(Archive) Theodred

Crossroads of Sorts

The Sun is rising glorious red and gold in the east, with birds twittering as

the early risers greet the day. There is not a cloud in the sky..

The sky is clear and the air is cool and fresh...

*************** There is a waning gibbous moon above. ****************

In the night you feel the hardened ground of a road under your feet as you stand at this crossroads. It is easy enough to make out two roads, one running northwest to southeast, and in addition a dip to one side where another path breaks off, heading directly north. A stench rises up from a body lying on the side of the road.

Obvious exits:

Southwest leads to Plains of West Emnet.

Northeast leads to Plains.

SouthEast leads to Atop the Mesa.

North leads to Ruins.

NorthWest leads to Plains (south of Misty Mountains).

East leads to Plains.

The sun is just streaking shades of red and gold across the sky as sounds of activity in the combined encampment of Gondorian and Rohirrim echo loudly across the plains. Men\'s voices raise as they work together to disassemble the camp and prepare for another day\'s journey. Laughter rings out as both the men and women of this weary camp are eager to head back to the comforts of home.

Aearwen is busy walking back and forth as items are brought from her tent and placed on a wagon. She stops one of the men and requests that the crate he is carrying be left off the wagon. His eyes raise in question but he follows her instructions. Checking the last minute personal items, she heads to the healers tents to offer her help there.

[Theodred(#9177)] A drumming of horse hooves resounds among and over the buzz of this merry camp-breaking. Riding towards the Rohir column, shouting some order or other about the order of the sections and the distance the outriders must keep, Theodred canters easily at the head of three of his herdsmen. As he passes by he catches sight of Aearwen and finds the time and the horsemanship, to smoothly wheel his mount and offer a bow \"Good morn, Lady!\"

Turning at the sounds of riders, a warm smile covers the face of Aearwen as she greets Theodred. \"Good morn to you, your highness. How fare you today?\", her voice rings out gaily. Walking forward she puts out both hands to the Prince, \"My heart is warmed to see you again before we continue on to Gondor.\'

[Theodred(#9177)] Seeing the lady approach, Theodred reins his mount in to a halt and dismounts with well-practiced \"Have the men moving, I shall join you shortly\" He instructs his men. Then, turning to Aearwen, smiles brightly and offers a new bow in addition to the one from the saddle. Holding the reins in his right hand he strides a pace towards her \"I rejoice on this encounter as well, Lady. I am well enough and I trust you fare well too?\"

The warm blue eyes of Aearwen gaze at the Prince of the Mark as he strides forward and her head nods as she smiles, \'I am very well, thank you for your inquiry. \" Sighing as she looks over the plains, \"As happy as I am to be returning home, I shall miss Rohan. Its a beautiful country with wonderful people, tis been a pleasure to be sent here.\" Motioning to two chairs that are out of the way of the movement of the men tearing down camp she inquires, \"Do you have a few moments for quiet talk before you head off to your own duties?\"

Theodred glances at the group of the Men of the Mark. They seem to be efficiently preparing themselves for the day\'s journey. Already, two small patrols of lightly-armed scouts have detached from the main group and are heading out. Theodred nods \"I thank you for your kind words. Twice grateful I am, for I know them to rest upon acts and a sincere heart\" He looks at her and nods again \"I do have that time. I hope no it is no ill tidings?\"

A soft laugh tinkles out as Aearwen shakes her head, dark auburn curls dance across her shoulders, \'No. Forgive me for giving you even the slightest hint of bad tidings. A messenger made it into camp with a missive from Imrahil. I would imagine it is an invitation to the tournament.\" Aearwen pulls a scroll from the deep pocket of her dress, the sigil of the silver swan very clearly seen on the fine parchment.

Give Theodred=scroll

Theodred smiles as his gaze comes to rest on the seal \"Ah, I have fond memories of other years at Dol Amroth....\" He takes a step closer to the lady, simply letting go off the reins of the horse, and receives the scroll he is handed. The tall grey steed, stays calmly where it was stopped. Theodred proceeds to open and unroll the parchment.

Watching the tall man break the seal on the parchment and unroll it, Aearwen stands quietly. Her gaze falls on the men and woman as they continue to scurry around the camp in the last minute packing. Glancing over at the wagons as they are lined up, oiled tarps over the contents, she turns her gaze back to Theodred.

Theodred reads carefully, an unconscious smile slowly forming on his lips as he proceeds. Then he raises his eyes back to Aearwen \"Gracious are the words of the Prince of Dol Amroth. I shall see that they go not unheeded. This proclaim shall be read aloud and men and women of worth and note from Riddermark will go to Dol Amroth as should the friend whom another friend invites to partake of his hospitality\" He looks back to the now almost ready Rohir ranks \"Ulfhelm!\" he cries out loud \"Come hither!\" And a man heels his steed and heads towards the Prince.

Noting the smile that curves the lips of the Prince, Aearwen finds her own responding to that smile as he speaks of the gracious words of the Prince of Dol Amroth. \"We shall look forward to our cousins and allies joining us at this event.\" A mischevious looks comes to her face as she inquires, \"Shall I see you competing in any events there, your highness?\" Laughing softly, \"Do you suppose it would be bad form to offer a hankie?\" Blushing at those words she says, \"Pardon me Theodred, my humour does seem to slip out at the most inopportune times. But I have to admit, the image of you competing in my land with my hankie on your form was amusing.\"

[Theodred(#9177)] \"Alas!\" Despite the word Theodred\'s eyes smile still, though on his lips the grin has faded some, or become tinged with regret \"I fear that the tidings from our border with Dunland are somewhat disquieting... I will need to head there and find about the happenings in my ward ere I make further plans. But I would come if I could. And in the past, I have competed...\"Then the Rider comes close and Theodred hands him the parchment \"Ulfhelm! Your horse is the swiftest, \" He looks back to his own steed, one of the Mearas \"save my Hasusted. Ride now to Edoras and have this message handed to my father and then transmitted to the heralds and read out loud all over Riddermark! Take another horse with you, but tarry not\".

The laughter quickly fades from Aearwen\'s face, \"I am distressed to here of the tidings from the border with Dunland.\" Her hand rests on the arm of Theodred for a second in time, \"Ride safely and valar be with you and the men that ride with you.\" Turning as a silver guardsman comes forth and speaks, \"Lady Aearwen, pardon me for the intrusion. But its my understanding that you wished this crate withheld from the packing. Would you like to give me direction for its disposal?\" Surprise flits across her face as she turns back to Theodred, \"I know not of the protocol of this. However, this is a case of the finest wine made in Dol Amroth and I would like to give it you for your warm hospitality and appreciation of the kindness you have shown.\'

[Theodred(#9177)] \"Ah, winter comes and the hillmen always raid our farms. At the threat of famine they try to steal what food they did not grow themselves\" Theodred shakes his head as he speaks, producing a smile \"It is unlikely it will be worse than our days in the mountains\" Then surprise erases the visage and leaves his features almost blank at first, then suddenly suffused with red \"Lady! It is far too magnificent a gift... Would that I...\" As he speaks he rummages in one of the pouches in his belt.

A blush covers the face of Aearwen as she shakes her head, \"No, it is not too fine a gift. Please say no more. As you drink this wine, remember your friends and allies to the south with fondness.\"

[Theodred(#9177)] \"I shall, Lady. I shall\" assures Theodred as he keeps looking for something, almost frantically now... Eventually, he reaches back and produces a small, finely crafted dagger. Its handle is made of ivory carved into the shapes of horses, dragons, warriors... \"Here, it\'s but a trifle, but has been in my House for some time and it seems fitting for a Lady. I shall be honored if you accept it\"

Aearwen\'s touchs her cheek lightly, a tinge of crimson and she extends her hand to take the dagger, \"M\'lord, in my land, by the salty sea of Belfalas where the Prince reigns in this bliss many gifts are given. But no gift, be it gold or jewels, yea verily, even the specter of the Prince himself can compare to a gift from the true hearted of the Prince of the Rohirrim. I shall treasure it always.\'

Theodred bows at her words, low and solemn \"Let, then, this exchange of gifts be a token of both the friendship between our peoples and between ourselves. May the second prove equally fruitful and lasting.\" Then he turns once again to his men \"Aelgar! Deorbur! Cynehelm!\" He calls \"See that this crate is taken directly to my rooms in Meduseld! And see that it arrives unscathed!\"

Aearwen smiles softly, \"Thank you M\'lord, and my hopes are that both are equally fruitful and lasting. Interupted once again by a soldier she turns back to the Prince, \"Pardon me, I must see to the final packing of possessions. Ride safely and I hope to see you again soon.\"