================== Eldarin Calendar <in Sindarin> ===================
IC time is: Early Morning < About 7:43 AM >
IC day is: Orgaladhad <Trees-day>
IC date is: 21 Rhiw <Winter>
Moon phase: Full <HIDDEN>
Earendil: Gil-Estel is not visible.
IC year is: Loa 17 o Yen 22, Nelandran o Endor <TA 3041>
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RL time: Sun Sep 09 06:54:34 2007
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Northern Border Talan
To the south lies the whole of the Dreamflower, the leafy crowns of the mellyrn shining golden by the light of the day, the wind among the treetops singing a slow song of peace. To the north lie the outlands and all the rage of the world.

Though the southward rope bridge and the hithlain ladder near the mallorn's bole still are silver and new, and though walls of living leaves sigh at the talan's edge, the oaken planks of this small flet are old and weather-worn: here among the high boughs at the northernmost border of the Wood, you stand upon the very verge of the land of time.

Contents:
Tolur (temped by Galharth)
Thorhur
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A warm light golden light cascades over the snowy horizon of the Northern Border as night gives way to morning. A cold wind blows from the northwest, bringing forth a threat of snow. All is quiet this day, yet the tension is high for the events of the past days has set all on alert.

Standing atop the northern most talan, the Guard Tolur stands with bow in hand, scanning the horizon for movement. His cloak whips gently around his form, dancing with the breeze.

As the Sentinel Thorhur comes into the talan, a disquiet takes hold of him, but gritting his teeth he steps into view, and catching sight of his fellow guard he says with a straight face, "Good day guard. Any movement from the yrch?"

Pausing his search, and glancing over his shoulder, Tolur frowns. "All is quiet this day." the Guard replies. Turning back towards the horizon, he draws in a breath and releases it slow. In the cold air, his breath clouds in a misty vapor. "If you look long enough, you can almost sense them watching."

"Yes...I felt this same way just a few days ago, before they burned the trees. We cannot be too cocky. These creatures are not as stupid as they look, and with the constant advice from the outsider that appeared at their camp they burned the trees. It is probably unwise to send archers into the trees anymore." Thorhur speaks slowly, watching the camp from above. His bow is ready but he somehow feels as if he won't need it this day.

"The flames cause great concern." Tolur replies, "Had we not been prepared with escape routes, the matter would have been a diaster." Pausing his words, the ellon paces the talan. His gaze remains scanning the horison. "Have you come for duty? Or are you reporting along each Talan so to bring back news?"

"I have come to watch the camp," Thorhur replies, moving towards the edge of the talan. "Perhaps it will be possible to spring an ambush on the camp, and watching the movements of the orcs will help us organize one."

"Perhaps," Tolur replies, softly. "I've heard not of an offensive strike planned. Has the Commander or the Marchwardens sent word to prepare one?" Pausing, he offers the Sentinel a quick glance before turning back to look upon the horizon. "It might help to ease the tension to actually do something other than watch."

"I have not suggested it to the Marchwardens yet, but I hope that they will agree to one. Nobody seems to want to take serious action against them, despite the fact that they are right on our borders."

"Do not mistake inaction for a lack of desire to take action." Tolur says softly, as he paces along the talan. "These beasts have been here and faded, only to return months later. It has been as such since the Dwarves stirred the unrest deep within the montain." A heavy sigh sounds from the Guards lips, and again he glances over his shoulder towards the other. "We watch, and they keep trying to lure us out. They know not our strength, and yet in seeking our statistics, they reveal their own. Worry not about inaction, for believe it or not, it has purpose."

"I understand what you say," Thorhur whispers, standing still. "However, we cannot soley blame the dwarves for the orcs coming to our borders, for something tells me that it is not just Morians that are camped down there. Orcs from Mordor becoming bold enough to venture to our Wood is a foolish notion, but not an impossibility."

"Indeed, we do watch the eastern border as much as the northern." Tolur says, "But here, the primary cause of the beasts that wander is thanks to the Dwarves." Although the Guard continues to watch the border, his face shows the distates of mentioning the bearded creatures. "Ah, now you seek to classify which Uruk attacks, as if it makes much difference. With whom did you train to gain such specialized knowledge of the vile creatures that lurk upon our borders?"

"I have trained with nobody, but to find out whom the orcs serve might help us learn their business here so that we can better protect ourselves should the need arise," Thorhur remarks with a frown. "Indeed, it may not make a difference, but if that camp is simply another Morian patrol then they can we dealt with easily. However, if that camp comes from Mordor then we must be more careful and step up patrols on the borders."

"You learn over time," Tolur says assuringly, "How a beast reacts to Anor's light offers clues." Looking briefly upwards and to the east, he chuckles softly. "Their armor, their tactics, all hint to their origins." Returning his gaze to the horizon, he holds pauses his gaze as an animal hops free of the brush. "We have had strangers of late, but it matters not when they all draw blood the same."

"Perhaps we should organize an attack and bring the idea to the marchwardens," Thorhur suggests.

Pausing his watch, Tolur peers at the Sentinel. "We do not attack unless the order is given." Holding his gaze only a moment more, he turns back to watch the border. "Bring forth your idea to the Marchwardens, and perhaps then they will order the attack."

Thorhur nods towards the Guard, then asks, "Do you feel as if you have things under control here?"

"If you do, then perhaps I will leave and see that things are well in the other talans." So saying, Thorhur nods in farewell and leaves the talan silenty.