(Archive) - The Portico Balcony

�

Elendor - Thursday, August 10, 2000, 5:41 PM

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Weather: Clear

Time: Early Afternoon

Season: Winter

Date: Mersday - January 11, 3021

Real Time: Thu Aug 10 14:45:48 2000

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Dol Amroth: Prince\'s Castle - Portico Balcony(#10631Rn)

Tucked in a handful of feet beneath the roof of the massive eastern portico, this balcony grants a grand view of the eastern half of the Citadel grounds, including the portico itself and the two courtyards that descend in the distance. The spires of battlements are visible far-off, and to the north you catch glimpses of the Bay of Edhellond.

In the daylight, it seems one can see forever, for the ground must be surely some four-hundred feet below. To the north the Bay of Belfalas glistens, its deep azure waters giving way to the Edhellond coast, a green shadow far away past the city the green plains roll on to the east, into the horizon.

Contents:

Elphir

Obvious exits:

Glass Doors

Twinkling rays of sunlight glisten upon the Bay of Edhellond to the north of the balcony where Ivriniel, the sister of Imrahil stands in quiet contemplation. The sounds of the festivities of the tournament float along the crisp breeze and bring with it the rousing cheers of victories and the moans of defeat as many try their hand in the afternoon\'s competition. The tinkling of laughter and the sounds of children bring a gentle smile to the lips of the sister of Finduilas. Sighing deeply, Ivriniel leans closer to the edge of portico, wrapping her arms around herself to ward off the chill as she closes silvery grey eyes for a moment and inhales deeply of the fresh breeze, obviously enjoying a moment of solitude after the chaos of events and guests filling the citadel.

[Elphir(#23270)] The doors leading into the Harpers\' Hall open quietly, and, not wishing to disturb his aunt\'s moment of solitude, Elphir silently steps through them. He inhales deeply the fresh air that comes from this high elevation, and even smiles - for the first time in quite awhile.

A soft laugh slips from the lips of the Princess as she hears the door open quietly and she says over her shoulder, \"What ever it is, delay it by half an hour. I simply must enjoy this view and the fresh air.\" Expecting her beloved niece or Lady in Waiting, Ivriniel turns her head slowly and grins, shock flooding her face when it is son of her brother stepping onto the portico. Warmth fills her eyes as she waves grandly to the view before her and says, \"Tis is not the perfect place to forget about life for awhile?\"

[Elphir(#23270)] Silence is Elphir\'s answer for a long moment as his gaze tracks north to south, from the bay and down to the busy courtyard below. \"In truth it is a wonderful respite from the rigors of duty,\" he replies after a moment, his voice soft. \"But I find these moments few and far between. It should not surprise you that I had come here for a different reason,\" he smiles wryly.

Dropping her head in resignation, Ivriniel says softly, a tinge of amusement edging her voice, \"No. It does not surprise me in the least.\" Turning to fully face the handsome Prince she inquires, \"what brings you to this place then?\" A childs laughter, sweet and clear floats up to where the Imrazors stand and the elder one smiles gently to herself, \"Oh to be so innocent once again.\"

Elphir forces a small smile upon hearing the child\'s voice, but his eyes betray his true feelings. \"Innocent,\" he echoes, his voice strangely hollow. \"But so easily molded.\" His eyes snap from the courtyard below to Ivriniel. \"Tell me, aunt, if a child finds a knife, and stabs his brother with full malice, is he still innocent?\"

A sharp breath is intaken at the words of her nephew and Ivriniel raises grey eyes lined with dark, full lashes to his face, peering into his own eyes, mirrors of her own and says softly, \"Innocence would be a thing of the past for such a child. Do you not agree, as life would never again be the same for him. A tragedy at best as the child would not have full understanding of the long term ramifications of such an action.\" Her hand reaches out to touch the arm of her brother\'s son, as if to reassure him or perhaps, herself as she inquires, \"Do you know such a child?\"

[Elphir(#23270)] \"Do you?\" Elphir replies evenly.

Baffled by the words of her nephew, Ivriniel looks to him quizzically and asks, \"About whom do you speak Elphir? I know not of such a boy.\" Shrugging her shoulders slightly as she appears to mentally wrack her mind, \"At least, I am not aware of such a tragedy.\" Falling into silence Ivriniel frowns a bit as if still trying to understand.

[Elphir(#23270)] \"I spoke metaphorically,\" Elphir replies quietly. \"No, I know no murderer children.\" He turns and looks back to the courtyard, gripping the balcony\'s ledge with both hands. \"But I do know of a child spy.\"

A mask of coldness slips over the countenance of the elder Imrazor and she says simply, \"Then you speak of Moor.\" Slender fingers rise unbidden to the thin white scar upon her neck and she says harshly, \"I was a witness, first hand to the atrocities wrought by Khazamr and his band of Corsairs...and they included that boy.\" Hissing out sharply she continues \"He works for Arali, this he told me himself. And -she- invaded the shores of Dol Amroth! Stood upon the docks and spoke to me of healing.\" Ivriniel shakes her head bitterly, \"My hatred for the Southron run so deeply, I fear it may contaminate my soul. And now, we have a young woman here for the tournament with a Southron mother.\" Laughing with irony, \"How can I keep the hatred from showing as I bid her welcome?\"

Elphir nods slowly as Ivriniel mentions the name \'Moor.\' His countenance is unreadable as he hears the lad\'s confessions, though his storm-grey eyes perhaps narrow just the slightest. \"That I do not know. I will speak with this half-Southron woman when I may, and introduce her to this Moor child. Perhaps something can be learned from her.\"

Turning back to peruse the beauty of the day, Ivriniel says, \"This woman -says- she is from a family outside of Pelargir...seems like she said they were in the shipping industry.\" Her melodic voice continues in soft litany, \"She says her mother died when she was very young and she has no memory of her and that she has never been to the Southlands.\" Rubbing her neck with one slender hand the Princess says, \"I cannot put a finger on it, perhaps it is only the colour of her olive skin that makes me suspcious, but she seemed -too- eager to get introduced to me and to spend time in my company.\" Laughing aloud the woman turns back to her neighbor and smiles, \"Please dismiss the ravings of a woman tired of night after night of seeing to those burned in Pelargir, not to mention the events of this tournament.\"

[Elphir(#23270)] \"Your suspicions are likely well-founded,\" Elphir replies, his voice never changing from its pleasant baritone. \"Bid this woman speak with you in a quiet place, and I shall listen from a near distance. No ships can depart Dol Amroth without my approval as of two days ago, so if she is a traitor, then she shall be unable to escape, or - as I deem more probable - take you with her.\"

Nodding her head in agreement Ivriniel says, \"I suddenly recall her mentioning the beauty of our city and how she wished to move here. Perhaps I could -offer- her a position in the citadel, relatively close to me....say, another Lady in Waiting or hand maiden..or even an assistant in the Halls of Healing. I can always use another hand there are our beds are always filled.\" Concern mars her brow as she asks, \"No ships can depart, per your orders. So I am safe in making such an offer?\"

Elphir looks to his aunt dubiously, \"You would offer her this position? Let us test her first... in whatever manner you deem most fitting. Her eagerness to serve is not uncommon, but together with her heritage, it makes me suspicious.\"

Shrugging her shoulders indifferently Ivriniel says, \"After witnessing the atrocities at the hand of Khazamr and crew...having a woman of Southron heritage seems to offer little in the way of danger.\" Her eyes show the ravages of her memories as they raise to her nephew and the horror shines clearly from them, \"My guards were slaughtered at my feet Elphir. I was left alive while all Gondorians were killed and the ship looted. Mercifully enough, one of the Corsairs hit me upon the skull and took me from the world after my dagger sank into the flesh of the dread Pirate.\"

[Elphir(#23270)] \"Yes, I have heard,\" Elphir replies, his expression darkening. \"But ever has it been the enemy within that brings down the great nations - not the enemy without. From Feanor\'s sons to the corruption of Ar-Pharazon, so has it ever been. -Never- assume your foe beaten.\" He ponders for a moment, and then speaks. \"Very well, take this woman as your servant, but watch her closely. I do not trust her.\"

Nodding her head in agreement, Ivriniel doth question, \"Perhaps the assignment of a Swan Knight as a personal guard during the tournament to ensure my safety? Oft times I am in various parts of the citadel with only one guard and my assistants by my sides.\" Pursing her lips together she says, \"I will take her into my confidence, or at least allow her to think that she has my confidence and offer her a position of some sort.\" Smiling wanly the elder Imrazor says, \"I wish to talk more about the prisoner in the Knights Tower. Perhaps we could meet for tea in the Royal Wing after tonights festivities?\" Now waiting for a response she busses the cheek of her nephew with her own and whispers softly, \"All will be well Elphir.\" Leaning back and smiling into his eyes, so much like her own she says, \"Now. I must check on those in the Halls of Healing before tonights festivities begin.\"

[Elphir(#23270)] \"Speak with Moor,\" Elphir nods curtly. \"And find out what you may. The rats will be found, dear Aunt. They shall be found. A guard shall be at your disposal whenever you wish it, as well.\" With this, Elphir takes his aunt\'s hand in his own, and gives it a gentle squeeze.

A serene air of tranquility is once again seen upon the countenance of the Princess as her beloved nephew takes her hand. Smiling gently and nodding her head, Ivriniel gracefully glides past Elphir to the door leading into Harpers Hall. Pausing for a moment she says over her shoulder, \"I shall expect one dance from my most handsome nephew before the tournament is over.\", a tinkling of laughter and the essence of roses marking the exit of Ivriniel.