The Pretender Chronicles - Menawa\'s Mission
From the archives of the Gondorian
Lord Curugil Gildring bestows a mission upon young Menawa
Elendor - Friday, March 06, 2009, 4:54 PM
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The High House of Lore(#18959Rn)
This ancient building, stands as an adjutant of the Academy of Ostoher. This main entrance hall, is a large, pillared affair rising to a lofty ceiling. From this main hall there are several small halls leading to places of study, but of chief dominance is a set of spiral staircases that circle upward.
This large chamber is evidently used as a place of lecture and gathering. On the walls, there are several frescoes, the chief of which depicts the first ruling Queen of Numenor, Tar Ancalime, yet of chief interest are the sculptures, two of which stand most prominently by the staircase. These two statues are both of Numenorean kings, and beneath the one on the right is inscribed the name: Vardamir Nolimon. Beneath the other, Tar-Elendil Parmaite.
Contents:
Gweneth
Arathis
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The aftermath of the incident three nights prior has taken its toll on the House of High Lore. Although the body and other evidence of the would-be arsonist is gone, there nevertheless is a subdued atmosphere in what is already a subdued place.
Curugil Gildring can be found this day in the main hall, overseeing the clean-up work.
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Menawa arives with as little fanfare and to-do as she always does, simply coming through the door and stepping inside. She absently rubs a coin between her thumb and palm, as if it gives comfort. Her gaze sweeps over the interior, taking in details.
�Spotting Curugil, she heads his way, her steps light and quiet. When she reaches the spot where he will likely see her, she stops and dips her head very respectfully to him, \"Lord Gildring.\"
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Curugil turns and says shortly, \"Yes, what is it now?\"
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A pause then recognition follows. Curugil\'s hard face softens to one of friendliness and says, \"Why the Lady Menawa! I must apologize. I thought you were... well never mind. I saw you dancing the other night with Menelas the Isilrim. Very nicely done. I must apologize for that awful incident however.\"
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Menawa does not flinch from that harsh and short greeting first given. No. The slender maiden stands firm and tall (or as tall as she can), her chin going up a touch. Then he softens and she offers him the lightest smile. \"I am glad that I took the time to accept his offer of a dance, though mourn the loss to try my feet at more with others.\"
�A pause, then she absently smooths her hands from her waist down a little before folding them demurely once more before her. \"I wished you to know, Lord Gildring, that I do not intend to be chased off by such ill happenings. I will stay with the High House of Lore, if I am still welcome.\" She absently smooths her thumb on the coin which is still hidden within her palm.
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\"Excellent,\" says Curugil Gildring. He touches the insignia of the star and hammer upon his breast and says, \"I am glad there are still some that seek the path of lore to the betterment of our people. Tell me, do you seek something particular today or perhaps you reconsidered my other offer since the last time we spoke?\"
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Menawa smiles just the smallest bit more. \"I must admit that I do not need extra coin, but whatever I would earn working for the High House, I could donate to the Healing Houses for those in need. Perhaps we could do this on a trial basis, make sure that I am what the House of Lore needs.\"
�
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\"Everything is always a trial,\" says Curugil. \"Especially these days. Sorcery! Bah, these dunderheads have lost all traces of their Numenorean nobility and have forgotten the science of old.\"
There is a sigh as Curugil looks carefully at Menawa, \"I then have my first errand for you and a project as well. Are you interested?\"
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Menawa gets a sparkle in her eyes that highlights the intelligence she holds within, as well as gives a hint to her personality. \"I am very interested, nigh on intrigued, Lord Gildring.\"
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\"Very good,\" says Curugil, \"I am happy to hear you say that. First the errand. I desire that you bring Ceredir, the Master Scout to me. I have an interest in him, particularly after the fiasco last night. Do you know him?\"
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Menawa dips her head slightly, \"I know him, My Lord. He was in the company which I was assigned to as Novice.\"
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\"Even better,\" says Curugil. \"Now, for your research project...\"
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\"My studies often include trying to improve the weaponry of this city,\" says Curugil. \"In my research, I have come across some intriguing writings that pre-date the kings. In fact, they are Numenorean in origin.\"
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Menawa looked intrigued before. Now she appears positively enthralled. \"Indeed?\"
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\"Yes,\" says Curugil. \"Yet in order for me to ascertain the validity of these writings, I need to first compare them to current models. I need information concerning the ranged weapons in our arsenal. Ceredir has already shown me much on arrows, but I need further information concerning larger weapons that are capable of delivering a stroke to our foes at great distances. I believe, that these are stable platforms and not for individuals. So weapons such as catapults would be valid, but I believe there are others. Go therefore to the Guard and gather information about these weapons as best you can. I doubt very much that they would give you plans, but see what you can do. Even sketches would work. I have no doubt that our weaponry is inferior to what could be devised, but I need a basis to begin with.\"
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Menawa dips her head to him, \"I will do my best, Lord Gildring.\" Lifting her head again, she continues, \"As for the Master Scout, I will send him straight away as soon as I see him. I believe I will find him in the same place that I can find information on the ranged weapons.\"
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\"Yes,\" says Curugil. \"I believe it is called Card Failin. Just mind the beams when you go there. It is infested with termites!\"
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Menawa opens her lips, then closes them again, her brows crinkling, \"If that is where the fighting men stay, is that not bad for them? Will it not make their sleeping quarters unsafe?\"
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\"Yes,\" says Curugil. He smiles, \"I suppose it will. I fear the men might try to eradicate the poor creatures.\"
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Menawa crinkles her nose a tiny bit now, \"If it comes down to a small creature that swarms and eats wood and the comfort and safety of our men, I am afraid I will always chose the comfort and safety of our men.\"
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\"You see,\" says Curugil. \"That is why our ancestors in their genius built the original city of stone. The wooden edifaces are of a later design. With stone, a termite would not bother to live here. It is of course their fault that they chose to build with wood.\"
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Menawa tilts her head oh so slightly, then murmurs in her gentle, solemn way, \"Perhaps, My Lord, they did not wish to spend precious time in the proper building of a stone area.. instead chosing to focus on training to protect those that live within the White City and surounding areas.\"
\"True enough,\" says Curugil. \"A mark of Arda marred that we cannot live in peace with all creatures. In anycase, you may go at your leisure. There is no rush.\"
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Menawa looks down at herself, then back up at the male of note, her gaze thoughtfull. \"I shall change before I venture to Card Failin.\"
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\"Very well then,\" says Curugil. \"Good fortune with the venture, and please enjoy it.\"