Varda
Vala, Council
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Varda on Jul 8, 2012 18:47:29 GMT -5
Fainan:
Daylight was fading and Fainan was still stuck in the library, Rivendell still unexplored. Meren seemed to still be fresh and happy going over the massive piles of scrolls, papers, and books. Fainan pulled her knife and opened another sealed box. She set the revealed collection carefully by Meren to dig through and hoped that this batch would be illuminated; the artwork made more sense to her than the Quenya.
At least the first letter of the top scroll was painted and looked like a long bird. Better art caught her eye: the anvil and Valacirca depicted on opposite sides of her knife. A thought struck her through the fog of boredom and she stood straight suddenly, feeling muscles remind her that she had been crouched far too long. "Meren! You wanted us to find a weaponsmith to examine the orc scimitar. We know someone that we don't have to worry about learning secrets because he knows them already. Look at the amazing worksmanship of this knife." She balanced it across one finger easily and allowed the beauty of it to catch the light from the oil lamp. "Auros made this for me, just playing around a bit in Erebor."
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Eonwë
Vala, Council
Vala and proud member of the Valar Guild. A quarter century of Tolkien fun.
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Post by Eonwë on Jul 8, 2012 23:13:04 GMT -5
Auros:
A hooded figure slid silently through the land surrounding Imladris, upward through valleys, quietly between trees. The figure knew all the guards' locations and all the signals. It went by uncontested, continuing carefully and fertively until coming to a stone outcrop, outlined by moonlight, overlooking a valley of tall trees.
Closer he crept, slower now, trying even harder for silence. One hand rested on the hilt of a sword. Just beyond the edge of the outcrop stood a lone figure, hood cast back, looking out over the valley below. The hooded figure smiled, knowing now its target would be easy prey. Closer the figure crept, but more warily. No one else was around. The prey did not move. Closer the figure crept. Anticipation threatened to send the figure's heart racing, but it was carefully fought down. The figure was in arm's reach of the prey, and then his heart sank as he realized his folly. A hand rested on his shoulder, and his prey, still not turning around, burst out laughing.
"Did you really not suspect a trap, Aldawë?" Auros said after his laughter died down.
Glumly, Aldawë said, "I thought I finally had you."
"If it's any consolation, Malril got me, so I was forced to play decoy. And, oh, how long I've been forced to stand here waiting! " Auros feigned weariness as he said that. "But come, Malril has got us both, and now we get to turn the tables on Melëar and Arandil."
"They aren't coming," Aldawë said.
"What?!" Malril exclaimed. "Surely they have not..."
Silently, Aldawë rounded the corner of the outcrop and came to a flat side of the giant stone where were written ten names. Taking up a smaller stone, he wrote the letter "numen" next to the names of Melëar and Arandil.
Auros sighed. "Ever since Telwë --"
"He hated being called that," Malril interrupted.
"Yeah," Auros said with a small smile, "but even he saw the irony in the name when he was the first to sail West. Blame Arandil for the name, not me."
"Maybe he was first to avoid being called Telwë," Aldawë said. "Well, so much for that! We will drink to Arandil and Melëar, and the naming of Telwë anew!" he said, trying to sound cheerful.
"Wait," Auros said, "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Where is Telperos?"
"You don't know?" Malril said. Auros shook his head. "I have just come back from my mission today, and have not had time to do more than seek a quick meal and read a few pages of a book for research. I was almost sure I would not make it back in time for this reunion, but surely I expected that Telperos would not be far behind me."
"Indeed, Telperos came back, much sooner than you. But scouts returning from the north brought odd reports, and he volunteered to follow their path and gather more information."
Aldawë smiled. "Always looking for some new trouble. Just like his father."
Auros shook his head. "Meneltir made me swear to keep his son out of trouble. Telperos makes that hard to do."
Aldawë laughed again. "Just like his father! You remember when we rode north to fight Angmar, and Meneltir charged off after that company of orcs that split from the main group? He almost took off by himself. Why did he do that again?"
Auros smiled. "Because nobody else was. If the eight of us hadn't followed him,.."
Aldawë said, "I'm sure Telperos will be fine. Meneltir was one of the best of us, and Telperos had good teachers."
Malril smiled. "Fortunately it was not you who taught him how to pursue an enemy unseen." Auros and Aldawë chuckled.
Well then, "Auros said," I suppose all who are able to come are here. Malril, as the victor, you have the honors."
Malril retrieved the bottle and the cups, pouring a drink for each of them, and for Telperos who was in Endor though he was not with them. They drank to Meneltir, to Melëar and Arandil, to Telwë, to Curulin, and to Farothel, who had fallen on the Dagorlad, never seeing this Age of the Sun. They spent the rest of the night singing old songs, recounting stories of their friends, reliving the bold plans made in their youth to retake Eregion as a domain of the Noldor.
Eventually, the first rays of sun began to appear on the horizon, and the reverie was over. Aldawë was the first to rise and speak. "In three days I must return to Lindon with messages from Lord Elrond, but I would much like us to meet here again before I go. I'll bring the refreshments this time."
"Sure," Malril said.
"I have no tasks for the next few days, but you two should come to my home first. You know where it is, and my books are better than Malril's," Auros said with a small smile.
"I transcribed a fifth of the books in your collection!" Malril said.
"And a fine job you did, too," said Auros, still with a smile and a pat to Malril's back.
"Returning to the subject," said Aldawë, "very well, we shall converge on Auros' domicile tomorrow evening," and adding with faux-arrogance, "if he can provide a feast fitting for such as we!"
"I'll see what I can do."
"Good! Now my friends, it's time we get about our business. Until tomorrow!"
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Post by Indis on Jul 9, 2012 12:54:10 GMT -5
Meren:
Meren looked up from her research, the flow that enabled her to search rapidly through lengthy texts broken. Her first reaction was annoyance at the rupture of the smooth process, concentration so deep that she was unaware of time, but then she saw from the light that it had been hours. "Poor Fainan," she thought, "this is not her milieu. She needs a break, even if I do not....and maybe I could use a walk too. I still haven't had a chance to explore Imladris."
"Let me take a look, please, Fainan," as she reached for the blade. "I've never looked closely at it...the crafting is indeed fine, and the maker clearly knowledgeable." She paused in thought then added. "Well, Lord Auros behaves arrogantly and with little respect for those he considers his lessers by birth, but there is never any reason to refuse skill wherever it is found among the well-intentioned."
She looked carefully at Fainan and added with a smile, " You look as though you could use a break from indoor study, and for that matter, so can I. Shall we go in search of His Lordship, and see if he would be willing to share his expertise?"
After another pause, she added, "I do wonder, however, that such a skilled weaponsmith would have neglected the opportunity to offer his knowledge while we were en route."
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Varda
Vala, Council
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Varda on Sept 2, 2012 17:33:37 GMT -5
Fainan:
"Perhaps we could slip out and pick up something to eat from the Hall of Fire or the kitchens, and come back. I'm sorry to be so impatient. Auros should be allowed at least one night at home without being pestered."
The thought of a short break cheered her. She stepped over to the table where Calion was reading, her heart lightened. "Would you like to join us for a snack?"
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Eonwë
Vala, Council
Vala and proud member of the Valar Guild. A quarter century of Tolkien fun.
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Post by Eonwë on Sept 2, 2012 17:46:39 GMT -5
Auros:
Auros had returned home and made a hasty preparation for the day. The night of celebration now behind him, his thoughts turned northward, and though he had no current assignment, he sought the others sent out after the Halfling's arrival. Coming to Elrond's halls, he went immediately to the Hall of Fire, where he spied two of them in a corner quietly conversing. One of them noticed Auros approach, and motioning to him they began to discuss their mutual task.
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ArPharazon
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King of the Land of the Star
Posts: 295
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Post by ArPharazon on Sept 2, 2012 19:01:26 GMT -5
Calion:
Startled out of his concentration, Calion looked up from his reading and smiled faintly at Fainan. "That sounds good. A short break will be most welcome." Standing up from the table, while leaving the book open on the current page, he added, "there is only so much knowledge one can absorb in one sitting. It will do me good to have some time to sort my thoughts."
As they walked out of the library, Calion said, "For example, let me tell you about what I discovered some twenty minutes ago..."
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Varda
Vala, Council
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Varda on Sept 2, 2012 19:14:00 GMT -5
Fainan:
The three ate quickly, talking over what they had found, bringing up new ideas for study. They returned to the library with new eagerness.
To Fainan's surprise, hunting with her friends for the elusive bits of knowledge had something in common to hunting game, orcs, or spiders in the forest. Her companions' enthusiasm had become so contagious that she, too, tried digging through the scrolls that were in Sindarin rather than the more difficult Quenya.
Morning light came through the windows of the library, and she smiled at her hard-working friends, for such she had come to think of them. "The Hall of Fire should have had time to collect fresh food by now. Shall we check their endeavors out while we compare our own?"
Some of the scrolls allowed out of the library traveled with them, after the Mirkwood elves promised not to dribble their meal on them. Or at least clean them perfectly if they did.
The three settled down, pointing out details of their discoveries that overlapped and pictures that suggested potential action. When Frali entered the room, also collecting breakfast, Fainan hailed the dwarf to come join them. Besides, they needed fresh ears and at least one brain among them that had had sleep.
Just as Frali came up to speed on most of what they had to tell, Auros entered the hall. He looked different in his civilian clothes and seemed intent on a group of elves straight in from the doors. Fainan hesitated to call him over, intending to wait until he had finished his business with the Noldor.
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Post by arienv on Sept 2, 2012 19:19:53 GMT -5
Frali:
After a very pleasant night of stories and and a few glasses of the excellent wine in the Hall of Fire the young warrior went tired but happy to get a decent breakfast when he spotted three of his travel companions who waved him to come and join them at their table. Smiling he joined them, suppressing a yawn as he sat down after a polite bow to both women and the male Scout he thought was called Calion.
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Post by Indis on Sept 3, 2012 9:44:56 GMT -5
Meren:
Meren greeted the young Gonhir with a smile and expression of pleasure at his feeling of renewal.
Somewhat refreshed by the break and stimulated by the discoveries her companions had shared, but still wishing to see more of Imladris than the admittedly wonderful library, Meren said, "I would like to see a bit of Imladris, and at the same time consult with some of the lore-masters here about matters like the Houseless, their vulnerabilities, sorcerous doings and undoings, and what we can call on to protect ourselves."
Patting the pouch that held the reading matter she had brought with her from Elrond's hoard, she stood up, waved to her companions, and walked over to a knowledgable-looking elf to ask who might be able to talk with her about her concerns. She received some names and suggestions about where they might be found.
With thanks, she headed off to find one of them and to look around at the glories of her surroundings as well. Enchanted and charmed (in the best way), she walked in a state of joy. Finally she found one of her quarry, introduced herself, and soon they were deep in conversation. Needless to say, not all of it was about ancient lore--they also took the opportunity to satisfy each other's curiosity about their respective homes. Full of increased knowledge and more food for thought, Meren returned with mixed feelings to the library--sad to leave behind her explorations of Imladris and its folk, but glad to return to her research with more ideas of directions to follow.
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Eonwë
Vala, Council
Vala and proud member of the Valar Guild. A quarter century of Tolkien fun.
Posts: 1,323
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Post by Eonwë on Feb 3, 2013 20:05:52 GMT -5
Auros:
"He went north four days ago." said one elf.
"Alone?" Auros asked.
"It was a simple mission. There was no reason to send more," the first replied.
"He's only to ride within a day's march and scout for evidence of a southward incursion," the other said.
"If anything is there, they shouldn't see him coming or going," the first said.
"Aye," Auros replied. Rising after a moment, he said, "Thank you." The elves nodded. "Be safe on your next mission."
Auros left the elves with whom he had been talking. Noticing the delegation sent with him from Mirkwood, he began to walk towards them to enquire about their first night in Imladris, when a messenger appeared in the door and motioned for Auros. After a regretful bow directed towards the elves of Mirkwood, he joined the messenger.
"Lord Elrond requests your presence," the messenger said quietly.
Auros followed the messenger until he arrived where Lord Elrond gave audience. The doorward motioned for him to wait, and with a bow, the messenger left. Someone was already with Lord Elrond, so Auros stood patiently. A few minutes later, the door opened and an elf emerged: one of the healers, Aranwë by name. In several centuries' time, one was bound to at least learn the names of those around whom one lived.
The doorward announced Auros and stepped aside to allow his entry. Cautiously Auros entered the room, certain he would not like what was to come. Stopping in the center of the chamber, he stood now before one whose sires ruled Beleriand in the First Age of the Sun: Elrond Peredhel, Master of Imladris. Auros bowed deeply.
"I have just spoken with Aranwë, who examined the dwarf Frali. He came with you from Erebor, did he not?" Lord Elrond did not need confirmation, but waited until Auros answered in the affirmative to continue. "Then you have had some time to get to know him?"
"No more than such a journey would allow, my lord," the Noldo said.
"Then what of this orc-sword? Have you examined it?"
"Only enough to determine it was dangerous to leave lying about," he said carefully. "My focus was the completion of my mission. One of the elves who accompanied me from Mirkwood expressed some concern of how it affected the dwarf, but I did not observe these effects myself. I instructed her to keep the sword away from the dwarf, and was not told of any concerns with him afterward."
"Elrond sat thoughtful for a moment. Auros felt as though a sword dangled above him. "If there are ill effects from this weapon, it is best it changes hands as little as possible, and that it be examined by one who has so far not shown these ill effects. I need you to take this orc-sword into your keeping and examine it more thoroughly, while keeping its location secure."
Auros was silent a moment, considering his words. "Surely there are others more qualified than I who can give this item the treatment it requires?"
"All who are currently occupied with matters of great import. I have been assured by weaponsmiths and weaponmasters alike that you have the requisite skill for this matter."
The Noldo had thought he was done with the matter of the orc-sword and the trek from Mirkwood, but he could offer no reason for why he should not accept this task. He bowed, and said "Very well, I will take this orc-sword into my keeping today."
Auros departed, finding himself once more entangled in the matters of Mirkwood.
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Varda
Vala, Council
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Varda on Feb 6, 2013 1:23:10 GMT -5
Fainan:
Back in the library. For hours. Just how much dust was in these scrolls anyway?
Hopefully she looked towards Meren and asked, "Auros might be available by now. Would you like me to hunt him for you and bring him back here?"
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Post by Indis on Feb 7, 2013 11:59:37 GMT -5
Meren:
Completely unaware of discomforts such as dust and her own cramped position, Meren looked up from her trance-like turning of pages and scrolling when Fainan spoke. Suddenly aware that what was pure pleasure to her was not so enjoyable to her companion, she said, "I think you need a break from library duty, and you need no excuse for it." She winked. "Go out and enjoy the fresh air, as I hope to do soon as well. I hope to have time to learn more about Imladris than the library, wonderful though it is, before we must depart." She looked with anticipatory pleasure at all the unread material that awaited her, and thought of intense conversations to come with the lore-masters of this (to her) sliver of Valinor in Endor.
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Varda
Vala, Council
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Varda on Feb 10, 2013 15:35:31 GMT -5
Fainan:
"Thank you, Lady Meren!" Fainan set the precious scrolls down carefully in their proper order, waved, and left.
Outside the library, all seemed clear and she stretched with pleasure. Knots seemed to smooth away and she smiled. Outside, the air smelled of flowers, the grass lay thick like an ornamental rug, each tree stood in perfectly trained form, sunlight washed down over everything. The squirrels bounced cheerfully and barely seemed inclined to go up a trunk even a short way to avoid being stepped on. People walking about seemed half-oblivious to their surroundings, in a feeling of complete safety. Every detail seemed carefully orchestrated and protected.
Was this really outside? It should have all been perfect, but it sent an abrupt shiver up her spine. Unconsciously expecting some great spider to show itself, she checked around for some Noldo that seemed reasonably awake to ask how to find Auros.
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Post by arienv on Apr 21, 2013 16:31:48 GMT -5
Frali:
The young dwarf waved at his elven companions as they left the hall of Fire and returned to more of the excellent refreshing drink that was served in Elrond's hall at the start of the day. When he finally felt fit enough to search for Gimli and Gloin he stepped outside and marched of in direction of the smithies where he suspected that he would find his kinsmen.
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Eonwë
Vala, Council
Vala and proud member of the Valar Guild. A quarter century of Tolkien fun.
Posts: 1,323
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Post by Eonwë on Apr 27, 2013 5:03:19 GMT -5
Auros:
Anar shone brightly through the windows, illuminating the hallways and corridors. It was still before midday, and yet after his audience with Lord Elrond, Auros felt as if the day should have been long spent. Once again I find myself involved in the matters of another kingdom.
Auros paused as the last person nearby disappeared around a corner. He closed his eyes for a moment, his shoulders slumping slightly as he exhaled. He then straightened himself, returned determination to his eyes, and continued to the Hall of Fire.
The room was empty save for a few who had come (or stayed) for the peace and quiet. A handful of inquiries revealed that the delegation from Mirkwood had been sighted returning to the library, and the Dwarf Frali had gone outside somewhere. Determining this was the perfect time, Auros made his way to the library. Arriving, he looked around and found only a few people examining books near the walls or amongst the shelves, but none near the Silvans from Mirkwood. Seeing Meren sitting at a table, he approached and said in a low voice, "I apologize that I do not have time for the appropriate pleasantries, but I have come to take the orc-sword into my custody, and it must be done immediately."
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