| Merides |
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| ~Elenduriel~ |
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| Hainima |
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| Sava-Tennoio |
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| Dinenlasse |
 RE: The Legacy of Ivriniel
on: July 07, 2009 07:05
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(Joint post between Meri and me. It's high time we get this going again!  )
As the Ninglor glided to a halt in Dol Amroth’s harbor, Rhîwenil left her cabin to race along the starboard side, heart racing. She was back! The bustling port city was her favorite place to be with its busy, varied market, delicious air, and the high promontory upon which rose Tirith Aear, the seaside tower that overlooked the bay. At the jetty, two particular figures caught Rhîwenil’s attention, a cloaked, hooded woman and a slim man whose demeanor appeared mentally beaten and hurt.
He walked with her to the gangplank and onto the ship, trying not to look too nervous. The woman who seemed to be captain was standing with the other woman and several sailors, one who was, perhaps, the mate; judging by the way he had ordered the crew as they came into port. He put back his hood and walked up to them. He nodded to the sailor and bowed to Rhen and to Merides.
"Madam, you are, I take it, the captain of this vessel. Tell me, do you have room in your crew for another hand? I must tell you, I have little experience of the sea but I can use a sword and I am young, strong and willing to learn. I wish to leave Dol Amroth; it holds no joy for me any more. You may have noticed that I have been sitting here quietly whilst your ship came into the harbor; you need not fear that I am trying to escape from the law.
“My name is Nikun. I have no father now but my family have served the Princes of Dol Amroth, from father to son, for many lives of men. I pray you, take me on your ship.
"Also, I beg you to give passage to my friend, Elenduriel. She, too, wishes to leave this city, though she has not told me her reasons, nor her destination. I would be wary of asking this of many captains but I feel sure she will be safe on your ship."
Meri looked at the strange couple, purposely keeping her expression slightly cold for a moment longer than may have been necessary, as if suspicious that this man might truly be running from the law, no matter what he might say. After a moment, however, she allowed a small smile to grace her face. "With an introduction such as that, Nikun, how can I refuse? You are quite welcome aboard the Ninglor, as is your friend, if she so wishes. I am surprised, however, at your boldness. What about my ship makes it seem safe to all? Not that I am sorry to hear if my reputation has finally preceeded me..." she trailed off with a wink to the young man, hoping to bring a smile to his sad face.
As Meri and they conversed, Rhen kept to the side, taking in the beautiful scenery. The sky was a pristine blue. And, on the incoming tides, another three ships, one galleon and two schooners sailed in. Their sails unfurled like birds’ wings to catch one last wisp of wind.
Aerith stood on the port side, surveying the clear saltwater for rocks, but Dol Amroth’s harbor was purported to be a safe haven for ships with little or no underwater boulders. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the captain and two others on the dock. He wanted to call to her to get her attention, even if it meant taking more orders. He just wanted her to notice him. But then, he thought, she promoted me! A tug on his sleeve brought him back to the present. He turned his head slightly to see Rhîwenil, excitement plain on her face. Fighting a smile, Aerith said to his friend, “How can you be excited since you have only just left here a week ago?”
Rhîwenil beamed even wider and replied simply, “This city is in my blood.” Her eyes moved from his face to Tirith Aear looming over them, perched precariously on the tip of the promontory. “But come, you have never been here before, much less on the open seas. How can you not feel alive?”
Aerith could not contain himself; he smiled. “Of course I feel that way! But I want to explore the town as well. It’s well enough to see the city from the decks of a ship, but it is another to experience it.”
“You wait upon the captain’s words, as do we all,” another voice interrupted. Meinir came up on Rhîwenil’s other side. “But there is nothing like taking in the flavor of any town; that is why I travel,” the older man continued.
Rhîwenil looked between them and made introductions. Glancing over her shoulder, she caught Meri’s eye as the captain beckoned her over. The Linhirian had much to talk about with her cousin, and as they planned to stay in Dol Amroth for at least two days, there was time enough for that. “Excuse me,” she muttered, leaving the two men alone to talk while she crossed the wooden planks to her friend.
“Who are our friends here?” Rhîwenil asked, noting the two figures she had seen before.
Meri placed one arm over her cousin's shoulder, while keeping the other resting on the pommel of her grandmother's sword. "Cousin Rhîwenil, this is Nikun and his silent friend, Elenduriel. The young man has asked for employment on my ship and passage for the time being, as well as requesting a cabin for the lady. What do you think? I believe we will be the only ship in port with three women on board!" she laughed, patting Rhen's shoulder companionably.
Her laughter was quickly quenched, however, when she saw the look her first mate was giving her. What had she done to upset Bafraim this time? It seemed to her that everything she had been doing lately was against his liking. She hoped that it would not come to a confrontation. Unfortunately, that seemed like the least likely option. Sometime soon, she would have to deal harshly with Bafraim. Merides was not looking forward to it.
Pushing the thoughts to the back of her head, Merides nodded at an inn nearby. "Shall we adjourn to the local inn, cousin? Nikun, Elenduriel, please join us. I would like to learn more about the two of you." She looked up toward her ship's deck. "Bafraim!" she called, "please join us at the Tipping Pitcher as soon as the unloading is complete.” She waited for his terse nod, then led the way to the inn.
Rhîwenil followed Meri to the Tipping Pitcher, a respectable tavern (if ever a tavern was respectable) and glanced around. Spotting an open booth near the bar, she steered her way through the crowd. One mangy man with a weathered grey cloak, gnarly hands, and a dirt-streaked face kept his eyes on the foursome as they entered. He licked his lips and muttered to Rhîwenil as she walked by, "Aren't ye a pretty lass? I'd bet you make your husband happy at night, don't ye? And look a' th' others. Such pretty wee things. I'd give my left hand for one o' ye."
Not one to bandy words, Rhîwenil snapped at the beggar, "Enough of it, sirrah! I would not deign to exchange words or even looks with the likes of you! Begone!" But the man stared insolently at the young maiden, tall and proud, her blue eyes glinting angrily.
"Who are ye to speak t' me like that? I'll have ye know that I was the greatest soldier in this city before the prince took power and removed me." A string of curses flowed from his mouth, and Rhîwenil cocked a knowing glance at Meri.
"I have seen this man before," she murmured under her breath. "Not a good soul to be sure, he was accused of stealing money from the Alphros's coffers." She glared at him once more and passed by. He clutched at her navy cloak, and she turned and, wrenching her cloak from his grasping hands, she spoke once again in a cold, taut voice, "Enough! I am related to the Prince, and should you touch me again, I will not hesitate to find guards to escort you out of here." Their eyes met, his desperate and calculating but lascivious, hers frigid and haughty. Without another word, Rhîwenil turned away.
The group sat at the booth nestled into the corner. From their vantage, they could see the bar and caught the eye of a bar wench, but one could not see them. Rhîwenil sat across from Meri. Studying her cousin's face, she tried to see the resemblance. But trouble flickered across Meri's face, soon to be replaced by curiosity. Rhîwenil's gaze traveled from the woman Elenduriel to the defeated man Nikun. She was thankful that Meri allowed them on the ship. More hands were always needed, and another woman brought some comfort to those who were usually in the presence of men. Plus, she liked the look of them both, and she hoped to make quick friends with them.
Rhîwenil thought to wait before voicing concerns about the firstmate. She had heard rumours circulating that he was disgruntled, and the Linhirian was curious to know why. So, instead she met Meri's eyes, smiled, and said, "I have much to tell you, cousin, but I agree. I would like to learn more about our friends. But first," she added, beckoning the bar wench, "a round of ale, please!" The wench hurried off with a curt bow, her narrow waist attracting the glance of the vulgar ex-soldier.
[Edited on 7/7/2009 by Dinenlasse]
"There is no such thing as a geek, just those who love things the rest of humanity finds weird."
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| ~Elenduriel~ |
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| Sava-Tennoio |
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