[Taralphiel]

Laurel left the house with relief filling her to a small extent. Havlor had been treated, but it was no assurance that he would recover. On her way out she found Leena, standing by the main enterance to the town. Greeting her she asked ‘Milady, would you know anything about poison?’ Leena nodded briskly ‘I have studied it somewhat’ Laurel smiled ‘I would ask you then if you could assist Lady Lanaey for the time being? I am in need of expertise, and you would be beneficial’ At that Lady Leena sauntered away to the House of Havlor, and Lady Laurel approached the group setting out, just as Lady Annanoldowen arrived beside her. ‘The Swan House awaits us’ Laurel said glowingly.

~*~

Laurel wandered through the forest. Her steps made no sound. Behind her were a few of her cavalry she had brought back with her, all in awe at what they had seen. Most of the troops had been left at the village, but their representatives had come to see the Lady of these lands, one who is called Swan Queen, Lady Taralphiel. The trek had been for a few hours. Only one horse was with them, and the path was too narrow for free riding, so it was being lead. Its gentle footfalls were all that could be heard by the Men for a long time. But the Elves heard whisperings, murmurs through the trees, as only they could hear. The forest was filled with thin, silvery stemmed and dark trunks, with splaying boughs and deep coloured leaves. Occasionally they would encounter small shrubs of dark green and glossy leaves, with a bright streak of gold and silver. ‘Laurel trees’ she whispered, with a small smile. Thagon held silent, brooding on the choice to leave his comrade behind. Cartil too, wished his sister could see such beauty. Annunfuin was the closest to Laurel, but said naught. Herebrand stood proud and did not bow to the majesty of the forest. Soon the trees made the path a little wider, and the way clearer. It was then that many stopped when looking out to the East. For through the trees cold be seen the clear shine of the ocean, and the long Cliffside running by it. ‘The point is narrowing’ muttered Herebrand to Thagon, who said nothing. Annanoldowen kept aloof from the group and walked in her own thoughts. Laurel stopped, and the others stared in awe.

There, was the house of Taralphiel. A great stone archway revealed the place entwined with vines, which bloomed with jasmine. Stepping through, they saw the beginnings of her abode. The thatched roof bore swans on its edges, and it seemed their wings patterned the tiles. The threshold had no door, but thin gossamer curtains. Many columns supported the weight of the house, and it seemed to pass away for a great space, long into the rest of the forest. ‘I did not imagine such beauty’ sighed Herebrand ‘You cannot imagine this place good sir’ said Laurel.

She lead them to the door, where fair faced maidens took all their travel gear, and rested their feet. Laurel wasted no time in finding her grandmother, and was away long. The party was left to wander the light filled halls. Annanoldowen ran her fingers across the many bookshelves, and her smile was unguarded. Herebrand poured over the shields and armour of the Rohirrim on the walls. Thagon walked through the rooms, and wandered off into the gardens, and saw the tombs of the warriors who had perished only days before. Annunfuin stood by the cliffedge on the East Side of the house, and meditated.

An older maid called the group into the main hall. ‘The Lady Laurel now asks that you choose your rooms for the night, and your gear will be taken there. Then it is the request of the Lady of the House that you all join her in her cliffside room’ All followed maids to beautifully furnished rooms, where the maids placed their things. ‘There are enough rooms here to house many’ marveled Annanoldowen ‘The Children take most of the space’ the woman grinned. A long hallway, lined with portraits and paintings lead to the room of the Swan Lady. All held their breath. They had traveled to the end of the house, and to the point of the cliff. They took in the beautiful open room, and its view on the ocean. There beside, stood Laurel in a gown similar to her ceremonial gown from Calembel, but dazzlingly white. And sitting on the Great Seat, was Lady Taralphiel, Swan Queen, and Lady of the wood of Alphirion.

Her silver hair was long, and she wore a thinly woven bonnet of silver string and pearls. Her silver dress shone with the light of the Moon. Her face was old and worn, but her eyes shone with wisdom and the travelers smiled. On her fingers she bore rings of moonstone, and one ring shaped like a flower, with stones of milky blue in the center. She also wore a chestplate of silver, with light leather buckles tying at the shoulders. And by her seat, she still had her sword, and it shone with the same mournful glow that astonished the warriors. She smiled, and raised her voice, raspy with age, but holding great wisdom.

‘I thank thee all for coming to Dor-En-Ernil, and to Alphirion. As you may have seen, our cause is not faint, and not in vain, at least now. My knowledge of all the years has not prepared me for this attack. Our people are simple folk, not used to wielding swords. They are no army. The attacks have been a constant, but never before have they been in such numbers, and of such ferocity. Women, children, and men alike are not safe from their swords, and fey darts. None of my healing skill has been able to take one back from the dark hands of that poison. They fight without honour, and kill without remorse. That is why I have asked for the most skilled warriors, and most knowledgeable of your people, to come forth, and help us rid the Plains and hills and forests of this scourge. I place my hope and trust with thee, and the blessings of this hallowed place upon thee and thy swords. Tonight you will rest here, and by tomorrow, your friends will join you here. From there, you set out for the Southern Confines, where the enemy has managed to hold camp for the last few nights. Vali be with you tonight’ Her voice echoed through the lightwood, and all smiled in comfort. Laurel stood unmoving, and watched her grandmother survey the eyes of the people as she had done, to see their souls. For few could escape the wisdom of the Swan Lady. At length, someone spoke…