The Red Book of Westmarch

A tale of the Gondorian

‹ Return to Gondorian

(Archive) The Barad Nimothan

A tale freshly told of the Gondorian

Where
Gondor

RP at Barad Nimothan

Elendor - Thursday, July 20, 2000, 6:44 PM

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

Weather: Rainy

Time: Early Night

Season: Autumn

Date: Mersday - November 10, 3020

Real Time: Thu Jul 20 16:41:02 2000

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

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:

Daemril

Tamran

Hemel

Corinne

Faengor

Obvious exits:

Guilded Doors and Gate

The rumble of carriage wheels can be heard pulling up to the great hall of Barad Nimothan. Two men in livery of the House Bragollach jump from the back of the carriage and move to open the door and assist the woman. Stepping forth is Lady Aearwen, envoy of the Prince. The stormy weather dictates the woman lift her skirts from the wet ground as she hurries towards the house. Her words speak softly to the men as she says, \'See to the steeds before the trunk is brought into the house.\"

With that she knocks upon the door and nods her noble head to the door keeper, \"Lady Aearwen, of Ethring-Bragollach to see Lord Nimothan.\" Calmly assessing the beauty of the house as she passes through the wide doors, stopping for a moment to view a lovely tapestry upon the wall as she says to the housekeeper, \"A room with a nice view would be preferable. Thank you.\" The rustle of her rose coloured satin gown sounds as she walks from painting to painting, noting more to herself than anyone, \"The Lord does enjoy pieces of art. That doth surprise me\"

[Faengor(#18480)] Waiting near the gate stands Faengor, Son of Gelevorn and Lord of Nimothan, dressed in white robes, bearing the livery of The White Tree and the Snorting ramhead of Nimothan. Upon the entry of the Lady Braggollach the Lord immediately moves to her with proud and gracefull shreds, lightly bowing to her as he reaches her and immediately proceeding to walk next to her as she admires the paintings as he introduces himself, \"I am Faengor, son of Gelevorn and a Lord of Nimothan. Lord Erinhaim has be looking forward to your visit Lady Aearwen.\"

Turning at the sound of the gentleman\'s voice, Aearwen smiles brightly, \'Good day Faengor. We have met but once, the day in Drover\'s Inn some time back. Tis a pleasure to see you again.\" Her hand indicates the works of art on the walls as she says, \"A very lovely collection of fine art you have here.\" Cerulean eyes filled with warmth gaze upon the countenance of the man as she replies, \"Thank you. I am looking forward to seeing Lord Erinhaim again. He is an old friend and acquaintance.\", a twinkle of mischief dances in her eyes as she inquires, \"Have you heard of a barrel of water and the Lord?\"

[Faengor(#18480)] \"Ah, indeed\" the Lord speaks as he raises a hand near his head, to point out his recalling of such said event as he continues to walk with Aearwen, likewise gazing at the pictures as they pass, switching his gaze between the woman and the pictures and as she compliments the taste of the Nimothan he smiles broadly to her, inclining his head gracefully, \"Thank you Milady, I am sure that Lord Erinhaim will be looking forward to seeing you just as well,\" and after a few seconds of thought he adds, \"Yet, tell me of the barrel of water and Lord Erinhaim?\"

The twinkling of a ruby stone upon the right hand of Lady Aearwen flashes in the light as she reaches up to touch the one tapestry upon the wall, \"Such detail\" Laughing softly she turns her attention back to Lord Nimothan says, her voice softly teasing as she replies, \"I am afraid you shall have to ask Erinhaim about that incident. He is one of many facets and great depth.\" Casually her shoulder shrugs as she says, \"My curiosity begged that I inquired about this said event.\", again the twinkling of blue eyes as she says, \"Shall we sit and discuss the events of the upcoming party? I had just returned to Dol Amroth with Melethron when the news of this invitation was received by messenger. A soft flush of colour tinges the delicate beauty of her skin as she admits, \'My betrothed shall be surprised when the news of my departure is given to him.\"

[Faengor(#18480)] A soft chuckle escapes the Nimothan as he gazes at the Braggollach with the same twinkling eyes, filled with mirth and joy. A small dimple apears in the Nimothan\'s left cheek as he speaks with a warm and amused voice, \"It is not in my right to question the Lord Nimothan, Lady Aearwen, I had hoped to receive the news from you.\" Reaching a soft couch, draped with red satin Faengor strethces out his hand, motioning to the couch with an open palm, \"It would be my honor to be able to discuss the upcoming events with the Envoy of the Prince.\"

A twinkling of laughter much like the ringing of silver bells sounds as Lady Aearwen admits, \"No words shall you hear from my lips about Lord Erinhaim. He is a much beloved friend of mine and shall have to tell his own tales.\" Taking the few steps twoards the soft couch, Lady Aearwen seats upon the couch and gently smoothes the satin of her gown. \"Thankfully, I did sleep in the carriage the last few hours of the ride here. I now suppose I shall be awake a good portion of the night.\" A servant wanders in and out of the room and walks to the woman, \"May I bring you some refreshments, M\'Lady?\" A gentle nod of her head is given to the servant as she says, \"A glass of hot tea with just a spoon of honey stirred into it would be heavenly. There was quite a chill in the air as I entered.\" With that her attention is turned back to Faengor as she inquires, \"Do tell me of House Nimothan. I know little about the recent events as I have been overseeing the House of Healing per our Lord Stewards command\"

[Maernus(#17520)] Following along upon the road scant number of minutes after the carriage of the Lady Bragollach follows behind a lone horseman. Even with the rain of the day, the figures all black visage stands out, the dieing rays of the sun changing the colors of the black. This visage is made all the more to stand out for the horse is a fair steed of Rohan. When he reaches the estates, he climbs the steps to the door of the building. He knocks rather quickly and begins to talk to the doorman, \"Maernus Calgar, squire to Sir Durandir. I have heard he is attending the festivities being hosted by the Nimothan and I have writ to search him out.\"

[Faengor(#18480)] The Nimothan smiles gracefully, two small dimples apearing on his cheeks as he curls his lips in a broad smile for Aearwen, obviously enjoying her prescense. \"Then I fear I shall have to face Lord Erinhaim himself if I do not wish to jeopardize the friendship between the fiery house of Braggollach and the stoic Nimothans.\" he speaks with a mirthfull voice, as he stretches out his hands to help the envoy of Imrahil seating herself. Then as he seates himself on Aearwen\'s left side, never taking his gaze of her, \"Much there is to tell of my house Lady Aearwen, is there anything in speccific you wish to learn?\"

Smiling as the servant brings the requested cup of tea, Aearwen gently stirs the silver spoon into the porcelain cup and blows across the top of the steaming liquid before she takes a tiny sip. The knock upon the door garners her attention as the squire of Durandir comes into the room. Turning to Faengor she asks, \"How long has Durandir been here at House Nimothan?\", an idle question but one can see the tiny frown that burrows between her brows as she awaits the answer.

[Maernus(#17520)] The partially wooden leg of the Squire Calgar resonates within the Barad Nimothan. He approaches the hall and notices Aearwen, he stands a foot of her and the strange noble she has taken company with. He glances around the room, beholding for himself the art of the Nimothans.

[Faengor(#18480)] Likewise Faengor\'s gaze trails to the large door that gives entrance to the great hall of Barad Nimothan, curiously gazing at Durandir\'s squire, unknowing of the man\'s identity. The Lord narrows his eyes into tiny slits as he peers at the gate as if it would increase his perception. Turning back to Aearwen he speaks, \"Sir Durandir has been the guest of Lord Rorgan for a considerable timen Lady Aearwen.

Slowly sipping her tea the eyes of Lady Aearwen watch the Blue Squire move across the room, the sound of his leg thumping against the the wooden floor. A look filled with inquiry and a touch of pity, perhaps in her eyes as she inquires, \"Good evening Maernus. And your journey from Dol Amroth was good, I hope?\" Turning back to Faengor she smiles a bit and then says, \'I do look forward to seeing my old friend Rorgan. \"

[Maernus(#17520)] Bowing deeply to the Lady Aearwen, Maernus responds. \"Greetings Lady Aearwen.\" He stands and continues, \"It was, I have yet to find a ride through Gondor or Rohan to be unpleasant. For there be no lands as fair as Gondor and Rohan.\" He turns to Faengor, \"Excuse me Lord, I do not think I have had the opertunity to properly introduce myself to you.\"

[Faengor(#18480)] Solemnly Faengor raises from the couch, placing his open right hand on his heart, as a gesture of goodwill as he bows before the Lord with grace and swiftness, swaying his hands gracefully, \"I am Faengor, Son of Gelevorn of Nimothan and Man-at-Arms of the Silver Company of the noble city of Minas Tirith, in the service of the proud and noble Lord Steward.\"

The sweetness of honeyed words fall from the soft pink lips of Lady Aearwen as she nods her head in agreement, \'I do love the ride from Gondor and on to Rohan. Remember the beauty of the Plains when we were destroying the lair of the wargs?\" A nostalgic expression drifts across her face as she says, \'How I long to visit those that we met there.\" Shaking her head suddenly, auburn curls dancing across her shoulders as she says, \"Ah, do forgive me Lord Faengor. My duties as envoy have taken me to the far corners of Gondor, Rohan and even into the darkness of Umbar.\", a shudder is seen as the expression upon her face turns to distaste.

[Maernus(#17520)] \"Tis true, were I not bound to stay, I would journey to Rohan and revists those places. I remember most kindly the Rohirrim, I faught with them in the cave proper.\" Maernus speaks, he hears the phrase of Umbar and speaks not about the dark corsairs of that place. \"I also remember much else of what happened there, but I feel no need to fill your ears with stories of a time passed of and people passed, Lady.\"

[Maernus(#17520)] The squire returns the bow of the Nimothan. \"Tis a pleasure to meet you Lord Faengor. It has been some time since I have talked to you or your fellow brothers of the guard of stalwart Minas Tirith. I hope your fellow nimothan and steward of Barad Nimothan is here. It has also been long since I have seen him.\" He nods slowly to Faengor, half listening for his reply. He turns to Aearwen, \"Tis true, were I not bound to stay, I would journey to Rohan and revists those places. I remember most kindly the Rohirrim, I faught with them in the cave proper.\" Maernus speaks, he hears the phrase of Umbar and speaks not about the dark corsairs of that place. \"I also remember much else of what happened there, but I feel no need to fill your ears with stories of a time passed of and people passed, Lady.\"

[Faengor(#18480)] Faengor nods softly and inclines his head to the couple in greeting oncemore, at the same time raising his left hand in the air, tickling the air with his fingertops to motion one of the servants to aproach him and upon his arrival he speaks with a clear and pure voice, \"If you would like to take a bottle of wine from my personal cellars and bring us three glasses?\" and after eyeing Maernus oncemore, \"And a comfortable couch for the squire.\"

And as the servant scurries away with the Lord\'s orders Faengor turns to Aearwen, smiling warmly to her. \"Rohan I have often visited Lady Braggollach, yet never have I sailed into the darkness that is Umbar.\"

[Thorondur(#13821)] Guttering torchlight and the distant sound of rain beyond the walls these things set a damp and chilly mood upon the world in this hour, this late and darkened hour. An hour when the world would sleep, and yet it finds the Hall of the Nimothan yet alive with those who would yet fight the battle of wakefulness.

[Thorondur(#13821)] At this hour, aye, few would sleep, and in this weather, this late-autumn climate of light-forsaken dampness and storms, of cold winds and sodden roads to chill the bones, fewer still would travel.

Yet from beyond the gate come the muffled cries of the watch, and greeting from beyond the gate comes the clamor of riders, of full harness and of hooves. Arrivals? Now?

Kalenar Salutes Gaengor and Maernus, then heads towrds the fire. \"A cold night, my lords. Might I rest here one night more before I return to my home- to Minis Tirith?

Falling silent as Umbar is again mentioned, Lady Aearwen sips of her tea and finally raises cerulean eyes to those of Lord Nimothan and says quietly, \"Tis not a place to be talked of with a smile upon your face. The blood of many Gondorians spilled upon that foreign soil.\" Nodding her head to Maernus she says, \"The Rohirrim are indeed bond to us by the Oath of Eorl.\"

[Thorondur(#13821)] From the outside, the gate is flung open, and a page in the Ram\'s livery darts within, wet from his dash between watchpost and keep, and sleepy-eyed--yet in his face shines the excitement of youth. \"Find the lord, find the lord,\" he cries, eager and earnest. \"Find the lord!\"

\"The Lord Girithlin is come, and a dozen knights and lords bannermen with him!\"

[Maernus(#17520)] \"I agree, you must have never been there to speak of that which some of even your fellowsof the guard are oath bound to see burnt and her ground salted or eslt die while trying.\" Maernus says to the noble, his eyes have a glare behind as he speaks of umbar. \"However, here we are close to Rohan and there is a land for which we may smile. Rohan is our greatest of friends and allies and I have found many a men in Rohan willing to fight alongside us. Without such men...\" He is cut off as the harold speaks, \"Lord Girithlin? He is not dead upon his quest it seems.\"

Quietly rising from the couch and placing the porcelain cup upon the dark table Lady Aearwen says in a voice that is suddenly filled with weariness, \"Goodnight gentleman. The night has taken a toll upon my person and I find that I must find respite.\" Turning to Lord Nimothan she bows her head, \"Again. Thank you for your hospitality and I look forward to my visit here at Barad Nimothan. Maernus.\", bowing her head to the Blue Squire she turns towards the servant hovering at the doorway and says, \"Please direct me to my room.\" and with that the envoy of Imrahil disappears through the doorway leaving the lingering scent of jasmine in the room.

[Faengor(#18480)] \"My apologies Lady Aearwen,\" the Lord speaks as he inclines his head to her, \"I did not know that the subject was so sensitive to you.\" Then as Aearwen orders the servant to escort her to her room the Lord turns to the squire, bowing to him in an apologizing manner, \"My apologies Maernus, but I will likewise have to retreat to my chambers,\" and after some consideration he adds, \"I am sure one of our servants will show you Sir Durandir\'s room.\" Then he himself departs

[Thorondur(#13821)] And so it is, that heralded by rain and the cries of children, the Herald of Imrahil comes. A great lord in his own right, perhaps, but to see Thorondur Edrahil, the Girithlin, this night, is not to know it. At the head of a dozen men he comes, knights and nobles all, most surely--yet they are sodden, and their riding leathers soaked dark with heaven\'s tears.

\"A pity the Lord Numandil is not here to greet us,\" Thorondur is saying to a companion as they enter, and ere he pauses to scan the Hall with ckeen blue eyes. \"Who,\" he wonders allowed of the assembled, \"...is Master of this house in his stead?\"

[Maernus(#17520)] The Squire Calgar bows to both the Lady Aearwen and the Lord Faengor as they depart. He notices both the Lord Girithlin\'s entourage and the visage of Kalenar. He starts to walk towards Kalenar, \"Excuse me, sir, but do you happen to know if the Lord Nimothan or the Steward of Barad Nimothan is currently afoot? I think the most honoured guests now arriving might require one of their presances.

[Thorondur(#13821)] Stripping off his wet and clinging gloves, finger by finger, Thorondur\'s lips paint a pained smile as a squire--equally drenched from the long, rainy ride--divests him of his greatcloak. Being met with no answer, he looks again about the vast hall, taking its measure from left to right -- searching surely, searching, for one who seems fit to the command of this place.

[Maernus(#17520)] \"Perhaps I should go inform them of that...\" Maernus trails off, the blue squire then begins to procede across the hall towards to Thorondur and his fellows. He approaches close and then kneels before the Lord, \"Lord Girithlin, I am under the impression that the sole reason for your approach of the Barad Nimothan, the Lord Nimothan or the Steward of Barad Nimothan, neither are upon the grounds currently, or so I can tell, Lord.\" He stays kneels and bows his head before the Knight-Herald.

[Thorondur(#13821)] The young lord\'s smile goes from wan and tired to, if yet weary, a more bemused expression. \"Rise, Squire,\" Thorondur says after a moment\'s wait, gesturing with an open palm for Maernus to do just that. \"We stand not on ceremony here. And I do not seek the Lord Nimothan in truth -- No, not half so much as the dryness of his roof.\"

The knights who have come with the Girithlin laugh at that, their spirits brightened. Thorondur, meanwhile, says on, \"We are riding on other roads than his. Yet tonight, our paths cross. Tell me--is there room for the Knights of Dol Amroth in this house, for a night?\"

[Maernus(#17520)] Raising slowly, squire stands silent for a few moments. \"I do not know, lord. I am not even aware of where the the accomadations of Sir Durandir are, let alone how many more do lay open upon this night. I am sure, however, that the House Nimothan will try to accomadate you and your fellows. Pray tell, what brings you to this house Lord Girithlin? I last saw you many a day ago leaving on a quest.\"

[Thorondur(#13821)] \"That very errand,\" replies the Lord Thorondur to the squire, Maernus, without further elaboration, \"brings us hither. And it will send us away again, upon the morrow. Cardendil!\" he says sharply, turning over his shoulder a squire appears from behind the knights.

\"Gather your brethren, and fetch our saddlebags and gear my brothers and I will see to it that you lads are fed, and well.\" The boy grins, bows without comment, and drags his reluctant comrades into the rain once more.

[Maernus(#17520)] \"And it must be or at least it always seems so. Were I not bound, I would travel with you and your brothers, if you would have me, Lord Girithlin.\" Maernus says as he glances around, spotting one of the servants. \"I am sure that one of the servants will help you gather food for your company, am I able to help in anyway?\" He goes about trying to find a servant to get food for the knights.

[Thorondur(#13821)] \"Perhaps,\" answers Thorondur, momentarily considering the question. When he speaks again, it is quiet and tinged with curiosity. \"Which knight do you serve, Squire?\"

Kalenar Sits by the fire, weary from cleaning the Beacons.

[Maernus(#17520)] The squire calgar manages to get a servant to find food for the knights, he then returns to properly respond to Thorondur, \"With the departure of Sir Calimacil I have been made squire of Sir Durandir. Which is the main reason I am currently here, I had been informed that he was the guest of the Nimothans.\"

[Thorondur(#13821)] \"Durandir?\" The name would seem to carry with it a hint of surprise Thorondur\'s elegant brows arch, a dark line of inquiry above his eyes. \"He lives, and is in health to travel?\"

[Maernus(#17520)] \"Yes, he mysteriously awakened some long nights ago.\" Maernus respondes, slightly suprised, \"Yet in failure of my duties I have not seen to him since before he awakened. I am hoping to find him somewhere here, before he ventures for Fair Amroth once again.\"

Thorondur\'s only answer, this time, is a thoughtful nod his mind seems to be elsewhere, perhaps. Finally, he speaks aloud once more. \"I thank you, Squire. Yet now I must find a bed for myself. Good luck to you in this quest of your own,\" he adds, as if in benediction, a secret smile in his eyes.

Kalenar motions to the squire, his eyes dark. \"What news bring you? I always with to know. From wither have you come?

[Maernus(#17520)] Nodding to Thorondur, Maernus begins to walk back towards Kalenar. \"I do not bear any news, all is yet well upon the fair streets of Amroth, from hence I came, lest something has gone wrong since I set out upon the roads. What news of the repairs of the beacon towers can you grant me?\"

Kalenar nods, his head weary with the repairs. \"The towers were dammaged badly, and much debree came in. I am but shortly returned from there. It is now clean, and we begin to repair on the morrow.

[Maernus(#17520)] \"Ah, the beacons will once again shine in the night. Pray tell, what fear did bring the Rohirrim and Gondorrim hither to repair the once proud beacons?\" Maernus inquires of the worker.

[Thorondur(#13821)] The Lord Girithlin and the knights who accompany him depart the hall, leaving it hushed and quiet yet again.

[Maernus(#17520)] \"The east? The east is Ithilien, it must be the dark forests from hence tales come amoung the Rohirrim that reach the ears of even us that they are fearing renewed attacks from the dark then. I pray the beacons be not needed for some time.\" Maernus says, then nods to the man. \"You must excuse me, I have to go and search out quarter of my own for the night and perhaps find Sir Durandir. I am sure I will see you again, upon the morrow or the next.\" The squire hastily hurries out of the hall. Leaving the worker alone.

❦ ❦ ❦
‹ Return to Gondorian