================== Eldarin Calendar <in Sindarin> ===================
IC time is: Before Dawn < About 4:41 AM >
IC day is: Oranor <Sun-day>
IC date is: 38 Laer <Summer>
Moon phase: First Quarter <VISIBLE>
Earendil: Gil-Estel shines very brightly above the horizon in the
eastern sky.
IC year is: Loa 15 o Yen 22, Nelandran o Endor <TA 3039>
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RL time: Thu Nov 09 08:54:00 2006
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Herb Garden
The opulence of the gardens of Lorien carry over to this lush herb garden, a large area dedicated to the growing and cultivation of the components for the healing potions created by the Cuigrithweg. Trees dot the landsacape, both flowering and non; bushes create small, low clusters of brush that divide certain plants from others, and everywhere there are flowers. The air is thick with the perfume of bloom and plant, leaf and root. Towards the very back of the garden where it begins to slope up with the curve of the hill, a small stream bubbles out of a deep fissure in the ground, a natural spring that gurgles up from the depths of the earth, carving a path through the orderly rows and clusters with water plants in abundance along it's shores.

Contents:
Galharth
Mia
Ostiel
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In the early hours before anor's appearance in the east a mystical silence settles over the land. A soft breeze blows from the south, but the air moved upon this delicate breeze seems more a kiss, bringing with it both the scents of the surrounding gardens and the mists of the deep forests that stand in protection around the city. Soundlessly, as if paying homage to the silence, an ellon enters the herb garden. Glancing upwards towards a greying sky, the last flickers of stars sparkle hypnotically. He closes his eyes and inhales deeply, drawing in the fragrance of both flower and herb, " Of all places within Lothlorien, the scent of summer seems strongest here..." He whispers aloud.

"I think that's lavender," comes a response.

Amid the plants and flowers there sits an elleth, her legs crossed and tucked away under her skirt, her hands free of tools but smudged with soil. Quietly she rests, so silent and still that she blends in with the herbs (or is hidden by them, however you wish to look at it). At least until she begins to speak...

"It could also be a bit of rosemary, as that has come in nicely of late, and I have a lovely patch of evening primrose that is blooming."

Icy blue eyes flash open, but he remains gazing at the stars. "Perhaps you're right." Galharth says as he takes another breath. "It's quite intoxicating. A beauty not for the eyes, but the soul...."

Glancing down, his eyes focus through the mists of pre-dawn and offers what seems to be an ever present smile. "Well met, and good morn to you dear lady." He says offering a bow of his head and a hand warmly placed upon this heart. "I had hopes to find you this day. I owe you time, and I am most definitely an elf of his word."

No longer is there two, a pair, for soft humming prelude's the entrance of a third long before the slim outline of her body enters the garden. Clad in a delicate shift and equally light overrobe, Ostiel seems to glide in from the Rose Garden, ethereal and twice as unreadable. Spoting the two edhel, and not wishing to interrupt, the Cuigrithweg soundlessly moves to the far edges of the grounds and kneels cautiously, inspecting a tiny plant, speckled with golden light and sprouting blue buds.

"You owe me nothing, as I do not collect on debts either real or imaginary." Mia says with a chuckle, "However, should you wish to learn and grow, seeing this as an opportunity for enlightenment about a subject you know nothing about and not as payment for some deed or promise..." She pauses and looks at the ellon, "Then, by all means, join me, and I shall show you a wonderful time."

As Ostiel enters, the maidens' smile grows, "You should count yourself among the luckiest of all the Quendi in Lothlorien, as it seems you may have two teachers today! My friend, come and join us for a moment, if you have the time to spare!" she calls softly to the healer.

Galharth's smile fades and a brow furrows, "I'll not argue with you over debt," he finally says, clearly reluctant with the forgiveness. "I will not deny some level of curiosity in the art of cultivation, but I must be honest that I am hesitant to soil my hands too deeply whilst making pure white clothing for a wedding...... hesitant for any reason other than to repay a debt that is."

Looking over his shoulder, his brow smoothes at the sight of Ostiel, and he nods his head in greeting. "Good Morn, Attendant." He calls out in greeting. "Do come join us should you have the time."

The plant is hale and hearty, and it sings silently to the Attendant, babbling excitedly about the butterfly that visited today. Ostiel listens as best as she can, which is not overly well, and once there is quiet again she smiles faintly inspite of herself, stroking the little stem. "Aye," now her attention turns to Mia and Galharth, "I always have time to aid in growth. What is it you need, mellon nins?"

Mia cocks an eyebrow at the ellon, her head tilted slightly as she slowly begins to shake it back and forth, and then to chuckle softly. "Bathing IS an option, should you not wish to dirty your creations. I'll not force you to dirty labor, then refuse you cleanliness." She begins to rise, stretching limbs as she unfolds them. "If now is not a good time for you, though, then perhaps it is wise to wait. We have nothing holding us to a specific time, and there is as much that I can show you in summer as in winter, fall or spring."

And as Ostiel joins the conversation, Mia adds, "Perhaps nothing, if we cannot convince the clothier that mud and dirt are not permanent and can be removed from all sorts of things like hands... clothing..."

"I need little now that I can learn the art of cultivation for joy alone," the Clothier says warmly to both elleth, "but I now recall that I have a need for a few herbs that add vibrance and stability to my fabric dyes." With one hand he reaches for his pouch, and as he does a frown appears upon his lips as he enlists both hands to search the pouch.

Galharth seems to pale slightly, "I've left it... it holds my notes, my....thoughts." he whispers in a slight panic. Glancing at the elleth's his frown is one of worry, either not hearing all that has been said. "I'm sorry, possibly we can talk later, maybe you can teach me..... " Pausing he glances to the south and his brow folds with worry. "Thank you both for your kindnesses, but I have to go."

Not allowing time for response, and clearly shaken by something, he hurries off along the path he had come, clearly searching for something. In moments he disappears within the predawn darkness.

"Of course, mellon nin," Ostiel says in parting, eyes filled with concern. He is gone before she can question further, however, and for a long moment she stands there, halted in indecision. Making her choice, the healer turns to another plant, immersing herself in it's beauty, although her attention is also upon her companion. The Cuigrithweg moves from herb to herb, testing the strength of each and encouraging as she goes. But it is obvious, for those who know where to look, that this is not the same Ostiel that left Lorien.

Mia watches as Galharth walks away, a hint of a smile still playing on her lips. "There never seems to be a lack of entertainment when he is around. But whether 'tis done with intent or accidentally, I have yet to figure out. Still, I laugh, and so I do not question it too hard."

"Often," she says, her gaze now moving up to skim the treeline, "I seem to be the only one laughing. Not that I expect it, especially from one as quiet and reserved as you tend to be." She looks to the healer, narrowing her eyes slightly as she considers the elleth. "Though of late you have been even less gregarious than usual. Why, I'd venture to say that you were more of a presence while gone than you have been since your return."

Ostiel cautiously peers up at Mia through a cloud of hair, cheeks tinted with a hint of chagrin. It passes, however, and she sighs deeply, breath carrying a wave of sorrow and resignation, but also the sweet tinge of hope. "I apologize, for you speak truly. Indeed, I have kept much to myself since stepping foot into our wood again. You are not the first to speak such to me...in fact, Niinaeth said as much, while we were barely out of Lorien." A bug crawls onto her lap; the elleth lifts it between forefinger and thumb. It receives a new perch.

Mia nods, her eyes once more drawn to the horizon. "You are free to keep your own council, Ostiel, but I can tell you from experience that sometimes it helps to speak of whatever haunts you. For that is what I see in your eyes and in your bearing: a shell of the elleth I have known, your visage empty of the life that it once held. You need not speak to me, though I offer myself to you gladly."

"If there was aught that could be done, I would certainly ask it of even a stranger in our Woods. You more so, as friend and teacher, I wish to feel the warmth of, for my fea has been cold as ice of late, since hearing of Galuverior's plans. But I cannot bring myself to speculate on it further, for my heart pounds as it is," Ostiel pauses, taking a deep breath, "My parents received a letter from him today, as did I." The envelope is drawn from an inner pocket, crumbled and unopened. "I cannot bring myself to read it, for I am filled with woe at the finality within."

Fades to black...