Old Lord TP: Girithlin Troubles

[Gaul(#30834)]

Droplets of rain fall from the sky like crystalline illusions, strewn rhythmically to the ground before disappating into ground-soaked moisture. The walls of Nan Eirin are a vision in the distance to Gaul Girithlin, riding alone up to its gates. He gallops onwards, closer and closer to the keep.

Rearing his stallion back as he nears, he says to the beast, \"We have made it at last,\" before continuing onwards to the very brink of the Telpekhiri manor.

And who but to greet the traveler to the estate but a Telpekhor?

Menelglir, in this case, for the Squire is upon the gates, speaking with the guardsmen there, and thus has spotted Gaul\'s approach long before. So it is that when the man arrives, Menelglir stands by the open gates, the guards of the manor watching with curiousity at the traveler, wariness, and some amusement at the Squire taking charge.

\"Sir, good day,\" Menelglir calls in greeting.

[Gaul(#30834)]  The Girithlin pulls at the reins of his horse, bringing the beast to a stop.

\"Hail and well met, Man Upon The Gates!\" he says.

\"I am Gaul Girithlin! I have been told that there lies a party within these very gates whom an Elder Spirit has called to Quest! I have not talent with Bow or Sword, or rather, with Song or Speech shall my enthusiasm and this ride be enough to prove my worthiness? Man Upon The Gates, what say you?\"

\"Hail Gaul Girithlin,\" is the answer, though it comes not from the guards but from Menelglir, who steps out of the gates and advances toward the traveler, at whom he squints for a few moments. \"I know that name, I believe. We have

met? I am Menelglir Telpekhor, and this is the estate of the Lord of my family.\"

\"Indeed you have found those who are upon this quest...but you have traveled all those miles alone and in the winter?\"

The Squire\'s eyes widen. \"What drove you so?\"

[Gaul(#30834)]

Droplets fall about the Girithlin, but they are felled by both hood and cloth. He stirs his steed forward, speaking as he approaches.\"I am driven by intrigue: dost a Man With Wolves encroach upon your dinner table on a regular basis, or even more pertinently, at the funeral of your Loved One? Nay, not likely,\" he says dismissively before continuing, \"I am also young and my childhood was fraught with misdeed and indignation! Even my given surname is but a lie, for my wish and not the truth is that I am a Girithlin! Shall you deny he who wishes to atone for his Father\'s sin? Perhaps Imrahil will be won upon this Quest, perhaps not. But is not the salvation in the steps and not the reward, though the reward be so great? Answer me this?

\"Or do you question your quest too, Menelglir Telpekhor?\"

\"Or do you simply question that your Prince may still be won?\"

Anger quickens in Menelglir\'s grey eyes, which are fixed hard upon Gaul as he speaks. \"It is not for you to know what I question and what I do not, sir,\" he says coldly. \"As for the rest, intrigue may drive you, but this quest is not a grand adventure for bored men of noble birth. Or not so noble birth it seems? Few are those who have lived above the expectations of such a birth, though I blame you not for trying. I would blame you less, though, if you tried to be other than Girithlin. But since you have put in a mighty effort, I, for one, will not begrudge you the chance to join our group--but only if you give me your word of honor that you undertake this with all seriousness.\"

But at the repetition of that particular family name, the guards upon the gates now raise brows and noises of doubt and objection. \"Girithlin?\" says one guard to the other. \"A second one to be sent naked running home? Do they think our Lord does not forget the insults of that family?\"

[Gaul(#30834)]  \"Emindil by deed and actions has called all of our House to Great Purpose,\" says Gaul, \"Whether they fulfill such purpose is in the hands of the Girithlin.\" The man continues onwards and now he is met by the guards.\"Do you allow me passage or do you not? Mistake not my words for arrogance, Menelglir Telpekhor, for I know your reputation and dare not besmirch it. I hear there is also one, Captain Aearon Telpekhor, whose deeds in Caldur are likewise noteworthy. We who have not served can only honor, and such honor I bring to serve under the command of those who would secure our Lord Prince. Would you have me, he who hears nobility in his name and who hopes to echo it by action? Have you any question which you do not believe I can answer? Have you any task that you think I shalln\'t complete? Then give it now or allow me to travel with you...sir! I apologize. There are times when my speech gets the best of me: I merely ask that you allow me to join you until such time that I am told I can go no further. I shalln\'t protest or complain and you may dismiss me from your company if you feel I am unworthy to continue.\"\"Will you allow me entry to Nan Eirin or will you not?\"

His eyes still hard and cold upon the Girithlin, yet Menelglir nods slowly. \"I hear you and I will have you, taking your words as a promise upon your honor. But cross me and my purposes upon this quest and you put your life at jeopardy.\"

\"Let him through,\" the Squire says sharply, turning to the guards. \"He is with our party and should be treated as such. If any have an objection to this--\" Menelglir pauses to stare hard at each guard--\"they can answer to me.\" He gestures for Gaul to follow him through the gates, adding, \"a stable boy will see to your mount.\"

[Gaul(#30834)]  Gaul guides his steed within the doors of Nan Eiren.