(Archive) - Durrandir\'s Knighting and Maernus gets Blue!

Elendor - Saturday, April 08, 2000, 8:49 PM

Dol Amroth: Prince\'s Castle - Throne Room

A cavernous room of icy marble yawns about you. The ceiling seems impossibly high--though the chamber\'s width is not exceptional--supported at regular lengths by thin spindles of smooth, undecorated stone. Indeed, the only color in the room itself is a slash of porphyry that runs arrow-straight westward to a set of steps that radiate outward from a tall dais, upon which rests the Marble Throne itself.

Light floods the Throne Room from a bank of massive windows set into the western wall. The central of these directly behind the throne is easily thrice the height of a man and four times his width and grants a vision of fog-shrouded cliffs leading down to the vastness of the Belegaer, with the distant finger of Tirith Aear thrusting up before it some distance to the west. Flanking the central window are thin ribbons of glass, all in pointed stone arches of their own that descend, each on a level with one of the steps of the dais, so that the central window and its point stand highest. Seemingly the only concession to real ornamentation in this room comes in the form of ornately carved stars placed at the top of each of the windows\' arches--seven stars in all, for the ancient house of Elendil the tall.

Contents:

Maernus

Imrahil

Durandir

Obvious exits:

Marble Doors

[Imrahil(#29017)]

Noon within as it is without -- for as the alabaster snow which shrouds the lands, thus the pale walls of the great throne room seem, cold and bright. And even as the golden light of the sun contests the mastery of winter, thus the hall glitters with a brilliant fire of its own -- for here are gathered the lords and ladies of the realm, proud and tall, clad in richest raiment and jewels akin to drops of fire!

And foremost among them, seated upon his high throne is Imrahil the Fair, lordly and stern.

[Durandir(#30040)]

The great doors are gently held ajar. Foremost in the line are courtiers, and they line the marvellous carpet to the dias, ten score or more. An old hearld walks in, and opens a parchment, calling names and titles. After a brief interlude, the forms of two figures -- one masculine, and one definitely feminine, fill the marble entrance.

As they approach, it is apparent one is Lady Ivriniel. The other, side by side the Princess, holds a slender arm carefully. As they pass the courtiers, each one raises his trumpet, and the hearld directs the rise and fall of notes with his rapier, and finally cuts it off with a wide flourish.

\"Hail the Princess of Dol Amroth, and Durandir.\"

[Imrahil(#29017)]

Slowly the Prince rises and comes forth to stand before his throne -- thus he stays, still and unmoving, until the clear call of the trumpets died a slow death, and the murmurs cease. And in the silence, Imrahil inclines his head to the White Lady, and a smile fleets across his face, ere he bends his gaze upon those gathered hither.

\"In days not long past, I set a heavy burden upon those who serve me -- yet, they bore it well indeed! For the Tale of the Bregasul and the Lay of Azrakhor the bold are sung from northern fastness to southern shore by the bards of the realm! Know then that a high fate awaits those who returned alive from that perilous quest!\"

A soft rustle of satin skirts whisper around the form of Lady Ivriniel as she glides into the room. Silvery threads woven into the white softness of her gown shimmer in the brightly lit room. A noble tilt of her head acknowledges the hearld announcing her arrival.One delicate hand rests lightly upon the arm of Durandir, her escort for the evening.

A serene smile curves the corners of Ivriniel\'s mouth as silvery grey eyes flit over the crowd for a moment, pausing to briefly she nods her head at those she knows and then they rest upon the Prince of Dol Amroth, her kinsmen.

[Maernus(#17520)] With as little noise as the semi-crippled Maernus can muster he tries to go unnoticed in his entrance. He turns to the trumpteers. \"Nay, nay. I am not worthy of being announced.\" He notices Ivriniel and tries to go towards the other side of the hall from the highborn noble woman.

[Durandir(#30040)]

The \'escort\' of Ivriniel gently releases her hand, and comes before the Lord of Amroth. Durandir, clad darkly and girt in fine cloth and sword kneels. He brings his head upwards towards the Stars of Elendil, and speaks. \"Nay, Imrahil the Fair. I am not worthy of any praise, nor will I easily accept any rewards for service and duty.\" His face is stern and brave, his eyes gleaning the Son of Adrahil.

\"Let it be known that Durandir of Amroth is no bigot, and his head is still somewhere near the ground.\" Gentle laughter fills the air, and a smile crosses the face of the page. Then his face returns.

\"To Azrakhor the Bold! Let us not dwell on sorrow, but on laughter, and reap the rewards of the plentiful harvest!\"

[Imrahil(#29017)]

\"Know then...\" -- and it is as if the Prince pays no heed to the words of the one who kneels before him. yet, he lays a hand upon his shoulder, stilling him, \"...that Lord Calimacil and Lord Ithilir -- who yet hold the southern shores against the Corsairs of Umbar -- shall stand highest among my thanes. Lord Calimacil I name Knight-Marshall, chiefest among those who serve me, and Lord Ithilir shall be Knight-Captain in his stead!\"

And the silence remains yet for a fleeting moment ere being shattered by a hundred voices and more rising in a great cry, and the drawing of swords is a leaping fire.

\"Hail Calimacil, Knight-Marshall! Hail Ithilir, Knight-Captain!\"

Standing just to the right of the Prince, Ivriniel watches Imrahil as he speaks to those present. The beauty of the sister of Imrahil never more present as raven tresses have regrown to allow her trademark jewelled combs to once again be slipped into her hair. A swell of pride doth rise her bosom as Lord Calimcil and Lord Ithilir and honoured. Her voice rings in pride, \"Hail Calimacil. Hail Ithilir\", long fingers are brought together to clap in celebration as a flush of colour tinges her porcelain cheeks. Bright eyes return to focus on her brother, majestic and commanding as he stands before his peoples.

[Imrahil(#29017)]

Before the raised hand of Imrahil, the cries cease -- and upon Durandir his gaze rests now, keen and stern, \"Not worthy of praise? Humility is a virtue, Squire -- and yet, not always does it speak truth! Remember you the Knight who saved you when the Southrons ravaged Lebennin...and died for it?\"

Maernus turns to lean agaisnt the wall of the hall and watch and cheer for the men being praised. He watches to see how Durandir will respond to Imrahil.

[Durandir(#30040)]

The bright face of squire turns to the entrance, as if expecting something to enter. The fanfare was greater this time, the trumpeters more enthuastic. \"Methinks I embarassed myself\", mutters Durandir in exagerated archaic. He winks at Maernus, and poses still kneeling before the dias. \"I wonder what Sir Ithilir will think, now that he is Knight-Captain.\" He looks sheepishly to Imrahil, but his face turns solemn when moment is relived.

\"Never will I forget the sin I commited that day. You are right Lord of Amroth... humility is not always a virtue. However, I do not think I am misplaced today. Thine own heart knows the truth -- you could have sent many more capable than me on the quest for knowledge. I have no special deed to be shown, only the service for my Prince and the People of Gondor.\"

[Imrahil(#29017)]

\"and your service is no small thing! Know then that by your deeds have you paid the weregild for his fall!\"

And with a great ringing of steel, Umbardacil is drawn, mighty blade forged in Beleriand of old when Arda was yet young.

Tall and commanding Imrahil the Fair stands, and his voice seems greater yet for the silence shrouding the great hall, \"Take the hilt and swear the Oath of Knighthood, Durandir, Squire of Dol Amroth!\"

[Durandir(#30040)]

\"No! Not like this! I do not deserve it yet!\" The voice of the squire is desperate. \"There is still so much to be done, still so much to see! This is umseemingly -- I am lured into a banquet, promised food... is this the way it must be?\" Durandir finally realizes it is hopeless, and faces the Prince, regaining control of himself.

\"Here do I, Durandir of Dol Amroth swear fealty to the Lord and Prince of Dol Amroth, and to the Order of the Swan, to stand beside my brethren in all things, though darkest shadow should bar the way, to ever be faithful to the Brotherhoood in deed or thought, from this hour henceforth, until my lord release me, or death take me, or the world end.\"

The oath is forsworn, and the blade of the Knight is drawn and brought, service offered to Imrahil forever.

Solemn is the face of Ivriniel as she stands quietly, eyes drawn to the mighty blade drawn by Imrahil. Then silvery grey eyes fall upon the young squire as the voice of Imrahil rings out, commanding him to take the Oath of Knighthood. Disbelief mars her expression as the young squire disputes the honour bestowed upon him. Frowning slightly, her hands clasp in front of her, intently starting at Durandir as if to ....then, thankfully, the squire realizes the error of his ways and swears fealty to the House of Imrazor. A long breath is taken as Ivriniel releases she had been holding her breath.

[Imrahil(#29017)]

And the radiance of Umbardacil is veiled again, held within it\'s sheath.

Softly the Prince speaks, such that none save the one who kneels before him can hear his words, \"Ware humility which grows too great, Durandir of Dol Amroth -- for thus you place a greater value upon yourself than is seemly. Rise now and take your place among my Knights!\"

And yet again the great cry rises to the vaulted ceiling, \"Hail Durandir, Knight of the Swan!\"

Maernus grins as this honor is bestowed upon Durandir. \"All hail, Sir Durandir, newest of the knights of the swan! May you see many great days in the future, Sir Knight.\" He claps for the man.

[Imrahil(#29017)]

\"And last but not least in deed and service\" -- swiftly the Prince\'s gaze sweeps around the great chamber, lingering on none -- \"where is Maernus, Squire of Dol Amroth? Let him come forth to stand before me!\"

Maernus stands from the corner and slowly makes his way forward. \"I am here Lord Prince. What is it you require from, I shall gladly do this.\"

[Rorgomir(#19834)]

Striding through the twin doors of Marble, or at least as much as can one stride who has but a single leg of flesh, comes the retired Captain of the sea, Rorgomir, tall and proud, though somewhat underdressed for the occaision. He makes his way toward the front of the observers and stops at a point of observation near enough to the Prince with a short bow for those eyes that have taken notice of him. None too few whispers abound among the Lords of Belfalas present, no doubt sons protesting this man\'s plain appearance, and their fathers explaining to them the old Captain\'s prior service to the Prince. Still, there are no few among them who do not let their eyes linger overlong upon the retired captain, dissaproval evident upon their widened eyes and furrowed brows.

But for the announcement of their Prince to bring them back to the more celebratory matters at hand, some among them would, no doubt, have openly called for the man\'s dismissal from the gallery of those come to observe.

[Durandir(#30040)]

So Durandir is Knighted before Amroth, and his face is grateful, looking upwards before the courtiers, soldiers, Lords, Ladies, and Knights assembled. He says nothing, and after a while sheaths his blade, and cries out before court of Imrahil. \"Hail Gondor! Hail Imrahil!\"

Durandir turns to Maernus, and winks muttering something. \"They\'ve trapped you too Maernus... it won\'t be long now...\" He smiles, and beams, and he turns to approaching men the cavernous hall being lit by candles now hastily brought to combat slumber of the sun -- and the entrance of Rorgomir, Master of Ship and Sea.

[Imrahil(#29017)]

Yet, the murmurs are stilled, and the furrowed brows are smoothened -- for the Prince\'s gaze comes to rest upon Rorgomir, and he inclines his head in greeting, silent yet courteous.

To Maernus again he turns then, \"And you, Maernus -- you who went even into the shadow of death with your brethren and did not hold back -- Blue-Squire I name you!\"

And two retainers come forth to stand before the Knight and the Squire, bearing open caskets -- and within them on cloths of velvet rest a mighty sword and a great horn, wrought with cunning detail.

\"Behold Lachrist, the Flame-Cleaver, ancient blade crafted in days of old ere the downfall of Numenor! Take it up Durandir, and bear it ever against the East! And you, Maernus -- take you the horn and keep it ever by you, for a power is upon it to strike fear into the hearts your foes and strengthen the will of those who fight beside you. Never will you want for aid, should you blow it!\"

[Rorgomir(#19834)]

\"HEAR! HEAR!\" roars the captain, his voice still great even among the applauding cheers that now erupt from the gallery. A broad smile is upon the face of Rorgomir and he nods in approval of the gifts of the Prince, as if one such as Imrahil would even consider whether or not gifts of such treasures as these meet with the approval of an old salt such as he.

Maernus bows deeply to Imrahil. \"Lord Prince, you do me honor for which I claim not, I do but my duty to serve the Lord Prince. However, I shall take this which you give me, Lord Prince, and fight the foes of Gondor as I have sworn to fight from now untill the time that I return to the soil from hence I came.\"

[Durandir(#30040)]

The youthful Knight approaches Lachrist, and nods approvingly. He takes it with one hand, and recites the runes inscribed atop the pommel. The old blade is slid out, and gently placed down on the velvet paddings. \"Ward my sword well Sir. Although it is ordinary, it has served my cause. Make sure it comes into the hands of some deserving squire, and nameless it be, but never forgotten.

Durandir, Swan-Knight of Gondor takes the longsword into his care. \"Such is the Will of the Prince, and so it shall be!\", he says softly amongst the cheers and praise.

[Imrahil(#29017)]

\"That is well, Squire -- see that you hold true to your words!\"

And at the sea captain\'s great cry, a smile, fleets across the Prince\'s voice, \"One other thing I would say, but ere that -- what will you have of me, you who have served me so long and so well? Ask, and if it lies within my power to do so, it will be done!

[Rorgomir(#19834)]

A dead calm envelops the rest of the gallery, and the old captain steps forward, the hollow clack of his wooden leg echoing throughout the chamber at every other step. Hunkering down upon his good right knee, the retired captain bows even his head before the Prince, and seems to be lost in thought for a long moment ere he speaks in a soft voice, more unto himself than any other, \"A ship...\"

Then louder so that all those assembled can hear, \"Your Grace, my Prince, there is but one thing I desire above all others -- to serve you well under sail and sky.\" He takes a breath and looks up from where his eyes had focused upon the floor, \"If it be in your power, Your Grace, I would officially end my retirement this very day and take up the captaincy of any vessel thou shalt find me worthy of so guiding!\"

[Imrahil(#29017)]

For long moments the Prince regards the kneeling man -- upon his weathered face that clear gaze lingers, and the leg wrought of wood, and surely there are some here who would deem it madness to grant such a wish!

And in the end, gravely Imrahil inclines his head, \"So be it -- the Hyarmentir shall be yours!\"

Hyarmentir -- swift and fair as few among the Swan-Fleet of Dol Amroth!

Maernus turns to Rorgomir. \"Hail Rorgomir! Great amoung the men of the sea is he. May his ship see many victories agains the foul dogs of Umbar!\" He claps for the old sea dog.

[Rorgomir(#19834)]

Long it seems the gallery shall remain silent, but at the cheer of the newly promoted squire, and so as not to be outdone, they lend their voices as well, \"Hail Captain Rorgomir!\" And with a spattering of polite applause, the Captain rises again to his full height, even as one old man far at the back of the gallery calls out, his quavering voice barely carrying above the small noises the crowd is making, \"Now does Gondor again have her own Dread Captain!\"

[Durandir(#30040)]

Durandir is silent, perhaps musing over the fate destined for him. The calls of Maernus and the crowd startle him, and he turns to Rorgomir. \"Hail Rorgomir.\", he says absently, still caught by the words of his Lord. He pauses, and calls out more loudly. \"Hail Rorgomir, Sea Master of the West! May he bring the Hyarmentir to new heights and victories!\"

[Imrahil(#29017)]

As distant thunder the voices in the throne room sound now, rising and falling -- and yet again they are stilled by the Prince\'s raised hand.

\"And the last matter of import -- Golasgil, Lord of Anfalas and one I deem friend, seeks my aid. Therefore, I must leave Dol Amroth and go North to succour him, and I fear i shall not return for long months! My sons shall go with me, and in my stead, the Council of Three shall rule Dol Amroth -- my sister, the Lady Ivriniel, the Knight-Marshall, and the Seneschal. And the Knight-Captain and the Chamberlain shall aid them in all things.\"

[Rorgomir(#19834)]

Now that things have turned to a more \'courtly\' note, Rorgomir fidgets just a bit, and bows toward the Prince, \"May your journey be safe and swift, with the wind always at your back!\"

Then muttering an apology about an inspection of his ship, the Captain bows again to the Prince and begins to back away, back nearly to the gallery before he pauses.

Dol Amroth: Prince\'s Castle - Throne Room

Much of the room is lost to the shadows of evening, for neither lamp nor torch can hope to banish the gloom from all corners of such a vast chamber. The purple-carpeted path towards the dais and throne is lit well-enough, though, by gently-glowing lamps hung from the columns that support the distant ceiling. The dais itself is lit by star- and moonglow from the windows upon the west behind it. The windows face onto a landscape of fog and incandescence beyond, with the black shape of Tirith Aear looming in the distance, its top flashing out a beacon of light at intervals that warns approaching ships of the dangers surrounding Dol Amroth\'s promontory.

Contents:

Rorgomir

Maernus

Imrahil

Durandir

Obvious exits:

Marble Doors

[Durandir(#30040)]

Dignitaries and Servants alike bow to the words of Imrahil. \"Strong will Amroth stand in the absence of our Lord.\", murmers one richly dressed man. Others nod their heads and speak franticly. Obviously, tonight has been a day of wonder and excitement.

\"We will protect the city for him, until he returns to retake the mantle of leadership!\", cries out one particularly excited guardsman. Everybody is caught up in the fervor of the moment, and the feast arrives through the marble doors almost unoticed, brought by the nimble hands of master cooks and women.

[Imrahil(#29017)]

Into the silence -- one of startlement and dismay -- the Prince speaks again, \"Yet, I will surely return again to fair Dol Amroth by the Sea when my task there is done. And therefore, I bid you to be merry and cast away your worries this day!\"

And the great doors of marble swing open, and the silver notes of the trumpets rise again -- but greater yet is Imrahil\'s voice, \"To the Harpers\' Hall!\"

[Rorgomir(#19834)]

As the assmeblage files out, few even take notice of the Captain slipping away, off to tend to his new vessel.

Mail Message Number 8 (Message ID #: 600632)

FROM: Imrahil - Sat Apr 08 21:51:59 2000

SUBJECT: Namarie!

MESSAGE: ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Exactly one year after taking on the role of Imrahil, I\'m giving up the mantle of the Prince and shifting my FC out of the culture. The RP has been fantastic, the people have been great, and I don\'t think I\'ve ever enjoyed a character more -- but it\'s time to move on. I\'ve seen just about everything there is to see (including, of course, the Pelennor Fields flash Forward. Probably the culmination of the role), and a change of scenery will do me good. And a special thank you to the DAers for making this character so fun to play.

I\'ll always be page_ok as Erestor, and I\'ll have an alt here as well -- but that\'s a different story. :)

Namarie!

Imrahil VI

-The Prince-

[Dol Amroth ZMO(#5927)->] Announcement: Maernus has changed the GPOLL to: We Shall Miss You Imrahil!