4/9/2008

================== Eldarin Calendar <in Sindarin> ===================
IC time is: Dawn < About 6:38 AM >
IC day is: Orgilion <Stars-day>
IC date is: 41 Iavas <Autumn>
Moon phase: First Quarter <HIDDEN>
Earendil: Gil-Estel is not visible.
IC year is: Loa 19 o Yen 22, Nelandran o Endor <TA 3043>
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RL time: Wed Apr 09 12:12:50 2008
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Pasture
Looking around, you see something which stands out from all the forests: open space! Nestled here within these woods lies a large open meadow - obviously a pasture - ringed on all sides by the towering mallyrn of the surrounding forests. A surprisingly wide variety of domesticated animals wander freely about the field - mostly sheep and goats and small kine grazing in scattered groups across the meadow, and sleek horses trotting proudly about the area. Several dogs run about the field, but they seem more intent on romping than on herding the animals, which seem well content to stop of their own accord at the treeline, or to rest under the shade of the few oak trees scattered in the otherwise open land of the pasture. A few elven shepherds also wander about tending the animals, but like the dogs they seem to have little real work to do.

Looking eastward, you notice that the mallyrn aren't quite as thick as in the other directions. Peering closely between the trunks, you spot the sheen of the mighty Anduin river flowing sluggishly by, and can see flattened tracks where the animals have gone down to the river's edge to drink.

Contents:
Merilminas (Galharth)
Turwaithiel
Erynloth (Galadriel)

The warm light of dawn creeps over the pasture, and with it the soft cooing sounds of waking animals is there to greet the day. A nursing female dog, lies along the edge of the pasture, watching several lambs frolic about in play near two of her pups who seem set on pretending to herd the bouncing animals. Moving a slow circle around the pasture, as if inspecting the animals and the field, the Shepardess Merilminas hums a joyful tune. "All is well Gilgaris!" she calls out to the dog, who in turn quickly rises to her feet, spilling a nursing pups into a tumble of feet, ears and fur.

Turwaithiel had been enjoying the sight of the dawn comming over the pasture. She had not had a chance to be out of the city as much as she would have liked of late. It was indeed a peacfull scene and she allowed her mind to wonder. The sound of some calling a dog brough her back to where she was for a moment and she narrowly avoided steping on a ball of puppies. Looking up saw the source of the voice. "Good morning. Excuse I'll not be in the way but it seemed to lovely of a morning to spend inside walls."

It is not by any normal path that Erynloth, the Lady's Hunt Master (Mistress), arrives in the pasture, but by that of most resistance: along the banks of the Anduin. The tall elleth picks her way through the mud, her leather boots making soft sucking noises, until she comes to an animal track that leads away towards the grassy expanse. Once in the white morning light she is revealed to be tall and dark of complexion and hair. She wears a forester's armor of supple leather and carries a shortbow and quiver on her back.

The dog, Gilgaris barks several times, spinning in a circle as she does, alerting the Shepardess to the arriving visitor. The pups, keen to mimic what they can, also begin to bark with small yipping noises that seem to agitate the sheep.

"Hush now, Gilgaris, t'is one of our own," Merilminas says as she moves to greet the Hunt Mistress. "Well met and good tidings, Mellon!" she calls out as she wades her way through a sea of fluffy white lambs. "What brings you to the pasture this fine day?"

Erynloth raises a hand to greet the sheperdess and also nods a greeting in the direction of Turwaithiel. "Word of this boar continues to trouble my ears, mellon. True indeed, for there are tracks along the river not two days old. Perhaps he is losing his fear of the dogs." The hunter stoops to rub Gilgaris behind her ears.

Turwaithiel lefts a foot to avoiding steping on a puppy. She looks down at its brave effort a moment. "Well, aren't you a brave little one. The sheep will certinally be safe with you on watch." Steping over it moves further into the field. Taking in the view for a moment before saying anything. "Excuse me, I did not mean to interupt anything. It was just such a lovely morning that I could not bear to spend it behind walls.

A worried expression flickers over the Shepardesses face as she turns to look upon the hearding dog and then the playful litter of pups. "Gilgaris is still in a delicate state, mothering her pups and seeing to the herd. I worry that the Boar will harm them and the lambs." Merilminas says as she stoops to pick up a wiggling pup. "I could not bear to see harm come to them."

Gilgaris seems far from worry as her head tilts to the administrations of the Hunt Mistress. Her chin extends and her back right leg wiggles happily as her ear is rubbed.

Glancing to Turwaithiel, she smiles "All are welcome here in the Pasture, and to be honest, these young ones enjoy an opportunity to show off." The Shepardess says with a nod to the pile of pups who seem intent on a massive wrestling match.

The tall Erynloth stands again and surveys the field. "Perhaps he detects our herder's current state. I can bring some of the hunting hounds down to lend their scent to hers. That should put him off for a while. Of course..." She looks pointedly between the other two women, "There is only one final solution, and that is to bring him down, which is why I have come to you Merilminas." Even the stoic huntress is not immune to the indefatigable cuteness of puppies and she too stoops to grab one which is attacking her boot laces. "I wonder if you have seen the thing with your own eyes? Either of you?"

A voice risen in song heralds the coming of yet another one to the pasture, yet this one is not one of the Firstborn. Tall, with raven hair and eyes grey as the Sea, one of the Secondborn strides in the fair land of Lothlorien. His song is in Westron, and it seems to be wrought with sadness, as many tales of those who are mortal are, yet imbued with some hope. Thus comes Henleg, son of Mathadan, with his rumpled clothing which signals that he has spent many days in the wild lands, yet his eyes are clear and merry, and a smiles lightens his usually stern face.

Turwaithiel shakes her head. "I have not but I have hear tell of what has been happening. In truth I have had little chance to get beyond the gates of late." She glances at movement along the tree line and brings her attention back. The approach of another catches her eye and she stares for a moment as the sight of the new commer makes himself known. She blinks for a second before recovering herself.

Walking into the Pasture is Thorhur. His foot bares cloth bandages and his eyes sparkle. He scans those who are already here, and smiles. However, for the moment he stands amidst the grass silently, merely watching, with his cloak tight around him and his staff held loosely at his side.

"I've seen a shadow only," Merilminas says as he pats the pup in her arms on the nose as it tries diligently to both chew on her fingers and escape to return to its brothers and sisters. "T'was a massive shadow as it moved along the shore well past dusk. It snuffled and snorted in what seemed anger." As the little pup in her arms snarls fiercely at the elleth's fingernail, the crafter bends to sit the youth upon the ground near the others. "It scares....." she begins to add, though her words fall silent as another wanders nearby.

The Shepardesses brow furrows as she turns to the sound. "What is that horrible screeching?" She asks both Turwaithiel and the Hunt Mistress, not seeing Thorhur for the moment.

Erynloth winces as she turns her head towards the sound of the "singing". Upon recognition of the man, she frowns and shifts her furry charge from one arm to the other. It seems her initial thought is that she should just ignore the ranger and she continues, quietly in Sindarin, "The tracks indicate that it is very heavy. But none have gotten a clear look at him...I would just like to know how big the thing is before I go bounding after it."

As the crowd grows, Erynloth nods a greeting to Thorhur, but keeps a wary eye on Henleg.

Turwaithiel nods. "Indeed from what I hear of them you should not go after them lightly. OPerhaps if you had good dogs with you, still I would not go alone." She watches Henleg out of the corner of her eye not sure what to make of him and a bit curious of what he is doing here. "But I agree something ought to be done we do not want to begin to feel like this is its home. But there have been many strange things in the wood of late and not all of them boars from what I hear."

"Well met, elleths and ellons," Thorhur says softly, nodding greetings to each save the Secondborm, to whom he tilts his head and examines for a moment. Then, walking forward, he comes a bit closer to the crowd and asks, "Any news from the Borders? It has been long since I have seen them." Smiling, he scans the distant trees, then his gaze falls again on Henleg, whom he stares at with just a bit of a questioning gaze.

Glancing somewhat timidly at all the company gathered here in the pasture, Nioniel hangs back a bit from the others, standing beside one of the few mallyrn trees near the river. A shepherd dog trots over to the elleth and snuffles at her hand curiously - though obviously recognizing her - and she strokes its head gently before giving it a fond pat on the shoulder and moving forward.

Smiling, the seamstress strolls up to join those gathered and talking together, "Greetings, all of you," she says in her quiet, but cheerful voice "I hope I am not intruding or interrupting ... "

Catching sight of Henleg, her smile actually broadens a little and she adds, "Hello, again."

The singing stops as the Ranger spots the gathered elves. "Well met!", he calls in Sindarin, as he bows to them. "I am Henleg, son of Mathadan, a visitor to this land", he introduces himself for the sake of those he knows not. To Nioniel a nod and a warm smile are given, and to Thorhur also. Of news he speaks not, perhaps because he's waiting for the elves themselves to talk about news, perhaps because he doesn't have any.

"It would be wise to hunt with good company, should it prove to be more than one edhel can handle," Merilminas says in a low voice as she eyes the human. Taking note of both Thorhur and Nioniel's arrival, the pups seem thrilled as the little clumbsy pups spread out to tangle with both first and second born alike.

One little floppy eared beast sinks his teeth into the Sentinel's foot bandages, merrily tugging and growling as if fighting the most terrifying beasts. "Well met all," the Shepardess calls out at the Human's greeting. Strangely the pups seems enormously curious about the human, and playfuly tumble about at his feet as the each seek to sniff and nip at the strange visitors boots.

Erynloth does allow her puppy to get down and charge off with his siblings to investigate the newcomers. She, however, seems quite content to hold her ground and does not return the man's greeting. She nods in appreciation of both Merilminas' and Turwaithiel's comments, but otherwise assumes that silent and haughty pose that elves do so well.

Thorhur feels the sharp pang of the puppy's teeth in his bandages and jumps back. At first not knowing what it is, he mistakenly brings his foot down upon the dog, too late to realize what it is. By the time he sees what the beast was, he is too late, and his foot is already atop the puppy's tail.

Turwaithiel watches the pupies play and smiles at the new commers. "Good morning to both of you I hope it finds you well. I was saying it has been far to long since I fond my way out here." She pauses for a second with a sligh smirk before carrying on. "I do think that today shall be be better unless there is something lurking in yonder trees. But I think the worst that is there is deer perhaps a stray puppy or two." She glances at the other member of the gathering but says nothing.

Raising a quizzical eyebrow at the haughty countenance of Erynloth, Nioniel shakes her head a little as if not quite understanding her dislike for the ranger. Glancing briefly at Henleg, her expression is slightly curious, as if wondering whether the man is offended.

Merry laughter comes quickly from the elleth, however, when the pups scatter and begin playing and tumbling around all of their visitors. Suddenly gasping as Thorhur steps on the poor puppy's tail, she drops down near the little rascal and holds out her hands sympathetically.

Henleg smiles as the puppy plays at his feet, and then his gaze goes up to regard the elves. To Erynloth and Merilminas, and then to Turwaithel his gaze goes first, and there his smile diminishes for a moment, before going to Thorhur and Nioniel. "'Tis sad, even in this fair realm, that those who should be friends are estranged, and regard each other with distrust", he says, his voice mirroring the sadness of his eyes. "For this is proof enough that the darkness grows upon the land, and even those who were once fast friends have grown apart... I would that this would not be so among us, for I count the elves of Lothlorien to be true and friendly to those who are doomed to wander outside of these fair woods".

Merilminass eyes grow wide with concern as the small puppy yelps in pain. The pups mother, Gilgaris, perks her ears and narrows her eyes, emitting a soft growl as she slowly approaches her distressed offspring. As the she-dog nudges the whining pup towards Nioniel as if sensing that the little one need comforting. "Oh dear...." The Shepardess says softly, relaxing slightly as the scene calms. Turning towards the Hunt Mistress, she frowns slightly and she leans towards Erynloth. "Even Dinlom could use a trained hand should a hunt be scheduled." she says softly, adding in a laughing whsiper, "If anything, the human can be the first line between the boar and edhel..."

To the human, the crafter turns her gaze, "Thus is how my husband might speak, for he is of the Raavindonserke, and open to one and all with warmth and good will," the mistress of the pasture says with a smile, "But alas, as with all edhel, we are often divided on how to recieve our visitors. You are welcome, of that I assure you, but be wary for not all are pleased with either sight, smell, or sound of any not of the first born." Sweeping her hand, she chuckles softly, "Clearly the pups favor a human presence."

Galadriel shifts her stance slightly and meets the gaze of the ranger when it comes across her. At the sheperdess's suggestion she cannot help it when a corner of her lips edges upward for a moment. And she nods slightly in agreement with the other elleth's words before adding her own, "Our woods could not remain so fair, sir, if we trusted every poor soul who begged entry." She takes a step back and to the elves she says off-handedly, "Good day. Save room in your bellies for a fine boar roast." And with that, she turns around and returns the way she came, towards the river.

Erynloth shifts her stance slightly and meets the gaze of the ranger when it comes across her. At the sheperdess's suggestion she cannot help it when a corner of her lips edges upward for a moment. And she nods slightly in agreement with the other elleth's words before adding her own, "Our woods could not remain so fair, sir, if we trusted every poor soul who begged entry." She takes a step back and to the elves she says off-handedly, "Good day. Save room in your bellies for a fine boar roast." And with that, she turns around and returns the way she came, towards the river.

Turwaithiel looks toward the sound of the yip in time to see a puppy with a tail trapped under a foot. "Poor thing. Thorhur you stepped on him and you being so much bigger than the poor little thing." Seeing that the puppy was cared for she had the grace to look ashamed hearing the comments that had been uttered. "You are right. It not only you that would be treated thus, we rarely recieve visitors andwe are simply not used to their presence I fear, pay me no mind."

Sadness fills Nioniel's deep blue eyes and she stands and looks up at Henleg, now cradling the tread-on puppy in her arms: "I hope you know you can at least count myself as your friend ... I am not worth much as a fighter or warrior - I am just a seamstress after all - but I would stand up for you, and with you if you ever needed, sir."

With that uncharacteristically brave outburst from the elleth now finished, she blushes and looks back down at the puppy, who seems to enjoy being cuddled in her arms quite immensely.

Glancing up at Erynloth as she departs, Nioniel simply watches her go, again looking puzzled by the other's coldness.

Embarrassed by his actions, the Sentinel frowns, then slowly disappears.

Watching in silence as both Erynloth and Thorhur leaves, the crafters focust turns to the Seamstress. "He'll be fine," Merilminas says to Nioniel softly of the puppy, "Worry not,"

A smile emerges with Turwaithiel's words. "She is right friend," the Shepardess says as she nears the Secondborn. "So few of your kind are seen within our protected wood, but if the Lady deems you safe, then in fact you must be." Bowing her head she adds, "I am Merilminas, Shepardess of these woods."

To Nioniel a new smile is given. "Indeed, let us hope it never comes a time when we need to stand together to defend this fair realm. yet, if such a thing happens, rest assured that Henleg the Ranger will be by your side, until the end", he adds. A bow is then given to all, as the Ranger adds, "And now I must away, for there is someone waiting for me in Caras Galadhon. Namarie!" And with that Henleg turns and leaves, although now he does not sing anymore.

Turwaithiel watches him leave. "That was very odd. I had no idea that there where such people with in the wood. I wonder for what purpose he is here. I would like to think it is something postive but I have my doubts. Does either of you know why one such as he would be here?"

Merilminas glances towards Nioniel. "You seem familiar with that human. What word is there of him?" The Shepardess says, mirroring Turwaithiel's thoughts.

Looking relieved at the reassurance of the puppy's well-being, Nioniel smiles gratefully at Merilminas. The pup seems to have had his fill of cuddles now though, and he begins to squirm after Thorhur departs. Setting him on the ground, the elleth grins as he capers off after his siblings, quite recovered his nasty shock.

Turning to gaze after Henleg as he leaves, the elleth tilts her head to one side and sighs a little. Roused from whatever she was thinking as the ranger departed, Nioniel turns back to Turwaithiel and Merilminas: "I am a little familiar with him - though what word he brings, I cannot say much. He has come in some connection to the matter of a mysterious creature which has been traced to our realm, I believe. He arrived here a short while ago with Mithrandir, upon the great eagle, Raugsaul, you know."

Violet eyes grow wide, "Mithrandir? Here?" Merilminas says glancing from one elleth to the other, "What form of foul creature could draw the company of such guests? Certainly it must be horrifying and most foul." Drawing a hand to her throat, the Shepardess glances to the river. "Do you suppose it is safe for me, so far removed from the city and all residents save the dogs and sheep?" Worry flickers in the elleths expression and she seems highly concerned.

Turwaithiel nods. "I had heard as much." She pauses and admins herself. "I mean I knew Mithrandir was here but not for what. Well whatever he is here for it bodes ill, mark my words. Rarely does such visitors hearld anything but. I supposse we would have heard if it was meant for us to know." She looks at Nioniel curoiusly for a moment before shaking her head briefly to clear her thoughts. "I am sure you are fine if it where not safe you would have heard word by now."

Worry is plain to see in Nioniel's own expression as the shepherdess speaks and voices her concern. However, trying to sound brave, she turns to Turwaithiel and says with strength, and an attempt at conviction: "I think we should all be wary and watchful, of course ... But faith should be put in those who guard our realm so steadfast and courageously." She pauses and scans the pasture, taking in the many carefree and happy animals playing and enjoying themselves there before turning her gaze to Merilminas sympathetically and adding, "Besides, there are rangers near at hand without our borders. There are many eyes watching out for our wellbeing right now."

"Too often my husband tells me not, so not to worry me," Merilminas says with a quivering lip. "He assures me often that the guard keep the borders and all that breech it are dispatched quickly, but...." He pauses "Do either of you remember the days of havoc? Back to the days before Amroth let us? Twas all manner of beast and creature that harrassed these fair woods." Her worried gaze flickers between the two other crafters and tears form in her eyes. "Do you suppose Mithrandirs attentions on this matter are calling back to a time such as that?" Her glance turns to her herd. "For me, as is it is with others, a call to find shelter in the city might come too late."

Sensing the shepherdess is beginning to panic, Nioniel bites her lip and looks torn over what to do. Her gaze darts around the general area as if trying with some difficulty to find inspiration for some comforting words to impart. However, she finds nothing, and her eye returns to Merilminas: "If you are so worried ... perhaps I can bring a message to the city for you? I can tell them you are concerned over the safety of your flocks and herds - perhaps quite a few would willingly volunteer to come hither and help keep watch?

Turwaithiel shakes her haed. "Calm yourself I do not think it is as bad all that. True these days there are many a dark creature about. But we are safe here nothing will happen to us with in the borders. Likey as not there is trouble in a near by land. You know all sorts of things are always happening there and the lady needs to be aware is all." She scans the field for a moment before returning her attnetion to the group. "If there where something really horrid we would have heard of it by now."

"Worried I am indeed!" Merilminas says as her hand remains firmly over her chest. "Until this time, the Lord and Lady, through the efforts of the Guard have well kept the safety of our borders." Pausing, her worried gaze flickers between the two other elleths. "But then I remember, the organized words not to worry, and then so many abandoning the wood to seek the sea and the undying lands. Confidence was high that the invasion was nothing, and yet, when it came, even our beloved Amroth departed." Reaching down to scratch her dogs ear, she adds, "It is just as it was.... mark my word."

Turwaithiel shakes her head. " I promise you whatever is going on it is not as bad as all that. And by some sad chance it is then even that did not last for ever. You have heard nothing to make you believe it is so bad yes? If we were in that much danger we would have heard of it by now. There are to many loose tongues in the wood to keep it secrete for long. We will have to wait and see what the reson behind this visit is I fear."

A sorrowful sigh escapes Nioniel, not liking to hear such dire words, and supposing that she has been the cause of all the worry. "I seem to bring darkness with my news," she says grimly, turning to leave the pasture, "I did not mean to worry anyone ... and I wish that you would take heart in those who remain yet to defend the land - hope is not dead for those who remain and go on living."

Shaking her head a little, the seamstress takes hold of her skirt, lifting the hem slightly off the ground: "Namarie, to both of you. Please forgive me for bringing trouble to your minds today."

With that said, Nioniel hurries away from the pasture, not wishing to cause any more trouble for one day.

"I hear much here along the borders, sounds, smells, and sights of shadows trailing in the distance." Merilminas says as she wraps her arms around herself with a shiver. Glancing to the distant shore, she sighs. "Alas, when it does come, it will likely be me or one of the others that faces it first." Waving a good by to Nioniel, the elleth turns to Turwaithiel. "Perhaps I should train in at least a bow to protect myself." Tilting her head, she asks, "Do you train?"

Turwaithiel shakes her head. "Alas I do not. I have only used one only on rare days. But I am sure that there would be someone willing to help you. Yes I have heard tell of the thing at the border but as far as I heard no one seems to know what it is. Perhaps that is the reason for our guests."

"It is a matter of warriors I fear," Merilminas says softly as she continues to hug herself. "As it always seems to be. Gone are the days of gentle tidings and simple pleasures such as lambs and tending the farm." Smiling, she tilts her head towards the other. "I have heard tell that they look to move the forges. What do you think of this?"

Turwaithiel pauses to cllect her thoughts. "Aye they mean to after the fire. It is not a bad idea every one is crowded together and the forges does make it queit hot for every one else. I think that they would be glad to have moved a distance. As for me it simply means there are less people to get under foot. It is good for all involved."

A soft laugh follows the elleth's reply. "Ah yes, folks mean little harm when they visit, but I understand fully at the delays caused when ones attention is distracted. Still...." Merilminas says as she looks around the pastures, "I imagine you'll come to long for some measure of company when the nigh grows cold and the sound take on sounds of memories past." Looking back to Turwaithiel, she shrugs. "I only wish the pastures was closer to the stables so I might see my husband more often."

Turwaithiel laughes. "Perhaps I will some day. But there is plenty of time to think of such things. Besides I feel pity for any one who finds their self saddled with me. I can understand that must be hard to see go so long without seeing him. But that must make the time spend with him all that more enjoyable."

"Indeed, I treasure the moments, but as with so many others, my husband finds his work great comforth." Giggling softly she sweeps her hands towards the pups, "It seems that these will ever be my children due to long times when my love and I are together."

"Anyway, Mellon, I must return to my duties and it's time for me to round the pasture to assure that the lambs are safe." Pausing she steps away, "Feel free to stay and play with the pups if you like, till then, your company has been most wonderful." With that the Shepardess departs, moving away from the path to go round the pasture.