|
Post by Laurasia on Oct 24, 2005 19:28:43 GMT -5
~Boromir~
A green field...riding on my horse...white towers...Faramir...
Having finished eating, Boromir had fallen into daydreaming & was snapped back to the real world by Arwens' voice. Rest? At the mention of the word the heaviness of his entire body suddenly made itself known to him. Yes, he needed to rest. And now that his stomach was full he was beginning to find himself quite drowsy. He looked at Pippin & Merry, who both were seeming rather drowsy as well.
He yawned slightly before he addressed Arwen. "Yes, milady, I think that we all have much need of rest. Please, lead the way." He rose & turned to the Halflings. "Come now, I'm sure that there will be time to check on your friend once you have rested properly. You'll be needing your strength for your trip home."
|
|
|
Post by Brandybuck on Oct 26, 2005 18:56:02 GMT -5
~Frodo~
I realize with a start that I had once again dozed off. Well, I must have really needed the rest! Delicious aromas fill the room..the Elves must be preparing the Feast. My stomach growls at the scent...oh yes, very hungry. I wonder how long it has been since I have eaten. I glance at Gandalf and see that his eyes are closed. I doubt that he is asleep..probably meditating. Bilbo told me once that a Wizard will sleep with their eyes open. I find myself feeling glad that I did not look over into a pair of open eyes, for I would have felt very unnerved indeed.
I decide to take advantage of the silence by testing my strength. I push the covers down and swing my legs over the side of the bed. I had expected that I would need assistance in climbing down from the bed due to its height, but I find that the bed is quite low. Yes, I shall be able to descend on my own. As my feet step onto the floor I feel a slight weakness throughout my body. 'Please do not let me fall,' I think once again eyeing Gandalf. 'That would be most embarrasing.' I keep my hand steady on the bed to make sure..but I do not fall. I begin to take small steps as I walk towards the window. I have to pass by Gandalf to accomplish this, but he does not stir. 'Yes,' I think as I smile, 'Gandalf is truly awake.' I walk to the window, and grasp onto the windowsill for extra leverage. I find myself looking out into a beautiful courtyard under the shadow of many trees. I see my companions eating on the patio. Yes, there is Merry and Pippin! And Sam! There she is..the Elf maiden who saved me..she is whom I remember. She was swathed in the most brilliant Light...I wanted to be inside that Light with her. I feel my smile grow wider. I see another of the Big Folk seated next to Pippin. At first glance I mistake him for Strider, but he is much bigger. I wonder who he is? He must be one of Strider's friends..probably another Ranger. Yes, we are all safe now...wait, where is Strider? Surely he must be here too. He fought off the Black Riders, I remember...where is he now? My mind begins to spin at the thought that he could have fallen. No Strider, please tell me that you have not fallen!! My heart begins to race, and I feel my head begin to feel light. Wait..I shake my head to clear the thoughts. Someone would have told me..Sam when he came in..or Gandalf! I feel myself begin to relax. But still the voice in my head persists. 'What if they feel that you are not well enough yet to cope with such ill news?' I try not to listen to that voice...Gandalf would have told me right away. I make my way back to the bed, and once again sit down. I stare at Gandalf as if willing him to assure me that Strider did not fall..that he is alive and well, and just resting somewhere. I lie back on the bed and shut my eyes. I will not sleep again. I smell the food cooking once again, but I no longer feel the need to eat. If Strider has fallen to defend me, I may feel no need for food again.
|
|
|
Post by Laurasia on Oct 28, 2005 21:06:46 GMT -5
~Boromir~
After entering his rooms & leaving the Halflings into the care of Arwen, Boromir breathed in the room around him deeply. The furnishes were of rich, ornately carved wood. Most likely Mahogany, or some other strong, dark wood. "Perhaps the Elves use a special stain on their furnishings," he thought momentarily. But just as he thought this he realized that the Elves were very unlikely to cover the natural beauty of their wooden furnishings with an artificial stain.
He looked at the bed that was laid out for him. It was a large canopy-style bed, hung with light gauzy draperies. He walked over & stroked the bedding. Just as he thought, soft as a cloud & colored the barest hint of green. The pillows were plentiful & over-filled. His entire being ached to envelope itself into this heavenly cloud of linen & sleep for a hundred years. Before he allowed himself that luxury, however, he needed to shut out the light from the high balcony of his room.
He approached the balcony & gazed out over the beautiful landscape that was Rivendell. The numerous waterfalls spilling over the high cliffs, the lush trees, the bubbling of the river. He looked down into the gardens & noticed the silent wanderings of the Elves below him. It struck him that they seemed to make no noise as they went about their business. Letting out a sigh that slowly turned into a yawn, he stretched deeply.
He withdrew back into his room & pulled a set of gauzy draperies across the balcony opening that matched those draped around his bed. He reached to a bracket on the wall besides the opening & released a thick, dark, velvet-like drapery on the left-hand side of the opening. He pulled it halfway across the opening, as far as it would go, & noticed that the degree of light in the room diminished greatly. Before he released the other velvet-like panel, he went to the stand next to his bed & lit a candle. Once the small flame had the room sufficiently illuminated, he finished closing the thicker draperies against the outside light.
He pulled off the outer layers of his clothing & placed them on a bench next to his bed. He gratefully pulled of his boots & rubbed his feet for a few minutes before pulling back the linens on the bed & wiggling in to their softness. He slowly laid back against the mound of pillows & let out a long sight, wiggling his toes around inbetween the sheets. He closed his eyes & let himself relax completely.
His thoughts drifted to Minas Tirith & his adventures as a child. He often played at being a great warrior that won victories for all Men when all hope seemed to be lost. He had beaten goblins, trolls, even Sauron himself single-handedly. His father would watch over & coach him through many of these psuedo-battles. When he had "won" his father would be so proud & bragged to the older men how his son would grow to be the "protector of his people". Suddenly little Faramir would come in & exclaim that he had slayed the dragon that he had been fighting with Mithrandir. A smile would break out across Boromir's young face & he would begin to head over to congratulate Faramir for his accomplishment. Suddenly father's face would turn sour & he would turn on Faramir, berating him for "playing games with that Wizard". He would begin to yell that Faramir needed to focus on learning to fight in the "real world". Boromir's stomach would begin to knot up, as he tried to understand his father's anger.
Boromir snapped awake with a start. His stomach hurt a bit. He wiped his face with his hand & let out a shaky sigh. "I know of Faramir's uses & they are few." His father's words echoed in his head. He had to get back home. His head swam in protest, he needed to rest now. He shook his head to clear his thoughts once more. Sleep. He needed to sleep. Then they would have their feast & perhaps the next day would be the time for the Council. There he could convince Frodo to accompany him back to Gondor & he could return home. It wouldn't be long now.
He blew out the candle next to his bed, flooding the room in blissful darkness. He hunkered down into the linens & pulled the bedding up around his head. It wasn't long before he was asleep & snoring slightly.
|
|
|
Post by Brandybuck on Oct 28, 2005 21:42:18 GMT -5
~Pippin~
I wondered if I have ever been this tired before. Well there was that one time that Merry and I drank too much of the Gaffer's brew. A smile crosses my face as I remember the euphoria that evening brought. The Gaffer was celebrating his birthday, and there were quite a few guests to mark the occasion. Well almost everyone in the Shire knew that the Gaffer could brew some of the best ale around..next to the Green Dragon of course. Being that the Gamgees do not exactly have a house large enough to serve that many guests, we supped outside near the gardens. That is another thing that we called the Old Gaffer.."master of the plants"..he was by far the best gardener in the Shire, and he had taught the art to Sam..that and the art of taters. Well, anyway after much food and storytelling, (and yes, perhaps a little drink), Merry and I began to get bored with the others talk. So, when all around were laughing uproariously at one of the Gaffer's jokes, we slipped into the house. Mery knew the way to the Gamgees' secret stash of ale in the cellar. So we quiety walked down the three or four steps to the cellar..we do not particularily care for stairs, so as a rule we do not have many. At the bottome, Merry made a quick right and walked all the way to the end. There was a large table covered by an even larger cloth. Merry removed the cloth to uncover three enormous kegs!
I could not contain my happiness. I raised the empty goblet that I had brought with me and began to giggle. Merry took the goblet from me. "Pip, we do not need goblets! Simply put your mouth directly under the spiget like this". Merry demonstrated what he liked to call 'the big taster'. The ale poured out of the keg right into his open mouth! I wasted no time. I rushed to the keg next to the one Merry was drinking from, and proceeded to do the same. I do not know how long we were down there...I just remember the smoothness of Gaffer's ale. The next thing I recall is my father staring over me in the Gaffer's cellar telling me it was time to go home. He had a look of amusement in his eyes..us Tooks are very fond of the drink after all. The Gaffer was furious. He swore that I owed him four weeks of hard labor for all the ale that we had drunk..Merry owed him five weeks seeing that he drank more. My head was swimming and I was very groggy. I was very tired at that moment, and this truly comes close.
Boromir bid us good day at the first door that we reached. Where he had looked so vibrant on the patio was now replaced with a look of utter exhaustion. There is a Man more tired than myself, I concluded. Even though he was that tired, he still spared each of us a smile as the door closed. Arwen continued down the hallway, humming softly under her breath. I could not pick up any words, but her voice was mesmerizing. I soon felt as tired as Boromir had looked. Arwen stopped in front of the door at the end of the hall and beckoned Merry and myself inside. I did not want to be seperated from Merry, even in this beautiful oasis, so I was very grateful for the gesture. I looked to Merry and saw that his eyes were half-closed. The bedroom was gorgeous, but I could not fully appreciate it in my exhaustion. I made a mental note to explore when I wake up..Merry and I walk right to the bed, and proceed to lie down.
As soon as Merry lied down I heard a snore. His snores will not bother me this day, for I will soon follow him into sleep. With my eyes partly open, I remember all that I have already experienced of this beautiful city. Suddenly, I hear a clear singing voice coming from the direction of the open window. Clearly, it is the voice of an Elf, because none other could be so fair and alluring. I can not understand the language, but the message sems clear nonetheless...'sleep little one, do not fear the Darkness here'... I close my eyes.
|
|
|
Post by Laurasia on Oct 30, 2005 20:24:26 GMT -5
~Gandalf~
Gandalf sits quietly as Frodo rises & wanders around the room a bit. He decides to remain still & allow him to do as he will. He relaxes into the seat & tries to meditate for a bit. He finds himself unable to clear his thoughts however. No matter how much he tries to push them to the side & let them flow out of his consciousness, they simply will not stop coming up. "Will it be safe here? What will be done with it once the Elves leave Middle-Earth? Would they chance taking it to Valinor with them? Could they chance that? Would Sauron himself find a way to the Undyling Lands in search of his prize?"
He became aware of the sound of the bed linens being rustled & opened his eyes with a sigh. He sees that Frodo has climbed back into the bed. He stretches a bit & becomes aware that Frodo's brow seems creased with worry. This young one has suffered so much at his bidding. Even here he is still not able to relax completely. Gandalf knows that he may never relax completely again, at least not as he used to. He rubs his eyes before addressing the other.
"What is it Frodo? What has you so concerned? You are safe here now, in Rivendell, as are your friends. You are on the mend. We'll be having a most delicious feast with our Elven hosts later this evening & once you are healed enough to make the journey you will be going home. So tell me, what has you so troubled?"
|
|
|
Post by Brandybuck on Oct 30, 2005 21:21:42 GMT -5
~Frodo~
At the sound of Gandalf's voice I jumped. How is it that even though I figured that he was awake and not asleep, that I still manage to get scared? I was indeed staring at him after all...I find myself grow red with embarassment. "Umm.." I say at first, not quite knowing what to say. Then it sinks in what he has said, and I feel angry at myself as well. "I know Gandalf..I should be very happy here. I am, in fact grateful for all that the Elves have done for me. I know that I am on the mend..but my mind still troubles me. So many thoughts are flooding through me that I can barely even breathe it seems. " I feel my eyes filling with tears. I look downward in the hopes that Gandalf does not see them.
I decide to tell him everything. "What am I to do Gandalf? The visions of the Black Rider that wounded me keep haunting me. I keep grabbing for the chain around my neck just to make sure that it is indeed still there. I keep hearing voices in my head telling me that there is no hope, no chance at victory." I feel myself get angrier. "Why Gandalf!? I want more than anything to just find rest here like everyone else, but I am being prevented by my own mind! I cannot quiet my mind..it seems to laugh at me." I stop for a moment to catch my breath. I can feel my heart racing, and I notice that my fists clench the sides of the blankets. I shut my eyes, and try to will myself to calm down. My heart begins to slow, and I loosen my grip on the linen. There is one question that I have to ask, even though I dread what the answer will be. I open my eyes. "Gandalf, I am sorry for ranting just now. Now that I have my wits about me again, i would like to ask you something that has me quite disturbed. I looked out of the window a few moments ago. I saw Merry and Pippin and Arwen. I also saw a Man that I do not know with them. Sam of course is already accounted for. Tell me.." I feel my heart rise up into my throat as I ask. "where is Strider?"
|
|
|
Post by Brandybuck on Jun 19, 2006 2:15:13 GMT -5
NOTE: I know that it has been awhile since we have done this rpg..I am going to skip ahead just a little into the day. It will now be a few hours later..so everyone is rested. Laurasia, feel free to answer for Gandalf ..I promise to not get confused by the slight jump back in time. *wink*
~Pippin~
When I next awoke, I could instantly sense that some time had gone by. The Sun was now beaming off of the far side of the wall. I turn my head to see if Merry is awake..but there is only an empty space. Curious, I push off the coverlets and walk to the window. I release a sigh of frustration when I realize that I am not tall enough to see out. Looking around, I finally see a small stool that I can push to the window. When I am finally able to look out I am stunned by the beauty of this place. If I was not in love with the Shire, I could spend the rest of my days here. Smiling, I remember the food that I had eaten earlier. Yes indeed, I could live here allright.
It is then that I notice Merry in the gardens below. There are two Elves near him, and they seemed to be explaining what each plant was. No doubt, he was planning on taking all of that knowledge back to the Shire with him. His quest for the 'best Garden in the Shire' may just be won this season. I smile when I think of the jealousy that some of our fellow kinsmen will feel. As I continue to stare out of the window at the luscious scenery below, I am suddenly befallen by a dark foreboding. All of this could soon be gone...there may be no beauty left in the world. Horrified that I have thought such things, I step down off of the stool, and sit on the floor beneath the window. I can no longer bear to look out onto the sereneness of the gardens. Perhaps if I do, my dark thoughts will come true.
I sit for what seems like an eternity trying to clear my mind of these thoughts. Just then I hear a deep growling noise from the other side of the wall. I feel my stomach leap..for a second I feel that my premonition is already coming true. It is then that I realize what the noise is..I laugh with relief when I realize that the noise is Boromir snoring.
|
|
|
Post by Laurasia on Jun 19, 2006 10:37:58 GMT -5
~Gandalf~
Gandalf listened calmly to Frodo's rantings & questions with a bit of sorrow in his heart. It was as he feared, young Frodo's mind was indeed beginning to reel from what it had become acquainted with so intimately. Ignoring Frodo's last question for the moment he addressed the sudden outburst that had been so uncharacteristic for Frodo. "I understand your frustration Frodo. I also cannot seem to get my own mind to calm. It is understandable given the circumstances." He smiled softly trying to reassure him.
He rose & walked over to the bed with the same reassuring expression on his face. Crafeully he pulled back Frodo's shirt to look at the healing wound. "The visions of the Rider are still so vibrant because you are still healing. Though I fear that the visions may never truly leave you...they should lessen eventually." Placing his shirt back over the wound he gently ran his big hand through Frodo's curly hair & smiled once more.
"Strider is down visiting with Elrond & the rest of the elves I imagine. You see, he was raised here from the time that he was but a babe. So this is somewhat of a homecoming for him. I'm not sure who it was exactly that you saw, but I expect that it was most likely not Strider." Wondering if he should tell Frodo everything that will be happening he sat down & sighed. "Frodo...Lord Elrond has called a council to discuss what will be done with the One Ring. Because of this emissaries have been sent from all over Middle-Earth, as each has their own thoughts on what is best. As in times past the races of Men, in particular, have a great interest in the Ring. So the man that you saw is most likely someone from either the Kingdom of Gondor or Rohan in the East. I wouldn't worry much about it though, as I said we are all safe here." He sat back & smiled once more though his own thoughts now turned eastward as well.
|
|
|
Post by Brandybuck on Jun 27, 2006 16:01:37 GMT -5
~Frodo~
At Gandalf's reassuring words, Frodo began to relax. He felt his heartbeat become more stable, and his headache lessen. Surely, Gandalf would not downplay his fears and visions...and of course, he trusted Gandalf deeply. He smiled when the wizard came over and tossled his hair.
He was surprised at the news that Strider had grown up here with the Elves. How exciting that would have been he thought. Now I sound like Bilbo..always wanting to visit and live in other lands. So the man that Frodo had seen was not Strider..he could feel the curiosity that was so common among the Hobbits well up within him. Just when he was about to speak, he saw Gandalf sit down and sigh, his expression now grave. Frodo listened in astonishment as Gandalf spoke of a Council, and that the Man could be from Gondor or Rohan. He had heard much about both lands from Bilbo, having grown up on the tales of Bilbo's adventures. To Frodo, Gondor had always seemed a place of wisdom and courage..while Rohan seemed mysterious and foreign. Unexpectedly, he felt cheered by this news. If the strange Man was from Gondor or Rohan, perhaps he would share a few tales of his homeland.
In his naive Hobbit nature, Frodo had no clue as to how serious the Council really was. "Thank you Gandalf..I indeed feel much better already."
|
|