Dark Discussions

Alcove

A shadowy alcove beside the tall living wall of shrubbery which stretches up protectively around the city of Caras Galadhon. The wall is constructed of thick green leaves with a central core of thick ancient branches which have twined together over hundreds of years. Intermingled with the leaves are slender vines which nestles small white flowers in and amongst the greenery. As you stand beside the wall, the sense of life is as strong as the delicate fragrance of the greenery. Within the wall is a small ladder, nearly hidden within the thick leaf cover. A Guard Talan is well-hidden among the boughs about twenty feet above.

Contents:

Haldir

Obvious exits:

 Up leads to Eastern Guard Platform.

 North leads to Green Roadway at the Gates of the City - Southern Arc.

+ltime

[Lorien Code Object(#32366)->Veredhiel]

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================== Eldarin Calendar ===================

IC time is:    Early Evening < About  6:33 PM >

IC day is:     Ormenel

IC date is:    10 Rhiw

Moon phase:    Waxing Gibbous

Earendil:      Gil-Estel is not visible.

IC year is:    Loa 23 o Yen 22, Nelandran o Endor

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RL time:        Tue Sep 15 21:11:11 2009

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Calendar help: +ELF TIME HELP    Quenya version: +ELF TIME QUENYA

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[Haldir(#25231)]  Rays of red and gold, clouds tinged with the wintry hues of violet and blue -- these are spread over the tops of the mountains as the sun begins to sink. In Galadhon, tallows flare and light lanterns, and the faint plucking of instruments is interspersed among the high golden treetops.

The guard telain are in commotion, for the shift changes now: grey cowl makes way for black hood, and vice versa. Many are the voices that call, the steps that sound upon floors of mallorn wood... and it is here to the alcove that Haldir comes, a moment's peace sought from the constant line of squire and sentinel, though his composure and white cowl he does not escape. He puts a hand upon the living wall, twined with growing vines, and frowns.

The hustle and bustle of the interchanging guards is everywhere to be seen in the small area, and many of the shadow-cloaked figures drop down lightly from the guard talan hidden above in the golden boughs. One such squire, Veredhiel, is among these there is no sound to indicate her movement as she leaps from the wooden platform, but there is the quick gray blur of motion. The lush green
grass as it is blown in the light breeze is welcoming to her feet as the elleth steps forward through the crowded place, deep gray eyes glancing around as she makes sure not to bump into one of the other elves.

[Haldir(#25231)]  To say that Haldir is preoccupied with thought is, perhaps, understatement: he notices not the line of grey that pushes past him, and turns distant eyes upon a warden who queries after a post. He answers resourcefully, for sure, but clearly a care is still upon his mind, and engraved into his brow.

He is searching, perhaps, for one who does not have eyes set on the next errand, the next location. A grey gaze falls upon Veredhiel for a moment, passes, then returns.

As the edhil continue to move about, the elleth's pace slowly slightly, though not enough to cause a disruption in the lines. She gracefully edges through the scene of choas, searching for a spot that is out of the way. The green wall of delicate branches and brilliant white flowers looms up before her as she halts, and Veredhiel stands quietly, eyes roving again, pensive. It seems the squire does not have any particular aim in mind as she remains staring into the beautiful swaying leaves above her she seems content enough.

There is a movement as Veredhiel shifts slightly, setting her longbow at a more comfortable angle across her chest. She does not yet notice the marchwarden's gaze.

[Haldir(#25231)]  Like a stone amid waves, Haldir rests his back against the leafy arms. He is standing now close to the Squire: his composure wavers, betraying worry upon his mien as he runs long-remembering eyes over the current of grey.

But the weary eyes turn, and see Veredhiel, and his face becomes graver. "Mae govannen," he murmurs, below the rumor of footsteps and swinging ropes.

It is then that the squire turns, and her fair countenance gives a smile as she greets Haldir, "Mae govannen, marchwarden." There is a polite salute given before the edhel sees the latter's grim expression, and her own wavers slightly, sensing something is troubling the other beside her. She hesitates for an instant, and then ventures to ask, "Does something ail you? I hope it does not mean more enemy movement beyond the Wood."

[Haldir(#25231)]  "It does not concern our Wood, but that of our kin. A spirit causes trouble west of Imladris, and the son of Elrond came to seek advice." Haldir looks to the Squire, mien calming, though his eyes are still true to low, troubled voice. "I fear it might be the work of Sauron's greater servants, who caused us great grief in a previous time."

"I do not wish for such to happen again to Lorien, to our guards."

Gray eyes darken quickly as Veredhiel listens to the ellon's words, and she glances away, traces of concern and fear upon her brow. "I had heard rumors amongst the guard that Elladan had arrived seeking the Lady's counsel, but I had wished the cause was not as it was whispered." She faces the marchwarden once again, and her thin mouth is tight. "It is not happy tidings to hear that our kin in the valley are troubled by such a...fell shadow." She falls silent at this as the whisperings of the other squires and sentinels continue around them.

[Haldir(#25231)]  "It is not," echoes Haldir with quiet words, looking to the verdant ground underfoot. "Strength does little against ancient evil, lest it be strength of will. Imladris has many champions I hope that it will be sufficient. But we are here in Lorien, and have helped what little we can."

There is a nod from the squire, raven hair shifting gently as she does so.

"Imladris is not unprepared for an outside threat, though the valley secludes them. They have strength of guards themselves, and I trust Elrond will know how to deal with such a menace." Veredhiel raises her head to peer at the trees boughs overhead, thoughtful, hoping. "Dark things stirring...it does not bode well for any, even us who are safe in Lothlorien."

[Haldir(#25231)]  "The dark is the reason we guard," comments the marchwarden, the pommel of his sword twisted between lithe digits. "We are the only calling who would love to be idle, for then there is peace. But there is a joy in protecting what we love."

Haldir falls silent perhaps he realizes he has brought his burden out too far, to place it upon another's shoulders.

"It is true," the elleth says softly. "It was for that reason that my heart desired to join the order. Happiness and peace will only come as long as there are those willing to defend the land which we love." Veredhiel's look returns to rest on her companion. "I hope all goes well, and that no evil befalls our kinfolk." An absentminded hand moves upward to rub at the smooth yew surface of her longbow. "I don't like the feeling of helplessness while our friends are beset by darkness. It is not comforting." At this the elf too become quiet.

[Haldir(#25231)]  "It is not," Haldir agrees. His wrist flicks, pulling the sword half an inch from its sheath and replacing it with a shiver of steel: a habit. "I mean to escort Elladan part of the way, until the mountain pass at the most. And then, perhaps, I will go to find news of Beorn and his lands. It has been too long since a scout was sent north."

"I will gather a few who are willing to face danger, for the land without is uncertain. Would that lighten your burden of helplessness?"

The flash of metal is bright against the gray cloaks, and as it is drawn Veredhiel watches, her countenance grim. She is aware now of the fingers that touch the bow across her chest, and she lowers them now as she speaks. The words are stated slowly and firmly, indicating the squire does not view the offer lightly. "Yea, it would, marchwarden. I fear my heart will be heavy with regret should I do nothing. I would not let danger separate me from our kin in need." She pauses, eyes dropping slightly toward the ground. "I do not know if my experience is enough to yet venture abroad."

[Haldir(#25231)]  "It is news we shall seek, and not battle. Nevertheless, we shall not venture far. Rhovanion is a wide place."

Haldir paces a step, but turns back ere the flow of edhil cuts him from the conversation. "Should you or any other require training, I am willing to help. There is wisdom, however, learned only after battle." A bitter wisdom, perhaps, by the marked line that appears between his eyebrows once more.

A nod of understanding is offered to Haldir as he finishes speaking. Veredhiel steps forward a little as well to give her answer. "I will be glad to accompany you, should you be willing to have me. The matter concerns many, and I will do what I can to aid in these uncertain times. I will be ready when the word is given to embark."

The gossamer material of her cloak flutters as the other guards slip passed. "As for training, it would be greatly appreciated, marchwarden."

[Haldir(#25231)]  "It will be soon," answers Haldir gravely, a wintry glance given to winter sky.

"But do not fear Lorien is strong, and so are its guards. We will be unnoticed if we are stealthy."

"Then it is with fleet of foot we shall go, silent, yet but a rumor upon the wind and a shadow of a form." Veredhiel agrees ere she herself turns to leave, ready to edge around the stream of gray-clad figures. "I am glad you have sought trust in me such burdens are easier to bear when one knows others will help carry them." A slender hand is brought up in a respectful salute, and she lifts the hand in parting. "Navaer may your sword stay sharp, though may the trouble be few that is apt to call it."

[Haldir(#25231)]  "Thank you," replies Haldir to the elleth, inclining his head. "Good day." And he is gone a trembling tree-stem is the only marker of his passing.