================== Eldarin Calendar <in Sindarin> ===================
IC time is: Midday < About 12:37 PM >
IC day is: Oranor <Sun-day>
IC date is: 22 Ethuil <Spring>
Moon phase: Full <HIDDEN>
Earendil: Gil-Estel is not visible.
IC year is: Loa 17 o Yen 22, Nelandran o Endor <TA 3041>
----------------------------------------------------------------------
RL time: Wed Jun 20 13:12:39 2007
=====================================================================
Vale of Isengard: Outside of the Ring of Isengard
Standing before the Ring of Isengard, an imposing stone wall rises up before you. Imposing, and intimidating, the Ring Wall forms a half-circle against Mount Methedras and protects the Tower of Orthanc within. It is more than one-hundred feet tall and appears to be several feet thick. Clearly, this is a very old structure. There is only one entrance, or at least only one entrance that can seen. The visible entrance is a large, dark tunnel which delves into the depths of the enormous stone wall. Huge iron gates and portcullis are closed against visitors and look like they rarely open. Outside the wall are groves of ancient oaks and elm trees. A deep green field of grass surrounds the tree trunks, providing a warm and inviting country setting. With the warm sun shining overhead, all appears quiet in the field.

The Great Gates of Isengard are open.

Contents:
Galharth
Rhibi
=====================================================================

Clouds fill the sky; puffy and white and innocent at first, now they crowd together and turn a darker grey. But there are still patches of clear blue between and around them, and here and there, the sun shines through. It is a still, peaceful scene - green grass blowing in a small breeze, newly-opened leaves fluttering through light and shadow, a few nearly invisible tents turning a patch of shade a hint darker.

From the gates that are shut before Orthanc, a young elf comes skipping. "Galharth!" he calls, his clear musical voice ringing through the air. "Come and look what I have found!"

Looking up from his journal, Galharth smiles at Rhibi's call. "There is much to find." He says, closing the tome and tucking it neatly in the pouch at his waist. Taking several steps forward, the clothier looks about. "Show me what you've found."

Eagerly, Rhibi dances up to the elder elf and reaches to take his hand. "Here," he urges. "It is this way." Then, running ahead, he calls back. "It is a very large rock! And look!" He stops near the wall and runs his hand along it, almost reverently. "See the colors? They swirl - it is almost like the Alqualonde, don't you think? And here..." His fingers trace a vein of light granite sparkling with fool's gold. "It is the fountain!"

Dutifully following the youth, Galharth laughs as they approach the wall. "Like visions in the clouds, or the designs of tea leaves in a cup," he teases. Upon reaching the wall, the clothier raises a hand and lightly traces the design described. "Well, I'll be..." he mutters softly as he peers closer. "I see what you mean."

Glancing towards Rhibi, he raises a brow. "Have you found anything other than this wall? I'm sure it's safe to endulge in a little exploration."

Rhibi's face is alight with interest and delight. He pats the rock proprietorially and looks wistfully at the great wall it is embedded in. "It is a pity we cannot take it with us," he says sadly, "And show it to the Lady. Do you not think she would like it?" His green eyes lift to Galharth's and he grins disarmingly. "Well, there are trees that way, but you can see them from here; and I saw a little pond, I think. And around there, is the gate. But it is always shut. Do you think Curunir has forgotten we are here? I saw a rabbit in the grass; it was eating clovers. Do you think we could go hunting? Maybe there are deer here."

Chuckling softly, the clothier shakes his head. "I do not think that Curunir would take kindly to the taking of a rock from his wall. Perhaps you can take a moment to draw its likeness, or perhaps write a poem describing it so that you might show the Lady with either a picture or with words what you've seen."

Again Galharth laughs at Rhibi's quick firing dialog. "No, I do not think we've been forgotten, I just....." Just as he speaks, the gates creak slightly and open. Turning quickly, in surprise, he takes a step forward. "Well, there you go, we've been given entrance, even if it's not a particularly warm welcome."

"A poem!" the boy exclaims. "I shall write a ... " He whirls around at the sound and, for just an instant, stares into the opening; then darts past Galharth. "Oh, let us go and see!" he says gleefully.

Fade to black