(Archive) - As the Swan Turns Part Zillion

Elendor - Sunday, September 17, 2000

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Weather: Clear

Time: Dawn

Season: Spring

Date: Highday - May 4, 3021

Real Time: Sun Sep 17 13:21:15 2000

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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:

Gwainel

Mathollor

Gabbard

Obvious exits:

Burgundy Door , Marble Doors , and Archway

[Mathollor(#4469)] Mathollor strolls around the empty hall of heralds with a even and measured pace, his bootheels ringing on the marble floors in an echoing cadence. The lamps are turned down low at this late hour and dancing shadows flicker off the banners of the various noble houses. No servants move to disturb the quiet and the echoes die away as he stops in front of the silver Star of his house. The light causing the silver thread to gleam in the soft lighting.

The dawning brings the sister of Imrahil to the Hall of Heralds in what seems to be an important task as she enters and moves quickly across the room. Held in the bend of her arm is a heavy tome with several pieces of parchment marking places in the book. The raven hair of Ivriniel is upswept into an elegant chignon with elegant jewelled combs holding the dark tresses in place. Surprised to find another in this part of the citadel at such an early hour she stops dead in her tracks and looks to the stranger. Silvery grey orbs note the dress of the man indentifying him as a member of the Order of the Swan as she questions, \"And you would be?\"

[Gwainel(#23309)] From the Archway a figure wearing white clothes, bearing with the symbol of the Silver Ship and Swan of Dol Amroth upon its breast...comes, in his face a great grin as if he was laughing from inside. As comes from the archway he stops and gaze the Prince sister, Ivriniel...he leans his head, and bow to her, daring not to say a word...

Mathollor starts slightly before turning quickly and gracefully slipping into a courtly bow. Straightens and rearranges his clothing as he speaks \" I am Squire Mathollor, My Lady , of the house Isilrim\" as he finishes he draws himself into an impressive almost parade ground stance.

A twinkling of amusement alights the silvery eyes of the Princess as she nods her head regally and says, \"Pleased to meet you Squire Mathollor.\" Biting back a grin Ivriniel manages to say, \'House Isilrim. A very fine house, indeed\", before the smile finds its way across her lips and a broad smile creating dimples in both cheeks. \" Gasping softly as the figure in white comes from out of the shadows, the sweet melodic laughter of the Princess peals out in amusement, \"Another White Squire roaming the halls of the citadel. Pray tell, what is your name squire?\"

Mathollor glances across to Gwainel before fixing his attention once again upon the Lady before him his hand slipping almost unconciously onto the pommel of his sword as he smiles slightly and takes a more relaxed posture.

Ivriniel murmurs softly as she responds to Gwainel with another nod of her head, \"Tis a pleasure to meet you as well Gwainel.\" Glancing back to Mathollor and then her sea grey eyes returning to Gwainel, the daughter of Adrahil says, \"And may I inquire as to which Knight you are squired too?\" And then returning her gaze to the man from House Isilrim she asks, \"And you, Mathollor, which fair Knight are you in service too?\" The ever curious nature of the sister of Imrahil is present as she carefully eyes both men, as if committing their features to memory as she says with a hint of amusement again playing in the tone of her voice, \"You will find that the sister of Imrahil is oft curious about everything in Gondor\" and then remarking under her breath she says almost to herself, \'\'and oft times as far south as Umbar\"

[Mathollor(#4469)] Mathollor raises one eyebrow quickly and a grin spreads upon his face as he mouths the words Umbar. At this he appears to remember himself and draws himself together as he speaks \"I am in service to my Uncle Manneas My lady\". He smiles ruefully \" I can understand curiosity and the desire to have it satisfied, I was renowned for mine as a child \"

[Gwainel(#23309)] Carefully Gwainel\'s eyes, quickly finds Mathollor\'s hand and his sword pommel, he scan the squire and before answering the lady question he grins and shakes his head very slightly...only then comming back to the Prince Sister, already answering in a low and calm of voice -- \"A good question indeed, one that even I can\'t answer, I got squire some days ago, by the Prince himself...but I honor my father\'s name, Acolawin...but in all, I may remain faithfull to the prince, only...--

And different from the reaction of the others, Gwainel closes his face, showing despite from Umbar and it\'s Corsairs

A tinkle of laughter again slips past the soft lips of the Princess as she nods her head in agreement with Mathollor, \"Oft times I find my curiosity to be a bane on my existance. But there is so much to see and experience--- Why sit and be content with not knowing the answer if one can search the answer?\" Shifting the heavy tome in her left arm to the right arm and lightly shaking the fingers of her hand Ivriniel says to Gwainel, \"Ahhhh, you were sworn into service by my brother himself.\", a look of pride and pleasure alights the countenance of the woman as she ponders, \"A squire does keep his last name when entering the Order and faithfully serving House Imrazor.\"

Tapping one finger against the binding of the book she remarks, \"Perhaps Melethron might have time to squire you.\" And then another grin dimples in both cheeks as she says with a laugh, \"Listen to that would you...the Master Healer and sister of Imrahil sticking her nose into the sacred bond of a squire and his Knight. I am so fond of all of those serving Dol Amroth, tis hard not to treat all as family at times\"

Mathollor shrugs slightly at Ivriniels words and speaks his voice low and friendly \" I dont think in this case any of the parties in question would complain\" at he speaks he tilts his head to one side and grins at Gwainel raising one euybrow as he regards him

[Gabbard(#29319)] In the bright day that has set stone in the beautiful lands of Belfalas, many move about the Castle. And through the Archway to the Hall of Heralds walks a figure of height. He is radiant in the light. His bright blue tunic lighting up the room. His eyes carefully scans the room as he slowly walks, landing on the Lady of the House, Ivriniel. He motions towards here. And the squires at hand. Upon approaching her, he crosses his palms across his chest and bows the the lady. \"Tis some time since we have met, m\'lady. How is our Prince?\" He then looks to the two squires of the City. \"I fear I do not know the two of you. I am Gabbard Ea....\" he pauses and looks cautiously at the Lady. \"I am Squire Gabbard. Squire of the House Bragollach. And what are your names?\"

Mathollor turns and drops a quick bow as he moves to widen the circle of conversation \"I am Squire Mathollor of house Isilrim, Honour to your house\"

[Gwainel(#23309)] As the blue squire arrives, Gwainel turns and bows with his head saying in low tone of voice -- \"Gwainel I\'m called, Acolawin is my father, and a white-squire, I am...a honor to meet you, brother...\" --

A guarded expression covers the face of Ivriniel as the Squire Gabbard comes into the room and approaches the three persons standing in conversation. A pleasant smile and nod of her head is given to the young squire as she says, \"Good morn Gabbard. It has been a long time since we have seen one another.\" Pausing, as if in thought, she avoids answering his question as she inquires, \"How fare House Bragollach and ...\", her voice drops off quietly before she suddenly picks up the conversation in another vein, concern clearly etching upon her brow, \"My brother? Tis a long story, to be sure, his beloved youngest child and only daughter has been ill, yet again.\" A smile curves her lips again as she glances at the three squires and says, \"I cannot tell you what a pleasure it is to see the citadel filled with such promising young squires\"

Mathollor nods a roguish smile spreading on to his face \" with Valars grace not a squire for long My Lady, a promising candidate can find himself raised to Knighthood quickly if he distinguishes himself \" At this he leand back on his heels his gaze cooly measuring the other two squires before once again turning towards the Lady

[Gabbard(#29319)] After addressing the two squires, Gabbard returns his gaze to the Princess,\"The House is well.\" he then drops his head a bit, then raises it. \"I am sorry to hear about the Prince\'s Children.\" He then turns his head to the Squire\'s speach,\"Aye, but lets say to much squire. The order is not for racing. You will be Knighted in due time.\"

[Gwainel(#23309)] Now the Hall of Heralds looks pretty full for the first hours of the morning...all the squires and blue squire...the morning light enter the room, making the room full of light, and all squires clothes shines in the light, blue and white together, and while this light is in the room, they all talk about the Knighthood, and as soon as Gwainel hears the words of the prince his face changes and he mades a great sighs already saying some of,gad :says, \"he is an ambitious one...eager to get going. I rather like his style\" his thoughts out loud -- \"I wish I would be a healer at least, Aid my Prince at war, and sickness\" and with a great sigh he finish it --

Nodding her head with a solemn look upon her face Ivriniel says, \"My dear niece has been quite ill these two months past.\" Again amusement twinkles from the grey eyes of the Princess as she listens to the words of the three squires as they discuss the journey to Knighthood. Unable to resist a comment she remarks, \"Ambition is a good thing to see in one of servitude, but there must also be humility.\", raising one brow as if in question she then turns her attention back to Gabbard and says, \"The House is well.\", her tone obviously questioning the truth of that statement as she smiles slyly, \'And of Indilzar?\" The voice of Gwainel grabs the attention of Ivriniel as she turns to the squire and asks, \"You would be interested in learning the art of healing in addition to your squire duties?\"

Mathollor smiles gently as he turns towards Gabbard \" It is not arrogance nor belief that it is a race that motivates me to become a knight, but a desire to serve gondor and bring Honour to my house. I can see no wrong in that \"

[Gabbard(#29319)] \"I have heard no word from the Lord, M\'lady.\" He then turns back to the squire,\"You wish to learn the arts of Healing, Squire?\" He then looks at the Princess questionly. Turning to Mathollor,\"No, it is not, young squire. But take the word of experience. Hasty lessons teach little. You have a long time to reach Knighthood, be sure you understand the Order. And live by your virtues.\" With that he addresses the three of them,\"It has been a fair coversation. But I fear I must return to my duties. M\'lady, it has been a pleasure once again.\" He bows slowly to her in the fashion before, and turns walking out the Marble Doors.

Mathollor looks after the departing squire his face intent and cool with virtually no expression before he smiles slightly and speaks quietly almost to himself \"Patience from a bragollach \" there is an unspoken question in his words before he turns back to the Lady with a grin

[Gwainel(#23309)] -- \"Yes\" the white-squire says in a loud voice...and then he says continue \"Yes, M\'lady, nothing more noble then to help people, and so I would hlp them in war and peace, as I\'ve sworn to my prince...could could...\" he bites his lips but with it he pauses...and continues \"teach me, the healing way ?\" -- The squire, then lowers his body almost kneeling, and with this he bows with his head to the blue-squire, glancing now Lady Ivriniel eyes

Bending her head in dismissal, Ivriniel says, \"Good day Gabbard\", her eyes follow the squire as he departs the room a look of question clouding them. Sighing and shaking her head lightly as if to clear her mind of memories of the past she once again gives her attnention to Gwainel and Mathollor. A mischevious smile curves her lips as she questions Mathollar, \"Do you doubt that a member of House Bragollach to be long on patience?\" amusement twinkling from her eyes as she teases the man. But laughter doth quickly turn to seriousness as she says to Gwainel, \"It will not be an easy task, make no mistake of that. The art of healing is one that takes a lifetime to master and even then, there are oft times thing unanswered.\" Holding the eyes of the squire with piercing eyes she asks, \'Are you prepared to devote every waking moment to one of learning..be it either the duties of squire of one of healer?\"

Mathollor watches Gabbards departing back for a second longer before he shrugs slightly and his full attention falls upon the Lady \"His House and mine have not found comfort in each others company in many generations, we bear no great love for each other\"

[Gwainel(#23309)] The squire nods while looking to the lady, and replies to it so -- \"Yes M\'lady, I devote my life for the squire life, seeking the knightwood, and i also devote my life for the leaning of the healing...seeking cure lifes, and wounds of my fellows\"

Standing in thoughful silence, the quiet looming for several moments as Ivriniel assesses the young squire and then she says, \"Alright. That is that. We shall see to getting you started in the art of herb lore. There is a leather bound tome in the Halls of Healing, one that I have worked a lifetime on.....you may read through that when you have time from your other duties.\" She then adds quickly, \'But make no mistake that the duties of squire shall come before this extra duty you are assuming.\"

A shrug lifts the delicate shoulder of the woman as she admits, \"I have a few squires and one Knight that are currently studying the healing arts. It is my fondest desire to see more learned in the arts so as to save lives upon the fields of battle. So oft, men have died before they could be rescued and brought to the healers tent during war.\" A smile is given to Mathollor as she says, \"I am well aware of all of the houses in my brothers fief\"

Mathollor nods slightly \" I did not doubt you would be, someone with the curiosity you describe could no doubt recite my lineage as readily as myself\" .

[Gwainel(#23309)] --My pleasure M\'lady, And I\'m sure I will devote my life to squire and heal, and be good and faithfull to both..\" the squire then smiles, and stands...bowing to the lady and smiling to other squire...--

With that Ivriniel smiles to the two squires and says, \"Now, I must be off to attend to business.\" Looking at first one man and then the next, she graces them both with a nod of her head and tranquil smile, \'Twas a pleasure to meet both of you and I dare say that I shall look forward to speaking with you again.\" To Gwainel she says, \"You may stop by my office in the Halls of Healing at anytime you are free and we can discuss what should be your first steps in learning the art of healing. \" With that the sister of Imrahil glides gracefully across the room, the satin white of her gown shimmering in the light of the room...the essence of jasmine wafting in her wake.