(Archive) Healing

The hour of the night is of no consequence to the healers and assistants as they scurry through the Halls of Healing seeing to those that have just arrived by ship from Pelargir. Litter after litter of burn victims are brought into the sickroom and placed onto the beds. Extra cots have been set up in every corner of the sickroom in an effort to accomdate everyone. The moans and cries of the sick echo loudly in the white stone room as the pain of the trip has been hard.

The stench of scorched flesh and putrid herbal concotions quickly fills the air with a horrid smell as everyone works to see to the comforts of the pitiful survivors. Wearily, Lady Ivriniel directs the placement of another arrival. \"Please place them on the cot on the end. Careful!\", her voice rings out sharply as the guards brush against the doorway, scraping the woman\'s arm against the frame causing more pain to her burned flesh. Quickly a spoon and a flagon of draught are drawn from a table and the healer administers a spoonful to the woman to ease her

[Galdorim(#22020)] A cold gush of air comes in through the door as a huge figure enters the hall of Healing. The door closes as the torches calm down from the small breeze. Standing in front of the door is the tall Commander Galdorim. He looks pensively at the wounded and sighs. He then starts to make his way in the hall till he reaches one of the healers. His deep voice resounds softly to her. \"Excuse me, M\'Lday. Might the Lady Aearwen be here or has she arived from Minas Tirith yet?\"

[Kerowyn(#10288)] With the last of the wounded comes a figure, half sickened looking herself, muttering soft imprecations against the sea and boats and dragons, that in les bedraggled days is called Kerowyn, or Lady and certainly by some within this Hall, Master.

[Galdorim(#22020)] A cold gush of air comes in through the door as a huge figure enters the hall of Healing. The door closes as the torches calm down from the small breeze. Standing in front of the door is the tall Commander Galdorim. He looks pensively at the wounded and sighs. He then starts to make his way in the hall till he reaches one of the healers. His deep voice resounds softly to her. \"Excuse me, M\'Lady. Might the Lady Aearwen be here or has she arived from Minas Tirith yet?\"

The sister of Imrahil frowns as the cold gush of air from the open doorway blows the cover off of a patient and she strides to the bedside of the man and gently eases the sheet up over his body. Softly her words try to soothe him as she says, \"Rest easy. You are upon solid ground and safe.....sleep well.\" Silvery grey eyes glance up at the tall Commander as he inquires about Aearwen and she says, \'Lady Aearwen has taken an absence to spend time with her bethrothed as he mends from the wounds suffered in Umbar.\"

[Lothanis(#29577)] The door opens silently as a haggard, red-eyed squire slides through. Not garbed in his normal attire, Lothanis wears only his white tunic and trousers, both covered in dirt and blood.

\"My Lady,\" he says solemnly, turning his eyes towards the Princess. A wave of light passes across his face, yet quickly disappears as he continues, \"My Lord Knight Herald sent me to help you with the wounded from Pelargir.\"

Kerowyn escorts this last, still mouning man, to one of ony a few vacant cots yet standing, \"THere, there. Gently now.\" Her task done, she waves off the offer of tea from one of the attendants to smile weekly at Ivriniel. \"This is the last of them, Lady Ivriniel. Let us hope the Lady grants us no more.\" A meaningful glance sweeps the room, filled now with the dying and the desperate to live.

Galdorim looks to the princess and offers her a courtly bow. His bright blue eyes widen as he hears of the betrothment. I sorrowfilled look comes across the large officer\'s face as thinks over what he heard. \"I .... I see.\" He looks down as his large hands clench tight. His large muscles in his arms visabally flex as her hands clench tightly. He then looks up to Ivriniel and then over to the squire.

Kerowyn escorts this last, still mouning man, to one of ony a few vacant cots yet standing, \"THere, there. Gently now.\" Her task done, she waves off the offer of tea from one of the attendants to smile weekly at Ivriniel. \"This is the last of them, Lady Ivriniel. Let us hope the Lady grants us no more.\" A meaningful glance sweeps the room, filled now with the dying and the desperate to live.

Galdorim looks to the princess and offers her a courtly bow. His bright blue eyes widen as he hears of the betrothment. I sorrowfilled look comes across the large officer\'s face as thinks over what he heard. \"I .... I see.\" He looks down as his large hands clench tight. His large muscles in his arms visabally flex as her hands clench tightly. He then looks up to Ivriniel and then over to the squire.

Ivriniel offers little more to the tall Commander as she says, \"Perhaps you could send a post to Linhir if you have a matter of importance.\" With that she turns her attention back to the crowded sickroom and opens her lips to speak when Lothanis slips into the room. Obviously shocked by the haggard appearance of the young squire the sister of Imrahil inquires as one hand reaches out to firmly grip his arm \"Lothanis! What ever has happened to you?\" Glancing down at the dirt and blood she tries to guide him to a chair, \"Come. Sit and let me take a look at you.\" Smiling up at Kerowyn with concern upon her countenance she says, \"Yes. Lady Kerowyn Let us hope just that. \" The Princess shoots Kerowyn a strange look over the shoulder of the squire and asks, \"Have you met the young squire Lothanis?\", obviously asking for help.

Galdorim looks to the princess with a grave look. His deep voice cracks a little as he speaks carefully. \"No, It is not important....not anymore.\" His thick chest heaves a deep sigh as he turns away from the Ivriniel. He takes a couple steps away as he looks upon Kerowyn. He bows to her slightly. \"Greetings, Lady Kerowyn.\"

[Kerowyn(#10288)] A look of sympathy flows across Kerowyn\'s face as she looks up to this man, as she does not to many. \"Captain Galdorim. It is well to see you hale.\" THe look vanishes, leaving only a subtle greyness to her eyes as she smiles with the warmth of profession and station.

Lothanis sighs, obviously incredibly weary. Turning to Kerowyn he nods, \"M\'Lady,\" he says cautiously. He looks at Ivriniel, finding comfort in her face. \"I\'d been running errands for Lord Thorondur all last night and into the morn. When the first ship from Pelargir arrived, I had to see to the refugees. By the time I was trying to unload a box from the ship, I was so fatigued that it fell on me.\" Lothanis lowers his eyes in embarrasment. \"My Lord Knight Herald bade me come here and tend to the sick and wounded. My injury is not so severe as to require your attention, but I am of no more use in unloading materials.\"

Lothanis looks at the Commander of the Minas Tirith Guard and nods respectfully.

A hint of amusement flits across the face of Ivriniel as the young squire rushes forth with a long explanation of his appearance. Biting back a smile she asks politely, \'You are squired to Lord Thorondur?\", a question bearing much curiosity as she awaits for his answer.

Galdorim smirks slightly as Kerowyn addesses him by the wrong rank. \"Commander, M\'Lady. I am but a Commander. The Lord Rorgan is the Captain.\" He does not seem bitter that the man he brought in surpassed his rank. In fact, he is proud of his progress for he has diserved it. His sorrowfilled gaze looks down fow a while as he talks to his feet. \"I hope you are enjoying being in Gondor. You presence here is greaty appreciated.\"

Lothanis smiles at Ivriniel. \"Nay, not his squire yet, but it is under consideration. It is definately my hope. He and I get along famously.\"

Galdorim looks to the wounded and nods. His beefy hand still closed tightly as his nails dig into the palms of his hands. He speaks very coodially to Kerowyn. \"Yes, the wyrm was most ... unexpected.\" He sighs deeply and looks around remembering another healing in these hall.

A chuckle of surprise springs from the lips of the Princess as she muses, \"A Bragollach squired to a Girithlin....how very interesting.\" Twinkling grey eyes gaze at the young man for a moment as she attempts to control the smile turning the corners of her lips as she goes on to ask, \'You get along famously with Lord Thorondur? Pray tell, young squire. How oft have you been in the company of the Knight Herald?\" Catching a word of two of the conversation between Galdorim and Kerowyn while Lothanis forms an answer, interested eyes cut to them for a second

Kerowyn smiles again, though it is slightly wan. \"It has been a most,\" Her glance falls to the nearest victim as ahealer applies a cooling salve to peeling, red skin. \"Interesting stay commander.\"She pauses, a scant omet, \"And I thank you.\"

[Kerowyn(#10288)] A breath, slow and steady, is drawn,and some of the color of life, instead of sea, returns to Kerowyn\'s face. \"Aye,for all of us. Will any seek it out now that it has returned to its lair do you think?\"

Galdorim shakes his head grimly and looks over at the beautiful flaxen haired healess. \"I pray to the valor non try. That is, if the wryn does not emerge again.\" he open open of his clenched hands and covers it over his other balled up hand. \"It would mean thier deaths and we would have to deal with the wraith of the wyrm.\"

The days work takes it toil on the young squire as suddenly his eyes roll to the back of his head and he slumps over in the chair. Quickly, the sister of Imrahil reaches for the arm of Lothanis to keep him from banging his head against the white stone wall, \"Help!\", calling forth urgently as the tall squire is too much for her delicate form. Two male healers rush to the aide of the Master healer and place the haggard, bloodied squire into one of the last available cots and Ivriniel directs her assistant to see to his care. Sighing deeply the elder Imrazor says aloud, \"I should think a glass of wine would be in order after this day.\" Looking to the Commander and Lady Kerowyn she inquires, \"Shall we take a short respite and refortify our flagging energy?\"

Kerowyn\'s smile warms slightly, at both the Commander and the Lady\'s words. \"A fine idea. YOu will join us of course, Commander.\" It is not, despite the softnes sof her words, precisely a request.

Galdorim looks to the princess and then to Kerowyn. Who is he to refuse the gracious company of these ladies. \"I would be honored to join you , M\'Ladies, but I do not know how good of a companion I would be.\"

[Thorondur(#23126)] In the skies outside, the coming sun threatens the night with its rising. Through the windows, rich shades of pink and gold begin to shade the eastern horizon -- and dawn is said to ever bring new hope. This dawn brings only the Knight-Herald, but who can say what he carries with him?

Thorondur Girithlin stands upon the threshold, the door opened unnoticed to admit him. Silent and grim, he casts an inquiring gaze about the chamber.

[Thorondur(#23126)] Eyes narrowing shrewdly as he scans the room, the Lord Thorondur takes no further step forward. Briefly, his gaze alights upon the slumped form of an unconscious squire, and the hint of a scowl touches his lips. Now, the Herald enters, and he asks of no healer in particular, \"Why, what has befallen this Bragollach lad?\"

At the request of the Princess a servant brings forth several crystal goblets and a bottle of the finest wine made in Dol Amroth. Waving a hand to the few chairs that remain empty she says, \"Please. Be seated and let us take a short break as others take over the care of the wounded.\" Sighing deeply, she looks to the many beds and extra cots and says, \"Tis hard to believe the city of Pelargir was burned yet again, and -not- by the Southrons.\" A weary smile is given to the servant as a glass of wine is offered to her. Raising the glass to the Commander and Lady Kerowyn her eyes fall upon the Knight Herald and the glass stills in the air as she inquires, \'Lord Thoroundur.\" A hint of amusement is again seen in her eyes as she points to the empty cot and says, \"Yon squire laying in the last bed claims to be in line to squire under the House Girithlin.\", her words laying claim to a question not -quite- asked.

[Thorondur(#23126)] \"I have yet to address the matter with the Lady Gweneth, Your Grace,\" says the Herald, distractedly he moves gracefully to the lad\'s bedside, and peers down upon the unconscious Lothanis with a critical gaze. Thorondur\'s frown deepens, going a bit pensive. \"But I have every confidence that he will soon join my service.\"

Glancing up, there is a note of disbelief in the Girithlin\'s tone. \"I sent him hither from the docks. Tell me the lad did not pass out from exhaustion...?\"

Lothanis stirs and opens his eyes. At the sight of Lord Thorondur and Lady Ivriniel standing over him, his eyes again roll back into his head and he passes out all over again.

[<#28476>] The door opens softly and closes followed by a light tap of a staff and some words. \" Curse that hambelain, missing my appointment bah!\" He doesn\'t relize others are in here and so he speaks aloud. Suddenly Gaelas looks up and sees the other and a blank look goes to him. \" I am sorry..\" he says before looking back alittle

The glass of wine is raised to the lips of the Princess and a small sip of the beverage is taken as she watches the Knight Herald examine the sleeping form of the young squire. Amusement again plays across her face as she says, \'The lad said you sent him to the docks to help carry the injured here and it is my understanding that something on the dock fell upon him.\" Raising one finely shaped brow in question she asks, \"And Lady Gweneth is expected to approve of such an arrangement?\" Another sip of wine doth little to hide the sly smile upon the lips of the sister of Imrahil.

Galdorim looks at the Knight-herald stoically as he holds the wine goblet offers him. He then looks to Lady Kerowyn and inquires softly. \"So is your presence in Gondor going to be a permanent stay or are you just staying for a season or two.\" He then looks over to the man who speaks in the high language. \"Gaelas, is it not?\" Not everyone speaks t he high language. It would be cival of you to speak in Westerness..\"

[Thorondur(#23126)] \"Blessed Eru,\" Thorondur mutters in some mixture of disappointment, disgust and strangely... amusement. His scowl turns up into a wry smirk as he lifts his gaze from the unfortunate Lothanis. \"I\'d forgotten what fragile constitutions these boys can have,\" he tells Ivriniel. \"Valgrim\'s a grown man, after all.\"

Kerowyn\'s attention he notes not yet, nor Galdorim\'s. Then his look goes knowing, and his amusement turns almost fey. \"Oh, I expect the Lady Gweneth will approve, indeed,\" Thorondur laughs, as if joking -- though who can guess at what?

Kerowyn\'s attention upo this man is a fleeting thing, for she sets the wineglass down carefully, andmurmerig an apology to Galdorim as she turns her attention to an attendant in need of aid.

A sound that is halfway between a cough and laughter is heard as Ivriniel leans forth in her seat and places one slender hand to her lips. Forcing a cough from her throat she says in apology, \"Please forgive me. The winter air is quite chilling. Is it not?\", defying the Lord Girithlin to question her as twinkling eyes hold his own. Unable to resist one more remark she does say softly, \"Verily, Valgrim is a man grown and Lothanis shall -soon- be.... under your careful tutelage, M\'Lord\", a knowing smile curving her lips.

Gaelas nods \" yes Westron is more civil of me Galdorim, si it?\" He smiles \"But not as beautiful. As for any Bragollachs. I am sorry if I offended you, but my experience with the Lady Chamberlain, has yet to be pleasent, even more so with Garrant.\" He bows \" As Galdohrim said I am Gaelas Nimothan.\" he smiles weakly to the group

[Thorondur(#23126)] Still smiling at the Princess Ivriniel, Thorondur\'s eyes tighten -- the slightest, vaguest hint of some negative reaction -- upon something the old man, Gaelas, has said. \"Your Grace,\" he murmurs, with a last look to the blissfully dozing squire, \"I am reminded of something important. A word, if you please?\"

Galdorim looks to the rambling of Nobles and frowns bitterly as he looks down. His hand clenches again as his hand pales from the pressure. A deep sigh issues forth from the Commander lips as he looks to Kerowyn. \"Did my question not reach your ears, Lady Kerowyn?\" He then looks to Gaelas. \"It is considered rude to those who are not fluent in the language. Most of the Rohir, who are our guests, might not know it.\" He looks appologestically to Kerowyn. \"I mean no slight to your people, M\'Lady, but the elves are not seen well in the light of a lot of the Rohir. Am I not correct?\"

Gaelas nods \" yes Westron is more civil of me Galdorim, si it?\" He smiles \"But not as beautiful. As for any Bragollachs. I am sorry if I offended you, but my experience with the Lady Chamberlain, has yet to be pleasent, even more so with Garrant.\" He bows \" As Galdohrim said I am Gaelas Nimothan.\" he smiles weakly to the group(re for those who missed it)

Kerowyn chuckles softly, allowing the attendant to finsh his work as she ods, \"I heard, ad I am afriad I know ot an answer to give. A season it has been already that I have worked within the Halls of your Houses of Healing i Minas Tirith. And no word from my kin that is ot ill..\" she trails off, her voice, having lowered already, drops nearer to a whisper, \"Let us say I shall visit a bit longer, and leave it there, shall we?\" The glance of the ROhirric Lady falls to Gaelas, \"ANd you are welcome in these Halls one more, sir Gaelas, for we can use your hands.\" THe Commander receives a smile and a shake of her head, \"And it does not offend me or y people that they do ot speakthe tongue of the cursed wood, sir.\"

Lothanis stirs and sits up, still weary from his previous venture. He looks to the Lord Knight-Herald and bows his head \"My Lord,\" he says feeling uncomfortable on the cot when he should be at attention in front of the Knight. \"My L-Lady,\" he stutters looking at Ivriniel, \"I must have...I was standing...I.\" He visibly pales, then shakes it off. \"I must appologize, I don\'t quite remember what happened,\" he says, grinning.

The slightest hint of irritation flares in the grey eyes of the White Lady of Belfalas, but gracefully she rises from her chair and places the glass of wine upon a table. Pausing briefly she says, \"Galdorim. Kerowyn. Pardon me, if you please. I will have a word with the Lord Girithlin.\" Glancing at the other man she nods briefly and glides across the room with grace and dignity. Drawing nearer to the Knight Herald her eyes fall upon the resting form of Lothanis and she stops briefly to place one hand upon his brow, raising grey pools surrounded by long dark lashes up to the man she asks, \"A word? I dare say thou art never at a loss for words\"

[Faengor(#18480)] Oncemore the door to the halls of healing are opened and with quick steps Faengor enters, dressed in the official uniform of Minas Tirith. Little time does he waste upon entering as the door behind him is closed almost immediately and his pensive eyes begin to roam trough the room, searching for Galdorim. It takes the young Nimothan little time to find the Commander and once found he immediately begins to walk towards him, his heavy steps resounding trough the hall as his hard leather boots make contact with the stone floor. Upon reaching Galdorim, the Sergeant bows deeply before him and the rest of his company, speaking, with an apologizing voice \"My apology for this interruption Commander, but I have finished the list of casualities you requested.\"

[Thorondur(#23126)] \"Never wordless? At times I might surprise you,\" the Herald quips in reply to Ivriniel, pausing between the door and the squire\'s bed. Glancing back over his shoulder as Lothanis returns to wakefulness, Thorondur holds a hand up to stay the youth. \"Peace, Lothanis, and worry not,\" he says witha kindly smile. \"I have need of words with Her Grace ere we can speak.\"

[Lothanis(#29577)] \"Aye, My Lord, of course,\" Lothanis says reverently. Steeling a glance at Ivriniel, he lies back down, smiling.

A dimple appears as Ivriniel gives Thorondur a sly grin and says, \'Oft times I am surprised by those in my brother\'s fief.\" Turning to glance at Lothanis to assure his restful condition the sister of Imrahil says politely with one wave of her hand, \"We can step into the privacy of my office if your words cannot be overheard by those that fill the sickroom.\"

Gaelas ods to Keorwyn \" Thank you Master healer. I didn\'t mean offense and forgot my manners. That is the reason I came to seek Lady Gweneth today. She is to teach me the beautiful tongue of the Rohirr.\" he smiles kindly at keorwyn and walks over to the paitents \" What do we have here eh? Come, tell me so I can help you son.\"

Galdorim nods his head and smiles weakly at Kerowyn. \"I know many things are taken wrongly and many wrong things are said ot the Rohir. I did not wish you to be offended again.\" He looks to the Master Healer before him as his deep voice resounds softly. \"In Minas Tirith your presence is greaty appreciated, especially with the absence of Rorgan\'s lady Maeghan and...\" He sighs as he realises something. \"and with the absence of our other Master Healer...\"

[Thorondur(#23126)] \"It is not a question of overhearing, as for their safety all must know of these things eventually,\" Thorondur confides in Ivriniel, but not without a glance of concern at Lothanis. \"It is merely that, for the nonce, I\'d not wish to trouble the wounded.\"

Kerowyn glances over at Faengor, one golden brow arching upwards at his words though her voie is distracted by the scholar and th eCommander at one. \"THe Lady Gweneth does speak our tongue passably well, though with ot the richness of my ow people.\" It is a compliment, if grudgigly give, before her attention returns to Commander and Seargant. \"So have those that fil the halls oft spke though Lady Maeghan is due to return soon, is she not?\"

Bending her head to the healer standing beside the bed of the young squire the White Lady of Belfalas says in a whisper soft voice, \"Please be sure that he stays in this bed until I can see to him personally. I am holding -you- responsible for his care while I speak to the Knight Herald.\" A look of dread narrows her eyes for a moment as she then turns back to Thorondur and says, \"Let us step into my office then. I have not a lot of time for idle chatter as there are many that need the hands of healing.\" With that and a whisper of satin, Ivriniel steps into the privacy of the Master Healers chambers.

[Thorondur(#23126)] Slipping in behind the Princess, the Lord Thorondur shuts the door tight behind himself, and then -- bows, courteously? Rising, he begins quietly, \"Her Grace will forgive me if I presume too much, but the name of \'Nimothan\' brings worry to my mind.\" He lifts an eyebrow, as if seeking permission to continue.

Walking behind the heavy desk of mahogany the Princess settles into the carven chair and waves to the chair opposite her with an air of distraction. Steepling her fingers together as arms rest upon the heavy arms of the chair she studies the Knight Herald for some time before she speaks...the silence looming in the relative quiet of her chambers. Finally her melodic voice sounds as she inquires with a hint of reservation upon her brow, \'The name Nimothan brings worry to your mind?\" Taking that comment to thought she again pauses before saying, \'Explain yourself Thorondur. I would be interested in hearing the reasons for such a statement\'

[Thorondur(#23126)] With a curt nod, Thorondur begins to move -- a few steps away from the door, toward a stray guest-chair -- as he speaks, low and hushed, troubled the sound of his voice. \"The knights Durandir, Rorgan\'s son -- adopted, perhaps, but he is yet under the curse of Morgul.\" Stopping, he pauses, glances downward --

And lifts his eyes once more, steely-blue and sharp. \"I have reason to believe the very lord of that House suffers under some like manner of curse, or at worst... is gone mad.\"

Thorondur stands behind a chair, facing the Princess Ivriniel at her desk.

The countenance of the Princess remains serene as she listens to the words brought forth by the Knight Herald, showing no emotion at the mention of Durandir nor of Lord Erinhaim himself. Pursed lips are the only show of concentration as Ivriniel doth inquire, \'The Knight Durandir...did seem to be showing -less- signs of the curse of Morgul when I last saw in Pelargir.\" skillfully avoiding the mention of Erinhaim she continues, \"Has more happened since the events in the town square?\"

Thorondur(#23126)] \"It is not Durandir that concerns me,\" replies the Lord Girithlin, cool and composed as ever. Folding his hands together, he says simply, neutrally, \"The youth is under loyal guard.\" Another pause, another breath.

\"The Lord Erinhaim, unfortunately, is not. And should be.\"

\"Now that you mention Durandir....there was something about him that bothered me that day in the square. When I mentioned fealty to House Imrazor ...he didnt deny the oath, but I could have -sworn- that it was upon his lips to do so.\" Again the sister of Imrahil delays speaking of the Lord Minister of Denethor as long as possible and then sighs in defeat, \'And -why- should Lord Erinhaim be under loyal guard?\" Her voice rings with incredulous inquiry, \"You would imprison the man chosen by the Steward? Doth that not ring closely of treason?\"

[Thorondur(#23126)] \"Does it?\" Now Thorondur alights upon her choice of words, and it is like the predatory dive of his namesake, the Eagle. His words come like a rush: \"Does not the assault of two annointed Knights of Dol Amroth smack of treason? Or to name them Orcs, and flail madly against them, not smack of lunacy?\"

\"And to again stop one traveling under my own protection upon the Road to Minas Tirith, and question her loyalty -- if not treason,\" Thorondur admits, \"Then that last is no less an abuse of the power invested in Erinhaim by the Steward, is it not?\"

Surprise does show clearly upon the face of Ivriniel as the last of the Knight Heralds words spill into the air. Tracing a scar in the top of the desk with one slender finger the sister of Finduilas sits in quiet repose as if gathering thought and then slowly her eyes raise to the seated nobleman and she asks, \"Lord Erinhaim assaulted two Swan Knights, naming them orcs? When did this incident occur?\" And then interjecting, \'To stop another traveling under your protection?\" Curiosity doth bring her to ask, \"Do you and the Lord Minister of Denethor have a private quarrel of some kind that would explain these incidents?\"

[Thorondur(#23126)] \"But soft,\" cautions the Herald, now holding out his palm in a plea for silence. \"I do not say \'imprison him\', for verily, you have the right of it -- \'twould be a delicate matter in truth.\" Now smiling a humble smile, the fair Thorondur shakes his head. \"Alas that we do not. I might then challenge him in good conscience -- but he is a madman, Your Grace. If he attacked Calladan and myself in a fit of madness, our allegiance clear and shouted loudly, what innocents might he next take for Orcs? Women? Children?\"

\"In truth, I have only met the Lord Minister once since he took the esteemed office he now holds. Many rumors have abounded concerning his background...but they are just that...rumors that could or could -not- be the truth.\" Since the death of my sister, Denethor has been more withdrawn but I could not imagine questioning his choice.\" A laugh that borders on giddy slips from her lips as she says, \'A madman? Oh come Thorondur. I do not see you as one to be spreading such vile allegations without more substance than you have given.\" Her words ring out a bit sharply as she says, \'Were the attacks upon the guards in the light of day or in the darkness where no form could be determined?\"

[Thorondur(#23126)] \"The attack was upon myself,\" Thorondur states, coolly, frowning at the lady\'s all-too-easy dismissal of his charges, \"and though it was indeed evening, I made no secret of my identity before -- or after -- your \'esteemed\' Minister,\" and oh, how he turns -that- word, \"sprang upon me with naked steel. He would not relent his ravings \'til my own blade was held at his throat.\"

Now sapphirine eyes burn blue fire, and only by the barest of degrees does the Herald maintain his composure. \"You are sister to my sworn liege, Your Grace, and for the love we both bear him, I beg you never question again,\" he says with passion hardly checked, \"what I have seen with my own two eyes.\"

Holding the steely eyes of the Knight Herald, Ivriniel has the grace to drop her own after the truth of the attack is revealed. Drawing in a ragged breath she says aloud, \'Upon the Knight Herald of Dol Amroth.\" Shaking her head slightly the Princess asks, \'What were his rantings M\'Lord?\" Again a sharp breath is taken as she admits, \"I am greatly distressed to hear the news of this event\"

Grey eyes narrow and look into the blazing sapphire eyes of Thorondur as she says softly, \"Not to question, would mean -never- getting to the truth of -any- matter Thorondur. No disrepect was intended, if you felt there was, I do apologize. With these events revealed to me, I feel I must take you into my confidence and share the words of Lord Erinhaim when last he visited Dol Amroth.\"

[Thorondur(#23126)] Pursing his lips, expression carefully guarded, the Lord Girithlin gives a tight shake of his head. \"There is no need for apology, Princess,\" he says quietly. And then, a look of curiosity. \"And what did the Lord Erinhaim tell you? I gather it to have some relevance to his... lack of balance?\"

Leaning forth in the chair, Ivriniel rests both arms upon the desk and studies the Knight Herald before she again speaks, \'To be truthful, it twas not such a matter of balance as the nature of his questions. Not to mention the missive that came from Minas Tirith.\" Distant grow her eyes as if recalling the entire conversation the Princess trails off softly ....\"And his asking me to help uncover the smuggling in Dol Amroth struck me as quite odd.\" Looking back to Thorondur with cloudy eyes she asks, \"Do you not think that strange,to enlist the help of...a woman, much less the sister of Imrahil?\"

[Thorondur(#23126)] \"I\'m not certain I make the connection, Your Grace,\" admits Thorondur, clasping his hands behind his back. Yet still he meets her eyes, unwavering, and nods as if requesting she continue.

Staring into space the Princess is startled as the voice of Thorondur brings her back to the realm of reality. Shaking her head as if to clear jumbled thoughts she admits, \"Forgive the lack of connection there. My mind was just playing over the conversation with Lord Erinhaim and his questions about my unmarried state...they seemed rather inapproriate considering it was our first encounter....not to mention the differences in our stations.\" A silver tray holding several glasses and wine rest upon the corner of the desk and Ivriniel reaches to slide the tray closer, \"Would you care for a glass of wine to soothe our throats as we discuss this unpleasant subject?\"

[Thorondur(#23126)] Raising a hand in muted gesture of denial, Thorondur demurs, his stern visage fading gracefully into a polite smile. \"Nay, and in fact,\" he laughs, a trifle sadly, \"I am due to meet a passel of pages within the hour. They are yet young, and learning the heraldic art. Their master had thought...\"

His voice trails off, but his meaning is clear. \"Yet we must speak of this more, I deem. Soon, then?\"

The hand of the Princess reaches to pour a glass of wine for herself and after taking a sip she leans back in the carven chair and remarks, \"There is something going on in my brother\'s fief. There are too many tales of strange visitors and events that have no rhyme nor reason for being in Dol Amroth.\" Wearily she brushes her hand across tired eyes as she admits, \"Perhaps the day has been overly long and my words hold little substance. So perhaps, a later time would be more suitable.\"

[Thorondur(#23126)] \"Indeed,\" agrees Thorondur, and then lower and more dreadfully, \"and perhaps \'tis for the best I have come home.\" And with the guarded threat in those words, for those who would defy the Prince -- meant to reassure the Princess, surely -- the Herald makes a deferential bow, and slips out.

*Later that day*

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Weather: Clear

Date: Highday - December 23, 3020

Real Time: Thu Aug 03 22:41:01 2000

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Dol Amroth: Halls of Healing - Master\'s Chambers(#19796R)

A rectangular chamber, perhaps ten paces wide east-to-west but only a handful north to south. Hewn of the ubiquitous white stone of the rest of the Citadel, the effect is fairly spartan--save the western end, where a low mahogany desk rests on a thick Southron carpet of green-and-black. Behind this stand tall shelves lined with scrolls, while before it rests a plain cushioned chair.

The eastern half of the chamber is a work area, as evidenced by the raw, scarred workbench at chest-height, covered with objects of arcana. The eastern wall is lined with a lattice from which hang bundles of fragrant herbs in the midst of the drying process, while around the room are placed small wickerwork baskets lined with kingsfoil, giving the musty air a hint of green spring.

Shafts of light slant into the room from the windows set into the northern wall between workbench and desk--narrow windows, deep-silled, that look onto the distant Bay and the town below through thick, muddled glass.

Obvious exits:

Out

The sister of Imrahil sits quietly in the carven chair in her office, fingers steepling and then folding back down. The silvery grey eyes of the woman are distant as they watch the motion of her hands...seeing but not really seeing. The stench of burned flesh and the herbs used to treat the wounded fills the air with the hint of athelas somewhere in the background, bringing a hint of spring and freshness.

[Dania(#24237)] Entering the halls, the young woman stays still by the door. She smiles to show her gratitude at the maiden who shows her the way, murmuring a small thank you. She had managed to get a fresh gown she had hastily purchased on her way to the castle from the docks. Even though it is rather too tight for her, the sleeves cover most of the marks left from her cuts, even though it hurts. She is late and she does not know how to begin in this manner. \"Lady,\" she begins, not wishing to disturb the thoughts of the Princess.

Surprised by the young woman bursting through the doorway without knocking Ivriniel looks up with a bit of irritation upon her brow as her eyes take in the young woman standing there. Silence looms as her eyes hold the eyes of Dania and then she says, \'A knock upon any door requesting permission to enter is proper in all cases my dear.\" Waving to the chair across from her desk she says, \"Sit, please.\" Silent again as she awaits the girl to be seated Ivriniel toys with the quill lying upon her desk as she waits.

[Dania(#24237)] Taken aback by the greeting, Dania blushes. \"I apologize, my lady,\" she replies and she walks slowly nearing the lady. Carefully she gets to sit on the chair and looks at the princess. \"I hope that I am not interrupting you in any way, lady,\" she says apologetically.

The brow of the Princess furrows for a moment as one hand reaches up to gently massage her temple, \"Forgive me for the sharpness of my voice. I have been suffering from a headache today and find myself a bit out of sorts.\" A smile is given to the young woman as she says, \"Are you finding your way around the citadel?\"

[Dania(#24237)] Trying to keep a straight face, the young woman, bites her lower lips ever as slightly. She feels uncomfortable and her bones are still stiff as they are. \"Nay, Lady, I do not blame you,\" she replies in a small voice, and smiles. \"I have just arrived here by a ship, lady, and made my way here as quickly as I could. For I lost all of my belongings, at the fire on the inn,\" she lets out a small sigh. She is really sleepy now, and she curses herself secretly for not sleeping while she could on boards. \"However, should I get the chance, I will definitely do so,\" she goes on.

The face of the Princess is sorrowful at the mention of the fire in Pelargir and and says, \'Much was lost there....at least your belongings can be replaced.\" Shaking her head as a look of grief clouds the beauty of her eyes, Ivriniel says softly, \"As my Lady in Waiting, you shall be outfitted in accordance of your new position. My assistant will see to the arrangement of your wardrobe as well as any other personal items you may require. If there is something you need, please make a list and it shall be supplied.\"

Pausing in her speech the Princess says, \"As to your duties. Well, that is something that we shall have to work out. I would hope to have you assist me in all facets of my duties here in Dol Amroth.\" Studying the young girl carefully she adds, \"This is a very important duty that I am entrusting upon one so young and I ask....is this too heavy a burden? \"Again the sister of Imrahil pauses before she adds, \'There are many positions here that you can take. Make no mistake, I require a lot and expect total loyalty and hard work\"

[Dania(#24237)] Dania stares mildly at the Princess, fixing her under one of her steady gaze. She smiles. \"I thank you for your guidance so far, lady,\" she tells her and nods her head. \"And as an answer to the later of your questions, no, it shall not be too heavy a burden. Even if it shall not be easy. I have given you a promise that I shall do my best and that I shall not let you down. Shame on those who spoke the words yet do naught of it,\" she sighs a little and stares at the jewel-liked eyes of the princess and nods. \"Total loyalty if what you will get, lady, and of hard work I do not mind it a little. I would only be so grateful if you can tell me what I should do right now and enlighten me of my duties. That way I am able to learn more,\"

A soft laugh slips from the lips of Ivriniel as she looks upon her new Lady in Waiting with a measure of respect in her eyes, \"Well said Dania. I commend you on having such a fine attitude and understanding for one so young. I see that I have made a wise choice in your employment.\" Nodding her head she adds,\'I take your promise of loyalty and hold you to that promise.\" A dimple appears in the cheek of the Princess as a hint of mischief peeks from her eyes, \'Your duties. Let me see. At the moment, the sickroom and every available space nearby is filled to overflowing with those brought from Pelargir.\" Pausing as she thinks, Ivriniel says, \"I should like for you to make sure our stock of healing supplies do not run out, for the moment. Obviously, where my brother holds court, you will attend such functions and hold yourself in the highest of station.\"

*note...the lag monster ate Dania *grins*