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Date Posted: 18:31:35 03/24/03 Mon
Author: All characters
Subject: Igon's birthdate celebration
In reply to: All characters 's message, "The Challerain Episode" on 19:38:06 03/13/03 Thu

The evening of young Prince Igon's birthday celebration had finally arrived. Talarin left the barracks with Leila. He was garbed in a silver-blue Elven shirt. It was tight about his upper body and collared. His pants were of similar coloring yet a shade darker. As always, his boots were dyed to match. His hair, the same as it always was, part way pulled back into a herringbone braid. Silent were his footfalls upon the snow that they crossed as well as the stone flooring when they came into the Old Fortress. Down corridors he led her to the outside of the long Feast Hall. A hand lifted to the guards without, stilling their movements as they turned to open the doors for them. He would wait for Lady Astariel.


Leila had gone through great pains to get ready that night, and had spent hours on just her hair. Most of it was left down to fall in thick black waves and curl at the middle of her back; however, there were several strands that were braided about her face with beads at the bottom of them to give weight, as well as many more around the crown of her head where the beads were just interwoven into the braids. Her dress looked demure for the present. A long dress that wrapped 'round her form, doing little to show it off as Talar had warned against. The dress was a deep violet, matching what was worn beneath which would come into play later in the night, as she had promised to dance for the young prince. Her hands went to rest at her waist as she paused with Talar to wait for Lady Astariel.

Astariel had been in preparation for the party for a few hours as well - not that is was a long time to her, but still. Her body was fresh from the lilac-scented bath she soaked in, her face alight with the natural beauty she was graced with from birth. It had been long disputed among her people who indeed was the fairest between Astairel and her dear mother; but, truly it was one of those deals that had no answer; it could only be solved by opinion. When ready to leave, the elven Lady was draped in golden satin that hugged around her body and flowed down her arms as cascading waterfalls; it fell open at the front just under the breast, showing the pearly underlayers of the dress which hung with the gold to her ankles. Across the white was netted gold, thin yet rounded in studs in a pattern. A gold and ruby brooch rested against her chest to complete the attire. Her hair had remained down and nearly untouched; though, a crown of burnished golden leaves rested upon her head. Astariel made her down to the dinning hall in silence, a smile coming to her lips as she seen the two standing in wait.

Fingertips lifted to touch the left side of his chest in greeting to the Elfess. His hand, slightly brushed out before his body before he dropped into a deep bow. He straightened then, a beaming smile upon his lips as he turned and nodded to the wardens, who opened the door before them. Across the wide floor Talar walked with the two, unto the steps of the throne dais, and thereupon sat Aurion Red-eye. Upon reaching the High King, another bow was issued forth. Igon stood next to the King and Adaron on the other side of Igon stood Adaron. He was clad in a top similar in style to Talarin's, yet it was a deep blue, the Elven embroidery silver. He did not wear his scarlet cloak. His pants were of a silk material and black, as were his boots. Girded at his waist were two sheathed Elven blades. One of them a long kife. His face was voice of his expression as his eyes passed from Leila to Talarin to Astariel. Then ocean blues flickered to the High King as Talar bowed.

She had bowed to Astariel, and was then lead before the king. A moment of hesitation as she forgot herself for rather...obvious reasons before she shook herself back to reality and bowed deeply to the king and his son. A velvet covered arm swept out gracefully with the bow, a mantle of fabric following as it was attached to her wrist. She straightened then and let her hands both come to rest above her navel upon the satin part of her dress that appeared to fall to her ankles. Her smile crept into her gold-green eyes then as she looked upon the three.

The elfess stepped along with the others in quiet order as they approached the king. She stood of the right of them as they stopped before him, cerulean blue eyes twinkling in delight. A smile was given to the dear friend of her sire and she bowed her head a moment in respect.

When the trio finally came through the main doors and into the lnog Feast Hall, all the guests rose and murmered in wonderment. Some at the sight of the gypsy woman with the beads in her hair. Most at the great beauty of the Elfess in golds. Scarlet and gold raiment were upon him, and he looked every inch the High King. To his right stood youthful Prince Igon, in red. On his left stood Hrosmarshal Vidron, dressed in the green and white colors of Valon. Aurion acknowledged their respects by inclining his head. Then he rose and walked down to the Elfess and took her hands in his and smiled. Then he turned to the guests. His voice was firm and all heard his words: "This is the even of the twelve days of Yule, a time of celebration, for it marks the ending of an old year and the beginning of the new. Tomorrow, first Yule, brings with it the shortest day and the longest night as the old year lays dying, and some make take that as a bleak omen in these dark times. Yet I say unto ye all," Speaking in the courtly way, "First Yule is also a time of new beginnings. Harken unto me, though Twelfth Yule is reckoned as the first day of the a new year, I ween that First Yule marks it's true beginning; for it is thereafter that the days grow longer as the land begins the slow march forward toward the shining days of summer, and that is a bright omen of hope. First Yule has brought us Prince Igon's birthday celebration! But also, let us not forget that First Yule has also brought us great grace and beauty--the Lady Astariel from The Eternal Elvenhome. If there be omen seekers amongst ye, look up this Lady in gold, and ye can do naught but see good fortune in your rede." Kind Aurion led the Elfess to a throne to one side. And when she would sit, a great cheering would rise up in the Hall that made the very rafters ring.

A humble flush touched her face as the king spoke so highly of her to his people. Her gaze was cast over them during his speech, a smile lingering on her berry-kissed lips. It was with no hesitation she followed the king to her throne and settled down upon it, her now free hands smoothing the fabric across her lap.

Spectacle and entertainment filled the Hall as the grand party got underway, with jugglers and wrestlers, dancers and buffoons, prestidigitators and a Man who spewed fire from his mouth, and others, all strutting in file through the doors and around the floor to be seen before they were to perform. Casting a grin over his shoulder, wide eyes flashed by to the elendil at his side. They were to be run over if they stood there! The King and others had not yet gone to their table but that would not stop Talarin. Off to the table he led Leila, to stand beside where they would sit. She would be seated next to him, he next to Adaron, who would sit next to Astariel, who would sit next to Aurion who sat next to young Igon.

As the Elf and the gypsy would move to the table before him a light grin graced his lips, though hardly noticeable expect to those who would be looking. Then blue hues turned to those that entered the hall. After the entertainment came servants bearing platters laded with food, parading into the Hall. There was roast pig and lamb, beef and fowl, and vegetables and such as carrots, parsnips, beans, red cabbage, and peas, and great pitchers of frothed ale and dark mead, and apples and pears, and even the strange new fruit from Thyra, orange and tangy and full of juice.

Leila allowed Steel-Ring to haul her over to the tables where she stood by where they would sit. One of the braids fell down across her face and was quickly swiped behind her ear, the beads tinkling softly as they struck one another before they came to rest. Her eyes looked up then to Talar, a wink given was dramatized by the thick coal-black lashes. "Do you know my mind, mellonamin?"

A close-lipped smile passed over Talarin's lips as he chuckled softly. Eyes upon those that continued to filter in. Warm aromas filling the Hall. "Truly, Elendil. If I am guessing correctly..." A glance was given to the elf who stood beside the young Prince.

The King stood and escorted Lady Astariel to the royal table, and Prince Igon and Marshal Vidron accompanied them. He waited for the Elfess to be seated, Igon as well. King Aurion raised a horn of honey sweet mead.

The elfess rose from her seat upon the throne and stepped gracefully over to the feasting table as she was escorted. When the chair was presented to her, she again sat and fixed her dress. "I am honored, your Reverence." Blue eyes remained on the King that stood before her before they lowered to her lap thoughtfully for a second. They rose then to look at the Prince Igon who remained in silence with Marshal Vidron in a fleeting glance.

Adaron followed along behind Aurion and moved to take his seat. Talar sat as well. A goblet before Adaron was filled and he raised it, as did the rest of those seated in the Feast Hall.

"Yule, Prince Igon, and Lady Astariel!" the High King cried and a great shout went up. Yule, Prince Igon, and Lady Astariel! A smile split the young Prince's lips. He signed for the feast to begin and then eyes turned to the Elfess who would also give the sign. For the feast was partly in her name as well.

Lips fully parted now to reveal a seldom seen smile by Men. A glance was given to the Elfess at his side, and to Talar, on his other side. He went to lean forward to speak to Leila but his words were halted as a roar went up from the guests, and nothing more was said as he turned to watch the wrestlers grapple on the central floor. At last, one of the young soldiers hefted the other and spun him about and flung him to the mat, pinning him. Great shouts of praise rose up from the assembly.

The elven princess was quiet for the most part. The goblet that sat before her was brought to her lips for a small sip.

Aurion turned to the Elfess. "Are you enjoying yourself, my Lady? I would hate to bore you on your last night, as you are leaving on the marrow."

Her shoulders rolled back one at a time and then both and she leaned back in her chair. Silent. There would be no way to hear above the noise the muted clicking sounds of the finger cymbals she cradled in her palms as her fingers used them to tap out a familiar rhythm between her thumb and second finger to which the cymbals were secured.

"My heart is too full of the joy this night brings that I could be nothing but." She replied to the king at her side.

Off to the other side of the High King, Prince Igon softly muttered to himself, glumly. "And I ride with the escort, when I think it would be better that I return to the Everdark to stand beside Gelan against
the foe." "My son," Aurion began..."I need you in Pellar. You but ride with the escort to Stonehill, beyond the range of Drego's Vulgs. Then you will leave the train behind, and with six fast companions you will go apace to Caer Pendwyr to rally the Kingdom to our aid."

The goblet was set back down after another sip and she looked away from the king and his son. Astariel reached over and placed her hand atop Adaron's before she leaned in and whispered to him.

Adaron turned to Talarin and Leila, keeping his eyes from the growing dispute between father and son. "I see you are without your armor this eve, Leila."

"It keeps her from eating." Talar piped up and with that scooped more foot onto Leila plate with a wide smile, knowing she was hating him right now.

Her head lifted for a moment and she shed the cymbals from her fingers to rest in her lap. She turned then to Adaron. "I see that you are also without yours, Adar--" she looked down at the food on her plate and then glared at Talar. "Amin uuma merna ta," (I don’t want it.) she informed him, not that he would take much heed to it.

Adaron turned at the touch and held still as words were whispered to him. He glanced at Lord Mallorns daughter and nodded softly, once. He then directed the Elfess to follow his gaze towards the Elf and Woman who were acting like siblings.

She leaned back at the confirmation with a quiet smile. A soft pat was given to the hand to show she was please with the answer. Her eyes did as requested and she couldn't help but smile. Even though her thoughts at times were off in the distance, she had been watching Talar and the Elf-Friend from time to time.

"Of course you do." And the bowl of potatoes was set down. "You will grow weak if you do not eat. Then what help with you be?" Talarin teased the elendil.

She was spared the rest of the argument when the High King called upon the warrow warriors to entertain the masses. The hobbit-sized warriors nervously made their way into the center of the room and began singing a warrow jig, dancing as they did so. Of course he couldn’t leave well enough alone, so the young Prince grabbed Leila to drag her out to do the jig with him. Leila called over her shoulder for Talar to join them, which he did, bringing the elven princess with him. Close to the end of the dance a wicked smile formed upon Leila’s lips and she retrieved the protesting Adaron from his seat who reluctantly joined them on the floor to perform the little jig. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, he had enjoyed himself, and even laughed out loud in a rare moment. When the dance finished all applauded and eyes once more turned to the King to announce the evening’s next form of entertainment.

It was announced that the gypsy would then perform for them. A slight blush upon her cheeks, Leila excused herself from the sight of those gathered in order to prepare herself, unwrapping her form from the dress that surrounded her curves leaving her in sheer pants that rested low upon her hips, a belt resting there as well decorated with bells and coins. The half-shirt she wore was of satin across her breasts and back, the sleeves of a darker violet than the satin bodice. Coins lined the satin as well and hung in a row against the top of her taut, caramel belly. The beads braided into her hair clinked against each other musically as she walked, chiming in with the coin anklets and wrist pants, both gold.

Leila walked to the minstrels and had a few words with them before her hands were woven above her head into a staring pose. The music that began was slow and haunting. It was a display of control, flexibility, and strength on her part. The way her arms moved gracefully opposite and then at the same time with the roll of her hips into complicated safety pin and figure eight patterns. Her body paused then at the end of the melody, hips weaving along with the new drum beat that indicated a quicker song.

The gypsy danced her way across the floor in a way that could only be described as purely sensual, taking up residence near the tables. Her voice then rose above the music as she sang to accompany her dance. "Lucky you were born that far away so we could both make fun of distance…" as she sang, her hand slid across Hrosmarshal Vidron’s shoulders, lifting as her hands wove patterns in the air, she remained beside him, dangerously close as she continued the rhythmic gyration of her hips. "Lucky that I love a foreign man for the lucky fact of your existence…" Moving then to Igon, she pushed her hands down over his shoulders and chest. "Melamin,, I would climb the Grynfang solely to count the freckles on your body," as she sang she slid her hands up the young prince’s sides, hands then resting on the side of his head to lean it back to look up at her weaving body. She gave him a knowing smile. "Never could imagine there were only too many ways to love somebody…" Releasing him then she danced back out into the mid of the room, dropping to the floor for a part of her dance that was possibly even more sensual than the rest.

The young prince turned the brightest shade of imaginable red and scooted closer in to the table, sinking down into his chair in embarrassment.

Rising to her feet using a motion that seemed as though her body flowed in a wave, the good King was next on her list. "Lucky that my lips not only mumble, they spill kisses like a fountain…" glancing to the still uncomfortable young prince she reached over on her next words, walking her fingers up the side of his neck. "Lucky that my breasts are small and humble so you don’t confuse them with mountains…" She would leave the royal table for now, picking on others, including those that had tormented her on a previous night. "Lucky I have strong legs like my mother to run for cover when I need it…" And then to poor Talar who was pulled out far enough for her to drop down into his lap and recline against the table. Hey, she had special rights with her best friend. "And these two eyes that are for no other, the day you leave will cry a river," tapping his nose as she finished her lyric.

Once more she took to the middle of the room in another impressive display, but the Elven Emissary surely knew that his fate was sealed and what would come. She wove her way across the floor again. "Lo lo le lo le lo. Lo lo le lo le lo..." Her hands then rested upon Adaron's shoulders, sliding down his arms as she leaned in close to sing on the opposite side than he expected. "Think out loud...say it again..." She continued her dance then, though had not left him, she wasn't done yet. "Lo lo le lo le lo lo lo..."

The Lady reached out and took up her goblet, her eyes then began to search out the rest of the room with sudden urgency.

"What is the trouble?" he asked, taking his own to sip it.

Astariel didn't answer him, she was in her own thoughts.

He had turned his head one way, but found that she was at the other side. He sat there, still as she touched him and moved in the way that she was. All the while he watched her, silent.

"Princess?" he inquired, taking his eyes back to her.

Her hand cupped his jaw then and turned him to face her. She leaned in once more and smiled forcing his eyes to meet her own. "Tell me one more time, that you're there...lost in my eyes..." she almost kissed him then, she was close enough, her lips bare seconds from his own, but she suddenly pulled back and turned to finish her dance, the whirling beads distracting from the deep blush that now came into her features.

As fair as she was, her face flushed and she swallowed dryly. Her eyes were far off but in a moment's time she took in a deep breath and blinked a few times. She looked to Adaron, her eyes telling tales he had read before in past times.

The music sped for a frenzied finale of sound until finally her foot stomped and her final pose struck at the same moment of the last drum beat. She stood still, chest heaving to get in more air as her muscles finally melted and she bowed.

His heart sank.. he knew what troubled her. "I see," he said quietly, leaning back into his chair without another word.

Blues turned to follow her as she danced away and though he felt the gaze of Astariel he found it slightly difficult to turn his gaze to her. It was the enchantment of the music he guessed, though there was no real spell involved. Orbs sought out Astariel’s and a slender brow arched. He knew what she was telling him and he glanced about the room, seeing nothing amiss.

~*~


Cheering rose up from the assembly once more. Most were well into their drinks. Long did the praise last. But then: Boom! Doom! The great doors of the Feast Hall boomed open, echoing through the chamber like the knelling of doom, and a begrimed warrior trod into the Hall, his left arm gashed and bleeding. Smiling countenances turned toward him, but gaiety fled before his unyielding pace. Silence changed down like the stroke of an ax blade upon stone and the only sound to be heard was the hard stride of the Man down the long floor. All eyes were locked upon the warrior as he came unto the throne dais. He struck a clenched fist to his heart and knelt upon one knee before the King and blood dripped upon the stone. And in the hanging quiet, all heard his words: "Sire, on this dark Yule Eve, I bear thee tidings from my Lord Gelan, though ill word it is: The Everdark now stalks this way, the Black Wall moves toward Challerain Keep. And in the Winter-night that follows, the Horde of ravers marches. The War with Drego has begun." And with that the color left the warriors features and he slumped to the cold stone beneath him.

A great uproar filled the Hall, and hands grasped futilely at weaponless girths, for all had come to the feast unarmed but Adaron who did nothing but stand, eyes wide and intent upon the fallen warrior. Shouts of anger boiled up, and clenched fists struck tables in rage, and some tore at their hair.

Astariel. knowing well there was more than meets the eye, stood and rounded the table. She approached the man and kneeled at his side, satin fabrics billowing around her.

At a sign from Aurion, a steward struck a great staff to the floor three times, and the knell of the gavel cut through the din. At last quiet returned to the Hall and the King went to the fallen Man. Steel gray eyes lifted to the Elfess. "I need him to speak on..."

Adaron stepped from the table and hurried around with long strides to the King's side. Vidron had done the same, rage etched in his worn battle-hardened face. A hand lifting absently to stroke his black bead streaked with silver.

"You need to wait, High King." Yes, she was surely high in status to ever think of speaking to the man in such a way. Though her words were gently spoken, they were firm and fierce all the same. Blue eyes then returned to the man and she raised his arms, searching the exposed flesh first.

The soldier seemed to not have much blood leaking from his body. That was obviously not the problem with him. Sweat began to form on his brow and softly he moaned. His head tossing to the side.

Her hand balled into a fist and then her fingers kneaded into her palm. She came to the gash on his arm and she cleared the fabric away from it. Her hand then relaxed and cupped over the wound, her other coming to rest over his eyes. Astariel closed her eyes and closed her eyes.

Elomir stood, going to the side of the princess and the injured man..

Adaron stepped up to the side of the Elven Prince and gently eased him backwards, giving the Elfess more room. His gaze sought out Leila, wondering about her. Well apparently Elomir had control of Astariel. "She should rest." He informed the Elven Prince before moving to the High King's side.

Talar moved to stand next to Leila's side. His arms were limp at his sides as he gazed at the soldier after a glance was given to his close friend. Already the soldier was moving. Dazed and attempting to rise from his fall. Though the King did not require it, Adaron and Vidron both aided in the lifting of the warrior.

"Yes," he told Adaron, letting his other arm slide around the princess. He stood, helping her with his arms around her for support.

The soldiers head lolled to the side and his eyes opened. When his gaze fell upon his King he began to find words. His duty coming back to him. "Sire...I did but come from the Everdark five hours past...Two of us were entrusted by my Lord Gelan to bring this word. Three horses each had we, and all were ridden under foundering. Yet I and my last steed were all that won through, for my comrade was Vulg slain along the way, and I...am Vulg wounded."

Leila moved closer to Talar, borrowing some of his body heat, shivering. She looked up to him then and though she spoke no words, the look in her eyes spoke volumes about the worry and fear that now had fully gripped her where it had been warded off before.

Adaron cast a glance over his shoulder and saw the chilled woman. "Talarin, behind the throne." And then his attention was once more completely devoted to the soldier. Without even a nod heel to toe carried Talarin to the High King's throne and behind. From a small table he lifted a scarlet cloak and returned to Leila, extending the garment to her.

"I'm alright." She said passively, offering the Prince a smile as she was brought to her feet.

"Do you wish me to take you to your room, Princess?" he asked, helping her stand.

At the soldiers words Aurion spat. "Vulgs! Drego's curs!" His fists were clenched in fury, and the scarlet patch upon his left eye seemed to flash anger. Shouting wrath from others filled the hall.

She took the cloak and smiled to Talar before she wrapped herself in the heavy cloak, taking comfort at the warmth it provided.

"No, no; I am well enough. I wish to be alone - I will sit in the courtyards for a while. There I shall be if I am needed." She sounded forlorn, her voice quiet.

The soldier glanced down to his arm, where his clothing had been cut away, the gash revealed. "This scratch was made at the very gates of the first wall." grunted the warrior, gracefully accepting a horn of mead that a page had brought him, quaffing it in one gulp.

"Are you sure?" he asked, unready to let her go just yet.

Again the gaveling of the steward's staff cut through the clamor, and slowly quiet was resorted. "Your name, warrior." Said Aurion as he rose, glancing to his son who had moved to stand beside his father.

"Quite." She could feel his reluctance to let her go, so she offered a small smile and she parted from him herself.

"Haddon, Sire." Answered the Man.

"Well done, Haddon! You have brought vital news, though dire it is. Say you this: How much time have we ere the Black Wall sweeps unto Challerain Keep?"

He immediately let her go, arms dropping to his sides once more. "Call if you need me," he offered.

"Perhaps two days, three at most." Answered Haddon to his Leige and a grim murmur ran throughout the assembly.

So, unnoticed by all, besides Elomir that is, Astariel took a few steps back, looked at the gathering, and then made for the exit.

Elomir watched her go with a heavy sigh, rubbing his temples and sitting? by Leila.

"Then we must make final our plans." Aurion called out to the gathering, and all fell silent. "It is now mid of night. First Yule steps into the Realm, and Prince Igon paces toward to his sixteenth year. Good times lay behind us, and better time yet lay ahead, but in betwixt will fall dreary days. Drego's Horde now stalks south. Here at these walls they must be held. Go now unto your beds and rest, for we must be in the fullness of our strength to meet this foe." He then swept up a goblet from a nearby table and raised it on high. "Hal!" He cried in teh ancient tongue of the North. "Heah Adoni cnawen ure weg!" (Hail! High Adon knows our way!)

And the assembled raised their own horns and cups. "Hal! Aurion ure Cyning!" (Hail! Aurion our King!) And all drained their goblets to the bottom.

Vidron then slipped an arm about the yet weakened soldier for though the Elfess was able to pass strength to him, she did not clear the poison that ran through his veins. Slowly did he escort the warrior out.

Adaron's gaze briefly passed over the retreating Elfess as he followed along behind Vidron. With a glance of his own to Leila, Talar led them as he followed after as well.

And she followed, keeping the crimson cloak around her tightly. It smelled like Adaron, and yes, elves had a smell, it was just different. "Where are we going?" she asked Talar in a soft voice.

Igon would hear of his brother and so he fell into step with Adaron before hurrying forward to help out the Hrosmarshal with the injured soldier.

"I suppose where they are going." He made a small jest to lighten the mood. "But truly, I deem that there is more to Haddon's tale and that Adaron would hear of it. The High King will have his War Council soon."

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  • Inside the fortress -- Most characters, 19:02:25 03/24/03 Mon
  • Inside the fortress (part II) -- Leila & Adaron, 12:09:00 03/27/03 Thu
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