(Archive) At the Marble Gate — The Red Book of Westmarch

August 20, 2000

Logfile from Elendor

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Weather: Clear

Time: Early Evening

Season: Winter

Date: Sterday - February 11, 3021

Real Time: Sun Aug 20 17:26:25 2000

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*Note - logged by Kadareth*

Dol Amroth: Marble Gate

You stand on a narrow bottleneck of land no more than two thousand paces wide, shooting westwards to connect to the rocky promontory on which the Castle of the Prince and the city of Dol Amroth stands. To the north and south are the waters of the sea--even from hear you can smell their salt tang and hear the cries of sea-birds.

To your west, a massive wall of flagstone stretches its way across the entire bottleneck of land, effectively sealing in the city from any attack on foot. The only way in is through the huge marble archway that lies directly west along the tree-lined path on which you stand, the famed Marble Gate of Dol Amroth. A company of guardsmen stand at attention on either side of the huge archway standing next to two large statues guarding the gate. The men-at-arms are dwarfed by the gate\'s bulk and they wear the blue and white of the Prince\'s servants. Sunlight glints off of their mail, their spears, and from the domes of the high conical helms graced with seabird wings that adorn their heads. Traffic is fairly heavy--wagons of farm goods passing in from the lands of Dor-en-Ernil, peasants and traders on foot, and a goodly number of mounted Lords in battle array or finery--the Knights of Dol Amroth about their business.

Contents:

Kadareth

Boromir aka Indilzar

Gweneth

Obvious exits:

East leads to Belfalas: East of Dol Amroth.

West leads to Dol Amroth: Men Ernil.

HOOOOOOOMMMMHOOOOOOMMMM!!!

A horn blows loudly, bouncing off the walls of the fair citadel. Before the gates of Dol Amroth, the time for parting has come.

It is Boromir who blows the horn. He sets it down from his lips and then looks upon his company.

Private Kadareth was adjusting the saddle on his mount when the horn sounds. He looks up to Boromir and stands to attention by the horse.

\"Milord, we believe we are ready,\" Kadareth informs the Captain-General with a brisk salute and a knock of his heels.

Boromir nods and then mounts his own steed. He looks back at Dol Amroth and says, \"Farewell Dol Amroth! Lady Bragollach, may you receive my message soon. Saddened am I that we could not linger longer.\"

Boromir looks back at his soldiers and he says, \"But that is not my errand!\"

With that Boromir takes his burning helm and sets it upon his head and then says, \"Kadareth. Bear the standard of the Tree. Today we shall ride!\"

\"Yes, milord,\" Kadareth nods. He asks another private to hold the Tree standard while he scrambles on top of the saddle, then picks it up and hoists it proudly. \"Milady Gweneth,\" he nods. \"It has been a pleasure being in Dol Amroth. One that I am looking forward to repeat soon enough.\"

Kadareth looks up at the darkening sky, then at the troops all around him. He advances a while, then addresses Boromir. \"Milord Boromir, should we bear torches for the journey? It would keep the wild animals at bay . . .\" He pauses, then continues with a shudder. \"Some of the wild animals, at least.\"

Boromir says, \"There is nothing to fear with so many Men geared for war man-of-arms.\"

Boromir sighs and then says grimly, \"It is far to home, so we must set out at once. My heart forbodes what our Enemy may be up to.\"

From behind Boromir, Gweneth inclines her head, her pressence being announced by Kadareth, \"Thank you, young lord, I pray you have an opportunity to return soon.\" The lady is not alone though. With her a woman with the hair of a Rohir and the eyes from the blood of Numenor. Gweneth bows her head, \"I did in fact recieve your note, Lord Boromir, and am disappointed in your hasty leave. It is unfortunate I could not make my offer sooner, but perhaps I could ask this of you instead...\" she trails off, looking to the younger woman slightly behind her, \"This is my cousin, Caladrielinde. She is going back to Minas Tirith as well. I figured she would be kept quite safe in your company, and I would ask if you would take her with you.\"

Boromir looks at the maid and then to the Lady, \"So be it. Yet we ride with haste.\" He then looks to the Lady, \"Can you ride?\"

Kadareth nods at the lady\'s cousin. \"Well met, milady Caladrielinde,\" he greets her with a smile. \"We shall provide thee a mount.\"

Then, Kadareth turns to Boromir. \"Indeed milord,\" Kadareth smiles nervously. \"We are many and we are strong, but it always to keep out of trouble. But if your foreboding is true, then we would do best to arrive at Minas Tirith with our numbers unculled. Granted, I yearn for a fight as much as the next man, yet if we ride in haste, then we cannot afford the delay of any unpleasant encounter. Don\'t you agree, milord?\"

The young Bragollach\'s eyes widen, her eyes darting warily towards the menacing horses, \"Ride? Of course I can, though isn\'t the trip to Minas Tirith,\" she pauses, \"Far?\" Gweneth hides a amused smile behind her hand, answering Boromir as well, \"She can rise well enough until I send a coach to follow with her things. I assume you are not riding back to Minas Tirith with any abnormal haste?\"

Again Boromir laughs and says, \"I do not. The Rath Aran is safe enough. I fear not for naught on the road. Yet even if there were trouble ahead, nothing shall bar the son of Denethor from his homecoming.\"

Then the son of Denethor looks into the eyes of Gweneth\'s kinswoman and says, \"Many leagues and rivers are there until the spire of the White Tower is seen from the regions whither the ribbon of the Anduin is espied. No abnormal haste, yet I fear I have tarried from errantry overlong.\"

The sun sinks in the sky and falls below the horizon. Nighttime takes over

Caladrielinde seems relaxed at the mention of a coach, \"That will be fine, milord, and,\" she says looking to Kadareth, \"I believe we already have a horse that should suit me for the trip.\" Caladrielinde bows her head to Boromir then moves around to the rear of the group preparing to leave. With the help of a few guards, she sits herself atop the horse side saddle.

Gweneth looks up once more to Boromir, \"She is a good child, I doubt you will have any problems with her.\" Her eyes fall a bit, then look back up to Boromir\'s, \"Until next time then, milord.\"

Kadareth nods in assent. \"Your strong will and perseverance embolden us all. Pray, do not view my concerns as cowardly, milord. Neither misinterpret my doubts about the safety of the Rath Aran. I merely wish for the security of us all, especially of the Steward\'s eldest.\"

\"Your intent is well merited soldier,\" says Boromir sternly. \"Yet if we cannot be safe in Gondor, where can we be?\"

At Gweneth\'s farewell Boromir looks again upon her and says, \"Farewell Lady, may we meet again under the sun despite the leagues that lie between our lands.\" He removes his helm and leaps off his horse. He then bows to the Lady and takes his hand and kisses it gently, \"May the stars shine upon thy face and may no grief come to thee and thine.\"

Gweneth leans forward and kisses the top of Boromir\'s head as he is bowed, and gives her blessings as well. Then she backs away, allowing the man to take his leave. \"I must go now,\" she says, a forced smile on her lips, \"Take care.\" She looks to Kadareth and grins, then turns from the company, and walks away, looking back at Caladrielinde for a momment.

Kadareth says, \"We can be anywhere we wish, milord. Come what may, Gondor shall stand and fight and live. Yet although we struggle for safety in our lands, we would better not revel in the promise of it.\" Private Kadareth sighs gravely. \"Because foul evil is afoot in these lands. Everywhere. The stench from the east pervades us.\"\"

Boromir watches as Gweneth leaves then looks for a moment at her kinswoman. He seems thoughtful.

Then a chill wind from the east blows cold. Lord Boromir turns that way, now away from the Gates of Dol Amroth. He then takes up once again his burning Helm and sets it upon his head. He then leaps on his steed. He does not reply to Kadareth, his mind elsewhere. Rather he draws his sword and points East. He spurs his horse and the company begins their journey.

Boromir moves out into the countryside.

Boromir has left.

You move out into the countryside.

Belfalas: East of Dol Amroth(#19170RVnto)

Faint darkness cloaks the area in blackness. The road beneath you seems to wind away to the northeast, to unknown parts. To the west, its path is more definite, for far in that direction you can see the lights of Dol Amroth though the greatest light, that of the Watchtower, is strangely dark.. The fields open in all other directions, apparently.

The western horizon still glows with the Sun\'s departure, but the Moon now rules the dark skies,and the Sickle swings clear and bright in the clear Winter sky.

Contents:

Boromir

Obvious exits:

West leads to Dol Amroth: Marble Gate.

Northeast leads to Belfalas: Edhellond - Near the Ringlo.

South leads to Belfalas: Dor-en-Ernil - Grasslands, near the Bay.

North leads to Belfalas: Edhellond - near the Mouth of Morthond.

The company begins their ride, and first they pass over the green lands nigh Dol Amroth. For the most part at the beginning of this stage of the journey, Boromir is silent. At length he says to Kadareth, \"Tell me soldier what you know of Pelargir and the Poros.\"

Kadareth rides with the troops behind Lord Boromir. He bears the standard of the Tree, following the way to his beloved Minas Tirith. But he is wary of the night falling around him, and keeps the hilt of his sword handy should it be needed in an emergency.

The voice of Lord Boromir diverts him from his concerns. \"I know little, milord. I was raised in Pelennor, and it wasn\'t until I joined the Guard that my travels abroad began.\"

Coming up on Boromir\'s flank, the Bragollach woman says, \"Can I assume milord does not need the information and only asks the soldier because of his own interest in the soldiers knowledge?\" her tone quite neutral and simple.

Boromir nods and then looks to the woman who he now guards, \"How are you related to the Lady? You are of the House Bragollach?\"

Boromir nods to Kadareth, \"This is unfortunate. Keep in mind that your service will not always make you go far abroad.\"

\"Interest have I in the Poros,\" says Boromir grimly. \"That river was spoken oft by Imrahil as a potential weakness in the defense of our land.\"

Boromir rides on.

Boromir leaves along the faint road, heading back towards the Rath Aran.

Boromir has left.

You leave down the faint road, heading away from Dol Amroth and back towards the Rath Aran.

Belfalas: Edhellond - Near the Ringlo

Without the aid of light, this area is largely indistict. The faint road here leads off to both the northeast and southwest. The ground to the side of the roads is covered in fine, long grass.

The stars glitter overhead in the clear Winter sky.

Contents:

Caladrielinde

Boromir

Obvious exits:

Mouth of the Morthond , Faint Road , and Faint Road

\"Milady? Oh, Lady Gweneth?,\" Caladrielinde asks rhetorically, \"She and I are actually of a fairly distant relation. Second or third cousins I believe. And yes, I am part of the Great and Noble House Bragollach. Other than blood relation, the Lady is my,\" she pauses, \"I am not sure there is a word for it. I am not quite a ward to her, nor in her waiting. She is oft like a governess to me.\" A hint of a smile curls on her lips, \"Keeping me line and on task with my studies.\"

\"Mentor?\" offers Boromir.

Caladrielinde chuckles, \"I prefer taskmistress, but I suppose she is a mentor in some ways as well. Though not in the way she keeps the other maids of the Citadel. She, I think, is far more demanding of me, and yet my studies are less structured. It is somewhat confusing, but mentor works well in this instance, milord.\" She turns her eye toward Kadareth, \"You spoke that you have not been to Pelargir, but I have been but a few times and know much of the city. Did your education merely neglect that area of Gondor?\"

Kadareth\'s mount trots away to the northeast. The shadows grew longer and darker as the sun vanished beyond the horizon line, and now only the light of the stars and the moon shone upon the troops. The man rode silent, or in small hushed conversations between them.

Only Kadareth was rewarded by a greater honour as he spoke to Boromir, the Captain-General of Minas Tirith. \"I am aware that my service offers few travel opportunities. But I care not muc, milord, for my service is with Minas Tirith. The lands abroad may be full of wonder and new experiences, but the city dwells in my heart.\"

He turns to Caladrielinde, \"You must forgive me. I am but a simple man, milady, and one who received simple education. But I would gladly learn, if given the chance. I reckon it would aid me greatly in my service to Gondor.\"

\"What things do you study?\" asks Boromir looking ahead on the road. His interest seems somewhat stifled for the moment. \"It is a long way to the City of the Sea-Kings so we should speak.\"

Boromir heads northeast along the faint road.

Boromir has left.

Lamedon: Rath Aran - Near the Ringlo

In the utter blackness that blankets the area, little can be made out with any sureity. The road looks as if it runs to the northwest and southeast, but it is hard to discern in the night. To the south, off the side of the road, is a large object portruding from the ground. You can\'t make out what it is, but perhaps it is a tree, for its thickness, though its height is not comparable.

The stars glitter overhead in the clear Winter sky.

Contents:

Boromir

Obvious exits:

Rath Aran , Faint Road , and Rath Aran

\"Mainly now just cultures other than Gondor,\" Caladrielinde says, \"Occationally a bit of less certain subjects, such as philosophy. Nothing terribly interesting for a evening conversation I\'m afraid.\"

Boromir nods thoughtfully and says, \"We now pass through Lamedon.\" He then says to the Lady, \"Such things I did not study. War has always been my interest and defending this realm. I imagine you would find my own tales dull.\"

A smile flits across the young girl\'s lips, \"I would certainly doubt that, milord, though first I would ask a question of you. Lord Anborn, have you heard of the man?\"

\"Indeed,\" replies Boromir. \"He is one of the soldiers of Ithilien, one of those who go on forays to the east at the behest of my father.\"

Kadareth nods, and smiles calmly to himself. He is beginning to feel accostumed to the night, and his posture visibly relaxes.

The men behind him chat merrily with each other, and sometimes a crude jest causes a small burst of laughter to be heard. A sargeant tries to keep the noise down, but it is only a matter of minutes before the men\'s chattering resumes.

Boromir sets off down the Rath Ernil, to the southeast.

Boromir has left.

Caladrielinde sets off down the Rath Ernil, to the southeast.

Caladrielinde has left.

You travel down the Rath Ernil towards the foothills.

Belfalas: Rath Aran - Foothills of Dor-en-Ernil

Darkness. Isolation. Loneliness. These are the words that describe the foothills when night has settled. Without the aid of a torch or light of some kind, it is next to impossible to make out anything here. Faint outlines of hills near the road can be visualized, with a little creativity, but the only thing that is certain in the night, is the Road. Constant even here, it carves a path through the hills to the northwest and southeast.

The stars glitter overhead in the clear Winter sky.

Contents:

Caladrielinde

Boromir

Obvious exits:

Rath Aran and Rath Aran

\"I wonder what your assessment of the man would be?\" She questions, looking to Kadareth, \"Have you met the man as well? He\'s a bit swarthy I\'d say.\"

\"Kadareth,\" calls Boromir. \"Do you have any tales to tell the Lady during your sojourn in the guard. Tell us what experiences you have had since you have come here.\"

Kadareth again grips the standard tighter in his hands. The rest of the men now seem quieter as the dark shapes of the hills loom closer.

The private nods to Caladrielinde, \"I am afraid I have not met the gentleman, milady. And if I have, then I knew not his name.\"

He smiles ruefully at Boromir\'s request, remembering some of the bleak times he has been through. \"I would gladly do so,\" he replies nonetheless. \"Would you care to hear of the rolling plains of Rohan, and the battle against Orc and Warg while in their dark lairs there?\"

Boromir nods, \"Speak of it. I have heard of it before, but not from the viewpoint of the soldier.\"

Boromir travels back down from the foothills, to the southeast.

Boromir has left.

You leave the foothills, travelling down the Road to the southeast.

Belfalas: Rath Aran - Grasslands of Dor-en-Ernil

You stand are on a lonely road, amidst a sea of blackness. The faint sound of water flowing reaches you, trailing in from a distance to the east. The course of the road continues to the northwest, from what you can tell. You can discern little else in the dark night, save that you are in the open, and the land around you is clear...

The stars glitter overhead in the clear Winter sky.

Contents:

Boromir

Obvious exits:

Linhir, Bridge , Rath Aran , Along the Gilrain , and Fields

Caladrielinde comes down the Road from the direction of the foothills.

Caladrielinde has arrived.

The sounds of the flowing river seem to have silenced the men altogether. They squint at their surroundings warily, the open space providing small relief from their concerns.

Kadareth nods courteously, \"I am a poor storyteller, but I shall render the tale to you to my best level.\" He clears his throat, prepared to start.

Belfalas: Rath Aran - Grasslands of Dor-en-Ernil

You stand are on a lonely road, amidst a sea of blackness. The faint sound of water flowing reaches you, trailing in from a distance to the east. The course of the road continues to the northwest, from what you can tell. You can discern little else in the dark night, save that you are in the open, and the land around you is clear...

The stars glitter overhead in the clear Winter sky.

Contents:

Caladrielinde

Boromir

Obvious exits:

Linhir, Bridge , Rath Aran , Along the Gilrain , and Fields

Boromir nods to the Lady, \"Now listen and we shall hear to a soldier\'s tale.\" He smiles and says, \"Proceed Kadareth.\"

Caladrielinde continues to ride, awaiting Kadareth\'s tale silently.

\"You will probably remember of some two years ago,\" Kadareth begins. \"When the lands of Rohan were plagued by all manner of foul beasts. Orcs,\" he spat the word. \"Those wretched aberrations, and wolves the size of men.\"

\"Some *larger* than men.\" he adds darkly.

Caladrielinde looks to Boromir, \"Larger than men? Surely he does not speak the truth?\"

Boromir looks at Caladrielinde for a long moment and says, \"The wild wolves of the enemy are called Wargs. They do not come into Gondor so I cannot say. Yet the reports given to me at the conclsion of the sortie said it was so.\"

The young Bragollach looks genuinely shocked, \"I\'ve never heard of such a thing. How utterly frightening.\"

\"That is why we must be vigilant,\" replies Boromir. \"If not for the strength of Gondor. Things much worse than wolves would destroy the people who live behind the fence of our swords.\"

\"I do, milady,\" Kadareth says gravely. \"I would have not believed it myself had I not seen them with my two eyes. I tell you, such things are unnatural. You understand now my misgivings about travelling by night, without the comfort of the flame of a torch.\"

Some of the soldiers close by listen in reverent attention, nodding gravely at Kadareth\'s tale.

Boromir moves down the road, and crosses the bridge to the east.

Boromir has left.

Caladrielinde moves down the road, and crosses the bridge to the east.

Caladrielinde has left.

You continue down the road, and past the bridge.

Lebennin: Marble Road - West of Pelargir

The lush lowland plains of Lebennin surround the Road here. Laborers work here to harvest food for the citizens of Gondor. The Serni, to the west, and the Sirith, to the east, flood this area seasonally enriching the soil and making this land a farmer\'s dream. A heavy stone bridge crosses the Serni to the west, as the Road continues, leaving Lebennin, and entering Belfalas.Pelargir lies to the east, meeting the sea foaming from the south.

The stars glitter overhead in the clear Winter sky.

Contents:

Caladrielinde

Boromir

Obvious exits:

Across the Bridge and Marble Road

Caladrielinde takes the reins of her steed and moves it a bit more away from the edge of the path, towards the middle of the group of riders, \"I am fancinated though. These wolves, where did they come from? Certainly not from Gondor proper?\"

\"Oh no, milady. Gondor is not known for breeding such things in its lands,\" the Minas Tirith guard replies. \"Shortly after arriving at the encampment, the men discovered the evil things\' lairs in the mountains ranges to the north.\"

\"Needless,\" says Boromir at length.

\"We were afraid, and myself in particular I must admit -- for I had no friends nearby to soothe my fears,\" Kadareth proceeds, his deep blue eyes shining softly by the pale moonlight. \"But friendship can blossom even in the darkest cesspits of the world, and soon I was fighting alongside new friends against the plague of Wargs and Orcs.\"

Boromir travels east towards Pelargir.

Boromir has left.

You head east towards Pelargir.

Lebennin: Marble Road - South Sirith Bridge

Caladrielinde has arrived.

Boromir rides on and says, \"We have come to Pelargir-Upon-Anduin. We shall stay here for the evening and be away again ere the break of day.\"

\"As you instruct, Lord Boromir,\" Kadareth agrees in visible relief, bringing his mount to a stop. \"We shall set up camp for the night.\"

\"Camp?\" Caladrielinde says, \"Could we not take up a room in the inns?\"

Boromir nods and says, \"Yes, the Hero\'s Inn has excellent accommodations. We shall go there.\"

Boromir has left.

Lebennin: Marble Road - South Sirith Bridge

Crossing the old, white stone bridge that spans the Sirith, the surrounding countryside opens before your eyes. Plush lands between the Sirith and Gilrain river valleys rise toward the mountains in the north. These beautiful ribbons of water drain into the sea to the south. Pelargir is set in the East as a bulwark against the sea. Across the Gilrain to the West lies the shining city of Dol Amroth. The Marble Road traverses the distance between these two Gondorian strongholds.

Contents:

Caladrielinde

Obvious exits:

East leads to Lebennin: Pelargir - Elendil\'s Gate.

West leads to Lebennin: Marble Road - West of Pelargir.

Caladrielinde has left.

You head east to the gate.

Lebennin: Pelargir - Elendil\'s Gate

You stand just inside the city of Pelargir, at Elendil\'s Gate, the westernmost entrypoint of the city. A few dozen paces inside the gate is a huge, magnificent statue of the man who gave his name to this gate, placed in the center of the intersection of Anduin Lane--heading away northeast--and Sirith Way--leading to the north.

The traffic in and out of the gate here along the smooth, interlocking stones of Anduin lane consists mostly of heavily loaded wains filled with grain, or farmers leading in teams of livestock to sell in the city\'s Market District. A handful of purple-clad stand around here, grim faced and watchful, eyeing the citizenry and foreigners alike.

Gazing at the gate itself, you see it is an archway cut into the walls of the city, decorated with bits of blue-veined white marble. Two massive doors made of iron-reinforced lebethron stand open now but are shut once nightfall arrives.

Contents:

Caladrielinde

Boromir

Statue of Elendil

Obvious exits:

Stairs Up leads to Battlements, Above Elendil\'s Gate.

West leads to Lebennin: Marble Road - South Sirith Bridge.

North leads to Pelargir: Crossroads - Morthond and Sirith.

Northeast leads to Anduin Lane, Southwest.

Boromir dismounts from his horse and for a minute looks upon the statue of Elendil. Then he turns to the others, \"We have ridden far. I am sure you are tired as well as the Men.\"

Caladrielinde slides off her steed, smoothing out her gown, \"I believe the coach should be here by morning with my things. I could go and find rooms for your men, Lord Boromir, but I know not how many rooms you require.\"

\"Milady, I cannot afford a inn like you and Lord Boromir can,\" Kadareth replies with a warm smile on his face. \"The men and I will stay outside.\"

Caladrielinde gets her information and heads towards an inn.