The Inn by the Sea

Haerlond Inn: Common Room

Thick walls of black and white stones surround you in the inn of Haerlond. The outside of the inn betrays the actual large size that becomes apparent as soon as you step inside. Far across the room, a few chairs rest in front of a large black and white stone hearth. A heavy wooden door sets into a recession in the wall just beside a tall staircase that leads to an upperlevel. A long bar stretches down the entire length of one wall with many polished glasses and bottles of various wines and ales. Several tables, scattered around the room, provide ample seating for the many humans and elves that occupy the inn. The glow from the crackling fire in the hearth and flickering candles set in the centre of the tables illuminate the room with a soft glow. A few men sit at tables around the room, quietly going about their own business. A sleepy looking innkeeper rests his head on his arms behind the bar.

The sea wind, howling about the docks outside, is cold. Inside the inn, surrounded by weathered stone and free-flowing spirits, it is warm, and memories may be forgotten for a little while.

Lominzil sits slumped over a table, one cheek resting in the crook of of his arm. His eyes watch the door. His cup is empty.

[Calenloth(#27998)] Calenloth crosses the room, taking the seat beside Lominzil. She too, rests her hands upon the table, staring towards her fingers.

[Cwen(#30783)]

The door creeks open and Cwen emerges. She steps into the Inn with light and graceful steps. A book is under her arm and in her other hand she carries a bag. Needing a drink the woman moves to the bar but not before eyes befall the forms of Calenloth and Lominzil.

After a pause she turns to the bar and speaks to the barkeep.

[Aearon(#16333)]

Entering the inn a few moments after Cwen is Captain Aearon, the large man removes his helm and places it upon the tip of his spear, leaning it against the wall he removes his cloak and begins to look about the Inn.

Lominzil stirs as Calenloth takes her seat. His attention does not waver from the door, even as Captain Aearon comes through it. One hand moves to the cup, to tilt it absently about its base. The cup reeks of spirits.

[Calenloth(#27998)] An eyebrow risen, Calenloth takes the cup from the Squire, the scents unmistakeable. \"I thought...\" she begins, but cuts her words quickly as they leave her mouth. A shake of the head, she instead continues, \"You grieve.\"

Her eyes rise to Cwen, perched at the bar, and toward the arriving man.

[Conalmir(#31396)] There is a soft creaking from the shut-off staircase - perhaps it goes unheard. It is intermittent, anyways. But after a time, the door swings open. Conalmir leans against the frame for a few minutes, his face white and set then he pushes himself upright and walks - stiff and slow - into the room.

[Elusul(#30120)]

Entering the inn is Elusul Isilrim. He is dressed not for war, but rather the high seas. Glancing around at those present, he sizes up the situation and calls, \"Hail!\"

[Cwen(#30783)]

Cwen as finished talking to the barkeep and he heads into the back doing whatever it was the two had talked of.

\"Captian.\" says the golden haired woman softly, looking over to him.

A nod is given in the direction of the table where the others sit - indicating he should join them and she then turns to head that way herself, blue eyes fixed with a touch of sadness. The bag in her hand dangles from side to side, and the book is cradled in her other arm. About to speak to the two the sudden call of another gets her attention and moving her gaze from Lominzil and Calenloth, which is passed to Conalmir with a look of concern the blue orbs rest themselfs upon the newcomer with the unknown face, Elusul.

\"Hail.\" she calls back softly, tiredly and sadness tangled in with the tone.

\"I forget,\" answers Lominzil distantly, staring through his empty fingers. He drops his hand, and it brushes with a soft clatter against another cup. Several more.

[Aearon(#16333)]

Looking about the Inn the Captain seems to take it all in, slowly looking over each table and its patrons, hearing Cwen he smiles and begins to make his way over, but not before stopping at the bar to order a bottle of Brandy. Approaching Cwen he says \"How are you doing this evening my lady?\"

[Calenloth(#27998)] \"Perhaps you should enjoy some... tea... instead?\" Calenloth urges, gently. The empty cups gathered as she leans over the table, she gazes upon the Squire, mournfully. Another voice echoes across the inn, and she nods politely at another guest. A Knight as well, seemingly.

But another noise draws her attention, the dragging of feet, the creaking of wood. And another Squire, risen from infirmary. \"You, Conalmir,\" she insists, \"should not be up.\"

[Conalmir(#31396)] Conal is sweating, his teeth clenched against the pain. He makes his way towards Lominzil\'s table concentrating on walking to the extent that everyone else - Aearon, Elusul, Cwen, the other patrons of the inn, even Calenloth\'s scolding - are obliterated. At last, he fetches up against a chair, holding the back in both hands and leaning against it. Sitting down... might not be such a wise idea. Continuing to stand up... maybe not so possible.

[Elusul(#30120)] %rElusul looks around the room, noting hair color and facial features. At the end of his survey, he calls, \"You are those who traveled to Rohan? You have been heralded by the Lord Arathis.\" The knight glances around, \"I do not see the Lord Imrakhor among you. Is he elsewhere?\"

\"I am not thirsty anymore,\" Lominzil tells Calenloth, rising smoothly.

He looks oddly at Conalmir, then leans over to seize his unbroken arm, pulling him towards the bench. \"Lie down,\" he instructs tersely. \"Or go back to bed.\"

[Cwen(#30783)]

Cwen looks over to Aearon - managing only a faint smile.

\"Well..enough, considering.\" a shrug and a sigh follows. \"How fare you?\"

Then a glance to the Knight, Elusul. Unsure how to answer his question there is no response but meerly a deep frown.

[Aearon(#16333)]

\"Well\" says the Captain, then looking to the Swan Knight the Captain says \"That he is.\" Glancing to the rest of those that traveled to rohan as if to say -not a word-. Taking a seat at the table the Captain looks to the injured man who is being gestured to lay down and says \"You will either sit here in the inn, or return to your sick room. There will be no laying down in the common room.\" Looking the injured over again he says \"Who gave you permission to get out of bed?\"

[Calenloth(#27998)] \"No permission was given.\" Calenloth also speaks, shortly, as she rises from the table, taking the shoulder under the injured arm more gingerly, hoping to steer the Squire to the chair.

\"Let us help, Conalmir,\" her voice softer to the Squire. Another glance to the Captain, unsure of the command.

[Conalmir(#31396)] The discussion flows about him, and Conal ignores it. At least until Aearon\'s sharp words penetrate. \"Stool,\" he tells Lominzil, leaning some of his weight on the other squire, but not moving away from the support of the chair back yet. \"No one was there,\" he tells Calenloth and the Captain both, generally. \"Tired of lying in bed...\"

[Cwen(#30783)]

\"That is good.\" replies Cwen to Aearon with a nod and slight smile.

The question of the Knight is not forgotten. Hesitant, to say the least, the golden haired woman decides to not take a seat quite yet but instead turns to face Elusul.

\"Join us, please. Perhaps at the quiet of our table it can be explained.\"

It is then that the womans moves to said table, removes her cloak with a brushing golden locks from her face she sits looking to the bar as if wishing a drink would magically arrive.

\"Captain Aearon,\" Lominzil says softly, \"leave him be.\"

He stoops to pull up a three-legged stool for the White Squire.

[Elusul(#30120)]

Looking around at the subdued group, Elusul seems to see much. \"My ship lies in the harbor. I can be of no help to those of you who must go on by land, but your wounded,\" an eye is cast to Conalmir, \"They may travel quickly and in comfort to Dol Amroth.\" Then the knight nods to Cwen and follows her over to the table.

[Aearon(#16333)]

Hearing the words of Lominzil the Captain shoots him a very harsh look, taking a deep breath he looks to Canalmir and says \"I know the feeling, but do not push yourself too hard too quickly.\" his words sound kind, well for the Captain. Glancing back to Lominzil he says \"When you have a moment, I need to speak with you privately, Squire.\"

[Calenloth(#27998)] \"I am sorry to have left you alone,\" she begins. \"I suppose we should check your bandaging, Conalmir,\" Calenloth remarks, softly. \"Since you are now... moving.\" Her eyes travel once more to Aearon, now aware of who he is, and she nods to herself, before once again glancing to Lominzil.

\"Cwen,\" she greets the golden haired woman. \"You seem... thirsty.\"

Lominzil accepts the look, his returning glance mild, but empty. He stands, stiffly silent steps take him beyond the thick door that frames the staircase leading upwards.

Lominzil waits for the Captain to join him, ere closing that door.

[Conalmir(#31396)] The white squire lowers himself to the stool, so that he perches on it stiffly, and lets out a breath. \"Yes, sir,\" he replies to the captain - clearly a captain by his uniform - though his look at the man seems puzzled. His glance moves to the knight who speaks of a ship, and for a moment, there is something like relief in his eyes. The smooth movements of a deck over water - no longer the jolting of a cart...

\"Not now,\" he says to Calenloth. A moment later. \"Where are we?\"

[Aearon(#16333)]

Getting up the Captain says \"A bottle of brandy will arrive shortly, help yourselves.\" bowing his head to each of the ladies he then looks to Conalmir and says \"Heal well.\" to the Knight he offers his seat and then is moving towards Lominzil, heading up the stairs. shutting the door behind him.

[Cwen(#30783)]

\"I could use a drink.\" says Cwen to Cally with a shrug.

A concerned look is given once more to Conalmir, and as Lominzil removes himself from the a curious glance is passed to Aearon as well. This many be man-talk, much of which has happened on this trip. Honour, duty, and the like. So the curious stare is removed from the two and the sets its self back to Elusul.

\"You are best to speak with Sir Findon of the matters of the group. He is making the decisions now it seems.\"

Lominzil turns about to face the Captain, a hand held above his heart in salute.

[Elusul(#30120)]

Elusul nods to Cwen. \"Who among you is wounded.\" He glances back at Conalmir. \"I see that man is. Anyone else? I can have my men fetch them ere we sail later today.\"

[Calenloth(#27998)] A slow swallow from the dark haired girl, as she replies, \"Were any others seriously... wounded?\"

\"Conalmir\'s injuries will require constant tending,\" Calenloth continues to the Knight. \"I suppose you have a healer in your keep? But certainly, a swift journey home will be to his benefit.\"

\"The Captain did say he sent brandy, was it?\" To Cwen.

[Aearon(#16333)]

         Returning the salute the Captain says \"I realize you have seen much in your young years, more then any man should. BUT do not let yourself forget your position, is that clear!\"

[Conalmir(#31396)] \"Wounded,\" Conalmir says in a low voice, and laughs - a short, sharp bark of sound. He shifts on the stool and grimaces. \"I\'d like a drink.\"

Lominzil looks up, his poise completely still.

\"I understand, sir,\" he answers quietly.

[Aearon(#16333)]

         Smelling the squires breath as he speaks the Captain says \"How much have you had to drink?\"

[Cwen(#30783)]

\"Oh. Yes.\"

As if on cue, the brandy arrives! A nice big bottle. Cwen reaches for it looking to where the Captian had gone.

\"I will owe him a bottle.\" she remarks removing the cork and going to pour a few glasses for whoever wants some.

\"Conalmir, he is the only one..wounded.\" frowning deep once more a slight shift in her chair betrays a slight sense of nerves. \"I would seek Sir Findon right away, he will answer what you need.\"

\"Four glasses,\" responds Lominzil, perfectly even.

[Elusul(#30120)]

Elusul shakes his head. \"We have no healer. If the womenfolk of your party wish to return with us, you may as well. You will travel in safety and comfort and your continued care of the wounded man would be appreciated. In any case, unless Hir Findon should arrive soon from wherever he has gone, I cannot wait. I have my own orders and I cannot linger.\"

[Calenloth(#27998)] \"Lominzil would be more appropriate, then.\" Calenloth replies, quickly. \"Or Sir Menelglir, perhaps. Those of our party who study such arts. Myself, I am no healer. But you should speak with Sir Findon, for I do not believe it my place to release the Squire from our company without his permission.\" She glances sorrowfully to the Squire once more.

\"We are in Andrast, Conalmir, still. Would you like to sail to Dol Armoth, if Sir Findon will grant you leave?\"

[Aearon(#16333)]

         With a nod of his head the Captain says \"Four..\" pausing for a moment \"Do not let alcohol consume you while in your grief.\" going to move away he opens the door and turns back saying \"Enjoy yourself Lominzil\" and with that he is gone, heading down the stairs and out the door of the inn, picking up his things while on his way.

[Conalmir(#31396)] Conalmir shifts again, in discomfort and pain. And suppressed irritation at his own helplessness. \"Yes,\" he says unhesitatingly.

Lominzil pauses at the top of the stairs, pressing his forehead against the doorframe ere he descends slowly, fingertips tracing the rail.

[Cwen(#30783)]

\"What exactly are your orders?\" inquires Cwen looking to the Knight Elusul as a sip of her drink is taken.

\"I think the idea of home is tempting for all, however, it is by Sir Findons order that we move or stay. He is around - somewhere, I believe. Busy, but I am sure he can be found.\"

From the group that she sits with her eyes shift with slight curisouty to where the Squire and Captian are, and then back.

[Conalmir(#31396)] \"Can I have a drink?\" Conalmir\'s voice comes out suddenly loud - louder maybe than he intended, for he adds a second later, \"Please. Someone.\" Movement catches his eye and he glances up to see Aearon leave the room and Lominzil follow him down a moment later.

Lominzil sits down, but does not touch further drink.

[Elusul(#30120)]

\"My orders were given by the knight-herald and must remain secret even as your own group keeps its own secrets.\" Elusul looks around the table evenly and then he turns to Conalmir to push over one of the unclaimed glasses of brandy. \"You are a qsquire?\"

[Calenloth(#27998)] \"I see.\"

Calenloth too, sits again, upon her chair. The glass circles upon the table, but she does not drink.

[Conalmir(#31396)] \"Yes, sir,\" Conalmir says, more subdued. He takes the glass with his left hand - the only usable one he has at the moment - and drinks, draining it nearly gone in one long swallow. \"I am Conalmir Tarikhor, sir. White Squire.\"

[Cwen(#30783)]

\"Understandable.\" replies Cwen to Elusul.

\"I wish we could give you a clear answer, though our hands too are tied. \"

And it is then the woman falls into silence leaning against the chair and sipping at her cup of brandy.

[Elusul(#30120)]

\"Ah, then you and my wife must be kin. My wife is the sister of the Lord Tarlanc Tarikhor.\" Elusul looks interested now and glad to have a topic that does not revolve around secrets and what seems to be tragedy.

[Conalmir(#31396)] \"Yes, sir,\" Conalmir answers. \"She is a cousin of mine. Of sorts,\" he adds. \"She is older, of course - my father\'s cousin, to be precise.\"

[Elusul(#30120)]

Elusul nods at this information and then looks around at the others present.

[Cwen(#30783)]

Cwen rolls the brandy around in the cup staring into the dark liquid. Listening to the conversation of family thoughts are brought back to hers. So far away are they now in Rohan, and she sighs a touch feeling that lonelyness.

\"How many days travel is it by sea? I\'ve not ridden within a ship before. Heard much mind you.\"

[Elusul(#30120)]

Elusul turns to Cwen. \"It is not far with fair winds. A few days at most.\"

[Cwen(#30783)]

Uneasily, she shifts in her seat.

\"And..what of drowning?\" asks Cwen slowly - evidence of a fear of that is in her voice. \"And, swimming, I am assume to those who travel the seas at a constant are at the very least able to swim?\"

[Elusul(#30120)]

\"Not necessarily.\" Elusul smiles. \"But if you were to fall in, you would be saved, no doubt. We have several brave swimmers aboard.\"

[Cwen(#30783)]

\"I see, I see.\"

Another drink of her brandy is taken, and Cwen smiles not. The idea of ships makes her uneasy - which also is easily seen.

\"I\'ve not been on a ship before. I\'ve heard many tell tales of the joy it can bring. Yet also the talk of storms, drowning..despite my curisoity there is also a sense of fear. You -say- you have some strong swimmers. But what of a storm and the ship tips? What then?\"

[Elusul(#30120)]

\"Ships are designed to right themselves due to the natural center of gravity and added ballast. It would be very hard for a ship to capsize or tip as you say.\" Elusul nods.

[Cwen(#30783)]

\"Oh. Well, I hear little of ships tipping yet do you not find it frightening? A storm, the ship tilting here and there. And sea sickness, I\'ve heard of that too.\" Cwen replies.

[Elusul(#30120)]

\"It is all part of being at sea. Once one gains his sea legs, the motion of the ship is not a hindrance at all.\" Elusul looks at Cwen. \"Do you think you and the other womenfolk will want to take ship?\"

[Cwen(#30783)]

\"Sea legs.\" repeats Cwen thoughtful. \"I am unsure. I came on this quest as lorekeep, if I am needed I will not leave. I have no idea as to what Sir Findon wishes to do. Or if he wishes us womenfolk to part from the group. It is not a bad idea, however. I will speak to Calenloth and see what she wishes as well.\"

[Elusul(#30120)]

\"I see.\" Elusul rises and then nods to Cwen and those others present. \"My ship is in the harbor. When you all have decided, please send word. Later I will seek your Hir Findon and inquire about the state of affairs. Good day to you all.\"

[Cwen(#30783)]

A nod.

\"Good day to you as well.\"

Cwen offers a brief smile before he departs and then chews her lower lip looking to the others at the table, falling silent then. Thoughtful.