| Narbeleth |
 Overcoming (scripted)
on: October 12, 2004 07:07
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Thearl sighed, looking at Rethe. "It's hopeless, little sister, we have to go deeper into the Woods, otherwise we won't catch anything..." They had been hunting for four hours already and all they had so far was a skinny rabbit.
Rethe returned his look, and she could see the concern in his eyes. She was worried herself. Game was becoming more scarce every day. And every day they were forced to wander farther from home to find any. The young woman nodded in understanding. "I know," she said softly, fingering the feathers of the arrow she held in her hand.
“So come, we should go now if we want to be home before the dusk falls," Thearl said, beginning to lead the way further into the Woods. They were walking in silence for some time, keeping their eyes open for any sight of animals, but they found none. Finally Thearl stopped. “Rethe, are you hungry?” he asked his sister with concern. He could endure hunger himself, but the thought of his beloved sister hungry was upsetting him very much.
Rethe sighed and shook her head. "I am a little, but I don't want to stop," she said.
"It is not what I meant...we cannot stop because we won't have supper if we do, I just..." he said while searching for something in his bag. "Here," he said, handing a small piece of bread to her. Food in the Town was now rationed and the rations were quite small due to the serious food shortage, but even so Thearl managed to save some of his breakfast ration to give to his sister.
Rethe looked at the bread. "Thearl, no, that's yours. You should eat it. I don't want you starving yourself for me, I'll be alright."
"No, Rethe, I am not hungry. Besides I wanted you to have it, so you better eat it, little sister, alright?" Thearl said seriously.
Rethe huffed and grabbed the bread from his hand. "Alright!" she said a little testily. Then her face softened and she offered a slight apologetic smile. "Thank you," she said quietly. She took a small bite of the bread as she brushed past her brother, continuing their journey through the woods. She hadn't meant to raise her voice at him. It's just that this endless hunting with no gain was beginning to wear on her, and her temper was a little raw.
"You're welcome, my little sister," he answered softly. He knew that Rethe did not mean to raise her voice at him. It was because of this food shortage that almost everyone had already had enough of. Long hours spent on hunting and almost no results...Life became very hard in the Town now with all the food stored in the Town's Pantry and rationed from there. And despite all the efforts, the food supplies were dwindling. "Maybe we'll have more luck here," Thearl said hopefully as they entered the deeper part of the Woods.
Rethe nodded glumly, silently nibbling on the bread. After some minutes of walking, keeping her eyes focused on the path, she looked up. At once she dropped into a crouch behind a fallen log, pulling her brother down beside her. She put her finger to her lips to order silence, then carefully looked back over the top of the log. Not fifteen yards away was a wild boar, completely oblivious to their presence as he pushed his long snout around in the dirt at the base of a large tree. Rethe lowered her head, looking at her brother expectantly.
Thearl nodded smiling, it seemed that they finally had some luck. The boar was quite fat, so it would make a very nice catch and give a lot of food, food they needed so desperately. The man prepared his own bow and looked at his sister to see if she was ready.
Rethe hesitated, not sure if she could trust herself with this shot. What if she missed? The boar would escape and they would have wasted so much. Thearl had taught her the bow well, but she was still not as good as he was. She saw him prepare his own bow and a wave of relief flowed through her. With her eyes she tried to make him understand that he should aim and shoot first, and she would have her bow ready for backup if need be. She knew he would understand. The two of them had a very close bond, and often they could understand the other's thoughts—not word for word, but more a sense of just knowing what the other might be thinking. So she knocked an arrow, but didn't draw the string, waiting for her brother.
Thearl looked at his sister and smiled, nodding as he aimed his bow carefully. It could be surprising, but his little sister was the best companion he had ever had. She was a few years younger than he was, but it did not matter—she was not only his younger sister, but she was his friend as well.
The man aimed his bow carefully, knowing that he had to hit the boar accurately—it could not be allowed to run away. So he took a very careful aim and then released his arrow...
It struck the animal just behind its left shoulder. The boar staggered for a moment, letting out a piercing squeal. But wild boars are tough creatures, and this one was no exception. Finally coming out of its initial confusion, it spun around and ran. At once Rethe was on her feet, drawing her bow. She fired, but the arrow sped off into the brush a mere few inches from the boar's head. Rethe drew another arrow immediately and gave chase, her long legs carrying her swiftly over fallen logs and underbrush. She could hear the sound of the boar wailing in pain and fear before her, and the sounds of Thearl as he also gave chase behind her.
At last she sighted the boar again as it ran through a small clearing. Rethe paused for an instant and knocked another arrow, releasing it at once. Even as that arrow flew through the air Rethe was drawing another from her quiver. But she needn't have bothered. The first arrow struck the boar in the neck and it fell to the ground, writhing a bit, then lay still. Rethe stood there for a moment, breathing heavily, quite surprised that she had actually made her mark.
Thearl joined his sister, smiling. She was a good archer even though she still doubted her skills. But he had seen enough to know how good she was—soon, no doubt, she would be much better at archery than he was—his weapon of choice was the sword, while she seemed to be naturally skilled with the bow. "That was wonderful, my little sister, I am so proud of you," he smiled, placing a palm to her shoulder. Then they both moved over to the fallen boar and saw that the animal was dead. They regarded their catch in silence for a moment. Now they could make their way back to the town, this boar would give a lot of meat which meant that they would eat supper tonight.
Rethe couldn't help but smile. She had been so surprised that she actually took down the boar. And hearing praise from her big brother caused her to blush slightly. But it made her feel very good. Thearl's opinion mattered a lot to her, and she was glad that he was proud of her. "I wouldn't have gotten it if you had not fired first," she said, not wishing to take all the credit to herself. "It was injured and ran slowly and blindly."
Thearl smiled at her, now being more relaxed with the knowledge that they would not go back home with empty hands. “Listen to me, Rethe,” he said, taking her gently by her shoulders so that she would face him, “You did very well, and I am proud of you. Your skill with the bow is great and it's slowly getting better than mine. And since it is I who tells you this, you should believe me. So, be proud of yourself, my little sister. And now, let's take it home.“
Rethe turned one side of her mouth up in a half grin. She knew better than to argue with him. Rethe herself had a pretty stubborn streak in her, but it paled in comparison to the one her brother had. She rarely won an argument with him. But she also realized that this matter was not important enough to argue about, so she let it pass. She looked down at the dead boar. "So, which end are you going to carry this time?" she asked. "I got the head last time, I think I should get the tail this time." Both of them knew that the head end of the animal was much heavier than the tail end. Often it was a coin toss to see who got which end.
Thearl smiled when he saw that Rethe did not want to argue with him. Of course he knew that his little sister would like to, but she rarely won an argument with him. Besides, being paid a compliment was not a reason for a fight, was it? Thearl looked at his sister when he heard her question. “Of course I was going to carry the head end,” the man answered. He would not allow his sister to carry it, since it was heavier than the tail end. Not that he thought that his sister was weak, he knew better than that. But the lack of food was taking its toll on all the people, himself and his sister included.
Rethe raised her eyebrows. "What? No arguing? No trying to convince me that it was actually my turn to carry the head? Thearl, really. Are you going soft on me? Not even a coin toss?" She grinned at him and it was clear she was not serious. She picked up the tail end of the boar, gripping one of it's hind legs in each hand, silently wishing she was strong enough to hold both legs in one hand as Thearl did.
Thearl gripped the head with both of his hands so that they could begin to walk towards their home. “Well, be careful, my little sister, because I can still change my mind," he grinned back at her. It was one of those rare occasions when his serious face was lightened up by a smile. These moments always happened in his sister's company and only then—they were reserved for her and her only.
Rethe returned the grin, then they began their long hike back to town, which would take a little longer than it did coming, since they now had such an awkward burden that slowed them down somewhat. After walking for a good twenty minutes in silence Rethe gave a slight tug on the carcass to signal that she wanted to stop. "Wait," she panted. "I need a rest." Her legs were not as long as her brother's and he often forgot this and would, without realizing it, pull her along faster than she could keep pace for very long.
“Oh, I am sorry,” Thearl said, turning to face her as he felt the tug which brought him back to reality. “Of course we can rest,” he said while they placed the boar on the ground. “Why didn't you tell me before? Are you feeling well, my little sister?" The man was angry with himself for forgetting about walking slower. Again!
Rethe waved his concern aside as she uncapped her water bottle. "I just need a breather. Honestly, Thearl, don't worry yourself so," she said, patting him on the shoulder. She took a long drink, then flopped down into the dried leaves at her feet, while at the same time wiping the sweat from her brow with the back of her sleeve.
Thearl looked at her. “And this is where you are wrong, my dear sister. As your older brother I have every right to worry for you and you cannot deny it," he smiled. ”So, are you feeling all right?" He asked once again in a tone demanding a truthful answer.
"I'm fine!" she declared with a laugh. "You know that boar is rather heavy and we have been speeding along with it for nearly half an hour without slowing our pace—or your pace rather," she added with a knowing grin. "But I feel fine, I just need to catch my breath. Thearl, you're worse than an old mother hen sometimes."
“I take it as a compliment,” Thearl answered seriously, and then added, “and next time when I speed up too much, just tell me, all right? I can't help I keep forgetting that I have my little sister trying to keep up with me..."
"Oh, you can't help forgetting about me, eh?" she joked, standing up and brushing off her leggings and tunic she wore in place of a dress. She capped her water bottle, then gave her brother a fierce one-armed hug around his neck, pulling his head down to her level. She kissed the top of his head, then let him go. "alright, I'll tell you next time, I promise."
“I'm satisfied then,” he smiled as they began to continue their journey home, carrying the heavy boar. Thearl looked at his sister. He loved her so much, in fact she was everything he had in this life. His little beloved sister...
Rethe looked up from watching where she was placing her feet and saw him looking at her. "What?" she said, smiling, trying to get a better grip on the boar's ankle.
“Nothing, I'm just checking how are you doing so that we don't have to make another break in a few minutes," he answered, teasing her a little.
She gave him a scolding look. "Thearl, I am stronger than that and you know it. Come on, we're nearly back, I can see sky through the trees up ahead."
Thearl grinned, “I know that you are, Rethe. In the end you are my sister.“ Then he looked ahead, confirming her words that they were getting closer to the Town now. Only a few more minutes of march and they would be back home. And with food.
Rethe was glad when she saw the blue waters of the Long Lake come into view once they left the seclusion of the trees, and the familiar sight of Esgaroth, the town on the water. It is where she was born, and where she hopped to live until she died. "Ah! There it is!" Rethe exclaimed as they exited the trees and she could feel the sun on her face again. "It's good to be back, really." She had to admit that she was a little more tired than usual. Carrying the boar all the way back had worn her out. But she tried not to let it show as she turned and grinned at her brother.
Thearl grinned back at her noticing that she was tired. He knew her too well to miss that, even though she tried to pretend that she was not tired at all. "It is," he agreed with her, glad that they were almost home. Now they had to go to the Pantry to leave the boar there, and then they could go home and he would take care that his little sister got some decent rest.
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| Raynn |
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| kellymulder |
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| Ireth_elfmaiden |
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| AerhÃril |
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| Raynn |
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| Jedianakinsolo |
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| kellymulder |
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| Narbeleth |
RE: Overcoming (scripted)
on: October 13, 2004 10:32
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((This post was co-written by eireen, Raynn and myself. Enjoy))
Rethe's arms were beginning to ache a little as they finally crossed the bridge into Esgaroth. It was still several blocks to the Pantry on the other side of the market pool, but she would need to rest her arms once before then. As they passed the town hall she tugged slightly on the carcass. "Thearl, wait. I need to rest again, my arms are hurting."
Thearl turned his head to face his sister. “Maybe I should carry it now? You are tired, my little sister...“ the man began. He was beginning to feel tired as well, but he was stronger than she was, he could manage.
Rethe shook her head. "No, I can manage, I just need a rest." She grinned. "Why, are you in a hurry to get there or something?"
Thearl smiled as he crouched down beside her. “Yes, in fact I think I am...because as soon as we have left the boar in the Pantry, we are going back home and there I can make sure that you go and rest properly.“
Rethe frowned at her brother. "Thearl, I don't need rest! I'm not an old woman and I'm not sick. I'm just tired from carrying a very large dead animal for over a mile."
"Yes, and that is exactly why you need your rest. Not because you're old or sick, but because you were carrying a very large dead animal for over a mile. Isn't it so?" he asked calmly, but he was ready to carry her home and put her personaly to bed if she tried to argue on that matter.
"And why don't you need to rest then?" Rethe said indignantly, folding her arms across her chest.
"Because, my little sister," he said, wrapping his arm around her shoulders, "I am your older brother..."
Rethe frowned again but didn't say anything more. It was no use arguing with him. Instead she pulled away and stood up, grabbing a hold of the boar's feet again. She stopped and looked at her brother. "Well? Are you coming or what?"
He looked at her, "Now it is me who's taking a break, right? Rethe please, don't behave like a five year old again, alright?"
"Then don't treat me like one, Thearl," she said simply. "I can handle some things without having to be babied, you know?"
"Yes, I know. But there are some things that I need to take care about. I took you on the hunt and because of that you are tired—so now I have to take care that you get some rest because you are tired because of the hunt. And if you don't behave like a good kid, my little sister, I won't take you on a hunt anymore," he said calmly. His expression was the usual sad one, now that they were back in the Town, though the tone of his voice betrayed that he was not deadly serious about his words.
Rethe threw up one hand in exasperation. "Okay, fine, Thearl. I don't want to argue about it any more." She stuck her bottom lip out in a pout, though she was only half serious about it. "Well? Are we going or not?" she said, shaking the legs of the carcass to accent her point.
The man bit his lip as not to laugh out loud and bent down to take the animal's head in his hands. "Good, let's go, my little sister."
They made their way to the left along the edge of the market pool. When people saw them they stopped what they were doing and waved, happy to see what the two siblings carried, since they would all get a small share of it. "Hey, Thearl!" a man in the crowd called. "Nice catch you got there!"
"Nice indeed," Thearl answered quietly, and then turned slightly, addressing Rethe. "My little sister, are you going to meet with your little friend tonight?"
"You mean Athele? Probably, why?"
"And who else can I mean, Rethe?" he answered. "Well, I was just wondering...that's all."
"If she comes into town I'll see her. But I don't think I'll make a trip to the countryside." She looked sideways at him, a slight smirk on her face. "You probably wouldn't let me anyway, it would be too far to walk."
"Exactly what I thought," Thearl said and then added, "Come, we're close now." A moment later they were released from their burden and they were just leaving the Pantry when the man spotted Athele heading towards them. 'Great,' Thearl thought, sighing quietly. Now he would be lucky if they would spend only an hour here. His little sister and her friend could talk for hours.
Rethe saw her friend as well and waved her arm. "Athele!" she called, a smile appearing on her face. "Thearl, there she is."
"Yes, I see," he answered a little less enthusiastically than his sister. It was not because he did not like Athele, nothing like that, really. It was just that he wanted to be back home soon and that seemed much less likely now when Rethe met with her.
Athele waved back and smiled at Rethe and her older brother. "How was your hunt?" she called as she walked up. She gave Rethe a hug.
Rethe returned the hug, grinning madly. "We had great success," she said. "We got a wild boar!"
"Oh, good! I'm so glad." She turned to Thearl. "How are you today, Thearl?"
The man nodded absently. "Very well, thank you. And how are you today lit..." but Thearl managed to catch himself before he finished, "Athele?" He seriously doubted that the woman liked to be called 'little one', and this was the name he and Devin, Athele's cousin and his best friend, were always using for her when they talked.
Rethe shot a glare at her brother, trying not to laugh.
"I am well," Athele answered, hiding her smile at what he almost called her. She rather liked it, but would never admit it out loud.
Thearl noticed the glare his sister gave him and his face lightened up in a small smile that lasted about one second. Wishing to go home as soon as possible, Thearl turned to Athele. "Oh so you brought the food..." Maybe she would just go to the Pantry with the basket and they could leave. He doubted that Rethe would agree on that but it was always worth trying.
Athele saw the quick smile. Something she had seen only one other time in her life, and that had been years ago, and when Thearl didn't know she was looking. "Yes, in fact I was able to get a little more vegetables from my garden today. Though I was a little reluctant to come into town alone with my basket of food. I was afraid someone might steal it from me."
Thearl sighed mentally. Women. You ask them one simple and short question and they can give you an answer that would last for long hours. "I'm really glad that no one did then. Next time you should make Devin bring it or at least accompany you. I guess I'll have a word with him about it. But now, you see, we have to go..." the man said hesitantly, not looking at Rethe. He knew that she probably wouldn't like this of his behaviour very much.
"Thearl," Rethe said, hitting him gently on the arm. "Don't be rude. I haven't seen Athele in several days."
"Oh but I'm not rude, I only think that we should go home so that you could rest. And I don't want Athele to go back home alone after dusk. Is it something wrong?" the man asked innocently.
Rethe rolled her eyes and looked at Athele. "He thinks I'm still a little kid and need to take naps."
Athele laughed. "Well, just be glad that he cares."
Rethe looked at her friend in mock betrayal. "Thearl, she's on your side. I can't believe it!"
Thearl looked at Rethe and then at Athele, "Neither can I... Maybe I should be concerned? Athele, are you sure you are feeling alright?" he asked worriedly.
"I'm fine, thank you. I only meant to say that I wish Devin was as caring with me. But I'm definitely on Rethe's side."
Thearl faked a hurt look. "Oh, well then...I knew it was too great to be true. But now, girls, you, Athele, have to take food to the Pantry and my little sister has to go and take a nap. So I guess we should all go and do what we need to do," the man tried once again.
"Wait, Thearl," Rethe said, putting a hand on Athele's arm to keep her from leaving. "Let's have her over for dinner tonight." She turned to her friend. "Would you be able to come?"
"Oh, well..."
"Rethe..." Thearl said seriously, looking at his sister and then her friend. "Maybe some other time..."
"Oh, Thearl, quit being such a stick in the mud. We're not doing anything tonight, and you know father will be busy." She turned to her friend again. "Please come, Athele? You can bring Devin too."
Athele looked hesitantly at Thearl, not sure if she should answer.
Thearl was looking at Rethe. "I'm afraid that actually he won't be busy at all," the man said, thinking about his father. He did not know why, but he just could not get along well with that man. "Besides, I'm already...I mean Devin is coming anyway, I talked to him in the morning...oh all right, girls...you may come with us, Athele, but only if you help Rethe cook. She was supposed to rest."
Rethe threw her arms around her brother and kissed his cheek. "Oh, thank you!" She turned to Athele. "So? Will you come?"
"Of course! You two have never tasted my cooking. And, Thearl, I want to give your sister a break. So I will sit her down in a chair and cook a meal you will remember for the rest of your lives. Even with the food rationed."
Thearl hugged his sister and then turned to Athele, offering her some sort of smile, which was already a huge accomplishment. "Well, you can try, honestly, but I'd really like to see my sister sitting down in a chair and doing nothing. Not very likely...but I appreciate the offer anyway."
Rethe rolled her eyes but said nothing, grinning at her friend.
"Well then, I should be getting home. Mother might start to worry. What time should we come?"
Rethe looked at her brother, waiting for him to answer.
"Actually, I think you may meet Devin on his way already, since he promised to come before the dusk falls, so quite soon."
"Okay, then I better hurry home, because I need to get something from the house before I come. I'll see you later." She smiled as she walked away.
"Bye," Thearl said, then looked at Rethe. "Are you happy?"
"Yes, thank you," she said. "You didn't tell me that Devin was coming for dinner tonight. Were you going to tell me at the last minute?"
Thearl looked at Rethe. "Actually, I thought that me and Devin were not eating at home tonight. I don't want to sit at one table with our...father."
"Oh..." Rethe cringed slightly. "Sorry. Are you sure he's going to be home tonight? He's usually busy until late evening."
"I think I heard him telling something like that...though I guess with Athele and Devin with us it won't be that bad, will it?" Thearl said, putting his arm around his sister's shoulders as they were walking home.
"Well, we can always eat in the parlor too," Rethe offered, trying to make it up to him. She felt slightly bad that she had wrecked his plans, even though she couldn't have known anything about them.
"Really? Not in the kitchen?" Thearl asked, slightly surprised. "Then I guess we should invite them more often," he said grinning.
Rethe laughed and ruffed up her brother's hair. "Silly," she said grinning. "Come on. I want to get home and tidy up a bit before they get there." She paused and glanced up at him. "Do I still have to take a nap?" She said, changing her voice to sound like that of a child.
"Yes, you do, little sister. And the house doesn't need tiding up! It's clean...Rethe please..." he said, smiling at her. What would he do without her?
"Oh, alright," she said. "But I can't promise I'll fall asleep. I'm not tired you know."
"Yes, of course. I'm ready to bet that you'll be asleep within ten minutes," Thearl answered, grinning.
"Is that a challenge?" Rethe asked, giving him a sly grin.
"It's not...but I know you well enough since you were this small," he answered, grinning and lowering his hand to his knees to indicate how small.
"Okay, well...we'll see," she said, trying to hide her grin as they neared their house.
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| Skunk |
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| AerhÃril |
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| Ireth_elfmaiden |
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| AerhÃril |
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| Narbeleth |
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| eireen |
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| Narbeleth |
RE: Overcoming (scripted)
on: October 16, 2004 01:12
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((And yet enother co-written post. This time between eireen, Kelly, Raynn and myself. I hope you don't think it's too long! Enjoy))
The girls in the kitchen heard the scream and stared wide-eyed at each other for a second before jumping to their feet. "What is that?" Rethe said as she headed to the door, Athele following close behind her. Rethe burst through the door and saw the two men rushing toward them. "What happened?" Rethe said, worry in her eyes and voice.
Devin kept screaming louder and louder and let Thearl do the talking. "My finger, my finger!" He shouted.
Rethe rushed to Devin, trying to see what he was talking about. She saw what she thought was blood on his hand and clothing. "Devin, what happened?" she demanded. "Let me see."
Thearl felt badly. He guessed he had not enough sense of humour to do that, or maybe he just couldn't watch the poor girls' shock. So he didn't speak, glad that his sister chose to interrogate Devin.
"Aahh...It hurts so much...! It must have fallen somewhere around here. Where is it?"
Athele hung back a bit because she was squeamish at the sight of blood, though she was still worried for her cousin. Thearl saw her reaction and he felt sorry for her—just as he thought, the joke was not such a good idea—so he went over to Athele and placed a hand to her shoulder. "Don't worry, little one, everything is alright..." Thearl said, wishing to calm Athele down a little, allowing his sister to handle Devin...poor guy after she finished with him...
Rethe was really beginning to panic now. "Devin! Let me see!" she demanded, trying to grab hold of his hand. She turned on her brother. "Thearl, what happened?"
Thearl winced. Maybe he could pretend he was in shock? Not very convincing but better that than nothing. "I...I don't know..." he answered to his sister. She would be angry, he could already feel it.
Devin was jumping up and down while screaming unintelligible words. In between he had to try and stop himself from smiling. 'They bought it!' he thought, grinning to himself.
Athele stepped closer and began to feel lightheaded at the sight of the blood. She felt she was going to be sick. Thearl noticed her reaction and supported her gently but firmly. 'This was a bad idea,' he thought, and he was more than sure that Rethe would be angry when she found out that it was a joke.
Rethe finally grabbed Devin's hand and thrust it out where she could see it better. Her face registered shock, then anger. "You!" she screamed.
Devin saw the look on Athele's face and decided it was enough. He stopped screaming and let Rethe grab his hand. Then he grinned guilty. "Yes, me, you should know me by now, Rethe..."
"You're terrible!" she said, hitting him on the arm. "It wasn't funny!"
"No, it wasn't," Athele said, feeling a little better knowing that it wasn't real blood after all.
"Are you alright now?" Thearl asked Athele, still supporting her.
"Yes, I'm fine," she said shortly, glaring at Devin. "I should have known."
"You should have seen your faces and you wouldn't say that!" He swung back and forth roaring with laughter. "Oh man, this was the most fun I've had in a long time!"
"It wasn't funny, Devin!" Rethe repeated. "We thought you were dying!" She turned on her brother again. "I can't believe you went along with something like this, Thearl!"
Thearl looked at his sister. He knew that she'd say something like that. His face was serious as usual, the humour of this scene entirely lost on him. Besides, he was worried that their father would appear to investigate the source of the noise. "I'm sorry, my little sister, but you know Devin, he wouldn't let me be if I didn't join him."
"That's no excuse, Thearl!" Rethe said venomously. "It was not funny."
"I know it was not..." Thearl said quietly, giving Devin a 'didn't-I-tell-you-it-was-a-bad-idea' look.
"Come on, Athele," Rethe said, taking her friend by the hand. "We have a dinner to finish preparing."
Athele nodded and realized she was still being supported by Thearl. She wrenched herself away, and without saying anything, went into the house with Rethe.
"We'll get back at you for this!" Rethe called over her shoulder.
Devin grinned at Rethe and called to her. "I can't wait for you to do that!"
****
Amman, the mayor of Esgaroth, had been working in his studyroom. It was a hard time for him...as it was for everyone. He narrowed his already small eyes and was about to sign a very important form when suddenly a loud sound of screaming reached his ears. He stood up and sighed angrily as he marched out of the house, his massive belly in front of him. "What is going on here?" He roared with a voice that was thick of the smoke of his beloved cigars.
Thearl's eyes narrowed at the sight of his father. "It's nothing...at least nothing of any interest to you," he said coolly.
Rethe and Athele stopped at the sight of the mayor in the doorway. "Nothing, daddy," Rethe said, still angry. "Just a couple of men acting like boys."
"It is of my interest when it disturbs my trying to do my job!" the mayor yelled.
"It disturbs you no longer, so why don't you go back to your work then?" Thearl answered back, his stance almost defensive by now. His father was yelling at him again, though his previous answer was cool, but not said in a raised voice.
"Daddy, it's alright," Rethe said more calmly. "It's over now." She glared at Thearl. But Thearl did not notice, his entire attention focused on his father, as if he was afraid that the man would hit him.
"I'm sorry, sir," Devin said quickly, "it won't happen again, I promise."
"Rethe, come on," Athele said quietly. "Dinner might be burning."
The mayor narrowed his eyes again and looked at every one of them. "Well then, if you are sure I won't be disturbed again..." He turned around and walked back into his office while muttering angrily at himself. And Thearl turned around and went towards the garden, his fists clenched.
Rethe glared at Thearl's back as he walked away. "I can't believe you, Thearl! And in front of company too," she called, then turned and went into the house.
"Oh come on Thearl...Don't be angry," Devin said, "I don't like it when your angry. Look at it from this side, at least it got their minds of things for a while, I'm sure they are going to talk about it for the rest of the day." Devin ran after Thearl, laying a hand on his shoulder. "I did not know you found it that terrible. And don't worry about your father." Devin was all serious again and stopped Thearl. Thearl did not even glance over his shoulder when his sister spoke. She was too young, she didn't know. He went to the garden fighting with his memories. He was not a small boy any longer, his father was no longer a threat. And he didn't react to Devin's words as well. He just needed a few minutes to calm down.
"He is just an old fool, you'd better ignore him..." Devin continued.
Thearl looked at his friend. "Thank you, Devin. And I really try to, it's just not that simple...I cannot help it that I react this way, it's because of the past...our relations were destroyed then and there's no coming back," he said weakly.
"I know, I know, Thearl. He is crazy, that old man of yours. I'm sorry for doing this, Thearl. I did not think of the consequences. I was a fool, as usual...Can you forgive me?"
****
Once back in the kitchen Athele began to chuckle softly.
"What in the world is so funny?" Rethe asked, not smiling back at her friend.
"If we had been in on the joke from the beginning, and if it had been played on someone else, it might have been funny," Athele said.
Rethe stared at her friend. Then nodded slightly. "I guess it might have been," she admitted. "But that doesn't make me less angry about it." Rethe suddenly grinned at her friend as an idea came to her. "I have an idea to get back at them," she said, going to a small cupboard, she withdrew a small bottle containing a clear liquid. "This is a very strong liquor. We can put some of it in their wine and it will make them drunk pretty fast."
"Oh, Rethe. But what about your father? Wouldn't he be mad?"
Rethe shrugged. "They'd deserve it," she said. Then she went to the window to look out for the men.
****
“Don't worry, Devin, it's OK now. And there's no need to forgive anything," Thearl answered earnestly. But then he added, inhaling deeply, "Let's go back home, the girls must be ready with the dinner by now." He didn't want to discuss the subject with Devin, even his best friend didn't know what had happened in Thearl's past and why he treated his father so.
"OK then..." Devin said. "But do you reckon it's still safe to eat that food? I mean, wouldn't they poison us for punishment?" He laughed softly, trying to cheer Thearl up.
"It is. No one in their right mind would waste the food so in times like this," Thearl answered, heading back for the house. "But there's a chance that they could poison our drinks...though I hope my little sister wouldn't want to get rid of me. What about your little one?"
"True..." Devin answered seriously. "Well, I don't think my little one wants to poison me, she needs me too much." He grinned and followed Thearl back to the house.
Thearl looked at his friend, and, motioning for silence, he gestured that they should get into the kitchen silently to see what the girls were doing. Devin nodded and followed Thearl. Both of them approached the kitchen as silently as if they were on a hunt.
****
Rethe could see them from her place by the wondow slowly sneaking up to the kitchen door. She stepped away from the window quickly and had to put her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing. "They're spying on us," she whispered.
"Oh really?" Athele said. "Well, I can't wait until they taste this seasoning I have on the boar's meat." She said it loud enough for the men to hear.
Rethe stifled her laughter, then raised her voice slightly as well. "Are you sure we should do that? What will it do to them?"
"Darn, they know we're here," Thearl whispered to Devin and then pushed the door to the kitchen open.
"No, we won't know what they are up to..." Devin answered.
"You won't know anyway, because they know we're here," Thearl answered to Devin and then entered the kitchen. "And what would that be?" he asked his sister.
Rethe quickly dropped the small bottle into her apron pocket without them noticing. Then she lit her face up with a big grin.
"Is dinner ready?" Devin asked casually with his hands in his pockets.
"What would what be?" Rethe asked innocently, lifting a bottle of spice from the table top. "This? It's...uh, something for the meat. We were just discussing if she should put it on or not."
"Is it ready? I'm hungry because all of those delicious smells..." Devin said.
"You know full well what I mean, my little sister," Thearl answered. He had a bad mood now, but he tried not to show this for the sake of the others. He hoped, however, that their father wouldn't join them during the meal.
"Actually, I don't," Rethe said, turning to take the bread out of the oven where it was keeping warm. "Now, you two should go get washed up. Especially you, Devin. I happen to know that those berries are rather bitter, and you won't want them on your hands while you're eating."
At those words Devin looked at his hands and then hurried out of the kitchen to the pump where he washed his hands and face with water.
Thearl nodded, looking at his sister, and then came a little closer to her and said quietly, "Do you think he'd come?"
Rethe shook her head. "No," she said quietly. "I asked him if we could eat in the parlor alone tonight. He won't bother us. Now go get washed up."
"Thanks," he answered quietly, but with a visible gratitude, and went to wash himself up.
Once the two men were gone Rethe took the bottle out of her pocket and handed it to Athele. "Here, you keep this. He knows I have it. Slip it into their wine just before you give it to them."
"How much? I don't want to overdose. Just a few drops maybe?" Athele said as she slipped the bottle into her own apron pocket.
"Put as much as you want in," Rethe said with a shrug. "It can't hurt them really, it will just make them a little happy is all." She grinned.
Cleaned and refreshed, Devin returned to the kitchen. "Is there anything I can do to help?" He asked, friendly.
"You can carry this into the parlor," Rethe said, handing him a bowl of cooked carrots.
Devin took the bowl with both hands and put it on the large table in the parlor. Thearl caught Devin there. "Watch the drinks, if they are really to try anything, it'll be the drinks, because they wouldn't waste the food."
Athele looked at the plate of already sliced meat and an idea came to her. She took the small bottle out of her pocket and quickly poured a little bit onto two pieces of the meat, then put it back in her pocket. Then she picked up the plate and carried it into the parlor.
Rethe followed, smiling slightly. "Okay, I think we're ready to serve," she said. "You two men sit down."
Athele began dishing out the food right away, giving the men the pieces of meat with the liquor on it. Devin sat down and looked at the food in front of them. He couldn't remember eating a meal this large and he felt quite guilty even though he was hungry. Thearl looked up at Devin with the same guilt written all over his face.
Rethe sat down and smiled. "So let's eat," she said, taking a bite of her own meat.
Devin saw Thearl's face and then shrugged, the food was already prepared so what was to do? A man's got to do what a man's got to do, so he took up his fork and tasted the meat.
Thearl nodded and then tried his food as well. "It's delicious," he paid a compliment to both maidens but then began to toy with his food rather than eat it. He was not feeling that hungry anymore, which was surprising. He guessed that his father's appearance ruined not only his mood but his appetite as well. Why was he still reacting so? His father was no longer a threat.
"Oh, here, I forgot the wine," Athele said as she uncorked the bottle and started pouring it first into Devin's glass, then Thearl's. Rethe gave Athele a wink as her friend poured the wine, making sure that at least one of the men saw it.
Thearl took the glass and drank all the wine at once absently, not remembering his own words of warning. He was too troubled now to think about it any longer.
The meat was terrific though it had a weird, strong, almost alcoholic taste. Devin looked up at the girls. "I did not know boar meat was this strong of taste," he said. "What did you girls put into it?"
Rethe shrugged. "It's an old family recipe I dug out of a drawer. I've never actually tried it before. Do you like it?"
"Yes, I like it," Devin answered, "did you put wine in it?"
"Oh, yes," Rethe said. "It is a wine glaze. It is not too strong I hope?"
From the corner of his eye Devin saw Thearl playing with his food. "What is wrong Thearl?" he asked.
Rethe noticed at the same moment. "Thearl, you're not eating. You're not going to let it go to waste are you?"
"I'm sorry, Rethe, I guess I'm not that hungry anymore," Thearl said quietly. He didn't want to ruin everyone's mood, so maybe he could force himself to eat a little and then finish it later.
"But Thearl, you mustn't waste it," Rethe said. "We can't waste food, you know that."
"I know, I'm trying to eat it, and I'll eat it. Now or in a few hours," he murmured.
Devin looked at his friend and he wondered what had happened between him and his father that made him lose his appetite at these times...
"I'm sorry," Thearl added again and forced some food to go down his throat, though he could almost feel his stomach turn.
"So, what should we talk about?" Rethe asked, taking a bite of her carrots.
Devin sipped his wine. "Did you hear about the letter Dora got from grandfather?" He asked Athele.
"What letter?" Athele asked.
"Grandpa asked if we—you, me and Dora—wanted to come and live with him..."
Hearing that Thearl looked up at Devin.
Athele looked up in surprise. "Grandpa asked? He doesn't even care about us, especially me."
"Dora showed me the letter in which he did, and he named you. So he probably cares more then we think." Devin shrugged and tried to put a carrot on his fork that kept rolling away. "He said there would be more to eat for all of us when we should move into his house."
"Mother knows he doesn't care for us, Devin. He probably just wants something. Like a nursemaid or something. He's probably pretty old by now."
"Well, your mother seemed ready to accept his offer..."
Athele was surprised to hear that, but she didn't want to talk about it anymore, so she said nothing. Devin finally managed to get the carrot onto his fork and with a quick movement he shove it into his mouth. It was obvious Athele didn't want to talk about it...
Thearl could feel the mood in the room changing and it was not for the better, that much was sure. "Thank you, the food was excellent, you both are great cooks. Now if you please excuse me..." Thearl stood from the table, giving an apologetic look to his guests, then left the room.
Rethe was shocked at her Brother's behavior. He had never done that before. All she could do was politely as possible close the evening. Letting her friends finish their dinner, though there wasn't much more talking while they ate. Rethe assured Athele that she could do the cleaning up by herself, then she bid her friends good night.
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| Narbeleth |
RE: Overcoming (scripted)
on: October 16, 2004 11:36
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((Sorry, I couldn't help posting this, since it's neccesary to drive the plot further. It has been co-written my eireen and myself. Hmm, so far all of our posts have been co-written. Oh well, it's just way too much fun!  ))
Rethe made her way slowly up the stairs of their house, pausing just outside the door to Thearl's room. She raised her fist to knock, then hesitated. She wasn't sure if she should bother him. His mood had been very bad through the rest of the short dinner. She had never seen him leave guests at the table like that. Something was bothering him and it made her regret the joke that she and Athele played on them—well, played on Thearl anyway. She still thought that Devin deserved it.
Finally she let her knuckles rap lightly on the door, then stood back slightly, waiting.
Thearl was lying in his bed in his clothes. He didn't light the candle so the room was covered in impenetrable darkness. He was troubled and hoped to fall asleep to forget his troubles, but before he could try, he hear a soft knock on his door. “Yes?” he asked, hoping that it wasn't his father. He could not have stood seeing that man right now.
Rethe opened the door slowly, surprised to see the room in complete darkness. She squinted into the room, trying to see where her brother was. "Thearl? Where are you?" She stepped into the room slightly, leaving the door open and allowing her eyes to accustom themselves to the darkness.
"I'm here," Thearl said, closing his eyes because the light seemed to be so bright at the moment. "What happened, Rethe? Do you need me to do something?" he asked softly. He hated to be disturbed like that, but his sister could do anything without him getting angry at her.
Once Rethe's eyes had adjusted, she made her way over to Thearl's bed and sat down on the edge of it. She could barely see him in the dimness, but she could see that he didn't really want to be bothered right then. But she really needed to tell him something. She wouldn't be able to rest until she did. She shook her head in answer to his question, but then spoke when she realized that he had his eyes closed and couldn't see her. "No, they left," she said quietly.
"Oh, good," Thearl answered. "I'm sorry, Rethe, I didn't want to ruin the supper this way. The food was really great," Thearl said earnestly. He was sorry that he allowed his father's presence and his memories to ruin the meal for everyone.
Rethe bit her lip and looked away at his compliment. If he only knew. "Thearl..." she said, hesitating slightly. She wasn't sure she should tell him. How would he react?
"I'm really sorry," said Thearl, thinking that his behaviour made his sister sad—a thing he always tried to avoid. He knew that she loved their father very much and he didn't want her to know the truth. Not that she didn't ask...but he had never told her, thinking that she deserved to have a loving father. And he allowed her to think that it was always his fault when it came to an argument with their father—just as today.
But Rethe was not thinking about the confrontation with their father. She was feeling ever more remorseful for the bad joke she had played on her brother and her mind was consumed with figuring out how to tell him about it. Finally she decided to just do it and accept the consequences. At least she would feel better. "Thearl, I must tell you something...it was an awful joke." She didn't even realize how fragmented her thoughts were, and that Thearl probably had no idea what she was talking about.
Thearl opened his eyes and looked up at Rethe, sounding surprised. "What was an awful joke?"
A tear appeared in her eye as she continued to explain. "The one that Athele and I played on you. It was terrible, and I feel bad about it now."
He sat up and placed a hand to her shoulder. "What joke, Rethe? I don't know what you are speaking about."
She laughed slightly and wiped the tear away. "We put hard liquor on your food...yours and Devin's. You know, that little bottle that daddy keeps in the cupboard? We wanted to get you back for the awful joke you played on us. But I've just felt so bad about it. I couldn't go to bed before telling you. I'm sorry, Thearl."
"You did what? Rethe!" Thearl said, faking a slight anger. Now he could have a small laugh at his sister just to repay her. Though inwardly he was unable not to feel amused at how Devin must be feeling right now. "Just how old are you, Rethe? Five years old?"
Tears sprung to Rethe's eyes at that. She had hoped that her brother would understand and forgive her. "I'm sorry, Thearl!" she said, nearly wailing. She wiped her eyes in frustration, refusing to look at him. He was usually more understanding than this.
And that was all Thearl could take. "It's alright, my little sister, though please, don't do that again, alright?" He pulled her into his embrace and kissed the top of her head. "I'm not really angry, I didn't eat that much of it. And I won't allow Devin to do anything to you, so you don't have to be worried."
She pulled away from him and looked at his face in the dim light. "Your not angry with me?" she asked in surprise.
"No, I'm not," he said smiling. "Well, Devin deserved to be repaid for the joke he played on you so..." But then he became worried. "Rethe, do you have this liquor somewhere?"
"Oh..." Rethe said quietly, suddenly realizing where it had been left. "I think it's in Athele's apron pocket," she said, cringing slightly. "The dinner ended so suddenly, we forgot all about it."
"It's alright...but when she brings it back, give it to me, alright?" Thearl requested.
"Why?" Rethe asked. "It's daddy's. Won't he find it missing?"
"Don't trouble yourself with it. If he misses it, I'll talk to him." Thearl said as a light appeared in his eyes telling that if their father ever missed it and came to ask Thearl where it was, there would be another fight taking place.
Rethe looked at him closely then shook her head. "Thearl..." New tears welled in her eyes at the thought of the 'talks' that went on between Thearl and their father. They always ended in shouting and someone getting hurt. Often it was Rethe who was hurt, though she never said anything. She loved their father so much, and it grieved her to see Thearl hate him like he did. And she never understood why he did, and that grieved her more.
“Rethe, it'll be all right really,” he said, taking her into his embrace again. He didn't want her to be hurt by his behaviour but what else could he do? Telling her everything was not an option, but allowing his father to have his way with everything was not acceptable as well. “I'm sorry, Rethe, I'm really sorry that you have to witness all this. I wish it could have been different, I really wish...“
"Why do you have to be so angry with him all the time?" Rethe cried into her brother's arm. "Why can't you just let him be? But instead it's like you make up reasons to yell at him. My whole life it's been this way...why, Thearl? Why?" She was really crying now, all thoughts of the joke gone from her head. She knew he wouldn't answer her. He never did. But she never gave up asking either.
Please, don't blame only me for what is happening. You say that I make up the reasons to fight with him, but...it's not entirely so. It's not only my fault, and by assuming that it is only my fault, you hurt me terribly, Rethe. Please don't do so...I really wish it could have been different but it can't.“
Rethe sniffed and wiped her eyes. "But, Thearl, I don't understand. I've never understood. You're always at each other's throats. And I don't know why, and I don't know who to blame. And it scares me sometimes, and it hurts me. Because I love daddy. And it hurts me to see how you hate him so. And I wish I knew why...I wish...I..." She stopped talking because sobs suddenly choked her words.
Thearl held her even tighter if it were possible, fighting with his own emotions and trying to calm her down. “I'm so sorry, Rethe. You know I love you the most in the world, and it is terribly hard for me to live with the knowledge that my actions hurt you. But I really can't do anything to stop it. I cannot tell you my reasons, my little sister, because it would've hurt you even more."
Rethe pulled away from him and looked up through her tear-flooded eyes. "But why?" she asked. "I really can't believe that it would hurt me more than all of this strife has hurt me my whole life."
I'm afraid it would, my little sister, it would. Please trust me on it," Thearl said softly. It truly hurt him to see tears in Rethe's eyes and to know that it was he who was the reason for them. Sometimes he wondered why he was protecting his father so. If she only knew...But he shouldn't tell her...couldn't tell her.
Rethe put her arms around her brother's neck, closing her eyes tight against his shoulder. "I still love you, Thearl," she choked. Holding on to him as tightly as she could.
He embraced her and whispered softly, “I love you too, Rethe, and I thank you.”
Rethe didn't answer, she hugged her brother closer. She was not appeased, not by far. But she knew from age-old experience that she never would be appeased, at least in this area of her life. This moment with Thearl was like so many others they had shared through the years. They usually ended about the same way. With Thearl begging her not to keep persisting and Rethe finally giving up.
((There, now the next day can start, guys.))
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| kellymulder |
RE: Overcoming (scripted)
on: October 16, 2004 11:56
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((Here is the next day, cowritten (again) by me Eireen and Aerihil, enjoy  ))
Thearl and Devin were walking down the street heading for the woods. They hoped that they would have some luck and wouldn't have to go back empty handed. "Devin, I fear we'll have to go deep in the woods today.."
'Yes my friend I know.' Devin answered. 'The prays have gone with the fertility of the earth so we will have a long travel today.'
"But I hope that not a fruitless one.." The men were lost in their conversation and therefore almost bumped into another man. "Sorry, sir" Thearl said as he stopped abruptly almost bumping into the man.
The man stopped abruptly as he was nearly nocked over by two men who were not paying attention to their surroundings. In fairness, he himself had also been lost in thoughts.
"Excuse me," he said apologetically. "I am sorry for the inconvenience that I may have caused." The man was new in these areas, and he knew it was in his best interest to remain polite under all circumstances. He stood up straight, making himself slightly taller so that he could get a better look at the men that stood before him. Very quickly he took in the way they stood, their appearance and made a quick self assessment of what they might be like. He stood there, unsure of what to say.
"It is we who should be sorry, sir. We were talking and not paying attention to where we were going. Are you new in the town? I don't remember seeing you here before.." Thearl said looking at Devin as if to make sure he wasn't wrong.
'I do not believe I have ever seen you around here sir.' Devin said. 'I do not mean to be rude or curious, but I'm just wondering. What would a man do in this town if he has no family here?'
The man looked at them both curiously. "What's to say I have no family here?" But he checked himself swiftly. "No, you are right, I have no family here. I am a traveller and seek accommodation is Esgaroth." He stopped for a second. "And I have literally just arrived"
"Well, I think, sir, that you arrived at a bad time then. All the pubs are closed temporarily so there might be a problem for you to find something .." Thearl said.
T
"Ah." The man said thoughtfully. He looked to the town as he said this. "That is a pity. I was hoping to stay here for a while."
'Yes it won't be easy to get accommodation, it's a unfortunate town you have walked into sir.' Devin added
"You could ask people in town, maybe you could rent a room somewhere, but..but I don't think it to be a good idea..we have a food shortage here, not to say famine, and the food is strictly rationed. So we don't welcome visitors having troubles with finding enough food for own people.."Thearl said earnestly.
'I do not know what city you are travelling to but I can asure you you have made a mistake by coming here... fortune has forsaken these lands.' Devin said gesturing towards the dry and dead fields surrounding them.
The man looked to where his eyes were led by the hand. He saw the dry feilds around him, and how dead they seemed to be. He remembered how lifeless the soil was that he picked up the other day. "I see what you mean." His eyes fell back upon the two men. "May I ask," he queried, "What your names are my good sirs?"
Devin narrowed his eyes and stared at the man. 'My name is Thearl' he said 'and this guy next to me is Devin.' Switching the names was a childish thing to do, but he did not trust the man and he didn't want him to find them again easily.
Thearl was slightly surprised at his friend's behaviour but didn't allow his surprise to show. Instead he just asked, "And who could you, good sir, be?"
The man bowed his head graciously, and then righted Chinese so that he was once again level with Thearl and Devin. "Greetings Thearl and Devin," he said as he looked at both of them in turn. "My name is Dwelian, and I have come from a very small settlement just south of here on common business. I have been travelling for a few days or more now." With an honest smile he added. "I am very pleased To meet you both." The sun shone softy upon the earth and a cool breeze echoed between them.
"Nice to meet you, sir. Though I am afraid we cannot continue our talk. We have to go and search for some food.." Thearl said.
'Yes it was nice meeting you and I wish you good luck on your journey.' Devin said.
"You say your going hunting?" Dwelian said with new interest. "If it's not too intruding, could I help out? I saw something worth hunting not too long ago. It will undoubtedly still be there-or in that area at least." Both men looked at him suspiciously. "What's the harm in me showing you? You need the food, and if you like I will just point you in the right direction and go away." Dwelian waited for their reply.
'What kind of food do you mean?' Devin asked frowning his eyebrows.
"Deer." Dwelain said surely. "There was a stag, two deer, and a couple of rabbits not too far from them. There is a small waterhole near to where I saw them grazing. If we you are successful in killing them, then it will mean a good meal for everyone." He looked towards the woods now eager to show them of this prize catch that he had located. He looked back to Thearl and Devin. Both were listening to his words with great interest.
Thearl looked at Devin with hope in his eyes. If they managed to hunt those animals..So much food at once was almost impossible to imagine.
'How can this be happening?' Devin asked, more to himself then towards the others. 'We have been looking for food for months and now you are telling us that there is a very large pile of them waiting for us? I find it hard to believe, but let's take a look."
"I wish Rethe was here," Thearl murmured. Then he looked at the new man. "Would you please lead us there?"
Dwelian looked across to Mirkwood, his eyes searching carefully for the opening that he had used the previous night. "Follow me" He ran swiftly and silently across towards the mass of trees. At the edge of Mirkwood her turned to see if the others were keeping up with his pace. Once he had been assured that they could keep up, he entered Mirkwood. He dodged through trees and over fallen branches. The floor was thick with overgrown vines and ivy, of which one had to be careful so they did not get caught in it. They had been walking now for several minutes, and had gone deeper into the forest.
The daylight and feilds could still be seen through the trees. Dwelian stopped for a moment to listen. "This is where they were when I last saw them." He looked around. The others had stopped behind him, and were as silent as he was. A small pool of clear water could be seen in a small clearing beyond the trees that stood in front of them. Suddenly, after what seemed to be hours, the snapping of twigs could be heard. Dwelian looked hard, and he could soon make out a family of deer. Sure enough, there was a stag, and two deer. Dwelian turned to smile at the others, his eyes twinkled heartily at his sucess in finding the Deer.
Devin gasped as he saw the deer, this would be enough food for more then a week for the whole town! But they had to kill them first and that had to be done very carefully, for else they would flee. Devin took his spear at hand and waited for the others to prepare. He pointed that he would take the one in the middle and waited.
“If only we could kill them all... Will you help us?” Thearl asked Dwelian, being as silent as he only could. His hand travelled to his bow and he took one of his arrows. They had to be quick and shoot accurate if they wanted to have them all.
Dwelian nodded. Of course he would help. He drew out an old bow that he had had since he was a child, one used only for hunting. He waited for one of the men to give the all clear for shooting, He himself was aiming at the stag...
Whe Devin saw that the other two were ready, he raised three fingers putting them down slowly, one by one. When his last finger was down he threw his spear towards the deer right in front of him.
Thearl concentrated on the animal he was to kill and aimed his bow very carefully. He knew he had to shoot accurate because this time there was no Rethe to help him. Concentrating, he nodded waiting for the others to prepare. Then at Devin's signal he released his arrows, first one, then the other- both met their target and the animal fell down to the ground dead. Thearl looked around to see how the others were doing and if they needed any assistance.
The spear flew through the air, hitting the deer in the neck. Its brown eyes became huge in surprise and pain. Then the eyes went black and empty and the animal fell to the ground.
Dwelian released his arrow as soon as the signal was given. Instantly the stag fell to the floor, and then struggled to stay alive. Dwelian shot it once more to end its misery. It was a fine creature, and it would feed a lotof mouths.
Thearl stepped into the clearing looking at the animals almost in awe. They had such a great luck! So much food! It seemed to be almost impossible.. He looked at Dwelian and Devin. "We did it! No one in Esgaroth will be hungry today.."
Devin's smile seemed to cut his face from the left to the right. He jumped out of the bushes, cheering 'We did it, we did it!'
"Hang on!" Dwealian shouted after the others. "There is still a family of rabbits to be found-If you remember me saying so." He too was smiling at the delight of the other men.
Thearl in his joy embraced Devin. "I still can't believe it! But I think we need to secure these first.. plus we have to think how we will transport the animals to the town. We won't manage it by ourselves.." Thearl said letting go of his friend.
'You speak my words, friend.' Devin said to Thearl, 'we cannot carry these bodies all the way down to Esgaroth ourselves...'
Dwelian though for a moment. "No, but we can compromise." He took off the pack that he had on his back and pulled out three odd looking sheets of leather. He then fumbelled around on the ground for two sturdy sticks, and then quickly created a stretcher. It was now clear to the others what her intended to do.
"Each of us can drag the animal he killed using these stretchers. Or they can all go on one and we can carry it, while one clears the path for the others" he looked at the deer. "Failing that we could send for some help from your village, what ever you think is best though," he waited for their reply.
Thearl stood, with his head slightly tilted to the left as he was thinking what the best course of action was. "I think that it would be the best if we called for help from the town. It could be hard for us to drag those deer all the way back to the Pantry. And if we have some help, then some of us may still go and look for those rabbits you told us about," Thearl said and looked at his best friend to see what he thought about it.
Dwelian nodded, and put the large sheets of leather back into his pack, then put it back on his back. He discarded the sticks that he had just found and left them on the floor.
Devin nodded. 'I agree with you that we should split up, or at least ask for some help. Shall I go to the town to ask someone then you can watch the deer.'
Thearl looked at Devin. "Will you go? The men should be close to the Pantry as it's almost time for the morning ration to be served.."
Dwelian nodded in conclusion what had been said. "I will help look after the deer, I will also show you to those rabbits that I saw a while back. They should still be there."
At those words Devin disappeared into the bushes. Vaguely, the two other men could here him calling. 'I'll be back with two men, that should be enough to carry everything."
Thearl looked at Dwelian. "I wanted to thank you, sir, for leading us here. These animals..it is the best catch we had in long weeks. The people won't be hungry tonight and for the few next days. Thank you, I'm in your debt.." After a moment he added, "We all are.."
Dwelian smiled. "It is no trouble. I am happy that I could help you all out." He then paused for a moment, and seemed to be thinking hard as if something was troubling him. "Forgive me for asking this, but how long has this food and crop shortage been going on for?" He looked at Thearl with genuine interest, and put his hunting bow back across his pack.
Thearl looked at Dwelian with a worried expression on his face. "This strange Blight, as we call it, has attacked our crops for the fourth year in the row. So far we have hunted and it somehow helped us to survive. But now the animals began to leave and it's getting harder and harder to get any food at all..."
"Four years?" Dwelian looked at him in disbelief. "Has this effected the whole of Mirkwood too?"
Thearl looked at Dwelian surprised. "I really don't know sir, we just observed it on our own crops.."
"So... you're telling me that this epidemic as you say, by your knowledge has only been going on here?" Thearl looked at him with confusion. "It's just that it seems odd to me... that's all.." Dwelian drifted off into his own thoughts again.
****
Devin made his way through the branches and bushes in the mean time. Still happy about their catch, not thinking about anything else, he reached the Long Lake and the town of Esgaroth. Out of breath he reached the Pantry since he had been running the last bit.
He adressed two young strong men, telling them happily about what had happened. 'We have a big catch, three deers and maybe some rabbits, can you please come with me and help us carry?'
Both the men smiled at each other. 'Is it true?' The biggest of the two asked. When he saw the expression on Devin's face he added. 'Well let's go then!'
****
Thearl looked at the man still not really understanding what the stranger meant. The Blight was odd.. sure it was. He looked up at Dwelian again, but the man did not seem to be willing to talk, lost in his thoughts.
Dwelian was thinking, and thinking hard, though his mind would not reveal what it was. He soon noticed that Thearl was looking at him. He could tell that he didn't understand what he was on about, to tell the truth, he wasn't too sure either. He thought it best to change the subject. "Shall we go and find those rabbits, or wait for the others to return first?"
Thearl shook his head. "I believe we should better wait for the others to come. I don't want to leave them alone here, they're too precious to us."
"I suppose you are right. Wild animals may get them. We had better stay here. How long do you think they will be?" he looked to the trees where Devin had left them a few moments ago. This forest was really grinding against his mind.
Thearl briefly wondered. “The men should be close to the Pantry now, so Devin should have no troubles with finding someone to help. So it should him take only a few minutes more than it took us when we were coming here..“
"Ok then. I just feel as if I will need some air soon," he smiled.
Devin took the two excited men with him back to the clearing, they seemed even more happy than he was and were talking very loudly. This made Devin a little nervous so he said, 'Can you two please quiet down a little, I need to concentrate and we don't want to be heard by strangers.' After that the men got quiet. A few minutes later he and the two others stepped into the clearing where Thearl and Dwelian were talking. Dwelian looked up to see Devin with two able bodied men behind him. He showed them to the deer, and both men slung one over their shoulders.
Thearl looked at Devin greeting him with the nod of his head and then he said, "So one of us needs to carry the deer while two others would go and catch the rabbits if we can.."
'Well let's toss the coin, then.' Devin said smiling. 'I don't feel like carrying that stag all the way down to the village.'
"Sounds like a good idea to me," Thearl said and Dwelian nodded as well.
Devin felt in his pockets for a coin but he couldn't find one. 'Thearl do you have a coin? I'm broke.'
Thearl looked at his friend then fished in his pocket for a coin. "Here," he said handing the coin to Devin. "I hope that at least this coin will spare me."
'If it is head, I will take the stag to Esgaroth, ok?' Devin said not waiting for an answer but tossing the coin already.
Thearl looked at the coin hoping that it would be head. "And what is it? Do I have to carry it or should you?"
'It is head!' Devin said disappointed.
"Yes! For once I don't have to carry it. So Devin, see you back in the village tomorrow morning by the Pantry, remember? Me and Dwelian will go and see if we can get some of those rabbits too."
Devin sighed and groaned theatrically before lifting the stag. 'I remember,' he said. 'Have fun, the two of you. I hope you can make it to shoot the rabbits also.'With another groan he stood up and walked out of the clearing into the direction of Esgaroth.
Thearl looked for a moment in the direction where his friend disappeared and then took off trying to catch up with Dwelian to find the rabbits.
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| Jedianakinsolo |
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| eireen |
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| kellymulder |
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| AerhÃril |
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| Ireth_elfmaiden |
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| kellymulder |
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| Jedianakinsolo |
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| Skunk |
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| AerhÃril |
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| Skunk |
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| Ireth_elfmaiden |
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| AerhÃril |
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| Jedianakinsolo |
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| eireen |
RE: Overcoming (scripted)
on: October 21, 2004 07:34
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((Another co-written post, this time between Nar, Ireth and myself. Enjoy!))
Thearl and Bacall were going slowly towards the Mayor's house, both tired after the hunt. "I'm sure Rethe will be very surprised to see you, Bacall. I can almost imagine her shock," the man said, and then added, ”and she'll probably be mad that I invited someone without telling her first."
Bacall smiled, "I cannot wait to see her either. How changed she must be. I think she will forgive you for not giving her any warning though."
"I really hope so...otherwise you'll have to promise that you'll protect me," Thearl said.
"So, you still hide from your little sister do you?" Bacall asked in jest. "Don't worry, old friend, I won't let her hurt you."
"Thanks, I'm already feeling better. Besides," he added, "my little sister can be dangerous—she is a better archer than anyone I know, so...oh, we're almost there."
Bacall saw as they approached a familiar house. The same one he had remembered from years ago, it had hardly changed at all.
"Now, try to be as quiet as you can," Thearl instructed and opened the door, letting Bacall in and entering the house himself. "Rethe?" he called out, trying to find out where his sister was.
Bacall saw lamplight coming from another room and the sound of footsteps reached his ears.
"Rethe? My little sister? We've got a guest," Thearl called out, hearing her approaching.
Rethe came around the corner, wiping her hands on a rag and tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Thearl, I'm glad you're home, I was beginning to—" she stopped suddenly, seeing the other man. She stared for a moment in silence.
Thearl went over to his sister and hugged her. "This is my...our old friend, don't you remember him?" he asked, grinning slightly.
Bacall stepped forward with a sly smile. "Hello Rethe. It's been far too long."
Rethe took a closer look at the man, then shook her head, giving an apologetic smile. "No, I'm sorry," she laughed, shrugging her shoulders.
"It's Bacall! Would you believe it?" Thearl said.
Rethe's eyes widened. "Bacall?" My but he had changed. He was a man now and hardly recognizable. Of course, she had been only eight years old the last time she saw him, and her perceptions would have been different then.
"Yes, I'm afraid it is true," Bacall grinned. "Rethe, you have grown into a lovely woman, if you don't mind my saying so."
Thearl cleared his throat. "Better be careful, old friend. She's my little sister."
Rethe was speechless. She looked down at herself, covered in flour, and blushed. "I look all a mess," she said, trying to brush some of the flour from her apron, though the attempt was useless, since her face was covered with white smudges as well.
"Just paying a complement Thearl. No need to get defensive," Bacall laughed, holding up his hands.
"Thearl, why didn't you tell me we were having someone over?" Rethe said under her breath.
"Because, I didn't know about it. I met Bacall accidentally. He was missed the hunters group leaving and asked me and Devin if he could join us. I hope you don't mind, little sister." Thearl looked at Bacall. "Well, a little caution won't hurt."
Bacall looked at brother and sister. "If it would be better, I could come another night, one where it is not an inconvenience to Rethe." He didn't want to see them argue over his presence.
"Oh no," Rethe assured quickly. "I was just surprised is all, please come in." She stood to the side and gestured that he should come into the other room.
Thearl smiled at his sister over Bacall's shoulder as they went into the kitchen. "Is there anything for dinner? We're very hungry."
Bacall took a deep breath. "Something smells very good."
"I just made some fresh bread," Rethe answered. "And we have more venison from yesterday."
Bacall leaned his bow in the corner against the wall. "Is there something I might do to help you?" he offered to Rethe.
"Oh, no, Bacall. You were just out hunting, you should sit." She pulled one of the chairs out from the table for him. "I was nearly finished anyway. Thearl, you sit too."
Thearl just stood by the door and was watching them both. He was lost in his thoughts, therefore Rethe's voice startled him slightly. "What did you say, my little sister?"
"I said sit down," Rethe repeated as she checked on the bread. It still had a few more minutes to go.
"Oh," Thearl said, and moved to sit in his chair. "So, Bacall, what have you been doing for all those long years?"
"Yes, please tell," Rethe added. "All I know is that you went to Gondor, or some such place."
"Well," Bacall pondered, "after I won that archery contest in Gondor, the Steward offered me a position as a member of his hunters. So I have spent my years there, hunting for the Steward and earning a living off of the services I give him. Now I am one of his head hunters."
Rethe raised her eyebrows and glanced at Thearl. "Wow. You must be pretty good."
"So why did you leave it all and came back?" Thearl asked, raising his eyebrow in surprise.
Bacall sighed. "My father sent me a letter about the goings on here, and I felt I had to come and help if I could. I only wish he had sent for me sooner."
Rethe came and sat at the table across from Bacall, resting her elbows on the table and her hands on her chin. "Sooner would have been three years ago," she said, "but we had no idea we would need help then."
Thearl sighed. "There is really nothing you could have done to help to prevent the Blight. We've tried everything, just as Rethe says. At the beginning we had no idea it would get this bad...and later, there was nothing we could do."
"I suppose, but I could have helped hunt before all the animals left, and the meat could have been dried to last longer. Then we wouldn't be facing such a shortage." Bacall stared at the table, tracing the wood with his finger.
"Bacall, please. Do you honestly think we didn't try to do that?" Thearl said, looking at his friend.
Rethe looked down and began to play with the towel that rested in front of her. "Thearl, must we talk about the Blight?" she asked in a whisper.
"I'm sorry, Rethe...it's just...all that happens here concerns the Blight in one way or another."
"I know," Rethe said, still in a whisper, "that's why I'm tired of talking about it."
"Well then, tell me what you two have been up to these past years...before the trouble started," Bacall tried, hoping to lead the conversation elsewhere.
Rethe just stared for a moment, trying to think. She looked at Thearl, but couldn't remember a time before the Blight. She laughed slightly. "I don't know," she admitted.
Bacall cleared his throat. "Well then," he said quietly, his attempt not succeeding, "how about dinner then? Is it done Rethe?"
Rethe stood abruptly, suddenly remembering the dinner. "Oh, yes! Of course." She went to the oven and removed the bread and roast venison. The smells filled the kitchen and she breathed deeply the wonderful aroma of cooked meat.
Thearl looked at Bacall. "Well, you know, life here hasn't changed much after you left. We grew up...made some new friends...your life in Gondor must have been far more exciting...Mmm...I'm getting even more hungry now," Thearl said as the smells filled the air. Rethe smiled at his unintentional compliment.
Bacall helped Rethe set the food on the table, "Well, after a while it became routine. What did manage to stir it up a little was the traveling I did from time to time. I was sent as a messenger all over Middle-Earth."
"Thearl—I'm sorry for interrupting..." Rethe said, "but, Thearl, we could use some wine with this meal. Could you go down to the cellar and get some, please?"
"Oh, alright. But when I'm back, you'll tell us about the other creatures...I mean about elves, dwarves, hobbits...have you seen any of them?"
"Some of them. I will tell you when you come back. Don't keep Rethe waiting," Bacall winked.
But seeing Rethe's look Thearl groaned. "Alright, I'll be right back, wait for me with the story." And with those words he left to bring some wine. Rethe smiled shyly at Bacall after Thearl left, not knowing what to say now.
Bacall caught Rethe's glance. "So Rethe, how have you been? Despite all this Blight business?"
She sighed, then shrugged. "I'm okay, I guess. I've been learning the bow...Thearl's been teaching me, though I have yet to become as good as he."
"Truly?" Bacall smiled. "How wonderful. Perhaps you will have to join us on a hunt sometime. I would love to see how your skills have developed."
"I usually go on the hunts," Rethe admitted. "But sometimes I have other work to do."
Bacall nodded in acknowledgment as Thearl reappeared with wine in hand, willing to hear about those others creatures. He was curious about them, since he had never seen any of them. "Here's the wine," he said, setting the bottle down on the table.
"Thank you," Rethe said, giving him a smile. She searched the cupboards for some wine glasses.
Thearl smiled back a his sister. "So...have you met any of those? What are your impressions of those other races?"
Bacall chuckled. "Well, I have been to every realm of men. Even as far west as Bree. It was there I ran across a small group of halflings, curious little race they are." Bacall pondered before continuing.
"Do they really eat as much as stories tell?" Thearl asked, interrupting.
"Not quite as much, but close. They love their food," he went on. "I have not crossed with many dwarves—one or two, they are hearty men, very prideful, but pleasant for the most part." With a sigh, he went on. "Now the elves...now there is a wondrous leaf if ever I did see."
Rethe smiled. "I would love to meet another race. I've never even met an elf, even though we live so close to them."
"Same with me," Thearl admitted.
"Well, I have never been into the Mirkwood realm, nor Lothlorien, very mysterious are they both. But I have been a short time guest in Rivendell, let me say, the most beautiful city I have ever beheld. The way it is built, amongst the trees and the rivers, it's simply breathtaking."
Rethe raised her eyebrows in Thearl's direction. "You have been very lucky, Bacall. I would love to travel like that."
Bacall smiled. "Perhaps someday you will. Only time can tell. Now, lets eat, this looks wonderful, Rethe, truly." He clapped his hands together, ready to dish out the meat.
"Oh yes, please. Thearl, will dish up the plates please?"
"Oh...do I have to? I wanted to ask something else...you're so impatient," he said as he got up.
Rethe gave her brother a scolding look, but she covered it quickly with a smile as she uncorked the wine bottle.
"I believe you can dish and ask at the same time, my friend," Bacall said.
"Alright then," Thearl said while performing his task. "So the elves as such, are they evil? Or magical as some say? Do they cast spells?" The man tried to remember all he had heard about the elves to confirm it. It somehow seemed important to ask these questions. Thearl briefly wondered if it had something to do with the weird Dwelain's behaviour yesterday and the way he remarked...no he shouldn't ponder over it, not right now.
Rethe listened intently as she poured the wine, not wanting to miss a word of the answer.
Bacall chuckled, ah the bedtime stories parents used to tell them as small children. "Elves are anything but evil...mysterious perhaps, but graceful and elegant beyond anything I have seen. And wise as, well, so much more then any man could hope to be. As far as magic, yes, they know some, but it is all about nature and healing. They hold nature in such high regard and call upon it for their aid."
Rethe frowned. "Do you think the Mirkwood elves are different though? Because we've heard quite the opposite about them."
“And they speak some Elf talk, don't they? How were you able to understand what they mean?" Thearl asked.
Bacall felt overwhelmed with questions, and took time to answer each in turn.
Addressing Rethe's first, he began. "I cannot say of Mirkwood elves as I have never been there. But there was a Lothlorien elf I met in Rivendell who seemed just as the Rivendell elves did, no different. So I would imagine that the elves of Mirkwood are very much like their other kin." Then to Thearl's question, "And as for elvish, for that is their first language, it is a beautiful tongue, like music. I could not understand them most of the time, but I picked up some common words. Also, they know Common Speech and used that mostly in my presence, so I had no trouble communicating with them."
"Ooh," Rethe said, jumping slightly in her seat. "Could you say a few elf words?"
"Yes, please," Thearl joined Rethe, seeing how excited she was. To tell the truth, he was as excited as his sister was, but tried not to admit that too openly.
Bacall smiled. "I suppose, let me think..." he jogged his brain for something he could use. "Mellon nin means 'my friend', to say hello they use either Suilad or Mae Govannen, umm... hannon le is 'thank you,' losto mae means 'sleep well,' and farewell is navaer."
Rethe's smile was big as she listened to the strange sounds. "I love that," she said softly, saying the words over in her mind.
After swallowing a bite of meat, Bacall grinned. "See, just as I told you, like music. Though I don't do the words justice, they say them with such ease. But they feel odd in the mouth to say."
Rethe grinned again, then suddenly jumped up from the table and disappeared into the next room.
Thearl looked up as she left so suddenly, puzzled. "What was that about?" he asked. "Rethe, are you alright?" he stood up, worried.
"Just a minute," she called back. "I'm getting something!"
"Alright," Thearl answered and sat back down in his chair. But he didn't eat, waiting for her to come back.
Rethe returned a minute later with an ink pot, quill and piece of parchment. She set them down in front of Bacall. "Can you please write those elf words down for me? I know I will probably never meet an elf, but I want to remember them anyway."
Thearl grinned. Of course, he could have seen it coming, his sister would never miss such an occasion.
Bacall chuckled. "Gladly, but will you permit me to finish my meal first?"
Rethe blushed. "Oh, of course." She sat back down and grinned back at Thearl. Her brother winked at her in return. His sweet, little sister...
Bacall put another bite of meat in his mouth. "This is very good Rethe, my compliments."
Rethe smiled again and glanced at their guest shyly. "Thank you. It is less than I would have wanted for guests...but thank you."
Thearl placed his palm on his sister's shoulder, "It is very good, my little sister."
Rethe nodded and gave her brother grateful smile. "Thank you."
He just smiled back at her, knowing that she would understand and then began eating as well.
The rest of the meal passed with small talk and much laughter as the three old friends caught up on lost years. When all were finished, Rethe began to clear away the dishes as Bacall took up the ink pen and wrote the elvish words on the parchment as he promised.
Rethe noticed what Bacall was doing and came to look over his shoulder. "Oh, thank you very much," she said.
With the last stroke of the pen, Bacall let the ink dry and then handed the parchment to Rethe who beamed with delight. "I have the word and what it means for you there," he pointed out.
Rethe read each word carefully, trying to pronounce them in her head like she had heard Bacall say them earlier. "Thank you," she said again, looking up at him and grinning.
"You are most welcome," he nodded.
Thearl smiled seeing his sister so happy. And it made him feel happy too, to see her smiling earnestly.
With that, Bacall rose from his chair. "And now I fear the hour is late, and I must be getting home." He gave Rethe a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you for the wonderful meal."
Rethe's face flamed red and she put her hand on her cheek, hoping no one would notice. She smiled, But couldn't find any words to say.
Then, turning to Thearl, Bacall clapped his friend on the shoulder, "And I thank you for the wonderful hunt and the kind invitation to join you this night. I enjoyed it greatly." He gathered his things as they all headed for the door.
Thearl looked at his friend. "No need to thank us, we enjoyed your company very much..."
"Yes, we did," Rethe finally said. "I hope to see you again very soon."
In the doorway, Bacall paused. "I hope to see you both again soon, perhaps for another hunt. I am staying at my father's, I believe you know where that is, anytime either of you wish to stop by."
Rethe grinned at Thearl. "Thank you, Bacall, have a safe walk home."
With that, he stepped out into the darkness and headed down the path to the street. With one final turn and wave, he made his way homeward, fully overjoyed with how this day had turned out.
"Bye, Bacall. And see you soon," Thearl said as he came to stand beside his sister. As soon as the door closed, Thearl looked at Rethe. "Are you happy that I invited him?"
Rethe grinned broadly and gave Thearl a kiss on the cheek. "Yes, I am. It was very good to see him again. Though I must admit I didn't recognize him at first."
"Well, to tell you the truth, neither did I. Me and Devin thought he was another stranger...he's changed a lot..." Thearl said, smiling.
Rethe smiled again. "Well, I suppose we have too. Especially me. Since I was so little last time we saw each other."
"True...well, my little sister, I suppose we should go and get some rest. I have to be by the Pantry before the dawn..."
"Oh, Thearl, I want to go hunting with you next time you go. I've missed the last two times." She looked up at him with a pleading gaze.
Thearl sighed. Each time his sister gave him such a pleading look, he was lost. He always did what she asked him to do. How could he refuse? "Alright, you can go with us. But that means we both have to go to bed now."
She gave him another quick kiss on the cheek. "I'm already asleep in bed," she said, then turned and hurried toward her room.
Thearl grinned. His little sister...
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| AerhÃril |
RE: Overcoming (scripted)
on: October 23, 2004 11:45
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((This one was written by eireen and myself. Enjoy!!!))
It was late afternoon when the gates of Imladirs opened and a small group of elven warriors entered the Fortress. The elves' face lit up in earnest smiles when they felt the peacefulness of their home soothing their weary minds and bodies. These elves were one of many Boarder Patrols guarding the boarders of Imladris, and had just returned from their duty, which they had begun at night. The warriors stopped at the courtyard, and after listening to a few words that their Captain told them, they were dismissed and hurried towards their houses.
The young Captain smiled wearily as he reported that his duty went undisturbed and he and his warriors had not seen anything dangerous in the area. Then Arthion, because that was the elf's name, sighed quietly as he was hurrying towards his father's house. He was exhausted after the night's duty, but his weariness was caused not only by that, but also by the lack of sleep on the night preceding his duty, which the elf had spent on reading.
“Ada is going to kill me,” Arthion thought, thinking about the rebuke his adar would surely give him, when he would see the state his son was in. The elf sped up his pace, inclining his head slightly in answer for polite “Good afternoon, Lord Arthion,” every now and then as he was greeted so.
Aerhíril hurried across the ground as quickly as she could. She had just visited her Ada, and now she had to deliver some messages to Lord Elrond. Something in truth, that she should have done as soon as she arrived. Luckily, she would probably only have to hand them to one of Elrond's advisors, thus avoiding the terrible wrath of why she did not give the messages to Elrond sooner. She had her cape around her shoulders, and it was flowing behind her. She held her open bag in front of her, and was browsing through to make sure all the right documents from Mirkwood were all there and in one piece.
“Don't fall asleep, you're almost there“ Arthion thought as he entered the higher placed part of Rivendell, called the High City, in which the house of Lord Elrond was, as well as the Healing Wards, and all the most important buildings. In that part of the City, there were also the houses of the nobles, and that was where Arthion was headed. He was living in that part of City together with his parents.
The young elf began to walk even quicker, glad that he would reach his home soon, and would finally be able to get some rest. And so, intent on coming back home as soon as possible, Arthion sped up his pace even more. He came round the corner, and being too lost in his thoughts to notice an elf standing there, he bumped into them. The strength of the collision sent both elves to the ground, since the other elf was caught unprepared as well, obviously having been too busy with something to notice Arthion coming.
Aerhíril was in shock by the sudden force that hit her, and she and whatever it was fell to the ground. Unfortunately, her bag was still wide open at the time, and so all of the important documents that were supposed to be in order were all over the place, and scattered across the floor. Aerhíril was none too happy about this, and so muttering under her breath, she regained her self and then started to retrieve the letters and documents without even looking up to see what had hit her. Luckily the ground was not wet, but it was still a pain to pick them up. Elrond would kill her for this.
Arthion found himself sitting on the floor, and it took him a few seconds to understand what had actually happened just a moment ago. The elf blushed slightly as he realized that his lack of attention was the reason why he and the other elf were on the floor now. Looking around, Arthion spotted letters and documents, which the other elf must have dropped while falling, scattered all around the place. Mumbling softly something which he hoped sounded like an apology, Arthion began to help to collect the documents, still not looking up at the other elf.
Soon with the help of the pair of hands that bumped into her, the documents were back in a neat pile, (although still out of order, and as far as Aerhíril was concerned Elrond could organize them himself) she too apologized, and looked up to see who on earth had quite possibly, signed her death sentence. But when she looked up, her face lit with surprise, and she almost fell backwards on to her back. The Elf's eyes that returned her gaze looked just as surprised as she was. "Arthion??!!"
Arthion's head snapped up, and he locked his eyes with the other elf as he heard his name being said. The elf blinked in surprise- this could not be true, just could not be... Arthion did not say anything, and was just starring at the she elf in front of him, utterly bewildered.
Aerhíril was in disbelief. Her surprise then turned to laughter. "No matter where I go, I can always guarantee that you will bump into me." She grinned at Arthion, who still looked as if he had just seen a ghost.
"Aerhíril, it's you!" Arthion finally managed, and then added, grinning, “hey, it's not fair, I'm not always bumping into you... Actually, it's you who is bumping into me more often, mellon nin.“ Looking up at Aerhíril, the elf asked, ”What are you doing here? When did you arrive? And the most important- why didn't you say that you were coming?“ He asked all those questions while he smiled at his friend he had not seen in a while.
"Well," Aerhíril stammered "Someone had to take messages to Lord Elrond from The King of Mirkwood, and as no one else could go, I was asked to do it. Besides, I needed to visit my ada." She smiled again. "Besides, like I knew that you were going to be here!" She knew that Arthion knew that she did know, and so she joked "It must have slipped my mind" Aerhíril then realized that they were both still crouching on the floor.
Arthion smiled back at her. "Well, now that I know that you are here, I won't let you go so easily. Do you have some time?" the elf asked, not paying any attention to the looks other elves were giving to him and Aerhíril, wondering what two elves were doing crouching in the middle of a narrow passage.
"Yes, of course I have time. I am already late delivering these to Elrond, but a while longer won't hurt him." Aerhíril put the documents back into her bag. "They are in the wrong order now, so I suppose that I will have to sort them out again before I hand them in.... It's fairly easy, they are numbered." She did her bad up, and put it back on her bag.
Arthion thought about what she told him for a moment and then offered, “Maybe we could go to my house? It's quite close. You could sort those papers out there, and if you want to, I can ask my ada to deliver them to Lord Elrond. How does that sound?“ The elf looked at Aerhíril waiting for her decision. Arthion knew that his father would not mind taking the documents to Lord Elrond, since Lord Golion was one of the most trusted advisors and a dear friend to the Ruler of Imladris, and spent a lot of time at his side. And his father knew the best how absent- minded the young elves could be, so he would not be very angry with Aerhíril for not delivering the documents earlier.
Aerhíril smiled. "That would be great. That way I can find out what you've been up too for the past few months." For the first time Aerhíril looked around her, and she found that several elves were looking at them, confused why two grown Elves would be sitting in the middle of a narrow passage. "I think we had better get off the floor" She laughed.
Arthion looked at Aerhíril, then around, and blushed slightly. "Yes, you're right," he said, noticing for the first time that other elves were looking in their direction rather confused. So the elf stood up and then began to lead the way to his father's house, knowing that they would be able to talk there undisturbed.
As they walked, Aerhiril decided that she wanted to know what Arthion had been doing in Rivendell, and that she could not really wait any longer to ask him. Thankfully though, they soon arrived at Arthion's father's house. Aerhiril had never been here before, though she had passed by the front door on several occasions.
And the house was really beautiful and very huge. It was exactly the kind of buildings the elves liked, with huge windows and many plants in pots. The house was painted in light colors and the furniture that were there showed that their owners were wealthy. Arthion let Aerhiril in, leading her towards his own room. "Would you like something to eat? Or to drink?" He asked.
Aerhíril accepted the offer gratefully. "I would love something to drink" She replied. "So," She said as he walked over to get some cups. "How have you been then?"
Arthion smiled. "Better don't ask. When I came back home after we last parted, my ada was furious at me... Well... he had a reason, that much for sure. On my way home I...well, I lingered a little too long and my parents were very worried. And since I came back, I'm a good son. I'm working in the Healing Wards, and from time to time I step into my old duties, though my father doesn't look too kindly on me being back in the Boarder Patrol... and what have you been doing?"
Aerhíril thought for a moment. "Well, as you know I recently moved to Mirkwood... I am OK, in fact, I love it there!" She smiled at the thought of Thranduil's Halls. "I have met many new people, and some of whom you know too. They keep asking after you, wanting to know how you are and when you will next be visiting Mirkwood"
"I'm glad that you like it there. In fact, I am thinking of visiting Mirkwood, but I doubt that my ada will allow me to go. After that accident with the mortals, he's very protective of me and doesn't allow me to go too far..." Arthion smiled weakly. Even Aerhíril, one of his closest friends, didn't know the entire story of what had happened to him then. Arthion kept it mostly to himself, not willing to let anyone know the worst parts of it.
Aerhíril flinched at the memory of what Arthion had told her about his encounter with the mortals. But at the mention of him coming to Mirkwood, she literally jumped out of her seat. "Oh really? Are you sure that he won't let you go? I would love for you to come and stay in Mirkwood! I could introduce you to everyone.... and, it's like Lorien but so much more natural and Mysterious." Aerhíril looked at Arthion hopefully, but he seemed to be rather reserved over the idea.
Arthion was silent for a moment, considering the idea. "Well, I'd love to come, but... I have some duties I cannot just leave... and besides my ada won't be very glad to let me go... not to mention that I'm not sure if I want to make him worry so..." the elf said softly, trying to make Aerhíril understand why he couldn't come. He could still remember how worried his parents had been when he had returned almost a month later from his last trip and they had thought something ill had befallen him. He still felt very guilty about it, and promised to himself that it would not happen ever again.
Aerhíril looked down in disappointment. She thought for a moment. She really wanted Arthion to go back with her to Mirkwood, but he would never come if he was held behind by work and his adar. "Couldn't you come after you had finished your holidays? You could think of it as a holiday.... a break from work"
Arthion looked at Aerhíril and smiled, he didn't want to make his friend sad. "Look, in a few weeks I am finishing the first stage of the training of some young healers I was appointed to train. Then I have a few months off... I was planning to do some other things then, but if you want it so much, then I guess I could visit you in Mirkwood. It's been a while since I travelled anywhere. But still, I don't now how my ada will react to that..." Arthion said, trying to make her understand that it was still not sure if he could go, but the look on Aerhíril's face made it clear that she did not care about it too much, already happy that he would come and visit her.
Aerhíril smiled so much when he said this; that Arthion himself could not help but smile back. "That would be great!" She said "But if it is that long until you can come, then I am afraid that I won't be able to travel with you." She got the papers out of her bag and put them on the table. She had almost forgotten that she was supposed to be sorting them out.
"It's all right," Arthion grinned, "I know the way to Mirkwood, you know..."
"Are you sure that you won't get lost or distracted along the way?" Aerhíril jested.
"Distracted? What was that supposed to mean?" the elf answered back, trying to fake surprise, although he knew full well what his friend was thinking about.
Aerhíril laughed. "Oh, I don't know," She admitted. "But you usually manage to find someone who needs your help, and then you end up on some epic adventure... not that I mind of course"
Arthion grinned. "Well, it's not my fault that I have too kind a heart and would go and help whenever I can..." He tried to defend himself. What could he do about it? He guessed it was one of his healer's instincts to try and help whenever he could, regardless of the race of the one who needed his help.
"Alright, Alright..." Aerhíril was pretending to now be interested in reading the envelope of one of the documents. She hadn't even noticed that she was 'reading' it when it was upside down. "But you will be there, right?"
"I will be there, I promise- that is if my ada agrees in the first place. But now, forgive me that I didn't ask earlier, aren't you tired? Maybe you want to rest a little? And when do you have to leave Imladris?" The elf asked, hoping that he would be able to spend some time with his friend. He had really missed Aerhíril very much, and was glad that she came. She was one of his closest friends and the only female in this circle at that.
Aerhíril hadn't realized, but she was exhausted. It must have been all that rushing around and talking with her Adar. He could be difficult sometimes. "I think I do need some rest..." She answered "As for me staying in Imladris, I have to leave tomorrow, or the day after at the very latest. My visit was only a short one, Elrond will most likely give me more messages to return to the King of Mirkwood."
"Ah...then could you please leave the day after tomorrow? I have no duty tomorrow, so we could spend the day together. What say you to that, my friend?" Arthion looked at Aerhíril hopefully. He needed some rest as well, and if Aerhíril agreed, then they could spend the next day together, well rested, instead of sitting here now tired as they were.
"I suppose I could" Aerhíril said as she looked at Arthion's hopeful face. "Besides, I don't think I could have set out tomorrow anyway, I would be too tired!" She looked down at the envelopes that were now in order. She had been shuffling through them as she spoke to Arthion. "I think I am going to go and rest now. Could your Ada give these to Elrond?" She handed him the envelopes and papers. "I will need to collect the replies from Elrond tomorrow, maybe you could come with me?"
"Maybe, or maybe I'll just ask ada to bring them home when they are ready. Will you stay here or do you want to go elsewhere?" Arthion said, taking the documents from her.
"Thanks. That would be good if you could do that for me." Aerhíril felt wearier than ever now, and she could have quite easily fallen asleep in the chair. "Would you mind if I rested here?" She said to Arthion "I don't think I would make it back to where I am staying without falling asleep."
Arthion grinned. "I can understand you very well," he said, stifling a yawn, and then added. "Of course, you can stay in one of my guest rooms, come, I'll lead you there..." the elf said, standing up.
Aerhíril stood up to follow Arthion to one of his guest rooms. He made his way out of the room, and led her to where she could rest. The house was beautifully built, and if Aerhíril had slightly more energy she would have been asking about the architecture of the building. They came to a wooden door that Arthion opened, and the walked in with Aerhiril just behind him. "Thank you." Aerhíril said as she looked around. She went to sit on the bed.
"Do you need anything else?" Arthion asked.
"No, I am fine" Aerhíril smiled. Arthion nodded. "Have a good rest then." "You too" She replied. Arthion closed the door quietly, and Aerhíril lay down on the bed to get some well deserved rest.
Arthion went to his ada's study to give the documents to him. Just as he feared, his ada was not in the best mood when he saw the drowsy state his son was in. Lord Golion just took the documents out of his son's hand and placed them on his desk. Then he put one of his arms around the young elf's shoulders and led him out of his study, heading towards Arthion's bedroom. “Silly little elfling,” the elf murmured. “Do I have to sit with you all the night to make sure you sleep?“ When they reached the bedroom, he waited until Arthion was in his bed, then tucked the young elf in and kissed him on his brow. “Sleep well, my child,” the older elf said as he looked fondly at his already sleeping son, and then left the room to get back to his work.
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