(Archive) - The Crown Prince

September 22, 2000

*Note - log supplied by Dania*

Dol Amroth: Prince\'s Castle - Hall of Heralds

Upon entering the Hall of Heralds, it is impossible for one\'s eyes not to gaze up, towards the vaulted ceiling. There, the senses apprehend an inkling of the glory of Dol Amroth. Bright banners of Belfalan nobility hang freely from stone piers and arcades, proclaiming their honor and pride for all to see. No mean portico or ante-chamber is this!! To reach the Throne Room beyond, one must follow a blue-carpeted walkway that skirts the sides of this hallway. For, directly astride the center of the chamber, you cannot fail to notice a long and massive desk. The area before the desk lies devoid of furniture or other impediment, save one small statue. Here, those with court business come to plead their affairs. Turning to the south, one notes over the archway a great map, greater than any other commonly known. On it lie painted the lands of Middle Earth and the realms of the ancient Dunadan, places wherein the sons of Numenor yet hold sway against the onslaught of the Shadow.

Contents:

Rowaen

Amano

Elphir

Gweneth

Thorondur

Obvious exits:

Burgundy Door , Marble Doors , and Archway

\"If I hear the lad speaking nonsense with my own ears,\" a calm, almost dispassionate Thorondur Girithlin says to the Lady Gweneth, \"then I will offer you the humblest of apologies, my lady, for it is not my intention to wrong you. But I will say to you: I do not think it likely.\" He stands before the great marble desk, half-turned to it the Lady near one of the smaller scribes\' writing tables before it.

\"Then I shall await your apology,\" Gweneth says, simply. She turns and slowly walks from the hall...

Entering the majestic hall are two young people, hand in hand. Rowaen and Dania are the two, still enjoying their reunion, their happiness clearly visible. Rowaen\'s gentle eyes notice the other two humans present. Softly and calm his voice penetrates the somewhat tensioned atmosphere. Yet as he speaks, he notices the lady walking off and leaving the hall. He blinks yet nothing more.

\"Good eve, I sincerely hope the two of us are not interrupting urgent business?\" Upon coming closer his eyes recognize the other two, hastily he frees his hand from Dania\'s and makes an elegant bow, one for Thorondur and one for Gweneth. \"Sir knight... My Lady..\"

Gweneth offers the pair a brief nod of her head, before stepping from the room...

Quiet are the footfalls that herald the arrival of one of the White-Squires, distinguishable immediately by his towering height, and shock of raven hair, as Amano, one of the newer youths. His grey-eyed glance takes its time wandering about the vaulted expanse of stone wall and ceiling, studying the banners of the houses with silent interest as the Lady speaks, he turns, stepping aside to let her pass with a murmured greeting and bowed head. Straightening, he walks over to where the two of House Nimothan stand, approaching with another bow, this time to the three gathered. \"Good evening, Lady Dania, Lord Thorondur..Rowaen.\"

The Herald\'s glance follows the Lady Bragollach from the Hall, not failing to catch the entry of a young pair of... lovers, apparently. And now another squire. With a look of disinterest, he nods -- absently -- and falls back to his work. Whatever his seeming clash with the Lady, it is now forgotten.

Dania offers a cool smile and a polite nod at both the departing lady and the Knight Herald. She eyes Rowaen for a while then smiles warmly at Amano as an acknowledgment to his greeting. But she says nothing more and stands a step away from Rowaen.

The scribes, seated at their writing tables, busily continue their work despite the advancing hour.

Frowning a brow Rowaen, apparently still awaiting an answer, stands fast, his blue eyes piercing at the Knight, trying to study his expression. Briefly he glances over to Amano and speaks softly while returning his gaze to the knight. \"Hello my friend, it is good to see you.\" Still he fails to notice Dania stepping away from him.

Distractedly stroking the smooth, beardless chin of his elfin face, the Knight-Herald opens one of the several tomes arrayed upon his wide, too-extravagant desk. For himself, Thorondur appears to give little regard to the thing\'s opulence, but rather is far more concerned with whatever he scans for.

Amano\'s eyebrow arches slightly, before catching himself. He gives Rowaen a grin and nod, turning then to the Knight-Herald with a curious look, yet he would not inquire, perhaps, in business that is not his own. He turns however, glancing at the book with interest, and opening his mouth a moment, before shutting it again. Turning to Rowaen, he speaks softly, \"Have you spoken again with the Princess, Rowaen, regarding Dania? Or is the matter closed?\"

A nod to himself -- indeed, all his gestures now enclosed within himself, the scholar\'s isolation -- the Lord Girithlin, Thorondur Edrahil, folds the tome neatly closed. Tucking the book under his elbow, he begins to sweep eastward: gracefully away, toward the Hall of the Stars.

\"Do I stand invisible here?\" her voice comes suave and her smile is easy on her lips, but a slight flash of irritation is evident in her dark eyes as Dania glances at Amano. For indeed, it is not a pleasant issue as it is, even so more with the Squire talking about it under her presence yet appearing to give her no heed. She allows another quick glance at Thorondur, but restrains herself from saying anything as is not wanting to further bother him and to let the Knight Herald to carry on with his business. She looks at Rowaen in turn and says nothing more, back into her reserved self again.

Pausing before the small gathering suddenly come -- two squires and a handmaid -- Thorondur, the White Knight, eyes the trio with a curious smile. \"The future of Dol Amroth,\" he muses -- to himself it would seem, though it is them he regards.

Yet now he addresses the three directly, before turning to leave with finality: \"See that you live up to the standards of your predecessors, lads... my lady. Our light may be faint against the rising Shadow, but each of your candles adds a flame to the sun.\"rAnd with these unusual and cyptic words, he is gone.

Uttering an irritated sigh Rowaen, apparently wanting to offer his assistence to Thorondur, looks at the departing Knight, troubling his mind with what could be wrong. In thoughts he makes a note to himself to ask of it in their next conversation, perhaps with less people present... Still Rowaen can not help wondering... Only now, still looking at Thorondur, Rowaen speaks softly, replying to Dania and Amano. \"Dania please do not get upset, Amano means it well...\" Yes he heard her irritated tone, still finds it not just. As the knight is out of his vision Rowaen turns fully to face Dania, his eyes staring grave and concerned, piercing the black beauty of Dania\'s eyes. While standing so he speaks once more, adressing Amano. \"It is nice of you to ask Amano, yet the matter is not solved, still we have to report to the Lady Ivriniel... But no worries I am positive it will turn out perfectly.\"

\"I beg then your pardon, m\'Lady.\" The tall Squire\'s fierce gaze is now tinged with amusement, as he describes a deep bow with all the noble grace of a lord. Surprising it is indeed, coming from one known as a commoner who had entered the service of Imrahil by mysterious means. \"But as Rowaen said, I am only looking after your best interests. Trust me on that, I give you my word.\" He straightens, his eyes flowing over the banner of the Isilrim with a faint hint of sadness before his gaze regains its steel hardness. \"What do you suppose the Knight was discussing...that the Lady would have needed an apology...yet I have no appetite for delving into business that is not my own, at the moment..merely curiosity.\"

Dania turns her face at Rowaen and offers a weary smile, \"Indeed,\" she says, \"And you owe me no apology, Amano,\" she tells him, \"Instead I beg of your pardon for it is really not a pleasant matter, at least for me,\" she sighs and runs her fingers through her hair. \"And nay, I do not think that it is wise that intervere into whatever is bothering the Knight Herald, nor the Lady Bragollach at the account,\" she says sullenly.

Mathollor tilts his head to side a slight distracted smile playing accross his face. \"Nor any other house in interfering in the concerns of house Bragollach, they are not renowned for the patience and even tempers\"

\"What is this nonsense I hear?\" A stern voice cuts through the air like a knife. \"Squires prattling on like gossipy wenches?\" the speaker arrives from the archway which leads to the Grand Hall of the Stars, and it is none other than the firstborn son of the Prince. His stride is quick and purposeful as he arrives.

Amano dies of shock

Mathollor turns quickly almost spinning on his heel as he and his hand dropped to his sword hilt before he recognises the new arrival. As he sees who it is he quickly pulls his hand away and draws himself up into a respectful posture before dropping a quick bow

Turning to glance over his white-sleeved shoulder the tall squire\'s eyes become quickly hooded, hidden behind a facade of frozen steel. His deep voice is carefully neutral, lacking his usual fiery emotion. \"I would not know, Mathollor,\" he replies, quietly. Yet he says nothing more, only raising his head as Elphir\'s entrance startles him into attention. \"My apologies, sire,\" he murmurs, bowing to the Prince with all the courtesy he can muster, though the shock of Elphir\'s ringing voice still mirrors itself in the tall youth\'s eyes. \"I have finished most of my duties, and was only here with a few friends. But I shall be on my way to the next, if it displeases you for me to be idle..\"

Turning in alarm as the words came to her ears as well, Dania\'s eyes widened as she diverts her eyes on the man who just enters. She hesitates for a moment and finally regains her composure and offers a courtious nod at him. \"Lord,\" she greets him calmly, even though raising an eyebrow at Mathollor\'s direction for a while and then casts a worried glance at Rowaen and Amano.

Elphir\'s stormy eyes quickly take in each Squire in his turn, and he silently stands there, about five feet from the group of them for a long moment. At last he speaks, not acknowledging Amano\'s words directly. \"No good can come of divisions among the houses of Belfalas, Squires and Lady,\" he acknowledges Dania with a courtly nod. \"So if there is aught amiss, it would be best to inform me posthaste.\"

Swiftly Rowaen turns to face Elphir, yet he keeps his calmness, gazing coolly at the firstborn of the Prince. Again he makes an elegant bow before speaking gently. \"My Lord, surely I was not gossiping, I merely noticed the Knight Herald was obviously troubled by a matter. I was just standing and wondering, seeking a way to be of assistance, yet I fear I found none...\" Now he too faces Mathollor, with the grave and concerned look he gave Dania somewhat earlier.

Mathollor raises one eyebrow and moves slightly to be sideways on towards the rest of the group \" I simply suggested it was best not to interfer in others busines, that it is rarely appreciated\" at this he shrugs lightly and studies Elphir intently \"

\"Do not mistake me for a fool,\" Elphir retorts quickly to Rowaen and Mathollor. \"Nor seek to ply my mercy with apologies or excuses. Have you no pride in the Swan that graces your tabards?\"

Mathollor shakes his head quickly and sharply as his face hardens \" I do not think you a fool, I truly only advised these others not to interfer in the Lady Bragollach\'s business, Her house and mine do not agree on many things and I said so. But I truly suggested Nothing else\" Mathollor leans back on his heels as he finishes speaking his glance sliding over the group quickly his eyes bold and challenging in his stern contenance.

Calmly Rowaen answers Elphir\'s look, answering to his phrase. \"Tell me my lord, how is it wrong to be concerned as a squire for a knight? Do we not care the same swan? The swan that stands for helping out others, all for the good of Gondor? What good we want more. A troubled Knight Herald or one with a clear mind? And I did not seek mercy, merely was I telling the truth, again I do not see what is wrong with it all. I rather refrain myself from \'intrigues\' and will not have a part of it...\" Closing his eyes Rowaen turns to face Dania, his hand seeking her tender touch.

Elphir\'s eyes widen slightly at the mention of Gweneth, but barely perceptibly. \"Indeed. Perhaps a reminder of you duties is in order.\" He is calm and impassive as he says this, and his focus turns primarily to Rowaen. \"You will speak when spoken to, Squire.\"

Unwavering is the keen gaze of Amano, as he turns his regard first from one, to the other, speculatively and with calm intensity. Rowaen\'s speech lights a faint smile on his countenance, that fades quickly as it came Elphir\'s stern words turn his countenance to impassive ice, as he awaits the turn of events in silence. Mathollor\'s boldness in standing forth seemed to have only made the situation more complicated, in his opinion, yet no censure or disapproval does he evince to his kinsman, only a wry look.

Eyeing Elphir, Dania takes a step closer to Rowaen, laying her hand gently on his arm to give him a brief touch of reassurance before drawing it away again. At the tension that seems to build up she shows little reaction, but her eyes remain cold. \"And may I be permitted to speak, lord?\" she says calmly suddenly, \"For indeed I am but a maiden who knows nothing of the ways of the Knighthood, and I wander little but within the Halls of Healing under the guidance of the Lady Ivriniel. Perhaps I may be allowed a little of your time?\" she says, her dark eyes seem to glitter with something that may pass as interest or perhaps amusement even.

Elphir\'s eyes sharply turn from one Squire to the next, and he purses his lips. \"There are far greater worries in our fair realm than the petty squabbling of Houses. Those squabbles are my and my father\'s duties - duties from which you are gratefully spared. As Squires, your duties are to serve your Knights, who serve my Father - and we all serve Gondor in our turn in that way.\" His voice is not quite as sharp now, and he turns to Dania. \"You may.\"

Now slowly shaking his head in disapproval, Rowaen looks up at Elphir again. This time his eyes stand fierce and grave. His voice is heard softly yet steady and assuring. \"I felt spoken to, if one accuses me of making excuses... Still all I want to say, I indeed was trying to serve a knight, showing my concern for his state of mind. Alas I might be foolish, yet will not accept unjust words of me. My Lord does something bother you perhaps? If so please do not make us the victim...\" Fearing he said too much Rowaen looks away, preparing for another outburst, in his mind admiring the words of his love.

\"You come dangerously close to oathbreaking, Squire,\" Elphir grates to Rowaen. \"I bid you be silent now, and you _will_ be silent. You swore an oath. It is Lady Dania\'s turn to speak now, not yours.\"

Dania offers a genuine smile this time and nods her head calmly, \"My gratitude,\" she tells Elphir, \"I am merely wanting to say, that indeed I was present throughout the whole exchange between the Squires, milord, and what they talked about was merely about what concerned them as well, even when these squabblings of the houses are indeed, as you said, the matter of yours and your father\'s,\" she says thoughtfully, \"However, they are after all in the most loyal service of Gondor, and correct me, milord, if I say that to an extend, this may help them to understand what their purpose in their line of duty is,\"

Taking a slow breath, Dania smiles kindly, and gives a slight shrug, \"I beg pardon,\" she apologises, \"For perhaps they have been a trifle too free with their words,\"

\"You speak well, Lady Dania,\" Elphir replies solemnly. \"And for your intervention, I will grant clemency.\"

Looking at Elphir, Rowaen realises he can do nor say anymore... Bitterly he accepts this , to him, unjust defeat... Giving a short bow, Rowaen keeps quiet, urging himself to keep his calm. Trying not to give in to the feeling of leaving the scene, fearing it would be the end of his squirehood. He listens eagerly perhaps even a bit astonished as he hears Dania\'s words. As if to strengthen her he squeezes her hand tenderly.

\"However,\" Elphir adds, \"Each of your Knights will be informed, along with my direct command that nothing shall come of this past what has just occurred. Good day, Squires. Lady.\"

\"A good day, sire,\" replies Amano, as the Prince departs. He had held his counsel as yet, for the entirety of the dialogue, but now, free to speak, he turns to Mathollor, his gaze glittering and cold as the Isilrim are wont to be, though when he does utter his first words, they are as neutral and emotionless as his piercing gaze. \"You then, are of the Isilrim, Mathollor..I had not noticed your crest earlier. It was unwise voicing that about the Lady aloud, when dissent among the houses is as bad as it will be. Let us think what we will.\" Turning to Rowaen, he gives him a slap on the back, as much as to shake him out of any temper or disquiet his friend might be in as farewell. \"I would have spoken, friend, but tis wise not to be sharp of tongue to princes.\" With a wink, he turns, shoving his hands in his trouser pockets and whistling a tune as he makes for the archway.

Still feeling the crownprince did him unjust and not at all pleased of the outcome, Elphir kind of accusing him of gossiping, Rowaen turns to the east, his eyes grave and stern. Carefully he frees himself from Dania and without uttering another word he strides off.

Dania watches Elphir departs and a little too late reacting to Rowaen\'s sullen departure. She eyes him and sighs, shaking her head. \"Pray, what happened to you?\" she says inaudibly to herself as suddenly a pang of sadness hits her heart, seeing her lover\'s behavior. So different he is from how he was then. But she says nothing more and smiles a little at Mathollor before slowly making her way out of the archway, following Rowaen without words.

Mathollor shrugs \"I did not expect to be over heard, and I surely wasn\'t squabling I was warning you not to get involved in their business \"