Brief Respite

Riverside, Naith of Lorien

You stand riverside, in Dwimordene, amidst the grey boles of the mellyrn and the concealing underbrush on the eastern banks of the river Celebrant. It is here in these golden woods where the rolling foothills of the Misties come to an end and the Elven realm of Lothlorien, often called Dwimordene or Dreamland by men, begins. It\'s summertime, and the mellyrn\'s leaves and branches form a light canopy of green to match the scattered undergrowth below. Presently, the late morning sun filters down through the trees, creating a patchword of sunshine and shady areas.

Contents:

Galadriel

Nalas

Raven

Barrels

Obvious exits:

UpStream leads to Upper Riverside.

DownStream leads to Harbor Pathway.

Northeast leads to Forest Path.

Across leads to Western Riverbank of the Upper Celebrant.

---------------------------------------------------------------- +ELF TIME ----

================== Eldarin Calendar ===================

IC time is:    Late Morning < About 11:59 AM >

IC day is:     Orgaladhad

IC date is:    8 Laer

Moon phase:    Last Quarter

Earendil:      Gil-Estel is not visible.

IC year is:    Loa 25 o Yen 22, Nelandran o Endor

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RL time:    Tue Mar 16 12:19:50 2010

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Calendar help: +ELF TIME HELP    Quenya version: +ELF TIME QUENYA

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It is late morning, summer sun and fresh wind borne through the silvery-green leaves to rustle in chorus with the Celebrant. This clearing is calm and undisturbed, though it is certainly well watched.

A rope snaps taut against a peg on the banks from across the river, a grey-cloaked shape, its hair golden, crosses the water with ease. It is Haldir, newly returned.

[Galadriel(#19278)]

Though there is no obvious path, a horse and rider emerge suddenly into the clearing a melange of bronze and gold as if born of the morning and the trees. Galadriel slides off the horse, though her riding cloak continues to cling to the animal until it steps away to graze on the dewy grass. The Lady waits until the \"bridge\" is lowered before she begins to walk towards the returned.

Haldir\'s eyes brighten in surprise, and his pace quickens slightly to span the Celebrant. \"Lady Galadriel,\" he murmurs, bowing ere he stoops to coil the rope. \"Elnara and I have returned from east of the Anduin. But I did not expect a greeting I had not notified any of our leaving, or return.\"

[Nalas(#31744)]

A green cloak among the trees, drawing ever nearer the Naith. Nalas it is, dark hair drifting lazily on the summer breeze, her pace slow and without purpose. This changes when suddenly her eyes alight, lit suddenly by the reflected light of the Lady of the Golden Wood. Smiling bemusedly, Nalas nips behind a mallorn, hiding herself from the Lady and Marchwarden.

At least, she would be hiding if her hair didn\'t determinedly flicker from one side of the trunk. Or if she stopped peeking from \'round the other side, amused, but silent.

[Galadriel(#19278)]

At Haldir\'s surprise, a flicker of a smile crosses Galadriel\'s face. How could she possibly have known? It shall remain a mystery, it seems, because she does not offer an answer. Instead, she is walking towards the Marchwarden, and tugging at the fingers of her gloves as she does so. \"Perhaps, mellon, I had a particular craving for news and I just had a feeling I would find some here. Welcome home.\" A breezy greeting, but there is reserve in her mien, knowing well that the sought after news may not be good.

The horse, meanwhile, turns his ears towards Nalas\' tree and clops slowly towards it. You never know when someone may have a carrot in their pocket.

\"I thank you,\" replies the marchwarden, a slight smile lighting his lips. His movements are still stiff, though they are eased as he leans against a mallorn-trunk.

\"We encountered and engaged servants of the Enemy in the Mirkwood,\" he tells Galadriel, his voice hesitating. \"They seem to have passed through the forest and were currently gathering timber for a crossing of some kind. I have reason to believe that they seek out the southern lands.\"

[Nalas(#31744)]

Nalas giggles in delight at the horse, slipping towards it with an outstretched hand. A little clucking noise and she is affectionately stroking the pretty creature\'s nose. It is in this occupation, and collecting grass to feed the horse, that occupied Nalas. Her smiling face might lead one to doubt that she hears or heeds the conversation taking place nearby.

Galadriel shows no sign of surprise, but allows an expression of concern to crease her brow. \"The Enemy is always seeking what he does not have. How large was the force?\" She gives him a quick, but careful look, \"You are both unharmed?\"

Galadriel\'s horse whuffs and whickers happily at Nalas, glad for such a pleasant distraction while he waits for his lady.

\"We did not approach their camp, although it does not seem formidable, by their tracks. They have a leader, which we engaged in combat and words. Perhaps they are planning to attack Rohan, my lady?\"

Haldir lifts the corner of his cloak, and from beneath might be seen the mark of torn cloth, white bandage. \"Some had harnessed wolfish creatures to serve as mounts. But if they intend to use the river to carry them south, perhaps an ambush might be staged?\"

Galadriel takes in everything the Marchwarden has to say without responding at first. She notes the bandage with her gaze, then returns her focus to his words. \"An ambush. That would be the only engagement my Lord would agree to just now, I think. A show of force without showing our force, as it were. Choose the right spot along the river and they, and their beasts, would be nearly harmless.\" SHe turns her attention upon the water here and says nothing for a moment. Then, \"How many bows would you take, Haldir?\"

\"We need only to throw them into confusion, so that they might not employ their own archers,\" Haldir replies readily. \"I would take no more than a score, perhaps less. But they know that we may attack from the trees.\"

[Galadriel(#19278)] \"What little knowledge they have of us does not take away our advantage,\" replies the Lady. \"Even if they shield themselves well, we might attack from the banks. Failing that, I happen to know that the timber of Mirkwood can be set alight.\" Her tone has grown colder and taken on an edge as if the creatures were even now within sight. \"But you will be at the command, brother, and I leave it to your judgement.\"

\"Indeed, my lady,\" says the marchwarden, bowing. \"We must be swift, and prepared. I shall return thither, and send word when they have near completed their raft-building. The lord Celeborn ought to be informed, as well.\"

Galadriel inclines her head, the late morning light catching in her hair, \"I shall see him ere the moon rises. He will see to it that the wardens are ready and awaiting your word.\" Then, the coolness melts a bit and the Lady smiles gently, \"It is good to have you home, mellon, if only briefly. When next you are returned, I promise you will find repose. And a good supper.\"

\"I thank you I shall wait gladly for it.\" Haldir bows deeply, then turns towards the trees. A glance is given to Nalas and the content horse the smile lingers a moment more as the marchwarden disappears into the forest cover.