8/20/2008

East Road- Deep Cutting West of the Bruinen

The road sinks deeper and deeper into a cleft in the stone that brings it down to the level of the river. The shade is deep through what almost seems a tunnel, walled by moist red stone. The Pine trees cover this long cut thoroughly, but the sounds of water can be heard to the east, while the land seems to rise to the west. All sounds, foot steps, horse hooves, and even voices, echo somewhat here.

Contents:
Galharth
Thorhur



The moon rises through the mists that have settled in the low places of the Bruinen Valley. The fogs curl and twist, giving the place an ominous look. The night is cold, the stars dimmed.

The grass rustles, the only sign that someone is near. If is friend or foe is hard to tell, for the grass is tall.

Movement in the fog, and a soft hum of contentment echos gently as a figure comes into view along the road. Pausing his step, the Tailor looks upwards and smiles as the light of the moon reflects upon his face. "We're close now, soon the children will have their parents and we'll be once again on our way home." Galharth mutters aloud to no one in particular.

A head appears from amidst the sea of grass, indeed the face of the firstborn. He moves towards the Tailor slowly, coming to stop a few feet away. "They are lovely children." The voice is that of Thorhur, and as he speaks a smile plays across his face. "I have spent some time with them. The boy is especially troublesome. In a way I am quite reminded of you and Maglind when I look at them." He winks before turning his head up towards the sky.

Turning to the sound of Thorhur's voice, the Craftsmaster tilts his head. "These human children remind you of the Marchwarden and myself?" Galharth says, making no effort to disguise his curiosity on the comparison. "I'd certainly like to hear how this is so."

Shaking his head, the Tailor turns his gaze back to the sky. Sighing softly he releases his breath slowly. "While the same, the stars seem so different than they are at home. It is almost as if they sing a special song to the Dreamflower. Strangely, I miss the wood like no other time I've traveled."

Thorhur grins, amused by the Tailor's reaction. "The children are always getting into trouble. The girl snuck into my tent a couple nights ago, and I found her brother poking through my belongings. I am reminded of you and Maglind because you two always get into trouble around the Wood. Don't worry, though, you two are much sneakier than the kids."

Without looking towards the Marchwarden, the Knight contemplates his words and then nods. "They are much brighter over the Golden Wood. Here they seem dimmed, almost veiled. I do too miss the mellyrn though." He sighs. "At least we are not too far away now."

Lowering his head to peer into the mists that swirl around them, almost as if he is viewing a vision within the fog, the Craftmaster remains silent for several long moments. "Is this how you view us then? Ever caughti in one matter of trouble and then to another?" Looking up his eyes narrow slightly, "And sneaky? Clearly I do not understand what you're implying." Is the Tailor's feeling hurt? Is there a hint of defensiveness in his words? Or is a trick being laid out before the trickster? Nothing is revealed in the ellon's expression.

Looking away, almost as if dismissing the comparison, Galharth shakes his head. "Far enough that the stars do not sing their song as they do at home," Shrugging his shoulders, he adds, "Perhaps I'll find some comfort in Rivendell."

The Knight's smile broadens. "You are taking my words too seriously, Galharth. I am simply implying that you two create friendly mischief while being inconspicuous. If there is another meaning, then surely you are looking at this simple joke from a different view than I am."

"Perhaps" Galharth says flatly, "Or perhaps I get defensive when there is mention of trouble surrounding myself or the Marchwarden." A soft shrug of his shoulders followed by a heavy moment of silence is suddenly broken by the soft cries of young children. "Ah, it seems the young ones call, and I promised to cover their needs for a short time." Turning to the Knight he nods his head before heading off to the tent and the crying children.