(Archive) - Gossip and Stargazing

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Weather: Clear

Time: Late Night

Season: Summer

Date: Monday - June 5, 3021

Real Time: Wed Sep 27 20:40:53 2000

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*Note - log supplied by Drenlyn*

Dol Amroth: Marble Gate

You stand on a narrow bottleneck of land no more than two thousand paces wide, shooting westwards to connect to the rocky promontory on which the Castle of the Prince and the city of Dol Amroth stands. To the north and south are the waters of the sea--even from hear you can smell their salt tang and hear the cries of sea-birds.

Directly to the west stands a massive wall that covers the entire width of the narrow bottleneck of land, visible only as a massive monolithic shadow, black against the navy star-filled sky. A gate, illumined by torches and flanked by two statues is guarded by a company of men-at-arms wearing the royal blue tunics of those who serve the Prince, leads through the wall into the city and eventually to the castle beyond.

Contents:

Falathel

Meneliel

Ithras

Obvious exits:

East leads to Belfalas: East of Dol Amroth.

West leads to Dol Amroth: Men Ernil.

The clear air of the dead of night flies over the neck of land connecting Dol Amroth with the mainland. The only sounds to be heard are the lap of waves against the shore, even the gulls are silenced in the middle of the night.

Drenlyn emerges from the gate starring to the south and sighs. Peering about himself, Drenlyn spots a shadow wandering along the northern side of the neck of land, and approaches. Coming closer he spots the form of a lady. Bowing low he greets, \"Good evening dear lady, the stars shine brightly this eve do they not?\"

\"Oh, yes,\" replies Meneliel before she even turns completely to face Drenlyn, slipping a pencil behind her ear absently as she turns to look at him with a cheerful enough smile. Dropping a small book in which she had been writing into her small satchel, she considers him, canting her head to one side. \"Have we met? You are somewhat familiar, yet I cannot place a name...\"

From the Men Ernil the sound of boot heels approaches the pair standing at the gates. Out of the shadows emerges a man dressed in white, with long jet-black hair tied back into a pony tail. Upon noticing the group he smiles and walks over to them, though a troubled look remains on his face. Bowing before the Meneliel he speaks \"Lady Meneliel.\" Then turning to the blue-squire beside he bows slightly at the waist \"Milord.\"

\"I believe that we have passed in the halls many a time, but we have never exchanged introductions.\" Smiling Drenlyn bows again, \"I, my dear lady, am Drenlyn son of Drenelither, a humble blue squire.\" Noticing the pencil and catching the name that the approaching squire speaks, Drenlyn continues, \"And you dear Meneliel study the beauty of the stars, not content as most ladies with the beauty the find in the looking glass.\"

Blushing slightly, Meneliel looks from one young gentleman to the other. \"It is a pleasure to meet you, then, Drenlyn,\" she offers to the first, her tones pleasantly chiming. \"I had not realized I had such a reputation, but the stars are what bring me out tonight.\" Then looking to Falathel, she nods and smiles. \"And greetings to you as well, Falathel. How are you this eve?\"

Falathel sighs and speaks \"I am fine, lady. But the news is grave indeed this fair night.. Have you heard?\"

Nodding to the white squire Drenlyn smiles and lets out a small chuckle, \"And you squire, though we have yet to exchange names ourselves, can do without referring to me as a lord until my knighting which is still aways away. In the mean time you can simply call me Drenlyn.\"

With a frown appearing on his face Drenlyn continues, \"I have yet to hear grave news dear squire, but please do tell.\"

Meneliel does arch a brow at Falathel\'s words. \"I do not know... What news have you to tell me?\" she inquires curiously, pursing her lips slightly. Still, she soaks up the information of Drenlyn\'s introduction, nodding once.

Falathel smiles at Drenlyn\'s first comment \"Well, I call you lord for I am not yet a white-squire but a commoner. Soon will I be a White-Squire though. For Drenlyn son of Drenelither, I am Falathel of house Nimothan, son of Oronwen the guard.\"

Falathel sighs again \"Well, lady Meneliel, the Prince was mauled by a bear this day. And though his companions have returned, there has been no word on the prince and many fear for him.\"

His frown briefly returning to a smile, Drenlyn replies, \"In either case Drenlyn will do.\" A grim look returns to Drenlyn\'s pleasant features, \"That news is indeed grave. Has there been any party sent to assist him, and who were these companions?\"

Meneliel considers this thoughtfully. \"I had heard this news, yes, and I know that his companions are with the Healers now. I believe that someone will be sent, once the companions are able to best communicate,\" she notes. \"Amano and Rowaen. Know you these? They are squires, as well.\"

Falathel nods to the lady \"Indilzar came to Dol Amroth to search for the prince, however he feels he has damned himself by temporarily giving up his path to destroy Umbar.\"

Drenlyn looks eastward, with a look of worry on his face, \"I wonder dear lady how you came by such news starring at the stars, but no matter. I do wonder however why a lord would damn himself for helping his liege lord, especially if he chooses his prince over vengeance.\"

Falathel shakes his head \"I know not why, but several passer-byes told me he slammed his fist against the wall several times, asking himself why he took such a great oath as to destroy Umbar. I believe he feels his place is there since he took the oath\"

\"That Lord is mad,\" offers Meneliel in a whisper, referring to Indilzar. \"And I come by my information by listening. There is a great deal to be said for eavesdropping, even when you do not mean to.\"

\"There is little to be said of eavesdropping, for one must learn -not- to hear words not meant to them. But it matters not, such information should be shared as you have done. May you enjoy the beauty of the stars Meneliel, as I have enjoyed your beauty.\" Turning and nodding to Falathel, \"I must go and discuss this with the Lord Girithlin, for he should hear of such news.\" With that Drenlyn departs through the gates into Dol Amroth.

Falathel takes Meneliel\'s hand and kisses it lightly \"M\'lady, if only that I could stay and speak with thee some more. However I am parting to help in the search for our lord. Perhaps we will meet again once I return.\" With that he sets off for the plains to the east, leaving lady Meneliel behind.

Meneliel considers this briefly. \"Drenlyn,\" she calls after him, smiling for a moment back at Falathel. \"Wait... I could go with to see my Cousin...\"

Before disappearing through the gate, Drenlyn, smiling, turns and bows, \"Your company, even for a brief moment, would indeed be a pleasure dear Meneliel. If you care for a squire to escort you, it is my duty and great pleasure, and perhaps you can tell me what draws you to the sky so strongly.\"

Blushing faintly at these compliments, Meneliel scurries a bit to catch up with Drenlyn, her skirts flying prettily behind her as she trots closer. \"I would be delighted to have you for an escort, Drenlyn,\" she offers honestly, blinking owlishly at him once. \"And I\'m not entirely sure what draws me to the sky. Wonder at mystery?\"

Giving his arm Drenlyn replies, \"Mystery indeed my lady. Those small spots of light can hold much mystery for one who wishes to seek it but I doubt they can be as pleasant to the eye as you.....\" With that Drenlyn and Meneliel head towards the gates, the guards saluting as they pass.

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Weather: Clear

Time: Dawn

Season: Summer

Date: Monday - June 5, 3021

Real Time: Wed Sep 27 21:36:48 2000

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Dol Amroth: Prince\'s Castle - Grand Hall of the Stars

If the eyes of Men are drawn to the heavens, then let them look here into the breathtaking heights and be never dismayed the great dome of the Grand Hall rises far above the earth in all its splendour. Galleries ring the rotunda at every level, and the majesty that is the birthright of Numenor\'s descendants has its heart here, in the vastness of this circular, soaring chamber. It is not so much a hall as it is the nave of a cathedral.

The skylight-windows at the dome\'s distant apex are black with the night, yet from the evening has the Grand Hall of the Stars drawn its name and its inspiration! There are no chandeliers here, but by craft and cunning, rather... stars! Hundreds of lamps, fashioned most exquisitely of delicate crystal, hang suspended from every gallery\'s ceiling and the height of the dome itself it is as if the heavens have been brought within. Their soft, warm glow bathes the wide marble ceilings in its light, a triumph of spirit.

Contents:

Meneliel

Obvious exits:

Carpeted Stairs , Lebethron Door , Archway , and Archway

All the way, walking to this grand room, the lady does blush. \"You flatter me, my lord,\" she offers softly, shying from his compliments, though each one makes her smile. \"I have been fascinated with the stars since I was very small, and I do wonder as to the true nature of those silvered orbs. Ah, I am fond of this room. It is incredible, is it not?\"

\"I can navigate. At least, I know the mechanics of navigation. I have had little opportunity to actually apply what I know,\" replies the girl with a bit of a grin. She steps so that she might face her companion, to better facilitate conversation. Meneliel toys absently with a lock of hair, adding, \"And this is my favorite room here.\"

And it is no wonder the young lady keeps blushing and peering down at her hemlines shyly. \"You are too kind. I must thank you for your compliments, my lord,\" Meneliel murmurs, smiling from ear to ear nevertheless. \"Indeed we should. It might be a great deal of fun. I have done very little boating, to be honest.\"

\"Then indeed we must, for there is no better chance to do so then with the ports of Dol Amroth at our gate. As too my compliments, I only speak of the beauty that I behold with my own eyes, for they cannot lie.\"

Drenlyn\'s smile turns to a slight frown as he glances about the room, \"I fear though that I have tarried too long, and I must speak to the Lord Girithlin about the Prince, and about other matters. If you care to join me, I believe that he would gain more from hearing the news of the Prince directly from you.\"

Meneliel presses a hand to her cheek thoughtfully as she follows Drenlyn\'s gaze about the room, considering things. \"Have you any idea where we might find the Lord Girithlin?\" she inquires curiously, looking back to Drenlyn and shrugging slightly. \"If you do, then please lead the way. Else it matters little if we tarry further.\" She pauses, pursing her lips together. \"And perhaps he knows something further. About the Prince.\"

And as if on some otherworldly cue, he appears, or more properly descends: a tall and slender form of immaculate masculine beauty, clad all in white an angel descending amidst the radiance of the Hall of Stars. But if they shine for him, these lamps, he takes no joy in their brilliance -- for troubled is his visage, and shadowed are his piercing eyes.

Thorondur Edrahil, then, Elf-Friend and Herald and Lord Girithlin -- he comes from above down the swirl of the winding stair, and he alights upon the marbled floor with an unconscious grace.

Bowing low Drenlyn greets the Herald\'s troubled visage, with one of his own, \"Greetings my lord. Fortune has thankfully guided us hither, though the news which this beautiful gazer of stars and I bring is not so pleasant.\"

\"Cousin,\" calls Meneliel with a mild smile, dropping a curtsey to the one she greets. \"The squire and I were looking for you so that we might deliver some grave news. Have you heard anything about the whereabouts of the Prince as yet? His squires are in the infirmary, damaged by a bear while hunting, but it seems none can find the Prince.\" Her eyes are serious, and she stands with her hands folded before her, her smile simply polite.

The low bow, and the greeting of Drenlyn across the hall -- his sapphire eyes are drawn to these as his ears are drawn by the words, and their echoes within the vaulted marble vastness. Turning, Thorondur favours the pair with the smile of a stern but indulgent older brother, and drifts toward them with ineffable purpose.

\"Your gazer of stars is my own cousin, young Drenlyn,\" he says, \"so I am no-one to question her beauty.\" And to that, a grin like quicksilver flashes in his eyes -- but her words dispel the look, and its delight. \"His Highness has taken to his chambers,\" he assures them. \"Seek him no further.\"

\"Then speak of it, Drenlyn, and do not tarry,\" the Lord Girithlin tells his squire, \"for such things as weigh heavy on one\'s heart must be loosed, ere the pressure grows too great for endurance.\" And now the indulgent smile returns to his lips, and Thorondur arches an eyebrow in inquiry.

\"The Lord Bragollach does seek the Prince, and so, it might be kind of you to mention that to him, if you see him,\" offers Meneliel hurriedly, though she does seem to be a bit relieved.

\"And -which- Lord Bragollach is that, Cousin? Lord Indilzar, Lord Melethron, Lord Borgilas...\" Thorondur begins to count the fiery knights off wearily, as though even to mention them tires him.

Meneliel bites her lip as she considers this question for a moment. \"I believe it was the Lord Indilzar. He was a tad... distracted? Distracted, perhaps, and left quickly when I did inform him I had not seen the Prince of late,\" she replies.

With a grim face Drenlyn interrupts, \"Of the matter I speak of, to relieve my heart of it would be a blessing. I fear though that I have already delayed speaking of it for too long.\"

Deep in though Drenlyn continues, \"The events that troubled me began a fortnight ago. I was breaking my fast in the hanging gardens where I found a traveler counseling a troubled girl of eight years old.\"

A curt nod is Meneliel\'s, from her kinsman -- quietly, he says, \"Indilzar, then.\" And the news neither displeases nor delights him, for his expression does not change. With that selfsame gravity, Thorondur looks to Drenlyn in turn, and tells his squire, \"Say on, lad.\"

Not wishing to detract from the story, Meneliel turns her full attention to Drenlyn, her hands still folded before her neatly as she watches him thoughtfully.

Glancing between the Herald and Meneliel Drenlyn continues, \"This girl seemed quite disturbed if not horrified. She feared that a man who lived in her wardrobe meant to harm her in some grievous way, and I noticed that she had marks of restraint on her arms. I feared that some evil man in our fair city had imprisoned this girl in some chambers, and that she had just escaped. As I began to assist the traveller in counselling this poor soul, she gave a frightful scream and ran to the far end of the gardens opposite of the gate....\" As he struggles to finish Drenlyn\'s breathing becomes heavy.

Pausing, Drenlyn peers about the room calming himself. Taking a deep breath Drenlyn continues his explaination, \"As the traveller and I caught up with this horrified girl, she once again screamed and ducked into some dense brush. After her disappearance I heard the gruesome sounds of a sword rending flesh and bone apart. These sounds were mixed with the girl\'s screams, and as I ran to the spot that she had disappeared the sounds ceased. After I searched the gardens for any signs of violence I left. To my dismay I neither found signs of the girl, nor any signs of violence anywhere in the garden.\"

The Herald only presses his lips together, pursing them -- and after long silence, does naught but nod. Once.

Frowning a bit, Meneliel takes a withdrawing step. \"If you would both excuse me, I am weary and wish to retire. Dear Cousin, I do enjoy your company, and hope that we might have the opportunity to converse at another time. As to you, Drenlyn, it was most pleasant meeting you, and I hope you seek me out in the future. I must bid you both a good night, however.\"

Only after Meneliel has made her farewells -- and thus departed -- does the Herald of Belfalas speak his mind. Thoughtfully, and sober as stone, Thorondur tells Drenlyn, \"This tale of yours is distressing to me. I am not without some skill in dealing with... such evils. We must pursue it when the sun next rises.\"