Darker Days RPG - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Mithalwen · 05-10-2006, 06:03 AM

Elfride looked up at the young man, startled to be spoken to and a little flustered by the words. In latter years every time she caught sight of her reflection she merely thought how old she looked and before she had only cared that Theo had thought her fair. So the compliment washed over her and she answered that which more concerned her thoughts.

"I thank you, sir, but there is nothing that anyone could do that would help. I have parted from my boy so you must make allowance for a mother's sorrow", Elfride swallowed hard trying to muster the control she habitually exercised in public. But there was kindness as well as mischief in the youth's eyes and she continued, "he has gone with his uncle to learn to be a soldier - I know it is what he wants..." she paused thinking of Elfthain's rapt face listening to tales of war told by his father and uncle and remembered her brother's harsh words to her, the ones that had made her yield "Do you want him to grow up to be a man or a milk-sop tied to his mother's apron strings .... he might stay through love to begin with but in time he would resent you.. soldiering is in his blood he will be never content to be just a farmer.." . Her reserve cracking she finished "It is just that his father and mine both went to war and did not return .... I could not bear it if the same happened to my son". She bit her lip quelling the tears that threatened and adding "but I am being silly, he is only in his tenth year, it will be long ere he could ride to war" . She forced herself to smile and this did give a momentary beauty to her grave face.

The young man was strange to her and she knew most of the people of Edoras by sight at least having lived in the town for most of her childhood and nearby since her marriage. She was sure she would have remembered him since his colouring was darker than usual for the Rohirrim and had he not addressed her in their own tongue she would have thought him perhaps of the folk of Gondor who dwellt the far side of the White Mountains.

"You are not from these parts, I deem, what brings you to Edoras? And may I ask your name? I am Elfride"

Dimturiel · 05-10-2006, 10:07 AM

Edhener was now inside the inn, looking for a place to sit. He saw at a table two women sitting deep in conversation. He knew them both by sight, being sure that he had seen them at his eldest sister's wedding. But it was not from a desire to be remembered and to start a conversation-for he had never felt a smaller urge for company than now- that he went to sit at the table that was nearest to theirs. Their faces were grave and concern was writen on the features of both. What if they had intresting things to tell, things that could bring an answer to his present plight?

As soon as he sat down and turned his attention to their conversation, Edhener thanked his fortune. Why, here was a chance for him to actually do something! Not much, it was true, compared to driving away an army of orcs, and maybe it would not matter at all to some. But at least he had a chance of taking his mind off his grief, at least he had a chance of doing something else than begging for pitty and attention. And maybe, thought Edhener, a triumphant smile on his lips, maybe she would appreciate his contribution to the safety of Rohan. Maybe she would admire him for even such a small deed.

Too deep in thoughts and wild dreams to care if anyone had seen what he was doing or not, he now turned all his attention to the conversation that was held at the next table.

Crystal Heart · 05-10-2006, 01:26 PM

Mayonette's dark eyes flashed in annoyance. How could she sit there and tell her to be an obedient woman?! Cordelia had been anything but obedient in their lives. It was her turn to become something, her turn to fight. She had watched so many men go off to war, so many young boys that had once been her friend, that she wanted to as well. Granted this wasn't a war, it was a quest for vengence. Yet, it was same in her mind.

"Sit here. That is what you suggest. You, the most reckless woman in all of Rohan! You must think me mad. I am not going to sit idely by and wait until I get news that my sister and her husband are dead! I will not tell their infant son stories of his brave parents! I have changed much since my father's death. I do not want to be the obedient servant. I will not sit and wait for a man to take my life as well! No, Cordelia. You can guard my homestead. You can do what you deem is right, but I will not follow you," she retorted.

She shook her head and noticed a man watching them. Thoughts arose in her mind of a quest. One that would take them on a valiant journey that would save her family and her home. Perhaps he would be the first to join her.

"You there, man that is listening to us speak. Do you want in on a quest? Do you want to join me in battle and avenge my father's death? Do you want to hold your head up high, carry your sword, and bring the wicked to justice? For if you do I say to you join me. I shall reward you handsomely after we have found my sister and brought my father's murderer to justice. What say you?"

Glirdan · 05-10-2006, 02:08 PM

As Léoflic listened to her story, he noticed eyes starting to well in her grey eyes and it brought memories back to when he was a child. He could share in her pain. Both had a father who went to war...and never returned. He snapped out of his reverie to answer.

"I am Léoflic and you are right in a sense. My family is not originated from these parts. We're originally from Gondor. However, my grandparents moved here during the war with Sauron to escape the war that was to come. But upon arriving here, they realised that they couldn't escape the evil." he said as he sat down opposite her. He looked into her eyes and saw the sorrow in them and it made him think back on the stories his mother told him when he was young. "My grandfather and grandmother passed away shortly after they moved here. My father, who was the only child, was left to fend for himself." he said. Just like me... He thought sadly. He came to and noticed that Elride was looking at him intently. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be bothersome. You have enough troubles of your own. I really don't mean to bog you down with all of my sorrows."

Witch_Queen · 05-10-2006, 11:30 PM

Thomas rode for what seemed like hours before finally reaching the White Horse Inn. After finding an empty stable for Chianna he proceeded to go inside the Inn. The door opened and all Thomas could hear was laughter and conversations. Private as they maybe he could still hear them from the door. Thomas' blue eyes scanned the room looking for any sign of Mayonette.

Thomas thought he saw her at a table that appeared to be surrounded by people. He took a closer look only to see that his eyes were playing tricks on him. Thomas started walking backwards and carelessly walked into a table. He turned around, "I am so sorry about..." His jaw dropped, the person he was searching for he found by bumping into the table. Thomas ran his right hand through his hair brushing it out of his eyes.

"So is the stories true Mayonette?" Thomas figured Mayonette may not recognize him, since the two of them hadn't seen each other in what seemed like 5 years or more.

The Sixth Wizard · 05-11-2006, 12:25 AM

Garnae listened as the girl, who he now knew as Mayonette, talked to Cordelia, the other young woman.
Suddenly Mayonette turned to him. "You there, man that is listening to us speak. I shall reward you handsomely after we have found my sister and brought my father's murderer to justice. What say you?"

Garnae was thrown off balance by her exclamation.

"What, I - er, I didn't really mean to..." stuttered Garnae.
"Oh come now, out with it," said Cordelia.
Garnae took control of himself. Too many conversations had he ruined with this stuttering and hesitating.
"Well, my good women, I was just happening to overhear your conversation just now, and was fascinated by some circumstances. You see, I am in a rather desperate financial situation at the moment, mainly by the movements of a man called Samuel Starnson, whom I think may be your uncle?"

"Yes, that's correct," said Mayonette.

"And, it seems that I can now hit two orcs with one arrow, if you see what I mean, get rid of Samuel and repay my debts. I must say, I thank you for asking me first, as it has saved me the trouble."

Mithalwen · 05-11-2006, 06:02 AM

"You have enough troubles of your own. I really don't mean to bog you down with all of my sorrows."...

Elfride smiled again, "it is not bothersome as you put it - it is a good reminder that others suffer . And have perhaps suffered more misfortune. At least my son is not left alone in the world - that seems a grievous fate. All have their problems...." . Elfride's gaze was drawn to the two girls who had now been joined by two men. Although she could not hear their words there was clearly something going on.

She realised that she was being rude, " Léoflic, I am sorry ot be distracted - it is just that those girls are from my village and something seems to be wrong. Perhaps I should go over..."

Crystal Heart · 05-11-2006, 06:45 AM

"Welcome to the quest. My uncle. . . what you do to him is your own accord. I do not care what happens to him and his treachery any more. He has not looked for my sister or my father's murderer. He advised all to stay put. Just as you do, Cordelia," she spat out. She smiled at the man. Her first questman. Yes, this is what she needed to do.

She heard someone talk to her and turned to look at the man. Her heart stopped. Could it really be? Is it. . . her mind could barely think.

"Thomas? Is that really you. Well my land! Look how much you've sprout up. Good gosh! The last I saw you. . . it was better time then. Oh Thomas. What you have heard is probably true," she said, embracing him in a large hug. They had been such good friends.

"I have missed you very much, Thomas. I need your help. Desperately. They have taken Sandrina. Alexander is trying to find her. Father is murdered and I can't hold the homestead much longer. I am running out of time and options. Join my quest to find my sister and avenge father. Please Thomas. Please," she asked him after pulling away from their hug.

Cordelia Harrison · 05-11-2006, 06:59 AM

"A quest?! You are starting a quest?! What are you insane! Your father would never. . . " she started, but stopped when Mayonette shot her a look.

"You will leave my father out of this," Mayonette hissed.

"You know that your father would never approve of you going off into a battle with people you don't even know!" She argued fiercely, her eyes blazing.

"You know not what my father would have approved of. You did not live in our home!" Mayonette said in a clipped tone.

Cordelia shook her head and looked down at her hands. They used to be so close. They never fought so fiercely before. The rage built up in her, causing her body to shake with the consumption.

"I lived their often enough during my youth. Do you forget the beatings I endured and that I would run to you and your family for help! Obviously. Well Mayonette. . . You want a quest. Fine. I'm coming with you," she told her in a matter of fact way that suggested that there would be no aruging on the topic.

05-11-2006, 12:25 AM	#6
The Sixth Wizard Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stuck under a rock in Valinor with Ar-Pharazon. Posts: 480	Garnae listened as the girl, who he now knew as Mayonette, talked to Cordelia, the other young woman. Suddenly Mayonette turned to him. "You there, man that is listening to us speak. I shall reward you handsomely after we have found my sister and brought my father's murderer to justice. What say you?" Garnae was thrown off balance by her exclamation. "What, I - er, I didn't really mean to..." stuttered Garnae. "Oh come now, out with it," said Cordelia. Garnae took control of himself. Too many conversations had he ruined with this stuttering and hesitating. "Well, my good women, I was just happening to overhear your conversation just now, and was fascinated by some circumstances. You see, I am in a rather desperate financial situation at the moment, mainly by the movements of a man called Samuel Starnson, whom I think may be your uncle?" "Yes, that's correct," said Mayonette. "And, it seems that I can now hit two orcs with one arrow, if you see what I mean, get rid of Samuel and repay my debts. I must say, I thank you for asking me first, as it has saved me the trouble." Last edited by The Sixth Wizard; 05-11-2006 at 03:33 AM.

05-10-2006, 06:03 AM	#1
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,460	Elfride looked up at the young man, startled to be spoken to and a little flustered by the words. In latter years every time she caught sight of her reflection she merely thought how old she looked and before she had only cared that Theo had thought her fair. So the compliment washed over her and she answered that which more concerned her thoughts. "I thank you, sir, but there is nothing that anyone could do that would help. I have parted from my boy so you must make allowance for a mother's sorrow", Elfride swallowed hard trying to muster the control she habitually exercised in public. But there was kindness as well as mischief in the youth's eyes and she continued, "he has gone with his uncle to learn to be a soldier - I know it is what he wants..." she paused thinking of Elfthain's rapt face listening to tales of war told by his father and uncle and remembered her brother's harsh words to her, the ones that had made her yield "Do you want him to grow up to be a man or a milk-sop tied to his mother's apron strings .... he might stay through love to begin with but in time he would resent you.. soldiering is in his blood he will be never content to be just a farmer.." . Her reserve cracking she finished "It is just that his father and mine both went to war and did not return .... I could not bear it if the same happened to my son". She bit her lip quelling the tears that threatened and adding "but I am being silly, he is only in his tenth year, it will be long ere he could ride to war" . She forced herself to smile and this did give a momentary beauty to her grave face. The young man was strange to her and she knew most of the people of Edoras by sight at least having lived in the town for most of her childhood and nearby since her marriage. She was sure she would have remembered him since his colouring was darker than usual for the Rohirrim and had he not addressed her in their own tongue she would have thought him perhaps of the folk of Gondor who dwellt the far side of the White Mountains. "You are not from these parts, I deem, what brings you to Edoras? And may I ask your name? I am Elfride"

05-10-2006, 10:07 AM	#2
Dimturiel Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: May 2005 Location: the road less travelled by Posts: 910	Edhener was now inside the inn, looking for a place to sit. He saw at a table two women sitting deep in conversation. He knew them both by sight, being sure that he had seen them at his eldest sister's wedding. But it was not from a desire to be remembered and to start a conversation-for he had never felt a smaller urge for company than now- that he went to sit at the table that was nearest to theirs. Their faces were grave and concern was writen on the features of both. What if they had intresting things to tell, things that could bring an answer to his present plight? As soon as he sat down and turned his attention to their conversation, Edhener thanked his fortune. Why, here was a chance for him to actually do something! Not much, it was true, compared to driving away an army of orcs, and maybe it would not matter at all to some. But at least he had a chance of taking his mind off his grief, at least he had a chance of doing something else than begging for pitty and attention. And maybe, thought Edhener, a triumphant smile on his lips, maybe she would appreciate his contribution to the safety of Rohan. Maybe she would admire him for even such a small deed. Too deep in thoughts and wild dreams to care if anyone had seen what he was doing or not, he now turned all his attention to the conversation that was held at the next table.

05-10-2006, 01:26 PM	#3
Crystal Heart Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Rohan Posts: 568	Mayonette's dark eyes flashed in annoyance. How could she sit there and tell her to be an obedient woman?! Cordelia had been anything but obedient in their lives. It was her turn to become something, her turn to fight. She had watched so many men go off to war, so many young boys that had once been her friend, that she wanted to as well. Granted this wasn't a war, it was a quest for vengence. Yet, it was same in her mind. "Sit here. That is what you suggest. You, the most reckless woman in all of Rohan! You must think me mad. I am not going to sit idely by and wait until I get news that my sister and her husband are dead! I will not tell their infant son stories of his brave parents! I have changed much since my father's death. I do not want to be the obedient servant. I will not sit and wait for a man to take my life as well! No, Cordelia. You can guard my homestead. You can do what you deem is right, but I will not follow you," she retorted. She shook her head and noticed a man watching them. Thoughts arose in her mind of a quest. One that would take them on a valiant journey that would save her family and her home. Perhaps he would be the first to join her. "You there, man that is listening to us speak. Do you want in on a quest? Do you want to join me in battle and avenge my father's death? Do you want to hold your head up high, carry your sword, and bring the wicked to justice? For if you do I say to you join me. I shall reward you handsomely after we have found my sister and brought my father's murderer to justice. What say you?"

05-10-2006, 02:08 PM	#4
Glirdan Energetic Essence Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Where Lark Nor Eagle Ever Flew Posts: 3,285	As Léoflic listened to her story, he noticed eyes starting to well in her grey eyes and it brought memories back to when he was a child. He could share in her pain. Both had a father who went to war...and never returned. He snapped out of his reverie to answer. "I am Léoflic and you are right in a sense. My family is not originated from these parts. We're originally from Gondor. However, my grandparents moved here during the war with Sauron to escape the war that was to come. But upon arriving here, they realised that they couldn't escape the evil." he said as he sat down opposite her. He looked into her eyes and saw the sorrow in them and it made him think back on the stories his mother told him when he was young. "My grandfather and grandmother passed away shortly after they moved here. My father, who was the only child, was left to fend for himself." he said. Just like me... He thought sadly. He came to and noticed that Elride was looking at him intently. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be bothersome. You have enough troubles of your own. I really don't mean to bog you down with all of my sorrows."

05-10-2006, 11:30 PM	#5
Witch_Queen Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Pandora's box... "LET ME OUT OF HERE!" Posts: 344	Thomas rode for what seemed like hours before finally reaching the White Horse Inn. After finding an empty stable for Chianna he proceeded to go inside the Inn. The door opened and all Thomas could hear was laughter and conversations. Private as they maybe he could still hear them from the door. Thomas' blue eyes scanned the room looking for any sign of Mayonette. Thomas thought he saw her at a table that appeared to be surrounded by people. He took a closer look only to see that his eyes were playing tricks on him. Thomas started walking backwards and carelessly walked into a table. He turned around, "I am so sorry about..." His jaw dropped, the person he was searching for he found by bumping into the table. Thomas ran his right hand through his hair brushing it out of his eyes. "So is the stories true Mayonette?" Thomas figured Mayonette may not recognize him, since the two of them hadn't seen each other in what seemed like 5 years or more.

05-11-2006, 06:02 AM	#7
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,460	"You have enough troubles of your own. I really don't mean to bog you down with all of my sorrows."... Elfride smiled again, "it is not bothersome as you put it - it is a good reminder that others suffer . And have perhaps suffered more misfortune. At least my son is not left alone in the world - that seems a grievous fate. All have their problems...." . Elfride's gaze was drawn to the two girls who had now been joined by two men. Although she could not hear their words there was clearly something going on. She realised that she was being rude, " Léoflic, I am sorry ot be distracted - it is just that those girls are from my village and something seems to be wrong. Perhaps I should go over..."

05-11-2006, 06:45 AM	#8
Crystal Heart Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Rohan Posts: 568	"Welcome to the quest. My uncle. . . what you do to him is your own accord. I do not care what happens to him and his treachery any more. He has not looked for my sister or my father's murderer. He advised all to stay put. Just as you do, Cordelia," she spat out. She smiled at the man. Her first questman. Yes, this is what she needed to do. She heard someone talk to her and turned to look at the man. Her heart stopped. Could it really be? Is it. . . her mind could barely think. "Thomas? Is that really you. Well my land! Look how much you've sprout up. Good gosh! The last I saw you. . . it was better time then. Oh Thomas. What you have heard is probably true," she said, embracing him in a large hug. They had been such good friends. "I have missed you very much, Thomas. I need your help. Desperately. They have taken Sandrina. Alexander is trying to find her. Father is murdered and I can't hold the homestead much longer. I am running out of time and options. Join my quest to find my sister and avenge father. Please Thomas. Please," she asked him after pulling away from their hug.

05-11-2006, 06:59 AM	#9
Cordelia Harrison Wight Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 126	"A quest?! You are starting a quest?! What are you insane! Your father would never. . . " she started, but stopped when Mayonette shot her a look. "You will leave my father out of this," Mayonette hissed. "You know that your father would never approve of you going off into a battle with people you don't even know!" She argued fiercely, her eyes blazing. "You know not what my father would have approved of. You did not live in our home!" Mayonette said in a clipped tone. Cordelia shook her head and looked down at her hands. They used to be so close. They never fought so fiercely before. The rage built up in her, causing her body to shake with the consumption. "I lived their often enough during my youth. Do you forget the beatings I endured and that I would run to you and your family for help! Obviously. Well Mayonette. . . You want a quest. Fine. I'm coming with you," she told her in a matter of fact way that suggested that there would be no aruging on the topic.