11/16/2007
================== Eldarin Calendar <in Sindarin> ===================
IC time is: Evening
IC date is: 43 Laer <Summer>
Moon phase: First Quarter <VISIBLE>
Earendil: Gil-Estel is not visible.
IC year is: Loa 18 o Yen 22, Nelandran o Endor <TA 3042>
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RL time: Fri Nov 16
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Winery
This large structure holds thousands of casks of wine in various stages of the fermentation process. Beyond the various barrels and casks, a large wine press rests silently and broodingly in a cleared area of the room. Much activity can be found here during the harvest time.

Contents:
Galharth
Earsul
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The darkness in the winery is complete. Mortal eyes would serve as well closed as open, but for the Eldar, there is enough light even here to perceive much. So it is that in such gloom Earsul sits against the wall, glass in hand, and converses with Galharth as comfortably as though the light of Anor shone upon them. "Lord Elrond knows much, and more," the Counsel says. "Yet perhaps these events will not yet have been heard of in the Valley, as you say."

Draining his glass, Earsul considers the now empty vessel for a long moment. "Yrch roam free in the north, fell beasts cross the plains of the Rohirrim... it is an evil foreboding that fills me. What will Elrond's counsel be? Will we now take action? And if aye, what action have we the strength to take?"

"Is it not for the wise to determine what is to be done with the news we bear? Between Lord Celeborn, Lady Galadriel, and Lord Elrond, I have great confidence that they will determine some meaning from the activiy we now see." Galharth says after a few moments of consideration. Shifting his position against the barrel, he traces a circle with the end of his staff while in thought. "Myself, I still hold out that the events unfolding now have little meaning, for then we would have little to worry about." Shrugging a shoulder he peers intently at the Counsel. "Besides, if action is called for, then do we have the force to see it through?"

"Alas, I fear your hopes will be unfounded. I am not of the Wise, but e'en I can sense the growing shadow. This is but a hint of that which comes." Earsul toys with his glass in the darkness, spinning it in his hands. "As for action - we have scarce strength enough to guard our own borders. No, our hopes must not lie in that direction. Our time of arms is past. But what other direction is there for us, save the West?"

"I will not travel west." Galharth says flatly. "In my own eyes, that admits defeat and that I will not do." Tilting his head the Tailor frowns. "Shadow or no, it is a crafters way to see beauty and potential in all that we see." Sweeping a hand towards the barrels the Craftmaster lifts a brow. "Is the wine not sweet and filled with flavor, or has the shadow that grows on the east tainted it? Think of that."

"Ah well, we leave in a few days and it won't be long after we arrive before Lord Elrond provides a reply to our Lord and Lady."

Earsul cannot help but smile. "Ever does optimism reign in your heart, mellon. I expect the truth lies somewhere between us. Certainly, the wine does still taste sweet, yet not perhaps as sweet as once it did." He sighs, and rests his head against the wall behind him, staring up to the rafters. "I tire of this uncertainty. If I could ask you a favor, Galharth, it would be this: do not tarry overlong in Lord Elrond's house. Bring his reply home swift, that we might know his counsel. Forewarned is forearmed."

"Many a people I speak with seem caught in a wave of darkness and are blinded by what we do have as a result." The Tailor says as he offers a smile. "Perhaps you are right. The truth will likely lie in an area none of us have considered.

Nodding to the Counsel's words, Galharth moves his hands to rest higher up upon his staff. "From what Lostiriel has said, we expect to only wait in Imladhirm a short time before returning. She wishes to travel only in the long hours of summers days. T'is wise I think, for I have no wish to return to more time in the healing talan."

"That is something I would speak with you about also," Earsul replies, lowering his head to look searchingly at the tailor. "You have spent more time in the healing talan of late than most of our healers. Tell me true, are you fit to make this journey?"

"My leg is not fully well, yet I feel I am able." Galharth offers honestly. "And I'm assured that the log to my head did little damage." Moving his head to an opposite tilt, he narrows his gaze slightly. "Certainly, no one has made mention of concerns about my ability to make the trek. If anyone has, then I would surely voice objections." Lifting his staff for demonstration, he holds his head high. "I use this now as habit more than anything."

Earsul nods. "Very well. I hope you can refrain from injuring yourself any further before you depart, at the least," he says with a faint smile. Clearly his mood is lighter now. Standing, he rests his empty glass carefully on a casktop. "All is ready for departure, then? Who will make up the party, in the end?"

Chuckling lightly, Galharth nods. "I will do my best to remain free of injury, both before, and during." Lowering his staff, he taps it on the ground before allowing it to come to a rest. "The final roster is Lostiriel, Maglind, Pelliwen, Thorhur, and then me." He frowns a little and looks to the ground. "Now that I think about it, it would probably wise to bring a healer." Looking up, he adds, "Do you know of any that might be convinced to come at this last moment?"

A frown creases Earsul's visage. "I suppose Ostiel might attempt the trip, though it seems to me that your numbers are already too great. Pelliwen is so young; I do not think it wise for her to be a party to this. This is no pleasure trip, but an urgent diplomatic envoy. Let her wait, and go with a larger party, when the Glirdain next venture across the mountains."

"I have purpose in bringing Pelliwen." Galharth says with a strange firmness. "She is young and seemingly unwilling to set upon a path." Shaking his head he looks down towards the ground and seems to consider soil that lies beneath their feet. "Optimistic as I am, her lack of focus is concerning." Looking up and into Earsul's face, his eyes mirror his words. "One such as she will surely fall first should the shadows press harshly at our borders, and I'd like to see she gains a chance."

"Keep a weather eye on her, then, if take her you must," Earsul replies with a sigh. "Speed and stealth must be your watchwords. Take no unnecessary risk." A shake of the head, then, "You know all this already, of course. Forgive me." Stepping out from his nook, he looks along the row of casks, noticing the darkness as if for the first time. "It grows late. Let me wish you good luck, mellon, in case I do not get another chance. May the blessings of the Valar go with you all."

"Good advice never needs an apology." Galharth says with a chuckle. "But I will indeed keep an eye upon the young lass." Pushing off from the barrel at his back, the Tailor nods his head. "Thank you Earsul, and I'll be sure to seek you out when we return. Till then, be well." With that, the Crafter turns and moves away from the wine press, heading towards the roadway and disappearing from sight.