An Isilrim\'s Eyes

Ithilcar, Library

A long, rectangular room, this is the library of the Isilrim in Dol Amroth. One half of it, the northern half, is designated for the tall book stacks that house the various tomes and manuscripts that the People of the Moon have collected during the many long years of their existence. The stands are made of solid oak, and each one traverses the width of the room there are spaces for at least fifty books on each shelf, and each shelf is overfull with books both old and new. They are not catalogued in any sort of order however, the Isilrim lords and their many cousins know the exact location of all the books. There is a small doorway on the northern end, just beyond the last stack, that leads to the small study. It is composed of a desk, a fire-lamp, and some small writing utensils.

The south end is filled with a myriad of chairs and roundtables. Each chair is plush, outfitted in the softest and finest fabrics to be found in Gondor, and as such provides a great deal of comfort for the studious person. Each table is round and polished to a mirrorlike sheen the construction of it is unknown, but it appears to be cherry of some sort. At any time, one might find the Isilrim or their guests studying the various texts to be found herein. In the very center of the room, there is a small glass enclosure. In this enclosure might be found various artifacts of Isilrim past: swords, shields, and armour. In front of that is a small podium, upon which sits The History of The People of the Moon this book is a definitive history of the people and house of Isilrim.

Objects:                           Exits:

Out                        

[Arathis]

The rays of a midday sun congeal within the Ithilcar, twining thickly upon the dusts of disrepair. The absence of the sons of Sirion has served the manor poorly their return thus flurries the servants and kinsmen of the house.

Standing behind the open doors of the library is Arathis, pausing to observe the affair ere taking to pace about the quarters.

[Elusul(#30120)]

Into the main hall walks Elusul and he marvels at the activity after so long. The knight looks around with evident pleasure at seeing the manor have new life breathed into it. His gaze travels around the until it comes to the way to the library and Elusul\'s pleased look turns to joy as he approaches Arathis.

\"My lord, it is true, you have returned!\"

[Arathis]

The buds of a grin welcome the newly arrived, tempered in growth by hands mated behind the Isilrim lord’s back.

So too flies his voice, at once stern but kind: “Hir Elusul, hail.”

His hands unlock, signalling first to a passing maiden, to whom he plainly charges, “Wine,” and then to an open seat for his kinsman knight.

[Elusul(#30120)]

Elusul sits down. \"My lord, it is great indeed to see you returned. All manner of stories abounded when the quest to the northlands came back without you: an Elf-witch entranced you, trolls squashed you, and many more besides. It was a dark time of mourning.\"

[Arathis]

“Elf-witch,” repeats the Lord Isilrim, his grin retreating as wine is served to the twain. Taking both seat and goblet, he rejoins behind a quaff of the vessel, “You were not raised on such nonsense, Hir.

“I was ensnared only in the nets of the common Enemy, which are, I fear, cast more widely than I had first thought.”

[Elusul(#30120)]

Elusul listens to this report of the enemy\'s reach and he nods as he takes up his own goblet and holds it with both his hands. \"Our own reach does not go far. The great knights of past years have gone. It is a time of rebuilding our strength such as we can.\"

[Arathis]

The words earn ponderation from Arathis. His hand stills the goblet.

“I have heard of Caldur. Tell me of your role, and the seas since.”

[Elusul(#30120)]

\"I was one of those who went with the Lord Imrakhor in the initial attack by the order. It was said that the Prince Imrahil being held in Harad. We resolved to go find him and set him free.\" Elusul nods at his recollection. \"After Caldur, the seas have grown more hostile than before and towns along the coast have been raided by the pretender.\" This last word is said with disgust.

[Arathis]

The airs about Arathis thicken in silence, buoying so his first word: “Folly.”

The goblet is finished. He rises from his seat, and takes once more to consideration’s pace.

“I would contrive fires that burn stone to end Umbar,” he yields at length, a fist coming to his nose, “but, alas, I would not burn our Order with it.

“The net of the Enemy is wide, kinsman, and shall catch the judgments of men as it might their flesh.”

[Elusul(#30120)]

Elusul nods at Arathis\' observation. \"Have you spoken to the other senior knights regarding Caldur? The Lord Gwendion led the cutting-out force that allowed our escape. He will no doubt have insight.\"

[Arathis]

\"I have spoken to the Prince,\" answers Arathis, pausing to peer outside a window. The same maiden as before enters to refill their goblets, but is instead dismissed by the Isilrim lord she is bid with the pursing of a palm to too close the library doors.

\"I have become unsure of some of our knights,\" he betrays then levelly, returning to the window. \"I would have you observe them where I cannot too I would ask you to keep vigil upon the seas and the harbors of the Pretender.

\"Alas, I fear design is upon us.\"

[Elusul(#30120)]

\"No doubt you suspect the Bragollach? The Lord Dauragor was my master and I have had much opportunity to observe his son.\" Elusul turns in his seat as Arathis crosses the library. \"His impetuousness is well known, but he is true. Do you fear more than just him?\"

[Arathis]

Arathis pivots away from the library’s window, deliberate steps bearing him first before and then behind Elusul’s seat.

“I fear that some men no longer guard their failings:,\" he explains from his kinsman\'s back, \"-- it matters to me little if they are thus in their own manner true, if they have become careless with the truth. For the Deceiver works not always by his servant’s sword, but at times by his enemy’s.”

A hand comes to grasp Elusul’s shoulder: “Do as you were bid, if only to ease your lord.”

[Elusul(#30120)]

Elusul sets down his goblet, the wine not touched at all during this conversation. He rises and nods. \"I will see to the sea lanes and my eyes and ears will be open.\" As the interview seems to be almost over, the knight again smiles, though less broadly than before, \"Your return heralds a new day for Dol Amroth and all of Gondor, my lord.\"

[Arathis]

The grip on Elusul’s shoulder tightens in response, coupled with an appreciative nod. When it is released, the Lord Isilrim returns to his window.

[Elusul]

Elusul departs.