Elendor
Picking Up the Trash
Ranor is hassling Hildis in the market when he suddenly finds himself getting arrested by Thane Braldor.
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Erebor
Description: It's early morning and merchants are just beginning to set up stalls for trade. One craftsman is making his way slowly along the hall, carrying a fine piece of raw oak that he just purchased. Ranor is actually planning to get some work done? Amazing.
The dwarf's straw-colored hair and beard is unkempt, a sign that he hasn't completely turned things around, and he has a smile that's a bit too smug on his face as he trolls along through the market.
Adjusting a lamp so that it glints on the alabaster so that is seems to glow, Hildis makes last minutes adjustments to the table displaying their wares. She is alone for the moment, her father is taking advantage of her release to visit cronies in a nearby tavern. She is humming softly to herself, the strain of the last weeks less visible, color returning to her cheeks. Attired as a merchant, in rich green with matching stones braided into her beard and hair, the lamplight sets a glow to her skin as rich as the alabaster carvings.
Ranor notices the young dwarven lady and slowly makes his way over to her table. His blue eyes rake over the shining gems and he stares at them almost jealously. When he lifts his gaze that smooth smile is still on his face. "Good to see that you're free, lass." He says, shifting the block of oak, perhaps fifteen pounds or so to his other arm.
Despite herself, Hildis startles and clenches her fists in her skirts to control her reaction. Swallowing she lifts her chin to regard Ranor steadily, she does not answer right away. She nods in forced politeness. "Does it make glad, Sir? Oh, odd since it was through no effort of yours that it came about," she answers in a tightly controlled voice.
"No harm came about from it.. " Ranor answers softly, his words silky. "You were in no real danger. I had no doubt of your innocence, personally." That smile is still on his face, and his eyes drop to study the gems again. He reaches as if to pick one up to study, but changes his mind.
[Siv(#24218)] There's a swishing of skirts as Siv makes her way down the stairs carefully, her long red dress held with one hand. She pauses three steps from the bottom stair.
[Hildis(#23062)] Hildis' mirrors his movement as if to stop him. Her face reddens and she gulps a breath of pure disbelief at his words, "How kind of you...oh how kind of you...since it was the letter given to me by your hand that had me arrested. How could you doubt my innocence?" Her voice hardens, "Now, let us talk about your innocence, shall we? though I think that may best be done before witnesses."
[Braldor(#30149)] From the archway that leads to the Bundazanul Thingstead, four dwarves emerge. Three of them carry weapons with them, while the fourth seems to be a dwarf of some importance, due to his jewels and haughty step. Indeed, this is Thane Bundazanul, and he comes along with three of his clan-karls. As he enters the greathall, Braldor's head turns from one side to another, his eyes seeking something, and not finding it... yet.
"Did I give you a letter? I don't recall." The woodcarver isn't overly paying attention to those around him. "Your father.. is he about? We have some unresolved business, him and I." Ranor strokes his hand slowly through his beard. "Probably off drinking. Do I have the right of it?"
[Siv(#24218)] "Ranor..." Siv hesitates, listening to the conversation, frown growing. "Good morning. Good morning, Hildis. Letter?" She gives a significant look to Ranor, then back to Hildis. "Why, what letter was that, Hildis?" Her attention briefly looks toward the armed dwarves now emerging. "Seems this may be settled soon."
"What possible business could you have with my father?" she retorts stiff with the effort of keeping her temper. She has an air of relief when Siv greets her and gives her a brief bow.
"Why we were discussing the letter that Ranor had me carry for him as a favor for his wife, Siv." Hildis holds her chin high but there is a quaver of undiluted anger in her voice.
[Braldor(#30149)] Finally, Thane Bundazanul seems to have found whatever he was looking for, for he starts walking with determination towards Hildis's stand. Yet, the Thane would barely be visible among the throng of dwarves that comes into the greathall, looking to buy or sell wares.
Ranor looks over as Siv speaks up, smirking faintly when he sees her. She speaks of things being settled and the woodcarver looks in the direction that the Zinbar is, but he doesn't notice anything out of the ordinary. He returns his attention on Hildis. "Your father accused me of being.. what was it.. a cheat and a liar? I'd like to settle with him."
[Siv(#24218)] Siv's brows arch a little, first at Hildis's explanation to him, and then at Ranor's words about the woman's father. She frowns, looking off into the crowd here, seeming puzzled. "Well I thought I saw... but I guess not..."
Hildis catches Siv's regard and looks beyond the two into the crowd without seeing anything. She takes a calming breath before speaking, "How easily those words come to your mouth, Ranor. Should we ask you how that is? Or should we assume they are practises common to you. My father will return soon enough. Siv, I am glad that you are at hand because I will not speak to this dwarf without witnesses."
[Braldor(#30149)] "And indeed, witnessess ye have, Hidis of Barazin, and plenty of them", comes Braldor's voice, as he emerges from the throng of dwarves, and nears the Barazin's table. "A good day to ye all", he says, nodding to each Siv, Hildis, and Ranor in turn, with a smile on his face. Nothing seems amiss... unless it be the unusually stony eyes of the Bundazanul Thane. Still... that might because of some sour deal, could it not?
Ranor turns at the sound of his Thane's voice. He bows low, the smile gone from his face. "Lord Braldor. How encouraging to see you out here amongst the people." The woodcarver glances over at Siv in a significant fashion, "My lord.. are we no longer at odds with the clan Zinbar?"
[Siv(#24218)] "I'd be glad to, Hildis," Siv answers. "Why just the other day I asked Ranor if he had given you the letter and..." The woman pauses as Braldor emerges from the crowd, and she dips her courteously toward the Thane, eyes narrowing slightly at Ranor's words. "And..." she then continues, with a look to Hildis and then to Braldor, "wouldn't you know it, when I mentioned that I thought he had given you the letter, why Ranor implied that he would somehow increase the hatred that has grown between Zinbar and Bundazanul. Something about supporting his niece Thari..."
The trader drops a curtsey to the Thane murmuring her greeting. She nods her understanding and thanks to Siv with an interested lift of an eyebrow when she mentions Thari. Turning her eyes back to the Thane with a fleeting glance to gage Ranor's reaction she waits for the Thane to speak.
[Braldor(#30149)] Braldor's brow furrows and his face darkens at Siv's words. "The matter is being resolved, Master Ranor", Braldor replies to the older dwarf coldly, "and I have lifted the ban of speaking to our cousins of Zinbar. Trading will, surely, re-start quickly among our clans, I'm sure", he adds. To Siv his stony gaze then turns. "And what is this, about fostering hatred among the clans, and making strained relations even more bitter?", he asks, with a sidelong glance at Ranor. "Did Ranor of Bundazanul speak thus?"
Ranor turns a glare on Siv that is filled with unwelcome promise. After a moment it passes, his cool smile returning. "My lord, Braldor. Do you believe the words of -this- woman? One who spoke so gratingly against our Thari? Think of what she says.. why, it hardly makes any sense." He strokes his hand through his beard, "Until just now I wasn't even aware we were free to speak with Zinbar again.. so how could I have had this conversation with her?"
[Siv(#24218)] "You had a conversation with me, right in the middle of the day, with members of your clan giving you disapproving looks. I could find them again if you'd like--I'd recognize them," Siv smirks to Ranor. "He said, Thane, something to the effect of that hhe would side with his niece if I kept asking him about why I thought that he'd had Hildis carry that letter. The one that got her arrested. He implied that he would make things worse for me if I opened my mouth about it. Never directly stated--he is too tricky for that--but the implications were clear."
[Braldor(#30149)] "Strange that ye're so keen to defend Thari now, master Ranor", Braldor retorts, a cold smile on his face, "as ye spoke ills also of that lass... ills which I happen to investigate", he adds, as the smile slowly disappears from his face. As Siv speaks, the Thane nods to her. "Indeed, Master Ranor is ever so tricky, something that he should have use for the clan's advantage, and not for... other purposes. Speaking of which", he adds, as he nods towards Ranor, who is immediately surrounded by the three clan-karls with military precision, "I have need of ye, master Ranor. We need to discuss some things... privately".
"I can add nothing to what the Thane does not already know," Hildis says in a penetrating voice and watches Ranor as the guards surround him. "I should like to know what was in the letter that I carried but perhaps the Thane knows. We will leave it in his capable hands." She curtseys to the Thane, "I wish you well of him, sir."
"Siv, you have a knack for being in the right place at the right time even if your pony bites." Hildis smiles at Siv, a light of hope beginning to blossum in her expression.
Ranor's forced innocent expression fades as Braldor speaks. "Well, as I told you at the meeting, my lord.. it was her and my son that I heard speaking of the matters regarding Thari. Perhaps she was lying. Siv has a reputation for a loose tongue when it comes to.. sensitive matters." The woodcrafter turns a glare on the woman again.
The clan-karls move around Ranor and he looks startled, giving Braldor a sudden angry look. "So this is it? Balur paid you as well?" He asks, his tone growing harsh and offended, volume rising. "This is the thanks I get for trying to warn you of my brother-in-law's designs, Braldor?" His blue eyes flash to Hildis, then back to the thane. "You have no proof of -anything-!"
[Siv(#24218)] "Oh..." Siv's face falls a bit at the words of Hildis. "Yes...well, I -was- wondering about why you were out with Ranol like that...."
[Braldor(#30149)] "I have all the proof I need, Ranor", Braldor replies, dropping the honorary 'Master', "and should I take it to the King, ye'll surely be, at the very least, put in jail for revealing the secrets of your cousins. How one can stoop so low as to seell one's own is beyind me, yet ye've done it. And stay yer viperine tongue, speaking about buying people, for I know for truth ye have been bought, to sell /all/ of us. Now, Ranor", he adds, his voice coming down to almost a whisper, "ye can come in quietly... or ye can come in forcefully. But ye're coming in, no matter what".
Hildis looks at her with real trust saying quietly, "My father...my father was not well so I was given permission to meet some traders in his stead in Dale. Ranol had other business there I suppose and wouldn't let me return to the mountain alone." Her words break off as the Thane speaks, her lips parted in disbelief but she nods slowly as understanding begins to dawn.
"Oh maker of us all," she whispers.
And it's now that a few beads of sweat form on Ranor's brow, as he realizes there's a piece to this game that has only just now been placed on the board. He gives Braldor a hard look, "Quietly.. as I have no wish to be handled in the same way that Balur treated me when we met disagreement." He says in a cold voice. "Your position is elected, Thane. It seems that you forget that. I only hope I'm there the day the rug is pulled from beneath your feet." He says in an acid tone.
[Siv(#24218)] "Oh!" Siv slaps a hand over her mouth. "I see, Hildis," she nods, then is distracted by Ranor's words. "I...well...we'll talk later, all right?" She gathers up her skirts and hastens up the stairs quickly, without so much as a 'good day' to anyone.
[Braldor(#30149)] "Ye're in no position to make threats, Ranor", Braldor replies, "and I deem that ye'll be in no position to witness anything more than the coming and goings of rats in the dungeon, once this is all over", he adds. He nods to Hildis, as Siv suddenly leaves, and then adds, "Now, get going. We're going to my Chambers, ye and I".
"I would surely like to see this proof you have of these accusations, Thane." Ranor returns, angrily. He begins walking after eying the guards for a moment.
[Braldor(#30149)] "Oh, ye'll have plenty of chance, Master Ranor", Braldor replies, walking beside the older dwarf, "as ye yerself provided it, in a way", he adds, and then chuckles darkly. The clan-karls come after them, eyes wary in case Ranor attempts something.
Hildis says nothing but bows her head. Raising it, triumph flashes in her green eyes but she looks away. When she looks back sadness and pity fill them for Ranor.
The dwarf's straw-colored hair and beard is unkempt, a sign that he hasn't completely turned things around, and he has a smile that's a bit too smug on his face as he trolls along through the market.
Adjusting a lamp so that it glints on the alabaster so that is seems to glow, Hildis makes last minutes adjustments to the table displaying their wares. She is alone for the moment, her father is taking advantage of her release to visit cronies in a nearby tavern. She is humming softly to herself, the strain of the last weeks less visible, color returning to her cheeks. Attired as a merchant, in rich green with matching stones braided into her beard and hair, the lamplight sets a glow to her skin as rich as the alabaster carvings.
Ranor notices the young dwarven lady and slowly makes his way over to her table. His blue eyes rake over the shining gems and he stares at them almost jealously. When he lifts his gaze that smooth smile is still on his face. "Good to see that you're free, lass." He says, shifting the block of oak, perhaps fifteen pounds or so to his other arm.
Despite herself, Hildis startles and clenches her fists in her skirts to control her reaction. Swallowing she lifts her chin to regard Ranor steadily, she does not answer right away. She nods in forced politeness. "Does it make glad, Sir? Oh, odd since it was through no effort of yours that it came about," she answers in a tightly controlled voice.
"No harm came about from it.. " Ranor answers softly, his words silky. "You were in no real danger. I had no doubt of your innocence, personally." That smile is still on his face, and his eyes drop to study the gems again. He reaches as if to pick one up to study, but changes his mind.
[Siv(#24218)] There's a swishing of skirts as Siv makes her way down the stairs carefully, her long red dress held with one hand. She pauses three steps from the bottom stair.
[Hildis(#23062)] Hildis' mirrors his movement as if to stop him. Her face reddens and she gulps a breath of pure disbelief at his words, "How kind of you...oh how kind of you...since it was the letter given to me by your hand that had me arrested. How could you doubt my innocence?" Her voice hardens, "Now, let us talk about your innocence, shall we? though I think that may best be done before witnesses."
[Braldor(#30149)] From the archway that leads to the Bundazanul Thingstead, four dwarves emerge. Three of them carry weapons with them, while the fourth seems to be a dwarf of some importance, due to his jewels and haughty step. Indeed, this is Thane Bundazanul, and he comes along with three of his clan-karls. As he enters the greathall, Braldor's head turns from one side to another, his eyes seeking something, and not finding it... yet.
"Did I give you a letter? I don't recall." The woodcarver isn't overly paying attention to those around him. "Your father.. is he about? We have some unresolved business, him and I." Ranor strokes his hand slowly through his beard. "Probably off drinking. Do I have the right of it?"
[Siv(#24218)] "Ranor..." Siv hesitates, listening to the conversation, frown growing. "Good morning. Good morning, Hildis. Letter?" She gives a significant look to Ranor, then back to Hildis. "Why, what letter was that, Hildis?" Her attention briefly looks toward the armed dwarves now emerging. "Seems this may be settled soon."
"What possible business could you have with my father?" she retorts stiff with the effort of keeping her temper. She has an air of relief when Siv greets her and gives her a brief bow.
"Why we were discussing the letter that Ranor had me carry for him as a favor for his wife, Siv." Hildis holds her chin high but there is a quaver of undiluted anger in her voice.
[Braldor(#30149)] Finally, Thane Bundazanul seems to have found whatever he was looking for, for he starts walking with determination towards Hildis's stand. Yet, the Thane would barely be visible among the throng of dwarves that comes into the greathall, looking to buy or sell wares.
Ranor looks over as Siv speaks up, smirking faintly when he sees her. She speaks of things being settled and the woodcarver looks in the direction that the Zinbar is, but he doesn't notice anything out of the ordinary. He returns his attention on Hildis. "Your father accused me of being.. what was it.. a cheat and a liar? I'd like to settle with him."
[Siv(#24218)] Siv's brows arch a little, first at Hildis's explanation to him, and then at Ranor's words about the woman's father. She frowns, looking off into the crowd here, seeming puzzled. "Well I thought I saw... but I guess not..."
Hildis catches Siv's regard and looks beyond the two into the crowd without seeing anything. She takes a calming breath before speaking, "How easily those words come to your mouth, Ranor. Should we ask you how that is? Or should we assume they are practises common to you. My father will return soon enough. Siv, I am glad that you are at hand because I will not speak to this dwarf without witnesses."
[Braldor(#30149)] "And indeed, witnessess ye have, Hidis of Barazin, and plenty of them", comes Braldor's voice, as he emerges from the throng of dwarves, and nears the Barazin's table. "A good day to ye all", he says, nodding to each Siv, Hildis, and Ranor in turn, with a smile on his face. Nothing seems amiss... unless it be the unusually stony eyes of the Bundazanul Thane. Still... that might because of some sour deal, could it not?
Ranor turns at the sound of his Thane's voice. He bows low, the smile gone from his face. "Lord Braldor. How encouraging to see you out here amongst the people." The woodcarver glances over at Siv in a significant fashion, "My lord.. are we no longer at odds with the clan Zinbar?"
[Siv(#24218)] "I'd be glad to, Hildis," Siv answers. "Why just the other day I asked Ranor if he had given you the letter and..." The woman pauses as Braldor emerges from the crowd, and she dips her courteously toward the Thane, eyes narrowing slightly at Ranor's words. "And..." she then continues, with a look to Hildis and then to Braldor, "wouldn't you know it, when I mentioned that I thought he had given you the letter, why Ranor implied that he would somehow increase the hatred that has grown between Zinbar and Bundazanul. Something about supporting his niece Thari..."
The trader drops a curtsey to the Thane murmuring her greeting. She nods her understanding and thanks to Siv with an interested lift of an eyebrow when she mentions Thari. Turning her eyes back to the Thane with a fleeting glance to gage Ranor's reaction she waits for the Thane to speak.
[Braldor(#30149)] Braldor's brow furrows and his face darkens at Siv's words. "The matter is being resolved, Master Ranor", Braldor replies to the older dwarf coldly, "and I have lifted the ban of speaking to our cousins of Zinbar. Trading will, surely, re-start quickly among our clans, I'm sure", he adds. To Siv his stony gaze then turns. "And what is this, about fostering hatred among the clans, and making strained relations even more bitter?", he asks, with a sidelong glance at Ranor. "Did Ranor of Bundazanul speak thus?"
Ranor turns a glare on Siv that is filled with unwelcome promise. After a moment it passes, his cool smile returning. "My lord, Braldor. Do you believe the words of -this- woman? One who spoke so gratingly against our Thari? Think of what she says.. why, it hardly makes any sense." He strokes his hand through his beard, "Until just now I wasn't even aware we were free to speak with Zinbar again.. so how could I have had this conversation with her?"
[Siv(#24218)] "You had a conversation with me, right in the middle of the day, with members of your clan giving you disapproving looks. I could find them again if you'd like--I'd recognize them," Siv smirks to Ranor. "He said, Thane, something to the effect of that hhe would side with his niece if I kept asking him about why I thought that he'd had Hildis carry that letter. The one that got her arrested. He implied that he would make things worse for me if I opened my mouth about it. Never directly stated--he is too tricky for that--but the implications were clear."
[Braldor(#30149)] "Strange that ye're so keen to defend Thari now, master Ranor", Braldor retorts, a cold smile on his face, "as ye spoke ills also of that lass... ills which I happen to investigate", he adds, as the smile slowly disappears from his face. As Siv speaks, the Thane nods to her. "Indeed, Master Ranor is ever so tricky, something that he should have use for the clan's advantage, and not for... other purposes. Speaking of which", he adds, as he nods towards Ranor, who is immediately surrounded by the three clan-karls with military precision, "I have need of ye, master Ranor. We need to discuss some things... privately".
"I can add nothing to what the Thane does not already know," Hildis says in a penetrating voice and watches Ranor as the guards surround him. "I should like to know what was in the letter that I carried but perhaps the Thane knows. We will leave it in his capable hands." She curtseys to the Thane, "I wish you well of him, sir."
"Siv, you have a knack for being in the right place at the right time even if your pony bites." Hildis smiles at Siv, a light of hope beginning to blossum in her expression.
Ranor's forced innocent expression fades as Braldor speaks. "Well, as I told you at the meeting, my lord.. it was her and my son that I heard speaking of the matters regarding Thari. Perhaps she was lying. Siv has a reputation for a loose tongue when it comes to.. sensitive matters." The woodcrafter turns a glare on the woman again.
The clan-karls move around Ranor and he looks startled, giving Braldor a sudden angry look. "So this is it? Balur paid you as well?" He asks, his tone growing harsh and offended, volume rising. "This is the thanks I get for trying to warn you of my brother-in-law's designs, Braldor?" His blue eyes flash to Hildis, then back to the thane. "You have no proof of -anything-!"
[Siv(#24218)] "Oh..." Siv's face falls a bit at the words of Hildis. "Yes...well, I -was- wondering about why you were out with Ranol like that...."
[Braldor(#30149)] "I have all the proof I need, Ranor", Braldor replies, dropping the honorary 'Master', "and should I take it to the King, ye'll surely be, at the very least, put in jail for revealing the secrets of your cousins. How one can stoop so low as to seell one's own is beyind me, yet ye've done it. And stay yer viperine tongue, speaking about buying people, for I know for truth ye have been bought, to sell /all/ of us. Now, Ranor", he adds, his voice coming down to almost a whisper, "ye can come in quietly... or ye can come in forcefully. But ye're coming in, no matter what".
Hildis looks at her with real trust saying quietly, "My father...my father was not well so I was given permission to meet some traders in his stead in Dale. Ranol had other business there I suppose and wouldn't let me return to the mountain alone." Her words break off as the Thane speaks, her lips parted in disbelief but she nods slowly as understanding begins to dawn.
"Oh maker of us all," she whispers.
And it's now that a few beads of sweat form on Ranor's brow, as he realizes there's a piece to this game that has only just now been placed on the board. He gives Braldor a hard look, "Quietly.. as I have no wish to be handled in the same way that Balur treated me when we met disagreement." He says in a cold voice. "Your position is elected, Thane. It seems that you forget that. I only hope I'm there the day the rug is pulled from beneath your feet." He says in an acid tone.
[Siv(#24218)] "Oh!" Siv slaps a hand over her mouth. "I see, Hildis," she nods, then is distracted by Ranor's words. "I...well...we'll talk later, all right?" She gathers up her skirts and hastens up the stairs quickly, without so much as a 'good day' to anyone.
[Braldor(#30149)] "Ye're in no position to make threats, Ranor", Braldor replies, "and I deem that ye'll be in no position to witness anything more than the coming and goings of rats in the dungeon, once this is all over", he adds. He nods to Hildis, as Siv suddenly leaves, and then adds, "Now, get going. We're going to my Chambers, ye and I".
"I would surely like to see this proof you have of these accusations, Thane." Ranor returns, angrily. He begins walking after eying the guards for a moment.
[Braldor(#30149)] "Oh, ye'll have plenty of chance, Master Ranor", Braldor replies, walking beside the older dwarf, "as ye yerself provided it, in a way", he adds, and then chuckles darkly. The clan-karls come after them, eyes wary in case Ranor attempts something.
Hildis says nothing but bows her head. Raising it, triumph flashes in her green eyes but she looks away. When she looks back sadness and pity fill them for Ranor.
Players: Braldor, Ranor, Hildis, Siv
Located in: Erebor
