|
Post by Athena on Jan 1, 2004 11:53:43 GMT -5
He knows, he was guessing very closely. And when he finds out who you really are he will take you back to Minas Tirith.
But he is a kind and honorable knight she argued, against the voice of suspicion, he, he would surely do nothing of the sort.
Look how close he came to guessing your parentage today. And your gondor brooch, if thats not a big giveaway I don't know what is. Isotta clutched her brooch hard Perhaps I should just come clean, my life has been in danger from the moment I left, surely this would be better?
NO came the anwser, hard and swift, if you do that you are setting yourself up for pain. You must distance yourself from him, you are already to close to him, much to close...
I see your point, but I do not like this, it feels untrusworthy
The niggling voice of suspicion in her head grew silent. Isotta's face grew pale, the thought of what she had promised loomed in her mind. She surely wasn't aware of all this danger when she had first promised to set out, the intrigue and suspicion. She looked down at her hands, they were soft white hands, the hands of a court lady. By the time the journey was to be over, Isotta knew that the hands would be callused and hard. She stole a glance at Tacred, as he strode along side of her. He noticed her looking and flashed her a quick reassuring smile,
"Is everything all right, because for a moment there you looked..."
"I'm fine" interjected Isotta hurridly, she looked down at the brooch which was now in her hand, she closed her hand tight around it and whispered,
"Just fine..."
|
|
Aladrien
Mate
"I love this guy. He's crazy!"
Posts: 47
|
Post by Aladrien on Jan 1, 2004 17:43:54 GMT -5
Imthoron had a very hard time at the dinner. Her branches got in the way of everyone and with many rolls of the eyes toward her, she sat back from the table. Arratil felt sorry for his friend, so he hurried through his meal so he could have a seat with her. "How are you doing?" he asked politely, which was more of a whisper.
"I'm fine, just a little frustrated," Imthron hoomed quietly, trying not to rustle her braches and distract the other's conversations.
"Ah, I see. It may be difficult for you to fit in, but now this. I will always be hear to help you and I'm sure there are some nice people who are willing to lend a hand as well. Don't feel like the outsider. You are unique and I like that," Arratil smiled to his friend, who smiled back.
"Thank you, Arratil!" Imp relaxed slightly.
|
|
|
Post by Athena on Jan 2, 2004 16:02:58 GMT -5
Isotta sat between Katalyn and Aspen. Farther away from her on Katalyn's side sat Tancred. Isotta toyed with her fork, picking up the food and then dropping it back on the plate. She couldn't eat anything, her appetite was gone. Aspen sitting on the side of her courtiously asked,
"Are you alright, you don't seem hungry. And your very pale, I...."
"I'm fine" said Isotta quietly, holding her head down, "I suppose I just don't feel like eating much."
Aspen didn't look convinced however, "Are you certain, I am from Rivendell, I can get one of the elves to get you something that might tempt your appetite more..."
"No thank you" said Isotta, with a wave of her hand stopping Aspen from continuing.
"I don't think her appetite is due to loss of appetite" said Katalyn, leaning in closer to join the conversation, "I think it's more of a matter of heart" she winked knowingly, cocking her head in the direction of where Tancred sat. Isotta felt herself blush crimson, Are my feelings so transparent? she asked herself, can everyone assembled here sense my fears and doubts?.
"Though how you could desire him is beyond me" continued Katalyn, "A more despicable man I have yet to find, you could do much better then him, you shouldn't bother concerning yourself with the likes of him".
"Excuse me please" said Isotta rising upwards from her seat. Suddenly she couldn't bear to sit there any longer. Not with that, that knight staring at her the whole evening with sad eyes, and those around her calmly discussing her affairs. She rose swiftly from the table and left the chamber. Once in a hallway she stopped and looked around. It was deserted and the noise of her slippers echoed hallowly. Everyone must be at dinner Isotta realized, Everyone but me. She blinked back sudden tears from her eyes, even here in Rivendell she felt alone and scared. She hugged her arms tightly around herself, and cast frightened looks at the shadows that loomed on the wall. Torches flickered and cast dim light. Nightime loomed, and suddenly Isotta fancied that she could hear dim screams and cries. She felt herself at once cold and burning. The floor seemed liable to swallow her up at any moment. A rusty caw carried through the air and made Isotta's nerve's go on edge. That sound had been in her nightmares ever since she had left the great city of Gondor. A crow flapped down on the floor in front of her. It's red eyes burning. It seemed to grow and grow in front of her until all she could see was a feral red light coming from it's eye. Isotta screamed, and fell to the floor. She lifted her head shiveringly but Rivendell was as it was before. No crow, no ghastly shadows. Moonlight broke through the window, and the sound of the patrons at dinner carried through the night. Isotta shivered again, Was she going crazy? Had she only imagined it?. Moaning slightly she knelt her head on the cool stone floor, wondering what was happening to her.
|
|
|
Post by Niphredil on Jan 3, 2004 15:04:27 GMT -5
The Elves of Rivendell seemed to be greatly enjoying the company of the two Hobbits, Violet and Andy. Violet was now talking with a few Elves, telling them stories of some of the more odd Hobbits that lived in her village; Andy was performing a rousing drinking song.
After a little while, Violet excused herself from the Elves and went over to where Lord Elrond was sitting. He was conversing with two other Elves, both tall with dark hair, twins from the look of them, so Violet decided to stand quietly until there was a break in the conversation. After a few moments, one of the twins looked down at her and smiled, calling the attention of his brother and Lord Elrond away from what they were discussing.
"Oh, hello there young Violet," said Elrond, "I didn't hear you come up. You should have said something."
"I didn't want to interrupt," she said meekly.
"Nonsense! You are a guest here, you are allowed to interupt," said one of the twins, winking at her.
"Allow me to introduce my sons," said Elrond, "This is Elladan, and his brother Elrohir. I was informing them of the formation of the company to take the messages to Lady Galadriel and King Thranduil."
"Will you be coming with us, then?" Violet asked them.
"No," Elrohir shook his head, "Not this time, I am afraid. My brother and I are leaving tomorrow to scout out the lands to the north of here. So if you will excuse me, Violet, there are some people that I wish to speak with before then."
"And I as well," Elladan added. The two bowed to Violet and bid her a good night, and she curtsied and wished them a safe journey. With them gone, Elrond turned to Violet.
"Was there something you wished to speak with me about, Violet? I sense worry in you."
"Yes," she said, "I am a little worried. Worried that I'll be more of a burden than a help on this journey. My Lord, I am no warrior, nor is Andy, and the only reason he's going is because I'm going, and you've said that this journey could be dangerous, and I don't want him to get hurt because of me."
"Do not worry, Violet. You will find your place in this quest before the end."
"So you can see the future? I've heard rumors of that before."
"Sometimes," he said, chuckling. "Now go, be merry and enjoy yourself while you can. You may face hard times on this journey, and you may not have so much good food at your disposal." She smiled at him, and curtsied and walked off in the direction of one of the food tables. Once there she filled up a plate with all sorts of goodies, and got herself a goblet of wine. She began wandering around the hall, and finally decided on a place to sit.
"Excuse me?" she said, to the tall Enting Imthoron and her friend Arratil, " Do you mind if I sit by you?"
"Not at all, Miss Took," said Arratil, smiling at her. Violet took a seat, and munched on some of her food.
"I don't know why you'd want to sit by me," Imthoron said, hooming quietly.
"Whyever wouldn't I want to? It's not everyday one meets an Ent," Violet said, "It's most certainly an honor to sit next to you. I would have come up to you before, but I didn't know how to appraoch you. I've never spoken with an Ent before."
Imthoron's leaves rustled slightly. If Violet didn't know any better, she would've thought that Imp was blushing.
|
|
|
Post by tancred on Jan 3, 2004 16:25:43 GMT -5
Tancred looked down at his plate when he saw that Isotta had left without a word. "Is something wrong," asked Aranel from across the table.
"Oh," confessed the knight. "Its just that Isotta looked distraught. She left so quickly."
"And without eating anything really," added Andy in amaze. The Hobbit quickly helped himself to Isotta's abandoned plates, and gorged his hunger delightedly. Between mouthfulls, he said, "Maybe that lady didn't like the food? Can't see how, but you never know. Big Folk do tend to be rather odd."
"That could be it," said Tancred. He thought for awhile. "I know," he finally exclaimed. "We were talking about food earlier, and I spoke to her of one of my favorite dishes. One that is sort of a secret family recipe and that I enjoy very much. If Lord Elrond would allow us the use of his kitchen, we could make her this dish, and take it to her."
"Are you asking me," inquired Andy. "If so, count me in! I'm game for anything doing with food. I'll help, and I'll get Violet to, too!"
Full of wonder, yet wishing his guests all possible hospitality, Elrond granted Tancred his wish to use the kitchens. Andy snapped Violet out of her spell of dumbfoundedness over the Ent, and dragged her back to the kitchen. Violet was a bit upset to be interrupted, but when she discovered the reason, she was happier. A very kindly soul, she only wished to help poor Isotta.
As the three worked in the kitchen, Tancred was in awe of the Hobbits. Masters at cooking, they whirled about the kitchen with ease and know-how. The knight had not been in much of the Shire before, nor in any other part of Arthedain where Hobbits were common. They were very new to him. And here were these little things before his very eyes. Such happy, cheerful, care-free, warm, and friendly little people...with hairy feet and pudgy tummies!
Out of sheer curiosity, Tancred reached out and poked Violet in her little Hobbit tummy. She gave him the oddest look. He merely retreated with a very red blush across his face. He could not help but stare at their feet.
The family recipe was finally done. A rather large and circular dish. A big, thick crust, melted cheese, and salty and spicy discs of meat spread all over. It smelled wonderful! With this in hand, Tancred traversed down Rivendell's halls towards Isotta's room, with the two Hobbits skipping merily at his side.
They tripped right over the prone body of Isotta as they rounded a corner.
|
|
|
Post by Niphredil on Jan 3, 2004 19:14:00 GMT -5
"STOP!" Violet yelled, yanking on one of Tancred's arms just as he was about to step on Isotta. Tancred fell backward, landing on his backside, and the lovely dish they had just made flipped off it's plate and into his lap. Violet would have laughed if she didn't see Isotta sitting on the cold floor, her face looking tear-stained. Andy tried to help Tancred get up, and Violet moved closer to Isotta.
"My dear Isotta, what is wrong? Are you ill?" Violet asked. Isotta tried to say something, anything, but all that would escape her lips were sobs. Violet took Isott'a hand in her's.
"It'll be all right," Violet assured her. "We should get you off this cold floor." Violet turned to Andy and Tancred, and said, "Tancred, go clean yourself up, and Andy, help me escort Isotta to her quarters." Tancred stood, his face red with embarassment, mumbled a "Pardon me," and made his way out of the hall toward his own quarters, taking the remains of his special family dish with him. Violet and Andy each got under one of Isotta's arms and helped her stand; she was very shaky. Together they led her to her quarters.
"Andy, would you go start another one of those things Tancred showed us how to make, please?" Andy nodded, bowed to Isotta and Violet and left the room. Violet helped Isotta change into a nightgown that the Elves had provided her with, and got her settled comfortably in her bed.
"Can I get you something?" asked Violet. "A cup of tea perhaps?"
"No, thank you, Violet," Isotta said. "You've done enough already."
"Oh, but we Hobbits have the same motto for helping as we do for food: there's always room for more!" Violet said brightly, bringing a slight smile to Isotta's face. Just then, there was a knock at the door.
|
|
|
Post by tancred on Jan 5, 2004 22:26:54 GMT -5
When they had been given permission to do so, Tancred and Andy entered Isotta's room. There was the young maiden sitting half-reclined in her bed, her covers discreetly pulled up to her neck, and the warm and ever-cheerful Violet sitting on the bed with a smile upon her face.
"Hello Isotta," said Tancred, approaching slowly.
Less formal, Andy merely giggled, and jumped upon the bed next to Violet.
"I hope you are feeling better. Andy and I made you another pie."
"You changed," pointed out Violet innocently.
Tancred blushed. "Yes, I did," he confirmed.
" Did something happen," asked Isotta.
"To avoid falling on you," chuckled Andy, "he fell backwards with the pie all over his clothes!"
Isotta placed her hand over her mouth. "I am so sorry that happened because of me," she said. "Poor knight!"
"It was nothing," he confessed. "Its alright. I needed to clean those clothes anyway. Let's have some of this pie."
With that, the four friends dug into Tancred's secret family recipe.
|
|
|
Post by Mrs Dan Hawkins on Jan 6, 2004 5:30:51 GMT -5
Calen was searching for Mynarwen, Jaysi's sister, so she could pass on news of Jaysi and how married life suited her .Calen almost laughed out loud when she thought of the last time she had seen Jaysi and her cousin, they were arguing ,as they often did when it came to who would be going on the next journey and as always it had ended with Legolas stalking off in a huff and Jaysi taking her anger out on an unsuspecting sparring partner only this time it had been Calen.Calen rotated her shoulder and winced , it still hurt from Jaysi's anger i owe her one Calen thought.They always make up though she remebered , laughing at how they came to a truce in the end. Calen spotted Mynarwen practicing with her sword, and called out to her
"MYNARWEN!"
Mynarwen looked up and waved at Calen.
When we reach Lorien, calen thought, i must find Nevwethiel and ask about Niphy and Alkore
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
|
|
|
Post by Athena on Jan 6, 2004 18:30:24 GMT -5
Isotta couldn't help herself. She knew that she shouldn't even be in the same room as Tancred, but she was hungry and tired. And the hobbits, the dear hobbits did her spirits good to see them laugh and chuckle amongst themselves.
Tancred, well Tancred was certainly acting strangely, his laughter sounded forced and he was constantly looking at her, staring, always staring but then looking away when she caught him looking. And if Isotta didn't know better, she would swear he was blushing, and nervous. And yet, every chance he had he contrived to put his hand near hers, to help her. It was making her feel strange, and what was worse, Isotta couldn't find it in herself to dislike the attention.
She however was doing her utmost best to not look at him, she concentrated on the pie. And indeed, that did need to take most of her concentration. It dripped and slithered all over her, the cheese was rather everywhere. The hobbits were in a worse plight, somehow the cheese had managed to stick everywhere to Andy, even his hair. Isotta smothered a giggle and tried to take it off with a cloth but it was no use.
|
|
Aladrien
Mate
"I love this guy. He's crazy!"
Posts: 47
|
Post by Aladrien on Jan 10, 2004 1:09:08 GMT -5
I have a little writer's block, but I'll try (don't mind if it's short):
Imthoron giggled at the cheesy Hobbit; her laughter was soon joined in a symphony of laughs from the others. She was only glad the cheese hadn't landed on her, causing her even more akward-ness. Her belly full, and her mind at bliss (which she hadn't had in many long years), Imp felt that she could relax for a while.
Arratil's mind raced of many things: What will people think of an entwife coming with us on a journey? Will there be danger? Will I be able to fight or will I torture myself in embarrassment?
|
|
|
Post by tancred on Jan 10, 2004 2:12:45 GMT -5
Tancred and Andy did not stay long in Isotta's room. There was a certain uneasiness in the air, and the knight didn't quite understand it. Isotta seemed distracted by something. Tancred looked to her often for some sign or for her to say something, yet she did not. He was concerned, but she would not open the door to her thoughts. Tancred and Andy cleaned up, and excused themselves. Violet remained behind a while longer to ensure Isotta was well and asleep.
The five days left to the company in Rivendell passed by slowly. Yet, they went by all too soon for those nervous about the mission they'd be attempting. And Tancred was not the least among these, his nervousness having multiple reasons.
He sat in one of Rivendell's many courtyards the afternoon before they were to depart. He was feeling somewhat lonely and wistful. He drew his sword, a simple yet graceful and deadly hand-and-a-half sword, and began swinging about. He fought his opponent of the air for some time. After awhile, he stopped to catch his breath.
Tancred was startled by the sound of applause. He turned quickly about to find Violet and Andy watching from the shadows. They were clapping and cheering loudly while still eating some left over muffins from breakfast. The knight would have marveled longer at the capacity of Hobbits to constantly be eating were he not so embarrassed. He flushed a deep red across his face, and sheathed his sword.
"Oh, don't let us stop you," cried Violet. "Please continue."
Tancred shook his head, and prepared to walk away. "But we could use some practice ourselves," said Andy. "Maybe you could teach us some moves? How to stand and all that?"
Tancred still seemed reluctant. Violet knew just the trick. "I believe the Lady Isotta said she would be joining us," said the Hobbit lass with a wink to Andy. "She is on her way now, I presume."
"She is," asked Andy unbelievably. "I don't remember her saying any...." He was silenced with a quick elbow to the ribs from Violet.
"Yes, she is," repeated Violet with an innocent smile upon her face.
Tancred stopped. "Very well," he conceeded. "I can show you little Hobbits some basic sword techniques. We'll need some wooden practice swords though, so noone gets hurt. I'll go see if Elrond has any, and I shall return shortly."
As soon as Tancred had left the courtyard, Violet ran as fast as she could to fetch Isotta. Andy merely leaned against the wall, shaking his head.
Isotta soon appeared, being dragged by the hand by the running Violet. Luckily for them, they arrived before Tancred did. The knight bounded the corner soon after, four wooden practice swords in his arms, two the right size for a man, and two the right size for a Hobbit.
"Is everyone ready," asked Tancred, as he passed the wooden swords to his friends.
Isotta looked puzzled. "What is this," she wondered outloud.
"We're learning how to use swords," yelled Andy excitedly.
Tancred squared off against Isotta, and Violet against Andy. "The key," instructed the knight, "is to adjust and react to what your opponent does. Keep your eyes on their weapon and their hands at all times. Follow and react to that."
"What do you mean," asked Isotta.
In response, Tancred charged her, and swung. Holding her sword above her head, Isotta blocked the blow. "Like that," said Tancred enthusiastically. "Excellent pary!"
Teaching them in a similar manner, the four friends passed away the rest of the afternoon.
Elrond watched from an upper balcony, a look of concern and worry upon his face. He hoped this band of adventurers would be able to complete their task. The next day, the day of their departure, loomed ominously.
|
|
Aladrien
Mate
"I love this guy. He's crazy!"
Posts: 47
|
Post by Aladrien on Jan 10, 2004 18:16:26 GMT -5
Arratil stood behind this dashing fellow; watching him watching was more interesting than it may have seemed. "Sir," Arratil spoke, making an attempt not to frighten the Lord.
Lord Elrond did not spook so easily and turned on his heel. "Ah, Master Arratil. How are your wounds?"
"Healed, thanks to your hospitality, my Lord. You look worried. How is the planning coming along?Arratil was indeed worried about this adventure, but he hid it well.
"Smoothly. The day of leave soon approaches. Are your skills rehearsed, Knight?" Elrond made his way indoors.
Arratil was hesitant to follow, but did. "To the best of my abilities, yes. I have little skill, though. I shan't be trusted to lead any battle, but I do well in a crowd. Growing up without a proper teacher has taken it's toll."
"Perhaps you may seek help from a certain knight in the courtyard," Lord Elrond smiled.
"Perhaps..." Arratil said to himself quietly and watched Elrond walk away.
|
|
|
Post by Athena on Jan 10, 2004 18:55:39 GMT -5
Isotta stopped for a moment to rest. Tancred across from her did the same. For a moment Isotta panted, the salty sweat dripped into her eyes, stinging her vision. She wiped her hand across her face, then stopped. Here she was, sweating, doing combat work, with a SWORD. She had long admired them but had not been allowed to touch one, and yet here she was learning how to use it. A strange life she had suddenly become part of. Isotta felt a smile begin to curve at her lips. She was hot, tired, sweaty, itchy, and felt great!
With renewed vigor Isotta picked up her blade and rushed at Tancred, swinging with all her might. Suprise shown in his eyes, but then he smiled appreciatively at her sword work. He retaliated by pivoting and swinging his blade at her. Back and forth Isotta fought, for once she was learning something useful, something that could help!
|
|
Aladrien
Mate
"I love this guy. He's crazy!"
Posts: 47
|
Post by Aladrien on Jan 10, 2004 22:04:12 GMT -5
Arratil, for once not knowing where Arratil was, made his way down to the courtyard. If Tancred would not teach him, at least he could watch his lessons and perhaps learn something that way. Down, down, down he went, step by step and finally reaching a stoned pathway that lead outside. His heart raced with excitement as he exited through the large doors. Even before he reached them, Arratil heard the sounds of laughter and shouting: "Ouch!", "Ah hah!" and "Got you!". He wished he could join in with the fun.
"Good afternoon, folks!" Arratil beamed to the others. "Lovely day for a training session."
|
|
|
Post by Lady Disdain on Jan 14, 2004 5:21:59 GMT -5
"Surely you would not leave without making your farewells?"
The words stopped Katalyn cold. She turned to face Lord Elrond.
"I thought it would be easier this way."
"On whom, exactly?" His tone was light, but the words struck Katalyn like blows. He turned to look out at the group in the courtyard. "They are expecting you to go with them, you know."
Katalyn's eyes sparked defiance. "I never gave any indication that I would go, to them - or to you."
"Fair enough, I grant you."
The two stood in silence for several minutes. Katalyn began to relax, thinking the questioning was over. Then Elrond spoke again.
"Where will you go? The terror from the north is spreading, and those towns that have not yet been overrun will not look kindly on strangers. Particularly those who cheat at games of chance."
Katalyn looked up in shock, "How did you..."
He smiled "I did not know. I merely guessed. And please, do not trouble yourself; no one here begrudges you your winnings. Cheating - so long as it is subtle - has always been part of these games. And it has been long since anyone has been a subtle enough cheater to best Glorfindel."
Katalyn flushed slightly, and again made a move as if to leave. "I...I will wish them luck before I leave."
"They will have none without you. They will die, and within three years the lands will be covered in darkness. Within five years, ten at the most, that darkness will have spread even to Imlandris." Elrond's matter-of-fact tone jarred harshly with the picture he had painted. "I know you did not seek this burden, and I am sorry to place it on you, but you must know what you are risking. Will you still refuse?"
"If what you say is true, how can I?" Katalyn replied hollowly. He had put her in an indefensible position. She felt helpless, and more than a little angry. She said nothing more, as he made her a half bow and left her presence, but her eyes grew bright with unshed tears as she watched the remainder of the practice.
|
|