In the Shadow of the Star: Part 1 - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

piosenniel · 03-10-2003, 03:23 AM

Pio put the uneaten bread down on the makeshift table. Her words echoed in her mind as he entered the door. I will have no more to do with the Vala. And for one wild moment she thought to push past him and keep that vow. But she reined in the impulse to flee and stood tall before him, her face calm, unreadable. Her grey eyes, darkened in the dim light of the burrow, were full upon him.

He did not look much the master of anything now. His cloak was tattered and grimy, his face pale and drawn from lack of sleep. There were scratches and bruises on his exposed skin from her rough handling. Even his eyes seemed dull as he looked up at her, surprised to see her there, hesitant that she might set on him again.

Pio took off her cloak, and held her empty hands out toward him.

I am unarmed, Lord Irmo, save for my tongue, and even that I have sheathed for now.

She placed her right hand over her heart and bowed to him.

I have come to make peace with you, Lord Irmo. And if you will, I would ask you to forgive those hurtful actions of mine. I will not justify them to you, but only say they were uncalled for. You are a stranger to the web of civility that smoothes the roughness from our interactions with each other. I should have recognized that and tempered the words you spoke with my understanding. I failed to do so, and for that I apologize. Again - please forgive me.

She bowed once more to him.

Pio picked up her cloak and drew it round her shoulders, fastening it carefully for the ride back to the Inn. She motioned to his bag of apples with her chin and at the pot Cami had out, ready to make apple butter.

You are busy here. Let me not take up any more of your time. I will leave you to the good graces and gentle hands of Cami.

She gathered her cloak around her, and spoke aloud. ‘Cook is making her mouthwatering stew for supper. And if my nose had the right of it, there was also a berry tart in the oven. If you would be so kind, the both of you, to come to the Inn tonight for supper, it would be our pleasure to have you there. Mithadan is looking forward to seeing you once again, Cami. And Lorien, I think he would very much like to meet you.’

Pio smiled graciously at the two of them, and bent to take an apple from the sack Lorien had set down by his feet. ‘For my horse and I to share. Shire apples are sweet, and we have a liking for them, she and I.’

She walked quickly to the door . . .

[ March 10, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

03-10-2003, 03:23 AM	#11
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	Pio put the uneaten bread down on the makeshift table. Her words echoed in her mind as he entered the door. I will have no more to do with the Vala. And for one wild moment she thought to push past him and keep that vow. But she reined in the impulse to flee and stood tall before him, her face calm, unreadable. Her grey eyes, darkened in the dim light of the burrow, were full upon him. He did not look much the master of anything now. His cloak was tattered and grimy, his face pale and drawn from lack of sleep. There were scratches and bruises on his exposed skin from her rough handling. Even his eyes seemed dull as he looked up at her, surprised to see her there, hesitant that she might set on him again. Pio took off her cloak, and held her empty hands out toward him. I am unarmed, Lord Irmo, save for my tongue, and even that I have sheathed for now. She placed her right hand over her heart and bowed to him. I have come to make peace with you, Lord Irmo. And if you will, I would ask you to forgive those hurtful actions of mine. I will not justify them to you, but only say they were uncalled for. You are a stranger to the web of civility that smoothes the roughness from our interactions with each other. I should have recognized that and tempered the words you spoke with my understanding. I failed to do so, and for that I apologize. Again - please forgive me. She bowed once more to him. Pio picked up her cloak and drew it round her shoulders, fastening it carefully for the ride back to the Inn. She motioned to his bag of apples with her chin and at the pot Cami had out, ready to make apple butter. You are busy here. Let me not take up any more of your time. I will leave you to the good graces and gentle hands of Cami. She gathered her cloak around her, and spoke aloud. ‘Cook is making her mouthwatering stew for supper. And if my nose had the right of it, there was also a berry tart in the oven. If you would be so kind, the both of you, to come to the Inn tonight for supper, it would be our pleasure to have you there. Mithadan is looking forward to seeing you once again, Cami. And Lorien, I think he would very much like to meet you.’ Pio smiled graciously at the two of them, and bent to take an apple from the sack Lorien had set down by his feet. ‘For my horse and I to share. Shire apples are sweet, and we have a liking for them, she and I.’ She walked quickly to the door . . . [ March 10, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ] __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.