Erulaitalë - Midsummer

[Isolde Alarion]

Mourgan
with Arnyn, Thullir, Kaylin,Shamara and Pele

When asked if he would mind escorting the prisoner he answered without second thought. "I don't mind Lieutenant." He really didn't and wouldn't miss it for anything.
He was doing his best to keep his emotions in check as Shamara was placed between he and Thullir. When Kaylin had approached he returned her look with one of silent understanding. They still had an agreement and if the opportunity presented it's self well, things happen sometimes.

He knew the importance of getting information from Shamara so for the moment she was safe from his temper. They started to walk. His grip was firm as they left Pele but they hadn't gotten far when the Lieutenant was summoned to speak with Captain Faramir.

He kept his position even when they were joined by the Guards.

[Arnyn]

As dusk started to fall, guards seemed to pop up here and there where there either had been none at all, or where they had not been visible before.
They were dressed in the livery of the Citadel and were hard to miss. Yet their faces were not stern, and there was happiness in their eyes as they inspected the festivities.

Shortly thereafter, the King arrived at the Erulaitalë, and the musicians stopped their playing.
The rumours had not been mistaken that Aragorn himself would be present for the lighting of the bonfire. People started moving toward the large stack of wooden logs.

Instead of lighting the bonfire himself, however, one of the guards lit torches and Aragorn passed them to some of the citizens near the stack.
He encouraged them to place the torch in between the logs, and his grey eyes gleamed with joy and there was not even a hint of a frown on his brow.

[Winddancer]

Della

Della's lip quivered as Aggie gently applied the cream. There was no pain now, but like with any four year old the mere mention of a wound was enough to bring tears to her eyes. Sniffling she held on tighter to Berrik's hand and he patted it comfortingly. "Well done, see no more pain." He said softly as Aggie finished. Della looked down at the bruise and scrutinised it as if looking to see if there was anything that warranted actual tears. With a reluctant nod she pulled her arm to her chest as she realised that the cream actually was quite soothing.

At the mention of dogs, her big wet eyes looked up to meet Aggie, then looked to her brother as she nodded her head. She most definitely did not like their Aunt's dogs. But a puppy? "What's its name?" She enquired softly as she reached for the meatpie on her plate. Looking at it as if she had never seen one before, she sniffed it and then carefully bit into it, the flaky pastry covering her lips. Her eyes went wide again at the flavourful taste and she looked to Berion to make sure he had gotten one too before taking a bigger bite.

Mouth full of pastry and meat, lips covered in pastry and gravy Della saw that Liriel and Eradan were looking beyond her and using Berrik's leg to lean on she swivelled around to see what it was, seeing the guards beginning to arrive. For a moment she looked fearful as if thinking they were there to take her and Berion away, shrinking in against Berion.

[Rillewen]

@Winddancer

Aggie, Cailon, Erynneth, and Berion

Aggie smiled as she put the tin away. "Her name is Hattie." She answered. "She's a big puppy. Almost as tall as you, but she isn't at all mean." She grinned. "She belongs to a friend of Eryn's," She motioned to her niece. "But he had nowhere to keep her, so she lives with us." She explained.

"She likes to steal shoes though," Eryn mentioned with a little amusement.

Berion's eyes widened slightly and he made sure to tuck his shoes under him as if the dog might come along and steal them off of his feet. "Is she here?" He asked, looking around.

"No, she's at home," Aggie assured him with a little laugh. "Nothing to worry about here." She sat back, noticing the music had stopped and people seemed to be gravitating toward the wood stack. "Oh, look, I think it's time for the bonfire," She mentioned, knowing how excited the kids had been for it.

Spinning around, Berion forgot all about finishing his plate as he saw the goings on. They were going to light it! He quickly scrambled to his feet, standing on tiptoe to try and better see what was going on. "They are! They're doing it!" He bounced up and down a couple of times in excitement.

"How about we go over and see?" Aggie suggested, starting to get up.

Berion nodded eagerly. "C'mon Della, let's go see!" He couldn't contain his excitement any longer, and ran over to get closer to the bonfire area.

"Berion, wait..." Aggie sighed as he ran off too quickly, and cast a glance toward Cailon before turning to Della.

Cailon quietly followed to keep the boy in sight, just in case, since he had apparently forgotten their fear of those scary men.

"Come on, want to catch up to him?" Aggie suggested, offering a hand down to Della so she could ensure that she didn't get lost in the crowd, but trying not to be pushy in case she didn't want to leave Berrik, seeing that the girl seemed so taken with him.

As he got closer, Berion saw the man.. no, the king! giving torches to some of the people nearby, and letting them light the fire! Exciting! He stared in awe at this sight. He wanted to get a torch! Would they let him have one? He glanced around to see where Della was, and realized then that he might have left her behind, and wondered if he should go back, or go forward and see if he might be able to get a torch. Torn between this decision, the boy was a little startled when Cailon showed up at his side.

Noticing how the boy kept looking eagerly toward the bonfire, Cailon grinned. "You'll have to get closer if you're going to get a torch.. and if you keep waiting, it'll be too late," He mentioned quietly. "Want me to help you with it?" He suspected it would definitely be safer if he assisted the boy in this. Berion nodded with wide, excited eyes, and stayed close to Cailon as they ventured closer in hopes of getting one of the torches being handed out by the king.

[Karis Ziranphel]

Thûllir Bregedýr

It had not taken them long to traverse the festival grounds over to where Arnyn held Shamara in her firm custody. Thûllir’s took in the group that they were approaching and found it a curious gathering. Although he had seen Pele earlier in the afternoon, he greeted her again with a nod before fixing his attention on Arnyn.

The lieutenant's request was understandable, and Thûllir bowed his acknowledgement before stepping forward to take her place with a seemingly casual but firm grip on Shamara’s arm just above the elbow. He recognized the woman now that he was in close proximity, even though she looked very little like the time he had encountered her at one of the winter balls. Thûllir knew well that a knack for disguise was very useful for any who plied the shadow trades, and so was not about to drop his guard with Shamara, as he also knew a little of the trouble she had caused for those he loved and respected. He nodded across at Mourgan when Arnyn stepped away for a moment, confident that the two of them could handle the return to Minas Tirith.

They set off at Arnyn’s signal, but halted again at the voice of Prince Faramir. Thûllir was only surprised because he hadn’t seen him earlier amongst the festivities…yet here he appeared to be once more in the garb of a Ranger rather than there to enjoy the celebration, and escorting a prisoner no less! His eyebrow lifted slightly, and he caught Kaylin’s glance of surprise. Well, it was indeed proper to return the prisoner, but surprising that he had sought them out in the midst of the revels. He was more satisfied when Arnyn asked for an escort of two of the Prince’s men to join their party, as it added security and didn’t divide their attention from their current prisoner.

Once more they set off for the city, passing incoming guards and the King with salutes or a bow of the head. It wasn’t long before the light of the bonfire flaired to life behind them and cast their shadows in front of their feet. It would have been nice to stay and relax, but Thûllir was well trained to not look into the hypnotizing and sight-blinding fires, but rather look out into the dark when on guard and see what the light revealed. Although it was not truly dark this evening, that still held true. Once their duties were done and the prisoners properly secured, they would still be able to see the great flame from the city and celebrate with joy.


Karis Ziranphel

The King’s arrival was the signal for the musicians to finish, and they concluded with a dramatic flourish of joyful sound to emphasize his attendance. Ziran watched as the crowds began moving from the dancing lawn to gather around the bonfire stack, but then turned to go find Macardil where he was packing up his violin. They watched as the lit torches licked at the tinder and then sent flames flowing up the towering structure to leap high as it caught. Ziran’s gaze was drawn to the King, and she couldn’t help the smile of quiet joy that appeared at the sight of such joy on his face. She thought she understood that this evening. They stood together for a few minutes to enjoy the sight before turning to leave. It had been a good day!

[Pele Alarion]

Pele looked after the departing group of Rangers and prisoners as far as she could see them, and did not respond to Abrazimir right away.

"Yes," she eventually acknowledged, glancing at her companion. "A proper mischief that she is, yet she is the least of the troubles. But suppose... it should not make the whole evening sour, ey?"

Appearance of many citadel guards, and the King eventually, caused Pele to drift closer to the fire though she intended to remain a fair distance away and simply observe the fun. She noticed her own guard lose some of his stern exterior as he exchanged small signs of greeting with some of the other guards.

"It seems that this guard of mine is not all steel and stone, look at him come to life a bit more," she observed to Abrazimir with a chuckle.

Choosing to find a good spot near one of the food tables where she could grab a snack, she watched the goings-on by the stacked firewood and waited for the flames to eat into it and blaze up against the darkening sky.

[Ercassie]

Unalmis and Iole
with Cali and Trev - @Rillewen

As Cali alternated between fear and fury, Iole sniffed away her tears and rubbed her nose until she was quite sure it might come off between her fingers. She could not meet her friend’s upset save to increase it, so she squeezed the Smith’s hand with her other, dry, hand. She felt as helpless now as she had … then … and the dark head bowed, and no effort was made to brush the hair out of her face. If she could have utterly vanished behind that curtain, she would have done so. But it was not near enough.

Until Trevadir returned to their group. And Iole might have offered him her now damp hand, save that the young musician’s eyes were clearly elsewhere; blatantly staring after where Unalmis had gotten to. Even when the young Ranger returned though, still their friend was focused on … what could not be focused upon. The man, the Lady Isys, and Sorrel all had gone. Cali ventured her unease in remaining further. Iole was to some extent consoled, by Sorrel’s promise that the Lady Ranger was going to hasten the terrible man out of the grounds as soon as she could. Seemingly she had done. If only out of sight meant truly out of mind though. He knew they were here, and he knew that they knew that he was here. She wasn’t sure quite where now it might be safe until this was all sorted out. A small nod met the Smith’s announcement to depart.

She had never been fantastic about veiling her emotions and by now already several people had glanced over, confused or concerned, to see her about such tears. Ten years ago she would have retreated to under the table, but her pretty new dress was already messed up as it was. She should never have let Unalmis talk her into coming to this fete thing.


Unalmis had thrown his drink fast down his throat, clinging to the justification of a recent and vigorous dance, that had rendered him so thirsty. Then to find Trevadir already sat down with the rest, and .. already speaking about separating ? He should have taken more time over it .. or less ..

“Well he will probably be thinking of taking himself far and away,” the young Ranger ventured an opinion, and hard swallowed another away. “Rather than tracking us all down and .. ” unable to conclude that sentence he began an alternative. “Running worked for him the last time, and it’s the easiest way out, isn’t it ?” Unable to meet Trev’s brown eyes with his own, as though he were naming his friend the expert on that subject .. well .. He glanced elseways. “Now is a good time,” he observed, interrupting his own line of contemplation, as the King emerged and crowds began to throng toward the bonfire. Everyone in the entire area it seemed, was on the move. And the sky had further deepened it’s draping of shadow, as though to properly accommodate the sudden flame.

“But where shall we go ? He knows where we all live,” Iole was ashamed to recognise, even belatedly, how much she had talked about herself and her friends, to ’Lowendir’, back when she’d thought he was just a nice stranger who was showing her a flattering amount of interest. The nurse's daughter, the Ranger, the Undertakers .... Trev was the only one he wouldn't know where to look for in the city. And, ironically, he was the one who didn't want to go into the city ..

"I think we ought to all stay together, in one place,” she clearly disagreed with their splitting up at all. “For support, and company. And in case we need to talk about what to say come the morrow ?” At this last, she found Cali’s brown eyes again with her blue. And the memory was revisited, of stories needing some straightening out. “If we contradict one another, then they’ll certainly have more reason to believe him than us.”


“Well, Lieutenant Brian will pitch a fit if he finds you all in my room,” Unalmis considered, from undeniable experience. Conducting the brain storming in a lower voice now, to not attract attention from those passing. “It will be difficult to find a room tonight though, in any inn. The city will be packed with guests who’ve come to visit from all over, for the Erulaitalë. Oh, wait. No, I know of somewhere ..”

“If you are going to suggest the treehouse, I would be amazed it is still standing,” Iole put in, quietly but firm somehow nonetheless. “And even if it is, we might scare GrammyU out of her mind by sneaking around the place.”

“Not the treehouse,” Unalmis agreed, with a shrug and the pretence that the foolish idea had never even occurred to him. Although Iole giving Cali a knowing look, did amuse him some that they might feel even a tiny piece better, even for a moment.

“I have the key to the shop, for work. There are rooms above, there’s no stock .. and ” she began. Until Nal finished what she realised, belatedly ..

“And Isys owns that shop, so who’s to say she hasn’t taken ‘him’ there already ?”

“Not the shop then,” Iole sighed, all but shivering and not wholly from the gathered evening’s chill. The draw of the bonfire was beginning to look fairly appealing. But ..

“I think I know of somewhere,” Nal confessed, after a moment. “It will be empty, and no one would think to look there for us there. It would be a safe place to hide out.” The last he awarded toward Trevadir, as far as he could manage to beg him not to go. For he knew the reason why his friend was likely to abscond. As well as the reason that making himself scarce might be in Trev’s best interests. But that didn’t mean he had to leave the city. They could hide him. They could keep him safe.


“We left our shoes over with your father’s cart, after we rode down ..” Iole recalled out of a sudden, and sought to remind Unalmis. Yet another instance .. how reckless, how heedless they had dared to believe they could be .. As though nothing had changed, when everything had .. Her bare toes toyed with the chilling grass beneath their table and she gnawed upon her lower lip. The puppet theatre was all the way over on the other side of the field. It suddenly felt like a nation away.

“I’ll carry you,” her friend suggested, his expression betraying the same amount of mirth which the prospect had wrought in Iole as well. She almost laughed.

“I think I can manage,” she decided, albeit begrudgingly, and in a quiet voice.

“I think I’m insulted,” Nal rose. “Come on,” he urged the undertaker’s daughter. “Or you’ll force me to prove that I can .. ”

“Fine ! Fine .. NO !” Iole stood, somewhat uncertainly, but held a hand out to keep any more fool ideas at bay. “I'll walk. If it isn’t too far ?” she searched for some clue but no answer was forthcoming here, where it might be overheard.

“You’ve walked further,” he promised her. “Unless you want to sit out here all night ?” Unalmis extended the motion to Cali and Trevadir as well. “If you don’t keep up, you won’t know where I’m taking you .. ” he sighed, and started off walking. Hoping to faith that it would stir the stunned group into some sort of action. He had gauged no clue from what Rangers remained what they might be involved in. But since they did not look to have a need of him, he should probably dedicate his full attention to his friends, who kind of did right now.

"Wait, don't go off on your own !" Iole took to her heels then, to chase him, and it was not hard to catch him for he had stalled just far enough away to make his point. As the young woman joined him, Nal waited, for the rest of them.

'Come on .. come on ..' he thought to himself silently, not out of any sense of urgency or speed. But simply want. That they should trust him. He threw a look in Trevadir's direction, while Iole waved Cali over to join them. 'Please' he thought. Was a time they had been able to convey intentions with merely a look .. long long ago.

They were always though strongest when they were all together. Everything that had gone wrong for any of them had been when the group was not whole. Perhaps because ... without Ryndir ... but what choice did they have now ? They might not be able to bring the dead back to life but they could see that justice for his murder was served. To keep from looking worried, Unalmis looked instead toward the bonfire which had begun to spark into colour and action. A wholesome light to guard against the coming of the night. They couldn't replace what they had lost but there was no way they should have to lose anyone else.

'Please' ..


Edit - spelling. Sorry. Lol

[Rillewen]

@Ercassie

|
Cali Dringolben | Trevadir Thôrmaetha

"Well... none of you would want to come to..where I've been living." Trev mumbled, keeping his gaze focused on the wood. Only Iole had been told where to find him, of course, but he knew that neither she, nor Cali, or even Nal would be the least bit inclined to go there. Besides that, he didn't want the girls going into a rough place like that. Not to mention the fact he had seen Arkadhur there occasionally. No, that wasn't a good place for any of them to go. Unfortunately, it was where he would have to go, since there was nowhere else he could go.

The mention of that treehouse their little group had once built made him look up and smile faintly. "The treehouse," He almost laughed. "That probably wouldn't even hold our combined weight, now we're all grown up." He shrugged. He wondered if Tobedir ever utilized that rickety old structure, and suddenly found himself worrying about the safety of it. Shaking his head slightly, Trev recalled his focus to the present, interested in knowing that his friends would have someplace safe they could go, even if he could not go along with them.

Cali refrained from rolling her eyes as Nal agreed that the treehouse was not a good option. The expression on her face likely mirrored that of Iole's, but neither girl commented on what they were thinking. A faint, reminiscent smile flitted across her face though, regardless, as she remembered the fun they'd all had in building the little clubhouse in the tree that split Trev's and Nal's backyard. She and Ryn had provided many nails, bolts and other metal fittings, while the other two boys brought armfuls of sticks to serve as wood... only to have them showed up by Iole bringing cartloads of scrap wood from old coffin lids that became warped in the damp weather and no longer fit the coffins they were meant for. It was a strange sight their little clubhouse made, though she hadn't laid eyes on it in ages. But it was true, she wouldn't trust the stability of it these days, not since they'd all grown into adulthood... at least physically, if not mentally.

As the talk moved toward where they had left their shoes, Cali recalled that her own boots awaited her nearby. Rather than forgetting them, she quietly began putting them on while the others talked of plans. Tying the laces, she then stood and wrapped her arms around herself, suddenly feeling a bit chilled, though she suspected it wasn't from cooler night air.

Trev's attention had become stolen away from his friends, however. He swallowed, nervous as he began to watch guards appearing all around the grounds. And not just guards, he realized a moment later.. the king himself had arrived! The king who had commanded an army of ghosts to fight his enemies, and confronted Sauron at his very gates... Many thoughts flashed through Trev's mind, and suddenly the urge to get away from here was perhaps stronger than the other's. He snapped his attention back toward Iole as he heard her 'No!', but relaxed to see she was only replying to Nal's teasing offer to carry her. Trev gently reclaimed his hat from Iole, pushing it down so it left his face in better shadows, to hide himself from recognition.

Relieved that they were making such a hasty exit, Cali started after the other two, but stopped halfway between catching up to Nal, and looked back. "Will you join us, Trev?" Cali asked, looking back at him, her look just as hopeful as Nal's.

Trev remained where he was, watching the girls start after Nal. He wanted to go along. He wanted more than anything to stay with them, and continue the reunion, and catch up on everything... Only he couldn't go with them. Not into the city. There would be more guards there. Guards at the gate, guards patrolling the streets. Guards everywhere, just waiting to grab him. No, that wasn't an option for him, though it felt like his heart was breaking to have to turn down the others' pleading. "I...I can't," He answered softly, regretfully, and paused to swallow past the lump that rose up in his throat. "I'm sorry... I wish I could.." He added, honestly. "I shouldn't have stayed this long," He added, his gaze nervously straying toward the various guards that had appeared all around the area. "I won't be far away..." He glanced at Iole... she at least knew where to look for him, so that was a start. His heart was sinking with its own weight as he turned and set off in the other direction, not daring to let himself look back, to see the disappointment on their faces.

Cali let out a quiet sigh, regretful that he wouldn't join them, and wished she could understand. "He won't give his statement," She mentioned quietly, since Nal hadn't been there when they discussed that before. "He's afraid... if we could only figure out a way he could do it anonymously." She frowned thoughtfully, then walked over to join the other two. "We might as well be going, wherever you're taking us." She said to Nal, figuring there was no point in trying to go after Trev or convince him. The sooner they were away from here, the better.

[Winddancer]

Berrik

Berrik could see that Della was on the verge of tears again, the girl's lip quivering dangerously, pastry and all. "Hey now, let's all go, ok?" Scrambling to his feet awkwardly as Della refused to let his hand go, he helped her up and then promptly picked the girl up and placed her on his shoulders. Della let out a frightened squeal, though as soon as she realised that Berrik was holding her legs tightly, she relaxed, one hand cupping him under the chin as the other still held onto the rest of the meat pie with a vicelike grip.

"Dina? Gellir? Come, let's go watch!" Berrik urged the two and they reluctantly got up to follow behind. Borlas, Targon and Lúcon had already run off after Berion, leaving the sleeping Erland and twins behind with Liriel and Eradan. The couple seemed content enough to enjoy a quiet moment as everyone headed off to the bonfire.

Though his focus was on Della, he never lost track of Dina as the girl followed behind clutching her doll tightly to her chest as she manuevered around the many people. His heart twinged as he wished he could lift her up to see better as well, though knew fully well she would not appreciate that. Instead he boldly made his way through the throng, making a path for her and Gellir to follow and even managed to squeeze between two up front and step aside so the two could come stand in front of him right in front, ignoring the annoyed comments he got along the way, even making room for Aggie to slip in next to him as well.

[Arnyn]

King Elessar was holding one of the last torches to be handed out, when he saw a man (Calion) standing with a young boy (Berion). Both were casting hopeful looks in his direction. Hiding a smile, Aragorn approached them.

He addressed the boy first, casting a glance here and there to the man whom Aragorn supposed was the boy's father. "I could still use some help to light the fire.Would you like to help me, young man?"

[Rillewen]

Cailon and Berion

Berion's eyes widened somewhat as the king approached, and held out the torch, and asked him to help! His grin looked like it might just get bigger than his face could contain. "Yes sir!" He reached out to accept the torch eagerly.

"With both hands, Berion," Cailon muttered softly, a tiny bit anxious to see the flames so close to the boy, and unsure whether he would know how to be safe with a torch. Yet, seeing the huge smile of excitement and joy on the boys face, there was no way he would do anything to dampen his joy, all he could do was ensure that he was being safe with the open flame. He watched the torch change hands, and was relieved to see Berion holding it carefully away from his face, with both hands. After quick whisper into Berion's ear to remind him what he ought to say, the boy looked up from the torch, still grinning. "Thank you, sir!"

"Indeed, thank you very much, your Highness." Cailon echoed with a respectful bow of his head, unsure exactly how he ought to address a king, but gratitude certainly should not be overlooked. King Elessar couldn't know it, but this probably made Berion's whole day.. maybe even week. And he could just imagine how pleased the boy would be to be able to tell about this to the others at the orphanage.

"Let's go put it on the wood," Cailon suggested to Berion. But he was now looking around for his sister, realizing she hadn't kept up. Worried, he tried to catch sight of her in the crowd, and was relieved to see her coming on Berrik's shoulders.

"Della!" Berion called, unable to spare a hand to wave her over. "Come on!" But when she made no move to join him and shook her head, Berion shrugged and set off toward the bonfire, taking slow and careful steps. Cailon kept close beside him, and gave quiet instructions to verbally guide him verbally on what to do with the torch now that he had it.

Aggie & Erynneth

Aggie hurried along after Berrik, trying to see where Berion and Cailon had gotten off to. She stopped in surprise when, hearing Berion call to his sister, she saw that he and Cailon were standing by the king. She stood back and watched with a smile as the two went over to the firewood to take part in lighting it, thinking how nice it would be if that was their own child, and how Cailon looked just like a dad, over there with the little boy.

After a moment, Eryn trailed along after her aunt, taking a look around to see where Nal might have gotten off to. She didn't see him anywhere though, and felt a bit disappointed. Either he had left, or he was somewhere out of sight. She didn't see any of his other friends around either, and figured it must be the former. But he would be coming to the farm before too long so she wasn't too worried about when she'd see him again. She smiled as she watched the bonfire set ablaze, and enjoyed remembering the fun they'd had dancing.

[Ercassie]

Unalmis and Iole
with Cali and Trev - @Rillewen

What hope he was holding onto turned to dust in his mouth as Trevadir persisted in taking his leave of the group, the field, the city .. Last time it had been almost a year before he’d returned to them. And there was never any guarantee that each time wouldn’t be the last time they saw him, ever. Unalmis watched his friend slip under the shade of a hat and slink off. The Ranger took a step, two, in chase, and shook off Iole when she intervened to stall him. Still she stepped in front of Nal a second time. Shook her dark head slowly.

“What, are you going to drag him along against his will ?” she demanded. “You can’t stop him, Nal.”

“I shouldn’t have to.” The casual shrug after the fact did not utterly dispel the hurt caught in the four little words.

"He's not far," Iole managed to keep from telling exactly where Trev was headed. This was not the time for that.

"Not far is still not here," Unalmis threw his head back on his neck, his eyes skyward and closed as he took a deep breath to recover himself. "He shouldn't be on his own anyway. He's been too much on his own. We all have."

“He is going to come back. You do not have to worry. And .. you are not angry at him,” blue eyes strove with brown, reminding him of what he’d said, some mere hours ago.. “Just at the thing which you never expected to come between you. Remember ?" She gave him a moment to remember, as Cali joined them, cloistering their small ranks together again. "Come on," she sniffed manfully, and raised her chin. "Let’s go take care of that. So then there’ll be no reason for Trev not to come back. For good.” Slipping her hand into his, Iole kept Unalmis as Cali explained about Trev not giving a statement. That he wasn’t walking away from them, he was only walking away from the threat of undermining their story. The young Ranger was not entirely convinced, for all their combined efforts. His friend saw it. "For Ryn" Iole whispered. Just loud enough for it to make the difference.


“If only there was some way we could all do it anonymously,” Nal sighed, relaxing his defences. The prospect of walking into the Guard headquarters and reporting exactly what had happened between he and that idiot guard Ric was not exactly something he was looking forward to himself. He could scarcely bear to think about what Cadil must have thought of him, after what had happened at the gate. The Guard was going to have a field day. And there was no way of reporting how they'd noted the girls were in trouble, without explaining what happened with Ric at the gate first ... Cali hadn’t rounded on Nal for not making a report before, probably because she knew that if the guards had managed to ‘lose’ her account, they were definitely not going to take his seriously. Still, what else could they do ? Trevadir might not be able to stay and face the consequences, but he had somehow managed to say no to Cali, and right now Unalmis was not sure he would be able to do that.

Right now the smith needed him to take her some place where she and Iole would feel safe. He could do that. He couldn’t stop Trev. He could not bring back Ryndir. But he could do this. It was important to focus on what could be done. “Well I guess we can always count on Trev to rush in with the reinforcements when we mess this up,” Nal rolled his eyes, adopting a lighter tone as he swung Iole’s hand some. Without meeting his eyes, the young woman smiled. And squeezed it a little tighter. Reaching out for Cali’s hand, she tethered what remained of their small group together.

“It worked out the last time,” she ventured warily. Shaking dark hair out of her eyes and hoping the departure of Trev's hat had not left it mightily awry. “I'm sorry that we won't get to stay and see the bonfire. But chances are someone will end up catching something on fire before the evening is out,” a blue eye prompted brown, sidelong.

“Hey, starting fires is a bonafide Ranger skill and I’ll not have you belittle the benefit of practice,” Nal gave up, albeit quieter than he typically would have. He refrained though entirely from commenting on quite where he planned to take them. They were passing through a crowd to reach the gate, and he would not risk the secret location being overheard. Best not even the girls knew until they were there. Else they were sure to find some fault in it. Either that or move in, but that was a whole other matter.

They had matters enough for tonight. For today, for a moment, they had been almost as they had been before, and might even again. it wasn't going to be easy, clearly. But easy was boring anyway. it was going to be worth it. Unalmis could not help but glance over toward the King where throngs were flocking to catch a glimpse of their monarch. Hope had returned to Gondor. Gondor had hope. And so, then, could he after all. He had his friends back. Almost. Soon.

[Ercassie]

Addhor, on the far side of the field
with Tobedir - Packing up shop
@Rillewen

The boy was not exactly biting his hand off, but at the same time, seemed to be considering the matter with a sense of due cogitation. Not reckless, but at the same time non-committal. It might have been unexpected, from one of such a tender age. But Addhor was reminded of Tobedir’s mother, who had always employed a similar thoughtfulness. Olthel had long been the girl next door, and they two had often sat at the same dinner table, in either his mother’s house, or her’s, to attend their homework after school. Usually while Domanol, boasting the same age as the girl, had nonetheless still torn about the place and declared that his own rushed scribbles would suffice. It was a shame, what had happened to Olthel in the end. Of course, nothing was the same now, as it had been then. Her brother had died too, out in Dol Amroth, he recalled. And with Trevadir off .. who knew where, it was no strange thing that Ullothel would concern over her only remaining grandson.

Tobedir had not brought over all of the tools, which spoke of a process of elimination, for neither had he managed to identify which exact one was required. It did not matter, for the carpenter did not intend to embark on proper instruction here and now. For one thing, the daylight was growing too dim to proper observe the work. For another, ..

Addhor cast an almost wistful glance across the field, where Isys had run to. Where that strange fellow had leapt out of the tree and run to. He had told the Lady that he did not wish to get involved with any of her crazy goings on. But at the same time, she had laid such warnings without any actual explanation .. that the not knowing was somehow worse. He’d not caught sight of Nelladel all day as yet, and while he could kick himself for not having invited her to come and enjoy the event with him, still he was surprised to have not observed her amongst other revellers. Perhaps he had simply not seen her in all the crowd. But he had counted for everyone else he had looked for. And honestly, it served as fair an excuse as any to call and check in on her, on his way home.

That nagging sense of something being wrong, without due cause was robbing his intention. He’d seen Unalmis with his friends, Narradir was extremely merry, but not the worst he’d ever seen him and Serenda would never desert her husband. Isys .. to be fair .. he never knew what to expect there, but .. something .. something .. He felt somehow uneasy and couldn’t explain it beyond having missed a certain someone. That must be it.

“You do not know these tools,” he surmised though, turning to Tobedir, “but you do know those ..” he added, before Tobedir concerned this was some criticism. The fact leant credibility to the lad’s claim that he had performed some chores at home. “Do you think that you can help me lower this sidelong into the grass ? It will come apart more easily from that angle.”

The dismantling of the piece was managed far swifter with the two of them, not only to share the weight in shifting the wood, but also for his willing assistant to hold the pieces upright and in place, while the man detached it. Together the dismantled parts were carefully packed away in the cart. And with promises to properly show Tobedir the process when they were in the woodshop, in far better light, Addhor was glad when they two had hitched up the tailboard.

“You have certainly proven an asset today, Tobedir and ..” the man frowned in mid sentence, having come across a pair of boots, a pair of shoes in the cart. He shook his head in none too surprised despair, that his son had not even come back for the abandoned boots .. and continued. “We shall have to work out what your efforts will earn you, in the future,” he vowed, whilst stowing the forsaken footwear out of the way. “But for now at the very least, I can offer you a ride home, or just so far as the bonfire, if you would prefer ? I hear the king himself is come to set it ablaze.”

A last glance around, demonstrated nothing they had left upon the grass, and sadly not a glimpse of the very unique dagger, which a strange cloaked man had earlier plunged carefully into the leafy reaches of the tree he had spied from. The stolen weapon was left where it had been stowed, with not even an uneasy feeling fit to see any soul climb up and dislodge it. Not this night at least ..

[Lantaelen]

@Pele Alarion

Abrazimir Dimaethor

”It’s always the most inconspicuous looking ones. I guess that’s what makes them great spies.” Abrazimir said in reply to Pele, after the rangers and their prisoner departed. There wasn’t much more to say or discover as, with a certain flourish, the King and his guard arrived in a dignified procession, for the lighting of the bonfire. Abrazimir at once felt a sense of pride and respect at the sight, even standing straighter in attention as if he were on parade ground, even if the King might never see him.

Pele’s remark about her guard also seemingly turning lively definitely applied to the young Swan Knight beside her, and he shared her chuckle. ”One can hardly blame him. I never tire of this myself.” After an entire millennia of doubt and uncertainty? He followed Pele to a better spot to witness the coming ritual, while also ensuring there were no other threats or dangers to her security. That much he could do for his friends.

By all rights, the King may have lit the bonfire, but when instead he passed the torch to a young lad standing near the front (Berion), Abrazimir couldn’t help but applaud the gracious act. What a lucky lad! The late Steward had been a steely figure, but all the King’s ancient lineage, he seemed a very casual and generous lord, one Abrazimir could have easily followed to the depths of the shadow in combat and glory.

Soon the bonfire was a roaring congregation, heralding both the height of summer and another year of peace and prosperity that was hopefully to follow.

[Rillewen]

@Ercassie

Cali Dringolben
Leaving, with Unalmis and Iole

It wasn't exactly the perfect ending to the day; in fact, it was far from it. It would have been nice to enjoy gathering around the bonfire with her friends, enjoying the company of those she loved as siblings. But the day clearly had other plans in store, and she had lost her desire to linger in a place where she could not enjoy being. She fell silent as she saw the look on Nal's face, mirroring that which she felt inside, as their other friend made his departure. It was hard. Even knowing his reasons, it was difficult to see Trevadir walking away from them, when he ought to be walking with them. Even though she told herself he wasn't walking away from them, but rather from what he perceived as a dangerous situation for him. But then, wasn't it just as dangerous, if not more, for herself and Iole? She frowned slightly to herself as Iole took her hand. Cali gave it a light squeeze, keeping her gaze down to the ground, and held back a sigh, wishing she more fully understood Trevadir and his situation, but there was not a lot of information to go on. He was so... stubborn, not wanting to tell them his troubles. It was frustrating. Perhaps they could have helped? Perhaps they could have made him realize that he wasn't on his own... that they would do whatever they could to help him... but it was too late, for now. Maybe another day. If they could find him again, that is.

Iole's statement made her curious. 'He isn't far.' Did she know something, then? Cali glanced curiously toward her friend. She had danced with Trev, and had spent more time with him this evening than any of the rest of them. Perhaps he had told her something which the other two would soon learn. She hoped he hadn't gotten tricked into returning to his father's crew. He'd vowed he would never go back with them, but... she still worried. From what she'd come to understand, his father had a way of twisting things and could be very convincing in his lies.

Letting her thoughts drift back, guided by the sorrow in her heart over the fact that one 'brother' was not with them who ought to be with them, she found her thoughts drifting to the brother who could not be here. Thinking what words he might have for them, in this moment of disappointment. "He'll be back," She spoke softly, meant for the other two to hear, but no one around them. "When the time is right. Because.." She paused, finding it difficult to truly believe, but struggling to find conviction behind the words, "things happen the way they happen, because they're meant to." Ryn had often said things of that sort. She remembered that with a sad smile. She squeezed Iole's hand and cast a tiny smile toward Nal on the other side of Iole. "Trev was meant to be here, today, just as.. all of us were. For some reason or other. Even though it ended badly..." She sighed, but then smiled faintly as she found the thought she had been searching for.

"Some good came of this, today." She ended, realizing that was true. If she and Iole had not come, then no one would have pushed Nal to go and speak to Trev. And then she and Iole, with Eryn, would not have been able to give the two boys the nudge they needed to get back on track with their friendship. And who knows... maybe what had happened then would help Trev find his way home eventually. And, although she didn't like that the creep had been here... perhaps even that had been 'meant to be'. With Cali's public accusation against him, and the fact they were (almost) all going to fill out reports now, perhaps that matter would finally be put to rest. But for now, she just wanted to get someplace that he wouldn't think to look for any of them, so that she would, perhaps, feel safe. And trusting that Nal knew just such a place, however unorthodox it might be, she went along with him, without question.

(Exit)

[Rillewen]

@Ercassie

Tobedir Thôrmaetha
Far side of the field, with Addhor

Holding up the tools for the carpenter to choose the one he wanted, Toby hoped it was in the collection. He did not know the tools, not really. He'd used some of them before, the most common ones. Some of those which were in the house, left over from some distant time before Toby was born. When his late grandfather used to have the health to take care of any necessary repairs. Toby didn't make any mention of this, figuring, well.. considering the closeness of his grandmother and Addhor's mother, and how much she talked to him when he came over to visit, he must surely know plenty about that situation. How his grandfather had fallen sick, long before even Trevadir was born. Toby had only heard tales about him, and about how poor his health had become, to the point that Ullothel had to take a job to help support the family, while their daughter(his mother) was yet a child. And how his health had dwindled all through her childhood. He had lived long enough to attend his daughter's wedding, and to escort her down the aisle, Toby's grandmother had told him. Then, after a couple more years, he was gone from their lives, and the tools had ended up stashed away without anyone to put them to use.

Both Trevadir and Tobedir had made use of these tools in the past, each in their respective attempts at being useful and stepping up as 'the man of the house', to make repairs as best they could. The tools had seen use from Trev's friends as well, for various reasons, in years past. Toby remembered watching Trev and Ryn and Nal trying to figure out how to use different ones while building the tree house they'd decided to assemble one summer... which they never let Toby play in. Of course, now that Trev was gone, Ryn.. gone gone, and Nal moved away from the house next door, Toby could go up there anytime he wanted, but.. it wasn't the same. It was lonely and quiet, and after a few weeks of his brother being gone, he'd decided he didn't even want to go up there. It only made him miss Trevadir that much more, and so it had been mostly abandoned, since then. Every once in a while he climbed up there, just to be alone and think, but more often than not, he found himself wandering out to the other tree, the one Trev and his friends had used as a sort of meeting point, at times. The one that wasn't so far away from where he stood, now.

Toby found his gaze had been drawn toward it, almost subconsciously. At nearly the same time that Addhor seemed to be looking that way. Little did he know, the two of them both wore a similar 'wistful expression', though for different reasons. Toby occasionally went there, looking at the initials carved into it, left by his brother and those that were friends with Trev. He would climb up and sit in the tree for a time, as high as he could go, and look toward the South as if he might see Trev coming across the fields, returning home. It never happened, but he still hoped. Holding back a sigh, Toby turned back to the man who had recently offered him a job, his attention recalled away from staring after the old oak. With a slight hesitation, Tobedir gave a small shrug in reply to Addhor's comment. "I.. uh.. don't know what they're called, no sir. But I know these all turn in some way, so I thought any of these might be the one you wanted." He explained, a little awkward at his lack of knowledge. But then, the only names he knew for these tools were whatever Trev and his friends had used for them... some of which Toby suspected were completely made up by the older boys. And therefore he hesitated to use those names, lest he sound like an idiot and end up ridiculed.

Before long, the two had the puppet stage taken apart and loaded onto the wagon. And just as he was starting to find himself feeling slightly relaxed about this, Toby stopped at the sight of two empty pairs of shoes cast off into the wagon, which he had not noticed before. He blinked, a bit unsure what to think of that. He found it difficult to tear his gaze away from them, even after Addhor had put them aside. And offered him a ride on the wagon. Toby hesitated, far longer than he probably should have, and glanced over toward the bonfire. It did sound appealing. The bonfire, maybe catching a glimpse of the king he had heard so much about, being around other people...

But then he noticed how late it was getting to be. And he remembered that his grandmother was home alone, and she would be waiting for him, and probably growing worried now that it was getting dark. And who would he talk to anyway? His only friends lived in Dol Amroth, and he'd just end up standing off to the side watching everyone else enjoy the bonfire... he wasn't even sure what to do at a bonfire. Not by himself, anyway. If Iuldir had been around, they could've had plenty of fun. But Iuldir was way off at his home in Dol Amroth, and he wouldn't see him for a while yet. He shrugged slightly. "Grandma will be waiting for me," He gave his answer to the carpenter after a moment of indecisiveness. "I guess I'd better get home before she gets worried." And worry she would, often when there was no cause to. Toby had noticed a drastic increase in her worrying in the last...well, five years or so. Ever since Trevadir had disappeared without a word. He couldn't bear to be the cause for more, and so he decided he had no need to stay for the bonfire, when he could put his aging grandmother's mind at ease by coming home now. Perhaps they might even go close enough that he might get to see the king from the wagon, at least, and that would be exciting enough.

Though his grandmother may not have reason to worry, Tobedir sure felt a bit nervous about the idea of riding back, alone, with the carpenter he had feared for so long. Yet, the man had seemed nice today. Would it last? Was it all a front while he was out in public, that would suddenly change the moment they were away from the crowds? Toby hadn't quite thought of that until after he stated his intention to return home to grandma sooner, rather than later. And now it would be odd to reject a ride back. His stomach twisted up in knots as realized this. But Addhor surely wouldn't do anything to him... he'd just offered him a job, and he knew his grandmother, and... and... and besides, if, by some chance, there was any cause for concern(thinking back about those empty shoes), Toby told himself that he could surely outrun a man with only one leg. Despite the fact he didn't seem to be missing it now...

[Arnyn]

The citizens lit the bonfire as the last of the light faded away. First the onlookers looked at the fire and shared the moment with their family, friends and acquaintances in silence. But it did not take long before a few people - not necessarily the paid musicians - started playing some tunes in proximity to the fire, more as background music than for dancing.

People shared in some more drinks and snacks, and indeed for some the celebration might very well last until the last embers of the bonfire had died out.

Thanks for playing, everyone!