A Busy Night By The Fire

Somber Pine Forest
You have wandered beneath the eaves of a dark boreal forest beginning here in the Dorthonion lowlands and rising southward. Gloom prevails here even in the brightest day, and the thick carpet of pine needles underfoot helps to lend this are an unearthly silence which is more than a little unnerving. The trunks of the closely set great pines march on endless here, grey and somber..watching?..

The camp is quieter now, dinner over and people turning in, or talking in relaxed tones. Only the sentries around the camp are tense and poised. Rhiana comes back from checking on the watch, having taken the empty pot of food and the dirty utensils back to the main fire on the way. As she returns to the small fire, she sees only Teigril still there. Checking to see that her longbow is still well placed near at hand, she sits back down, adjusting the sword. Turning to look at Teigril, she asks quietly. "Did Almar turn in for the night?"

Himros emerges from a simple tent of his own; it appears less regal and kept than the others. The man himself, with tattered garb and unshaven face, also seems to be a misfit among fine company, but a rare two-handed sword is on his back in a sheath. No common man could afford such weaponry. He walks restlessly about the night, and meanders through the throng of tents to the fire place and sits down opposite the two already speaking.

Andranar stands still just outside the circle of firelight, silent and unmoving among the trees. Now and then he turns his head back towards the camp, but for the most part, he looks out into the darkness.

Rhiana nods at Teigril's words. "He is a good man, and I know this is hard on him. When we met at the Tower, I thought it perhaps a good thing, for he needed to speak of his loss. I could undstand, since I lost my husband in a raid 5 year ago. But even so.." She glances up as another of the camp join them, one unknown to her. "Good evening, sir. Tis welcome you are, if you wish for company or conversation."

Teigril nods at Rhiana's words.."Please join us..we are having a last cup of tea and easy conversation. The night is pleasant by the fire.." Teig looks at Rhiana, "You too have suffered loss then.. Good for both perhaps, that you might share that. It is hardest to be alone..so alone, when you lose someone dear." Tieg stares a moment at the fire..then looks back across the fire.. "Andranar? I did not see you come.."

Himros looks up at the sound of Rhiana's voice, a stranger, and becomes confused, lost, and bewildered. He stands and moves around the fire towards the Dorthonion lady and bows, "I am Himros of no title, at your service, if I can render any." He also notes the familiar face, Teigril, but makes no sign of recognition. "D-did you speak of Lord Almar?" He stutters involuntarily, looking around in the night to the faces lit by the fire.

Andranar smiles slightly, his face still mostly hidden in shadow. "I did little to announce my presence, Lady." He gives a nod in greeting to Himros and Rhiana, and then watches the conversation silently.

With a few final cuts, Raelin puts the finishing touches on his small carving. Inspecting it carefully and critically, he smiles and puts the finished product back into his cloak pocket. Picking up another small branch from the ground, he begins to cut at it slowly but skillfully. At the sound of a voice, Raelin raises his head, "I would not wish to inturrupt your conversation, or be a nusience to you ma'am." He then glances around the fires edge at the sound of others announcing their presence.

Rhiana looks at Himros calmly, and tries a smile. "Aye, we were speaking of Almar. I am Rhiana, by the way, of Dorthonion." She glances towards Raelin where he sits. "You are no bother, and are welcome as well, Raelin."

Raelin turns his head curiously to one side, and looks long at Rhiana. At the end of several moments, he asks, "I donna mean to be rude, Ma'am, but have we met?"

Teigril looks hard at Himros.."The name..Himros..you were at the camp before we left..to see Lord Hador.." but her eyes darken..remembering a time before when she say him as well. "I did not mean to be rude..I truly did not recognize you.." She turns to Raelin.. "I think we have not met either..I am Teigril, Merchant and Healer of Dor-lomin." She reaches for cups near the fire.."Please.would you care for tea?"

Himros sits down on the ground, crossing his legs and mutters off-handedly, "I've heard of him before." He runs his fingers madly through the pine needles that lie upon the soil and twitches slightly, "Rhiana. Good eve, Rhiana. And to you as well, lady Teigril, how have you been doing?" He passes a good natured smile all around, but it is impeded with a twitch. His smile quickly fades into a frown as if he could not hold it longer that a few seconds.

Andranar glances over the group from where he stands before speaking again, "Good eve. How does it find you, Captain?" He asks Himros, then looks to the others, "And how does it find you all?"

Raelin looks around the fire to all present, and stands up. "Beings I really don't know any of you," he begins in a soft voice, "I think it would be wise to introduce myself. I am Raelin of Dorthonion, and like our friend over here," he gestures to Himros, "I too have no title as of yet, as well as no home..." With the last words, he ceases to talk and sits down, and continues whittling the stick with a furious passion.

Himros mutters, "Had a title once."

Rhiana grins at Raelin. "I confess, we have not been formerly introduced. But I heard your name a few days ago, when you spoke with someone else as I passed by, and I have a good memory for them. Tis good to meet you now formally, as it were." Glancing at Himros in time to catch his smile, and then it's disappearance, she looks at Teigril somewhat askance, as thoug wishing to ask more. To Andranar, she smiles as well. "Not too badly, my lord."

Teigril fills a cup..holding it out to Raelin.."No home? How is it that you are adrift so? You travel with the Dorthonion's?" Teig shifts her legs, and the sleeping cat stretches..shifting with her movement, purring quietly. Teig's hand rests gently on Tat's back.

Himros answers Andranar, "I am well, well as I can be." He smiles again, cheerily, going from one mood to the next." He looks up into the pine trees and the gloominess of the dark forest, unable to see the stars. "What a beautiful place this is, eh?" He turns to Teigril and her cat and smiles. "I've been here once before on a venture much the same as it is now. Such a lovely place, really. Nice people...nice, beautiful people..." He rambles on and his voice drifts of as his eyes dart from face to face and from dark shadow to shadow.

Andranar shrugs slightly, "Mae govannen, Raelin. Most here would call me Andranar, or Farwander." He smiles a little. "You say you are of Dorthonion, so I think you have a home, and one larger than most." He glances over the group, "And if you have no title, it's no matter. Whatever claims any might have to one, we are not so formal tonight, I think." he glances at Himros as he speaks.

Accepting the tea gratefully from Teigril, Raelin sits back on the ground and leans against a log, "Well Ma'am, I had a home not too long ago. I was a forester and hunters son. I grew up in these woods," he gestures out amongst the trees, "But that came to an end, when the yrch raided our home and killed my family. Our whole homestead was put to the torch and my parents and sisters were slaughtered...." For long moments he looks to the ground again. Picking up his stick, he cuts a few more slices out before abrutly adding, "That is when I went to Aegnor's Tower to seek a job..."

Rhiana watches Himros, the confusion replaced with a quiet smile, though the title Andranar used to him surprises her momentarily. Quietly, she answers his comments. "It seems that many who visit here are drawn to the pine forests. I am glad yo have some good memories of them, Himros." Her eyes go to the fire and she listens to Raelin, then turns to look at him curiously. "Did you have a particular job in mind, Raelin?"

Teigril tilts her head, listening for Raelin's answer. "I wondered as well?" She looks at the forest.. "Tis lovely..the dark trees. I miss the ones of my childhood..'

Himros smiles, "Aye, I did. Somewhere in these forest were some good times amidst a bloody war." He pauses for a moment in reflect, "But there remains only shadows of those times in my mind...nothing pure is everlasting, I suppose. Not until we destroy the balckness the shadows come from...in the north. Orcs killed me once..." His last words are ominous, and he discontinues himself.

Raelin nods at Rhiana, "Aye ma'am, I feel my true calling lies amongst the scouts. In fact, I was given over to the charge of Finnabair, but I have yet to find or meet her. Thus far I have only wandered around doing odd jobs to stay fed and somewhat warm." He continues his carving throughout his speaking, and slowly another small human shape takes form out of the wood.

Andranar laughs softly, ironically. "It seems it is a night for sad tales, both told and untold." he says a bit darkly. Making an attempt at a smile, he continues, "Though there are many happy ones that might be told as well. And who knows what tomorrow holds." He tilts his head, the shadows hiding his features again. "But my heart is heavy tonight."

Raelin listens to Andranar's words and looks at the dark sky above. "Sir, my heart knows no happy tales and I cannot believe that it ever will again."

Rhiana replies quietly, though whether to Raelin or Andranar is unclear. "Most people have a sad tale to tell of one time or another. But I have been through mine and come out the other side to find that there is happiness. If you look for it."

Teigril nods at Rhiana's words.."The world is full of darknes..but the sun always returns.. a gift to us all..and so pleasant memories..should outshine the darker ones?

Himros nods, and nods again, though remaining silent. He mutters a few incomprehensible words, and sighs. "War is brutal. The enemy tries to blot out the bright times by slashing friends apart. And he makes good men go wrong. And he destroys that which could have brought happiness..." Again, his monologue dissapears into babble...

A tall gray-cloaked figure moves out of the grey tents of the Mithrim Party. For a moment it stands silent and quiet, gazing perhaps at the pine forest surrounding the camp. Then long strides take it back towards the fires and the blazes reveal Angadil's features and gleam on glossy black hair and keen grey eyes. Purposefully he heads for the one group gathered in conversation "Suilaid. Greetings to all..." He calls as he becomes within hearing range.

Raelin finshes off his cup of tea and stands. Quietly he says, "It has been a great pleasure to meet and converse with others, but now I feel I must retire for the night." Looking to Teigril, he adds, "But will the sun always return, are we garaunteed that?" Spinning on his heel, Raelin heads to the darkness.

Rhiana nods good night to Raelin, the looks up at the tall elf with a smile. "Good evening, my lord. Please, come and join us?" She glances at Himros again, and murmurs. "There is a time to mourn..but also time to heal, Himros.. I would wish that for you..." Her voice trails off as she watches him, with the feeling that no words may help.

Himros looks up, and empty, desolate look in his eyes. He does not mourn...he does not feel happiness either. For him, if you can see close enough, there lies nothing with in...no heart, no soul. Just a passionate hate that unites him with his fellow man, elf, and dwarf; the hate of the Enemy to the north.

Teigril rises..scooping the cat into her arms.."Angadil..tis good to see you.. We have tea.." she offers as the elf nears. She watches as Raelin leaves, callig softly.."Rest well.." and then she looks at Himros, "Darkness can only stay in your heart and mind if you let it.. you seem..very morose, M'lord.."

Andranar turns at the sound of the call, "Suilaid, mellon." He smiles a little, as he replies to an earlier comment, "The sun is a gift to men, as the stars are for those who came before us. So long as there is hope, the light will come again."

Himros leans his head to one side as his gaze returns to Teigril, "How do you mean? I am not sad in anyway. I take pleasure in the things of life, " he lies, "Like the sun and the bright night stars, and the babbling streams. I am, however, disillusioned with many things..."

Angadil comes fully in the circle of light cast by the fire, his head tilted as he regards the Adan that just left and whose comment he overheard. He bows to the one woman he doesn't know "Lady...." and smiles to Teigril.

Andranar and the by now, familiar face of Himros "Even I remember days without a Sun, nor Moon, But there was the Light... and the stars even before... The Sun is young..." He says nodding.

Blurend walks into view, his staff and sack hanging by his side. As he nears, his ears perk as the air lets words from conversations of the area come to them. Catching a few of the meanins he cocks his head, smirks and spits at the ground and continues closer.

Rhiana smiles back, the thought of a time with no sun intriguing. She stands up and bows politely. "Rhiana, my lord. Of Dorthonion's guards. Tis an honor to meet you." She sits back down then, with a glance towards the nearest sentries, then up at the sky, as though reckoning the time. A glance towards the rest of the camp shows Blurend heading towards them and she grins.

Himros stands and makes to leave, nodding to all of the newcomers in passing. "The time will come when I-- when Arda shall be avenged. The Enemy shall fall." He passes into his shoddy tent.

Andranar looks over as the group is joined by one more. He raises a brow, then looks to Himros. "Good night, and good rest, Himros." There is an air of something missing from the phrase. He then turns back to Blurend and speaks, his tone easy enough, "Good eve. You do not have use for the old tales?" He asks.

Blurend looks about the group for a moment, eyes flashing taking in each one. Then looking towards Andranar and the rest he gives an almost mocking bow with half smile, "Old tales and uses? Bah, they have their uses, for scaring the young and putting to sleep the old."

"I am Angadil, and I serve the High King Fingolfin." Angadil answers Rhiana bringing his right hand to his chest and bowing slightly again. He watches Himros go into his tent, but then Blurend's words make him turn swiftly to face this newcomer, a light flickering briefly in his eyes "And to learn courtesy? So as to the proper words when approaching a fire? I see that you certainly seem not to listen to stories..."

Andranar laughs, putting out a hand towards Angadil. "To each his own, mellyn." He looks to Blurend, "They have other worth as well. But tell me then, what do you have use for?"

Rhiana shakes her head at Blurend, trying to hide a grin at his usual behaviour being challenged. Standing up, she reaches for the longbow and slips it over her shoulder, then pulls her helm on, watching the conversation as she readies herself. Speaking a bit quietly, she clears her throat. "If you will excuse me, please, tis my turn to stand watch." She smiles warmly at Andranar and Teigril, feeling more comfortalbe with them, then gives the elven lord a short bow. "Twas good to meet you, my lord. I would hope to speak to you again sometime, for old tales interest me, and I would learn what I can." Turning away, she heads towards the sentries, a number of other guards from the campe doing the same as the watch changes.

Andranar nods, giving a slight bow to Rhiana. "Good eve, Lady, and may your watch be uneventful." He then turns his attention back to the group still gathered at the fire.

Teigril looks up..her eyes warm and her smiles soft. "I look forward to more talks, m'lady.. a peaceful watch.."

Angadil bows for a third and, for this night, final time to Rhiana "May the Valar guide your steps, Lady. I shall be honored to speak with you again, with more leisure" He smiles faintly and then turns to the fire "I take the night finds you all well?"

Blurend chuckles and raises up his hand and begins to count off to himself, "My life, food, shelter, power, information, and my faithful ass." Looking about again, "Aye, old tales serve but little in today's world. Those half truths and made up nonsense are what are dumbening our young."

"Well, aye, M'lord..a warm fire.. and the woods surrounding us. Tis a pleasant place here." She looks to Blurend, "Truly? YOu think they do harm? I find much in them to believe..much to think on."

Andranar smiles faintly, looking first to Angadil, "Well enough, though I regret the reson for this trip. I will be glad to be done with this." He then looks back to Blurend, his smile widening, "Ah? What if I were to tell you that all that you value and wish for could be found within those 'half truths' and 'made up nonsense'? Except for maybe your ass."

Blurend lifts his staff up and slams it down at the mention of his ass. With a flustered red face he spits out, "By the likes of you, I wouldn't be making fun of ol Betsy. That ass of mine has seen more travel, and pulled that wagon out of hundreds of problems." Looking from Andranar to Teifril he calms down a bit, "Much to believe in, yes for slackers and crackers there is much to dream about. But it is left to people like me with our backs and backs of our beasts of burden that get the work done, while other's dream and tell nonsense."

Angadil is silent for a moment, regarding Blurend with slow keen eyes "I will attribute to ignorance and not to malice your words. And yet I would be careful with them for a minion of the Enemy may well speak thusly. Half truths,you say? and I say Nay, for many of those I have seen myself and I bear witness. By those 'old tales' we know who we are. Who our Enemy is. Why we fight"

Andranar nods in grave agreement, then says in a lighter tone, "Make no mistake that I make light of your task in this world, man. There is much to be said for that labor. But do not discount that which you do not know." He smiles a little, and looks to the elf again, "But how do you fare this eve, mellon? I forget my manners."

Teigril nods at Angadil's words.."Tis not slackers, for I know many who toil, yet treasure the old tales. We are fortunate, when one is near who has actually seen these things, or heard of them from those who had." She looks at Angadil smiling. "How can one hear and not sense the old truths?"tilting her head, she looks at Blurend once more. "Have you heard any of the tales..from one of the Firstborn? Or only the watered, tattered tales that have been long adrift?"

Blurend raises his right arm and wipes at his nose, "Bah, what care I of old tales of a dead age? What good comes from hearing of this hero running after some rock, or some twinkling of fearie light? This is all useless when there are more urgent things in life. Such as when hounds are nipping at the rump of my ass, or hoodlums and crooks try to rob me of what little I survive on?"

"Hoodlums and crooks, and hounds too, are but shadows who come from Him that hates the light. And those "rocks" as you call it may have healed the world's wounds so hoodlum and crooks and hounds would have never come to exist... A faerie light as you call it is something that may well dispell those shadows" Angadil sighs as he speaks and shakes his head "But I see little use to telling this to you..."

Andranar smiles, "Well, don't discount 'fairy light' til you've seen it. I do not think they are tales of a dead age as you say. There are such things as you say to distract us, though for such troubles I would almost be glad for, compared to the greater hounds and 'hoodlums' of the Enemy. Or do you think those are mere tales as well?" He frowns slightly, "We will live such knowledge, or perish for the loss of it, I think." he adds with a note of finality.

Teigril scratches Tat's ears, and listens to the comments. "I for one, would have the tales if they were not true..for their beauty and their teaching, but ..I know in my heart there is more..the tales are too marvelous ..to deep to be just false stories.. " she reaches down to retrieve her teacup.

Blurend coughs to himself, "Bah, I have not the time for this. Maybe some other time you can spin your tales for me." Nodding in departure he turns about and begins to stumble off muttering, "Next you know they'll be spinning tales about wee fold chasing rings and saving the world after uniting everyone" With the last trace he disappears out of sight.

Angadil regards the man as he leaves "I only spin "tales", as you call them, for those willing to hear..." he shrugs "Mayhaps you will be happier and better off not knowing...." He turns and sets his gaze on the leaping flames of the small fire.

Andranar smiles sadly, "Mayhaps he will be. There are many who would not know, I fear, and ever will there be. But just so, there will be those who hold the knowledge of the old tales." He leans to stir up the fire a bit, adding a brand to the blaze.

Teigril yawns..a hand coming up to cover her mouth. "I fear..the travel has taken it's toll. I shall seek my blankets, I think. You will forgive me..tis not the company or the conversation, but only the walking.." She gets to her feet, cradling Tat on one arm. With a smile to all, she turns and moves to the edge of the nearby trees, slipping in her blankets, she is soon asleep.

Angadil watches Teigril and Blurend depart "Night Lady" he says softly as she moves towards her tent. Then turns to look at andranar "Strange days... strange converstations..."

Andranar nods and gives a slight bow to Teigril as she leaves, and nods to Blurend. "Aye. The tide of the world is changing again, I think, though I know not in what way."

Angadil regards Andranar more carefully as he utters those words "A change? Some others also feel it so... And indeed the Enemy of the North seems to stir again... but that he has done before..."

Andranar nods, "Aye. How great a change I cannot say. I have had some feeling of forboding recently, but these are trying times. You say some others feel so too.. You also? Or who?" He looks west, "I'd do what we can here, and be for Eithel Sirion soon though."

Angadil nods to Andranar "Others wiser than I... The High King, I know he has been worried..." He shakes his head as if dispelling thoughts of gloom "Aye. We finish our business here and go back to the Eithel..."

Andranar nods in agreement, needing add no more word to the topic. He studies the flames before him a moment, and then looks up at Calelia's presence.

Calelia plops down on the ground near the remenants of the fire, looking back and forth between her two companions. She grins and shakes her head. "Are you two being depressing again?"

Angadil throws his head back and lets out a chuckle. His mood suddenly changed by Calelia's seemingly inexhaustible merryment "I might not say that much, but somehow we do manage to steer our talks towards heavy issues most of the time... I must admit" He pause and a smile lingers on his lips "You are welcome, Lady"

Andranar laughs softly, "Aye, I suppose we are. Our talk probably tends towards such things more than need be. For you though, I think we'd change our tune. Or have you change it for us with your presence." he says, smiling a bit now.

Calelia grins. "I just think there's already enough sadness... life is good... hard but good. It's unbearable to dwell on the bad. So I don't. Granted...there's time to be serious... but not when I don't have to be!" She stands up and does a cartwheel and giggles.

Andranar smiles, raising his hands to clap subtly. "Good advice, and that we should follow more. I hope we do not 'dwell' on the sadness so much as we would hold our joys fast thru our deep talk. But there are many who do loose themselves in sorrow.." He laughs a bit, "It might do them well to see such as you."

Angadil smiles still, even more broadly as he contemplates Calelia's antics. She is lithe, slender and graceful in her acrobacy, displaying the natural ease of golden autumn leaf taken by a gentle breeze. Then, her auburn hair catches the fire's light and gleams softly she is much like a butterfly in her lightness and her beauty "Ah, lady indeed you brighten our mood with your mere presence. Sudden and fluttering, hard to catch as if carried by a kinder wind... as a butterfly. Aye, Lady Gwilbrin..."

Calelia stops and looks at Angadil, thinking about this name. She straightens and then drops into a deep, melodramatic bow. "At your service." She giggles. "I quite like that..."

Calelia adds..."Yes...I like that a lot. From now on...call me Gwilbrin."

Andranar laughs, and then smiling speaks, "You're handy with names, mellon. And this one seems to have stuck."

Angadil grins and shrugs "Ah, since its very frist day my kindred has mingled with words and have given names to all that came in its path... And we, The Noldor, even more than most..." He chuckles "I am honored you like it, Lady"

Gwilbrin grins. "I thank you for the gift."

Andranar laughs again, "That is so, Quend." He says to Angadil, and then to Calelia, "Then well met, Lady Gwilbrin."

Gwilbrin bows again. "Mae govannen, mellyn. I think we've met before..." She giggles.

Hallandir steps into the light, pausing at very edges of the campfire, to regard with some amazement tinged with amusement, the lovely elven lady swaying by the fire. An amused smile tugging at his lips, he just catches the last exchange, and bows, calling attention to himself as he says, "Mae govannen, Lady...Gwilbrin?" He turns towards the Noldo, greeting him with a respectful bow as he says, "We seem ever to meet by campfire, Lord Angadil." All signs of amusement now swept from his face as he sees Andranar, he steps towards him and says in a low tone. "Greetings, Andranar..I did hear that a messenger came bearing foul news but a day or two past?"

Smiling still Angadil looks eastwards, where the sky is starting to change hues and a light begins to appear. He acknowledges absently Hallandir's greeting "Suiladi, Hallandir of Dor-Lomin" he says, then sighs "Day comes and I need to see to many things if we are to travel speedily...with your leave..."

Andranar nods to Hallandir, "Suilaid, Hallandir." Then to Angadil, "Of course. I may have to join you in preparations for the morn ere long.. Until later.." He then looks back to the scout, "Aye, we recieved word at the 'Tower from Barad Eithel some thre days now past.."

Gwilbrin notes that the conversation is turning serious...so she slips away quietly.

Hallandir nods to Angadil. "Suilaid, Lord Angadil", he says, then turns to Andranar, an expectant expression on his face as he awaits further words. "And what was the news?"

Andranar shrugs slightly, "Much the same as what I saw on my journey here. The yrk are moving again in Ard Galen, and poking about further south, near the Fens of Serech it seems. I think we will not tarry long in returning home once our buisness is finished here." He leans forward, rearranging the burning branches of the fire with a bit of kindling, which he then adds to the blaze.

Hallandir stands for a moment, deep in thought as he rubs his chin absently. "Indeed", he finally says, "'Twould not be wise to be overlong in returning, for, although the Valar may guard against it, it is not altogether unlikely that they attack the northern-most settlements of our people, and then every one of us will be needed to defend the borders."

Andranar nods, "The Valar may give us aid in their way, but it will be by the hand of elf and man that the border is held, aid or no." He smiles faintly, "It is not as if the Enemy's minions have never tried to take that place before.. But it is a place of strength, and well manned. I do hope the yrk do not gather in such numbers as to hinder our return though." He frowns in recollection.

Hallandir nods again, settling down by the fire, his legs stretched before him, as he says, "Yea, that is to be hoped." He pauses, then seems to muse half to himself, "'our people'..'Tis been a while since I have had occasion to say that.."

Andranar smiles faintly, "Aye? Well, at the heart of it, we are all one people against the enemy, I think." He muses a bit longer, following whatever train of thought he had begun, and his brow clouds as he thinks. Rising, he gives one last branch to the fire, and frowns. "Forgive me that I am not better company this night. Do not let it trouble you, for it is for no cause of you. But my thoughts weigh heavy upon me, and I must attend to some things.." He wraps his cloak around his shoulders, and steps into the darkness of another part of the camp.

Hallandir nods and looks after the departing man for a moment, then turns back to the fire, poking it idly with a twig. Finally, he wraps his cloak around his body and casts himself to the ground, falling almost instantly into a deep slumber, for he is weary.