(Archive) The Great Tower

Dol Amroth: Prince\'s Castle - Tower of Imrazor, Pinnacle Level

Hoary years press down here at the acme of Imrazor\'s ancient tower, its stone walls curving up to a perfect point barely a dozen feet above. Smooth flawlessness surrounds you, but there is a faint sense of brittleness to the walls--perhaps of bones stretching thin. The rounded chamber is mostly empty, save for a broad, pointed window set to the west, and a barred lebethron door northward. A stair spirals down to the lower levels of this ancient tower, tucked against the southern wall.

Daylight pours in through the window to the north, striking the walls and coruscating through the chamber with a brilliance unequaled even by the white stone outside for here there is a subtly different texture to the rock, filled as it is with a myriad of shining, crystalline flecks sparkling like new-fallen snow.

A Swan Knight stands at the top of the spiral stair, stiffly guarding the entrance to the Tower of Imrazor from unwanted visitors. Inside the hauntingly beautiful, but empty room is the sister of the Prince, Lady Ivriniel. A basket rests on the lone table in the room, the freshly baked smell of bread wafting through the chamber before the fresh smell of sea air rushes in the open window.

Standing by that window, Ivriniel gazes out at the Bay of Belfalas, eyes smiling as a fisherman brings in a net full of squirming fish, a young boy on the boat jumping excitedly at the full catch. Nostalgic is the expression of the woman as her elbow rests on the windowframe, the breeze lifting the newly shorn locks of her hair as time passes on this lovely sunny day.

[Imrahil(#29017)]

Faint and distant, footsteps echo in the vaulted stairwell of the ancient tower, built in the deeps of time when the Prince of the Golden Wood yet walked in Mortal Lands. And whether it is a lone man or a dozen is not clear, for the sound is taken up by the stone walls and made greater far.

Lost in her musings, the White Lady of Belfalas fails to hear the footsteps echo in the vaulted stairwell. Going up on tiptoes as she cranes to watch two children at play on the beach, the smile of Ivriniel is soft and gentle as she inhales deeply of the fresh air. Serenity and peace ease the strained look that was on her face upon entering the Tower. The soft ring of her laughter sounds over and over as the echos circle around the roundeed chamber.

[Imrahil(#29017)] Ever louded the echoes grow, until they come to halt before the chamber -- and even as the Knight steps forth, the door is cast open. And his challenge never uttered, lost ere it was spoken, deeply the Dunadan bows to the one who stands upon the threshold.

Startled from her reverie as the loud echo of footsteps are finally heard, Lady Ivriniel whirls around sharply as the door to the Tower is cast open. Irritation mars her brow, a flash of anger turning sea grey eyes to pools of silvery orbs of coldness, censure on her lips until her gaze falls upon the countenance of her brother. Laughter does ease all anger from her expression again as she admits, \"Woe be unto the guard if he had allowed anyone but you to invade my privacy today. What brings you here brother?\"

[Imrahil(#29017)] Tall and bearing the silver circlet of Imrazor, barely seen for the light which streams around him, the Prince inclines his head to the Knight.

\"Your duty is done. I will see\", and he casts a brief glance to the White Lady, amusement in his gaze even as she speaks, \"that none dare disturb my sister.\"

And with a low laugh, the Knight of the Swan bows again -- as his brethren do before none save their liege lord -- ere making his way out, and the door closes softly behind him.

Amusement alights the eyes of Ivriniel as her dearly beloved brother dismisses the Knight with no further ado. Waiting until the footsteps of the guard can no longer be heard, her soft voice teases her kinsman, \"Ever in control, I see. Do you not have bickering noble houses to see too today or a war in Umbar that -needs- your attention?\"

The soft laughter of the Sister of Finduilas rings like the tinkling of a silver bell as no one is witness to her words to the Prince of Dol Amroth. Walking to the table where the basket rests, she folds back the napkin and reveals a repast of wine, cheese, fruit and bread, \"Would you care to join me in a brief escape from nobility?\"

[Imrahil(#29017)] \"Is nobility such a tiresome burden, then?\" and with a smile, Imrahil waves away his sister\'s offer, striding instead to the high window -- and there he stands with his back to her, gazing to the West.

\"And the houses and Umbar alike hold their peace for the moment\" -- lightly he speaks, yet absently, even as if his thoughts wandered far to distant lands.

The delicate hands of Ivriniel pause in their task, the crystal goblet remaining in the basket as she turns to face the back of Imrahil as he stands at he window. Her response, delayed as she considers the words spoken, carefully weighing the truth against the necessity of an answer and finally she says, \"Perhaps burden is too heavy of a word to be placed upon the shoulders of one with Numenorean blood flowing so thickly in their veins. Our history has given us many burdens to bear throughout the years.\"

The soft rustle of her gown whispers in the rounded chamber as the delicate footfall of her step takes her closer to Imrahil. \"I have no wish to add to your burdens Imrahil, but yet, your fief holds many problems that I have become aware of since you called me home.\" Her smile is bittersweet as she says, \"Never think that I am not happy to be here, close to you and your children. It brings me great joy to be of service and to have my kinsmen near to my heart.\'

[Imrahil(#29017)] \"Many burdens indeed...\", softly the Prince murmurs, his gaze yet to the sun-lit waves and the roiling fog in the distance.

\"...but\", and of a sudden, he turns to his sister, and a light is in his eyes, bright as the gem upon his brow such that he seems a vision even of Imrazor the Numenorean in this moment, \"the joy of knowing that you have warded your folk from darkness and they thrive in peace and plenty is greater far!\"

And the light fades, and the moment passes, \"But come, what are these troubles you speak of?\"

The white caps of waves swirl in the Bay, a backdrop to the form of Imrahil as he returns the focus of his commanding eyes upon Ivriniel. A narrowing of sea grey eyes as twin mirrors hold a long gaze before the voice of the woman speaks, \"Truthfully, my concern is for Lothiriel. There was an incident in her chambers late one night, nay, early one morn would be the most fitting hour that alarmed me.\"

Tilting her head to one side as she considers her next words, an array of emotions flit across the face of the woman before she continues her tale, \"What know you of Lossaran, a Scout of Ithilien?\" Waiting to see the reaction of those words, she moves not from her position directly in front of her brother, not realizing she is withholding her next breath awaiting said reply.

[Imrahil(#29017)] \"Ah! Lossaran of Ithilien...\"

Striding to the great chair set in the center of the room, the Prince seats himself slowly, and his gaze is keen about Ivriniel -- yet, there is little of fear or worry in it.

\"You speak of the news he bore to you about the fall of Lord Amrodath.\"

[Gweneth(#17847)] The door pushes open slowly, a soft voice issuing forth from it, \"...so it is a simple matter of making sure everything runs correctly, Valgrimm.\" Lady Gweneth steps deeper into the room, a huge, young man following her in. \"And here is the Tower of Imrazor\'s..\" at once she catches her words, dropping into a curtsey, \"Forgive me my Prince, I was not made awhere of your pressence here.\"

The soft expulsion of air sounds as the shoulders of Lady Ivriniel slump in relief as the expected anger did not raise from her brothers voice. Watching him as he seats himself in the chair, a look of uncertainty fills her eyes as she questions, \"The fall of Lord Amrodath? I know not of what you speak Imrahil. Who is this Lord Amrodath?\" Nervously folding and unfolding her hand in the folds of her satin dress, Ivriniel waits not for Imrahil to give an answer on the Lord in question.

Her voice rings out with a tinge of impatience, \'My ire is still raised at the impertinance of the man. Bringing information about a conspiracy within your fief that resulted in the death of one of the Swan Knights.\" Angrily shaking her head, the raven tresses swirling around her face as she says, \"To endanger the life of Lothiriel is completely uncalled for. Why he brought this information with proof of those involved to her, is beyond my understanding.\"

[Valgrimm(#29910)] A nervous energy is evident in the steps of the giant man as he strides confidfently behind the Lady Gweneth, almost leaping in his steps. A smile is plastered across his lips that seems to split his face in two, his large lips curved upward. Across his face is an expression of interest, his eyes bright with attention to the Lady\'s words. Yet when the Lady suddenly stops, Valgrimm\'s momentum is too great to stop immediately, his foot taking one additional step right into the back of the Lady.

[Imrahil(#29017)] Rising as the heavy door opens, Imrahil inclines his head, \"Greetings, Lady Gweneth!\" And his gaze meets that of his sister\'s...and holds it -- for a moment, no more, ere he turns again to the two who have entered.

And swiftly he steps forward, a hand held forth to aid the Chamberlain even as Valgrimm stumbles into her.

Gweneth tilts her head slightly at Ivriniel\'s words but Valgrimm bumping into her quickly causes her to rise and step forward all with one motion, seeming that she ment to. She takes the Prince\'s hand nevertheless and pulls herself to his side, \"Thank you, my Prince,\" she says, her smile and eyes lingering for a momment more than neccessary, before she turns and introduces the man behind her, \"This milord, is Valgrimm, a young man learning the arts of Healing.\"

Raising one eyebrow as the pair enter the Tower Pinnacle, Ivriniel nods her head in brief greeting, a coolness pervading her eyes as she stares at the Chamberlain for a moment before she turns her attention to the man Gweneth named as Valgrimm. Studying him she does question, \"Learned in the art of healing? From where do you come?\" Quickly her eyes dart back to her brother for a moment as an unsaid message is sent to younger Imrazor.

[Valgrimm(#29910)] Trying to regain his balance without falling over or running into the Lady Gweneth, Valgrimm simply drops to the ground, landing with a loud thud upon his knees, his fall like a sack of flour from a high shelf. He bows at the waist, prostrating his form in the direction of the Prince, and keeping his arms plastered to his side, clearly not sure what to do with them. In a deep, rumbling voice, his words booms across the chamber, loud but hesitant. \"I ..umm.. am Valgrimm... Lord. I ..ahh.. am from ..umm.. Minas Tirith.\"

[Imrahil(#29017)] Startlement fleets across Imrahil\'s face even as he looks to the youth -- for here is one fully as tall as the Prince himself, and broader far of limb -- a man of mighty statue indeed!

Yet, his greeting is grave and courteous, and he motions to the kneeling man to rise, \"I bid you welcome to my halls, Valgrimm of Minas Tirith!\"

[Gweneth(#17847)] \"He is young and inexperienced but,\" Gweneth pauses and smirks slightly, \"Eager, to say the least. I suspect in the years coming he will make a fine additions the the healer\'s leagues. I believe he is in town to take care of Lady Aearwen\'s home here while she is away.\" She turns back and looks up slightly at the Prince, \"I made his aquaintance while in Minas Tirith and was showing him around the city.\" She giggles slightly, \"He has been so excited with the beauty of the city, I think he does not wish to leave any time soon.\"

A few steps are taken to the chair and the sister of Imrahil gracefully seats herself as the conversation continues. Cool grey eyes flick from one person to the next as her full attention is focused on the trio. A smile of sorts tilts up the corner of her mouth as Valgrimm humbles himself before the Prince, her interest does hold longer on the hulking young man as she again inquires, \"What knowledge have you of healing? My interest is perked by anyone that has interest in the medicinal values of plants.\" Folding her hands on her lap demurely, Ivriniel is ever the picture of nobility --serenity eluding from her being.

[Valgrimm(#29910)] Rising from the stone floor, Valgrimm nearly leaps to his feet, his powerful legs driving his body upright to stand at the Prince\'s request. His arms flail a bit to keep his balance, but remain close to his body to avoid striking the nobles. Standing tall, he bows his head again, his cheeks flushed a deep red from the Lady\'s words. With his eyes cast downward to avoid the direct stare of the Prince, Valgrimm speaks again, his voice powerful and loud. \"Lord. ..umm.. Thank you. And ..ahh.. the Lady Gweneth speaks true. I am ..umm.. caring for ..ahh.. Lady Aearwen\'s house, but not in ..umm.. her absense. Rather, in anticipation of ..ahh.. her return.\"

Realizing another is speaking to him, he spins his large head toward her, his dark hair flying out a bit with the speed, and sending a few wayward strands into his eyes. With a practiced flick, he clears them from his forehead, and answers the Lady\'s questions. \"I ..ahh.. have some knowledge ..umm.. from training with my village\'s ..umm.. healer. But ..umm.. I am also under training with ..umm.. the Lady Aearwen.\"

[Imrahil(#29017)] Drawing back, the Prince takes his place again by the window -- but his gaze is yet upon the youth, and he motions to the pale alabaster walls.

\"The Marble Citadel was raised by the craftsmen of Numenor -- and their skill is lost to us in these latter days, so that we can do naught but wonder at it. But come, you shall reside in the Citadel until you have learned all you wish from our leeches!\"

Gweneth clears her throat, bringing her hand in front of her lips, at Imrahil\'s words, \"Indeed, Valgrimm, the best leeches,\" her eyes flick over Ivriniel for but a momment, \"in Gondor, and mayhaps Arda itself are located in this very city. In your quest to learn from them, by the Prince\'s own words, I will be sure to prepare you a room closest to the Master Healer of Dol Amroth herself,\" she motions grandly to Ivriniel, \"Lady Ivriniel herself, a craftsman of the arts of herbs and potions to rival any other in Gondor. If you spend you time with this one, few things will be left unanswered to you.\"

Surprise widens the eyes of Ivriniel as her brother invites Valgrimm to reside in the Citadel and learn from the leeches in the Halls of Healing. A slight frown lines between her brows but it quickly smoothes as she graciously says, \"Welcome to Dol Amroth, Valgrimm. There are many leeches learned in the herb lore of old that will be more than happy to instuct and help you learn more of our ancient ways.\"

A smile of coolness slides across her lips as she gives Gweneth a -knowing- look, \'And thank you for placing him close to the Halls of healing. His help will be greatly appreciated\", a hint of sarcasm plays in her eyes before a veil slips over and they return to their normal warmth.

[Valgrimm(#29910)] The words of the Prince and the Lady Gweneth seem to pierce Valgrimm\'s ears tinged with fear and panic. For instead of a peaceful smile falling across his face, his eyes dart back and forth from the Prince to the Lady Ivriniel.

His breathing quickens and his eyes grow wider. His voice, still loud but clearly wavering declares his concern. \"Thank you Lord. I ..umm.. am grateful of your ..ahh.. hopsitality. But ..umm.. of course much of ..ahh.. my time will be spent ..ahh.. attending to Lady Aearwen\'s things. Umm.. at least until she arrives.\"

[Imrahil(#29017)] And before the Prince can speak, yet another steps through the dppr -- to him the retainer makes his way, bowing low ere speaking in a low tone that none other may hear.

A faint nod, and Imrahil the Fair turns to the others in the chamber, \"I must take your leave, for other matters call me -- Lady Chamberlain, I would have speech with you on the morrow. And Valgrimm of Minas Tirith...may you find the knowledge you seek in Dol Amroth!\"

And with swift tread he makes his way from the chamber, the echoes of his passing lingering for long moments.

Gweneth curtsies low as Imrahil takes his leave, \"Of course, my Prince. I await our meeting expectantly.\" She rises slowly, looking first to Ivriniel then to Valgrimm, \"Is there more you wished to say, Valgrimm, or shall we be on our way?\"

Valgrimm shakes his head, his hair again falling down into his eyes. He chooses not to push it away, watching the Prince leave instead. But his eyes blink and twitch trying to reduce the irritation. He looks to the Lady Gweneth, awaiting her lead.

An amused smile curls the soft lips of Ivriniel into a wide smile as she watches the antics of Valgrimm. Her voice, tinged with that amusement speaks softly to him, \'Show up at the Halls of Healing tomorrow after a meal and full nights rest.\" Rising from her chair, her arm crooks through the long forgotten basket of food and she tips her head to both Gweneth and Valgrimm, \"Good day to you both, I, too must depart.\" With that, the whisper of silk and satin sounds as the elder of House Imrazor slides through the open door and down the trailing stairway.