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Bêthberry · 09-19-2002, 04:16 PM

Three owls burst forth out of the thicket at the edge of the Glade as the branches of the viburnum, elderberry and illex bushes swayed and then were parted to reveal a woman of middle height and indeterminate age. Her copper-coloured hair was plaited down her back rather than wreathed around her head. Instead of her usual knee-high boots, her feet were covered by leather sandals, tooled in oakleaf designs and tied around her ankles with leather laces. She wore not her usual green jerkin but a long yellow tunic-dress which fell near to her ankles. It was held at each shoulder by silver pins enamelled with designs of rosemary, sage and borage leaves. At her waist she bore a belt of silver worked in a chain of clematis bloom and hydrangea petals.

She stumbled out a bit, but kept her balance as she wiped spider webs from her dark blue cloak and shook leaves and even a twig or two out of her hair.

Oh gracious. You are all here already and I am late. Why, did you all take the short route and not the long way? You missed strolling through the trees? They are so very much excited by all you two-legged creatures. Why, they haven't seen so many people here since the hobbits bur--well, perhaps I'll save that story for later. Oh but I do see some of you have been quite particular about how you care for the Forest. Why, at least two, no three if I am not mistaken, of you are not even leaving your footprints behind.

Forgive Goldberry's brief appearance. This is the busiest time of the year for her, preparing for the splendors of autumn. But at least we have yet the last few mellow days of summer. Thank goodness the tables are prepared and laden with food! I'm thirsty if you are not. Allow me to draw the first pint of beer. And I'm sure there's lemonade and punch for those with milder other tastes.

The woman then proceeded to hammer a wooden spigot into the first barrel, caught the brew in a mug, and raised it high to all:

A drink to the health of the Forest,
A toast to the wealth of the Downs,
May all of you placate the spirits,
Afore you leave these grounds.

The huddle of hobbit children started to giggle watching the woman say this, for a spider web still was caught on her cloak and hand, and it appeared as if she was going to swallow the web as she sipped the mug.

[ September 20, 2002: Message edited by: Bethberry ]

09-19-2002, 04:16 PM	#49
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 6,003	Three owls burst forth out of the thicket at the edge of the Glade as the branches of the viburnum, elderberry and illex bushes swayed and then were parted to reveal a woman of middle height and indeterminate age. Her copper-coloured hair was plaited down her back rather than wreathed around her head. Instead of her usual knee-high boots, her feet were covered by leather sandals, tooled in oakleaf designs and tied around her ankles with leather laces. She wore not her usual green jerkin but a long yellow tunic-dress which fell near to her ankles. It was held at each shoulder by silver pins enamelled with designs of rosemary, sage and borage leaves. At her waist she bore a belt of silver worked in a chain of clematis bloom and hydrangea petals. She stumbled out a bit, but kept her balance as she wiped spider webs from her dark blue cloak and shook leaves and even a twig or two out of her hair. Oh gracious. You are all here already and I am late. Why, did you all take the short route and not the long way? You missed strolling through the trees? They are so very much excited by all you two-legged creatures. Why, they haven't seen so many people here since the hobbits bur--well, perhaps I'll save that story for later. Oh but I do see some of you have been quite particular about how you care for the Forest. Why, at least two, no three if I am not mistaken, of you are not even leaving your footprints behind. Forgive Goldberry's brief appearance. This is the busiest time of the year for her, preparing for the splendors of autumn. But at least we have yet the last few mellow days of summer. Thank goodness the tables are prepared and laden with food! I'm thirsty if you are not. Allow me to draw the first pint of beer. And I'm sure there's lemonade and punch for those with milder other tastes. The woman then proceeded to hammer a wooden spigot into the first barrel, caught the brew in a mug, and raised it high to all: A drink to the health of the Forest, A toast to the wealth of the Downs, May all of you placate the spirits, Afore you leave these grounds. The huddle of hobbit children started to giggle watching the woman say this, for a spider web still was caught on her cloak and hand, and it appeared as if she was going to swallow the web as she sipped the mug. [ September 20, 2002: Message edited by: Bethberry ] __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.