The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - Castle Maladil

Gandalf_theGrey · 01-09-2003, 07:28 PM

BOO !

* Gandalf smiled at the satisfying results of his merry mischief as Bird and Holly emitted startled screams and leapt. The wizard hadn't been able to resist coming up behind them and clamping a hand on each of their shoulders as they convivially conspired together over charred toast, spilled tea, and the like. *

That is to say, * Gandalf lowered his voice to a normal tone, * your strategy is eminently workable. My compliments.

* Gandalf then addressed the entire company. * Our arrival at Castle Maladil should be tomorrow evening. If we arrive during the afternoon, we will set up camp off the main road, within sight of the side road leading to the Castle, and await nightfall.

After sundown, we shall approach the Castle ... the bards, including Hinura, Estelarion, and Menelduliniel wielding harp or flute, others carrying candles or lanterns as sources of light. The music of the bards shall be light to the ear, and I am well pleased at all the practicing and song preparation I've heard so far. You work well together! Hinura, I look forward to hearing Bog a'Lochain. And Meneli and Estelarion, already your choice of song resonates with new notes of hope ... * Gandalf checked himself before saying "to those in exile," preferring to leave the sentence incomplete. *

Please no torches, as torches too often bring to mind images of brigands and marauders. Poppy shall carry the trust of Elrond's gold, and have no light source of her own.

The three rods you've been given are for you to hold in readiness, for their light is fleeting. We must first have the attention of the ghosts before we use them, and I'll see to that. Once we're noticed, use two of the rods as you like, one at a time. Keep the third one back.

Music shall go before us, light accompany us. The ghosts will likely not hear our song at first ... but sing and play, and I'll meanwhile bend my thought toward contacting them. We shall stand at the edge of their territory. They shall come to hear us, and after some songs, I'll speak to them. Andreth as well perhaps shall choose to speak, though peril lie therein. And then Poppy our Ambassador shall go in.

Nardol ... a destiny lies on you, methinks, though what it is I cannot say. But I feel it, in a way not so with the others here.

Bethberry ... I trust I know which work is of interest to you at Castle Maladil. May you bring all you can of the Old Forest with you.

As our good ranger Alearindu was mentioning, it would be wise for those entering the Castle, or even treading its grounds, to go in pairs, or in small groups. Those who go alone may do so, but they do so with heavy risk.

Aislan will be counted on to care for horses and ponies called on to overcome their fear and enter a place where no beast of their kind has come since the last Age!

Holly and Olo, the vanguard entering by the back way, to seek the deed that will undo dire words.

Volondil, you've suffered a trap of someone else's devising ... so have many in the Castle.

Birdland, your presence here is a riddle ... but then, you've demonstrable expertise at solving them!

* With that, Gandalf poured himself a cup of sweet-spice tea long steeped, to go with a crust of bread, dried sausage, cheese, and what grapes remained in his travelling pouch from the Trade Inn. *

* Midnight edged closer in his grazing towards Rustal, looking out the corner of his eye at the rival Elvish steed. *

[ January 10, 2003: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]

01-09-2003, 07:28 PM	#250
Gandalf_theGrey Visionary Spirit Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 633	BOO ! * Gandalf smiled at the satisfying results of his merry mischief as Bird and Holly emitted startled screams and leapt. The wizard hadn't been able to resist coming up behind them and clamping a hand on each of their shoulders as they convivially conspired together over charred toast, spilled tea, and the like. * That is to say, * Gandalf lowered his voice to a normal tone, * your strategy is eminently workable. My compliments. * Gandalf then addressed the entire company. * Our arrival at Castle Maladil should be tomorrow evening. If we arrive during the afternoon, we will set up camp off the main road, within sight of the side road leading to the Castle, and await nightfall. After sundown, we shall approach the Castle ... the bards, including Hinura, Estelarion, and Menelduliniel wielding harp or flute, others carrying candles or lanterns as sources of light. The music of the bards shall be light to the ear, and I am well pleased at all the practicing and song preparation I've heard so far. You work well together! Hinura, I look forward to hearing Bog a'Lochain. And Meneli and Estelarion, already your choice of song resonates with new notes of hope ... * Gandalf checked himself before saying "to those in exile," preferring to leave the sentence incomplete. * Please no torches, as torches too often bring to mind images of brigands and marauders. Poppy shall carry the trust of Elrond's gold, and have no light source of her own. The three rods you've been given are for you to hold in readiness, for their light is fleeting. We must first have the attention of the ghosts before we use them, and I'll see to that. Once we're noticed, use two of the rods as you like, one at a time. Keep the third one back. Music shall go before us, light accompany us. The ghosts will likely not hear our song at first ... but sing and play, and I'll meanwhile bend my thought toward contacting them. We shall stand at the edge of their territory. They shall come to hear us, and after some songs, I'll speak to them. Andreth as well perhaps shall choose to speak, though peril lie therein. And then Poppy our Ambassador shall go in. Nardol ... a destiny lies on you, methinks, though what it is I cannot say. But I feel it, in a way not so with the others here. Bethberry ... I trust I know which work is of interest to you at Castle Maladil. May you bring all you can of the Old Forest with you. As our good ranger Alearindu was mentioning, it would be wise for those entering the Castle, or even treading its grounds, to go in pairs, or in small groups. Those who go alone may do so, but they do so with heavy risk. Aislan will be counted on to care for horses and ponies called on to overcome their fear and enter a place where no beast of their kind has come since the last Age! Holly and Olo, the vanguard entering by the back way, to seek the deed that will undo dire words. Volondil, you've suffered a trap of someone else's devising ... so have many in the Castle. Birdland, your presence here is a riddle ... but then, you've demonstrable expertise at solving them! * With that, Gandalf poured himself a cup of sweet-spice tea long steeped, to go with a crust of bread, dried sausage, cheese, and what grapes remained in his travelling pouch from the Trade Inn. * * Midnight edged closer in his grazing towards Rustal, looking out the corner of his eye at the rival Elvish steed. * [ January 10, 2003: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]