight as the short dwarf looks up at the tall elf from beneath bristling brows. There is a low grumble from this dwarf, though no words can be really distinctly heard.
"We can defeat the evil if we work together, and put aside old .. disagreements and misgivings. Your highness, if you say that the night is not a time to speak of plans and tactics, then I will trust in your wisdom." Ranol takes the accusations patiently, his words still purposeful and respectful. "My intent is only to impress upon you that this matter is serious to the khazad, and we are determined to take action rather than burrow deeper into the mountain for safety."
[Thranduil(#5440)]
"Take a care, when you speak of such easy victory," the King replies, "For I have seen great alliances stand against this Enemy, and the price for victory was great indeed. If all of the Dwarf-folk of Middle-Earth, and all of the Elvenfolk who remain in the world, it would be a fraction of that strength."
His voice remains steady and even, as he speaks, "But perhaps I shall take your kin's advice, if you will not, and retire until such a time as is convenient for the son of Gloin to seek me out, if he is once again the messenger of his King."
Ranol nods quietly now in acceptance. "I will seek out Lord Gimli myself, if you wish, King Thranduil." The huskarl offers, his tone soft again, which for a dwarf is simply a gentler rumble.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari ignores the King. The smaller dwarf rounds the wagon. Just out of sight, something hits the dirt in the shadows with a small but emphatic pat.
[Thranduil(#5440)] The King departs as well, without any more words, bearing away his own cup, but leaving the gifts of wine and food behind.
Ranol watches the elf lord depart, then turns to look in the direction that Thari walked away. He starts to walk after his cousin, then sighs and shakes his head. Instead the huskarl goes off to find Gimli, son of Gloin.
The caravan has been here for a few weeks now, long enough for the camp to have become more homelike. The firepit before Thari's wagon has become well dug out, very neat and lined with stones, and an evening's fire is laid out, crackling merrily. Thari is seated on a log beside it, mending. Yes, plying needle and thread with furrowed brow and a cross expression as dusk turns toward evening.
Ranol makes his way to the small Barazin campsite slowly, his chain shirt ringing and his sword rattling as he approaches. He must not be on duty, because he has no other arms. "Thari.. do you have a moment?" The huskarl asks in a quiet tone.
[Thari(#31038)]
"Eh?" Thari looks up, squinting at Ranol, but the furrow in her brow eases. "Good evening, Ranol," she says with a nod, as gruff as her husband ever is. "Aye, seat yourself then."
Ranol nods, moving to sit down on the log next to her. He tugs at the end of his beard, not saying anything as he struggles to sort out his thoughts. Finally, before she has a chance to yell at him for not stating his business he asks in a lame voice, "What are you doing?"
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari has begun folding the cloth in her hands. "Mending," she answers briskly. "Of course, the trouble with dusk is you keep on doing something that you haven't properly the light to do. What are you doing?"
The dwarf nods absently, since it was rather obvious what his cousin is about. "I.. " Ranol hesitates, "I wanted to talk. Thari, the last time we talked, I wasn't as considerate as I should have been. I'm sorry about that." The huskarl says in a slow, quiet fashion, his gaze wandering.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari's head ducks down while Ranol speaks, watching the fire, beard rustling in the movement. There's an awkward clearing of the throat. "Well, I thank you for that, cousin. Very kind of you to say so."
The two dwarves are seated before a low campfire, which is in turn laid before a wagon.
Ranol nods. "I never intended to offend you, or belittle your feelings." He adds, standing up. "I know we don't agree on things, but.. I hope we can still talk. I don't have enough family to push them all away." The khazad says, frowning.
[Thari(#31038)]
"Say no more of it," Thari responds gruffly. The dwarven healer stands then and bows deeply toward Ranol. "And don't trouble yourself anymore. I'd no idea that you were even thinking of it still!"
[Thranduil(#5440)]
The night is interrupted by a flickering torch, as it approaches the low fire. It is held high aloft, higher than any of the dwarf-folk might hold a light and the face it illuminates is fair, fine-boned, and bereft of a beard.
"Aye. I have been. And.. the closer we are to the danger of Mirkwood, the more I worried for letting heavy feelings sit between us, cousin." Ranol reaches to rest a hand on the smaller dwarf's shoulder for a moment. He doesn't get a chance to elaborate because the approaching torch-bearer draws his attention. The huskarl lets his hand slip away and watches the figure in silence.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari straightens from the bow and looks up at the approaching light with a squint. There's a bit of a pause, and then, "Oh," the dwarf says in a very forced neutral-over-loathing sort of tone. "It's an elf."
[Thranduil(#5440)]
It is not one, but a trio of elves, the first, bearing the light of the torch, and two who follow, one with a heavy platter, full of spring fruits, and sweet breads, the second bearing a small barrel.
It is the first also who speaks, the King of the wood's voice is clear, "Let it not be said that when even the Naugrim come to call upon my folk, that they are not welcomed with the bounty of the forest."
Ranol recognizes Thranduil from his first meeting when the elf draws near, and the khazad bows deeply. "Good evening, my lord Thranduil." He greets as he straightens. "Your generosity is most kind, your highness." The huskarl hesitates for a moment, then gestures to the smaller dwarf next to him. "This is my cousin, Thari." He offers in introduction.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari is giving everyone the eye: first the elves but then, longer, the other dwarf. Still, a deep bow is given after the introduction. "Good evening." A pause, another bit of a bow, and the shorter dwarf steps forward to reach for the heavy platter. "Very kind of you, yes."
[Thranduil(#5440)] As the first of the Duinedhrim passes the platter to the dwarf, he promptly retreats, vanishing into the darkness. Another appears, bearing a low stool, and a clutter of heavy goblets.
Thranduil is swiftly seated upon the stool, and the remaining elves break open the wine-cask. "It is rare, that your folk seek us here rather than in the town on the lake, or the city of the Bardings in the shadow of the Mountain," the King says, "And if it is but a message that is to be delivered, then it would seem that Ironfoot has many messengers."
Ranol looks over at Thari, some worry on his face before he looks back to the elven king. "I cannot say that I know the entirety of the situation, but I know that my kin deeply wish to impress upon you our dedication to pushing back the evils of Mirkwood.. together." The dwarf speaks in a careful tone, obviously wary of what he is saying.
[Thari(#31038)]
"Well, we're mainly here for the trading. You might want to look at our wares-- we've many a pretty bit of gemstone set in gold!" This is said by Thari nearly overlaying what Ranol says. The shorter dwarf looks over at the taller with brows raised in obvious surprise over the heavy platter.
[Thranduil(#5440)]
The King's attention, however, remains upon the first dwarf to speak, "Indeed," he says, after a long pause, absently accepting the first of the goblets, newly filled with a wine of deep red hue, "We would welcome aid in such matters though I wonder what has brought this to the fore of Dain's mind as it is ever present in both our thoughts, and our deeds, beneath the wood. The old forest road has grown dangerous for solitary travellers, in these days, but it remains clear."
Ranol rubs his hands together in a nervous fashion, glancing to his cousin again before looking back to the king. He takes a slow breath, then attempts to explain. "Lord Gimli first spoke with me many months ago about the increasing dangers of Mirkwood. We had all traveled along the road on a trip together before and we were plagued every step of the way by goblins, trolls, and darker, sinister creatures."
The huskarl pauses, reflecting for a moment, "There are orcs that walk in the daylight now, and the numbers of the evil forces ever increase. If something is not done, it will only grow worse. We feel that if we all act together now, we might be able to make the road safe again for travel."
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari frowns deeply and turns away as if to set the platter upon the wagon's tongue-- but another thought strikes. The dwarf moves around the campfire to the elven king and quietly offers the food to him.
[Thranduil(#5440)]
"The son of Gloin's concern is compelling indeed," the King says, "And yet many months indeed have passed, for he spent those months within my realm, and voiced none of these grave concerns. Instead, a feast was proposed, and again, many months passed," the King muses, his rich voice growing distant.
The King waves a hand, "But I shall say again, the dark hours of the night are not the time to discuss the workings of the Enemy." Turning his attention to the second Dwarf, he raises his cup to his lips, "We have always sought trade, of course, as well. Along this very river, barrels are floated, bearing both wine and .. various other goods, to and from the Men of the Lake. The riches of Erebor are famed indeed, but what do the dwarf-folk seek gold for gold?" he waves a hand dismissively.
[Thari(#31038)]
"Gold for jewels," Thari responds at once, pulling away the food with the frown yet deepening. The dwarf turns again towards the wagon. "It seems that we are to defend Mirkwood -for- the elves," Thari grumbles to Ranol.
Ranol frowns, reaching up to run an hand through his short-cropped hair. "King Thranduil.. Lord Gimli sought to bring together a council for the khazad, the men of Beorning and Dale, and your own people. It was there that this was to be discussed, in hopes of building alliance as all of our people have in the past," he repeats with some emphasis, "on the anniversary of that past alliance."
The huskarl again looks to his kin, nervousness in his gaze before he continues. "You speak of waiting until daylight, but then complain that time was allowed to slip away. The evil that lurks around us all does not wait, my lord. It grows and spreads every moment, as I am sure you know."
[Thranduil(#5440)]
The King's frown turns more severe, as he fixes his gaze now upon Ranol, "And while I speak, my own folk are about in the wood, watching over the road, and guarding against such things, that your folk wish to .. speak of. You speak of a council, then perhaps you should have been sent, in your good Lord's stead, for he did not speak of any such thing his request was as frivolous as his travel through the wood with so small a party was foolhardy. And you, son of Ranor, are you Ironfoot's voice in these matters, that you would treat with me?"
[Thari(#31038)]
The tray is dropped onto the wagon's tongue with a clink. "There's no call talking about Gimli's actions when he's not here to say what he'd actually said, is there?" Thari asks and then gives half of a bow. "My lord?"
[Thranduil(#5440)]
"Your companion, perhaps," The King offers, "Would make a wiser voice. Heed this advice, before such subjects are entertained, before gifts are met with accusations."
Ranol listens attentively to the king, his face calm and patient. The dwarf still looks nervous, but it doesn't seem to be related to the topic at hand. He turns to give Thari a long look, his brows narrowing in silent appeal for a moment before he shifts his gaze back to the elf. "I am Huskarl of Clan Bundazanul. Lord Gimli and I first discussed the idea, as I said. Thane Braldor assigned me to represent my clan and I spoke before King Dain of our support. Lord Gimli was sent as the representative to invite the leaders of the people to the council, in an effort to build a more friendly base to speak of such troubling matters."
The khazad once more pauses to gather his thoughts, then continues in a soft, but passionate fashion. "I do not know how interactions between yourself and Lord Gimli went, but I know that he cares as deeply as I do about erradicating the enemy, and the more time that pauses, the more difficult that battle becomes.. for everyone."
[Thranduil(#5440)]
The King's gaze remains focused, he does not follow the Dwarf's gaze, "Then Huskarl, what do you propose, that you would speak of this evening, under the dark of night, when the Enemy is most watchful, when his power is at its greatest? How will your folk defeat an evil, when the trees themselves would swallow you up, but for the presence of my folk even upon the road?"
"Or would you not bow to the wisdom of the folk who have against such evils, as your kin come and go from these lands, cast out, only to return, bringing an army out of the Mines of Moria upon your heels, and no end of trouble to these Wilderlands?"
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari's eyes reflect firelight as the short dwarf looks up at the tall elf from beneath bristling brows. There is a low grumble from this dwarf, though no words can be really distinctly heard.
"We can defeat the evil if we work together, and put aside old .. disagreements and misgivings. Your highness, if you say that the night is not a time to speak of plans and tactics, then I will trust in your wisdom." Ranol takes the accusations patiently, his words still purposeful and respectful. "My intent is only to impress upon you that this matter is serious to the khazad, and we are determined to take action rather than burrow deeper into the mountain for safety."
[Thranduil(#5440)]
"Take a care, when you speak of such easy victory," the King replies, "For I have seen great alliances stand against this Enemy, and the price for victory was great indeed. If all of the Dwarf-folk of Middle-Earth, and all of the Elvenfolk who remain in the world, it would be a fraction of that strength."
His voice remains steady and even, as he speaks, "But perhaps I shall take your kin's advice, if you will not, and retire until such a time as is convenient for the son of Gloin to seek me out, if he is once again the messenger of his King."
Ranol nods quietly now in acceptance. "I will seek out Lord Gimli myself, if you wish, King Thranduil." The huskarl offers, his tone soft again, which for a dwarf is simply a gentler rumble.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari ignores the King. The smaller dwarf rounds the wagon. Just out of sight, something hits the dirt in the shadows with a small but emphatic pat.
[Thranduil(#5440)] The King departs as well, without any more words, bearing away his own cup, but leaving the gifts of wine and food behind.
Ranol watches the elf lord depart, then turns to look in the direction that Thari walked away. He starts to walk after his cousin, then sighs and shakes his head. Instead the huskarl goes off to find Gimli, son of Gloin.
Players: Thranduil, Thari, Ranol
Located in: Erebor | Ndaedeldhrim
