OOC: Feel free to add anymore dialogue you wish to the last thread, but I am starting the next scene.
The day broke clear and sunny but soggy from the night's rain. Heostor lifted his head with a whicker when Fengel came out of his family home, happy to see its master. The Éothraim carried a leather satchel that contained the last remnants of the oats that they had been given in Lórien. He spread them across the old wood trough that still sat in the paddock and smiled as the horses all came to munch on the grains. Fengel patted his horse's neck as he stared out over the plains of his old home. It wasn't the same anymore.
Burh Donun was not far away and the headsman of that clan was a friend of Fengel's father - they should know something of where his sister might be, and why wargs were running wild across the Ehwathrumavuld, the great plains that made up his people's lands. The village lay to the east only a short ride away and the warrior wished to get the day moving.
Fortunately, sounds were emanating from the interior of the house heralding that the other Company members were awake.
OOC: Actions and/or Dialogue
Dirnhael could not shake the sound of the speaking warg from his mind. He looked forward to being on the move - away from this place, even if it was once his friend's home.
"Come," he said, "let us make haste for the nearest settlement this day. Perhaps we can sleep amongst comrades-in-arms instead of wargs this evening!"
Nain woke slowly. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes he straps his axe across his back then wanders a short distance from the house to use the small outbuilding to relieve himself. Once that's complete he heads to the stable to check on Jethro. He expected that their relationship would get a lot more rocky now that he'd run out of apples. It was usually about the only thing Nain had to keep the crazy beast in line. He worried about it as he entered the stable and saw the young warrior there. In response to his suggestion Nain gives a nod.
"And good morning to you to. Shall we eat something before we go or would you like to just set off now?"
Durgil stirs and wakes. Stretching out a bit of the night's stiffness, he sets out to where he saw the wargs. Once there, he looks around to see if any of their tracks remained.
Observe (Spot) - 5*+3+2=10
Regardless of the outcome, he returns to the home to report his findings. "Eat here or on the road, makes no difference to me."
"Fengel knows these lands best. The decision should be his," said Dirnhael.
"Though I am anxious to find my sister, we should strengthen our bodies with food. Apparently these lands are not as I have known them to be. Our people would have never suffered these lands to the feet of vile wargs. We may need our strength today. Not far from here is a settlement, perhaps there we'll find some answers."
They ate a small breakfast while Durgil scouted out the tracks left by the night's intruders. In the muddy turf could easily be seen the large paw prints of the wargs and the path they took, both in coming and going. The Dúnadan returned with the small bit of information that he had garnered to see his companions gathering their remaining gear. Stowing it on the horses, the Company began to move again in search of answers to the questions that ran through their many thoughts. As had been decided the night before, the Company would head north and east to the settlement of Burh Donun and then none knew from there. Hopefully they could begin to start piecing together the mystery of the whereabouts of Fengel's sister.
The day was a beautiful bright blue with thin whispy clouds high above, complimented by the rich greens and yellows of the prairie surrounding them. Edrahil watched the many birds of prey as they hung on the air, hunting the prairie mice and other small animals that scurried amongst the tall grasses. The land rose and fell in slight undulations as the Company trotted along.
Five miles out from Fengel's homestead, the Company came upon a carcass that lay in the afternoon sun. The fetid smell of decay was beginning to hang heavily in the air and even the slight breezes could not break the odor. Carrion birds hopped about and tore at the dead creature or they hung aloft in the air, waiting to land and take their fill.
The Company approached the ruined body and the vultures scurried about only to land a few yards away, waiting for the intruders to leave. The creature was a warg and it looked as if its throat had been torn open by strong fangs and claws. One of the slender fletched arrows that Durgil had been given in Rivendell stuck up from its back quarters, right along its spine. It had not been an immediate killing blow but definitely one that would have slowed the creature. Its companions must have thought it now a liability and had slain it, making a meal of it as well and leaving the rest for the crows and vultures to finish. Durgil drew forth the arrow, as it was a commodity in this seemingly woodless land, and wiped it off on the brown fur of the warg - he then deposited it back in his quiver.
Moving on, the Company rode the remaining miles to the neighboring clan and were immediately aware when they came within its bounds for the land was tilled and crops could be seen growing. In these fields stood a few men, women and children, who looked at the approaching riders with wondering eyes. In the distance, the ribbon of the Donu River could be clearly seen and the small village of Burh Donun sat on a small tributary. Smoke rose from the earthen structures, much like that which Fengel's family had lived in, as well as a central long house that was made of stone and wood.
People stood and stared as the riders came within the village confines and dogs ran up yelping, causing the riders to maintain a better hold on their mounts. Whispers (not all in the comon tongue) and blatant finger pointing were made in the direction of the Elf, Dwarf, and Dúnedain...
"Are they of Gondor?"
"Look at their raimant?"
"So noble and tall!"
"There will be trouble to be sure!"
"We need to send them on their way otherwise the Sagath will blame us!"
Then, rising above all other whispers and murmurs, a voice spoke - "Fengel-sen-Halath? Is it you?"
Fengel had not heard his name spoken in the manner of his youth in so long that he almost did not recognize it, but he turned his head and there was an elder man that stood there that he immediately knew. It was Bragos - his father's friend and headsman of the clan of Burh Donun.
OOC: Actions - and /or - Dialogue?
Seeing his family friend brought a broad smile to Fengel's face. He immediately brought Heostor to a halt and leaped to the ground. Walking up to the man he grabbed his hand. "Bragos!", greeted Fengel pulling the man closer. "It has been a long while since I have been home. And while I am glad to see you,.. sorrow fills my heart. I have returned to my families lands only to find it ruined and no sign of my Gleowyn. And wargs roam the lands freely. Please tell me where I can find my sister? Tell me that she is alright?"
Durgil smiled inwardly at the commotion the group caused, especially at the sound of children laughing and playing -- something he had heard little to none since departing Fornost. He didn't understand what trouble he and his companions could be, but supposed that they looked odd enough that their mere presence might cause a stir. Vaguely in the back of his mind he also pondered who this 'Sagath' might be.
When Fengel went to greet this acquaintance, Durgil will remain in his saddle unless the others feel like dismounting at this time.
Dirnhael looked to Durgil, noticing that the young noble had turned his head slightly at the mention of the word "Sagath".
They locked eyes for a moment, knowing that this would be discussed further soon enough.
OOC: Dirnhael will wait until he is introduced by Fengel before dismounting. In the meanwhile, he can't resist a smile upon seeing his Eothraim friend happy again for a moment.
Fengel was immediately aware of a problem when Bragos' body tensed at his embrace - the man was holding back for some reason.
Bragos did put a hand on the younger Éothraim's shoulder and in a whispered voice, "I know nothing of your sister Fengel... only that your home was abandoned soon after the Sagath crossed the river and took up holding of the land between the Donu and the Dinvuld Hills. They came under the banner of a fearsome leader named Harizän and drove many of our folk west into the hills and beyond."
The elder gritted his teeth, "Harizän the Easterling holds the lands surrounding Ilanin and south through our vale. He has driven the younger of our folk that have strength of arm from the area or taken them prisoner, leaving the elders and the children to keep the land." The Company now realized that the bulk of the villagers were of age or very young. Bragos finished his thoughts, "It is rumoured that many of our folk retreated to the keep of Thergas in the hills to the west - perhaps your sister is there."
OOC: On the map above, the area shaded in red represents the stretch of the Sagath invasion under Harizän the Easterling. Understand that Ilanin is normally inhabited by Sagath, Dorwinrim, and even Éothraim, although the first and the last do not tend ot get along. They will endure one another to trade goods, but that is about it.
Ilanin has served as a central trading town for many generations and has been under various rule by either side.
Fengel looked deep into Bragos' eyes, his own narrowing. He leaned closer to Bragos, "I suppose there may be some here that would not approve of you talking with me then." Stepping back a little, he says in a louder voice, "Bragos, you have known my father longer than I have lived. Will you not at least invite my company and I to your home for a meal before we move on!" He turns to his friends and gives them a concerned look as he places his hand on the hilt of Cerduil.
Dirnhael's momentary happiness faded as he saw Fengel stiffen and his move his hand oh-so-subtly towards his blade - something was obviously wrong.
He shuffled about on top his mount, making ready to draw Vorandur at a moment's notice.
To his understanding, Fengel's people were friendly enough; salt-of-the-earth types in contrast to the more urbane dwellers of cities like Fornost. As a man with feet now in both worlds, he had looked forward to some time with Fengel's people, away from the politics and prevarication of nobles.
Perhaps it was not to be after all, he thought.
Nain listened to the humans talk. He had very little interest in what they were talking about other than the concern he had for his friends family. "Friend" was a word that he was just recently coming to term with using in reguard to these humans and it still felt a little od for him when i thought it. They'd saved his life and he'd done his best to repay the favor over the last few months. It had been a hard journey and didn't look to be over any time soon. But to call a non-Dwarf a friend was something that he'd never considered. He pondered that thought as the humans chatted with their Kin. He did notice Fengel's hand moving toward the hilt of his sword though. These people didnt look like they'd be any trouble but he looked around and prepared himself for the worst just in case.
OOC I'm afraid I'm going to be out of touch for a few days. Work is nuts this week and I'm also preparing a trilogy of LotR modules to run at a local convention this coming weekend. I'll jump online when I can - back again full time on Monday. Feel free to add any comments for Edrahil between now and then.
OOC: Will do Brian. Thanks for letting us know and we'll see you next week.
Bragos gave a hesitant nod, but then smiled broadly at the man he knew as Halath's son, "Yes... come and break bread with us."
Around the Company, the tension seemed to ease a bit, although some folk still looked on the strangers with trepidation. The throng of people began to disperse a bit - some going back to their daily activities, while a few others joined Bragos in the procession towards the long house.
A heavy-set, bearded man of middle-age came to them and smiled. His hands were large and bore the scars that most smiths had and he asked, "If you will... I can take your mounts to the stables and see to feeding them."
Edrahil dismounted and patted his horse's mane, speaking a kind word in Sindarin. The animal raised and lowered its head and then followed the blacksmith. Together with his friends, the mage walked with Bragos into the large house. The structure was built of stone along its foundation and then wooden walls up to rafters covered with a thatched roof. It was open at one end and the light of day shone through multiple windows. Birds fluttered above and three large hounds rose as Bragos entered. With wagging tails, they came up to meet him, all the while sniffing at the strangers that had just arrived. The group took a seat around a long wooden central table and a woman came about to each of them and poured from a glazed clay pot into wooden cups, wine for each of them.
Bragos raised his cup, "Welcome to Buhr Donun Fengel, son of my old friend, and to all of your comrades. You have grown into a strong young man! It hangs heavy on my heart to find you back at this time when our lands lay under an invader's rule and for you to find your family home despoiled."
The people of Buhr Donun had slowly begun to gather about the room and the main porch of the long house. Fengel looked about them all and it seemed that their eyes held a look of hope when he caught their gaze. It was then that Fengel noticed that all of the onamentations and armaments that used to hang on the walls, proclaiming the house of Bragos, were gone.
OOC: Actions - and /or - Dialogue?
Galudir raised his glass and then drank greedily from the cup. He then nudged the dwarf to his right and whispered, "The townsfolk seem to be the curious sort, like they haven't had any visitors for ages. Or at least, none they would welcome."
After proper introductions were completed and the small talk concluded, Dirnhael spoke up.
"Invaders? Are these occupied lands?" He looked to Bragos as he spoke, but his gaze drifted back towards Fengel as well, hoping to see a glint of recognition in his friend's eyes. "We heard mention of the Sagath; who are they?"
OOC: Please disregard this post; Fengel covered the same ground, and it fits better in the narrative if he's doing the talking with his people, IMHO.
Quote from: tomcat on Mar 01, 2007, 02:52 PM
Bragos raised his cup, "Welcome to Buhr Donun Fengel, son of my old friend, and to all of your comrades. You have grown into a strong young man! It hangs heavy on my heart to find you back at this time when our lands lay under an invader's rule and for you to find your family home despoiled."
The people of Buhr Donun had slowly begun to gather about the room and the main porch of the long house. Fengel looked about them all and it seemed that their eyes held a look of hope when he caught their gaze. It was then that Fengel noticed that all of the onamentations and armaments that used to hang on the walls, proclaiming the house of Bragos, were gone.
OOC: Actions - and /or - Dialogue?
"I have been gone since my father went to sleep with our forefathers. I have seen and done much, but my heart grew more sick longing to return to my sister. And now to find her gone and the lands of my fathers under the control of the Sagath." Fengel's face expressed anger with the last statement. Though his mind was perplexed with the circumstances he remembered that his friends needed to be introduced.
"Bragos, my manners aren't as they should be." He places a hand on Dirnhael's shoulder, "This is Dirnhael, knight of Arthedain, my lord and friend." he finished with a smile. Glancing toward the elf, "Edrahil, wielder of great power and compassion, hailing from his people of Lindon." "Lord Durgil, son of Gelmir, aid to the King of Arthedain." Fengel then looks at Nain, "And though he may not think so after my actions, this is Nain of the Blue Mountains and these are my friends, and companions." Fengel, then realizes he did not introduce Gauldir, "Oh, and this is Gauldir who aided us in our time of need and fought along side us against trolls, proving his integrity. He paused for a moment, "Though I can not speak on their behalf, only on what I know of their character, we will find a way to free our people." As he finished he looked around the room, his face resolute, then turning back to Bragos, "Tell me of this Harizan and how many men does he command?"
Bragos looked to both Dirnhael and Fengel and answered their questions in turn, "It was two summer seasons past that the Sagath crossed the river in force. They skirted Dorwinion and using the Ilanin merchant roads, they raided north and south driving our folk before them... at least those that could run."
Another of the Éothraim spoke up, "The slaughter was unmerciful. Our bravest stood before them, but Harizän attacked with such speed that we could not organize our forces fast enough. The warriors were slain or driven west leaving the villages with women, children and elders at the mercy of the Easterlings."
"Not that we hold them to blame," interjected Bragos, "but we have wondered what council is being made at Thergas and in Burh Marhlinge and if Thuidmar has summoned the clans to war. All I do know is that the vale and north to Ilanin is under the tyranny of the Sagath and our youth and young woman have been taken as slaves."
The Éothraim elder noticed the questions still in Dirnhael's eyes, "Lord Dúnadan, the Sagath are from the east... called Easterlings by the men of Gondor. They are a cruel and barbaric folk often employing wains and chariots in war. They are akin with the folk of Dorwinion and leave them in peace, but they have been our enemies since my great-grandfather was a youth, and probably before then. To the south, our fellow clans are harrassed by the Asdriags but their folk is far fewer and any raids they make are for quick claim and not for land holding."
The other Éothraim that had spoken earlier replied to Fengel, "Harizän is a madman - a huge brute that slays all in his path. He is said to have over one hundred wains and three hundred warriors at his disposal. He resides across the river from Ilanin and it is from there that his men rally from and terrorize our lands. His lieutenant is another Easterling named Koskas, a wolfish looking man with a heart to match and it is he who primarily patrols the vale. There are about forty men that follow him and they say he speaks to wargs!" At that the man spat on the floor, "You say you saw wargs on the range last eve?"
Bragos nodded, "It would seem that you may have been discovered by Koskas' spies."
About the Company, woman and elders looked to one another with worry wondering what harm could befall Burh Donun for the hospitality they showed these strangers in their house.
OOC: Actions - and /or - Dialogue?
Fengel stood, "Then we shall make haste to Thergas and bring aid. It is time for our people to stand together again against the Sagath!" With that Fengel looked to Dirnhael and began to move through the crowd of people. He stopped and turned again, "Thank you Bragos for your hopitality, I shall return with a force and a vengence!"
Fengel's pace did not slow as he reached the stable. Within moments Heostor was saddled and Fengel swung upon the back of his friend. "We shall ride swiftly, I fear we can not take long in returning here." Looking back at the crowd that followed them to the stables, "Their lives depend on it!"
OOC: I suppose we can reach Thergas before evening?
It had all happened so quickly.
Dirnhael would assist Fengel, of course - he owed the man his life a half-dozen times over - but he did not know what the rest of Company would choose to do. They came to bid a friend goodbye, not start a revolution.
"No one here is bound to this quest," he said as Fengel scrambled to his horse. "If you choose to leave, to go where you will, no ill will be spoken of it."
He looked about and continued, "But fighting the many arms of the Shadow behooves us all; and to defend the Free Peoples here does nothing but strengthen the bonds between us."
They had defeated a dragon - surely, while this was not so... direct a charge, Dirnhael had faith that the fierce and proud people to Fengel's kin could be roused to extraordinary wrath - all they needed was hope.
Hope was Dirnhael's business in trade, a companion and willing partner to him throughout his voyages... and perhaps the return of a prodigal son - Fengel - would instill the courage necessary for the Eothraim to reclaim their lands for themselves.
Edrahil's face broke into a grim smile, "The situation at hand has stoked the fires of passion in our friend, Dirnhael... of course my road is with you."
The Sindar's eyes followed Fengel as he strode from the long house and again the vision of a young woman came to him, a large shadowed beast stooped over her. Edrahil broke his silence of his vision, "I fear that Fengel will not like what he finds at the end of this road of vengeance."
Quote from: sdrotar on Mar 02, 2007, 06:23 PM
"No one here is bound to this quest," he said as Fengel scrambled to his horse. "If you choose to leave, to go where you will, no ill will be spoken of it."
He looked about and continued, "But fighting the many arms of the Shadow behooves us all; and to defend the Free Peoples here does nothing but strengthen the bonds between us."
Fengel stood tall in his saddle and looked at his friends. "Dirnhael's words are true. You all are my friends, and will always be. If you decide that you must leave than I bid you farewell. But," He pauses, "you will be missed. You are all great warriors, but to fight without you at my side, I know not how I would fare. We have been through so much together and I need you all now." The tall horseman smiles broadly, "
So ride with me to free my people!" With that Fengel gave Heostor a good kick to which the strong dark horse responded, launching forward as thunder echoing across the plain.
OOC: Oh Tomcat, thanks for the full name of Fengel. I love it, check my signature.
Upon hearing the elf's proclamation, Durgil whispers to him, "If our friend chooses the more difficult path of righteousness -- of defending his people -- above the easy road to hatred and vengeance, then I will not have that fear, my friend. We will have to remain vigilant on his behalf."
Soon he is mounted, ready to ride for folly or fortune.
Fengel meant to start a war, or at least finish one, and that left Galudir ill at ease. The role of the mercenary was not unfamiliar to Galudir, but that sort of involvement was short and easily abandoned when necessary. This, on the other hand, would be much more demanding .Still, Galudir knew the only other option was to risk the long journey back to Eriador alone and that wars could still be profitable, especially because this Harizän must have collected a respectable amount of riches from years of raiding.
Thus, Galudir resolved to stay with the company. The rogue ran out, mounted his horse, and galloped after Fengel.
Nain didn't run, nor Jump on Jethro. He walked in the stately manner that behoved a dwarf, grumbling all the way that those humans and their rash decisions were going to get him killed yet. He mounted Jethro and followed at a nice steady trot. He'd been looking forward to spending a few days at the forge, this smith seemed an interesting man and might be able to learn a thing or two from a Dwarven smith. He guessed now that his work would have to wait as he slowly caught up to the impetious humans.