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

Gandalf_theGrey · 02-02-2003, 05:36 AM

* In one hand Kenelm grasped the thin metal rods as though they were akin to his broken harpstrings, tilting his head at them as they dangled near to falling. Under his arm he secured the mithril harp, while in the other hand he held as a rolled-up scroll the portrait of himself and his cherished instrument that the curly-haired child had drawn. *

* Gandalf glanced after Holly. The Hobbit had disappeared through the gate into an impatient deepening twilight, swallowed by a too-eager silence. The fact that she was moving away from the accursed grounds of Laurëondo did not quiet his sense of foreboding. Gandalf bowed a reluctant farewell. * To use these rods, Kenelm son of Maladil, come out and meet us on our return this very night. Look for us outside the front gate. Best keep our secret, until then.

* Dinner was already half-over, but Bird, Holly and Gandalf each found a portion waiting for them of partridge and mushrooms with strawberries and blackberries on the side. *

* After dinner, Gandalf approached Andreth and drew forth from his pouch her book with its descriptions of the rooms of Laurëondo. * Keep this with you, Andreth. But first let me read another passage:

"GREAT HALL

Pass in Westwards through the Outer Entryway, turn left, then right into the Inner Courtyard. Turn right and walk to the center of the Inner Courtyard. Pass through the Inner Entry to the Great Hall.

The floor is of red marble tile with black borders to complement the walls of golden granite. Dozens of carven mahogony branches spiral upwards like ribbons tied in bows from the arches along the ceiling. From the center of the ceiling hangs a pine-cone shaped chandelier, as tall as an Elf, made of gold with crystal candle-holders. Torches light the walls.

There are two staircases going ... "

* But that was it. The page had been torn in half. Gandalf closed the tome and handed it to Andreth with a careful bow. *

* Then he addressed the assembled group. * The sun has set. It's time. Bards to the front, Hinura, Menelduliniel, Estelarion. Warriors and Rangers, Nardol, Volondil, Alearindu ready your weapons, though make no show of it. Poppy, Andreth, and Nardol towards the front near me, behind the musicians. Alearindu and Aislan in the middle. Volondil guarding in back, with Olo. Holly and Bird where you will, remembering as you may the boundaries of shadow earlier drawn, that you may guide the company up to it but not over ... for now. Horses and ponies, as you decide. And this order we're in can change depending on what we face and where each of us go. Candles and lanterns lit. And we're off to the Castle! Which bard will play and sing first now, to herald our approach?

[ February 02, 2003: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]

02-02-2003, 05:36 AM	#33
Gandalf_theGrey Visionary Spirit Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 633	* In one hand Kenelm grasped the thin metal rods as though they were akin to his broken harpstrings, tilting his head at them as they dangled near to falling. Under his arm he secured the mithril harp, while in the other hand he held as a rolled-up scroll the portrait of himself and his cherished instrument that the curly-haired child had drawn. * * Gandalf glanced after Holly. The Hobbit had disappeared through the gate into an impatient deepening twilight, swallowed by a too-eager silence. The fact that she was moving away from the accursed grounds of Laurëondo did not quiet his sense of foreboding. Gandalf bowed a reluctant farewell. * To use these rods, Kenelm son of Maladil, come out and meet us on our return this very night. Look for us outside the front gate. Best keep our secret, until then. * Dinner was already half-over, but Bird, Holly and Gandalf each found a portion waiting for them of partridge and mushrooms with strawberries and blackberries on the side. * * After dinner, Gandalf approached Andreth and drew forth from his pouch her book with its descriptions of the rooms of Laurëondo. * Keep this with you, Andreth. But first let me read another passage: "GREAT HALL Pass in Westwards through the Outer Entryway, turn left, then right into the Inner Courtyard. Turn right and walk to the center of the Inner Courtyard. Pass through the Inner Entry to the Great Hall. The floor is of red marble tile with black borders to complement the walls of golden granite. Dozens of carven mahogony branches spiral upwards like ribbons tied in bows from the arches along the ceiling. From the center of the ceiling hangs a pine-cone shaped chandelier, as tall as an Elf, made of gold with crystal candle-holders. Torches light the walls. There are two staircases going ... " * But that was it. The page had been torn in half. Gandalf closed the tome and handed it to Andreth with a careful bow. * * Then he addressed the assembled group. * The sun has set. It's time. Bards to the front, Hinura, Menelduliniel, Estelarion. Warriors and Rangers, Nardol, Volondil, Alearindu ready your weapons, though make no show of it. Poppy, Andreth, and Nardol towards the front near me, behind the musicians. Alearindu and Aislan in the middle. Volondil guarding in back, with Olo. Holly and Bird where you will, remembering as you may the boundaries of shadow earlier drawn, that you may guide the company up to it but not over ... for now. Horses and ponies, as you decide. And this order we're in can change depending on what we face and where each of us go. Candles and lanterns lit. And we're off to the Castle! Which bard will play and sing first now, to herald our approach? [ February 02, 2003: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]