[maikafanawen]

“Lady Annanoldowen. Though the House would be ready to let you go I’m afraid we will be needing your assistance in another matter.” At these words both the ladies turned their questioning glances at Annunfuin. The late-morning sun shone high over the House and already made the air quiver. “How fast could you make a ride of about fifty miles?”

Annanoldowen looked questioningly at Annunfuin. “I don't think I quite followed you on that Sir." Annunfuin smiled enigmatically and proceeded to explain his idea to Annanoldowen and Taralphiel.

"I had just recalled the parchment of Cartil's from the King to Taralphiel. The Lady then informed me of what the parchment vaguely suggested. There is a company of five score men camped at the mouth of the Anduin, ready to lend their support to the Swan House's cause." Frustration welled up temporarily in Annanoldowen. What good were those men camping four days from here! Ai! The simplicity of man's mind! Annunfuin continued. "It's too long of a ride for the regular horse but perhaps yours could make it in half the time?" he asked hopefully. Annanoldowen nodded solemnly.

"One quarter the time," she said indifferently. "Shall I leave right away? What message would you like me to give?" she queried facing Taralphiel.

"Just that we greatly appreciate their service and will be earnestly awaiting their arrival." With every word Taralphiel let a short sigh releasing the hopelessness she had felt when it appeared as though the matter would not persist to be beneficial.

"Very sentimental my Lady," Annanoldowen replied dryly. She had been looking for some sort of military plan as to the course of action they should take immediately upon arrival. Apparently that decision would have to be made by herself. No matter, she'd handle it fine.

As she was turning to leave, the Swan Lady stood quickly and embraced Annanoldowen. "Thank you so much," she said in a motherly tone. Shocked at being hugged by a mortal—something that had never happened in the three thousand years she's lived amongst them—Annanoldowen hesitated, then held her back momentarily before stepping back.

"I have come to offer my service. Anything that I can do I do willingly." Bowing into her retreat, she bid the two farewell and went to search out Taurewaa. Whistling into the laurel woods surrounding the House, she waited only a moment before the white Mearas came galloping towards her, mane askew and tail whipping in the wind. Annanoldowen patted her horse's nose fondly before pulling herself up on its back. Situating herself so that it was comfortable with no saddle, she turned Taurewaa to face south (?). Then she whispered two words and the two were off, leaving the echo of Noro lim behind them.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

It was late evening when she arrived where the soldiers were camped. She was pointed immediately to the captain's tent who welcomed her enthusiastically.

"I was getting very worried when no word came my Lady," he said with veneration. "I was told not to move unless given word to do so though. You understand." Annanoldowen nodded, brushing aside his pretexts.

"Well I'm here now with summons from Lady Taralphiel of Swan Wood. We need your army to help defend her House and Town. It is a two-day journey on foot from here to the woods," she said directly. "When can your troops be ready to move?"

"Give us twenty minutes," he said proudly.

"Let's make it ten," she said wryly. "Just to be safe." As much as it was against her nature to be brash with people, she recognized early that the only way to get anything done with men, especially soldiers, was to be straightforward and firm. If they respected you that was fine, but if they feared you, that was better. She wasn't sure how educated in elf-lore this Captain Dellick was, but if she was lucky, the old fairytales of magic would help weave the threads of reverence into his mind for the time being.

[ August 22, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]