Within the home of thy enemy

[tomcat]

"Such talk is not fit for the Ladies present but if you insist. I have been asked to be the Guardian of the Lady you are to marry. Now that her brother is imprisoned, she has no other family, and now that she is penniless someone of rank will be required for the ceremony to give her away.

Quite penniless I am afraid, since her brother made several remarks to the steward that threatened the king. As he has traveled in foreign lands these claims are being taken seriously. The steward has gone so far to send Mithrandir to summon the King to return to hear the case. Once guilty of the crime of treason his lands will be confiscated by the crown and he will be put to death. The Steward out of fondness for her father has sent me to you. We can make arrangements for the wedding, as I believe the Steward out of sympathy for the girl has sent me as his spokesman and out of love for her father desires that she be married in a fitting manner consistent with one who holds the high blood of the Dúnedain.

I thought to find her in her home, but the servants have instead directed me here to you. Now I find you both safe and secure, while dark storms swirl all around the marches of the North."

To everyone's surprise, it was Ioreth who stood up and loudly spoke, "What do you mean my brother has made threats to the king? Why would he ever do such a thing? Why has he not yet returned from Fornost?"

Both Pethron and Celdrahil realized that Ioreth was still unaware of her brothers predicament. She, as a servant to the throne, had taken her obligation of marriage willingly and thus was held in Methilir's charge. The men now knew that the noble's workings were not revealed to Ioreth, even as lies to deprecate her brother.

Methilir looked around the room, but met no eyes. What was this?! What had Durgul done now to undermine his plans? He would have to find out as soon as possible. He then looked to Celdrahil, "As my guests, I welcome you to stay the evening or however long is necessary for you to keep your charge. Unfortunately at this time, I weary and will take to my room. Ioreth!" he said sharply. "I bid you good night."

The nobleman stood and walked from the dining hall leaving both men and women alone, save for the servants. Ioreth looked to Pethron, "What is going on?" she demanded.

[BrianM]

Pethron approached Ioreth so that he could converse with her without being overheard by the servants. He was careful to speak in hushed tones. "M'lady, please forgive our deception, for that is what is at work here. And I thank you for not letting on to our host that you know who I am. Durgil is safe, but he is in the custody of the guard at Fornost."

The scribe quickly described how Ioreth's brother had been framed for murder, and that they believed Methilir to be the culprit. He further explained that the wedding was a means for Methilir to obtain her family's lands. Plans had been set in motion to prove all of this to the King, and to see Ioreth and Gléowyn safely away from this treacherous man, but for now they too needed to play their part in the deception.

[Telcontar]

Celdrahil stood as others did, as was the custom of the high born. "In such times the blood of the west must be wary of enemies. Your brother has much evidence against him in a murder and his bearing did not improve his postition when questioned by my kinsman the Steward. I am a warrior and prefer an open battle and am not good with words or with court so I apologize for my hasty or ill spoken words."

Celdrahil bowed to all present and when Methilir left the room he followed him into the hall to speak to him briefly alone.

"Lord I am sorry for bringing this trouble to your house, I thought the lady knew of her borther's plight. As recompense I would like, with your leave, to escort her to her home to gather her belongings and those that may hold sentimental value to her in the event that the King's agents seize the estate. I would pay for the required wagons from my own pocket for causing such troubles while under your hospitality. Such a trip now before word is leaked would be insurance against her being destitute if this does come to pass and some things that couled be brought now for her comfort may not be avaialble later."




"

[sdrotar]

Celdrahil stood as others did, as was the custom of the high born. "In such times the blood of the west must be wary of enemies. Your brother has much evidence against him in a murder and his bearing did not improve his postition when questioned by my kinsman the Steward. I am a warrior and prefer an open battle and am not good with words or with court so I apologize for my hasty or ill spoken words."

Celdrahil bowed to all present and when Methilir left the room he followed him into the hall to speak to him briefly alone.

"Lord I am sorry for bringing this trouble to your house, I thought the lady knew of her borther's plight. As recompense I would like, with your leave, to escort her to her home to gather her belongings and those that may hold sentimental value to her in the event that the King's agents seize the estate. I would pay for the required wagons from my own pocket for causing such troubles while under your hospitality. Such a trip now before word is leaked would be insurance against her being destitute if this does come to pass and some things that couled be brought now for her comfort may not be avaialble later."




"

You are a devious one. I'm glad you're on our side!

[sdrotar]

Back in Durgil's ancestral home, Dirnhael's patience had given out.

He now trusted Pethron implicitly, and over the days, he had come to regard this Vidugavin as a kindred spirit, but Ioreth's fate lay in the hands of a man he did not know - even if Edrahil's faith in this Celdrahil held great sway over Dirnhael.

His wounds still nagged at him, but the care he received in the great house had done him a world of good compared to sleeping in the field, and he felt more than hale enough to ride out. He felt he could wait no longer.

Knowing Fengel must feel much the same way, he found his friend and spoke of his plan to depart; making haste for Methilir's lands, analyzing their defenses and preparing to take Ioreth and Gleowyn back by force, if need be, and force a confession from the fiend's own lips.

He would not ask Edrahil or Vidugavin to join them; this was their fight - one that they had let others battle in their stead for too long.

[ZehnWaters]

Back in Durgil's ancestral home, Dirnhael's patience had given out.

He now trusted Pethron implicitly, and over the days, he had come to regard this Vidugavin as a kindred spirit, but Ioreth's fate lay in the hands of a man he did not know - even if Edrahil's faith in this Celdrahil held great sway over Dirnhael.

His wounds still nagged at him, but the care he received in the great house had done him a world of good compared to sleeping in the field, and he felt more than hale enough to ride out. He felt he could wait no longer.

Knowing Fengel must feel much the same way, he found his friend and spoke of his plan to depart; making haste for Methilir's lands, analyzing their defenses and preparing to take Ioreth and Gleowyn back by force, if need be, and force a confession from the fiend's own lips.

He would not ask Edrahil or Vidugavin to join them; this was their fight - one that they had let others battle in their stead for too long.

"It is rude to leave your guests, having invited them into your home," Vidugavin said, bringing the horses around.  He'd readied them to travel.

[sdrotar]

Back in Durgil's ancestral home, Dirnhael's patience had given out.

He now trusted Pethron implicitly, and over the days, he had come to regard this Vidugavin as a kindred spirit, but Ioreth's fate lay in the hands of a man he did not know - even if Edrahil's faith in this Celdrahil held great sway over Dirnhael.

His wounds still nagged at him, but the care he received in the great house had done him a world of good compared to sleeping in the field, and he felt more than hale enough to ride out. He felt he could wait no longer.

Knowing Fengel must feel much the same way, he found his friend and spoke of his plan to depart; making haste for Methilir's lands, analyzing their defenses and preparing to take Ioreth and Gleowyn back by force, if need be, and force a confession from the fiend's own lips.

He would not ask Edrahil or Vidugavin to join them; this was their fight - one that they had let others battle in their stead for too long.

"It is rude to leave your guests, having invited them into your home," Vidugavin said, bringing the horses around.  He'd readied them to travel.

"'Tis not my home," Dirnhael said with a smile. "But if it is your will, I would welcome your company. I do not know what we will face, but this man is a villain; treacherous and unafraid of even murder to achieve his purpose, as you saw with your own eyes in the woods. We do not know if Pethron and Celdrahil even live after arriving at his home - or even if they arrived at all."

"We must travel as shadows, and assume that enemies lie in wait for us once more."

[tomcat]

Methilir listened to Celdrahil's words and then looked to Ioreth. The Gondorian noble could see that the man regarded her now with disdain, as if she were nothing more than another mouth to feed. He needed time to think and he needed to get to Fornost to determine the validity of Celdrahil's claims. "Do as you will," he said and turned from the Steward's messenger.

It mattered little to him at this time. If the claims were true, then surely the King would grant to Methilir the lands and the resources once held by Durgil. If so, he would still achieve his goals - and Ioreth would still be a pleasant bonus. With the morning, he would arrange for travel to Fornost.

[ZehnWaters]

"It is rude to leave your guests, having invited them into your home," Vidugavin said, bringing the horses around.  He'd readied them to travel.

"'Tis not my home," Dirnhael said with a smile. "But if it is your will, I would welcome your company. I do not know what we will face, but this man is a villain; treacherous and unafraid of even murder to achieve his purpose, as you saw with your own eyes in the woods. We do not know if Pethron and Celdrahil even live after arriving at his home - or even if they arrived at all."

"We must travel as shadows, and assume that enemies lie in wait for us once more."

Vidugavin returned Dirnhael's smile.  "I do hope this won't be how I have to spend all of my time in this country."

[Telcontar]

Celdrahil bowed to the Lord of the House, "A small recompense for the troubles that I have caused."
Celdrahil again entered the hall where the others were still at the table. His words were stern and hard in case spies still listened to their discussion, but he hoped that the words of Pethron had given hope to the ladies.
"We ride in the morning back to your home, under my care, so that your things may be collected. The safety of the road is not what it once was and disloyalty to the King has not improved it. We will travel light and fast as I have no other escort other than my own arm to provide you. We will make all haste to your home where loved ones and familiar servants await you. Pethron see to the ladies and I will see to the horses."
He walked close to the Lady Ioreth and took her hand to make his parting, with a whisper he said, "All is not as it appears, but you are not safe here. A man of Cardolan awaits you."
He bowed also to the Lady Gleowyn and took his leave of the hall. 

[sdrotar]

"It is rude to leave your guests, having invited them into your home," Vidugavin said, bringing the horses around.  He'd readied them to travel.

"'Tis not my home," Dirnhael said with a smile. "But if it is your will, I would welcome your company. I do not know what we will face, but this man is a villain; treacherous and unafraid of even murder to achieve his purpose, as you saw with your own eyes in the woods. We do not know if Pethron and Celdrahil even live after arriving at his home - or even if they arrived at all."

"We must travel as shadows, and assume that enemies lie in wait for us once more."

Vidugavin returned Dirnhael's smile.  "I do hope this won't be how I have to spend all of my time in this country."

"Then you may not wish to spend much time in my company, I fear," he said with a hearty laugh; his first in weeks.

[ZehnWaters]

"It is good to see you in better spirits, my friend," Vidugavin said.  "Our journey should be less deadly than our first meeting.  I cannot imagine that our friends were that unsuccessful."

[tomcat]

And so with the sunrise of a new day, the Company, from two locations, began to ride towards their destinations - neither knowing of the others departure. From Dorthad, Dirnhael led Fengel, Vidugavin and Edrahil on a pursuit to Methilir's home to retrieve the woman that he loved.

Celdrahil and Pethron also led forth their prizes - two women now released from the apparent bonds of duty, and a man's greed. The Ithilien noble could not help himself but to smile for his cleverness. He spurred his horse which caused his comrades mounts to follow suit and they raced west in the cold winter chill.

From the second story of his home, Methilir watched as the steward's messenger left with the woman that was meant to be his bride. He watched them until they had left his gates and disappeared beyond his view. His teeth were clenched. Did Durgil truly offend the king enough to have his land and rights retracted? Was Ioreth now a penniless pauper? How could a woman of court survive such a change in life? He had to get information from his contacts in Fornost.

There was a sound behind him, but he did not turn. "I am sorry my lord, but he requested that he have audience with you." The unknown servant silently excused himself, leaving another within the entrance to Methilir's private study.

A new voice spoke and Methilir recognized it, cold and emotionless, "You are letting them leave?"

"Yes... what of it?" the noble replied.

"I find it strange that you did not seek me out when your guests arrived. I had sent word that I wanted to speak with you."

"Well a Dúnadan noble comes when he wishes, not at the beckoning of his servants. Besides, I thought that you were making your way on... leaving."

"Aye, that is so. I will be leaving soon, but I figured that you would want to know that the scribe that you just entertained was one with the party of men that you sent me to kill."

Methilir turned at that. "What?"

"Yes... the loremaster that ate at your table last night, and who is now accompanying your woman away from here is one of the men that rode with Dirnhael. One of my men that returned after their failed attempt recognized him right away and told me. I sent word to see you, but you were too busy. Now it seems you've lost more than the last of your silver coins that you paid me."

Methilir did not care for the assassin's jest, but still the man was a tool in his bag of tricks... one that he would need to employ again. "Can you follow them... and see that the deed is done correctly this time?"

"You want me to kill the women and the steward's messenger?" asked the man that went by the name of Arandil.

"First of all, I do not know now if he was truly any messenger from Fornost. And if he were to die on the wild roads of north Arthedain... well, things like this are known to happen. Yes? But as for the women... no. I do not want them harmed. Ioreth will still be mine. If she be penniless, then certainly the king will look favour upon me for bringing in the women-folk of Dorthad and certainly he will reward me with Durgil's lands."

"Forgive me Methilir, but I do not think you have the resources left to employ me, or any of the men I will need to recruit."

Methilir looked incredulously at the middle-man - he was no Dúnadan, no man of high blood, "I paid you to have a job done, which thus far you have failed. Forget not who may soon be the noble controlling the predominant northern counties of Arthedain. Look more to your purse in the future then at the trifles that we negotiate now."

Arandil stood for a moment, looking at his benefactor and wondering if he tossed his lot in with a losing team. He gave a curt nod and left the chamber. Methilir turned back to the window and wondered how far the riders had gone thus. He mentally reviewed all the trails of his plot to see if any could be discovered leading back to him. Only Arandil flashed in his mind as a potential hazard. Perhaps when all was done, the assassin may need to disappear, too.

But now to Fornost. The noble called for his aid to prepare his mount, along with an accompanying guard. He would be at the capital in two days and there he would see if any words he had heard were true.



New thread shall be posted tomorrow.

[tomcat]

Okay, here is the deal...

I apologize for the pace of this game. There are two reasons for this:

• I currently have my head so far away from swords and sorcery, and all that is coming to me is stuff for Star Wars and Trek. Sorry, my brain works in genres!  I wish I had more flexible grey matter, but it definitely goes in phases.
• Second is that I have no idea where to take this plot line now. In truth, Tom did an incredible job at spoiling Methilir's intent, which was to use the time while the king was away, to rob Durgil's family of his land. Well, 'rob' is not so much the act, as aggressive takeover. Anyway, although Methilir was willing to use his simple-minded brother in his plot, setting the stage, and then having him killed, he is not willing to take his county to war against a neighbor. Part of him is sure that he would lose due to lack of resources. The other part of him is still a Dunadan noble, who is loyal to the king and knows the threats that lay outside the kingdom.

All this said, I am kind of just ready to award BIG experience and move the story onto a new plotline. BIG experience because in one post, BOOM! my antagonist was leveled! 

What's more is, with the awards, I want to put this game on hiatus while I draw some new story ideas out of the cranial juices that percolate in my skull. If that is cool with everyone, will go with it. If everyone wants to take this to the final end, where Methilir or Dirnhael stand dying on the tip of the others blade, we can do that, too.

Just let me know.

I would REALLY be interested to know if anyone would like to take up the mantle of Narrator for a while with either this chronicle, or a new one. I would love to just play for a while in the realm of Tolkein...

Anyway, just my rambles. Post me your thoughts please.

T

[tomcat]

To all my newer players, understand that my games on hiatus will pick up with all characters that were in the story. I usually have a prologue of what happened while we were away, and that leads into our new story arc. So, your PC's, and all the thought that you put into their creation, will still be there, unless of course, you personally have bowed out of gaming on this website.

The cool thing is most of you are part of my other games, so I know you will be around.