The Old Lord

[Gwendion(#24427)]

It is a fine winter day, clear and bright. The skies above Belfalas are a rich blue and so too are her seas. But the city does not rejoice the fair weather, for the day is one of mourning.

The Bardic Hall has for some weeks now been a place for families to come and speak well of their lost, loved ones with one another. Flowers, trinkets and well wishes and prayers put to parchment dot the edges of the hearth that blazes in the center of the room. And there is where the Prince of Dol Amroth stands, Elphir.

At his side, his Captain, Gwendion, looking dour as the ceremony demands. And all around the room, men and woman stand in a solemn silence for the speakers who offer their kind words for the Prince\'s lost father.

Now an older man speaks, certainly once a knight, of tales of serving his Prince and of his fond memories of Elphir as a child. It is a bright and cheerful tale yet tears come with his words.

[Aearon(#16333)]

Among the crowd is the Silver Ship Company standing in near perfect formation, to a man they are dressed in their finest uniforms, boots shined to a polished finish, finest made black tunics, shields and spear points glimmer in the light. At their front in his finest uniform is their new Captain, Aearon Telpekhor, he like his men is dressed in his finest uniform, he stands tall with his chest out, gut sucked in, head held high. At his side stands the companies Standard Bearer.

[Menelglir(#17324)]

ANd next to this company of Hosts, by chance or design, is a group of Squires, Whites first, the Blues next. At the very edge of this group, so that he is next to the Hosts, is Menelglir. Uniformed, groomed, cleaned. Silent. And, of course, grim.

Not a breath flutters the standard of the White Tree, silver-white on velvet black, under the Silver Ship\'s young and slight standard-bearer.

It is so that Lominzil stands next to Menelglir, his stance and uniform immaculate and half-lidded eyes unreadable.

[Gwendion(#24427)]

\"As it has been said a hundred times, and shall be said again so, my sorrows for your loss,\" the old man says to the young Prince. Gwendion offers the old man his arm and the two shake and then looks out to the crowd, \"Is there aught any others that have some short words for the Prince?\"

[Aearon(#16333)]

Still standing tall Aearon says nothing, he simply stands still and waits for the proceedings to continue, the look on his face still grim, sad even.

[Menelglir(#17324)]

\"Long live the Prince....\" some voice ventures from the ranks of Squires...trying to sound cheerful and hopeful, but fading out in the end. Menelglir half turns to try to see who has said it, but then turns back to fix his gaze forward again.

Lominzil\'s attention flicks perilously towards the failing voice, and a muscle tightens in his jaw. Still he stands rigidly, an image of proper and sober respect.

[Menelglir(#17324)]

\"What of Sir Imrahkhor?!\" another voice suddenly calls--surely from the Squires. Not Menelglir. \"Where is he on this day of mourning? Is he afraid to show his face?\"

\"WHat of justice for his crimes?!\" another person calls.

[Aearon(#16333)]

Hearing the shouts coming from the different people in attendance the Captain of the Silver Ship says in a loud voice \"Silence. This is a time for mourning, show respect for those that have fallen and give them their time. Such things can be discussed at the conclusion of these events.\" His tone is not one of anger, simply authoritative.

[Gwendion(#24427)]

Elphir frowns. He is silent to the call but his look is stern for the squires and he waits for words worth acknowledging. None else bring their voices forward and the young Prince steps forward to speak, his anger subsiding for sorrow, \"My friends, my family. We have lost much in these last few months. More than our brothers, more than simple blood.\"

His jaw tightens for a moment as he pauses in his words. \"My father was by all accounts a great and fair man. He..\" he falters, \"He will be missed.\"

He clears his throat again, \"So many words of kindness have been spoken of him and of my family. For each one spoken, my sincerest thanks and gratitude.\" He steps away from the hearth, covering his mouth with his fist.

Sir Gwendion begins, \"Lord and Ladies, there is wine in the parlour, and for my brothers, in the tower dinner as well. Now... if there is nothing else...\"

Fate speaks, for even as Gwendion finishes his breath, a scream sounds outside the hall and it is soon followed by many more.

The Silver Ship trembles in Turlach\'s hands, disturbed by the sudden screams -- for it seems these are no mere mourners.

[Menelglir(#17324)]

Menelglir, along with most of the Squires, turns to the screams--though Menelglir turns back and looks to Gwendion, looking to his response.

[Gwendion(#24427)]

Gwendion takes the arm of the Prince, and looks for his Squire. He motions Menelglir towards the doors and then drags the Prince off in the opposite direction. The room soon falls into chaos. Those who solider press for the doors, and those who do not run up the stairs or dart towards the rear of the building. The commotion outside grows.

[Aearon(#16333)]

Hearing the screams coming from outside, Aearon motions for a group of men to go investigate, as those men rush off and the room erupts into chaos he says \"Outside\" and with that the soldiers make for the doors in formation shields held up with their Captain at the front.

[Menelglir(#17324)]

At first Menelglir, moving on the gesture from the Knight, gets caught in the crush. But then he squeezes into the formation of Aearon\'s men, working his way forward to exit with them.

Among the flurry of rushing limbs and arms, the Silver Ship floats serenely as swan on lake, Turlach proceeding grimly in the men\'s midst with the other hand on his sword.

[Gwendion(#24427)]

The double doors swing freely open and the men gathered here begin to rush out onto the street. The sound is clearer now and though there are screams and horses baying, there is no sound of battle or death.

Gwaithmir has arrived.

[Aearon(#16333)]

The main body of the Silver Ship reaches the door and leaves the hall, Looking about the Captain looks to his men and shouts \"Four groups, Split into four group we will search for the cause of this!\"

As the soldiers split into the different groups he directs three of the groups to go in different directions, and then looking to the remaining group he says \"All of you are with me.\"

[Menelglir(#17324)]

\"what\'s happening?\" Menelglir shouts to the two men nearest him that he recognizes--Turlach and Aearon. He has his sword halfway out of its scabbard, but int hte press of the crowd has not drawn it. He trots over to join Aearon\'s group.

\"It is not an invasion,\" mutters Turlach under his breath, both hands supporting the ceremonial velvet banner. \"Put away your sword.\"

[Gwaithmir(#31254)]

Gwaithmir is just another face in the crowd. A rather confused and thoroughly indignant face, it must be owned. Without leaving his place, allowing the guards to swarm around and passed him, he sighs and shrugs his shoulders.

Unnoticed, a soldier -- Blue Squire -- has remained behind, curious scrap of blue finery standing next to the heap of memorials for the dead. Lominzil ignores the commotion and stoops by the piles of flowers and trinkets.

[Gwendion(#24427)]

As the door is reached, the cause is clear.

A man, if such can be called so, giant even among the legacy of the Dunedain here in the city strides towards this hall. He is mailed but his tabard holds no crest or sigil of Gondor, only the color of a deep brown. There is no helm upon his head, his face, strong and aged, clear for all to see. Behind him, two great and dire wolves follow, snarling at the men-at-arms that ring this man, like dogs following their master. His voice bellows out, is like gravel, like a storm, \"I know you are here! Come and speak to me! I can...\" he sniffs at the air, \"Smell you.\" And still he comes towards the hall, but a dozen lengths of a man from it.

[Aearon(#16333)]

As the huge man can be seen the Company of Hosts swarm around him, moving to circle him with their spearmen in the front so as to keep the best of a man at a decent distance. Stepping to the front of the crowd directly in front of the man, blocking his way to the hall is Captain Aearon. Raising his voice and looking directly at the man he shouts \"Halt! Leash your beasts and watch your tone!\" the Captains shield is up and his spear is held high with the butt resting upon the ground.

[Menelglir(#17324)]

\"Not under attack, but what is this?\" Menelglir answers Turlach, then hurries toward the old man and his wolves. Still, he hasn\'t drawn his sword, not fully. \"Who are you?! And what is your business here?\" he demands.

[Gwaithmir(#31254)]

Gwaithmir slowly backs towards Lominzil, keeping his eyes on the...thing...and his hands nervously clasped behind his back. When he nears his brother, he says quietly, \"That is /very/ interesting,\", sounding much like he\'s torn between fleeing and politely asking the Thing for an interview.

\"Umm,\" is all that Turlach can say, bracing his staff at the ready.

Lominzil reaches inside his tabard and places a little locket on the pile -- it slips and is lost, twinkling among the others. \"It is time to leave, brother,\" he says, smiling, to Gwaithmir, \"while they are distracted.\" He is blind to the man with wolves.

[The Old Lord(#30064)] The giant snorts, laughing, at Aearon\'s request, \"My tone? My tone?! Haha... your men greet me with spears and you speak of tone? I have spoken pleasantly in the past already. And have been ignored!\" he shouts.

\"Now I will...\" again he sniffs at the air. \"So close.\" As Menelglir arrives, he adds, \"Closer still.\"

He breaks his reverie with a shake of his head, his great locks dancing about, \"I have come to speak,\" he smiles a cruel grin, \"At your... occasion.\" His words come not as a feeble beast, but as a man of letters. In all ways, words, mannerisms and movement, he is a man, only made larger.

\"Am I not welcome here?\"

[Aearon(#16333)]

Not moving except to signal his soldiers to lower their weapons he says \"Well sir, All men of Gondor and our allies are welcome, I am Aearon Telpekhor, Captain of the Silver Ship Company. Who are you and why have disturbed the funeral for the Prince and all of our fallen comrades?\"

[Menelglir(#17324)]

\"Closer?\" Menelglir repeats that word, looking confused--but he does not interrupt Aearon\'s questions and instead waits for the replies.

[The Old Lord(#30064)] The great man takes a step towards the doors, \"Telpekhor? This word is familiar to me.\"

His eyes turn on Menelglir, \"You do not know me? Are the memories of men so short?\" He looks over the soldiers and then through the double doors to those left within the room, pointing a meaty finger at Gwaithmir, \"That one has the look of one who is learned. Bring him and have him name me. Surely he knows.\"

\"Is he of Gondor?\" whispers Turlach to Menelglir, wide-eyed.

[Aearon(#16333)]

Stepping in front of the great man to block his way again the Captain looks over his shoulder and waves Gwaithmir over saying \"Give me your name sir, for then if this is a misunderstanding we can all be on our way, yourself included.\" Looking up at the great man the Captain waits, his eyes looking directly at the larger man.

[Menelglir(#17324)]

\"Of Gondor...\" Menelglir looks the old man up and down, but shakes his head to Turlach. \"I do not know. What lore do we have of old men and wolves? Giants and wolves? Would Gwaimthir know?\" he gestures that way.

\"Oh, bother,\" murmurs Lominzil as he notices the towering man for the first time. \"Not now, Gwaithmir. We might have slipped down to the docks even now!\"

[Gwaithmir(#31254)]

Gwaithmir turns a finger on himself and clears his throat. He raises a brow at Menelglir. There is a moment of hesitation - his step seems as like to go backward as forward - but he does eventually advance to behind Aearon. As it were on impulse, the Great Big Man is bowed to. \"Sir. I am Gwaithmir. I would name you if I could, yet, alas, you seem right in your guess: the memories of men /are/ short. Our legends tell of giants, as Menelglir says. If you are not one of these, I cannot give a learned answer. But, faith, I am fain to learn!\"

[The Old Lord(#30064)] Is that so...?\" the old Lord says, seemingly incredulous. He sniffs at the air again. Then towards the pair of cousins, sniffing ever closer till he has taken to one knee and sniffs the air as near to the men\'s faces as he can.

[Tathar(#31396)] Watching with varying expressions from a little ways away are three people - an older man and woman, Caronnen and Nelbrethil Girithlin and Tathar Nimothan. The couple look too stunned to be thinking much: the woman\'s face is still wet with tears from the funeral. But Tathar, a little farther removed from the tragedy that has hit this family, peers at the giant of a man with interest a little frown on her face as Gwaithmir approaches him.

[Imrakhor(#30834)]

Imrakhor Bragollach has been biting his nails for quite some while, absorbed in a private moment as the funeral ended. It is this that prevents his eyes going to Great Big Lord Man beforehand. Now, he quirks an eyebrow.

[Aearon(#16333)]

As the great man, the old lord sniffs the air, the Captain again says \"Sir, Your name?\" though this time it is in more of an authoritative tone. Standing up tall and proud he waits for the man\'s answer, his eyes not leaving the larger man\'s and the knuckles on his spear hand are becoming white.

[Menelglir(#17324)]

\"What do you seek...and..\" Menelglir steps back a pace, disturbed by the man\'s sniffing, \"and what are you smelling?\" He glances around the crowd, calling, \"does anyone know this man and...and his wolves? A..a legend, perhaps?\"

[Gwaithmir(#31254)]

Gwaithmir says nothing, letting the Old Lord sniff where and what he will. He does, however, shoot Aearon a rather displeased glance. Quietly, he addresses the Captain, \"Surely politeness would answer better, Captain, when one addresses a being so much larger and older than oneself?\"

Lominzil shakes his head at Gwaithmir and steps towards his parents, crossing his arms.

[Aearon(#16333)]

Looking to Gwaithmir the Captain says \"I gave him my name, is it not a courtesy to give your own name in return?\"

[Tathar(#31396)] Caronnen reaches out to put his hand on his youngest son\'s shoulder, and Tathar leans towards Nelbrethil, whispering something in her ears - all the time watching the Old Lord - and his \'dogs\' - with the same small frown. The older lady blinks, and seems to come a little ways out of her grief enough to look at the man herself.

[The Old Lord(#30064)] \"I see. It is you pair then, I have come for.\"

The old Lord stands upright once more, \"I am...\" his head tilts towards the sky, as he searches his own memory for the words, \"Lyre. Yes. And I am your Lord.\"

He smirks at the Squire, \"Surely no legend,\" and another for Gwaithmir, \"At least you have some sense.\"

\"I have sent several messages to you here. All have been ignored. So, I sent another. One certain to gain your attention,\" his anger grows noticeably, \"And still ignored!\"

\"Now I am here... Telpekhor. No longer will I abide your poor manners.\"

[Aearon(#16333)]

Bowing his head the Captain says \"Well met my Lord..\" pausing for a moment \"I am sorry but we have received no such messages. If we had I am sure preparations would have been made to better accommodate your arrival.\" Motioning his soldiers with his spear hand to back away, but remain close, he looks back to the old Lord and says \"Lyre.\" As if searching his memory for some sort of remembrance of the name.

[Gwaithmir(#31254)]

Gwaithmir whispers back to Aearon, \"If one is schooled in the courtesies of Dol Amroth, perhaps, but...\" But what is never found out, as Gwaithmir is interrupted by the Old Lord. He draws a sharp breath, side-stepping away from the Captain and once again addressing the Lord, a hand upon his heart, over which he bows again. \"Forgive us, my lord, if we have been remiss in our manners. We humbly ask pardon in our grief for our slain we have not been as attendant to courtesy as we ought. As forgiveness is the perogative of those who rule, I trust you will extend it to us.\"

[Menelglir(#17324)]

\"Perhaps your messages were not recognized as such if they were not something we would clearly recognize as a message. Will you not repeat your purpose now?\" Menelglir asks. He has moved to stand next to Aearon.

[Imrakhor(#30834)]

The Lord Bragollach seems interested in the situation as he strides ever so casually closer to the enveloping dramatics. He almost speaks, but does not and instead returns to gnawing at his fingernails.

[Aearon(#16333)]

The soldiers of the Silver Ship see their Captains signal and slowly back away, their weapons put away as they stand at a far distance, one eye upon the old Lord.

[The Old Lord(#30064)] \"You did not receive my messages!\" Lyre storms, \"What insolence!\"

\"When Anar last was conceiled by The Sheen, did not a horse come to be birthed stillborn with two heads? Was it not clear?\" he says, certainly speaking of an eclipse some decades ago.

\"And then when none I sent a flock of blue butterflies and each sat upon a daffodil on your green hills. Did you not see that?\"

\"I even took your lord,\" he says pointing at finger towards the funeral hearth, \"A thing you have treasured for countless years and still, none have come to my calling.\"

\"So, yes, I have come to see why you have ignored the old compacts and my invitations. Why you choose to dishonor me?\"

[Tathar(#31396)] Caronnen Girithlin turns, unobtrusivly, but unmistakably, away, putting his back to Imrakhor. The pressure of his hand on Lominzil\'s shoulder draws the boy after him.

\"Father,\" protests Lominzil, turning his head to look at the nailbiting Knight.

[Aearon(#16333)]

At the words of the Old Lord the Captain continues to stand tall, his features betraying nothing as he simply stands there thinking, after a moment he says \"You took our lord? The Prince? Where has he been taken?\" pausing for a moment.

Taking a deep breath he says \"Please my Lord, tell us what can be done to correct this dishonor, so that you can return our Lord to us.\"

[Tathar(#31396)] Caronnen\'s fingers tighten, pressing into his son\'s shoulder. \"Enough,\" he says in a low voice. \"Now is not the time.\"

Nelbrethil has lost whatever small spark of interest Tathar\'s words had gendered, and is staring at nothing again, her face lined and old. And Tathar turns curiously to look where the man has pointed, and then her gaze goes to Gwaithmir, both eyebrows raising. Does he know what the man is speaking of?

[Menelglir(#17324)]

For his part, Menelglir seems shocked into silence for several moments. \"A flock of blue butterflies...but you took our Prince? We have long sought for..for you, but did not know how to answer that call.\"

[Gwaithmir(#31254)]

For some time now, Gwaithmir\'s brows have been contracted by thought. He catches Tathar\'s gaze and answers with a slight shake of his head. Just after this, he again speaks to the Lord, taking a different tack. \"Time for one such as yourself, and for mere Man, are not the same thing. Can you speak of ages of starlight? Did you know, of a time, the flash of the hooves of Nahar?\"

[Imrakhor(#30834)]

Intent on his nails, the Lord Bragollach\'s eyes flash up at Lominzil.

He stops biting for a moment and shrugs his shoulders to the Squire, then makes his way to the fore. \"Get to the point and ask what...\" The Lord Bragollach looks up disdainfully at the Big Old Man. \"...it what it wants.\"

[Menelglir(#17324)]

\"We have,\" Menelglir answers the Knight, then adds as an afterthought, \"Sir.\"

[Imrakhor(#30834)]

\"Well?\" says Imrakhor back to Menelglir.

Lominzil fairly glares up at his father. \"What is Gwaithmir prating on about?\" he hisses angrily.

[The Old Lord(#30064)] \"Have men become so weak of mind,\" he says more than speaks in response but he says naught of Nahar or his hooves.

But the trio of Gwaithmir, Menelglir and Aearon seem to have placated him even as the Lord Bragollach scolds him. He dictates, smiling now, \"You must come to the north, as was decided. We shall dine, your party and I but,\" he frowns at those now around him, \"Not with just such company as this. Men of blades and sticks. When last I spoke to men and women, it was of poems and stories and song.\"

He nods towards Turlach, \"Do you know of such things, child?\"

[<#31396>] \'Lominzil. Be silent!\' Caronnen\'s words, though quiet, crack like a whip. He lowers his voice. \"If you cannot contain yourself, you will remove yourself from this room.\"

[Menelglir(#17324)]

\"There is your answer,\" Menelglir says, gesturing from the Knight to the Old Lord. \"Lord Lyre says that he took our Prince, as a \"message,\" and that we must come north and...and share song and verse.\" THe Squire gives Aearon a very hard look at this last.

[The Old Lord(#30064)] \"Like in the compacts of old,\" Lord Lyre adds to Menelgir\'s words.

[Tathar(#31396)] Tathar steps forward as the man speaks of poems and songs. She opens her mouth as if to speak, but waits as he asks her nephew.

Turlach bristles involuntarily at being thus addressed, but straightens, pulls the standard smartly to his chest and admits in the deepest voice he can muster, \'Yes, lord, though I am no master of lore.\'

Lominzil scowls most deeply and murmurs under his breath, \"Allow me to remove myself, then. I am half sick of biding time.\"

[Menelglir(#17324)]

\"North, Lord...\" Menelglir coughs. \"Just how far north do you mean?\"

[Aearon(#16333)]

Listening to the words of the Old Lord, and his cousin, the Captain says \"You wish for us to travel to the North with you so as to secure the return of our Lord and Prince, my Lord?\" looking to his cousin again he gives him a look as if to say -careful now-, then looking to Gwaithmir as if to say -a little help-, finally looking back to the Lord he waits for an answer.

[Imrakhor(#30834)]

\"Menelglir,\" says the Lord Bragollach in a moment of brilliance. \"This is quite perfect for you. You will go sing for this man, for our Prince?\"

[Imrakhor(#30834)]

\"Oh, compacts of old too. Yes,\" adds Imrakhor.

[Tathar(#31396)] Caronnen looks at his son, his gaze filled with grief and heavy with disappointment. \"Go then,\" he says quietly. \"But I wish you to attend me after I have things I must speak to you of.\"

[Gwaithmir(#31254)]

Gwaithmir answers Aearon\'s silent plea for help with an innocent shrug of his shoulders. Imrakhor, however, is given a look of superb disdain, and in contradiction Gwaithmir interjects, \"I will go! Song and lore have been study for the few short years of my life. It would be my honour to sing with you, Lord Lyre.\"

[Menelglir(#17324)]

Menelglir gives Imrakhor a look that could kill, adding icily, \"I am not known for my skill with song or prose. Sir.\"

\"Gwaithmir!\" the Squire then hisses, too late. \"At least let us find out exactly where we go and how long the journey will be. You know not who this Lord Lyre is.\"

[Tathar(#31396)] \"Not all have forgotten the beauties of poems and songs, sir,\" Tathar interjects quietly. \"Even among the Knights, there are those who hold such things dear.\"

[Gwaithmir(#31254)]

\"Does it matter?\" Gwaithmir speaks quietly to Menelglir. \"Far or near, to lands known or unknown, for the sake of Imrahil I would follow this lord anywhere.\"

\"You do not know where I intend to go, father,\" says Lominzil, his lip curling, but his voice trembles to the point of incoherence. \"If it is words you must have first ... I must wait for Gwaithmir.\"

[Imrakhor(#30834)]

\"Perhaps,\" states Imrakhor imperiously, \"You have mistaken my command for a suggestion, Menelglir.\" He holds a stern glare upon the Squire.

[<#31396>] Caronnen looks at Lominzil keenly, then steps to the back of the room, away from the others, drawing the boy with him. When they are as private as they might be, he puts his arms around his son, and holds him. \"I know,\" he says hoarsely. \"I will speak with you both. Please... Please wait for me.\"

[The Old Lord(#30064)]

\"You,\" his finger goes to Aearon, \"And you,\" the finger moves to Menelglir, \"Must come.\"

\"You,\" a finger points at Turlach, \"And you,\" then at Gwaimthir, \"Can entertain me well. Also come.\"

His finger slides towards the Lord Bragollach. It retracts, \"No. Not you. You are not allowed in my domain.\"

His chin lifts and his eyes run over the faces that look up at him, settling finally on Tathar.

He smiles.

\"You. You will come as well.\"

Again back to Aearon, \"There are thirteen seats at my table. You may fill the rest as you see fit but I enjoy a mixed company of guests to entertain with each their own story.\"

\"Will finally it be done?\"

[Menelglir(#17324)]

\"Duly noted, sir, and I will convey your wishes to my Knight,\" Menelglir says returning Imrakhor\'s glare with a steady gaze. \"Of course, it is my duty and also my wish to find the Prince. But I cannot agree to do so until I have my Knight\'s permission. Not even for this.\"

Then the Old Lord finally speaks, and Menelglir pays heed to those words.

[Aearon(#16333)]

Hearing the words of the Old Lord, the Captain bows his head and says \"It would be an Honor my Lord\" Glancing to his cousin for a moment he stands up and says \"I will make the arrangements and notify those that are to accompany us. When are we to leave?\" as his words are finished his face looks as if he is in deep thought, contemplating what is to happen.

[Gwaithmir(#31254)]

Gwaithmir inclines his head at the Old Lord in acknowledgement, but otherwise his gaze remains fixed on Imrakhor, half-amused. He speaks and moves at the same time, crossing back toward his parents and brother, \"You command, \'lord\'. Yet, if you are obeyed not, who will enforce your commands?\"

Lominzil stiffens at his father\'s embrace and looks over Caronnen\'s shoulder. \"I cannot wait much longer, dearest father. Look, Gwaithmir is already being drawn away,\" he murmurs to the close ear.

[Imrakhor(#30834)]

As the finger comes to rest upon Imrakhor and passes on, he has a moment to pause. But he is not surprised. \"Yes, yes, I wouldn\'t imagine so.\"

[Tathar(#31396)] Astonishment crosses Tathar\'s face. \"Myself?\" she repeats. \"But... \" She stops herself, glancing at Turlach, and nods. \"Very well.\"

Turlach\'s eyes widen as he is pointed at, glancing right and left to his comrades in arms. But then he looks to Tathar, and nods imperceptibly.

[Tathar(#31396)] \"He will not go at once.\" If any thought Caronnen hadn\'t been listening, for dealing with his son, they would be wrong. \"We will have time to consult.\" He lets his arms fall as Lominzil stiffens. \"I must not leave your mother alone, though.\" And the elder man returns to his wife, taking her hand.

[The Old Lord(#30064)] \"You will leave by the next time Ithil shines full. By then, I will already be seated and making preparations for your arrival.\"

\"I am embarrassed for your ignorance. So much has been forgotten. Is the strongest of your kin so too as ignorant as you?\" the old lord asks of Menelglir, seemingly without insult.

For Tathar\'s words, he bends towards her, then inclines his head, \"I am excited to hear your stories and your song. If you know of others, bring them.\"

\"Of course. It is good to know such men exists too. When last I came, I was not greeted with spears but with wine and song. It shall be so again.\"

He lifts his arm, pointing towards the north-west, \"Cross the hills of green, where the source of your blood lies. Then north, till the western river\'s flow. Follow it to its source, and then there will be a small thing to climb for you to the east and to the north. Do not go so far as to the pass. No,\" he darkens, \"Do not go so far as that.\"

\"But an night to the north and a night to the east will be enough to find my domain. Then the path will be clear and we will meet again.\"

[Aearon(#16333)]

As the Old Lord finishes speaking, the Captain bows his head and says \"Yes my lord, We will begin making preparations immediately.\" Still bowing he continues \"Do not think harshly upon all of Gondor, for it was my command that the soldiers were following for we heard screams.\" Standing up he says \"We thank you for your patience.\"

[Imrakhor(#30834)]

Imrakhor leans over to Menenlglir, \"Be wary of the road you are about to travel, Telpekhor.\" Though these words seem as instructions, there is a challenge in them too. \"You have been chosen. You must go.\"

Lominzil remains where his father has drawn him, his knuckles white upon his own arms as he stares at the backs of his parents.

[The Old Lord(#30064)] Lyre gives but another nod, then turns his back to the pair of Telpekhors, the wolves snarling at each in turn, before following their master as he strides back towards the city walls.

[Menelglir(#17324)]

Menelglir does not answer the question, other than shaking his head. But when the man and his beasts are gone, he turns to Imrakhor. \"What road is this? To where does he send us and who is he? Speak, sir, I beg you.\"

[Aearon(#16333)]

As the Old Lord turn and goes to leave the Lieutenant waits until he is a good way out of ear shot and then looks to those who have been \"chosen\" and says \"We leave at dawn, prepare your things\" sighing heavily \"I must figure out where we are headed, and who will accompany us.\"

Looking about again \"Yes Lord Imrakhor, tell us if you know anything of this Lord Lyre.\"

[Imrakhor(#30834)]

\"A spectre of some ancient nobility? How should I know?\"

Imrakhor takes a bite of one nail, \"Whoever it is, it has very poor taste.\"

[Aearon(#16333)]

As the Old Lord turn and goes to leave the Lieutenant waits until he is a good way out of ear shot and then looks to those who have been \"chosen\" and says \"We leave at the full moon, prepare your things\" sighing heavily \"I must figure out where we are headed, and who will accompany us.\"

Looking about again \"Yes Lord Imrakhor, tell us if you know anything of this Lord Lyre.\"

[Menelglir(#17324)]

\"I will go speak with Sir Gwendion,\" Menelglir says, giving a sigh of frustration, undisguised, at Imrakhor\'s answer. \"I am certain that my Knight will be just as forthcoming with his wisdom on this matter,\" he says, speaking low to Aearon only on that, and then turning to head off.

[Tathar(#31396)] Tathar, a bit bemused, looks from Turlach to Gwaithmir, when she catches Caronnen\'s eye. He beckons to her, and she goes to him. After some quiet consultation, the two ladies leave the room.

The senior Girithlin returns to Lominzil\'s side, waiting for his other son to join them.

[Imrakhor(#30834)]

Imrakhor grabs Menelglir\'s arm just as he moves to leave. \"Be wary,\" he whispers to him, before allowing that squire to pass off to his duty.

[Menelglir(#17324)]

For a moment Menelglir turns back, and his gaze meets and holds Imrakhor\'s at the warning. Then he is gone.

[Gwaithmir(#31254)]

Gwaithmir glances at Menelglir as he is accosted by Imrakhor, but seeing the exchange end swiftly, the loremaster simply turns and heads out of the hall.

[Aearon(#16333)]

With a simple nod to Lord Imrakhor, the Captain says \"I will accompany you cousin, he and the Prince will wish to hear of these things.\" Stepping to follow his cousin he looks back to the other \"chosen\" and says \"I will seek you out and inform you of what we learn, as well as what to bring with you.\" Then he steps to the side of his cousin and moves to find the Prince and Sir Gwendion.