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Krisk
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Post It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: August 04, 2004 06:12
*Set while the Fellowship is leaving Moria, so that side of Moria is off limits.*
Christian Pickthorn had lived in Breeland until the age of 20. By that time, he had been everywhere there was to go, being on his own since the age of nine. 37 now, he has been to many of the surrounding places in Eriador up and down the Andrath Greenway as far north as Fornost, and as far south as Dunland on one occasion. The East-West Road had been conquered all the way to the Misty Mountains in the East, and he had been to the Grey Havens and the Blue Mountains on a few occasions in the West. He did what he needed to survive, including whatever one was willing to pay him for. He had been a guide to a band of adventurers, often an escort to hobbits traveling between the Shire and Bree (the wolf population seemed to multiply at an incredible speed in these days), and was a messenger between many places in Eriador on more than one occasion.

This morning had been a strange one. He was in the Prancing Pony, having just returned from the North Downs. The group he was with was a strange one as well, but they paid in gold, and even gave him a few trinkets. Now he rests at the bar with an ale bought with the newly obtained gold. He sits, thinking when the door opens and the light of the newborn day spills into the dark, smokefilled room.


[Edited on 5/8/2004 by Krisk]

[Edited on 5/8/2004 by Krisk]
~Háthien_Oronar~
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: August 05, 2004 03:47
Daylight seemed a blessing for this hazy, dimly-lit abode. Although wonderful for a night away from the long, un-ending roads for a weary traveler who isn't accustomed to the comforts and peace of Elven homes; it was rank from a night of pipe-smoking and the windows were coated with a thin layer of creosote, causing one to think clouds, ominous and thick, had moved in overnight. Though the pure, glorious sunlight was testiment enough.

"Butterbur!" Called a surprisingly feminine voice. "If that old mare you've stabled up in your barn can walk from one end of the stall to the other, then those rickety knees o' your's aren't going to give out by you hobbling over to add some shine to those windows."

The inn-keeper gave an exhausted sigh, as a few lyrics of laughter from other patrons joined together to form an amused melody. Barliman had grown familiar with the jests and teasings over his years of keeping the Prancing Pony.

"Aye, you mischievious scoundrel," returned Barliman, eyeing an especially dark corner which apparently was occupied. "Though it seems to me that you've two arms with which to clean that glass."

The woman spoke again, happily continuing the teasing. "At least, your counting isn't off, Barliman. I, similiar to most, have two arms. Although, your reckoning that I might assume the duties of a compensated worker couldn't be more in the wrong. Now, if you'd like to pay me for it..."

Both the inn-keeper and the feminine stranger laughed.

"I'll forgive you the windows, Butterbur, with a bribe of ale," came the utterance again, this time sounding as though the owner were moving. Which, she was, indeed.

A lightly mantled figure stepped from the deepest of shadows, the midnight blue cloak draped around a slight, lanky form. Leather boots, artfully crafted, sprung up her legs and underneath the hem of royal blue and evergreen multi-colored traveling garb.

Taking long, easy strides, the hooded female pulled out a stool and placed herself upon its wooden seat. Along the inn's bar were seated many different people, mostly men or the occasional hobbit, but a vacant area was left where a gathering of strangers had just removed themselves. And, this is where the slender patron took her place. The men, unusual, slant-eyed-appearing ones, hadn't gone far. In fact, they moved only to a large, round table two yards away, at the most. Their gazes were bent, seemingly, on the customer next to her. Why a decent man like him would want dealings with a band of ruffians was beyond even her foresight. And, it wasn't as though she cared either way.

"Barliman, what about that ale?"
Krisk
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: August 05, 2004 05:51
"It's a little flat this morn," Krisk stated in an almost inaudible voice as flat as the ale the Barliman had given him. He looked neither up or to the side, but sat staring at his mug between sips. The breelander had sharp facial features and, at this moment, eyes that were as deep as the seas they borrowed their color from. The hood of his cloak was down, revealing a week's growth of facial hair. That morning, before leaving the inn, he would need to shave. His dark brown cloak hid most of his clothing, which would have been hard to distinguish in the light, or lack thereof, of the tavern. On his right hand, which gripped the handle of the mug tightly, there sat a smooth green stone set into a wide band of silver on his middle finger. His staff, as tall as he was, but lighter in color, sat beside him within reach of his left hand. His shoulder-length brown hair was void of all hint of red in this light.

"I gave you good gold, I expect good ale," the stranger said, there was a hint of a smirk, but it was only a hint. The rest of his face was hard and unrelenting. He laid two gold coins down on the bar. "It was better than last." With that, Pickthorn pushed his stool back, took his staff in his hand, and left his ale. Only a few drops were absent from his mug. Krisk never found comfort or joy in drinking, but found that it was useful for business. He rarely drank more than a few sips.

[Edited on 5/8/2004 by Krisk]
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: August 07, 2004 05:46
Ooc - Hi peeps! Mind if i join? My charater, Ethoner, is in the database.

Ic - Ethoner of Gondor sat in a shady corner, if anywhere in the Pony could be considered unshady, and contemplated the group on the table over from him.
As a Ranger sworn to protect those in his jurisdiction he felt uneasy about the men. They seemed to hard to be in a place like this, a farming community with the Shire only a few days travel away.
Their presence, he felt, could bode nothing but evil and he resolved to keep an eye on them.
Suddenly laughter rippled around the inn at a comment from one patron who stepped out of another corner and ordered an ale.
"Strangers and an Elf maid!" Thon exclaimed quietly to himself, "My my, we are popular today."
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: August 07, 2004 10:15
"Flat, indeed!" Exclaimed the feminine voice, her tone forewarning of more teasings. "I'd believe the only thing flat in this inn is the brain of our friend here." She spoke of Christian Pickthorn, undoubtedly.

Barliman, in the mean time, was bustling about, having hardly taken notice of the ill-spoken comment of the ale and gold. Although, he quickly brought the blue-mantled woman a clean cloth, when she motioned for one.

Aquatic blue eyes bend their keen gaze on the inn-keeper as he stood, waiting to find out what the rag was to be used for. "Well, when a man pays for a draught, one should oblige to finish it for him. Would you not despise good ale to go to waste?"

She was answered with a nod and a grin before he ran off to accomodate other patrons.

Carefully wiping the rim of the wooden tankard, the woman tossed the towel back on to the counter when satisfied that it was reasonably clean. The Breelander, he was deemed that anyway by the way he looked, hadn't even the courtesy to down the rest of his ale. Ah yes, that was why she now had a firm hold on the tankard's handle and was bringing it to her lips. A hood is not the easiest garment to drink freely in, as the feminine stranger was well accustomed to. And, so she threw back her heavy mantle, revealing the pale features and bronze hair of Háthien Oronar. A traveler oft relaxing in the smoky depths of the Prancing Pony, and an Elf of proud, Noldorin lineage.

[Edited on 7/8/2004 by ~Háthien_Oronar~]
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: August 09, 2004 08:34
As the elf maid tossed back her hood Thon felt his jaw go slack at her beauty.
What are you on about man! He silently berated himself, She's an Elf, of course she's going to be beautiful! He threw back his head and hood as he downed the last of his own ale the stood and walked over to the woman.
All in the course of my duties. He told himself, knowing it was a lie.
"Good day Milady." He gave a courteous half bow as he pulled up a stood beside her, "And what, may I ask, bring you to our dear little backwater?" He gestured with a wry hand indicating Bree in general.
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: August 10, 2004 03:41
Always the lady, Háthien, with the wooden tankard to her rose-hued lips, swallowed the ale with genuine grace. She took only a few sips before returning the draught to its place on the counter, prefering to savor its comforting taste. Being one of the Elder children, she was accustomed to fine wines and cordials pressed from the ripest of fruits, but malt beer and the liquors of men had an altogether different appeal. It was the atmosphere of the taverns, the variety of patrons and, finally, the drinks themselves.

The she-Elf was brought gently from her thoughts and ponderings by the approach of a tall and dark (and need I say hansome?) man. Even before his brawny form took up residence beside her own, she could sense he was of Gondorian parentage. The watery blue depths of her eyes she turned upon him as he greeted her and inquired of her reason for being there. At first, little trace of emotion was shown, except for the soft glimmer of one who enjoys life and all that it has to give present in her gaze. But as she spoke her pale face melted into a warm smile.

"Indeed, it is a good day," she said, greeting him before answering his question. Yet, she continued, "It seems Bree has an unexplainable charm to it. And, I might believe the Prancing Pony to be it."

Taking another drink from her pint, Háthien did not manage to finish it this time nor in the next swig she took. And, so to be courteous, she placed it once again upon the bar, turning her attention to this ranger. No, Elven sense aren't dimmed by alcohol; she could sense he was a ranger.

The Elf gave him another radiant smile. "Forgive me, will you? I'm afraid that traveling upon the Old South Road has made me forgetful of my manners. Would you care for a draught?"
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: August 10, 2004 08:46
"oh, no thankyou Milady." Thon waved the offer away, "It's good to see someone enjoying Barliman's ale for once. I find that The Creban down the other end of town does the best ale in Bree, but the company is, how can I put this politely? Less than savoury." He turned in his seat so that he was now facing her, "You say you've been travelling. Any clue about that lot?" He nodded the the group that were now in deep convesation with Christian Pickthorn.
Suddenly he slapped his forehead with the open palm of his hand, "Lady forgive me! It must be the air around here, for I too am forgetting my manners. My name is Ethoner, I am part of the Ranger presence in these parts."
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: August 10, 2004 09:45
"Well, Ethoner of the Rangers," Háthien said, smiling playfully. "As you have forgiven me my wrongs against you, it would be dishonourable of me to not exonerate you."

Taking the tankard in hand, the Elf raised it in a lavish way, and drank to his good health, proving that all is forgiven. She replaced the pint and turned to look at Ethoner, surprised that even seated it was obvious how much shorter than him she stood. A foot or so in height differential... yes, he did, indeed, have the blood of Numenor in his veins. Although, Háthien was, of course, short by Elven standards.

"I am Háthien Oronar, Elven traveler in these and many parts." She bowed her head slightly as she introduced herself, before sending a brief glance to the peculiar gathering near to them. "Quite honestly, any hints but one elude me. That man, the short one with the extraordinary amber eyes, who is but now talking with the Breelander, I saw him towards the North Downs not a week ago." A mischievious grin spread over her face when she noticed the look Ethoner was giving her. "Indeed, you're right, I said I was upon the Old South Road and I was... recently. Although, my travels for the Lords Elrond and Glorfindel have kept me mostly around the north of Eriador."
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: August 14, 2004 10:38
Ethoner tsked and rolled his eyes, trust a woman to be evasive!
"How is Imladris at the moment?" He asked politely, filing her information away for future reference, "I was posted there for a shot time once, lovely place. Not quite a human place though. I was glad to leave after a while."

Ooc - Sorry, I've gotta go.
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: August 16, 2004 05:13
"In the autumn of its glory," Háthien replied. The watery depths of her eyes reflecting a peaceful and current scene of Imladris as her thoughts drifted to it. "Although, as majestic and enchanting as you remember it, I'm sure."

Her thoughts broke like the rapids upon rock, and she smiled. "Yes, it is overwhelming for most. However, Strider" -She used what the Breelanders called him for good measure - "was always reluctant to leave whenever he chanced a visit. I suppose the enchantment of the Elves is not so powerful when one comes of age among them."

The she-Elf quirked a solitary brow in unasked question. "Much obliged I am to speak of what my business is and how my homeland fares. While I tend to my chattering tongue, would you not inform me of the news around Bree-land?"
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: August 17, 2004 10:13
"Oh, we've had more then our usual share of strangers. In particular a glut of riders dressed in black on black steeds." He frowned, "According to the Elves we have with us, this is not a good sign of things to come and I'm inclined to believe them." He seemed to perk up, "But on the up side they also say that if whoever they are after has any sense, then they'll be leaving the Shire forthwith, if they haven't already, and we wont have to bother with them anymore."
One of the other patrons of the Prancing Pony passed by with a happily smoking pipe in one hand. Ethoner waved the smoke away from his face and looked over to Hathien.
"I'm as partial to a bit of Longbottom leaf as the next man, but I feel it's getting rather opressive in here. Would you care to accompany me on a walk to somewhere a little quieter?" He stood and offered his bent arm to the Elf maid.
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: August 17, 2004 11:22
At this news, Háthien grimaced. Nazgûl. Creatures of such variety that she needed no reminder. Riders clothed in black, not only riding but relying upon their black steeds. Elrond was wise in sending Elves to seek out these things, for many were waylaid by elven blade or enchantment. Yet, it was not the most pleasant of experiences, put simply. And, for all their efforts, the wraiths managed still to harm the one they sought. It had taken Glordfindel and the horse, Asfaloth to bring the wounded refugee to safety.

"Indeed, I should think the poor soul would have fled before this time," the Elf agreed, giving no inclination that she had further knowledge. "And, Bree's luck has held, for the Riders shall have gone."

That was a tremendously curt answer for Háthien. Yet, there was wisdom in playing dumb. News of such signifigance was better left unstated. A slip of the tongue, however small, could harm innocents and those involved. An accident no one needed.

When Ethoner had suggested a less crowded and much quieter locus, the she-Elf thought it an excellent idea. The morning sun had been beckoning to her since it first peeked its gloriously shining face above the far horizon.

"The pipe is well for those who have taken up the art, but a night of congregating with those who smoke it is all that I can take," Háthien said, smiling. "I would be honoured to accompany you, Ethoner." She slipped from the seat, accepting his pro-offered arm. Again was it nearly painfully noticeable just how much smaller she stood than him. Yet, this short height seperated her from the rest and made her who she was.
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: August 20, 2004 08:47
Ethoner led Hathien trough the narrow, twisting streets of Bree until they reached the gates, open at this hour.
"'Lo Gylar." Thon nodded at the man in the watchman's box and proceeded through into the morning.
"Lovely place this, being so close to the Shire and all. I know a nice little river that I'm sure would make a better walk for an Elf than Bree's streets after rain." He gave a mock shudder, "Much better."
"So, how long are you likely to be staying with us Mistress Hathien?" He asked as they walked arm in arm by the willow lined banks of a tributary of the Brandywine.
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: September 01, 2004 05:46
"I shalln't be here more than a week," Háthien's melodious voice answered, her lithe arm tucked snuggly in the crook of her escort's brawny one. "Another day, at the least, however."

Her aquatic blue gaze wandered along the creek bank, taking great pleasure in watching the sun stream through the willow's weeping branches. There was a comfortable silence for awhile, as they both seemed content to enjoy the beauty of nature that surrounded them. That all changed, however, when the Elf's feminine vocals released a few, deadly sweet words. To one that would know her better, such a tone could mean only one thing... she had some playful prank in mind.

"Ethoner, do look at that." She motioned towards the softly flowing water, drawing him nearer the edge. "Did you not see..?" Her words trailed off as she gave him a look of incredulous surprise, knowing full well that he hadn't seen whatever she was going on about. In fact, she didn't even she it, but, of course, he didn't know that.

Pulling her arm free of his, she brought him closer yet to the river, nodding towards the stony bottom. "You should get a better look, don't you agree?" And, with that, Háthien gave him a rather forceful shove, with every intention of sending him sprawling into the cool water. "I must admit, this is much more fun than strolling around the muddy streets of Bree." As an Elf, it would be highly unlikely for her to lose her balance and fall in, and so a wicked and all too playful grin tugged at the corners of her rose-bud mouth.

[[ Háthien couldn't help herself... then again, neither could I. :evil: ]]

[Edited on 1/9/2004 by ~Háthien_Oronar~]
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: September 01, 2004 08:17
Ooc - Tee hee! Well, two can play at that game! :evil:

Ic - Ethoner barely had time to cry out in surprise before he hit the water face first with an almighty splash.
The little minx!
Well, he'd had this trick, or somehing similar played on him by more than one companion and knew jsut what to do do get her back!
Instead of surfacing spluttering idignantly he let himself float on the slow current not moving a muscle his face hidden from any scrutiny from above. Just as well really, he was grinning like a Chershire Cat!
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: September 01, 2004 08:34
Perhaps, an Elf couldn't lose their balance. Háthien, however, nearly fell over from laughing. Her sea-descended eyes sparkled with amusement as she gazed on him. She sobered up slightly when he didn't return to the surface sputtering and soaking wet. In stead, he was floating ever so gently, being carried only a few feet downstream by the slow current. The Elf couldn't see his face, but she wasn't truly worried. Just like her, he had a trick up his sleeve... or did he?

"Ethoner, I hope you can hold your breath like a turtle because I am not coming in after you!" She called, crossing her arms in what could be taken as a no argument stance.

The Elf continued looking at him for only a moment more, before taking a few, nonchalant steps toward the river's edge. He was trying to fool her. At least, she hoped he was. No, she didn't hope, she knew he was. As she said before, she refused to go in after him. Although, she could fish him out with a long branch.

Taking a dead limb from the nearby willow, Háthien tossed the one end to his floating form, efficiently swatting him on the backside... unintentionally, of course. "Take a hold of the end, Ethoner. That is if you can still hear me."


[[ oooh, this should be good... ]]

[Edited on 1/9/2004 by ~Háthien_Oronar~]
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: September 02, 2004 01:35
Ethoner started so hard as he felt something slap his backside that he nearly inhaled a good proportion of the river he was floating in!
"Why you..!" He surfaced red in the face from annoyance, embarrasment and oxygen depravation.
He would have said more but dissolved into a fit of coughing sat on the bed of the shallow river.
When he could once again string two words together he stood and looked haugtily at Hathien. "I can get out quite well on my own thankyou very much!"
Once he was standing on the back, his wet clothes clinging to him and water finding its way into the most uncomfortable places it could find he took of his sodden cloak and, swing it around so it wound up into a thick rope, flicked the end at Hathien, fully intending to give her a taste of her own medicine.
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: September 02, 2004 03:04
"Red rather becomes you, Ethoner," Háthien teased gently, a rather amused grin spreading over her soft features. She had disposed of the willow branch and presently stood with her arms folded across her chest.

A playful gleam haunted the watery depths of her blue eyes. "And, if you say that you don't need any aid..." The Elf watched him climb from the river, dripping wet and looking none too happy. Her grin widened.

As a sopping wet whoosh annouced his intent, Háthien ducked, but it was a bit too late. The end of his drenched 'rope' struck her, nearly knocking her off her feet. She staggered briefly, before collapsing to the ground with a dramatic flair. Her tone, wounded and appalled, was just as dramatic. "I was struck and...and now I'm wet." She was draped across the ground, her slender hand resting upon her brow as a lady in distress. However well she could act, her sparkling gaze belied the fact that it was just that... an act. But, she wouldn't move unless he played along.
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: September 02, 2004 09:07
"My dear Lady!" Thon saw the glint in her eye and, not knowing what posessed him, decided to play along, "I have struck you! And now I have dampened you! I have impeached your honour and must restore it!" So saying he drew a knife from his belt, "Plase my Lady, accept my sacrifice!" And he plunged the blade into the gap between his arm and his body, gave a pained cry and fell to the ground where he twitched a few times then lay still.
He had never been much of an actor though and before he had event aked the knife out of his armpit he started laughing long and hard.
"Oh mercy!" He cried, "I haven't played like that since I was six!"
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: September 02, 2004 11:30
Háthien kept a straight face during the ranger's rather entertaining performance. However, it soon melted into a grin. And, before she could stop herself she, too, was laughing.

"I don't think I've ever had the oppurtunity to lay gaze on a man more talented at 'dying'," she said, sobering enough to tell him so. Her eyes still sparkling when she continued. "I applaud you on your artful final moments."

Propping herself up by means of her elbows, the Elf gave him a notorious grin. "I do believe, though, that we should work on your drowning scene. What do you say we try once more?" Her tone was playful and almost challenging. Afterall, if he hadn't played like such since he was six, then it would take more than one dunking to become accustomed to the delightful play of childhood. Besides, they had the rest of the morning... if not all day. "Or, if you've had enough swimming for one morning, then I should think you'll wish to dry. How about a game of 'tag' instead?" She was prepared to give him her most heart-wrenching look should he decline. What good was the enchantment of the Elves if one couldn't influence a mere man to agree to participate in a delightful game?


[Edited on 2/9/2004 by ~Háthien_Oronar~]
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: September 03, 2004 03:06
"Why thankyou Hathien." Thon righted himelf and gave a mock bow, "And I do think that a game of tag would be most agreeable!" On the last word of this speech he lauched himself at Hathien but her Elven grace saved her from being tagged at the off. She leapt away from him laughing musically.
"I'll get you!" The tall Ranger called and set off after his quarry!
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: September 03, 2004 03:34
"Think what you will... though, I must warn you. When being chased by a man much larger than myself, I tend to have amazing speed!" Háthien called in what was a mock asessment of her ability. Doubtlessly, he'd catch her, but she'd give him a run for his money... had he bet any, of course.

The Elf couldn't supress the melodious laughter that kept trickling from her rose-petal lips. Soon, she admitted defeat and let it come when it would. In the meantime, she thanked Eru for her long legs, which kept her from Ethoner's grasp. Quickly and with an Elven agility, she darted amid the long trailing branches of the willow trees, her skirts hitched up to give her free use of movement. It wasn't tremendously lady-like, but she couldn't have cared less.

She grinned happily. "Ethoner, you are much more skilled at this game than I thought." Háthien's blue eyes twinkled as another string of laughter sprang into the brisk morning air. He'd almost tagged her, but she had barely managed to escape. Next time, she might not be so lucky.
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: September 04, 2004 05:46
"Never underestimate an opponent Hathien, you will one day rue it!" He reached out to tag her but his fingers only brushed the material of her skirt as she darted past, "And I intend to make one day, today! Come here!" Again he lunged for her and this time he got her! His arms wrapped themselves around her waist and pulled her to the ground to land with her back to the tall Ranger in whose cusioning grasp she found herself.
"Gotcha! I told you I would." He breathed in her ear as he tried to get his breath back.
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: September 04, 2004 06:13
Breathless laughter escaped the Elf's softly curved lips. A smile was etched into the pale skin of her face, revealing how amused she was. It had been a good chase, but, at last, Ethoner had caught her. With the gentle heaving of her slender chest, she let her head rest on one of the Ranger's broad shoulders.

"So you did," Háthien admitted, eyeing him from the corner of her ocean-washed glance. "However, I would tend to believe it mere luck." She grinned playfully, not one bit nervous about being embraced by arms that could easily crush her. Then again, most maidens also would have been worried about their honour, but the she-Elf was quite happy for the rest and the firm yet comfortable cushion.
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: September 05, 2004 05:33
"Hang on. That's not right!" The laughing voice floated to Ethoner where he lay enjoying the movement of Hathien's body above his as she laughed at the conclusion of their chase.
"Gylar!" He abruptly rolled over, not ungently depositing Hathien on the ground and sat up his eyes narrowing dangerously.
"Well, what was I meant to think?" The gatekeeper smiled and held up his hands in supplication, "Laughter, occasional grunts of effort and I come in and find you fully clothed and facing the wrong way!"
"You have a one track mind, you know that?"
"Proud of it mate, proud of it. Anyway, I'm not here to annoy you, as good a job as I'm doing, no. Your Superior told me to come and get you. That odd lot in the pub are getting rowdy, he wants them out of town ASAP."
Ethoner groaned, "Can't I even have one morning to myself?!"
"Don't shoot the messenger!"
"I know, I'm sorry Gylar." He stood and gave a deep, mock ow to Hathien, his eyes twinkling, "My Lady. I regret that I have to leave you, duty calls. I just wish it would call someone else! I'll be in the Pony if you want to resume our game."
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: September 06, 2004 04:50
Háthien's pale face was softly highlighted by a rather amused smile. Gylar certainly did have a one thing on his mind! And, what he was implying was certainly more than enough for her to burst out laughing. Perhaps it was slight embarassment that made laughter threaten to bubble from her lips, or maybe it wasn't. Either way, this gatekeep was very straightforward.

Still perched where Ethoner had left her, she exchanged a look with the tall ranger, not even daring to glance at Gylar who she could sense was eyeing her steadily. Had she met his gaze, surely she would no longer have been able to supress her laughter. "Well, Ethoner, you aren't the only one regretting it." She grinned up at him. "However, I shouldn't think chasing a few scoundrels from town will take you all day. Could I possibly convince you to have dinner here with me?" She'd have the small but sufficient feast prepared for him, if he should accept her offer that is. If not... well, she was rather confident that she could change his mind. Afterall, the poor man needed a day off. Ranger or no.
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: September 07, 2004 02:03
"I would be enchanted My Dear Lady." Again Thon bowed, a sharmng, lopsided grin playing at his lips. "Until dinner then sweet Maiden."
He spun on his heel and jogged towards town ignoring the lughter that spilt from Hathien as he departed.
"Gylar?"
"Yes?"
"You're a bad influence, did you know that?"
"Nice to know you value me so much."

Suddenly Bree was in view and the two men made their way to the Pony, thon throwing his cloak back to expose his Ranger insignia and loosening hiss word in its scabbard.
Inside the pub the group who had piqued Thon's interest at first were sat infront of a table with lots of empty pint glasses on it, about for to six for evey man there.
"Alright Gentlemen. time!" Thon called nodding to the other patrons to show he did not include them. "Haven't tou got homes to go to? Come on now, out!"
He lifted the man nearest to him to his feet by the scruff of his neck.
"Put me down!" He squeaked.
"What you doin' to 'im?" Came a rather inebriated voice.
"I'm assisting him out of the door, and i'll do the same for you if i have to. Out!" thon faced the man and nary a flicker crossed his face when he found out his opponent was twice his size!
By now however back up had arrived and more Rangers were saking drunken strangers to the gate and leaving them propped up outside so they could sober up.
The big guy however was doing his best to stare thon down with unfocused eyes.
"Come along sir, you're causing a scene."
"i'm b****** well no causing a scene." He roared, the swung back and delivered a devastating roundhouse to Thon's head! "Now I'm causing a scene!"
If the man had been sober then the blow would likely have killed Thon, as it was it clipped his temple and felled him like an ox, but he was still breathing, just.
Rangers piled onto the man and took him out with the rest of his friends.
"Thon? Thon?"
"mm? Go 'way, sleep." He muttered then let sweet darkness take him.
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: September 07, 2004 04:30
A shrill and all too familiar whinny pierced the reasonably peaceful morning. Háthien recognized it immediately. Gil-calen was calling her, and she knew it was the uptmost importance. In fact, she was positive the meara had mentioned something about Ethoner. Even if she hadn't, that piercing call was urgent enough for the Elf.

Hitching her skirts up beyond her booted feet, Háthien darted towards Bree. Elven speed was a thing unmatched, and she made it in less time than it would have taken even a well-conditioned ranger. Outside the Prancing Pony, she noticed, were the ruffians that had been doubtlessly causing trouble. Most were two sheets to the wind and probably would have obliged if she'd have asked them to sing a rousing chorus of any child's song. Which, of course, she was not about to do.

Her ocean blue eyes caught the scene of Ethoner sprawled out on the floor and Gylar, along with a few rangers, kneeling beside him. The door to the inn was open and she paused at the entry. Turning a steady gaze on the man guilty of knocking the large Gondorian unconscious, she quirked a solitary brow. "You did that, did you?" She asked, but before he could reply, the Elf struck him. And, her blow was to the jaw, however, it knocked the already scattered wits out of him.

Háthien continued into the pub, her gaze inquiring of Gylar how Ethoner was. When he motioned towards the ranger's temple, she understood the severity. "You do realize we have to wake him up. How we're to do that though..." She sighed, and knelt over Thon. "Ethoner. Ethoner, I highly suggest that you join the world of the living." Her slender hand touched his cheek. She wouldn't resort to slapping him just yet, but if he didn't soon regain consciousness she might have to.
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: September 07, 2004 08:08
Blearily Thon raised a hand to cover the cool, femine one he felt on his cheek.
"But I'm so comfy here." He muttered.
"I've got just the thing." Gylar stood and fished around behind the bar, under Barliman's watchful gaze.Soon he resurfaced with a tiny, tightly corked bottle in one hand. "I've never know a bar without a bit of this stuff laid by for just this type of situation."
Kneeling by Thon's comatose form he held the bottle under his friend's nose and, turning hs own face away, uncorked it.
Almost immediatly the room was filled with a pungent smell of rotting cabbages mixed with what could well have been left behind by a wet dog with digestive problems.
"ARGH!" Thon pushed the bottle away with both hands and rolled onto his side, retching emptily. After a second he flopped back on his back and looked up into Hathien's eyes, "Have I died and gone to heaven?" His eyes flicked to Gylar's pockmarked countenance, "Obviously not. Did anyone get the number of that Ouliphaunt?"
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: September 07, 2004 08:51
Háthien was rather relieved to see that Ethoner was alright. Although, she'd known before that he would be fine, she realized she had been worried about him none-the-less. And, when he had looked up into her eyes with that still slightly blurred look, she had nearly burst out laughing, she was so relieved. Instead, her hand smoothed away some of the dark hair from his brow, her own brow quirked ever so gently upwards.

"What did you think you were doing, eh?" Her blue eyes searched his face with a mock seriousness. "Attempting to kill yourself? Or do you just want to frighten the rest of us?"

She grinned. "What would you say to moving somewhere a tad more comfortable than the floor of Barliman's inn?" Her eyes were cast to Gylar. "I mean that in a purely innocent manner, of course."
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: September 08, 2004 08:06
"Jus' doin' my civic duty." He slurred ripping off a wonky salute. He grinned and focused on Hathien, "And I would not complain in any way about that statement, whatever spirit it was said in." She slapped him playfully and he moaned as two of his comrades pulled him upright.
"We've got a room for you, though Barliman wants you out by last orders all being well." Gylar informed him once he had stopped laughing at Hathien's innuendo. Eru but that woman had him down!
"I guess I'm in no position to argue." Thon remarked as he was frogmarched towards the stairs, "I'll still try and make dinner!" He called to Hathien.
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: September 08, 2004 08:22
"I don't think you'll be making dinner!" Háthien returned, watching as the three men headed for the stair well. "I don't know how well you can cook, but I think it a safe bet if you leave 'making' it to me!" She smiled quizzically, and cast a glance at Gylar, who still had amusement written all over his face. A dark brow slid upwards, and she cocked her head ever so slightly to the side, much like a curious bird.

She motioned towards the bottle of only Eru knew what. "Are you planning upon returning that? Or are you going to grace us all with another whiff?" She grinned. "I can hardly imagine that would do much for the attraction of female attention."

[Edited on 8/9/2004 by ~Háthien_Oronar~]
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: September 09, 2004 01:59
Ooc - I meant making in the sense that he would try to be there, oh well. Btw, d'you want to join a new thread? It' called The Lake Town Players and we need new people.

Ic - "Oil of Lilja!" Gylar loked proudly at the bottle, "Foul stuff, but, as you've seen, it works!" He put it back behind the bar.
"I'd better be getting back to my post, but I daresay I'll see you around Milady Elf." He nodded to Hathien and backed out of the Pony.

Up in one of the rooms Thon was trying to convince the men with him that he was well enough to go and meet Hathien.
"Lok, I can do the 'how many fingers' game, I can walk in a straight line and I'm not slurring my words!"
"YOu're right, you aren't drunk."
"That's not what I meant! I'm fine!"
"Why do you want to go off so badly?"
"I've... got an appointment."
"You've got a hot date!"
"It's not a date!"
"But you do have one."
"Yeah." Thon tried to hide his blush, "Have you quite finished humiliating me? Can I go now?"
"Not yet."
"Why on earth not!"
"Give her time to get the food ready, then you wont fluster her as she tries to get things ready."
"Grr. You win." He sat ungraciouly on the bed and glared at his so called friend, "Well, know any good card games?"
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Post RE: It Begins with an Ale (Please read OOC)[OPEN]
on: September 09, 2004 06:22
OOC - I know how you meant it. Háthien was just being a smart-aleck. And, as to the Lake Town Players, let me take a gander at it, and I'll let you know. Either pm or otherwise. Who knows? I might just pop up in the thread.

Ic - Háthien smiled her farewell. "Of course, Gylar. No doubt you'll be seeing me around. Take care." She watched him leave, backing out of the door and turning to jog back to his post at the gate.

Turning to Barliman, who stood presently with his portly arms resting on the counter and a grin like that of a man who kept a very precious secret plastered on his flushed face, she said quite matter of factly, "I don't suppose you'd mind if I used your kitchen."
Butterbur laughed. "No, not at all. Especially for a maiden who has a fine suitor up in one of my rooms."
"Suitor, you say? Barliman, have you been getting at your own liquor?" She eyed him in mock suspiscion.
He answered with a shake of his balding head, and hurried off to fill some orders, conveniently avoiding the question.

More than a little humoured at the barkeep's response, Háthien passed behind the counter and into the kitchen. Bob greeted her with his customary 'Hullo!', and continued on his way to the stables. She returned the sentiment, but doubted he heard it, since he was already out of the door.

"Héanern, I woul-" Háthien was stopped abruptly by a large woman, a stained apron covering her woolen clothes. The cook for the Prancing Pony had gathered the much slimmer Elf into her arms in what could easily be called a 'bear hug'.
"Oh, Háthien, you rarely visit me in the kitchens anymore! My, is it ever good to see you!" Héanern paused, her critical eye assessing her youthful-appearing friend. "Have you lost weight? I keep telling you that you shouldn't travel abroad."
Háthien smiled. "Yes, you keep scolding me of it. And, I have cut back. I don't have the time to take sup right now, though, as I promised a Ranger I'd take him dinner."

Well, this was welcome news for Héanern. She thought the Elf maid would never find herself a husband. So, she wanted to help out in any way she could. Having just baked a mincemeat pie and finished her nigh-famous soup, she insisted that Háthien take them; along with a few other food stuffs. In fact, she even placed the items in a homemade basket, and shooed the Elf out of her workplace.

Chuckling at how odd people were acting, Háthien found her way up the stairs and to the room she was positive Ethoner was in. She tapped lightly on the door. "I don't suppose you'd be anxious to be rid of him," she said, meaning Ethoner. "If you were, I do suppose I could take him off your hands." The she-Elf knew quite well that the Gondorian was awake; she just had the mind to hassel someone.
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