Long Lost Leaves - part II

[Earniel]

The next morning the Elves and their guests broke up camp quickly and soon the rafts left the stretch of river where so much blood flowed the day before, finally behind.

"Maybe one day we will sing in happier words about the Batle on the River, where many races fought side by side," Sirandion said, "but not today while the wounds are still fresh."

It set the tone for the rest of the voyage. Everyone feeling somewhat subdued after the fight. There were no more encounters on the way, the lands about them lay quiet and empty. There wasn't a single tree in sight anymore, as far as they could see, flat grasslands stretched out until the horizon.

It was thus with some eagerness that they looked out for the place where the red river Carnen would come from the north and meet with the Celduin, on which they sailed. They were getting closer day by day, any moment now they would glimpse the Carnen's outlet.

There they would leave the Raft-Elves and journey once again on horse-back. The horses themselves were eager for travel as well, getting tired quickly of the short walks and grazing each time the rafts landed on land for camp in the evenings.

There too, they would meet Radagast the Wizard, whom they hadn't seen for several weeks now. He had gone ahead to procure a safe passage across the turbulent Eastern lands. Many were curious if he would indeed be waiting at the meeting point, and whether he had succeeded in clearing the way.

[feawen]

Nami's remaining trip on the rafts was grey. The land around her seemed grey, the sky grey, her normally cheerful mood, grey. She spent most of her remaining time with the raft elves helping to watch over the camp at night. The rest of the time she spent in quite conversation with Ellysa and Aelfwine or sitting by her self watching the grey waters pass. Althrough pressed at times, mostly by Ellysa, for one of her stories about her wayward past, she declinded, stating that no more bright stories come to her mind.
In short, Nami mourned for a person she had not realised she felt so strongly for, and now he was gone his absense was painfully felt.

Time passed slowly and Nami ached for a change of landscape and to be away from the acursed river she had onced enjoyed riding upon. Long monotanous walking would be a welcome relief from the long hours of slow painful throught.

[Acalewia]

Aelfwine noticed immediately when Nami's bright and cheery mood turned grey. There had been several times that she had wanted to ask if she was alright, but something always made her say something else instead. Nami missed Quickleaf and ,although she probably wouldn't admit it out loud, Aelfwine missed him too. The last time she had brought Nami dinner, Aelfwine squeezed the elf's shoulder. A gesture of comfort to let Nami know she knew she mourned Quickleaf.

When she wasn't talking with Nami and Ellysa, she was speaking with Carnehillion and Barufiniel. Carnehillion's gruff appearance didn't seem so unfriendly anymore and Barufiniel would speak of things she had never known.

[Coffeehouse]

The evening sun shone in good orange through the thin fabric of the dhow’s two sails in the gentle breeze of the afternoon and by now some hours had passed since Aladji had taken aboard a new guest. On the bank of the river he had come upon a wounded aielf. The dhow was now traveling easily ahead through the water with the elf lying in the forefront of the dhow, quietly sleeping beneath a great white quilt. His wound in the neck Aladji had taken care of immediately, seeing to the removal of the iron shaft, probably the tip of an arrow. The elf’s thigh had been bleeding, yet it was not dramatic, but Aladji could judge as much that much blood was lost. He had given the unconscious elf ample amounts of his darkest and heaviest wine. The elf had slept all the same with a slow, but stable breathing. For now Aladji judged it best that the elf rested and let the elven body do its work.

Puffing heavy rings of smoke from his favorite pipe Aladji now sat backwards at the back of the dhow, keeping his one hand on the steer while he conversed airily with himself, the dhow and the river, as was his habit when traveling alone. Of course now he had a guest and so Aladji spoke to the unconscious elf as well. - “Quen joonoor wuuen layh aeilf? Mem kaikoore aeilf, kaikoor”, which in Dahmûdeen meant something like “What brought you such misery on a beautiful day as this elf? But rest now elf, rest.” Aladji’s dhow continued downriver towards the red river, Carnen.

[Earniel]

At last the first rafts caught sight of the long-sought river. The red river Carnen had not stolen its name, the Celduin coloured ominously blood-red where the iron-rich waters of Carnen joined.

Even though it was but shortly after noon, the Raft-Elves steered their rafts to the left-bank and there they made camp, right next to Carnen's outlet. The wizard was not yet seen, but a handful of birds looked curiously at the travellers from nearby bushes before flying away to the north, so it could be expected Radagast would soon be informed of their arrival.

Sirandion told his guests that they could walk around if they liked, while they waited for the wizard. "But don't stray too far," he warned, "and never go alone. These are the lands of the Easterlings, and while some may mean us no harm, it is best to remain wary and always have at least one companion near."

[Aikanáro]

Tabrîl merely shrugged at the warning. A few mortal warriors were no threat to her, and she would go where she pleased. She was not ka'maren, to fear to stray from the camp without escort.

She stood for a moment by the riverbank, before walking off abruptly, without a word to the others. She intended to walk the boundaries, check for anyone or anything that might prove a threat to their campsite. As usual, Tabrîl moved quickly, yet very quietly. If there was anyone out there, Easterling or otherwise, she intended to spot them before they could see her.

[Coffeehouse]

The surrounding lands were shifting as Aladji’s dhow made its way southeast. The Kaldeen, or Celduin in the common tongue, flowed broad and deep and behind him disappeared the hilly lands and forests of the west. It was getting flatter, and the grasslands sprawled out around them. The sun played brilliantly on the glittering surface of the river.

Aladji was dorghing. Dorghing is a Dahmûdeen word for fishing while sailing. The trader sat with a thin fishing line that moved out from behind the dhow for some 20 leem (a good 15 feet) where at the end was attached a weight and some fishing hooks. The time of day was not ideal, as the river’s best catch, trout, usually hung around at the surface in the late afternoon or early morning. But Aladji thought it worth the try.

While he dorghed Aladji observed his guest from across the dhow. The blond elf had gotten some healthy color in his face and Aladji had found the day before that the elf’s thigh was making good recovery. Curious to his mind though was what sort of battle the elf had been in, and thought as much that it had most likely been a river-raid. Aladji was less sure of what side the elf had been on… raided or forbid it, raiding… but somehow the elf did not seem likely as the pirating type. But Aladji had the intention of finding out.

For now the elf, being quite unconscious, would just have to accompany Aladji southwards, perhaps even as far as Dorwinion. Aladji had, as a seasoned trade, loving father and in capacity of being the village doctor no intention of letting the elf left stranded somewhere. His faith and good form forbade him whatever the character of this hapless elf.

[Earniel]

With the camp set up, many of the adventurers dispersed, while the Raft-Elves tended to their rafts. They pulled the rafts on the stony beach and checked each one over, repearing what small damages they had sustained in the previous fight and normal tear and wear of travelling. The larger repears would have to wait until they reached the safe harbours of Dorwinion, there were no trees here that could be used for that.

The Ents stayed near the camp, finding no trees in these open lands that might hold their interest. They had moved somewhat into the river, so the water lapped their knees. If anyone listened to their slow conversations, one could hear them discussing the interesting tang the iron from the Carnen provided and wondering if it made good Ent-draught.

[Aikanáro]

The lands were open, and Tabrîl could see across a great distance. It did not afford them much concealment, she thought, and that was something they might well be in need of. She would have to stand watch that night, she decided. If their group could be easily seen, so too could any who decided to approach them.

For the moment, however, there seemed to be no other activity in the area surrounding the camp, save for a few animals which Tabrîl paid little heed to. She walked back to rejoin the group, only to find them still at rest.

Tabrîl sighed. The further she got from home, the more she doubted she'd be returning there any time soon, and she missed the company of the others in her hall. It was not the same, to try to talk to these others. They had so little in common.

She glanced over at Abasi and smiled slightly. At least he was here. Abasi, she could understand.

She did not approach him now, however, deciding instead to sit alone and watch the activity of the others. Some of the other elves were mending the rafts, and Tabrîl was glad of that. Traveling by water over long distances wasn't something she was accustomed to, and while she wasn't about to mention that fact to anyone, she was always pleased to return to solid ground.

After a time, Tabrîl got up and went over to stand by another group. Ellysa, she saw in the group, and Nami, and some few others.

'It grows late,' she stated. 'We need a fire.' Which was something Tabrîl knew how to prepare very well - but she wasn't about to, not when they could do it for her.

[Mari]

Ellysa looked up as Tabril joined her group. She said something, looking expectant, but Ellysa did not understand her. A bit helpless she looked at Nami. Nami had been down for a while now and no matter what Ellysa did, she could not cheer her up.
I can't keep relying on Nami now.
She made up her mind and turned to Tabril. She tried to ask her in the two languages she knew if she could help her while gesturing with her hands: Dou ka shimashita ka? Can I help you?
Maybe I should get Haldis or Abasi to help me? But I don't want to bother them...

[Aikanáro]

Tabrîl sighed again, heavily. The girl was trying, she could see that, but if she spoke no Sindarin...

'Avelai,' Tabrîl told her firmly, and then, in halting, heavily-accented Westron, 'Fire. Avelai. Build it.' She gestured towards what looked to be a suitable site.

Although Tabrîl had been trying to learn the language of the mortals for some time now, this was perhaps the first time she had attempted to use it in conversation. She looked at Ellysa expectantly, waiting to see if she had been understood.

[Mari]

Fire? Had Tabril just said 'fire' and 'build it'? A broad smile appeared on Ellysa's face. Tabril wanted her to build a fire and she could understand. But... could Tabril not make a fire herself? How odd! She would have to teach her.
"Avelai means fire... how do you say 'build it'?"
She gestured for Tabril to follow her as she gathered some wood and stones.
"Look, you place the stones in a ring like this and then organize the wood like this."
Ellysa continued to babble as she showed Tabril how to build a fire. When she finished she looked up at Tabril expectantly.
"Do you think you can do it yourself next time?"

[Coffeehouse]

Quickleaf had lay awake beneath what seemed like an extraordinarily large white quilt. At the back of this vessel... with sails and lots of cargo, he saw an aged and Easternly-looking man. The stranger was smoking heavily while singing outlandish tunes. Not quite sure what he was doing in a boat with a complete stranger with a knack of puffing that only reminded Quickleaf of old Gandalf, at least it was comforting that he wasn't shackled.

Being the unassuming elf that he was Quickleaf decided that he was no prisoner, but a guest. And being a guest it would be quite strange not to know his host's name. Quickleaf coughed slightly and tried the common tongue "So who do I have the pleasure of being aboard with!?"

"Aladji, you are in Aladji's dhow" shouted the old, sun-weather'd man heartily beneath the white sails. And before Quickleaf could follow up Aladji sang out merrily..

"The trader of the river and the chief of his tribe
I ply my craft from fair Dorwinion and to
the edges of the northern Lake!

Under the moon I sail alone, with loads of gems
and the spices of the East!
I sell to Man and Dwarf, and when my heart aches
for home, I get aboard in my dhow and away I sail!

Along this river we go, to the hot lands
of the south, to my house, and my sheep and my home!
Thou are wounded young elf, and until you have
recovered with me you can sail, don't worry my friend!"

Quickleaf looked glassy-eyed at his host with no little
amount of suspicion, but as he did not know where his
friends were and being quite empoverished of both
sword and treasure he decided to go along, perhaps he
would find trace of his company at the meeting of the Carnen. "If you say so old man! I will go with you for now!"

[feawen]

Nami was vaguely aware that Tabril had asked for something, however she was in no mood for the elfs distorted views on team work and group roles. Instead her thoughts wondered on familar sad paths. It was only when Ellysa stood up and walked off that Nami turned her thoughts to the here and now. A small smile played on Namis lips as she watched Ellysa, the ever caring, try and teach Tabril something she did not wish to learn. Slowly Nami stood up and made her way over to the two and the glowing fire.
"The saying, talking to a brick wall comes to mind!" she said in westron as she appreached, adding in elvish, "dinner shall be ready shortly if you wish you wish to join us." Gathering a collection of cooking equipment near Nami settled her self on the floor and begain to prepair a meal. Looking at the ground as she worked Nami spoke, "I think Haldis needs a night off, lets make dinner tonight...i have not really been doing my fair share of late after all." Nami lapsed into silent work, let the others talk if they wishes, she for the present had nothing more to add.

[Mari]

"Oh yes, let's! Haldis has been so good for us!" Ellysa smiled brightly at this idea. Debts needed to be repaid, though Haldis' kindness in cooking for them did not seem to be a debt amongst these people. She wanted to do something in return regardless.
"Is there anything you need, Nami? Can I get some herbs? I think I saw something that will add a nice tang to the taste of the food in general. Wait! I'll go get it!"
Excitedly she dashed off towards the outer rim of camp, looking for the herb.

[Coffeehouse]

The sun was peeking out from amidst the glowing clouds. It was late evening, but the sails caught a good hold in the wind. All around them was a flat, grassy landscape and the north-westnerly breeze came sweeping down upon the dhow. Only a few miles away now lay the meeting-point with the Carnen. Quickleaf got up from beneath the heavy white quilt that Aladji had covered him with, but he soon figured that it wasn't the best idea.

"Stars and moons!", raw pain swept through his left leg, and he staggered back down again. "I did not know it was that bad!" Quickleaf exclaimed, but on a second thought he did remember getting shot by two arrows. He looked at his thigh and it was purple-bluish around the bandage. "But I see you've done a good job here Alldadji"

"Aladji.. It's Al-AD-Ji" frowned the old man, but then he smiled "Kooma thun!", "No worries!"
Quickleaf looked at the boat, or dhow he could recall this Aladji saying. Well, it was a rather beautiful dhow. It was long and elongated, but also quite wide at the midst. Here one mast arose and from it one very large sail swept into the wind. From about 1/3 of the way up the mast another large wooden pole went backwards and another triangular sail connected to the top of the mast. For all his lack of knowledge of ships he knew not whether it was a good dhow or not, but at least it wasn't creaking that all that much.

The sun hit Quickleaf's face and he squinted towards the old sailor. He had sung about trading.. and being the chief of some tribe. Quickleaf wondered what kind of tribe that was. If the tales that the Raft-elves had told were to be believed the parts that lay ahead were not of the friendliest places.
"Where did you sail from? The Lake?" Quickleaf asked.
"Yes, from Lake-town, where I traded with the Men there, and some Dwarves"
"And did you get a good price? I see you have much with you"
"The price was fair, I sold out in 4 days. What you see here is the stock that I shall sell thither. In Dorwinion."
"In Dorwinion.. is it far?"
"11 days! You have been with me for 3!"
Quickleaf counted in his head.. 3 days. He wondered how far off the company were. Had they reached the Carnen? Probably.. and were they still there? It was hard to tell.
"How far off is the Carnen... Chief?" Quickleaf tried.
"It is nigh 3 miles now!"
"3 miles.."
"Why do you ask?"
"Uh..." Quickleaf wondered what to tell the Chief. Where to begin.. and where to end. Should he mention that he was travelling with talking trees right away or was it a bit premature?

[Earniel]

An Elf at the edge of the camp gave a cry.

"He has caught sight of horses," Sirandion said.

"That must be Radagast," Branwyn said, "he must have heard you were going to cook, Nami. And now he is racing for his share!"

"Perhaps," Sirandion said, "But if it is he, he is not alone. Four more riders have been seen."

[feawen]

Nami smiled faintly as Ellysa ran excitedly off, well at least one of us is happy she throught. The news of Radagast brighten here mood somewhat.
"he must have heard you were going to cook, Nami. And now he is racing for his share!"
"Or he is racing to warn you all not to eat it, Branwyn!"
The news of four riders made a look of concern pass her face as she reached for her bow as she stood up, holding it loosely in her hand. Nami wondered where Ellysa had run off to, hoping she would run back soon. She turned her attension to the riders, hoping to get a good look at them before they entered the camp.

[Aikanáro]

Tabrîl stood over Ellysa as she built the fire, looking rather pleased. She had been understood, and not only that, Ellysa had done as she asked. With a lot of chatter that was difficult for Tabrîl to understand, it was true, but that did not bother. From what she could make out, Ellysa was talking herself through the fire-making process, and Tabrîl thought that perhaps it was something she did not do often.

'Next time?' she echoed as Ellysa finished, not quite able to discern her meaning. 'Ellysa,' - only it was more Aleesa, when she said it, 'lanev khâra itêyen. You are a...' she trailed off, not knowing the Westron for itêyen, that was the Kindi word for a woman significantly younger than oneself, but not a child. 'You are good,' she amended quickly as Nami approached them.

She had not spoken much with the other elf since the death of Quickleaf, feeling that it would be inappropriate. She grieved, and grief was a private matter. When she invited Tabrîl to share her dinner, however, she nodded. The supplies of food were plentiful, and Tabrîl was hungry. She would join them, when it was ready.

Then, however, Ellysa said something excitedly and ran off, away from the camp. Tabrîl called for her to wait, but she was unheard. It was not right for her to go alone, Tabrîl thought, concerned. The camp was far from secure, and Ellysa was not m'had'i, to defend herself.

It seemed Tabrîl had little choice, and she hurried off after the girl. 'Ellysa!' she called again. 'I walk with you!'

[Earniel]

By now the far-seeing Elven eyes could identify the first rider. Some of the Raft-Elves relaxed almost visibly the hold on their weapons. It indeed was Radagast the Brown, hurrying towards their camp.

But they remained weary, for the four other riders they knew not. And they could see they belonged to the Eastern folk with whom contact was not always friendly. The four riders, three men and one woman, rode a little behind the wizard, but kept pace.