The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - The Lonely Star -- Chapter 4

mark12_30 · 10-07-2002, 06:30 PM

Other hobbits, mostly teenage males, gathering courage from Gamba's brashness, began drifting in the direction of the pretty newcomer, and sitting down and joining them. They were followed, however, by jealous hobbit lasses who had had their hearts set on each lad in question, and came to be sure that the attractive, tanned interloper settled on somebody else's teenage hobbit. The result was a rapidly growing crowd.

Loremaster suddenly spoke to the elders, and strode forward. Phura thought that he would quietly break up the crowd and rebuke them in private; while Gamba braced himself for rebuke and punishment for asking forbidden questions. But the Elders followed and joined the crowd, and aside from one brief glare each for Phura and Gamba, Loremaster's bearing was mild and sweet as he spoke loudly and clearly. "Thank you all for answering my summons and coming to this memorial ceremony, " he began. "We join this evening to formally grieve for the loved ones we have lost. Please, gather close. " Surprised older hobbits emerged from side caves and everyone assembled in the main cave.

Phura blinked, his heart suddenly melting. No such ceremony had been planned or announced, no such summons made. Loremaster was improvising, protecting the new girl and covering for their communal stupidity.

Loremaster spoke for a while about grief and hope, quoting old poems about Nienna and Ancalimon, and giving words of solace and encouragement. Those still in the dinner line hurried through, and soon all were assembled.

Loremaster spoke a few more suitable words, and then began singing Lily's Lullaby. Hundreds of emotional voices softly and sadly joined in. Loremaster followed with Pongo's Lullaby, and finished with Nitir's Lullaby. The strains faded, and silence, mingled with tears, fell softly.

10-07-2002, 06:30 PM	#148
mark12_30 Stormdancer of Doom Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Elvish singing is not a thing to miss, in June under the stars Posts: 4,349	Other hobbits, mostly teenage males, gathering courage from Gamba's brashness, began drifting in the direction of the pretty newcomer, and sitting down and joining them. They were followed, however, by jealous hobbit lasses who had had their hearts set on each lad in question, and came to be sure that the attractive, tanned interloper settled on somebody else's teenage hobbit. The result was a rapidly growing crowd. Loremaster suddenly spoke to the elders, and strode forward. Phura thought that he would quietly break up the crowd and rebuke them in private; while Gamba braced himself for rebuke and punishment for asking forbidden questions. But the Elders followed and joined the crowd, and aside from one brief glare each for Phura and Gamba, Loremaster's bearing was mild and sweet as he spoke loudly and clearly. "Thank you all for answering my summons and coming to this memorial ceremony, " he began. "We join this evening to formally grieve for the loved ones we have lost. Please, gather close. " Surprised older hobbits emerged from side caves and everyone assembled in the main cave. Phura blinked, his heart suddenly melting. No such ceremony had been planned or announced, no such summons made. Loremaster was improvising, protecting the new girl and covering for their communal stupidity. Loremaster spoke for a while about grief and hope, quoting old poems about Nienna and Ancalimon, and giving words of solace and encouragement. Those still in the dinner line hurried through, and soon all were assembled. Loremaster spoke a few more suitable words, and then began singing Lily's Lullaby. Hundreds of emotional voices softly and sadly joined in. Loremaster followed with Pongo's Lullaby, and finished with Nitir's Lullaby. The strains faded, and silence, mingled with tears, fell softly. __________________ ...down to the water to see the elves dance and sing upon the midsummer's eve.