Ceol will also assist in questioning. He has an item which can allow him to understand their language for a while, and has the ability, as a Rohirrim, to potentially detect any lies being said.
Ceol will also assist in questioning. He has an item which can allow him to understand their language for a while, and has the ability, as a Rohirrim, to potentially detect any lies being said.
Mulligan will leave the questioning to those more able and prepare the camp.
Gil-Gandel loiters within earshot of the interrogations and sings softly to a tune on his harp, extemporising in the local language on the virtues of cooperation and repentance for past misdeeds, and the wisdom, justice and mercy of Gondor's king.
Drindoleth has no gift for interrogation, so will see about setting up camp. Is there plant growth nearby that he might be able to use to aid in defendability?
The party moves out with the horses and meet Luzi returning with the parties horses. The interrogation does not go well with the evil man but the Sorceress is learned to be Arrienna the Magenta, a controller of the elements and has a very large amount of information about the Cultists. Getting her back to the Capitol should be the top priority.
Gilraen suggest that maybe Drindoleth could fly to find the Elendil and that we ride hard for the coast.
Even had that advice not come from Gilraen, it would make good sense to Thoroncir. Drindoleth, please fly ahead to the coast, if you are willing, and the rest of us will follow below at speed.
Drindoleth is more than willing to do this and will depart as quickly as possible.
Rorimac suggests that he and Luzi start scouting ahead to lead the way. If she is as important a figure as the information she carries makes her out to be, we can expect trouble on the way.
Yes, please do. Otherwise, same riding order as earlier.
Drinoleth makes contact with several sea birds as he nears the coast and it is soon only a matter of hours to find the great ship. He lands and makes arrangements for pickup and for some reinforcements to meet them.
The party begins their ride back west swiftly with the bonus of spare horses to maintain a greater speed. It takes 2 days but the party reaches the Elendil safely and is swiftly brought back to the Capitol of Raj. Here they will have a week before they depart for home. Gwaelur is most homesick by now and looks forward to a short visit in Minas Tirith and then home for a bit.
The party has some goods to sell and split I believe. Also a reward of 3500 gold each.
Very good! Do we learn anything more of use from our prisoners before we turn them over to the Raj authorities?
Thoroncir's armor needs some major repairs after his unfortunate toasting by the fire-spirit guarding the tower; he will moreover be in the market for a replacement (and ideally magical) shield, to eventually be emblazoned with the sigil of Gondor. He will find the finest, most reputable merchants for both. The young knight-errant will also write a report for the Lord Commander of the Order of Sea-Knights on his adventures to date.
And would Gilraen care to do some sight-seeing around the capital ere we take ship for Minas Tirith?
Ceol will likely also need some repairs to his gear after the encounter with that fire spirit. Remembering the earlier suggestion to make friends in Raj through commerce, he will, if possible, buy upgraded equipment for himself and Leofwin from the local merchants. Beyond that, he will spend the remaining time in Raj doing what he can to learn more of the local language and customs.
Deor will take one last swing around the shops and merchants of Raj to pick up the last items necessary for the creation of his staff. He'll make every effort to save his money, though, and pay off as much of his debt to Gilraen as possible.
Drindoleth will replenish his supply of herbs, and as always explore shops and look to pick up what new lore he can about the area and plants and animals of the region. He'll keep an eye out for anything unusual that he might desire to acquire, but isn't in need of much at the moment.
Was Bitur able to procure a wooden box for the shell of the clockwork music box? If not, he'll try to find one now.
Also, he'll purchase the small magic harp to act as the music source of the box (at least for now until he finds one that produces a better quality sound). He'll spend the rest of the time sketching out designs for the gears until he can acquire some for himself.
Mulligan is not sure what to look for or what to do with the reward money. Armour, not really, sling bullets well she has those. Thieves tools, two sets.
She wonders if she can find a bag of holding anywhere, which would allow her to carry much more than she can at the moment. Or possibly something allowing her to see the invisible without having to necessarily use a smoke bomb, she can see magic already using her spectacles.
Rorimac will be looking for any specialist arrows he can find, the more powerful, the better.
Gil-Gandel is mostly on the lookout for curiosities which his people back home might find diverting. He has few needs at the moment.
To keep things simple, we’ll say the split of treasure with the reward brings the total to 5000gp each.
There is a little more from and about the prisoners but nothing of great note for the future.
Thoroncir’s armor repairs can be done on the Elendil by Gwaelur and he is happy to do so.
As to the shield, a fair one could be had for the 5000 but again Gwaelur indicates better could be found up north.
Gilraen would be happy to take in some sight-seeing and will be looking for some medicinal supplies while she is doing so. In spending a few days wandering the city of Bozisha-Dar they marvel at the docks both in the city and to the south of the city. The merchants seems to be always busy, it leaves the great ports in the north looking sleepy. Within the town the fair buildings and street musicians are a joy to see. On the second day they discover the hidden gem near the Palace of Water. In the Atrium is a magical musical fountain that plays soft haunting music. The third night a great concert is given at Visi Hall, the School of Illusion.
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Gwaelur is happy to repair Ceol’s armor. In exchange for the spare +1 helm, the gold reward and split and his Short Sword +4 he can get a +5 short sword that does double damage against undead.
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Deor: Did he pay off Mulligan, I am not sure. I have him listed as “Owes Gilraen 5000 & Mulligan 4000”. For about 1000gp he can pick up a variety of small items to aid in staff making.
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Drindoleth restocks most of his herbs. He sees a few items of interest.
A golden necklace that would allow a bird to fly twice as fast and gives +1 protection. It could be had for 6000gold.
A bag that holds 2 cubic feet of material but weighs only ¼ normal weight for 3300 gold
An Emerald that enhances Dispel Magic with a +20% chance for 6500 gold.
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Bitur was able to procure a wooden box for the shell of the clockwork music box.
From Visi Hall he is able to get a magical bronze device that can record a song. This will cost 2200 gold.
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Mulligan: In exchange for the Short +3 and Spectacles and 10000 gold there is an Intelligent Short Sword +3 that Detects invisible and Magic in a 1” range and it reads languages and magic. As an added bonus it will allow you to set a point of return and it will lead you back to this point. The Sword is named Heliox and it would be honored to work with you. It speaks via limited telepathy to the owner.
No one has ever seen a bag of holding but everyone has seemingly heard of them. They may be legend. Many bags though are full size but weigh less.
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Rorimac may wish to wait until return home for some Dwarven arrows. They are far more likely to survive for reuse.
Thoroncir would be honored to have Gwaelur repair his armor, if willing. He can certainly wait to buy a shield in the north. In the meantime, he'll enjoy the fair Gilraen's company while exploring the city.
Bitur will purchase the song recorder. He will also ask our resident bard for ideas of songs that would be good to use, and will even commission a recording of one if Gil-Gandel is willing.
Of course, Bitur. Remind me again of the purpose of this, please.
Mulligan's eyes go wide at the thought of a short sword capable of doing all that. Then she wonders where she is going to get all the money from.
I might be mistaken, but it looked like Mulligan had money. I had you down for still have a chit for chit for 5,000 gold at the Capitol. You were the only one left with a chit. Also you have over 4000 in gems I believe.
Deor coughs. "I, uh, took a very generous gift from you a couple weeks ago. Perhaps I could pay back the favor?"Quote:
Originally posted by CatInASuit
Drindoleth will check to see if he has enough set aside to get the golden necklace. That's simply far too useful to pass up.
"Thank you, friend Gwaelur, for repairing my armor. I shall endeavor to not allow it to be set alight again."
Ceol will gladly make the trade for the better short sword.
To Gil-Gandel:
I'm just trying my hand at creating a clockwork machine in the like of the ones from Erebor I carry with me. I figured a music-box would be a nice start, since it won't need to be overly intricate to do perform its job. From an adventuring standpoint, it serves little purpose, but from an artistic hobby standpoint, it will be a significant undertaking, at least for a relatively inexperienced craftsman as myself. I'm considerably more proficient in the likes of tools of battle, after all, but even amongst us dwarves there's an appreciation for elegant things.
Thoroncir says, "My friends, if any of you need money, you truly have but to ask. And if you will not accept it as a gift outright, which would most please me, I suppose we can come to some agreement as to a loan."
"Perhaps this would do, Bitur. I learned this long ago, when I was still receiving my first lessons on the harp. It was called 'Fading Sunset', and it would not be too complex for a musical box."
*plays sweet little harp tune that lasts about a minute*
Mulligan does have the cash to buy it. The 5kGP chit from the attack on the town and the 5kGP reward for this last part. A five-finger discount is probably not an option though. This being foreign parts and all.
She's happy to give up the specs, but not quiet the sword as it was a gift. However, as she doesn't use it much anyway, and this one should be just as useful.
Is the detect invisible/magic always on/off or only a few times per day if requested?
"Deor, thank you for the offer, but I do have enough. And besides there is always more money around if you know where to look. The money was more a gift to help you than anything else and besides, you promised an unlimited supply of smoke bombs and charged sling stones, so its not totally one sided." she replies with a smile.
Thank you, Gil-Gandel. If you like, I will happily pay you for your services.
Mulligan: The Detect Invis/Magic is not always on, but it is on demand. Concentrate on detecting one or the other and it will. Better yet, once the Invisible creature is located, if you need to fight it you suffer only a -1 to hit with the sword and not a -4 as per normal.
If I missed any other questions or there are others, let me know, I will begin working on the experience.
This might be a good time for a little down time for the characters, Deor may be ready to make his staff and others have small projects to take care of. Example, Thoroncir may wish to visit home. Bitur has some smithing to do. Gil-Gandel has songs to write. Rorimac has arrows to buy and with Mulligan food to eat at the Hobbit House of Minas Tirith. Ceol probably has something to call him at least briefly back home to Rohan with Deor. Drindoleth has some additional study time with Radagast and Bjorn. Let me know details if this is acceptable.
After a few days the Elendil is ready to head north. A few other vets are also returning on board her.
Sala says his goodbyes, "I wish you all long lives and much success. It has been an honor to work and fight along side your party. I have never met such brave and good people before." He exchanges good byes and mentions that he has taken a position with the King of Raj.
Luzi had disappeared shortly after the return with only the most passing goodbyes.
Ithilneth is staying in the south for a while. She hopes to visits the Elves of Harlindin.
The voyage north is swift and peaceful. The party arrives in Minas Tirith on February 1st of FA65
No need of payment between us, Bitur. I had rather pay you for the many times we have been glad of your strong right arm. Fading Sunset is a real tune; if there's any way to host a .mid file somewhere and anyone knows how to play it back, I can scribe it in Sibelius and export it. :)
Sala leaves with a handsome reference in Gil-Gandel's name in case anyone should need to know of his valuable service to Gondor. It is good that he has found a suitable position.
Deor is glad that Sala has found a position worthy of his talents and doubly glad that he's working for a worthy lord, but he's still quite glad to be on his way home. Upon arrival in Osgiliath, Deor will thank the quartermaster of the Elendil for transporting his kahve and renew the vermin-forbidding spells on the ship once more before leaving. He'll make arrangements to transport it back to Minas Tirith for final sale, hoping for enough profit to pay off Gilraen's debt in its entirety. After that, he's quite ready to visit his family once more, and he'll press Ceol to return with him as soon as possible.
Thoroncir also thanks Sala for his service, and will leave a purse of 100 gold pieces with him (if that is regarded as a courteous gesture of gratitude in Raj society). The knight-errant is very glad to be back at sea, and enjoys the voyage with Gilraen and his companions. Upon arrival in Minas Tirith, he will report to the Lord Commander of the Order of Sea-knights and, with that worthy's consent, will visit his family in the southern port city of Linhir.
Rorimac is happy to see Sala get on in life. When he gets back to Minas Tirith, he will be looking forward to getting some new arrows as well as catching up on any of his old friends if they are around.
Mulligan will be taking to her cabin for the voyage back pausing only to throw up over the side every so often. Sea travel is not for her. On return, she will not only be eating, but preparing some dishes with the herbs and spices she bought back. If there is enough interest, then setting up some trade in the spices for northern goods will be on the agenda. She also hopes the sword likes cats, as there are probably some interesting three way conversations between herself, Freya and Heliox.
Drindoleth purchases the golden necklace before they leave, as he should have enough gold left over for it. (If I've miscalculated, then he would have accepted the loan from Thoroncir.)
He will happily take advantage of the study time afforded. If there is the chance during their sea journey or once they reach Minas Tirith, he'll also practice his seal form, since he's had few opportunities to do so recently and doesn't like leaving such a new form unused for such a long amount of time.
Bitur will look to hire on with any smiths looking for temporary help. He will also search around for various-sized gears and other clockwork components, since they should be much easier to acquire here than they were in the South.
Thoroncir will wear his magical seal-cloak and swim with Drindoleth too, if he likes, as the occasion arises.
Drindoleth would be quite amenable to that. Someone else to practice the form with would be very helpful.
Gil-Gandel will spend a fair bit of the voyage home gazing pensively into the West when he thinks no-one is looking, otherwise generally filling in with songs and poems and whatever he can think of to keep poor Mulligan's mind off her ailing inwards. Such a shame for an adventurous Took, who probably wishes she were a Brandybuck since they are the best sailors among the pheriannath.
Before we depart Raj, Ceol will clasp hands with Sala. "May Eonwë always guide you, my friend. Congratulations on your new post...it is well-deserved."
During the voyage, he will keep an eye on poor seasick Mulligan, as he has grown fond of the young hobbit lass, and thinks of her as he would a sister.
He gladly agrees with his cousin Deor's plan. "Let us make good time in our return to our homeland. It will do my heart good to once more see the plains and mountains of Rohan, as I am sure it will for you, too."
Drindoleth begins to adapt well to the seal form. One day he & Thoroncir have a chance to swim with a pack of seals. In this time Drindoleth realizes he may have some solutions to Mulligan's seasickness.
Mulligan will take any offers of medicine and help to try and allieviate the seasickness which plagues her.
Anything to take her mind off it until we reach land will also be graciously received as well.
Drindoleth will approach Mulligan about attempting the solutions he thought of. They can start with one and then work their way through until something finally relieves her.
Thoroncir greatly enjoys his bracing swims with Drindoleth.
Gil-Gandel sits in the bows of the ship, finding the swimming seals greatly inspirational to his harp playing.
The experiments are slow in working but by the 6th day Mulligan finds that a simple concoction and staying on deck allows her a peaceful passage. Sleeping below decks is such an issue that she finds napping on deck is much easier.
I am crunching out the character updates tonight finally.
Rorimac may study some spells on the way north if Deor and Drindoleth are willing to teach. He can learn 1 Mage and 2 druids spells and has 1 1st level spell for each. I need to know which spells he studies.
As to arrows: +3 Dwarven with cost 450 per or 12 for 5000. +4 Dwarven cost: 800 per.
Rorimac made 8th level.
Mulligan made 10th.
Thoroncir is still 8th but getting close to 9th.
Gil-Gandel is already 9th as a Bard. It is good to be a Bard. He has 5000 extra to spend or save back home and already had 6000 by my notes. There was one item of interest possibly before he headed north. Several party members had bought Permanent strength potions. 8500gp: Permanent Strength Increase (not to exceed racial max) but imbiber must spend next 7 days in heavy workout regimen.
or he could look for something more bardic back home.
Bitur has made 8th. He has plenty of Money to spend.
Deor: is still 9th. He moves the 1000 pounds of Kahve slowly over the next few months and sees a return on his 200gp of 1200gp. Combined with the 4000 gp left over from additional staff purchases he would be able to pay of Gilraen but she says, "If it would aid you in creating your staff, hold on the payment, I am in no immediate need of repayment." Does he choose to make his staff?
Ceol makes 7th and thus gets his extra attacks.
Drindoleth makes 10th level. Druid have is as easy as Bards. Can study with Bjorn & Radagast and gain much skill in casting as a Bear. He is the second greatest Druid and Radagast asks that he Drindoleth be prepared to support his cousin in the upcoming test. Men are in ascendency and men like Drindoleth and Bjorn and the other Druids but work carefully to guide them to protect and not destroy nature. Radagast hints heavily in his actions and words that he will soon depart and Bjorn will take over his job.
Gilraen remains 8th.
Thoroncir is content. Now that his armor has been so expertly repaired by Gwaelur, he will look for a new magical shield in the best shops of Minas Tirith.
Since Gwaelur mentioned that he plans to return to the Lonely Mountain after this adventure, Bitur will accompany him for the journey back, and spend the next few months before the party reforms firing up his old forge and getting back to smithing. He will also spend a lot of time regaling the children with his latest adventures, and will work on getting the music box working. (He should be able to procure some precise clockwork gears in Erebor, both for the music box and for spares.)
He also will extend an invitation to anyone else in the party who would like to see the lonely mountain and hasn't had the chance. Otherwise, he wishes all good luck and godspeed until they meet back in Gondor for the next adventure.
Thoroncir has no particular plans. After getting a new enchanted shield, he's inclined to tag along with Gwaelur and go to the Lonely Mountain unless the passing fair Princess Gilraen has something else in mind.
Ceol will be returning to Rohan, with his cousin Deor. He will first report to his commanders in the Knights (and to the King if requested) about his travels in the south. Once he has discharged that duty, he will spend some time visiting with his family, and will otherwise serve the church of Eonwë and the Knights as required, until the party reunites.
The Lonely Mountain is another place of legendary deeds that Gil-Gandel has yet to visit, where as tales tell the great Arkenstone lies buried in the tomb of Thorin (a flawed hero, alas, yet one who redeemed much in his last hours, and even when moved to wrath at Bilbo forebore to reclaim the kingliest gift ever bestowed upon a hobbit) and the sword Orcrist keeps yet its silent vigil. Also he has a good short sword that might be bettered yet were Durin's Folk given a run at it.
As much as Deor likes Minas Tirith, he's eager to get back home and see his family. He'll stock up on the few necessities that are hard to come by in Rohan, carefully wrap the last few kahve beans for his mother, and set out with Ceol for home. He thanks Gwaelur for his offer, but the Lonely Mountain will have to wait for another trip.
Deor considers Gilraen's offer, but he feels too guilty about taking so long to pay back the money. He'll give her 3,000, and hold on to the rest just in case.
Rorimac would certainly be interested to travel to the Lonely Mountain and see the area.
Mulligan will be staying in Minas Tirith. With the herbs and spices she bought back, not to mention the dresses, she is going to see if any of the merchants are looking for trade links to Raj for new things. Of course, pointing out what might be useful to the Raj will come into it as well.
Drindoleth would also be interested in traveling to the Lonely Mountain. The experience and being able to spend some much calmer times with the others would be most welcome.
Thoroncir with the help of Gilraen learns the best play to locate an excellent shield would be Aglarond near Helm’s Deep; Gimli’s small Dwarven colony. When he rides to Aglarond he is able to arrange for a custom made shield to be commissioned for 5000 gold. It is a +2 War Shield and custom made so Thoroncir will only suffer a -1 to hit with it if he tries. They do a fair amount of damage. Or he could go to Erebor.
He has an opportunity to ride with the Prince into Nurn.
Gilraen spends most of the time back home with her mother and sisters and at the House of Healing but is always happy when Thoroncir is around.
Ceol spends much time is aiding the Brethren of Eonwë. His healing abilities and additional healing skill he learned from Gilraen prove very handy to the men of éoreds.
Gil-Gandel recalls that the Elven swords he owns are more likely to be enhanced at Imladris as Thoroncir and others can attest to by the work that Curunauth did on their swords. Though perhaps a little less than attentive in all things outside of smithing, no one left in Middle Earth is his equal in Elvish works of smithing. There would still be time to visit Erebor though.
Deor arrives home and finds the Wizard’s Tower of Edoras is coming along fast. He will have many weeks or months of preparation to create his staff. He also will need more time to arrange the alchemist equipment.
Mulligan enjoys her time in Minas Tirith I guess with her Uncle Pippin as host. Unless she does something else.
Rorimac is more then welcomed to also stay at his father’s home near the King. He is also more then welcomed to join in the Princes expedition. Is there anything else he wants to do?
Bitur & Gwaelur head for Erebor. Bitur proceeds to become extremely popular with the young Dwarves and makes many marvelous toys. He creates a truly wonderful music box in the end. If he is interested the King of Dale would be honored to buy it for 4500 gold.
How long does Drindoleth spend in Erebor? Does he return either home or to Rhosgobel to visit Radagast.
Thoroncir mulls over his options, all of which have their appeal. Hmm. If Prince Eldarion or Princess Gilraen are not too put out, he will go to Erebor with his friends with the best shield he can buy now in Minas Tirith.
If it is feasible, he writes to Aglarond via the King's Post to commission a +2 war shield. On the way back from Erebor, he will strike out for Aglarond from Sarn Gebir (1) with any friends who choose to come along or, failing that, (2) with any congenial and law-abiding party headed that way, or (3) as a last resort, if the road is not too dangerous for a single knight-errant, alone. He will then pick up the shield and return to Minas Tirith.
A further thought: Do the craftsmen of Aglarond have an agent in Minas Tirith whom he can pay, and then get a letter of credit, receipt or its equivalent, to avoid having to carry 5K gold along with him?
"Thoroncir could probably arrange for Ceol to bring the 5000 gold there. Nothing more trustworthy then a Rohirrim Paladin and as he travels with at least Deor to Edoras, pretty safe" suggests Gilraen. She does appear a bit put out that you plan to journey off but she hides it nearly.
The mission with the Prince won't come up if you're not around.
Thoroncir will ask the estimable paladin of Rohan to do him this favor. (If the Dwarves would accept it as payment, the Sea-knight will exchange his 5,000 gold pieces for gems of equivalent value, so that the load is not too great). If Ceol agrees, he'll then send a letter commissioning the shield to whichever smith of Aglarond his Dwarven-friends suggest.
When the opportunity presents itself in privacy, Thoroncir will take Gilraen into his arms, lovingly kiss her and say, "I have never seen the Lonely Mountain and Lake-town, and would very much like to. Could you not come with us, as well, my lady...?"
"It would be an honor to convey the commission for you, friend Thoroncir. If you would like, I could also arrange with the smith to retrieve the shield when he has finished its construction, and bring it to you when we reunite. May the gods guard over you and your betrothed until that day."
Naturally I have no objection whatever to visiting Imladris on the way up to the Lonely Mountain, or on the way back - and I have several new songs to sing in the Hall of Fire when we are there. This one may please the listeners...
If not a minstrel, who should sing of love?
A simple tale it is, and old as time,
Nor aye of our own will, but all by fate
Perchance, decreed by them who rule the stars;
Who turn our longing eyes toward the fair
And bid us strive to win our lady's hand.
I sing, for one, of him who lost his hand
Upon his quest to win his chosen love;
Great Thingol Greycloak's daughter, wondrous fair,
Whose fame be ever told for all of time.
Did Beren set his face against the stars
And rail aloud against unyielding fate?
It is not said that Beren cursed his fate.
Nay, rather set he his undaunted hand
To win the Jewel, as precious as the stars
(Though cheap to him, and small price for his love)
For which is sung the tale through all of time
How he prevailed, and called the bargain fair.
Yet, in a later day, an elf-maid fair
Relived again her great foremother's fate;
For it was written not that once in time
A man might strive for such a lady's hand,
And sang anew the theme of matchless love
Trothplighted 'neath the white eternal stars.
And when the banner of the Tree and Stars
Flew on the field before the city fair
Then won the hero all his promised love;
Restored unto the throne ordained by fate
With gladsome song he claimed her priceless hand
And pledged his word until the end of time.
So now the song resounds another time,
(So circle ever endlessly the stars)
And suing for a willing maiden's hand
A knight who proves himself with deeds most fair
Presents himself, obedient to fate,
And here implores a blessing on his love.
Writ plain upon the stars he sees his fate:
With words all plain and fair to seek her hand
And sing the song of love still one more time.
*inclines his head towards Sir Thoroncir and Princess Gilraen*
Thoroncir gratefully accepts Ceol's more than generous offer in its entirety.
The Sea-knight captain also applauds Gil-Gandel's song when he hears it. He says, "You write and sing as well as you lead and fight, O most noble Elf. I am of course unworthy to be likened either to the mighty Beren of old or to my lord the High King. And yet I am nevertheless very pleased with your song, for it gives my lady the Princess Gilraen her due by comparing her with the lovely Luthien and our matchless Queen. Many, many thanks, my friend."
Gilraen looks thoughtful, "I am sorry, I am being greedy. Go with my love and blessing. I must stay and spend time with both my family and my order. I have more training and I have brought back much knowledge to share from our travels. Someday we may travel together to Esgaroth, Fair Dale and Erebor. In fact I think it might even prove vital one day though I know not why I believe that."
She blushes at Gil-Gandel's song and shyly says, "Despite my loves' proclamations, I am not even the fairest of my mother's daughters. The Evenstar may be as fair as our great fore-mother but not I. I am fortunate enough to be a younger daughter with two sisters even younger and thus a bit more free to promote the suite of my choosing."
Gil-Gandel can see though that Gilraen has not yet achieved her maturity and has grown in beauty even in the short time he has known her. He does not know humans well enough but as a wise Elf can guess she will achieve her greatest beauty still some years in the future.
Thoroncir doubts that very much... but would be delighted to be proven wrong.
He will make his days with Gilraen in Minas Tirith count ere he departs with his friends for Erebor. He will also discuss with Ceol his letter to the Dwarven-smiths of Aglarond, and his expectations for his new shield.
Upon arriving in Edoras, Deor breathes a sigh of relief. The winter snows haven't yet melted, but the chill of winter has broken and the warm winds from the west and the south have warmed Edoras up to the point of comfort. Deor spends a few nights (at his mother's insistence) at his family home before escaping back to his tower. The tower itself seems to have weathered the winter nicely, a tribute to the excellent craftsmen in the King's service. After clearing the dust off his laboratory equipment, watching the mice scurry out at Folca's first scream, and stoking the fires up to their customary blazing warmth, Deor's first order of business is to renew the enchantments on the tower itself. After the Thatch has been Freshened and the Protections against Fire and Lightning renewed, Deor will report to King Elfwine and once more make his services available. Until the full arrival of spring and the building season, Deor can't work on his tower, so he'll assist the King and Court with all the magical tasks that will have piled up in the full year of his absence. Hopefully those tasks can be completed quickly, because Deor also needs to set in motion building plans for his tower before summer is in full swing.
A year ago, when Deor ventured out from Edoras to Harad, the King's builders had completed the addition of the basement level and the interior of the first level. This summer, Deor would like to see the completion of the library level, the construction of a small outbuilding to serve as a smithy, and a decent kitchen added to the ground floor. The library, which Deor intends to occupy the entire second floor, will need a great deal of bookshelf space, several large desks for reading, writing, and the translation of magical texts, and his large drafting table. Deor even arranges for several large plates of glass to be carefully carried in from Minas Tirith to serve as windows; an extravagance, to be sure, but Deor intends to have excellent sunlight for reading even in the coldest winters. A single stone balcony, projecting from the south face of the library, should serve as a nice reading spot for spring afternoons and summer mornings. The third floor of the tower, which will eventually contain a map room, several observation balconies, and Deor's personal quarters, will have to wait for another year.
The onset of spring, though, provides Deor with a wonderful opportunity to improve his garden. He's picked up Plant Growth in the last year, and it should prove a major asset in improving both his practical herb garden and his purely decorative one. He'll make a special point of starting many of the seeds, cuttings, and shoots that he found in the South; they may have many fascinating properties! His reading chair, next to the oak he transplanted last fall, ought to be in the middle of a riot of colorful spring flowers before long, and he intends to spend a great deal of time there. Once the heat of summer hits, Deor will force the oak to full maturity in the space of an afternoon to get some well-needed shade.
It will be vital to get the construction of the tower underway as soon as possible, of course, because Deor has a major project for the summer-- the construction of his Wizard's Staff. The most important component, the staff itself, has long been ready-- the long piece of Mallorn given to him by the Queen herself, two years previous. Deor has picked up several valuable gems to use in the creation of his staff, but most special of all is his Ruby of Fireballs, which he'll risk in the creation of the staff in hopes that it will become the set piece, transforming the staff into a perfect vessel to channel the elemental force of flame.
Though Deor picked up most of what he needed in Harad and the remainder in Minas Tirith, there are needs he can't quite manage himself. The most critical is well within King Elfwine's power to grant-- for all his skill with flame, Deor needs Dwarven assistance to get a truly hot fire, to keep even the shavings of mithril purchased in Harad molten, and to keep the fire hot even as his power drains into his staff. Deor will attend the King's Court and make a formal request for aid in this.
More to come...
"A wonderful song, Gil-Gandel. I know only a little of stories such as that of Beren and Luthien...perhaps when we reunite, you would do me the honor of helping me improve my knowledge of those tales, and those days?"
Ceol will work with Thoroncir to make certain that he understands his friend's order for the shield, so that he may inspect it when it is completed.
Bitur will happily sell the music box to the King of Dale. He was originally thinking of holding onto it for both sentimental reasons with it being his first attempt at toymaking, and because he wasn't sure how good it would turn out, but if someone of Dale's stature is interested in purchasing the box, Bitur is honored to have a customer like that.
Drindoleth will remain in Erebor for several weeks to explore and visit, before leaving to Rhosgobel to visit Radagast. Unless something should keep him from doing so, he will travel again towards home, as it feels like ages since he was last there.
Deor has gathered everything he needs and has the fortune of a full moon coinciding with his chosen night; an auspicious omen indeed. The Dwarves are amendable to helping him with his final work as he prepared the alchemical help to make their nearly magical fire perfect.
His tower also progresses well this summer with a Dwarven mason on hand aiding and directing the large crew of Rohirrim directed by the King to help. In the end the Tower will be Deor’s for life though it remains a property of the King to be handed down to the next Wizard of the Mark someday in the future.
Angelica Mulligan Took enjoys her time as a young lady at the great court. She is a big hit among the small Hobbit population of Minas Tirith and is seen often in the company of the 3 younger Princesses. Gilraen is busy but makes time for Court and Balls. Telperiën appears to get along great with Angelica and Fíriel who is only 10 loves little better then to be with Angelica, Pippin and Captain Meriadoc. It is clear Fíriel looks up to her sister the adventurer greatly and wishes to emulate her someday. Princess Telperiën seems quite content with the life of a Princess and the Dances, Balls and giggly teenage Court intrigues. It is Telperiën that introduces her to most of the other young ladies of the court.
Ceol has a peaceful time; drilling with his Éored and the full Éoherë at times. Largely his duty entailed training younger riders and helping the brotherhood but he was requested to give lectures and drills concerning creatures of the south and shipboard assaults. The order for the shield goes through without problems. A note went with Ceol from the Prince himself as a request to Gimli to aid the fiancée of the Princess Gilraen of the House of Healing and Order of Estë.
Riding north are Bitur and Gwaelur, Thoroncir and Rorimac, Gil-Gandel before he heads for Imladris and Drindoleth before he departs to visit Radagast.
Bitur has good company for his ride home and much success at his craft. He earns 4500 gold for his magical music box from the King Brand the Second of Dale directly. The King hosts a festive party in honor of the adventurers and highlights it with asking of their tales. Gil-Gandel gives good account of the deeds of both the party and the King’s army in the south. One old friend they see while here is Brin who a few of the party knew from their early adventures. Bitur is pleased when his father Bofur arrives back from a mission in Dorwinian. Dori is especially eager to talk to Rorimac and asks him much about Bilbo though Rorimac was not born before Bilbo took the White Ship. Dori appears to be getting quite on in years and is nearly as forgetful as Uncle Pippin. They all renew acquaintance with fellow vets from Goblin Gate, Óttarr, Rafin, Áki, Tobbe, Gedda, Fridi, Hvatar, Vakr, Sparr, Gautor, Sölvi & his brother Sörli.
Dale has grown great over the time since its rebuilding. It came through the War of the Ring damaged but rebounded swiftly from it with much aid from the Dwarves of Erebor. The Golden Bells and bright rooftops of the large stone town are magnificent. Erebor itself is a majestic palace. Well lit and cunning workings providing as much natural light and fresh air as possible. Lovely tapestries and carvings decorate the walls. It is a place of hundreds of skilled craftsmen. It has not just weapons and armor but toys, clocks, beautiful lamps, glassware beyond compare, jewelry to rival any in the world.
Bitur has a very considerable amount of cash available at this point and could acquire a better axe easily here. The master smith Hern son of Dori who trained and shared smithing knowledge with Curunauth and Narvil of Rivendell among others is a master Axe and Mattock maker. In exchange for both axes and 10000 gold he could get a +5 Dwarven Axe that he could wield one handed as it has a weight of a battle axe despite the impact of a weapon double that of a Dwarven Axe (Feels like 7.5 pounds and not 30 pounds.) It will have a speed factor of only 2 and penetrate like the Dwarven Axe doing the damage of a Dwarven Axe.
Rorimac is treated very well at Erebor & Dale. He is one of the few Hobbits to visit the area and the tales of Frodo Baggins and his father Meriadoc and Sam & Pippin are well known and of course the stories of Bilbo Baggins have only grown with the long years. Though they seem a little confused and think Frodo was his son and somehow Bilbo directly told Bard where to shoot Smaug with the Black Arrow.
Thoroncir enjoys his time at Erebor. It is a peaceful land with prosperous farms stretching from Dale down to Lake Town. Constant traffic flows from the Lonely Mountain and Dale to the Lake and out to the Elf King, the Sea of Rhûn and through the forest itself to the Anduin and the prosperous land of the Beornings and Old Ford Town. The wines of Dorwinion pass through Lake Town and fine their way as far west as Ered Luin and the Grey Havens.
Gil-Gandel spends a wonderful time at Erebor, Dale and Laketown and has a chance to acquire some extremely cunning arrows if he wishes. Curunauth is pleased to see Gil-Gandel again when he arrives at Imladris. He evens has a chance to speak to the Brothers Elladan and Elrohir at one point and his Liege Celeborn gets a full report of his doings and any news he has of the south and the east. Curunauth, Agli and Narvil can do much with the +3 Elven short sword. It is quite ancient and came from the smithy of long lost Nargothrond and was part of the arsenal of King Finrod Felagund before his loss. It can probably be made into an Undead Slayer and possibly especially adept at slaying a particular type of undead. Additionally it can be made attuned to Gil-Gandel. This would cost Gil-Gandel about 9500 gold but it would be a +4 sword overall and +5 for him along with being an undead slayer and the chance of something more.
Drindoleth spends a few weeks in the area and finds it not all that much to his liking. It is a bustling region of stone and commerce. Mercantile and well tilled with little reverence for the wilderness and some fear. He is invited to visit Thranduil’s Kingdom and finds it much more to his liking. They are in great harmony with Green Wood the great and have loving care of the animals of the forest save only the giant spiders that are now fairly rare in the northern parts of the woods. Mirkwood it is not any more. The paths are clear and safe and the trees a bit more likely to let some little light in near the roads. He spends a few months with Radagast who is clearly planning to soon depart. He hopes Drindoleth will support Bjorn in every way. Radagast spends most of the months teaching him as much about birds as he can.
When Drindoleth returns home he meets with his large extended family and is called upon to help bring in a rogue cousin. It seems cousin Braber has shifted to bear form and waylaid travelers and gone feral. Bella the senior healer of the Beornings leads the expedition with 6 stout Beorning warriors but they hope that with Drindoleth’s help to bring the lost one home to be cured.
Bitur will gladly purchase the new axe from Hern. Upon receipt, he will take Hern out for a pint of ale to celebrate his new acquisition.
"It truly is a work of art, and I've never seen it's equal. An axe such as this needs a name."
Hern is happy to share some ale and suggests, "A weapon should be tried in battle before given a name I think."
Drindoleth is aggrieved to hear of cousin Braber's feral turn. He quickly agrees to assist and offers the help of his animal companions as well. Concerned for both their safety and that of his cousin, he'll only let them assist in tracking and possibly corralling Braber if they must.
To Hern:
"You speak true. It should see some battle fairly soon I imagine. While it'd be nice to imagine living in a world that wouldn't need such masterpieces, we aren't likely to see such a world anytime soon. So we do what must be needed with the best of our resources."
Hern replies, "I can't imagine a world without war, why in our time alone we have had the Battle of Dale right at our door. The Battle of Goblin Gate, The Battles on the plains of Gundalok and I hope someday soon the War for Moria. Not to mention many lesser battles here and there and you're an adventurer like our Fathers, long may their beards grow, were; you have seen many more battles and a war away in the unknown south."
The Beornings set out to bring back their own. The tracking is none to hard with Drindoleth bringing birds in for rumor and then sightings and Hound doing the final tracking. The group waits for their wayward cousin to come out of his hole and into the freshly planted vines and shrubs that Drindoleth provided with a little help from Bella. An entangle slows Braber down and the 6 shapeshifting warriors hold him long enough for Bella to administer a sleeping potion to subdue him. He is carefully bound in his bear form and carried back to Beor's House where Bella lives with her dad, Beor, Lord of the Beornings. Beor is pleased with the aid and offers Drindoleth a reward, a month's supply of Honey Cakes and Mead for travel.
Sir Thoroncir misses Gilraen but finds much to occupy his time. The Sea-knight captain will be sure to sample the wines of Dorwinion when he can; he enjoys walking around Lake-town, admiring the mighty peak of Erebor, visiting with the Dwarves, and exploring the area. He will ride out and hunt if the occasion arises; any of his companions are welcome to join him.
Thoroncir would also like to lay some token of respect on the tomb of Thorin II Oakenshield, son of Thráin, son of Thrór, King Under the Mountain, if that is acceptable to his successor.
On learning of the sword's lineage, Gil-Gandel stays up all night singing songs of lost Nargothrond and Finrod Felagund, and considers 9500 gold cheap (though he may have a little work to do raising the readies) to attune such a noble weapon to himself. If he must choose between that and the arrows, the sword definitely takes priority.
After months of preparation, the date of Deor's staff attempt arrives. Days of feverish preparations in his laboratory, the careful construction, enchantment, and placement of the enormous crucible, a shallow, long, and narrow iron trough made in a gentle curve to precisely align with the setting sun and the rising moon on the solstice, and the careful creation of the ingredients have all come to a head now. Deor stands in the wind in the long, late summer evening at the top of his hill, flanked by a pair of the best Dwarven craftsmen the King could hire, watching for the moment of moonrise over the hills in the East. All his ingredients are standing by in covered earthenware pots, plates, and jugs on a pair of long tables. Deor's staff, cut and nicked from long journeys and free of its worn leather grip, is in his hand, at the ready.
As the late solstice sun begins to cast long shadows, Deor spots the first curve of the moon coming above the horizon and sets to work. He steps quickly toward the rings of candles and incense burners that surround his carefully prepared workspace and lights each one with no match, but rather by pinching each wick between his fingers. Once the smoke begins drifting over the crucible, he grinds into the crucible the powdered herbs and flowers, crushes the seeds and leaves, and sifts in the precious spices of the south. He moves swiftly to add the liquid ingredients, first water from his family's well and milk from a mearas that recently foaled on his uncle's farm, then the crushed glowworm, the juice of exotic fruits from the south and a tiny measure of strong kahve. As Deor grinds and pours, he chants, over and over, in languages he learned in his apprenticeship and in his travels, in Quenya and in Sindarin, in the ancient Khuzdul of the Dwarves, and finishing each iteration of chants in the ancient Rohirric tongue. Deor moves swiftly on to the mineral components, including the iron and copper from the nearest Dwarven mines and the finest ground mithril that Harad has to offer, alongside pitch-black obsidian and perfect white crystal. Shavings of dense, heavy ebony from the south blend with powdered ivory from an oliphaunt, glowing in the light from pure phosphorus dissolving in the precious oils of Gondor's own coast. Even ice, carefully brought from the mountains under cover of darkness, melts slowly into the basin. Finally, he adds the precious jewels, pearls, and even his own Ruby of Fireballs to the mixture whole and spaced carefully along the crucible from west to east, with the Ruby taking the prime focus position at the top end of the staff, facing directly west and opposite his own Ring of Seven Stones, at the eastern foot end of the staff. Last of all, the personal items-- an eyelash, a measure of his own blood, even one of his own milk teeth, saved by his mother from years past. Six of Folca's long wingtip feathers, earth from his mother's garden, and horsehair from his uncle's prized stallions sink to the bottom of the mixture, more quickly than they would a in natural brew. Deor stirs the mixture with the glass and golden rods the Dwarves have provided, and watches as the mixture changes from cloudy and gray to water-clear to an opaque red.
As the sun touches the horizon, Deor's gaze snaps upward-- only a little time remains. As his hands begin to shake from concentration, he carefully wraps his staff in the finest paper the craftsmen in Minas Tirith have to offer, binds it with the finest copper and gold wires the Dwarven smiths can make, and gently lowers his staff into the mixture, which hisses and sputters as the wood resists the influence of the magic. Deor's knuckle's whiten as he continues his chant, the mixture sending up gouts of smoke and steam from its surface. His eyes roll back in his head, he signals to the Dwarves to pile on their tinder and prepare to truly meld the disparate components of the staff. As the Dwarves prepare, Deor continues his chant with renewed vigor, feeling the stirring of his power as it flows from his body and into the staff, and as the strength of the mallorn wood seeps into his hands he cries out. As the last rays of the sun flash over his face, the light on the hilltop seems to brighten rather than dim, and when the sun finally sets entirely behind the hills, Deor slumps to the ground, exhausted and spent. The pair of Dwarves glace at one another, and carefully place him on the slab of smooth granite prepared for the purpose.
Consciousness comes suddenly for Deor at midday; the Dwarves have, as directed, prepared their tinder, firewood, and coal at dawn and kindled a fire under the crucible from a crystal to avoid the least bit of sulphur contamination. The fire is blazing madly as Deor awakes, and the Dwarves, undaunted by the hellish heat, pile more and more of their purified coal and flagons of their oils onto the now enormous bed of coals. Though he is too exhausted to stand, Deor forces himself into his meditations, chanting aloud in those few phrases of Draconic still known to men to whip the flames into a frenzy. Before long the Dwarves can approach their furnace only from the windward side, and after another hour, they retreat to the edges of the circle, standing among the burned-out candles and incense dishes. Deor continues his chanting, and though his words are drowned out, he feels his voice growing ever stronger, the aches in his throat subsiding as the magic takes over. Deor's eyes are locked to the Eastern horizon, and as the edge of the moon kisses the skyline, Deor halts in mid-phrase. The flames under the crucible abruptly flicker and die, and the only sound is the hissing and cracking of the rapidly cooling iron crucible. He struggles to his feet, leaning on the nearby table for his balance. He walks to the table, stopping three times to catch his breath. Deor steps forward, peers through the smoky mist coming up from the iron vessel, and sees...
Did it work?
Wow, good stuff, Appleciders! Almost felt like I was there watching.
The alchemist training has aided Deor greatly in his work. His attention to detail is higher then normal even among wizards and his youthful stamina does him good service. The flames of the Dwarven Masters, supervised by no one less then Gimli son of Gloin combined with his alchemical agents to aid the flame result in a perfect heating of the delicate final step. In the end the special trough that held the staff melts away and the staff glows, impervious to the flames as hot as any in Imladris itself. A part of himself has imbued the staff. A great power it will soon pass back. He knows it is a great success and is eager to find out how great.
He will not be casting though until the next full moon, a harsh wait for one so young still. But he is quite safe in the Dwarven home until a small escort from the King brings him back to his tower. He spends the day studying the staff and talking fire and heat control with Gimli and 6 of the top smiths and smelters.
The following day he makes it back to his tower with his new staff.
Exact stats to follow by email by Monday but the biggest thing is the double the numbers of spells now.
July 28 of FA65
The party gathers back together by the end of July. Travels and various side missions accomplished. Is there any things of note that occurs in Minas Tirith?
Gilraen is overjoyed to see her love return safely and leaps into his arms in a decidedly unprincessly way. "I missed you Thoroncir but I have worked hard and I am free to travel again with you if you wish me to join you."
Deor was successful and fortunate in his staff making. It went very well indeed. Though his friends will notice a few changes, he seems to stand taller and his hair has taken on a reddish tint almost like the beginnings of flames ready to flare up. Deor’s staff of Mallorn appears gilded with gold and glints in a light but most striking is the prominent ruby atop it that appears to have living flames captured within its facets. Also noticeable is he speaks faster then he use to.
One note for Drindoleth in particular, Radagast the Brown, friend to birds and Yavanna's representative in Middle-Earth has left turning over the burden of aiding the wilds and the beasts to Bjorn and his fellow Druids. The message has gone out by bird to all the lands for those that know how to listen. Drindoleth is among the small inner circle of senior druids Radagast had personally asked to support Bjorn in the upcoming decades.
Surprisingly Thain Faramir Took and a goodly part of Mulligan’s extended family arrive just as the party all make it back. He did mention back before the Battle of Goblin Gate that he planned to take his family to Minas Tirith in about 2 years. It is just 78 Hobbits is a fairly large number.
Lorliana is back in Minas Tirith and wishes to see all of the party that is around and any friends willing to help them.
Thoroncir is taken aback for just a moment or two by the princess's very enthusiastic welcome. However, delighted, he quickly reciprocates, holding her close and repaying each of her kisses with two of his own. When he catches his breath he says, "Truly we have been apart far too long, my lady! I am glad to find you well, even more beautiful than when last I beheld you. I have much and more to tell you about Erebor, Lake-town and the other places I have been, and wish to hear all about how you have occupied yourself here, as well. And of course - need you ask? - I would have you by my side in all my further travels, now and forever, my love, sweet Gilraen...."
He will do his best to make the visiting hobbits feel welcome in Minas Tirith, as they made Gilraen and him feel welcome when the two were in the Shire last year. He will also be glad to meet with Lorliana to learn how he might be of further service.
Oh, good! Deor's glad that Lorliana's back from the North, and he'd love to see her. Maybe they could get a meal in the Elf Stone Inn, and maybe meet up with the rest of the party there too?
Ceol enjoyed his time back in Rohan, and was quietly amused (and perhaps a bit daunted) at being looked to as an instructor (he thinks of himself as still having far too much to learn, himself).
He congratulates his cousin Deor on the completion of his staff. "You seem to have been...invigorated...by the entire experience."
He delivers the new shield from Helm's Deep to Thoroncir. "It does appear to me that the Dwarven craftsmen outdid themselves on this commission, my friend." He will also have gladly conveyed any response from Gimli to the Prince's letter.
In his studies with Bombadil Gil-Gandel earlier learned of the Barrow-Wights' chant incanted over the Ring-bearer and his companions, which ran as follows:
Cold be hand and heart and bone,
and cold be sleep under stone;
never more to wake on stony bed,
never, till the Sun fails and the Moon is dead.
In the black wind the stars shall die,
and still on gold here let them lie,
till the dark lord lifts his hand
over dead sea and withered land.
So over his reforged sword Gil-Gandel sings on this wise:
Fire in hand and heart and bone
banish cold sleep under stone,
malisons dispelled and done
under cleansing light of the Moon and the Sun.
Summer breeze fans stars to light,
Blaze disperses the shades of night;
for the dark lord is slain and sped
and none shall fear more the powerless dead.
Rorimac very much enjoys his time at the Dale, seeing the battleground and paying his respects.
"Cousin Faramir, it's so good to see you again." Angelica curtsied dextrously as she had learnt over the last few weeks.
"Mulli...I mean Angelica. It's a pleasure to see you too." Faramir eyes widened at the unfamiliar sight of Mulligan in a pretty dress.
"I see you have bought the family as you said you would. Well you will be pleased to know that a few preparations have been made. I managed to ensure they had enough food in stock for at least a few weeks. I'm not sure their stores would have been able to cope without a little suggestion or two."
Faramir smiles at the thought of his family attempting to eat Minas Tirith out of house and home.
"Also, there is a feast to be had, with many family and friends here. Gilraen and Thoroncir, I'm sure, will be there. If we asked nicely Gil-Gandel could amaze us with his songs, and so many others. There is Deor with his new staff, Bitur and .....
"Ok, stop. Who are you and where is the real Mulligan?" asks Faramir
"I've been learning to be a lady, which is probably more a surprise to myself than anyone else. But it has been useful, and don't get used to it. Now about this feast, it will be tomorrow night and I expect everyone to be neat and tidy and above all enjoy themselves. If you will excuse me, I have some invitations to write."
~~~~~~
Later that Day, everyone receives a neatly penned invitation to a feast. It will be in honour of Prince Faramir & Princess Eowyn, who have arrived and will be attending not to mention the young Princess Gilraen and her Knight in shining armour. Although Meriadoc Brandybuck is unable to make it, as a resident of the city, Peregrin Took will be in attendence.
Elfstan has journeyed along and is happy to see the rest of the group he adventured with. He has recoved somewhat from his injuries, but is still not quite the same as he used to be.
One word of warning, if a young hobbit called Skyler asks you to look in the bag. Don't
Does the invitation explicitly list only Deor? Or can he invite Lorliana as well?
Captain Sir Thoroncir closely examines the new shield which Ceol brought back, and thanks him very warmly for his assistance. Does the shield meet with the Sea-knight's approval?
He looks forward to the feast - especially the chance to see Gilraen in some dazzling new gown.
Deor is quite welcome to invite Lorliana. Having travelled with us, she has already been invited but I'm sure she would appreciate the personal gesture.Quote:
Originally posted by Appleciders
The shield is excellent indeed. Not just a defensive piece but a weapon in its own right.
After the day of the ball there is to be a tourney. Archers, lancers, swordsmen, wall scaling, foot races, log hurling, hammer throwing are among the many events with small prizes attached.
Ceol's ears perk up on mention of the tourney. "Lancers and swordsmen? This could be entertaining."
Thoroncir, too, is intrigued; it has been several years since he last took part in a tourney. He begins practicing with his lance and new shield on the Citadel parade ground, hoping to do well and to make Gilraen proud. He asks Ceol, "Would you care to practice with me, my friend? I know that you would be a worthy adversary, and we would each provide a good challenge for the other."
"Aye, Thoroncir, I would be glad to practice with you. I admit, my practice has been more recent -- I drilled extensively with my Éored during my time back in Rohan, but a tourney is a different sort of combat. Let us make certain that we do not accidentally break each other's bones prior to the tourney." He grins.
The party is partially assembled on Pippin's wide front porch before the Ball begins. Many of the Hobbits they know are there and some other old acquaintance. Faramir and Éowyn along with old comrade Caramir their son come up to say high and introduce Elboron the elder Prince. After they leave to head for the Citadel, Ornan of Lossarnach (who the party knows from that day seemingly so long ago when they rescued Anthar's family from the orcs) remarks, "The blood of Morwen runs true in her granddaughter the White Lady, she ages like a high born of the Dúnedain, it is remarkable, I would guess she was no more then 50 if I did not know better."
Faramir Took replies, "Éowyn has indeed aged little compared to her beloved but departed brother, but so too has Uncle Merry. The pair that slayed the WitchKing appear to have been both blessed with longevity. Perhaps some gift from the King's healing or perhaps the Valar?"
One thing the party notices, is Pippin has become quite slow and falls into naps very quickly. His appetite is very sparse for a Hobbit, he eats less then a normal human in fact. He also has given up smoking and has become hard of hearing.
Thoroncir will make it a point to introduce himself to and speak to Pippin - loudly, if necessary! - and get to know him a little better. He is a quite estimable, indeed legendary, hobbit.
Pippin looking a little confused says, "You're very tall for a Dwarf, much taller then Gimli, is that Orcrist at your side? Wait, you're dead and furthermore you're clearly a man, you have no beard. What was that name again? I killed a troll in the final battle of the War you know. Haven't we met before? Wait you're THORON-cir, the young man that Gilraen likes, right? You're a friend of my niece I believe. Where is that Angela? Have you taken care of our good Pony? Old Bill the third is a good lad. You there, Thoroncir, do you think you're worthy of Gilraen? She is the King's daughter after all and Granddaughter of Elrond himself."
Gil-Gandel looks on fondly, remembering that this was the same Pippin who pledged his sword to Gondor's Steward as man-price for the sacrifice of Boromir, and sees in him still that which led the people of Minas Tirith to call him Ernil i Pheriannath, Prince of the Halflings. All this was an eye-blink ago as Elves see it, and now dear, deaf Peregrin Took is plainly not long for the World of Men. Yet who knows what awaits him in the world to come? - and moreover it may be that Pippin and his deeds and sayings are remembered when Gil-Gandel and all he wrought are long gone.
Thoroncir catches Gil-Gandel's eye, smiles, and then takes the hand of the elderly hobbit. "No dwarf am I, to be sure, patriarch of a Took, just a man who is very pleased to see you once more. I am indeed he who loves Gilraen. Every day I strive to be worthy of her favor, in hopes that someday, if all goes well, we may be wed. But come, it seems like ages since I first met you at the Elf Stone Inn. I hope you are well?"
Drindoleth finds himself somewhat distracted by the request given to him and those few other druids. His thoughts are often returning to the support he's pledged for Bjorn and what might change with Radagast having left. As he's often very quiet and lost in his own thoughts anyway, it's not a terribly noticable difference, but one that those who know him well might notice to some degree.
"That is a remarkable staff," he praises Deor when he sees him. "And it has had a remarkable effect upon you, as well."
Drindoleth does come somewhat out of his internal musings over the feast. He remains quiet and thoughtful, but is very interested in watching Thoroncir's interactions with the legendary Peregrin Took.
Bitur is intrigued by the idea of competing in a tournament. However, he chooses only to enter log hurling and hammer throwing competitions, knowing that the other ones are not really suited to the skills he possesses.
Then Deor will certainly invite her. He'll angle to get a seat next to her at the banquet; he wants to hear all about her work in Rivendell since they last spoke.Quote:
Originally posted by CatInASuit
"Thank you! It was quite an experience to create something like this."Quote:
Originally posted by Zuul
The Ball is held around the courtyard of the White Tree under large pavilions and the glorious shining lanterns of Algarond. The tables are laden heavily with
food and drink around the perimeter. There are quiet places but most is boisterous.
The Ball is a big success as Men, Hobbits, Elves and even Dwarves mingle, eat, drink and dance. The men and elves tolerate the enthusiasm of some of the Hobbits and Dwarves and it is a grand ball indeed. Queen Arwen is stunning in a simple but elegant blue gown. Prince Eldarion looks a little awkward but could be forgiven by the sheer numbers of mothers of potential matches to the crown prince that try to gain his ear. Princess Éowyn is stunning still in her white dress. Of the 4 Princess and many ladies of the court, it looks like a spring flower garden. Silmariën the eldest is dazzling in a complicated golden gown, Gilraen does great justice to a seemingly simple looking white gown that could be for dancing or formal ceremonies to Estë. Telperiën is dressed in spring green and is already much taller then Gilraen though only 14. Her jewelry and coif are the most elaborate but perfect. Young Fíriel at only 10 is dressed as a flower of Nimloth the Fair of Númenor and its descendent the White Tree of Minas Tirith.
The music is grand and food is great. The Hobbits seem to enjoy themselves the most. Able to both respect the Nobility around them and to make everyone enjoy the night more.
Lorliana is clearly happy Deor has asked her, she looks wonderful in a elegant gown of silver and gold. She attends to his every word, asks about his adventures and laughs at his jokes. If prompted she speaks but little of why she wants to see the party for a meeting. But hints it is news of Kkósal.
Thoroncir must share Gilraen with many other dancers, Caramir and Elboron among them. Falastur, Duke of Harlindon tries to get extra dances with Gilraen alone of the Princesses and at one point Gilraen looks quite annoyed with him. To the point where to the sharp eyed Gil-Gandel, he sees Lady Atheniel speak to Eldarion who then politely but firmly leads the Duke off on some major conversation, clearly about matters of state. Thoroncir has chances to dance with Gilraen and the other Princesses. Fíriel in particular seems to be asking questions and judging his worth as only a child or the elderly would do.
Through it all, Angela Mulligan Took dances and twirls on the arm of various Hobbits. She cuts a dazzling contrast to how all are use to seeing her.
Skylar Took who though older then Angela, seems younger, managed to cause but little trouble. Somehow late in the dance as Falastur was heading once more towards Gilraen, he found himself staggered backwards as if drunk and was convinced it was time to call it a night. A few of the those that know the way of invisibility suspect that Sklyar had something physical to do with this.
Such a setting, such fine folk, such music, food and drink, and in the very shadow of the White Tree! Sir Thoroncir knows his family, humble mariners and fisherfolk all, would scarcely believe that life has led him to this.
He is frankly rather dazzled by the company in which he finds himself, and in particular by the opportunity to speak and dance with all four princesses of Gondor, each quite charming in her own way (what questions does Fíriel have? He will do his best to answer them), but none more so than his beloved. He has never met the forthright Falastur, Duke of Harlindon, before now, but remembers the Crown Prince having earlier mentioned the peer's designs upon Gilraen. The Sea-knight captain cannot honestly say he is unhappy that the duke was diverted to other pursuits this evening. He will ask Mulligan, er, Angelica for at least one dance while Gilraen is otherwise occupied.
As the wonderful evening goes on, Thoroncir tries - with intermittent success - not to stare at the radiant beauty of the King's second daughter. He is happiest when she is in his arms, moving close to him as they dance, eyes aglow, and smiling only for him....
"To One in Paradise"
by Edgar Allan Poe (1833)
...And all my days are trances,
And all my nightly dreams
Are where thy dark eye glances,
And where thy footstep gleams--
In what ethereal dances,
By what eternal streams...!
She was trying to convince herself she wasn't nervous and was failing. Since the others all left Minas Tirith to the time they had returned, Angelica had decided to try something new. In the few weeks, she was learning how to act as a lady.
It was not easy, the hair that had been growing longer since they had all left for the Raj had been brushed and combed and straightened and curled over and over again. It was difficult to get used to the more flowing dresses having spent so much time in garb considered unladylike. Learning to walk and dance as a lady was much simpler, she had always been light on her feet. Then again, learning to talk as a lady was something that was going to take more time than they had before the ball.
Looking in the mirror, she considered how much of an opportunity she had and she wasn't going to let it go. A fair amount of money was going towards this, and she at least hoped that it would make her Uncle glad, not to mention all her friends. No, the money was not important, making the people around her happier was. Besides, as she said once to Deor, there is always more around if you know where to look.
~~~~~~
The preparation had been tedious but added to the sense of an oncoming tide that couldn't be turned back. There were lots of people she had invited and several who were coming that she didn't feel she could pluck up the nerve to ask. Thanks to the other princesses it seemed to go well and they seemed to want to put on a bit of a celebration as well. But it was all beginning to come together. She was grateful that her cousin and a lot of her family would be there and she wouldn't feel so small amongst everyone else celebrating. Not that her friends would let her feel that way, she hoped.
She arranged for Deor to sit next to Lorliana and although she couldn't put Gilraen and Thoroncir together, she made sure that only the other princesses would be around. After an hour or two it probably wouldn't matter anyway as the hobbit contingent would be far more likely to start moving around and talking to everybody and anybody who would listen.
~~~~~~~
While the party was running, she had been moving around to make sure everyone was at least having some fun. Earlier she had spoken to them all thanking them for coming and not to feel nervous despite the esteemed company attending. She had hoped that her nerves would be hidden, but judging by the smile on Gil-Gandel's face at least one person had noticed. Deor seemed to be deep in conversation with Lorliana, more confident, taller and not as reserved. Putting them together could be a good match, they certainly seemed to get on.
But for now she was dancing and being whirled around the floor. She had danced on the arm of several including Uncle Pippin and now it was Thoroncir, whose eyes were still fixed on Gilraen. Dancing with someone so tall was less tricky if he wouldn't stop looking around to make sure that Gilraen was fine and not being pestered by that Duke. He didn't even realise he was doing it, which was sweet, but leaving her shoes under the chair was beginning to look like a mistake. Her toes would be fine as long she kept them out of the way of his feet.
Maybe Skylar would come in useful later on, or maybe she would take some action herself. Her ring was on a chain placed about her person, so it could be done. Another invisible hobbit, what would they say.
~~~~~~~
Angelica looked around and was quite satisifed with the evening. It was quieter now as most had left to retire for the night. Each of her friends would have their own stories to tell of the night. She reached behind a chair for the shoes she had discarded not fifteen minutes into the ball. How people danced in them she would never know and the feel of the grass on her feet was always preferable. They had escaped injury though. She sat down with as cup of something and smiled, thinking back to watching them all dance and enjoy themselves. Uncle Pippin had at least enjoyed it while he could, although he was definitely slipping away, he had started to call her Angela again. A tear rolled down a cheek as she hoped it was the best she could do for him.
She raised the cup to a couple of hobbits who were leaving and thanked them for coming. The smiles and acknowledgement in return the same as many others that evening.
The morning would bring other problems, her new status in Minas Tirith and word of this would get home to the Shire. Elfstan and Faramir would see to that, if any of the other 70 or so hobbits there didn't. Maybe avoiding the Shire for a decade or so might be advisable. A few offers had already come her way from distant cousins, but she wasn't ready for the settled life just yet. Lorliana's mention of Khosal was enough to ensure that it wasn't time. But thoughts of that could wait until tomorrow, tonight had been to celebrate...celebrate...it was a party. who needed an excuse to have fun.
"Here you're missing something", came a voice. Looking round, she saw Rorimac approaching holding out two pipes and a pouch.
"I'm not supposed to be smoking, it's unladylike."
"Since when did that ever stop you."
"For one night, I'm trying something new. Being different, something people never saw of me or in me."
"Here's the good news, it worked, Angelica. You made a real impression. The other good news, it's gone midnight, here you could do with this."
Mulligan accepted the offered pipe and filled it from the pouch. "That's excellent quality, where did you get it from?", she asked lighting it.
"You have you secrets and I have mine", replied Rorimac as he lit his own pipe.
"I bet I can blow better smoke rings than you."
"You're on."
Ceol enjoys the party, taking turns dancing with some of the ladies (though he's not a particularly skilled dancer). He finds himself rather tongue-tied in the presence of the four princesses, even Gilraen (certainly, she doesn't look quite this way when they're on an adventure).
He also enjoys spending time speaking with the large number of hobbits in attendance. He makes a point of dancing with Angelica. "You look quite charming, Miss Took."
Telperiën, Gilraen's much taller younger sister has one dance with the handsome tall young Knight of Eonwë. His 6'4" height helps contrast her own 5'10" height. She is already quite a beauty but leaves Ceol somewhat out of his depth as she talks of dances, lords and ladies, fashion and songs. Ceol is actually quite popular as a dance partner and one older lady, perhaps all of 40 helps him a bit with his dancing. He has no hopes of remember the dozens of names he learned that night.
Deor and Lorliana talk much and dance some. Neither appear to be a great dancer but they complement each other fairly well.
Gil-Gandel has been watching and listening to all but saying little. He slips away from the festivities at one point and reappears in finer clothing, fashioned after the manner of a travelling harper but of more expensive workmanship and materials. He asks leave of the company to play, and takes up his Starharp.
He performs an elaborate song-without-words that conveys to all present how the company conducted themselves in the far lands and what befell them; a tale of a voyage upon the ever-moving Sea, of battle before the walls, of brave enemies who became trusted friends, of trolls and terror by night, of undead, of villages bereft of menfolk and hope alike, of hope rekindled after the manner of King Estel Envinyatur, of evil fire-cultists, and of the long-awaited return to home. Without one word and without even exercising those powers of silent illusion that he employed at the funeral of King Eomer, Gil-Gandel allows all those who were there to remember and all those who were not to understand what it was like to be there. Each member of the Company is represented with a tune and a theme of their own, all woven together and now giving way one to another as each took the lead from time to time in their affairs; and yet perhaps the most prominent and memorable themes are those which, as all who hear can tell, depict Sir Thoroncir and Princess Gilraen. As the music closes Gil-Gandel weaves these two themes together in a haunting duet of startling beauty.
Many of those who were on the voyage home will recognise some snatches of melody from here and there which from time to time they heard Gil-Gandel rehearsing alone by the mast or in the bows of the ship; but never did they hear more than a small fraction until now, nor did they understand it until it was played in full.
The duet fades, and a coda so quiet as to be almost on the edge of hearing seems to be on a theme that can surely be meant only for Gil-Gandel himself. It drifts away, each time as though to drop below the level that human ear can hear and yet never quite doing so, as if mingled with the rhythm of the sea itself, fading, fading as though over the edge of the world -- and Gil-Gandel's eyes themselves have a far look that is not on his harp, nor the ballroom, nor anyone present -- until it diminishes entirely to a close.
He whispers in his own tongue, which many present speak well enough to understand: "But not yet".
Thoroncir is very moved by the tune, and joins in the partygoers' initially-quiet, respectful applause, which soon builds to a crescendo. He walks over to the Elf-captain, clasps his shoulder and says, "Thank you, my friend, for sharing that with us. You have done yourself proud with so evocative and melodic a composition. Well done!"
Feel free to post for the Ball or the Tourney at this point. I'll open the next thread next week. It is already up though.
The Tourney: Day after the Ball
The Tourney takes place on Théoden Park amid the orchards of Pelennor Fields, beyond the gates of the city. There may well be 50,000 people here for the games. Théoden Park is a 40-acre area around the site where King Théoden fell and Lady Éowyn and Meriadoc the Magnificent slew the Lord of the Nazgûls. A great statue to Théoden and Snowmane are the center of the park between Snowmane's Howe and the black, scorched earth where the Fell Beast was burned.
The first of the games is the wall-scaling. The prize is a purse of 100 silvers and fine kid gloves. Many young men and a few Elves and a dozen Hobbits participate, but Skyler Took scrambles up the wall with a wild abandon and easily beats everyone else.
Next up is the log-hurling event. Many very large strong men are participating in the event. But Bitur is the only Dwarf, and in the end his great strength and low center of balance carry the day. He heaves a heavy log a good 22’ beating the local champion by 4’. He wins a purse of 100 silvers and a small keg of ale from the Prancing Pony.
The archery contest comes next and this draws great attention and a hush. It appears no Elves have joined in, which gives the men a fair shot, but surprisingly Faramir Took is competing. He does quite well, coming in second to Haltin, a man of Ithilien from Prince Faramir’s guard. A purse of 100 silvers and a +3 Dwarven arrow is the fine prize for this one.
The hammer throw sees Bitur eliminated early but in an exciting conclusion, a man of Blackroot Vale and one from Stonewain Valley match each other throw after throw until finally Hendrik of Stonewain manages to throw a hammer farther than anyone has ever seen before. A prize of a large skin of wine and a purse of 100 silvers is awarded.
The footrace is swift, of course, and Oroher, an Elf, did participate in this one and ran away with it. He gave the purse to the man who came in second but gladly accepted the bottle of Dorwinion wine.
Finally the swords competition arrives. Many skilled opponents do well, but as the rounds near completion one man dressed in simple grey and a full helm seems to do just enough to move on. He makes it to the final round against the Captain of the Citadel Guard, one Falastur. It is a good match but Falastur laughs during it and says loud enough to hear over the quiet crowd, “Think you I would not recognize your style? I helped to train you, my lord.” With that, the man in grey disarms Falastur in a sudden flurry of moves and Falastur yields. At the Queen’s command the winner steps forward though he looks as though he wishes to flee. “Remove your helm, young man,” she commands.
He does so and it is the Crown Prince himself that has won the match of swords.
The final event of the day is the joust.
Ceol is matched against Sir Melenthul, a Knight of Gondor, and wins easily, showing better lance control, greater strength and far more skillful horsemanship. Melenthul is quite awed by the one that defeated him and his horse. “No match am I for a Knight of Rohan, for compared to you I am but a teen learning his skill.”
Sir Thoroncir does well in his first 2 tilts. Fortunately there are only a handful of Knights of the Mark here. Sir Rickerd of Harlindon is matched against Thoroncir in their third tilt. He wishes his foe “Good luck” and lowers his visor. He is dressed in heavier armor than Thoroncir, and his horse looks excellent. Thoroncir judges this will be a tough match and he will have to hope his strength and agility are enough to win. The two come charging together and at the last moment something seems to disturb Rickerd. His lance aims cruelly high and not at the target. Thoroncir’s lance strikes true and sends Rickerd flying off his horse, but Rickerd’s lance has found a vulnerable spot in the armor around Thoroncir’s neck. The Sea-knight falls from his horse. The crowd gasps in horror, and someone screams.
Rickerd is very slow to rise but blood is spurting from Thoroncir’s neck. Ceol, who was watching his friend's tilt, immediately feels that this was no accident, though for what reason Rickerd would want to injure Thoroncir he cannot imagine. Oddly, Ceol hears a voice nearby among the shouting, “Foul, most foul that was not right!” He realizes it is Pippin watching from a high seat.
Gilraen leaps from the royal box where the princesses surround their mother the Queen. She races to her true love's side as swift as an Elf. Not far behind her is Mulligan Took. They reach Thoroncir as Ceol is closing in on his friend. Ceol fears the worse. Gilraen is clearly in a panic but Mulligan interrupts her and says, “Gilraen, calm yourself and save him, he still breathes.”
Gilraen gathers her magic and has Ceol remove the lance. She throws a pair of CureSerious spells on him and heals 64 points of damage. She also gives him a potion of Extra Healing and he is soon stable but still unconscious. By this time the White Lady and Lady Athenial of Estë have arrived and are helping Gilraen.
Lorliana, who was with Deor, says, “Swiftly Deor, I am sure the healers could use your help at least in boiling some water swiftly.”
Ceol notices that Sir Rickerd is now limping away instead of seeing to his fallen foe.
At the ball, Ceol will graciously thank each of his dance partners, particularly the older woman who helped him with his dance steps. Telperiën leaves him feeling both honored and bashful, trying (but fearing he'll fail) to find a topic of conversation which might appeal to the princess.
He approaches Gil-Gandel at the conclusion of his song. "Truly, I have never heard such a performance before. I felt as though I was once more experiencing all of those events, and the emotions which accompanied them." He bows to the elf. "Truly you are a master of your art."
******************
Ceol will bow to Sir Melenthul, and then clasp his hand. "Thank you for your kind words. It would be an honor to perhaps teach you some of what I have learned."
After he and Gilraen save Thoroncir, Ceol focuses his ability to detect evil on Sir Rickerd as he walks away, and begins to walk after him. "Hold, sir knight...for what reason have you abandoned the code of knightly honor, not once, but twice, on this field?"
Sir Rickerd is not evil.
He mumbles sounding dazed, "It was a accident, a bee disturbed me. I never meant to hurt him."
The first part is not a lie, the second is and the third is a half truth at best.
Noting that Sir Rickerd isn't likely to be going anywhere with any great speed, Ceol heads back to the group. If Deor or Gil-Gandel aren't directly involved in working on Thoroncir, he will draw them them aside.
"I believe that something very strange has happened here. I suspect that Sir Rickerd may be ensorcelled in some way. He blamed a bee for distracting him, but I sense that is not the real story...I am quite certain that his high strike was no accident. Perhaps you might be able to learn more?"
Hands covered in Thoroncir's blood from helping to staunch the wound, Mulligan keeps up a steady chatter aimed solely at Gilraen to focus her on what she does best and to distract her from what it actually means.
Rorimac nudges Drindoleth if around and suggests they pay a quiet visit to Sir Rickerd's preparation tent to see if anything untoward can be found there.
Deor will jump up and begin boiling water and cleansing cloth for the healers. Their art is beyond him, but he can at least prepare their tools.
As he does so, he'll cast Detect Lies, and upon Ceol's question, he'll agree to help. Deor will also probe for the aftereffects of sorcery about Rickerd-- if there are remains, they might give a clue to any magical source to his actions.
At the ball, Bitur will spend most of his time at one of the tables drinking his share of ale and regaling the other guests with stories of his adventures both with Gil-Gandel's group and previous. He will also have the full array of the toys of Erebor on display, and all who desire are welcome to play with them. He will happily share their history with those who show interest, and brag somewhat that his first attempt at replicating such masterwork was bought by none other than the King of Dale. Of course, he will give due credit to Gil-Gandel who provided the song that was so integral to making the music box what it is.
At some point during the evening, after watching Mulligan expressing a side of her that none probably even knew existed, Bitur will cut in during one of her dances with one of the more adolescent humans (largely for the humorous contrast of an old short dwarf telling a young tall human to beat it, but in a nice way) and dance with her for a song. While not as adept as some of the others, Bitur is still surprisingly light on his feet, particularly for an old dwarven warrior of his age. After the dance, he thanks Mulligan and returns back to his seat.
When Gil-Gandel begins to play, Bitur stops whatever tale he was in the middle of telling and watches the bard, lost in thought and memory. At the end, a glint of a tear can be seen in his eye, but if asked he'll sneeze and say it was a bit of dust.
At the tournament, Bitur welcomes all he competed with in both competitions to join him in sharing his prize of ale. After all, what use is good ale if it can't be drunk with good company. Upon seeing Thoroncir's "accident" though, Bitur will jump up axe at the ready and chase after Rickerd. Catching up with Ceol, Bitur offers to stay with Rickerd and watch him while the rest attend to Thoroncir.
To Rickerd:
A bee, eh? It's been my experience that most coincidental accidents are neither coincidental nor an accident. Not to mention that you don't seem all that concerned about how the man you just injured is doing. Let me give you a piece of advice: if you try to leave these grounds before this business is sorted out or try anything else suspicious, you'll have much more than a bum leg to worry about. I promise you that.
Deor will add,, "There was no bee, was there? Why would you invent such a thing?"
He looks very nervous and is sweating profusely. He suddenly takes off running.
Bitur will chase him down and tackle him. He will pin Rickerd until Deor or someone can tie him up.
Mulligan will let others handle Sir Rickerd while she keep Gilraen occupied.
Rorimac will be over by Sir Rickerd's tent, checking it out to see if there is anything suspicious.
As Bitur with a little help tackle Rickerd, Rorimac reaches the tent inside to find something of great interest. A women is gathering up belongings hastily with an apparent intent to flee. The tent is otherwise empty. She is filling a well made back pack are the moment. The tent by the way is blue as is a tradition among the men of Ered Luin.
Gil-Gandel is never early nor late - he arrives precisely when he is needed. "Bitur, put not this man to the shame of the rope before such a company; he will give his word not to flee again, I am sure, and if not, the ways of the elves are more than enough for the present need." On a social occasion like this Gil-Gandel is armed only with his "dress sword" - the short blade - but it should do.
"Honour is hard won but easily lost, my friend," Gil-Gandel adds, "and when you are dealing with those who are close to the King, it is well to consider carefully one's next move. You are in an ill situation, perhaps not altogether of your own making, and a loose tongue might be the surest way to mend matters." Gil-Gandel is ready with a Stunning Discord should Rickerd attempt to flee again.
Quietly Unsheathing Kkhosal's Bane and moving carefully in trying not to be noticed, Rorimac will attempt to apprehend the woman from close behind. If Drindoleth is there, Rorimac suggests the druid waits just outside to catch a fleeing female.
To the woman in the tent, "I suggest you stop what you are doing and move very slowly towards the exit. Leaving so soon after the trouble on the field does not look well for you."
Bitur will relax his hold on Rickerd and gingerly help him up.
To Gil-Gandel (plainly): I will defer to your judgment in this matter. However, I'm not leaving this man's side until we sort all this out.
To Rickerd (with contempt): I suggest you listen to Gil-Gandel's advice. And if I may offer some advice of my own, you probably should thank him for treating you better than you deserve.
Rickerd looks shaken and then starts to talk, "I was following the orders of my liege, Duke Falaster. But I knew meant to deal such a grievious wound, I was just to end the tourney for him. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I should have known better. Will he be all right?"
He then gets shaky and expels the content of his stomach.
At the tent the woman shrieks and drops what she was loading.
It is a skilled actor indeed who can feign distress as convincingly as this. What is Duke Falaster's quarrel with Sir Thoroncir, I wonder. Perhaps we need to take the matter up with him. Do we know of his reputation?
Gilraen replies, "The Duke is obnoxious and has had designs on marrying one of the King's daughter. He realized he had no chance at a match with Silmariën the fair and settle on trying to win my hand. Apparently he was very upset when an 'upstart nobody from a fishing village' won my hand. I'm guessing he had not ended his hopes."
Éowyn says, "I think we should go pay a visit to this wart and please escort that one with us." She points to Rickerd.
Rorimac looks at the lady and then the backpack she has dropped on the floor and then gestures towards the exit.
"I apologise for startling you, but I believe that there will be other people who would most definitely like to talk with you about Sir Rickerd. If you wish to bring the backpack as well, so be it, but I think we should be on our way."
If there is no apparent danger, he will sheathe the sword.
Ceol nods at Eowyn's suggestion. "I believe that her highness has an exceptionally good idea. I also wonder if Sir Rickerd was perhaps the subject of some manner of magical control."
(Is Thoroncir still unconscious?)
Thoroncir now comes awake.
The lady in the tent relies to Rory, "I'll go with you but I have done nothing wrong."
Thoroncir looks around, rubs his throat and winces. He focuses on Gilraen and asks, "What... what happened?" His voice is a little hoarse.
I think it were best not to denounce this Duke publicly for the time being. Odious he may be, but it is possible that the King has need of him for the present. Perhaps the Lady Éowyn could utter a word or two in the right ears?
As the party looks to where the Duke would have been sitting they already see Prince Faramir there with what at first looks like a group of kids but they soon realize it is a squad of Hobbits. Apparently someone has already put two and two together.
Any attempt to rub his throat by Thoroncir will get his hands slapped away by Mulligan. "Don't touch it and lie still. You have been in an accident, but you should be better soon."
~~~~~
Rorimac to the lady, "Your actions may hint otherwise, but if you are innocent then please forgive my suspicions. Shall we go"
Rorimac will then escort the lady back to the main area, keeping an eye on her if she intends to run away again.
Deor will continue to investigate Rickerd. He'll use a Detect Magic to search for any leftover traces of spells that could have altered Rickerd's behavior.
There is no magic residue on Rickerd from a spell. His short sword does radiate magic but much like you would expect a short sword to.
Thoroncir glares for a moment at Mulligan, but realizes she acted for his own good. He asks, "Is my horse Baygir all right?"
Baygir comes over when his name is said. He looks concerned.
Thoroncir says, in Horse, "Are you all right? Was anyone else injured?"
Baygir neighs, "I'm find, but you're foe tried to kill you."
The Duke, thinks Thoroncir. He wants Gilraen, and Sir Rickerd is his man. Jealousy is surely at the root of this.
Seeing the look in Thoroncir's eyes, Mulligan leans over and whispers quietly to him while making the pretence of looking over his wounds. "It's under control. The Duke is going nowhere and will be answering for these actions."
~~~
Rorimac leads the lady back to the jousting area.
The group collectively makes their way towards where the Duke is with Thoroncir being forced to ride in a litter that was brought up.
They find old Pippin haranging the Duke and Faramir looking grim. Pippin sees the party appoach and demands, "There is the wretch that did the deed but on whose orders? Mordor work this was today."
Leaving Thoroncir in Gilraen's care, Mulligan moves across to quieten her uncle down. "Uncle, I'm sure we can find out what has happened here today. Let us let those in charge look at what happened without accusation or rumour being spread as to what occured and why."
OK as this is not moving at all.
It comes out in questioning that Rickerd was given a large purse of gold to knock Thoroncir out of the tourney early. It was the Duke, his Duke that did this. Rickerd will be stripped of his title and put to hard labor for 2 years. The Duke as someone of much greater responsibility is judged the more sternly; for his heavy handed act directly affecting the security of the Kingdom he is sentenced to 7 years of hard labor like any other enemy of the Kingdoms. The purse of 2000 Gold is offer to Thoroncir in compensation.
The woman in the tent is found not complicit in the acts and deeds and is warned of her association with men of questionable morals.
On to the next adventure ...
Agreed. Moving swiftly onwards.
After long thought, Thoroncir forgives Sir Rickerd, as the knight was only following the orders of his liege. Thoroncir even finds it in his heart to forgive the Duke, as Gilraen is so remarkable a woman that the Sea-knight captain can understand how even a peer of the realm might be tempted to criminal misdeeds in some deluded, vain attempt to win her. Nevertheless, their crimes were against the King's peace, and not just against him personally, and he cannot say the sentences were unjust.
He will donate the purse to the Order of the Healers of Estë.
Off we go....