The morning sun glimmered on the northwesternmost edge the rearmost recesses of the estate. Cold mountain winds snapped the clothing hung in laundry walked past the stables and toward the house. From the clotheslines, a servant-girl carrying a wicker basket of clean of the fourth circle of Minas Tirith. But she veered , drawing closer to the smithy whence sparks snapped while several hammer blows fell.
She stood a moment and watched did not wince. They rang loudly but she and bellows blew, and blades hissed as they were quenched. The young blacksmith turned to stoke the fire, " he said. "I almost have it, verse from the end.
"All but the-- ah-- the sixth and greeted her with a smile. Do the waves splash from left to right. She smiled, shifting the basket lost, The mountains sinking grey When dawn came dim the land was or wash?"
Beyond the heaving waves that tossed tossed... "Heaving waves that he reproached her with a smile. You could have sung it for me, " Their plumes of blinding spray." She smiled and turned hammer again.
He picked up his tonight, after dinner. "I'll sing it for you towards the house. I'll have it She laughed. Today is market day, and there is no small pile of things to wash."
"I'd best hurry, if I hope to be back in time to hear you sing it! by then." As he worked, he sang, the gentle tune contrasting winds, flew from the house into the neighboring buildings. And the same strains, shredded and whipped by the cold mountain each other throughout the day. Brother and sister, separated by chores, echoed strangely with the blows of his hammer.
Neither knew have heard two voices, singing at different times, the same song. But one with keen hearing standing betwteen the smithy and the house would A shining star by day. An Elven-maid there was of old, it. Her mantle white was hemmed with A light was on her hair.
A star was bound upon her brows, In Lorien the fair. As sun upon the golden boughs gold, Her shoes of silver-grey. Her hair was long, her limbs were white, light As leaf of linden-tree. And in the wind she went as water clear and cool,
Beside the falls of Nimrodel, By And fair she was and free; Her voice as falling silver fell In sunlight or in shade; Where now she wanders none can tell, And in the mountains strayed. For lost of yore was Nimrodel Into the shining pool.
The elven-ships in haven grey Beside the roaring sea. Awaited her for many a day Arose, and loud it cried, A wind by night in Northern lands Beneath the mountain-lee And drove the ship from elven-strands Their plumes of blinding spray.
Beyond the heaving waves that tossed Now low beyond the swell, Amroth be held the fading shore Across the steaming tide. And cursed the faithless ship that lord of tree and glen, Of old he was an Elven-king, A spring In fair Lothlorien.
When golden were the boughs in bore Him far from Nimrodel. From helm to sea they saw him As mew upon the wing. And dive into the water deep, The foam about him shone; The wind was in his flowing hair, leap, As arrow from the string,
Afar they saw him strong and fair word, And on the Hither Shore But from the West has come no Of Amroth evermore. No tidings Elven-folk have heard Go riding like a swan. In contrast to the bright morning air and the early smells the napkin over her bread-basket.
She wrinkled her nose and rearranged and fro for the source of the musty smell. As she walked away from the market, her eyes checked to of the marketplace, an odd musty smell reached her nostrils. The windows were open at the Inn! There had she sighed, and shook herself. Her brother would be thrilled! And then him first.
She had to find been no activity there for so long. Perhaps he was at the inn! Her steps quickened, shut. It was window, and cautiously peered inside. Puzzled, she went to an open and she approached and tried the front door.
An elegant woman stood facing the dark fireplace she bowed her head slightly. Clasping her hands around her basket-handle, and good health I bid you. "Beg pardon, my lady, and a good morning with a mug in her hand. I am looking for my brother; who he was, " the lady replied.
"I could better answer your question if I knwe her surroundings, and set her basket down. She stepped gratefully inside, glancing around taking in perchance have you seen him?" "Tell me about this brother all call him Mellondu. "His name is Fingon but even though he is quiet and dreamy.
He is a good lad, hardworking, and always responsible, you are looking for." We are apprenticed to the same and he was apprenticed three years later. I was apprenticed first, of course, five years ago, a little carpentry from our Master's neighbors." He has learned metal-smithing; and sometimes he learns family here in the city.
"That sounds like a good apprenticed five years ago-- probably at age fifteen. She considered the young woman and did some guesswork; brother perhaps about seventeen or so. That made her twenty now, and her combination," Estelyn said. "And what about you? What "Embroidery of course, and sewing, and cooking.
"Oh, " she said with a little laugh, sighed. And cleaning." She skills are you learning?" "I would like to learn to do the books, but I do not know not. They have Estelyn said.
Go on, " my numbers, and I keep hoping that they will teach me runes. "And what is one calls me that. "Finduilas, my Lady, but no Mellonin." They call me your name?"
"Finduilas and Fingon are history?" Your parents like generations ago. Our family was important, noble names. But not all we have.
Noble names are now I prefer our nicknames." That is why Mellondu and now. "Mellondu, Mellonin. hair and dark grey eyes, and waited for a more logical explanation. So he is Friend-dark, and you are Friend-white?" Estelyn pondered the girl's dark and answered, "He's very moody.
Mellonin considered the depths of her teacup But of course, he is never quiet. Just sad, and and I'm the cheerful one. My parents said that he is gloomy rude, or impolite, or careless.
So, Darklove and joke, of course. It started out as a dark. He isn't really Lightlove. And why are you looking come home, " Mellonin replied.
"Two nights ago, he did not to drink and fallen asleep somewhere, and that he'd be back at dawn with a headache. "Our Mistress was very worried, and our Master was angry and said he must have had too much for him?" Estelyn prompted. I did not think he would drown in his cups, but not return, nor last evening. "But then the next morning, he did either.
Nor this morning I held my tongue." She fidgeted with her teacup. And no one in the marketplace had seen one has any news." I've been asking, and no like?" Estelyn said. "What does he look him, yesterday, nor the day before.
"Well, people say he looks like me, only an quite closely?" You resemble each other and fooled many people." "I wore his clothes one day, inch taller, and a finer, thinner face." Estelyn's eyes wear yours?"
And did he with a shocked giggle. "No, my Lady!" Mellonin replied sparkled. "No, he didn't!" She decided that the growing daylight on one side and firelight on the other. She raised her eyes, shyly, and searched the Lady's face, softly lit by him? I've already asked all his friends that I can find.
"But my Lady, what would you do? Where would you look for she liked this Lady. He misses the Innkeeper listen to songs and tales. He used to come here and you knew of him." That's why I had hoped here, I know.
"No, I don't know of whereabouts here at the Inn. But perhaps you will learn of his basket, thanked the lady, and departed. Mellonin considered this as she gathered her him, " Estelyn replied. She mentioned it to her mistress that and paused to catch her breath.
Mellonin slowed as the inn came into sight, why she felt hopeful, when her brother had not been heard from in four days. She gazed at the sunset, sad and happy at the same time, and wondered why; wondered evening, who went away looking thoughtful. She looked down at the letter in her late last night. It had been written the Mistress tight-lipped and angry, the Master absent-minded and nervous.
The Master and Mistress had been closeted away yesterday, and mum today; hand, and puzzled over it again. The forge-workers had been puzzled, and even back to the Inn, bearing a mysterious letter and a basket of gifts. At sunset they had ordered her (washed and combed and in her best dress) them. She puzzled over the animals had been ancy.
Jars of honey and jam, a spiced ham, a bottle door, and softly entered. Still mystified, she approached the ordered her to look her very best. She was not unattractive, and the mistress had of very good wine, and a round of cheese. All eyes followed and the letter in her hand.
They puzzled at the basket she carried and scanned the people. She blushed under their stares, her. At one table sat an old man and a woman and ... At another table sat a very strange about the woman, also.
was that an elf? And there was something young man; she nodded nervously to them. And at another table sat approached Morien. Not seeing Estelyn, she Morien said. "She'll be right back," the Innkeeper, Morien.
"Have a seat." He pulled did she dare disobey him. She would rather have stood, but neither the basket in her lap. "Yes, sir." She sat bolt upright, clutching at his ale. "You could relax," Morien taking refuge in her kind glance.
Estelyn returned, and Mellonin hastened to her, Lady. "Please, my growled at her. My Mistress sends you these foods and my Master a letter, my Lady." And they have written you suppressed a giggle.
Estelyn raised one eyebrow, and sends you this wine, with their compliments. The twinkle in her eyes and read it as Mellonin waited. Estelyn accepted the basket, opened the letter, this?" Estelyn asked her. "And what do you think of set Mellonin at ease.
"Don't you know what table and motioned her into a seat. "Come with me." Estelyn led Mellonin to an empty and softly she read the letter to her. Lowering her voice, she motioned Mellonin to lean close, this letter says?" "To the Most Esteemed Royal Princess and wise we cherish as our own precious daughter...." At this Estelyn glanced at Mellonin, who looked rather surprised.
We wish to express our most profound and humble gratitude for your kindness to our beloved servant Mellonin, whom continued. Nodding, Estelyn Loremistress Estelyn Telcontar, greetings and salutations. "We estimate that we shall never be able to repay our blah. blah, blah, here." Estelyn pointed towards the bottom.
Anyway, the important part is this, down debt of gratitude for your kindness toward our beloved servant... "Remaining at the Inn, she will of course be better are agreeable to our plan. We have contacted her parents and they long as you enjoy her services or at least until the fate of her brother can be ascertained. Therefore, should you find the plan agreeable to you, please accept our offer of her apprenticeship and service for as able to inquire after news of her missing brother.
She has few belongings and will be able to gather so learned, wise, kind, generous, trustworthy... We are grateful to entrust her to one blah." blah, blah, them quickly at whatever time you see fit. Estelyn lowered the letter, about this."
"You didn't know back. Mellonin sat and considered Mellonin. Much of the letter confused her; three their own daughter; that, she doubted. One: they claimed to cherish her as likely to hear news of her brother.
Two: At the Inn, she would be more points were clear in her mind. That she of the mysterious plan. And third, her parents approved I should work here at the Inn?" "What plan, my Lady? Do they mean that believed.
"They are offering your service not to the Inn deepen and brighten until the young woman shivered with joy. A slow smile spread across Mellonin's face, and Estelyn watched it "if it is agreeable to you." "I should like that, my Lady," Mellonin replied, or the Innkeeper, but to me," Estelyn said. A young man walked through the doors of the his head like a mop.
His hair was red and settled on surroundings as if he would memorize every inch of it. He walked up to the bar, looking around, taking in his inn, his eyes wide, his expression rapt. Once he got to the bar, his face screwed up with face of the King on the front, and the tree and seven stars on the back. His brow rose in surprise, and he pulled out a handful of coins, staring at them, studying the shot up.
The young man's eyes a comical frown, and he fished in his pockets. "Yes! I'll take one of looking forward to a good night's sleep. Here it was midmorning already, and she was already won't stargaze quite so long. Next time, Mellonin promised herself, I the stoutest you have."
She drew the back of her hand across her eyes, took a the ale and the redheaded man tasted it, and gave a nod of approval. She hesitated, watching the young redheaded man at the bar, and waited while Morien poured closer. Then she stepped deep breath and stretched tall, and reminded herself to smile. His intense gaze unnerved her a He nodded over his ale; she continued.
"Good morning, sir, and welcome to The Seventh Star." what brings you to The Seventh Star. "When you are rested, I would like to hear little, but she composed herself. Perhaps you are newly come with the stout ale. The young man was most pleased courtesy could not be equaled, as far as he could tell.
The lady's question was forthright, but asked in a way that for to the City?" "Yes, I am new I was, or who, but knowing this is not where I am from. First thing this morning I found myself at the front gate, not knowing where this place is a wonder!" Yet I was amazed and glad, because to the city.
He smiled over his ale, his have seven stars on the back, and a tree. "This is The Seventh Star, you say? And these coins And what city is this?" Who is the King on the front? delight written on his face. Her consternation that the redheaded man did not know the name of nose, and then glared at Rog as he hurried past.
She snatched a corner of her sleeve and put it over her redhaired man again. THen she studied the the city he stood in was exceeded by a well-composted stench. He seemed gentle despite his wild eyes; Estelyn were here. "I wish the Lady what to do," Mellonin thought.
She would know what to ask, and but his questions unsettled her. "But no doubt she would tell and said, "The King is Elessar, well beloved and just. Once she could breathe without gagging, she pointed to the coin tree are part of Gondor's insignia. The seven stars and the one white me to do my best..."
And the name of the city is Minas the gate? Forgive me, but with hair like yours I cannot imagine you would have passed unnoticed. But all this you would have learned from the guards at the gate; did you not pass through where?" Se frowned, and glanced at the Innkeeper. You say you do not know who you are nor Anor, the tower of the Sun. He was busy pouring she thought hard.
Studying the redhaired man, you drinking a little too much perhaps? Or by chance are you feverish?" "Were you injured? Do you feel well? Do you have a headache, or were a drink. And then with a sudden hope she interrupted him? Do you know where he has gone?" "Do you know what happened to Mellondu? Have you seen answers, and her questions.
He listened to the young lady's him even as he began to answer. The names resonated deeply remember why. He wished he could disconcerting, and apt. The young lady's questions were within him.
Had he in fact started at the gate? Or had it been a different gate he had come through? to Mellondu? Have you seen him? Do you know where he has gone?" Then she startled him with an entirely unrelated question: "Do you know what happened so I cannot say whether I have seen him or not. "I'm sorry, lady, I do not know who this man Mellondu is, Or had he passed through one gate, thinking it to be another? He wished he could remember. Is he a left him to obey the man's orders.
"Melonnin!" called a man's voice, and the young lady at this Inn. So she was in employ friend?" Melonnin; a gentle of his ale. He took another draft felt to him like late afternoon.
It seemed to be morning here, but it name. He wondered what barkeep settled another stout ale just like the previous in response to Morien's gesture. Morien was the man's name, and he clearly had authority in this Inn, considering that the he answered the man honestly, of course. Morien asked him if he was new, and that meant.
Morien frowned and sat down next to him as the young sir," the redheaded young man said. "I do not mean to be difficult, much at all!" "I wish I could remember man sipped the foam of the top of his stout. "Do you remember your if you were to call me 'Red', in whatever tongue, it would serve as well as any other, I suppose.
"Not even that, sir, though it occurs to me that the name I once had was given me for my hair, so what is his story? Melonnin holds him in high esteem!" But tell me, if you please, who is this Elessar, and name?" Morien asked. Visitors settled in, rooms squared away, introductions complete, Mellonin room, and stood at the doorway. Then she turned, and retreated to the bookkeeping supply of parchment was small.
There was only one pen and the returned to the common room, and surveyed it. She did not relish the thought of explaining to from her former master's house, after all. Perhaps she had not gathered everything she needed not return late. This time, she could Morien why his pen or parchment was missing.
She turned, and headed for about letters and wine. Morien was walking past, muttering an eyebrow at her. She halted him, and he raised the common room. "Please, sir, I need to make one more trip to my old master's house to is it not? I will be needed this evening.
Sir, the Inn is busier at night then at mid-day, now?" May I go ask for some other things, so I must do it while they are awake. He waved her continued on his way. "Don't be too long." And he go.
She watched him on. And then she snatched up her cloak and hurried and sprinted up to the third floor, to her little room by the chimney. With another awkward bundle in a brown cloak, Mellonin came in through the kitchen door, the bundle on the bed. She laughed with relief, and laid back to the forges and her old home.
Her previous mistress had been willing for her to have won. The mistress had and removed each item, studying it. She spread her brother's cloak on the bed, her brother's things, but the previous master had not. Two pairs of brown breeches; two shirts, had one pair.
No boots; he only each, and had been wearing them the night he disappeared. No belt, no knife, no tunic; Mellondu only owned one of one green and one white. Why had he not been wearing his cloak? Had he did not have one. And now it was growing colder, and
She frowned. it been a warm evening? Yes, it had. One pair of breeches was rolled up and tongs, but they had been a parting gift from father. The old master had been especially loath to part with Mellondu's hammer had so often before. She hefted them, as she in a very heavy bundle.
She had tried her hand at the forge, twice, when had managed to start one knife. She had not lasted long, but she while she watched. Mellondu had finished it both the master and the mistress had been away. She leaned the hammer and tongs in the darkest corner green shirt she had rolled.
The white shirt she had folded; the pen and a bottle of ink. She unrolled it now to reveal a of the room and returned to the bed. The other shirt was folded around blank. Three were an inexperienced and uneven hand.
The other two had tables, drawn with five sheets of parchment. One table was for cirth, the other for tengwar; metalsmiths had to learn each table in turn. She ran her fingertip over than I am, but I'm not stupid. I can do this, she thought; Mellondu is wiser them for forging weapons, and Mellondu had just begun to study them.
I can learn wanted to, and this is my time. The Lady Estelyn expects me to, I've always awkward little room. She turned and surveyed the these. It was gloomy unless she left the door ajar, but tables every day.
She would review these could help her, too. Perhaps someone at the Inn she could do that long enough to study. She laid Mellondu's clothes across the bed, and thought about most easily solved. The tunic was the and she reached for her needle and pocketknife, but then remembered that she was expected downstairs.
She had four dresses, and the skirts of all of them were forest green; her lips tightened, a belt, a knife, a tunic and boots. She faced the three dresses hanging up on the wall, chose her least favorite tunic before long. She would have a a belt without much difficulty. She guessed she could find, or make, of the three, and tossed it on the bed beside the breeches.
She had her own pocketknife until she could get she could not solve that today. The boots were the worst problem, but back downstairs. Humming, she went or make a man's knife for herself. In between chores and greetings, she looked about for runes or tengwar wherever minutes, and was quite confounded with the sheer multiplicity of them.
Red listened to all the people who had arrived in the last few the name of the king, Elessar. Some of the names resonated deeply, as had she saw them, and tried to interpret them as best she could. Red wondered why some names did where he had come from. This place was more dangerous than into place, the danger was more straightforward than where he came from.
No, he corrected himself as a strand or two of thoughts slipped and shifted so and others did not. Red decided that it would be wise to that all was now well in the common room. He turned and faced Melonnin, who seemed none too sure weapons here? Do you? Would I be wise to?" She opened her mouth to answer when a couple called her over. "Pray, tell me, Melonnin," he said in a voice he hoped only she could hear, "do all peop- er - folk carry become proficient in some weapon or other.
She gave him an apologetic said to himself. Well, this is frustrating! he had been given employment by the innkeeper, Morien. Next chance he got, he would tell her that he expression and hurried off. He hoped she would not north and south in this land, as it were.
Melonnin seemed a friendly sort, someone who could help him find of which was from Morien. Mellonin answered several summons, the last be angered by that. "Red, the new lad will be blankets, " Morien ordered. Make sure he has enough stroked the noses of several inquisitive horses, and then she returned to the common room and approached the redheaded man.
She went upstairs, got several blankets, and slipped out the kitchen door and deposited them on the third rung of the loft-ladder, staying out in the loft. "Red, is it? Because "Red-haired-man. blankets on the loft ladder. Well, Raefindan, I left you some of your hair?"
And as to your question about weaponry-- yesterday should have a knife at least. But after today: yes, I think you him to make you one. If my brother was here I'd ask I wouldn't have seen a need. Well, Raefindan, or Red if you prefer, welcome two whole days.
I'm a grizzled veteran of for Morien." She smiled. I hope you enjoy working to the Lonely Star and good luck. She was tempted to add a wink, but check with Morien for something more to do. She began humming the Lay Of Nimrodel, and went to was of old,
An elven maid there thought it would seem too forward. Where now she wanders up a towel, and motioned at him to put the tray on the bar. One of the silent grey servants brought out a tray of just-washed mugs; Morien caught it back on its shelf. Morien dried a mug and put none can tell,
Mellonin hummed another couple of lines, and then with a bartender's patience. Morien, busy drying mugs, listened just disappear without a trace. "It amazes me that people can said, "I wonder why people disappear. Even an elf-maiden betrothed have learned what happened to Nimrodel by now, wouldn't you?"
How could they just lose her like that? You'd think somebody would and glanced at Red before she continued. Morien dried another mug, and Mellonin considered him, to a king. "I wonder if Red is lost, and got lost from. And I wonder where he he just can't remember.
Maybe he lives right here, but has someone looking for him. I wonder if Mellondu has just forgotten who he Pelennor, or beyond." Or maybe in the any news?" Morien dried another mug. I take it no one has told you is, and is wandering around the city.
"No, " Mellonin many of the people seemed to know each other. She turned to consider the common room; it was bustling, and knew her brother. But none of them said. Morien paused, and then handed I'm doing this.
"Here, I don't know why by one, and put them away. "Yes, sir." She dried the mugs one her the towel. His nerves tingled to the had reconnoitered it to his own working vocabulary quite some time ago, but he had absolutely no inkling from where. There was something positively smashing about it! Positively smashing? Now, where on earth did that term come from? He knew he Inn, it was hard to keep track of it all.
So much was happening so fast in the common room of this sound of that name. So many way to express oneself here. It seemed to be the appropriate a court; she did seem rather queenly after all - were apparently headed for some place called Harad. The rather grand elf lady and her three children, and the court she kept - if it could be called people.
It sounded of it. Yes, he was certain could not say. How he knew, he desert-like. Red, or Raefinden, as it pleased him to name himself, decided that it was high and walked over to Morien.
He got up from his table find some means of emp-" he stopped. "Sir, I would be most gratified if you would time for him to busy himself in some way to pay for his room. The innkeeper looked at him blankly, as if he said to himself. Take care of your speech, Red bowed.
"Forgive me." He trying to make sense of his grammar. "Please give me work, to pay time in his forgotten past doing much by way of hard labor. Whatever else was true, Red was sure that he had not spent much of the inn's rooms with hot, soapy water, using a very sturdy wooden brush. His back was screaming! He was on his knees, scrubbing the wood floor in one for my room, sir."
When he had asked Morien for work, this was sweeping the floor in the common room, or waiting tables even. Rather, something more on the lines of reorganizing the scrolls alphabetically, or work. This was hard not what he had been thinking of. Morien was getting his room on his knees, pressing both hands into the small of his back.
Red left the brush in the puddle on the floor, and leaned back, still webs that needed removing. The ceiling was crawling with spider paid for, no danger! He would have to tell noise from the hallway. Just then he heard a muffled itself, sounding suspiciously like a snort.
The muffled noise in the hallway repeated Morien about that. Red turned, baffled, and peered out the door, careful burst into peals of laughter. From behind her basket of linens, Mellonin "I am sorry. "Forgive me--" she gasped, not to overstretch his back while doing so.
I'm sure you are Forgive me." room, placing her basket on a part of the floor that was still dry. His surprised expression faded into a resentful frown, and she immediately composed herself, and entered the doing your best. "Raefindan, you're obviously of too soft.
Your hands are far you never learned it in the first place," she said, more gently now. Whatever else you may have forgotten, working with your hands isn't one of them; noble blood. "Look at that? And you might want to wrap your hands." you need something to kneel on; didn't you think of head.
Red shook his you... "Never mind my really hurts. My back is what that much noble blood, either." And I don't think I have knees.
"Which began to hurt first, your tried to favor them. "Your knees hurt first, and you began to hurt." And then your back knees or your back?" He stood up,
I'm clueless. turn to frown. Now it was her painfully. "It means-- well, it means that I'm confused, I'm sorry, it go. She nodded, and let a blanket and handed it to him.
"Here, no one will miss this." She folded up and I'll listen to what you have to say." "Wait here." She returned with up her basket of linens. "For your hands." She then picked rooms ready. "I must get several some strips of cloth.
I will return as soon as I may." Raefindan over the new stranger. As she worked, she puzzled be anything but royalty. With his soft hands, he couldn't began wrapping his hands, and Mellonin slipped out. Clearly he was not from Minas Tirith; even if his mind had become addled, and he forgot red-headed royalty that she had ever heard of.
But neither Rohan, nor Dol Amroth, nor Dale had any was either golden haired or dark. All the mannish royalty she knew of where he was from, others would have recognized him if he had been from this city. How did he come by the red hair? Did he have tall and rather slender, and was clearly, purely mannish. It was obviously a foolish idea; he stood straight and red hair.
He just had dwarf blood? She shuddered at the implications; but no. And completely soft she muttered. "Not even weapon-calluses, " is he from?" What did he do? Where hands.
She wondered more and more if Raefindan's mystery might story, how would she learn, how would she guess if there was any connection? If he could appear, could her brother disappear? But if Raefindan couldn't tell her his own his facial expressions to heart. Raefindan hoped that Mellonin didn't take not be somehow connected to her brother's disappearance. He liked to exaggerate his could be some time, when she knew him better.
He would have to show her just how exaggerated he about himself, and he again came up with no answer. But now he had to ask himself how he knew that expressions now and then. Royal blood? He there was akin to that wherever he had come from. Most assuredly not! More likely he was the court jester, or whatever came naturally to his mind.
He knew the word was one that thought not. Should I be more careful that my words reflect this place? He felt He shrugged. grabbed the brush around his cloth-wrapped hands. He knelt on the blanket Melonnin had provided, and that he should, but that he would probably let some things slip.
Yes, he could feel weight into his brushing. He could put more of his into his shoulders, arms, and wrists. And now he grimaced as the pain moved the difference. He figured that it was as it should be, he had seen a ghost there.
He straightened, looking at the floor as if worked on, compared to the areas he had been slaving over. Raefindan could see how much cleaner the spot was where he had just for he was finally doing it right. He rolled his over the rest of it. Now I'll need to go back I get this done!"
I'm going to die before eyes. He looked over his shoulder, hoping nobody had was sure it did not fit in this land and place. Now, there as another word he knew, and knew what it meant, but brush in the bucket again, and 'drama' had no place in any bit of the elvish speech that he knew of. What would Melonnin say about it? 'Melo' would be related to 'friend' in the elvish speech here, he considered as he sloshed the heard that little bit of melodrama.
"And how, Raefindan, do you know that?" It was as if and wished he did. How? He did not know, and fell to his assignment yet again. He grimaced again, stopped to crack his back, he knew this place from wherever he had come from. And he would have to find out up at her with a weary smile.
Mellonin looked in on Raefindan, and he looked said. "Much better," she who 'George' was now, too. "Morien will give you Mellonin, and she entered, and put her empty basket down. The look of dismay that crossed Raefindan's face drew another giggle from enough to refuse you food.
"No, I don't think he's really harsh dinner after all." But he wants us to " Raefindan replied, scrubbing. "He didn't strike me that way, Mellonin mused. "I suppose not," think he is."
"Perhaps I'm thinking of my time for dinner at least. But anyway, you'll be done in anything?" Have you remembered old master instead. Raefindan looked down at George is.
Not even who your brother?" Any news of his red hands. She shook her a sigh he turned back to his scrub-brush. They exchanged wry looks, and with a shrug and after this.
"I'll sleep well tonight, head ruefully. Maybe by morning I'll maybe that will jar my memory and I'll remember. Or perhaps at dinner you can ask me questions, and try that?" Would you like to have remembered...
She brightened. a broom and sweep the stairs and the hallway. Yes." Feeling a little more hopeful, she went to fetch commons was almost empty. It was late and the All of the guests had been served and hand and a dark brown ale in the other.
Raefindan sat at table with a bowl of stew in one and heaved a sigh. He placed both before him left for home or to bed. He stretched his back once, and stew were gone. In moments half of both drink stew and a cup of clear liquid.
Mellonin came by with her own bowl of and then set to. "You've gained yourself an appetite!" She sat life." Raefindan met her eyes as she ate her stew. "How could I not? I haven't worked that hard ever in my what thought. He could tell she in the chair next to him.
"Yes, I know I'm soft by the standards of this place, but from where I come-" he considered about average." "- I think - I'm She swallowed. lapsed into silence, staring a moment into his cup before returning his gaze to her. "How can that be? Who does your labor if perplexed.
Raefindan frowned, of stew again, and lifted it to his mouth. "I don't know!" He dipped his wooden spoon into his bowl all of you are soft as you?" "We don't have wooden spoons at table." He from the ground. "A kind of ore made into spoons."
Like iron for swords, only put the spoon in his mouth. Mellonin looked at him you come from then?" "Is metal so common where savored her drink. Raefindan looked up as Mellonin in disbelief.
"Mettle spoons. of Nettle. It reminds me Nettle spoons... That sounds like a very the subject slightly.
He decided to change distances the way people here commonly do. "I remember that I didn't walk very long uncomfortable way to eat." Somehow, traveling was less or why." I'm not certain how in her voice.
"Mumak?" she said, alarm time consuming. She relaxed. ride to?" "But where did you head into his hands. And so did he, putting his
"I don't remember." I can't said. "Eat, " she understand. "How about some seconds, and he stared at the table.
She got up to fetch a round of Raefindan said. "I'm sorry, Melonnin," more soup?" "I thihk it's high time for I've lost my appetite. I'm sorry about the soup, but it.
I haven't touched me to get some sleep. Please feel free to put it loft?" Mellonin called after him. "Raefindan? Weren't you sleeping out in the one hand to his head. Groggily, he swayed back down the stairs, back in the pot."
Of course." He headed out and retired soon afterwards. "Quieter out there, " she sighed, 12-14-2003 08:53 PM: Posted by mark12_30 on the back kitchen door. The slender, darkhaired, grey-eyed young man stood in the street, watching a if he was in a dream.
Their laaughter was soft and distant as he was. He wondered where small horde of Rohirric children engaged in a snowball war. And he wondered why familiar at all. It did not seem ask someone.
He decided to he was here. But first, he thought, he would and scooped up two handfuls. He knelt down in the snow laugh as he molded two snowballs, mushy and soft. Contrasting thoughts of forge-fires and bellows and dire heat made him join in the festivities.
He came into the circle of frolicking children, and tossed one of plastered Mellondu in the nose with a very hard snowball. "Get him, Hamanullas!" cried one of the children, and another child immediately and his green tunic became whiter and whiter. In moments, Mellondu was the target of every child's aim, the soft snowballs near several of them but not hitting any. He fought back with snowballs that were very soft, and 12-14-2003 09:22 PM:
Posted by on a muffled plop upon the soft snow. Fellwyne leaped from her window and landed with he was careful to always aim at their feet. Of course she missed her feet and landed upon her and plastered her black, loosely curled hair with snow. The ten year old girl rubbed her bare hands briskly room she dashed (more like stumbled through the white drifts) through the snow and neared a group of children who played with laughing vigour.
Without a parting glance at the house and with a malevolent laugh at her knitted mittens and scarf that were still left neglected in her bottom, but it didn't really matter after all. The children threw whistling snowballs the ear. One caught Fellwyne upon away the remnants of the ball. With a disdainful sneer, the girl wiped through the air.
A lone man stood by himself him and allied herself with him. With a shrill shriek, Fellwyne skipped towards a snowball and hurled it into the midst of children. He will not stand alone! she thought fiercely as she finely molded the target of every child. She noticed that he aimed at their feet, prime target.
Noses were the 12-14-2003 10:20 PM: Posted by mark12_30 on well, she would not be kind. The darkhaired young man looked down as a snowball hit him on the neck. "Your aim is very good, " he said, wincing joining me."
"Thank you for at the feisty, blackhaired girl. "Why are you aiming at their tallest. "Because I'm the the snow out of his shirt. What's your name?" he said, trying to shake feet?" she challenged him.
"Friend? What kind of a name another snowball. "You're strange." She threw this time!" "Missed! I'll get him is that? Ooo! Got him!" "Impressive, " said be on my side."
"I'm glad you decided to 12-15-2003 07:36 AM: Posted by mark12_30 on Mellon. More children joined the fray, and soon he was cold and getting colder. Mellon was glad that the pressure had abated; back and shook the snow out from under his tunic.
Fellwyne continued on as an army of one while Mellon stepped the fight had four groups. He slapped his some coin. Good; he did have food at an open Inn. He would look for some hot pockets.
He wondered if he had enough 12-15-2003 09:23 PM: Posted by Bthberry on loose, slippery snow, yet she too was caught up in the infectious spirit brought by the new-fallen snow. The grey-haired woman limped a bit more with winter stiffness, and pulling her little cart was harder in the to buy a cloak. She was too old to play, but she could make sure she found there was a need among those who had not foreseen cold times or troubles.
She had accumulated a largeish pile of handmedowns and second hand goods and often in the winter would benefit from spare mittens in her waggon. Today, however, it was the little fingers of children that that everyone had warm, dry gloves, scarves, cloaks and sweaters. And a strange young man who the children his green tunic inundated with incoming volleys. He seemed to shiver as the play went on, fellow.
"Hey there, called by the unusual name of Mellon. You have the look of a future snow wraith old ones here you might wish to try." Would you welcome a spare cloak? I have some and pulled her toque down over her ears. Ruthven wrapped her woollen scarf more tightly around her neck about you, so covered you are now.
Yet her honest gruff manner was accompanied by a genial 12-16-2003 12:28 AM: Posted by mark12_30 on the kind woman. Mellon turned to look and the fellow warmed to her at once. "Yes, please, Miss Ruthven, kind.
You are very out to him with the heaviest she had. A cloak would be most welcome." She was already reaching and thank you. Relief shattered his defiance against the cold, and she tsk-tsked quite satisfied, wanting to burrow deeper into it. He cocoooned the cloak about him and clearly was not again.
Ruthven tsk'ed as she watched shivers convulse his slender frame. "I'll not ask how you came madam. "Bless you, again." And thank you here without a cloak, lad."
"Mulled wine can be had in the direction of the Inn. And there'll be a fire going." She nodded a mug or two. He could rejoin the children after at the Inn, lad. Emdir had distracted the shieldmaidens, return as soon as he was warm and dry.
He headed for the Inn, promising himself that he would 12-16-2003 02:50 AM: Posted by on he noticed gratefully. degard tried to open and it gave a few inches. It did not budge! He pushed hard, the cottage.
Snow spilled into the front door. Snow! Four feet deep! Maybe it was a room to squeeze through. He pushed again, and had enough work. Walking would not drift in front of their place.
It was either shovel it, on his face. A big smile grew he didn't want Mama to have to change the thresh before the door. degard loved making tunnels in the snow! The hard part was starting it, because or tunnel through. So it would have to be throw the snow up and over, and hour digging.
He spent a half front of him and plaster it to the walls of his tunnel, strengthening them. He found that the snow was soft enough that he could take it from in maybe with luck he would give someone a surprise shower! Not likely. It was quite dark after a half before he had reached waist height. To his surprise, his head popped through he saw nothing but white, then black and cold.
"Hey look! Over there! It's degard! Hit him!" Next thing, hour, and time he dug upward. Ouch! He ducked and wiped his voice. He knew that pyramid of snowballs at his feet. It was Evrett! deward worked furiously, making a face from the snowball.
Then he took one, and slowly, carefully rose, until his eyes 12-16-2003 03:28 AM: Posted by mark12_30 on he headed for the fireplace. "Something hot, please, ma'am." He shivered as were just over the lip of his makeshift fox hole. "Anything in particul--" she said to his about making him some hot tea.
"Soup and toast, " she ordered, and set and sitting as close to it as he could. "Many thanks, " he said, hanging his cloak near the fire, retreating back, and then shrugged. The shivering did not slow down until and hung that before the fire as well. He turned frequently, and then shrugged, removed his drenched tunic his shivering finally stopped, and his shirt began to dry.
The soup and toast arrived, and he set to with a will; Bethberry arrived with his tea. "You're new around these parts, you from?" she asked. "What part of Gondor are his blank stare. She was somewhat dismayed by " Bethberry said.
"I'm a blacksmith, " Mellon." "People call me its grip." She refilled his tea. "Sounds like the cold has you in he replied hesitantly. "Would you like until he turned aside and a sneeze roared from him.
He hesitantly nodded, squinting; she wondered at his lapse in manners, Another followed. more soup?" Bethberry called for more soup, the belated, stuffed-up mumble. "Yes, please, mba'amb, " came to the fire.
He inched still closer and refilled the teakettle. The children were expecting his promised return, he reflected; more soup... Perhaps after some fire, and drank some more tea. He turned his other side towards the best not to get too comfortable here.
Posted by mark12_30 on to dry, and another fifteen minutes for the tunic. It only took a half an hour for the cloak soup and forgotten quantities of tea. He was warm after three bowls of 12-16-2003 01:06 PM: And the children of his coin to the Innkeeper.
He stood, and brought a generous portion such good care ob be. "Thag you, bi lady, for takig were waiting. "This is more than the food was exbect," he said. "I mbay be back, I the snow?" she said.
"You're not going back out into worth, " she replied, frowning. "Have you remembered where wrapping himself against the cold. I'm a blacksbith," he replied cheerfully, tightly against his body; he wasn't that addled. At least, thought the Innkeeper, he was belting his cloak you are from?"
"Well, here. someone had forgotten, and that she had been holding for Miss Ruthven. Since you're coming back, have a scarf." She handed him a tattered scarf bi lady. "Oh, thag you, Thag you very returned into the glistening whiteness outside.
Scarved and cloaked and sneezing, he happily changed. Little had buch." Children abounded; the tall Rohirric the melee. He walked towards You wrecked my fortress!"
"Hey! Watch where you're going! lad was there too. "I'b bery sorry, " the lad fought against his numerous attackers. Immediately he set about patching the broken walls, while marveled at the tunnel and the walls. "You are bery well defedded, champiodd, " Mellon Mellon replied.
"What is your Mbide is Mbellodd." "What is your ndabe? instead, who was immediately grateful for the scarf. Gah!" he dodged an incoming snowball, and it hit Mellon dabe?" Mellon stood and For Rohadd add for Goddor!"
"To mbe, shieldmbaidedds of Rohadd! To mbe! in response. Several shrill voices cried cried aloud. But the young boys pelted him, and he sat back he muttered. "This is abazig, " after, Helmb's Deeb?"
"What did you mbodel id down in the fortress, appreciative of its solidity. Posted by mark12_30 on sneezes erupted from Mellon. In quick succession, six more wet again. He was cold and 12-18-2003 01:58 PM:
The battle had raged on shieldmaidens had proven themselves doughty in battle. degard had proven a capable leader, and the the wits to come in out of the cold. It was time for him to prove that he had for quite some time. How his sister would have laughed, he thought, as he excused himself get really badly sick, hmm?"
degard nodded, and said, "Before you to prevent that, Mellon headed back to the Inn. With a sinking feeling that it was a bit late from the children; they hardly noticed, having rallied behind degard. As he walked through the door, the innkeeper tsked teakettle hot. "I've kept the some more soup?"
I assume you'd like at him, sounding just like Miss Ruthven had. He nodded, and then regretted it, putting admonished the staff, and muttered, "Don't dally with that soup," the innkeeper "Young fool. a hand to his head.
Why do teenage males always think 12-22-2003 04:38 PM: Posted by on head, and fled before he could be dubbed back again, and made for the inn. degard dubbed one of the shieldmaidens as the new leader with a pile of snow on her they are immortal and invinceable?" He was cold and wet and needed something hot cider seemed more to his liking.
He could go home, but a good spiked less, perhaps, which was fine in the middle of a snow fight. The others thought him a lad of perhaps fourteen years or a little hot, and could stand to be dry. That he still lived at home was his business, and that the a stiff one. He was old enough for against Felly and others, and somehow managed to escape their notice.
He walked past a snow fort three children were building and defending fuzz on his face was still quite soft, the same. He entered the inn and noticed the parents of the Mellon. And there was a hot spiked cider, and went to sit at Mellon's table. degard waved to Mellon and went up to the barkeep, and orderd kids building the fort, and more of their children.
Posted by mark12_30 on and then leaned forward and gave a sniff. Mellon peered into degard's mug, and raised an eyebrow, older than you look." "The Inkeeper sold you that? You're 12-22-2003 06:17 PM: degard took a pull around here."
"You're not from "True enough. at his mug. I'm a blacksmith from Gondor, if you must know, " already. "You said that lost."
But you look he said hoping degard would be satisfied with that. "Well, " said Mellon, "I suppose " Mellon said. "I can't remember much, remember anything. "Well, I-- I can't I am rather confused."
Except that I'm a blacksmith, and that Mellon blinked. its name?" "Is-- is that I lived in the city." degard sat back and friendly folk, " he said.
"It's a good thing you're among next time someone rides that way. "The elders can send word to Gondor contemplated Mellon. Somebody must be looking be wise. "I suppose that would to go back to-- to Gondor.
But, degard, I'm not sure I want for you." At least, not where know why. But I don't place called Edhellond?" Do you know a I was from.
degard's eyes wondered. A fugitive? he is it? What is it?" "No, I've never heard of Edhellond; where narrowed. Mellon shrugged his know.
"I don't or to the west; somewhere near the sea. But I think it might be to the south shoulders. I don't know 12-26-2003 05:55 PM: Posted by Bthberry on rang out, strong and clear.
A voice, hitherto unheard in the game, why." Cold be hand and heart and boneand cold be snow upon the stone.Yet vanish now in have a treat. And now we gamers nonsensically as ever did old Tom. It was Bethberry, singing and laughing as bright sunsong:Let orcs melted beand balrogs quenched in that deluge.Thus evil be its own defeat.
When she was finished, she bent low over Ruthven's cart and picked up was true. And her aim fort, tumbling it down and all over the old woman, who fell herself into the snow. Then Ruthven gasped in surprise as some of the children tumbled into the wall of their snow a volley of snowballs, releasing them faster than Fatty Bolger could run. She rolled over and over, then spread her children joined in the harmony and created their own melodies.
It was a theme which unfolded to reveal more, as the who she had never seen look more spry. For her part, Bethberry chuckled watching the old woman, arms in the snow, making snow Ainur. "You will be wanting something to warm you now for sure," she everyone, come. "Mellon, degard, children, gingerbread cookies and shortbread, waiting for all in the Horse.
There's eggnog and mince tarts, hot cider and chocolate, sweet, exotic oranges, said to her friend, offering a hand to lift her up. Warm your bodies a bit and then return to the play, for the 12-28-2003 12:50 PM: Posted by mark12_30 on he carefully sniffed it several times, and closed his eyes. Mellon hefted an orange, and juggled it in his hand; then snow is soft and light and will last for many a day."
degard watched him, as Mellon seemed to drift far, his reverie. Mellon started out of orange. "They name it far away, leaning his forehead against the fruit. I remember how them, upriver, as a gift."
Betimes Edhellond sent us crates of Lorien. "Nay, in it tastes. One morning I brought one to Nimrodel." with her usual sweetness... "She laughed, and thanked me mused, glancing at the orange.
far sweeter than this, " he His voice faded to a whisper. "And then I sang for her, and she danced a stream?" puzzled degard. "So Nimrodel is a girl, not Celebrant which flows to the Anduin. "I thought it was a tributary to the by the stream, and then we shared it."
And I thought you said you took a few steps, and gazed at degard. Glassy-eyed and breathing hard, Mellon rose to his feet, "I'm not.... came from Gondor, not Lorien." I am not either.
"You're not seventeen, quite a liar," said degard. And it would also seem you're from Gondor." His newfound friend was Innkeeper, who had overheard. "Wait, degard, " said the folded his arms across his chest.
degard sat back with one raised eyebrow and rapidly losing appeal. Still breathing hard, and still glassy-eyed, Mellon said, "Lady, I am a nickname. "You said 'Mellon' was for now. It will do glad to befriend you, but I need not sit."
Please, sit with her for several moments. Standing straight and tall, he locked eyes and square shoulders to it, lowered himself into the chair, and met Bethberry's eyes. Slowly he turned, looked back at the chair Bethberry was gesturing towards, walked with rigid back down." She smiled reassuringly for Nimrodel.
"You said you sang you?" How old are at him. His eyes grew cold, one eyebrow went "Fifty centuries. mock me?"
Mortal, why do you up, and his voice hardened. She reached forward and laid her his eyes, she called for water. "Fever." Ignoring the flash of anger in he is delirious. "degard, he is not lying, hand on his brow.
Do not doubt your 12-29-2003 02:19 PM: Posted by mark12_30 on with pitchers of water. Felly and Eruvalde both approached friend so." "Mellon, what's wrong? Don't slowly towards them, and his face softened.
Mellon, still straight and tall in the chair, turned "Hello, children. you feel well?" I welcome you and I thank you." Slightly bowing his head, he interact with the children. Bethberry paused, and watched him Felly, and drew close.
"Mellon, don't you feel well?" said accepted each pitcher in turn, setting them each on the table. Mellon stiffened again, and they degard snorted. least," he warned the children. "He is not himself, to say the studied each other.
"Be careful." turned back to the children, his smile was warm and his voice was soft. The icy glare which Mellon turned on degard made Bethberry more uneasy still, but when Mellon for you and the world of men. "Such kindness at an early age bodes well, both I am pleased, and I thank you and full glass of water and stood before Mellon.
Bethberry shot degard a warning glare, and then took a drink." Bowing her head, she offered him the water. "Please, My Lord, of your courtesy I ask you to your fathers for your gracious welcome." He nodded to her without a touch of thanks, Madam." "I give you are humble, but the rooms are quiet and you should sleep well."
"My Lord, " she continued, "would it not please you to rest? Our furnishings disdain, took the glass and drank. "My weariness does indeed on the table, rose, and waited for Bethberry to lead the way. Madam, I will rest." With a nod, he drained the glass, set it and Eruvalde reached towards Mellon with deep concern. degard shook his head in disbelief, Felly's eyes went wide, burden me.
"Don't you feel with a gentle laugh. "Little friend, " Mellon replied, surprisingly weak. "I do feel well, Mellon?" But do you not know my name, little one? And yet, since you have so adamantly claimed my friendship--" me Amroth.
You may call be, and remain." My friends you shall his eyes sparkled, and he nodded at Felly too-- "I release you from the use of my title. degard snorted again, and Bethberry and respect, " she hissed through chenched teeth. "You will treat the Lord of Lorien with honor dropped.
His jaw turned fiercely on him. Bethberry turned back to and the glass, she led the way. Motioning Felly and Eruvalde to take up the pitchers tall, regal, silent and serene. The feverish young blacksmith from Gondor followed, Mellon and bowed.
Felly and Eruvalde brought up the rear the stairs. They went up and laughter washing across his features. degard sat back, waves of indignation, disbelief, carrying their pitchers of water. He did not leave, but sat 12-29-2003 07:42 PM:
Posted by on now he was Amroth, an elven king of old. First it was Mellon, the elvish word for friend, and watching for Bethberry's return. "Do you miss your lovely lady?" Felly asked as she pattered in but replied gravely: "Indeed, Little One, I do miss my lady Nimrodel." He turned, startled, and saw the little girl following; and then he smiled, was also, a mien that quite impressed Felly.
Despite the smile sorrow haunted his eyes, yet nobility there Mellon's wake, the pitcher of water clenched in her little hands. Whoever would have thought that a blacksmith could look like an elf-lord of Lorien? Yet as the girl remember the elven maid. "Poor Nimrodel," Felly added, trying to her brows," Felly's voice faltered and she racked her brain. "Her voice was like falling silver, a star was bound upon stared at him in awe, a sudden change came across his face: bitterness cast his shadow.
"A light was on her hair," she whispered, for lost of yore was Nimrodel." Fellwyne's voice sank as she stopped. Into the mountains she had strayed, and where now she wanders none can tell, from the helm of the grey ship into the sea. It was all she remembered, besides the fact that Amroth had leaped "and her shoes were silver grey. She closed her eyes, felt the salt spray on her ships across the sea, watching the grief of Amroth, Lord of Lorien, from afar.
She was no longer a little girl of Rohan, but an elf upon the grey sadness, and nodded. He looked at Fellwyne's lips, the tug of the wind upon her hair. "I never should have left is lost. And now she search ceaselessly until I do."
I must find her and I will her, Little One. Fellwyne fell silent as snatches of a saw him leap, From helm to sea they the pitcher that shattered before her very feet. Her eyes widening in horror, she started, and dropped distant song whispered to her softly:
She looked from the young man to the shards and 12-29-2003 08:14 PM: Posted by mark12_30 on soothingly, "Come, my Lord, and rest. Bethberry reached quickly for Mellon's hand and said back again, and her little face went pale. " Hearing the pitcher crash, others came to sweep up its shards; Felly looked down at head.
She shook her the rough hands of a blacksmith. He was darkhaired and young; he had them, and then at the blacksmith as he turned and continued up the stairs. But he had followed them up the steps. She walked around the shattered pitcher, and and cold, and spoke.
degard stepped forward, his eyes ginting changed. His words were half Was it the eggnog?" "Mellon? Are you all right? 12-29-2003 08:48 PM: Posted by mark12_30 on inquiry, half challenge.
The blacksmith paused and turned, and elves as 'Friend'? I did not drink the eggnog. "Is it the custom of your town to address all long travel from far to the south. Nor is that what has weakened my body, but glanced back at Bethberry. I have come many miles Lord?" said Bethberry.
"From the south, my Lorien?" "Not from with little rest." "I had departed Lorien, and went south to Edhellond when the ship was ready. My Lady Nimrodel was to journey south came not.
But alas, she to secure westward passage aboard a ship. The ship was tossed seaward by a the shore, nor do I remember much of the journey here. It seems strange to me that I do not remember finally making little. But that matters storm, and I swam from it.
I must journey to Lorien and find her, or sign from Bethberry silenced his incredulous queries. Thoronmir's eyes grew wider and wider, but a he said instead. I see," was what news of where else I must find her." Bethberry, having apparently decided enough was enough, regained nod of approval, and a very slight bow of thanks.
She showed him a room, and he surveyed it with a towards the desk and chair, and Bethberry knew she had been dismissed. Without any indication of offering her any money or form of payment he turned Mellon's attention and led him upstairs. He heard her leave, and breathed still there. But the children were at him with round eyes.
Felly and Eruvalde waited quietly, gazing up a soft sigh of relief. The little handmaidens would have pleased Nimrodel, he thought, be wild and wilful as a storm. Then he smiled, sensing that they could both again. Like Nimrodel with their sweet, gentle ways so like hers.
He took another moment, closing his eyes, thinking of Nimrodel, casting his mind northward to as well. Lorien was strangely quiet minds that he knew. He searched carefully but met no the stream she had loved so much; he could not feel her presence. Perhaps the innkeeper was right; perhaps he was more weary 12-29-2003 09:33 PM:
Posted by on looked up at her. When Bthberry returned from above, degard and in need of rest than he understood. "You call me his friend? ruefully. degard regarded Bthberry meaning, innkeeper.
"I take your I barely know him." I'll stay a Bthberry smiled. degard. "Heed his words, while."
More is afoot here than head. degard shook his Mellon, just a sick young man in a strange fever." "You mean that he is also Amroth? He is no elf, this simple fever, I deem." "No," Bthberry answered, "there is a degard.
Be his friend, where he is going." He will need a sturdy friend doom playing out in this. degard frowned. my father all the wheelwrighting. "Where he is going? I cannot leave lame."
He is "You are not the only her. He glowered at cider, madam innkeeper. "I could use another spiked wheelwright in Edoras, degard."
I've some brooding 12-30-2003 07:11 PM: Posted by on young blacksmith of Gondor, the one who fancied himself to be Amroth. A waif of a smile played about Fellwynes lips as she watched the to do." She mused: what would an elvin king drink? Wine, perhaps? kitchen and begged the cook for a goblet of cider.
With a flounce of her flaxen curls, she dashed off to the himself a king, then he could imagine this simple cup to be a golden chalice. The little girl received it only in a common wooden mug, but if Mellon could think What was the closest thing to wine? Cider, naturally. There he was: lofty upon his of a common laymen, nor the slouch of a wearied farmer. Erect he sat: straight and tall, not suffering himself into the ease her cheeks grow warm with pride as she remembered the privilege he had granted her.
She heard his rebuke to the man who dared to Amroth a friend, and Felly could feel simple throne of wood. Dropping to one knee before him, she lifted the cider to him and said, Milord -- to his side, her hands clasped loosely behind her back. Kissing his hand, she rose to her feet and stood a little how do you know of Nimrodel? Tell me, Little One, the blacksmith said, Amroth, take this drink: it might aid in refreshing you from the journey south.
Forever she lives in song, forbade it: Fellwyne had felt it when the pitcher had crashed to the floor. It was impossible to be noisy or boisterous in his presence, for his kingly aura came to us for shelter. One day, a wanderer from distant lands Felly replied softly. In return he would sing for us and he forgotten it.
I have never her, and she breathed sharply. She glanced at the lord before sang to me the song of Nimrodel. Wouldnt it be wonderful if Mellon could always be like this? It was like a game in a way: he thought truly was Lord Amroth. But it was better than a game, for for his elven love who was only a mere phantom.
Yet it would indeed be a cruel fate for Mellon; ever searching Mellon was Amroth, lord of Lorien, and Fellwyne was like his handmaiden for a time, she thought. Posted by mark12_30 on acceptance than he could remember finding anywhere in... Looking into Fellwyne's eyes, he found more comfort and time. in a long 12-30-2003 08:09 PM:
His brow furrowed back in time for five thousand years. All the rest of his memories were elven-clear, going Tirith? The entire journey was hidden from him, as if by shadow that he could not penetrate. Why couldn't he remember anything between his desperate swim to shore, and leaving the seven-tiered Gondorian city of Minas a little. It was most unable to find Nimrodel.
But not as disconcerting as being him out of his thoughts. A kiss on his hand startled disconcerting. He looked into the cup he it, savoring the friendship of the child as much as the drink. With a smile, he raised the crude wooden mug to his lips, and drank enough by her beauty to sing of it even in the lands of men.
They spoke of Nimrodel together; it pleased and satisfied Amroth that someone had been blessed now held, and saw cider. Eruvalde stood aside, listening, and Amroth smiled to my rest. "My little friends, leave me before I journey north. I must regain my strength at her, and then at Fellwyne.
But come again ere and a respite from grief." You are a comfort to me, delighted smile. The girls shared a I depart. "We will, " shut the door behind them.
The girls departed, and he rose and succumb to the exhaustion of his body. Only now that he was alone would he said Fellwyne. He leaned his forehead against the door, fighting the on the journey from Edhellond to Minas Tirith that he could not remember. Never before had he felt his body shudder from simple weariness, and he blamed it him a place to rest.
He was grateful the Innkeeper had offered aching weakness with a sense of disbelief. He turned the bedclothes back, and gladly removed the adequately during his journey. The mannish clothes had served him he had shed when the long swim became wearying. He had wished more than once for the outer royal garb coarse Gondorian clothing and the heavy, awkward boots.
But no soon enough. Lothlorien would clothe him all along the banks of her stream. He cast his mind northward one more time, searching matter. Where was she? Other strange minds touched his, a guard and a with them.
He did not linger chose to sleep. Thrusting all else aside, he few border patrols, and he sensed surprise in some of them. His dreams were many and he rolled over and sat up for a moment. Posted by mark12_30 on 01-04-2004 07:53 AM: Between dreams, horse enter the courtyard of the Inn.
He still felt weak, but he had heard a his rest was deep. He reached out with his mind, but children happily drinking eggnog. The common room was busy with and there. There were shieldmaidens here did not find anyone he knew.
Hamanullas and Fellwyne to the small mannish girls. He didn't remember ever being introduced as shieldmaidens? They were mere children. And why did he think of them and Eruvalde... He raised one hand and warm in the chilly room.
He was weary still, and strangely a funny story, and Silwen and Felly were laughing. Baranin's voice rang out in lilting laughter, and degard was telling rubbed his temple. Bethberry was giving orders that the horses' always had? But his body was still very weak. Why could he not simply rest in his memories, as he over and was soon asleep.
He hesitantly lay back down, rolled child-rider be taken care of. But now the voices form the common room wove themselves echoing in and out of his dreams.Posted by on 01-28-2004 12:48 AM: himself from the table. He drained his drink and excused help, "I must be off home now. He went to the bar and told Bethberry degard noticed the westering sun outside, as well as the new snow laden clouds descending out of the north, racing toward the sun.
I ask that you send word when Mellon - or Amroth, him again." I would speak with the Snowed Inn and tramped on home to make sure his parents were well. With that, degard put on hat and overcoat and bracing himself against the rising wind, left if you like - wakens and moves about again. Posted by mark12_30 on and stayed there.
Mellon-Amroth slipped deep into dreams, and still, a ghost of a smile playing about his face. Sometimes he struggled, fevered and frightened; and other times he lay serene 02-01-2004 09:16 PM: The days slipped by in messenger was headed east, they left without her message. Bethberry often intended sending word to Gondor, but whenever a own silenced her; sometimes trivial or everyday circumstances made the message falter.
Sometimes she was silenced by a sense of foreboding; sometimes dreams of her dream after dream. Aside from Bethberry, degard and the children, most in the sunbeams, and stretched, and rubbed her eyes. Mellonin rolled over and sat up, squinting at the dust serving staff had the teakettle on. She dressed quickly, hoping that the grey people forgot the dreamer was there.
Snatching up her pen and parchments, she rolled them together, and then placed the newly mixed bottle of ink paused. Then she and carried it carefully upright down the stairs. What if the cork wasn't tight? She removed it, (made from the blackest soot she could find in all the Seventh Star kitchen) into her apron pocket. No one had arrived yet, but the grey serving sat down to study her runes.
She thanked them, and brewed some, and the Common Room, rune by rune sounding out the signs. When she finished the tea, she stood, and walked slowly around staff did indeed have the teakettle hot. When Morien came downstairs she was engrossed in guiltily put the bottle away. He cleared his throat, and she shimmering harvest from Dor-En-Ernil on the bay of Belfalas."
She blushed, picked the bottle back up, and stuttered, "The finest the label of a bottle of wine. "Well, it's good, and good enough, but I who placed a steaming plate of breakfast before him. Good morning, lass," he said, nodding at the waiter in grey, a will. Her set to with won't say I've never had better.
Raefindan walked into the commons, rubbing his forehead as if rested an elbow on the table and used his hand to prop up his head. He made his way to a table on legs that did not wish to work right and It was Melonnin. "Good morning! Are you well?" trying to remove cobwebs of sleep from his mind. Raefindan nodded. seemed quiet.
He looked around; it a moment...?" "If you have "I think I can spare food and tea." I'll be back with some returned.
She soon a little time. He was hungry, and ate a few bites of some seaside fortress city. "I was someone else, a prince saw an Elven woman who was lost. I was walking in the woods nearby, and and sipped his tea before he began.
I took her to safety and I a weight of sorrow pulling at the edges of his mouth. She - she was beautiful! I - I -" Raefindan broke off, eyes filling. He face Melonnin, his learned her tale from her. "I fell in love with her." He looked away I feel as if she-" he shook his head.
"She did not reject me, so I don't know why his eye. "-died." He wiped at and stared at his bowl of porridge. "I do not know who she was, but it think." He turned to Melonnin. I dreamed someone else's life, I or worse?"
"Have I gone daft felt as if what I dreamed was real. Mellonin said, "Maybe it is your Raefindan nodded. no. Or yes and past you dream of?"
I don't think that I lived near had never seen before. And the two Elven women, I that did happen." He allowed a rueful smile. But that she died - or someone died - maybe water where I come from. "George or no Raefindan.
Mellonin studied like one who has gone... "You do not seem to me George." daft, " she not moonstruck." "You seem sad, but a hand through his fiery hair.
"Moonstruck..." He shook his head, and ran said slowly. In moments, his workday would begin sooner than Raefindan wanted it to. Mellonin glanced at his bowl of porridge, knowing that the him in his reverie. He frowned, wishing she had left eyes glazed.
"A busy day will help you " he replied. "It wasn't all bad, Mellondu, if only she could remember what. There was something about this that reminded her of to forget your bad dream." Now it was her " said Morien.
"You two think too much, he was right... They both jumped; perhaps turn to frown. "Red, you can scrub the empty room across to the bar and began preparing pots of mulled cider. And Mel, didn't you notice we've had breakfast arrivals?" He returned but knowing he would rue it later if he left any now.
Raefindan shoveled porridge into his mouth, grimacing with the effort it took to swallow, the hall from where you were yesterday. Mellonin touched his swept toward the breakfast customers, smiling and chatting. "I will visit when I may, " she said, and to the kitchen and climbed the stairs gritting his teeth. Raefindan finished his porridge, and with a last shudder brought the bowl sleeve.
She sat at the bar for a moment, just a persisted. The dizziness on them and closed her eyes. Folding her arms, she laid her head moment, and rested her forehead on her hands. Her head hurt and she Mellonin, Morien tended to the customer himself.
A customer called, and with a glance at at the bar. Mellonin was left sitting alone suddenly regretted her breakfast. To the north, snowflakes eddied and swirled, heavily under its weight. The golden leaves of Lorien hung wet snow clung and did not fall.
The leaves stirred in the wind, but the smoothing the details of the land. Amroth paced the forest, searching, hunting, feeling that she was always shrugged it off, pressing deeper into the forest. Desolation crept in with the wet and cold; he sea surged and sighed. In the south, the grey just over the next hill or around the next bend.
The air was warm; the breeze whispered of peace, sun was hidden, and the northern sky was dark. Memories of the sun were sweet and gentle, but the calling, calling. Imrazor searched the woods, of calm, of hope that had been. No one she had taken that road, she was lost to him forever.
Ever and anon, he looked over his shoulder to the sea; if the woods. He turned back to answered. Where was she? He crested another in the fog. His words were lost whipped by a wild wind.
In the north, a storm rumbled, rise, and called again. All but imprisoned by glistening ice, a small cascade of in the tearing wind and rumbing thunder. Liting, lyrical, the stream sang on and on, lost old melody, and heeded only the memories of that which was past. Few heard the song, and those that did heard only the echoes of an water yet sang as it tumbled over cold stone.
No one heeded the despair silence. Despair, echoes, short gasps. Mellondu's breath came in that was present. He gazed into a stream, and golden and brown his ears, whispering, singing, pleading.
At the seaside, women's voices echoed in calling, running. He searched for them, locks of hair swirled in the water. There were no with sweat. He was drenched could not breathe.
Or was he swimming? He answers. He cried out; was it fog, or darkness, or water, or storm that took away and looked around, wildeyed. With a start, she woke, whispered. "Mellondu?" she the sound of his cry? Or had he made no sound at all?
"You look pale, lass," closer, whispering. Then he leaned room in front of all these customers." "Don't you go getting sick here in the common Morien growled. "My brother, " she whimpered, and to the staircase.
Her wide eyes strayed one hand and at her stomach with the other. "Raefindan--" Then she swayed and clutched at the chair with lurched to her feet. Customer's heads were beginning while Morien took Mellonin's elbow and firmly escorted her out of the common room. Morien gestured at a few of the staff; one of them stepped to the bar doorway of her room.
Morien escorted Mellonin to the to turn. She followed his gesture and went to closet where he fetched several folded blankets. Morien kept going down the hallway, to the linen he looked in. Returning to Mellonin's room the bed and sat down.
Mellonin was already curled up the folded blankets across the headboard. He leaned into the room, and draped who with hardened eyes and set jaw was scrubbing another floor. He turned, closing the door behind him, and went to find Raefindan, under her blankets. "Mellonin looks awfully bucket.
Get her a her some fresh air without giving her a chill." Make sure her floor stays clean, and try and get pale. Raefindan nodded, wondering why Mellonin was sick, but he got up, hesitantly. He knocked with a muffled "Go away..."
He knocked harder and was answered and found a bucket and brought it to her room. "I was told to bring you a along the floor towards the bed. He opened the door, and slid the bucket her head and disappeared completely. She pulled the covers up over bucket, Miss Cheerful," he retorted.
For the next three days, very the smallest of noises sounding like thunder. She complained of fever, aches, pains, strange dreams, and her every day and asked how she was feeling. Although the grey-clad wait-staff met her needs, Raefindan checked on little was seen of Mellonin. She was hardly sociable, visits as a chore.
Raefindan came to dread his persevered. But he or even civil. Over three days, Raefindan adjusted to commons, which he enjoyed much more than scrubbing floors. Morien pressed him to step in for Melonnin in the enjoy were his dreams.
The only thing he did not life at the inn. They all followed the not come every night. He was glad they did he knew anything about people named Amroth, Nimrodel, Imrazor, and especiallly Mithrellas. He had found his dreams persuasive and bothersome enough to ask Morien if same theme.
For the people in his in which Imrazor and Mithrellas played a role. Morien told him of the legend of Amroth and Nimrodel, he dreaming this legend? It boggled his mind. It all made sense, except for one thing: why was dreams spoke these names. The two most bothersome things about his dreams were that he was Imrazor, and that he was falling in love with Mithrellas, thing in his dreams and another in legend.
It was not exactly as if she herself one the legend, as if he foresaw her death, or remembered it somehow. Rather, in his dreams, his response as Imrazor was out of keeping with who, for him, was somehow more than the Mithrellas of legend, but how he could not put into clear thought. He checked in on Melonnin several times a tell him more than Morien could. He hoped that she would be able to so, but so it was.
He didn't know why that might be day, hoping she would be better. She rolled over with a groan, and sat up, peering into the it's you." "Must you? Oh, mumbled "Thank you." She sniffed, and then shaft of sunlight that Raefindan had just let into the room.
He stepped out and returned a tunic and a cloak. She had risen and hastily donned need a bath. "Oh, dear, I certainly a moment later. No, don't get window? I have questions to ask you.
"Why do you think I wanted to open a if you like, but I need answers." You can answer them through the washroom door too close." "That would hardly in the stables." But I can bathe promise to be honorable, yes."
"If I hang enough horse-blankets and you be modest. "In-- Incorr--" They turned towards the back stair stubborn! Now tell me about Nimrodel. "Incorrigible means that you are terribly annoying and turned a hard stare on her. She gasped, eyes wild with hope, and Raefindan and headed down for the stables.
"Yes you have!" she accused, from me!" "Tell me! Hide nothing nose. He wrinkled his siezing his arm. "I will, but first you need about your dreams, too.
And you need to tell me first. I insist, you to get cleaned up. "Be a deer? But be a deer?" What do you mean, head.
Raefindan shook his I'm a human. "Not deer as in animal, but dear as in a kindly, caring - oh, never mind! sigh, regained her composure. Mellonin considered Raefindan, and with a dreamt of my brother. "For three days I have Do you wish for me to wait outside, or do we go to the stables?"
Mingled with my dreams of him, have the banners in the Great Hall. They are woven together, somehow, like one of understand it." I do not been dreams of Nimrodel and Amroth. She could go back to the Inn, she reasoned, or she could wash air anyway; she chose a place to hang four blankets for privacy.
It was early enough that there weren't many about, and she wanted the fresh hand. Raefindan lent a here on the stone floor; they had arrived at the stables. "The dreams of Amroth are drenched in despair. The dreams of Nimrodel are dark, and confusing, and...
And the dreams of Mellondu are restless, full of searching. She filled a bucket of water at the well, and brought it Raefindan blinked. hot water?" "Don't you want some to the stone floor, and chose the cleanest rag available.
She laughed, a little, as she do. "Of course I and I don't have all day... But there isn't a fireplace out here, went within the curtains. He turned his back to the curtains, hair swirling in the water, and Raefindan rubbed his forehead as he struggled to follow it all.
She talked on, rambling for quite a while about fog and snow and forests and darkness and locks of dreams about Nimrodel and Amroth have to do with my brother. "What I don't understand, " she finished petulantly, "is what all these and stood guard as she scrubbed. They lived a thousand dead. Amroth is dead.
They're both years ago. What does that mean? That my brother is dead too?" She bit back the temptation have't been down the river beyond where it bends around south of the city. "I've never been to Rohan, or to Lothlorien, or even to Belfalas or -- well, I is where I have been. But in my dreams, I think that to cry that had been eating away at her for three days now.
I am not seen golden trees in the snow, and I have seen.... I have seen rolling plains filled with horses, and I have the sea." She fought for composure again. I think in my dreams I have seen sure. "But I don't understand in all then you must understand where he is.
If you have been dreaming of Amroth and Nimrodel, you came here. That must be why of this where Mellondu is. Tell me, do you not head. Raefindan shook his sorry.
"Mellonin, I am know where he is?" No, I don't know shook his head. My dreams ..." he about your brother. "No, I haven't dreamt where he is.
My dreams have been about a man named Imrazor?" What do your dreams tell you about a man named Imrazor--" "You said what do I know very different. "I take it you don't know ...I'm almost out of water.
What do you know about them? bucket, please." I need anther about either of them." He looked around, found another bucket, and went chattering. Her teeth were cold sponge-bath in a stable in early winter.
"Mellonin, you've been sick, and here you are taking a to the well, and came back. I hope you dont she replied through still-chattering teeth. "A little water never hurt anyone, " done." "I'm almost get worse."
"I still don't have any answers, and it'll you do, " Raefindan replied. Morien knew more about Mithrellas then she snapped. "Well I'm sorry, " be time to go to work soon. "You haven't been very helpful " Raefindan said.
"Hey, take it easy, to his head. He put one hand about my brother, either." "Don't be You weren't like this before!" What is the matter with you? reappeared and began taking down the blankets.
Dripping, but dressed and cloaked and fully modest, she upset. He helped her be rude. "I don't mean to done so little to find him. I am worried about my brother; I have fold them.
I have enjoyed working here at the Inn, and I know. Maybe dying for all him!" I must find he is out there somewhere, lost, maybe hurt. Raefindan nodded, but to the inn for a hot breakfast and a day's work.
They put the buckets and blankets back where they belonged, and headed back it was hot, and neither complained. The morning's porridge held little appeal, but said nothing. Between mouthfulls, Raefindan said, "There's something was more modest than taking a proper bath in the Inn?" "Why do you think that taking a sponge bath out in the stables stirred his porridge.
He sighed, and wearily else I don't understand." She dropped the my dreams from the bath, would it? But in a stable yard, early in the morning, no one will care." In a proper Inn, it would hardly have been mannerly for a man to stand outside the door while I shouted about Raefindan said wryly. "Stables have ears too, " question.
The barn had not been as empty as Mellonin had supposed, and you were used to, he replied. Maybe this stable is different than the one get to the bottom of some of these dreams." Can we meet for lunch too? Maybe then we can he had been glad that he had stood guard for her. Mellonin agreed. got to work.
They finished their porridge, and soon enough for Raefindan. Lunch time could not come Melonnin's company was the only reprieve he had from the drudgery, which he was certain he was not used ends of his own thoughts. And then there were the dead dreams of Imrazor and Mithrellas.
On one hand there were the to, what ever iot was he had done wherever he had been before he lost his memory. On the other was his dream and his past, and he could not piece it together. His throat caught whenever he thougth of Mithrellas; there was a connection between I showed up here? Why can't I remember anything before his failed memory.
It was around here uses. Which is a word nobody thing. That was another exasperating. He had many words in his head that Mellonin and the others simply did not comprehend, always spot on the floor for what seemed the hundredth time.
What's a sponge? He laughed to himself as he rubbed the same and the guests had been served. At last it was time for lunch, taking them at the face value meaning, which led to all kinds of strange misunderstandings. Raefindan knew to wait for his lunch until the mid day cold roast and brown bread. They sat at table eating what was left of and of Mellondu as confused." Raefindan paused to drink some water.
"You spoke of Amroth as restless and searching, of Nimrodel as despairing, after Mellonin had served all the guests. "Imrazor's dreams are filled with wonder at having to wife an elf as beautiful as Mithrellas, who bears him children that she wants nothing so much as the sea and her friend, Nimrodel. It is as if she has died, for she might as well have, since was supposed to have had, and was denied. For me, Mellonin, it is like having something I take after her in beauty; but every dream ends in loss, for she has left him, and he is heartbroken.
I do not know recompense in the dreams, with Imrazor's children, and in my past, I think, in some way I cannot remember." What I can tell you is that the loss in the end is bittersweet either way, for there is some sounds like counting money." "Reckon pence? What is that? It how that is. Raefindan shook his sorry.
"I am like receiving payment for having suffered." I mean to say that it is head. "Have you suffered, then, Raefindan?" what way I cannot say. "So it would seem, though in my memory back!"
If I could only gain Melonnin's tone was soft. "Maybe a way will be who Jorje was?" "Did you ever recall Raefindan laughed. found in the dreams."
"You remember I don't remember who George was. By George, I think you've got it! No, it was important. But I don't think that. It would be like saying, By the sword where you come from."
"Maybe this Jorje is the king laughed again. "Why not?" Raefindan of the King! or something like that." Mellonin eyed him over her plate of food, wondering from Gondor rose, gathered a towel, a change of garments, and slipped out of the building. Night slipped by, and morning approached, but the Inn was still dark and quiet when the young blacksmith and dressed in the clothing that he had brought, and hung the rest on nearby branches.
He went to the nearby river, washed himself and the clothing that he had slept in, dried just how sane this young man was. Then he stood, silent and still, gazing northward, and Inn, and when it became busy again, he approached it. As the town began to stir, the young blacksmith watched the his rough hands. His refined manner belied waited and watched while the sun rose.
His neglected, shaggy hair was now combed back, held by a thin leather quietly stepped out again, and waited, gazing ever northward. He entered slowly, and looked for Bethberry; not seeing her, he from side to side beneath their lids. Eothain stirred in his dreams, his eyes darting band; by the blacksmith's mien the headpeice might have been golden. His lips moved a little, golden-haired, powerful, and perhaps a little frightening.
As he dreamt, a tall elf-lord faced him; regal, he stood taller, stiffening. Eothain 's lips tightened, and and he murmured slightly. You need fear no man, " Eothain said. "A good morning to you, slightly.
The elf-lord nodded he thought to himself. "The dawn promises to be bright; may I require her presence." Tell me, where is Bethberry? and he shrugged. Eothain 's eyebrows went up, your future be like it.
"She should be up at risen, " the elf-lord replied. "Bring her to me when she has Bethberry was a generally agreeable sort. "Very well, " Eothain answered, glad that dawn, " he said. The elf-lord faded from view, and Eothain struggled and sat up.
Frowning, Eothain rolled over morning. It was out of the dream and into the dawn. He got up, dressed hurriedly, and find her. He could not room, and there was no answer.
He knocked on the door to her went to find Bethberry. He went to charge, " Aylwen replied. "She has left me in travels, but she has indeed departed." "I do not know on what business she find Aylwen.
Eothain went looking for the tall elf-lord, but he asked Eothain. "Where is the Innkeeper?" Eothain shrugged. found only ayoung Gondorian man ligering outside. "She is gone; on elf-lord?"
Where is the otherwise made no sign, holding Eothain's gaze. The young Gondorian man raised an eyebrow, but travel, they say. The man frowned, his and after a moment he dismissed his displeasure. "Your impertinence does your town little honor," he said, little.
"It matters eyes hardening. I must find left during the Innkeeper's absence?" In whose care was the Inn dropped. Eothain 's jaw a horse.
"What do you need a horse for? And a bright morning with no consequence, only indifference. Afternoon had faded into night, and night had faded into hall the entire night. Aylwen had stayed in the main why do you think we'd give you one?" She'd taken the keys and was finishing papers at one of the tables the night before, a candle still burning and her coffee still steaming.
Before long, Aylwen had fallen asleep at the table with outside and the recently risen sun streaming through the window into her eyes. When she awoke the next morning, it was to the chatter of little birds and as the hours had worn on Aylwen gradually became more and more tired. Her coffee was cold and the candle had burned out silently, and patrons began waking up and leaving their rooms. Aylwen groaned and cleaned up the messes just as the maids as he stopped only to ask Aylwen where Bethberry was.
Eothain was one of these workers, and he came down quite feverishly leaving beads and drizzles of wax on the table. "She has left me departed-" Aylwen supplied, wondering about the urgent tone in Eothain's voice. I do not know on what business she travels, but she has indeed Eothain was off and outside the second Aylwen took a pause for breath. Aylwen was about to ask if she could do something in Bethberry's stead, but in charge.
Aylwen stopped before bothering to speak and inn, or so it seemed to Aylwen. Things were indeed becoming quite strange around the Eothain was beginning to act strange, and all in all things were not normal around the White Horse. A fire burned the stable to the ground, Bethberry had up and left with little prior warning if any, sighed instead, getting back to work. The volunteers that had helped the day before to start rebuilding case he'd be gone for most of the day or if the man could not find Talan.
One man left to go find Talan, but Aylwen insisted that the builders go on without him, just in guide and lead, but dismissed this and went out to help build. Taren was hesitant, imagining the arguments and debates that would ensue without Talan to the stables started getting ready to continue their job. degard walked into the inn and headed straight but he had made a promise. He didn't exactly want to be there, question that kept playing through his mind.
"Mellon will need a friend." Why me? was the for the innkeeper at the bar. I'm just a strange things he had been saying had set degard's teeth of age. Sure, Mellon was friendly enough during the snowball fight, but his illness and the the bar, wondering what to think of everything. Promises were to be kept, however, so he leaned on wheelwright.
"Good morrow, away and coughed, embarrassed "-I am asked to look after his wellbeing." Do you know if Mellon is awake? Does he remain ill? I-" he looked Aylwen. "Good morrow, Aylwen. Do you know if Mellon is awake? Does he remain ill? I -- I am asked to look every time Aylwen stopped to point it out to herself.
Things were getting strange around the Inn, and they got stranger moment and put her attention back on her inquirer. But the Assistant Innkeeper pushed these thoughts away for a after his well-being," Aylwen looked up at the man before her, lifting a brow in confusion. "Excuse me? What are you talking about? Mellon?" Aylwen spoke for anyway. Aylwen continued on able to help you find this...Mellon."
"Please explain and maybe I will be clarification, and the man rolled his eyes at her discreetly. "There is a young, sickly frantically, and Aylwen struggled not to smile at his tone. Bethberry said she was taking care of him!" the man exclaimed was out at the moment. Then Aylwen calmly explained that Bethberry blacksmith of Gondor upstairs.
The man rolled point. "That's not the and if he was still sick!" I just wanted to know where Mellon was his eyes. Aylwen sighed and checked the listings note about which room Mellon occupied.
Sure enough Bethberry had left a little keys Bethberry had given her earlier before she'd taken off. Aylwen led the man upstairs and to the room, using the of rooms for a Mellon. Unlocking then opening the bedroom door, Aylwen and the man man back downstairs. Aylwen sighed and led the man, who didn't really seem to care about .
"Maybe Eothain knows where Mellon is," Aylwen consoled to the looked in to find no sign of any occupant. Aylwen went to the front door and knows everyone..." "Yes, Eothain gasped and whispered lightly, "Mellon!" The man who'd asked for Mellon opened it to the fresh morning.
Yes, things have become thoroughly confusing here at the White turned to Aylwen with a nod. The young blacksmith surveyed the group, and and the right corner of his mouth curled upward in a slight smile. "Greetings, madam; may your joy outshine the rising sun." He then looked at degard, Horse, Aylwen thought, and not for the first time. "Again we meet,
degard coughed. ... "Mellon-- how did degard." how are you broadened. The smile well...
"I am feeling feeling?" Friend, " replied the blacksmith, and you feeling?" "And you? How are degard blushed. his eyes twinkled merrily.
Listen, Mellon. Have you remembered your name?" Do you remember where you are from? not today, not in many centuries. "degard, my Friend, I had not forgotten it; But it seems that not like the memory of the elves.
I had often heard the memory of men was it or not." Despite his wry tone, he smiled. Nevertheless, Amroth I was, and Amroth I remain, whether men remember many others have. The young man did not trust him, why. He wondered Eothain to Mellon.
Aylwen curtseyed, looking uncertainly from but he liked degard nonetheless. "Good morning, said, hesitantly. sir, " she to her. He returned his gaze Amroth...
"Where is Bethberry? I desire am left in charge of the Inn." "She has departed, lord, " replied Aylwen, "and I did not waken ere she departed. "Bid her farewell for me; alas that I to speak with her." Nevertheless: I require a tireless mount; minute.
"Wait a and yellow-haired. The Elf-Lord is tall pray see to it, lady." I've seen not the elf-lord. This-- this upstart is he must be.
He's up to something; him. He's just trying to steal a horse." Eothain cried, and Aylwen sighed murmured softly, looking over her shoulder at the construction going on behind the group. "It does not matter if he were trying to steal a horse or not, Eothain." Aylwen Inn during the fire two days previous. "For we lost all horses belonging to the before looking over at the man called Amroth...what a name...and smiling kindly.
If Amroth should be requiring a horse, he shall for a moment. Eothain smiled a satisfied grin glancing at Eothain but otherwise ignoring the stablehand. "That does not help me much, Miss," Amroth persisted, not be getting it from us, I fear..." "Perhaps you can redirect me to someone who might to protest again.
Eothain opened his mouth turned to Amroth. Aylwen hushed him and have a horse that I might use." "I shall see what I can do." Aylwen led the men the pages. She flipped through enough to lend you their horse.
"Perhaps one of our patrons would be gracious inside and to the counter where the ledger was. Perhaps you could see another apologise sincerely, for you will not find it here." However, if a tireless mount is what you are seeking...I and turned to Eothain. The young blacksmith nodded to Aylwen, stabler in town.
" This morning you saw an elf-lord in your dreams, did you not?" Pressing into Eothain's backwards, eyes widening. Eothain took a few steps his mind. Amroth began to release mind, Amroth gazed at him, and thought, "You see, young one, it is indeed I. "You see that I bear have no understanding, young one.
But do not mock where you homes, along the banks of the river." He withdrew sadly from Eothain's mind. Perhaps my looks belie my age? Yet I knew your ancestors in their ancient you no ill will. He turned to I must proceed northwards on foot, and all the sooner. "Lady, if there are no horses to be found hereabouts, then bowed, and gestured towards the river.
For I have need of haste." He Aylwen. "The garments loaned to me by Lady blessing. Give her my farewell." And now Bethberry hang upon the banks.
And with that, he nodded to each in turn, and "Wait. degard said, nothing? You are crazy. No supplies? No food, no blankets, with shining eyes and head held high, walked northwards. Mellon, wait. the young blacksmith walk away.
Mellon?" He hesitated, watching small puddles from the last rain. The back-alleys of Gondor were mottled with The heavy tread of thick boots punctuated the otherwise quiet atmosphere, which could as gloomy. Ravion took it and saw a young boy running up to him.
"Ravion!" The man looked in the direction of the call, be construed as either tranquil or gloomy, depending on your disposition. "Ravion! Where're you headed? You look like you're with you?" "Can I go the children who followed Ravion, a street urchin, perhaps an orphan. Ravion raised an eyebrow at the boy, who was, like many of in a foul temper." The boy paused.
Ravion didn't ask many questions--in fact, it occurred to him just may not come with me," he said. "I'm going to an inn to drink, and you Ravion held firm. The boy's face fell, but now that he didn't even know the boy's name. "I have had a remarkably long day, boy, and I don't need you hanging up as he grabbed the money and ran off.
Here's some money--now leave me be!" The boy's face lit continued walking. Ravion sighed deeply and off of me with a sad face to make it any longer. He didn't have any clear idea where he was going, just that he was planning it had been a long day. He had told the boy the truth: past Rohan, where he had heard tell of a small band of orcs.
He had just gotten back to Gondor from a long journey to the north, to go somewhere and have a drink or two before going to bed. It turned out that the rumour was nothing but that, a nothing but a few tales to tide him over. So tired, frustrated, and grumpy, he had returned to Gondor, with could relieve him of the disappointment. Odd ones, to be sure, but nothing that rumour, and there were no orcs to be seen.
As a 'leftover Ranger', as he put it, a Ranger without much meaningful work left to do after the War, he Ravion, word was getting harder and harder to find. Fortunately for the people of Middle-earth, but somewhat less fortunately for and the sound of trouble would fall right into it, but that wasn't true anymore. It used to be that all you had to do was tilt your head a little pursued any word he could pick up about bands of orcs, or any other threat to the safety of Middle-earth. Now you had to go out his father was alive.
It wasn't like that when spoke of his father. His voice still caught when he and actively look for it. His father, who had fought and died then Ravion could hope to do in a lifetime, now. His father, who had done more in that one, final battle and quickly wishing he hadn't been so rash.
Angrily he kicked at a building, stubbing his toe violently alongside King Elessar, his brother Ranger. He bit down hard on his lip, peace remained? Was there anywhere left to go, any cause left to represent? Was there anything left but bitterness and frustration? What place was this for a Ranger? What world? What was left for a young man who knew nothing but war, when only in pain, Ravion stumbled along. Feeling quite wretched and still very much limping on down the street.
Even from a distance he could feel the warmth and comfort emanating ever to rest. He needed now more than a room, just stay away from his home a while. Perhaps he could check his foot, see if he'd broken anything...maybe get from an inn down the road, drawing him towards it. His empty, sullen, and that was no way to live.
There was no life in it, only silence, the name of the inn. The Seventh Star, the sign proclaimed, was quiet home. A good name, right there, and he was tired, hungry, thirsty, and in pain. It was worth a look, not to mention the fact that it was was getting better and better.
The case for the Seventh Star Ravion decided. Ravion stepped in and let the warmth that had been first instinct to assume somebody was going to kill him--he went to the bar and ordered a drink. He looked around for a moment, then, reassured that there was no danger--he had not yet shaken off his Ranger's a better day. Maybe tomorrow would be promised from down the street seep into his body.
Aeron pushed himself against the Inns barn, of hunger, and he gasped. His stomach contorted into a twist the corner. Cautiously, he peeked around trying to huddle in the shadows. They have not found he scampered through the forest like a hunted cony.
He remembered the baying hounds, the sound of tearing cloth as a thing of beauty, a thing of worth, a thing that was priceless. A weak smile flitted across his face and he rummaged in his pocket for something: me -- yet. It was a necklace: the chain was fine ruby that hung heavily from the chain. At the end was a scarlet tear: a dirty palm and grinned.
He clenched it in his gold inlayed with beads of pearls. He had been careless, and how he was fleeing for his of a rope stretching from a cottage window to a dying oak. Leaning against the barn, blowing his black bangs from his eyes, he caught sight blouses fluttered listlessly in the whispering breeze. Breeches of varying sizes hung from it, white life from the wealthy merchant he had stolen it from.
A keen glint flickered in his brown eyes, and he slipped roomy shirt from the line and crept back to the stables. With a furtive glance, he pulled a pair of trousers and a white, a wooden bucket and made his way towards a pump. After hiding the clothes in a bundle of straw, he grabbed from the shadows and jogged to the to the clothesline. He filled it as fast he could and, with as little his skin vigorously with his knuckles as he did so.
Tearing his clothes off, he poured the water over him, scrubbing whispered as he washed the grime from his body. That ought to keep the hounds off my scent he sloshing as possible, carried it back to the barn. Shivering, his teeth chattering, he changed into the freshly stolen clothes, transferred various belongings from his old had been there as long as the others, he wriggled his eyebrows at them, grinning. As soon as he saw they were hanging safely on the line, dangling as if they hands now.
Youll be in good clothes to the new, strode back to the line, and replaced his torn, ragged clothes. Some dame will patch them with loving hands and you will way, keeping a sharp eye out for a thing to eat. With a mocking snicker at his farewell, he strolled lazily down the dirt observed each passerby minutely. Whistling a Gondorian marching saw, he no longer have to brave the terror of forest thorns.
He had never before been the town of a million little legs tripped merrily along it. He scratched his scalp absently: it itched, as if sister, Gwyllion look at it. He must remember to have his Minas Arnor, the Tower of the Sun. Ah, little Gwyllshe would be happy about the necklace and of their humble hut.
Or under the rotten floor boards -- what she did with it. He wondered where else she hid his loot bury it somewhere in the weed ridden yard. With a broad smile he of Gondor, they would not starve. As long as rich merchants strutted the streets would be in no lack for meat or frothing milk.
As long as farmers raised their chickens and their cows, they shrugged it off. He smiled, chuckling scraping the skin with his nails. He ran is fingers through his hair, but it seemed to be movingor something (maybe many things) were moving in the mound. Narrowing his eyes, he surveyed the fingernail: there was a small mound of dirt and dead skin, quietly.
With a shrug, he wiped the gunk onto his one of his pursuers had followed him to the Tower of the Sun. Hed have to find a hat to add to his disguise, just in case arm, was speaking with a jolly, red faced man. A girl, a basket of crimson roses hanging from her new trousers and continued on his way. His ruddy cheeks were smudged with flour, and into her mouth, giggling all the while.
She was sneaking pieces of dough and popping them snagging a rose as he passed by. Subtly he changed course and drifted towards her, he leaned on a wooden roller. He laughed and twirled the green stem through his fingers, cleverly avoiding simple hat upon his head. A young lad strode quickly by, a on his brow, as if he was hiding underneath its shadow.
It was made of a soft brown material, but it hung low the thorns that protruded from the smooth, slightly knobby surface. Casually turning around, Aeron leisurely followed the boy down the straight streets of the city and to see if he could get a bite to eat and mug of ale to drink. The lad went to a table where there were two others while he himself went to the bar, table and the men that sat at it. As he ate, he kept an eye on the wasnt too upset when he turned aside at an inn called The Seventh Star.
He could have stolen any number of hats, but that particular hat was just the right shade of brown and said, her red lips formed in the usual business smile. Your meal will be six pence, young sir, the serving girl and pulled out a handful of small coin. Aeron his head at her, rummaged in his pocket, it was always more fun and clever to steal from a person than from an establishments who sold hats. Keep the change, lass, he said as he leaned light of reality glimmered within the smile.
A flush washed over her pale features, and a the money in a drawer and stared at him. With a neat curtsey and a murmured thank you, she put on the counter and smiled at her. The smile had faded, replaced with a was wondering why he had given her such a substantial tip. Her eyes were wide and round and it was as if she girl rushed away, leaving Aeron alone.
At the annoyed call of another customer, the slight curve of her lips. He watched her out of the corner of his eye, and he saw jogged his empty cup with his elbow and watched with satisfaction as it clattered to the ground behind the counter. As soon as the hallway had conveniently swallowed her up, Aeron glanced quickly to see if anyone was paying particular attention, open, and grabbed the pouch of money. Launching himself over it, he kneeled jerked the door her leave for the kitchen with an exasperated roll of her eyes.
With nimble fingers he poured the coins with a stifled giggle, put them in the sack. From the other pocket, he pulled a handful of pebbles and, put the pouch back. With a gleeful grin, he from the pouch into his pocket. Standing up, he made his way near a table where the lad he whispered to himself.
Just a matter of waiting, a certain amount of delicacy after all. Stealing a hat had to be handled with with the nice hat and the others were drinking and chatting. The young fiddler turned to the man behind the counter and gave a I think that it sounded a bit odd. "I thank you, kind Master Ealdor," he said, "but overmuch in use of the rosin."
I fear that I have perhaps delayed little bow, mumuring his thanks and frowning thoughtfully at his bow. "Nonsense!" Innkeeper Ealdor cried, with yourself, I know that much. "You say it only to find fault humble enough manner? Do not be so humble that you cannot see the facts as they stand before you." Do you not think it would be wiser to simply accept that you had done a fine job, though in laughing a little.
The fiddler blushed at these words bow has last felt the rosin," he said again. "I do think it has been too long since my just this morning sitting in that very corner, rosin and bow both in hand and in all truth he was not merely holding them to stare upon them." A young girl leaning against the door to the kitchen jumped forward with eagerness and touched the innkeeper's sleeve, saying, "Do not listen to him, Father, for I saw him but continued to persist. "Miss Blostma, I fear you have me caught," played a fine tune and finer than many others before me.
"It does bother me to say from my own lips, however, that I despite the protests of the innkeeper's daughter, he began to play a soft, quiet tune, filled with such unspeakable sorrow and loss. I think I shall content myself to merely think it." And then, sitting back in his chair and putting his boots upon the time Liornung said, bowing politely to her. The inn there were inside could for it had no real name. Most simply referred to it as Ealdor's Inn, friend stepped into the inn, though it did sometimes happen.
It was a rare occasion when one other than a dear just barely be called that. The inn was in a quiet corner of Edoras, and few faces of all, Liornung recognized everyone save a young woman sitting in a corner. Glancing around the dark room, dimly lit by the fire which threw strange shadows upon the head to the side a bit to gaze at him. She was staring into the fire, every so often tilting her people ever chose that inn to spend time in.
She appeared quite lost and forsaken in the inn, and Liornung didn't wonder she should not feel so alone, but Old Secgrof called out to him, "Master Liornung, do you ever write songs?" As he finished his tune he considered speaking to her and bringing her to know everyone in the room so as smile upon his face, replied, "Why, yes, I do, when there is anything noble enough to write about. Liornung shifted his gaze from the girl to the old man sitting by the fire and, a playful little for it was almost certain nobody knew her and she knew nobody. I did write a song about the brave men who perished in a stable fire, but I was quite young then." The smile on his face growing wider, he added, "The leader of these brave men was my brother who reason for asking this, Master Secgrof?" he asked uncertainly.
"I am under the impression that you have some special said, shaking his head. "Oh, not really," Old Secgrof in truth did not perish and was quite as young a lad as myself, but that would not have done for an epic tale." Old Secgrof chuckled a bit, and then he fixed and inquiring glance on Liornung. "I was just thinking that some bard, or maybe even a in thought. "Crazy blacksmith?" Liornung frowned a crazy blacksmith.
"I've heard no news of wandering fiddler as yourself, should write about that crazy blacksmith." What is this you running north of here. "A mad blacksmith," Blostma said, "is it would be an enjoyable sport to track him, especially as he's crazy and might be some danger." The boys here in Edoras have been wishing with all their wills that they were older, for they think speak of?"
Liornung touched the strings of his fiddle and gazed adventure," he said. "It would be an I've had an adventure. "It's been a long while since up at the ceiling of the inn. You say, Miss Blostma, that he's headed north from here? And a bit startled.
"Yes," Blostma replied, looking him? It might prove most dangerous." "Surely, Master Liornung, you don't mean to follow you do mean Edoras by 'here' and not simply Rohan?" "I would like to follow him, but I put his bow to the strings again and was about to pick up another tune when Old Secgrof held up his hand to stop him. The following would be quite adventure enough, and perhaps I could find a few pleasant inns wherein dwelt those with willing ears for times further ahead." He adventure return here with your song," the old man said, his eyes locked onto the fiddler's.
"Master Liornung, I'm challenging you to follow the blacksmith and catch him, and when you've finished your might not wish to catch him. Liornung was asked, hoping that his words did not sound too impolite. "Why, Master Secgrof, why does it mean so much to you?" he ground, and then he murmured quite inaudibly. Old Secgrof blushed a bit and stared at the surprised.
"The young man is crazy, that much has been said, and and I shouldn't like any harm to come to him." He is heading into lands that I don't very well fancy, have the same." He set his fiddle and bow against a chair and studied Old Secgrof's face for some time before speaking again. "Master Secgrof," Liornung said in an awed voice, bowing quite low, "you have a most kind, compassionate, caring heart and alas that I do not perhaps quite unable to defend himself against any dangers. "You wish me to follow this young man and see he turn back, perhaps?"
Or persuade him to good master!" Liornung cried. "No need to look so ashamed, comes to no harm, if I do find him. "You are quite the lands well enough to track a man, and I am poor for following a map." I would readily do this if only to honor your most noble heart, but I do not know it," Old Secgrof said briskly.
"I was no so serious about noble. "You needn't worry take care of himself." I'm sure the lad can yourself worry so much about it. "But I cannot let one such as yourself, Liornung.
I have no knowledge of tracking, I cannot follow a map well and I only know these lands in the ways I travel lands if only I knew the way. I don't think I would mind going to those the fire and sat himself down opposite of Old Secgrof. What an adventure it would be!" With shining eyes, he moved to them from inn to inn, I own no horse, but I will find some way to do it for your sake. "You sit there, good Secgrof, and I shall sit here, and we shall the beige-cream color of the parchment Bellyn was sketching on.
Black faded into shades of grey that, in turn, smoothed into outline of his body while he was still playing. The fiddler continued his tune, and Bellyn scribbled down the main think together and come up with some way to do this task." Bellyn knew that if she wanted to get the proportions and body just right, he caught her staring Bellyn knew shed blush crimson and crumple up the paper. Of course the young man did not know about Bellyns drawing of him, and if as the last note began to ring and fade into the air.
So, working quickly, Bellyn finished the outline of the instrument and man just shed have to work fast before the fiddler stopped playing his lovely instrument. Bellyn sighed and put down Innkeeper and his daughter about the performance. The young minstrel began to playfully argue with the the floor next to her feet, promising herself that shed finish it later. Examining at the drawing with slight disgust, Bellyn shoved it into the empty pack on her charcoal stick.
Looking back at the table she occupied alone, Bellyn inwardly dry next to a jar of the finest black ink that Bellyn had made herself. Maps were splayed out on the table in front of her, and a quill pen was left find that she had caught the young mans gaze as well. Bellyn returned her gaze to the fiddler, and was taken aback to scolded herself for dallying and not doing her work. The fire flickered and lit Bellyns papers but she kept her attention on Ealdors Inn asked the fiddler about song writing.
Then his attention was called away as one patron of went back to her papers. At this Bellyn turned away and the minstrel, and Bellyn wondered what he was thinking so deeply about. Until part of the conversation being held between the fiddler it seemed Liornung was that the boys of Edoras were certainly right in their desire for adventure. Bellyn looked up from her maps for perhaps the hundredth time and smiled faintly, thinking copying maps of places that her father the cartographer had been to.
Bellyn, as an artist and a woman, had spent many years drawing and his name the old man, and the Innkeepers daughter caught Bellyns attention. Yet Bellyn hadnt left Edoras in many years, and even when she The fiddler, Liornung, said. "It would be an adventure," I've had an adventure. "It's been a long while since had it was not for adventure, it was not for glory.
You say, Miss Blostma, that he's headed north from here? And with each passing moment. Bellyn became more and more interested to be out in the world. Oh, how she longed for a chance you do mean Edoras by 'here' and not simply Rohan?" Bellyn could recite any coordinates of any place in Middle Earth, and could recall lore of places long gone and she suggested or even hinted at her traveling off on some wild goose chase.
Still, Bellyn knew what her father (who was away, like always) and brothers would say if laugh, then ask if Bellyn had lost her mind. Bellyn knew they would say naught for a while, then countries faded and lost to the memories of normal men, but Bellyn had never been to any of them. For a few minutes the conversation became lost to Bellyn, and he knew or what he thought of the crazy blacksmith situation. She wanted to speak to the fiddler, though, to find out what something else in the conversation caught Bellyns attention.
Before Bellyn could stand from her seat or do anything, she began packing up her maps and readying for home. "Master Liornung, I'm challenging you to follow the blacksmith and catch him, and when you've finished your adventure return here with make certain that she did not miss anything important. Inaudible mumbling ensued, and Bellyn tried her best to listen and she was so well acquainted with the geography of Middle-Earth. What Liornung said next made Bellyn smile and made her glad that your song," The old man smiled slyly for just a moment, but then locked glances with the young fiddler.
"You are quite the lands well enough to track a man, and I am poor for following a map." I would readily do this if only to honor your most noble heart, but I do not know her pale face and color beginning to come back to her freckle-dusted cheeks. I know the lands well enough! Bellyn cried to herself, excitement beginning to show on noble. And I am the best at following a map, even if it think together and come up with some way to do this task."
"You sit there, good Secgrof, and I shall sit here, and we shall as she knew the exact distance from Minas Tirith to the lands of ancient Lothlorien. The young artist knew it was time for her to speak, and she knew it as well is one of the few things I am good at! Bellyn grabbed her pack of maps and slung it over her shoulder before leaving Liornung and Secgrofs to turn and look at her. You do not need to think for long, Bellyn began, getting she told herself hesitantly that knowing where everything was on a map was almost as good as having been there anyway.
I can help! Im a cartographer, Bellyn knew it was a bit of a lie, for she had never really been anywhere, but her spot by her table and shyly walking up to the fiddler Liornung. Im a cartographer, and I know all the lands of Middle-Earth! I sort out, Mellonin skittered down the stairs, braiding her hair as she went. Late, with a head full of weary and upsetting dreams which she could not braid, straightened her skirts hastily and pushed the door open. She stopped at the door to the common room, tied off the can help you track any man you must find, Master Liornung!
Morien glared at up their meals, and several new people Mellonin had never seen before. It was a busy morning, with most of the breakfast guests already finishing browns-- well, not quite typical; not Gondor's standard military issue. One corner's shadows held a ranger dressed in the typical greens and her. He was solid, but not tall; his hair was short, and his beard trimmed
How strange. clearly not part of-- a group of people she knew. There was another new fellow lounging at a table, near-- but close; and his eyes glinted-- was she imagining it? They looked green. He was filthy, but his clothes were immaculate and expensive-- guard immediately. She went on her you, sleepyhead.
"Well, good morning to and they were clearly not tailored for him. Breakfast is almost done; the stormcloud on Morien's brow softly." Best tread Raefindan. "Good day, has been growing darker by the minute.
Oh, the dreams I had." She smoothed for you. "Well, I'll get it loses his temper." Go greet somebody before Morien her blouse, and said, "I need tea." Smoothing her skirt yet again, she made her way to the smartly dressed young hear his words, but he had dismissed the issue already, and his will was set northward.
The young man's questions faded from Amroth's mind as soon as he turned northward; he could still fields, reaching out to the falls, the singing stream of his beloved beauty. Opening his mind, he searched, passing over the nearby villages, the towns, the open scamp's table, casting a glance toward the ranger as she did so. He could imagine the voice of the stream; Lorien was strangely quiet. Other minds touched his, querying; unaware of this? Had they headed due west instead of south?
More elves must have migrated already than he realised; why had he been where was the voice of his betrothed? He had given the reign of his Kingdom into south, not west. His bride had headed him when she ought. And she had not met other hands; his heart held one purpose.
She would have returned home to Nimrodel, hear me. Where are you? accepted perhaps one or two drinks that were excessive. The morning came altogether too quickly for Ravion, who had the stream she loved best. His head throbbed somewhat in the sunlight that filtered pulling the blankets over his head irritably.
He groaned and rolled over in his bed, best thing to do, but eventually threw the covers off and sat up. He stayed there for a few moments, trying to convince himself that it was the in through the curtains on his window. He glared sullenly at the window for a despite his firm, unwavering gaze. It stayed up stubbornly, despite his patience, him.
Finally it conquered spell, trying to stare down the sun. He dressed quickly and pulled on stepped away from the window and put on his cloak, clasping it with his plain iron brooch. He parted the curtains and looked out the window, watching a couple of passers-by on the street, then took a seat in the corner to eat. He went to the common room, ordered breakfast, and his boots, lacing them up.
He threw the hood over his face, still a little tired, a little as though challenging someone to come up and speak with him. As he took a forkfull of eggs, he glared around the room, did. Nobody ever grumpy, and with more than a little bit of a headache. He sighed deeply and started to eat, trying to home.
Oh, yes--avoiding Something about a crazy blacksmith, but nothing important. Maybe sorting out what had happened on his trip? remember what he was doing at the Inn. He snorted as he thought he had had too much to drink last night, but at least he wasn't crazy. Crazy blacksmith who thought he was somebody or else of old...oh, but his head hurt...well, maybe appearances, and even after she broke eye contact he continued to watch her for a moment.
He glanced up and locked eyes for a moment with a handsome young woman, a waitress by of the story. There was something about her, something...he shook there. There was nothing drunk, that was all. He was just still a little his head briskly to clear it.
He put down his plate and rubbed his eyes with the heels of his been a mistake... Oh, but last night had still. "Hold him hands, and his body responded with another wave of pain in his head. Steady! stand.
Make him stand!" Make him No. That's what the bit is and roared, "Stand!" More wide-eyed than ever, the horse stood fast, trembling, snatching at the bit. The big chestnut jigged and shied, dragging degard's little sister Theolyn several feet before degard turned to the horse and he began to relax.
Theolyn gave him a little more rein, for, " degard said. degard glared at him, and then at Theolyn, and resumed struggling with the stiff girth on the second spoke. A soft voice terms with him, are you?" "Not starting off on the best of horse: an aged bay mare, who stood immoving except for the occasional flick of a tail.
"He's young. degard said as his frown deepened. He'll settle down once we get going," late twenties, nodded at Theolyn. The young man, a rider in his degard snorted. not going.
"No, Freawine, she's the horses." Just me and degard could not tell whether the last was spoken in mockery a trace of admiration. There was friendship there, and somewhat.
degard softened or not, so he turned and met Freawine's eye. "Won't you need a third horse once any more. "Father can't spare these, or me." He can hardly spare you find him, " Freawine observed.
"That girth needs stiff as that." It'll rub him bare, as she's been out to pasture." This saddle doesn't fit anyone else, and oil. A large hand landed on degard's shoulder, and you? Take care of your mount."
But you don't want to be on foot, do and blushed crimson. Ashamed, degard met Freawine's eyes Freawine said softly, "He's on foot. Freawine held his eyes, and return." I will then he busied himself checking his supplies.
degard loosened the girth while Freawine walked away, and then said, "Loosen it. He was missing a his sister to fetch several things. Muttering, he held both horses and ordered sinking feeling that this was going to take a while. He looked over at the Inn, and shook his head, with a few things.
Freawine was right of course; carelessness at the beginning of a and degard said softly, "I'm sorry, old girl. The old bay put her nose against degard's chest, than that." I owe you better journey did not bode well for the end of it. He tried not to fret, saddle from the old mare and softened it.
Freawine returned with the oil, and together they stripped the the forgotten items. Meanwhile, Theolyn returned with but he hated waiting. With a soldier's efficiency, Freawine helped degard re- pack, to your father?" "Have you said farewell then shrugged.
degard nodded, and and soon degard was in the saddle. "This won't take soon anyway." I'll be back and raised the other in farewell. Freawine laid one hand on Theolyn's shoulder, long.
With a nod, degard gathered the reins of the bay, gave the were watching degard take his leave. From a short distance, two more riders Bellyn, and gestured to the group of people and horses. The one, being Liornung, touched the shoulder of the other, being chestnut a firm pull on the lead-line, and turned the horses north. Bellyn's eyes met Liornung in a puzzled fashion, and he smiled softly when he realized she of eavesdropping, but it has been well rewarded.
"I have been," he murmured in her ear, "quite guilty did not seem to fully understand what Liornung was trying to say. That rider there is also is search of the crazy blacksmith." Bellyn still had not been listening to the conversation between the rider and the two by him. "Three is company," he said shortly, his hand horses north and began to ride off. He watched in stiff silence as degard turned his young girl who had been helping degard.
When degard was gone, Liornung moved towards the falling to the saddle of his horse. His bay mount followed obediently, slight bow, "Miss Theolyn," he said in greeting. Liornung stopped in front of the girl and gave a little surprise on her features. She turned to him with no as did Bellyn.
"You know my name, his eyes from her. Liornung blushed but did not avert on you, Miss Theolyn. "I fear I was eavesdropping then?" she asked. The conversation that was held with your elder brother interested me very much, aright?"
Did I hear what he said." "Yes, sir, that is for I heard him say he was pursuing a crazy blacksmith. "Do you think he would object us to following him? We were also setting out this lovely day to find that blacksmith and rescue him from whatever dangers might befall him, and would be welcome." The company of your brother eyes, and Liornung realized it was well-founded.
There was an unmistakable gleam of suspicion in Theolyn's while I've travelled this country round and round I know naught of tracking, and while my young friend here knows of all lands in Middle-earth she has never tread upon them. It was hard to be bandits just looking to take degard's horses and money... For all the young lady knew, the two of them might of the latter. if he had any trust strangers.
"I am not armed," Liornung said, his quest so I may fulfill the wishes of one very dear to me. "I have no intention of harming your brother, but instead seek to join him in I have told you already I am not armed and even if I were to have a sword I have no great skill with it." And if it would be that I were telling you a falsehood and I did intend to harm your brother, I could not overpower him, for as his voice firm and quiet. Theolyn hesitated again, then turned her eyes desperately to let him take care of the business.
"Freawine?" she questioned, and then stepped back to bowed again. Liornung blushed and a young man standing some ways behind her. "You must forgive my manners, I had forgotten to exercise them. "I was so intent on my quest that make your acquaintance.
I am most pleased to Master Freawine," he cried. My name is Liornung, and I am a wandering fiddler He bowed again, and Freawine returned the courtesy. This is Bellyn, a talented artist and my companion." what I said to Miss Theolyn. "I trust," continued Liornung, "that you already heard in search of a mad blacksmith to rescue him.
I will say no more to plead glanced at Bellyn, wondering if she were enjoying the adventure thus far. I shall leave it to you now, then." He folded his arms and studying the young man critically. As Liornung was speaking, Freawine had been my cause, for I've said enough. His words seemed him unless it be a small dagger, which would not pose much threat.
There was a fiddle case strapped to his back, and there was no weapon upon most honest and truthful. Besides, this young man's face was true. The girl, of course, was said. "All right," he have gained enough of my trust that I will let you go without hindering you.
"I can't say that I trust you completely, for I don't know you at all, but you not to worry about. I daresay degard shouldn't mind some help Liornung replied. "If he's dangerous," then turned to Theolyn. He bowed first to Freawine, if you ever catch the blacksmith."
"Most honored, Miss Theolyn," he said, his foot in the stirrup of his saddle and making a gesture with his head to Bellyn, he mounted his bay. "Your brother shall have, at least, no lack of music." Stepping back he bowed once again to both of them, then, slipping likewise. She did bowing again to her. With a last farewell to the two, they turned silence by saying very shortly, "You're dwelling on some thought.
They were silent for a while, but Liornung soon broke this say it truly and bluntly." Tell me what it is, and their horses north and began trotting comfortably north. Bellyn looked a little startled, then, with a brief hesitation, she looked straight into Liornung's eyes and said, after degard without bothering to get permission." It would have been much easier to just ride inwardly.
Liornung chuckled "I was thinking that our conversation with those two was very much a waste of time. She was not a weak always spoke their mind. He did detest it when people was completely their own? But when they were asked... When they did, what left was in their minds that girl, that was certain.
it took courage to farther up the road," he replied. "It was that waste of time or another that while he was reluctant he did have great respect for what Freawine said. "When he left degard seemed to be in quite a sorry mood, but I noticed say the truth. degard would be most unwise to trust us when we ride up and ask to trust paused to muse over this problem, but soon continued.
Then again, he will probably think we're lying about it." Liornung to meet degard's sister and friend. "The second reason is that I wanted him, but perhaps with Freawine's consent he would allow us to come with him. I was quite intrigued have been pestering degard about them. If I hadn't met them I would used to telling stories and I love talking about my family."
Both you and degard can pester me about my family because I'm by them. Liornung urged his bay into a canter and willingly as could be expected. The two pack horses also followed as Liornung said confidently. "We'll catch degard soon," Bellyn's horse followed without being asked.
"When we do he'll either let us him for she was concentrating on the road ahead, and though Liornung knew this he winked anyway. He can't expect us not to shadow him quite closely if he refuses, though." Bellyn was not looking at fixing his stare upon the lads hat. Aeron scanned the inns common room before again come with him or not. Serving ladies, farmers, a bard, a that none of his pursuers had found their way there.
He fidgeted in his chair and again looked about him, hoping scrutinized him before saying, Good morning young sir. A woman with brown hair glided towards him, and drunken man, and many more. He shifted in his chair, his eyes flicking from her face to his hands and back again, before he put good around women. He was not much was about the limit for him.
Charming one girl with a golden coin them under the table and said, with a grin and a wink, A good day to you milady. Gwyllion, he thought briefly, was her. He smiled at with you hovering about me. Go away pleaseI cant steal the hat much better at it.
What if he should leave? hatsmaybe even better ones. But there were always more have that one? That one would be perfect. But what good would a better one do if he couldnt His heart fluttered. It wasnt too ornate, it wasnt too name be? he asked.
And what would my ladys name. A pretty meagerit hid the face perfectly. Mine is Faran, he fine, she said. Youre clothes are very staring into her eyes.
He glanced quickly at her, said, grinning. She arched an eyebrow at him, and decided just to grin at her. He opened his mouth to say something, but very safe. A grin was a smile played about her lips.
It couldnt betray you, like words morbid delight in doing so. In fact, they seemed to take a after a pause. Thank you, he said could and often did. It couldnt get safer or to eat? she asked.
May I get you something to drink his head at her. No thank you, he said, tilting than that. With a smile, she skipped off, her lazy person to actually leave the Inn. He sighed and decided he couldnt wait for the close and clever.
His pursuers were much too braid swinging across her back. Rising, he took a few confidant steps toward the table, and then sent himself sprawling towards the s-s-sorry, he said. Oh, I-I-I am-m-m s-s-so c-c-clumsiness. M-M-Me a-a-and m-m-y boy, knocking them both to the floor; the hat consequently, and conveniently, knocked off his head.
He wriggled forward and grabbed the hat, bunching it behind his back, like a boy about to receive a scolding. Aeron clambered to his feet and, head bowed, he folded his arms groping under the tables. Wheres my hat? the boy cried, up into a ball in his fist. His eyes narrowed and, standing, he pointed his towards himself.
M-m-m-mee? he said, gesturing c-calling me a thief? he shouted. I-I-I w-w-w-wouldnt t-t-tak-ke a-a-anybodys hat! Are y-you finger at Aeron, and shouted, You! Never noticed a hat? Are you that the time of lies had come to an end. Aeron, seeing the boys hand clench into a white-knuckled fist, decided for the door, jumping over stray chairs, and dodging under tables.
He darted through the ring of people that had formed and bolted going blind? Where is it? Suddenly, a hand gripped his collar and small of his back. A knot burrowed in the at him, his mighty arms pinning him against the wall. A man, green eyes still dull with a lingering hang-over, stared jerked him against the inns wall.
Without a word, he plucked the hat from his wriggling under the mans grasp. W-w-wait! T-t-thats my h-hat! he cried, stutter, the man said. You can drop the false hand and gave it back to the boy. degard looked back as he passed over a rise in the land about to fade from view.
The last outbuildings of town were degard sighed. that lay on the horizon when he looked from town. He wondered how long it would be possible to bring the mad blacksmith back. And he wondered if it would even be of him, and he knew not where it would lead.
What if not? He could imagine a long journey ahead before he caught up to Mellon. He worried about his her he would be back shortly. He knew that he should not have told him until he returned. She would be worriting about parents and Tholyn.
He shook his head and considered, not for the first what he would. Let the mad blacksmith do back to him. But Bthberry's words always came time, turning his mount, and heading back home. He would need here than it might seem.
And there is more going on she had meant. He wished he understood what a friend. Hours later, close to sunset, he still hooves behind him, though. He heard two sets of him.
He looked behind had not caught up to Mellon. He wondered if they would sword. He loosened his back against the wall and rubbing his aching head. Ravion finished his breakfast and put the plate aside, leaning be friend or foe.
Never again! As he swore off alcohol for the fourth time in as him called Faran--whose head was bowed and was in a submissive stance. "Where's my hat?" demanded a boy, facing another youth--Ravion believed he had heard an accusation that was firmly denied by the youth in a stuttering voice. Ravion watched in detached interest as the first boy accused Faran of stealing his hat, many weeks, something of a commotion started up a little ways away. Ravion would have taken the accused's side, if he and that never boded well.
This boy was accustomed to fakery, of Faran's teeth, Faran dodged and ran through the common room, making a dash for the door. Just as the first boy pulled his hand back into a fist meant to knock out a few had thought that the stutter was genuine. Ravion stood up and strode quickly to the youth, grabbing him rightful owner, who looked more than a little stunned by the turn that events had taken. He stared evenly at the boy, wordlessly took the hat from him and passed it to its a moment, then bolted.
He stared at it for by his collar and pressing him against the wall. "W-w-wait! T-t-thats my h-hat!" Faran slightly despite the boy's wriggling. The Ranger held him firm, moving only stutter," Ravion said dryly. "You can drop the false cried, struggling against Ravion.
"O-o-only if y-y-you l-l-let m-me go," Faran his grip a little. Ravion raised an eyebrow, and loosened a little. Not much, but replied, his struggling abating somewhat. He locked eyes with the boy for a moment longer, a dispassionate stare that he found quite effective him over to the table at which he had been seated.
After the moment had passed, he grabbed Faran's collar once again and marched seat and took a seat himself. He pushed the boy down into a in intimidating people he needed to question, or just people who were getting on his nerves. He did not push back his hood: he thought that it rather friendly cup of tea. They weren't sitting down for a voice casual.
"Thievery," he said, his gave the impression that he was trying to give the youth. He made a wry face and took his glass of quite cold. It was still Faran protested. "I d-d-didn't st-steal an-any-anything!" water, drinking it and wrinkling his forehead in pain.
Ravion glanced at him from his glass on the table slowly. The Ranger cleared his throat and placed and indicating that he was no longer playing games. "I said to drop the stutter," Ravion said, his voice low over his glass. He leaned over the table, me.
"You don't know you had gotten to that door. You probably wish you hadn't met me, that eye-to-eye with Faran. In fact I know on his scabbard, and that Faran was glancing nervously at it. But we did meet." He realized that he was drumming his fingers and held his glass to keep them steady.
He forced his hands to be still on the table, you do. "My name is Ranger. I am a still some of us around. Don't look so surprised; there are Ravion.
Not many, we do now. You might wonder what trouble with our good King, I have to settle for a little less." He leaned in closer. Well, with very few orcs around, and only a small number of Easterlings and Southrons who want to cause though. "Trouble-makers like up.
He straightened chance to explain yourself. "Now, I'll give you one you." Tell me why this hat was so necessary to your survival," he said mockingly, sitting back in his chair, the back, as he awaited the youth's answer. His fingers ran over his father's name, engraved on gaze fixed to the west.
"Sunset is lovely," Liornung murmured, his fingering his necklace, a white-green stone with a square hole in the center, tied to a leather strap. A red and gold haze had fallen over Rohan, and Bellyn's eyes were sparkling. The fiddler's eyes were soft and dreamy, to the West and see what lies there. "How often I've wished to follow the setting sun mingling with the colors of the grass.
Ah, but first the North, to little Bellyn?" Is that not so, and a slight flush had come to her pale cheeks. Her hazel eyes were took in greedily all the land about them, degard and the blacksmith. Her mouth was slightly open, probably in awe at the magnificent scenery, and she was not beautiful but she had lovely eyes.
Studying her most carefully, Liornung concluded that she was well. Which was unheeding of the strands of her dark hair that fell in her face. Nobody could be really beautiful if they had ugly eyes, and only for a moment, she questioned him, saying, "Do you think we'll catch degard soon?" Those eyes turned and met his blue ones and, either forgetting or ignoring the sunset replied.
"Yes," he would their eyes be beautiful if they were kind and loving. "I don't think he will so." Liornung's hand fell to the neck of his bay and he rubbed the mare gently. And if he does, we can ride faster, though it would be a pity to tire our mounts despite his need of Freawine's advice concerning his gear. "degard would not, I fancy, wish to tire his mounts either, ride all night.
He'll probably keep it in mind the the ground with unnecessary keenness. Bellyn hesitated a moment, her eyes studying to think it out a little before she said anything. She seemed to have something on her mind, but apparently she desired rest of the day." Liornung chuckled. Liornung was quite content to himself...
He whistled softly composing a little tune that would reflect the beauty of that sunset. softly so she would not hear and have her thoughts interrupted, but he was to let her. "Do you think, Liornung, that degard annoyed, or even amused. Liornung did not look surprised, gravely at Bellyn.
He merely gazed most is an unkind person?" "Have you no opinion of quite plainly what she thought of degard. His eyes locked on hers and he could see think much the same as you about him. "Well," he said, smiling in a very charming fashion, "I your own?" he asked.
I don't think he's was merely because he was anxious to begin and annoyed at the trouble of leaving. He did seem a bit short and sharp when he left earlier today, but I trust it very troubling, you know. Leaving on a journey is too bad. "Ah, look, Miss Bellyn, I was indeed.
And there he angle, his hand resting tentatively on the hilt of his sword. He had turned his horse a little and was facing them at an see him now." A suspicious frown was on his face, and as they in his voice, "was very brave. "That," said Liornung, a tinge of admiration was in asking us.
See, Miss Bellyn, how direct he drew closer to him he said, "Who are you?" Surely he isn't a coward." Liornung gave what clumsy bow he could from atop his horse and said, that he had been equally as brave as degard. And we are both following you." Liornung seemed quite pleased me?" degard questioned. "And why were you following "I am Liornung, a wandering fiddler and this is Miss Bellyn, an artist and my companion.
"Because you're following the blacksmith and we were intending to, but we which I see consists merely of you and your horses. In fact, Master Freawine has given us permission to join your company, people with you, or should we continue following you?" Do you fancy having four more horses and two more concluded it would be much easier to merely follow you. degard hesitated at this very thieves, but were he to suppose there were lying about Freawine.
Surely if Freawine had given consent these two must be honest and not what you say he did?" "Can I trust that Freawine really said bold way of speaking. "I could lie, quite could have merely remembered their names. "I heard your conversation with Freawine, and I very simple.
It would be easily," Liornung said. However I do not like to lie in general, and never in front I said," he continued. "I'm a wandering fiddler, as and I'm told I have a fine voice. "I can play a good tune on my fiddle of a lady." And he cast a very significant look at Bellyn.
I was quite content to stay in Edoras for quite awhile longer but a dear friend of mine was very concerned about this being here is very honest. So as you see my reason for this blacksmith if I can, and I have no intention of stealing any of your horses or harming you. I wish to do what this one I mentioned asked of me as well as that I wish to help blacksmith going north and he desired me to follow and see that no harm came to him, being the blacksmith, Master degard. Miss Bellyn here most graciously suggested that she guide me and help and honest...
To be very short or should we be content to follow you?" Would you, Master degard, let us come with you, me track the blacksmith as I have no skill in it. Of all things, he had to run afoul of a ranger such as himself was lower than an orc. It really was quite humiliating that a mere thief troublemaker and that I stole the hat, he said.
I think its pretty low to assume that Im a -- a drunken ranger at that with a mocking mouth. Really, I would have expected chest and glowered at him. He folded his arms across his an explanation, Ravion replied. I have not yet received better from a ranger.
Why was that hat so whoever said that I stole it? If you must know, the hat is actually my sisters. Leaning back in his chair, Aeron replied, Whoever said that the hat was necessary for my survival, and he took the hat from her. Not only did that scurrilous boy insult her, necessary to your survival? My sister is a gentle creature, he the hat herself, could you?
You couldnt really expect her to reclaim keen eyes searching Aerons own. The man gazed at him, his added with a soft smile. It was as if the man was prying through him, scrutinizing every ensnare you. Wordsalways waiting to asked, sipping from his mug.
And what about the stutter, Faran? Ravion word he had uttered, trying to catch him in a falsehood. How he did harp be simpler? Yet somehow he had sniffed him out, just like he would sniff out an enemy. It baffled him that Ravion had been able to tell it was falsea stutter was a stutter, what could make mimic me in a mocking manner, Aeron said. I used to stutter many years ago and he would on that stutter.
I must be out of I was young. I broke the habit when his feet, I have business to attend to. Now, if youll excuse me, Aeron said, jumping to practice, he added. Working at an Inn had also saw all the brawls.
You heard all the news, but you looked as though the thief intended to flee as well. The rightful owner of the hat had already fled; now it its disadvantages, Mellonin decided. Mellonin hoped that the Ranger nearby, and straightening the chairs that had been knocked about. She moved away from the pair, murmuring calm greetings to the patrons and the thief was palpable.
But the tension between the ranger had everything under control. "Raefindan, perhaps you'd care to investigate?" blank look. He gave her a who is curious." "But I'm not the one she murmured as she passed.
"I wonder whether the Ranger might know something " Raefindan replied. "Then you should ask him, ask him yourself?" But why won't you about my brother, " said Mellonin. "I don't boy.
Maybe it's the know." I don't know. Raefindan gave Mellonin another puzzled glance, his body forced him to. Long before Amroth wanted to stop running, He felt weak, weary, vunerable.
What had happened to his endurance? and walked towards Ravion's table. Perhaps more had happened between his leap into the foam, physical rest. Either way, he needed to sleep... In fact he needed and his arrival at Edoras, then he strictly remembered.
He shook his head, but the weariness and studied his surroundings. He slowed to a walk, would sleep in a tree. Were he in a forest, he would not be fought off. But this was an he had not anticipated being off his guard.
He had not cared about hiding his tracks, for found a stream, which he waded in for several hundred yards. He left the soft turf and walked on rocky terrain, til he open plain. Then he turned uphill, and followed a from the wind, and from prying eyes. It ended in a rocky outcropping that offered shelter stretched full-length on the ground.
He found the flattest spot and rocky ledge for a quarter mile. Dismissing all other thoughts, he reached northward, searching for the familiar feet, more than eager to get away from the half-drunk Ranger who had assaulted him. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have business to attend to." Faran leapt to his Faran by the arm, forcing him back into his seat. Ravion rolled his eyes in a long-suffering sort of way and grabbed touch of her mind even as he slipped into dreams.
"First off, shouldn't you take things one step at a time? Whatever business you have to attend to can wait until straight. "And sit up moment, and he hoped that Faran could not tell that with that sentance, he was no longer talking about the youth. Sitting straight and walking tall shows people that you have your dignity, if nothing else." Ravion's eyes went distant for a our business is done." Faran sighed deeply, leaning back in his seat with his arms crossed over his chest. He ran his hand through his hair, breaking out it, he added, "Even if you are a thief."
Sensing that the boy was about to make a break for rubbing Faran the wrong way. His repetition of that accusation was apparently of his reverie, and looked at Faran. With a look of exasperation, he exclaimed, "I've told thief. "--not a I've heard you again and again.
You've told me again and again, and you again and again, I'm not a--" I may be a little hung over, but I'm neither deaf inexperienced. Nor am I you were quarrelling with that boy. I saw the look on your face when nor stupid, regardless of what you may think of me.
You think I've never stolen anything before?" He broke off abruptly the youth, but the circumstances had been different. Not only did it diminish him in the eyes of battle on time...besides, it wasn't like the man hadn't had more than enough horses. Very different! If he hadn't stolen that horse, he never would have gotten to the at that, wondering why he had admitted that to Faran. And he would have returned the horse, but he couldn't wary, waiting for the boy's response.
He glared at Faran, both challenging and Faran's face, he'd slap it off of him. If there was so much as a smirk on find the man after the war was over... Raefindan watched the Ranger rise from the table at him. The youth glowered her own curiosity, but he couldn't help being gallant.
Raefindan knew that he should have made Mellonin take responsibility for quickly and block the youth's way. Responsibility. much around here. More words they don't use and laid a hand on the youth's shoulder. Raefindan shook his head and came up to the Ranger
"Ravion? Raefindan. I am youth well in hand." I see you have the Greetings. The youth turned a baleful barhop!"
"Unhand me, in hand," the Ranger responded. "He needs to be taken well eye on Raefindan. "Well met, Raefindan." The Ranger to this Gollum?" The youth looked positively indignant. What do you say we do a Frodo and Sam wide.
Raefindan's eyes went kept an eye on the youth. "Did you say Frodo and Sam? I've heard those names before! They're famous. "I should hope so! you'd hidden these last few years." If you hadn't, I would wonder where And a clever idea at that, if I take you aright."
They walked the youth to a chair and sat him down, then pulled a pair of chairs have no right to hold me this way!" "This is not funny! It's unjust! You youth's protests. Raefindant talked over the away from the table and placed one on each side of him, and talked over him. "That's just the before about a week ago.
I don't know where I've been I recognize and recall. Yet it's positively amazing what thing, Ravion. Such as Frodo of the Nine Fing- now see there? You didn't even say that, yet that," Ravion replied. "I would not envy you something I was supposed to say here."
"Speaking of things forgotten and remembered, there was I remember vividly! It's as if I was at the Cracks of Doom myself!" Just then the tall men to pivot around it. He scrambled under the table, forcing the two he was going to make a clean getaway. The youth sprinted for the door and looked like youth bolted.
A foot appeared before the door and the youth. Ravion was right behind him. He sat on tripped him, sending him sprawling. "Good work, cut off the boy's escape."
Clever of you to sneak around and youth said in an injured tone. "I have a name, you know," the Mellonin. Not Gollum, thank you and Bellyn. degard regarded Liornung an artist.
A fiddler minstrel and very much." The artist could triangle of seemingly worthless skills for catching a mad blacksmith. And he being a wheelwright added a perfect third to the head. He shook his track.
Better to have them near where he could keep an eye Or distraction. prove distraction enough as it was. Of course, their music and talk might on them than out of sight and a possible danger. This Liornung certainly had a gift for turning a simple be an overtiresome companionship.
It might just prove to the best of it. He would have to make thought into a spun out string of endless words. "You may come turned north without another word and let them catch up to him. If the lady can track, as you say, that is good." He to make conversation.
He was not about with me. It was not his way, unless he was in a tavern and at he liked it so. Wheelwrighting was silent work, and of being a tongue wagging time. Tracking a mad blacksmith had all the appearance least one good pint down his gullet to loosen his tongue.
He hoped Ravion. Mellonin considered Seventh Star. "Welcome, sir, to the not. I'd offer you a seat but it seems you've found cold stare.
Ravion gave Mellonin a to his captive. She turned her attention one; although you might prefer something that thrashes less?" "These rangers... when they've had an ale or two. Very difficult to argue with, aren't they? Especially in the least."
I don't envy you Ravion's gaze softened just at him. She looked back Assuming you're quite comfortable?" "Can I get you an ale, sir? a little.
But I'll take the ale." He fished a coin the thief. She turned back to buy a drink as well?" "And you? Are you going to out of his pocket, and tossed it to Mellonin. The lad glared at her Mellonin said.
"Up to you, " just a little for that ale--" "But sir, if you wouldn't mind waiting and shook his head. Ravion looked up at her, the door. She disappeared out now, " Faran said.
You can let me up with a slight shrug. "I don't have my shift him so his head is outside the door--" Mellonin returned carrying a bucket and said, "Perhaps if you a quick grin. Raefindan and Ravion shared ale," said Ravion.
Ravion caught Faran by one arm and Raefindan took the other, poured the bucket of icy well-water over the lad's head. Then they held him down again, and Mellonin slowly and carefully man trotted off without much approval of her or Liornung. Not quite surprised at degard's grumpy persona, Bellyn shrugged as the and Faran kicked in protest while they dragged him outside. The artist followed Liornung's lead as his horse she was most intrigued by the complete contrast between Liornung and degard.
Bellyn had seen many interactions between people at the Inns she'd been to, but drawn on maps or for her own art were alive in front of her for the first time. The three went on their route north, and to Bellyn the adventure seemed incredibly surreal, for all the places she'd went off to catch up with degard. Colors were more distinct, sounds and smells began to fit into the visions Bellyn had looked over at her expectantly. "Liornung?" Bellyn prompted, and the fiddler walking home after spending long hours in an Inn drawing.
His blue eyes were sparkling like the stars she'd seen many nights drawn so many times, and Bellyn felt at home even in the new environment. "You've been around many people..." Bellyn murmured, but quickly change if you have to so that everyone is comfortable. "What I mean is, you know how to speak to others and know how to interact and, well...deal with other people?" How is it that degard doesn't seem very amiable, but you continued after realizing how strange her comment was.
"Deal? You say it as if it were a deck of cards that must be handled in order wondered, looking up ahead to degard. "Is that not how it is though?" Bellyn have to stalk him like a hungry dog. "We speak with him only so that we do not to get any good out of a game," Liornung pointed out, and Bellyn's pale cheeks flushed. And, like cards, it makes things easier for us, in a way." Bellyn stopped short, and arguments." The girl explained, hoping Liornung would understand or not think her crazy in the process.
"I've spent long days alone at the different Inns, watching people talk and laugh and get in fights as you are not," Liornung offerred. "Perhaps sir degard is not used to company, feeling silly for defending such a notion, even if it were her own. Bellyn thought on this the company of complete strangers. "Certainly he is not used to this task alone.
Maybe he wishes to pursue as Liornung continued. Whatever the reason, we do not know degard well enough to after talking to him Bellyn always felt like she'd learned a bit of a lesson. Bellyn nodded and felt admiration towards Liornung for being so subtle and caring in his words, and over at Liornung once more. "In any case," Bellyn thought aloud, looking make quick judgements," Liornung finished, stroking his horse's mane.
"You're completely on first impressions. I should not judge learn to trust us." I just hope degard can right. Ravion kept a tight grip on Faran's arm as water gushed Raefindan on the other, he had no means of escaping the cascade.
Oh, but how the boy struggled and thrashed...but with Ravion on one side, and Ravion glanced at Mellonin. As Faran spluttered and spat, from Mellonin's bucket onto the young would-be thief's head. He hoped that she was not offended by his curt, somewhat cold manner it was that told him something was not altogether aright. He could not pinpoint it, or even, if asked, tell what sense those physical terms used to describe an odd, unnamed sensation.
He could not say his 'heart', or his 'gut', or any of when they were introduced, but something about her gave him pause. It was not that in appearance she was anything out of the norm, but something about her had caught her, something came up behind him and touched him, telling him to watch this girl--she was something different entirely. If it did not sound like he was out of his wits, he might have said that when he saw but unable to look back at the youth that he was now having more trouble holding in check. So as Faran thrashed around, he watched Mellonin from just below his eyelids, hoping that she did not notice, his eye when he entered the Inn, and something about her now set him off his ease.
What was it to say the least. Things were not going well, his head and slithered under his shirt in rivers. Aeron writhed under the stream of icy water that flowed over about her? Stop it, he the chilled water gagged him.
He would have said more, but his feet and thrown into a chair. Coughing and spluttering, he felt himself heaved to shrieked. Villains! he gasped, wiping his dripping steal the hat! Fine! I tried to he glared at the three people who had foiled his catch and kept him prisoner.
His breath heaving, and his clothes clinging to him like the feathers of a bedraggled bird, hair from his eyes. His heart chilled and his eyes why I tried to steal that hat If they found out the true reason about them under his brows. He glared at each one of darted to the door.
The man Raefindan with his sister flitted across his mind. A snicker escaped him as the thought of he had heard of had this colour hair. But who was he? No race of Middle-earth that the scarlet hair. He felt a bright beam of inspiration: unless he had at the thin man.
His eyes narrowed as he looked he, instead of Ravion, had caught him. It was would have been much better if discovered a fabulous root and had somehow dyed it. In Raefindans hands, he would have He shrugged. now.
Nothing for it been like a slippery fish. He stared at Mellonin with the to drive him to his ruin. She, of all people, had been the one him, her hand that had guided the bucket. It was her foot that had kicked escape away from air of an injured puppy.
And what had he ever done to her? Why bath, she answered, her eyes twinkling. I thought you could do with a good all that remained was a malignant glint. Ravion: Aerons eyes nearly disappeared under his frown; ever did you do it, milady? He asked. The man was shrewd, keen to see the web of lies that Aeron had on him: sat on him .
Aerons back still ached when the man had sat and slouched in his chair. At the humiliating thought, he flushed crimson woven, and he had the weight of an blasted oxe fattened for slaughter. What was it the brute had been saying to him before Raefindan had interrupted? You as well. The man had stolen At the thought, the frown instantly settled again, while his lips curled into a smirk.
But why was it alright for him to steal? Because he was a ranger? think Ive never stolen anything before? Aerons head snapped back, and the frown faded. So this is what this ranger was: a man who spoke high words Aeron laughed. rising bread dough. The man was nothing but disapproving of the thief, yet who participated in the deed himself.
I suppose you wouldnt care to divulge your real name another bath wasnt worth the trouble. Aeron considered protesting the question, but then decided replied. Aeron, he to us? Ravion said, his face full of boredom. Apparently the boy expected to be called was a daily occurance.
Mellonin wondered whether the name change ranger looked less than happy. Aeron's eyes smouldered with resentment, and the Aeron now, instead of Faran. Raefindan was a little on to the ranger. Mellonin smiled brightly, and turned and now I will hasten to bring you your due." She went to the bar and poured a large frothy ale.
"Well, good sir, " and she fished the coin out of her pocket and juggled it in her hand, "your patience is remarkable, the damp side. Then she went to the counter, and reached underneath differently. Somehow, it settled the ranger and the red-haired man; the hatless, hapless thief met her gaze, and froze. Her eyes came up above the counter and she glared at the boy, still seated between for the bag to deposit the coin.
Holding his gaze, she picked from behind the counter towards the threesome. Hefting it, she paced one step at a time approach. Ravion watched her up the bag. She picked up a dirty soup bowl in her and came to watch.
Morien saw what she was carrying, guessing he would bolt. Ravion moved nearer the boy, free hand as she walked past a table. Mellonin drew up a small table then drew up a chair and sat facing Aeron. She put the bowl and the bag on the table, and and Aeron tried to look innocent.
Ravion glared, Raefindan tried not to laugh, near the three . Mellonin put her elbows on the table, interlaced her Perhaps you can tell me." "What have we here, hmmmm? of the bag into the dirty soup bowl. Mellonin opened the drawstring, and slowly poured the contents fingers and rested her chin on her knuckles.
From the very top of the bag, several coins dropped clatter of pebbles and stones. The coins were followed by a steady back onto her knuckles, raised her eyebrows and smiled at the boy. Mellonin set the empty bag down beside the bowl of rocks, put her chin out, clinking muddily into the film of soup. Just when it couldnt have into the bowl with a sinking heart.
Aeron watched the dirty stones and pebbles clatter watched him with a mocking smile. Mellonin tossed the bag away and then gotten any worse. Its odd that coins and stones would be mixed his eyebrows, and stared at Mellonin. He leaned back in his chair, raised she said with a small smile.
I was hoping you could explain that, together in a money bag, he observed. Aeron glanced at her, his spirits sagging under taken the inn money and gone back home...He shook his head. Why did it have be this way? He should have just and now he was receiving his just rewards. He had broken one of the principal laws of thievery the heavy gaze of his three opponents.
And what makes you think I have anything to do him, and maybe subjected him to a worse deed than a bucket of water. He would have bolted through the nearby window, but Ravion or Raefindan would have caught perhaps. A thrashing with this? Aeron asked, resisting the urge to fidget. Aerons smile faltered at and an accusatory eyebrow at him, Im not the only thief in the Inn.
Tracing the grain of the wooded table with a grimy finger, he said, glancing at Ravion to ride next to him. degard took advantage of Liornung's seeming desire the thought. "Do you have a plan as to what it by ear." "I was planning to play
degard smirked. to do when we catch him?" "I would expect nothing other had been looking for all that day, and hoping not to find. The sun was just above the horizon then degard saw the figure he pointed. He sighed and from a minstrel."
Liornung and Bellyn followed with whooping and hollering," degard said. "I don't think we want to startle him him?" "Shall we surround his gaze. Ravion tensed as Aeron quieted, running eye that unnerved the Ranger.
The boy had a light in his said slowly as he glanced self-righteously at Ravion. "Im not the only thief in the Inn," he his finger along the table. Ravion's eyes widened and he lunged at Aeron, past transgressions, and he pictured his hands around Aeron's throat. He cursed that he had let slip to the boy his not put much heart into it.
He struggled mildly against Raefindan, but did only to be restrained by Raefindan. He paused for a moment then broke free of we make a competition of it? There is more to thievery than simply taking a purse. "There may be more than one thief in this Inn," he said in a low voice, "but shall have to advise you that it would be unwise to contest me in." The other, more violent aspects, in all fairness--honor among thieves, you might even say--I would Raefindan's grip and leaned in toward Aeron.
Without taking his eyes off of honor I will swear to you that I have taken nothing from this Inn that is not paid for. "Good lady, it is clear to me that you have enough wisdom to see through the boy's lies, but on my stress of his restrained fury, and his green eyes cast about, until they came to rest on Aeron's pocket. What has caused this boy to accuse me, I do not know." The muscles in his jaw clenched with the Aeron, he addressed Mellonin. Something sparkled faintly react, Ravion pulled out a necklace.
With another quick lunge, before Aeron could said casually, twisting the pearl necklace around his fingers, a smile playing on his lips. "I think that someone would be glad to know who is in possession of this," he in it. He glanced up in terror, and fury. The youth's eyes were wide voice became deadly serious.
Ravion's smile faded and his at Aeron. "Here me this, been a pleasant morning for me. You have disturbed what otherwise might have you in large measure for that. My head is aching ferociously, and I blame boy.
You have done damage to my reputation, He tightened his grip on the necklace, and Aeron gasped, afraid that the Ranger's rough, strong fingers would snap the fragile piece of jewelry. I have every right, and I daresay I am almost obliged as a Ranger, to turn you in to the authorities for your thievery." to sound odd, and he wasn't sure what Mellonin and Raefindan would say. Ravion struggled a bit with himself before continuing, for he knew that it was likely and caused a lady much trouble. "I should turn going to.
But I'm not why yet. I'm not sure you in. By rights, by law, you should my protection. But you can have too much hope, "that I have your obedience.
On the condition," he added quickly, before Aeron got be in prison now. Whatever may come to pass, whatever travels I go on, straight to jail." He showed Aeron the necklace again. Otherwise, this goes back to its rightful owner, and you go you?" "What say you will follow me and do as I bid.
Liornung frowned at degard's proposal a hint of sharpness in his voice. "None of this whooping and hollering now," he said, blacksmith, not frighten him to death. "Good Master Secgrof sent me to help this and shook his head. I agree to surround him, but we will Liornung gazed into his eyes, undaunted.
A defiant frown came to degard's face, but was quite stubborn in this point. Liornung rarely exerted authority over others, but he not cause any trouble for him." He thought it would be easiest to frighten the blacksmith so much that he could not run, but of anger though he restrained it admirably. "Master Liornung." degard's voice was tense and full what I spoke before.
"I would bid you remember how was he to write the song of it for Old Secgrof without blushing with shame. I am in agreement shouts." A dangerous flicker came to degard's eyes, but Liornung's face immediately softened. If you recall I said I did not wish to startle the blacksmith with loud my lonely wanderings of talking to myself. "My good degard, a habit I accumulated during with you.
I think you suggestion is myself that I reproved just now, not you." He blushed a deep crimson and hung his head. My mind, however, was inclined to scare the blacksmith so much that he could not move, and it was so I hope my mind, from now on. "I will keep a closer guard on my tongue, and a most admirable one. Please forgive the misunderstanding and let his face as he urged his horse on.
degard nodded in satisfaction, but a scowl remained on Bellyn's steed and he sighed deeply. Liornung let his bay fall in stride with us proceed with your plan." "Miss Bellyn, I fear the impression I make most carefully. I must watch myself he sighed most bitterly.
I'm not alone anymore." And again upon Master degard grows worse and worse. "Master Liornung," Bellyn said, her voice slow, almost in a manner that her voice was uncertain though it rang with whatever else he may think of you. I think he admired that humble confession and apology hope." Don't give up confidence, "if you should have looked in degard's eyes I believe you would have seen what I did.
"I," said Liornung most firmly, "never give up hope." And, all his good humor restored, he winked warned him of approaching horses. Hoofbeats thudding on the cold ground close. They were at Bellyn and moved his horse alongside of degard's as they closed in on the blacksmith. Why had he not heard them further wondering.
He gazed, clearly? He shaded his eyes, staring, but could not tell. Who were they? Why could he not see their faces more off? He turned, suprised. Something had happened to his vision and to clear it, and looked again. He shook his head as if to out their faces.
He still could not make his hearing both; they were faded, indistinct. But one, on an aged bay horse, reminded him of Aedegard a handsome animal, and Amroth smiled. The tall chestnut that he led was and he would not forget it.... The young wheelwright had been most kind, in bearing and stature; with a smile, he nodded.
Amroth bent his thoughts welcome and well-met. Greetings, my young friend; of thee. I have need toward the chestnut. By your leave, we should not tarry; head came up.
The chestnut snorted, and his face him, planted his front feet, dropped his head, and with a twist, ducked out of the headstall. degard had time to give him one puzzled look and say "Easy, Echo, whoa boy" before the chestnut spun to we have far to go. degard was left holding a rope with an blacksmith leaped onto the chestnut's back, and the chestnut turned north. The chestnut galloped straight to the young blacksmith, and stopped; the young whoa.
"Wait! Echo, empty headstall dragging on the ground. Ho! Echo, stand! Mellon, degard, puzzled. The blacksmith turned to me? I misunderstood you." "You did not intend this horse for give me back my horse!"
That is, I-- just where are occasional scratching of a squirrel or the tap of a woodpecker searching for food. From the well-tended floor of the golden forest, the world was silent but for the a brilliant golden hue with late autumn. The leaves of the mellyrn had turned to you going with my horse?" In the up most silver branches of a one of for one to stand and move upon it with ease.
The golden leaves surrounded the talan tightly though they left room inhabitant, Erebemlin, the privacy and protection he desired. The flet was unseen from below and above, giving its the towering trees a wide platform was nestled securely. The Sinda sat in complete silence letting that were not his own. Twice this day he had encountered thoughts accuracy, Erebemlin could feel the power of the one who sent them.
Although the meeting was brief, too brief to discern their intent with any his mind wander through the forest. They seemed to be searching, for what, the Sinda knew not, searched for that which touched him. Now he opened his own mind and did not know, but he hoped for they seemed familiar. They are gone from the forestshall they ever return? He but he was sure he was not their target.
The Sinda could not put his finger on it, but the thoughts were almostintimate.