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Date Posted: 12:23:55 03/27/03 Thu
Author: Most characters
Subject: Departure of the last wagon train
In reply to: All characters 's message, "The Challerain Episode" on 19:38:06 03/13/03 Thu

It was a gray morning after the celebration of Prince Igon's birth date. Adaron was once more in his armor, his cloak silver. Beneath the overcast skies all stood in the courtyard at the great west gate as wounded Haddon was gently placed in the first of the two wagons standing on the cobbles.

A fair amount had gathered to say their farewells to the women and children, their families, while some came to see the fair Elfess one last time, and others more came to see their Prince off. Talar, was busy with the placing of Haddon in one of the front wagons.

Leila had rushed to get dressed and appeared now in black pants tucked into black boots. A forest green tunic resting over a black undershirt. Her cloak was gray, the hood pulled over the tightly woven braid that had been plaited in to her hair. Small was she was she wove in between people, after all, she had given her word, though not directly to him, to go and see Haddon before he departed.

Prince Igon stood by his horse, Rust, with a stern looking general, known as Jarriel at his side, holding the reins of a dun-colored steed. His hair fell free to his shoulders. A scarlet cloak fell from his shoulders, and a light mail gleamed upon his breast. His breeches and boots were rust red. Under one arm he held a leather and steel helm, embellished with black-iron studs. He appeared fresh.

King Aurion was there as well to see the grouping off, along with a silver-bearded Vidron. Aurion stepped to Captain Jerriel. "Advise Igon well, as you would me." And the Captain struck a clenched fist to his heart. The High King then embraced his son. "Gather mine Host to me, my son, yet forget not your sword oath to the Lady Astariel. It was here that Igon drew his sword and killed the hilt and raised the blade up for a moment to the Elfess... wherever she may be at the time.

The lady Astariel was dressed rather plainly in slate blue colored fabrics. A cloak also hung from her shoulders but it kept no steady color - it would change under the light of the sun with her every movement. She took her final leave from her chambers early and found her place standing off to the side, watching quietly until it was time to leave. A small smile was given to the young prince and she dipped her head.

Elomir had risen early that day, to watch the sun rise, as he did every morning. The Prince dressed in the finest clothes, dark pants, green tunic, flowing cape. The now saddened blue eyes were hidden amongst the platinum blond braids that spilled from his hair. He tucked them behind his pointed Elven ears, emerging from his quarters.

A beaming smile was returned to the Elfess as the blade was sheathed. Then he led the rust red steed over to her, waiting for all to be ready to finally escort her to her wagon. She would be riding in the last.

Aurion, a scarlet patch over his head, made his way over to the Elfess, following along behind his son. Wrinkles formed at the corners of his eyes as a smile formed. A light bow was given to her. "With you leaves a beacon of light in these dark days. Yet we have had you for a time and I would that others look upon one so fair. I wish you safe travels, my Lady."

Her hands unclasped and she reached out, taking his hands with her own. A more genuine smile came to her features as she spoke, "A gracious host you have been, High King. I shall look back on my time here fondly. My heart is too full for good-byes, so I will say nothing more and merely pray for the sun to always smile down on you and yours."

Adaron had stood quiet for the majority of the time though earlier soft words had been spoken to the young Prince, one he had known for many years of the lad's life. Ocean blues had followed the path of the King to the Elfess and silently he had turned to make her way to her, through the throng. His pace had dropped back, keen Elven hearing able to pick out her words over the voices of others closer at hand. He came to a halt, changed direction, and moved off toward Talarin, Steel-Ring.

Talar had just finished with helping load the yet weak Haddon into the wagon. The Elf was clad in greens as was his usual and he was fully armed. He turned to see Adaron coming towards him and gave him a nod, conversation unspoken.

The door to his quarters shut gently, and the Elven prince let out a heavy, heavy sigh as he headed down the marble hallway, towards the courtyard.

Haddon looked much better this morning than he had the night before. The poison had left his body and besides the inner exhaustion from all the riding he had done the day before he still held a smile as chocolate orbs found a familiar figure weaving through the crowd. A gloved hand lifted to wave, attempting to catch her attention.

There he was! She redirected her path until she came to stand before Haddon who rested in the wagon. A bright smile upon her features as the hood of her cloak was tossed back. Leila was not yet in armor, but she had rushed to get dressed and would don it later. "It pleases me to see that you are looking so well this morning, good Haddon," in a lilting voice.

There was one last individual that the King would bid farewell to...if he could find him. He had given a small nod and a tight-lipped smile in response to the Elfess's words. He rose to his tip toes, searching out a particular Elven Prince who would also be riding with his Son and the Elfess. One who, too, had offered to protect the fair one.

The Prince came up to the party without saying anything, only crossing his arms over his chest. He would not speak until someone had spoken to him.

Hands dropped to the seat below him as he lifted himself back to sit further against the wall behind him. "Good morning to you, my Lady. It pleases me that you would so kindly come to bid me farewell. Though I would have you join us in departure and otherwise bid me no fond farewell." He worried for her safety.

She smiled tot he injured soldier and tipped her head slightly. "I think there are others who would also that I go along to safety, but my place is here," a reassuring quality to her voice, although she was still not so sure of it herself. "Recover quickly," a hand placed on his knee lightly. "You have been so brave, Haddon. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that you make your destination safely."

Adaron, now standing with Talar, stepped back to let the Captain of the Gypsies have her words with the wounded soldier. Arms limp at his sides, he spoke with his Kith quietly in their foreign tongue, a hand lifting now and then to gesture to a particular person or a wagon.

Her good-bye to the king complete, Astariel turned and searched the crowd with her eyes. She first noted Talar in his usual green so she started off in his direction.

"Then you are here to take my place, perhaps." He gave her a warm smile. "Aid the King in whelming Drego, My Lady and I pray that I see you soon in the weeks ahead."

"Talar," Elomir said, uncross his arms, walking to other Elf.

Talar had turned at the speaking of his name. A smile played over his lips as his right hand lifted to allow fingertips to lightly touch the left side of his chest in greeting, his head bowing slightly and to the side. "Prince Elomir, it seems that the time has come for Kindred to part yet again."

She bowed her head softly. "You shall. They," motioning to Talar and Adaron, "will not be so easily rid of me." A playful tone underscoring her words. "I should go and tell the young prince farewell," said she before she patted his knee gently. "Be well, Haddon." A fleeting smile before she turned and parted from the first wagon to find Prince Igon.

Elomir did the same, raising his fingers to touch his own chest in greeting. "Yes, it has. I pray your safety, dear friend, wherever you shall go."

Ah, he spied the youthful looking Elf...though...all tended to appear that way. Long purposeful strides carried him over to where the small grouping of Elves stood. A nod was given to the Gypsy upon passing her.

Well, Talar and Elomir were in conversation, and it seemed most everyone else was as well, so Astariel stepped back from the gathering and walked a short way from the wagons.

Well, Adaron's face was void of expression as he watched the Elfess seemingly ignore him. Perhaps she thought that he wished not to say farewell had been said the night before. He followed her, quickly overtaking the distance that separated them. "Arwen en amin." (My lady) He started, greeting her.

A close-lipped smile was given to the Elven Prince as he laid a hand upon his friends shoulder. "Aa' menle nauva calen ar' ta hwesta e' ale'quenle." (May thy paths be green and the breeze on thy back)

After his farewells to Talar, the Elven Prince wandered over towards the Princess. "Does something trouble you, my princess?" he asked, staring towards the bright sun as he crossed his arms over his chest.

The Elf was apparently busy with other matters, no hard feelings for they had stalled the departure long enough. It was time. At a sign from the High King the portcullises were raised and the great west gates opened.

Separated from the rest by a good distance she stood in silence. When approached by Adaron she turned at his voice, offering a quiet smile. She could see Elomir coming up behind him and stopping near. She shook her head slowly to him for her answer and then reached out, taking Adaron by the arm. "Farewells to be said, Elomir. I will meet you at the wagon." And off she led the elf for a quiet talk.

A glance was given to the rising portcullises and the opening gate. The wagons waited for the two Princes and the Elfess. Rust at his side tossed his head, eager to be off on another adventure. A glance was given to the far off Elfess as she made her last farewell and he made ready to mount up.

Elomir: rejected! The Princess had made it quite obvious she would have nothing to do with him, and how it broke his heart. He went to go stand by the wagon.

Adaron was led off by the Elfess and once a short distance from the others he stopped their walk and turned to her. "I know that you fear for the days ahead." His voice came softly, his voice low. "Do not. Aa' menealle nauva calen ar' malta Arwen en amin. Tenna' ento lye omenta."( May your ways be green and golden, my Lady. Until next we meet.) His head bowed lightly to her.

A glance was given to Adaron and Astariel. She had meant to tell the female elf good bye... Leila went then and found Igon, slipping up behind him and resting a hand upon his shoulder before coming abreast to the young prince. "It seems that now we are to part company, Prince Igon." Her head bowed for a moment to remove something from her hip. "I have something for you." She presented him then with a short sword encased in a leather sheathe. "I spent the entire night before your feast making it, but I had no time to give it to you yesterday. It should be about the right weight, I made it a good deal heavier than my own, but not so heavy as others I have kept." And the work was splendid upon examination. The steel blade gleamed sharply in the sun, the edge so sharp it could have split a hair. The hilt was carved of ivory stone with a sturdy handle for grip.

Astariel could not bring herself to say nothing - for words failed her. She merely took a letter which was concealed on her and placed it into his hand.

Upon being bestowed with the gift steel grey eyes lit up. "I cannot thank thee enough, Captain Leila." His speech courtly with her. "I graciously accept your gift. " With the short sword pulled from its sheath the prince held it high, eyes twinkling as he admired the craftsmanship. "Thou art an excellent weapons-smith, my Lady..."

Leila smiled then. "I am pleased that you find it to your liking, young prince. I shall miss you." She could feel tears forming in her eyes, knowing that they glittered in the light, she turned her head away. "I apologize. I was never fond of good-byes."

Fingers closed about the letter that had he had been given. Surely it was something for her father and he made a mental note to dispatch a messenger as soon as possible. Again his head bowed, acknowledging her wishes, or what he thought they were.

"It is for you to read only when I am gone with the wagon. Do you promise?" She asked, lolling her head to the right in question.

Tears would have stung in the youth's eyes as well had he not had the experiences of never showing sign of dispair. His head titled to the side as he stepped around her to embrace her, hugging her close. "None ever are."

Just a hint did his brow lift in questioning. Yet he nodded his compliance. "Yes." He stepped to her side then, escorting her towards the last wagon. "Come, all wait for you and I would have you leave as soon as possible. Preferably days ago."

Astariel stepped along with him quietly, a slow smile growing on her face as she approached.

She wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly. "Be well my brave young prince." Tears falling from her eyes to dampen his cloak. "I hope your journey is a safe one, and your charge met without resistance."

Adaron took her hand, helping her step up into the wagon. Backwards steps took him away from the wain, giving it room. "Namaarie Astariel." (Farewell)

Talar, seemingly out of no where was there as well, lifting his hand to the Elfess in farewell. "Namaarie." He echoed.

With a flip of the reins and a call to the teams, the drivers slowly moved the wagons forward and through the portal, the iron-rimmed wheels clattering upon the flagstones and cobbles, horses' hooves ringing too.

The elfess settled on the wagon, fixing the folds of her long dress. Blue eyes looked down on her kin and she smiled a bit more for their sake.

Hearing the wagons begin their trek, his eyes opened to see them departing without him! He pulled away from Leila's embrace, a tear now spilling down his cheek. With a forced smiled the youth turned and mounted the giant War-horse, urging him to follow behind. A wave was given to the ebon-haired gypsy, Rust prancing and cavorting, still eager to be under way.

A wave was given in return before she turned away from the departure, weaving out of the crowd to head back to the barracks where she could rest for a while before the eventide watch when she would have no choice but to wear her armor.

Once outside the gate the wagons were joined by the escort, and slowly the wagons trundled down Mont Challerain, heading for the final caravan waiting below. And then with a clatter of gears and a grinding of metal, the portcullises lowered and the iron gates swung to, and those that still stood were left staring at the dark iron, perhaps even long after the barrier clanged shut.

With the Elfess no longer in their hands, Adaron turned to Talarin, giving him a shared look before heading over towards Aurion.

Talar had turned then to follow after Leila to prepare for their watch that would start just before dusk.

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