Gilraen responds looking slightly annoyed, "It was pleasant enough, he flattered me a bit but was inquiring into how my older sister Silmariën was doing. He asked if it was possible that she could be as beautiful as me, but I could tell he was just using empty praise. I believe he has some hopes of a Union with my sister. My parents would probably approve despite the age difference. His father is the best ally any King of Gondor has ever had. So no, he was not taken with me nor would he be as all know that Silmariën is the beauty of the family and the greatest prize. I will be no chip in diplomacy, I will make my own way and on my own terms.
Sir Thoroncir is, of course, secretly and deeply relieved by this report, despite her admiration of the prince’s appearance. It seems also perhaps that her annoyance is with Elfwine and not with him, which is all to the good.
He says, “I thank you, my lady, for thus confiding in me. Your determination to make your own way in the world does you credit. Of course I hope this prince of Rohan will prove as good a friend and as stalwart an ally to Gondor as his sire. But I must say, in candor, that if he cannot appreciate the great worth of the princess who stands before him, I doubt he will properly appreciate her sister, many leagues and a kingdom removed from here.” He coughs and drops his gaze. “Especially, if I may be so bold, if he relies on erroneous reports that the more distant lady is more beautiful than you, O Gilraen.”
Fortunately Gil-Gandel is much too refined (and much too preoccupied with a classic recent work of historic literature) to do the miming-fingers-down-throat-barf thing.
A pound is more than enough for Elfstan. He knows it will run out on the road eventually no matter how much he buys.
Regarding a pipe, is it assumed to be standard Hobbit equipment or was Elfstan lacking one? If lacking, he just wants a small, straight pipe with a small bowl and well aligned airway.
Elfstan, I would be happy to go in with you on a slightly larger purchase of leaf if you like. I am sure I smoke less than you, and between us we can put together enough money to be certain that we won’t run out for a good while.
The pipes are cheap and the discount on the pipeweed is at the 5 and 10 pound points. 5 pounds are 14 silvers and 10 pounds are 27 silvers. You can buy a dozen clay pipes for a silver or 1 per copper. Some taverns just supply them to those that are smoking and drinking. A good pipe can range up to about a gold.
Elfstan to Gwaelur, “I would be happy to share the Longbottom leaf with you and the others. We just have to decide how much to get. I have a spare pipe you can use if you need it, but they are inexpensive here.”
Someone has to help me out here since I’m not a pipe smoker (or any kind of smoker for that matter). Isn’t a pound of tobacco a quite a bit? How much room would it take up? How about 5lbs? I really don’t want to have to get extra bags for Flower just to hold the pipe weed.
Gwaelur has two pack Ponies, so no problem for storage. 5 pounds should last a long time, though it might get rather stale before you smoke it all. Pipe smoking general means far less consumption of tobacco than modern pre-made cigarettes do. Realistically, splitting 5 pounds is still nothing as far as cost. The weight is obviously minimal unless you were to carry it all. Not really an issue for saddle bags or pack ponies.
Shocked at being addressed by name by Éomer, Deor says (with only a minimum of stammering) "Thank you! It’s an honor, Sir, to be in your presence- my grandfather Brego rode with you at the Pelennor Fields and he told me many times of your bravery and skill there. It’s likewise an honor that you would consider my skills a credit to Rohan, and I hope I can continue to improve our standing in the world in her service.
I’ve never heard of having a wizard present as an adviser in the court of Rohan other than Gandalf himself, and of course anything I can do for you to help over the brief time I am here or in the future is yours for the asking. If the Rohirrim have turned up magical items that need identification, or any scrolls or letters written in foreign tongues need translating, or anything else at all that my meager powers can assist with, I would be pleased to have the chance to do so.
I can’t think of any material good I need that I don’t already possess; my brother and uncle have given me a good horse and equipment, and the Lady Arwen has given me a truly wonderful mallorn staff, which as you know (as did Grima Wormtongue, to his detriment!) is a wizard’s greatest support. If I might visit your court falconer and seek his assistance in repairing my hawk’s jesses, or visit your court library or loremaster to learn more of my family’s history I would count it more than I deserve for the honor of representing Rohan’s people in my travels.
Sorry for the delay- several projects due today and yesterday. I should be back pretty regularly now.
The King is happy to aid Deor in these small ways. In fact while Gil-Gandel & Thoroncir are reading and Gwaelur and Elfstan are shopping, Elfwine takes Deor in tow and discusses some future plans. These include having you retire here to train apprentices when it is time and to eventually fill a new position of Wizard of the Mark.
The court library is almost sad compared to what you were use to in Minas Tirith, in fact your master’s library was nearly as large. You do notice though that over half the books look fairly new. Probably less than 30 years old. Elfwine explains that Rohan was sadly never big on book learning, but Prince Faramir my Uncle and King Elessar both convinced me that in knowledge is both power and wisdom.
The court Falconer is excellent and admires Folca very much, “This is one of best birds I have ever seen. Look at the intelligence in her eyes.” He then points to Folca’s left wing and warns, “She needs a bit of help cleaning these feathers. I recommend a careful brushing with soft bristles.” He repairs or replaces the jesses.
Elfwine does have a small number of items he would appreciate you identifying and as you will be tired, offers escort for your party to Aglarond led by his own lieutenant.
With that the day goes by and the party rests up at the guest house. It is a very pleasant day. Feel free to post or PM me if there is anything more but I will move you on to Aglarond.
The journey to Aglarond takes only two days and the party has an escort of 40 excellent horsemen.
The party arrives on July 14th. The Dwarves have much business here. They need a full day. Elfwine’s lieutenant Brellan bids you good luck in your journeys. They have business with both the Dwarves and Helm’s Deep.
Nearly any Dwarven craft is available here from gear of war, to cook ware to fine jewelry. There are even magical children’s toys and self fastening buttons from what Gwaelur can tell the party.
