| AerhÃril |
 RE: Overcoming (scripted)
on: October 28, 2004 05:40
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((Here is a co-post written by Éireen and Myself!  ))
Aerhíril awoke to find that the sun was shining down upon her face. She shielded her eyes from the bright light, and sat up slowly. It was early in the day, but if she and Arthion were going to spend the day together, Aerhíril wanted the day to be as long as possible. 'I wonder if he is up yet?' She thought as she got dressed. She put her cloak on, (she never went anywhere without it) and once she had she looked about the room for her weapons. Then remembering that they were in her guest room, she opened the door and went out into the hall to find Arthion.
But Arthion was nowhere to be seen. The elf was still in his bed, soundly asleep. He had awoken in the night, rested, but seeing that it was far too early to go and wake Aerhíril up, he decided to read a book. He had been reading it for a few hours, and finally fell asleep with the book still in his hands.
Aerhíril crept along the hall until she came to Arthion's room. She tapped lightly on the door, but there was no answer so she opened it silently. There she found Arthion fast asleep with a book in his hands. She laughed to her self. "Arthion, always reading." Just before Aerhíril was going to wake him up, she stopped and thought for a moment. Then she had an idea, she rushed out of the room, and when she returned she had a soaking wet cloth that was very cold. With a sly grin on her face she dropped the cold cloth on Arthion's sleeping face.
Arthion's sleep was disturbed by a sudden feeling of something cold and wet on his face. Not fully awake, the elf jumped out of his bed in one fluid motion, and before Aerhíril had any chance to form a single thought, she had a dagger placed on her throat and not fully awake elf holding her tight, so that she could not free herself.
Aerhíril had no chance to move, and as she had left her weapons in the guesthouse she could not do much about it. "Are you really that scared of a little cold water, Arthion?" She was smiling, despite the fact that she had a blade to her neck. "You can put your dagger down... I don't have anymore wet cloths"
Arthion blinked, slowly waking up. "Aerhíril?" He said surprised, and released her. "I am sorry, I had no idea it was you. I am really sorry," he apologized, blushing slightly, and hid the dagger under his pillow. "That was not funny at all, Aerhíril..."
"Oh come on, It was just a bit of fun. You are really uptight sometimes." Aerhíril was looking at him sternly; she had decided that she did not like being held at the edge of a knife. But she did accept his apology, and give one for putting a wet cloth on his face.
"Fun...for you, maybe, for me, definitely not," Arthion said quietly, but smiled. He was not really angry with his friend and he was glad that she woke him up, because they were supposed to spend the day together. "You should know better than to wake me so... Don't you remember I always react this way to a sudden wake up? So what do you want us to do today?" Arthion asked, sitting down on his bed.
"I really don't know" Aerhíril replied. "It's really warm outside so we could go down to the river... but I haven't been here in ages, so it's really your call. What do you think we should do?"
"Well, we can eat breakfast first, and then we can go to the river if you want to. Or we can take a long walk and go to rest by the river, whichever you like best," Arthion said, smiling.
***
Lord Golion went towards his only son's bedroom, wishing to see if Arthion woke up yet. He was about to enter, when he heard someone talking. The elf opened the door silently, and looked inside. He smiled when he saw his son, still in his night clothes, talking to Aerhíril. Lord Golion liked this young she elf, and he knew and was friends with her father. They sometimes wondered how it would be if their children got married, in the end both young elves were very close friends. Not wishing to interrupt them, the older elf closed the door and left towards his study, since he had much work to do.
***
Aerhíril thought for a moment. She really felt like going down to the river. "How about we go down to the river, and then go for a long walk?" She said, hoping that Arthion would agree.
Arthion smiled. "Sure we can do that this way, I really don't care. But we'll eat some breakfast first, right?" he said, standing up and going towards his wardrobe to find his attire.
"Yeah, I'm starving. We missed supper last night, so that's probably why." Aerhíril looked towards the bedroom door. She was sure that someone had opened it a second ago. "Is your adar in? I thought I heard someone open the door"
Arthion looked at the door, but it was closed. "Well, it's quite early, so it's likely that he's still at home, probably working in his study as he is always in the morning," the elf answered. "So, if you don't mind, then I'll get dressed and we can eat a quick breakfast and then go down to the river."
"OK, sure" Aerhíril said as she walked to the door. "I'll go and wait in the lounge" Shutting the door behind her, she made her way back down the hall and went to sit in the living room. She couldn't see Lord Golion anywhere, and assumed that he had just left or was having his breakfast in the kitchen.
As soon as Aerhíril left, Arthion changed his clothes quickly and then went to the kitchen to see what there was for breakfast. He took some fruits and fresh, cool water, hoping that it would be enough as he did not want to waste time on preparing something else. He entered the living room carrying a tray with the food, and set it down on the table in front of Aerhíril.
"Is it good enough, or would you like something else?" He asked her. "No, this is great thank you" Aerhíril smiled as Arthion sat in a chair opposite her. He took some fresh fruit and Aerhíril did the same. Soon they were both eating, and taking the occasional gulp of water.
Soon both elves finished their breakfast, and left the house heading towards the river. Arthion could not help but smile seeing Aerhíril looking around as they were walking. He knew she had not been here for some time, but all the same...
"So, tell me something about your new friends and home in Mirkwood..."
"Well," Aerhíril began "They are... extremely merry and carefree at times, although when it comes to Mirkwood's spiders, they are definitely very stern. I just know that you would love them." She added as she took in her surroundings. She had not been here for many years, and each moment seemed better than the last. She turned to look back at Arthion. "Also, we have great feasts in the middle of the wood around a campfire"
Arthion was listening closely, and trying to imagine what a great feast such as Aerhíril described would be like. “I can even imagine it. I know some Mirkwood elves, so I have a general idea about them. But I'm very glad that you like it there. Pity you haven't decided to come and stay here in Imladris for longer- we could spend more time together..." Arthion said, looking at Aerhíril.
"You know that I would like to," Aerhíril replied to Arthion "And I probably would stay for much longer if I didn't have to take the replies of the messages back to the King. But he insisted that I do it."
Aerhíril looked back at Arthion as a memory from the past crept up in her mind. "Do you remember when-" But before Aerhíril could finish her sentence, Arthion interrupted her. "I wasn't asking about your stay now, Aerhíril... I was asking why you didn’t choose to come and live here, in Imladris, instead of Mirkwood..." He asked softly. Arthion really wished that his friend had lived here, since he had only one good friend in Imladris, and since his friend was busy at most times, Arthion felt quite lonely.
Aerhíril felt a shot of guilt run through her mind. She knew that Arthion would have preferred her to live in Imladris, and that she herself wanted to be somewhere where she could see Arthion more often. But she needed a change from Rivendell and Lorien, so she moved to Mirkwood. Aerhíril was not one for staying in one place all of her life. "I guess I just needed a change, that's all. I could ask you why you stay in Imladris, but I guess you have your work keeping you here..." She looked at Arthion; she did not want to hurt him. "I guess I just like to travel and see the world, and if that means living in several different places, then I shall. Besides," She said with a smile on her face. "You know that I will probably move back here in a few years. I never stay in one place for too long."
Arthion looked at her with some sort of strange sadness filling his eyes, and he put his arm around her shoulders. "I know that you cannot stay in one place for too long. Neither can I. But it is love, not duty that binds me to stay here and tells me to come back every time I begin to wander the paths of the world..."
Aerhíril put her arm around Arthion's waist and sighed. "I know you would travel if you didn't feel so bound to Rivendell Arthion. But it can't be helped. I am sure that one day you will feel like going all the way to Mordor, it will pass."
They walked on and eventually came to a small slope. There was a soft breeze blowing through the branches of the trees, making the leaves rustle. The sun warmed the earth pleasantly, and the sky was a brilliant blue.
Arthion looked at her and stopped, forcing Aerhíril to do the same. "No, it won't pass. I have to come back because my parents are here. I just cannot bear to leave them, and they won't accept me going anywhere. And so I stay, unwilling to hurt them. But I feel so lonely here... All my friends live in Mirkwood or Lorien, or travel free like the leaves carried by the breeze..." The elf closed his eyes for a moment, relishing the beauty of the nature around them.
Aerhíril looked at him distressed at his loneliness. "Oh, Arthion." She said softly, she really did not know what to say. "I guess....I guess I could come back with you after you have visited Mirkwood." She said in an effort to cheer him up. "I could live in Rivendell again if you wanted. For a good few years at least."
"Really? Could you really do that?" Arthion asked, and a vague light of hope appeared in his clear blue eyes. "I would be so happy... You know what? Maybe I'll talk to my ada and will try to persuade him to allow me to stay in Mirkwood for a year or two, and then you could come to Rivendell with me? What do you think?" He asked.
Arthion was very grateful to Aerhíril for her selfless offer, but did not want to force her to leave Mirkwood so soon, especially since she seemed to be really happy staying there. So instead he could go to stay there with her for some time, and then they could come back to Imladis together.
Suddenly the idea seemed so much more appealing to Aerhíril, as she now saw how happy it would make Arthion. "Yes, of course I could do that." She said with a board smile across her face. "And it would be even better if you could live in Mirkwood for a few years... Oh it would be great! Do you think your ada would let you go?" She said with hope in her eyes.
Arthion answered to her smile, smiling brilliantly himself. "It would be so great... I guess I could try and ask him. He has to agree! It would be so wonderful!" The elf said, and then laughed in joy, though still it was nothing certain. And seeing that scene, Aerhíril could not help but begin to laugh herself, and soon the breeze was carrying melodious, soft elven laughter. "Oh, Aerhíril, thank you so much! You're bringing joy back to my life!" The elf said earnestly, and hugged her overjoyed, placing a soft kiss on her cheek. "Thank you..."
"You're welcome." She laughed. Both elves hugged each other, They were so excited at the possibility that they may both be in each other's presence for much longer than any of them could have hoped. When they parted again, they both began to walk down to the river which could now be seen just beyond a small clump of trees.
"Look!" Aerhíril said as she linked her arm with Arthion's. "There's the river. I haven't been here in years!" She sighed. "I come here very often...it's one of my most favourite places in the Valley," Arthion answered and smiled. This place was simply beautiful, even more so, since he had a great company this time. "Do you want to come closer? The water should be warm..."
"Sure." Aerhíril said as they walked towards the edge of the river. The water flowed gently, and it seemed to be quite deep. There was a stone bridge further down stream, one that arched over the water gracefully. There was a brilliant reflection of the trees in the river, for the water was moving, but it had a very weak current. Aerhíril remembered swimming in here a few times when she was a young elfling.
Arthion grinned looking at Aerhíril. He could see that she was lost in her memories. He could think of one that they shared together. It had been a few centuries ago, when they both were still elflings. They had come to the river on a sunny day, similar to this one, and Arthion had pushed Aerhíril to the water then. She had been soaking and she had looked so sweet when she had been mad at him. Suddenly the temptation to repeat the history began to be too strong to resist. Arthion tried to fight with it, trying to remind himself that he was a full grown elf now, not an elfling, but it was all in vain. Finally, faster than an eye could follow, he grabbed Aerhíril around her waist and pushed her to the water with all the strength he could muster. Then he began to laugh so happily that tears began to stream down his cheeks. He did not have such a great laugh in centuries...
Aerhíril suddenly felt a jolt as something shoved her into the water. She flew through the air with in shock, and hit the water hard. She plunged under and did not emerge back up to the surface until she had manages to find her footing. Spluttering she stood up with water in her eyes, ears and mouth. Coughing she wiped her eyes in an attempt to see again. "Arthion!" She gasped.
Her neat elven hair was extremely wet, and it had all stuck to her skin. Her dress was wet through. "I should have known that you would never grow up!" But Arthion was stood there, almost rolling around with laughter. Tears were running down his face as he held his chest and laughed some more.
"It's not funny!" Aerhíril shouted at him. "You- you- should have seen the look on your face!" He laughed. Aerhíril spat out some water that had ended up in her mouth. "Right" She started to wade towards him as fast as she could, with every intention of getting him just as wet as she was.
Normally Arthion would have run away, but right then he had hard time trying to keep his balance. It was so funny, and the sight of Aerhíril totally wet, with her hair disheveled and the dress clinging to her body was more than the elf could stand. The sight was simply priceless. But when Aerhíril began to come closer to him, Arthion calmed down a little and narrowed his eyes. She had no chances to catch him now, in a wet dress clinging to her body, but a little caution could do no harm...
Aerhíril knew that she wouldn't be able to catch him, she was just too wet and water logged to do it. All the same she would try... Suddenly she stopped dead in her tracks and let out a cry. Her hands shot down to clutch her leg and her face filled with pain. "Ahhh!" She yelled "Ow ow ow ow ow!!! Ahhh, my knee! Oh Arda that hurts!" Arthion was still stood by the bank, unsure of whether to go in and help or not.
"It's not true; you haven't hurt your knee... If you had, you would have screamed before you took a few steps. It would begin to hurt right after you put some pressure to it,"Arthion said, still slightly unsure. But he was a healer in the end, so he guessed his suspicions were right.
Aerhíril wasn't listening, she was still holding her knee, and shouting in pain. She fell backwards and her head disappeared under the water. She was already wet so that didn't matter, but she was still shouting when she went below the surface.
Now Arthion began to feel worried. Maybe she really did hurt her knee... Slowly he came closer; his keen eyes were piercing the water trying to spot his friend.
Aerhíril was holding her breath, but she didn't dare to stand up. Her knee was still 'hurting' too much. She swore that she could hear the sound of legs wading through the water... she waited there to see what would happen.
Finally Arthion decided to go into the water. He was not sure if Aerhíril was all right, and he did not want to take the risk. In the end the sun was shining brightly, so they would be able to dry their clothes before they went back to the City.
Soon Aerhíril felt Arthion's strong grip pull her up from under the water. She took a huge gasp of air and opened her eyes. Arthion was still half dry, but he looked concerned. "I bashed my knee against a rock." Aerhíril explained earnestly. Arthion looked down to see if she really had, but he could not tell. Aerhíril moved her arm out of the way, and stood up straight. When Arthion looked back up at Aerhíril, he was greeted by a huge grin. "You-" But before he could finish Aerhíril had already scooped up a handful of water and splashed it in his eyes. Arthion waved about wildly and Aerhíril grabbed him around the waist and flipped his legs into the air. "Down you go!" She laughed as she pushed him under the water. She then let go and ran for the shore as fast as her wet clothes would allow.
But Arthion did not chase after her. He stood up slowly and with a surprising amount of dignity, even though he was all wet now. His face was serious, and he inhaled deeply, trying to balance himself. "That was not funny," he murmured through his clenched teeth and still did not move towards the shore.
"Oh come on, it was slightly funny." Aerhíril joked. "Just think as it as a payment for getting me wet, this time and the last." She had still not forgotten the last time when Arthion threw her in, then she was much younger so she couldn't pay him back in anyway. "Oh I'm sorry." Aerhíril said as she saw that Arthion still wasn't happy about being dunked. She waded in with the intention of giving him a hug to apologize. "Sorry!" She pleaded again, for Arthion was still in a mood.
"Oh it's all right I'm not angry about all that water," Arthion said through his clenched teeth again.
"Then what are you angry about?" She asked as she waded further in, and then stopped a few feet away from where Arthion stood.
"I am not angry at all. I've just been wondering if you could help me to get out of water," he said, his teeth still clenched.
Aerhíril hesitated. She knew that Arthion would probably try to get her back for dunking him again, but then again she was already wet so it would make no difference if he did attempt to splash her. So after a moment she made her way towards him, and soon she was right in front of him. "Come on then."
"Could you help me?" He asked, trying to put his arm around her shoulders in an attempt to support himself, but lost his balance and ended up under the water again...
Aerhíril reached down to pull him from under the water with a smile on her face. She held on to his hand, and supported him by putting his arm around her shoulders. He was still trying to stand up properly though, and Aerhíril was beginning to worry that he had hurt himself. "Are you are you're all right?"
"No, I'm not all right," he said quietly, and with Aerhíril's help he began to limp rather painfully towards the shore.
Once they had reached the shore, Aerhíril sat Arthion down on the bank. "Oh come on Arthion, give me more credit than that, I know you've hurt yourself... What have you done?" She looked at her friend in concern and knelt down beside him.
Arthion began to gingerly take off his left boot, clenching his teeth. "I did not deny that I hurt myself, did I?" He asked quietly. "I think I have dislocated...aww..." He moaned softly unable to stop himself when with one final movement he took his boot off.
Aerhíril looked at his foot. "Dislocated what, your foot?" Aerhíril took his boot from his hands, and supported him by his shoulders so that he wouldn't fall backwards.
"And how does that look to you?" he asked quietly, trying to sit down to have a better look at his wounded foot.
"I am not sure... I am not really a healer... but, it doesn't look too good, does it?" Aerhíril thought for a moment. "Do you want me to go and get someone?"
"It does not look good at all, but don't go... If my ada finds out..." The elf sighed frustrated while he began to touch his feet gingerly to see what amount of damage had been done. "Besides, in case you've forgotten, I'm a healer..."
"Oh yeah," Aerhíril said. "What are you going to do then? I will help if I can... but I really don't want to make it any worse then I already have..."
"Oh come on, it's even funny, you know," Arthion said as he began to laugh. "Ada's going to kill me..."
Aerhíril was relived by the fact that Arthion did find it slightly funny, and she laughed a bit too. "I am sure he won't, he can't be annoyed at you for dislocating your foot if you think about it... he may be slightly sympathetic."
"Yes, especially if he finds out how it happened," Arthion said, grinning. "Give me a little time and I'll be able to fix it slightly. Then maybe we can sneak into the Healing Wards and I'll take proper care of it there. And if we're lucky, ada won't notice..."
Aerhíril smiled. "Ok then. Then I suppose you had better ask him about going to live in Mirkwood for a while." The she added "I can come with you and ask him too if you like."
Arthion placed both of his palms on his hurt foot and concentrated on his healing energy and sending it into the wounded area, but he was still listening to Aerhíril. Taking a short break, he looked up at her. "Would you go with me? Really? Then maybe we'll be able to persuade him together..." The elf said, smiling.
"Yes," she replied "Of course I will. He may have to think about it overnight though...I suppose I had better tell my ada about me moving back to Imladris in a few years, he will make a fuss if I don't tell him." She laughed.
Arthion laughed. "Ok, then we'll tell them about our plans before we get to carry them out. Now, if you help me, I think I'll be able to limp back to the City. But we're all wet..." the elf realized suddenly.
"And?" Aerhíril gave him a sly look. "We wouldn't be wet if you hadn't pushed me in on the first place..." She joked as she helped him to his feet. Soon they were both standing, and so they began to walk, (or limp) back to the city. "We should be slightly dryer by the time we get there anyway. But it will be funny to see what everyone else thinks of it."
"Well, I'm sure my ada will be very proud of me when he finds out that I limped back into the City, being all wet, and with a girl who was as wet as I was. Seriously, he'll soon begin to think that we're a couple, or something," Arthion remarked.
Aerhíril smiled. "I am sure that most people think that already with the way they look at us" Aerhíril looked at Arthion to make sure that he was coping OK. "I think my adar is beginning to think that too!"
"Is he?" Arthion looked at her smiling. "Then listen to that- last time when we met in Lorien, and were sitting together in our nightclothes and chatting...do you remember? Well, my ada saw us, and then he asked me about it thinking we were a couple, and he was angry with me that I hadn't told him about it. Would you believe that?"
Aerhíril laughed. "Parents can be so silly sometimes...But he really asked you about it? What did you say?" They were both approaching the city now, and the odd elf that was around looked at them both as if they were something out of this world. But Aerhíril didn't notice, she was too busy talking to Arthion.
"He really did. Well, I was speechless for a moment and then I told him that we are not. And he didn't believe me! He told me that he had seen us, and finally told me when after I asked him... Yes, parents can be really silly sometimes. But I guess he hoped that it was true..." Arthion looked at Aerhíril. "In the end it saddened him and I was almost sorry that I denied..."
Aerhíril smiled. "Ah well, friends is the next best thing. I am sure that he got over it ok." She looked about to find that they were now in the city, and that elves were giving them very odd looks. She then remembered that they were both in fact wet through, (the sun had done little to dry them) and they were both walking rather awkwardly due to Arthion's injury. "There are a lot of Elves looking at us..." Aerhíril told Arthion who also looked up.
"I noticed," Arthion said. "Let's go this way, it's the shortest one to the Healing Wards," the elf said, pointing to a small path. "Well, as to my ada, he got over it- I told him I don't intend to marry before my 3000 birthday, so I've still some time..."
"Plenty of time" Aerhíril laughed as they turned to go up the small path. They walked on slowly until they eventually came to a strong stone building that seemed to shine in the sunlight.
Arthion led Aerhíril into the building and then towards one of the small rooms. It was filled with books scattered all over it. "Uh...forgive the mess," Arthion said quietly, "I didn't know I'll have guests..."
"Don't worry about it" Aerhíril said as she continues to support her friend. "Do you want to sit down anywhere?" She asked as she avoided a pile of books that lay on the floor. Aerhíril was surprised by the mess of the study, she didn't mind at all of course, but Arthion was generally a very tidy and organized person that kept everything in order. She wondered why he didn't keep his study as organized as everything else... the books could easily be explained, Aerhíril knew how much Arthion liked to read.
"Yes, over there," Arthion gestured towards one of the chairs that stood next to a cabinet filled with herbs. "I'm really sorry for the mess...I was just looking for something and then...had no time to... oh never mind," the elf said as they reached the chairs. Arthion sat down and once again began to take off his boot.
[Edited on 28/10/2004 by Aerhíril]
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| eireen |
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| AerhÃril |
RE: Overcoming (scripted)
on: October 29, 2004 07:21
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((Here is another Co-written post by Eireen and myself! Enjoy))
Aerhíril's adar had the papers that he had been sorting out earlier in his hands; they had been bound with string and wrapped in paper. He was going to give them to Lord Elrond and then after that have a well deserved break.
Lord Golion left Lord Elrond's study carrying a huge pile of papers. He took just a few steps when he spotted his friend, Lord Drúadan, carrying some papers as well. "Suilad mellon nín," he said smiling.
Lord Drúadan looked up and saw Lord Golion. "Suilad mellon nín." He replied as he walked up to his friend. "How are you?"
"Busy. And you? What do you have there?" Lord Golion asked, gesturing to the papers his friend was holding.
"Just some papers for Lord Elrond" He said as he tried to get a better hold of them. "They are a bit late because I had a visit from my daughter and your son."
"Did you?" Lord Golion asked surprised. "But wait, first things first. Could you please take these papers to my study?"
"Of course." he said. "But I will need to give these to Elrond first"
"I'm sorry, but you can't go in. There are emissaries from Mirkwood talking to him right now. Let's go to my study and we can talk there for a moment..." Lord Golion explained. Besides most of documents in Imladris landed in the end on his desk in one way or another.
Lord Drúadan sighed. "Oh yes of course, that's fine." He turned to walk beside his friend, and soon they entered Lord Golion's study.
"Sit down, my friend. And now tell me, why did Arthion appear at your house? What these elflings have gotten into their minds?" Lord Golion asked curiously.
Lord Drúadan smiled slightly. "Well, Arthion seems to want to stay in Mirkwood for a while with Aerhíril, and then come back here with her after a few years." He sat down. "Aerhíril wanted to know if she could go, and of course I said yes." He added as he leaned back into the chair.
"Arthion, in Mirkwood?!" Lord Golion was taken aback by that news.
Lord Drúadan smiled at his friend's surprise. "Yes, I have to admit, I was slightly intrigued to why your son would like to go to Mirkwood with my daughter, but I thought it best not to ask. She said that he was planning to leave once his work had finished, and then to meet with her in Mirkwood."
"But it is rather surprising," Lord Golion said softly. "Arthion hasn't mentioned that to me...and why would he follow a maiden to Mirkwood? To live there?" Lord Golion asked, looking at his friend.
"Well, as to following a maiden to Mirkwood," Lord Drúadan looked at his friend "There can only really be one reason if you think about it. And they said that he would be living there for a few years, and then that they would both be returning to Imladris," he added as his friend asked why he would want to live there.
"Do you really think..." Lord Golion did not finish his question, but he knew that his friend knew what he wanted to say.
"Yes, I do. They are always together whenever they can be..." His sentence ended so that his friend could continue it.
“Yes, they are... And one day in Lorien I saw them together, in their night clothes sitting on a bed and talking," Lord Golion smiled. “I asked Arthion about it then, but he denied that there was something between him and Aerhíril. But if you look at them now... That would be great news. Indeed. They would make such a good couple..."
Lord Drúadan smiled with the possibility that his daughter could be in love with Arthion. "Yes, they would. On the way here I found out that they had been walking around Imladris when they were both soaking wet. I only wish I could have seen them like that." He laughed. "But do you suppose that there is a possibility of them getting married?" He asked.
"Soaking wet?!" Lord Golion repeated. "I'm sometimes wondering if Arthion is ever going to grow up. When he's at work or at the court, he is deadly serious, so mature... but whenever his not on duty... soaking wet...“ The elf repeated once again, shaking his head. ”I think I will need to have a serious talk with him on that subject. In the end he's an elf lord and should behave as such! Though I don't deny I'd like to see them walking around so wet..." The elf said, shaking his head. "But as to them getting married, I'm really not sure..."
"Don't be too hard on him" Lord Drúadan advised. "He was probably just excited to see his friend again; they haven't actually seen each other before now for many years."
"Yes, but that is no excuse. I mean would you in your excitement get yourself and your friend totally wet and then walk around Imladris so? I wonder what they have been doing in the first place..." Lord Golion said.
"No, I suppose wouldn't" Lord Drúadan grinned "But there again, I am much older than they are. Maybe they both just fell of one of the bridges? Those things don't exactly have anything to stop one from falling of them. It would actually be quite easy to."
"Yes, but they are elves. And elves aren't that clumsy to fall of the bridges... unless they were too busy to notice anything..." Lord Golion hinted.
"I see what you're getting at. They must have been pretty distracted to fall off of a bridge..." Lord Drúadan gave his friend a knowing look. "But as for Arthion going to Mirkwood, are you going to allow him to?"
Lord Golion sighed. "I really do not know... I am so afraid to let him go anywhere from Imladris, away from me. I fear that something will happen to him again... he almost died last time, I can't allow something like that to happen again. I can't lose him...and then those long months I had spent trying to bring him back to normal life...it cost so much work from my part and even Elrond's. I just...I am just afraid..."
"I know how you feel, mellon nín." Lord Drúadan said sympathetically. When Aerhíril first left Lorien to travel over the Misty Mountains, I was terrified for her safety. Luckily nothing happened. But the point is that we can't protect our children forever. You just have to trust that they know what is best for them, and let them know that if they do need help, you will always be there to give it to them."
Lord Golion shook his head. "My friend, you cannot possibly know what we went through when they had brought Arthion dying here. I have never spoken to anyone about what was happening with him then, and why he was nowhere to be seen during these few months. But the truth is that this terrible experience almost destroyed his spirit. And it took much effort to help him to go over it. I am not sure if he could survive another trial like that..." the elf said, pain and fear clear in his eyes.
Lord Drúadan remained silent. "All I was saying was that if Arthion feels that he is safe and ready to start traveling again, then he probably is ready. But you are his adar, and so I guess that it may still partly be your decision what he does." He finally said. "But there does have to be a point where you give a child freedom again once they have had troublesome times. Or it will begin to wear on both of your relationships. I am just giving you my opinion on the matter, that's all." He looked at his friend who was still re-living his past troubles in his mind.
"Well, Arthion is old enough to make his own choices, but I have made him promise to me that he wouldn't leave Imladris again. At least not without my consent. I know that it may seem to you a bit too severe, but so far Arthion hadn't rebel against it. And he didn't mention anything about going to Mirkwood...I don't know what to think about it all," Lord Golion admitted looking at his friend as if looking for help.
Lord Drúadan thought for a moment. "Well, they may have come to check with me first thinking that they could ask you about it later... you have been working most of the day." He said as Lord Golion looked at him. "But as far as letting him go, if he was my son, I think that I would let him go."
"Would you?" he asked. "I really don't know what I should do... but then, if they want to be together and I won't let him go..."
"Yes, it's never a good idea to keep lovers apart," Lord Drúadan said to himself as well as to his friend. "It always ends ill if one does."
"I know. But I would appreciate it very much if they would talk to me about this. If they told me why they want to stay in Mirkwood together. Because it looks like Arthion made this new plan just today..." Lord Golion remarked.
"Well, he must have only met Aerhíril yesterday, and so they probably only had today to think about it." He said slowly.
"Yes, I know. She slept in my house yesterday. But this rush... isn't it surprising? It's rather a serious decision and it was made in such haste..." Lord Golion said softly.
"Yes it is surprising." Lord Drúadan replied. "I have to admit, I was rather surprised myself. But if that's what they feel they want to do, then I think that it would be best not to stand in their way"
Lord Golion sighed quietly. "Maybe you're right. But I'd like to know why they want to stay in Mirkwood together so much. Maybe I will try to find out something before I'll tell them that I agree..."
"So you are going to let him go then?" Lord Drúadan asked.
"And do I really have another choice?" Lord Golion asked.
"I suppose not"
"I only hope I'm making the right decision now. Maybe I should send someone to bring them here? Maybe they would explain something to us?"
"No, it would be best to let them come to you. You may startle them if you get someone to go and fetch them." He advised. "But, I would like to hear a proper explanation too now that you mention it..."
"You may be right. So I think I will take a short brake now and go back home for dinner. They are probably waiting there. And if I find out anything, then I promise I'll tell you," Lord Golion said, standing up.
"That would be great. Right" Lord Drúadan stood up and held the papers in his hands. "I had better leave this somewhere where Lord Elrond will get them. I still have a lot work to do."
"Leave them here. I will take them to him later," Lord Golion said, smiling.
"Thank you." He placed the papers down on Lord Golion's desk. "I will see you later then, Navaer!"
Lord Golion smiled, and then left his study to go and meet with the two young elves.
****
Lord Golion entered the house grinning. He had quite a nice idea how to start and lead this conversation with two young elves.
"Arthion? Aerhíril? Are you home? Can any of you explain to me what you were doing running around Rivendell in wet clothes?" he called out in a serious voice, though he was laughing inside.
Aerhíril and Arthion were sat in the living room on the sofa when they heard Lord Golion enter. Aerhiril looked at Arthion when his ada said something about them both walking around in wet clothes. How did he know?
Arthion looked slightly panicked right now. It was not the way in which he wanted to start this important conversation. He looked at Aerhíril. "Yes, we are here, ada..."
Lord Golion entered the room and peered around the doorway. Aerhíril smiled when he looked at her, and she did not know what to say. Arthion looked just as panic stricken as she was. "Well?" He asked sternly.
Arthion subconsciously placed his palm on Aerhíril's, and looked up at his adar. "Ada, well... we had a small accident, nothing important. And we weren't running around in wet clothes, we came back home to change at once..."
Lord Golion smiled, seeing that both 'elflings' were scared. "Good," he thought. That was giving him a better position to speak with both elves. "Accident, you say? What accident?" he demanded.
"Ermmmm...." Aerhíril held Arthion's hand tighter "Well we fell off of one of the Bridges that goes over the river..." She said as honestly as she could. It was the only thing that she could think of.
"Is it so?" Lord Golion asked sternly, now laughing inside. He did notice the way the elves were holding each other's hand.
"Yes, ada," Arthion continued. "I have lost my balance and Aerhíril tried to catch me, but then we both fell..."
"Are you both alright?" Lord Golion asked.
Aerhíril glanced at Arthion. She knew that he didn't want him to find out about his foot. "Yes, we are alright, none of us were hurt, we just got a little wet, that's all." Arthion nodded to confirm her words.
Lord Golion smiled. "Good then, now if you excuse me..."
"Ada wait,” Arthion said softly. "We need to talk with you about something important..."
"Which would be?" Lord Golion said, sitting in a chair in front of the two elves. It was funny just to watch Arthion and Aerhíril. They looked so scared.
"I...I wanted to go to live in Mirkwood for a couple of years..." Arthion said quietly, looking at his adar.
"No way," Lord Golion answered seriously. "You cannot go, Arthion."
"But won't you even consider it?!" Aerhíril butted in forgetting her manners. "Why can't he go?"
"What is there to consider?" Lord Golion asked, looking at each elf in turn. He smiled as he noted that Arthion held Aerhíril's hand even tighter by now.
"Ada please," Arthion said softly. "I wanted to go to Mirkwood to stay there with Aerhíril for a while...we wanted to spend some time there together..."
"Together? In Mirkwood?" Lord Golion asked.
"Most of Arthion's friends are there too, they want to see him and he wants to see them." Aerhíril said. She could not see what the problem was.
"But Arthion, you know very well I don't want you to leave Imladris, at least not when there is no important reason behind it. And meeting some friends who can arrive here to visit you, is not a very important reason," Lord Golion said calmly.
Arthion looked Aerhíril, despair in his eyes. He knew his ada would not let him go. "Ada, please..."
Aerhíril looked at Arthion's adar. He did not look like he was about to change his mind, so Aerhíril just repeated Arthion's words, it was all she could do. "Please Lord Golion. Please let him come with me, he says that he will finish off all of his duties first. Please?"
Lord Golion looked at both elves very seriously. "I can see that you both want to go there together very much. But I cannot understand why. I need to hear a good reason behind it, and until I do, my answer is 'no'," he said quietly. He knew that he was very stern now, but that could not be helped, not if he and Lord Drúadan were to find out anything.
Aerhíril looked at Arthion. What was the reason? Did they have a good reason? She just wanted Arthion to stay with her in Mirkwood for a while, and then Arthion wanted her to come back here with him. What could they say that could convince him to say yes? Aerhíril was silent, hoping that Arthion would be able to make his ada see sense.
Arthion sighed quietly. "Ada, there is a reason. We are very good friends. We haven't seen each other for a long time. And we decided we want to live close to each other for a while, so that we could meet more often than a few times in a few years..."
Lord Golion sighed. "Is that all?"
To Aerhíril Lord Golion looked rather disappointed. "Yes, that is all" She said. "What other reason could there be?"
"That is what I am asking you both about," Lord Golion said, deciding that he could use a small trick. "Because there was another rumor that reached my ears. Do you know what I am talking about?" he asked.
"No, we don't," Arthion said earnestly. He had no idea what else his father could have heard.
"I heard that you are a couple and are behaving as one. Is that true?" he asked, watching both elves closely.
Aerhíril had to stop a smile, and to prevent herself from blushing. "No!" She said, slightly amused that anyone may think that. "We are just good friends, and nothing more." She looked at Arthion to try and see what his reaction to this was.
Arthion looked at his ada. "I know now what you are getting at. You want me to admit that Aerhíril is my lover, don't you? And that I want to go to Mirkwood to stay close to her?" the elf was getting upset.
"Yes, I want to know if that is truth. Because that I could at least understand. That would be a good reason for you to go to Mirkwood..." Lord Golion said quietly.
Aerhíril put her hand on Arthion's shoulder in an attempt to calm him down. She did not speak to him as she usually may have done for she was afraid that with his adar watching, that would just make matters worse. There was a short silence. "Isn't a strong friendship a good enough reason for Arthion to go to Mirkwood?" She asked his adar quietly.
Arthion looked at Aerhíril when he felt her hand on his shoulder. He was so grateful that she was here. "Ada, we are friends and friends only. Very good friends and that's why we want to spend more time together. It's only natural, isn't it?"
"That is what you say," Lord Golion said quietly, realizing that he didn't found out much, "but all you do, all your gestures, looks and behavior are telling that there is something more to it."
"But there isn't." Aerhíril replied. "It may look that way, but it isn't."
Lord Golion looked at them both. "Maybe there is something, and you two just don't know it yet. You may as well be with the way you behave around one another"
"But we really are not." Aerhíril said again. They only wanted to convince him to let Arthion go to Mirkwood, now they seemed to be having to prove that they were just friends to him.
Lord Golion sighed. "You are both very young, and I am old. I see more things than you do. And right now I have a strong suspicion that what I think is right. And that is why I will allow Arthion to go to Mirkwood. I don't need him to get depressed after you are gone..."
A huge smile spread across Aerhíril’s face. "Thank you." She wanted to give Arthion a hug, but she decided to wait until they were no longer in the presence of his ada.
"Really?" Arthion said in shock and disbelief. "Really?" He said again.
"Yes, I really meant it," Lord Golion said, smiling. "Now I must leave you, children, because I have much work to do. And please, at least try to behave like adult elves should..."
"Thank you, ada," Arthion said quietly as his father hugged him and kissed him on his brow.
"You're welcome, iôn nín," he said quietly and left the room. But as soon as the door closed he stopped, and then peered into the room through the keyhole. He had to see how they would react to the news when they thought they were alone.
"I can't believe Aerhíril gasped "You're really coming?! You can come to Mirkwood?!" She lent forward and gave Arthion the hug that she had been saving for when his adar had left the room.
"Yes I am," the elf answered happily, hugging his friend and giving her a kiss on her cheek. "I'm so glad that you were here with me!"
Aerhíril laughed. "I can see why you were afraid to ask him, I thought he would never say yes!" Aerhíril gave Arthion a kiss on his cheek once he had given her one. "So when will you be able to leave?" She asked.
"So did I... I think I'll be able to leave in about three weeks, I'll make haste," Arthion said, smiling. "Though I still have no idea where I'll stay in Mirkwood."
"You can always stay at my place until we organize alternative accommodation." She smiled. "Or you can stay there as long as you like. Oh I can't wait! And I leave tomorrow! I won't get to see you for at least a month.” She added sadly.
"Thank you, Aerhíril," Arthion said, smiling. "And don't worry, that month will pass very fast. You will travel back home, and I will work hard to finish everything as fast as I can. Very soon we'll meet again."
"Yes, we will be back together before we know it" she looked over to the door. "I had better go to pack for the morning; unfortunately I will need to leave as early as possible."
"Do you want me to help you?" Arthion offered. Lord Golion moved away from the door, smiling. He had seen enough to confirm his suspicions.
"Yes, that would be great if you could." she said as she stood up. "I will have to get my horse ready too."
"So, let's go," Arthion said, and they both left the room to prepare whatever Aerhíril needed to prepare for her journey back home.
[Edited on 29/10/2004 by Aerhíril]
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| AerhÃril |
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| Raynn |
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| kellymulder |
RE: Overcoming (scripted)
on: November 05, 2004 06:56
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((here is a new Thearl and Devin post, cowritten between me and Eireen, I hope you enjoy))
After dinner Devin had gone back to his room, he lay still on his bed listening to the sounds of the night. Thoughts remained occupying his mind. He didn't like that he was going to spend less time on his beloved fields and he wasn't a very good hunter... but he was of more use there than between the dying crops. He closed his eyes, but that didn't block out the thoughts. They kept nagging him. So he was to live with his grandfather again... That was not something he was happy with. His granddad always seemed to find something to make a fuss about whenever he was around. He had always blamed Devin for the fire on the range... for the death of Devin's father, his only son. He had never said he did, but Devin could read it in his glance, could hear it in his tone of speaking... And now they were supposed to live together. Devin should meet that face that exclaimed Devin's guilt every day. He did not know if he could bear that. Suddenly he stood up, he needed to move a little... He wasn't going to sleep anyway in this state of mind. Devin took his coat of a chair and sneaked silently out of the house, trying not to awake Athele or his aunt.
The air was clear and cold, but it refreshed Devin. Without knowing where to go his feet took him towards the village. Suddenly he realised he was in front of the mayor's house. Devin asked himself if he should awake Thearl, he really felt the urge to talk to his best friend, but he did not want to disturb his sleep. Devin decided to knock on the door, maybe Thearl was still awake... He walked over to the front door and frapped softly on the thick wooden door.
Thearl was on his way back to his room, after checking that the front door was locked, when he heard that someone was knocking on the door. He turned and moved towards the door again, briefly wondering who that could be. It was very late, and no one paid a visit at that hour, unless it was some sort of emergency. Sighing quietly, since he was tired and wanted nothing else than to sleep, Thearl opened the door.
"Devin?" he asked surprised, seeing his best friend in front of him.
"Thearl, I am sorry to interrupt this late... I couldn't sleep and I really wanted to talk to someone. But if you are on your way to bed I can understand and we can talk tomorrow..."
Thearl frowned. If his friend made all the way to talk to him, then it had to be something important and there was no way that he could send Devin away, no matter how tired he was.
"No, you're never interrupting me, my friend. But Rethe sleeps already, so let's go to my room really quietly. Do you want something to drink?"
"No, thanks," Devin answered. "But are you sure you're fine with it? You seem very tired..."
"I'm a little tired, because it was a hard and long day, but still... come in," Thearl said, gesturing for his friend to enter.
Devin nodded and followed Thearl to his room. They both sat down on the bed. Devin cleared his throat and began to speak in a soft voice.
"You have heard about the letter Dora got from her father, didn't you?"
"I remember you mention something about it during the supper," Thearl said. "Has something happened?"
"Well Dora decided to accept his offer, we are going to live with him, in town. In that way we will be able to get larger food rations for Athele and Dora, and besides the man is sick and needs someone to take care of him. A wise decision, it seems." Devin stopped and looked at his hands.
"But you don't like it, don't you?" Thearl asked, looking at Devin.
Devin looked up again. "No.." he said softly "We do not get along to well, my grandfather and me. Athele doesn't like it either. He treats her like a housemaid. I like the way we are living now, but I think everything will change when we are going to live with him. We won't be able to be as open as we used to be..."
"I know what you mean," Thearl said, sighing quietly at the thought of himself, living with his father in one house. "I'm sorry, Devin," he said quietly, placing his palm on his friend's shoulder.
"But it's for the sake of us all, I really believe it is the best decision to be made since Athele and Dora don't want to leave the town. It's just, it's just... He thinks..." Devin swallowed. 'He thinks I killed my father... and he blames me for that..." A silent tear escaped from Devins eye and rolled down his cheek. "I don't know if I can bear the blaming face every time I see him..."
Thearl embraced his friend. "I wish I could help you somehow. Maybe you could stay here for some time?"
Devin let himself fall in the embrace, but then he mumbled. "I can't leave Athele alone with that man... he's terrible towards her."
"Then come here, both of you, as often as you want. You know you both are most welcome here, anytime..." Thearl said softly, still holding his friend.
"Thanks my friend..."
"You're most welcome," Thearl said, smiling encouragingly.
'I greatly appreciate this Thearl, and I am sure Athele does as well... Which reminds me, I need to ask you something.' Devin said, carefully loosening his grip. "Dora asked if you might want to help with our house movement I believe you have a small carriage..."
Thearl nodded. "We have one in the shed, though I don't know if it's still in one piece, we haven't used it for some time now. But if you want to, we could check it tomorrow. And of course I'll help you. As Rethe will, I'm sure of that."
Devin smiled. "Thanks man, little one will definitely be happy about it. When it has fallen apart we can always put it back together. That will be less work then carrying all our stuff down to town."
"Sure it will, it's really no problem. So when do you want to move into his house?" Thearl asked.
"I don't know." Devin said a little surprised. "Dora only said she decided that she wanted to live with her father, nothing about when." He shook his head; it was stupid he hadn't though about it himself, it was an obvious question.
"So I assume that it's not tomorrow or the day after? We'll have some time then to repair the carriage if need be. And do you want me to help you with packing?"
"Well, I don't have that much stuff to be honest; most of them got burned when I was in Rohan. I only have my weapons, clothes and horsing stuff. So there will be no need for help, though maybe Athele needs some. Girls always collect a lot of rubbish," Devin grinned softly.
"Oh, I guess Rethe might help her. What I rather meant is that maybe you need some help with securing you farming tools and other things like that...are you taking them with you? Or leaving?" Thearl asked, yawning.
"Well I am leaving them, I will keep the fields so I will keep everything in the shed. No one is going to steal them, they will be save there. There is no reason to move them to town with me, I will focus on hunting anyway" He said a little sad. "But I see you're tired, maybe I should leave. We will need to get up early again tomorrow."
"Yes, it is late. I had a hard day today and I am barely able to stay awake. Are you sure you want to go home so late at night?" Thearl asked a little concerned. "Maybe you'll stay here?"
"What could possibly happen here in Esgaroth Thearl?" Devin said with a little smile. "And nobody knows I am here, little one will be very concerned when I am gone as she wakes up. No, it's best for me to go home, but thanks for the offer anyway."
Thearl sighed. "You're stubborn... let's go then," he said, standing up.
Devin stood up also and followed Thearl back to the front door. "Thanks for your time, my friend," he said as a goodbye.
Thearl clasped his friend on his shoulder. "Silly one," he said as he followed Devin outside and locked the door. "Let's go."
Devin stopped abruptly and turned around to look at Thearl. "Where do you think you are going to?" He asked mildly surprised.
"I'm going to take a short stroll before going to bed, all right? I have a silly friend who feels like walking in the dark alone, so..." he said, grinning.
"But you were tired..." Devin said, still not moving.
"I am tired. But a small walk won't hurt me. Let's go, unless you're planning to stand here until the dawn." Thearl answered, yawning.
Devin shrugged and then moved into a small pace. And Thearl called him stubborn...
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| eireen |
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| Ireth_elfmaiden |
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| AerhÃril |
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| kellymulder |
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| eireen |
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| kellymulder |
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| AerhÃril |
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| kellymulder |
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| Raynn |
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| Narbeleth |
RE: Overcoming (scripted)
on: November 07, 2004 09:56
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((Co-writen by Ireth and myself  ))
Rethe had gone to the Pantry early that day to meet some of the other women of the village as she often did. They would spend about an hour every day sorting the new food that came in, dividing it into separate quantities for the citizens of Esgaroth that the people could come and pick up in the afternoon. For the past few days one of the regular attendees was missing, however. Anneis used to come every day without fail, and the fact that she had not showed up had caused some gossip among the other women. But finally one of them had decided to inquire about Anneis, and reported back that she was sick in bed. Rethe was worried, for Anneis was a friend of hers. So after that day's food sorting, she decided to walk over to her friend's house and pay a visit. She knocked lightly on the door, hoping someone would hear it. But she didn't want to knock loudly, if Anneis really was sick, she didn't want to disturb her.
Bacall paused as he closed the door of Anneis' bedroom behind him. He thought he heard a rapping on the door, and with a click behind him, he headed to the front room and opened it to find Rethe standing outside. He had not seen her since the night he had joined them for dinner. "Good day, Rethe. How are you? Please come in." He opened the door wider and allowed her entrance.
Rethe smiled as she entered the house. "Hello, Bacall," she said, blushing slightly. She still was not used to seeing him as a grown man. "I heard that Anneis is sick. I came by to see if the rumour was true."
Bacall ran a hand through his hair, suddenly realizing his less than organized appearance; sleeves of his shirt rolled up, untucked and dirty. He hated appearing so in front of company, and he tried to straighten himself slightly as he spoke. "I am afraid it is true, Rethe. She has been for a few days now, and I have been trying many things to make her better but so far nothing has worked. Of course, I am not a healer by any means." He led her into the living room and gestured to a chair. The house was very warm and stuffy seeing as it had been closed, and he opened two windows in the room to replace the ill smell with fresh air.
Rethe sat down a little nervously, looking around the room. "Where are your father and Barius?" she asked.
"They spend their days out in the fields trying to grow whatever they can. They don't know anything about illness, so I think they also try to stay out as much as possible. I believe they think they will make her worse by being around." He cleared his throat. "Can I get you something to drink, Rethe?"
Rethe hesitated. "Could I see Anneis?" she asked.
Bacall paused and thought for a moment. "Perhaps seeing a friendly face would do her good. Follow me." He led Rethe to the closed door and opened it as quietly as possible. He was now thankful that he had given Anneis a bath and changed her nightgown and even braided her hair. He knew his sister would have hated for anyone to see her as disheveled as she had been. He led the way into the dim room and knelt down beside Anneis, taking her hand gently and running another hand over her brow. "Anneis, dear, you have a visitor. Rethe has come to see you." Anneis opened her eyes slowly and turned more toward Bacall, but said not a word. A weak smile crossed her face and Bacall smiled back, kissed her on the forehead and rose. Rethe came up beside him, and he looked at the two women. "I will leave you two alone for a few minutes." And he slipped from the room, glad for a minute that would allow him to go change.
Rethe stood there for a moment, then finally sat down in the chair that was already at the bedside. She took Anneis' hand in hers and offered a smile to the woman who lay in the bed. "We've been missing you at the Pantry, Anneis," she said quietly.
"As I have missed being there," Anneis said in a weak voice. "But I will be back as soon as I can."
"Yes, you will," Rethe said, giving the woman's hand an encouraging squeeze. "Is Bacall taking good care of you? Do you need anything at all?" Rethe asked.
Anneis smiled. "Bacall is wonderful. If it hadn't been for him, I do not know where I would be right now." She lay a hand on her friend's. "I am fine, Rethe, I will beat this. Thank you."
It was just then that Bacall reentered the room clad in a clean shirt and breeches with his long locks tied back at his neck. "Are you ladies talking about me?" he jested, kneeling down next to the bed near Rethe and Anneis.
Rethe smiled. "How did you know?" she asked playfully.
"You forget, I am a hunter, I have great hearing," Bacall replied. From the bed, Anneis gave a short, quiet laugh and closed her eyes, resting her head back against the pillow. "Are you alright Anneis?" Bacall asked. She nodded, eyes still closed and gave a sigh. Bacall placed a hand on Rethe's shoulder. "I think we should go, she needs her rest."
Anneis heard this, and looked at Rethe. "I thank you for the visit, my friend. Please feel welcome to call anytime." Her voice was quiet, and she was drifting to sleep. She closed her eyes and was asleep in an instant.
Rethe smiled, but worry showed in her eyes at how fast Anneis had fallen to sleep. "I will, my friend," she said softly, placing her hand momentarily on the woman's forehead. Then she stood up and followed Bacall from the room.
They left, and Bacall closed the door behind him. He paused with his hand lingering on the handle and lowered his head for a moment. "Thank you, Rethe," he said, his eyes rose to meet hers. "I have not seen her that well since the sickness took her." They made their way back to the living room. "I'm not sure what to do, Rethe. I am trying everything I know, but she is not getting any better." They sat and Bacall stared at the floor. "I even went as far south as Mirkwood in search of herbs that might help, but still nothing." He squeezed his eyes shut to fight back tears, he would not allow himself to fall apart.
Rethe attempted a smile, hoping to encourage him, but she was feeling rather hopeless herself. She rose from her own chair and sat next to him on the couch, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You are doing more for her than anyone else could, Bacall. She is going to be alright. She's holding on, and you know she is strong."
"Yes, I hope so. I only wish there was more I could do. I've felt so helpless since I've come back. I have never felt that way before. It's really starting to wear on me." He sighed and tried to change the subject. "And how have you been these past days? You and Thearl are doing well I hope?"
Rethe removed her hand from his shoulder, then shrugged. "As well as can be expected I guess," she answered. Though I've missed hunting. I haven't gone in several days."
"As have I. Though I doubt my bow would make much difference. Do you think this will ever end, Rethe? Will we all ever find happiness again?" Bacall hated having such a bleak outlook, but with each passing day he found it more difficult to bear what his village was going through, and he marveled at how they had managed to keep going for so long.
"It has to end, Bacall. It must. How can it just go on for year after year without coming to an end? All things must come to an end, and so will this."
He looked at her in admiration. "You are truly a strong spirit. I admire you and everyone else. How you still manage to keep such faith is beyond me. But I am so glad you do." He looked out the window and noted the hour. He knew that he would soon have to begin dinner, a duty now upon him seeing as Anneis could not, and the others were working. "Rethe, I have to go to the Pantry for our rations. Might I offer to walk you home?"
Rethe smiled. "Well, seeing as how my house is on the way...yes, thank you." She stood up, then allowed him to lead the way.
When they reached the Pantry, they both collected their family's dinner rations and then headed toward Rethe's house. "You know, Rethe, when Anneis is better, we will have to have you and Thearl over as our guests for dinner," He proposed.
Rethe smiled. "We would like that very much," she said. Then she stopped and faced him. "Bacall, I can't tell you how nice it's been seeing you again. Hard to believe so much time has gone by since you left. My last memory of you is the backs of your legs as I followed you and Thearl through the woods and fields looking for snakes and other things."
Bacall chuckled. "I know what you mean. I still held with me the memories of when Thearl and I tried to scare you away with stories wild boars and living trees that would get you. We used to try everything to get rid of you...our little shadow. But we loved your company at the same time. And when I saw you the other night, I almost could not believe the woman you had become." He paused. "I am sorry if my leaving ever hurt you or Thearl. It was never my intention to go and be gone for so long. You were my greatest friends, and I hope time will make up for the lost years."
Rethe blushed at his compliment, then shook her head. "No, it didn't hurt us," she said. "Though we did miss you for a long time." She smiled and they continued walking. "Thearl especially missed you," she said. "But the two of us became closer that first year you were gone. We were all we had."
Bacall felt a twinge of guilt and again wished that he had visited more often. He would have to think of a way to try to make it up to Thearl and Rethe and his family. In his thoughts, he was not aware that they had reached Rethe's house until he saw her stop. Coming from his distraction, he looked at the house then at Rethe. "Well, you are home safe." He paused and then continued. "Rethe, thank you for the visit today. You helped Anneis find strength, even if it was only for a short time, and that means the world to me. Not only did you help my sister, but you helped me as well, and I will try very hard to keep an optimistic outlook on the outcome of this Blight." He laid a hand on her shoulder. "Thank you, and feel free to call anytime."
Rethe smiled. "It was my pleasure, Bacall. I could do no less for friends." She smiled again, then put her arms around him in an embrace. "Thank you, Bacall, the same goes to you, too."
Bacall returned Rethe's embrace and realized in that moment just how much he had missed his friends and his home. She pulled away and looked at him, he smiled. "Good night, Rethe. I will see you again soon."
Rethe grinned as she took a step back, raising her hand in farewell. "I'll see you later, Bacall. I'll come by again to see Anneis real soon."
Bacall nodded and watched Rethe as she made it to the door and went inside. He then turned and headed back in the direction of his own home. The sun was growing ever lower in the western sky, and he knew he should get dinner going soon before his father and Barius came in from the fields.
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| eireen |
RE: Overcoming (scripted)
on: November 09, 2004 08:05
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((The post was co-written by Narbeleth and myself. Enjoy ))
Thearl went on for quite a long time, not really carring where his feet carried him. Tears streaming down from his eyes were almost blinding him, but he did not care about them either. He was all alone here, surrounded by dead fields, with no life or other human beings around. Finally Thearl collapsed on one of those fields, having no idea whose field it could be, since he did not know how far he had actually gone. But did it matter? Did it matter to whom that particular field belonged? No. All Thearl could think about was his pain. Deep emotional pain. The man still could not understand how his father, the Mayor, could threaten him in this way. After all those long years, after everything that had happened...how could he?
Thearl had to admit, even though he was ashamed to do so, that his father still scared him. That somewhere deep inside of him that intense fear lived, and would never leave him. The nightmares of the past were strong, and Thearl felt real pain at the moment. Even though his father had not touched him, the man could feel the pain on his back, arms, and legs, just as he had felt when he had been a small kid. He sat curled up on the ground and could not stop crying. Those old wounds hurt anew, with doubled strength...
Across the field a young woman was looking out the window of her family's house. She saw the strange man walking across the field, so she was watching him carefully. When he stopped and knelt to the ground she grew even more suspicious. What was he doing? The rumours she had heard earlier that day came back to her. Could he be one of those who were poisoning the crops? She turned her head to call into the other room.
"Papa!" she called. "Papa, there's a strange man in our field."
After a moment a tall man in his early fifties came in, his nose still in the book he had been reading. "What did you say, Arisan?" he asked.
"There is a strange man in the field," his daughter repeated, pointing out the window. The man looked up, and sure enough, his daughter was right.
"Stay here," he said, "I'll go see what he wants." With that he put his book down and grabbed his crossbow on the way out the door. He walked quickly across the field, loading his weapon as he went. "Hey, you!" he called when he was still many yards away. "What are you doing in my field?"
Thearl was so lost in his pain and memories that he did not notice the man who was walking in his direction. Neither did he notice the crossbow the man was holding. Only when he heard the man's voice did he realize that the field was not as empty as he had thought. Thearl rubbed his eyes quickly, trying to wipe away all the tears so that the other man would not see them, but it was all in vain. Even more tears were streaming from his eyes now, and Thearl seemed to be unable to control them, which only added to his frustration when a silent sob shook his body.
The man came closer, and when he saw Thearl's tears he paused in his step, uncertain. He lowered his crossbow a little. "Sir? Are you alright?" he asked, not sure any more if this man was a threat.
Thearl did not raise his head to look at the other man, he bowed it even more, trying to hide his tears from the stranger. He should go and leave the field right now before the other man would be able to recognize him, because then he could be sure that the rumours would be heard in the entire town about it. But soon Thearl realized that he was not able to stand up, or to move, or to do anything at all. He could not even speak, as his throat seemed to have clenched...
The man came closer, seeing that something was definitely wrong. He crouched down, setting his crossbow on the ground. He looked closely at the young man in front of him, and there was something familiar about him. "Do you need help, son?" he asked gently.
Thearl shook his head, unable to do anything else.
The man sighed. "Are you sure? You see, I am in a predicament...You are in my field, obviously upset about something. And now that I know you are here, I just can't go back into my house and forget about you." He bent down lower, trying to see the young man's face, and finally recognition dawned. But the man kept his expression neutral. "My name is Andef," he said softly. "But you may call me Andy, everyone else does." He paused, and getting no response from the other man, he rested his hand on Thearl's shoulder. "Why are you crying, son?"
Thearl almost jumped when he felt another man touching his shoulder. His imaginary wounds almost burned him at that touch. "I...I'm...am sorry...sssir...I...I...will...will...leave..."Thearl managed finally through the sobs that shook him. It was slowly terrifying him that he had lost his control like that.
Andy shook his head and stood up, pulling Thearl up with him. "No, I cannot let you leave in such a state. Come, follow me for a minute." Andy took Thearl by the elbow, urging him to follow. Thearl was not really in any shape that would allow him to try and oppose Andy in any way. So he allowed the other man to help him to stand up, and then followed Andy wherever the man wanted to take him, since Thearl did not really care what the man would do with him.
Andy led Thearl back to his house. Once inside he set his crossbow by the door, then led Thearl into the kitchen. The young woman was there, and she stood up nervously when her father entered with the stranger. Andy saw his daughter and motioned with his hand. "Arisan, can we have some peace please?" Arisan nodded and quickly left the kitchen, closing the door behind her. "Sit down," Andy said, pulling out a chair at the table for Thearl to sit in.
Thearl literally collapsed in the chair, not really having any strength left to support himself any longer. Once he was sitting, he buried his head in his hands, frantically trying to regain whatever amount of control over his emotions he could.
Andy took a small cloth and got it wet from the bucket of water that stood on the countertop. He wrung it out good, then handed it to Thearl. "Here, wash your face, freshen up a bit. And I will make us some tea."
Thearl accepted the wet cloth and placed it on his face, allowing the cold sensation to help him to regain at least some of his senses and control over them. He felt incredibly stupid right now, and his pain was still lingering. The man could swear that his back and arms were badly beaten, even though no marks were there. When Thearl removed the cloth from his face, it was no longer tear stained, though tears were still shining in the man's eyes. His eyes were reddedned from all the crying, and Thearl rubbed them slightly, even though it hurt him. Then he just cast his head down, ashamed to look at the other man.
Andy filled the tea kettle and put it on the stove, then he sat down facing Thearl. "Some people call me the Listener," he said. "I guess it's because I listen really well, to whatever anyone has on their minds." He paused. "Your name is Thearl, am I remembering correctly?"
Thearl nodded when he heard Andy's question, and then he said quietly, because his voice was still shaking, "I'm sorry for...for imposing myself on you and your family, sir. I think I should just leave..."
Andy shook his head. "It is no imposition," he said earnestly. "Why don't you stay until the tea is done at least? I have not met anyone from the village in a long time." He paused. "Besides...where would you go? You do not want to go back home, do you? For there the past has come back to haunt you."
Thearl looked up at the last Andy's words, and his face was carrying the surprise he felt. "I...I am sorry, I...am afraid I don't understand what you mean, sir."
"Don't you?" Andy said softly. "I think you do...you know why you are crying now."
"That I know, but I don't see how you could," Thearl said, looking at Andy. He woud have answered back more harshly if not for the fact that Andy's face was friendly and carrying—the man was not aiming to hurt him.
Andy smiled slightly. "I remember when you were a young boy, Thearl. I lived in the village then. And I remember seeing you in the streets." His voice changed slightly, becoming more soft and gentle. "I can remember seeing the black eye or the cut lip. You always said you had gotten in a fight with bullies...but I knew the truth...I knew what really happened. And I also know that things are not all better on the home front for you, though perhaps not as bad as they were. And when you show up in my field, crying like a little boy and recoiling at the slightest touch...I have put two and two together. Tell me if I have guessed wrong."
Thearl did not answer for a moment and then bowed his head again as a few tears left his eyes. "It...but...it...I mean...things...aren't that...I...it's getting...worse...I...I can't..." by now Thearl began to sob again, unable to stop himself. He felt ashamed for crying like that, but he could not stop himself. And the way in which this man seemed to be nice...concerned even. Thearl felt like the man really cared, and that broke the last hold on his emotions that he had.
Andy scooted his chair closer and put a comforting hand on Thearl's shoulder. "I'm sorry, son," he said quietly. "Do not be ashamed. Do not fear these tears, let them all out, because holding them in would be even worse. Unshed tears turn to stone around ones heart, and such stone is hard to break once is forms. So don't be ashamed to cry, for it is not a shameful thing."
And that was how much Thearl could take. Without thinking, he just moved closer to Andy and rested his forehead on Andy's shoulder, allowing his tears to fall as strong sobs were shaking his body.
Andy put his arms around Thearl, letting him cry. Andy's heart was breaking for this young man. He wanted to help him, and he hoped that Thearl would let him. They sat there like that for several minutes. After a while the tea kettle began to whistle, but Andy didn't move to get it. He just held Thearl until the young man was ready to let go.
And eventually Thearl was ready to let go of Andy. He was slightly calmer now, because it seemed that together with his tears some of the pain he was feeling left, and Thearl was surprised to feel a strange relief spreading through his body. Soon he knew what was so strange—Andy was the first adult male who actually cared for him in that way, and for Thearl it was something new and incredible. He had never experienced something like that—the only thing he had ever experienced was the constant beatings and curses from his father—and now, this stranger was so warm to him.
When Andy felt Thearl loosening his hold on him he pulled away and looked at the young man. "Now, doesn't that feel a little better?" he asked, allowing a slight smile to turn the corners of his mouth, then he got up to take the kettle off the stove.
"It does," Thearl admitted. "I am sorry, I really am, I shouldn't have behaved like that."
Andy waved it away as he poured two mugs of tea. "Don't worry about it," he said. "I sure don't mind." He looked up and smiled, then brought the mugs to the table, handing one to Thearl, then he sat down. "Besides, it is understandable." He paused. "Do you want to talk about it at all?" he asked softly. "If not, I understand. I just wanted you to know that I have an ear to listen, and I would not mind."
Thearl looked up at Andy. "I just had an argument with him...or rather not even an argument...he just threatened me and that brought back all those memories. I guess I will never be able to get over them," he said softly.
Andy nodded. "No, I guess one never can get over something like that." He paused. "May I ask you a question, Thearl?"
Thearl nodded. "Yes, you can. What is it?"
"Have you...have you ever forgiven your father?"
"No, I haven't," Thearl said softly. "I have even threatened him today that I will kill him if he tries to hit me ever again..." he added, and then cast his gaze down.
"And do you really mean that?" Andy asked, his expression grim.
"Yes, I think I did. At least at that moment when he threatened me I really did," Thearl said quietly, not looking up at Andy.
Andy nodded. "That is a true shame," he said softly. "I understand that he hurt you a lot. And you may think that it is unforgivable. But it cannot be, Thearl. Because then where will it end? Would killing your father truly give you peace?"
"That is not what I meant. I swore to kill him if he tried to hurt me once again. I have never thought of killing him to repay him in this way for what he had been doing to me all those long years. He is not worth it," Thearl said quietly.
"So what do you want, Thearl?" Andy asked softly. "What would you like to happen with your father, with yourself? If you could choose, how would things go from here?"
"I don't really know, I have never thought about it. I guess I'd like him never to walk into my way, that much. I'd still stay at his house..."Thearl said thoughtfully.
"And why would you stay?" Andy asked. "Why stay where there is so much strife?"
"I'm not staying there for him," Thearl said calmly.
Andy raised his eyebrows, letting Thearl clarify that remark.
"I'm staying there for Rethe."
"Ah, your sister. You love her very much?"
Thearl smiled. "I love her more than anyone else in this world. She is all I have here," he said softly.
Andy smiled. "Then she is lucky to have you." He paused. "How does she feel about the relationship you have with your father? Does she have similar feelings?"
Thearl shook his head. "No, she loves her father very much, and her father loves her very much. They are a happy family..."
"Are they?" Andy asked. "Wouldn't they be happier if you were included?"
Thearl nodded. "Yes, they are. And I think, no I am sure that Rethe would be happy for us all to be a family. But that is something what even I cannot give her, even though I would give her all I have."
"Why, Thearl? Why can you not give her that?"
"Because that man had taught me to stay away from everything where he is. He had never wanted me, and showed me that. Because he hates me more than anyone else. And he never wanted me to be his son in the first place—he did not even want to have a child. I think he had always regretted that he didn't manage to kill me during his beatings when I was young," Thearl said in a pained voice.
"Oh, Thearl..." Andy said, moisture welling in his eyes. "Do you really believe that? I do not think that any parent could hate their child. The bond between parent and child is the strongest one will have in life. And as a father myself, I know that, no matter what a child does or says, that cannot break the love the parent has. Some parents are not good at showing their love, I know. And that is a terrible shame. And sometimes things happen in a parent's life that can hurt his child, things that he will later regret. And often he may not know how to fix the hurts he caused, but that does not mean he doesn't want to fix them. Has your father ever spoken of his regrets, ever tried to talk to you about the past?"
"Andy, please. You are a good man and you love your children. But some parents just don't—they don't want to have children in the first place. And when such a man does not want to have a child and the child is born, do you think that there can be ever any love? All I have ever got from that man who was supposed to be my father was hatred and constant beatings together with curses and unpleasat remarks. Understand, that he had never wanted to be my father, and he had never wanted me in his life," Thearl bit his lip.
Andy nodded in understanding. "But what about now, Thearl? What about today? He loves your sister, or so you said. How is he towards you now? Has he ever tried to fix things? Has he ever tried to start over with you?"
Thearl shook his head. "I think we both try to avoid one another and we just keep living this way. Whenever we meet, he begins to argue with me, and Rethe..." he shook his head, bitting his lip. "I think he just tries to forget about me."
"Have you ever given him a chance, Thearl? Have you ever tried to fix things? If not for your sake then for your sister's?"
"I?" Thearl asked, shocked. "I won't come near him unless I have to. And after today, I will think even five times if it's worth it to approach him, even if it's urgent!"
Andy sighed, then looked Thearl in the eye. "I will tell you something, Thearl. And you may not like it, and you may not agree with it. But I feel I need to tell you anyway, because it is important. A man's family is all he has in the world, no matter the quality of the relationship. sure, a man may have friends, and he may have wealth. But in the end those things do not matter. For when a man dies it is his family who buries him. When all the world has turned against a man, it is his family who does not give up on him. Even when the family has seemingly abandoned him, they have not. Family is a gift, Thearl. Whether that gift is gratefully received or not. You may hate your father, but I know that you would not abandon him on his deathbed. You may think he hates you, but have you ever asked him how he truly feels?"
Thearl looked at Andy. "I do not need to ask, because I know how he feels. He had informed me about it countless times in my past and sometimes even now. He demands me to respect him, but what has he ever done to deserve my respect? He may be my biological father but that is where his connection to me ends. He has never been a father to me, he has never been there for me when I needed him—and now I don't need him anymore. True, I wouldn't abandon him on his deathbed—but I would do the same for a beggar who I would find in a situation like that. I would be compassionate to him as to any human being, but I don't think of him as my family. I have Rethe and she is my family. If someone took her ever away from me, I would have no family left. Because to be a real father, a man has to give something else than being a biological father—that does not mean anything, anything at all."
Andy listened to what Thearl was saying, his heart breaking even more. He thought for a moment before answering. "Let me tell you a story that happened between me and my father," he said. "Many years ago, when I was only about fifteen, my father and me had a falling out. I can't even remember the reason now, but that isn't important. I hated my father then, and I was sure he hated me too. We could never be in the same room without arguing about everything. Most of the time I would refuse to see him, or he would refuse to see me. It went on this way for nearly ten years. But finally I realized that it would never end if one of us didn't make an attempt to end it. I couldn't wait around for my father to do it because, as far as I was concerned, he hated me, and would never say otherwise. But I was tired of the constant hate, the constant arguing. I decided one day to forgive my father, and by then I could not even remember why we were estranged, or whose fault it was, but after so much time it didn't matter. We were both at fault, we had both caused the same amount of pain to each other. But one day I told my father that I forgave him, and that I didn't want to hate him any more. I told him I didn't expect him to return the favour, but that I just needed to tell him that. My father didn't respond right away. In fact, it was nearly a week later when he finally sought me out. He told me that he was so relieved to hear what I had said to him. And the fact that I could forgive him, even after all that time, really moved him. He felt guilty and very sorry for the way he had behave for so long. He told me that he forgave me too. Things weren't better right away. We each had to work at it, but eventually it was all mended. That was a long time ago, even before you were born, but today my father and I are best friends. And I am so thankful that I had the nerve to stand up to him and forgive him when I did. If I hadn't, who knows where we would be today.
"So you see, Thearl. I do know a little bit about what you are going through. True, my father never beat me. I did not have physical wounds as well as the emotional like you do. But the concept is the same. And because of what happened between me and my father, it pains me even more to see it happening with you and your father. It should not be so, Thearl. Every attempt should be made to make things right. Don't you want things to be right?" He paused. "Your father may never forgive you, he may never wish things to be different. But then again, he might. But he might just be afraid. He might not know what to do. So that is why any healing needs to start here," he placed his and over Thearl's heart. "You were the one hurt, Thearl. Your father was the one who did the hurting. If any healing is to be attempted, it must start with forgiveness in your own heart—even if you think he doesn't deserve it, maybe he doesn't. But that does not matter. What matters is your own heart." Andy looked earnestly at Thearl, hoping that the young man would understand his words.
Thearl shook his head. "I'm sorry but I can't, I can't do that. That man hurt me so terribly, more than you can ever imagine and I am not the one who should seek for his forgiveness. I have never done anything to hurt him, anything for what I should be ashamed. I don't think I could ever see him in any other light than I do now, I have never known him to be a different man. He might have changed in your eyes, or in the community's eyes, but he's never really changed towards me. And I don't think he ever can. I wouldn't be able to trust him again. I did once and I regretted it later very much. I will not make that mistake again."
Andy shook his head. "I did not mean for you seek for his forgiveness. I meant for you to forgive him, not expecting forgiveness in return. To decide, in your heart, that yes, your father did some terrible things, and he hurt you badly, but you will forgive him anyway. That you will let go of your hate for him. And let me tell you, Thearl, if you are able to do that, you will feel such a relief as you have never felt before. Even if your father never forgives you in return, you will know that you broke the chain of hatred, and anything else your father does after that can hurt only himself because he chooses to hold on to something that you have given up. It will cause him to stop and think. He will not be able to ignore your gesture, no matter how hard he tries. Because in the end love is always stronger than hate. And if you can grow to love your father, Thearl, his hate will become pointless, even to him."
"But regardless of the fact if I can ever forgive him or not, I will never love him. He had destroyed our relationship long time ago and I will not be able to love him anymore. And please, don't call this man my father. You can use his title he loves so much, but not the phrase 'your father', because everytime you call him so, you hurt me. And besides, you know what I think? I think that I don't really hate him, I have lost my hatred long ago. I am just afraid of him, that's all. No matter how hard I try to deny it, it's a part of me, this fear," Thearl said softly.
Andy closed his eyes for a moment. "I'm sorry, Thearl," he said nearly in a whisper. "I'm sorry. I know I have said too much. I don't usually talk so much, and perhaps I shouldn't have said anything. It just saddens me so. But just know, it takes only one decision to change something. One decision." He stopped and gripped Thearl's shoulder. "I'll not say anything more. I do not wish to chase you away. But if you ever need to talk about anything, anything at all, you can come to me, Thearl. My door is always open, and my shoulder is always free if you need to cry again."
"I thank you, because you have helped me much tonight. And I shall keep in my mind your words. But I think I should leave now, I have already took much of your time," Thearl said quietly, briefly wondering where he would spend the night, because he still was not going back home.
Andy smiled. "Well, I am glad I could be of some help at least. You do not have to leave, but if you must then I understand. Do you need anything? Is there anything else I can do for you and your family?"
"No, thank you. I think I need to leave because it's getting very late now as the night falls, and my friend lives quite far from the village in the opposite direction, so I have quite a road to go," Thearl said.
Andy nodded and stood up, offering his hand to Thearl. "Safe journey, Thearl," he said.
"Thank you," Thearl said, standing up, and then added, "for everything."
Andy smiled and then pulled Thearl into an embrace. "Any time, my friend."
Thearl embraced the man as well, and then left, disappearing slowly into the darkness that had fallen during his talk with Andy.
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| AerhÃril |
RE: Overcoming (scripted)
on: November 10, 2004 08:47
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((Co written by kellymulder and myself))
Dwelian waited for a moment, and then lifted his hand to knock again. He had obviously not been loud enough. He bashed his fist against the door several times, and then waited again to see if he had been heard. The Mayor looked up realising someone was at his door, again. Maybe one of the boys had left something... "Enter!" He called out in a dark but loud voice. Dwelian opened the door slowly, and peered in to see where the Mayor was. Seeing that he was sat at his desk in the next room, he shut the door behind him and walked through to meet the Mayor, who looked rather surprised to see him.
The mayor looked up, it was not one of his children who entered, but instead it was a man the Mayor had not seen before. He certainly was no inhabitant of the village. He frowned... then this must be the man the whole of Esgaroth had been talking about; the man who had led the hunters to the deer. "Welcome" he said, standing up "I am the Mayor of this town, my name is Amman, but most call me just 'Mayor'" He extended his right hand. "And who are you, if I might ask?"
Dwelian nodded, and bowed his head slightly as a sign of respect. "I am Dwelian, Mayor Amman, and I am staying in your town for a while." he looked up at the Mayor, not moving his gaze once he had fixed it with Amman's. "I bring terrible news, but also solutions and answers to many of your problems."
The mayor scrutinized the man in front of him; he definitely looked like he knew what he was talking about. "Be welcome to my town, and please, sit down." He gestured towards a chair. "Tell me what it is you have on your mind."
"Thank you"
Dwelian said as he sat down on a chair opposite the Mayor's desk. He sighed heavily.
"Well, first of all, the news I bring is of Dugan and his family. Especially of his wife Arian" He waited for the mayor to take in his words before he continued any further with the news. The mayor nodded, though he wasn't sure if he wanted to hear what Dwelian had to say.
"Unfortunately, the lack of food and nourishment left her susceptible to disease, and she passed away this morning. She still lies in her bed."
"She passed away?" The mayor repeated as his eyes darkened. "Well, I was waiting for the first one to come; it shouldn't have taken much longer..." He sighed; tell Dugan I am terribly sorry for him and that I will pay him a visit this afternoon."
Dwelian nodded at the message that he was to bear back to Dugan, and then continued. "The other news that I bring you, must be told and acted upon before another incident like this occurs."
"Tell me what you know." The mayor folded his arms. He was extremely curious what this man had to say.
Dwelian paused for a moment, pondering what the best way to go about this was. "Well, I presume that you have heard the rumors, about Black magic being behind the Blight"
"Yes I have heard of them..." The mayor said hesitantly, thinking about the disastrous conversation with Thearl and his friend this morning.
Dwelian nodded. "Well, these rumors are true. But more importantly, I know who is behind them. It is easy for me to see, because I came to your village recently, and so I have not been blinded from the truth. I can see things which you cannot because the changes have happened slowly to you over the years..." He kept his gaze locked with Amman's, and his face was deadly serious.
"Black magic? But that's... all suspicion and fear of the poor farmers, the wish to catch something that is the cause of this Blight. It comes forth out of stupidity, doesn't it?"
"Stupidity?" Dwelian's eyes narrowed "No, my good Amman. Stupidity comes from those who choose to believe that something does not exist just because they cannot see it. Those that wish to catch something to end their pain are the ones who often see what others choose not too. We call it Black magic, because it affects us in an ill way. But those that perform it call it good magic because it profits them in a good way" He stopped and looked out of the window for a moment. "Your problems lie in the environment, or in everything to do with nature, right? The ones behind it all would have to have some form of magic, or strong will over the environment to control it to their advantage. And I know who they are." he looked back at the Mayor, who was fiddling with a piece of paper on his desk.
The mayor thought about this little speech... the man seemed to have some point here, though he would have to over think it later, to see for himself if it was true. Instead he asked "Who do you claim it to be, elves? I know they're very good with nature..."
Dwelian's eyes lit up; glad that the mayor had figured it out before he had been told. "Yes, it is the elves. They are good with nature, and have you heard of seen any sign of them being affected by this blight? Have you heard of deaths through starvation? Many of the animals have fled into Mirkwood, very much so in the direction of where the elves dwell. It is not coincidence, the elves are performing some kind of magic to benefit their lands, and perhaps, to drive out their neighbors... that being you."
"I've had not contact with any of the elves for many, many years. I've spoken to them, in my early years of being mayor and they were always very kind... Though, times have changed... and I think you have a point here Dwelian. The way you say it makes it sound like the elves are really the cause of our misfortune." He stopped and wrote a few words down on a paper. "And I think you are right, though I will investigate this matter before we are going to attack. We don't want to convict innocent people." He smiled grimly, but it is time for this Blight to end, we will get the ones who are responsible for this!”
"We will" Dwelian reassured him. "And thankfully I know how to deal with these kinds of situations. I was taught well. But I must stress this; we cannot linger and take too much time on pondering what to do, or finding out things to why they are doing it. If you ask the elves, the will obviously deny it."
"Sure they will." the mayor nodded, "I know all that and I was definitely not thinking of asking the elves whether they've done it or not. I will talk to the right people and make sure it is done quickly."
Dwelian nodded, and wondered if there was anything else that needed to be told to Amman. "Well, my good Amman," He said as soon as the mayor had finished his words. "I would be glad to help the town and yourself with this problem. I believe that I may be one of the few who actually knows how to deal with this crisis." He waited to see Amman's reply to his offer.
"I thank you for your help Dwelian, but it's not like we haven’t tried anything. You must understand very well that is the fourth year of the Blight, and in the first two years there were lot's of ideas on how to end it. Only nothing worked... People have lost faith. Your point of view is fresh and new on this matter and I appreciate the things you say and the solutions you are giving us. But as you might discover staying here a little while longer; lots of ideas have already been tried... But still, I have to think you can do something new, Dwelian. I don't know you that long but I think you have a good set of brains. I hope you can give the people faith again.”
"This is the point" Dwelian answered instantly. "I believe that I can restore faith, but not only restore faith... I believe that I can end this blight too."
"But how?" The mayor asked. "Presume you're right, what are you going to do about the elves? Do you know any counter magic?"
"No, but I know how to force the Elves to stop their magical practices. It's really quite simple. You see, many elves can read minds, or place their own thoughts in another person's mind as well. This means that they can communicate over long distances. If one or two are in trouble, the others will all know, and feel their kin's pain too. This can be used to our advantage in more ways then one." Dwelian leaned forward and rested his arms on his knees. His face was serious, and not a hint of fear or worry could be seen in his eyes.
"And how is that going to work in our advantage?" The mayor asked, not totally understanding what Dwelian meant.
Dwelian breathed in heavily. "Well my friend, what I am suggesting is a hostage situation. We propose the safe return of their kin for the end of their black magic. Think what they have put your people through and think what will continue to happen if we don't act now. My good mayor, only you can authorize this proposition to save your people. Do it now, before it is too late."
The Mayor thought about this, his small eyes were squeezed together in concentration. "I think it's a good idea" he said finally "if we find out that the elves are really guilty. We can make them pay for what they've done to us!"
Dwelian held back a grin of success. "Yes, My good Lord. You have made the right decision. I feel that a public announcement to the town’s people is in order, to tell them of the villains behind their misfortune. Then perhaps, you will see how wise your choice is." Dwelian looked at the mayor softly. "I will gladly pursue your decision all the way, so that I may help our plans to work in the best way possible." He stopped to give Amman some thinking space; he had loaded a lot on his mind so that he could not think straight but he wanted some of it to sink in.
“I shall ask some fellow inhabitants what they think about it and how we should investigate this matter." The mayor said frowning.
Dwelian nodded. "That is a good idea, consult the people." He leaned back slightly in thought. There was no point trying to get too much out of Amman at the moment, a council meeting was the best that he could hope for at the moment. "So, a council meeting is what you hope to hold?"
The Mayor nodded. "I think that will be best, Dwelian."
"Right" He said. "So that's decided. Shall we hold it tomorrow night? I think it best if I am there to express my point of view."
"I agree on that point Dwelian, you could express the things you think better then I could. And I think tomorrow night will be fine. The sooner the better."
"Wonderful. I will be there. The town hall I presume?" he asked.
"Yes, I will go to arrange everything immediately." The mayor said standing up.
Dwelian nodded and stood up too. "Yes, you will also need to send someone to Dugan's house to remove his dead wife" He walked towards the door. "Shall I see myself out?"
"No, my friend, I will walk you to the door." the mayor said opening the door and walking slowly through the corridor. He was not that fast considering all the fat he had to carry with him.
"Thank you." Dwelian said as Amman walked him to the door. He opened it to allow Dwelian to exit the house. Dwelian turned to face him. "Thank you for hearing my side of the story."
"And thank you for sharing your point of view Dwelian." The mayor said smiling.
"You are welcome" he replied gratefully. "Bye then, I shall see you at the meeting tomorrow."
"Until tomorrow" The mayor said waving Dwelian goodbye.
Dwelian smiled and turned to go back to Dugan's house. But once he heard the door slam he turned to head out to the fields. He couldn't face Dugan or his daughter at the moment, and besides, they would need their space. The sky was drakening, and the stars could already be seen faintly across the sky. Dwelian wrapped his cloak around himself and kept his head low as he walked through the streets.
The mayor closed the door and walked back into his study, pushing a pile of papers aside. He would read them later, first there were other things to do. He opened his desk, got a new clean paper, dipped his quill in the ink and started writing.
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| Narbeleth |
RE: Overcoming (scripted)
on: November 14, 2004 12:12
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((Co-writen by eireen and myself. Also, a quick note: Even though this happens late at night, please no one start the new day yet. One other post happens directly after this. So please wait for it...thanks))
Rethe looked out the window one more time, hoping to see Thearl coming up the road which was dimly light by street lamps. But the street was deserted. Where are you, Thearl? she thought, biting her thumbnail absently. It was getting so late. It was nearly midnight and he hadn't come home yet. She was worried that something had happened to him. If he wasn't back in ten more minutes then she would go out looking for him.
Thearl was walking in the direction of Devin's house, thinking over some things Andy had just told him. And then, he suddenly realized that his beloved little sister must be very worried by now—he did not come back home, and he did not tell her that he was planning to spend the night at Devin's. Poor Rethe, Thearl thought and turned to walk back home. In the end, there was nothing to fear there at that hour—the Mayor was most likely asleep, so he would not meet him. He would just talk to his little sister and then would go to bed.
'That's it,' Rethe thought ten minutes later and Thearl still had not shown up. She grabbed her cloak and threw it around her shoulders as she ran out the door and down the street. The first place she would check was Athele's and Devin's house, maybe they would know where Thearl was.
Thearl was walking back home quite fast now. His surroundings were peaceful and quiet, since all the Town was already asleep. Suddenly Thearl heard someone's footsteps. He looked up and was surprised to see his little sister, all alone, hurrying in the direction he just came from. Alone! “Rethe, what are you doing alone in the streets this late!“
Rethe sighed with relief when she saw her brother up ahead. She quickened her pace until she reached him, and not answering his question she threw her arms around his neck. "Thearl, I was so worried about you!"
Thearl hugged his sister, hoping that his eyes were not red and swollen anymore. "I'm sorry, Rethe. Let's go back home."
Rethe nodded, and walked beside him, keeping her arm around his waist. "Where have you been?" she asked.
"I just needed to take a walk," Thearl said softly.
"That was a long walk," Rethe said. "Thearl, it is midnight! I thought surely something must have happened to you. Please don't scare me like that."
"I'm sorry, my little sister. I didn't mean to scare you, I lost track of time, and didn't realize it was so late..."
"I'll say," Rethe replied. "Where did you go anyway?" She rested her head against her brother's shoulder as they walked along.
"I was in the fields," Thearl answered, putting one of his arms around Rethe's shoulders. "I have heard some disturbing things and went to see the fields..."
"What things?" she asked, looking up at him.
"I met old Dugan today, and he told me that his friend saw some men chanting something in one of our fields," Thearl said calmly, his previous enthusiasm about the news forgotten.
"Chanting something?" Rethe said, not catching on. "What do you mean?"
"Something in a strange language—men think it was Black Magic," Thearl explained.
Rethe looked up at Thearl again. "Black Magic? But why? What would they be doing that in our fields for?"
"Well, if it's really Black Magic, then their reason is very obvious, isn't it? They were poisoning the fields and crops."
Rethe stopped and faced Thearl. "Poisoning them?" she said, her voice cracking slightly. "But why? Why would anyone do that? Is it true?"
"I don't know, Rethe, I really don't know. But if it is, then at least we would have a chance of catching those responsible for all of this and the Blight could finally end," Thearl said, looking at his little sister.
Rethe sighed and they continued walking. "Oh, I sure hope so. To think, it is the fault of a living being, and not nature after all. We have a way to stop it, and someone to punish for it."
"Yes, I think we could try and organize some watches in the fields. We need to find out who is behind it," Thearl said.
Rethe smiled and leaned her head against Thearl's shoulder again. She sighed. "I'm so relieved," she said. "This is good news."
"Well, not really. The Mayor refused to cooperate with us, and once again everything will be on my head."
Rethe sighed again, but this time in frustration. Why did the conversation always go back to their father? "Thearl, it doesn't matter," she said. "You are a better leader than daddy anyway. Men respect you, they like you. You will do just fine." She gave his arm a gentle, encouraging squeeze.
"I really hope so, my little sister, because something needs to be done about it. I cannot just stand by and do nothing, waiting for all of us to starve to death. We could really use his help..." Thearl said, sighing quietly. "But he says that science is the answer to everything, and almost called me and Devin, and everyone who believes in that rumour, stupid. So I guess there's no point in counting on his help."
"Don't let it bother you, Thearl, please. Once you catch who's responsible and daddy sees it for himself, he will believe you."
"I guess you're right," Thearl said as they approached the house.
Rethe shivered as they went inside. "Brrr, the nights are getting chilly," she said. "Do you think summer is almost over?"
"I'm afraid it is," Thearl answered. And that was another problem, because soon the people of Esgaroth would be only eating what they would be able to hunt, since most of the plants and wild fruits they had would be gone soon with the arrival of autumn. Thearl bowed his head slightly, so that his sister could not see his face, since he was still not sure if there were any marks of his previous tears left.
Rethe kept her cloak wrapped around her as she and Thearl went into the house. Then she collapsed down on a couch, feeling out of sorts and a little worried. She sighed deeply.
"Rethe, you should really go to bed, my little sister. You are tired," Thearl said softly, looking at his sister.
Rethe nodded. She was tired. She was not used to staying up so late. But she was troubled, and she knew she wouldn't be able to sleep. She held her arm out to her brother. "Just hold me for a while?" she asked.
Thearl looked at her, worried. He sat down beside her and embraced her tightly. "What troubles you?"
Rethe sunk into her brother's warm embrace, resting her head against his chest, she closed her eyes. "I went to visit Anneis today," she said. She paused, then looked up at him. "She's sick, Thearl."
"Is she?" Thearl asked, surprised and worried. It was bad news, since getting sick in times like these was very dangerous. His thoughts immediately went to Bacall and his sister. "How is she doing?"
Rethe sighed. "She's not good. She's been in bed for three days...she looks so weak. Bacall is very worried. He wouldn't admit as much to me, but I could see it in his eyes. He's afraid for her. He's doing all he can with herbs and whatever else to try and help her...but nothing is working..." Rethe paused and hugged her brother tighter, wanting to feel the surety of his presence. "I am worried for her too."
Thearl hugged his sister tighter. He could perfectly well understand how Bacall must have been feeling—he knew how he would feel if Rethe got sick. "She will be alright, my little sister, she will be..." he said softly, trying to comfort her, though he was afraid that she would not believe him anyway. So he was trying to find another way.
Rethe nodded halfheartedly. "I hope so. It's this Blight, Thearl. It's been killing our crops...and now it's going to try killing us too. How can we defend ourselves from this?"
"We will find a way, we will," Thearl said softly, kissing her on the top of her head. "Will you visit her again?"
"Yes," Rethe whispered. "I might go over and stay for a while tomorrow, maybe help out in the house. I know with Anneis sick, those three men won't be taking care of things...I want to help Bacall, I don't think he's...I don't think he's letting himself rest. He looked pretty worn."
"I wish I could help somehow," Thearl said quietly.
"Just be a friend to him, Thearl. He needs comforting more than ever, I know. For Anneis all we can do is wait and see what happens."
Thearl nodded. "I'll try to find some time tomorrow to visit him. I've so many things to do that I won't go hunting anyway. But I have an idea. If you're going there tomorrow, why don't you prepare some broth for Anneis? It always helps when we are sick, maybe it'll help her too...maybe it'll help her to regain some of her strength. What do you think?"
Rethe smiled. "I will," she said, looking up at her brother. Then she sighed and leaned her head against him again. They were silent for a long moment before Rethe spoke again. "But that isn't all that worried me," she said.
"Isn't it?"" Thearl asked, worried. "What's wrong, my little sister?"
"I missed you today, Thearl. I missed you at dinner, and later. I was so worried about you..."
"Oh, my little sister, I am sorry. That will not happen again, I promise. But why are you worried? I am alright," he said, kissing the top of her head.
She shook her head and shrugged slightly. "I don't know," she admitted. "I just am. I feel something, I don't know what it is, but it worries me. Are you sure you're alright?"
"Yes, I am. At least I am now," Thearl said softly.
"You are now?" Rethe asked, looking up at him. "But you weren't before?"
"Well, I wasn't," Thearl admitted.
"Will you tell me?" Rethe asked, her hand reaching up to softly stroke the stubble on her brother's jaw. It was something she had done as long as he had been able to grow whiskers. She enjoyed the feel of the bristles on her fingers.
"I almost had another fight with our father when he treated me and Devin so...unpleasantly, and then I just needed to take a walk. I was in a really bad mood then," Thearl said quietly.
Rethe sighed. She should have known it had to do with their father. "Are you alright now?" she asked, still stroking his chin.
"Yes, I am. I have met an extraordinary man today," Thearl said.
Rethe raised her eyebrows. "Really? Who?"
"His name is Andy and he lives outside of the Town in a small house surrounded by his field. Do you know who I mean?" he asked.
"Andy..." Rethe pondered for a moment. "The name is vaguely familiar. Does he have a daughter called Arisan?"
"Yes, he has."
Rethe nodded in recognition. "I have met her at the Pantry many times. She said her father's name was Andy. She is very nice, I like her a lot. So you met her father? How did that come about?"
"He foun...I met him on his field and he invited me to his house," Thearl said hastily.
"Yes?" Rethe said, turning her head to look up at him. She had caught the small mistake he tried to cover. "Did he know who you were?"
"Yes, he recognized me. That isn't that difficult, I guess," Thearl said.
"So why is he extraordinary?" Rethe asked.
"You know, I cannot really tell you. But he's so...so unlike any older male I know. It's hard to put your finger on it, but he was so kind...warm, I mean I felt like he really cared..." Thearl said softly. It was not easy to describe all these feelings and emotions that Andy had awoken in him.
Rethe sat up and looked her brother in the eye. She studied him for a moment, then a smile slowly appeared on her face.
"What?" Thearl blushed slightly, suddenly feeling very stupid telling all that to his sister.
Rethe smiled bigger and shook her head. "You just sounded...happy, in a way, when you were talking about Andy."
Thearl smiled slightly when he heard that. "Because I guess I was. I am happy that I've met this man, it means much more to me than you can ever know, my little sister."
Rethe laid her head back against his shoulder, still smiling. "Then I am happy for you, Thearl," she said softly. She yawned, then snuggled closer to her brother, closing her eyes and sighing contentedly.
Thearl smiled. "And now we're going to bed, aren't we?" he asked. "Do you want me to carry you?" Thearl offered, smiling wider.
Rethe just grunted, for she was already falling asleep.
Thearl grinned. That was reminding him of the past so much....He took his sister in his arms and carried her to her room easily, as if she was still a little child. Then he laid her down in her bed, and carefully tucked her in. "Sleep well, my little sister," he said softly and kissed her on her forehead. Trying to be as quiet as he could, Thearl left the room, closing the door behind him.
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| eireen |
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| kellymulder |
RE: Overcoming (scripted)
on: November 14, 2004 08:56
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(here is the cowritten Mayor-Thearl post. It's cowritten with Eireen and I hope you all enjoy it )
Here it goes:
The Mayor was very busy for the rest of the day, arranging everything for the council meeting and doing stuff that Mayors had to do. Late in the night he was still working when he decided he was going to take a break to drink some tea. He got up from behind his desk and walked through the dark corridor into the direction of the kitchen.
Thearl was still sitting at the table, large tears leaving form under his closed lids, and sliding down his cheeks. How much more could he cry like that? What was wrong with him? Did his father's words hurt him that much? Or maybe it was what Andy said? A quiet sob escaped the young man's lips as he buried his head in his hands, and it was soon followed by other heart-wrenching sobs, louder this time.
The Mayor pushed open the kitchen door when he heard a strange sound, the Mayor couldn't place it, it was a kind of groaning... He waited before opening the door entirely... it almost seemed like someone was crying in there...
Thearl was now openly crying, his head buried in his hands. He simply was not able to stop his emotions from pouring out of his hurting heart. He knew that he should head back to his room in case Rethe woke up, but at the moment he did not feel like going anywhere at all. He needed time to compose himself, a little time...
The Mayor decided to enter the kitchen, he really wanted tea, and maybe it was Rethe and then she might need him.. He stepped inside and saw to his great surprise Thearl sitting at the table, sobbing very loudly. He stopped abruptly, not knowing what to do. The relationship with his son had, said softly, never been good and the situation had become even worse because of the argument they had that morning. What was he to do? He was Thearl’s father but the Mayor had never acted father like towards his son. In fact they were complete strangers to each other…
It took Thearl a longer moment to realise that there was someone else in the kitchen. He quickly wiped away his tears and his next sob was caught in his throat as he realized who the newcomer was. Right in front of him was the last person he wanted to see- his father...
The Mayor cleared his throat and said in a soft voice 'Hello Thearl, I am sorry to bother you... I'm very sorry."
Thearl stood up abruptly. He felt so ashamed to allow his father to see him so weak, so weak... "I'm sorry, I was leaving anyway," Thearl said very quietly. Then he bowed his head slightly, feeling as if he was a small boy again, and was subconsciously bracing himself for a rebuke for his improper behaviour.
"No please stay, I am only getting some tea, I will be back in my study within a minute. I've scared you away on time to much today already..." The mayor felt like he had to make up for the things he’d said earlier that day and he didn’t want to upset Thearl even more…
"You didn't scare me, I just... I just behaved like a coward, something which should never happen again," Thearl said very quietly, his voice barely a shred above whisper. Being in a small space with his father was always making him feel nervous, and especially now, after what his father had said earlier that day.
"And I behaved cruel, and I am sorry for that." It was easy to say sorry for what he’d said that morning, but this apologise was more then just that. The Mayor had regretted the way he’d acted towards Thearl in his childhood every day since his wife died but he’d never had the guts to tell Thearl about that. In some way he had always feared Thearl, how strange that may sound. He felt so ashamed and so uncomfortable; the small child had become a big man…
Thearl looked at his father, surprise written all over his face. His father was apologising! How was that possible? At that moment Thearl remembered Andy's words, that maybe his father was feeling sorry as well, and so calming down he said softly.
"I wanted to apologise for what I had said, I didn't mean that..." If his father found it in him to say that he was sorry, Thearl should try and take that chance to tell him that he was sorry as well. It was not much, but maybe this conversation could become in the future the cornerstone for their new relation, and it was a chance that Thearl could not just brush away, because it was possible that it would not repeat itself ever again.
"You wanted to apologise for what?" The mayor said surprised, taking up a kettle and filling his cup with warm water. He was surprised by the fact that his son wanted to apologise and he truly didn’t remember what Thearl had said to him earlier that day. So many important things had happened in the meantime.
"For what I have said..." Thearl said quietly. "I have said something, don't you remember?" Despite all his efforts, apologising his father was not very simple and the Mayor was not helping much by remarking things in this way. His father must have remember exactly what Thearl had said- in the end not every day a child threatened their parent to kill him.
"You offended me several times if I remember well, but that's nothing unusual is it?" He frowned and put the kettle down. "Is that what you want to apologise for?"
"No...I told you that I would kill you. And I didn't mean that. I was just angry and...a...afraid," Thearl said quietly. He was slowly beginning to regret engaging in this conversation. His father felt offended by his words... Interesting, very interesting- the Mayor had hurt him so much and now was offended by a few stupid words and kept reminding him that it had not been the first time that Thearl had offended him. That conversation was going nowhere and there was a real danger that it would soon turn into a new fight.
The Mayor sighed and then said quietly "You were right about that Thearl, you have every right to kill me after all I have done to you in the past..." The Mayor rubbed one hand over his face, it had been a long day and all the new things he heard seemed to make him more vulnerable then usual
Thearl shook his head, and surprising himself he said softly. "No, it was not right. I had no right to say that- what had happened, happened in the past which is long gone now. You are a good father to Rethe, and you don't attack me anymore, so there's no need for me to defend myself or her in such a way..." He said, casting his gaze down. These words were hard to say, but somehow they made him feel that he did the right thing. Maybe Andy was right, maybe if he learnt to forgive his father, then his heart would be finally able to heal...
The mayor got up his mug and walked towards the table, pulled out a chair and sat himself on it. "I understand your hatred Thearl and I forgive you everything you've ever said to me, because, how could I not? I've made such huge mistakes and I've hurt you more then I could imagine... And I never apologised for it." He bit is lip and scrutinized his hands... There it was, for years he had been dreading it and now the time had come to explain himself and to say he was sorry.
Thearl sunk down in his chair, almost unable to believe in what he had heard. What was happening now was impossible, it was impossible, was it not? “I...I cannot forgive you...not yet, because I'm not ready to do that, but know this- I do not hate you...“ Thearl said very quietly, then stood up to leave. He had said much more than he ever had, his father said things he had never said before. Thearl knew that he would need some time to think over everything what had just happened, but somewhere deep inside he knew that Andy would be proud of him now, even though he had not forgiven his father yet. But he made a first step, he apologised and told that he did not hate his father, and that was already much more that he had ever done. At that moment Thearl felt a strong urge to share that good news with Andy, but then realized that it was the middle of the night, so he would have to wait until the morning at least.
"Thearl, wait, I understand all you say but there is something that we need to discuss and I would like to have your opinion as it concerns all the people of this town." The Mayor said looking up at his son.
Thearl looked at his father. "Is there? Are you sure you want to discuss it with me? Because you don't seem to agree with my opinion- you heard what me and Devin wanted to tell you in the morning..." he stopped, remembering all too well his father's earlier reaction, and not willing to listen to it again.
"Well, things have changed." The mayor said reddening a little as he realised how rude he must have been that morning. "The new inhabitant, Dwelian he's called I believe, came by this morning. Right after the two of you left. He had some great theories which makes your and Devin's story more believable. I've arranged a council meeting so we could discuss them."
"May I know what these theories are?" Thearl said, sitting down again. It was important indeed, since it maybe could give him answers to some questions he had.
"Dwelian told me he believed the elves of Mirkwood are behind this. It's true they know some magic, especially nature bound magic. And it seems a logical explanation as they would like to protect their fields and get enough food from the hunting. They could easily have cursed us..." The mayor took a deep breath and then continued "But, we are not sure about this at all, it might just be a stupid rumour, there's nothing proven yet."
"The elves of Mirkwood..." Thearl repeated, then he was silent for a moment thinking about what his father had just said. "That would make sense," he said quietly after a moment. "They aren't lacking food as we are... and that would finally allow us to do something...when is the Town Council meeting to be held? Are all the citizens invited?"
"We try to get it organised by tomorrow night, and yes everyone is invited as this Blight effects us all."
"We?" Thearl asked surprised. His father was always doing everything alone. "I will tell everyone I will meet to come... actually I think I should start with Andy," he said quietly, and the last part of the sentence was almost a whisper, although the voice in which Thearl said the name was caring. Andy should come to the Council, he made an excellent impression on Thearl, and Thearl already cared for this man, as well as for his opinions. Andy seemed to be very wise and experienced, and it was worth to listen to his words.
"Well I asked Dwelian to help me as it should all be organised in such a short amount of time. And..." he paused "Who is Andy? does he live in town?"
"Oh, Dwelian..." Thearl repeated, remembering the stranger who seemed to be a little weird when he was on the hunt with him and Devin. "I'm sure you know Andy. His name is Andef and he was living outside the village, though now he and his family moved here..."
"O... yes... Andef... I remember him..." The mayor said softly narrowing his eyes a little. He had never liked that man very much… Then he added a little louder and in a more business like tone: "The meeting will start at 7pm tomorrow evening, if you could please tell everyone you know..."
"Yes, I will. And if you want I can hang a note on the Pantry's door, first thing tomorrow morning. This way everyone will know about it, since every family comes to the Pantry for the food rations each day. Now if that's all, I should go to bed, since I have a very hard day tomorrow, and it's already very late," Thearl said quietly. He needed some time in loneliness to think about everything, and surprisingly, for the first time in four years, the Blight was not the most important thing on his mind. More important was Andy and his own father and the things both of them had said. It was such a weird day...
"Yeah, that should be a good idea Thearl." The mayor said nodding though it wasn't clear whether he meant the note or Thearl going to bed. He stared into his empty tea mug, clearly thinking very hard over something. Memories of past and present came to his mind, all dark and sad.
Thearl nodded. "Good night, then," he said softly and opened the door to leave. That must have been the calmest conversation he had with his father in years, that much for sure. He almost left the kitchen, when he remembered something, and before he could think about it, he felt a strong urge to ask his father a question. He turned around, and before he was able to stop himself, he asked the one thing that had been hunting him since childhood.
“May I ask you one question?” Not waiting for the Mayor's answer as if afraid of the negative answer that could fall or maybe more afraid of losing his courage, Thearl asked in a faltering voice. “Father... may I know... may I know why you have done that to me?“ He knew he did not have to form his question more precisely, since his father for sure must have understood what he was asking about. And now Thearl stood, waiting for the Mayor to answer. It was an important moment for a few reasons. First of all, he called the Mayor his father, a thing which he had not done since his very early childhood. And secondly, he finally found his courage, in the most surprising of all moments, to ask the thing he needed to know before he was ready to forgive, to heal...
The mayor looked up, very surprised by the way Thearl had addressed him and even more surprised by the question he’d asked. He cleared his throat to answer but then he realised he did not know what to answer, he did not know how to start… “Thearl… it’s not a question I can answer that easily..” he coughed. “There was more then one reason I think, it was a very hard period for me to go through. Your mother and I had always been together and I loved her very much.” A silent tear rolled down his cheek. “and then suddenly there was you and things started to get out of control. Your mother seemed to love you more then she cared for me. It was something I simply couldn’t take. I wasn’t a very successful Mayor at that time… And I took it all out on you… something I should never have done.” Another tear dropped from the corner of his eye and his voice broke…
Thearl was standing there, in the kitchen door, motionless, and his dark eyes were never leaving his father. He was feeling such a wide range of different emotions, that even he could not tell what he felt at the moment. When he saw his father shedding some tears, he could not stop his own from welling up in his eyes.
Finally Thearl said quietly. "So...so it was not my fault? Have I never done anything to earn that sort of treatment?" The answer to that question was very important, since in his heart Thearl had always been blaming himself for what had happened, explaining to himself that he had made something wrong and it had forced his father to treat him the way he did.
"No..." His father said sadly.
Thearl's eyes were still not leaving his father's as enormous relief appeared on his face. "Thank you, father, thank you," he said quietly and then turned to leave. He had to think over everything he had just heard, he just had to. But just before he left the kitchen entirely, he turned his head slightly and said softly, "Good night."
"Good night." The mayor replied, not noticing Thearl’s relief, he was to sad himself to do that. With his left hand he supported his head and stared at the table, not really seeing anything, lost in thoughts about the past.
Thearl just nodded and left, closing the door behind himself quietly. He already knew there would be no sleep for him tonight, he had so many things to think about, so many things.
The mayor remained sitting at the table for a very long time, guilt, sadness and happiness were taking him one by one. Then he stood up, he had no time to think about the past, it was the present that he should worry about now. The Blight had to end and there was a council meeting to arrange. He walked back to his study and with a sigh he let his heavy body fall onto the chair. He got a paper of his desk and started reading it.
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| AerhÃril |
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| Narbeleth |
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| AerhÃril |
RE: Overcoming (scripted)
on: November 18, 2004 07:00
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((This one was written by eireen and myself. Enjoy!))
It was just a few hours after dawn as Thearl went to visit Andy. He had just been to the Pantry, and as he had promised his father at night, he had hung a note about the Council there so that all the citizens coming for their food rations would see it. And now he was headed for Andy's house, thinking that the man should still be there, and hoping that Andy would not treat his visit as an intrusion.
Dwelian had awoken very early that morning, and had just this minute decided to walk back into town after another night in the fields. Dugan would probably ask many questions when he returned to the house, that was if he hadn't already drank himself to death. He strode across the field slowly, carrying his pack on his back.
Thearl looked up when he heard someone coming towards the path which was separating different fields owned by different farmers. A few steps ahead, he spotted a lone man who was by now very close to the path which Thearl had chosen. One look was enough to recognise that it was Dwelian, the stranger he had already met on the hunt. The man did not look too well, though did not seem to be as tired as Thearl himself was. “Hmm...interesting,“ Thearl thought, ”what is he doing in the fields so early...“
Dwelian continued to walk, until he lifted his head up to see where he was headed. Suddenly he stopped short of walking, for he saw another man coming towards him that caught him by surprise. He looked to see who it was. Seeing it was Thearl, he continued to walk on. "Morning" He called across to him.
“Morning,“ Thearl answered as he closed the short distance between them in a few quick steps. “What are you doing in the fields so early and so far from the town?“ he asked quietly, looking at Dwelian.
"Just enjoying the sunshine, making the most of things." he looked at Thearl "but then again I guess I could ask you the same question" he joked.
“Well, I'm going to visit my friend...but are you going somewhere?“Thearl persisted. In the end Dwelian was carrying the pack, and did not answer his question. Maybe he wanted to leave the town...
Dwelian gave Thearl a confused glance. "I was going back to Dugan's house. He will be wanting to know where I am since he has just lost his wife."
Thearl looked at Dwelian surprised. He did not hear the news so far. "She...she died? Poor man..." he said quietly.
"Yes, I was just taking from air..." He continued. "It has been a hard blow for us all, even though I only knew her for a few days. She was such a kind soul." He looked down at the ground, and then back up at Thearl. "I am sure that Dugan will need some more comforting. I had better get back"
Thearl was silent for a moment, but then put one of his hands on Dwelian's shoulder to stop him from leaving. “Wait, please...“
Dwelian stopped as he felt Thearl's hand touch his shoulder "Yes?" He asked.
Thearl looked at Dwelian. “I had talked to a few men in the town, and later to my father who told me about the Council...“ he said quietly. “I know that you think that there is a way to put a stop to this Blight, and punish those who are responsible for it. But... are you sure who should be punished for it?“
"Ah. it's about that." Dwelian said as he moved to stand in front of Thearl again. "Well, the answer is, yes I am sure who it is."
“So the elves... but how can you be so sure? Have you ever seen them? What proof do you have?“Thearl asked. He was eager to do anything that was possible to make this Blight end. He knew that if he asked, the men in the town would follow his lead, but first, before acting, he had to be sure that it was right to do so.
Dwelian sighed and put his hand on Thearl's shoulder to bring his face closer to his. "look at it like this. Have you seen signs of the elves misfortune? Have they rushed to help your people? The animals have vanished into Mirkwood, heeding the call of the elves. You cannot see it because the change has been slow to you, but to me it is as clear as day to what they are doing. Your people are slowly drowning without realising because it has been going on for so long, but I have suddenly been dropped in deep water, able to see why and what the cause was."
"But then again, the animals may be leaving because we are hunting too often... didn't you think about it?" Thearl asked. He still had some doubts.
"Whole herds? All together? That's not natural. That's like ten hundred birds all flying south at exactly the same time, it doesn't happen." He said strongly.
"But this gives us no proof, Dwelian. This could be a coincidence, a strange one, but still... No one has seen the elves calling the animals, no one has seen the elves doing anything, isn't it true? Unless I haven't heard about something..." Thearl said quietly. Somehow the tone of Dwelian's voice had a strange influence of him. His own doubts, born from the night full of hard thinking, were sounding a little funny now...
"Let me let you in on a secret Thearl, something that my good friend once told me." Dwelian locked his clear eyes with Thearl's. "He told me- Those who act on suspicion prevail early and before harm is done. While those who wait for evidence, always wait too long. And then they wait some more. And just when they feel that they have learnt enough, their world is ripped from beneath their feet, and it is too late for anything. And my good friend was talking from his own experiences."
Thearl still looked a little unsure, in fact, he now looked really confused. "Look." Dwelian said as he waved his hands up for a second. "come to the meeting tonight, and if by tomorrow, you are still not convinced, then you can take it up with me." he smiled and looked across to the town. he could just see the pantry in the distance.
Thearl looked at Dwelian, now quite seriously. “You see, Dwelian, your words seem to be true, but know this- I know the men of this town much better than you do- and they won't attack unless they are sure they are right. And I'm not sure myself...so how can I tell them what to do if I don't know what is right? I can't, but then I have to tell them something, because they ask me about it. So what am I to say?“ Thearl admitted quietly. That was why he was going to Andy. He wanted to tell him about his small victory in the relations with his father, but he also wanted to discuss what he knew to see what Andy thought about it. Because when he would be back in the town, he would have to face the men, who as usually in times like this were looking at him. It was true that it was Thearl's father who was the Mayor, but as Rethe had said, it was Thearl who was the better leader, and the people would follow him when he made up his mind. And that was why he had to made up his mind quickly.
"You have to decide what is best for your men to know." Dwelian said softly. "Only you can tell them the truth, but first, you really have to belive it yourself or they will not." he drew his eyes back to Thearl's troubled face. "Tell them the truth Thearl, the deserve to know the truth."
“The truth you say... But I can't and I won't tell them something that I think may be not true. You won't answer my questions, so how can I begin to believe?“
"I have answered your question, hundreds of times it seems. I know and can be sure that the elves are behind this, and I understand the fact that you won't believe me, but..." Dwelian paused for a second, and his mind suddenly clicked. "but why would I lie about such a thing, when I brought your town the most food that it has had in months?“
"But you won't tell anything other than what you guess is right! There is no certainty in all you say!" Thearl said, growing slightly irritated. He needed to see a proof, anything what would confirm Dwelian's words, other than the man's guesses.
Dwelian bit his lip, this man had some serious emotional issues. "What else would you have me say, would you have me travel into the deep darks of Mirkwood to ask the elves in person?! Because I don't think that they would take to kindly to that. they would probably kill as soon as I mentioned it because I knew. I bet with their knowledge and magic they probably know that we have found them out. I would be surprised if they didn't try anything more physical to affect us within the next few days."
Thearl raised his eyebrows. “Anything more physical?“He shook his head. “I react this way, because I did not hear anything but suspicions, and I won't back them up in front of the men. I won't until I'm sure they're true. And I'm sorry Dwelian, but if you don't show anything else tonight at the Council, anything that could prove your words to be true, then you can be sure I will openly oppose you.“
Dwelian looked at Thearl long and hard. "So be it then. But I must warn you my friend, that I am not an easy opponent."
"And I'm not the one to fear to protect my men if I have to. I want to get rid of that Blight as much as everyone else, but I won't punish for it innocent people. Prove that your words are true, and I will be the first to follow your advice and lead into punishing them. Lie, and you'll pay," Thearl said calmly, looking at Dwelian.
Dwelian almost smiled on Thearl's promise to follow him, but his last few words triggered a cold stare which he could not hold back. The intensity of his eyes caused Thearl to look away for a second, and when he looked back at Dwelian the expression had completely vanished, and Thearl was unsure to whether it had ever been there. Dwelian smiled. "Well, then I have nothing to worry about." He clapped Thearl on the shoulder.
“Then I'm looking forward to hearing what you have to say at the Council,“Thearl said softly. Dwelian was somehow able to make him feel so... weird and...afraid maybe? Anyway, he felt he should be going now, because Dwelian was making him feel slightly uncomfortable. “I have to be going now.“
"OK then, I will see you tonight. Bye!" Dwelian continued to walk towards the town, and he turned away from Thearl who still stood in the path way. He had a lot to think about now... a lot of evidence that he needed to gather. This council meeting was going to be a lot tougher than he thought. The sun was now blazing down through a clear cloudless sky, it's soft rays perching the already dead soil.
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| Narbeleth |
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| AerhÃril |
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| Raynn |
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| Ireth_elfmaiden |
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| kellymulder |
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| Narbeleth |
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| eireen |
RE: Overcoming (scripted)
on: November 24, 2004 12:30
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((Co-written by Narbeleth and myself. Have fun reading it ))
The reminder of the way to Andy's house Thearl spent thinking about things that Dwelian told him. He was not very happy with the results of the conversation, since the stranger did not tell him everything he wanted to know, in fact he did not even give Thearl any straight answers. Besides the way in which Dwelian acted... it was almost as if he was threatening him... And that made Thearl feel very distrustful about the entire idea, because if someone claimed that he knew who was guilty and had a proof, then why was he acting so weird, trying to keep everything secret?
Suddenly Thearl stopped as he realized that his feet carried him straight to the door of Andy's house without him noticing it. Hoping that Andy was not sleeping, he knocked softly on the door. And at that moment a new thought appeared in his already full head—he hoped that Andy would not treat his visit as an unwanted intrusion. He had said that Thearl was welcome to come anytime he wanted, but was that really true?
The door opened after a moment and a young woman in her early thirties stood there. She was the same woman who had been in the kitchen on Thearl's first visit. A surprised expression appeared on her face when she saw who the visitor was, but she quickly banished it. "Oh, hello, Thearl," she said.
“Good morning, Arisan,” Thearl said softy. “I hope I'm not interrupting. Is your father at home?“
"Oh, yes he is. He's in his study, follow me." Arisan led Thearl through the house. She turned to look back at him. "How is Rethe?" she asked. "I have not been to the Pantry in a while so I have not seen her. Is she well?"
"Yes, she is well, thank you," Thearl said, following Arisan. "But Bacall's sister is sick..." he added quietly as they approached the door.
"Oh, is she?" Arisan said, furrowing her brow. "I am sorry to hear that." She stopped next to the closed door of Andy's study, then turned to face Thearl. "Could you give my regards to Rethe for me?" she asked. "And to Bacall?"
Thearl nodded grimly. "Of course I will," he said quietly, suddenly feeling very tired. He hated to carry bad news so much.
Arisan smiled slightly, then knocked softly on the door. "Papa," she said, "there is someone here to see you..." She opened the door a crack, then stood back, motioning for Thearl to go on in. "Are you staying for a while? Would you like it if I brought some tea?" she asked.
Thearl shook his head. "No, thank you. I just wanted to talk with your father for a while," he said quietly, and then entered the study a little hesitantly. He really hoped that Andy would not mind the intrusion. "Good morning," he said, and hoped that he was not looking too bad after the sleepless night. He had already made quite a bad impression yesterday and did not want to repeat it now.
Andy looked up from the letter he was reading and a smile lit his face. "Thearl!" he said, standing up and offering his hand. "It's nice to see you, I must admit I am surprised. Welcome."
Thearl smiled weakly. "I hope I'm not interrupting you. If I am just tell me..." he said quietly.
"Oh, no, not at all," Andy said, giving Thearl a one-armed hug, patting him on the back. "Any time, Thearl, any time. I'm glad to see you, you look well."
"Thank you," Thearl said, relieved that Andy did not mind him coming. "I thought I would come and bring you some news, because the situation in the town is getting very serious," he said, his voice becoming serious and tired.
"Oh, well, sit down, please," Andy said, bringing over another chair, then he sat down himself in his own chair, ready to listen to what Thearl had to say.
Thearl sat down and then looked at Andy. "Just on my way here I have found out that Dugan's wife died yesterday...and it's because of that damned Blight..."
"Oh..." Andy said, shock on his face. "I am sorry to hear that." He shook his head, looking down at his hands. "I am sorry to hear that. Poor Dugan..."
Thearl nodded, then continued. "And you see, I'm afraid she won't be the last person...the autumn is coming, and the food supplies in the Pantry are dwindling at terrifying speed. Soon we're going to run out of food, in a few days time rations will be reduced and we will receive even less food than we do now. So there's no need to tell that something has to be done or we all will face starvation...and then...then..." Thearl sighed quietly, unwilling to finish his thought. "And a few days ago some rumours appeared. Some people say that it is black magic and some strangers using it that are poisoning our crops..." he paused, waiting for Andy to say something. He wanted to see what the man thought about it before Thearl told about Dwelian's suspicions.
Andy raised his eyebrows. "Black magic? That's quite an accusation. Who started that rumour? And who would use black magic?"
"That is the problem. You see, there is a farmer who had seen seven strangers in his field one night, chanting something in a strange language, though he had no idea who they were, though they had to be some human-like beings...“
"Human-like?" Andy said. "Do they think they're humans, or elves?"
“Well, at the beginning they were just a few strangers and no one knew anything else. But yesterday, after I had left my house, a stranger called Dwelian came to visit the Mayor,“ Thearl said softly. ”Do you know Dwelian?“
Andy shook his head.
“You must have heard about a great hunting success just some time ago, when a stag and two deer were caught...it was when Dwelian appeared in the town, and it was he who led the hunters to the animals...“ Thearl paused to see if it said something to Andy now.
"Oh yes, I never heard who actually found those animals though. So who is he?"
“Well, I just told you what I know about him. He appeared just out of nowhere and decided to stay in the town for some time, but did not say why. He's staying at Dugan's who invited him to stay there after the hunt...“ Thearl said, and then, taking a deep breath, he continued. “And you see, Dwelian came yesterday to the Mayor and said he knew who was responsible for the Blight...he said that it was the elves of Mirkwood...“
Andy raised his eyebrows. "And he has proof of this?" he asked.
“Oh here it gets really weird...The Mayor believes his version, and there is a Council meeting today, starting at 7 p.m. All the citizens are invited and Dwelian is supposed to convince us there that the elves are responsible for the Blight. He didn't give any real reasons to the Mayor, and when I found out about it, I was pondering over it all the night. I listed all the questions and doubts that appeared in my mind, and hoped to ask Dwelian to explain them to me before the Council starts...“ Thearl said, sighing.
"So did you ask him? What did he tell you?"
“Yes, I did ask him. In fact I met him on my way here, since he was walking around the fields. I asked him what I needed to ask and received no clear answer...this man, he is...he makes me feel really...strange...I don't know how to express it, but he does. Like, I had my questions and doubts and spent some time thinking carefully about them, but when I asked him about them, they sounded really silly on my lips...still they were important, but he didn't say much. Only that he had proof that the elves are responsible for the Blight...and that we are in this too long to see with our own eyes what is happening...“
"Hmm..." Andy thought quietly for a moment. "So he actually never answered your questions then? He never said what proof he had?"
“No, he did not. He only said that he's sure about it, and that he has proof, and that he will tell about it during the Council...and he was urging me to take some actions...that's really confusing,“ Thearl admitted.
"Hmm," Andy said again, still thinking.
Thearl looked at Andy. “And now I don't really know what to think about it. It's strange, since if he has real proof, then why won't he tell about it? Why is he hiding it, keeping everyone in the dark? How can we undertake any action or attack someone without proof?“
Andy blew out a sigh and leaned back in his chair. "Well, we can't," he said. "That's quite an accusation. You just can't go around accusing people of horrible things like that without sure proof. And the fact that he is unwilling to provide that proof makes me wonder if he even has it. I have seen elves before in the woods, but I've never talked with them. They have always been peaceful towards us, they've never done anything to harm us before, just kept to themselves. Frankly, I have a hard time believing this Dwelian."
Thearl nodded. “That is the same conclusion that I reached. I was not too sure when I left my house, but the meeting with Dwelian and the way in which he was evading my questions...but I wanted to make sure that one way or the other is correct before the council actually takes place...and now I can't. What am I to tell the people? That I don't know? That is no solution,“ Thearl said, sighing.
"Just tell them you don't know enough," Andy said. "That we need to hear Dwelian at the Council before we make any decisions. I do not usually go in for that kind of thing, but I will come to this council. I would like to hear this Dwelian with my own ears."
Thearl sighed again. “Yes, that is what I wanted to ask you for—to come, because that Council meeting may change the entire future of our town. If there is real proof, then some serious actions will have to be undertaken.“
Andy leaned forward and put his hand on Thearl's knee. "Yes, I will come. I'm glad you came to tell me. I don't get much news here."
“That was what I thought. And I'm really glad that you will come,“ Thearl said, smiling slightly. He was silent for a moment, wondering briefly if he should tell Andy about the end of his meeting with Dwelian as well.
Finally, after a longer moment, he added, “But you see, there is something more what makes me worry. I like clear situations, and so I told Dwelian openly that I wouldn't support him and would openly oppose him at the Council unless he brought convincing proof. But then...then he said that he was not an easy opponent. And the look that he gave me—it was weird, so piercing and extremely cold—I felt as if he was threatening me. He has something odd in him, that man..." Thearl said, looking at Andy.
"That is strange..." Andy admitted. "Why would he need to threaten you? Why not just give you what you wanted, if indeed he really had the proof he claimed to have?"
"I don't know...it's something I'm unable to understand. But it was quite obvious that he threatened me, even though he didn't use that word. But the way in which he said it..."
"I guess we need to keep an open mind about what he tells the Council then, " Andy said. "He shouldn't have to threaten like that. It can only mean there is something else behind all this...something that might not be a good thing..."
Thearl nodded. "I guess you are right, everything should be explained during the Council. Though if that man is trying to cheat us, then he will pay for that," the younger man said seriously.
Andy didn't answer that, but was lost in his own thoughts for a moment. "Hmm..." he said, contemplating all Thearl had said.
”But then, there is also another reason for my visit here. I wanted to thank you once again for your help yesterday..."
Andy smiled slightly. "Oh, you're welcome, Thearl, I just hope I didn't overstep my bounds at all. After you left I was pretty sure I had been too hard on you, I apologize if that is true."
“No, no,” Thearl shook his head. “It was exactly what I needed, it helped me to come back to my senses. I never lose my control like I did yesterday, and I'm still ashamed that I did...but I spent all the night thinking about what you said to me...“
"Oh, I'm glad," Andy said with a relieved sigh. "I was a little afraid to let you go last night, you were in such a state, and I didn't know if anything I said had actually made an impression on you. But I'm glad to see it did."
“It did...I guess you won't believe me if I tell you, but I actually talked to him last night...“ Thearl said, smiling weakly.
Andy's eyebrows went up. "Did you? How did it go? If you don't mind my asking."
“Well, it was not much, but actually it was the first time neither of us shouted, and that is already something,“ Thearl said quietly. ”But it was surprising even more, since...he actually apologized to me for what he had said...“
Andy smiled slightly. "That is good news, Thearl. I am glad for you."
Thearl smiled. "And I'm proud of myself. Because when he did that, I remembered what you had said to me, and actually grabbed my chance and apologized to him as well...and that went far better than I have ever thought it could."
Andy laughed lightly in joy, leaning forward and gripping Thearl's arm. "I am proud of you too, son. It is a first step. Things can get better from here."
"For the first time I really believe that they actually can. I dared to ask him two questions I had to ask before I could change my attitude...and the answers brought much relief to me..."
"So they were positive answers then? Unexpected answers, perhaps?"
"More like answers I hoped for, but never dared to think they could be true..."
Andy just smiled at Thearl, his eyes sparkling. He wouldn't pry to learn what the questions or their answers were. He would let Thearl tell him in his own time if he wanted to. But he was very happy for the young man, and he felt true pride in the knowledge that Thearl was making progress with his father.
"I wanted you to know that, because I'm truly grateful for what you did for me yesterday...I will never forget it," Thearl said softly, and then stood up. "I think I should be going now, it's getting quite late and I need to visit Bacall..."
Andy stood up as well. "Oh yes, of course." He smiled and shook Thearl's hand. "Thearl, I'm glad you came."
Thearl smiled. "I'm glad that I didn't interrupt you. So, I guess we'll see us at the council tonight."
"I'll be there. Seven o'clock did you say?"
"Yes, exactly. See you then," Thearl said, smiling, and then left, heading towards the town to visit his friend, Bacall.
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| Narbeleth |
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| eireen |
RE: Overcoming (scripted)
on: December 01, 2004 06:54
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((Co-written by Ireth and myself ))
Thearl left Andy's house filled with different thoughts. He would need to find some time to think about everything he had heard, but right now he had no time to do that. He had to hurry, since he wanted to pay a visit to Bacall before he would head back home, and there were still so many things to be done before the Council took place. And even though Thearl promised himself not to think before he was back home, he was already lost in thoughts thinking about everything what still needed to be done.
Bacall pulled up on Tarrod's reins as the city came into view. He had gone again to the south looking for other herbs to try and ward of Anneis' sickness. He walked his stallion ever nearer and saw a figure between him and the city that he recognized. Squinting in the distance, he gave a call, "Thearl?" the person turned and Bacall spurred Tarrod to a trot to catch up with his friend.
Thearl smiled as his friend caught up with him. Now he would not have to go all the way to Bacall's house to meet with his friend. “Hello, Bacall, how are you?” he asked, greeting his friend.
Bacall gave a heavy sigh as he dismounted to walk with Thearl. Running a hand over his brow, he answered, "Must be honest my friend, I am quite tired. I guess you have heard about Anneis and her sickness? Well, nothing I have tried is working, and every day she gets slowly worse." Bacall's hand unconsciously moved to the pack at his side that held the precious herbs he hoped would bring his sister relief.
Thearl nodded slowly, and placed his palm on his friend's shoulder, hoping to offer what comfort he could. "Yes, I have heard about her sickness, Rethe told me. I'm sorry, my friend, and I really hope she will get better..." he said, looking at Bacall. What else could he say?
Bacall nodded, he hoped so as well. "Rethe's visit helped her for a little while, lifted her spirits, but the effects were too short lived." he sighed again and attempted to change the topic, "I also am upset that I have not been able to go on a hunt with you and Devin again. How have you been since that day; I fear it has been long since I've been about to visit anyone. I feel as though I have missed so much these past days."
Thearl shook his head grimly. "Well, you haven't lost much more than the feeling of growing frustration. The truth is, my friend, that we're unable to hunt anything but a few rabbits each day, sometimes some other animal if we are extremely lucky, what almost doesn't happen these days...the food stock in the Pantry is dwindling fast and soon we'll began starving..." he said, casting his gaze down.
Bacall rubbed his temples, he wasn't sure if he could deal with much more bad news, but he wanted to know what had been going about the town since he had been mostly confined to the house to nurse Anneis. "Isn't there any good news to be shared?" he asked, "Well, even so, bring me up to date, regardless if the news be fair or foul." The two men crossed the bridge, Tarrod's hooves making a hollow clapping sound on the wood. They then headed to the right side of town, and Bacall's house, moving at an easy pace.
Thearl looked at Bacall, and he said. "Actually, my dear friend, there is something that brings us hope that the Blight will be over soon. I take it you haven't seen the note on the Pantry's door?"
He shook his head, intrigued by this, "I have not been there since I picked up yesterday’s rations. What have you heard?" The hope that an end would come to the Blight had him transfixed by what Thearl could share.
"Well, you will get to know everything tonight, since in the evening the Council Meeting will be held at the Town Hall, and everybody is invited to come. It would be great if you could come too, it starts at 7 p.m., or so my father said. Many important things will be discussed then, and everyone should get some answers, including me, since I don't know everything. But if you want, I can tell you what I know," Thearl said, speaking a little softer. He did not want the news to spread before the council began, but he did not seen anything wrong with telling Bacall earlier. He really wanted to know what his friend would think about it all.
Bacall noted Thearl's glances around and the quieting of his voice. He wanted to know what Thearl knew, but figured it would be better if they made it to his house before going further. In the back of his mind, he also wondered if he would be able to get away for the meeting, it all depended on how Anneis faired this evening. Seeing that they were close to the house, he suggested, "We can talk once we reach my house. No one else is there and we will be alone. Anyway, I have to start working on getting these herbs ready for Anneis."
Thearl nodded. "I think it'd be best, since I don't want to spread the news before the Council starts. Because when people start to repeat the news, they usually change their meaning. But I really would like to know what do you think about it all, because I am slowly getting so confused... the longer I think about it, the more confused I am."
“Of course." Bacall agreed. They walked the rest of the way in silence. Bacall quickly dealt with Tarrod, housing him and unsaddling him, giving him some fresh food and water. "I will brush him out later. Come inside." They walked up the front stairs and into the house, where the smell of illness hung about the air. Passing into the kitchen, Bacall placed his bag on the table and took a quick look in on Anneis who was sleeping soundly; her slow, shallow breaths could be heard. No change from this morning. He returned to the kitchen and took out the herbs, getting ready to work with them and listen to Thearl.
Thearl sighed quietly when he entered the house and waited in the kitchen for Bacall to come back from his sister's room. When he saw his friend entering the kitchen, and not saying anything, he decided it was time to share his news. “You see, Bacall, everything began when a farmer saw seven strangers chanting something in a strange language in his field. We think the strangers were using Black Magic to destroy our crops,“ he said, and paused, looking at his friend, wondering what Bacall could think hearing that.
Bacall pondered, he had heard of such things in his travels, but it was beyond him who could want to do such a thing to this town and these people who had been nothing but peaceful as long has he had known. He mused in silence as Theral continued.
“Well, you see,” Thearl continued, “we were unable to find anyone who could wish to do such a thing to us. I don't have to tell you how much would it help us if we knew who is behind this Blight- then we could finally deal with it once and for all. Without knowing that, we still could do nothing, our hands were bound, even though there was a hint to what had caused the Blight. But then, Dwelian came to my father with another piece of information which may prove vital for us. Do you know who Dwelain is?“
"I have heard of the man, and the deed he performed upon his arrival here, however, I have yet to meet him in the flesh. But then again, I have been a little....distracted of late."
“I have met him, and to tell you the truth, he seems somewhat weird... but back to the point. He came to my father yesterday and told him, that he knows who was responsible for the Blight. And you will never believe it! He blamed the Mirkwood elves! What say you to that, my friend?“ Thearl asked, looking at Bacall.
Bacall stopped dead with what he was doing, and looked right at Theral, trying to read his friend's face and what he thought of the accusation. "The Mirkwood elves? Why does he believe they are responsible?"
“Well...here's where the problem starts....I don't really know....he didn't say to the Mayor much more than that the elves have no troubles with the food, and all the herds have escaped deeper into the woods heading their call...“ Thearl said a little hesitantly. He tried to keep all of his emotions in check so that Bacall could hear the original version first, before he shared his own conclusions with his friend. And before he told him about the meeting with Dwelian.
Bacall ran a hand over his beard, "Hmmm, perhaps." he mumbled, his eyes locked on the table. He looked up to Thearl, knowing by the tone in his voice that there was much on his mind concerning this issue, "What do you think of what he says? and your father?" Bacall himself didn't know what to think of such an idea.
“Well, my father agreed to hold a council so that Dwelian could explain his theories, so it seems that he believes Dwelian, at least a little. And I... I have many doubts, many questions...“ Thearl said softly, looking at Bacall.
Bacall nodded, "I know, it doesn't seem possible. Does Dwelian have anything to prove his theory beyond his claims?"
“That's what I wanted to find out. I met him in the morning, and tried to ask him some questions to make up my mind about the entire matter in advance, before the Council takes place, but he wouldn't answer them. And besides...you know I had spent all the night thinking about it, and the questions I wanted to ask were serious and well thought of, but then, when I was asking them, he made them sound so silly...I was almost ashamed to ask them! And he kept repeating his theories only...“
Bacall's mind was in deep thought, "Perhaps he has no reason for his claims. No proof...but then why would he make such claims in the first place?" Bacall put his fingers to his temples, "There just is never an easy answer is there Thearl?" he sighed.
“I guess there isn't,” Thearl said. “But then, you know me, I like open situations, and so I told Dwelian what to expect...“
"What to expect?" Bacall looked skeptically at his friend, "You mean at the meeting?" he paused, "Thearl, what happened between you and him?" he questioned, setting everything down and turning his full attention to his friend across the table.
“Well, I really don't like when someone doesn't tell me about something as important as that, and claims to have proof but won't tell what it is... so I told him that if he doesn't show a real proof during the Council, then I will openly oppose him. And he...he just simply threatened me...if you saw the way he looked at me...“ Thearl said, his tone of voice becoming dangerously low.
"He can't be right Thearl. He just can't be. I know elves, I have been their guest on numerous occasions in Lothlorien and Rivendell. They hold nature close to them, they would never do something like this, there is nothing to gain." Bacall felt sure, "Have no fear my friend, this man sounds like a cad, he will have no proof and then we will all run him out of town."
Thearl looked at Bacall. “I think that you're right, in the end you are my friend, and you know much about elves. and the fact that he threatened me only shows how weak his theory is. And he had made sure that he has another problem to add to the list- me, since I don't like to be threatened in any way.“
"I will back you Thearl, for I do not believe his theory also, and would love to get to the bottom of his fraud." He grinned and reached across the table to clap his friend on the shoulder. Turning his attention back to the herbs in front of him, he mixed a mash of long green ferns with a milky liquid he had extracted from the steam of another plant and made a paste he would use later.
He cleared his throat, "Thearl, have you any knowledge of medicine? I have tried many differnet things, soups, elixirs, vapors, powders, nothing has had any effect thusfar."
Thearl shook his head. "I'm sorry, my friend, but I'm afraid I can't help you. I have no idea about medicine and herbs used for healing...though I asked Rethe to make some broth for Anneis, maybe she could eat at least some of it, it always helps..."
"It is worth a try. Thank you my friend." Bacall saw in Thearl's eyes, depths of thought, pain, doubt, and his heart went out to his old friend. He must have had so much on his mind. Bacall decided to tread lightly, but felt compelled to inquire, "Is there anything else you wish to speak about? Anything at all? I am always more then willing to lend an ear."
Thearl looked at Bacall. "I wish I could be of more use..." After a moment of silence, he added, in answer to Bacall's question. "Oh you know, yesterday I had such a hard day, and I feel so lost... at the moment the Blight is one of my less important problems," he said, sighing quietly. "I spent all the night thinking, and still I don't know anything."
Bacall scoffed, "Join the club." he jested, "As I told Rethe, never have I felt so helpless before, and it is killing me that there is nothing I can do." He then turned serious as Thearl revealed that his mind was occupied by thoughts other then the Blight. Setting down the things in his hands, he turned his full attention to Thearl, "Thinking about what my friend?" he encouraged in a serious tone. Before Thearl could say anything, Bacall gestured, "Come, let us go to the parlor and sit where it is more comfortable. Then you can feel free to tell me anything on your mind, and I will offer what council I can, if you so wish, in hopes that I can be of some use somewhere."
"Oh, it's nothing that big...I just...I just had some troubles with my...father, you know," Thearl said softly, not looking at Bacall.
Bacall sat across from Thearl and nodded slowly. He vaguely remembered the troubles Thearl had with his father when the two were younger. He had often helped Thearl make up lies to Rethe and others about where the bruises came from. Those were the bad memories he had pushed from his mind, "You two still do not get along after all these many years?" he asked quietly, "Though I can't say I'm surprised, after all he did."
Thearl shook his head sadly. "No, we don't, that is unless you count arguing...and yesterday...yesterday it went further than ever before..."
Bacall's eyebrows rose, silently urging Thearl to continue if he so wanted.
"He managed to totally break me again, after all those long years...can you imagine?" Thearl said very quietly, memories of last night still fresh in his mind. "But I don't wish to discuss it...please forgive me..."
Bacall nodded, not attempting to push the issue if Thearl did not want to. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed, wishing he could offer advice, but his mind was exhausted from all the thoughts that had been there before, as well as those that had just been added. He also couldn't relate in anyway to Theral's troubles, seeing as he had never had a problem with his father. The only comfort he could offer was to reach across the space between the two couches and lay a hand on his friend's shoulder, "All will work out in the end Theral. Though it might not seem so now. We will overcome all and be stronger men in the end because of our trials. Keep that faith my friend." The wave of helplessness rose anew in Bacall as there was little more he could offer.
Thearl looked at Bacall, then stood up. "I know that we will, my friend, we will. But I need to go now, I have much to do before the Council...try to be there, alright?"
Bacall stood as well and glanced in the direction of Anneis' room, "I shall try my hardest. It all depends on how my sister is tonight. I will see you soon then." They made toward the door, "Thank you for the visit, and please feel free to come by anytime. My door is always open to you, as well as Rethe, no matter what." He clapped Thearl on the shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
Thearl looked at Bacall. "Thank you, my friend, and I hope that Anneis will get better very soon. But if you can't come to the Council, then don't worry, I'll come to you and will bring you all the news. Until later then, my friend," he said and then turned to leave.
Bacall watched Thearl vanish around the corner, and turned back into the house to finish work on his herbal medicines. He hoped he was right, and that everything would ultimately work out.
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