The Gondorian Games: The Queen's Quest

[Durien]

The Queen's Quest

]

Near the White Tree in the seventh circle, a small crowd has gathered. At it's center is Arwen's handmaiden, Lothwen. As you catch her eye, she beckons you forward, along with the other contestants. In her left hand, she holds a scroll, which she waves as she cries above the din of the crowd. "Hear ye! Hear ye! The queen has given me a list of seven items or tasks she needs retrieved or completed in an expedited manner. Are there any here willing to serve their queen?" She waited for the response of the participants gathered. "Lady Arwen herself will reward the champion with a silver goblet from her own table!" With such a prize, who wouldn't want to compete? "When you are ready to begin, please step forward to receive your first item or task!" Lothwen unrolled her scroll, amused at the list Lady Arwen had created.

Welcome to the Queen's Quest, an RPG competition in which you will be sent around the white city, posting in different threads in order to retrieve the items or complete the tasks assigned to you. Your posts will be judged by a random (and idiotic) but completely unbiased and fair set of criteria which I shall reveal at the end of the challenge. In your opening, please rp your entrance and request from Lothwen your first task. (This initial post is not judged.) I shall assign you a task to complete. There is no set deadline, although if it drones on too long, I reserve the right to announce one in the future.

~ Rules ~
~ In Order to Join, Please Sign Up in the Gondorian Games Thread ~
~ Direct all OOC to The Gondorian Games Thread ~
~ Have Fun! ~

Current Roster
Team A
Cadil (Pele Alarion) (All 5)
Ellisiva (Queen Nerwen) (All 5)
Abrazamir (Lantaelen) (4, No QQ)
Lucifer (1 - QQ only)

Team B
Kaylin (Arnyn) (All 5)
Unalmis (Ercassie) (All 5)
Aria (Gwai) (4, No MM)
Mojo (MM only)

Team C
NAME TBD (Aerlinn)(All 5 - 2 ROUNDS MM ONLY)
Galenas (KingODuckingham) (4, No MM)
Kaylin (Fairy Nuff)(4, No MM)
Almarëa Mordollwen (2 ROUNDS MM ONLY)

Potentially Team D (NEED MEMBERS), potentially part of A, B, or C
Ivor (Lirimaer)(QQ, TSC only)
Lalaith (Nen)(QQ, TSC only)

[Gwai]

NPC Aria

Aria rarely came up to the seventh circle, but she had heard a crowd was gathering, and some excitement was expected. She had been out shopping, a basket on her arm, but the crowd caught her attention and she hurried up. Standing on her tiptoes, she was able to just see the Queen's handmaiden Lothwen, who soon addressed the crowd. The Queen herself had a series of tasks that needed to be completed, and the reward was a silver goblet! Aria was excited. A chance to perform a task for the Queen, and a reward of a silver goblet to boot? Still clutching her basket, Aria waited her turn, and soon stepped forward to receive her task from Lothwen.

[Durien]

@Gwai

Lothwen smiled as Aria stepped up. She glanced at her list, then back at the woman. " It appears the Lady Arwen desires to host a special dinner for Lord Aragorn tonight, but she has no time to plan it. Your first task is to go to the Marketplace in Minas Tirith and among the shops, find a nice gift for her to give Lord Aragorn. She has no specific guidelines for the gift..." Lothwen gave the contestant a hard stare as she continued "...however, I will not accept anything inappropriate. When you have found and purchased the item, please return with item, and receipt if you wished to be reimbursed, here to receive your next task." With that, Lothwen turned to await the next competitor.

{OOC version of the Instructions: Your task is to visit the Marketplace thread, find an item suitable as a gift and RP purchasing it. Your posts finding and purchasing the item will be judged by *ahem* ridiculous *ahem* but impartial standards. Once your task is completed, RP your return here with the item in order to receive your next task}

[Pele Alarion]

Cadil

Bored out of his mind with nothing to do, Cadil had followed the steady stream of people going up to the seventh circle. To his great amazement it was announced that Lady Arwen was in need of capable hands and quick feet to provide whatever she had the need of. The young man could not help but wonder where all the royal servants had gone; but then again it would be an honour to serve the Queen, even more so if he could get a hold of that promised cup. Now, that would be something he could boast of properly and prove his worth to all who deemed him a lazy idler.

"I am willing and able to help!" he declared stepping out of the crowd and flashing a hearty smile at Lothwen in hopes that he could encourage her to give him an easy task.

[KingODuckingham]

NPC Galenas

"Huh, what?" Galenas asked absently. He had rolled into his clothes this morning, ignored his slovenly surroundings, and pushed open the door. He shielded his eyes against the bright light. His ears were assaulted by loud sounds. People were shouting, trumpets were blowing. It was a regular to-do.

"Whoa." said Galenas.

He joined the rush of the crowd, bumbling along between two hefty folk, one a man and one a lady, who occasionally jostled him roughly as they hurried along, full of excitement. Galenas made no effort to avoid the jumbling. He preferred to go with the flow, even when the flow was wild.

"What's going on?" Galenas asked. He was confused. Stuff happening always hurt his brain in the morning.

"The Lady of the City, she's requested some help. We're going to see what heroes sign up." said the man.

"You should sign up, laddie. You're quite the hulking sight, I'd say." the woman prompted him. Before he could respond, Galenas half-stepped, half fell into the circle around the White Tree and the Lady. The woman whose name he did not know and never learned shoved him forward, without ever having asked Galenas' opinion on whether he would like to volunteer. He was staring, almost eye to eye, with Lothwen, handmaiden of the Queen herself.

"Uh, hi?" he said. He put his hand to his forehead. It had already begun to ache.

[Arnyn]

Kaylin

Hearing Lothwen"s request for help, Kaylin took but a second to think; she had the time, and helping the Queen could never be a bad thing! Lothwen would probably be happy with the help, too - and Kaylin couldn't spend all her hours rangering or at the pub, now could she?

She stepped forward, raising an arm. "I'll try and find those seven things!" She wasn't all that interested in a silver goblet, but maybe Thûllir might think it was cool?

[Durien]

@Pele Alarion

As the next participant stepped up, a young man named Cadil, Lothwen glanced at her list once again. " It appears the Lady Arwen desires to host a special dinner for Lord Aragorn tonight, but she has no time to plan it and our staff is already in an uproar. It seems the King has greatly missed the deliciously foul food of the Prancing Pony in Bree. Fortunately, Mr. Butterbur has sent a special package of his favorite recipes to Haldecar of the Old Guesthouse, which arrived this morning. However, Haldecar has been unable to try them out as he has been quite busy, but he will allow you to cook up one or more of the recipes at the Old Guesthouse. Therefore, your first task is to go to the Old Guesthouse, select a recipe, and cook it up." Shouldn't be too hard, Lothwen thought with a smile. Then it faded as another thought occurred to her. "And please have one of the pub's customers taste and approve the dish before you bring it here. I, of course will taste it as well, but I'd rather not be tasting burnt food all day." She added dryly.

{OOC version of the Instructions: Your task is to visit the Old Guesthouse thread. You must RP searching through the recipes of Haldecar (who is an NPC anyone can RP) and cooking a dish for Lord Aragorn reminiscent of the Prancing Pony in Bree. Before you may leave the pub, you must find someone already in the thread and convince them to taste the dish you have prepared and give it their approval. Your posts in the Old Guesthouse specific to this task will be judged by *ahem* ridiculous *ahem* but impartial standards. Once your task is completed, RP your return here with the item in order to receive your next task.}

@KingODuckingham

As soon as she had finished delivering those instructions, another man stepped up and greeted her. She briefly recognized him as Galenas. "Hi! She greeted him back as she scanned her list. " It appears the Lady Arwen desires to host a special dinner for Lord Aragorn tonight, but she has not been feeling well lately. Please seek out a healer at the Houses of Healing, and ask them for something to help with the nausea. Be sure to get instructions on how to take the medication and how often as well."

{OOC version of the Instructions: Your task is to visit the Houses of Healing thread. You must RP asking and receiving medicine and instructions for how to take it, from a healer there. Your posts in the Houses of Healing specific to this task will be judged by *ahem* ridiculous *ahem* but impartial standards. Once your task is completed, RP your return here with the item in order to receive your next task.}

@Arnyn

The contestants were coming quickly now. Kaylin was the next victim, er...contestant, in line. "Hi! Once more she glanced at her list. " It appears the Lady Arwen desires to host a special dinner for Lord Aragorn tonight, but she has no time to plan it and our staff is already in an uproar. It seems that Lord Aragorn enjoys a good book as a way of relaxing from his responsibilities, and she wishes to give him one at dinner tonight. Please visit the library of Minas Tirith and find a good for the King."

{OOC version of the Instructions: Your task is to visit the Library thread. You must RP searching for and finding a book there. Your posts in the Library specific to this task will be judged by *ahem* ridiculous *ahem* but impartial standards. Once your task is completed, RP your return here with the item in order to receive your next task.}

[Ercassie]

Unalmis

He had naught else to do that day, which was traditionally the cause for all and any mayhem which followed. The draw of seeing the White Tree, perhaps the Queen, perhaps simply not missing out on what appeared to be some grand affair, had driven him to follow the general excitement of the Quest. But it was the challenge itself which drew the greatest appeal. For how could you know what your limits were in this life, unless you were to test them ? He could not even remember the last time he'd said 'No' to anything …

"Aye !" he cheered, when the lovely Lothwen asked if there were any willing here to serve their Queen. And having committed himself quite so loudly, and noticeably, when most others had quietened their own cheer, he could not have backed out then even if he had recalled some pressing chore that ought to take precedence. Precedence ? Over serving the actual Queen ? There existed no such thing .. that he could think of in that particular moment anyway. And so stepped forth in his due turn. "Anything," he dared the royal handmaiden.

[Burnt Toast]

Zev was ready for some fun. When he head about the games going on, he couldn't resist. He had grabbed a small pack, full of a few snacks to keep him going throughout the day, but in his rush forgot to put on his boots and shirt.

So here came the ecstatic Ranger, running through the streets of Minas Tirith, sinuous tattoos shining in the sun, golden hoops swinging wildly from his ears, and shock of white hair messier than ever. His bare feet padded across the stone streets, occasionally hitting a sharp loose rock, at which point he would let out a loud curse, "Fredegar!", for instance, and hop along one footed for a few steps, and then back to his bolting to the start of the games. He was late already!

Upon arrival, he didn't even stop to catch his breath, but instead dashed straight up to Lothwen and attempted to request entry to the game between massive breaths. "I'm here for-" huff, huff, huff, "the games," huff, huff, "Can I... play?" he managed, and a huge grin slowly worked its way across his face as he caught sight of Kaylin. He gave the redheaded Ranger and excited wave.

[Durien]

Note to all: Many of the tasks/items you are to complete/find involve rp-ing with others who may not playing the game. For example, in the marketplace, you can visit any one of the shops (you don't have to find my shop, although I do have one) or in the Old Guesthouse, you can find anyone to taste your food. The other person doesn't have to be me. I know I'm lurking somewhere in most of the threads you'll be posting in, but feel free to post with anyone.

@Ercassie
Lothwen was beginning to feel pleased by the number of Gondorians stepping forward to assist their Lord and Lady, and she smiled at Unalmis's dare. Just for that his first task was one a man might be embarrassed by. " It appears the Lady Arwen desires to host a special dinner for Lord Aragorn tonight and the staff are all in an uproar trying to prepare. When last she visited, Lady Eowyn spoke of how beautiful the blooming flowers on the fields of Pelennor were, and the queen desires an arrangement fresh plucked from the fields to grace her table."

{OOC version of the Instructions: Your task is to visit the Minas Tirith, Pelennor and Northern Fiefdoms thread. You must RP searching for and gathering flowers for Lady Arwen's table.. Your posts in the thread specific to this task will be judged by *ahem* ridiculous *ahem* but impartial standards. Once your task is completed, RP your return here with the flowers in order to receive your next task.}

@Lucifer
Lothwen heard the huffing man, who had hurried to help his lord and lady. "Of course we can use more aid." " It appears the Lady Arwen desires to host a special dinner for Lord Aragorn tonight, but she has no time to plan it. Your first task is to go to the Marketplace in Minas Tirith and among the shops, find a nice gift for her to give Lord Aragorn. She has no specific guidelines for the gift..."[/I] Lothwen gave the contestant a hard stare as she continued "...however, I will not accept anything inappropriate. When you have found and purchased the item, please return with item, and receipt if you wished to be reimbursed, here to receive your next task."

{OOC version of the Instructions: Your task is to visit the Marketplace thread, find an item suitable as a gift and RP purchasing it. Your posts finding and purchasing the item will be judged by *ahem* ridiculous *ahem* but impartial standards. Once your task is completed, RP your return here with the item in order to receive your next task}

[Lirimaer]

Ivor, metalwright

Ivor, having finished his work by midday thanks to an early start, had taken a quick plunge in one of the bathhouses, emerging clean and feeling fresher. Unfortunately he was still in his work clothes, which were ripe, thanks to the extreme temperatures at which he worked. The smithy employed another boy in the afternoon - the farrier's son nearing completion of his apprenticeship in ironworks; he picked up all the shoeing work during the week, and that left all the interesting work for Ivor.

The unsubtle gesturing of the Queen's handmaiden caught his eye and he wandered closer. A silver goblet was the prize? He permitted himself a small flight of fancy, imagining all the things he could do with some Elvish silver. Before he'd properly thought it through, he'd lifted his hand and called to the lady,

"Ho, there! If the Queen desires it, Ivor shall see it done," he announced gravely, wondering why he was talking about himself in the third person. Perhaps it was coming this close to royalty? It tied you in knots worrying about etiquette and social graces.

Still, he was committed now. He was on a quest: a questor, a questrian, a quisitive, a questioneer!

[Aerlinn]

The shouting and kerfuffle outside tugged at the edge of her consciousness, and Calel came awake with a start. Her book had fallen shut and there was a puddle of tea on the floor. The offending mug had tipped over and was rocking precariously at the edge of the small table.

Sticking her head outside, she found a rush of people headed upwards to the seventh circle."The queen,"she heard someone say. "Treasure, champions!" What had gotten into everyone? But Calel, with a slightly guilty glance at the spilled tea, joined the crowd in spite of herself and was soon within sight of Lothwen.

Oh! she thought, suddenly nervous as the queen's handmaiden caught her eye. This was all a bit grand, wasn't it? What use did she have for silver goblets, anyways? But before she could duck away, Calel found herself jostled to the front of the group.

"I uh, I'd like to try. The tasks, I mean, or items, anything I suppose...erm, good afternoon! M'lady!"

[Durien]

@Lirimaer

Lothwen smiled as the next questor, Ivor stepped up. She glanced at her list, then back at the woman. " It appears the Lady Arwen desires to host a special dinner for Lord Aragorn tonight, but she has no time to plan it. Your first task is to go to the Marketplace in Minas Tirith and among the shops, find a nice gift for her to give Lord Aragorn. She has no specific guidelines for the gift..." Lothwen gave the contestant a hard stare as she continued "...however, I will not accept anything inappropriate. When you have found and purchased the item, please return with item, and receipt if you wished to be reimbursed, here to receive your next task." With that, Lothwen turned to await the next competitor.

{OOC version of the Instructions: Your task is to visit the Marketplace thread, find an item suitable as a gift and RP purchasing it. Your posts finding and purchasing the item will be judged by *ahem* ridiculous *ahem* but impartial standards. Once your task is completed, RP your return here with the item in order to receive your next task.}

@Aerlinn

Everyone could use a silver goblet, Lothwen thought as her gaze caught the gleam of the silver cup, the prize, as Calel appriached. " It appears the Lady Arwen desires to host a special dinner for Lord Aragorn tonight, but she has no time to plan it and our staff is already in an uproar. It seems the King has greatly missed the deliciously foul food of the Prancing Pony in Bree. Fortunately, Mr. Butterbur has sent a special package of his favorite recipes to Haldecar of the Old Guesthouse, which arrived this morning. However, Haldecar has been unable to try them out as he has been quite busy, but he will allow you to cook up one or more of the recipes at the Old Guesthouse. Therefore, your first task is to go to the Old Guesthouse, select a recipe, and cook it up." Shouldn't be too hard, Lothwen thought with a smile. Then it faded as another thought occurred to her. "And please have one of the pub's customers taste and approve the dish before you bring it here. I, of course will taste it as well, but I'd rather not be tasting burnt food all day." She added dryly.

{OOC version of the Instructions: Your task is to visit the Old Guesthouse thread. You must RP searching through the recipes of Haldecar (who is an NPC anyone can RP) and cooking a dish for Lord Aragorn reminiscent of the Prancing Pony in Bree. Before you may leave the pub, you must find someone already in the thread and convince them to taste the dish you have prepared and give it their approval. Your posts in the Old Guesthouse specific to this task will be judged by *ahem* ridiculous *ahem* but impartial standards. Once your task is completed, RP your return here with the item in order to receive your next task.}

[Burnt Toast]

At first Zev was a bit affronted that he was specifically being told to not bring back anything inappropriate-- he was a Ranger, after all, he wouldn't offend the King in such a way! But then he realized he probably cut a rather unreliable picture, what with the unprepared rush he had come in as-- boots off, hair askew, and so on. He gave a quick nod.

"Of course. Nothing inappropriate. Thank you so much; I'll be back before you know it!" He barely got the last words out before he took off again, through the winding streets of the city. He would find the best gift for the King.

[Lirimaer]

Ivor, metalwright

Well, that was unexpected. Ivor had merely nodded and set off before he'd processed the request.

Lothwen had said, "... find a nice gift for her to give Lord Aragorn."

How was he supposed to do that? He was no maiden fair, to be knowing what they bought for their husbands, particularly if their husbands were the king of Gondor, born from a long line of long-lived exiles who'd lived in the wild all their lives. Rumour had it the king had roamed all over the place under different names for decades. He'd probably seen everything and desired nothing. And, it was said he'd been brought up in the Elven household of Elrond Peredhil, so he'd know quality when he saw it. This quest looked impossible already, and he berated himself for a fool as he strode along avoiding the crowds, making his way down to the next level.

He considered his options. He could run - yes, and do what? Become a blacksmith in some grimy backwater because he was afeared the King might visit any nicer places? No. Perhaps he could go back and explain that gifts were meant to be thoughtful tokens between the one giving and the one receiving, and it'd mean next to nothing for him, a perfect stranger, who once saw the back of both their heads from a distance of probably three hundred feet, to be purchasing such a token - but what did he know of royalty? Maybe they got others to fetch their love tokens all the time! He didn't want to go back to the woman empty-handed anyway. If he could have made the token - ah, that would have been a different matter. He could have poured his heart and soul into that. He'd been experimenting with coloured glass for a while now, and knew he could make something unique and worthy. But that wasn't what was being asked; he had to go to the market - which was generally a loud, crowded place if he remembered it aright - and he had no idea what they sold there. Hopefully something a long-lived Elf might give to a man she'd given up immortality for. Oh yes, he thought to himself, irony laden on thick like syrup, I'm sure there're stalls of perfect gifts for just such an occasion. Right next to the fishmonger's.

He sighed to himself. It'd been a couple of years since he'd been quite so impetuous, and he'd said he wasn't going to make foolish choices again, but here he was ... thinking to beggar himself- oh no, wait!

As for that receipt, yes, he would be bringing one back. As it was he'd have to go back to the smithy and fetch a purse from his lockbox. There was no way inside Gondor's white walls that he'd be able to afford whatever dainty gift a Queen might desire for her King, even if it was from the local market.

He set off with renewed purpose.

[Fairy Nuff]

NPC Kaylyn

It was nearly noon when Kaylyn heard that a crowd had gathered near the White Tree. Curious she made her way through the city to see what was happening, and saw people hurrying away from the crowd with a purpose as she approached. She heard the whispers that circulated the crowd that Queen Arwen needed assistance with some tasks, and without further thought she stepped forward to Lothwen and raised her hand to volunteer. "I do not know what you will ask of me, but ask and I shall do it for the Queen" she said.

[Durien]

@Fairy Nuff
Lothwen was very pleased by the number of Gondorians willing to help her Queen, regardless of the fact Lady Arwen was offering a silver cup as a reward for the one who best completed these tasks. A woman named Kaylyn was next to step up. " It appears the Lady Arwen desires to host a special dinner for Lord Aragorn tonight, but she has not been feeling well lately. Please seek out a healer at the Houses of Healing, and ask them for something to help with the nausea. Be sure to get instructions on how to take the medication and how often as well."

{OOC version of the Instructions: Your task is to visit the Houses of Healing thread. You must RP asking and receiving medicine and instructions for how to take it, from a healer there. Your posts in the Houses of Healing specific to this task will be judged by *ahem* ridiculous *ahem* but impartial standards. Once your task is completed, RP your return here with the item in order to receive your next task.}

[Ercassie]

Unalmis

He saw Lothwen smile and raised her one of his own, with a single raised eyebrow to accompany it. Their talk was of serving noble ladies and suggested a sweeping bow or something of the like. His cousin certainly would have demonstrated flawless form. Nal merely shrugged. He might not pick flowers for his own sake, but he had certainly gathered fruits and more so before, helping out during the harvest season for the Pelennor Farms. It could not be that very different to picking flowers.

“These ladies they do love their flowers,” he conceded, without any real experience of either ladies, or of flowers for that matter. It could not be so hard though, there were so many and so varied in colour. Short of bringing back something poisonous … ah, and it ought to be fit for a royal dinner table ? He would have to see what was there and then do from that. He would also have to run, not to mention think up some reason to tell the Gate Guard for his venturing outside. There was no way any sentry would believe the truth. “I will be back,” he promised.

[Fairy Nuff]

NPC Kaylyn

Listening carefully as Lothwen outlined the task, Kaylyn nodded "Of course, I am so sorry to hear that my Lady has been feeling unwell, I will sort something out as quickly as possible at the Houses of Healing, and make sure it is back here in good time before the special dinner - they deserve to have a wonderful evening unmarred by sickness." she said, thinking the whole time the quickest path she could take to the Houses of Healing, and wondering whether she should take a book and pen so the instructions could be written down. No time for that, she had already wasted half the day!

As quickly as she could without upsetting the other gathered folks she made her way out of the crowd and away at a fast walk to the Houses of Healing.

[Nerwen Nuke-queen]

Ellisiva

The woman had travelled, at the request of her father, to show that Family Ylva could still match skill in the Gondorian Games. The first step was beginning the Queen's Quest. Ellisiva had heard of Queen Arwen's beauty, majesty, grace and justice, but had never seen the lady up close. She wondered if at some point during the games she might catch a glimpse. Leaving the inn early that day, Ellisiva made her way up to the seventh circle of Minas Tirith. Upon entering, her eye went immediately to the White Tree, and the guards close by. She found the contrast between such gentle and wonderful nature close to the steel and black of the guards quite a jarring juxtaposition and for a moment wished she was back in the herb and wildflower garden of her mother's house. Just beyond the tree, Ellisiva spotted Arwen's handmaiden, Lothwen and walked towards her, catching her eye and dipped her head slightly in respect. Lothwen beckoned Ellisiva forward and the woman was forced to duck Lothwen's wheeling arms as the maiden tried to make herself heard, "Hear ye! Hear ye! The queen has given me a list of seven items or tasks she needs retrieved or completed in an expedited manner. Are there any here willing to serve their queen? Lady Arwen herself will reward the champion with a silver goblet from her own table! When you are ready to begin, please step forward to receive your first item or task!" Ellisiva dipped her head again, pushing her cloak back, "I am here to take on the Queen's Quest" she said.

[Arnyn]

Kaylin
Returning with a Book

"My lady Lothwen!" Kaylin sounded chipper and uncharacteristically formal upon returning to Arwen's handmaid. She even gave Lothwen a small curtsy (!) before presenting her with the book she'd picked out for the Queen to present to the King at dinner: "Songs and Poetry of Ithilien".

"This is one of my own husband's favorite collections," she lied (convincingly). Kaylin's expression was very normal and good-natured, despite the fact the cover actually actually hid "The Psychological and Financial Impact of War and Subsequent Dismissal on Veterans and Their Families" underneath.

[Durien]

@Queen Nerwen

Lothwen finally caught the eye of a very polite young Gondorian, Ellisiva. "My apologies." She offered as she glanced at her list. "It appears the Lady Arwen desires to host a special dinner for Lord Aragorn tonight, but she has no time to plan it and our staff is already in an uproar. It seems the King has greatly missed the deliciously foul food of the Prancing Pony in Bree. Fortunately, Mr. Butterbur has sent a special package of his favorite recipes to Haldecar of the Old Guesthouse, which arrived this morning. However, Haldecar has been unable to try them out as he has been quite busy, but he will allow you to cook up one or more of the recipes at the Old Guesthouse. Therefore, your first task is to go to the Old Guesthouse, select a recipe, and cook it up." Shouldn't be too hard, Lothwen thought with a smile. Then it faded as another thought occurred to her. "And please have one of the pub's customers taste and approve the dish before you bring it here. I, of course will taste it as well, but I'd rather not be tasting burnt food all day." She added dryly.

{OOC version of the Instructions: Your task is to visit the Old Guesthouse thread. You must RP searching through the recipes of Haldecar (who is an NPC anyone can RP) and cooking a dish for Lord Aragorn reminiscent of the Prancing Pony in Bree. Before you may leave the pub, you must find someone already in the thread and convince them to taste the dish you have prepared and give it their approval. Your posts in the Old Guesthouse specific to this task will be judged by *ahem* ridiculous *ahem* but impartial standards. Once your task is completed, RP your return here with the item in order to receive your next task.}

@Arnyn
Items Retrieved: book

Lothwen heard a chipper voice and smiled as Kaylin brought the book she had found. "Thank you!" She accepted it and handed it to one of Arwen's handmaidens who accompanied her. "Four your next task, it appears the Lady Arwen desires to host a special dinner for Lord Aragorn tonight, but she has no time to plan it. Your first task is to go to the Marketplace in Minas Tirith and among the shops, find a nice gift for her to give Lord Aragorn. She has no specific guidelines for the gift..." Lothwen gave the contestant a hard stare as she continued "...however, I will not accept anything inappropriate. When you have found and purchased the item, please return with item, and receipt if you wished to be reimbursed, here to receive your next task."

{OOC version of the Instructions: Your task is to visit the Marketplace thread, find an item suitable as a gift and RP purchasing it. Your posts finding and purchasing the item will be judged by *ahem* ridiculous *ahem* but impartial standards. Once your task is completed, RP your return here with the item in order to receive your next task}

[Nen]

There was a ripple of excitement in the city of Minas Tirith, and Nen Lalaith, only that morning having entered its gates at the break of dawn, wondered at the murmurs and jostling. Her grey eyes wide, she considered following the crowd. She was put up in a lodge for the time being, and had wanted to go sight seeing. But at this point in time it looked not to be a good idea with the many people headed towards the upper circles of the city. Curiosity and the jostling led her up to a pretty lady announcing that the queen -- the QUEEN!! -- was sending volunteers out on a quest through the city.

Nen Lalaith watched curiously and with a growing sense of desire as a young woman handed over a book to the Queen's lady. Books! Would she get to visit the library? Perhaps, she would get to explore the city after all! Running a slender hand nervously down her thick, black braid, she ahemed softly. "I do not know how well I would do, but I would love to take part in this quest, if I may."

[Durien]

@Nen

Everyone could use a silver goblet, Lothwen thought as her gaze caught the gleam of the silver cup, the prize, as Nen approached. " It appears the Lady Arwen desires to host a special dinner for Lord Aragorn tonight, but she has no time to plan it and our staff is already in an uproar. It seems the King has greatly missed the deliciously foul food of the Prancing Pony in Bree. Fortunately, Mr. Butterbur has sent a special package of his favorite recipes to Haldecar of the Old Guesthouse, which arrived this morning. However, Haldecar has been unable to try them out as he has been quite busy, but he will allow you to cook up one or more of the recipes at the Old Guesthouse. Therefore, your first task is to go to the Old Guesthouse, select a recipe, and cook it up." Shouldn't be too hard, Lothwen thought with a smile. Then it faded as another thought occurred to her. "And please have one of the pub's customers taste and approve the dish before you bring it here. I, of course will taste it as well, but I'd rather not be tasting burnt food all day." She added dryly.

{OOC version of the Instructions: Your task is to visit the Old Guesthouse thread. You must RP searching through the recipes of Haldecar (who is an NPC anyone can RP) and cooking a dish for Lord Aragorn reminiscent of the Prancing Pony in Bree. Before you may leave the pub, you must find someone already in the thread and convince them to taste the dish you have prepared and give it their approval. Your posts in the Old Guesthouse specific to this task will be judged by *ahem* ridiculous *ahem* but impartial standards. Once your task is completed, RP your return here with the item in order to receive your next task.}

[Nen]

Accepting the First Task

A graceful eyebrow rose in some incredulity when Lalaith was asked to 'cook up' a recipe...in - an - inn. The new comer knew nothing about a prancing pony, nor of the tastes of the king, and hearing these words just seemed so odd. Perhaps, she considered, as she made her way back through the crowd after accepting her task silently with a bow, his years as a wandering Dunedain came with its perculiar habits and behaviour. But she was not entirely sure herself as to how she felt about the whole task. It seemed so utterly odd.

"Well, it looks like I'm being plunged right into the heart of discovery," Lalaith said to herself philosophically, as she pushed a strand of hair off her face. She was going to have to ask her way about. She stopped a stout looking woman with a toddler on her hip, and asked her where she might find the Old Guesthouse. "A new 'un, eh?" said the woman with a belly full of voice that Lalaith glanced about her quickly in self-consciousness. "You wilt find it where it always is, pretty miss. In the first circle. Surely you could not ha' miss't it when you came in!"

And just like that Lalaith felt very foolish. Of course! Was not she lodging there? Haldecar. Yes, the name did sound familiar. He was the innkeeper was not he? Well then, at least she was beginning at a familiar place. She thanked the woman and made her way back down to the lowest circle of the white city.

[Gwai]

NPC Aria
Returning from first task (Marketplace)

Aria made her way back up to the Seventh Circle from the Marketplace, carefully holding a package wrapped in brown paper in both hands, worried she would drop the item. There were many people around Lothwen, and Aria waited patiently, as she did not want the package to be jostled or wrinkled by the crowd. A free space opened up, and she made use of it. "I have returned with a gift for the King!" she told Lothwen excitedly, extending the wrapped package. "It is a map of the southern lands, from the cartographer's shop in the Marketplace," she said with a rush. Thinking of something else, she dug in her handbag, and came up with a folded piece of paper. "And by your leave, this is a bill of sale from the proprietress. I did not have enough money to pay for the map," she said, somewhat embarrassed, "But the owner did not think it would be a problem for her to be reimbursed directly from the palace," Aria rush through the explanation, not enjoying to speak about her lack of funds, but feeling also it was understandable.

[Durien]

@Gwai
Items Retrieved: Gift

Lothwen smiled as she saw another contestant return with her first item in hand. She accepted the bill of sale, along with the item. "We shall see the proprietor is compensated." After all, it was the contestant's job to afford everything, just to complete the errands. Of course, she did have another errand that needed doing. "For your next task, it appears the Lady Arwen desires to host a special dinner for Lord Aragorn tonight and the staff are all in an uproar trying to prepare. When last she visited, Lady Eowyn spoke of how beautiful the blooming flowers on the fields of Pelennor were, and the queen desires an arrangement fresh plucked from the fields to grace her table."

{OOC version of the Instructions: Your task is to visit the Minas Tirith, Pelennor and Northern Fiefdoms thread. You must RP searching for and gathering flowers for Lady Arwen's table.. Your posts in the thread specific to this task will be judged by *ahem* ridiculous *ahem* but impartial standards. Once your task is completed, RP your return here with the flowers in order to receive your next task.}

[Gwai]

NPC Aria

After a brief stop at home to put the flowers in a glass jar she used for a vase, Aria once more walked up to the Seventh Circle, trying not to splash water out of the jar as she approached Lothwen. "Here is the bouquet for the table," Aria said. "It's a mixture of bluebells, buttercups, cornflowers, and shooting stars," she explained. "I'm sorry for the jar, but unfortunately I do not have a more ornate vase at home," she said apologetically. "Hopefully you have something else to put it in," she added with a smile.
@Durien

[Burnt Toast]

Returning with... A Gift.

Zev was way behind at this point, but his luck had been rather abysmal in the Marketplace- (although he was very excited that he was getting a new cloak made. That was exciting), but he had chosen the wrong shops, and either no one had been in, (lunch breaks, he supposed. He would take lots of those if he had a shop), or they had nothing ready made on hand.

And so, realizing how far behind he was on his quest, he picked up a really shiny green and grey rock (he spit on it a bunch and used his shirt to clean it off) on his way back, and, using an extra leather cord he had (one of the ones he normally used to tie his hair back), he pleated and braided it, and then wove the rock into the center, and fashioned a rather simple but lovely necklace.

Yes, this gift would do well. After all, he had made it with his own hands! Dashing up to Lothwen, he gave a small bow. "Here is my gift, er, sorry it took me so long," and held out the newly made necklace.

[Durien]

@Gwai
Items Retrieved: Gift, Flowers

Lothwen smiled as she accepted the flowers from Aria, before looking back at her list for the next task. "It appears the Lady Arwen desires to host a special dinner for Lord Aragorn tonight, but she has no time to plan it and our staff is already in an uproar. It seems the King has greatly missed the deliciously foul food of the Prancing Pony in Bree. Fortunately, Mr. Butterbur has sent a special package of his favorite recipes to Haldecar of the Old Guesthouse, which arrived this morning. However, Haldecar has been unable to try them out as he has been quite busy, but he will allow you to cook up one or more of the recipes at the Old Guesthouse. Therefore, your first task is to go to the Old Guesthouse, select a recipe, and cook it up."[/i] Shouldn't be too hard, Lothwen thought with a smile. Then it faded as another thought occurred to her. "And please have one of the pub's customers taste and approve the dish before you bring it here. I, of course will taste it as well, but I'd rather not be tasting burnt food all day." She added dryly.

{OOC version of the Instructions: Your task is to visit the Old Guesthouse thread. You must RP searching through the recipes of Haldecar (who is an NPC anyone can RP) and cooking a dish for Lord Aragorn reminiscent of the Prancing Pony in Bree. Before you may leave the pub, you must find someone already in the thread and convince them to taste the dish you have prepared and give it their approval. Your posts in the Old Guesthouse specific to this task will be judged by *ahem* ridiculous *ahem* but impartial standards. Once your task is completed, RP your return here with the item in order to receive your next task.}

@Burnt Toast
Items Retrieved: Gift

Lothwen accepted the necklace Zev presented and then glanced at her list. " It appears the Lady Arwen desires to host a special dinner for Lord Aragorn tonight, but she has no time to plan it and our staff is already in an uproar. It seems that Lord Aragorn enjoys a good book as a way of relaxing from his responsibilities, and she wishes to give him one at dinner tonight. Please visit the library of Minas Tirith and find a good for the King."

{OOC version of the Instructions: Your task is to visit the Library thread. You must RP searching for and finding a book there. Your posts in the Library specific to this task will be judged by *ahem* ridiculous *ahem* but impartial standards. Once your task is completed, RP your return here with the item in order to receive your next task.}

[KingODuckingham]

NPC Galenas
Returning from first task (Houses of Healing)

Galenas stumbled awkwardly back into the courtyard, out of breath. He had been going at breakneck speed through the crowds, but then suddenly felt he should slow down just before he entered the more solemn courtyard. Inertia had been working against him, and he had nearly toppled over. He windmilled his arms and hopped a couple of times on one foot to stabilize, making sure that nothing in his packet flew out while he was tipping. Then he reapproached the lady Lothwen.

"I brought you what you requested, uh, I think. And I was told to tell you two tablespoons, drink three times a day. Or was it three tablespoons, drink two times a day? Hang on," he muttered, and looked back at the instructions he had been given.

"- chamomile
- peppermint
- catnip
- basil
- fennel seeds
- marjoram
Use 2 tablespoons per cup of boiling water.
Let steep.
Strain and drink 3 cups per day."

"Ahah, yes, of course, I was right the first time." he said. "Two tablespoons, three cups per day. Here's, uh, all the ingredients and stuff." He offered the bag carefully to the lady Lothwen and bowed, uncertain of procedure. Better to do too much ceremony than too little, right? He waited to see if she had further questions or instructions before backing away (which he desperately wanted to do).

[Durien]

@KingODuckingham
Items Retrieved: Medicine

Lothwen smiled as she saw another contestant return with his first item in hand. She accepted the medication along with the instructions from Galenas. Turning back to her list, she read the next item. "For your next task, it appears the Lady Arwen desires to host a special dinner for Lord Aragorn tonight and the staff are all in an uproar trying to prepare. When last she visited, Lady Eowyn spoke of how beautiful the blooming flowers on the fields of Pelennor were, and the queen desires an arrangement fresh plucked from the fields to grace her table."

{OOC version of the Instructions: Your task is to visit the Minas Tirith, Pelennor and Northern Fiefdoms thread. You must RP searching for and gathering flowers for Lady Arwen's table. Your posts in the thread specific to this task will be judged by *ahem* ridiculous *ahem* but impartial standards. Once your task is completed, RP your return here with the flowers in order to receive your next task.}

[Burnt Toast]

Zev, finished with gift task, accepting book task

Zev gave a nod at his next set of instructions. More gifts for the King. It made sense, he supposed; a King did a lot of work, so he needed lots of gifts and things for leisure time. He had no idea what kinds of things a King would like to read about, but maybe a librarian would be able to help him out. He turned back to Lothwen. "Book for the King! You've got it. I'll be... right back!"

And so saying, he was off again, dashing through the streets of Minas Tirith.

[KingODuckingham]

NPC Galenas
Returning from second task (Gathering flowers on the Pelennor)

Galenas dragged his feet a bit as he came back in from a long day on the Pelennor. He had been out there a good majority of the day: since before lunch. It was now late afternoon. Yet he returned, as he thought, successfully. He walked back up (lacking a bit now in courtesy) to Lothwen, and dumped an oversized, bloated sack at her feet.

"There's quite the haul of flowers in here, of many kinds." he said. "I mean, I think. I don't actually know what kinds are in there. Maybe like tulips or something? But anyway, there's a lot, definitely at LEAST fifty, probably closer to one hundred. I figure you can pick the best ones out for the Lady." he bowed slightly as he said the last phrase.

The flowers were all scrunched together in a tangled pile due to their time in the bag, tossed in rather carelessly by the thoughtless young man, but technically, the task was complete. He stood around, too afraid to ask whether this was the last task or not, and also afraid to leave before he was dismissed.

[Lirimaer]

Ivor, a metalsmith of Gondor

Ivor arrived in the seventh circle only to find the Queen's handmaiden crowded with questors. Assuming they were doing other things for Her gracious Majesty, he stepped forward once the queue was established, and inclined his head respectfully to the maid.

"I have returned with a gift from the Marketplace," he said. "I apologise that it has taken quite so long to get it, but the workmanship which has gone into its construction is quality." He placed the box on the table next to her, not opening it for her to peruse in the crowd. He then fumbled in his inner pocket for the docket he had received from the Book Binders.

"I have purchased a journal for the King," he explained quietly. "It was the custom of the great kings of old to write the tales of their years in books, and the noble Elessar has indeed some wonderful tales to tell. I do not presume to add to his workload, but have ensured that should that be something he desires to do, there is a worthy receptacle for the King's memories."

He handed her the docket, and declined to mention that he had added his own finish to the gift. It would be his secret; his own gesture of respect and honour to one who wholly deserved it. "The bill of sale, milady."

[Pele Alarion]

Cadil
Completing Task 1

The young man had found it quite troublesome to travel all through the city without spilling any of the soup he had made and resisting the urge to eat some of that crunchy bacon. Eventually he found his way back to the seventh circle, and patiently waited for his turn among all the other people who had responded to the invitation.

"M'lady," he approached Lothwen and smiled at her broadly. "I did my best to cook something for the King. Namely, a creamy mushroom soup and some beer-syrup-coated bacon. I hope you will find it tasty and presentable enough..." Cadil did hope this in all honesty, as he offered his cooking for the Queen's handmaiden to sample and accept (or reject).