On the Eve of Departure (Three Horses and an Ass TP)
A tale freshly told of the Gondorian
The Elves do not plan on letting the Eagle and Gondorians leave without gifts.
============== Lord of the Rings Calendar
IC time is: Early Morning < About 8:27 AM >
IC day is: Thursday
IC date is: January 12
Moon phase: Waning Gibbous
Earendil: Gil-Estel is not visible.
IC year is: Third Age 3049
---------------------------------------------------------------------
RL time: Mon Jan 25 17:49:17 2010
=====================================================================
Front Yard
A few trees stand here, just in front of the Last Homely House. An open meadow stretches off to the north and west. The thick mat of the previous year\'s growth lies on the ground, dormant now, but obviously ready to renew when the season allows. Not far behind the house the trees close in to form a pleasant wood. The mat of grass here is not so thick as further out in the valley, perhaps because of being trodden on so often. Two paths lead away from the house, one southwest and one north. Down the steep bank to the south is the shore of the Bruinen.
Contents:
Awarthnur
Menelglir
Nurenhir
Obvious exits:
North leads to Open Meadow - Crossroads.
Front Porch leads to Front Porch.
Southwest leads to The Valley Shore.
[Nurenhir(#14756)]
The tallness of Elrond\'s porch throws a pleasant shadow over the chilly morning lawn, dewed with enterprising drops upon the grass-blades, which subsequently meet their end in glittering beads of frost. Behind, the House stirs and wakes, blinking occasionally with the flutter of an opened curtain and filled with soft, still-dreamy tones.
Nurenhir ought to be in the kitchens, preparing a breakfast tray for the Herdir and his children. No. The steward is seated upon the porch, long strands of hair stirred by heat from a brazier upon a table. Beside him, occupying and overwhelming the adjacent chair, is an enormous basket.
[Menelglir(#17324)]
Where there is food there is Squire. Or so it seems, though the young man has been a bit more serious about training since the imminent departure of the Gondorians was decided upon. And a bit more surreptitious since Sir Gwendion showed his displeasure at the youth\'s consumption of cake in lieu of sword training. Onto the morning porch Menelglir now steps, hopping a step or two as he pulls his boots on ere crossing the threshold and leaving the house\'s warmth. A cape, thick, furred, is draped around his shoulders.
He sniffs at the air. Eyes basket and elf.
[Sulgirion(#16643)]
The morning scene of the House is peaceful with its dew and frost sprinkled lawn, and its welcoming exterior that seems to bear an aura fit to belie the elven mirth and joy that dwells inside its walls. But above the House, something stands dark against the rising sun as she spills her golden light into the Valley\'s gorge.
It would appear that something has decided to perch upon the roof of the abobe itself, and there stands Sulgirion, curved beak dipping to preen his feathers the Great Eagle is quite as ease and content, as though his chosen seating arrangements are not out of the ordinary in the slightest. Below, the forms of the elf and human are out of his sight.
[Awarthnur(#24083)] An elleth strides from the house, a cylindrical bundle tucked gently under her arms. Her gait quickens but loses none of its elegance as the shadow of the great bird darkens the morning sky overhead and casts its shadow over her bright, unbound hair. The herb-mistress is dressed in finer garments than her usual tunic and apron, the bundle she carries clearly no cache of medicinal plants. As Awarthnur joins her kinsman in the yard, she offers a smile and breathes deeply of the crisp, cool air before turning her gaze skyward to seek the form of the Eagle on the roof.
[Nurenhir(#14756)]
\"Good morning, squire!\" calls Nurenhir, stirred from the warmth of his brazier. \"Are you going out to train? You ought to warm your hands, lest they freeze to the hilt! Oh,\" he adds, setting a hand upon the basket\'s lid. \"I have something to share keep it a secret, if you will.\"
The slates above shift. It is not uncommon for pigeons and doves to find a roost upon the rooftop, as evidenced by the vigorously scrubbed floor beneath. Yet with this avian, there is something that seems ... off. Perhaps the size. The steward smiles.
\"Wind-warrior,\" he calls gently upwards, \"I have heard of your intent to depart.\"
[Menelglir(#17324)]
\"Train, yes,\" Menelglir says, settling his cloak about his shoulders and then stepping over to the brazier to warm his hands above the heat. He yawns mightily, sleepily nodding a greeting to Awarthnur as he continues. \"I wear gauntlets of course. Have to protect your hands, after all and...your pardon?\"
Too sleepy to check for the presence of roosting birds on the roof--shadow or no--Menelglir blinks at the steward. \"Wind warrior?\"
Another yawn, this time larger than the previous.
From Front Porch, Rochwen comes out of the house.
From Front Porch, Rochwen steps off the porch to the west.
Rochwen steps off the porch.
Rochwen has arrived.
[Sulgirion(#16643)]
As if in reply to the squire\'s wonderings, the avian lets out a bright caw into the after-dawn air, and as he is spotted by his shadow, Sulgirion shifts his wings. With a mighty flap of his feathered arms, the sky-creature bears down toward the lawn nigh the porch\'s edge. A swift circle brings him skimming above the ground, and the glittering talons reach out to meet it. The wings are folded once more against his body, and the eagle nods to each of the elves, his keen eyes observing Menelglir with slight amusement. \"Good morning,\" the avian greets.
\"Indeed, you have heard correctly,\" Sulgirion says to the Steward.
[Awarthnur(#24083)] \"Well met, lord of the skies,\" Awarthnur greets the Valley\'s winged guest, grinning broadly in the light of the newly-risen sun. \"You have chosen a fair day on which to travel. I suppose you knew in advance that the weather would be suiting? Your kin shame even the most knowledgeable of our astronomers,\" she adds generously.
[Rochwen(#30925)]
\"I really believe you\'ve had enough of this game. It\'s become more of a habit now than anything else.\" A voice accompanies a set of light footsteps from the north, though a long sigh is slightly more audible than the words. It is not long before a small elleth, Rochwen, appears at the edge of the yard with a sturdy stick in hand. A half-grown hound follows at her heels, tail swishing back and forth as it eyes the branch. A roll of her eyes is given in response before the Healer propells her arm back and then forward. The stick leaves her hand, clattering in a nearby bush with the hound soon after it, creating even more of a racket.
[Nurenhir(#14756)]
Nurenhir glances at the yawning Squire. \"You look weary,\" he observes. \"I believe you are in need of breakfast.\" Reaching surreptitiously under the table, the steward produces a smaller basket, offers Menelglir a covered, triangular shape, and smiles in the same secret fashion.
\"I had thought of what I might prepare for your farewell,\" he says to the Eagle, words now clear and unwhispered, \"and made an apology, of sorts, for the face-smearing delicacy I offered last time. It will be good for many days.\" He lays a hand on the very large basket. \"Lady Awarthnur and Lady Rochwen. Have you broken your fasts today?\"
[Awarthnur(#24083)] \"Alas, not I!\" Awarthnur admits, glancing instinctively at the bundle beneath her arm. \"But if those are your legendary cakes, Herunnur, I would not say no to doing so now. Rochwen,\" she turns, offering a belated greeting to the Rochdur, \"you are out early today, my friend. Hunting, at this hour?\"
[Sulgirion(#16643)]
\"The skies felt particularly receiving this morn,\" answers the eagle to Awarthnur, his hooked mouth almost seeming to grin at the elleth, if beaks possessed this ability.
The strange looking triangle that Nurenhir reveals is given a curious glance, and then Sulgirion cants his golden-crowned head to see the new figure that approaches with the hound. \"Well met, elf-friend,\" the creature calls: a harsh sound of his race, though the wildness it has is accompanied by kindness.
\"I am glad,\" the raptor remarks to the Steward again. \"I enjoyed the cake greatly, though yes, I fear it was rather messy for me. Beaks are not as suitable for that sort of consumption.\"
[Menelglir(#17324)]
\"For me?\" Menelglir smiles at the steward and then at the triangle. \"And this is...?\" he prompts, a smile of greeting also to the avian.
[Rochwen(#30925)]
With the hound occupied, Rochwen turns towards the sound of voices. \"A good, if early, morning to all,\" she offers, with a smile and a bow of her head to each in turn. She tilts her head at Awarthnur\'s question, glancing back towards the bush as the hound barks, still searching. Making her way across the yard, closer to the porch, she shakes her head briefly. \"I\'m afraid I know little of hunting, but my sister\'s four-footed companion decided to accompany me to the stable earlier. I have not yet had a chance for breakfast yet, as such.\"
[Nurenhir(#14756)]
\"It is fruitcake,\" says Nurenhir solemnly, both to the squire and eagle. \"I have sliced it, Sulgirion, so that you need not crumble the cake in its entirety to eat it. And that it may be sliced, for an occasion such as this.\" He sets two more slices upon the table for the ellith (no longer a secret kept between the squire and steward), and lifts the larger basket -- but it is heavy, and he strains to carry it.
[Awarthnur(#24083)] \"You have prepared a feast,\" Awarthnur exclaims good-naturedly. \"And so good of you to share with us. That is, if Master Eagle will allow us to partake of the fare Nurenhir has prepared on his behalf?\" Smiling up at the avian, she offers a small bow and makes to seat herself on the grass with her parcel.
[Menelglir(#17324)]
\"Fruit..cake...?\" With some hesitancy, the Squire eyes the delicacy, then glances to elf and eagle alike. \"Fruit and cake is an elven creation. Together? And for both avian and man?\" Menelglir takes a hesitant taste of it, blinks, startled. Then looks guiltily over his shoulder toward the house.
[Sulgirion(#16643)]
\"Of course you may,\" Sulgirion says to Awarthnur happily. \"Please, help yourself. The Steward\'s work is to be enjoyed by all.\"
\"You have outdone yourself, dear baker,\" the raptor\'s eyes brighten, and he moves closer to the porch, leaning carefully over the steps to stretch his great neck outward. \"Here, your basket must weight more than you let me help you with it. If the others do not mind, we may place it upon the lawn and have a sort of...\" Sulgirion pauses, and his brown feathered brow furrows as though trying to recall something. \"...I do not know the word, you land-dwellers sometimes use to describe such feasts upon the grass...pick-nicks?\"
[Rochwen(#30925)]
\"You have it in the right, Wind Lord,\" Rochwen says, smiling as she moves to alight the first step of the porch. Continued rustling in the brush as her sharking her head slightly, though. \"I will be just a moment, I think my companion has gotten stuck, or lost perhaps.\" She moves quickly across the yard, calling for the canine as she searches for him.
[Awarthnur(#24083)] \"Very good, Master Eagle!\" Awarthnur claps, her laughter resonating in the crisp, quiet dawn air. \"We shall have a fine picnic. They do not exaggerate when they say of Nurenhir\'s fare that it is as a small bit of heaven baked between the folds of dough. But before we dirty our hands with these delicacies, may I put forth my own offering?\" She nudges the cloth-bound cylinder towards the eagle and waits anxiously for a reply, following the departing Rochwen with her keen peripheral vision.
[Nurenhir(#14756)]
\"Of course,\" says Nurenhir with a smile. \"Picnics, Master Sulgirion, are generally more elaborate than this. But I am thinking that you would not favor the tea.\"
[Sulgirion(#16643)]
\"I do not mind if it is less elaborate,\" answers the avian. \"I have never had one, and besides it is the company that counts more than the fanciness of the pick-nick.\" Sulgirion opens his beak then, to grab the large basket from the struggling Nurenhir. \"One moment, friend,\" the eagle says over his shoulder to Awarthnur, and the curiousity returns anew as he espies the cylinder object from the edge of his sight. \"First I will release this delicious burden from elven hands.\" He nods to the Steward.
From Front Porch, Ivrennin comes out of the house.
From Front Porch, Ivrennin steps off the porch to the west.
Ivrennin steps off the porch.
Ivrennin has arrived.
Awarthnur grins, watching the eagle accept the basket with the greedy hastiness that both hunger and the fruits of a skilled baker evoke.
[Menelglir(#17324)]
\"Your pardon, sir,\" Menelglir says, setting down the precious triangle of fruitcake. \"But I\'d not have Sir Gwendion waking up and finding first thing in the morning that I miss my training and indulge in cake, elven or not. Save this for me..thank you. And I will be back.\" He stands, bows and hurries away.
[Nurenhir(#14756)]
The steward chuckles lightly, having been relieved of the heavy basket. \"The young squire is dedicated,\" he says, stirring the glowing contents of the brazier. \"I wonder if we may all partake of this picnic now? Is anything missing?\"
[Ivrennin(#31621)]
\"Anything, or perhaps anyone,\" says an elf that appears from the crossroads, striding swiftly across the yard, her skirts trailing in a slight breeze. \"I did not mean to be late, and yet it appears I am. Good morning to all.\"
[Sulgirion(#16643)]
Nurenhir receives no immediate response from Sulgirion, whose hooked mouth is quite occupied with holding the heavy basket. The eagle turns sideways, lowering his long neck to deposite the carrier upon the lawn within easy reach of Awarthnur and any others, should they decide to join the \'pick-nick\' on the grass.
As soon as his beak is free once more, the avian peers downward toward the rolled cylinder item. \"A gift?\" the raptor\'s wild-edged voice sounds, and the amber eyes blink, slightly surprised. \"I thank you I had forgotten how quickly rumors spread through this haven,\" he laughs. \"I had not thought word of my departure had been known to many. A scroll, I take it?\" One giant talon is lifted toward the object, but it halts as it catches sight of the cloth that binds it closed. \"Would you mind, friend,\" Sulgirion nods to Awarthnur, \"opening it for me? I do not want to harm it in doing so myself.\"
The eagle\'s eyes flicker up, and he greets the new comer. \"Good morning. Will you join us? The Steward has prepared a most delicious feast.\"
Awarthnur pulls the parcel towards her and begins to free it of its wrappings. \"Word travels fast, yes. Though I\'m afraid this gift will seem strange to you. We have had no real interaction during your time here, but reputation precedes you, and I have long been interested in your kind.\"
From the wrappings Awarthnur withdraws a curled length of shiny vellum rolled into a scroll. Unrolled, the surface glints in the sun in red, green, blue and yellow pigments. A careful hand has traced a lengthy text, the script a mixture of Sindarin and Westron in the generous margins colorful eagles swoop among pale clouds and the vines of trees reach to the heavens.
\"I have been told that there are those among the Eagle race who value lore of all sorts. I had some of the apprentices help me to prepare this for you, to take back home with you and to distribute as you see fit. It is one of the earliest accounts we have of the interaction between the Sky Lords and the Eldar. Our shared history,\" she smiles, placing the parchment on top of its wrappings and scooting it across the grass so it lies closer to the Eagle.
[Nurenhir(#14756)]
Nurenhir comes a little closer, moving quietly down the stairs to sit upon the last step. \"It is a great effort,\" he observes of the scroll. \"I hope that our two kin will become closer, Master Sulgirion.\"
[Ivrennin(#31621)]
\"Indeed, I will join you.\" A slight curtsey to Sulgirion, and Ivrennin takes a seat on the step near Nurenhir. Her eyes wander to the colorful writings, and she smiles, lifting her head to look at the Eagle again, but says nothing more.
[Sulgirion(#16643)]
For a moment the Vassal of Manwe stands still, and proper words seem to fail him as the beauty of the gift is revealed. The great hazel eyes scan the length the pictures and fluid, skillfully crafted script, and his full appreciation is apparent upon his visage--even the limited ability of expression of his still beak cannot conceal the sky-dweller\'s joy. \"It is a work of wonder, that is clear,\" says Sulgirion at last, still having to pause to find the voice to acknowlegde his gratitude. \"I fear my words alone are not enough to thank you for such a fine piece of work. Indeed you have heard verily, many of my kin take interest in histories, and I am no less among them. It is gift I shall treasure, I promise you, Elf-maiden. And though I myself have very little knowledge of the Elven-tongue, there are some among the elders that do, and they will happily translate it for me.\"
The avian cocks his golden head to the side to glance at the two others upon the steps. \"Is there a way I can get a pouch or satchel with which to carry this back to the eyries? I would not wish to lose it upon the wind when I return home.\"
[Menelglir(#17324)]
At a trot comes the Squire, the promise of elven pastries earning the honor of the youth\'s fast pace back toward the house.
He\'s drenched in sweat--a short training session, perhaps, but furious.
Awarthnur beams, her eyes alight with pleasure. \"You honor us with your acceptance. Perhaps, when next our paths cross, we may exchange stories face-to-face, as they were meant to be shared.\" Rising, she glances at the sun\'s position in the sky.
\"I will go and fetch a secure pouch for you to carry it in, though I fear I will have to send it with one of the apprentices. I am long overdue in the gardens the children will not long occupy themselves if I do not hasten to give them their morning lessons! But ah,\" she smiles, \"here is one who will fill my place. Welcome back, squire.\" Pressing her hands together and offering a gesture of blessing first to the Eagle and then to each of the others gathered in turn. \"May the wind hasten you to your destination, Master Sulgirion. Until we meet again.\"
[Nurenhir(#14756)]
Toying with the cake knife, Nurenhir smiles slightly at the sweat-covered Squire. \"We saved the cake for you. Shall we eat? We have been a long time in waiting.\"
[Ivrennin(#31621)]
\"Squire Menelglir,\" says Ivrennin in a cheerful greeting. \"I, too, am fond of pastries, but perhaps not as much as you.\" Her eyes turn to Nurenhir now, beseeching him silently.
[Sulgirion(#16643)]
Sulgirion nods to Awarthnur, wishing the elleth farewell. The reappearence of the young lad draws an apparent amusement from the Great Eagle, who now turns his head to look. \"Training again, youngling?\" he inquires to Menelglir, feathered head still canted. \"Your return for the cakes surely ruins all!\" chuckles Sulgirion in his avian way. \"You shall have to resume that training after this.\" But the raptor\'s eyes shine again, indicating a grin. \"But I daresay it will be worth it, will it not? Such is the wonder of you and your elven bakers, Steward. Come, let us wait no longer to enjoy the treats,\" his keen gaze is cast over the pair of Firstborn and the Gondorian.
[Menelglir(#17324)]
\"Not -that- fond of pastries, m\'lady,\" the Squire blushes. \"Just elven cakes or perhaps the cakes baked by the Steward. Besides,\" he continues, nodding to the eagle, red cheeks redder, \"we cross mountains in winter I\'m told. Mountains infested with fiends, even. So...I will train more afterwards, but I will have cake now. Just...\" he squints up his face a little, \"do not tell Sir Gwendion?\"
[Nurenhir(#14756)]
\"I am sorry for the delay,\" the steward says, bowing his head. Twirling the knife with a flourish, he divides the cake first into a half: \"For the master eagle,\" he explains. Then, with a practiced hand more suited to combat-work, divides the remainder into six: more than plenty for all.
\"Please,\" Nurenhir says, stepping back.
[Ivrennin(#31621)]
Ivrennin leans forward, reaching out and taking a piece of the cake. She offers it to Menelglir. \"Here, Squire, you shall have the honour of the first piece...\"
[Sulgirion(#16643)]
\"No, I will not tell Hir Gwendion, you have my word, squire,\" remarks the eagle, and he looks over to watch as Nurenhir cuts the cake neatly. As Menelglir is offered the initial piece of cake, Sulgirion reverts his attention to the human. \"You are traveling over the mountains?\" he asks, this suddenly having earned his thought more so than the dessert for the moment. \"Have I delayed here thus long? Great Thorondor\'s beak--I had not realized...\" he quirks a bow in feign suspicion. \"There must be magic indeed in these cakes to make it seem that time has not passed at all since we arrived.\"
[Menelglir(#17324)]
\"It seems,\" Menelglir says quietly, \"that time has not passed here at all. Yet, it\'s winter. I am a year older. Sir Arathis is still...missing.\" He shakes the mood off, or partly so, taking up the offered piece of cake and eating a small bite.
\"Is that a bad thing?\" Menelglir looks up in alarm at the eagle.
[Nurenhir(#14756)]
\"There is no magic in these cakes,\" Nurenhir says, offering the half-cake wrapped in a napkin to the formidable, curved beak of the avian, \"save what is wrought by practice and devotion. But perhaps it has been long since the skies have offered a place of idyll, Master Sulgirion.\"
The steward reaches into his robe-sleeve and produces silver-handled forks and knives, offering them to those who have the hands to use them. His voice is soft, and carries the slight burden of worry. \"If you intend to cross the mountains ... it is dangerous to do so in winter. Yet the Trollshaws have tested your mettle, and you may well brave the snow.\"
[Ivrennin(#31621)]
Taking a slice of the cake for herself, Ivrennin accepts the fork and knife and samples a corner of the cake. She listens to the conversation around her, but again, she says nothing. The only sign is a slight wrinkle on her forehead, indicating concern for the Gondorians\' trip.
[Sulgirion(#16643)]
The large bird shakes his head slightly to the human. \"It is just, I had purposed to return as soon as I was able back to the peaks. There was rumored hintings of increased activity among the goblin mountain-rats, and I promised to relieve one of my brothers from his watch. I had been gone Westward for a time, and I was not to be expected back until late fall but now it seems to have jumped into winter, as you say.\"
A pause comes in which Sulgirion takes an enormous bite of his section of fruitcake that Nurenhir offers up. No chewing is required in his case, and the mouthful is just as quickly swallowed whole. \"Yes,\" nods the eagle to the ellon\'s words. \"If it is the Pass you seek, it may prove more treacherous than expected. Go with caution.\" The avian tilts his head to the opposite side. \"We have journeyed through the Shaws together, arrive safe in the Valley, and now it seems we will departing upon similar times, and upon similar directions.\"
[Menelglir(#17324)]
\"It -is- the Pass we seek,\" Menelglir says, a small frown as he sets his fork down with a sigh. He picks up a napkin and wraps his piece in it, standing up. \"Hir Elladan will go with us. And, Master Sulgirion, if you are crossing the Pass with us as well, that gives us some hope. But I shall train again. Thank you for the cake, but my heart is not in it right now.\"
He turns to head back toward the training grounds.
[Nurenhir(#14756)]
Nurenhir dips his head to the squire. \"It was only meant as encouragement to your training. Go anew to attack the straw-men.\"
\"He is a fine lad, and brave. I wonder, though, if the steep cliffs of Hithaeglir will not be kind.\"
[Sulgirion(#16643)]
\"The crossing of the Pass will be much harder in the snow, and I do not doubt there is a fair chance that their way will be hindered--whether this be due to snow, or goblin trouble. However, I will send word upon my return, and the Pass will not be left unguarded by the eyes of my kin.\"
Sulgirion opens his beak in a wide yawn, clapping it closed again sharply. \"I think all of this cake has made me tired. Thank you,\" he dips his gold head to Ivrennin and Nurenhir, \"for the cake, and the company. I will hope to see you both once more ere I take my leave. For now, I shall reclaim my perch above.\"
The scroll-gift is picked up and dropped beside the Steward. \"Please look after this for me until I can safety store in into that pouch.\" A stroke of his wings sends the eagle skyborn again, and the looming shadow would indicate that he has settled again on the roof.
[Nurenhir(#14756)]
\"Of course, sir,\" says Nurenhir, and gathering the scroll into a napkin (to protect from the thawed moisture of dew) he takes a slice of his own cake, slowly savoring it as the sun rises in the sky.