(Archive) Rorgan and the Wolf\'s Fleece - Part 1 - The Bride Price

*Note - The warg Tp is set in motion...log begins with Rp in progress. *

[Sirion(#10108)] A gasp rings out among Sirion\'s retainers for verily they know the wealth that Sirion considers his niece!

Sirion rises slowly and his face is set, \"Follow me.\" Then without heed to any he heads toward the citadel.

Rorgan follows along at the knight\'s heels, limping slightly. The trail to the Citadel is circuitous and narrow, leading through the raised wooden spikes that are set outwards all along the trail and which bristle all up the hummock itself. No cavalry charge will be made at this fortress, and even infantry will approach the drawbridge but slowly...

Central Hall of Caldur The Central Hall is draped by old banners of lush Caldur blue, and stairs sweep upwards on each side of the hall to a balcony on the second story. Warriors in Hassadite brown are everywhere, some of them the loyal Retainers whose families have stood in service to the House since those bloody days when the the Hassadites first arose in the defense of Castamir\'s children. The air is cool inside the chambers, for the first dark wall of stone is thick and holds back the light and heat as easily they have held back the coming of foes since the days of Numenor. In the center of the keep is another set of walls, with a great wooden door that leads deeper into the fortress.

Contents: Sirion

Rorgan

Maeghan

Obvious exits: Great Door leads to The Keep.

Heavy Portcullis leads to Caldur Crossroads.

Maeghan blushes, but looks indignantly at Sirion\'s retainers faintly, most she has known since childhood...

Rorgan follows behind the knight, limping slightly, his face an expressionless mask other than a slight clenching and unclenching of his jaw.

Sirion turns and his face is utterly grim, \"So! You would possess the jewel of my heart, one of the last of my kin who is beyond all the wealth of the Princes of the Dunedain in the days of Gondor\'s Power. Well, there is something too that I would possess. Pray, seat yourself upon yon ruined pillar and I shall tell you a tale.\"

Rorgan slowly limps toward the ruined pillar, but, upon his arrival, gestures for Maeghan to take the seat.

Maeghan sits down on the broken pillar and smiles up at Rorgan, murmering, \"Thank you...\", she glances over at her Uncle warily, not entirely sure she likes the direction that this conversation is going...

[Sirion(#10108)] Sirion begins his tale, taking a seat upon a ruined column, \"Long ago, ere any of you children were born, I was a young knight. In those days I was brash and wandered far afield. It came to pass that my mother was visiting our friends in Rohan and would oft hunt with them beyond the Fords of Isen. Many years has it been since I passed those ways and came to the Elf-lands. Perhaps much has changed, but perhaps otherwise. Ah Imladris the Fair! How I miss your deep cloven valley and the fair elven songs!\"

[Sirion(#10108)] After a moment, the old knight continues, \"It came to pass that my Mother with few friends became lost in the wild and thither were orcs from the mountains. They were driven north and one by one her companions were slain cruelly. So it came to pass that it was she alone with only one companion.\"

[Sirion(#10108)] \"Yet my mother escaped,\" continues Sirion, \"and making her way up to lands where no Men are and thither she was attacked by a pack of were-wolves that had come marauding west of the mountains. One warg, most evil slew my mother and sent the last companion home, only after biting off his arms. It was strange for these wargs knew and spoke the speech of Men. Gruthroth was their leader and he wore a silver collar given to him by the Dark Lord.\"

Rorgan\'s eyes widen slightly at the mention of his own mother\'s land in conjunction with the elderly knight from Dol Amroth. His visage becomes more grim as the story progresses.

[Sirion(#10108)] Then the old knight looks sternly at Rorgan and says, \"You desire this princess of the Isilrim, who even though be not my daughter by flesh is my last daughter by heart. Therefore, I say to you Rorgan, fetch me the hide and collar of Gruthroth, and if these be in your hands when next we meet, you may lay your hand in Maeghan\'s if she wills it.\"

Maeghan blinks as this is one story that is not familiar to her, she listens intently and whispers sadly, \"That is what happened to Grandmother....Grandfather would not ever say...\", she gasps and cries out, \"No! Uncle!\"

Sirion rises from the ruined column and then turns from the hall, \"I do not sell princesses of the Isilrim like chattle be it for hero or no. For nothing else shall suffice for me. If by chance and luck you succeed in your quest, then you are a worthy man and shall become a Knight of this Realm and my house, for you and all your heirs ever after.\"

Rorgan\'s left eyebrow raises at this last, \"I would leave now and be upon my family\'s homeland as soon as Ardannes hooves could there fly, lord knight, and bring down upon these beasts all the fire of Clan Ethias and House Deorlas, yet surely this Gruthroth has already passed beyond our world.\"

[<#19834>] Rorgan turns and looks at Meaghan, muttering, \"... ... ...!?\"

Sirion laughs for a moment, \"Has he Rorgan? Surely then you have not heard what I have heard? He yet lives. Oh yes he does, for upon the whispered borders of our land errand riders have come back and they know this wolf. They live for years and years and the rumour is abroad of the were-wolf of the Silver collar.\"

Maeghan stands up and says, \"Uncle Sirion....I love Rorgan, he has made me smile when no other could...he has proven his steadfastness and I care for him deeply...\", this redhead\'s chin sticks out in a very stubborn way as she says, \"Absolutely not...would you tear out my heart again? It broke when Aramis and Arnafel died, It broke when Sirion your son died, it shattered with the death of my parents...Rorgan has put my heart back together...\"

Sirion then turns to Rorgan, \"You may go on this quest, when we return from war.\"

Sirion looks to Maeghan, \"By the Law of Men I can name the bride-price, and such is how I value you, above all other things, and I would not have this rude tailor possess you lest he be of other spirit.\"

Rorgan shakes his head and looks upward for a moment before bringing his eyes back to the level of the knights, \"Then the beast will die, and you will have his collar for a crown and his hide for a carpet, lord knight.\" He sets his jaw after these words are spoken and gives Maeghan an apologetic glance.

Maeghan cries, \"This man spent 10 years in the prison of the evil one...he survived, surely such is proof of his spirit...\"

Sirion ignores the pleas of Maeghan and he turns from the hall.

[Maeghan(#29549)] Soft cries can be heard as Maeghan buries her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking in nearly silent sobs. Aearwen says, \"I think I will take a sidebar back to MT or DA, thank you kindly

[Galdorim(#22020)] Comes walking in stiffly from the encampment outside. He looks over at Rorgan and Maeghan and smiles to himself. \"Am I disturbing you two?\" He stands at the enteranceway to make sure he isn\'t disturbing them

Rorgan shakes his head in disbelief, \"I can not believe he could be so.. so.. callous.\" He snorts, \"It\'s as if he doesn\'t care a whit for you, only about you.\"

Maeghan continues to cry softly, mumbling through her hands, \"He loves me very much Rorgan...I am the daughter that he never had, indeed I am the daughter of each of my Uncles for I am the only girl of the family...\"

[Sirion(#10108)] \"Then flee if you would,\" says a sharp voice followed by echoing steps.

[Sirion(#10108)] \"But if you do, then would you truly be happy as refugees in the dark?\" says the voice, and now as it draws nigh you see indeed that it is Indilzar who has come.

Rorgan finally takes notice of Galdorim and shakes his head sadly and in explanation he intones, \"Killing the Harad isn\'t enough for Maeg\'s\" (Yes, he called her Maeg!) \"Uncle Sirion. Now I must kill wolves and wargs whatever other fell beasts should happen to be placed in my path.\" He raises his voice, \"GO SPIT, OLD MAN! I ALREADY SAID YOU\'LL HAVE YOUR PRICE!\"

Indilzar clears his throat, \"I am not old nor did I name any price, but I have heard the tale of Sirion.\"

Aearwen steps through the door behind Galdorim, hoping to find some quiet time to discuss the events since they have seen one another. Her eyes widen as she sees figures already in the Citadel. Pausing as she sees Maeghan crying, she moves forward quickly, \"oh Meg honey, whatever is wrong?\" Her troubled eyes turn to Rorgan and Galdorim in time to hear Rorgan curse. Her hands softly patting Meg\'s shoulder as she kneels beside her, Aearwen whispers quietly to her.

Galdorim looks with surprise between Rorgan and Maeghan. He grins broadly. \"You are asking for permission to marry?!\" He slap his friend\'s s hould sharply. \"Congradulations friend!\" He pauses slight with a questioning look. Now, what is this about Wolves and wargs?\" Rorgan gahs, \"My apologies, Lord Indilzar.\" His countenance clears somewhat and he smiles slightly, \"I thought... Well, nevermind. Indeed you are neither old, nor did you name any price. How faired you in the battle, Indilzar?\"

Rorgan says, \"And Galdorim! How fared you as well?\"

Aearwen blinks in surprise at Galdorim\'s words, her expression changing from shock to utter delight, \"Rorgan, Meg! I cannot think of a more perfect couple\", her voice brimming with excitement. That excitement fading as she asks, \"So why the tears?\"

Indilzar says revealing the wounds on his shoulders, \"Evilly. But not as evil as the mood upon you Rorgan, friend of the Bragollach. I have appeared for I have heard your plight and though the eyes of the Isilrim be blind, the Bragollach\'s is not.\"

Maeghan looks up and wipes away her tears and casts a baleful glance at Indilzar, \"I do not think that anyone ever said anything about fleeing...\", she looks at Rorgan

Galdorim grins and shakes his head. \"I am well, Rorgan. Much better than I was after the battle, but none were too bad to keep me down. I raises the eire of one of the Lord of Umbar. Apparently I killed one of his daughters.\" He chuckles and turns towards Indilzar. \"Good day, Lord Indilzar.\" He bows towards him in formal greeting.

Indilzar does not look at Maeghan but says to her, \"Do not stir the poison I have placed in my cup woman of the Isilrim. This I would say for Rorgan, a friend of friends to my house.\"

Aearwen turns to Indilzar and nods her head, \"Greetings Indilzar. I am happy to see you looking so fit, my heart was heavy to see you wounded in battle.\" Glancing over at Galdrim a frown flitting over her brow before she says, \"My eyes could not believe it when I came onto the docks of Caldur and you were there fighting? May I inquire as to when your vision returned?\"

Rorgan snorts at the words of the lord, \"As always, Indilzar, you speak to me in riddles.\" He nods to Galdorim and nods, \"Aye, I nearly got the head of the desert witch that took Harthad\'s head, and received only a bit of a shave in the bargain.\" He rubs his now close-trimmed beard, again looking toward Indilzar, \"Now what\'s this about poison? Another riddle already?\"

Indilzar looks steadily at Rorgan and says, \"When the hour comes and you ride forth in your quest, The Bragollach shall aid you. Together, we shall take the pelt of this Hound of Sauron and thus shall your vow be fufilled. I will not see your love denied, you who are as worthy as any of the Bragollach or of the Dunedain of the South. Will you have me Rorgan, man of Gondor?\"

Maeghan sighs and looks over at Indilzar, \"I apologize my Lord Indilzar....\", she goes over to Rorgan and looks up at him with a gaze that can only be termed, heartfelt, a look that no man has ever recieved from this girl, she murmers something to him...

Galdorim smiles at Rorgan. \"When we burns down Umbar you will get your chance, my friend.\" His face brightens up as he looks upon the lovely face of Aearwen. He walks over towards her. \"Your healing touch and words of encouragement could heal a morgan wound, Aearwen. My vision is well enough. Things at a distance is still a little blurry, but it is getting better!\"

Indilzar extends his hand out to Rorgan.

[<#29549>] Maeghan +whispers to Rorgan, \"I ... ... ... ... ... ..., ... ... ... ... ..., ... ... ... ... ... ... ..., ... ... ... to ... ... ... ... ... ... of ..., ... ... ... ... ... ... ... you ... ... ... to ......\"

Rorgan nods slowly as the lord speaks, \"Your company would indeed be welcome, Lord Indilzar. And though I am loth to call it such,\" he sighs, \"it shall be a quest of legend, I suppose.\" He extends his own hand. \"I would be happy for any help I could get.\"

Indilzar clasps the hand of Rorgan, \"So be it! Let our pact be sealed!\" Galdorim looks over at Rorgan and Indilzar. \"Now what is this about a quest, Rorgan?!\"

Maeghan glances over her shoulder at Aearwen and smiles, \"Thank you my friend...\"

Indilzar turns and laughs, \"The Hunt for the Wolf, Gruthroth, Hound of Sauron!\"

Aearwen smiles up at Galdorim, whispering softly among all the confusion in the room, \"The last we spoke in Pelargir, you barely had sight. Were you planning on such a surprise?\", her voice mildly accusing.\" Continuing on, \"But I will say, I was happy to see your actions in the battle, you would have been sorely missed.\' Turning at the words of Indilzar and Rorgan, \"The Hunt for the Wolf? Pray tell, what are you men talking about now?\"

Rorgan reaches his free hand over, placing it on the shoulder of Galdorim, \"You were already coming, friend... When we pledged journey to Rohan, if we survived the seige of Osgiliath.\" He smiles, \"It just was not yet a quest then.\"

[<#19834>] Rorgan turns and nods to Maeghan, speaking a soft reply to her own words, \"Milady, I would ... ... ... any ... ....\" Maeghan moves out of this circle of \'male bonding\' and smiles at Rorgan with a nod

Galdorim grins broadly. \"And is this quest the bridge price for the hand of the wonderful Lady Maeghan? My good right arm and my axe are at your disposal friend!\" He nods towards Indilzar. \"It is good to see you well, Lord Indilzar.\"

Frowning at Rorgan, Aearwen again questions, \"The Hunt for what wolf and where? \" Her eyes cutting to Galdorim and then back to Rorgan, \"What do you mean, he was already coming?, her voice rising a touch. Catching Maeghan\'s eye, she moves closer to the woman and loops her arm through hers, squeezing slightly, \"so my dear friend, what brought tears to those beautiful green eyes of yours?\"

[Indilzar(#10108)] The pact sealed, Indilzar without a word to any other makes his way into the deeper regions of the fortress. Indilzar goes Out Of Character. Maeghan hugs Aearwen and says softly, \"My Uncle wishes to give me only to someone he feels is worthy of me, and who has proven his love...my bride price is the pelt of a warg that is evil...\"

Aearwen presses her cheek against Megs\', her words soft, \"If anyone can honor your uncle\'s request, Rorgan is the man to do it.\" Softly hugging her, \"And besides, Indilzar has agreed to go, as had Galdorim. How can they possibly fail?\" A soft laugh, \"Cheer up my friend, have faith in these brave men of Gondor, you will see your hand placed in Rorgan\'s as you stand before Denethor, I feel it in heart.\"

Galdorim pats Rogan\'s shoulder and guides him towards the ladies. \"we will get this pelt of this beast, my friend. With Help like you have, you are assured a completed quest!\"

Aearwen nods and smiles at Galdorim over the top of Maeghan\'s head, her eyes warmly smiling at this tall giant of a guard. Laughing softly, \"Listen to us, the four of us get into so many adventures together. I, for one, had better not hear that Meg and I are going to accompany you on yet another adventure.\" Thinking about this, \"But I do suppose you will need healers along.\", her eyes twinkling as she looks at Rorgan and Galdorim.

Rorgan smiles thinly to Galdorim, speaking very softly, \"Then why do I have this sinking feeling in my stomach?\" He shakes his head to clear it and smiles to Maeghan a smile he obviously hopes will boost her confidence, but it is as obviously forced, \"Questing after a Warg Pelt can\'t be any worse than The Pit.\" He sighs and rolls his eyes slightly, flexing his sword-hand.

Maeghan nods and says, \"Yes...I know...\", she smiles up at Rorgan and says, \"We did not wish to wed anytime quite soon did we...\", she glances at Aearwen and says softly, \"I will be joining them...I cannot let another loved one ride off without me when there is a chance that they might not return...\"

Rorgan shakes his head, \"No, but I had genuinely hoped to be able to announce our engagement to my family when we arrived in Rohan.\"

Galdorim nods and looks over at Aearwen. \"I am sure you would be more than welcome to come along.\" He pauses slighty as a sly grin comes over his face. \"But first I have some business to take care of in Dol Amroth. He looks over at Rorgan. \"you do not mind, stopping by Dolamroth first?\"

Rorgan shakes his head, \"I think that I should be finding out what \'errands\' her grandfather will be sending me on, as well.\"

Hugging Maeghan, Aearwen says, \"Come on, please do not be so glum.\" Tilting her chin up with one finger, \"Where is that dazzling smile? Have faith in your man, Meg, he will succeed.\" Grinning at her, \"And of course, I will be right along side you in your journey to accompany them. I would not let you go without me.\" Puzzled by Galdorim\'s words she pauses for a moment, \"You have not heard from my father have you?\"

Maeghan goes to Rorgan and wraps her arms about his waist. She smiles, \"Rorgan we will wed...I swear to you. I have the utmost faith in you...\", she pauses and then says, \"I am sorry for my Uncle, he is old and has seen too much sadness in his life...\"

Galdorim shakes his head. \"No, I have not got a reply, but in my missive. I told him I would come down and introduce myself after the war.\" He smiles at Aearwen and looks over at Rorgan. \"So that is what I plan to do.\"

Aearwen\'s eyes are thoughtful as she replies, \"It shall be interesting to see what he has to say.\" Thinking aloud, \"I had hoped to see you with another promotion from your efforts in the war to further our desire to wed.\" Her arm slipping through his, \"We shall face this together with determination, there is no other man I want to spend my life with.\" Her head shaking, \"And I will not be forced into a loveless marriage for monetary gain, increase of land or to further blood lines.\"

Rorgan shakes his head violently, leaning down and placing his own nose in the hair by Maeghan\'s ear, and speaking in the barest of whispers...

Maeghan nods and hugs Rorgan fiercely and says softly, \"Yes....\", she smiles faintly and then murmers into the tailor\'s ear

Rorgan places his arm around Maeghan\'s shoulder, replying softly in kind...

Maeghan\'s face lights up, even the side that is battered and bruised. She just silently stares up at Rorgan with a smile.

Rorgan, in turn, smiles down at the healer, looking directly into her eyes for the longest moment before turning and including his friends in his gaze, \"When we\'re all four together, I feel that *anything* is possible.\"

Aearwen smiles as her eyes flit from her friends to her hearts desire and she nods her head at Rorgan\'s words, \"I am of the same believe, \"anything\" is possible with our determination and love for one another. \" Her eyes brightening with tears, \"I feel so blessed to have the three of you, here,\", pointing to her heart. \"What more could a woman need in her life, save the blessing of children?\" Smiling over at Galdorim as she says those last words.

Maeghan says sadly, \"I never knew Grandmother...\", she glances at Rorgan and says thoughtfully, \"It is right that I go, I am the last Isilrim and I should avenge my Grandmother\'s death...\" Maeghan smiles, \"And I can think of no better people to accompany me...\", she looks up at Rorgan and grins, \"and my champion...then you two...\"

Galdorim nods slowly. \"I wished that too, but I am sure you father is a fair man and see my for who I am and not the Title I hold.\" He pauses at Aearwen last words and grins. \"I am glad I have friends like you two and a Lady like Aearwen.\"

Rorgan smiles and returns his eyes to Maeghan, smiling, \"Leave the vengeance to us, this time, Maeg, for if we are successful, then I, too will be Isilrim, and you will no longer be the last. Your vengeance will come in seeing us through the quest in one piece.\"

Maeghan says simply, \"Arnafel would be pleased with you...\", this is high compliment indeed as Arnafel and his memory is dearest to her heart, next to the man before her. She gasps, \"Oh Rorgan, I quite forgot...poor Azragath...\"

Rorgan facepalms, remembering, \"We left him asleep on the litter!\"

Maeghan smiles, \"I am sure the healers have taken care of him....\"

Galdorim grins as he looks adoringly at Aearwen. \"Aye, that you have.\"

Aearwen slips her tiny hand into Galdorim\'s massive one and squeezes tenderly, a soft sigh of contentment slipping out of her.

Maeghan grins, \"Aye, that I have...not bad for a 19 year old would you say?\", she grins, \"by the way I think I will amend my comment of last evening...you are not as my Uncle is...\", her eyes twinkle faintly...

Indilzar pages: oh yes, how does it feel hanging out with all us young people?

Galdorim squeezes Aearwen hand slightly as he beams proudly. He looks to Aearwen with a questioning look. \"Has Maeghan met you father before?\"

Rorgan snorts, \"After tonight, I would hope not.\" He smiles, \"Try not to remind me of that Maeg. I think what I said as we picked ourselves up and dusted off last night to be quite true. I am definitely getting too old for this.\"

Maeghan smiles and says, \"I still stand by my statement, you are young enough for me...now just think how relaxing it will be to be a nobleman and with our own land and to be a Knight...\", she squeezes Rorgan\'s hand, \"You deserve the honor even if you do not get the pelt, for I know you...\"

Shaking her head, Aearwen replies, \"You are well aware of how the Bragollach family is always fighting for control of the house. Years ago my father made a choice to remain in Ethring and run his house without influence of the Dol Amroth Bragollachs, so it has been many years since he has set foot there. \" Smiling, \"He did send me to Minas Tirith for training when I was quite young and then ushered me out the door to be of service to The Prince.\"

Rorgan rolls his eyes toward the ceiling, \"\'Twas not in my plans to become a noble knight, Milady, but if that\'s what is required to win your hand, then so help me, I\'ll be the noblest knight that ever walked!\"

Finishing her long winded statement Aearwen grins at Galdorim, \"To answer your question, no, Meg has not met my father.\", her eyes dancing with merriment.

Galdorim nods towards Aearwen as he looks like he is lost in thought. He glances over at Rorgan. \"You are far more noble in spirit than any knight I have met, Rorgan. You would be a great asset to them!\" He then looks at Aearwen. \"You will need to tell me more of your father to prepare me more for what to expect.\"

Maeghan chuckles and then smiles at Rorgan, \"You do not need to be a knight to be noble...you have been my hero since you wandered to the House of Healing having survived the Pit...and you earned even more of my admiration when you faced those that so tortured you and conquored your fear...you earned my love when I saw what a gentle and compassionate spirit went with one that was so courageous...\"

Rorgan smiles to Maeghan, \"First you saved my sanity. Then you saved my life.\" He pauses for effect, \"Now you have saved my heart.\" He squeezes her tightly against him, \"But now I must go get some rest. We have an Umbar to raze.\"

Her eyes softening as she thinks of her father, Aearwen says, \"How to describe my father to you, \", her laughter tinkling. Pausing for a moment, \"I suppose my view of my father would be prejudiced. I am his only child and he was firm but fair, from a very early age. He and my mother are very much in love with one another and have been so supportive. \" Chuckling as she recalls, \"He would have me don male clothing and take me along on hunting and fishing trips, feeling it was very important for a woman to know how to do such things.\" Laughing softly as she continues, \"Not to say he does not have the famous Bragollach temper for he can raise the roof when his ire is raised. And you must remember, I am the light of his eye.\" Reaching her hand out, \"I cannot help but believe he will love you as I do, but he will be upset to think his baby daughter will no longer dwell in his house.\"

Maeghan hmms, \"I should probably see that Azragath has been properly treated....\", she smiles at Galdorim and Aearwen, \"I will see you friends on the morrow...thank you for your support and friendship, Rorgan and I treasure them...\"

Galdorim smiles at Maeghan. \"My support will always be there for you two, Maeghan.\"

Maeghan smiles and lifts a hand of farewell as she makes her way back towards the tent of healers...

for your support and friendship, Rorgan and I treasure them...\"

�

Galdorim smiles at Maeghan. \"My support will always be there for you two, Maeghan.\"

Maeghan smiles and lifts a hand of farewell as she makes her way back towards the tent of healers...