================== Eldarin Calendar <in Sindarin> ===================
IC time is: Mid Afternoon < About 3:37 PM >
IC day is: Orgilion <Stars-day>
IC date is: 18 Echuir <Stirring>
Moon phase: Waning Crescent <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: Tue Oct 02 15:12:32 2007
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Golden Roadway - Northeastern Arc - Courtyard
You stand in a long open air courtyard that interrupts the Golden Roadway. The main body of the yard stretches out before you for about a hundred yards. In the center is a marvelous shimmering fountain carved from the purest white marble in the shape of a swan. Here and there, layed out in geometric patterns, are low rows of hedges and riffled through bushes.

Along the west edge of the yard lies the entrance to Lorien's Theater, an arching silver gate covered with twisting vines and satin white roses. Nearby, a marble stairway climbs the hill. To the east lies the stairs that lead down to a grove, sacred and beloved. The sun shines brightly through the clearing in the canopy above, shedding a warm glow over the entire area.

Contents:
Galharth
Lostiriel
Earsul
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The afternoon sunshine is golden and bathes the courtyard in a gentle halo. The sky above is cloudless and a tranquil blue, for the day is soft and quiet with just the barest stirring of a breeze. There is a certain sleepiness to the afternoon, found in the gentle sunlight and quiet drowsiness that offers peace and tranquility.

Standing in the center of the courtyard, Lostiriel leans over the fountain, her hand dipping into the cool water. Her hair floats about her, caught on the soft breeze, and her eyes glow just as blue as the sky overhead as she enjoys a quiet moment.

Moving slowly along the western edge of the roadway, Galharth pauses his progress at the silver gate. Reaching out a hand, he gently touches a white rose blossom. A sigh leaves his lips as he leans forward to inhale the delicate fragrance.

Turning towards the fountain, a brow lifts as he catches sight of the Courier. Silently, or as silent as the tapping of his staff can be, the Tailor moves across the courtyard towards the fountain. Drawing near, he calls out, "Well met, Lostiriel. How goes this day for you?"

Entering the courtyard from the south, Earsul moves towards the fountain at a much slower pace than is his wont, for today he bears a sizable burden. On his shoulder he totes a wooden barrel near half as big as himself, and clearly the weight is beginning to take its toll. Coming to the fountainside, he deposits his cargo on the ground with as much care as can be managed - which leaves something to be desired - and plunges his hands into the fountain, splashing his face with the cool water.

"Ahh, now that is welcome," he breathes, relishing in the refreshment. Only now does he take stock of his surroundings, recognising those close by. "Ah! Well met, friends! Galharth in particular, well met indeed, I need carry this thing no further now!"

Entering the courtyard from the south, Earsul moves towards the fountain at a much slower pace than is his wont, for today he bears a sizable burden. On his shoulder he totes a wooden barrel near half as big as himself, and clearly the weight is beginning to take its toll. Coming to the fountainside, he deposits his cargo on the ground with as much care as can be managed - which leaves something to be desired - and plunges his hands into the fountain, splashing his face with the cool water.

"Ahh, now that is welcome," he breathes, relishing in the refreshment. Only now does he take stock of his surroundings, recognising those close by. "Ah! Well met, friends! Galharth in particular, well met indeed, I need carry this thing no further now!"

Looking up, Lostiriel's gaze turns toward Galharth and she smiles brightly. "Galharth! The day goes well." She splashes her hand through the fountain's water, the warm light falling upon her hair and rolling down her shoulders as she continues, "And you? How are you Galharth?" She looks up again to study him, her eyes falling upon his staff. Suddenly she is distracted by the approach of another and she smiles. "Well met. And what a burden you carry," she notes to Earsul, looking at the barrel.

"I am well, Lostiriel, better with each passing day." Galharth replies. Opening his mouth, he shuts it tightly as the Vintner arrives with his burden. Eyeing the barrel, then Earsul, and back to the barrel, the Tailor lift both brows in surprise. "You forget my friend, I'm still challenged in my movement," he says as one hand releases from the staff to pat his still recovering leg.

Chuckling softly, the crafter approaches the barrel. Reaching down he taps it lightly, the laughs. "I had thought a bottle or two would ease Mia's mind, but I think after a barrel of wine, she'll be more than putty in a craftmasters hands."

Earsul is expressionless a moment, not following Galharth's words. Then, his eyes flicking between the barrel and the tailor's walking stick, comprehension dawns, and his face falls. "I had forgotten," he admits. "Foolish of me; bottles would of course have been much more appropriate. Direct me where you will, my friend, I will deliver it myself, of course! Though I may roll it there," he adds with a grin, sitting on the fountain's edge, "and I think I have earned a little rest."

"I am glad to hear it, Galharth." Her eyes soften for a moment, and then she turns, looking once more at Earsul and the barrel. She smiles and laughs softly, "I think rolling it sounds like a perfect idea." She closes her eyes for a moment, reveling in the sunlight. "Besides, this day is too fine to be spent exerting energy." She sighs and leans on the fountain, cupping her head in her hands as she watches the light sparkle upon the surface of the water.

The Tailor's laughter remains as Earsul speaks. "Let us make the trip for the barrel a small one. The Healers Talan is certainly a good place to catch Mia in a nice long talk, and what wine remains can go to the Healers."

Glancing to the Courier, he nods. "Indeed, spring comes upon us and the days are fresh and new. Certainly something to enjoy." Moving carefully from the barrel to the Fountain, Galharth plops down upon the wall. "I find myself thinking more of swiming as the day warms. Perhaps the Lady will allow diving on the wreck to resume."

Again Earsul's eyes flick to the staff, still apparently needed by the tailor. "Your leg mends faster than it appears, then, to be thinking of returning to the river." Wiping the last drops of water from his face, he frowns, "Regardless, I feel that the Lady may wish to let the matter rest. Nor can I blame her - whate'er is down there has lain undisturbed for an Age, it might be best to let it remain so. Trifling with it has brought naught but harm, it seems."

Another pair of eyes turn to the staff and Lostiriel shakes her head. "Indeed, spring is something to enjoy, but perhaps you should heal fully. And I think Earsul is right. Maybe you should take time to enjoy some peace, Galharth, and let the matter alone." She glances at him for a moment, then turns her attention back to the fountain, where she once more begins idly splashing her hand through the water.

"Movement in the water, is unlike that on land," the Tailor says as he dips his hand into the cool water of the fountain. "After time in the hot spings, I've learned that movement is much easier, so at least I can accomplish something during the time I seek to heal." Looking up from the water, Galharth peers first to Lostiriel, and then towards the Vintner. "It is a matter left unaddressed, and one that is never far from my thoughts." Shrugging his shoulders, he adds, "It's a matter of curiosity."

Earsul smiles, clearly soothed by Galharth's words. "Ah, curiousity will ever bedevil an active mind. And I fear yours is more active than ever, now that you are less so in body. Still, patience in all things is rewarded, and Lostiriel's words are wise: enjoy this time of peace. One never knows how long it may last."

"Curiosity and all that glitters," Lostiriel mutters beneath her breath. Then, looking up, she replies softly, "Swimming, then, sounds like an excellent way to spend some time. However," she continues, pausing for just a moment as she looks away, "it may be a good thing to reflect on just where curiosity has lead you." She pushes the long strands of hair over her shoulder and says, "Peace is something to treasure, to savor, and protect."

"Patience?" Galharth snorts in clear disagreement. "Long have I been patient, and log have I stood in the shadows. Certainly, peace, and far outside the moments of life are safer, but they are most certainly boring. I have grown quite interested in things such as the wreck." Grinning he turns from one friend to the other. "Besides, how often can unfavorable matters be found when searching for something so innocent as an answer to a curious find? It's been great fun, just as Mia has hinted of when she prods me to expand byond myself."

Earsul's frown returns, and is not chased away by Galharth's bright countenance. "It may be as you say, that peace does not bring excitement. Yet that peace is all about you in this land; here we dwell, protected by the trees, by the rivers, by our Sentinels, by the Lord and Lady above all, and we seek naught /but/ peace." He falls silent a moment, unsure how to proceed. "The Wood lives, as you put it, outside the moments of life, and it is that which makes it the Wood." Frowning still, Earsul shakes his head in frustration. "Nay, my words are not quite on the mark. I cannot put it in words well enough."

Looking at Galharth through veiled, distant eyes, Lostiriel's words answer him, "Yes, perhaps you have found adventure and excitement, but at what cost, Galharth? I never thought of you as someone so reckless and..." Here she forces herself to stop, but her eyes begin to spark as she stares at Galharth. A strange emotion, one seldom felt within Lostiriel, stirs into life, turning into a flame as she forces herself to take a deep breath. "Perhaps you should realize that your actions affect others, not only yourself. The choices you make can and do touch other people. And as to this expanding beyond yourself, I do not know what it is that you are speaking of. But I will say this. I think you are right. You should look beyond yourself, and how you feel and consider that maybe the seeking you do to answer a "curious find" isn't "great fun" for the people you involve." Lostiriel forces herself to stop, and she appears startled at her own words, for her eyes grow wide and a hand reaches up to touch her trembling lips.

"Protected?" Galharth asks as both hands grip his staff. Lowering his head slightly, his gaze falls from the two edhel present. "Indeed, let us get lost in the dream, for this is the land of the Dreamflower. Let us not consider the land beyond our view, let is loose ourselves completely in the breath and moment in time that is so gently soothing." His voice is level, and calm, and yet there seems a building emotion settling within his words.

Tilting his head slightly, he peers at Lostiriel from beneath the cover of his silvery lashes. "Is it my actions that bring forth the sorrows? Or perhaps the actions of others who intrude upon innocent thoughts and pursuits of others?" Looking higher, a frown is now seen upon his lips. "I find the ship interesting, and I find the moments learning to be of great value. I need no help, and in fact for those who see my pursuits as reckless, I am glad to go on alone." Glancing from the Courier to the Vintner, he shakes his head. "If I am indeed the cause of sorrows for others, I'll be glad for time alone so that I might not cause any others pain."

Nodding to Earsul, he adds in a soft voice. "I have said the Healers Talan would be most appreciated for the wine, and that remains." Pausing he glances to the Courier and then back to the Vintner. "I only ask that you tell them I'll be a few days in returning. I've a matter to see to."

Earsul says nothing, merely nods, and stands, stooping to lift the barrel once more. Settling its weight onto his shoulder, he takes a few steps in the direction of the healing telain before pausing. "I pray that you will not do anything... rash. If you will listen to aught else from me today, let it be this: let emotions cool, before action is taken. Namarie, mellon. Lostiriel, I'll see you at the Court, I trust." Nodding to both, Earsul continues on his journey.

The normally smooth, even planes of Lostiriel's face grows ever more pale and her lips turn down into a frown. The stirrings of anger errupt within her fully, and she looks at Galharth through eyes that seem to shift conflictingly between hot anger and concern. As she waits silently, this struggle continues, and her eyes begin to glisten with unshed tears. In the end, anger wins. "Even your answer displays your selfishness! 'Oh poor me, who only desires to do good and seek answers, woe that I should in my innocent endeavors bring pain to others,' Lostiriel responds, doing her best impression of Galharth. "Go then! Go and do what you will, involving none that disagree with you. But when you fall into harm, what of those that care about you? What shall they do with their sorrow? And what of those that will once again have to work at bringing you back to health? Ask them if they think your adventures are worth their trouble!" Lostiriel slams her hand down, drawing in rapid, soothing breaths. She turns to Earsul and offers the faintest of smiles, "Yes, Earsul, I shall see you there." She stands silently for a long moment, shaking in the aftermath of anger as a tear begins to fall. "It is not that any wish for you to depart seeking time alone, but that there is fear that you may do something dangerous enough to forever remove you from those that care about you."

"Thank you again for the wine, Earsul, and..." the Tailor says, pausing to watch as the Vintner begins to leave, ".....and I promise I'll keep well away from anything rash." Watching as the ellon disappears along the path, he pauses several moments before turning back towards Lostiriel.

"You think me selfish?" Galharth asks with a turn of his head. His voice calm, yet his eyes ablaze with fire. "And you think my concerns are voiced falsely?" His lips press tightly together, and it is clear that he is controls a fierce anger. Finally, he shakes his head. "I know not how to answer you Lostiriel." he says, in a defeated voice. "I find I have no path to take, for if I take no action I am fearful, and yet if I do take action I am selfish. What then am I to do?"

Rising up from the edge of the fountain, he takes a few steps as if making to leave. "Clearly, I can not please all, and must instead please myself." Reaching up a hand he touches his chest. "I can not go back to the shadows, where it's safe and far from all danger. I have grown in here, and here," he says, lifting his hand to touch his temple. "Those who truely care for me, will come to know this, and should my pursuits take me from these lands, then know I've gone happily."

Watching and listening as Galharth speaks, the flame of anger begins to die in Lostiriel's chest, leaving only a void of cold emptiness. She looks at him through sorrowful eyes and there is defeat in her expression. "Galharth," she whispers, her shoulders dropping, "You still do not understand. I have tried to tell you, and I have failed. Perhaps you never will understand what I am trying to tell you." She moves toward him as if to stop him, to try again to explain, but stops, and feels that there is more than just mere physical distance separating them. "No, perhaps one day you shall understand. I hope so."

Wiping away the fallen tear, Lostiriel swallows her anger and sadness and her usual composure returns. She lifts her head and tilts it to the side, "But I do understand you Galharth. I know what you are saying, I do. It is why I am afraid. But you...you will not listen to me. My words are meaningless..."

"What is there to understand?" Galharth says, turning towards the Courier. "It is my leg that still haunts of injury, not my ears, nor my ability to think." Taking a step back towards Lostiriel, he peers intently at the lady. "Let me understand now. Speak."

Removing a hand from his staff, he flips a hand up and makes a circle in the air between them. "In this world and land, nothing is meaningless, and everything can bring forth understanding if presented, so again, I say..... speak."

At the sudden change in Galharth, indeed, at the sudden change in herself, Lostiriel stands silently, confusion overtaking her for a moment. The intense passion of anger has left her, so has the sudden and unexplainable sadness, and as she looks up into Galharth's eyes, she can only try to explain, the words coming haltingly. "You say that you do not wish to return to the shadows. And I do not wish it either. You seek enlightenment and answers, and both are worthy and noble. And you also question whether such noble ventures should be held back because it may infringe upon others, though you wish to prevent this. You believe that to go on in quiet, existing in a sublime dream-like existance that is peaceful, but perhaps narrow-sighted, is not a good thing."

"And there are some that may believe you are right. To an extent, I believe that you are. But Galharth...there has to be a balance. I do not mean to be critical, but you can be so determined, and such singular, driven, unfaltering dedication can be dangerous. You do not only engage in adventures that pose dangers for youself, you do things that, directly or indirectly, affect others. There are those that do not want to wake from the dream. They are not ready to be woken from the quiet, lulling existance that moves in tranquility, floating on the notes of what has been and what will continue to be peace." Here she pauses, aware that her words are not quite saying what she intends, and feels the pull of failure once again. "I wish that you knew how I feel..."

"I do not question if my actions affect others, that came forth from your own words Lostiriel. If it is indeed so, then I choose to face my curiosities alone." Galharth says as he holds his chin high. "I force nothing on no one, and I'll not be considered selfish by any." Lifting a hand, he sweeps a hand towards the lady. "But I must thank you for your words. Guilt on top of limited confidence in trying new things certainly will add to sucess."

Looking away, the Tailor takes a few steps along the roadway. Turning his gaze towards the Courier, he lifts a brow. "How can I know how you feel if you do not say it. I read no minds. Forgive me, but blunt is often preferable to veiled hints."

Wincing, Lostiriel feels the sting of Galharth's words, and she lifts clasped hands to her chest, taking a few steps away from him. "If I have insulted you, or caused you guilt, then I apologize. I do not mean to push you away, or cause you to go alone... I meant the opposite." She pauses, considering his request that she be blunt, but feeling the sting of his words and her own sense of foolish pride, she shakes her head, "Galharth, I cannot. You wish me to be blunt even as your footsteps begin to lead you away. You have had enough of my words, and I do not think you wish to know." She lowers her head to hide the hurt in her eyes, and says, "Besides...I have no wish to say it..."

"Lostiriel...." Galharth whispers, "It pains me to stand still, and sitting only makes me vulnerable to the words of others." Releasing one hand from its hold on the staff, he runs the hand atop the silvery hair pulled back from his brow. "Once eyes are opened, they can not be closed again with ease. It is not that common sense doesn't tell me to avoid potential dangers, it's more that I am learning to cope with that which I've avoided for hundreds of years."

"Very well, Galharth. I understand that. I understand it well. Do you not see that others are having to learn to cope with what they have awakened to?" Lostiriel shakes her head, "I am begining to understand, Galharth. Once I dreamed and the world about me was warmth and lulling quiet, and I moved day to day in a sort of quiet reflection... But now I truly see, and I am beginning to truly know." She pushes back long trands of golden hair and wonders if her words make any sense, if he understands them. "But...when you insisted on going down the ladder to see what glistened, I knew that something was wrong and that you were falling into danger. I tried to tell you, but that singular dedication drove you to see. And then after that awful battle, you disapeared. Gone. I had to learn that you didn't come back, and for days I walked around in constant fear. And then the condition in which you did come back...." Here she trails off, shuddering. "If only you would have listened...but for some reason you couldn't. And if you did what you had to do, then very well. Perhaps you are right. Perhaps you must, in which case, that fear was my burden to endure, and perhaps it is selfishness on my part to try and keep you from harm."

"One can not control the actions or thoughts of others," Galharth says firmly, "I've seen many come to grips with changes in views, and often times the great saddness that comes with the realization that our land and home is at the mercy of a building strength at our borders."

Sighing heavily, the Tailor looks to the Courier. "My choices are not always wise, Lostiriel, but I am learning, and growing with wisedom." Pausing, a frown grows heavy on the crafters lips. "I can not control your fears, but I ask that you trust me. I've done well enough so far and find myself in fewer dire moments."

Looking away, but at nothing in particular, Lostiriel nods. "I suppose you are right... And I know that you are learning. I am sorry if..if I sounded overly harsh or critical. It was not my intention." She offers him a soft smile and says gently, "Sometimes I can be singularly determined as well. But I shall trust you, Galharth. But I wish that you would rely on others to aid you, and forget what I said about leading others into harm. It was a foolish thing to say."

Crystal blue eyes silently watch Lostiriel for several moments. "There is nothing to be sorry for, mellon, for your words are yours and were spoken in response to your thoughts." Shifting his feet as if searching for a more comfortable position, the Tailor's gaze remains upon the lady. "And do not ask me to forget that which you've spoken, for I can not set your words aside any more than I can set you aside." The frown upon his face grows flat, and even curls upwards on one corner of his mouth. "Anything spoken with passion is far from foolish. I worry not about the impact of your words, for I trust you and will consider all that you've said before I act."

Dipping her head, Lostiriel grins in response and looks back up at him with sparkling eyes. "Very well." She then begins laughing, a sudden, light-hearted laughing, that warms her heart and brings a flush to her cheeks. "Oh, my," she breathes, "Do you realize how rare it is for me to get truly angry? And there we were, practically yelling at each other, with me slamming down my hand and all. I fear that we were both too loud to hear the words that the other was speaking until we managed to get that rather vocal tantrum out of our system." She looks at him through grey-blue eyes that shimmer with genuine fondness and says, "And really, was all that necessary?"

What began as a curl on the corner of his mouth, now fully blossom's into a smile. "Perhaps it was needed, Lostiriel." Galharth says with a soft laugh, "I've never seen you so passionate about a topic. Now tapped, you can use such passion on things that will most certainly be of great service to all within the Wood." Tilting his head, the Tailor looks upon the Courier with a warm smile. "You'll soon be a formitable opponent in the Royal Court. T'is a good thing we're on the same side."

"Perhaps you are right about that, Galharth." Indeed, a new energy seems to fill the courier, and she grins. "However, in the future I shall try to restrain myself from stomping my feet and slamming my fists. And yes, it is a good thing, because, as interesting as this whole debate was, I should hate to have to constantly war with you." Lostiriel regretfully steps away, saying "I really should be getting on my way now, and I am sure that your leg must be getting tired. But I am sure that I shall see you again soon." Offering a smile of farewell, Lostiriel's eyes glow as she waves and begins walking away.