Éomer looking thoughtful, “Thank you for gracing us with that song. You have caught the heart of the Mark in it. It is a tradition in Edoras to reward the traveling minstrels for a job well done, I know not what to offer one of the Bards of the Fair Folk. Is there some small boon we can offer you?”
Looking around, several tall proud warriors appear to be holding back tears and the lady in waiting is wiping tears away.
Elfwine has engaged Gilraen is a private conversation to the side. He also appears to be rather appreciative of her beauty.
“Oh, naturally! It’s good you reminded me, I should do the same with my own robes. Mother would never forgive me if she heard I went in front of the King in a travel stained set of robes.”
Deor will study for a few minutes to change his cantrips for the day, picking up Clean and Mend. He’ll make judicious use of them in cleaning the clothing in question.
Sir Thoroncir looks with apparent equanimity on the two as they talk… but his mind is racing, and his heart pounds in his chest. Dare he intrude on the two royal personages? After all, the man is heir to the throne of Rohan and, judging by the unfortunate appearance of the king, might soon ascend it! The first steps towards what dynastic alliance might be taken if Thoroncir does nothing? Has the princess so soon forgotten his declaration of love, and the oath he swore? Or… wait! Does he worry for no good reason? Yes. Perhaps he reads too much into the mere fact that they converse… then again, maybe…
The Sea-Knight is unaccustomed to indecision, and ill-trained for battles fought not with swords. He miserably gazes at the love of his life and the Rohirric prince together. She laughs at something he says, and Thoroncir tamps down a feeling of panic as his palms begin to sweat.
Be easy Sea-Knight, Gilraen does nothing more than is expected of her. I doubt her gift to you is quickly forgotten or, more importantly, your gift to her. If you want to be with her, then trust her now to do the right thing. Put aside your doubts and relax. She will let you know when the right time to intrude is.
Ghân bows low to the King, thanks him for remembering his grandfather and assures the King there will always be friendship between the Mark and Druadan Forest.
Ghân apologises for not saying much himself, but asks that Gil-Gandel’s poetry speaks for him.
“Your Majesty, it is enough to know that my song has found favour, and yet more to know that there is welcome here for those of the Wood. Our peoples were too long wary of each other, and it is sad that a softening of moods has come only in the latter days, when it is in my heart that Men and Elves shall not walk long together. May the King of the Mark, who is famed for his large heart and open hands, not be displeased when I say that my needs are few, and that friendship is of more worth than gold.”
Éomer King, “Ah, Gil-Gandel is fair spoken for even one of the fair folk. I do hope that going forward that friendship shall increase between our people. My son Elfwine has journeyed to both your old home and the new home in Eryn Lasgalen. He has also studied in Rivendell the home of both of Princess Gilraen’s mighty parents. We have greatly prospered in our friendships; first with Gondor, then the Dwarves of Aglarond and the Hobbits of the faraway Shire. Elfwine hopes to add the friendship of the Elves and I the wisdom of the Woses. The enemies’ greatest success was keeping us suspicious of each other. May this never happen again.”
He turns to Deor, “I understand that you are Deor and have trained as a good Wizard. Too long did we also mistrust Gandalf to whom we owe the greatest debt. As your brother acquits himself with honor for Gondor we hear that you to have done well for the reputation of Rohan. Honestly, none would have spoke of Rohan before of our great intellect, it is good to know that you are proving that thought to be but sloppy thinking. We hope someday when you are ready to settle down that you might return to Edoras as Elfwine’s advisor. If it is in our power to assist you along your way, please let us know. There are many small things we can do to aid.”
Elfwine and Gilraen’s conversation comes to an end and Elfwine (hopefully to Thoroncir) looks a bit disappointed as he goes to speak to Ghân. He requests the boon that after this they take some time to discuss a friendship between the two people. We are near neighbors and yet rarely have we been friends. I have learned of your ancient history and I would like to make some amends for my people and what was done in the past in ignorance.”
Thoroncir, a little startled that Mulligan so easily noticed his discomfort, says quietly, “My thanks, dear Mulligan, for your words of encouragement. I think you often understand my liege lady Gilraen’s thoughts better than do I. Any insights you might share, or good counsel as to how to win her heart, would be most welcome. Of course she is free to choose her own path in life… but I swear, it is torture worthy of the Lord of Barad-dur to think I might not accompany her on it.”
He looks up, and tries to remain stony-faced as Elfwine and Gilraen part.
Ghân is pleased to discuss matters with Elfwine.
He suggests that most Woses will always be shy and retiring, but that some (like himself) will venture out into the World.
Ghân adds that he has enjoyed meeting and adventuring with a varied group (Dwarves, Elves, Hobbits, Men) and that their success is an example of how co-operation is possible.
(On a less serious note, Ghân remembers his Headman’s words and winks at Thoroncir - since Elfwine is no longer speaking to Gilraen…)
I once again apologize for not getting a post in over the weekend. The nice weather we’re having won’t last much longer, so we’re trying to enjoy being outdoors.
When it’s his turn to address the king, Elfstan says, “Hail Eomer King! I thank you for the welcome and for remembering and honoring Frodo the Ringbearer and my grandfather, Samwise. Near two years ago Grandpa Samwise left for the Grey Havens to follow Master Frodo to the West. It’s my hope that they are sharing tea or some pipeweed even now. Perhaps even Old Bilbo Baggins is with them.”
With that Elfstan gives Mulligan a small nudge and whispers, “Gil-Gandel said a fair piece, but you should be the one to answer more about Master Merry and your uncle.”
Éomer King, “I am sad to say I barely met Frodo Baggins (All Hail, ALL HAIL!) and your grandfather but Merry and Pippin have told many tales of Frodo, Sam and Bilbo. I even have a fair hand copy of ‘There and Back Again’. Your people have brought us pipe weed and actually helped a bit in our farming. The Elves might have originated farming, but the Holbytlan have perfected it.”
starts - barely perceptibly, but this is on a par with ‘out of his skin’ by most other people’s standards
Noble King, if I might reconsider my earlier answer, I would ask a boon after all: to be allowed the use of the perian’s book for a few hours. It would be worth more to me than much gold to be permitted to read it.
Éomer, motioning to the Lady in Waiting, “This is a boon I would be happy to give. My Granddaughter here would be happy to bring you to it after we are done here.”
A wistful look passes Elfstan’s face and he answers, “If I had pipe weed on me now, I would share it. It never seems to last on the road. I believe that’s even mentioned in ‘There and Back Again’.”
Queen Lothíriel to Elfstan, “I can solve part of your problem with ease. After our brunch, the men like to gather and have a smoke outside and talk of great things.” You catch just a hint of sarcasm with the final bit. “Perhaps one of them know of a local merchant where you can acquire more.”
Although it’s not on his character sheet, I’m hoping it’s safe to assume that Elfstan would have a small, practical pipe for the road? I will confess to dropping the ball on him smoking it. I would say that he smokes occasionally for pleasure, but is not addicted to nicotine. He just hasn’t been actively resupplying himself with pipe weed, since it never lasts anyway.
Maybe I should take this to the setup thread, but CiaS are you saying that Mulligan (Angelica) smokes?
To Queen Lothíriel, “Thank you for the suggestion. I’ll be sure to inquire!”
When it is his turn to speak with the king, Gwaelur bows deeply and respectuflly.
“Your majesty, it is my honor to be a guest in your hall as a member of my fine party, and a representitive of my Lord Gimli, I say to you that I am most humbly honored. I do not speak as well as my singing elf friend, but I will be sure to cary your kind words back to Lord Gimli when next I see him.”
The seamen and fisherfolk of Linhir do not smoke, as a rule, and as it happens Thoroncir never acquired the habit. He is amused to hear so mundane a matter as pipe-weed discussed in such august company.
At the next spare moment, he says to Gil-Gandel, “I, too, would very much like to see the copy of There and Back Again, if I may. What a treasure for the House of Eorl…!”
Plenty of time to get more in as far as replies and questions, but at this point, Gilraen formally presents the Letters from the Citadel and the party and the Nobles of Edoras head to a late morning repast replete with food, drink and smoke afterward.
When some are smoking, Gil-Gandel is led to read “There and Back Again” and later Thoroncir is given a chance to look through it.
I am surprised Thoroncir had no questions about Gilraen’s conversation with Elfwine.