(Archive) Doing the Worm at Barad Nimothan
From the archives of the Gondorian
and now they are dancing!
Elendor - Tuesday, July 25, 2000, 11:00 PM
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*note - Time changed to late night, early morning...suitable for party time. Log begins with RP in progress
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Weather: Sunny
Time: Mid Morning
Season: Autumn
Date: Sterday - November 26, 3020
Real Time: Tue Jul 25 20:49:55 2000
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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 guilded 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 guilded doors is what would appear to be a dressing table, complete with mirror.
Contents:
Borgilas
Kerowyn
Lossaran
Maernus
Kalenar
Mardamir
Nilgaer
Athlas
Obvious exits:
[Rorgan(#19834)] If it is dancing he wants, it is dancing the player shall get, and so stands the Steward of Barad Nimothan to his full height, moving away from the hearth and the people gathered there, to twiddle his feet upon the floor, just a bit before beginning to look about for a more desierable partner than the smoke of the lamps now burning low.
[Eandil(#18480)] With renewed vigor the mucisian continues to play on his flute, his skillful hands playing on his flute as he himself begins to dance, his feet tapping on the floor gracefully, twirling and jumping as he plays on his flute, admiring the result of his music and the joy he brings into the room.
Nilgaer\'s attention strays from the flutist to a couple beside him that have linked arms and are currently moving quickly in rhythm with the music that Eandil is producing. He withdraws as more people join the couple and the Steward of Barad Nimothan, and paces away a bit towards the back of the room, swishing the wine in his cup as the wheels of his mind grind.
[Rorgan(#19834)] And so, even with no one seeming to be willing to join Captain Rorgan in a dance, he begins to tap his feet merrily across the floor in time to the music of the flautist, smiling and spinning with the grace he most often reserves only for the battlefield. Even as he twists around and comes face to face with a young guardsman from Minas Tirith, his smile does not fade, though as much can not be said for the younger man, who blanches and continues dancing with the young maid he has managed to lead onto the floor, even as his Captain is again spinning away, bright blue eyes ever bright and ever searching for a partner.
[Nilgaer(#24951)] Scratching at his chin, the tanned Nilgaer eyes the dancing crowd from where he stands apart from them. Occassionally his glass is laid to his lips, and more red wine dissappears. The youth seems to take rather large sips, and after his third the liquid has dissappeared. He passes the glass off to a servant and circles the throng a bit.
[Rorgan(#19834)] The flautist continues to play, and the Captain continues to dance, by himself, now toward the center of the room, now in among the chairs by the hearth where still sit many who had previously gathered there to hear the tale told by the Steward of Barad Nimothan and have not yet been captured by the music in the way that he has.
Then it is back out onto the floor for Rorgan, sharing a moment of dance with a young couple, from Dol Amroth this time, by their dress, and still does the Captain smile, nodding again at the young Guardsman he had startled on his last pass through the crowd. Indeed would he thought to be a much younger man than the grey in his close-cropped blonde hair would suggest, or the lines and scar upon his face. Yet he continues on, dancing like a man half his own age and seemingly of limitless stamina. Perhaps even some of the rumors about his feats upon the field of battle must be true, and perhaps next to nothing about the tragedies he has faced would prove likewise to be true.
Kalenar No less tierlessly than the holds steward, swings and leaps through the room, his mighty muscles in time comming into the great feat of a triple cartwheel.
[Nilgaer(#24951)] Upon spotting a familiar face among the dancers, a slight smirk spreads across Nilgaer\'s face, cracking his stony features. Those grey eyes of his sparkle with amusement and he even goes as far as to slap his thigh, then wave to the browned face of an associate with whom he arrived. Nils\' friend on the dance floor is swirling round and round in rather ungraceful circles with a young black-haired woman dressed as a farmer\'s daughter.
The sister of Imrahil stands in quiet conversation with two members of a noble house from Dol Amroth. The conversation appears to be rather heated as the hands of the elder Imrazor punctuate the conversation with movements and her head nods several times. Finally, a respite appears in the form of a fluist and the trio end the conversation with a handshake and turn their attention to the lovely music trilling from the instrument. Twinkling eyes watch Captain Rorgan as he searches the crowd for a dance partner and ever the instigator Ivriniel leans forth and whispers to one of the ladies of House Girithlin, \"Do dance with the poor man. Take pity upon him as he looks for a partner.\"
[Thorondur(#13821)] Down along one of darkened hallways, the light of a candle appears, faint and wavering -- slowly, it moves toward the hall, growing brighter, though few indeed would notice it. After a long, long while -- too long, for a healthy pace -- a man emerges into the hall, bearing that faint, flickering light.
It is Thorondur Edrahil, Lord Girithlin. His face is pale and wan, unnatrural -- but on his lips is a beatific smile as he snuffs out his mild flame. He is clad not in riding leathers, but flowing robes, and his hair is mussed as if from sleep.
[Kerowyn(#10288)] The sounds of laughter and music must surely have penetrated the thick walls into the study, for its door opens, to allos a tall and slender form to enter the grander hall, shutting the gilded door with a soft click and surveying the room, eyes alighting upon the princess, the musicians, and the Captain Tailor in turn. At the latter, a single golden brow arches upwards, though as yet the Rohirrim lady does not call out to friend and kin.
[Rorgan(#19834)] Pausing only long enough to nod in the direction of Lady Ivriniel and the young noblewoman who has been instructed to join him in the dance, Rorgan smiles still, and then makes a short trip around the young couple who dances, laughing and calling out, \"You\'d think a married man would have no trouble \'tall finding a parter to dance with!\" Then he extends his hand toward the young woman of Girithlin, offering for her to join him.
[Kalenar(#25120)] the crowd not gasping at his antics, Kalenar starts to dance out, back to his sword and fire. He looks around should anyone wish to join him in a dance.
[Thorondur(#13821)] Seldom less than sharp and attentive, tonight the sapphirine eyes of the Lord Thorondur are almost glazed -- framed by dark lashes fluttering rapidly. Blinking at the light. A slow smile creeps at last across his lips, as understanding, and surely wakefulness, begin to dawn. And under his breath, he whispers, \"The world! The colours are so bright, again.\"
The sparkling grey eyes of Ivriniel scan the crowd as she obviously enjoys the music, the heavy pleated folds of her satin dress swaying back and forth as she instinctively moves in time with the tune being played. Chuckling aloud as Rorgan holds a hand out to the young woman of Girithlin, the elder Imrazor whispers under her breath, \"Dance with the man, tis a grand party he is throwing and should not be lacking for a dance partner.\", her words lightly scolding the woman but her face never showing anything but enjoyment.
The entrance of the blonde Rohirrim lady doth catch the eye of Ivriniel and she leans closer to the man standing beside her and inquires, \"Who is the tall blonde woman that just entered?\" Surprise doth catch her with her mouth dropping as Thorondur enters the room in a state of disarray. Turning to the nobleman the daughter of Adrahil says politely, \'Excuse me please\" and with that she moves quietly through the crowd, smiling and nodding her head as she greets those in passing. Curiosity taking her closer to the Lord Girithlin to see this strange sight for herself.
[Thorondur(#13821)] More than one of the hall\'s denizens recognizes the Lord Girithlin. And more than one leans to his companions, or her partners, and begins to whisper. For all have heard, by now, of his setting-out and late return, in the dead of yestereve all have heard that he has not woken since. All have heard of the pale, eerie lights atop far Halifirien his goal.
[Rorgan<#19834>] Not one for inattentiveness himself, the Captain makes a note of the latest comers to the hall, and after a brief fling around the room with the noblewoman from the South of Gondor, he offers her a coureous parting and begins to make his way first toward the young woman formerly of Rohan, smiling breathlessly, finally, as he asks in the speech now more commonly heard within the halls of Barad Nimothan, but belonging to the peoples to the West, \"
[Lossaran(#28151)] Stealing in behind several of the other guests the file into the great hall is a tall, darkly-clad man of the woods. Once inside, Lossaran makes his way into the room by navigating along the walls, wary to avoid the assortment of people still in the middle of enjoying their party. When he has settled into a corner he gazes out into the room and considers those present, arms entwining across his chest and back leaning against the wall.
[Maernus(#17520)] Striding in the doors of the Barad Nimothan echoes a strange warrior, the Squire Calgar. He glances around at the decorated hall of the anorien nobles, noticing the large numbers of dancers and similar party-goers, he goes to move through them towards some unnoticed goal. The odd man notices something and heads one direction, soon engaging a few other squires in conversation.
Thorondur pages: You\'ll have to pose coming up to me... Rondo is still in a bit of a daze. :)
[<#10288>] Kerowyn lets out a soft chuckle, her own speach soft and warm, rich with the deep sylables of her homeland as she answers, \"
[Ninvainiel(#18886)] Passing past tapestries intricately wrought with footfalls unheard for the music, Ninvainiel descends the long stairway from the higher floors of the tower. Attended by a maid dressed in green, herself garbed in a silvery gown fresh and clean, the Lady Telpekhor walks with the gait of one well rested, her eyes falling upon the early-morn revellers as she enters among them.
Stepping closer to the Lord Girithlin, the sister of Finduilas speaks softly in the tongue of old as she inquires of the nobleman, \"
Nilgaer happens across Kalenar as he mills about the edges of the room, trying to keep an eye on his dancing associate. The light-haired Gondorian pauses to snatch a glass of wine froma passing tray, and tilts his head back, taking a gulp from the delicate glass which leaves only half of its original contents. Peering ove rhis shoulder, grey eyes fall on the figure of Kalenar. \"\'scuse me,\" He begins, taking a step closer to the man-at-arms. \"\'scuse me. You haven\'t happened to see a man... rather short. Probably wearing clothes like mine.\" He motions to the shortened pants and sandals he wears, eyes dancing he adds. \"He smells of.. well.. fish, and by this point prolly wine as well.\"
[Rorgan(#19834)] Nodding to Kerowyn, Rorgan replies in the common, \"Aye, to spend time with her aunts before the Tournament.\" Then he smiles and tips his head toward the woman, but his eyes seem fixed apart from hers, and he looks to where the sister of Imrahil and the Lord Girithlin stand, \"It would seem that you have kept to yourself, nonetheless.\" He chuckles then, chiding, \"Come. Let us go meet some of the others.\" with these last words nodding toward the pair at which he looks.
[Kerowyn(#10288)] One shoulder lifted into a habitual half shrug, Kerowyn nonetheless extends an arm towards Rorgan. \"I should like to. I fear I have met few here, not for lack of trying.\" She shakes her head, offering up an apologetic smile.
[Rorgan(#19834)] With an understanding nod, Rorgan takes the arm of Kerowyn and begins to make way toward Lady Ivriniel and Lord Thorondur, smiling still as he comes, and pausing just outside the realm of their conversation with a nod toward the Lord.
Nilgaer squints for a moment at soldier. \"Ah yes.. The cartwheeler? Impressive, especially in such a crowd.\" He says lowly and shifts back to regard the dancing throng. Briefly he takes stock of the new entrances, eyes lingering for a few moments on he various lords and ladies.
[Lossaran(#28151)] In the midst of all the reverie the keen perceptiveness of the Ranger falls on the Lord Girithlin. Arms unfolding, he runs his hands through his hair to smooth it down and then once again crosses them as he watches on. He seems suddenly intrigued by the man\'s behaviour, carefully observing him from the shadow of the north wall.
Concern etches deeply into the countenance of Ivriniel as she notices Rorgan and the Rohirrim woman closing to where she stands beside Thorondur. Still awaiting a reply from the Knight Herald she inquires again as her hand reaches out to touch his sleeve when to her shock he crumbles to the floor. Without thought she speaks in the ancient tongue, \"
Lossaran loses interest in Thorondur as the man seems lost in his own world and begins once again to scan the room. Inevitably he turns his attention to Ivriniel, for he cannot seem to escape her presence and her sudden cry does nothing to take his focus away from her. A tiny sneer grows across his lips, his brow furrowing slightly at seeing her again.
Kerowyn steps forward to catch the falling man, only to miss, looking up towards the gondorian Lady. \"Rorgan, can you carry him?\" Her words are sharp and crisp, the battle commander in her own field now. \"It will be all right, mi\'Lady.\"
[Nilgaer(#24951)] Downing the last of his wine, Nilgaer\'s glass is born away by one of the wandering servants. \"That it is, that it is, a joyous night.\" Ears perking his head swings towards the collapsed Thorondur. The tanned youth rises on his toes, then follows Kalenar towards the fallen man. \"I\'ll lend my arms, if I can.\"
[Rorgan(#19834)] Without even noticable hesitation, Rorgan bends and takes the Lord under the arms, nodding toward Kerowyn, \"Get his feet and we\'ll take him to the study.\" As he speaks he jerks his head toward the twin gilt doors.
Quietly Ivriniel speaks to the men lifting the Knight Herald from where he lies, \"Please see that my healing bag is brought to where you take him. If the chamber next to the one where I am in resident is open, please place him in there to make it easier to see to his care.\" Surprised eyes glance up to the blonde woman and she inquires, \"You are a healer M\'Lady?\" Oblivious to the looks send her way by the scout Lossaran, the sister of Imrahil knees beside the fallen form of Thorondur and gently loosens his shirt.
[Lossaran(#28151)] Rolling his eyes as another Knight drinks himself into a stupour, the Ranger takes his leave of the room, silently slipping out before they begin dragging the inebrated man out.
Kerowyn has already moved to lift the man in tandem, and only pauses to raise a brow towards the woman. \"Master of Healing for all the Mark \'ere I came here. I server now with Lady maeghan in Minas Tirith.
[<#25120>] Kalenar nods to Kerowyn. \"
A broad smile widens the lips of Ivriniel as she exclaims, \"Lady Kerowyn! How very pleased I am to meet you.\" Her smile is genuine as she says, \"I have heard so many wonderful things about you and your sister Eowyn from both Lady Maeghan and Lady Aearwen after they returned from Rohan.\" Speaking to her apprentice healer Ivriniel quietly orders, \'Further loosen his clothing and open the window in his room an inch or two to allow the fresh night air to cleanse the room. I shall be up later to see to him. Sit beside him and make sure he rests until then. If he should awaken, come directly to find me.\" With that the sister of Imrahil says, \'I would be interested in talking to you about a new healing study that I wish to implement in all of Gondor. I fear the far corners of our land do not have healers readily handy and I wish to change that. Would you care to have tea and discuss such an idea?\"
[Rorgan(#19834)] With the help of many other volunteers, the fallen knight is removed from the Great Hall. For this night, at least it is the last that is seen of Captain Rorgan.
Kerowyn allows the aprpentice to take overher part of the man\'s unconcious hauling and blinks at the woman\'s rapid outpourings, \"Aye, I had not realized there were such problems here. Our own land has had localized schooling for many years to combat such problems.\" She chuckles at her own forthrightness and falls into a soft warm smile, \"But we should talk more of it at another time, I think. Will you be travelling with the Captain\'s company home to Dol Amroth?\"
Ivriniel laughs softly as she realizes the Rohirrim woman is unaccustomed to her forthright manner and she says, \"Forgive me for being so bold. I dare say that I never beat around a bush when I can plow right through the middle and get to where I am going twice as fast.\" Her smile is bit devilish as she says, \"And how is Theodred, Prince of the Mark? Poor Lady Aearwen she was half besotted by the man when she returned from you land. I had to hear about a dagger of House Eorl for months on end.\" Again the laughter of Ivriniel rings out as she says confidentially, \'And never let it be said that I am at a loss for words....yes, we are in need of organizing of our healers. Too many have we lost upon the fields of battle and I am on a mission to replenish our helpers.\" With that she draws a long breath and smiles again, \"I shall be returning to Dol Amroth after the feast...yes.\"
Nilgaer finds himself in the hole that the volunteers, led by the host and bearing the unconcious knight have recently vacated. Scratching at his chin he turns and begins to manuever his way back towards the outskirts of the dancers, moving past Kerowyn and Ivriniel with a polite \"\'scuse me,\" and a gentle smile that seems quite unnatural for him. The dancers appear to have paused for a moment, to make way fro the procession, and Nils easily finds his way out.
[Lossaran(#28151)] As guests depart from the room, one man returns, happy to do so now that the commotion over the Knight has passed. He does not hang to the shadows this time but rather walks the length of the room to the far side to find a cup of ale. Taking a seat by the fire he takes a drink and smiles at the taste, warmed by the small flame in the fireplace that still has survived the evening.
Kerowyn inclines her head to the passing man, and lets out her own soft chuckle, \"it is welcome, if I must be truthful, for I find many of your land to be,\" she lifts one shoudler in a half shrug, \"forgive me if I spaeak ill, but overly circutous in their speach and ways. It is warming to find one more like my own kin.\" She reaches for a passing wine glass lifting it with another smile, \"Have you tried any of the fine Dunlostiran wine yet? A gift, I understand, from my lord\'s house to Lord Rorgan\'s.\" She seems lost for a moment in the trance of her wine, perhaps, or the thought of home.
[Nilgaer(#24951)] Approaching the fireplace, Nilgaer bows his head to the other occupant who appears to have saught shelter beside the flames, Lossaran. \"g\'eve,\" The tanned man pauses. \"\'morning rather.\" He corrects himself and bows his head for a moment. Sinking down on his heels he puts his back to the flickering source of heat and watches the throng begin dancing again, slowly.
Smiling as she lifts a glass from a tray offered by one of the servants Ivriniel admits, \"I have not tried the fine Dunlostiran wine, as of yet.\" Lifting the glass in a toast she says, \"Her e is to new acquaintances and the honoring of the Oath of Eorl.\" , with that the crystal goblet is raised to her lips and a tiny sip is taken and swished around in her mouth before swallowed. Nodding her head in appreciation the sister of Imrahil doth say, \"Tis a very fine wine indeed. Remind me to have you try the fine wine of Dol Amroth when you visit there.\" A twinkling of eyes is seen as she suggests, \"Perhaps I could impose upon you to visit our House of Healing and spend some time there? I am always looking for new ways of adding to the art of healing.\"
Suddenly aware of the scout Lossaran sitting by the fire drinking, Ivriniel gets a look of distaste upon her face for a split second before it is masked behind a smile as she continues to chit chat with the Master Healer from Rohan. The music of the fluist sends lovely strains of music throughout the room as quests continue to dance and drink the night away.
Lossaran raises his cup to Nilgaer and bows his head to all those in his presence. He smiles and offers, \"Well met. I see that dancing does not interest you any more than it does I.\" He looks over to the Lady Ivriniel and smiles sweetly for her, upon seeing her gaze fall on him. \"Or perhaps it is just those that are in the hall that drags us to the corners?\" he asks to the air and no one in particular.
Kerowyn turns towards the fire at the other woman\'s glance, taking in the men settled there before turning back with a nod, \"Ah, of course, I have sampled only a few of your wines on my visits \'ere now. And I should be most pleased to visit your Houses. Perhaps we can share af ew moments on the voyage as well? For I recall it as rather lengthy.\"
Amusement with perhaps a touch of mockery is seen as Ivriniel again raises the wine glass as she sends a silent toast to the scout of Ithilien. Silvery grey orbs gaze into his long after the glass has been lowered, silently studying Lossaran as she remarks to Kerowyn, \"Oh! You are planning on going by sea. I had some business to attend to in Minas Tirith and came by carriage.\" Admittedly a little distracted now as her brow furrows as her eyes keep coming back to the scout, Ivinriel says, \"I look forward to having you visit the House of Healing.\" Giving her full attention to Kerowyn she inquires, \"Are you staying in Gondor for an extended period of time, I take it?\"
[Nilgaer(#24951)] Shaking his head, Nilgaer takes in the joyous movements of the merrymakers. \"Neva\' been much of a dancer.\" He says in response to Lossaran\'s former comment. \"As for the company,\" He gives a indifferent shrug. \"It matters little to me.\" Motioning then the Kelanar. \"Our fella\' here however. Quite the cartwheeler.\"
Kerowyn frowns slightly, \"By sea? Oh by Bema no! Once alone I have been upon a boat, and never again, I think!\" She shakes her head, emphasizing her remarks, \"No, no. T\'will be upon my own trusty steed I shall ride, and nothing else.\" Her own glance follows once more, to the fire, and back, one eyebrow arching delicately. \"I am sorry, I\'ve taken far more of your time than I ought, please.\"
The melodic laughter of Ivriniel plays softly into the air as she remarks, \'By all means, we should take a trip to Edhellond while you are here. There is an old herb master there that sends men into Umbar to gather precious, rare herbs that cannot be grown anywhere else. I travel there quite often to purchase these herbs from him, at inflated costs, of course.\" Ivriniel laughs as she says, \'We dicker back and forth about the price, but truthfully, his goods are well worth the coins he asks.\" A shrug of one delicate shoulder is seen as she remarks, \"Nay. You have not taken up too much of my time, tis a great party and I am enjoying your company.\"
Kerowyn smiles again, soft and warm as the fire\'s glow at this distance. \"Ah, so long as it be a voyage that is not by boat, I shall look forward to it, m\'Lady. For there are herbs in use within your halls that are not within my lands and learning. I am certain that those your peddler would have are amongst them.\"
Lossaran takes a moment to look at Kalenar and then smiles, not understanding what is meant by cartwheeling and so does not ask. \"Ah but the company you keep can be so important. Being in the wrong company can make your heart grow cold,\" says the Ranger, a touch of vehemence is issued in the word \'cold\' as it were meant for someone in particular.
A twinge of embarassment floods the cheeks of Ivriniel as she admits, \'Pardon me M\'Lady, but the trip to Edhellond is usually done by ship, Gondor does possess one of the finest fleets of ships there is. A sweet smile curves her lips as she teases Kerowyn, \'Come now. The fresh tang of sea air blowing through your air as you look upon the horizon and see nothing but the sky touching water. Can you not imagine the glory of that ride? The sweet freedom of the fall and rise of the deck upon your feet?\" Breathing in deeply and closing her eyes for a moment Ivriniel says with a sense of longing, \'How I love the sea and all that she holds\"
[Maernus(#17520)] Ending rather abrutly the conversation of the few squires falls apart. The Squire Calgar makes his way towards the fire, he notices the ranger as he approaches it. The man nods to him, cutting into his current conversation. \"Ah, man of Ithilien, have you seen Faengor Nimothan or know if Tamran has stopped him from his foolish course?\"
[Ninvainiel(#18886)] As the gilded doors by the foot of the stairs swing open for a brief moment, a glimpse of book-lined walls and cozy flickering lights frames the sillhouette of Ninvainiel emerging. The doors shut behind her, and she rests with her back pressed upon them for a moment.
Kerowyn nearly turns green at the mere mention of the \'sweet swells\'. \"Ah, I do enjoy the scent and sight of the sea, from the halls of Lord Imrahil\'s stronghold. I fear it is the,\" the golden head arcs forward as silken voice lowers, \"rise and fall of the glorious deck I could live without.\"
[Nilgaer(#24951)] Deftly knotting one of the laces on his cote that has apparently come loose. Nils\' grey eyes regard the squire that has approached for a moment. He purposely directs his gaze elsewhere then, shifting them instead to Ninvainiel as she enters.
Lossaran throws the Squire a sad look. \"I have heard or done nothing, unfortunately,\" he says rending his attention away from the sister of Imrahil for a moment. \"It is absurd to think of such a duel,\" he adds, sealing that discussion shut tight. \"So, my friend here,\" he says, pointing to Nilgaer, \"and I were discussing the company one keeps. So tell me, of whom in this room do you hold in the highest regard?\" The Ranger\'s questions are strange and there is a coldness in his eyes that is rarely seen.
A frown mars the beauty of the Princess as one word issued by the scout hisses across the room to where she stands talking to Lady Kerowyn. Irritation is clearly evident as one long fingernail taps against the crystal goblet in her hand. A smile still rests upon her lips as she nods her head and greets those passing nearby and then she laughs in response to Kerowyn, \" So the rise and fall of the glorious deck are not your cup of tea?\" Shaking her head as if to clear an ugly memory from her mind she says offhandedly, \'Then I shall not fill your mind with tales of the dread Corsairs from Umbar and the wicked atrocities witnessed with my own eyes.\"
Kerowyn lets out a soft sigh, shaking her head ruefully, \"I fear the atrocities of battle, be they upon sea or land, are far too similr, and far too terrible a subject for such a night as this, do you not agree?\"
Nilgaer returns his attention to the ranger as the conversation envelopes him once more. \"Let me see...\" He says softly and squints at the throng of dancers. His gaze parts from them to the side and he points out a man resembling himself somewhat, with bronzed skin and high-waters. \"Him...\" The admission is accompanied by a slight smirk. Even as Nils\' long finger points out the seaman, his answer lifts a bottle of wine and empties the last of its contents into his mouth, then stumbles out of view. \"I work with him.\"
One hand rises to the throat of the Princess, lightly touching a slender scar so pale that few are aware of the scimitar scar left there. Swallowing thickly Ivriniel nods her head and agrees with the Lady Kerowy and says simply, \"The battles upon the sea are by far, the worst as there is no retreat.\" A long drink of wine is then taken as Ivriniel again closes silvery grey orbs as if to block the images in her mind. Quickly her eyes snap back open and she says with a gay, false laugh, \"Come. Shall we find dance partners and see if our dancing shoes are still in working order?\"
[Maernus(#17520)] \"Ah, but there are many amoung the room this eve who should hold in regard.\" Maernus says to the Ranger, then glances around. \"It seems that the captain Rorgan has left the room, I would gladly march to any field against any foe were he to require my acitance in such.\" He glances towards Kerowyn whom stands next to the Princess, \"The Lady Princess is amoung the people here tonight, her and her line are first amoung the leaders and warriors of my homeland and for that they deserve great respect.\" He grins slightly, \"And the men of ithilien, despite having not a reputation for liking the people of my land, I have found can be the greatest of allies in war and peace.\"
Kerowyn does not winc at the other woman\'s discomfort, too comfortable with her own scars and those of others to do more than notice. SHe smiles instead, and turns to glance about the hall\'s festivities. \"Indeed, do you think there are any still sober enough to lead us well.\" Her gaze falls, mayhap by chance, on the gathering at the fire.
Lossaran stands from his chair and bows to them both. \"Good answers indeed!\" he exclaims. \"I shall tell you who I admire the most!\" he calls out to the room, striding near the Lady Ivriniel, \"The sister of Imrahil the Fair, Princess of Dol Amroth.\" He bows low to the woman and smiles up at her, \"For she is the sworn protectorate of Lothiriel, fairest of all maids. Her devotion to her kin is unparalleled!\"
Ninvainiel, as she glides softly by Ivriniel and Kerowyn and catches their words, gestures towards the retreating Nilgaer with her chin. \"I would deem not,\" she observes.
A flush of colour tinges the porcelain cheeks of Ivriniel yet again as the Blue Squire stands in the room and proclaims his words of loyalty to House Imrazor. A polite nod of her head is given to the young squire and a warning look in silvery grey eyes is unmistakable as she inquires, \"Hath thou had much wine tonight Maernus?\" A smile is given to the guests as she raises a glass and says, \"To the Glory that is Gondor!\" Just as her glass is raised to her lips the voice of Lossaran rings out and she almost chokes upon the sip of wine passing through her lips. Coughing politely she looks to the scout with surprise....so surprised that the ever talkative woman is at a loss for words.
Nilgaer watches the display with some mild interest, though his face changes little, his eyes display this. He rises briefly, but only to retrieve another glass of red before settling back on his haunches. He cradles the delicate cup in his calloused hands and continues to watch the exchange, noting also Ninvainiel\'s gesture to his fellow across the room. This he takes with a smirk and a low chuckle.
Kerowyn takes a step backwards at the approach of the fierce-visaged Ranger, nearly bumping into the now descended Nivrainiel. \"pardon, mi\'lady.\" she manages, eyes still upon the Princess and the ranger.
Lossaran takes the ladies free hand and kisses it once, mocking her further with overly dramatic gestures of knightly courtship, allowing himself another bow. \"But alas, the lady Lothiriel is locked in her tower, for mere peasants are not to contaminate her,\" he spits out at her with cruelty. \"Oh yes! I cannot help but admire her duty to her niece, her vigilance and assurance that she remain noble through-and-through!\"
The cool eyes of the Princess rest upon the countenance of the Ranger as he takes her free hand and places a kiss upon its soft skin. One finely shaped brow raises slightly as the words of mockery whine through the air and still nothing doth the White Lady of Belfalas say to the Ranger. When he is finished, steely eyes hold his for a long, silent time as she inquires, \"Are thou finished mocking the House Imrazor and all that it stands for? What little you know of my person to be issuing such vile untruthful words. My heart feels pity for you Lossaran, ranger of Ithilien....too long in the wild has left you with no knowledge of courtly behaviour and common respect.\" Her head shakes sadly as she goes on to add, \'And yes. I will stand in defense of my family against any foe that would bring harm to one of my blood....be it from an enemy from another land or one from my own homeland. Yes! I will defend my blood.\"
[Ninvainiel(#18886)] A small cough is caught choking in Ninvainiel\'s throat, soon passing. Hiding her mouth with her hands, she murmurs, \"Oh, my,\" and beats hastily her retreat, winding through revellers to join a younger lady of her house.
[Maernus(#17520)] \"No, Lady Princess, I have had not a drop of wine this eve. I have had but conversation as of yet I\'ve been amoung this house since last I entered.\" Maernus says to the Princess with utmost politeness. He glances at the ranger as the man mocks the house of Imrazor. He removes the oft seen wine horn from under his cloak, he raises it. \"Yet, let us not toast to that which is a divided house, but to the Glory of all Gondor and that of the land of the Rohirrim.\"
[Kerowyn(#10288)] THe sound of her own land toasted turns Kerowyn\'s attention from the noble and the ranger, eyes averted downwards, as if embarrased for their public display. Her gaze soon turns upwards though, to the man uttering such a toast.
Lossaran laughs now, for the whole hall to hear, cutting off Maernus\' toast. \"Mocking you? How could one mock one of such nobility and beauty, for surely my heart would break to mock you in such a way, one such as the Lady Imrazor,\" he says affably. \"I am a speaker of the truth, Lady. If that truth offends you in some way then perhaps you should study yourself to find out why. But remember my words when your niece loses her heart to the first man that hands her his honour. For then you shall curse yourself for being so strict, so uncaring as to take nobility over the man.\"
[Nilgaer(#24951)] Stumbling out of the crowd of dancers, drooling and singing loudly, comes the associate which Nilgae rmade clear soem short time ago that he worked with. The durnken slob is supported by another man with tan skin and sandals, that is grinning widely. Though he is obviously not drunk, the human crutch sings along with his friend patronizingly as he leads the seaman past the nobles and the ranger and towards Nilgaer by the fireplace. Bouning to his feet and stretching, Nils regards the two with a stolid face and amused eyes. \"I s\'pose we should be makin\' our exit soon aye?\" He inquires.
A smile goes to the Blue Squire as he raises the wine horn and the raven head of Ivriniel nods in agreement, \"Yes. Let us toast again to the Glory of all of Gondor AND to that of our allies, the Rohirrim. Thank you for including both in that toast Maernus. That was quite thoughtful of you.\" A pleased smile full of warmth goes to the young squire and then looking to Kerowyn the White Lady gives her a look filled with apology before she turns back to Lossaran with puzzlement upon her brow. \"Have you had too much wine tonight Lossaran? My niece is of no concern of yours, much less the upbringing that my brother insists upon for a woman of her stature. If you more to say, take it up with my brother as Dol Amroth is his fief.\"
Kerowyn slips softly towards the fire and its external warmth, away from the courtly acid that drips from the honeyed lips of the princess and her courtier.
Lossaran shakes his head sadly, returning to his normal quiet self. \"Have it your way, Lady,\" he says, resigned. \"You are too quick to place walls about your heart and that seems to ensnare those of your kin. Perhaps it is your way, or perhaps you are selfish. Either way, you do more harm than you think you do good.\" He begins to walk away, bowing politely to the Lady Kerowyn as she passes. \"Know this however,\" he says with all sincerity, \"Your niece is not happy. I have heard it from her own lips. Your strong hold on her will be her ruin.\" With that he bows to Ivriniel and exits the hall.
Nilgaer tips his glass backwards, emptying about half of it down his gullet as his fellows sidle up beside him. The sober man releases his friend and the drunk falls backwards on his rump. Chuckling, Nils inclines his head to Kerowyn as she approaches the fire, this gesture imitated by his sober fellow. \"Good day.\" he says softly to the Rohirrim healer, then kneels to throw his arm around the slob ont he floor and lift him to his feet with a grunt.
[Maernus(#17520)] \"It was yet a humble duty to remember our allies. For I have faught with them before and they have been as steadfast in combat as any of our own. It was Rohirrim with whom I faught in the Warg Caves all those many moons ago, Lady Princess. There it was their steadfastness and the breaking of the goblin lines by Galdorim that saved my life.\" Maernus speaks to the Princess, trying to speak politely and quickly, to not take up her time. He shakes his head at Lossaran, \"Last I saw of the Lady Princesses neice, she seemed rather happy in the walls of Dol Amroth...but that was also many moons ago.\"
Kerowyn raises a brow at the drunkard\'s slip to the floor, but smile spolitely nonetheless. \"Day it is indeed, I think. And a good one we can only hope sir.\"
The White Lady of Belfalas listens to the last words of venom spoken by the ranger and her head shakes sadly, \"Tis always easy to judge when you know not of what you speak Lossaran\", her words are softly spoken to herself as she watches the man exit the room. Ivriniel turns quietly and takes a seat upon a plush chair in front of the fire, the flickering flames illuminating the lovely face of the woman as she stares into the fire, slowly sipping the last of her wine.
The voice of Maernus catches her attention as he speaks in defence of House Imrazor and a gentle smile plays upon her lips as she looks at the Blue Squire with pride clearly showing in her eyes. As the drunkard slips to the floor a look of resignation fills the Princess as she gracefully rises from her seat upon the chair and speaks quietly to many as she makes her way to the door. Stopping for a moment Ivriniel says to Maernus, \'Your loyalty and words here will not be forgotten\", touching the squire on the arm for an instant before she disappears, leaving the essence of roses lingering in the air.