(Archive) The Naughty Servant at Barad Nimothan

Elendor - Friday, July 28, 2000, 1:52 PM

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

Weather: Sunny

Time: Early Morning

Season: Winter

Date: Sunday - December 4, 3020

Real Time: Fri Jul 28 12:20:17 2000

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

Barad Nimothan - Great Hall(#8872Rn)

The entire breadth of the tower at this level is devoted to a great hall, decorated with many tapestries and paintings dipicting the past Lords and prominent figures among the Nimothan. A large table, suitable either for feasting or casual occupancy occupies the center of the room, and chairs and various tables line the walls. A stairway leading into the upper reaches of the tower, occupies most of the Southern face of this room, and near the foot of the stairs, double doors, each inlaid in gilt bronze and silver depicting a white ram atop a mountain peak offer entrance to the private audience chamber used by the house Lords and other officials for conducting that part of house business which must take place behind closed doors. To the right of the gilt doors is what would appear to be a dressing table, complete with mirror.

Contents:

Eluthiel

Elowyn

Gweneth

Rubezahl(#19724PVenAc)

Zenakhor

Faengor

Valgrim

Dania

Gadrimir

Thoras

Obvious exits:

Gilt Doors and Gate

The large table situated in the center of the Great Hall is covered with all many of food as those here for the festivities prepare for another busy day. Servants scurry back and forth replenishing the quickly depleting food as quests load their plates with food and find seats to devour such a feast. The smells of rich food waft through the room and up the stairway, quickly finding their way into the second room at the top of the stairway where the sister of Imrahil is just finishing her toilette.

Speaking with a bit of impatience to her lady in waiting as she fiddles with the long raven tresses of the sister of Finduilas, Ivriniel says, \"Please do hurry and quite rearranging. It -looks- fine.\" Glowering at the woman the sister of Imrahil finally rises from her seat at the dressing table and says shortly, \'That is enough. Thank you.\' Picking up long skirts another servant rushes to hold open the door as she exits and begins her descent down the long staircase. A serene smile is upon the countenance of Ivriniel as her eyes quickly scan the room, as if looking for someone.

[Valgrim(#29910)] The loud, heavy plodding of a giant man can be heard earlier than seen as he lumbers into the great hall, the sound of his steps echoing faintly off the heavy gates. His entrance into the hall though is subdued, his head bowed low to stare at the floor, trying to avoid the eyes of the nobles already in attendance. Yet from his downturned face, his eyes still seem to scan the room, seeking from beneath his long eyelashes, as if in search of someone or something.

Zenakhor walks slowly up to the table at which everyone else is sitting, \"greetings fellow friends\" sits in one of the open seats

[Dania(#24237)] Stepping in with light steps is Dania, next to her brother Thoras who appears to be beaming over something. \"Well now that we are here,\" she shrugs, watching the crowd of people, \"I suspect it as much, everywhere will be equally as crowded, and should you be wanting to tell me the news, perhaps then I shall not deprive it off you anymore, brother, you seem to be bursting with it,\" she is saying with a small laugh, almost oblivious of others who are present then.

Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Ivriniel pauses for a moment as her eyes find the tall giant man named Valgrim and a smile curves the corners of her lips as she says, \"Valgrim!\" Again the heavy satin skirts of the Princess as lifted as she walks towards where her apprentice and White squire stands. \"I had yet to see you in the crush of folks here at Barad Nimothan. How fare thee?\" Leaning towards the man her voices drops to a whisper as she says, \'Frankly, I am here not only as a guest of Lord Erinhaim but in search of new healers.\"

[Valgrim(#29910)] The words of the Princess, aloft on the din of the busy hall, seem to skip like a flat pebble across a calm pond, only to strike the ears of the Squire Valgrim with the imagined force of a thousand pebbles. Or so it appears as the giant man snaps his head up with surprising speed at the lady\'s voice.

Quickly though he drops his head again and closes his eyes tightly, as if in anticipation of some violent blow, his eyelids shut so tight wrinkles have appeared at the edges of his eyes. The swift approach of the Princess is noted and he responds to her words, his own voice faltering a bit as he speaks. \"L..l..l..ady. It is ..umm.. good to see you. I did not expect it. I am faring well, though a bit confused at all this. How ..umm.. are you this fine morn.\"

[Dania(#24237)] Dania turns to look at Thoras her dark eyes shining. \"Indeed?\" she inquires as she follows her brother\'s long steps easily. \"Pray what is it then? It must be good if mother and father will...approve of it. I have heard nothing yet even from cousin Erin, for I am myself busied with my own preparations for the arranged chores,\" she says this almost remorsefully. However, she continues to walk beside him and keeps quiet listening attentively as Thoras speaks.

A sigh of impatient sounds from the lips of the Princess and a flicker of disappointment clouds the beauty of silvery grey orbs as she responds to the words of the White Squire, \"I fare well this morning. Thank you.\" The fingers of her right hand tap impatiently against the white satin of her dress in a constant drumming action as she inquires, \"Have you enjoyed the festivities here or have you been resting since your return with Lord Thorondur?\" A droll laugh sounds as she says, \"I suppose that talk we had in the parlor so long ago was for naught?\"

With that she shrugs one shoulder as if dismissing the mere thought of said discussion and turns to a servant, \"Would you be so kind as to retrieve a tome from my room? My lady in waiting will direct you to its location\" Turning back to Valgrim she says with little ceremony, \"While you were away, I had the scribes carefully copy my book of Herb Lore so that you would have your own copy whilst you are doing the duties of squire and away from the Halls of Healing\"

Thoras chuckles \" Well Dania, I am now a White squire in the service of the Prince of Dol Armoth.\" is all he says finding an empty seat, he sits and takes it. His green eyes go around the tabel to the guest he sees Ivriniel and smiles at here \" hello m\'lady.\" he says just as he rises and bows to her. \"I do hope you are quite well this morning.\" (I assume)

[Elowyn(#1325)] The Gate of Barad Nimothan part to allow the Lady Rovacil in with her small enterage of Landies-in-waiting. She tells her ladies something as they go off intot he hall to do certain errands that have been set before them. The Lady Elowyn then continues to glide gracefully into the hall and looks over the some what large gathering int he great hall. She moves closer to see what might be going on at this time.

[Gadrimir(#22618)] Before the gate closes behind Elowyn anothe figure quickly dashes in. Clad in the Ithilien green and armed, well it is accuatly slung over his shoulder, with a large bow, comes Gadrimir of the Anduin. His light blue eyes go about the crowd and he decides to intorduce him to the women. as usual

[Dania(#24237)] Sitting on the empty seat next to Thoras, Dania stares almost disbelievingly. \"Why,\" she smiles brightly, \"That is indeed a wonderful news! Have you told father about this? He would be ever so delighted!\" She calls for a servant to fetch her and her brother some wine and sits back as Thoras stands up to greet the princes. She smiles politely and bows her head at Ivriniel direction. \"Good morning, milady,\" she greets accordingly after Thoras\'.

Valgrim swallows loudly, his throat bulging slightly with the motion of his adam\'s apple. His eyes again close, but this time accompanied by a deep breath that hisses through his teeth as it exhales through his full lips. Clearing his throat, the sound punctuating the hall for a second, Valgrim responds. \"Lady. Our conversation was many moons past, but was not for naught as you so believe. It is dissapointing that you make a judgement based on a single utterance from my lips after some time away from your office. I was simply surprised by your presence here.\"

Reaching up to flick away a single lock of dark hair that has fallen across his forehead and nearly into his eyes, Valgrim responds, his words less innocent than his first exchange with the princess. \"As for my time here, I have been busy with my duties for my Lord Thorondur. Clearly I should have spent more time listening to the rumors of the servants though, something which will not slip my notice in the future.\"

Thoras looks to his sister \" No, and nor do I want to, he will just rag on me for following Estririon\'s dreams when infact they are mine own.\" He looks at Ivriniel and says \" M\'lady may I introduce you to my sister. Dania Nimothan.\"

Nodding her head slightly in the direction of the woman that greets her Ivriniel says politely, \"Good morning to you M\'Lady. Are you enjoying the hospitality of Barad Nimothan?\" Silvery grey eyes glance back to Valgrim as his words hiss out sharply. A flicker of amusement doth make her chuckle as she responds, \'Surprised by my presence at Barad Nimothan? I find that rather amusing. Lord Erinhaim and myself are...shall I say, friends and allies?\" A look of sarcasm is quickly hidden as she inquires, \"You shall spend more time listening to the rumors of the servants?\" A soft chuckle sounds as Ivriniel agrees, \"Sometimes the whispers of the walls doth speak the truth long before it is common knowledge.\"

The servant that the White Lady of Belfalas sent to fetch the tome appears at her side with a quiet, \"M\'Lady. The tome you requested.\", silently standing with the leather bound tome in his hands. Nodding her head briefly to the servant, Ivriniel says, \"Thank you my good man.\" and takes the book and turns to Valgrim, \"This is exactly as the one I carry with me at all times. I had hoped to spend some quie time with you going over some of the herbs that you are unfamiliar with. So with that in mind, I would ask that you not use any treatment that you are not familiar with until we can cover everything. Perhaps on our return to Dol Amroth there will be more time.\"

Elowyn moves to one of the loaded tables where the food is piled upon. A servant takes a plate for the Lady Rovacil and waits for her to point out what she needs to break her morning fast. She point over to some bread and some fresh fruits.

[Valgrim(#29910)] Taking a tone of subdued quiet, Valgrim nods nearly imperceptibly, the stray strands of hair upon his head swaying in the air. His words roll from his large mouth, escaping from his thick lips like a loud monster from the mouth of a cave. \"Yes Lady. I already know your concerns regarding my behavior with patients. It was made quite clear when I left Dol Amroth. Thank you very much for the book. I will be sure to refrain from the use of unfamiliar methods.

Taking the book gently from the servant and bowing his head to the princesses staff, a word of thanks escapes quietly from Valgrim\'s lips, He opens the book gently, flipping from page to page, his eyes skimming quickly across the words. \"Lady. I will have to attend to this in more detail when the distractions are not so great. As for my return to Dol Amroth, I must inform you that I will accompany Lord Thorondur on his duties so I know not when I will return. Perhaps we could spend some time here exposing me to those unfamiliar treatments.\"

[Leif(#28069)] As the fast is being served in the large hall, many are still coming, or for the most early to get up alredy leaving to go to their day-to-day business. With the first comes Leif, he is freshly shaved, looking youthfull, his hair are braided.He slows as he comes near the tables, nodding to some he knows, feeling to be the focus of many a curious glance in the room. Most quietly, he heads straight toward teh lady Rovacil, drawing a chair and sitting in front of her \"Hello, did you sleep well ?\" he asks as the servant leaves her.

A gentle smile is given to her apprentice healer as Lady Ivriniel watches him flip through the book of herb lore. Her words are warm as she replies, \'The concerns of the past are that Valgrim, the past. Let us speak no more of harsh words and unpleasant times between us. Healers must work together for the good of those in their care.\" A tendril of raven hair loosens from the coiffure of the Princess and wisps across her forehead before she reaches up absentmindedly and tucks it back into place and responds, \"It is my understanding that Lord Thorondur is returning to Dol Amroth. You are aware of the tournament and celebration that Imrahil has schduled, correct?\"

[Valgrim(#29910)] Nodding slowly, his mouth upturned into a tight grin of relief, he responds. \"Yes Lady. I am aware of the tournament. And I barely remember those early days in the infirmary. They slip from my memory from time to time. It seems you have met many fresh Lords and Ladies since last we met. Perhaps you can introduce me to them.\" And with these words he nods to the siblings across the table from them.

[Gweneth(#17847)] A young woman, wearing clothes of a simple nature, makes her way to the table bearing the food. She slides between Ivriniel and the chair next to her and reaches over the table for a plate, \"Excuse me, milady,\" she says kindly as she pulls back, a large platter in her hands.

Elowyn looks somewhat surprised ot see Leif, but she slides into the chair that is galiently offered and then watches the servant leave after setting her plate down. \"yes, I did rest well. The accomidations here are very nice..\" She takes the cup of tea that was set before her and sips it idily. \"I met one of your riders yesterday.\" She laughs softly. \"He mistook me for the Lady Gweneth!\"

Leif chuckles too, and looks around, searching perhaps the said lady, she is not here...

A tinkling of laughter sounds, sweet and melodic as Ivriniel says, \"There are many here at Barad Nimothan that are unknown to me. I did meet some of the Rohirrim guests the night there was dancing here in the Great Room. And of course, most of the nobles from Dol Amroth as well as the guards from Minas Tirith are here.\" A teasing smile is given to Valgrim as she says, \"It would be a perfect time for you to meet people from all stations of life. Tis a most interesting group of people gathered here.\" Turning to the servant that still remains at her side Ivriniel asks politely, \'Would you please bring a cup of hot tea with just a dab of honey in it?\" The servant nods his head and says, \"Yes, M\'Lady. Right away\" and then scurries off to do the bidding of the Princess.

A contemplative look is given to those milling around the room as Ivriniel tilts her head and then remarks, \"I do not see Lady Kerowyn from Rohan here this morning. I shall have to see that you are acquainted before we travel onwards. She is going to be visiting Dol Amroth and the Halls of healing.\" A sly grin is seen as she adds, \"The two of us are going to be working together between the Halls of healing in Dol Amroth and the House of Healing in Minas Tirith. So I would imagine you shall be visiting both places when not performing your duties as squire.\"

Leif chuckles too, and looks around, searching perhaps the said lady, she is not here... Leaning his chin in his palm, he starts observing Elowyn, he says \"Some are hard headed, I thought many of my Riders knew you yet, I hope you arent upset, she is a beautiful woman and a clever one I think too\". He releases his chin and says \"You look surprised to see me yet, I am not gone yet, leof.\"

Valgrim nods, his eyes scanning the numerous occupants of the hall. He alights for a moment on many different individuals, both noble and servant, then responds to the lady\'s words. \"Yes, I have already met a number of the servants in my duties. Quite interesting people most of them, and some downright intriguing. However, I have yet to expend the time to meet the idle nobles of the Hall.\"

\"It is good to hear about Minas Tirith. Is there again a Master of that Hall of Healing then?\" Reaching out for a fruit from the table, he bites into it with his large white teeth, the juice spurting out from the tenuous skin of the fruit as his teeth pierce the flesh.

The raven head of the Princess shakes softly in mirth as she admits, \"There were some rather rowdy guests the other night. I understand the Lord of Nimothan was not very happy with the drunken antics of some....and rightly so. Barad Nimothan is a place of beauty and should be respected.\" As the servant returns with the requested cup of hot tea, Ivriniel smiles and thanks the man, carefully balancing the porcelain cup upon the saucer. Eyeing the steam rising from the cup she blows across the brew as she listens to Valgrim, eyes glancing around the room and a smile and nod of greeting going to those that her eyes catch.

Finally a sip of tea is taken an a smile of appreciation is seen as she says, \"Is not the first cup of tea the very best of the day?\" Smiling at Valgrim she responds, \"Lady Kerowyn, Lady Maeghan and Lady Aearwen will be overseeing the House of Healing. I will be making frequent trips to Minas Tirith to keep a finger in the pot, so to speak.\", again that sly grin curves soft pink lips before the Princess takes another delicate sip of tea.

[Gweneth(#17847)] The young woman with the platter next to Ivriniel begins to pile fruit, bread and drinks onto it. She lifts it with a bit of difficulty, the platter begining to wobble a bit. As she swings up and over the Princesses head, it slips from her grasp as the Princess takes another sip of tea, spilling the contents onto the unsuspecting woman.

[Valgrim(#29910)] Chuckling to himself as he hears the words of the Princess, her voice proclaiming the status of the House of Healing in Minas Tirith, Valgrim opens his mouth to respond. Yet, before his words can escape from his mouth, he watches the fruit fall from the Lady\'s plate next to the Princess.

*note - A RL storm prevented Valgrim from continuing*

Like slow motion, the fruit tumbles gracefully from the plate, and plummets through the air. Valgrim leaps from his chair to protect the Princess from the falling fruit, but alas is too late as his hands reach for the fresh fruit.

Kerowyn trails down from upstairs, pausing at the second landing to survey the room. Seeing Leif, she lifts one slender hand in greeting, and continues the descent, though she as yet does not call out to him.

Bringing the porcelain cup to her lips for another sip of the fragrant brew, Ivriniel is unaware of the servants ineptness until it is too late. A gasp of outrage and shock hisses from her lips as the tray of floor and drink slithers down the elegant white satin gown. Silvery grey eyes framed by long dark lashes blinkly slowly as the woman obviously bites her tongue to keep from lashing out at the serving girl. Slowly...ever so slowly she reaches into a deep pocket and draws forth a white lacey hankerchief and wipes some of the debris from her person.

Three servants rush to her, faces flushed with embarassment and chagrin as they all begin to speak at once and hurry to clean the mess from upon the floor and pooled around the hem of the dress of Ivriniel. Still silent as her eyes snap with anger, the White Lady of Belfalas looks to the young girl and inquires, \'Art thou new to the art of serving?\", sarcasm fairly dripping from her words as the three other servants scurry to assist in remedying this horrid situation.\'

Elowyn chuckles lightly and shakes her head. \"I know you are not gone for you claimed to stay the winter in Gondor.\" She looks tot he gate and then back to Leif. \"I plan on heading to Gondor some time soon, for I have a some herbs and supplies for the healers there..\"

[Gweneth(#17847)] The servant girl\'s eye go wide with horror, \"Oh no...oh dear no...\" She at once takes up her own skirts and begins to dab at the steaming drink spilled onto the Princess\' chest, \"Milady, please forgive me! I...I filled it too high I think... Oh dear... No, not so new... well, compared to... Oh milady, I am so sorry! Lady Gweneth will be so upset with me....\"

[Leif(#28069)] \"When you speak of healer, dont forget the sneaky blodmaegden Elowyn \" Leif says on a joking tone. Catching a glimpse of Rohan senior, he rises his head and looks above Elowyn\'s shoulder at Kerowyn. The mess caused by the fall of the fruits and of the serving maid is acknowledged by a slight shake of head \"You arent served yet, I fear Elowyn.\" He glances at the maid, obviously white and shivering from fear. \"Who is this lady, Elowyn\" Leif asks softly, staring at Ivriniel.

Clasping her fingers around the arm of the servant girl, Ivriniel stops her attempts at -helping- and inquires sharply, \'Lady Gweneth? You are a servant of the Chamberlain?\", outrage clearly heard in every word spoken as she eyes the girl. Quietly she says to the three other servants as they pick up the last bit of debris from the beautiful floor and wipe up the remainder with wet cloths, \"That will be all, thank you. I will require a tub of hot water in my chambers. See that it is there when I arrive.\", her words sharp and precise as she continues, \"And I will speak to Lord Nimothan -and- Lady Gweneth in the audience chamber this afternoon.\" Turning back to the girl, her fingers still clenched around her arm, Lady Ivriniel smiles, but the expression in her eyes is anything but kind as she inquires, \'What is your name girl?\"

[Gweneth(#17847)] \"Oh please, milady, do not inform the Lady Chamberlain!\" The servant girl replies, \"I will...I will save my money to purchase you a new gown, or clean this one myself. It was a simple accident milady... not malicious in any way. Your head was simply to big,\" her eyes go wide and she clasps her hands to her mouth realizing her mistake, \"Not too big, I mean I was took weak!\"

Ignoring the low class remarks of the girl, Ivriniel is silent as she contemplates the expression upon the face of the servant girl. Releaseing her grip upon the arm of the girl she then inquires, \"How long have you been in the employmnt of Lady Gweneth?\" Calmly speaking to one poor old servant as he continues to hover around her, Ivriniel smiles at him finally and says, \"Yes. I would adore another cup of hot tea. I fear only two sips of my earlier cup was enjoyed before this inept girl managed to drop a complete feast upon my person.\" Twinkling eyes peer into the eyes of the older male servant before he turns to go, her words reassure him, \"No recourse shall be made for this incident old man, do not worry about your own position here in Barad Nimothan.\"

[Gweneth(#17847)] \"But a few months, milady,\" the retainer replies hesitantly, \"Never before have I done such a thing and I do so apologize for it. Are you burned badly? The tea looked quite hot,\" she questions with a worried look on her face.

Elowyn looks at the servant girl and then to IMrahil\'s sister. She speaks softly towards Leif. \"That is Prince Imrahil\'s sister.\" She shakes her ehad with pity as she know that servant girl isa lot of trouble. \"You do not spill tea on the sister of Imrahil..\"

Kerowyn glides up to the table, seeing fit to ignore the poor servant girl\'s plight, \"Is it so worse than spilling tea on any other?\" She smiles benignly down at Elowyn as she speaks, lifting one shoulder in a little shrug.

[Leif(#28069)] \"I thought nobles here were praising themselves with being fair and kind and respectful of low people, or so you were reproached to not be\" Leif observes, perhaps a bit drily. He then shrugs too turning a beaming face on the blodmaegden \"Kerowyn, milady, how are you ? please sit with us, you\'re most welcome\" He turns quickyl, speaking before asking Elowyn\'s opinion.

Again the grey eye of the Princess narrows as she considers the words of the young girl and looks into her face intently. Finally, one hand reaches up to gently touch the young girl upon the shoulder and says softly, \'What is your name girl? Your words ring of truth and the clarity in your eyes tells me that this was an accident and not an event of malicious intent.\" Smiling for the first time since the food and drink soiled her gown, Ivriniel says, \"An apology will suffice in this case. My lady in waiting sees to my gowns and I will not seek the counsel of Lady Gweneth concerning this incident.\" Her words have a steely ring to them as she adds, \"But I expect never to hear of another such incident. Take care in your serving and do not spill foods upon

-anyone-.\"

[Gweneth(#17847)] The servant curtsies time and time again, \"Thank you, milady, thank you,\" slowly backing away till she bumps again into a chair. Smiling sheepishly she quickly turns and practically runs away, seeming to forget to give her name.

Elowyn purses her lips at kerowyn scathing comment and then looks to her. \"It is good to see you as well, Lady kerowyn. \" She regards her for a second before continuing. \"And no, it is not worse because it was the princess. It is they way that the princess holds herself and others hold her in regard that will not make it pleasant for that serving girl...\"

A hint of amusement flashes across the face of Ivriniel as she watches the young girl back away and then bump into a chair. Shaking her head she says to herself, \"Lady Gweneth has her hands full with that one. I evny not the blunders she will make .\" The cup of tea is brought forth by the male servant and Ivrinil smiles warmly as she takes the cup and sips upon it. Sighing deeply she says, \"Thank you very much.\" The servant turns a bright shade of crimson and bobs nervously, \'M\'Lady, the hot water you requested is ready.\" Ivriniel laughs aloud and says, \"How lovely.\" with that the White Lady of Belfals glides gracefully through the room, despite the soil of food upon her lovely white satin gown. Placing the emptied cup of tea upon the tray of a passing servant the sister of Imrahil lifts the heavy satin folds of her dress and ascends the stairs to repair her appearance.