Darker Days RPG

[piosenniel]

Mayonette stood upon the porch of her home, arms clutching either side. Tears shone in her maple brown eyes as the memories of her father flooded through her small frame. Each and every breath felt like a weighted eternity, gathering even worse strength than before. She watched as the gentle breeze stirred the trees around their house.

She pondered on why her father had to die. He was so young, so full of life! Couldn't there have been a way to save him? Or her sister?

Her body shuddered to think what they may be doing to her. After seeing just what they did to her father, she was terrified to find her sister's body. She shook away the thought. No, she said to herself, it wouldn't end like that. She prayed that her sister would be okay.

Her sister had far more to live for than she did. Sandrina had a husband, a new life, and a barely blossoming child within her. Why had she said she would stay behind when Alexander had come to ask her if she wanted to come and find Sandrina with him? She knew these hills, knew these paths! What selfish thing had she done? Could she have sent Alexander to his death?

She took a deep breath and swallowed hard. Her stance strengthened as new thoughts filled her head. No, she wouldn't stand here waiting for her sister's return or for the capture of her father's murderer. She was going to go and do something!

She ran inside, changed quickly, and then went out to the barn. Her father's chestnut mare neighed softly as she approached.

"Be still Maple. We are going to The White Horse," she instructed the mare. It neighed softly as she saddled her. As soon as Mayonette was done she jumped up and headed for the inn.

--- Crystal Heart

[piosenniel]

Hama of the Riddermark’s post


Hama looked up towards Edoras, the sunset was beautiful. He sat on his horse and watched the orb sink below the hill, the last beams catching the roof of the Meduseld in a glorious display of reflected light. A cool night-wind blew against his face, and he breathed deep, savoring the fresh taste of the cool air. Running a hand through his hair he gazed into the dark sky, sighting the stars and simply watching them sparkle. It had been a long while since he had last done this, and he regretted immensely that he had not been able to do it again sooner. The night was the one place where he could be at peace, alone. It was all very well for him to be the great hero, savior of the borderlands, in public, but he needed time away from all of that.

He didn’t think that Eomer would grant his request, but the outlands of Rohan had been quiet for many weeks, mainly thanks to Hama, and so the King had been unusually charitable in dealing with Hama’s petition for a few weeks’ leave. The first thing he had done was to saddle his horse and ride into the wilderness, settling down and camping under the stars by a small fire, cooking his own food for the first few days. He smiled wryly; it had almost tasted better than the fancy meals that his cook prepared for him. He had never much cared what he ate, as long as it kept him alive, and the over-indulgence practiced in the court had placed a few extra pounds on Hama’s waistline that he was eager to lose, and fast. It was no use being a Hero General if you were too fat to mount a horse or use a sword, and though Hama was at the peak of physical health, even at the age of forty two, he could feel the fat dragging him down like so much lead. After a week alone, he had lost most of his extra poundage, and began to ride around the Riddermark, visiting the people under the protection of the Hawkshead Company. Many of them were gracious, but some were uncivilized to the point of barbarism. It was a sobering experience for Hama, rich and handsome General of the Mark, to see a deformed beggar eating dirty meat cast out of the butcher’s shop and intended for the dogs. Hama gave the man a small pouch of silver coins, telling him to buy himself new clothes, a bath and a decent meal. The beggar threw himself at Hama’s feet, kissing his boots, and the General realized that his was likely the only act of kindness that this poor man had ever received.

Hama felt more at peace than he ever had done before, sitting under the black blanket of night on his noble stallion, Valuk. It was two weeks since his encounter with the beggar, and Hama had revisited the town and found the same man sitting in the street, looking certainly less disheveled, and with a bowl of hot stew next to him. The warmth of his embrace when he rushed at Hama, throwing his arms around the General’s chest, was a startling experience. After a second or two Hama returned the embrace, patting the man gently on the back. He still found it incredible what a difference a single bag of silver could make to a man’s life.

In any case, he was headed back to Edoras now, his leave over and his duty about to begin again. He was using his last night to lie with the world and enjoy it before he returned to his usual bed. Thirst struck his throat like an axe after about an hour, and he nursed his horse into a slow canter towards Edoras, the gates opening slowly at his command. He tugged Valuk’s reigns to ease the horse up the path that led to the White Horse Inn, ale was starting to sound like a joyful prospect to a man bereft of his luxury, albeit voluntarily, for a month…

[piosenniel]

Dimturiel's post

Edhener was standing in front of the White Horse inn, watching the setting sun. Evening was his favourite time. It was pleasant to watch the sinking sun, as it carressed the geen fields of Rohan, making them blush scarlet. Evening brought memories into his mind, memories which he cherished as if they were some wonderful things crafted with great devotion by his own hands. But even the memories could not make him forget the happenings from the last few days. And whenever he thought of them, his eyes flashed with anger.

Where had he gone wrong to recieve such cold treatment? Was there anything he could do, in order to bring a twinkle of delight in the eyes that lately flashed with distaste at the sight of him?

The thought of brave deeds sprung to his mind. He saw himself riding to meet a large army of enemies, or battling with all the fiends ever spawned in the world, untill he fell, worn out and wounded. Then he pictured himself being brought home in the arms of one of his companions, and he saw the proud disdainful eyes filled with tears of regret and concern...

Edhener tried to still his fantasies. The war was long over. Gone were the beasts that brought terror and ruin into people's hearts, gone with them the chance of young men winning renown by fighting them.

Unless the rumours were true, and then he might have a chance of proving his worth. But who would take him? True, he had friends that could reccomend him for his valour and his fighting skills, but too many people considered him odd and unfriendly, an unsuitable companion for any expedition.

"I would prove them wrong, were they to give me a chance."he thought. "I would prove everyone wrong, including her"

His head bowed with the burden of so many thoughts, Edhener turned his back to the darkening world and entered the inn.

[piosenniel]

Glirdan's post

Léoflic looked out of the window across the wide plains of Rohan, thinking back on his past. His father had died in war when he was young. He doesn't even remember what he looked like. He was raised by his mother, the only family he had. She was caring and stern. He had a good life. Then that fateful day came when his mother fell deathly ill. He was only thirteen when it happened. He was standing by her bedside when she said "Léoflic. It is said that on the deathbed's of men, that they can see into the future and it is the case this time, yet I will not reveal to you what it is. Take my bow. You will need it and remember that I will always be with you." and with those final words, she passed out of Arda.

As he looked on at the flowing plains, he remembered what happened after. He had no family left after his mother's death and was left to fend for himself. He remebered wandering the plains of Rohan when he met him, his best friend. They grew up together and did everything together. He put his hand to his Short Sword and thought back to the first gift he recieved from his best friend. He thought back to their parting. His friend wanted to become a Healer, like his father whereas Léoflic wanted to be a mercenary. It was silent farewell and as he thought back to it, a lonely tear slowly developped in his eye and slid down the side of his cheek.

"It's time I stopped dwelling on the past and continued with my life," he thought to himself. "This is for you mother," and he turned his head away from the slowly sinking sun.

[piosenniel]

Witch_Queen's post

Thomas was shocked when he heard the news. He looked at his brother, "You mean the Mayonette that we grew up with. How could this happen?" Thomas' brother shrugged his shoulders. He only knew what he was told. "Maybe I can catch her over at her house." His brother looked at Thomas suspiciously. "Tommy I doubt you'll catch her there. I've been told she's going to the White Horse Inn. If you leave now you might be able to see how she is doing." Thomas stood up from his kitchen table. Mayonette had always been a good friend of his when they were little.

Thomas went to his room to grab his sword and spear. He some how had a feeling that the spear may come in handy...eventually. "Joe I'm taking Chianna and going to the Inn. Maybe I can find out some more information there." Thomas went out the side door of his little home only to walk straight into the stables. When he decided to build his home he wanted his horse as close to him as possible. So having the stables right out the side door was his best idea at the time. He walked over to his horse, slowly stroking her mane. "Chianna, its time for a nice walk. You can't stay shut-up in this old stable all day can you..." He placed his fathers old leather saddle on the giant animal. Chianna was a beautiful creature, her coat shined in the sun. She was a nutmeg brown and Chianna was Thomas' best friend besides his brother.

Thomas mounted his horse and proceeded to the White Horse Inn. All he cared about was making sure his friend was alright. If help was needed he knew he would gladly offer his services.

[piosenniel]

Mithalwen's post

"Well they have gone, Leif" Elfride murmured turning her face into the grey horse's mane as those she loved most in the world, her son and her brother. Elwin, and his family, finally disappeared from view. Elfthain had looked so happy, the excitement of the adventure for now overriding distress at parting temporarily with his mother. He had wanted to ride Leif himself, disdaining his old pony but this his mother had refused. It was one thing to let him ride his father's warhorse in the paddock at home, another across the open plains of Rohan. As a compromise she had offered him her own horse. The smaller and sweet tempered palfrey would take care of his rider and give her one less thing to worry about but would give her beloved boy the dignity of riding a proper horse.

'Thain had tried to take his father's sword too but Elwin, seeing the distress in his sister's eyes had told him he must earn it first. For Elwin the scene was too close to the one that had taken place but a few yards from this spot three years before when he had led Leif back to Edoras and placed Theomund's sword in his sister's hands. The empty saddle had brutally broken the news of her widowhood before word could be spoken.

He wished she would join them on his new assignment. It was not healthy for a young woman to live surrounded by ghosts. He had thought that she would not allow herself to be parted from the boy and trusting to this he had been forceful in his arguements. He had been astounded when she had permitted her son to go without her and refused to explain beyond saying that her affairs at the farm and in the village could not be arranged so quickly. He knew she had promised her son that they would not be long separated and hoped that she would join them ere long.

If Elfride was not ready to leave the ghosts of her past, neither was she ready to face them in her otherwise empty house. She would go to the inn and take a meal she felt no hunger for in order to delay her return and avoid the forlorn task of cooking for herself alone later.

She entrusted her horse to the ostler and brushing down her blue riding habit she entered the inn. This was rather finer garb than she would have worn had the journey not involved an encounter with her sister in law, of whose refined Gondorian manners Elfride still was somewhat in awe. Many in Edoras thought Elwin, Captain of the Mark, quite good enough a match for a lady's maid. The fact was that Gilwen had been a handmaid of Queen Lothiriel and spoke the elf tongue as easily as the Westron. The sisters in law had grown fond of each other but Elfride still had moments of feeling like a peasant in comparison.

The inn was quite busy and she drew little attention in her quiet corner, eating little, absorbed with her own thoughts it was a while before she realised that she was not the only person from the village in the inn. She knew the girls of course, but not especially well. They were not so far apart in age but Elfride felt much older. They were still children when she had arrived as a young bride and her swift progression to motherhood had placed her more often in the the circles of older matrons than younger maids. They were nice girls but she was not sure she wanted company just now and it seemed as if they had concerns of their own.

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

Hama dismounted in the stableyard, running a hand over Valuk’s mane and patting the horse on its neck several times. “Stay here, old friend. I’m going to get a drink,” he whispered in Rohirric. Striding up to the path to the inn, several Rohirrim saluted him and he returned the gesture accordingly. His long cloak billowing in the breeze, he reached the door of the tavern and opened it. Walking in he took his helmet off, resting it on the bar and ordering some ale which came soon. He took a deep gulp, savouring the bitter taste of the brew as is sloshed around his mouth and down his throat. Letting out an involuntary sigh as he put the glass down, he ran a hand through his long golden hair, scratching his scalp lightly. “Barman, is there any of the salt-pork left?” he asked across the counter, to which the innkeeper shook his head. Hama cursed under his breath, not violently, but adequately to satisfy himself. “I’ll have some bread then,” he said.

When his bread came it was fresh-hot from the oven with butter, which was already starting to melt, amply spread onto its surface. Hama took a bite and smiled. Simple but delicious, that was the way he liked food. His eyes were drawn to a gathered party on one of the tables. One woman he knew, Sandrina Hitherford, daughter of a minor landowner. Her father had died recently, under somewhat suspicious circumstances. Mumbling he finished his bread and ale and flipped a couple of silver coins to the barkeep, who nodded and thanked him.

Getting down from his stool at the bar, he walked over to the table Sandrina was sitting at. “Greetings, miss Hitherford. I’m sorry about your father…I am Hama Haukrsonn, General of Rohan…”

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette saw the general and smiled at him sadly. Did she look so much like her sister that it wasn't clear which woman she was? No. She that that wasn't the case. He probably just assumed she was the oldest.

"Hello General. I'm sorry to have to correct you, but I am Mayonette Starnson. Not Miss Sandrina Hitherford. That is my sister. She is wed to Alexander Hitherford, who is currently searching for her. Sandrina has been kidnapped, general. I know this is imposing, but would it be all right if you join me and a group of others in a search for my sister?" She asked, hoping that the general would come along.

[Glirdan]

Léoflic looked up to the assembling crowd. Now not only were the two girls and two men there, a General of some sorts had entered and was talking to them as well. He thought that it was rather odd that such a group would be gathered at an Inn at this time of the day.

When Léoflic looked back at Elfride, he noticed that she was looking at the assembled group. "Well, why don't we go over and see what they're up to? Maybe you'll reconize them up close?

[Witch_Queen]

General Hama? Thomas couldn't believe he was standing only a few feet from the great General Hama. Seeing Mayonette had brightened Thomas' day but he now had a chance to help her when she needed him the most. Thomas turned to Mayonette, "Mayonette I have been there when you needed me while we were children. I see no reason to abandon you now. I will gladly accompany you on your quest and if I must lay my life down on the line to save your sister I will." Thomas figured Mayonette still remembered him as the little Tommy she use to chase around the yard between her house and the house his parents once occupied.

Thomas was shocked that Sandrina had been kidnapped. He had always seen Sandrina as the stronger of the two girls. But evidently he was wrong. Thomas looked at the General just wondering if he would take Mayonette up on her quest to save her sister's life. Thomas was only a few inches from Mayonette but he could feel some tension building up inside her. What was going to happen to Sandrina?

Thomas turned to the man Mayonette had caught spying on her and Cordelia. Thomas at first didn't know what to think of the man that called himself Garnea. What type of man was he? Could he be trusted? "Good evening. Your Garnea right?" The man nodded his head. "Thats what I thought but wasn't too sure." Thomas extended his hand. "Nice to meet you I'm Thomas." They shook hands. About that time a stranger ran into the inn and comfronted Garnea. Thomas was already suspicious but now he was worried. Garnea turned to Thomas. "Do me a favor tell Mayonette I had to go for a few moments. I have some issues to take care of back at the homestead. But I shall return later." Thomas nodded his head as Garnea made a quick dash for the door. I wonder what is so important that he had to leave imediately. Thomas was more suspicious now than he ever was. He didn't know much about Garnea but he knew that was one man he was going to have to keep an eye out for.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette smiled at Thomas, a true genuine smile. Yes he had changed from their youth. He wasn't the same boy that she use to chase around. Now he was a man. She took his hand and gave it a quick squeeze.

"Thank you Thomas. I will need your comforting presence on this journey," she whispered to him. She hoped that afterwards life for them would be highly different then they found it now. She hoped that when this was all over that Thomas would stay around the homestead, at least for a little while.

[piosenniel]

~*~ To Elvenhome ~*~