================== Eldarin Calendar <in Sindarin> ===================
IC time is: Early Morning < About 7:45 AM >
IC day is: Orgilion <Stars-day>
IC date is: 54 Rhiw <Winter>
Moon phase: Waning Gibbous <VISIBLE>
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: Thu Sep 20 12:35:13 2007
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Stables
Nestled deep within the woods here is a small clearing, used as a boarding area for horses. A rustic-looking barn with a thatched roof and simple gates is situated across the field from you.

Contents:
Urornar (Temped by Galharth)
Dinnan (Temped by Galadriel)

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Early morning light filters through the heavy golden canopy of the Mellyrn, casting a mystical aura over the stables. Indeed, for such a day is indeed mystical as a newborn colt wanders about the paddock on still shaky legs. A chilly breeze blows westward from the river, bringing moist cool air to mingle with the heady fragrance of fresh hay and straw. Along a carefully maintained fence line, several edhel stand watching the young colt. A soft tan in color, with a matching mane and tail, the long legs of the animal move at an uneven pace as he cautiously learns to move about. Standing nearby, a dark brown mare knickers softly with encouragement.

"He's a beauty," mutters the ellon in charge of the stables. "Certainly going to make someone a fine stead someday."

From downstream, a dark clad hunter returns from a night's work with an empty quiver and a sour expression. His eyes are on the loamy river soil as a matter of habit, reading of the comings and goings of the wood's creatures. Upon hearing voices from the direction of the stable, he lifts his head and changes direction. He leans on the fence and watches the new colt for a minute and cannot help but smile a little. He clucks his tongue at it for a minute then turns to the other elves. "Who will name it?" he asks to no one in particular?

Urornar looks up at the sound of the question. Catching sight of the hunter, the Stable Keep presses his lips together in thought. "It's an honor we extend to the Lord and Lady." He finally says after a moments thought. "They might offer this young fellow to some Warden for his efforts, and the naming honor will pass to him or her."

Turning back to watch the young animal, the corner of his mouth rises in a half smile. "He's got a good bit of spirit to go with his good looks. He'll be a handful, regardless of who gets him."

The young elf arches his black eyebrows and turns back towards the colt with a somewhat covetous eye. When he turns again to Urornar it is gone, however, and he is merry. "My father had a horse when I was small. I sat him once, but that was all. I admit I was quite terrified at the time. It was a huge animal and sitting in his saddle was like sitting upon a weakened dam on a poweful river." Dinnan laughs a little at this comparison. "I have walked ever since."

Urornar lifts a brow, "Your father had a horse? How lucky he was." A smile comes to the Stable Keeps face as Dinnan describes his experience. "Aye, they can be frightful, but once a relationship develops between a horse and their rider it's a special experience that just can't be rivaled."

Nodding his head towards the colt, the smile lingers upon the ellons face. "If you look into the eyes of that one, you can almost see his inteligence far outdistances his ability to move about without wobbling." Glancing to the colts mother, the smile fades slightly. "His other bore a talented Marchwarden. He's retired now. and it seems she misses it more than anyone."

Glancing back, a brow lifts with curiosity. "Would you not like to try again now that you are older?"

Dinnan casts a skeptical look over his shoulder at the pasture. "Aye, I should try again if there were an opportunity. I should like it for traveling, but I do not think I could take one hunting." He stops, gazes into the distance for a moment then laughs aloud, "I should like to see a horse stealthy enough to sneak up on wild turkey." He mocks a few sneaking steps and laughs again.

A laugh errupts from Urornar's lips at the Hunters words. "They're a surefooted and quiet breed, but no," he says as his laughter calms to soft chuckles. "I can't imagine we'd ever see a horse on a hunt for turkey."

Glancing to the Mara, the Stable Keep lifts a brow as he horse offers a hostile glare. "Alas, I think we've offended the mother." he says looking over his shoulder towards the Hunter.

Dinnan turns upon his toes to regard the mother. "Perhaps she thinks we are laughing at her son's learning to walk." The young hunter offers the mare a graceful and somewhat theatrical bow that no doubt has been used to some success on more than a few elleths. "Forgive me, lady!" he calls to her, in all seriousness. "He is truly quite stunning." Rising with a flourish, he takes a step backwards to stand next to Uronar. Speaking more quietly than before he asks, "Do they allow you to ride? Perhaps when one needs exercise?"

Almost as if understanding, the Mare snorts harshly and lifts her head up and away. Her actions bring forth a new wave of chuckles from the Stable Keep. "Ah, she's a noble one, and likely thinks herself well above many of us. And yet she's got good cause to think this." Lowering his head to rest upon arms folded atop the fence, he turns his head slightly to look upon the hunter. "She's fearless in the face of both Uruk and Troll, and she has no hesitation in the midst of battle. I can't say I'd be the same."

Looking back towards the steadying colt, Urornar smiles. "Indeed, I get to ride them from time to time. It's a pleasure racing such powerful animals along the river shore." Pausing he looks again to the Hunter. "You're welcome to volunteer some time to exercise them, if you'd like."

Smiling self-consciously, Dinnan looks down and toes the dirt. "Perhaps," he says. "Maybe." Straightening up, he tugs absently at the top fence rail, "I should worry they would sense my nervousness and toy with me." He looks at the mare. "Look at how smart she is. I would not put it past her to have a bit of fun at my expense."

Looking back towards the mother and colt, Urornar smiles. "She might, but I'd not recommend her for an inexperienced rider. She's used to charging forth into battle, leading others who follow without hesitation." Sighing softly, he looks to he colt with admirmation. "I suspect he'll be the same."

Again the Stable keep looks back towards Dinnan, "Turkey's not all you hunt is it? Perhaps you could inspire a seated hunt for a nice doe for a feast? It would be fun for edhel and horse alike."

Dinnan nods swiftly, his eyes alight at this idea. "Lord Celborn's Hunting Master shall lead one during the next fading season. He says perhaps I should join him!" He talks quickly, truly excited. "But I must train the young hounds before that." He seems to recall something with these words, "Speaking of which! They will be wanting breakfast soon. Please forgive my hasty departure. I suspect you will see me again soon...I wish to watch that one." He nods at the colt, then offers Urornar an abbreviated version of his previous bow.

"I should like to join that." Urornar says as he raises his head up. Turning, he leans against the fence comfortably. "A hunt by bow, atop horses, whilst charging through the wood. To me that's excitement." He ways with eyes flickering with interest."See to your hounds and be quick to return, I think we have much to talk about." Lifting a hand to wave towards Dinnan, the Stable Keep turns back to watching the colt.