Aegnor's Tower

Inner Courtyard
A wide grassy ring surrounding the impenetrable tower inside its massive wall.

In the curve of the same, there is a thick door of heavy stone like the rest of the wall, leading to the rougher, more wild outside. The grass here is green, seemingly fair and ageless, and the air is thin, causing those not used to such a place to move slowly or breath much. There is not much landscaping, one might note, as if what arts had rendered this area verdant were then left powerless to make it even more beautiful.

Night, a short time after sunset. Lights from the tower windows illuminate the surrounding area below, and within the courtyard, the fires of several camps can be seen, attesting to the numbers that gather there.

Andranar sits, cloaked, near one of the walls, watching the still camps. One of the camps at the Tower's courtyard is a cluster of grey tents where a silver and blue banner flies in the night's breeze. In their center a small fire burns brightly, but only one or two figures are near it. Some distance from the blaze, a substantially larger group of mail-clad, gray and brown cloaked elf-warriors has gathered and the rumor of their voices in animated conversation drifts away in the night. Yet, little or no laughter goes with the sounds of the talking. Among those speaking is Angadil. After a while he detaches from the others and starts striding across the yard towards the tents of the Edain of Dor-Lomin.

Teigril kneels beside a small fire, feeding it..the flames striking up.. She moves a small kettle nearer the center of the fire, and pulls Tat onto her lap.Sitting back on her heels, she looks around the courtyard.

Andranar watches this figure detatch from the main group, and then the woman moving near the other fire. He rises, oncoiling from his seat, and makes his way to join them. As he nears hearing range he speaks, "Mae govannen." and then adds, "You arrived safely enough, mellon? But though we find things better perhaps, than expected, it seems a grim night."

"Suilaid, Andranar" Angadil stops in his walking, near now to the fire where Teigril is "And Lady Teigril" he adds with a slight bow in her direction "Grim night indeed. Much has happened here that is cause for grieving and who knows what the future still holds... And yet, as you say, things here are not as bad as we imagined..."

Teigril looks up, "Aye. yet where freinds gather, all is not dark." she moves the small kettle to the edge and looks up, a soft laugh..and, "The tea..my tea, tis ready. Would you both join me?" She reaches for cups..before they even answer..then pauses hand outstretched..

Andranar nods. "It seems the Beor have handled their siege without need of aid this year. And if the yrk are on the move again, they did not slow your party's travel. And the traitor Clah may have been run to ground at last." His voice then lowers, "And Curufin the Crafty is here and about."

Angadil takes the two or three steps that still separated him from the fire and leans down to receive the cup of steaming tea, smiling "I thank you, Lady. Your brew is, as always, most welcome" Then he turns slightly to face Andranar, the smile becoming faint as Orcs or perhaps the Son of Feanor are mentioned, and nods slowly "Some of those are certainly hopeful tidings. But some others may prove mixed" Angadil's smile vanishes somewhat "In their retreat the Yrch are likely to travel northwards and trouble our borders, mayhaps..."

Teigril hands Andranar a cup..and lifts her own, the steam swirling before her face.."North... I suppose they might?" her forehead creases in a frown and she looks into the fire... then looks at Andranar "This Son of Feanor..Curufin, I heard him called? I know nothng of him..

Andranar nods, "I'd be of like mind." He smiles faintly and with little humor as Curifin is again mentioned, "Very mixed indeed." He nods to Teigril, as he moves closer to the fire and takes the offered cup, "You heard right, though the less you know of him the better, perhaps." His brow creases.

Angadil sips slowly from his cup and watches the columns of steam whirl and dance before he speaks again "He bears the same name as his father. The name Feanor received first and used little: Curufinwe, Skillful Finwe. From the father he also inheritted some of the skill in the crafting of things and some of his temper..." He lets the words trail off.

Andranar nods, and smiles faintly, "Aptly said." He regards the liquid contents of his cup and then adds darkly, "My own dealings with him have been less than even."

Teigril sips her tea, looking over the cup.."I think, I shall not make too much effort to know him well.."she smiles, "If you two have not had easy times with him, I can imagine my own.."

"Most would say the same" Angadil assents as Andranar speaks "I have had little or none to do with him... I wonder what brings him here..." He sips again from the cup "He is, however, the father of a worthy son: Celebrimbor. Do you know if he is here, perchance? I would like to have word with him if he were... Not that father and son always travel together..."

Teigril tilts her head, looking up at the elf.."I heard few names..but the son, he is not like his father then? You sound as though you feel he has honor.." She shrugs.."The word..I do not mean to insult..only .." Her hand moves over the cat's fur..stroking it gently.

Andranar nods again, "That might be the easiest course." he then frowns, "I think he travels alone this time, though I haven't heard very much since we arrived."

Andranar, Teigril, and Angadil are gathered near a fire by the Dor-lomin tents.

A darker patch of darkness than the surrounding night approaches, and Hallandir steps into the light thrown by the camp-fire, in seeming good humour. He bows in greeting to the three present, and walks over to the fire, his back to them as he warms himself.

Andranar nods to the newcomer, "Good eve, Hallandir. How does it find you?"

"From what I have seen and from what I have heard Celebrimbor is unlike his father" Angadil states simply, neutrally "Save, perhaps, in the love for the crafting and the skill in it. And even in that some say he will surpass him soon, if he does not already..." He pauses and essays a smile, a dry one "I do not deal praise lightly on Feanor's kin. I have little reason to esteem them, that I will not hide from friends as you...Yea, some could say I could claim a feud with them... But I will not." Then he stops and nods "Suilaid, Hallandir"

Andranar smiles a little, "There's enough bad feeling between us and them already. Lomendaur and I had a few harsh words with Feanor's son upon our arrival, but that is now past, and I hope, put aside. For now, so long as I am not forced to have many dealings with them, or to fight within their ranks, I seek no greater quarrel." He gestures dismissively, "But surely we have better things to speak of, and not to dwell on this longer than need be?"

Hallandir turns from the fire, and approaches the small group. "Good eve, Andranar...and it finds me well indeed" he adds with a smile, heightening the impression of good humour. He turns to Angadil and bows again. "Well met, Lord Angadil." Slowly, he sinks to the ground, sighing as he leans his back against a log and stretches his leather encased legs towards the fire.

Teigril nods, "I do wonder though..would he be going to Rivil?" she sips her tea as though thinking.."With the traveling, we have visited little. And Andranar, has been on trips we did not share..what news have you that has not beenshared?"

Angadil nods to Andranar "Indeed. Curufin is here, we are here. But since the siege is broken we may thead different paths soon" The tone of his voice showing clearly that is something he will not regret "But, aye, what further news you have, Farwander" Angadil adds the name he's heard given to Andranar by his own folk with a smile.

Andranar shrugs, "I overheard some talk of him going back to Himring, which I would not seek to sway if he would go." He looks to Angadil, "Some of your folk would go to council with Maedhros?" Then he shakes his head. "I do not have much of a tale.. As Angadil and I spoke of earlier, the yrk are moving again in Ard-Galen. What else I've heard would be little more than rumor and half-truths at best."

Teigril bites her lip, her forehead creasing, "If the yrch move north, as Angadil was thinking..we may have a hard time getting past to home? We are a small party so perhaps we may slip through?

Andranar nods. "That, or beat them to the pass. We are few, and could travel faster than they in numbers, though it may be risky." He frowns, "Though they've been driven away here, there are still a few matters to tend to in Dorthonion. I think the Beor will leave for Rivil ere long though."

Hallandir speaks from where he leans against the log. "Mayhaps a few of us could travel the path ahead of the main party first, Andranar to make certain it is safe? It would be folly to walk into danger blindly, not knowing what lies ahead."

Angadil frowns as well, fleetingly, and a keen light flickers in the grey elven eyes. But soon his features are smoothed back and his voice is even when he speaks "I will not go to Himring if I can help it" He states "We have diplomats that serve the High King in such fashion, diplomats whose brethren did not wed maidens of the Teleri perhaps... But I chose another manner of service. I should return now to Barad-Eithel and carry word of the retreating Orcs there..." Angadil speaks to no one in particular, almost thinking aloud.

Andranar nods. "I would advise against splitting the group too much. We did not leave with many, and if some go on to Himring, we will be even fewer. But we still have our man in the hills, Dunnelor, who may be able to aid us, or others of like nature. If we stay any time in Rivil, knowing what is before us would be valuable indeed." He nods to Angadil, "Aye. You are not alone in wishing to stay clear of those realms. I told Almar I would go with him to Rivil, and see Maegwyn buried, but then we should hie for home, I think." He spreads his hands, "But I choose no corse for any but myself."

Aresmar walks out of one of the Mithrim tents and sees many friends talking, and approaches them with slow movement not to break conversation.

Teigril smiles at Aresmar and Halladir, "Did you wish a cup of tea? It is an old blend..I'd be pleased to have your opinion.." and she reaches for cups, waiting their replies. "Aye, it is only proper..our going to see here laid to rest. Rivil, it will seem strange, after so long, to walk the cobbles..and see the keep.." Staring at the fire, Teig seems to go..somewhere far away for a bit..then shakes herself and smiles.."that tea.."

Hallandir smiles in reply. "Some tea would be welcome, Lady. Mayhaps it will help ward off the cold." He leans forward, extending his hand for the cup.

Aresmar hearing the voice of Teigril turns and says "Thanks lady, it would be great." than extends his hand after Hallandir to get his.

Teigril's words manage to bring a milder smile to Angadil's face "Rivil... Many memories I have of that stronghold... Good and glad most of them. Friendship and victories... and your brews, Lady Teigril... " He sighs "Now it seems I would add a sad one... Alas for Maegwyn!"

Night, a small group formed by Teigril, Andranar, Hallandir, Aresmar and Angadil is gathered in quiet conversation around a fire among the tents of the Men of Dor-Lomin.

Andranar smiles at the scouts, and then to Teigril, "It seems you gather a new host who thirst for your hot brews." He laughs a little, but then his mood is cut short and he nods to Angadil, "That place will be emptier without her. Though I'd see that her presence stays on there." He coughs and looks into the darkness.

Calelia wanders into the area of the conversing group. She seems more relaxed than she did earlier, as she knows those present. "Mae govannen, mellyn!"

Teigril sips her tea, "It makes many friends..the tea. I only carry it about.." She says softly, "She will yet be many places..not the least at Rivil. A cairn is it that Almar plans? I have not spoken with him much as yet. I would like to remember her in the woods I think..behind a tree, peering out at the world with those eyes of hers.." She raises her cup..as though to drinkk.. "She will be missed by more than Almar.." at Calelia's greeting she looks up ..smiling now.. Mae Govannen.. Join us for hot tea..and a bit of friendly talk.."

Andranar nods to Calelia, "Suilaid, Hiril." He nods, "That is his plan, I think. I know of a good place, if he'd have it.." He muses, then adds, "But I have not spoken with him much either.. How do you think he fares?"

Aresmar returns a smile to Andranar and than to Teigril. "I agree, A hot tea in a cool night surely makes friends." than turns to Cal "Mae govannen, lady" than sips his tea.

Calelia smiles and settles herself down on the ground, tucking her feet up underneath her. She smiles, "I would love a cup of your tea...if I may trouble you for it." She gets comfortable and listens to the conversation.

Angadil sips and finishes his own cup of the tea. He bows at the waist as Calelia approaches "Mae govannen, Lady Calelia".

Hallandir turns as the elven lady seats herself, bowing as well as he may while seated, and murmurs, "Mae govannen, Lady."

Andranar smiles, sipping at the drink. He laughs softly, and gestures expansivly, including the whole group, though he addresses Angadil mostly, and Teigril perhaps, "Aye, hot tea on a cold night. We spent a lot of nights like this, at Aeluin and Rivil.." he says quietly.

"Tis no trouble..M'lady, tis a pleasure rather.." and she reaches to tip the pot and fill another cup. She reaches to hand it to Calelia, "I think he is holding up..yet, I am not sure if he needs to talk, or needs a little more silence to ease his heart. I hope to spend some time with him on the trip down to Rivil." Tieg smiles softly at Andaranar's words.."around a fire by the wagon..and tea or mulled wine..so many nights like that, and pleasant memories they make.." She looks at the cups Andranar and Angadil hold.."There is more in the pot.." her eyes holding the question..

Calelia takes a sip of her tea, then sets it down. She flops down on her back, stretches her arms over her head and sighs loudly. "Ahhhh! This feels so good after a long journey." She giggles, looking up at the sky, "You know, the world looks different from here."

Angadil hands his cup back to Teigril with an absent smile "Tea will do for me. And thank you once more" He remains then pondering her words and addresses

Calelia "I do not think we can fully figure what marriage is for the Hildor. Nor they for us..."

A large grey horse gallops noisily into the courtyard from the south. Barely has it stopped before the rider slides gracefully from its bare back. Seeming out of breath, and generally exhausted, he gives the briefest of nods to those seated before travelling quickly to the side of Angadil, squatting down to speak to the knight. "Rochir, I bring grave news from the Barad Eithel."

Aresmar takes his last sip from the tea and turns to Teigril and smiles "Can I take another cup if we have enough?" than see the horse coming speedily.

Andranar smiles, his expression thoughtful, and perhaps a bit sad. "I morn for Maegwin, but Almar mourns more I know.." He regards his cup, "Fires now burned down, and tea that is dregs?" he looks to Teigril, "I am glad for your tea and company, though in truth, it is not so sweet as that served at my own hearth." He smiles sadly and looks to Calelia and Angadil, "DO you think there is no chance of ever knowing, mellyn?" But then any answer is cut short as the rider arrives. Andranar stands, turning towards this herald.

Teigril looks up at the hoofbeats, and as the rider speaks, her eyes grow dark, and worry lines furrow her forehead. She studies the man, but is no one that she knows. She looks at Aresmar with a smile, "There is plenty, and more to be made if we need.." she says, reaching for his cup and leaning to tip the golden liquid from the pot. As she hands it back, she glances once more at Angadil and the rider.

Calelia sits up as the rider arrives, becoming very alert.

Angadil frowns deeply, regarding the messenger that comes in such haste and his horse, both bearing tell-tale signs of a hard ride "Grave? They must be. By your steed's looks you've ridden hard. Speak then,... Tulgo" He adds as his gaze falls upon the herald's devices, thus revealing his title.

Earsul nods at Angadil's words, pausing to take a deep breath of the thin air before speaking. "Aye sir, I have ridden hard, but it is still three days since I left the Eithel." He halts a moment to phrase the tidings in his head before speaking them. "Our patrols detect ever increasing signs of activity by the yrch, and while there had been no skirmishes when I left, that was three days ago now, and their numbers have been steadily increasing in the land about the fortress - although from the south rather than the north." The news delivered, he stands ready for a response from the knight, and summons his horse, ready to ride back in haste if need be.

Aresmar frowns when the stranger says "yrch". He gazes at the fire as if looking to his past memories he drops the cup of tea holding in his hand to the grassy floor.

Angadil falls silent for a while, then looks up to Andranar "It is indeed a grim night. Those words of you were a foreboding... What do you think? It is as we feared? It would seem so... the Orcs flee northwards and they seek easir prey for their rapacity in the farm-folk of the Ered Mithrim?" He looks back to Earsul "You rest now, Tulgo. Riding now would kill or lame that horse..." He pauses again "It seems we, the Ohtari of Mithrim should perhaps speed our return... Yet I am loth to leave you with a diminished escort..."

Andranar raises a hand, "That is news indeed." He glances to Angadil, "I will leave this matter to you, but.." He looks over Earsul's sweat caked steed, and nods. "Your horse is half dead, and will drop ere you've riden six leagues from here less I miss my guess. And the beast will catch chill in this air.. If nothing else, stable it for now, and we'll find you another mount if need be."

He glances towards the stables. He shrugs, "You're lucky to have made it so far in the darkness over rocky ground. Let us council and if we'd ride, ride at daylight?"

Teigril listens quietly, studying the horse.. She looks up at

Andranar as he speaks, "Truly, itis a wonder..you were not injured in the dark. It would seem, we may be needed home as well."

Calelia looks up, recognising Earsul. "Mae govannen, Earsul." She hurries over to him..."Are you alright? Can I get you anything?" She hugs him in greeting.

Earsul nods at Angadil's words, looking relieved that he will be allowed to rest, at least a short while, and then smiles to his fellow aide. "Mae govannen, Calelia." He takes a quick sniff of the air. "If that is tea I can smell, then a cup would be most welcome, mellon."

Calelia shows Earsul over to Teigril. "Teigril, meet Earsul."

Calelia says, "Teigril makes the wonderful tea."

Andranar now looks over the rider, "Make no mistake, it's good to see you again, Earsul. And I'm glad for the news, if not glad that's what brought you." He gestures to the fire, "Your horse will be tended to. Now share our fire, and a cup of tea then."

Angadil nods to Andranar as he speask, though still studying the messenger "He speaks wisely, Tulgo. You have my gratitude for the promptness of the delivery of those tidings. May I have your name in exchange?" He says with a smile "Now eat and rest" Turning to Andranar he frowns again "Good counsel you give, mellon. Whatever needs to be done will have to wait for tomorrow. But I will spread word of alert among my comrades in arms now" He gestures towards the group of elf-warriors still near the grey tents of Mithrim "So, if I may have your leave"

Teigril rises, "We shall see you soon, I would hope. Tat purrs aroud herankles..

Andranar nods, smiling still though his face is drawn. He looks to Hallandir and Aresmar, "It may be we will bide here but a short time then." He turns back to Angadil, "We will talk mor of this ere dawn, but go to your warriors. Whatever happens, may Orome guide you.."

The rays of the rising sun stream over the Ered Luin, bathing Dorthonion with light and warmth. Day has dawned.

Calelia looks around at her companions and their solemn faces. "I can't handle it anymore. Please, can we put aside the gloom for just a few moments. Look...the sun is rising..." Her voice fades as she is awed by the sunrise.

Aresmar than rises his head as if he is waking from a dark dream when he hears the voice of Andranar "Yes I think we may stay a while to see the tidings." Than turn to Calelia standing and tries to smile.

Andranar smiles gently, "Forgive me and mine for our heavy words and dark manners, Lady. Mayhap we've been at this so long we know little else." He sighs, "But you are right. We should greet the day with gladness, if we may only hold the mood for a moment or two."

Teigril sets her cup down, and raises her hand to stifle a yawn, "At last I grow sleepy. The trip was rought enough..but the damp..." she yawns, "If you will forgive, I wouldn find my bed.."

Aresmar looks to the Quende near Calelia, and stands up than greets "Mae govannen, mellon I am Aresmar, scout of Dor-Lomin"

Earsul smiles to the man, bowing slightly in greeting. Mae govannen, mellon. I am Earsul, Aide to Ambassador Lumenar."

Calelia collapses back on the grass and stares up at the brightening sky. Giggling, she stretches out.

Andranar stands, watching the fire and the folk gathered around it for a few moments longer. Then he drains his cup and sets it by the hearth. "Enjoy the morning if you may, mellyn. I'd go to see what preparations may be made then." He smiles, and nods deeply, before turning to cross the courtyard towards the other camps, and the towers halls beyond.

Aresmar smiles at Earsul "You are tired enough we may sit and sip our teas a while or may you want to rest?" than sits near the fire and get another cup of tea from the pot. Than turns to look after Andranar "Later, friend I will rest and sip a little more" than turns to face fire again gazing it.

Earsul smiles, taking a seat by the fire. "I will gladly take a cup of tea, mellon."