Epilogue: the Carrock

[Eclecticon]

There are none so powerful in the craft of wisdom
in the multitude of nations in this world
mounting forth, so that the maker of the world
through his great gifts would send forth to him
hither wise thoughts and worldly skills,
granted to all under a single power,
lest he, for pride, and filled with earthly joys,
should turn away from moderation, a man mighty of mind,
and then depise the poor and humble -
yet he should share, who has the power of discernment,
the various hand-skills of the people,
with those living on land throughout Middle-Earth.

Beneath the Carrock, in the lands that enfold the great Anduin River, Beorn's people are feasting on the bounty of a successful harvest and settling in to wait out what promises to be a cold winter, but not an unbearable one.  On the high stone overlooking the vales, the smoke from their hearths is just visible in the last light of the setting sun.  As if borne on this last light, the wind blows cold from the mountains, and it is well that the assembled company are wrapped in layer upon layer of wool and furs, and that a bonfire burns on the Carrock's flat crown.  

Behold Grimbeorn seated on the judgement-stone, his banner whipping and snapping in he wind behind him, a war-leader newly proven.  Behold his man Hathcyn Longspear, bold and steadfast, his name come to new honour.  Behold the Beorning thegns, grim-faced, men of battle freshly scarred.

Behold before them all Vidugalum, head hanging, once a king and now a prisoner on his knees.  

"My lord, my kinsmen," intones Æthelwold Red-eyes, his oration near its end, "be this man's name known to you.  Be his crimes against our chieftain's law known to you."  All eyes shift to Grimbeorn as he finishes: "what is your judgement upon him?"  

Before the younger man can answer, Claudas Bare-legs interjects "and what of Oderic?"  There is a murmur among the thegns as he continues.  "He may have murdered Merovech the Mighty and Odo Peace-speaker, and by the word of Williferd of Stánford slew Rathfic, his brother.  He was found neither among the living nor the dead at Stánford, and thus must have fled the battle when this man," he points to Vidugalum, "came to seize it.  What is your judgement upon him?"  

Like the audience at a riddling contest, the great men of the Beornings look once more to Grimbeorn.  


Aside from the two PCs already described, others may be present or absent as you wish.  Matt, Grimbeorn is welcome to seek their input before he passes judgement on the two men. 

[tomcat]

Any ideas what you are awarding XP and AP for this adventure phase?

The direction of this PC really stems on whether or not certain things can happen in her development.

[Telcontar]

  with longer duration play some of the awesome aspects of the mechanics are becoming more apparent. Struggle against thee shadow, hope management etc.

[Eclecticon]

Doug, assuming you're planning what you've been talking about earlier, you'll get what you need. 

[tomcat]

Cool! I will have a post up later.

[tomcat]

Tate sat alone in the long hall. The Beornings were busy with the business of thegns and judgments, as well as doing what they could for the people of Stánford. Winter had come to the Vale and the small town had suffered great damage - it would not be until Spring that the fixes could be made. For now, the efforts were being made just for survival.

From Hathcyn's ideas, the reaping from the fields had been great. The livestock flourished over the summer, too, and so there was no great urgency for food, just shelter. The minstrel listened from the far end of the hall, where he sat, at the soft mutterings of the Beornings in discourse. He drank the rest of the honey-mead in his cup and set it atop a low table. He had decided it best to leave and head to his home. Perhaps he could follow the road that Rorin and company had been diligently working upon for the better part of two years? Perhaps there would be other travelers heading east?

He did not know. Only that he felt out of place now and that he yearned for his own lands. Perhaps that is what she feels? Perhaps that is why?

Tate had not seen or spoken to Esgalwen since their argument at the ford. Partially because she had upset him so greatly - all he had done was cared about her well-being. Perhaps it was pride that kept him from seeking her out again. After all, what was truly there? The woman was an ambassador out of the south. She was of Gondorian nobility. She would have no interest in a Man of Dale - especially one who is low-born.

I should find her, he thought to himself. But the voice in his mind argued back, No, you should leave her alone and return to where you belong. As you feel no part here, neither does she and it would be no different for her in Dale. You are creating your own suffering with these ideas.

He sat silent in his mind for a moment and then decided. I will at least tell her goodbye.

---------------------------------------

As for Esgalwen, she had separated herself from the people she had called friends for these many years within the Anduin Vale. As had been her wont in the Fall, the Dúnadan had returned to the women of the Beorning houses and sat amongst them - tending to female duties alongside of them. It had not made her feel more at home, more that she felt a camaraderie which was missing from her. It gave her, too, a time to heal - both of body and mind.

At last, one of the older women came to her, "Girl...you have been sitting among us pushing thread, cracking grain, and mending clothes. Though your hands be rough and your body scarred, it is not your place. Why do you spend your time here when we know that you have walked alongside our Lord?"

Esgalwen smiled, "I find comfort here among you, madame."

"Comfort?"

"Yes. I have walked among men and fought by their side. I wear the mantle of a Man's task, but still I am a woman. I feel the absence of love. I feel the absence of no children and carrying forward my father's blood. I see my rough hands and scarred body and wonder at how long I can do such things and still be desired. So yes, comfort. Though I am not of your sisterhood, mother, it is still wonderful to sit among you and hear tales of your doings. To work with my hands in the manner of household. Do you know what I mean?"

The older woman smiled, "I cannot presume to say I do. I have lived a life of this - being a woman and doing the duties that are called upon me, as a woman. Being a mother and those duties, too, along with every challenge and fear that we have. I have never been a shield-maiden. I have never carried a sword into war. I have never walked where you have walked. I can say that I envy you this."

Esgalwen looked up at that and the old matron nodded.

"Child...we will all have our burdens to bear based on the choices we make. Happiness is all we can truly measure. Are you happy? Have you chosen a life you regret? If so...then go home. Be a mother...a wife. If you are happy then be what you are."

"And what is that?"

"A woman," came the answer. "A strong woman who defends her home though she is far away, among people that she has taken for surrogate."

The Dúnadan Ranger stood up and looked deep into the crinkled, old eyes of the matron. She kissed her cheek. "Thank you."

She walked back to her small shelter, which Grimbeorn had given her to reside while she remained. Though she passed others and smiled and waved, her mind drifted back to a loving face that she held dear.

"Hi Papa."

"Hello Gwen. I see you are ready."

In her thoughts, she was regaled in the accouterments of the Rangers of Ithilien. It was the day she would leave Minas Tirith.

"I am. Father is angry. He did not see me off."

The old man nodded.

"What if I fail, Papa?"

"Why would you fail, child?"

"I don't know."

"Esgalwen, ever since you were born, you have been strong. Your desire to serve the crown, and your people has always been forefront to any other thing you wanted. You could not possibly fail, for to serve and to protect has been your calling."

"It is not what most noble women do, Papa."

"No. But you are not most noble women. Why do you do this, Esgalwen? Why would you want to take up this task?"

"To protect Gondor. To try to restore the greatness of our people."

"Do you believe that that is possible?"

"I have hope, Grampa! I have hope that we can stay strong as a people and overcome all else. I have hope that some day a king will sit once more on the high throne."

"Then that is all you need child. Everything else will just come as it does, and you will learn how to react. Just never let go of that hope."

Esgalwen smiled, "I will not! It will always be my light when things seem darkest."

Elrohir smiled at his granddaughter, "Carry it always before you, young lady. Let it keep you warm, strong, and one day guide you home."

Home.

Esgalwen looked at the small, wooden yurt-like house where she had recovered over the last weeks.

Home.

Again, the voice in her mind said the word.

Esgalwen smiled and she looked around at the people of Beorn's house. Brave people. Strong people. People worthy of helping and defending. Just like everyone else she had met along the way.

She entered the house and looked to see her things. They were scattered about, but she quickly gathered them up so they were ready.

----------------------------------------------

Tate looked up when the light from outside was suddenly cast into the darkened chamber. Heavy furs hung across windows and the wooden doors were closed, so as to keep the winter chill outside. A woman in a dress could be seen, once his eyes readjusted. It was Esgalwen. She saw him and he could see her take a deep breath, even as she began to walk towards where he sat.

"Esgalwen..." he started, but she cut him off.

"Tate...I wanted to find you. I wanted to say I am sorry."

"Well...I am sorry, too." He figured it the best response - it had saved many a man!

"You have nothing to be sorry for," was her reply. "I heard from some of the folk around that you were looking for travelers that might be heading east. Is that true? Are you leaving?"

He paused and looked back to his empty cup. "I am. It is time I was home."

"Then I would come with you...if you would have me."

Tate's tongue made the same audible click as it had at the ford, those weeks before. "Really? Yes. I...I would love to have you come!"

Esgalwen smiled back, "Good...then we will leave when you are ready."

"Esgal..."

"It is Gwen."

He stopped a moment and then smiled. Tate had spent the better part of his life trying to woo women in some way, by both voice and his charm, but he would be damned to one day finally understand them.

"Okay. Gwen, I suggest we leave before the winter comes on to hard. We could be in Dale within the month. It will be dangerous. The road will obviously take us through the wood."

The woman of Gondor turned back towards the door, but looked back over her shoulder to reply, "It is okay. I have confidence in us and hope is on our side."
I know! I know! I really played it heavy on the new trait she is buying!  

But I had to come up with something that tied her to it - seeing as she did not see too much success in the battle, or help a friend, or witness the birth of the chosen one, or anything!  

Still, the above works for me!

Thank you guys for dealing with all of this back story, and heavy-sided, emotional stuff that I have been writing for this PC. It seemed that it was necessary for her slow decline in her Hope attribute. I think I may have gotten it right, but I am not a woman, so it is what it is.  

With her hope restored, she can now go back to just being a warrior instead of a squishy girl.

Paul, I am updating my PC sheet for her new trait, but I will audit the XP section once you tell me what each character receives. I will also update her skills with AP, once that is determined, too.

[GandalfOfBorg]

  Yes he will...

"I have yet to hear the tale fully of what transpired by Tate and Esgalwen, being consumed by the threats to our people and land.  I ask your patience and indulge a man who seeks to gain the wisdom you desire him to impart in the matter of Oderic."

"But of this man, I have my mind made up.  Vidugalum, rise, for men must meet their fate on their feet.  You were given a choice to release my people.  You were given a choice to live in peace with these folk without need of the sword and spear.  You alone chose a fate for your people in pride and greed, not in a manner that represents who we are -- free men that live and work, fight and die, for each other because we respect the dignity of a day's labor and a stout heart.  I will not condemn the men under your command, a command that left them to fall to under our blades and perish for nothing but a fool's whim.  They will be given a choice to join us once again, to live as a Beorning, to love as a Beorning, and perhaps to die as a Beorning either from a hale life or for a cause greater than themselves.  You.... you are no king.  You are no leader of men.  You are not fit to even serve men of noble heart.  But your head I will not take for enough blood has been shed.  You, though, will be cast out.  Five days ration and a good knife.  All the lands west of the Carrock are of my people.  All of the lands to the south are of our allies, where word will be spread of you.  You may go to the west or north," he points.  "Those are not the lands of Men but they are now yours to eke a life, a miserable one mayhaps, but a life you have a chance at.  May you live a long life at that, haunted by those you murdered by your own hand and the hands of my people."

[tomcat]

give me a little bit, Matt, and I will have a post up for Grimbeorn to hear Oderic's tale.

[Eclecticon]

The assembled thegns nod, and a murmur of approval comes from the few onlookers as Grimbeorn passes judgement on the former king.  Nearby warriors unbind Vidugalum's hands, fill one of them with a sheathed knife, and escort him meaningfully toward the stairs down to the river shore.  As he mutely descends, Grimbeorn motions to Esgalwen and Tate to begin their tale. 

[Eclecticon]

Doug, do you want us to assume Esgalwen and Tate relate their tale, and skip to Grimbeorn's decision?

[GandalfOfBorg]

  Can you give a summary?
I wasn't able to keep up with both storylines.

[tomcat]

Can you give a summary?
I wasn't able to keep up with both storylines.

I can.
On a cold morning, Grimbeorn sat upon his seat under the Carrock and called his thegns to him as well as the Toft prisoners. It would be the day that he passed judgment on those who had brought war to Beorning lands and broken their laws. Esgalwen was summoned, even as she prepared her departure. When she arrived at the throng, she saw that Tate was there, too.

"Lady Esgalwen of Gondor, daughter of Eradan," said Grimbeorn, giving the woman credibility within the chamber of Beornings. "One of the Company of the Helm, I welcome you before my father's seat."

Esgalwen stood tall before her friend and gave a bow, "Thank you, Grimbeorn, scion of Beorn and boon companion."

"Esgalwen and Tate, I have asked you both here, along with all others that have been party to recent events, to bear witness to those we hold responsible for evil deeds and to hear my judgment."

The throng of people listened to the young leader as he spoke his words of doom upon Vidugalum, and Esgalwen was pleased to see the thegns agree with Grimbeorn's decree. It was then the subject of Oderic  was presented and Grimbeorn looked to the only two that could speak on the matter. Tate offered Esgalwen the floor, as he spoke, "You are Grimbeorn's friend and it was upon you that he laid our mission. I will stand by you to offer witness to your words and to give any information that I deem necessary."

Esgalwen smiled at Tate and nodded. She then looked to the master of the house, but spoke loud enough for all to hear.

"Master Grimbeorn, as Tate has stated, it was upon me that you laid the task of finding the outlaw named Oderic, who to that point could be the only witness - and potential culprit - of the deaths of your counselors. The only other factor that we needed to keep in mind was the evidence of orcs - cruel, black arrows - that had been the manner of death."

Esgalwen speaks a moment in regards to Hathcyn and his wondrous ability to find the outlaw, as he was hiding south and west of the river location where the attack had occurred.

She continued, "Tate and I made our way directly to Stánford, as the trail we followed led us south. Once there, we met with city elder Hartwulf, along with his daughter Ava and a man named Williferd. We learned that Oderic had been taken captive by his own for the murder of Rathfic, his brother-by-marriage. It seems that the council of Stánford sent him north with your counsel - Merovech and Odo - and we know their fates.

"We spoke to Rathfic's wife, Bruinhild, who is step-sister to Oderic and she was in dismay. Though she loved her husband for what he was, she had no desire to turn on her brother. Understand Master Grimbeorn, Oderic was born of Odacar, but his own parents were slain and thus he was fostered by Helmgut, father of Bruinhild.

"We also spoke to Williferd, one of the town's counsel, and he announced his love for the man, Oderic. He, too, was reticent to give any information on the whereabouts of the outlaw. It was only by threat of harm that I was able to gain any information and assistance from the man. I did not do it willfully, Master Grimbeorn, and I beg your pardon, but Williferd drew a bow on us as we followed him into the countryside. We believed he was on his way to meet Oderic, and so I challenged him. He came apart at the threat of being made outlaw himself, or being slain by me should he loose his arrow. Broken, we demanded his aid and he at last conceded."

There was a murmur throughout the crowd of folk, as to Esgalwen's revelations. All were quickly hushed by a gesture from Grimbeorn, "Continue Lady, and no need for my pardon - I trust in your good will to the task I bestowed on ye."

Esgalwen nodded, "With Williferd's aid, we followed a trail to the Wolf's Wood. It was there that we found Oderic. He was among the Toft-men - those that bear a red disc upon their shields, who we know as the Blood Moon Raiders." Again there was agitation in the crowd, which Grimbeorn had to force into silence. "We did not know whether he was prisoner or guest of these men, but my concern now was for the Vale and the many clans that surrounded the wood. Stánford was not far away, the Woodmen were just across the river! The gathering of raiders was great - as we have all learned - and I knew that word must be sent out. I knew that winter was coming and these raiders would need provisions for the winter, as they had no supply lines from the south."

Tate interjected, "That was when the Lady here moved stealthily into the perimeter of the camp, my lords. She is brave and skilled and found your outlaw among them. If prisoner he be, the raiders allowed him a respite in the woods to tend to his personal needs, and it was then that the lady Esgalwen ambushed Oderic and his guard." The minstrel nodded at Esgalwen and looked about, "We apprehended Oderic and made our way from the wood - also by Esgalwen's adept skills of the land."

A few mutters in the crowd and even a hushed, "She turned on the field."

Grimbeorn silenced the mocking statement with a glare.

Undaunted, the Dúnadan continued where Tate left off. "I knew Master Grimbeorn that we now had three urgent challenges. We needed to get Oderic back to you, we needed to get word out to the vale of the potential threat of the large band of raiders, and finally - we needed to get back to you and aid you in your need with the Viglundings. We were set upon at the river by a party of Toft-men hunters and we slayed them, but not before Williferd was taken by an arrow. I must beg pardon again, for not knowing custom and being worried about time - I gave the Beorning's body to the river. I am sorry, but I figured the Anduin would at least keep him clean from rot, or carrion, and allow us the ability to keep moving.

"Tate and I brought Oderic to Stánford where I released him to his own people to be held until he could once more be summoned to you, or your father, to seek judgment. I beseeched him to not do anything foolish, for though he was present at Odo and Merovech's deaths, it was not certain that he was to blame. All we knew was that he had taken the life of his brother-by-law, but I would speak for him if he remained in his people's custody. I would bear witness that though his crime was sinful, he at least aided in the defense of his town and folk. I promised him that I would beseech you only exile him - not put him to the axe. Even from afar, he could have aided and been part of his sister's life."

Esgalwen breathed deeply. "Many have died in the last few weeks - most need not have done so, but for the evil of outsiders. When valour called, Oderic rejected his people and took flight again. I cannot offer him any leniency and thus bear witness to his wanton slaying of his brother and neglecting his people. I leave judgment for you, but I offer no defense."

The lady bowed and stepped back from Grimbeorn's chair.

[Telcontar]

  minor correction. The judgement is being passed beneath the open air upon the Carrock.

[GandalfOfBorg]

There was much muttering among the thegns and people when the tale had been told.  Grimbeorn thanked Tate and Esgalwen for their words and time.  The big man sat and though on this for a short time, the whispers coming louder and calls for action being spoken loudly.  "Is there anyone here left to speak in defense or accusation of Oderic that has direct knowledge of either incident?  Come forth, the balance of justice demands it."

[Telcontar]

"I do."

The answer came from an unlikely quarter and some looked surprised as Hathcyn spoke.

"I speak only because you sit upon the carrock in judgement and have commanded. Though I know very little, honor demands that I speak what I know."

"Your father has few laws, one of those concerns hunting at night. There are those who know why he decrees such a law, so I will say no more on that count. I bring it to mind only to show what I know to be true. Those who understand need no other explanation."

"It is true, Oderic slew a man, but he fled the slaying of your counselors and has no guilt for them.  He made to flee far and away, from guilt or through desperation, but he fled away from the homes and holds of our people. I will also swear that he did not go willingly with the thieves and the raiders. He did battle with them and was overcome. So at least in the beginning we know his heart was not in line with theirs. His being under guard shows he was not in their full confidence when he was rescued. He was one of our people, perhaps tempted, but he was a Beorning. He also knew the weight and numbers that were to fall upon his home and he chose to stay. Unless one at Stanford can say different he cast his lot with hearth and kin."

"If he is to be judged then let him be judged rightly and for the right crimes, so I have spoken what I know."